The morning sun stretched across Route 31, golden light filtering through the swaying trees. Rev tore down the dirt path, dodging roots and patches of tall grass, his eyes locked onto the small purple creature ahead of him. It had large, round ears and a permanent mischievous grin stretched across its face. Most notably, it had an absurdly long tail that ended in a hand-like appendage, which it was using to wave around its stolen prize like a victory flag.

"Get back here, you little thief!" Rev shouted, pumping his legs harder.

The creature responded by glancing back with a wide, cheeky grin before vaulting onto a low-hanging tree branch. It swung effortlessly from limb to limb, its tail acting like a fifth limb as it bounced ahead with ease.

Boe and Zane trailed behind, their footsteps crunching against the dirt path. Zane, hands on his knees, was laughing between gasps for air. "This... this is the best thing I've seen all day!" he wheezed.

Boe, trying his best to appear composed, covered his mouth with his hand. "Rev, are you sure chasing it is the best idea?" he called out. "Maybe it'll drop your stuff if we—" He cut himself off as the creature stuck its tongue out at Rev before somersaulting onto another tree branch. A short snort of laughter escaped before he could suppress it.

Rev gritted his teeth and pulled out his Pokédex, flipping it open as he ran.

"Aipom, the Long Tail Pokémon. Its tail is so dexterous it can use it to pick up and manipulate objects as easily as its hands. It lives high in the treetops and rarely touches the ground."

"Figures," Rev muttered. "No wonder this thing's a pain to catch!"

Zane smirked. "Sounds like it's a perfect match for you."

Rev clenched his fists. "Oh, that's it. Cyndaquil, let's go!"

With a quick flick of his wrist, he tossed his Poké Ball, and in a flash of light, Cyndaquil landed on the dirt path, flames flaring to life on its back. The little fire-type blinked up at Aipom, tilting its head curiously as if confused why its trainer was so worked up.

"Aipom's got my stuff! We're getting it back!" Rev said, pointing an accusatory finger at the monkey.

Aipom cocked its head, pretending to be innocent, before wiggling its tail-hand and flinging a small puff of dirt straight at Cyndaquil's face.

Cyndaquil sneezed as the Sand Attack clouded its vision. "Cyndaquil, shake it off and use Tackle!"

Cyndaquil charged forward blindly, but Aipom easily side-stepped, landing gracefully with a smug expression. Before Cyndaquil could react, Aipom sprang forward and swiped at it with Scratch, causing the fire-type to stumble back.

Zane clutched his stomach in laughter. "Man, this Aipom's playing you, Rev."

Rev grit his teeth. "Cyndaquil, hit it with another Tackle!"

This time, Cyndaquil charged forward with more accuracy, ramming into Aipom. The monkey Pokémon yelped, flipping backward before catching itself with its tail. Then, instead of looking angry or defeated, Aipom let out a playful chitter and wiggled its fingers on either side of its head.

Rev blinked. "Did it just... make a funny face at me?"

Zane practically collapsed in laughter. "Oh man, it's taunting you!"

Boe sighed but couldn't keep the smile off his face. "Rev, I think it knows exactly what it's doing."

Rev's face twitched with barely contained frustration. "That's it! Cyndaquil, one more Tackle!"

Cyndaquil slammed into Aipom again, and this time, the monkey stumbled, looking slightly winded. Without wasting another second, Rev snatched a Poké Ball from his belt and hurled it. The ball struck Aipom, engulfing it in red light before dropping to the ground.

It wobbled once.

Twice.

Click!

Rev let out a triumphant sigh and strode over to pick up the Poké Ball. "Finally!"

As he straightened, he noticed his stolen item—whatever it was—sitting on the ground where Aipom had dropped it. He scooped it up and shoved it back into his bag before turning to see Boe and Zane still struggling to contain their amusement.

Zane wiped a tear from his eye. "Dude, you just got played by a monkey so hard."

Rev scowled but then looked down at the Poké Ball in his hand, lips twitching into a smirk. "Yeah, well... now it's my monkey."

Boe chuckled. "Guess that means you're stuck with its antics from now on."

Rev sighed, shaking his head before clipping the Poké Ball onto his belt. "Great. Just what I needed."

With the battle over and the excitement fading, the trio turned their sights back toward the path ahead. Violet City wasn't far now.

As the trio stepped off the dirt path of Route 31, the cobblestone streets of Violet City stretched before them. Towering trees framed the entrance, their branches swaying gently in the breeze, casting shifting patterns of light onto the worn stone. Unlike the sleek, modern cities further west, Violet City felt like a place frozen in time, aged, yet dignified. Wooden buildings with curved rooftops and intricate carvings blended seamlessly with the natural surroundings, giving the entire town a peaceful, almost sacred air.

