Red's Adventures - Chapter 05 part 2
The city tour started off so well, will it end just as well?
Red's Adventures
Chapter 5 part 2 - An eventful visit !
Shin's house was noticeably larger—and much better furnished—than Red and Blue's. Where there was only one vast, almost empty room with a simple straw bed, here the space was organized: a table and a few chairs occupied the center of the room, presumably for guests; a Luxio would have a little trouble sitting there, Red thought. A small kitchen was located on the left, and the whole place exuded a refined simplicity.
The decor remained minimalist, but pleasant. Another notable difference: a wall separated the main room from the bedroom, located on the right. Next to it was a second, smaller room—the bathroom—where a bathtub large enough to accommodate a Luxio… or even a Luxray.
Red ate at Shin's house. The Luxio had prepared a simple dish of berries, mushrooms, and fruit for him. To his surprise, Ninetales found the meal very good and didn't miss the meat as much as he'd expected. After eating his fill, Shin finally managed to convince him to go out and explore the town. It took a few minutes of discussion, but Luxio's calm and enthusiastic manner piqued Red's curiosity.
They walked side by side through the streets.
« As you already know, the guild is this way, » Shin explained. « In the town, you can find just about anything. Look: there are stalls everywhere. Many sell food, but not only that. Some Pokémon make and sell their own clothes, others offer items for rescue teams... In short, anything you might need. »
Shin led Red down a street lined with more imposing buildings.
« These are the shops. Like the stalls, each one has its specialty, but it's more expensive. And sometimes, you can even find evolution stones here. »
Red slowed down slightly. He remembered all too well the difficulty he’d had evolving—he’d remained Vulpix for most of his life, lacking access to those kinds of resources.
Shin then pointed to a large building. « And this is a bar. It’s open day and night, but most Pokémon prefer to go in the evening. It’s a bit noisy, but in good company, it’s quite pleasant. » Shin smiled at Red, but the Ninetales was too engrossed in exploring the town to notice.
« We’ve already seen a good part of the place, » Shin continued, thinking. « There’s still the Gym, the Play Street… and the hot springs. »
« There are hot springs here? » Red interrupted, suddenly interested.
He’d already discovered two in the wild, but he’d only used them for washing. Relaxing there was risky. Here, on the other hand, there was no danger.
« Yes, » replied Shin, a little surprised. « You want to go? Besides, we’ll pass by the arena on the way there. All that’ll be missing is the street of games. »
It had been a long time since Luxio had been to the hot springs, and the day promised to be particularly pleasant.
« Yeah… that sounds like a good idea, » admitted Red. He really needed it; he hadn’t properly washed since his encounter with the duo.
« And then, maybe you could buy some clothes or accessories, » added Shin with an enthusiastic smile. « I’m sure there are some you’d like! »
Red stared at him incredulously, unable to determine if this feline Pokémon was joking.
« No, thank you, » he finally replied proudly. « It’s not for me. Why hide who I am? »
**************
After their short nap, Blue and Riley set off to explore the town again.
They were walking along peacefully when Blue suddenly stopped in front of an accessories and clothing store. Behind the window, an object immediately caught his eye. He approached it, his eyes shining.
« Can we go in here? » he asked, turning to Riley with an almost pleading look.
Riley raised an eyebrow, amused.
« Okay... you want to look good? » he said with a wink and a sly smile. They crossed the threshold of the store together.
« So, what do you want to buy? » Riley asked.
« This! » Blue replied without hesitation, pointing to a pendant.
Riley examined the object for a few seconds. « Are you sure? I don’t think it really suits you… and besides, it costs thirty-seven silver pieces. That’s very expensive. »
Blue barely hesitated. « I still want it… »
Riley looked away, a little annoyed. Wild Pokémon really don’t know how to manage their money, he thought, a touch of jealousy mixed in with his thoughts.
They bought the pendant from the shopkeeper—a polite and unassuming Smeargle—and then Riley slipped it into his bag.
The sightseeing continued. The two Pokémon were getting more and more excited. Blue was discovering a thousand new things at every turn, and Riley was clearly enjoying spending time with him.
After a few minutes, Riley suddenly stopped, forcing Blue to do the same.
« Tell me, Blue… would you be interested in being able to carry your money and a few small things, like berries or something? »
« Oh… yes, » Blue replied, a little hesitantly.
