TEAM: Lucy (Chikorita) & Jackson (Hoothoot), Surpurna (Pidgey) & Venio (Bellsprout), Squeakers (Rattata) & Arachnio (Spinarak)
The hum of a lengthy melody began the song that echoed through the now stilled air of Route 30.
"I have heard, that the people there are free…
I have heard, they have so much there to see…
I have heard, it's a city rich in history!
Violet City is the place to be!
There's a tower sprouting, monks are spouting some knowledge, inside…
There's a Gym that's rising, take your fighting to the skies!
Stay a while!
It's in style!
No denial!
Said with a smile!
I have heard, 'twas a village in a sense…
I have heard, shard for berries you'll dispense…
I have heard, it's the city of nostalgic scents!
Violet City thrives in sentiments…"
The Chikorita hummed some more, unbothered in her stride.
While the rest of the team hummed or followed along, Cue spoke up as she scurried alongside them. "We're not in Violet City yet, though."
"Oh, I know, I'm just rehearsing." The Rattata was met with Lucy's carefree smile and glance. "I like hyping myself up for where we're about to go. Oh, maybe I should figure out what to sing for National Park next! I heard from Roko that Goldenrod is just the next town over…"
"Mmmhm, you get used to the singing. Waking up to it too," the jolly Bellsprout remarked in between marching strides. "Isn't that right, Jackyboy?" He curled his leaves into arms, leaning an 'elbow' against the sleepwalking Hoothoot, only to get pushed back by the wing that jerked in an instant. As Venio staggered, he righted himself, blinking before narrowing his beady eyes towards the Rattata. "Wait a sec, you're new here, aren't you?"
Cue blinked with a darting gaze before nodding to confirm. "I'm just here because the boss let me help him out in tracking down that thief." The memory of yesterday lingered, but so did the shame of that chase cut short. "Though… I'm not sure if he trusts me to handle any of the fighting."
As if checking if he could hear, she lifted her gaze to see where Wesley was. He was far too ahead to listen in, leading the walk while talking to that Roko girl.
The Pidgey calmly landed beside her. "Oh, it happens when you're new. He'll come around!" She waved with her wing as she spoke, earnest in her tone. "There's just going to be some time where he needs to figure out how your dynamic will work with your partner."
Cue tilted her head. "Uhh… my what?"
"I'll handle this, Supper." Venio took a proud step ahead of Surpurna as he held his head high. "You see, Wesleton likes pairing us up in duos, figuring out our strengths and making something work out of that. See Looseygoose and Jackyboy over there?"
He pointed a leaf to his right, towards the Chikorita who sang as she walked down the path and the drowsy Hoothoot who followed along.
"They're the toughies. Lucy can throw leaves, and Jackson can fly while using his big red eyes to do… big red eye things. Anywho. Me and Supper?"
Venio pointed at himself while extending a vine to pull the Pidgey close.
"You want dust in your eyes? We got dust in your eyes! For your eyes, I mean. Don't actually put them in your eyes. I got Poison Powder, Sleep Powder, Stuns Powder—well it's Stun Spore, but! I blow it out, and Surpurna here can spread it with wind! She can even do that with her Sands Powder!"
Surpurna looked a bit flattered by Venio's proud spiel, if not also exasperated by his tone. "It's Sand Attack, but he is right about everything else." The Bellsprout nodded, definitely eating her remark up.
Venio retracted his vine and crossed his leaves with a conclusive nod. "You don't want to be on the wrong side when Wesleton calls us all for one of our big team moves! I don't know if he's come up with anything for you… But yes, that's the basic gist of it all, Q-Ball."
"It's just Cue," the Rattata spoke up. She was pretty sure she understood that basic gist, though she had to wonder what was up with the nickname thing.
Surpurna shrugged with her folded wings. "Mmmmhm, you get used to it." Her perceptive eyes lingered on her with a hint of intrigue. "So what would you say your skills are like, Cue?"
The Rattata was asked the question as if it were some evaluation test, and likewise, she mulled it over as if it was one. "I can scurry pretty quick, I got a good sniffer, my paws can scratch pretty good, I can chomp with my chompers…" Her paw could only count three. "Oh! I knew a Gligar from Route 45, she said I'm pretty gutsy for a Rattata. I'm sure that counts for something."
