Brock, Pewter Gym Leader.
And for some reason, it felt like more than just a battle connection. A friendship. As I turned to leave, my badge glowing in my pocket and my team resting on their Poké Balls, I felt like the journey had become a little more real.
A battle won. A friend gained. And the road still a long way ahead.
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The sun had begun to rise over the horizon, bathing the town of Pewter in a warm light that marked the beginning of a new day. I woke up early, as always, but this time there was a different feeling in the air. I had won my battle with Brock, yes, but Mother Clarisse's words kept echoing in my mind. The weight of the promise I had made to him kept weighing on him. One year, just one year to prove I could become a great champion.
Despite the victory, the future remained uncertain. So, at dawn, I decided to go speak with Mother Clarisse. I knew the moment had come: I could no longer avoid the conversation about her promise. I found her in her office, as always, reviewing papers, her face serene and focused. But when she looked up and saw me, her eyes softened.
“Max, good morning,” she said in her warm voice, inviting him closer. “I’ve been waiting to talk to you. Sit down.”
I walked in and sat down in the chair across from her. There was something in her gaze that reflected a mixture of pride, but also uncertainty. I wasn't sure how to begin, but I felt I couldn't put it off any longer.
“Mother Clarisse...” I began, my voice a little low. “I won at the Pewter City Gym. I defeated Brock.”
Clarisse nodded, her gaze attentive and full of pride.
“I know, Max. From what I hear, it was an impressive battle. Brock is a formidable opponent, but you overcame him with everything you had. I'm very proud of you.”
I was silent for a moment, the words that remained in my mind seemed clouded by the weight of the promise I had made.
“But... you know what that means, right?” Clarisse said, her voice soft but firm. I nodded, unable to shake the feeling that time was slipping through her fingers.
“Yes, I know,” I replied, now looking at the ground, as if the words of the promise had sunk even deeper into my chest. “I have one year. One year to become the champion. If I don’t achieve it, I must return to the orphanage and continue on another path.”
Clarisse leaned forward slightly, her eyes fixed on Max's. She knew how difficult it must be for him, but she also trusted his strength.
“Max, I know what this year means to you. It's a short time, I know. But it's also an opportunity. If you don't make it, I assure you it won't be a failure, not for me. You're already a champion, not because of the medals or trophies, but because of the effort and courage you put into every step you take. But I also want you to know something else.”
He looked at her curiously, waiting for what was coming.
Clarisse stood up from her chair and opened a drawer in her desk. She took out a small case, carefully wrapped in paper. She placed it in front of Max, who looked at it with some surprise.
“This is for you, as a parting gift,” he said, with a gentle smile. “A case for your medals. So you can always carry them with you, no matter what happens on this journey.”
I took the box with trembling hands, looking at the gift with a mixture of excitement and gratitude.
“Thank you, Mother Clarisse. It’s... very beautiful. I don’t know what to say.”
Clarisse nodded, her expression turning even warmer.
“I also bought something else.”
Suddenly, he pulled out a small device from his desk, gleaming slightly in the sunlight. It was a PokeNav; it looked a bit worn compared to the one he bought for me, but I immediately understood his intention.
“Add my number, and you can always call me if you need anything, even if it's just to talk. I want you to know I'll be here, no matter what.”
I looked at him, impressed. Not just by the PokeNav, but by the fact that Mother Clarisse had thought of everything to make sure I felt supported during my journey.
“I will,” he said with a smile, feeling a little relieved knowing he would have a way to keep in touch with her.
Clarisse looked at him for a long moment, her face softening even further, as if she had something important to say. Finally, she let him go.
“Max…” she said, with a deep tenderness in her voice, “I know how important this journey is to you. But I also want you to think about whether it’s really what you want. This path isn’t easy. There’s a lot of sacrifice, a lot of pain, and if you don’t succeed, I don’t want you to feel like you failed. It’s just a path, one among many. And, if one day you decide this journey isn’t for you, I want you to know that you’ll always have a home here, with us.”
Max looked at her, surprised by her sincerity. Mother Clarisse didn't say it with reproach, but with absolute acceptance. Her gaze wasn't filled with disappointment, but with love and understanding.
“I won't be disappointed if you decide to come back, Max. What I want, what I've always wanted, is for you to follow your heart. And if that heart tells you you can't go on, to try another way, I'll support you.”
