Author's Note: Hello there and welcome back to Alana's Trial revamped. Took a bit to finish this one up XD, but the next chapter is already being worked on and is on the way. I hope you enjoy this chapter. Leave any complaints or compliments in the reviews, please.
Alana walked into lab three and took a seat in a chair. Lab 3 was rather empty, only having a Pokemon healing machine, various machinery, a Pokemon containment device, a table, and a few computers strewn about. The room was quiet besides the buzz of the machinery. She took out Kanto and its Gym Leaders and began to read the portion dedicated to Brock. Known as the Rock-Solid trainer, he would be the first stop on her journey. She'd need to come up with a comprehensive strategy before facing him, but she put that thought on the back burner for now. There would be plenty of time to do that once she got her Pokemon. The world blurred around her as she focused on the book. She got so engrossed that she lost track of her surroundings. She looked up from the book after a while and jumped. There was another guy in the room with her! When did he get there? He had on a comfortable-looking brown shirt and simple jeans. He topped his look off with a hat that had a Pokeball logo on it. He noticed her checking him out, and moved closer.
"Hey there, are you starting your journey out today, too?" The boy asked, which got a nod from Alana. The boy kicked back against the wall, crossing his arms, and tapping himself. Alana's first impression of him was that he seemed a bit impatient. She might be reading into it a little bit though. "Are you a huge fan of gym leaders or something?"
Alana was thrown off by the question. As if reading her mind, he pointed right to the book that she was reading. Feeling a bit sheepish, Alana nodded.
"Yeah, I really want to be one. Someday." Alana said quietly quickly averting her eyes.
"Eh, a gym leader is alright, but they aren't the best of the best." Jackson retorted. "I'm aiming for the top spot. You're looking at the future champion of the Kanto League!"
The declaration stayed in the air for a few moments. It didn't seem like he was joking. The confidence that he said made it clear to Alana that he was dead serious.
"Just so you know gym leaders are super powerful. You do know that they have the right to challenge the champion directly, right?" Alana asked, getting a bit defensive about the title.
"Nah I didn't. That doesn't really change anything though. The champion still stands on top of all other trainers, so naturally, it's the best place to be right? The gym leaders are all just obstacles in my way to stardom."
The indigo league tournament was a massive event that took place once a year at Indigo Plateau. Trainers that have collected at least eight badges in the Kanto and/or Johto region can qualify to participate, but there are other ways, as well. Joining the tournament could bring massive fame to the trainer, but the true prize of the event was the privilege to challenge the elite four. Defeating the elite four gave you the right to challenge the champion.
"Once I blow through the elite four I'll take the empty champion spot." Jackson bragged. "And it all starts today with a special pokemon from the old man." He paused for a bit to sit down and check his phone. "Only five minutes left! I'm dying here."
Alana just went back to reading her book to pass the time. Jackson seemed like a bit of a prideful git so she elected to steer clear of any further interactions today. Beating the elite four is something only like one percent of trainers were capable of anyways. Besides she needed to enjoy this while she could. She wouldn't be able to just curl up with a nice book unless she was in a pokemon center. She was reading about Brock's accomplishments in the fossil excavation scene, she heard her name being called. Looking up, she saw Professor Oak standing there.
"Oh um, sorry I got a little too into the book." Alana quickly put the book away and quickly stood up.
"Don't worry, I came in quietly."
"It's an honor to receive a pokemon from you, today Professor. I'm going all the way with this golden ticket you've offered me." Jackson declared. "Oh yeah, mom says hi and thank you as well."
"Um, yeah thank you so much for the opportunity," Alana added on silently chastising herself for not offering her thanks sooner.
"Hoho, there's no need to be so formal you two. When you've seen a child in their diapers that sentiment goes out the door."
"Professor!" "Old Man!"
Oak chuckled as Jackson and Alana both flushed red at the comment that the professor made. Oak cleared his throat and continued. However, there was a quick knock at the door before it opened to reveal a clearly frustrated Heather.