"Hmm, yes, impressive…" Venio didn't sound very impressed. He waved a leaf in her direction. "Now what about the Spinarak?"
"The…" Cue was almost startled when she heard the scuttling next to her. "Oh, hi Arachnio." Was he always standing there…?
The Spinarak quietly waved a leg at them. Judging from the way he stared at them all, he had probably been listening for a while. Not that there was any other way to tell, he had been completely silent ever since he was caught. The only reason his name was known in the first place was because he scratched it into the dirt when asked to introduce himself.
And just like yesterday, not a single word left Arachnio's mouth. There was just the… "curiosity" in his eyes, as well as on the eye-looking marks on his body. Was this a Spinarak thing?
Cue glanced around to see that Venio and Surpurna were still expecting an answer. She glanced ahead to see that Wesley and Roko seemed to be taking their time in walking. "It looks like we got some time time before we reach the next city. Why don't you tell me about what kinda moves you can pull off?" Striking up conversation should be worth a try, could learn a thing or two about what Spinarak do.
Arachnio paused, a contemplative second spent tilting his head, the horn atop glowing a few times in purple light. And then he spat a string of webbing onto her eyes.
The only thing Cue ended up learning was what the sputtering laughter of a Bellsprout sounded like.
Despite being blinded, Cue wasn't all too phased, even as she pawed at her face she couldn't help but laugh. "I guess that was easier done than said…" She could work with this.
Wesley heard the laughs and singing from his Pokémon nearby. It was nice to see that everybody else was in high spirits. He would've loved to join them in laughing himself sore, but he was busy feeling soreness elsewhere. The nurse advised him against throwing any Pokéballs for the time being so as to not strain his arms. Wouldn't be the first time he's had to sit through this slump.
Okay, it wasn't all bad. Cherrygrove was safe, and the guide gent offered to clean up any of the mess that was still left around the place. Professor Elm thanked Wesley for telling him about the situation, and for sending some of the affected Pokémon his way as well. That should help him figure out more about… whatever happened there. The Spinarak was supposed to be sent back too, but the little guy insisted on sticking around for some reason, figuratively and literally. The more the merrier, Wesley supposed.
"Going from Route 29, where everything is fine… to Route 30. Where… my arms hurty."
Despite Wesley's sigh, Roko was very chipper about the trip forward, at least. While things were settling down in Cherrygrove the day prior, she spent that time helping out the people at the Pokémon Center as well as any other wild Pokémon who got injured by the ordeal. A wild Shinx ended up joining her team in the process, which happened while she was listening to music, and it was something she was very happy about.
"What's that look for, Wesley? I think Shinx are cute!"
Oftentimes, Wesley would glance at her to see that she would take out her Shinx's Pokéball and just… admire it. While walking and holding that incubator even. Outside of the times she almost walked into a tree, he didn't blame her. He remembered that spark in his heart when he recruited Jackson and the others a while back. Come to think of it, seeing his newest recruits in action would be time well spent…
"Wesley, is it true?" Roko spoke up in between passing glances behind her. "Is it true that the city up ahead is 'rich in history'?"
"Oh, Violet City?" Wesley saw the way her eyes lit up when he mentioned it. Figured someone like her would be excited for that. "I've gone there a few times for an errand or two. I even know the Gym Leader there. It's a pretty historic place, feels the most 'Johto' that Johto can be that isn't Ercuteak."
Roko tilted her head. "You mean Ecruteak?"
"I…" Wesley blinked, quickly checked his Pokégear, then blinked again. "Wait, it's been spelled Ecruteak all this time?"
Roko's befuddled look quickly sputtered into something else. "Pfft… hahaha…!"
Well, it was nice to see that someone was amused by his world turning upside down. That laugh was the payoff of a decade long misconception and it definitely sounded like it. Still, misspelling aside, with how rough Cherrygrove went, Wesley found it nice to be reminded of his actual destination, especially who he was doing this for. Goldenrod should be just about the next city over, and getting there was something he knew he could accomplish.
Roko didn't look like she was in any hurry. "Haha… I'm sorry…! But Ercuteak…?" He didn't mind that part all too much.
