Chapter 1 - A New Beginning
The song of a flock of flying pokemons passing by and the faint warm rays filtering faintly through the window of his cabin, made him slowly open his eyelids, calling him back from that fantastic and refreshing dream, yet so real. He got up quickly, heading for the bathroom, a nice shower would be a good idea to push away the thoughts that plagued him about the previous night. He couldn't afford any distractions or doubts to assail him. In a few hours he would finally reach the region of Sinnoh, starting another one of his adventures.
The water that descended warm and sharp towards him had a miraculous, almost heavenly power, relaxing and enveloping his skin like an embrace. It was in those moments that the armor of arrogance and impassibility built up over the years let go, abandoning himself to the most varied emotions and memories of his previous experiences, that is, when he was still a young novice trainer, with nothing but the figure of his brother to guide him and a pokeball of one of his favorite little monsters in his pocket. Many things had changed since that fateful day, that encounter with the legendary dragon was written in the stars and would change his life forever. The path to proving to everyone that it wasn't a fluke was quite arduous, but thanks to his tenacity and the help of his team he would be able to pull it off. What the heck, in his long journey he would encounter many varieties of pokemon, including some believed to be simply a myth, foiled evil plans and beat champions, and he was only in his third region, something could have been meant. Other events awaited him, benevolent or malignant, and he wouldn't miss them for the world. He let a sarcastic smile escape his lips, thinking over every detail, how many things he could feel under a simple and banal jet of water.
He turned off the faucet, stepped out of the cubicle, grabbed a blue towel and, tasting its velvety texture, began to dry himself, feeling completely regenerated and ready to face the whole world. A salty smell wafted through the room, tickling his nostrils, a sign that he would soon arrive at his destination. He dressed quickly, deciding to head towards the terminal located at the end, he had to call Professor Elm to advise him of the last arrangements made, before landing.
- Hello? Hi Katsumi - a warm voice invaded the room, it was one that could be described as capable of conveying confidence and serenity. It belonged to a man no older than thirty-five, wearing a pair of thick glasses, short brown hair and a white lab coat.
- Professor... - the boy greeted him, always with that veil of impassivity
- So, how was your trip? Have you already arrived in Sinnoh? - he asked
- So far so good, and no, I'm not there yet -
The professor looked at him carefully, adjusting his glasses that he had been cleaning up until recently
- So if you called me so soon, I can only assume that you have made a decision about your trip, and that you want to start from scratch, entrusting me with your old team. Am I right? -
- You are very perceptive Professor - he mocked him.
His reasoning was well-founded, he could not have tested himself by bringing along his team from the Johto region, on the contrary, his goal was to train and make friends with as many Pokemon as possible, support them in their growth, share with them joys and sorrows and he could not do it with a team that had even faced the creatures of the legends, as they had already reached their maximum potential. He needed a new and exciting challenge.
- After all, you're talking to one of the greatest experts on Pokemon, winner of countless awards and discoverer of the eggs of these fantastic little creatures, as well as a favorite student of Professor Oak, whom you have not yet had the pleasure of meeting - he proclaimed, puffing out his chest in a sign of pride.
- Of course - the young man continued to taunt him.
- But no more nonsense, then, are you ready to greet your friends? -
Katsumi pulled out six pokeballs containing those who had been his family, his most trusted companions and friends during his stay in the Johto region, bringing them out for one last reunion. It was a pretty well-rounded team that oozed power and competitiveness from every pore, instilling fear and respect in even the most fearless of coaches:
Feraligatr, an imposing, bipedal creature with the appearance of a crocodile with aquamarine scales, powerful jaws bristling with razor-sharp fangs and a bizarre scarlet crest, his first starter in that region and companion of a thousand battles, fast and furious as the storm.
Ursaring, a rather massive and bipedal pokemon resembling a brown bear, with claws capable of cutting through steel and extremely aggressive towards those who do not prove worthy of his trust. An alpha specimen of his species, so proud and lethal.
Houndoom, quadrupedal and canine in appearance with ash-colored fur and majestic horns placed on the top of his head. Loyal and reliable, cunning and intelligent, capable of unleashing an even more devastating power thanks to the deep bond he shares with his trainer.
Ampharos, looking so bizarre and peaceful, but if necessary able to unleash all its extraordinary power, sharing with the dark type pokemon the ability to draw a considerable amount of energy, but usable only in the most difficult fights.
Espeon, a feline-looking, orchid-colored being who possesses remarkable psychic powers. Countless times he has proven his unwavering loyalty and skill, making him one of the indispensable members of the team.
Dragonite, one of the most powerful beings at the trainer's disposal, with a draconic and bipedal appearance, the one who defeated his peers in one of the most exciting encounters, that is the one against the champion of the League of Johto, Lance, and able to rival the portentous legends.
They were all there contentedly watching their owner, supporting him in whatever choice he made. He approached the large group, joining them in a warm and loving embrace.
- Don't make me worry and above all don't exasperate the professor too much - said the young man, holding them even tighter. A small tear slowly ran down his face. It was not a farewell and he would come back sooner or later.
