The Dave
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A Viper in the Hole, Chapter 14, part 1
🕑 Added 2024-11-20 08:47:13 +0000 UTCThe next morning, a few minutes after nine, Ran and Josie walk up to the large glass front doors of the massive Goldenrod Trainer Department Store. Already waiting for them out front is Grady, who waves enthusiastically at the approaching pair.
“Hey guys, you’re finally here!” He greets them cheerfully, not even waiting for them to reach him but instead jogging towards them.
“What’s up Grady?” Josie returns with a smile, as Ran offers a silent nod of his own.
“Nothing much! I’m excited to go shopping though, the stores in Azalea Town and Violet City really couldn’t compare to our Department Store!” Grady answers immediately, nearly vibrating in place as he turns in place to walk alongside them back towards the entrance to the Department Store.
Josie scoffs derisively, causing Ran to roll his eyes as he can already tell what’s coming, “Yeah well, don’t hype it up too much, I’ve been to Vermillion, Celadon and Saffron City before. If this place can measure up to what’s on offer there, then I’ll actually be impressed.”
Ran drops his head wearily, as Grady immediately comes to his hometown’s defense and Josie is more than willing to keep firing back. With his companions for the day squabbling back and forth, he’s the only one to actually pay attention as they enter the large building’s ground floor, which is dominated by a large service desk where a small line of people is waiting their turn.
Watching for a moment, it’s clear to Ran that the waiting customers can largely be divided into two categories, with a vast majority standing in line to pick up a variety of orders. The smaller group that remains is using the service desk for its more traditional purpose, by asking questions either about the lay-out of the store or about problems they’re having with previously purchased products. Deciding that none of that is relevant to him, as Grady knows the lay-out of the store well enough to serve as their guide, should it be necessary, Ran mutely leads the other two trainers to the escalator to the first floor. With Josie still fixated on winding up Grady and Grady fully focused on defending Goldenrod’s honor, neither even really seems to notice as they ascend to the first floor.
When they do reach the first floor, to Ran at least, it looks enormous. Just this one floor is larger than any store Ran has ever visited, leaving him awestruck for a moment. As he stops in place and just takes in the impressive sight of row after row of trainer-oriented goods, Josie and Grady’s spirited debate peters out when they realize that they’ve come to a halt.
Josie looks around neutrally, clearly not as impressed as Ran and seemingly withholding judgment for the moment. Her lack of a response gives Grady a chance to start acting as the guide he’s clearly intent on being, as he immediately starts to explain just what’s on offer, drawing more than one amused glance from other shopping trainers in the process.
“The first floor offers all the basic gear you’ll ever need as a trainer on the go!” The smaller boy begins, sounding remarkably like a salesperson, “Over to the left, near all the mannequins, you’ll find all kinds of clothing, for all kinds of weather. Cold and warm weather outfits, swimming clothes, hiking gear, protective headwear or whatever else you can think of, if it’s something to wear, you’ll find it over there.”
Setting out onto the floor proper, with Ran and Josie trailing after him whilst exchanging amused looks, Grady rambles on, seemingly intent on making a small tour around the escalator area, to give a general overview of the floor before letting either Ran or Josie give an indication as to what they actually need. A look towards the first area he gestures towards immediately makes it clear where Grady got his own trademark outfit from, as the very first kids-sized mannequin Ran notices is wearing exactly the same outfit as Grady is. He’s gracious enough not to audibly point it out, though he does have to elbow Josie in the side to stop her from pestering their excitable guide about it.
“Next up is traveling and camping equipment! Tents, portable stoves, water purifiers, space heaters, even a portable shower installation! It’s got everything you could ever need to live a life of comfort, out in the wild. Of course there’s also backpacks, umbrellas, maps, binoculars, all kinds of portable stuff to make your life easier, while you’re out there.” Grady rambles, with Josie continuing to listen on neutrally, seemingly unimpressed by the, to Ran at least, mind blowing idea of taking a portable shower installation along whilst journeying. The section of the store is impressive, with a number of tents and other goods displayed in full, giving the whole area the look of a large camping area. It’s also significantly busier than the clothing-section, with more than one rookie clearly re-evaluating just what comforts they need, now that they’ve been on the road for just about a month and a half.
“And finally,” Grady continues more calmly, energy finally coming down as he gestures towards the smallest section of the first floor, “Non-perishable food and fluids for the hungry trainer! It’s hardly the tastiest, but it’s portable, sturdy and reliable.”
