I'm honestly completely wasted right now—I've been drinking since morning, and my girlfriend is currently baking an apple pie. If anything in this chapter seems off, just let me know and I'll fix it!
***
Route 2, stretching beyond the Viridian Forest, was just as peaceful as the section preceding it. The path was relatively well-maintained, brighter, and carried a greater sense of security. I didn't hesitate to break into a light jog every now and then; Haunter had no trouble keeping up, but Houndour was still malnourished, so we alternated between running and walking. It wasn't that he lacked the will, but he simply needed to put on weight, and sustained cardio in his current condition wasn't the best choice.
Around noon, we stopped for a break. I contemplated the best way to integrate Houndour into the team and strengthen his bond with Haunter. The answer was simple: food. I didn't want to waste time hunting myself, so I turned to Haunter again.
"Haunter, could you bring back something small? A Caterpie, a Pidgey, or even a Starly."
"Haunter!" he chirped with a determined nod, vanishing into the forest instantly while I scratched Houndour under his chin. The dark canine basked in the affection, but the moment he heard me pulling out a piece of roasted Pidgey, his eyes went wide with a starved, desperate look. I ignored him, casually scratching him with my left hand while I ate contentedly with my right.
I didn't have time to prepare another meal over a fire, so Houndour would be getting fresh, raw meat. In the Pokémon world, there were three philosophies regarding diet: those who strictly used PokéMart feed, advocates of a purely natural diet, and those who combined both. Personally, I believed a natural diet supplemented with high-quality kibble and vitamins was the best way forward. Houndour was going to have a high-quality, complex diet.
It didn't take long for Haunter to return, carrying a Starly under the influence of Hypnosis. He laid it slowly before me. Houndour was already staring at it, salivating; I had no doubt the Rocket grunt had fed him in a similar fashion—likely leftovers from a Mightyena.
"Go ahead, Houndour. Lunch."
The moment the command left my lips, he lunged. He tore through the bird's throat instantly. There was the crunch of delicate bones; the Starly managed only a brief, wheezing gasp before Houndour began feeding hungrily. It wasn't long before the bird was mostly consumed. Houndour was visibly satiated, so I used a damp cloth to wipe the parts of his muzzle he couldn't reach with his tongue.
"Full? Ready to move?" I asked with a smile.
"Houndour! Hound!" he barked happily, wagging his tail. He looked so precious, yet he had just mercilessly devoured a Starly. That was nature for you.
"Then thank Haunter for bringing it to you."
"Houndour! Hound, Houndour!"
"Haunter!" my starter nodded with a wide, chilling grin, and we resumed our journey.
After a few hours of alternating between walking and running, the sides of the road began to feature farms enclosed by electric fencing, with the occasional guard visible in the distance. I knew I was close; farms were typically only found near cities. Houndour observed every animal he saw with intense curiosity, especially the Miltank and Tauros, over which he practically drooled. It was possible he was seeing them for the first time; the Rocket grunt likely hadn't let him out of his Poké Ball much. With a gaze full of predatory instinct, he looked as though he were imagining hunting a majestic Tauros within a pack.
"Houndour, let's go!" I had to call him back when he stopped, salivating, just inches from the wire mesh.
Before long, the farms gave way to small, hilly rock formations on the right side, marked by a large sign. As I approached, I read the bold lettering: Diglett's Cave.
I paused to consider whether to enter or continue to the city. I knew I was very close to Pewter City. Currently, I had a total of 4,226 dollars; if I caught a Diglett, I could make a decent profit. A few of them, and that Squirtle could be mine.
While a Diglett was weak as a combat Pokémon, its value didn't lie in battle, but in utility. They were popular companions and tireless workers on farms. They fed on soil, weren't aggressive, and with the right approach, were easily trained for labor. They could till a massive area in a single evening, significantly easing large-scale farming. Construction companies in the cities used them too—they were exceptionally safe and didn't compromise the structural integrity of surrounding buildings while working.
