AND CHAPTER TWO IS OUT. but seriously. I wouldn't expect chapters to be out this regular. Like, two in one day? We'll be lucky if I hit one per week. School is starting soon, and I gots AP classes and college applications. I got a life man. Kinda. ENJOY.
"Ready?" Kevin whispered to me. His hand was on the small of my back and he gave it a light push. I hadn't realized that I had stopped as soon as we got off of the elevator. The third floor was more than cool, it was amazing. Machines were whirring everywhere and books lined shelves that covered all possible wall-space. A few assistants were lingering around with clipboards, recording data and several different Pokemon that were in the machines. Pichu, Pikachu, and Raichu were all aiming thunderbolts at a metal rod that hung from one machine and a gauge on the side read off the voltage of each. I didn't have time to figure out what every scientist was testing before Kevin and led me all the way to the Professor in the back of the lab. Professor Oak was already standing there with three Pokeballs on a table in front of him.
"Hello, young trainers. As we have agreed, here are the three Pokemon starters from the Kanto region, your home continent. Bulbasaur, Squirtle, and Charmander each wait in their own Pokeball, ready for you to choose. But first, let me make it clear that this is a big responsibility. This isn't just a handheld game that you can put down whenever you want, or restart just because you lost an important battle or your Pokemon fainted. This is real life, you must look after your Pokemon, heal them when they're injured or sick, feed them as you would feed yourself, and make sure they are well rested and never demand too much from them. These Pokemon will become your companions, and although you may choose to switch them out, nothing can ever replace the first Pokemon you befriend. Now, who is choosing first?"
Kevin and I had already spent countless nights talking to one another about the Pokemon, and discussing which we would each enjoy to have. Even though it was already pre-decided, Kevin still nudged my back again and said, "Ladies first."
I smiled at Professor Oak. "I would be happy if I could have Bulbasaur, Professor."
He picked up the ball towards my left and handed it over. "Then Bulbasaur it is for the young lady. Please wait until you are outside before releasing him, I am unsure how some of the Pokemon in here would react to a recently caught Pokemon." He turned to my boyfriend. "And for you, young man?"
"Squirtle. Blastoise ends up with cannons, and nothing can be cooler than that."
Both the Professor and I smiled at his reasoning. He had told me those exact same words before, but I didn't think he would tell the Professor. Oak handed over the Pokeball in the center. "So Charmander is left for Ash's son. I remember when Ash first started his journey…my oh my, am I getting old."
Kevin and I smiled at each other. I was getting eager to go outside and release Bulbasaur so I could finally meet my first Pokemon. I was so excited, hopefully he would like me as well. It would kind of suck if my Bulbasaur didn't like me….
"Alright, go on now you two! I've got work to do, and you have a journey to start. Oh, before I forget. Here, take these." Professor Oak handed us each a small black device. On the back of mine were green leaves as if blown in the wind, and on Kevin's bubbles seemed to rise from the bottom. "These are called Pokedexes, they store information about each Pokemon you encounter. If you catch a Pokemon, even more information is updated, like its type, possible moves, stats, and location among other things. If you find a Pokemon that doesn't register, I will be quite surprised, but please try and catch it. I would love to learn more about any unknown Pokemon so that I can expand our knowledge and research. They are quite fascinating creatures."
Kevin and I bid him farewell before leaving the lab. I practically ran for the doors when we got off of the elevator, and Kevin rushed to beat me to them to make sure I didn't open any. I told you he was serious about the no-door-touching thing. Within three steps of going outside, I pushed the button on my Pokeball and a red beam of light came out. I didn't say any obligatory saying like "Bulbasaur I choose you!" I just, you know, pressed the button. And boom. Pokemon.
But seriously. Can we talk about how adorable Bulbasaur is!? I mean, he looks cute and stuff on TV and in the games, but in reality. I wanted to hug him right then and there, but I held myself back. I wouldn't want to scare him. I crouched down and held out my hand. "Hey Bulbasaur, I'm Ally. I will be your new trainer from now on, if that's alright?"
"Bulbaaa." The Bulbasaur walked forward and put its head underneath my hand. I rubbed the top of his head and the Pokemon's jaw dropped slightly. He obviously liked that.
Soon, Kevin came over with his Squirtle in his arms. "Did you name him?" he asked.
"Nah, I'm just going to leave him as Bulbasaur. Did you name your Squirtle?"
"Of course! Meet Paul."
I had to keep from laughing. It was better than Blanket though, and trust me, in one of the games he had a Hydreigon named Blanket. And an Alakazam named Spoon. Paul was almost normal for him.
"Well come on, we don't have all day. I thought you wanted to start on route one today?"
"Of course!" I hurriedly stood up and called Bulbasaur back into his ball while Kevin did the same with Squirtle. Hand in hand, we walked to the exit of Pallet Town and the beginning of our journey together.
Who knew what challenges we would face along the way?