Secret Grove, Chaplet Town
Sky was just on the verge of falling asleep when she heard a familiar buzz. A Hummingbloom's wings beat faster than any bird Pokémon in the known world. She nudged Puggle who was curled up beside her. "Stay sharp."
A blur of green zipped past. Sky squinted as the small aerial object came into focus. It resembled a small bird with a long beak, two long gingko leaf tail feathers, and green and white plumage save for the red lotus pattern on its chest. These were the unmistakeable markings of a male Hummingbloom. Sky gave the signal to move in. Her eyes fixed to the Grass/Flying-type Pokémon hovering in the air.
"Okay, Puggle!" She whispered. "When I say 'bubble' aim right for that tiny bird Pokémon flying next to that tree."
Puggle nodded. Sky readied a Poké Ball. Being a former softball pitcher, she remembered how to throw a good curve. It was the one sport she begged her parents to sign her up for, given it would prepare her for moments like this.
"On my mark," she told Puggle. "Get ready...and.......
Bubble!"
Puggle fired on command, however, the Hummingbloom spotted the incoming attack and darted out of the way.
So much for taking him by surprise, Sky thought. Puggle fired again and again. Both times the Hummingbird Pokémon flitted out of reach just at the last second, moving like an elegant dancer through the air.
Sky decided to take her chances with the pitch. She let the Poké Ball fly. As predicted, the Hummingbloom attempted to dart to the side, but the ball curved. In a flash of light, the Poké Ball swallowed the Hummingbloom and snapped shut. Sky and Puggle ran to the spot where the Poké Ball fell. The light was still blinking. Sky held her breath and watched as the Poké Ball shook one...two...three times. Puggle approached the ball.
In a split second, the Poké Ball bursted apart smacking poor Puggle on the nose. The Hummingbloom flew up into the air, hovered for a few seconds as if mocking them, the zipped away.
Puggle chittered angrily, spewing a few bubbles through his mouth in a last ditch effort to get back at the Pokémon for bonking him on the bill. Sky bent down and picked up the shattered remains of the Poké Ball. When Sky stood up again, she noticed Puggle was hanging his head. She ambled over to her Pokémon and sat next to him.
"Hey, it's okay. You did great! Not your fault that he didn't want to join the team."
Puggle glanced up at her. His sad eyes made him look adorable.
"Eh! Who wants a preppy miniature bird anyway? We don't need him. He's a fool to think we're not good enough."
Chut! Puggle agreed.
Sky stood up again.
"Guess we better go find Wulf. I hope he's having better luck than we are."
Professor Gem's Yard, Coronet City
Professor Gem chuckled. "Indeed! One must never forget that."
He thought about wishing Diana good luck on her Pokémon Journey, but all it took was one look at her and Lupa and she knew that she would not need it. Instead he offered her some advice.
"If you're going to take on Blair the Fire Type Gym Leader, you're going to need at least two more Pokémon in your party. I recommend a ground or a water type, but a fighting type might also be good to have."
He bit his lip, not wanting to spoil anything. "Her gym is located in the city square near the mall. I happen to know one other trainer is challenging her after three straight defeats. If you can find him, he might be able to give you tips.
