The next day at three past eight in the morning, Josie comes rushing into the pokécenter’s foyer, shooting Ran an apologetic grin when she spots him. He merely lifts a single unimpressed eyebrow, before gesturing for her to lead the way out once more, which Josie does without complaint. Side-by-side, with only Chief the Growlithe for company whilst they’re still within the city proper, they set out towards Azalea Town.
It doesn’t take fifteen minutes before Josie’s goodnaturedly complaining about their slow walking pace, which is arguably slightly below average due to Ran’s insistence on letting Ekans out of his pokéball as well. She spends at least ten minutes effusively and dramatically comparing their shared progress to how much further ahead she’d already be if she were riding her Ponyta, clearly pushing the boundaries to check whether there’s really no lingering hard feelings over their earlier altercation.
Rather than get upset, Ran is happy to let Josie complain, merely sniping back with a few comments about missing the quiet of the road, to Josie’s evident delight, as she lets out more than one loud laugh. For his part, Ran also finds his own mood buoyed, the travel feeling lighter and seeming to pass swifter with a companion that’s actually enjoying herself and who is more than willing to show as much.
In this way, the first few hours pass easily with them both in good spirits, which is only reinforced further when they discover that they both prefer a light lunch on the move to settling down for a slower meal, even if Josie would ordinarily have her meal in the saddle. They encounter a fellow rookie just after lunch who happily takes a break from hunting for a Mareep to challenge them. Upon spotting the lone ball at her side, Josie loses interest, another marked difference from Spencer’s previous habit of hogging battles, leaving Ran to accept the challenge happily. Spinarak ends up facing off against a surprisingly competent Jigglypuff.
Where the pokémon proves competent however, the girl’s squeamish reaction to Spinarak’s appearance guarantees the outcome of the fight despite her pokémon’s surprising strength. Ultimately, the fight isn’t particularly memorable, but it does prove to be the start of a run of encounters, as they gradually run into an increasing number of trainers. Most are out on Route 32 to hunt for an extra team member as they await their (re)match with Falkner, but there’s also more than a few trainers who are, like Ran and Josie, headed towards Azalea Town. Seeing just how many trainers they’re passing even on the first day of their trip, a quiet voice in the back of Ran’s mind notes that the road to Ecruteak wouldn’t have been as busy, but he ignores the niggling stray thought without too much trouble.
Noticing just how many of the other trainers they encounter are spending their time on dedicated training, rather than spending the whole day traveling, Ran eventually proposes that they also break for a few hours to get some training in, only for Josie to firmly disagree. She argues that it’s more efficient to just push on throughout the day and stop a bit earlier compared to other trainers, for a single proper and more concentrated batch of training in the evening, rather than the scattered, less intensive training sessions they get to observe as they walk. It’s sound reasoning Ran can get behind easily enough, especially with his whole team preferring to spend the middle of the day inactive.
By that point, he’s recalled Ekans and is instead giving Golbat a brief opportunity to stretch his wing by flying up overhead. From that moment on, with the shadow of Golbat’s evolved form serving as an advance warning of their approach, they aren’t challenged by any other beginning trainers for the rest of their day’s journey.
Finally, around half past four in the afternoon, they settle on a place to camp, just a bit off the main path. With rising hills to one side and a small stream nearby, it’s a nice, quiet location without any obvious dens they might end up disturbing, whilst being far enough off of the road to probably leave them undisturbed by any other trainers.
Josie starts to meticulously unfold and set up a pretty luxurious tent, whilst Ran just unrolls his bed roll and throws his sleeping bag on top of it. With his budget as tight as it was at the time and the league season beginning towards the end of summer, a tent wasn’t something he’d bothered investing in just yet.
Whilst his friend is still highly invested in setting up her tent, Ginger the Ponyta obediently holding a rope taut in her mouth for her trainer, he walks out a hundred yards or so from their little camping spot towards the stream before bringing out his full team once more. Looking them over, he’s quick to hand out instructions.
