The sky slowly brightened, and the sun's rays spread across the Viridian Forest.
A beam of sunlight hit Eichi's eyes.
He felt something strange and heard birds chirping mixed with other faint sounds.
Opening his eyes, he saw two Pikachu staring at him with cute faces.
When he got up, all the Pokémon were still around, but some fruits were scattered on the ground.
The Pikachu pointed at the fruits, then at Eichi. "Pika pika, Pikachu."
Eichi pointed at himself. "Are these all for me?"
They all nodded. He patted the Pikachu's heads. "Thank you all. There's too much for just me. Let's eat together!"
Beedrill and Scyther came over to join the meal.
After eating, it was time to continue the journey. Eichi squatted, patted the two Pikachu on the heads, and said, "This must be where we part. Goodbye, I hope we meet again."
He stood up and waved at them while walking away.
"Goodbye, everyone."
The Pikachu waved back. "Pikachu, pika."
Slowly, Eichi disappeared from the Pokémon's view.
***
After walking for a while, Eichi checked his map. If luck was on his side, he could reach the Pokémon Center by tonight.
He put the map away and continued walking, keeping his two Pokémon outside their Poké Balls.
The morning air was fresh, and the green forest made him feel relaxed.
Thus began the second day of his journey, as Eichi continued toward his goal.
***
By evening, Eichi felt tired after a full day of walking.
Beedrill and Scyther returned to their Poké Balls.
As darkness fell, a building appeared at the end of his view.
"That is…"
"The Pokémon Center."
"Finally here."
Eichi's weary heart brightened. He wanted a bath; his body felt sticky and uncomfortable.
He hurried, and the Pokémon Center became clearer.
Approaching the center, he saw many trainers heading inside. Eichi had never seen so many trainers at once.
He felt excited as he entered.
The Pokémon Center in the Viridian Forest was built mainly from wood; it was sturdy and strong.
Inside, most furniture and walls were also made of wood.
At the front desk, Nurse Joy was assisting all the trainers. Besides her, many other staff members were working.
In the anime, each Pokémon Center only has Nurse Joy and a Chansey.
That couldn't happen in real life. Every Pokémon Center has many staff members. Who would prepare food and lodging otherwise? Surely not just Nurse Joy.
While waiting in line, Eichi glanced at the Chansey beside Nurse Joy and activated his Eye of the Bug Emperor.
He discovered that this Chansey had an Excellent aptitude and Elite energy level.
The Joy family was formidable. The Chansey of a Pokémon center has already reached Excellent aptitude and Elite energy.
If Chansey were skilled in battle, very few could defeat it in that center.
Finally, it was Eichi's turn. He handed Nurse Joy the Poké Balls of Beedrill and Scyther.
"Please take care of them. Any single room is fine."
Nurse Joy replied gently, "Alright. That will be 500p."
Eichi handed over his League Card.
After the payment, she said, "Trainer, I wish you a pleasant evening."
"Thank you."
Eichi took the key upstairs to his room. It was small but had most essentials.
He dropped his backpack and flopped onto the white bed.
It felt comfortable, so he rested a while before taking a bath.
After the bath, he went downstairs for dinner.
The dining hall was lively. Many trainers came and went.
Some chatted while eating, while others released their Pokémon to enjoy the meal together.
Some even challenged strangers to Pokémon battles.
Eichi liked this lively atmosphere. This was what a trainer's place should feel like.
He ordered a decent dinner and found a corner to eat alone.
The food tasted good.
***
While he was eating, a boy around ten with yellow hair approached.
He sat across from Eichi with his meal and said, "Hello, I'm Johnny, from Goldenrod City.
I'm traveling with my Pokémon. I've been on the road for three months.
My goal is to collect eight badges and compete in the Indigo League. Let's have a Pokémon battle soon."
Eichi looked up at Johnny's determined face and realized Scyther might need this battle to build confidence.
He nodded. "Sure, seven o'clock, in the backyard of the Pokémon Center."
Johnny's face lit up. "No problem. I'll be waiting."
Eichi checked the time. It was 5:40, more than an hour left.
No rush, he finished his meal slowly, then went to the front desk. Next to the desk was a basket of pre-checked Pokémon.
He found Beedrill and Scyther's labels and returned to his room.
He released both Pokémon.
Scyther immediately shouted in hunger. Eichi comforted it, "Alright, I'll prepare your dinner soon."
He brought out Pokémon food and Pokéblocks. The two hungry Pokémon ate ravenously.
While Scyther ate, Eichi said, "There will be a battle soon. You will go out."
Scyther raised a scythe while eating and nodded. No problem.
After finishing, Eichi let them rest a little.
***
When it was almost time, Eichi went downstairs. The Pokémon Center had a backyard for battles.
Johnny was already there.
"Since you're here, let's start," he said.
"Come out, Sandshrew."
A bright yellow Pokémon, shaped like a pangolin, appeared.
Sandshrew, the Mouse Pokémon
Type: Ground
Ability: Sand Veil
Hidden Ability: Sand Rush
Description: Its dry skin is very tough. Curling into a ball, it can reflect any attack. At night, it burrows into desert sand to sleep.