Part 4: The Decision
Will stood at the foot of his bedroom door heart beating fast. The sun had not yet fully risen, splashing waves of dawn through the sky. A traveling bag was strapped over his shoulders, and a glistening pair of new running shoes fit snuggly upon his feet. A present from his grandfather. Today was after all The day, one that he had been planning and waiting for years to come. He was seventeen years old now, older than most setting out on their first pokemon adventure. But he was determined that his wait only meant it would be that much sweeter. He was to meet with his Grandfather at the eastern gate of town where together, they would set off for the southernmost portion of the region. Azalea Town.
He opened the door to his room silently, ensuring that every step took made no sound. First to the kitchen, where he grabbed a few snacks for the road before leaving a note attached to the fridge, explaining the situation to his father. He wouldn't mind the note, after all Will had taken care to make sure that it was as formal as possible. A final letter concluding their business. With that he stole out of the house, taking in the refreshing morning air.
Finally, I'm free!
Hastily he made his way from the heart of the town towards the eastern gate. Ahead he could see his Grandfathers white scarf blowing in the morning breeze.
"William! Glad to see that you made it! And from the looks of things I'd say all set and ready to go!"
"Grandpa, nobody calls me that anymore," said the young man with a smile, "Will is just fine."
"Well Mr. cool guy, I've been calling you William since before you were even born so forgive me if I don't hop on this hip train of yours," piped back the old man. "Still don't see what the point is but never you mind that! We've got a schedule to keep! I told Elm that we would be in Azalea town by Friday so that only gives us two days.
"And how exactly are we supposed to cross more than half of Johto in just two days?"
"Ohhhh you leave that to your grandfather! I've got one or two tricks up my sleeves believe me, nobody knows the mountain caves around these parts better than me!" With that the two were off, Will following after his Grandfather, the cadence of his cane upon the ground filling his spirits with vigor.
"Just Imagine It Grandpa! Snowpoint City! I remember hearing so many stories about it as a child from mom. A place where winter never rests! There's bound to be countless Ice type Pokemon living in a place like that!"
"Oh without a doubt. Your just lucky that Elm needed someone to go and learn a thing or two about the Sinnoh Regions own Ice rock. Its located somewhat near the city. If all goes as planned you should be able to return with helpful news in preserving the one down in the Ice Path.
"Speaking of which, I had heard that you managed to stop most of the runoff. Do you think that the cave will be alright?"
"Generally speaking yes, at least for now. The Ice rock is so far down under the ground that it would take a drastic shift in temperature to threaten us with melting. That being said however, we still might lose some of the upper floors of the cave. All that water's going to need to go somewhere, so I hope that tunnel that Jasmine has been digging pays off. The Lake of Rage isn't what it used to be."
Eventually the duos path left the level ground and instead wound its way into the mountains. Steep and narrow trails followed suit, and on more than once occasion Will felt his heart leap at the sight of wild pokemon.
"Don't get your hopes up to much boy, we won't be finding any ice types in these parts."
"I know I know it's just. Well."
"You don't have to explain it to me William, even after all these years I still get a thrill seeing em out here in the wild. Gets a trainer's spirit pumping. Which reminds me, what is it your out to do now exactly? You explained it somewhat over the phone but. Well I won't lie, my hearings not what it used to be." Will laughed, happy to share the conversation.
"I told you Grandpa, I want to become a master Ice type trainer like you! But in order to do that, I first want to travel around to all of the regions. See why certain species originated in them, then of course add them to my team! Sneasel here is my representative of Johto!"
"I see. And do you intend to continue your trainings while you travel? It is very easy to lose sight of your focus."
"Not to worry Grandpa, have a little faith. You taught your grandson well! I've got that ice block meditation thing down I promise!"
"Hmm we'll see about that!" snorted the old man with a smile.
When the sun had reached the zenith of its orbit the two travelers had stopped for lunch, munching on a couple of sandwiches at the mouth a cave.
"So, where exactly are we then on the map?"
"We are right about here. Nobody knows about this path, except of course for myself and the Gym leader of Blackthorn City. We use it every now and then when we want to move around the region undisturbed."
"So were actually pretty close to Blackthorn aren't we?"
"That's right, just a little further east would put us there. This however, is what we want. The treacherous Black Cave of Johto. It's like somebody loosed the cap on an inkwell in there. Even with lights, sight doesn't come easily. But if you know your way around." The old man gave Will a wink before standing. "Alright time to be off! We need to make it to Violet city before dark if you want to see the Bellsprout tower!" Together they plunged into the cave. Will was quick to retrieve a flash light from his bag, though his Grandfather stopped him before he could activate its light.
"Now hold on a second there, no need for that. First rule of traveling, don't rely too much on your gear. You've got your mind, and you've got your Pokemon. Both are really all that you need. Watch!" there was a quick flash as Pryce released a pokemon into the cave, its body silvery and white, sporting a pair of large black horns on its head.
"Glalie?"
"That's right! Now Glalie use flash!" A great radiance sparkled outward from the pokemons body, lighting up portions of the cave. There was no obvious path to follow, yet Pryce started right off, Glalie floating just above his head.
"But I don't understand. How does Glalie know how to use that move?"
