This chapter really is more of a prologue, but it's chapter 1.
DISCLAIMER:
I don't own Pokemon or any related characters.
Chapter 1: The Start of a New Beginning
Prof. Oak hurried to the door at the sound of the doorbell. It was quite late in the evening, and the sky was already a dark magenta over the shadows hills. The older man furrowed his brow in confusion.
"Who in the world would be calling at my door at a time like – " As he flung the door to his lab open, the professor's eyes widened at the face he stared at.
"Oh my, why it's quite a surprise to see you here, son. Especially at this time of night." The professor greeted casually, despite his deepening confusion. He opened the door wide, allowing the young man before him to stroll into his lab. As he shut the door, Prof. Oak asked, "Now to what do I have the honor so late this evening?"
The young man hardly reacted to his question, preferring to stare further into the lab than at the professor. "I'm sorry that it's so late. It's just…I must be on my way, tonight." He turned to look at the elderly man, fixing him with a solid gaze. "However, I have a favor I must ask of you, professor."
Prof. Oak raised his eyebrows as he shoved his hands into the pockets on his lab coat. "Oh? And what might that be?"
The boy promptly grabbed a pokeball from his waist. He pressed the button on the front, causing it to open with a sharp pop. Once the bright white light disappeared, Prof. Oak let out a short gasp at the pokemon it revealed.
"A Pichu? But what do you possibly want me to do with – " The professor was cut off as the tiny electric mouse pokemon let out a shrill squeal, immediately dashing towards the boy. It clung onto the edge of his pants for dear life, making him sigh.
"I want you to give him to Ash. I know he'll be coming in here in the morning for his starter pokemon."
Prof. Oak furrowed his brows at the strange request, his eyes narrowing. "You want him to have this Pichu instead of the traditional starter?"
"Yes." The professor was shocked at the young man's blunt answer. "From what I've heard about him, Ash most likely will arrive here after all the other starters have been chosen. And I want you to give this Pichu to him."
Prof. Oak scratched his chin in contemplation. "That Pichu seems to have quite the affection for you."
At his words, the boy knelt down and grabbed the tiny Pichu and removed it from his pant leg. "I know you want to stay with me, but you'll be someone else's partner from now on, alright?" he murmured softly, looking into the creature's wide, brown eyes.
"Chu!" The small creature wailed, flying into the boy's arms. Prof. Oak gave him a sympathetic look.
"It seems poor little Pichu doesn't want you to leave it behind."
"I'm sure he'll be in good care." Just as the boy began to pull Pichu away, it was suddenly engulfed in a bright light. His eyes widened, but a smile placed itself on his lips. Soon enough, he held a Pikachu in his hands. The newly evolved Pikachu squirmed uncomfortably as the boy handed it to the professor.
"Yes, he seems to like you quite a bit," chuckled the professor.
"Here's his pokeball," the boy said abruptly. The professor took it and tried to return the Pikachu, but it abruptly shook it away with a small bolt of electricity.
"Stubborn, are we?" The professor smirked, and tried again, only for the Pikachu to angrily knock it away. He tried several more times, but to no avail. Finally, the boy took back the pokeball and returned the Pikachu, which did not resist whatsoever.
The professor wiped his brow with a sigh. "Looks like I've got a feisty one on my hands now," he said, as the young man handed him back the pokeball. "Its behavior reminds me of the pokemon I first gave you, if I recall."
The boy smirked, remembering the event. He then checked his watch, making his face fall. "I should go now. Thank you, professor. For everything." The two men began walking back towards the door.
Prof. Oak waved his hand dismissively. "No trouble at all." He gently tossed the pokeball into the air, catching it again gently in his palm. "And I'll make sure to take good care of Pikachu until Ash arrives. Are you sure he'll act the way you say he will?"
The boy, already at the door, glanced over his shoulder with a steely look in his eyes. "I'm sure."
As the professor waved the boy off into the night, he couldn't help but feel that it was only the beginning.
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