Chapter 36: Morning Pokémon Center Brief

I stepped into the Pewter City Pokémon Center, the smell of disinfectant sharp in the air. Trainers bustled in and out, some battered from their battles with Flint, others just here for a pit stop. A soft buzz of conversation and the occasional cry of a Pokémon filled the room, but it all blurred in the background as I made my way to the vending machine. I slipped in a few Pokédollars, grabbed a cold drink, and popped the top.

The drink hissed as I took a long, refreshing gulp, its coldness cutting through the stale warmth of the center. I pulled out my Pokégear, checking the time. "July 24, 7:00 AM." I sighed, my thumb absentmindedly tracing the edge of the screen. Early. Too early. But sleep had evaded me, as usual.

Trainers were filtering in, their voices blending into the hum of the center. I finished the drink, tossed the can over my shoulder without even glancing—𝘵𝘩𝘶𝘯𝘬—it landed perfectly in the trash. A small smirk tugged at my lips. 𝘚𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘨𝘰𝘵 𝘪𝘵.

As I approached the counter, Nurse Joy looked up from the desk. "Morning, Punit," she greeted, her usual warm smile on display.

"Morning," I replied, leaning casually against the counter. 

She gestured to Chansey. "Fetch Punit's Pokéballs, please."

"Chansey, Chansey!" Her Pokémon waddled off to the back, chirping as it went. 

"So, heading out today?" Nurse Joy's smile widened. There was something in her eyes—something knowing.

"Yeah," I nodded. "Got the Boulder Badge yesterday. Time to move on. Anything you need help with before I go?"

She shook her head. "Nope, you're all set."

I returned the nod, turning to head toward the video call booth. The sliding doors hissed shut behind me as I stepped into the small, enclosed space. Settling into the chair, I dialed Professor Oak's number. The screen flickered, and after a moment, the professor's familiar, wrinkled face appeared, his expression slightly amused.

"Ah, you finally found time to call me," he teased, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Ash mentioned he ran into you in Viridian City."

I leaned back, resting my arm across the back of the chair. "Yeah, Professor. He already beat Brock and moved on. I just got my Boulder Badge yesterday. Planning to head out today." My tone was casual, but the competitive edge still lingered beneath my words.

Oak raised an eyebrow. "You're falling behind, Punit. Ash, Blaze, Rio, even Gary… they've already moved on. You need to pick up the pace."

I shrugged, tapping my fingers against the armrest. "Does it really matter who's ahead now? What counts is who wins in the end."

Oak chuckled, his eyes glinting. "Fair point. So, how many Pokémon have you caught?"

"Venusaur, Pidgeotto, and Pikachu." I listed off.

His eyebrows shot up. "Your Bulbasaur evolved already? Impressive. And a Pikachu too? I thought you weren't much for Electric-types."

"This one's different. It's not like Ash's Pikachu."

Oak visibly relaxed, though the tension in his shoulders never fully eased. "Good, good."

He paused, looking at me through the screen as if searching for something deeper. "Why'd you call me then?"

"Can't I call?" I leaned forward, resting my chin on my hand. "You've been like family since my parents… y'know. You covered my expenses when they didn't come back."

Oak's expression softened, the sternness fading. "Why the sudden change? You never used to call me 'old man' like this. You were always more reserved, kept to yourself."

I hesitated, running a hand through my tousled hair. The memories of my past life, my old self, were still sharp. But the world I'd been thrust into—the world I now belonged to—had a way of pulling me in, changing me. "Guess I'm different now."

Oak smiled, that fatherly warmth radiating through the screen. "Good. Whoever helped you open up, thank them for me."

I nodded. "I will. If you ever need anything, just let me know."

"I'll be sure to." His voice grew soft as the call ended. The screen went dark, leaving me alone with my thoughts for a beat longer.

The door hissed open behind me, and I turned just in time to see Chansey waddling toward me with my Pokéballs. I took them from her, giving her a quick pat on the head before slipping them into my sling bag. "Thanks," I muttered.

With that, I stepped outside. The early morning sun hit my face, casting long shadows across the cobblestone streets of Pewter City. I squinted, adjusting to the brightness as I scanned the street. People were already out and about, getting ready for the day ahead.

Just as I started walking toward the nearest restaurant, I felt a hand grab mine—a grip so familiar that I didn't even need to turn.

"You're coming with me," Alisha's voice rang out, cheerful and demanding all at once.

I barely had time to register the smirk on her face before she started dragging me through the streets, her grip firm. "Alisha," I groaned, but there was no real annoyance in my voice. She was already leading the charge, as usual.

We ducked into a small café just off the main road. The smell of frying eggs and fresh bread hit me the second we stepped in, and my stomach growled in response. Alisha finally let go of my hand, plopping into a booth with a triumphant grin.

"Breakfast is on you," she declared, resting her elbows on the table as she leaned forward, eyes sparkling with mischief.

I rolled my eyes, sliding into the seat across from her. "You dragged me here, remember?"

"Details, details." She waved her hand dismissively, then snatched the menu from the table. "I'm starving."

I shook my head, a smile tugging at my lips. Alisha was always like this—playful, teasing, but with a fierceness beneath it all. We ordered, and while we waited, I couldn't help but glance at her out of the corner of my eye. Her dark hair fell loosely around her shoulders, catching the sunlight that streamed through the café window. Her eyes sparkled with something more than just mischief—something deeper.

As the food arrived, I dug in, focusing on my plate. But Alisha, of course, couldn't leave me alone for long.

"So, what's the plan today?" she asked, shoving a piece of toast into my mouth before I could even respond. "You heading to Cerulean City?"

I chewed thoughtfully before answering. "Yeah. I've got to challenge that Gym next."

Her eyes lit up. "Good! I'm coming with you."

I raised an eyebrow. "Why"

Alisha grinned, leaning back in her seat. "And miss out on watching you struggle? Not a chance."

I narrowed my eyes at her. 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘨𝘪𝘳𝘭. Always a step ahead, always ready for the next adventure. But as much as I pretended to be annoyed, I couldn't deny it. I didn't mind her sticking around.

Not one bit.