"…It's just a farm," Abigail frowned, trying to recall. "They grow lots of Hops and vegetables, mine tons of ore every day… and there are so many Rattata—ah! Can I even say that?"
She suddenly clamped her mouth shut, eyeing Alexa warily. Was this Ron's business secret? "Why do you care? It's just an ordinary farm."
Alexa fell silent, listening to this utterly irrelevant chatter about farming. She glanced at Viola, who leaned against the gym door with an amused smile. Their eyes met—then Alexa turned back to Abigail and Gengar.
"So… is your Pokémon from that farm too?" she asked, studying Gengar.
Clearly, it was exceptionally well-bred—its condition radiated meticulous care.
"Amber's been with me since I found her in the graveyard as a kid," Abigail said. "But she did train at the farm for a bit."
She wasn't sure if "training" was the right word—but in the Mines, they'd battled countless wild Pokémon and monsters, racking up serious combat experience.
Alexa's eyes lit up. "Could I film your battle?"
"Ah… sure!" Abigail glanced at Viola and nodded.
Being filmed didn't bother her. She'd once dreamed of performing on stage with a band—spotlights and crowds held no fear. And she had plenty of battle practice.
"Great! Follow me," Viola said, leading her inside. "By the way—is this your first Gym challenge?"
"My very first!" Abigail replied.
"Hmm." Viola studied Gengar again. She couldn't gauge its level, but it didn't feel like a rookie's Pokémon. "Have you competed in Gyms or Leagues on other continents before?"
Abigail blinked, confused. "Other continents? No… this is my first time anywhere."
(The Ferngill Republic had no such thing as Gyms.)
"Got it," Viola said. "How many Pokémon do you have?"
"Just Amber."
Viola nodded, sizing up Gengar once more. She signaled her assistant to register Abigail.
While Abigail filled out forms, Viola mulled over her choice.
For a newbie's first Gym battle—with only one Pokémon—she should use a low-level Pokémon.
But Gengar's aura screamed otherwise.
After deliberation, she chose her Level 26 Vivillon.
By the time Abigail finished registration, she was led to the battlefield.
Viola caught her assistant's expression—utterly baffled.
The assistant stared at Viola's Poké Ball, then stepped center stage. "This is Challenger Abigail versus Gym Leader Viola! Each will use one Pokémon. The match ends when one side can no longer battle!"
She watched as Viola threw her Poké Ball. "Go! Vivillon!"
The assistant stifled a laugh.
"Go, Amber!" Abigail cried, nerves taut. Unfamiliar with Vivillon, her Rotom Dex zoomed forward:
[Vivillon]
Scale Pokémon. Evolved from Spewpa. Its wing patterns vary by region, influenced by local climates.
With little battle experience, Abigail couldn't assess Vivillon's strengths. So she relied on mine tactics: strike first.
"Amber—use Sucker Punch!"
"Vivillon—Psybeam!"
They spoke simultaneously. Viola's eyes widened as she processed Abigail's command.
Sucker Punch?!
Instantly, she understood her assistant's smirk. Sucker Punch was a Level 36 move. This Gengar was far stronger than expected.
Gengar vanished into shadows—then erupted beside Vivillon. Before Psybeam could launch, Gengar struck.
A direct hit.
Vivillon fluttered limply to the ground.
Silence.
Abigail stood frozen, bewildered.
Viola hadn't fully processed what happened.
Alexa gaped, camera forgotten.
"One-hit KO…" Alexa whispered, turning to the assistant. "What's Gengar's level?"
"Level 40," the assistant grinned, stepping forward. "Vivillon is unable to battle! The winner is Abigail of Pelican Town!"
---
Meanwhile…
Ron arrived at the ranch that had ordered Miltank.
Kalos was only in May—summer's milk demand was still months away. The rancher fretted over supply shortages, praying Miltank would actually breed at that mysterious facility.
Just then, Ron appeared at her gate.
Recognizing him, she rushed over.
Ron handed over the Miltank. As she tearfully transferred payment, he remembered the Auto-Grabber he'd brought from Pelican Town.
"With all these Miltank," he ventured, "the ranch must be swamped with work?"
It seemed a family-run operation—no hired help. Even Shane, with just a few Miltank, was overwhelmed until the Auto-Grabber arrived.
This rancher likely faced the same struggle.
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