Finally, upon opening one last crate, I found a Growlithe. Its fur was matted, covered in dust and dirt, but what caught my attention most was the expression in its eyes: a deep sadness, a melancholy that seemed to weigh more than its physical chains. It remained motionless, as if still trapped in the darkness of captivity, unable to take the step toward freedom.
I approached slowly, trying not to scare him. "It's okay," I whispered, "you're free now." But he didn't move, and a pang of helplessness ran through me. I wanted to do more, wanted to give him hope, but I didn't know how at that moment.
As the other Pokémon scattered down the tunnel, disappearing into the darkness toward an uncertain but free fate, I watched the Growlithe, silently promising myself that I wouldn't leave it behind.
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His fur, once shiny and vibrant, was now dull, rough to the touch, covered in dust and dirt accumulated over days, perhaps weeks, of neglect. His tiny, fragile body seemed hunched in on itself, as if in that confined space he had forgotten not only how to stretch, but how to fully exist. Each rib cast a shadow, a sad relief beneath the stretched skin, and his paws trembled weakly with the effort of supporting that small, battered body. He didn't want to leave the cage; his large, bulging eyes reflected a deep, instinctive fear that kept him glued to the rusty bars, as if simply leaving that familiar space was a leap into the unknown, a threat he wasn't ready to face.
I opened the door with the utmost care, avoiding any noise that might upset him. I crouched down in front of him, lowering my voice to a soft, enveloping whisper, trying to convey calm with every word.
"It's okay… they're not here anymore. No one's going to hurt you," I assured her, trying to make my eyes reflect sincerity and protection.
For a moment, his dilated pupils stared at me with a mixture of disbelief, fear, and a faint spark of hope. It was a fragile glow, like the last embers of a nearly extinguished fire. In that moment, I understood that he wasn't just physically broken, but that his spirit had been deeply wounded, eroded by neglect and cruelty. Ralts, who remained silent at my side, tilted his head with a troubled expression, and the small crest on his forehead trembled slightly, as if sensing that sadness and wanting to offer some comfort.
"I'm going to get you out of here, okay? I'm not going to force you, but if you let me, I can help you," I promised, feeling my voice crack slightly.
I slid my hands slowly toward the cage, making sure each movement was calm and deliberate. The bars, corroded and weak, creaked under my touch. The transport box was covered in a layer of grayish dust and caked food debris, and the inner walls bore desperate scratch marks, scars that spoke of days of confinement and anguish. The air inside smelled of stale dampness and sadness, a heavy odor that seemed to permeate everything.
Carefully, I reached in and brushed against his side. His skin, dry and rough, had barely any warmth, and I could feel every bone beneath the matted, dirty fur. The Growlithe gave a small spasm of fear, but didn't try to flee. His muscles shook like leaves in the wind, and an involuntary tremor ran through his body. Little by little, I slid both arms beneath him, wrapping him as gently as one might protect a fragile treasure. I felt his labored, ragged breathing beat against my chest, like a small, fragile drum crying for help.
I wrapped him in my jacket, gently holding him close so he could feel a warmth he hadn't known in a long time. His weight was much lighter than I expected, almost ethereal, as if his body had given up on growing, on strengthening. I closed my eyes for a moment, feeling his heart beat hard against mine, and I promised myself I'd never let him fall again.
I sat up slowly, holding him, and the metallic sound of the cage closing behind me was a sharp thud that echoed in the silence. Ralts walked beside me, his eyes alert and worried, ready for any danger. With every step I took, every breath I took, I felt like I was making progress not only physically, but in a silent battle against the hopelessness I'd seen in those canine eyes.
When sunlight finally began to filter through the cave entrance, I felt as if I could breathe more freely. The fresh, clean air hit my face, and although my body ached from the exertion and strain, that pain was nothing compared to what that little warrior beside me had endured.
The Ranger tower loomed before us, a modest but sturdy structure, constructed of wood and metal panels that reflected the light in warm glimmers. We entered quickly, and it was they who showed immediate concern. The combination of dirt, fatigue, and the fragile Growlithe in my arms meant they attended to me quickly.
I was led to a dimly lit room, where I was helped to place the Pokémon on a clean, soft blanket. Ralts sat beside it, placing a light hand on its matted fur. A warm glow emerged from Ralts's crest, a flow of empathy and calm that seemed to flow through Growlithe's injured skin, who finally let out a short breath and snuggled against it, seeking intangible refuge.
In that emotionally charged silence, tears began to fall. They weren't human or Pokémon tears, but a bridge of pure feeling between two beings who understood each other's pain. Ralts wept silently, large, transparent drops falling onto Growlithe's filthy fur, like raindrops slowly washing away the grime from the soul. And I, standing to the side, felt something break inside me. Empathy was an invisible chain that bound me to that small, helpless being.
