Route 202 was no different, Quil battled every Pokémon he could find. Bidoof, Kricketot, even the Starly perched in the trees couldn't escape his determination.
By the time they reached the final stretch toward Jubilife, Quil and Chimchar walked side by side, calm and content after a long day's work.
"That was a piece of cake. Nothing we couldn't handle, right, Chimchar?" Quil grinned at his partner. "You even learned Ember in that last fight! But let's not get overconfident the first gym specializes in Rock-types, so we've gotta be ready."
Chimchar met his gaze, eyes full of trust and quiet resolve, already steeling himself for the challenges ahead.
At the entrance to Jubilife City, Quil spotted the professor standing by the gate, seemingly in the middle of scolding one of his classmates.
"Professor? What are you doing here?" Quil asked as he approached.
The professor turned toward him, giving both Quil and Chimchar an approving look. "Well, to be honest, this was all a test. If you'd failed, you would've had to restart your journey tomorrow morning. But since you and Chimchar look just fine, that means you passed. Most of the other students weren't so lucky their partners fainted before reaching here."
Quil blinked in surprise. "What about Orval?"
"Oh, don't worry, he passed as well," the professor replied with a small smile. "He's already gone through Jubilife. You should catch up with him. And before I forget take this."
He handed Quil a sleek new Pokétch.
*(A pokétch provides a range of handy tools and features, including a clock, calculator, pedometer, and a Party app that lets you view your Pokémon's stats and monitor their status conditions.)*
"With this, Quil, you officially have my approval to continue your journey," the professor said with a proud smile. "I'm expecting great things from you."
Feeling a surge of confidence, Quil dashed into Jubilife City. His first stop was the Pokémon Center, where he got Chimchar restored to full strength. From there, he hurried past his home, waving to his parents who were sitting outside as he ran by. Without slowing down, he made his way straight toward Route 203.
Route 203 was bustling with new trainers each one looking eager, almost itching, for a battle.
Quil beginning to love the thrill of battle, planned on challenging each and everyone of them and he did.
"Starly, dodge and use Quick Attack!" the opposing trainer shouted.
The tiny bird darted forward in a blur of motion, wings cutting through the air but Chimchar was ready.
"Nowexcitement Ember!" Quil commanded.
Chimchar took a quick breath, flames gathering in his mouth before he unleashed a burst of fiery embers. The attack struck Starly mid-flight, the flames flaring bright against the fading daylight. Starly cried out, its form spiraling down before it hit the ground, fainted.
The opposing trainer's eyes widened. "Starly, return…" he said, recalling his Pokémon with a sigh. "Wow, your Chimchar's really strong."
Quil grinned, kneeling beside his partner. "You did great out there, buddy."
"Char!" Chimchar puffed proudly, flames on his tail flickering with excitement.
The trainer walked up to Quil. "Maybe you're the one who can handle it. There's this huge Shinx around here twice the size of a normal one. It's been bullying the other wild Pokémon. Honestly, it's kinda scary, even though it's just a Shinx. I think it's hanging around near Oreburgh Gate."
*(Oreburgh Gate is a cave in the Sinnoh region that serves as the entrance to Oreburgh City from Route 203)*
"Oreburgh Gate, huh?" Quil said, glancing at Chimchar. "We've gotta pass through there anyway, so I guess we'll run into it sooner or later, right, Chimchar?"
"Char!" Chimchar cried, flames flickering brighter as he pumped his fists ready for the challenge ahead.
Quil made his way to Oreburgh Gate, defeating every trainer he encountered along the way. Finally, he arrived at the gate itself and there, lounging by the entrance, was the Shinx.
"Wow… it really is huge," Quil muttered. "Maybe we should try catching it. We could definitely use a strong counter against Water-type Pokémon. Alright, let's do this."
He reached into his side bag and pulled out a Shrunken Pokéball, pressing the button at its center to restore it to full size, ready to be used.
"Okay… on three. One… two… three!" Quil shouted, hurling the Pokéball directly at Shinx. The ball struck the Pokémon squarely on the head, pulling it inside. It hit the ground, shaking once, twice… and just as the third shake began Shinx burst free, leaping out with a defiant cry.
Quin paused flustered for a moment " Yeah he's definitely the one the trainer was talking about , okay Chimchar get ready for a tough battle "
Shinx menacingly approached Chimchar intimidating him. Chimchar hesitates for a moment, flames flickering uncertainly, but Quil encourages him.
Quil: "Chimchar! Don't let it scare you use Scratch!"
Chimchar lunges, claws striking Shinx. The Shinx yelps but quickly retaliates with Spark, sending a jolt of electricity toward Chimchar. Chimchar leaps back, taking some damage, tail flame dimming slightly from the shock.
Quil: "Keep it up! Ember!"
Chimchar exhales a burst of flame, hitting Shinx squarely. Shinx flinches, smoke rising from its fur, but it snarls and charges forward with Tackle, slamming into Chimchar. Chimchar stumbles, clearly hurt from the hit, but his fire burnt brighter.
Quil: "Don't give up! Scratch, now!"
Chimchar attacks again, connecting just enough to stagger Shinx. Shinx tries to fight back with Spark, electricity crackling wildly, but Chimchar narrowly dodges. Both Pokémon are exhausted, breathing heavily, eyes locked in determination.
Finally, with one last surge of effort, Chimchar leaps and slashes with Scratch, landing a decisive hit. Shinx collapses almost fainting on the grass.
Quil: "Phew… we barely made it, Chimchar. That was close!"
Chimchar pants, tail flame burning bright again, proud yet clearly tired from the battle.
"It's not over yet!" Quil shouted, hurling a Pokéball at the weakened Shinx.
The ball opened, sucking Shinx inside before clattering to the ground. It wobbled once… twice… three times… and then clicked shut.
Quil leapt into the air, cheering, and Chimchar mirrored his excitement, tail flame flickering brightly.
"Yes! We caught our first Pokémon and he's massive!" Quil exclaimed, grinning from ear to ear.