In this world, everything revolves around Pokémon, and among all the professions connected to them, Trainers are by far the most central.
Over time, various other Pokémon-related professions have emerged—such as the Coordinators currently popular in the Hoenn region, Performers, Breeders, and more—but no matter the path, all of them are inseparable from Pokémon.
Yellow is a child who is full of love for nature and Pokémon. Gifted with the power of Viridian from birth, she is also a kind and pure-hearted girl.
Strictly speaking, the Viridian Power is the power of nature itself. Those blessed with it are typically gentle by nature and deeply attuned to the harmony of Pokémon and the natural world.
Yellow is like that. So is Lance.
Even though, as far as Lucas knows, Lance's personality has become increasingly extreme over time, he is still different from those truly evil people whose hearts are filled with ambition and greed.
Lance genuinely loves nature and Pokémon. But it is precisely because of that love that his heart has grown cold and ruthless. In his view, there is far too much evil in the world—so much that he no longer wants to live in such a filthy, corrupt place.
That's why, in the original story, he wanted to wipe out the majority of humanity and create an ideal new world.
Yet no matter how extreme or twisted his methods became, Lance's original intent was always for the sake of Pokémon and nature—it's just that his approach had become dangerously excessive.
And then there's Giovanni, another bearer of the Viridian power...
While Giovanni now appears ruthless and cruel, willing to sacrifice countless Pokémon for his goals—who's to say what kind of person he once was?
People change. Just because someone is gentle and kind today doesn't mean they'll still be that way tomorrow. That's just how it is.
But for now, the one chosen by Viridian Forest—Yellow—is undoubtedly a kind and pure soul.
Even though she longed to see the world beyond her village, she never expressed that desire aloud for fear of causing trouble for the people around her, given how tight life already was.
Yet now, feeling the kindness radiating from the boy and girl before her, Yellow found herself unable to hold back.
Yes—she couldn't hold back anymore.
Because of her pure heart, she was all the more touched by their kindness. That warmth settled into her soul.
Drip... drip...
Tears began falling from the corners of Yellow's eyes.
"Thank you, but I can't accept this. You've already done so much for me..."
But she quickly came to her senses. Without even wiping away her tears, she looked up at Lucas through her misty eyes and tried to return the Poké Balls he'd handed her.
She was touched—grateful beyond words. Lucas had saved her from the Arbok's attack, shared a meal with her, and even taught her how to face her future.
If she accepted these Poké Balls on top of everything else... Maybe for others, ordinary Poké Balls weren't worth much—but for Yellow, this wasn't something money could measure.
"Don't refuse. You really need this right now, don't you?"
Lucas interrupted her gently, smiling warmly.
"Remember what I just said? Encounters and adventures are memories worth cherishing. To me, meeting you here, Yellow, is also a memory I will treasure."
He smiled, his handsome face radiating with a heartwarming expression. His voice was smooth and calm, magnetic and soft. To someone as pure as Yellow, it was devastatingly moving.
The tears in her eyes seemed to swell even more. That warmth inside her grew, until she couldn't hold it back anymore.
Such a gentle big brother...
"Consider these Poké Balls a gift for your upcoming journey. I hope one day, Yellow, you'll become an outstanding Trainer."
Lucas gently patted her thin shoulder and gave her a word of encouragement.
"Yes! I promise I will!"
Yellow bit her lip and, feeling the sincerity of Lucas's expectation, nodded resolutely and solemnly made her promise.
"I'll definitely—definitely become an excellent Trainer, just like you, big brother! Please watch over me!"
Yes—at this moment, Yellow, who had once only vaguely dreamed of leaving Viridian Forest, felt a surge of unwavering determination rise in her heart for the first time.
She wanted to be a Trainer. A great one!
Right now, she had nothing—not even a starter Pokémon—but still, she made this vow to the boy in front of her.
Because she couldn't turn away from his sincere hope, from his warm kindness.
She would work a hundred, a thousand times harder. She would make it happen!
"I believe in you. Even though this is our first meeting, I can tell—you're truly exceptional, Yellow."
"Challenges exist to be overcome. As long as you're willing to give it your all, the rewards will come."
Lucas's smile grew as he gazed into her eyes, which now gleamed with unwavering determination.
Despite her slender frame, the powerful will and belief in her gaze were deeply moving.
"Such incredible eyes... In that case—"
He praised her sincerely and, without hesitation, pulled a Poké Ball from his backpack.
"Its name is Pikachu. Let it be your first partner."
He placed the Poké Ball in her hand and introduced the Pokémon inside.
Yes, it was a Pikachu!
Lucas had requested it from Giovanni before leaving Viridian City. Its aptitude was top-tier—he had prepared it precisely for this moment.
"Don't refuse. If you truly want to thank me, raise it well. Who knows—maybe one day, I'll need your help, Yellow."
Seeing that Yellow wanted to say something, Lucas spoke first, half-joking.
Yellow bit her lip, realizing this big brother had no intention of taking the Pikachu back.
"I understand. No matter what it is—if you ever need me, I'll do my best, big brother!"
Yellow clutched the Poké Ball tightly and looked into Lucas's eyes, making her vow.
No matter what it is!
That's what she was thinking in her heart at that moment—if it's for this big brother...
"Then I'll remember those words. The road ahead will be hard, but Yellow—you must always trust the voice inside your heart."
