Hello again, and welcome back! A big thank you to all of you who've read and reviewed chapter one. And a big thanks to everyone who had helped me prepare this story since day one, all those years ago. It means a lot to me. Well, I'll go into more detail later.
I'll see you at the bottom!
Maverick's Sinnoh Adventure
Arc 1: The Roar of Time and The Spacial Rend
Chapter 2: Tranquil Times (Part 2)
"I think this is the last of it all," Maverick said as he took the final rectangular letter from the metal box. "Yeah, four pieces. One for Mom, two for Dad, and one for us." At the top of the stack that was in his hand lied a letter that was addressed towards himself and his sister. This fairly small letter brought on a small wave of confusion and excitement to the birthday boy. His fingers began to curiously fiddle with the white envelope, nearly threatening to have it opened right then and there; but this action however caused Maverick to stop a bit.
'Then again', he thought, 'This may be super important. Why else would Mom's name be on the back? Better wait until I give it to her. I have a League battle to finish watching!'
With that thought in mind, he closed the mailbox and quickly walked back into his relatively cooler home. After walking in, he immediately taken a look towards the television screen. To his relief, the forms of Infernape and Electivire were still fighting to the fullest. He released a breath he had not realized he held in his lungs. "Good, they're still battling," he sighed happily. Maverick proceeded to saunter across to his living room, where the rest of the family were hanging out. Rika stood at the far corner of the room, appearing to be happily munching on her sandwich while keeping her brown eyes onscreen.
"Mom, I've got the mail you asked for." He then held a hand out to his mother, who gingerly took it from him. After sifting through each of the letters and handing over the two addressed to her husband, she gave a happy smile to her son.
"Thank you, Maverick. I was expecting something. So glad it came through on time." She replied. This piqued Maverick's curiosity, to which he tilted his head and raised an eyebrow at.
"Oh? Does this have to do with the letter that the Professor sent us?"
Kimberly grinned and winked at him. "Something like that," she replied. Maverick's excitement grew tenfold and his eyes began to glow. "But not telling what. You have to wait, okay?"
The teens excitement instantly deflated and was replaced with a growing dread. "Aww, waiting? How long?" he whined. Kimberly giggled at her son's displeasure.
"Shh…" She teased with a finger up to her lips. Maverick frowned at his mother's antics.
"Mom, you're no fun sometimes…"
"I love you too, sweetie. Now, go watch the rest of that battle you wished for." She shooed him away. Maverick's eyes widened and he instantly turned over to the television once more.
"Oh yeah, I forgot!"
On the other side of the room, Rika finished her sandwich with a satisfied sigh. 'That was so good. Remind me to sleep in all the time!' she thought happily.
She wiped her mouth of the remnants and rolled it up into her palm. After making her way into the kitchen and trashing her paper towel, she peered out the window to a view of the side of her house. From the vantage point, she could faintly see the form of a boy playing with a Pokémon further up the walkway across the calm town. She smiled at the sight. 'It's been some time. I guess I could pay him a visit.' With that in mind, she called for her father.
"Hey Dad? I'll be heading out for a bit. Could you tell me who'll win?" She asked, beginning to edge her way out the door. Jonathan looked up from the screen and looked back at her with raised eyebrows. His arms were crossed and he then pretended to be lost in deep thought. After a few moments, he looked up.
"Paul will." He couldn't help but crack a stupid smile, to which the overhearing Maverick laughed at. Rika, in response, pouted and clenched her fists.
"Daaad!"
"What? You walked right into it."
"Ugh! You're no fun!" Rika said with a huff. The older male laughed whole heartedly at his daughter's displeasure.
"I love you too, sweetie. Now, go outside like you said you would." Rika kept her gaze on her old man for a little while longer before sighing and proceeding to do just that. "But wait!" Her dad quickly said. This piqued Rika's attention.
"Yeah?"
"Make sure to not go out to 201 gateway. There may be some wild Pokémon out. It'd be great if you had your own… Just be careful out there, 'kay?" Her dad asked. Rika nodded and headed out into the blistering hot day. After closing the door behind her, she had to immediately tug a bit at her blue shirt.
