The journey down Route 32 stretched long and quiet, the sun dipping lower with every step. The paved roads of Violet City had given way to packed dirt, well-trodden but rugged, flanked by thick trees and patches of tall grass. Occasionally, a wooden pier jutted out toward the shimmering lake beside them, catching the last glimmers of daylight. The sounds of nature filled the air—rustling leaves, the distant hoot of an owl-like Pokémon, and the occasional splash of something unseen beneath the water's surface.

Zane sighed, shoving his hands into his pockets. "This route is long."

Rev smirked, stretching lazily. "What, tired already? Thought you had more stamina than this."

"I'm not tired," Zane shot back. "Just saying, there's not a whole lot going on here."

Boe chuckled. "Well, this place has different Pokémon than up north. Maybe we'll run into something interesting."

As if on cue, rustling came from the tall grass nearby. The trio stopped, turning toward the sound. A small, round Pokémon leaped into the open—a fluffy, yellow creature with stubby legs and a round blue tail.

Zane instinctively reached for his Pokédex, flipping it open. The screen blinked to life, scanning the Pokémon before displaying an entry.

"Mareep, the Wool Pokémon. Its fluffy coat can build up static electricity, discharging jolts when touched. If static electricity builds in its body, its fleece doubles in volume."

Zane raised an eyebrow. "Huh. An Electric-type." He eyed the Pokémon as it flicked its round tail, tiny sparks crackling at the tip.

Rev crossed his arms. "Looking for a new Pokémon already?"

Zane smirked. "I want to have options in battle."

Before he could take another step, the Mareep let out a static-filled bleat and scampered off into the grass.

Zane groaned. "Oh, come on! I didn't even get to throw a Poké Ball!"

Boe laughed. "Guess you'll have to be quicker next time."

The road stretched on as the sky darkened from orange to deep blue. The Pokémon calls grew softer, replaced by the rhythmic chirping of insects. The only real light now came from the stars above—except for the warm, distant glow ahead.

"There it is," Boe said, pointing forward.

The Pokémon Center stood like a beacon in the night, its red roof and glowing windows promising rest. It was a small outpost before Union Cave, meant for weary travelers.

Zane sighed in relief. "Finally."

As they approached, the automatic doors slid open, washing them in warm light. Inside, trainers gathered in the common area, chatting over meals or tending to their Pokémon. The smell of food drifted through the air, and the hum of healing machines filled the background.

Boe stretched. "Let's heal up, grab some food, and get some rest. Tomorrow, we tackle Union Cave."

Rev smirked. "Hope you two are ready for another long walk."

Zane groaned dramatically. "I don't know if my legs can take much more of this."

The others laughed as they stepped inside, leaving the dark road behind them.

The next morning, the trio stood at the entrance of Union Cave, the massive rock formation looming over them. The cave mouth was wide and jagged, like a gaping maw carved into the mountainside. Cool air drifted from within, carrying a faint, damp scent of stone and underground water. Stalactites hung from the ceiling just beyond the entrance, their sharp forms barely visible in the dim light. The path leading inside was well-trodden, the dirt packed firm from countless travelers before them.

Boe adjusted his backpack. "Alright, Union Cave. We get through here, and we'll be on the way to Azalea Town."

Rev peered inside. "Looks dark."

Zane crossed his arms. "And probably full of wild Pokémon."

Boe grinned. "Well, yeah. That's the fun part."

As they stepped forward, the warmth of the outside world quickly faded, replaced by the cool, echoing stillness of the cave. The damp air carried the scent of wet stone, and the only sounds were the occasional dripping of water and their own footsteps.

"Alright, I know how to light the way," Rev said confidently, pulling out a Poké Ball. With a flick of his wrist, he sent out his Cyndaquil. The small Fire-type landed on the rocky ground, shook itself off, and ignited the flames on its back, casting a warm, flickering glow around them.

Rev grinned. "Huh... You really do light up the place. I think I'll call you Torch."

Torch chirped happily, its flames casting long shadows against the rugged cave walls. The light revealed jagged rock formations looming overhead, stalactites clinging like stone fangs. The floor was uneven, with small puddles reflecting Torch's glow. Twisting tunnels branched off from the main path, disappearing into the darkness.

"Much better," Boe said, glancing around. "Still kinda eerie, though."

"At least we won't trip over anything now," Zane added, stepping carefully around a loose rock. "I don't want to be stuck in here longer than we have to be."

Then, the ground shuddered beneath their feet. A low, rumbling sound echoed through the cave.

"What was that?" Boe asked, glancing around.

Before anyone could react, the cavern trembled violently. A loud, grating roar rang out as a giant snake made from a chain of gray boulders slithered into view from the shadows, a rocky spine protruding from its head.

Rev quickly pulled out his Pokédex.

"Onix, the Rock Snake Pokémon. As it grows, the stone portions of its body harden to become similar to a diamond, though it remains susceptible to water."

"That thing is huge," Zane muttered, stepping back.

Rev smirked. "Then it's a perfect challenge."

The Onix let out a deafening roar before lunging forward.

"Let's do this, Torch!" Rev shouted.

Torch leaped in front of him, its flames flaring brighter.

"Start with Ember!"

Small fireballs shot from Torch's back, striking Onix's rocky hide. The massive Pokémon recoiled slightly, but it was clear the attack wasn't very effective.

Onix retaliated with Rock Throw, slamming boulders toward Torch. The Cyndaquil leaped out of the way, narrowly dodging the attack.

