Summer and Weldon arrived in Mauville City, the tech center of the region. The Kantonian reunited with Viola, one of the students at his school. Summer had a bad feeling about her, but Weldon decided to go on a dinner date with her. Conflicted on her feelings, she ventured to the Mauville City Shopping Center. She ran into Andy, Weldon's school rival, and defeated him in a close battle. It was then revealed both Andy and Viola were manipulating Weldon to emotionally wound him. With the conflict resolved, the pair had a heartfelt conversation. As Summer continued her training for the Gym, she receives a special request from Professor Birch. What is this request, and how will her Pokémon respond?

Chapter 22- The Fruits of Crackling Labor

As the sun set over Route 111, Olive and Lightning were training hard. I looked at both Pokémon before commanding, "Lightning, Thunderbolt!"

She charged her cheeks and shot a strong lightning bolt at the Treecko. The Wood Gecko Pokémon braced herself and allowed the electricity to course through her body. After a few minutes, the sparks disappeared, and Olive had minimal injuries.

"Great job, you two!" I praised. "Let's call it a day."

"Whew!" Olive exhaled before collapsing onto the grass. "That was exhausting."

"But you're getting much better. You're able to stand up to an Electric move from an Electric type now."

"Th-That's true…"

But when Lightning approached her, she flinched and climbed up to my shoulder. Lightning's ears drooped.

I stroked the Grass type. "Looks like we still have some work to do."

Weldon walked over. "Ready to head back?"

I nodded and returned Olive.

As we returned to Mauville City, he asked, "When are you challenging the Gym again?"

"Next week, I think? Why?"

"Just double checking. Is everyone ready?"

Lightning smirked. "I'd say so."

I softly shook my head. "I thought you're still working on Grass Knot."

"W-Well, yeah… But I'm getting the hang of it."

Weldon chuckled. "Don't worry, I know you'll be able to learn it in time."

"I hope so."

After we healed our teams at the Pokémon Center and had dinner, we were about to go to the computer lab when Professor Birch and Jade entered the building.

The pair saw us and waved. "Summer, Weldon!" the professor said with a big grin. "I expected you two would've made it to Mauville by now."

"I told you, Uncle Birch!" his niece remarked. "And you didn't believe me!"

"You know I was teasing, Jade."

"It's good to see you both," I replied after a soft laugh. "Why are you here?"

The man adjusted his travel bag. "We're doing the final preparations for tomorrow, the last day of this week's summer research camp."

Jade beamed. "Yeah! I can't wait to show the kids Route 117!"

Weldon asked, "Summer research camp?"

Professor Birch sheepishly rubbed the back of his head. "Oh, right. It's not a typical summer camp like one you would find in Kanto. For our camps, we focus on research, habitat identification, and Pokémon identification skills. I hold them every other week from July through September."

"I see. So what are you doing on Route 117?"

"Well, we're going to help the kids hone their field work skills, then as a surprise, we'll visit the Pokémon Nursery and Breeding Center to learn about the Eggs there."

"That actually sounds fun."

My former mentor raised an eyebrow, then smiled. "Would you and Summer like to join us?"

"Are you sure, Professor?" I asked. "We don't want to intrude."

"Of course you won't! Plus...well…"

Jade sighed. "Uncle Birch was so busy with his research and the camp preparations that he forgot to contact another professor to borrow his junior research assistant for this week."

Her uncle beamed. "But you've been such a big help, Jade. Don't worry, you can take a breather for the next camp; it'll be smaller compared to this one so I should be able to handle it. So, would you two have time to help?"

Sensing the worry in his voice, I grinned. "Sure. How about you, Weldon?"

He nodded. "I'd like to see how the summer camps are like here compared to back home."

Relieved, Professor Birch handed us some papers. "Great. Here is the itinerary for tomorrow as well as a list of the kids' names and pictures. You can read over them tonight and return them to me when the day's over."

"Sure. When should we meet up with you?"

"Hm… Around 7's good. The kids won't come until 9, so we have some time to do the last minute prep."

"Okay. We should let you go. I bet you're both tired."

He chuckled. "Always caring about others. All right, we should check in. See you tomorrow!"

