The path leading into Oldale Town was quiet, the sun dipping low behind the trees. I couldn’t help but pause for a moment, taking in the sight of it all. It still amazed me—how Pokémon were seamlessly integrated into everyday life here. Back in my world, they were just figures on a screen, characters I controlled or watched. But here, they were real. Living, breathing companions, helping people like it was the most normal thing in the world. Machokes were busy lifting beams and hammering away at some new construction, while Marills watered gardens, their tails bouncing as they moved. A group of Taillows perched on the powerlines, chirping away like it was just another day.
I glanced down at Han, his small form trudging beside me. His eyes were sharp, but I could see the weariness setting in—his steps a little slower than they were earlier in the day. It was no surprise; we’d been walking for hours, or in Han’s case dashing and darting for hours. We pushed ourselves to reach Oldale before nightfall.
“Not so bad, huh?” I murmured, more to myself than to him, but Han caught my eye and gave me a tired yet determined nod. Even when he was exhausted, he never lost that spark. Still, he was ready for a break, and so was I.
“We’re almost there, buddy,” I reassured him, spotting the familiar red roof of the Pokémon Center in the distance. “Just a little longer, and we can rest.”
Han’s ears perked up a bit at that. He was a fighter, no doubt, but even fighters needed downtime. I could feel the same exhaustion creeping into my muscles—this journey was no joke. And, honestly, i wouldn’t have it any other way.
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As we pushed open the doors of the Pokémon Center, the familiar clean, sterile smell greeted me. The center was bustling with trainers, some tending to their Pokémon, others chatting about strategies or upcoming battles. I even heard a few talking about how they were already training for the upcoming tournament in Petalburg City.
Looking at Han, I could see how exhausted he was—his eyes already starting to droop, each movement slower than the last. He looked ready to collapse onto the cool, inviting marble floors of the Pokémon Center. "Hey, buddy," I said softly, kneeling beside him. "I’ll recall you now, okay? Just need Nurse Joy to check you out, make sure everything’s good."
Han gave a slow nod and, with exaggerated flair, spread his arms wide as if waiting for the gentle embrace of the Pokéball. I couldn’t help but chuckle at the sight. Didn’t know my Pawmo had a flair for the dramatic, I mused. With a soft click, I returned him to his ball, before making my way to the front desk.
Nurse Joy greeted me with her usual warm smile, and as always, her calm presence made the tension in my shoulders ease a little. Her Chansey stood beside her, dutifully holding a clipboard, ready for anything.
“How can I help you today?” Nurse Joy asked, her tone soft but professional.
“Just a check-up for my partner, Han. He’s a bit tired since we’ve been training and traveling all day.” I handed her the Pokéball, feeling a twinge of concern for my little fighter.
“No problem, I’ll make sure he gets the care he needs,” she reassured me, as she was handing Han’s Pokeball over to Chansy. Chansey rolled the cart loaded with other trainers’ Pokéballs, carefully placing Han’s among them. I watched as the cart disappeared behind a set of double doors, knowing it would take a little while for them to work through the check-ups.
I leaned against the counter, crossing my arms. My mind started to drift, thinking about everything ahead—mostly about Petalburg and the tournament. If I wanted to make a name for myself, I had to take every opportunity I could.
“By the way,” I said, snapping back to the moment, “could you tell me more about the upcoming Rookie Tournament in Petalburg?”
Nurse Joy’s face brightened immediately. “Yes, of course It’s one of the biggest events for newer trainers, a great chance to test your skills against those just starting out on their journey”
“That’s what I’ve been hearing,” I replied, my curiosity growing. “Any details you can share? I’m planning to participate.”
“Well,” she began, leaning in slightly, “it’s a tough competition, but if you make it to the finals, the prize pool is 50,000 Pokédollars. But there’s one catch—you’ll need atleast two Pokémon to qualify.” She paused, gauging my reaction.
I blinked. “Two Pokemon?” My heart nearly skipped a beat. The prize money was something i already knew from the poster but two Pokémon. The words hung in the air, sinking in like a stone. I hadn’t thought that far ahead. Han was my rock, but if I wanted to compete, I’d need to find another teammate—and fast.
“And Petalburg… how far is it from here?” I asked, trying to think ahead, already planning out how to recruit a new member to the team.
“It’s about a three- to five-day journey on foot,” she said, adjusting her hat. “Not too far, but you’ll want to be well-prepared. It’s worth the trip, though—winning that tournament could set you on the right path.”
