The road stretched before us, winding through tall grass and clusters of trees. The sun was still low in the sky, casting a warm glow over Route 102. Han trotted alongside me, his energy palpable even in the early morning. Bodhi, though newly caught, took a more leisurely pace, soaking in the sun’s rays as we walked. The contrast between them made me smile—two very different Pokémon, but both brimming with potential.
I glanced at Bodhi, remembering the Pokédex scan I’d done right after catching him. The device had beeped as it loaded information about him:
* Shroomish, the Mushroom Pokémon
* Height: 1’4”
* Weight: 9.9 lbs
* Gender: Male
* Ability: Effect Spore (Contact may poison, paralyze, or cause sleep)
* Known Moves: Absorb, Stun Spore, Poison Powder, Tackle
“Effect Spore is going to come in handy,” I muttered to myself. Bodhi’s ability to mess with opponents through contact gave him an edge, especially combined with his spores. He wasn’t as quick or physical as Han, but he was a defensive powerhouse who could wear opponents down over time.
We still had some work to do to integrate Bodhi into the team. Han was all speed and fists, while Bodhi would have to rely on patience and strategy. It reminded me of my days in the ring—sometimes, brute force wasn’t enough. You had to outlast your opponent, find the right moment to strike.
As we walked, I took in the scenery around us. This world was so real, so different from the one I knew. it also reminded me that this world was much more complex than I had imagined. I wasn’t just playing a game anymore.
Not only that but this wasn’t the canon Pokémon world either. Little things were different—how trainers needed sponsorships, how traveling required real planning and resources. I hadn’t met any gym leaders yet, but something told me this world wasn’t following the timeline I knew from the games.
Up ahead, I saw someone crouched beside a rock formation at the edge of the path. She was inspecting the stone closely, her short brown hair and glasses giving her a scholarly look. A large book rested by her side, worn from use. There was something familiar about her, but I couldn’t quite place it.
I slowed my pace, motioning for Han and Bodhi to follow quietly. As we approached, I heard her muttering to herself.
“These erosion patterns are definitely consistent with the Rustboro Dig. Could this be part of the same prehistoric stratum?”
“Hey there,” I called out, not wanting to startle her. She glanced up, blinking in surprise behind her glasses.
“Oh, hello!” She stood quickly, brushing off her skirt. “I didn’t see you there.”
“No problem,” I said, smiling. “You look kind of familiar... Have we met before?”
She blinked, her expression shifting to mild confusion before she smiled. “I don’t think so. I’m Roxanne.”
Her name hit me like a thunderbolt. Roxanne. As in Rustboro’s gym leader from the games. But she didn’t look like the polished, confident leader I remembered. She looked... younger. She had to be around my age, maybe 15, just starting her journey.
So, this really isn’t the canon timeline.
“It’s nice to meet you,” I said, trying to keep my cool despite the realization. “I’m Michael. My Pokémon and I are heading to Petalburg for the Rookie Tournament.”
“Same here,” she replied, a bit of excitement creeping into her voice. “But I’m also studying fossils along the way. I’m really interested in prehistoric Pokémon—fossils like Kabuto, Lileep, and Anorith. This area has traces of ancient riverbeds where fossils might have settled, so I’m hoping to find something.”
I crouched beside her, trying to focus on the rocks even though my mind was still buzzing from the revelation. “That’s amazing,” I said, genuinely impressed. “You’ve already found some?”
“Not yet,” she admitted, “but I’ve found signs that I’m on the right track. I want to publish my research someday, but I still need to learn a lot more before I’m ready for that.”
“You’ve got a good start, though,” I said. “It sounds like you know a lot already.”
Roxanne smiled, a little shyly. “Thanks. I’ve always believed that knowledge is power. The more you know, the more you can apply in battle. That’s why I’m excited for the tournament—I want to see how other trainers approach battles and how I can learn from them.”
“So, you’re competing too?” I asked, trying to wrap my head around the idea of facing someone like Roxanne in a tournament.
