Viridian City
Outside the Pokémon Center
Arata's POV
We stepped into the afternoon sun as the automatic door closed behind us and continued walking along the paved footpath with the girls. I glanced sideways at the sisters walking with their hands linked tightly. After the debacle at the center, they looked freer and happier, as if a weight had been lifted off their shoulders.
Then again, having the Professor indirectly endorse their future would give you that kind of confidence, I thought with a small, private smile.
But to be sure that they were fine with everything...
"Are you both really okay with this arrangement?" I asked, glancing down at them. "Traveling with me to Vermilion, I mean. No pressure or anything..." I asked the sisters, even though I could guess their thoughts on the issue.
Marrie looked up quickly and gave a quick nod, her long blonde hair bouncing. "Yeah... we're fine with it... and I trust the professor."
Maggie, on the other hand, didn't even try to hide her excitement. Her eyes sparkled as she looked up at me. "I'm super okay with it! We get to travel and see new places, and we don't have to stay at the orphanage anymore!"
Marrie smiled faintly at her sister's enthusiasm and squeezed her hand. That seemed to settle it.
I smiled, nodding as we reached a major crossing filled with traffic. I stopped at the curb with the small crowd gathered there, waiting for the light to turn green. As we crossed with everyone else, I felt strangely burdened. These two were following me now, without even asking where we were going. I was suddenly pseudo-responsible for two other people—two people who had nowhere else to go.
On the other side of the road stood one of the local Poke Marts. The girls needed some proper gear for the journey ahead, I thought, glancing at them from the corner of my eye. The mart was a massive building with wide glass windows displaying everything from high-end Poké Balls to durable travel gear and camping equipment. Customers streamed in and out constantly, some hauling big supply bags, others chatting excitedly amongst themselves.
Marrie slowed down a little as we approached, looking uncertain. Guessing her thoughts and knowing the sisters' financial situation, I decided to head off her hesitation before it could grow. I looked at Maggie.
"How about you and your big sister do some shopping and get what you need for your travels, and also whatever your sister's Pokémon needs, hm?"
Maggie's eyes went wide with delight. "Really~?"
"Mhm." I nodded, then looked at Marrie, who still seemed uncomfortable. "The lab has funds set up for situations like this. So get what you actually need. The road to Vermilion isn't going to be easy, and I'd rather you two be properly prepared than struggling to travel later."
I gave her a meaningful look.
Marrie bit her lip for a second, clearly fighting her pride, then gave a small, reluctant nod. "Alright... thank you."
Maggie was already tugging her sister toward the entrance, practically vibrating with excitement. "Come on, Marrie! We can get new notebooks for drawing and maybe some treats for Princess and Vinny!"
I watched them go with a smile and followed them inside. I could use some more gear as well, just in case.
While Marrie and Maggie disappeared into the clothing and supply sections, I quickly grabbed what I needed: a couple of sturdy travel pouches, extra Potions, some high-grade Repel, and a new multi-tool. After paying, I found a bench near the café area and waited for the girls.
About twenty minutes later, they came over. Marrie had changed into a simple but practical traveling outfit: a dark green jacket over a black shirt, sturdy cargo pants, and new hiking boots. Her long blonde hair was tied back in a loose ponytail. Maggie was practically glowing in a cute yellow hoodie, fresh shorts, and little boots that matched her straw hat.
"That's much better, girls..." I said with a grin.
Maggie spun once, showing off. Marrie gave a shy little smile and adjusted the strap of her new backpack.
After we paid for everything, I treated us all to soft-serve ice cream from the mart's small café corner. We sat at a little table by the window, eating our delicious soft serves.
I ate my chocolate swirl slowly, savoring its taste as my mind raced on our next steps. I had initially wanted to train my Pokémon en route to Pewter, especially since Orin had evolved. He needed to get used to his new body and power, and whatever new moves he would have learned, but I had already wasted a few days here in Viridian. I had wanted to explore the Viridian Forest and maybe get some training sessions in, but looking at the girls, I realized that might not be such a wise idea. A lot of things could go wrong; the forest is one of the most dangerous designated wild areas in the region.
