Welcome back! Enjoy!
Part 3
There is a chill in the summer night breeze that drifts into the Viridian City Pokemon Center when the automatic doors open to reveal Phoenix Ketchum entering. He is covered in mud from head to toe with a mop of dishevelled hair hidden under the famous league hat resting on top. He sighs in relief and looks around the center. It is late at night and few trainers hang around the lobby.
"Welcome!" a woman calls from the counter.
Phoenix recognizes her as one of the many Nurse Joys that occupy Pokemon Centers across Kanto and the world. He had been to many centers with his parents.
"I would like to leave my Pokemon over night for care and I would like a room, please," Phoenix requests politely although he is exhausted.
"Let's see," Nurse Joy types on her computer, "we have rooms available. Can I just see your trainer I.D.?"
Phoenix looks at her sheepishly, "I don't know if I have one."
"Do you have the Dexter App on your phone?" She asks while holding her hand out for it.
"Oh yeah," he digs in his pocket, unlocks it, and then hands it to her.
Nurse Joy fiddles with the app and then pulls up a screen.
"If you need to show your trainer I.D. just pull up Dexter and then hit the Trainer Information button here and that's all you need!" Nurse Joy smiles as she scans the QR code on the info screen. She hands it back to him saying, "you're all set, Phoenix!"
"That's it?" He asks, surprised by the efficiency of the process.
"Yep!" She smiles and continues, "your room number is on the screen. Just use your phone to scan the pad on the door and you have access to your room. If your phone dies then just come see me for help. I can take your Pokemon now."
"Wow," he wonders aloud as he looks down at his phone, "technology is neat!"
"I know, right?" She laughs with him.
Phoenix hands five Pokeballs to Nurse Joy.
"They will feel all better by morning!" She smiles cheerfully at him.
"Is it alright if I use one of the video phones? I had spotty signal in the forest." Phoenix asks as he points to a row of computers.
"Of course! Curfew is in twenty minutes, though, so be quick!" She smiles at the teen and starts to go back to work.
"Sounds good!" He starts to head towards the phones.
"Oh, and Mr. Ketchum," Nurse Joy calls, a mysterious glint in her eyes, "two rowdy kids, a Pikachu, and a group of Team Rocket accidentally blew this Pokemon Center up about thirty years ago. Please, restrain yourself."
Nurse Joy laughs as Phoenix looks at her with his eyes furrowed in confusion.
"Ask Professor Oak," she laughs at her own joke and then continues to the back with Phoenix's Pokemon.
Phoenix shakes his head and wonders if the Pikachu was a reference to his father. How and why would he blow up the Pokemon Center though? He shakes his head in wonder.
He sighs as he sits on one of the stools in front of the computer screen. The technology, though ancient, is reliable and easy to use. He dials a number he knows by heart.
Ring ring ring, ring ring ring, phone call, phone call
Ring ring ring, ring ring ring, phone call, phone call
"Hello?" Gary Oak's face appears on the screen, "Ah, Phoenix, I figured it might be you."
"Hey professor," Phoenix grins and waves through the web camera.
"I was wondering what was taking you so long to get to Viridian City until I started to receive Pokemon from you. You must have caught, what, seven already?" Gary asks doing the math in his head.
"Yeah, it's been a lot of fun," Phoenix tells him, excited about his first few days as a trainer, "My first was a Fletchling. I thought it was strange to see it here in Kanto, but I found out that was bred from my dad's Talonflame and Pidgeot! They trusted me to take him with me! Then I caught a male Nidoran, Rattata, and Oddish on the second day. On day three, I found a Shinx! I know they are rare in the region so I was determined to catch it! Then it turns out I went too far west and ended up at the gates of the Pokemon League today. It worked out well, though, because I caught a Mankey and a Spearow which you know because you have them there."
"Ash: 0. Phoenix: 7." Gary chuckles to himself. The memory of his friend as a rash and inexperienced trainer strikes him as hilarious.
"Speaking of my dad," Phoenix ponders aloud, "do you know anything about him blowing up the Viridian City Pokemon Center? Nurse Joy made a joke that I don't quite understand."
"He did what?" Gary asked in surprised confusion; his eyebrows raising questioningly.
"He sure helped!" a separate shaky voice is heard from the other side of the conversation.
"Gramps, what do you know?" Gary asked the elderly man.
"All I know is that the center was under attack and Ash and Pikachu defended to the point of catastrophe!" Professor Oak Sr. laughs heartily in the background.
