Percy entered Viridian City and almost tripped on an old man.
The guy in question blearily opened his eyes and squinted up at him. After a moment of questioning whether it would be worth it, he closed his eyes once more. Percy carefully slipped past him.
...Well, that had happened. He silently contemplated life as a whole and decided that he wasn't ready for today.
He made a quick beeline for the Pokécenter and chilled for the rest of the day. He talked to the Nurses and Trainers he saw. He wandered around and avoided tall grass religiously. It was nice to take a break before everything started. The calm before the storm.
When it was night, he realized he didn't know where he actually wanted to sleep. He walked up to Nurse Joy stationed at the counter. He knew who Nurses were since they usually had similar faces. According to one of the books at the legendaries library, it was actually an old tradition dating back to when Pokémon first appeared. Apparently, there was a legend that the Nurses had gained their pink hair from healing up bloodied Pokémon. They had been so few in number and had been so overworked that they had almost no time to shower. Thus, their hair had gained a semi-permanent pink color. Modern-day Nurses dyed their hair pink to honor those healers. He kept the legend in mind as he looked at her.
"Hello!" He casually greeted her.
The woman smiled tiredly at him. The woman clearly had had a long day. "Welcome to the Pokémon Center, where we will heal your Pokémon back to full health. Would you like me to take your Pokémon?" Her greeting was obviously rehearsed.
Percy looked at her. "No, thank you. I was actually wondering if there was a place where trainers could sleep for the night." He said.
The Nurse replied immediately. "We have a section dedicated to Trainers upstairs. However, due to large demand, it is almost impossible for us to have free room most of the time. We usually recommend reserving a room before arriving. I can ask if they have any open rooms." Nurse Joy said. Percy considered it and decided there was no harm in trying.
The Nurse turned her back to him and went over to a black landline phone. Percy didn't know this world was behind in technology. He supposed it made sense what with superpowered animals around to disrupt the peace.
After a moment, the pink-haired healer turned around again. The Nurse looked shocked. "It seems this is your lucky night, young man. We had just one more spare room." The Nurse recovered quickly. "I will still advise you to reserve it next time. Luck like this doesn't come around often."
She quickly produced the room's card, gave him the directions to the room, and handed it to him. Percy thanked her for her help and went on his way.
Opening the room, he found himself face to face with a cleanroom. There was a small lavatory and a nice-sized bed along with a wardrobe. He didn't spend much time looking around. He crashed into the bed and was out like a light.
The next morning he woke up refreshed.
After preparing himself, he walked downstairs and greeted the Nurse from the night before. She looked much better.
He nodded in greeting and left the building. Onwards, to Pallet Town. To Route 1.
...To the damn tall grass once again.
Percy couldn't wait to get his starter already. He would show these little jerks what it means to boss him around. They would wreck the damn patch of rock these animals called home. He couldn't wait to see it.
He glared death at a Pidgey as it got too close for his liking. It squeaked and ran back. Satisfied, he made his way into the path.
He immediately noticed a difference. Viridian Forest had only had grass along its paths. Sometimes, it would break into the ground where trainers could rest and battle. But most of the time, it only had big green patches of green.
This route however had the normal grass on one side and brown fences on the other one.
Curious, he went over to investigate. The top of it was smooth and the structure itself had foot patches. It was easily climbable. He poked his head over to the other side and found it was not-so-easily-climbable there. The walls had an annoying, smooth feeling to them. He doubted he could get up to the other side from there. A middle-aged man noticed him inspecting the wall and went over.
"Hello, young man. What are you doing over there?" The balding man asked.
Percy huffed. "I am trying to decide if it is worth it to jump over this thing." He replied.
The man looked confused for a second before laughing loudly. Percy felt his annoyance rise with it. The man must have noticed because he hastily replied. "You must be new around here. The walls are made to be jumped over. At least, from one side." The man pointed to the other side. "See the wall over there? It's almost impossible to jump over because of how smooth it is. Even if you had sharp claws, you wouldn't be able to get over." The man flecked his hands mockingly.