"Why is it so hot out?" Rika stepped onto the soft grass of her lawn. "This isn't normally how hot Sinnoh gets. I remember it being warm in the summer. Nothing like this… Huh? Oh." She froze mid-step, when she noticed that the grass felt awfully detailed beneath her feet. "It…looks like I forgot my shoes, ha-ha!" She smiled embarrassingly. She then did a 180 and opened the door again, to which her father held a confused gaze at.
"Back so soon?" He appeared to be headed up the stairs, now holding a phone in hand. Rika waved her hand in denial.
"No no, just forgot my shoes." He nodded in understanding and continued to ascend. Rika slipped on her sandals and headed back out. Now it was time to meet that boy again…
Eventually, after taking a one minute walk, she neared her destination. The laughter of a boy and the purrs of a Pokémon filled her ears, causing her to smile a little. She walked a little closer, being able to see them now. On top of the boy's head was a Pokémon that's a part of the "Catty" category; its species being identified as Glameow. Glameow scratched and kicked at the young boy, messing up his already unkempt hair, but the boy didn't mind. Rika paused and gazed at the pair from a distance, then a blush stained her cheeks.
'Yeah,' Rika thought, 'fun loving. Just as I remember him.' She shook her head, and inched a little further. Eventually, she came into view of the young boy and his cat.
"Hm? O-oh…!" The boy noticed her presence and put the Catty Pokémon towards his feet, much to her dismay. "R-Rika! Hi!"
Rika's eyes shined a little in the sun as the boy's warm greeting met her. "Alex, hey! It's been sometime… Hi, Glameow!" She knelt forward a little, with hands on her knees. The cat looked up to her and meowed in response.
The boy, Alex, tilted his head at her. 'Yeah…' he thought. 'Kind. Just as I remember her.' He smiled and cleared his throat.
"Yeah, it's been quite a while. How have you been?" he asked softly, as if he was mesmerized. He had every right to be, really. Rika looked up and, those eyes Alex knew so well, had him awestruck every time. She swept a few bangs out of her eyes and responded.
"I've been fine, ever since school ended. I'm so glad we finally graduated…"
"Oh yeah," Alex remembered, pointing at Rika. "That was, about a month ago? From Trainer's School?"
"Well, yeah. That, and main school." She couldn't help but roll her eyes at 'main school'. Alex smirked kindly. He put his hands behind his head and sighed.
"How could I forget? School wasn't that bad. Trainer's School was straight-forward. Fun times."
"As if." Rika crossed her arms and huffed. "What good does Geometry do for the Pokémon World? Trainer's, I can get. But Math? History? Science? Give me a break!"
"Well now! Calm down, ha-ha." Alex waved his arms, as if telling her to cool off. "All this stuff is essential for the-! "
"Benefit of the human race. Yes, I know." She interrupted, deadpanning. Alex cracked a grin as Glameow made a space for herself to take a nap. Rika sometimes, failed to see the point of all these subjects in school. She did pretty well in school, but all the testing towards the end of the year gave her somewhat of a fatigue. "You didn't have to go quoting the Principal."
"I mean," Alex tried. Rika held a hand up, and stopped Alex's thought process.
"Enough about school. I had fun and all, but now I'm more than ready to have to quit worrying about it."
Alex stopped stroking Glameow's fur and almost dropped her in disbelief. "Rika, you're no fun. At all." Said girl shrugged in response.
"On the subject of fun, you know the Sinnoh League is still on, right?" she asked eagerly. Alex resumed stroking the cat's fur, bringing out a low purr from Glameow. Wind blown across the landscape, chilling their bodies of the intense heat. A few bird Pokémon flown in the breeze, their wings outstretched.
"Ah yeah? I thought it ended already?"
Rika shook her head, her hair swayed as she did so. "Nope. Apparently, the preliminary rounds are the source of the elongated League. Dad tells me that the League is currently on the quarterfinals, I think."
"Top eight, huh?" Alex thought a little. He'd been following the league up until a few weeks ago. "Who's battling?"
"Right now? Ash and Paul."
"Wait, what!?" he suddenly barked. Glameow lazily looked up at him and growled, displeased at his action. Alex ignored her, and focused more on the previous statement. "Wha-? I wished Paul was gonna lose! But I'm glad he's fighting Ash of all people… Are they still battling now?"
