'I don't have a crush on Tony!' Mari exclaimed.

We were at a small, quaint Pokemon friendly café near the edge of Oldale Town. It was nice to finally not have ramen, which was frustratingly one of the few constant options to choose from during mealtimes at the Pokemon Center. We decided to stay in Oldale town for the full week we were entitled, making use of the Pokemon Center's training grounds and its proximity to Route 101 whenever we needed open space. We also got to battle trainers coming from Littleroot, earning some more cash for us to buy supplies. Staying in town have its perks too – I could reinstate morning runs. Besides, if Lexy got injured (usually by pissing off Pokemon whenever he tries to 'fly'), the Pokemon Center was just there. And I don't have to worry about finding water. Last night was our last night at the Pokemon Center. We had stocked up on supplies and were ready to traverse Route 102. But first things first, lunch.

'Uh huh, sure.' I picked up a Tauros cube drenched in mentaiko sauce. 'Then explain why you asked him to join us in travelling.'

'I..' Mari's face turn a shade of pink. 'I just didn't want him to travel with Axel! He's too nice to be travelling with him.'

I rolled my eyes. But Mari was right, Tony's personality was the complete opposite of Axel's. Thank Arceus though, that Axel wanted to travel fast and Tony went with him, politely declining Mari's offer. I wasn't opposed to Tony traveling with us but ugh… Axel.

Our conversation trailed off when I saw one claw trying to sneak a piece of Tauros cube and I promptly stole it back (Lexy was getting spoilt with the food in this town). After many bickering (Jupiter wanted more cherries), Mari and I set off on Route 102, where I met my second Pokemon and the person who changed my life (she will insist it's for the better but honestly I can't tell).

The first exciting thing of Route 102 actually happened that very night. Mari and I already had the campfire set up. I was preparing the Taillows Lexy caught and shouting at Lexy not to play with fire when he picked up an unlit stick, almost toppling the entire campfire. I was ready to smack him on his head when he opened his mouth and blew a short stream of fire, lighting up the stick. I was so excited and ecstatic I gave him an extra Taillow and half a chocolate bar.

We added controlling Ember to our training routine then. Thankfully, he could use Ember at will, which was much better than Twister, though that was improving. One exercise I had him do was to use ember at maximum power for as long as he can, then a minute break before going again, much like interval trainings. I was sorely missing the Pokedoll provided at the Pokemon Center. It was much easier to have an actual target. Instead, I had to use random tree branches to practice. He was very good at controlling his Ember though, which astonished me. On the third night, he managed to grill Zigzagoons to perfection. Figures, given his love for food.

On our fourth day into Route 102, I was having a pre-dinner training near where we have settled for camp. Lexy was jumping from leaping from branch to branch (I swear he is more Mankey than dinosaur), spewing out embers at the branches I marked in quick succession. Suddenly, Lexy stopped his Ember prematurely and started growling at the trees. I was all tensed up, but contrary to Lexy's words, I did not scream and jump in fright when a green and pale creature suddenly appeared in front of me, its red horn way too close to my face.

'Human' A childlike, ethereal voice sounded in my head, not unlike a horror movie. I could see Lexy baring its fangs in warning, but I held my hand up. I was not sure what attacks the Ralts knew. Any attacks he unleashed could easily be deflected onto me due to the creature's proximity to me. 'Call off your lizard.'

'Lexy, don't attack,' It had been my plan anyway but the Ralt's tone unnerved me. Lexy reluctant back off but I could tell he was not happy at being called a lizard.

'I only wish to talk.' The Ralts did back away from me a bit, giving me room to breathe (more easily). 'I have been watching you.' I raised my brow at that 'I meant your daily sessions with this lizard. I wish to do the same with you.'

'You mean you want to train with me?' I was caught totally off guard.

'Yes Human.' Its withering tone implied that it was totally unimpressed with my IQ. 'My brother and I made a pact. We would go our separate ways and meet again in 12 moons. It has been almost 6 moons and I have not found a suitable Human who could help me reach my full potential. But I have seen you train with your lizard. I wish to test you.'

'Now?' My mind was admittedly not at its best. I blame it on my hunger.

'Yes.' It was the only warning it gave before turning towards Lexy. I assumed it fired off an attack as Lexy leapt sideways and gave a growl. The attack was not visible, but the effects were clearly seen. Leaves and stick flew up from the ground where Lexy was standing on and rebounded onto the tree behind with a large enough force that some of the twigs snapped. I cursed inwardly. It was a mental attack, a strong one if the physical effects were so evident. I guessed that was Confusion, as it did not seem likely Ralts would learn Psychic. It was extremely strong for Confusion though.

