☆ [Pokemon]: Beginning
"Professor! Professor!" Tori knocked on the glass door of the Pokemon Lab. Noticing nobody was answering, she sat down on the front steps and played with rocks that she found. It was eight in the morning, and probably too early to visit the lab. Oh, but just how excited she was. Today was a big day for her! She was finally going to receive a Pokemon and begin her journey. Her mother prevented her from traveling until she was thirteen, feeling ten was much too young still.
About an hour later, she saw a familiar figure walk up the steps, a cup of coffee in hand. "Oh, Tori! What are you doing here so early?"
"Professor Oak!" she exclaimed with a smile. "Finally you're here! Do you remember what today is?"
He chuckled. "Ah yes, of course! You're here for a Pokemon, correct?" He browsed through his keys and unlocked the front door. "Come in," he said as he held open the door for her.
Tori loved coming to the lab. She always learned so much from the professor. He found it refreshing that she was so inquisitive about Pokemon. She liked watching Trainers and their companions stop by. She'd often ask them of their travels and they'd happily give her accounts of their journeys, fueling her desire to travel even more.
"So are you going on your Pokemon journey by yourself still?" he asked her.
"Yeah! If I don't go by myself, I won't ever learn how to be independent."
"And your mother has consented?"
"Of course! It took...a lot of convincing, but eventually she let me do it. I have my brother to partially thank for that since he's a Trainer too."
"Oh yes, Chris! Does he still prefer Steel types?"
"Yup! He's traveling out a lot, and my mom probably didn't want me to leave because she'll be lonely...but...Jigglypuff and Gardevoir will keep her company."
Professor Oak smiled. "Well then, since it's apparent you're dead set with going on your journey, let's pick out a Pokemon for you to start with. It's dangerous to go out on the routes by yourself."
"Yeah, I know. I'm so excited!"
The old man opened up the large container containing the capsules of the three starting Pokemon, Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle. Tori clasped her hands together in excitement.
"Well now, you're familiar with who I give to Trainers, so go ahead and pick--"
"Woah, gramps! Really? You started without me?"
Tori gave an audible groan as she turned around. Her rival smirked at her. "Hey Tori."
"...god. So you decided to become a Pokemon Trainer too after all..."
"Yep. Good thing I got here when I did. You would've taken a partner I wanted!"
"Like I care."
"Of course, maybe if you asked nicely, I would have--"
"Red!" Tori beamed. In walked another boy their age. He smiled happily at her. "Hey, Tori!"
She darted past Gary who stood frozen, a bit peeved that Red interrupted his generous bargain with the girl. His eyes narrowed a bit as she hugged Red tightly, obviously very happy to see him.
"Hey Gary!" he said, completely oblivious to the waves of discontent radiating from the other boy. "Looks like we're all here, getting our first Pokemon together! This is great!"
"Yeah, it is!" Tori agreed. "Gary, since you're a big baby, you can go first."
He pouted. "You're gonna regret giving me first choice Tori." Professor Oak shook his head at the whole ordeal. "Now Gary, pick a partner you'll be the most comfortable with, because some are more difficult to handle than--"
"Gramps, I already decided way before today." He picked the third ball. "I'm gonna go with Squirtle!" He tossed it, and out came the Pokemon. "Squirt!"
"Alright buddy, you're my very first Pokemon, so I expect a lot outta you. Of course I'll help you get there, don't worry." The turtle shook his head.
"Red, your turn."
The boy picked the first ball and tossed it. "Bulba!" He smiled. "Bulbasaur, great!" Kneeling down, he said to him, "You're gonna be my best pal, and we're gonna win battles and kick Gym Leader butt! I'll train you as best as I can, and I promise I'll try my hardest to not fail you!"
Bulbasaur smiled and extended the vines from the bulb to hug Red. Professor Oak smiled. "Bulbasaur sure became friendly with you rather quickly Red! You're a natural at this."
Gary crossed his arms. "Pfft, yeah, natural dork."
Tori gave him a disapproving look. "You've become so annoying Gary. It's pretty sad."
"Wh--"
"Alright Tori, you're the last one, and I'm afraid I don't have any other Pokemon at the moment, so you'll have to grab the last Pokeball here."
The girl picked up the center capsule and looked at it for a moment. She tossed it, and out came Charmander. "Char!"