They entered a new shop. Inside, the room was lit by numerous artfully arranged lamps, casting a warm glow. Shelves lined the walls, covered with containers similar to those Riley and Shin were carrying on their arms—but in an infinite variety of shapes, sizes, and materials. The air was thick with various scents, a mixture of leather and fabric.
A Piplup appeared almost in front of them, bursting with energy. « Hello! » it chirped happily.
« Hi, » Riley replied with a confident smile.
« Welcome to BlueSeam! I’m Kathy, delighted to welcome you! I’ll be at your service today! » the Penguin Pokémon announced enthusiastically.
« Thank you, » Riley replied without hesitation. « I’ll take care of this cute Pokémon. I'll show him how we civilized Pokémon do things. »
« Oh, a visitor? » Kathy exclaimed enthusiastically. « Welcome to Berry Valley! »
« Hi... » Blue replied, a little shyly.
« We'd like to buy him a bag, » Riley continued.
Blue hesitated. « I... I don't want to wear something that'll get in the way when I swim. »
Kathy burst out laughing. « Hahaha! You're completely wrong! »
Blue looked at the bags around him. Many were made of the same rough fabric as Riley and Shin's, but others were smooth, shiny, and colorful. Kathy pointed to a particular section. The bags were held together by a discreet loop, so well sewn that the seam was barely visible.
« Great, right? » Kathy said proudly. « Waterproof, durable, comfortable, and stylish! I wear one myself when I go swimming. »
« Oh! » exclaimed Blue, growing increasingly interested.
« A Water-type Pokémon should never have to worry about its wallet! » added Kathy. « And we have just what you need right here. »
« Great! » exclaimed Riley with a sudden enthusiasm that made Blue stop in his tracks. « But… how much does it cost? »
« Come and see, » replied Kathy, skipping across the shop. « We’ll find something he likes! »
Blue followed her. The Piplup stopped abruptly, forcing Blue to freeze. In an instant, Kathy jumped up beside him and began to observe him intently, circling him with concentration.
« Hmm… » he muttered. « Inside the front paw, I think. »
Blue tilted his head, puzzled.
« Do you think he’ll be able to catch it despite his frill? » asked Riley.
Blue nodded and gave a demonstration, even more intrigued.
« Perfect! » exclaimed Kathy. « I think we have exactly your size, sir…? »
« Blue! » Riley answered for him.
« Blue… » repeated Kathy with a knowing smile before pointing to a row of purses hanging from wooden pegs along the wall. « These should fit you. Would you prefer something simple… or something nicer? »
Blue studied the row of pouches intently. They were all rounded, kidney-like, and lined the wall like a color palette. The first were a solid brown, then came the greens, reds, blues, purples, pinks… all the way to the whites and blacks. All except the brown ones had a slight sheen—and some looked almost made for him.
« How much—« Riley began.
« The blue one! » Blue exclaimed, completely absorbed.
At the very top of the row was a pouch whose shade matched his bluish skin almost perfectly. The Piplup leaped nimbly, snatched it up in one swift motion, and landed in front of Blue with a broad grin.
« Excellent choice! » Kathy exclaimed, holding the pouch out between her wings.
Without wasting a moment, the little Penguin Pokémon approached Blue's left forepaw and attached the pouch with surprising dexterity. In an instant, the elastic was wound around it, a small copper rod fitted into the loop, and then Kathy stepped back to admire her handiwork.
Blue looked down at the object now attached to his paw.
The sensation was strange—having something there, on him—but it wasn't uncomfortable or heavy. On the contrary. It was pretty. A smile spread across his face.
« How much...? » asked Riley, his tone more gruff, a stark contrast to the otherwise enthusiastic mood.
« It's the best model! » announced Kathy, flapping her little wings. « At three hundred Poké, it's a real bargain! »
« What?! » Riley choked out.
Blue tilted his head.
« Is it expensive? »
« Yes, Blue, » grumbled Riley. « Very expensive. What exactly is it made of? » Riley asked, bending down to touch the purse attached to Blue’s paw. He immediately withdrew his claw, surprised by the texture.
« Oh, this? » Kathy exclaimed. « It’s an exotic import! »
Blue wasn’t really listening anymore. Despite Riley’s protests, he was completely captivated. He’d never thought he’d need a purse… but now he wanted one. This one.
« I want it, » he declared confidently.
Riley turned to him, surprised. « Are you sure? It’s really expensive. It’s half what you paid. »
« Yes, » Blue replied without hesitation. « I really want it. »
The purchase was completed shortly after. They said goodbye to Kathy and then left the shop. Blue now had his own wallet, containing his money and the pendant he had bought earlier. Of the hundred silver coins he had taken with him that morning, he only had thirty-three left.
