Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon
Chapter 4: Mix Szlaku
Turning away from the terminal in front of her, Fara, started to put away her pokedex and Pidgey's newly registered pokeball. Like Professor Oak had told her, the pokemon registration process was fairly easy. She was even able to setup a short cut up for herself so she only needed to use her login and scan the barcodes of any new pokeballs she bought in the future. Grinning, she finished placing Pidgey's ball on her belts magnetic slot. The bird in question was still resting on her shoulder, keeping up a vigilant guard.
Pidgey wasn't really friendly to anyone with the exception of Fara. It was a trait that had played a large part in her being offered to buy him. Postal pokemon were expected to maintain a civil demeanor whilst working. Pidgey's bad habit of biting and unsocial behavior had made him unsuitable for work. His mother, a beautiful Pidgeot named Rhapsody, was a very powerful but sweet pokemon. Her gentle disposition had been shared by her daughters so it was thought Pidgey had a different father then his siblings. It was a rare but possible truth. Rhapsody had left the Aviary at the beginning of her breeding season but returned a couple of days later. John had been relieved to see her pair up with another Pidgeot upon her return, thinking she hadn't found a wild breeding partner.
The arrival of Fara's Pidgey changed that chain of thought quickly. His short temper, smaller frame, and hooked beak made John and Fara think he had a Fearow for a father. There had been reports for several years of a large Fearow living along Route One and while uncommon the Pidgey and Spearow line had been known to cross occasionally. Pidgey's unflinching loyalty had been another sign of his origins. John had told her that Spearow and Fearow had bad tempers but were loyal to those that had earned their respect. Fara reached up to stroke the back of Pidgey's neck. He was a bit of a brat but she loved him. Pidgey had always been gentle with her and they had spent a lot of time bonding over the last couple of weeks. She even felt she understood his distant behavior to a degree. Her accident and dislike of battling had left Fara to be a bit of an outcast and made her weary of lasting relationships. Like most people she craved companionship but only to a degree.
With few exceptions, her friendships were more like acquaintanceships than the deep everlasting bonds that she read about in adventure novels. It was a status that she preferred anyway. Fara got along better with pokemon; a trait her counselor had told her wasn't uncommon. Dennis told her everyone was different, some liked humans better, others like pokemon, and then some like both or neither. This understanding made knowing Pidgey easier; he, like humans, had his preferences. It was just a matter of training him to be civil with others and understanding his boundaries. Fara wasn't going to push him into becoming something he wasn't. That, she felt, was one of the most important things she could do for him as a trainer. Respect was something everyone deserved.
Fara turned her attention to the end of the hall she walking. The Poke Center's main lobby was situated ahead. In it was a large waiting desk with Marion Joy, the day Nurse, working on a computer. There were only a few other trainers situated around the lobby; some at the private phone booths while others were seated in the large couches in the waiting area. The dimming light outside told Fara it was getting late and she debated on leaving or staying the night. While registration had taken only short amount of time the earlier physicals for herself and Pidgey had taken a couple of hours. Fara had also taken the time to send the certified records of them to the Professor so she had less to worry about. Theoretically, Fara had enough time to make it to the edge of Viridian Forest and set up camp before sundown. However, that is if she could find an appropriate site quickly. Fara was also still aching from his first day's journey to Pallet Town. That meant it would take more time to reach the forest. Settling on the obvious choice, Fara turned towards the Nurse and started to walk to her.
Marion Joy looked up from the computer when Fara reached the desk and smiled. "Hello Fara, how can I help you?" Smiling Fara pointed towards the hallways that lead to the trainer rooms. "I need to rent a room for the night. It's getting a little late for me to be traveling." Nodding at Fara, the Nurse tapped at her keyboard before pulling out a plastic key used for the rooms. "I need to see your Pokedex for the room fee. It will be $45 Poke dollars for the night." Wincing at the price Fara reached into her vest before handing the device over. Even knowing beforehand, she was still stunned at how much non League or Contest contenders had to spend on room fees. She was glad John had saved her money by giving her Pidgey free of charge.
