"Pokemon
Language conveniently translated into English"
Thoughts
Time Break/ Scene Change
Beyond
the Rainstorm
The sky lit up briefly, the darkness dissipated from the land for a brief flash, then all melted back into silence and darkness. Rain poured heavily from the darkened clouds overhead, the sky lit up as more lighting bolts parted the sky and rained down onto the ground and flooded the area with an eerie, brilliant light. Thunder rumbled in the distance each time lighting formed, the thunder roared so loudly that one could feel it inside of their chests.
Another flash of lighting caused the sky to light up and illuminated an empty field which rested before a thick forest. A woman ran through the field with great speed, her eyes squinted through the downpour and guided her young daughter towards the shelter of the forest. She whipped her head around, her long mahogany hair flowed in the wind, the woman looked down towards her young daughter.
"Naoko! We will make it to the forest soon!" She re-assumed her young daughter, the girl nervously nodded her head. The girl stumbled along as she tried to keep up with her mother's long strides, the girl looked up towards her mother with frantic blue eyes. Her deep brown pigtails bounced as she ran, her eyes flooded with fearful tears.
"Ma….Mama…!" The girl wailed loudly as she stumbled over her own feet and fell face first into the wet grass below her. The woman turned on a dime and knelt down and helped her daughter back up.
"We must hurry to the woods!" She said in a loud voice, though did not shout to her young child as she continued towards the forest with her daughter right beside her. Each time the lighting streaked across the sky, each time the thunder roared behind them, it grew closer and closer. Soon the storm would be upon them, and the woman was not about to let that happen before they reached the forest. "Hurry!" She shouted back to her daughter.
Each steep brought them closer to the safety that lay just beyond them. Each rumble of thunder brought the storm closer, and it was winning. With her daughter's hand held tightly within hers, the mother was determined to reach the tree line before the storm got the best of them.
"Whatever happens, do not look behind you!" The mother said as she increased her pace, but within her daughter's own stride as well. "Do not let fear overcome you!" The little girl nodded her head sheepishly as she panted loudly, her legs felt like they were about to turn into jelly. Her body had begun to give up on her, but she had to push forward! She had to persevere so she and her mother could be safe!
Suddenly, something tingled in the back of the girls mind. Something warned her…told her to stop in her tracks! Suddenly she stoped, the girl slowly turned her head around to face the storm.
Her eyes widened.
"M…MAMA!!" She screamed loudly as a bright and loud bolt of lighting ran right over their heads.
…Nothing but silence followed.
"…Mama…." A voice whispered through the darkness, a single tea rolled down from her eye.
The sun shone through the leaves on a bright and wonderful spring day. The birds sung sweetly within the trees as they fluttered about and enjoyed this warm day. In the middle of a thicket within the forest rested a girl, no older then fifteen, the shadows of the leaves forming a delicate pattern upon her fair skin. She leaned back on her hands from where she sat upon the grass, her face lifted up to the sky and her eyes closed. Long, straight dark brown hair spilled over her shoulders and touched the ground, two long strips fell over her shoulders delicately. Slowly, the girl inhaled the crisp and clean smell of the forest, exhaling in a contented sigh as her bright blue eyes opened and gazed at the sun between the leaves.
"What a lovely day…" She said softly in a surprisingly deep voice as she raised one of her hands to brush some of her bangs behind her ears. "I'm glad we live by the forest…it's so calm and peaceful here…I can really relax here…" She smiled softly as she flopped back against the grass, her arms folded behind her head and continued to stare up into the trees. A small Pidgey fluttered across her field of vision, which caused her to smile softly. This world, the natural world, with Pokemon living in harmony with humans was truly what the world should be like. It was because of man's continuing encroachment that the Pokemon were restless, attacking people…at least, that's what the girl thought.
"I wish I could stay here forever…" She whispered as she closed her eyes and sighed softly to herself.
"Naoko!" A voice of a young female called out from beyond the forest which broke the peaceful silence. The girl blinked her eyes and turned her head across the thicket towards the direction of the voice. "Naoko!" The voice called again. She hoisted herself up from the ground, the girl hopped to her feet and dusted the dirt and grass from her khaki's, and hurried through the forest and towards the end of it.
"Nao…Oh! There you are, Naoko!" The origin of the voice said, the girl stood in front of the shorter girl. The taller girl's hair was a soft, dark color of brown and fell down past her butt. She smiled down at the girl, "I thought you wouldn't be coming out!"
"Eh heh…you know how I am, Haruka," The black haired girl, Naoko, laughed as she scratched the back of her head, "It's hard for me to tear myself away from the forest…" Haruka giggled softly and folded her hands behind her back, "So, what is it you want?" Naoko inquired.
"Grandfather sent me to inform you that he would like you to come to his lab right away." Naoko blinked and tilted her head.
"Huh? Why's that?"
"Oh, you know how he is!" Haruka laughed, "He wouldn't tell me, just that it was 'very important.' Knowing him, he's probably going to ask you to help out again, like he always does…" To this, both girls laughed, "Though…he seemed somehow different this time…I wonder if it concerns your father."
"I wouldn't be surprised…" Naoko said quietly with a sigh and a shake her head, "Anyway, thank you Haruka. I'll go over right away." With a smile and a wave, Naoko walked away from her friend and started towards the dirt path leading to her home, which rested on the outskirts of Pallet Town.
Needless to say, this was a surprise to Naoko. She, being the daughter of Shiji Tsurjion, the famous Pokemon League Champion for three years straight, was often pestered by fans or interviewed by news people and was in the lime light much more then she would like. Most of the time she remained in Pallet Town while he was away at Indigo Plateau, where he was often needed for paperwork or other such things. Sure, a lot of the time she missed her father, but she also respected his decision and was also incredibly proud to be his daughter. In the mean time, she cared for his hundreds of Pokemon that were left behind at their estate, something Naoko really enjoyed doing. Helping them also would remind her of her father, and of how kind he was…all of his Pokemon were raised right, well mannered and were kind and compassionate creatures. Anyone could learn something from him and how he raised his Pokemon.
