Trainer James

On The Road to Cerulean City

The sight of golden Pokemon filled both James and Growlie with a strange sense of euphoria, an energy they had never known. He and Growlie jogged down the dirt path, several grass Pokemon scurrying away as they passed. James couldn't be sure how much time passed or how far they'd gone when the two of them finally slowed, panting. After a short break, and a drink of water, they resumed their journey adopting a more reasonable walk. Ahead, James could see the Mt. Moon Forest, or as locals called it, the Mysterious Forest.

In his research of the route he would take to Cerulean, he read that during the spring equinox, people had reported hearing strange noises, almost like chanting, followed by rhythmic roars. A couple of attempts had been made to investigate in the past, but those who tried never returned. Some suspected Pokemon were behind it, but without proof, it was all just conjecture. 

During the summer though, it was quite safe so long as one stuck to the main path through the forest. Ursaring mating season would be in full swing, so they would have to be careful, but the Ursaring mainly stuck to the forested areas bordering Mt. Moon. Vileplum and Beedrill were far more likely threats, but Growlie's fire attacks should be able to ward them off.

The entire walk to the forest entrance was largely uneventful. They passed by numerous Bellossom and Sunflora, not to mention Rattata, which all avoided him and Growlie. In about an hour or two, they had reached the entrance to the forest, the dirt path continuing into the shade. James stopped at the threshold, suddenly nervous. It had all seemed so simple reading about the forest and making notes in his journal, but being face-to-face with it was different.

Growlie padded over to his side, nuzzling his thigh, sensing his hesitancy. James looked down at Growlie's smiling muzzle and he smiled too.

"You're right Growlie, I've come this far, I can't turn back now!" James said, feeling his confidence return. Growlie barked in answer.

James took a few seconds to take a few deep breaths, then he walked forward into the forest.

As he and Growlie walked into the forest, the treetops cast a shadow over them. Despite it being late morning, it was as if it was back to being early morning. The darker shadows within the forest were long, and James had the feeling that they were hiding things within their depths. Despite that, he kept walking, trusting the path and Growlie to keep any threats at bay.

Growlie however, seemed to be more interested in exploring this brand-new environment than guarding James. He kept dashing off the path, keen on sniffing everything he could shove his muzzle into. He would often find small patches of leaves, and shoved his entire face into the pile, eager to see what secrets they might hide. If they passed a fallen tree he would dash to it eager to explore beneath it, or jump on top of it and survey the forest. On more rare occasions he would run ahead a small ways and start digging, finding buried berries usually.

James had a big smile on his face the entire time, thoroughly entertained and happy for Growlie to explore such a new and unknown environment. Such exploration however didn't come without consequence. Growlie disturbed many an Oddish, Bellsprout, and a rare Shroomish on one occasion. James himself spotted several Caterpie, Weedle, and Spinarak along tree branches. He was keen to give them a wide berth if possible, he didn't want to spook any Pokemon and risk being attacked by a poison sting or string shot. He thought more than once about trying to capture a Pokemon but decided against it. Time was against him, if he took too long then he risked his parents realizing he had run and having every police department in Kanto on the lookout for him.

So, their journey along the forest path was uneventful for a good few hours. It couldn't last forever, though. During the afternoon, he and Growlie were walking along when there was a distant explosion from their right, deeper in the forest. They both stopped and looked in the direction but could see nothing.