Summer visited her mentor, Professor Birch, at his lab and helped him for the last time as a junior research assistant. She also encountered a fearful Treecko who was abandoned by her Trainer. When a storm passed by, Summer saved the Treecko from being struck by lightning. Not only did this act of bravery impress the Grass type, it also gained Summer a new ally: Olive. Summer's vacation is slowly coming to an end as the Hoenn League approaches. Her last activity is the New Trainer Festival where she runs into a familiar person and battles a top-level Trainer. Who are these people, and will Summer be able to defeat her opponent?
Chapter 4- The Sharp-Bladed Camellia
In an empty white space, Weldon cowered in front of a circle of taunting male teenagers.
"He couldn't even make it into the Top 8? How pathetic…"
"I knew it! He's just a one-hit wonder!"
"He'll never be as good as Stanley or Camilla."
Weldon couldn't take it anymore as tears began to stream down his face. "Stop! Just leave me alone!"
A deep man's voice sneered, "Oh, Leland. They never will."
Afraid to see who it was, the teenager slightly opened his left eye. Once he saw the man's muscles and bald head, he knew exactly who it was.
"LEAVE ME ALONE!"
A woman's voice rang out, "Weldon! Weldon!"
Weldon opened his eyes, his vision returning to reality. He was in his room back home in Pallet Town. The sun was peeking out, slowly illuminating the heavy oak furniture and battle posters on his light blue wall. He blearily looked at the person who woke him up, his mother, Camilla.
"Thank Arceus!" she exclaimed, clutching her heart. "I was so worried!"
Her son sat up and wiped away the tears on his red T-shirt. "I didn't mean to disturb your packing, Mom."
"No, you didn't. Rhoda's finishing up." She adjusted her dress and sat next to him, her face filled with concern. "Are you...ready to talk?"
He sighed and looked at his bookshelf across the room. "Not really."
Camilla put her right arm over his shoulder. "Weldon. It's been about three weeks since you came home and isolated yourself from the rest of the world. I'm sure everyone's moved on."
Clenching his left fist, he retorted, "Then why does the press keep bothering me?! I already declared a hiatus; there's no need to harass me anymore!"
Camilla brushed her hair behind her left ear. "I know, Weldon. Maybe you just need a change of scenery. You can just travel without the need to do the league challenges."
He stood up and groaned, "It doesn't matter! I'm just going to get tormented and laughed at no matter where I go." As he stared at an Indigo League poster by the door, he muttered, "It's better for me to stay here."
His mom crossed her arms. There has to be some way to help him recover… Then it hit her. "Why don't you come with me?"
Weldon leaned against the wall by the window and crossed his arms. "No way. That region's too humid."
"That adds to its charm and diversity. Besides, the people there aren't as battle-focused. You won't be as criticized there."
Weldon looked at Camilla, then stared at the rising sun. "I'll think about it."
A few days after helping Professor Birch, Lightning and I walked over to Oldale Town as the sun rose over the trees.
As I tied my hair back and adjusted my new green outdoor backpack, Lightning wiped some sweat off her forehead. "Man, Summer. How did you get used to this?"
"I guess I just lived in this humidity for so long, it's become normal."
The Raichu frowned. "That doesn't help me at all."
"You know, there are wild Pikachu in Hoenn. Maybe they can give you some tips."
"And where are they, exactly?"
I nervously chuckled. "Umm...not around here."
"Great… And why did we leave so early? The festival doesn't start for another few hours."
I smiled. "I guess I wanted to see the vendors come in. They enter Oldale Town through the bay then head to Littleroot Town. Professor Birch and I used to go there to help them."
"So, it's just to reminisce?"
"Basically. And to register for the Hoenn League. Today is the first day for registration."
"Oh yeah!" This revitalized her. "I can't wait! We'll definitely win it all this time!"
I laughed. "What makes you say that?"