"A pokemon can learn a great number of techniques William. Not all of em can be remembered in the heat of battle though. Choose four that you truly wish to have your pokemon devoted to. Much like a martial artist or a well-groomed soldier, in the thick of a battle when you give the order they'll be able to use these attacks without fail. Never neglect though, some which carry different benefits." The two came to what looked like a dead end and for a time Pryce stood with his eyes closed and a hand raised for silence. Will wasn't sure entirely what it was that his Grandfather was doing until he hopped on the spot.
"By jove there you are! Follow me William!" With that the old man stepped behind a rock and then vanished from sight.
"Grandpa?! Grandpa where did you go?" Glalie followed next, revealing that Pryce had fallen down through a hidden hole. As he neared it, the sound of rushing water filled his ears.
"What's taking so long!?" Came the old man's voice which echoed about the cave. With a flutter in his stomach Will jumped, falling towards what he could now see was a large and gushing river within the cave. "Catch him Dewgong!" There was a splash and then Will felt something cool, smooth, and wet beneath his legs. The Seal pokemon turned and smiled happily at its passenger. Pryce pulled up beside riding atop his mighty Lapras.
"What is this place?"
"An underground river that's what. Once we pass through the rapids we'll be less than a few hours away from Violet City. Told you I knew a few shortcuts!"
It all might as well have been a perfect dream in William's mind. Their journey down through the dark rapids was perhaps the most fun that he had ever experienced in his entire life. All he could think of was one resounding fact. This was just the beginning, there would be so much more! And he wanted it. He craved adventure more than the food he ate or the water he drank. Pryce was accurate in his estimations as well. When the water finally slowed to a calm stream they departed recalling their pokemon before briskly exiting the cave out into the late summer afternoon. By evening they had reached Violet City, spending the waning hours of the sun exploring the great Bellsprout tower and sharing in a few battles. Quickly they were up again, before the sun had arisen having to trek still through Union Cave before they finally reached their destination. Upon seeing it, Will knew immediately why people had settled here. The town was nestled in small green valley, cozily pressed against the great towering trees of the Ilex forest. A scent of firewood filled the air, alongside an inescapable feeling of peace and relaxation.
"Look at that William we made it, and with some time to spare! Good maybe I'll get a chance to settle the scores with that Bug lover."
"Careful what you say old man! It's not wise to jab a hornets nest!" came a voice from a nearby tree. Out of its branches jumped a young man, sporting what William thought was a most ridiculous scout outfit.
"Well speak of the devil! Bugsy! I'd like you to meet my Grandson William. William, this is Azalea Towns gym leader…"
"Just call me Bugsy!" piped in the young man.
"Will is just fine as well," he replied.
"So, I assume you two are here to journey with Professor Elm to Vermillion City over in Kanto once he's all done here."
"Well partially. This I'm afraid is as far as I go. Just wanted to help out my grandson a bit before sending him off, he's got a ticket for the ferry to Sinnoh!"
The two Leaders continued to talk as the group made its way to the pokemon center for a quick rest. William laughed as he learned of his Grandfathers "score" being down two to one with the Bug specialist due to a certain Mega Scizor. Soon a man in a white lab coat and glasses pressed closely to his face entered. He was very sweaty, having carried in two large incubation machines on his back.
"Ah Professor! How are your studies going? Anything to report on the effects of close contact and ideal environmental stimulation?"
"Baffling I say just baffling! You'd think that an oddish egg would be most keen to hatch under the protection of Ilex forest! You know that they hate direct sunlight and enjoy damp places, so I can't imagine there being a better place in all of Johto! I have been walking through these woods for three days now and still no signs of hatching. I may have to take a new approach to my theory about Pokemon Cradles.
"Cradles?" Asked William with fresh confusion, "but those are eggs aren't they?" The professors face lit up at this question.
"Ahhhhh this must be the new trainer I was to meet! William right? Well I'm very pleased to see you again William It's been some time! You were just a tiny tike when I last saw you! Oh you know your mother and grandfather have given me so much help over the years with my research!" Pryce gave a sly smile.
"Always thinking about work eh Elm?"
"Ahh! And Leader Pryce you're here as well! This is just marvelous! Spectacular!"
"You see Will the Professor here is kind of the leading researcher on Pokemon breeding! Lately he has been investigating how certain factors can play into the hatching of an egg," said Bugsy.
"That is correct! And if my theory proves accurate, then I may have finally found one piece of the mystery concerning Pokemon Albinism!"
"What trainers often refer to as shiny pokemon," added Bugsy who recognized the confusion on Williams face, "It's a rare occurrence where a pokemon has different color patterns than others of its species. The professor believes that it has something to do with the hatching process of an egg."
"Cradle!" corrected the professor, "you see egg is really a bad term to use, the only justification for it comes from the shape. Really though, compared to eggs a Pokemon Cradle is not at all the same. In fact, it's far more similar to a cocoon!" The professors face without warning suddenly lit up as though some great clarity had possessed him and he quickly fetched a tape recorder from his pocket.
"Note, no experiments have been fundamentally set on detecting the differences between mother and father caring of cradles before hatching. Have the attendants begin Investigating right away!" Elm wiped his head, and William noticed that his hand followed perfectly along a receding hairline.
"Being a professor must be difficult I'd imagine," he said with a small laugh.
"On some occasions without a doubt," chuckled Elm, "but in the end I find that my work is always worth the hassle. Oh and speaking of Mothers and Fathers William, did you meet with your father yet? He is waiting for you here in town. Said that it was urgent that you speak with him as soon as possible." William was baffled for a moment.
"Im sorry I think I heard wrong. Did you say that my father was here?"