Likewise, because her father was the League Champion, he was also closely tied to Haruka's grandfather, Professor Oak. It was widely known that Professor Oak was the famous Professor of Pokemon, and the head resource and researcher concerning Pokemon and their dealings. Literally, every Pokemon Trainer in existence knows of him, and the more powerful ones, such as the Gym Leaders, worshiped him like some sort of God. Pokemon trainers came from far and wide to visit Pallet Town, only to visit and speak with the famous Professor. Because of her father, Naoko was a family friend of the Oaks, and often visited the Professor with her father.
At times, Professor Oak would ask her over to help care for the Pokemon within his care, usually while he worked on a big new discovery or on some sort of new invention. It was the only time he ever really invited Naoko over, besides her going over with her Father from time to time. Oak was also known as the starting point for almost all of the trainers in Kanto.
Yet…at the same time, he wanted Naoko to come over. And he said it was important…what could he possibly want? She wasn't anything at all, really, not even a Pokemon trainer! She was one of the few youths that did not wish to become a trainer. Well…probably only half dreamed of becoming one, but Naoko wasn't one of them. She never felt the need to become one, a person who forced a creature to do things and rule over it. It just wasn't her style…
It brought her back to her point…why DID Professor Oak want her to over? With an exasperated sigh, Naoko looked up and noticed that her musings that she had arrived to Oak's large complex and lab. Well…that went by fast. Walking over towards the front door, she knocked lightly on it and waited for a response. There was none, so she knocked again. Still nothing.
As she reached her hand out, Naoko placed her hand on the knob and turned it, and was surprised to find that the door was unlocked. She opened it up and peered inside as she looked about, "…Professor Oak? Hello?" She asked as she stepped inside of the lab and carefully closed the door behind her. Without waiting for a response, Naoko wandered into the lab and gazed about at the clutter and the numerous strange machines that lined the walls. Just as messy as usual…and no Professor in sight! With a sigh, Naoko spotted a clean table with a chair beside it, and wandered over.
Before she could sit down, Naoko tilted her head and gazed at the sole object upon the desktop. It was a small, grayish purple looking device, rectangular in shape with some buttons and a scroll wheel near the bottom of it.
"…A holographic projector, maybe?" She asked herself as she reached for the small object. But why would Professor Oak make one of those?
"Naoko!" A voice suddenly said from behind Naoko, which caused the girl to jump forward as she stumbled forward and crashed against the table as she yelped loudly. She whirled around and turned to face the also startled Professor Oak.
"A…A…Professor!" She exclaimed as she turned red and looked down at her feet, "S…sorry!"
"No, no, it's quite alright Naoko!" The professor coughed as he dusted off his lab jacket, "I shouldn't have shouted like that, I guess I was excited that you actually came! I would have expected you to stay behind, as you'd probably assume it would be another Pokemon sitting job…"
"You know I always show up for them," Naoko laughed, "It's not like I don't enjoy working with Pokemon! But…what is it do you want, if it's not that?" The Professor grinned and walked towards the table and picked up the small item.
"You've already seen it! It is my latest invention!" He exclaimed as he held it outwards for Naoko to see, "I call it the Pokedex. It's a digital interface that logs data on Pokemon in which you've seen or caught. It's the alternative to having to memorize data or lugging one of those huge encyclopedia's with you!" Naoko stared in awe of the small contraption. Incredible! This would be every trainer's dream come true!
"Wow…that's amazing, Professor!" She exclaimed, "I can't believe no one thought of that sooner…every Trainer will want one!" The Professor nodded and smiled.
"However, it's still in its prototype stage," He admitted as he handed Naoko the small object, "The entries are all small and incomplete. While I do know a lot about Pokemon, one thing I do not know is how they act in the wild or their natural personalities before they get taken in by a trainer, or when and how they learn moves…also, it is completely untested." Naoko continued to stare at the glossy surface of the item, then slowly raised her head to look up at Professor Oak. It was an incredible invention, sure…but why her?
"I see…but…why are you telling me?" She asked, "What does it have to do with me?" Oak only grinned brighter as he chuckled loudly.
"It has everything to do with you, my dear! You see, I want YOU to test it out!" He exclaimed with great enthusiasm.
Naoko's face practically fell off as she stared up at Professor Oak, then down at the Pokedex, then back up at him. She was speechless! The great Professor Oak wanted HER to test this item out?! But why?! How…what? She didn't understand! Why would he want her to test it out? Naoko wasn't a trainer, she wasn't a researcher…she wasn't anything special but a normal girl! Why did he want her? With all of the shock, she couldn't get a word out and remained speechless, her mouth slack and hung open. The Professor chuckled again and patted her shoulder.
"I can tell you're quite shocked about this…" He stroked his chin thoughtfully, "Let me guess…you want to know why you, right?" Naoko nodded her head, "This is simple. You're a good, trustworthy woman, and I can sense that you would raise your Pokemon right. You wouldn't be a power hungry trainer like a majority of the trainers out there, you would care for your Pokemon and would rather conduct my research then to become the next Champion." Naoko only continued to stare up at Oak with a shocked expression. "Besides, I've seen how you work with Pokemon as well. You treat them with love and compassion, and some of them almost wish that YOU were their trainers! You're a gentle soul, Naoko, and you treat Pokemon as equals to a Human Being, instead of being some sort of monster. Which, leads me to the real reason why I wish you to do this for me."
"..Wha…what's the other one…?" Naoko asked in a sheepish voice, unable to say much else besides that.
"I have heard a great deal about you, Naoko," Oak said, his face serious, "You have something special about you that no one else has. Even I do not quite understand it, but I envy you for this special talent that you have. Everyone involved in Pokemon will. You see…I have come to realize that you understand what Pokemon are saying. You can't just tell my mannerisms like I can…you completely understand them as if they were speaking with human words! Even your father has recognized this, and says that you have since an early age…you are truly gifted, Naoko, and that is exactly why I trust this task to you, and you alone."
Naoko only stared in stunned silence. She? She could understand what Pokemon were saying? She hadn't even realized before her talent with speaking with Pokemon. Yet now, now that it was presented to her, she realized that it was true. She could understand what they were saying…but…it wasn't quite as Professor Oak explained. She couldn't explain how it worked…but…
"So…" Naoko said finally as her eyes trailed down to the Pokedex, "You…want me to help you create entries by studying Pokemon in the wild, and captured, and send you my notes?" Oak nodded his head, "…I see." It took her only a fraction of a second to decide. This could be her chance to do something worth while, instead of sitting at home! She could make a difference, and more importantly, she would be working with Pokemon! With a bright smile, Naoko clutched the prototype Pokedex to her chest, "I'll go and do this for you, Professor!"