"Well, we've all been through plenty of battles now, with the exception of Olive. But once she gets over her timidity, we'll be unstoppable!"
I rubbed her head. "We'll see."
We entered the town and saw numerous cars and Pokémon lined by the entrance. People were shuttling goods from their boats or flying Pokémon onto their terrestrial transports, such as wagons, trucks, and Tauros. It was strange not being part of this managed chaos, but just watching them brought back those fond memories.
Navigating carefully around the vendors, we finally made it to the Pokémon Center. But when I opened the door, someone slammed into me. We both fell backwards, and I rubbed my forehead.
"Summer!" Lightning gasped. "Are you okay?"
I looked at her with a grimace. "I'm fine." I got up and said, "Are you-" I gasped myself when I noticed who it was. "W-W-Weldon?"
My first rival, still on his behind, was dressed in a white dress shirt, brown cargo shorts, and white tennis shoes. His dark green newsboy cap was strewn on the tiled floor, revealing his messy black hair and a silver chain tied around his neck. When he saw me, his gray eyes widened with fear.
"S-Summer!" he screamed, his voice slightly deeper. "Wh-What are you doing here?!"
"Um...I live near here, remember?"
He took a few deep breaths. "Right...I forgot about that." He immediately stood up and straightened his clothes. "Well it was nice seeing you again, but I really have to get going."
I felt a sharp pain in my heart. I said, "Weldon, is everything okay? I heard you're on hiatus."
He bit his lip. "I'm just fine. Just fine. Don't worry about me, Summer."
I clenched my left wrist. That's...not like him at all… "Weldon…"
But he ran towards the docks and disappeared amongst the crowd.
Lightning cocked her head. "What was that about?"
I sighed. "I...really don't know."
A woman slightly taller than me then exited the building. She was in her mid-thirties with long brown hair tied in a thick braid, sharp green eyes, and fair skin. Her long apple green dress with swirls of blue and silver paired well with the green and red camellia pin fastened over her left ear. A small gold decorative pin was fastened over her left breast.
"Now where did he go?" she wondered aloud. Her voice was calm and gentle, yet I somehow felt a strong aura within her. Then she noticed me. "Oh, excuse me. Have you seen my son? He's just about your age."
I thought for a bit and replied. "Are you talking about Weldon?"
"Oh, yes! So you know him?"
I awkwardly chuckled. "In a way. He's my first rival after all."
Her eyes sparkled. "So you're Summer Scorcher! I thought so since I recognized your Raichu, but I wanted to make sure. My name's Camilla."
"Nice to meet you, Mrs. Leland."
She playfully waved her hand. "No need to be formal around me, Summer. Call me Camilla." After we shook hands, she continued, "Weldon speaks of you very fondly."
"Really?"
She giggled. "I shouldn't have said that in front of you. Anyway, I guess he headed to the docks to unload Snaps. Say, why don't you come help us?"
"Are you sure? I don't want to intrude."
"Of course not! We do have a lot of things, and Snaps needs to make several trips back to Pallet Town."
Remembering his fearful reaction to me, I replied, "Thanks for the offer, but I don't think I should. I'm not trying to be rude; it's just, Weldon seems like he doesn't want to see me. I don't want to make him more uncomfortable."
Weldon's mom scrutinized me, as if she somewhat expected that response. "All right, I understand where you're coming from, Summer. But in return, I'd like you to come to our booth by the temporary battlefield near the lab."
I was a little suspicious, but I could feel no malice in her words. "Okay, I will. Is there a time I should come?"
"About 1 is fine."
"Okay. I'll see you both at 1."
She beamed. "Terrific! I'm looking forward to it. Enjoy the festival, Summer."
After she left, I was still curious about her motives. But that was pushed back when I remembered what I was doing in the first place. I went into the building, registered for the league, and got the Trainer registration package. This included my updated Trainer ID card, a Hoenn Gym Badge case, and, intriguingly, a pamphlet about a person doing something called a "Nuzlocke Challenge." Seeing that I still had some time before the festival started, I gave my Poké Balls to the young nurse Toki, whom I remembered was in training before I left Hoenn, sat down to read it.
