Most of the grunts were free from duty after the failed fossil mission. They all stayed in the Willpower Hideout, having mostly pointless conversations or resting up for their next mission.

One of the grunts was having a conversation with his grunt friend, "Yo, waiting has been a painful process, don't ya think?"

"Always has been." His friend replied.

"It's a bummer that we couldn't get the fossil. I bet our leader is furious about it right now."

"You sure? Our Admin didn't seem to feel too upset about it. Probably didn't get a scolding from the leader or something."

"Wouldn't it be great if we take back the fossil back to the leader ourselves, though? He will definitely be impressed by us and even promote us as Admins."

"That'd be nice. There's no way that's gonna happen though-"

"Of course there is!" The eager grunt cut his friend off, "That trainer was definitely heading towards Lavaridge. If we can find him, defeat him and get the fossil, that bag is as good as ours!"

"...You do realize that they could've just given the fossil to the police department already, right?"

"Or... they kept the fossil to ourselves as the reckless kids they are!"

"...Are you sure you're not being the reckless one here?" His friend sighed.

"Whatever, I have no faith in humanity anymore, anyway! Worst comes to worst, I'll get prisoned for a few months, that's all!"

"...That's a lot of time wasted, you know."

"I've decided to dedicate my life to Willpower long ago. If it's for Willpower, some time spent in prison is for the better!"

"...You're hopeless."

"Always have been! If you're not in for this, I'll just head there myself!"

His friend sighed, "...I'm in."

"I knew I could count on you." The grunt smiled and gave his friend a fistbump.

"...Let's just hope it doesn't go too wrong."

"Power, use Fling towards the tree trunk!"

Power concentrated his energy as he threw the boulder alongside him towards the tree, hitting its trunk directly in the middle. The impact ended up being powerful enough to leave a huge dent there.

"Nice work, Power."

"Thanks..." He appeared slightly worried, "B-But are you sure the tree won't just fall over?"

"No worries, they're stronger than you think." I smiled, then gathered everyone after they finished their training session.

"Good job, everyone!" I was proud of everyone's progress, "I think we'll be prepared for the Gym Battle soon."

"We have come a long way together!" Ziggs exclaimed.

"I remembered it was just me and Lows traveling together, and all of a sudden, there's one, two, three, four of you here! Some strong waves we have with us!" Surfer smiled.

"It's been a delightful time at the team so far." Grace replied.

"I'm enjoying it here, too." Woody agreed.

"I'd say... we go ahead and register for the Gym Battle tomorrow. What do you all think?" I suggested.

"Sounds like a plan, Lows!" Ziggs was excited.

"I probably won't get used much since it's against Fire types, but I'm sure the others can handle them just fine." Woody slightly smiled.

"I-I just hope it doesn't end up like last time against Wattson..." Power was slightly worried.

"We've worked harder than before, so stronger waves won't be able to stop us this time!" Surfer comforted Power.

We ended up deciding to go with my plan. We went back to our room to relax for the rest of the day, and I started my leisure routine by checking for the latest news through my Pokégear.

The first news title immediately caught my attention, "Rising Star Taking the Big Lead for the Ever Grande League!". I pressed the image sending me to the news segment, which talked about Harry having the most progress among all trainers, leading with five Gym Badges obtained and along with his sixth Gym Battle tomorrow, according to reporters.

I guess he's still doing well.

I continued scrolling downwards, which featured a short interview with Harry. In the interview, he expressed his regret for not being able to win the Indigo League the previous year and his high hopes of winning the Ever Grande League this time.

He's definitely a hot pick to win the Ever Grande League this year... But I can't give up yet.

They also featured other trainers' progress at the end of the news segment, showing barely a few trainers obtaining four badges and an average number having three badges.

I guess that's more reason for me to try and catch up. I do want to get stronger, after all.

I continued checking out other news for a while, before deciding to get some rest for a brand new day.

"So this is how you register a battle, huh?" Sip asked. We were just entering the Lavaridge Gym, which had a reception area and a much needed air conditioner for the room due to the high temperature.

"That's right." I walked towards the reception area and started to fill in the form given by the receptionist, "Usually, when the Gym Leader is around, you can just ask them for a scheduled battle. When they're not around, you can go to the reception area and fill in this form. The receptionist would usually be there during working hours to settle it for you."

