Trainer Jay – Day 2

Viridian City is always a peaceful town, as is the Viridian forest. Professor Echo summoned all the twenty eligible trainers to the edge of the forest for our last and final test.

"As you know, before you venture on your journey, one must have an agreeable partner. This is the last test before you earn the title "Trainer". Here's your challenge: catch a Pokemon!" I heard the low mumble of laughter surrounding me. People were already betting who was going to win first and it made me feel uneasy.

I turned to Marz as he said, "We'll split up. I know how much you like to catch. I'll only be slowing you down."

I simply nodded.

The trainers were lined up horizontally towards the forest. I felt the bugs in my stomach, what if I don't pass? We were all eager and the gun shot felt like it wouldn't come until Christmas.

BANG!

We sprinted as fast as we could into the green mossy forest. I lost track of Marz in the crowd when I realized, they were all going one direction! There would be no way I could catch any good ones. I saw a clearing to my right and I took my opportunity.

Geodude and I weren't really in a rush, the rules are trainers may take as long as they want to catch a Pokemon so long as the only Pokemon you have doesn't faint. I let him out to take a stroll with me, avoiding the tall grass. We talked for a bit and today's the first time Geodude laughed! It was something about two Professors walking into a Pokemon Center. We had really connected this time; the long stroll was worth it. The forest was beautiful, it was shining green and the air was so clear. The Butterfree were out of reach but so magnificent to look at when they flew across the trees. I didn't keep track of time so Geodude nudged me and pointed at the tall grass.

Now it was time for business, we saw many types of Pokemon in the tall grass, most of the Pokemon we encountered were bug types. I wanted to wait for that perfect Pokemon as my first catch. We never did see one, and every time I decided I wanted that Pokemon Geodude would land an overkill tackle. The end result was always the same and I could never find that one Pokemon that could stand against him. We ran into several Pidgeottos, and that's where Geodude gained most of his experience from. This went on for so long I think Geodude grew a power level six times. He learned a couple of new moves too, it was great and all but that wasn't what we were here for…

"Phew, let's rest for a bit ok?" I knew at this point we were lost. Geodude hasn't even broken a sweat (can rocks sweat?). Trainers would panic when they realized they're lost, but for some reason I felt safe with Geodude. I mean, you're supposed to feel safe but this one felt as if nothing could touch us.

It was about six and the stars started to emerge. Geodude was on my lap again and I played with his hands while we looked at the stars. All was peaceful until Geodude gave a low screech. We saw about five lights illuminate from inside the forest. The lights grew larger and larger until five men finally appeared.

"Well guys we found ourselves a trainer," this man had an apron and underneath all of that, hiking clothes. He looks a bit familiar, and then I realized he is the owner of the deli in Viridian.

"Congrats, aren't you excited?" another man spoke up although I couldn't make out his face behind his torch.

"I am, sir. I've been working hard-"

"Let me rephrase that, aren't you excited to be officially known as a criminal?" What's the deal with this guy?

"Huh?"

"Don't play dumb, trainers are nothing just trouble, you're the reason Oak was killed. Don't you morons get it? Pokemon are weapons and we're just being good citizens removing weapons from this forest," said the deli man.

"No they're not! They're friendly and kind, Geodude would never hurt anyone!"

"Says the trail of fainted Pokemon," they laughed.

"It's how we gain experience, and besides they're just fainted, they'll recover,"

"So that gives you the right to attack?" as they drew even closer, Geodude held his guard up. "Look, we'll make this easy kid, hand over your Pokemon and we might just leave you alone. Might, if you know what I'm saying boys?" This is no good. Instinct was banging me in the head yelling 'OK JAY TIME TO DEFEND, HELLO?'

A reflex in my throat welled up. "Geodude use Rock Throw!" He threw the rocks he had ejected out of his hands and hit all of the dark figures coming at us.

"That's it bitch!" In a rage the deli man began to sprint towards me. It all happened in a flash.

He tackled me on the ground and knocked the wind out of me. That moment was the worst feeling of helplessness and fear I ever felt. Before I knew it I was facing him. "You're gonna get it now!" He held his cleaver in the sky as my life flashed before my eyes.

A hard punch landed on his cheek. It wasn't mine, it was Geodude's. I heard a loud crack when the punch landed. Everything froze as we stared at the deli man. His face was evidently broken and was in a bloody mess. Did Geodude really do that in one punch…?

Seconds passed as we waited for a sign of life from him. We heard him cough then wheeze. What a relief… I regained footing and told Geodude to return, I didn't want him to be blamed for anything else.

"You'll be sorry you punk ass trainer!" They started at me again. I really needed to stop this deer-in-headlights thing. I couldn't use Geodude, what if he'd really kill someone this time? Closer and closer and I still couldn't move my legs.

"Pidgey use Gust!" a familiar voice commanded. I turned to see Marz accompanied by trainers. The men flew back a bit into Officer Jenny's truck. So much has happened is so little time I believe I fainted into Marz's arms.

I don't know when I woke up but I knew I was safe when I saw his face.

"Marz, why are people so – " My tears had choked me up before I could finish. He held me close and hushed me softly.

"Jay, do you remember what a trainer's duty is? It's to harmonize people and Pokemon. Some of us have strayed from tradition, and it's okay you know why? Because there are people like us who won't abandon Pokemon for anything. It's people like you and I who still want us all to get along, okay? It's our destiny," He really had a way of cheering me up.

"I want to change this world, Marz. I do, I really do. I wish people could see that the world isn't a big ball of lies and conceit…" I was sniffing to loud it was embarrassing.

"Well Jay, you just need a little patience to make history, so what do you say? Want to make some history together?" he grinned. I knew it. We had both set our minds into something and now nothing will ever stop us from striving. "Now go back to sleep," He kissed my forehead. He laid me down and I felt as if I was a feather floating peacefully down. I know what my destiny is now and tomorrow is when it starts.

Goodnight.