Hm… So there's a teenager attempting to do this "Nuzlocke Challenge". And there's a picture of him. He looks like some kind of weird delinquent. This sounds pretty hard, catching so few Pokémon and not being able to use them after they faint. I don't think I can ever do that. Huh, looks like there are some instructions on if you encounter him. 'If you choose to battle him and you lose, you must pay him a quarter of the money you currently have. If he has an item called an Amulet Coin on a Pokémon he sends into battle, the payment doubles. This will be reimbursed by the Pokémon League Association.' That's...somewhat reassuring. Besides I'm not going to battle him anyway; I don't want to make him lose any of his Pokémon. I hope I get to meet him though.
Kazan's voice suddenly echoed, Summer...
I closed my eyes and entered the empty realm within my mind. There, the ancient Entei was waiting for me.
"You felt it again, did you not?" he inquired.
I rubbed my chest. "Yeah, but it wasn't as bad as last month. Why was I feeling that kind of sharp pain?"
Kazan said, "Those strong feelings are tied to something called 'depression'. Rage, sadness, anxiety. Those are the common signs, but no one always displays those emotions easily. In order to progress with life, they hide them from the world. The longer the containment, the more extreme, and in some cases, violent outbursts."
I rubbed my right arm. "Depression, huh? I guess I can understand that..."
The Volcano Pokémon nodded. "You have experienced a form of that, as what Kitakaze told me."
I raised an eyebrow. "She did? I don't remember seeing her back then."
"That is not of importance now."
"But what can I do to help Weldon? I'm still grasping the sensation of feeling emotions, let alone helping someone overcome the negative ones."
Kazan stepped closer. "Just be his friend, Summer. Help him overcome that fear and sadness. Maybe invite him on your journey."
"But would he even consider it?"
"He will if you tell him."
I stroked my chin. "I'll think about it. Thanks, Kazan."
We bowed to each other. "My pleasure, Summer."
A woman's gentle voice interrupted my thoughts. "Thank you for the produce, Alberto."
I whipped my head around and saw my uncle with the short black-haired nurse and her Chansey, who was carrying a large wooden box of Berries and Moomoo Milk bottles to the cafeteria area.
He touched his hat lightly. "My pleasure, Nurse Toki." He then turned around and saw me. "Summer! I didn't expect to see you here."
I gave him a nervous smile. "Hi, Uncle Alberto. I just registered for the league. Are you doing the produce run today?"
He grinned. "Actually, it's my day off. I'm just delivering these items to Nurse Toki since it's on my way."
"Oh? Where are you going to?"
"The Hoenn New Trainer Festival, of course."
I was shocked. "But you've never gone to any!"
He laughed. "We used to sell food there before the farm got too busy. Today, I'm visiting as a favor to a friend."
"Wow, how am I still learning more about you, Uncle Alberto?"
He replied with a wink. "I still have plenty of secrets, Summer."
Chansey returned with a white tray carrying my Poké Balls. "Here are your Pokémon, Summer."
"Oh, thanks, Chansey." After I attached my balls and let out Lightning, I asked, "Do you want to go there together, Uncle Alberto."
"Great idea."
We waved goodbye to Nurse Toki and ventured south to Littleroot Town. After the quick walk, we were welcomed with the sight of the vendors and their goods, along with the smells of roasted and steamed foods. Trainers old and young moved about the white tents, as the other visitors focused on the merchandise and food stalls.
"All right," Uncle Alberto said. "I'm going to take a look around. Hope you enjoy the festival, Summer."
"Thanks, Uncle Alberto."
After exchanging goodbyes, Lightning and I waited as he walked into the crowd. The festive atmosphere and the excitement from the people reminded me of the festival in Kanto.
