After capturing William, the Cobalion, Boe continued his journey toward Undella Town. The seaside path along Route 13 was peaceful, with the gentle crash of waves accompanying Boe's thoughts as he walked. A cool ocean breeze brushed against his face as he approached the town, known for its scenic beauty and calm, rippling waters.
Undella Town was bustling with life when Boe arrived. The town, a summer retreat, was filled with vacationers lounging on the beach, swimming in the clear blue waters, and exploring the luxurious seaside villas that dotted the shore. The warmth of the late afternoon sun mixed with the joyful laughter of families and friends on holiday. Despite the vibrant energy of the town, Boe didn't feel the need to stay long.
That evening, Boe and his Pokémon found a quiet stretch of beach away from the crowd. The sun had set, and the night air was cool, with stars beginning to twinkle in the clear sky. Boe sat in the soft sand, watching the gentle waves lap against the shore. His Pokémon, including William, played and relaxed nearby. Olive and Selen rested near the water's edge, while Arick buried himself in the sand further up. Cupid and Gwen were mesmerized by the flickering lights of Lanturns in the distant water.
William stood a bit farther away, regal and composed, quietly watching over the group with a protective air.
Boe smiled, grateful for the peaceful moment before the challenges ahead. As he leaned against a large rock, he reflected on how much he and his team had grown. There was still much to come, but moments like these made the journey feel all the more worthwhile.
By morning, Boe knew it was time to move on. The beachgoers were slowly returning for another day of relaxation, but Boe and his team packed up and prepared to leave the town behind. There was no reason to linger, as his destination lay further down the coast.
The next day, Boe continued his journey along Undella Bay. The route was serene and picturesque, with the sun casting a warm, golden light over the sparkling waters. The sound of the waves brushing against the shore provided a soothing rhythm as Boe walked along the sandy path. A gentle ocean breeze swept through, carrying the fresh scent of salt and sea. Wingull and Pelipper circled high above, their calls blending with the calm atmosphere.
The path was quiet, offering a sense of tranquility as Boe's Pokémon walked alongside him. Olive slithered by his side, while Gwen scuttled ahead to inspect patches of grass growing on rocky outcrops. William, ever composed, maintained a steady pace behind, exuding both a regal and protective presence.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting shades of pink and orange across the sky, Boe reached the entrance to Seaside Cave. The cave, carved into the cliffside, was a safe haven from the cool night breeze. Its wide entrance and soft sand underfoot made for a welcoming campsite, and the distant sound of water echoed soothingly within the cave's depths.
Boe set up camp for the night in a flat area inside the cave, laying out his sleeping bag and lighting a small fire. The flames cast flickering shadows on the cave walls, creating a cozy atmosphere. His Pokémon settled around him—Gwen and Cupid perched on a rock near the fire, while Olive, Selen, and Arick found comfortable spots nearby.
As Boe finished setting up, he heard soft footsteps approaching the cave entrance. He looked up to see a woman walking toward him, her vibrant, bold outfit full of playful patterns, her hair styled brightly to match her energetic appearance. Her eyes sparkled with warmth and excitement.
"Hey, Boe!" she called out cheerfully. "Long time no see!"
Boe blinked in surprise before a smile spread across his face. "Lydia? I almost didn't recognize you!"
Lydia laughed and stepped closer to the fire. "Yep, it's me! We met back in Virbank, remember? Looks like we've both been busy."
Boe nodded, memories of their first encounter flooding back. They had met in Virbank City when Boe had just started his journey, bonding over their shared goals. "Yeah, I remember now! Feels like ages ago."
They sat down by the fire, catching up on everything that had happened since their last meeting. Boe shared stories of the gym battles, mysterious encounters, and the capture of William. Lydia listened intently, her eyes wide with surprise.
"I can't believe all that's happened!" Lydia exclaimed. "And here I was thinking I had some wild adventures."
Boe smiled. "What about you? What have you been up to?"
Lydia shared her own stories of battles and challenges, her enthusiasm infectious as they laughed and traded tales by the fire. As the night deepened, they realized they were both down to their last gym badge—and both headed to the same place.
"We should finish our journeys together," Lydia suggested, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "There's strength in numbers, and it sounds like you've had quite the adventure."
Boe nodded, pleased by the idea. "I'd like that. It'll be nice to have a friend for the rest of the way."
They settled in for the night, the sound of the ocean just outside the cave lulling them to sleep.
The next morning, Boe and Lydia woke to the soft light of dawn filtering into the cave. After packing up their camp, they set off toward Humilau City. Boe felt a renewed sense of energy, now with Lydia by his side.
As they stepped onto Route 21, the landscape shifted dramatically. Nestled between a small archipelago, the route was a series of rocky paths interspersed with pools of shimmering water. Jagged rocks jutted out of the sea, making swimming nearly impossible, while narrow strips of solid ground provided just enough space to traverse on foot.
The sky above was clear, and the sun gleamed off the water's surface, creating a magical sparkling effect. The pair had to walk close together as the path was narrow, requiring careful steps.
At one point, Lydia lost her footing, her arm flailing as she began to tip toward the water. "Whoa—!" she gasped, her eyes wide.
Boe reacted instantly, grabbing her arm and pulling her back. Lydia stumbled but caught her balance, breathing a shaky sigh of relief.
"Thanks, Boe," she said, her cheeks slightly flushed. "That could've been bad."
Boe smiled, steadying her. "No problem. Glad I was quick enough."
The two exchanged a grin, and from then on, Lydia was more cautious with her steps. The rest of the route remained challenging but beautiful, with hardy plants clinging to the cliffs and Luvdisc and Frillish occasionally spotted in the clear waters below.
Despite the difficult terrain, the peace of the ocean breeze and the rhythmic sound of the waves made the journey pleasant. As they neared the end of the route, the rocky landscape began to level out, revealing the bright, colorful sight of Humilau City. Nestled against the sparkling blue waters, the city looked like a tropical paradise with its wooden platforms and beachside buildings.
"Looks like we made it," Lydia said, her voice filled with excitement.
Boe nodded, smiling. "Yeah, and it looks like it's going to be a nice place to relax before our next challenge."