"Ah…thank you very much, Naoko!" Professor Oak said enthusiastically as he placed his hands on her shoulders, "I've already completed your Trainer's leave form to be sent to the League."
"Trainer's leave? I thought I was doing field research!" Naoko asked. The Professor laughed and scratched the back of his head nervously. Naoko's face dropped slightly. Of course, there had to be a catch.
"You know how things are out there, Naoko," He said, "Pokemon are aggressive for one reason or another. It's dangerous to leave the city, regardless of how well you can communicate with them! I have to get you a license and give you a Pokemon for your protection." Naoko sighed. He had a point, didn't he?
"Ah…I see…" Naoko sighed, "I guess it can't be helped, can it?"
"Unfortunatly, no," The professor smiled again, "But good can come out of it, right? Anyway…Since the form has already been sent, you'll have your license within two hours…unless you want to wait before you set out, that is!" He seemed tense when he spoke of this, almost as if he wanted Naoko TO actually wait before she set out on her journey. Naoko tilted her head slightly. What could he be hiding?
"Why would I want to wait? This has to be done soon, right?"
"Yes…well…maybe you want to wait for your father to come back?" Somehow, Oak seemed more frantic as he spoke. Yep, he really had something to hide! It was painfully obvious as Naoko smiled.
"I can just send him an e-mail," She responded, "Besides; I don't know when he'll be back…" She narrowed her eyes at him and took a steep forward, "…Why do I get the feeling you're trying to put this off for some reason?"
"Err…N-nothing, nothing at all!" Naoko sighed with exasperation and rubbed her temple, then continued to stare up at Oak as a glare formed on her face. Obviously, he wasn't going to fool her, not by a long shot!
"Come on, Professor! What is it?!" Yep, no way to turn back from THAT cold stare! With a sigh of defeat, Professor Oak hung his head. Well, might as well get on with it. As he put his hands into the pockets of his lab coat, Oak turned on his heel and began to walk down a hallway of his lab, towards a large area in which he often set trainers out with their beginner Pokemon. There was a large object in the center of the room that often housed four Pokeballs - each consisted of either a Squirtle, a Charmander, a Bulbasaur or an Eevee - each clearly marked and a large, clear panel of glass over the center, which usually housed extra's or alternative starters, incase more trainers should show up then the four at any given time. Currently, all of the slots were empty.
"I hate to admit this, but I am currently waiting for some new starters to be born," He sighed as he walked over to the machine, "I do have one left…but I was saving it to give it to your father. Unfortunately, it's the only one I have left…" Naoko peered over towards the cylinder shaped machine. Oak typed in a code as the glass slid open, reaching down and grasping a Pokeball with a bright yellow "WARNING!" sticker across the top, complete with diagonal black lines, a la police tape. Something seriously bad must be contained within. Naoko could feel her fingers begin to tingle in anticipation of what could possibly be contained inside of that harmless looking sphere.
"Why's that?" She asked as she looked at the sphere, feeling somehow uneasy by the giant sticker warning people of the contents. Despite the uneasy feeling in her gut about this, Naoko remained curious as to what was contained inside.
"You see…" Oak explained, "This is a Charmander that I've had for a while. It is a very unique specimen. It is, already, several inches taller then it should be and 23 pounds heavier. It is incredibly powerful for such a small, low level creature, a one in a million chance of it being born as such…" His voice was quiet and grave as he spoke with utmost seriousness in his voice, something that was rare in the goofy Professor. As if it hadn't whacked her in the head enough, Naoko felt her stomach begin to twist into knots. Hoo boy, this was going to be an interesting ride!
"And the problem is with that?" She asked again and took a tentative steep towards Oak, her hands slowly balled into fists as she curiously store down at the Pokeball. What could possibly be in it that was so bad…?
"…Despite its strengths, it was born with an incredibly sour personality," Professor Oak admitted as he and shook his head, "It is extremely temperamental and even I have trouble handling it. It won't listen to a thing I tell it to and is very ill trained. I was going to save this for your father, as he would have the abilities and expertise to properly train and discipline it. Unfortunately, this is the only Pokemon I can give you at this moment…this is why I wanted you to wait. I'm sorry for not telling you sooner - but I had hoped that you would wait so this wouldn't happen. I guess I can't blame you though, you do possess your Father's stubbornness."
"It's alright, Professor…" Naoko said as she reached out, her fingers encircled around the Pokeball and examined it. Now she was curious. Now she had to see what was in it! Darn her natural born curiosity! Darn her stubbornness! She'd need to thank her Father for that later.
With a sigh, she gently grasped the small Pokeball within her hands, Naoko gazed down towards the small object and gently hit the button on the front, causing it to expand, and then hit it again to view the statistics of the Pokemon inside. Her eyes trained down the green, holographic screen as they slowly rolled by her field of vision. Hmm, good health, and incredibly high stats for being so young, and only level five! It was at least twice as strong as a normal Charmander at that level! Absolutely incredible! And the Professor wanted to give him away…? With a sigh, Naoko closed the menu and shrunk the ball down and gave a sigh as she continued to stare at it. Regardless of the Oak's strange urge to give up this fine specimen away, Naoko had to consider the options for a moment. After all, he did still offer it to her! She could either wait until a starter Pokemon could be born, which could take anywhere from a few days to several months, or take the risk with this dangerous and ill-tempered Pokemon. It was a hard choice to make…but, Naoko had to have faith in herself, right…?
"…I'll take it." She whispered. Professor Oak's eyes widened and he took a steep backwards. Despite his initial shock, he wasn't too surprised - like father, like daughter.
"Are you sure?!" He asked franticly, "I don't think you could possibly handle such a reckless Pokemon! He's too powerful and it will be impossible for you to control him!"