"Yikes," Phoenix shakes his head at the thought.
"Your dad was," Gary pauses to choose his words carefully, "creative."
"Sounds like it," Phoenix laughs a little. It seems his first few days of being a trainer has already been more successful than his father, the late Pokemon Master.
"Anyway, was there anything I could do for you? Gary asks looking at his watch, "I assume curfew is going to start really soon."
"Yeah, actually. I was hoping you could send me Mankey in exchange for Rattata. I know my first gym battle will be against Forrest, so I need to train a team strong against rock."
"You have so much potential," Gary laughs, comparing him once again to his father. "Just don't use that Shinx against Onix. Your dad is the only one who could pull that one off."
"Are there that many stories about him that he never told me?" Phoenix asks with a half hearted chuckle.
"From his first few years? Yes." Gary laughs along with him, "I don't know them all though. Ask your Uncle Brock when you get to Pewter."
"Yes, sir," Phoenix agrees with a bright smile.
"Anyway, place Rattata on the transfer machine there," Gary instructs.
Phoenix does what he's told.
"Now, here comes Mankey," Gary presses a few buttons on the machine and the transfer begins.
Rattata's ball dematerializes and Mankey's appears just a few seconds later.
"Got him!" Phoenix exclaims, holding up the Pokeball.
"And here is Rattata," Gary holds up the other Pokeball.
"Great! Thanks, Gary!" Phoenix says as he puts Mankey's Pokeball on his currently empty belt.
"Alright, now," Gary looks at him with a stern expression, "go on to bed now so you can make it through the Viridian Forest tomorrow!"
"Yes, sir!" Phoenix nods his head.
"Good night, Phoenix," Gary says.
"G'night, professor!" Phoenix responds causing Gary to chuckle as the screen goes blank.
"Time for bed," Phoenix says to himself as he stands up and walks towards the hall to the rented rooms.
"Lets see," he looks down at his phone, "room 15."
He follows the increasing numbers and finds his room. The phone unlocks it like a charm and he enters. The room is small and meant for only one person. There is a small bed and a dresser to set his items.
He sets his bag on the dresser and undresses. His clothes are already muddy and in need of washing. He sets the dirty clothes in the corner and slips on a new pair of boxers and a shirt. Then he slips under the covers and falls fast asleep.
--
When Phoenix awakens the next morning, he realizes that he has slept past nine. His sleep was deep and dreamless which was a relief to him. He can't remember the last time he slept so long without being haunted by the smoke and heat of the fire.
His intention was to leave early in the morning to head towards Pewter city. However, he now realizes that the rest he got and washing his travelling clothes is more important than getting there today.
He pulls on a pair of pajama pants and his hat and then picks up the dirty clothes on the ground. Then he bundles them up and holds them out in front of him trying to prevent his pajamas from getting dirty too. He uses his spare hand to tuck his phone in his pocket and then leaves the room to find the laundry area.
After throwing the dirty clothes into the washing machine, Phoenix decides to retrieve his Pokemon from Nurse Joy.
The lobby is much busier now that it is day time and Phoenix has to wait in line for his Pokemon. There are kids his age and younger and some adults passing through as well. It is hard to move about through all of the traffic. He is content to stand in line though. He needs to wait for his laundry anyway. Nurse Joy is overwhelmed by the business and starts calling out for people to retrieve their Pokemon.
A younger boy behind him taps him on the shoulder and says, Hey! That's a neat hat!"
"Oh, thanks," Phoenix nods politely. The boy appears to be about thirteen or fourteen. His yellow hair spikes up slightly, but is cut short. His green eyes shine with envy as he stares at the Official Pokemon League hat on Phoenix's head. He is wearing a green jacket and a pair of normal blue jeans.
"Where did you get it?" he continues eyeing it curiously, "it is really hard to get those hats. Did you win a special competition for it?"
"Erm, not quite," Phoenix grumbles not really wanting to share more, but he was raised to be polite so he responds, "It was my dad's."
"Awesome!" The boy chirps with a smile, "my name is Austin Hansen."
"Phoenix," he responds, inwardly rolling his eyes, purposefully not sharing his surname.
The last thing I need is for some kid to follow me around. He thinks.
"Phoenix Ketchum?" Nurse Joy asks loudly above the crowd, trying to spot the auburn haired teen.
There is a dip in conversation as eyes from all around the room search the crowd to spot him.