She nodded, her eyes lighting up with enthusiasm. “Yeah! I specialize in Rock-type Pokémon. I know they have a lot of weaknesses, but with the right strategy, you can turn any disadvantage into an advantage. I like to think of my team as a fortress—you can hit it, but you can’t break it if you don’t know how.”
Her confidence made sense. Even though she wasn’t the gym leader yet, Roxanne’s analytical mind was clearly her biggest weapon. Her belief in strategy and knowledge felt so grounded, and I couldn’t help but feel a little intimidated. This wasn’t the same Roxanne I had faced in the games—this version was younger, less polished maybe, but still incredibly sharp.
“Well, I guess we’ll be rivals in Petalburg then,” I said with a grin, trying to match her confidence.
“Rivals?” Roxanne chuckled softly. “I like that. It’s always good to have strong competition. You learn more from battling tough opponents.”
There was that word again—learn. It was clear that every battle to her was more than just a contest of strength. It was a test of knowledge and adaptability. And I realized that facing someone like Roxanne would be more about tactics than sheer power. My Fighting-type Pokémon would have to outsmart her Rock-types, not just overpower them.
“So,” I began, curious, “what kind of Pokémon do you have on your team? I bet you’ve got some heavy hitters if you’re working with Rock-types.”
Roxanne smiled proudly. “I do. My first partner is Nosepass—his name’s Terra. He’s sturdy, reliable, and helps me set the pace of most battles. I also have a Rhyhorn named Rocky. He’s not as subtle—more of a charge-first, think-later kind of fighter—but his raw strength makes him a valuable asset. And then there’s Titan, my Aron. He’s still young, but he’s got potential. His defense is his best quality.”
As she described her Pokémon, I could tell that she had a deep connection with them, not just as fighters but as partners. Each one seemed to reflect a different part of her personality—Terra’s calculated approach, Rocky’s straightforward strength, and Titan’s untapped potential.
“Your team sounds strong,” I said, nodding in appreciation. “But don’t Rock-types have a multitude of type weaknesses to account for?”
Roxanne smiled knowingly, pushing her glasses up her nose. “That’s what most people think. But I’ve got a few strategies up my sleeve. It’s all about using what you know to turn the situation in your favor. If you understand your opponent’s strengths, you can find their weaknesses.”
I had to admit, she had a point. I wasn’t going to underestimate her just because I had a type advantage. She was clearly the type to think two steps ahead, and that meant I had to do the same if I wanted to stand a chance.
“Speaking of battles,” I said, feeling the competitive spark light up in me, “how about a practice match? It’d be good to see how our teams stack up before the tournament.”
Roxanne tilted her head slightly, thinking it over. Then she grinned. “Sure. A friendly battle will give me a chance to test out some strategies I’ve been working on. And I’m curious to see how your team handles a bit of pressure.”
We found a nearby clearing where our Pokémon could stretch out and prepare. Han was already bouncing on his toes, eager for action, while Bodhi stood a bit more still, his eyes observing everything around him. Terra, Roxanne’s Nosepass, stood firm and unmoving, its rocky exterior gleaming in the sunlight. Rocky, her Rhyhorn, snorted impatiently, pawing at the ground, and Titan her Aron was chewing on a piece of scrap metal Roxanne gave him.
“Let’s make it a one-on-one for now,” Roxanne said, stepping back. “Titan will go first.”
I glanced at Han, who was raring to go, but then I turned my attention to Bodhi. He was new to the team, but this could be a good opportunity to test how he’d handle a defensive opponent like Titan. “Bodhi, you’re up,” I called, and my Shroomish hopped onto the field, his small form looking light on his feet compared to Titan’s solid stance.
Roxanne nodded approvingly. “Smart choice,” she said. “But let’s see if your patience can handle Titan’s endurance. Start with Rock Tomb!”
Titan moved swiftly for something so small and heavy. It stomped the ground, and jagged rocks shot up, trying to close in on Bodhi. With his nimble hops, Bodhi dodged most of the rocks, but one clipped him on the side, knocking him off balance.
