Chapter 13: Onwards to Route 2
After the intensity of their encounter in the Slumbering Weald, the trio's spirits had lightened considerably. Hop, ever energetic, was now running ahead, waving as he called back, "Come on, you lot! Don't lag behind, slowpokes! I'll wait for you near Route 2!"
Gloria rolled her eyes with a smirk. "He's got enough energy tae power a whole city."
Tom laughed, sharing her amusement. "Yeah, sometimes I wonder if he ever runs out of it."
They continued walking at a leisurely pace, the afternoon sun dappling through the leaves as they made their way out of Postwick. Their conversation was light, filled with jokes and stories of their first Pokémon battles. Tom felt the tension of the morning slip away, replaced by a comforting sense of companionship.
When they reached the edge of Postwick, Hop was already bouncing on his heels. His eyes shone with excitement as he launched into a speech. "Alright, now that we're here, I have to say—proper rivals take the Gym Challenge seriously. And to do that, we need endorsements. My brother, the Champion, says I'm not ready, but I'll show him! I reckon we should go and ask Professor Magnolia for hers. She knows all about us trainers and our Pokémon!"
Before anyone could respond, Hop dashed off toward the high grass just as he had in their last adventure. Tom exchanged a glance with Gloria, who chuckled and shook her head.
"C'mon, let's not make him wait too long," Tom said, an amused grin playing at his lips.
By the time they caught up, Hop was already talking about catching more Pokémon to build out his team. He spun around to face them but was interrupted as a familiar voice called out from the path ahead.
"Now, now, let's not get ahead of ourselves, Hop," Leon said, striding toward them with his usual confident gait. His cape fluttered in the breeze, emblazoned with the logos of his sponsors. "Before you go catching everything that moves, it's important to remember a few things about type matchups and strategy."
With a quick motion, Leon released a Rookidee from its Pokéball. The tiny, steel-blue bird flapped its wings and chirped determinedly as Leon gestured to a nearby wild Wooloo grazing near the grass. "Watch closely, everyone. This is how a Champion catches Pokémon."
Leon and his Rookidee demonstrated with practiced precision, showing the trio how to weaken the Wooloo with light, strategic moves before throwing a Pokéball. The ball rocked a few times before clicking shut, and Leon scooped it up with a smile.
"Remember, a good trainer thinks ahead," Leon said as he handed each of them a set of 20 Pokéballs. "Use these well and train your teams diligently. Experience is what makes your Pokémon grow strong."
Tom's mind raced as Leon dashed off, calling back that he'd see them soon. Hop, full of enthusiasm, clutched his Pokéballs and ran off into the grass with a whoop, eager to test his luck. Tom turned to Gloria. "Want to go together and see what we can find?"
Gloria shook her head, a spark of independence in her eyes. "Thanks, but I'd like tae try my luck alone this time. I'll catch up at Professor Magnolia's."
"Alright," Tom said, nodding in understanding. "Good luck, and don't let Hop steal all the good catches."
With a shared laugh, they parted ways. Tom walked down the path, releasing his Galarian Zigzagoon and Rookidee to stretch their legs. The cool breeze rustled through the tall grass, and the trio walked in a companionable silence until Zigzagoon's ears perked up. The black-and-white Pokémon darted into a dense bush and emerged with a struggling, injured Rookidee in its jaws.
Tom's eyes widened. "Oh no. Easy, Zigzagoon," he said softly as he crouched to examine the bird. The Rookidee's wing was bent at an unnatural angle, and it chirped weakly. "This isn't good. I need to get you to the Pokémon Center fast."
He gently placed the Rookidee in an empty Pokéball, allowing him to transport it safely. In a flash of blue light, Tom teleported himself and his Pokémon back to the Postwick Pokémon Center. Nurse Joy and her Chansey quickly went to work, healing the Rookidee with expert care. Within half an hour, it was back on its feet, chirping happily.
"Thank you, Nurse Joy," Tom said, relief washing over him. The nurse nodded with a smile as Tom walked out, releasing the Rookidee. It fluttered around him before landing on his arm, giving him an affectionate nuzzle.
"Looks like you want to stay with me," Tom said, a smile breaking across his face. With a nod of agreement, he formally caught the Rookidee before teleporting back to the path where he had found it.
Tom arrived just in time to see the tail end of a battle between Gloria and Hop. Sobble's watery gaze was locked on Hop's Rookidee, and with a decisive cry, it launched a final Water Gun. The attack hit true, and Hop's Rookidee faltered before fainting. Hop's shoulders slumped, but a smile still played on his lips.
"Nice one, Gloria!" he said, recalling his Rookidee.
Leon, who had returned to watch the sparring match, stepped forward, beaming. "You two did well. That's the kind of spirit I want to see in trainers." He reached into his pocket and pulled out two folded letters. "For your efforts, here are your letters of endorsement."
Gloria and Hop's faces lit up as they accepted the letters. Tom watched, a small pang of worry settling in his chest. He stepped forward, catching Leon's attention. "Leon, I know I wasn't part of this match, but I'd really like a chance to earn an endorsement too."
Leon's eyes studied Tom, and for a moment, the Champion's confident smile faltered. His gaze drifted to the Pokéball on Tom's belt that held Lycanroc. There's something about that kid's Pokémon… Leon thought, feeling an inexplicable tension coil in his gut. It's strong. Too strong for someone his age. And the way it looks at others—it's not just power. It's awareness.
"Alright, Tom," Leon said, his voice steadying. "Show me your Lycanroc."
Tom released Lycanroc, and the Midnight Form Pokémon stood tall, its red eyes gleaming with intelligence and restrained power. Leon's Charizard shifted uncomfortably, sensing the formidable aura.
This isn't just a well-trained Pokémon, Leon's thoughts cautioned. This is the partner of someone who truly grasps the power and responsibility they wield.
With a nod, Leon handed Tom a letter. "I'm convinced. You've got what it takes to start this journey."
Tom accepted it, heart thumping with excitement and determination. This was only the beginning.