- Don't worry, I promise to take care of each of them and then they will definitely be useful for my research - the professor reassured him after the transfer was over.
- You'd better - the trainer told him.
- So...knowing you, I can say that your next destination is Professor Rowan's laboratory, in Sandgem Town - he declared while the boy nodded - You'll surely want a starter from the region, as usual. Well, I'll let the professor know of your arrival as soon as possible.
- Uhm... Ok -
- He will be easy to recognize, it is a guy much taller than you and with a bizarre cream-colored mustache. In addition, I recommend that you stop at the Lake Verity before reaching the laboratory, it is said that there dwells a formidable pokemon, in addition to the fact that going there is considered a good omen for any trainer who wants to undertake this journey. Be sure to behave yourself and avoid getting into trouble as usual. -
- Sure, "mom" -
- A,h one last thing, you should keep the bracelet, I've heard rumors that even in Sinnoh there is that "particular" phenomenon - said the man pointing to the flashy charcoal-colored ornament that the trainer wore on his wrist, a gift from the distant region of Kalos, still unknown to the boy, and used in the most difficult fights in the region of Johto.
- Alright -
- Good luck Katsumi - added Professor Elm before taking his leave and closing the call for good.
- How much he talks - said the boy, heading outside, maybe some fresh air would clear his mind, as well as take away what seemed to be remorse.
Leaning over the ship's railing, he gazed at the magnificent scenery in the background, getting a cool, intoxicating breeze right in his face, as well as the occasional puff of a Wailord and company passing by. So far, the trip seemed rather uneventful, not to mention the previous sad episode.
- Beautiful isn't it? - asked a young man as he approached, pointing to the region that was becoming less and less distant. The boy didn't answer, continuing to observe the spectacle of nature.
- Very talkative I see. Anyway, I don't know if you're aware of this, but the Sinnoh region is full of pokemons I've never seen before and I can't wait to catch them all, I just hope they're strong and not half-assed - he said, raising a fist to the clear sky.
- Strong Pokémon. Weak Pokémon. These are distinctions dictated by selfishness. Really good trainers should win with their favorites. - said the trainer, turning to face the stranger. He looked closely at the individual standing in front of him; he was a boy, about his age, rather thin and with a thick mop of silver hair. His ripped black jeans fit him like a glove, making him look even thinner. A gray t-shirt and an emerald college-style jacket wrapped around his lean, but trained torso. He gave a slight smile, thinking back to the day a famous trainer had said those same words to him, as a warning for his upcoming adventures.
- Well, maybe... I'm going to train only the strongest, maybe I'll leave the rejects to you, if we ever meet - replied the young man before turning around and leaving, disappearing into the crowd.
- I wouldn't count on that too much - Katsumi commented.
He hated people like that one, who exploited pokemons and abandoned them if they didn't meet their own selfish needs, sullying the good title of trainer. Another reason not to trust human beings, even if professors were the exception to the rule for him, since they dedicated their lives to the study and care of these beings and for this he could not help but feel respect and admiration.
- We have arrived! - announced the captain, admiring the golden beaches of the town, a real feather in the cap of the area.
Once off the ship, the boy wanted to follow the advice given by the professor, going into the bush in search of Lake Verity, source of numerous rumors about an extraordinary pokemon and destination of many aspiring trainers, who yearned for a good dose of luck to reach the Pokemon League, the ultimate goal.
Once he arrived at his destination, he could see that it was a large expanse of water, surrounded by a forest dripping with all sorts of pokemon and where he could see a strange rock formation, right in the middle of the lake. A raven-haired man with scarlet locks and dressed completely in black stood along the shore, contemplating the immensity of that place so mystical and ancient.
- If you came all this way for him, you're just wasting your time - said the man, turning around.
- I really don't know what you're talking about - replied the young man.
- Of course, anyway, I can tell from a mile away that you're not from around here - he continued, approaching him - Besides, you look like a guy who understands, let me enlighten you on a subject that is very close to my heart but that could give you many ideas to think about -
- Let's hear it - he urged him. Who knows what his intentions were.
- Cyclically our world gives birth to ruthless and deviant beings, who are nothing but the mirror of this sick society that bases everything on the fight and the supremacy of the winner. Given the latest events that have happened, namely in Unima and Johto, as well as the unpleasant incident that occurred right here in this beautiful region, I realized that we are not the good guys, we are parasites that consume and destroy everything in their path and whatever or supernatural force has been trying to annihilate us for millennia needs all the help it can get. Soon I will change the world, soon I will give mankind its well-deserved end. - The man concluded before walking away, leaving the boy visibly shaken after hearing that disturbing monologue. Was he a madman? How was he aware of the events taking place in the regions the young man visited? Was he a seer? Did he have information about his origin and background?
