_1._
The idea of moving has always been intriguing to me. Why people moved, where they want to move to, who they'll move with.
Why is it that so many people feel the need to leave their homes in search of somewhere else? Of course I know that there are some cases where the person has no choice but to live elsewhere, but what about the people who choose of their own free will?
Do they hate where they currently are? Or are they just the type that can't stay in one place for too long?
Do they need to move for family reasons? Are they moving because of work reasons? If so, wouldn't it be easier to just find another job near you? Why travel between towns, cities or across oceans just for one specific line of work?
That was something I'd asked my father a lot over the last month. He'd been looking for a job as a Gym Leader for the past year now, with no luck. None of the current Gym Leaders were willing to give up their spots.
And when there was a rare opening for someone else to take on the title, dad never seemed to make it even with all the applications he'd sent in.
After months of struggling, my father was ready to give up. And he would have, if not for a single letter he'd received in the mail.
The letter was offering him a position as Gym Leader of Petalburg City. Apparently the Gym was left by the previous owner some months ago, and people were unwilling to take the role.
Of course my dad would jump at such an opportunity. He'd practically flung the front door off it's hinges in his haste to break the good – or not so good, depending on how you look at it – news to his family.
At first we were happy for him. Dad was getting his dream job, mum wouldn't have to bare the burden of the bills anymore and my little brother, Max, well, he was thrilled that he finally had something to brag about to all his friends.
But then it clicked, and I realised there was just one little problem. Petalburg City wasn't in Johto. After dad explained in further detail that in order for him to become Gym Leader we all had to move to a different region...well I'm sure you can guess that the excitement in the room quickly fell flat.
Mum was reluctant, Max was in tears and I, I was furious. There was no way I'd move to a whole other region and leave all the people that I love behind. Max shared the same viewpoint I did. But mum, as always, stood behind our father.
It ended up turning into a very heated argument; kids against parents. Harsh words were spoken, objects were thrown to the floor as my brother released all his emotions into one massive tantrum, and all hell broke loose as I insistently fought with two of the people who've made so many sacrifices for my benefit.
But I didn't care right now, all that mattered to me was the fact that I was going to be ripped away from my friends, my relatives and my home all because of some silly little title that my dad wanted to hold.
Finally out of tears and anger, Max and I could do nothing more but retreat to our room, leaving our parents feeling guilty over the whole situation.
I was frustrated and feeling betrayed, but after having time to cool down I also felt bad for reacting the way I had. I knew that they weren't doing this to purposely hurt us, and that with this new job our family would get by a lot easier.
Alas, I shared more qualities with my dad than I'd like to admit, pride and stubbornness being two of them. I wasn't about to just skip into the kitchen, get on my knees and grovel at their feet about how sorry I am.
No, the world would sooner end than that ever happening. So I spent the rest of the month giving both parents – mainly my father – the cold shoulder. It only took a week before I caved and forgave my mum for siding with dad though.
Ignoring her wasn't an easy thing to do, considering she was really the only person I relied on when it came to pretty much every problem I had. Not being able to confide in my feelings and thoughts on this thing had almost driven me insane.
It'd gotten to the point where I couldn't even be in the same room as her for fear that I open my mouth and blurt out everything I've been holding back.
But all my efforts had been in vain, because that one night I'd had a nightmare she'd been the first to race in and see if I was okay, like always. I didn't have nightmares often, but when I did they could get pretty violent. Thrashing in my sleep, tearing at my sheets and clawing my pillow were all things that usually occurred whenever it got really bad.
As soon as I'd seen her in the doorway all walls I'd built up instantly came crashing down and everything bottled up inside came flooding out in a heap of sobs and tears.
After that night my mother and I were on a speaking basis. There was still that tension in the air, but it wasn't uncomfortable enough to make me brush her off again.
Max hadn't taken too long to come around to the idea. In fact, the very next day he'd began packing his bags and going on and on about how cool dad was now and how many new Pokémon he could find over in the new region. Traitor.
Though he was thoroughly disappointed to learn that we wouldn't be leaving until the end of the month. Giving us enough time to say farewell to the people we knew.
No matter how reluctant I was to say goodbye, I wasn't going to waste what little time there was left that I had to spend with everyone.
The day of our departure had finally arrived and I still wasn't happy about it. Everyone we knew had gathered together for a final farewell before we boarded the plane and set off on our way.
We left Goldenrod City, my birthplace and beloved home, and made our way to Hoenn.
While Max was fascinated by the view out the window, I kept my eyes trained on the two Poké balls resting in my hands. Pokémon weren't allowed out on the plane for fear of causing problems, so I had to keep them tucked away until the end of the trip.
It's such a shame, too. I'm sure they would've loved to watch the outside world change before them with Max. Holding tightly onto the mechanic balls in my hands, I lowered my head and tried my best to take a nap so time would pass faster.
I remember feeling nauseous by the time the plane had landed. Whether it was because of the trip or the fact that I was now separated from home by an entire ocean I wasn't sure of. Could've been both. I've never been a good flyer.
Strangely enough, I'd expected the earth beneath my feet to feel different, foreign, but it didn't. It was just like Johto. The sky was the same, also.
I don't know why I'd expected the sky to be any different, but luckily it wasn't. What was different though were the buildings and the people.
