Old Yellow Bricks
Chapter I: Meet Me in Aquacorde Town
Vaniville Town
Blurry vision and beams of sunlight met him as he awoke from a full nights sleep. The boy sat up in his bed and ran his fingers through his light brown hair; pushing it backward. He let out a sigh, lay back down and closed his eyes again. A few minutes later, a high-pitched sound cried out from his bedroom door and his eyes shot back open. "Cynd! Cynd!" The boy propped himself up in bed with his left arm and saw a small, black, and tan mouse-like animal running toward him. The creature jumped up into his lap and immediately sat down. The boy placed his right hand on the animal's head and scratched it. "Morning, Cyn," Cyn let out a heavy, content sigh and jumped down off of the bed. It bounced around in circles, as if it was beckoning the boy to follow him. "Ok, ok. I'm getting up," The brown haired boy planted his feet on the ground and followed the animal out of his bedroom door and down a set of stairs.
The wooden steps creaked beneath his feet as he slowly made his way down to the first floor. He was still getting used to all of the new sounds. He and his mother had just moved into the house only a week prior. It was taking some getting used to. As he entered the living room, he squinted his eyes at the sunlight. "Gerrard! I thought you'd never get up. It's almost 11:30!"
Gerrard rubbed his eyes. "Yeah. I was up a little late last night," he said. "I heard," his mother replied. "Sorry, Mom," Gerrard walked over to the refrigerator and grabbed a carton of orange juice. He placed it on the table and went to retrieve a glass from the cabinet. "Gerrard, I got an interesting letter in the mailbox the other day," his mother said as she picked up a small envelope from the counter. "Yeah?" Gerrard asked between gulps of orange juice. "What'd it say?" His mother removed the letter from the envelope and handed it to Gerrard. "It's about you,"
The brown haired boy set his glass down and took the letter from his mother.
Dear, Ms. Patrice,
My name is Professor Augustine Sycamore. I am the Resident Pokémon Professor of the Kalos region. I'm writing to you out of interest in your son Gerrard. Word has spread to me that he is quite the talented young trainer! I was delighted to hear of your recent move to the Kalos region and would love to meet with him, in Aquacorde Town on Sunday the 8th if at all possible. He will be one of five trainers that I have a special project for. I hope to hear from you soon.
Warm Regards,
Augustine Sycamore
Gerrard glanced up from the letter. "What exactly is he talking about? Talented trainer?" His mother smiled at him. "Of course you are! Look at how close you and Cyn are!" At the sound of his name, Cyn came rushing into the kitchen; his nails clicking on the tile floor. "Me being close to Cyn and being a trainer are two different things. I've never even been in a battle before. Having Cyn shoot embers at bushes and wild Taillows back home doesn't mean a thing. Not to mention, I'm confused as to how this Sycamore guy even knows who I am," Gerrard's mother walked over to her son and put her hands on his shoulders. She smiled. "You're getting really worked up over what could be an amazing opportunity. As far as Professor Sycamore getting information on you, I'm sure your father has something to do with it," the last part, she said rolling her eyes. "But Dad is still back home in Rustboro. That doesn't make sense," Gerrard said. "I'm sure your father met him on one of his many 'adventures' or whatever he does. But no matter what, he still cares about you and wants what's best. You're older now. Why not have a wonderful adventure before you go off to university? This could change your life,"
Gerrard looked down at the floor. Cyn glanced up toward him and let out a snort. Gerrard gave a half smile. His mind was racing. He had only been in Kalos for a week. If only he was back home in Hoenn. He'd met Professor Birch, through his father, many times and would go without a second thought. But this felt strange to him. "I don't know Mom. I…I mean…it sounds great and all, but I'm not sure," Gerrard's mother placed her hands on her sons cheeks and tilted his face up toward her own. "Gerrard. Listen to me. This will be great for you. You have the chance to do great things and meet new people. Please, take this chance,"
"If you say so," Gerrard said tentatively. "I'll try my best. And who knows, it could be a little fun," His mother smiled at him. "That's the spirit! Now go back upstairs and get some clothes on. You've got a trip shortly and you're damn near naked!" Gerrard had forgotten that he was only wearing his grey boxers. "You're right. And what do you mean 'a trip shortly'? It says the 8th. That's not until tomorrow," Gerrard's mother laughed a bit. "Today is Sunday. You've been staying up too late. Your days are getting mixed up," Gerrard let out a huge sigh. "Does he even know I'm coming? I just found this out today!"
