After a successful day in the Safari Zone, I was teleported back to the starting area, where I checked on my Deerling and deposited my other Safari Balls. As I left to continue my adventure, I felt a mix of excitement and contentment while making my way back to Route 120. The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm golden hue over the landscape. Staryu glided gracefully beside me, its sparkling presence lighting up the path, while Koffing floated happily, letting out a cheerful “Koffing!” as we walked. I cradled the Safari Ball containing Deerling, feeling a deep sense of accomplishment.

As I navigated the winding path, I noticed a trainer ahead, standing confidently with their Pokémon. They had short, spiky hair and a determined look in their eyes. As we drew closer, they smiled and called out, “Hey there! I’m Ryan! Want to have a battle?”

I paused, surprised but excited. “Sure! I’m Asia! I’d love to battle!” I replied, feeling a rush of adrenaline. It was a great opportunity to test my skills and bond with my Pokémon.

“Awesome! We can each use two Pokémon,” Ryan said, preparing for the challenge. “I’ll go first!” He tossed out a Poké Ball, revealing a sleek, blue Zigzagoon named Zippy that stood ready to battle.

“Alright, Staryu, you’re up!” I called, sending out my water-type Pokémon. Staryu sparkled with enthusiasm, ready for action.

Ryan grinned, sizing up Staryu. “Zippy, let’s start with Tackle!” The Zigzagoon charged forward with surprising speed, determined to make the first move.

“Dodge it, Staryu!” I shouted, watching as my Pokémon gracefully evaded the attack. “Now, let’s counter with Rapid Spin!” Staryu curled into a spinning ball, launching toward Zippy.

Zippy managed to brace itself, taking the hit but quickly recovering. “Nice move!” Ryan exclaimed, clearly impressed. “Zippy, use Growl to lower Staryu’s defenses!”

The Zigzagoon let out a fierce growl, causing Staryu to flinch slightly. “Stay strong, Staryu!” I encouraged. “Let’s keep the pressure on with Water Gun!” Staryu released a powerful stream of water, aiming directly at Zippy.

“Zippy, dodge!” Ryan shouted, but it was too late. The Water Gun hit home, sending Zigzagoon tumbling back. “Come on, Zippy, you can do it!” Ryan urged, clearly invested in the battle.

“Now’s our chance, Staryu! Follow up with another Rapid Spin!” I directed. Staryu spun rapidly again, this time targeting Zippy while it was still recovering.

Zippy took the hit hard, but Ryan quickly recovered. “Hang in there, Zippy! Let’s try a Quick Attack!” Zigzagoon rushed forward, moving at lightning speed to close the distance.

“Dodge it, Staryu!” I shouted. Staryu narrowly avoided the attack, and I felt a surge of pride for its agility. “Now, let’s finish this with another Water Gun!”

Just as I called out the command, Zippy lunged forward, hitting Staryu with a well-timed Tackle. Staryu wobbled but managed to shoot a stream of water at Zigzagoon. The move hit its mark, and Zippy stumbled.

“Great job, Zippy!” Ryan encouraged, but it was clear his Pokémon was getting worn out. “Let’s keep going! Use Tackle again!”

“Staryu, dodge and use Rapid Spin one last time!” I commanded. Staryu managed to evade the oncoming Tackle, curling up and launching itself into a final spinning attack. The impact sent Zigzagoon crashing to the ground.

“Come on, Zippy, you can do it!” Ryan shouted, but the Zigzagoon was too tired to continue. It lay on the ground, unable to battle. “Alright, Zippy, return!” Ryan said, recalling his Pokémon. “You did great!”

Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

With my first victory behind me, I felt a rush of confidence. But Ryan wasn’t done yet. “Now, let’s see how you handle this!” He sent out a sturdy-looking Taillow named Gale, which perched confidently beside him.

“Staryu, you’re doing great! Let’s keep going!” I said, feeling determined. “Time to battle again!”

“Gale, use Wing Attack!” Ryan directed. Taillow swooped down, wings glowing as it aimed for Staryu.

“Dodge it, Staryu!” I shouted. Staryu managed to evade the attack, and I felt a surge of pride. “Now, let’s counter with Water Gun!”

Staryu unleashed a powerful stream of water, catching Gale off guard. The Taillow flapped its wings furiously to maintain balance but took the hit.

“Gale, hang in there! Use Quick Attack!” Ryan shouted. Taillow dashed forward, striking Staryu with speed. The impact caused Staryu to wobble, but it stood firm.

“Let’s follow up with Rapid Spin!” I commanded. Staryu curled up again, spinning towards Gale. The move connected, sending Taillow flying back.

“Gale, you’ve got this! Use Wing Attack!” Ryan called. Taillow soared through the air, aiming for Staryu once more.

“Dodge it again, Staryu!” I shouted, but this time Gale was faster. The attack hit, and Staryu faltered, looking exhausted.

“Stay strong! You can do this!” I encouraged. “Let’s finish with Water Gun!”

