CHAPTER 2
It took both families about an hour and a half to unpack everything and an additional hour to put everything away.
Mike: *takes a big sigh and falls on his new bed* Thank goodness everything is done around here! *Looks at Ash* So, when are we heading out?
Ash: I just gotta let everyone know, then we'll be on our way!
Brock: We knew that it was gonna be a while for both of you to unpack and everything, so we decided to not have a set time, since there was a chance that we would be running late.
Ash: So, want me to have everyone head to the school grounds now? I'll have my mom notify Professor Rowan for us.
Mike: If you don't mind? That would be great!
Ash: Alright! I'll take care of that now!
Ash then texts all of his other friends, telling them to be at the school within ten minutes. Then he texts his mom to let Professor Rowan know that they're heading up to the school.
Ash: Okay! We're all set!
Mike: Great! Let's go grab the others then we can head out!
Brock: Sounds like a plan!
The boys head next door to pick up the girls. Mike's mom and Katie's parents were fine with all of them walking to the school together, since they can get a better feel for the new town that they just moved into.
Beth: They're all acting like they've known each other for a long time.
Meanwhile with Mike and the group.
Katie: So how far away are we from the high school?
Dawn: About ten minutes or so.
Mike: Not bad at all!
Eventually, the group arrives at the high school.
Katie: Woah! It's huge!
Mike: *whispers* That's what she said!
Katie: *intensely stares at Mike* Really? No jokes or puns or anything like that!
Mike: *winks* Come on, if I had the same reaction, you would've done the same thing, wouldn't you?
Katie: Uh… Okay, you got me…
Ash: Believe it or not, the high school and middle school are one whole building.
Mike: Really? Interesting design choice.
Lillie: Is becoming an engineer something you want to do after you graduate, Mike?
Mike: Actually, I heard that there's going to be a Pokémon League held at the nation's capital next summer. So I would like to participate and hopefully become a Champion.
Brock: Sounds similar to another person we know. *Looks at Ash*
Ash: I think that's great Mike!
Pikachu: Pika Pika!
Ash: Katie, what about you?
Katie: Actually, I'm not quite sure… Mike told me about the Pokémon League a few weeks ago, but I feel like that is not something that I want to do.
Brock: Just take your time, you don't have to think about it now. You decide your own path.
Mike: He's right. Eventually, you will find the path that you would want to pursue.
Dawn: I can give you some ideas and demonstrations if you need me to.
Katie: Thanks, Dawn. But for now, I think meeting up with the rest of the group is more important than talking about future goals.
Ash: Good point.
Katie: So, where to?
Ash: Down this way. On the track and field.
The group makes their way to the track and field, which happened to be located in the back of the property.
Ash: Here we are!
?: Ash!
Ash: Hey Serena!
Serena runs toward the group.
Serena: So, these are the new students you told us about?
Ash: Yep! Mike, Katie, this is my childhood friend Serena.
Serena introduces herself to Mike and Katie.
Serena: So I heard that you two are getting your partner Pokémon today!
Mike: Indeed!
Serena: That's great! Ash, everyone else is here.
Ash: Great! Let's head there now!
Katie: By the way, is Professor Rowan here yet?
Serena: Not yet. He'll be here shortly. In the meantime, let's introduce you two to the rest of the group!
Everyone heads for the center of the field, and exchange introductions.
All of a sudden, a car horn beeps.
Serena: That must be Professor Rowan now!
Two men in lab coats come out of the car and make their way toward the group.
Rowan: So, you two must be the new students here at PHS?
Mike and Katie: Yes sir!
Rowan: Well it's an honor to meet you. I'm Professor Rowan, and I happen to be one of the many teachers here. This here is another one of our teachers, Professor Fir.
Fir: Why hello you two. Pleasure to meet you!
Mike: The pleasure's our's!
Rowan: So I imagine you two know why I'm here.
Katie: Yes sir! We sure do!
Rowan: Good. Doug, if you please?
Fir: Of course!
Professor Fir grabs an oversized briefcase from behind.
Fir: Professor, will you do the honors?
Rowan: Of course!
Professor Rowan opens the briefcase, revealing a total of 21 Poké Balls.
Rowan: These here are all of the current starter partner Pokémon that have been discovered so far. Ranging from Kanto all the way to Alola. They have also been sorted by their types. On the left, we have the Grass Types. In the middle we have the Fire Types. And finally on the right, we have the Water Types. You're only allowed to choose one, so make sure that you choose wisely. Now, choose your Pokémon!
Mike: Ladies first?
Katie: Why thank you! *gazes at the Poké Balls* Oooh, they all look awesome!
Mike: Well, is there any particular region in mind that you would want to visit one day?
Katie: Well, I've always wanted to visit Alola. I have researched all of these Pokémon, too.
Mike: If that's the case, then why don't you pick a starter from Alola?
Katie: Good idea. Then, I-ooh! *points at the Poké Ball at the very top right corner* This one's adorable! I remember liking this one the most!