And the Pokémon. There was types I'd never even seen before! Of course that was to be expected, but it's always a shock to see something so completely different from what you're used to seeing, yet everyone around you completely accepts it as something of the norm.
As they should. Because this is Hoenn, not Johto. My stomach twisted uneasily at being reminded that I was in a place I knew nothing about, miles away from everyone I know and care about that couldn't come with me.
We waited around in Lilycove City for the moving van to arrive. Dad had to leave as soon as we'd landed and was hailing down the nearest cab for a ride to Petalburg City.
Apparently we were living in a different town from the Gym, seeing as there were no vacant houses. So that meant dad wouldn't be at home as often as before. Which was just another thing to add to my grudge list.
Yes, we weren't talking – or more like I wasn't – but it's still upsetting that he wouldn't even be home half the time. If he was going to spend little to no time at all with us he should've just moved here on his own.
Mum had taken interest in the large mall-looking shop a path or two up from the Lilycove City Harbour and decided to take a quick look inside while Max and I were stuck waiting outside the doors for the very late van to show up.
It didn't take long for Max to wander off to the edge of the cliff and watch excitedly for any water-type Pokémon. I had half a mind to run over and deliver a swift kick to his behind so he goes flying over the edge.
I was still mad at him for so easily taking the side of our parents. The cliff wasn't all that high, a meter or two at least, and it's not like Max can't swim. Oh how I was tempted...
But before the wicked side of my judgement could come to a complete decision a loud honking quickly brought me to my senses. I turned to see the van crawling towards the Harbour.
Max sprung into action and ran to the shops at my request to retrieve mum. They returned shortly after, saving me the trouble of having to delay the man.
Furniture was moved, strapped and covered. Papers were signed and quick discussions were had before we were finally able to get moving.
Don't get me wrong, I wasn't at all excited to see our new home, but I was getting tired of waiting around and doing nothing. I'd much rather be in my new room sulking for the rest of the day than having to sit outside and watch adults talk about mindless things.
When it came to seating arrangements in the van, I ended up getting the short end of the stick, as always. There were only two seats available, excluding the driver's seat.
Mum insisted that she needed to sit upfront because she had to tell the man driving where to go – as if he didn't already know considering he lives in Hoenn – and Max argued that he was too small to sit in the back and might get squashed by any falling furniture.
Well it wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing if he happened to be flattened...
Unable to push against them, I submitted to riding in the back. Though it wasn't too bad I suppose. I did get to spend time with my two Pokémon. We played for a bit, wasting away the first hour or so by chasing small objects rolling around in the back of the van.
Turning corners always made it difficult to keep your footing while also trying to catch the runaway items. The game came to a stop though when I ended up twisting my ankle awkwardly in an effort not to fall over.
My Pokémon, Pikachu and Buizel had come running to my side instantly, one more successful than the other as the vehicle rounded a sharp corner.
I stretched my arms out to catch the tumbling electric mouse before he could hit the table legs. He squeaked in surprise and clambered up my side, burying his furry yellow face into the crook of my neck as he held on for dear life.
Buizel staggered over, landing clumsily into my lap and almost squashing poor Pikachu in the process.
The rodent squeaked unhappily and sent warning sparks flying from his cheeks, causing the ends of my hair to stand up.
I laughed and held the two close, bracing myself against an arm chair in case we had another abrupt slide show.
After the two settled down I decided to spend the rest of my time playing my yellow gameboy. It was outdated compared to the newer models being released and the only game I owned for it was one I'd completed a hundred or more times.
But it was a game I held close to my heart, funnily enough. The main focus of the game is about catching Pokémon, getting Gym Badges and taking on the Elite Four. Something a lot of people do in the real world.
The game was loosely based off what a Trainer's life is like. Except the whole saving the world plot's that get thrown into the mix.
Let's be realistic here, none of that ever happens in reality. But that's what makes the game so much better, the plot twists!
Why go out and become a Trainer who grinds their life away just to face some people stronger than them, when you can do the exact same thing on a game, but with much more exciting things happening along the way?
It's something I'll probably never understand. Why do people find travelling their entire region to collect little shiny badges just so they can lose to the Champion so fun?
I was thrown once again when the van's tire hit a sudden pothole in the road. My head smacked against the table as we slipped over to the other side of the vehicle.
I mumbled incoherent words under my breath as I rubbed gingerly at the throbbing lump starting to form. Ouch...
Buizel yelped as the van came to a sudden halt and he went tumbling towards the entrance. He tried to find his feet, but in his disoriented state all he could do was fumble around until his back found the locked doors.
I heard car doors slam from outside and muffled voices becoming louder. The sound of metal grinding on metal was deafening as something heavy was dragged across the van. All of a sudden the doors flew open, revealing a blinding light.
Buizel screeched in surprise as the surface beneath his back suddenly disappeared and all I could do was watch on in hysterics as my poor water-type fell out, arms, legs and tails flailing, onto the grass.
Pikachu jumped from my arms and bounced over to check on his friend, letting out a chittering laugh of his own before following suit.
I climbed out next, mumbling an apology to my not-so-impressed Pokémon as I helped him up. He huffed and used his two tails to brush stray grass and dirt from his orange coat.
I took this chance to have a quick look around, moving aside to allow my mum and the delivery man to take care of the furniture.
