Lin Mo had long since been parched by the blazing sun, so he readily agreed and followed Xiaoxue toward the house.
Along the way, Xiaoxue chattered nonstop about her family:
"Our family grows lots of different Berries here! They can all grow in hot climates, like Oran Berries, Pecha Berries...
"My dad is in charge of watering them, my mom takes care of the Berries, and Grandma is the most amazing! She knows so many ways to use Berries!"
At this point, Xiaoxue suddenly slowed down. Her little hand clutched the hem of her clothes, and her eyes shone with longing.
"My brother went traveling to challenge Gyms too. He's already beaten five Gym Leaders and will soon be able to compete in the Hoenn Pokémon League Tournament.
"I want to be like him and take Marill to challenge Gyms, but Grandma says I'm still too young..."
Xiaoxue kicked a small stone at her feet, her tone carrying a hint of grievance but also stubborn determination.
"Grandma said I have to catch a Numel first. She said Numel is Fire and Ground type, so it's best for dealing with the Electric-type Pokémon at Mauville City Gym. Then it can help me defeat Gym Leader Wattson.
"But I think Marill is really strong too. It's already learned Bubble Beam..."
As they spoke, the two had reached the center of the house.
The courtyard was more spacious than Lin Mo had imagined. The ground was paved with smooth bluestone slabs, while standard battle-field lines had been drawn in white stone powder across the center. It was clearly prepared specifically for Pokémon battles.
An elderly woman with graying hair but a sharp, spirited bearing sat beneath the eaves in a bamboo chair, fanning herself against the heat. Her eyes lit up when she