Chapter 18
HAVE FAITH IN ME
They've got me on the outside looking in
But I can't see at all
With the weight of the world on my shoulders
They just wanna see me fall
- A Day to Remember
I
Led by Erin who was at a full sprint, the group ascended the hill that laid between the embracing mountains, and as they reached its crest, a scene of haunting beauty unfolded before them. The iconic Lavender Tower, a somber monument that seemed to pierce the very sky itself, dominated the horizon. Its spires stretched upward, ethereal against the backdrop of both the heavens and the sleepy town below.
The tower's architecture was an intricate blend of ancient elegance and contemporary design. It bore the hallmarks of a pagoda, with its tiered levels tapering to the heavens, each adorned with intricate carvings that spoke of a rich history. Yet, interwoven with this traditional motif was a touch of modernity, reminiscent of a skyscraper's sleek lines and glass façades. Toward the apex of the tower, a colossal letter "R" stood out, a stark contrast against the serene sky. The panoramic view that captured their attention more than anything. Lavender Town stretched out before them, a quaint settlement with its buildings clustered together. The streets wound through the town, intertwining the houses.
Beyond the town, the vast expanse of the ocean stretched out toward the horizon, its waters a deep blue that seemed to meld into the sky in the distance. The sun's golden rays kissed the waves, creating a shimmering path toward the horizon. As they walked further up the hill, the town's buildings gradually unveiled themselves, each with its unique character, stories, and inhabitants. The ocean breeze brushed against their cheeks, carrying with it the mingling scents of saltwater and flowers.
"Whoa! So much water!" Erin exclaimed in disbelief, his curly hair swaying with each gust of sea breeze that caressed his face. A smile spread across his lips, revealing his large dimples that added a charming uniqueness to his infectious smile, one that easily brought smiles to everyone else's faces.
"Has he ever seen the ocean?" Brian asked, playfully nudging Seth's side. Seth simply shook his head, still caught up in the moment as he observed the sheer joy radiating from his son. Erin's boundless energy had him jumping back and forth. Amid this excitement, sleek and modern ships cruised in and out of the bustling docks, their sleek hulls cutting through the glistening waters with ease.
As they drew closer to Lavender Town, the sprawling cityscape unfolded beneath them, revealing the daunting challenge of descending to sea level. The path leading down was even narrower and more treacherous than the cliffside they encountered in Aureolin Town. It seemed as though the very mountain they stood upon dropped abruptly at a near 90-degree angle, abruptly transitioning into the flat expanse of Lavender Town below.
"How the fuck are we going to manage this?" Emily's voice carried a mix of disbelief and concern as she pointed down and traced the precipitous path with her finger. Meanwhile, Erin, perched on a rock nearby, was amusing himself by preparing to pounce on Vulpix, seemingly oblivious to the intimidating descent ahead.
"I don't want to take Erin down this," Seth voiced his worry, observing his son's playful antics and then turning his attention back to the almost vertical trail.
"I don’t want him going down this either," Emily quickly agreed, her chestnut hair being tossed about by the brisk sea breeze.
"I could test the route first," Brian suggested, peering down and nudging a few pebbles over the edge to gauge their descent. His words held a more assertive tone than usual, though his face betrayed his underlying anxiety.
"Brian, you could die." Seth cautioned, aware of the dangers that lurked on the narrow maundering path downwards..
"But we're running out of options. We need to figure out if it's even possible and locate any tough spots," Brian countered, his point resonating with both Seth and Emily. The urgency of their situation left them with no better choice.
Brian slung his backpack over his brawny shoulders and took a deep breath. "Just don't die," Emily's blunt remark carried an underlying seriousness as she spoke. "I really want off this mountain."
Brian chuckled, his laughter carrying a hint of nervousness due to both Emily's sarcasm and the magnitude of the task. "You got it. I'll be back soon." With that, he began his careful descent, a brave step towards unraveling the mysteries of the seemingly impassable path.
