Lows reached Hoenn and met a nice guy in Slateport that took them to Littleroot. Then, they found their rival, Harry insulting a Zigzagoon. Lows felt bad about the Zigzagoon and let the Tiny Raccoon Pokémon, or Ziggs to his team. Then, they saw a crowd going on in a building in Oldale and decided to check it out. What will they find?

Chapter 3 - A New Member, A New Friendship

We walked towards the building where everyone was there. Outside of the building, we finally got to look at the poster after a lot of pushing. In the poster, it stated:

Talk on How to be a Great Trainer for Starters!

Time: 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Venue: Oldale Hall

Secret Contribution Prizes in the end!

Be sure to join us!

Hmm... I wonder what is the secret prize? Can't wait to find out! Through the talk, we can also learn how to be a great trainer too! Maybe we should join before leaving Oldale.. I excitedly thought.

"Why don't we join the talk? It should be interesting," Their eyes sparkled upon hearing my suggestion, I knew that they were interested as well. So without thinking twice, we went into the hall and registered for the talk.

When the time was 3:00 p.m, we went to the place where the talk was held, and we waited until the host appeared.

The host started to speak with fluent English. "Welcome to the talk on how to become a great trainer! I'm your host, Fred Jones! Now, may we please welcome the speaker for today, and the one and only Hoenn Champion, Brendan! May we welcome him with a round of applause!"

We all clapped loudly, some even cheered with joy. Then, a boy that was about 15 years old, with a bandana on his head, came up to the stage and waved his hands to the audience politely.

Then, he gave a talk on how to become successful in our Pokémon journey. He said, "I remembered the time I started my journey, I didn't know what to do at all. But, a friend of mine helped me a lot. She might not be the best battler, but she loves her Pokémon a lot. Trust me, if you treat your Pokémon with love and care, you will succeed. Maybe in battling, maybe in contests, maybe something else. But the main point is, love is the thing you need to strengthen your bond with your Pokémon."

Then, he told us about some tips on caring and loving your Pokémon and how can they really feel the love by their trainer. Lastly, he ended off with a funny sentence, "Alright, that's it for today! I assumed that some of you here are challenging the league? Well, I'll be expecting a few to challenge me, but I hope you won't cry and go home saying, 'Wah, Mommy! I got bullied by the champion!' when I beat you!" He spoke in quite a funny way, and we all laughed and clapped at his joke.

Suddenly, I heard another voice that had a different opinion, "Humph... Looks like the champion is also a weakling that only likes Pokémon..."

Well, well, isn't that Harry... again! Why in every place, I have to see him! "Just another waste of time here to hear about nonsense. I can just defeat him easily after I've trained enough..." Without realizing I was here, he just continued blurting his thoughts.

Arghh, please let me stop hearing his voice! Suddenly, I heard the host, Fred spoke again. "Thanks to Brendan for giving us this amazing talk! Now, the moment everyone has been waiting for... The secret prize giving session! The secret prize is... A brand new Pokétalk for everyone here!" Everyone reacted to his sentence: some are shocked, some are curious about the Pokétalk.

"So, Pokétalk is a great item that allows you to communicate with your Pokémon. Pokémon's cries will be translated into human language. This is certainly a great invention after months of testing! This will definitely strengthen the bond between you and your Pokémon if you understand them, isn't that right, everyone?" Everyone cheered happily, agreeing his words.

An item that allows you to communicate with Pokémon... This is amazing! Can't wait to get one.. "Everyone gets a Pokétalk each, and it is free! Please go to the doorway of the hall to get a Pokétalk before leaving. Thank you all so much for lending your ears in this talk! Goodbye!"

Everyone excitedly ran to the doorway to get a Pokétalk before leaving. We three walked slowly to the doorway, not wanting to push anyone. Suddenly, I heard Harry mumbling.. again!

"Who needs a Pokétalk anyways? I don't need to know their feelings, I just want them to defeat every trainer! I'll just go off without this stupid item..." I became upset upon hearing his words, but I sighed and tried not to listen to his mumbling.

