After breakfast, I tossed all my Pokéballs into the backyard."Come out, everyone! This is our new partner—Mawile. Let's get along with her from now on!"
"Lot, Torc, Wing!"My team circled Mawile, curiously observing her unusual appearance. Their stares made her shrink back shyly.
"Alright, stop crowding her. We start real training tomorrow. Today, we need to board the ship."I pulled out my Pokédex. "Mawile, let me see your moves."
Female. Ability: Intimidate. Moves: Fairy Wind, Iron Head, Fire Fang, Sucker Punch, Crunch."Nice. Good type coverage, and your ability works well with Mega Evolution…but I won't let you Mega right away, even if I get a Keystone. Your basic strength comes first—we can't skip that and rely only on Mega Evolution."
"Maw? Maw~"She didn't understand the Mega part, but she nodded, agreeing with my training plan.
"Alright, everyone back. Time to go." I recalled them and cleaned up the marks they left on the ground.
"You're leaving today?"My dad appeared behind me again—silently, like a ghost.
"If I stay here any longer, I'm going to die from shock," I joked, still not used to him appearing without warning.
"Take this fishing rod."He handed me a shabby, well-used rod.
"Thanks… this is the one you used when you traveled?"
"Yes. I caught many Water-type Pokémon with it. Brings back memories."His eyes drifted somewhere far, replaying moments from his journey.
"I'll continue those memories. Leave it to me."I tucked the rod carefully into my bag.
At the entrance, my mom was already waiting."This is your allowance, and these are extra clothes," she said, far calmer than when I left the first time.
"Thanks, Mom. It'll be a long time before I come back—maybe after earning five badges."Since the fifth badge was in Petalburg City, I could visit Dewford Town on the way.
"I believe you can achieve something great. Go for it!"Her smile radiated confidence and warmth.
"I will. Time to go!"I turned and boarded the ferry quickly, afraid I'd cry if I looked at them too long.
The ferry drifted away, and their figures grew smaller and smaller.I rushed to the deck. "Take care of yourselves! I'll be fine, don't worry about me!"Tears spilled uncontrollably as I waved both hands.
"You take care too! Don't overthink things—remember to relax sometimes!"Mom stepped forward and shouted back across the water.
After that emotional farewell, I sank into my seat.So embarrassing… making such a drama in front of strangers.
From behind, a white-bearded uncle chuckled."Ah, youth. How nostalgic."
Oh my god. Please, please let this boat reach the harbor soon.I wanted nothing more than to disappear.
The torturous moment dragged on, but finally, the ferry approached the harbor. I grabbed my bag and waited at the exit before it even fully stopped.
Once I calmed down, I headed toward Rustboro City. Along the way, I trained my Pokémon with wild battles, always healing the wild ones afterward.
By noon, I reached Petalburg Woods. This place had many incidents involving Shroomish, so I had to stay alert. I pulled out a handkerchief and wrapped it around my mouth and nose like a mask. Then I released Lotad.
"Lotad, help me keep watch. You're Grass-type, so their spores won't affect you. And you're small enough not to draw attention."
Even though reports said Shroomish only attacked merchants, habits could change. Staying cautious was never wrong.
Deeper inside, the plants grew taller and blocked out most of the sunlight. The air was humid and dim—perfect Shroomish territory.
Right after that thought crossed my mind, the air shifted. Spores drifted slowly toward us, spreading with the wind.
"This way, Lotad!"We quickly changed direction. In another Pokémon's territory, it was better to escape first rather than fight blindly.
But these Shroomish were organized. They didn't even show their bodies, just used the trees to herd us around. They were forcing me to run in circles in their territory.
In an emergency, I chose to break through the Stun Spore area. Sleep Powder was too dangerous. Being paralyzed was bad, but at least I'd stay conscious.
Following Lotad, I covered my mouth tightly and kept low, avoiding most of the spores. We finally slipped through their formation, though my fingers and toes tingled with slight paralysis.
Reaching a riverbank, I shouted, "Alright! Come out! I know you're there—Shroomish, right?"
Dozens of Shroomish emerged from the trees. Their small bodies fit perfectly behind trunks—smart and efficient ambush strategy.
"Who's leading you? That was an impressive plan. If I wasn't prepared—and a bit lucky—I'd be fast asleep right now."