"Citizens of Kanto!" Blue Oak's voice called out from the speakers, his face emblazoned on the television. The Champion smiled a charming smile. "We have an important announcement to make!"
The whole common room full of children turned to watch Blue speak, their interest piqued. A ginger-haired boy with icy blue eyes looked up, curious, abandoning the train set in his hands.
"This is a message for all future trainers!" Blue Oak continued. "The Kanto League's giving aspiring trainers twelve years and younger a chance to participate in a new program. In this program the League will personally train you to give you the tools, resources and training needed to take on the toughest trainers in the world! Think you're up to it? Then come and prove yourself in the tournament! Who knows, maybe one day you'll be as good as me!"
The announcement ended. Chatter burst in the room, all the children talking animatedly. A link to a website for information flashed up, prompting one adult to quickly copy it down. Another opened the door, intending to lead the children outside, anticipating their burst of energy. The ginger-haired boy's eyes were wide with wonder.
"So Blue's still parading around on TV, huh?" One of the adults murmured, shaking her head. "Does he truly have no shame?"
The ginger-haired boy was close enough to overhear two of the adults. In reflex, he continued to eavesdrop.
"Hush now, not in front of children," the man beside her warned. "There's never been any proof against him—"
The woman caught sight of Raphael, keenly listening in. With a smile, she shooed him away. "Raphael! What're you doing in here? Go on, join the others!"
Sheepish, Raphael smiled and ran to follow his friends outside. The announcement had made everyone excited. Every child in the orphanage prized hopes and dreams as some of their most precious possessions. Excited voices darted through the group as everyone chattered to their friends about exactly why this was the most awesome thing ever.
"This is the most awesome thing ever!"
"A chance to be one of the best trainers in the world… And it could be one of us!"
"Oh yeah, one of us so has to win!"
"I just want to meet Blue; he's my hero."
Raphael grinned at his friends. "This is the best thing that's ever happened to us!"
This entire event felt like it had been pulled from their wildest dreams. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, something which seemed like it was from a story book. It wasn't long before the caretakers had made their decision and done their arduous paperwork. Their dreams were about to come true; the orphans would get to go to the competition.
The next few days were incredibly hectic for the orphans. Any spare time they had was dedicated to learning anything and everything they could about Pokémon; they all wanted to go, but only a group of ten could go. Aside from the fact that it was about training Pokémon, there was little public information about the competition, so the children all did their best to fill any and all gaps in their knowledge just in case.
"I'm never gonna learn all this type stuff!" Moaned one of Raphael's friends. "There's just so much of it! How do trainers keep track of all this stuff?"
Raphael smiled at him. He was trying to help him learn type-matchups, to no avail. "Don't worry; I'm sure you'll get it soon! Let's try again; what's Flying weak to?"
His friend scrunched up his face in thought. "Uh… Rock and… Fighting?"
Some had tried the idea of trying to lure wild Pokémon to the orphanage in order to try and learn more, but their attempts were clumsy at best. So far Raphael had been trying to learn from books on the subject, but found he was lagging behind and was struggling to improve on his base of knowledge; anything beyond the basics were in books too complex for him. He decided to ask the caretakers about their Pokémon to see if he could learn more from the Pokémon themselves.
Raphael was good friends with one of the caretakers, called Leslie, who had two Pokémon; a powerful and friendly Arcanine called Arren and a carefree Vaporeon called Blake. Leslie was one of the younger caretakers, with very dark skin and bubblegum pink hair. She was always smiling and always had some ingenious plan or solution to any trouble anyone got into, and was that one who gave out sweets on weekend and holidays. She knew Raphael well, and let him play with Arren and Blake before. She agreed to help him learn about the Pokémon.
Leslie released Arren and Blake in the garden. Raphael went up to greet the Pokémon, but Leslie held him back.
"Raph, you want to learn about Pokémon in battle, right?" She said seriously.
Raphael nodded.
Leslie smiled. "Go on, Arren; show him your ability."
With a yowl, Arren stamped his paw into the ground. Blake shuddered as something took ahold of her.
Raphael scrunched up his brow, trying to place it. "That was… Intimidate!"
Leslie smiled brightly. "Good! Do you know how it works?"
Raphael shook his head.
"It's all about aura," Leslie told him. "Each Pokémon has a different ability, a way in which they can activate their aura. Intimidate is one; it attacks the other Pokémon's aura and forces them to become weaker. That's how status moves work."