"The letter came in the mail on Thursday and I already replied that you would meet with him," Gerrard let out an exasperated shout. "What?! H-How could you do that! Did you just assume I'd go? I don't even have time to prepare my clothes and supplies!" His mother shushed him. "You'll be fine. You're going to have a great time," Gerrard, clad only in grey boxers and bedhead, stared at his mother for a moment before finally retreating to his bedroom.
Cyn happily bounced around Gerrard's brown boots as he spoke to his mother. It was warm outside. The sun shone brightly in the cloudless afternoon sky. The weather had brought Gerrard's spirits up. The more he thought about his upcoming adventure, the more he realized it was a once in a lifetime opportunity. "And I do hope you use your Kalos Maps app in your phone. I don't want you being late!" his mother cautioned. Gerrard gave a short laugh. "Don't worry Mom, I'll be fine. I'm nearly 18-years old. I think I can handle getting there," His mother gave him a hug, bent down to pet Cyn, and shooed Gerrard on his way. "C'mon Cyn, lets do this," Gerrard said as they walked away. As he walked down the street, he turned and waved to his mother who was still standing in the doorway. She waved back before covering her mouth with her hands. Gerrard knew she was tearing up. Part of him wanted to go back and comfort her and let her know everything would be ok, but he knew he had to press on. Leaving a second time would be even harder.
"Hey!" a girl's voice rang out from behind him. "You in the black shirt!" Gerrard turned around and saw a blonde girl running toward him. She had on a dark blue sundress with white canvas shoes. The red strap across her chest was connected to a red purse flailing behind her as she jogged over to Gerrard. "He-Hello," Gerrard blurted out. Cyn jumped behind his leg and peeked out at the unfamiliar face. "Hi! You're new here aren't you?" she asked. "Yeah. I just moved here last week with my mother. My names Gerrard," The girl smiled. "Nice to meet you Gerrard! My name is Valérie. Where did you move here from?" Gerrard began to feel impatient, but didn't want to be impolite. "I'm from Rustboro City. It's in the Hoenn region. I apologize, but I'm actually on my way to Aquacorde Town. I can't be late," Valérie's smile grew larger. "What a coincidence! That's where I'm going too!" The pair began to walk toward the gate to Route 1. "You wouldn't happen to be meeting Professor Sycamore by chance would you?" Gerrard nodded. "Actually I am. I'm not totally sure what its about though,"
"Since you're new, I'll fill you in," Valérie said. "Professor Sycamore is one of the leading researchers in what is called 'mega evolution'," Gerrard interrupted. "Mega evolution?"
"Yeah. I don't fully understand it, but apparently it's a temporary evolution that only occurs in battle," Valérie continued. Gerrard looked down at Cyn and then back to Valérie. "Is this 'mega evolution' possible for all Pokémon or.."
"Right now it seems like only a few Pokémon are capable of it. Speaking of Pokémon, I'm not sure I've ever seen that one," she said, pointing at Cyn. Gerrard stopped and picked Cyn up off the ground. "This is what's called a Cyndaquil. He's a rare Pokémon from the Johto region. My Dad got him for me on one of his trips abroad. I got him a couple years ago. His name is Cyn," Valérie smiled and waved her fingers at the Cyndaquil. "Hello, Cyn. Nice to meet you!" Cyn snorted and looked up at Gerrard almost as if he needed his approval to reply. "Its ok, Cyn. She won't hurt you,"
"May I?" Valérie asked. Gerrard nodded. She slowly reached her hand out and placed it on Cyn's head and gave it a light rub. Cyn appeared to accept the gesture and let out a happy snort. "I think he likes you," Gerrard said. Valérie beamed. "I'm glad. I like you too, Cyn,"
The pair continued their short walk to Aquacorde Town. They passed large swaths of high grass that had several different Pokémon calls emanating from them. They made sure to avoid them at this point. Cyn happily trotted between the two as they came upon the gate to Aquacorde Town. "So tell me, Gerrard. What brings you to Kalos? I mean…Hoenn is a long ways away," Valérie asked. Gerrard let out a bit of a sigh. "Well, my parents split up.." Valérie cut him off. "Oh, I'm sorry. I don't mean to pry if it's a tough subject," Gerrard reassured her. "No, no. It's alright. My father is a trainer in the Hoenn region. He's kind of a local hero in our hometown of Rustboro. He was always out traveling here and there for our region's professor, Professor Birch. They grew up together and my father helped him study many different types of Pokémon in different regions. It put a strain on home life for sure. He was home for like, three or four days and then gone for two weeks on business. He made great money but my parent's relationship suffered. I love my Dad, and I miss him, but I think he put a little too much into his work," Gerrard trailed off.