"The fence is made for trainers wishing to go back to where they came from. It is a new feature added by the government because the trainers were complaining so darn much. " He trailed one finger along the brown rough fence. "I say they shouldn't have done it. Back in my days, we had to deal with the wild Pokémon going in and going out of a route."
Percy stared blankly at him. This guy was not old enough to talk like that.
"Well anyway, that is enough for me today, kid. I work at the Viridian City Pokemart so if you want to talk again, I will probably be there." The guy nodded cheerily. "Have a good day!" Just like that, the man was off.
Percy shook his head, the people here were weird.
After a solid minute of debating, he decided to give it a go and carefully jumped over. He landed on his feet with a soft thump sound and looked back at the wall. Just to be sure, he tried to climb it again.
He found that no matter how he jumped, reached, or grabbed it; he couldn't find a place to hold it. The damn thing was slippery and annoying to his hands. He decided the man was right and continued on. Just a few meters later, he found another fence. He grinned and ran to it.
A while (and three more fences) later, he finally saw the beginnings of his destination in sight. The problem was, that it was guarded by a long patch of wild grass.
Percy groaned and smacked his forehead. This is ridiculous, he thought in disbelief as he dragged his hand over his face. But this was the final obstacle and he was not going to go back now. He took in a long, deep breath and settled into a runner's stance. Then he ran.
Only to be brutally slammed into the unforgiving ground by a purple blur. Heart-racing, he turned to the thing and experienced a brief moment of deja vu.
There it was! The creature from his dream! It had the same toxic purple skin, curled tail, big front teeth, and red eyes. The only difference was that it was attacking him right now.
Percy snapped out of his daze and made a run for it again. He didn't have time for daydreaming in the middle of an attack. Unfortunately for him, four more rats emerged from his designated destination. One of them snapped sharp teeth at him and he evaded it, barely.
The option to run taken, he warily glanced around. The five purple rats (Rattata's?) formed a circle around him, steadily closing on him. Vaguely remembering a video on wild animals he had watched a while back in his old world, he yelled and tried to scare the rats into scattering.
The Rattatas continued snarling, undeterred. Percy cursed. He knew he didn't stand much against these creatures but he wouldn't go down laying down. He would give them the fight to remember.
Just as they were about to throw hands, two newcomers emerged from the Town. Percy almost sagged in relief until he saw them. He groaned.
In front of him were a kid and an old man. The kid had a red hat with an odd white circle design and a red and black jacket coupled with light blue jeans. His hair and eyes were light brown colored and he seemed pretty worried.
The old man had sandy white hair and dark brown eyes. His eyebrows were a dark brown, Percy assumed that was the original color of his hair as well. He was wearing a lab uniform and redshirt along with dull yellow pants. The old man looked ready to breathe flames with how angry he looked.
"What- how, you!" The old man practically spat the words. Percy thought they could talk about whatever this guy's problem was later. When they weren't being threatened by wild animals. Yeah, they were toast.
However, he was quickly proven wrong as a ginormous creature emerged from behind. The new Pokémon was even bigger than John's Nidoking.
It had two moderately sized wings from behind it with a big thick tail. Its skin was a mellow orange color but the inside of its wings was an unique green-blue tone. It had two wavy antennas coming out of its skull and a big white belly. It was a damn dragon! It huffed boredly at the five rats and they practically flew out of sight. Percy couldn't blame them, he himself felt like running. He knew it would be futile, though.
He stood, chilled to his bones as the two strangers approached. The big dragon stood back and kept a lazy watch.
"What on earth were you thinking, boy?! In all my years as a trainer and a professor, I have never seen such a stupid thing done!" The old man almost shouted. "The sheer audacity of going out without a Pokémon into wild grass... Don't you have any idea at all about what could happen! Don't answer that with yes, I swear to Arceus..." The old man muttered. He grabbed a still-frozen Percy by the arm and roughly dragged him away from danger.
The angry old man spun around to face the other boy. "Don't think I haven't seen you try to go in, Red! You also haven't gotten your Pokémon yet, you know! Just because you have earned the right to earn a Pokémon doesn't make you qualified to go out yet!" The old man left Percy for a second to grab the other kids (Red's?) arm. He then dragged them out of Route 1 and into Pallet Town.
