POKEMON : THE WAY OF PERCEPTION

"In this case…" Ash hesitated, his hand lingering over his backpack before he gritted his teeth and pulled something out. It was the Big Pearl he had won in the lottery a few days ago. Offering it to Misty, he said, "I'm just a Rookie Trainer and don't have much to repay you with… but please take this Big Pearl as a token of my gratitude."

"Rookie Trainer…?" Misty gave him a skeptical look, eyeing him up and down. She hadn't expected him to be so inexperienced.

"I don't want your Big Pearl," Misty replied firmly, crossing her arms. "Keep it for yourself. I helped you because I wanted to, not because I was expecting a reward."

"That's a relief…" Ash muttered, visibly relaxing as he tucked the pearl back into his bag. "It's worth 3700 yen, you know. I'd hate to give it up."

Misty's expression tightened as she watched Ash practically beam with happiness. For a fleeting moment, she thought she should've accepted the pearl—if only to wipe that smug look off his face.

"So, are you heading to Tokiwa City now?" Ash asked, breaking the silence.

"Of course! What else would I do?" Misty gestured at her waterlogged clothes, which clung uncomfortably to her. "I can't stay out here like this. I need to dry off and find somewhere decent to sleep."

"Then let's go together!" Ash said with a wide grin, extending an invitation.

"Uh… sure," Misty replied, stammering slightly. She found it hard to resist Ash's infectious enthusiasm, though she wasn't sure why.

"Pika…" Pikachu glanced at the two of them, its ears twitching as it studied their expressions. It placed a paw on its chin as if deep in thought.

"Let's move!" Ash called out, climbing onto his bicycle and gesturing for the others to follow. Pikachu jumped onto his head, its muddy paws leaving smudges on his already dirty cap. Misty climbed onto the back of the bike, gripping Ash's shoulders for support.

As the sun dipped low on the horizon, their shadows stretched far across the ground. None of them noticed the faint glint of eyes lurking in the surrounding shadows, silently observing their every move.

---

Tokiwa City, also known as Viridian City, was a jewel of the Kanto region. Its name symbolized everlasting greenery, befitting a city bordered by the verdant Viridian Forest to the north and the majestic Indigo Plateau to the west.

For trainers, Tokiwa City was more than just a beautiful place; it was home to one of Kanto's Pokémon Gyms. Gym Badges were essential for competing in the Indigo Plateau Conference, a grand event where trainers could showcase their skills and rise to prominence.

"Look, there it is!" Ash exclaimed as they neared the outskirts of Tokiwa City. He pointed excitedly at the river flowing just outside the city limits. "We made it!"

"Finally!" Misty sighed with relief. She couldn't wait to change out of her soaked clothes and clean up after the chaotic day they'd had. "I need a bath and some dry clothes, now."

"Pika pika!" Pikachu's eyes sparkled as it took in the bustling cityscape. Having grown up in the quiet village of Pallet Town, this was its first time seeing such a lively place.

"We should head to the Pokémon Center first," Misty suggested, taking charge. "With a Trainer's ID, you can stay there for free. Plus, they'll heal your Pokémon."

Ash nodded. As a Rookie Trainer, his funds were limited, and the Pokémon Center was a far better option than paying for a hotel.

As they approached the city, an announcement crackled over a nearby speaker:

"Attention, residents and visitors: Recently, there have been reports of pickpocketing, theft, and Pokémon kidnappings in Tokiwa City. Please remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities."

"Is Tokiwa City really that dangerous?" Ash asked, surprised. He couldn't believe such crimes could happen in a place this large and seemingly well-guarded.

His thoughts wandered to Team Rocket, the infamous organization that controlled much of Kanto's underworld. In the anime, Tokiwa City was their stronghold, and it suddenly made sense why such crimes were happening here.

"If I were Giovanni," Ash muttered to himself, "I wouldn't let my subordinates cause trouble in a place this important. It'd only draw the League's attention." He frowned. "Unless… the Rockets are so powerful now that they don't care."

Misty, unaware of Ash's inner musings, replied, "I don't know much about it, but things have been strange here recently."

---

As they made their way toward the Pokémon Center, a sharp voice called out, "Wait, you two!"

Startled, Ash hit the brakes. A black-and-yellow Pokémon blocked their path, its mane flaring slightly as it growled. Ash recognized it immediately: Growlithe, the Fire-type Pokémon often used by police officers.

Before Ash could react, Misty, who was sitting behind him, bumped into his back, nearly toppling them both.

"What's going on?" Ash asked, his eyes widening as a woman in a blue police uniform approached. Her teal hair framed her face, and her sharp gaze left no room for nonsense.

"Why are you in such a mess?" she asked, looking the trio up and down. Her eyes lingered on Pikachu, perched on Ash's head with a muddy but innocent expression. "Did something happen to you?"

Ash explained their journey and the unexpected events they'd faced earlier in the day. The officer nodded, her expression softening slightly. "I'm Officer Jenny," she introduced herself. "And this is my partner, Growlithe. You should head to the Pokémon Center quickly—it's safer there."

---

Viridian City's Pokémon Center was a beacon of safety and comfort for weary trainers. Inside, Nurse Joy greeted them with a warm smile, her Chansey by her side.

"Welcome! Let's get your Pokémon healed right away," she said, noticing Pikachu's slight limp.

As Pikachu hopped down from Ash's head, it winced slightly but chirped reassuringly.

"Thanks, Nurse Joy," Ash said as he handed over his Pokéballs.

After a quick check-in, the trio sat down in the lobby. Misty excused herself to find the showers, leaving Ash and Pikachu to relax.

"Pikachu, we've made it this far," Ash said, looking out the window. The city lights twinkled like stars, casting a warm glow over the streets. "Soon, we'll challenge the Gym here and take another step toward the Indigo Plateau Conference."

"Pika!" Pikachu responded enthusiastically, its cheeks sparking faintly.

But even as they rested, Ash couldn't shake the uneasy feeling he'd had since entering the city. The memory of the shadowy eyes watching them lingered in his mind.

In the distance, the symbol of the Viridian City Gym loomed against the night sky—a reminder of the challenges yet to come.

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