Valérie placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder and smiled. "I'm sure both of your parents will be very proud of you, Gerrard. Our adventure is only starting. We have the opportunity to do great things. If that cheers you up any.." Gerrard smiled. "Yeah. Yeah it does. Thanks, Valérie,"
Aquacorde Town
The shadows of the Aquacorde Town gate loomed before Gerrard and Valérie. It was a giant stone arch with 'Aquacorde Town' chiseled in a Romanesque style. The earth seemed to crawl up the arch as strands of ivy wrapped around it. On either side of the arch stretched two, tan buildings with dark blue rooftops. The buildings acted as walls encasing the city behind them. The pair stopped before entering. "Wow," Gerrard said. "This is beautiful," Valérie smiled. "You'll see that in Kalos. It's a very pretty region," Gerrard and Valérie walked past the gate and onto the brick streets. "So, do you know exactly where we're supposed to go?" Gerrard asked. Valérie nodded and pointed. "Its actually right there!" Gerrard turned to where she was pointing and saw three others seemingly around his age accompanied by a taller man in a white coat and longer black hair. "That's Professor Sycamore!" Valérie said, almost squealing. Gerrard raised an eyebrow. "Really?" Valérie blushed a bit. "I mean…that's where we're supposed to go,"
As Gerrard and Valérie approached, Professor Sycamore turned and greeted them. "Ah! You must be Gerrard and Valérie! From Vaniville Town, correct?" Gerrard and Valérie nodded. "It's nice to meet you, sir," Gerrard said, as he stuck his hand out. Sycamore shook it and looked down at Cyn. "I see you have a Cyndaquil with you. I haven't seen one of those in ages!" Gerrard looked down at Cyn who was now sitting by his side. "Oh, yeah. He's my pal,"
"Its interesting how you keep him outside of his PokéBall too. You don't see it that often outside of the occasional Espurr and Furfrou," Sycamore observed. "Yeah, Cyn has never really taken to one before. I prefer to have him at my side anyway," Gerrard replied.
Sycamore smiled. "Well that's great. I can already see why you've come highly recommended," Gerrard looked at him quizzically. "And who exactly recommended me again?"
"All in due time, Gerrard. Now let me introduce you to the other members of your group," Sycamore walked Valérie and a slightly irked Gerrard over to the patio table that the other three members were sitting around. "Valérie, Gerrard, may I introduce you to Georges, Hannah and Adelaide,"
The one Sycamore introduced as Georges wore a white t-shirt with black jeans. He appeared slightly older than Gerrard, maybe a couple years. He had shaggy black hair that he was constantly trying to keep out of his face. Hannah was younger than either Gerrard or Valérie, but only by a year or so. She had long red hair that went down to the middle of her back. She wore a pink shirt, jean shorts and black-rimmed glasses. She had placed a thick book down on the table to greet Gerrard and Valérie, but immediately returned to her book after the introduction. Last was Adelaide. She looked to be about the same age as Gerrard. She had medium length brown hair with a tint of purple. Her shirt was white with ¾ length blue sleeves along with black leggings and brown boots.
