Olimpia's Opportunity: Jittery Johto
Season 1 Episode 1: Becoming What I Wanted
„It appears that your son is completely helpless." –this is the first character we're introduced to. We're in a small room, filled with many objects such as shelves crammed full of books about researching serious problems and cures to them. The wall is filled with many plaques and other hanging things.
The mother was weeping. The father looked depraved. The doctor was scratching his head. Nobody knew what to do or how to react.
„Perhaps the option which remains as a last resort is to send him to a private teacher. Homeschooling is not a proper way to educate."- responded the doctor, waiting for an answer to the two almost hopeless parents who tried everything to help and rescue their child from negative thoughts.
„We've tried everything! Nothing worked! We've sent him to counsellors to strengthen him up to no avail. We've paid multiple professionals to help him with his issue. He either escaped from class or just went there, not listening to what those goons said. All of our money is down the drain and this has been bothering us so much that even we became depressed over the last few months." –replied the father with a stern voice.
The room was silent again. The mother was now more worried, she was thinking that they have finally run out of ideas to make their child happy. She has experienced many panic attacks and every time she had to go inside her son's room to do laundry, she immediately felt a nightmare invading her good mood and couldn't stop thinking about the dilemma they've had endured for almost months now.
„Well. There is one, only ONE more way to fix these problems and lower down the obstacles." –the doctor responded. He then proceeded to examine his shelves and took out an old, dusty piece of a poster containing an image of multiple coloured creatures, along with different symbols resembling Pokémon types.
„You want our son to become a Pokémon Trainer?"- asked the father with a confused look on his expressive block.
„There are many trainers out in the world. If he refuses to attend school because of the previously mentioned physical and mental harassment, and even rebels against private education, then the concluding material to this quandary is for him to become a person accompanied by loyal partners."- the doctor said, slowly brushing his large beard with his hands.
„I don't know honey. Is this safe?"- asked the mother with little expectancy.
„How much will it cost?"- asked the father who suddenly turned optimistic.
The doctor laughed. He didn't know a person until know who asked such a 'dumb' thing. Everyone knew that whoever wanted to become a Pokémon trainer did not need any credit to start their journey. Well, only start. They need supplies on the way, but eventually, they overcome obstacle by obstacle.
The parents have left the doctor's office. They were very doubtful, but at the same time, felt that this was going to be their last chance at curing their son and his sorrow. It was an afternoon in the Johto region. They were heading back to New Bark Town from Cherrygrove City. It was a quiet little location where many adventures started and continue to be unwrapped.
„Letting our son outside like that. What happens if something attacks him?"- asked the father with deep mistrust.
„I'm sure he will find an answer to everything. And remember that this is our last opportunity. Or else, he will never be successful." –responded the mother, acknowledging the puzzled father.
Meanwhile, at his house, Olimpia was sitting on his bed, cleansing pictures of himself and his family posed to look happy and cheerful. But the pictures were emotionally the exact opposite. He used to be a joyful person until school and everything his parents brought upon him drove him into a state of melancholy. He wasn't blaming his parents, though, he instead blamed everything which wasn't suitable for him. He felt that he needed to start something and finish it. If not, then at least experience something which he excels at. At the same time, he wanted to be independent, as he has been living with his parents for twelve years and most children left their parents for an adventure at the age of ten. He knew, however, that they were overprotective and wanted the best for him. He tended to leave things unfinished, so the national pokédex was open on his laptop. He resisted coming outside to meet new people or to even move at all. He was just stuck in his bed, constantly thinking and expecting the worst.
His parents had arrived home, and since their son is very quiet and shy, they did not bother saying „I'm home dearie!" or anything like that. But the two understood that they needed to confront their son about his mournful standing. They soon went upstairs and entered his room, and he glanced over his father, who usually carried the representation of both of their emotions.
„Son. I know that you are going through trying times. And this is what we're going to discuss. We don't intend to lecture you, knowing that you'll just ignore our statements. But here is something which might reignite your spirit." –responded his father, handing him a poster. „We're going to leave you on your own now to decide so that our presence won't bother you."-exclaimed the father, pointing downstairs.