Phoenix loses his breath momentarily as so many trainers look at him expectantly.
The crowd opens up as he walks towards the counter to retrieve his party.
"Here are your Pokemon," Nurse Joy hands them to Phoenix. He looks around at the people stuck in awe quickly becoming uncomfortable with their gazes.
He thanks Nurse Joy quietly and then pushes his way through the crowd and back towards the laundry area.
"When you said it was your dad's, you weren't kidding!" Phoenix turns to see Austin following him. He continues, "I thought there was something familiar about you!"
"Do you want an autograph or something?" Phoenix sneers defensively.
His attitude doesn't seem to phase Austin who continues on excitedly, "nah, I'm just curious if you're as good as him."
Phoenix looks at him bewildered. Is the late Pokemon Master's 16-year-old son as good as he was? Absurd.
He pulls the washing machine open and gathers his clothes. Then he tosses them into the dry and starts the cycle.
A fire ignites in his eyes, "I will be."
"That's the spirit!" Austin laughs heartily, "so how long have you been travelling? I thought the news would have caught you out and about by now."
"This is my fourth day," Phoenix shrugs it off as no big deal.
"You just started?" Austin asks, slightly deflated, "I thought you'd be able to show me some neat Pokemon."
"What's it matter if I started when I was ten or sixteen, I'll get there eventually." Phoenix sighs lightly, realizing that this boy was not going to leave him alone.
"No, no, I understand. My parents didn't let me go until I turned Fourteen four months ago." Austin shares with a shrug.
"If you've been travelling for four months, why are you here?" Phoenix asks curiously. It is common knowledge that Viridian was a city for extreme beginners and for skilled trainers heading towards the Pokemon League. There was little in between.
The boy's eyes drop to the floor and he sighs with defeat, "I can't beat the Cerulean City Gym, so I decided to come back home to Viridian for a week."
Phoenix's ears perk up at the mention of his mother's family's gym.
"My aunts putting you through the ringer?" Phoenix tries to hold back a laugh. He is aware of his Aunt Daisy's current reputation of kicking trainers to the curb using his mother's Pokemon.
"Your aunts?" Austin pauses thoughtfully for a moment until a lightbulb flashes through his brain. "Totally my bad, bro. I always think of Misty Ketchum as the late Elite Four Member and not a former Gym Leader."
Phoenix's eyes glaze over at the thought of his mother and her successful career. It is rare that she was acknowledged for her incredible accomplishments while married to the greatest Pokemon Trainer in the world. However, from his perspective, his mother was not one to care for her reputation. She knew that she was a water Pokemon master, and that was all that mattered caeer-wise. She had been a wife and a mother first, and as an older teen, he now respected her more for standing next to his father and allowing him to receive the praise and fame.
"Anyway, it's unfair that the second gym in Kanto has a freakin' Gyarados that was trained by an Elite Four Member!" Austin exclaims in frustration. "I've been thinking about going to other gyms and going back to Cerulean later. That's what most people do these days."
"After I beat Forrest in Pewter, I'm going straight there to take on Gyarados." Phoenix says, a spark of determination flashing in his eyes.
"You sure are confident for training for only four days," Austin says furrowing his eyebrows.
"My parents prepared me for this from the day I was born to the day they died," Phoenix says stoically, "I was born to be a master."
Austin looks at him with wide eyes, "I've never been that determined before."
"Well get that determined because we're going to battle." Phoenix declares hotly as he grabs his clothes out of the dryer.
Austin's eyes burn with a similar fire at the chance to battle the son of the late Pokemon Master.
"You're on."
After Phoenix changed into his training clothes he met Austin outside on the small battle field.
"Are you ready, noobie?" Austin asks with a teasing chuckle.
"How many Pokemon?" Phoenix asks.
"How's a simply one on one, sound?" Austin suggests while pulling out a Pokeball from his bag.
"Fine by me," Phoenix agrees.
"Since I'm the experienced trainer, I will send out my Pokemon first so you can choose wisely." Austin says. He isn't trying to be rude, but comes off as slightly condescending.
"Go for it," Phoenix nods, "but I only need this one Pokemon anyway."
Austin smirks and shakes his head. He enlarges the Pokeball in his hand and throws it forward, "go Charmeleon!"
Before Austin appears a bright red lizard. Its scales reflect the light of the day which gives it a healthy, glossy look. Phoenix can tell that the Pokemon is very young based on its size even as a Charmeleon. Many Pokemon, especially reptilian Pokemon, grow throughout their lives even between evolutions. The Charmeleon huffs and scratches at the ground in preparation.
