Chapter 2: The Beginning of the Beginning
(One day before Neil's tenth Birthday)
"Ok, what's super effective against Water types?" Celebi asked. For the past year and a half, she and Red (mostly her) had taught Neil all they knew about Pokémon. It was a lot to take in, especially for a kid his age. But he was doing better than either of them had expected. They weren't saying that he was destined to be a Professor, but by the time he was thirty, maybe even twenty, he stood a good chance to become an Elite Four member. Or better.
"Grass, electric, and… Um… Ground?" Neil guessed.
Maybe he would be better off as a Gym Leader. "Close. Grass and Electric are super effective against Water, but Ground isn't. Water is super effective against Ground, not the other way around. But very good! I can't wait to see what Pokémon you chose next month!" She loved Neil like her own son, which he practically was, since she had raised him since he had been born. Or created. They didn't really know, since Red just found him in Dragons Den one day. Tini had shown him the way, but he ignored that part. Anyway, she loved him like a son, which is why she couldn't wait to see which Pokémon he would choose next month. Which is why she didn't. She felt bad about using her Time Travel ability for something as petty as this, but she just couldn't wait! She wanted to know right then and there!
"I can't either! But I can't decide which Pokémon I'm going to choose. Chikorita has the highest Defense and Sp. Defense, Cyndaquil has high Sp. Attack and Speed, and Totodile has really high Attack and Defense. They're all so good, I can't decide which one!" He put his head in his hands in deep concentration. "Oh well, I'll probably just choose the one that Tini likes the best. He's never led me wrong before.
"True. What do you think your rival and your adorable crush are going to choose?" Celebi asked, in her classic innocent tone. Her tone could be conveyed through telepathy. Most think it wouldn't be possible, but when you have lived as long as Celebi has lived, you learn a few things.
Neil meanwhile, was blushing madly. "Celebi! I told you that I don't like her!"
"Neil! I read your mind and saw you were lying!"
"You what?! Red told you it was rude more times than I can count! You've had hours of lectures on that single subject! Why would you continue to do something that you know is so disrespectful?"
"Because unless I tell them they don't know. It's extremely entertaining. And I get to see your cute little face turn as red as a rose!" Celebi giggled, and did a couple of loops in air. Ah, to be able to fly.
"Well… It's mean. So stop. And I don't know what they are thinking about choosing. I haven't talked to them in a month. Wait, if you read my mind to see if I like her, did you read her mind to see if she liked me?"
Instead of answering, Celebi flew off. "That's for me to know, and you to find out!"
"So I do eventually find out?" Neil yelled out, hoping that Celebi would hear.
She did, but again, chose not to answer. She had more important business to see to. Red had won yet another World Championship, but still refused to talk to Her. Unfortunately, he had dropped out of the World Championship immediately after hearing that She was in the same tournament, all those years ago. While Celebi understood why he didn't want to face Her after what happened nine years ago, she wanted him to remember his promise, to come back home, and to talk to Her. And if he wouldn't do it voluntarily, she had other ways. She had found some… interesting pictures of a certain Psychic Pokémon, who was going to teleport her to Red, then both of them back to Vermillion City. Whether he liked it or not. And he will talk to Her, and he will get through his depression, he will apologize to Celebi, and Celebi will have completed her plan! She didn't like using blackmail, but… Wait, no. She did like using blackmail. It was funny to see people so nervous, it makes them very nice and willing to do almost anything she said, and in the end, she would make a Legendaries promise that she would never tell/show the details to anyone ever, which made them very happy, and surprisingly thankful. She had reached the Pokémon Centre, and had transformed into her Human form. She called this one, her preppy human. She had brunette hair that went down to her shoulders, and a black skirt with a green t-shirt and a blue turtle neck. As always, she had her sandals on.
"Hey Red. How's this tournament going?"
"Hey C. Good. There are plenty of tough looking opponents, but it will take some time to finish the Tournament."
"You will be back by the end of the month to see Neil's journey begin, won't you?"
"…"
"Red! You promised!"
"…"
"Fine. Let me ask you this one question: How important is this tournament to you?"
"Well, I've been in more important ones with stronger opponents before. But I still want to be in this one too."