“Take your time, Bodhi,” I said, keeping my voice calm. “We’re not in a rush. Start with Poison Powder.”
Bodhi shook off the hit and released a cloud of deep purple spores into the air. The poison spores drifted over to Titan, clinging to its steel armor. The toxins wouldn’t work immediately, but I knew they’d start to wear Titan down, slowly but surely.
Roxanne’s face remained calm. “Titan, Harden!”
Titan’s steel body gleamed as its defenses became even tougher. It stood its ground, eyes locked on Bodhi, as if waiting for its next move. Roxanne was playing defensively, reinforcing Titan’s already formidable armor.
“Keep steady, Bodhi,” I said, knowing we had to chip away little by little. “Now, Absorb!”
Bodhi’s eyes glowed as thin green energy tendrils extended toward Titan, drawing small bits of life energy. It wasn’t much, but it helped heal some of the damage Bodhi had taken. I knew this battle wasn’t about big attacks—it was about slowly whittling Titan down.
Roxanne’s gaze sharpened. “Titan, don’t let them keep draining you. Headbutt!”
With surprising speed, Titan charged forward, its steel head lowered. Bodhi hopped to the side, but Titan’s quickness caught him off guard. The heavy hit slammed into Bodhi, sending him rolling back across the battlefield.
“Hang in there, Bodhi!” I called, watching him get back up. He was sturdy, just like I needed him to be. “Don’t rush. Stun Spore, now!”
Bodhi released another cloud, this time of bright yellow spores. Titan moved to charge again, but the paralysis kicked in before it could get far. Its movements became slow and jerky, giving us a critical opening.
Roxanne’s expression remained unreadable, but I could see she was carefully weighing her next move. “Titan, use Metal Claw!”
Titan’s claws shimmered with a metallic sheen, and it swung at Bodhi, but the paralysis made its movements sluggish. Bodhi was able to dodge the swipe entirely, hopping back with ease.
“That’s it, Bodhi,” I said, feeling the momentum shift in our favor. “We’re wearing him down—Absorb again.”
Green tendrils snaked out from Bodhi, sapping more of Titan’s energy. The poison was slowly chipping away at the Aron, and combined with the paralysis, it was clear that Titan was starting to struggle. Its dense body, while solid, was too slow to keep up with the status effects weighing it down.
Roxanne kept her voice steady, though I could see the tension rising. “Titan, Rock Tomb again!”
Titan stomped the ground once more, summoning rocks to try and trap Bodhi. But its paralyzed state made the attack clumsy. The rocks didn’t close in nearly as fast, and Bodhi dodged them with ease this time.
I saw my chance. “This is it, Bodhi—Absorb one last time!”
Bodhi focused all his energy into the final move. The green tendrils connected with Titan, draining the last of its strength. The poison was doing its job, and the combination of it and Bodhi’s steady draining attacks had taken their toll. Titan wobbled, its small but dense frame finally giving out as it collapsed onto the ground, fainted.
“We did it, Bodhi!” I called, feeling a surge of pride. Bodhi had executed our plan perfectly, staying patient and letting Titan’s defenses wear down over time.
Roxanne returned Titan to its Pokéball, a small smile on her face despite the loss. “You handled that well, Michael,” she said. “You didn’t try to overpower Titan—you waited it out and chipped away at him. That’s smart battling.”
I grinned. “Thanks. Bodhi’s not about quick hits, but he knows how to wait for the right moment.”
Roxanne nodded thoughtfully. “It’s a reminder that sometimes the strongest defense can be slowly broken down by patience and persistence. I’ll have to keep that in mind for future battles.”
Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
We both called our Pokémon back, the friendly competition leaving us both with something to think about. Roxanne had shown me just how important strategy would be in the tournament, and I knew I couldn’t rely on type advantages alone.
“You’ve got a great team,” I said, smiling as we started walking again. “I’m looking forward to seeing how we both do in Petalburg.”
“Likewise,” she replied. “I think we’ll push each other to be better rivals. That’s what makes it fun.”