It’s a slight letdown after the other two, more impressive sections, but Ran can definitely acknowledge the importance of dependable rations to build a meal around. Still, the neat rows of prepackaged rations give off a grocery store feel, further reinforced by the trainers that are wandering through whilst pushing actual shopping carts. Though there’s plenty of trainers stocking up on necessary essentials, a fate Ran knows he won’t be able to escape, it’s still easily the least interesting part of the store so far.
“Do either of you want to browse or get something already? We can also do the full tour first, whichever you prefer is fine with me!” Grady offers, turning to face Ran and Josie at the foot of the escalator to the second floor, seemingly unaware that he’s completely blocking the escalator for any of the other customers wandering the store floor.
“Your call, either is fine with me.” Josie says to Ran lazily, seemingly content to let Grady have his moment rather than amusing herself through heckling or provoking him.
“Let’ s do the full tour first.” Ran decides easily, not elaborating further. It’s an obvious decision to him, as there’s definitely going to be more available in the store than he’ll actually be able to afford. So rather than risk picking out stuff that’ll hamstring him later or that he might end up having to put back, he prefers to get a full picture of all the things that are on offer first.
“Sure thing!” Grady accepts enthusiastically, almost skipping onto the escalator to the second floor. Josie and Ran follow him with a bit less pep in their step, but Ran at least finds the younger trainer’s good cheer quite amusing, actually leaving him eager to hear Grady’s sales pitch continue.
Within moments, he gets the opportunity to do just that, as they arrive on a floor that sadly looks like a giant replication of the first floor’s most boring section.
“The best trainers need the best food, supplements and medicine for their pokémon!” Grady still pitches energetically, even if there’s little of interest to say about row after row of pokéchow, pokévitamins and all kinds of potions and other treatment-in-a-bottles.
That doesn’t mean that the floor is irrelevant however, as even a brief glance at the nearest row of pokéchow shows prices that are a bit lower than what Ran’s used to paying. At a glance, Ran notices at least a dozen trainers of all ages wandering the rows, which further strengthens his suspicion that there are great deals to be found. Quietly affirming to himself that he’ll have to spend at least fifteen minutes going through the aisles to figure out just what savings he can score on the usual essentials, Ran doesn’t interject as Grady almost jogs to the escalator. Clearly, their guide is eager to get to the next floor, which Ran assumes to be a good sign.
Said assumption is validated the moment the escalator lifts him high enough, as just a glimpse at the third floor validates his decision to plan as extensive a visit to the Department Store as he has. Unlike the previous floors with their openly available items a customer can simply grab and bring to the register themselves, the third floor offers no such freedom. Instead, rather than a singular large check-out register like on the previous two floors, here there are three distinct areas with separate counters, their display items covered by protective glass and difficult to identify from a distance and with groups of other trainers milling in front of the displays.Though he desperately wants to go and explore just what’s on offer, Ran is patient enough to let Grady actually explain things, knowing that the other boy will provide a decent overview of just what’s on offer, even if it’ll be presented slightly theatrically.
“Of course once you’ve got your gear and both your and your team’s immediate needs sorted, it’s time to focus on what it’s actually all about! Training and battling with your beloved pokémon!” Grady introduces enthusiastically, eyes almost sparkling as he gets to a part of the tour he’s clearly been waiting for.
“Picture it: you’re battling a strong wild pokémon, your own pokémon is on its last legs, but you’re ready to seal the deal and add a new team member! That’s where the Goldenrod Trainer Department Store has you covered, with the biggest, most diverse offering of capturing technology on the market! More than just your standard Poké, Great or Ultra Ball, this is also the place for more specialized pokéballs such as Fast Balls or Lure Balls, to name just a few examples! But that’s not all, because what if your throwing arm isn’t all that, or you’re looking for a different capturing style altogether? From bugcatcher’s nets with capture technology, to fishing rods with pokéball attachments, this is the place for all your capturing paraphernelia!” Grady waxes rhapsodically as he gestures to the first and notably the least popular of the three distinct display areas.
Having worked for Kurt and already having used two specialist pokéballs to capture Golbat and Aria, Ran isn’t actually all that interested, but a mere glance at Josie shows that his perspective might be slightly skewed, as she eagerly stands up on her tippy toes to try and get a better look at the many kinds of capturing tools on display even from the distance they’re standing at. Still, she’s not enthusiastic enough to interrupt Grady’s spiel, as their personal guide for the day eagerly moves on to the next display area.