"That's convenient!" Sip exclaimed.

"It does save a lot of time. I don't really like complicated things, anyway." I finished the form and handed it to the receptionist, who approved my form after checking for all the needed details.

"Looks good to me! Trainer, your battle will be tomorrow, ten in the morning. We hope to see you there on time." The receptionist said.

"Thank you." I smiled and was about to leave before I heard a door opening and a familiar voice saying, "That was easy."

I looked towards the person and just as I thought, "Harry."

The Hoenn trainer noticed me before sneering, "Well, sucks to see you here."

I tried to have a friendly conversation with him, "Did you just get your sixth badge?"

"Yeah. These Fire types were no match for my Swampert." His ego was clearly shown through his expression.

"The Lavaridge Gym is an unusual pick for a sixth Gym to challenge, though..." Sip mumbled.

"I decided to challenge other Gyms that I was more confident of before challenging the harder ones so I can train up before facing them. That's called being strategic." Harry replied.

"I knew that..." Sip rubbed the back of his head sheepishly.

Harry snorted before heading out of the Gym, with us following behind him as we were done with my registration as well.

He looked back and noticed us before asking, "Well, what about you, weakling? How many badges did you obtain?"

"Two. Not as impressive as yours, but I'll get there."

"...Honestly, that's already better than I thought." Harry smirked, "Still far behind compared to the others though. Are you sure you'll be qualified for the Hoenn League?"

"I'm sure I have enough time."

"Then keep going, I guess. See how that spirit of yours would take you." He seemed to have reduced his arrogance just a little.

I slightly sighed in relief that we could have a somewhat proper conversation this time, "Are you planning on challenging the two optional Gyms as well?"

"Of course! Any match would help me train to win the Hoenn League." He replied, "What about you? Would you even have enough time for that?"

"The time will probably be tight, but I'll challenge them as well." I wanted to challenge Wally and my sister just as I promised.

"Glad you think so, because you'll need it!" Harry said.

I was going to end this conversation on a good note before I noticed two familiar figures walking towards us, "...Team Willpower?"

"Team what?" Harry looked towards the same direction as I was looking at and noticed the two, "Oh, those reckless grunts again."

"You heard about them?" I asked.

"...My father mentioned the name once or twice."

The two grunts approached us and looked directly at me. One of them yelled, "You there, hand us the fossil right now!"

"Oh... they're still not over that 'fossil'." I sighed.

"What is that about?" Sip asked.

"...It's a long story."

Seeing me not even considering replying, one of the grunts got even angrier and said, "If you're not going to surrender, we'll make you do so! Let's do this, Skarmory!"

The other grunt threw a Pokéball into the air as well, sending out a Whismur.

I was going to take out my Pokéball to settle this, but Harry stepped in and said, "My Torkoal should be able to handle this."

"I'm sure some help won't be too bad-"

"No need to waste your energy. I got this." Harry threw his Pokéball, sending out Torkoal.

"Wow, he's persistent." Sip remarked.

"I guess we should let him be for now." I sighed.

"Skarmory, Fury Attack!" The grunt commanded

"That's not gonna do much. Torkoal, counter with Fire Spin!" Harry said.

As the Skarmory approached, the Fire type released a spiral of fire towards it, forcing it to retreat temporarily.

"Torkoal, Body Slam towards Whismur!"

As Torkoal rushed towards the Normal type slowly, the two grunts initiated their Pokémon's next attacks, "Whismur, use Howl!"

"Skarmory, assist with Air Cutter!"

The Normal type cried loudly towards the approaching Torkoal, stunning it temporarily. Then, a razor-like wind was launched from behind, slashing the Fire type.

I could tell Harry was going to have a hard time in a one on two situation, "Harry, I can help you out with my Pokémon-"

"I'll be fine." His pride made him reject the offer, as he continued to command, "Torkoal, use Smokescreen, then Flamethrower at Skarmory!"

The Fire type released an obscuring cloud of smoke towards Skarmory, blocking its vision as it quickly released a stream of fire towards its opponent.

"Whismur, Protect!" However, due to the barrier set by the Normal type, the attack collided against the barrier, making the move unsuccessful as the Protect barrier broke just shortly after.

"Skarmory, Swift!"

