Chapter 15: Farewell

Hello, I hope you like the chapter. Nobody answered about the nicknames for Pokémon, so I wrote this chapter without nicknames, so you can see if you prefer it with nicknames or without them. I hope you enjoy the chapter. If you like it, please comment, and if you want, leave power stones.

...

The morning at the Morgan mansion began with an air of warmth and camaraderie. In the spacious dining room, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and golden toast filled the air, as the Morgans and Tsubaki, along with James and Caitlin, enjoyed breakfast together. Sunlight filtered through the windows, illuminating the smiling faces of those present.

Mr. Tsubaki, with a determined expression, broke the soft murmur of breakfast. "Tonight we will travel directly to Unova," he announced, casting a glance at his wife before returning his attention to the Morgans. Mrs. Morgan nodded with a smile, feeling a mix of joy and sadness at the impending farewell.

"It has been a pleasure to spend time with you," Mrs. Morgan said sincerely. "You will always be welcome in our home."

Caitlin, who had been lost in thought while playing with her coffee cup, felt it was the right moment to share her idea. "I think I will use the time I have left to catch a Pokémon for Cynthia," she suddenly commented, her voice filled with determination.

Her parents looked at her with interest. "Can I go? I promise to be careful," she quickly added.

"Of course," her mother replied. "But you should go accompanied."

Kokuran, the Tsubaki butler, nodded in agreement. However, Mrs. Morgan interjected with a brilliant idea: "James could accompany you. He knows the area very well."

James, who had been eating without paying much attention to the conversation, looked up upon hearing his name. Mrs. Morgan continued: "He can guide you and make sure you are safe." Then, in a playful tone, she added: "I remember that he ran away from home years ago."

The words made James blush as he tried to hide his embarrassment while Caitlin let out a soft laugh at his reaction. "No problem," James said quickly, trying to regain his composure. "I'll accompany you to look for a Pokémon after we finish breakfast."

…

James and Caitlin got ready to leave, accompanied by their Pokémon. James mounted his Arcanine, a majestic fire Pokémon with shiny fur, while Caitlin stood next to her elegant Gothitelle, which floated gently beside her. Just as they were about to cross the door, Kokuran gestured to accompany them, but Mrs. Tsubaki shot him a meaningful look that said it all: "Don't follow them."

As they stepped outside, the fresh morning air welcomed them. Caitlin smiled, feeling excitement bubbling inside her. James broke the silence: "What kind of Pokémon are you thinking of capturing for your friend Cynthia?"

Caitlin furrowed her brow thoughtfully. "I'm not sure. I want something that will really help her."

"What Pokémon does Cynthia currently have?" James asked curiously. "Maybe that will help us decide."

Caitlin replied: "Cynthia is a generalist like you. She has a Gabite, a Lucario, a Roselia, a Togepi, and recently caught a Feebas."

"That's a good team!" exclaimed James. "Fnding good generalists is complicated these days. Most trainers prefer to focus on one type and specialize in it. It's easier to train and care for a few Pokémon than to try managing a varied team."

Caitlin nodded, understanding his point. "So what do you suggest?"

James thought for a moment before continuing: "We could look for a Pokémon Type she's missing or one with a specific style that complements her current team. For example, her team seems quite offensive; we could look for Pokémon that are good at attacking."

"Like which ones?" Caitlin asked with interest.

"We could consider Scyther," suggested James. "It's fast and has very powerful attacks. You could also think about Machop; when it evolves into Machamp, it could bring a lot of physical strength to her team."

"That sounds good," Caitlin said excitedly.

James continued: "Another option would be Onix. I've heard rumors that Silph is working on something called 'Metal Coat' to help it evolve into Steelix. That would give Cynthia's team more coverage and make it more resilient."

"That would be amazing!" replied Caitlin, imagining the possibilities.

"Yes," James nodded. "Plus, Steelix could be good defense against many types of Pokémon that might threaten Cynthia's team."

As they walked along, they continued discussing other options and strategies. The conversation flowed naturally between them, each idea generating new possibilities.

Finally, after several minutes of lively chatter, James led Caitlin to a meadow north of Saffron City. The landscape stretched before them like a green canvas dotted with wildflowers dancing in the breeze.

