After celebrating Lotad's participation in my team, I started my journey toward Oldale Town once again. The forest path shimmered in the late afternoon light, the sound of wild Pokémon echoing from both sides. Torchic hopped cheerfully beside me, its orange feathers glowing like embers, while Lotad waddled behind, humming softly as its leaf spun lazily in the breeze.
We continued to train along the way, challenging wild Pokémon that appeared on the roadside. Torchic's Ember was now quicker and more precise, and Lotad had learned to time its Absorb right after Torchic distracted opponents. Though both were still inexperienced, their teamwork grew sharper with every battle.
"Nice coordination, you two," I said after a victorious skirmish against a Zigzagoon. "If you keep this up, you'll be ready for a real Gym battle soon."
"Tor!" Torchic puffed its chest proudly.
"Lot~!" Lotad replied with a happy spin of its leaf.
By the time the sun dipped below the treetops, a small town appeared in the distance. Its rooftops gleamed orange under the fading sunlight, surrounded by low hills and lush trees. I could see a large windmill turning slowly near the center — a landmark I'd seen in books before.
"Finally, Oldale Town," I said with a sigh of relief. "Let's get some rest."
The town was calm and peaceful, with cobblestone streets and flowerbeds outside every home. A few children ran around playing with their Zigzagoon and Poochyena, laughing freely. Streetlamps began to flicker to life, glowing softly as evening approached.
When I reached the Pokémon Center, its automatic doors opened with a soft chime. Inside, the warm light and faint smell of disinfectant made me feel instantly at ease.
"Welcome to the Oldale Pokémon Center," Nurse Joy greeted from behind the counter. "You must be a new face. How can I help you?"
"Hi, Nurse Joy. My Pokémon had some battles on the way here," I said, handing over Torchic and Lotad's Poké Balls. "They could use some healing."
"Of course. Please place your Pokédex here as well," she said kindly. "It's your first visit, right?"
"Yeah, it is."
The Pokédex beeped as it synchronized with the League database. A moment later, my profile appeared on the monitor behind Joy.
"Stephen Birch, registered Trainer from Littleroot Town," she read aloud with a smile. "Registration complete. You currently have zero Gym Badges in the Hoenn Region. From now on, your badges and battle data will be recorded automatically in your Pokédex."
"Zero badges… that sounds fair," I chuckled. "Thanks, Nurse Joy."
"Your Pokémon will be ready shortly," she said, placing their Poké Balls into the healing machine. "Why not take a rest in the lounge? Dinner will be served soon."
I nodded and walked over to the nearby seats. A large screen was showing highlights of recent Pokémon battles — trainers competing at the Hoenn League. One of them used a Swellow that moved so fast it almost vanished from sight. I leaned forward, captivated.
"Someday, I'll get there too," I murmured.
A young trainer sitting next to me overheard. "Heh, dreaming about the League already? You just started, right?"
"Yeah," I admitted. "Got my first Pokémon from Professor Birch."
"Oh, nice! I'm on my way back from my first badge in Rustboro. If you head there next, watch out — the Gym Leader uses Rock-types."
"Thanks for the advice," I said. "I might go a different route first, but I'll keep that in mind."
Soon after, Nurse Joy called from the counter. "Stephen, your Pokémon are fully healed!"
I took their Poké Balls gratefully. "Thank you so much."
"Make sure they rest tonight. The forest at night can be dangerous," Joy reminded with her gentle smile.
"Understood."
Before heading to my room, I stopped by one of the video communication booths. I inserted my Trainer Card, and the screen lit up. After a few seconds, Mom's face appeared, and I immediately knew what was coming.
"Stephen Birch!" she said, half-scolding, half-relieved. "You said two or three days, and now it's been almost a week! Why didn't you contact us earlier?"
"Sorry, Mom," I said sheepishly. "I ran into… a few things on the road. But I'm fine! I got my first Pokémon — Torchic! And I also caught a Lotad."
Mom's tone softened instantly. "Really? That's wonderful, dear. You must show them to me next time you come home."
"I will. They're resting right now after some battles. I just registered for the Hoenn League too."
"That's great news," she said warmly. "What's your next plan?"
"I'm thinking of heading to Dewford Town for my first Gym challenge," I replied. "I can go through Rustboro later using the tunnel to Verdanturf."
"That's quite the adventure," she smiled. "Just don't forget to eat properly — and call us more often, alright?"
"Got it, Mom. Love you."
"Love you too, dear. Take care of your Pokémon!"
When the screen faded, I leaned back, feeling both comforted and motivated.
That night, after a simple meal provided by the Pokémon Center, I released Torchic and Lotad outside for some fresh air. The night sky above Oldale was clear, with thousands of stars twinkling like jewels. The gentle hum of wild Nincada and Wingull filled the air.
"See those stars?" I said softly. "Each one could be a goal for us. Someday, we'll shine like them too."
Torchic chirped proudly, and Lotad gave a gentle spin, sending tiny drops of water glittering in the starlight.
We trained lightly for a while — just small dodging exercises and coordination practice — before heading back to our room. Torchic curled up at my side, and Lotad rested in a small basin filled with water.
The next morning, I woke up early, refreshed and full of energy. The air outside was cool, carrying the faint scent of dew and blooming flowers.
"Morning, you two," I greeted, and both Pokémon responded with cheerful sounds.
After breakfast, I went to thank Nurse Joy for her help. "We'll be heading to Dewford Town next."
"Good luck on your first Gym challenge," she said kindly. "You've got the spirit of a real trainer, I can tell."
I smiled. "Thanks. I'll do my best."
With my backpack tightened and Poké Balls secured, I took one last look at Oldale Town — its calm streets and soft morning breeze.
"Alright," I said, glancing at Torchic and Lotad. "Let's start our next adventure."
Both Pokémon called out enthusiastically, and together we set off down the road, the sunlight breaking through the trees ahead — a new day, and a new chapter of our journey.