Sunlight invaded Herley's sleep as she slowly blinked her eyes open, greeted by the familiar tone of the alarm clock buzz. She gingerly slapped it off, almost knocking her phone off the table in the progress. After an effort to sit up, she stretched her arms and throw off the blankets- because, today, Herley Kotone, will finally be free.
When Ethan, Herley's neighbor, and her were only barely kids, they created a pact where they would start their Pokemon journeys on the same day once each turned sixteen. Ethan would talk non-stop about all the exciting adventures the couple would partake in and he explained to Herley the league challenge. Marill, Ethan's Pokemon, was always filled with joy as his trainer continuously would pretend to have battles and would celebrate their victory together. At the time, nothing ever separated Ethan from Herley. Being the only kids in town, minus Crystal as she never treaded outside and was years older than the pair, life was never lonely for the two of them. From dawn to dusk, they were always found together making up a new game, pretending to be Pokemon, or getting in trouble.
All of the happiness left when Herley turned thirteen. "Herley, I have something special to show you!" Ethan had taken my hand and was dragging me towards the end of town. He was boasting about his Marill learning water gun after practicing with bubble for weeks. She was giggling as Ethan took her hand and kissed it as he guided Herley towards the tall grass. He hadn't intended for anything to happen. The kids had played by the grass plenty of times, always counting on Marill to help if ever needed. While pretending Herley was the fair maiden stuck in the midst of a swarm of Dragonites, a loud snapping pierced the air. The grass behind Herley was trembling as the ground below us quaked.
"Marill!" Ethan frantically called to command. "Water Gun, stat!"
"On it!" replied the Pokemon as he jumped into mid-air and launched a feeble spray of water.
"Pinnnss-ir" the attacker roared at the skinny, raven-haired boy. Acknowledging it's intended target, it barreled into Ethan. Ethan clumsily managed to stay on his feet and threw his arm back in fury. "Marill, tackle!"
Obediently, the little blue ball flung itself onto the Pinsir.
As if nothing happened, the Pinsir charged at Herley, rearing its massive horns for an X-scissor.
"Ethan!" she screamed, her eyes burning from holding back tears.
"Marill, rollout and hurry!" he hollered, not knowing what else to do. Compared to this Pinsir, his Marill was under-leveled by far. Marill knocked into Pinsir, causing it to teeter to the side for a split second allowing for both kids to escape.
"Th-ank you," Herley stuttered as she crashed into Ethan.
He hugged her back but then pulled away, "We have to get Professor Elm now! Marill, follow us!" he commanded.
Within that second, Ethan and Herley dashed towards New Bark Town with Marill following closely behind. The loud snapping was pursing at a dangerously close rate, enough to send shivers up anyone spine. Herley's whole body was trembling in fear. The only thing pushing her onwards was Ethan grasping her hand and forcing her to run with him.
A screech halted the both of them as they whipped around to see the Pinsir catching its prey: Marill. Ethan gasped as a sole tear fell down his cheek. The horns on top of Pinsir's head had clamped into the soft belly of the water rodent, causing blood to ooze out of the puncture. The little body gave a shudder before it went limp and before the rest of the horrifying scene could take place. Herley grabbed Ethan by the arm and this time, she forced him to run with her. Once in the safety of town, she pulled him into a hug and the couple stood there for minutes, until both of them had stopped crying.
It was after that incident that Ethan and Herley had grown apart. They had stopped seeing each other as much because every time they did, both would blame each other for the death of his Marill. Crystal, now peeling herself from her bedroom full of books and notes, wondered outside to comfort Ethan whenever a fight broke out. Her aqua pigtailed hair was easy to notice when she sneaked out the back door of the lab to sit next to Ethan under the shelter of the trees close to the win turbines.
Seeing the two together did upset Herley; she couldn't deny that. She could no longer even talk to Ethan without yelling, and she did miss him. She constantly missed the once inseparable pair playing together for hours near the water route to the side of town and the adventures they made up. It wasn't fair how Crystal could just walk in and take him from her like he was a toy that she was done playing with. She wanted to make up with Ethan so the two could still be friends, but every time Herley saw Crystal outside with him, it sparked a larger hatred and guilt weighing her down. She had to stay away from them.
After a month of isolation from Ethan, Herley moved back to Olivine where she was born. She had lived there until she was two, and now was back at thirteen. Her dad was called back into the Olivine ports to maintain the new supplies being exported to Kanto. Being so young that she didn't understand it at the time, an organization was slowly taking over Kanto and the league and trainers needed more supplies to fight the growing conflict. This was around the time when her dad was called out to sea to tow and protect the ships with his Dragonite. Her mother ended up getting a job at the Moo-Moo Farm on the route above the city.
Herley saw little of her dad for the next few years, but secretly wished he was home more often. Her mom disapproved of her going near Pokemon at anytime, as she worried about her daughter's safety. Herley would constantly sneak out every morning before her mom would get up to feed the Meowth that lived in the alleys. He was a gentle creature and would always rub against her leg when she was sitting on the front porch. After a year, Herley's mom had caught her with the Meowth and had called Pokemon Control to take him to the local shelter.
