Suicune's appearance was nothing more than a fleeting dash in the long journey, quickly swept away by new events.
After a twenty-day voyage across the sea, Alex finally set foot in the land of Kanto — a new region, yet carrying the familiar breath of the Pokémon world.
Captain Jack, his uniform slightly worn from the sea breeze, stood on deck to see Alex off."Sir Thirteen, your reward has been transferred to the card you registered," his voice rang out over the sound of crashing waves, tinged with a note of regret. "I truly hope to see you again when the ship returns."
Alex gave a faint smile, answering in his warm, steady tone."If there's a chance, I'll come ahead of schedule."
From the pier, his footsteps blended into the lively rhythm of Cerulean City.
Cerulean — a port city along Kanto's coast — was not as bustling as the major metropolises, but it carried the tranquil charm of a northern seaside town. Compared to Slateport City in Hoenn, with its thriving trade and crowded harbor traffic, Cerulean was quieter. Yet, it offered a serene atmosphere, modest houses peeking out from behind shady trees, and gentle sea breezes carrying the scent of salt.
Along the grassy paths, flocks of Rattata foraged, Butterfree fluttered gracefully under the sunlight, and Pidgey wheeled overhead. These sights made Alex feel he had truly stepped into an entirely different land.
Passing by Cerulean Gym, Alex considered dropping in, but the staff at the entrance regretfully informed him:"Sorry, Leader Misty is busy with personal matters. The Gym is temporarily closed, and we're not sure when it will reopen."
With no other choice, Alex moved on, finding a small riverside hotel to stay the night. The next morning, he packed his bags early, ready to head for Pallet Town.
The road from Cerulean to Pallet was not short. Alex chose to set out early to save time, and thus Route 4 leading to Pewter was still relatively empty.
As he walked beneath the canopy of roadside trees, his ears caught faint sounds of a battle. The clash of impacts, the splash of water, and the sharp commands of a trainer reached him. Though not deafening, the intensity was unmistakable.
Alex frowned."This road is close to the main route, usually full of travelers. The wild Pokémon here are weak… Why is there such a fierce fight?"
His pace quickened toward the noise.
Pushing through a thicket, he emerged to see a brown-haired girl with her hair tied up in a playful bun. Her youthful face, usually charming, was now smeared with dirt and marked by scratches. She was breathing hard, eyes burning with determination as she commanded a level 36 Staryu struggling to hold its ground.
"Staryu, watch out!" she shouted, her voice hoarse.
Before her loomed a massive Gyarados, its deep-blue scales gleaming like steel under the sun. Its blood-red eyes blazed with ferocity, its sinuous body coiling in a menacing dance.
On land, most Water-type Pokémon were less agile than in their natural element. Staryu could spin and maneuver, but it could never match its underwater speed. And Gyarados — with its colossal muscles and brutal strength — easily overwhelmed it.
A thunderous tail swipe struck — Staryu was flung like a ragdoll, rolling across the ground before lying motionless, its core dimming.
Misty — yes, Alex recognized her instantly — trembled as her Pokémon fell, but before she could act, Gyarados had already shifted its target.
Its eyes brimmed with killing intent as it raised its enormous tail, ready to smash down upon its own trainer.
Tears welled in Misty's eyes, her voice shaking but still shouting at the top of her lungs:"Gyarados! It's me!""I'm Misty, your trainer!""Please… wake up! Don't do this!"
She didn't step back, even with death only a single blow away. She knew her Gyarados — fierce, yes, but it had never turned that savagery toward her.
But this time, its gaze was empty, stripped of any warmth.
"GRROOAARRR!"
The roar split the air. Gyarados coiled, ready to deliver a fatal strike.
Misty shut her eyes, exhausted after three days of fruitless pursuit, accepting that she could no longer evade.
And then — the sound of pounding footsteps burst into the moment.
"Rocky! Protect!" Alex's voice rang out, sharp and commanding.
Lucario shot forward like an arrow, feet gouging the earth as it launched. A bright white shield formed in front of Misty. Gyarados's tail slammed into it with an explosive crash, but Lucario only staggered back a few steps, refusing to fall.
"Luna! Hypnosis!" Alex continued.
Gardevoir lifted her pale arms, psychic waves rippling outward to envelop Gyarados. The massive sea serpent froze, its murderous glare fading into a daze.
Seizing the moment, Alex swept Misty into his arms, carrying her out of harm's reach.
When Misty opened her eyes, the first thing she saw was Alex's determined face, his gaze focused on commanding his Pokémon. His arms were steady, warm, pulling her back from the brink.
That moment — that scene — etched itself into her memory, never to fade.