I felt a mix of excitement and nerves. Watching Misty and Andrew face off would be a valuable experience for me. "Then I'll be there, without fail."
He patted me on the shoulder, his eyes shining with determination. "See you this afternoon, Max. Get ready, because you'll see how much my team has grown."
And with that, Andrew left the center, leaving a trail of energy and anticipation. I stared at the PokéNav, thinking about the battle, Charlotte, and everything that still awaited me in Cerulean City.
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--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Author's Notes: I want to thank the people who are supporting and visiting my P@treon!
If you want to support the story and read some advance chapters (+7) https://www.p@treon. com/Jayjayempi , it would also help me a lot if you have comments on how the story is going or if you would be so kind as to leave a review, Thank you very much for reading!
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After saying goodbye to Andrew a little before noon, I lingered a little longer at the Pokémon Center. We had planned to meet up later at the gym, and for the first time in a long time, I felt like I had a bit of freedom in my hands. I stopped in front of the Center's communication terminals and hesitated for a moment. I took a deep breath. I knew who I wanted to call.
The connection took a few seconds. On the other end, as if she had always been waiting for me, Mother Clarisse's face appeared.
She had that same tired, tender expression she used to have when she walked into the orphanage dining room to hand out food. Her hair was tied back, with a white rose-shaped brooch she occasionally wore. But her eyes… her eyes lit up when she saw me.
"Maxwell," he said, his voice full of relief, "where are you? Are you okay?"
I nodded with a small smile. "Yes, Mother Clarisse, I'm in Cerulean City. I arrived this morning. I crossed Mt. Moon. It was… complicated, but I'm in one piece."
She pursed her lips. I could see the immediate anxiety on her face. She'd always been like this. Protective to a fault. And I understand. Ever since I woke up as this child—this body that wasn't mine, in a bed I didn't recognize—she'd been there. By my side. She took care of me without asking for explanations. She never made me feel like a stranger, even though I was.
"Complicated? That place is full of wild Pokémon. And you're just a kid!" Then he lowered his voice. "Were you accompanied? Are you hurt?"
"My Pokémon were with me," I told him. "Nidorino was relentless, and Kirlia… formerly Ralts… took better care of me than I could explain. I also found a Growlithe in a terrible situation. I rescued it. It hasn't left my side since."
At that moment, the camera better captured the small, flame-colored bundle asleep against my chest. Growlithe was curled up in my arms, his head resting on my left arm, his body breathing slowly, as if he refused to wake up. His warmth seeped through my clothes, and every now and then, his snout trembled slightly. He said nothing. He didn't bark. He just existed there, pressed against me, as if I were his only refuge.
I saw Mother Clarisse's eyes widen slightly as she noticed the Pokémon. For a moment, I feared her reaction was one of revulsion or fear. But it wasn't. Her lips parted, and her expression softened.
"Is that the... Growlithe?" he asked, more to confirm what he was seeing than out of surprise.
I nodded. "I haven't booked a room yet. He's exhausted, and every time I put him down, he starts shaking. So I'm taking him with me."
She watched for a moment longer. The silence between them was filled with the puppy's calm breathing, like an emotional metronome.
"He doesn't look that… threatening," she murmured, blushing slightly. "He just looks like a baby."
"It is," I replied. "And it takes time. But it's okay now."
His fear was still there, I knew it. But I also saw the effort he was making to keep it from surfacing, for my sake. For his connection to me. And I appreciated that even more than if he'd never felt it before.
She nodded, swallowing. "The other children miss you. Everyone talks about you now that you're out of the orphanage. Although at first almost everyone avoided you..."
I smirked. "That's changed a bit."
"Just a little," he replied, with an equally faint smile. "Take care of yourself. I don't like that city. I've heard things… they say the Gym Leader is very peculiar."
I laughed, more relaxed. "I'll check it out in a few hours."
We said goodbye with an exchange of glances stronger than any words. When the screen went dark, I began to reflect for a moment. I still struggled to understand how it was possible to love someone so much who wasn't part of my "previous life," but I suppose it's not all about blood or memories. Some affections are sown through actions, and Mother Clarisse sowed them all.
I stood up from the terminal, and then I remembered I'd sent a message to Brock a few hours ago, just after leaving Mt. Moon. I walked over to another screen and dialed in his frequency.
The image lit up, and there was Brock, sitting in his office at the Pewter City Gym. In the background were Rock Badges, a shelf of Poké Balls, and a huge decorative geode.
"Max! Just in time," he said with a smile. "I read your message. Glad to see you arrived safely. How was that trip up Mt. Moon?"
"It wasn't easy... But I came out unscathed... more or less."
He nodded gravely. He didn't ask for details. He read between the lines.
"Well done. Here's what you asked for." He typed a command, and a hatch opened next to the screen. A metallic disc emerged.TM39. Rock Slide
I picked it up carefully, as if it weighed more than it looked. Brock nodded, satisfied.
