Reborn As Barry

Chapter Twenty

Gabe looked down as he flew over Hearthome City. With wide-eyed wonder the blond youth drank in the wonder that was the Old Hearthome City ruins. Knowing that Hearthome City was around one-thousand years old, it came as no surprise that the city itself was more rustic than the rest of Sinnoh with the exception of Solaceon Town. Gabe couldn't help but admire what he was seeing. Giving the order to descend, Tropius slowly made his way downward, landing right in front of the Contest Hall.

Hopping off Tropius, Gabe reached up and ran a gloved hand along Tropius's neck and looked up at the leafy wings. He could see that they were looking little stiff. Reaching down to his belt, Gabe grabbed Psyduck's ball and released the duck in order to gain his assistance. After a few moments of Psyduck's Scald, Tropius's wings were thawed out before Gabe returned the two.

"Barry!" a familiar female voice called out, causing Gabe to turn to see Dawn headed his way riding what appeared to be a Ponyta with a fiery blue mane.

Okay... I know I have a shiny Psyduck, but shiny Ponyta is my all time favorite next to Aegislash...

Gabe muttered something along the lines of "lucky little..." before cutting himself off as she approached. Dawn got down from Ponyta and gently stroked her head.

"Was that a Tropius I saw you fly in on? He was HUGE!" Dawn exclaimed.

Gabe raised a brow at her reaction.

"He was? He seemed normal to me," Gabe blinked.

Dawn shook her head.

"I've studied the Tropius of this region with Professor Rowan, and never have I seen one that big. It must be at least eight feet. Normal Tropius don't get any bigger than six feet when full grown," Dawn added.

"No wonder he could carry me so easily," Gabe murmured to himself.

"Anyway, how have you been? It's been a while since we met up," Dawn beamed.

"Not much," Gabe replied casually. "I'm just here to get my badge and maybe look around."

Dawn nodded.

"Sounds like you've got a plan. Lucas is on his way here. He took the scenic route," Dawn chuckled.

"That sounds like Lucas alright, slow as always," Gabe grinned.

"Yeah, not to mention he has a habit of being a bit gluttonous at mealtimes," Dawn laughed nervously.

Ah... I nearly forgot about that. He's like May in that regard. I swear those two would be fun to watch at an eating contest. May would win though...

"Barry, you there?" Dawn asked as she waved her hand in his face.

Snapping out of his thoughts, Gabe shook his head and laughed, rubbing the back of his head out of habit.

"Sorry, I was lost in thought for a second there," Gabe replied.

"It's fine," Dawn chuckled. "I do that too sometimes. Anyway, I'm going to head over to the Contest Hall to see my mom. Maybe when I get done I can come watch yours and Lucas's gym battles?"

"I'd like that, and I know Lucas will too since he uh..." Gabe paused, catching himself before saying anything more.

"Since he what?" Dawn asked, raising a delicate brow.

"Since he likes having his friends there for support!" Gabe hastily replied, hiding his nervousness.

"Hmmm... yeah, you're right," Dawn smiled. "Anyway, I'll see you later," Dawn chirped, and headed off towards the Contest Hall.