Boe's eyes lit up as he took everything in. "Wow... this place feels ancient," he murmured, running his fingers along a carved wooden railing as they passed over a small stone bridge. Below, a creek trickled peacefully, feeding into a pond dotted with lily pads.

"It's like something out of a history book," he continued, his voice filled with wonder. "Look at the architecture, the way the trees weave through the buildings... This city hasn't just been built—it's grown alongside nature."

Rev, however, barely spared the scenery a glance. "Yeah, yeah, old buildings, nature, whatever," he said, cracking his knuckles. "Where's the Gym?"

Zane smirked and nudged Boe. "Guess history's not as cool as getting a badge."

Before Boe could respond, the familiar red roof of a Pokémon Center came into view just ahead. Positioned right at the entrance to town, the center stood as a welcoming stop for weary travelers. The glass doors slid open as they stepped inside, greeted by the cool air and the soft hum of healing machines. A few trainers sat in booths along the walls, chatting or tending to their Pokémon while Nurse Joy worked at the counter.

Zane veered off toward a stand near the entrance, grabbing a few pamphlets. "Let's see…" He flipped through one of them. "Okay, it says here: Top Attractions of Violet City!" He scanned the list and read aloud.

"First up, we have Sprout Tower, home to monks who train in the way of Pokémon, where the whole structure sways like a giant Bellsprout in the wind."

Boe gasped as he grabbed the pamphlet and read outloud. "The tower is legendary! It was built ages ago to symbolize the balance between humans and Pokémon. The monks believe in growing stronger through discipline and harmony—oh, we have to go there!"

Rev snorted. "Yeah, that sounds… riveting. Anything else?"

Zane smirked and continued. "Next, we have Violet City Gym, home of Falkner, the Flying-type specialist!"

Rev immediately perked up. "Now that's what I'm talking about! Finally, something worth doing."

Zane glanced at the last listing. "And apparently, there's also the Ruins of Alph, just outside the city limits. Some kind of ancient site with mysterious carvings and hidden chambers."

Boe practically vibrated with excitement. "Okay, change of plans—we're doing all of these!"

Rev rolled his eyes. "We don't have time for every old rock in Johto. The Gym should come first!"

Boe frowned. "The Gym will still be there later! Sprout Tower is part of the town's history! We could learn something valuable before jumping into battles!"

Rev crossed his arms. "You think a bunch of sages are gonna teach me how to win a fight?"

"Maybe!" Boe shot back.

Zane laughed, shaking his head. "Alright, only one way to settle this—Fire, Grass, Water."

The three of them extended a fist, each counting under their breath before revealing their choice.

One… Two… Three!

Rev threw Fire.
Boe threw Fire.
Zane threw Water.

Zane blinked, then grinned. "Well, looks like I won. And since I'm the tie-breaker..." He dramatically flipped through the pamphlet before tapping on one of the options. "We're heading to Sprout Tower first!"

Boe let out a victorious yes! while Rev groaned.

"Fine," Rev grumbled, crossing his arms. "But after this, we're going straight to the Gym. No detours."

With their first destination decided, the trio stepped back out onto the cobblestone streets, making their way toward the towering wooden structure in the distance.

The path leading to Sprout Tower wound through the northern side of Violet City, where old stone lanterns lined the way, their weathered surfaces covered in moss. Towering trees surrounded the structure, their leaves whispering with the wind. The sun hung low in the sky, casting an amber glow that made the ancient wooden tower seem almost golden.

Boe's eyes sparkled as they neared the base of the towering structure. "This place is incredible," he murmured, taking in the intricate wooden carvings adorning the entrance. "It looks like it's been standing here forever."

"That's 'cause it probably has," Zane said, stretching. "The pamphlet said something about it being hundreds of years old."

Rev folded his arms, tilting his head back to look at the very top. "Kinda sways a little, doesn't it?"

Boe nodded. "Legend says a massive Bellsprout, like a hundred feet tall, was used to build the central pillar. That's why the whole tower moves with the wind instead of collapsing."

Rev raised an eyebrow. "A hundred-foot Bellsprout? Now I really need to see what's inside."

Without hesitation, Rev pushed open the heavy wooden doors, and the three of them stepped inside.

The moment they entered, the scent of aged wood and burning incense filled the air. The flickering glow of paper lanterns cast warm light on the polished wooden floors, reflecting the movement of the great pillar in the center of the chamber. The entire structure swayed gently, an eerie creaking sound filling the space with every shift.

