Pokémon Journey: Hoenn

Chapter 3: Learning the Ropes

Hello and welcome to Chapter 3 of Pokémon Journey: Hoenn!

Last chapter saw James and Richard set off on their journey in Hoenn. On their way up Route 101, they meet Nicola Hewitt, a new trainer who had gotten lost and who tagged along with them to Ekota Town on the road to Oldale Town.

Chapter 3: Learning the Ropes

Oldale Town, Hoenn

5:03pm, 3rd April 2006

Light was rapidly fading from the sky as the three trainers made their way wearily along a narrow street next to a small river. Half-an-hour prior, they'd been filled with renewed vigour when they'd crossed a bridge over a far larger river and been confronted with a sign welcoming them to Oldale Town. However, it had quickly become clear, as they walked past fields and scattered clusters of buildings, that they still had a way to go before they reached Oldale Town proper.

"I think we've finally made it to the town," James said as they trudged along the street. Now that they'd reached an area surrounded by buildings, they were finally close to their destination: the Oldale Town pokémon centre.

"Great," Richard mumbled.

"Can…can I just stop for a quick rest?" Nicola asked, giving them a desperate look.

"Sure, not a problem." James nodded.

Nicola moved over and perched herself on the low barrier separating the road from the drop down to the river. She took a couple of deep breaths to recover. She was visibly relieved to be off her feet.

James wasn't surprised that she'd asked for another rest. Even he and Richard had found the long walk from Ekota Town punishing and they were experienced with that kind of walking. Nicola had been fine at the start, but had started to struggle as the day wore on. To her credit, this was only the third time she'd asked for a rest all day, though James had noticed an increasing limp in her walk by the time they'd reached the outskirts of Oldale Town.

"How are your feet?" he asked.

"I…I think I can manage it," Nicola replied hesitantly. She flinched slightly as she moved one of her feet. After a walk like the one they'd done today, she'd probably picked up at least one blister.

"Hold this for me." James took off his backpack and held it out to Richard.

"Sure," Richard replied wearily, guessing what James had planned and taking the bag.

James crouched down with his back to Nicola. "Come on. I'll carry you from here."

"Huh?" Nicola looked at him in surprise. "But aren't you tired as well?"

"It's no big deal," James replied. "Besides, I can tell that your feet are killing you. They won't recover in time for tomorrow if you don't rest now."

"W-Well, if you're sure…"

"So, where to now?" Richard asked as James lifted Nicola up.

"We need to turn left at that bridge up there!" James nodded in its direction. "After that, it's a straight road all the way up to the pokémon centre!"

"And long is that?" Richard asked sceptically.

"About half-an-hour," James replied.

"You can't carry me for half-an-hour!" Nicola cried.

"No, but I can try!" James grinned. "Let's get moving again!"

"If you get too tired, then we can always swap," Richard told him as they started walking in the direction of the bridge.