The Saga of Sweet
Johto
New Bark Town
Morning crept through my window. Adding the last item I would need to my yellow shoulder bag, I turned to the sunrise. Today was the day I'd been waiting for. I was a bit older than most starting on this road, but I couldn't have been more excited.
Today I would go to the New Bark Town Pokemon lab and meet my first ever Pokemon. Together, we would travel the Johto region, challenge gyms, and grow together.
Thumping down the steps, I frowned at the silent kitchen. Of course mom wasn't there. Dad may have left before I could form a memory of him but she still acted like it happened the previous day. All that she had for me was a brand new pair of walking shoes and some note full of empty apologizes. I slid my feet into the shoes, crumpled the note and tossed it into the trash, and headed out into the sunlight.
The streets were quiet as I walked to the lab. My new shoes were comfortable, I had to admit. But what I would have liked even more was mom's presence.
So wrapped up in my thoughts I quickly realized I had arrived at the lab. I stopped just in time as a round blue Pokemon collided with my calves.
"Marill!" I patted the Pokemon on the head. "You need to watch yourself, little buddy."
The wind whipped my curls around as the Pokemon's ears twitched. He looked up at me with his adorable face as I gently prodded his round belly. If Marill was around that could only mean that my neighbor friend was hurrying after.
Sure enough, the door to the lab swung open and Ethan nearly collided with me. Laughing, he patted me on the back as he scooped up his Pokemon.
"Look Marill," He scratched at the raven hair under his hat. "Our friend Sweet is here to get her first Pokemon."
"I sure am," We turned back to the door. "It really took the Professor forever to get these Pokemon. I feel like I've been waiting far too long."
"Get in there, Sweet," Ethan and Marill each nudged me to the door. "Pick a good one. Marill and I want first battle."
"You got it."
The shelves were stuffed with books of Pokemon knowledge and the machines of various uses whirred softly. A skinny bespectacled man in a white lab coat was waiting for me. I'd met Professor Elm a few times over the years, but I wasn't focused on him. My attention was caught by the three red and white balls on the table next to him.
"Good morning, Sweet."
"Professor Elm hello!" I hurried across the room. "You said you finally got starters and I can't wait to meet them."
"I know you've been waiting," Professor Elm agreed. "Now, you may see the Pokeballs here, but your Pokemon will benefit the most from walking at your side. Just like Ethan and Marill."
"Professor!"
The computer behind him pinged. My cry of frustration was ignored as he turned to read the message.
"How fortuitous!" He said. "I already have a errand for you to run. A friend of mine, Mr. Pokemon has a discovery he'd like me to take a look at. It's probably just some egg but still worth checking out. You and your new Pokemon can go and get it for me. It will be a great test of your bond and abilities."
"You haven't given me a Pokemon yet!"
"Oh right. Sorry," He waved his hand at the table. "Go ahead and let them out. Get to know them and choose your companion."
Stretching out my hand to the first ball, my arm shook with excitement. My eyes closed for a moment and when I reopened them, the world was strangely still black. A force jarred my shoulder and I felt an icy chill as I tumbled to the ground. All around me, the lab assistants and Professor Elm were crying out in panic.
The lights flickered back on in a few minutes. Books scattered the floor as desks and tables lay overturned in defeat. A pang of horror struck me as I looked to the empty table. The Pokeballs were gone.