After returning to Littleroot Town, Summer and her Pokémon helped her uncle, Alberto, accomplish an exhaustive order for the Velasquez Homestead. However, they were plagued with incidents caused by the people who made that order to bankrupt the farm. With Flower and Rocky's help, Summer was able to stop the saboteur after he started a fire. Seeing how much her Ivysaur loved working on the farm more than battling, Summer decided to let Flower stay with her relatives. Sometime later, Summer visits Professor Birch at his lab. She finally decides to tell him about her future endeavors, but runs into a very timid Pokémon. Who is this Pokémon, and how will Professor Birch take the news?

Chapter 3- A New Branch

A week after leaving Flower with my aunt and uncle, I sat on my bed, reading a small booklet.

"Hey, Summer!" Lightning called by my door. "It's time for dinner."

I looked up. "Thanks, Lightning. I'll be down soon."

She walked up and jumped next to me. "What're you reading?"

"About texting."

She cocked her head. "Tex-ting? What's that?"

I stroked my chin. "It's kind of like talking on your Pokégear, but with words."

"I'm...still a little confused."

I giggled. "Here, let me show you." She leaned closer, and I showed her a blank white screen. "See? I'm about to text Yuki." I typed up a simple message, {Hi, Yuki! I finally set up the texting app.} and pressed "Send".

My words popped onto the conversation window in a simple round callout box, and a few seconds later, my friend replied, {Hi, Summer! It's good to hear from you! I hope your break's going well.}

The Electric type was astonished. "That was fast! Is that the power of science?"

I chuckled. "I guess you can say that. Anyway, it's also a great way to talk to multiple people at the same time. I was going to see if I can meet up with some of my friends in the Hoenn Region once we start traveling again."

"Like who?"

"Summer!" my mom called from the bottom of the stairs. "You're food's getting cold!"

My stomach growled. "I'll tell you later, Lightning. Come on, let's eat! Mom made her tofu beef stew!"

We ran down the stairs and enjoyed a delicious home cooked meal.

A few hours later…

I lay on my bed as Lightning snoozed on the floor. My talk about texting must've tired her out. With my Pokégear in my hands, I set up two group text conversations. The first group was for my two oldest friends, Clara Wen and Tawny Choi. We spent so much time together in Trainer School and after school classes, people thought we were sisters. I really wanted to get in touch with them and see if they began their careers into art and teaching, respectively. The second group was for two of my other friends, Suzy Zhu and Tomoko Lin. I spent time with them when I didn't hang out with Clara or Tawny, but we still had fun all the same. The last I remembered, Suzy was also going into teaching and Tomoko into medicine. I looked at my pale ceiling and smiled fondly.

Suddenly, my Pokégear rang. It was Professor Birch. I answered, "Hello?"

{Ah, Summer! Sorry for the late phone call.}

"Oh, that's okay, Professor. What is it?"

{Well, I was wondering if you can help me prepare the starters for a potential new Trainer. He's going to come in a couple of days, and I want to make these three Pokémon are in perfect shape.}

"Sure, I can come over. What time?"

{Around 9 is fine. Feel free to bring the rest of your Pokémon too. I'm sure they'll enjoy the pasture.}

"Thanks, Professor Birch. See you tomorrow."

{Good night, Summer.}

After I hung up, I placed my device onto my chest and sighed. I looked at the Pokédex on my dresser, lying in between the two complete Gym Badge sets. I guess I have to tell him then...

The next day…

Lightning and I walked over to Professor Birch's lab. Although I was excited to see my mentor again, I was worried about how to approach my resignation.

The Raichu saw my expression and reassured, "It'll be fine, Summer. I'm sure Professor Birch will understand."

I sighed. "I know...but I don't want to seem like I'm quitting."

"But you're not really quitting. You're just pursuing a different path, that's all."

I smirked. "Since when did you get so philosophical?"

She blushed. "I did learn from the best. I guess I still miss Flower."

I gave a reminiscent smile. "Me too. But I know she's happier at the farm."

When we entered through the double doors, we gazed upon a frantic Professor Birch running after the three Hoenn starters: Treecko, Torchic, and Mudkip. "Come on, you three! It's time for your grooming session!"

Ziggy, the professor's Zigzagoon, tried to corner them by the bookshelves, but they leapt over him and ran towards me. I caught the Torchic and Mudkip while Lightning laughed as the Treecko crawled onto her head.