A wild Diglett could easily sell for 2,000 dollars, and a trained one for triple that. After a brief consideration, however, I dismissed the idea. Catching one was immensely difficult; they sensed the slightest vibrations in the ground and could vanish instantly. They were best caught using a Water-type Pokémon to flood their tunnels, forcing them to the surface.
I didn't have one, and that was exactly what I needed the money for, so I pressed on. Within an hour, I found myself on the outskirts of Pewter City. It was a rather majestic place, though compared to Viridian, it didn't feel luxurious or wealthy. Even from a distance as I approached, it was directly in my line of sight. While Viridian appeared suddenly before a traveler, Pewter was visible for kilometers.
The city was encircled by massive earth-and-stone walls, and from afar, it was clear that it leaned its entire weight against the foothills of Mt. Moon. I knew Pewter had roughly 120,000 residents and was historically a mining town, which was reflected in its sprawling layout. The most important landmarks were undoubtedly the Gym and the museum, but like any major city in Kanto, it offered plenty of shops, several Pokémon Centers, bars, and restaurants.
As I approached the gates, the noise pouring out of the city gradually intensified. The air grew thick with dust and the scent of worked stone and earth; the fragrance of the forest was officially gone.
Two guards awaited me at the entrance, while I could see others sitting in a booth nearby. One had a massive Graveler by his side, the other a Sandshrew. They weren't smiling. They appeared stern, almost militant, but in a city where attacks by wild mountain Pokémon were a daily occurrence, I wasn't surprised. Viridian felt much more peaceful by comparison.
"Identification," the guard barked, immediately holding out his hand.
I quickly handed him my ID card. I could have pulled out my Pokédex, but those were rare and expensive; I had no intention of inviting unnecessary questions or trouble if the guards held prejudices against someone who didn't look like a typical, prominent trainer.
"Purpose in the city?"
"Gym challenge, training," I answered curtly. It was a standard question, even if it must have been obvious why young trainers came here.
They quickly logged my details, and I was allowed to proceed. I had returned Houndour to his Poké Ball long ago; he looked too malnourished, and I didn't want anyone thinking it was my fault. Haunter remained hidden in my shadow.
According to the Pokédex map, the nearest Pokémon Center was located directly by the Gym, so I headed there immediately. I needed to have Houndour checked and discuss his condition with Nurse Joy. Besides, I finally needed to eat dinner; after the long day, I was truly starving.
***
"Hello, how can we help you?" Nurse Joy asked as soon as I entered. Only a few trainers sat in small groups with their Pokémon in the center. No one paid me any mind—at least at first glance.
"Hello. I rescued a malnourished and quite neglected Houndour in the forest," I began, handing her the Poké Ball. "I need a complete check-up and treatment. I also need some suggestions on how to get him back in shape; he needs more calories, some vitamins, or a special diet."
She quickly noted everything I said, took the Poké Ball, and scanned my ID.
"Not a problem, we'll do a full scan. We can also provide nutrients via IV," she paused for a moment and added, "I'll write down some recommendations for you as well."
"Thank you, that would be ideal. He should be obedient; he's not aggressive, though he was afraid of me at first," I warned her just in case, which she also noted.
"Can I help you with anything else? I assume you'll be needing a room."
"Yes, for a few days. I'm not sure how long I'll stay yet; I need to go to the Gym for the badge."
Nurse Joy gave an amused but encouraging smile and immediately handed me a room key. "We'll bring your Pokémon directly to your room once the check-up is complete. It's quiet this time of evening, so expect him back tonight."
"Thank you very much," I replied with a smile and headed toward the room. A shower would really hit the spot, followed immediately by a dinner.
***
I tossed my gear into a corner of the room and locked myself in the bathroom. I decided I wouldn't come out for at least half an hour. I needed to wash away all the filth from the forest. At times, it felt like my hands were still stained with blood, but it was just a flash of memory of what I had lived through.
