1
The gentle breeze that traveled through Pallet Town tickled the back of Christian Stark's neck. In his hand was a Poké Ball, a gift from Professor Samuel Oak. Before him stood both the professor and a man named Jericho, the leader of Team Wish. Jericho had wanted to battle Christian in Professor Oak's place, but Christian wanted no part of battling either opponent. It was his birthday after all, and having to battle people with infinite more experience than him sounded like a waste of time. The fact that he could learn a lot from the two older gentlemen wasn't lost on Christian, but it didn't fit in with his idea of how he wanted his journey to start.
"Christian, please," the elderly professor pleaded.
"I don't want to battle either of you," Christian stated. "I get that you want to teach me things, old man, but it's my birthday. There are other things that I want to do. Every second that I spend here is another second that I spend not registering for the Pokémon League Challenge."
"Do you really think that you're ready for such a challenge?"
The question came from Jericho, and Christian could feel his skin begin to crawl in disgust. Christian knew that to lead a professional Pokémon team meant that Jericho knew quite a bit about the subject of battling, but he wasn't going to sit around and let the man talk down to him just because Jericho might know better. Who's to say that Christian isn't a prodigy?
"Jericho, wait," Professor Oak cautioned. Oak knew that Christian had a sharp tongue when it came to situations like this. The two had gotten into plenty of arguments over the fact that Christian didn't keep many words to himself.
"Let me get this straight," Christian said. "Based solely on the fact that I don't wish to waste time battling you or the old man, you have come to the conclusion that I am not ready for the PLC?"
Jericho unzipped his dark track jacket to expose an equally dark tank top. "It takes a certain level of maturity to not only compete, but to survive in the world. You have to be able to learn in order to be even mediocre out there. The inability to learn will kill you faster than you know."
"So you've not only surmised that I am not ready for the Challenge, but that I have an issue with learning as well," Christian pointed out. "All of this from my unwillingness to battle people who will no doubt win, or let me win. I don't need a free win in my battle record, nor do I need to exert effort to know that you know better than I do."
"Christian was it?" Jericho asked. "Do you really believe that anyone else that will be in your Pokémon League Challenge class will be starting from square one like you are trying to do? They aren't. The Pokémon League Challenge is full of people with connections. Trainers that are the same age as you, but handpicked by gym leaders, pro teams, and sometimes even the Champion."
"I don't know if you are trying to shake me, or what your true intention is," Christian said, making sure that his facial expression told Jericho that he did care. "Whether or not any of us start in the same place makes no difference to me. I know enough to predict what the plan is here. So if you plan to impart some words of wisdom on me, do it now."
Jericho's blue eyes met Professor Oak's. "This is the kid that you think has the greatest chance of winning the Pokémon League?"
Professor Oak let out a sigh deep enough to indicate that he had been holding his breath. He ran a hand over his silver hair. "I do."
Jericho looked back in Christian's direction, but made sure to not lock eyes with the teen. The breeze seemed to stop in fear of the team leader. The clouds also seem to have disappeared from the sky.
"Kid," Jericho said.
"The name is Christian Stark," Christian corrected.
"I'll stick with kid," Jericho continued. "This challenge isn't for everyone. I have seen people your age with the same attitude killed on the routes. There is no end to the horrors that potentially stand before you. I wanted to battle you because Samuel here thought that you were a great fit for my team. He brought me here to scout you, and you should thank him for that. Unfortunately, your attitude doesn't make you a fit for my team despite Sammy's recommendation. The advice that I wish to impart to you is that the second that you think that you are in above your head, quit the competition."
"A bit of advice from someone who wasn't interested in your team," Christian spoke up. "Figure out a different recruiting method. The gifting of a free win is fine for the sheep that your team imploys, but it isn't for those of us who have brains."
With those venomous words, Christian turned back toward his house. He nodded at Professor Oak before beginning the walk back, and mouthed the word "thanks" for the gift that Oak had given him, even though he had never opened it.
"Happy birthday, kid," Jericho called after him.
Author's Note: I know that it has been forever since I updated this, and this chapter might even be lackluster in terms of what may, or may not, be expected of me. More chapters are definitely in the works so the updates should be more frequent. Keep your eyes out. Thank you for your patience.