A week before she turned sixteen, Herley's dad had been getting into fights with her mom daily. Having no knowledge of what they would quarrel over, she could hear hisses and snaps throughout the day and night that left her wondering what the fuss was all about. She soon found out what the fight was about the night before her birthday. Her dad quietly opened the door to her bedroom and whispered for her to pack anything important things quickly. Not knowing what or why he had asked, she obliged and filled a backpack with her most prized possessions and necessities. In a few moments, they were out the door and flying on his Dragonite's back, heading towards New Bark Town.
Herley and her dad arrived around eleven and Ethan's mom was waiting to greet her outside of the Kotone house. She gently hugged her and guided the tired girl inside. Inside was just like they had left it. She ushered Herley upstairs and explained the big day tomorrow before she disappeared back downstairs. Herley set her bag down and ran her fingers gently along the table. Everything she had when she was a kid was still here. Giving a soft sigh, she flicked the lights off and crawled into bed, hoping that sleep would come quickly.
Herley's dresser draw wardrobe was horribly outdated, but what would anyone care when she has a Pokemon journey awaiting her? She slipped on a thin red hoodie with a white hood and a denim romper with suspenders and then fiddled with her hair a little, as it was being unreasonable today. Pulling out two hair ties, she flashed a grin and managed to put her snow-white hair into two pigtails that managed to stick out a little. Looking herself self over in the mirror, she giggled at the stupid clothes she had worn when she was thirteen. After grabbing her bag, putting her phone in her pocket, pulling up her white knee-high socks, and tying her red vans, she was finally ready for the adventure that awaits!
"Ow!" Herley rubbed her nose as she stumbled back. A taller, raven hair boy with a tuft of hair poking out of his backwards baseball hat greeted the tinier in comparison girl at the door. He rubbed the back of his neck and muttered a sorry.
She blinked and then gasped, "Ethan? Is that you?"
He nodded solemnly, "Yeah, it's me. So- umm- how have you been? You haven't changed a bit." He commented, pointing at Herley's attire.
"Not funny! And I'm fine," she waved off not wanting to tell the truth.
Ethan took a step back and extended his arm towards Professor Elm's lab. "Well, I was sent over here to get you so we can pick a Pokemon and all," he said nervously, "Oh and sorry for bumping into you. I didn't know you'd be right at the door."
"No, it's fine," she said quietly as she walked outside and shut the door behind her. "I guess we should head over know?"
He continued towards the lab, not even glancing back at Herley. "Sounds good. Professor Elm and Crystal are waiting for us."
She frowned as she continued to follow in his steps. "Crystal's getting a Pokemon with us?" a hint of bitterness followed.
"Not today I'm afraid. She rather help with Elm's work," he paused then looked back at her with a frown plastered on his face. "She's not the type to go on adventures, you know that."
Ethan had changed a lot since she last knew him three years ago. Even after the accident, he was still sometime carefree before we stopped talking. The Ethan Herley knew and loved before then was wild, witty, and a real gentleman; new Ethan is cold and awkward. Maybe she was just making this up? Besides, Herley haven't even talked to him in three years and he must have forgotten about her since Crystal was always by his side after she was out of the picture. Suddenly, she felt guilty knowing this. Herley furrowed her brow as she was lost in thought. "He only had Crystal to turn to after the accident and I wouldn't even give him the time of day without an argument following. He probably hasn't forgiven me, and I just only realized how horrible of a friend I was to him about the accident."
She sighed as she realized that Ethan and her had reached the door to the lab. Ethan grabbed the doorknob and turned it, revealing to me a renovated lab with high ceiling and windows lining the walls, allowing light to pour in from the outside. Bookshelves were lined up near the front, and opened up in the back where it seems as if the Professor did his research. Books and papers were scattered on a table next to a computer. Everyone must be busy if the lab seems this disorderly.
"Welcome back, Herley! I understand you are ready to receive your first Pokemon today?" exclaimed and overly enthusiastic professor. Crystal nodded towards us and gave a friendly smile to Ethan.
"I'm as ready as I'll ever be," Herley retorted as Elm laughed awkwardly. It seems like this whole town has grown awkward since she moved, well more like more awkward.
Professor Elm fumbled around at his desk until he pulled out a file containing lots of papers and sticky notes pouring out of the side. He gave each of us a copy of the report he had created.
"Before you can actually keep your Pokemon, I have a job that needs to be done actually.." he explained. "My aids are too busy, but you two are perfect for the job!
Herley glanced over at Ethan, who was staring at a fixed space on the wall behind Elm. If he won't respond to her normally, this trip will surely take forever.
"I need the both of you to meet Mr. Pokemon on Route 30. He made a fantastic discovery and has requested me to see to it and research it right away! He is saying there may be a new species of Pokemon involved!" he grinned and pushed his glasses back to their proper place. "I would feel safer if the two of you take along a Pokemon, so I have prepared three very rare Pokemon for you to choose from." Elm rushed over to a machine on the far corner of the room and pressed a bottom, releasing the hatch and allowing him to slide a tray of three pokeballs out. After placing each pokeball onto a narrow table, he gestured me towards him, "Herley, you first."