"Oh, thank goodness!" the professor exclaimed. "Good thing you made it on time, Summer."

I chuckled. "Glad I could help."

"NO!" the young Pokémon screamed. "We don't want a bath!"

I whispered, "Don't worry, it won't take long."

This slightly appeased them, and they allowed their caretaker to hold them.

Professor Birch said, "Now then, Summer. Why don't you get the scale ready while I give them their baths? I want to make sure these three are in perfect health for the Trainer coming next week. I already got the other starters ready for the New Trainer Festival coming up soon."

"Sure, Professor. The scale's still in the laboratory area, right?"

He chuckled. "Your memory's still sharp!"

I returned the laugh. "That's one of the few things you keep in the same place! Come on, Lightning."

We entered a wooden door at back of the lab. Inside contained a large white room with steel benches, chemistry equipment, birch cabinets, and intricate machinery. As I walked through a row of benches, I couldn't help but feel like I was being watched. Lightning's ears perked up as the cabinet door closest to us slowly creaked open. A pair of large yellow eyes peered out.

Startled, Lightning shouted, "It's a monster!"

A high-pitched female voice answered, "M-Monster? Wh-Where?!" A Treecko, larger than the one we met earlier, darted out of the dark enclosure and onto one of the generators.

"You okay, Lightning?"

The starter Pokémon shuttered at the word.

It was a little strange, but I reassured my Pokémon, "It's just another Treecko."

The Raichu clutched her chest. "You gave me a heart attack!"

The Grass type cowered behind the machine. "I...I'm sorry… I thought...no one would be here today…"

The generator shook slightly from a burst in electricity. Once the Wood Gecko Pokémon saw a spark in the turbine, she bolted out of the room.

Lightning scratched her head. "That was...weird…"

I stroked my chin. "You can say that again."

Ziggy poked his head inside. "Summer, is everything okay?"

"Yeah, Ziggy. A Treecko startled us earlier."

The Zigzagoon entered with a worried look. "Sorry, Summer. I guess Professor Birch didn't tell you about that Treecko. She's...a little shy."

I softly smiled. "I gathered that. But I was more concerned with her reaction to electricity. She shuddered when I talked to Lightning and fled when that generator emitted some sparks."

The Tiny Raccoon Pokémon mused, "So that's what happened. I don't know why, but she's afraid of electricity. Lightning, in particular."

When she heard the mention of her name, Lightning's ear drooped. "So...would she also be scared of me?"

I chuckled and petted her head. "Don't worry about that, Lightning. It's just a word; your name reflects your kind and optimistic personality, not just your type."

"That's a relief. Thanks, Summer." A cheered up Lightning noticed a large metallic scale at the back of the room. "Is that the scale, Summer?"

I nodded. "Good eye." I picked up the measuring tool, and we returned to the main lab room.

The young starters, now clean, were anxious about the next task. Professor Birch struggled to keep the Mudkip and Treecko on the table while the Torchic just quivered.

When he saw us with the scale, he said in between pauses, "Just...leave it…on the...distribution...table…"

Once I did that, the professor placed the rambunctious Treecko onto the scale. The Mudkip was about to run off until Lightning and Ziggy cornered him.

I picked up a nearby clipboard with a pen tied to it and wrote down the weight spoken to me. We continued with the Torchic, and finally the Mudkip.

"Whew!" the professor exclaimed, wiping his brow. "This group of Pokémon's been wearing me out the most! That teenage Trainer coming in better be prepared." Once he recovered, he announced, "All right. It's time for your daily exercise. Everyone, outside!"

"YAY!" The starters burst out of the stuffy building and into the hot pasture.

When the rest of us exited, a slightly warm breeze cooled our skin. I let out the rest of my team, and they spent some time with the young Pokémon. Professor Birch and I unfolded two wooden chairs and sat next to each other.

I took a deep breath. Is it finally time to tell him?

"So, are you planning to do the Hoenn League, Summer?"

Startled, I gave a hasty response. "Y-Yeah, that's my plan now."

He leaned back. "It's been such a long time since I went on my journey. Did you experience anything interesting?"

"Well, if you mean becoming a Legend Guardian, then yeah, I guess that's interesting."

