Chapter 24: Arrival in Lilycove City
After what felt like an eternity on the road, I finally spotted the bustling shoreline of Lilycove City. The vibrant colors of the city contrasted beautifully with the deep blue of the ocean, and I could already hear the sounds of life—people chatting, Pokémon playing, and the distant call of seagulls.
As I stepped into the city, a wave of excitement washed over me, but I quickly tempered it with caution. I had learned the hard way that jumping headfirst into situations without a plan could lead to trouble. The first thing on my agenda was to find the Pokémon Center. Staryu had fought hard during our battle, and I wanted to ensure it was in top shape.
The Pokémon Center was a bright, welcoming building adorned with the familiar red and white colors. I pushed through the sliding doors and was greeted by Nurse Joy’s warm smile.
“Welcome! How can I help you today?” she asked.
“I need to get my Staryu checked up,” I replied, holding out its Poké Ball. “It had a tough battle.”
“Of course! Just a moment,” she said, taking the ball from me. “We’ll have it examined right away.”
As Nurse Joy disappeared into the back room, I took a moment to gather my thoughts. I glanced around the waiting area, listening to the soft beeping of machines and the gentle chatter of trainers sharing stories. This was a hub of activity, a reminder that I was part of a larger community.
After a short wait, Nurse Joy returned, her expression bright. “Staryu is all set! It’s healthy and just a little tired. You did a great job taking care of it.”
“Thank you!” I said, relieved. I took Staryu’s Poké Ball back, feeling a sense of pride for my Pokémon.
With Staryu back in my possession, I decided to check the bulletin board in the center. which could help me earn some extra money. Given my current financial situation, I felt it was wise to explore my options.
The bulletin board was covered in colorful flyers and notes, ranging from lost items to requests for help with wild Pokémon. As I scanned the various postings, one flyer stood out: “Help Needed: Koffing Harassment at the Port! Reward: 1000 Dollars!”
I blinked in surprise. That was far more than any mission I had ever seen in Riverbend Town, where no job offered more than 800 Pokémon dollars. Curious, I approached the front desk again and asked Nurse Joy, “Why are they paying so much more for this mission compared to those in Riverbend Town?”
Nurse Joy smiled knowingly. “Well, Lilycove City is a major port and a bustling hub of activity. The Koffing have been causing real problems for traders and fishermen, and that can affect the local economy. When the situation impacts many people, the rewards for resolving it are higher.”
“That makes sense,” I replied, considering her explanation. “I can see why they’d want to solve it quickly if it’s affecting business.”
“Exactly,” she said. “If you decide to take on the mission, just be cautious. The Koffing can be tricky to deal with, especially in a busy area.”
Feeling a mix of excitement and caution, I thanked Nurse Joy and left the Pokémon Center, Staryu at my side. The sounds of the city surrounded us, and the salty breeze from the ocean filled the air. I could already envision the bustling port and the challenge ahead.
“Let’s go, Staryu!” I said, feeling a sense of purpose. “We have a mission to complete!”
As I made my way to the port, I reminded myself to stay cautious. It was important to assess the situation before diving in. With each step, I felt a mix of excitement and apprehension, ready to face whatever challenges awaited me in Lilycove City.