Venrof Pokemon Gym Entrance

Polo and Maria stood before Professor Topaz, excited to re-unite so soon.

"How did the Gym Battle go?" Topaz asked harmlessly, and Maria looked at Polo with concern.

Polo sighed but smiled saying "Maria won! But I couldn't quite hack it. I'm excited to get stronger to win next time though".

Topaz smiled "A very healthy outlook. And I'm sure Maria will help you train." To which Maria nodded before tilting her head inquisitively. "So Professor, you wanted to discuss something with us?"

"Ah! Yes! It occurred to me I was so caught up in my research I didn't even give Polo a Pokedex. Hardly seems fitting considering I asked for help with my conservation initiatives. Sorry about that!" Topaz smiled with embarrassment at his negligence.

"Oh! Dad had a Rotom Dex. I never met it but he showed me plenty of pictures of their adventure. Is it a Rotom Dex?" Polo enquired.

"Hahaha! Apologies, I think those are only manufactured in Alola and pretty closely monitored. Not sure why it's such a big deal they aren't allowed out of the region…patent infringement? I'm unsure. No no, this is just a standard BioDex available in most regions, sorry if you wanted a Rotom Dex. But it should be helpful in explaining Pokemon to you. Their habits, their culture, their behaviour, all to help and inform you to make good decisions. Here you go" Topaz concluded presenting Polo with a sleek, dark red personal computing device.

Polo grinned with excitement, opening up the flip phone looking device.

"Calibrating….welcome to BioDex Eridante. Scan your thumbprint please for future unlocking".

While Polo worked through the various authentication and setup steps for the Dex, Topaz enquired to Maria "I suppose you already have one?".

Maria shook her head "No I don't Professor, but to be honest? I don't think I will need one, especially with Polo now having one." Maria pulled out a large and thick A4 journal from her rucksack, passing it to the Pokemon Professor.

Professor Topaz flicked through the pages, becoming more and more amazed. "These…these notes are extensive! You did this? So many Pokemon detailed…it's like a manual Pokedex. But why? Why make more work for yourself?".

Maria chuckled "Call me paranoid, but I'm not so sold on Pokedexes. No offense of course, they're useful but especially with the new AI I'm….hesitant. I like a modicum of privacy, I'm sure you understand."

Topaz nodded thoughtfully, "I get it. But I would argue we need to embrace technology and educate the world on how to use it responsibly. But I totally get it! Anyway, this is so impressive Maria – you have the making of a Professor, as well as a Champion" to which Maria looked incredibly proud yet humble.

"Ok – don't want to hold you up further. Although if you don't mind, I'd like to accompany you for your training, I have some free time and wanted to check on the local area anyway."

"Yeah! Bransmir Town 2.0!" Polo fist pumped the air and rushed away to Route 3, north of Venrof City.

"Polo! Gah he's such a kid sometimes!" Maria groaned then ran after him.

"I worry you need to be more of a kid!" Topaz exclaimed but Maria was out of earshot. Topaz laughed at the duo's antics then said "Wait for me!" rushing after them.

Route 3

This route stretched out expansively to the North then to the East, with various bodies of water stretching far to the North. A walkable path continued to the East. As Polo and Maria got their bearings, they heard Topaz slowly running up behind them, huffing and puffing to catch his breath.

"Hah…that was…hah…I've definitely…hah…lost my cardiovascular functions…hah…compared to….hah…" Topaz sat down on the ground, stopping to catch his breath.

Polo and Maria grinned but then extended a hand each to help him up.

"Right…time for training Polo!" Maria snapped to and Polo made a salute "Aye Aye Captain!".

Maria released Pawniard and Hatenne to be training partners for Chimchar and Toxel, and they trained in a doubles format. Marie explained type matchups for Chimchar and Toxel with Pawniard and Hatenne respectively, and Polo absorbed the information well.

"For the Bide tactic…you should try not to attack. I would make the assumption Kricketune is going to Bide and use a non-attacking move. Even better if it's something like Leer or Growl to really cripple Kricketune." Maria reasoned.

"Hmm…what about this?" Polo enquired and he showed Maria that Chimchar had learnt Taunt.

"Yes! That's a great disruption move. It ensures Kricketune can't Bide for some time, and Chimchar quite handily wins that matchup. Also if Chimchar is at low health, it's ability shines. You should use Ember at times like this, even if it may mean Chimchar fainting, to get good damage in….no offense Chimchar." Maria quickly added but Chimchar nodded, it wasn't offended at the suggestion at all.

Toxel also learnt Tearful Look, and Polo removed Belch from it's moveset as although it was powerful it was more situational than Acid.

"Great! Another good option for Bide." Maria surmised.

Professor Topaz watched the two trainers in silence with a mix of admiration and curiosity. It was a great part of his role as Pokemon Professor, seeing the growth of the Trainers he worked with.

Suddenly, the group heard a loud splash from nearby. The trio recalled their Pokemon in shock.

"It came from up there!" The Professor pointed and the trio headed towards the source of the noise.

Route 3, Riverfront

The trio came upon a group of half royal blue, half red piranha looking Pokemon splashing about.

"Carvanha - It won't attack while it's alone—not even if it spots prey. Instead, it waits for other Carvanha to join it, and then the Pokémon attack as a group" Polo's BioDex explained.

"Well what is it attacking…hmm!" Polo said as a dolphin like Pokemon arced out of the sky, and fell back into the water, aiming for the Carvanha. His BioDex once again spoke.

"Palafin - This hero of the ocean swims at a speed of 50 knots and saves drowning people and Pokémon."

At this Topaz cocked his head "Wait…Palafin? Not Finizen." Maria and Polo looked confused, but in that moment, the dolphin-like Pokemon submerged underwater, shortly thereafter resurfacing. But it looked different. It was muscular, now seeming to stand on two legs, with a large rough inverted fin insignia on it's chest, like a logo. In one quick move, in the blink of an eye, it punched the water, causing a massive shockwave. About 15 to 20 Carvanha surfaced, knocked out.

"WOAH! COOL" Polo yelled out, startling the Palafin. It quickly submerged again.

"No! Come back!" he reacted in anguish, searching for it.

"Polo…this seems dangerous…" Maria reached out but Polo turned around with conviction.

"That Pokemon…I want to make friends with it!"

Topaz looked slightly disturbed but said nothing. The trio had no idea just what they were getting into…