"Professor, Klein and I have run into a slight problem with 'that'," Heather said in an exasperated tone. "We can't quite finish the calibrations in time BECAUSE SOMEONE WAS TWO LAZY TO HOP ON THEIR FEAROW AND FLY TO PALLET TOWN."
The last part she yelled leaning out of the door.
"He sent a girl by the name of Melody to get them, but she shouldn't be back for another fifteen minutes at least."
"I see." Professor Oak said, putting his hand on his chin. "Well, I guess that the surprises will have to wait until after this. The devices won't function properly without those parts."
"Yes, IT WOULD HAVE SAVED SO MUCH TIME IF YOU'D JUST GRABBED THEM!"
"HEY GET OFF MY CASE! IF YOU DON'T LIGHTEN UP NO ONE WILL EVER LIKE YOU YA KNOW?"
"WHAT DID YOU-"
Alana sweatdropped, classic Klein and Heather. They were always fighting but always seemed to work so well together. It was a mystery how they hadn't blown up the lab in one of their arguments. The worst part was trying to get in between them. Oak also seemed to sigh as well, but Jackson seemed a bit confused. Oak shook his head and walked over to the pokemon containment device. He clicked a button on the floor, and it slowly began to open. Within the pod were three pokeballs. Alana's heart began to pound as excitement began to well up within her.
"Jackson, Alana. I have decided to entrust these three pokemon of mine, Charmander, Bulbasaur, and Squirtle, to this new generation. I am too old to care for these baby pokemon and give them the adventure they deserve. I would like to pass one of each to the two of you. Will you two accept the responsibility of raising the pokemon you receive?"
Jackson and Alana both nodded eagerly, their eyes shining in delight. Oak saw this look on their faces and beamed as well. The fire in their eyes made it clear that these two would go on to accomplish great things.
"Well, I'll let the birthday girl choose first. Go ahead, Ms. Alana." Oak said, stepping aside.
Alana took a step forward and looked at the three pokeballs. They were slightly stylized, each having a specific icon on it. One was a small flame symbol, another was a water drop, and the last was a leaf. Alana reached out, but her hand hovered over the three. She pulled her hand back and retreated. She had a rather devious plan. She wanted Charmander but wanted to see which Jackson would pick first.
"I can't decide. You can go first if you want Jackson."
The boy jumped forwards excitedly. It seemed like he had put some time into thinking about this because he instantly chose the Pokeball with the leaf insignia. Seeing his choice, Alana quickly snatched up the one with the fire decor. She smiled inside her mind. If Jackson was going to be her main competitor throughout this journey, then securing an advantage over him was going to be crucial. She was also glad that he picked Bulbasaur. She got to have her cake, and eat it too! Jackson gave her a sideways look but didn't comment. Instead, he minimized the Pokeball and attached it to his belt.
"Thank you, Professor Oak, but I gotta jet. Nice meeting you Alana, but the champion's spot is waiting. See ya later."
Jackson quickly darted away, stunning the older man. On the other hand, Alana still held the Pokeball in her hand. She could hear her heart thump away in her ears. The ball had a cool metallic feeling to it. The ball was rotated again and again as if the receiver couldn't believe that it was in their possession. Wordlessly, Alana clicked the button in the center of the device. It burst open in a flash of brilliant red energy. Standing on the floor below her was a small fire-lizard that had a tail with a small flame on it. Utterly wordless, Alana kneeled down admiring the pokemon. The Charmander eyed her carefully inspecting her movements. She slowly moved her hand towards the fire pokemon's head. Hesitating a couple of moments, Alana carefully stroked its head. The Charmander cooed happily leaning into the pet. A warm fuzzy feeling penetrated Alana's very being. Tears began to pool within her eyes as the realization dawned on her. This was her first partner in this journey. Alana wiped her tears and looked up to professor Oak with glistening eyes. Her smile was spread cheek to cheek illuminating her facial features.
"Thank you so much, Professor," Alana said in a tone of reverence. After that, she redirected her attention to the Charmander. It let out a small burp of fire at Alana, which she barely avoided.
"Ah yes, that Charmander is quite the mischievous one young Alana," Oak warned.
