Chapter 1: The Beginning of Legends
"Welcome to the world of Pokemon! As you know, our world is filled with powerful and mysterious creatures called Pokemon. My name's Professor Albus Oak, and some people call me the Pokemon Professor. That's because I research Pokemon as a job and a passion. People like myself who catch and befriend wild Pokemon are called Pokemon Trainers. Some people care for their beloved Pokemon as pets, while others form strong bonds with them by competing side by side against other trainers in tests of strength and skill! And now, you're on your way to becoming a Pokemon Trainer yourself. What kind of people and Pokemon will you meet along your journey? There's only one way to find out, so let's begin your adventure through the world of Pokemon!"
The video Red had received by email finished playing. With a grin, the young man shut down his computer and stood up from his desk. Red Brick was a fourteen year old boy living in Pallet Town. After he became the protege of Professor Oak, the local Pokemon Professor, he was offered the chance to go on a journey for the Professor across Kanto. And now that Professor Oak's invention was finally complete, Red was finally going to begin his adventure.
"Bye, mom!" called out Red as he slipped on his backpack and opened up the door. If his mother had responded Red wouldn't have known because he was already racing down the road to the Oak Research Lab. He slowed to a halt when he saw a familiar face waiting in front of the lab door.
"Heya, Red," greeted Blue cooly with a permanent smirk on his face. Blue Oak, the grandson of Professor Oak, was also about to begin his journey. Red and Blue had been rivals ever since they were young, and now they were finally going to be able to have real Pokemon battles against each other.
"Hello, Blue," responded Red.
"You ready to get your first Pokemon?" Red nodded. "Well, just so you know, I'm going to beat you no matter what Pokemon you have!"
Red smiled at the thought of having a true battle with Blue. "We'll see about that."
Blue gave another one of his signature smirks before walking through the double doors into his grandfather's lab. Red took a deep breath and followed him inside.
"Blue, Red! Welcome back!" Red couldn't help but be happy to hear the jolly greeting of Professor Oak.
"Hey, gramps, we're ready for those Pokemon."
Professor Oak smiled at his grandson and student with pride. "Of course. As you know, I'm asking each of you to assist in the completion of the Pokedex. This device that I've developed will automatically record the data of every Pokemon that its owner catches. My goal is to complete this Pokemon encyclopedia and receive data on every Pokemon in Kanto. Unfortunately, in my old age I am unable to do this myself. That's where you two come in. If both of you work on catching Pokemon, the combined data will allow the Pokedex to be completed!"
"Yeah, yeah, gramps. We've heard this story a million times already." Although Blue's tone was impatient and snarky, Red could see the excitement in his eyes.
"Well, to aid you on your journey, each of you will receive a starter Pokemon," explained the professor, directing the two boys' attention to three Pokeballs on a table, "These three Pokemon are very rare, and I want each of you to take one."
Professor Oak picked up the far left Pokeball and tossed it up into the air. A beam of light shot out from its center with great speed. As the professor caught the thrown Pokeball, the light formed a shape, and formed a green Pokemon with a plant bulb on its back.
Oak placed the ball back on the table, saying, "This is Bulbasaur, a grass and poison type Pokemon. These Pokemon are easy for new trainers to use, but are also powerful in the hands of someone who is adept in using type advantages." Next, the middle Pokemon was thrown, and an orange Pokemon with a fire-tipped tail appeared in a way identical to Bulbasaur's entrance. Oak continued explaining, "This is the fire type Charmander. They're powerful and full of potential, but are a definite challenge to use for new and expert trainers alike." Finally, Professor Oak threw up the last Pokeball and a brown-shelled, blue Pokemon was sent out of it. "Lastly, this is the water type Squirtle. It may seem unexceptional at first glance, but with patience and skill this Pokemon can be a major powerhouse on any team."
Red looked at each of the three Pokemon excitedly. Each of these three Pokemon would make a worthy partner, but he could only choose one.
"Well, Red, I think it's only fair if you get first pick," offered Blue, to the surprise of Red. Blue explained his actions by adding, "That way you won't be able to make excuses for losing."
Red ignored his neighbor's snide comment and examined his choices. Grass, fire, or water? He could only choose one Pokemon to be his friend and partner throughout his entire journey. After much thought, Red relaxed himself and eyed the Pokemon he thought would be the best pick. It locked eyes with him, and for just a second Red could see the Pokemon's hopes, dreams, and fears in its eyes.
"I choose Bulbasaur!" announced Red decisively. The green Pokemon cried joyfully and dashed to stand in front of its new trainer.
"That's a good choice," complemented Professor Oak, "Please take good care of Bulbasaur." Oak handed Red Bulbasaur's Pokeball, as well as a small, red device. "This is your new Pokedex. I know you'll do great, Red!"
"Alright, that's enough of that," Blue suddenly said, "It's time for me to pick my Pokemon, and I choose Charmander." The fire type Pokemon jumped up with excitement and approached Blue.