That does bring back memories. And when I think about it, that was when I met Weldon too. I really hope I can convince him to travel with me.
"Summer?" Lightning pulled on my capris. "Everything okay?"
"Oh yeah. It's just, this festival brings back memories. Anyway, what do you want to do first?"
"Food, of course!"
I laughed. "All right. I see the first few stands are selling croquettes, beef bowls, and fruit kabobs."
She jumped with joy. "What are you waiting for? Let's go!"
A few hours later…
After Lightning and I enjoyed our lunch, we walked around the essential merchandise booths. People were selling upgraded portable Berry growing pods, Pokémon food makers that were able to make twice as much food compared to the previous models, and freezable towels that keeps you cool for four hours at a time. After much decision, I bought the newer Berry growing pod that could hold seven Berry trees at once and a silver Pokémon food maker. Since I grew up here, I didn't need the towel, no matter how much Lightning kept begging me for one. Once everything was safely stowed in my backpack, I checked my Pokégear.
"It's almost one. We should go to Camilla's booth."
The Raichu nodded. "That's near the lab, right?"
"Right. Come on."
We zigzagged through the crowds towards Professor Birch's lab. When we got there, small groups of new Trainers were clustered by the pasture's entrance. They were either waiting to get their starter Pokémon or they already got them. Seeing their bright and ecstatic faces brought me back to when I chose Blaze as my first Pokémon. It was wonderful experiencing that rush of happiness again vicariously.
"Oh, there you are, Summer!" Camilla greeted. "Come on over!"
We walked under the foldable tent. Seeing she was suddenly occupied by a male Trainer, I scanned the table covered with beginner battle guides and type matchup charts. There were also blue pens neatly contained in a tall square container. I picked up one of the pens and saw the engraving, "Leland Family Battling Foundation." I put it in my backpack just as she turned to me.
"Sorry about that."
I smiled. "No problem. Sorry we're late."
"Oh don't worry! It's been pretty busy today, so time does tend to go faster. It's my break time now, so we won't have any interruptions."
I looked around the vendor area. "Where's Weldon?"
She replied, "He took his lunch break earlier; he worked pretty hard today. I'm just glad he's actually outside."
My eyes widened. "What do you mean?"
After offering me the foldable chair next to her, she sat down and sighed. "I don't know if I should tell you this, but he hasn't left our house ever since the end of the Silver League. He's also been having frequent nightmares; I'm worried that if he continues that lifestyle, his mental health will deteriorate."
I bit my lip. It's just like what Kazan said. "I noticed that too when I saw him a month ago. Camilla...do you know what's wrong with him?"
She crossed her arms. "I have an idea, but I don't want you to get involved. It's not only a long and overly complicated story, it also has dangerous consequences. I know you're a strong Trainer, Summer, but you don't have the strength to handle some of the top battling family members just yet." Then she slyly smiled. "But that's why I asked you here."
I leaned back. "What do you mean?"
"At around 1:30, I'm going to be giving a battle demonstration. And, I want you to be the Trainer I'm battling against."
"Is she for real?!" Lightning shouted.
"I guess she is."
Camilla was a little confused, but when she saw my left ear, she chuckled. "So, what do you say, Summer? It's just going to be a one-on-one battle."
"Well, I guess that's okay."
"Great! I'll get something quick to eat, then I'll meet you at the battlefield." She then strode over to the food stalls.
Lightning looked at me, worried. "Are you sure about this, Summer?"
I brushed a strand of hair behind my right ear. "You mean battling a top Trainer? I don't seem to have much of a choice. But if it'll help Weldon..."
She smirked. "So it IS about him!"
I blushed and lightly pushed her. "Come on, Lightning, you know it's not about that."
"Sure it isn't."
I ignored her remark and looked at my Pokégear. "Let's head over to the battlefield."
"I'm right behind you!"
