Pokémon: Raising Abandoned Pokémon into Legends

Chapter 27: The Girl from Sinnoh

Inside the still-under-construction Lavender Gym, some early-rising trainers were lined up with their Pokémon, waiting to receive guidance from Rio.

"Philly, your Wartortle will master Protect after about 45 more practices. Once that’s done, have it practice Rapid Spin and Water Pulse next—121 and 134 times respectively. Right now, both of those moves have fairly low proficiency. I’m sure you’ve noticed during battles that their power just can’t match your opponents’."

The young trainer nodded repeatedly after hearing the guidance: "Yes, Gym Leader. Last night, when I battled other Water-type Pokémon, I always felt Wartortle’s moves were lacking—they just couldn’t compare."

"Train it more these days, just as I said. Also, be sure to praise it often during practice—help build its confidence. It’s no worse than any other Pokémon," Rio said with a smile, crouching down to pat the shy Wartortle, which was clinging tightly to its trainer’s leg.

"I understand, Gym Leader."

The young trainer left with Wartortle. Another boy then stepped forward with a Pikachu. Rio continued giving guidance for about another hour before finally taking a break.

With some free time, he turned and walked toward another open area. Soon, he spotted Charmeleon practicing Fire Fang in the field and Munchlax practicing Metronome nearby. These were the exercises he’d assigned them this morning.

"Rua~"

"Ka~"

Seeing Rio approach, the two little ones immediately stopped practicing and trotted over. Charmeleon jumped straight into Rio’s arms, while Munchlax stood off to the side, watching.

"Charmeleon, you really are one in a million! Just thirteen more tries and you’ll have Fire Fang down!" Rio said, affectionately patting Charmeleon’s head.

Then he turned his gaze to Munchlax, who seemed to want to come closer but was holding back. Rio reached out, pulled it over, and petted them both together.

"Munchlax, you did great today too—you really impressed me. After lunch at the Pokémon House, I’ll get you an extra treat."

"Ka~"

Receiving recognition and a reward, Munchlax looked up at Rio with a goofy, satisfied grin.

The next moment, Rio received a notification:

[Munchlax’s friendship increased.]

[Friendship: 8 (from -21 to 8)]

Rio smiled to himself. After a bit more petting, he sent the two back to continue their training and walked over to a tree where Mr. Fuji was sitting.

"Rio, you might as well just catch Munchlax already. That little chubby one is clearly sticking with you now—it’s accepted you," Mr. Fuji said kindly.

"I’ve been thinking the same, but I’ll wait a few more days. I’m still a bit tight on funds right now," Rio said, shaking his head with a smile.

His plan was to throw the Poké Ball when Munchlax’s friendship reached 9. At that point, with the 30-point boost from the Poké Ball, the total increase would hit exactly 60, unlocking the first-tier reward. If he caught it now, Munchlax’s expenses would fall entirely on him—not worth it. He’d take advantage of the Pokémon House’s support for as long as possible; after all, Munchlax wasn’t going anywhere.

"You little rascal!" Mr. Fuji flashed a look of exasperation, immediately understanding that Rio was trying to delay taking on Munchlax’s food costs.

Rio grinned sheepishly.

He then pulled out the ancient script dictionary he’d borrowed from Mr. Fuji the night before and began studying with him.

Meanwhile, a spirited blonde girl with a sharp, heroic bearing arrived in Lavender Town via Route 10, accompanied by a Gabite.

"So this is Lavender Town—the so-called Pokémon graveyard," the girl murmured, standing at the intersection and gazing at a prominent tower.

"Finally made it."

"Gabite, we’ll be staying here for a while."

"Gah~"

She patted Gabite’s head, then walked into town with her partner. After wandering around and asking for directions, she eventually arrived at the Pokémon House.

But instead of going inside, she was drawn to a construction site across the street bearing a sign that read "Lavender Gym." Standing outside, she watched the many trainers inside—some directing their Pokémon in special training, others engaged in battles.

She couldn’t help but marvel: "The training atmosphere here is this intense?"

"Gabite, I’m starting to look forward to our time here."

"Maybe... we should have a few battles with the trainers here before I go see Mr. Fuji, like Grandma mentioned?"

"Gah~"

Receiving a positive response, the girl stepped inside with Gabite and challenged the trainers there.

The trainers, drawn by the girl’s pretty face, eagerly jumped at the chance to battle her. But—

Before long, some of them began to regret it.

Because her Gabite was frighteningly strong. It defeated six trainers in a row, with no one’s Pokémon lasting more than four rounds.

Eventually, the girl couldn’t help but remark: "Don’t you have anyone stronger here? To be honest, I came here with high expectations, but your strength has been really disappointing."

"Don’t get too cocky!" A red-faced Paul shouted angrily from the crowd. "Just wait—our Gym Leader is really strong. You won’t be so arrogant once you face him!"

His words sparked a chorus of agreement:

"Yeah, yeah! Our Gym Leader will wipe that look off your face! He’s the trainer who taught his Charmeleon Sunny Day!"

"A Charmeleon that knows Sunny Day?" The girl’s eyes lit up. "Then what are you waiting for? Get your Gym Leader out here!"

"Follow me."

Paul turned and jogged over to Rio, who had just finished his ancient script lesson with Mr. Fuji.

"Gym Leader! Someone’s here to challenge the Gym!" he said urgently.

"Challenge the Gym?" Rio raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised. "Where?"

"It’s her!" Paul pointed behind him.

Following his gesture, Rio saw a tall, striking blonde girl with a spirited, heroic presence.

Rio furrowed his brow. She looked strangely familiar.

The girl spotted them at the same time. Her eyes lit up, and she immediately walked over.

"You must be Grandpa Fuji!" She quickly approached Mr. Fuji.

Mr. Fuji studied her for a moment, then smiled warmly: "You’re Ms. Carolina’s granddaughter, aren’t you?"

"Yes, I’m Cynthia. Professor Carolina is my grandmother. She said you’re highly knowledgeable, especially in ancient script, and sent me here to learn from you," the girl introduced herself politely.

"Your grandmother told me about you—that you have a strong interest in ancient culture, which is a wonderful hobby. I thought you’d arrive in a few days, but you’re already here," Mr. Fuji said.

"I’m a bit impatient, so I came early," Cynthia said, scratching her head a little sheepishly.

Mr. Fuji laughed heartily, then looked at Rio. "This is the young man I mentioned last night—the one you’ll be studying ancient script with from now on."

"Hello, I’m Rio," Rio said, extending his hand to Cynthia.

"Hello, I’m Cynthia," she replied with a smile, shaking his hand.

As they shook hands, Mr. Fuji interjected: "Cynthia, this is also the Gym Leader of this Gym. Are you planning to battle him?"

Cynthia fixed her gaze on Rio, her fighting spirit blazing: "Yes. They told me their Gym Leader is very strong—that he raised a Charmeleon capable of using Sunny Day. I want to see it for myself."