Pallet Town had a quiet air to it, Percy noticed. The buildings were smaller and less densely populated than the ones in Viridian City. The people looked calm and focused rather than the hurried ones in places like New York. A big portion of the land seemed to be occupied by a fenced building. Inside, Percy saw a few Pokémon milling around.
While he was taking in the view, he didn't notice the dragon Pokémon calming the old man down a bit. It thrilled lightly and nuzzled one of its hands against the guy's shoulder. The old man rolled his eyes. He started scratching the dragon's horns absentmindedly. The dragon purred for a second before retreating.
When Percy turned again, the guy seemed less angry now. He was probably still a fair bit angry but now it didn't look like he was ready to tear their asses a new one.
The kid in red spoke first. "I am really sorry Professor Oak but I couldn't help myself when I heard him. He seemed to be in a dangerous position and I didn't think of calling for help." He bowed his head in shame.
Professor Oak sighed. "I know how you are Red but be careful. You are sometimes too reckless for your own good. Hopefully, getting your starter will help you out on that." Oak turned his eyes to Percy next.
"Now you, on the other hand, I have nothing good to say about you. Since I already said my thoughts before, I need you now to speak." Professor Oak's eyes blazed. "How did you think it was a good idea to go out as you did, child. If we hadn't come when we did... You were very lucky."
Percy sighed and told his fake story again. He had decided it would be his background story at the Pokemon Center. He then explained John's advice for him to head to Pallet Town to get his starter. Since he hadn't known what to do, he had decided to give it a try. He also mentioned the jumping fences and that he hadn't actually gotten into a wild area before.
By the end of it, Professor Oak seemed much calmer. The old man now just looked tired. Percy couldn't really blame him. He had done something stupid, after all. He just hadn't had any other choices.
"I suppose I was going to give Red his first Pokémon today." Professor Oak grudgingly admitted. "A good, strong rival would be great for any trainer." Professor Oak seemed to be debating something before giving in. "Young man, you can receive your first Pokémon today," Oak said.
"In fact, the starter Pokémon that I have at the moment is from a special breeder. He has recently quit breeding too so this is probably his last bunch of Pokémon."
Percy felt a bubble of joy rise up. He tried to squash it but he couldn't keep the excited grin off of his face. Yes, yes, yes, yes, please!
Oak looked dead serious. "Boys, if you can't handle the responsibility to handle Pokémon and act as recklessly as you did today; then I will find other trainers to train them. I strictly want no other dumb mistakes to be made in your new career." Oak's gaze grew cold. Percy felt his breath catch in his throat. "Understand?" Oak asked.
Red gulped. "Yessir!" They both shouted. The tense air lingered between them.
Just then, he noticed two boys throttle up to them. One of them with spiky brown hair and the other with oddly styled black ones. Their arrival thankfully lightened the air again and Percy felt like he could breathe. The brown-haired one laughed.
"Red being a doofus. Nothing new to see here." The little jerk laughed, blissfully unaware of the former tense atmosphere. "Looks like he also found an equally dumb friend to help him. How cute." The kid next to him frowned.
"You always say stuff like that Gary, but he is going to get his Pokémon sooner than you." The black-haired kid defended. The kid didn't bother with defending Percy, though. Percy flushed with anger as the two little pricks argued. However, he kept his mouth shut. He was already in enough trouble as he was.
Professor Oak turned to the two youngsters. He gave the brown-haired kid, Gary, a gentle slap to the back of his head. The kid yelped and rubbed the back of his head. "I have seen you do your share of stupid things, Gary. I remember you getting off without being called a doofus too." Professor Oak gently admonished.
The black-haired kid grinned cheekily. "That's because I wasn't around those times, Professor." He said. Gary gave a cry of outrage and began to chase the other boy around. They both ran away, leaving behind two new trainers and an exasperated Pokémon Professor.
Professor Oak turned back to them. He tilted his head towards the big building. "Come, let us go to the lab." He began walking away.
