CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
With her prize money from defeating the Cerulean Gym Leader, Amy's heart felt lighter and her purse much heavier as she headed south of Cerulean City, in the direction of Saffron City.
Saffron City was the largest city in Kanto, responsible for the creation and distribution of the different types of Pokeballs, Potions and status-healing medicines, among other economic utilities of which she knew little other than the company at which her father worked.
As she walked along the route connecting Cerulean City to Saffron City, Amy enjoyed the light breeze which tickled her face and caused the trees to swing gently in the wind. There were a few Pidgey and Pidgeotto flying ahead of her, feeding their young in nests hidden in the tops of trees.
"Good afternoon, dear!" called out a voice.
Amy saw a small house up ahead, where an elderly woman was waving to her. Amy returned the greeting with a wave.
"Good day," Amy smiled.
As the elderly woman continued to tend her garden, Amy could see the tops of Bellsprout and Oddish, playing hide-and-seek with one another in the long grass. In another nearby patch of grass, a Meowth attempted to surprise a sleeping Abra by leaping onto it; but silently the Abra teleported behind its playful attacker.
Amy approached the terminus, noticing on the left another small building. She walked up to it, reading the sign, 'Underground Passage to Vermilion City'.
She weighed her options. Her next step was to find a Gym Leader to battle, and with two Badges, her choices were limited to either the Gym in Vermilion City or the one in Celadon City. She stiffened. Celadon City... what if she saw her mother there?
Summoning her reserves of pride, Amy held her head high and walked into the terminus heading south.
"Good afternoon," spoke the receptionist.
The building was small, but well-kept. A Trainer tied his shoelaces with a Jigglypuff who watched animatedly, while in another corner a businessman talked on a payphone.
"Good afternoon," Amy nodded, continuing through into the bright, dizzying heights of Saffron City.
Saffron City was full of loud, honking traffic and pedestrians hurrying across the crossings to avoid the frantic drivers of the day. Businessmen milled past her in dark suits, carrying briefcases and checking their watches, too busy to glance up at the smog-covered sky.
Amy kept her Pokemon inside their Pokeballs for fear they would get lost in the commotion. She found a cafe and ducked inside it, glad to get away from the hustle outside. Glancing up at the sign near the door, she read 'No Pokemon allowed. Thank you for respecting our policy'.
Taking a look around the crowded cafe, she couldn't see anyone who might be a Pokemon Trainer. Middle-aged woman chattered leisurely at one table, harried businessmen were deep in conversation at another. The upper-class crowd Amy was used to, but no longer a part of.
Amy ordered a lemonade and sat at a table in a corner by herself, counting the cash from her purse. She caught a few watchful stares, but ignored them. She was surprised to find something larger than notes in her purse and pulled out the Moon Stone she had found in Mt. Moon.
This could sell for a lot of money, Amy thought, turning it over in her hand. But it would be a waste to sell it. It's so beautiful...
"Excuse me, miss?"
Amy looked up to see a young man with blonde hair, wearing a blue suit. He had a pompous air about him.
"Yes?" Amy asked, in the tone she reserved for addressing the maid who hung up her dry cleaning.
He smiled a little. "I was having my lunch when I noticed what a rare stone you've managed to procure. May I ask where you bought it?"
"I didn't buy it," Amy pasted a fake smile on her face, trying to hide her guilt. She replaced the Moon Stone and clasped her purse shut, rising. "Excuse me - "
"I was wondering if I could buy it from you?" he asked, suddenly fascinated.
Amy fixed him with a frosty stare. "Buy it from me? Why would I sell it to you? Mr... "
"Garret, miss. I've been looking for a Moon Stone for a long time."
"Well, Mr. Garret, I'm a Pokemon Trainer." smiled Amy, to the silent surprise of the eavesdropping patrons nearby. "I won't sell my Moon Stone, but perhaps you'd like to battle me for it?"
Garret raised an eyebrow and noticed the three Pokeballs at Amy's belt. "Ah. Well. I didn't expect that."
"What didn't you expect, Garret?" Amy arched an eyebrow, daring him to go further.
He gave a self-satisfied smile, shaking his head. "So be it."
"Let's meet at the route which connects Saffron City to Celadon." Amy suggested, turning to leave.
"How about we go together?" Garret smiled, matching her pace.
Amy weakly acquiesced, following Garret out of the cafe. She couldn't afford to lose the rare Moon Stone. But then again, it was a Pokemon battle - and her Pokemon were awesome! How could she lose?
