Pokémon: Radiant Ruby and Shining Sapphire
Chapter 2
The Journey Begins
Professor Birch took both children back to the lab with him. He was a brilliant man, but rather clumsy. He spoke of all sorts of theories about Pokémon and the war 3000 years ago with the extinction that followed. He spoke so long though that both Ruby and Sapphire battled to tune him out. When they finally made it to the lab they walked straight in and there was a desk which he laid the picnic basket on. He looked at Sapphire and smiled, then frowned a little and said, "I'm sorry if your hope was for Torchic, but I think it's already made its own decision." Then he handed the Pokéball to Ruby.
Ruby was confused and asked, "Why are you giving this to me?"
Birch smiled and said, "The way Torchic followed your commands like it did, the only explanation for it is that you have an Aura Bond with it. In other words, the two of you were meant for each other before even meeting."
Ruby's eyes opened wide because the realization that he was just given his chance to fulfill his dream. All he could muster was, "Thank... You... Sir..."
Sapphire then said, "No worries, I was really wanting the water type anyway, Mudkip isn't it?"
Birch smiled again. "Mudkip it is then." He handed another Pokéball to her. "The magnet is already attached to Ruby's glove so have him buy you one in Oldale Town past 101." He winked at Ruby who just shrugged and nodded because it seemed fair enough.
Sapphire laughed then said, "You heard the man let's go, no wait better idea, I'll go to route 103 while you buy it."
Birch laughed and then added, "Don't leave just yet I have another gift for you, actually both of you." He reached into a satchel by the basket and pulled out two small red electrical devices. "These were sent to me from Professor Oak of Kanto, they are Pokedexs. These register data for the Pokemon that you see on your adventure. I would like you two to travel the region and collect data for the Pokemon here." He handed the Pokedexs to the two children.
Ruby pitched in quick, "I should probably tell my mom if I'm going to do this. How about I check and if it's a yes, I'll E-mail Sapphire and we'll leave tomorrow morning."
"Fine by me." Sapphire said.
Then the two left for their homes. They split in the middle of their two houses.
"See you tomorrow morning." Sapphire said while leaving.
"Hopefully." Ruby replied as he waved goodbye.
Ruby went into his house to be greeted by his mother. It was the first time that he had seen his house unpacked and clean. It was a small house but nice.
He went to his mother and asked, "Mom, I know this is really soon but can I go out and explore the region?"
Cylesta was confused, this wasn't the Ruby she remembered raising. Usually he would just lock himself in his room and keep himself concealed from the world. And now he wants to go on an adventure, "How odd." She thought to herself.
"What do you mean by explore the region?" She asked, then she added added, "You can't go really anywhere in the wild without a Pokemon to protect you."
Ruby stated, "Yeah that's why I have this." He took the Pokéball off the back of his belt.
His mom jumped when he showed her. "Where did you get that?" She asked.
"Professor Birch gave it to me." He answered and then answered her earlier question, "And I mean travel across the region. A little self-explanatory."
They both sat and ate dinner and talked about it. They dismissed and she said she would give him an answer by 9.
Ruby went upstairs to his room and played some Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Then he remembered his Pokemon. He took the ball and opened it releasing the orange chick once again. He also got the idea to record it on his Pokedex. He flipped it open and pointed the back camera at the Pokemon and it read off:
Torchic
The flame chick Pokémon
Height: 1'1" Average Weight: 5.5lbs
This Pokemon breaths fire of over 1800 degrees F, including fireballs that leave their target scorched black.
Ruby looked down at Torchic and started to pet it. It gave a small cough and the flames came out of its mouth and hit Ruby's hand. He pulled back but then realized that it didn't hurt and he was confused. He leaned down and touched it and his vision became a dark blue except for Torchic.
It looked up at him then he heard, "Hello new friend."
He was confused because he remembered being the only person in the room so he asked, "Who's there?"
The voice said, "Speak through your mind, I understand but it's fuzzy when you tal normally."
Ruby obeyed and thought, "Who is this?"
The voice then said, "Look right in front of you and down and you'll know."
He followed the instructions but then noticed that this described the Torchic's position.
He thought to himself, "What is going on?"
The voice answered for him, "Yes, you're talking to me."
Ruby quickly pulled away from the Torchic. His vision also returned to its normal status.
"It's ok, now we can talk whenever." Torchic said.
Ruby thought, "How is this happening? What the hell is HAPPENING!"
Torchic answered, "The Aura between a person and a Pokemon can provide for a telepathic link between the two."
Ruby staggered a bit as he thought back "How do you know this? You're just a young Torchic."
"I learned it from my dad before he sent me out into the world."
