The gates of Viridian City stood wide and welcoming, their streets alive with the bustle of trainers, merchants, and children chasing after their companions. Tharion stepped onto the cobblestone road with quiet purpose, his dark cloak trailing faintly, eyes scanning every detail of this new hub of civilization.
Beside him, Nina clutched Roggenrola's Pokéball in her small hands, Luxio padding loyally at her side. Her eyes were bright, sparkling with excitement, though her steps were small and hesitant in comparison to her brother's steady stride.
"Big brother, look at all of them…" she whispered in awe, as trainers passed with Butterfree circling above, Growlithe wagging their tails, and Pidgeotto soaring through the skies.
Tharion nodded once. "This is a trainer's city. And today," he said, his tone sharp with resolve, "is where our path toward the League begins."
The words carried weight—like steel drawn from its sheath.
Near the central plaza, a trainer with spiky brown hair and a cocky grin caught sight of Tharion's stance. "Hey, stranger! You look new. How about a battle to test your skills?"
Tharion's crimson eyes narrowed slightly, but he stepped forward. "Accepted. Official rules. Two Pokémon each."
The trainer smirked. "You're on."
They moved to a small dirt battlefield near the fountain. A crowd gathered—trainers, townsfolk, and curious children. Nina stood at the edge, clenching Roggenrola's Pokéball tight while Luxio growled softly in encouragement.
"Go! Spearow!" the challenger shouted, releasing the small but fierce bird.
Tharion's gaze sharpened. He unclipped a Pokéball, his voice firm:"Larvitar, front and center."
The green, rock-skinned Pokémon stomped onto the field, glaring at the bird with piercing red eyes.
"Quick Attack, now!" the opponent commanded. Spearow darted forward, wings cutting through the air.
Tharion's voice was calm, yet cutting. "Brace. Rock Throw, angle left."
Larvitar pivoted, claws digging into the soil as stones erupted from the ground. The first barrage missed—intentionally—forcing Spearow to swerve right.
"Now. Aim high."
Larvitar launched a sharper boulder upward, catching Spearow mid-flight and sending it tumbling into the dirt. The crowd gasped.
"One hit?!" the trainer stammered.
"Not one hit," Tharion corrected coldly. "One prediction."
The challenger gritted his teeth. "Fine! Go, Nidorino!"
The purple beast snarled, pawing the ground.
Tharion lifted another Pokéball. "Charmeleon. Burn bright."
Charmeleon emerged with a roar, its tail flame blazing higher.
"Nidorino, Double Kick!" the trainer barked.
"Dodge. Flame Burst," Tharion commanded without hesitation.
Charmeleon leapt aside, the heavy kicks smashing into the dirt as flames erupted from its maw, engulfing Nidorino in a controlled burst. The poison-type staggered, struggling to hold itself upright.
"Press. Dragon Claw."
Charmeleon charged, claws glowing green, slashing across Nidorino's chest and sending it crashing down, unconscious.
The plaza erupted in murmurs of awe. The challenger stared wide-eyed before recalling his Pokémon. "…You're incredible. Who are you?"
Tharion's gaze didn't waver. "A trainer on the path to the League."
Behind him, Nina cheered with uncontained joy, Luxio yipping loudly while Roggenrola's Pokéball shook in excitement. "Big brother, that was amazing! You and Charmeleon were perfect!"
For a brief moment, the corner of Tharion's lips curved upward—a rare softness in the storm of his resolve.
The crowd slowly dispersed, leaving the siblings standing before the largest structure in Viridian—the Viridian Gym, its massive doors looming tall, bearing the insignia of authority and challenge.
Nina's small hand tugged on Tharion's sleeve. "Are you… going to challenge it?"
Tharion's eyes locked on the stone walls, his aura sharp with determination. "Yes. To walk the path of power, I need the League's recognition. The Gym challenge begins here."
Charmeleon stood by his side, tail blazing brighter than before, and Larvitar stomped proudly at his other flank.
The first step of a legend had been made, but before him stood the true trial—one that would forge his path as both protector and trainer.
The heavy doors of the Viridian Gym loomed before him, silent and imposing. Tharion raised his hand, ready to push them open, when a firm voice stopped him.
"Hold it right there."
Two uniformed guards stepped forward from either side of the entrance. Their expressions were professional, yet stern. One adjusted his cap, blocking the path with an outstretched arm.
"This Gym doesn't accept newcomers," the first guard said flatly. "Trainer, how many badges do you have?"
Tharion's crimson eyes narrowed slightly. "None. This would be my first."
The second guard shook his head. "Then you're in the wrong place. Viridian Gym is reserved for those who've already proven themselves. You'll need at least seven badges before you're even allowed to step inside."
Seven. The number hit with a quiet finality. Tharion exhaled slowly through his nose, his hand lowering back to his side. "So be it. Where is the nearest Gym?"