The two walked over to the reception desk as Weldon and I moved over to a free couch. As I glanced at the sheets, I noticed Weldon was fidgeting.

"You okay, Weldon?"

"Huh? Oh, no. It's just that… I'm a little nervous."

I sat closer. "How come?"

"Well...I haven't really been to a traditional summer camp before. I was in summer school most of the time to keep up with everyone else. What if I mess up? Or what if the kids don't like me?"

I chuckled. "Just be yourself, Weldon. The kids will gravitate towards you if you're open to them."

He smirked. "Thanks, Summer. Let's read over his papers upstairs."

"Good idea."

We retired to our room and prepared for a prospective exciting day tomorrow.

The next day…

Our group of four walked onto the west route leading to Verdanturf Town. It was a mix of grassland, forest, and ponds where the creeks trickled from the trees into them. Weldon was surprised to see a large portion of the path being cordoned off in neon green tape.

Seeing his reaction, the professor explained, "I reserved this area in advance since it is a major connector between Rustboro and Mauville. That way, we can keep an eye on everyone while avoiding interference from the public."

He stroked his chin. "I see."

"Jade, can you check if everything is set?"

She nodded. "Sure thing, Uncle Birch!"

After she disappeared into the woods, our leader took off his travel bag. "Now then, I mentioned earlier today that it would be exciting if the kids were able to study your Pokémon out here. Are you two fine with that?"

I grinned. "Of course! That was my favorite part when we had guest Trainers."

He chuckled. "They did liven up the camps! Weldon?"

My rival smiled. "Sure."

We let out our Pokémon, who scanned the survey area. Aurora and Gyarados dived into the large pond as Lightning, Errol, Venusaur, Fearow, Arcanine and Electabuzz ran into the forest. Only Blaze, Olive, Rocky, and Golem remained.

I was puzzled by the remaining Pokémon. "What's wrong?"

Blaze scanned the forest. "Are there no other places for us to hide?"

Professor Birch stroked his chin. "There is a meadow into the survey area, and I was able to get a small portion of the mountain range."

"Then let's head there," Rocky suggested.

Blaze and Golem nodded and headed into the forest. But the Steelix waited and turned to his friend.

"What about you, Olive?"

She climbed onto my left shoulder. "I-I'd rather stay with Summer."

Sensing her anxiety, I eased her with a head scratch. "I don't mind. You go on ahead, Rocky."

The Iron Snake Pokémon, reassured, carefully navigated around the trees to reach the rocks.

After helping Weldon and Professor Birch with setting up the field work supplies on a foldable table, Jade exited the forest.

"Everything's all set, Uncle Birch. All the Pokémon are in their places as well."

"Great, and we just finished the last preparations. Excellent work, everyone!"

A few seconds later, a trio of Tropius Taxis descended and landed in front of us. The taxi people helped the kids, six girls and six boys, off their Pokémon. Though they wore different styles and colors of clothes, all of them had the green field bandanas and silver whistles tied around their necks. After the taxis flew off, the professor addressed the excited youngsters.

"Hello everyone! I hope you enjoyed your first time on a Tropius Taxi!"

Everyone cheered except for a boy with thick glasses. He adjusted his blue polo shirt and muttered, "That was nothing special…"

Based on his appearance, I recalled his name from the papers Professor Birch had: Connor Chung.

The professor continued, "I know you all are excited about our final field work exercise, but I have a surprise for all of you. Today, we have two special guests: Summer Scorcher and Weldon Leland!"

The kids not only clapped, but also gasped. They excitedly shouted amongst themselves.

"Oh my gosh, it's Summer and Weldon!"

"They're so cool and strong!"

"How did Professor Birch get them?"

I grinned at the compliments, but I felt a twinge of anger coming from the disinterested boy. I forced a smile to hide my discomfort.

"Settle down, everyone!" Professor Birch said with a chuckle. When it did, he added, "Since they are here, they have graciously allowed us to study their Pokémon, who are hidden around this area. So find and study as many Pokémon as you can in three hours. The four of us will patrol the area in case you need help or if you run into any trouble. A couple of rules though. One, you must stay within this fenced-off area. Two, only three kids can study one Pokémon at a time; if you see that, then you must either wait your turn or come back later. And three, have fun!"