"He sent you out that young?"
"I'm 12."
"Oh wow you seem much younger, so you're barely younger than me."
"Yep"
The two communicated without their mouths until interrupted by Cylesta barging into his room.
Ruby was surprised at the speed she did it so he fell to the ground and landed flat on his ass. "YES MOM?!" He said incredibly startled.
His mom caught her breath then said, "Me and your father have been talking via phone. We've decided that it would be good for you to go." She noticed the chick in her son's room and said, "So this is the partner you choose. What's its name?"
"It's a Torchic." Ruby answered.
Cylesta looked confused then asked, "Aren't you gona name it?"
Before Ruby could even think of a new name, Torchic interrupted, "I will burn you as you sleep if you think of degrading me to a nickname. I am Torchic and that is all!"
Ruby looked at his mom, gave a small laugh, and told her, "I think I'm just gona keep it Torchic."
"It's your choice I guess." She said.
"Thanks for letting me go though, I think it'll be a real fun experience." Ruby smiled as he said this.
His mom replied with the traditional "You're welcome. See you in the morning!" then walked downstairs with a smile.
"You're lucky little buddy, I didn't name you Mr. Fluffikins." Ruby thought and winked at Torchic.
"You are too, you would've regretted it." Torchic thought in reply.
Ruby got up and went to his computer. He got on his E-mail and addressed 'Shining Sapphire'. The E-mail read:
Hey Sapphire,
Great news! My parents are letting me go! I will meet you in Oldale at 11. E-mail me as soon as you get this in case you need to change plans.
See you tomorrow,
Ruby
Ruby then went back to Torchic. "You excited for this?" He asked
"For what?" It asked.
Ruby forgot that he didn't tell him yet. He then informed him of their trip.
Torchic responded with, "Sounds like fun."
The two thought to each other until the E-mail alert. Ruby got up to check on it. He saw it was from Sapphire so he opened it and it read:
Hey there Ruby,
Sounds Great! Glad that you could come with. A slight adjustment though, I'll meet you on Route 103 like I said I would ok. You have to pass through Oldale so pick up the magnet then plz and ty! I can't wait to go on this trip!
See you out tomorrow!
Sapphire signin off ;)
"She likes you." Torchic said while he tilted his head in a mocking manner.
Ruby turn to it with a puzzled look. "One, we just met today. And two, I thought you said you couldn't understand the human language."
"I don't." It replied, "In order to read without speaking you have to read it in your mind."
Ruby spoke out loud quietly, "This is going to be annoying to get used to."
He called downstairs to his mother, "Goin to bed, I'll talk to you before I leave tomorrow!"
He heard his mom respond, "Okay, I love you. Goodnight!"
Ruby got in his bed and to his surprise Torchic followed.
"Do you want back in your ball?" Ruby asked.
Torchic replied, "'T'was born free and that's how I'm staying."
"Alright. Goodnight Torchic."
"Goodnight Ruby."
The two fell to sleep quickly. Torchic slept fine but Ruby rolled uneasily. He was having a dream.
In the dream Ruby was floating in complete darkness. Then all of the sudden an earth formed below him. It was smooth and flat until a large growl happened. Then a roar and the ground shifted and cracked furiously.
In the distance he saw a large black figure. It roared again and markings of yellow appeared on its body and the ground trembled even more intensely. The figure moved closer and roared again. The yellow markings came back and this time the ground didn't stand a chance. It in-caved upon itself and Ruby fell in. Then a distant wailing noise rang out and water crashed in. It covered the devastated ground and Ruby was washed away by it. Everything was black again because of the water and as he floated he quickly made out a blur of a figure. It wailed and lit up different yellow markings from the previous ones that looked like the letter A. He saw it open its mouth float over to him and clamped its teeth down on him.
Ruby woke breathing incredibly hard. He checked his body and saw it was still on one piece. Once he did this he relaxed and realized it was just a dream. He took a deep breath in then looked up to check the time.
3:40.
He thought, "I guess it wouldn't hurt to get up now and get ready." He sat up, rubbed his eyes, then got out of bed. He went to his closet and pulled his backpack down. It was an adventure pack that he bought years ago in Johto because he was planning on adventuring there, but seemed to never to have had time. He turned around to see Torchic right behind him.
He jumped back a little at the sight of his Pokemon "What are you doing up?" Ruby asked.
"You think too loud," Torchic answered as it plucked its feathers clean. Then asked, "More importantly, why are you up?"
"Can't sleep."
"You forget. I'm in your mind, you were sleeping just fine so cut the bullshit."
"Had a bad dream."
"Care to think about it."
"Not really."
