I woke up late the next morning, yet feeling very energetic. I was not sure if it was the good food from last night, the workout, or knowing I'll be getting my first Pokémon. "My first Pokemon...I never would have even thought this day could come. I always wished I could have an actual Pokémon. I had plushies, lamps, clothing, etc. in my old life." My head lowered a little. "My old life...I...I still wish I knew what happened to them. Is everyone ok? What happened to me?" This was the first time I had thought about them almost since this began. What was supposed to be an exciting day for me was starting to turn depressing. "Is this really what I want? Is this worth it? I know I said I felt like I would fit in here, but what if I don't? Did I really throw away an ok life for god knows what may happen? My mind was pulled back to reality as I heard my "mom" call my name.
"Alex honey, are you up? You need to be at the lab soon."
"Yeah, I'll be down in a minute" I responded in a less than lively tone. I got dressed and grabbed my stuff. I slinked down the stairs and headed towards the car without a word.
"Everything ok Alex?" My "dad" asked. "This is a huge day for you, you've worked hard to earn this."
"Yeah, I...just guess I'm a little nervous and kinda tired.
"That's understandable honey" my "mom" said, placing her hand on my shoulder. "I'm certain you'll do well, as long as you put in the same effort you've been."
I tried to put on a smile. "Thanks. We should get going." I sat in the car, only speaking occasionally when addressed. My mind was still on my thoughts from earlier about my old life. I was still fighting my feelings on what was going on when arrived.
"Ok son, we'll be heading home" my "dad" said. "We figure you'll want to spend some time with your new partner today. We'll all have dinner together and then you'll begin you journey tomorrow. Good luck" he said as I got out of the car. They bother waved goodbye to me as they drove away. I headed into the lab, but was greeted by a much more lively sight than usual.
There was a bunch of people here, all about my age. A quick count brought it to about sixty kids, probably all of which graduated from the same school I did. As the door closed behind me, the audible click seemed to get a few people's attention. A hush fell over the group as the entire group eventually turned to look at me, making me even more nervous and uncomfortable that I had been. A few whispers and some hushed speaking could just be heard, but suddenly my name being yelled broke the silence. Someone pushed through the crowd and rushed toward me, wrapping their arms around me almost knocking me to the ground.
"OHMYARCEUS Alex it's so good to see you again are you ok?!" It took me a moment to understand what they said. I could also tell by the voice that it was a girl. While unfamiliar, the hug did feel good and I put my arms around her as well.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Thank you."
She pulled back and wiped the tears from her eyes, giving me a chance to actually see her. The first thing I noticed were her eyes, dark, piercing green, like emeralds. She had shoulder length fire red hair, stood a little shorter than me, and was really attractive. She was wearing a black t-shirt with the four main poke ball types on it, some ripped jeans, and black hiking boots. "Do...do you remember me at all Alex?" She asked with anticipation.
While looking through my personal affects during the two weeks, I came across some photos of me with some other kids. Two in particular stood out, her being one of them. I had considered asking my parents about them, but thought it may be better to wait until I knew what happened with the exam. I looked at her as apologetic as I could. "I'm sorry, I don't. I did find some pictures with us together, but I don't remember you."
Her mood turned somber, as I would have expected. "It's ok...I had a feeling you wouldn't remember us."
"Us?" I asked with slightly confused look. Another boy walked up behind the girl. He seemed to follow her, just not rushing like she did. He was about the same height as me, with short jet black hair. He was built, looking like someone who had strength trained most of his life. He wore a simple white shirt, blue mesh shorts, and sandals. He approached me and put out his hand in a motion to do a fist clasp. As I did, he pulled me into him and put his other arm around me in the traditional "bro hug." I returned the gesture, realizing I couldn't resist him even if I tried.
"It's good to see you again man. You had us worried. We wanted to see you, but figured it would be best to let you focus on your...studies undisturbed. We planned to see you afterwards regardless of what happened." He pulled back and looked at me, seeing the look of both appreciation and confusion on my face. "Heh, I guess you don't remember either of us." I shook my head no. He looked over to the girl with a smile, and she seemed to perk up at that. She looked to me and spoke.
"Well, I'm Esmerelda, but everyone calls me Ez."
"I'm Mahrkus, but Marc for short. We...we were your best friends, before all this happened.
"Yeah" Ez added. "We didn't grow up together, me being from Rustboro and Marc here being in Petalburg. We all met at the Academy and have kinda been inseparable ever since.
"Don't worry about it man" Marc said as he put his hand on my shoulder and smiled. "Let's get our licenses and Pokémon, and then we can take some time to catch up. I'll sure this is overwhelming for you, so we don't wanna put any more pressure on you than you already have." He looked as Ez while saying this, she smiled and nodded back.