"This place is perfect for searching for Pokémon," James said as he dismounted Arcanine and helped Caitlin down. "There's plenty of variety here."

James and Caitlin ventured into the meadow north of Saffron City—a vast green space where the sun shone brightly and wildflowers swayed in rhythm with the wind. Around them, the songs of Pokémon created a natural melody inviting adventure. With their Pokémon by their side, they felt ready to explore.

As they walked along, a group of Weepinbell and Bellsprout caught their attention. The Pokémon were organized in a circle, launching grass-type attacks at each other. Caitlin watched as one Weepinbell swayed back and forth trying to catch an unsuspecting bug.

"Look at that!" exclaimed Caitlin, pointing at the Pokémon. "They look so active."

James smiled. "Weepinbell are grass/poison-type Pokémon. Although they are quite strategic in battle, their weakness to flying-type and fire–type attacks can be an issue. But they can play a good role with their poison."

Caitlin frowned as she observed a Bellsprout that seemed to be struggling to stand upright. "It looks like that Bellsprout isn't well," she commented.

"Yeah, it seems weak," James replied worriedly. "It might need more care before considering training it."

They decided to approach slowly so as not to scare off the Pokémon. At that moment, Caitlin tripped over a hidden root in the ground and fell forward. James reacted quickly by reaching out his hand to help her up.

"Caitlin!" he said, his voice filled with concern as he helped her get back on her feet.

She blushed slightly at feeling his hand over hers. "Thank you, James," she murmured, feeling a spark of connection between them before both laughed softly at the clumsiness of the moment.

After watching the Pokémon for several minutes, they decided to move on without capturing any of them.

They continued on their way and soon found themselves surrounded by a group of Pidgeys and Pidgeottos flying in circles above them. The birds seemed to be playing among themselves enjoying the outdoors.

"Look at those Pidgey!" said Caitlin excitedly.

"They're very common flying-type Pokémon," explained James while watching the scene unfold. "Pidgey evolves into Pidgeotto and then into Pidgeot. They're excellent for learning moves like Heat Wave and Hurricane; also Defog which can help clear hazards like Stealth Rock."

Caitlin looked up as one Pidgeotto gracefully descended towards them. "Didn't you have a Pidgeot?"

"Yes," replied James with a smile as he took out his Poké Ball. "I'm going to let it out so it can spend time with its pre-evolutions."

With an agile motion, he released his Pidgeot which instantly soared high into the sky creating gentle gusts of wind as it joined the group of Pidgey and Pidgeotto.

"It's impressive," said Caitlin watching how his Pidgeot interacted with others. "Do you think it would be good to capture one for her?"

James pondered for a moment before replying: "They're good Pokémon but I'm not sure they'd fit your friend; Togepi evolves into Togetic and then into Togekiss which serves almost the same role."

As they watched Pidgeot play with its pre-evolutions, James and Caitlin exchanged brief smiles at the joy of the spectacle.

Further ahead they arrived at an open meadow where a group of Ponytas galloped freely under the watchful eye of a majestic Rapidash. The Ponytas ran happily their manes waving in the wind like golden flames.

"They're beautiful!" exclaimed Caitlin captivated by the beauty of these fire Pokémon.

"Ponyta are fire-type Pokémon known for their speed and agility," explained James while admiring the scene before him. "They evolve into Rapidash which is what's keeping watch over them."

Caitlin observed how Rapidash carefully monitored its Ponytas while trotting gracefully around them." Do you think they would be good for training?"

James shrugged thoughtfully." They're excellent Pokémon due to their speed and combat skills but require much attention during training because of their restless nature."

Meanwhile one Ponyta approached curiously towards Caitlin who slowly extended her hand to pet it. The creature responded by confidently nudging its head towards her.

James smiled seeing this connection between Caitlin and Ponyta." It seems like it likes you," he said with light laughter.

Caitlin shyly smiled before turning her attention back toward James." Maybe we should consider capturing one... But..."

James gently interrupted: "I know; they don't seem strong enough to complement Cynthia's team."

Finally, after enjoying time with Ponyta and Rapidash they decided not to capture any.

