Chapter 3 – The Queen of the Grass
Viridian City felt different in the morning.
The night's quiet glow was gone, replaced by a comfortable bustle: shop shutters rolling open, delivery trucks humming along the streets, and Trainers heading toward the outskirts with purposeful strides. The air smelled of damp earth and breakfast—fresh bread from a bakery somewhere.
Ryan stood on the Pokémon Centre steps and took it all in, backpack slung over one shoulder. The red roof behind him gleamed in the early light. Beside his leg, Larvitar squinted at the street.
"You know," Ryan said, stretching his arms overhead, "it still feels weird that this is normal for some people. Just… living in a city with a Pokémon Centre down the street."
"Lar," Larvitar grunted, unimpressed by the observation.
Ryan chuckled. "Yeah, yeah. Priorities. First order of business: supplies.
Just saying it out loud made his stomach flip in excitement. He'd spent part of last night in the Pokémon Centre lounge, scrolling through Pokédex entries and strategy articles. Nidoran♀ might not be flashy like a Dragonite, but as a Nidorina and eventually Nidoqueen? Absolute tank. Excellent typing, solid move pool, and, if the field notes he'd read were correct, fiercely loyal once she chose a trainer.
Larvitar tilted its head, watching his expression.
"Trust me," Ryan said. "You're gonna like her."
They set off down the street towards the Pokémon Mart. The blue-roofed building sat near the foot of a hill, its large glass windows filled with displays of Potions, Poké Balls, and travel kits. A cheerful bell chimed as the doors slid open, and he stepped inside.
Inside, it smelled faintly of plastic and paper. Shelves were neatly stocked, and a TV mounted near the ceiling played a League highlight reel. Ryan caught a glimpse of a past Indigo League match—some trainer sending out a massive Golem, the crowd roaring—
"Good morning!" the clerk behind the counter called. "Need help with anything?"
"Just grabbing a few things," Ryan said. "First journey, so… I'm trying not to forget anything important."
"That's exciting," the clerk said with a grin. "In that case, stock up on Poké Balls and Potions. Maybe some Antidotes. Viridian Forest isn't far, and the Weedle there are… enthusiastic."
Ryan winced. "Right. Poison stings. Got it."
He moved through the aisles, Larvitar trotting beside him, carefully reading labels. He grabbed:
A pack of 6 Poké Balls
Two Potions to add to his kit
A set of 3 Antidotes
A cheap but sturdy rope (he wasn't sure why, but every adventure book said rope was important)
By the time he brought everything to the counter, his wallet felt significantly lighter. The clerk rang it up, bagged the items, and gave him an encouraging nod.
"Good luck out there, Trainer," he said.
Ryan thanked the clerk and then left.
Back outside, he adjusted his backpack, now slightly heavier with new clinks and rattles.
"Okay. That's supplies sorted." He glanced toward the city map posted on a nearby board. "North gate is that way… and the Pokédex says Nidoran♀ like open grass near trees, close to the city but not too close. So…"
He traced a path with his finger. "We go past the Gym, then cut around to the fields."
He didn't mean to slow as they approached Viridian Gym—but he did.
The building loomed off to the side of the main road, half-hidden behind tall evergreens. Unlike the bright colours of the Pokémon Centre, the Gym was all dark stone and metal, its emblem a stylised leaf set into a massive double door. A chain and sign hung across the entrance:
VIRIDIAN GYM – CLOSED
No explanation. No "back soon." Just closed.
Ryan stopped, staring. Larvitar followed his gaze, then scowled at the shut doors, as if personally offended.
"So that's the famous 'mysterious Gym,' huh," Ryan muttered. He'd heard the rumours in Pallet—about how the Viridian Gym Leader rarely accepted challenges, about powerful trainers seen slipping in and out at odd hours. Some people claimed the Leader was unbeatable. Others said no one even knew who it was.
Ryan felt a flicker in his chest. Not fear. Something closer to… anticipation.
"One day," he said quietly to Larvitar. "We'll come back here. For our last badge. And those doors won't stay closed."
Larvitar gave a sharp nod, as if sealing the promise.
He forced himself to turn away.
The north gate sat at the end of a gently curving street. An officer in a crisp blue uniform leaned against the fence, chatting with an older man and his Machop. As Ryan approached, the officer straightened.
"Hold up there," she said. Her name badge read Officer Jenny—of course. "Heading out of the city, kid?"