It would have been fun to explore the forest, but I could always just come back when I have the time, I thought with a nod to myself.
"So...," I said, breaking the comfortable silence, "I've been thinking about our route. Instead of walking right through the deep forest, which would take us days to leave withoutany complications, we should take the League-provided safari. It goes through a safer, monitored section of the forest and comes out much closer to Pewter. It'll take about a day's travel... though we'll still have to reach the staging area near the entrance of the forest."
I looked at Marrie. "You good with this plan?"
She licked a bit of strawberry ice cream from her spoon and nodded. "Yeah. Sounds smart. It should be much safer for us and Maggie."
Maggie pouted dramatically, poking at her melting vanilla cone. "What about my vote... don't I get a say?"
Marrie and I shared an amused look. I couldn't help teasing her. "Little kids don't get a vote, Maggie."
"Hey!" she protested, but giggled anyway.
We finished our ice cream and made our way out of the mart and then the city.
The staging area for the League safari route sat at the official entrance of the forest way out on Route 2. It had taken us the better part of the day to reach the location, and looking at the safari outpost, I reaffirmed that this was the right decision to make.
It was basically a small outpost with a ticket counter, rest area, and a few Rangers keeping watch. I booked three passes for tomorrow morning, then we moved a short distance away to set up camp in a semi-isolated clearing just off the main path. I did not want unwanted attention, as I would have to release my team for dinner. Not that I could completely hide them; they were bound to get attention no matter what, I thought sardonically.
Once the tent was pitched and the fire was crackling, we released all our Pokémon. Princess and Vinny were immediately withdrawn, facing much larger and stronger Pokémon, but integrated into the hierarchy soon enough. Funnily enough, Orin was still my most personable mon of the team, ushering the newer and much smaller mons in.
My entire team sure are filled with some unique characters, I thought with an awkward smile.
The evening passed with quiet conversation, the smell of instant curry, and the soft sounds of Pokémon eating as we all sat around a little campfire I had built.
Later that night, after everything was cleaned up and Maggie had already crawled into her sleeping bag, Marrie and I stood outside the tent for a moment, staring at the stars peeking through the trees.
Without warning, she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around me in a grateful hug.
"Thank you," she whispered against my shoulder, her voice thick with emotion. "For everything. For helping us... for not walking away. I don't know what we would've done without you."
I stood there for a second, then gently hugged her back.
"That's what friends are for," I said quietly. She pulled away, giving me a small smile before slipping into the tent. I followed suit, making myself comfortable in mine, zipping the flap closed, and went to sleep assured of our safety as all my mons were just outside my tent settling in for the night.
The next morning was a quick one. We ate a simple breakfast of instant porridge and fruit, packed up the tent and gear in record time, and made it to the safari departure point just as the bulky armored bus rolled in. It was a beast of a vehicle with thick plating, reinforced windows, and two Rangers in the front, clearly for protection. A handful of people were already boarding. I counted three other trainers besides Marrie and myself; the rest were ordinary people moving between cities. These kinds of transportation were very popular for their safety and cost-effectiveness compared to teleportation services.
We found seats near the middle. Maggie took the window seat, excitedly pressing her face to the glass. Marrie sat beside her, looking more relaxed than the days before. The ride itself was surprisingly peaceful. Food and drinks were provided midway through, and there was a short rest stop at a secured outpost. I spent most of the journey relaxed in my seat, scrolling through my Pokédex, checking battle forums, and occasionally glancing out at the passing scenery.
Eventually, the driver's voice came over the speakers:
"Attention passengers, we will be arriving at Pewter City in approximately fifteen minutes. Please prepare your belongings."
I leaned back in my seat and smiled.
We made it...
My first true challenge—the Pewter Gym—and somehow we'd reached it without any of the serious trouble I'd been bracing for. No ambushes, lost Pokémon, or a wild tide trying to kill us all.
I glanced over at Marrie and Maggie. The older sister was quietly explaining something to the younger one, both of them looking out the window with wide eyes as the first buildings of Pewter City came into view.
A small smile tugged at my lips.
Maybe this wasn't so bad after all...