"What's aura?" Raphael asked. "The books talk about it, but they're all so boring and science-y."
Leslie grinned. "It's like life energy. Humans have it, too, but Pokémon have the strongest. All Pokémon abilities and moves use aura. Aura is typed, like Water, Fire and Grass, for example. Like, if Blake used a water type move on Arren, she'd be using her aura to it's fullest, so it'd be stronger move than if she used a normal type move, and because Arren's aura is fire type it would be very effective on him." Leslie looked sheepish. "That's all I know. It's really complicated stuff, and I never studied this myself.."
Raphael smiled. "That's okay! I already learned a lot! Thanks, Leslie!"
Leslie ruffled his hair. "But learning books and theory can only help you so much, kiddo. Best way to learn?" She gestured to Arren and Blake. "Interact with Pokémon. I never got into science because of how they think of Pokémon. You gotta remember that they're your equals, Raph. Your friends, your partners, your equals, but never your tools."
Raphael nodded, fire in his eyes. "Yeah! Friends, not tools!"
Raphael worked with Arren and Blake every day from then until the competition. He battled against Leslie, and even beat her with Blake. Leslie would always laugh, complimenting Raphael on his strategies, but would always give him tips and points to improve. He learnt to adapt to Blake and Arren's separate quirks, to work with their unique battle styles and personalities, and how to work with them as friends, come to an understanding and battle in sync. He got good enough that the caretakers decided to let him come to the competition, despite his young age.
As the sun rose on the day of the competition, the ten orphans who had been chosen boarded the minibus bound for Indigo Plateau. Four caretakers came along, one being Leslie. As the stadium loomed into view, Raphael felt a pit of anxiety grow in his stomach. The young boy sat restlessly in the seat of the minibus as it wended its way to the Indigo Plateau. All he could think was:
What if he failed?
That thought kept eating away at his mind. If he screwed up and didn't win, then all his hopes and dreams would be crushed. The caretakers said they now had the chance to soar like a Spearow, but Raphael felt grounded, like a Piplup.
Involuntarily Raphael felt for the pendant around his neck. It was the only thing that he had left of his mother. Engraved upon it was the quote 'Sic Parvis Magna.'
Leslie had helped him look it up. It was a phrase from an old language called Latin which translated to 'Greatness from Small Beginnings.' Leslie said it meant even if you started from the bottom, you could get to the top
Raphael closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He'd win this and become the best trainer in the world.
The minibus came to a halt and Raphael jumped, eyes suddenly open. They'd arrived. Leslie and the other caretakers guided the children off the minibus, trying to keep order. Raphael grinned as he stepped off, breathing deeply. He was ready.
The orphans entered the Indigo Stadium, marvelling at the sight.
"Woah," Leslie murmured. "There's a lot of people here."
"Well, of course," another caretaker replied. "A lot of people must've signed up for it."
Raphael tried looking around, but he was far too short. The other orphans which had been chosen were all older than him, and were all taller than him. Seeing his struggle, Leslie grinned and lifted him up into her arms.
"Can you see better from here, kiddo?" She said, flashing bright white teeth.
"Mmhm!" Raphael nodded. He looked around.
"Oof! You're getting heavy!" Leslie arched her eyebrows at him, her voice mock-scolding. "Someone's been doing some growing!"
"Hehe!" Raphael smiled cheekily back at her. From this point, he could see much more of the stadium; it looked even more awesome than before. He couldn't wait to be an adult so he could be Leslie's height.
"Look over there!" Leslie pointed. Raphael followed the direction she was pointed and gasped.
"It's them, it's them!" Raphael cried excitedly. The other orphans and caretakers turned to look, lifting the shorter children so they could see too. There was a row of tables with sheets covering them, and behind it, a raised platform, official-looking people milled around, dressed in closed which screamed 'formal' and 'uncomfortable'. But between them, Raphael could spot people he'd only ever seen on TV before; the Elite Four.
"Man, Agatha looks even scarier in real life," Raphael said in awe.
"And Bruno looks even stronger in real life!" Leslie commented with a grin. "They all seem so much more real now, huh?"
"Yeah," Raphael said, nodding, not really paying attention. His eyes were scanning for that one trainer they were all looking for, the best trainer in the entire region, the one they all looked up to.
"There he is!" A little girl yelled not too far away from Raphael.
Everyone turned to watch as Blue Oak, the Kanto champion, came up onto the platform. Without even doing anything, he drew the attention of the entire stadium. All the official people stood up to greet him, and the Elite Four all acknowledged him in various ways.
