Pokémon (Kanto Adventure)

Chapter 13: The Medicine Man of Cerulean

The sun peeked over the horizon, casting a warm glow across Cerulean City. Dylan, Paige, and Carson emerged from the Pokémon Center, their hearts buzzing with excitement for the day ahead. The trio stepped onto the vibrant streets, eager to explore the sights and sounds around them.

As they strolled through the bustling marketplace, their eyes were drawn to colorful stalls filled with various goods and delicious treats. The scent of fresh berries wafted through the air, making their stomachs growl in unison.

"Check it out! Look at those berries!" Paige exclaimed, pointing to a stall overflowing with bright red and blue fruits. "They look so fresh!"

"Let's go take a closer look," Dylan suggested, his curiosity piqued.

As they approached the stall, an elderly man with a warm smile greeted them. His hair was a wild tuft of white, and he wore a simple, yet vibrant, robe that seemed to mirror the colors of the berries around him.

"Good morning, young trainers! I am the Medicine Man of Cerulean City," he introduced himself, his voice rich and inviting. "I make medicine from these very berries. Would you like to learn how?"

The kids exchanged excited glances. "That sounds awesome!" Carson replied, practically bouncing on his toes.

"Absolutely! We'd love to see how it's done!" Paige added, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

The Medicine Man chuckled, clearly pleased with their excitement. "Excellent! Follow me," he said, leading them away from the stall and toward his home, which was nestled at the edge of the market. The house was quaint, with ivy climbing its brick walls and flower boxes bursting with vibrant blossoms on the windowsills.

Inside, the aroma of herbs and berries filled the air. Shelves lined with jars of colorful powders and dried herbs created a cozy atmosphere, and the sound of bubbling pots in the kitchen added a comforting rhythm to the space.

"Welcome to my humble abode! This is where the magic happens," he gestured grandly. "I crush the berries into fine powders to create healing potions for Pokémon. Would you like to see my berry garden out back?"

"Absolutely!" the kids chimed in unison, their excitement palpable.

The Medicine Man led them through a small door at the back of the house, revealing a lush garden brimming with berry bushes of all shapes and sizes. "Here it is! My pride and joy!" he exclaimed.

"Whoa, look at all these berries!" Dylan marveled, pointing at the various plants. "What kind do you have?"

The Medicine Man walked over to a bush heavy with red berries. "This is a Sitrus Berry, perfect for restoring a Pokémon's health. And over here, we have Oran Berries, which are great for boosting their energy!" He plucked a few berries and handed them to the kids. "Why don't you try crushing some of these to see how it's done?"

Carson eagerly accepted the berries. "Let's do it!" he exclaimed.

As they gathered around a sturdy wooden table nestled in the heart of the garden, the sunlight filtered through the leafy canopy overhead, casting playful shadows on the ground. The air was fragrant with the scent of fresh berries, mingling with the earthy aroma of the garden soil. Colorful butterflies fluttered about, dancing from flower to flower, adding a lively ambiance to the serene setting.

The Medicine Man reached for a vibrant cluster of berries, their bright hues gleaming in the sunlight. "Now, watch closely," he instructed, a twinkle of enthusiasm in his eyes. He picked up a mortar, its surface worn smooth from years of use, and placed it firmly on the table. The pestle, thick and sturdy, was ready to do its job.