DPA: Rivals

Chapter 36: The Look

Daryon enjoyed the cool air that rushed through his hair as he rode his bike through more of Route 5. The group had just passed the Cerulean Daycare, and while Cameron, Skye and Max decided to visit and take the tour, Daryon kept his distance, for obvious reasons.

As they had left, Ero had noted that Daryon carried seven Pokémon with him, something that was banned by the Pokémon League. Worried at first, Daryon calmed down as Ero further explained that, having obtained the Charmander only two days prior, and considering Daryon was a beginning trainer, the League probably wouldn't worry about it, so long as it was handled.

Trying to help Daryon figure out the situation, Ero made an offer.

"I own a ranch in Galar, filled with hundreds of Pokémon of every species. I even hold all of my own Pokémon there. I'm willing to let you store your extra Pokémon at my ranch, for the remainder of my time researching your Pokémon." He turned to the rest of the group. "This offer extends to every one of you."

"Thank you!" Daryon thanked Ero. The rest of the group showed their appreciation as well.

Daryon handed Ero the Pokéball containing Ivysaur, as he already had two Poison types on his team, and couldn't separate King and Queen. Ero, taking the Pokéball, held it directly above his smartphone. After Ero finished pressing a few buttons, the smartphone scanned the Pokéball, before announcing, in an automated voice, "Box Link activated. Sending Pokémon Zero-Zero-Two to Dappled Grove, Galar." At this point, the entire Pokémon dissipated into energy, sucked into the smartphone.

After a few hours of bike riding through the grassy fields of Route 5, the group arrived at the entrance to the Underground Path, a long tunnel that connected Cerulean City to Vermilion Harbor, with an exit in the middle where it connected to Saffron City. The entrance was essentially a giant hole with concrete edges, a ladder leading down. The group would have to travel for three days in the dimly lit tunnel before they arrived in Saffron, but this was significantly shorter than the alternative path.

Talking it over for a few minutes, the group decided to camp just outside the entrance for the rest of the day and overnight, and enter the Underground Path in the morning. They would use the day to relax, train their Pokémon, and strategize for Sabrina, the upcoming Gym leader.

Everyone went about setting up their tents. Ero used his smartphone to swap out one of his Pokémon for an Abra that lived in the ranch, who went about Teleporting various camping supplies, from an already set up tent, to a computer and charging station, to even a picnic table, a feast already prepared, catching the attention of everyone else.

"Wow, is that all for us?" Max exclaimed, eyeing one of the steaming Razz berry pies at the end.

"I wanted to congratulate the boys on winning their Gym battle, and Skye for her newfound passion: Pokémon Contests!"

"I wouldn't call it a passion," Skye answered, surprised.

"Skye, I saw the look in your eye when Rachel talked about her training for the Ocean Cup. I had that same look when I first met Professor Magnolia, the regional professor in the Galar region. I saw that look in Daryon's eye when he battled Misty. It was a look of instant passion. When you enter the Spooky Cup in Lavender Town, no matter what your placement is, you'll love it. I know that because I know The Look."

Skye smiled. "We'll see."

"Yes we will," Ero said, before walking over to the picnic table. "Now, as they say in Circhester, 'Eat, Drink, and Be Merry!'"

And that they did.

Meanwhile, from a few dozen yards away, April watched, seething, doing everything in her power to keep her cool so that she could intelligently contemplate her attack.