"Then I'll fight fire with fire!" Phoenix grins as he chucks his Pokeball across the field.
Charvo's form appears. His leathery, pastel orange scales glitter in the sunlight. He stands straight and proudly across from the other Charmeleon. Phoenix notices right away that Charvo stands a head taller.
"A shiny?" Austin asks in awe, "I didn't think you'd be able to show me any neat Pokemon, but I was wrong! That's so awesome! How'd you get it?"
"Being shiny was pure luck," Phoenix shrugs his shoulders, but then takes a determined fighting stance, "but his champion pedigree was planned."
"You're not saying what I think you're saying," Austin stare in disbelief at the orange reptile.
"Son of a champion." Phoenix can't help but boast slightly. Charvo is his pride and joy.
Austin watches somewhat starstruck.
"I'm battling against the late Pokemon Master's son and the son of his famous Charizard…" Austin trails off. "THIS IS THE COOLEST DAY OF MY LIFE!"
Phoenix's sweat drops from his forehead, not used to the attention or the awestruck fans. Pallet is a quiet city where everyone knew who he is and who his family was. Being out in Viridian where everyone knows the 'Ketchum' name is unsettling.
"Can we just battle?" Phoenix asks while rubbing the back of his neck. It was a nervous habit that he picked up from his father.
"Right," Austin nods getting himself ready.
"I insist you start," Phoenix says nonchalantly.
"Alright," Austin agrees. He looks contemplative for a moment and then shouts out, "Charmeleon, start out with a scratch attack!"
"Charvo, use flamethrower to keep it back!" Phoenix counters.
Austin's Charmeleon races towards Charvo with its claws ready for impact. Charvo braces himself against the ground and releases a steamy flamethrower.
"Get out of the way!" Austin commands.
"Follow it with your fire!" Phoenix does not relent.
The flamethrower hits Austin's Charmeleon and follows it to inflict maximum damage.
"Get in there with another scratch attack!"
"Wait," Phoenix calls out. Charvo freezes where he is and waits until Austin's Charmeleon approaches. "Dodge and grab it!"
As Austin's Charmeleon attempts to slash him, Charvo smoothly steps back. At the right moment, Charvo grabs Charmeleon's tail.
"Seismic Toss!" Phoenix orders it.
Charvo swings Austin's Charmeleon in circles and then pulls it up and slams it back to the ground. Austin's Charmeleon struggles to stand, but manages to gain its balance.
"It has grit," Phoenix commends.
Austin grits his teeth as he realizes that the direction of this battle is not in his favor.
"Try your best flamethrower!"
Austin's Charmeleon takes a deep breath and roars as it releases a fiery blast.
"Into the depths!" Phoenix calls.
Charvo plants his feet on the ground and leans forward. As the flamethrower hits, he races forward into the flames.
"What?" Austin asks in confusion as Charvo is willingly swallowed up.
"Dragon rush!" Phoenix exclaims loud enough for Charvo to hear.
As Austin's Charmeleon stops its flamethrower to inspect what's happening, it opens its eyes to find Charvo hurtling full force into him.
"Char!" It screeches as its knocked back across the battlefield and out of bounds.
Charvo grips the dirt with his claws to stop himself from continuing in his forward momentum.
Austin looks at his fallen Charmeleon who's laying motionless at his feet.
"Charmeleon!" He shouts as he drops to his knees.
"Char," it says weakly and lays its head on Austin's lap.
"Is it alright?" Phoenix begins to worry when the other Charmeleon doesn't get up.
Charvo runs to check with Phoenix following close behind.
"I think he just needs a good rest." Austin smiles up at them and strokes Charmeleon's head.
"That's a relief," Phoenix lets a smile loose, "at least the Pokemon Center is right here."
"Yeah, definitely," Austin agrees. He pulls out Charmeleon's Pokeball and returns him.
"How is your Charmeleon so good if you've only been a trainer for four days?" Austin asks in wonder.
"I've had Charvo since he was an egg. He's been my best friend ever since. We've been training at home since I was nine." Phoenix finally explains.
"That makes more sense." Austin's smile grows, "I seriously thought a rookie beat me, but I guess that's not what you are."
"What do you mean? I did just start." Phoenix asks, confused.
"You, my friend," Austin pats Phoenix on the shoulder, "you are a prodigy."
