Chapter - 24

3rd person POV –

As Jordan made his way back from Snowpoint City to Sandgem Town, the snowy landscape slowly gave way to rolling green hills, bare trees, and the occasional breeze. He hadn't expected to run into anyone he knew along this stretch, but as he reached a small Pokémon Center, he heard two familiar voices.

Turning, he saw two people he hadn't seen in ages: Ethan and Mary, his friends from school. They were animatedly discussing strategies, both looking battle-worn yet energized. Jordan smiled, a mixture of nostalgia and pride swelling up in him. It was one thing to know he was advancing in his journey, but seeing his old friends—Ethan with his proud, steadfast Infernape, and Mary with her elegant Empoleon—filled him with a sense of warmth.

"Ethan! Mary!" Jordan called, waving as he approached. Both trainers turned, their eyes lighting up in surprise.

"Jordan!" they exclaimed in unison, running over to greet him.

Mary, always the more expressive of the two, pulled him into a quick hug. "We thought you'd be at Lake Acuity still! I can't believe we're all here!"

Ethan grinned, his eyes shining with excitement. "You'll never guess why we're here. We're on our way to face Fantina in Hearthome City!"

Jordan raised an eyebrow, nodding with a proud smile. "That's awesome! I didn't know you two were already at your fifth badge. How's the journey been so far?"

Ethan laughed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Let's just say it's been… humbling. We're finally finding our footing, but Fantina's tough. Her Ghost-types are tricky to read, and her battle style's unpredictable."

Mary chimed in, her face a mixture of determination and worry. "We watched some of her past battles, and her Mismagius and Drifblim seem practically untouchable. I'm not sure my Empoleon is ready, and Ethan's Infernape is strong, but Ghost-types are a whole other game."

Jordan nodded knowingly. "Yeah, Fantina's known for using Ghost-types to play mind games. It's all about patience and timing with her."

Ethan and Mary listened intently, exchanging glances as they absorbed his words.

As they sat down at a picnic table outside the Pokémon Center, Jordan began sharing memories from their school days. They laughed, reminiscing about their old Pokémon club and how Ethan's Chimchar and Mary's Piplup had squabbled constantly, even then showing hints of the strong-willed Infernape and calm, strategic Empoleon they had become. Jordan remembered how he'd often mediated between the two Pokémon, jokingly playing the "teacher" role while encouraging their growth.

"So, tell me," Jordan said, leaning forward. "What's been the biggest challenge since you started?"

Ethan groaned, his expression exasperated. "Honestly? Learning how to strategize under pressure. In school, it was different—we were battling each other, learning the basics. But out here, it's life or death sometimes. My Infernape's stronger than ever, but every time we face someone like Fantina, it feels like we're missing something."

Mary nodded in agreement. "I feel that too. My Empoleon's defense is solid, but Fantina's battles are so fluid, so unpredictable. I'm worried my team isn't flexible enough."

Jordan listened, nodding thoughtfully before speaking. "From what I've learned, especially from my recent battles, it's all about being adaptive. Sometimes, you've got to anticipate moves even if it feels impossible. Here's a tip: work on using your Pokémon's strength in unexpected ways. Infernape, for instance—doesn't just rely on fire moves. His speed and agility can be used to wear down Ghost-types without having to land a direct hit."

Ethan's eyes lit up as Jordan's words sunk in. "So, I could use Infernape's speed to outmaneuver her Drifblim instead of going all out with fire attacks?"

"Exactly," Jordan said, grinning. "Fantina will expect power moves from an Infernape, but if you focus on dodging and staying unpredictable, you'll throw her off. Plus, Infernape's physical attacks are incredibly versatile—you don't always need super-effective moves if you can catch your opponent off guard."

Mary looked at her Empoleon, stroking its smooth, steel-blue fin thoughtfully. "And for Empoleon?"

"Empoleon's a tank," Jordan replied. "If you focus on wearing down her Ghost-types with defensive moves and counterattacks, you'll be in a good place. Ghost types can be tricky, but they're usually not as durable as a Pokémon like Empoleon. Use that to your advantage. Also, don't forget moves like Aqua Jet for a surprise attack."

