The harsh sound of an alarm clock was the first thing Julia heard that morning. Tossing and turning in her sleep, before her tired hand slammed on the snooze button. Only to miss it, again, again and again.
Finally the puffy, auburn brown haired youth lifted her head. She took the clock into her hand and put the alarm off with a sigh.
"Ugh... I guess I should-"
Glancing at the clock, her eyes widened.
"I am late!"
With that the young trainer jumped from her bed, rushing through her closet. Only to remember that she had already packed everything she owned! And had left today's outfit on the chair next to her.
"Hop, hop, hop faster." she chanted while trying to get into her black capri pants, that were resisting her attempts. Julia pulled the yellow t-shirt and same colored jacket on before she made a mad dash for her shoes.
The 17 year old young woman was out of her door, running through the empty streets only to come a sudden halt.
"MY BAG!" she shrieked, Julia turned on her heels and run even faster if possible. Back to her home, she grabbed her bag and made another mad dash outside. Never having run this much in her entire life. Which showed on her young body, having a bit more shape and meat around her. Being a bit chubby.
"Ah, damn."
Julia had to stop to catch her breath only a small way from Professor Oak's Laboratory. She didn't want to show up wheezing and coughing for her breath. Even if she was late.
Walking the rest of the way to the Laboratory, crossing her fingers and saying a mantra in her mind. 'Please be late, please be late, pleaaase be late.' So that she wouldn't be the only late one, the Professor could be late also.
Julia's hopes died a little, there was no sign or note on the door, that the Professor would be late. She still politely knocked on the door before entering. The place was tidy, different kinds of gadgets and equipments had been placed on a desk.
"Excuse me, Professor Oak? Umm.. it's me, Julia. I am a little late, sorry about that."
The young woman said a bit uncertainly, almost getting a feeling that she was alone in here. And not actually sure if she would prefer that. Instead of the humiliation that she was way too late on such an important day.
"Ah, Julia, good to see you! Are you ready for your big Adventure?"
A kind looking, older woman approached Julia. Who breathed out the air she hadn't realized she was holding in her lungs. Professor Oak's hair was already a little grayish between the sweet brown. She had been doing this for a long time. Guided and set off young Trainers for their important quest to save the world.
"Yes, I am sorry I am a little late."
Julia apologized, not having wanted to start her trip like this. Having pictured this day a million different ways and this was not one of them.
"It's alright, this is not the first time someone is late. I prefer late than not prepared actually."
Oak assured, placing her hand on Julia's shoulders and giving it a squeeze. Everything was fine and she could breath a lot easier now.
"Though, you being late leaves you with no chances to choose your partner, I hope that is alright."
"It is fine, I am prepared to go to this journey with anyone, professor."
In her mind, Julia had hoped that she would get the cool and calm Bulbasaur. Possibly the best choice for her personality wise. But Julia would gladly take the energetic and fun Squirtle, not being picky.
"Good, now I have a few things here for you before I'll introduce you to your partner."
Oak said, leading the way to her desk. Going through the things, she handed a small electric guide to Julia. It was about the size of a post card, fire red in color.
"This is Pokedex, it has all the tips and hints you'll need. Also any money you or your partners earn will be deposited here. And it is like an ID for you and your future team."
The Professor explained, Julia looked at the shiny new gadget in her hands. Before placing it inside her jacket and waiting for further instructions.
"I am certain, that you know this already, but I want to run you through the Journey's main purpose one more time. Incase you have any questions. So... Your goal is to collect 6 Talismans or Badges, depending on whichever you prefer. You will have your trusted partner by your side, the point is that you both become stronger and form a better bond. It will make the battles easier when you can trust each other."
Oak smiled warmly, folding her hands over her chest. Julia nodded, this was the basics of it.
"Your team can have six members, well, five plus you. You can use these pokeballs, when you wish to invite someone to your team. Pressing the small button in the middle will activate it and form a bracelet that is now linked to your Pokedex. It has the information you need about your it can be viewed once the bracelet is activated."
Julia nodded her head, gulping a little. While it was all familiar information, it was finally sinking in. She was going on her journey to Save the World.
"Professor, How can I find these badges?"
Julia asked, not knowing where to find these little items she needed.
"There are "Gyms" in several towns, like in Cerulean city. You can easily spot them, and there are usually signs as well. These Gyms tend to test the strength, courage and bonds of you and yours partners."
Oak explained, unable to give anymore information. Julia nodded, trying to think if she had anymore questions, but for now, nothing popped in her mind.
"You can call me from a town or a Pokecenter. And your partner is well informed as well, do not waste his knowledge either. Now, are you ready to meet the lucky Partner?"
Oak asked, smiling and leading the way outside. The weather was bright, sun was high already while a small wind swept past them. A perfect day to start her Journey. Julia had been too busy this morning to enjoy the warmth of the sun. Breathing in deep, when the sounds of punching caught her ear.
Julia turned her head, her dark eyes first caught the sight of a flaming red hair. Her eyes moved down to a stern face and the concentrated eyes. His body was wrapped in flaming red cargo shorts and a black tank top. His feet bare against the fresh, bare grass. And finally, Julia's eyes spotted the tail with a flame at the end of it.
"Charmander, your trainer finally arrived."
Oak yelled, approaching the fire type young man. His stern expression not melting or even softening when he saw Julia. Making the poor girl shrink a back a little from such a harsh look.
"Hmm.. I think not."
His voice was deep, like melted chocolate on a delicious, yellow banana. Though the answer wasn't as pleasant as the sound of his voice.
"Now, now, Charmander, you know the deal."
Oak tried to patch the situation between the two, but Julia was still uncertain. What she could say at this situation? Not wanting to make it any worse as she was pretty much stuck with him no matter what. The Young man was over a head taller than she was, so having to look up quite a much.
The young man, older than Julia, picked up his sweater from the ground. He slung it over his shoulder while making his way before the two women. And still his look was not melting! Julia almost took a step back. This had been why she had wanted Squirtle or Bulbasaur. The two were much more easier to handle.
Ok, so maybe Charmander wasn't her first choice either.
There was a nudge to Julia's side, realizing that Charmander was staring at her. Drilling holes through her forehead pretty much. Oak kept nudging.
"Julia, the Pokeball. To form a team."
The professor reminded kindly to young trainer. Who blushed and dug through her pockets. In the heat of the moment unable to remember where she had stuffed the tiny white and red balls.
An audible sigh escaped between Charmander's lips before Julia found them. But one she did, she raised her hand up in a victory for the find.
"Great."
Was all Charmander said, holding his arm out. This was going to become a wonderful journey.
"Good, place the ball on his wrist."
Oak adviced, pointing at a spot on the young man's hand that would do. Julia nodded, she carefully placed the ball on Charmander's wrist. Not wanting to touch him or aggravate any further. Pressing the button on top of the ball, which activated it. The small ball extended around Charmander's wrist, wrapping about it. Julia's pokedex made a sound, having connected to her new partner.
"That means that you two are now a team. And that the Ball has successfully connected to the Pokedex. Great, now you two can be off for your own adventures."
Professor Oak smiled, happy to send off another pair to face the world and hopefully save it.
"Thank you for everything, Professor. I will keep you updated!"
Julia swore, turning around to start walking. But she noticed that Charmander was already quite far away. Putting one foot before the other as she did her best to catch up the Fire Type. Professor Oak smiled, watching the two. Until she couldn't spot them in the distance anymore.
And so Julia's journey begun.