I took a warm, damp sponge and began gently cleaning her fur, working with the patience of someone caressing fragile glass. Each movement was a silent promise: no more pain, no more abandonment. I spoke softly, whispering words of hope and protection, trying to use the warmth of my voice as a balm for her wounds.
"You're not going back there. No one will lock you up again. You're free now," I told him.
I brushed him gently, untangling every knot and removing the dirt stuck to his fur. Then I offered him some soft food the Rangers had prepared especially for him. At first, he hesitated, sniffed cautiously, and finally ate with suppressed hunger, as if each bite were an unexpected gift.
After gently bathing him and wrapping him in a warm towel, I checked his paws to clean wounds and trim his overgrown nails—actions that, though small, strengthened the trust between us. Each touch was an act of silent love. Ralts, sitting nearby, sang a soft, steady melody, like a hypnotic chant that seemed to calm the little one's anxieties.
I placed a bandage on an old wound on one of her hind legs and a soft, knitted scarf a Ranger had brought from the infirmary. Growlithe sniffed at it curiously and eventually snuggled closer, seeking the warmth and security she was finally beginning to feel.
We spent hours like this, without words, sharing a space of calm and healing. When Growlithe was startled in his sleep, I calmed him with gentle caresses, showing him that he was no longer alone, that he could rest safely.
That night, we slept together, surrounded by the soft fire in the hearth, with Nidorino and Ralts keeping silent watch. Growlithe's warm heartbeat against my chest was a reminder that, despite everything, hope still lived on.
At dawn, the Rangers returned from their mission.
"We handed them over to the police. Four are still alive, one... couldn't resist the poison. And the leader is unconscious, but stable. Your report matched what we found."
I nodded, feeling neither proud nor guilty. Just... relieved. I asked them not to mention my name in the reports. I didn't want Team Rocket to know I was behind this. Not out of fear, but out of strategy.
The Ranger Chief watched me silently, then looked at Nidorino, who was standing at my side, attentive.
"She's strong. And you have a cool head... that's rare for someone so young. I don't think it's enough considering how much you helped us today, but I think this will do you good."
He extended his hand. In it, a Moon Stone glittered. I took it carefully, feeling its latent energy.
"Thanks," I said, thinking about how at the beginning of the day all I cared about was getting one so I could continue on my journey.
I looked at the Growlithe. It was still silent.
I approached one of the Rangers, still holding the stone.
"Could you do anything for him? Some treatment or... return him to his habitat?"
The Ranger frowned seriously, observing the Pokemon.
"We could try... but I don't think he'd survive if we left him alone in his natural environment. He's very weak, malnourished, and severely traumatized. He needs care."
Another Ranger, a man with a short beard and kind eyes, offered.
"I could adopt him. We use Growlithes here for rescue missions. They're brave and loyal. I could train him, help him heal... give him a purpose."
I nodded, hesitant. I bent down and gently picked up the little one, ready to hand him over. But as soon as I felt his paws clutching my clothes, I knew he didn't want to leave. He stirred weakly, whining, then snuggled back up against my chest.
The Ranger smiled.
"Looks like he's already made up his mind."
I looked at the Growlithe, which was trembling but wouldn't let go. Its warmth, its fragility, its need to belong... I felt it all clearly. And something else too: trust.
"Are you sure?" I asked, lowering my voice. "Do you want to stay with me?"
He didn't respond with words, of course. He just shifted more comfortably in my arms, as if that gesture was all he needed to say.
I swallowed.
"Okay. Then you'll stay with me. I promise to take care of you. I'll be your trainer, but also... your family."
The Rangers nodded respectfully. They handed me a clean, empty Poké Ball. I held the Growlithe in one hand and the Poké Ball in the other.
"Let's make it official, shall we?"
I gently touched it with the capture button. The sphere absorbed it with a faint glow and a familiar sound. Three pulses. Click. The capture was ready.
But barely a second passed, and the Poké Ball shook violently. It immediately burst open, and the little boy reappeared, eyes wide open, panting, filled with fear.
I quickly knelt down and hugged him.
I understood it.
It wasn't fear of me. It was fear of being confined. Of that closed, dark, and artificial space that, for him, wasn't rest but punishment. After being caged for so long, a silent sphere wasn't relief... it was a memory.
I wouldn't force it.
I spent the rest of the morning with the Rangers. They offered me hot tea with bitter leaves and dry bread that crunched like gravel between my teeth, but I didn't complain. It was honest food. The Ranger Chief led me to a small rest room, where he brought out a plain box, tied with a somewhat scruffy red ribbon.
"For your team," he said in a deep voice. "A basic care kit. It's not fancy, but it'll do the trick."
When I opened it, I found a soft-bristled brush, a herbal-scented moisturizer, balm for pads and burns, special nail clippers, gauze, natural antiseptic, and a small file. Nothing expensive. Nothing useless.
