Wynaut was knocked out by the attack, and Tazzy recalled him with a cheerful "you did well!" After, she walked over and shook hands with all the trainers. "You guys did great!" she said. "No wonder Aine thinks so highly of you." She pulled out a case and handed over three pink diamond-shaped badges. "This is the Rune Badge."
Aine smiled at her and gave her a thumbs up. She fought well, especially for a three-on-one. "Let's head back to the Pokécenter to get healed up, then we can start heading north again." She gave each of the trainers high-fives as they passed and fell into step with Tazzy as they walked.
SUMMARY: Clove Town
The group discovered that the missing gym leader, Tazzy, had been taken along with her gym trainers to the Clove Ruins. Following the trail, they solved a puzzle allowing them access inside and rescued them. After battling a group of Team Unknown Omega-level grunts, three of the young trainers challenged Tazzy to a gym battle and won, receiving a badge.
"Alright, so we're off to Route 4. Thanks for everything," Aine said to Tazzy. The pink-haired girl grinned.
"It was fun battling with you guys, even if I did have to get kidnapped to do so. I promise it won't happen a second time; we'll be prepared for sure!" She waved as the group headed off to the north.
Route 4 was a short yet steep climb up a few craggy ledges, culminating in the entrance to the Cocoa Caverns. As they peered into the gaping maw of the caves, a few Zubat flew out over their heads, screeching noisily. The smell of damp and limestone was strong, and a cool chill was prominent in the air.
"Mind your step," Aine told everyone. "It's pretty dark in here, and there are tons of Geodude and sharp rocks just laying about. If anyone has Flash or a Pokémon that can give us some illumination, that' be useful. Rock Smash would also be pretty handy to have in case we need to get past some fallen rocks." She squinted at her map. "Around halfway through the caves we should see an opening to the outside. Vanilla Town is in the valley between mountains, so we can take a rest there and see if the gym leader is around."