With that, they both exited their beloved offspring's room and waited for a call or an answer from upstairs. Olimpia stood up, something he only did when it was dinner time, and examined the poster given to him.
„Pokémon League? Be a master of a type? Stand with your friends in a circle of victory?!" –he said to himself while glaring at the piece. Suddenly, he smiled. It was his hidden dream of finally becoming a trainer. He has been secretly checking the pokédex online to learn more and fictionally assemble a team to become Champion and bring honour to his name and family. His parents, like said before, were in their room exchanging worried faces and spoke on the topic quietly to prevent their son from hearing their opinions. Meanwhile, Olimpia was grinning and went to his bed to 'rampage' under the cover. He was like an empty barrel that was filled with water. He then rushed over to his laptop, and lovingly put his right hand on the screen, pulling it slowly down.
„We're all going to be masters. One day." –he said, still looking at the pictures of Pokémon he would absolutely love to have on his team. He had this habit of walking across his room when he was blissful and mimicked pressing a button on a Pokéball and whispered their names, ordering them to come out and fight. He imagined battling a massive Onix and beating tough gym leaders on the way, posing with their respective badges with happy Pokémon by his side. It was usually dark in his room and the blinds were always down, as he abhorred seeing the outside world, but now he just wanted to get outside and hug every living being. He opened his door and tiptoed over to his parents' room. Before opening it, he overheard the conservation they had.
„The little squirt isn't strong at all. He'll get knocked out by Falkner and we'll have our crybaby right back at our house with nothing to do." –exclaimed his father, Arthur.
„I'm pretty sure that Professor Elm will teach and tell him that Pokémon journeys might start positively, but there are many bumps along the road which they take. But we've already told him many times, so I think he has to overcome that fear himself." –explained his mother.
„I think we should ask him how he's doing. Not to distract him or anything but we've left him alone for fifteen minutes now, and he usually makes his mind up rather quickly." –said Arthur while looking at the door.
As soon as they opened their door, they saw a smirking Olimpia standing by their entrance. They were baffled. Their son was wearing an expression they haven't seen before, only on rare occasions.
„I have already decided. I will become a Pokémon Champion!"-said Olimpia before his parents could utter a word. The duo looked at each other and became happy. They took it for granted that their son will forever drown in a whirlpool of failures and dismay. But now, there he was! Fine and dandy, looking forward to finally become something which he always fantasized about.
„That's the spirit my boy!"-stated Arthur, putting his hands on his head, patting it and winking at his wife affectionately. „I think we'll as well go and find Professor Elm then!"-voiced his father.
„No!"-barked Olimpia, as his parents' face went from happy to downright confused again. „I'll go and find Professor Elm myself. It's truly time I understand the realities of this world. But I'll only start my travels tomorrow. I'll just drop by his laboratory to ask him if it's correct to ask for a starter."-responded Olimpia cheerfully.
„Alright, future-champ! We'll expect you back for supper!"-recited his father.
Olimpia went downstairs and opened the door of his home. He then slammed it shut and rushed down the dirt road to the Professor's residence and place where he studies the wondrous lifeforms. He soon stooped on the doorstep, desperately trying to force the door open. Until he was asked by a familiar voice.
„What are you doing, Olimpia?"- asked Jacob.
„I am just trying to find Professor Elm. Do you know where he is?"-questioned Olimpia.
„Elm has departed to Mahogany Town to attend Pryce's Seel Show."-he spoke while hugging a wild Caterpie.
„Aw, shoot! I guess I'll have to wait now. When will he return?"-inquired Olimpia.
„He said he was going to return by night. If you were about to ask for a starter, then I wouldn't advise it. Mom said going out alone into the night is scary."-reprised Jacob.
„If he happens to come back sooner, then alert him that I was searching for a starter Pokémon. I'll now go back to my house. See ya later!"-said Olimpia, while waving goodbye to Jacob. He didn't respond, only followed Olimpia with his eyes as he started disappearing out of sight. Even Jacob was surprised that Olimpia finally came outside and interacted with the locals like him. He knew that he was about to perform a huge step forward.
To be continued…