The road out of Aspen Crossing stretched long and bright beneath a sky the color of polished glass. Grant walked with a new rhythm in his steps, Sewaddle perched proudly on his shoulder, leaf cape fluttering in the breeze. Oshawatt bounced at his side, spinning its shell and stopping every few steps to look up at him for approval. Nyra kept pace, Venipede gliding like a red ribbon through the grass while Tepig trotted with steady confidence.
They were different now.
Stronger.
Smarter.
More aware.
Training came in short, focused bursts along the route—never long enough to exhaust them, always long enough to sharpen their edge.
Oshawatt learned to chain Focus Energy into Aqua Jet, striking faster and with cleaner control.
Sewaddle mastered String Shot for crowd control and learned to hold its ground long enough to raise a proper Leaf Guard—a defensive stance Grant taught it using fallen bark as practice shields.
Tepig refined Flame Charge into a quick opener that let Nyra dictate the flow of a fight.
Venipede unlocked a slick Poison Tail that snapped like a whip, perfect for hit-and-run tactics.
They kept their sessions short and sharp. Repetition. Recovery. Reflection.
By the time the towers of their next destination crested the horizon, Grant felt a steady confidence settle into his bones.
"Badge town," Nyra said, shading her eyes. "Finally."
Grant exhaled. "First one."
The town's sign read:
Ravencroft City — Home of the Gale Gym
Windmills turned lazily beyond the rooftops. Colorful banners snapped in the breeze, each stamped with a stylized wing.
Grant felt his heart pick up speed.
Nyra nudged him. "Don't freeze now."
He smiled. "I won't.
Ravencroft felt alive.
Market stalls lined the main avenue, selling wind chimes, gliders, and feather-crafted charms. Trainers gathered in clusters, trading stories and comparing badges. A broad stone bridge arched over a canal where Wingull skimmed the surface like living kites.
Grant stopped to stare at the Gym.
It rose like a lighthouse of glass and steel, with wind turbines spinning along its sides and banners streaming from its spires. A massive wing emblem gleamed over the entrance.
Nyra whistled. "Okay. That's dramatic."
Grant swallowed. "That's… real."
They crossed the plaza together.
A woman with cropped dark hair and a long coat stood outside the Gym, laughing with a pair of junior trainers. A sleek Swanna perched at her side, feathers shining like pearl.
She noticed Grant and Nyra and lifted a hand.
"New faces?"
Grant nodded. "We're here to challenge the Gym."
Her smile widened. "Good. I like ambition."
She stepped forward and offered a handshake. "Skye Vale. Ravencroft Gym Leader."
Nyra blinked. "You're the leader?"
Skye chuckled. "I take that as a compliment."
Grant shook her hand. "I'm Grant. This is Nyra."
Skye's eyes flicked to their Pokémon. "Solid team. You've trained on the road."
Grant nodded. "Every day."
"Good," Skye said. "The Gale Gym isn't about brute force. It's about timing. Balance. Trust."
She crouched to Sewaddle's level. "And you must be the brave one I heard about."
Sewaddle squeaked and raised its leaf proudly.
Skye laughed. "I like your spirit."
Nyra crossed her arms. "When can we battle?"
Skye stood. "After your appointment. You'll need to register, pay the entry fee, and pass the pre-trial."
Grant blinked. "Pre-trial?"
She winked. "Think of it as a warm-up."
Nyra groaned. "Of course."
Skye gestured toward the city hall. "Registrations are across the square. I'll see you inside when you're ready."
As she turned, a familiar voice cut through the wind.
"Well, if it isn't the nobodies."
Angelica stood near the fountain, Munna floating beside her like a smug thought bubble.
Grant sighed. "Speak of storms."
Angelica's eyes slid to the Gym. "Gale Gym. Cute. Try not to embarrass yourselves."
Nyra stepped forward. "Battle us."
Angelica smiled. "After you lose to Skye."
She turned on her heel and walked away.
Grant shook his head. "She's relentless."
Nyra smirked. "So are we."
City hall was a tall, circular building with a line of trainers stretching down the steps.
Grant scanned the fee board and winced. "We're short."
Nyra sighed. "Figures."
They checked the job terminal by the door.
Courier run to Windward Farm.
Canal cleanup — Poison-types needed.
