Summer began her journey around the Hoenn Region with Weldon as her new traveling partner and coach. After a tense encounter with the first official Nuzlocke Trainer, the two ventured to Petalburg City for their first training session. Their training, however, was interrupted by a stranger threatening an old man, Mr. Briney, in Petalburg Woods. Weldon struggled to maintain his emotions, but he and Summer were able save the retired sailor and his beloved Peeko. With their training complete for the time being, the two have disagreements on their training schedules and outlook on their roles as Trainers. But as night falls during their travel through Petalburg Woods, would the two settle their differences?

Chapter 6- A Starlit Discussion

After a good night's rest, I finished getting ready for the day. Lightning and I left our room at the Petalburg City Pokémon Center to enjoy breakfast in the cafeteria. After scanning the food options, I selected scrambled Chansey eggs, blueberry pancakes, and plain porridge, while Lightning got some homemade Pokémon food with Cheri Berries. We found a table near the east windows and enjoyed a peaceful breakfast.

Halfway through, I looked at my Pokégear. "Hm. It's almost 8:30. I wonder where Weldon is."

"No clue," the Raichu said after swallowing some kibble pieces.

A pair of teenage girls walked by, giggling. "Did you see that Trainer outside?"

"Yeah! He's SO handsome! I've never seen him around here before."

"Me either! But he looked so powerful with his Arcanine and Gyarados."

Weldon then strode in, covered in sweat. The girls squealed as he headed to the food tables, but he barely paid any attention to them. When he slid into the bench across from me, the admirers walked away, grumbling.

After eating in silence for a few minutes, he looked up from his toast, scrambled Chansey eggs, and steamed tomatoes. "How come you slept in?"

"Um...I woke up before 8 and prepared for our trip through Petalburg Woods. That's early for me. When did you wake up?"

"Around 6."

"That's...really early."

He shrugged. "That's my training schedule. Wake up before dawn, train, breakfast, train, lunch, train, dinner, and study."

I stirred my porridge. "That's… a lot of training..."

"Isn't that the whole point?"

I glanced away. "Well…"

He sighed. "What's your schedule then?"

"Well, wake up between 7 to 8:30, breakfast, train, lunch, relax, dinner, and study. Maybe some additional training in the afternoon or nighttime."

He raised an eyebrow. "Why do you need to relax on a training day?"

"It helps us de-stress. Besides, the activities we do help them either gain strength, build stamina, and create better bonds."

"Like what?"

I stroked my chin. "If we trained in the forest, I would have them climb trees, find berries and other plants for our meals, and play hide-and-seek."

Weldon frowned. "I don't see how that helps with training."

"I can show you after we check out."

He ate the last of his eggs. "Fine…we'll do it your way. But if I don't see it being productive, I'm doubling your exercises based on my regimen."

I bit my lip. Knowing his intense views on battling, I don't want to die. But...maybe this is a way for both of us to improve our training routines.

"Well?" he inquired.

I took a deep breath and firmly replied, "I accept your terms."

He smirked. "Well then. Ladies first."

We exited the room to retrieve our bags. After returning our room keys and saying goodbye to Nurse Touka, we walked northwest past Mr. Briney's house and into the dense trees. Lightning and I breathed in the scent of pine.

I smiled nostalgically. "I miss this smell."

Weldon frowned. "Why? We were just here yesterday."

"Yeah, but I didn't get to enjoy it then."

He rolled his eyes. "I'd rather just get to training."

I sighed. "Fine. Let's go back to the clearing."

Eight hours later…

Weldon, Lightning, and I scouted the tree trunks and branches for Electabuzz and Errol.

"They shouldn't be too far," I surmised, stroking my chin. "I'm surprised Electabuzz is this good at hiding."

Weldon growled, "This is stupid, Summer! I still don't get how playing hide-and-seek is supposed to help with training!"