When we reached the doorway, I saw that there were still tons of Pokétalk with a worker there. Why the rush anyways? There's still tons of Pokétalk left! Anyways, we walked towards the man and asked, "Can we get a Pokétalk for each of us?" He nodded and handed us a Pokétalk for each of us. We thanked him and went outside of the hall.

"So... I guess we shall part our ways now since we're leaving Oldale now... We shall try the item later, and we should always call each other with our Pokégear to make sure everyone's okay." We all agreed to Disc, and we bid farewell to each other and part ways. But, I knew that we will definitely meet each other again in our journeys...

"So... the next town I'm going to reach is Petalburg... I shall pass this route... Route 102? I guess so, and I shall reach the destination! Before that, maybe I should test the Pokétalk on my Pokémon." Saying that, I took my Pokétalk out. It was shaped like a Pokédex, but yellow in colour. There was also earphones for me to plug in and listen the translation myself. What a cool product!

"Alright, I guess everything's set up... So, hey guys, I think I can understand your language now, how are you two doing?" Surfer spoke first. "Hiya Lows! Finally, the first human who can understand me!" Then secondly, Ziggs spoke. "Hey... Lows... I wanna say thank you for letting me to be in your team... I really appreciated that. no other trainer ever treated me this nice before." After that, he lowered his head, I guess that's the way that Ziggs bows his head. I replied, "No need to thank me Ziggs, that guy is really rude to you, so I definitely should stand up for you. Besides, I believe that you have potential of battling. Now, let's go guys, to Petalburg City!" They all cheered, and just about when we were going to Route 102, a guy tapped my shoulder, making me turned my head back.

I saw a tall-looking guy with light steel blue eyes and hair, wearing a charcoal jacket with two black zig-zag stripes, a white undershirt and a red tie, looking like a nice gentleman. "Hey, young trainer! I assume that you're having fun with the Pokétalk! My name is Steven, and I'm the former Hoenn Champion before Brendan defeated me." He bowed politely, and I bowed back too, but something was really stuck in my mind when I first saw him.

This doesn't feel like my first time seeing him... I've definitely saw him somewhere before! Maybe in TV? Steven didn't seem to know what I was thinking, Steven continued, "This product is made by the Devon Corporation, the company that has years of experience of making new products. I'm sure that you'll enjoy it. Why don't we exchange Pokégear numbers? I would like to see your progress in the future."

I nodded with a smile, and we exchanged numbers, and also, I didn't forget to introduce myself too. Later, he left by using his Pokémon to fly. "Brave, let's fly back to Rustboro!" A Pokémon with a weird structure as a flying type, flew away immediately after Steven rided on its back. I didn't have enough time to scanned on it. Oh well!

Later, I went to Route 102 and battled some trainers. They might be tough, but I'd narrowly defeated them. Surfer and Ziggs helped me a lot in the battles. Ziggs really had the potential to battle. During our training, Surfer learned Bubble, which was very useful for some battles, and Ziggs also learned Growl too. Everything was going pretty well here.

When I reached Petalburg City, modern houses were around the entire city. This was certainly amazing. Then, I saw a boy with tea-green hair, who looks a little bit frail, but I can see that he was about the same age as the champion, Brendan. He had a Pokémon with swords on his arms beside him. I quickly scanned the Pokémon and it said, [Gallade, the Blade Pokémon. It is one of the evolved form of Kirlia and one of the final evolved form of Ralts. Because it can sense what its foe is thinking, its attacks burst out first, fast, and fierce.]

Then, the trainer saw that I was curious with his Gallade, and he greeted me. "Hey young trainer! I'm Wally, the Gym Leader of Lilycove City. A few years ago, there are only 8 badges in Hoenn. But due to many newcomers, the gym badges of Hoenn increased to 10. Anyways, curious of my Gallade?"

I immediately replied. "Ermm.. Yes, Wally. I'm Lows, nice to meet you! Your Gallade certainly looks awesome!"

He replied with a grateful tone. "Well... thanks! I still remember when he is still a little Ralts five years ago. Looking at him now, I feel proud for him."