"Mhm. I'll see you tomorrow, same time."
"Sure."
Celebi of course, meant this more literally than she implied. She would know where Red would be at a certain time. The 'kidnapping' would be quite easy. She hung up, and then called the previously mentioned Psychic Pokémon telepathically. Thankfully, speaking telepathically was much easier between Pokémon, especially between two strong Psychic Pokémon such as themselves.
"Hey. Guess who?"
"Is it time? Lets get this over with."
"Not yet. This time tomorrow, I just wanted to give you a heads up."
"Gee, how thoughtful. If that's all, I'll be going."
"Bye-bye sweetie!" Celebi giggled and cut the connection, and then decided to stop by New Bark Town to visit Neil's crush. This could be fun. It could be even more fun if she brought Neil. They had grown very close over the last two years, and Celebi knew it was only a matter of time before they started dating. But if there was one thing Celebi hated, it was waiting. She was the Time Traveling Pokémon, so before Neil it wasn't a problem, but now, it was really bugging her. Another thing she hated: Bugs. They had a 4x super effective against her, and she only had one move that could stop them, Ancient Power, but she could only use that so many times. And there were a lot of bugs in the Forest. Anyway, off to Illex Forest, then New Bark Town.
(Illex Forest)
"Neil, come with me."
"Why?" After he saw the evil grin on Celebi's face, he grew suspicious. "I don't like the way you're looking at me Celebi. That was the same expression you had before you Time Traveled just to show me my favorite Football teams worst game." Tini voiced his support, but went fairly unnoticed.
"That was fun. We had fun. Now come with me,"
"No."
"Ok. I understand." Celebi said. She then used Psychic on Neil and Tini to have them float with her.
"AHHHH! Let us down Celebi!"
"No."
"Tini, use Dragon Breath!" Neil ordered.
Tini did her best, but Celebi just floated there, not taking a scratch. "Thanks Neil, I was feeling a bit chilly, that really warmed me up! Now, off to New Bark Town!"
"No! If we're going to see Kate and Alex I need to comb my hair! And take a shower, and brush my teeth, and-"
"And grow a pair. We're already on our way, now man up."
Neil huffed, but stayed silent.
(New Bark Town)
Celebi had changed into her 'Neil's Mom' Human form, which consisted of jeans, a black and red striped long sleeve shirt, and her sandals (of course). She kept her blue eyes, since she had been told they were her best feature, and her green hair. They had talked to Professor Elm, who had told them that both Kate and Alex are at the park. So they went over, and eventually found the two girls.
"Hi girlies!" Celebi excitedly said. She already saw both Kate and Neil blushing madly.
"H-Hey Kate" Neil stuttered.
"Hey Mrs. Caffery. How's it going?" Alex said. She was quite annoyed at the lack of progress she had made into Kate and Neil's relationship. She called Blue a couple of months ago, and got quite the earful for it. 'A year and a half and they haven't even kissed? I've gotten people married in less time than that!' Blue felt that the fact that they lived two cities away, and that they rarely met were irrelevant, and gave her an hour and a half lecture. But she'll get them together in the end.
Celebi noticed that both Neil and Kate were ignoring everything but each other, and decided to talk to Alex about getting them together. She also wanted to get them together, because she was a good mom. And she wanted grandkids. "Hey Alex, do you think they're going to notice if we talk about getting them together right in front of them?"
Alex stared at Neil, also noticing that the boy in jeans and a leather black jacket wouldn't notice a thing they said. A Dragonite could fly down and blast the city to ruins, but unless a spec of dust got on Kate, he wouldn't notice. "Probably not. So what's your plan? 'Cuz I got nothing."
"Well, I was hoping that after they choose their starters, you two can have a little rival's battle. Being the kind person you are, you might feel like losing, just so Neil can look like a Hero."
"I don't like losing. And what makes you think that you know which starter I'm going to choose?"
"Are you kidding? Your personality tells me everything I need to know. The way you charge at any problem, you're reckless use of money and energy on things that have no purpose, your determination to finish what you start, you'll obviously choose-
"I don't waste money! I'm very careful!" Alex interrupted.
"Oh yeah? Remember when we all went shopping, you spent over ten thousand Poké?"