"Yes, ma'am," Ryan said, suddenly nervous. "I'm Ryan Shaw. From Pallet."
"New trainer, huh?" Jenny looked him up and down, then smiled slightly. "Mind if I see your Trainer ID?"
"Sure." He fumbled it out of his pocket and handed it over.
She scanned it with a small device. It beeped once, then flashed green.
"Ryan Shaw, registered under Professor Oak," Jenny read. "Partner Pokémon: Larvitar. Looks like you're the real deal."
Jenny handed the ID back. "We've had a few incidents lately—reports of suspicious activity near the routes and rumours of Pokémon being stolen. Probably just wild exaggerations, but we're being careful. If you see anything strange—people in matching uniforms, weird machines, that sort of thing—you let the nearest Officer Jenny know, got it?"
Ryan's mind immediately conjured up images of shadowy figures snatching Poké Balls in the night.
"I will," he said, tucking his ID away. "I promise."
"Good." She stepped aside and opened the gate. Beyond it, the land sloped out into open, sunlit fields, dotted with trees and rustling grass.
"Stay alert out there," she added. "There's freedom, but there's also responsibility. Good luck, Ryan."
"Thank you," he said—and then he and Larvitar stepped out of Viridian City and into the wild again.
The northern fields felt different from Route 1.
The path faded quickly into foot-trails and trodden grass, winding between scattered trees and patches of wildflowers. The air buzzed with life—Pidgey flitting from branch to branch, Caterpie inching along low trunks, a pair of Mankey arguing loudly on a distant tree.
Ryan pulled out his Pokédex, flicked to the entry that mattered most today.
"Nidoran♀," the device recited in its calm voice. "The Poison Pin Pokémon. Although small, its horn is packed with venom. It uses its whiskers to sense the direction of the wind, which helps it avoid enemies."
"Tiny but dangerous," Ryan murmured. "Perfect."
Larvitar peered at the screen, then snorted, unimpressed by the mention of poison.
"Don't get cocky," Ryan told him. "Poison can end a battle before it starts. We'll have to be careful."
They walked slowly, eyes sharp, ears tuned to every rustle. The longer they went without seeing anything, the more Ryan's mind buzzed.
What if there aren't any Nidoran♀ around today? What if we only find males? Would it be so bad to catch a Nidoran♂ instead?
He shook his head. No. He'd set his sights on Nidoran♀ for a reason.
A movement in the grass to his right made him pause.
"There," he whispered, dropping into a half-crouch. "Larvitar, keep low."
They crept closer. The grass parted, and a small shape emerged—blue, rabbit-like, with largish ears and white-streaked spines along its back. It sniffed the air delicately, whiskers twitching.
Ryan's heart leapt. "Nidoran♀," he breathed.
"Niido…" the Pokémon murmured.
He raised his Pokédex for confirmation, even though he already knew.
"Nidoran♀," the device repeated. "The Poison Pin Pokémon. Nidoran♀ is timid and prefers to avoid conflict. If threatened, it will raise its toxic spines to ward off foes."
"Timid, huh?" Ryan murmured.
He slowly unclipped a Poké Ball from his belt—not to throw yet, but to be ready.
Nidoran♀ continued sniffing at the grass, nibbling on a leaf. She was smaller than he'd expected, but there was a coiled energy in the way her muscles tensed and released, like she was ready to bolt at the slightest sign of danger.
"Okay," Ryan whispered to Larvitar. "We want to battle her but not crush her. We go in hard; she might run. We go in soft; we get poisoned. So…"
Before he could finish his plan, the grass exploded with motion.
A Rattata darted out, snarling, teeth bared. Not his Rattata—a wild one. It lunged straight at Nidoran♀, trying to snap at her ear. She squeaked and jumped back, spines flaring.
The Rattata circled, determined to steal her food or territory—Ryan couldn't be sure, but the intent was clear enough.
"Hey!" Ryan shouted, straightening. "Back off!"
The wild Rattata ignored him completely.
Nidoran♀ lowered her head, spines gleaming. With a sudden burst of speed, she lunged, horn glowing faintly purple, jabbing at Rattata's flank. The Mouse Pokémon yelped as the poison took hold, stumbling.
"Whoa," Ryan muttered. "That's… actually kind of terrifying."
But the wild Rattata, now desperate, lunged again.
Ryan acted on impulse.
