As they walk, the trees gradually thin out. Ahead, the two see the start of Route 3 - a grassy area with occasional patches of tall grass and small hills.
A trainer with a water-type pokémon appears in the distance, training near a stream that runs parallel to the path.
The trainer notices them approaching and calls out.
"Hey there! New trainers on the journey?" The trainer has a Goldeen by their side, practicing water attacks.
Hikari waves back politely, while Zoah observes Goldeen's movements. The fish pokémon performs a graceful water gun technique.
"Just started yesterday," Hikari replies cheerfully. "We're heading to Sapphire Town."
The trainer nods, wiping sweat from their brow, "Sapphire Town's a good destination. Careful near the mountains though - heard there's been some rock slides lately. I'm Mizu."
Goldeen splashes playfully in the stream.
Zoah speaks up. "Rock slides? Any specific areas affected?"
Mizu gestures toward the distant mountain range visible behind Route 3.
"Mostly the northern section. The path to Sapphire Town is still safe to get to. I heard the Water Tower is currently closed in the town. The Tower Leader is out." Mizu says
Hikari frowns slightly at the mention of the tower being closed, "Closed? Why would a Tower Leader leave?"
Mizu shrugs, "Something about urgent research. Left instructions for challengers to wait. Been about a week now."
"You know...are these Tower Leaders similar to Gym leaders from other regions? Besides the fact they reside in towers and specialize in certain pokemon types?" Zoah asked
"In a sense, yeah, similar, but there are seven in total. There are towers in the towns. In Sapphire Town it's the Water tower. In Amethyst is the poison tower. Emerald is the grass tower. Pearl is the Fairy Tower. Ruby is the Flame Tower. Opal is the Thunder Tower. Lastly, Obsidian is the Dark Tower." Mizu says
Zoah processes this information, remembering his knowledge of other regions' gyms, "Seven towers... each with their own challenges. The Water Tower must be quite the challenge then."
Hikari looks intrigued, "Do you know when the leader will return, Mizu?"
Mizu shakes their head, "No idea. The post didn't say. But if you're interested in the tower, the Water type challenges are known for their accuracy and strategic moves."
Goldeen performs another water gun, this time aimed at a target rock.
"Accuracy... that's useful for precision battles. Thanks for the info." Zoah says
Hikari watches Goldeen with admiration, "We'll keep that in mind. Maybe train more before reaching Sapphire Town then."
"Might be a good idea on that." Hikari says
Mizu smiles, "Smart thinking. The wild pokémon here are good practice too. Though watch out for the Patrats that come in groups sometimes." They point to some bushes nearby where multiple tracks can be seen.
Shinx tenses slightly, remembering yesterday's encounter. Chimchar readies itself subtly.
"Groups can be tricky. They work together." Mizu warns.
The bushes rustle slightly, as if something is listening to their conversation.
"We should probably get going and hope we don't encounter a pokemon horde." Zoah says knowing about pokemon hordes
Mizu chuckles, "Best of luck then. If you need more advice, I'll be training here for a while."
Hikari gives a small wave goodbye, and they continue along Route 3, staying alert for any suspicious movements in the grass.
The path winds ahead, with the stream flowing alongside. The morning sun warms the air, but shadows from the hills create areas of shade.
Suddenly, a splash comes from the stream - not from Goldeen, but something larger.
"The heck was that?" Hikari wondered wanting to go back.
"Hikari...Hikari..." Zoah trying to get her look ahead and not back, but the urge of going back tackles her mind.
"I'm sorry Zoah..." Hikari goes back as Zoah was trying to be the voice of reason as he turns and follows Hikari.
He sighs, following her reluctantly. The water ripples where the splash occurred, and there's a distinct shape moving under the surface.
A low growl echoes from the stream bank. It was a Magikarp.
"It was just a Magikarp splashing. You had me thinking someone or something was in trouble Hikari. Don't do that." Zoah says with a relieved sigh.
Hikari blushes slightly, embarrassed by her impulsiveness, "Sorry... I couldn't help it. But look, it's just a regular Magikarp. Not even evolved."
The small fish pokémon pokes its head above water, staring at them with its round eyes.
Zoah ruffles her head, "Not everything is gonna be in distress okay?"
She pouts playfully at the head ruffle, then watches as Magikarp opens its mouth, attempting to use splash but failing miserably.
"Even this one can't properly splash." She giggles.
The Magikarp flops back into the water, creating another small splash. Its scales glisten in the sunlight, showing its typical dull color.
"Maybe we should just leave it be. It seems... well, you know how Magikarp are." Zoah says
Hikari nods, though still curious, "Right. The joke about its strength being its biggest weakness. Poor thing can barely swim."
The pokémon tries again, managing a tiny ripple this time.
A few passing trainers chuckle at the scene, used to seeing Magikarp's struggle. One trainer calls out, "That one's been there for days. Never evolves either!"
Zoah shakes his head again, "Some trainers should catch it and put it out of its misery."
Hikari looks conflicted, "But it's so... persistent. Even if it can't do much."