"Yeah! I bought a bunch of really cute outfits? So what?"
"Have you worn any of those clothes? Or just your usual blue skirt and white t-shirt?"
"…"
"Mhm. That's what I thought. Anyway, it won't be to hard for you to lose, since he'll have a type advantage."
"But that will mean that Kate will have a type advantage over Neil. That will be an interesting battle."
"I doubt that they will ever have a battle. They love each other to much."
"True. Anyway, that's your entire plan? Just have me lose?"
"I'm also planning a little surprise date. But I have another plan that involves his father that takes priority, but it will be finished by the end of the today."
"Cool. I figure that they'll probably keep staring at each other for another half hour or so. Wanna get a smoothie?"
"Sure. It let you in on some details of the date."
(One hour later)
Neil realized he was staring, and blinked and looked up at Kate, and her deep sea blue eyes. Then he realized he was staring. Again. "Um, hi Kate. How was your day?"
Kate then she realized that she too, was staring. "Um, good. It got a lot better when you hot here. I-I mean got here." They proceeded to blush and look away from each other.
Celebi and Alex walked in. "Did you guys just wake up from your love induced staring?" Alex asked.
"I'm guessing ten minutes. You want the under or the over Alex?" Celebi asked.
"Hmm… I'll go with the over. The usual bet I assume?"
"Of course. Guys?"
"…30 seconds…" Neil glumly stated.
"HA! I win! Gimme twenty bucks." Celebi proclaimed.
"Fine…" Alex said, and then handed over twenty bucks. "Anyway, it's getting pretty late, I'm going to be going. See you guys later?"
"Bye Alex." The rest said.
"Hehehe…" Alex mumbled, before walking off.
"Hey Neil, I need to do something with your dad, I'll be back in a bit. Why don't you two go over to that hill? It looks a lot cozier than out here in the cold." Celebi suggested. But that wasn't the only reason she wanted them to go over there.
"Um, I don't know. What do you think Kate?"
"I'm ok if you are."
"Ok. Lets go."
Off they went, Celebi thought. Now she had to text, and figure out how to text, Alex. Hehehehe.
Five minutes later, she still didn't figure it out. Alex had given her some basic lessons, but it was still almost impossible. Skip ahead another fifteen minutes later, and she sent something that looked like it was a signal to a number that she thought was Alex's.
(In the Forest)
"Latios, o Latios, where art thou my Latios?" Celebi chimed, calling for Latios.
"I'm right here. Are you ready?" Latios said.
"As I'll ever be. Lets go."
"Alright."
(Cue black and white swirls in a circle for the Teleportation)
"Red."
"HOLY CRAP! How'd you get here C?" Red asked.
"And old friend helped me. Now you're coming with me, to see two very important moments in Neil's life."
"About that. No."
"About that. Yes. Friend? Do you mind helping me out?"
"Fine."
(Re-Cue black and white swirls for Teleportation)
"Um, how'd we get back here?" Red asked.
"Friend, you're free to go. Red, be quite. And watch."
"Where are we C?" Red whispered.
Suddenly, Neil and Kate came out of a bush, and walked up to the blanket Celebi had prepared for them.
"Something's not right." Neil said.
"You're right. But I don't see anyone around here, so let's just sit." Kate said.
"Alright."
"Am I a good mom or what?" Celebi smugly asked.
"You did this?" Red asked.
"Duh. You think that blanket laid itself out? And you think a certain someone is watching by accident?"
"Someone's watching? Who?"
"Watch and find out."
"Do you hear something?" Neil asked.
"It's nothing, just look up at the stars. You can see all of them! It's so beautiful!"
"I guess you're right."
By now, Kate was lying on her back on the blanket, while Neil was sitting criss-cross next to her. Celebi had out done herself. Now all she need was for Kate to… Bingo!
"Hey Neil, I want to ask you something. Is that ok?" Kate hesitantly asked. She sat up and stared into his baby blue eyes.
"You know you can ask me anything. What is it?"
Kate was just staring into his eyes, and Neil was doing the same. So the certain someone Celebi mentioned took this moment to sneak up…
"Celebi… Call her off…"
"You wish. This is going to be good."