"Larvitar, Tackle the Rattata—knock it away!"
Larvitar didn't hesitate. It thundered forward, a green blur, and slammed its body into Rattata mid-leap. The smaller Pokémon went flying into a bush with a yowl, then staggered out and bolted, deciding this meal wasn't worth the trouble.
Nidoran♀ spun, eyes wide, spines still raised. She stared at Larvitar, then at Ryan, breathing hard.
"Easy," Ryan said, raising his empty hand in a calming gesture. "We're not here to hurt you."
Her spines stayed up, but her shaking eased a little.
"That Rattata was picking on you," he continued, voice gentle. "We just helped you out, that's all."
Larvitar stood at his side, not puffing its chest or trying to look intimidating for once. It simply watched Nidoran♀, calm and steady.
For a tiny moment, the field was silent except for their breathing and the rustle of leaves.
Then Nidoran♀ snorted. She turned her head, almost dismissively, and started nibbling at the grass again—but this time, she stayed facing them, as if acknowledging their presence and choosing not to flee.
Ryan felt a grin tug at the corners of his mouth.
"Okay," he murmured. "I think she's not scared of us anymore. That's step one."
He glanced at Larvitar. "Step two: we still have to battle her. Fair and square. You up for that?"
Larvitar's eyes lit up with fierce excitement. It stomped once in agreement.
Ryan took a few steps back to give them room. He took a slow breath, feeling that familiar mix of nerves and determination settle into his chest.
He pointed at Nidoran♀, who watched him now with undeniable wariness—but also with something else. Curiosity, maybe.
"Nidoran♀!" he called, feeling a little ridiculous talking directly to a wild Pokémon. "You're strong. You fought off that Rattata on your own. I want a partner like that on my team. Battle us! If we win, come with us!"
She tilted her head, ear twitching.
For a second, Ryan wondered if she'd hop away.
Instead, she scraped one tiny paw against the ground and lowered her head, spines flaring.
"Nido!" she challenged.
Ryan's grin widened. "I'll take that as a yes. Larvitar—this is official. Let's go!"
He took his position, heart pounding. The open field became a makeshift arena, the occasional breeze carrying the smell of crushed grass and wildflowers.
She moved, charging forward with surprising speed.
"Larvitar, sidestep and use Leer!" Ryan ordered.
Larvitar sprang aside, nimble despite its stocky build. Nidoran♀ rushed past, barely missing. Larvitar twisted, eyes flashing red as it locked gazes with her.
She flinched, a shiver rippling across her body. Her spines dipped slightly—not fully—but enough.
"Good!" Ryan called. "Now, Tackle her back—but controlled! We don't want a knockout."
Larvitar lunged. This time, the hit was solid, sending Nidoran♀ rolling over the grass. She bounced to her paws quickly, though, snarling. A faint purple sheen shimmered on her horn.
"Oh no, you don't," Ryan muttered. "Watch that poison, Larvitar! Keep your distance."
Nidoran♀ darted forward again, horn low.
"Sandstorm!" Ryan shouted. "Keep her at range!"
Larvitar slammed its feet into the earth. The ground answered. Sand and dust tore free, swirling into a tight storm around them. Nidoran♀ skidded to a halt, squinting as grit lashed at her face.
Her spines rose higher, glowing faintly purple. With a defiant cry, she forced herself through the storm, pushing forward.
"She's stubborn," Ryan said, admiring despite himself. "Alright then. Rock Throw! But watch your power!"
Larvitar gathered chunks of loose stone from the churning sand. They shook in the air, then flew—not as a crushing barrage, but as precise, measured strikes.
The first rock clipped Nidoran♀'s shoulder. She stumbled. The second grazed her side. The third struck near her paws, forcing her to hop back. She was panting now, sides heaving, but her eyes remained fierce.
She lowered her head again for another rush.
"Stop," Ryan said, voice cutting through the sandstorm.
Larvitar froze mid-motion, caught off guard by the sudden command. The storm began to thin as he eased its power.
Nidoran♀ halted too, thrown by the shift in energy. Sand trickled down her sides. She blinked.
"Look at her," Ryan said quietly, not just to Larvitar but to himself. "She's already proven how tough she is. We don't need to keep hitting her to know that."
He reached for an empty Poké Ball, thumb on the button, weighing it in his hand.
"Larvitar, you've done great," he said. "Take a step back."
