Chapter 27: Vermillion City
~Azure S. POV~
[Kanto Region, Days Later, Vermillion City]
A few days later, the familiar scent of saltwater filled the air. The sight of Vermillion City sprawled before me, a vibrant tapestry of buildings and bustling streets, made me smile, seeing civilization.
I couldn't help but jump in excitement as I yelled, "We made it!"
Pikachu jumped from my shoulder and ran ahead, his tail wagging excitedly. Growlithe nods in silent agreement, eager to explore the new surroundings. Dratini slithered alongside me. Vermillion City was a welcome change from the dusty roads and dense forests we had traversed.
The air was alive with the sound of gulls, the smell of fresh seafood, and the chatter of people. The city bustled with trainers visiting the Gym, merchants hawking their wares, and tourists eager to experience the seaside charm.
I took a day or two to relax and enjoy the city before challenging Lt. Surge at the Vermillion Gym. I took my Pokémon to a nearby park overlooking the harbor.
The sun was shining, the sky was brilliant blue, and the gentle breeze carried the scent of the ocean. We walked together to stretch our legs and spent the afternoon playing in the park.
Pikachu chased butterflies, Growlithe relaxed, running around, and Dratini splashed in the fountain and swam peacefully in a nearby pond, enjoying the cool water. I watched them, a sense of contentment washing over me.
They were more than just Pokémon; they were my friends, my family. Later, we strolled along the pier, watching the ships come and go.
I bought some fresh seafood for my team – Krabby Cakes for Pikachu, Magikarp jerky for Growlithe, a soothing seaweed wrap for Dratini, and myself a nice Tepig bacon sandwich, which we devoured with gusto. And yes, people do eat Pokémon. How else do people eat meat here?
I try not to question it. I mean, people don't question where they get bacon or chicken from stores, so I won't either.
Pokémon unique to the Kanto region roamed freely, adding to the town's lively atmosphere. It almost feels way too good to be true, but I'm once again reminded of the dangers of this part of the Kanto Region.
[Observe].
[Location: Vermillion City
Description: "The Port of Exquisite Sunsets" A southern city that is bathed in orange by the setting sun. The international port town where magnificent boats gather from across the world. Vermilion City is split into two main areas: the center of the city and the harbor. The Kanto Pokémon Fan Club headquarters are in the center of the city. Some of the citizens are Pokémon fans and Sailors.
However, in recent news, many people in the city had gotten their Pokémon stolen, unaware that it's Lt. Surge, one of the Team Rocket Elite Trio, who is behind the thefts of many people in the city, had stolen their Pokémon using the ship to transport the stolen Pokémon away.]
Yup. I'd better raise my guard.
My eyes alert, I began to make my way out of the port. But then a new voice belonging to an old, yet elegant man spoke up, "Young man…"
*Tap*
Listening to the sounds of a cane tapping, I turned around to see an old man with a beard and mustache wearing a black suit as he continued saying, "Those spheres you're wearing… those might be, by any chance… Poke Balls? And that Pokémon on by your side…?"
His eyes lingered over Pikachu as he happily waved at him. "Pika!"
Growlithe gave a small bark, "Bark!"
With their cries, the old man was awed at my partner's cuteness as he said happily, "Ah! That's so adorable! Remarkable!! Simply remarkable! You, my lad, are now an honorary member of the Pokémon Fan Club!"
Blinking a bit surprised, I asked, muttering in a confused tone, "Pokémon fan club…?"
Both followed my example, tilting their head cutely and muttering, "Pi? Raor?"
[Observe].
[Target: Pokémon Fan Club Chairman
Description: The Pokémon Fan Club Chairman is the head of the Pokémon Fan Club, a Pokémon lover association. There are five known chairmen, all of them being Gentlemen or Monsieurs.]
So, it is this guy. Smiling at this, I asked calmly as we were near the port, "Hey, are you a native here in Vermillion City by chance, sir? The name's Azure Sky."