One thing I immediately noticed was how much cleaner the air was. It was crisp with the underlying scent of flowers.
The next thing I took note of were the colours. It was green everywhere. The grass, the trees, the plants. Everything was so lush and vibrant.
The town itself wasn't all too big, it looked more like a tucked away village than anything, but there seemed to be quite a few people out and about. A few would stop to introduce themselves to the newcomers, while others simply just watched from afar.
It was a little unnerving to have so many eyes settled on us. Clearly they didn't get new neighbours all too often. I'd be surprised if they even knew what was happening around the world outside of their little hideaway paradise.
I had to admit the place was beautiful, but that didn't mean I was going to hate on it any less. I had a right to be upset, and gosh darn it if I want to sulk, I will! Who's to tell me that I can't?
Something above caught my eye and I looked up, squinting against the bright sun as I watched something paint a white streamline across the sky. I wonder what it could be? Another plane perhaps?
I felt mum come over to stand beside me, taking interest in the same thing I'd seen.
"Well, this is Littleroot Town," She faltered a little when I didn't respond, but continued to uphold her cheery persona. "What do you think? This is going to be our new home!"
I continued to say nothing, because I really had nothing to say. What was she expecting from me? To just suddenly warm up to this foreign land the moment we set foot here? To forget about our old home and all the memories we'd left behind there? Well I hate to break it to her, but it's not going to happen.
"It has a quaint feel, but it looks like it should be a nice place to live, don't you think?"
"Sure, mum." I sighed, wanting her to just give me some space already. I appreciate that she's trying to lift my spirits in spite of the circumstances, I'm sure moving has been hard for her too since she's lived in Goldenrod City all her life, but right now I just needed some time alone to...just think. That's all I wanted to do.
But mum being mum, she kept on insisting to hold a conversation with me. It was starting to grate on my nerves. "And you get your own room this time, April! Come on, you have to see inside."
Without giving me any choice she grabbed a hold of my wrist and pulled me to our new house. Much to my chagrin.
I glanced back to see Buizel and Pikachu chasing each other around the other houses, seeming quite happy to be somewhere new.
That only made me feel worse. Was I really the only one hating that we've moved? Everyone else seems to be accepting it so easily...am I overreacting to the situation?
When I entered through the front the smell of chemicals immediately hit my nose, almost making me gag. Someone had used way too much cleaning product.
Wandering across the bare wooden floors were two Machoke's, carrying in heavy boxes and furnishing and placing them down in a not so orderly fashion. I'm sure that was getting to mum, everything being so out of place.
I could almost here the gears turning in her head as she planned out how everything would look once it was all unpacked.
Max came running down from upstairs, holding up a white and red object in his hands for us to see.
"Mum, look! Someone left a Poké ball in my room!" Exclaimed Max, bouncing on the balls of his feet in his excitement.
"Did they now?" Mum bent down to examine the mechanic device, her expression cautious. "Is there a Pokémon inside?"
Max's face fell. "No, it's empty." He pressed the round white button and the Poké ball grew in size before clicking open and revealing it's empty insides. Mum seemed relieved by that fact.
"Well, if you promise to look after it you can hold onto that and use it to catch your very first Pokémon when you start your journey."
"Really? Thanks mum!" The two exchanged hugs before the little scamp went running back from whence he came.
"Hey wait, what do you mean you found it in your room? Who said you get to choose first!" I was quick to follow after him. I heard mum sigh before she too tagged along.
"I claimed this one!" There were three doors on the second floor, and Max was pointing to the one on the right. I went over to glance inside. It seemed pretty spacious.
I went to the other rooms to compare sizes, and sure enough Max had chosen the second largest room. Obviously the master bedroom was reserved for the parents.
Angry, I stomped over to Max, grabbed him by the ear and dragged him over to mum. She had an exasperated look on her face, obviously knowing what was about to ensue.
"Mum, why does Max get to have that room? I'm older so I should get it!" There was no way I was being stuck with the tiny room. It was bad enough that I'd had to share my old room with Max after he was born.
I finally got to have a room all to myself and there was no way I was going to hand the bigger one over on a silver platter to the little brat.
"But I'm a growing boy, I should have the biggest room so I have plenty of space to grow in!" Argued Max.
"But I'm bigger than you are right now, so it's only right for me to get it. I wouldn't fit in that smaller room!"
Mum stood with her arms folded, watching with amusement as we bickered amongst ourselves. After heated words started turning into pushing and hair pulling she was quick to step in though.
"Alright, that's enough," Mum grasped the back of our shirts and pulled us apart to stop any further fighting. "Max, sweetie, I think your sister should have the bigger room-"
"But mum-!"
"Because!" Mum raised her voice to get our attention again after Max cut her off. I sent a triumphant smirk Max's way, to which he childishly stuck out his tongue in retaliation. "Because, April is older – and bigger – than you dear. She needs more space."
I grinned happily at the fact that I'd won. Sometimes the perks that came with being an older sibling made it worth it.
"Besides, you can always have the room when she moves out." Mum added quickly.
"Mum! I'm only twelve!" I protested, sending her an accusing stare.
"Yeah! Hurry up and move out sis!"