Rika nodded, and thumbed to her house. "Yeah, my family is still watching. They're down to their last Pokémon too!" This time, Alex dropped Glameow to the floor and bolted back to his house. Rika faintly heard him yelling to his Grandmother that he's headed off to her house. The cat on the ground was picked up by Rika, who hugged her a little.
"Alex is a meanie, right Glameow?" she playfully asked. Glameow hissed in response.
"Okay! I'm going off!" Alex told when he emerged from his house. He ran, already ahead of her by some distance. "You comin'?"
"Y-yeah! Let's go, Glameow! Hopefully it isn't over." She quickly followed the boy on the short path to her house, with her hair flying behind her.
A still silence adopted the household as the noise on the television ceased. The two Pokémon that battled stood still after their powerful strikes connected. The two trainers of those Pokémon stared with their eyes narrowed at each other, waiting for the outcome. Maverick stood, hands clenched and brows furrowed; he waited.
"Come on...!" he pleaded quietly. The Dad also stood, face twisted showing signs of uncertainty, with arms crossed. Kimberly watched on, also quiet, holding a cup of coffee. "…Just a little more!" Maverick breathed.
Suddenly, Infernape flinched, and the young boy's heart wretched. Maverick breathed in sharply, but calmed soon after when the ape remained standing. Electivire dropped onto the floor of Lily of the Valley Stadium, defeated finally. Maverick slumped and flopped back onto the couch, and sighed tiredly.
"Finally! It's all over… Ash won!"
Jonathan grinned and unfurled his arms, happy with the results. "I'm glad. This is the farthest he's been in a League thus far. He trains hard, he deserves this win."
Maverick and Kimberly nodded in agreement. "I know," Maverick said as he felt the chills leave his body, "Top four."
The sounds of the television resumed when loud cheers erupted from the people watching in person. The crowed happily shouted Ash's name as said boy walked on the field, and tended to his Pokémon. The commentators on board spoke praises about the battle, and commended Ash Ketchum about beautiful coordination and his advancement as a competitor. Maverick watched on in awe as Ash and Infernape hugged happily.
"Ash…" he spoke quietly, as the largest smile adorned his lips. "I want to… do that, someday."
"Do you now?" Jonathan said as he looked at Maverick with a grin. The boy in question looked up and nodded slowly. Kimberly smiled with her eyes closed, and sipped her beverage. Jonathan turned the television off after looking at his son, pleased. He chuckled. "Well, some days are closer than you think."
The door opened and in came an out of breath Alex, with a lagging Rika behind him. The three-people turned their attention to the front door, surprised by the noise.
"Oh? Alex, hi." Kimberly said first, speaking what Maverick and his Dad thought. Rika took charge this time and made him follow her in.
"Hello, Mister and Missus Anderson," he responded with a slight bow. "Sorry for intruding. Rika says that the Sinnoh League was on and invited me over to watch. Is it finished?" he politely asked, as his face showed signs of agitation. Rika mentally facepalmed.
'I didn't exactly "invite" you over…'
"I'm sorry, but today's battles are over. You can still come on in, dinner will be served later. Oh yeah, your Grandma said you can stay over as well. She'll be joining us soon." Kimberly told a dejected Alex. As much as he was happy to hear about his staying over, he was very disappointed about missing the highlight of the league. Maverick took this time to walk over, and slung an arm around him.
"Hey, don't let it get to you. Listen, today's battle was probably THE MOST amazing thing I have ever seen! Paul's Electivire and Ash's Infernape were so cool! Infernape took a lot of hits, and its special ability activated and he totally swamped Electivire! Ash won!"
"Ash won!? ALRIGHT!" Alex's spirits were raised at this sudden information, evident by his fist being pumped in the air. "Top four, right?"
"Mmhmm!" Maverick nodded quickly. "The farthest he's ever been! He's totally going to win this." Maverick's eyes shined a little in admiration for the teenager that won not too long ago.
"Yeah. I have a feeling Ash could possibly beat his next opponent for the finals spot." Rika commented. Glameow dropped from her spot in Rika's arms and dashed over towards Kimberly who happily picked her up.
"Aww, hey Glameow!" she hugged. The cat purred in satisfaction. "How are your parents, Alex?"