Jade and I passed out the journals, pencils, compasses, and list of Pokémon that could be found. When I presented the items to Conner, he just snatched them out of my hands. He brushed against my right hand, and I felt a stronger wave of anger emanating from him.

Does he hate me for some reason?

When he saw everyone was set, the professor shouted, "Let the field work begin!"

Three kids immediately walked to me and recorded the Treecko hiding behind my head. Seeing that the easiest Pokémon was taken, the rest began their trek into the woods. Professor Birch and Jade followed them while Weldon stayed back.

I scratched Olive's head. "It's okay, Olive. I'm right here."

Eased by my voice, she peered out. The surprised participants scribbled their last words then thanked me. After they went inside, Weldon approached me.

"You don't want to wander by yourself, Weldon?"

"Well, I'm not that familiar with this area so I'd figure I'll go with you. If you're fine with that, of course."

I beamed. "Sure. You can keep me and Olive company."

We entered the dense canopy and watched the various children study our Pokémon. From Lightning gathering blades of grass to Errol fighting with Fearow, it looked like everyone was enjoying the experience. Everyone except Connor. He just watched from a distance, jotting things down quickly.

When he noticed us, he scoffed, "Just great. Of all the possible surprise guests, why'd it have to be you two?"

Weldon gave me an awkward side glance. "Is this how kids really are in Hoenn summer camps?" he whispered.

I shrugged. "Not all the time." I asked the youngster. "Sorry we disappointed you, umm…Connor, right?"

"Yeah, what's it to you?"

"Well, were you expecting someone else?"

"Duh! The only Trainer worth talking about is Andy Ackbar!"

Weldon flinched. "Of course it is…" he muttered.

I patted my coach's shoulder and tilted my head. "Why do you like Andy so much?"

Connor's eyes sparkled. "He's so cool and strong! The way he battles, and how he learns coverage moves so fast!"

"Coverage moves?"

My rival sighed before explaining, "Andy's battling ability involves coverage moves. He's able to teach his Pokémon how to use them much quicker than normal Trainers."

"Oh, guess that explains why Lightning's taking a while to master Grass Knot."

The boy sneered, "Guess you know more about him than I thought! He's gonna win the Hoenn League for sure this year! Plus, he's undefeated in Gym battles and against major opponents!"

I raised an eyebrow. "Are we not major opponents then?"

"What do you mean by that?"

"You see, Weldon and I beat him in one-on-one matches."

"Pfft. Those are just warm-ups. They don't mean anything in the overall battle rankings."

"Even so, not acknowledging defeats won't help you get better."

"Oh please. You're a top Trainer, but you haven't evolved your Treecko yet?"

Olive cowered behind me.

"Nothing's worse than a not fully evolved Pokémon. That's basic knowledge."

I shook my head. "Pokémon have their own strengths and weaknesses at all stages. Besides, I want Olive to evolve when she's ready to."

Connor crossed his arms. "That kind of thinking's why you've never won the regional leagues you've entered. Face it, you'll never win any league with that pathetic philosophy."

Noticing Weldon was about to explode, I said, "Anyway, we should be back to patrolling. Don't let us get in the way of you having fun today."

I grabbed the Kantonian's left wrist, and we followed the creek. Relieved, I watched a few kids study Aurora, who was preening herself along the streambank.

"Um, Summer… You can let go of me now."

Blushing, I instantly let go. "O-Oh! Sorry!" But I was somewhat relieved he did the same thing.

After spying through the trees to see Rocky and Blaze by the nearest outcrop, Weldon asked, "Did you do something like this when you were younger, Summer?"

I nodded as the kids began to migrate either to us to study Olive or elsewhere. "Actually, that's how I got started as Professor Birch's junior research assistant. I attended one of his summer camps, and I fell in love with exploring and studying Pokémon in the wild. Since I was the most interested and I lived in Littleroot Town, it wasn't too hard for the professor to select me when I asked him to teach me."

"I see. Do you miss it? The research, I mean."

I crossed my arms. "Yeah, doing the fieldwork was the best part. The report and article writing, just a little bit. And the presentations...not so much."

We laughed, enjoying the rare stillness.

Jade then ran over. "Hey, Weldon. Can you help me with something?"