We ducked out of the tent and saw a large grassy battlefield west of the pasture. The trees swaying with the summer breeze created a wavy shadow creeping over the terrain. Waiting for us was Camilla, who was just finishing her Chansey egg salad sandwich. A small crowd of new and experienced Trainers gathered around us, barricaded by a white line border a foot from the battlefield. I looked at the spectators and saw not only Professor Birch but also Uncle Alberto.
Once she saw no one else was coming, Camilla shouted, "Hi, everyone, and thanks for going to our battle demonstration today. Is everyone ready for an awesome battle?" A rousing cheer echoed around us. "All right then! If you haven't met me yet, my name is Camilla Leland, also known as the Sharp-Bladed Camellia. I'm a six-time regional winner, CEO of the Leland Family Battling Foundation, and a proud mother to two young Trainers. My opponent for this year's demonstration is none other than Summer Scorcher, a two-time Top 8 Trainer from right here in Littleroot Town!"
I expected a small round of applause, but the crowd gave a big cheer. My face flushed. I guess my reputation does precede me now…
I then noticed Weldon walking over. Instead of showing interest, he was shocked. Camilla noticed this as well, but she just smiled at her son. This forced him to watch the impending match in silence.
"Now then!" the older Trainer exclaimed. "This will be a one-on-one battle featuring some Pokémon from the Hoenn Region."
I froze. Guess she made my choice for me.
Camilla continued as she threw a Poké Ball into the air. "Come on out, Rhoda!"
A large green bipedal Pokémon with a long neck, sharp claws and feet, yellow eyes, and a dark green tail shaped as a palm tree stood in front of me. Her lower jaw and stomach were striped with red, and I could make out six yellow circular seeds on her back. Nested on her left head crest was a large pink camellia; the yellow stamens fastened a small light green orb streaked with pink and dark green in place. Although I didn't know what it was, it felt familiar to me.
[Sceptile, the Forest Pokémon and the evolved form of Grovyle. In the jungle, its power is without equal. This Pokémon carefully grows trees and plants. It regulates its body temperature by basking in sunlight.]
When I noticed the clapping fading, I quickly detached my Poké Ball. "Go, Blaze!"
My Blaziken emerged and received another round of applause. The fully evolved Pokémon exchanged competitive smirks.
"You ready, Blaze?"
He glanced back and nodded. We both took deep breaths and made fighting poses. This excited our opponent.
"Summer, since you're the guest, you have the first move."
I confidently smiled. "Thanks, Camilla. Blaze, use Flamethrower!"
He exhaled a stream of fire, drawing oohs from the crowd.
Camilla smirked. "Rhoda, Dragon Pulse!"
The Sceptile glowed light green as she formed a similarly colored orb in her hands. She thrust it forward into the fire, splitting the attack in two. The Flamethrower then continued past both Rhoda and her Trainer.
That's a really good defense. She really is one of the best Trainers around.
Camilla waved her left arm forward. "Fury Cutter!"
Rhoda's right claws glowed light green, and she charged at her opponent. Blaze and I easily blocked the attack as it drew close to his left side. But both she and her Trainer smirked.
"Fury Cutter again!"
The Sceptile raised her left arm, claws unfurled.
"Blaze, Blaze Kick!"
We lifted our right legs and thrust a forward kick onto her chest. The Grass type slid back, rubbing the wound. The crowd clapped appreciatively, but I knew I still had to be careful.
"Nice counter, Summer," Camilla complimented. "You definitely have the battle basics down. But let's see how you handle this. Leaf Blade!"
A large curved leaf extruded from Rhoda's right arm and glowed light green.
"Blaze, counter with Fire Punch!"
He nodded, and his hands burst into flames. The fully evolved starter Pokémon engaged in a close range battle, attacking and defending strategically. I tried to keep up with Blaze's movements, but he was much faster than me.
Camilla seemed to notice our lack of coordination and shouted, "Rhoda, Dragon Pulse!"
The Forest Pokémon ducked under a fiery left hook and threw the light green orb at Blaze's chest. Blaze slid back, wincing in pain.
