"You have to hide!"
The Ekans man tugged on my arm. "They're coming for you. You can't stay here."
"Come on," said the girl in the torn shirt. "We'll take care of you now."
The little ones were already running through the tunnels.
"We trust you," the Spearow boy said, lowering his voice. "Now it's your turn to trust us."
I sighed.
And we dive together into the labyrinth of lost children.
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Chapter sponsored by: Jugubi Wolf
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The walls smelled of old earth. The air was damp, almost too thick to breathe properly. But I didn't complain. Anything was better if we couldn't get the Recruiter to find us too soon.
"We're almost there," said one of the children, moving forward through a side passage lit by oil lanterns.
Kirlia walked beside me, still alert. Nidorino brought up the rear, and Growlithe was still in my arms, clinging to my chest. He was trembling a little, but he felt safe. I could tell from the way he sniffed my neck as if trying to confirm I was still there.
We turned into a wider tunnel, and finally, I saw him.
The shelter.
It was a natural cavity that had been widened by years of human activity. They had used wood and metal from the ruins of the old railroad. Faded banners and posters that had once advertised Pokémon League competitions hung from it. In the background, an old rusty wagon served as a warehouse or makeshift dormitory. Boxes, blankets, worn mattresses, toys without legs or wheels… but also laughter.
There were at least half a dozen other children. They all looked up when we entered. Some stood up and ran to hug those who had come with me. Others looked at me suspiciously. But no one said anything until one girl, perhaps the oldest, stepped forward.
"What is he doing here?" he asked, his voice firm.
"Team Rocket is not what we thought, they almost killed us right there, luckily he saved us," said the Spearrow boy
The boys nodded. One of them—I think his name was Leo—jabbed his thumb.
"Him and his Pokémon. That Rocket got his ass kicked! I've never seen anything like it."
I sighed, laying Growlithe down on a quilt next to a lamp. He snuggled up to me, his gaze never letting go.
"I just did what I had to do," I said. "Luckily, that Grunt wasn't that strong."
The children gathered around me as if I were some kind of hero. Part of me felt uncomfortable… another, a little proud. But I said nothing. I sat against the wall, letting Kirlia massage my temples with psychic energy. It was a balm after so much poison.
"What is this place exactly?" I asked after a while.
That's when they started telling me.
"It doesn't appear on the maps," the older girl said. "This place is part of the Old Underground Highway. It runs from Cerulean City to Vermillion City. It's been operating for years, but they've been trying to shut it down for a while now."
"Why?" I asked, although I already knew the answer.
"Because the poor started living here," another boy said. "Street Trainers, kids without parents. When the League gave them the monthly subsidy… they lost everything in days. Not knowing how to survive, many came here. By the time the full year of subsidy ended, most of the kids had nothing left."
"Subsidy?" I said. Thanks to my education and luck, the money I've earned has gone a long way. I've barely needed the league's monthly subsidy. Even without a sponsor, I'd say I wouldn't be short of money for the time being.
They nodded.
"The League gives 2,000 Pokedex dollars a month for a year to every registered trainer," Leo explained. "But if you're uneducated, if you don't know how to manage if you don't know the routes or the real value of things... that money is wasted."
"And not all of them even manage to get their license," said another. "Because they don't have anyone to teach them. Some of us escaped from orphanages that were worse than living on the streets."
I swallowed.
I am from an orphanage.
Mother Clarisse's words echo in my mind, as she told me the conditions of the Pewter City orphanage before the former champion supported it, a part of me felt guilty for how I initially wished to be reborn in better conditions when now I realize how fortunate I was.
"How many live here now?" I asked, looking around.
"In the whole town? Maybe 200 or so people. There were more of us before," the girl said. "Many left when the League sent their officers to warn us to evacuate. They said the tunnels would be demolished 'for safety.' Although it's more likely they want to erase them. Erase what we are."
"What they represent," I corrected, in a low voice.
"Exact."
Silence. A silence with history.
I knew this route from the games, but back then, they were just empty routes. Even in Cerulean City, the most popular route among Trainers to get to Vermilion City was through Saffron City; at least, I didn't hear anyone mention this settlement.
"You need to get out of here," I finally said.
"And where would we go?" asked one of the little ones. "The street again?"
I leaned forward.
"With me. Come with me to Vermilion City. I grew up in an orphanage in Pewter City. It wasn't perfect... but it's much better than the environment you're used to. There's Mother Clarisse, the woman who raised me. If I explain the situation to her if I introduce you... I'm sure she'll help you."
The children looked at each other. Some with hope, others with a mixture of fear and doubt.
"Once we arrive at Vermilion City, I'll ask for someone to accompany you. The stretch is short if you take a shortcut through the tunnel near the city. It's a direct stretch to Viridian City. After that, you'll just have to go through the forest and arrive safely. I can guarantee it myself.
"Would you do that?" the girl asked. "Would you take a chance on us?"
