I woke up without saying anything, turned to the skull-shaped alarm clock and turned it off. Then I wondered why I should wake up at 6 am, more than four hours earlier than usual on a public holiday. Then I remembered.
"Oh shit! The Pokédex ceremony! " I realized. I got up and dressed quickly in my usual clothes, I didn't have much variety of clothes, many were identical to each other, mostly black or dark purple - I hated being labeled "goth", I just like the colors - I observed a shirt with a Marowak skull on it - thinking about it, not even the adjective "punk" I liked - in the end I opted for a black t shirt, purple shirt and red borders and dark purple pants, then got off and slowly walked into the kitchen. My father looked at me as he lowered the newspaper. "I didn't know Romero's zombies were in my house."
"Your sense of humor never changes I see." I mumbled, then took a long yawn, and immediately after a quick breakfast.
'I'm about to leave.' I realized. 'An official trainer, and one of those chosen to use Professor Oak's new invention.' I signed up for the selection more on a whim, after reading the announcement. I asked my teachers to write me the recommendation and then waited, without much hope, until a week ago, when I was awakened by my surprisingly cheerful father.
"Well Raziel, you should tell your uncle that there is another researcher in the family." He simply told me.
I was delighted, but also surprised. Professor Oak had taken me seriously on over a hundred candidates. I knew I did well in the practical exam, but in the written ones I was certainly not among the best among the students of Lavender Town and Saffron City, much less among those of Kanto.
I looked around one last time before leaving. My younger brother was still asleep, the aquarium with his shiny Dratini inside next to him. I wondered if I should wake him up to say goodbye, but it was better not. After all, it wouldn't have been the last time I'd been to Lavander Town. My brother had gotten weird over the past year, getting colder and colder towards me. Waking him was certainly NOT the best idea to improve our relationship. I said goodbye to my mother, took my backpack and left the house, and then got into the car that was waiting for me outside. In four hours I would be in Pallet Town, and by five a trainer with a starter and a Pokémon.
-x-
"Helloooooo, July!" He exclaimed the brown-haired boy, cheerfully greeting his closest friend.
"Good morning Andrew. I see that you are in a good mood. " She answered the girl, whose dark blonde hair stopped before her shoulder.
"Why shouldn't I? We are about to become trainers, July! We're about to have a Pokédex! AND. WE. WILL. CONQUER. THE. LEAGUE." Andrew said as his tone grew louder.
"Before that happens, you losers will have to go over my corpse." A familiar voice said. They both sighed and turned to find themselves in front of Blue Oak, the largest inflated balloon on the western side of Kanto. They regretted the months in which Blue had gone to study in Europe, in Kalos.
"Hi Blue." Andrew said with much less cheerfulness than he had done with July. July just nodded towards him.
"Hello losers, how are your silver medals?" He asked, making fun of both July and Andrew. Both had the same mark in the final exam, only ten points less than Blue, and the boy was more than happy to remind him.
The three went together to Oak's laboratory. Not that they wanted to go with Blue or that Blue wanted to go with them, but there was only one path, and they both wanted to avoid that arrogant Blue. Notwithstanding everything, July and Andrew remembered being much closer to Blue when they were youngers.
The laboratory was surrounded by a small group of onlookers. Some reporters from smaller news outlets were taking photos of the ceremony that would celebrate this "unprecedented experiment", and others were just there to see who the professor had chosen. When they arrived, most of the people cheered: in a town like Pallet Town, the best grades from the Academy for Trainers were pretty well known.
"Welcome, welcome!" Oak said cheerfully "Blue, Andrew ... Juliet ..."
"July."
"Yes, what I said." Oak replied. "We only have to wait another ten minutes or so. Take a seat, I'll offer you some tea while we wait. "
The three looked around. Most of the chairs were set aside behind the larger bookcases, and were covered with piles of paper. The professor was probably trying to make the Lab as presentable as possible for the press.
Next to them, in the room was an elderly Nidoking, sleeping noisily in the corner, drooling what appeared to be poison. July remembered that in his youth the Pokémon was Oak's starter; he managed to defeat Agatha's Gengar during their fight in the League when he was still a Nidorino. It was strange to think that that humble - well ... relatively humble - researcher, had been the Champion of Kanto for ten consecutive years, and he retired only by his decision and not because someone defeated him.
After about ten minutes, as the professor said, the door opened and a fourth young man entered the room. Pale, thin, long black hair - well long for a man at least - dressed in dark, the only colors that were minimally 'bright' were dark purple and blood red and a chain hanging from one side. July tried to figure out if he was a lover of gothic or a punk, or if he simply had a sense of fashion all his own. 'And he really needs some sun.' She added.
Andrew had a similar impression to the girl, although he was polite enough not to say anything. Blue wasn't "So, did you rise from a grave or did you just come back from a concert?"
Raziel looked at him puzzled. 'He definitely has a sense of fashion all to himself.' July concluded. However, the fact that she liked dressing up as a tomboy was the main source of her gossip about her for years, so she could empathize with him, at least a little.
