Day 36

Leaving the peaceful Grand Lake Hotel behind, I continued my journey toward Pastoria City. Along the way, I caught a lively Buizel darting near the water’s edge. Once I arrived in Pastoria, I learned that the Gym Leader was currently unavailable, so I decided not to wait around.

Instead, I ventured straight into the nearby swamp, navigating the murky paths and tall reeds. While exploring the area, I caught a Quagsire, its laid-back demeanor a calm contrast to the wild surroundings. Not long after, I came across a grand mansion nestled in the region—Mr. Backlot’s Trophy Garden. Curious, I explored the grounds and managed to catch a Pichu among the rare Pokémon living there.

With new catches and fresh ground covered, my team continued to grow stronger as I pushed forward in Sinnoh.

>>57977685 (OP)
Any advice for Maylene and Wake?

Day 37

After some dedicated training, my Staravia evolved into a fierce Staraptor, ready to lead the charge. Feeling confident, I returned to Veilstone City to take on the Gym Leader, Maylene—a strong, no-nonsense fighter who greeted me with a swift, painful kick to the groin using her bare foot. That set the tone.

Prinplup opened the battle, using Peck on Meditite but couldn’t hold out for long. I switched to Staraptor, who finished it with a clean Aerial Ace. For Machoke, I sent out Bronzor, who tactically put it to sleep with Hypnosis and followed up with Confuse Ray. While Machoke stumbled in confusion, I took the opportunity to heal Staraptor, then used Bronzor’s Confusion to chip away until Machoke dropped. Staraptor returned to face Lucario, and though it was a close fight, several Aerial Aces secured the victory.

With my badge in hand, I headed back to Pastoria City to face Crasher Wake. Luxray immediately fried his Gyarados with Thunder Fang. Roselia came in next, laying down Toxic Spikes and draining Quagsire with Giga Drain. Wake’s Floatzel proved more durable, but Luxray wore it down with a mix of Thunder Fang and Spark, slowly finishing the fight.

Just after the match, an explosion rocked the area—the Great Marsh had been bombed by Team Galactic. I left the situation in Crasher Wake’s hands and began my journey to Celestic Town. The path took me through fog-covered mountains, where Shellos evolved into a strong and sturdy Gastrodon. Upon arriving in Celestic Town, I found the peaceful village under threat—a Team Galactic grunt was standing outside the ruins, preparing to destroy them.

>>57977685 (OP)
> it’s a team I am emotionally invested in and care about
Good