บท 36: Chapter 36: Into the Deep(Rio)
The first light of dawn crept over the horizon, casting a pale glow over the rolling hills outside Cerulean City. I tightened the straps on my backpack, giving one last tug to make sure everything was secure. My fingers brushed over the smooth surface of the Poké Balls clipped to my belt. Charmeleon, Pidgeotto, Zubat, Geodude, Machop, and Onix were all resting, ready for what was coming.
I knelt beside the fire pit, its last embers still smoldering faintly in the early morning chill. It had been a long night, planning, strategizing. But now, the time for planning was over.
"This is it, team," I murmured, my voice steady. "Today, we take on the Cerulean Gym."
A flicker of excitement surged in my chest, tempered by the weight of the challenge ahead. This gym was no pushover. Water-types weren't just fast; they hit hard, and they'd take down my Rock-types if I wasn't careful. But I had more than rocks to throw at her. Today wasn't just about earning my second badge—it was about proving I belonged here, in this world of trainers and Gym Leaders, of battles that felt like wars.
The path into Cerulean was crowded by the time I hit the main streets. Locals and tourists bustled about, their voices blending into a chaotic hum. Vendors shouted about their wares—street food, Pokémon accessories, and trinkets for tourists to take home. The smells of fried food and fresh bread mixed with the salty breeze coming in from Cerulean Bay, reminding me just how different this city was from Pallet Town.
I kept my pace steady, my eyes scanning the scene, soaking in the city's energy. My heart pounded in sync with my steps, anticipation buzzing under my skin. As I passed a gleaming bike shop, my eyes snagged on a top-of-the-line bicycle in the display window. Its polished frame reflected the morning sun, tempting me with visions of tearing down trails at top speed.
"Maybe after I win the Cascade Badge," I muttered, mentally counting the money stashed in my pouch. It wasn't enough, not yet. I shook my head, pushing the thought aside. Focus, Rio. Bikes could wait—badges couldn't.
The Pokémon Center loomed up ahead, its sliding doors hissing softly as they parted to let me in. The sterile, almost too-clean environment of the Center washed over me. It was a stark contrast to the lively chaos outside. Nurse Joy, as ever, stood behind the counter, her pink hair perfectly in place, that warm smile she always wore never wavering.
"Morning, Nurse Joy," I greeted, handing over my Poké Balls with a grin. "I hope you're ready to see me again after I come back with my second badge."
Nurse Joy chuckled, her cheeks slightly pink. "Confident as ever, I see. Your Pokémon will be good as new in just a moment." She moved with practiced grace, placing the balls into the healing machine. The hum of the machines was soft, a comforting sound I'd grown used to in these moments before battle.
I stood back, watching the machines whirr to life, bathing the room in a soft, blue glow. My mind raced over the battle plans I'd spent hours memorizing. Pokemon battle will be Fast, brutal, and capable of overwhelming even seasoned trainers. But I had Charmeleon, and he'd grown stronger since our last challenge. His flames burned hotter, his claws sharper.
My fingers found the small Charmander-shaped charm around my neck, a habitual motion that grounded me, reminded me of why I was here—why I couldn't afford to fail. My parents' memory was etched into every decision I made, every battle I fought. This wasn't just about me.
A voice broke through my thoughts. "Hey, you're Rio, right?" A nervous-looking trainer stood at the counter, eyeing the Boulder Badge pinned to my jacket. He swallowed hard, glancing between me and Nurse Joy. "Any tips for the Gym battle? I've heard it's... tough."
I turned to face him, keeping my expression neutral. "Focus on speed and type advantage. Gym leaders Pokemon is fast, but it can be outmaneuvered. Don't underestimate moves like Confuse Ray or Thunder Wave to slow it down."
The trainer nodded, a glint of determination flashing in his eyes as he absorbed the advice. Good. He'd need that grit if he wanted to survive in this world.
Nurse Joy returned a moment later, handing me my fully-healed Pokémon. "Your team's ready, Rio," she said, her smile warm but tinged with the seriousness that came with the knowledge of what trainers like me were about to face. "Good luck."
I nodded, pocketing the Poké Balls. "Thanks, Nurse Joy. I'll need it."
As I stepped outside, the salty air hit me again, but this time I barely noticed. My focus was laser-sharp now, my mind fixed on the battle ahead. I pulled out a chocolate bar from my bag and unwrapped it, biting into the sweet richness. The taste grounded me, reminded me of long nights spent around the kitchen table with my parents, dreaming about the day I'd start my own journey.
They were gone now, but their memory, their dream, lived on in me. Every step I took was one closer to honoring them. Every battle was a reminder of what I'd lost—and what I had yet to gain.
The streets blurred as I walked, the Gym's towering blue structure rising in the distance. The sound of the city faded as I neared the massive glass doors of the Gym. This was it—the final stretch before the fight. My pulse quickened, but my hands were steady.
I pushed open the doors, the cool, chlorinated air of the Gym washing over me. The faint echo of splashing water filled my ears. I stepped inside, and the doors slid shut behind me with a soft thud, leaving the chaos of the city behind.
Ahead, the Cerulean Gym awaited—its aquatic arena gleaming under the bright lights.
"Time to prove myself again," I whispered, gripping the Charmander charm tight against my chest. I took a deep breath and stepped forward, my footsteps echoing in the vast, water-filled chamber. The lights overhead flickered as if in anticipation, and for a moment, it felt like the whole world was holding its breath, waiting to see if I could rise to this challenge.
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