As he walked through the town, Blue suddenly looked up. In the distance, a huge building loomed, much larger than the others.
« What's that? » he asked, pointing at it.
« Oh, it’s the arena! » Riley exclaimed, pointing to the enormous building. « Do you want to go see it? »
« Yes! » Blue replied without hesitation. « But… what exactly is it for? » Riley began to explain as they approached.
« It’s a place where Pokémon come to train, to compete against each other. There are friendly battles, tournaments… And then, some people just come to watch. »
« Just watch? »
« Or bet, » Riley added. « Especially during tournaments. You bet on a Pokémon. If it wins, you win money. If not… you lose your bet. »
« Oh. »
Blue frowned slightly. This obsession with money seemed strange to him.
They continued walking, and when they crossed the threshold, Blue stopped dead in his tracks.
The arena was gigantic. From the inside, it looked even larger. The building was completely open to the sky, letting in the daylight. Blue looked up for a moment, mesmerized by the clouds, before turning his attention back to the stadium. Bleachers surrounded the space, capable of holding an impressive crowd. In the center, ten separate fighting arenas stretched side by side, each adapted to a different environment.
One of them was filled with water.
« Oh… » Blue thought. « It’s been a long time since I’ve swum. »
But he forced himself to look away. The arena was almost empty at this hour: a dozen Pokémon were observing the fields, and only a few training battles were taking place.
« Hey Riley! »
The voice made the Vaporeon wince before it even turned around.
« How are you? I heard you're keeping wild Pokémon now? »
« Oh no... » Riley thought.
He forced a smile. « Hey Joe. I'm good. »
Joe was a massive Toxtricity, the kind of Pokémon for whom only strength mattered. He looked down on wild Pokémon, considering them weak.
Blue decided to remain silent, not wanting to unintentionally cause any more trouble. But her gaze met Joe's.
Joe looked him over slowly. « Oh? » He narrowed his eyes. « Tell me, kid... you must be strong, right? How about a battle? »
Riley's heart sank. « We have to go, » he tried quickly. « We were just sightseeing »
« I don’t like to fight, » Blue replied calmly.
« Come on, don’t be like that, » Joe insisted. « It’ll be fun, plus I’ve already had several practice matches, I won’t be at 100%. »
« No, » Blue repeated. He turned his eyes to Riley. Riley understood immediately.
They started to walk away when Joe said mockingly,
« Too bad… but I understand. No need to get strong when you have a powerful Ninetales to protect you! » He burst out laughing.
Blue stopped. Something tightened in his chest. A new, unpleasant feeling. Anger? Shame?
Joe’s words echoed in his head.
He’s right… I’m slowing Red down. I’m putting him in danger.
« WAIT! » Blue shouted, turning around. « Okay. I’ll fight. »
Riley paled. « Blue, no, that’s a really bad idea— »
But Blue was already moving forward. Joe smiled, satisfied.
« That’s what I wanted to hear. » They headed toward an open area: no obstacles, no rocks. Just a bare plain.
Riley felt a shiver run through him. Joe was one of the strongest Pokémon in Berry Valley, a brute who lived only for fighting. Blue had practically no real combat experience.
« What’s Blue doing here? » Riley jumped.
Red had just arrived, accompanied by Shin.
« Don’t tell me he’s going to fight Joe, » Shin said, worried. The problem isn’t Joe, he’s an experienced Pokémon who knows when to stop, but Red…
« Yes… I tried to stop him. »
Red stepped forward. « Blue, that’s enough. Let's continue the visit. »
Joe chuckled. « Don't worry, Ninetales. If you want, you're next. » Red's eyes gleamed dangerously.
Blue took his position, trembling slightly but determined. « The honor is yours, » Joe said. Blue attacked first.
A Water Gun shot from his mouth, but Joe dodged it easily.
« Too slow! » the Toxicroak mocked before using Groz'Eyes.
Blue felt a crushing pressure, his muscles tense.
He took a step back... then forced himself to hold his ground.
Joe followed up with Poison Sting. Blue managed to dodge, but only just. He felt the tip pass close to his side. The poison... even a scratch could be fatal.
He retaliated with another Water Pistol, which hit Joe squarely, sending him sprawling to the ground.
Silence. Joe leaped to his feet, a grin on his face.
