I watch as Salazzle uses Venoshock on a wild Bidoof. My morning started with a training session with Salazzle. I'm still not that confident on my battling skills, so I always take the opportunity to practice.

"Good job!" I say as I feed her one Sitrus Berry. "I think we'll stick with the Toxic and Venoshock strategy for now, what do you think?"

Salazzle nods with a smile. I return her to her Luxury Ball and head back to the city. I'm supposed to meet Barry at the Pokémon Center in ten minutes, but I'm not that polite and tend to arrive a little later.

Surprisingly, there was no sign of him at the facility. So I seat by the PC while I wait. My boxes are a mess.

"Hey, Li! Good morning."

I turn around. Barry is walking up to me with a guy beside him.

"Morning, Barry" I greet him with a smile. "How are you doing?"

"I'm fine, thanks for asking" He smiles at me. "I want you to meet someone. Lucas, this is Lianna. Lianna, this is Lucas! He's Rowan's assistant."

"Oh, hello! Nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you too" We shake hands. "Barry told me you wanted to meet up with the professor."

I nod, a little too excited.

"Are you on a journey to complete the Pokédex?" Lucas asks as we leave the Pokémon Center.

"Not yet. I'm researching Pokémon moves at prof. Kukui's request" I answer politely, smiling at the end.

"That's awesome. Good luck for both of you."

We all chat on our way to Sandgem. Before going to the lab, we quickly stop for breakfast. When I thought I couldn't love Sinnoh even more, here comes the amazing food.

On our way, Lucas and Barry share adventures stories with a girl named Dawn. I miss being on an adventure... I haven't done anything since my Island Challenge came to an end, just looked around for Pokémon. Maybe I should challenge a gym or two while I'm here... Sounds like fun, and I haven't challenged a gym before.

We arrive in a city covered in sand shortly. It's small and sweet.

"Here we are! Sandgem City!" Barry announces happily. Lucas grabs his ear, surprised by Barry's screaming.

"Can you please stop screaming? You sound like a mad man" He asks kindly. I see Barry smirk and lean closer to Lucas. Oh, Arceus, no.

"I can't contain my excitement!" He yells in Lucas' ear. I press my lips together to contain my laughter. It would be rude to laugh, but I can't deny it was funny.

Lucas recollects himself and guides us to the lab, trying to keep his cool. Barry and I giggle back and forth. I feel bad doing it, but it was too funny.

"Prof. Rowan?" Lucas asks as we enter the lab. Wow, it's nice in here. Feels like a real lab, unlike Kukui's.

"Lucas? Is that you?" A rough tone asks.

"Yes, prof. I brought along a few friends, if that's okay with you."

A man in a lab coat walks into the room. He has sand all over his hands. He greets us with a smile.

"Of course! I love having people over. Come in, trainers!"

I rub my arm shyly. I don' know why, but I always get uncomfortable around Pokémon professors. My first meeting with prof. Sycamore was rather awkward.

"So, what brings you here?" Prof. Rowan asks, as we enter his lab. "Is there something wrong?"

"Not at all!" Barry reassures with a smile. "My friend here wanted to see the starter Pokémon!"

"So you're a new trainer?"

Barry taps my shoulder, indicating I should take the conversation from now on.

"I'm not, sir, but... Uh... Prof. Kukui asked me to travel the regions in order to research Pokémon moves" I answer politely, rather awkwardly.

"Oh, you're the one Kukui won't shut up about!" Rowan smiles. "Nice to meet you, young lady."

"Nice to meet you too!" I smile back, as I shake his hand.

"Here they are!" Barry grabs my hand and drags me across the room. Prof. Rowan throws three Poké Balls in the air, revealing the three starter Pokémon.

I decide to go with Chimchar. I don't know why, but this little guy really spoke to me. The fire on its tail reminded me of the good Charizard rides around Alola.

"Here you go, it's Chimchar's Poké Ball" Rowan hands me the red and white sphere.

"Thank you so much, prof." I smile at him.

"No need to thank me, child!"

I scrunch my nose at the term. I'm not a child, but I don't say anything. It's best if I keep quiet.

Rowan turns around to stare at us.

"Do you need anything else?" He asks in a sweet tone.

"Uh, I don't think so. You're good, right, Li? Lucas?" Barry answers. We shake our heads. Rowan smiles.

"Good! Well then, kids, I hope you have amazing times with your Pokémon out there. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask me" His smile widens. "You two! Make sure to take her to some nearby routes, so her and Chimchar can get used to each other. She's a champion, I don't think Chimchar will have a hard time with her."

I ask myself how in the world he knows I'm a champion, but I just bite my tongue and stay quiet.

Lucas smiles, snapping me out of my thoughts.

"Of course, sir! We'll see you around."

"Yeah, yeah. Have fun!"

As we were walking out of the lab, I notice Rowan's computer screen. It has a email from prof. Birch, from Hoenn, doing reports on Team Aqua and Team Magma.

Rowan,
I believed the situation was under control, and I couldn't be more wrong. They're back and causing more trouble than before. Trashing places, terrorising trainers, stealing Pokémon. Seems like a war has begun between the two teams.
As of now, I do not know their intentions. We're trying to find out their plans, with no success. The legendaries are safe, for now, and yet I still have a feeling that it won't last very long. We're doing our best.
I hope things are looking better in Sinnoh. I know you have amazing trainers at your disposal.
Sincerely, Birch.

I hold on to Chimchar's Poké Ball as we walk out of Rowan's lab. A weird feeling is crushing my chest. I've heard lots of good things about Hoenn, it pains me to know the region isn't safe. If only there's something I could do...

•••
Final A/N

Sorry it took me a while to update! School's been getting in the way and I felt like my brain would melt if I tried to write something. I'm glad I was able to finish this chapter.

Looking better, huh?! I'm feeling really good about this rewrite, which is actually impressive.

Well, until next chapter, I'm sending you lots of luv!