Chapter 49: Magikarp Market Scam

I walked into the heart of Cerulean City's bustling trainer market, my steps slow but deliberate. The scent of fresh Pokéblocks and the distant hum of electric buzzers filled the air. I adjusted the strap of my black sling bag and scanned the area. Vendors lined both sides of the street, each shouting over the other, trying to lure trainers into buying their wares—potions, rare candies, evolution stones, and even Pokémon. The chaotic energy of the place felt oddly calming to me. Everyone here had a goal. Mine just happened to be much bigger than theirs.

The holographic display on my Pokégear blinked into view with a beep. Erin Oak's face appeared, her cold, analytical expression plastered on her features. I'd have to deal with her soon. Another errand, another obstacle. I swiped the image away and slipped the device back into my pocket. I had something else in mind today.

I wandered, letting my instincts guide me until I spotted a crowd gathering near a vendor's stall. The air felt tense, thick with frustration. I edged closer, weaving through the sea of trainers. When I got near enough, I tapped a guy on the shoulder—tall, grizzled, probably a few years older than me, though looks were deceiving in this world.

"What's the deal here?" I asked, my voice cutting through the commotion, sharp but lazy, like I couldn't be bothered to care too much.

The guy turned, his face lined with irritation. "This dude's selling a Magikarp. Claims it's top-tier. Wants 10,000 Pokédollars for it."

I raised an eyebrow. "10k for a Magikarp? He gotta be kidding."

He grunted. "Yeah, well, not everyone's rolling in cash like that. We've got Pokémon to train, battles to win."

I nodded, but my mind was already moving two steps ahead. I pushed past him, ignoring the protests from the trainers crowding the front. The vendor barely looked up as I approached. He sat behind his table, a smug grin on his face, a small water jar with a single Magikarp floating inside sitting in front of him.

I kept my face neutral, not giving anything away as I discreetly activated the holographic display only I could see. The scan completed in seconds. The result was simple: 𝘐𝘵 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘦𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘷𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘸.

Perfect.

I flicked my wrist, producing a stack of bills—10,000 Pokédollars. It hit the vendor's table with a heavy thud. His eyes widened in surprise, but before he could say anything, I pulled out a Pokéball, pointed it at the jar, and caught the Magikarp in one smooth motion.

"Deal's done," I said, not even bothering to look at the crowd as I turned to leave.

I could hear the murmurs behind me, thick with disbelief.

"Is this guy serious?"

"He's gotta be rich. No one wastes money like that."

"He probably doesn't even know what he's doing."

I kept walking, letting the noise fade into the background as I made my way out of the market. The open road beyond Cerulean stretched out ahead, the grass swaying gently in the breeze. For a moment, the world felt still. Peaceful.

I reached for Pidgeot's Pokéball, releasing him into the sky. He landed with a soft thud beside me, his feathers ruffled from the journey. I patted his beak, offering a rare moment of affection. But something felt off. Pidgeot wasn't calm. His sharp eyes focused behind me, his feathers bristling slightly.

I turned and saw the trainer from earlier—the one who had complained about the price. He wasn't alone. Three other trainers flanked him, all of them staring at me with an intensity that only spelled trouble.

Great. Just what I needed.

"You trying to rob me or something?" I asked, my voice bored, even though my pulse quickened slightly.

The leader sneered. "You think you can just waltz in, flash your cash, and make fools out of us?"

I chuckled, shaking my head. "I'm not the one standing here with three goons, man. If anything, you're the one looking foolish."

The guy bristled, fists clenching. "We want what's ours."

I narrowed my eyes, stepping closer to Pidgeot. "You want a battle? Let's go. I don't have time for this nonsense."

For a second, I thought they'd go for it. The leader's hand twitched toward his Pokéball, but his eyes flickered to Pidgeot's hulking frame. Fear crept into his expression. He hesitated. That hesitation told me everything I needed to know.

"You sure you want to do this?" I asked, my voice dropping, cold and dangerous.

He paled. Without another word, he bolted, his crew following close behind.

I stood there, watching them vanish into the distance, my pulse slowly returning to normal. I exhaled a laugh, shaking my head. "Cowards."

Pidgeot nudged me, his large frame still tense. I patted his side, mounting him with practiced ease. "Let's go, Pidgeot. We've got places to be."

As we soared into the sky, my Pokégear beeped again. Another message. I sighed, flipping it open, and saw Alisha's name pop up. The message rambled on about Viridian City, her battle, her 𝘴𝘦𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘭. Something about it not waking up, her missing me, Lucy being too stubborn to admit she missed me too.

I shook my head with a grin, chuckling under my breath. "She's crazy."

Pidgeot didn't respond, of course, but I could feel the air shift around us as we flew higher. Alisha would have to wait.