Well, this is awkward.
I don't know what to say, really. I miss this site, and you guys' words touched me, and . . . I really missed updating and smiling whenever I got a review/follow/whatever. Most of you probably don't even know what I'm talking about, but for those who do? Well . . . I guess I'm back? Ahahahaha- *gets ran over by a white van*
Seriously, though, I'm posting this here to see what sort of reaction I'll receive. If I don't get many reviews, or follow/favorites, or many submissions . . . then I'll just delete this story and run away again. SO TELL EVERYONE RIGHT NOW. JALEN KUN IS (PROBABLY) BACK AND HE NEEDS US TO BE THERE FOR HIM BECAUSE HE'S A REVIEW-WHORE THAT NEEDS TO BE PLEASURED.
Full Summary: "Learn from yesterday, live for today, and hope for tomorrow." When a teenager turns sixteen-years-old, they're finally eligible for their trainer's license, and they're able to legally venture into the world as a Pokémon Trainer. It's not the most successful profession, nor the most stable - but fame, and maybe even fortune, is guaranteed to the most victorious trainers. Life doesn't always go as planned, however. With the infamous terrorist gang, Team Rocket, blasting its way into Kanto News, will a certain group of Pokémon Trainers be able to stop them? Or will the shadows of their world overcome them? (Submit Your Own Character!)
"Well?" Prof. Oak's female assistant, Lydia, leaned against the wall. In her recently manicured hands were a few stacks of papers, neatly stuffed in multiple manilla folders. She quirked an eyebrow at the elderly man, smiling a little. "Is everything ready for the new trainers tomorrow?"
Prof. Samuel Oak sighed. It was a deep, long sigh that could only be attained through years and years of work and responsibility. Prof. Oak didn't mind the responsibility of being Kanto's number one Pokemon Researcher, and he absolutely loved his job to death - but things were growing a little bit differently nowadays. A lot different, actually. He could barely keep up with the increasing technology and the overwhelming media influence; this next generation of teenagers looking to be Pokemon Trainers were going to be a handful.
But no matter how he felt, or how worried he was steadily becoming . . . he had a job to do.
"Charmander, Bulbasaur, and Squirtle are prepped and ready for their new trainers," he began to explain, taking off his reading glasses to stare at his aide. "I gave them the pep-talk about being on their best behavior, and our team made sure that they were healthy and physically equipped to become Battling Pokemon. We also have everyone's equipment ready, too."
Lydia smiled. She really admired Prof. Oak for his undying dedication to give wannabe Trainers the things necessary to survive in this crazy world. Crazy, she mused, but beautiful. Really, really beautiful.
He was the reason why she decided to become a Pokemon Researcher in the first place. Not only did she grow up in Pallet Town - therefore allowing her multiple chances to watch the man do his work - but she was absolutely enamored with the Pokemon Universe. The thought of going on her own adventure in the Kanto region was an excitable and terrifying one at the same time; the rewards were amazing, but the risks were just too . . . real for her.
But somehow, Prof. Samuel Oak single-handedly managed to become a Pokemon Champion, as well as a world-renowned Pokemon Researcher. If there was any man in this world that she looked up to, it was him and him alone.
"I need your help with something, however," he said, cutting her out of her thoughts. She nodded, determination flashing behind her own bifocals.
With another sigh, Prof. Oak opened a filing cabinet under his desk, taking out a very small vanilla folder. He placed the folder onto his desk, motioning for Lydia to step closer. She did, leaning in a bit as he opened the folder, revealing a crisp sheet of paper with multiple names and faces printed atop.
Lydia understood exactly what Prof. Oak wanted without him even saying anything. To get a Starter Pokemon from the Lab, teenagers from all across Pallet Town would register to take the test. And even though Pallet Town was considered the least-populated town, it was still pretty big. Nearly a hundred teens would enter and take the test - which consisted of a written exam, a hands-on exercise, and a one-on-one talk with Prof. Oak himself - and only three would actually make it through to become Pokedex Holders, as well as get the three main starter Pokemon.
