~Cerulean City~

Red was just coming into Cerulean City, his Charmeleon keeping pace just behind.   A second Pokeball hung on his belt, a Sandshrew he had captured while climbing over Mount Moon.  He had decided on going over the mountain instead of through to compensate for his then only Pokemon having a disadvantage to most of the wild Pokémon inside.

When he arrived in town, Red made a beeline for the Pokémon Center to heal up his two Pokemon.  After healing he went out of town to train a bit.  He soon encountered a wild Nidoran, male.

"Sandshrew, use Magnitude!"

The small Pokemon summoned an earthquake that immediately knocked out the wild Pokemon.  Sandshrew then turned to Red.

"What are you looking at?  I take care of you so that you can battle for me.  We are not friends, at best you might be a well liked pet."

The yellow Pokemon then looked down, saddened.

"None the less, because a well cared for Pokémon battles better, you will be well cared for in that sense."

The Sandshrew nodded, accepting that it could have a worse fate.  Red then continued to command her in battle.

"Sandshrew, come here.  You have done well today, to differentiate yourself from others of your species, you will have a name.  Sandy, and now you may know my Charmeleon's name, Charlie."

~The Next Day~

Red came up on Nugget Bridge, it almost looked like it was made out of gold.  His rival, and former friend, met him there.

"Why are you here, Blue?" Red inquired, his voice laced with malice.

"I just went to Bill's house and got to see all kinds of rare Pokémon from his collection for Pokedex."

"You, of all people, care about that stupid metal box."

"Hey now, calm down Red."

"Just get out of my way."

"If you're going to be rude, then I'm going to battle you."

"So be it.  Charlie, finish this."

~~~~+~~~~

Charlie grunted as he threw his opponent, Squirtle, into a tree, knocking it out.  The Charmeleon had defeated each of Blue's Pokemon with just one or two extremely precise and decisive moves or by using the terrain to his advantage.

"How did you?"

"That is none of your concern."

Blue walked away, steaming.  Red gave a small smile.

"Charlie, good work, all that training is paying off.  We fight will fight smarter, not harder.  Sandy, did you pay attention?"

The small, yellow Pokemon nodded her head.

"One day you will fight with the same speed and efficiency."

"Sir!" a voice called, "Why don't you try the Nugget Bridge challenge?  Five trainers in a row, one nice reward."

"Sounds like some good training.  Come on you two."

Red walked onto the bridge, and faced his first opponent.

~~~~+~~~~

"Sandy, finish this with Fury Swipes."

Sandy, who was sweating by this point, dodged the Mankey's attack and swiped at its body several times, knocking out the Fighting type.  Red walked off the bridge to claim his prize.

"Congratulations!  You beat our five contest trainers!  You just earned a fabulous prize!"

The man handed Red a Golden Nugget, he pocketed to sell later.  The trainer then turned to leave.

"By the way, would you like to join Team Rocket?  We're a group of professional criminals specializing in Pokemon!"

"You're enthusiasm is most annoying, but the government has already failed me.  Will it provide opportunities to become stronger?"

"Of course!  Especially if you are a field agent."

"Then we have a deal."