A few moments later the Nurse returned her Pokedevice and gave her the room key. "Your room number is 10, down the pink hall. Please remember that checkout is at 10am, dinner goes from 6-10pm, and breakfast goes from 5-9:30am. If you have any issues dial 0 on the phone and the Nurse on duty will assist you." Nodding in affirmation Fara turned her way towards the mentioned hall. She needed to drop off her gear, eat, do some extra research and go to bed early. She wanted an early start.
The next morning Fara was up before the sun and packing her freshly laundered clothing into her bag. She had taken advantage of the Center's laundry facilities the night before and also had filled both her water containers up. Pidgey was resting on the windows sill, watching the rising sun outside while Fara completed her tasks. He, along with her, had eaten twenty minutes earlier and the digital clock on the dresser showed the time to be close to six. Fara was happy she had gotten up in time. According to her map she had at least six miles of hiking through the forest before she began to reach the wild berry groves. Instead of heading northeast, towards Pewter City, she would be heading west toward the more remote areas of the Forest. The map showed a tributary running through the area and she was determined to find a good camping site for herself. She wanted stay out of the Beedrill nest areas but still remain close to running water for drinking and bathing. The water also was a good area to start looking for the berry trees. Depending on the type of berry large amounts of water was needed. Especially for the sweeter varieties that Viridian Forest promised.
According to her research she had done the night before, Viridian Forest was known for a variety of sweet and sour berries as well as berries that fought status inflictions like Poison and Paralysis. It had fascinated Fara to find out that the types of berry's that helped out status ailments were usually located in areas were the pokemon that caused said status ailments. It was an interesting phenomenon and Fara also felt it would help her start locate the more rare berries in the future once she did more research on Pokemon migrations and habitats. By locating those patterns she felt she would be able to locate the berry trees more quickly in the future.
However, the ability to project and find new berry groves in uncharted area was going to take more than a few hours of research. Fara had discovered that while berry groves could grow quickly they could also die off within a few months and not return to the area for years at a time. Weather patterns, moisture, and even pokemon proximity determined when trees grew and where. Fara was amazed to also learn that there were even scientific studies devoted to berry growth. Licensed berry farms were often used by these Scientists to use new growth methods for berry production. There were many varieties of fruit that couldn't be grown anywhere but the wild and the studies were geared to rectifying that problem.
Turning her attention back to her pokemon Fara beckoned him over. Once she felt his weight on her shoulder she headed out to the main area of the Center. A new Nurse, Ashley Joy according to the name tag, was manning the desk and was quick to help Fara. After her key was returned and the check out process completed, Fara stepped outside into the cool morning air. She started down Main Street towards Route Two. Muscles mostly healed from their fatigue and excitement gave Fara a spring in her step along with a steady pace. The walk towards Viridian Forest was only three miles of flat ground so she was able focus on reading some notes given to her regarding Pidgey's training. Fara was even able to have her little pokemon do some aerial maneuvers as a minor exercise while they trailed down the path.
It was just as she reached the edge of the Forest that Pidgey gave out a warning coo before landing on her shoulder. A shadowy figure stepped out from behind a tree into her path before approaching. Stopping, Fara looked at the stranger in front of her. Wearing a wide straw hat, tan Capri's, and a white T-Shirt she recognized him as one of the infamous Bug Catchers that frequented the Forest. While she didn't know him personally she recognized him as a frequent visitor to the Pokemon Center.
The trainer continued down the path towards her before stopping ten feet away. "My names Andy, are you a pokemon trainer?" Trying not to roll her eyes at the question, while the obvious answer sat on her shoulder, Fara replied. "Yes, I'm Fara from Viridian City. I'm headed in to the Forest for berry picking, Can I help you?"
