"Aren't you looking for Evolution Stones?" Hora tapped his knee, his tone as casual as if they were discussing the weather. "I can choose not to contact Officer Jenny and let you down. But the condition is this: tell me everything about the routes you've scouted, the terrain, and the distribution of wild Pokémon you've encountered over the last two days."
Hora had his calculations. Evolution Stones were precious resources; even if he didn't need them immediately, having a lead was never a bad thing. More importantly, the trio had spent two days wandering this forest. Their knowledge of shortcuts and dangerous Pokémon habitats would save him significant time on his way to Viridian City.
The Negotiation
Jessie was suspicious, but James, driven by hunger and fear of arrest, persuaded her. "Jessie, we haven't found a thing in two days! Telling him costs us nothing! It's better than hanging here starving or being hauled off by Officer Jenny!"
Jessie finally relented. "Fine! I agree! Let us down first, and I'll draw the map!"
"No need," Hora shook his head and looked at Meowth, who was trying to blend into the grass like a stone. "I think Meowth can draw it for me."
Meowth panicked, claiming it was "just a cat," but Hora threatened to sell it to a research lab as a rare "talking specimen."
The Skirmish
Terrified, Meowth tried to flee. When Bulbasaur used Vine Whip, Meowth surprised Hora by turning around and slashing through the vines with a sharp Fury Swipes. It leaped through the trees and lunged at Hora, attempting to take him hostage.
However, Kakuna—despite its limited mobility—intercepted Meowth mid-air, knocking it to the ground. Bulbasaur immediately bound Meowth securely.
Meowth's Hidden Potential
As Hora approached the tied-up cat, the System panel flickered:
[Pokémon - Meowth , Level - 13, Potential - C, Ability - Pickup (10% chance to find items after battle) , Key Skills - Scratch (45%) , Pay day (5%) , Fake out (4%) , Feint (71%) , Upgrade limit - 2]
Hora was surprised. While C-rank was average, the 71% proficiency in Feint showed Meowth was a veteran of many scraps. Most importantly, it had two upgrade opportunities. If used correctly, this Meowth could become a Gym-level combatant. Too bad it's already Giovanni's Pokémon, Hora thought.
The Deal of Loyalty
"You didn't just try to run," Hora realized aloud. "You tried to capture me to force me to release Jessie and James, didn't you?"
Meowth slumped, defeated. "Just send me to the lab... let them go."
The display of loyalty moved Jessie to tears and made James sob loudly. Seeing their genuine bond, Hora made a new offer: "I'll give you one last chance. Lead me to the area you suspect has Evolution Stones but haven't explored yet. Once we arrive, I'll let you go. Whether you come back to rescue them or run away is up to you."
"Are you serious?" Meowth's eyes lit up.
"I'm only interested in the stones," Hora shrugged. "I'm not a hero, and sending you to a lab is too much paperwork. Deal?"
"Deal, Meow!" Meowth agreed instantly.
The Trek Begins
Bulbasaur released Meowth. After a tearful promise to Jessie and James that it would return to save them, Meowth led Hora toward the heart of the forest.
"Follow me, Meow! The area marked on the map is deep in the woods. It'll take about thirty minutes!"
Hora signaled Bulbasaur to stay alert and followed Meowth into the shadows of the ancient trees.