Pokémon (Kanto Adventure)

Chapter 14: The Nugget Bridge

Dylan, Paige, and Carson were walking along the road when they finally arrived at Nugget Bridge, which stretched out before them. Nugget Bridge was a long, wooden bridge with handrails on both sides, leading north out of Cerulean City and onto Route 24. The bridge overlooked a calm river below, with patches of grass and trees lining its edges, creating a peaceful atmosphere.

Just as they were about to step onto the bridge, a familiar voice called out, "Dylan!"

Dylan turned to see Owen, his rival, approaching from behind. Owen's usual competitive smirk was nowhere to be found, replaced with a distant expression.

"Owen?" Dylan raised an eyebrow. "What's up? You wanna battle?"

Owen shook his head, his hands stuffed into his pockets. "Nah, not today. I'm not really in the mood to battle right now." He pulled out a small device from his pocket and handed it to Dylan. "Here, take this."

Dylan took the item and examined it. "The Fame Checker?"

"Yeah," Owen said, his tone flat. "It's a gadget that stores info about Gym Leaders and famous people. Might be useful for you, especially since you're always so eager to battle them."

Paige stepped forward, looking curiously at the device. "That's actually pretty cool! Thanks, Owen."

Owen shrugged, avoiding eye contact. "Don't mention it." Without waiting for another word, he turned abruptly and started walking away.

"Wait, that's it?" Carson called after him. "You just drop this and leave?"

Owen didn't turn around, only giving a wave over his shoulder. "Yeah, see you around."

Dylan watched him go, feeling a bit puzzled. "Well, that was... weird."

Paige nodded. "Yeah, no battle, no insults. Just... a gift?"

Carson snorted. "Rivals these days, huh? I thought they were supposed to be more intense."

Dylan pocketed the Fame Checker and turned back toward the bridge. "Well, whatever's going on with Owen, we've got a bridge to cross."

Dylan, Paige, and Carson stepped onto Nugget Bridge, their footsteps echoing softly against the wooden planks. The morning air was crisp, and the sound of the river below provided a soothing backdrop. Yet, despite the serene surroundings, they knew they were in for a challenge.

"I've heard about this place," Carson said, his gaze fixed ahead. "Five trainers. Beat them all, and there's a prize waiting at the end."

Dylan grinned, his confidence growing with every step. "Sounds like my kind of challenge. I've been itching for a battle since we left the Pokémon Center."

"Just don't get too cocky," Paige warned playfully. "This bridge is famous for a reason. The trainers here won't go easy on us."

As they approached the first trainer, a young boy with messy brown hair and a cocky grin stepped forward. He wore a blue cap turned backward and had a Pokéball in his hand.

"Hey, you!" the boy called out. "I'm the first challenge on this bridge. Think you've got what it takes to beat me?"

Dylan stepped forward confidently. "Let's find out. I'm always up for a challenge."

The boy threw his Pokéball into the air. "Go, Rattata!"

A small, purple rat Pokémon appeared on the bridge, baring its sharp teeth. Dylan quickly released his Pokémon. "Pikachu, let's do this!"

The battle began with Rattata charging forward, using Quick Attack. Pikachu barely dodged, leaping into the air with impressive agility.

"Pikachu, Thunderbolt!" Dylan commanded.