About as well as you expected.

"...And that's why Explorer Inc. is dedicated to the preservation of not only the lives of Pokemon, but the lives of humans as well."

You **** yourself back to an awake state and subtly nudge Charmy awake as well just in time to catch the trail end of the blowhard's long ass speech. You aren't even sure what the hell he talked about, just glad that it was over.

"Thanks for listening. I'd like you to take a free sample of Explorer Inc.'s Multi-Species Restorative Spray, and hope you will become an avid supporter."

You nod and take the spray canister, before the two of you continue towards Viridian City. A quick glance at the canister shows it is very similar to a normal Potion, though the large plastic bottle is blue not purple and the metal dispenser is black not gray. The dispenser also has instructions, indicating that the medicine is both topical and ingestible. Lastly, you take note of the company's logo on it in red, a picture of the world with the four most common 'exploration' vehicles; a ship, a train, a plane, and a rocket ship. You shrug, before stashing it in your bag.

You look up, and see in the distance the city lines of your destination. You grin and, with Charmy in tow, start jogging towards it. As you do, you think back to earier today.

Despite the hectic start, Charmy quickly found himself reviling in combat, beating back Rattata after Rattata as you two advanced through the plains between home and Viridian. While they had their strengths, Rattata wasn't what she was looking for. Soon enough, a Pidgey showed itself and decided to pick on the non-flying lizard. After a few passes, the Pidgey pissed Charmy off enough to fire off his new Ember at it, and the gloating bird flew right into it. Thankfully for it, you had managed to hit the **** Pokemon with a Poke'ball before it slammed onto the ground. A quick scan with your Poke'dex told you the Pidgey was female, and that she had a good move set already.

You are drawn from your memories by a shout. A little kid is standing there with a dozen Pokemon, half Rattatas and half Pidgey. "Hey cunt. All Pokemon in this field belong to me, so hand over that Charmander." He said with a cocky grin on his face.

You blink, before looking down at Charmy who looks up at you with a 'WTF' expression. "Well, what do you think about that statement?"

Charmy grins, before opening his mouth and spewing a dozen fireballs. Each one slams into one of the kid's 'army' and knocks them out. The kid squeals and flees, dropping a bag of rocks and a thick stick he had been hiding behind his back. You shurg, before resuming the trek to Viridian.

There isn't anymore trouble in your way, so you make your first stop the Pokemon Center to have your party get a look at. Nothing too bad, though Pidgey did need to take a bit longer. The next stop is the Poke'Mart to stock up for the road. The shopkeeper has a strange look on his face, which he masks as you approach the counter.

"How can I help you today?"

You quickly recite the list of medicines you have in your head, but you ask for one more additional item.

"Do you have any of that Explorer medicine in stock?"

The shopkeep bites his lip a bit before replying. "Sorry, but I'm sold out of that. I had three trainers come in and buy the dozen I had on the shelves and the dozen in back. I don't expect another shipment for a few days."

"It's that popular?" you wonder out loud.

"I wouldn't say just popular. Those three were very eager to get their hands on it."

"Wow."

"The thing is," the shopkeep briefly pauses, "I gave them each the same amount, but they were fighting over it as they were leaving. It worried me." He trails off as he continues putting together your order. The rest of the time is spent small talking, and he is kind enough to inform you that the gym here in Viridian was closed due to the Gym Leader being away on personal business. You pay and thank the man for the info before leaving the shop.

And so you stand in the middle of town, trying to make a decision. Pewter City is to the North through the forest, but there is something nagging at the back of your mind about that forest. You Just don't know what. Or you can head west to the Gates to Victory. You know they won't let you in, but just seeing those gates would be a morale booster for the times when your resolve could falter.

****

Party

Charmy, the male Charmander

• Scratch, Growl, Ember

Pidgey, female

• Tackle, Sand Attack, Gust

Items

10 Poke'balls

10 Potions

5 Antidotes

5 Paralyze Heals

5 Burn Heals

5 Ice Heals

1 Explorer brand Multi-Species Restorative Spray

Full Set of Beginner-level TM's (Installed on Poke'dex)

****