-x-
I looked at the other four people in the room. The professor seemed to be busy with something on his desk, so I concentrated on the other three people, who were the same age as me. The girl, I had to admit, was some of the prettiest I'd ever seen, which was surprising to someone in tomboy clothing. Short hair, a long blue-gray and red sweatshirt, enough to cover her shorts and black boots.
The two boys wore normal clothing, and had hair of more or less the same length, deliberately unkempt. Everyone seemed focused on my clothes. I smiled. I liked my style, and I was hoping I made a good impression.
So I was surprised by the question of one of the three, of the teenager in the black shirt. I looked at him puzzled for a while, then I giggled "The first?" I told him. I liked graveyards, you can find a lot of interesting Pokémon there.
The other boy laughed "I like this one." He said then approached "Andrew."
"Raziel." I answered after a moment of hesitation, and then shake his hand.
"NORA!" The girl exclaimed, jumping between the two of us "Seriously, my name is July. Welcome to Pallet Town. "
"Really moving." The last boy said "The birth of a beautiful friendship and all the rest. But can we get to the part where we get the Dex now? "
The professor raised his head from his desk just then, turning to me.
"Ah, Raziel, you're here too." He said, "I thought I'd add a finishing touch, sorry. But here they are, all ready for you. "
We all stared in amazement at the four Dexes on the table. Along with them there were also four Poké Balls, one for each of us.
"So, I asked your parents what kind of Pokémon you would like, and they were kind enough to give me some guidelines." He said looking at me "Very specific to be honest." I blushed, I knew what that meant.
Oak went out for a moment, and returned followed by the crowd. The few reporters took pictures of the four of us with Professor Oak, and then the main event began.
"Welcome everyone to this new step for Pokémon research. For decades, I have been gathering information on all Pokémon in the Kanto region, just as my fellow Professors around the world have done and are doing. And today I am proud to announce the result of these researches, a door to the future! Here is the first digital Pokédex! " He said holding up the small object. It looked like a digital guide, with a retractable touchscreen for easy access to various functions. "This magnificent tool is both an encyclopedia and, thanks to its connection to the trainer's Poké Balls, a functional computer. It will allow trainers to monitor the condition of their Pokémon, and to further analyze the growth of those you choose to bring along. As many you know, I am convinced that the mutual bond between a Trainer and his Pokémon is what makes them both stronger. Now I'll show you. " He handed each of us a Pokédex: black to me, blue to Blue, red to Andrew and green to July. "Also, the Dex will help these trainers on their journey. They will have information on each Pokémon they may encounter. Information that, should it prove to be false or even slightly inaccurate, can immediately report me for a review. Imagine how quickly research can progress when more people are assigned their own Pokédex! "
I noticed that the crowd was not particularly enthusiastic about the long explanation. Some people were listening, scientists I bet, while the reporters were taking notes, but the others showed at best a slight curiosity, to the point that I wondered why they were there. Maybe in the hope of appearing in the news photos or simply out of respect for the elderly professor. On the other hand, he was still a celebrity.
Oak smiled, then pointed to the four of us in the direction of the table "Your starters await you." He said.
We all walked over to the table, and each of us touched our respective Poké Balls. There was a slight "beep" and the Pokédex showed us the Pokémon inside. Oak was visibly VERY excited.
I smiled and opened mine, which produced a Gastly. The Pokémon turned to me and smiled ... then started licking my hand. There was an unpleasant tingling sensation and I felt my hand go limp, paralyzed. Gastly laughed as Oak rushed over to me with an Antiparalysis. But I was happy. I wanted to become a Ghost Specialist, just like Agatha of the Elite Four or Morty of Johto. Now I was taking my first step.
The other three displayed their Pokémon almost at the same time. July tried to hug a Bulbasaur, who apparently had no interest other than her in breaking free from her grip. Andrew was looking at a Charmander, but the two seemed to get along well as Blue watched his Squirtle closely.
'I guess there's always something to discover about a new Pokémon.' I thought, turning to Gastly, who seemed more curious than dangerous, despite the nature of the species. I called it back into his Poké Ball, then turned to the Professor.
"Thank you Professor." I said bowing my head "I'll make sure I treat him well and I'll do my best to help with your research."
Oak smiled "Well ... Richard ..."
"Raziel."
Oak ignored me. "As I said, the heart of this research lies in the bond between Trainer and Pokémon. If I understand correctly, you intend to face the League only with Gastly, right? " While he was looking for something in the drawers.
"Unless I come across, by some divine miracle, and find another Ghost here in Kanto ... Yes"
Oak smiled, after finding what he was looking for and placing a pack of ten Poké Balls for each of us on the table "Well then, I expect some great discoveries about how the bond between you two will affect your growth."