Alex was being a ninja, just like Blue had taught her years ago, and Celebi had retrained her today. It didn't really matter, since they wouldn't notice if Arceus had floated down and used Judgment on the town. When she was close enough, she very carefully placed her hand on both of their heads, and pushed them together, then ran off.
Neil pulled away to see Alex running off, and said, "Freaking Alex… I'm sorry Kate."
"You know, I didn't hate that so much." Kate said. They were both blushing, but Neil saw Kate giving him the Growlithe face. "In fact, I don't think I would mind if it happened again."
"For Arceus' sake, Celebi, they're kids! They haven't even started their journeys yet!" Red mentally lectured.
"Well this way he'll have company that isn't me, and that's not going to happen, because I'm not going with him. And you're way to busy."
"True."
"So, it's ok if I kiss you?"
"Well when you put it like that…" Kate leaned in to kiss him, and he followed suit.
Celebi took a picture with her Kodak.
"What the?! Celebi, what are you doing?" Neil yelled.
"Yes! This couldn't have gone better!" Celebi mentally exclaimed.
Red got out of the bush that he and Celebi were hiding in, and said, "Neil, I'm sorry, I had no idea this was happening. On the bright side, you had your first kiss. Congratulations. On the dark side, Celebi, you have some explaining to do."
"Oh. SHI-cough-cough shoot. This is pretty bad. Should I just erase everyone's minds?"
"NO!" Kate and Neil both resoundly said.
"Uh… Mrs. Caffery?" Alex said.
Red suggested, "Well, lets explain everything, and go from there."
"Call me Celebi. I'm a Legendary Pokémon. The Guardian of the Forest."
"And you can talk?" Alex asked.
"I can speak telepathically. I'm a Grass/Psychic Pokémon. This is-"
"I can speak for myself, Celebi. And I don't want them to know who I am." Red stated.
After a few moments of awkward silence, Neil decided to break it by saying, "Ok, well now that we all know each other, why don't Celebi, Alex, and-"
"AH-HEM." Red coughed.
"And the person wearing the Red hat," Neil paused to glare at Red. He failed miserably, and continued, "All leave, and get back to not sticking their noses in my business, agreed?"
"Let me think… no. While I did get a very nice picture of your first kiss, I'm afraid we will have to be going. Say goodbye to Alex and your girlfriend Neil."
"Wait, where's Tini?"
"He's been taking a very nice nap. I'm sure he'll be thrilled about what happened today. Now say bye."
"Are you sure I can't have five more minutes?"
"Yes."
"Fine. See ya later Alex. And Kate…"
After a few awkward seconds, Kate kissed him on the cheek, leaving both of them blushing. "I'll see you soon. I can't wait." She winked at him, and left with Alex.
"Neither can I…" Neil replied.
Tini came out of the bush he apparently was sleeping in, and Celebi filled him in. They headed back to Illex Forest.
Once there, Celebi decided to rub in how right she was about Neil's 'undying love' for Kate, and then had him go to bed early so that he could have a good nights sleep for tomorrow.
(Neil's Birthday)
"Happy Birthday Neil! WE LOVE YOU!" Celebi exclaimed.
This was of course, one minute after midnight. 'Goodnights sleep for his first day of being a Trainer my ass. She wanted him to be well rested for his party.' Red thought. He then saw Celebi bring in a thirteen-story cake, complete with thirteen presents from probably every Pokémon in the forest.
"Um, Red… What's happening?" Neil asked.
"Apparently, your Birthday Party. Congratulations. You are now a Trainer. Almost." Red replied.
"And the presents?"
"Most are probably just berries. They'll be good for your journey. Be happy you have such a good mother and father."
"OH NO!" Celebi exclaimed.
"What? What's wrong Celebi?" Red asked. Celebi was clearly upset, and whatever makes a Legendary upset is something that should make everyone worried.
"I FORGOT TO GET KATE!" Everyone sweat dropped. And here they thought something disastrous was about to happen. "I'll be right back Neil, in the meantime, Red, you give Neil your present."
"Fine. Hurry up though; his girlfriend really should have been here first. Make sure to explain Neil's situation about why he lives in the forest, and that her present is worthy of Neil. And that it isn't inappropriate. And that during Neil's journey, it must be kept PG-13. And not to mention my name." Red said/stated his list of demands.