"…I won't know until I try, right?" Naoko said in response as she lifted her head up to look at Oak with a smile on her face, which masked her own nervousness, "I have learned some things from Father…besides, I'll be able to give it something it hasn't had…a warm heart. I don't want to force it to do anything. I want to be its friend, not its trainer or master…"
Oak realized that Naoko had far more potential then he realized with those words. An inexperienced trainer, who had the will to take on a Pokemon that even professional trainers wouldn't be able to handle! She was willing to give it the best she had, even if it could easily hurt her or run off. The risk was something she wanted to take on, regardless of the reprecautions attached to such a hasty act. But clearly, Naoko had thought about this well enough, and Professor Oak couldn't help the small smile on his face. She had the will to take it on - and treat it as her equal, even though it most certainly would not treat her the same way. She was strong…but would she be strong enough for the Charmander?
"Very well then," Oak said as he adjusted his tie and tried to hide the small smile on his face in a feint to seem professional, "I offer this Pokemon to you, Naoko. I want you to take good care of it for a while…but, it's not permanent." Naoko looked up to meet Oak's eyes, confusion within their blue depths.
"Why not…?" She asked.
"Well…" The Professor coughed, "It is going to be very hard for you to handle it. I doubt you'll be able to train it normally. This is just a temporary set up until I can get another starter ready for you, and until you can pass it off to your father for real training."
"I see…" Naoko sighed and held the smalls sphere to her chest, "Thank you, Professor. I'll go home and get ready, then." Professor Oak nodded his head.
"I'll be on stand by for your License to arrive in the mean-time!" He smiled, "When you're finished, you can go ahead and come back here. I'll make the final preparations once you arrive."
"Alright. I'll see you in a few hours!" With a smile and a wave, Naoko walked out of the lab with her new Pokemon in tote.
It had been a little over an hour since Naoko returned home and began to prepare everything for her inevitable long journey ahead of her and began to stuff it all into her hiking backpack. This would be quite the adventure - farther then she had ever hiked before, but it was a journey she had the will to take. This was it - the push she needed to start a new life, to become who she really would be! Was it destiny, or just some form of coincidence? No matter. Naoko sighed and dropped her backpack on the floor.
"Okay…" Naoko stood over her stuffed backpack with a list of necessities, "I have food, cooking tools, a trenching tool, matches, some lighter fluid just in case, lots of changes of clothing, warm clothing and rainy clothing, my tent and a sleeping bag with pillows…soap, shampoo, a flashlight and spare batteries, and a lamp with spare batteries as well…and money for more food, Poke-chow and any other necessities, and my first-aid kit" Grinning, she looked up from her bag, "Alright, I think I'm all set…!" She paused and suddenly remembered, "Oh, right!"
Walking over to the coffee table in her living room, Naoko reached down and picked up some books she had set aside, as well as the prototype Pokedex. Carefully placing them in her full backpack - with some effort - she returned to the coffee table and picked up her cell phone and her notebook. With some more effort, she managed to stuff the final items into her bag and tied it off.
"Okay! I think I'm all set now…" She announced to herself, "Pop's been informed and everything is ready…I guess I should say goodbye to Haruka." With a loud oof, the small girl hoisted her backpack up against her and slid her arms through the straps and attached it around her waist. It was heavy, but Naoko has gotten used to such things from her various camping trips with her father. Now, for the final preparations…Naoko picked up a sheet of paper with instructions for Professor Oak - or rather, his assistants - about taking care of her father's Pokemon, at least until Shiji could find someone to watch them professionally.
As she picked up the small Pokeball containing her first Pokemon, Naoko attached it to the belt at her waist and walked up to the mantle. Her usually cheerful blue eyes turned somewhat dark and almost sorrowful as she stared at a picture in the center of it.
The picture was taken at her house many summers ago, by the worn wooden fence that surrounded the small cottage. A young girl sat on top of the fence, perhaps about three years old, which was probably Naoko as a child. Her black hair was pulled up into high pig-tails that ended just past her shoulders, one of her blue eyes closed and her head tilted. She wore a bright, happy smile upon her face. To the right was Naoko's father, Shiji. It was obvious where she got the eyes and the hair color from, Since Shiji poofy black hair that was almost wispy looking, with long bangs which ended past his chin and the remainder of his hair cut slightly shorter, against his neck. He too was smiling and had his hand around Naoko for support, his piercing blue eyes gazed down at her through a pair of oval frame glasses. The final person in the portrait was the one Naoko was looking forlornly at, a woman with long, bone straight mahogany hair which spilled over her shoulders and fell down past her waist. She smiled brightly and leaned her head against Naoko's own, her brown eyes glistened in the sunlight. The woman wore an orange bandana around her neck…and most curiously, Naoko wore one around one of her wrists as well. Some sort of an attachment to a memory from long ago?
"Goodbye, Mother…" Naoko said sadly, then smiled softly at the picture, "Please guide me on my journey…" Blowing a kiss at the picture, Naoko exited her home and began to trek towards the Oak home, which sat just outside of the Professor's lab.
By the time Naoko arrived to the extensive Oak labs, the Professor had finished making the final preparations for her departure into the vast unknown. He had readied five starting Pokeballs for her use, and gathered a few other things, like potions and antidotes, for her use. Once the young girl sat down her heavy backpack against the wall, she stretched out and flopped down on a couch in the sitting-area.
Professor Oak wandered into the room and placed the Pokeballs down on the table, and turned to face the young girl, "Since I already pre-sent your application, your license should arrive pretty soon." Naoko nodded her head and reclined slightly. Her eyes trailed up to the ceiling above her as she sighed. It had begun to sink in with her - the whole experience. She would leave home for the first time on her own, on a new adventure and do something that would truly be important. Naoko would experience things she had never experienced before; more over, the realization hit her like a twenty pound brick that she really hadn't the foggiest as to what she had to do.
"…You know, Professor…" Naoko sighed as she looked down from the ceiling and over to him, "As much as I know about the Pokemon themselves from taking care of them for so long…I actually don't know a thing about training or doing anything like that." The Professor flopped down onto the opposite couch and stroked his chin thoughtfully.
"I would think you would have learned something from your father." Drat, he had hopped she would know about this whole shtick! But, apparently he got his hopes up too high - after all, Naoko had never shown any previous interest in actually becoming a Trainer. Ah well, it couldn't be helped, right? Naoko laughed nervously and looked down to the side.
