Pokémon: A Tale Of Time (Volume One: Zephyr)

Chapter Nine - The Journey Continues!

Raido and Nidoran continued their exciting journey towards the city of Cherrygrove, as they strolled happily and determined along Route 29. The picturesque sights of the mountainous region and grassy verges filled Raido with a sense of adventure. The gentle buzz trills of Pokemon added to the vibrant atmosphere. Nidoran trotted alongside him, still buzzing from her first victory against the challenging Sewaddle.

Eventually, they reached a wooden signpost fixed firmly into an inclining grassy hill. The sign bore directions: West to Cherrygrove City, or North to the rocky Route 46. The paths diverged, one leading towards their intended destination and the other promising a detour filled with the unknown.

Staring towards the signpost for a moment, Raido turned to Nidoran who looked curiously up at her partner. "What do you think, girl?" he asked. "Fancy a little detour into the mountains before we hit Cherrygrove?"

Nidoran tilted her head, considering the options. After a moment, she nodded enthusiastically, her ears twitching with excitement. Raido grinned and patted her head. Raido grinned and patted her head.

"Alright, let's do it!" he said, adjusting his backpack.

They diverted North towards Route 46, their footsteps crunching along the path. Walking through the entrance to the building that connected Route 29 and Route 46, Raido looked around, taking in the scene. The inside of the building was bright and bustling, filled with trainers and their Pokemon.

Raido's eyes landed on a vending machine in the corner. Feeling thirsty from the first part of his adventure, he inserted a coin into the machine. With a big CLUNK, a cold can of refreshing lemonade dropped heavily into the collection tray. Raido picked up the can, feeling the cold and wet condensation on his fingers. Taking a sip of the cool beverage, he let out a satisfied sigh.

As he drank, he examined the room. Large posters of recent movies draped from the walls. He spotted promotional material for the latest 'Fast & Fury Attack' movie, how they're still bringing those out after nearly ten instalments baffled Raido. He also spotted a poster for 'Arbok in Wonderland', 'Baltoy Story 3', and the terrifying horror movie that everyone's been raving about lately: The Haunter in Connecticut. Trainers and their Pokemon were scattered around the room, talking, laughing, and sharing stories of their journeys. A group of kids from the year above Raido were also here, huddled around a table, excitedly trading Pokemon cards.

Raido's gaze drifted to a young man sitting alone in the corner. The man sat cross-armed, his black hair casting a dark shadow across his face. Something about him seemed off, and Raido couldn't help but feel a twinge of curiosity and unease. The man remained as still as a statue, his eyes hidden beneath his dark fringe.

Moments passed, and the man didn't move a muscle. Raido's curiosity grew stronger, but he snapped back to reality with a gentle tug on his sock. Looking down, he saw Nidoran smiling up at him, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"You're right, girl. We've got an adventure to continue," Raido said, smiling back at her.

"Let's do this!" Raido announced, spinning towards the exit of the building towards the rocky range of Route 46. As he walked towards the doors, he couldn't help but turn back over his shoulder, curiosity getting the better of him. To his surprise, the odd man in the corner was no longer there. Raido had a strange feeling in the pit of his stomach, but he just couldn't place why.

Shaking off the unease, he pushed open the doors and stepped out into the fresh air of Route 46. The path before them was rugged and rocky, leading up into the foothills of the mountains. Raido felt a thrill of excitement at the prospect of exploring new terrain. Nidoran's eyes gleamed with enthusiasm at the landscape before her.

Together, they set off over a rocky path and into the grass. The mountains rose majestically in the distance, the sun was high in the sky, and it cast a warm glow over the landscape. Raido and Nidoran explored their surroundings. The area was filled with the sounds of nature, boasting a multitude of biomes from grassy areas, to jagged rocky peaks, and dense forests.

The two partners searched high and low, climbing trees, dipping in shallow rivers and unearthing every large rock. They found all sorts of berries, some of which they ate, with others stored safely in a container as they could come in handy later. They even battled some wild Pokemon, to which Nidoran reigned victorious. Raido was so proud of his determined partner, who admirably took down a wild Rattata, and a furious Hoothoot that didn't appreciate being awoken during it's daytime slumber. But, the most exciting event of the hour was the unused Pokeball that Raido found nestled in the brush.

Raido knew that until he had obtained some Pokeballs from Cherrygrove market, he wouldn't be able to catch any Pokemon that he and Nidoran battled. For this reason, this one single Pokeball was the find of the century!

Slumped against a sturdy tree in a forested area, Raido enjoyed the shade as he turned the Pokeball he found over in his hands. He daydreamed of all the endless possibilities of Pokemon he might catch with it, imagining the thrilling battles and new friendships that awaited him. Could it be a new friend for Nidoran? Perhaps another strong ally to aid in his first gym battle... or even a powerful legendary Pokemon? The excitement bubbling inside him eventually got the better of him, and he leaped to his feet.

"Nidoran, I know you're tired girl," he said to his snoozing Pokemon, who was curled up on a patch of soft grass in the shade. Her ears twitched as she looked up at him.

"You've been amazing today, but hows about just one more battle? Let's go put this Pokeball to good use and meet our new friend," he asked. Nidoran blinked at him for a moment before jumping to her feet, albeit a bit tired, nodding excitedly.

Raido held the Pokeball in his hand, feeling the smooth surface under his fingers. He couldn't help but wonder what kind of Pokemon he might catch. The possibilities were endless, and his heart raced with anticipation.