Mum laughed merrily and squeezed us into one of her typical bear hugs before letting go and making her way back downstairs to dismiss the waiting Machoke.
I decided to check out my new room. Most of my furniture had already been placed inside. I had to admit, the Machoke did a pretty good job of setting everything up.
It seems this room had been planned to be mine from the beginning. Was this mum's doing? I caught a glimpse of a pink rimmed clock hung on the wall. The hands weren't moving though.
After having a quick look around – and admiring my brand new Lapras plush, thank you mum – I decided to set the clock to the appropriate time.
Just as I'd finished I heard someone enter my room. It was mum.
"How do you like your new room, April?" She went over to sit on the sheet-less bed in the corner of the room, admiring the arrangement the Machoke's had done. There were probably a few things she'd end up changing around though.
"It's alright, I guess." I still found it hard to hold a conversation with her when it was just the two of us, but mum didn't seem the least bit phased by my standoffish behaviour.
"Good! Every thing's put away so neatly! I must ring the moving company and give those two Machoke high praise for their efforts." She examined the room once more before getting up from the bed and coming over to stand next to the desk, wiping a finger across the surface to check for any dust. Like she always did.
"You know, one of Dad's friends lives in this town. Professor Birch is his name. Do you remember him?" I shook my head. The name sounded somewhat familiar, but I couldn't place it to a face. "I suppose you wouldn't, the last time he saw you was when Max was just a baby!
"Anyway, he lives right next door, so you should go over and introduce yourself. Though I'm sure he'll recognise you the moment he sees you."
Without really anything else to do, I decided that visiting Professor Birch wouldn't be such a bad idea. He is a family friend after all, and I am going to need new people to hang out with.
Exiting my house, the first thing I saw was Pikachu and Buizel sunbathing together in a patch of flowers. I was glad my Pokémon were enjoying themselves, even if I wasn't.
Making my way over to the house beside ours, I took a few deep breaths before rapping gently on the wooden door. I tried to peer inside, but the frosted glass of the door made it hard to make out anything.
A shadow moved on the other side, pausing for just a moment before opening up to greet me. A woman dressed in an apron stood in front of me. She had short, dark brown hair styled in a curly fashion and very prominent crows feet at the corners of her eyes, suggesting she was quite the cheery type.
I could smell an array of wonderful scents drifting out from the kitchen. Sweets and savouries of all sorts were blending together to create a delicious scent that made my mouth water and my stomach growl.
"Oh, hello. And you are?" The woman wiped her flour caked hands on the tea-towel thrown over her shoulder, sending me a quizzical look.
"Um, I'm April. I just moved in-"
"Oh, you're April, our new next-door neighbour! Welcome!" Upon knowing who I was she visibly brightened, taking a step back to allow me into her home.
I bowed my head and stepped over the threshold, taking a quick glance around the place. It wasn't too different from my own house. In fact, it looked pretty much the same, except everything seemed to be reversed.
The kitchen was to the left, not the right, and the stairs were where my kitchen would be. They shared the same wallpaper and wooden floors as we did, but their lounge, TV and dining table sat in different places to ours.
I hesitantly followed the woman into the kitchen, feeling so out of place in this strangers house. She didn't seem to mind though. I'd even go as far as to say that she was glad to have a visitor.
"We have a son who is just about the same age as you." She began, running off into casual banter like we'd known each other our whole lives.
She resumed with kneading the dough spread out on the marbled bench top. "He's been so excited about making a new friend. He should be in his room upstairs. I hope you'll go and introduce yourself!"
"Erm, sure..." I proceeded to do as she asked, even though I'd much rather just excuse myself and go back home. Why had I agreed to come over in the first place? Why am I walking up some strangers stairs and looking for a room that I don't even know the location of?
I mean they seemed like nice enough people, and they weren't complete strangers, seeing as my Dad's known them for a long time now. Maybe I'm just thinking too much over every little thing? I need to relax, I need to stay calm.
Reaching the top, I was now faced with a dilemma of choosing which room to check first. Going off the fact that the house for the most part seems to be a reversed replica of my own, that would mean the second biggest room is the door to the left, seeing as the master bedroom is the furthest door down the hallway.
But what if I'm wrong? Will I accidentally end up walking in on someone who's changing? There was no mention of anyone else being up here, but that doesn't mean I can assume that it's only the boy.
And what if he's getting dressed? What if he's walking around his room half-naked like most boys do when they're at home? Max always does, so why not him?
As I ran through all the possibilities of embarrassing myself, I neglected to notice the left room's door was open. Surely if someone were to be changing they wouldn't leave the door open, right?
I felt like a bit of a tool for having let my imagination run wild like that. But it's not like that's something so uncommon for me to do. It happens quite frequently actually.
Feeling that I've delayed it for long enough, I took a step forward and burst into the room before I could wimp out and run back the way I'd came.
Pro: I'd picked the right room.
Con: He had been getting dressed, but luckily he was fully clothed and placing his last item on; a white beanie.
He turned to see who'd barged into his room, his face one of shock. Can't say I blamed him. If our roles had been reversed and he'd been the one to come into my room unannounced I can guarantee that he'd be rolling back down those stairs.
"Y-you...who are you?"
I immediately felt awkward being here. I was in a boy's room, with a boy who I didn't even know. In a house that wasn't even mine. If Dad were here I'm sure he'd have a few heated things to say about me being in a situation like this.
