After a hard-fought match, Summer defeated Samir in an exciting best of 3 battle. Although she won, she knew she needed to work with Errol more. The two then went back to the Pewter City Gym for brunch. Brock decides to travel to Cerulean City to see Misty, and Summer plans to go with him. Although she wants to help the Gym Leaders, someone tells her to continue on her journey. Who is this person, and how will Summer help Errol improve?

Chapter 25- A Step in the Right Direction

Lightning and I exited the Gym battlefield and walked into the reception lobby.

Brock's siblings are really nice. I can't believe we spent four hours playing together! It makes sense that they're taking naps now. I wish I had a younger sibling…

The door to the Gym was pushed open, interrupting my thoughts. Brock and Samir walked inside, eagerly talking about something. Remembering that I didn't thank him for the delicious omelets, pancakes, and sweet toasts for brunch, I approached the two and bowed at Brock

"Thanks for brunch, Brock!" I politely said.

"You're welcome, Summer," Brock replied with a smile. "I hope my siblings weren't too much trouble for you."

"No, it was no problem at all! We had a lot of fun today."

The three of us then noticed the sun starting to set from the Gym window.

"Summer, Samir," Brock then whispered solemnly. "I left a message to the Gym Leaders about Team Rocket's scheme with the Legendary Birds. I'm going to talk to Misty in person about finding Articuno. I can drop you off at Cerulean City, Summer. You can get to Celadon City by passing through Rock Tunnel and Lavender Town."

"That'll be great, Brock," I said aloud, knowing the reply doesn't hint at the whispered conversation. "How are we going to get there quickly? Errol can't carry the both of us."

Brock and Samir looked at each other secretively and smiled.

"We just got a new Pokémon that can carry two people at once," Samir explained, noticing my confused expression. "That was what our meeting was about."

"Come on, let's go outside and show you," Brock said, waving us to the Gym doors.

We walked into the city, where a cool breeze blowing from Mt. Moon hit our faces. Brock took a Pokéball from his pocket and pressed the button. A large grey Pokémon with large teeth and big wings came out and emitted a light roar.

Hey, that looks like the fossilized Pokémon I saw in the museum…But it's actually alive!

I nervously took out my Pokédex and pointed it at the Fossil Pokémon. [Aerodactyl, the Fossil Pokémon. Aerodactyl is a Pokémon from the age of the dinosaurs. It was regenerated from DNA extracted from amber. It is imagined to have been the king of the skies.]

Instead of attacking me with his large teeth, Aerodactyl gently nudged me with his snout. I realized he was a gentle Pokémon and rubbed his nose. He then growled in delight.

"Now then," Brock said. "We're going to fly on Aerodactyl to Cerulean City. It shouldn't be a long trip."

I nodded, then turned to Samir. "It was great seeing you again, Samir. I hope your internship continues to go well!"

"Thanks, Summer. Good luck with the rest of the Gyms!"

After Brock and I climbed onto Aerodactyl's back, Lightning and I waved goodbye to Samir.

Brock then pointed his finger to the sky, and Aerodactyl slowly took off and soared into the clouds. Despite being afraid of heights, I felt safe being on top of a flying Pokémon. After passing Mt. Moon in just a few minutes, we saw the ponds and blue-roofed buildings of Cerulean City.

Aerodactyl quietly descended and landed behind the Cerulean City Gym. After we got off, Brock returned Aerodactyl, thanking it for taking us to Cerulean City. Brock then quietly knocked on the back door, trying to get Misty's attention. The door suddenly opened and Misty pulled us into the Gym.

"Misty, do you really have to do that?" Brock groaned, while I rubbed my arms to numb the pain. Lightning, luckily, avoided any damage.

Misty bowed deeply and said, "Sorry, Brock and Summer. I wanted to make sure no one noticed you two. Who knows if Team Rocket is spying on us?"

"I don't think they're scrutinizing us this closely," Brock reassured. "Now, onto business. I know you occasionally train at the Seafoam Islands."

"I do," Misty acknowledged. "I've heard rumors about Articuno visiting there. This is actually good timing. I was getting ready to go on a training trip there. I'll make sure Team Rocket doesn't hurt Articuno!"

"Thanks, Misty! I appreciate it," Brock said with a smile. "Just be careful."