Mike: Popplio, eh? I, too researched these Pokémon and I had a feeling that you would choose Popplio because it suits you well!
Katie: Aw! Really?! *blushes*
Mike: Yep!
Katie: Then, I choose Popplio!
Rowan: Ah, Popplio! A very cheerful Water Type Pokémon from the Alola region. I think you've made a great choice, Katie.
Katie: Yay! Thanks Professor!
Mike: Why don't you call it out and introduce yourself?
Fir: That's a good idea! A successful Trainer is one that treats their Pokémon with love and respect, right out of the gate!
Katie: Okay then! Come out, Popplio!
Popplio comes out of its Poké Ball.
Popplio: Lio-o!
Katie: Aww! It's adorable! *kneels down to pick it up* Hi Popplio! I'm Katie!
Popplio rushes toward Katie's arms in excitement, knowing that she'll be a great Trainer and a great friend.
Mike: Then I guess it's my turn! *Looks down* Hmm… Let's see… This one looks cute as well! *points at Piplup's Poké Ball* I've heard that it and it's evolutions make a great addition to any team. *picks up the Poké Ball* Yeah, this is the one I've wanted!
Rowan: So you want the Water Type Pokémon from Sinnoh, Piplup?
Mike: Yes sir! I do! Come out Piplup!
Piplup comes out of its Poké Ball.
Piplup: Piplup!
Dawn: Aw! You chose Piplup, too?
Mike: Yep! I'm actually a big fan of penguins, and I thought Piplup is a no-brainer for me!
Rowan: You two sure have great tastes!
Fir: I just know that you both will be great Pokémon Trainers, regardless of your goals! Now for the last step.
Mike and Katie: Huh?
Mike: Oh yeah! I forgot!
Katie: We need our Pokédex and Poké Balls, right?
Rowan: Correct! Doug, if you please?
Professor Fir reaches into a bag, grabbing two steel containers, containing a Pokédex and Poké Balls for both.
Rowan: This device right here is your Pokédex, a very useful encyclopedia of all the currently-discovered Pokémon in the world. And these are your Poké Balls. *grabs one* A very useful item for carrying your Pokémon around. To the right are your Trainer ID's. These are needed to verify that you are indeed a Pokémon Trainer.
Mike and Katie reach for all of the items and stores them in respective areas.
Mike: This is awesome! Thanks Professor!
Katie: Yeah, thank you so much!
Rowan: You're both very welcome! I expect some great work out of the both of you in terms of your Pokémon training! Of course, you've got your new friends to help you out.
Dawn: You can count on us, Professor!
Rowan: Very well. Professor Fir and I shall be on our way-
Suddenly, two shadowy figures come out from the emergency exit in the parking lot, and both crash into Mike, sending him and Piplup to the ground!
Mike: *leans up* Ow! That's gonna leave a mark! Piplup, you okay?
Piplup: *with pride* Lup!
Fir: You two alright?!
Mike: Yeah, we're fine. But what were those?
Mike gets up and takes a look at the figures, which were blanketed with dirt, and were breathing heavily, like they have been running for a while.
Mike then tries to approach them.
Ash: Be careful, Mike.
Mike: *reaches out and talks with a calm voice, ignoring that they ran into him* Hey, are you two okay?
The two figures turn to Mike, and tried to approach him, but fell to the ground.
Everyone: *gasps*
Mike: What happened?!
The figures turn their heads to where they came from.
Mike: Did something from over there tried to hurt you?!
They both nod in agreement.
Mike: Unbelieveable... For now, let's try and get you two some help.
Brock: I'll help with their injuries.
Dawn: And I'll clean the dirt off.
The two figures shout in pain. Mike, Brock and Dawn all try to help them.
Brock: Ash! In my bag is a Super Potion. Can you get me one?
Ash: Sure! *reaches into Brock's bag and grabs a Super Potion then brings it to Brock*
Brock: Great! Thanks! *calmly* It'll sting a little bit, but it'll help you real quick! *sprays the Super Potion on the figures*
Mike: *pets one of them* You'll be fine. I promise you!
One of them gets up, and starts running around, showing that its foot is feeling better.
Mike: One down, one to go!
The other one gets up and runs around with the other figure.
Katie: Wow. That was fast.
Brock: Potions are essential accessories for any Pokémon Trainer, expert or rookie.
Katie: I can see why. But now we got to get all of that dirt off of them.
Dawn: *with a wet towel and brush in her hands* And that's where I come in! *calls for the two figures to come to her*
Dawn washes both of them, looking better than ever, also revealing just what they were.
Dawn: Haha! It's a Ponyta and a Pikachu!
Ponyta and Pikachu then run toward Mike, rubbing themselves on him, thanking him for caring for them.
Mike: Aw shucks! Hold on… *Looks at the Pikachu next to him, then looks at Ash's Pikachu, then looks back* *Looks at the Pikachu next to him* Your body color seems a bit darker than Ash's Pikachu.
The unusual Pikachu then jumps and spins in the air, and sparkles come out.
Mike: Wait! Don't tell me, you're a Shiny Pikachu, right?