"Attention trainers!" A voice echoed over the crowd, which I picked up to be Professor Birch. Everyone quieted down and looked ahead. "As you all know, I am Professor Nathaniel Birch. You are all here today as graduates of the Rustboro Pokemon Academy to begin your Pokémon journey. There are questions I'm sure, but we will do our best to answer them as the ceremony goes on. Now, to explain what will happen, I will be joined by the lovely Roxanne." Roxanne, blushing slightly at that, walked up next to Professor Birch.
"Thank you Professor. As you all know, I am Roxanne. I was not only one of your instructors at the Academy, but I am also the Rustboro City Gym leader, and generally one of the first stops on the gym challenge that most of you will be embarking on. For today, everyone here will be given their new Pokédex. This contains not only standard Pokédex functions, but also has GPS, a regional map, as well as a few other functions I'll let you guys discover on your own. You will also all be given you starter Pokémon, who will join you as you set out on your journey...tomorrow." As few surprises and confused sounds came from the crowd. "Yes, you heard me correct. Today is meant for everyone to spend time with their Pokémon, beginning the start of your relationship and getting to know each other before you set out. Some of you may discover the Pokémon you wanted may not fit well for you, so we want to allow some time to...let you both get a feel for each other. Now, let us begin."
Professor Birch stepped forward. "When you name is called, please make your way up front to Roxanne and I. We will present you with your Pokédex and Pokémon. You may then return to the crowd until everyone has been called. After that, you may do as you wish. There is a large space behind the lab, as well as various other places around the town you my go to do whatever you wish. I would like to ask that you do not send out your Pokémon for the first time until we are finished and have begun to disperse. That amount of people around here may be too much for some, and we do not wish to subject them to any unnecessary stress. Now, let us begin. First up, Elijah Venni"
The ceremony went on for about an hour and a half. As more people got called and got their stuff, the crowd began to split apart into smaller group of people just chatting with each other, only really paying attention when one of their group went up. Ez was called up around half way through and Marc about twenty minutes later. As they seemed to get closer to the end, I began to worry a little bit since my name had not been called yet. "I hope they didn't forget about me" I thought to myself. A moment later, Professor Birch cleared his throat.
"Now, there is one last person. We decided to save him for the end, as kind of the wrap up story for the class. Alexander Pyrite, please make your way up!" I slowly walked my way through the crowds, noticing all the looks and hearing all the whispers coming my way. As I stopped in front of Professor Birch, he placed his hand on my shoulder and turned us both to face the group.
"Now, as many of you know, Alex here has had a very...unusual circumstance occur only two weeks ago. He suffered a blow to the head, and has gotten amnesia as a result. Somehow though, he has retained his knowledge of Pokémon and many aspects of life around them. He always aspired to be a great trainer, and those aspirations seemed to have endured through all of this. He came to me, still with the desire to fulfill his dream. He has spent the last two weeks preparing to take a modified exam to prove he still has what it takes. Not only did be pass, but he did even better than his original scores on the original final. If that isn't a graduation story for the ages, I don't know what is!" Cheering erupted from the crowd along with rounds of applause. I just stood in awe at the sight, never imagining something like this could even be possible. The feeling of support was overwhelming, and it took all I had not to completely breakdown and cry.
With tears streaming down my face, I thought it best to say something. "Thank you everyone for your support. There is still a lot unfamiliar to me, but I'm truly glad to have people like you to help me through this. I am going to do my best to make everyone proud and show the world what a true Pokémon trainer is. I know you all will do the same, and we will go forth and make this world even better, for people and Pokémon alike." The roar from the crowd almost deafening after that, seeming to inspire many of the other young trainers. It took nearly another minute for the crowd to settle, so Professor Birch could continue.
"Very good Alex, very inspirational. It seems you haven't lost your aptitude with words. Now, to conclude this ceremony. Alexander Pyrite, I present you with you official Pokédex and Pokémon License, as well as your very first Pokémon. He handed me the Pokédex first, which I placed in my pocket after a moment of staring at it. However, when he handed me the Pokeball, I was so beside myself I ended up fumbling the ball and dropped it.
When it hit the ground, the button lit up and opened up in a brilliant flash of light. Before me stood a small brown fox with white fluffy hair around its neck. The Eevee let out a cute sound as it shook its head, looking around to get it bearings. It looked at the crowd and seemed to be a little nervous. It turned away and looked up at me, locking eyes. I smiled, leaning down and reaching my hand out. It pulled back a little, sniffing at my hand.
"Hey there. My name is Alex. I want to be your trainer. Is that ok?" I was choked up and nervous, worried it may not accept me. It looked up with wide eyes, seeing the look in mine. It closed it's eyes and happily chimed "Eee." It jumped up into my arms, as I collapsed to my knees holding it up.
"Well, I guess you couldn't wait any longer huh?" Professor Birch said with a laugh. "So, how about a name for the little girl?"
I looked at her for a second, then smiled. "Are you ok with Sienna?" She smiled and nodded at that. I pulled her close into a hug and the entire group let out an "awe." All of my worries and doubts from that morning had faded away. At this moment, I felt happier that I ever had in my entire life. I knew it wouldn't always be like this, but right now it felt worth it to me.