I was ... surprised. People usually defined my dream of winning the League using only Ghosts as ridiculous, especially after realizing that I would do it with only one Pokémon. But I was convinced that it was possible. There was a precedent for a League winner with only two Pokémon, so maybe there was hope.
-x-
Blue watched the boy in dark clothes as he thanked the Professor. Winning the League with just one Pokémon? Nonsense! If that were possible, it would mean that the Elite Four and the Champion were worth less than nothing. Training is a complex exercise in strategic thinking, not a foolish rash attempt to hope to win the League with just one Pokémon.
"Hey, Raziel!" He called "Do you want a challenge? One against one, so for sportsmanship. " He said.
"Since when do you care about sportsmanship?" July asked recalling her Bulbasaur.
"Yeah, why are you so interested in taking on Raziel?"
"Oh come on, I just want to try our new Pokémon in a friendly match." Blue said. 'And show him immediately that there are bigger fish in these waters.'
Meanwhile Raziel nodded and walked away "Can we use the room, professor?"
The man nodded "Of course, for sure you can't make it worse than it already is."
Raziel nodded and lined up Gastly. Blue did the same with Squirtle. The two Pokémon stared at each other for a while.
Squirtle attacked first with Bubble, as per command. A jet of bubbles flew from his mouth to Gastly, who was hit.
Raziel simply said "Lick it." And Gastly complied, approaching and licking Squirtle in the face. Squirtle immediately tensed, his face paralyzed. The Pokémon then jumped back and used Bubble again, but Gastly simply stepped out of its line of sight and laughed.
'Are you mocking me ?!' Blue wondered, furious "Come on Squirtle, try to recover and kill him with Bubble!"
"How do you kill a creature that's already dead?" July asked.
"Shut up!" Blue replied. Meanwhile Squirtle tried to use Bubble again, which was quite difficult with a paralyzed face. To make matters worse, Gastly went back to licking it again, this time on one hand.
'It's getting annoying ...' Blue thought. Now it almost seemed like he was going to lose. Him, the strongest trainer in all of Pallet Town's Academy who loses against a ball of gas?
"Come on Squirtle, do something!" He screamed. And Squirtle did something, jumped forward with ... Tackle. His body simply passed through Gastly's, and the Ghost licked it again, and this time it was Squirtle's right paw that went limp.
Blu looked around, noting that many people were giggling at the scene. In reality, getting angry wouldn't have helped him in any way. The last order was the stupidest he could have given to an untrained Pokémon. It was obvious that his first reaction was to use Tackle against an enemy. He then ordered the Pokémon to use Bubble. Squirtle didn't move.
Because he was defeated by the last Lick.
After all, Blu wasn't having a good day.
-x-
I smiled victorious. A great start to my trainer career. I almost slapped myself on the back, even though much of the credit was Gastly's. A low-level battle like this usually ended with the toughest Pokémon winning. Apparently a gas ball was stronger than a turtle.
Blue simply called his Squirtle back and walked away, angry. I wondered why, seeing him leave the Laboratory. It had been his idea to challenge me.
"Forget him." July said approaching "He hasn't lost for a few years, I guess it will take him some time to digest it."
"Yeah, usually he just wins. I guess a defeat will make him pipe down a bit. " Andrew added.
We talked a little longer, while the audience slowly withdrew from the room, realizing that the interesting things had already been said or done. When the room cleared, the professor turned around.
"Well, I guess you're eager to get started." He said, "Viridian City is right here to the north, where you can get your first badge. But you better be on your guard, the Gym Leader there is very reserved, and is known for being the strongest in the region. If you don't hear it, I recommend you head to Pewter City, which is considered the best gym for newbies. " Then he pointed to the Dex "I installed the map application on it, although I'm sure you can handle smartphones much better than me, so I doubt you'll need the map, but I wanted to install it for safety."
The three of us nodded.
"Well then, good luck." He said.
"Thank you Professor." July said "For both Bulbasaur and the Pokédex."
"The same goes for me." Andrew added "Charmander is the best, I'm sure!"
-x-
The Professor smiled. No matter how many times he had seen that scene, the beauty of a Trainer's journey start was always a wonderful sight. He just hoped that all of them could have a promising future.
He watched them leave the Laboratory and split up, one headed north, the others returned home to prepare for the journey. Soon the three of them ... no ... four, with his grandson, would experience what it really meant to be a trainer. Oak had to admit that he felt a touch of envy and nostalgia.
-x-
"Stupid Raziel with his stupid ghost. Of fucking course he won, he has a Ghost, he is immune to most of the moves that low-level Pokémon learn. Not even Red was that annoying in the academy. But he will see ... I'll tear the League apart in no time, I'll form a team of formidable Pokémon. " He grumbled Blue as he walked along Route 1, until he saw a Pidgey fighting fiercely against a Weedle, managing to get the better of it despite the caterpillar's natural defenses.
Blue watched the scene, until the bird managed to win and claim his coveted meal. The trainer smiled, picking up the Squirtle's Ball.
"Starting with you ..."