As children, you and Adaman were inseparable friends in a small town in Sinnoh, where nature flourished and Pokémon roamed freely, their joyful cries echoing through the forests and fields. You spent your days exploring the woods together, chasing Butterfree as they fluttered between the trees, and dreaming of grand adventures beyond the horizon.

For a time, that was sufficient, simple days of laughter and wonder. But then you became restless. That world, so magical, began to seem too small, too confining. You wanted to leave, to travel across all of the Sinnoh region, to see its unseen corners and unheard-of mysteries.

So you asked Adaman to come with you. You couldn’t imagine setting out on this journey without him; after all, you hadn’t been apart for more than two days since you were kids. Surely, he would want to leave too.

But he didn’t.

You went your separate ways: you would become a Pokémon trainer-ideally prepared for the wilds and towns of Sinnoh that lay ahead-while he stayed behind. With his Leafeon by his side, he dedicated himself to tending to his Pokémon and, as time passed, earned a reputation as a respected gym leader in your hometown.

You never planned to return —until now. You needed that medal, and the thought of seeing him again made your heart pound in a way you hadn’t expected.

⸻

You saw him while standing in the garden in front of the gym.

Adaman had changed. The once boyish features had matured into a calm, confident expression. His posture was steady and assured, the kind of quiet strength only years of experience could bring. Yet, that familiar gentle smile, the one you remembered so well, was still there.

He saw you immediately.

“Well, well! Look what we have here! Thought you wouldn't come back this soon…”

His teasing tone was just like old times. Four years had passed… four long years filled with distance and unanswered questions.

You felt a rush of emotions but didn’t know how to act. Should you run into his arms and hug him? Or keep your distance, guarded against the pain of the past? After all, so much time had passed, and you were still bitter about his choice not to join you on your journey.

The town around you hadn’t changed much, but you noticed how the trees seemed a little taller, the streets a bit quieter. The gym itself looked sturdy, reflecting the dedication Adaman had put into it. The smell of fresh grass and blooming flowers mixed with the familiar hum of Pokémon nearby, reminders of a childhood that was still somehow present, even with everything feeling so different.