Time had passed since the start of everyone's journeys. Despite starting at the same time, it was hard to say where everyone was and how many gym badges they won. Midorima had just won his second badge though, walking victoriously out of Dewford Gym.
Takao walked out behind him, slinging his arm around Midorima's neck. "Woo, that sure was a toughie when Xatu went down, huh, Shin-chan?"
"Shut up, Takao," Midorima responded, making his way to the Pokemon Center.
"It took down his Machamp and Meditite fine, but that Hariyama," Takao let out a low whistle, "it's a good thing Kingler managed like it did."
"Remind me again why you came along?" Midorima asked Takao once in the Pokemon Center, handing Nurse joy his Pokeballs. He and Takao then walked to the waiting area.
Takao plopped down onto a chair beside Midorima. "Someone needs to show you around, Shin-chan," he answered. "Who knows how you'd get around without me. I'm a local, remember?"
Midorima narrowed his eyes at Takao's toothy grin. He sighed. "Where's the next gym?"
"Two towns away, Mauville City," Takao answered without needing to look at a map. "I'm sure old man Briney wouldn't mind giving us another ride after you helped with his Wingull."
Midorima stood, walking back to Nurse Joy when it looked like she was done recovering his Pokemon. "We'll leave tomorrow morning after my Pokemon has rested."
Takao rolled his eyes, Midorima still not being one for a nice conversation. "Yes, sir, Shin-chan."
I didn't want to write out actual battle scenes here bc I wanted to keep everything fairly the same sized. It probably made this story less interesting and Pokemon, but I'm sticking with my decision~
