Halfway through processing registrations, a familiar yet unfamiliar name appeared.
"Pelican Town… Where's this?" The official frowned, staring at Trainer Abigail and the town listed below. He fell into brief thought.
After racking his brain, he vaguely recalled this place.
If it wasn't famous for tourism or rare Pokémon, then perhaps a Champion had hailed from there—explaining why the name stuck in his memory.
He looked up at the wall displaying past Champions—and there it was:
Gabriel – Pelican Town.
"No way…" he muttered, then checked the Pokémon registration details below.
"A twenty-year-old rookie Trainer, Abigail… with a Level 26 Gengar as her starter?!" His eyes widened. He kept reading: "Needs Pokédex… Badge Case…"
As he ticked off supplies to send, he straightened unconsciously, recalling that terrifyingly powerful man.
---
Meanwhile, back in Pelican Town…
After completing her registration, Joy smiled at Abigail. "You'll love Kalos! If you collect all Gym Badges and enter the League, I'll cheer for you on TV!"
She handed over battle guides. "Here's some info on Pokémon battles. The rest—you'll discover on your adventure. Good luck!"
"Thanks."
"You're welcome! Oh—the Pokédex should arrive in five days, along with your Badge Case. Remember to pick them up here."
Abigail nodded, heart pounding with excitement.
Eager for her journey, she followed Rattata to the Mines, beginning intense training with Gengar.
---
That evening…
Thanks to Gloom's backup, Abigail reached Mine Floor 70 with little effort.
Gengar's combat prowess meant she faced no real setbacks—only growing bolder. She'd have kept battling if Rattata hadn't tugged her toward dinner.
"Ratta!!!" Rattata yanked her shirt toward the elevator.
Abigail reluctantly left, clutching a Master Slingshot from a treasure chest.
On the Mine Cart, she finally noticed the late hour.
At the station, Caroline spotted her.
"Abigail! Where've you been?" Caroline rushed over, checking her condition.
"I—I'm working at the farm," Abigail admitted sheepishly.
"Working?!" Pierre emerged from behind Caroline, scowling. "Why?!"
"To earn money for Kalos," Ron answered, stepping between them. He signaled Rattata to take Geodude home.
Though rebellious, Abigail had never done anything this bold. Seeing Ron shield her, she exhaled in relief.
"Who gave you permission to go to Kalos?!" Pierre demanded.
"She did," Ron said firmly. "She's an adult. She has the right to choose her path—and she's willing to work for it."
In short: nothing but moral duty could bind her now.
"She deserves to live the life she wants," Ron added, "before she loses the desire to explore."
Caroline loosened her grip on Abigail's hand, emotions swirling.
She'd always seen Abigail as her dependent child—yet felt pride watching her step toward independence.
Pierre's gaze dropped to Abigail's hand.
Accepted by the mining crew, she'd received a Glow Ring—its soft light revealing scraped knuckles.
"You've decided?" Pierre said, voice tight. "I won't give you a single cent. And in Kalos, solo adventuring means cooking over campfires, eating alone in the wild."
"Of course!"
"But you can't even wash dishes!"
"I won't—not because I can't! I'll manage!" Abigail shot back.
Housework felt tied to "marriage," making her resent it.
Pierre snorted. "Fine. No more allowance." He stormed off.
Caroline gently touched Abigail's scrapes. "You dad worries, sweetheart. He fears you'll get hurt, starve, or be stranded with no one to help."
Abigail's defiance softened. She knew it was love—but it still felt like chains.
"I know… but I have to go," she choked out. "I can't stay here forever."
"Alright, dear," Caroline whispered, wiping dust from Abigail's hands. "Then start learning to cook with me. Not for anyone else—just so you don't starve out there."
Abigail nodded.
Caroline hugged her, stroking her hair. After a long moment, she murmured—proud yet tearful—"My Abigail's all grown up."
She thanked Ron with a smile and led Abigail home.
In Abigail's room, Caroline knelt beside her, just as she had during childhood mishaps. From the first-aid kit, she dabbed alcohol on the cuts, blew gently, and applied a bandage.
"Thanks," Abigail whispered.
Caroline looked up and smiled.
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