Taking advantage of the temporary immobilization, the older Trainer shouted, "Fury Cutter!"
Rhoda leapt at the Blaze Pokémon with a set of gleaming green claws. Blaze and I tried to block them, but she was able to hit him with her better reflexes. With each swipe, Blaze's expression grew more pained.
I gritted my teeth. This is bad! That Fury Cutter's getting stronger! I need to do something!
Seeing she did enough damage, Rhoda retreated to her side of the field. The Blaziken struggled to keep standing. I hesitated to issue a command, but Blaze glanced back with determination in his eyes.
"You're not giving up, are you, Blaze?"
"No. Are you?"
"I don't want you to keep getting hurt like this…" I took a deep breath. "But if you want to keep going, I won't stop you."
He smirked. "Don't worry about mimicking me. Just tell me what to do."
"Everything all right, Summer?" Camilla asked.
I replied with a smile. "We're fine. Just doing some preparation, that's all."
She chuckled. "That's what I like to hear. Now then, let's see what you two got!"
"Blaze, Flamethrower!"
"Rhoda, block with Dragon Pulse!"
The light green orb sliced through the stream of fire, but this time, Blaze shifted his weight to his right leg.
"Blaze, throw the Dragon Pulse back with Blaze Kick!"
With his right leg bursting into flames, the Blaze Pokémon kicked the Dragon type move back at its owner.
Camilla was undaunted. "Slice the Dragon Pulse with Leaf Blade!"
The blade on Rhoda's right arm extended, and it neutralized the attack. However, this left her open as Blaze charged within striking range.
I shouted, "Sky Uppercut!"
He bent his knees and charged his right fist.
Camilla was slightly startled, but commanded, "Dodge, Rhoda!"
I held my breath as Blaze swung his fist upward and Rhoda moved her head back. It looked like he made contact, but when the Sceptile showed no expression of pain, my heart dropped. The crowd was entranced by the display of power and skill.
Camilla, however, smirked. "I think this is enough of a demonstration."
Some of the young Trainers were disappointed. A boy in a red cap asked, "You're not going to show off your Mega Evolution, Mrs. Camilla?"
Mega Evolution? Then, the stone in Rhoda's flower accessory jogged my memory. She knows how to use Mega Evolution?!
The woman shook her head. "It wouldn't be fair to Summer. After all, her Blaziken can't Mega Evolve just yet. But don't worry; I'm planning to do some training against other Mega Evolution users in the future."
"Really? Will you let us know when that happens?"
She beamed. "Of course." Then she faced the rest of the audience. "Thank you so much for seeing this year's battle demonstration. I hope you enjoy the rest of the festival and the next part of your new journeys!"
The crowd applauded then slowly dissipated. Only Weldon, Uncle Alberto, and Professor Birch remained.
My mentor approached me first. "That was an excellent battle, Summer! You did really well against someone like Camilla."
"I-I did?"
My uncle nodded.
Camilla pointed to her Sceptile's wobbly legs. "That Sky Uppercut may have missed, but its power definitely made its mark on Rhoda."
Rhoda smirked and praised in a raspy voice, "Not bad, kid."
Blaze softly smiled. "Thanks, I think?"
I laughed. "You did really well, Blaze." Then my smile vanished. "But I wish I could've kept up with you. Like what happened in the Silver League..."
Blaze was a little disheartened. "Summer..."
"That's an easy fix," Uncle Alberto said with a reassuring smile. "You just need to keep training with him."
Training with him...just like our time with Bruno. "That makes sense." I turned to my starter. "Will you teach me, Blaze?"
He was startled. "Really? It'll be tough teaching you everything I learned from Master Kiyo."
"Yes. If we both want to get stronger, we need to be synchronized and push each other to greater heights." I held out my right hand. "What do you say, Blaze?"
He looked at my unwavering expression, then my hand. He extended his arm and shook it. "All right, but you can't rush the training. It'll take time."