II
Brian's heart raced as he stood at the edge of the precipice, peering down the meandering path that led to Lavender Town. The drop was daunting, the mountain seemingly plunging straight into the flat expanse of the town below. The path itself looked like a thin ribbon etched into the rock, winding down at a steep angle. He could feel his palms grow sweaty as he considered the descent that lay ahead.
Taking a deep breath, he adjusted the straps of his backpack. The wind whistled past him, carrying with it the distant sound of the ocean. The air held a sense of anticipation, as if the mountain itself were holding its breath for his descent.
With a final glance back at Seth and Emily, their worried expressions etched into his memory, Brian steeled himself. Every step he took felt like a commitment to the journey, each footfall echoing through his body like a drumbeat of determination.
As he began his descent, his pulse quickened. The path seemed narrower than it had appeared from above, and the angle steeper. Loose pebbles skittered beneath his boots, and he could feel the tension in his muscles as they worked to keep him steady. The world around him seemed to blur, his focus narrowing solely on the next foothold.
The suspense grew with every twist and turn of the path. Brian's senses were heightened, his ears attuned to the slightest sound, his eyes searching for any potential danger. The wind tugged at his clothes, threatening to throw him off balance, and he clenched his jaw to stay focused. His hands gripped the rocky edge as he carefully navigated a particularly tricky section. He could feel the adrenaline coursing through his veins, his heart pounding in his chest as he inched his way down. The town below seemed to inch closer and closer, yet the path never seemed to end.
Brian's thoughts raced as he imagined the consequences of a misstep. The abyss below was a constant reminder of the risk he was taking, the sheer drop a constant source of unease. But he pressed on, fueled by the determination to conquer the challenge that lay before him. Time seemed to stretch as he descended, each moment laden with suspense and uncertainty. His muscles ached from the tension, his breath coming in ragged bursts. And then, as suddenly as it had begun, the path widened, and the ground beneath his feet became more level.
Brian stood halfway down the treacherous path, looking up at the distance he had come. The sense of accomplishment mingled with the relief of having safely navigated the most challenging part of the descent. His eyes met those of Seth and Emily, who were watching him from the top of the cliffside, expressions a mixture of relief and pride before they retried behind the rocks.
"Why don't we use Noivern to fly down?" Emily suggested, glancing at Seth, who had just settled down next to Erin, now perched on his back.
"Oh... yeah… that could work," Seth replied, reaching for two pokeballs at his hip, prompting the emergence of Noivern and Ditto. "Noivern, do you think you could carry us down the mountainside?" There was a moment of silence as Noivern and Ditto looked over the steep descent. In what seemed like approval, Noivern flattened its back, creating a surface for them to climb onto. Meanwhile, Ditto's body transformed rapidly, taking on the shape and color of Noivern's image as it, too, flattened for the task.
"Dad, I don't want to!" Erin protested, clearly terrified by the idea of flying down such a massive drop.
"I'll be right there with you, holding on. You know I wouldn't let anything happen to you," Seth reassured, kneeling to meet Erin at eye level.
Emily moved closer as well, offering support. "Would it help if I went first, and you could watch?" Erin clung to his father's arms, nodding in agreement. Emily positioned herself on Ditto's back, securing her arms around its neck. "Alright, let's go!" She commanded, and Ditto started to flap its new wings, beginning a slow descent. "I'll see you down there!" Erin watched with wide eyes as Ditto gradually descended, growing smaller in the distance.
About halfway down, Emily locked eyes with Brian and playfully waved, a mischievous smile on her face. "Oh, fuck off!!" Brian's voice echoed up the cliffside, met with Emily's laughter, creating a cheerful resonance that traveled through the air.
"See, completely safe. She's your Pokémon, Erin. Trust her," Seth reassured Erin, gently patting Noivern's face.