Another, younger Ranger handed me a sealed bag.
"Rations for two more days. Reinforced kibble for Fire-type Pokémon, dried berries, packets of dehydrated human food, and a few packets of dried meat. They're not delicacies, but they'll keep them going."
"Thank you," I replied, and I said it from the bottom of my heart. Not out of politeness, but because I meant it.
"Remember what you saw down there," the boss said before taking his leave. "Not everyone who travels the Pokémon world is playing. Many are just surviving. Don't become one of them."
I nodded. Growlithe, beside me, cautiously sniffed his new salve, and for the first time since I found him, his tail twitched. Just once, but it was real.
When I felt we'd rested enough, I stood up. I adjusted my backpack, fitted the care kit into a side compartment, and picked up the ration bag. Then I looked at Growlithe.
"You come?"
He approached alone, slowly, and stopped in front of me. I crouched down without saying anything, held out my arms, and he jumped gently until he was nestled against my chest, his head resting on my shoulder. It wasn't fear. It was trust. He wanted me to carry him.
Ralts and Nidorino trailed behind as we descended once more into the heart of Mount Moon. The air once again smelled of damp stone, of lightless roots. The walls reflected the echoes of our footsteps, and the silence was so thick it was almost touchable.
We stopped in a large, empty room. There, I carefully laid Growlithe down on a blanket. Nidorino lay down nearby, alert but calm. Ralts sat silently, his eyes shining with that unfathomable calm that sometimes frightened me more than any cave.
I looked at the three of them.
"Listen," I began, lowering my voice. "We'll stay here for two more days. Just for training. I want to get us in shape for Cerulean City, but I'm not going to risk you unnecessarily. This place has already shown us what it can do."
My words floated through the air with the echo of the cavern. Nidorino stamped a firm paw on the ground. Ralts nodded slowly. Growlithe said nothing. He just rested his muzzle on his front paws and closed his eyes with a sigh. He understood.
I sat down with them, feeling like we were a real team.
Later, while they were sleeping or resting, I checked my Trainer License. It lit up with my information. Name: Maxwell Jones. Hometown: Pewter City. Sponsorship: None. Badges: 1.- Boulder Badge.
I moved on to the equipment section.
Ralts: Level 19. Very close to evolving, luckily for me.
Nidorino: Level 21.. Since Ralts joined the team he hasn't been able to fight much.
Growlithe…
I frowned. I looked closely. I blinked. I checked again.
And then I put away my Trainer License without saying anything.
I wasn't going to comment on it yet.
I just stared at Growlithe as he slept. His breathing was regular. His ears twitched slightly with every sound. But his body, once tense, was now at rest.
A small, dry laugh escaped my mouth. "Who knew that little puppy had the highest level on my team?" I thought with amusement as I closed my eyes, trying to get some rest.
Trainer: Maxwell Jones
Hometown: Pewter City
Sponsorship: None
Money: $72,200 Pokedollars
Badges: 1.- Boulder Badge
Expandable Travel Backpack (Deluxe)
1. 4 potions (1 slot)
2. 3 Rage Candy Bar (1 slot)
3. 10 Pokeballs (2 slots)
4. 1 Escape Rope (1 slot)
5. 1 Red handkerchief with 16 orange berries (1 slot)
6. 3 Antidotes (Poison Cure) (1 slot)
7. Badge case (1 slot)
8. PokéNav (1 slot)
9. Travel Cooking Kit (Includes a folding frying pan, small knife, kettle container, and mini lighter, all in a compact case) – 2 slots
10. Pokémon Food Ration (6-day ration bag) (3 slots) ↑2
11. Human food ration (canned and freeze-dried food for 5 days) (2 slots) ↑2
12. Basic Camping Kit (Includes Compact Tent, Sleeping Bag, and Collapsible Lantern) – 3 Slots
13. Basic Pokemon care kit (1 slot)
14. Moon Stone (1 slot)
Occupied slots: 21/30
Pokémon
Nidorino
Gender: Male
Level: 21Moves: Read, Peck, Focus Energy, Double Kick, Poison Sting, Rage Attack, Horn Attack
Ralts ✨
Gender: Female
Level: 19 Moves: Disarming Voice, Teleport, Growl, Double Team, Hypnosis, Draining Kiss, Lucky Chant
Growlithe
Gender: Male
Level: 24 Moves: Read, Ember, Howl, Bite, Flame Wheel, Flamethrower, Odor Sleuth, Fire Fang
EXTRA
pendulum necklace
Author's Notes: If you want to support the story and read some advance chapters https://www.p@treon. com/Jayjayempi , it would also help me a lot if you have comments on how the story is going or if you would be so kind as to leave a review, Thank you very much for reading!