"That's fine, again thank you so much, Professor. I can't begin to show my gratitude." Her attention went back to the small Charmander who had tried to set her bag on fire while she wasn't looking. Quickly stomping the fire out, Alana kneeled down. "So Charmander. It would be weird to just call you by your species name. How about a nickname, like blaze?"
The Charmander snorted, shaking its head in protest.
"Okay, how about Flame then?" there was another shake of the head from the pokemon. After cycling through a few names, Alana finally had a eureka moment. "I'll call you Fefnir!"
The Charmander nodded rapidly, and let out a weak stream of flames in response. Taking that as a yes, Alana picked Fefnir up and hugged it.
Outside, Jackson clutched the ball close to his chest. His heart was beating rapidly, and he felt a bit lightheaded. It was happening, this was really happening! He could barely contain his excitement! He wondered if he kept his cool alright back in the lab. He had resisted the urge to shout out loud right then. He finally had a pokemon of his own. Clicking the button in the middle of the ball, he released the small pokemon in a brilliant flash of red. Materializing on the ground, the small bulbous pokemon appeared. It shook its bulb and stared intensely at Jackson
"Hey there, I'm on a journey to become the ultimate champion. Let's go all the way together." He said putting his fist out to the small pokemon.
The Bulbasaur seemed to be confused by the action. It stuck its own vine out to investigate. Jackson quickly and softly bumped the vine with the fist. The pokemon quickly recoiled its vine at the sudden touch
"That's called a fist bump. You do it with a buddy, Bulbasaur." Jackson explained.
The Pokemon vibrated happily and extended its vine once more. Jackson rose again, and bam. A brilliant fist bump. A huge smile spread on Jackson's face and he beckoned for the pokemon to follow him. Looking back at the pokemon, he failed to see another trainer barreling towards him. Trying to get out of the way of the boy, Melody gracefully danced out of Jackson's path. That was close! She almost fell right into a cliche.
"Hey! You're a trainer like me. We locked eyes, so you know what's up." Jackson declared, whipping his body around and pointing at her.
Melody's eyes lit up, but she quickly shook her head. "I'm sorry random guy, but I gotta get these parts to Professor Oak. If you wait for her for like five minutes I'll be right back."
Without even waiting for Jackson to respond she made a dash into the lab leaving Jackson annoyed, and in the dust. She swung the door open and slammed it behind her. Once Melody quickly realized that she had no idea where she was going, great.
"The professor isn't taking any visit-" Heather called, making a beeline for the door. Her sentence was cut off as her eyes came into contact with Melody's. They traveled down slowly to the parts, and relief seemed to wash over the aide. "Thank you so much, Ms. Melody, come with me."
Heather locked her hand on Melody's arm like a vice grip and practically dragged Melody down the hall. Eve ran along down the hall while Melody stumbled to keep up with the professor's aide. They burst into the room where Oak and Alana were in.
"Professor! She's back with the parts. If we hurry we can finish them within the hour." Heather rattled off.
"I understand, take them to lab 2. I'll be right there." Heather gave Melody a pat on the shoulder as thanks and hurried off to the lab. In the distance she could be heard shouting, 'next time just grab the parts yourself you, idiot!'. Oak sighed and chuckled, turning to Melody. "Melody Alaw correct? Thank you for doing that little errand for my aide."
"Oh, no problem at all. It wasn't even that hard. Completely worth it to meet you. My family are huge fans!" Moving with the speed of an Arcanine Melody quickly moved into position, and snapped a commemorative selfie of her and professor Oak. "That one came out great!"
"I see you are very enthusiastic about this moment, but it is customary to ask before taking a photo of someone." Oak reprimanded
"Oh yeah, sorry Professor Oak, I got a bit excited."
"It's fine, just remember that for next time." The professor said, "Well I happen to have one more pokemon left, and you did me a huge favor. Would you like to travel with it?"
The world seemed to flip upside down at that moment. Melody literally squealed at the prospect. Getting a pokemon from the renowned professor Oak? This was like a dream come true! Melody pinched herself a couple of times.
