Everyday Life in Petalburg Woods

After Gary obtained the Balance Badge from Petalburg Gym, Rosa wasted no time in challenging Petalburg Gym's Trainer, Norman.

After a fierce battle, Rosa's three Pokémon defeated Norman's three Pokémon, winning the Gym Challenge outright and earning her the Balance Badge, just like Gary.

After obtaining the Balance Badge, Gary and Rosa stayed in Petalburg City for just one day before continuing their journey toward the next city, Rustboro City.

"So this is Petalburg Woods? It really is huge!"

After leaving Petalburg City, Gary and Rosa continued their journey with Rustboro City as their main destination.

Petalburg Woods, located between Petalburg City and Rustboro City, was also an indispensable stop on their journey.

After walking all morning, Rosa looked at the endless forest stretching along both sides of the road and could not help but sigh.

"Although Petalburg Woods isn't as large as Viridian Forest in our Kanto Region, it's still quite vast. Rosa, you should be prepared to spend several days here!"

Hearing Rosa's remark, Gary smiled and explained from beside her.

"Got it! I'll definitely conquer Petalburg Woods!" With that, Rosa raised both hands high and loudly declared her oath toward the path ahead.

Seeing Rosa so full of energy, Gary was infected by her enthusiasm. He stepped up beside her and shouted just as loudly, "I'll make sure the logistical support is ready so Rosa can conquer Petalburg Woods without a hitch!"

"Thank you, Gary."

Upon hearing Gary's words, Rosa's pretty face broke into a smile. As she thanked him, she gently leaned against his chest.

"Is a verbal thank-you all I get?" Gary asked teasingly as he looked at Rosa.

Under Gary's teasing gaze, Rosa finally overcame her shyness and quickly kissed his handsome cheek.

"That's more like it." Feeling the lingering warmth on his cheek, Gary immediately revealed a satisfied smile.

"Gary, you're awful." Having been teased and taken advantage of by Gary, Rosa pouted coquettishly at him.

"Bad boys get the girls." Gary wrapped an arm around Rosa's slender waist, kissed her cheek, and grinned wickedly.

Ever since the couple's ice cream incident in Petalburg City, Gary and Rosa had officially become a couple.

From meeting at Professor Birch's laboratory to falling in love in Petalburg City, only a few days had passed. Their relationship had developed remarkably quickly.

As for why it had progressed so fast, it was probably because of Gary's handsome face, enough to rival that of countless dear readers.??·??·??*?? ??

After being intimate with Rosa for a while, Gary looked at the blazing sun overhead and realized it was already noon. He then said to Rosa in his arms, "It's noon already—eleven o'clock—so let's prepare lunch first."

"Okay." Rosa stepped out of Gary's embrace and said, "I'll help too."

"Let's walk a little farther and find somewhere near a stream first," Gary said to Rosa.

"Sure."

After Rosa agreed, Gary and Rosa walked farther ahead and found a stream.

The stream wound through the forest like a blue ribbon, its water so clear that one could see straight to the bottom. It was clearly a suitable place to cook.

"Let's set up and cook here."

Seeing that the spot was well suited for cooking, Gary made the suggestion to Rosa.

"Okay."

After finding the stream, Gary and Rosa stopped there, put down their backpacks, and prepared to make a fire and cook.

"Come on out, everyone!" After setting down their luggage, Gary released his Pokémon.

The moment Gary's Pokémon came out, they immediately gathered around him, wanting to see what he wanted them to do.

"Elekid and Larvitar, you need to practice your move proficiency. As for you, Blastoise, continue training the way you usually do."

Surrounded by his Pokémon, Gary thought for a moment before assigning each of them a task.

Upon hearing this, the Pokémon headed to a nearby clearing and began their respective training.

"I'll do the same."

After seeing Gary's arrangements, Rosa also released her Pokémon and had them train alongside Gary's Pokémon.

Once he had arranged the Pokémon's training, Gary began preparing his own lunch and the Pokémon's food beside the stream.

"I'll help too!"

Seeing Gary get busy, Rosa volunteered herself and went over to lend him a hand.

Gary smiled slightly at the sight, then began making lunch together with Rosa.

And so, Gary and Rosa busied themselves beside the stream. From a distance, they looked like a perfect couple, supporting one another.

After nearly an hour of work, both Gary and Rosa's lunch and all the different kinds of Pokémon food were ready.

"All right, it's time to eat!"

After finishing lunch, Gary raised his voice and called out to the Pokémon training not far away.

Upon hearing Gary's voice, both his Pokémon and Rosa's stopped training and ran over to Gary and Rosa one after another.

"Your food is over there."

After Gary pointed at the Pokémon food, the Pokémon each found their own portions and began digging in.

Seeing this, Gary and Rosa exchanged a smile.

"Let's eat too."

With that, Rosa and Gary sat down on the picnic mat and enjoyed their lunch.

Originally, Trainers and Pokémon eating together was such a harmonious scene, but accidents sometimes arrived without warning.

Sure enough, shortly after Gary and the others had eaten for a little while, a black shadow suddenly flashed past them.

Immediately afterward, Gary's Larvitar let out a sorrowful and furious roar.

"What's wrong with Larvitar?"

Hearing this, the curious Gary and Rosa immediately put down their lunches and looked toward Larvitar.

There, in the food bowl before Larvitar, stood an additional dark-blue figure.

"That is?"