Pokemon: A New Era Begins

c1: Squirtle, Show Your Unique Skill!

Magic City.

"If I remember correctly, this should be the place, but…"

Dressed in stylish blue denim shorts, Bai Qianqian, a young woman with long, slender legs, tilted her head as she glanced at the storefront before her.

She compared the sign with the address on her phone. The location was correct.

The shop's design was sleek and modern, exuding a high-end feel. However, the store her friend recommended was called Maya Pet Store, yet the sign in front of her read Pokémon House Pet Store.

What did that mean?

Even stranger, she had never seen the white-gold Alpaca-like mascot logo beside the store's name.

"Whatever, I'll just go in and see for myself."

Having come all this way, Bai Qianqian stepped into the store.

"Welcome."

The moment she entered, a clear male voice greeted her.

"Hello."

She turned to see a young man with a clean-cut appearance, dressed simply yet neatly. His demeanor was calm and composed, giving off a refreshing presence. He looked about twenty years old.

Her gaze quickly scanned the store. The space was spacious, impeccably clean, and decorated in an elegant yet minimalistic style.

However…

Something felt off.

Wasn't this supposed to be a pet store?

Even if it was the cleanest pet shop she had ever seen, shouldn't there at least be some animals inside?

A question mark formed in Bai Qianqian's mind.

"Um, is this really a pet store?" she asked curiously.

"Yes, Miss," Gu Xin replied with a friendly smile. "Please, have a seat."

He gestured toward the lounge area, eager this was his first customer today!

"Thank you, but…" Bai Qianqian hesitated, glancing around suspiciously.

"Ah, I see what you're wondering," Gu Xin chuckled. "Our store has only been open for two days. Unlike regular pet shops, my store is quite unique so are the pets I sell."

"Unique pets?"

Bai Qianqian frowned slightly. Most pet stores specialized in cats, dogs, birds, or fish. What exactly did he mean by unique?

Her mind immediately conjured images of exotic or dangerous pets snakes, spiders, or even venomous creatures.

She shuddered. She hated reptiles!

"Ah… Sorry, little brother, I don't think this shop is for me. I'd better check somewhere else," Bai Qianqian said, quickly standing up.

"Wait, Miss! I think you've misunderstood." Gu Xin hurriedly stopped her. Good grief! Not a single Pokémon sold in two days!

Though Bai Qianqian was young, Gu Xin had an eye for detail. The delicate bracelet on her wrist and the exquisite necklace she wore were clearly expensive. She was from a wealthy family.

Bai Qianqian hesitated, turning to look at him.

"When I say special, I mean that the pets here have never appeared in any market before," Gu Xin explained patiently.

"Would you like to take a look? It won't waste much of your time."

"Emmm…"

Bai Qianqian blinked. The young man's sincere tone and neat appearance gave her a surprisingly good impression.

"Fine, but listen, little brother I'll just take a look. If I don't like it, I won't buy anything," she said firmly.

"Of course! I think you'll find this the most exciting decision you've made today," Gu Xin said eagerly.

"Pfft~ Don't be so formal," Bai Qianqian giggled, covering her mouth. "We're about the same age, you know? It feels weird when you speak so politely."

"Customers are like royalty. Now then, Miss, please try this out."

Gu Xin handed her a sleek, tablet-like device resting on the counter.

"This is a Pokédex. My store may not be big, but it holds a vast variety of unique pets. Currently, you can't pick them directly, only through a randomized selection process.

"I believe that a bond between a person and a pet is guided by fate. They are not just animals; they are lifelong companions and friends. So tell me, Miss… Who will be your destined partner?"

Bai Qianqian raised an eyebrow.

Random selection only?

Still, his words were intriguing.

"Ha, interesting," she murmured.

Curious, she took the Pokédex and tapped the large 'Go' button on the screen.

Immediately, the screen flashed rapidly, displaying silhouettes of various Pokémon. Some had wings, some had claws, and some looked downright mythical.

She squinted.

"Wait… is that one a dragon?"

Within moments, the screen slowed, and the final Pokémon was revealed.

Both Bai Qianqian and Gu Xin leaned in eagerly.

Please be something cute… Not Rattata or Ekans…

Gu Xin silently prayed. Bai Qianqian had already expressed her dislike for snakes. If she ended up with an Ekans or Arbok, she would run out the door.

Finally, the image came into full view.

"Boss… is this it?" Bai Qianqian asked, staring at the screen.

A turtle-like creature appeared, with a round bald head, bright blue body, and a red shell. It looked absolutely adorable.

Gu Xin exhaled in relief. Phew, at least it's not Ekans…

"Yes, Miss! You're very lucky. This is Squirtle one of the best partners for a beginner like you!"

Gu Xin smiled warmly.

"It's so cute! Can I see it in person?" Bai Qianqian's eyes sparkled.

"Of course! Just one moment."

Gu Xin gave a polite nod and walked toward a special enclosure in the shop.

A minute later, he returned, holding a live Squirtle in his arms.

"This… This is it?"

Bai Qianqian's big eyes widened in awe.

The Squirtle in real life was even cuter than its picture! Its round head, big sparkling eyes, and tiny arms made it look absolutely precious.

"Yes," Gu Xin said, rubbing Squirtle's head. "Squirtle, say hi to this young lady!"

"Squirtle~ Squirtle Squirt!"

Squirtle blinked, then eagerly waved its tiny arms at Bai Qianqian, its cheerful cry echoing through the store.

"Huh?! It actually understands you?" Bai Qianqian gasped.

"Yes. Squirtle is a very intelligent Pokémon. While it can't speak human language, it understands everything you say."

"And Squirtle has a unique ability as well."

Bai Qianqian gently poked Squirtle's soft cheeks, fascinated by its surprisingly smooth skin.

"A unique ability?"

"Squirtle, show her! Use Water Gun!"

Gu Xin tossed a paper cup into the air.

"Squirtle!"

Squirtle puffed its cheeks, then spouted a precise jet of water, hitting the paper cup in mid-air.

Splash!

The cup spun before landing perfectly in the trash bin.

Bai Qianqian's jaw dropped.

This blue little turtle… just used Water Gun?!

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