A story of Pokemon

Gonna catch'em all

Ash pushed open the glass door of the Pokémon shop, making the bell ring.

That's new, he thought as he stepped over the threshold with his Pokédex floating beside him.

As soon as he entered, he headed straight for the counter with determined steps. There was a young man there who smiled at him. He had long hair and wore glasses that slipped down his nose.

"Welcome to the Poké store..." the young employee behind the counter began to say when Ash interrupted him sharply.

"(skip)...Listen, I'm really not in the mood for this, and... I'm in a bit of a hurry," Ash said, frowning, with a look of displeasure in his eyes. His face was sweating with frustration from his recent defeat.

"I see that Sir not only lacks time but also manners," the young employee retorted sarcastically, squinting.

Ash rolled his eyes and clicked his tongue in response.

"Do you have any Poké Balls in your store?" he asked, annoyed.

"Indeed, Sir, we have all kinds: large, small, regular, super... what will be your choice?"

"The regular ones will do just fine."

"Ah yes, and how many do you want, Sir?"

"I'll take ten, yes ten, that’s perfect... to start."

"Very well, so at 350 Pokédollars per Poké Ball, that will be 3500 Pokédollars for 10. I hope Sir has enough to cover the bill," the vendor said, casting a haughty glance at Ash.

Ash met his gaze. 3500 Pokédollars was a hefty price, especially since the young boy from earlier had taken half of his money.

He searched through his wallet and pulled out the necessary amount. Due to his encounter with the young boy, he only had 4000 Pokédollars left. Subtracting the 3500 for the Poké Balls, he would be left with only 500 Pokédollars.

What a little brat, next time I'll make sure he won't feel like laughing, that arrogant little punk, Ash thought furiously.

"Thank you for shopping with us, Sir. Goodbye and happy hunting," the long-haired young employee said with a smile as Ash left with his purchases.

"Wait, I have a question for you if possible," Ash said, turning back to the vendor.

"Hmm, what is it?"

"The vendor, the one at the intersection on the Viridian road, did he leave?"

The young employee remained silent for a moment, hand under his chin, eyes squinted, lost in thought.

"Hmm... Ah!" he exclaimed. "I remember you, you're the kid with the collector's potion."

Ash didn't respond.

"As for Ralph, he got fired. His business tactic turned out to be a complete failure. Pokémon trainers know the dangers of that road and prepare accordingly, so one more potion wouldn’t make a difference. Moreover, the boss received several complaints about him. Let's just say a man in a large coat approaching young boys on a deserted road isn't the image the boss wants for his store."

"I see," Ash finally said, then left the store.

"Do you know this Mr. Ralph? A friend of yours?" the Pokédex asked when they were both outside.

"No, I didn't know him, and he was even less of a friend. I was more... like a customer, though it was brief," Ash said, looking straight ahead.

The Pokédex floated silently beside Ash. Ash seemed worried. Though he appeared calm, his eyes betrayed a great frustration. He still had that bitter taste of defeat in him.