Gallade raised up his head and said, "Thanks, Wally for the compliment." He showed his pride on his face.

"Well, he just thanked you for your compliment, he must've liked you a lot and you two have a strong bond together." I was envious of their strong bond, but happy for them too.

"Is that so? I guess you have the Pokétalk too. Speaking with you makes me really happy. Why don't we exchange Pokégear numbers and I'll give you a gift!" While I was giving him my number, he gave me a small chip and insert it in my Pokégear.

"Now, this should do the trick. This chip installs a software that you can see the Pokémon team of a trainer if you have his or her number. Pretty useful, isn't it?" I thanked him with joy, and I checked my two friends' Pokémon to see how are they doing.

Wow, looks like Cassie still has her Charmander only... What about Disc? Oh, Disc has another Pokémon in his team besides Leafy! It looks likes a seagull. I wonder what it is...

"Maybe you shouldn't look at my team yet, just so in the future when we battle, we will battle with our instincts. Now, why don't I take you to a place?" I nodded, and I followed him as he walked.

Then, I realized that he was taking me back to Route 102. He then took me to a patch of wild grass. Why does he want me to follow him here though? Just when I was curious, he spoke up, explaining.

"So... this is the patch of grass where I caught my first Pokémon, who was Ralts, or now Gallade, but I just liked to call him Blade. Maybe, just maybe with the help of another, you can catch a Ralts like me. Yeah, I got it from the help of Brendan, the champion."

I was surprised but happy that he was willing to help me to add a new member. I just hoped that it works though... I want a Gallade too!

Just when I was lost in thought, I suddenly heard rustling in the grass. Wally and I looked at the direction. And there it is. A Ralts.

I cannot believe it... I cannot believe it! A rare Pokémon would be here, right in front of my eyes! I scanned it with my Pokédex first. [Ralts, the Feeling Pokémon. It is highly attuned to the emotions of people and Pokémon. It hides if it senses hostility.]

I heard the Ralts asked. "Is that a trainer with joy and a pure heart? Finally..." Oh yeah, it can sense the emotions of people. "I would like to join your team. Would you like me to join you?"

I nodded my head with happiness. Just when I took a Pokéball out from my bag and was about to catch it, another trainer suddenly appeared with a Pokéball on his hand. "A Ralts! This is totally mine!"

"I'm sorry, but I'm catching this Ralts already." I tried to explain nicely but he yelled back at me. "No you're not! It is in the wild, so anyone can catch it! I know, why don't we battle? Winner gets the Ralts."

Okay... Another battle... He does look tough though, hopefully I can beat him... "Let's do a Double Battle then! Go, Poochyena and Electrike!" He then threw two Pokéballs, letting two fierce Pokémon out. I recognized Poochyena, but I didn't know what the other Pokémon is. I quickly scanned it with my Pokédex. [Electrike, the Lightning Pokémon. It stores static electricity in its fur for discharging. It gives off sparks if a storm approaches.]

Surfer is going to have the type disadvantage... Maybe I should use the strategy that everyone uses a lot... Let's do this! I sent out Surfer and Ziggs, and immediately commanded, "Surfer, use Bubble on both Pokémon and Ziggs, use Growl to lower their attack!"

"Alright, Lows!" Surfer and Ziggs both issued my command.

"Not if we attack first! Electrike and Poochyena, use Howl and Electrike, use Quick Attack after the move!"

Both Pokémon howled loudly, and Electrike immediately rushed forward at lightning speed while yelling, "Yeah, a new target to get zapped!" After getting its direction right, it attacked Surfer, unaffected by Ziggs' Growl. Surfer blowed bubbles from his mouth, but he still took damage from the attack when Electrike just ran straight into the bubbles.

"Surfer, Tackle that Electrike and Ziggs, keep using Growl!" Ziggs keep growling to reduce the attack of his opponents, while Surfer tackled Electrike, but the trainer remained standing without saying a word, with a slight grin on his face.

Then, I saw sparks emitting from Surfer's body. The paralysis prevented Surfer from standing up. I was shocked, but I realized it was the effect of Static. Electrike has the ability of Static! Oh no!