"Ladies and gentleman, boys and girls, can I have your attention please!"
The booming voice filled the stadium from the loudspeakers, creating instant silence.
"To kick off the festivities, please welcome the current President of the League Competition Committee, Charles Goodshow!"
A tiny man with an incredibly long white beard walked up to the front of the platform, where there was a stand with a microphone. He was in casual clothes, contrasting with all the formal-looking people around him. Raphael wanted to laugh at him, and many other children looked like they were about to as well, but after seeing how much applause the man got, they managed to stay silent and clap along with the adults.
"Welcome, everyone!" Mr Goodshow said, his voice just reaching the microphone. "I would like to welcome you all to this special event. Among you, an incredible trainer is waiting to be discovered, and waiting to enter the Hall of Fame! Children, this is your chance to prove to the Kanto League that you are the one to become the next great Pokémon trainer. I wish you all the best of luck in this contest. Remember; even if you are not the one to win this competition, that's no reason to surrender your dreams! No matter what happens, you can all grow up to become incredible trainers!"
The crowd erupted with applause once more. Leslie gave Raphael an encouraging smile. "He's right, Raph," she said. "Even if you don't win, from what I've seen, you're gonna beat whoever they select anyway!"
Then Blue took the stage, and everyone fell silent.
"Thank you, Mr Goodshow," he began, a charming smile on his face. "Now for what you've all been waiting for; the details of the competition itself!" Blue gestured to the tables, and two people pulled off the sheets to reveal rows and rows of Poké Balls.
"The trainer we're looking for, among other things, is able to befriend and manage any Pokémon they're able to capture," Blue explained. "In each of these Poké Balls is a random Pokémon. You'll each choose one and train and work with the Pokémon inside. At the end of the week, we'll reconvene here at the decided time to hold a tournament to see which who of you is able to battle alongside your Pokémon the best. We're looking for a true connection, the Pokémon completely obeying your orders and working with you, not against you." Blue paused. "Pokémon aren't tools," he said, his eyes sweeping the audience. "They're your friends. We're not looking for a trainer who goes around catching strong Pokémon and forces them to battle for him. We're looking for a trainer who can befriend that powerful Pokémon, then capture them, then train them, and then battle with them, able to fulfill and surpass the Pokémon's potential." Blue smiled. "I think anyone who doesn't aim for that doesn't deserve the title of trainer."
The crowd erupted with applause.
Leslie gave Raphael a pointed look. "You got all that, kiddo? It's important stuff."
Raphael nodded.
"You each received a number with your registration," Blue called, quieting the crowd. "When that number is called, please come up to choose your Pokémon! The winner of the entire tournament gets to keep their Pokémon, as they have shown that they've built up a strong friendship and have earned the respect of their partner. Every other Pokémon will be returned to their homes. As Mr Goodshow said; best of luck!"
There was a buzz of excitement as all the competitors waited patiently for their number to be called. Leslie gave Raphael a knowing smile. Raphael smiled back, but he had Butterfree in his stomach; he wondered what Pokémon he'd get and whether or not he could befriend it.
"Number seventy!"
Leslie gave Raphael a wide smile. "That's you!"
Leslie put Raphael down and clasped his hand, walking him up. Raphael's heart started pounding. He told himself to stay calm, over and over again. But when he got up to the tables and was guided over to the one the Champion was manning, any hint of serenity disappeared.
"Hey there!" Blue said, wearing an odd-looking smile of his own. "What's your name?"
Raphael looked up at Leslie, tongue-tied. "R-R-Raphael," he stuttered. Leslie gave his hand a reassuring squeeze.
"The champion's asking, not me," she quipped. She smiled back at Blue. "Raph's number seventy."
Blue nodded at her. He knelt down to Raphael's level. "It's nice to meet you, Raphael." He held out his hand, and after a beat, Raphael shook it. Blue gave him a reassuring smile. "I just gotta ask; how old are you?"
"He's almost seven," Leslie said proudly. Raphael nodded, grinning.
Some of the people in the suits and the other competitors looked shocked. Blue lost his balance and fell from his crouch, having to stand up.
"Well, that make you the youngest person in the competition," Blue said, scratching his head. "There was no minimum age, I guess... " He smiled again. "So, which Pokémon would you like?"
Raphael looked up at Leslie, worried and nervous. Leslie knelt down to face him directly, her expression serious. "Don't look at me, Raph. This is your choice to make, and your Pokémon to befriend."