Red and Percy stumble after him.
Along the way, an awkward silence ensued between them. Percy ended it. "Hey, uh, thanks for coming to my aid, man. I thought I was a toast to those Rattata's." He scratched the back of his neck nervously. "Almost ended my journey before it began." He chuckled.
Red gave him the side-eye "...You are welcome." He said simply. Percy raised an eyebrow. All right, not too talkative, Percy noted. His new rival was going to take some getting used to.
"By the way, I didn't introduce myself, did I? My name is Percy. You are Red right?" He said. He didn't need to use a fake name because he kind of felt like he owed it to the guy. He had saved him at Route 1 and he was supposed to be his new rival.
Red inclined his head in affirmation.
Another silence. The guy really needs to talk more, Percy thought. Carrying a conversation was not suited to him.
"So, why did you decide to become a Pokémon trainer?" He asked. The question seemed to bring some interest to Red's eyes.
"Pallet Town has always been my home," Red said quietly. "Kanto has been all I ever knew. I have been studying the whole region with Professor Oak since I can speak. I want to see it in person." He seemed to be holding something back but Percy didn't think they knew each other well enough for him to press about it.
"What about you, Percy? Why did you decide to be a trainer?" Red asked him. Percy paused. He wanted to say he wanted it because Pokémon was cool but that seemed a bit less compared to Red's answer.
"...I don't really know. As I said, I am kind of new to this region." He said, referencing his fake story. "I mean, I could aim to be the Pokémon Champion and stuff but I don't really want to settle down yet, y'know?" He said hesitantly. "I don't want to come back every time someone needs to challenge the Pokémon Champion. Maybe later, when I feel more ready, then I can go ahead." He said. He didn't think there was any 'later' since he was planning on leaving, but it was a nice thought.
"You could try out the Indigo League," Red suggested. At Percy's confused look, he further elaborated. "The Indigo Plateau Conference is a championship competition that happens every year. The next one is about 10 months away. You are starting at a nice time." He said.
"It is known to accept participants through multiple methods. You can join the competition by collecting the eight Kanto Gym Badges, which is what most try to do or you can try graduating from Pokémon Tech. It is a prestigious Pokémon trainers school that most don't have the time or money for. It is hosted at the Kanto Grand Festival." He explained. Percy found himself intrigued. The gym challenge sounded quite nice to him. Pokémon Tech was obviously not suited for him.
"But I want to be the Pokémon Champion of Kanto a-and Johto." Red blurted. So that had been what he hadn't shared, Percy thought. "Kanto has always held a dear place in my heart and I want to protect her from dangers. What better way than to become the Champion?" He said, looking pumped.
Red smiled sheepishly. "...and I guess Johto is nice. I would have to visit though." He mumbled to himself in thought. He snapped out of it and looked at Percy with excited eyes.
"That's quite a big ambition to have." Percy said. Red deflated and looked a bit bitter. "It's good that I want to be the Indigo Champion then." He said, smirking.
They both turned to each other with matching fires in their eyes. They knew then that they had gotten themselves a good rival. They ran after the Pokémon Professor even faster.
Unbeknownst to them, two little troublemakers named Gary and Ash had been listening to them all along. Without a word, the younger duo quietly followed after them.
Literally throwing themselves at the door, Red and Percy entered the grand laboratory with a loud slam.
Inside it was completely dark. Not a single thing made a peep as they entered the lab cautiously. A bright white spotlight flared to life from up somewhere. The singular light landed on Professor Oak.
"Welcome, new trainers to the start of your journey!" He announced dramatically. Despite himself, Percy felt immersed in whatever the Professor wanted to say. "Today is a very important day, a day for celebration. The day that you get your first ever Pokémon. A Fire, Grass, or a Water-type of Pokémon will accompany you on your way out of here. They will be the cornerstones of your teams. Be aware that the choice you make is important." He clapped once and grinned. "Now then, we can get to the introductions."
Three monitors appeared above a wooden table. They opened at the exact same time and showed three very different pictures. The first one was a green Pokémon with red eyes. It had stubby legs and two little fangs. It seemed to walk on four legs and it supported a big green plant bulb at the top of its back.
