Pokemon Adventures! Opal and Jet - Ch. 1-2

Chapter 1: vs. Rufflet
The sun rose slowly over the Faulk region, heralding a clear new day. Not a cloud in the sky. For Professor Redwood, that meant sunny trails and unimpeded travels, putting a spring in his step as he set foot in the Faulk region for the first time in a while.
“The Faulk region,” he narrated to nobody, “A small, land-locked region rich in Pokémon diversity.” He adjusted his glasses before announcing loudly, “And the site of the Pokémon Association’s eight newest Gyms!” He barreled onwards. Repeating things made it easier to remember. “The Gyms’ Type specializations are: Bug, Ground, Fire, Poison, Psychic, Ice, Fighting and Fairy. This region is called ‘The Center of Hope for the Future of Trainers’, because the gyms are run exclusively by young people, below the age of 25, some as young as 14! Truly, young people are not to be underestimated.”
He took a moment to compose himself, realizing his voice had gotten quite loud. A flock of Rufflet had been startled by his monologue.
In silence, he crested the next hill. Below him lay the southernmost town of the region: Newgrass Town.
“Newgrass,” he began again. “The center of the Center. This is where I will be conducting my research.” He produced his Pokédex. “One lucky child will receive the Pokémon that I was tasked to give them, along with this Pokédex, and will embark on a journey around the region, as a Pokémon trainer.” He adjusted his glasses again, “And of course, I, Professor Redwood, shall accompany them, for my purpose in coming here is to study the bonds between humans and Pokémon!”
“You’re shorter than I pictured,” a voice said.
The professor jumped. “Who’s there?”
A young man was sitting on a rock. He looked to be about 15. He raised his hand, “The lucky child.” A Scraggy that was sitting next to him raised its hand too.
“Excellent! Let us go into town and-“
“No time,” the boy interrupted, “I’m actually in a big hurry.” Despite his words, he seemed completely impassive. He hopped down and approached the professor. “Gimme the goods and I’ll get going.”
The boy had black hair that was mostly obscured by an olive beanie, save for the fringe, jutted out erratically. His eyes were dark as well, which contributed to the piercing stare. His eyebrows were lowered in what seemed to be a permanent serious look. His heavy eyelids completed the illusion of a look of irritation. He was dressed pretty heavily for the warm weather, in a brown leather jacket, a white undershirt with a Pokéball design on it, and a pair of heavy jeans.
The professor sighed and held out the Pokédex. “Aren’t you an impatient one. This here is a Pokédex, it-“
“It’s an encyclopedia that I need to fill out during my journey,” the kid finished. “I’ve done my research. It’s also a valuable tool in battle.”
“Right,” the professor said, more than a little annoyed now. He wasn’t sure if traveling with this child would be so easy. “And your Pokémon,” he held out two Pokéballs.
“I thought there were three,” the boy said, leaning forward to examine the Pokémon inside.
“There were, but the third was chosen by another child already.
That seemed to catch the boy’s interest. “I’m not the first?”
“No,” the professor said. “Nor the last, I expect. Tradition has it that Pokédexes are given in threes, though the third recipient hasn’t-“
“So what are these Pokémon?”
The professor fumed silently. He hated being interrupted. “Ahem. Yes. They’re Aron, the Iron Armor Pokémon, and Sandile, the Desert Croc Pokémon. Aron is Iron and Rock-Type, while Sandile is Ground and Dark-Type.”
The boy picked up the Sandile. “Ground is strong against Steel and Rock, so I’ll take this one.”
“I wouldn’t be so quick to choose,” the professor said. “Sandile is, type ignored, the weakest of the three overall.”
…
The boy had vanished.
“Hey!” the professor cried, looking around frantically. The just managed to catch a glimpse of him before he vanished among the rocks.
The professor took off at a run, pocketing Aron, making his way towards the town. “Get back here, I’m supposed to travel with you!”
No response.
Professor Redwood came to a stop as he reached the town’s entrance. It was a small place, but rather lively. There was no way he could find the kid now.
But just as he was thinking that…
“Professor!”
“Hm?”
A girl, roughly the same age as the boy, was approaching him. “Hey hey hey! It’s me, Opal! I’m the one who you’re supposed to meet today!”
A look of utter confusion crossed the professor’s face. “But then… who was…” His palm met his forehead. “I’ve been robbed.”
“What?!”
Redwood rubbed his eyes in frustration. “I can’t believe I was tricked. And by a teenager, no less.”