Raphael inched forward. "Umm…. that one." Raphael pointed at the Pokéball in the far left corner. In one swift motion Blue picked up and tossed the Pokéball into the boy's waiting hands.
"Why don't you see what's inside?" Blue suggested. Raphael nodded and threw the Pokéball against the ground, causing a large yellow rat to materialize. It narrowed its eyes at Raphael, clacking its teeth and swishing its tail. Raphael managed to recall it, as per Leslie's instructions.
"A Raticate." Blue nodded, making a sound of approval. "Cool; reminds me of my own." For a moment he seemed lost in thought. He shook himself and pulled his smile back on, offering a drawstring bag that seemed far too large for the little boy. "To help you train your new friend here, this bag is full of Pokémon treats! Use them wisely, okay? Good luck, Raphael!"
"T-Thank you, Mr Blue," Raphael said using his best manners, then ran back to Leslie's side. He couldn't believe he had just talked to Blue. He was so nice, too!
After the rest of the children got their Poké Balls, the caretakers decided they might as well head on home. As the minibus drove away, Raphael cradled his Poké Ball like a precious jewel. He couldn't wait to befriend the Raticate inside.
"Hehe… Nice Raticate..." Raphael gingerly reached out to the Raticate's head to pet it. The Raticate snapped at his hand and the boy recoiled with a little yelp.
Raphael had returned to the orphanage around half an hour ago and had taken Raticate and his bag of treats out on the playground. But no matter what the boy tried, Raticate refused to cooperate. Leslie stood behind him, silent. She wanted Raphael to do it himself.
"What's making you angry, Raticate?" Raphael asked plaintively. "I wanna help?
Raticate turned to the forests. The children were disallowed from venturing inside for fear they would be attacked by wild Pokémon. Raphael watched Raticate with wide eyes. "You… Miss the wild?"
Raticate nodded, scowling at him. It turned, ready to scamper off.
"I shouldn't stop you," Raphael said quietly. Confused, Raticate turned back to stare at him. Raphael smiled sadly back. "But can I ask a favour?"
Raticate gave him an irritated look, before turning away once more.
"We got stuck here together!" Raphael called out. "I can help you, you can help me! You wanna go home, but I haven't even found my place yet!"
Raticate, on the edge of the woods, turned back.
Raphael kept going, on a roll. "You're my only chance, Raticate. It's like you going back to the wild; I wanna go to my version of the wild too, but I can't do it without you. Get what I'm saying?" Raphael wasn't sure if the comparison worked. "I need you, Raticate. You help me live my life and make the best of it and I promise I'll help get you back home and I'll find a way to break your Poké Ball. Please, be kind, and help someone out."
Raticate wavered.
"Look," Leslie whispered. "Now that it's in contact with humans, it's animal-like responses have become more human."
Raticate came back slowly, distrusting.
"Here," Raphael said, holding out a treat. Raticate dashed forward and snatched it from Raphael's hands, nibbling on it. Raticate looked up to him and crossed his arms.
"Very human," Leslie whispered. "Now's your chance, kiddo."
Raphael leant forward, smiling. "Raticate, I wanna be the very best, like no one ever was! I wanna meet and see all the Pokémon in the world and make the greatest team ever! You wanna go home to the wild and live your life. I can't get my dream without you, and I promise I'll help you with yours. So how about it? Help me out, Raticate. Please."
Raticate seemed to think for a momen. Then it held out its paw. "Rat. Rat. Raticate."
Raphael pointed to the treat bag. "You want another?"
Raticate nodded. "Rat, rat," it said dreamily, pointed to the bag and then rubbing it belly.
Leslie laughed. "It must think they're tasty! Go on, kiddo give it another!"
Raphael gave Raticate another treat, and the little Pokémon scarfed it down instantly, licking crumbs from its paws. Then, it gave Raphael a nod.
"You'll help me?" Raphael said excitedly. "You really will!"
Raticate nodded. "Rat, rat!" It flexed its arms, mimicking the human gesture. "Rat, cate cate!" It pointed to Raph.
"I think he wants you to help make it strong," Leslie said.
"I will! I promise I will!" Raphael was overjoyed. He scooped up the Raticate in a crushing embrace. "Thank you so much!"
Raticate squeaked with surprise, but nuzzled against the boy's cheek, happy.
"I know we're gonna win this tournament," Raphael said, smiling wide. "You'll get really strong, and together I know we'll win! After all, sic parvis magna."