“We should probably head back and pick up Chamander and Bulbasaur,” Cashe said. “There’s no allotment for Pokemon Centers, is there? You don’t have to use credits eventually? Or pokedollars I guess, since it has to do with Pokemon?”
“Of course not,” Emilia said, “That would be cruel. Pokedollars are for other things, I’ll show you.”
They headed back to Pokemon Center, but instead of going over to Nurse Joy, Emilia led Cashe to the bored employee at the other end of the counter. He looked up as they approached, surprised anyone was coming to see him.
“Hey Marty,” Emilia said, giving the man a little wave, “I’m here to teach Cashe here how pokedollars work.”
Marty raised an eyebrow at Cashe. He was around Emilia’s age, maybe a few years older, and looked more than a little tired of his job, “You don’t know already? Is there something wrong with you?”
“I’m from out of town,” Cashe said, crossing his arms. He didn’t like the look Marty was giving him.
“Does your home have a taboo against basic education?” He took on a look of mock concern, “You aren’t suffering from a serious head injury by any chance, are you?”
“Enough Marty,” Emilia said, rolling her eyes, “Cashe, everyone starts with 3000 pokedollars. You can spend them at PokeMarts and authorized private retailers. There’s no allotment for pokemon items, so what you have is all you’ve got.”
“Private retailers exist? Why?” Cashe said, “What do they do with the pokedollars?”
“There are some incentives you can qualify for; the League has a special program,” Emilia said with a wave of her hand, “Plus they can use them for their own pokemon, obviously.”
“So I just spend them at Marts like this?” Cashe said, letting his gaze wander over the stock on display behind the counter. The bottles he saw previously were potions of various types, and were fairly expensive, at least for his mere 3000 pokedollars. He was happy to see that pokeballs were 200 pokedollars, the same as in the games, although, they too, were a little expensive. “Can I get five pokeballs, Marty?”
“Oh so you’re a trainer now?” Marty scoffed.
What was it with this town and their customer service?
Cashe made a face and held up his trainer ID, passing it over to Marty, who accepted it with a grumble.
“How do you get more pokedollars?” Cashe asked, "And why isn't there any food here?"
“This guy’s going to be a trainer,” Marty snorted, “Emilia, what are you doing spending your time around this idiot?”
“You get them by beating other trainers in battles as a reward from the Pokemon League," Emilia said.
"So you don't win them from the trainers you beat?" Cashe interrupted.
"Nope," Emilia shook her head, "And you don't need pokedollars for basic food supplies, it's part of your allocation as a trainer. But you don't want the basic stuff, which means you'll need to find a specialist like Debbie or scrounge the good stuff up from the wild yourself,” Emilia said, turning away from Marty, “But winning is the only way to get any more pokedollars. And you only get so much from the trainers you face on the circuits. The real money comes from tournaments, gym trainers, and especially gym leaders.”
“And there’s no other way?” Cashe said, taking his bag of five pokeballs from Marty and turning away as well. It felt rude, but the guy was a dick.
“No, it’s pretty brutal,” Emilia said, walking back across the Pokemon Center to Nurse Joy, “Some trainers spend their pokedollars and can barely win another battle after that. It’s how most fail, actually. You find them hanging around on the routes between cities, desperately challenging trainers in order to get more pokedollars. If they don’t just give up, that is.” Emilia shook her head, glancing over at Marty, “It’s pretty sad, actually.”
“How much do you even get from beating a trainer?” Cashe said.
“It depends on the trainer. Not much if it’s one of those trainers, but if the trainer has beaten gym trainers, or even earned a badge, you get a lot more.”
Cashe nodded. It sounded like it was a lot harder to earn a badge here than it was in the games. He probably wouldn’t breeze through with just Bulbasaur. They collected their pokemon from Nurse Joy and headed back to the lab.
***
“With Bulbasaur as your starter, you have a lot of options,” Blue said, “If you train him to gain the ability Chlorophyll, you could make use of the sun. Take those pesky fire type specialists off guard.”