“Does that mean I can’t go on my journey?”
The professor mumbled something about children being one-track minded and shook his head. “No, you can still go. You simply won’t have a choice of which Pokémon to use.”
“I’m sure it’ll be fine!” she said happily. “I’ll love it no matter what it is.”
“Well, that’s an improvement,” Redwood sighed. He produced his second Pokédex and Aron. “This is Aron, the Iron Armor Pokémon, a Steel and Rock-Type. And this is a-“
“Pokédex!” she finished.
The professor grumbled. “Yes. A Pokédex. I suppose you know what it does.”
“Yup,” she said as she took it and her new friend. She bowed politely. “Thank you very much!”
With that out of the way, the professor took a moment to examine his new ward. She had long blonde hair hanging down her back, with only one side of her bangs poking down from the white beanie on her head. She was wearing a sky blue sleeveless vest with an orange short-sleeved shirt and a pair of white pants. She seemed to be completely color blind, dressed like a fruity ice cream.
“Are beanies in style here?” the professor had to ask.
“Not particularly, why?”
“The boy who stole Sandile and my other Pokédex was wearing one too.”
“What?!” A look of horror crossed her face, but was quickly replaced by one of anger. “Whoever he is has forever tarnished the reputation of beanies! We’ll find him and bring him to justice!”
“For your beanie?” the professor sighed. This day was quickly becoming overwhelming.
“No, just justice in general! Whoever that was was a thief! What did he look like?”
This was a little better. Priorities came first. “Well, he had somewhat long black hair, and seemed to have a permanent look of irritation to him.”
Opal thought for a moment, then snapped her fingers. “Oh!”
“You know him?” the professor asked apprehensively. He didn’t want to get his hopes up.
“No, but I’m pretty sure I saw someone like that around town recently! Yes, I’m sure of it, he even had an olive beanie!”
She grabbed the professor’s sleeve and started walking. “Hurry, take me to the place he took your Pokémon from you at!”
“What will we do there?” Redwood asked, genuinely curious. This girl seemed to have a plan.
Opal held up a Pokéball and winked “Aron wasn’t my first Pokémon, you know.”
…
When they arrived at the rock the boy had sat on, Opal tossed the ball and out popped a Growlithe.
“This is Gav! I’ve had him since I was a kid.”
Curious about the professor, Gav hopped up to him and gave a sniff.
The professor understood right away. “Growlithe have incredible senses of smell!”
“That’s right!” Opal said with a smile. “They never ever forget a scent. Now that he’s smelled you, he’ll never forget you!” She squatted down next to her Pokémon and opened up her other ball. “Gav, this is Tony! He’s our new friend! And that’s Professor Redwood.”
The Growlithe gave the Aron now named ‘Tony’ another sniff, followed by a lick. The Aron made a cheerful noise.
“Right!” Opal said, getting back on track. “We’re here for a reason! Gav, I need you to sniff this rock and find the person who sat on it!”
Tony nodded and said something to Gav in its own language. Gav nodded, a look of determination entering his eyes.
“Aron… er, Tony, and that Sandile have known each other for a long time. Since they were hatched, actually. Since their third partner was chosen, they only had each other.”
“Third?”
Redwood nodded. “A charming young man got to go on his own journey in this region before. He chose the first of the Pokémon I had to offer, Vanilite.”
Gav perked up and barked. Opal’s attention immediately left the professor. “Oh! He’s found the scent! Lead on, boy!” She called Tony back to his Pokéball and followed as her Growlithe bounded through the rocky terrain. Redwood’s long legs allowed him to keep pace easily.
Opal continued talking as they followed. “Who was the first person?”
“I never met him,” the professor said, “But his name was Quartz. I sent my assistant with the Pokéball, as I was busy elsewhere at the time.”
“How long ago was this?”
“Oh hm…” the professor thought for a moment. “Two years, I believe. It was shortly before the establishment of gyms in the area.”
“I wonder if I’ll meet him during the course of my journey,” Opal said happily.
Gav led the duo past Newgrass town and on to Faulk Route 2.
“This boy moves quickly,” Redwood noted. “Are you sure you don’t want to drop by your home and say goodbye?”
“Already did before I went to look for you.”
“You sure are enthusiastic.”
Opal gave him a big grin. “Not everyone gets this opportunity! And I love Pokémon more than anything else!”
Redwood gave her his first genuine smile since he’d arrived in the region. “That’s wonderful to hear.”