Amy walked through the throngs of passerby, Garret at her side. She felt like she was on one of her mother's arranged dates, nodding her head when it was polite to do so and pretending to be interested in the other person. Now, Amy couldn't care less what other people thought of her. She was beginning to learn that there were many different types of Pokemon Trainers in the world and she was just one of them, battling to raise her Pokemon the best way she knew how. Certainly there were plenty of girls who fit the bohemian, street-smart quality. But she would stick out like a sore thumb pretending to be anyone other than herself.
They walked down several streets, eventually coming to the terminus which separated Saffron from Celadon. They passed through, nodding to the receptionist who greeted them and came out the other side into a sunny, grassy expanse.
The route which connected Saffron to Celadon was cleanly paved. It had a small patch of grass with wild Pokemon in it and a small building nearby, built as an underground route to connect Celadon City to Lavender Town, which was east of Saffron City. There were occasional passerby; Amy spotted an elderly gentlemen who tipped his hat to her and a young girl playing with a Vulpix.
"If I win this battle, you do understand you'll have to give me your Moon Stone, don't you?"
Amy watched as Garret took two Pokeballs from his pockets.
"I understand." Amy nodded. "Let's begin."
Amy and Garret threw their selected Pokeballs into the field, both of them, erupting in a flash of red light.
"Go, Cubone!" Amy cried.
"Meowth, go!" Garret shouted.
Cubone waved its bone menacingly at Meowth, who drew its claws and readied itself to attack.
"Cubone, Growl!"
"Meowth, Scratch Attack!"
Cubone let out a harsh growl which stopped Meowth in its tracks.
"Bone Club, Cubone!"
"Meowth, dodge it and use Pay Day Attack!" ordered Garret.
Meowth avoided Cubone's attack just in time, its forehead glowing and blasting Cubone off its little feet. Coins fell onto the grass as Meowth landed on all fours, racing towards Cubone at a fast pace.
"Cubone, Tail Whip!" Amy cried.
Cubone swung around in an attempt to hit Meowth with its tail, but Meowth leapt at Cubone, sinking its teeth into Cubone's neck. Flailing around, Cubone managed to bash Meowth on the head with its bone club in pain.
"Meowth! Get up!" Garret ordered.
Meowth was rubbing its head, while Cubone managed to stand and face Meowth angrily.
"Headbutt, Cubone! Let's show this kid we mean business!" Amy said fiercely.
Amused, Garret replied,
"Use Screech, Meowth!"
Meowth opened its mouth and let out a deafening cry. Amy gasped in surprise, as Cubone was staggered by the sound.
"Finish it!" Garret shouted.
Meowth leapt at Cubone, scratching it fiercely on its chest. Cubone fell limp on the grass, unable to move. Amy distinctly heard the young girl with the Vulpix gasp as Garret clapped for his Meowth.
"Return, Cubone," Amy said, holding out its Pokeball. Cubone disappeared in a flash of red light.
"You're no challenge for me," Garret taunted. "You should go home and knit sweaters, like your mother taught you."
"Don't be a meanie!" shouted the young girl, whose Vulpix's ears pricked up at the sound of its master's anguish.
"Garret," Amy said, as the youth turned towards her. "Every time I look at you, I'm reminded of why I never end up going on a second date with guys like you."
"They get bored of your endless clothes shopping?" Garret arched an eyebrow. "Of watching you try lipstick on all day?"
"I wouldn't subject my dates to that," said Amy frostily. "When I'm finished with you, you'll be as insensible as an infant crying for your mother."
"Oh, I'm scared. Real ladylike of you, shrew."
"Idiot," spat Amy, hating herself for losing control.
Garret shook his head, his expression one of distaste. "There you are. Now you're sounding like a sailor."
Amy laughed shrilly. "I've beaten sailors, Garret - and I'll beat you too."
Amy selected her next Pokemon and threw the Pokeball onto the ground. "Go, Nidoran!"
Nidoran appeared in a flash of red light, pawing the ground in anger at Meowth.
"Nidoran, Poison Sting!"
"Meowth, dodge it and use Bite Attack!"
Nidoran opened its mouth and shot a volley of barbs at Meowth. Meowth avoided the attack and headed towards Nidoran, leaping at it with its teeth gleaming, but Nidoran dodged Meowth's Bite Attack, sending a Double Kick straight to its stomach. Meowth was knocked back several paces, clutching its abdomen in agony.
"Tackle!" Amy cried.
Nidoran knocked Meowth a further few paces across the grass as it impaled Meowth with its horn. Garret looked sour as he returned his fainted Meowth to its Pokeball.
"I told you I'm not to be trifled with. I'll defeat any Pokemon you send out - "
Suddenly, Nidoran began glowing and its body was engulfed in a bright light.