"I can see you're a pure-hearted child, and I sincerely hope you'll always keep that purity."
"But the world isn't always as beautiful as it seems. If, in the future, you see the places light cannot reach, please still hold true to your heart, okay?"
Lucas paused and gave Yellow that heartfelt piece of advice.
"I'll remember." Yellow nodded firmly.
After their meal and a bit of rest, they packed their things. Lucas looked up at the sky.
"Well then, until next time. I hope that when we meet again, Yellow, you'll already be an outstanding Trainer."
He smiled as he said goodbye to Yellow. It was time to move on.
His purpose in coming to Viridian Forest had been to find her, and that goal had now been fulfilled.
Given Yellow's nature—kind and grateful—so long as nothing major went wrong, she would surely be someone who could help him in the future.
"Then... safe travels, big brother, Sister Marnie. Until we meet again."
Yellow pursed her lips and bowed deeply, reluctant to part.
Although it was only their first meeting, the kindness they'd shown her had won her heart. For the first time, she'd found friends her age she truly connected with.
"See you, Yellow."
Even Marnie—who rarely smiled—couldn't help but give a gentle wave and a rare grin.
She liked this simple, pure girl too.
Lucas and Marnie turned and left. Yellow stood there, watching them go.
"Big brother!"
Lucas turned around, looking at the girl who clutched her new Poké Ball tightly in her hands.
"I will definitely become an excellent Trainer!"
The girl shouted her vow, full of determination, and her voice echoed in Lucas's ears.
He smiled, waved back at her, and then continued forward.
I believe in you.
Yellow smiled faintly. She understood that he trusted her.
"Pikachu…"
She looked down at the Poké Ball in her hands—the first partner of her journey, and one who would become her most important companion in the future.
Together, they would rise to the top!
----------------------------------
Meanwhile, on the outskirts of Viridian Forest, Lucas and Marnie appeared via Gardevoir's Teleport.
"Happy now?"
Marnie glanced at Lucas, pouting a little.
"You really conned that little girl so hard she probably wanted to give you her heart too. That was something, Lucas."
She'd seen everything that had happened between Lucas and Yellow.
The inspiring talk, the Poké Balls, the starter Pokémon—and finally, giving her a Pokédex before parting.
Wow. Lucas had basically taken on the role of mentor in a rookie Trainer's life.
And Marnie knew very well—Lucas had a clear purpose. That warm, caring "big brother" image was all an act.
But it was such a convincing act that it had completely won over the pure-hearted Yellow. In the future...
"Don't make it sound so bad. I genuinely like that kid."
Lucas shrugged with a familiar smirk. True, he had approached Yellow with a goal in mind.
But who wouldn't like such a sweet, earnest girl?
"Still, is she really that good? It's the first time I've seen you take someone this seriously."
Marnie rolled her eyes, but she was curious too.
Being a Viridian power holder was a special title, sure—but if that were all, would Lucas really go to such lengths?
After all, Sheena had special abilities too, and Lucas didn't seem nearly as invested in her. His attitude toward Sheena was practically indifferent.
"If it were just the Viridian power, I wouldn't care."
Lucas chuckled softly. Special abilities might be rare, but he didn't take them too seriously.
So, what if someone had an ability?
Strength was what really mattered. Without talent, even the most special abilities were worthless.
"But Yellow's different. Beyond the Viridian power, her natural talent is extraordinary."
"For example—"
Marnie blinked, curious.
When this guy used words like "extraordinary," that meant something.
"Let's put it this way: one year from now, Yellow will be who Blue is today."
Lucas thought for a moment and gave a straightforward comparison.
Among Red, Blue, Green, and Yellow—aside from Green, the other three were true monster-level talents.
And honestly, Green wasn't bad either—compared to outsiders, she was still a real genius. She just seemed less impressive next to the other three.
If one had to rank them, maybe Red was slightly better than Blue and Yellow—but not by much.
Even though Blue lost his Champion title not long after getting it, Red still had to fight hard to win that battle.
Red was definitely stronger, but only by a slim margin.
"...Damn."
Marnie paused, then gasped.
Did he just say 'Yellow one year from now will be what Blue is today'?
Blue was a Champion-level Trainer!
That poor girl who was struggling to get by and looked so innocent—that same Yellow would be a Champion Trainer in just a year?
Another monster.
No wonder even someone as proud as Lucas took her so seriously.
Marnie sighed, frowning a bit.
She didn't think Lucas was exaggerating. That wasn't his style—he never spoke with such confidence unless he was sure.
"How are the rest of us supposed to live with monsters like you guys around…"
Marnie muttered, clearly exasperated.
Seriously—did these people have any idea how hopeless they made others feel?
Being born in the same era as these monsters… it was just sad. It left no room to shine.
"You're not bad yourself. I believe our Marnie will also become an admired and exceptional Trainer."
Lucas blinked, then gently pulled Marnie close with one hand and brushed her cheek with the other, smiling.
Warmth spread in Marnie's chest. Yeah... there was no need to compare herself to monsters.
But still—hand placement, bro.
"Move your hand."
Her eyelid twitched. She stared at him expressionlessly.
At some point, his hand had started slipping down to her waist…
Lucas didn't act embarrassed at all. Still smiling, he took her hand and was about to move on.
"Lucas, there's a Pokémon hiding nearby."
Eternatus's deep telepathic voice echoed in Lucas's mind.
(End of Chapter)