Grinning, Andy pulled out a Pokeball from his pocket. "Yeah you can, I challenge you to a pokemon battle one to one." Seconds after his challenge a pokemon burst from the ball. The small tan form of a Weedle formed from the red beam. Fara felt a fissure of irritation at the boy's audacity of bringing out a pokemon before hearing any acceptance of the challenge. Fara may not like battling but even she understood there was an etiquette expected. Besides the stating of names and challenging it was expected you wait for an answer before shoving a pokemon into an opponents face. Pidgey seemed to agree with her irritation if the tighter grip on her shoulder was any indication. Although, the familiar gleam in his eye might just mean he was hungry. The way he stared at Weedle seemed to support this theory. Thinking over the pros and cons of battling the boy Fara quickly came to a decision.
Turning her attention back to Andy she glared at him. "I'll accept your challenge on one condition." "What?" Her scowl deepened at the cocky tone. "You never bother challenging me again." Her condition was one he didn't seem to like. Andy looked irritated for a second and with good cause. Bug Catchers were a stubborn lot that would constantly challenge trainers over and over again. Fara had even heard about some of these trainers being arrested for harassment. She did not want to get to the point where she involved any Officer Jenny. However, with the condition in place and recorded by her Poke Device like all battles were, she would be able to inform Jenny and have Andy dealt with quickly if he bothered again.
"Alright, deal. If you lose I get to challenge you as much as I want." Wincing at the thought of his annoying, continued presence Fara eyed Pidgey. He did have an advantage in this battle and Professor Oak did want two battles from her before the first of May. "Fine, I accept the terms. My pokemon will be Pidgey." Looking at the bird she gestured towards the area in front of her. He took off and landed on the path. "Just watch girl I'm going to win. Your Pidgey's too small to win." Andy laughed while Fara focused on her Poke Device. Pidgey was able to use Gust, Peck, and Double Team. She couldn't tell what attacks Weedle used but she knew from school that the Pokemon was capable of attacks like Poison Sting, String Shot and Quick Attack. "Alright Pidgey, get in the air and keep your distance. Stay away from Weedle's horn too." Her little bird got in the air quickly and enlarged the gap between himself and the little bug pokemon.
Andy turned his attention to his pokemon. "Weedle use string shot and knocked Pidgey from the air." "Dodge Pidgey" The little bird followed Fara's command barely in time. A long sticky string shot the air he had been in seconds before. "Now use gust Pidgey!" Flapping his wings hard a small wall of air tossed dust and small debris between him and Weedle before it hit the bug. A small squeal left the bug before he flew up and hit a nearby tree before falling to the ground. It didn't get up. Cursing the Bug Catcher ran up to his pokemon. "Weedle are you ok?" Receiving no response the trainer growled and returned the Pokemon before snarling at Fara. "You and your stupid Pidgey won. You hurt Weedle, I hope you're happy." He then started to run towards Viridian without even saying goodbye.
Blinking in surprise from the quick win and sore looser attitude, Fara didn't get a chance to respond before he was out of ear shot. "Well Pidgey, I heard the Bug Catchers were easy to beat but that was ridiculous." The small pokemon landed on her shoulder and cooed. It was obvious he was proud of his win in the way he started to preen. "You did good buddy, let's hope all our battles are as easy." Smiling brightly at the easy win Fara started back towards the forest. "Alright, I want you sharp in here bud. There are Beedrill nests are every where so I need some warning before we get close to them. They'll leave us alone if we keep our distance. We need to follow the path for about a mile before we go west so keep close." Cooing sharply, the little bird flared his wings before taking off into the air. He started to soar above the lush tree tops, disappearing from Fara's view.