And with that, we continued down the path, two rivals on their way to their first real test.
‘
‘
The sun was sinking lower in the sky as we made our way further down Route 102. After our practice battle, there was a comfortable silence between Roxanne and me, our Pokémon resting in their Pokéballs after the intense session. Han had been raring to go after Bodhi’s match, but I knew we’d need to save his energy for the days ahead. The tournament was looming, and we both had a lot of training left to do.
I stole a glance at Roxanne. The way she carried herself, confident and thoughtful, reminded me that despite how young she looked, she had the mindset of a seasoned trainer. It was clear that she wasn’t just in this to win battles—she wanted to learn, to grow, and to apply her knowledge to each challenge she faced. In a way, that made her the kind of rival I’d always wanted. Someone who pushed you to think, not just act.
“I’m curious,” I said, breaking the silence as we walked along the dirt path. “How did you get so into fossils? You seem to know a lot about prehistoric Pokémon.”
Roxanne’s face lit up at the question. “I’ve always been fascinated by the past. There’s so much we don’t know about how Pokémon lived millions of years ago, and fossils are the key to unlocking those mysteries. When I was younger, I found an old fossil in the Rustboro caves—just a fragment, but it got me hooked. I’ve been studying fossils ever since.”
“That’s incredible,” I said, genuinely impressed. “Have you ever thought about reviving one?”
Her eyes gleamed with excitement. “That’s the dream. I’d love to see how a prehistoric Pokémon would fare in today’s environment. But the technology to revive fossils is advanced and expensive, and with the only lab capable of reviving fossils out in Cinnabar Island in Kanto, it seems a bit out of reach for now. So right now, I’m focused on studying their structures, their habitats, and writing down everything I can.”
“You should publish your research,” I said, nudging her slightly. “I bet a lot of people would be interested in what you’ve found.”
She blushed slightly, looking down at her feet. “I don’t know… I’m not sure if I’m ready. There’s so much more I need to learn first. And besides, what if people don’t take me seriously?”
I frowned. “Why wouldn’t they?”
Roxanne shrugged, her voice quieter now. “It’s just… I’m still new at this. There are other researchers out there with way more experience than me. I don’t want to put something out there if it’s not perfect.”
I nodded, understanding where she was coming from. “I get that. But you shouldn’t wait for perfect. You’ve already got the passion and the knowledge. Besides, what’s the worst that could happen? People might love your work, and you’d learn from whatever feedback you get.”
She gave me a small smile, though I could see she was still a little unsure. “Maybe one day. For now, I’ll stick to my notebook.”
We continued walking, the path winding through thicker woods as we made our way toward Petalburg. The deeper we went, the more I noticed the subtle details of the environment. Wild Pokémon rustled in the underbrush, and the sound of distant Taillows chirping filled the air. Every so often, I’d spot a group of trainers either training or battling, some of them looking like they’d been at it for hours.
The further we walked, the more real it all felt. Being a trainer here wasn’t just about catching Pokémon or earning badges. It was a way of life—one that came with its own challenges, responsibilities, and rewards. And there was a level of realism to it that I hadn’t quite expected. Back in my world, the games made everything seem simple. But here? Food for your Pokémon, medical supplies, traveling gear—it all added up, and fast.
I found myself mentally calculating the costs once again. The stipend I got from Professor Birch was a lifesaver, but even that wouldn’t last forever. The PokéMart prices weren’t cheap, and traveling across Hoenn meant I’d need to be smart about my finances. Roxanne, too, was no stranger to the practical side of being a trainer.
“So, how do you manage everything?” I asked, curious about how other trainers got by. “Between training, traveling, and supplies, it feels like a full-time job just keeping your Pokémon fed and ready for battle.”
Roxanne nodded thoughtfully. “It is. A lot of trainers have to rely on sponsorships like you and me. Even with sponsorships, some trainers take on odd jobs in towns to make extra money. The League encourages it, actually. It keeps the economy flowing and gives trainers real-world experience beyond just battling.”