Gav suddenly stopped and began to bark at a patch of grass.
“What is it, boy?”
The grass rustled and a shadow flew out. Opal didn’t miss a beat, immediately whipping out her Pokédex to identify the Pokémon.
“It’s a Rufflet! Look out, Gav!”
The Growlithe jumped aside as the bird Pokémon dived at it, narrowly avoiding the attack.
“Gav, return!” Opal called. The dog obediently returned to its Pokéball. “I want to give Tony a try,” the girl explained, and promptly released her Aron.
She turned to Redwood. “What moved does it know?”
“Everything is in the Poké— hey!” During the exchange, the Rufflet had taken advantage of the opening to attack again. It bounced harmlessly aside and Tony glanced around with a look of mild confusion.
“Ah!” Opal exclaimed with a smile. “Steel and Rock are both strong against Flying and Normal-type attacks! Rufflet can’t win!” She looked at the Pokédex. “But it still won’t run! Rufflet never back down from a fight!”
“Here,” the professor said, holding out a Pokéball. “Why don’t you capture it?”
“Right! Tony, use Mud-Slap!”
With a cry, Tony rammed its forelegs into the ground, spraying mud at the Rufflet. But the bird let the attack harmlessly slide off its feathers.
“Ground attacks have no effect on Flying-types,” Redwood reminded Opal.
“Ah! I knew that, I swear! I just got so caught up in the battle…”
Rufflet attacked again and bounced off again.
“Alright, Tackle!”
Tony cried again and threw itself at the Rufflet, knocking it to the ground with staggering force. The Rufflet was out like a light.
“Alright, now to throw the Pokéball!” Opal wound up her throw and let it fly. It sailed straight and clamped shut around the Rufflet. It shook as the semi-conscious Pokémon tried to fight its way out, but ultimately came to a stop.
“First try!” Opal exclaimed triumphantly.
“Well done, a spectacular show,” Redwood applauded.
Opal returned Tony to his ball and called back Gav to pick up tracking again. “Well, I’m not the number one Pokémon trainer in Newgrass town for nothing.” She then grabbed the professor’s arm again and dragged him along as Gav led the way once more.
Redwood chuckled sheepishly as he kept pace. The energy this girl had might have been a little too much for him, but he was glad that she showed promise, and good morals. He could foresee her becoming a great trainer in the future.

Chapter 2: vs. Togetic
“Look ahead,” Redwood said as he finished adding Opal to his Pokégear contacts. “Adagi Town.”
“Been there before,” Opal said without much interest. She was much more interested in the Rufflet she’d just caught. “I think Benny got stronger from that last battle! I wonder if he got any new attacks.”
“Check the-“
“Right,” Opal interrupted, pulling out her Dex. After scrolling through its options, she examined ‘Benny’ through it, her face quickly lighting up. “Yep! He leaned Fury Attack! I can’t wait to try it out!”
“You’ll get the opportunity soon,” the professor said, a trace of annoyance in his voice. “The Pokémon trainer school in Adagi town is a hotspot for up and coming trainers like yourself.”
Opal shot Benny’s Pokéball a determined look. “We’ll wipe out the competition then, right Benny?”
Benny cawed inside his ball. Opal laughed and then took off at a run.
“Opal!” Redwood cried before jogging after her. “I swear, that girl can be so impulsive…”
He caught up to her at the entrance to the town, examining a map. “As far as towns in Faulk go,” Opal explained, “Adagi is hardly the biggest, or most interesting. It’s called the ‘Town of Rising Action’ mostly because it’s where new trainers go to get stronger. The monthly Bug Catching Contest is probably the most interesting thing around here, other than the trainer school.”
It was a quaint place, green being the prevailing color. Trees were planted alongside the roads, and flower beds ran along nearly every house. There were no high-rise buildings either. The place had a very natural feel to it.
Redwood took a deep breath. “I’m used to big cities, but I could get used to this.”
Opal chuckled. “You’d better get used to it fast. You’re up for a life on the road until I’ve completed my journey!”
The professor groaned.
Opal took his hand and stepped into town. She took a deep breath and Redwood had just enough time to cover one ear before…
“GOOOOOOD MORNING ADAAAAAGIIIIIIIIIIIII!”
What surprised the professor most was the response. “’Morning Opal!” a couple of kids called, before running over.
“Timmy, Anna, Paul, Ellen!” Opal responded happily. “How are you all?”