"Bulbasaur, the Seed Pokémon. It is a Grass-type of Pokémon known for the plant bulb at its back. The final evolution, Venasaur, is widely considered Kanto's greatest Grass Pokémon. This Pokémon may seem harmless, but I assure you it is a fierce companion."
The second one was a light blue Pokémon with brown eyes. Unlike Bulbasaur, it was bipedal. It had two short legs and two short arms along with a curled tail. Its main body was protected by a thick shell, not unlike a turtle. The shell was yellow on the inside and brown on the outside. Its mouth had a curve to it that looked quite sharp.
"Squirtle, the Tiny Turtle Pokémon. It is the Water-type of Pokémon known for its solid defensive capabilities and powerful Water moves. The final form, Blastoise, is known to carry its trainers from hard battles. With its powerful abilities, any trainer can find a great spot on their team with it."
The third and last one was an orange Pokémon with bright blue eyes. Like Squirtle, it was standing on two legs instead of one. It had a yellow belly and a tail that had a flame at the end. Its hind legs had sharp claws and it had two little fangs poking out like Bulbasaur.
"Charmander, the Lizard Pokémon. The Fire-type has a fierce evolution line ending with a flying type. Mistakenly known as a dragon, Charizard is every Pokémon's fear. With burning passion and power, the Charmander line can become extraordinary Pokémon given the right care."
Oak pointed at the wooden table and Percy noticed the three red balls on top of it. "You two will be given the choice to select only one of these three Pokémon. You will both choose at the same time to have an equal choice. If you both have the same preferences, we will have to settle it some way." He jerked his head at the Pokéballs and waited for them to choose patiently.
Red took a step first, with Percy not far behind. He considered his options carefully.
Bulbasaur looked cute and calm, certainly a force to be reckoned with. It seemed like the ideal starter to start out with its Grass typing and wide arrange of moves.
Squirtle was awesome and homely to him. He found he really likes the blue color of the creature. It reminded him of good days with his mom in Montauk.
Charmander was powerful and happy looking. Plus, who wouldn't want to have a fire-breathing lizard? If what Professor Oak said was true, it would eventually grow into a dragon-like creature.
He thought deeply and didn't notice what Red had chosen. In the end, he couldn't keep his eyes off of Squirtle. The water turtle called to him in a way that just felt right. He found he couldn't fight the temptation and, almost in a trance, walked over to Squirtle's Pokeball. He didn't even glance at Red and straight-up opened the Pokeball.
Squirtle materialized with a flash of red light. His starter looked around with curious eyes before noticing him. Percy felt a searing pain brand itself onto his head for a split second and winced. A brief pang of worry shot through him and he saw Professor Oak and Red move to catch him from the corner of his eyes.
Thankfully, whatever it was passed in a second. He straightened himself quickly and waved off their concern. The pain had given him a distraction. He looked at Red to see who he had chosen and found him with the Charmander. Bulbasaur's Pokéball was still sitting as it had been. He felt a bit sad for the Grass type.
Nevertheless, he smiled. At least there would be no conflict, Percy thought and turned back to his Squirtle.
Feeling a little foolish but also that he owed it to the little turtle, he introduced himself to Squirtle. "Hello, Squirtle. My name is Percy and I am going to be your trainer if you choose to stay with me." He said evenly. "I aim to be the Indigo League Champion of Kanto. You probably don't know what that is but the shortest explanation would be that it is a contest where various trainers can battle each other for fame and glory." Percy smiled.
"If you choose to go with me, I will make you one of the greatest Water-type of all time." He said bluntly. To his surprise, the Squirtle seemed to understand him. It looked at him seriously for a moment before nodding. Percy grinned, joyous. He recalled that he could name Pokemon.
"Hey, Squirtle. Do you want to have a nickname?" Percy asked.
Squirtle instantly nodded, he must have been eager for a name. Percy's mind drifted from name to name. He offered some to the Squirtle.