“Ekans, Golbat, same warm-up as yesterday, I’ll put the flags out in a bit. Spinarak, get to those hills and start working on Shadow Sneak, it’s almost where we want it, I know you can master it today if you put the work in! Ekans, we’ll be working on Acid later to make sure you’ve fully got that mastered as well. Golbat, I had a word with Josie earlier today, I’ll be loaning you out to her for a bit later tonight. Her fire-types are working on their ranged attacks, which should be perfect evasion training for you when I’m working with Ekans one-on-one. Is everyone clear on their tasks?” Ran lists off easily, having had plenty of time to think today’s training through.
Receiving enthusiastic affirmation from Spinarak and Ekans as well as a more muted nod from Golbat, Ran happily lets his pokémon get to work, before taking a moment to take in the situation. His pokémon are training hard, his mood lighter than before thanks to being able to enjoy his journey without having to watch his every word for fear of starting a fight. It’s a situation he’s optimistic about getting used to, especially when he has to suppress a chuckle when he can distantly hear Josie let out a sulfurous string of swears when she experiences some setback or another in setting up her tent.
In the end, Josie gets her stuff squared away and she sets off for a training session of her own. Later that evening, as they share dinner whilst their pokémon lounge around the campfire after already having received and devoured their own meals, an errant thought pops into Ran’s head.
How do Josie’s team and his own compare?
Looking around their small camp, Golbat immediately stands out in his seeming absence, as he’s once again sought out a spot slightly removed from everyone else, claiming the lone somewhat nearby tree as his roost, whilst allowing him an opportunity to keep watch over camp and their surroundings. The next one he looks for is Spinarak, who had, for lack of any convenient naturally occurring crevices to crawl into, gazed imploringly at Ran until he’d helped her dig a small hole, to serve as a temporary burrow. She’s largely hidden from view now, as the burrow’s entrance is covered by a net of her webbing, though Ran can see her peeking through two strategically placed holes.
It leaves Ekans, who has simply curled up next to Ran, draping his head in his trainer’s lap for some leisurely scratches, as the lone member of Ran’s team whose presence in the camp is easily spotted. It makes the differences, when comparing the positions of his own team with where Josie’s team members are resting, very apparent.
Ginger the Ponyta isn’t gathered around the campfire, but she’s still close by, serving as a beacon of light and space heater in one, as she rests next to Josie’s tent only a handful feet away. As for Chief the Growlithe and Soot the Houndour, any spectator would surely notice them first, as after at least ten minutes of tussling once they’d finished eating, they’re now forming a tired and happy dogpile right next to the campfire, with Chief resting his head on top of Soot.
Clearly, compared to his own quiet, somewhat reclusive group, Josie’s fire-types are entirely comfortable with being the center of attention. Though perhaps that’s natural, with how the heat they naturally exude draws both people and other pokémon towards them. Still, it only further reinforces the question, because although conclusions can be drawn about their respective personalities, that isn’t the question any trainer is faced with when around a trainer in the same ‘category’. Rather, it’s the simple matter of who is stronger.
Of course the solution is obvious, as all he needs to do to get an answer is challenge Josie to a battle. But they’re out on the Routes, a fair way away from the nearest pokécenter, which incidentally is back in the direction they came, rather than the direction in which they’re going. It’s a problem easily solved by simply agreeing to keep things low-stakes and friendly, calling it the moment any participant looks like they’re getting hurt worse than what a simple Potion could fix.
If that was all there was to it, he’d happily challenge Josie on the spot, as he finishes the last of his dinner. However, from what he’s seen of her so far… Josie’s mannerisms don’t exactly scream ‘gracious loser’. He doesn’t want to be stuck with her being in a horrible mood for days on end when he beats her. Or, even worse, with another Spencer-situation.
Which is why, when he breaks the silence, it isn’t to propose a match, but instead with a question about Josie’s plans for her future team. As she starts to wax poetic about the many ‘awesome’ fire-types throughout Johto and Kanto, Ran decides to shelve the battle idea for now.
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But over the next two days, as they break up camp in the morning, travel throughout the day whilst battling wild pokémon and other trainers alike, make camp once more, train in the late afternoon and early evening before retiring for the night and doing it all over again the next day, the question keeps gnawing at him.
How do they compare? What’s Josie’s approach to a singles battle like? How well can his team handle fire-types?