"What - " Garret shielded his eyes from the light.
"Nidoran... you're evolving!" Amy gasped in disbelief.
The bright light began to dim, revealing a Pokemon larger than Nidoran except without the forehead horn and whiskers. The poison spikes along its back were larger, and the colouring of its body was turquoise. This new Pokemon was still a quadruped, but its stood on its hind legs as it regarded its Trainer.
"Nidorina," breathed Amy. "You're beautiful."
The newly evolved Nidorina let out a cry and faced Garret with a stern eye. Garret took an almost imperceptible step back.
"We're not done yet, Garret. Choose your last Pokemon." said Amy.
Garret was fuming. He threw his Pokeball onto the field. "Go, my Growlithe!"
Garret's Growlithe appeared onto the field on all fours, its hackles raised and growling at Nidorina. Nidorina made no sound, except to ready herself to charge.
"Growlithe, Ember!" called Garret.
"Nidorina, Poison Sting!" cried Amy.
Nidorina dodged the incoming volley of flames and shot her own volley of poisonous barbs, landing several hits on Growlithe which caused him to yelp and sink to the grass.
"Double Kick, Nidorina!" Amy called.
Nidorina charged towards Growlithe, who was too weak to stand.
"Get up, Growlithe!" shouted Garret. "NOW!"
Nidorina launched herself at Growlithe, aiming two critical hits on her foe and sending Growlithe flying across the grass. Nidorina let out a cry of victory as Growlithe lay still, unmoving.
"I win!" Amy said, cheering for her Nidorina.
Nidorina bounded over, accepting the loving pat her owner gave her.
"You're an amazing fighter, Nidorina."
Garret sulkily returned Growlithe to his Pokeball, looking up as Amy and Nidorina walked up to him.
"Well?" Amy asked, holding out her hand.
"Well, what?" he responded coolly.
"I believe you owe me some money." Amy said.
Garret regarded Amy for a second, then reached into his wallet and pulled out several one hundred dollar bills. He walked over and handed them to Amy.
"I suppose this is pocket change to you," he added coolly, eyeing her. "Your husband must - "
"I'm not married," quipped Amy, snatching the cash and pocketing it before he could touch her further. "I don't intend to be, not for a long while."
"The life of a Pokemon Trainer, aye?" Garret took one final look at her over his shoulder, but she had already left.
Daniel and Natalie stood in front of the Cerulean Gym, the afternoon sun shining brightly on their shoulders.
"Ready?" Daniel asked.
Natalie looked at her three Pokemon. Squirtle was clapping his hands excitedly, Poliwag was bouncing from foot to foot and Butterfree was flying above, happily enjoying the warm rays of sunshine.
"Ready." she smiled, opening the door and entering the Gym.
"Welcome!" Misty waved, as Natalie and Daniel walked up to her. "You here for a rematch?"
"I'm here to challenge you, Misty." Natalie said. "Let's battle for the Cascadebadge!"
"You're on!" Misty smiled. "I'll meet you at the top!"
Natalie entered a changing vestibule and emerged wearing her one-piece bathing suit. She climbed the ladder to the diving board, with Squirtle following behind and Butterfree carrying Poliwag to meet their master.
Natalie stood on the diving board, facing Misty who was standing on top of the one opposite. Where's Misty's red hair was in pigtails and was tall, Natalie's streamed to her shoulders and had freckles across her nose, bright blue eyes.
"Are you sure you're ready to face a real Water-type Trainer?" Misty asked.
Natalie grinned. "Misty, you're about to lose your place to me!"
Misty's eyes widened, then she smiled. "Let's go!"
Misty threw her first Pokeball into the pool, where in a flash of red light Staryu burst from the water and landed on a floating podium.
"Squirtle, you're up!" Natalie said.
Squirtle nodded and dived head first into the pool, a resounding splash echoing around the tiles of the Gym. Squirtle surfaced, climbing onto a floating podium and regarding his opponent fiercely.
"Staryu, Tackle!"
"Squirtle, Withdraw!"
Staryu was a blur as it spun towards Squirtle, but Squirtle hid inside its shell as Staryu injured itself on Squirtle's hard shell, staggering weakly on Squirtle's podium.
"Squirtle, Tackle!"
Squirtle emerged from his shell and tackled Staryu into the water before Staryu could react. Staryu sunk to the bottom where no one could see it.
"Staryu!" Misty called in concern.
"It must be unconscious!" called Daniel from below.
There was a moment of hesitation, then Staryu burst from the water, its appendages spinning as it headed towards Squirtle -
"Look out!" cried Natalie.
Squirtle launched itself at Staryu, disappearing inside its shell as it did so. Squirtle bashed into Staryu, then both of them dropped into the water below.