“Are you gonna compete in the Bug-Catching contest again?” one asked.
“Oh, that’s tomorrow! I’d forgotten!” Opal said with a look of surprise. “In that case, I definitely will, but I was thinking I’d go to the Trainer School first.”
“Who’s that man?” one of the girls inquired.
“Professor Redwood,” Opal said, before the professor could answer for himself. “He’s a famous scientist, and my partner in my travels!”
“I am so such thing!” Redwood objected, but the kids were too busy ooh-ing to notice. “I am no partner, Miss Opal! I am here for RESEARCH purposes!”
“He’s pretty stingy,” Opal said to the kids with a smile, ignoring the professor’s clear irritation. “Hey, by the way,” she said, remembering why she had come. “Have any of you seen a guy in a green beanie today?”
They all nodded. “Yeah, some guy like that went to the trainer school today,” one of the boys answered.
“Let’s go, professor!”
“Take care, Opal!” The kids called before going back on their way.
“Friends of yours?” Redwood asked, still irritated at the treatment he was receiving.
“More like my fans,” Opal giggled. “I’ve always really liked kids, and they’ve liked me a lot too. They cheer for me when I join the bug catching contests.” She gave a sheepish smile. “Even though I never win.”
“What have you caught?”
“Usually Caterpies or Venonats. I got a Venipede once, but still got out-done.”
“Why don’t you use them?”
Opal looked at him as if it were obvious. “Only the top three winners get to keep their Pokémon. The rest release them.”
“Of course,” Redwood sighed.
The young trainer pointed ahead. “That’s the trainer school! Come on!”
“Don’t—” the professor began. “Run…” he finished, after Opal had taken off. He jogged after her at his own pace.
Opal was halfway through the door when he arrived. He caught it before it slammed in his face and stepped in afterwards.
They were both greeted by the sounds of battle as they entered. Two trainers around Opal’s age were immersed in a heated battle on top of a raised stage on the far side of the building.
“Ah!” Redwood cried out, “That’s him!”
Surely enough, one of the two fighters was the boy who had stolen (and was currently using) the professor’s Sandile. It had his opponent’s Swablu locked in its jaws. In a matter of seconds, the battle was over.
“Well fought,” the opponent said. “But if I’d been using my REAL team, I would have won. Come back when you’ve gotten stronger and we’ll fight for real.”
The thief nodded.
“You!” Redwood cried, running at the boy.
“Crap!” he shouted. “Sandile!” A Sand Attack flew at the professor’s face, stopping him in his tracks.
Redwood produced a Pokéball and flung it blindly. Out popped a Pokémon Opal had never seen before. “Beheeyem!” Redwood called, “Psychic!”
But nothing happened. “It’s a Dark type!” the boy shouted. “That won’t do anything!”
“Are you so sure?” Redwood asked confidently, wiping the sand from his eyes. After a couple of seconds, the Sandile went flying into the wall.
“Hey! What?!” the boy rushed over to his Pokémon.
“Miracle eye,” Redwood said with a smirk. “It lets Psychic-Type attacks his Dark-types.”
The boy growled as he picked up the Sandile. He looked as if he was about to give up, but then suddenly bolted.
“Wait!” Opal cried. “You can’t run! My Growlithe has memorized your scent!”
“Then chase me!” the boy shouted as he ran for a window. “I’ll face you when you catch up to me!” He threw it open and smiled as he put his foot through. “My name’s Jet, by the way. You’d better be strong when you catch up, or else!” And with that he was gone.
Opal was about to run, but Redwood stopped her. “Let him.”
“But-!”
“It’s alright, Opal,” the Professor said with a determined smile. “He may have stolen my things, but I want to see what he does with them. I will judge him the next time we meet, and if he isn’t worthy, then I will take them back. With force, if need be.”
Opal’s shoulders sagged. “If you say so.”
“Hey!” Jet’s former opponent called. “You’re Opal from Newgrass, right?”
And like that, she perked up. “You’ve heard of me?”
“You’re the best trainer in Newgrass, and a frequent participant in the Bug-Catching contests,” the young man said. “It’s only natural I’d know. I’m Wendel, by the way. I lead this school.”
Upon second glance, he looked to be two or three years older than Opal, with fairly long brown hair, thick eyebrows and sharp, hawk-like features.
“Pleased to meet you,” Opal said, extending her hand.
“Likewise,” Wendel said, extending his hand. “Why don’t you challenge my school? It’ll be a good exercise for you.”