Perking up, the Chairman looked at me after calming down as he replied confidently, "Oh ho! You can bet that I'm a native here, young man, and please just call me Chairman. But why ask me this?"
Smiling a bit wider, I asked what I wanted to know in a calm tone, getting his attention, "Oh, in that case, I was wondering if you know the legend that surrounds Vermillion Harbor?"
The Chairman perked up hearing this. He nodded his head, stroking his beard as he shared with me the legend surrounding Vermillion Harbor. "Hmm? Yes, I do know of the legend. I can tell you if you want, but let me ask this: are you familiar with the Moon Stone?"
Bobbing my head understanding, I stated the obvious, doing some research into the evolutionary stones, "Yes, I am. It enables certain Pokémon to evolve, but once used, those stones normally disappear after one use."
The Chairman nodded his head, stroking his beard lightly and smiling as he continued explaining the legend, "I see you're educated in the tale. But somewhere, they say, four very special stones do not lose their power even after enabling a Pokémon to evolve. Many people have wanted them for a long time. And according to local legend, those very four stones lie at the bottom of Vermillion Harbor. But, kid, I think you should forget about them."
I blinked momentarily and paused as the Chairman continued explaining, shaking his head helplessly, "For years, most people laughed off the legend of those stones. I wouldn't want you, young man, to waste your time."
However, my eyes moved to the sea on the port as I began to take off my clothing, except for my shorts. I said happily, holding my Pokémon's Poke Balls prepared, "So, they could be lying down there, the keys to the power of evolving, huh?"
The Chairman noticed my actions as he asked, with a bead of sweat dripping down his face, in a concerned tone, "Wait! You're not thinking of going to get those stones! They're supposed to be inside a heavy sanctuary! You can't just waltz in there – "
*Splash*
The Chairman's voice stopped there as he got splashed by water. I had my underwater breather prepared, and I thanked the Chairman in a thankful tone, "Thanks for the information, sir! We're off to find them now! Let's go, Dratini!"
Recalling my Pokémon, Dratini cried out happily, "Dra! Dratini!"
I grabbed her slender on the back, patting her bald-shaped head and ordering, "Alright, girl, you heard the chairman say these stones lie at the bottom of Vermillion Harbor? Let's go get them!"
Dratini smiled as she cried out elegantly as she dived deep into the water. I gotta thank Gamefreak that Dratini can dive underwater on Dragonite Island.
*SPLASH*
//////
[Kanto Region, Beyond Vermillion Harbor]
Diving straight into Vermillion Harbor and beyond, I smiled, as the money spent on this diving gear was worth it. As we dived into the sea, we saw the ocean wildlife, including Pokémon, that resided beyond the harbor.
Tentacool is a small, cnidarian Pokémon. It has a light blue, clear body with two large, transparent, red, eye-like crystals on each side of its body and one small one in the middle. Near the base of its body is a pointed, beak-like projection and two eyes with small pupils. Two grayish tentacles extend from beneath its round lower body, which has a cape-like formation on the back.
Tentacruel is a large, cnidarian Pokémon. It has a clear, light blue body with two large, red orbs on either side and a smaller orb in the center. Its eyes are visible on its round, black lower body. Two blue, beak-like appendages and numerous grayish tentacles extend from its lower body.
Staryu is a golden-brown echinoderm Pokémon with five appendages. These appendages surround an exterior organ called the core. The core resembles a golden metal casing with a red gem in the center, which is held in place by a golden ring looped around Staryu's lower left point.
Magikarp is a piscine Pokémon with large, heavy reddish-orange scales. It has large, vacant eyes and pink lips. Its pectoral and tail fins are white. On its back is a stiff, three-peaked yellowfin resembling a crown; there is an identical fin on its underside. It also has long barbels. The barbels are white on a female and pale yellow on a male.
