Chapter 1: The Moving Day and Mudkip.
DISCLAIMER: Hi there! This is my first ever fanfic. This fanfic is rated Mature but these first few chapters are going to be Teen. I plan on updating weekly, but life happens so if I don't, sorry! Reviews and sharing and stuffs are greatly appreciated and enjoy!
Brendan sat in the dimly lit moving van, bored out of his mind. He was stuck in the back of the moving van, surrounded by furniture and boxes, he had no idea if he was even remotely close to his new home in Littleroot. He could feel the truck slow to a stop and he heard the doors of the truck close. The door to the moving van slid up revealing a blinding light, blocked only by the silhouette of his mother.
"Morning sweetheart! Sorry again that you are stuck back here." She cheerily cooed.
"Yeah, its great. Totally not cramped or bored out of my mind. Totally did not suck complete ass." Brendan's sarcasm stung, but he descended from the prison. Brendan grabbed a giant box that was labeled 'Brendan's Shit' and dashed upstairs.
"Don't forget to set your new clock upstairs!" Brendan had already disappeared inside. Mom sighed.
May looked out from her windowsill and saw her new neighbors stroll in. Her Treecko climbed on top of her shoulder as she stared out at the new bodies begin unpacking. She smiled, and began her way downstairs to assist in the unpacking. Mom was still outside and began grabbing various kitchen objects: knives, a toaster, and some crackers of some sort.
"I'd better go help out and meet the neighbors, better than creeping up here. Come on, Treecko."
She scampered down the stairs, her Treecko in tow; she saw the moving truck drive off, now completely emptied. An older woman stood hands on her hips; it had been a long drive in the van and now the remaining boxes had to be emptied with just the two of them, Brendan, of course not very keen to help until he himself was settled in. May approached the mother of the teenager.
"Hi! I'm May, your new neighbor, need any help?"
"Oh, yes please, just these boxes need to go into the kitchen. My son is upstairs, I'll be fine, go see if he needs help."
Brendan cut open the box and began unpacking, he was a speed demon in his packing, so the box was a jumbled up mess. He swore at this, all of his stuff was cluttered, making the unpacking process more difficult. He moved over to the new clock his father bought him for the new move. Brand new, it needed batteries which thankfully were supplied. Suddenly, a small green lizard climbed aboard the lanky teen. Treecko sat upon his shoulder staring back at its trainer, with a quizzical look.
"Oh, hi there! I'm your new neighbor, May! Happy to finally meet you!"
Brendan eyed the girl carefully, she wore a red bandanna which covered most of her brunette hair, her bright red jacket was zipped up, despite the warm, tropical climate of Hoenn. She wore short, tight spandex for shorts, she seemed kind of enough, but in his experience, looks were deceiving.
However, she noticed this. "Are you checking me out?" She snapped, the newcomers had not been as friendly as she had thought.
Brendan flushed with embarrassment. "No! No, not at all! My apologies! I'm Brendan from Johto, just nervous about the move, that's all." He extended his hand in an attempt to offer peace. She kindly accepted the olive branch.
"It's fine, your Mom mentioned you might need some help moving in." She smiled at Brendan, he seemed kind enough, his nervousness was typical after a long move from Johto, especially after the second rise of Team Rocket. She chose not to ask about his past, but instead inquire about his reason to move here. She began to dig through the cluttered mess of Brendan's belongings.
"So, you already told me you are from Johto, why the move?
Brendan moved over to his box of stuff and sighed. He really missed Johto, despite its recent happenings.
"My dad got a job as the new gym leader in Petalberg City, that and Johto was becoming too hectic for our liking." Well, okay, that didn't work and he walked right into the topic she didn't want to discuss! Alright, what about his adventure, surely that would cause conversation.
"Well, when are you leaving on your adventure?
Another sigh. The room was slowly coming along, some books were on his shelf and the clock struck 1:00 pm.
"Not sure yet. It's going to take a couple months to get settled, not even sure if I'm leaving on an adventure.
Man, he was such a sad guy! Whatever, looks like he can take care of things on his own from here. May remembered her promise to her father to go do some field research for him.
"Well, I hope you cheer up; Hoenn's a beautiful region to explore, something I hope you can witness soon enough." She winked at Brendan and left the new house. Brendan sighed once more and went back to unpacking. May was a great help, but there was still much to be done and the entire downstairs needed work. Brendan's mind began to dawdle back to his new neighbor and hopefully soon to be friend. He soon became very angry with his behavior when she had first arrived. Damn! She was cute, kind and smart and I just sat there like a dumbass! What the hell was that sappy act I played?! Where did she even go? Why the hell did I just sit there and wallow in depression for no good reason? As his earlier foolishness ate away at his mind, Brendan moved to work on the downstairs.
"I just have too many questions, I need some air."Brendan swore violently.
