The sun glared through Brendan's window as he slept, causing him to stir as he felt its warm rays upon his face. He slowly sat up and rubbed his eyes. He looked over to see Treecko curled up by the window, soaking up the warmth.
Today's the day. Dad said mom was going to prepare a good breakfast this morning, thought Brendan as he sniffed the air.
And it appears as though she has! I smell waffles! Oh please be chocolate...
Brendan raced out of his room and into the bathroom to shower and get ready for the day. After about twenty minutes, he was out and dressed. His signature hat snug on his head, he slipped into his room and looked to see if Treecko was awake, only to find him right at his feet, looking up.
"Morning Treecko. Sleep well?"
"Treecko, Treeck!"
"I hear ya buddy. Mom's cooking and I'm hungry. Maybe she made some of that special Pokémon food you like?" Brendan pondered.
At this, Treecko's mouth watered. He nodded happily and hopped onto Brendan's shoulder. Filled with excitement, Brendan sat on the railing and slid down to the first floor just as his mother was poking her head around to call to him.
"Brendan Birch, how many times do I need to tell you not to do that?" She scolded.
"Sorry mom," Brendan laughed nervously.
"That's fine dear, I'll let it slide today since you're going on your journey. Just be careful okay? I won't be around to patch you up if you get hurt," she replied with concern in her voice.
Brendan nodded and walked into the dining room where his dad was already drinking his morning cup of coffee.
"Morning son, sleep well?" He asked.
"Sorta. I had to force myself to go to sleep due to the excitement of it all. This is gonna be a blast!" Brendan grinned, sitting down and letting Treecko onto the floor.
Brendan's mother placed a bowl in front of Treecko. The reptilian Pokémon began salivating as he sniffed the food. Plates filled with pancakes and waffles were set on the table. Oran Berry Jam and maple syrup were set as well. Eggs were scraped off a skillet onto the plates. Following that were tall glasses of Nomel Berry juice.
"Dig in you three," said Brendan's mother with a bright smile.
Petalburg Gym, headed by Norman Maple, was getting quite a few challengers as of late. A few managed to obtain victory while others were sent out in defeat. Norman sat in the gym with his daughter, May, discussing her journey.
"I see. So, he was pretty good you say?" Norman started, stroking his chin in thought.
"Yeah. He was able to think quickly on his feet and he hasn't even been a trainer that long either," May expressed.
"Sounds like ol' Birch has a talanted son. Don't feel bad about losing May. You are just starting out, and you have me to come to for any battle tips. Just ask your old man and you'll be just fine," Norman assured her.
"I guess..." May sighed.
"Look May, if your old man got sore after every loss, he wouldn't be able to have fun. It's not so much winning that counts. It's having fun no matter what happens. Even those who lose here get a badge if I see that they understand the most important things."
May considered this. Her father did lose sometimes. And now he was telling her that it was okay to lose. A smile spread across her features as she thought of this.
"You're right dad. Winning isn't everything. Why should I be sore after a loss? I can grow from it and get stronger. Thanks daddy!" May chirped, hugging her father tightly.
"What are dads for? Now, why don't you go on ahead. You said goodbye to your mother, right?" Norman asked.
"Yeah, we had a long talk before I left. I figured I would come see you before I headed out. I might go back into the forest and see if I can find something good!" May declared.
"That's my girl! Always the early bird huh? Take care love, I'm sure I will see you soon. I have no doubt that you will be a great trainer."
"Thanks daddy, see you soon!" May called back, exiting the gym.
Courtney sat in front of her computer, working out new plans for Team Magma's operations as well as going through old files of failed past experiments. On the floor beside her was a Ninetales. Opposite her was a large Camerupt with a collar around its neck. A peculiar stone was on the collar as well.
She deleted a few files only to stop as she came to an incomplete one. She hesitated over the delete button only to click on another file instead.
I can't get rid of that. There might be a way to salvage it. Getting the upper hand against Team Aqua would be much easier if I could complete its construction, Courtney mused, tapping her chin.
Team Rocket had the right idea. But I can take these blueprints and tweak the design a little more. Yes...that will do.
A knock came to her room causing her to exit the files and walk to the door. Opening it, she blinked. A grunt was there. He gave the Magma salute before speaking.
"Maxie said that you had orders for me?" The Grunt queried.
"Ah. Yes...I do," Courtney replied, folding her arms as she spoke. "In Rustburo City, the Devon Corporation is working on something that will be very beneficial to Team Aqua. We need to intercept them as I know for a fact that Archie will attempt to take it," Courtney stated.
"So, you want me to take it before Team Aqua, correct?" The Grunt replied.
"Seems we do have smart people here...yes. Do what you can to stop them. Should anyone get in your way, well...delete them..."
"Yes Commander Courtney!" The Grunt replied with a salute.
"Dismissed..."
"Alright Brendan, are you sure you're ready?" His mother inquired with a serious tone.
"Yes mom, I am. I've made up my mind and I am going to go for it," Brendan replied with a determined look.
"I believe in you son. This will be a big help to my research, and it will be fun for you as well. We all win," Professor Birch said happily.
"Oh? We all win? What do I get out of this exchange?" Mrs. Birch questioned.
Mr. Birch leaned in and whispered something in her ear. Her face suddenly got hot and she blushed.
"Well...um...oh my. Well, yes, we really do all win," she said with a flushed face.
Brendan smirked, knowing what his father was up to. Now that he thought of it, this was a good thing. They needed the private time.
"Now, are you sure you have everything? Because you can always come back if you need something," she added.
"I'm sure, mom. Don't worry okay? I'll be just fine. I had better head out though. It seems like May left super early this morning. She must be an early riser," Brendan chuckled.
"Oh! You met May! She's a sweet girl. If you see her, please tell her we said hello," Mrs. Birch beamed happily.
"Will do mom!" Brendan replied, hugging his parents tightly.
"Be safe son. And call us every now and then, we want to know what you're up to," Mr. Birch stated with a grin.
"Don't you worry, I will definitely be in touch. I'll make sure to catch loads of new Pokémon and send them to you on occasion."
"Oh he'll have a field day with that," said Mrs. Birch with a giggle.
With goodbyes having been said, Brendan hugged his family one more time before heading out the door. Treecko was clipped to his belt, as were five other Pokéballs. It was time he began his own journey and continued helping his father.
So yeah...
That wraps up chapter one of this book. Let me know in the comments how I am doing and It helps me progress as an author if I know what people think. I like silent readers, but I REALLY love it when people give feedback. I prefer it actually. Just don't flame...
If you hate the story, don't read it. Plain and simple.
LittleTyrunt out!