Larvitar hesitated, then obeyed, retreating a few paces. Nidoran♀ wobbled, clearly exhausted from the sand and the blows, but she still stood, attempting to flare her spines again.
"You fought hard," Ryan called to her. "You didn't run, even when you were outnumbered. That's exactly the kind of strength I want on my team."
He took a breath and threw the Poké Ball.
It arced through the air, gleaming in the sunlight, and struck Nidoran♀ on the forehead.
She vanished in a burst of red light.
The ball hit the ground and began to wobble.
Once.
Twice.
Three times.
Ryan's heart hammered in sync with each movement.
Click.
The ball stilled. A tiny puff of white energy escaped from the button and faded into the air.
For a moment, Ryan just stood there, breath caught in his throat.
Then it hit him.
"We did it, great work, Larvitar," he said.
He sprinted forward and scooped up the Poké Ball, holding it close. The smooth surface felt warm in his palm.
"Welcome to the team, Nidoran♀," he said, voice caught between a laugh and a sigh.
Larvitar jogged after him, staring at the ball, then up at Ryan, then back at the ball. Its expression shifted from triumphant to smug approval.
"Lar," it said, as if to say good choice.
Ryan laughed properly then, the sound carried by the breeze across the open field.
"Alright," he said. "One more new teammate to check on."
He reached for his Pokédex and held Nidoran♀'s ball up to the scanner. The device chimed.
"Nidoran♀," it repeated. "New data registered. This Nidoran♀ displays unusual tenacity and defensive instincts. Once bonded, it is known to protect its trainer at all costs."
"At all costs, huh?" Ryan murmured. "Sounds like she'll fit right in."
He pressed the button and gently tossed the ball.
In a flash of red, Nidoran♀ reappeared. She blinked, looking around in confusion, then focused on Ryan and Larvitar.
"Ni… do?" she asked warily.
Ryan crouched, keeping his movements slow.
She watched him closely, ears flicking.
"I meant what I said," he continued. "I want strong partners. Not just powerful, but brave. You didn't run even when you were tired and outmatched. That's the kind of teammate I want."
Nidoran♀'s spines lowered slightly. Not all the way. But enough.
He extended his hand, palm up, fingers open.
"I'm Ryan," he said. "This is Larvitar. We're headed for Pewter City. Gyms, badges, the Indigo League—all of it. I want you with us. Will you come?"
For a heartbeat, there was only the whisper of wind and the distant caw of a Spearow.
Then Nidoran♀ stepped forward. Tentatively, she leaned in and nudged his fingers with her nose, sniffing. Her skin was smooth but firm, the faintest trace of venom tingling where her horn brushed his palm—but she carefully avoided pricking him.
Ryan grinned, relief and pride flooding through him.
"Nice to meet you, too," he said softly. "We'll do great things together, I promise."
Larvitar snorted, stepping closer, and Nidoran♀'s eyes flicked to it. For a second, their gazes locked—two small, tough Pokémon sizing each other up.
Then Nidoran♀ gave a short, sharp nod.
"Nido," she said.
Larvitar nodded back.
"Lar."
By the time they made their way back toward the city, the sun had climbed higher. Ryan decided not to push his luck by diving into Viridian Forest right away. They'd caught a new teammate. Now it was time to integrate her properly.
They found a quiet clearing just inside the city's edge, not far from the north gate but shielded from view by trees. A low stone wall, probably the remains of an old boundary marker, circled part of the area. It made a good impromptu "arena."
"Alright," Ryan said, standing on one side of the clearing. "Let's get to know each other."
He had Larvitar and Nidoran♀ both out of their balls. Larvitar stood, arms folded, clearly considering itself the senior member of this operation. Nidoran♀ sat on her haunches, grooming a paw, but her ears were pointed squarely at him.
"I want to see how you fight when you're not up against wild Rattata or freaked out by a sandstorm," he said. "Just a spar. No one goes too hard."
He paused, thinking. He still hadn't used his newly caught Rattata in a battle. It felt a little unfair to bring it in as a test dummy without warning.
Still, if they were going to be a team, everyone needed to interact with one another.
He plucked Rattata's ball off his belt and tossed it.
In another flash of red, his Rattata appeared, tail twitching, nose twitching even more. It glanced around, confused for a heartbeat, then spotted Larvitar and Nidoran♀ and immediately puffed itself up as if to declare I can take both of you.