"Now, since that Squirtle is unable to stand, Electrike, finish Squirtle with Spark!" Electrike charge a bolt of electricity on its hands, just when it's about to attack Surfer, I heard Ziggs growled angrily and rushed to the Electrike without my command.

Ziggs lowered his head while running towards Electrike, and he used his head and hit the Electrike, making it flinched. I realized that Ziggs learned Headbutt, which has a chance to make the foe flinch.

I noticed that Electrike was getting tired and I felt that we had a chance now. "Surfer, use Bubble and Ziggs, use Headbutt on Poochyena!" While the other trainer commanded, "Poochyena, use Tackle on Squirtle and Electrike, use Spark on Zigzagoon!"

All four Pokémon used their attacks. I saw instead of blowing bubbles, Surfer spit out a small stream of water towards the Electrike. Then I knew that he learned Water Gun. Electrike couldn't dodge the attack as it was charging its attack, and it got hit by the stream of water and fainted.

Then on the other side, Poochyena tried to tackle Surfer, but it stopped when he found out that Ziggs was trying to attack Poochyena. It was forced to use its attack on Ziggs while he used Headbutt on Poochyena. Both Pokémon collapsed on the ground and couldn't move, while Surfer hardly stood up, trying to ignore the paralysis.

Alright... I won! This is amazing, and close at the same time. I happily thought while the trainer spoke up. "I guess you won the battle. Congratulations, I guess you can have the Ralts. Sorry, I'll leave now, goodbye!" He then ran to the PokéCentre to heal his Pokémon.

Wally walked towards me after the battle and clapped his hands. "Nicely done! You definitely have battle potential. If you trained enough, you might even defeat the Champion of Hoenn." Listening to his compliment, I blushed and smiled at him.

"Now, you should go catch that Ralts... wait, where is it?" Wally suddenly realized that the Ralts was gone, it must've teleported away.

"Oh, no... There goes my chance of getting a Ralts..." I said with an upset tone, not knowing what was going to happen next.

Just when we were upset and about to leave, I heard a weak voice calling us. "Sorry.. I just teleported away... Hope you don't mind..."

I guess it sensed hostility when the guy came. "Don't worry Ralts, I just thought you didn't like me. Would you like to join me on adventures?"

It nodded happily, and I threw a Pokéball and caught it. The Ralts is actually a female. No Gallade for me, but nevertheless, I'll definitely take good care of her.

I sent out Ralts and asked. "Would you like a nickname? How about... Grace?" The Feeling Pokémon nodded with happiness and said, "I like it a lot. Thanks, Master. I shall do my best at all causes." I smiled at her determination, and returned her to her Pokéball.

"I guess you did a great job in catching her, Gardevoir, who is another final evolution of Ralts, is also a strong Pokémon, so you should raise her with care." Wally praised me with a smile on his face.

"Thanks a lot for bringing me here to catch Grace, Wally!" I thanked him gratefully.

"No problem. I guess you are going to challenge gyms for the Hoenn League? I'll be expecting your challenge, so I hope my new friend can beat me after he got stronger! Alright, Lows?"

"Challenge accepted, Wally! I'll battle you someday!" We all smiled at each other, and we both bid farewell and part our ways. I went to the PokéCentre and healed my Pokémon.

This is a promise that I'll never forget, Wally! I thought with determination.

That's it for Chapter 3 guys! Longer than the last three chapters, but nevertheless, hope you enjoyed! I tried my best in every chapter, and hopefully update as fast as possible. Be sure to review for opinions (nice ones please), favourite or follow if you enjoyed! Cya all in the next chapter :)

Lows' Pokémon Team:

Surfer (Squirtle, Male) Jolly Nature, moves: Tackle, Growl, Bubble, Water Gun

Ziggs (Zigzagoon, Male) Naive Nature, moves: Tackle, Growl, Headbutt

Grace (Ralts, Female) Calm Nature, moves: Growl, Confusion

Questions of the Chapter:

How do you like the appearance of Brendan, Steven and Wally?

How do you think of the Double Battle Lows had?