Spring.
Despite being the season that promises warm weather and gentle breezes, today was not one of those days. The sky was gray and flashed occasionally, indicating the danger of a heavy storm. The wind was also no friendlier as seen by the struggling grass and flowers.
A lone teenage boy was currently braving mother nature's worst. Having checked his smartphone beforehand, he did have an automatic umbrella prepared, but he didn't anticipate the harsh winds that smacked his face and chilled his very soul.
"Why did I think taking the Trainer's license test today would be a good idea?" thought the boy. "I mean I did pass the it, but now I'm not so sure it's worth the weather."
The young teenager is Wayne, a promising Kalosian Pokemon Trainer who just passed the Trainer Exam for receiving a Trainer's Licence. While he wants to be ecstatic for passing on his second attempt, he's currently in danger of having his parade literally rained on any second.
"With all this wind, I'm not sure if this umbrella will be any help," said Wayne. "Oh, well. Best run as quickly as possible."
Picking the pace up, he ran across a dirt road as the grassy plains and few trees passed. Lightning continued to flash as thunder roared after each one. Thankfully, Wayne wasn't particularly afraid of thunder like some people.
Then, just as the clouds lit up again…
"Awoooo"
Wayne stumbled as he felt an ache in his head and heard what sounded like a canine's whine echo in his mind.
"Woah!" exclaimed Wayne. "What was that?"
"Awoooo"
Wayne heard the whine and felt the pain again. Subconsciously, Wayne looked to his right and saw what appeared to be some Spearow relentlessly pecking at something. Unable to ignore his curiosity, he ran towards the flock and saw what appeared to be a creature with blue fur seemingly shielding something.
"Hey!" yelled Wayne. "Stop that!"
Without undoing the strap, he clicked his umbrella, and it extended without opening up. He swung his umbrella like a sword at the Spearow, forcing them to scatter. As the merciless birds dispersed, Wayne got a better look at the targeted Pokemon. The one doing the protecting was awfully battered Riolu, while there were also an equally injured Pichu and Eevee heavily breathing from their wounds.
"Hey," Wayne said as he crouched. "Are you okay?"
The Riolu turned his head and gave a meek growl in a feeble attempt to scare the potentially dangerous human away. Alas, the Riolu's injuries overwhelmed him. He collapsed and lost consciousness.
"Oh crap!" Wayne said as he hastily got closer.
The worried teen felt around their chests and sighed in relief as he confirmed that they're still breathing.
"Gotta help them," said Wayne. "But, I can't carry them all, and I don't think they have the luxury of a second trip...I know!"
Wayne undid the strap on his umbrella, allowing it to open. He placed the three Pokemon in the umbrella like a basket and lifted them up. He proceeded to jog back home with three lives in his arms.
"I sure hope I'm not too late," thought Wayne.
After ten minutes of running, Wayne made it back home and narrowly avoided a huge downpour that followed five minutes after explaining the situation to his mother. Currently, he's sitting in front of a lit fireplace with the three rescued Pokemon lying down on a silk cloth with their wounds patched up and healing.
"They must be lucky that you're a nurse at the Pokemon Center," said Wayne.
"Yes. And even luckier that I haven't left for my shift yet," his mom said. "Spearow can be nasty Pokemon if they don't receive proper training and guidance."
"I'll say," agreed Wayne.
"Fortunately, these three will make it," his mom assured as she held out a large bowl of pellets. "Once they wake up, have them eat some of this Pokemon food. They appear to be heavily weakened by that one-sided battle, so they'll need to get their strength back. I'm afraid I have to go now, but I'm sure you can handle it. Bye now."
Wayne nodded as he took the bowl and watched his mother leave. He set the bowl down and turned back towards the three Pokemon.
A little later, the Riolu groaned and sat up. He looked around and saw that he was in an unfamiliar environment. Then, he caught sight of the human and growled.
"Easy there Riolu," said Wayne as put his hands in the air to show he means no harm. "My mom got you guys patched up, but you still need rest."
Riolu blinked in confusion as he looked at himself and saw his arm covered in bandages. Looking to his right, he saw Eevee and Pichu lying next to him. Memories of what happened earlier came back as the Emanation Pokemon frantically shook his friends awake, too worried about their lives than their lack of sleep.
His companions groaned as they stood up and yawned. As they did, they winced at the mild injuries they sustained as they snapped into reality. Seeing that they were alive, they hugged each other, thankful that they are well.
The three then turned towards the human, who had been watching in silence. Believing Wayne to be their savior, Pichu and Eevee ran at the human and tackled him in a hug.
"Ah! Hehe. You're welcome," said Wayne as he was slobbered by the young Pokemon. "I get it, so stahp. Hehe."
"Vee!"
"Pichu!"