"I know a little…but not enough, really…" She sighed and closed her eyes as she inhaled deeply and let out another sigh, "I never had an interest to learn. I didn't ever think that I would be doing something like this in my entire life. While I love Pokemon themselves…it's the training that I don't have any interest in doing…" Oak nodded his head and continued to stroke his chin thoughtfully. It was just as he thought. Well, best to start from the basics! With a pop of his knuckles, he rose to his feet and grinned down to her.
"Well then…I guess I'll have to teach you some of the tricks of the trade," He laughed and looked towards Naoko, "First off, you should know how to capture a Pokemon. It's fairly easy, actually, though a majority of it is luck and chance. Essentially, you must weaken a Pokemon - a Pokemon with status effects will be easier to capture - enough so that it won't resist entering the Pokeball as much. Once it's weakened, throw the Pokeball at it and, hopefully, it will be captured. It's not completely guaranteed, you won't always capture it!"
To the idea of capturing a Pokemon, Naoko wrinkled her nose. This was one of the reasons why she didn't want to be a trainer…they forced a Pokemon into a small, round object against its will and become its master. The very thought made her feel sick to her stomach. Pokemon needed to be free! At least, that's what she always thought. "Isn't there another way to capture them…?" She inquired nervously. There was always a plan B, right? With a shake of his head, Professor Oak responded,
"Unfortunately, no," He said with regret in his voice, "It is very hard to coax a Pokemon into a ball on its own. Very few Pokemon are willing to do such a thing, which is why it must be weakened. If it is not weakened, it will fight and struggle within the Pokeball, and can break free."
"…I see…" Naoko drooped and hung her head down as she looked at her hands. Could she really bring herself to do such a cruel thing to an undeserving creature? There had to be another way…there just had to! She would find a way…at least, she hoped she could. Wait a second…something just dawned on her! As she up from her lap, Naoko looked at Professor Oak square in the face.
"…If that is true," She said quietly, "Then it's possible for a Pokemon to break free of the Pokeball if it doesn't want to remain there?" The Professor was taken slightly aback by the comment and blinked his black eyes a few times. No one, in his entire career as a Pokemon Professor, had even brought the idea up!
"Well..err…" He started, scratching the back of his head, "I guess it IS possible, though I haven't heard of it occurring though." Naoko blinked again as she looked down to the Pokeball located at her waist. This Pokemon contained within it had an ill temper…it probably was not happy with being contained in such a small little thing. Even though she figured the Pokemon would not be too happy to see her, the very idea of keeping it contained within that small sphere made her feel somewhat ill. Slowly, with almost a slight hesitation to her shaken hand, Naoko encircled her fingers around the small object and removed it from its location and gently pressed the button, which expanded its borders. It did not take long for Professor Oak to realize what she was about to do, his color quickly faded from his face as he sprung forward in a fit of frantic hands that he waved in front of him.
"N-no!!" He made a flying dive towards Naoko, "Don't!" However, Oak's aim was less then stellar as he landed flat on the floor in front of the couch, his face mashed against the cold tile floor below him. It was then that he realized something rather heavy with sharp claws stood on his back.
The creature, who had just been released from its 'prison,' stood on the soft flesh of the Professor's back. Naoko recognized its build, though became quickly impressed with its stature. Just as Oak had said, the Charmander was noticeable taller then any she had ever seen before, with a lean, muscular build instead of the common cubby form that the Pokemon commonly possessed. His narrow eyes looked around the room and fell upon Naoko, their deep, royal blue depths glistened with both intelligence, but also a dark anger. Although the look would have made a normal person uncomfortable, the girl didn't seem too phased by it - she was more awestruck at the beauty of the Pokemon, including his deep, red-orange skin color.
"Who are you?" The Charmander muttered in a gruff tone that didn't sound all to pleased.
"M-my name's Naoko," Naoko's own blue eyes met the ones of the creature before her, still awe-struck at his form. The Charmander arched an eyebrow at her, "I'm going to be your tr--…No, you're friend."
"Would you please --!" Oak tried to wiggle free from his position, though found it most difficult, especially since the Charmander dug its claws into his soft flesh, "Ow!"
"I don't need friends, especially with the likes of you."
"I know you feel that way," Naoko smiled weakly, though could not help to feel slightly hurt at the comment, "But, I want to try. I already like you, Char. I want to be your friend, not your master." The Charmander pulled his eyes away from hers and snorted a puff of smoke angrily as he stepped off of Professor Oak's back, which released another 'ow!' from the elder man.
"So you can understand what I'm saying, human?" The Charmander folded its arms and glanced back up at Naoko, the same dark, angry glint within its beautiful eyes. Naoko nodded her head. The Charmander snorted again and turned his back on her.
"..I do have name. It's Naoko," She corrected as she rose up from her location on the couch, and stood up on top of the Professor's still-recovering back.
"H-hey! I Just got it off of me!! Ow!" He squawked from under her and flailed about. Thankfully, Naoko walked off of him a moment later as she lowered down onto her knees behind the Charmander to look at it on its own level. "Thanks for caring…"
"You have a name now, too," Naoko smiled down at the Charmander, "It's not very creative, I know but…Char just seems to fit you. It's kinda boyish, right? Besides, calling you Charmander would be a little soulless of me…"
"As if referring me to a shortened name of my species is any less soulless?" The Charmander snorted angrily and looked over his shoulder to Naoko, "You're no better then the rest of the humans! Always trying to poke and prod at me, to control me…and more over, you're weak. How am I to become strong if I'm stuck with a weak little girl like you?" Those harsh words struck home as Naoko's face dropped, her expression changed into one that was slightly hurt and sad. Slowly, her eyes looked down to the ground as she sighed. Although she hadn't seen his temper yet, the foul personality really did shine through, and quite well at that. With another sigh, she looked up again and smiled at the Charmander, which she had named Char.
"I know," She said with a small amount of hope in her voice, "But, the only way I can become stronger is though experience. I want us both to grow and become stronger - together. I know, I'm not the ideal trainer for someone as magnificent as you are, but I still want to try. Will you put up with me for a while? I'll try my best, and maybe we can learn something."
Oak finally managed to sit up in time to listen to Naoko's little speech. Ah, he knew that girl had potential from the very first day he noticed something different about her! Despite her own lack of self-confidence, she had a good heart and was willing to put up with one of the most difficult Pokemon he had ever worked with. Maybe, just maybe, she might be able to change Char! Well done, my girl! Well done.