"Pewter City," the guard replied, his tone softening. "Northwest, at the edge of Viridian Forest. The Gym Leader there specializes in Rock-type Pokémon. If you're serious about starting your League challenge, that's where to go first."
For a moment, Tharion's silence hung heavy, his gaze lingering on the sealed doors of Viridian Gym. Then, he inclined his head in acknowledgment. "Understood. My thanks."
With measured steps, he turned away, cloak shifting in the breeze. The path to power would not be rushed—it would be carved through trial after trial, badge after badge.
The sky had darkened by the time they reached the glowing red roof of the Pokémon Center. Its soft lights spilled across the road like a beacon, promising rest.
Nina's small frame leaned against Tharion's side, her eyelids fluttering shut as she drifted into slumber. Her fingers clutched tightly around Roggenrola's Pokéball, refusing to let it go even in sleep. Luxio padded loyally beside them, every so often glancing up at Tharion with calm, protective eyes.
Inside, the familiar warmth of the Center embraced them. Trainers chatted quietly, machines hummed with energy, and the air smelled faintly of disinfectant and comfort food.
"Good evening. Would you like me to heal your Pokémon?" Nurse Joy asked with her usual gentle smile.
Tharion handed over Charmeleon's and Larvitar's Pokéballs. "Yes. They fought well today." His tone carried no warmth, yet the pride in his words flickered subtly through.
He then adjusted Nina in his arms, her small breaths steady against his chest, and took a seat near the corner. Luxio settled at his feet, tail swishing softly.
For the first time since stepping into this world, Tharion allowed his body to relax against the chair. His eyes lifted briefly to the ceiling, thoughts circling not around glory, but around one simple truth:
Every step forward was not just for him—it was for Nina.
And tomorrow, their road to Pewter City would begin.
The early morning light spilled through the window of the Pokémon Center room, painting the walls in soft gold. Tharion stirred from the narrow bed, the faint sounds of a television drawing his attention.
On the small screen, a documentary-style program was playing. The image showed a Magikarp thrashing in open waters before its body glowed and expanded—scales hardening, form twisting—until the mighty, serpentine Gyarados burst forth, letting out a thundering roar. Across the waves, a Tentacruel responded with its massive tentacles, the clash shaking the sea itself.
Seated cross-legged on the floor, Nina watched in awe, her big eyes fixed on the screen. Roggenrola rested in her lap like a small rock pillow, while Luxio sat alert beside her, tail twitching every time Gyarados roared.
Tharion sat up slowly, his crimson gaze lingering on the broadcast. "So even the weakest can ascend into a force of destruction," he murmured to himself, eyes narrowing thoughtfully.
Nina turned, a bright smile lighting her face. "Big brother, you're awake!" She hugged Roggenrola closer before pointing eagerly at the screen. "Look! Look at that Gyarados! Isn't it amazing? It's fighting so strong!"
Tharion's lips curved in the faintest hint of approval. "It is a predator born from weakness. A lesson, perhaps."
He stood and made his way to the small bathroom to wash up. The sound of running water filled the silence as Nina's attention turned back to the clash on screen, eyes sparkling with determination.
When Tharion emerged, drying his hands with a towel, Nina's head whipped toward him, cheeks puffed slightly with a child's mix of seriousness and curiosity.
"Brother," she asked, "did you challenge the Gym yesterday?"
Tharion paused, folding the towel neatly over the chair. His voice was calm, steady. "No. There are conditions to fulfill before I am permitted to face that Gym. Viridian will not open its doors until I hold seven badges."
Nina blinked, tilting her head. "Seven…? That's a lot."
"It is," Tharion admitted. "But every step is necessary." Then, his eyes softened, and he asked, "Tell me, Nina—would you like a Pokémon of your own, beyond Luxio and Roggenrola? Something that flies?"
Her expression brightened instantly. "Fly? Like a bird Pokémon?"
Tharion's gaze turned slightly toward the window, where the sun was rising over the treeline. "No. I was thinking… a Butterfree."
The moment the word left his lips, Nina gasped. "Butterfree!? Really!?" Her small hands clapped together in excitement, nearly squeezing poor Roggenrola. "I've seen so many trainers with Butterfree—they're so pretty! Please, brother, catch one for me! Please, please!"
Her pleading eyes sparkled with such hope that even Luxio gave a small approving growl, as though encouraging Tharion.
Tharion gave a small nod. "Very well. Then when we cross Viridian Forest, I will capture one for you."
"Yaaay!!" Nina cheered, bouncing happily in place, Roggenrola wobbling in her arms like a stone toy. "Butterfree, Butterfree!" she chanted, unable to contain her joy.
Tharion exhaled quietly through his nose, amused at her excitement, though he did not show it outwardly. In his mind, however, a thought whispered:
'If this world will become her future… then I will make it one where her smile never fades.'