I chuckled. "I won't."
"And I'll join in too!" Lightning exclaimed. "I can't let you two have all the fun!"
Blaze teased, "Then you really have to keep up, Lightning."
"I'll show you, Blaze! Just you watch!"
I put my hands on my waist. "All right, you two. Let's enjoy the rest of the festival."
Professor Birch said, "Yes, there's still a few hours left. And I still have a few more new Trainers waiting for their starters. See you next time, Summer!" We exchanged goodbyes, and he headed back into the lab.
I turned to my uncle. "Do you want to join us, Uncle Alberto?"
To my surprise, he shook his head again. "Sorry, Summer. I need to catch up with an old friend." He glanced at Camilla talking to her son, and I realized who it was.
"Okay. Bye, Uncle Alberto."
Camilla heard my words and quickly walked towards me. "Summer, if you don't mind, can you help me and Weldon pack after the festival's over?"
Her son blushed. "Mom...you don't have to. I can handle it."
She exhaled slightly. "We're going to get a large amount of produce from Alberto, so having an extra set of hands will definitely."
Weldon sighed. "If you insist…"
My heart hurt. "Sure, I don't mind helping. I'll come when the festival's over."
Camilla nodded. "See you then."
Blaze, Lightning, and I then enjoyed the rest of the festival, looking at new Poké Dolls and eating Moomoo Milk ice cream.
A few hours later…
I pulled a large red wagon loaded with blue plastic containers as Weldon followed behind, pulling a similar wagon with green plastic containers. Lightning was ahead, checking for potential hazards.
I wanted to talk to him about so many things, but his silence made it difficult. I took a deep breath and asked, "How's your break going, Weldon?"
"Oh, just fine. You?"
"Fine. Just catching up with family and Professor Birch."
"That's good."
There was an awkward pause.
Let's try something else. "I saw that you'll be going on hiatus?"
He hesitated. "It made the news here?"
"Yeah...but no one's really talking about it."
"Huh."
Then more silence.
I flattened my lips. Wow, he really doesn't want to talk…
"Is there a reason why you're trying to make conversation, Summer? Not that I don't appreciate it."
He caught on quick. I brushed a stray strand of hair behind my left ear. "I...I'm just...worried about you, Weldon. You haven't been the same since Ecruteak City."
His tone deepened. "Oh, and how have I changed?"
I was hesitant to respond, but I knew I had to. "Y-You're...cold...and distant. You've been avoiding me, our friends, and your mentors."
He groaned. "You talked to him, didn't you?"
I turned around and saw his face darken. I answered nervously, "You mean...Red?"
He tugged his wagon past me, as if he didn't want me to see his anger. "How much did he tell you?"
"Just the basics about your family and the Alarics."
He slammed the handle onto the grass. "I can't believe he'd do that!"
"Why?"
He took several deep breaths. "Because...I don't want you to get involved… You're not strong enough...and neither am I..."
The intense pain returned. I inhaled deeply. Come on, Summer...you have to ask him now… Before it's too late.
He looked at his Pokégear. "It's getting late. We should get to the dock."
"O-Okay."
We entered Oldale Town, and Weldon took out a Great Ball.
"Come on out, Snapdragon."
It was a large blue dragon-like Pokémon with sharp teeth and claws, red curved wings, and a long blue tail. Three long sets of gray scales protected his underside, and three flat fins spread out from his pointed head. A thick iron collar covered his neck, securing a clear stone with streaks of red, blue, and pink.
[Salamence, the Dragon Pokémon and the evolved form of Shelgon. After many long years, its cellular structure underwent a sudden mutation to grow wings. When angered, it loses all thought and rampages out of control.]
Wow, that's another strong looking Pokémon. I guess he can Mega Evolve too.
Lightning and I helped Weldon and his Venusaur load the containers onto Snaps' back. Once they were tied securely around the Dragon type's body, Weldon sat on the base of his neck.
