Beyond the Adventure - A Pokémon Story

Chapter 8: Fragile Dreams pt3

                The city lights brighten the streets as night falls upon Saffron City.  We were in that gym for quite some time and exhaustion hits all of us.  I look at Jaws, who is yawning, and I can hear both his and Darius’ stomachs growling.  Mine grumbles as well, so I reach into my bag and pull out some Sitrus Berries and a couple sticks of Tauros jerky.  Darius looks over and notices the food in my hands.

                “What’s that?” he asks, pointing at the jerky.

                “Tauros jerky,” I answer.

                Darius makes a weird face.  “Dude, put that away,” he says, “and let’s get some real food!”

                “Eh, you go ahead,” I say.  “I’m kind of low on cash right now.”  I toss Jaws a Sitrus Berry.

                “Well, I’m going to find an awesome restaurant here and pig out.  I’m famished!” Darius brags.  He stretches his arms.  “Ah, I’m in a good mood, so I’ll treat you to dinner.”  Then he grins.

                Jaws gets an excited look on his face and tosses the berry back at me.  I chuckle and nod.  “Heh, thanks.”

                Darius taps on his Pokégear and examines the map.  Once he finds what he is looking for, he points down the road and takes off.  Jaws and I run after him.  He turns a corner, then another, and finally, he stops, staring up at the fanciest building I have ever seen.  I stare in awe, for even in Goldenrod City I have never seen such a flashy place.  Two tall Exeggutors stand by the entrance, with a bright light display that flashes various images and messages.  The sign flashes “The Lucky Egg Casino and Resort” with a picture of a very happy Chansey tossing an egg.  Spotlights shine in the cloudy sky.  The building is so bright, one would never realize it was even nighttime.

                “Wait, I thought we were going to a restaurant…” I say.

                “This IS a restaurant!” Darius says excitedly.  “And a hotel, and a casino.  It’s a resort!”

                I raise my eyebrow.  “It’s a bit much, don’t you think?”

                “Ah, don’t worry about that,” Darius says casually.  “This opened about a month ago and ever since, I’ve wanted to check it out!  It’s supposed to put Celadon’s Game Corner to shame!”

                “Wasn’t that place shut down a while back?” I ask.

                “Yep,” Darius says.  “Another reason this place should be AMAZING!”  He raises his arms in the air.  “Let’s go!”

                He runs between the two Exeggutor statues and through the front entrance.  I look down at Jaws, but he is already chasing after Darius.  I shrug and follow suit.  When I enter the building, the sight before me is phenomenal.  Slot machines and game tables are spread out across the room.  It is large and very open, and in the middle stands a massive golden Chansey statue holding an egg.  The place is packed with people playing games and the air is filled with sounds of chimes, dings, and coins ringing out people’s victories.  I must admit, the place does have an air of fun to it.

                Darius appears out of nowhere and grabs my hand.  “Come!” he shouts over the noise.  “First we eat, then we play!”

                He pulls me by the hand toward the back of the building.  I look around to make sure Jaws does not get lost and find him right next to Darius, staying close to him.  We arrive at the restaurant, called “Alolan Dream: A Taste of the Tropics”.  Darius visibly salivates at the scent of all the delicious food.  Jaws is actively drooling, and my stomach roars within me.  Yep, I think this place will do just fine.