Chapter no.36 Cerulean City

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As the first rays of the morning sun slipped between the leaves of the thick forest canopy, Austin pedaled his bike along the narrow trail winding between Mt. Moon and Cerulean City. The cool morning air washed over him, each breath filling his lungs with a crisp freshness that made him feel alive. Dew sparkled on the leaves, and birds chirped overhead, their songs blending with the soft crunch of his bike tires over the dirt path. For a moment, he almost forgot where he was, just letting himself be lost in the serenity of it all.

Then he remembered the 20k increase, and a broad grin spread across his face. "Hell yeah," he muttered, feeling the excitement bubble up inside him. He couldn't help himself; the rhythm of a rap he frequently listened to drifted into his mind, and before he knew it, he was rapping softly to himself as he rode along.

"We put our hands in the sky, let 'em know that we about that… Cash flow…" He kept the beat steady, patting the handlebar to the rhythm as he continued, "I need it on time, I'm talkin' bankroll… My money, my money…"

He glanced over to Pikachu, who was bobbing his head along with the words, tiny yellow cheeks sparking now and then as he tried to mimic the beat with little "Pika, pika, pika!" sounds.

Austin laughed. This was it, wasn't it? Just him, his buddy, the open road, and a fat paycheck coming his way. Life couldn't get much better.

But just as he was about to continue his rap, a piercing scream shattered the calm. His heart leapt as every muscle tensed, instincts kicking in faster than his mind could process. He stopped rapping mid-word, hands tightening on the handlebars.

Pikachu's ears stood alert, his cheeks sparking more fiercely now as he picked up on Austin's urgency.

"Hold on!" Austin muttered, pumping his legs harder as he veered off the trail, tearing through the thick underbrush. Branches and leaves slapped against his arms and legs, but he ignored them, focused only on the direction of that scream.

He skidded to a stop with the precision he'd been practicing for days, finally nailing that cool Akira-style slide he'd been wanting to pull off for so long. But there was no time to celebrate. He could barely catch his breath as he stared at the scene in front of him, heart pounding in his chest.

"You've got to be kidding me," he muttered, his eyes wide with disbelief at the ridiculous sight before him.

There, in the middle of a small clearing, stood Misty, her face a mix of frustration and pure horror, steam practically billowing from her flared nostrils. She clutched a can of repellent in one hand, her knuckles white, as if it were the only thing standing between her and certain doom. Her eyes were wide, locked on something in the grass with the kind of disgust that should've been reserved for something much, much worse.

"Stay away from me, you vile, disgusting hellspawn!"

Austin followed her gaze, struggling to keep his face straight. His lips twitched as he spotted the source of her terror: a small Caterpie, quietly munching away on a leaf, staring up at her with an almost bored expression. The tiny bug Pokémon looked at Misty, blinked slowly, and then went right back to its meal, as if completely unimpressed by the human who'd dared disturb its breakfast.

Austin exchanged a quick glance with Pikachu, who simply shrugged, his small face saying everything Austin was thinking: What can you do?

He slipped a hand into his pocket and pulled out a berry. With a gentle flick, he tossed the berry into a nearby bush. The Caterpie immediately perked up, catching the scent, and without a second thought, turned away from Misty and followed the berry's trajectory, disappearing into the undergrowth with a soft rustling.

Misty's rigid stance eased, her shoulders sagging as she exhaled in relief. For a second, Austin thought she might actually thank him, but the moment was short-lived.

Her gaze snapped back to him, narrowing as she took him in. "I know you two," she said, her voice dripping with disdain. "You're that idiot who got chased by a flock of Spearow."

Austin's cheeks flushed slightly, but he forced a sheepish smile. Next to him, Pikachu managed to look equally abashed, ears drooping as a bead of sweat seemed to appear over both their heads. He'd never thought he'd cross paths with Misty again so soon.

Then, her eyes landed on his bike, widening in shock as she took a step back, one finger pointed accusingly at him. "You stole my bike!"

Austin bit back a sigh.

"I didn't steal it," he said, trying to keep his tone light and innocent. "I just… found it abandoned in Viridian Forest."

Misty seemed to accept this with only a skeptical glance before giving a resigned sigh. They started walking together, Misty keeping close to her reclaimed bike.

"So," he ventured, breaking the silence, "what were you doing out here anyway?"

She glanced over at him, her grip still tight on the handlebars. "The League asked me to patrol the area," she said with a shrug. "Make sure there aren't any lingering Team Rocket members lurking around."

Austin nodded, feeling some of the tension in his chest ease. The League is taking this seriously, he thought, relief washing over him. If they're this vigilant, maybe—just maybe—Team Rocket will keep a low profile for a while.

"So, why are you heading to Cerulean?"

"Well, today's my last day of patrol," she replied, a blissful look crossing her face. "So I'm going to treat myself to a hot shower and a real bed for the night."