"O-Okay. Promise you'll be with me," Erin asked his father, his eyes earnestly gazing at Noivern, his small hand gently holding resting on her neck. Seth couldn't help but be moved by his son's bond with his Pokémon.
"You know I will," Seth replied, his hand resting on Erin's head, sharing a heartfelt smile.
Erin tightly clung to Noivern's neck with his short arms, gripping the white fur with intensity. Despite the pain caused by Erin's fearful grip, Noivern made no complaint. She began to flap her wings, lifting off the ground and hovering over the edge of the drop-off. Erin's face was buried in the fur, his quiet cries of "No! No! Go back! Go back!" muffled against Noivern's neck.
"It's okay, buddy. I'm right here," Seth reassured his son, holding him tightly to provide the needed support. He also straddled Noivern securely with his legs. Noivern ignored Erin's commands, descending gradually to maintain a slow pace and make the experience as comfortable as possible for his terrified trainer.
Erin slowly raised his head, taking in the view of Lavender Town. The sun shone brightly, reflecting off the sea and casting beautiful gleams of light. The town's iconic tower stood proudly, a symbol of the city. Erin's head rose higher, his hair ruffled by the wind, and a smile began to appear on his face. He glanced at his dad and smiled before turning his attention back to the captivating sights.
Ditto passed them on its way down, presumably to retrieve Brian from the mountainside. The trees gradually obstructed their view of the ocean, the docks, and Lavender Town. Noivern's feet touched the ground, and she flattened her body to make disembarking easier. "Dad, I want to do that again!" Erin exclaimed.
"Maybe another time, buddy," Seth said, sliding off Noivern and reaching for Erin to force him down.
"Fine," Erin replied, pouting slightly.
Emily approached, laughing as she patted Erin's back. "So, he enjoyed it."
"Yeah, about halfway down. Honestly, I don't know why we haven't utilized Noivern more," Seth said, rubbing her neck. "We can't use her for long journeys, but for overcoming obstacles, she'd be quite handy. She could have even carried each of us over the lake, saving us a lot of time."
"You assholes!" Brian's voice echoed as Ditto neared the ground. "Did you make me go down half the mountain just for a laugh?"
"We really didn't mean to, but the way it turned out was absolutely hilarious," Emily responded, her freckled face glowing in the sunlight as she burst into laughter, followed by Seth's.
"Fuck you both!" Brian muttered, a smile finally breaking through his mock irritation. "Well, shall we?" he said pointing the way forward.
III
The path leading into Lavender Town unfolded with a gentle ease, its surface smooth and accommodating underfoot. The trees, have been long stripped of their foliage, revealed gnarled branches that reached skyward. Despite the lack of leaves, the air held a sense of warmth and comfort, causing them to shed their coats and stow them in their bags. As they progressed, narrow streams meandered alongside the path, the result of mountain runoff, their gurgling melodies adding a soothing backdrop to their journey, and the salty tang of the sea enveloped them.
However, high above, the imposing tower with the bold "R" emblem loomed against the sky. Noivern, having fulfilled its role, returned to the confines of its Pokéball, leaving Ditto alone, its adaptive form taking on a peculiar shape as it clung to Erin's back. An appendage extended, securing itself to Erin's right shoulder, as if reluctant to let go of its newfound perch. Vulpix's golden form stuck close beside him, her head darting back and forth constantly vigilant.
Lavender Town appeared to have shaken off the somberness that often cloaked Kanto in an eerie fog of dread. Here, the streets were alive with movement and activity, a testament to the town's enduring spirit. While a few figures, dressed in the familiar black attire adorned with the "R" symbol, wandered the streets, they were far from the focus. Lavender Town's vitality was evident in its bustling streets, where life flowed freely, untethered from the dark shadows that had plagued its country.