For now he could find no answer to his questions. But he did not even have time to meditate on his speech that a glow rose in the air, flooding the surrounding territory, and from which emerged a small ethereal creature that levitated on the liquid surface, imperceptible to a common human being, but for him no, he had always had something special, which allowed him to understand and form bonds with any species encountered. The boy didn't even understand what he was seeing, as it looked to be some sort of spirit, perhaps a Spectrum-type pokemon. He shook his head, noting that of this mysterious being there was not the slightest trace. With a strange feeling in his chest, he decided to go back to the Laboratory, there someone could give him some kind of information on what was actually happening.
- You must be Katsumi? - asked a not too old man with a strange moustache, Professor Rowan.
- In person - he replied dryly.
- Are you okay? I can see that you are a bit shaken - asked the professor seeing the visibly uncomfortable face of the boy.
- I had a rather strange encounter with a pokemon, or at least I think so - he continued. He decided not to mention the shady and mysterious individual he had met. Surely he wouldn't see him again, so why bother. A shiver ran down his spine, thinking about those words. Did such people really exist? Of course they did, given the brutal and evil enemies he had faced along the way.
- Really? Could he describe it? - The professor's visibly surprised voice distracted him from those thoughts.
- There's not much to tell. It seemed to be some sort of disembodied presence, impossible to see, but somehow I felt it - The man exchanged fleeting glances with the other employees in the room
-Yes, Professor Elm made me aware of your history and abilities. Therefore, it is very likely that you have spotted Meesprit, a legendary pokemon. It is said that this extraordinary being only appears in the presence of really good trainers, possessing strong emotions and deserving. - The young man was amazed. This day had now taken a turn rather bizarre - For this reason and at the urging of my colleague, I have decided to entrust you with a pokedex of the region and five pokeballs, but above all, you can choose between these three initial pokemon - explained the professor pulling out of his pocket three of those characteristic spheres
- I was going to do it tomorrow, along with other trainers who, unlike you, are newbies, but under the circumstances, I do not want to waste your time - he continued throwing these spheres in the air. From them sprouted three small creatures of tender and docile appearance.
- Allow me to introduce Chimchar, the Fire-type chimpanzee pokemon. - An ape-like looking pokemon, consisting of orange fur and a flame placed on its butt, made its entrance. - Piplup, the pokemon penguin of type Water - Another being similar to a skybird made a small bow, sliding awkwardly on the shiny floor, earning the laughter of those present. - And finally Turtwig, the leafy pokemon of type Grass - The latter looked like a turtle, with very unusual jaws and two sprouts placed on his head.
- So which one do you choose? - asked the professor.
Katsumi approached the three, squaring them carefully. Would he choose Piplup, perhaps in memory of his very first starter? So far, he had only chosen initial Water-type Pokemon to start his journey, so why break with tradition? His gaze fell on the last one on the left, the small flaming creature, looking resolute and determined.
- I choose Chimchar! - exclaimed the young man, surprising even himself. There was something about this shorty that caught his attention, and he wanted nothing more. With him by his side, he would travel the length and breadth of the region, form a very strong team, and beat the League. - So, how about coming with me? - asked the coach, leaning down to the height of the little monster - You know, my goal is to become the strongest with my Pokemon, so get ready, we'll train hard and together we'll beat any obstacle that comes our way. What do you think? -
- Chimchar! - The fire pokemon nodded decisively, beating his fist with that of his new trainer and friend.
- You two seem to be pretty close already - Professor Rowan intervened - So, Katsumi, I assume you want to compete in Sinnoh's league, right? -
- It seems obvious to me - confirmed the young man
- So, it is in Jubilife City that you should go, more precisely to the Pokemon Center, is around the corner, but I think you want to start to replenish your team, not far from here there are some really good Pokemon, maybe they can be useful - concluded the man
- In fact it was something that I had already considered, so I better hurry up, thanks for everything professor. -
- You're welcome, it has been a real pleasure. Good luck Katsumi, may your journey be fruitful and full of new experiences - replied the other man.
- One moment Katsumi! - the voice of the researcher on his right interposed between the two - Could you take this to my son? He should be in Jubilife City, you'll recognize him by his companion, a Squirtle - he declared, handing the young trainer a package containing two maps of the region - The other one is yours, consider it a small gift for the beginning of your trip -
- Of course - replied the boy, going out the door with his new friend resting on his right shoulder.
- Did he say it was a good idea? - asked another researcher
- That boy has an innate ability to understand and make emotional connections with pokemons, not to mention that he was one of the few to meet Mesprit, as well as having faced and befriended a good number of mythical creatures, according to what my colleague in Johto told me, foiling the plans of two shady organizations. We'll be hearing more from him, I can assure you. And let's not forget that he was chosen by the Dragon a long time ago, I don't think he did it by accident - explained the professor.
- Very impressive! - exclaimed in chorus the rest of the scientists.
- Yes - replied the man, nodding his head - May Arceus enlighten the path of this amazing young man. -
In the meantime, the young man continued along route 202, coming across a small black and white winged creature perched on a branch. Exactly the pokemon our protagonist was looking for.
- Go Chimchar! - The chimpanzee took a leap, landing right in the middle of the ground, ready to fight.
It was the beginning of his legend...