"Last day…" Austin murmured, a slight frown creasing his brow as he considered the implications.

But his thoughts were interrupted by the sound of rushing water and a delighted squeak from Pikachu. Austin looked up, his eyes widening as Cerulean City unfolded before them, looking like something straight out of a fantasy.

The city was a masterpiece of water and architecture, with canals weaving through its heart, transforming bustling streets into serene waterways. Boats glided gracefully along the currents, their polished wood gleaming, flags fluttering in the gentle breeze. Trainers and their Water Pokémon moved in harmony along the banks, the creatures leaping and splashing, each movement filled with joy.

Buildings with sweeping roofs crowned the skyline, adorned with flowering balconies that spilled vibrant colors down toward the water. Bridges arched elegantly over the canals, connecting the different sections of the city, their intricate stonework inviting one to stop and marvel. The setting sun cast a golden glow across the scene, making the water shimmer and the entire city seem bathed in a warm, magical light.

"Welcome to Cerulean City," Misty said, her voice filled with pride. "The City of Waterways!"

Austin took a moment to let the sight sink in. It was surreal. "How do you even get around in a place like this?"

Misty arched an eyebrow, a playful glint in her eyes. "Since when did I become your guide?"

Austin grinned. "Come on, you know this place way better than I do."

Pikachu chirped in agreement from his shoulder, his little head bobbing in encouragement.

Misty sighed, rolling her eyes but unable to hide the faint smile tugging at her lips. "You can walk along the stone paths, take a gondola, or travel by Water Pokémon if you have one."

"What are you planning to do?"

"Stone path." She pulled a hat and sunglasses from her bag, slipping them on with practiced ease.

Austin's brow quirked up. Trying to go incognito, huh? he thought, amused by her low-key disguise.

Guess it's still just like the anime, he mused, looking over the canals and watching boats drift by. But I wonder… how much of Cerulean is like the anime, and how much is different? He glanced around, taking in every detail, trying to compare it to his memories of the show.

Spotting a gondola docked nearby, he waved to the gondolier and arranged for a ride. As he waited, he looked down at the vibrant blue waters below, his reflection broken by the gentle ripple of a passing Magikarp. The color was so striking—it was as if the entire city had been dyed in shades of cerulean.

"Maybe that's why they call it Cerulean," he mused aloud, watching the Magikarp glide by with lazy, sweeping strokes.

"Awesome, isn't it?" he murmured, glancing down at Pikachu, who looked just as mesmerized by the water. The Electric-type's nose twitched as he leaned closer to the edge of the gondola, his paw reaching out tentatively, unable to resist the shimmering blue surface below.

Austin chuckled, patting Pikachu on the back. "Alright, buddy, let's give it a try." He gently lowered Pikachu, letting his chonky friend dip his paws into the cool water. Pikachu's eyes went wide with delight as he felt the soft current flow over his tiny paws, his cheeks sparking with excitement.

For a split second, Austin considered punting Pikachu into the water. Imagine the splash he'd make, he thought, grinning at the idea. But he quickly dismissed it, knowing he'd probably end up with a shocking payback. Yeah, getting zapped isn't exactly my idea of fun.

As Pikachu wriggled happily, splashing his paws in the water, Austin stood, letting the uniqueness of Cerulean City sink in. The cities in this world seemed to have their own personality, each more distinct and alive than he remembered from the anime, manga, or games.

Viridian City was like a sprawling green kingdom, surrounded by endless trees. Pewter City wasn't just nestled beside the mountains—it was carved directly into them, each street and building feeling rugged and grounded. And now Cerulean, with its waterways, stone bridges, and flowing canals, was like a dream—a bit like Venice, but somehow even more magical.

What about the other cities? Austin wondered, a thrill sparking in his chest. The unpredictability of it all was jarring, but it made each stop on his journey feel like a discovery, a small secret this world was revealing just for him.

"Where to, son?"

Austin glanced up to see a gondolier grinning down at him, his face tanned from years of sunshine. Beside him, a Seel clapped its flippers, splashing cheerfully in greeting. The man's smile had a warmth that put him instantly at ease.

"Cerulean City Gym, please," Austin replied, still marveling at the beauty of the city.

But the gondolier's smile faded, replaced by a look of sorrow. "Ah… no can do, sonny," he said with a shake of his head. "The gym's been closed ever since the leader passed. May Arceus bless her soul." He tipped his hat in respect, and even his Seel dipped its head, as if sharing in the condolence.

Austin blinked, caught off guard.

"What about the Sensational Sisters?"

The man's eyes brightened a bit. "Ah, you've heard of 'em, eh? They're still around, putting on quite a show with their fancy water tricks and all that. Want me to take you to their show?"

Austin frowned. So, they're famous enough to be known here, but… they're not gym leaders?

"What happened to the gym building?" he asked, unable to keep the question from slipping out.

