The streets of Viridian City were alive with the hum of early morning activities. The chatter of trainers at the Pokémon Center mixed with the distant rustle of leaves as a gentle breeze carried the promise of adventure... or so Vanessa liked to think as she adjusted her bag straps and black cap, glancing at Andrew, who was scanning a map of Route 22.
"How did you manage to get ready so soon, again?" The girl couldn't help but ask.
Andrew's ears turned pink at having to repeat the story, "My parents and siblings... They helped me out when I told them I was leaving. Dad was very excited, but my siblings were not so much, they are pretty attached to me, but Mom convinced them. It was a team effort. Ah, they also want you to come by tonight to have dinner! If you don't mind of course!"
The girl offered a small smile at the image he painted with the story. Just a few hours back, she was casually having breakfast at the Pokémon Center because she had forgotten to buy some necessary supplies before when a super excited Andrew showed up way earlier than they had planned to meet.
"You know you didn't have to hurry so much, right?" She asked him half-amused. "Still, impressive how quickly you managed to get ready. About dinner... It will be my pleasure."
At her words the boy visibly relaxed, "Thank you."
"It's fine, don't mind it," She quickly added shaking her head, "Are you sure you wanna come with me to Route 22? You should be enjoying your family a little more."
"They will be fine, believe me," He argued back laughing, "matter of fact, I bet it's a mess there right now. Mom is terrorizing everyone to get things ready to receive you later tonight. Plus... I want to go there too!"
Vanessa felt helpless at the thought of Andrew's family being in emergency mode to prepare dinner just to see her, but at times like this, she felt it was better to push her worries to the back of her mind and only deal with them when she truly had to.
"Let's get going then..." She said cleaning her throat, but unwilling to let things get awkward again, she decided to have a proper talk, "What's your goal for today? You already know mine."
Andrew smiled at her question, and excitedly replied, "I also want to add a team member!"
"Wait, really?! Do you have one in mind? Are there any ground types there?"'
"Honestly? I do," Andrew replied looking at the distance with a hopeful look. "And no... well, technically, there is no ground type living in that area according to the last census the rangers published. However, there is a Pokémon line there that will evolve into a ground-type."
Vanessa felt a little silly at her previous questions, "The Nidoran line."
"Yes!!!" He said, jumping in excitement. "I always wanted one whenever I pictured my dream team when I become an Elite Four. Dune is also excited to have a new team member, he won't admit it though, but he has been acting like a babysitter for my siblings whenever I let him alone with them, and when I show up he acts clueless."
The girl giggled at that, "How sweet."
"Don't tell him I told you this, please!" Andrew suddenly pleaded. "He will be mad at me. He cares a lot about his cool dude reputation."
"Your secret is safe with me, alright?" She started raising her hands in deference. "By the way, he already looks cool enough in my humble opinion. Yesterday he left a pretty good impression, Shade and I talked about it for hours. The "make it rain" strategy was really smart. He likes Dune and I am pretty sure they will get along with each other."
"Oh, stop... please," Andrew asked feeling flustered. "You don't have to be nice, we couldn't even land a hit."
"I am not being nice, I mean it, I said that before," She pressed further. "There wasn't much Dune could do against Shade during that battle anyways. The fact that Shade levitates makes it hard for him to be hit by Dig and I believe Sandshrew's first moves are mostly normal type and Shade's ghost typing gives him immunity. Poison Sting is also resisted because Shade is also a Poison type. Don't be too hard on yourself. Just focus on training and getting better. Time will do the rest."
"True I guess," He reluctantly agreed. "Still, sucks to lose. By the way, do you have a Pokémon in mind?"
At this question, the girl visibly deflated and sighed painfully, "... It's complicated."
"There is still a long time until we get there..." Andrew tried, though his tone was not pushy.
"Alright, alright, so..." Vanessa started. "To be completely honest... I don't have any specific Pokémon or lines in mind. Shade and Kaika, they sorta came to me. Shade years ago and Kaika recently. I never had to battle a pokémon and capture them, I just made them an offer and they, on their own accord, decided to pick me as their Trainer."
"Oh..." The boy says, grasping the meaning of her words.
"I don't really 'catch' Pokémon in the traditional sense. Like I just said, I never really needed to resort to that, but I still believe that the best way for me and my team as a whole is to guarantee that they all chose to follow me and be a part of our team..." The girl managed to say it, and added steadfastly, "For me, it's about connection. I see my team members as my own family, you know? They trust me enough to leave the life they led before, I want them to ultimately feel proud and secure of that choice."
Andrew looked thoughtful at her words, looking over the sole pokéball he kept on his trainer belt, before looking over to the girl again saying, "I still believe bonds can be forged after you catch a pokémon, but I think you are also right. I'm excited to see what kind of team you will build if you stick to it. Most trainers think carefully about what exactly Pokémon fit the role they want for their team... but you won't be able to do that."
