Route 104 in Hoenn runs north–south. It links Petalburg City to the east, Rustboro City to the north, and Waterway 105 to the south. The wide road cuts straight through Petalburg Forest, and adventurers trainer trek it daily.
Silas had barely left Petalburg when he strolled along the road with Crawdaunt clattering at his side. One hand scrolled through the Pokédex's map while Crawdaunt kept a sharp eye on the woods for wild Pokémon.
"There should be Shroomish in Petalburg Forest… the forums said they appear after rain," Silas muttered. The mushroom Pokémon were prized - their spores could paralyze, lull to sleep, or poison opponents, while others even healed from poison instead of suffering. Rare, useful, and easy to keep alive on rotting leaves and soil. Perfect if he could find one.
He picked up the pace. Shroomish loved damp places, especially after storms. That was his best bet.
"Hey! You with the crab Pokémon!"
A shout pulled him out of his thoughts, a boy in dirty shorts jumped onto the road, waving.
Silas blinked. "…Me?"
"Yeah! Battle me!" The boy curled his lip. "Or are you scared?"
Silas chuckled. "My Crawdaunt's evolved. The level gap's too big. You sure you want this?"
The boy bristled. "Thought so. Chicken."
Silas sighed. "If we battle, there's always a wager. What can you offer?"
The boy froze, then brightened. "I know Petalburg Forest well. I'll give you valuable info if I lose."
"Deal," Silas said. "But if I lose, you get a box of Pokéblocks."
The boy's eyes lit up. He threw a Poké Ball. "Go, Wurmple!"
"Craaww-daaauuunt!" Crawdaunt bellowed, pincers slamming together. One Vice Grip was enough - Wurmple went down instantly.
Grinding his teeth, the boy kept his word. "Northeast corner of Petalburg Forest. There's a giant moss-covered boulder. They say Eevee can evolve into Leafeon there. Lots of trainers have already gathered."
Silas raised an eyebrow, but before he could respond, the luxury ball at his belt wobbled.
Pop!
"Eevee~!"
His newborn partner tumbled out, ears twitching. She'd overheard.
"You want to see that moss rock?" Silas asked, conflicted. But she was far from evolution level - no risk yet. "Alright. Let's go."
"Eevee!" She wagged happily and leapt into his arms, nuzzling against his chest.
Silas smiled. "Troublesome little one. It's fine now… but when you grow, this clinginess won't work."
To move faster, he unfolded his compact mountain bike and pedaled northeast. Soon, the trees opened into a clearing and his jaw slackened.
Dozens of tents sprawled around a massive, glowing moss-covered boulder. Trainers milled everywhere, chatting, training, waiting. The site felt more like a festival than a forest
"So this many people came for the moss rock?" Silas stowed the bike, counting at least fifty trainers. His arrival drew glances, but most quickly looked away.
"Eevee!"
The little fox wriggled from his shirt and bolted forward, thrilled to spot her own kind. Several Eevee frolicked around the boulder, and she darted to join them.
"Eevee, wait—!" Silas hurried after her.
"Aww! Such a cute Eevee!" A young girl scooped her up, beaming. The exclamation turned several heads.
"She's really well-bred… her fur is so soft, with such a healthy shine," the girl murmured admiringly as she gently stroked Eevee. But when the little fox began to squirm in her hands, she laughed softly and let her go.
Eevee leapt back toward Silas, tail swishing happily.
Silas caught up ,scooped Eevee up again and smoothed her fur. "She's from Petalburg Gym," he explained. Just that statement shifted the air - confusion on most faces, but recognition in a few.
"Petalburg Gym? That new one? Check your Pokédex," someone whispered.
Indeed, the device confirmed its recent registration. Murmurs spread.
A bespectacled young man approached, smiling politely. "I'm Sanyechi. And you are?"
Silas tapped his Pokédex against the man's. Their trainer data synced, flashing each other's details. Sanyechi's grin widened when he saw Silas's League authority tag.
"Excellent," he said warmly. "We've gathered a group here to discuss Eevee training. Why don't you join us?"
Silas nodded. It was the perfect chance to slip into circles he'd been unsure how to approach. If these trainers were anything like Sanyechi, they were probably League-backed too - not bad company.
He glanced down at Eevee, still nestled in his arms, eyes gleaming at the sight of her kind. The moss rock pulsed softly in the background.
Silas took it in with quiet anticipation. His journey was only beginning and Eevee's future shone as bright as the boulder itself.
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