Cashe was in the Oak’s kitchen, browsing the pokedex. Misty, Blue, and Emilia were with him, all providing advice for the upcoming journey. So far he had settled on one pokemon: Bulbasaur. Perhaps an obvious choice, given that he only had one pokemon, but it was better than nothing.
The sun had long since set and Annie was put to bed. Cashe had tried discussing his option while she was awake, but she was insistent on suggesting a spread of rather novel picks. He was sure there was a reason to catch a Milcery or Alcremie apart from the fact they loved to create sweets, but if there were, Annie didn't know it.
“Alola has a lot of interesting pokemon,” Emilia reminded him, again. Cashe frowned. She had been harping on the region quite a bit. He was pretty sure she was wearing her new swimsuit under her clothes.
“Alola joined the League the most recently,” Misty said, “Starting there might not be the best for you. Their gym leaders started young and are still a few years from retirement. That means you’ll be up against old grizzled veterans and pokemon with years of experience. It’s probably the hardest region to get a win in right now, let alone a badge.”
“I like the concept of using the sun,” Cashe mused, “Any idea where I can get a Torkoal?”
“Alola has Torkoal,” Emilia said helpfully.
“Everywhere has Torkoal,” Misty said, leaning back in her chair and crossing her arms, “The Johto Safari Zone had Torkoal.”
“A bunch of other pokemon from your list are in Alola as well. And let’s not forget I have to build a team, too.” Emilia argued, “Plus Cashe’s goal isn’t to become a Champion. He just needs recognition so he will be allowed in the more dangerous areas of the world. What better place to do that than the region with the most powerful gyms?”
Misty and Blue exchanged a look.
“That is true,” Blue allowed.
“Plus, I think you’re forgetting something,” Emilia said, “The True Rookie Tournament starts in less than a month.”
Blue snorted, “Now I know you are just angling for your own benefit.”
“The top eight finishers all automatically qualify for any of the Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, and Alola gym circuits,” Emilia huffed, “It’s a great opportunity for us.”
“What’s the True Rookie Tournament?” Cashe said, looking around the table. Blue was shaking his head while Misty had a frown on her face. Emilia was staring at them both, defiant.
“The True Rookie Tournament is usually called the True Rookie Party,” Misty said, her eyes narrowing at her daughter, “It is a tournament that coincides with the graduation dates of Trainer Universities and is only open for true rookies. It is known for its…raucous atmosphere, as well as its participants training their livers more than their pokemon.”
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“And it takes place on a cruise to Alola,” Emilia grinned.
“And what is a true rookie, exactly?” Cashe said.
“It’s a trainer who has never beaten any League sanctioned trainer, including the lowliest gym trainers, or participated in any League sanctioned event,” Misty said, "It's what you are, and what most newly graduated trainers are as well."
“At the end of the day, it’s up to you two,” Blue said with a frown, “If you take it seriously, it is a great opportunity.”
“So, what do you say, Cashe? Hike to Viridian, catch a train to Saffron and take the trail down to Vermillion?”
Cashe opened up his pokedex, flipping to the map function. It was a simple enough route. He nodded. “I think I can do that.”
***
Route One
The sign was innocuous, planted at the edge of town, at the very edge of a field of shin high grass. A young boy, around twelve was wading through it, his eyes peeled for pokemon. The sun was high in the sky; Pidgey flit happily through the warm morning air. Calls of pokemon rose periodically in the distance, hinting at hidden dangers - or treasures - just out of sight.
Cashe turned away, looking back at the town. Emilia was giving her final goodbyes to her parents, her mother and father wrapped tightly in each arm. Just beyond them a small crowd gathered, waving their fond farewells to the youngest Oak child. It was a tender moment, and one that made Cashe’s heart sting with loss.
As Cashe watched, the town's sole Officer Jenny approached him. Like the Pokemon Center system, the Officer system was rife with nepotism, leading to any Jenny easily finding employment within the powerful organization.
