Chapter 1 : Meet Taylor of New Bark Town
As the sun rose over New Bark Town, a Pidgeotto stirred from its roost atop a rooftop, spread its wings, and crowed proudly, announcing that a new day had come and for all living creatures to awaken. Diglett popped their heads out of the ground to confirm the bird's call, then ducked back down to start a busy day of tunneling. Spearow flew from their nests in search of Weedle and Caterpie to feed their fledglings. Legendary Pokémon roamed to a new hiding spot to avoid being found by greedy Pokémaniacs. Bellossom began to practice new dances for summoning different kinds of weather. Dragonair did summon different kinds of weather, hoping for a light rain to quench the thirsty Sunflora so that the sunflowers could then in turn bring the Dragonair the tasty Leech Seeds that they produced.
You get the idea.
As all of the Pokémon came to life from their slumber, so did a young boy in his room. Taylor Lindberg stretched and yawned in his bed, then took a slow look around his room. Pokémon posters adorned the walls, figurines of the Eevee family were aligned on his desk, a Lickitung stuffed animal sat on a table by the door, and numerous Pokémon toys were all over the room from his imaginary battles the night before.
Yes, he was a little obsessed.
As his eyes took in everything in his Pokémon haven, he felt the knives of hunger pains overtake his body. Staggering out of bed, he stumbled and groped his way into the kitchen where his mother, Laura, was making blueberry waffles.
She smiled when she saw him. "Stay up late?"
"It was taking forever for my level 56 Ampharos to beat a level 59 Azumarill for some reason," was his reply as he slid into his seat at the table.
She brought his plate to him. "Maybe you should buy some higher-level action figures," she suggested.
He dug into the large stack of ooey-gooey blueberry goodness. "It'd be even nicer if I could have real Pokémon."
His mother smiled sympathetically. "I know." Then her eyes lit up. "Oh, that reminds me. Professor Elm next door called. He wants to see you."
Taylor looked up at his mom, the pancakes now forgotten. Professor Elm was a highly acclaimed Pokémon professor. The story was that he had been taught under Professor Oak's lessons, and it was a great honor to go and speak to him.
"Did… did he mention what he wanted?"
His mother shook her head. "Only that it was important."
He stood up, leaving half of the stack uneaten. "Then I guess I'd better go."
His mother looked at him, raising an eyebrow. "What about your breakfast?"
"I don't have time to eat! Professor Elm needs me!" He made his way for the door.
"Well, at least change into some clean clothes. You're still in your pajamas!"
Taylor looked down and laughed. "Yeah, I guess you're right. Can't really show up looking like I'm ready for bed."
When he got to the door, dressed and ready to go, his mother stopped him once again. "Wait! Your Pokégear is back from the shop. Do you know how to use the phone?"
"Yes, Mom," he replied, impatient to get going.
"Don't you just select the number you want to call in memory?"
He nodded, then took the gear from her. "Thanks, Mom. What would I do without you?"
"Have fun!" she called as she watched him leave for the lab.
He waved back in response. "I will!"
~*~