Chapter Eighteen: A Reunion with Xiaoguang

Charmander had indeed begun its training and strength-building regimen. However, while Charmander followed the plan Zhao Fang had laid out, it would continue to train on its own afterward, which left Zhao Fang feeling quite a headache.

Zhao Fang’s plan for Charmander focused on honing the use of Scratch and Fire Fang. After all, Charmander’s inherent potential destined it to become a physical attacker. Although Dragon Claw was also within Charmander’s move pool, Zhao Fang did not allow it to use that technique yet. For a young Charmander, the energy expenditure was simply too high, and it risked causing lingering internal injuries.

Yet, every time Charmander finished the prescribed tasks, it would begin its own secret training: lifting stones.

This puzzled Zhao Fang. He was deeply curious about what exactly Gyarados had said to Charmander to make it take up stone-lifting. Although lifting stones could strengthen its muscular power, Charmander was already exhausted from the previous training. Still, it refused to give up, always choosing rocks that required immense effort to hoist.

"Charmander, I know you’re desperate to get stronger, but you have to balance work and rest," Zhao Fang said, looking at Charmander and trying to persuade it earnestly. But it was clearly to no avail.

Charmander was far too stubborn. While it listened to Zhao Fang, it was as if the words went in one ear and out the other; once the lecture was over, it went right back to lifting stones. After a full day of failed attempts to reason with it, Zhao Fang could only let it be, though he began to pay even closer attention to the creature. Whenever Charmander showed signs of total exhaustion, Zhao Fang would step in to help lower the stone, preventing it from getting crushed.

After spending a night in the wilderness of Rustboro City, Zhao Fang packed his tent and set off toward Petalburg Woods. While walking across a bridge, he ran into an acquaintance.

A white dress, long green hair, fair skin, and a hat that nearly obscured her entire face—though he couldn't see her expression, Zhao Fang recognized her instantly.

"Dawn?" Zhao Fang asked curiously.

"!" The girl shuddered, suddenly becoming flustered. She hurriedly reached up to pull her hat even lower, then peeked up at Zhao Fang from beneath the brim.

Zhao Fang shook his head with a wry smile. If he hadn't been sure before, he was certain now. The girl was indeed Dawn. What surprised him even more was the Pokémon following her—Ralts. No, it should be called by its new name now: Kirlia.

"Your Ralts has evolved," Zhao Fang said, looking at Kirlia in surprise. The evolution speed of this Psychic-Fairy Pokémon was truly remarkable.

Kirlia recognized Zhao Fang as well. She gave him an elegant bow before stepping behind her trainer; it was clear that the bond between Kirlia and Dawn was quite strong.

"L-long time no see," Dawn whispered, her voice as faint as a mosquito's.

"Are you heading off to challenge the Rock-type Gym?" Zhao Fang asked with a smile. He understood Dawn’s personality well enough not to take her shyness to heart.

Dawn shakily pulled a badge from her pocket—the Stone Badge.

Zhao Fang was even more astonished. He never expected Dawn to have already secured the Stone Badge. However, a question immediately arose: why would she be heading back toward Rustboro City? Logically, if one wanted to earn their next badge, shouldn't they head to the Dewford Town Gym? Besides, as a Psychic-type, Dawn’s Kirlia would have a significant advantage against Fighting-type Pokémon.

"Are you going to Dewford Town?" Zhao Fang asked curiously.

"I... I got lost," Dawn said, pulling her hat down until it nearly reached her neck. Her admission left Zhao Fang feeling both amused and baffled. He had never imagined that Dawn could be such a directionally challenged person.

"Actually, to get to Dewford Town, you need to take a boat from the entrance of Petalburg Woods. You won't find a way there from Rustboro City." Zhao Fang pointed her in the right direction, but seeing how overwhelmed she looked, he sighed and decided to guide her there himself.

When Zhao Fang offered to escort her to the pier, Dawn hesitated for a moment before following behind him. She kept her hat tilted to block her face the entire time, which made Zhao Fang suspiciously check his own trousers—his zipper was up, so he couldn't figure out why she was acting so strange.

Shaking his head, he attributed it to her being even more shy after starting her journey. He led Dawn into Petalburg Woods and shouted, "Lord Gengar!"

"You brat, can you stop yelling so loudly every time?" Gengar’s annoyed voice echoed in Zhao Fang’s mind. Zhao Fang let out a breath of relief and hurriedly asked about Dreepy.

"Come and get it. Honestly, it’s only been two weeks, what’s the rush?" Although Gengar’s tone was dismissive, Zhao Fang could still detect a hint of satisfaction.

Shortly after, a Swellow flew down shakily and landed beside Zhao Fang.

"Dawn, I’m so sorry, would you mind waiting here for a moment?" Seeing that there was only one Swellow, Zhao Fang realized Gengar didn't want him bringing Dawn along, so he turned to apologize to her.

Dawn clutched her hat with both hands and nodded. Zhao Fang climbed onto the Swellow and flew toward the mansion.

Upon arriving, he saw Gengar standing at the entrance, backed by a crowd of Ghost-type Pokémon who were eyeing him with mocking, malicious gazes. Zhao Fang didn't pay them any mind; as long as Gengar was there, these guys wouldn't dare cause any trouble.

"Lord Gengar, where’s Dreepy?" Zhao Fang asked hurriedly upon landing, not seeing the Pokémon anywhere.

"Isn't it right there?" Gengar pointed toward Zhao Fang’s side.

Zhao Fang turned his head in curiosity and saw Dreepy stealthily digging through his backpack. If Gengar hadn't pointed it out, Zhao Fang wouldn't have noticed when the little guy had floated behind him.

"Dreepy!" Zhao Fang exclaimed happily.

Dreepy shuddered, then gave an awkward, sheepish smile as it tucked a can of food back into Zhao Fang’s pocket.

"Welcome back! Let’s have a party later." Zhao Fang didn't mind the little antics; this was the Dreepy he knew—the little glutton.

"Dreepy~" Dreepy let out a happy cry, then coiled around Zhao Fang’s neck, nuzzling its head against his chin repeatedly.