Pokémon: The truth behind the power

James sat on a flat rock in the clearing of Viridian Forest, spreading a wrinkled map of Kanto in front of him. The paper, worn by time and past adventures, crinkled softly as he unfolded it. With a pencil in hand, he began marking the places where he might find a suitable Psychic-type Pokémon for the Tsubaki family's daughter. "Cerulean and Vermilion are good options to look for a Staryu or a Slowpoke," he murmured, drawing a line northward. "I could also go near Fuchsia to search for an Exeggcute. And, of course, around Saffron there should be a greater variety." He paused for a moment, contemplating the possibilities each location offered.

With the map thoroughly studied, James felt excitement bubbling up inside him, but it wasn't overwhelming. He was curious about meeting the Tsubaki family, but it wasn't something that deeply interested him. "I just need to find a good Pokémon," he thought, remembering that it wasn't his own journey at stake but rather fulfilling a family expectation. After a few moments of reflection, he decided it would be best to start his search in Vermilion. "Pidgeot, it's time to fly!" he called as he released his Pidgeot. The bird gracefully landed beside him, ready to take him to the coastal city. James climbed onto its back, feeling the cool, salty wind on his face as Pidgeot took off into the blue sky.

As they soared through the skies, James looked down and enjoyed the panoramic view of the landscape stretching below him. The green fields and winding rivers seemed to come alive from above. "I hope to find the right Pokémon," he thought, feeling a mix of determination and slight apathy toward dinner with the Tsubakis. Although there was something intriguing about meeting another psychic trainer besides those from Saffron Gym, he couldn't shake the feeling that this was more of a family obligation than a personal desire.

Upon arriving in Vermilion, Pidgeot landed gently in a square near the harbor. The salty sea air welcomed him, and the sound of waves crashing against the docks resonated like a soft murmur. James took a deep breath, feeling the sea breeze caress his face as he began exploring the city. The streets were alive; trainers chatted animatedly with their Pokémon while vendors offered their colorful wares.

"Let's do this," he told himself with determination. He knew he had to choose wisely; it wasn't just about impressing the Tsubaki family but also about finding a Pokémon that could thrive under its future trainer's care. With the map still in hand and his mind filled with possibilities, he delved into his search, ready to face any challenges that lay ahead.

Change of P.O.V.

Caitlin found herself in the elegant living room of her home, surrounded by a warm and cozy atmosphere. Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Tsubaki, sat beside her, showing her palpable affection as they chatted animatedly. The decor reflected her family's wealth, with fine furniture and artwork adorning the walls. Despite the opulence, it was familial love that truly filled the space.

"Caitlin," her father began with a smile, "in two weeks we will have an important dinner with the Morgan family from Kanto." The mention of their name made Caitlin look up, intrigued. "It's a great opportunity for you. I want you to start mingling with high society and establishing valuable connections."

Her mother nodded, her expression filled with pride. "Additionally, we've noticed you've begun to better control your psychic powers. This dinner will be a good first step for you into that world."

Caitlin felt a mix of excitement and nervousness at the thought of socializing with influential people. Although she knew it was important for her family, she couldn't help but wonder what that interaction would really be like. Her father continued explaining: "We want to improve our relations with the Morgans so that they can support us in our business endeavors in the future. It's essential for our family."

Kokuran, their middle-aged butler, approached with a respectful expression. "Miss Caitlin, I'm sure you will make an excellent impression," he said while organizing some documents on a nearby table.

"Thank you, Kokuran," Caitlin replied with a shy smile. However, in the back of her mind lingered slight unease at what that dinner would truly mean.

Scene Change with James...

James ventured into Vermilion's coastal area, his gaze fixed on the crystal-clear water reflecting the sky. He had heard rumors about Slowpoke being present in this area and was determined to find one that was talented and suitable for Tsubaki's daughter. As he walked along the shore, he observed several Slowpoke lounging carefreely under the sun; however, as he approached them, his enthusiasm began to wane.

"This isn't the type I'm looking for," he murmured to himself while examining one Slowpoke nearby. Its fur was a dull pinkish-gray shade that seemed to indicate a lack of vitality. "Too dark... it doesn't have the shine it should." James knew that more vibrant colors symbolized energy and potential; this Pokémon appeared trapped in a state of perpetual drowsiness.

He continued searching among other Slowpoke; some were smaller than average and barely reached the standard height of 1.2 meters. "This one should be sturdier," he thought as he watched one slowly move toward the water. "And its slow reaction is alarming even for a Slowpoke; it seems to take its time responding even to simple movements." James felt frustrated noticing many seemed completely oblivious to their surroundings as if lost in their own thoughts.

As he moved on, he encountered another Slowpoke attempting to fish with its tail submerged in water. However, when a small fish bit its tail, there was no immediate reaction from it. "It takes twenty seconds to feel pain when Slowpoke usually takes 8 seconds," James recalled disheartened. "That's not what I need." Each Slowpoke he found seemed lazier and less promising than before.

James kept searching among Pokémon but felt increasingly disappointed each time. "Maybe I should consider other options," he thought while looking around. The idea of finding a talented Slowpoke seemed like an increasingly difficult task ahead of him. With a resigned sigh, he decided it was time to explore nearby areas before completely giving up. He knew he had to keep searching until finding the right Pokémon; after all, he had a reputation to uphold and dinner ahead.

James vividly remembered his first search for Staryu—a moment etched in his memory reflecting his initial enthusiasm for being a trainer. He had set out hoping to catch one of these aquatic Pokémon since they had always fascinated him—especially due to their evolution into Starmie—with his Exeggcute side heading toward Cerulean Beach where he'd heard Staryu were abundant.

Upon reaching the shore under bright sunlight glimmering over turquoise waters accompanied by waves crashing against rocks filling the air with soothing sounds—James felt excited seeing several Staryu floating near the surface. "There they are," he murmured while watching their red cores shine vibrantly with light; however approaching them caused his excitement again began fading away.

"That's not what I'm looking for," he thought upon seeing one Staryu lying inactive on sand; its brown color was so dull it appeared almost gray.

He continued searching until finding another Staryu playing with waves but noticed visible cracks on its red gem center upon getting closer—"That's concerning," he reflected watching how this Pokémon struggled keeping afloat.

After several attempts later finally found one that looked promising: its core shone brightly while its color was vibrant—"This is it," he thought determinedly ordering Eden to weaken it—"Exeggutor use Giga Drain!" The Exeggcute launched its attack precisely absorbing energy from Staryu until leaving it vulnerable.

With weakened Pokémon before him James took out Poké Ball throwing it confidently—however unexpectedly at that moment—a Psyduck emerged from water looking silly without even noticing Poké Ball aimed at Staryu; simply drifting along current.

The Poké Ball captured Psyduck without any resistance while Staryu seized opportunity escaping just before being caught—James stared at Poké Ball in hand astonished by what just happened—"Seriously? A Psyduck!" exclaimed frustration watching silly Pokémon swim carefreely away.

...

With resigned sigh James sat down on hot sand gazing at Pidgeot who had flown tirelessly beside him—"I guess today wasn't my day," said gently stroking Pidgeot's feathers while sun began setting on horizon accompanied by soft sea breeze brushing over tired face deciding surrendering for today knowing more opportunities awaited finding right Pokémon; just needed little more patience perseverance ahead.