"Tell me about it..." Vanessa laughed at that, rolling her eyes, "I didn't mean to imply other ways are wrong. I guess you can just think of it as an unconventional style and be done with it. Still, you are right. I don't have a plan or a perfect team in mind. My team will build itself naturally, one encounter at a time."
"Well, I can't tell about your Magikarp just yet, but you and Shade make a great team."
"I haven't gotten the time nor opportunity to properly work on her, but in time you'll see it!" She declared with confidence.
After this moment, they fell into a small talk where Andrew pointed out streets and places and told stories about growing up in Viridian City until finally, they reached their destination. The sun casts a golden glow over Route 22, illuminating the grassy fields dotted with scattered trees and small rocky outcrops. Wild Pokémon could be seen scurrying about, cautiously observing the two trainers as they explored the place. Vanessa and Andrew were walking side by side, their partner Pokémon by their sides—Shade hovering playfully near Vanessa, and Dune, Andrew's Sandshrew, trotting beside him with a watchful and serious demeanor.
Upon arriving, Vanessa gestured to her trainer companion that she would take a stroll on her own and he gave her a reassuring thumbs up as a response. A while later, she stops as her Gastly stands in front of her.
"Gass~~~!" Shade states.
"You sure about this?" She asked in disbelief and mild surprise, before pausing and thinking over what he said, until she finally found her resolve, "Right... we can do this."
She carefully and slowly makes her way to what had become a familiar face to her. As she approached a a wild Spearow perched on a low branch of a tree near her. She kneels a short distance away, looking up with a greeting.
"Hey there, little one," She says softly, this one was female, she could tell. "I'm Vanessa, a Pokémon Trainer and this guy is Shade, my partner. I am looking for a Pokémon interested in a trainer. We both think you're amazing, the way you fly with such confidence. I could use someone like you on my team. What do you say?"
The Spearow tilted its head and chirped as if considering her words while looking at her in scrutiny for what felt like an eternity, but then the bird pokémon ruffled her feathers with an indignant squawk and took off into the sky.
Vanessa lets out a long defeated sigh. "Well, that's the third one today... do I smell or something? Maybe I have become unlikable to all Spearows and I am destined to be rejected by all of them forever."
Shade bobs sympathetically, letting out a soft, comforting hum, until he suddenly told her to look in a certain direction. It was Andrew. She decided to see what Shade was fussing about, only to see that the boy found what he came to this for. From a safe distance, the duo decided to watch the battle unfold without disrupting it.
Andrew and Dune were standing across what looked like a particularly feisty female Nidoran, her big ears twitching with curiosity as she eyed Dune. The Sandshrew squares up instinctively, sensing the challenge.
Andrew was grinning in excitement, but his eyes were serious and firm.
The Nidoran let out a sharp cry and charged at Dune, initiating a battle. Andrew commanded his starter with enthusiasm, calling out precise moves that highlighted the trust between him and his Sandshrew, just like he did during the battle of the day before.
"Use Rollout!" He shouted.
Dune curled into a tight ball and barreled into the Nidoran, sending her skidding back. But the Nidoran did not give up and somehow looked even more determined to win the battle. She countered with a fast barrage of Poison Stings, but Dune was rolling faster than she could hit him. Finally, Andrew orders another Rollout to finish the fight.
The Nidoran, now exhausted but clearly impressed by the strength of Andrew and Dune, stopped fighting, saying something to the Sandshrew, who replied quickly with dramatic gestures. Until he shouted something to his trainer and Andrew pulled out a Pokéball, his expression triumphant.
"Alright, Nidoran, you're coming with us!" He tosses the ball, and after a few shakes, the capture is successful.
"Gasss!!!" Shade exclaimed.
"I told you he was good," She replied in a low tone, but she had a smile on her face. "At least one of us got what he wanted. Let's go congratulate them."
Andrew was still celebrating with Dune when he realized their presence.
"Good job!" She offered.
"I got her!" The boy replied. "I got her! I have a Nidoran!!!"
"Sandshrewww!!!Sand!" Dune proudly proclaimed.
"Gasss~~~" Shade replied in a tone that Vanessa picked up as amused.
"Let's go back," Vanessa said, "she needs to get checked up properly, and see if she is all right before we leave the city. "
"Wait, what about you? Did you find your new team member?" He asked, concerned.
"No luck, let's not talk about that, ok?" She replied dryly. "I can't take more disdainful looks from Spearows and Ratatas anymore. I need to recharge my self-esteem. I am happy for you though. Congratulations on catching your Nidoran."
"Gass" Shade said in comforting his trainer.
"Yeah, I know."
"Let's get going then. I bet dinner will cheer you up later!" Andrew said enthusiastically.
Once they finally reached the city, the two trainers had to part ways, because Vanessa still wanted to go back to the hotel take a shower, and prepare for dinner with Andrew's family. The boy made sure to point out where his home was on the map before going. She was still feeling a little under the weather after being rejected so many times. Shade did his best to cheer her up and was shadow-hoping, refusing to stay in his pokéball, but giving her some space.