"I don't know how you plan to use that TM, Max, but I hope you get some use out of it. I also wouldn't mind if you sold it; a little extra cash always helps your trip."
"Thanks, Brock. Really."
"A promise is a promise," he said with a smile before looking at the watch on his wrist. "Now if you'll excuse me, I agreed to have lunch with Helen," he said with a huge smile before quickly getting up and hanging up the call.
I stared at the blank screen for a few seconds, the TM Rock slide still in my hand. I didn't know exactly how I would use it. I didn't have a Pokémon that could learn it yet, but having options was an advantage I wasn't about to neglect.
What did surprise me was Brock's sudden departure.
"Lunch with Helen...?" I repeated in a low voice, flashing a smile that was somewhere between disbelief and pleasure.
He said it like someone letting slip a happy secret. I wasn't expecting it, but something about that image, of the two of them together, made me feel a warmth in my heart. A small victory amidst the chaos. I guess there was, after all, a certain joy in seeing good people, especially friends, find happiness. Or at least start taking small steps toward it.
I stowed the TM in one of the protected compartments of my backpack and snuggled Growlithe closer to my arms before leaving the Pokémon Center. The city felt vibrant; it was a popular tourist destination in the region for a reason, thanks to the regular spectacle at the city's gym. Luckily, I had a bit of time before Andrew's battle, and I decided to use it wisely.
The Cerulean City PokéMart wasn't as large as the one in Pewter City, but it was perfectly organized. An elderly woman greeted me at the counter, and I quickly wandered through the aisles with the calmness of someone who knew exactly what I needed: some Pokémon food rations I'd used on Mt. Moon and other supplies I planned to use when I decided to continue my journey.
Growlithe sniffed timidly at my chest, curious but not daring to move too far. The hallway employee bent down a little to look at him.
"Does it follow you around even when you're shopping?" he asked with a smile.
"It's more that he doesn't want to leave," I replied with a soft smile.
Once I'd finished browsing the necessary items, I headed to the main counter to pay. With my purchases packed, I decided to ask one last question before leaving.
"Do you have Fire Stones in stock?"
The old lady looked at me as if I had asked for a museum piece.
"Fire Stones? Oh boy, that's hard around here. This town revolves around Water-types. Misty, the Gym Leader, indirectly regulates demand. Fire Stones don't sell much around here, and the ones that do arrive end up in the hands of collectors or are redirected to other shops."
"So…?"
"You'll have better luck in Vermillion City or even Vermilion," he said sagely.
I nodded gratefully. This wasn't the time to push anyone forward, but it never hurts to think ahead.
...............….
Crossing one of the stone bridges that connected the sectors of Cerulean City, I arrived at the gymnasium building: a modern structure with a domed glass roof, surrounded by water on almost all sides. The sound of artificial waterfalls drowned out the murmurs of the crowd entering and leaving. This gymnasium wasn't just a battlefield: it was also a spectacle.
I showed my Trainer License at the entrance—Andrew had registered me as his companion—and the attendant let me in without a problem. Inside, the air was cooler and more humid, permeated with the smell of chlorine and moving water. I was led to a raised platform from which I could overlook the battlefield: a vast pool with floating platforms in the center and submerged lights that changed color.
Andrew was already on his side of the field, standing with his typical expression of concentration. In front of him was Misty.
She was about fifteen years old. Tall for her age, with fair skin, toned legs, and reddish hair pulled back in a side ponytail that swayed with her movements. She wore jean shorts and an orange sleeveless top with the Kanto Water Gym logo on the side. She had presence. Confidence. She didn't just act like a leader: she was one.
"Standard Kanto League rules," a judge announced through a megaphone. "Two against two. The battle will end when one trainer's Pokémon can no longer continue."
Misty took out her first PokéBall with a confident smile. "Let's go, Staryu!"
The starfish emerged with a blinding brilliance, spinning across the water like a projectile before taking its floating place.
Andrew, without hesitation, launched his own. "Horsea, forward!"
I watched him, confused for a second. I thought he'd use Dratini. But then I remembered Andrew had been in the city longer. He must have found that Horsea in the river in this city.
Horsea swam with natural skill, moving like a swift shadow beneath the surface. Misty narrowed her eyes, assessing.
"Quick. I like it. Staryu, Rapid Spin!"
The star spun and shot out like a saw toward the little water dragon. Andrew didn't flinch.
"Spiral Smokescreen!"
Horsea released a cloud of black ink as he spun around, creating a dense column that caused Staryu to lose precision and crash into the edge of a platform. A metallic clang. The audience murmured. The first blow belonged to Andrew.
Misty smiled. "Well played... but don't gain confidence too quickly. Water Gun!"
Staryu fired a blast of high-pressure water that tore through the smoke screen. Horsea was pushed back by the force, but stabilized.
"Now, Bubblebeam with straight-line pressure!"
The bubbles hit in a chain. Each one felt like a compressed air bullet. Staryu stepped back, and before Misty could react, Andrew shouted, "Twister, now!"