'Bite' I ordered Lexy. 'Don't let Confusion hit you, or you might get Confused.'

That sentence actually confused me, but Lexy shot towards the Ralts. His speed has improved by leaps and bounds but right as he was about to sink his fangs into it with a Bite, the Ralts flickered and disappeared. It reappeared a second later, behind another tree. I cursed as I back up. Of course, it knew teleport. Most Psychics do. Not to mention, it was extremely annoying to have Teleport used a battle in a dense thicket.

'Lexy, three trees to your right.' I called out.

Infuriatingly, it Teleported away right before Lexy could Bite it. It happened a few times, until the Ralts went on the offense. It Teleported a few times, each time appearing behind a tree and firing a quick Confusion which Lexy managed to doge. Barely, by the judge of the dents in the soil. I don't know how Lexy manage to see the Confusion coming, as I certainly couldn't. Maybe Pokemon's eyes were different from human eyes. But even with amazing eyes, there was no way for both Lexy and I to pinpoint where the Ralts was. It was definitely smart enough to use its surroundings to its advantage. Right as that thought came to me, an idea hit me.

'Lexy, fly.' Lexy looked at me, an incredulous expression on his face.

I look pointedly at the branches above us. He looked back at me. Our staring contest was broken when a Confusion attack flew pass Lexy with the rustling of the leaves. He gave another growl while scampering up the tree. By a stroke of luck, the Ralts appeared within my vision, not too far away.

'The tree on your diagonal right!' Lexy spotted the Ralts the same time I did.

Ralts fired off a few Confusions in Lexy's direction as he navigated the branches. In choosing to attack, it thankfully stayed at the spot while Lexy made its way to it. I had gambled on the fact that it could not resist an easy target (A dinosaur climbing trees? Seriously? If I never saw Lexy climbed before I would not have believed it either.) and that it was confident of its Teleporting abilities. Lexy leapt off the tree in the direction of the Ralts, which teleported away. True to his many previous attempts, he strayed off course. With another stroke of luck, or maybe it's the Fates by now, Ralts teleported underneath his just before he landed. Thankfully, Lexy only snagged the wispy extension of the Ralt's gown. I don't know if he would have crushed and killed it like he did with the Taillow. I doubt so though, as his jumped off a much lower branch this time. However, it would have been disastrous if he had landed on its sensitive red horn, which would severely handicap the Ralts' psychic powers permanently. Clearly, I did not think that through. But on the other hand, I had also fully expected Lexy to take a few tries before getting the Ralts. But as it is, I took what I can get.

'Bite!' As Lexy's enormous mouth was about to reach Ralts, it Teleported away.

'Enough.' Ralts commanded. I held up my hand, palm facing out, indicating to Lexy to stop. Ralts glided towards me, with Lexy sniffing suspiciously behind 'You have proven yourself. I would like to join your team. I will help you and your team, if you help me reach my potential. That is, if you would have me?'

A touch of uncertainty bridged her last words. But I had no qualms with having a Ralts on my team. It has already proven itself to be extremely powerful and I definitely could use a psychic. But it was not only my call. I looked to Lexy 'What say you little guy?'

'If Trainer wants. It is strong. Protect Trainer is good. Mushroom does not taste nice anyway.' Lexy sniffed delicately.

'I am not a mushroom!' Ralts looked affronted.

'Well I guess we have a few details to work out, but welcome to the team. My name is Cara, the Bagon's name is Lexy. You are?' I don't know what prompt me to ask that but it never really occurred to me before. I guessed Pokemon have their own name as well, before being nicknamed by us.

'My given name cannot be pronounced in Human tongue. For the sake of convenience, you may give me a new name.' Ralts replied.

I mulled about for a while. It actually too way longer than expected, probably because Lexy kept giving suggestions like 'Mushroom!' 'Chocolate!' 'Cap!'. Ok the last suggestion was my fault. I was lamenting to Mari a few days ago that I would really love a cap. Hoenn was way too sunny. Besides, it will keep the branches and leaves out of my face when we travel through forests. Lexy had asked me what a cap was and I showed him a picture of one. He was now a big fan of caps and had been badgering me to get him one (I said no). Lexy tapped my arm, bringing my attention to my Pokedex. I had transferred all my files from my phone into the Pokedex when I first got it because the Pokedex can function as a phone anyway. He now pointed excitedly at the wallpaper that his name originated from.