"Of course I would! Is that even a question!?" Melody exclaimed. She quickly claimed the last of the starters and released the pokemon from its ball.
Appearing in a flash of red light the turtle-like pokemon lazily opened its eyes. It wouldn't have much time to adjust, as Melody quickly picked it up and spun around smiling deeply. The Squirtle was instantly confused by the girl's actions, and blasted a bubble of water at Melody's face, soaking her head. She laughed and set the water type pokemon down. Eve approached Squirtle and ran around it excitedly. Melody let out a joyous laugh as the two pokemon bonded with each other.
"Hey there, I'm going to call you Bubbles. Nothing against that right?" Responding to her question, Bubbles the Squirtle blasted Melody with another bubble to the face. Laughing, Melody picked the Squirtle up, and took out her phone. Eve hastily made her way to Melody's shoulder, and she snapped the photo quickly. "Thanks, professor. If ya need anything from me just let me know."
"Actually, I did have something. I needed a second trainer to help out with my research, and the other candidate rushed out before I could ask him. Would you be willing to help me in his place?" Oak asked, which got a quick nod from Melody. No questions asked, huh. He appreciated Melody's enthusiasm. "Then just wait here, I'll be back shortly."
Professor Oak left the room, leaving Alana and Melody to bond with their new pokemon. Alana grabbed her book out of her bag and began to read, much to the annoyance of the Charmander. With a quick swipe, the small pokemon knocked the book out of her hands. Alana picked it back up, only for the Charmander to knock it down again. A couple of times later, she realized it was going to be futile, and directed her attention to Fefnir.
On the other side of things, Eve and Bubbles seemed to be hitting it off. They played together and were chasing each other around. Melody was laughing and playing around with the two pokemon as well. After around ten minutes though, Melody hit Alana with a look. You know the one, it was almost as if an exclamation mark appeared over Melody's head. Smiling, the girl quickly approached Alana.
"Hey Alana, you're a trainer now, do you know what that means? It means when your eyes lock with another trainer's you're in for a battle." Melody said in a sing-song tone.
"That wouldn't be fair, you've got two pokemon." Alana quickly protested. It seemed Fefnir wasn't so hesitant though. It already seemed to be raring to go. It ran up to Bubbles and began roughhousing.
"That's fair, so I'll just use Bubbles then."
Alana almost refused. She was at an inherent disadvantage here. Fire types were weak to water types, but she couldn't deny the excitement beginning to rise up within her. The way that Fefnir was roughhousing with the Squirtle meant it was ready to battle.
"Fine, but let's take this outback. Battling in here with all of the equipment would just make Heather yell at us." Alana said beckoning for Melody to follow her.
Alana led Melody to the back of the lab and opened the door. The backyard of the lab was a lush ecosystem with many species of Pokemon roaming around. Melody looked around taking in the sights.
"Alright you stand there, and I'll stand over here, and we can battle."
"Alright then Bubbles you're up."
"You too Fefnir."
The two pokemon stepped up to face each other. Fefnir was growling, and its mouth was heating up with the embers in its mouth. Bubbles got into a fighting stance preparing to do battle. A knot formed in Alana's stomach as she realized that she had no idea what moves that Fefnir could use. She thought back to some of the lessons she learned in school and decided to go with one of the most basic moves a good portion of all pokemon can use.
"Fefnir use Tackle," Alana called out. Fefnir looked back at her and gave her a look that clearly showed they had no idea what she was talking about. Well, that was strike one. Time to pitch again. "Fefnir use Scratch."
This time Alana got a response. Fefnir hopped forward flashing its claws at Bubbles. It cut at the other pokemon in a relatively unimpressive manner. It didn't make her opponent recoil just a bit though so it must have done some damage. Melody had a better grasp on battling, and the moves that pokemon could use. In fact, Bubbles had already displayed the capacity to use it earlier.
"Bubbles strike back with bubble."
Bubbles nodded back in Melody's direction and began to pool water within its mouth. It blew a couple of bubbles, and fired them at Fefnir. They floated over and popped on the fire type causing it to cry out. It definitely did critical damage to it. Alana's shoulder slumped. That's what she gets for walking into a battle with a clear type advantage.