"Oh, sure." He turned to me. "Are you okay being by yourself?"

"I'm fine. And I got Olive with me."

He nodded and the pair walked towards the mountains. Then, the hair on the back of my neck stood up.

Olive noticed my frantic expression. "Is something wrong, Summer?"

I looked at the deeper part of the woods. "I-I think so. Let's go check it out."

We trudged through a dirt trail until we reached a small clearing. Seeing there were some shadows, we hid behind a tree.

"D-Do you really know Andy?" Connor's voice timidly asked.

My heart sank when I heard the ominous Hamsetrin's voice. "Of course. I can bring you to him, if you'd like."

"That would be cool, but I-I shouldn't leave…"

"It'll only be for a few minutes. Besides, I'm sure Andy's excited to meet his biggest fan."

I gritted my teeth as the boy's fear gripped my heart. I need to do something. Everyone else is too far away to use in battle.

Olive tapped my shoulder. "I-I can battle, Summer."

"You sure?"

"I-I have to get more experience somehow."

I gave her a grateful nod, and we entered the clearing.

Hamsetrin looked up and smirked. "Looks like a returning visitor. I was hoping for Leland to come too, but I'll settle for you."

I looked at the child. "Are you okay, Connor?"

"Y-Yeah…" he nervously answered.

The cloaked man stepped back, allowing the boy to hide behind me. "You do realize I can't let you two leave, right?"

"I don't think so." I braced myself as Olive jumped off my shoulder and glared at our enemy.

Hamsetrin laughed. "I know you're separated from the rest of your team, but this is the only one you have at your disposal?"

He let out his Manectric, who restlessly pawed the grass. Olive flinched, but she didn't run away.

This intrigued the man, but he gave a mocking bow. "Ladies first."

I shouted, "Olive, Quick Attack!"

As the Treecko leapt forward in a blinding white light, Hamestrin countered, "Quick Attack."

The Electric type ran after Olive, and he was able to catch up thanks to his vastly greater experience.

"Manectric, Fire Fang."

As he bared flames from his teeth, I waved my arm forward.

"Olive, Screech!"

She opened her mouth and released a set of powerful sound waves at Manectric's face. The Discharge Pokémon winced and stepped back. A dark blue aura temporarily appeared around him.

Hamestrin adjusted his cloak. "I had a feeling you've gotten better. But let's see what you do against this. Discharge."

The blue and yellow Pokémon gritted his teeth as blue electricity began to crackle around his body. Sensing both Olive and Connor could be in danger, I grabbed the boy's hand and touched the nearest patch of dirt. He understood what I was trying to do and followed my lead.

"Olive, get to the closest open dirt patch with Quick Attack!"

She nodded and once she did just that, Manectric howled, unleashing the wave of blue electricity around the clearing. We all braced the impact and guided the attack into the ground. When I felt the electricity dissipate, we stood up.

Hamsetrin didn't let up. "Manectric, Quick Attack."

He approached Olive so quickly, she didn't have time to react. He hit her, and she slammed into the nearest tree trunk.

As she tried to free herself, the Electric type's owner commanded, "Fire Fang."

"Screech!"

Though the high-pitched sound made Manectric waver, he continued his attack and plucked her from the wooden prison. After getting a firmer grip, he shook her for a few seconds before throwing her back onto the ground.

"Are you okay, Olive?"

Olive, panting hard, was able to return to her feet. "I...I'm okay…"

Hamsetrin smirked. "You're giving me much more trouble than I predicted. But that's all the praise I'm giving you. Finish this with Thunder."

Manectric closed his eyes as dark clouds formed overhead.

"Quick, use Mega Drain!"

She released the green energy from her tail, allowing her to regain some health at the Electric type's expense. He winced, but he was able to prevail and continue charging his attack. Olive grew more fearful as the familiar rumble echoed.

"Stay calm, Olive!" I encouraged. "Remember, we trained for this!"

"B-But, I…"

"I know you're ready to take this attack, and so do you. You can't back down now, Olive!"

She calmed herself with a deep breath and braced herself. Manectric howled, unleashing one of the strongest Electric type attacks in existence. Olive buckled slightly as the electricity coursed through her. But after a few seconds, she was able to maintain her balance long enough for the move to end.

