Gilgamesh practically bounded back towards the Safari Zone entrance, the Safari Ball containing his new Rhyhorn clutched firmly in his hand. His heart was still thrumming with the excitement of the catch. He spotted Misty by the main gate, looking a little dejected.
"Misty! Guess what I found!" he exclaimed, holding up the Safari Ball with a triumphant flourish. "A Rhyhorn!"
Misty managed a small, tired smile. "That's incredible, Gilgamesh! Congratulations! I heard a lot of stomping, so I figured you were having some fun." She sighed, running a hand through her hair. "Me? Not so much luck. I saw a few Goldeen and a couple of Parasect, but nothing that really clicked. Used up all my Safari Balls, too, with no success." Her shoulders slumped slightly. "Just wasn't my day, I guess."
Gilgamesh's elation softened into understanding. He knew that feeling of a fruitless hunt. "Aw, don't worry about it, Misty. That happens sometimes. The Safari Zone can be tricky. But hey, your luck will turn around, I'm sure of it!" He gave her an encouraging pat on the shoulder.
"Alright, Misty," Gilgamesh
continued, his enthusiasm quickly returning as he thought about their next adventure. "We've had our fill of Fuchsia City and the Safari Zone for now. I think the next Gym is in Saffron City, isn't it? The Psychic-type Gym Leader, Sabrina, I hear." He cracked his knuckles, a familiar battle-ready glint in his eyes. "Let's go! Time to hit the road and challenge the next Gym!"
Misty brightened a little at the prospect of new scenery and a new challenge. "Saffron City, right. It's a big place. Sounds good to me, Gilgamesh. Let's head out!"
On the Road to Saffron City
After bidding farewell to Fuchsia City and its verdant Safari Zone, Gilgamesh and Misty made sure they were fully prepared for the journey ahead. They stopped by a Poké Mart to stock up on essentials: plenty of Potions, a few Antidotes, some Repels to keep wild Pokémon at bay, and enough rations to last them for a couple of days on the road. Gilgamesh made sure his new Rhyhorn was comfortable in its Safari Ball, eager to introduce it to his team once they found a suitable training spot.
Leaving the calm, nature-filled atmosphere of Fuchsia City behind, they set out on the winding path towards Saffron City. The journey was long but uneventful.
They passed through sprawling plains and navigated winding dirt roads, the landscape slowly shifting from the lush greenery of the south to more developed areas as they approached the heart of Kanto.
As the sun began to set on their first day of travel, the distinct silhouette of Saffron City's towering skyscrapers appeared on the horizon, bathed in the orange glow of dusk.
It had taken them a full day of walking, but the imposing architecture promised new challenges and opportunities.
As Gilgamesh and Misty walked along the road, the rhythmic crunch of their footsteps on the dirt path filled the air. Gilgamesh felt the familiar weight of his new Safari Ball, and a surge of excitement prompted him to stop.
"Alright, Rhyhorn, let's introduce you to the team," Gilgamesh announced, taking out the Safari Ball. "Come on out, guys!"
With flashes of light, his current team materialized around him: the powerful Charizard, his scales gleaming in the sunlight; the formidable Nidoking, radiating quiet strength; the swift and agile Scyther, its blades glinting; and the curious little Dreepy, hovering shyly.
"Okay, Rhyhorn, this is your new family," Gilgamesh began, gesturing to each Pokémon. "And this is Charizard," he said, placing a hand on Charizard's leg. "He's the team leader. He'll be controlling the team when I'm not around and helping you guys train."
Charizard let out a low rumble, a silent acknowledgment of his role, while Nidoking gave a firm nod. Scyther twitched its scythes in a silent greeting, and Dreepy zipped around Rhyhorn's head with playful curiosity.
Rhyhorn, still getting used to its new surroundings, observed its new teammates with a stoic, somewhat wary expression, its large horn occasionally twitching.
After Gilgamesh finished introducing Rhyhorn to the rest of his team, the powerful ground-type Pokémon stood stoically among its new companions. Gilgamesh looked at his assembled Pokémon with a serious expression.
"Alright guys," he began, his voice firm. "Our next Gym Leader, Sabrina in Saffron City, is a very powerful Psychic-type master. She's known for her incredibly strong Pokémon and her ability to predict her opponents' moves." He paused, letting his words sink in. "We have to train hard to be ready. I'll send a training regimen for you guys."
Charizard nodded, a flicker of determination in his fiery eyes. Nidoking shifted, ready for the challenge. Scyther sharpened its scythes with a soft whir, and even little Dreepy seemed to float with more resolve.
Rhyhorn, though new, seemed to sense the gravity of the upcoming challenge and settled into a ready stance. The journey to Saffron City would now be a period of intense preparation.