The first step to getting better was to gain experience. The most basic task a trainer takes is one of competitive battles. So that's what Alexis did. She found someone to battle. Of course, she didn't care much for the person she faced. She didn't even commit their identity to memory. All she did was
challenge let them challenge her, and benevolently accept, despite being so out of their league.
The battle was simple enough, she tested out Puffpuff's newfound abilities by sending him out first. The strategy was simple, whittle down their Lillipup with Tail Whips, heal with Synthesis, then finish them off with tackle. Of course, with the Hoppip being so inexperienced in actually fighting, the round dragged on for much longer. Even though Puffpuff won the round, it was too exhausted, so Alexis switched him out with Gabby. It was a good thing as well, since the trainer's next pokemon was a Pidove. Alexis had to give them credit. They knew the basics of types and weaknesses. Too bad Gabby didn't share those weaknesses Hoppip had.
On the other hand, Alexis hadn't taken into account Gabby's playful personality. The tricky Eevee had too much fun messing around with the bird, and ended up getting tripped up and knocked down, losing her round. Yuki didn't even need Alexis to tell her to go in. She simply walked forward to the battle while her trainer returned Gabby to her pokeball. The next two rounds were...Well, Snorunt was disinterested for the most part. Mainly because she held the advantage. Pidove was easily taken down since being weakened from its fight with Gabby, while the Bulbasaur that came up next couldn't handle the cold. Of course, it helped that the Snorunt was the strongest in the group.
With that
surprisingly difficult easy victory in hand, Alexis continued on her way. Of course, she didn't know where to go from there, but she couldn't ruin her confident exit by coming back and asking if there was any place of interest nearby.