"You haven't chosen yet?" She asked, almost incredulously. This was unlike the old man. He did things efficiently and with plenty of time to spare.
Prof. Oak gave a self-deprecating laugh. "I guess I'm getting a bit too old for this job . . ."
"Nonsense."
They both shared a chuckle.
"Still," Prof. Oak said, sliding the papers closer to Lydia. "There were a lot of skilled teenagers this year. They desperately want the advantage given to them by us, and I can't possibly choose when all of them really deserve it."
"So you'd like for me to choose?"
The elderly man gave her an apologetic smile. "It would be very helpful."
Lydia should have felt overwhelmed. She should have felt like a giant boulder of stress was just dropped onto her shoulders. She should have felt the anxiety-filled jitters rush through her body.
But she didn't feel any of that. Instead, a mixture of excitement, gratitude, and pride welled up in the pits of her chest. Professor Samuel Oak was allowing her to do something insanely substantial. Professor Samuel Oak, her idol, was entrusting her with something of unparalleled significance. Professor Samuel Oak, her idol, her inspiration for even becoming a Researcher . . . trusted her.
It meant a lot more than he could even imagine.
"Of course, Professor." Lydia grabbed the vanilla folder from off of his desk, basically dropping her own folders on the floor. That stuff was irrelevant. Compared to the honor of choosing the three trainers who'd have their lives changed forever . . . everything was irrelevant.
Professor Oak breathed a sigh of relief, a wrinkly smile gracing his features. "Thank you so much, Ms. Martin. I honestly have no idea what I'd do without you."
Lydia's heart pounded in joy as she left her boss' office. The folder in her hands felt like a giant brick, but she held onto it like her life depended on it. No matter what, she was going to do her idol proud. She was going to pick the very best, the absolute best, and prove to Professor Oak that she had what it took to do many more favors for him.
Lydia didn't realize that her choice was going to affect the Kanto Region in a very, very impactful way.
For better or for worse? Well, that was yet to be determined.
Author's Notes: Hi!
I'm pretty efficient when it comes to things like this. I want things to be perfect, and I want everyone to have the same chances of getting accepted. If you didn't yet know, this is a SYOC (SUBMIT YOUR OWN CHARACTER) story, where you guys will be submitting the Pokemon Trainers (or, y'know, Contest People) that will be running around this crazy region.
Please read the rules that will be posted on my profile. Seriously. It's annoying when people blatantly break one of my rules.
3 characters will be the Pokedex Holders. These 3 will be the ones to gain an official Kanto starter pokemon (Charmander, Bulbasaur, Squirtle) from Prof. Oak, as well as a Pokedex and other miscellaneous items. HEADS UP: It's going to seem like these 3 have a distinct advantage over the other trainers, and that's just because they do. It's life. But that doesn't mean they're more-likely to survive, so don't get too jealous. Unfortunately, these spots are already filled, so please don't submit for them.
9 characters will be the regular Pokemon Trainers. These guys are the ones who don't get a starter from Prof. Oak, and will have to gain their starter Pokemon from other miscellaneous means. These are the spots that YOU GUYS are submitting to! Be creative, but don't be too over-the-top.
Lastly, have fun. :) I don't want this to seem like some deadly competition. The last time that I did something like this, a lot of people weren't accepted, and it wasn't fun at all to decline so many. But in the end, that's just how things might be. Soooo . . . What I'm trying to say is that the overall purpose of this is to have fun creating a character, and have fun reading said character. And even if you aren't accepted into the main group, I still may show a bit of your character in the background somewhere!
Well, that's enough from me. The rules, submission form, and deadline can be found at the very bottom of my profile! I can't wait to see what you all come up with!
(PS: Reviews are MANDATORY. MUAHAHAHAHA.)