Chapter Two

Two Surprises

'James! Welcome to my office!' James looked around. I wasn't much of an office, a small computer on the desk, papers everywhere, and a few Pokéballs here and there. James saw a seat opposite that of Oak's, and decided it was best for him to sit down.

James placed the Pokémon in his arms gently on the desk in front of him. It rolled around a little bit, before nodding back off to sleep. 'James, what you have done today is nothing short of amazing. Obviously you have somewhat of a knack of being a very nice person to others. Does it ever get put back your way sometimes?'

James lowered his head, embarrassed by the kind words. 'Sometimes. Not always.' James looked up again at a beaming Oak, which made him smile.

'See James, you saved a lonely, small Pokémon from an attack, gave away three Pokéballs, have been cradling the hurt Pokémon for at least an hour and a half, and managed to make it here.' Oak looked down at the Pokémon, who he stroked gently, making sure he wouldn't wake it up.

'But why do you need me here, Professor?' James became very curious.

'James, you are a very talented trainer. I have noticed that throughout your life. You know your stuff, and obviously you'll go a very long way to achieving your dream.' James's dream was to become a champion of all continents, open a gym and become the greatest trainer of all time. 'So what you did today deserves a treat.'

Oak stepped away from the desk and off his chair, which revealed he was holding a small Pokeball. Oak handled the Pokeball quite delicately, considering it could do no harm to the Pokémon inside. 'James, this is my pride and joy. I gained this Pokémon by breeding, trading and a lot of research. There aren't too many people with a Pokémon like this. Keep in mind this Pokémon has been estimated at a level around 1, which means it's a baby. This is one of the most powerful Pokémon when fully grown up, and I wish you to have it.'

James's eyes widened. James took the Pokeball in his hands gently, feeling it's warmth. 'Professor, what about this small Pokémon? Obviously this is a baby as well. What is it going to do?'

In saying that, the Pokémon awoke. It's large, cute eyes opened, seeing James for the first time since he saved it from the attack. The Pokémon stood, not larger than the palm of his hand. James leaned his hand out, letting the Pokémon step onto it. James grinned, as the Pokémon scurried up to his shoulder, licking his cheek. 'It's like a dog, only smaller!' James liked this Pokémon.

'Lax' the Pokémon mumbled. 'Wait, Oak cried!' He took out his Pokédex, examining the Pokémon. 'Exactly. James, do you know what you have stumbled upon?' James went red, not knowing too much about this, only that it was quite cute, and a little heavy. 'James, this is a Munchlax!'

James's jaw dropped. 'He had only seen Munchlax in pictures, although they were supposed to be much bigger. 'Munchlax?' James asked. 'Are you sure?'

'Lax, Munch…' The Munchlax smiled to James, who smiled back.

'Yes, James. I am sure. Well, you're going to have quite a treat once you see the other Pokémon I have given you. So, are you sure you would like to keep it?'

'Yes. It likes me, and I love him, so it's settled.' The Munchlax jumped on the desk, causing it to shake a little bit.

'James, would you like a Pokeball to put him in?' James shook his head. 'I think you should, just in case.'

'Alright, just in case.' James was given a special Pokeball by Oak, which looked similar for some reason.

'So, you're ready? Oh, and one more thing. This is your Pokédex, and also, have this too.' James was handed a small stone. 'That's an Everstone. Munchlax evolve when they're happy, and this one looks happier than anything, so you might want that.' Oak smiled as he handed it over to James, who put it in his pocket. 'James, I know you'll do great. I'm going to give you somewhat of a surprise when you open that other Pokeball, so you can do that when you get home.'

'I will. Thanks for everything, Professor!' James was elated with his birthday present.

'Lax, Munch, Lax!' Munchlax happily stood on James's shoulder as he walked out of Oak's office. James held the other Pokeball in one hand, Munchlax on his shoulder and a massive sense of pride, as we stepped out of Oak's lab, before stepping down the stairs, one step closer to his dream every time he took a step.

'So, Munchlax. Are you ready for a world of adventure?'

'Lax! Munch, Munch!' Munchlax jumped around, almost falling off James's shoulder. James laughed, as he gripped the other Pokeball tighter, knowing that this was it. James pulled out his phone to call his mum and dad before he left.

'Hello?' James's mum answered the phone.

'Mum, it's me. I'm ready to leave for my Pokémon adventure. Can I come and say goodbye quickly before I leave?'

'Sure, James! Don't forget to say thanks to Professor Oak and remember to buy Pokéballs on the way!'

'I did, and I will. Bye, mum.' James hung up the phone, before departing. He lowered Munchlax to the ground so he could have a walk around. Munchlax passed the area where he was attacked, suddenly running up to James and sticking by his side. James smiled and kept walking.

Getting to the Pokémon Mart, James bought 4 Pokéballs, because that was all he could afford. He then reached his house. Munchlax immediately ran into the door, making James laugh.

'Mum, dad, I'm leaving.' James's parents greeted him at the door, hugging him.

'Remember to call, please?'

'I will mum. Bye!'

James's parents noticed the Munchlax nibbling at James's jeans. 'Oh, how cute! I hope he turns out to be a great Pokémon for you!'

'He already is, don't worry. Bye mum, bye dad. I'll call you!'

And with that, James, Munchlax and his unknown Pokémon exited his house, passing out of Pallet town, heading for Viridian city.

James's Pokémon journey had only just started.

'Lax!' Munchlax cried in glee.