She paused, considering something. “Plus, the League offers financial bonuses for participating in official battles. Winning gym badges comes with prize money, but trainers can also earn cash by helping professors with research, assisting towns with wild Pokémon issues, or even working at PokéCenters part-time.”
That made sense. The League wasn’t just a battle circuit; it was a full system designed to support trainers as they journeyed through the region. I had always thought the Pokémon world was idealized, but here, it felt grounded. Being a trainer wasn’t glamorous 24/7—it was hard work, and there was a whole infrastructure built around making it sustainable.
“I didn’t realize it was that involved,” I admitted. “It’s smart, though. You’re not just a trainer—you’re part of the community.”
“Exactly,” Roxanne agreed. “Every town you pass through has something to offer, and trainers often give back by helping out. It’s more than just traveling from gym to gym. The journey itself is just as important as the destination.”
I found myself nodding, thinking about what she said. There was a deeper layer to this world than I had realized, and the more I learned, the more I appreciated the complexity of being a trainer. It wasn’t just about winning battles—it was about growth, relationships, and contributing to the world around you.
We continued down the road as the sun dipped lower, casting long shadows across the trees. The air-cooled, and the sounds of the wild Pokémon began to settle. We had been walking for hours, and I could feel the exhaustion in my legs. Han and Bodhi would need some rest soon, too.
“Should we set up camp for the night?” Roxanne asked, glancing at the sky. “It’s getting late, and we’ve still got two days left before we reach Petalburg.”
“Yeah, that sounds good,” I replied. “There’s a clearing up ahead. It looks like a good spot.”
Together, we made our way toward the clearing, a small patch of grass surrounded by trees. We set up a basic camp—just enough to get through the night. I let Han and Bodhi out to stretch their legs, and Roxanne did the same with Terra, Rocky, and Titan.
Han immediately started his little practice routine of shadowboxing the air, his energy undiminished despite the long day. Bodhi, on the other hand, moved to the edge of the clearing and settled down to meditate, soaking up the last bits of sunlight.
Roxanne’s Pokémon were equally unique. Terra stood still, watching over the camp like a silent sentinel, while Rocky wandered over to sniff at the nearby trees, his heavy footfalls leaving imprints in the ground. Titan, the smallest of the group, huddled near Roxanne’s bag, occasionally nudging it with his nose as if checking for treats.
As the fire crackled between us, we sat down to eat, the quiet sounds of the forest surrounding us. For a while, neither of us said anything, just enjoying the peaceful evening after a long day of walking.
Finally, Roxanne broke the silence. “You know, I’ve never traveled with someone else before. It’s… kind of nice.”
“Yeah,” I agreed, poking at the fire. “It makes the journey feel less lonely.”
Roxanne nodded. “Sometimes, I get so focused on my research or my battles that I forget to stop and enjoy the little things. Being with someone else helps you remember that.”
I smiled, realizing that, in some ways, we were both learning more than we expected from this journey. Not just about Pokémon, but about ourselves.
As the night deepened, we let our Pokémon rest while we lay back, staring up at the stars. Tomorrow, we’d be back on the road, pushing toward Petalburg and the challenges waiting there. But for now, it was nice to take a breath, to slow down, and to appreciate the world we were a part of.
‘
‘
The sun was high as Roxanne and I continued walking along Route 102, the final stretch to Petalburg now just a day away. The tension in the air was undeniable, the Rookie Tournament looming large in our minds. We had trained hard for this, and the excitement of finally putting our skills to the test was building.
We had spent much of the walk discussing our journeys so far. Roxanne had already earned her Stone Badge in Rustboro, and I could tell from the way she spoke about the battle that she was proud of her progress. Her Pokémon were tough fighters, and her calm, strategic approach made her a formidable opponent. But I also knew she wasn’t sharing all of her secrets.
There was a quiet understanding between us: this was still a competition. We were friends, maybe even rivals, but neither of us was about to reveal every trick we had up our sleeves. We talked in broad strokes—types, general strategies—but when it came to the finer details, we both kept things close to the chest.
