Finally reaching Cerulean City!

You and the Vermillion pair polish off the tasty meat breakfast made by Daniel quickly, both because it’s so good and because you all want to get a move on. Blue tells you all to hurry it up, even as you wolf down your food. You and Kayla each help clean and pack once the meal is finished, with the brunette seeming to take a little more time than she needs too. Your rival fumes as she watches the other young woman put everything away with slow, unhurried motions, only getting a silent smile in response whenever she demands things get done faster.

Eventually the camp is packed up, and you’re all ready to move out. “Finally! C’mon, let’s get to Cerulean already. I cannot wait to check into a room at the Pokécenter, and take an actual shower instead of rinsing off in cave water.” The sandy-blonde says, tapping her foot impatiently as she speaks.

“I actually agree with you on that. A shower and a soft bed sound like heaven” Kayla replies, sighing wistfully.

“Plus we can stock up on items and supplies. We’re definitely going to need to be better prepared in the future.” The golden-haired boy chimes in, his tone serious. The rest of your group all nod knowingly in response, having all dealt with Team Rocket recently. But his words have extra meaning to you of course, considering the conversation you had last night. You’re sure he’ll tell Kayla about it when he gets the chance, but for now you’re the only one who understands the true weight behind that simple statement.

“Right. We have a lot to do, so there’s no time to lose. Should we get moving?” You ask, looking over the group.

“I certainly hope so. You guys don’t have any last minute pervy shit to get out of the way, do you?” Blue’s voice is heavy with sarcasm, and her eyes betray her annoyance.

“Hmm, I think we’re all good. What about you though?” The Vermillion girl asks with a smirk.

“I beg your pardon?” The bustier young woman narrows her eyes at your friend’s remark.

“Well, you seemed to get pretty hot and bothered watching me suck Red’s cock. Are you sure you don’t need to take care of yourself real fast? Or be taken care of?” Kayla’s smirk widens into a massive, mischievous grin as she provokes the brown-eyed girl, and you and Daniel both brace for audible impact.

“HELL NO!” There it is. “I am just fine, thank you very much!”

“Really? You were staring preeetty hard, and your face was almost as red as it is now.” The brunette keeps pushing, all while you and Daniel struggle not to laugh out loud as you watch Blue’s face screw up further and further in rage and indignation. A part of you can’t help but feel a little bad about this, but it isn’t like she doesn’t dish out plenty of insults and jabs of her own. You reap what you sow, as they say.

“Whatever! I’m going to Cerulean City!” The blonde girl spits before spinning on her heel and storming off in a huff towards the main road.

“Oh, and there she goes! We better hurry up and go after her, don’t want her to get too far ahead.” The Vermillion boy says, getting a handle on his composure.

“Yeah, yeah you’re right…” You take a deep breath, calming your own mirth as well. “Wow Kayla. You’re really enjoying messing with her, huh?”

Smirking, the slim young woman replies. “I can’t help it. Her little outbursts are a lot less irritating and more fun when I provoke them intentionally. And besides…” Kayla nudges her head forward, directing your attention towards the road. Standing about thirty feet away, once again tapping her foot in impatience, is your rival. Her little tantrum already seems to be over, and she’s actually waiting for all of you to keep going, though she averts her gaze when you all look at her. “I doubt she minds as much as she lets on. I don’t think she likes being alone…”

She is waiting for all of you. And despite her outburst, impatience, and the scowl on her face, she doesn’t really seem livid. Just annoyed. “Maybe you’re right. It can be hard to tell with her… Let’s not keep her waiting too much longer, yeah?”

“Let’s!” The brunette nods enthusiastically, then starts skipping towards the Pallet girl. You’re not entirely sure what Blue is thinking, or how she’s feeling, and you’re not sure you ever will be. She’s hard to figure out. You used to think she just despised you, but some of her actions just don’t line up with that. Then there’s her conversation with Daisy you overheard back home, after your first ever battle… The abrasive bully you’ve known all your life is a lot more complicated than you ever would have guessed, and you can’t help but be curious as to who she really is, and how she really feels…

But now’s not the time for figuring that all out, if you ever even can. For now, it’s time to finally make it to Cerulean City. You and Daniel rush to join the girls, and the four of you begin to make your way down the road together.

It’s a beautiful day. The sun shines down from a cloudless sky, a nice breeze making the warmth easily bearable. The view of the city on the horizon spurs you all on, and you set a brisk pace now that you’re nearing the end of this leg of your journey. All of you are weary from days of hiking and spelunking, as well as the events that transpired during those days. So the prospect of a little r&r pushes you all onward, even with your sore legs and tired feet. You and the Vermillion pair chat most of the time that you walk, while your rival remaining silent for the most part. She doesn’t seem upset though, more anxious, like she’s excited to finally be making it to your destination and for all that lies ahead.

“Hey.” Blue pipes up suddenly, cutting into the conversation you three were having as you grow closer to the city. “Have any of you ever been here before?”

“Yup! A few times even. You too, right Kay?” Daniel says, ignoring the fact that the sandy-blonde interrupted you guys. After getting a nod of confirmation from Kayla, he turns to you. “How ‘bout you Casanova?”

Shaking your head, you respond. “Nope. Never really left Pallet all that much until I started my journey.”

“What’s it like?” The brown-eyed girl inquires, staring out at the unfamiliar city curiously.

“Hmm…” The golden blonde tilts his head, thinking back. “Pretty much a standard urban city. Though it does have a big focus on water-themed businesses, to fit in with the Gym’s type and all. Water parks, saunas, bathhouses, famous fishing spots, things like that. Makes it a popular vacation spot.”

“Oh, oh!” Kayla jumps in excitedly. “It’s also got the Torrent Theater!”

“Torrent Theater?” One of Blue’s eyebrows raises inquiringly.

“Mhm! A huge, famous theater that draws in people from all over. Plays, opera, comedy routines… You name it, the Torrent Theater’s got it! It’s another big reason people love to visit Cerulean City.”

“Huh. Neat… Thanks.” Your rival gives your friends a nod, and they both smile at her in response. “Anyway, we’re almost there. Let’s get to the Pokécenter.”With that, the busty blonde picks up her pace, and the rest of you follow suit. And without any further delays, you all finally reach the outskirts of Cerulean City.

It’s much as Daniel described; a relatively standard urban environment. Bustling streets full of people going about their business for the day, numerous large buildings lining the street. Various stores and other establishments, sidewalks full of people and streets with plenty of vehicles. Billboards and signs all over the place, advertising for this company or that brand, some even for trainers or things sponsored by them. People outside cafes, going into boutiques, milling about in parks… You take in all the sights, sounds and smells of this fresh new scenery, but your mind is focused on somewhere more familiar; the Pokémon Center.

It doesn’t take the four of you long to find the red-roofed building. At seven floors it towers over several of the nearby structures, and the white Pokéball logo over the front doors beckons you all. You can’t wait to relax in an air conditioned room, just for a little while. Though you can’t take too much time off, there is a bit of a deadline you’re working on. One week from today…

Thoughts of winning your badge so that you can actually participate in the Beginner Level Tournament are on your mind as you and your companions pass through the sliding glass doors that lead into your oasis, so it catches you completely off-guard when a voice cuts through your thoughts from the lobby as you enter.

“Oh, there you are! I’ve been waiting!”