"Are you sure you want to come with me?" Phoenix asks the next morning as he throws his backpack over his shoulders.
"Are you kidding me?" Austin asks, his mouth agape, "I just have this feeling that going with you will be the adventure of a lifetime!"
Somehow, the younger boy had weaseled his way into a friendship with Phoenix. They had spent the night before at the Pokemon Center again. They introduced each other to their Pokemon and talked about what it was like growing up in southwest Kanto. Phoenix was still reluctant to talk about his late parents and Austin, surprisingly, didn't push anymore.
At some point in the night, Austin decided that he would join Phoenix on his journey, saying something about a front seat to history in the making. Phoenix, though skeptical, concluded that his new friendship with the younger teen was not as painful as he initially thought it would be and decided he would give travelling with another person a try. Thus led to the two waking up early in the morning and checking out of the Pokemon Center together.
"I don't see how my adventure is going to be any different than any other new trainer." Phoenix shakes his head as they walk. They have now entered into the main area of the Viridian Forest.
"Like I said, I just have this feeling," Austin emphasizes with a bright smile.
Phoenix's eyes snap upwards as he notices a moving branch up above.
"Who's there?" He asks, staring, "show yourself!"
However, before whatever it was had a chance to come out, someone appears before them on the path.
"Hold on there, kids." A man dressed in a Police Uniform stops them.
"I need to inspect your Pokemon before you go any further." The man states, speaking with authority.
"What do you mean?" Austin asks, confused.
"Official Police business." The man tells them.
"Then I will call the Viridian Police department and double check." Phoenix states, pulling out his phone.
The man sneers and pulls out two Pokeballs.
"You wouldn't believe how many rookie trainers fall for this." He laughs evilly, "I will just have to take yours by force."
He rips off the Police Uniform and reveals a black shirt with a red R on the front.
"Team Rocket!" Phoenix growls while pulling out his own Pokeball.
"We have to take him out." Austin states, also pulling a Pokeball out.
The grunt throws his Pokeballs to reveal a Raticate and an Ekans.
"Ready?" Phoenix asks Austin.
Austin nods in confirmation, and the two new friends toss their Pokeballs forward.
Austin's choice forms in front of him; a twiggy looking Pokemon composed of vines, leaves, and a venus fly trap for a face. Phoenix's Pokemon, his newly caught Mankey appears looking somewhat confused. Phoenix has not had the chance to even meet Mankey since he caught it, so it was a wonder how he would command it.
"Alright, Bellsprout, leech seed!" Austin starts with an energy draining move off the bat. Vines grow from underneath the Pokemon and grab onto them, gradually sucking their life force.
"Mankey, you got this!" Phoenix encourages it, "Just like when you battled me! Use karate chop on Raticate!"
Mankey decides to follow Phoenix's order and rushes in towards Raticate. With a quick karate chop, Raticate is sent flying across the terrain.
"Bellsprout use vine whip at Ekans!" Austin orders and the flexible twig Pokemon snaps its long vines at the snake.
"Ergh!" The grunt screams in frustration. "Raticate, use superfang! Ekans use bite!"
Raticate springs forward towards Mankey who looks concerned at the larger Pokemon approaching. Ekans moves in at a lightning pace and bites Bellsprout.
"Jump high to dodge, and use mega kick!" Phoenix commands Mankey. The monkey Pokemon obeys blindly and manages to land a direct kick to Raticate's face; effectively knocking it out.
"Ekans, poison sting!" The grunt orders his other Pokemon while he returns Raticate.
The poison stink hits Bellsprout directly and it falls backward, poisoned.
"Return!" Austin yells and the Pokeball's red light envelopes Bellsprout.
"Mankey," Phoenix points at their new target, "fury swipes at Ekans!"
Mankey scrambles towards Ekans and begins slashing it over and over until it also falls defeated.
The grunt's face heats up and he boils as he realizes that the two younger trainers defeated him.
"Why you little!" He begins to run towards them preparing to attack them.
"Mankey, thrash!" Phoenix orders quickly. They little pig monkey leaps towards the man and thrashes its entire body inflicting as much damage as possible.
The man quickly decides that fighting an enraged Mankey is not his best call and high tails it out of there. Mankey drops to the ground, breathing heavily.
"Oh wow," Phoenix grins at the little pig monkey, "you are incredible!"
Mankey's tough exterior drops and appears to blush under its trainer's gaze. Then it jumps up and climbs Phoenix's arm to sit on his shoulder.
