"We'll take you up on that offer," said Tierno. "However, first battles between a Pokémon and its Trainer are very important when it comes to their relationship. Winning or losing doesn't matter."

"It's all about a Pokémon and Trainer learning to trust one another," finished Rex. "Mom taught me that. She's originally from the Hoenn region, so she did her first Journey there." He flipped open his cell and showed them a picture.

The girl in the picture had Rex's basic features, but not his black hair; rather it was strawberry blond. She smiled, flashing a victory V. Jumping up into the picture was an off-colored Poochyena. "Grandpa took this the first day she went out on her Journey." He switched to another picture-- his mother, present day. She was beautiful, and though her face and hair had changed, her eyes and smile were still the same.

"I took that picture last week," he continued. "There's Bisca." By now she was a fully evolved Mightyena. "I'm gonna miss them, but I'm so excited!" He turned a bit red, putting his phone away. "Sorry."