In the early morning, John rode on Tyrantrum's back, racing wildly across the open pasture. His usual morning surf training had been replaced with riding drills, an essential part of his regimen. Every morning, he would take Tyrantrum on a long sprint across the endless prairie before heading back home. It was both a workout and a means to strengthen his bond with his Pokemon. After all, if he wanted his team to reach their full combat potential, especially those capable of Mega Evolution, this kind of exercise was a necessity.
Tyrantrum thundered across the steppes, a force of nature in motion. At first, a pack of Growlithe tried to keep up, but within two minutes, they were little more than specks in the distance, hopelessly left behind. Above them, a crimson Gyarados soared through the sky, surveying the land below like a self-proclaimed ruler of storms. If John hadn't restricted it from using its Rainstorm Scarf's power, the ranch would probably experience daily downpours.
Their route led them to the heart of the ranch, where the "Gem Spring" shimmered like a sapphire embedded in the landscape. John had first seen it from the air, and the sight never lost its beauty. Floating on the spring's surface was Greninja, resting peacefully, eyes closed as it attuned itself to the waveguides around it, enjoying the tranquility of the moment.
"Greninja, time to go." John pulled out a Pokeball and recalled his partner.
The Gem Spring had once been teeming with Water-type Pokemon, but after the ranch's previous owner, Master Frank, moved away, he took all his bred Water-types with him. Now, only Magikarp and Poliwag remained. John had plans to reintroduce a proper Water-type ecosystem, bringing in select species like Feebas and a new starter trio.
Water-types were indispensable, outside of powerful exceptions like Gyarados and Milotic, most weren't worth serious training. But he'd make sure the ones he raised here were the best of the best.
With Greninja back in its Pokeball, John turned for home. Most of his Pokemon roamed freely near the house, except Greninja, who always traveled to Gem Spring for its morning meditation. John considered building an artificial lake closer to home so his partner wouldn't have to go so far.
On the way back, a flickering glow caught his eye. A cluster of orange-red flames, surrounded by a faint golden hue, moved in the distance. The Growlithe pack, now without Tyrantrum and John as their chase targets, had turned their attention to a new leader, Shiny Growlithe. The radiant pup had taken command, leading the charge across the plains with the rest following in tow.
This was a good thing. Running was instinctual for Growlithe, and proper exercise would help them grow stronger. John was even considering bringing in some Ponyta from the game to add variety to their workouts.
The moment the pack spotted John and Tyrantrum approaching, they switched targets, stampeding toward them once more. A fresh wave of flames streaked across the green grassland as the Growlithe charged.
When John finally reached the house and dismounted Tyrantrum, the pack slowed their pursuit and instead dogpiled him in excitement.
Gardevoir, ever the vigilant caretaker, passed by and swiftly lifted them off with psychic energy, gently returning each Growlithe to the ground. All except Shiny Growlithe, whom John held onto.
"What have you been eating lately?" John adjusted his grip, realizing just how much weight the little pup had gained. "You've grown fast. Feels like you've doubled in size since I first got you."
Shiny Growlithe barked happily before lunging forward to lick his face, its tongue radiating a mild, numbing heat.
John shuddered. "Ugh, have you been taking lessons from Haunter?" The sensation was eerily similar, though Haunter's licks left an eerie chill, whereas this one had a fiery tingle.
Just then, Haunter drifted by, holding an ice cream cone. Hearing its name, it tilted its head, looking confused. "Haunter? (What'd I do?)"
"Never mind. Back in your Pokeball. We have a flight to catch at noon." John recalled Haunter before it could protest.
As the ball snapped shut, Haunter's ice cream fell midair, only for a passing Haxorus to snatch it up with one swift bite.
John sighed. "Why does a pure Dragon-type like Haxorus even like ice cream? It's either scared of the heat or just loves the cold... Either way, the fridge keeps getting raided between Haunter, Haxorus, and Wobbuffet."
Without hesitation, he recalled Haxorus and then turned his attention to Aerodactyl, who was perched motionlessly above the door, pretending to be a gargoyle.
"You too." He recalled the fossil Pokemon before shaking his head. "At this point, I feel like I need to build a castle just to justify your whole aesthetic."
It was an interesting thought, building a grand estate, something like Damian's Villa. But that level of luxury wasn't cheap. Estimates suggested that a fully equipped villa of that scale would cost at least ten billion. Even with his current savings, around four hundred million, he was still far from affording such an extravagance.
For now, he was focused on acquiring the neighboring ranch, located at the Si Silverpeak Ranch. His friend, Azure, was handling the paperwork, and the deal would be finalized soon. The villa would have to wait.
"Call everyone back," John instructed Gardevoir before reaching into his pocket. He pulled out the Bone Club that Shiny Growlithe had brought with him and tossed it into the distance.
The pack of Growlithe immediately bolted after it, eager for another chase.
Shiny Growlithe squirmed in John's arms, wanting to join in. But as it leaped, John swiftly recalled it midair with a flaming-patterned Pokeball. "Not this time. You're coming home with me."
With a satisfied nod, he pocketed the ball. Nearby, Gardevoir's eyes glowed as it telepathically summoned all of John's main Pokemon back.
By the time they had all returned to their Pokeballs, it was already lunchtime. After quickly feeding his Pokemon, the car arrived to take him into the city.
"Take care of the Growlithe while I'm gone," he told Emerald before stepping into the car. "Make sure they get regular exercise and their Pokeblocks. In two days, another 900 Growlithe will be arriving, be ready for them."
With that, the car pulled away, heading toward Aethermere City.