I looked intently at his grey eyes and explained, "This is to help with their evasion tactics and increase my perception. Plus-" I noticed rustling and a flash of light brown in a nearby tree. "it's really fun. I found you, Errol!"

"Rapidash feathers!" he exclaimed as he revealed himself and flew down.

I grinned. "That was really good, Errol. It took me a lot longer to find you this time."

The Noctowl boasted, "It appears my efforts are bearing Berries, Ms. Summer!"

Lightning and I laughed. "Sure, Errol. Sure."

I looked at Weldon, who had a mixture of confusion and sadness on his face.

"Everything okay, Weldon?"

"Oh, yeah. I'm fine."

I cleared my throat. "Anyway, it's getting late. Errol, can you find Electabuzz? Then we can set up camp."

Errol nodded. "Of course, Ms. Summer." He took off, scanning the forest with his red eyes.

Weldon asked, his voice cracking, "What do you mean 'set up camp'?"

I looked at my traveling partner, whose face turned pale. "Well, there's no room at the Petalburg City Pokémon Center, and it's too late to head to Rustboro City. Camping is the best thing to do right now. I remember there's a single group campground nearby. Let's get there before someone takes it."

"I'd...risk going to the next city…" he muttered.

"How come?" Then, I realized what he meant. "You've never been camping before, have you, Weldon?"

He looked away, tucking his hands into his shorts pockets. "It's...something I never got around to in Trainer School."

I gave him reassuring smile. "Don't worry, I can show you how to set up camp. It's pretty easy if your Pokémon help out."

He raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

We walked further into the woods. "Once we find a site, my Pokémon split up to pitch the tent, prepare the campfire and eating area, and look for firewood and food. I usually stay at the site to make sure everything's okay."

"I guess that's why Mom put a foldable tent and sleeping bag in my backpack. But...what if I mess up?"

"Well, that's part of learning, isn't it? I can show you how to set up a tent, and after I'm done with mine, I'll do yours."

He was still unsure, but replied, "Fine…"

We finally arrived at a rectangular clearing with a wooden sign, where Errol and Electabuzz were waiting. The sign had a piece of laminated paper, listing the rules of the campsite. After looking at it, I let out the rest of my team.

"All right, everyone!" I shouted. "Who wants to do what?"

Blaze said, "I'll go look for firewood."

"I'll join you, Blaze!" Lightning eagerly offered.

The Fire type smiled, making her blush.

Errol looked around. "I shall search for some delicious produce!"

Olive stuttered, "C-Can I go with you, E-Errol?"

"Of course, my fellow forest dweller! Climb onto my back and we shall scavenge the grass!"

The Treecko did so, and the Noctowl was forced to withstand her ticklish hands. Then, they departed into the dense trees.

Rocky looked around the site. "I'll help with setting up camp."

"Me too!" Aurora gleefully added. "Come on, Summer!" She froze the grass and slid to a flat area with few rocks.

"All right, all right!" I turned to Weldon. "Let me show you how to set up the tent."

We walked over to the site the Dewgong chose, and I took out the supplies in my backpack. Rocky moved the cooking and eating area equipment to the center of the campground while I laid out the parts of the tent. I showed Weldon the rods, then how to connect them into poles, insert them into the sides of the tent, and hammer the rods into place. After fifteen minutes, my green tent was properly set up. I went inside to place my backpack and lay out my sleeping bag. Then, it was Weldon's turn. He tried to organize everything and follow my instructions, but he kept fumbling with connecting rods and missing the slits on the tent. After some assistance from me and Electabuzz, we were able to erect his dark blue tent.

"Wow," he stated. "That was easier than I thought."

I grinned. "You did a really good job for your first time."

His face turned slightly red. "Thanks."

When the rest of my Pokémon returned, Blaze and Lightning set up the campfire while I examined the vegetables, berries, and herbs Errol and Olive harvested.

"Hm… Looks like pasta tonight, and pancakes with berries tomorrow. Sound good, Weldon?"

