Buying Supplies and Discussion

Afterward, Ignacio and Anthony split up and planned to rendezvous on the path to Cerulean City. Anthony headed towards his hotel, while Ignacio went to the Pokémon center.

'I just realized that once Tentacool evolves and grows in size, I will only have to keep the method of the alternate evolution a secret.' Ignacio felt a significant burden come off his chest while his pace quickened toward his destination.

However, Ignacio suddenly stopped realizing buying a bike is beneficial in the long run. Hence he changed directions and looked for a store where he could buy that and bracelets he could place the rocks inside as weights.

After fifteen minutes, he came across a large convenience store and proceeded to enter inside. Subsequently, he looked for a sturdy metal bike that could take a beating. Along with a kit with tools, spare parts, four spare tires, a tire pump, chains to tie everything to each bike, a metal bike trailer with a metal lock and key, and a lock and key for keeping the bike from being stolen. Before taking all these to the store's counter.

"I'm ready to check out." Ignacio replied before showing the items he purchased and smiling.

A store cashier walked out of the back and looked at Ignacio. She wore a red shirt and pants.

"Alright, let me look at the price tags." The store cashier asked before smiling.

Ignacio complied

Subsequently, Ignacio finished paying for what he needed before walking out and attaching two spare tires on each side of the bike trailer. Additionally, he placed the spare parts, tire pump, and tool kit inside a corner of the trailer before placing the bag of rocks he bought from Flint inside the trailer, putting the top on it and locking it, and placing his other key and lock in his pocket.

'Those rocks took a lot out of me. However, I used up most of my remaining money buying this. I'll need to find a way to earn income if I have more expenses in the future.' Ignacio thought before peddling towards the Pokémon center to check his Pokémons conditions.

After fifteen more minutes, he arrived at the Pokémon center before locking his bike to the pole and entering. Additionally, he brought his Pokéballs to Nurse Joy to be checked before looking at the poster once more.

'I will participate in the Pokémon league and do all I can to win. And explore the world as I do so.' Ignacio thought before smiling and making a fist.

Afterward, he got his Pokémon back and spent five hours peddling to the rendezvous point due to this being his first time using a bike and the countless falls he had. Once he arrived, Anthony was already there.

"Hello, Ignacio. Are you ready to go?" Anthony asked while smiling

"Yes, I am. How about you?" Ignacio nodded before asking the same question.

"Well, I've been waiting for a few hours. However, I'm curious why are you so prepared? I don't see the reason to buy so much." Anthony asked while raising a brow and scratching his mustache.

"Well, I need some supplies to increase the efficiency of my Pokémons training. Additionally, are you okay using only bikes to travel on land?" Ignacio asked

"I am okay with it, but I'm curious why you want this. Don't you want to walk some too?" Anthony replied

"Well, I just want to be more efficient since it's faster and easier to bike. Additionally, more distance can be covered and, in turn, have more time to train Pokémon." Ignacio explained

"Can I see how you'll train your Pokémon? I wonder how you created new moves for them." Anthony asked

"Oh, well, I didn't invent the moves. An old friend discovered them. However, they aren't common knowledge right now." Ignacio shook his head while giving credit where it was due.

"I see. I understand that. So do you want to face the gym leader in Cerulean City?" Anthony asked while smiling

"Yes, however, do you want to go there? If not, where?" Ignacio asked, knowing he needed to compromise since they were traveling as a group.

"I don't have a particular destination in mind. I want to learn all I can during this journey. Honestly, you can choose our destination. I never thought out where I wanted to visit." Anthony stated while scratching his beard.

"Alright, well, let's head to Cerulean City then." Ignacio stated before he began peddling down the path.

Anthony followed Ignacio's lead, and the two traveled on the path. However, they stopped near a clearing after two hours of peddling and Ignacio falling off a bike a few times.

"Anthony, I'll show you my Pokémon. Vulpix, Tentacool, come out and say hello." Ignacio stated before throwing their Pokéballs out.

"Tentacool." Tentacool replied

"Vulpix. Vulpix." Vulpix stated

However, both Pokémon were alarmed when they saw Anthony, and Tentacool got between him and Anthony.

"Tentacool!"[Did you hurt Ignacio?!] Tentacool yelled protectively.

"Hey, hey, I'm not going to harm Ignacio." Anthony hurriedly stated before holding his hands up in surrender.

"Tentacool." Tentacool stated, narrowing her eyes at Anthony, suspicious of his claims.

"Tentacool, it's alright. He's a friend." Ignacio quickly explained.

"Tentacool." Tentacool nodded, lowering her guard and just looking at Anthony.

"Woah, your Tentacool looks very different than most. And you have a Vulpix? Aren't they extremely rare?" Anthony asked while his eyes widened and his mouth dropped.

"Yes, but I was lucky, and I raised Tentacool from birth. May I see your Pokémon?" Ignacio asked

"Sure, why not. Beedrill, Dugtrio, Vileploom, come out!" Anthony yelled before throwing their Pokéballs.

"Beedrill." Beedrill stated, looking at Anthony and then at Ignacio before finally doing a pose.

"Dugdrio." Dugdrio stated before digging into the ground.

"Vileploom." Vileploom introduced herself before walking to a tree.

"All your Pokémon are at their final evolution stage? How long have you been traveling with them?" Ignacio asked, realizing it may be a long time.

"Well, for about five years. I tried to compete in the Pokémon league every year, but I lost each year. So I decided to become a Pokémon professor instead. Plus, I was pressured by my family to become a Pokémon trainer. However, I find more enjoyment in learning about them than making them battle." Anthony stated while scratching his head.

"Alright, I understand. However, do you still want to see how I train my Pokémon?" Ignacio asked

"Yes, I do." Anthony replied while nodding.

"Alright, I'll show you." Ignacio stated

Afterward, Ignacio walked into the clearing to begin training his Pokémon.