"They're fine. They said they'd have to stay in Johto a tad bit longer, though."
"Ah, for work?" Jonathan asked, his tone suggested mild concern.
"Yeah…" Alex answered a little solemnly. "I miss them, but they said they'd be back before the end of the year."
"Well, I wish them the best of luck. Your Grandma should be here soon. Why don't we get some lunch until then?" Kimberly suggested.
"Sure, I'd love that. Thanks, Mr. and Mrs. Anderson."
"…Happy birthday to-you!" Kimberly, Jonathan and Alex sang joyfully. Maverick and Rika were seated, embarrassed at being the center of attention. In front of them sat a rectangular cake decorated with the words, "Happy 13th, Maverick and Rika!", with candles surrounding the frosted message. Their faces illuminated the golden glow of the candles, making the two feel a little warm inside.
"Make a wish!" Alex pointed out. Rika looked at Maverick and then gestured towards the cake. They both closed their eyes and mouthed their desires.
'I wish…' Maverick thought, 'to be a Pokémon Trainer. I wish I can travel the world and make memories with my friends and Pokémon.'
With that thought in mind, the two opened their eyes and blew out the candles, cutting off the glowing warmth. Kimberly smiled wholeheartedly at her children's happy faces. "Here…" she said as she served the duo, "have some! Made it with the help of Alex's grandmother! She makes the best cakes in town!"
"Aww Kimberly, they're not that great." Alex's Grandmother said. She stood next to her grandson, and rubbed his head.
"Winona, they're amazing!" Jonathan said. "You'd always make them when Kim and I were kids. I'd always come to your house after school just to try some."
"Your Mom was a great helper. It was her recipe, after all!" Winona, identified as Alex's grandma, giggled.
"Wow, Mom, so this was Grandma's recipe?" Rika asked, bewildered with a spoon full of cake in hand. Kimberly nodded.
"Your Dad's mom, yes. I hope she's well in Unova." She said, and looked towards the wall on the far side of the house. There lay a picture of the parents of Jonathan and Kimberly at their wedding. Everyone in the picture had joyful looks on their faces. Kimberly blushed a little as she remembered back.
Maverick remained oblivious to their conversation. He ate his cake at a rapid pace, one thought clouding his mind. 'Man, this cake is awesome!'
Alex walked over and watched the boy practically inhale his treat. "Hey, Mav! Look at your Thirteen-year-old body eating cake. Brings back memories," he smiled.
Maverick finished soon after and rolled his eyes at his remark. "Yeah? Dude, you're only eight months older than me. You talk is if it was thirty-five years ago!"
"I was thirteen a long time ago!"
"You're STILL thirteen."
"Eight months ago!"
"Hasn't been a year yet."
"You're no fun. Speaking of, who's older? You, or Rika?" Alex inquired. Maverick paused momentarily.
"I remember Mom saying I was at one point."
Rika, from wherever she was, ran over to Maverick and corrected him. "Wrong!"
"Wrong? Wrong what?" Maverick inquired.
"I'm older. Dad said I was." Rika thumbed to her father who looked towards them, confused at their conversation.
Maverick shook his head. "No, I am! Right, Mom?"
"As if! I'm the oldest!"
Kimberly and Jonathan looked at the other, with confusion written on their face, until it turned into a small smile. Kimberly winked at Maverick. "I'll tell you when you're a bit older, sweetie."
"What!? That's what you said last year!" Maverick groaned.
Jonathan smiled at his daughter. "I'll tell you next year, kay?"
Rika's mouth hung open in disbelief. "Daaad!" she pouted.
"You're no fun!" they both shouted, annoyed at their parent's antics. The adults laughed the children's expense.
"Haha, well here is something to lift your spirits! Presents!" Jonathan said, walking over to the living room.
"I think you might like them!" Kimberly said, following her husband. Winona followed soon, after cleaning up a bit. Maverick shrugged and the three of them followed after the adults, excitement building up within them. When they entered, they saw two white boxes, two gift bags, and the same envelope that Maverick remembered picking up earlier.
Kimberly picked up that bag to her left and called Maverick over. "Here honey. This one is for you."
