Chapter 31 - Under Viridian Skies
The clatter of chopsticks against ceramic and the low hum of evening chatter filled the modest Viridian City eatery. Alex had picked a place that looked clean and popular with locals, a good sign for both food quality and price. He watched Ash inhale a mountain of noodles with gusto, Pikachu occasionally snatching a stray strand from his friend's bowl, its cheeks puffed with delight. Ace, perched on Alex's left shoulder, preened a wing feather with quiet dignity.
The most curious sight, however, was Abra. Just before they'd left the Pokémon Center, Alex had released the small psychic-type, intending to offer it a special nutrient-rich food pellet as a reward for its hard work learning Confusion. The moment it materialized, though, the timid Pokémon, still visibly drained from its earlier mental exertion, had taken one look around the unfamiliar, noisy restaurant, let out a soft psychic whimper, and with a faint pop, teleported directly onto the top of Alex's head. It had then promptly curled up, emitted a faint, contented hum, and closed its eyes, seemingly deciding this was the safest, most comfortable vantage point. After a moment of stunned surprise, and enduring Misty's sharply raised eyebrow alongside Ash's whispered, "Wow, it really trusts you, Alex!", he'd cautiously decided to let it remain. The slight, warm weight was oddly reassuring.
Misty, noticing Ash practically vibrating in his seat despite the mound of food he was consuming, finally broke the brief, food-focused silence. "Alright, Ash, spit it out. You look like you're about to explode with whatever grand plan you've cooked up for tomorrow. What's got you so worked up, besides the food?"
Ash swallowed a large mouthful, grinning broadly. "Heh, you noticed! Well, tomorrow in Viridian Forest, I'm gonna start my journey to be a Pokémon Master! The best there ever was!" He punctuated the declaration with a fist pump. "I'll travel all the regions, meet all kinds of Pokémon, and win the Indigo League!" Pikachu, on his shoulder, mirrored the sentiment with a tiny fist and a determined "Pika-Pika!"
Misty sighed, though a faint smile played on her lips. "Still on that, huh? Being a Pokémon Master takes more than just shouting it, Ash. It takes skill, strategy..."
"I'll get skill! And strategy!" Ash proclaimed confidently. "And Pikachu and I will show everyone!" His eyes then landed on the small, red bottle on the table. "Ooh, ketchup!" He generously doused his remaining noodles. Pikachu's nose twitched, its dark eyes fixing on the crimson condiment. Ash, noticing, dipped a noodle into the ketchup and offered it. Pikachu sniffed, then licked tentatively. Its eyes widened comically. "Pika-CHUUU!" it cried in delight, lunging for Ash's plate, sparking a brief, playful tussle over the remaining ketchup-laden food. Ace tilted his head, watching the display with avian curiosity, while Abra, atop Alex's head, merely let out a softer, sleepy psychic hum.
Alex chuckled lightly. "That's a big dream, Ash. A lot of trainers aim for that. It's a tough road."
"Tough is right," Misty chimed in, her gaze softening slightly as she watched Ash fend off his ketchup-crazed Pikachu. "Especially when you're trying to live up to something." She poked at a piece of pickled ginger on her plate. "My sisters, back at the Cerulean Gym... they're more interested in synchronized swimming shows than serious battling." A flicker of familiar frustration crossed her face. "Someone's got to uphold the Gym's reputation as a place for real Water Pokémon Masters. That's why I'm out here – to get stronger, to prove I can do it."
Ash, having momentarily placated Pikachu with another ketchup-dipped morsel, looked at Misty with wide, admiring eyes. "So that's why you're so serious about training, Misty! You're gonna be an amazing Gym Leader, way better than any synchronized swimmer!" Pikachu, ketchup momentarily forgotten, nodded vigorously from Ash's shoulder, striking a surprisingly heroic pose.
With Ash and Misty having shared a glimpse of their own motivations, Misty turned her direct gaze to Alex. "So, Alex. We've heard Ash's grand plans, and a bit about my situation. You're still a bit of a mystery. Not the typical rookie, especially after yesterday. What's your story? Why this journey?"
Ash piped up, "Yeah, Alex! Tell us!"
Alex set down his chopsticks, the ambient noise of the eatery fading slightly as he gathered his thoughts. Ace ruffled his feathers, and Abra gave a tiny, sleepy twitch. "It's… complicated, Misty," he began, his voice even. "Truth is, I don't know much myself. A couple of days ago, I woke up just outside Pallet Town. No memory of how I got there, or anything before that. Just… my name. Alex."
Misty's eyebrows shot up. "Amnesia? Seriously?" Ash gasped, "Like in a movie?"