Staryu gathered its energy and unleashed a final Water Gun, striking Gale just as the Taillow swooped in for another attack. The two Pokémon collided, but Gale managed to stay airborne.

“Now, Gale, use Wing Attack!” Ryan commanded with renewed intensity. The Taillow swooped down again, landing a solid hit on Staryu. This time, my Pokémon couldn’t hold on.

“Staryu, return!” I called, feeling a mix of pride and disappointment. “You fought well.”

Ryan smiled, clearly pleased with his Taillow. “That was an awesome match! You’re a great trainer.”

“Thanks! Alright, Koffing, let’s go!” I declared, sending out my second Pokémon. Koffing floated out, ready for battle, its presence adding a new energy to the field.

“Let’s see how Gale handles this!” Ryan said. “Gale, use Quick Attack again!”

“Dodge it, Koffing!” I shouted. Koffing moved nimbly, avoiding the attack. “Now, use Smog!”

Koffing released a thick cloud of toxic gas that enveloped Gale, causing the Taillow to struggle as it tried to see through the haze. “Gale, shake it off! Use Wing Attack!” Ryan directed.

Gale flew out of the smog, attempting to strike Koffing, but the attack was hindered by the lingering effects of the Smog. Koffing managed to dodge and counter with Clear Smog, clearing the air while dealing damage.

“Hang in there, Gale!” Ryan shouted, determination evident in his voice. “Use Quick Attack again!”

Gale zoomed towards Koffing, but this time Koffing was ready. “Use Poison Gas, Koffing!” I commanded. A wave of toxic gas enveloped Gale, slowing it down as it struggled to keep flying.

“Gale, don’t give up!” Ryan called, but it was clear that the battle was taking its toll on the Taillow. Koffing floated closer, its confidence growing.

“Let’s finish this with Smokescreen!” I shouted. Koffing released a thick cloud of smoke, obscuring Gale’s vision completely.

“Gale, use Wing Attack!” Ryan shouted, but the command fell on deaf ears as Gale floundered in the dense fog. “No! Where are you going?”

“Now, Koffing, let’s use Clear Smog to finish it!” I commanded. Koffing unleashed a burst of clean air that cleared the smoke, revealing Gale dazed and unable to continue.

Ryan sighed, recalling Gale with a proud smile. “You did great, buddy. That was an awesome match, Asia! You’ve got some serious skills.”

“Thanks, Ryan! That was really fun!” I replied, feeling exhilarated from the friendly competition.

Chapter 39: Journey to Fortree City (Continued)

After our battle, Ryan reached into his pocket and pulled out a small amount of cash, handing it to me with a friendly grin. “Great match! Here’s your prize money. You really put up a fight!”

“Thanks, Ryan!” I said, accepting the payment. It felt nice to earn a bit of money while having fun. “I enjoyed it a lot.”

As we began to head our separate ways, curiosity got the better of me. “Hey, I noticed you named your Pokémon. Do you always do that?”

Ryan nodded, his expression brightening. “Yeah! It helps to build a stronger bond. Zippy and Gale each have their own personalities, so it just felt right to give them names.”

I smiled, thinking about my own Pokémon. “That makes sense. I’ve just been using their species names so far. Maybe I should start naming them too.”

“Definitely! It adds a personal touch. What are you thinking of naming them?” he asked, glancing at my team.

“Oh, I haven’t thought about it yet,” I admitted. “I want to get to know them better first.”

“Nice! Good luck with that!” he said, giving me a thumbs-up. “Take your time finding the right names.”

“Thanks! I appreciate the advice.”

With a friendly wave, Ryan started to walk away. “Catch you later, Asia! Maybe we’ll cross paths again!”

“Good luck on your journey!” I called back, watching him go.

After Ryan walked away, I turned to my Pokémon, feeling curious about their thoughts. “Hey, Staryu, Koffing, and Deerling,” I began, kneeling down to their level. “What do you think about having names? It might help us feel even closer as a team.”

Staryu blinked, making its soft, twinkling chime sound, while Koffing floated nearby, seemingly indifferent. “No pressure, of course!” I added quickly, hoping to lighten the mood.

I turned to Koffing, curiosity bubbling up. “Are you genderless?”

Koffing puffed out a small cloud of gas, looking somewhat offended.

“Okay, okay! Are you male?” I quickly asked, hoping to clarify.

Koffing released another cloud, even more indignant this time.

“I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to upset you. You must be a girl!” I said, realizing my mistake. Koffing settled down, seeming to accept my apology, a light puff escaping as if to say it was all forgotten.

I glanced at Deerling and decided against asking about its gender. I could see the distinct markers indicating it was male, so I opted for silence.

As we continued along Route 120, a sense of camaraderie filled the air. My Pokémon were becoming more than just partners; they were my friends. The journey to Fortree City was just beginning, and I was excited for the adventures that lay ahead. With my team by my side, I felt ready for anything.