As they were about to take off, I shouted, "Wait, Weldon!"
"Hm...what?"
I looked at my rival intently. "Do you want to travel with me?"
"Travel with you? Why?"
"Well. You're on hiatus, and you don't want any attention. Traveling in the Hoenn Region will help you get stronger without the press tailing you."
He scoffed, "Hoenn doesn't specialize in battles like Kanto or Johto. It won't help me."
I persisted. "Sure, Hoenn may not be as competitive as the other regions, but its power comes from the bonds between nature, Pokémon, and people. Think of it like a well-needed vacation."
He glanced away. "It sounds enticing, but I don't have time for a vacation."
Weldon tapped Snaps' neck lightly, and the Salamence grudgingly flapped his wings.
I gritted my teeth. Come on, Summer! You can stop him! Wait... "Then why don't you train me?"
The Dragon type landed. Weldon was wary. "What?"
"I know one of the best ways to learn is to teach others what you know. If you really think I'm not ready, then teach me to be ready. And in return, I'll be your guide around the region. What do you say?"
He saw my determination and exhaled sharply. "I'll...think about it."
I smiled. "Thanks, Weldon. I hope you have a safe journey back home."
With a soft grin, he replied, "Thanks, Summer."
The next day...
My family walked with me to the Oldale Town Pokémon Center. My blue and orange tie-dyed shirt, khaki capris, weatherproof socks and brown hiking shoes better reflected the wild and weather-changing conditions of the region. Raymond and Teddy frolicked with Lightning as I talked to my parents.
"I see," my mom said. "So you're hoping Weldon is going to join you?"
"Yeah, that's my plan." I replied as I tied my hair into a ponytail. "I told him I'll be waiting for him at the Pokémon Center at 9. I haven't heard a response yet. But if he does come, are you two fine with that?"
"Of course."
My dad, on the other hand, was anxious. "How well do you know this boy, Summer?"
I mused, "I know most of the basic things about him. Why?"
He looked at me intently. "You're getting older now, and you'll start to feel things you never felt before. I know you've matured a lot from your travels, but you're still young. Just be careful with people's true intentions, okay?"
I pondered his words. I didn't understand the meaning of them at the time, but I replied, "I will, Dad."
Once we arrived at the red roofed building, Lightning returned to my side.
I turned to my family with a soft grin. "Thanks for walking me here."
"Of course, Summer," my mom said. "Stay safe and have fun."
I hugged her, then my dad. The embrace wasn't as painful as the one three years ago, but it still hurt.
"Take care, Summer," he said as we parted.
I stared into his moist eyes and responded, "I will."
Then, I knelt down to Raymond's level. He clutched Teddy's right paw. "Are you...going, Sum-Sum?"
I ruffled his black hair. "I am, but I'll be around the region. We can always chat on videophone, and you have Teddy to play with."
He sniffled. "I-I'll miss you, Sum-Sum..."
The toddler ran into my arms, and we hugged. "I'll miss you too, Raymond." I looked at the Teddiursa and nodded.
The Little Bear Pokémon saluted. "Don't worry, Summer! I'll protect him."
"Thank you." I let go and stood up. My Pokémon and I waved goodbye as they continued north to see Uncle Alberto and Auntie Marisol.
I walked into the Pokémon Center and saw Nurse Toki and Chansey rearranging brochures on the reception desk. After giving her my Poké Balls, I sat on a couch facing the television. Although they were showing my favorite Pokémon cooking show, Best Bites with Allen Gray, I couldn't focus.
I really hope Weldon comes... Kazan better be right about this approach...
Time passed, and after an hour, he didn't show up yet. I bit my lip. It's 10... I guess he's not coming after all.
Then the door opened, and my heart skipped a beat.
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:
What do you think of Weldon's mom, Camilla?
What did you think of Summer and Camilla's mock battle?
Will Weldon join Summer?
