We left Saffron the same day around 2:00 pm.
As we walked the route south, we spotted a few trainers. A few paused on the path. Their eyes widened at the sight of Meowscarada, Lopunny, and shiny Kirlia walking around me.
One young boy with a Growlithe pointed excitedly. "Whoa! Can I battle you?" I smiled politely and shook my head. "Not today, sorry."
Kirlia later rode on my shoulder. She waved shyly at each passerby who stared. Some took photos. Others asked what Pokémon these were, since their own teams were all Kanto-native.
We kept moving.
Wild Pokémon appeared along the way too. Pidgey fluttered between the trees. Rattata darted through the grass.
Oddish peeked from patches of tall weeds. A few Meowth watched curiously from the shadows, tails flicking.
The trees grew thicker as we went south. Sunlight filtered through green leaves. Gentle breezes rustled the branches. The air smelled fresh and green.
When night fell, we found a quiet spot near a small pond.
I set up camp. Tent pitched. Fire crackling low. Pokémon food bowls filled.
Everyone ate their food quietly. Kirlia finished first. She curled up near me by the warmth with a soft, contented "Kirlia…" and drifted to sleep almost instantly.
Once she was out, my Pokémon became active. Meowscarada's eyes gleamed in the firelight. Pupils narrowed.
Lopunny's ears perked forward. Her round short tail flicked excitedly. Both of them turned toward me. Gazes heavy and hungry.
And I placed Kirlia in the tent on her bed. I stretched. Looks like it's time again…
…
Meanwhile, Viper and Nova sprinted through the narrow back alleys of Saffron City. Boots splashed in shallow puddles. Hearts hammered.
Sirens wailed closer behind them. Lights flashed off wet brick walls.
"How did the police know about us?" Viper hissed. She ducked under a low pipe. "We were clean. No traces left."
Nova glanced back. Eyes sharp. "Remember the kid, Ryan? You said he looked up at us? At first I thought it was nothing, just a coincidence. But now the police are chasing us suddenly. Everything makes sense."
Viper's jaw tightened. "He found out about us… But how?"
The chase tightened. Flashlights swept the alleys. Shouts bounced off the walls. They pressed flat against cold brick as a patrol car roared past. Tires hissed on wet pavement.
Nova's voice dropped low. "Somehow."
Viper gripped her Poké Ball harder. "Then he's becoming a bigger problem."
Nova nodded grimly. "We lose these cops first. Then we deal with him. And we'll do it soon… before he plays any more tricks."
They slipped deeper into the shadows. Footsteps faded as the sirens receded behind them.