The trainer shrugs, "That's Magikarp for you. Tenacity doesn't help when it can't swim straight."
The pokémon makes another futile attempt, looking more determined than successful.
Hikari reached into her bag pulling out an empty pokeball. Zoah raised an eyebrow.
"Are you...gonna catch Magikarp?" Zoah asked
She holds the ball thoughtfully, watching the pokémon's repeated splashing attempts. "Maybe I should... give it a chance. Even if it's weak now, it might improve."
The trainer watches with mild interest, "Good luck with that. Most trainers give up after three tries."
Hikari looks confident as she thrown the pokeball at the Magikarp. Magikarp saw the glimpse of the pokeball as it jumps and wacks its tail on the pokeball as it sends it back. Hikari gets hit square in the face by her own pokeball.
"Stubborn ass....Now I want that Magikarp!" Hikari pouts
Zoah can't help but snort at the scene - his friend getting hit by her own ball.
The Magikarp lets out a satisfied-sounding splash, as if laughing at her failure. The trainer bursts out laughing.
"HA! That's one defiant Magikarp!"
"YOU'LL BE MINE!" Hikari says with flare in her eyes and spins her arm like a pitcher at mount then throws it.
The second throw is more aggressive, but the Magikarp dodges slightly to the side, still splashing. It seems to enjoy dodging her attempts.
The trainer is now doubled over with laughter, clearly entertained by the one-sided battle.
"It's playing with you now!"
Hikari growls in frustration, her patience wearing thin. She starts aiming more erratically, getting closer to the water edge.
"Come here you... you pathetic fish!"
Zoah leans against a tree, thoroughly amused by her struggle.
Magikarp was smacking the pokeball back at Hikari.
The pokeball hits her shoulder this time, causing her to stumble. She's now soaked from the splashes and getting increasingly frustrated.
"This is ridiculous! Why won't it just... cooperate?!"
The pokémon makes a noise that sounds suspiciously like a snicker.
Zoah can't contain his smirk anymore, "Hikari, I think it's enjoying your suffering. Maybe try being nice instead of aggressive?"
The trainer wipes tears from laughing, "Nah, let her tire herself out. This is priceless."
Hikari shoots Zoah a glare, then turns back to Magikarp with forced sweetness.
"Please, little Magikarp? Be a good pokémon and let me catch you?"
The Magikarp tilts its head, then deliberately rolls over in the water, showing its belly - a clear refusal gesture. The trainer is wheezing now.
Hikari is red in embarrassment, "Meany fish...I oughta cook you then. Turn you into sushi." She has a creepy face with drool and holding silverware in hand."
The Magikarp's eyes widen slightly at the threatening gesture, but it quickly recovers with a defiant wiggle. It swims a bit further away, still mocking her.
Zoah raises an eyebrow at her sushi comment.
"That's not helping your case, Hikari. Now it's scared and wants to escape more."
The pokémon darts behind a larger rock formation, using it as a barrier. Its scales flash briefly in the sunlight as it peeks out.
"It's playing hide and seek now. Great." Zoah deadpans.
The trainer has finally caught his breath, "This is better than any tv show. I'm recording this."
Hikari's eye twitches, her grip tightening on the silverware.
"Recording? No you're not. Give me that camera!" She starts marching toward the trainer threateningly.
The Magikarp watches the new drama unfold, finding another source of entertainment.
Magikarp turns and swims down the creek so fast again. Hikari turns sulks at not being able to capture it.
The trainer quickly pockets their camera, still grinning, "Too late! Already got the footage. This will go viral."
Zoah shakes his head at the trainer's antics, "You're just asking for trouble now. She's going to hunt you down if it does."
Hikari slumps down by the stream edge, pouting intensely.
The trainer waves cheekily and walks away, humming a tune. Magikarp is long gone downstream.
"Well, that was entertaining. But we should probably move on before more trainers see this." Zoah says, trying to get Hikari to stand up.
She stays seated, crossing her arms and muttering about "stupid fish" and "next time I'll use a fishing rod."
Hikari stays seated arms crossed and pouty face as Zoah shakes his head. He brings his left arm up and brings up the map app.
"There's a pokemon center ahead before the mountain pass. Let's go Hikari. Let's get there before it gets dark." Zoah says
The map shows a marker for the center about 2 km away, near the base of the mountains. The sky is beginning to show signs of afternoon.
Hikari reluctantly uncrosses her arms but remains grumpy as she stands, "Fine. But I'm still mad about that fish."
*They start walking toward the center, with Shinx trotting beside Zoah and Chimchar sticking close to Hikari's leg. The path becomes steeper slightly as they approach the mountain range.*
The pokemon center comes into view, a modern building with a healing sign.
"At least we can rest there for tonight. And maybe you can get over your Magikarp obsession." Zoah teases lightly.
She huffs at his teasing, but her steps quicken slightly toward the entrance. Inside, Nurse Joy is at the counter, attending to another trainer's pokémon.
The center has several chairs and a small café area for trainers to relax. A few trainers are already setting up for the night.
