After dinner, I took Lotad and Torchic outside for a light exercise session. It helped with digestion, and honestly, it helped me clear my head too. As we stretched and practiced a few moves, a familiar cry echoed from the fence.
"Wing!"
A Wingull perched there, tilting its head slightly—as if asking about the promise I made that morning before my gym challenge.
I hesitated for a moment, then stepped closer."…Do you want to come with me?" I asked, inviting Wingull to join our team.
"Wing!" It nodded and shifted into a battle-ready stance.
"You want to battle me first?" I confirmed.
"Wing!"Some Pokémon test the trainer before they agree to become partners. It wasn't unusual—and I respected that attitude.
"Alright then. I choose you—go, Lotad!"
Lotad stepped forward. Even though Wingull had the type advantage, I knew water-type attacks wouldn't matter much in this fight.
Wingull flapped upward, rising into the air. "Wing!" It fired a Water Gun from above.
"Lotad, Water Gun!"The two streams collided midair, pushing against each other. I decided to take the initiative.
"Lotad, Mega Drain! Wrap your vines around yourself and rush straight through!"
Vines sprouted from Lotad's leaf like living ropes. Bracing itself, Lotad pushed through the Water Gun's pressure, inching toward Wingull.
Sensing danger, Wingull tried to fly higher.
"Don't let it escape! Razor Leaf—aim upward!"
Lotad stopped Mega Drain and switched instantly. The leaves shot upward and struck Wingull cleanly, making it wobble and drop in altitude.
For a moment, I relaxed—but Wingull used that moment against me.
With a sudden twist in the air, it dove forward and unleashed Aerial Ace. Its execution was sharp and professional. Before Lotad could fully react, the attack struck—but Wingull didn't linger. It shot upward again, regaining height and advantage.
From above, it fired another Water Gun, using gravity to increase its force.
"Razor Leaf again!" I commanded.
The leaves sliced through the water stream and closed in on Wingull.
"Wing!!"Its wings shimmered, releasing several precise slashes—Air Cutter—clearing the leaves midair.
"So, you even know Air Cutter…" I muttered. "Catching you was definitely the right decision. Lotad, keep using Razor Leaf—restrict its movement!"
"Lot!"Leaf after leaf shot upward, forcing Wingull to dodge into narrower angles. Eventually, it couldn't tolerate the pressure and dove again with Aerial Ace.
The moment Wingull closed in, I shouted, "Lotad, jump onto its body!"
"Lot!"Lotad leaped upward, flipping over the Aerial Ace path and landing directly on Wingull's back.
"Good! Mega Drain—now!"
Wingull flapped wildly, trying to shake Lotad off, but this time the exaggerated movements only accelerated its own exhaustion. The Mega Drain landed perfectly, weakening Wingull significantly.
I threw a Poké Ball the instant the timing opened.
The ball struck Wingull, and Lotad fell as its support disappeared. I rushed forward and caught Lotad in my arms before it hit the ground.
"I got you, Lotad," I whispered. Lotad smiled gratefully.
The Poké Ball shook once… twice… three times…Then the center button stopped flashing—it locked.
I picked it up. "I caught Wingull!"
"Torc!""Lot!"Torchic and Lotad celebrated beside me—Torchic excited for a new companion, and Lotad proud of its hard work.
"Come out, Wingull." I released it gently. "It's late. Rest at my home tonight. Tomorrow, I'll bring you to the Pokémon Center."
"Wing!"
The Next Morning
I entered the Pokémon Center. The place was buzzing trainers talking loudly, rushing around, exchanging information with unusual excitement.
I walked to the counter."Nurse Joy, my Wingull needs healing, please. Also… what's going on? Everyone seems unusually excited."
Joy accepted my Poké Ball. "Of course. And—you haven't heard? Mr. Steven is in the cave."
"Really?" I nodded. "Makes sense. A Champion's presence always stirs up crowds."
"You seem calm," Joy remarked. "You're not interested in meeting him?"
"No," I answered honestly. "Too many people around. Besides, Mr. Steven must be busy. I shouldn't bother him just because I'm curious."
Joy blinked, surprised by my reasoning. She returned Wingull's Poké Ball, and I headed out.
At the harbor entrance, I spotted Clara standing there.
"Yo. I'm not late, right?"
"Of course not," she said. "But why did you come from the Pokémon Center?"
"Because of this—come out, Wingull!"
Wingull appeared with a cheerful cry.
"Ah! You caught it. I guessed it—it was watching your gym battle so seriously."
"By the way," I added, "I heard the Champion, Mr. Steven, is in the cave you recommended."
"Eh~! Why did I leave early… He came right after," she muttered in regret.
"Don't be disappointed," I told her. "Even if you stayed, meeting him depends on luck. Improving ourselves as trainers is more important right now."
"You're right. I'll head to Mauville City and wait for you."
"Maybe check out the Pokémon Contest in Slateport too," I suggested. "You might find performance techniques useful for battles."
"I will. Bye!" She waved as she boarded the ferry.
"Bye!"
After seeing her off, I turned toward Granite Cave.Today, I wanted to see whether any Steel-type Pokémon lived inside.
I passed through the short forest path until a wide, dark opening appeared—a cave entrance.
"Okay… let's go."I took a deep breath, grabbed a sturdy wooden stick, and let Torchic light it into a torch.
With the flickering flame guiding us, we stepped into Granite Cave.