Release That Pokémon!

The principal seemed to see a bright future beckoning to him, "So? What do you think?" he asked, looking at Caleb.

Caleb: "...I might not have that much time. After all, I still have to take care of my little sister."

Cities like Mauville and Dewford, which were close enough to Slateport to return within a day, were manageable. But farther places like Lavaridge Town, Fallarbor Town, and Sootopolis City were out of the question.

Unexpectedly, the principal waved his hand dismissively upon hearing this, "No need to worry! You can absolutely bring your sister along on a badge-collecting journey. The school will cover your travel expenses!"

'Mhm... Very convenient...' Caleb raised an eyebrow and agreed on the spot.

After all, he hadn't really come here to attend school in the first place. Exploring more of this Instance would only increase his rewards upon completion.

As for the principal, this investment was a no-brainer for boosting the school's reputation.

Even if Caleb only managed to collect four badges, the principal could still use it for some modest bragging rights in next year's admissions brochure.

Thus, the two reached an agreement...

Early the next morning, Caleb left Slateport City with Lily, and boarded a large ship that was bound for Dewford Town...

...

~Meanwhile, in Celadon City, Kanto Region~

Lance, Lorelei, and Finn stood in the airport departure lounge...

With Johto requiring Lance's presence, the task of searching for Caleb in Hoenn fell to Lorelei.

Lance solemnly reminded her, "Be careful out there!"

Lorelei tucked a strand of red hair behind her ear and nodded, "Don't worry. I'll bring him back."

With that, she hauled Finn onto the plane like a ragdoll.

Finn shrank into his seat, still unable to comprehend which higher power he had offended to end up in this situation... But seeing how the Kanto Elite Four had mobilized just for a single name, he couldn't suppress his curiosity.

"Big sis… just who is this Caleb Chase guy?"

The 23-year-old Lorelei's gaze instantly turned razor-sharp, shooting daggers at the 24-year-old Finn.

Finn flinched, unsure what he had done wrong. Not daring to press further, he slumped silently into his seat, as quiet as a mouse.

Just as he assumed he wouldn't get an answer, Lorelei suddenly spoke... Her expression softened slightly, "To the Kanto Region… he's a hero."

...

"Onii-chan, are we going home?" Lily leaned over the ship's railing, her hair whipping wildly in the sea breeze...

Caleb was sprawled across Dragonite's warm, fluffy belly, with sunglasses on as he basked in the sun. Mimikyu snuggled beside him.

He lazily waved a hand, replying, "Yeah, but first, we're stopping by Dewford Town."

After the Sharpedo incident, Dragonite's attitude toward Mimikyu had noticeably improved. It was visibly trying to accept Mimikyu as a companion. Seeing their Pokémon getting along and supporting each other was every trainer's dream...

Caleb felt a bit seasick. He figured he should eat some oranges for vitamin C... But Dragonite's belly was so warm and soft, that he really didn't want to move.

Dragonite gave a resigned look at the two freeloaders using it as a lounge chair, propping its head up with a claw in mock contemplation... No one had ever dared to sprawl on Dragonite like this before.

Dragonite: '...Should I shove these two brazen creatures off?..'

But that wouldn't be right… One was its trainer, and the other was its 'teammate'... Dragonite couldn't help but feel troubled...

Just then, the ship's arrival horn rescued Dragonite from its dilemma.

Caleb immediately got up. He held Lily's hand in one of his and Mimikyu in the other, with a very tolerant Dragonite trailing behind as they leisurely disembarked...

...

Dewford Town wasn't as large as Caleb had imagined, but it was brimming with charm...

Street vendors' carts advertised watermelon juice and ice cream, with burly men cheerfully handing drinks to customers.

On the beach, bikini-clad girls lounged under parasols, their fair legs glistening in the sun.

Tanned muscular boys rode the waves on surfboards, laughing as they carved through the water.

From an open vantage point, the entire town could be taken in at a glance...

Caleb bought six cups of refreshing watermelon juice. The group of two humans and four Pokémon settled under a palm tree, sipping their drinks while watching a few Slowpokes sunbathe lazily on the sand, utterly unbothered by humans.

Plusle and Minun panted in exhaustion at the scorching heat. After finishing their juice, they flopped onto Lily's lap with their tongues lolling.

Caleb glanced over and asked, "Have you decided to become Plusle and Minun's trainer for real?"

After a few days at the Pokémon School, Lily understood what being a trainer meant. She nodded seriously, "Mhm! I want to become as strong as you, Onii-chan!"

Caleb smiled and said, "Then let me test you. As a proper trainer, what's the first thing you should do after catching a Pokémon?"

Lily answered swiftly, "Get to know your Pokémon! Understand its personality, preferences, and the moves it knows! I learned that from the textbooks!"

"Perfect!" Caleb ruffled her hair, then took the empty juice cups (including Dragonite's and Mimikyu's) and tossed them into a nearby trash bin.

"Alright, time to challenge the Gym. Otherwise, we'll miss the next passenger ship." he muttered.

...

~Fifteen minutes later~

Brawly, the Dewford Gym Leader, stared with a complicated expression at the familiar young man before him...

He was already numb, "...Here for a Gym Challenge?" he asked.

Caleb nodded...

Brawly looked just like his anime counterpart... He had blue hair, blue eyes, a tan complexion, and a muscular build that radiated rugged masculinity.

Except his expression seemed… off...

Brawly: "Got it. Dewford Gym's rules are 1v1. Win, and you get the Knuckle Badge."

Caleb was puzzled at this, "But aren't Gym battles usually 3v3?"

Brawly replied without batting an eye, "Other Gyms might do that, but Dewford's rules are 1v1."

"Fine." Caleb released Dragonite from its Poké Ball.

Brawly sent out a towering, four-armed Machamp, its bulging muscles rippling with power.

Seeing this, Caleb couldn't resist asking, "Do you… wrestle with Machamp in your free time?"

Brawly looked baffled, glancing at his Machamp in confusion, "Huh?"

Caleb: "...Never mind. I was just asking how you trained Machamp to be so strong."

Brawly brightened. That, he could gladly answer, "I take Machamp with me when I work out. As for wrestling… well, Machamp is way stronger than me. I've tried before, but there's no way I could win."