"Don't worry about me, Summer. I have my own food." He let out his Pokémon and pulled several cans of black beans, green beans, and pears, a metal can opener, and large containers of premade Pokémon food from his backpack.

"Are you sure?" I asked. "I can always make more."

"I'm used to this kind of lifestyle. Besides, I don't want to trouble you."

"Well, okay." After preparing everything for my dinner, I turned to my Pokémon. "Which flavors does everyone want?"

I whipped out my new Pokémon food maker and Berry growing kit. Once I got everyone's orders, I set up the machine and got to work on my dinner. As the spaghetti cooked and the tomato sauce bubbled, I noticed Weldon staring hungrily at the simmering pots from the corner of my eye.

I smirked. Good thing I added more noodles than usual.

I combined the pasta with the sauce, and about the same time, the food maker was done. I was impressed; the machine not only blended the Berries smoothly, it also gave me options to select which flavor profiles I wanted without making additional batches. After making everyone's dinners, I proceeded with scooping out mine.

"Weldon, I know you want some," I tempted. "You're welcome to have some spaghetti. I made extra."

He tried to keep resisting, but his stomach said otherwise. "Grr...fine. You win this time."

He was about to step forward when he turned around and saw his Pokémon looking at mine with jealous frowns.

Their Trainer sighed. "Can you make food for them too?"

I chuckled. "Sure. What does everyone want?"

After the excited shouts died down, I made their food with the remainder that was left in the machine. I sat at the table just as Weldon came over with his plate.

I twirled the tender strands with my fork and popped it into my mouth. Mm…

Weldon did the same, and his eyes grew wide. "Wow… This is...really good."

Beaming, I replied, "Thanks! Pasta's so versatile and easy to cook, so it's a great meal for camping."

"How did you learn to cook?"

"Mainly from my mom. She makes a lot of delicious food, and some of them she invented herself."

"Wow. That's impressive."

I scooped some more pasta onto my plate. "Do you want to cook the next time we camp?"

He blushed. "Actually, I don't know how to cook either. My mom doesn't have time to cook often, so we end up eating premade foods or takeout."

"There's nothing wrong with that. Plus, cooking's not too hard. I can help you out."

He didn't respond and just glanced at the fire. I wanted to continue the conversation, but I could tell he didn't want to. We then finished our dinner, cleaned up the table and campfire, then entered our individual tents for a good night's sleep.

A few hours later…

Footsteps snapped me out of my slumber. Huh?

I yawned and sat up, adjusting my light blue T-shirt and black shorts. I glanced at my Pokégear next to me and saw it was midnight. There was a shadow outside the tent, making me a little nervous. It better not be a Mightyena...

I took out a small black flashlight and my dark brown windbreaker jacket from my backpack and tiptoed to the opening, making sure Lightning stayed fast asleep. Returning into the quiet of Petalburg Woods, I turned on the device and saw Weldon pacing around the dark campsite.

Thank goodness... I approached him, and he turned around, revealing his dark red jacket and thin black pants. "Can't sleep?"

He rubbed the back of his head. "Don't worry about me, Summer. I'm used to this by now."

"Can I join you?"

He looked away. "I'm fine. You can go back to sleep."

My heart panged. He's shutting me out again. I understand he wants to be alone, but…

"S-Summer?"

I looked towards the directions of our tents and saw Olive crawl towards me.

"What's wrong, Olive?" I asked, kneeling down.

She looked scared. "I-I can't sleep. I've been having nightmares again."

"Nightmares, huh?" After she nodded, I allowed her to climb onto my right arm. "Why don't you hang out with me? We can do some stargazing."

"Stargazing?"

"Yeah. The forest is a great place for looking at the night sky. Come on."

I walked over to an area with no view of the canopy and sat down, letting the Treecko lie next to me. Before I did the same, I was surprised to see Weldon joining us.

"Got room for one more?"

I smiled. "Sure."

He sat on my left side, and we all lay on the cold grass. Thousands of stars illuminated the dark blue sky, and I gasped at its quiet and beautiful appeal.

