The path was filled with many Pokémon trainers that asked for battles. With my vibrant nature, I accepted them all, however, Treecko and Taillow were both weak at the moment. I needed a Pokémon Center. And fast.

Jeremy read a map that he purchased at the previous Pokémon Center. His eyes were glued onto the route that we were hiking on. He then turned towards me and pointed at his map.

"It says right here that there is a tunnel that leads to the next town. It's called the Rusturf Tunnel." Jeremy explained as he read the map.

I raised an eyebrow. "Rusturf Tunnel? Where's that?"

Jeremy lifted his head. "I think that's it,"

I glanced up and noticed a large, mountainous area. It seemed steep to climb, but in front was a small entrance that looked black in the distance. However, I noticed an old man, his body trembling as he paced around the cave.

I bolted up to the elder. "Are you alright, sir?"

The man looked up. "Yes, I'm fine, but my Peeko isn't!"

"Peeko?" I questioned while tilting my head to the side. Jeremy eventually caught up to the elder and I.

"Yes, he's my Wingull. He and I were taking a stroll through the route, until an angry man in blue stole my Peeko and brought him into that cave! Oh my poor Peeko!" he exclaimed. I felt bad for the old man. Maybe I should help him?

"Hey, it's alright," I cooed. "I'll get him back."

"Oh you will?!" he beamed in excitement. "Thank you so much, sweetie!"

"It's no problem at all," I replied with a warming smile spread across my face.

Jeremy nudged my arm. "Luna, what about your Pokémon? They're weak and they need to be healed!"

"Jeremy, this man needs his beloved Pokémon back," I responded. "That's way more important."

Before Jeremy could respond, the old man spoke up. "Sorry to interrupt, but here." He handed me a few berries. "These are Oran berries. They can be used to heal Pokémon without traveling to a Pokémon Center."

I smiled. "Thank you,"

Without any further interruptions, I headed into Rusturf Tunnel.

***

Thick fog covered the entire tunnel like a blanket. I could barely see a thing. But all I could get out was giant rocks were filled all over the cave.

I pulled out both of my Pokéballs, then threw them to allow Treecko and Taillow to appear. Once they did, I handed each Pokémon a berry.

"Here you are guys," Treecko gladly took it from my hands while I placed Taillow's berry onto the ground. "Thanks for being great Pokémon. Hopefully that'll heal you enough so we can battle this villain who stole a Pokémon."

"Treecko," my buddy cheered while his mouth was filled with berry bites. I giggled at his confidence.

Once both Pokémon finished snacking on their berries, I stood up from the ground. The fog was still thick. Although, a plan that may or may not work entered my mind.

"Since we have to get rid of this fog, Taillow, use Gust to clear it!" I shouted. Taillow sprang up into the air and violently flapped its wings at the fog. Little by little, the fog began to clear and the rest of the tunnel was now visible.

"Great job, Taillow," I said as Taillow shouted a victory call. However, the loud noise echoed throughout the tunnel, causing some large boulders to tremble and wild Pokémon to make their escape. "Oops...,"

I shock the scene out of my head then continued, onward. But it wasn't too long until I found a quivering Wingull by a man's foot. Glancing up at the man, I recognized who he was. His blue suit, similar to a pirate's, did not fool me.

"You again?" he asked as his eyes flashed with anger. He clenched his fist then stood in front of the Wingull. "I'm guessing that old wind up toy sent you here."

Wind up toy...? "Hey, you better take that back." I spat back.

"Ha! Good luck with that. Once words come out of my mouth, there's no way you can get them back in!" the Team Aqua grunt scoffed.

"Well, then," I smirked while crossing my arms. "If you can't take back your words, how about I take back that Pokémon you stole?"

The grunt looked behind him. "Of course I'll give it to you, child." Peeko grew excited at his response.

Without thinking, I replied, "Really? Thank you! The man out there—."

"You're so naïve," the grunt claimed. "You think a grunt like me will give you this Pokémon back so easily, huh? Well, you'll have to beat me in a battle. This time it won't be so easy, rookie."

Instantly, he threw out a Pokéball that was kept in his back pocket. Just as last time, a Poochyena appeared, snarling at me and my Pokémon. I glanced over at Treecko.

"All right, buddy, it's your time to shine," Treecko stepped forward and narrowed his eyes in determination.

"That tiny thing again?" the grunt scoffed. "After our last battle I trained even harder, now I'll be sure to beat you."