"How...unexpected…" the cloaked man pondered. "What an interesting Treecko."

But before he could utter another attack, a Golem rolled through and knocked Manectric to the ground.

"Summer!" Weldon called out as he got closer.

Hamsetrin gritted his teeth. "Looks like I lost the advantage. I won't forget this." He returned his Pokémon and threw a Smoke Ball on the ground, using its thick cover to disappear.

I exhaled, relieved. "Thanks, Weldon. How did you find us?"

"That thunder cloud, of course. Jade and I noticed you were gone for so long, so we split up to find you. Then I noticed the dark clouds and eventually found my way here."

He turned to the frightened child. "You okay, Connor?"

"Y-Yeah. Who was that guy anyway?"

Weldon and I glanced at each other before I answered, "Someone dangerous. But you don't have to worry about him anymore."

"R-Right…"

I placed the Wood Gecko Pokémon in my arms, and Weldon guided us back to the rest of the group. As I fed a weak Olive some Sitrus Berries, I noticed Connor was staring at her. His face showed a mixture of confusion and awe.

I smiled. "What's up, Connor?"

He glanced away. "I just…I just don't understand what happened. That Manectric was so much stronger. How did Olive manage to survive those attacks?"

"Well, I guess you can say it was a mix of training and heart."

"Heart?"

"Yeah. The Pokémon is only as strong as the Trainer supporting it. When both work together, they can achieve anything. At least, that's what I've been taught."

"I…I see…"

We returned to the creek, where a frantic Professor Birch and Jade waited.

"There you are, Connor! We were so worried about you!" the junior research assistant exclaimed.

"S-Sorry for making you both worry."

Professor Birch smiled. "The most important thing is that you're safe. Good thing Summer and Weldon were there to help."

"Y-Yeah."

He retreated as the professor yelled, "All right, everyone! Time's up! Let's all meet back outside the forest!"

Our Pokémon helped gather the stragglers, and we returned to the sunny trail. As we collected the pencils and compasses, Connor scribbled something quick in his journal. I quickly scanned it and smiled when I saw the words, "This Treecko was stronger than she looked."

Once everything was done, Professor Birch asked, "Did everyone have fun?" After resounding cheering, he continued, "Let's give Summer and Weldon a round of applause for letting us study their Pokémon!"

The soft claps brought me back to my days as a junior research assistant, and I grinned. We took some group pictures, which Jade would send later.

After we returned our Pokémon, she then announced, "It's time for lunch. After that, we have another surprise, a trip to the Hoenn Breeding Center and Nursery!"

"YAY!" the kids cheered.

As the teen guided the group to a picnic spot, Professor Birch said, "You're welcome to join us if you want."

I looked at Weldon, was still looked a little anxious. "Thanks for the offer, Professor, but we should get going."

He nodded. "It was great seeing you two again. Good luck with the rest of your journey."

We were about to leave when Connor ran over. "W-Wait…" He handed me a small, empty glass bottle. "That man…Hams-train? He gave me this, saying it was touched by Andy. I don't know if that's true or not, but I don't want it anymore."

I knelt down. "How come?"

"Well, I have something else that's more memorable than that."

He clutched his journal and I chuckled. "I see. Thank you, Connor."

To my surprise, he hugged me. "Th-Thank you for saving me, Summer."

I returned the gesture. "You're welcome."

We waved goodbye to the summer camp participants and returned to Mauville City. Out of curiosity, I opened the screw lid of the bottle and sniffed it. Violets, sweet pea, and petunias…? That scent combination, it can't be…

Weldon noticed my face. "What's wrong?"

I showed him Connor's present. "Hamsetrin provided Andy and Viola that mind-controlling perfume."

"So that's how they got it. But I don't understand. What would Hamsetrin gain by doing that to me? And what is his goal?"

"If we run into him again, let's find out."

"Agreed."

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, Signal Beam

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

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

Olive (Treecko, female): Timid Nature, Overgrow Ability, moves: Pound, Screech, Mega Drain, Quick Attack

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 did you think of the summer camp and its activities?

What did you think of Connor?

What did you think of Summer's battle against Hamsetrin?

What is Hamsetrin's goal?