He still rolled his eyes at her. "Careful not to drop that incubator busting a gut." It was like he showed her that one video of the Girafarig all over again. "Violet City should be right around this corner…"
And past that corner was a path that led to a greater whole, while still bearing the outdoor air of being on a route. A lining of trees did clear the way for a stone-paved path, but they lingered around as a border, as if the city stood as its clearing. That made the place look much more rural than any other city, with small lamp posts in place of streetlights. And along those walkable paths, buildings were placed in such a way that felt more like the lively stalls of an accommodating festival rather than something more hustled with bustle. Violet City was a fitting title, considering the houses, the pagoda in the distance, and the nearby schoolhouse all had roofs sharing that hue. Even the Pokémon Center's red look was a tint darker to match the aesthetic.
Wesley took a second to breathe it in. Lucy was right, this place had that palpable nostalgic air to it. The scent of… nearby berry traders and that pond smell by the bridge to Sprout Tower. That's Violet City, alright.
Stepping into Violet City almost felt like stepping into the period of a more rural past, and Roko's starstruck gaze definitely looked as if she felt it. It had been a while since Wesley saw her this excited about a new place, what with the way she quickly turned her head as if she wanted to observe every nook and cranny before her.
"I'm surprised." He watched her eagerly shifting gaze with a chuckle. "I thought you of all people would've passed by here at least once in your life."
"Oh, whenever I've left Goldenrod I've always taken the public transport that heads straight to New Bark Town." Roko's tone was almost dutiful with the way she recited that. "My guardians say it's safer that way."
"Oh." Wesley stewed it over with a proud look on his face. "Well I'm glad to know that visiting me is worth skipping this place for."
Roko stepped past him, rolling her eyes with a smile. "That's not what I said, but alright."
Wesley blinked. "Okaaaay…"
She seemed more interested in the lively streets, and Wesley stuck close by to follow her pace. Didn't want her to get lost, after all. Especially not with the crowds of people who walked by, ones who either looked to be performers or people who were here to see said performers. It didn't seem like there was a lot of distinction between who was who.
One of said people stopped in front of Roko. "Me oh my… the patterns on that Pokémon Egg…" A rather tall lady in a dark kimono had leaned down to stare.
"Uh…"
Roko's hesitant pause was all Wesley needed to hear before he caught up. "Hey, sorry lady. The Egg's not for sale." He faced her with ever so slightly narrowed eyes.
The lady remained where she was, her long black sleeves folded over each other. There were yellow ring patterns on them. "My apologies. It's just… this must be a truly important Egg…" She seemed extra interested in the red and blue patterns on it.
Earnest tone be forsaken, Wesley didn't like how intently she was eyeing the incubator. The only thing stopping him from stepping in was Roko placing her hand on his wrist.
After a second of staring, the lady finally took a step back, standing at a height that caught Wesley off guard. "I didn't mean to be too forward. It is said that Pokémon of that kind only appear in times of great fortune. Such a sign of incoming prosperity is… much needed in these trying times." Her gentle demeanor seemed to fade for a second as she bowed. "Please do take good care of it."
Without another word, she turned away, hurriedly making her way to a food stall, or so Wesley thought.
He almost leered as his eyes followed the decorated woman, watching that fancy head of hair until she was out of sight. "That was… weird. Well, at least she wasn't here to swindle us, but still…" He crossed his arms, wondering what she meant by that last part.
"Hmm, that's true. But I can believe what she said about the Egg." Roko's gaze was more fascinated than anything. "That kimono look is so authentic… I wonder if she came here from Ecruteak. The people there are quite versed in their myths, after all."
"Like you." Wesley matched her step with a faint grin. "With how much you've mentioned Ercuteak, I sometimes forget you were born in Goldenrod."
"Come on, Wesley. I wasn't… born in Goldenrod, I think." Roko rolled her eyes at him before trailing elsewhere in thought. "But… if I was born anywhere else, I wonder how I'd look in one of those traditional kimonos. Maybe I'll get the chance when I visit Ecruteak once I'm old enough."
Wesley rolled his eyes. "Okaaaay, c'mon."
Okay, that was enough window shopping at the food stalls. He knew that any longer would've tempted Venio and Jackson to conspire for his wallet, and Wesley definitely wasn't having that. Cue and Arachnio were satisfied with the free samples, at least. With a whistle, he called back Lucy and Surpurna from where they were admiring a group of street performers.