"Mankey, Mankey!" it rubs its head against his.
"Good at battling and affectionate!" Phoenix laughs while he rubs its ear.
"She was a good choice!" Austin praises watching the monkey Pokemon closely.
"She?" Phoenix pauses, turning to look at the Pokemon.
"Yeah totally!" Austin laugh heartily, "Mankey are usually reckless. Usually only the females are that affectionate."
"Oh that's neat," Phoenix smiles, "I wouldn't have guessed. How'd you know that?"
"My dad has a Primeape so I know a little about them." Austin shrugs his shoulders.
"Gotcha," Phoenix nods, "so, shall we head on through the forest?"
As they are about to continue on their way, the ground beneath them gives way and they find themselves in a hole over ten feet deep.
"What the heck?" Phoenix stares up at the top of the hole, trying to figure how they got there.
"It must have been the Team Rocket grunt," Austin concludes, standing up and wiping dirt from his pants.
"Pi!" They hear from above. They quickly look up.
Hanging on a branch looking down at them sits a Pichu, giggling wildly at them.
"What's so funny?" Austin asks while trying to contain a smile.
"Pichu, Pi Pichu!" it laughs again, almost falling off the branch.
"Do you just hang around and watch as people fall into Team Rocket's traps?" Austin asks, somewhat bewildered.
It only continues giggling.
"I have to capture it." Phoenix states while staring at the little mouse Pokemon.
"What?" Austin questions, but quickly realizes the significance of the small, electric rodent.
Phoenix pulls a Pokeball off his belt and tosses it into the air.
"Go, Fletchling!" Phoenix exclaims as the little red and gray bird appears.
"Fletch!" he cries out and waits for orders.
"See that little Pichu?" Phoenix asks, pointing up at it, "I want you to battle it and don't let it go while I get out of this hole."
Fletchling nods obediently and soars upwards. He aims his beak at the Pichu and slams into it. Pichu is knocked off the branch, but is able to catch it again and hang from it.
Fletchling caws at it and rams into it again. Pichu finally has a chance to gain its bearings, so it runs across the branch towards the base of the tree. Then it flees into the forest. Fletchling soars after it, determined not to let his trainer down.
Meanwhile, Phoenix, Austin, and Mankey work to dig steps out of the side of the hole. When they finally emerge, they find Fletchling and the Pichu gone.
"Go Pidgeotto!" Austin exclaims, letting lose his Pidgeotto, "find a Fletchling and a Pichu. They went that way!"
"Neat!" Phoenix appreciates the bird that is the pre-evolution to Pidgeot.
"Thanks! Caught it in the Viridian Forest my first time around." Austin explains as the two start running after Pidgeotto. Mankey still sits on Phoenix's shoulders, enjoying the ride.
"Pidgeo, Pidgeo!" the bird motions for them to continue following.
They run along through the forest, ducking between trees and dodging bug Pokemon. Phoenix makes a mental note to not return to the Viridian forest for a while. There is something about being surrounded by bug Pokemon that feels off-putting to him. One Caterpie and one weedle would be enough for him. However, at the moment, the Pichu is his main priority.
"Fletchling!" Phoenix finally hears his Pokemon. Soon, him and Pichu come into view, running into a clearing.
"Piiii chu," its cheeks spark with electricity.
"Fletchling, return," Phoenix calls, holding up the Pokeball to call him back.
Austin looks at Phoenix quizzically. The little Pichu stares at them while discharging its energy.
"Pichu," Phoenix says firmly, fire burning in his cerulean eyes, "my dad trained the strongest Raichu that ever walked the earth. I know how to take care of electric types, especially those of your kind. Please consider joining me."
"Pichu?" the little yellow and black mouse is caught off guard. It had defended itself against many new trainers just starting out and has never once heard such a proposal. The boy hadn't even sent out a Pokemon to continue the fight. Pichu's defenses drop and it stares up at him with bright eyes.
"Ah," Phoenix grins as he takes his bag off his shoulder and pulls out a jar. Then he loosens it and pinches a small piece. He kneels down to be level with Pichu and extends the food to it, "this is a special Pokemon food recipe that my uncle Brock created. Raichu loves this recipe."
Pichu approaches wearily. It slowly extends its paw and snatches the Pokemon food from Phoenix's hand.
As it munches on the piece of food its eyes shine at the happy taste, "Pi pi Pichu!"
