The Verdanturf Tunnel-the passage connecting Rustboro City and Verdanturf Town-was still sealed under heavy League supervision.Ever since Team Aqua and Team Magma's violent clash there, the area had been declared a restricted zone.
Silas stood at the fenced barricade, eyeing the armed guards posted along the path.
Each was accompanied by vigilant Pokémon-Manectric, Herdier, and Houndoom prowled in disciplined formation.
Occasionally, an Officer Jenny strode past, her Growlithe at her side, its mane glowing faintly in the sunlight.
Even the other officers couldn't help but glance at her with envy.
Silas sighed. "Looks like I'll have to take the long way-over the mountain."
He dismounted from his mountain bike, folded it neatly, and stored it in his spatial backpack. Beyond the fence, the path was completely sealed.
Taking to the bamboo forest trail, Silas looked northeast, toward the massive peak piercing the clouds.
Mt. Chimney.
If he crossed the forest ahead, he'd reach Verdanturf Town, and beyond it, Mt. Chimney-the most famous volcano in all of Hoenn.
The closer he came to Verdanturf, the fresher the air became.
Despite being near an active volcano, there was no trace of ash in the breeze-perhaps thanks to favorable winds that kept Verdanturf eternally clean.
It was no wonder the town was beloved by the wealthy and the elderly-a perfect place to retire or recover.
Even patients with frail bodies came here seeking peace.
Spotting the town in the distance, Silas's pace lightened. Above him, Murkrow circled protectively, eyes scanning the shadows, ever watchful.
As dusk fell, Silas decided not to push further. He stopped at the forest's edge to make camp.
"Crawdaunt-take care of my shoes. Remember to clean them with Bubble, alright?"
"Sharpedo, head down to the stream and catch two fish. Those ration biscuits taste like cardboard."
While Murkrow patrolled overhead, Eevee helped Silas pitch the tent-her small paws fumbling with the ropes.
It was the kind of simple teamwork that strengthened bonds better than any battle.
"Alright, alright… let's get this fire going."
Silas gathered dry twigs and leaves, arranging them into a pile before striking a match and setting the campfire ablaze.
Warmth spread through the clearing. The forest grew cold at night, and a bit of firelight meant comfort and safety.
Silas had endured worse during his time at sea, but that didn't mean he wanted to fall sick now.
He sat by the fire, curling up slightly against the chill.
Beside him, Eevee mimicked his movements, holding her little paws toward the flame.
And then-
"Veeeee!"
Her fur caught fire.
Eevee squeaked in panic, stomping wildly at the flames.
Before Silas could move, a jet of water splashed over her paws.
Crawdaunt clicked his claws proudly.
Silas chuckled, watching the small pink paw pads tremble.
"Ha, Eevee, that new look suits you. Very… creative."
"Veeeee…"
Eevee puffed her cheeks, teary-eyed. The pitiful sight made Silas falter mid-laugh.
"Alright, alright-don't cry. Tomorrow, I'll give you a Smooth Energy Pokéblock Cube with breakfast. It'll help your fur grow back faster."
Eevee covered her eyes with her tiny paws, though her pink pads peeked out-earning a round of snickers from the group.
Especially from Murkrow, who cackled gleefully from a branch above.
"Kraa-kraa!"
Silas turned the grill's handle, flipping the fish Sharpedo had caught.
The sizzling sound of oil filled the air. Eevee's ears twitched immediately.
Silas sprinkled a handful of seasoning from a pouch, the aroma of grilled fish soon enveloping the camp.
He took a bite, licking his lips in satisfaction, while scrolling through the Pokédex's latest news feed.
"Oh, look at this-Lance, the Dragon Tamer from the Kanto region, failed the Champion Challenge again! Fifth attempt and beaten by Ice-type Elite Four member, Lorelei."
He smirked in amusement, skimming the article.
The Champion Challenge-the most prestigious trial in League history.
A trainer had to defeat all four members of a region's Elite Four in one continuous battle-no rests, no breaks. Only then could they challenge for the Champion's seat.
No wonder few ever succeeded.
And every time, Lance fell to Lorelei's icy defense.
After all, her Cloyster were monsters-using Shell Smash to boost their stats, combined with Skill Link and a Focus Sash for survivability.
Once the shells cracked, the relentless barrage of Icicle Spears and Rock Blasts would tear through even a Dragonite's defenses.
(Shell Smash: Sacrifices Defense and Sp. Defense to greatly boost Attack, Sp. Attack, and Speed.)
(Skill Link: Ensures multi-hit moves always strike the maximum number of times.)
(Focus Sash: Allows a Pokémon to survive a fatal hit with 1 HP.)
Silas chuckled, shaking his head. "Even dragons can fall."
Later that night, he crawled into his sleeping bag, watching archived Champion Challenge matches on his Pokédex.
He tried to study Lance's tactics but the comment section kept making him laugh.
"First defeat-still smiling."
"Second-no smile."
"Third-pure despair."
"LMAO, Dragonite's expression turned from heroic to horrified when the Icicle Spears hit!"
"Let's be honest, Kanto's Gym Leaders are also built like Elite Four anyway!"
Silas snorted. "They're not wrong."
After all, he knew that Lance would one day become the acting Champion of both Kanto and Johto.
Closing his Pokédex, Silas glanced toward the firelight outside.
"Murkrow-keep watch tonight."
"Kraa."
The bird's raspy cry echoed softly.
For Murkrow, night was home.
And as darkness blanketed the forest, the shadows became his comfort.
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(Bonus chapter for holloween)
(End of chapter)