"Fefnir use scratch again." She said in a dejected tone.
The second verse is the same as the first. When Bubbles countered with bubble it was all over. Fefnir fainted, and Melody earned victory. She ran up to her new pokemon and lifted it up smiling. Not bad for a first battle. Eve celebrated alongside the two. Alana on the other hand dragged her way to Fefnir. Gently picking it up, she cradled it in her arms. It woke up and snorted.
"I know, I don't like it either. Let's get better together Fef." Alana's determination permeated her voice. Recognizing this the fire type perked up.
"Little Alana's first battle, did you two have fun?" Leaning in the door to the lab stood Klein.
"Yeah it was pretty invigorating," Melody reported.
"Easy to say that when you're the one who won." A hint of bitterness snuck its way into her voice. "But it was a good experience I guess."
Klein walked up to Alana and patted her on the head. "Don't let it get to you kid. If ya fail just get back up and keep trying. You'll have to learn that if you want to achieve your goal. I'm rooting for ya kid." Alana smiled, and Klein went back towards the door. "The old man has those surprises for ya. Come on, they're pretty cool."
The two girls followed Klein back into the room they had just left. A small table had been rolled out, and on ti were two sleek red devices. Heather and Oak were standing in the room as well. Heather seemed to have a dopey, satisfied expression on her face, while Oak's smile was more introspective. He walked in front of the table and cleared his throat, then took a deep breath.
"I have a request for you two. On the table, there is my invention, the Pokedex. It is a high-tech encyclopedia of every pokemon known to use at the moment. It can give you valuable information on various pokemon, but in its current state, it's incomplete. It was my dream to complete it, but I'm too old as I am now, so I want you two to fulfill my dream for me. This is a great undertaking in history!"
Stepping aside, he made room for the trainers to grab the devices. Melody was the first to eagerly leap forward and grab one. She was sure that she would run into all types of Pokemon in her grand adventure. Something like this could be revolutionary, and she was given the chance to take part in it? Only an idiot would refuse something like that! However, Alana seemed to hesitate a little bit. Was she worth an honor like that? It felt like Klein or Heather would be better suited for a task like that. She slowly approached the table and grabbed one without voicing her concerns. Heather stepped forwards and cleared her throat. Taking out a thick booklet, she handed it to Melody and Alana.
"We realize that you two must be in a hurry, so we have taken the liberty of recording the more advanced functions of the Pokedex in the books we just handed you," Heather explained. Alana seemed to briefly flip through it, while Melody just tucked hers in her back. "Now for basic functions, Alana please point the Pokedex at your Charmander. Then press the red button on the control pad.
Alana nodded and did as she was told. A red laser sight appeared on Fefnir causing it to jump. It eyed the device as the beam washed over the pokemon. It whirled to life with a mechanical-sounding voice.
"Charmander, the lizard Pokemon. Charmander's health can be gauged by the fire on the tip of its tail, which burns intensely when it's in good health."
Alana looked up from the device to see a bright burning flame on Fefnir's tail. Looking back down she realized that there was a bit more information that the Pokedex didn't outright come forward with. Things like potential moves, weaknesses and strengths, height and weight, gender, and egg group… wait a minute. Fefnir was a girl? Seeing her reaction Melody quickly scanned her own new pokemon.
"Squirtle, the Tiny Turtle Pokemon. During the battle, Squirtle hides in its shell that sprays water at its opponent whenever it can." The Pokedex said. Melody pointed it at Eve who was also quickly scanned. "Eevee, the Evolution Pokemon. A normal type. Because of its unstable DNA, Eevee possesses a wide variety of evolutionary possibilities hidden inside."
"These things are awesome! Thanks." Melody said, giving Oak, Klein, and Heather a small bow. Alana echoed the bow but quickly went back to messing around on the Pokedex.
"The world of Pokemon is vast, but the two of you have partners to allow you to navigate through the journey you are taking your first steps into. The experiences you have will shape you for the rest of your lives. I hope you will keep this in mind as you navigate this world." Professor Oak said as a few parting words for the two.