Ultimately, as they finish setting up camp once more and Josie turns to head out for a training session of her own, the dam breaks.
“Let’s have a battle!” Ran bursts out, almost surprised by his own words. Still, as Josie pauses and looks towards him curiously, there’s nothing left but to seem confident and eager. At least the eager part is true.
“A friendly one, just one-on-one, no wager or anything,” He clarifies hurriedly, as Josie remains worryingly mute, “We’ll call it if either participant is about to get hurt worse than what a Potion can fix.”
Josie doesn’t respond immediately, instead continuing to look at him quietly for a few long seconds, as if weighing him up. Ultimately, just as Ran is about to retract the offer, she responds.
“Alright, on one condition,” She asserts boldly, “You don’t get to throw a hissy fit once you’ve lost, alright? Because if you’re going to do the whole grudge thing with me, I’d really rather not bother in the first place.”
There’s a sense of mild offense he feels at her words, but humor wins out, as he returns fire with a taunt of his own, “Funny, keep that in mind for after we’ve beaten you, alright?”
Josie’s stare meets his own as she responds eagerly this time, whilst something sparks between them as twin eager grins break out on their faces, “Oh, it is on, poison boy.”
Earlier hesitation completely forgotten, Ran gestures invitingly for Josie to lead the way, implicitly letting her choose a field of battle. Not that there’s much variation in choice to be had, camped on a grassy field just a bit off the main Route. Still, Josie confidently sashays ahead, simply leading them a short distance from the camp, before her hand falls, as expected, to Ginger’s pokéball.
With Spinarak at a significant disadvantage and using Golbat perhaps a bit unsporting, considering the Ponyta’s lack of ranged options, Ran’s hand in turn sinks to Ekans’ pokéball.
“Come on out, bud. Mind the poison, yeah?” He calls, even as, rather than dramatically throwing out the pokéball, he merely taps its white release button, allowing Ekans to materialize right by his side for now.
On the opposite end of the field, Josie puts her hands on either side of Ginger’s neck, as trainer and starter put their foreheads together for a moment. Josie clearly offers her starter some soft words, but Ran has no clue what they are. Nor does he need to know, as his own attention returns to Ekans, who looks curiously towards their opponents, before offering Ran a firm, confident nod.
In turn, Ran offers a nod of his own, before swiftly delivering a few simple instructions.
“She’s going to try to run you over. Try and land a Glare, then, just Leer at her until you get an opportunity to Bite or Wrap her up. If you can immobilize the legs, that’s a win as far as I’m concerned.” He orders succinctly, trusting in Ekans to carry through, even if the long string of instructions is pretty demanding.
Ekans hesitates for a moment, but, after a few rapid blinks, he offers a confident hiss. Then, he slithers forwards, coming to a rest in front of Ran, clearly ready to start the battle.
On the opposite end of the field, Josie is also finished with her pep talk, as Ginger canters into position. As their pokémon stare each other down, Ran glances towards Josie once more, “You want to count us down?”
“Bah,” Josie waves him off sharply, clearly eager to finally get things underway, “Let’s fight already! Go!”
It’s a surprising start to the fight, but fortunately Ginger was clearly no more ready for her trainer’s eagerness, as the Ponyta startles in place for a crucial half second. Which isn’t long, but it is enough for Ekans’ stare, still locked directly on Ginger’s own gaze, to turn into a Glare.
Ginger’s legs lock up, drawing a sulfurous swear from Josie, even as Ran grins confidently, crossing his arms boldly as he does his best to keep Josie’s attention off of the match. He succeeds wonderfully, as Josie shoots him a glare of her own, accompanied by a snapped command, “Oh stuff it you dork!”
Ran is more than happy to play for time, his grin merely becoming even more taunting as he keeps Josie’s attention firmly on himself. Whilst he does so, Ekans easily follows his earlier orders and Leers threateningly at Ginger, who at least has regained control of her limbs, but is traipsing uncomfortably in place as she waits for an order from her trainer. Said order doesn’t come immediately, as Josie wastes precious seconds awaiting some form of banter from Ran, before she finally realizes just what he’s doing.
“Jerk!” She complains, before finally directing her attention to her starter, “Flame Charge Ginger, run ‘em over!”