Sheldon, Hydro, Torrent and even Aeacus were discussed amongst them. But the Squirtle seemed to not find any of them good enough. A few more passed amongst them and just as the Pokémon looked about to give up, Percy found it.
"What about Fergus?" He asked. Squirtle finally seemed fine with it. Fergus, it is, he thought.
They both turned to face the Professor again with Red and his Charmander. The aged old man was looking fondly at them.
The old man's eyes widened like he just remembered something. "Wait! Before you go I have to give you something." Oak said. Percy perked up curiously. He was receiving quite a lot of gifts these days.
"I am currently working on the latest version of the Pokédex. I would be quite happy to give you the previous one. It has not been released to the public yet so guard them with jealousy." Oak said.
"It will come with the starter amount of money. The League installed the new rule to ensure new trainers don't die by themselves. Keep in mind the money lasts just enough to keep you alive for the first month or so. After that, you have to keep earning money yourself. " Oak advised.
Percy instantly remembered the Pokédex and the money advice from John. The guy had said those as a passing comment but it was enough for Percy to be curious about it. "One question, what exactly is the Pokédex and how can I get more money?" He asked. Red gave him a disbelieving look but Oak looked understanding.
"You really are new around here, aren't you?" Professor Oak muttered. "The Pokédex is an invaluable tool to Trainers in the Pokémon world. It gives information about all Pokémon in the world that is contained in its database. When you catch a Pokémon you will be able to see their species, their gender, their moveset, and how to expand upon it. I will give you the National Pokédex since you are going to be registered under my name. It will help you identify Pokémon even outside of Kanto." Professor Oak explained. Percy felt like he got the basic idea.
"The money comes from any trainer who challenges someone. If you win, they have to give you your awards. If you lose, however, you in turn have to pay the sum." Oak explained. Percy grinned. He would make sure to earn well.
"I will now give you the Pokédex in addition to 15 Pokéballs. You will have to buy more from Pokemarts if you run out." Oak went to the table behind him and returned with two red devices and two carrier bags.
He handed one of both to Percy and Red. Percy grasped the device gently and instantly sorted through it. While it wasn't Google, it would have to make do.
"Go ahead, use it on your Pokémon." Oak encouraged. Percy did.
Squirtle, the Tiny Turtle Pokémon. It named. After birth, its back swells and hardens into a shell. Powerfully sprays foam from its mouth.
Not much info to go around, Percy wryly thought.
This Squirtle is Male and knows the moves; Tackle, Tail Whip, Bubble, Withdraw, Aura Sphere, Dragon Pulse, and Water Spout.
"The special breeder I told you about is known to teach hatchlings Egg Moves. Pokémon at the start of their life won't be able to use these moves, only know about them. However, if given the right training, they will be able to perfect the move and use it to their advantage." Oak intentioned. Percy stared at the little turtle in awe. Fergus looked proud of himself.
"Now go! Remember my words and show the world what you can do!" Oak shouted.
Percy grinned and, with Fergus at his side, began to walk away.
He heard a shout behind him. "Hey! Percy, right? Since we just got our Pokémon, why don't we battle? Just a friendly match. I really want to see what Charmander can do. If you are willing, that is." Red promised. Percy turned back and agreed.
Oak said nothing, just watched them with knowing eyes.
Percy directed Fergus to face Charmander and scooted back, watching as Red did the same. He glanced at the Pokédex and mentally willed himself to memorize.
"Use Tackle." Percy shouted as soon as possible. "Then use Bubble."
"Dodge, Charmander!" Red shouted back.
Fergus complied and rushed at the fire lizard. He managed to hit it with his thick shell and immediately set off bubbles. Charmander dodged the bubbles, barely.
Charmander glanced back at its new trainer and Red froze for a second. He snapped out of it. "Use Scratch and keep doing it. Dodge any Bubble."
Charmander's claws sharpened to a crisp. It gave a yell and ran to Percy's Squirtle. "Withdraw and then use Bubble, don't let it get away this time," Percy ordered.
Red's eyes widened. Fergus hunched its shell and Charmander's Scratch barely dealt any damage. The fire Pokémon reared back for another strike as Fergus' mouth bubbled. "Use Ember to counter the Bubble." Charmander's mouth grew hot with flames.