Brendan sighed for the last time. He decided he needed to speak with May and apologize for his awkwardness earlier. He walked the doorway, he looked into the now fully furnished living room. Once he exited the new house, Mom was still outside, finishing off the last of the boxes.
"Hey, sweetheart, are you finished unpacking upstairs?"
"Yeah, Mom. I just need to get some fresh air." Brendan replied.
He walked out into the bright sun filled grass field. There was a single house next to there's which Brendan knew was May's house. Before he could stride to May's house, he saw a child near the entrance, Brendan approached her with a smile.
"Hi, stranger. I heard yelling down the road, but I am too scared to go out and investigate, could you go check it out?"
"Sure, why not?" Brendan replied.
As he walked up the road, he did indeed hear the screaming and began to walk towards the source of the sound.
He saw the source of the screaming: an older man was scampering backwards in an attempt to escape from some sort of raccoon. He seemed pitiful, but what was even more pitiful was what occurred next.
"Help! You there! In my bag are some Pokeballs, use one of them to combat this vicious Zigzagoon!"
"On it"! Was Brendan's response, without a second thought, he bounded forward, sliding along the grass towards this scientist's bag and pulled the first Pokeball out of the satchel and tossed it towards the apparently dangerous Zigzagoon. Out popped a small, blue creature with orange fins, it was clearly suited more to aquatic areas, sporting a large back fin and was walking on four limbs. It squealed "Mudkip", most likely the creature's name.
The battle spirit of both Mudkip and Brendan now thoroughly ignited, surged forward into battle, atop its back was the banner of victory. Mudkip sprang forth into a tackle, a command issued by Brendan's battle fervor. The Zigzagoon, toppled by the sudden new opponent, looked fearfully at both its foe and its leader. Forced to fight back, it growled at its adversaries, who were unfazed to such resistance. The professor sat back in awe, nothing was more trembling than the might of a true warrior. This warrior he thought, had no Pokemon of his own yet commanded this one with such skill and precision, how was this possible? Before he could even bat an eye, the battle was over and the Zigzagoon that attacked the professor was gone.
"Sir, are you alright?" Brendan asked in a worried tone to the old-timer.
"Me? I'm fine, thank you very much. Who are you?" The professor was assisted back to his feet by Brendan. Mudkip had returned to its Pokeball and the professor, felt much better holding his satchel once again.
"I'm Brendan, I just moved here from Johto, you are?"
"I am Professor Birch, you must be our new neighbor, pleased to finally meet you. Please follow me to my lab, we can speak more there."
They both walked to the other building in Littleroot, containing a multitude of high tech machinery and various books regarding Pokemon research. It was an impressive lab, with areas dedicated the Pokemon, which Mudkip took a great liking to, a small pond with some rocks peeking out of the water, a perfect habitat for little Mudkip. Birch continued to lead the two of them to the back of the room where his desk and primary computer sat.
"Brendan, I was most impressed by how you handled that battle earlier, tell me now, was it your first?"
"Yes sir, it was. I've never battled before." Brendan replied, in a shy fashion. Professor Birch rubbed his grizzled chin thoughtfully. He recalled May's words from earlier depicting a shy, sad boy who lacked any real hope or desire for a journey, but was it his place to push a journey upon the boy? He looked confident and Mudkip enjoyed his company, but once again was it his place to start a journey for the boy? Was it time for Mudkip to leave the nest? So many questions confounded the Professor, but yet another thought struck him: May! He looked at the clock and saw that it was 5:00 pm, she should be on her way home now, but the guilt of a careless father overwhelmed him.
"Brendan, I'm afraid I have to ask another favor from you."
"What is it, sir?" He was attentive and loyal from the looks of it, Mudkip adored the teenager's company.
"Take Mudkip with you and go find my daughter, May. I sent her out to do some field research for me, but I'm afraid it's getting fairly late. I just want to make sure she gets home safe." The professor losing his assurance, stuttered over his words surprisingly.
"Don't worry Professor, We'll be back soon." And with that Brendan was off once again towards Route 201. Professor Birch sank down into his chair, exhausted. He had much more work to do as well. He had research to file and notebooks to sort, soon Birch would have to this all alone without May. His computer came to life with a blank silhouette stating "Norman". Birch gulped, nothing was more menacing than an unknown, legendary trainer from Johto. He had rumors that Norman had completed the gym challenge in Johto, but never proceeded to the take the Champion's mantle for some reason. The professor answered the call.
"Hello Norman, to whom do I owe the pleasure?" The professor was uneasy, he had never spoken to the new gym leader before.
"Good day, professor; I was just making sure my family moved in safely. I couldn't make it down there due to some work here." Norman's cheery voice calmed the professor down.
"They've settled in nicely, Brendan truly is your son." The professor sat there, thinking of Brendan bounding up the hills with that same battle fervor from before.