“That’s precisely what I had in mind!” Opal said jovially. “Shall we start now?”
“No, no,” Wendel laughed. “This school will prepare you for the Gym battles you’ll face in the future, so you’ll be challenging all the trainers in here first. If you can beat them, THEN you can face me.” He winked. “I’m sure you’ll manage.”
Redwood took a seat at a desk. “In that case, I will simply observe from here.”
“Take you place here,” Wendel said, indicating the stage. “Your first challenger will be Lewis.”
The trainer in question stepped up and took his place opposite her. “Hey. Even though Wendel specializes in one type, like a Gym leader, the rest of us don’t, so watch out.”
“I will,” Opal said, drawing out her first Pokémon.
…
She faced three opponents, each using completely different Pokémon, but all unevolved. Redwood was impressed with Opal’s adaptability and quick thinking. She used her three Pokémon to their fullest extent, quickly defeating one after the other. As he observed, he took notes. She and her Pokémon were not in perfect synchronization yet, but their brief time together had taught them how to fight side by side and understand each other. He smiled as she dealt the final blow.
“Woohoo!” Opal cheered. Tony cried out joyfully along with her. Despite its injuries, it was still ready for more.
Wendel stepped onto the stage. “You’ve fought well, Opal. My students will heal up your Pokémon, and then we can fight.”
Lewis approached with some Elixir and Potions. Opal handed him her Pokémon and he got to work on them.
“Like Lewis said,” Wendel spoke while he waited. “I specialize in one type of Pokémon: the Flying-Type. I initially applied to become Faulk’s Flying-Type Gym Leader, but I apparently didn’t quite have what it took, so I lead here now instead. Take this opportunity to learn how to counter Flying-Types.”
Opal looked in her Pokédex. “Flying-Types are weak to Rock, Ice and Electric-Types, and strong against Bug, Grass and Fighting-Types. They resist Ground-types entirely.” She looked at her team as they were handed back to her.
“This battle will be two on two,” Wendel announced. “The first to be unable to use both Pokémon loses.”
Opal selected her first Pokémon and smiled. “Let’s go.”
Both balls sailed through the air, opening up to reveal their contents. Growlithe versus Zubat.
Wendel didn’t wait before attacking, “Zuby, use Venom Drench!”
Gav cried out as a thin purplish liquid hit it. It didn’t appear hurt, but its legs began to shake slightly.
“Venom Drench lowers the target’s Attack, Special Attack and Speed stat together,” Wendel explained proudly. “Only specially bred Zubat can use this move.”
“Ember!” Opal commanded, not losing a moment. The attack landed easily, and the Zubat hit the ground, stunned by the attack. Slightly smoking, it rose back into the air.
“Supersonic!”
The Zubat emitted a high-pitched screeching noise, making Gav even less steady on his feet.
“Gav!” Opal cried. “Try and focus! Use Ember again!”
The Growlithe shakily took aim, but before it could fire, its leg gave way under it, damaging itself.
“R-return!” Opal commanded, withdrawing Growlithe back into his ball.
“Switching out?” Wendel said with a smile. “A wise choice. Withdrawn Pokémon will lose their ‘Confused’ status, and their stats will revert back to normal.”
A look of surprise crossed Opal’s face. This was apparently news to her. With renewed hope, she flung her next Pokéball. “Go, Tony!”
“Excellent choice,” Redwood said quietly.
Her choice of Pokémon brought a frown to Wendel’s face. Aron would not be an easy opponent for him. “Astonish!”
Zubat struck Tony, flaring its wings in a surprising way just before impact.
Tony resisted its reflex to flinch, however. “Tony, Iron Head!”
“What!” cried Wendel, just before the attack landed. Finished, the Zubat fell to the ground, unable to battle. “But that attack…”
“Is an egg move,” Redwood stated loudly. “That Aron’s father knew that move, much like your Zubat’s Venom Drench.
“I see,” Wendel said through grit teeth. He produced his second Pokéball and sent out another. “Go, Gnome!”
This opponent wasn’t very well suited to fighting Aron either. This one was a Togetic.
Opal was getting into the momentum of the battle. She didn’t want to let Wendel get in one other attack. “Mud Slap!”
“Opal!” the professor shouted, but it was too late. Togetic danced around the attack easily.
“Metronome,” Wendel commanded. The Togetic wagged its hands and a glow enveloped it. The mud from the previous attack flashed. Wendel cheered in triumph. “Mimic! Now, Togetic, use Mud Slap!”
