Pokémon: Akhi’s Journey Begins

Akhi stepped into the Viridian City Pokémon Center, the doors sliding open with a soft whoosh. The warm, welcoming glow of the interior contrasted with the cool evening air outside. Trainers sat on cushioned benches, some chatting excitedly, others tending to their Pokémon. A few Pokémon rested beside their trainers, enjoying the brief respite.

He approached the front counter where a pink-haired woman in a white nurse's uniform greeted him with a kind smile.

"Welcome to the Pokémon Center! I'm Nurse Joy. How can I help you?"

Akhi placed Gia's Poké Ball on the counter. "Hey, Nurse Joy! Could you check on my Bulbasaur? We had a battle earlier and a little… incident with some Pidgey."

Nurse Joy chuckled. "Sounds like quite the adventure! Don't worry, we'll have your Bulbasaur feeling good as new in no time." She took the Poké Ball and placed it in a healing machine. It hummed softly as its light pulsed rhythmically.

As Akhi waited, he glanced around. The Pokémon Center had a cozy atmosphere—trainers came and went, their Pokémon recovering after long journeys. He noticed a small group of younger trainers gathered near a **map of Kanto**, discussing routes and strategies. A TV screen nearby played a news report about recent Pokémon League matches.

"Here you go!" Nurse Joy handed Akhi his Poké Ball back with a warm smile. "Your Bulbasaur is perfectly healthy."

Akhi took the Poké Ball, feeling its familiar weight in his hand. "Thanks, Nurse Joy. This place is pretty amazing."

She nodded. "Pokémon Centers are a home away from home for trainers. If you ever need rest or help, we're always here."

Akhi appreciated that. Traveling would be tough, and knowing he had places like this to rely on made things a little easier.

As he turned to leave, he heard the sound of boots clicking against the tile floor. He looked up and saw a woman in a blue police uniform with teal hair tied up in a high ponytail. She walked in confidently, a Growlithe padding beside her.

"Excuse me, Nurse Joy, any reports of trouble around the city?" the woman asked.

"None so far, Officer Jenny," Joy replied.

Akhi's eyes immediately locked onto the orange, striped canine Pokémon at Jenny's side. Growlithe. Its fur was thick and well-groomed, its black eyes sharp and alert. He had read about Growlithe before—loyal, strong, and incredibly reliable. Seeing one in person made his heart race with excitement.

Officer Jenny turned to Akhi, noticing his interest. "First time seeing a Growlithe up close?"

Akhi nodded. "Yeah… It's amazing. I've always thought Growlithe was a really cool Pokémon."

Jenny chuckled. "They sure are. Growlithe are known for their loyalty and courage, which is why they're often partnered with officers like me. This one here has been my partner for years."

Growlithe let out a soft "grrruff" and wagged its fluffy tail.

Akhi crouched down slightly. "Do you think I could pet it?"

Jenny gave a small nod. "As long as Growlithe's okay with it."

The Pokémon sniffed Akhi's hand before nudging it with its nose, allowing him to gently pat its head. Its fur was warm to the touch, a reminder of its Fire-type nature.

"Man, I'd love to have a Growlithe one day," Akhi said, his eyes shining with determination.

Jenny smiled. "They're great partners, but they're not easy to find in the wild. They tend to stick to specific areas, and they're pretty rare outside those regions."

Akhi wasn't discouraged. "That just makes the challenge more exciting. I don't know when, but one day, I'm definitely going to get one."

Jenny liked his spirit. "That's the attitude of a true trainer. Keep that drive, kid."

Akhi gave her a thumbs-up before standing up. "Thanks, Officer Jenny. I'll make sure to catch the strongest Growlithe out there."

Jenny chuckled. "I'll hold you to that."

As Officer Jenny left, Akhi turned back to Nurse Joy. "Hey, by the way, what's up with the Viridian Gym? I saw the building earlier, but it looked kinda… empty."

Joy sighed. "Ah, the Viridian Gym… That gym is actually led by Giovanni, but it's not open to just any trainer. To challenge it, you need at least five Gym Badges."

Akhi blinked. "Five?!"

She nodded. "It's one of the last Gyms trainers usually face before heading to the Pokémon League. Since you're just starting, you'll need to earn a few badges before you can even think about challenging it."

Akhi scratched his head. "Well, that kinda ruins my plan of battling my first Gym Leader here."

Joy giggled. "Don't worry, most trainers start with Pewter City's Gym. If you head north, you'll reach Viridian Forest, and beyond that, Pewter City. Their Gym Leader, Brock, specializes in Rock-type Pokémon."

Akhi processed the information. Rock-types… That could be tough for Gia. But challenges were what made this journey exciting.

"Got it. Pewter City's next, then!" Akhi said with confidence.

Joy clapped her hands together. "I'm sure you'll do great! Just be careful in Viridian Forest—there are a lot of Bug-type Pokémon there."

Akhi grinned. "I'll keep that in mind. Thanks for all the help, Nurse Joy!"

She waved as he turned to leave. "Safe travels, Akhi!"

Stepping out of the Pokémon Center, Akhi took in the cool evening air. The streets of Viridian City were quieter now, lamplights casting a warm glow on the pavement. He looked up at the stars beginning to twinkle in the sky.

He thought about everything that had happened today—meeting Gia, battling Blue, the wild Pidgey chase, learning about the Gym, and, of course, seeing Growlithe. Every moment felt like a step closer to something bigger.

Gia's Poké Ball felt solid in his hand. He smiled.

As Akhi continued his journey toward Pewter City, he decided to call home. Pulling out his **PokéGear**, he dialed his mom's number. After a few rings, her cheerful voice filled the line.

"Akhi! How's my little champion doing?"

Akhi grinned. "Hey, Mom! I'm doing great! I made it to Viridian City today and even battled Blue."

"Oh, Blue? How did that go?" his mom asked, a playful tone in her voice.

"I beat him, actually," Akhi said with a proud smile. "I've got Gia, my Bulbasaur, and we're on our way to Pewter City now. There's a Gym there I'm planning to challenge!"

His mom chuckled. "I knew you'd do great. I'm proud of you, Akhi. But don't forget to take care of yourself, okay? And make sure you get enough rest—no running off too far ahead, alright?"

Akhi's grin softened. "I will, Mom. Don't worry. Gia's with me, and I'm learning as I go."

"Good. And remember, if you ever need anything, you can always call me. You're growing up so fast, but don't forget I'm here for you."

"I won't forget, Mom. I'll keep you updated!" Akhi said, his voice full of warmth.

They exchanged a few more words before Akhi hung up, feeling reassured by his mom's loving words. He looked down at Gia, who was trotting happily beside him.

"Alright, Gia," Akhi said with a determined smile, "Let's make our way to Pewter City. We've got a Gym to challenge!"

Gia let out a happy **Bulba!**