Char, however, was less then impressed. Although it was the first time someone had treated him less like a monster meant to be controlled and more like a person, kindness was simply not enough to gain strength. Even though Naoko wanted to try her hardest to be a good, strong trainer for him - it wasn't what he wanted. Did he have a choice? Maybe. He was a stubborn old mule that needed to be beaten with a hard stick in order to budge from his position. With another smoke-filled snort, he folded his arms across his chest and turned to face the girl.
"Words aren't enough! You should know this!" He hissed between his fangs, "I won't be convinced that you can make me the best that I could possibly be! Only the strongest trainer could do that! A poor rookie like yourself won't prove any more useful to me then a shelter with a giant hole in the roof during a rainstorm!" He planted his feet square into the ground and glared up at Naoko as flame began to flow from his mouth as he continued to speak in his language, "Give me one damn good reason for me to go with you, petty little girl!" Char breathed out a small spark of flame from his mouth to prove his point, in hopes that he could intimidate the girl - to make her afraid of him so she would just leave and let him be.
Naoko was taken aback. For a while, she simply sat there and store down at Char with a shocked expression on her face. But, there was no fear within her eyes. The display was a bit of a shock to her, but she was unafraid. Truly, she was unlike most other humans he had ever encountered before…
It took a few seconds for Naoko to close her eyes and sigh, a small smile upon her face. When she opened her eyes, she looked down into Char's own. "Because," She said with confidence, "I want to be your friend. I don't want to control you, I don't want to be your master. I will let you fight and train as you please…you can do whatever you want, as long as it doesn't endanger you. You'll be free - and if you come with me, I promise, you will meet a trainer worthy of helping you." Her smile broadened as she looked at the stunned Charmander's face, "My father…he will help you become what you've longed to become. He's been the champion for three years straight…I'm sure he's strong enough for you. But, for the moment, you'll come with me. It's only for a little while…so won't you come? I'll try my very best to suit your standards! Please, Char?"
Any normal being would be touched by her words. Any being that had a heart would be moved, the desire within them to do as she asked so strong that they couldn't possibly refuse. But, Char was hardly normal. His heart was surrounded by a strong stone barrier, that no word, no kindness, no emotion could breach. To him, Naoko was nothing but a sappy, sentimental girl who needed to grow up and learn that there was more to getting people to like you then just saying a few kind phrases. She was overly emotional, and he didn't like that. That was a sign of weakness to him, and weakness was one thing he couldn't tolerate. Still, regardless of the fact that he didn't care for this girl, it didn't mean he did not listen to her. So, she was offering to…baby sit up, so to speak, until they encountered the Champion and then he would be passed over to him. That posed two choices for the angry Charmander. The first choice was to stick with this sappy, weak little newbie until he got handed over to someone who would make him great. The second would to sit around the lab until another opportunity presented itself, while he would be poked and prodded constantly. …Ugh, why the hell was he even considering that an option?! With a disgruntled sigh, he snorted a puff of smoke and rolled his eyes in a manor that most parents with teenagers were familiar with.
"Fine." Naoko's face lit up at the response as she leaned forward and, abruptly, hugged the Pokemon. Although she was pretty happy at the moment, Char's face twisted into one that was both angry, and also quite uncomfortable.
"I'm so happy!" She exclaimed as she hugged him tighter, the Charmander growling darkly as smoke puffed from his mouth.
"Let. Go. Of me." Evidently, he wasn't a touchy-feely kind of a creature. Naoko flushed and hastily removed her arms from him and laughed nervously. "Don't ever do that again. …Come to think of it, don't even touch me again!"
"S-sorry…" Naoko bowed at her hips a few times to signify her apologies to him, "I'll try not to." She still had to get used to this Pokemon's particularly dislikeable personality. Sure, she had her run ins with mean-spirited and aggressive Pokemon, but this guy took the cake! He was power-hungry, didn't want anything to do with anything that might be 'below' him in any sense of the word…heck, he didn't even like it when people touched him! Still, Naoko remained naive about the situation and remained firm on her believe that if you loved something and treated it with respect, the same emotions would be reflected back. But boy, she was in store for one hell of a ride with Char!
A loud beep came from the other end of the sitting-room, to which Professor Oak perked up and trotted over to a machine, which had just spat out the confirmation of Naoko's registration, and her Trainers License. With a grin, the Professor picked the articles up and walked over towards the duo.
"Here we go, Naoko!" He said as she looked up to him, "Here's your license. Keep that in a safe spot!" Naoko rose to her feet and took the license and placed it into a pouch on her backpack. "So, you're all ready to go?" She gave a nod of her head, "Alright! I wish both of you the best of luck. Be careful, and have a safe journey! Be sure to send me your notes whenever possible, Naoko!"
"I will, Professor," She smiled at him as she hoisted her backpack up onto her shoulders and clicked the belt in place, "I guess this is goodbye for a while…so, take care of yourself, and remember to send someone to go look after my pop's Pokemon!"
"Will do!" The Professor held his hand out and gently shook her own, "Be sure to open up a bank account when you get to the next city. Your salary won't come in straight away - it'll be about a month. But be ready by then, okay?" Naoko nodded, "Alrighty! Good luck to you!" With a wave, the Professor watched as Naoko walked towards the door and off to a new adventure, the cranky Charmander followed suit after her. Once the duo had left the building, Oak sighed and watched them walk down the dirt road towards Route One. "They'll need it. If you are to ever succeed, Naoko, you have to gain Char's trust…"
Naoko could not help the bounce in her step as she walked along the gravel road below her feet. Her eyes were bright and a song played in her heart. She was excited! She couldn't help but to walk this way or feel so happy. Even though she enjoyed her life at home, the idea of actually getting out there and doing something that would eventually benefit others made her feel warm and snuggly on the inside. This was what she needed, the direction she needed to take! And with her loyal Pokemon at her side, nothing could stop her!
…Except, of course, for the so-called 'loyal Pokemon.'