Opal cried out. It was too late, the attack hit Aron for quadruple damage. He didn’t stand a chance. “Tony…” She returned him to his Pokéball. “You did well.”
It was now back to Gav. The Growlithe bared his teeth as he was sent out, ready for more. His legs still shook a little bit, however.
Wendel grinned. “Your Growlithe might not last long like this.”
Opal chuckled, bringing a look of surprise to her opponent’s face. “Your Zubat and Tony aren’t the only ones who inherited something from their parents.” She smiled at Gav. “Gav’s father was an Espeon. Do you know what that means?” She nodded to Gav, who began to absorb sunlight, glowing brightly.
“Morning sun…” Wendel said quietly. When the light faded, Gav was almost as good as new.
“Togetic, Mud Slap!”
“Charge through, Gav! Use Ember!” The Growlithe braced itself and punched through the super effective attack and let loose a blast of fire.
Wendel grunted. “Lucky hit.”
“Is that so?” Opal hummed. “Gav doesn’t need to see what he’s doing. Growlithe has incredible smell.” She winked. “And while you were listening to me, he got to use another Morning Sun!”
Wendel cried out. “Togetic!”
“Ember!”
Togetic tried to use Mud Slap but was interrupted by Gav’s attack.
Opal clenched her fists. “Finish it!”
And it was over. Togetic fell to the stage, knocked out. “Well fought,” Wendel said as he returned his Pokémon to its ball. “I’d say you deserve a badge… but I don’t have one to give!”
“Well, it was good practice,” Opal said good-naturedly. “Now I have a better idea of what to expect in the future.”
Wendel nodded. “Say, are you going to participate in the Bug-Catching contest tomorrow?”
“Mhm!”
“In that case, you’ll want to spend the night in town. I don’t have a badge to offer, but with this prize money, you could afford a hotel room.” He opened his wallet and handed her a couple of bills.
“Ooh! Prize money!”
“It’s one of the three rules trainers have,” Wendel said. “One: When trainers’ eyes meet, they are to battle. Two: Trainers are not allowed to use more than six Pokémon in a battle. Three: To the winner goes the prize. But if you’re broke, it’s understandable if you have to break that last one.”
Opal nodded. “I knew about the first two.”
“You learn something new every day,” the School’s leader said with a smile. “And since you’re here, you should do all you can to study and hone your skills.”
“Right!” Opal turned to the professor, who had gotten up and was now standing by the stage’s side. “Alright professor, let’s do our best!”
Redwood raised an eyebrow. “Everything in this school is elementary to me, Opal. I have no need to study.”
“Then you could tutor me,” she suggested.
Redwood shook his head. “You need to learn to teach yourself. Your victories won’t mean as much if it doesn’t come from your own effort.”
Opal nodded, slightly disappointed. “Alright then.” But her look of determination returned. “Then I’ll blow you away tonight with everything I learned about Pokémon!”
“I’m sure you will,” the professor said. “Well, I’m off to get us a room. I’ll send you a message with the room number.”
“Bye!”
…
Redwood glanced at the time display on his laptop. 11:47. Where was she?
Just then, the door opened and an exhausted-looking Opal staggered in. “Hello, professor.”
He looked at her incredulously. “Did you spend all your time studying?”
She collapsed into her bed. “Mostly. Wendel also trained me using some of his stronger Pokémon. Everyone’s stronger now. Especially Tony… Why is that?”
“You didn’t learn about trading?”
A look of understanding crossed her tired face. “Oh. Received Pokémon gain more EXP than others.”
Redwood nodded. “Tony will naturally get stronger than the other two faster. That doesn’t necessarily mean it will be the strongest, however. All Pokémon have a point past which they cannot grow.”
Opal nodded. “I know.”
Redwood shut his laptop. “Well, I think both of us have done enough work for today.”
The young trainer slipped out of her bed and rummaged around her backpack. “I’ll get changed.”
Redwood, already in his sleepwear, slipped into his own bed. Opal soon emerged from the bathroom, staggered to her bed, and shut her eyes. Tony, Gav and Benny all laid themselves down on the bed with her, her small frame giving them plenty of room.
The professor smiled softly at the sight. He was certain the sleeping close to one’s Pokémon like this must deepen the bond between trainer and Pokémon. It was a pity that his were mostly too big to do it in a hotel bed.
With a shrug, he shut his own eyes and tried to sleep.