"I'm already doing it," I said. "I just need you all to trust me. If we leave early tomorrow, we can get to Vermilion City before dark. It won't be a walk in the park, but with me, I guarantee that everyone will arrive safely. I promise you that the Pewter City Orphanage will treat you with love and kindness." I said the last part, trying to sound more convincing to these children who had been treated so roughly.
Their expressions changed. Slowly, the darkness of the shelter filled with something different. Plans. Ideas. Life.
"We could breed Pokémon there!"
"And study to get licenses!"
"And take a real shower!"
I laughed. I heard them talking, dreaming, even arguing. It was like watching flowers bloom in the middle of a cave.
Then a voice shrieked near the car:
"Nico! Call Ms. Joy! Her Pokémon need to be in tip-top condition!"
Nico, as the youngest child in the place was called, just nodded and shot out in search of Nurse Joy.
It wasn't many minutes until we heard a noise.
A rusty door opened on one side. An elderly woman emerged, wearing a pale pink cap and a tired but warm look. The Nurse Joy of the basement.
"Are you the one who defended them?" he asked softly. "Let me see your Pokémon, honey."
"Sure. I'd just rather not put them in their Pokeballs…"
"It doesn't matter. We don't have any machines underground. I'll treat them the old-fashioned way."
I nodded. I called Kirlia, who sat quietly on a blanket. Nidorino, somewhat suspicious, snorted, but obeyed, lying down calmly. Growlithe remained in his corner, but when he saw me treating Nurse Joy gently, he quickly approached.
Joy knelt and began examining them with slow, wise gestures. She used bandages, poultices, and herbs. A medicinal powder that smelled of ash and lavender. She spoke to them in a low voice as she worked.
I sat nearby, watching her work.
It didn't take long to finish the treatment and I made sure to give her a decent amount of Pokedolars as payment, the service Nurse Joy provides under these conditions is invaluable.
The children continued talking among themselves, tracing a map with chalk on a rusty sheet of metal. They were planning a life. A new one. And for the first time in a long time, they smiled without fear.
But then…
A blow.
A second followed. A distant explosion. And then…
A voice. Hoarse, furious. I won't forget it.
"We know you're there, you fucking brats! Come out now or we'll kill you all!"
I stood up immediately. The children froze.
"That's him," one murmured. "The recruiter…"
"And he's not alone," I said, closing my eyes. I heard the footsteps. Five. Five more.
Grunts.
They came for everyone.
I bent down and picked up my backpack. Kirlia instantly sat up. Nidorino straightened, growling. Growlite, with unexpected ferocity, immediately stood in front of me.
I left the shelter with my heart pounding inside my chest, more out of responsibility than fear. The tunnel was cold, but I was burning hot. I wasn't going to let them touch any of them. Not this time.
The five Rockets were waiting. Four common Grunts with the recruiter in the center leading the formation.
He looked at me with a confident, poisonous smile.
"I warned you not to interfere with my business, brat," he said, his voice raspy and calm. "What are you, ten years old? That's not going to save you."
I didn't answer. I just took a breath.
"Last chance. They're leaving now."
He burst out laughing and turned his head to the others. They all took out Poké Balls at the same time.
"Teach him what happens when a child plays at being a hero."
Five flashes.
A Rattata appeared first, with sharp teeth and red eyes. Then a Koffing, floating in a purple cloud that smelled of rust and death. Then an Ekans, hissed as if hungry.
A Mankey landed on its paws with its knuckles on the ground, pounding the floor furiously.
And then, without leaving a Pokeball, the real problem walked from the shadows.
Magmar.
Tall, and muscular, his body wrapped in rippling heat. The air twisted around him. The flames on his back breathed as if alive.
"A Magmar?" I muttered, unable to stop myself. "What the hell is one of those doing with recruits?"
"It's my personal letter," the recruiter said, with a crooked smile. "Surprised?"
I took a deep breath and answered in a low voice.
"Kirlia, Nidorino… Growlithe. To your stations."
The three of them stood before me. Kirlia with her eyes fixed on Koffing. Nidorino scratching the ground. Growlithe… he stood still. He didn't tremble. He didn't hesitate. He just waited for my command.
"Come on."
The first impact was ours.
Kirlia launched Rattata against the wall with Confusion. Nidorino intercepted the Ekans in midair and crushed it with a Double Kick. Growlithe launched itself at full speed at Koffing, dodging the toxic smoke and sinking its teeth in with a ferocious Bite.
Mankey managed to hit Kirlia with a karate chop to the head, but Kirlia resisted. She fell to her knees, shaken, but she didn't faint.
And then Magmar arrived.
It didn't attack. It walked slowly, confidently, assessing us. It wasn't a common Pokémon. It wasn't looking to follow orders. It wanted to hunt.
I took a step forward. "Kirlia, turn around and give him Confusion!"
The psychic wave slammed straight into his chest. Magmar staggered slightly… and then roared, spewing a blast of flame.