Professor Birch laughed. "I guess so!"

I raised an eyebrow. "You don't seem surprised to hear that. How did you know, Professor?"

"Well, your uncle told me when he visited the Kimono Girls in Ecruteak City a few months ago."

I was surprised. "Really? He didn't tell me that."

"Oh? I guess that's still a personal matter to him. Please don't tell him I told you this."

"I won't. But...I do wonder. I noticed Uncle Alberto has a Jellicent, which is found in the Unova Region. Since you're one of his closest friends, you must know where he and my mom came from right?"

Professor Birch sweated more than usual and brushed his hair back. "Summer… I-"

The faint sound of thunder interrupted our conversation. We looked up and saw the sky darkening and showering us with heavy droplets.

"Everyone, inside!" the professor yelled.

I returned my Pokémon, and the rest of us scrambled into the shelter of the lab. The professor and I fastened all the windows while Lightning and Ziggy tried to ease the young starters. Once we returned, he and Ziggy did a final check of the equipment.

"Wh-What's happening?" the Torchic stuttered.

I sat down and placed him on my lap. "It's just a passing thunderstorm. They're somewhat common during this time of year. You'll be safe inside the lab."

The Treecko glanced around the room. "Hey, where is she?"

"Who's 'she'?"

"That scared Treecko, of course!" the Mudkip declared. "She's usually in here, cowering behind the desk or in the bookshelves."

"Mudkip!" his Grass type friend scolded. "That's rude!"

"Whatever," the Water type scoffed. "You know it's true."

I began to worry and turned to the doors leading to the pasture. Did she go outside without us knowing?

Professor Birch and Ziggy ran over, panting. "Summer!" the former exclaimed. "You haven't seen the older Treecko, have you?"

I shook my head. "They told me they don't see her around."

"Oh, no…"

He opened the sliding doors, allowing a burst of wind to enter. The gust rattled the furniture and scattered loose items around. As he struggled to close them, Lightning and I helped with the doors while the starters cowered around the courageous Zigzagoon.

Then, I noticed something light green clutching onto a tree by the edge of the pasture. "That's her!" I shouted. I let go of the door. "Professor, I'm going to get her!"

"No!" he shouted as a flash of lightning pierced the clouds. After another clap of thunder, he explained. "It's too dangerous out there, Summer! We should wait out the storm."

I gritted my teeth. "Professor, I know that's the safest thing to do, but that Treecko's scared of electricity. I have the right Pokémon to help me with this. Please, Professor…"

He saw the determination in my eyes and smiled. "You really have grown a lot. All right, be careful."

"Thank you. Lightning, stay inside."

"Right."

He let me out before securing the doors. The rain pelted my clothes, but I was undaunted.

"Rocky, Errol! I need your help!"

The Steelix and Noctowl reemerged.

I commanded, "Rocky, I know you don't like the rain, but can you protect us from the lightning?"

He nodded. "Of course, Summer."

Due to his height, another lightning bolt fell and coursed harmlessly through his body.

"All right, come on!"

The three of us charged into the storm, trying our hardest to make it to the forest. Thanks to Rocky's immunity, we were able to avoid five lightning strikes. After what seemed like hours, we made it to the edge of the pasture. The Treecko grasped onto the trunk with all the energy she had.

"Treecko!" I yelled through a clap of thunder. "We're here! Come down, and we'll bring you inside!"

"N-No…" she muttered. "I-I have to stay out here…"

"But why?"

Rocky protected us from a lightning bolt, causing the Grass type to close her eyes. I felt a strong sense of pain and regret emanating from her.

I tried to remain calm. "Please, Treecko. We can discuss this inside the lab."

"NO!" she screamed, just as more thunder rolled through. "I...I need to stay out here!"

A lightning bolt struck a tree a few miles away, causing it to catch fire. The rain extinguished the flames, but several stray embers hit Treecko. She winced in pain and struggled to remain on the tree.

This is bad… I have to get to her before it's too late.

I glanced at the Flying type. "Errol, cover me."

"Yes, Ms. Summer!"

I climbed over the fence and scaled the tree. The wind blew fiercely, but I refused to be tossed aside. With a loud grunt, I heaved up to where the injured Treecko was and pried her off of the trunk.

"Don't worry," I whispered. "I got you."