"Way to go Tori," Gary began. "Charmander is the most difficult to raise out of the Kanto starters. And when it evolves, it has a lot more weaknesses. You didn't even want to start with this one."
She wasn't paying attention though. Instead she was more concerned with the look Charmander had on her face, staring down at the tiled floor. "Char..." She fiddled with her claws, feeling she had disappointed the girl.
"Oh...n-no don't cry Charmander!" She picked her up as the lizard's tears dripped down her face. "Gary for your information I was indecisive about what partner I wanted. But I would have been happy with any of the three you jerk."
She pet Charmander's head. "There there...i-it's okay! You're the most difficult to raise, but that's more rewarding and fun! Besides, Fire types are rarer than Water or Grass types. You're a real gem Charmander, you know that?"
The orange lizard gazed up at her with sparkling eyes. "Ch-Char!"
"Well now, I do believe you're set with your choices, yes? The matter of your partners... Your Pokemon will protect you on your journey so long as you take care of them and treat them well. Don't make them over exert themselves because they're still young and will grow as you do. Onto technicalities then? Squirtle is a Water type with weaknesses to Grass and Electric. This one is a male with the current moves Tackle and Water Gun. He's pretty relaxed but a quick learner. Bulbasaur is a Grass and Poison type with weaknesses consisting of Fire, Flying, and Psychic. This one is also a male with the current moves Tackle and Vine Whip. He's pretty docile but powerful. And Charmander is a Fire type with weaknesses to Water, Ground, and Rock. This one is actually a female with the current moves Scratch and Ember. She's the bravest of the bunch and has a strong will. Now, the three of you come back with your supplies and I'll give you your Pokedexes."
Happily the three kids exited the lab and within an hour returned at around the same time, their new partners walking beside them.
Gary raised an eyebrow. "...you put a pink bow around Charmander's neck?"
"Yeah, she wanted to wear it! And her name is Charla."
"...you gave her a nickname too?"
"Yes? It's a great way to increase your friendship with any Pokemon! They feel closer to you if you give them a nickname! I think it's cute, right Charla?"
She smiled happily. "Char!"
Professor Oak presented them each a Pokedex. "Now this device is very useful, so be careful not to lose it. In it is your Trainer identification and it also collects data on just about anything relating to the Pokemon world. Oh yes, and as a gift, here are five spare Pokeballs for you to begin catching a team."
"Thanks professor!" Red said.
"Have you all said your goodbyes to your families? You'll be gone for at least a year."
They nodded.
"Remember, you can call us any time from the phones at the Pokemon Centers." He smiled. "Now off you go. All three of you are promising Trainers and I can't wait to hear about your achievements and adventures throughout your journey! Stay safe, keep your Pokemon close, and good luck!"
The three kids walked along the same route to Viridian City.
"So after we get there, we're parting," Tori said. "I'm kinda nervous to be honest..."
"It's okay Tori, we'll be just fine," Red reassured her. "We know enough to survive!"
"He's right y'know. If you get too nervous, you'll freak out for no reason." Gary stopped in front of them. "Alright listen you two. We've been friends since we were children, but now we're official Pokemon Trainers and from this point on, we're rivals! We're gonna win battles and get badges, and challenge each other along the way, and fight for the title of Kanto League Champion!"
He pointed a finger at each of them. "You guys better not let me down and become strong, got it?"
"Yeah and don't let that ego of yours cloud your better judgement."
"And don't let that soft heart of yours get you manipulated Red."
"I'm not stupid Gary."
"That's a relief to hear."
"Ugh. But anyway...you're right. We're gonna become strong! And, both Tori and I will beat you Gary!"
"Ha! Fat chance!"
"What? You think we can't do it?" asked the girl.
"Oh yeah, you can, but just not in this lifetime."
"That's a challenge that has been accepted. I'm gonna win Gary. I'm going to beat you so badly you'll actually cry from disappointment and embarrassment. I'm going to be there to take pictures when it happens, engraving it in my mind forever."
"Right back at ya Tor."
Red wasn't sure how to respond after those words. "Er...well anyway, good luck to all of us, and may the best Trainer come out on top!"