Erin's young eyes were wide with wonder, his attention captivated by the scene before him. Pokémon of various species worked harmoniously to transport crates and cargo, their efforts a symphony of coordinated movements. A Bewear stood at attention, its massive frame carefully balancing two sizeable crates in front of its face, guided by its trainer. Not far away, an Electivire showcased its strength, propelling a substantial cart from the recesses of a building to the street.
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Seemingly unbeknownst to Erin, Ditto had assumed a new position, its malleable body melding seamlessly with his curly hair as it perched atop his head. Together, they wandered through the scene, absorbing the vibrant tableau of life that Lavender Town had become.
"I swear, I saw it," a young boy earnestly recounted to his grandmother while they walked down the road. "It was massive and flew overhead yesterday!"
"That's nice, dear," she responded with a dismissive tone, her focus clearly on moving past the group on the street. As pedestrians passed by, a general air of contentment hung in the atmosphere. Despite the absence of older men in their late 30s to early 50s, presumably still entombed under Mount Silver, families and community seemed to possess a renewed sense of unity and purpose. Seth and Emily took in the surroundings, searching for a suitable place to rest for the night. As they strolled past an older house, an elderly man with imposing white eyebrows and a gleaming bald head stood in front of Erin, his gaze fixed on the boy. Instinctively, Seth placed a protective arm on his son's chest and positioned himself between Erin and the stranger.
"We have a problem," Seth muttered, Vulpix tensing with its teeth bared.
The old man quickly reassured them, his voice pleasant. "No, no, I apologize. May I have a moment to observe that Pokémon?" He pointed to Ditto with his weathered hands.
"No," Seth replied succinctly, guiding Erin away from the old man, followed closely by Emily and Brian.
They had moved about ten feet away when the old man called out once more. "Did you enjoy your visit in Celadon City?" His words caught the attention of both Brian and Seth. "Perhaps you enjoyed your time at a Casino? "
Seth turned back, positioning himself between Erin and the old man. "How do you know all of that?" he inquired with blunt skepticism.
"Please, come inside. I'll explain everything," he implored, his hands raised in a gesture of harmlessness.
"Start with your name," Emily demanded with a sharp edge.
"I am Mr. Fuji. Please, come inside," he repeated in a harmless tone, attempting to convey his goodwill.
"I'm not taking my son into a stranger's house. Goodbye," Seth stated firmly before turning his back on the old man.
"Could this strapping young man investigate the house first? I truly wish to share my story, and I believe I can shed light on much of the confusion surrounding that little Pokémon," Mr. Fuji requested, still maintaining his amiable demeanor. Seth nodded toward Brian, who entered the house. After a few minutes, Brian stepped back outside, signaling for them to enter. As they crossed the threshold, a sign to the left of the door caught their attention: "Pokémon Orphanage."
IV
"Please excuse the mess; it's been quite busy here the past few days," Mr. Fuji mentioned, clearing paperwork off the central table. Pins were positioned all around the spacious room, each holding a different Pokémon. A Cubone was rhythmically tapping its bone club against a gate, its right shoulder swathed in bandages. In the other pins, a Ninjask's face was partially wrapped in bandages. A Magmar emitted flames from its tail weakly, its glow barely illuminated a foot away from it. Seth noticed Sarah’s corpse lying in an empty cage. And a Dollive with one of its light green, olive-like ears missing looked utterly disheartened.
"Are all of them injured?" Emily asked, her gaze shifting from the Magmar to the other Pokémon.
"Yes, we work with volunteers to assist orphaned or injured Pokémon before releasing them back into the wild," he explained. A regular Vulpix with its typical red fur walked up beside him, weaving between his legs and fixating its gaze on Seth's Vulpix. "A golden Vulpix, those are extremely rare. I don't believe I've ever seen one. May I?"
"Sure," Seth replied, and Mr. Fuji crouched down, extending his hand, which Vulpix happily brushed against without any apprehension. After a brief interaction, Mr. Fuji turned his attention to Erin and Ditto, who was still perched on top of Erin's head.
