While Rex was still basking in the joy of successfully achieving Gyarados's Mega Evolution, Yui and Karen were steadily making their way toward their next destination.
Since setting out from Fallarbor Town, the two had done their best to avoid flying on their Swellow, choosing instead to experience the world firsthand, step by step, savoring every bit of scenery along the way.
Their first stop was Fortree City, home to the Flying-type Fortree Gym, where the Gym Leader Winona also happened to be a friend of Rex's.
Since both Yui and Karen had started their journeys with Taillow, they hoped to learn more advanced techniques related to flying-type battles here.
During their travels, Karen captured a Scyther, while Yui added a Shroomish to her team. Unlike Karen, who was firmly dedicated to flying types, Yui's approach was more intuitive—she caught Pokémon she liked, regardless of type.
Together, they traveled side by side toward Fortree, encountering many rookie Trainers along the way.
Interestingly, many of those Trainers had started with either Taillow or Poliwag—thanks to Rex's breeding facility in Fallarbor Town, which had provided eggs of both species to local aspiring Trainers.
But unlike Yui and Karen, who had waited until their Taillow evolved into Swellow before setting out, most rookies left right after their Pokémon hatched.
As a result, Yui and Karen—each with a powerful Swellow—quickly stood out among the crowd. Their flying advantage helped them navigate the wilds safely and even rescue a few underprepared newcomers during forest mishaps.
Of course, they faced dangers of their own. The worst was when they stumbled upon a pack of Mightyena—infamous for being "newbie slayers." The girls barely escaped, thanks to their Swellow carrying them away in time. Karen's Swellow did take a hit from the pack leader's Dark Pulse, sustaining a significant injury, but they managed to reach safety.
After recuperating in a nearby town, they prepared to continue their journey—only to hear news of severe storms near Slateport City that had lasted for days.
Worried, they immediately called Yuri Terada to check on the farm.
They had planned to return to help with relief efforts, but before they could depart, Yuri replied that the storms had passed and everything at Rex Farm was fine. There was no need for them to rush back.
Relieved, the girls resumed their travels toward Fortree.
That day, they set up camp near a quiet stream along the route. While Karen continued training her Pokémon, Yui returned to the camp to prepare lunch after finishing her own training.
They both had come to understand just how crucial strong Pokémon were during their travels. If not for their Swellow's strength, they might never have made it this far. As orphans, safety was something they never took for granted—so they worked even harder to help their Pokémon grow.
"Karen-senpai, I'm done for the day. What about you?" Yui asked, wiping sweat from her brow.
"You go ahead and rest. I'll keep going a bit longer," Karen said with a smile and a wave.
"Okay! I'll make us lunch, so don't overdo it," Yui replied cheerfully.
Even though it had been tough, Yui found herself relishing this journey. It was a freedom and wonder she had never known before. Her world had expanded, and she wanted to see even more—until the day came when she would return to Rex Farm, the place she now considered home.
As Yui hummed to herself and prepared their meal, something—or rather, someone—was watching her from the grass nearby.
It was a small black-furred creature with a fiery red tuft on its head. But it looked terrible—exhausted, disheveled, and limping from a serious wound on its back leg. Every now and then, it flinched from pain.
Its nose twitched hungrily, eyes fixed on the food Yui was cooking. It hadn't eaten in days, constantly on the run from humans trying to capture it. Its stomach growled loudly.
Yui's scent and the aroma of the meal had drawn it in, and now it crouched in place, unable to take its eyes off the food.
But fear kept it from revealing itself—until temptation finally won.
Its eyes sparkled with cunning as it grinned mischievously and transformed into an adorable little Pichu, though the wound on its leg remained clearly visible.
"Pii…" a small, weak cry reached Yui's ears just as she finished plating the food.
Startled, she turned around and saw the Pichu staring at her from not far away, cautious but curious.
Yui's eyes lit up—she had zero resistance to cute Pokémon.
"Hey there, little one," she greeted softly, careful not to startle it.
"Pii…" Pichu whimpered pitifully, but its gaze never left the plate of food.
"Aww, you're hungry, huh? Hang on!"
Yui immediately grabbed another plate, filled it to the brim with food, and even added a beginner-level Pokéblock she'd made herself.
Pichu could no longer resist. All caution forgotten, it dove into the meal, devouring every bite.
Soon, the plate was clean, and the now-stuffed Pichu flopped onto the grass, belly full and totally at ease.
"I saw your leg was hurt… let me treat that, okay?"
Yui knelt beside it, holding a healing spray and some bandages. Pichu looked up, grateful, and nodded.
Gently and with care, Yui cleaned and dressed the wound—never once breaking her kind smile.
(End of Chapter)