Pokémon: I’m Really Not a Team Rocket Spy

The Spearow, untrained as it was, didn't even come close to the strength of the Pidgeotto Maki had battled in the Viridian City Gym.

Driven by blind rage, the Spearow charged directly at Maki with reckless abandon. Its sharp beak gleamed faintly with light as it streaked through the air.

To Maki, this clumsy, unskilled attack was nothing more than a free opportunity, and even Charmander couldn't understand where the Spearow got its confidence. Compared to the Cyndaquil under Maki's wing back in Viridian City, this bird was simply no match.

Already prepared for battle as soon as it spotted the Spearow, Charmander wasted no time upon hearing Maki's command. It inhaled briefly, a flicker of flame brewing in its mouth, and then unleashed a precise Ember attack.

The Spearow panicked as it saw the Ember hurtling toward it, frantically flapping its wings to change direction. Despite its efforts, the flame grazed its wing.

"Follow up with another Ember," Maki instructed, calm and decisive.

Against such an opponent, there was no need for elaborate strategy. Finishing it swiftly was the most efficient choice.

Already struggling to evade in peak condition, the Spearow stood no chance this time. The Ember hit it squarely, leaving the bird Pokémon powerless as it plummeted to the ground.

"Let's go."

Seeing that the Spearow had lost its ability to fight, Maki called Charmander back and prepared to leave the area quickly.

Spearow, after all, were known to live in flocks. If there was one Spearow, there was bound to be a whole group of Fearow nearby.

Maki knew better than to tangle with flock Pokémon. Since he had no intention of catching the Spearow, it was best to leave this trouble behind as soon as possible.

The only redeeming quality of a Fearow, perhaps, was that its appearance bore a faint resemblance to the majestic Ho-Oh.

After venturing deeper into the forest, Maki stopped by a tree to rest, pulling a box of Pokéblocks from his backpack.

It was already midday, and neither Maki nor Charmander had eaten.

Placing the prepared Fire-type Pokéblocks in front of Charmander, Maki also released Dragonite from its Poké Ball.

"Boo-boo…"

[Didn't you say not to bother me unless it's important?]

Dragonite yawned widely, clearly having been disturbed from its nap. Just as it seemed ready to vent its frustration, it sniffed the air.

Ah, the smell of Pokéblocks.

"Let it go," Maki said, spinning a box of Dragon-type Pokéblocks in his hand.

Dragonite glanced at Maki with a disinterested expression, but in the next moment, the box vanished from Maki's hand.

"Boo-boo…"

[If it's for food, you should've said so sooner.]

Unlike Charmander, who nibbled on one or two blocks at a time, Dragonite grabbed a handful and stuffed them into its mouth before settling down to eat leisurely.

Despite feasting on Maki's supplies, Dragonite didn't hold back its complaints.

"Boo?"

[Why are these still only mid-tier Pokéblocks?]

"You saw Sabrina lose control this morning. I didn't exactly have time to make premium blocks for you. Be happy with what you've got—I'm not eating any better!"

Ignoring Dragonite's grumbles, Maki began gnawing on a loaf of bread himself. Leaving in a hurry earlier had left no time for better preparations, so bread was all he had.

Seeing Maki make do with bread, Dragonite dropped the argument, shoveling the rest of the Pokéblocks into its mouth and tossing the empty container back to Maki.

"Boo?"

Half-full, Dragonite turned to see Charmander cautiously scooting closer, clutching its own box of Pokéblocks tightly.

"Char…"

Noticing Dragonite's gaze, Charmander froze instantly, its movements coming to an abrupt halt.

"Char!"

Seeing that Dragonite still seemed hungry, Charmander scrambled to offer its own Pokéblocks, only for Dragonite to push the box back with a claw.

The Pokéblocks prepared for Charmander were Fire-type, not suited to Dragonite's taste. It had no interest in taking them.

Besides, what kind of Dragonite would stoop to stealing a little one's meal?

Charmander, slightly disheartened, retrieved its box and resumed eating. Despite the rejection, it still looked up to Dragonite with admiration, especially after last night's training session.

For Charmander, who carried the instinctive warrior's spirit of its evolutionary line, it was natural to idolize the strong.

Noticing Charmander's crestfallen expression, Dragonite felt a twinge of guilt. After some thought, it picked up one of Charmander's Pokéblocks and popped it into its mouth.

"Boo," it said nonchalantly.

"Char!"

Charmander beamed with joy at Dragonite's acceptance, happily continuing its meal while eagerly asking about techniques like Dragon Dance.

Dragonite obliged, offering guidance and tips. Unlike last night, when it had trained Charmander for Maki's sake, now it seemed to do so out of genuine interest.

Maki watched the two dragons converse from the sidelines, content not to interfere. Building rapport between them could only be a good thing, especially with more challenges ahead.

Suddenly, Dragonite furrowed its brow, snapping Maki to attention.

"Is something wrong?"

"Boo!"

[A presence I absolutely, utterly, cannot stand!!!]

Maki paused, noting that Dragonite's expression didn't suggest immediate danger. After a few seconds of thought, he realized what it might be.

If Dragonite was reacting this way, it could only mean one thing: Fairy energy.

Fairy-types were natural enemies of Dragon-types. Not only did they counter Dragon-types, but they also nullified Dragon-type moves entirely.

With the advent of Fairy-types, Pokémon like Azumarill and Sylveon had replaced Cloyster as renowned dragon slayers.

Even a Champion-level Dragonite couldn't suppress its instinctive aversion to Fairy-types.

Weaker Dragon-types, like Goomy, would be outright terrified of Fairy-types, often fleeing at the mere sight of one.

"Booh~"

Without further explanation, Dragonite hastily retreated into its Poké Ball, leaving no room for discussion. It clearly had no desire to stick around.

"Fairy-types here? Could they be nearby?"

For a Fairy presence strong enough to make Dragonite react this way, it had to be either an exceptionally powerful individual or an entire group.

Maki suspected the latter. If it had been a single powerful Fairy-type, Dragonite would have alerted him to flee rather than retreating itself.

Fairy-types? And in a group?

Before Maki could ponder further, the answer appeared before his eyes.

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