Aerial supply delivery — trainer escort required.
Nyra pointed. "Courier and cleanup. Fast money."
Grant nodded. "And training."
They split up the tasks.
Windward Farm sat beyond the windmills, its fields rippling like green seas. The owner, a wiry man with a sunburned grin, loaded their cart with seed packs.
"Watch the skies," he warned. "Wild Fletchling love shiny things."
Grant nodded. "Oshawatt, eyes up."
Halfway there, a Fletchling dove for the cart.
"Oshawatt, Aqua Jet—low power!"
Oshawatt streaked forward and splashed just enough water to send the bird spiraling away without harm.
Sewaddle raised its leaf and fired a neat String Shot net that fluttered down like lace, blocking a second swoop.
The farmer laughed. "Good teamwork."
When they arrived, he paid them in coin and fresh berries.
Grant felt lighter already.
At the canal, Nyra rolled up her sleeves.
"Venipede, perimeter. Tepig, warm the sludge so it lifts."
They worked methodically. Nyra directed, adjusted, and praised in quick bursts. When a stubborn oil patch clung to the stone, Venipede's Poison Tail flicked debris free while Tepig's gentle heat loosened the rest.
A dockhand whistled. "Efficient."
Nyra smirked. "We try."
They pocketed the payment and met Grant back at the plaza.
Grant held up the coin purse. "Courier done."
Nyra tossed hers. "Cleanup done."
They counted.
Nyra nodded. "We're in."
The clerk stamped their forms and slid two cards across the desk.
Gale Gym — Pre-Trial Appointment Confirmed.
Challenger IDs Issued.
Grant stared at the date. "Tomorrow."
Nyra cracked her knuckles. "Perfect."
They stepped back into the plaza, the wind tugging at their jackets.
Grant let out a slow breath. "We're really doing this."
Nyra looked at him. "You ready?"
He glanced at Oshawatt and Sewaddle.
"Yeah."
They returned to the Gym to familiarize themselves with the arena. Inside, the floor was a polished circle with raised platforms that moved on silent tracks. Wind cannons hummed along the walls, and a skylight let in a column of sun that turned dust into gold.
Skye waited near the center.
"Good timing," she said. "I was just finishing drills."
Grant bowed slightly. "Thank you for seeing us earlier."
She waved it off. "Walk with me."
They circled the platforms as Skye explained the rules.
"Positioning matters. Wind will help you—or betray you. Read the currents."
Nyra asked, "What made you a Gym Leader?"
Skye smiled. "I loved flying before I loved winning. The sky taught me patience."
She stopped and faced Grant. "Your team has heart. Keep them close. Trust their instincts."
Grant nodded. "I will."
She glanced at Nyra. "And you—your tempo is excellent. Don't rush your finishers."
Nyra smirked. "Noted."
Skye checked the time. "You're booked for the pre-trial at sunrise. Get rest. Eat well. No heroics tonight."
Grant laughed. "Yes, ma'am."
Skye turned to leave, then paused. "One more thing."
They looked up.
"Win or lose, this badge is a step. Don't measure yourselves only by the result."
Grant felt the words settle.
"Thank you," he said.
They grabbed dinner at a noodle stand overlooking the canal. Lanterns reflected in the water like drifting stars.
Nyra slurped broth. "Tomorrow's going to be loud."
Grant smiled. "I think I like that."
Sewaddle curled around his wrist, leaf warm from the lantern light.
Oshawatt tapped the table with its shell.
"Alright, alright," Grant said, sharing a berry. "One more."
Nyra leaned back and watched the turbines turn. "First badge."
Grant followed her gaze. "Feels like the start of something big."
She nodded. "It is."
Across the plaza, Angelica stood near the fountain, Munna floating beside her. She didn't approach—just watched, eyes sharp.
Nyra noticed. "Let her stare."
Grant nodded. "Tomorrow, we focus."
They paid the vendor and walked back toward the Pokémon Center.
The wind carried the scent of rain.
Grant tightened his jacket and looked up at the spinning blades.
"See you in the arena," he whispered to the night.
Nyra bumped his shoulder. "Get some sleep, Challenger."
He smiled. "You too, Rival."
They disappeared into the glow of the Center's doors—appointment booked, hearts steady, and a first badge waiting on the morning wind.