Char aimlessly wandered behind Naoko's peppy step, and did not appear to be as thrilled or excited as she was about the whole adventure. Sure, he had agreed to go along with her, but only because he'd rather be stuck with an emotional newbie then get tested upon by that weird Professor. He lacked the enthusiasm as his Trainer shared - in fact, her entire step made him feel nauseous. Absolutely sickening! This girl was so sicky-sweet that her insides were probably filled with chocolate! Char had to contain himself from either burning her or wanting to laugh out loud at her annoyingly giddy bounce. Jeez! Of all people he got stuck with…
Naoko slowed down her pace and stopped as she looked behind her back and down at Char as he approached her. A smile was on her face, almost as if she was trying to convince herself that he was, indeed, her bestest friend ever. Once he lined up with her - which he wasn't too pleased about - she walked at his pace while she smiled brightly down at him. It was like she tried to get his insides to turn into chocolate pudding, too!
"So Char," She started, "What's your family like?" Char snorted in response and averted his gaze from the glittery girl.
"I would prefer if we traveled in silence, child." Jeez, he really was no fun! Naoko pouted slightly at his response.
"Aww! Can't you at least try to like me? Its better then being rude!"
"I have nothing to say to you. Just walk and don't talk anymore." Considering her previous door-mat personality, Char full well expected her to pout and remain silent for the rest of their trip. But, as he would learn later on, it was that he shouldn't ever expect Naoko to react the way he wanted her to. This was one of those cases, as she responded with a laugh and a pat on his head, which only made him feel more agitated then he already was. "And what the hell is so funny?!"
"That you're trying to hide the fact that you're enjoying yourself!" Naoko giggled, which only caused more sickening knots to twist in the Pokemon's stomach.
"I...I am not!"
"Don't lie! I can tell these things," A bright smile was flashed down towards him, "You're happy to be out of that lab! I know, I would feel restricted too if I was kept in there." Char glared up at her and snorted angrily, a soft ember escaped from his nostrils as he did so. "Besides, if you really dislike it that much or keep on complaining, I could always just put you back into your Pokeball!" Another girlish giggle that sent chills down his spine. Lovely! Now she was threatening to imprison him if he didn't behave!
"What ever happened to that 'you can do anything you want!' thing?!" He demanded as he stopped walking and pointed a claw accusingly at her, "I could have sworn you said No POKEBALLS!" Naoko giggled again. Oh boy, that was not a good sign. She turned to face him and waved a finger down at him.
"Now, now, I didn't say that!" Yep, this was not going where he wanted it to go, "I just said you could be free, as long as it doesn't endanger yourself. If you keep up the complaining, you'll be in danger of me throwing something random at your head." Char was taken aback at this comment. This girl…it was like she was someone different then the doormat in the lab! How could she had gained such confidence?! "I don't like the idea of Pokeballs. I really, really don't want to put you back into one, but I don't like it when people complain or gripe about things they don't like. You're with me now, and if you want to become stronger, you'll stay with me! Got it?" Char gave a weak nod of his head, "Alright, then! So, you're going to have to suck it in and deal with me, okay? And try not to be rude. I don't like rudeness, either. I know you don't like me, but at least pretend you do. Who knows? Maybe we could actually be friends!" God, that word again! Why does she keep on using it?!
"Friends?" Char snorted, "I don't need friends!" This was met with a Pokeball rammed into his field of vision. The Charmander almost let out an eek sound and took a step back from it.
"I don't want to use this, Char, so please," Naoko removed it from his face, "Just calm down and lets see a smile! I'm sure you'll look handsome with one!" Jebus Lard, this girl was so full of marshmellowy goo, Char was surprised it didn't leak from her ears!
"I don't--"
"Ah-ah!" Naoko scolded as she wavered the Pokeball with an oddly giddy grin on her face. With another disgruntled sigh and a mumble of something incoherent, Char opened his blue eyes and forced the dumbest smile he could possibly muster, complete with an upper lip that quivered in a lame attempt to keep it up. To say the least, he looked rather silly.
Naoko burst out laughing at the bizarre smile that her little Pokemon had flashed her. Who wouldn't?! With someone as serious and angry as he was, he probably had never smiled once in his life! And now, there he was, with a smile on his face that would make even the toughest of people crack up! Though, Char's fakey smile quickly faded as he, once again, was getting laughed at. Not one of the things he enjoyed people to do to him!
"Stop laughing!" He protested with a stamp of his foot any teenager would be proud of, though Naoko's hysterics did not cease one bit. Angrily, Char opened his mouth and shouted "Stop!" As flame burst from his throat and flew towards Naoko with intent to burn. That certainly got her to shut up, as she leapt backwards just enough that some of her hair got singed on the way back. Her eyes widened as she looked down at him, and Char store at the puff of smoke that the flame had left behind. "O-ops…" He muttered, almost as if he was in …shock that he actually released flame upon his so-called master.
She could tell he didn't intend for that to happen. Naoko's eyes narrowed as she looked down at Char, who, surprisingly, seemed to look sorry about the whole mess. Before, she noticed, he often puffed smoke or small sparks of flame when aggravated. No wonder why the Professor was hesitant about him…not only was Char of foul manor, but he also appeared to have no control over his own power, especially when angered. The task at hand with raising Char was now more difficult then it would have been previously. How could she possibly help him gain control over his own powers, when she had no idea how to do so?
"Oh god, please tell me you're not going to put me back in there for this!" Char protested as he pointed a claw towards the object in Naoko's hands, "I didn't mean to spit out the fire, it just happened!" He stopped when he noticed that he sounded almost apologetic, and quickly righted himself to uphold his bad-boy persona, "N-not like I don't CARE if you get burned or not, I just don't want to get shoved back in that cramped little space!" Char tried to save face, but figured he only dug his grave deeper with that comment. With a sigh, he lowered his head down and prepared to be sucked back into that little void that was the Pokeball. Sure, it provided some comfort, but it was more like a prison then a spa. So he waited with baited breath for that weird lurching feeling that came forth whenever he was pulled in or out of a Pokeball, but the feeling never came. Nervously, he opened one eye to look up at Naoko, who store down at him with pity in her eyes. "What's with that look…?"