The gondolier's brow furrowed, his face somewhere between amusement and confusion at Austin's barrage of questions. "The gym's been repurposed for water shows. The Sisters turned it into a proper venue, and it's been a hit with tourists and locals alike."

Austin sighed, feeling his plan shift beneath his feet. His original idea had been to breeze through Cerulean, snag a quick badge, and head out of town in time to rescue Charmander. But now, with no battles to win, that plan was off the table.

"You wouldn't happen to know where I could find a private investigator, would you?" he asked, thinking maybe someone with local knowledge could speed things along.

The gondolier chuckled, giving Austin a sly look. "Ah, asking me for directions, eh? Normally that'd cost an extra hundred on top of the ride—plus something for the chat."

Austin shot him a deadpan look, then shrugged, turning on his heel. "Thanks for the free conversation," he said, taking a few steps away.

"Alright, how about seventy-five for the investigator, no extra for my charming company?"

Austin stopped, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. He turned back, meeting the man's gaze with a negotiating glint. "How about twenty-five?"

The gondolier laughed, his eyes twinkling. "Twenty-five? What are you looking to buy with that—a stick of bubblegum?"

"Exactly," Austin retorted, folding his arms to seal the deal.

The gondolier laughed heartily, throwing up his hands in defeat. "Fifty. That's my best offer."

Austin smirked, relenting. "Alright, fine. And while you're at it, treat me like a clueless tourist. Tell me everything about Cerulean City."

With a grin as wide as the canal, the gondolier extended his hand to help Austin back into the gondola. Pikachu settled comfortably in Austin's lap, paws dipping close to the water's edge as the gondolier started to row, his Seel flapping its tail with excitement, serving as a makeshift motor.

"Cerulean City has a history as deep and winding as these canals, sonny," the gondolier began, his voice carrying the practiced rhythm of a storyteller. "Long before Kanto as we know it took shape, Cerulean was just a small settlement by the river, a few humble houses on stilts and rafts, keeping safe from the floods."

Austin leaned forward, intrigued by the tale.

"In those days," the gondolier continued, "the people here had to get clever with the floods and the marshes. So they started digging, channeling the river into a network of canals that let them build right on top of the water. They turned that problem into a solution, and soon, they were the ones controlling where the river went."

Austin's gaze drifted to the shimmering water, imagining the hands that had dug these very canals.

"As the years passed," the gondolier went on, his tone softening as if he were letting Austin in on a secret, "Cerulean grew. Wealth and traders came, drawn to the city's beauty and craft. They brought stones from distant mountains, wood from lush forests, and Cerulean rose up from the water like a jewel."

Beside them, Seel gave a happy bark, splashing the water as if affirming the gondolier's words.

"They say these canals carry more than boats and water—they carry the history of this place. People here believe the canals remember every story, every voice that has passed through."

Pikachu leaned over the edge of the gondola, his little paw gripping the side as he stretched one ear out, tilting his head to "listen" to the water as it lapped softly against the boat. His eyes were wide with curiosity, his ear twitching as if trying to catch some secret message hidden in the gentle ripples.

Austin snorted, covering his mouth to hide his grin. "What are you doing, bud?" he whispered, half amused, half charmed by the sight. "Expecting the water to start talking?"

"And there's a saying around here, lad," the gondolier added, his voice dropping to a hushed, almost reverent tone. "If you make a wish by these canals on a night when the city's asleep, your wish will drift down the waterways and mingle with the city's own memories. And sometimes… those wishes find their way back to you."

"Wow, you really are treating me like a clueless tourist, huh?"

The gondolier chuckled, dipping his oar smoothly into the canal, sending soft ripples over the surface. "Believe what you want, lad," he replied, his voice gentle and warm. "But on nights, when the water's as still as glass and the moon's casting her silver across everything… well," he looked out over the canal, his eyes reflecting the glow of the city, "it's hard not to believe in a bit of magic."

Austin leaned back, his eyes drifting over the city as they glided under a stone bridge covered in flowers.

"So, what else should a 'clueless tourist' know?"

"Well, seeing as you're headed for a private investigator…" The man leaned in, lowering his voice with a conspiratorial air. "Stay away from the east side docks after dark."

Austin's pulse quickened at the mention. "East docks, huh?" Interesting, he thought, tucking the information away. Who knew when that might come in handy?

The boy, the gondolier, and the Pokémon continued through the waterway, the quiet lull of Cerulean weaving its way into Austin's story, one ripple at a time.

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Author's Note:

Hey there! I was wondering what you think about the unique locations in the fanfic.

For instance, I've modeled Pewter City after Petra from Jordan, with the city carved directly into a mountain. And for Cerulean City, I'm giving it a Venice vibe. What do you think of these settings?

I thought it would add more unique world-building and environmental storytelling to make the world feel more real.

Thanks so much for sticking with my work. Your support and feedback mean the world to me. Have an awesome day, and I can't wait to hear what you think in the comments!