"Alright, let's try Smokescreen!"

A thick, black cloud filled the area, making it harder for Onix to see. It thrashed about, slamming its tail into the cave floor and sending tremors through the cavern.

"Now, Tackle!"

Torch rushed through the smoke, slamming into Onix's side. The Rock Snake Pokémon roared, clearly disoriented.

"Poké Ball, go!" Rev shouted, hurling a Poké Ball at the weakened Onix.

One shake. Two shakes. Three shakes. Click!

"Yes!" Rev cheered, picking up the Poké Ball. "I caught an Onix!"

Just as he celebrated, Torch's body began to glow.

Boe and Zane took a step back as Torch's form grew taller, its flames bursting outward. Moments later, a new form emerged—Torch had evolved into Quilava!

Rev grinned. "Now that's a reward."

Boe chuckled. "Guess you got two for the price of one."

Zane smirked. "Not bad. But now we really need to get moving before something even bigger shows up."

The damp, cool air of the cave clung to them as they pressed forward, the flickering glow of Quilava's flames casting shifting shadows along the cavern walls. Their footsteps echoed against the stone, blending with the distant murmur of running water.

To their right, a pool stretched along the rock face, its surface dark and glassy, broken only by the occasional ripple—an unseen movement beneath the water. The cave exit loomed ahead, the faintest glow of moonlight bleeding through, but Boe barely noticed.

His thoughts were elsewhere.

Rev had caught Onix. Torch had evolved.

I want to catch something too…

The closer they got to the exit, the more restless he became. His brother already had a second Pokémon, and now Rev did too. What if he left the cave empty-handed?

Then, just as the cavern's mouth came into view, Boe skidded to a stop.

There, against the rocky wall, a strange, round shape caught his eye.

It was rough and jagged, as if chipped from the cave itself, but unmistakably alive. Two powerful arms jutted from its sides, each ending in a clenched fist. Its narrow eyes gleamed with stubborn determination.

Boe's hand shot to his PokéDex.

"Geodude, the Rock Pokémon. Commonly found in caves and mountain paths, it is often mistaken for a boulder until it moves on its own."

A grin spread across his face. "Alright, I'm catching that!"

Rev and Zane turned at the excitement in his voice, watching as he grabbed a Poké Ball and stepped forward.

"Jolee, let's do this!"

The Totodile landed on the rocky ground in a burst of light, red spines twitching as it snapped its jaws eagerly. The Geodude's gaze sharpened before it suddenly tucked in its arms—then launched forward, spinning rapidly.

"Whoa, that's fast," Rev muttered.

Boe barely had time to react. "Jolee, dodge and get ready!"

The Totodile leaped aside just as the spinning boulder shot past, its impact scattering loose stones across the cavern floor.

Geodude didn't stop. It whipped around and rolled back—faster.

"That's Rollout," Rev noted. "It's gonna hit harder each time."

Geodude came rolling back around. This time its attack connected, slamming into Jolee's side with a force that echoed through the cave. The Totodile yelped as it tumbled across the rocky ground, coming to a stop near the water's edge.

Boe clenched his fists. "Jolee, get up!"

Jolee groaned, struggling to push itself up, but Geodude was already coming back, faster this time. Boe's pulse pounded. One more hit might knock Jolee out.

"You gotta move!" he shouted.

At the last second, Jolee sprang to its feet and leaped sideways, barely avoiding another Rollout. The attack smashed into the ground where Jolee had just been, sending pebbles flying. Boe exhaled sharply.

"Alright, let's stop it in its tracks! Use Water Gun!"

Jolee took a deep breath and fired. A jet of water blasted forward, striking Geodude dead-on. The Rock-type tumbled backward, slamming against the cave floor with a dazed grunt.

Boe didn't hesitate. "Now's my chance!" He threw a Poké Ball, watching as it struck Geodude and pulled it inside in a flash of red light.

The ball landed with a soft thud.

One shake. Two shakes. Three. Click.

Boe exhaled before breaking into a huge grin. "Yes! I caught Geodude!"

Jolee let out an excited cry—but before Boe could celebrate, his Pokémon's body began to glow.

A bright light engulfed Totodile's small frame, forcing the trio to step back as its shape stretched and changed. Its arms thickened, its snout elongated, and its jagged teeth grew even more pronounced. As the glow faded, a larger, sturdier form stood before them—Jolee had evolved into Croconaw.

Boe stared in shock. Then his face split into an even bigger grin. "No way! Jolee, you evolved too? This is awesome!"

The newly evolved Croconaw let out a deep growl, flashing its signature toothy grin.

Rev smirked and elbowed Zane. "So, Boe got a new Pokémon and an evolution. You feeling left out yet?"

Zane crossed his arms and huffed, his eyes flicking toward the dark water beside them. Something rippled beneath the surface, but he didn't say anything. Instead, he smirked. "Tch. In due time."

Rev's grin widened. "You sure? No new Pokémon, no evolution—"

"I said, due time." Zane shot him a sharp look. "I'm gonna get Pokémon that are perfect for me. Not just anything I come across."

Boe chuckled, still admiring his Croconaw and newly caught Geodude. "Well, when you do, I hope it's as cool as Jolee."

With the excitement finally settling, the trio stepped out of Union Cave. The crisp night air washed over them, a refreshing contrast to the cavern's damp chill.

Ahead, Route 33 stretched into the distance, the path winding toward Azalea Town—toward whatever came next.