Pokémon (Kanto Adventure)

Chapter 8: Rivals Collide

As Dylan and Paige stepped onto Route 4, a sense of excitement buzzed in the air. The rocky path leading to Mt. Moon was bustling with trainers and Pokémon, each vying for a chance to challenge the cave's mysteries.

"Wow, look at this place! It's so different from Route 3," Paige exclaimed, gazing around in awe. "The mountains are so majestic."

"I know, right? And look at all the trainers! It's like a Pokémon battle fest," Dylan replied, grinning. "I can't wait to see what's in Mt. Moon. I've heard it's full of rare Pokémon."

As they walked, they spotted the Pokémon Center near the entrance of the cave. They pushed the doors open, and a little bell jingled above them.

"Welcome to the Pokémon Center! How can I help you today?" Nurse Joy greeted them with her usual warm smile.

Before they could respond, a loud voice interrupted. "Step right up, folks! The one, the only—Magikarp Salesman is here!" A scruffy-looking man wearing a bright orange vest and a large straw hat bounded over to them, a wide grin plastered on his face.

"Magikarp?" Dylan raised an eyebrow. "What's so special about a Magikarp?"

The salesman, not missing a beat, enthusiastically waved a small, splashing Magikarp in front of them. "This here is the finest Magikarp you'll ever see! Only a few bucks, and you can have your very own splashin' buddy!"

Paige giggled. "You mean the Pokémon that just flops around? No thanks, we'll pass."

"Yeah," Dylan added, pulling out his Pokédex and scanning the flopping fish. The screen lit up with the details:

Magikarp, the Fish Pokémon. Magikarp is virtually worthless in battle. It can only splash around, but it's known for its resilience! Some trainers believe it evolves into a powerful Pokémon.

"Looks like a hard pass for me," Dylan said, chuckling.

The Magikarp salesman crossed his arms, looking slightly deflated. "Your loss, kids! This little guy is gonna be the next superstar! Just you wait!" He turned on his heel, muttering to himself as he walked away.

Paige couldn't help but laugh. "Did he really think we'd buy a Magikarp? I mean, it's not even a good battler!"

"Right? Maybe if it had a bit more pizzazz, I'd consider it," Dylan replied. "But I'm here for the real battles, not for splashing around."

Nurse Joy, overhearing their conversation, smiled. "If you're looking for strong Pokémon, Mt. Moon has quite a few surprises in store. Just make sure your Pokémon are healed and ready for anything!"

"Oh, we definitely will!" Paige said excitedly. "We've got to get our team in top shape before we head into the cave."

Dylan nodded in agreement. "Can you heal our Pokémon, please, Nurse Joy?"

"Of course! Just hand them over!" she said, holding out her hands.

They quickly released their Pokémon from their Poké Balls—Charmeleon, Ivysaur, Butterfree, and Nidoran♀—and watched as Nurse Joy took them to the healing station.

"Do you think there are any rare Pokémon in Mt. Moon?" Paige asked, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

"Definitely! I've heard rumors of Clefairy and Zubat," Dylan replied, leaning against the counter. "And who knows? Maybe even a Kabuto!"

"Oh, I'd love a Kabuto! Imagine having a Fossil Pokémon on our team!" Paige exclaimed.

"Let's just focus on getting through the cave first. We don't want to get lost in there," Dylan chuckled. "But hey, if we find a Kabuto, you've got to promise to let me train it!"