A small, wry smile touched Alex's lips. "Something like that, Ash. It's… disorienting. Like reading a book starting from the middle." He paused, his gaze distant for a moment. "But lately, I've been getting these… flashes. Snippets of memory." He unconsciously touched his pocket, where the cool silver of Emma's hair clip rested. "A name… Emma." He said it softly, a genuine ache in his tone. "And this strong feeling… that I need to find her. Protect her. Maybe… family?" He shrugged, the feigned uncertainty masking a deeper, sharper truth. "Professor Oak suggested starting a journey, meeting people, seeing new places… it might help trigger more memories. So that's what I'm doing. Trying to find Emma, and trying to find out who I am." As he spoke, Ace nuzzled his cheek gently.
"Incredible, Alex!" Ash exclaimed, his earlier boisterousness replaced by genuine awe. "A real mystery! We'll help you find Emma!" Pikachu chirped its enthusiastic agreement.
Misty looked at Alex, her expression more thoughtful now, her usual skepticism tempered. The story was dramatic, almost fantastical, but the quiet sincerity in his voice when he mentioned 'Emma' felt real. "That's a heavy start to a journey," she said, her voice softer than usual. "Well, good luck with that, Alex. Maybe the forest will shake something loose… besides Beedrill." A hint of her teasing tone returned, a welcome break in the more serious atmosphere.
Alex offered a grateful nod. "Thanks. Speaking of the forest," he transitioned smoothly, "from what we've heard around the Pokémon Center and from Officer Jenny's warnings yesterday, it sounds like we need to be careful. Beedrill swarms, aggressive Bug and Poison-types..."
"Definitely," Misty affirmed. "It's not a walk in the park. We'll need to keep our eyes peeled, especially for Weedle and Kakuna. One wrong step and you're poisoned."
Ash, eyes shining with a mix of excitement and a new hint of caution after Misty's words, chimed in. "Poison types? And Beedrill swarms? Whoa... So, like, Pikachu's Electric attacks might not be good against everything in there, huh?" He looked at Pikachu. "We'll have to be super smart, buddy!"
"Exactly, Ash," Alex agreed. "Type matchups will be important, and so will teamwork. That's why I was thinking we should agree on some basics. Like, always keeping each other in sight, especially in dense areas. And if one of us spots trouble, a clear signal. We should also pool our Antidotes if someone gets hit badly – make sure the one who needs it most gets it." He glanced between them. "And if we end up camping, we should probably take turns on watch. Safety first."
Misty nodded, her expression pragmatic. "Good thinking, Alex. Especially the Antidote sharing. And a watch schedule is smart if we're out there overnight. Someone needs to stay awake to make sure Ash doesn't wander off chasing a Caterpie in his sleep."
Ash grinned sheepishly. "Hey! I wouldn't... okay, maybe I would!" His expression turned determined. "But I can totally take a watch! Pikachu and I will be the best lookouts! No Beedrill will sneak past us! And if we see any cool Pokémon, I'll make sure to signal before I try to catch it!" He shot a quick, almost self-conscious glance at Misty, a silent acknowledgment of past impulsiveness.
The meal concluded on a note of fledgling camaraderie. Alex settled the bill, the cost a small price for the shared meal and the tentative bonds forming. "Pokémon Center then?" he suggested. "Get a good night's rest before we head out." As they stood to leave, Alex gently reached up. "Alright, sleepyhead," he murmured to the still-snoozing Abra. "Time to go." A soft psychic hum was his only reply as he carefully recalled it to its Poké Ball. Ace gave a final scan of the eatery before resettling firmly on Alex's shoulder.
Back in the spartan quiet of his Pokémon Center room, Alex methodically checked his new camping gear. The lightweight tent, the three-season sleeping bag, the compact stove, and the nesting mess kit were all laid out on his cot before he began stowing them efficiently into the surprisingly accommodating confines of the "Kanto Explorer Edition" backpack Professor Oak had provided. Each item clicked or folded into place with a satisfying precision.
He then pulled out his phone, the screen glowing softly in the dim room as he accessed the Pokémon Status module. Ace and Spearow were fit and ready, their energy levels high. Mankey, predictably, registered as 'grumpy but healed.' Magikarp… well, Magikarp was Magikarp, its stats a testament to its current, underwhelming state. Abra's HP was full, a small relief, but the system noted 'Mentally Fatigued.' Short, gentle practice sessions for Confusion tomorrow, Alex resolved, making a mental note. No pushing it. His gaze drifted to the detailed Kanto map on his phone, fingers tracing the winding paths of Viridian Forest, a thoughtful frown creasing his brow.