'I do not wish to be called Star.' Ralts crossed its arm while Lexy gave a look of disappointment.

'Yes Lexy let's not have a space themed team.' I muttered. But his suggestion gave me an idea. Don't ask me why but my brain jumped from galaxy to ethereal. I looked up ethereal names on the Internet, a tribute to her ethereal voice. 'What do you feel about Estelle?'

The Ralts considered it for a moment, before nodding its head.

'Welcome to the team, Estelle,' I smiled, offering a Pokeball to Ralts.

It tapped the button in the center and was transformed into a flash of red energy. The Pokeball in my hands let out a soft ding. I let Estelle out as I consulted my Pokedex with her information. Thank Arceus it was a female. Though she agreed to the name, I was not sure if Pokemons had the concept of feminine and masculine names, with Lexy being fine with his name. But it would have been really awkward to call a male Ralts Estelle. It really was not my thinking day. I know at this point you are doubting me but let me assure you, these are very, very rare moments of my stupidity.

When we arrived back at the camp, with Lexy bounding ahead and Estelle trailing behind, we found that Mari caught a new Pokemon too. Lexy seemed perplexed by this new addition.

'Is that mushroom? For soup?' He asked innocently.

'No that's a lily pad.' I explained to him patiently. I wondered if I was this annoying when I was a toddler. 'Actually I think you can add lily pads in soup too but that's not the point. It's Mari's new teammate and it's going to be travelling with us now.'

'Oh, but sheep is eating lily pad.' Lexy pointed out.

Mari pulled Jupiter off the Lotad with a long suffering sigh. I raised my eyebrow.

'Ju hasn't stop trying to eat him since I caught him about an hour ago,' Mari explained. 'It was an accident really. I wasn't even looking for a second Pokemon yet. But I could use a Ludicolo I guess. Haven't named him yet though.'

It wasn't easy to get everyone settled down for dinner. Estelle kept demanding to know all about Mari's Pokemons. Lexy was excited at having a new travel buddy. Jupiter wouldn't stop chewing on the Lotad's leaves. I finally got Lexy to go hunting. I tried to involve Estelle in hunting but apparently Estelle 's Confusion attack was not strong enough to break the Pokemon's necks. She had been collecting berries ever since she left her family. I sent her to do just that while I come up with ways she could catch her own food.

Mari and I exchanged stories over dinner of fried potatoes (almost the last of our fresh goods from Oldale Town) and Taillows. Apparently Jupiter was frustrated at getting his wool snagged in the bushes and tree trunk, and training at our camp was out of the question as Mari did not want to get our food supplies all overcooked to crispy bits. They trekked a short distance away where they came across a clearing with a lake (which would explain all the mosquitoes we have been getting. Sadly, repels only work on Pokemons, not those thirsty bloodsuckers). Jupiter was not happy training beside a lake, which must be due to his wool or something. But it was either that or the trees, so Jupiter sucked it up and started his drills. During one of his sprints, Jupiter stepped on a stray Lotad and plummet into the lake, face first. After much panic and splashing, Mari pulled Jupiter ('who weight a ton!') out of the lake. Really, it wasn't Lotad's fault but he apologized anyway but Jupiter was spitting mad. He challenged Lotad to a battle and without waiting for its response, let out a powerful Thunderbolt that shocked basically the entire lake full of Pokemon. Of course, once the Pokemons recovered, they went after Jupiter. Poor Lotad was trampled in their thirst for vengeance. Mari scooped the Lotad up and ran into the woods after Jupiter. Thankfully, the lake Pokemon seem unwilling to follow them. Lotad, on the other hand, followed Mari even after she put it down and shooed it back to the lake. Needless to say, we will not be returning to the lake anytime soon, which was a shame, I was thinking about teaching Lexy how to swim.

'What are you going to name it, Mari?' I inquired.

'I don't know yet. The Pokedex said he's a boy, level 12. I'll start thinking about boy names I guess?' Mari mused.

'Yeah that's smart,' I commented. 'Don't be like me with Lexy.' And Estelle, I added under my breath.

'Hey shall we have a battle tomorrow?' Mari asked as she tried to pull Jupiter, who had finished his berries, off Lotad. Guess Jupiter was still mad about the dip in the lake.

'Yes, great idea,' Mari and I hadn't had a battle since Oldale Town. With us approaching our first gym at Petalburg, it was probably a good idea to start implementing battles, just so our Pokemon can get used to them.