Disclaimer: Don't own Pokemon.
Author's Note: Sorry this took so long to come out! Life happens, and I'm a terribly slow writer. Also, just want to thank everyone who reviewed and favorited this story!
Chapter 2:
Siren chittered quietly from her spot on my shoulder, one claw delicately tangled in my curly hair as we stood in front of Professor Oak's Lab delaying our goodbyes.
"Oh sweetie!" Mom cried, teary-voiced as she wrapped her arms tightly around me, "I'm going to miss you so much!"
"I could feel teardrops pricking my own eyes now, "Me too Mom."
"Just be careful," Dad's voice too was rough with suppressed emotion, "Now come on Mom, give her some air. We still need to give her gift."
"Gift?" I asked as my Mom stepped back with a sniffle.
"It's just a little something to help you on your way and show how much we believe in you," she answered.
My Dad drew one of my hands up and didn't let go until both were holding the slightly heavy box, "It's warm."
"It's an egg incubator."
I gasped in surprise, "Really?"
Dad chuckled, "Yes sweetpea. We'll let what it is be a surprise for you, but we know you'll take good care of it."
"I stepped forward and hugged my parents as tight as I could whilst still holding the incubator, "I love you guys."
"We love you too sweetie." For a moment we just stood there, basking in the moment, but as all things must, it came to an end.
"Good luck darling, and remember to call us as often as you can."
"I will." I gave them a smile and a last wave before resolutely turning away, "Pokedex, directions to Viridian City."
"Calculating... Turn East, travel 132 meters along Science Way."
"I'm off! Take care Mom, Dad!"
As I began walking, the wind carried my parents' final farewells to me, "You too sweetie! Be safe!"
This was a wonderful day to begin my journey. There was a gentle breeze bringing me the scents of early spring flowers and freshly mown grass. Through one open window I could hear the clatter of dishes and rush of running water. Nearby were the many screams and laughs of happy children playing together, probably a playground. Still, Pallet was a relatively small town and as I turned onto Route 1 the noises of civilization soon gave way to the russle of leaves and cries of pidgey. A soft coo in my ear brought my attention back to my new partner.
"Well Siren, let's see what the Pokedex has to say about you."
"Zubat, a blind Pokemon with supersonic powers. Zubat live in caves and hate to fly outside in daylight. This Zubat knows the moves Leech Life, Supersonic, Astonish, and Bite. It has the ability Inner Focus."
"That's pretty good Siren! And we have something in common - I'm blind too."
"Zu-zubat," she chittered as she rubbed her head into my neck under my ear.
"Well since your hearing is so much better than mine, do you think you could help warn me of any dangers?"
After she replied with an enthusiastic, "Zu!" we began figuring out a series of signals to use between us. A highpitched screech as loud as she could make would warn of imminent danger. By pushing on my cheek or pulling on my hair she could guide me in one direction or the other. Then we got into battle tactics. First, I'd identify the pokemon we were battling. Then as the fight began, she would call out the signal that corresponded to the correct basic tactic used. Thus, she could tell me if the attack were close or long ranged; whether it was a status, physical, or special attack; and if they were in the air or underground. Hopefully, it would be enough and experience would provide the rest. Now to try it out.
"Pokedex, find pokemon."
"Scanning... There are two pokemon in sight."
"Identify."
"Pidgey and Ledyba." A Ledyba, yes!
"Siren, attack the Ledyba." With a screech she launched herself off my shoulder, "Supersonic!"
One eerie cry was quickly followed by another and I knew the Ledyba had used its own Supersonic to cancel out Sirens.
"Zu-ba!" Ledyba's closing for a physical attack.
"Dodge it, then pop in close to Astonish!"
"Bat-bat!" Status attack successful. Ledyba flinched!
"Bite!" I could hear the Ledyba cry out in pain.
Siren suddenly let out her own squeak of surprise followed by, "Zu-bat-zu!" Oh no! A multiple physical attack? Ledyba must know Comet punch!
"Fly out of range Siren! Then Leech life!"
"Zubat-zubat!" Ledyba's down!
I quickly grabbed a pokeball from my belt, enlarged it, and threw it towards Siren where I new she could direct it to the downed pokemon. My heart thudded loud in my chest. One beat, two, three - "Ping!"
"Yes! We captured Ledyba!" I hurried over and used my cane and Siren's voice to find the pokeball, then hit the release button.
"Ledy-ba?"
"Hi Ledyba, I'm your new trainer Tabitha. I'm just beginning my journey, but hope to one day become a gym leader for pokemon that love the night as much as I do. Do you want to come along?" I could hear the Ledyba's wings buzz as it thought before it replied positively. "All right, let's just get you healed up then."
I dug around in my pack until I found, then applied to Ledyba a bit of healing potion, "Okay, let's see what the dex has to say. Pokedex, identify pokemon."
"Ledyba. Number 165 in the National Index. This pokemon is female. More information?"
"Yes."
"Ledyba, the Five Star pokemon. These naturally gentle Bug-types gather in groups during cold weather to keep warm. This pokemon know the moves Tackle, Supersonic, and Comet Punch. It has the ability Early Bird."
"Star pokemon huh? I seem to recall something about stars and your evolved form. Hmm, what do you think of Starfall for a name?"
"Ledy-baa!"
"Okay," I laughed, "Starfall it is. Well, since it feels like the sun is starting to go down, how about we camp here for the night and me and Siren will teach the signals we've come up with?"
With two positive responses, I started gathering wood for a fire. Today had been a wonderful day.
Tabitha's Pokemon:
Siren - Zubat
Star fall - Ledyba
