Gene pulled his bicycle over to the side of the road and changed the station on his radio, his Butterfree landing on a nearby tree.  From his home on the outskirts of Azalea town he had pedaled north on Route 34.  Normally he would have headed south, but he'd already seen that part of the country.  Once he found a better station, something with upbeat music playing, he called out.  "He Free-free, come on."  His little sister had named the pokemon, and he had kept the name.  He started pedaling again and after a few minor battles they were inside the city.

"Ok," he said, parking his bike near the department store.  "I'm going to have to put you back in your ball while I go inside.  I'm going to need to sale some of these Apricorn balls if I'm going to have money to survive on.  Don't worry, though.  I've got the stuff to make more if I can find some wild Apricorns.  I won't run out any time soon, and I'll bring you some lemonade when I come out."

"Free" said the insect as it was turned into red energy and absorbed into the ball.

Inside he found the man behind the counter.  "Hi, Joe." he said.  Joe came by the farm at least a couple of times per season to by Apricorn balls from his father.

"Hey, Gene.  I didn't think you would be up this way.  Did you come to bring me a shipment?"

"No, I decided to set off on my own and need some money."  He set several balls on the table. "How much will you give me for these?"  After settling on a price, Gene took the money and went up to the roof.  He bought a few drinks and went back downstairs and outside.

He released Free-free and his Rattata and gave them each a lemonade.  "As soon as you're done we'll head to the park and beat up a few wild bugs.  I want the two of you to get stronger if we're going to be traveling."