Pokémon: A Tale Of Time (Volume One: Zephyr)

Chapter Sixteen - An Ever-Changing World

In Harley's cosy dining room, the smell of home-cooked food filled the air. Raido and Harley sat at a wooden table adorned with a floral tablecloth, with Nidoran resting contentedly beside Raido's chair. They were midway through their meal when Harley suddenly spit out a bite of her food, her eyes wide with shock.

"A pack of Poochyena?" she questioned dramatically, her voice rising in pitch. "You were lucky to make it out alive!"

Raido nodded, his expression serious. "I know, right? It was pretty intense. But please, Harley, don't tell my mom about this. She'll worry too much."

Harley sighed, leaning back in her chair. "Alright, I won't. But, Raido, you have to be more careful. Poochyena can be really dangerous in packs."

Raido looked down at his plate, pushing his food around with his fork. "I didn't even know Poochyena were so common in Johto, never mind so close to our hometown."

Harley's expression softened as she leaned forward, her voice taking on a more serious tone. "Over the past few years, the natural habitats of each region have changed dramatically. As regions have become more accessible, trainers have introduced new Pokémon to each region. Now, Johto is filled with all sorts of Pokémon from Kanto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, and beyond. They now call Johto their own home."

Raido's eyes widened with interest. "Really? I had no idea. So, it's like a melting pot of different Pokémon now?"

Harley nodded. "Exactly. The upside of this is that we have a much wider variety of cool and interesting Pokémon in our region. But the downside is that there's a surprise around every corner, no matter how experienced a trainer you are. The introduction of new Pokémon has led to tons of new information and findings, such as new regional forms, newly discovered evolutions, and even new Pokémon types."

Raido leaned in, his curiosity piqued. "New Pokémon types? Like what?"

Harley smiled. "Can you believe that until 2013, we didn't even know Fairy-type existed? It was a huge discovery that changed the way we understand Pokémon battles."

Raido's jaw dropped. "That's crazy! I can't imagine the world without Fairy-types now. They're so strong."

Harley nodded. "It is crazy. And it just goes to show you that life as a Pokémon trainer is tougher than it ever has been. Wild Pokémon are tougher, trainers are more knowledgeable, and gym battles are more challenging than ever. If you're going to not only stay safe but also be a successful trainer, you're going to have to learn hard and fast."

Raido nodded, taking her words to heart. "I understand. I'll be more careful and try to learn as much as I can."

Harley smiled, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Good. I know you will. You've got the spirit and determination, just like your mom."

Raido looked up, a proud smile on his face. "Speaking of Mom, I've always wondered why she stopped battling and switched to Pokémon contests."

Harley's eyes twinkled with nostalgia. "Your mom was a great trainer, Raido. She had incredible skill and passion. But despite her talent, she traded the battling life for a life of Pokémon contests. It's all thanks to her hard work and dedication that contests are so popular now in Johto. Most main cities have a regional contest championship because of her efforts."

Raido's eyes widened with admiration. "Really? I knew she was good, but I didn't know she had that much of an impact."

Harley nodded. "She did. Your mom loved battling, alongside her beloved friends like Piplup and Typhlosion, but she found a new passion in contests. She loved the artistry, the beauty, and the connection between Pokémon and trainer that contests showcased. And she wanted to share that with everyone."

Raido smiled, feeling a deep sense of pride for his mother. "She's amazing. I guess that's where I get my love for Pokémon from."

Harley chuckled. "Probably. She's always been an inspiration to many trainers, including you. And I know she's proud of you, even if she worries."

Raido's smile softened. "I know. I just want to make her proud and show her that I can handle myself out there."

Harley patted his hand reassuringly. "You will, Raido. Just keep learning, stay cautious, and trust in your Pokémon. You and Nidoran make a great team."

Nidoran chirped happily at the mention, making both Raido and Harley laugh. Raido reached down and rubbed Nidoran's head affectionately. "Thanks, Harley. That means a lot."

Harley nodded. "Anytime. Now, let's finish our meal. You need to rest and rejuvenate before continuing your journey."

As they continued eating, Raido couldn't help but reflect on everything Harley had said. The world of Pokémon was vast and ever-changing, and he was just beginning to scratch the surface. With renewed determination, he knew he had to be ready for anything and keep pushing forward.

After dinner, Harley led Raido to a cosy guest room. "As I promised your Mom, you can stay here tonight and head out whenever you're ready in the morning," she said, smiling warmly. "Get some rest, and we'll have a big breakfast before you leave."

Raido nodded, feeling grateful. "Thanks, Harley. I really appreciate it."

As he lay in bed that night, Raido's mind raced with thoughts of the day's events and the advice he had received. The encounter with the Poochyena pack, witnessing Lorelei's battle, and Harley's wise words all swirled in his head. He knew the road ahead would be challenging, but he felt more prepared than ever.

With Nidoran curled up beside him, Raido drifted off to sleep, dreaming of the adventures and battles yet to come. Tomorrow, he would continue his journey with newfound knowledge and a stronger resolve, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.