"Ok then."
Ruby then started to pack his bag with clothes. He knew he could wash them in any town. He also had the sudden realization that he would probably see his father in Pettalberg City which was just West of Oldale. His dad was the Gym Leader in the city. He sat up talking to Torchic until 7 about trivial topics, after which he went downstairs where he saw his mother.
Cylesta stood with her usual sweet smile, but you could see that she was a little reluctant to let her son go. "Morning my gem (she sometimes called him this)."
"How long have you been up?" Ruby asked.
"Since 6 when I heard you getting ready." She replied as she gave a half smirk.
Ruby said, "It's not like I'm leaving forever."
"I know. Just be safe ok?"
"I will, I promise mom." He said as he smiled.
Cylesta handed him 3000 pokédollars and hugged him.
"I'll see you later Ruby, I love you." She said as she waved goodbye.
Ruby waved back as Torchic jumped on his shoulder. "I love you too. See ya!"
Then the two began their journey by taking their first step on route 101.
They didn't make it very far before they heard a yell from behind them. "Hey Ruby, wait up!" They turned around and saw Sapphire chasing after them.
Torchic thought to Ruby, "Damn she is cute, well done good sir."
"Shut up!"
"Not moving my mouth now am I?"
Once Sapphire caught up to them she quickly caught her breath then said, "You left a lot earlier than I thought you would." She looked at Torchic and added, "So this is the little guy? He's really cute."
She pet him as Torchic thought to Ruby, "I bet she never called YOU cute."
Ruby replied, "Remind me to try to feed you rocks later."
"I see a great friendship in our future Ruby." Torchic added sarcastically.
Sapphire took out her Pokédex and scanned Torchic. "Interesting about the fire." She said.
They walked until they got to a cliff area and a long patch of tall grass. Pokémon love to attack while they are in tall grass because it gives them the element of surprise.
Ruby stopped Sapphire and said, "I'll go first and clear the way. I have Torchic out and ready."
She agreed and Ruby stepped in the grass and thought to Torchic, "Be ready alright?"
Torchic gave a little nod to show he understood.
They took it slow. The full stretch was about 10 meters. About a third of the way a growl came from the grass. Then out burst a dog like the one before. The two ran to the end and the dog persisted after them. Once they were out of the grass, Torchic jumped off Ruby's shoulder and prepared for a fight. The dog stood a safe distance, still growling. Both Sapphire and Ruby took the time to register it on their Pokédexs. It read off:
Poochyena
The wolf Pokémon
Height: 1'8"
Average weight: 30.0 lbs
This Pokémon takes a bite at anything that moves its way. It often exhausts its prey by chasing after it until it's tired and unable to fight back.
Ruby thought, "Well we aren't exhausted yet so it doesn't have us where it wants us."
Torchic thought back, "Let's burn something!"
The Poochyena rushed in first mouth open.
"Use ember on the ground in front of it!" Ruby yelled.
Torchic spat a small fireball about a foot away from it. It was shocked so it stopped just in front of the fire.
Ruby commanded again, "Now, it's distracted, use scratch through the fire."
The chick followed orders and ran up to the fire and jumped through it. Torchic clawed at the dogs face with its talons, drawing some blood. The Poochyena yelped and riled Torchic off of it then pounced on top of the small bird, pinning it to the ground.
Ruby had no choice at this moment, he had to kill it. He yelled, "Torchic use ember now!"
Torchic mustered up another fireball which it hurled at the Poochyena, igniting it's fur in an instant. The helpless Pokémon sprang off the bird and rolled around on fire. It did this until it gave up, and the fire charred off its skin. It gave one last whimper and then it finally died.
It was quiet after. As if nature honored the wolf's death. Although harsh, death was a major part in the Pokémon world. It was just like normal animals in the sense of hunt or be hunted.
Ruby stood there, shocked because it was the first time he had ever seen a real life death. Sapphire went up and put her hand on his shoulder. Torchic just looked up and thought to him, "I'm sorry, but know that because of your ability to react that fast you did save my life, so thank you."
Ruby replied, "You're welcome." Then he turned and said to Sapphire, "We should keep moving. More will come otherwise." Then he looked down at the corpse again and said, "I'm taking the body with me and we'll sink it in the river, it at least deserves that."
Sapphire pitched in softly, "Ruby you did what you had to do to save your partner. Death happens sometimes and you can't help it. Just leave the..."
Ruby cut her off and yelled, "Don't patronize me ok? I'm taking the body and you can't stop me. I didn't want to have to kill it but I did. I know I had to but don't you dare start to tell me I can't give it at least a proper resting place!"
