Chapter 65: The Path of Rivals

Riding on the back of Pidgeot felt like slicing through the sky with a knife. The wind howled in my ears, sharp and relentless, as the world blurred beneath me. Every beat of Pidgeot's wings sent a jolt through my body, but I had long gotten used to it. I patted his feathered neck. "Land outside the town," I murmured.

He obeyed without a sound, descending in graceful spirals. As we neared the ground, the town came into view—quaint, ordinary. People bustled around, some with Pokémon at their side, helping with daily chores. I couldn't help but smirk. So much simplicity in their lives. They had no idea.

Pidgeot landed, his talons gripping the earth with practiced ease. I slid off his back, landing on my feet with a slight thud. A grin tugged at my lips as I leaned forward and planted a quick kiss on his feathery head. "Good job, buddy."

Pidgeot froze, eyes wide, utterly dumbfounded. He didn't even flinch as I recalled him into his Pokéball. The soft click of the ball closing was satisfying. I chuckled to myself. It was always fun messing with him. I slipped the ball back into my sling bag and strolled toward the town, whistling quietly.

The streets were busy, but not chaotic. People moved in and out of shops, children laughing while playing with their Pokémon. It was a small town, but there was a warmth to it. Pokémon worked alongside humans—Machop lifting crates, Growlithes standing guard. It was peaceful. Almost too peaceful.

I spotted a group of locals gathered near a fruit stand. One of the men, an older guy with a weathered face, caught my eye. I approached him casually, hands tucked into my jacket pockets. "Hey, uncle," I called out. "Can you tell me where the police station is?"

He glanced up, studying me for a moment before pointing down a street. "It's a couple blocks that way. Can't miss it."

"Thanks." I nodded and moved on, my pace steady, focused. After a short walk, the police station loomed in front of me, a squat building with a sign that had definitely seen better days. I pushed the door open, stepping inside.

Empty. Typical.

I muttered under my breath, "Figures. Only Officer Jenny works in this backwater town."

With a sigh, I walked over to a vending machine, fed it some Pokedollars, and grabbed a can. The cold metal felt good in my hand as I cracked it open, taking a slow sip. I leaned against the wall, waiting for Jenny to appear. The seconds ticked by, stretching into minutes. It felt like eternity.

Eventually, I couldn't take it anymore. She wasn't coming.

I tossed the empty can into the trash and stepped back outside, scanning the street for something—anything—of interest. Then I saw him. Gary Oak, leaning casually against a lamp post, looking as smug as ever.

A slow smile spread across my face. I walked over and tapped him on the shoulder. He turned, and his eyes lit up with recognition. "Punit! You're finally catching up, but you're still behind me."

I shrugged, keeping my tone relaxed, almost bored. "Oh, Gary. You'll see in the Indigo League. Then you'll know."

He laughed, that same cocky laugh he always had. "What are you doing here, anyway?"

"I am traveling with your sister," I said smoothly, watching for his reaction. "Erin Oak."

Gary's expression faltered for a split second, his brow furrowing in surprise. "She's traveling? Huh. Must be hard on you—she's terrified of Pokémon."

I smirked, walking alongside him as we strolled down the street. "Nah, she's cute, actually."

His eyes narrowed, but there was a playful glint behind them. "Oh, cute, huh? When my grandfather finds out what you're doing with her, he's going to make you cute."

I chuckled, brushing off the thinly veiled threat. "Where are your cheerleaders?" I asked, changing the subject as we stepped into a small restaurant.

"Shopping," he said with a laugh, waving it off.

We took a seat at a table, and I ordered lunch for both of us. As we waited for our food, Gary leaned back in his chair. "So, where is Erin now?"

"I left her with Ash," I replied nonchalantly, taking a sip of water.

Gary raised an eyebrow. "Ash? You're not worried about her?"

I shook my head. "Ash is Ash. He'll do whatever it takes to keep a promise. She's fine."

He nodded, accepting my answer. We ate in silence after that, the only sound the clink of cutlery against plates. The tension had faded into a comfortable quiet. Gary broke it first.

"How many badges and Pokémon do you have?"

I wiped my mouth with a napkin, leaning back in my chair. "Five Pokémon. Three badges."

He nodded again, eyes thoughtful, but didn't press further. When we finished, he paid the bill—classic Gary, always trying to one-up everyone. As we stepped out of the restaurant, Gary turned to face me, his expression more serious.

"Take care of my sister. She's innocent. Don't take advantage of her."

I raised an eyebrow, letting his words hang in the air for a moment before replying. "What if she takes advantage of me?"

Gary barked out a laugh. "She can take advantage of you all she wants. My family's got her back."

I was momentarily stunned, but Gary waved as he walked away. "See you at the Indigo League."

I watched him disappear into the crowd, his usual cocky swagger in every step. Shaking my head, I turned toward the nearest hotel. After a quick search, I found a five-star place that looked decent enough and headed straight for the receptionist.

"One room for today," I said, tossing a handful of Pokedollars onto the counter.

She handed me a key without a word. The elevator ride was quiet, my thoughts drifting as I reached my room. The door clicked open, revealing luxury at every corner—soft lighting, plush carpets, a king-sized bed that looked like it could swallow me whole. I dropped my bag onto the table, kicked off my shoes, and collapsed onto the bed.

Sleep came fast, but my mind never stopped working.

The Indigo League was waiting, and so was Gary.