I nodded, my thoughts racing. Han was tough, but we were going to need more than just his strength to make it through this. There was a lot to think about, and a lot to plan. But if I could pull it off, it would ease any financial worries for a good while.
After about an hour, I was woken up from my nap on one of the couches when my name was finally called. Nurse Joy handed me Han’s Pokéball back with a smile. “He’s in good shape,” she said, “just needed a bit of rest. He’ll be ready for action in no time.”
I smiled, clipping the ball onto my belt. “Thanks,” I said grateful that Han was in perfect shape. Now just one more stop and I can finally get some rest, and this time on a real bed.
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After the Pokémon Center, I headed to the PokéMart to grab some supplies. The blue and white shelves were stocked with everything I could need—potions, Pokéballs, and food for both Pokémon and trainers. It all seemed so… normal, but the prices were a brutal reminder of how costly this journey could get.
Thanks to Professor Birch’s sponsorship, I had a decent stipend—15,000 Pokédollars a month—but even that felt like a drop in the bucket once I saw the price tags. A single bag of Pokémon food, enough for maybe two weeks, was easily 5,000 Pokédollars. And that didn’t include potions, antidotes, or anything else I might need along the way.
I grabbed a few essentials—some potions, a couple of Pokéballs, and food for Han—and went up to the counter, doing the mental math in my head. I need to win that tournament. There wasn’t room for failure; I couldn’t afford it, literally. I had to plan every step, every purchase if I wanted to keep moving forward.
As I left the store, my bag a little heavier but my wallet considerably lighter, I knew I had to step up my game. Petalburg wasn’t just another town—it was my first real test.
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It had already been six days since I arrived in Oldale, and while the small town wasn’t exactly teeming with activity, those days had been anything but dull. I spent the better part of the week preparing myself and Han for the upcoming tournament in Petalburg. I quickly found that staying in Oldale was a good call it was an opportunity to train, learn, and catch my breath before what would likely be an intense few days of travel and battles.
Han, on the other hand, had been getting stronger with each passing day. He found a sparring partner in a Machoke owned by one of the local trainers, and watching them trade blows was beautiful. Each strike was sharp, calculated, and precise. Han's control over his Fighting-type energy was improving rapidly, and his Arm Thrust move had evolved from clumsy to downright lethal in just a few days.
One morning, while reviewing some of Han’s battle data on my Pokédex, I realized I’d made a bit of a rookie mistake. Somehow, in the excitement of scanning him after I first landed in this world, I had accidentally filtered out his ability. With everything going on, it just slipped my mind. Now that I had the time to dig through the Pokédex settings, I fixed the filter and finally got the full scan.
Han’s ability was Iron Fist.
My eyes widened as I read through the details. I knew this ability, it was one of the hidden abilities Pawmo had in the games but seeing it applied to Han changed everything. According to the dex, Research showed that Pokemon with the Iron Fist ability enhanced the power of any punch-based moves by around 20%. That was a significant boost, not just in theory but in practice. It meant that Han had a natural affinity for any move involving his fists—his Arm Thrust, which he’d been working hard on, meant that he’d harder than a Pawmo without the ability. And it opened the door for new moves too.
This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
Over the week, Han and I had been focusing on expanding his move pool. With the help of some friendly rookie trainers and their Pokémon, we added and were better able to practice two crucial techniques to his arsenal: Mach Punch and Thunder Punch. Mach Punch, with its lightning-fast speed, gave Han the ability to strike before most opponents could react. The priority boost would be invaluable in battles. On the other hand, Thunder Punch added an electrified element to his offensive capabilities. With his natural electrical abilities as a Pawmo, it felt like the perfect complement to his fighting style.
In between battles, I had time to learn more about the intricacies of being a trainer in Hoenn. Conversations with other trainers revealed just how competitive the culture here really was. Many trainers, mostly those with more experience, kept their training methods secret, unwilling to give away any advantage. Even the smallest edge could be the difference between a win and a loss.
One thing that stuck out was how the Hoenn League operated. Unlike in the games I’d grown up with, the Gym Leaders here didn’t just stick to one static team. They adjusted their line-ups based on the number of badges a challenger had. That meant the further you progressed, the tougher the Leaders became, creating an ever-evolving challenge. The pressure wasn’t just on the challenger but also on the Gym Leaders to adapt and stay competitive.