"We'll see about that," I say with confidence. "Treecko, use Pound!"

Treecko jumped forth into the air, then swung its tail right on Poochyena. It was a direct hit.

"It truly shows how strong you've gotten when you couldn't even dodge a simple attack," I addressed, smirking in the process.

"I don't like your attitude, rookie," the grunt spat back. "I'll show you want this pooch's got." At that moment, he commanded his Pokémon to use Bite.

I instructed Treecko to use Pound again, however, that was a bad decision. Poochyena bit Treecko's green tail midway through his move. In shock, Treecko began to run around the cave like an idiot, swinging its tail to get Poochyena off. I stood in my spot sweat dropping at the embarrassing scene.

"How long will this be?" the grunt asked, while keeping his eyes glued onto the two Pokémon.

"Hopefully not long," I replied. Just as those words fled my mouth, Treecko stopped and did one final swing with its tail, causing the grunt's Pokémon to be sent flying towards a wall made of many large boulders. The grunt and I ran towards the two Pokémon, followed by a certain white bird. With one glimpse, Poochyena was successfully beaten.

"We did it, Treecko!" I cheered as I lifted my partner into the air. The Wingull behind me flapped its long, white wings and let out a victory screech.

"You may have won this battle and the last, but one day I'll get you. You and all of the Pokémon, and every other living thing existing in this world. It won't be long until Archie finishes making plans for the future." With that, the grunt sent his Pokémon back into its Pokéball, then ran off into the other direction.

"I wonder what he's talking about?" I asked myself. The thought was then shaken out of my head. I glanced back down to Wingull. "Let's get you back home."

***

After a few minutes of walking through the tunnel, Treecko, Taillow, Wingull, and I finally exited. The harsh sunlight burned my eyes for a brief moment as I stepped outside, causing my vision to become blurry. But in the distance, I heard a voice call out my name. The blurriness in my eyes slowly began to fade, making my vision return. 

Once I reached Jeremy and the elderly man, I smiled gratefully.

"Peeko," he cried as the Wingull flapped its wings and flew into the man's arms. "I'm glad you're safe." He then turned to me. "Hopefully, it wasn't a burden trying to bring him back."

"Of course not, sir," I answered, chuckling.

He let out a small chuckle. Jeremy and Larvitar awkwardly exchanged looks.

"Anyways, I should repay the offer. You helped me, and now it's my turn to help you." the old man admitted.

My eyes widen. "Oh, no! It's all right. You don't need to help me with anything."

"No, it's the least I can do," he responded. However, his voice gradually turned solemn. "You see, if you travel further in the tunnel, it's impossible. There are these rocks blocking the path. In order to get to the other side, you'd have to take a longer route. Although, I can help you with that."

"I can take you to Dewford Town. It's an isolated island that can only be accessed by boat. Luckily, I own one. All you have to do is travel back through Rustboro City, then through that forest, and there'll be a small hut by the ocean. That's where I live. And that's where my boat is."

"Thank you so much!" I said as I clasped my hands together.

"I'm the one I should be thanking," he answered, smiling greatly.

"Wait, you're saying we have to travel back to Rustboro City, The Petalburg Woods, and to the docks?" Jeremy asked in shock.

"I know it sounds like a long journey, but it's the only way you can reach Dewford Town and the next Gym." the old man explained. My eyes widened.

"The next Gym is in Dewford?!" I remarked in shock.

"Mhm," the elder agreed. "The Gym Leader's name is Brawly. He's a Fighting Type specialist."

I glanced over to Jeremy. "Let's go. We are gonna head over to his boat and we'll get to Dewford Town as soon as possible."

"You seem really determined to meet the Gym Leader," Jeremy swear dropped as he placed his hand around his neck.

"The day is still young," the elder said. "If we hurry, then we'll make it there by sunrise tomorrow."

I nodded. "All right," I grabbed out two Pokéballs and sent Taillow and Treecko back into their Pokéballs. "Let's get going then."

-------------------------

Hello everyone! I got another chapter done before a month, which is great! Hopefully you all liked the chapter. I don't have much to say right now except for stuff that I got for Christmas. I got my son aka Rayquaza (you know the tin box thing) and a Noivern Deck.

Yeah.

Fun.

I got other stuff too, but I don't want to ramble too much. Anyways, have a great day and Happy Holidays!

-Nicoletta