Pokemon: Rising From The Dark Chapter 103: Encounter on the train

"Thirty-one years... Forget about awakening; it's like giving hope and then dashing it with a bucket of cold water." Aoki couldn't help but rant inwardly.

"It seems that if I want to improve my psychic powers, relying solely on the cultivation thods in this book won't cut it. I'll still need so external help. I hope the system can find sothing useful in the database."

The afternoon passed uneventfully as the Pokémon trained. They hadn't had any proper battles since leaving Trial Island, so the energetic bunch channeled their excess vigor into training.

This was likely Aoki's last day in Saffron City. Tomorrow, he would be heading to Goldenrod City in the Johto region.

After an early dinner, Aoki gave his Pokémon a full-body massage. Gastly could only look on enviously while Murkrow and the others enjoyed the relief that Aoki's skilled hands provided for their tense muscles after a long day.

Watching his Pokémon fall into a comfortable sleep, Aoki bade Gastly goodnight before drifting off himself.

For Gastly, the night was when he was most active. During the day, he could rest concealed within Aoki's shadow, so he always took on the role of the stalwart sentry.

Even though the Pokémon Center was extrely safe, the habitually nocturnal Gastly continued his vigilant watch.

...

The next morning, after a quick breakfast, Aoki and his Pokémon made their way to the central station in Saffron City. There, they would take the most convenient mode of transportation between the Kanto and Johto regions—the maglev train.

Using his League ID card, Aoki spent a substantial 5,000 Pokecoins on a premium ticket for the maglev train. The carriage was divided into several small rooms, each accommodating only two passengers and boasting extrely comfortable seats.

Now that he had money, Aoki didn't mind splurging a little to make his life more comfortable. This way, Slowpoke and Miltank didn't have to remain cooped up in their Poké Balls, although Murkrow had no choice but to endure the confinent for now.

Aoki was traveling under his League identity, and to avoid future complications with his revealed identity, Murkrow would have to endure this temporary inconvenience.

Just as Aoki sat down and released Slowpoke and Miltank from their Poké Balls to relax, the train's broadcast announced its imminent departure.

"Isn't the other passenger for this room coming?" Aoki wondered aloud, startled by the announcent.

"Screeeech! Thud!" As Aoki was lost in thought, the sliding door to the room was flung open forcefully, colliding with the wall and creating a loud noise.

A head poked in, pink hair tied in twin tails, assessing the situation within before entering fully. "Sorry, I almost missed the train, so I'm a bit flustered. Apologies."

The speaker was a girl of about fifteen or sixteen, around Aoki's height. Her pink twin tails bobbed with her movents, and she wore a white short-sleeved shirt and blue denim shorts, exuding youthful vigor.

Aoki acknowledged her apology with a thoughtful nod, indicating it was no problem.

Slowpoke and Miltank, who had been resting on the floor, saw that the newcor posed no threat and prepared to resu their nap.

This maglev train would take them directly from Saffron City in the Kanto region, through Mt. Silver, to Goldenrod City in the Johto region. Although the train was fast, the journey was still long, with an estimated travel ti of five hours.

The girl who had just sat down didn't even get the chance to warm her seat before her eyes lit up at the sight of Aoki's two pink Pokémon. She sprang up from her seat and scampered over to Slowpoke's side, then made her way to Miltank.

Aoki frowned unconsciously at the girl's behavior, as it was extrely impolite to observe another Trainer's Pokémon without permission. Although he sensed no ill intent from her, he still felt a bit uncomfortable.

It wasn't until a few minutes of careful observation that the girl realized her mistake and how impolite she had been.

"Ah! Oh, sorry! I didn't an anything by it; I just..." She stumbled over her words, not knowing how to explain herself.

Then, as if she suddenly rembered sothing, she clenched her right fist and struck it against her left palm. She plucked a Poké Ball from her waist and, with a press of a button, enlarged it from its miniature size.

Slowpoke, who had been lying on the floor, sensed the girl's actions and imdiately opened his eyes, his body tensing up in an attack-ready stance.

Aoki reached out and patted Slowpoke's head, signaling for him to relax. He had a vague recollection of who the girl before him was.

"Co on out, Miltank!" the pink-haired girl said, completely oblivious to Aoki and Slowpoke's exchange. She tossed the Poké Ball, and in a flash of red light, a robust Miltank appeared in the room.

"Miltank?" Aoki's Miltank imdiately noticed the other Miltank and stared at it wide-eyed.

It had been ages since it had last seen one of its kind. And now, on the very next day after joining Aoki's team, it was encountering another of its species.

"Hehe, I'm also a Miltank Trainer, so I couldn't help but get excited seeing these adorable pink Pokémon. I hope you don't mind." The girl with pink hair scratched her head sheepishly and proudly patted her Miltank's head as she spoke.

"Miltank!" The girl's Miltank also noticed Aoki's Miltank and let out a greeting call.

Pokémon Data:

Na: Miltank (Dark Green)

Gender: Female

Level: 23

Type: Normal

Ability: Thick Fat

Held Item: None

Egg Moves: Endure, Seismic Toss

Basic Moves: Tackle, Growl, Defense Curl, Stomp, Milk Drink, Endure, Rollout

Learnt Moves: Heal Bell, Block, Fire Punch, Ice Punch, Thunder Punch

TM Moves: Dynamic Punch, Water Pulse, Safeguard, Sleep Talk, Rest

Glancing at the system's scan results, Aoki's eyes twitched. The children of the wealthy certainly lived comfortable lives. Just looking at the Elental Punch trio among its taught moves made him envious.

This Miltank boasted excellent potential and skills. Even if Slowpoke or Murkrow were to battle it alone, victory wasn't guaranteed.

Moreover, this Miltank's physique and muscular build were evidently more robust and well-developed than Aoki's. One glance revealed it to be a Pokémon that had undergone diligent training, not so pampered pet of a spoiled rich kid.