"Thank you, Mom, Dad." The boy said as he held out a hand and took the handle from his mom. He opened the bag and peeked inside. Black and green material greeted his eyes, along with a brown cardboard box. He pulled out the contents, starting with the aforementioned material. In his hands hung a short-sleeved zip up sweater. The sleeves of the sweater were the green part he saw. The sweater was mainly black, except for the zipper, its track; and the hood that slumped in the back as well as its strings in green. Maverick smiled and folded it up neatly, picking up the next item. Dark blue regular jeans and a black belt attached were up next. He also folded it up neatly and thought it looked comfy. Next, he picked up the box and opened it. It was black running shoes.
Rika had her stuff out. An orange and blue long sleeved sweater, and white fitted jeans. She fished out a black shirt, along with black running shoes.
"Dad, I love it! Thanks!" she happily said.
"No problem, Rika." Jonathan replied. "It was your Mom's idea. However, this one was mine!"
He picked up the white envelope and smiled. "Here."
Rika took the envelope from his hand and opened it, with Alex and her brother crowding around it. Inside it stood a small card and a letter of some sorts. Rika fished out the letter and read it to the group.
"Salutations, Maverick and Rika,
My name is Professor Rowan. I'm sure you remember me from Trainer's School, yes? I've visited numerous times and explained some findings of my studies to your class. I am the leading researcher of Pokémon Evolution from Sandgem Town. I've found plenty of new information from my trips to Kanto and the faraway Kalos region, which I do hope to share with you all again sometime. Anyway, as you may have heard, tomorrow marks the day for Pokémon Distribution. It's a day where people of your age can get Pokémon for various things. Included, I enclosed a postcard with the pictures of the three starters of Sinnoh. Please, come tomorrow at Route 201 gateway to receive your starters, at 2 in the afternoon. I wish you the best of luck if you choose to journey with your Pokémon, I pray that you grow, and learn something about yourselves while you're at it.
I hope you enjoy your birthday present, you two.
In best regards,
Professor Rowan"
The duo's eyes were wide open in disbelief. The grownups smiled at their reactions. "So, what do you think? You guys were old enough, and you completed Trainer's School. Maverick, you were saying you wanted to do what Ash did? Well, I think this is the best birthday present I can give you. Guys, in two days from now, you both will be able to go on a journey. I think you both deserve it. Your mother and I were Trainers, traveling with each other before we married, so I only think it's fair that you do the same." Jonathan said with a small smile.
"You too, Alexander," Winona spoke, piquing Alex's attention. "I spoke with your parents just the other day. They wanted you to go on a journey also. I think you need it as well. I already brought in your gear for the journey ahead, as well as a change of clothes and some money."
Alex's smile fell a little. He hesitated. "But, what about you and Glameow?"
"Oh, we'll be fine! You should go on ahead. Jonathan and Kimberly here are more than enough company for us. I remember you raving on about seeing your parents sometime, but they want you to travel Sinnoh first. They said there's something here in Sinnoh for you; you just have to look for the right person to get it!"
"So how about it? Want to get your Pokémon tomorrow?" Kimberly asked with a smile. The response was almost automatic.
"YES!" the trio shouted with hands clenched. They couldn't believe the time finally come. They all high-fived, and laughed all the while.
'Finally,' the three of them thought, 'we're getting a Pokémon!'
It seems like good things does come to those who wait, after all.
.
.
.
.
To be continued.
A/N: Hey guys! I hope you enjoyed the second chapter. Now we know more about Maverick, Rika and their friend Alex. It turns out they'll be going on a journey after all! We now know that Maverick looks up to Ash, and wishes to do what he did. Alex and Rika received some bits of info about themselves in this chapter, too. Their roles will be expanded upon as the story goes along.
Once again, a big thank you to all who decided to read this story! And a bigger thank you to Epicocity, Ryu Taylor the Ferret and LovingGinger30 for leaving me your thoughts on last chapter, and those who followed/ favorited. This story is four years in the making, and I'm genuinely happy to share my work with you all once again.
Well! With that being said, tell me what you think about this chapter, I'd love to know. Feel free to PM me your thoughts as well. Also, be sure to follow me on Twitter and occasionally check my profile here on FF for news, updates and upcoming artwork for the story. Thank you all!
Always remember to Live Long and Shine on!
~XDiamondX90
