Back at the Pokémon Center, Mark immediately handed over Grovyle to Nurse Joy, his expression heavy as he returned to his room.
"This battle… if at the very beginning I had used Grovyle's speed advantage to fight Charmeleon in close combat, I wouldn't have given Kage the chance to unleash that combo. But no—I had to show off my tactics, trying to interfere with Charmeleon using waves that caused no real damage! Because in the original story, Kage hadn't even collected all eight badges and thought his opponents were weak—leading him to underestimate them. Now, because of that arrogance, Grovyle is badly injured… It's all my fault!" Mark punched the wall, blaming himself.
"Is Mr. Mark of Pallet Town there? We have a call for you!" Just as Mark sat alone, silently berating himself, a broadcast announcement came through. Since he registered at the Pokémon Center using his Pokédex ID, anyone knowing that number could contact him.
Mark hurried to the lobby, picked up the call, and a video popped up—it was his sister, Anna.
"Hi, Anna! How have you been lately?" Mark's mood lifted a little at the sight of his sister.
"What do you mean how have I been?! It's been nearly a month since you left, and you haven't called home once! Do you know how worried I've been?!" Anna scolded him.
"Ah, I'm sorry, Anna! I've been busy training and battling, so I forgot… I'm really sorry. I'll call home more often from now on," Mark apologized.
"What's wrong with you? Why are you so gloomy? Did something happen?" Anna seemed to sense his sadness and asked with concern. With no reason to hide anything from his sister, Mark told her everything about the battle.
"I see… I understand now. Mark… I must say, you really are my little brother! It looks like your journey has been going incredibly well—no defeats at all! You've always been quick to learn, ever since you joined Professor Oak's lab. Training hasn't been a challenge for you. Now as a trainer, your progress is even faster—you've been sweeping through battles without a scratch! But that success seems to have made you complacent and dismissive of others… haven't you?" Anna said knowingly.
Mark nodded.
"There's nothing difficult about fixing that! The fact that you've realized it is already half the battle. From now on, just give your best in every fight! Remind yourself—you're strong, but not the strongest. You're just someone still chasing their dream."
"I'm strong, but not the strongest… just someone still chasing their dream…" Mark muttered to himself. He realized how obvious that truth had been, yet he hadn't seen it. There were countless trainers ahead—Gym Leaders, the Elite Four, Champions! What right did he have to be complacent? "I understand now, Anna. Thank you!" Mark's face lit up with newfound clarity as he thanked his sister.
"Oh, by the way! Why did you suddenly call me today?" Mark asked once his mood improved.
"Oh dear! You almost made me forget the real reason! Do you know about Vermilion City? A cruise ship there is about to set sail—it's hosting an exchange conference for young scholars in Pokémon research. You're on the list of invitees! The event is about 10 days away. Your invitation was supposed to be sent home, but since you weren't there, Professor Oak suggested I send it to a lighthouse where Dr. Bill is stationed. He figured you'd pass by there on your way to Vermilion City—so you can pick it up!" Anna explained.
"A cruise ship… Anna… don't tell me it's the S.S. Anne, right?"
"No," Anna replied.
Mark let out a breath of relief, patting his chest. Thank goodness—it was a sinking ship he didn't want to board!
"It's called the Titanic," Anna added casually.
Mark's heart sank. Who even came up with that name? It sounded far more dangerous! "Anna… did I offend you somehow? Why else would you send me there?!" he thought, his mind racing in disbelief.
"Professor Oak said there'll be battles between young scholars that day. Those with advanced research and battle skills can win great prizes! You'll definitely be interested!" Anna smiled.
Battles… and rich prizes! That did pique Mark's interest. Besides, it was probably just a name coincidence—there wouldn't be much harm in checking it out, he told himself.
"All right then, I'll hang up now! But remember to pick up that invitation! Oh—and call home every week to let us know you're safe, or else… you… are… doomed!" Anna growled fiercely.
Mark's eyes widened in fear, and he quickly nodded. He knew better than to withstand his sister's wrath!
Once Grovyle recovered, it was time to set off quickly, Mark thought.
That afternoon, as Grovyle continued resting, Mark sat by the pond and released Feebas.
"Feebas, this is the TM for Scald! I'm going to teach you this move now—you must remember it well! It's an important move that'll help you for the rest of your life."
Feebas was deeply touched. Over the past few days, his trainer had poured so much effort into helping him grow stronger. He wanted to work hard, fight alongside his trainer like Grovyle and Scyther, and one day evolve into something magnificent!
Mark placed the TM on Feebas's head, and within moments, the data transferred into its body.
"All right, Feebas! Try using Scald!"
Feebas spat out a stream of warm water—but it was far from Scalding, and the power was minimal. It seemed that the TM merely gave Pokémon a basic understanding of the move. Mastery would require extensive training.
"Hello, Mr. Mark! Grovyle's injuries have been fully treated. As long as he rests for one more day, he'll recover to peak condition the day after tomorrow," Nurse Joy arrived holding Grovyle's Poké Ball.
"Thank you very much, Nurse Joy!" Mark replied, recalling Grovyle.
That night, Mark released all his Pokémon and lay on the grass behind the center, staring at the moon.
"Grovyle, you really pushed yourself these past two days! Now, rest well—you'll need your strength for all the battles ahead!" Mark spoke gently.
Grovyle nodded, eager for battle but trusting in rest. Scyther clapped him on the shoulder with its scythe blade, as if saying, Rest for now, I've got your back, brother.
"We've got the Cerulean Gym badge and the TM for Scald—there's no reason to stay here any longer! We'll leave early tomorrow morning to head to Bill's lighthouse," Mark told everyone.
--------------------
T/N:
Check out my Patreon
[email protected]/FictionalRealms784 - (Replace '@' with 'a')
for 5 Advanced Chapters absolutely FREE—or unlock 35 Advanced Chapters
--------------------