The first rays of morning sunlight pierced through the thin mist, gently falling over the quiet Lavender Town. The blue-gray rooftops were coated in a warm golden glow, and the Soul Tower standing at the town's center had shed its hazy veil from the night, appearing even more peaceful under the soft light. From time to time, faint blue shadows drifted past the tower's peak—early-rising Gastly, floating freely and adding a touch of liveliness to the tranquil town.
Ren slowly woke up in the Pokémon Center's resting room. In his arms, Shuppet was still curled into a small ball, its round face relaxed, breathing evenly, sleeping soundly. After last night's encounter in the Soul Tower, he had not only obtained the long-awaited Keystone, but the Banette Mega Stone—once just fragments—had fully formed as well.
The two stones, each containing a special power, were carefully stored in a small cloth pouch close to his body. From time to time, they emitted faint resonant glows, echoing the ghostly energy within Shuppet.
Ren gently stroked Shuppet's soft head, careful not to wake it. The warmth beneath his fingertips filled his heart with quiet tenderness.
From their first meeting in Viridian Forest…
to their shared battles at Pewter and Cerulean…
to the discovery within Lavender Town—
Shuppet had always been by his side, growing from a timid little ghost into a reliable battle partner. Their bond had long been etched deep into both their hearts.
"Time to wake up. We're heading to the next destination," Ren whispered softly.
Shuppet blinked groggily, taking a moment to fully wake up before suddenly springing to life. It flew straight to Ren's chest, immediately rubbing against the pocket holding the Keystone and Mega Stone, its expression both proud and serious—like it was reminding him to take good care of their power.
Ren laughed softly, ruffling its head before getting up to pack.
He neatly organized his Pokéblock tools, remaining Berries, Poké Balls, and other supplies. He carefully checked the Keystone and Mega Stone once more before securing them and slinging his bag over his shoulder.
After a simple breakfast in the Pokémon Center, Nurse Joy brought him a warm cup of Berry juice and smiled gently.
"The road from Lavender Town to Celadon City is fairly smooth, but you may encounter wild Pokémon along the way. Please be careful."
Ren nodded in thanks and set out, carrying Shuppet and a heart full of anticipation.
As he left the Pokémon Center, the town had already come to life. An elderly man selling Berries waved kindly at him, and a few Gastly from the Soul Tower quietly floated by the roadside to see him off, their round forms swaying like little glowing blue lights.
Shuppet nodded in return, bidding farewell to its new friends.
Soon, their figures disappeared from Lavender Town, merging into the forest path leading toward Celadon City.
As they traveled, the scenery gradually shifted from Lavender Town's quiet simplicity back to the vibrant vitality of the Kanto region. Lush green grass stretched out on both sides, dotted with dew. Wildflowers bloomed freely, swaying in waves under the breeze, their fragrance blending with the scent of fresh grass.
Sunlight filtered through the trees, casting shifting patterns on the ground. Occasional birdsong echoed from the branches, filling the world with a relaxed, peaceful rhythm.
Shuppet quickly returned to its lively self—fluttering after colorful butterflies, perching on smooth stones to watch Magikarp swimming in streams, and curiously observing Oddish peeking out from the grass.
Ren didn't rush it. He simply followed at a slower pace, enjoying this rare stretch of peaceful travel without battles or missions.
As they reached an open meadow, three Pidgey flew past in formation, seemingly practicing their flight skills. One of the youngest, flying too eagerly, lost balance—
thump!
It crashed into a soft patch of grass, rolling once before getting back up, dazed and confused.
Shuppet trembled slightly, clearly holding back laughter, but remained considerate enough not to disturb it. It quietly watched as the Pidgey regained its composure and resumed training.
[Ding—Daily Mission Triggered: A Relaxed Journey]
[Mission Objective: Safely arrive at the outskirts of Celadon City]
[Mission Reward: Poké Balls ×3, Berries ×5]
The system prompt sounded softly, blending into the calm atmosphere, adding just a hint of anticipation to the journey.
At noon, Ren found a shaded spot beneath a tree and sat on a smooth rock. He took out the Ghost-type Pokéblocks he had prepared and fed them to Shuppet.
The little Pokémon held its treat, nibbling happily. A bit of berry paste stuck to the corner of its mouth, and when Ren gently wiped it away, it shyly shrank back slightly, its ears faintly tinted red.
Ren then released Viridian Power, gently regulating Shuppet's internal energy, keeping it in peak condition. Together, they rested quietly—Trainer and Pokémon side by side, as time seemed to slow into something soft and warm.
After resting, they continued onward.
The closer they got to Celadon City, the richer the scent in the air became—flowers, fruit, and even a faint sweetness like drinks and desserts.
Celadon City was said to be one of the most lively cities in Kanto—home to a massive department store, a unique Grass-type Gym, and countless Berry-based treats and specialty drinks.
Just thinking about it filled Ren with anticipation.
As he walked, he began planning ahead. After arriving, he would first visit the department store to restock essential items like Antidotes and Awakening. Then, he would train with Shuppet outside the city, preparing for Grass-type techniques.
Though Ghost-type Pokémon didn't have a direct disadvantage against Grass-types, moves like Sleep Powder, Stun Spore, and binding techniques could be troublesome.
Preparation would be key.
By evening, the sky was painted in brilliant shades of orange and red.
In the distance, the outline of Celadon City finally appeared.
Colorful rooftops stood out vividly under the sunset, as if carefully painted. The towering department store was clearly visible, and faint sounds of bustling life drifted from the city—full of vibrant energy.
Shuppet's eyes lit up instantly. It floated excitedly, pointing toward the city, chattering non-stop, its small body trembling with excitement.
Ren smiled, gently patting its head as he walked forward.
"Yeah… we've arrived. Next, it's time for the third Gym challenge."
The setting sun stretched their shadows long across the ground. Inside his bag, the Keystone emitted a faint glow, as if anticipating the battles and adventures to come.
The bond-filled journey in Lavender Town had come to an end.
Ahead—
the Grass-type trial of Celadon City awaited.
And Ren and Shuppet's journey continued forward, wrapped in warmth and quiet anticipation.