"It's been a long time since I stargazed," I mused before scanning the sparkling canvas. "And there it is!"

"There's what?" Weldon asked.

I pointed to a series of stars, three of which formed a straight line. "The Machamp constellation. You can tell by those three stars, which form his belt. According to Pokémon mythology, he and his friend Arcanine sparred with a gigantic Tauros to determine who would have control over a large field in the Kanto Region. Those constellations are nearby this one."

"Wow!" Olive exclaimed. "But...what are those Pokémon?"

I giggled. "Don't worry, Olive. I'll show you later."

Weldon pointed a set of stars above the Machamp constellation. "That's the Teddiursa and Ursaring constellations, right?"

When I saw the trademark large star, I replied, "Yeah, they are. The Teddiursa constellation contains the North Star and is always close to his mother, the Ursaring constellation."

Seeing the Grass type's confused look, I said, "I'll show you what they look like too."

"Speaking of Teddiursa, where's the one you had during the Silver League?" Weldon asked.

"Oh, he's with my little brother; he's actually called Teddy now."

He was surprised. "I didn't know you had a brother."

"He was born almost two years ago, when we were in the Indigo League."

"Congratulations. How do you feel?"

I paused. "Bittersweet, actually."

"Why 'bittersweet'?"

I guess it won't hurt to tell him, maybe it'll help him open up to me. "Actually, I have a younger sister too."

"Really? How come I haven't heard of her?"

"She...went missing when I was really young. I tried to protect her, but I failed. I blamed myself for losing her, even though I know it wasn't my fault at all."

He grew quiet, then said, "Wow, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bring it up."

"Don't worry. I overcame those fears in Johto. Before my grandma passed away, she told me my sister's alive. I never told anyone else this; that's one of the reasons why I resigned as a junior research assistant. I want to get stronger is to find her, but I still don't know where to look. I looked around Kanto and Johto, and I know she can't be in Hoenn..."

"You'll find a lead, Summer, I just know it." He sighed. "Thanks for trusting me with that sensitive information. The relationships you have with your siblings; I envy it."

I turned to him. "Because of your relationship with Stanley?"

He sadly responded, "Yeah, I've always been jealous and scared of him. He has the abilities from two batfams, and he's a three-time regional winner. No wonder why I can't catch up to him."

Flashbacks of Stanley hurting me and Blaze appeared in my head. "Tell me about it. Wait, what's 'batfam'?"

"Oh yeah, you're not too familiar with battling family lingo. 'Batfam' is short for 'battling family'."

"I guess that makes sense?"

He chuckled. "I'm not the one who made that abbreviation up." Then he asked, "How did you get Olive anyway?"

"Professor Birch gave her to me after I left Flower with my relatives."

"Hm..."

"What?"

"It's just a funny coincidence. I have a Venusaur, my mom has a Sceptile, and you ended up having both an Ivysaur and Treecko. Did we influence you to have those specific Grass types?"

My face grew hot. "N-No! It was just coincidences! I didn't even know your mom has a Sceptile!"

He snickered lightly. "It's been a while since I teased you, huh?"

I would've been angry, but his tone had hints of nostalgia. I guess I have to tell him, huh? "Actually, I do miss it a little."

Weldon was nervous. "Oh? How come?"

"You were much more confident and cheerful then, even though you were a big jerk. You've...become reserved and moody. Your focus on training and getting stronger, it's turning more into an obsession than a passion. It's been worrying me. I don't know what happened to you in Johto, but I just wanted to let you know how I felt."

I braced myself for his response, eager yet scared for some understanding.

He then replied with a steady voice, "Summer, I appreciate your concerns. But...these changes are my decision. Like I said, I can't get you involved with the dangers my family faces just yet. I have to do it alone."

I turned to him. "But you don't have to. If you do, you'll just end up hurting yourself more. Besides, isn't that why you're training me?" I looked away and took several deep breaths, forcing myself not to cry.