I swallowed, feeling a surge of emotions. Mother Clarisse's words made me hesitate for a moment, but at the same time, they gave me the clarity I needed. What mattered wasn't the pressure of being a champion, but being able to choose my path, no matter what.
“Thank you, Mother Clarisse. I promise I'll try. I don't know what will happen, but I'll give it my all. And don't worry... I'll come back if I ever need it.”
Clarisse smiled at him sweetly, proud of the determination in his eyes.
“That's all I want to hear. No matter the outcome, you'll always be an inspiration to everyone who knows you. Go ahead and do your best, Max.”
This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
I nodded, feeling my heart lighten. I had a long road ahead of me, but now I knew that no matter the outcome, I would always have the support and love of those who supported me most.
That afternoon, I decided it was time to prepare for what was coming. I had two more days in Pewter City before heading east, heading for Mount Moon and, eventually, Cerulean City. The victory against Brock had given me momentum, but also a greater responsibility: I had to be ready. Really ready.
I used some of the money I'd earned at the gym to make a key investment. I went to a store specializing in travel gear for trainers and carefully selected a new backpack.
It was a dark gray, almost black, with silver details and a compact yet functional design. What was special was inside: thanks to technology similar to that of Poké Balls, it could store larger items in dimensionally enlarged compartments. Each section was optimized: one for first aid supplies, another for Poké Balls, one for Pokémon food, and another for camping gear. It even had a built-in thermal sleeve and a side pocket that doubled as a mini-refrigerator for delicate items.
In total, I acquired:
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Rations for Pokémon and humans, enough for several days.
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A portable kitchen set with a plasma lighter and folding utensils.
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An ultralight, weather-resistant one-person tent.
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A thermal blanket and a long-lasting water filter.
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An extra rope, repellents, sealed matches, solar flashlight and two portable batteries.
For the first time, I felt truly equipped. I was no longer just a kid with dreams and a Poké Ball. I was a Trainer who knew what it meant to survive on the road.
That night, before returning to the orphanage, I decided to stop by the Pokémon Center. I wanted to say goodbye to Helen. She had been an unexpected and generous ally during my stay, and I felt she deserved to know I was leaving.
I entered the Center as the sun was beginning to set. The warm lights made the place feel familiar, almost comforting. Helen was organizing supplies behind the counter, her hair tied back and a pen between her lips as she checked her PokeNav. She looked up when she heard my footsteps and smiled in recognition.
"Max, just in time. Everything okay?" he asked in his usual cheerful tone.
"Amazingly well, actually... I'm about to leave. I'm leaving in two days for Mount Moon."
Helen nodded, putting her papers aside.
"I knew you wouldn't stay long. But you've made your mark. Not all trainers manage to earn Brock's respect so quickly."
Before I could answer, the sound of the automatic door opened. Brock walked in with a relaxed expression, out of his gym uniform. He was wearing a casual jacket, and for a second I doubted he was even the same man I'd fought the day before.
"Am I interrupting something?" he asked, raising an eyebrow as he approached the counter.
Helen glanced at him, but she didn't flinch as she usually did when he was around. In fact, she seemed a little more comfortable. Brock had been acting respectfully lately, and it showed.
"No, we were just talking about your departure," she replied calmly, then turned to me. "You're leaving in two days, right?"
"Yeah. I'm almost ready. I bought a fancy new backpack, with internal expansion technology. It's… impressive, actually. I think I could even carry a Snorlax if I had one," I joked.
Brock laughed softly, and Helen gave a small smile. It was a relaxed atmosphere, without any awkward tension.
"Then you're on another level," Brock said, crossing his arms. "All you're missing is a ridiculously iconic hat and a catchy phrase."
"I'm working on it," I replied, and the three of us laughed softly.
I noticed Helen sneaking glances at Brock, though not yet filled with romantic interest. More like curiosity. And he... he was trying. He didn't say anything out of line. Not a single odd comment since I saw him walk in.
In the end, I said goodbye with a handshake from both of them.
"Thanks for everything, Helen. You were a great guide."
"And you were a good apprentice," she replied, patting me gently on the shoulder. "Good luck in Cerulean City. Take care of your Pokémon… and yourself."
Brock nodded, serious.
"And if you ever need anything, you know where to find me. Just don't rest on your laurels. The competition out there isn't stopping."
I left the Pokémon Center with a strange feeling. It wasn't sadness, but something close to it. I was leaving behind something good, something that had helped me grow.