I also learned more about the Ever Grande Conference, which was held annually. Winning the conference gave you the right to challenge the Elite Four, but there was a catch: if you didn’t challenge them within two years, you’d have to compete in the conference all over again. It was a tough system, designed to ensure only the best trainers rose to the top. The conference itself lasted a full month, while the League season spanned ten months, leaving just one month as an off-season for rest and preparation. Luckily, I arrived in this world at the very start of the season, giving me until February of next year before the season ends, with the conference set to begin in March.
Reflecting on all this, I couldn’t help but feel the weight of the journey ahead. There were so many layers to this world, so much more complexity than I’d anticipated. And it wasn’t just about the battles—it was about strategy, timing, and having the right Pokémon for the right moment. I had Han, and he was improving every day, but I still needed a second Pokémon to even qualify for the tournament. Time was running out.
As the week drew to a close, Han and I had racked up ten wins and just one loss. That loss stung. I’d gone up against a trainer with a newly caught Vibrava—clearly more experienced than me, with five badges under their belt. It was a harsh reminder that no matter how far we’d come, there were always bigger challenges ahead.
But despite the ups and downs, I felt more prepared than ever. Han had grown—not just in strength but in spirit. We were starting to truly sync as partners, and with each battle, I could feel our bond deepening. The Rookie Tournament in Petalburg loomed large, but I wasn’t afraid. I was ready for it.
Or, at least, I would be. First, we had to get there.
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The week we spent in Oldale had flown by, with Han and I settling into a routine. The Pokémon Center became our temporary home during that time, offering a comfortable place to rest and recharge between training sessions. But now, it was time to move forward.
The Rookie Tournament in Petalburg was just a week away, and while I felt confident in Han’s progress, the pressure of finding a second Pokémon weighed on me. I glanced at the path leading out of Oldale, knowing our next leg of the journey would be challenging—but also full of potential.
“Alright, buddy,” I said to Han, feeling both the excitement and anticipation building. “Let’s hit the road.”
With our bags packed and our goal clear, we set out for Petalburg City. The trail ahead was long, but I was hopeful that somewhere along the way, we’d find the right Pokémon to join our team.
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It had been about 10, maybe 11 days since I arrived in this world, but it felt like both a lifetime and the blink of an eye. As Han and I stepped onto Route 102, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of excitement. This stretch of road would take us toward Petalburg, but for now, it was just the two of us and the wilds.
I glanced down at Han, who was keeping pace beside me, his energy practically sparking in the air. He was always raring to go, always looking for the next challenge. That enthusiasm was part of what made him a perfect partner. And honestly, I needed that kind of energy right now. We had three to five days ahead of us before reaching Petalburg, and this journey was more than just a walk in the park—it was the perfect opportunity for us to train harder and come up with new strategies.
“We’ve got some time to work on things,” I said, more to myself than to him. “Let’s make it count.”
Han responded with an eager nod, his bright eyes focused ahead. He was ready, and so was I. The road to Petalburg was open, and we were more than prepared to take it on.
The sun was at its peak as Han and I made our way through Route 102. The path stretched out before us, a mixture of grassy fields and small clusters of trees. I couldn’t help but think back to how much preparation we’d done over the past 10 days. Between the Poké Mart, the center’s restful nights, and the battles we’d won, we were in pretty decent shape. Sure, we didn’t rake in a fortune from the prize money, but the thousand or so we’d earned helped cover our supplies.
We had a solid plan now, and Petalburg was in our sights. But with each step, I knew we had to keep pushing, not just physically but strategically. Han had been improving every day, and now with Mach Punch and Thunder Punch added to his arsenal, I wanted to experiment with some new combinations to give us an edge in battle. Our opponents in Petalburg wouldn’t go easy on us.
“Alright, Han, let’s see what we can come up with today,” I said, nodding towards a nearby clearing.
Han perked up immediately, his energy returning at the mention of training. I couldn't help but smile at his enthusiasm. He was always so eager, always pushing himself to the limit, which was something I really admired. That, and his dramatic flair whenever he got tired.
We’d already worked on a few combinations, like linking his Quick Attack with Arm Thrust, but I wanted something more unpredictable, something that would catch opponents off guard. Han was fast, especially with moves like Mach Punch, but we needed a way to use that speed and power together.
“Let’s see if we can integrate more of your electric abilities with your punches, so they hit harder and faster.” Han nodded, electricity crackling lightly around his fur. He loved this part—the idea of mixing strength with speed.
