Disclaimer: I do not own Pokémon, or any of its characters, settings, etc.
Chapter 1: I Choose You!
"Tauros opens with a Horn Attack!" An announcer shouted as the Pokémon, Tauros, charged at its opponent, a Charizard. The two were beginning a fierce battle in the Pokémon League, as a challenger fought against the reigning Champion. All lights were trained on the two combatants, and the crowd cheered with every attack.
Samantha stood in front of the television, watching every moment of the fierce battle. Her pink hair was a bit unruly, as always, sticking out sharply to the right in front and ending with two long pigtails in the back, which reached to her shoulders before bouncing back up halfway to her hairline as if in defiance of gravity. Her crystal-blue eyes sparkled as Charizard scorched the Tauros with a Flamethrower, and her thin pink lips stretched into an excited grin. Samantha wore a red baseball cap with a white front, which was plain except for the green logo in the center. The hat was a gift from the Pokémon League champion himself, and she treasured it more than anything else she owned. She also wore a red jacket (which she kept open most of the time), a black shirt underneath it, and a pair of light blue jeans with a large hole torn open in each knee. Samantha was tall for being only eleven years old, so her clothes were handed down from her older brother, Kyle. She didn't mind wearing boys' clothes, and she only wore skirts or dresses when her mother, made her.
"It looks like Tauros is unable to battle!" The announcer shouted as Tauros was floored once more by a fierce strike from Charizard, not even attempting to get back up. "Charizard is the winner!"
"Yes!" Samantha shouted triumphantly, raising her fist in the air. She had been rooting for the defending Champion, and he had won, like he always did.
"Hey, Sam!" A deeper voice called out from the main hall of Samantha's home. "You ready to go?"
"Yeah, I'll be right there!" Samantha said, slipping on her red running shoes over her black socks. She kept them tied just loose enough so she could slip them on and off without untying them, but they wouldn't come off on their own. She then grabbed her dark blue backpack and tied a belt around her waist, exiting her room.
In the lobby waited a boy of fifteen years of age, who, like Samantha, was tall, thin, and quite fair-skinned. He had pale green eyes that gave no indication about his emotion, and dark blue hair that hung down in the front, obscuring his left eye. He wore a simple outfit consisting of a blue shirt and khaki cargo shorts, with a black belt tied around his waist. Attached to the belt were six Pokéballs, each one inscribed with the name of the Pokémon inside.
"Well, sis, looks like you're all grown up now." The boy said, smiling at Samantha. She barely made it up to his chest, but she looked up to meet his eyes and grinned back at him.
"So you're gonna escort me to Professor Oak's lab, Kyle?" Samantha asked excitedly.
"Sure am, but no farther than that." Kyle said. "I'll drop you off and head back here once you're there, okay?" Samantha grinned again, nodding in comprehension. She could barely keep herself from bouncing off of the walls in excitement, and was constantly fidgeting or pacing as they waited for their mother to arrive to see them off. It was only a few minutes that they waited, but to Samantha, it felt like an eternity.
"My little girl's all grown up now!" Misty said as she walked in, smiling broadly and embracing Samantha in a tight hug. Misty wore a pale yellow dress that ended at her knees, which, except for the two straps that held it up, ended a few inches below the base of her neck, and had no sleeves. Her orange hair was down, as it was most of the time, cropped off just above her shoulders. Sparkling blue eyes gazed proudly on her daughter from Misty's smooth, youthful face, which was more similar to that of a twenty-year-old than someone in their mid-thirties, like she was. "Today's the day that you get your Pokédex and your first Pokémon! It's hard to believe you're already eleven."
"Don't worry, Mom!" Samantha said, grinning even wider than before. "I'm sure my Pokémon will be awesome and strong, and we'll have tons of adventures together!"
"I'm sure you will." Misty said, patting her daughter on the head. "Be careful, okay, honey?"
"I will, Mom." Samantha answered, creeping towards the door.
"Are you sure you packed everything you need?" Misty asked, wiping the tears from her eyes before either child noticed them.
"Yes, I'm sure."
"And you have your map?"
"Yeah."
"And food, just in case you need it?"
"Yes, mom."
"And what about-?"
"I think she'll be alright, Mom." Kyle cut Misty off and patting her on the back affectionately.
"You're right." She said, smiling and wiping her eyes one more time. "She does take after her father, after all."
"Right, well, we gotta go!" Samantha said anxiously, grabbing Kyle by the wrist and dragging him towards the door. "Bye mom!"
"Bye sweetie!" Misty called after her daughter. "Don't forget to keep in touch! I love you!"
The trip to Pallet Town was short, thanks to Kyle's Swanna. It carried them on its back with ease, flying past several other birds on the way. As soon as they landed in front of Gary Oak's laboratory that he had inherited from his Grandfather, Samantha jumped off, running inside without hesitation. Kyle then flew off, heading back to Cerulean City.