Mary's eyes sparkled with a new determination. "You make it sound easy," she joked, though her tone was light-hearted. "But I get it. I think we can pull it off."

Jordan chuckled. "It's not easy, but trust me—thinking outside the box is what separates a great trainer from an average one."

Ethan looked down at his Infernape, a grin spreading across his face. "Did you hear that, buddy? We're going to use every skill we've got to win this one."

The Infernape grunted confidently, its fiery mane flickering in excitement. Jordan's own Infernape, standing nearby, gave Ethan's Infernape an encouraging nod. Jordan's Infernape was a beast—a towering, powerful figure whose presence seemed to make the air around them warmer. It looked down at its fellow Fire-type with a look of wisdom, as if imparting silent advice. Mary's Empoleon, too, regarded Jordan's Empoleon with an admiring gaze, seeming to draw inspiration from its calm and focused demeanor.

Jordan then suggested they have a training session together to reinforce some of these ideas. They spent the next couple of hours fine-tuning Ethan's Infernape's agility and Mary's Empoleon's defense strategies. Jordan's Infernape and Empoleon sparred against their counterparts, showing them techniques and helping them improve their endurance.

Jordan's Infernape taught Ethan's Infernape how to use its surroundings to dodge effectively, moving swiftly across the ground and leaping into the air with controlled precision. Ethan watched, wide-eyed, as his Infernape mirrored Jordan's, growing more confident and skilled with each dodge and feint.

Mary's Empoleon, on the other hand, focused on timing its defenses to avoid overexertion. Jordan's Empoleon demonstrated a move that combined defensive stances with quick, precise Aqua Jets, a trick that could prove invaluable in a battle against Fantina's Ghost-types. Mary was amazed by how effortlessly Empoleon adapted, and the two of them practiced until Empoleon could execute the move without hesitation.

After the session, the three of them sat down for a break, watching the Pokémon interact. Ethan, feeling a little nostalgic, looked over at Jordan. "You know, it feels like just yesterday we were all back in school. Who would've thought we'd be out here, gearing up to take on some of Sinnoh's toughest Gym Leaders?"

Jordan smiled, a faraway look in his eyes. "Yeah, it's crazy. But it's also why we wanted this in the first place, right? The thrill, the challenges… and knowing that we're out here together, even if we're on different paths."

Mary nodded, her eyes shining with gratitude. "Thank you, Jordan. I don't know if we could have come this far without knowing you were out here too, doing all these amazing things. It's inspiring."

Jordan felt a warm surge of pride but quickly deflected it with a grin. "Hey, you're both incredible trainers in your own right. I'm just glad we could help each other today. And when we all make it to the League, let's make sure we give each other the best battles we can."

They all shared a smile, a silent agreement passing between them. With that, they packed up and prepared to continue their journeys, each feeling a little more confident, a little more prepared, and grateful for the friendship that had brought them this far.

As they parted ways, Jordan couldn't help but look back, watching his two friends heading toward Hearthome City. He knew they were ready for whatever awaited them, and he felt a surge of pride knowing he'd been able to help them.

Time skip –

Jordan walked along the trail near Pastoria City, the smell of wet earth and fresh rain in the air. He was on his way to check out the Great Marsh, intrigued by the rumors of rare Pokémon sightings when he heard a frustrated shout in the distance. Curious, he made his way toward the noise and soon spotted a young trainer, shoulders slumped, staring dejectedly at his Poké Balls. His clothes were splattered with mud, and he looked like he'd just come from an intense battle.

It was only as Jordan got closer that he recognized the face—it was Brenden, a kid from his hometown. Jordan barely remembered him, though; back then, Brenden had always kept to himself, occasionally making comments about his "top-tier Pokémon team" and how he'd be the strongest in Sinnoh one day. They'd never been close, and Jordan hadn't seen him since he'd left Sandgem Town.

"Brenden?" Jordan asked, a little uncertain. "Is that you?"

Brenden looked up sharply, his eyes flickering with a mixture of irritation and embarrassment. "Oh. It's you, Jordan."

Jordan smiled, ignoring the bitterness in Brenden's tone. "It's been a while. Are you here for Crasher Wake's Gym?"