Mr. Fuji stood up, his clothes hanging loosely on his skinny frame as he approached Erin. "May I?" he asked kindly, extending his old hands towards Erin.
"Yupporuni," Erin responded, lifting Ditto off his head and handing it to the old man.
"Hello there!" Mr. Fuji greeted Ditto warmly. "Would you mind transforming into my Vulpix?" Ditto elongated and twisted its body until it imitated the red Vulpix that belonged to Fuji. Ditto immediately started playfully chasing Mr. Fuji's Vulpix, which appeared somewhat less than amused by the spectacle.
Brian's tone took an uncharacteristically sharp edge as he addressed Mr. Fuji, "How did you know about Celadon?"
Mr. Fuji retained his calm and polite demeanor. "I was Giovanni’s chief scientist. But let me start from the beginning," he explained.
Seth remained unyielding, fixing a stern gaze on Mr. Fuji. "You're affiliated with Team Rocket!"
"Please, allow me to explain," Mr. Fuji requested calmly. "In my younger years, long before the war with Johto, I was a Pokémon researcher, focusing specifically on the origins of Pokémon."
Emily's patience wore thin. "What does this have to do with Ditto?"
"I'm getting to that," Mr. Fuji reassured, as Erin positioned himself in front of him, resembling a child ready for a story. All three Vulpixes lay around him, while his own golden Vulpix rested on his lap. "After years of research, I believe I discovered the very first Pokémon to originate on our planet: Mew."
"Mew?" Brian interjected urgently, capturing the attention of all except Seth. "Is it pink, like Ditto, a graceful creature that floats around?"
"You've seen it," Mr. Fuji responded with a slight smile.
Brian recounted, "When we arrived in Celadon, the casino exploded. We went into the building to save people. However, we discovered a Mew caught in a shocking mechanism, caged alongside this little guy," he gestured towards Ditto's Vulpix form, "and about a hundred more of its companions. We released them, and they all transformed into Mew before vanishing completely."
"Teleport. It's a move that Mew can learn. The shocking mechanism was designed to prevent its escape," Fuji explained in a matter-of-fact tone.
"Yes, all the Mews except our Ditto fled," Seth chimed in.
"Well, in my research, I eventually encountered a Mew on Cinnabar Island. It willingly returned to me time and again, and for years, I delved into understanding every aspect of this Pokémon. I grew rather fond of that Mew," Mr. Fuji elaborated.
Emily's impatience had transformed into genuine curiosity. "How did you realize that it was the original Pokémon?"
"Early on in my studies we discovered ruins in Johto featuring a depiction of Mew, along with Kabuto, Aerodactyl, and what we now know as Ho-Oh. It was more of a hunch initially, but after encountering a Mew, I realized it had the ability to learn any move regardless of its type. While it did favor Psychic-type moves, it wasn't limited to just that," Fuji explained.
"That's astounding," Brian interjected, clearly intrigued.
"Yes, well then the war erupted. Giovanni, who was a general at the time, approached us and asked if we could fashion a super weapon using Mew," Fuji continued.
"Us?" Seth inquired.
"Apologies, I meant my partner and me. You may know him as the Cinnabar Island Gym Leader..."
"Blaine!" Erin interjected with a smile, fully aware of the answer.
"Exactly! Well done," Fuji responded, visibly pleased.
"He's a Fire-type Gym Leader. Daddy told me that. He's really strong," Erin added proudly, his gaze wandering around the room.
"How did the war start?" Brian inquired, his voice tinged with sorrow. "Apologies, we just never really got an answer for why our loved ones were killed."
"Greed and arrogance," Fuji began, his gaze distant. "The regions, of course, protect themselves with their military, but the control of legendary Pokémon is what truly showcases a region's strength and deters warfare and invasion."
"We almost died running into Zapdos here. Lugia came out of nowhere and defeated it," Seth added.