Herley's whole body shook, "Me, Professor?" She nodded slowly as he knees began to shake. Such a tough decision as this is the biggest step for any trainer.
"Well I said your name, didn't I? This here is Chikorita, the grass type. She's a defensively based Pokemon who can withstand hits and can provide support for you and your team."
"Sorry professor, but I rather have some offense."
He pointed towards the Pokemon on Chikorita's left, "Then how about Cyndaquil? He's an offensive fire-type Pokemon and is a quick learner. He's fast and shows a lot of potential for any trainer."
Herley's fist tightened as she reached out her other hand and gently picked up the last pokeball, "What about this one?" She pushed in the button, causing a white light to be emitted from the open Pokeball. After the light fizzled away, a blue alligator-like Pokemon appeared on the floor in front of me. It grinned slightly, revealing a perfect line of sharp teeth.
"That is Totodile. He's both an offensive and a defensive water type Pokemon that is sure to be a powerhouse. He can learn a variety of different moves, but you have to make sure you train him right or else he won't obey."
Ignoring Elm's speech on the Pokemon, Herley bent down into a crouch to see the little guy closer up. She gave an approvingly smile as the Totodile stretched his palm out to her. She grabbed it lightly and shook it, "I think I'll call you Calvin if that's fine with you?"
"It's fine," he smiled contently.
Elm continued, "He's quite the calm one. You're lucky to have such a good natured Totodile, Herley!"
"Professor, I want this one!" Ethan grabbed Cyndaquil's pokeball and releashed him. The fire mouse growled and let embers blaze out of his back.
Elm scratched his chin before commenting, "Seems like a rebellious one. Please take care of him, Ethan."
He scoffed, "Of course I will! With Cyndaquil's offense, I can always take care of him!"
Herley stared at Ethan as he picked up Cyndaquil and scratched him gently under the chin, much to the Cyndaquil's distaste. Then, Herley let a smile emerge from her face, "Ready, Calvin? This will be our first adventure!" she squealed as she pick him up at the waist and did a little spin as she held him above her.
"Now remember you two, Mr. Pokemon will be waiting for you guys on Route 30! That's right past Cherrygrove. I assume you will be able to get there with no problem, but here's a couple potions in case times get tough. They will temporarily relieve your Pokemon of pain, but not permanently. You will need to go to the Pokemon Center for that," Elm inquired and awkwardly shifted his glasses. "Please be safe out there and hurry home soon!"
Crystal ran over to Ethan before the two could leave and gave him a hug, "I'll miss you and make sure you call me every night! Don't get yourself into too much trouble!" She drew away a little and gave him another short hug before returning to her work.
After being pushed out of the lab by Elm, Ethan and Herley both let of a breathe of relief. "Shall we?" Ethan murmured and started walking forward.
Herley followed him, but sighed and grabbed his arm, unable to take the awkwardness already. This was something that she couldn't leave unsaid, it was killing her just holding it in. "Hey, look. I'm sorry about the past few years. I should have talked to you or-"
Ethan's gaze shifted to her for a second then away, "No big deal. We should just get going," he said quietly, "Don't want to keep Elm waiting for us."
Wait. What? Does he not even care about what happened, "Ethan, you know you can tell me anything right? We are friends. I've known you longer than any other person."
"Hey you two!" Calvin called from the edge of town, "You're worse than slowpokes!"
Ethan turned towards Calvin and Cyndaquil and hid his face under the tuft of hair that came out of his hat, "We were friends."
Herley grabbed her arms and held them to herself as her gave slowly shifted down to the ground. "Did he really mean that? Of course he did, he's the one who I abandoned when he needed a shoulder to cry on the most. Am I really that shallow that I could think everything will be okay with a simple sorry? And then there's Crystal who swooped right in at the right time to claim her prize." Herley adverted her gaze back to the lab to see if Crystal had followed them outside. There was a figure crouching by the window of the lab, hidden in the shadows. She could faintly make out a narrow frame accompanied by scarlet hair. "He wasn't suppose to be there, right?" she narrowed her eyes suspiciously.
Herley felt a tug on my pant leg, "Herley? Is everything all right?" came a questioning voice. Calvin was at her feet and staring up at the white haired girl with worried eyes. At least she knew she had someone who she could count on.
"Everything is fine!" she managed to say, "To Route 30!"
Herley stole one last glance back at the lab, only noticing that the shady figure was no longer by the lab's window. Maybe she was just seeing things.
**To be continued!**
Sooo first chapter is up and this is kind of more of a back story to the whole Herley (Kotone basically) vs Ethan plot. Another portion to this story is that Pokemon are more equal as they talk, have jobs, some live by themselves, etc. I rather have Pokemon be more in depth since they are their own soul technically. Setting and time is the same as HeartGold and SoulSilver games, so three years after the main Kanto ark with Team Rocket and Red. This story is basically based off of those games, plus my experiences when playing, and add-ons. Nothing is really planned out as I tend to like to write as I go.
Let me know what you think and all Pokemon rights go to Nintendo as I do not own them!