Brenden let out a frustrated sigh. "I just lost. Badly. He wiped the floor with my team like we were nothing." His voice cracked slightly, and Jordan could see the bitterness in his gaze. "I thought I had it all figured out… My team's made up of the best Pokémon money can buy, but it's like… it's like none of it matters."

Jordan frowned, recalling his battles with Gym Leaders. Crasher Wake was no joke—his Water-type team was both powerful and well-trained. Jordan had barely managed to scrape by, and that had been after days of strategizing and rigorous training sessions. He knew firsthand that Wake wasn't a Gym Leader to underestimate.

"Crasher Wake is tough," Jordan said, trying to be encouraging. "He's got a really solid strategy, and he's used to handling all kinds of trainers. Sometimes, it's not just about having strong Pokémon; it's about how well you work with them and understand their strengths and weaknesses."

Brenden's scowl deepened. "Easy for you to say. You're the prodigy everyone talks about, Professor Rowan's top pick. I bet you breezed through it." He paused, looking down at the muddy ground. "You don't understand what it's like to… fall behind. People have expectations of me because of my family, and here I am, struggling to keep up with people I thought I'd left in the dust."

Jordan watched him quietly, the pieces starting to fall into place. Brenden had always seemed driven by some deep-seated need to prove himself, but he hadn't realized it ran this deep. Trying to bridge the gap, he added, "Actually, Crasher Wake gave me one of the toughest battles I've had in Sinnoh. I've been through my fair share of losses, too. But it's what you do after that matters."

Brenden gave him a disbelieving look, scoffing. "Right. I'm sure you've had losses. Everyone sees you as the golden kid. Meanwhile, I'm barely getting by, and now I find out that Ethan and Mary—you remember them from back home, right?—already beat Fantina last week. Fantina! I thought… I thought they'd be the ones struggling, not me."

Jordan blinked, genuinely surprised. He hadn't known Brenden kept track of Ethan and Mary, let alone felt so competitive with them. "Ethan and Mary? Yeah, they've both been doing well," Jordan said carefully. "They've put in a ton of work, and Fantina's battle style pushed them. But they both said it was the toughest Gym challenge they'd had so far."

Brenden's face twisted with frustration. "But they're… they're not even supposed to be in the same league as me! I had everything handed to me—the best Pokémon, the best training tools, all the advice I could ever need. And yet, they're ahead of me now. You're ahead of me. I don't understand what I'm doing wrong."

Jordan took a moment, choosing his words thoughtfully. He knew it would be easy to dismiss Brenden's frustration, but he could tell there was something deeper here—a raw, lingering insecurity that had been festering for too long.

"Look, Brenden," Jordan began, "having powerful Pokémon and tools is only part of it. You know, Ethan and Mary had to fight tooth and nail to improve. They didn't have a fancy start, but they've been training hard, learning from their battles, and building a connection with their teams. It's more than just having strong Pokémon—it's about trusting them, knowing them inside and out."

Brenden scoffed but didn't interrupt, so Jordan continued.

"When I battled Candice, I barely got through because my Pokémon knew what I needed them to do without me telling them. In the beginning, they didn't trust me to make those calls, but over time, we grew together." He gestured to the Poké Balls at Brenden's belt. "Maybe it's time to stop focusing on what other trainers have and start working on what you have right here. Your Pokémon are strong; they're probably just waiting for you to understand them."

Brenden's face was a mix of anger and vulnerability. "You don't get it. I've been trying! I've done everything right—followed every training manual, and bought all the best gear. But no matter what I do, I still feel like a joke compared to trainers like you."

Jordan looked at Brenden sympathetically. "Believe me, I know how it feels to be overshadowed. But the difference is, I stopped worrying about how I compared to other trainers. Once I started focusing on my journey and my Pokémon, everything changed. Maybe you just need to let go of those expectations. You and your team—figure out what works for you, not what everyone else thinks you should be."

Brenden's shoulders slumped as he absorbed Jordan's words. For a moment, it seemed like he was ready to brush it off. But then he glanced down at his Poké Balls, a flicker of something like understanding passing over his face.