"Ah, you ventured near the power plant," Fuji replied knowingly.
"You knew it was there. Why doesn't someone, or even Team Rocket, try to take it?" Emily asked, her frustration evident.
"Legendary Pokémon are like forces of nature. To capture one, let alone control its power, is nearly impossible. Before the war, Kanto had Moltres. Johto possessed Lugia, Suicune, and Entei. Hoenn controlled land and sea with Groudon and Kyogre. Galar had its protectors, Zacian and Zamazenta. I am uncertain about the other regions now, but this is why Sinnoh has held such power throughout history. A specific bloodline has been able to call upon Dialga and Palkia, the guardians of space and time."
"Wait, if Lugia is controlled by Johto, does that mean—" Emily's voice trembled with concern.
"Johto is attempting to claim another legendary, yes," Fuji affirmed solemnly.
"So then, what started the war here?" Brian asked once more.
"Ho-Oh," Fuji's face darkened further, and he seemed wearier. "A new legend was discovered, which had previously only been a subject of myths and legends. A boy in Kanto was nearly killed when his Pikachu unleashed a thunderbolt on him and a flock of Spearow. Before falling into a coma, he swore he saw the mythical Pokémon flying above him. The Kanto government immediately sent a team to try and capture it before it crossed over the Mt. Silver mountain range into Johto. They pursued it relentlessly, eventually finding and attacking it. Johto retaliated, slaughtering the search team to try and steal Ho-Oh. Kanto responded, and the war ignited from there."
Seth redirected the conversation, asking, "So, that's how Giovanni asked you to continue your search for Mew, another legendary for Kanto to use in the war?"
"Yes," Fuji confirmed. "Blaine had refused to comply with Giovanni's request, as he believed that Mew shouldn't be treated as a laboratory specimen or a tool for destruction."
"When we saw it," Brian added, "it seemed incapable of hurting anyone."
"Indeed, Blaine shared that sentiment," Mr. Fuji agreed.
Seth followed up with a pointed question, "Then how did Giovanni expect to create a super weapon from it?"
"Cloning. We've been experimenting with cloning extinct Pokémon for years," Fuji answered calmly.
“So that's why Cinnabar is closed off, Blaine shut out Kanto, he wasn't going to be a part of it. So why didn't you refuse?”Emily asked.
"Blaine was against the war in the beginning, after governing Cinnabar as Gym leader, he saw the writing on the walls and shut down. As for me, I was young, arrogant, and so consumed by the idea of whether I could. Cloning is straightforward, but manipulating genes to create something entirely new... I saw it as a challenge," Mr. Fuji admitted. His posture became more slump and he looked away from them and seemed much more concerned with his own hands.
"Did you do it?" Brian inquired.
"After moving my lab to Celadon City, yes, eventually, after 52 attempts. Initially, we cloned Mew three times in its original form. I made a deal with Giovanni – I would assist him only if my friend was released, to which he agreed," Fuji continued, rubbing his bald head thoughtfully. “But, I sought out to create the most powerful Pokémon in the world. And I succeeded.”
"But you subjected living creatures to a life as test subjects," Seth's tone was sharp with reproach.
Mr. Fuji glanced around the room, the subdued cries of Pokémon filling the air. "Yes, and I've been seeking redemption ever since." The group regarded him, a mix of sympathy and lingering resentment in their expressions. "Regardless, altering Mew's genes proved exceptionally challenging – an endeavor to create a new, powerful creature, more potent than any other. Many attempts resulted in Dittos; bodies in perpetual flux. Eventually, I succeeded, though I consider it an anomaly. The result was a monstrosity, highly aggressive. I named it Mewtwo."
"Mewtwo. Not very imaginative, Mr. Fuji," Brian interjected.
"Well, I'm a scientist, not a wordsmith.".
"So Giovanni had access to Mewtwo. If he intended to use it to win the war, why didn't he deploy it? Why the countless casualties at Mt. Silver?" Seth's voice was sharp with curiosity.
