The path to Viridian City was gentler than Philip expected. Mist clung to the morning air, weaving around the trees like ancient spirits whispering secrets. His boots crunched over fallen leaves as his team traveled in silence—Riolu alert, Froakie crouched on his shoulder, and Charmander trailing behind, eyes scanning every shadow.
Philip's aura had been prickling since sunrise. A pressure in the air… like they were being watched.
[System Alert: Passive Aura Radar]
[Minor Fluctuations Detected – Probability of Hostile Intent: 72%]
"Stay sharp," he murmured.
Charmander grunted, tail flame burning a little brighter. Riolu's gaze hardened.
By late morning, the walls of Viridian came into view. The small city was peaceful at first glance—modest homes, brick paths, well-kept gardens. The Pokémon Center stood proudly in the center, glowing like a beacon.
But something in the air felt… off.
At the Pokémon Center
Nurse Joy was polite but stiff when she scanned Philip's trainer ID.
"Clark…" she said, then hesitated. "As in—?"
"Louis Clark is my father," Philip answered, already used to the reaction.
She nodded quickly. "We'll take great care of your Pokémon."
While his team was being healed, Philip noticed the glances from other trainers—some curious, others wary. The name "Clark" wasn't just famous—it was intimidating. People either respected it, envied it, or feared it.
Still, Philip ignored them and focused on his goal: learning what Viridian had to offer.
A Strange Encounter
Later that day, Philip explored the alleys near the PokéMart, led by a tug in his aura.
[Aura Disturbance Detected – Class: Psychic]
[Source: Approaching Fast – 95 Meters]
He turned a corner—and stepped into a trap.
A pulse of psychic energy exploded outward. Riolu shoved Philip back as Froakie leapt clear. Charmander growled, flames roaring in response.
A figure stepped out of the shadow. Young, maybe fifteen, with silver hair and dark eyes that glinted unnaturally. Floating beside him was a Kadabra, its spoon bent from overuse, eyes glowing violently.
"You're the Clark boy," the stranger said. "I've been watching."
Philip's fingers tightened into fists. "And you are?"
"No one important… yet. But my employers are interested in you. They want to know if you're as dangerous as your parents."
With a snap of his fingers, the Kadabra released a blinding Confusion wave.
"Split up!" Philip shouted.
Froakie launched Smokescreen instantly, while Charmander countered with Ember, dispersing the haze just enough to provide vision. Riolu moved like lightning, slamming into Kadabra with Quick Attack, forcing it back.
"Now! Dragon Rush!"
Charmander roared and surged forward, his body wrapped in draconic energy. The impact cracked the wall behind Kadabra, sending rubble flying.
But the fight wasn't over.
"Psybeam!" the enemy trainer barked.
Kadabra's beam struck Riolu mid-sprint, flinging him backward.
Charmander responded with a Flame Burst, but Kadabra bent reality around it—teleporting out of the way and slamming Charmander with a psychic wave. The fire-type hit the ground hard, groaning.
Then came a second Psybeam.
This one was aimed straight for Philip.
And in that instant, everything slowed.
[Warning: Lethal Threat Detected – Activating Emergency Protocol]
[Recommendation: Engage Emergency Partner]
Philip didn't hesitate.
He grabbed a sleek black-and-silver Poké Ball from his belt—the emergency capsule given to him by his father before he left.
A trump card.
"Let's go," he whispered. "Salamence."
He threw the Poké Ball.
The air ripped open as a massive red-and-blue dragon emerged. Salamence let out an earth-shaking roar, wings unfurling in a gale that knocked the psychic attack off course.
The enemy trainer's face paled. "That's—!"
"Draco Meteor," Philip ordered, voice ice cold.
The skies trembled as burning meteors rained down. Kadabra attempted to teleport—but Salamence anticipated the move, diving forward with an aerial Dragon Claw, catching the Psychic-type mid-escape and slamming it into the dirt.
Silence fell.
Smoke curled into the air as the stranger called back his unconscious Kadabra, staring at Philip in disbelief.
"You… you really are his son."
Then he disappeared into the shadows, vanishing without another word.
Philip didn't chase him. He walked over to his team—Charmander and Riolu were injured but alive. Froakie helped them up with quiet concern.
Salamence landed behind him silently, lowering its head.
Philip gave the massive dragon a nod. "Thanks."
He recalled it with a flash of light.
[Emergency Partner Engaged – Salamence (Father's Team)]
[No Cooldown – Use only in conditions of critical threat]
[Warning: Further use may attract high-level attention]
Philip stared at the spot where the enemy vanished.
Someone was watching him. Testing him. And they weren't amateurs.
But that was fine.
He had power. He had allies. And now, he had a promise to keep—to himself, and to every Pokémon that placed their trust in him.