Chapter 5: Grandma Bertha

Seated at one of the numerous tables in the lounge, the group carried on with their discussion. "So, Tyson, what are your plans after you move to Sinnoh?" inquired Amelia, as Tony chimed in, "I bet you're aiming to be a Pokemon Trainer, considering how strong your Larvitar is." Tyson, with a smile, responded, "At the moment, I don't have any solid plans. Once I relocate to Sinnoh, I'll finish up at the trainer school and figure out my next steps from there." "That seems reasonable," Tony acknowledged. Tyson, with a quizzical look at Tony, questioned, "And what about you two? Surely you don't intend to stay here challenging itinerant trainers?" Tony, somewhat flustered, declared, "No, I don't. After I graduate, I plan to become an official trainer. Then I'll challenge the Gyms, with the ultimate goal of competing in the Silver Conference. Ratte and I are going to claim victory!" His fist was thrust triumphantly into the air.

Both Tyson and Amelia gave him a look that said, "Keep Dreaming," as Tony slumped back into his seat, deflated. "What about you, Amelia? What's your plan?" Tyson asked. "I'm actually studying to become a Pokémon Coordinator," Amelia responded, a bit shyly. "A Coordinator?" Tyson echoed, recalling that Pokémon Coordinators typically compete in Pokemon Contests, aiming to showcase their Pokemon with style. Previously, Tyson only enjoyed the Contest Battles for their excitement, until he learned they were more about elegance and poise. "Yes, I'm planning to compete in contests with Tina. Pokemon Contests are a novelty in Johto, having originated in Hoenn. My goal is to become the first Contest Master from Johto."

"Your dreams at least match in probability," Tyson remarked, eliciting a simultaneous "Hey!" from the other two. They all laughed together as they continued their conversation. Shortly after, Nurse Joy informed them that their Pokémon were fully healed, but advised Tony to let Rattata rest for two days because of a leg injury. It seemed the injury occurred during Larvitar's last attack, and although disheartened, Tony agreed to the rest period. Before departing, they both promised to bid Tyson farewell the following day.

After bidding farewell to his new friends at the door, Tyson turned and re-entered the Pokémon Center. He approached the counter, retrieved Larvitar's Pokeball from Nurse Joy, and headed back to his room to resume his studies. 'I'm glad he's made some new friends,' Nurse Joy mused, watching as Tyson disappeared from sight. Back in his room, Tyson released Larvitar and gathered the books "Wonders of the World" and "History of Sinnoh," exclaiming, "Let's get to studying!"

The Next Day 

In front of the Pokémon Center, Tyson assembled with his new friends and Nurse Joy, anticipating his grandmother's arrival. "Now that I think about it, I never asked. Who is your grandma, Tyson?" Tony inquired, with Amelia chiming in, "Yeah, you mentioned yesterday that she's usually very busy, but you never said what her job is." Their curiosity was piqued since Tyson had revealed during their walk to the Pokémon Center that his grandmother held a senior position within the league. Nurse Joy, hearing the questions, couldn't help but smile; Officer Jenny had briefed her on the nature of his grandmother's role and her expected time of arrival.

Before Tyson could reply, the blare of a car horn and the sound of tires rushing against the pavement announced the arrival of a vehicle at the Pokémon Center. It was an American muscle car, painted a deep shade of brown. As the car stopped in front of the center, the door swung open, and a lone woman stepped out. She had gray hair and wore a brown scarf, a white buttoned coat, a black dress, and long gray socks tucked into black shoes. The sight of her stirred Tyson's memories, bringing back moments of her visits with him and his parents, her constant smile, and the lessons she imparted to him as a child. "Grandma Bertha," Tyson called out, his eyes glistening with emotion as a smile spread across his face.

The woman approached Tyson, wrapping him in a warm hug. "Are you okay?" Bertha asked, her face etched with concern. "I'm fine, Grandma," Tyson responded, pausing briefly, "But mom and dad..." "Everything will be alright, child, hush now," Bertha cut in, stopping Tyson from focusing on his loss. "You'll be living with me and grandpa from this point forward," she comforted him. Tyson nodded, thankful for her support. "Where's grandpa?" he inquired, causing Bertha to frown as she replied, "That old coot is off on an expedition at a time like this," her displeasure evident. Turning to Tony and Amelia, she asked, "And who might your friends be?" Bertha inquired, eyeing the two shocked youngsters behind Tyson. Facing their surprised expressions, Tyson introduced them, "This is Tony, the aspiring Pokémon Trainer on the left, and Amelia, the aspiring Coordinator on my right."

"I... bu... she's," Tony stuttered, struggling to form words. Amelia quickly interjected, "What he's trying to say is, he's a huge fan of yours, ma'am." "Yes, indeed, it's an honor to meet you, Miss Bertha," Tony finally said, nodding respectfully. As a member of Sinnoh's Elite Four, Bertha was accustomed to such admiration. She offered a comforting smile and suggested, "Lift your head, young man; you're not before the Champion," prompting Tony to raise his gaze immediately. "It's encouraging to see such fellowship in these times," she observed. "Now then, Tyson, say farewell to your friends for now; I'll be waiting in the car," Bertha concluded, noticing the crowd forming in front of the Pokémon Center.

Turning to face Tony and Amelia, Tyson declared, "Well guys, this is it." "Yeah, it was great meeting you, man. Make sure to stay in touch," Tony replied before Amelia chimed in, "You don't have a Xtransceiver, idiot," which made Tony flinch in acknowledgment. "Even so, we'll meet again, I'm sure of it," Tony said as he and Tyson shook hands. Before leaving, Tyson noticed movement in the bushes behind Tony and Amelia. Upon closer inspection, he saw a pair of eyes observing them. 'A Pokémon is watching us? It's probably just a wild one,' Tyson thought. He then joined his grandmother in the car, and they drove off towards Goldenrod City. Viewing the fading vehicle the pair of red eyes hidden within the bush turned to Tony and Amelia before fading back into the forest.

Route 34

As they drove, Tyson recounted his survival of the Gyarados attack and his encounter with Alakazam to Bertha. "That must have been terrifying, but you're safe now. Take your time to adjust once we're in Sinnoh," Bertha said. "I will, thanks, Grandma," Tyson responded. They proceeded in relative quiet, with Tyson occasionally asking about the Trainer School in Sinnoh and the league's rules. Before long, the skyline of tall buildings emerged, signaling their approach to the outskirts of Goldenrod City.

Pokémon Team:

Team Rank: 1

Larvitar

Gender: Male

Type: Rock/Ground

Abilities: Guts, Sand Veil [Undeveloped]

Held Item: None

Moves: Rock Throw, Bite, Payback, Leer, Scary Face, Dragon Dance [Inherited], Ancient Power [Inherited]