“So, Michael,” Roxanne said, her voice thoughtful, “you’re heading into the tournament without having earned your first badge yet?”
I nodded, feeling a little sheepish. “Yeah. Han’s been training hard, and I just recently started training with Bodhi but I wanted to see how we measured up before I took on a gym leader.”
Roxanne smiled faintly. “That makes sense. You’ll learn a lot from this tournament. Every battle is a chance to grow, and sometimes that’s more valuable than just rushing to collect badges.”
I appreciated her perspective. Roxanne wasn’t the type to rush into things. She was methodical, always thinking ahead. It made sense that her first badge was already under her belt—she had the patience and strategy to back it up.
As we walked, the road ahead suddenly seemed to glow a little brighter. A girl, about our age, strode toward us with a confident grin on her face. Her wild red hair blazed like fire under the sun, and she had an energy that practically radiated excitement. Walking beside her were two Pokémon—a small, determined-looking Numel and a slow but steady Torkoal, whose thick clouds of steam billowed lazily from its shell.
“You guys heading to Petalburg too?” the girl asked, stopping in front of us with her hands on her hips.
I nodded, already sensing her enthusiasm. “Yeah, we’re on our way to the Rookie Tournament. You?”
“Yep!” she replied, her grin widening. “Name’s Flannery. I’m from Lavaridge Town, and I just earned my first badge in Rustboro!” She gestured to her Pokémon. “Numsy and Santi helped me pull through. We might not be the fastest, but we’re hot enough to burn through anything.”
Flannery. The name struck a chord immediately. I knew exactly who she was. Flannery, the future Gym Leader of Lavaridge, one of Hoenn’s strongest Fire-type trainers. She wasn’t the fierce gym leader I remembered from the games just yet—here, she was still a rookie like me. But knowing what she would become, I couldn’t help but feel both excited and a little nervous at the idea to be traveling with her.
Roxanne raised an eyebrow. “You earned the Stone Badge in Rustboro too?”
“Yep!” Flannery puffed her chest out, clearly proud of her accomplishment. “It wasn’t easy, but we did it. We’re all fired up for the tournament now.” Then, with a sheepish grin, she added, “Though I was supposed to be in Petalburg already… but I kinda got lost.”
Roxanne and I exchanged a look. “Lost?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.
Flannery laughed, scratching the back of her head. “Yeah, I took a detour off the beaten path. I wanted to explore a bit, but I ended up missing Petalburg completely. It’s not too far now, though—I figured I’d run into someone eventually, and here we are!”
I chuckled, not surprised. Flannery’s fiery spirit seemed to extend beyond just her battle style. She was the type to charge headfirst into things, even if it meant getting a little lost along the way.
Roxanne smiled too, though there was a calculating glint in her eyes. “You’re lucky you ran into us then. Petalburg’s just a day away. We’re planning to get there tomorrow and rest up before the tournament.”
Flannery nodded, her grin never fading. “Perfect! Numsy and Santi could use a little rest before the big day. Mind if I walk with you guys?”
“Of course,” I said, happy to have the extra company. “It’ll be good to size up the competition before the tournament.”
“Absolutely,” Flannery said with a playful grin. “Though don’t think I’m spilling all my battle secrets! I’ve got a few tricks I’m keeping to myself for when it counts.”
Roxanne smirked, her tone playful but guarded. “Same here. This tournament’s going to be a learning experience for all of us.”
We shared a look of mutual understanding. As much as we enjoyed each other’s company, we were still rivals. None of us was going to reveal everything before the big day. The tournament wasn’t just about making friends—it was about proving ourselves.
‘
‘
As we continued down the road together, our Pokémon began to interact more freely, providing a much-needed reprieve in the midst of all the tournament talk. Han, full of energy as always, trotted ahead of the group, occasionally stopping to throw a few quick punches into the air. Bodhi, on the other hand, was his usual calm self, keeping close to the grass at the side of the path, observing everything around him with quiet curiosity.