We practiced different combinations: Quick Punch, where Quick Attack flowed right into a Mach Punch, using the momentum from his speed to land a hard, early hit. We also played with combining his punches with electrical moves, like what I dubbed Thunder Jab—a quicker, electrified Thunder Punch that could leave his opponents momentarily paralyzed. Each time, Han adjusted, learning faster than I could have anticipated. He was sharp, and even though his body was built differently from mine, I could offer him pointers. “Keep an eye on your opponent's footwork,” I told him, showing the subtle shifts in weight that could telegraph an incoming move. “Look at their balance—if they’re leaning too far in one direction, they’re setting up for something.”
While Han’s physiology didn’t exactly mirror human boxers, some principles translated. The mental aspect of boxing—predicting movements, reading the opponent—could still help. Han soaked it up, his focus was razor-sharp as we worked through more and more combinations.
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On the third day of travel through Route 102, the forest had thickened, leaving us surrounded by dense trees and tangled brush. The light filtered through the canopy, casting the ground in dappled shadows. Han and I had been making good progress, but we were also on the lookout for any potential new partners to join our team. That’s when I noticed something—there was movement in the bushes.
A small figure stepped into view: a Shroomish. Its round, spore-covered body bristled with energy, and it locked eyes with us, clearly itching for a fight. Han immediately stepped forward, bouncing on his toes, eager as ever. I could practically feel his excitement radiating off him.
“Seems like this Shroomish wants to test itself against you,” I said, giving Han a nod. He responded with an enthusiastic "Paw-mo!" already preparing to battle.
Without wasting any time, Shroomish attacked, launching a cloud of Poison Powder. Han dodged effortlessly, his training paying off as he weaved through the spores. “Let’s mix it up! Use Thunder Jab!” I called, referring to the combo we’d been working on.
Han was already on it. His paws sparked with electricity, and he shot forward at high speed, combining the precision of Thunder Punch with the swiftness of Quick Attack. The attack landed cleanly, sending a jolt through Shroomish, who winced but retaliated quickly with a draining Absorb and followed up with a burst of Stun Spore.
“Stay nimble!” I instructed, watching Han move effortlessly to avoid the cloud of spores. He had trained for this—fluid, precise, and relentless. Without missing a beat, he struck back with Arm Thrust, delivering a flurry of powerful blows that left Shroomish struggling to keep up.
As the battle drew to a close, Han stepped back, victorious—not a drop of sweat on him. His training had paid off; he didn’t even look winded. I couldn’t help but feel proud, knowing just how much we had worked to get to this point.
I approached the downed Shroomish, kneeling beside it and offering a potion. “You put up a great fight,” I said, gently spraying the potion to help with the wounds. Shroomish blinked at me, still catching its breath.
“We’re on a journey, Han and I,” I continued, meeting its gaze. “We’re getting stronger every day, working as a team. You’ve got spirit—I can see that. Why don’t you join us?”
Han, with his ever-friendly nature, stepped up and gave Shroomish a playful shove, "Paw-mo!" Then, as if to further impress, he started demonstrating one of his practiced moves, throwing a few precise jabs into the air. Shroomish watched closely, its eyes wide with interest. After a moment, it tried to mimic Han’s stance, puffing up as if to say, I can do that too.
I grinned. “See? Han’s got some moves. And you—you’ve got your own strengths. Together, we could be even better.”
After a few more moments of thought, I added, “If you join us, I’ll give you a name, just like I did for Han. How about... Bodhi? It’s a name that represents growth and strength—two things you’ve got in spades.”
Shroomish seemed to brighten at the idea, nodding eagerly. Han, excited to have a new teammate, did a little victory dance around Bodhi, and I chuckled. The two of them were already getting along.
I applied a bit more potion and stood back, watching as Han and Bodhi interacted. They weren’t speaking in words I could understand, but their body language was clear. Han threw a few light punches, and Bodhi responded by releasing a puff of spores, almost like showing off its Spore technique. The back-and-forth exchange was like watching two fighters sizing each other up, learning from one another.
As I watched, I realized something—Bodhi wasn’t just a tough Pokémon. He was like Han—a fighter at heart, someone who thrived on battle and wanted to get stronger with every fight. That realization made me even more certain that Bodhi was the perfect addition to our team.
I chuckled to myself, leaning back against a tree. “Looks like we’ve got a real team coming together.”
Bodhi, after shaking off the last bit of spores, looked at me with a bright expression. It was clear he was ready for the journey ahead. I gave him a nod of approval. “Welcome to the team, Bodhi.”