"Here you go, Blue," Oak said, handing over the Pokeball and a Pokedex and beaming at his grandson, "I know you'll make me proud."
"Without a doubt, gramps. This Pokedex will be filled before you can say Caterpie." Blue turned towards Red with an expression that Red knew all too well. "Alright, Red, let's not waste a second. Our journeys haven't even started yet, and I'll prove that I'm already the strongest."
Red's eyes flared with determination. "We'll see about that. Time to battle, Blue!"
Professor Oak jumped back. "Wait, here!? Now!?" But neither of the new Pokemon Trainers payed any attention to the professor. Red and Blue each flipped open their Pokedex, checking their Pokemon's move list.
"Alright, Charmander!" called out Blue, "Let's start with leer!" At Blue's command, Charmander gazed menacingly at Bulbasaur, causing the latter to step back nervously.
"Don't let it faze you, Bulbasaur!" Red commanded to his Pokemon, "Use tackle!" Bulbasaur regained composure and launched himself towards his opponent.
"Try to dodge it!" Blue responded. Just before Bulbasaur could make impact with it, Charmander jumped out of harm's way. Unable to stop himself, Bulbasaur crashed face first into one of the lab's large shelves. Professor Oak and the small group of assistants yelled out in panic as the entire thing toppled over from the force of Bulbasaur's tackle. It fell to the floor, making a loud crashing sound. However, the two battlers were unresponsive to the world around them.
"Come on, Bulbasaur," urged his trainer, "Get ready for the next attack."
"Charmander, scratch!" Charmander rushed towards Bulbasaur with claws ready. It swiped quickly, knocking the target back a bit.
"That scratch did extra damage to Bulbasaur because its defense was weakened," boasted Blue, "If you really want to defeat me, you'd do well to remember that there's more to battle than just attacking."
Irked by Blue's condescending advice, Red fiercely yelled out, "Come on, Bulbasaur, let's even the playing field. Use growl!" The Pokemon let out a rageful growling sound. Surprised by Bulbasaur's ferocity, Charmander looked as if it was thinking twice about attacking him.
"If you think I'll let you keep our stats in balance, you're dead wrong! Charmander, use leer once more!"
As Charmander repeated his earlier move, Red suddenly announced his next attack, "Tackle!" Bulbasaur did its best to ignore Charmander's intimidation tactic as they charged forward. Just as before, Blue called for his Pokemon to dodge, but this time it was too late and Charmander was knocked back into another shelf.
"Get up to the top, Charmander!" instructed Blue as panicked lab assistants avoided the barely standing construct, "And use leer again!" Just as told, Charmander gripped the top of the shelf and pulled itself up. The Pokemon turned toward Bulbasaur and used another leer.
"We have to knock them down to our level, Bulbasaur! Use tackle on that shelf!" Red was ignorant to Oak and his assistants' screams of protest as Bulbasaur rushed into the shelf with a tackle attack, causing it to tip over. "Now he's wide open!"
"That's what you think! Charmander, scratch! From above!" Blue's Pokemon pulled back a clawed arm and unleashed a scratch attack on Bulbasaur as it fell on top of him. The second shelf crashed down hard, erupting more panic throughout the lab. Bulbasaur groaned in pain as Charmander jumped off of it's back.
"Oh no, Bulbasaur!" cried Red as he rushed over to his fallen Pokemon. He sighed to see that Bulbasaur was very clearly unable to battle. "You did fine. Now, please return." Red took the Pokeball Oak gave him and Bulbasaur was transferred back inside.
"Red! Blue! I know that this battle was important to you, but did you really need to tear up the entire lab while doing it!?" Red surveyed the destruction caused by the battle, surprised to see what had happened.
"Whatever, gramps," Blue said, not caring in the least about the wrecked laboratory, "Red, next time we meet you better be strong enough to battle me for real. I'm gonna go. Smell ya' later, Red." And with that, Blue simply turned and exited the lab the way he came in.
"Sorry about the mess, Professor Oak," Red apologized to his mentor.
The professor sighed. "It's fine, Red. Now, it looks like it's time for your journey to begin. Even though I've asked you to help in the completion of the Pokedex, don't forget to enjoy your own path along the way. Stay safe and have fun, Red. I'm honored to call you my pupil."
Red's face beamed with pride. "I'll do my best, professor!" he promised, "I'll work hard and see to it that your research is completed."
And with that, it was time for two new Pokemon Trainers to begin their journeys as the first of many to hold a Pokedex and become known as a legend. Destined rivals, Red and Blue would push each other to grow stronger and closer to their Pokemon until the day that a battle between them is a battle between true Pokemon Legends.
Red's Pokedex
Caught: 1
Seen: 3
Red's Team:
-Bulbasaur-
Grass, Poison
Ability: Overgrow
Nature: Docile
Takes plenty of siestas.
