Pokémon (Kanto Adventure)

Chapter 3: The Lost Spearow

As Dylan and Paige walked along Route 2 (West), the scenery around them began to shift. The sun hung high in the sky, casting long shadows from the trees that bordered the path. 

The route, winding northward from Viridian City, stretched toward Pewter City, and much of the western side of the route was occupied by a large maze of towering trees—the infamous Viridian Forest.

Its entrance loomed ahead, like the mouth of an untamed wilderness. Thick overgrown trees made the east side of the route impassable, and wild Pokémon occasionally rustled in the underbrush.

The soft hum of the wind blew through the leaves, and wild birds chirped cheerfully, adding a peaceful ambiance to the scene. The path was worn but inviting, a dirt trail dotted with patches of grass, wildflowers, and the occasional rock or tree stump.

Paige sighed with contentment as she took in the atmosphere. "Dylan, this is the perfect spot to stop and rest before we head into the forest. I was thinking, how about we have a picnic with our Pokémon? It would be nice to relax before we go through the forest."

Dylan looked around, appreciating the calm serenity of the route. "Yeah, that sounds like a great idea! It'll be good for the Pokémon to get some fresh air before we tackle Viridian Forest."

They found a small clearing with soft grass, surrounded by tall trees that offered just enough shade to shield them from the harshest rays of the sun. Paige knelt down and started setting up the picnic blanket.

Once the blanket was laid out, Paige reached for her Pokéballs. "Come on out, Bulbasaur! You too, Butterfree!" She released her two companions, and a pink Butterfree emerged alongside the green form of Bulbasaur. Butterfree fluttered through the air gracefully, enjoying the open sky, while Bulbasaur stretched out in the grass with a contented smile.

Dylan followed suit, calling out his own Pokémon. "Let's go, Charmander and Pidgey!" The flame on the tip of Charmander's tail flickered brightly as it stepped out, and Pidgey perched proudly on a nearby branch, watching its surroundings.

The Pokémon began to play together, Bulbasaur nudging Butterfree playfully while Charmander and Pidgey chased each other around in the open space.

Paige smiled at the sight, then turned her attention to the picnic. "Alright, I'll make us all some lunch while the Pokémon have their fun."

Dylan nodded, glancing over at the Pokémon enjoying themselves. "Sounds good. You always pack the best meals, Paige. I swear, my Charmander's gonna love your cooking."

Paige grinned as she pulled out various ingredients from her bag. "I do my best! A good meal always makes a journey more fun." She started preparing sandwiches for them, mixing some Pokémon-safe treats for their companions. "Plus, I bet your Pokémon will be grateful for the energy boost before we enter Viridian Forest. No telling what kind of wild Pokémon we'll encounter in there."

While Paige worked on the food, Dylan lay back on the blanket, enjoying the tranquility. The trees swayed gently in the breeze, their leaves whispering softly in the wind. The maze of the Viridian Forest ahead gave off an eerie, mysterious vibe, its dark canopy barely letting any light through. Yet, there was something comforting about being surrounded by nature and their Pokémon.

Paige glanced up as she finished the last sandwich, noticing Dylan's relaxed posture. "Hey, don't get too comfortable now! I'm almost done with lunch."

Dylan sat up and stretched. "I'm not falling asleep, promise." He chuckled. "Though, with how peaceful it is here, I wouldn't mind a nap."

Paige laughed as she set out the food. "Maybe after lunch, but I doubt Charmander or Pidgey would let you nap for long. Besides, we've still got Viridian Forest to get through, and who knows how long that'll take."