My first serious journey, and I had already encountered the cruel side of a trainer's life. I expected it to be hard and demanding, but I certainly didn't anticipate witnessing a swarm war, Ariados hunting grounds with corpses in cocoons, and I definitely didn't expect to find a dead trainer and subsequently kill his murderer—a member of Team Rocket. It had at least one benefit, though: Houndour joined the team, and I liked him. Mostly, I was comforted by his warmth when he huddled against my side in the woods.
I scrubbed my entire body with universal bio-shampoo. When I ran my hand over my forearm, I felt the scars from the Ekans bite. That attack now felt as if it had happened in another life—so long ago and so trivial compared to the dangers of the Viridian Forest. The hot water thoroughly warmed my muscles; thick steam filled the bathroom, and the mirror was completely fogged over. I rested and thought for a while longer, but eventually, it was my growling stomach that drove me out of the bathroom.
***
Dry and dressed in clean clothes, I headed to the dining hall. I enjoyed the peace and the fact that I finally couldn't hear the buzzing of forest insects. A pleasant, sterile lemon scent wafted through the corridors, which changed into an enticing blend of aromas upon entering the dining area.
The room was nearly empty but incredibly fragrant. I quickly claimed a corner spot and went straight for the food. I was craving Miltank cheese with Tauros ham, a buttery spread, and a hearty loaf of bread. To that, I added some Oddish leaves and Bulba stalks to ensure I didn't lack greens, and returned to my table.
I wasn't in the mood to scout the other trainers. With my head down, I ate slowly while Haunter stood guard, hidden in my shadow. I had time to think. I finally needed to call Lindsay and Professor Oak. I also had to go sell the Scyther at the P.E.X. and visit the Gym to register for a battle. We'd see when my turn came up.
It was common knowledge that if you wanted to face the Gym Leader himself, you first had to defeat a random trainer who served as a filter so the Leader didn't waste his time. Based on the number of badges you had already earned, the auric level of the Pokémon facing you was determined. Even the Leader himself didn't use his main team for every battle—that only happened at the highest level of eight or more badges. The Leaders were, after all, the most powerful trainers in the entire region with decades of experience; it was practically impossible for a beginner after a year of training to defeat, for example, Brock's Aerodactyl. Since the cities were overcrowded, city protectors not only patrolled the roads and mountains but also assisted at the Gym.
They helped with feeding, hunting, catching, and training, but they also served as a filter for trainers. If you were incompetent, you wouldn't reach the Leader at all. The first badge was, of course, the easiest; they pitted weak Pokémon against challengers, which was why I was certain my Haunter, with his massive auric advantage, would sweep the entire Gym without the slightest problem.
It also worked in my favor that Haunter was a special attacker. Rock Pokémon were exceptionally resistant to physical strikes, but against special attacks that disrupted auric energy directly from within? I held a massive advantage.
Finally full, I headed back to my room; it was time to call Lindsay. I could have called her anytime, even from the forest, as my Pokédex could handle it easily, but I wasn't quite used to it. I have to admit, I missed her a little, but I needed to get used to the solitude and the company of my Pokémon.
I lay on the bed and dialed their landline. It rang three times before Lindsay's mother answered.
"Hello?"
"Hello, is Lindsay home?" I asked. I only heard her muffled shout to her daughter that I was calling. It wasn't long before Lindsay's voice came through the receiver.
"Hi, Patrik! You finally reached out, I was starting to get worried. Where are you now?"
"I arrived in Pewter City about two hours ago."
"How was the trip? Did you catch any new Pokémon?"
"Well... it was quite an adventure. And yes, I have a new Scyther and a Houndour. The Scyther tried to kill me, so I'm selling that one, but the Houndour is a sweetheart."
She paused for a moment to process the information, but immediately followed up: "Where on earth did you get a Scyther and a Houndour? Scyther shouldn't even be in the starting areas. Rangers regularly relocate predators like that to more dangerous territories."
