Seeing that, Norman, Caroline, and Ethan all shook their heads and stopped paying attention to Max and Torchic, letting the two of them keep causing chaos in the yard.
"Ethan, do you want to eat lunch with us?" Norman turned to him and invited him warmly. "It's already noon. We made a big meal, so let's eat first, then we can do the Gym battle."
"Yeah, Ethan, don't be shy," Caroline added with a smile. "I made sandwiches, and I even prepared ketchup for Pikachu. Come on in."
Ethan had been hungry for a while. Hearing the invitation, he immediately nodded. "Sure! Thank you, sir, ma'am. Then we'll take you up on it!"
He followed Norman and Caroline into the Gym. The inside was completely different from the outside. From the street it looked like an ordinary guesthouse, but inside it was spacious, bright, and tastefully arranged.
The living room walls were covered with Pokémon photos. Some showed Norman when he was younger challenging Gyms, and others were group pictures of him with different Pokémon. In the center of the room was a large dining table already packed with food: golden sandwiches, fresh fruit salad, warm baked bread, and several kinds of Pokémon food.
"Wow, this is amazing," Ethan couldn't help saying, staring at the spread.
"Pika!" Pikachu chirped excitedly, eyes locked on the ketchup.
"Sit, sit," Caroline said, bustling around as she poured juice for Ethan and May. "Make yourselves at home."
Ethan and May sat at the table. Max finally managed to escape Torchic's pursuit and dropped into his seat, panting. Torchic flew up onto May's shoulder, looking smugly at Max like it was saying, See if you talk again.
Everyone picked up their utensils and started eating. The sandwiches were incredible, soft bread, fresh ham and vegetables, and a special sauce that made the flavor linger. The fruit salad was crisp and refreshing, sweet and tart in all the right ways.
"Ma'am, your sandwiches are seriously delicious," Ethan said between bites. "Even better than the ones at the Pokémon Center."
"Thank you," Caroline replied, pleased. "If you like them, eat more. There's plenty."
Pikachu hugged a bottle of ketchup, dipping its Pokémon food again and again and eating with pure happiness, making satisfied little noises the whole time.
As they ate, they chatted. The atmosphere was relaxed, like family.
"Ethan, have you always been traveling on your own?" Caroline asked first, curious. "May told me you've been through a lot of regions."
"Yes, ma'am." Ethan nodded after swallowing. "I've traveled through Kanto, the Orange Islands, and Johto. In Kanto, I competed in the Indigo League. I didn't win, but I gained a lot of experience. In the Orange Islands, I challenged the Orange League and became the champion. In Johto, I entered the Silver Conference, and even though I was eliminated in the second round, I learned a lot of new tactics and skills. Now I'm in Hoenn because I want to challenge the Hoenn League and aim for the championship."
When he talked about traveling, his eyes lit up, proud and steady. The road had been difficult, but it had shaped him. He'd met strong Pokémon, made friends who understood him, and grown with every step.
"That's so cool!" Max looked at Ethan with open admiration, eyes shining. "You've been to that many places and entered that many tournaments! I want to travel too, challenge Gyms, and compete in League battles!"
"When you're a little older and you have your trainer license, you can," Norman said, rubbing Max's head with a laugh. "But traveling isn't easy. You need courage, endurance, and knowledge. Right now, your job is to study and train so you'll be ready when the time comes."
"I know, Dad!" Max nodded seriously. "I'm going to work hard. Someday I'll become an even better Gym Leader than you!"
"Haha, good," Norman said, clearly amused and proud. "I'll be waiting for that day."
"Traveling alone is really impressive," Caroline sighed. "When I was younger, I wanted to travel too, but I never had the chance. Seeing you kids chase your dreams like this, it's honestly admirable."
"At first, I really was traveling alone," Ethan said, thinking back. "But later I met a lot of friends who shared the same passion. In Kanto, I traveled with Misty and Brock. In the Orange Islands, I traveled with Tracey. In Johto, I traveled with Misty and Brock again. Sometimes we argued, but we always helped each other and got through hard situations together. And Pikachu and the others were always with me, so I was never truly alone."
He glanced at Pikachu on his shoulder and smiled softly. "With partners and Pokémon, traveling means so much more."
"You're right," Norman said, nodding. "Pokémon are a trainer's closest partners, and friends you meet on the road are priceless. With them around you, you have help when things get tough, and guidance when you lose your way."
"Yeah," Caroline agreed. "It stays lively, and the journey becomes more fun. Norman and I traveled together when we were younger too. Those days are some of our happiest memories."
"That sounds amazing," Max said, then suddenly ran up to Ethan, looking up at him with eager eyes. "Ethan, when I travel someday, can you take me with you? I can analyze opponents' tactics, and I can help take care of Pokémon!"
Ethan laughed at Max's hopeful face. "Of course. When you get your trainer license, we can travel together, challenge Gyms together, and compete in League battles together."
"Yes!" Max jumped up in excitement. "Then it's a promise! When the time comes, you have to bring me with you!"
"Yeah. It's a promise." Ethan held out his hand, and Max slapped it with his own.
May watched the scene with a warm smile. Traveling with Ethan really had been the right choice. On the road, she wasn't just learning about Pokémon, she was gaining friendships she didn't want to lose. She believed that in the days ahead, they would find even more exciting things and meet even more friends.
Lunch ended on that happy note. After they cleared the table, Norman stood up and looked at Ethan, his expression turning serious.
"Ethan. Lunch is over. We can begin the Gym battle now. Are you ready?"
Ethan stood as well, eyes steady. "I'm ready. Gym Leader Norman, please take care of me."
"Pika." Pikachu hopped down from Ethan's shoulder and took a battle stance, excitement flashing in its eyes.
A fierce Gym battle was about to begin inside the Petalburg Gym. Would Ethan defeat Gym Leader Norman and earn Hoenn's first Gym Badge? What roles would May and Max play during the match?
(End of Chapter)
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