The three made a promise that day. It wasn't made verbally, but they all knew it. They'd try their hardest not just for themselves, but for their partners too, and each other. Each one really did have a lot of faith in the other two and knew they'd achieve their goals by the end of their very long journey that would expand over five continents.
Man it felt good to be a Pokemon Trainer.
About an hour later, she saw a familiar figure walk up the steps, a cup of coffee in hand. "Oh, Tori! What are you doing here so early?"
"Professor Oak!" she exclaimed with a smile. "Finally you're here! Do you remember what today is?"
He chuckled. "Ah yes, of course! You're here for a Pokemon, correct?" He browsed through his keys and unlocked the front door. "Come in," he said as he held open the door for her.
Tori loved coming to the lab. She always learned so much from the professor. He found it refreshing that she was so inquisitive about Pokemon. She liked watching Trainers and their companions stop by. She'd often ask them of their travels and they'd happily give her accounts of their journeys, fueling her desire to travel even more.
"So are you going on your Pokemon journey by yourself still?" he asked her.
"Yeah! If I don't go by myself, I won't ever learn how to be independent."
"And your mother has consented?"
"Of course! It took...a lot of convincing, but eventually she let me do it. I have my brother to partially thank for that since he's a Trainer too."
"Oh yes, Chris! Does he still prefer Steel types?"
"Yup! He's traveling out a lot, and my mom probably didn't want me to leave because she'll be lonely...but...Jigglypuff and Gardevoir will keep her company."
Professor Oak smiled. "Well then, since it's apparent you're dead set with going on your journey, let's pick out a Pokemon for you to start with. It's dangerous to go out on the routes by yourself."
"Yeah, I know. I'm so excited!"
The old man opened up the large container containing the capsules of the three starting Pokemon, Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle. Tori clasped her hands together in excitement.
"Well now, you're familiar with who I give to Trainers, so go ahead and pick--"
"Woah, gramps! Really? You started without me?"
Tori gave an audible groan as she turned around. Her rival smirked at her. "Hey Tori."
"...god. So you decided to become a Pokemon Trainer too after all..."
"Yep. Good thing I got here when I did. You would've taken a partner I wanted!"
"Like I care."
"Of course, maybe if you asked nicely, I would have--"
"Red!" Tori beamed. In walked another boy their age. He smiled happily at her. "Hey, Tori!"
She darted past Gary who stood frozen, a bit peeved that Red interrupted his generous bargain with the girl. His eyes narrowed a bit as she hugged Red tightly, obviously very happy to see him.
"Hey Gary!" he said, completely oblivious to the waves of discontent radiating from the other boy. "Looks like we're all here, getting our first Pokemon together! This is great!"
"Yeah, it is!" Tori agreed. "Gary, since you're a big baby, you can go first."
He pouted. "You're gonna regret giving me first choice Tori." Professor Oak shook his head at the whole ordeal. "Now Gary, pick a partner you'll be the most comfortable with, because some are more difficult to handle than--"
"Gramps, I already decided way before today." He picked the third ball. "I'm gonna go with Squirtle!" He tossed it, and out came the Pokemon. "Squirt!"
"Alright buddy, you're my very first Pokemon, so I expect a lot outta you. Of course I'll help you get there, don't worry." The turtle shook his head.
"Red, your turn."
The boy picked the first ball and tossed it. "Bulba!" He smiled. "Bulbasaur, great!" Kneeling down, he said to him, "You're gonna be my best pal, and we're gonna win battles and kick Gym Leader butt! I'll train you as best as I can, and I promise I'll try my hardest to not fail you!"
Bulbasaur smiled and extended the vines from the bulb to hug Red. Professor Oak smiled. "Bulbasaur sure became friendly with you rather quickly Red! You're a natural at this."
Gary crossed his arms. "Pfft, yeah, natural dork."
Tori gave him a disapproving look. "You've become so annoying Gary. It's pretty sad."
"Wh--"
"Alright Tori, you're the last one, and I'm afraid I don't have any other Pokemon at the moment, so you'll have to grab the last Pokeball here."
The girl picked up the center capsule and looked at it for a moment. She tossed it, and out came Charmander. "Char!"
"Way to go Tori," Gary began. "Charmander is the most difficult to raise out of the Kanto starters. And when it evolves, it has a lot more weaknesses. You didn't even want to start with this one."