Cashe nodded to her as she neared. She gave him a brief smile.
“You take good care of her, you hear me?” Officer Jenny’s voice was tight and her words were not unkind, “The Oaks are important figures in this Town and we all watched that little girl grow up.”
Cashe nodded again, not bothering to mention that she would definitely be taking care of him, and not the reverse.
Emilia finished hugging her parents, and with a final wave to the town, joined Cashe and Jenny. “You ready to go, Cashe?”
“Ready. You have everything?” Cashe gripped the straps of his backpack, giving them a good tug to ensure they were tight enough. The backpack was the final gift the Oaks gave him, an impossible piece of technology from the Silph Corporation. It was bigger on the inside. Cashe always assumed that was a convenience of the games.
“Tent, bag, food, toothbrush, pokedex, pokemon, pokeballs, potions, and you,” Emilia grinned, “I’m not forgetting a thing.”
“Alright, let’s go.” Cashe turned back to the verdant field, but was stopped by a gentle hand on his shoulder.
“Cashe, your trainer ID,” Emilia said quietly, "you need to wear it whenever you’re out on your journey.”
Cashe felt himself blush with embarrassment. It was one of the rules for trainers. Cashe reached into his pocket and took out his ID, slipping it to a small holding device hanging from a lanyard around his neck.
The holding device was a neat piece of technology. It was essentially a metal rectangle, shaped to hold a trainer ID, but it also automatically recorded the results of any battle and uploaded them to the Pokenet. It even had a button on the back that let you challenge other trainers to a battle. Just point and click. Apparently it would make a loud chime when someone challenged you as well.
ID secure, Cashe nodded to Emilia who walked beside him as they took the first steps on their journey together. It was surreal, he had done this very thing so many times in the games, he almost didn’t register it now, but taking that step into the grass felt monumental. What would his future have in store? It would be a long journey to find Jirachi. Would he encounter legendary pokemon? Unseen enemies? Epic trainer bat-
“HEY OLD MAN!” The metal rectangle made a familiar chime. Cashe turned.
The twelve year old child was glaring at him, legs apart and bent. His eyes met Cashe's and Cashe could see a competitive glint shining in them. The boy reached up and twisted his cap into a reverse position. He was bouncing on the balls of his feet, ready to go.
“LET’S BATTLE!” The boy tossed a pokeball into the air, “Metapod, GO!”
Tha ball cracked open, red light collalessing into the crescent shape of Metapod.
Cashe eyed the Metapod dubiously. it glared at him, defiant.
“Uh, no thanks, kid,” Cashe scratched his head, “We were just about to-”
“Cashe, you have to,” Emilia said, giving him an exasperated look, “Did you even read the League’s rules and regulations?”
“I skimmed it?” Cashe said.
“Well, you have to,” Emilia said.
“Sir?” The Officer Jenny stepped into the grass, “The boy challenged you to a battle. Is there a problem here?”
“He’s a child!”
“Sir, I’m going to have to ask you to get ready for battle.”
“It will count as a loss if you don’t,” Emilia said.
“I am an adult! I have a wife! I don’t want to beat up on some kid!”
Officer Jenny crossed her arms.
“God dammit,” Cashe muttered. He tossed his own pokeball out into the field of grass, letting Bulbasaur out of his ball. “Bulbasaur, let’s make this quick.”
“Bulbasaur.” Bulbasaur took up position across from the Metapod, meeting its glare with one of his own.
“I think you’re underestimating me, old man,” the kid said. He picked up a rock, “When the rock hits the ground, we fight!” He tossed the rock into the air.
Cashe watched it arc and drop to the ground.
“Metapod, use Harden!” The kid shouted. Metapod’s eyes narrowed and began to glow with a soft, silver light.
