Viridian City, located in the western Kanto Region, bustled with activity. After more than ten days in Viridian Forest, Alex Carter longed for a hot bath and a soft bed. However, as a rookie Trainer just starting his journey, he couldn't afford such luxuries.
After wandering around Viridian City, Alex found himself in front of a Gym.
This Gym was recognized by the Indigo League in Kanto. Successfully challenging it would earn a Trainer a green badge. In Kanto, there were eight Gyms in total. Challenging six allowed participation in the Indigo League competition, where high rankings earned immense popularity.
In the original anime, only Ash obtained a badge from the Viridian City Gym. Other Trainers found the doors shut or faced defeat by Team Rocket members.
This place was under Team Rocket's control.
On one hand, they concealed their identities; on the other, they scouted for talent or powerful Pokémon.
Standing before the Gym, Alex found its doors tightly closed.
This was awkward!
After all, he was Team Rocket's young master. Couldn't they show some respect?
As Alex internally grumbled, a shoemaker by the roadside looked up, recognized him, and stood.
"You're Alex, right?"
The shoemaker asked directly.
"I am. What's up?" Alex replied, puzzled by this stranger's approach.
"Someone left something for you. No need to challenge this Gym." The shoemaker handed Alex a vibrant green badge.
Uh!
Alex was speechless. This was the green badge!
Was his dad pulling strings for him?
"What's going on?"
Alex asked, confused as he accepted the badge.
"You've already successfully challenged the Gym. Surprised? Unexpected?" The shoemaker teased humorously.
Hearing this, Alex's face was a mask of disbelief.
Did reputation not matter?
Was it okay to pull strings so blatantly?
"I'm an old friend of your father's. He asked me to wait for you. I thought you'd arrive ten days ago, but you just got here," the shoemaker chuckled.
Typically, traveling from Pallet Town to Viridian City took three or four days.
Trainers usually visited the local Gym upon arrival.
But Alex had other ideas.
He knew the Viridian Gym was under Team Rocket's control, with Giovanni occasionally present. How could a rookie Trainer win?
Instead of wasting time, Alex detoured into Viridian Forest to level up Gastly by battling weak Pokémon before entering the city.
Thus, the shoemaker waited over ten days.
"You're my father's friend?" Alex asked, puzzled.
"Yes, I even held you as a baby... But circumstances kept us apart. Now, your father's back, and you've grown," the shoemaker said warmly.
"He's back?"
Alex was shocked by the news.
"Haha, he can't stay idle. I don't know how he managed these ten years. But Alex, it's good to see you... Your father asked me to tell you not to look for him or claim you're his son. You must grow quickly to meet him again," the shoemaker advised.
As he finished, sirens blared in the distance.
Several Officer Jennys on motorcycles surrounded them.
"Pokémon thief—Locaki, we finally found you!" one Officer Jenny shouted, brandishing her weapon.
"Oh, I've been discovered after all."
"Alex, remember what I said... We'll meet again if possible!"
With that, Locaki tore off his tattered scarf, revealing a grand cloak.
He released a Pokémon from a Poké Ball.
It was a massive Hydreigon with three heads, black fur, three pairs of wings, and purple markings on its belly.
"Ding, three meters away, there is a Hydreigon (owned).
Dark/Dragon-type Pokémon, terrifying in appearance and strength. It attacks anything that moves, possessing a brutal nature.
Learned moves: Dragon Rage, Focus Energy, Bite, Iron Head, Dragon Breath, Roar, Crunch, Dragon Pulse, Work Up, Dragon Rush, Body Slam, Scary Face, Hyper Voice... (30 moves total.)
Combat Power: 7790 points."
...Seeing the system's data, Locaki leaped onto Hydreigon and sped away.
"Damn, this Hydreigon is insanely strong! Over seven thousand combat power?"
Alex was amazed.
Who was this person, his dad's friend?
How strong were his dad's Pokémon?
Watching Locaki vanish, the Officer Jennys surrounded Alex, scrutinizing him intently.
"Uh... Locaki is such a jerk. We were just chatting, and now he's gone. How do I explain this?"
Alex thought, feeling distressed.
"Hey, why were you with Pokémon thief—Locaki? You know he's a high-ranking Team Rocket member, right? They're an evil organization. Have you joined them?" Officer Jenny questioned.
"I... I said I don't know him. This is the first time I've seen him. Do you believe me?" Alex replied, helplessly.
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