"Mewtwo was extremely hostile. Upon awakening, it communicated with us telepathically, inquiring about its existence and whereabouts. Within five minutes of awakening, it destroyed the lab and escaped. Giovanni was infuriated, demanding I replicate the process. After burying my friends and colleagues, too creating something full of hatred, I couldn't bear it any longer and ran. I suppose he continued without me, since there were 90 failures as you've mentioned, I hope his efforts continue to be in vain."
"Where is Mewtwo now?" Emily's question lingered in the air. Mr. Fuji merely shrugged, his hand returning to his head.
A heavy silence enveloped the room. "At least Celadon City's lab won't pursue that abominable project again," Fuji continued, breaking the silence.
"Why wouldn't they just rebuild the lab and start over?" Emily queried, his curiosity evident. “What resistance would they have?”
"Didn't you hear?" Fuji responded. Their puzzled expressions prompted him to continue, "Celadon City rebelled and reclaimed the city a few months ago. It's been all over the newspapers."
"But Team Rocket was everywhere when we were there. How is that possible?" Brian questioned.
"It was the boy," Seth's voice was almost a whisper.
"The kid with the Charizard," Emily recalled.
"Yeah, he decimated Team Rocket, left and right. After the citizens saw the lab, they must have blamed Team Rocket or at least saw an opportunity to take back their city,"
Fuji continued as if to take Seth’s prediction as fact. "Erika is being labeled a traitor, but trees have sprouted all around the city walls, and they have been repelling Team Rocket's attacks consistently," he added. "I'm relieved the lab is gone. There's been so much pain..." His voice trailed off as he struggled to find the words and looked around at his orphanage. "A lifetime of saving these Pokémon won't atone for my actions."
Tears silently traced paths down his cheeks, and the room remained in a heavy silence. All eyes rested on the frail figure in the worn wooden chair. "It's okay, Mr. Fuji," Erin's voice broke the silence, his infectious smile cutting through the somber atmosphere.
“Thank you," Fuji responded, a smile of gratitude on his lips.
"Thank you for sharing your story, but we need to be on our way," Seth announced, rising from his seat.
"You're more than welcome to stay here. We have plenty of room," Fuji offered.
"No, we need to earn money quickly before heading to Fuchsia City," Seth responded firmly.
"Fuschia, why Fuschia? Are you participating in the League challenge?" Fuji's gaze was intense.
"I am. I'm getting my son out," Seth answered.
"There is a tournament boat that is departing from here to Fuchsia, offering a cash prize. I don't know much about it other than that, but there was one like this last year. I believe it is departing in a few weeks," Brian's interest was piqued by Fuji's information.
"Seth, that's perfect! We can earn money while traveling!" Brian's excitement was palpable, his childlike exuberance contrasting his muscular build.
"Is it safe?" Seth's gaze returned to Fuji, his expression cautious.
Fuji shrugged once more. "I don't know. There's no return journey, but flyers can be found throughout the city."
V
Leaving the Pokémon Orphanage, Ditto settled back onto Erin's head, while Vulpix strolled alongside him. Across the street, Brian discovered a flyer pinned to a building, promoting a tournament scheduled for the next day. The vibrant purple paper featured bold lettering dominating its front. At the top, it declared "Kanto Boat Tournament," with further details explaining a $1,000 entry fee and a grand prize of $50,000 for the victor. Brian clutched the paper, his hands trembling with excitement. "This is it, our solution to both advancing in the challenge and making money. If all three of us participate, we would have to win!"
"We don’t know anything about the organizers of the tournament. it's a risk, and if we lose we are fucked," Seth countered.
"Staying in Kanto any longer is a gamble itself, Seth," Emily interjected, decisively settling the discussion. The city bustled around them, the blaring horns of passing boats and ships resounding overhead and the Lavender Town tower’s shadow casted over them.