Though neither of them had any urgent business in staying here, Wesley could tell Roko wanted to stay awhile, so he came up with a quick plan of action. While he would survey the perimeter of the Gym, she would further her insights through giving Sprout Tower the scout treatment. The elite escort four would back her up in case she needed some covering fire. He just needed to slip away for some… special business.
"Wesley, when you put it like that, you're making this sound more dramatic than it actually is. Just a bit," Roko admitted with a laugh as she shook her head. "I just want to visit Sprout Tower! Like a tourist! Not a stealth mission…ist."
Wesley's gaze darted around before he dropped the low profile leering act. "Okay, okay. But the elite escort four is still heading with you in case any of those monks want to battle. I've been there before, and I want to make sure they don't harm a single hair or petal on your head." He pointed at her and her hibiscus before gesturing to the building nearby. "We'll rendezvous by the school area once our business is done. Aye aye?"
He offered Roko a high five, and she mulled it over for a second before returning the gesture. "Aye aye."
Wesley watched with a pumped smile as Roko headed off towards that bridge by the pond, with Lucy, Jackson, Venio, and Surpurna quick to scurry after her. Being called 'the city of nostalgic scents' was right. They might not be in New Bark right now, but getting to revisit memories of playing the dramatic still made him feel right at home. Might as well enjoy the trip while it lasted, especially since Goldenrod was right nearby. He just hoped her folks wouldn't mind Roko's return being a few days late.
And speaking of revisiting old memories…
The automatic doors to the Gym slid open, Wesley waved to the staff, and when he stepped forward onto the wooden platform before him, it started to rise. It lifted him all the way up near the top of the building, where he was faced with a winding wooden walkway, some more subtle walkways of glass panes to the side, and the breeze of where the high windows were opened. This place was definitely bigger on the inside, that was for certain. Heck of a drop, too.
On the other side of the wooden walkway was a blue-haired kimono-clad individual, one who sat in almost meditative silence before the rising platform whirred to a stop. He slowly turned to face him.
"I am Falkner, the Violet City Pokémon Gym Leader!" There was that powerful echo as he pivoted on his sandals. "People say—oh. It's you. I don't remember ordering anything."
And there was that look of recognition. Wesley was almost disappointed to see him cut off his spiel. "Hey there, Falkner! I'm not here to be an errand boy today!" He adjusted his cap as he called out from across the walkway. "Slow day? It doesn't look like anyone's come to battle you lately." Just look at those glass paths. They were hard to see normally, even moreso when there weren't any footprints on them.
"I'm… surprised you brought that up, Wesley." Falkner crossed his arms. "I was wondering why there's been a shortage of challengers recently. Did you come here to deliver a message from the professor about it?"
"Something along those lines. He's a bit wrapped up in trying to figure something important out, so I'm here in his stead." Wesley's eyes were elsewhere, wondering if he could do something with that glass. He reached into his bag, which jingled as he brought out two Pokéballs. "But before that, I was just wondering if you were up for a battle."
"You? Battle me? You already have my badge." Falkner narrowed his eyes from where he stood. "You were the challenger who upstaged me with the Chikorita and the Hoothoot, weren't you?"
"The very same one!" Wesley declared with a boldness that Falkner didn't look surprised by. "But I'm not exactly looking for a Gym battle today. I was just wondering if you were up to help with some training. Maybe a sparring match?" He fiddled with his Pokéballs, and out appeared a Rattata and a Spinarak to join him on the platform.
The display earned a scoff in response. "Training? Hah! Well, my Pokémon and I have been perched in wait for the call of a challenge…" Falkner pulled two Pokéballs out of the coat he wore over his sky blue kimono. "Very well, Wesley! We'll show you that the wind is still with us!"
There was the battle cry that Wesley was waiting for. The Pokéballs soared into the air, and out came a Pidgey and a Pidgeotto by Falkner's side. Wesley looked to Cue, whose eyes were narrowed towards the layout of the winding wooden walkway. He looked to Arachnio, who was instead curiously tapping a leg on the closest glass tile. When the winds around the arena started to pick up, both Pokémon looked to the fight ahead, bracing themselves for the approaching wings.
Wesley knew it was going to be tricky fighting here without a winged Pokémon of his own, but he was up to the challenge. Dealing with unfavorable odds was how he needed to get stronger, after all. Strong enough to apprehend a thief, maybe.
He held onto his cap as he nodded with his Pokémon. "Okay, let's see what you two can do!"