The afternoon sun in Pallet Town was just right, filtering through the leaves in Professor Oak's backyard and casting dappled shadows across the ground. The yard was lively. It was rare for Ethan's Pokémon to all gather like this, and the cheerful chorus of their cries broke the lab's usual quiet.
On the grass, Bulbasaur circled Pidgeot, awe shining in its green eyes. It extended a vine and gently tapped Pidgeot's massive outstretched wing, full of admiration.
"Long time no see, Pidgeot. I can't believe you've gotten this strong. When we separated, you weren't this imposing."
Pidgeot gave a soft flap, stirring a light breeze. It lowered its head toward Bulbasaur, its gaze calm.
"I kept training. I also ran into plenty of strong opponents. Growing stronger was only natural."
"Hmph, strong or not, you're still not stronger than me." An arrogant voice cut in. Charizard landed beside them with a heavy beat of its wings, the flame on its tail burning even brighter with pride. "Back then, I even fought a Legendary Pokémon one on one. Your little progress is nothing."
"Oh? Is that so?" Pidgeot turned to Charizard, the corner of its beak lifting in a mocking smile. "And yet you, the former problem child, are actually willing to listen to Ethan now. That's not easy to imagine. In Kanto, you went on strike at the slightest thing, and you nearly burned Ethan's tent down."
"Ahem!" Charizard choked, hit right where it hurt. It coughed twice, sneaking a glance at Ethan in the distance talking with Professor Oak, then glared at Pidgeot and scraped a claw across the ground.
"That was just me being young and clueless. Besides, I had personality, I wasn't a problem child. You want to fight? I'm not scared of you."
"Tch. Like I'd be scared of you." Pidgeot spread its wings slightly, a spark of fighting spirit in its eyes. "Perfect. Let's loosen up and see who's really the number one aerial fighter on Ethan's team."
"Hey, hey, hey, talk it out!" Bulbasaur hurried between them, vines spread wide like a barrier, playing peacemaker. "We're all partners. Don't start fighting over nothing. Ethan's leaving for Hoenn soon. We should be working together to help him get good results."
Just then, a crisp and haughty voice rang out from atop a boulder in the middle of the yard.
"I'm telling you all, don't look down on me just because I'm weak right now. In the near future, every single one of you will lose to me, and I'm going to replace that yellow furball and become Ethan's strongest Pokémon!"
Everyone looked over. Eevee stood proudly on the boulder with its forepaws on its hips, staring down at the others like a ruler surveying subjects. It flicked its fluffy tail and continued, overflowing with confidence.
"So while I'm still small, you'd better start buttering me up. Otherwise, when I'm strong, you won't even get the chance!"
"This Eevee is way too full of itself!" Bayleef was the first to snap. The leaf on its head trembled with anger. "We're the veterans who fought through everything with Ethan. How could we be looked down on by a newcomer? Guys, charge. Let's teach this arrogant Eevee what humility is!"
Bayleef led the rush toward the boulder. Totodile, Quilava, Phanpy, and a bunch of other Pokémon followed behind, all fired up.
"Hey, hey, hey, talk with words, not fists, you jerks!" Eevee yelped, leaping off the boulder and bolting. "Help! Bulbasaur, please save me! I was just joking!"
Watching Eevee get chased around the yard, darting behind Pikachu one moment and diving under Bulbasaur's vines the next, the Pokémon couldn't help laughing.
Pikachu shook its head, wearing an expression that was equal parts helpless and fond. It let out a soft "Pika," like it was saying, "What a handful." Leaning against the tree, it watched everyone play and bicker, warmth filling its eyes.
Ethan stood by the lab entrance, smiling at the scene in the backyard. Lately, he'd been busy preparing for Hoenn, and these partners of his were his strongest support. He knew that although he could only bring Pikachu, Eevee, and Phanpy with him this time, the others would keep training here at Professor Oak's lab and wait for him to return.
"Ethan, you can't bear to leave them, can you?" Professor Oak walked up beside him with a smile. "Your Pokémon get along so well. That's the result of how carefully you've raised them."
"Yeah." Ethan nodded, a hint of reluctance in his eyes. "They're my family. I'm going to do well in Hoenn and not let them down."
"I believe in you." Professor Oak patted Ethan's shoulder. "Hoenn has many powerful Trainers and Pokémon, plus its own style of Gym Badges and the League. You'll gain a lot. Oh, and I've already contacted Professor Birch. He'll be waiting for you in Petalburg City and will give you whatever help you need."
"Thank you, Professor Oak." Ethan said sincerely.
Just then, Delia came over carrying a big bag, her smile gentle.
"Ethan, this is the new outfit and backpack I prepared for you. There are also common medicines, food, and Poké Balls inside. You'll need them on the road."
Ethan took the backpack and opened it. A neatly folded blue travel jacket, black pants, and a large-capacity pack filled with useful items were all arranged inside. He could feel his mom's love in every detail, and his eyes turned slightly wet.
"Thanks, Mom. You really thought of everything."
"Silly kid. When you're out there, you have to take care of yourself." Delia ruffled his hair, worry in her eyes. "Eat on time, don't stay up late, and if you run into danger, run first. Don't force it. Pikachu, I'm counting on you to look after Ethan."
"Pika pika." Pikachu hopped onto Ethan's shoulder and nodded hard, its eyes steady, as if promising Delia it would protect him.
As the sun sank, the farewell gathering at Professor Oak's lab gradually drew to a close. Ethan's friends came to see him off. Gary was there too, still wearing that arrogant look, but he still said one thing.
"Ethan, when you get to Hoenn, don't be too weak. I'm still waiting to beat you at the League."
"Don't worry, I won't disappoint you." Ethan replied with a grin.
Night fell. Ethan returned home, packed his things, and neatly organized the backpack and the items Professor Oak had given him. Sitting on his bed and gazing at the moonlight outside the window, he felt a mix of anticipation and excitement.
Hoenn, a whole new world, was about to open its arms to him.
(End of Chapter)
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