"Told you it was good!" Phoenix laughs and offers it more.
"Pichu Pichu," this time it grabs it and doesn't run away.
"Mankey, Mankey!" the pig monkey squeals from his shoulder while looking at the food jar.
"Oh, I'm sorry!" Phoenix grabs another piece and hands it to Mankey, "you fought so well against Team Rocket, I can't believe I forgot to give you a piece."
Pichu giggles from its spot and chews on the Pokemon food. Mankey scrambles off Phoenix's shoulder and sits next to Pichu. The two start to chatter like old friends.
"Would you look at that?" Austin grins at the sight, "friends already."
Pichu looks up at Austin and cocks its head. Then it stares back at Phoenix.
"You can't decide, huh?" Phoenix asks, watching carefully, "it's alright if you don't want to come."
"Pichu!" it squeaks as it jumps into his arms and tries to twist the jar off the Pokemon food.
"Oh I see," Phoenix laughs heartily, "you need more convincing?"
Phoenix helps it open it and the little mouse scurries up to Phoenix's shoulder. The gestures causes Phoenix to remember a specific picture hung up on his bulletin board. One where his father as a preteen stands with a peace sign extended toward the camera. His trusty Pikachu sits on his shoulder copying the same sign. Somehow, having the little Pichu on his shoulder fills a void. As he walks in his father's footsteps, he learns even more about the man once called the Pokemon Master and ultimately more about himself.
"Sceptile, use dragon pulse!" Ash exclaims and the large leafy reptile powers up for a super-effective hit against a skilled Haxorus.
The green and gray dragon is tossed forcefully against a rock on the battlefield.
"Haxorus is unable to battle," the referee holds up the flag towards Ash, "the champion is the winner."
"Way to go, dad!" Phoenix cheers from the sidelines where family and friends are welcome to view the battle.
"Phoenix, wait until he is done talking to the challenger," Misty lays a hand on her son's back while holding River on her knee.
The little girl giggles at the sight of the Sceptile. The large Pokemon catches sight of her and blushes lightly at how adorable she is. At four years old, she has proven to be infatuated with all Pokemon -especially the strongest of Ash and Misty's teams. The girl clings to them magnetically.
"But mom," Phoenix whimpers looking out at his father talking to the challenger, "I want to know what dad is telling him!"
"Your dad has this silly speech he gives every challenger." Misty playfully rolls her eyes, a smile forming across her face.
"Do you think he'll ever give me the speech?" Phoenix asks out of curiosity, looking back at his mom.
"Daddy gave me the speech," River giggles and sticks her tongue out at Phoenix.
"Yeah right, Rivvy." Phoenix sasses and flicks her arm.
"OW!" River screeches at the action, "MOM!"
"Phoenix!" Misty raises her voice incredulously.
"What?" Phoenix asks, feeling irritated.
"You know it's not okay to touch River that way," Misty scolded lightly, "especially because she's a lot younger than you."
"But mom, she's an annoying brat," Phoenix crosses his arms and turns up his nose.
"Mommy!" River whimpers at the insult.
"Phoenix," Misty's tone softens as she rocks River back and forth, "she is young now, but someday, you and her are going to be good friends. Someday you will need each other. She needs her big brother."
Phoenix stares at his little sister whose face is still pressed into their mothers chest. It's then he notices how similar they are. The girl had just been fawning over their dad's Pokemon just like he always had. They both adore Pokemon. He also sees her wavy auburn hair that is the exact same shade as his.
Phoenix sighs and plops down next to his mother.
"Hey River," he starts quietly, "I'm sorry."
River slowly removes her face from Misty and peers over at her brother.
"I got carried away," Phoenix attempts to explain, "I want to be a great trainer and challenge dad someday, but I bet you will want the same thing."
"I'm going to be the best Poke Master ever!" River exclaims, a smile returning to her lips. "Just like mommy and daddy."
"Aw, thanks, baby," Misty coos as she strokes her daughter's hair.
"Maybe someday we can work together to be the best we can be." Phoenix concludes as he stares into her nearly identical cerulean eyes. The only difference is a small hazel splotch on the right side of her right iris.
I hope you enjoyed!! It will be slower in tbe beginning, but hopefully you still enjoy rhe adventure during the rising acton of the plot.
Shoutout to TigerCat111 who found my sequel in a sea of Pokefics and reviewed already!! Thanks!!
I'd love to hear from all of you!
Love, Alert, Review!! :)