Weldon remained silent, and thankfully, I felt he understood the pain in my heart. Noticing Olive fell asleep during our discussion, I asked, "Should we call it a night?"

I blinked and looked at him, his eyes sparkling like the stars. "Actually, can I ask you one more question?"

I sat up. "Sure. What is it?"

He got up and braced his arms behind him. "Talking to Pokémon. What's it like?"

I brushed my hair back. "Well, it is good to know what they're actually saying, so I don't misinterpret their words. I learned so much from just understanding their concerns and dreams that...I feel more connected to them. Though...it does make it look like a weirdo to those who don't have the translator app."

"I see…" Weldon stared at the darkness of the forest. His tone was so complex, I couldn't read his emotions. "I'll go to sleep in a bit. You go on ahead, Summer."

"A-All right. Good night, Weldon."

I scooped up the sleeping Treecko and headed back into my tent. I placed her next to the snoring Lightning and settled back into my sleeping bag. But I stayed awake until I made sure he returned to his own tent. After a few minutes, he did, and I happily fell back asleep.

The next morning…

The shrill cries of a nearby Taillow stirred me from my sleep.

What time is it? I looked at my Pokégear and saw it was seven o'clock. Looks like it's time for me to start making breakfast.

I got changed, picked up the food supplies from my backpack, and went outside, trying not to disturb Lightning and Olive. To my surprise, Weldon was not only up in his normal clothes, but he was washing the fruit my Pokémon picked yesterday.

"Hey, Weldon," I greeted with a yawn.

He put the bowl on the table. "Good morning, Summer. I thought you were going to sleep some more."

"A Taillow woke me up, and those Pokémon are super noisy in the morning."

"That's what that squawk was? Makes me miss the cooing Pidgey back home. Anyway, I thought I'd give you a hand in making breakfast."

"You're not going to train this morning?"

He looked at the ground, then at me. "Actually, I want to continue trying your training strategy here for the next few days."

"Oh! What made you come to that decision?"

"Well, I've been thinking a lot about what you told me, about me changing too much and needing to relax more. And...you're right. I'll still keep training on this journey, but...I'll try to do more...fun activities... Like cooking..."

Relieved, I gave him a big smile. "Sure! Have you made pancakes before?"

He stared at the blue packet in my hands. "I think I'm starting to regret this."

Chuckling, I answered, "Come on, Weldon. You said so yourself. Try something fun."

He softly smiled. "I kind of remember my mom making it before."

"You just need to follow the directions on the bag. I'll start the fire."

I put the items onto the table and began arranging the wood around the circle of stones. Once I finished and started the kindling, I returned to the table. Weldon finished putting everything into a metal bowl and was stirring its contents. In a few minutes, the powder and water combined into a thick viscous substance.

"Looks good, Weldon. I can cook the first two, and you can do the rest."

He hesitated slightly, but he nodded and approached the campfire. After a few burned mishaps on the griddle, we finished making our meal and prepared for our next training session.

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

Weldon's Pokémon:

Venusaur (male): Serious Nature, Overgrow Ability, moves: Solarbeam, Body Slam, Sludge Bomb, Vine Whip

Fearow (male): Adamant Nature, Keen Eye Ability, moves: Drill Peck, Steel Wing, Fury Attack, Aerial Ace

Golem (male): Bold Nature, Rock Head Ability, moves: Rock Slide, Earthquake, Rollout, Double Edge

Gyarados (male): Sassy Nature, Intimidate Ability, moves: Surf, Ice Fang, Payback, Waterfall

Arcanine (male): Naughty Nature, Flash Fire Ability, moves: Hyper Beam, Extremespeed, Flare Blitz, Fire Blast

Electabuzz (male): Rash Nature, Static Ability, moves: Thunder, Mega Kick, Thunder Punch, Shock Wave

Questions for the Chapter:

What do you think of Summer and Weldon's training strategies?

What did you think of their conversation?