All credit goes to Gobble. Pokemon Quest is, well, a quest that was run on /tg/ over the course of about 2 1/2 years. All character decisions were made by anons by vote. I've made minimal edits for readability.
You didn't know your parents. As an orphan, you spent a lot of time on your streets, learning it's lessons. You've never had anyone you can really depend on. That changes today. You just know that you and your Pokemon will be able to depend on each other. Right?
You're a troublemaker. Without any strong authority figures to look up to, you've been living by your own rules. Life's tough, but you're tougher.
You're most prized posession is a flute. It was a donation to the orphanage. Without many friends, you had to do something to pass the time when you weren't causing trouble or fighting. You notice that Pokemon in general seem to like your playing better than most people.
You're ready to start. The Novum City orphanage was surprisingly helpful in getting you your trainers license. You get the impression they were just glad to get rid of you. Nuts to them.
Professor Fir greets you at your arrival. He's expecting you. He has a slightly concerned, apologetic look.
"I know this isn't something you'd like to hear, but I'm afraid there was a robbery. The truck carrying my new lab supplies, as well as the Pokemon and Pokedex I was expecting to come in was hijacked. The driver is alright, but the missing Pokemon concern me." He stops himself laughs nervously, and scratches the back of his neck. "But I'm sure they're fine."
You ask if there are any leads.
"I'm afraid not. The police tell me it happened between Kindle Town and Chloroville. I'm afraid I have a lot to sort out with the police, the shipping company, and my colleague in Kanto who sent the Pokemon, it may be awhile before there's any progress."
"I feel awful. I know today was supposed to be your big day. It's my first day too. I really wish I had more I could do." He thinks for a moment, then snaps his fingers. "Hey! I know it's not exactly top of the line, but I do have this."
He produces a nearly ancient looking red plastic device. It's covered in scratches and stickers. "It's my old Pokedex. It's not as fancy as some of the new models they have out today, but I can promise it's sturdy."
Judging from all the scratches scuffs, it's hard to doubt that he is tested that hypothesis thoroughly. You're used to getting handouts though, so this isn't so bad.
"I'll just have to catch my own!"
"I'm not so sure that's a good idea..." He looks at you for a second, sizing you up. "Pokemon can be pretty dangerous if provoked." He seems unsure about condoning that action.
As he's talking, you take the opportunity to pilfer whatever you can. As he's showing all the buttons on the pokedex, you slowly slide in closer to him and take an item out of his pocket. Your hands are quick and nimble. He's too caught up explaining every little scratch and dent and telling a story for each one. It feels like a wallet.
After he wraps up his lesson he starts talking about all the wonders of Pokemon. Whatever. He's looking out the window in his own little world.
This place is still a mess, littered with unpacked boxes. Who knows what might be laying around?
Taking the pokeballs off his desk is easy. This guy seems to be a bit of a scatterbrain. You wonder how someone like that even became a professor.
As you're wondering about that, you notice a small bird Pokemon on a high stack of boxes. You can tell by the way it's reacting that it saw everything. It looks like it's about to start making a lot of noise.
You quickly take out your flute and begin playing a song. The Pokemon in the corner starts flapping it's wings, but quickly stops and cocks it's head to listen.
"Wow, you're pretty good at that!" Professor Fir says. He looks up at the bird in the corner and laughs. "Wow Fletchling. You really enjoy that, huh?" The bird Pokemon doesn't react, it just listens to your song.
Professor Fir looks to you. "That's great, but why did you start playing?" By the way he said 'That's great', you feel that he's not really all that impressed personally, but he's glad Fletchling likes it.
"Pokemon love my music! I wanted to see how Fletchling would react."
You're used to lying to authority figures, but this is actually the truth. Ever since you were a young girl, Pokemon have mostly reacted well to what you play.
"Is that so." He rubs his chin thoughtfully. "I've heard of Pokemon reacting to certain sounds and music before. That's quiet the talent you have. I hope you're not insulted if I say I'm surprised someone as...tough...as you plays so elegantly."
You're not used to being complimented by adults. It feels pretty nice.
You feel your face get hot. Why'd he have to be so nice? There's no way I could be blushing at something as dumb as that. He's just another authority figure trying to play you into being 'good'. You quickly put a large amount effort to regaining your composure. You politely thank him and leave.
It's early in the morning still, and there's so much to do.
You check the wallet. Not much here for a professor, but you know how to stretch out 'not much'. Beyond that it's just some ID. It's a little disappointing, how boring it is.
He's not THAT much older than you. You were pretty late in getting your license. Getting in trouble all the time will do that. When you finally declared you wanted to be a trainer, the orphanage practically packed your bags. Most other kids were out as soon as they could be, but your run-ins with the law kept you around much longer than anyone wanted.
It's strange. He's so young. He must have been studying his butt off when he was your age. You couldn't imagine how dull that must've been.
You take the cash, but leave the wallet in his mailbox. You may be a thief, but you're not a jerk.
You decide to head to the abandoned factory on the outskirts of town. You know there are certain types that favor places like this.
Before you go hunting in earnest, you figure it's a good idea to arm yourself. You grab a metal pipe, just in case. There's one loose enough to pry off the wall.
With a loud CLANG, it comes loose. You try to look for a good hiding spot to see what comes along, but it seems like the noise attracted something. You see a four legged, black Pokemon come running around the corner to inspect the noise. It seems just as shocked to see you as you do of it. It quickly assumes a defensive stance. It begins growling, embers smolder from it's mouth.
Wow, this is a lot scarier than you imagined. You decide to try calming it with a flute. Niiiiice doggy.
To your surprise, your song makes it hesitate. It's still glaring at you menacingly, but you see less teeth. You slowly take out your Pokedex and scan it. The Pokedex is a bit loud, and some of the speech fizzes out.
"Houndour, the dark Pokemon. *static* Its ominous howl echoes through the area to announce that this is its territory.
To corner prey, *static*."
Hunk of junk.
You play the flute some more. It seems to be growing more and more calm. Now that it's not growling at you, it actually looks pretty young and cute. Not cute enough for you to let go of the pipe quiet yet, but cute.
You don't think the flute would be as effective on older, stronger Pokemon.
The flute has been good to you all day, so you keep blowing. You're starting to get into it a bit more now. The Houndour starts slowly wagging it's tail, and sites down. As you lose yourself in the tune, it starts to lie down. It's falling asleep!
"I guess this is the part where I catch it."
You slowly take out a Pokeball and lightly toss it at Houndour.
The pokeball explodes in a flash of light, and Houndour vanishes! The red and white ball falls to the floor. It wiggles once, twice, then clicks.
Yes! You realize you were holding your breath as you watched and exhale. You're practically shaking. You wonder what you'll call it.
You make a mental note that you'll call it Devon, and nod to yourself in affirmation. Devon is a nice name. You hope it's a boy.
Even though you know it isn't, the pokeball feels heavier in your hand. You and Devon are going to show the world that you're a force to be reckoned 're going to be great friends, you just know it!
It'll be nice to have a friend.