"You make it sound so… easy," he muttered, though there was less bitterness in his voice this time. "But… I guess I never thought about it like that."

Jordan offered him a gentle smile. "It's not easy. But it's worth it. You don't have to prove yourself to anyone, Brenden. Just focus on your team, trust them, and give yourself some time. If you want, I could even help you with some training ideas."

Brenden looked away, conflicted, but eventually nodded. "Yeah… maybe. Thanks, Jordan. I'll think about it."

They stood in silence for a moment, the tension easing slightly. Jordan knew he couldn't solve all of Brenden's insecurities, but he hoped he'd given him a different perspective. As they parted ways, Jordan couldn't help but feel a hint of admiration for Brenden, who was still out here, pushing forward despite the struggles.

Brenden, on the other hand, walked away feeling a strange mix of emotions. Part of him was still frustrated, still resentful, but another part of him—one he hadn't acknowledged before—felt something else: hope. Maybe, just maybe, there was a way forward that didn't involve living in someone else's shadow.

As Brenden watched Jordan walk away, a wave of complicated emotions churned inside him. He'd thought that seeing Jordan again, getting a taste of his advice, would fill him with something—maybe resolve, maybe hope. But as the quiet settled around him after Jordan's departure, he was left alone with a growing sense of doubt and a nagging emptiness. Was this really what he wanted? To chase after Jordan's accomplishments? To measure himself by someone else's standards?

He clenched his fists, his gaze dropping to the Poké Balls on his belt. They felt heavier than usual, a reminder of the weight he'd been carrying—not just the physical weight of strong Pokémon but the expectations that came with them. His family's resources, the top-tier Pokémon he'd chosen carefully and with ambition, the trainers he'd been taught to study and emulate. And now, facing yet another loss to Crasher Wake, a Gym Leader he'd been sure he'd beat, Brenden felt like he was sinking.

But maybe Jordan was right. Maybe he was focusing too much on trying to be something he wasn't. He'd always seen Jordan as his rival, the "golden kid" of Sandgem Town, but that rivalry had been one-sided. Jordan hadn't been competing with him, hadn't been caught up in comparisons or status. He'd just focused on his journey and had become stronger because of it. Brenden realized, with a painful pang, that his rivalry had been a shadowboxing match against his insecurities.

In the days following that encounter, Brenden withdrew. He retreated from the crowded Gym lobbies where trainers shared stories of victories and crushing losses. Instead, he spent hours outside, walking along forest trails, exploring the marshlands of Pastoria, and listening to the quiet rustle of his Pokémon moving beside him. He'd started letting them out more often, not just to train but to be present with them—to see them for who they were, not just what he wanted them to be.

For the first time, he truly observed his Pokémon. His Luxray, with its intense, unwavering gaze, could sense his emotions as keenly as his electrical field. Luxray's loyalty, Brenden realized, wasn't a given; it was something he'd earned over time, despite the way he'd been pushing and prodding his team to fit his expectations. Luxray wasn't strong just because it was a rare breed or because he'd trained it intensively; it was strong because they shared a bond built over time, through each win and loss. He started feeling that connection with the rest of his team, each with their unique quirks and personalities that he'd taken for granted before.

Instead of trying to imitate others, he began thinking about his approach. He started experimenting, not with pre-set tactics from battle guides but with techniques that felt right for his team. He worked with Luxray's agility and precision rather than forcing brute strength, and with his Gyarados's speed and evasiveness instead of focusing on power moves. In doing so, he stopped comparing himself to Jordan and started discovering his rhythm, a style that suited him and his Pokémon's abilities.

A month later, Brenden found himself standing once again in the Pastoria Gym, his heart pounding but his mind unusually calm. The Gym smelled of damp stone and freshwater, and the roaring cheers of the audience faded as he focused on Crasher Wake in front of him. This time, he wasn't here to prove anything to anyone else. He was here for himself.

"Back again, kid?" Crasher Wake's grin was as wide and confident as ever, and there was a glint of approval in his eyes. "I was wondering if you'd return."

Brenden nodded, meeting the Gym Leader's gaze squarely. "Yeah. I'm ready this time."