Suddenly, the hair on the back of my neck stood up. A sense of dread washed over me. I have to get off this tree now!

"Errol, Confusion!" I yelled as I leaped from the tree.

He surrounded me with blue energy and was able to guide us towards the ground. However, the lightning bolt still descended towards us. I curled into a ball and placed Treecko under me. I expected an electrical surge, but I didn't feel anything. I looked up and saw Rocky towering over us, absorbing another blow.

I smiled. "Thanks, Rocky." I looked down and saw Treecko amazed by the Steelix's strength.

When I got up, the rain stopped, and the dark clouds slowly dissipated.

Thank goodness that thunderstorm wasn't too long. "Are you okay, Treecko?"

Rocky leaned down. "You took quite a beating from that burning tree."

She rubbed her side and replied, "I-I'm fine… Th-Thank you…"

She hung onto my arm as Professor Birch ran towards us.

"Summer!" he cried. "Thank Arceus you're safe."

"Well, it was all thanks to Rocky and Errol." I handed him the Treecko, who was breathing heavily.

He cradled her and looked at me. "I have some medicine in the lab. Can you whip up a health-boosting snack for her?"

"Sure thing, Professor."

I returned my Pokémon, and we went back inside. I went into the kitchen while the professor went to the distribution table.

As I rummaged through the refrigerator, Lightning asked, "Are you okay, Summer? You're still dripping wet."

I gave her a soft smile. "The clothes will dry off quickly. As for the shoes...well...those and the socks are not exactly water resistant. But I'll dry them out in the washroom. There's a small tub for washing and drying shoes and socks."

"That's good." Then she whispered, "When are you going to tell him?"

I sighed as I removed the remaining Oran and Rawst Berries. "After everything's settled. Don't worry, Lightning."

"If you say so."

I cut up the fruit and put them into a small white food dish. Then, I walked over to the weakened Pokémon and placed it in front of her.

"Here, Treecko. This will help you feel better."

She cautiously sniffed the aromatic pieces of fruit before picking up an Oran Berry slice. Once she chewed it, she happily ate the other cut Berries.

The professor's eyes grew wide. "Treecko's never taken any food from anyone besides me and Ziggy. You must've made an impression on her, Summer."

I chuckled. "I guess so. But I have to wonder why she even decided to be out in a thunderstorm anyway."

Her eagerness turned to sorrow. Professor Birch stroked her head, giving her the strength to continue eating. "Well, from what I heard from her, her former Trainer abandoned her."

Lightning and I were shocked. "What? Why?"

"She said he thought Treecko evolve into Grovyle simply from absorbing electricity. So, he kept sending her out against Electric-type Pokémon without doing any further research. Then-"

"Then a thunderstorm happened," she interjected. "He...He then thought a strong bolt of lightning would trigger the evolution. So he forced me to be constantly struck to do just that. When one bolt almost knocked me out, he just gave up and left me alone and forgotten. The last thing I remembered, I was crawling back to the professor's lab before passing out."

I clenched my fists. "Th-That's horrible… No Trainer in their right mind would put their Pokémon in that kind of danger."

My words eased her thoughts. "I-I thought that by b-being out there would help c-conquer my fears... Y-You're the first Trainer who...cared about my wellbeing… Th-Thank you…"

I grinned. "I'm just happy you're okay."

I slowly moved my hand over her head, and she allowed me to pet it. I rubbed her smooth skin, and she nudged me.

Professor Birch stroked his goatee. "You know, Summer. I think this Treecko will be a great addition to your team. She really seems to like you."

"Really? It's not rule-breaking if I get two starter Pokémon from you?"

"Of course not!" he said with a laugh. "Besides, I think you'll really unlock her true potential."

I turned to the Grass type. "Well, what do you say, Treecko? Would you like to travel with us?"

She looked intensely at my brown eyes. Then, she nodded. "Yes, I would love to join your team!"

"Awesome! But you do need a nickname…"

"Oooh, I know!" Lightning exclaimed. "What about Olive?"

"Why Olive?"

"Well, she's green...and small… But she's really great once you get to know her!"

The Wood Gecko Pokémon was astonished. "Is...Is that what you think of me?"

The Raichu rubbed the back of her head. "It...sounded better in my head."

The Treecko beamed. "I like it!"

I nodded. "All right. Olive it is then!"