"I'm so sorry, I'm April. You're mum insisted I come and meet you and I didn't really want to but I didn't want to seem rude either so I-"
"April?" My name appeared to have brought some sort of recognition, but it seemed he couldn't quite place it. I stood there silently as he mulled over his thoughts.
"Oh, you're the new kid who just moved in next door?!"
"Yes..."
"Huh... I didn't know that you'd be a girl." I gawked at that last comment. Didn't know that I'd be a girl? Why? Was it so unnatural for a girl to be living in the same space of air as him?
"Dad – I mean, Professor Birch – told me you were a kid of a Gym Leader, and I sort of hoped you'd be a guy." He admitted.
"Why? Does my gender really matter so much to you? Don't tell me you're one of those guys who thinks girls are inferior to you testosterone high males." I could feel my dislike for this boy growing. Of all the people I had to be stuck living next to, it had to be someone like him.
"No, of course not! It's just, I was kind of hoping my new rival would be another guy, you know?"
"Rival? Why would we be rivals?" I was stumped. Just what had this kid been told about me? He seemed genuinely surprised at my question.
"You are a Trainer, aren't you?"
I blanched at that. Me? A Trainer? "No way! I'm not interested in that sort of stuff."
"Really?! But I heard you had your own Pokémon..." The boy was puzzled. Was it really such a hard thing to believe when someone tells you they're not a Trainer?
"Yes, I do. But that doesn't mean I'm a Trainer. I know plenty of people who own Pokémon and they're not Trainer's either." I couldn't help but get defensive. Being considered a Trainer just because I had Pokémon was something that had always irked me.
Why did everyone assume that? Do I look like Trainer material? Hardly!
"Oh...anyway my name's Brendan. Well, I guess we are still neighbours, so... Nice to meet you! Let's be friends, okay?"
"Um, yeah, okay..." I wasn't sure if Brendan was the type of person I wanted to have as a friend yet, but I guess I shouldn't judge a book before reading it, right? I don't think I got that saying correct...
"Ah wait, I forgot!" Brendan suddenly jumped from the seat at his desk, rapidly stuffing items and Poké balls into his green and white bag before clipping it around him. "I'm supposed to be going out to help my dad catch some wild Pokémon. We'll talk again some other time, okay?"
Before I even got a chance to respond, Brendan was out the door and dashing down the stairs like a Tauros heading for the feeding trough.
With nothing left to do upstairs I went back down and let myself out, saying a quick goodbye to Brendan's mother on the way.
As I was making my way home a little boy with unruly dark hair and baby-faced features ran up to me, looking to be in a panic.
I knelt down to see what was wrong, maybe he'd lost his mum and dad? "What's wrong?"
"I think I heard someone screaming up ahead!" I looked in the direction he'd pointed to. There was a sign, the red letters read: Route 101. "What should I do? What should we do? Somebody has to go help..."
I hadn't heard any screaming, but the poor thing was on the verge of tears. Something had to be wrong. "I want you to go home where it's safe, I'll go and take a look, okay?"
The little boy sniffled and gave a short nod, rubbing his nose on his sleeve. I gently pushed him in the opposite direction before running off into Route 101.
It wasn't long before I heard the same screams the child had. "H-help me!"
I ran faster, pumping my legs furiously, hoping I could get there in time to rescue whoever it was in danger. When I caught sight of what was actually happening though I stopped dead in my tracks.
A large, well-rounded man dressed in a lab coat was running in circles, avoiding the ferocious gnashers nipping at his heels. I could only stand there and watch as whatever it was chased the man round and round.
The noises it was making sounded pretty threatening, but when you actually looked at what it was, it's fluffy grey tail and upright fuzzy ears, it was hardly a threat at all.
I couldn't believe what I was seeing. A fully grown man, running away from a pup of a Pokémon. The strange man was suddenly backed up into a corner, cowering at the mere sight of the puffball growling at his feet.
"Halloo! You over there!" It took me a moment to realise he was calling out to me. "Please! Help me out!"
I was very tempted to just walk away and let the scaredy cat deal with it himself, but I knew that I needed to make a good impression on the people of this town, for my dad's sake.
"In my bag! There are some Poké balls!"
Sure enough, there was a brown leather satchel discarded amongst the longer grass. Three Poké balls had spilled from one of the pockets, laying on the ground.
I decided to reach for a Poké ball of my own, but then remembered that they were empty. Darn it. Instead, I reached into the grass and plucked the nearest ball from the batch, giving it a quick rub with my shirt before resizing it in my hand and throwing it out.
The Poké ball flew into the air and opened, a bright beam of warping light touching the earth. A Pokémon started to form, it was green and standing on two legs, a large darker green tail swinging about lazily.
I wasn't too sure what it was, or what moves it knew. But I assumed it would know at least some of the basic attacks.
Catching the ball as it flew back, I pointed in the direction of the pup-like Pokémon, hoping that this new Pokémon would listen to me.
"Please help that man out!" The green Pokémon glanced over at me with harsh eyes, his arms folded. It seemed like he wasn't going to listen after all. Sighing, I dropped the Poké ball in my hand and sat on the ground. Oh well, I tried.