A muffled burst of enthusiastic chatter drifted from down the hall – Ash, no doubt. Alex could almost picture him: probably in his own room, gesticulating wildly to a patient Pikachu as he outlined his grand bug-catching strategy for the next day, or perhaps comically failing to convince the electric mouse to wear a tiny, ill-fitting explorer hat he'd optimistically purchased.
Further down, another door was likely closed on Misty. Alex imagined her in her own space, meticulously checking her more compact, specialized gear. Perhaps she was polishing Staryu's Poké Ball with a practiced hand, or maybe, for a fleeting private moment, looking at a small, slightly worn laminated photo – a quick, unexplained glimpse of three other red-haired girls with bright, familiar smiles, or perhaps an even younger version of herself standing proudly beside a powerful Water Pokémon he didn't recognize. Her focus, he suspected, would be sharp, her preparations precise.
Alex shook his head slightly, bringing his attention back to his own tasks. The silver hair clip lay on his bedside table, its cool metal a familiar anchor. He glanced at it. Emma. The forest. The unsettling feeling that something far bigger, something tied to that first, disorienting moment of his arrival, was at play. Eventually, the long day's exhaustion claimed him, pulling him into a restless sleep filled with shadows of trees and the faint, echoing calls of unknown creatures.
Dawn arrived cool and grey, the city of Viridian just beginning to stir. The trio met in the Pokémon Center lobby, packed and ready. Ash was a bundle of barely contained energy, Pikachu already alert on his shoulder. Misty, composed and focused, gave a curt nod. As they were about to leave, Alex released Ace onto his left shoulder and Spearow onto his right. Ace puffed his chest, looking regal, while Spearow's wilder eyes immediately began to scan their surroundings. "Alright, you two, keep your eyes peeled," Alex murmured.
Nurse Joy (Sarah) offered them a warm smile from behind the counter. "Good morning, trainers! All set for Viridian Forest?" She leaned forward slightly. "Officer Jenny passed on an early morning advisory – there's been a noticeable increase in Beedrill activity reported along the western trails today. The central path should be clearer for your initial route, but stay alert."
"Thanks, Nurse Joy! We'll be super careful and catch tons of Pokémon!" Ash declared.
Misty nodded to Nurse Joy. "We'll try to keep him from attracting every Beedrill in the forest."
"Appreciate the heads-up, Ms. Sarah," Alex said. "We'll stick to the central path."
They stepped out into the crisp morning air. The walk to the forest edge was quiet, Ace and Spearow occasionally taking short, scouting flights above them before returning to Alex's shoulders, their presence a silent reassurance. Misty had released her Staryu, its multifaceted gem rotating steadily as it hovered beside her.
The transition from the ordered streets of Viridian City to the untamed edge of the forest was stark. Ancient trees formed a dense, green wall, their canopy so thick that sunlight filtered through only in dappled, shifting patches, creating an atmosphere of deep shadow and mysterious light. The air grew cooler, carrying the scents of damp earth, pine needles, and an undeniable wildness. City sounds faded, replaced by the rustling of leaves, the distant calls of unseen Pokémon, and the insistent, multi-layered chirping of insects. Ace and Spearow were visibly more alert now, their head movements quick and sharp, taking in the myriad new stimuli.
"Whoa!" Ash breathed, eyes wide with awe as he stared into the verdant depths. "It's even bigger and wilder than I imagined!" Pikachu, on his shoulder, chirped in agreement, its small nose twitching.
Misty took a deep, steadying breath, her gaze sharp as she scanned the treeline, Staryu pulsing faintly beside her. "Okay, remember the plan. Stick together, no running off. And Ash," she fixed him with a stern look, "if you see a bug, don't just charge at it screaming."
"I won't, I promise! This time!" Ash replied, perhaps a little too quickly.
Alex surveyed the scene. Ace and Spearow were now keenly observing the forest entrance. He looked at his companions, then at the winding dirt path that disappeared into the green darkness. Taking a resolute breath, he said, "Alright. Central path first, like Ms. Sarah said. Ace, Spearow, lead the way, but stay close." The two bird Pokémon chirped in acknowledgment and took flight, soaring a short distance ahead into the mouth of the forest path. "Let's go."
The three trainers, with Pikachu on Ash's shoulder and Staryu by Misty's side, followed their avian scouts. The shadows of the Viridian Labyrinth seemed to rise up and envelop them, the ancient trees stood like silent, watching sentinels.
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Chapter End
End of Arc 2: Under Viridian Skies