Professor Birch presented me with her Poké Ball.

"Thanks, Professor."

"No, thank you. I know she'll be much happier with you."

I gave him a grateful smile. For some reason, he looked at the sky, then me pensively. "Is...everything okay, Professor?"

He hid his emotions with a grin. "Everything's fine, Summer. I'm just wondering why that thunderstorm appeared, it wasn't supposed to be raining today."

"That is strange..."

"Anyway, why don't we have lunch now? I can order some takeout."

"No need, Birch!" Uncle Alberto strode in with a large brown paper bag and large crate filled with produce and bottles of fresh Moomoo Milks. Flower followed him close behind with a large basket of Berries.

"Uncle Alberto! Flower!" I cried. "What're you doing here?"

The Ivysaur beamed. "We saw a storm pass over the lab, and we were worried."

"And," my uncle added. "I know Birch tends to forget to restock food when he's preparing new starters."

Professor Birch sheepishly replied, "Well those youngsters do occupy most of my time…"

"Come on, Birch. You've been doing this for more than twenty years. You'd think you'd learn by now."

"Very well."

We helped the guests put away the gifts, then prepared food for the Pokémon. Remembering everything I learned from my mentor and my travels, the Pokémon kibble I made had beautiful flecks of blue and yellow. The starter Pokémon, Lightning, and Olive eagerly gobbled the food.

Professor Birch then led me to the eating table near the kitchen, where a bento box of grilled vegetables, fresh flour tortillas, spiced rice, and refried beans awaited me. As we ate the delicious food, I kept avoiding the professor's attention.

My uncle noticed this. "Everything okay, Summer?"

"Yeah, it's just…"

"You had something to tell me, Summer?" the professor guessed.

I took a deep breath. "Professor Birch. I really enjoyed my time as your junior research assistant. But...I want to keep traveling without having to worry about doing research all the time. I just want to focus on my journey as a Trainer. But, I'm happy to do any temporary research tasks for you or the other professors."

Instead of being upset, he smiled. "Summer, thank you for telling me this. I had a feeling that you'd come to this decision. Though, to be honest, I didn't want it to happen. But seeing you help Olive like that, you've become more determined and independent. You've been a top-notch assistant, and you're always welcome to help me in my lab if you have the time."

I sniffled. "Th-Thanks, Professor."

We gave each other a tight embrace, and I felt the weight of the confession melt away.

"I guess I need a new assistant, then," Professor Birch teased. "Lucky that my niece came back from private school for the summer."

"Jade? I haven't seen her in such a long time."

He laughed. "She's been studying in Lilycove City for quite some time. She's also planning to be a researcher. It'll be good for her to have some field experience. Hopefully you'll see her on your travels."

Before I could respond, my Pokégear vibrated. I was startled until I realized my news app would alert me of Pokémon competition reports. I took out my device and could hardly believe what it said.

"It...It can't be…"

"Summer?" my uncle asked.

I stood up and walked over to the black television by a bookshelf. I turned it on and changed the channel to the Hoenn News Network. The anchor, a blonde-haired, blue-eyed woman in a light blue dress, appeared onscreen, as well as a picture of Weldon.

{In the first breaking news update, Weldon Leland has announced that he will be on hiatus from Pokémon competitions starting today. As such, he will not participate in the upcoming 2007 Hoenn League. Weldon Leland is the youngest member of the famed Leland battling family, and his recent appearance in the Silver League made him the first member in years to come in the Top 32. It is unknown if he will return to competitions in the future.}

I was stunned. Was this why Weldon was so conflicted?

As she continued to talk about him, Uncle Alberto frowned. "That's a serious decision to make at his age."

"What do you mean?"

"When a Trainer goes on hiatus, it's a probable sign that they'll retire. It's easier to return from hiatus compared to returning from retirement, due to the heightened scrutiny from the PLA."

"Uncle Alberto, I never knew you know so much about competitive Trainers."

He forced a smile. "Well, you do learn a lot from watching battles and the battling educational videos."

I winced slightly. There it is again…

Professor Birch crossed his arms. "That's a shame. I was hoping to meet him. After all, I gave his parents, James and Camilla, their starter Pokémon back when I was under the tutelage of the previous professor."

"Really? I didn't know that, Professor."