Starting forward Fara took in her surroundings. The thick jungle like vegetation kept most light out, except a few beams that came through, leaving the forest an edgy dark feeling. She noticed the soil was darker and littered with decaying leaves and debris. At school she had been taught that the rich soil and vegetation provided the perfect nursery system for the local bug pokemon. Those of the Beedrill and Butterfree lines were most prevalent but other varieties could be found as well. Some of those pokemon included the elusive Pinsir and Scyther as well some non Kanto natives that migrated. In addition to the bug types there was a large population of avian pokemon, primarily Spearow and Pidgey, who fed on the bug pokemon. Other mammalian species were present as well.
As she continued towards her turning point Fara was able to catch glimpses of some Caterpee and a Rattata. Fortunately she hadn't spotted any Beedrill. Pidgey occasionally swooped low to check on her as she continued on. After a half hour they were able to reach the area Fara wanted to turn at. Fara whistled to Pidgey and he reappeared quickly before taking up his usual place. The area Fara was turning at should lead her directly to the tributary. The only problem was the next six miles would be unmarked and much harder to navigate over. The twisting root system and debris made traveling treacherous.
Fara was going to need to walk slowly and consult the GPS system continuously to prevent getting lost. Pidgey would also need to stay close. Pokemon usually stayed out of the main paths way so the likelihood of her meeting up with them on this unmarked area was highly likely. Taking another minute to drink some water Fara twisted the cap on before heading out. The area was dark much like the rest of the forest so she kept her pace slow. She stepped around trees and rotting vegetation. Unlike the main path the ground was uneven and she was forced to travels down and up small valley like areas twice. Three hours into the hike she was forced to stop and take a break. Her legs and shoulders were screaming in protest to the hike and the gear she carried.
Pulling out some supplies she fed Pidgey and herself. When they were finished Fara took out her map and marked her progress once she consulted her GPS program. According to it she was close to the halfway point. She frowned and began to stroke Pidgey; her pace was slower than she needed it to be. It was close to noon and besides getting to the river Fara still needed to scout for a good site and set up the camp. Puzzling over the possibilities of shaving time she was startled when Pidgey puffed up and shot out of her lap. Looking up she spotted what had startled her Pokemon. Small and golden with apple red cheeks the Pikachu in front of Fara was in a defensive position and growling. Keeping still Fara spoke to her pokemon quietly. "Pidgey, back off slowly. Let me handle this." Her pokemon cooed angrily and shook his head in the negative. The Pikachu started to spark ominously. "Pidgey back off now and sit in a tree." Though still quiet, Fara's tone broke no argument, and reluctantly her friend sat in a distant tree.
Focusing her attention completely on the defensive Pokemon before her Fara took her time in examining it. It was still small for a Pikachu so she was sure that it had probably just evolved. Its tail wasn't the sharp lightning bolt that males had, instead it was curved with an almost heart shaped top with black on the tip marking it as female. Close to the ground where the female sat was some small nuts and Fara abruptly realized why the small Pikachu had approached her. Some of her trail mix had fallen to the ground and had attracted the Pokemon. Smiling gently, Fara began to speak in a non threatening tone. "Hi there, are you hungry." Moving slowly she reached for her pocket where some the left over trail mix was. She took it out and stifled a giggle at how the Pikachu perked up. "This is what you want little one, isn't it" The Pikachu began to move cautiously towards Fara, stopping occasionally to watch her before continuing. After a few minutes the Pokemon reached Fara's feet and the trainer lowered her hand so the Pokemon could eat the food in it.
Nose twitching the Pikachu sniffed at her hand before taking some with her paws and began to eat. Fara held her position and within a few minutes the Pikachu had eaten the handful given to her. Once done, the Pokemon looked back at the trainer expectantly. "I'm sorry Pikachu but that's all I can give you." Pikachu eyed her another minute before taking off into some underbrush.