The two days passed faster than I expected.
Between organizing my backpack, checking my Pokémon team, and mentally reviewing the route to Mount Moon, I barely had time to process the fact that I was about to leave everything I knew behind. I felt it in my chest, that invisible tug that mixes excitement and fear. I slept poorly last night, tossing and turning while staring at the ceiling, wondering if I was really ready.
At dawn on the third day, I strapped my new backpack tight, checked every pocket one last time, and walked silently through the orphanage's hallways. At that hour, everyone was still asleep. Or so I thought.
I walked toward the northern exit of Silver City with heavy steps. I hadn't run into Mother Clarisse all morning, and it was eating me up inside. Had she left for the market early? Or... was she avoiding me? I found it hard to believe, but the possibility hurt more than I wanted to admit.
I passed the last building in town, the "Route 3" sign just beginning to peek through the trees. I could already feel the wild wind of the open road. I stopped. Just a few more steps and I'd officially be on my journey. Alone.
And then, I heard her.
“Max!”
The voice hit me like a burst of relief. I looked up, and there they were.
Standing right at the archway marking the end of Pewter City were Mother Clarisse, Helen, and Brock. They were holding a handmade banner with large letters that read, "SAFE TRIP, MAX!" along with clumsy but endearing drawings of Poké Balls, stars, and a clearly failed version of a Nidoran. ♂
Clarisse had an expression that mixed pride and tenderness. Helen was holding a thermos and giving me a playful nod as if she knew how silly it all looked, but how much it meant. And Brock… he just stood there, steady, smiling respectfully. No posturing. No unnecessary words.
I stopped dead in my tracks. My throat tightened. Something squeezed my chest, and suddenly, my eyes began to water. Not from sadness. From gratitude.
I walked toward them without saying anything at first. I approached Clarisse and, without thinking twice, hugged her tightly. She returned the gesture tightly, as if she'd been waiting for this moment.
“For a moment there I thought I would leave without saying goodbye,” I whispered, my voice cracking slightly.
“I wasn’t going to let you walk through that door without knowing how much we love you,” she replied softly.
I slowly pulled away, taking a deep breath so I wouldn't collapse right there.
Helen handed me a small wooden box.
“Homemade cookies will keep you awake on long walks.”
“And if you see any Geodudes on Mount Moon…” Brock said, raising an eyebrow, “think of me. Even if you don’t have to fight, say hi for me.”
I laughed through my tears. I looked at the three of them, recording them in my memory as if I wouldn't see them for a long time. Maybe that would be the case. Maybe not.
I took a step toward the road. And then another. I turned one last time to see them, standing under that makeshift sign, still waving vigorously.
“Thank you… for everything,” I murmured, though I didn’t know if they heard me.
And so, with a heavy but firm heart, I crossed to the other side of the road. I left Silver City behind, carrying in my backpack more than just objects: I carried promises, memories... and love.
The first step toward Route 3 was the hardest. The second, a little easier. The third, already part of the journey.
Trainer License
Trainer: Maxwell Jones
Hometown: Pewter City
Sponsorship: None
Money: $71,400 Pokedollars ? $13,500
Badges: 1.- Boulder Badge
Expandable Travel Backpack (Deluxe)
1. 5 Potions (1 slot)
2. 3 Fury Bars (1 slot)
3. 10Pokeballs (2 slots)
4. 1 Escape Rope (1 slot)
5. 1 Red Handkerchief with 20 Orange Berries (1 slot)
6. 3 Antidotes (Poison Cure) (1 slot)
7. Badges case (1 slot)
8. PokéNav () (1 slot)
9. Travel Cooking Kit (includes folding pan, small knife, kettle container and mini lighter, all in a compact case) – 2 slot
10. Food ration forPokémon (bag with portions for 5 days) (2 slots)
11. Human food ration (canned and freeze-dried food for 4 days) (2 slot)
12. Basic camping kit (includes compact tent, sleeping bag andcollapsible flashlight) – 3 slots
Occupied slots: 18/30
Pokémon
Nidorino
Gender: Male
Level: 20
Moves: Leer, Peck, Focus Energy, Double Kick, Poison Sting, Fury Attack, Horn Attack
Ralts ?
Gender: Female
Level: 17 ↑1
Moves: Disarming Voice, Teleport, Growl, Double Team, Hypnosis, Draining Kiss, Lucky Charm
EXTRA
Pendulum necklace