The sun was beginning to dip lower in the sky by the time Kian reached the paved streets of Viridian City. The transition from the wild, grassy paths of Route 1 to the concrete and glass of civilization was jarring, but welcome.
He walked with a casual, predatory swagger. The adrenaline from his encounter with Haley had settled into a simmering confidence.
His first stop was the building with the iconic red roof.
The automatic glass doors of the Pokémon Center slid open with a soft pneumatic hiss. A blast of cool, conditioned air hit him, carrying the scent of antiseptic and faint floral perfume. The lobby was quiet, save for a few trainers whispering in the corner and a Chansey pushing a cart of potions.
Behind the main counter stood Nurse Joy.
She was exactly as Kian remembered from the anime, but the reality was far more striking. Her pink hair was looped into perfect rings, her nurse's uniform pristine and white, hugging a figure that was modest but undeniably feminine. She was typing on a computer, her expression focused.
Kian approached the counter, resting his elbows on the cool surface.
"Excuse me," he said, his voice dropping to a smooth, low baritone.
Nurse Joy looked up, startled. When her blue eyes landed on him, she blinked. Kian wasn't the usual ten-year-old kid.He was a man, tall and fit, with a dark intensity in his eyes that made her straighten her posture instinctively.
"Oh! Hello," she said, putting on her professional smile, though it wavered slightly at the edges. "Welcome to the Pokémon Center. How can I help you today?"
Kian unclipped the Pokéball from his belt—the one containing Gardevoir. He rolled it deftly between his fingers before placing it on the counter.
"My partner needs a check-up," Kian said, holding her gaze. "We had a... very intense workout on Route 1. She's exhausted."
Nurse Joy reached for the ball. Her fingers brushed against his hand. His skin was warm, rougher than hers. She pulled her hand back a fraction of a second too slowly.
"I see," she said, her cheeks dusting with a faint, natural pink. "We'll restore her to full health immediately. It will just take a moment."
She placed the ball into the healing machine behind her. The familiar melody played—Ding-ding-ding-dong-ding—and the lights flashed.
While the machine hummed, Kian didn't look at the equipment. He looked at her.
"You know," Kian said, leaning in slightly, "I always wondered how you do it."
Joy turned back, surprised. "Do what?"
"Keep smiling like that," Kian said, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Standing here all day, dealing with rookie trainers and their mistakes. It takes a special kind of patience. A special kind of... warmth."
Joy laughed, a nervous, tinkling sound. She tucked a strand of pink hair behind her ear. "It's just part of the job, sir."
"Kian," he corrected. "And you make the job look good, Joy."
The blush on her face deepened. It was just him—his confidence, his looks, and the way he looked at her like she was the only person in the room.
"Here you go, Kian," she said, handing the Pokéball back, her voice a little breathless. "Your Gardevoir is fully healed."
"Thanks," Kian said, his fingers lingering on the ball. He winked. "Maybe I'll come back later. You know, in case I need some healing."
He turned and walked away before she could respond, leaving the flustered nurse staring at his retreating back.
Kian stepped back out into the cooling evening air of Viridian City. He clipped Gardevoir back onto his belt. She was fresh, rested, and ready for whatever came next.
He looked around the city square. Most trainers were heading to the Mart or the hotel, but Kian's eyes drifted north.
At the far end of the city stood a building that dominated the skyline. It wasn't bright or welcoming like the Pokémon Center. It was imposing, with heavy pillars and an architectural style that screamed authority.
The Viridian City Gym.
Kian frowned, tapping his chin. In the games and the anime, this Gym was always closed to beginners. It was the final challenge, run by Giovanni, the leader of Team Rocket. The doors were usually locked tight until the protagonist had seven badges.
"But this isn't a game," Kian murmured to himself. "This is a real world. Does Giovanni really just leave his Gym empty for months at a time?"
Curiosity gnawed at him. If he was going to conquer this world, he needed to know the rules. Was the Gym actually closed? Or was that just a mechanic to stop low-level players from getting crushed?
He adjusted his backpack and started walking toward the imposing structure.
"Let's see who's home," he whispered.