Day 17

I began preparing my team for the next two Gym battles, training hard to ensure they were ready. During the grind, Mudkip evolved into a sturdy Marshstomp—stronger, bulkier, and ready for tougher fights. But the road came with its first heartbreak. While training, my Taillow was taken out by a trainer’s Meditite that landed a devastating High Jump Kick. It was my first loss in Hoenn, and it stung.

Trying to move forward, I caught an Illumise and decided to circle back to Dewford Town to face Gym Leader Brawly. The battle was smooth—Dustox handled everything with ease. Using Confusion alone, it took down Machop, Meditite, and Makuhita in clean sweeps. Victory in hand, I returned to Mauville City and prepared for my third Gym battle.

Wattson, the electric-type leader, didn’t stand a chance. Marshstomp tore through his entire team—Voltorb, Electrike, Magneton, and Manectric—spamming Mud Shot over and over with unrelenting force. Another badge earned, another step forward on my path through Hoenn, but the shadow of my fallen Taillow still lingered behind me.