"Welcome! How many pokémon to heal today?" Joy asks cheerfully.
Zoah steps forward with Shinx, "Just this one. And we'll need two rooms for the night."
Hikari still has her arms partially crossed, watching Joy with slight impatience.
"One room is fine with two beds." Hikari says not liking the Seperate rooms.
Joy nods, typing on her computer, "One room with two beds it is. And here's a healing machine for your Shinx."
She gestures to a machine in the corner. The other trainer finishes their business and leaves.
Zoah glances at Hikari's expression, understanding her preference for sharing.
After Shinx is healed, Joy hands Zoah the key "Room 3 on the second floor. Dinner is served until 8pm. Would you like to order now?"
The clock shows it's 5:30pm already.
Hikari perks up slightly at the mention of food, "Yes please. Whatever's available."
Zoah agrees and they head upstairs to their room. The room is modest but clean, with two beds separated by a small nightstand.
Shinx jumps onto one bed while Chimchar climbs onto the other. The window has a view of the mountains in the distance.
Hikari flops onto her bed, face-first into the pillow, "Ugh. That Magikarp ruined my capture record."
"You only have one pokemon partner with you Hikari." Zoah gestures to Chimchar.
She turns her head to look at Chimchar, then groans, "I know! But I wanted a water-type too. That's why I tried for Magikarp specifically."
She sits up, running fingers through her hair, "Why are they so difficult to catch? Even the weak ones."
Zoah sits on his bed, crossing his legs.l, "Maybe because they're stubborn by nature. Like someone else I know."
He smirks again, referring to her stubbornness with Magikarp, "You can't just throw a ball at everything and expect it to work perfectly."
She throws a pillow at him half-heartedly, "I wasn't expecting it to be THAT stubborn! It hit me back!"
The pillow lands with a soft thud, "And it was mocking me. I swear it laughed."
He catches the pillow and chuckles, "Probably did. Magikarp are known for their poor swimming skills and defiance. You should've used a fishing rod like the trainer suggested."
He tosses the pillow back gently.
She catches it and hugs it, pouting more, "I didn't bring a fishing rod! And I'm not going back to that stream to find one."
There's a knock at the door - dinner service.
The smell of food wafts in as a staff member brings two trays. It's simple but warm - soup and bread.
"Here you are. Enjoy your meal." The staff leaves quietly.
Hikari's stomach growls at the sight of food, momentarily distracting her from her Magikarp frustration.
Zoah starts eating, watching her internal struggle between hunger and grumpiness, "Eat before it gets cold. We need energy for tomorrow's walk."
Shinx and Chimchar perk up at the mention of food too, looking hopefully at their trainers.
With a dramatic sigh, she reluctantly sets the pillow aside and picks up her spoon. She takes a small bite of soup.
"Fine. But I'm still going to catch one someday. A different one." She mutters the last part under her breath.
Zoah raises an eyebrow at her determination.
"Sure, keep telling yourself that. Just don't get hit by another pokeball next time." He eats his bread, amused by her single-mindedness.
She shoots him a glare but can't help a small smile breaking through. The soup warms her up after their day outside, "At least this is good soup. Better than being soaked by a splash."
The mountains outside darken as evening approaches fully.
As night approaches, off in the distance within the mountain deep inside, machinery whirred, conveyor belts were going carrying rocks and such. A group wearing dark green cargo shorts, black compression T-shirts and safari vests with a notable badge on them that says 'RG' initials for Radiant Garden Preservation.
The group moves silently through the cavernous space, their footsteps echoing slightly. They check devices on their wrists, monitoring something.
One member whispers to another, "Status report from sector B?"
The badge glints in the dim light of their headlamps.
"Carbinks in sight sir. Shall we excavate them into cages?" Says a RG Grunt
The leader, wearing a more decorated vest, nods, "Yes. But carefully. We need them intact for transport."
They point to a cluster of glowing crystals visible in the distance - Carbinks moving among the rocks. "And keep an eye out for any interference. The last team reported strange readings."
The grunts spread out in formation, approaching the crystals with specialized tools. One grunt holds a scanning device.
"Readings are normal... for now. No sign of interference yet."
The Carbinks noticed the humans but remain cautious, their small bodies partially hidden behind rocks.
"Steelix, destroy that section." The leader tossed his pokeball
The pokeball opens, revealing a massive Steelix that emerges with a metallic roar. Its steel body scrapes against the cavern floor as it moves toward the designated section.
"Make sure it doesn't damage the main crystals. Just enough to clear a path."
Steelix grunts as it darts its head to the walls burrowing digging up the section. When it dug through, it came into a section where clusters of pink colored stones glimmered.
"Ha! Pink diamonds! Boss will surely love these uncut beauties...." The leader smirks "Start excavating here!"
The grunts rush to the pink stones, using special containers to carefully extract them. One grunt examines one closely.
"These are high quality sir! Not like the usual ones."
The leader's eyes gleam with greed, "Excellent. Pack them all. And look for more pockets like this."