« Hah... I underestimated you. I like you, kid! »
He charged forward. The Poison Shot struck Blue squarely. The impact sent him flying backward. He rolled on the ground, gasping for air.
His body was barely responding. « That's enough! » Red shouted. « Blue, back off! »
« This isn't your fight, Ninetales! » Joe retorted.
Blue struggled to his feet. He charged again, head down. His headbutt struck Joe, but had no real effect.
Joe grabbed him by the neck.
« It's over, kid. Honestly, you surprised me. » Blue gathered his last reserves of strength.
He remembered Red's fight. That move. He lashed out with all his might with his tail.
The blow struck Joe at the base of his skull. For a moment, the Toxicroak staggered, unable to speak.
He hurled Blue violently to the ground. The world blurred. Blue lay motionless. Unconscious.
« That was a nice match Kid, With a little training, you'll become a formidable fighter. » The Toxicroat doesn't like wild Pokémon, but he does like strong Pokémon, and Blue seemed very strong to it, especially his determination.
Red stared at the scene, unable to react. A trembling breath escaped his mouth.
« Oh... »
His fur instantly bristled. A suffocating heat radiated around him, the air shimmered, and a thin plume of smoke began to rise from his body. Red could no longer see the arena, the crowd, or even Joe.
He could only see Blue, lying on the ground. A memory flashed back. Another body. Another failure. A moment he had sworn never to relive.
« Red! » Shin tried to approach, but Riley blocked his path.
« Let Joe handle this. » His voice was low, deep. « Go get Blue instead. Now. » Shin decided to obey, even though Luxio wanted to try and fix things.
Joe burst into a raucous laugh. « Hey… I admit you’re a little scary, fox. » But this time, there was a note of hesitation in his voice.
Two of Red’s tails glowed with a burning light.
Red vanished.
He reappeared right in front of Joe and slammed into his shoulder. A sharp crack echoed. Joe screamed in pain and staggered back.
« ARGH—! »
He tried to counterattack with Poison Sting, but Red pivoted, partially absorbed the blow, and retaliated with a powerful flaming tail strike that hit Joe in the side.
The Toxicroak rolled to the ground, struggled to his feet, panting.
The previous fights and Blue’s blows had weakened him more than he cared to admit. His body wasn’t cooperating as well anymore.
« Tch… » He spat on the ground. « Calm down, Ninetales. It was just a fight—your friend is fine! » The Poison-type Pokémon was starting to see Red as a threat. « Listen, uh… Red, we’re just having fun here, you’re going too far. If you don’t give me a choice, I’m going to get serious too. »
Red wasn’t listening anymore.
« Red! » Shin shouted before things got seriously out of hand.
But it was too late. Red had already begun transferring its flames into its fangs and was preparing to aim for Joe’s throat. As for Luxio, its right hand glowed a menacing purple.
And suddenly—before the two Pokémon could charge at each other—a blue flash erupted between them.
Shin stepped in front of them. An electric discharge exploded, forcing Red to jump back. Luxio positioned itself between the two Pokémon, fur bristling, eyes shining.
« THAT’S ENOUGH! » Shin.
Red growled, ready to attack again, but Shin didn’t move. « Red, look at me! » The Luxio’s voice trembled, but held firm. « You’re out of bounds now. Calm down right now! »
Red gasped, the flames around him flickering dangerously. « Blue’s okay! » Shin added hurriedly. « He’s unconscious, but alive. One night in the infirmary, and he’ll be fine. I promise you. »
A heavy silence fell. He took a step back… then another.
Joe calmed down too. « Thanks, Shin, that almost got out of hand. »
Red turned away, ignoring the conversation between the two Pokémon.
He approached Blue, who was lying down, with Riley watching over him.
He gently lifted him and hoisted him onto his back.
« Where… » His voice was hoarse. « Where can we treat him? »
« Follow me, » Riley said.
They left the arena without a word. Shin joined them shortly after.
Blue was quickly taken to the infirmary. Riley stayed by his side. The injury wasn’t serious; a night’s sleep and Blue would be as good as new. But he still felt a pang of guilt.
Shin placed a paw on Red’s shoulder.
« Come on. »
They walked to the EeveeBar, run by the Eons. The hushed atmosphere contrasted sharply with what they had just experienced.
Shin sighed. « I’ll invite you. I think a drink will do you good. »
The Luxio paused, then added more softly, « And you’re going to explain… what just happened. »