Fara wiped her hand off and then looked at Pidgey. The little bird abruptly turned, giving her his back. He was obviously offended and letting her know it. "Alright, I get it. You don't like that I made you stay away. But you know as well as I do that your species is vulnerable to electric pokemon like that. Plus you're still learning and are nowhere near ready to try and fight against a type advantage let alone a pokemon that has evolved on top of it." The little bird puffed in anger so Fara softened her tone. "Look Pidgey, I don't want you to get hurt. I need you at the top of your game so we don't need to fight battles that can be avoided. You're my best buddy and I need you." Pidgey turned his head slightly towards her so she continued. "I know your tough hon. I'm sure your going to be one of the fiercest creatures to fly one day but we need to take it one step at a time. We will get you stronger bit by bit and then one day you can take on all the electric types to your hearts content."
Pidgey seemed to contemplate her words before taking off for her and landing on her shoulder. He squeezed it harder causing his small talons to dig in her shoulder uncomfortably. Suppressing a grimace, Fara reached up and stroked his little crest gently. "We'll get you stronger buddy, it's just going to take a little time." The birds grip loosened so Fara took it as acceptance. "Alright, let's get going. We still have a ways to go and I want to be able to catch us some fish for dinner. How does that sound?" Hearing his delighted coo and feeling the gentle nip on her ear Fara knew she had been forgiven. Turning towards her gear she started to get ready for the next part of her hike.
Three and half hours later Fara began to hear the sounds of Viridian River. The second half of the hike had proven to be more eventful than the first. She had come across another Bug Catcher named Jimmy and had battled him. Fortunately, he had been much more polite than Andy, even after his loss. The battle had been close though. His Caterpee had been quicker with string shot and only a well timed peck had saved Pidgey. After a minor potion Pidgey had been back up and started his vigilant guard once again.
His presence had proven valuable as well. His keen gaze had guided Fara from the close proximity of four different Beedrill nests. Pidgey had also fought off a Rattata that had gotten territorial when Fara had tread to close to his home. He was just as exhausted as Fara was now.
Grateful that the hike was almost over; Fara picked up her pace to get to the water. Within a few minutes she was privy to the crystal waters of the Viridian River. The water was moving at an almost gentle pace and Fara could make out a few pool-like areas near the Rivers edge. A splash gave her the glimpse of a Goldeen tailfin that glimmered from the afternoon light. Breathing a sigh of relief she made her way closer to a boulder located on the rivers edge. Dropping her gear she removed her boots and socks before slipping her feet into the cool water. It had taken longer than anticipated and she was drained but Fara had made it. Turning her attention back to her surroundings Fara tried to get an idea of where to camp.
The surrounding area was much brighter than the rest of the forest due to the rivers presence. With the additional light Fara could see where the river levels rose during the more rainy times of the year. The earthy deposits and lack of vegetation told Fara that, when swollen, the 20 foot wide river extended well over 40 due to the relatively flat terrain. Looking beyond this area Fara saw that there were some small clearings in the distance. Knowing areas like this would be ideal for camping; Fara put on her shoes and started towards the closest one.
It took about an hour but Fara found her camp site. 100 Yards from Viridian River Fara had found a medium sized clearing that didn't have Pokemon living near. As Fara as Pidgey and her could tell, the nearest Beedrill nest was 400 yards to the north and the elevation of the clearing was higher than the river. All vital components that helped Fara make her decision. Putting down her gear she began to go set up the camp.
Getting it ready ended up taking another two hours. Besides setting up the tent, Fara had made a fire pit and dug a latrine for her use a distance away from the main camp. Gathering fire wood and clearing away debris in the clearing had also taken up a lot of time and effort. Frankly, Fara felt exhausted by the time she was done. However, Pidgey had not forgotten about the fish and Fara ended up near the river trying to catch some supper. Using different bait then those used for Pokemon, she was able to catch a large catfish that satisfied both Pidgey and herself. Finally, she was able to go to bed just after sunset. What Fara and Pidgey didn't notice was that close to the clearing, hiding amongst the bushes, a small pokemon was staring intently at the tent she lay within.