Sapphire backed away and just whispered, "Alright then."
He picked up the charred body and carried it to Oldale. He stayed to the right of the town and went left off onto 102. The river flowed downstream and Ruby laid the body next to it. He slowly slid the dog into the water. It floated for a couple seconds and then sank, never to be seen again.
After a little while they decided to turn back to Oldale Town. Sapphire was determined to continue the plan and said, "Ok now without the delays, you go buy me the magnet and I'll meet you on 103 alright?" After saying this, the girl too off to the north.
Ruby looked up and answered, "Sure, why not, see ya on 103."
Torchic laughed/chirped and thought, "are you over the dog's death already? Talk about heartless."
Ruby snarled, "Of course I'm not. I just don't want her to think I'm some sheltered kid who can't own up to the consequences of his own actions. I also don't need a pokemon, who is younger by the way, to treat me like a dumb kid."
Torchic thought, "Oh stop that. Whatever I think doesn't really matter now does it? It's not like I can talk to anyone but you."
After this brief conversation, Ruby decided to find the PokeMart in the town. Oldale was small but not as much as his new hometown. He saw a few small homes on this way to a rather lacking retail side of town.. He walked until he saw a blue roofed building with a Poké Mart sign in front of it. The automatic door opened when he stepped in front of it. Inside was a mass variety of goods. Food, drinks, entertainment, anything. Ruby went to the adventure isle, one that he always wanted a real reason to go into. There was a ton of things, potions, escape ropes, and heals. Next to the potions was the magnet section. He figured Sapphire had roughly the same hand size so he bought the size he had.
The store clerk noticed Torchic before they checked out. He asked, "Are you a Pokémon trainer?"
For the first time ever, Ruby replied, "Yes."
The clerk smiled and pulled out a box from under the counter. He opened it and pulled out a Pokéball. He then said, "Freshly imported, and also now for sale at the Pokémarts, Pokéballs are 200 pokédollars, pretty cheap eh?."
Ruby was interested. He then though remembered the original purpose he went in there for. "First, how much will this glove magnet cost?"
The clerk answered, "That's about 400 Poké."
Ruby said, "Alright, I'll buy this and 10 Pokéballs."
The clerk was rather shocked, "Do you have the money for that?"
Ruby put all 3000 Poké he had on him. The clerk took it and gave 600 back to him. He took out ten Pokéballs from the box and reached under the counter and pulled out a white ball with a red center. He said, "This is a Premier Ball, it's an added bonus whenever you buy 10 or more Pokéballs."
"Why, thank you!" Ruby said excitedly.
He put the eleven balls in his bag and left the mart.
He headed north on Route 103 and right away he saw tall grass again. He reluctantly walked through it to encounter something running into his foot. He fell to the ground and was tackled by a furry ferret like Pokemon. When Ruby got up the creature ran circles around his feet. He pulled out his Pokédex and it red off:
Zigzagoon
The Raccoon Pokémon
Height: 1'4"
Average Weight: 38.6lbs
This Pokémon is restless. It always is moving and finding new things to admire. It is interested in basically anything.
Zigzagoon then jumped back and sniffed around in the tall grass.
Ruby thought to Torchic, "What do you say, ready to add one more to the team?"
Torchic replied, "Fine by me."
Then Ruby took out one of the Pokéballs and threw it at the little raccoon. The ball opened and a red beam took the critter inside. It landed on the ground and shook, once... twice... three times. Then all of the sudden the ball exploded with light and there stood the Zigzagoon ready to protect itself.
"Looks like he's not comin without a fight." Torchic thought.
"Torchic use tackle!" Ruby commanded.
Torchic leapt off Ruby's shoulder and ran in for a blow, but the Zigzagoon side stepped and whipped its tail. The tail hit Torchic off balance and fell to the ground. The playful side of the raccoon came out again as it gave a small snicker at the shamed chick.
Once Torchic got back up Ruby yelled, "Use tackle again!" Then he thought to Torchic, "Swerve right to hit him, that's how he dodged last."
"Got it." Torchic responded.
He ran in for another strike, but this time as the Zigzagoon dodged Torchic followed and landed a solid hit. While the creature was staggered, Ruby threw another Pokéball at it. Once again the Pokémon was brought into the ball by the beam, landed on the ground, and shook three times. Instead of the ball bursting this time, a red light clicked on for the release button.
Ruby stood back for a while longer then walked up to the ball and picked it up. Then he smiled,held the ball in the air, and yelled out, "Number two, for the win!"
Torchic responded to this, "You're so lame."
Ruby put the ball in his adventure pouch, pointed at Torchic, and replied, "Indeed, but shut up."
