Chapter 7: Fire and Grit

The forest was alive with movement. The rustling of leaves, the distant calls of wild Pokémon, the rhythmic pounding of paws against the dirt. Holly stood in the middle of the clearing, sweat dripping down her brow as she called out commands.

"Sakumo—again!"

Growlithe lunged forward, fire flaring from his jaws as he unleashed another Flamethrower. The blast scorched the target—an old tree trunk covered in scorch marks from their past attempts. The fire raged for a moment before dying down, leaving the bark charred and steaming.

"Good, but more control! You need to keep it burning longer!" Holly called, adjusting the stopwatch in her hand.

Sakumo shook out his fur, panting but determined. His body trembled slightly from the exertion, but his eyes gleamed with unshaken resolve.

They had been at this for days. Mornings were spent honing precision—perfecting the moves he already knew, strengthening his endurance. Afternoons were reserved for pushing his limits, introducing new techniques, increasing his speed, his power.

It wasn't just for battle. Holly wasn't training him to win gym badges. She was training him to survive.

Because she knew where she was heading—deeper into the unknown. And there was no guarantee they wouldn't encounter something they weren't ready for.

She wasn't willing to take that risk.

Holly had spent nights adjusting Sakumo's nutrition plan, balancing high-energy proteins with stamina-boosting berries, incorporating supplements that would enhance his endurance and keep his fire burning longer. She knew how crucial the right diet was—especially for a Fire-type like him.

More strength. More power. More resilience.

"Alright," she said, crouching down and placing a Poké Treat in her palm. Sakumo trotted over, taking it eagerly. She ran a hand over his back, feeling the heat radiating from his fur. "We're going to start Agility training now. Your speed needs to match your power."

Sakumo barked in response.

Holly stood, stretching her sore muscles. Her own training was just as intense.

She had been running, climbing, lifting—building her endurance, her strength. She needed to be just as capable as Sakumo. If she was going to survive out here, she needed speed to escape, strength to endure, and stamina to keep going.

Together, they pushed their limits.

Sprint drills. Holly ran alongside Sakumo, both of them weaving through the trees, dodging low branches, vaulting over fallen logs. Agility wasn't just about raw speed—it was about reflexes, precision.

Heat control. Sakumo worked on holding his Flamethrower, maintaining the burn longer, keeping the fire steady instead of bursting uncontrollably.

Defense. Holly set up an obstacle course, forcing Sakumo to dodge incoming attacks—rolling away from thrown stones, leaping over low-hanging branches, learning to avoid instead of just taking a hit.

Impact training. They practiced Flame Wheel, forcing Sakumo to build momentum before launching himself at a target, learning how to control his spin so the flames didn't burn out too soon.

And at night, when exhaustion threatened to claim them both, Holly sat with Sakumo by the fire, brushing through his thick fur, ensuring he was cared for after each grueling session.

"You're incredible," she whispered, rubbing the bridge of his nose.

Sakumo exhaled heavily, resting his head against her knee. He was tired, but he never gave up.

Holly closed her eyes, feeling the warmth of the fire and the steady beat of her own pulse.

They were getting stronger.

Together.

And soon, they would be ready for anything.