“Han’s got a lot of energy,” Flannery remarked, watching as my Pawmo hopped in place. “He reminds me of Numsy—always ready for a battle.”
Numsy, Flannery’s Numel, seemed to agree. The small, sturdy Fire-type trotted alongside Han, occasionally puffing out steam from his nostrils like he was trying to mimic Han’s quick movements. It was a funny sight—Numsy wasn’t nearly as agile, but his determination was clear.
Meanwhile, Bodhi, my Shroomish, wandered over to Santi, Flannery’s Torkoal. The two shared a calm understanding, Santi letting out a deep, rumbling breath of steam as he plodded along at his usual, steady pace. Bodhi seemed to appreciate Santi’s tranquility, often settling beside him as we walked, as if drawn to his peaceful aura.
Rocky, Roxanne’s Rhyhorn, wasn’t one to be left out. He was far more physical, occasionally challenging Han to playful push-offs as we walked. Han, always eager for a challenge, would bounce back, fists raised in mock battle, though Rocky’s immense size gave him the upper hand every time. Still, Han never seemed to lose his spirit, grinning as he hopped back into place beside me after each playful nudge.
Roxanne and I exchanged glances, both of us smiling at the sight of our Pokémon bonding.
“Looks like they’re getting along pretty well,” I said, watching as Bodhi nestled comfortably beside Santi.
“They know the tournament’s coming,” Roxanne said, her tone reflective. “It’s good for them to bond like this. They’re not just battlers—they’re each other's rivals and friends.”
Flannery chimed in, her fiery enthusiasm was as strong as ever. “That’s what I love about being a trainer. It’s not just about winning—it’s about growing alongside your Pokémon, seeing how far you can go together.”
We continued down the road, the conversation flowing easily between us. Though none of us were giving away too much, we still found ourselves discussing the challenges ahead. Each of us had our own reasons for wanting to succeed in Petalburg, but we all shared the same desire to push ourselves and our teams to the limit.
‘
‘
By late afternoon, we arrived at a small outpost just before the final stretch to Petalburg. There was a Pokémon Center, a few small shops selling supplies, and an air of quiet anticipation as trainers rested and prepared for the final leg of their journey.
“We should stop here for the night,” Roxanne suggested. “We’ll be fresh for tomorrow if we rest now.”
Flannery nodded in agreement. “Sounds good! I’m ready to hit the ground running tomorrow.”
Inside the Pokémon Center, we found a table by the window and sat down to relax. Han was still bouncing with energy, while Bodhi found a quiet spot by the window, soaking in the last rays of sunlight. Numsy and Santi rested comfortably by Flannery’s side, the fire in their bellies quiet for now but ready to ignite at a moment’s notice.
Inside the Pokémon Center, we found a table near the window and sat down, letting our Pokémon stretch out after the long day. Han was quick to start shadowboxing again, while Bodhi settled comfortably near the window, basking in the last bits of sunlight. Across from us, Numsy and Santi rested peacefully, the Fire-types content after a long walk.
Roxanne and I exchanged a glance, both of us amused by the scene. “Han never seems to run out of energy,” I said, shaking my head. “Even after a full day of walking, he’s still ready to fight.”
“That’s a good thing,” Flannery chimed in, grinning. “He’ll need that energy for the tournament.”
Roxanne, ever the strategist, leaned back in her chair. “Tomorrow’s going to be a big day for all of us. Petalburg will be full of trainers trying to prove themselves, and when the tournament begins every battle will be a chance to learn something new.”
Flannery nodded, her fiery enthusiasm never dimming. “I can’t wait. Numsy and Santi are ready to show what they’ve got. I’ve been working on a few new strategies, so hopefully, they pay off.”
I could feel the excitement building between the three of us. The Rookie Tournament was more than just a competition—it was a test of everything we had learned so far. And despite the nerves creeping in, I knew we were ready.
The excitement between us was palpable. Tomorrow, we’d reach Petalburg, and the real challenge would begin. But for tonight, we rested, our Pokémon bonding as we prepared ourselves for what was to come.