The deeper they ventured into Viridian Forest, the more the wildness of nature took over.
The path narrowed, overtaken by undergrowth and twisted roots. Ferns brushed their legs, and vines dangled from thick branches overhead like natural traps. Every few steps, something rustled—an unseen Pokémon darting just out of view.
Skylar paused beneath a leaning tree, checking the sling on his back where the Gyarados egg rested. It was still warm, still pulsing faintly with life.
—"We should stop for a break soon," Misty said, catching her breath. "Even Starmie's starting to get cranky."
Behind her, the Psychic-Water-type let out a faint, impatient hum. Misty smirked.
Charmander seemed fine—his tail flame flaring with excitement, sniffing around a patch of glowing mushrooms. Gardevoir hovered as silently as ever, though Skylar noticed she was casting her senses out more often than usual.
—"Yeah," Skylar agreed. "Let's find a clearing and—"
Voices.
From around the bend ahead.
—"No way! My Nidoran dodged it!"
—"Only because you used Double Kick when I said Quick Attack!"
The two trainers turned toward the sound. Skylar motioned for Misty to slow down, and they moved carefully around the bend.
Ahead was a moss-covered clearing, where two young trainers—both a bit younger than them—were arguing over a makeshift battle field. A boy in a green hoodie was waving his hands dramatically, while the girl beside him adjusted her round glasses with a sigh.
Beside them, a Pikachu and a Nidoran♂ were panting from a recent battle.
Skylar stepped into view.
—"Having fun?"
Both trainers jumped in surprise. Then the boy grinned.
—"You guys Trainers too?"
Misty nodded.
—"Well, sort of," Skylar added.
The girl looked them over. "You two look strong. Want to do a double battle? Two on two?"
Skylar glanced at Misty.
She smirked. "Feeling up for it?"
—"Always."
The four Trainers moved to opposite sides of the clearing.
Skylar sent out Charmander, who growled playfully as his tail flame flared. Misty brought out Starmie, spinning into place with a glimmering ripple of light.
Across from them, the boy released his Pikachu, while the girl sent out a Venonat, its large compound eyes twitching.
—"Alright," Skylar muttered. "Standard forest-types and an electric. We'll have to play this smart."
—"Starmie, go wide and stay mobile," Misty said quickly. "We don't want her getting stunned."
The battle began fast.
—"Pikachu, Thunder Shock on Starmie!"
—"Venonat, Supersonic on Charmander!"
Electricity cracked through the air, followed by an eerie high-pitched screech—but Skylar was already moving.
—"Charmander, use Smokescreen and roll!"
A cloud of black smoke burst across the field, and Charmander somersaulted out of danger. The Supersonic scattered harmlessly.
—"Starmie, Rapid Spin and clear the field!"
Starmie became a spinning blur of water and light, cutting through the smoke and slamming straight into Venonat. The bug-type screeched and fell back, dazed.
—"Now! Ember, Charmander!"
The fire attack hit Pikachu before it could dodge. It staggered, sparks jumping off its cheeks.
The younger trainers called their Pokémon back quickly.
—"Alright, alright! We forfeit!" the boy said, laughing. "Okay, you guys are good. Really good."
—"Wow," the girl added. "You're like… Gym Leader tier."
Misty grinned. "We get that a lot."
They sat down in the clearing afterward, sharing snacks and healing items.
Skylar offered a few Oran Berries to the younger trainers' Pokémon, who accepted gratefully.
—"Thanks for the battle," the girl said. "Most people just stomp through without saying a word."
—"It was a good warm-up," Skylar replied. "Forest's full of surprises."
The boy pointed deeper into the trees. "There's a stream a little farther in. Good place to rest if you need it. You'll hear it before you see it."
Skylar and Misty exchanged a look.
—"That sounds perfect."
With goodbyes and waves, they left the clearing and continued down the path, the scent of fresh water just beginning to drift through the air.
The forest had tested them—but it had also reminded them:
Not every battle was a threat. Some were just steps along the journey.