Morning in Pewter City came with a soft breeze and cloudless skies. The mountain ridge in the distance was already glowing under the rising sun, its winding trails marking the way to their next challenge—Mt. Moon.
Skylar adjusted the straps on his pack, double-checking the security on the Gyarados egg, then tapped his Poké Balls one by one, mentally taking roll call: Charmander, Scyther, and a team growing stronger with each step.
Misty emerged from the lodge carrying a small bag of fresh berries and drinks, tossing one of the bottles to him with casual precision.
—"Ready for rocks, dust, and Zubat screeches?"
—"Sounds like a vacation," Skylar replied, catching the bottle with a grin.
They made their way through the east gate, waving goodbye to the familiar cobblestone paths and slate rooftops of Pewter behind them. The path ahead was steep but manageable—a winding trail that cut through stony cliffs and patches of grassy ridges, leading to the narrow pass that opened toward Mt. Moon's entrance.
As they walked, Misty glanced over.
—"So… the museum."
Skylar blinked. "What about it?"
—"It wasn't terrible."
He smirked. "High praise coming from you."
She rolled her eyes, but her lips tugged into a smile.
Before he could respond, Skylar's PokéGear buzzed. He slipped it from his pocket and blinked at the screen.
—Incoming Call: Cynthia.
His chest tightened slightly. "Give me a sec?"
Misty nodded and stepped ahead, pretending not to listen—but clearly listening.
Skylar accepted the call.
Cynthia's face appeared on-screen, framed by mountain winds and bright sunlight behind her. Her blonde hair was tousled, and her jacket slightly dusted with snow.
—"Hey, you," she said with a smile. "I heard from someone in the League circuit… you beat Brock."
Skylar chuckled. "News travels fast."
—"Not as fast as your Scyther, apparently."
He shrugged. "He didn't win."
Cynthia tilted her head. "What?"
—"Onix took him out. Charmander finished the fight."
For a moment, she was quiet.
Then she smiled—genuinely, proudly.
—"So you pushed through with disadvantage… and still adapted."
Skylar rubbed the back of his neck. "I just didn't want to win by playing safe."
Cynthia's gaze softened. "You're becoming dangerous, Sky."
Skylar laughed. "You say that like it's a bad thing."
—"No," she whispered. "Not bad. Just harder to resist."
Before he could speak again, her voice shifted slightly.
—"So. Misty."
Skylar tensed.
—"She sent me a photo. You two at the museum. Near a glowing moonstone."
Skylar's face turned a little red. "She—what?!"
Cynthia smirked. "Don't worry. I'm not upset. I told you already—I'm not threatened by sparks."
Her tone lowered, more teasing now.
—"Just… don't let the spark get too bright without telling me, okay?"
Skylar nodded, quiet for a moment. "She's a friend. Someone strong. That's all."
Cynthia smiled, but behind it was something more complex.
—"Strong is good. You'll need that soon."
Before he could ask what she meant, static cut through the screen.
—"Signal's dropping—I'm heading into the northern peaks. But Sky…?"
—"Yeah?"
Her eyes locked onto his.
—"Keep burning bright."
The screen went black.
Skylar stood there for a moment longer, holding the PokéGear.
Misty walked back over. "She tease you again?"
—"Always."
They continued the path, stepping over loose gravel as they reached the shadowed entrance to Mt. Moon—a yawning mouth of stone and darkness that breathed cool air and echoed with distant chirps.
—"This is it," Skylar said.
—"Ready for cave chaos?" Misty asked, gripping Starmie's Poké Ball.
He glanced toward the entrance, his flame-hearted partner beside him.
—"Born ready."
And together, they stepped into the shadows of Mt. Moon.