Pokémon (Kanto Adventure)

Chapter 16: Watches and Wonders

Dylan, Paige, and Carson made their way along Route 25, enjoying the peaceful stroll through the thick forest that surrounded the winding path. Towering trees formed a canopy overhead, their leaves rustling in the gentle breeze. The air was fresh, and in the distance, they could catch faint glimpses of the sea beyond the forest.

"This route's really something," Dylan said, taking in the view ahead.

"It's one of my favorites," Paige replied, glancing at the sunlight streaming through the trees. "I love how it leads all the way to the Sea Cottage. The view from there is amazing."

Carson nodded in agreement. "Yeah, it's like nature just decided to show off here. Definitely beats getting chased around by random trainers or, worse, Team Misfits."

Almost as if on cue, a sinister laugh echoed through the woods. A familiar, sarcastic voice followed shortly after.

"Speak of the devil," Carson muttered, already rolling his eyes.

"Well, well, look who's here again," Heather said, stepping out from behind a tree with her usual mischievous smirk. "The losers' club."

"Oh, great," Dylan groaned. "Not you guys again."

Heather, Edward, and Lionel emerged from the shadows, with smug grins plastered on their faces. Edward was twirling a stick like it was a fancy cane, while Lionel leaned against a tree, cracking his knuckles.

"Why do they always show up when we're just minding our own business?" Paige sighed, looking unimpressed.

Lionel chuckled. "Probably 'cause you guys make it way too easy to mess with you."

"We make it easy?" Carson quipped. "Dude, you guys show up more than a bad Wi-Fi signal."

Paige couldn't help but stifle a laugh. "He's got a point."

Annoyed, Heather flicked her wrist. "Enough of the chit-chat! Haunter, let's give them a taste of what we've got!" She threw out her Pokéball, and in a flash, Haunter materialized, its eerie grin floating in the air.

"Haunter, use Smog!" Heather commanded, and instantly, a thick, noxious cloud began to spread, enveloping the entire area in a thick purple haze.

The kids coughed and stumbled as the smog filled their lungs and obscured their view.

"Not this again!" Dylan growled, quickly pulling out a Pokéball. "Pidgeotto, come on out!"

Paige followed suit. "Butterfree, let's clear this up!"

Pidgeotto and Butterfree shot into the air, flapping their wings powerfully. With a few gusts of wind, the smog began to dissipate, clearing the air and revealing Team Misfits standing in front of them, looking less than pleased.

"You guys seriously thought that would work?" Carson asked, raising an eyebrow. "How many times do we have to teach you this lesson?"

Edward huffed, clearly agitated. "Pfft, whatever. You're not the only one who can throw shade." He tossed out a Pokéball, releasing Farfetch'd into the battle.

Lionel followed suit, smirking as his Venomoth emerged from its ball, wings buzzing. "I was gonna take it easy on you today, but now y'all about to catch these hands... well, wings."

Carson crossed his arms, completely unfazed. "You call that a team? Dylan, Paige, y'all ready to make this quick? I'm not in the mood to babysit these clowns."

Dylan snickered. "Dang, Carson. You're a savage today."

Paige smirked. "Roasting them before we even start the battle? You really don't hold back."