POKEMON : THE WAY OF PERCEPTION

Because Pewter City is surrounded by mountains, its afternoons are bright and sunny, but evening arrives faster, casting long shadows over the streets earlier than in most other cities.

As the sun began to set, Ash and Misty decided to explore Trainer Street, a bustling marketplace specially designated for trainers to sell items. While the name suggested trainers dominated the area, merchants also set up stalls to sell trinkets, food, and other goods, making the street a vibrant hub of activity.

After some discussion, Ash and Misty agreed to buy dinner from the street vendors. The food was not only affordable but also had a distinct flavor that added to the charm of exploring Pewter City.

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The Busy Trainer Street

"There are so many people!" Misty exclaimed as she looked around at the crowded street. Despite it being close to dinnertime, vendors were still busy hawking their wares, and trainers wandered through the market, inspecting items on display.

Ash's eyes lit up when he spotted a familiar treat. "Hey, they're selling Lava Cookies here!"

Lava Cookies, a specialty of the Hoenn Region, are made in Lavaridge Town and can be consumed by both humans and Pokémon. Not only are they delicious, but they also have a unique effect—they can cure any status condition.

Curious, Ash and Misty approached the stall, only to be shocked by the price.

"200 Pokédollars each?!" Ash's jaw dropped. "That's as much as a Poké Ball!"

Misty raised an eyebrow. "Who'd pay that much for a cookie?"

Ash sighed. "It's because they can be stored for a long time, unlike berries, which spoil after a few days. But still, I can't afford that right now."

Ash's monthly allowance was 6,000 Pokédollars. After accounting for food and care for his Pokémon, he had little left to spare. He also wanted to send money home to support his family.

Misty, though slightly better off, was also conscious of her finances. The Cerulean Gym, managed by her sisters, relied heavily on subsidies from the Pokémon League and the performances they held. Misty even considered selling her bike to earn some extra money.

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The Stone Seller

As they continued down the street, Misty spotted a peculiar stall and exclaimed, "Wait, is that a guy selling… stones?"

Ash followed her gaze and saw a bearded, dark-skinned middle-aged man seated behind a display of variously shaped rocks.

"Stones?" Ash muttered, narrowing his eyes. The vendor looked oddly familiar. After a moment, Ash remembered—this man was Flint, Brock's father. Though his memories of the anime were fuzzy, he recalled that Flint played a small but pivotal role in the original story.

"Let's check it out!" Misty said, grabbing Ash's hand and pulling him toward the stall. She seemed to do this naturally now, and Ash didn't mind, allowing her to lead the way.

When they arrived at the booth, the prices on the stones immediately caught their attention. Smaller stones were priced at 120 Pokédollars, while the largest ones went for as much as 1,500 Pokédollars.

"These are so expensive!" Misty exclaimed. "Who would buy them?"

Flint chuckled, his beard hiding most of his expression. "These aren't ordinary stones, you know."

He picked up a rock labeled 600 Pokédollars and held it up for them to see. Pikachu tilted its head curiously, inspecting the stone.

"Can you tell what's special about it?" Flint asked, grinning.

Misty studied the stone carefully, her brows furrowing. After a moment, she hesitated. "Doesn't it… look like a Gloom?"

Flint's eyes lit up, clearly impressed. "Exactly! This stone naturally resembles a Gloom."

"But even if it looks like a Gloom, does that really justify the price?" Misty asked, unconvinced.

Ash, recalling some facts from his past life, chimed in. "These stones are naturally formed, not carved. That's what makes them valuable."

Flint nodded in agreement. "The young man's right. Stones like these are rare, and collectors are willing to pay a premium for them."

Misty's eyes widened in surprise. "Naturally formed? I thought they were processed to look like this!"

"That's why they're so special," Flint explained. He showed them other stones, including one shaped like a Gyarados, priced at 1,200 Pokédollars, and another resembling an Arcanine, the most expensive at 1,500 Pokédollars.

---

A Missed Opportunity

"How about it? Want to buy one?" Flint asked, noticing Misty's fascination with the stones.

Misty quickly waved her hands. "N-No thanks! I can't afford these."

Flint sighed softly, clearly disappointed. The market for novelty stones was limited, and business had been slow.

As Misty pulled Ash away from the stall, Ash glanced back at Flint, shaking his head slightly. He couldn't help but feel that Flint's time would be better spent returning to the Pewter Gym rather than selling stones.

Abandoning the responsibility of raising his children to pursue personal goals seemed irresponsible to Ash, no matter the circumstances. He vaguely remembered that Flint's decision to leave was not due to a serious reason, and Brock's mother wasn't exactly reliable either.

With those thoughts lingering in his mind, Ash followed Misty further into Trainer Street, eager to see what else the vibrant marketplace had to offer.

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