“Of course, capturing a pokémon is all fine and good. Thanks to the excellent supplies on the lower floors, you’re able to keep it well-fed and in good health. But that’s what every run-of-the-mill runt with two Rattata and a Pidgey does!” Grady chatters amiably, entirely unaware of the embarrassed trainer some twenty feet away who awkwardly shuffles off at what’s clearly an accidental but quite painful stray bullet from the living sparkplug that’s guiding Ran and Josie.
“So, what can help you gain that crucial advantage over another trainer? The Goldenrod Trainer Department Store has a broad range of held items! But that’s not all, because some pokémon need an extra little something, to reach their full potential. Fortunately, you’ve come to the right place, because you’re standing in Johto’s most reliable supplier of evolutionary stones and items!” Grady continues, gesturing expansively towards the busiest part of the store thus far.
Unlike the previous floors however, this part of the store isn’t dominated by shopping trainers. Instead, a small mob of younger children and teenagers swarms the displays, as they loudly and assertively proclaim just what they’ll use the many powerful items on display for once they get their own pokémon. It’s an amusing sight, any worry over them being a nuisance assuaged by the way they scatter whenever a trainer that’s actually genuinely interested in a purchase approaches one of the displays.
It is also, without a doubt, a must-visit for Ran, as the held items he’s got planned for his three more experienced team members have been planned for a long time already. He’s not sure about his ability to afford them just yet, but it’s the best opportunity to purchase them he’s likely to get for quite some time, leaving him very eager to examine what’s on offer. This time, Josie seems less interested, which isn’t too surprising with her earlier investment in Charcoal for all three of her fire-types as well as for her future team members, but the mention of evolutionary stones not sparking any interest in her is interesting, considering her use of Chief the Growlithe.
“Finally,” Grady states, atmosphere shifting as he pauses ominously, before continuing in a dramatic whisper, “When you’ve acquired everything there is to acquire, there is one final tool that separates the good from the great. The contestants from the finalists. It’s the ultimate tool to tailor your pokémons’ abilities to suit your every need. It’s the Goldenrod Trainer Department Store’s uniquely diverse range of Technical Machines!”
Grady points dramatically at the final display area, leaving Ran to oblige him by looking in that direction obediently. At first glance, it doesn’t stand out all that much, with a few salespeople standing behind a large glass counter, which houses an admittedly enormous collection of visually unremarkable Technical Machines. However, where the previous section held a small mob of window-shoppers, this section has been swarmed by eager future young trainers. The reason is immediately apparent, as to either side of the employees, as well as behind them, enormous television screens are showing a tantalizing loop of TM-demonstrations. As Ran watches, the screen is just fading to black, before ominous bold white text appears.
“TM: Thunder” it reads, a chill running down Ran’s spine as the title screen fades away to show a surprising pokémon standing in an arena. Rather than an electric-type, a Nidoking stands on the field. At a command from his unseen trainer, the large poison-ground-type tilts his head to the sky, horn sparking for a few moments. Then, with what is likely a loud roar, though the tv is muted to make that impossible to verify, a massive thunderstrike slams down from the sky into the arena floor, whiting out the screen for just a moment.
Nidoking is shown huffing smugly, before the screen blacks out again, the next TM-demonstration about to begin. Ran doesn’t pay it any further mind however, as just a single demonstration is enough to have him itching to buy the Thunder-TM. Which would be just stupid, as it’s something he lacks both the money and the pokémon for. Instead, he lets himself get distracted by Grady’s nattering once more, rather than yield to his childish impulses.
“Awesome, right?” Grady asks rhetorically, already moving again before either Josie or Ran even get an opportunity to try and form an answer.
“Next up, we’ve got your pokémon’s favorite floor and the only one in the whole building where you’re allowed to let them out of their balls, under the right circumstances at least.” Grady promises, drawing curious looks from both members of his audience, but he surprisingly doesn’t immediately elaborate further, instead simply leading them towards the next escalator.
“I think I’ll let it speak for itself, because really, it doesn’t need me to sell it.” Grady says as they rise up towards the next floor, his unusual lack of verbosity only increasing the intrigue the next floor holds.
When Ran catches sight of the fourth floor, he instantly accepts that Grady really doesn’t need a sales pitch, because they’re entering what is essentially an enormous pokémon playground and training field hybrid area. Everywhere he looks, there’s either training equipment or all kinds of toys strewn about the place. Ranging from small things like tennis balls, all the way to an enormous container wave pool, where a Machop on a surfboard wearing a store employee uniform is instructing a Sneasel. At the same time, its trainer, an apparently extremely wealthy twenty-something with long blonde hair, is listening to the sales spiel of an excited employee, who’s likely envisioning a big fat commission.