She wasn't paying attention though. Instead she was more concerned with the look Charmander had on her face, staring down at the tiled floor. "Char..." She fiddled with her claws, feeling she had disappointed the girl.
"Oh...n-no don't cry Charmander!" She picked her up as the lizard's tears dripped down her face. "Gary for your information I was indecisive about what partner I wanted. But I would have been happy with any of the three you jerk."
She pet Charmander's head. "There there...i-it's okay! You're the most difficult to raise, but that's more rewarding and fun! Besides, Fire types are rarer than Water or Grass types. You're a real gem Charmander, you know that?"
The orange lizard gazed up at her with sparkling eyes. "Ch-Char!"
"Well now, I do believe you're set with your choices, yes? The matter of your partners... Your Pokemon will protect you on your journey so long as you take care of them and treat them well. Don't make them over exert themselves because they're still young and will grow as you do. Onto technicalities then? Squirtle is a Water type with weaknesses to Grass and Electric. This one is a male with the current moves Tackle and Water Gun. He's pretty relaxed but a quick learner. Bulbasaur is a Grass and Poison type with weaknesses consisting of Fire, Flying, and Psychic. This one is also a male with the current moves Tackle and Vine Whip. He's pretty docile but powerful. And Charmander is a Fire type with weaknesses to Water, Ground, and Rock. This one is actually a female with the current moves Scratch and Ember. She's the bravest of the bunch and has a strong will. Now, the three of you come back with your supplies and I'll give you your Pokedexes."
Happily the three kids exited the lab and within an hour returned at around the same time, their new partners walking beside them.
Gary raised an eyebrow. "...you put a pink bow around Charmander's neck?"
"Yeah, she wanted to wear it! And her name is Charla."
"...you gave her a nickname too?"
"Yes? It's a great way to increase your friendship with any Pokemon! They feel closer to you if you give them a nickname! I think it's cute, right Charla?"
She smiled happily. "Char!"
Professor Oak presented them each a Pokedex. "Now this device is very useful, so be careful not to lose it. In it is your Trainer identification and it also collects data on just about anything relating to the Pokemon world. Oh yes, and as a gift, here are five spare Pokeballs for you to begin catching a team."
"Thanks professor!" Red said.
"Have you all said your goodbyes to your families? You'll be gone for at least a year."
They nodded.
"Remember, you can call us any time from the phones at the Pokemon Centers." He smiled. "Now off you go. All three of you are promising Trainers and I can't wait to hear about your achievements and adventures throughout your journey! Stay safe, keep your Pokemon close, and good luck!"
The three kids walked along the same route to Viridian City.
"So after we get there, we're parting," Tori said. "I'm kinda nervous to be honest..."
"It's okay Tori, we'll be just fine," Red reassured her. "We know enough to survive!"
"He's right y'know. If you get too nervous, you'll freak out for no reason." Gary stopped in front of them. "Alright listen you two. We've been friends since we were children, but now we're official Pokemon Trainers and from this point on, we're rivals! We're gonna win battles and get badges, and challenge each other along the way, and fight for the title of Kanto League Champion!"
He pointed a finger at each of them. "You guys better not let me down and become strong, got it?"
"Yeah and don't let that ego of yours cloud your better judgement."
"And don't let that soft heart of yours get you manipulated Red."
"I'm not stupid Gary."
"That's a relief to hear."
"Ugh. But anyway...you're right. We're gonna become strong! And, both Tori and I will beat you Gary!"
"Ha! Fat chance!"
"What? You think we can't do it?" asked the girl.
"Oh yeah, you can, but just not in this lifetime."
"That's a challenge that has been accepted. I'm gonna win Gary. I'm going to beat you so badly you'll actually cry from disappointment and embarrassment. I'm going to be there to take pictures when it happens, engraving it in my mind forever."
"Right back at ya Tor."
Red wasn't sure how to respond after those words. "Er...well anyway, good luck to all of us, and may the best Trainer come out on top!"
The three made a promise that day. It wasn't made verbally, but they all knew it. They'd try their hardest not just for themselves, but for their partners too, and each other. Each one really did have a lot of faith in the other two and knew they'd achieve their goals by the end of their very long journey that would expand over five continents.
Man it felt good to be a Pokemon Trainer.