“Bulbasaur, Leech Seed, don’t let it Harden for free!” Bulbasaur leapt into action, firing a barrage of seeds into the Metapod. Almost all of them hit, and instantly buried themselves deep in the pokemon’s chitinous pod.
“Metapod, use Harden!”
“POD!”
Cashe blinked. What?
“Going for a setup strategy, I see,” Officer Jenny said from outside the battle, nodding to herself.
“Harden again, Metapod!” Metapod glowed silver and tipped over, falling onto its side. Golden energy continued to stream from the Metapod and into Bulbasaur.
Bulbasaur looked back at Cashe, waiting for more instructions.
“Get up Metapod, you can do it!” the kids shouted, “Then Harden again!”
The Metapod bounced around on its side for a few seconds, but was unable to right itself.
Cashe’s eyes went wide. Was Harden the only move it knew?
“Uh, Bulbasaur, just wait it out,” Cashe said, “We’ll win this one by attrition.”
“Bulba.” Bulbasaur stood in a tense ready stance, just in case.
Golden light continued to leave the Metapod. After about twenty seconds, the Metapod stopped trying to right itself and lay still.
“Crap! Metapod, return!” The Metapod made a noise of relief and returned to its ball.
Thank god that was over. “Alright, Bulbasaur, good job.” Cashe turned to Emilia, “Can we-”
“Kakuna, you’re up next! Watch out, he’s tough! Use Harden!”
***
“I feel terrible,” Cashe groaned as they walked away from the sobbing young trainer. He glanced at his pokedex. It informed him he had earned 100P for the win, not even enough for a pokeball.
“It’s just the way the world works,” Emilia said, giving him a pat on the back, “Besides, you and Bulbasaur had a good battle.”
“Bulba.” Bulbasaur agreed. He hadn’t wanted to return to his ball after the battle, and Cashe was happy to let the little guy walk beside him. To say the battles hadn’t been good exercise would be an understatement. Cashe was pretty sure Bulbasaur had more energy after them than he did before they started.
“It wasn’t a good battle, his pokemon only knew Harden!” Cashe complained, “It was a slaughter.”
“At least you didn’t waste any energy attacking it directly.” Emilia said, “I’m just jealous you got your first official win before I did.”
Cashe rolled his eyes and Emilia laughed as they continued on their way. The sun was high in the sky, the air was warm, and Cashe could see for miles down the road. Beside him, Emilia let Charmander and Omanyte out of their pokeballs so they could enjoy the day and they immediately joined Bulbasaur in an excited chatter of noise.
Despite himself, Cashe couldn't help but smile. Maybe it was a good day, after all.
***
“You ready?” Daryl glanced over at Connie. She was all but buried under her luggage, straps crisscrossing over her arms, shoulders, and back. Daryl frowned. “You know you could have just registered as a trainer and grabbed a Silph Co pack like I did.”
“And get challenged by trainers every ten feet as we look for this guy? No thanks.” Connie said, struggling to move under the weight of her bags. Their taxi was just twenty feet away, but it was going to take them five minutes to get there at this pace. A pair of enormous Corviknight rustled impatiently from their perch atop the cab.
“What trainers?” Daryl said, “The Kanto season started months ago, and we’re just flying into Pallet Town. We’ll be there for a day, tops.”
Connie snorted, “You’ve never chased a trainer before, have you? This guy registered for a trainer ID three weeks ago. He’s long gone by now. We're going to Pallet Town to find out where he went. We’ll be lucky if we find him in a month.”
“That’s all the more reason you should register as a trainer so you can buy a bag,” Daryl said, as Connie finally made it to the cab, “If you have to carry all of this with you, we’ll never catch up to him.”
“Farigiraf will carry most of it once we get there,” Connie said, “But you’re going to regret getting that trainer ID, just wait. Every trainer in the region who couldn’t advance in the circuit is going to be gunning for you. Beating a pokemon researcher rewards a lot of pokedollars.”
“If you say so,” Daryl sighed, making himself comfortable in the cab. It was a long journey to Kanto.