Beyond the Adventure - A Pokémon Story

Chapter 4: New Friends, New Enemies pt1

                Olivine City is bustling with people and Pokémon.  The rumbling sound of conversation, footsteps, luggage carts being pushed around, and various Pokémon chatter fills the air.  The sky is clear and the breeze is cool.  Despite the agitation of my backpack rubbing against my burn, I feel pretty good.  Jaws looks happy as well.  Ever since the incident, he has been exceptionally friendly with me, more so than usual.  Perhaps I left an impression on him back in Ecruteak.

                I find an information stand with maps of the city and various other tourist items.  I ask for a map and the guy in the stand hands me one.  He tries to sell me some stuff, but I politely refuse.  All I want is to find where they sell the boat tickets.  As I am looking at the map, my phone starts ringing.  I glance at the number.  It is Mother.

                “Hello?” I answer.

                “Crono!” my mother shouts.  I pull the phone away from my ear.  “Are you out of the hospital yet?!”

                “Oh, yeah, sorry,” I say half-heartedly.  I am still focusing on the map.  “I should have called.”

                “You take care of yourself,” she says all mother-like.  “I’ve been worried about you ever since you told me what happened.  Why don’t you come home until you’re better?”

                “Moooom,” I say, rolling my eyes.

                “Don’t roll your eyes at me,” she says sternly.  I look at the phone.  The heck?

                “I promise, I’m fine,” I insist.  “It’s just a minor burn, nothing serious.”  However, as I think about how badly damaged my jacket was, my injury should have been worse.  Curious…

                “Well, just so you know, you can come home anytime,” she says with a worried tone.

                “I know,” I ensure.  “I’ll come home as soon as Jaws gets home.”

                “All right,” she says, sounding not convinced.  “By the way, I didn’t know you were involved with that Liz girl next door!”

                “Uh, what?” I stammer.  “We’re not exactly involved…”

                “She is quite lovely, isn’t she?” Mother rambles.  “I was thinking of setting you two up myself, but it looks like that won’t be necessary.  I think you two make a great couple!  I can’t wait to see you two together, you’ll both look so cute…”

                “MOM!” I shout.  “That’s enough.  I gotta go, okay?  The boat’s about to leave.”

                “Oh, all right,” she says, clearly with a huge stupid grin.  “Have a safe trip!”

                “Yes, Mother,” I say.  “I love you.”

                “I love you too!” she says.  “Oh right!  Check the Pidgey Post Office.  Craig sent something for you when he heard you were in the hospital.  I think you’ll like it!”

                “Oh?  I’ll check before I go,” I say.  I wonder what it is.

                “Okay!  Bye!”  She hangs up.

                I look back at the map and find the port is just south of the hospital.  The Pidgey Post Office is located in the north-west section of the city.  I decide it would be best to check the departure times and buy my ticket first, then get the package if there is time.  As I wander south toward the port, I noticed a large group gathered.  The group encircles two trainers that are locked in battle.  I decide to stop and take a look.