"What is that supposed to mean?" Norman had no clue of what had transpired in his absence.
"Ah yes, he truly is your son." The professor began to retell the encounter of the vicious Zigzagoon.
Matthew was dashing through Oldale Town by now. He and Mudkip were a fierce menace to the tranquil countryside. It was a true sight to behold, just an ordinary guy picked up a Mudkip and off they he goes, annihilating everything before them. Matthew stopped his trail of carnage to look at his watch: 5:23, he was making good time, at this rate, May would be home in time for supper. He still felt awful about the way he had treated May and Hoenn, he wanted to make up but was too sappy to do it. He climbed up Route 203 and saw her insight.
"H-hey there!" Matthew was out of breath by the time he climbed the hill, bent over panting.
"What are you doing here? And where did you get that Mudkip?" May had no idea why Brendan was chasing after her.
"The professor was worried about you, he said he wanted you home in time for supper." Brendan was still panting as he slogged up the hill. "So he sent me and Mudkip to come get you."
"Well, you've certainly made it. But before we go back, why don't we have a battle? You have a Pokemon and the look of a trainer, so why not play the part?" May looked over Brendan, gone was the depressed sap that she saw hours ago, just being around Pokemon had a good influence on the foreigner. She now hoped that he would at least consider leaving on his journey.
And thus the battle started, or if it could even be called a battle, it was over very quickly. May would later recall that Brendan's eyes burned with furious fervor, they were literally ablaze as he carved through her poor Treecko, it didn't stand a chance despite type advantages. His blaze dissipated as he realized what he had done: his mission was to bring her back safely and apologize for his awkwardness previously, he couldn't even fathom how or what had just occurred, this… blood lust he felt, why did he rend her so easily? What was this feeling of satisfaction? He was no warlord, he was just a mere boy, why? Brendan initially came out here to right his wrongs, but he just annihilated May for what purpose? All of these questions confounded Brendan, as they began back home.
May just sat there, in pure shock, never won a battle before and he just eviscerated her. All she could do is sit in awe, Brendan had bested her in his first battle with relative ease. Was is that she was too weak or was he just some sort of battling legend waiting to be released? It reminded her of her first loss, but this was somehow more devastating even though there was nothing on the line. As they walked home, she second guessed herself about beginning her journey, she simply wasn't strong enough.
On their way back, the Professor explained the situation to the new gym leader, who was as equally interested in this new undertaking. Norman always knew his son was destined for something greater than being cooped up in a lonely room, moping about. As they spoke it was decided: Brendan would leave on his journey, whether he wanted to or not. He needed to discover himself and his ancient family lineage, Norman wanted his son to finish his legacy, tackle the League challenge in his place and this was the perfect opportunity.
And than they entered the lab again; May now unsure of herself and Brendan more confused than ever, the Professor greeted them both happily.
"May, it's so good to see you again and in just in time for supper. Now run along now, me and Brendan have to business." The professor winked at his daughter and than looked towards the Johto newcomer. May exited quickly, still unsure if she was strong enough to go on her journey alone.
"Brendan, you've impressed me. You've helped me twice today, never battled before and you look like you've done it a thousand times! And there is someone else who would like to speak with you." The professor stepped away from his desk, unveiling his monitor to reveal Norman, sitting in his half furnished Gym, his eyes gleaming with a special light: happiness.
"Hello, son. You've had a busy day today! You moved in, helped the professor on two accounts and its not over yet!" Norman blasted through the speakers.
"Dad, what are you doing, don't you have a gym to run?" Brendan was not exactly thrilled to talk to his father right now, he was just too confused about his battles previously to even comprehend why his father had summoned him upon Birch's request.
"Brendan, I would not talk to you about today's affairs if it wasn't important. You want a journey, don't you?" Norman looked at his son, he was smiling, any fear held about the new gym leader was gone.
Brendan sat there flustered in the lab, he didn't want a journey at least not yet, they just moved in, shouldn't he wait a couple days at least before leaving? And yet, he thought about this battle spirit, this fury that dwelt from within, it needed to be unleashed, and it answered for him.
"Yes. I will leave tomorrow morning." It was a simple and confident answer, not like the Brendan from that same morning, this was what he strived to be. This answer did not surprise the duo, they had known from the very beginning, call it father's intuition.
Brendan left the lab with a newfound purpose, his confusion became reassurance and gave him a bright outlook on exploring his new home and now he was packing again to leave on a new journey. As for May, she had no clue what that meeting was about, shook off her fears and finished what little packing she had to do. Norman sat back in his gym with the newfound happiness in the growing maturity of his son and Professor Birch gleamed in a new light, Mudkip was in good hands and May made a new friend. Brendan finished packing quickly and looked out his window to his next destination: Petalberg City.