Chapter 6:A Name Worthy of Loyalty

The deeper Holly ventured into the forest, the more alive she felt. Here, away from the well-traveled roads and safe routes of Kanto, the world was raw—wild and untamed. The canopy above stretched endlessly, filtering the sunlight into soft golden rays that danced across the moss-covered ground. The scent of damp earth and blooming foliage filled the air, mingling with the distant chirps and rustling of unseen Pokémon.

She hadn't picked this route because it was safe. No, she had chosen it because it was beautiful.

Her camera clicked relentlessly, capturing the shifting colors of the forest, the way the leaves shimmered with raindrops, the way light filtered through the branches at just the right angle. Every shot was a piece of the world, frozen in time.

It wasn't until late afternoon that she finally found the perfect place to set up camp—a small clearing nestled between towering trees, with a shallow creek running nearby. It was secluded enough for comfort but open enough for training.

Growlithe padded beside her, his ears perking at every sound. He was always alert, always ready.

"You like it here, buddy?" Holly asked, dropping her bag near the base of a large tree.

Growlithe barked happily, circling the area before bounding back to her side. His tail wagged furiously, his amber eyes full of excitement.

A warmth settled in her chest as she knelt beside him, running a hand through his thick fur. "We'll stay here for a while. Train, explore… maybe even find some new Pokémon to photograph."

The little fire-type barked again, but there was something else in his eyes—something fierce, unwavering.

He wanted to grow stronger.

Holly had noticed it before, but here, alone in the quiet of the forest, it felt even more profound. He wanted to be more than just her partner—he wanted to protect her, to ensure she was safe no matter where their journey took them.

The realization made her throat tighten. The sheer love and devotion in his gaze was overwhelming.

"You're amazing, you know that?" she murmured, rubbing behind his ear.

Growlithe leaned into her touch, eyes closing for a brief moment before reopening, full of determination.

Holly exhaled softly. "You need a name."

Growlithe tilted his head.

"A strong one. Something that suits you."

She ran through possibilities in her mind. Something powerful, something meaningful.

"Kiba?" she mused aloud. No… it didn't quite feel right.

Growlithe watched her patiently, waiting.

Then it came to her.

"Sakumo."

A name filled with history. A name tied to a warrior who had left too soon.

A second chance.

Growlithe—Sakumo—barked in excitement, as if he understood.

Holly smiled, her heart swelling. "Sakumo it is."

He tackled her playfully, licking her cheek before pulling back with a proud stance. She laughed, hugging him tightly.

This was right.

This was their journey.

And they were just getting started.