The battle that followed was intense. The Gym Leader's team was as challenging as he remembered, each Water-type Pokémon skilled and relentless. But Brenden fought differently now. His Luxray darted in and out of Gyarados's reach with an agility that took Wake by surprise. Luxray's Thunder Fang struck fast, like a lightning bolt, as Brenden called out each move with calm focus. His Gyarados, no longer the wild force he'd struggled to control, moved with a grace and precision that Brenden hadn't realized he'd been missing.

Brenden watched his Pokémon, noticing the way their movements flowed, each dodge and attack harmonizing as if they were all parts of a single unit. The bond he'd been nurturing over the past month, a connection grounded in mutual trust and understanding, was manifesting before his eyes. They weren't just his Pokémon; they were his partners, his allies in a battle that was finally theirs, not just his.

As the battle neared its end, Crasher Wake's own Gyarados fell back, unable to continue. The Gym Leader called it back, grinning as he held up a hand to halt the fight.

"That's it, Brenden," Crasher Wake called, his voice echoing through the Gym. "You've won."

The words hit Brenden like a tidal wave. He stood there for a moment, stunned, as cheers erupted around him. He felt Luxray nuzzle against his side, and he patted its head, a grin spreading across his face.

When Crasher Wake presented him with the Fen Badge, he felt a surge of pride that went deeper than any victory he'd experienced before. This wasn't just a badge; it was a symbol of his journey—a journey that had changed him in ways he hadn't anticipated.

As Brenden left the Pastoria Gym, his thoughts drifted back to Jordan. He realized now that he didn't need to chase Jordan or compare himself to him. Their journeys were separate, each valuable in its own right. And as much as he respected Jordan's accomplishments, he didn't need to emulate him to find his success.

From that day on, Brenden kept his focus inward, guiding his Pokémon team not based on others' standards but on his instincts and strategies. He trained with them, laughed with them, and learned from their strengths and weaknesses. He no longer felt the pressure to be the strongest or the fastest; instead, he was just determined to be the best version of himself.

Each battle, and each badge he earned, became a testament to that personal growth, a reminder of his resilience and the unique bond he shared with his team. And as he continued his journey through Sinnoh, he did so with a quiet confidence, one that came from knowing he was finally walking his path.

Professor Rowan POV –

Professor Rowan first met Jordan on a brisk autumn afternoon. Lily, his trusted research assistant, had brought her son along to the lab for the day, and Rowan had barely looked up from his notes, expecting the quiet hum of activity in his lab to go unchanged. Yet, as the boy approached him with an uncharacteristic curiosity, Rowan felt an unusual presence—young, yet keen, as though this eight-year-old were somehow older, bearing a quiet confidence that few had at that age.

Jordan stood at the edge of Rowan's sprawling library, his eyes wide with wonder as he took in the shelves of books, the countless volumes containing the knowledge of generations. He asked, "Professor Rowan, may I read here?" The professor looked up from his desk and found himself unable to say no. Perhaps it was the hopeful glint in the boy's eyes or his unusual eagerness for knowledge, but Rowan felt a deep curiosity himself—one that made him curious about Jordan and what could draw a boy so young to books that most adults found challenging.

Over the following weeks and months, Rowan noticed Jordan's frequent presence at the lab. The boy didn't merely skim through books; he devoured them, absorbing every piece of information on Pokémon biology, evolution, and behavior that Rowan's library had to offer. Often, the professor would find Jordan buried in a book, his forehead furrowed in concentration, and Rowan couldn't help but smile at the sight. The boy's questions, too, grew more probing and sophisticated. At first, they were simple inquiries: "Why do Pokémon evolve, Professor?" or "What makes Pokémon stronger?" But soon, Jordan was asking about complex concepts, like adaptive traits in certain Pokémon habitats, and the relationships between Pokémon physiology and their elemental types.