The walls were adorned with faded murals, depicting Bellsprout in various forms—some standing tall against storms, others intertwining their vines in a circle of unity. Monks dressed in simple brown robes walked in slow, deliberate steps, their eyes calm and knowing.

"Man, this place feels alive," Zane whispered. "Like it's watching us or something."

Boe took slow steps forward, his eyes roaming over the murals. "It's probably the oldest thing in this city. Maybe even older than that."

Rev, less interested in history and more eager for action, glanced around. "So, where do we start?"

Before any of them could answer, an elderly sage standing nearby turned toward them. His expression was warm, his hands clasped together in greeting. "Welcome, travelers," he said in a voice that carried wisdom. "You walk upon sacred ground, where patience and discipline are the keys to growth."

Boe nodded eagerly. "We were hoping to learn more about Sprout Tower."

"And perhaps train a little," Rev added with a smirk.

The monk chuckled. "You will find both here. Many have come to test their strength and wisdom within these walls." He glanced toward a small group of monks observing them from across the room. "Perhaps you would care to engage in a battle?"

At the mention of battle, three sages stepped forward, each bowing respectfully. The first, a woman with streaks of silver in her braided hair, introduced herself. "I am Sage Misty."

A younger, lean man beside her gave a nod. "I am Sage Charlie."

The last, a taller man with a more intense gaze, spoke with a calm voice. "I am Sage Rai."

Rev grinned. "I like these guys already."

Zane rolled his shoulders. "Guess it's time to see what all this 'patience and discipline' stuff is about."

Boe took a deep breath, excitement bubbling inside him. This was what he had wanted, to experience the history of this place not just by reading about it, but by living it.

The three of them stepped forward, ready for battle.

Boe nodded, stepping forward. He reached for a Poké Ball, glancing at Shan, his Sentret, who eagerly hopped onto the battlefield.

Misty unclipped a Poké Ball from her robe and released her Pokémon. A strange, plantlike creature emerged, a wiry green body swaying like a reed, two leaf-like arms extended outward, and a yellow head that resembled a closed flower bud. Its tiny eyes blinked at Boe, and its root-like feet barely seemed to touch the ground.

Boe tilted his head. "What… is that thing?"

He pulled out his Pokédex and scanned it.

Bellsprout, the Flower Pokémon. It prefers hot and humid places. It can lash out with its thin, vine-like body to ensnare and attack its prey.

"Alright, Shan, looks like we're up against a plant thing!" Boe called. Shan squeaked determinedly.

Misty gave a slow nod. "Let's begin."

Boe, eager to set the pace, shouted, "Quick Attack, go!"

Shan darted forward in a blur of motion, her small body colliding with Bellsprout before it could react. The plant Pokémon stumbled back but quickly recovered.

"Vine Whip," Misty commanded.

Bellsprout's thin arms stretched unnaturally, snapping through the air like whips. Shan barely managed to roll out of the way, the attack slicing through where she had been moments before.

"Now, Quick Attack again!"

Shan zigzagged forward and slammed into Bellsprout's side, this time landing a critical hit. Bellsprout wobbled but didn't fall.

Misty remained calm. "Wrap."

Before Boe could react, Bellsprout's slender body curled around Shan, constricting her tightly.

Shan let out a strained squeak, trying to wiggle free.

"Defense Curl!" Boe ordered.

Shan tucked herself in, tightening her body into a ball. The increased resistance seemed to keep Bellsprout from squeezing too hard, but it still wouldn't let go.

"Scratch your way out!"

Shan's tiny claws glowed slightly as she raked at Bellsprout's leafy body. With a sharp cry, Bellsprout uncoiled, releasing Shan from its grip.

Misty remained composed. "Vine Whip."

Bellsprout lashed out again, striking Shan across the side. She skidded back, wincing, but stayed on her feet.

Boe clenched his fists. "Finish it with a Quick Attack!"

With a determined chirp, Shan bolted forward one last time, slamming into Bellsprout's chest. The plant Pokémon teetered before finally collapsing, its leafy arms twitching before going still.

Misty gave a small, approving nod. "Well done, young one. You fight with instinct, but do not neglect patience. The strongest roots grow with time."

Boe exhaled, grinning as he scooped Shan into his arms. "We did it, girl."

After receiving a respectful bow from Misty, Boe reunited with Zane and Rev at the tower's entrance.

"All wins?" he asked.

Zane smirked. "Of course."

Rev stretched. "That was fun, but I'm ready to hit the Pokémon Center. And then—Gym time."

Boe looked back at the swaying tower, its wooden pillar still shifting as if caught in an unseen breeze. There was something about this place—something deeper than just a training ground. He had a feeling they'd be back here someday.

Stronger.