"Aw, but PG-13 movies suck…" Neil whined.
Silence. Everyone stared at Neil. "Star Wars is rated PG-13." Red replied.
"PLEASE FORGIVE ME FOR MY SLIP IN MEMORY. STAR WARS IS AMAZING!"
"Damn straight. Here's my present." Red said, as he handed Neil a bag, filled with CDs.
"Um, did you just get me a bunch of Sci-Fi movies for my- OH MY ARCEUS THESE ARE TMS!" Neil exclaimed.
"Along with some Sci-Fi movies, yes. Also, I think Celebi threw in some Romance movies in there too, and whenever I took one out, it was mysteriously replaced with an even sappier one. I'm sorry. Use the TMs well, it was quite difficult to get all of them a second time."
"Geez, I knew you were rich, but this is a bit much… Is this really every TM?"
"Every TM from every region. I counted and double counted. Except for duplicates. No need for three Double Team TMs. Also, they're completely reusable. Have fun. I would have put some HMs in there, but I figured you needed to do something by yourself. Kate's free to use them for herself, as well."
"Geez, thank you so much! This will help so much in my journey!"
"Don't rely solely on those TMs, make sure to form good bonds with your Pokémon too. I don't want you to end up like those weird 'Cool Trainers' that buy their Pokémon."
"I'M BACK AREN'T YOU ALL SO HAPPY?!" Celebi exclaimed, carrying Kate with Psychic.
"Happy Birthday Neil! I got you something! I hope you like it!" Kate said, handing Neil a box.
Which of course, was snatched out of Neil's hands by Red. "Espeon, I choose you!" As soon as Espeon appeared, Red continued, "Espeon, I don't trust either Kate or Celebi. Do you mind Psychically reading this gift to make sure it's PG-13?"
Espeon nodded, and closed her eyes, and her stone glowed. After a moment, Espeon opened her eyes, jumped on the box, and stomped on it until it was no more.
"Hey! I worked hard to switch- I mean Kate worked hard to get-"
"Shut up Celebi. I know you switched Kate present with something inappropriate. Espeon, search Celebi for Kate's real present."
Espeon once again closed her eyes, with her stone glowing, and Celebi gained a blue outline, before being shaken wildly, like a bag refusing to empty its contents. Eventually, a red box came out; identical to the one Kate had given to Neil before.
"This one is PG-13 right Espeon?" After receiving a nod from Espeon, Red gave the present to Kate, who gave it to Neil.
"Um, happy Birthday again?" Kate nervously asked.
"Thanks Kate! I'm sure what you got me is much better than what Celebi tried to." Neil replied.
As he opened it, Celebi flew over to Red, and sat on his shoulder. Just to him, she telepathically said, "Wanna know what I almost had Kate give Neil?"
"Not even slightly."
"Oops." Celebi muttered, before sending an image of her present to Red. His face rivaled his name afterwards, and tried to keep a straight face. For the first time in several years, he failed. Epically. And Neil noticed.
"Hey Red, are you ok?"
"Yes. Continue enjoying your Birthday." Red replied, and once Neil looked away, he muttered, "And the fact that you don't know what Celebi tried to give you."
Neil continued unwrapping his gift, and found a Luck Incense. "Wow! These are really rare Kate! Thank you!" Neil said, smiling.
Kate giggled, and said, "No problem. Anything for my boyfriend." She gave him a kiss on his cheek, leaving a blush only slightly less than Reds, and continued, "Um, can I go back to my house now Celebi? As much as I like seeing Neil, I'm really tired, and tomorrows going to be the first day of my and Neil's journey."
"Spoilsport. I'll take you back after his next present, which is from me, and is actually PG. Surprise right?" The last comment obviously intended for Red's sake, who was tempted to go for Espeon's Pokéball again, but decided to wait.
"Ok then." Kate replied, who then decided to sit next to Neil with her head on his shoulder, bringing a smile to his face.
Celebi then flew behind a bush, and brought out a cylinder that had a red drape over it. "It took me over a year to find this, if you break it, I'll disown you." Celebi said, before handing it to Neil.