After exploring for some time they chose to take a break under the shade of a large tree. James released his Pokémon: Arcanine, Hitmonlee, Pidgeot, Tauros, Exeggutor, and little Wynaut; Golduck and Gengar stayed back at the mansion.

While preparing lunch, a comical scene unfolded back at Morgan mansion: A maid was cleaning one room when Gengar suddenly appeared behind her.

"Ka-Ka~!" exclaimed Gengar mischievously laughing.

The maid screamed in surprise dropping her cloth as she saw the ghost laughing before her." Gengar! Don't do that!" she scolded trying to catch her breath amidst nervous laughter.

Back in the meadow, Caitlin also released her Pokémon: Gothitelle, Bronzong, Reuniclus, Musharna, and Elgyem. In addition, she took out an incubator containing Abra's egg.

As everyone ate together harmoniously under bright sunlight, a battered Scyther suddenly appeared from among nearby bushes. Its appearance was disheveled and hungry; however, its well-defined muscles and sharp gaze revealed it was indeed talented Pokémon.

Scyther walked towards them almost gallantly stopping before their group as if wanting to challenge one of Caitlin's Pokémon for food.

James watched closely before commenting:" That Scyther has potential. It's agile and strong; would be ideal for Cynthia."Then he frowned thinking about something more important:" But I'm worried about what such Scyther is doing here alone."

Caitlin felt excitement spark at Scyther's challenge." I could let it challenge one of my Pokémon for food," she boldly suggested." But if it loses...it will have to let itself be captured."

Scyther hesitated upon hearing this but finally accepted after carefully observing Caitlin's Pokémon; quickly dismissing Elgyem as too weak deciding instead challenge Bronzong.

Tension mounted as both Pokémon prepared themselves for what promised an exciting battle over food pride.

The tension in air became palpable as Bronzong and Scyther readied themselves for battle. Caitlin calmly positioned herself before Bronzong ready direct him during fight.

"Bronzong, use Confusion!" ordered Caitlin firmly.

Bronzong moved swiftly sending psychic waves directly impacting Scyther.The latter staggered slightly but quickly regained composure flapping its wings determinedly. Scyther charged forward using X-Scissor.

"Bronzong! Protect!" responded Caitlin and Bronzong raised translucent green shield defense. The attack from Scyther collided against it but thanks shield, Bronzong remained unfazed.

"Now, use Rock Blast!" continued Caitlin. Bronzong launched rocks lifted from ground impacting Scyther squarely. The insect Pokemon wobbled from force attack but refused give up.

James watched battle keenly."Scyther is fast and strong" he commented tracking every movement both Pokemon made.

Caitlin kept focus."Bronzong now use Hypnosis!" Bronzong emitted soft glow enveloping Scyther.It began blinking slowly before falling into deep slumber.

"You did it!" exclaimed James smiling at Caitlin. She felt wave confidence wash over her.

"It's time capture him," said Caitlin taking Poké Ball from belt."Poké Ball go!"

The sphere flew towards Scyther enveloping him in bright red light before dropping onto ground. After moment tension, the Poké Ball shook once...twice...and finally stilled."I did it!" said excitedly lifting Poké Ball victory sign.

James checked time realizing it was time return."Caitlin, you've already captured Pokemon Cynthia. I think it's time we leave," he kindly suggested.

"Yes," she replied smiling radiantly from success."I'll definitely come back here continue exploring."

…

As they began walk back private jet, the Morgans and Tsubakis bid farewell cordially. Mrs.Morgan hugged Caitlin saying:"Take care and don't forget visit us."while smiling knowingly.

"I will," Caitlin promised sincerely, blushing slightly, not fully understanding Mother James' smile.

Once aboard private jet, Caitlin settled beside window gazing outside as plane began takeoff. Her eyes searched for James among crowd watching from runway.

When their gazes finally met he raised hand friendly gesture smiling. That smile lit up Caitlins face making feel slight blush cheeks. She returned gesture trembling hand while jet ascended skyward.

Later when James and his parents arrived Morgan mansion from airport atmosphere was calm yet filled anticipation. Hopkins, the Morgan family butler quickly approached James holding letter hand.

"This arrived for you while were away," said Hopkins softly.

James took letter frowning upon seeing recipient: Giovanni, Viridian Gym Leader.His heart skipped reading name.