Shiny Pikachu: Cha, Pika Pikachu! *climbs on Mike's shoulder and rubs its head on his cheek*
Rowan: Hmm. Seems to me like that Shiny Pikachu would like to go with you.
Mike: Is that so? *looks at Pikachu* What do you say? Wanna join me?
Shiny Pikachu: Pika!
Mike: Alright! *feels Ponyta rubbing its body against Mike's* *looks at Ponyta* You too?
Ponyta: *neighs in excitement*
Lillie: This reminds me of the day that Shiron hatched from its egg.
Mike: What? Shiron?
Lillie: Right. It's the nickname I gave to my partner Pokémon Vulpix.
Mike: Oh I see! Anyway, let's get this show on the road then, shall we you two?
Ponyta and Pikachu agree in excitement.
Mike: Okay! *grabs a Poké Ball from his belt* Ready Pikachu?
Shiny Pikachu: Pika! *taps the Poké Ball and goes inside*
Mike: Now it's Ponyta's turn! *tries to tap the Poké Ball on Ponyta, but it runs back a little bit and gives a determined look to Mike* What? You trying to tell me something?
Ash: I think that Ponyta would like to have a battle with you.
Mike: Really? Is that what you're trying to tell me Ponyta?
Ponyta: *nods*
Mike: OK! Sounds like a plan!
Dawn: Hey Mike! Why don't you use Piplup for this battle?
Brock: She's right. Ponyta is a Fire Type, which means that Piplup, being a Water Type, has the advantage.
Mike: Good point. Alright then! Piplup, ready to go?!
Piplup: Lup! *jumps out of Mike's arms and gets ready for battle*
Katie: Wow! I'm actually witnessing a Pokémon battle in person! This'll be exciting!
Mike: Let's see what moves Piplup is able to use. *reaches for his Pokédex*
Pokédex: Piplup is able to use the following moves: Pound, Bubblebeam, Bide and Peck.
Dawn: Hey, that's pretty much identical to what my Piplup used to know when we first met on my first day as a Trainer!
Mike: Alright then! We'll go first! Piplup, let's start things up with Bubblebeam!
Piplup: Piiplupluplup! *sprays Bubblebeam*
Bubblebeam lands.
Ponyta responds back with Tackle.
Mike: Quick Piplup, dodge it!
Piplup: Lup! *jumps and lands on Ponyta's back*
With Piplup on its back, Ponyta tries to throw it off.
Mike: Hang on tight Piplup! See if you can use Peck!
Piplup: *struggles to hold on, sharpens and lengthens its beak* LupPiplup! Piiipipipipi! *strikes Ponyta multiple times*
Ponyta finally managed to throw Piplup off its back.
Katie: Woo! Just like a rodeo!
Mike: *looks at Katie* Not now, Katie. Alright? *looks back at Piplup* You okay, Piplup?
Piplup: *gets up quickly* Lup!
Mike: Great! Now use Peck!
Piplup: Piii *charges at Ponyta*
Ponyta charges at Piplup with Tackle again.
The two Pokémon collide, both taking damage.
Ponyta then quickly unleashes an Ember.
Mike: Okay. Piplup! Use Bide!
Piplup: Pip! *clenches itself in, then starts charging energy from the attack* Pip!
Mike: Now!
Piplup: Piiiipluuuuup! *unleashes the powerful attack, striking Ponyta*
Ponyta then falls to the ground.
Brock: Now's your chance Mike!
Ash: Do it!
Mike: Right! *reaches for the Poké Ball that he stored in his pocket* Go! Poké Ball! *throws it*
The Poké Ball hits Ponyta, putting it inside. The Poké Ball shakes three times before finally clicking, indicating that the Pokémon had been successfully caught.
Mike: YES! *runs to the Poké Ball and picks it up*
Katie: Awesome job Mike!
Ash: Nice going!
Katie: Three Pokémon in one day?! I'm a little jealous!
Mike: Don't worry, you'll catch up! *winks*
Katie: … *stares* I thought I told you to not start with the puns?
Mike: *laughs nervously* Sorry!
Ash: She does have a point though. It's not everyday that someone catches or obtains three Pokémon in one day. I still have yet to that myself!
Brock: I think that applies to all of us!
Ash: Good point.
Brock: Well, how about we all go for lunch?
Mike: Good idea, I'm getting kinda hungry myself.
Katie: Well, where should we go?
Dawn: Why don't we go for some pizza?
Katie: Ooh, that sounds good!
One of Ash's friends, Mallow, budges in on the conversation.
Mallow: Yeah! I'm in the mood for pizza! You two will really like it!
Mike: Boy, I know my pizza!
Ash: So why don't we head for Pizza House?
Brock: Sounds good to me!
Mike: Right then, let's get going!
Soon, the entire group leaves the school grounds and heads toward Pizza House for lunch, a late one at best. After what the group had just witnessed today, it's looking like this is going to be the most eventful school year for Mike and Katie now that they are both Pokémon Trainers.