A spiral of water and wind erupted from the battlefield itself, enveloping Staryu and knocking him into the air before sending him plummeting downward.
"Staryu cannot continue!" the judge announced.
The audience applauded. Misty didn't seem upset. Just more serious.
"All right. Time to get serious. Starmie, into battle!"
The Jewel Pokémon emerged from the water in a graceful spin, radiating light from its purple core. The leap in power was palpable.
Andrew recalled Horsea with a pat on its Poké Ball. "Good work. Now, Deino!"
The small dark dragon roared. Misty tilted her head.
"Interesting choice for a water gym. But it won't be enough."
The battle was much more even this time. Starmie was fast. Very fast. He spun, jumped, dived, and rocketed out, unleashing water jets, psychic attacks, and spinning movements that made even I lose track of his position. But Andrew... Andrew had adapted.
"Bite when it turns! Don't chase it, wait for the pattern and catch it."
Deino did it. He couldn't see very well, but he could hear, smell, and feel the vibrations. After a couple of exchanges, he managed to bite one of the Starmie's limbs and slam it hard into a platform. The impact echoed throughout the gym. Misty tried to recover with Recover and a Water Pulse that disoriented the dragon, but Andrew held firm, resisted, and found an opening.
"Dragon Breath!"
The purple blast hit hard. This time, Starmie fell. She floated motionless.
"Starmie can't continue! Andrew is the winner!"
Applause erupted, and Andrew lowered his head in a slight bow. Misty recalled her Pokémon and approached him with a bright smile.
"Good work. You knew what you were doing." He handed her the Cascade Badge. "You've earned it."
Andrew nodded modestly and then turned. He walked up the steps to where I was standing, his smile still suppressed. I stood up to greet him.
"You did well," I said. "You surprised me with that Horsea."
"I thought you'd like it," he replied. "I found it right in the city river. It's not that easy to catch, so you could say I got pretty lucky."
Before I could answer, Misty approached us, wiping the sweat from her neck with a towel.
"So you're Maxwell," he said, sizing me up with a slightly tilted smile. "Brock and Andrew talked a lot about you. They say you'll make a great Trainer, and I must admit, you have pretty nice hair."
"Thank you very much," I replied in a subdued tone, it was hard to ignore that she was a very pretty girl and I felt a little self-conscious by her direct approach, which made her laugh.
"Are you going to challenge me today too, or would you rather stay and watch the water show this afternoon?" He leaned a little closer. "We can get something to eat afterward. There's a restaurant overlooking Lapras Pond... quite private."
The way he said it left no doubt as to his intention. But I just nodded, noncommittal.
"Maybe another time. I have things to do."
She wasn't offended. She just clicked her tongue in amusement.
"Too bad. But oh well..." He turned to leave, and just before he left, he stopped and winked at me. "You can come to the gym anytime. The pool is open for special guests."
And with that, he walked away, leaving the air scented with chlorine and light tension.
Andrew glanced at me as we walked down the steps.
"Are you going to swim someday?"
"Only if it's to escape a Gyarados," I said. "And even then I'd think about it."
We both laughed, heading outside again.
Trainer: Maxwell Jones
Hometown: Pewter City
Sponsorship: None
Money: $71,200 Pokedollars
Badges: 1.- Boulder Badge
Expandable Travel Backpack (Deluxe)
1. 3 potions (1 slot) ↑
2. 3 Rage Candy Bars (1 slot)
3. 10 Pokeballs (2 slots)
4. 1 Escape Rope (1 slot)
5. 1 Red handkerchief with 20 orange berries (1 slot) ↑
6. 3 Antidotes (Poison Cure) (1 slot)
7. Badge case (1 slot)
8. PokéNav (1 slot)
9. Travel Cooking Kit (Includes a folding frying pan, small knife, kettle container, and mini lighter, all in a compact case) – 2 slots
10. Pokémon Food Ration (6-day ration bag) (3 slots)
11. Human food ration (canned and freeze-dried food for 6 days) (2 slots)
12. Basic Camping Kit (Includes Compact Tent, Sleeping Bag, and Collapsible Lantern) – 3 Slots
13. Basic Pokemon care kit (1 slot)
14. Moon Stone (1 slot)
15 TM39. Rock Slide
Occupied slots: 21/30
Pokémon
Nidorino
Gender: Male
Level: 23
Moves: Read, Peck, Focus Energy, Double Kick, Poison Sting, Rage Attack, Horn Attack Helping Hand
Kirlia✨
Gender: Female
Level: 20
Moves: Disarming Voice, Teleport, Growl, Double Team, Hypnosis, Draining Kiss, Lucky Chant, Psybeam, Charm
Growlithe
Gender: Male
Level: 24 Moves: Read, Ember, Howl, Bite, Flame Wheel, Flamethrower, Odor Sleuth, Fire Fang
EXTRA
Pendulum necklace