Three days passed in the blink of an eye, and the port of Slateport City was already bustling with noise and activity.
On the azure sea, several white yachts drifted leisurely, while the cries of Wingull intertwined with the sound of waves crashing against the shore, creating an atmosphere full of relaxed vacation charm.
Theo had arrived in this coastal city as early as the day before, taking advantage of the free time to explore thoroughly.
As one of the most prosperous cities in the Hoenn region, Slateport's liveliness truly lived up to its reputation. In particular, the department store said to be the largest in the entire region had completely caught Volcarona's attention.
Exquisite little bells, delicate trinkets, and glittering decorative pendants were all carefully selected by it and hung on the four slender appendages on its chest. When it flew, the bells would jingle softly, making it look like a meticulously dressed young noble.
Meanwhile, the famous Berry Market of Slateport was nothing short of a paradise for food lovers.
The sweet and tangy Oran Berries, the refreshing Sitrus Berries, the rich and mellow Grepa Berries… all kinds of berries were piled up like mountains, their fragrance filling the air.
Tyrantrum, Zweilous, and the newly joined little glutton Larvitar all had their eyes wide open. On the spot, the three of them began competing to see who could eat faster and more, creating an incredibly lively scene.
After enjoying himself thoroughly the day before, Theo found a hotel near the port and stayed there, quietly waiting for the ferry the next day, as well as Max's arrival.
During breakfast that morning, Theo had already received a message from Max saying that he would be arriving in Slateport very soon.
After packing up and checking out, Theo brought along the energetic Ice Vulpix, Fire Vulpix, and Larvitar, and slowly walked toward the port of Slateport City to wait for Max.
The morning sea breeze carried a faint salty scent, brushing against his face in a refreshing way.
The port was gradually becoming lively, with a steady stream of pedestrians and trainers coming and going. The distant sound of ship horns added a vibrant rhythm to the coastal city.
Theo found a bench with a clear view and sat down. While waiting for Max, he watched Larvitar playing with the Ice Vulpix and Fire Vulpix.
Larvitar picked up a branch from beneath a tree and chased after Fire Vulpix, trying to swat its little backside.
Of course, Ice Vulpix would not just stand by and watch its younger sister get bullied. With a single breath of icy air, it froze the branch in Larvitar's hand solid.
Larvitar widened its eyes in surprise, curiously playing with the frozen branch, but before it could react further, the Fire Vulpix flicked its tail and shattered the branch into pieces.
This made Larvitar so upset that it cried "Laaaar!" at the sky for quite a while, until Theo took out an apple from his bag to finally calm the little crybaby down.
"Big brother Theo!"
A familiar voice rang out.
Theo looked up and saw, not far from the sea, a Swellow swooping low across the surface, the gusts from its wings stirring up sprays of water.
On its back sat a cute boy with glasses and bangs, waving excitedly, tightly hugging a small green lizard Pokémon.
It was Max, whom he had not seen for quite some time, along with his Treecko.
Before Swellow had even fully landed by the shore, Max impatiently jumped off, nearly stumbling.
He quickly steadied himself and ran toward Theo with Treecko in his arms, his smile as bright as the sun.
"Big brother Theo! I am here!"
"Slow down, do not rush."
Theo stood up with a smile, his gaze falling onto the Treecko in Max's arms.
The little Pokémon had emerald-green skin, a slender tail, and bright, lively eyes. It curiously observed its surroundings, occasionally flicking its tail, exuding a clever and spirited demeanor.
After safely delivering Max to Theo, Swellow affectionately tapped the top of Max's head with its beak before preparing to return to Norman.
Max gently stroked its feathers as he said goodbye.
"Thank you for your hard work, Swellow. Be careful on your way back. Tell Dad and Mom that I arrived safely, and that they should take care at home. I will bring them gifts when I come back."
Swellow let out a cry, nodded slightly, then spread its wings and soared into the sky, quickly becoming a streak of light that disappeared into the horizon.
After saying farewell to Swellow, Max turned around and excitedly lifted Treecko high into the air, his face filled with pride.
"Big brother Theo, look! This is my Treecko! I waited for such a long time before Professor Birch finally selected this one for me. It is super strong!
Professor Birch said that Treecko has excellent Dragon-type potential and inherited the move Dragon Breath from its father, Salamence.
And Big brother Theo, you might not know this yet, but Sceptile can Mega Evolve. After it evolves, it will gain a second type, Dragon. The professor told me this.
He said that once my Treecko evolves into Sceptile, he will give me a full set of Mega Evolution items. At that time, my Sceptile will be able to Mega Evolve."
Max's eyes sparkled brightly.
"When that happens, I can also call myself a Dragon-type trainer. That is way cooler than my sister's Blaziken."
Listening to Max's enthusiastic explanation, Theo smiled warmly, his eyes fixed on Treecko as he examined its details.
[Pokémon: Treecko]
Type: Grass
Category: Wood Gecko Pokémon
Ability: Overgrow (When its HP drops to a certain level, it activates the energy within its body to increase the power of Grass-type moves.)
Moves: Pound, Leer, Leafage, Quick Attack, Mega Drain, Dragon Breath, Synthesis
A hint of surprise appeared in Theo's heart.
This Treecko's talent was truly remarkable. Besides Dragon Breath, it had even inherited Synthesis, a move that provided recovery and sustainability.
He suddenly recalled that back at Norman's house, Drake of the Elite Four seemed to have a good relationship with Norman. Combined with the fact that Max had just mentioned that this Treecko's father was a Salamence, it was very possible that it was a descendant of Drake's Salamence.
Otherwise, why would it take Professor Birch so long just to prepare a Treecko?
"Big brother Theo, what are you thinking about? You have been staring at my Treecko the whole time."
Max lightly poked his arm, his face full of pride.
"Do you think Treecko is especially good-looking and cute?"
Theo came back to his senses and laughed.
"Yes, yes, very cute."
"By the way, I just asked around, and the staff here said the ferry will not arrive until eleven o'clock.
Since we still have some time, let us go to the Berry Market and take a look. We can buy some berries and bring them as gifts for my sister, Ash, and the others.
Tyrantrum and the others already tried them yesterday, and they tasted really good. Treecko, do you want to come and try them too?"
"Lar! Lar!"
Before Treecko could even respond, Larvitar, who was happily munching on an apple nearby, suddenly jumped up excitedly as soon as Theo finished speaking.
(End of Chapter)