"Well, the rangers tried, but a whole swarm of Scyther somehow managed to evade them. I finally managed to catch the last one of them; they were just fighting some Beedrill. And I found the Houndour starved, alone, without a pack... someone probably abandoned him."
I certainly had no intention of admitting to a murder. She was already drawing breath for another question, so I quickly cut her off.
"And how about you? How's school?"
"About the same as usual. Pretty boring, I'm grinding through laws, but we're starting to have mock legal battles, which I actually enjoy. It's just those final essays that are incredibly annoying again."
We talked for a while longer about trivialities in Pallet Town, the weather, and her plans for the coming days. Then, with a promise of another call in a week, I said goodbye and decided to call Professor Oak.
The Pokédex rang only once, and the Professor picked up immediately. His smiling face appeared on the display.
"Hi, Patrik! I see you're in Pewter City. How was the trip? Did you catch any Pokémon?" he asked right away.
"Quite an adventure. Of course I did, two, in fact," I replied with a smile.
"You didn't scan them?" he asked thoughtfully, then added curiously: "What species are they?"
"Scyther and Houndour. If I had scanned them, would you have received the information immediately?" I inquired.
"Yes, I'd get a notification instantly. I assume you caught them in the Viridian Forest, right?"
"Yes, exactly."
"How is the Scyther behaving? If you defeated him in battle, he shouldn't have a problem with training. And that Houndour... was he from a pack?"
"Well, I saved the Scyther from a swarm of Beedrill. His own swarm was defeated in a territorial war. And the Houndour was alone in the forest."
I saw the Professor frown as the smile vanished from his face.
"Sell that Scyther immediately or trade it for the same species at the P.E.X.; he'll never be loyal to you. But a Houndour... alone in the Viridian Forest?" He shook his head in disapproval. "My boy, I wasn't born yesterday."
It was clear he didn't buy it. He gave me a stern look with a raised eyebrow, and I finally decided to admit at least part of the truth.
"I ran into a Rocket. He had just murdered a trainer, and I accidentally got too close. He had a Mightyena; I had to attack. I got the Houndour from him—he was being abused," I paused. I didn't want to admit I had killed the man.
Oak nodded slowly, processing the information, and after a moment asked: "Do you need any help with this, or are you safe?"
I gave a grateful smile: "No, everything is fine. His Pokémon didn't exactly love him, so I'm completely safe."
What followed was a relatively relaxed conversation, and the tension gradually left me. Before long, we said our goodbyes. As soon as I put the Pokédex away, there was a knock at the door.
I nodded to Haunter, who opened it without hesitation. A Chansey stood behind the door with a Poké Ball and a medical record in her hands.
"Chansey!" she greeted me cheerfully.
I stood up immediately, took the Poké Ball from her, and signed for the delivery. She then handed me a paper with the examination results and, with a short cry, headed back to work.
I quickly scanned the medical report for Houndour.
Patient: Houndour (M)
Status: Stabilized, moderate malnutrition. Iron and calcium deficiency. Energy and hydration supplemented via IV.
Recommendations: Increased caloric intake, combined diet, provide surplus until weight stabilizes. Iron and calcium supplementation for at least one month. Internal flame within normal range.
Other technical information followed that didn't mean much to me. The main point was that I had to feed him properly and buy Iron and Calcium supplements. Those were quite expensive, though. I hoped the sale of the Scyther would cover it.
Exhausted as I was, I decided to quickly run over to the Gym and register for a match. I wanted to get it over with so I'd know exactly when I could continue my journey. Even though I was in no rush and needed rest, keeping my schedule organized was essential.
***
I stepped out of the Pokémon Center into the cool night, and it wasn't long before I stood before the majestic Pewter Gym, which loomed on an artificially elevated site. I climbed the staircase lined with statues of Rock Pokémon like Rhydon, Golem, and Onix. The steps were lit, and I knew the Gym operated even at this hour.