"Bonjour, Gerrard. Enchanté," she said. Gerrard looked a bit confused. "Uhh, an-shun-tee?" Adelaide giggled. "I'm sorry," she said with a slight French accent. "It means nice to meet you," Gerrard laughed. "Oh! Heh, nice to meet you too," She smiled and turned to Valérie to greet her as well. As Gerrard took a seat at the table, he tried to hide his glances at her as she returned to her chair.
"Wow," thought Gerrard. "Maybe this adventure will be a bit more interesting than I had anticipated,"
"Now that I have you all here," Sycamore began. "I've assembled you to help me with an important part of my research, and I believe each of you has a certain set of skills to help accomplish those goals. I speak of course of mega evolution," The group looked at each other silently before Sycamore continued. "Let me explain. It is theorized that there is a stone that can make Pokémon temporarily evolve during battle," The table, with the exception of Valérie, looked a bit surprised at the statement. Hannah was the first to speak. "I hope you don't feel offended, but that seems implausible professor. I've read book after book on the theories of Pokémon evolution and not once is this mentioned," Sycamore smiled. "This is a relatively new development that isn't in any textbooks or scientific journals as of yet. That is why I have you here. To unlock these mysteries,"
"But what can we do? We're just kids," Hannah said. Sycamore laughed. He turned and reached into a khaki canvas bag that sat next to his chair and pulled out five cell phone-like devices. "Is that a PokéDex?!" Hannah shouted. "Yes," Sycamore began. "I also want you all to travel the region and find as many different types of Pokémon as you can. With you all spread out across this region, we can be certain that we'll unlock the secret to mega evolution,"
Sycamore began to pass out a PokéDex to each of the kids. Gerrard flipped his open and raised it up to Cyn. Cyndaquil: the fire-mouse Pokémon. It has a timid nature. If it is startled, the flames on its back burn more vigorously. The PokéDex spoke in a robotic male voice. Sycamore turned toward Gerrard. "I see you've already got the hang of it," Gerrard slid the device into the front pocket of his messenger bag. "Yeah. My Dad had a few models back home. He would let me use the old ones when I was younger,"
"And now for the moment I'm sure you've been waiting for," Sycamore said as he returned to his canvas bag. He reached in and brought out a set of three PokéBalls. "In these PokéBalls reside what we professors like to refer to as 'starter Pokémon'. They're rare, but I know I can trust you all with them,"
"But professor, there are only three of them and five of us," Adelaide stated. "Some of us are going to get left out,"
"Well we can count him out," Georges said, motioning toward Gerrard. "He's already got one," Sycamore shook his head. "Not necessarily Georges. Don't you worry. You'll all get one. Now.." Sycamore extended his arm and revealed five straws in his clenched fist. "Longest straw chooses first,"
The five new trainers glanced nervously at each other. One by one, they each grabbed a straw from Sycamore's hand. Valérie was luckiest and picked the longest straw. Then came Gerrard, Georges, Hannah and Adelaide. Gerrard momentarily thought about being noble and switching his straw with Adelaide's but decided against it. "Now Valérie. Choose your very first companion," Sycamore said as he released each from their PokéBalls. Chespin, the spiny nut Pokémon, Fennekin, the fox Pokémon, and Froakie, the bubble frog Pokémon stood left to right. Valérie scrunched up her face a bit and looked at Sycamore. "This is hard!" she said.
"Just go with what you feel is right," Sycamore replied, as the others looked on. Valérie turned back toward the three Pokémon before her. She noticed that the Pokémon that took most of her attention was the little fire fox Fennekin. "I think I'll take Fennekin! That is, if you want to Fennekin," The little fox tilted its head, yelped and wagged its tail. Valérie happily grabbed Fennekin's PokéBall and with a flash of red light, Fennekin returned to its portable home. Valérie ran her thumbs slowly on the top of the PokéBall in amazement. She glanced up and saw everyone looking at her. She smiled and returned to her seat. "Thank you, professor," Sycamore nodded to her. "Your welcome, Valérie," he turned to Gerrard and smiled. "You're up, Gerrard,"
Gerrard felt like the group was giving him disapproving stares as he walked up to the remaining two Pokémon. Cyn followed close behind and sat next to him. While Gerrard glanced between the two, Cyn stood and began to walk toward Froakie. He tentatively stuck his nose close to him, smelled him and snorted a bit. Gerrard knelt down next to him and placed a hand on his back. "What do you think, Cyn?" The blue frog looked into Gerrard's eyes. "Fro?" Gerrard smiled and picked up Froakie's PokéBall. "I think we have a winner. How about I call you Nin?" Froakie jumped up. "Fro!" A red light consumed his new Pokémon and he returned to his PokéBall. "We did good, Cyn," Gerrard said as he sat down. Cyn jumped on his lap and lay down while Gerrard scratched his stomach.