"Easy, Rattata," Ryan said, hiding a smile. "We're all on the same side here."
Rattata flicked an ear, then shook itself out, eyeing the other two.
"Okay," Ryan continued. "Here's what we're going to do. Quick practice match: Rattata versus Nidoran♀."
Larvitar made a disgruntled sound.
"You'll get your turn," Ryan promised. "But I already know how you fight. I want to see how they fight. And I want them to start learning each other's moves and timing."
That mollified Larvitar somewhat. It stepped to the side, assuming the role of grumpy spectator.
Nidoran♀ rose to her feet, stretching. Rattata bounced on its paws, eager.
Ryan retook position.
"Rattata," he said, pointing, "start with Quick Attack—test her speed."
Rattata squeaked sharply, then blurred forward, zig-zagging across the grass.
"Nidoran♀, stay calm," Ryan called. "Use your ears. Watch for an opening, then Tackle!"
Rattata darted around her, then lunged in. Nidoran♀ pivoted at the last second, taking the hit on her shoulder instead of her side. She stumbled but didn't fall. With a growl, she charged straight back into Rattata, knocking it backwards.
"Nice exchange," Ryan said, heart pumping with the rhythm of the mini battle. "Rattata, use Tail Whip—shake her guard!"
Rattata turned, tail swishing in a quick, taunting arc. Nidoran♀ flinched, spines dipping.
"Nidoran♀, don't let that psych you out!" Ryan said. "You're tougher than that. Use Growl to push back, then Tackle again!"
She let out a surprisingly fierce cry, tiny body vibrating with it. Rattata's bravado faltered for a moment.
Nidoran♀ seized the chance and slammed into it.
Rattata tumbled, rolled, and popped back up, panting.
"Okay, okay," Ryan said, raising his hands. "That's enough. Great job, both of you."
Rattata squeaked in protest, clearly wanting to keep going. Nidoran♀ huffed but stepped back, sides heaving. Larvitar watched with narrow-eyed approval.
Ryan walked over, crouching between them.
"You're all amazing," he said honestly. "Rattata, your speed is crazy—once we refine your timing and teach you some new moves, you're going to be a nightmare to deal with. And Nidoran♀…"
He turned to her. She tilted her head, ears pricked.
"You're tough," he said. "You take hits, and you keep moving. That grit is going to carry us through a lot of battles."
Her eyes softened—just a fraction. She nudged his hand again, gently this time.
He scratched behind her ear, careful to avoid the spines.
"We'll need all of that in Pewter," he said softly. "Brock's Rock-types won't go easy on us."
At the name "Pewter," he felt a little stab of nervous excitement. That goal, once distant, now felt just a few steps away. One route. One forest. One Gym.
He looked up at the patch of sky visible through the trees. The afternoon light was already shifting, shadows stretching.
"We'll stay one more night in Viridian," he decided aloud. "Rest up. Maybe do a bit more training here in the clearing. Tomorrow, we tackle Route 2 and Viridian Forest."
He could almost hear Professor Oak's voice in his head: Take your time. Learn. Don't just rush.
"Tomorrow," he repeated, more to himself than his team. "We go deeper. New Pokémon, new challenges… and closer to our first badge."
Larvitar stepped up beside him, gaze steady. Nidoran♀ moved to his other side, pressing lightly against his leg. Rattata, not to be left out, scrambled up onto the low stone wall, tail flicking like a flag.
Ryan looked at the three of them and felt a warmth spread through his chest.
"We started this morning with just you," he said to Larvitar. "Now look at us."
He clipped Rattata and Nidoran♀'s balls back onto his belt, leaving them out for now.
As they walked back toward the Pokémon Centre, the setting sun painted Viridian's buildings in soft gold. Trainers passed them on the road, some with years of experience, others as new as he was. Somewhere, far beyond the horizon, the Indigo Plateau waited.
Ryan tightened his grip on Larvitar's Poké Ball for a second, then let it fall back to his hip.
"We'll get there," he murmured. "Together."
Behind him, the fields where he'd met Nidoran♀ swayed in the breeze like a vast, rippling sea. Ahead, the path curved, leading toward Viridian Forest—and all the wild, tangled, dangerous, wonderful things that awaited them there.
Tomorrow, he would step into the shadows of that forest.
But tonight, Ryan walked back into Viridian City with a small, fierce team at his heels and the quiet certainty that he was exactly where he was meant to be.
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