By the time Jordan reached school age, Rowan had seen the potential in him and had taken him under his wing as an apprentice. Though Rowan had seen many students come and go, none had shown Jordan's level of enthusiasm and aptitude. Jordan's time at school, too, was marked by remarkable achievements. He excelled in his studies, often topping his classes with ease. Rowan was always quietly proud to see his apprentice flourish. The exams at Professor Rowan's lab were notoriously difficult, designed to push the boundaries of a student's understanding of Pokémon science and research methodology. Yet Jordan didn't just pass these exams; he secured the first position in his lab exams, setting a new standard that even some of Rowan's older apprentices struggled to meet.

One of Rowan's proudest moments was the day Jordan chose his official starter Pokémon. After much deliberation and observing the bond that had been forming between Jordan and the Pokémon around the lab, Rowan suggested Turtwig. There was something grounded about the Grass-type, a resilience that Rowan felt mirrored Jordan's determination. The boy accepted Turtwig as his starter with a serious nod, and Rowan saw a spark of something extraordinary take root.

As Jordan began his journey and started to collect Gym badges, Rowan couldn't help but take note of the boy's progress. Though it was difficult to admit aloud, he felt a rivalry with the other professors—most notably Professor Oak in Kanto, who often spoke highly of his trainers and their feats. Oak had been especially proud when Red, the young prodigy from Pallet Town, had become the benchmark by which trainers' achievements were measured. Red's record of acquiring all eight advanced Gym badges in eight months was a feat few could even aspire to break. But Jordan was on track to shatter that record, and Rowan's heart swelled with pride at the thought.

Yet, something was perplexing about Jordan's journey that Rowan couldn't ignore. As the boy continued to grow stronger and earn badges, he also seemed to attract Pokémon of an unusual size and strength. Rowan's first encounter with one of Jordan's so-called Alpha Pokémon had left him speechless. It was a towering, majestic Steelix that dwarfed any he had seen in his decades of research. Its metallic body shimmered with an intensity that suggested an unparalleled power, and it exuded an air of command that seemed to silence even the boldest of Pokémon around it.

Then there was Jordan's Torterra. Having seen it grow from the small Turtwig he'd given to Jordan, Rowan was stunned by its enormous size and the way it carried itself. Torterra seemed almost otherworldly, its vast, imposing form a testament to the power and dedication Jordan had instilled in it. In addition to Torterra, Jordan's roster of Pokémon included other giants—an Empoleon with a wingspan broader than any he'd seen, a Steelix that roared like a force of nature, and even an Alpha Gyarados that seemed to bend the will of the waters around it.

Professor Rowan was left with a sense of awe but also confusion. He had spent years studying Pokémon evolution and growth patterns, yet Jordan's Pokémon defied conventional wisdom. How had they grown to such monumental sizes? What was it about Jordan's presence, his training methods, or perhaps his very connection with his Pokémon that had led to this? Rowan was fascinated and began to devote more time to studying these anomalies, often pulling out dusty research papers and field notes, hoping to find answers.

As Jordan approached the completion of his Gym circuit, Rowan felt a quiet excitement bubbling within him. He received regular updates from Lily, who would send snippets of Jordan's progress through messages or casual conversations during their lab work. There was a sense of pride in Lily's voice that Rowan found endearing. She, too, had sacrificed much, moving to Sinnoh for her work, and her pride in her son's accomplishments only deepened Rowan's admiration for her. He saw echoes of her resilience and dedication in Jordan's journey, traits that had helped shape the young trainer into a formidable force.

Finally, the day came when Jordan earned his eighth badge, a feat that officially broke Red's record. Rowan allowed himself a rare smile of triumph, a glint of satisfaction flickering in his eyes. He felt as though he had played a part in this accomplishment, albeit indirectly, by nurturing Jordan's curiosity and encouraging his journey. He imagined Professor Oak's reaction, the older man's surprise mixed with a begrudging respect for the young trainer from Sandgem Town. Rowan could almost hear the friendly jabs and inevitable comparisons, but he knew that Jordan's achievements were remarkable in their own right, far beyond any rivalry between professors.

For Rowan, Jordan's journey represented the pinnacle of what it meant to be a trainer—strength, resilience, and a bond with one's Pokémon that transcended ordinary training. Rowan knew that Jordan's path would continue to unfold, taking him to new heights, and he looked forward to witnessing the young man's journey from the sidelines, supporting him every step of the way.