Inside of Oak's lab was an array of various scientific contraptions, computer screens with complicated equations, and test tubes full of miscellaneous liquids. The professor himself was sitting at a desk, typing into a laptop computer. Hearing the door open and close, he looked up, smiling when he saw Samantha enter. His spiky brown hair swayed only slightly as he stood up, and he slipped on his white lab coat, which he never wore while at his desk (the rolling chair had a tendency to roll over his coattail and make him trip when he stood up, otherwise).
"Well, if it isn't Samantha!" Gary said, grinning at the ecstatic girl in front of him. "I can't believe you're already old enough to get your Pokémon!"
"Are you kidding me?!" Samantha scoffed. "I've been waiting for like, EVER for today!" Gary chuckled, placing a Pokéball down on the table next to him.
"Well, you're in luck, because I got the perfect Pokémon for you just last week." He said, indicating the Pokéball. "Go on, open it."
Samantha nodded, grasping the red and white orb in her hand. It was smooth and metallic to the touch, just as she had imagined it would be. Her forefinger found its way to the button in the center, and she slowly pressed it down. When she released it, the Pokéball sprang open, emitting a white glow from inside. The glow shot out, landing on the table next to where the Pokéball had sat. When the glow had faded, Samantha stared at the yellow creature in front of her, taking in what she saw.
"Pichu?" The creature squeaked, returning Samantha's curious gaze.
"That's it?" Samantha said, not quite impressed. "A Pichu?"
"Well, yes, it's a Pichu." Gary said, not sure how that was a problem.
"Why couldn't it be something stronger?" Samantha asked. "Y'know, like a Charizard or a Tyranitar?" Pichu wilted a bit at this comment, its ears drooping sadly.
"You couldn't handle either of those yet." Gary said. "They'd never obey you, and you'd be in danger just having one with you right now. Besides, I know plenty of strong trainers who use Pikachu. I'm sure you're aware of Pichu's potential."
"Yeah... I guess so." Samantha said, bending over to be at eye level with Pichu.
"Alright, you, listen up!" She said sternly, gazing passionately into the tiny electric mouse's eyes. "You and me, we're gonna be the greatest trainer-Pokémon combination ever! With me as your trainer, there's nothing you can't do! You better work hard, because I'm gonna make you the best, got it?!"
"Pichu!" Exclaimed Pichu, sticking its right paw into the air excitedly.
"Good!" Samantha shouted. "Then let's get going!" She held out her hand, and, as if instinctively knowing what she wanted, Pichu climbed up onto her shoulder, perching itself there and squeaking excitedly.
"Thanks Professor!" Samantha called as she ran out the door, rushing towards her Pokémon journey.
"No problem." Gary said, although Samantha was already gone by the time he spoke. "They're gonna make a great team, I know it. They already look like they'll get along well, too. Heh, she reminds me of Ash when he was a kid. Same spunk, I guess. I wonder how long it'll take for her to realize she forgot to get her-"
"Pokédex!" Samantha shouted, barging back into the lab, panting. "I forgot to get the Pokédex like I was supposed to!"
"It's okay." Gary said, laughing. "You're excited. I understand. Here." Gary pulled the red, rectangular device from his pocket, handing it to Samantha. "This is yours."
"Thanks so much, Professor Oak!" Samantha said, grinning from ear to ear. "Well, I've got a long road ahead of me, so I better get going! See ya!" With those words, she left the laboratory once more.
It took only a few minutes of running before Samantha reached Route 1. It was bright and sunny, the beginning of spring, and the gentle breeze sang a cheerful tune through the grass and trees as Samantha slowed her pace to a walk. Pichu was perched on her shoulder, sniffing the air excitedly. It was the first time that it had been this far outside the lab, and everything was new and exciting to it. Samantha walked with a slight bounce, excited to be on her journey, but completely unaware of what it would be like.
A rustling in the grass ahead of Samantha alerted her to a Pokémon, and she stopped in her tracks. Her mother had given her five Pokéballs to catch wild Pokémon, and she hoped Pichu was up to its first fight. She pulled out her Pokédex, holding a Pokéball in her other hand, creeping towards the rustling grass. The creature in the grass emitted a low snarl as she got close, glaring out at her with bright red eyes. Pichu hopped off of Samantha's shoulder, landing on the ground by her feet, his fur bristling as the Pokémon emerged. A blue coat of fur that seemed to sparkle in the sunlight covered the canine Pokémon's body, and on the top of its head was a silver mask. It growled again, baring its sharp, white teeth, which glistened in the sunlight. Samantha opened her Pokédex and scanned the Pokémon, not sure what it was.
"Houndour," the Pokédex said in its mechanical (but distinctly male) voice, displaying a picture of the Pokémon that had just appeared, although the picture was of one with black fur. "The Dark Pokémon. It usually hunts in packs, communicating with others using distinct cries to indicate different things. Usually found in Johto."