"Squirtle!" cried Natalie.
"Staryu!" shouted Misty.
The water was still, then Squirtle broke the surface and Natalie breathed a sigh of relief.
"Staryu, return," Misty said, holding out her Pokeball. Staryu disappeared into it in a flash of red light. "Not bad, challenger."
"Thank you." Natalie smiled. She gave the thumbs-up to Squirtle.
"Now you'll face my best Pokemon!" Misty said, tossing the Pokeball into the pool. "Go, Starmie!"
Starmie burst from the water in a flash of red light, landing on the floating podium opposite Squirtle and spinning its appendages proudly.
"Starmie, dive underwater!"
Starmie dived underwater with a loud splash.
"Squirtle, don't let your guard down," Natalie warned. "Can you see it?"
Starmie leapt out of the water, its two appendages spinning wildly as it headed towards Squirtle.
"Squirtle, Withdraw!" Natalie shouted.
Starmie was too fast for Squirtle, however. Starmie tackled Squirtle from the podium and into the wall opposite from the force.
"Squirtle!" cried Natalie. "Look out!"
"Starmie, finish it!" Misty yelled.
Squirtle managed to get up, but Starmie tackled it again, sending Squirtle flat on to its back. It had fainted.
"No! Squirtle!" screamed Natalie. She collected Squirtle's Pokeball and returning him to it in a flash of red light.
"You see what went wrong, didn't you?" Misty taunted. "You were using Squirtle for defence. You had no way of attacking my Starmie."
"Squirtle is a good fighter," Natalie said, shaking her head in disbelief. "Squirtle never loses!"
"When it comes to fighting an opposing Pokemon with the same Type, you've got to find other moves to defeat it. In this case, my Starmie's speed and strength trumped your Squirtle's."
Natalie was still shaking her head. She glanced up at Misty. "You know what? You keep your opinions to yourself. I still have a chance - and I choose Butterfree!"
"Can't take the criticism, huh?" laughed Misty. "We're not playing for show here."
Butterfree, who had been flying over her Trainer's head during the battle, flew down towards Starmie and hovered above the water.
"Very well," Misty said grimly. "Starmie, Water Gun!"
"Butterfree, watch out!" Natalie shouted.
Starmie shot a jet of water from one of its appendages, headed for Butterfree. Butterfree was able to evade it, ducking and diving to show off its speed.
"My Butterfree is more than enough to defeat your Starmie! Confusion, Butterfree!"
Butterfree released a telekinetic wave which headed straight for Starmie. Starmie didn't even attempt to move as it made contact and an echo reverberated around the room. Starmie was unharmed.
"What?" Natalie said in disbelief. "I didn't miss! What happened?"
"I thought you knew your Water-types!" Misty said. "Don't you know that Starmie is a dual Water/Psychic Pokemon?"
Natalie stared in disbelief, not noticing Daniel who looked equally taken aback.
"Alright! Time to finish this one! Starmie, Bubblebeam!" Misty shouted.
"Butterfree! Poisonpowder!" Natalie shouted.
Butterfree swooped low over Starmie to release a blanket of poisonous powder, but Starmie dived into the water to avoid it.
"Look out, Butterfree!" cried Natalie.
Starmie burst from the water; a torrent of bubbles surging from its core and blasting Butterfree from the air. Before Butterfree sunk into the water, a red light caught it and Butterfree was returned to its Pokeball.
"Do you know who you're up against? I am the expert on Water Pokemon!" Misty said.
Natalie looked down at the two Pokeballs in her hand containing Squirtle and Butterfree. Her only Pokemon left was Poliwag... and she hadn't been in any serious battles.
"I won't lose, Misty!" Natalie said, kneeling on the diving board precariously to face Poliwag. Poliwag turned to greet her Trainer.
"You think you can handle this one?" Natalie whispered.
Poliwag made no movement, then turned and jumped off the diving board. Natalie let out a little gasp as Poliwag sunk to the bottom of the pool, then smiled in relief as Poliwag jumped onto the floating podium with ease.
"A Poliwag?" Misty taunted. "OK, if you're sure! Starmie, Tackle!"
Starmie launched itself at Poliwag, both of its appendages spinning wildly.
"Poliwag, Hypnosis!"
Poliwag stayed still for a moment, then its body shuddered as it released a hypnotic wave which engulfed Starmie and stopped it mid-attack. Starmie sunk into the water with a loud splash.
"Starmie?" Misty called. "Starmie!"
Misty began to retrieve an Awakening from her pocket, then stopped.