“Stick to the plan, Ekans.” Ran orders easily, as he mentally dismisses Ekans’ only damaging ranged option in Poison Sting, to ensure Ginger doesn’t pick up any damage in excess of what a Potion can easily cover.
Ginger’s hooves flare up as she starts to rush forwards, but Glare’s lingering effects are clear, as her charge is more canter than a full gallop. Still, it makes for an intimidating sight, as flames trail behind her whilst she moves to ram into Ekans.
In response, Ran’s starter merely pulls his head back slightly, ready to pounce forwards at the right moment. There’s a moment’s hesitation on Ran’s end, as he considers whether he should order a dodge, rather than relying on Ekans to come out ahead in a straightforward exchange of attacks, but he ultimately thinks better of it.
Then, both pokémon collide, as Ekans’ head shoots right past Ginger’s left foreleg before starting to Wrap around, but not before Ginger in turn can ram her flaming form into the lower half of the poison-type’s long form. The end result is a pained hiss on Ekans’ side and a triumphant neigh from Ginger, but even as Josie enthusiastically punches the air, Ran’s eyes remain on both pokémon, watching closely as Ekans crucially doesn’t get thrown clear of Ginger.
Instead, he manages to loop himself around her foreleg, ensuring that even as Ginger slows to a stop, he’s in a perfect position to start to fully Wrap around her.
To Josie’s credit, once she notices the threat, she acts immediately.
“Shake him off Ginger!” She orders hurriedly, opening her mouth to say something further, before visibly stopping herself.
Ginger does her best, as she rears up before trying to kick out with her forelegs, but, possibly due to Glare’s lingering effects, her attempts lack force. Ekans weathers them easily, winding around both of Ginger’s forelegs before harshly tightening his grip.
The Ponyta’s forelegs get slammed together painfully, as she wobbles in place awkwardly for a moment, before fully losing her balance and falling onto her side. Ekans winds forward, so that his lower half is binding Ginger’s legs whilst giving his head the freedom to rear back. His sharp fangs glow with menacing dark-type energy, but simultaneously, both Ran and Josie call out.
“Hold it, Ekans!”
“We concede!”
Immediately, Ran’s starter releases his former foe, offering a single self-satisfied hiss, before gliding over towards Ran. Ginger is a bit slow to get up, throwing her head around in agitation when she does so, but Josie manages to comfort her starter easily enough, running a calming hand down her starter’s neck.
Ran, for his part, welcomes Ekans’ return to his side with some scratches of his own, even as he looks his starter over. For all that Ekans won, upon closer inspection, Ginger’s lone Flame Charge clearly did some significant damage, soot marks and small burns clearly visible on Ekans’ form. Likewise, he can see Josie examining the upper parts of Ginger’s forelegs, likely spotting more than one deep bruise where Ekans put the squeeze on her.
Everyone remains quiet for a minute, as both trainers dig out Potions and provide their pokémon with the necessary healing. Finally, however, with both pokémon patched up, Josie speaks up first, her voice blessedly light with humor, rather than heavy with frustration, “You know that if that was a real match, Ginger would’ve just fired up the moment Ekans started his Wrap, right?”
“In a real match, we’d have used Poison Sting after the Glare, because Ekans actually has a ranged attack.” Ran retorts easily, more than happy to banter back.
His friend scoffs dismissively, clearly only just getting into the gist of things, “Yeah well in a real match, I wouldn’t have wasted all that time at the start thinking you’d be a gentleman and indulge in some proper banter!”
Ran offers an accepting nod at that, giving Josie a moment to bask in her apparent ‘victory’. Then, he happily brings her back down to earth.
“In a real match, Ekans and I still would’ve won though.”
“Wha- You-” Josie sputters in flustered surprise, at a loss for words for a few beautiful seconds.
Then, she opens her mouth once more, clearly ready to keep the argument going, which draws a loud laugh from Ran.
Josie pauses in evident surprise, but he merely waves her off, not knowing how to explain the lightness in his chest. It’s just nice to not have to watch his every word for fear of his traveling companion’s reaction.
Still, as Josie opens her mouth once more, perhaps someone just a bit more capable of letting things go would’ve been even better.