"P-packs?" Samantha said, a large sweatdrop rolling down her head as she looked around for the other Pokémon. No other Houndour were in sight, contrary to what her Pokédex had suggested.
"I guess this one's alone." Samantha said, looking to Pichu. "You ready?"
"Pichu pi!" Pichu said, electricity sparking from its cheeks.
"Alright, Pichu, use Tackle!" Samantha shouted. Pichu obediently charged forward, attempting to slam its body into the Houndour. The Houndour nimbly jumped over Pichu as he got close, evading the strike with ease. It didn't retaliate, but turned its focus back to Samantha, continuing to snarl at her.
"Man, that thing's quick..." She said. "Use Thundershock, Pichu!"
"Pi... chuuuuu!" Pichu growled, unleashing a bolt of electricity at the Houndour. It turned its head, watching Pichu attack but making no attempt to dodge it. The attack struck the Houndour, but it didn't even flinch, and once the attack ended, it jumped back, landing behind Pichu.
"No way... it didn't even hurt it?!" Samantha said, shocked that such a strong Pokémon was wandering around there.
"Dour..." Houndour snarled, opening its mouth wide. Flames began to build up in its mouth, filling it up and even spilling outwards slightly in a matter of seconds. The Houndour drew its head back, preparing to unleash the attack on Samantha and Pichu.
"That's enough!" A voice shouted from behind the Houndour, making it stop its attack and prick its ears up. It seemed surprised to hear the voice, but clearly recognized it. The source of the voice, a boy that looked to be about 13, stepped out of the grass, panting softly. He wasn't quite as tall as Samantha, about a head shorter than she was, but he was easily stockier than she, even if he was a bit scrawny. His eyes were a dark, chocolate brown, matching his tanned skin perfectly. He had dark hair that he kept slicked back, short, and clearly well cared for. The boy wore a sleeveless orange vest, which he kept zipped up, with a white t-shirt underneath. His legs were covered by brown slacks, and he wore a pair of blue sneakers on his feet. On his right hand the boy had a black fingerless glove, but the other hand was bare. His arms and legs were covered in numerous scratches, but otherwise he seemed okay.
"Stand down, Cinder!" He shouted. Obediently, the Houndour bowed its head, sitting down and staring calmly at Samantha, all hostility vanished from its eyes.
"Sorry if he caused you any trouble." The boy said. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine." Samantha said, crossing her arms. "I probably wouldn't be if you hadn't shown up just then. You should really keep that thing on a leash, y'know. It's dangerous."
"I'm really sorry." The boy said apologetically. "Cinder's normally well-behaved, but I guess he was just scared. We were separated when we were attacked by a swarm of Beedrill. Thank you so much for finding him."
"Eh, no big deal." Samantha said, shrugging nonchalantly. "I'm glad I could help ya out, I guess."
"Well, I really appreciate it." He said, smiling at her. "What's your name?"
"I'm Samantha, but you can just call me Sami." Samantha said, smirking. "Me and my trusty partner Pichu are gonna take on the Pokémon gym challenge, and I'll become the new Pokémon League Champion!"
"Pi-chuuu!" The little mouse squeaked, perching itself on Sami's shoulder once again.
"Heh, he's very cute." The boy said. "Is he your first Pokémon?"
"Sure is!" Sami said. "Got him this morning from Professor Oak."
"Congratulations, Sami." The boy said. "I'm sure you two will be great together."
"And what about you?" Samantha said, looking at the boy curiously. "Who the heck are you, anyway?"
"My name is Fala." The boy said. "And this is my Pokémon, Cinder. I've had him since I was a child. I dream of becoming a Gym Leader someday."
"Oh really?" Sami said. "That's cool. We'll have to have a battle when ya do."
"It would be my pleasure." Fala said, laughing a bit. "I'd be honored to battle the Champion."
"Ha! I'll beat you for sure, y'know!" Sami said. "So where're ya headed, Fala?"
"I'm just training right now." Fala said. "I'm not going anywhere in particular. Cinder and I need to get a lot stronger first, and we'll need new companions. Then, when we're ready, it's off to the Indigo Plateau."
"Great, sounds like we're going the same way." Sami said. "You should tag along with me! It'd be a lot cooler to have a friend to travel with!"
"But... you just met me." Fala said, dumbstruck by the suggestion.
"Are you coming or not?" Samantha said, crossing her arms impatiently.
"Uh... can I have some time to think about it?" Fala said, surprised that Samantha would so readily trust him, and not quite sure whether he should accept the offer.
"Well, you're headed to Viridian City, right?" Samantha said. "That's where I'm going. You can just tag along with me for now, and decide once we get there, 'kay?"
"Um... alright..." Fala said.
"Good!" Sami said excitedly. "Then let's get going!" With those words, she continued heading towards Viridian City, with Pichu perched on her shoulder and Fala and Cinder walking not far behind her.