Misty cheerfully smiled. "You know I will."

Brock and Misty then looked at me. "Summer," he said. "You should continue on your journey. We'll let you know if something comes up."

"Are you sure?" I asked, a little left out. "I want to help with protecting the Legendary Birds."

Misty put her hands onto my shoulders and said, "Summer. I know how much you want to help. But right now, you should focus on getting the other Gym badges. You can also check in with the other Gym Leaders for any updates. If you do that, you'll be able to hold your own against Team Rocket."

I looked into Misty's green eyes and saw she spoke sincerely. I slowly nodded and said, "Okay. Once I get to Celadon City, I'll go ask the Gym Leader for any updates."

"Thanks, Summer," Misty said. Brock nodded in agreement.

I waved goodbye to the two Gym Leaders, exited the Gym through the back door, and walked on Route 9 to Rock Tunnel. After an hour of hiking, I saw the sunset and decided to set up camp in the grass. While we ate dinner, I noticed Errol was eating slower, as if he was pondering about something.

"Errol, is everything okay?"

Errol looked at me then turned away. My other Pokémon noticed this and stopped eating.

I walked over to my Normal and Flying-type Pokémon and sat on the ground. "Errol, is something wrong? You can tell us."

Errol sighed and sadly said, "Ms. Summer…I believe I should depart this team."

All of us were shocked at Errol's suggestion.

"Why would you suggest such a thing, Errol?" Flower gasped.

Errol stuttered, "I-I am not content about my last performance. My skills…are not on par with…the rest of my comrades." A tear then fell from his left eye.

I looked at my sad Pokémon and said, "Errol…I don't want you to leave."

He wistfully looked at my brown eyes and whispered, "A-are you sure, Ms. Summer?"

"Of course! You're my first Pokémon after all. I know there's potential in you, despite your past."

"How do you have knowledge about my history, Ms. Summer?!" Errol said in shock. "I never informed the others…"

I nervously laughed and said, "I'm not sure myself, but what I'm sure is that you'll become a strong Pokémon. Maybe we should focus on other aspects, like defense."

"Let me help, dudette!" Swirls enthusiastically offered. "I can help him with ripping and shooting the curl!"

Everyone paused awkwardly, unsure of what Swirls said.

Swirls was about to explain when Errol answered, "I believe these are terms for evasion and quick movement, correct, Ms. Swirls?"

The Poliwhirl slightly smiled. "Yeah, Errol. I'm surprised you understood that…"

Errol chuckled. "I believe I can interpret your language based on my Psychic abilities …It is a talent all Hoothoot have to maintain our exceptional time-keeping abilities."

I pondered at Errol's words and said, "If that's the case, Errol, why don't we focus on special attacks? I think you'll be better suited at range attacks because of your weak flying."

Errol's eyes sparkled at my suggestion. "Truly, Ms. Summer?"

"Of course! I wouldn't want you to be forced to use any moves that would be uncomfortable for you. That way, we can cover your weaknesses."

Blaze nodded. "All of us can help you, Errol. Besides…if you left…" He then paused, took a deep breath, and continued, "Despite our differences, you're my first Pokémon friend, and I would be very sad if you left…"

"Us too," Swirls, Lightning, and Flower agreed.

"E-everyone…thank you…"

We all then hugged Errol, comforting our sad companion. I knew he'll become stronger based on our new training strategy. What I didn't expect on was how much we needed his strengths in a dark place…

Pokémon: Blaze (Combusken, male): Brave Nature, moves: Quick Attack, Double Kick, Flamethrower, Focus Energy

Errol (Hoothoot, male): Rash Nature, moves: Foresight, Growl, Hypnosis, Peck

Swirls (Poliwhirl, female): Relaxed Nature, moves: Water Pulse, Hypnosis, Water Gun, Doubleslap

Lightning (Pikachu, female): Adamant Nature, moves: Thunderbolt, Quick Attack, Iron Tail, Sweet Kiss

Flower (Bulbasaur, female): Gentle Nature, moves: Tackle, Leech Seed, Vine Whip, Sleep Powder

Questions for the Chapter:

Is Misty right about Summer continuing her journey despite the threat of Team Rocket?

What do you think of Summer changing Errol's battling strategy?