"Whismur, assist with Screech!"

The Normal type released a horrifying screeching sound, making Torkoal show an expression of disgust upon hearing the sound, distracted as the star-shaped rays hit it once again, draining its energy.

I could tell Harry's arrogance slowly turned into worry in his expression. However, he still refused to get help as he said, "Torkoal, Overheat!"

That was definitely a reckless move to use at that moment. Not only that it might not work out due to the Protect attack, it also drains a lot of the user's energy and could potentially make Torkoal more exhausted. The Fire type seemed to know it itself as it did not bother to issue the command.

"What's going on, Torkoal?!" Frustration started to take over Harry, "Use Overheat!"

The Torkoal cried, "I'm not going to do it, Harry. That's basically asking me to faint in battle!"

However, only I could know about the message Torkoal was trying to deliver as Harry did not have a Pokétalk. As such, Harry probably misinterpreted the cries as taunts from his Pokémon as he got even more frustrated.

The grunts took it as an opportunity to strike, sending out another Fury Attack and Screech respectively. The Torkoal started to pant as the battle was definitely not looking good for even a trainer like Harry.

Knowing that I couldn't just watch anymore, the urge to help overcame my hesitation to do so towards the arrogant trainer. I took out a Pokéball and threw it, "Let's do this, Power!"

Harry noticed me sending out his former member, but did not say anything as he knew he was biting more than he could chew at the moment. I said, trying to make him feel better about the situation, "Y-You know, just trying to make the battle end faster and all."

"...Sure." Harry nodded hesitantly, accepting the help.

"Skarmory, use Fury Attack towards Machop!" The grunt seemed unfazed as he commanded.

"...Torkoal, don't let it attack Power. Counter with Body Slam!" Harry commanded.

"Power, follow up with Karate Chop towards Whismur!"

Skarmory was about to attack Power with its beak, only to be stopped by a powerful slam from Torkoal as it fell onto the ground. Before it could recover, my Fighting type immediately went towards the Normal type and chopped it a few times before it could fight back. The super-effective attack definitely took a toll on Whismur as it cried in pain.

"Whismur, Uproar!"

"Torkoal, get closer to Power and use Protect!"

As the Normal type yelled out and stomped around, making blue sound waves come out of its mouth at the two, the barrier was created, surrounding the two and protecting them from the attack. Power looked at Torkoal and nodded, thanking it for the help.

I was fully aware that we needed to take out one of them to have an advantage as I commanded, "Power, go Low Kick, full power on Whismur!"

"Torkoal, assist with Flamethrower!"

"Whismur, Protect!"

In a panic, the Normal type hurriedly made the barrier surrounding it, only to be broken by the Flamethrower, the move that arrived first. That gave Power the opportunity to use his attack with no obstacle as he kicked the Normal type, the super-effective attack draining all of its energy as Whismur collapsed.

I heaved a sigh of relief as I continued, "Power, use Fling!"

"Torkoal, follow up with Flamethrower!"

Power quickly launched the boulder beside him towards the Skarmory. Thanks to the previous training, his aim helped him launch the attack directly at the Flying type, knocking it down onto the ground once again. Torkoal took the opportunity and released the stream of fire towards the vulnerable Pokémon. The double attack finally took out all of Skarmory's health, taking it out as we managed to win the battle.

"Darnit, we were so close!" One of the grunts yelled in frustration as the two returned their Pokémon.

"We gotta get out of here before something happens-" The other grunt said, but before he could finish his sentence, Torkoal hit the grunt with a Body Slam attack, the impact being too much as he was launched into the air. Before the other grunt could react, Torkoal did the same to him and as his figure slowly disappeared in the sky, he said, "This is even worse than going to prison-!"

"That was some nice work, Power." I said as I sprayed a Potion at him, helping him recover some health.

"I-I couldn't have done it without Torkoal's cover!" He looked at the Fire type and smiled.

"You did well, bud. You definitely looked stronger and happier than before." The male Torkoal seemed to have recognized his former teammate as he praised, resulting in my Machop shyly smiling.

Harry slowly walked towards us and stayed silent for a moment before finally saying, "...You're not half bad yourself over there, weakling."

"Anything to make the battle end quicker." I was happy with the 'compliment' as I half joked.