"It's not my Water Pokemon that have the disadvantage, Misty; it's your Gym! There's no way to reach Starmie from up here without entering the battle arena! Poliwag, dive underwater and take out Starmie - "
"Wait," Misty held up her hand, shaking her head in disbelief as a smile formed on her lips. "It's OK."
Daniel gasped from down below. "Natalie! You win!"
Natalie's face lit up as Misty nodded, retrieving Starmie's Pokeball. A flash of light returned Starmie to its Pokeball. "He's right. I forfeit the match."
"I win!" Natalie cheered. "Nice going, Poliwag!"
Poliwag jumped up and down on the floating podium in excitement.
"You're better than I thought," Misty conceded. "Come on down and I'll give you your Badge!"
"Wait," Natalie said, hesitating for a moment. Misty looked at her curiously. "Throw it into the pool."
"What?" Daniel and Misty said in unison.
"Are you crazy?" Daniel shouted from below.
"Throw it into the pool. I'll dive in to get it. If I can have the confidence to dive from this height... it'll get me one step closer to exploring the Pokemon who live in the deepest regions of the sea."
Misty smiled. "OK! Here goes!"
Misty held out the Cascadebadge so that Natalie could see it. It glinted in the sun's rays streaming in from the high windows. Misty let go of it and Natalie took a step back, inhaled deeply and jumped off, shouting, "Here I come!"
The freefall plummeting was like nothing she had ever experienced. It lasted for a second before Natalie felt the cool, almost harsh water greet her entry into its depths. Tentatively opening her eyes underwater, she looked around and saw nothing to her dismay. She squinted her eyes from the water rushing around her eyelids and her gaze caught on a small object lying inert nearby. She swam closer and took the Cascadebadge in her hand. Realising she was almost out of breath, she swam up and broke the water's surface, gasping for air and clutching the Cascadebadge high for all to see.
"I did it!" Natalie yelled, her voice echoing around the walls of the Gym.
Her hearing was muffled and her sight was sore from the dive, but she had loved every second of it.
When she had climbed out of the pool, she saw Daniel and Misty clapping. Poliwag bounded over to Natalie, bouncing ecstactically.
"You did great, Poliwag," Natalie smiled, bending to pat Poliwag on its head.
"Thank you for a great battle." Misty offered her hand and Natalie shook it. "I hope to see you again one day for a rematch!"
"You'll have to be on your feet a bit more." Natalie teased.
"You'll have to learn to dive a bit more gracefully," Misty smiled. "Before I forget, here's your winnings."
Misty handed over a sizeable sum of cash and Natalie accepted gratefully.
"I'll get changed and then we'll be off." Natalie excused herself to the changing vestibule, grabbing a towel along the way.
"So both of you have two Badges each?" Misty asked, turning to Daniel. "How does it feel?"
"I never thought I'd get here." Daniel admitted. "I thought I'd always stay in Pallet Town. But now that I'm here... I still want to continue my journey."
"That's a good attitude to take." Misty smiled. "Now that you have two badges, you'll be able to face the Gym Leaders in Vermilion or Celadon City."
"How do we get there?" Daniel asked.
"You can use the Underground Path south of Cerulean City to go straight to Vermilion City. It's a bit dark, but it's quicker than maneuvering through Saffron City. If you're up for a challenge, though..."
Misty glanced towards the privacy vestibule where Natalie was getting changed. "You might be able to convince your friend to come with you."
"What is it?" asked Daniel.
"To the east of Cerulean City is a route which leads to the Rock Tunnel. It's pitch black inside, but there's a Pokemon Centre at the entrance which sells lanterns for a small fee. If you can make your way through it, you might meet some interesting Pokemon - or some interesting Trainers!"
"That sounds fun..." Daniel said, who was thinking of his late father's occupation as a hiker. He could do it, couldn't he? "Where does the Rock Tunnel lead?"
"You'll come out into Lavender Town. It's a small town, a bit bleak but from there you can reach either Gym you'll head for next."
"Thank you, Misty." Daniel said, shaking her hand. "It's been a pleasure to meet you."
Natalie exited the changing vestibule, with Poliwag by her side.
"It was nice to meet you too," Misty said, turning to Natalie. "The two of you make a good team."
"Thanks," Daniel and Natalie said in unison, blushing a little as they exited the Gym.
"Where to, next?" Daniel asked. "I was thinking - "
"To the Pokemon Centre!" Natalie interrupted. "I have to heal my Pokemon!"
"Oh, right," Daniel said, following in her wake.
"And you have to call your Mom and sister!" Natalie shouted over her shoulder.
Daniel felt a wave of apprehension settle in his stomach as the two of them entered the Pokemon Centre.