Then the unexpected happened. The Pokémon I'd called upon suddenly sprung into action, darting across the grass and twisting himself mid-jump, bringing that solid tail crashing down on the pup's head.
The grey Pokémon was quick to turn it's attention on the other, upset about being attacked. It leaped forward, canines bared as it went in for the attack. But the Starter was much too quick and easily dodged out of the way, swinging it's tail down once again.
It made contact and the pup yelped upon impact, being thrown across the area and smacking head first into a nearby tree.
Disoriented, the wild Pokémon staggered it's way back into the tall grass, giving up the fight. The Starter Pokémon seemed quite pleased with himself, his arms once again folded and his demeanour back to being that of a I-couldn't-care-less attitude.
"Whew..." The man came over to retrieve his bag now that he was safe. "I went into the tall grass to survey wild Pokémon when I was suddenly jumped! You saved my hide. Thanks!"
"It was no problem..." I grabbed the Poké ball belonging to the Pokémon I'd used and held it out for the man to take.
The man looked over to me and his face suddenly changed, like he'd only just realised who I was. Did I know this person...?
"Oh? But you're Norman's girl, April!" Ah, so this must be dad's old friend. "I didn't even recognise you at first. You've grown into quite the young lady."
"Um, thank you..." I wasn't quite sure what to say to that. Embarrassed, I shifted my gaze elsewhere.
"This isn't the place for a chat, though. Come along to my lab." With that, the man who I assume is Birch started walking back to Littleroot Town. I followed suit, seeing as I had no other choice really.
Back in his lab, Professor Birch began talking once again. I tried to ignore the eyes of his other co-workers and focus on what he was saying.
"So, April! I've heard so much about you from your father. But he said you're not a Pokémon Trainer yet," Yet? "If that's true, that was quite the performance back there!"
"Please sir, I hardly did anything. That... Pokémon is the one who should be receiving praise, not me."
The man stared at me for quite some time, before he suddenly broke out into a hearty chuckle, catching me off-guard. "Looks like you really are your father's daughter! He would say the exact same thing!"
I wasn't sure if that was something to be proud of or not...
"Oh, yes! To say thanks for rescuing me out there, how about I give you that Pokémon you used earlier?"
I clumsily caught the ball he'd tossed in my direction. It was still empty, the Pokémon choosing to walk back with us rather than go inside it's Poké ball. The Starter stood beside me, as silent as ever. However I wasn't sure this was such a good idea.
What would my other two Pokémon think of me owning another one?
"Are you sure, sir? I mean I-"
"Of course! You saved me, it's the least I can do," There honestly wasn't that much saving to be done... "And maybe now that you have your own Pokémon you can become a Trainer."
Ugh, here we go again. Why does everyone keep insisting?
"While you're at it, why not give a nickname to your new Treecko?" So that's what it's called.
"Thanks, but I'd rather not. I prefer to call my Pokémon by their actual names."
The Professor seemed intrigued with that idea. He stroked what little beard he had thoughtfully. "Is that so? It's not often I hear that. Do you already have Pokémon of your own?"
"Yes, actually... I can give Treecko back if you want-"
"Nonsense! Treecko is my gift to you, keep it." Birch turned to his desk, pulling out his notebook and copying the messy scrawls of words over onto his computer via his keyboard.
There was a moment of silence, and I took this opportunity to look around the workplace. There were a large assortment of electronic devices, most of which I'd never even seen before. So instead of risking the chance of accidentally breaking something, I settled on fingering through the nearby bookcase.
It was fairly small, with a limited genre to read, but the titles were pretty interesting. Most of them seemed to be about Pokémon.
"You know, if you work with your Pokémon and gain experience, I think you'll make a great Trainer," Said Birch, making conversation. "My boy, Brendan, happens to be out on Route 103 right now, surveying Pokémon for me. It might not be a bad idea for you to head out that way yourself. What do you think?"
I sighed, closing the book in my hands and placing it back in the shelf amongst all the others. "Look, Professor. Thank you for Treecko, but I don't want to be a Trainer. I'm just not interested."
"Hm...can I ask why?"
That caught me by surprise. Not a lot of people wanted to know why I was so against being a Trainer.
"Well, because... I don't know, it just seems kind of boring," I decided to tell him how I really felt about it. Why not? He did ask after all. "All you do is catch Pokémon and use them to beat people stronger than you are. It seems a little..."
"Barbaric?" Provided Birch.
I nodded, unable to speak. That's a little harsh, but I suppose it aligns with the words I would've used to describe it.
"Perhaps it is," That wasn't what I'd been expecting to hear. The Professor turned around to face me, closing his notebook and switching off his monitor. "But if both the Trainer and the Pokémon enjoy battling, enjoy the thrill of the fight, can it really be considered barbaric?"
"I... I guess not." I understood where he was coming from. "But the fact of the matter is that in the end it's the Pokémon who do all the work, and it's the Trainer who claims all the glory. When really all they did was tell that Pokémon what to do.
"It's the Pokémon who should hold the spotlight, but it gets taken away from them! That's why I don't like Trainer's, or want to become one."
Professor Birch sat in his chair, the metal squeaking under his weight. "I see..." I stood there, fists clenched and jaw tight. I hadn't realised just how much the subject could rile me up, or that it was those things even bothering me about it. I guess people aren't lying when they say it feels good to 'get it all off your chest'.