It served as a crisis center from which all important orders were issued. Although the stadium wasn't a barracks, everything was organized here, as the de facto ruler of the city was Brock himself.
As soon as I stood before the doors, they slid open automatically. I didn't wait and walked inside. The interior was furnished in a sparse, pragmatic style. Right at the entrance was a reception desk, which I approached. Two men sat behind the desk, bored and playing cards. One of them, with a cigarette in his mouth, looked at me as I drew near.
"Wait a second, kid," he commanded, continuing to focus on the game.
It didn't take long. His playmate watched with a curse as his cigar-chomping companion snatched up the pile of Poké-dollars lying between them with a winning grin.
With a wide smile, the winner turned to me and immediately asked: "Registration? Battle with Brock?"
I simply nodded.
"ID, number of badges?"
I handed him my card and answered directly: "Zero badges. First time."
"Ah, a rookie. I'll take care of you then," he remarked, beginning to enter me into the system. "To qualify for a battle with Brock, you have to beat one of us. Don't worry, we'll pick a Gym Pokémon, weaker than Brock's first-stringers. You only need to beat a single Pokémon. Boss Brock has two in his starting lineup," he explained calmly while tapping on the computer.
"Will you be paying the registration in cash or by card?" he asked after a moment.
"Cash, please."
"That'll be a hundred Poké-dollars," he requested. "Your receipt will be sent electronically," he added.
I handed him a bill, which he accepted with a thank you, and I immediately followed him to a door marked 0-2. I assumed this indicated the combat level.
The room was austere and cold. There was no referee or audience, which I had expected. The trainer didn't waste any time; he stood directly opposite me and released his Pokémon with the press of a button.
"Geodude, I choose you!"
"Haunter," my starter flew out of the shadows instantly with a chilling smirk. The trainer's calm expression didn't change, however; he didn't seem surprised at all.
"Ready?" At my nod, he added: "We'll start on three. Three, two, one, go!" he shouted and immediately gave the command: "Rock Throw!"
"Shadow Ball!" I ordered instantly.
Geodude immediately began manipulating rock energy, but before he could form a projectile, a Shadow Ball swept him away. The attack threw him back a meter, where the dark energy finally dissipated over him.
That was enough. Geodude lay on the ground, completely stunned.
"That's enough, Haunter," I commanded when I noticed my Pokémon was already preparing another ball of shadows with a wide grin.
The trainer quickly recalled his Pokémon into its Poké Ball and walked toward me.
"Bit of a big Haunter, isn't he?" he asked immediately, then continued: "I knew this would be a formality. Only powerful ghosts can travel through shadows, but unfortunately... we have to test the trainers. Standard filtering," he added with a shrug.
"Yes, Haunter's grown a bit," I replied with a smile. "No worries, I get it. So when can I fight Brock?"
"I booked your slot before the match. So, in four days, exactly at 1:00 PM. If you miss the match, you'll be automatically disqualified, fined, and getting another slot won't be easy," he paused and added: "Show up at least ten minutes early. You're free to go."
With a short nod, I said goodbye and finally headed off to sleep; I had a lot of work ahead of me in the coming days. It was great that I managed to get the registration sorted so quickly. On my way out, I encountered another trainer at the door, likely heading in to register as well. We just gave each other a mutual nod, but I didn't waste any time and headed straight for the Pokémon Center.
***
Author's note:
Poor Starly... and what a greedy little pup that Houndour is, just devouring her like that. Did you guys know Staraptor is actually my favorite Pokémon? But yeah, QQ... in a realistic world, I probably wouldn't want a Pokémon that doubles as a food source early on. It'd be pretty hard to eat his first evolution while having one in my party, haha.
Anyway, we've finally made it to the first city, and the badge is within reach. Time for some shopping, selling that Scyther, and a bit of training...
How are you guys liking the story so far?
***
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14. I'm Rich, Baby!
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16. The Boulder Badge
17. The Price of Experience
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