Pichu and Eevee turned called for Riolu, who had been hesitant in trusting Wayne. Slowly, he took a few steps towards Wayne and bowed in gratitude. Wayne felt that similar sensation when he heard Riolu's echo, but this time it was a ticklish sort of happiness.
"You're welcome too," Wayne smiled.
Riolu couldn't help but smile a bit. Pichu and Eevee jumped off Wayne and pushed him towards Wayne's lap. Realizing what they were saying, Riolu blushed a bit before giving Wayne a hug as Pichu and Eevee did the same again. Wayne returned the embrace.
"Aww. You guys are gonna make me melt," Wayne said.
*Growl*
Riolu turned his head in embarrassment as Wayne laughed softly. He grabbed the bowl of Pokemon food and encouraged them eat, to which they eagerly obliged as they began stuffing themselves.
"Woah! Slow down there," Wayne said. "There's plenty to go around, so don't choke yourself.
As if to respond to that, Pichu starting coughing. Riolu immediately crouched down and held Pichu as a form of comfort.
"Hang on," said Wayne. "I'll get some water."
As he got up to get water, something small and thin slipped out of his jacket pocket and landed near Eevee.
"Vee?"
Eevee sniffed at the foreign object, and looked over it. It had a picture of the same human with a bunch of weird squiggly lines that the little brown Pokemon can't comprehend. Before he could make better sense of it, he heard thumps on the floor. Looking up, he saw the human come back with a bowl and a small plastic cup of water
"Here Pichu," said Wayne as he held the cup towards Pichu. "Drink it."
Pichu grabbed the cup and slowly drank its contents. The Tiny Mouse Pokemon breathed a sigh of relief as its throat was cleared.
"Pichu. Pi."
"You're welcome," smiled Wayne. "Just be careful next time, okay?"
Pichu nodded with a delightful "Chu".
"Vee!"
Wayne turned towards the Evolution Pokemon as he walked up with something in its mouth. Recognizing what it is, he gently took it.
"My Trainer's License," Wayne said. "I thought I dropped something. Thanks Eevee, you have no idea how important this is to me."
The three Pokemon were suddenly curious as they tilted their heads. What's so important about a small inedible piece of plastic?
"I need my License in order to officially befriend Pokemon," said Wayne. "In about a month, I'm gonna go on a journey so I can be a strong Pokemon Trainer like my dad."
The three Pokemon listened intently at the human's explanation. Wayne went over to the fireplace and grabbed a picture frame and showed the image. In it was a young adult bearing a close resemblance to Wayne and holding a silver trophy. To both sides were a Talonflame, Floatzel, Chestnaught, Typhlosion, Sylveon, and Zoroark. They all were smiling like they had the best day of their lives.
"This was him winning second place in the World Pokemon Championships," Wayne continued. "My dad was tough, but he always believed in loving his Pokemon first and foremost. He tells everyone that a strong bond will triumph over all. And, I'm gonna to prove it by winning first place with friends I can trust."
By this point, Wayne's small furry audience couldn't help but be amazed at Wayne's story and dream. They certainly wouldn't mind being part of something great. Maybe then, they wouldn't be picked on by Spearow anymore.
"By the looks on your eyes, this sounds like something you'd like to be in," said Wayne.
The three Pokemon nodded their heads eagerly.
"In that case, I want to ask you guys," said Wayne with a bit of uneasiness. "Do you three ... perhaps want to travel with me next month?"
At first, Wayne was met with silence. Then, he noticed all three Pokemon wag their tails with increasing excitement.
"Awooo"
"Ee. Vee"
"Chu"
Wayne barely yelped as his three guests tackled and slobbered all over again. The rest of the night concluded with more cuddles and heartfelt thank yous.
One month later
"Remember to call every once in a while, Wayne," said Wayne's mom.
"Yes, mom. I know," said Wayne as he turned towards his new traveling companions. "Ready guys."
"Awooo"
"Ee. Vee"
"Chu"
The new trainer looked at his mom who merely smiled back at him. While Wayne knew this day would come sooner or later, he couldn't help but tremble at the idea that he wouldn't be close to his mom, someone who loved and cared for him since birth. Unable to hold back, Wayne gave his mom a hug, which she returned.
"I'll miss you, mom," Wayne said, trying to hold back what felt like a river of tears but failing to.
"I'll always wait for you, son," said his mom. "Always."
As the two humans embraced, Riolu couldn't help but cry a bit as well, as he could sense his new trainer's sadness through his aura. Pichu and Eevee looked sadly at their trainer's eventual parting from his mother.
Finally, Wayne broke the hug, wiped his eyes, and walked off with his Pokemon at his side. He turned around and waved goodbye one last time before disappearing from his mom's sight.