So Alana and Melody would make their way back to the shuttle going towards Viridian City. The whole time Alana seemed to be transfixed on the small device.
"So Alana, you said the closest gym to here was north right?" Melody asked.
The two were back on the shuttle heading towards Viridian City. Alana's focus was on the Pokedex while Fefnir, Bubbles and Eve were investigating the egg chamber she had been carrying around. It was occasionally moving around and making noises. It seemed to be close to hatching.
"Huh, oh yeah. Just through Viridian Forest. That place is a maze. It usually takes about a week to get through if you know where you're going. Otherwise, it could take up to a month to find your way through. Most people just end up back in Viridian though."
"That would be a huge waste of time, ugh," Melody said, slumping back in her seat. "Hey, do you know your way through Alana?"
"Of course I do." Alana snorted, rolling her eyes. "Between school and the occasional personal expedition, I've been all over that forest."
"Awesome! We should team up and tackle it together!" Melody suggested.
There was a moment of silence that just hung in the air for a second. Alana kinda shuffled in her seat a little putting the Pokedex into a pouch in her bag. Thinking about it logically it would be advantageous to have a second person to help through the forest. They could pool resources, and battling wild pokemon would be much more manageable. There was one huge problem with that though. Alana just didn't want to travel with Melody. Don't get me wrong she seemed nice, but she was a little too energetic for her. Alana figured she'd just tell Melody she didn't want to, but another thought entered her head. What if she asked why Alana wasn't interested? It would be super rude to just say 'hey you're a little too overbearing. Go get lost in the forest loser'. If someone acted like that towards her she would definitely resent them.
"That sounds nice. Are you already all stocked up?"
"Yeah! I've been pumped up and ready to go for a while now."
'Oh what have I gotten myself into?' Alana lamented to herself peering out of the window. The shuttle arrived, and the girls quickly headed north towards Viridian Forest. Just as they were about to leave the town, Alana looked back. Her stomach flipped. After all of these years, she was finally leaving. The trees swaying in the wind felt like they were sending her off. Was she really ready to start a journey like this? Lost in her thoughts she jumped as she felt a tugging on her pants. It was Fefnir. The determination in the little Pokemon's eyes pierced Alana. A feeling of excitement then washed over her. Smiling down on her partner she took the first step onto Route 2. She instantly saw a small amount of movement in the distance. It was green and tiny and wormlike.
"Oh, a Caterpie!" Alana exclaimed excitedly running up to the pokemon.
"Oh, a Caterpie." Melody echoed, seeming much less enthusiastic.
The worm pokemon seemed to be startled by the sudden noise and began to wiggle away as fast as its body could take it. So obviously Alana would catch up instantly. She kneeled down, eyes shining as she watched it squirm away.
"Ah! It's so cute! You should come get a closer look."
"Cute huh? I think I'll just stay back here." Melody replies, shuttering.
After Alana's complement, the Caterpie actually stopped worming away and looked back at the girl. It was almost like it was shocked by the girl's declaration.
"Um hi, my name is Alana. This is my partner Fefnir." Fefnir came up towards the wild caterpie. The pokemon recoiled, but all Fefnir did in return was salute the worm and stay by Alana's foot. Alana quickly dug a small Pokeball out of her bag and held it in front of the Caterpie. "Well I'm going on an adventure, a-and I think it would be cool if you came with me. O-only if you want though."
Alana slowly approached the Pokemon with the Pokeball giving it ample time to back away if it wanted. The small worm wiggled a bit closer actually. Its head tapped the ball, and a red light engulfed it. the Pokeball shook once… twice… then three times before the button in the center of the ball pulsed red. A smile of sheer glee spread on Alana's face as she stood up. The first capture on her journey. A white flash assaulted her eyes as Melody was now beside her posing for a selfie.
"A special picture for a first capture!" She exclaimed, checking the photo. "Aw, you look like a kid in a candy store Alana."
Alana let out a small laugh at Melody's joke and looked at the Pokeball with a hopeful expression. The first new member of her team was here, and there would be many more in the future.