"Good, good!" Sycamore said. "Looks like it's your turn Georges," Georges got up quickly and laughed. "This is great! Just the one I wanted! C'mere Chespin!" Georges grabbed Chespin's PokéBall and returned to his seat.
Hannah and Adelaide looked at each other disappointedly. Sycamore walked over to them and gave them a reassuring smile. "Girls, I've prepared for this," he walked over to his bag and brought out three more PokéBalls. "What?!" everyone exclaimed. Sycamore set them on the ground and the three PokéBalls released their contents. Before the group stood, Charmander, the lizard Pokémon, Squirtle, the tiny turtle Pokémon, and Bulbasaur, the seed Pokémon. "Those…those are from the Kanto region!" Hannah shouted. "I've only seen them in books! How did you get those all the way here in Kalos?"
"They're a gift from an old friend," Sycamore said. "Now Hannah, I believe it's your turn," Hannah walked over in awe at the rare monsters. "Wow," she said to herself quietly. After about thirty seconds of self-deliberation, she made her choice. "I'm going to take Charmander!" The lizard bounced up and down happily. "Char!" it shouted before returning to its PokéBall. Hannah returned to her seat.
"And last, but not least, Adelaide," Sycamore announced. Adelaide stood and made her way over to the two remaining Pokémon. Everyone was silent as she made her own tough decision. She began chewing the inside of her cheek as she thought to herself. Her eyes moved from Bulbasaur to Squirtle and then back. "I'm not sure what it is," she said with a tinge of French accent. "But I have a good feeling about you Bulbasaur," Bulbasaur's ears perked up. "Bulba!" Adelaide reached for the PokéBall and a big smile crept across her face. Bulbasaur was absorbed into its PokéBall and that was it. The selection process was over. Sycamore bent down and picked up Squirtle's PokéBall. "And it looks like one for me!" he said happily. "Now," he began. "I have entrusted you with these companions and a PokéDex. I want you to go out and be the best trainer you can be. Forge great relationships with not only your Pokémon, but the people you meet along the way as well," Sycamore placed Squirtle's PokéBall into his canvas bag and slung the bag over his shoulder. "Your journey and the choices you make are now up to you. I'll be seeing you all soon. Good luck!"
With that, Sycamore tossed a PokéBall onto the ground and out shot a Talonflame. "See you later!" The Talonflame looped up high in the air, and in a flash, both it and the professor were gone. The group sat awestruck. After a few moments of silence, Hannah spoke up. "Well, I guess we should all get started then," Everyone nodded to her and got up as well. "I think we should at least exchange information with each other. Just in case," Valérie suggested. Gerrard made his way over to Adelaide and they exchanged phones. "Well, uh, I hope to see you again soon," he said with a bit of nerves. Adelaide giggled as she returned his phone. "I'm sure you will,"
After the last number was exchanged, they all parted ways. Gerrard expected Valérie to leave as well, but she stayed with him after everyone had left. "Aren't you going too?" Gerrard asked. "I think it'd be boring to go alone. Us Vanivillites need to stick together you know!" she said. "That is, if you don't mind," Gerrard smiled. "Of course I don't. Where should we go to next?" Valérie pointed to a stone bridge spanning a river. "Route 2 and onward to Santalune Forest? I hear there are wild Pikachu in there!" Gerrard couldn't help but smile. "Sounds good to me. C'mon, Cyn. Lets get going," Cyn began bouncing around Gerrard's feet and he, along with Valérie were off to begin their adventure.