I do feel better. A lot better than I had since this entire moving fiasco.
"But I believe you're different, April."
"Excuse me?" I wasn't sure I'd heard him right. Different?
"From other Trainers, you're different. You're right, there are some Trainer who only care about winning and end up depriving their Pokémon of the praise they deserve. But you," He suddenly smiled. It was such a warm and genuine smile that I felt all the anger inside start to fizzle away. "You can see what others can't. You see the brilliance of Pokémon that everyone else has forgotten.
"That's why I think you'd make an excellent Trainer, April."
Flabbergasted, I could do nothing but stand there dumbly with my mouth open. I wanted to respond, but no words came to mind. To think someone I barely knew thought so highly of me, and after such an outburst as well... I was almost ashamed to be standing in the same room as this man.
"So, will you give being a Trainer a go? At least give it a try! I promise you, you'll be amazing at it! You could definitely go far in life, I guarantee it."
"Well..." I still wasn't completely sold on the idea, but I had to admit I was warming up to it. What would it hurt if I were to try it out for a week or two? If I didn't like it, I could always come back. "Alright, I guess it can't be helped."
"Great!" The Professor practically leapt from his chair, sending it skidding across the tiled floor. Treecko beside me jumped at the noise and bumped into my leg. The Pokémon threw an unhappy look at Birch, who smiled apologetically.
"I'm sure Brendan will be happy to hear that, too. He can help teach you what it means to be a Trainer...oh, yes! And if you're ever lost along the way, just use the AreaNav on your PokéNav Plus!"
The Professor handed me a small wrist gadget with multiple settings and functions. The entire structure looked so confusing. It was going to take some time for me to figure out how to work this thing...
"You can use it to see how to get to Route 103, where Brendan should be. And if you or your Pokémon get tired, get some rest back at your new house."
"Alright, thank you Professor." I clipped the PokéNav Plus into place and tucked Treecko's Poké ball safely away in the green and yellow pouch strapped to my waist.
"Good luck!" Called Birch as I exited the Lab. Stepping out into the sparse neighbourhood, I leaned against the Lab's door after it clicked shut and sighed.
What had I gotten myself into? Did I really just agree to becoming a Trainer? I'd been so caught up in the moment, surprised by the Professor's praises, that I let the situation get the better of me and became exactly what I detested the most.
"A Trainer..." Saying the word left a bad taste in my mouth. What was I going to do? I didn't want to use my Pokémon for battles... It was bad enough that I'd had to subject that poor Treecko to one back in Route 101.
I glanced down at the Starter beside me. He was patiently waiting to see what I was going to do next, his arms folded and his feet crossed as he leaned against the wall.
What was I going to do next? I suppose finding Brendan was the best choice. But did I really want to?
Not in the least. Though Birch had asked me to...
With another tasking sigh, I pushed off the door and knelt down beside Treecko. He seemed intrigued with the red object I was turning on in my hand, though he tried to hide it by turning his head and acting nonchalant.
Once the Pokédex, which was given to me by my father in hopes that I might need it in this new region, was buzzing with life I directed it towards the Pokémon in front of me and waited for it to respond. "Let's see what you're all about, shall we?"
"Treecko, the Wood Gecko Pokémon. This Pokémon is a grass-type and commonly found in the Hoenn region. Treecko is cool, calm and collected – it never panics under any situation. If a bigger foe were to glare at this Pokémon, it would glare right back without conceding an inch of ground."
"Huh..." I closed the Pokédex and stuck it back in my waist pouch. "I assumed you were a grass-type."
I had to laugh at the description of Treecko, I could definitely see him having a glare-off with any Pokémon who looked at him wrong. I'd have to watch this one, who knows what kinds of fights he'd end up picking.
"Alright then, my new little buddy. How about you return to your Poké ball for now while I try to find Brendan?" I held the mechanic ball out to the Pokémon, but he simply turned and swatted it out of my hand with one of his tails.
I was surprised at first, but it didn't stop me from picking it back up and trying once again. "Please? I promise it won't be for very long."
Treecko kept his back turned to me, but I could see that he was mulling it over. I stayed crouched, waiting patiently for him to come to his own decision. After awhile, the grass-type spun back around and dropped his arms.
He gave me a scrutinising look, almost as if he were testing me in some way. Not knowing what to do, I simply flashed him the best smile I could muster, hoping it would coax him into agreeing and jumping into the ball.
It seemed to work, because the next thing I knew he was relaxed from his guarded position and reaching out a hand to my own. He pressed the button of the device and it snapped open, a vibrant red light pouring out and engulfing Treecko whole before pulling him inside.
The Poké ball shut with a click and I stood. "Thank you." I whispered to the Pokémon inside before placing it in the pouch and making my way over to my new house.
"Pikachu, Buizel! You in here?" I called out, poking my head through the gap of the door. They were indeed here, lounging across the sofa and watching as mum struggled to plug in all the cords attached to the TV.
The two immediately jumped from their spots and bounded over, excited to see me back. I held my arms open as Pikachu went for the leap. I caught him easily, he'd done it so often that it was now second nature to me, and hugged him close. He chuu'd happily and nuzzled my face affectionately, his short yellow fur itching my nose and bringing on a sneeze.
