Chapter 8 – First Day

Viridian City

After Vivian and I greeted each other, we went for lunch to talk and to get to know one another. I found out she was quite mature for her age. We spoke in length about what we expected from one another, and came to the conclusion that this partnership could reasonably evolve to friendship. In the end, we agreed to set off tomorrow, right after breakfast.

Upon returning home, I spoke with my grandparents, and they were ecstatic to learn that I would not be on my own during my travels. After I explained the kind of person Vivian was and what she did for a living, my grandfather voiced his approval and even told me that my new travelling companion reminded him of his daughter a little bit.

I spent the rest of the day preparing my luggage with my Pokémon. It did not take long as we have been ready for this for quite a while. I had my katana, my special backpack that can carry all my camping equipment, and all the necessities for a Pokémon trainer on a journey. Eevee and Bulbasaur had years to think about how our travel would be like, so they were far more excited that they let on. Spearow, on the other hand, was already used to be in the wild. However, he was a little apprehensive to leave the area of Viridian City and Pallet Town. After all, that's all he's ever known. Thankfully, the other Pokémon reassured him that they would look out for him so he did not have to be afraid.

Before I knew it, morning came, and it was time. I had my breakfast, took a shower, final-checked my belongings, and was ready to start my journey. I stared at my room, then the inside of my home for a little bit, until I arrived at the main entrance. My grandparents were waiting for me there.

"Kenta, don't forget to call us every time you reach a Pokémon Center" grandma instructed.

"Of course, I know what I have to do. You don't need to worry about me" I reassured her.

"Even if you were a full-grown adult, we would still worry. You wouldn't understand. One day, you might, but until then, let us worry" she replied seriously.

"Alright, I'll call you as soon as I reach Pewter City."

I then looked at my grandpa, he did not say anything. However, he looked right into my eyes, and nodded with a small smile. That was his way of shouting how proud he was of me and wishing me luck. I grinned back.

Eevee, who we decided would remain outside his Pokéball, exclaimed aloud his goodbyes to them. My grandma hugged him, and told him to take care of himself as well as his companions, while my grandpa also gave him the same nod he gave me. Thus, we left our house.

I went to meet Vivian at the Pokémon Clinic where I found her outside, talking with her sister.

"…and you're sure you have everything? What about human medication? Don't ignore your health for your work like last time" I heard Nurse Joy saying.

"I know. I'm not a child anymore. I know you're worried, you and the others, but I'm starting to feel like I'm being underestimated. I've saved lives before. I took care of and successfully helped many Pokémon already, in and out of Centers. I spent months training myself to handle dangerous situations, I heard enough stories that end tragically to write a book, so ease up a little, will you" Vivian snapped. Nurse Joy only signed loudly before she saw me.

"Oh, Kenta. You're here. Thank you again for your help" she said.

"It's nothing. I am happy to have Vivian as my companion" I assured her.

"Can we go already?" Vivian said impatiently.

"Don't be rude, Viv" Nurse Joy said.

"I'm not being rude. You're being overbearing" Vivian calmly replied. Once more, Nurse Joy sighed, she then turned to me.

"I apologise for any future difficulties she'll inflict upon you, Kenta."

"Who's being rude now?" Vivian murmured out.

"Just call me the moment you reach Pewter City" Nurse Joy said, seemingly losing patience with her sibling.

"Even if I don't, our sister will report everything to everyone, so you'll know exactly how well I am then" the younger Joy replied, eager to have the last word. Nurse Joy sighed one last time, and waved us goodbye as we departed.

As we walked towards the northern exit of Viridian City, Vivian turned towards me.

"You told me you were going to gather Gym Badges, so how come you're not starting here?" she asked.

I was expecting that question. I had no desire to fall on Giovanni's radar. Team Rocket was a troublesome existence that I couldn't deal with at the moment. However, I had to find an excuse to explain why I didn't start my journey by challenging my hometown's Gym. It was actually quite easy to come up with a reason as it wasn't completely untrue.

"I intend to save that Gym for last. I'm going to travel all over Kanto, and once I acquire seven Badges, I'll come back here for my last challenge. It'll be like a circle."

"Mmm, they do say the Viridian Gym is the hardest of them all, so I'm guessing you want to face the Leader's strongest team?" she asked further.

"You got it. If I want to win in the Indigo League, I must fight the best" I replied confidently. She simply nodded.

Eventually, we reached the road which was the beginning of Route 2, where we saw an old man, sleeping on a bench with an empty bottle of beer in his hand. We silently agreed to ignore him, and kept walking. However, just as we reached the area that was right in front of his laying body, his eyes opened, and he sprang to his feet.

"HALT!" he yelled. In astounding speed, he lunged and blocked our path.

"Hello, Kenta-kun" he said with a wide grin.