Horsea is a light blue, piscine Pokémon that is like a seahorse. It has red eyes, a long, tubular mouth, and three spike-like fins on either side of its head. Its rigid belly and single dorsal fin are cream-colored.
There are simply a lot of water-type Pokémon roaming around. Few took notice of us, but merely looked at us but as we weren't bothering them, they wouldn't bother with us, and soon we saw a deep-sea cavern in front of us.
I tapped Dratini's head to the deep-sea cavern, motioning her to proceed forward. With a nod, she continued downward to the cavern, trusting me completely as we dived deeper into the bottom of the sea's depths till we saw a dome.
I wonder… Is that a Hidden Grotto?
/////
[Kanto Region, Beyond Vermillion Harbor – Hidden Grotto]
*SPLASH*
Landing down with Dratini, we examined the area as I took off my breathing gear. I took a deep breath in and exhaled, muttering, "Ahh… seems like the legends were true. And the area here is breathable. It must be a hidden Grotto of the sea, huh? Guys. It's okay to come out now."
*Pop*
Everyone came out of their Poke Balls as they examined the area in awe. Dratini gazed at the scene, looking up to see as I said happily, "At least we got to see this incredible place, right, guys? The legendary Vermillion Under Water Dome…"
*Click*
I took a picture of the dome using my Arc Phone for the sake of future researchers as my Pokémon wandered around excitedly, with Dratini watching over them. But then my gaze turned to the treasures of Vermillion Harbor as I muttered excitedly, "Gotcha. These must be the Evolutionary Stones of legend, huh?"
[Observe].
[Item: Fire Stone
Rarity Item: S+
Type: Evolution Stone
Description: A peculiar stone that can make certain species of Pokémon evolve. The stone has a fiery orange heart. However, unlike the other stones, this one can be used infinitely without losing power.]
[Item: Water Stone
Rarity Item: S+
Type: Evolution Stone
Description: A peculiar stone that can make certain species of Pokémon evolve. It is the blue of a pool of clear water. However, unlike the other stones, this one can be used infinitely without losing power.]
[Item: Thunder Stone
Rarity Item: S+
Type: Evolution Stone
Description: A peculiar stone that can make certain species of Pokémon evolve. It has a distinct thunderbolt pattern. However, unlike the other stones, this one can be used infinitely without losing power.]
[Item: Leaf Stone
Rarity Item: S+
Type: Evolution Stone
Description: A peculiar stone that can make certain species of Pokémon evolve. It has an unmistakable leaf pattern. However, unlike the other stones, this one can be used infinitely without losing power.]
Grabbing hold of the Evolutionary Stones, my [Observe] ability seems to show the real deal about these stones. Leaf, Water, Thunder, and Fire Stones, as I grinned happily at these treasures.
With these, my Growlithe would evolve using them. But I'll hold that off for now since I don't have that Charcoal to boost my Puppy Pokémon's fire-type moves, and there are a few moves he could learn by leveling up, so saving is a must.
Taking the stones into my [Sub-Space], it wasn't the only item I could find here. Looking at the ground, but sadly, I'm not as lucky as it seems.
I began to take photos of the Deep Sea Hidden Grotto, viewing the Pokémon wildlife. I smiled, seeing the beauty of the sea as the Water-type Pokémon swam.
But then my mind wandered to the Evolutionary Stones. I have been trying to recall any Pokémon that need them to evolve.
Gloom, Weepinbell, Hisuian Voltorb, Exeggcute, Eevee, Nuzleaf, Pansage, Poliwhirl, Shellder, Staryu, Lombre, Panpour, Pikachu, Magneton, Nosepass, Elektrik, Charjabug, Tadbulb, Vulpix, Growlithe, Hisuian Growlithe, Pansear, and Capsakid.
Those are the Pokémon that require the stones I must evolve without the worry of spending any more in the future. But not wanting to test our luck, I asked Dratini to take us back to shore so as not to get ambushed.