I shifted Pikachu onto my shoulders and pinched my nose, suppressing it. Everyone always says it's dangerous to stop a sneeze, but I've done it for so long now that it's just become a habit.
When Pikachu was just a little Pichu, even the slightest of sounds would startle him terribly and he'd end up shocking himself and anything within a five meter radius of him. So in order not to scare him, I always had to stop myself whenever I felt a sneeze coming on. Habits are hard to break.
Buizel smacked right into my legs, unable to slow himself in time. I ended up being pushed back outside and falling onto my behind in the grass.
It was a rough landing, but I was more concerned when Pikachu was flung from me and went rolling across the ground. Buizel, only just realising what he'd done, quickly got up and retreated to around the other side of the house, predicting the wrath of the electric rodent.
And he wasn't wrong, Pikachu scrambled to his feet and clenched his front paws, his tail erect and his ears slanted back as he angrily chittered at the water-type running for his life. My yellow rodent squeezed his eyes shut and hunched his body over, sparks building and flying out from his cheeks.
Knowing what was to come, I dove out of the way and pressed my belly to the ground, my hands over my head to act as some sort of shield.
Pikachu screeched at the top of his lungs as he stretched his body out and released a massive wave of stored electricity from his cheeks. The giant bright streams of crackling light spiralled up towards the sky before arching over and descending back to the earth.
The ground rumbled beneath me as the thunderbolt connected with it's target, a surprised wail sounding from behind the house. I lifted my head and watched as some of the people in the area ran to their homes, while others opted for ducking for cover and praying they wouldn't be hit as well.
I jumped to my feet and scooped up the furious Pikachu. I knew there was a chance of getting electrocuted myself – in fact I had no doubt – but I couldn't let the people of Littleroot Town get caught in the midst of my two Pokémon going at each other like they so often did.
They were the best of friends, that's for sure. But sometimes Buizel rubbed Pikachu the wrong way, or would accidentally end up hurting the rodent due to his clumsy footwork. None of those occasions ever went over well with the little guy, so he often let his frustration out the way most electric-type's commonly do; by electrocuting things.
"That's enough, sweetie! I think the naughty Buizel's learnt his lesson!" Sweetie was a nickname I reserved only for my Pikachu. Don't get me wrong, I didn't choose favourites out of my Pokémon. They were all equally precious to me and I would – could, never choose one over the other, but Pikachu I had raised from an egg.
He'd been my very own baby, and he would always remain my little baby, no matter how much bigger he got, if he were to grow at all since his growth was stunted as an egg.
I caught sight of my other Pokémon, singed to the tails and staggering over on wobbly legs. His eyes were glazed and unfocused, his tongue hanging out as he sent a goofy grin my way.
Buizel had clearly been well and truly fried. I chuckled and retrieved his ball, holding it out for the Pokémon to go into. "Come here, my poor boy. I think you need a good rest."
The water-type stumbled in my direction and bopped the Poké ball with his nose. He was engulfed in the familiar red light and sent inside to recover. I made a mental note to stop into a nearby Pokémon Centre on the way.
I was going to introduce Treecko to the two before we left, but it seemed introductions would have to wait until Buizel was feeling better.
I wrote a quick note to mum using a pen and notepad from my pouch, saying I'd decided – reluctantly – to try out being a Trainer and that I might not be home for some time.
It was easier for me to tell her via paper than endure a sappy goodbye if I were to tell her face-to-face.
Placing the small slip of paper in the mailbox, I turned and made my way down Route 101, using the AreaNav function on the device strapped to my wrist to lead me in the right direction.
Glancing forward, I could see a clear path cutting between the tall grass, it was worn down and quite dusty, suggesting it was often used. Pikachu squeaked at me quizzically, his back paws on either side of my shoulders and his front paws and fuzzy chin resting on the top of my head.
I assured him that nothing was wrong, despite everything being wrong with this, and continued on my way, gingerly stroking Buizel's Poké ball in my hands as some form of distraction.
Well, here goes...everything.
So...new story. Yay. I honestly wasn't quite sure what I wanted to do with this one; whether I'd post it or not. At first I was just going to keep this as a sort of "story for myself" and just work on it sparingly while I take breaks to think up new ideas for my others ones (like ATOC).
This story probably won't have regular updates like ATOC, since it is of course a side story to waste time away on, like I just previously stated. The main bulk of it will be following the ORAS games, with my own little plots thrown in here and there, so there WILL be a lot of the game conversations and scenes repeating in this one. Sorry if that's not the type of FF you're looking for.
Also, I changed May's name in this only because that's what I called my character in Alpha Sapphire when I played through it. She still looks exactly like the May in the game, I just changed the name up so I...I felt more attachment to the character I was writing?
Remember, this story originally wasn't planned to be uploaded to any sites at all, and I don't really want to change it.
A lot of the text in this story that comes from ORAS is based on what I remember, so sorry if not a lot of it's accurate to what's actually said/happens. I haven't played the game in almost a year, but I can't bear to overwrite my original save file so I have no way to play through it again and make sure everything's right or not. Please try to overlook it!
And please leave your thoughts in a review if you have any at all, good or bad. If enough people think this is decent and want to read more, I might try focus some of my time on later chapters and keep posting.