"Elder, why are you here?"
Aster—the woman who cared for the village's young Pokémon—blinked in surprise when Grandma Zinnia arrived; today was not one of the scheduled selection days.
"Aster, this is Gary, a traveling Trainer from outside," the elder said. "He will be escorting Zinnia on her journey, and I've promised him a Dragon-type Pokémon."
"I see."
Aster studied Gary for a moment.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Gary," he said politely.
"Since the elder has spoken, feel free to choose," Aster replied, lifting the latch on the heavy wooden trapdoor.
Gary and Zinnia stepped inside. Most of the nursery's residents were Trapinch, but only three were Bagon.
[Lv. 7 Bagon ♂ / Elite]
[Lv. 8 Bagon ♀ / Elite]
[Lv. 10 Bagon ♂ / Elite]
[Lv. 10 Trapinch ♂ / Champion]
Gary raised an eyebrow.
All three Bagon were "only" Elite-potential, yet one of the Trapinch was rated Champion-potential.
He reminded himself that in the wild, even finding a Gym-level Pokémon was rare; every Dragon here was already exceptional. Naturally, the villagers reserved their best for their own children.
Crouching, Gary addressed the trio. "Which of you would like to come with me?"
"Ba-gon!"
"Ba-gon!"
"Ba-gon!"
All three rushed forward, eager.
Zinnia laughed. "You three, think carefully. Once you leave with Gary, you won't be coming back. Chasing the sky is no small dream."
"Ba-gon!"
"Ba-gon!"
"Ba-gon!"
Their determination didn't waver. For Bagon reared in a lightless cavern, the chance to see the open sky meant everything.
Gary hesitated—choosing one would inevitably disappoint the other two. "Aster, were these three hatched together?"
"Yes. Clutch-mates."
"In that case, I'll take this one."
He pointed to the Level 10 male—the largest of the three.
"Ba-gon!"
The chosen Bagon bounced excitedly. Gary hadn't picked it for its level alone; a higher level showed diligence and a stronger desire to grow—ideal traits for a partner.
The two unchosen Bagon immediately began to wail.
"There, there," Aster soothed, hugging them. "You'll find Trainers when the next village children come of age."
Gary felt a pang of guilt but pressed on. "Bagon, let's work hard together. I'll help you evolve into Salamence so you can finally fly."
"Ba-gon!"
Bagon tapped the Poké Ball's button with a tiny claw and vanished in a flash of red light. The ball trembled once, twice—click.
Gary checked his Pokédex:
Pokémon: Bagon
Type: Dragon
Level: 10
Potential: Elite
Ability: Rock Head (no recoil from moves that normally cause it)
Moves: Leer, Ember
Friendship: 122 / 255
When Bagon evolved into Salamence, Rock Head would turn into Intimidate—a top-tier ability in theory, though less dramatic in practice. Gary made a mental note to use an Ability Enhancement Stone after evolution.
This trip to Meteor Falls had paid off handsomely: a Hoenn pseudo-legendary and Latios's Mega Stone—more than worth the effort.
After spending the night in Meteor Village, Gary and Zinnia set out at dawn. Several villagers escorted them to the cave mouth before turning back. Though the Draconid people had lived underground for a millennium, many had once journeyed outward; even Valerie of Kalos's Laverre Gym—and possibly even Cynthia herself—were said to share their blood.
Outside, Zinnia's eyes sparkled. "So, where to first?"
"Rustboro City," Gary replied. "We need supplies—otherwise we'll have nothing to eat on the road."
"Food is everywhere in nature," Zinnia said, puzzled. For someone raised in Meteor Village, foraging was second nature.
"You're not wrong," Gary laughed, "but I'm not as good at living off the land as you are. I'll feel better with a full backpack."