Flamethrower.
I jumped to the ground, covering my face. Kirlia managed to protect herself with a psychic shield, but the heat engulfed us. When I got up, I felt the skin on my arm burning.
"Nidorino, to your flank! Growlithe, Flamethrower, now!"
The two attacked in unison. Magmar finally retreated. But only for a few seconds.
The next thing was chaos.
Mankey climbed onto Nidorino's back and began pummeling it with furious fists. Koffing unleashed a cloud of Smog that covered the field. Rattata reappeared and bit Kirlia's leg before being sent flying by another Confusion.
We were holding our own. My Pokémon were stronger. Better trained. But it was five against three.
And that… was noticeable.
"I can't keep this up!" I yelled, taking cover from an explosion.
Then, from behind me, I heard a familiar voice.
"Back off! We've got you covered!"
I turned around.
The children.
Nurse Joy.
And with them… a Machop.
He didn't have a Poké Ball. He didn't wear a ribbon, a collar, or anything. Just his eyes focused on Mankey. He was carrying a rock like a rubber ball.
"AAAAAAAH!!" shouted one of the boys, pointing at the enemy
Machop didn't wait.
He leaped up and punched Mankey, sending him sprawling. Mankey staggered to his feet… and fled into the shadows.
Near Machop, the other boy's Spearrow began to circle him, taking every opportunity to strike at his opponents without warning.
"Chansey, do something!" Joy shouted, throwing her Poké Ball.
The sphere opened, revealing a burly Chansey with a Monday morning expression. He grunted and started walking toward the Rattata as if it were just another nuisance in his day.
Chaos became symmetry.
The children threw rocks from a distance, scaring Ekans away. Machop, Spearrow, and Chansey weren't perfect, but they broke the enemy's rhythm. They gave us air.
Me too…
I was able to breathe.
"Kirlia, to the left! Growlithe, Flamethrower! Nidorino, take out that Ekans!"
The fight became even. For the first time, I felt we could win.
But then… it was heard.
A high-pitched beep, comes from the recruiter's pocket.
Everyone stopped.
He took out his PokéNav. He looked at it. And his face froze.
A mechanical voice came from the device's speaker:
"MAXIMUM ALERT. EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY. MAXIMUM ALERT. PRIORITY ONE. I REPEAT: EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY."
The grunts looked at each other, confused.
"What is that?!" one shouted.
The recruiter said nothing. He put away the PokéNav, turned around, and whistled loudly.
"Everyone to me! Retreat!"
"But we have Magmar, we can't lose!" one asked.
"It doesn't matter!"
Everyone called out their Pokémon without looking back. The recalls were swift and desperate.
Magmar roared in frustration before reluctantly following the recruiter.
The Rockets fled like rats.
And then, silence.
Dense. Heavy.
Until it arrived.
A roar.
Far away. Deep. Unnatural. It wasn't coming from any of our Pokémon. It was deep, echoing… as if it were coming from the very bowels of the mountain itself.
Everyone—the kids, Joy, Machop, Chansey, my Pokémon, even me—froze.
Another roar.
Nearest.
Stronger.
A warm wind blew from deep within the tunnels.
And then, fear. The real fear.
Not because of the Rockets. Not because of Magmar. But because of whatever had made them flee.
Trainer: Maxwell Jones
Hometown: Pewter City
Sponsorship: None
Money: $90,500 Pokedollars -500
Badges: 1.- Boulder Badge, Cascade Badge
Expandable Travel Backpack (Deluxe)
1. 3 potions (1 slot)
2. 3 Rage Candy Bars (1 slot)
3. 10 Pokeballs (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. Badge case (1 slot)
8. PokéNav (1 slot)
9. Travel Cooking Kit (Includes a folding frying pan, small knife, kettle container, and mini lighter, all in a compact case) – 2 slots
10. Pokémon Food Ration (6-day ration bag) (3 slots)
11. Human food ration (canned and freeze-dried food for 6 days) (2 slots)
12. Basic Camping Kit (Includes Compact Tent, Sleeping Bag, and Collapsible Lantern) – 3 Slots
13. Basic Pokemon care kit (1 slot)
14. Moon Stone (1 slot)
15 TM Rock Slide
Occupied slots: 21/30
Pokémon
Nidorino
Gender: Male
Level: 25
Moves: Read, Peck, Focus Energy, Double Kick, Poison Sting, Rage Attack, Horn Attack Helping Hand, Thunderbolt, Toxic Spikes
Kirlia✨
Gender: Female
Level: 25 ↑1
Moves: Disarming Voice, Teleport, Growl, Double Team, Hypnosis, Draining Kiss, Lucky Chant, Psybeam, Charm, Magical Leaf, Pulse Heal↑1
Growlithe
Gender: Male
Level: 25
Moves: Read, Ember, Howl, Bite, Flame Wheel, Flamethrower, Odor Sleuth, Fire Fang