"Don't be satisfied, weakling... You still need to learn more about Double Battles." He said, however, not nearly as harsh as before.

"It's still better than attempting a one on two, at least."

"...I know how Double Battles work. I just thought I could do this on my own as usual."

"Sometimes, you still need help from others! It's not embarrassing or anything to ask for a hand." I said.

He shrugged before looking at Power, "...He's the Machop I released, isn't he?"

Power slightly looked away as I nodded. Harry then continued, "...He got a lot better. Much better when he was on my team."

"Your Pokémon got stronger too."

"...When I released him, I thought he would go nowhere close to a proper battler. How did you train him?" Harry asked.

"It's funny... I didn't really do anything."

"Huh?"

"Yeah! I just let him do what he wants and improve at his own pace. So far, it's working out quite well." I explained.

"In theory, that wouldn't even work a single bit!"

"Sometimes, things just go the other way around, I guess." I shrugged, "I do admit, you probably have effective training methods to train your Pokémon, but it's obvious when they need a break or two. Maybe... when your attitude is there along with your desire to make your team stronger, that's the perfect combination you need for the long run."

I thought my advice would be replied with harsh remarks again, but instead he just retaliated with, "...What do you even know about me?"

"I don't really know about you, but... you definitely don't want the same thing like during this battle to happen again, do you?" I asked, "I hope you can at least try to change the trust of your Pokémon. It's for your own good, not mine."

"Y-You tell him, Lows!" Power cheered.

"That is the message our team tried so hard to tell him." Torkoal smiled in relief, glad that someone is finally able to deliver how they feel to their trainer.

He looked at me, who smiled upon hearing what the Pokémon said, before quietly muttering, "...I wish I could understand them too."

I did not hear it clearly and asked, "What did you say?"

"Nothing! You probably just heard some imaginary voice." Harry replied, "Keep it together, weakling! Your condition is important for your next battle."

I was confused before he smirked, but the arrogance was close to nowhere to be seen in his face. He then returned Torkoal and walked towards the PokéCentre, waving his hand without looking back as he did so. It seemed that this Seedot was starting to crack just a little from this battle.

"I guess despite all the troubles today, today is still a good day." I said.

"You two did amazing against them!" Sip, who was watching the battle, commented.

"It's nothing..." I sheepishly waved my hands.

After that, we went to the nearby cafe for a drink to relax ourselves and have a chit-chat before eventually separating back to where we stay respectively.

Harry sat on the couch in his room, holding one of his Pokéballs and being deep in thought.

"...I wish I could understand them too."

"What did you say?"

"Nothing! You probably just heard some imaginary voice."

He recalled the sentence he blurted out at that moment.

Would I really want to understand them... knowing that they would only talk about how irresponsible I am as a trainer?

He slowly came to realize that there was a problem with his training methods. On multiple occasions, trainers around him would say something similar, all related to how his batting style may be too extreme, even to himself and his team.

Of course he knew that something was wrong. Just like what his father mentioned, his training lacked care and love towards his Pokémon. It would be effective in the short term, but the after-effects would not be pretty, as proven from the battle he just had.

He knew he needed to change, just like what that weakling said.

But... I don't want to change.

I'm too stubborn... too scared to change.

He was not sure whether his change in heart would even make a positive difference to the team. What if it doesn't go right? What if they fail to become stronger?

What if... the same thing happens again?

Under his arrogant facade, the thoughts of losing his Pokémon after putting attention into them constantly existed in his mind after that incident with Treecko. And boy, were they scary to think about.

He sighed, before holding the Pokéball upwards as his eyes stared straight at it.

"...I don't know, man.

This is tough."

Lows' Pokémon Team:

Surfer (Wartortle, Male) Jolly Nature, Moves: Bite, Water Gun, Water Pulse, Mud Slap

Ziggs (Linoone, Male) Naive Nature, Moves: Dig, Headbutt, Swift, Facade

Grace (Kirlia, Female) Calm Nature, Moves: Teleport, Magical Leaf, Shadow Ball, Psybeam

Woody (Grovyle, Male) Lonely Nature, Moves: Pursuit, Leaf Blade, Bullet Seed, Rock Throw

Power (Machop, Male) Timid Nature, Moves: Fling, Focus Energy, Karate Chop, Low Kick