The girl quietly made her way across the bustling streets, watching people carrying groceries, kids asking their parents for ice cream, and the smell of coffee and freshly baked bread from a store nearby. Viridian was a beautiful place, completely different from Lavender Town's historical charms or Pallet Town's countryside appeal.
Suddenly, she felt Shade stir from her shadow.
"Gastlyyy~!" He said in an urgent tone.
"Alright, lead the way," Vanessa replied, immediately following him.
Shade quickly floated towards a sketchy alleyway, calling for her to hurry. She nodded and ran after him faster, silently wondering what the heck was going on.
"Gasstly Gass!" Shade asked her to look in a certain direction.
It was afternoon already and soon would be night. The alleyway wasn't completely dark so it was easy to spot what he was pointing at. It was a trash bin. The situation happening next to the trash bin. Lots of pokémon. A group of Rattatas, ganging up on what looked like an injured pokémon, fighting over leftovers.
The command came naturally after that, "Disperse them with Icy Wind. Scare them away."
Shade did not need to be told twice. He approached the Rattatas from behind and shouted something before unleashing a freezing burst of wind at the unsuspecting pokémon. There was little they could do, and after being startled like that, every single one of them scurried away. Vanessa slowly walked towards the injured one that stayed behind.
"Hello there, little one," She said from a safe distance to not scare the pokémon away.
The injured pokémon hissed at her.
The girl knew Shade was watching over so instead of taking this to heart she took out her Pokédex and scanned the pokémon in front of her.
[Meowth: The Scratch Cat Pokémon. Meowth is known for its love of shiny objects and its nimble movements. It uses its claws to silently scale walls and prowl in the dark. Though often found in urban areas, this cunning Pokémon is fiercely independent and will test the worth of those who approach it.]
She hummed in understanding, before addressing the Meowth again, this time with a gentler tone. "You don't seem like the type to let just anyone near you. I get it—you're strong enough to handle yourself. Sorry for intervening in your fight, but my partner over likes to play hero. It's sorta his thing, you know?"
The cat pokémon with narrowed eyes but doesn't flee, intrigued by the lack of aggression, but mostly because Shade was there and running was unlikely to be successful.
The girl hummed at that and slowly and carefully took something out of her bag. A Sitrus Berry, an expensive and of good quality. She rolled it over as an offer to the Meowth, saying, "It's gonna help you heal faster, but I would rather have you properly checked at the Pokémon Center."
Meowth looked at the berry with desire, but did not take a bite, "Meowth?"
"Gastly Gasss~" Shade replied, sounding offended.
"It's alright, Shade," Vanessa intervened, calm but firm before addressing Meowth again, "I'm not here to take anything from you. The Sitrus Berry is yours now. I had a tiring morning and I still have matters to attend to. If you want to stay here, that's your choice. I'll respect that. Still, I am gonna make you an offer," She paused, making sure she sounded sincere, "I am Pokémon Trainer, you must have seen others like me since you live in this city. I am on my journey, Shade is my starter, but we have a second on the team. I am looking for a new member."
"Meowth?" The Cat Pokémon asked in disdain.
"It's not about putting Pokémon to battle for entertainment," Vanessa replied calmly. "There are probably trainers like that, yes, but not me. My dream is to be the best Pokémon Trainer and for that, I need a team by my side. All my pokémon chose me as their trainer. What I am offering you now is this: I can promise you a chance to be stronger than you've ever been— and bring out your potential as a battler, and help you break your limits so you can surpass them. My team is like a family, so if you agree to join us, Meowth, you will be family too..." Upon receiving a disdainful snort in response, the girl added with a sigh, "I can also give you food. You won't have to scavenge anymore. No more fighting over leftovers in dark alleys. I will provide for you, but you must agree to follow me as your trainer and putting the work. How about that?"
That seemed to do the trick.
Vanessa had learned something from Andrew today. Pokémon are willing to follow Trainers, but different pokémon demand different approaches. Shade have been her friend for years before becoming her starter. Kaika was enthusiastic about adventure and she was just brave enough to try it. In this case, Vanessa had to appeal to Meowth's pride and ambitions, but she wanted to be faithful to herself and keep this as sincere as possible, no sugarcoating.
After several minutes, starring between the berry and the girl, Meowth approached Vanessa, brushing past her as if to say something that the girl, something she did not truly understand, but it gave the impression of an 'I'll come, but don't think this means you own me'.
Vanessa, catching on to the attitude, smirks and says, "Fair enough," she takes out an empty pokéball and the Meowth put a paw on the bottom, quickly disappearing into a flash of red. The Pokédex beeped a second after the pokéball released the familiar 'thud' sound confirming the capture.
Upon checking, the Pokédex revealed the newly scanned information about Meowth.
[Species: Meowth
[Type: Normal
[Gender: Female
[Ability: Pickup
[Moves: [Growl][Scratch][Pay Day][Bite][Feint]
"So you are a girl, huh?" Vanessa said looking at the pokéball in her hand while thinking over the attitude of the feline pokémon and smirked looking at her giggling Gastly, saying: "Let's see if you can keep up, Lady Paws."