Want to read ahead. You know where
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Kanto Region – Cerulean City
Cerulean City, its name evoking the deep, rich blue of the sea, sat along the northern coast of the Kanto region.
To the north, the river's estuary opened into the ocean.
Saffron City lay to the south, and to the west rose the slopes of Mt. Moon.
Built around winding waterways, the place carried a faint resemblance to Venice, with bridges arching over busy canals and boats gliding past storefronts.
The air carried the scent of salt and the chatter of tourists.
Sam strolled down one of the stone-paved streets, hands tucked in his pockets.
A few kids dashed past in swimsuits, laughing as they carried inflatable rings toward the beach.
But sightseeing wasn't why he was here.
He was looking for a certain giant Dragonite.
In the original story, the enormous Dragonite had once appeared near Bill's Lighthouse, just off Cerulean's coast.
After that encounter, it had vanished into the deep ocean without a trace.
Dragonite might be a Dragon/Flying-type, but it had an affinity for the sea.
That much was clear.
Sam's reasoning was simple: if the Dragonite's range was anything like in the story, the waters beyond Cerulean were the most likely place to find it.
Eventually, he reached a dock lined with tour operators and boat rentals.
His eyes landed on a sign offering private yacht charters.
Perfect.
He was just about to step inside when he stopped mid-stride.
A faint, familiar presence brushed against his senses, someone he'd encountered before.
His Aura pulsed faintly in response.
Sam turned his head, scanning the crowd, but the sensation faded almost as quickly as it had appeared.
Whoever it was, they were already gone or too far to sense clearly.
Shaking his head, he let the thought go.
This wasn't the time to get distracted.
The sooner he got a boat, the sooner he could start his search.
With that, he stepped into the charter office, already thinking ahead to the journey waiting for him out at sea.
Sam knew the search for the giant Dragonite wouldn't be easy, but at least he had a plan.
After arranging a yacht rental, he set out toward the distant open sea.
The further they got from Cerulean City, the fewer ships there were.
The water grew quieter, disturbed only by the occasional Sharpedo slicing through the waves, a reminder that this wasn't exactly a tourist-friendly stretch of ocean.
The gentle rhythm of the waves was broken by a cheerful splash.
A small, silver shape burst out of the water.
Silver.
He landed gracefully on the deck without a single drop clinging to his feathers.
"How about it, Silver? Any news?" Sam asked, leaning against the railing.
"Li li~" he chirped, shaking his head.
"That's fine. No rush. Let's take a break for now."
He smiled, reaching down to rub his head.
"I've got your favorite Pecha Berries in the cabin."
His eyes lit up, and with a happy trill, he padded off toward the break room.
Finding information about the giant Dragonite was, in theory, simple.
He just needed Silver to ask around.
Lugia, the Guardian of the Oceans, could communicate with Pokémon dwelling in the depths.
Somewhere out here, someone had to have seen a creature as massive and distinctive as that Dragonite.
And if they had, they'd remember.
It was only the first day at sea.
There was plenty of time.
Eventually, he'd track it down.
The salty wind ruffled his hair as he leaned back against the rail, enjoying a rare moment of quiet.
Then his pocket buzzed.
Pulling out his phone, he saw the caller ID: a video call from Cynthia.
Since his time in Viridian Forest, she'd tried to reach him whenever she could.
Sometimes it was just to talk, other times to check in on what he was up to.
He stepped into the cabin for some privacy before answering.
Her face appeared on the screen, framed by a faint smile.
"Finally, you pick up. I was starting to think you'd forgotten about me."
Sam chuckled.
"Not a chance."
They talked for a while, their conversation an easy mix of updates and quiet teasing.
Outside, the yacht cut through the gentle waves, carrying them farther from the shore, and hopefully, closer to the answers they sought.