Risk and Reward

The trio completes their second abra hunt, netting 99 total. Blue generously donates some of his own to even out their shares, insisting Red take the media spotlight for the charitable donation. With the Cascade Badge secured, Blue targets Vermilion City for his next challenge.

Saying his goodbyes at the Cerulean Gym, Blue discovers that his rapid, overwhelming success is demoralizing other trainers. Amy, a skilled local, admits that watching Blue makes her question if she should even try for the Championship. Horrified that his legend might crush the ambitions of the very trainers he hopes to lead, Blue fiercely urges her not to give up. He needs rivals who will push their limits, not accept mediocrity.

Leaf visits Zoey Palmer's apartment to check on the reporter. Instead of a warm reception, Zoey coldly accuses Leaf of ruining her investigation; Leaf's "fluff piece" on the dig site tipped off Giovanni, who clamped down on leaks and silenced Zoey's sources. Guilt-ridden but defensive, Leaf walks away as Zoey warns she is in over her head.

Walking the city, Red practices his psychic reception, feeling the chaotic "lake" of ambient surface emotions from the crowds. Back at the Trainer House, he and Blue engage in a late-night sparring match. Red relies on a highly cautious strategy, using his oddish's Poison Powder and charmander's Smokescreen to blind Maturin before chipping away with his spinarak's Night Shade. Blue counters by repositioning himself, aiming his blinded wartortle's attacks by serving as a visual reference point.

Desperate to know how close Maturin is to fainting, Red reaches out with his mind to sense her health. The visceral backwash of her intense pain and the physical sensation of her water attacks hits him instantly, causing him to vomit in sympathy. Blue halts the match, chastising Red for his overcaution; treating his pokemon too delicately prevents them from fighting to their true limits. As they heal their teams, Red's caterpie unexpectedly evolves into metapod, renewing his confidence.

The next morning, Red finishes his research paper. Before leaving Cerulean, he stops by Bill's house. He apologizes for violating Bill's privacy and uses Teleport to register the property as a waypoint, offering his unconditional help should the isolated inventor ever need it.