"It's just that…" Naoko said in a quiet voice, "It's just that you…you can't control your powers very well, can you…?" Well, damn. She noticed…Char snapped a glare up towards her that could only say 'don't you mention it again,' though she could see a sense of weakness or defeat within his eyes. He believed himself to be weak because he had little control over himself…was that why he wanted to become strong? "Char, I--"
What would have been a touching or emotional moment for the both of them was abruptly cut short when a young-boys voice could be heard from the direction of Pallet Town…"Naoko!!" He screeched, the duo turned their attention towards the origin of the voice.
Over the horizon rushed the figure of a small boy, probably only about seven or eight, with sloppy and unevenly cut black hair which hung in his large, googly brown eyes. The boy rushed towards Naoko and Char, a large, ratty-looking stuffed Pikachu dragged along behind him, it's poor little head bounced and banged against the rocks as the boy ran. Naoko's face quickly twisted into fear as she rushed towards him.
"Satoshi!" She exclaimed as the two meet halfway, though didn't get another word out as the boy latched onto her and promptly dropped his stuffed animal.
"Why are you leaving?!" He protested, "I don't want you to go!"
"Who's the brat?" Char snorted and received a cold, hard glare from his Trainer as a response.
"Hush!" She commanded and looked back down to the boy, Satoshi, "What are you doing out here, Satoshi?! You know it's dangerous outside of the city!"
"But I don't want you to leave!" Satoshi whined in the most annoying voice he could possibly muster, "How will I learn how to be the best Pokemon trainer ever without you around?! Or without your daddy! I don't want you to go! Please don't go…!!"
"Well, isn't he a lovely little prat?" Char grumbled as he eyed Satoshi, but this time he didn't get a response back from Naoko, so he only folded his arms and wandered to the side of the road, ready for whenever Naoko told the little SoB off and continue on their way.
"Satoshi…" Naoko let out a discontented sigh, "Not everyone is going to do what you say. I admit, I am going to miss this town and you, but everyone has to find their own way to do things. I can't always tell you what to do, and you can't always allow people to do that. You need to make your own choices and be your own person. This happened suddenly, but I know this is what's best for me, and if I stay home, I'm missing a great opportunity in my life. This is what I need, and if you don't like it, then I'm sorry, but you'll have to live with it. Just be patient and you'll obtain your goal. Please head home before your mom worries." Satoshi let out a loud sniff as his grip only tightened on the older girl. "Satoshi, please! I can't stay behind!" Her voice had risen from the previous calm tone into one that was more harsh and demanding, yet still, she did not yell at him. That tone of voice would only complicate the current matter.
"No!!" Satoshi's grip became iron-clad around Naoko's waist, "I won't let you go!"
"Satoshi--!"
"Don't go!!"
"…And I thought kids his age didn't throw tantrums anymore…" Char muttered, more to himself then to anyone else. From the looks of it, the googly-eyed kid was just about to throw himself down onto the ground and throw a hissy-fit about Naoko's departure and his lack of a girl who let him play with Pokemon from time to time. Char trailed his eyes up to Naoko, who looked about ready to slap the kid across the face; quite frankly, Char partially rooted for her to do so. The thing he hated more then rookies were annoying little brats, and boy, that kid took the cake! Just when he saw Naoko drop to her knees and hoped that she would smack the boy so hard his mother would cry, yet another voice called from Pallet Town.
"Satoshi! Get back here!" This time, it was Haruka, who came dashing down the dirt road with her skirts gathered up in her hands, "I told you not to bother Naoko when she heads off!" Satoshi turned his head to look at the older woman and promptly released his hold on the other girl. He looked up towards Haruka with watery eyes and a large pout on his face.
"But I don't want her to go!" He whined loudly, his arms wrapped tightly around the stuffed Pikachu. Haruka got down on her knees and grabbed him by his ear, "O-Ow! Let go!!"
"Naoko has something very important to do! I only told you because I trusted you would handle it like a big boy!" Haruka scolded, though her voice too did not raise to the level of a yell, "And what did you do?" Satoshi looked down to the ground with his big eyes and sniffed loudly.
"I-I ran off to stop her…" Tears began to form in the corner of his eyes as he raised a hand to wipe them away. Haruka released his ear from her grasp and continued to look at him straight in the eye with a stern expression upon her face.
"And you broke my trust with you on that," She sighed, "Not only that, but you also put yourself in danger my running out of the city when you know there are aggressive, wild Pokemon about. I was worried about you! What if you got hurt? Did you even think about that?" Satoshi shook his head, "I didn't think so. Now, come on, lets get back home where you'll get some time out. Okay?"
"O-okay…"
"Now say you're sorry to Naoko." Haruka rose to her feet and crossed her arms as she flashed a look to the other girl that could only say 'I'm sorry for the trouble.' Naoko, in turn, smiled back at Haruka with a nod, which signified that all was forgiven.
"I'm sorry…" Satoshi turned to Naoko and bowed deeply, his hands rung tightly around the Pikachu's neck. Naoko smiled down at him and lightly patted his head.
"You're forgiven," She said softly, "Now, head back home, and I'll be sure to tell my pop to pay you a visit when he comes back, okay?" One would think it was Christmas with the way the boy's face lit up, complete with a brand-new bike under the tree. Satoshi had always dreamed of becoming a Pokemon Trainer, and Naoko's father was on the very panicle of all Trainers!
"Okay!!" With a cheerful grin and a wave, Satoshi and Haruka walked back towards down. Naoko waved back with a smile on her face, and once the two turned their backs to her, she lowered her arm and sighed softly. How she would miss them…she had no idea how long she would be gone, but she knew it would be far too long for comfort. Her home, her friends…they were all back there, and for someone so young, she knew she would feel homesick very soon. Naoko wondered how all of those young Pokemon Trainers could set out on their own at such a young age and manage to pull through, regardless of the odds. This emotion in her heart, this feeling of sadness and remorse, would not be the last time she would long to be in her own bed, in her own sheets, in her own home.
"Are you quite finished?" Char asked in an annoyed tone. Naoko's thoughts of her home melted away with that question, as she turned to smile at the Charmander and turned on her heel and began to continue down the path.
"Yeah. Lets go, Char!" With a smile, she broke into a sudden jog and sprinted down the road, her shoes kicked up dust along the way. Char let out a grunt of displeasure, and, despite how he didn't want to follow, quickly tagged along behind her.
Soon enough, he would be her home away from home…