(May and Sophia could also be considered alternate-Region counterparts.)
Cerulean City lay in the southern part of Kanto. Its greatest landmark was the Safari Zone, the largest artificial wildlife preserve in the entire region. Inside this massive park, countless wild Pokémon lived freely. Visitors, after paying an entrance fee, could observe these Pokémon safely in their natural environment, studying their behaviors up close.
For trainers, the rules were different. After paying a higher fee, they were permitted to enter the Safari Zone without carrying their own Pokémon, and could only use the special Safari Balls provided by the park to capture wild Pokémon.
Though this made capturing far more dangerous—since without their partners, trainers were exposed to direct attacks—many still braved the challenge. The reason? The Safari Zone was famous for its rare Pokémon sightings. Even the elusive Dratini had been seen here before. The chance to catch such a rarity was enough to draw crowds of ambitious trainers every year.
To the far south of Cerulean City lay the sea's mouth into the southern waters. This coastline was known as Cerulean Beach, a place of dazzling sunshine, soft sand, and calm tides with very few large waves. It was one of Kanto's most famous resort beaches, drawing countless tourists each summer.
The beach was lively as always. Umbrellas dotted the sand, shading vacationers sipping chilled drinks. Girls in bikinis ran about laughing and playful, while men in Hawaiian shirts lounged under straw hats and sunglasses, admiring the carefree energy around them. Children built sandcastles or chased each other across the shore, their laughter filling the air. A group of young women played beach volleyball, while others rubbed sunscreen on their arms and legs, chatting noisily with friends.
Out at sea, yachts drifted lazily on the waves. Some people cast their fishing rods, while others cheered excitedly as they rode surfboards, balancing against the rolling tide.
Everything was perfectly ordinary, perfectly summer.
And yet—on this beach stood one little girl whose attire set her completely apart from everyone else. While the rest were dressed in swimsuits or breezy tropical clothes, this girl wore a frilly princess dress. Her short brown hair, tinged faintly with gray, was pinned with a lace hairpiece. White cotton stockings wrapped her slender legs, finishing in tiny polished leather shoes. She looked like a storybook princess who had wandered away from her castle.
The girl was no older than ten. Her unusual outfit, paired with her delicate beauty, made her the center of attention. People stole glances at her again and again.
Shy and uneasy under the stares, the girl fidgeted. She lowered her head, twisting her fingers nervously, looking quiet, gentle, and adorable. Her blue eyes, as clear as the ocean itself, sparkled like sapphires.
Her name was Sophia Birch, daughter of the famous Professor Birch from the Hoenn region. Though her father was not as globally renowned as the legendary Professor Oak, Birch was still considered one of the foremost Pokémon researchers in the world. In fact, he had once studied under Oak himself during his youth.
Sophia lived with her father in Littleroot Town, a village nestled in dense jungle. Perfect for Birch's preferred fieldwork, where he could study Pokémon in their natural habitats.
In Hoenn, Professor Birch was regarded as highly as Oak was in Kanto. Both had a tradition of gifting starter Pokémon to aspiring trainers who proved themselves earnest. For many children, their journeys began thanks to these professors.
This time, Professor Birch had traveled to Kanto to conduct research on the survival patterns of Pokémon in the wild. Naturally, he brought his only daughter with him. As Oak's former assistant and student, it was only proper that he visit his old teacher.
Unfortunately, Oak was away on business, leaving only his granddaughter Daisy to watch over the lab. Missing the chance to see his mentor disappointed Birch, but he continued with his fieldwork plans regardless.
When it came to Sophia, Birch's feelings were a mix of pride and regret. She was gentle, quiet, perfectly mannered—an ideal daughter in every way. She never disobeyed, never caused trouble. He cherished her like a precious jewel, bringing her everywhere both to broaden her horizons and to keep her safe.
And yet… she wasn't suited to the life of a Pokémon trainer. Birch knew it. Trainers needed grit, courage, the will to fight through hardship. Sophia was too delicate, too soft-spoken. She could never stand her ground against wild Pokémon.
Still, Birch found comfort in that thought. Training was dangerous, filled with suffering and risk. His daughter was his only child—better she live a safe, ordinary life than risk her neck in the wilderness. She could still grow into a fine breeder, or even a researcher, without stepping into danger.
Birch had learned this balance from Oak himself—research was important, but family was more important. Never sacrifice family for work. He carried those words in his heart always.
And so, even on this research trip, Birch made sure to let Sophia enjoy herself. Their current route had brought them near the Safari Zone, and today, they had come to Cerulean Beach for some well-deserved leisure.
"Sophia, I'm going to get us some drinks," Birch said, glancing at his daughter as he noticed other tourists sipping cold refreshments. "Your favorite—Aspear Berry flavor. Wait right here for me, alright?"
"Yes, Daddy! I'll wait here," Sophia answered sweetly.
Reassured by her promise, Birch left. He knew she was too obedient to wander off.
Alone, Sophia stood awkwardly at the beach's edge. She knew her princess dress made her stand out, but she was too shy to complain. She simply bowed her head, silent and demure.
It was then that the sunlight suddenly disappeared. Dark clouds swept across the sky, swallowing the blazing sun.
People at first welcomed the shade—relieved from the burning heat—but then began to mutter in annoyance. A beach day needed sunshine. Without it, something felt wrong.
"What's going on? I thought the forecast said no rain today!"
"Yeah, this cloud cover came out of nowhere!"
"Wait a second… don't you think the waves are getting bigger? Look at the surfers—they're being thrown off their boards!"
"Could this be the start of a storm? Cerulean Beach almost never gets storms this strong!"
"LOOK! Out there—on the horizon!! Is that… a tornado?!"
Panic rippled through the crowd.
Sophia raised her head. Her sapphire-blue eyes widened as she followed the shouts toward the sea.
On the far-off horizon, beneath the darkened sky—several towering waterspouts had begun to form, stretching like claws that linked ocean to heaven.
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