“Just keep in mind that to actually let a pokémon out, you need to flag down a store employee first. Please only do so if you’re serious about a possible purchase.” Grady briefly speaks up, not fully falling back into his tour guide persona but rather wincing as if in remembrance of some earlier escapade.
“Sure thing,” Josie replies faintly, attention focused on a rope of all things, “That’s the fire-type section, right? You reckon that rope’s actually properly fire-retardant, or is whatever they put on it going to wear off when Chief and Soot slobber all over it for a few minutes?”
Briefly looking around for anything that stands out himself, Ran tunes out Grady’s response for a moment. He’d once considered ordering some training gear from this place, so it’s quite interesting to see the items on display. Of course, as a traveling trainer, heavy weights and large equipment aren’t realistic options to lug along, but there are still a few options that might be both useful and portable. Still, at a glance, nothing stands out, which is why he turns back towards Grady, who doesn’t appear to be chomping at the bit to get to the next floor for once, even though there’s clearly yet another escalator to be taken.
“Are we ready to go to the next floor?” Ran asks his companions, trying to spur Grady back into action.
“Oh, the next floor’s the last one, aside from the rooftop,” Grady answers nonchalantly, whilst the majority of his focus remains on the many toys littered around the room, “It’s pretty boring, it’s just the bookstore. Stuff on raising specific types, habitat studies, boring stuff like that. The rooftop has some vending machines and offers a nice view though, I figured we could have lunch up there!”
Josie easily accepts Grady’s nonchalant answer, clearly no more interested in a bookstore than the excitable thirteen-year-old. Ran however actually freezes in place for a moment. Because what is probably the biggest bookstore in Johto is nearby and he’s got a rare pokémon on his team that he urgently needs information on.
There’s other stuff he still wants to buy as well, of course, but he doesn’t really need company for any of that, so, when he speaks, it’s with a valiant effort at casualness, “Alright, so we’re done with the tour then? Meet up on the roof around noon for lunch?”
He receives distracted confirmations from both Josie and Grady before, the moment they turn their backs, he rushes to the escalator to the fifth floor.
Comments
DiscoT
Either Mucle or Binding Band would be very good for Ekans i think. Depending on how much Ran wants to continue with the Wrap usage or generally raise Ekans physical capabilites. Shame that i can't seem to find an item increasing bite attacs like the strong jaw ability.
ted bridgman
I would be surprised if he finds detailed info on Skorupi, but as for what he buys i woukd guess either a Toxic or Venoshock TM, and as for items either vitamins or the poison boosting item
TempestK
Interesting. For Golbat I'm thinking perhaps a Soothe Bell to get him to Crobat that much faster. Though it may be more of a matter of Golbat feeling comfortable in his own skin to trigger his final evolution since Ran seems to go out of his way to make sure he and his team are friends, and he's had Golbat for a year and a half already. Not sure what held items he'd get for Ekans and Aria either tbh. Maybe a Spell Tag to boost her Ghost type attacks for Aria? And I wonder how expensive Moon Stones are... I could also see him getting the TM for Bubblebeam for Ekans as a surprise against ground types. As well as Dig for Steel types.
Heraclitus
I doubt he'll find much on the little guy. The regions still seem fairly isolated at the moment. MY guess is that he'll get something, but not nearly enough to stop him from eventually reaching out to Bugsy. I do wonder how held items work. Like, sure some of them make sense, kind of, but most are just a bit silly out of the games. You'll really need to up the lore and world building if you want to make held items not seem awkward as heck. If anything, I imagine Ran gets the TM for Toxic. I don't think any of his team learn it naturally?
MaliMi
I think he will basic Skorupi information, its evolution and that it does not have specific requirements. For in depth information I am afraid he will have to swallow his pride and ask Bugsy. As for items to buy, maybe a held item, but mainly I would guess better pokemon food and some Vitamins.
The Dave
Bit of an earlier upload as I am sadly extremely busy later today. But we’re back in the swing of things, with Ran going to that most intriguing of destinations in the Goldenrod Trainer Department Store. With Grady tagging along, this hopefully partially clarifies why he got an Interlude, as with some insight into his mindset his energy and availability to play tour guide should make a lot more sense. Apart from books, there are of course other things to buy, but Ran can’t just stock up on TMs either due to that most ominously nebulous budget of his. Still, curious to read what purchases you guys are expecting and how successful you expect him to be in finding info on Skorupi.