He put it in his lap, then took off the cover, revealing an egg that was blue with black dots. "Wow! This is so cool! What Pokémon is this?" Neil asked.
Red obviously knew, being the current Pokémon Master, and having completed the Pokédex. But he wouldn't tell if Celebi didn't want him to.
"It's a secret. It's also to bring you and Kate closer together. I'm giving it to the both of you, and when it hatches, you both have to take care of it."
"But who will use it in battle?" Neil asked.
"I don't care."
"Alright then." Neil concluded that Celebi merely gave this to him and Kate for their relationship, not to help him become the Pokémon Master. He was SO wrong. But he didn't need to know that right now.
"Hurray, our soon to be Pokémon Master now has two Pokémon and a loving girlfriend. Now lets go to sleep. I know I need my beauty sleep, and Neil probably does too. On the other hand, Kate, you stay up a bit, I don't need Neil's girlfriend looking to good. It won't do good for his innocence or his concentration." Red said. He now looked only somewhat red, since there was some time between then and when Celebi sent the 'image' into Reds head. Unfortunetely, remembering that made him turn extremely red again.
Kate thought about what he said, then replied, "I think that was a compliment. Thank you Neil's Dad. Would you mind telling me your name?"
"Yes I do mind." Red said.
Neil rolled his eyes, and said, "He's Red." After Kate's eyes widened, he continued, "Yes, that Red. He gave me this bag of all the TMs ever, and said you could use them too."
Celebi could see that the situation was getting out of hand, so she decided to use Hypnosis on everyone in the general area.
"That worked better than I expected. Anyway, time to get everyone to bed." After a lack of response (other than snoring), she continued, "Sweet dreams!"
(The Next Morning)
"Wakie wakie, it's already the morning." Celebi telepathed (That's a thing, right? Telepathing? Bailey: Sure, why not?), while nudging Neil. After several seconds, with only a few groans and slight movements as a response, Celebi had had enough. "WAKE THE HEL- *cough cough* heck. Wake the heck up."
With a groan, Neil got up from where he had fallen asleep (Read: Knocked out) last night. "Um, you know that I already know that word right? I've seen several of Reds battles."
"You must be confused. I'm sure that Red has never said anything inappropriate."
"On National television, he said-"
Red decided that this would be good time to interrupt, since Celebi need not know what he did in his battles. "NEIL. It is time to start your journey. Get ready, and never ever finish that sentence."
Neil shrugs and wanders off to put on another outfit of the exact same clothing. He needed to have some recognition; after all, not everyone could wear a red hat, or be a Legendary Pokémon.
"Just what do you do in these battles Red?"
"Nothing to bad. Mostly just humiliate my opponents."
"And? Neil was about to say something. What was he going to say?"
"…"
Celebi took this to mean that, obviously, he wanted his mind read.
Red knew that this was what Celebi would do, and did his best, doing as Mewtwo had instructed him, and thought of a wall. An indestructible wall that could not be broken.
Celebi saw his wall, and noticed something. While it was indeed very impenetrable, it was not very long. She could see the sides. So she went around.
She won. She saw every battle ever, and all that he had said during them. "RED! HOW DARE YOU SPEAK TO YOUR OPPONENTS THAT WAY!"
"Some of them are really arrogant."
"And some of them are youngsters!"
"Touché."
Luckily, Neil took this moment to walk in, with Tini's Cherish Ball and the Luxury Ball for the egg on his belt, with the egg being in his backpack, since Neil didn't trust himself to drop it. Tini slithered next to him, careful of the surroundings, noticing something was wrong.
"AS A LEGENDARY POKÉMON, I HEREBY COMMAND YOU TO NEVER EVER SWEAR IN FRONT OF NEIL AGAIN RED!"
"Fu-" Red attempted to swear, but couldn't. Celebi grinned. "I said, fu-" again, his throat simply stopped obeying him.
"Ha. Freaking. Ha. This is what you get. Now don't throw a fit, or I'll dump you in the lake of Rage."
"Pikachu would save me."
"Pikachu wouldn't get there in time."
"I find your lack of faith… Disturbing…"
"…"
Neil decided to interrupt, "So… My journey?"