"Hello, Yūsuke-san" I greeted back, hiding my exasperation.

Yūsuke was an old friend of my grandfather. They were drinking buddies. He was a good man, but a little annoying. My grandpa liked to drink with him but was unwilling to hang out with him outside a bar. He could be so exhausting to be around. He constantly bragged about his past as an ace trainer. He repeatedly told his story on how he participated in the Pokémon League competition a few decades ago, and how he was on a winning streak until he reached the legendary trainer, Samuel Oak. That's right, he fought Professor Oak in their youth, the same competition that made the Professor champion. At first, I found the story fascinating, but eventually I reached a point where I had to force myself to NOT say "you told everyone that story already."

"How can I help you?" I asked with a fake smile.

"Word is you're finally starting your journey, boy. Better late than never, eh?" he pointed teasingly.

"Indeed, it just felt that now was the right time."

"And now, you're heading to the Viridian Forest, eh?" he kept talking.

"Yes, that's our next stop" I replied, knowing he wasn't actually waiting for an answer.

"In that case, take this to my grandson."

Out of nowhere, he pulled a basket filled with food and snacks.

"Your grandson? He's in the forest, right now?" Vivian asked.

Yūsuke turned towards her, surprised. Apparently, he did not notice her until now.

"Nurse Joy" he said as he looked at her from head to toe.

"Did you get younger?" he asked dumbfounded.

"No, I'm the little sister of the person you're probably mentioning" she answered calmly.

"Ah" he exclaimed.

"Nice to meet you" he bowed politely, which Vivian bowed back.

"Anyway, thanks, Kenta-kun" he shoved the basket in my arms, and dashed towards his house. He was comically fast.

"He didn't even let you refuse. Was it on purpose?" Vivian asked me.

"Maybe, but I don't mind. Like he said, I was heading there anyway."

Once again, we went on our way.

Viridian Forest

We eventually entered the Viridian Forest. This was my second time here. I first came when I was little with my class. We were placed in a designated area by the foresters and we were accompanied by two Pokémon Trainers, so there was no danger to any of us. Our teacher brought us here to explain the importance of this forest, and all sorts of other facts. We were tasked to draw something we find interesting. Most of the pupils drew Metapods, since not only they didn't move, but there were not guarded like Kakunas and Beedrills. I was the only one who drew something else, something very important to me.

We were walking on the path towards Pewter City, until we reached a clearing.

"HALT!" a yell came out of nowhere.

We looked up, and saw, standing on top of a thick branch, a boy dressed like a samurai. He grabbed a vine, and swung down towards us. I tried not to laugh, while Vivian just rolled her eyes at what she judged to be a dramatic and childish display.

"If you want to go through this path, you'll have to beat me in a Pokémon battle" he said while making a pose and unsheathing his toy sword.

"Here you go, Kōsuke" I told him as I placed the basket in his arms.

"Enjoy" I said as I continued to walk past him. Vivian had just ignored him, and was already ahead of me.

"Wait, stop, stop, stop" he ran past us to block our way once more. Though he brought the basket with him.

"C'mon, I just challenged you to a battle. Couldn't you at least take me seriously?" he said, trying unsuccessfully not to sound like he was whining.

"Kōsuke, you're still in Trainers School" I pointed out.

"Ah, Kenta-senpai" he exclaimed, realising just now who he was talking to. He stayed quiet for a bit, trying to think of a comeback, until he made a look that said 'I got an idea.'

"Well, I suppose I should've expected someone as lazy and cowardly as you, who did nothing for so many years, and disappointed everyone who believed in him, to try avoiding any kind of challenge whatsoever" he said arrogantly.

Eevee started to frown.

"Nice try, Kōsuke. Except that last month, during a drinking party at my house, your grandfather was laughing how you got into trouble for fighting with your classmates. He also mentioned it was because said classmates were mocking me, which made you angry. I also noticed the times when you were spying on me when I was training my Pokémon on the routes around the city. You even clapped once when Bulbasaur took down an errant Beedrill, probably forgetting you were spying, and that you were supposed to remain silent."

The boy blushed furiously at my little speech. He then bowed deeply.

"Please, Kenta-senpai. I want you to fight me. I know I'm still at school and don't have my license yet, but I'm on my last year. I'll get it in a few months, so please make an exception for me" he begged loudly.

I thought about it. In the anime, Kōsuke did have some skills, and he was good enough to go toe-to-toe against Ash, despite the latter's several mistakes.

"Alright, I accept" I smiled at him.

"YATTA!" he jumped happily.

"Vivian, can we count on you for post-battle treatment?" I asked her.

"Sure. I like to practice whenever I can anyway" she shrugged.

"How many Pokémon?" I asked my opponent.

"I only have two, senpai. So, let's make this a two-on-two, okay?"

"Very well. Let's begin" I smiled.