He gave a nostalgic look. "Yeah, after they got their Pokémon, they had quite an adventurous start to their journeys, that's for sure. Anyway, I do hope Weldon does recover. I can't imagine what someone like him is going through."

Suddenly, another breaking news bulletin flashed on the television. {This just in,} the anchor said. A picture of Red appeared in the inset. {The Pokémon League Association has announced that the Kanto Champion, Red, will be vacating his position. As such, after the 2007 Indigo League, a tournament will be held amongst regional winners, Kanto Gym Leaders, and Kanto Elite Four members who wish to participate to determine the new Kanto Champion. Red has not given any reason for his departure, but we will provide updates as more information is uncovered.}

Uncle Alberto frowned. "That's surprising. I thought he'll be Champion for much longer than that."

"Yeah...it really is... Has this happened before?"

"Not in a long time."

First Weldon, and now Red? What is going on?

Professor Birch looked at the clock above his desk. "Look at the time. We should get back to preparing the lab for the New Trainer Festival. Summer, can you still help out?"

"Of course, Professor."

Uncle Alberto stood up. "Then Flower and I should head back."

I said, "Thanks for bringing lunch, Uncle Alberto. Tell Auntie Marisol. I said hi."

He nodded. "Of course."

A few hours later...

The sun was beginning to set over the pasture as Professor Birch and I finished cataloguing the starter Pokémon for the New Trainer Festival. It was quite chaotic dealing with fifty of each starter, but it was more manageable with Lightning, Olive, and Ziggy's help.

The professor wiped his brow. "Whew! I think that's the last task for today."

I took off my visor and did the same. "I still can't believe we did this year's cataloguing in two hours!"

He laughed. "That's because we had more help this time."

I looked at our exhausted Pokémon and nodded. "Everyone did a great job today. Why don't I get everyone some water?"

"Sounds good, Summer. Let's head on inside."

We made our way back into the air conditioned building. Lightning and Olive helped me get the water pitcher, four glasses, and one plastic dish. The Treecko seems less nervous around the Raichu, but she still avoided touching her. I placed the items onto the distribution table and poured the refreshing liquid into the containers. I handed my Pokémon their glasses, but when I looked up, I noticed Professor Birch and Ziggy were gone.

"Professor?" I shouted.

His voice echoed from his study upstairs. "Hold on, Summer! We're coming!"

Loud footsteps and the pitter patter of Ziggy's feet echoed on the steps. When they appeared, my mentor was holding a white lab coat in his arms. He unfolded it, showing my name embroidered in black over the left chest pocket.

"Ziggy and I want to thank you for all the hard work you've done here and with Professor Oak's translation app research. You've been a wonderful junior assistant, and I hope your journey as a Trainer flourishes."

I gasped. "Pr-Professor... Thank you so much!"

I allowed him to put the coat on me. It was bittersweet, wearing a lab coat for the first and maybe last time.

"You look so professional, Summer!" Lightning exclaimed.

Olive nodded. "S-So cool..."

I laughed. "Thanks, you too." I looked at the clock. "We should head back home. It's almost dinnertime."

Professor Birch held back tears. "I'll miss you, Summer."

We embraced tightly. "Bye, Professor Birch," I whispered.

Summer's Pokémon:

Blaze (Blaziken, male): Brave Nature, Blaze Ability, moves: Fire Punch, Flamethrower, Blaze Kick, Sky Uppercut

Errol (Noctowl, male): Rash Nature, Keen Eye Ability, moves: Psychic, Confusion, Hypnosis, Air Slash

Aurora (Dewgong, female): Calm Nature, Thick Fat Ability, moves: Water Pulse, Ice Beam, Aqua Tail, Aqua Ring

Lightning (Raichu, female): Adamant Nature, Static Ability, moves: Thunderbolt, Quick Attack, Iron Tail, Thunder Punch

Rocky (Steelix, male): Lonely Nature, Rock Head Ability, moves: Stone Edge, Crunch, Dragonbreath, Iron Tail

Olive (Treecko, female): Timid Nature, Overgrow Ability, moves: Pound, Growl, Absorb

Questions for the Chapter:

Did Summer make the right decision in vacating her role as junior research assistant?

What do you think of Olive?

Who is the Trainer that will be choosing from the starter Pokémon?

What do you think about Weldon's hiatus and Red's abdication?