But it was too late. Fergus released a stream of bubbles from his mouth. It connected to the orange lizard's body and seafoam exploded upon contact. Charmander was thrown off.
The fire starter snarled in rage and spat Embers without Red's word. Squirtle neatly evaded them and looked at Percy. "Use Tail Whip!" He called out. It would hopefully make him even more outraged. The rage would make him forget about Red for a split second.
Fergus wagged his tail tauntingly, making the lizard focus on the offending limb with intensity. Charmander did indeed forget about Red. The lizard began to try to spit Embers and Scratch at the same time, despite Red's increasingly frantic shouting.
The combination left its belly wholly unprotected. "Bubble, one more time! Focus on the belly!" Charmander was already damaged and wouldn't last long.
Fergus bubbled with all his strength. He unleashed a brilliant white and blue blur of seafoam onto Charmanders body. It hit a bit righter than intended but it was enough. The flame Pokémon was thrown off once again. It landed on its back and didn't get back up again.
Red recalled his Pokémon back and Percy ran to Fergus. His starter seemed fine and happy. Fergus growled happily at him and he laughed. "Alright! Yeah! We are awesome!" He cheered. Squirtle gurgled gleefully.
After coming down from his hype, he turned to his starter. "Fergus, do you want to be returned?" Percy asked. Fergus shook his head no. That was fine by Percy.
Red stared at Charmanders Pokéball in a daze, mumbling something underneath his breath. Percy couldn't understand what he was saying from his distance but could guess. Professor Oak noticed and went to him. "It is perfectly fine to lose, Red. Winning comes from losing and learning. You will get better and better with time as your journey goes along." Oak reassured him. He squeezed Red's shoulder for a second before letting go. That seemed to make Red come to his senses.
Red's brown eyes glinted with determination. "We will get better, Charmander. We will defeat everyone who comes in our way and be the Pokémon Champion!" He said. "Percy, we will battle again. I will defeat you." Red's eyes narrowed. "Just you wait."
Percy grinned and pulled out a thumbs up. Just as he was about to leave, he heard the Professor shouting after him.
"Atta boy!" Oak called out. "Heal up your Pokémon before you go now. We don't want a repeat of the situation from before." Professor Oak said, referring to Percy's dumb decision to go into wild areas without Pokémon. Percy quickly went over, embarrassed.
Afterwards, Percy and Red thanked the old professor and then they were off.
As Percy exited the building, the two kids from earlier ran up to them. They seemed excited. The black haired one looked at the newly named Fergus with stars in his eyes.
"I told you the winner was obvious. Of course, it was going to be Squirtle, it is the best starter!" Gary proclaimed. "Also, no matter how bad this new guy is, Red is guaranteed to be worse. What else where we expecting, really?" The kid laughed arrogantly.
Realizing the kids had been watching from the lab's windows, Percy glared at them. The kids cowered a little under his glare. Percy sighed and turned away again, kids will be kids. The moment he turned away, they went right back to arguing. Squabbling and gawking at each other about everything and nothing.
"You want to go onto my shoulder, Fergus?" He asked the Pokémon. Fergus grabbed his leg and began to climb him. When he reached Percy's shoulders, however, Percy found there was no room for Fergus to stay on. He picked the little guy off of him immediately and placed him on the ground. Fergus frowned but didn't protest. An idea occurred to him.
"What about my bag?" He asked. Fergus seemed partial to it and nodded. Percy opened his bag and made room for him. He put the turtle in and then slipped the bag on again. Testing the weight, he found it didn't really bother him that much. "You comfy back there?" He asked the Squirtle and Fergus gave little bubbles in response. Satisfied, they continued.
Onwards, to Viridian City. Again.
-o-
Trainer 30546, Percy Jackson.
Team:
Fergus, Squirtle.
-o-
Hello everyone, chapter 5 is done.
Big thanks to my Beta Theseus-Theo on his work on this chapter. Hope everyone is having a nice day.
Peace.
