Author's Notes:
I'm not sure if this was mentioned before, but I'm kind of going a little AU when it comes to Pokémon moves.
First of all, they can learn more than four moves at a time. Also, they will have to practice every move they learn in order to get good at it. So when you're training a Pokémon, you aren't just trying to raise its stats, you are also trying to make their attacks more powerful.
Some of the attacks in my story will vary from the game in terms of power and intensity, or even the effect of the move. Many of the attacks you will see will be improvised or made up, depending on the trainer's style.
Also, which moves a Pokémon can learn will change as well. I see no reason why a Pokémon with teeth and a mouth can't learn bite. The way I see it, if it looks like a certain Pokémon has the potential to do an attack, they can probably do it.
Let me know what you think of the story and the battle system. We're getting to the good stuff!
Pokémon, I Choose You!
It took about two weeks before the baby Charmander, Bulbasaur, and Squirtle were ready for training. After a lot of dieting, a lot no's and "we do that outside's", Jet finally got the Pokémon to the point to where they were ready to learn attacks.
"Ok," Jet told the Pokémon, "First things first. Before I teach you guys how to battle, we need to do some conditioning and strength training."
They looked at him with slightly confused eyes. Jet laughed and said, "We're going running!" And running they went. Every morning at five am he would take the Pokémon for a two mile run. He had to run at a mild pace so that Squirtle could keep up with the group.
He would also have them do stretches and little strength building exercises. Sometimes Jet would make them push a cart filled with rocks around a parking lot. Bulbasaur was not fond of this one as it was always awkward for him. Other times he would set up obstacle courses that required them to crouch and jump regularly to get to the end.
One day he placed a mound of sand bags in front of a thick tree and told them, "This will be your tackling post. Now with the move Tackle, you want to make sure you get a good enough distance at first to get a running start."
As Jet spoke he demonstrated by crouching low some ten meters from the sand bag mound, "You want to run, full speed, at your target. When you make contact, you want to preferably use your shoulder against a soft spot of your opponents like their belly." He demonstrated by running into the sandbags, using his shoulder as the contact point.
"Now you guys try." They each took turns tackling Jet's make-shift post. From this exercise Jet was able to see that Bulbasaur was the best at using Tackle, whereas Squirtle was the weakest.
In order to further help them build speed and strength for their physical attacks, Jet got Charmander a binding brace. This was a device that was originally designed to help condition Sandshrew by restricting its movement, making it stronger.
The brace went around Charmander's neck, arms, and legs. It pulled all of Charmander's limbs toward its center of gravity, forcing it into a defense curl. Charmander had to constantly fight against the brace in order to stand up straight and move around.
"I know it hurts and it's uncomfortable," Jet said to Charmander, "But it's only for a few hours. You have to keep fighting at it if you want to get stronger. Just remember you only get as much out of it as you put in."
Charmander nodded, and began doing the stretches that Jet had taught him to build flexibility. The binding brace wouldn't work on either Bulbasaur or Squirtle's body type, but Jet had an alternative. He took them to the aquatic day care and got them started on waterfall training.
"You will be climbing this slope while encountering resistance. These water Pokémon have volunteered to use their Water-Guns to push you back. Don't give up, keep driving forward."
While Charmander ran laps around the pool with his binding brace, Jet, Bulbasaur and Squirtle went on the wall climb platform at the deep end of the pool. Above them, seven water Pokémon began to spray them with a gentle Water-Gun. All three of them fell into the water below. Jet grabbed onto one of the hand holds and told his Pokémon, "Don't quit! If at first you don't succeed, dust yourself off and try again!"
After a week of this resistance training, all three Pokémon's performances improved dramatically. Squirtle was lapping Jet during their morning runs. Bulbasaur tackled the sandbags so hard one day, they simply burst. Professor Oak put in an order for tackling equipment similar to the ones they use in football training.
They're efforts didn't stop there, however. Jet had gotten all the Pokémon bones to bite similar to the one his mom had gotten for Samson. "After every meal, you will chew on these for at least ten minutes. This will strengthen your teeth and help you bite harder."
Jet had also gotten Charmander and Squirtle a scratching post. He began to teach them how to use Scratch as if they were boxing, including how to bob and weave. Bulbasaur couldn't learn to box, but he could learn how to bob and weave as well. He had them do mock boxing matches to allow them to hone their skills.
After a month and a half of intense training, all three Pokémon were already at level five. Considering they have never before been in an actual battle, this was quite an achievement. Jet had their speed, attack, and special attack all at very high numbers for their level. Their defense and special defense was a little above average, but in Jet's opinion they still needed work.
Charmander could scratch, tackle, and bite as close quarters attacks. Jet also taught Charmander to use growl and leer as well as tail whip, to lower his opponents attack and defense respectively.
Bulbasaur couldn't scratch, but he could bite and tackle with the best of them. He also had a very impressive growl attack, which could almost stop an attacker in its tracks.
Squirtle could not only bite, tackle and scratch, but he could also use his tail to do a powerful pound attack. He also knew tail whip and withdraw, the ladder being excellent for defensive measures.
"You're doing a real good job with these Pokémon, Jet." Brian said one day while visiting with Amy, "Just look at these muscles on Charmander."
Amy, meanwhile, was petting Bulbasaur. "This one is really affectionate."
Jet laughed, "That's only because you're a female. If Brian tried to pet him like that, he'd bite his hand off."
Amy laughed, "Are they all males?"
Jet nodded. Brian looked down at the Squirtle he was petting, "Thanks for not biting off my fingers, buddy."
The following week Jet got all three Pokémon to the point where they learned their first special moves. Squirtle learned Bubble. Jet would have Squirtle practice by trying to direct his attack at stationary objects first. After Squirtle got his aim down, Jet used the pull method to help him with target practice.
Charmander learned Ember, a fire attack without much power or range. Instead of working on accuracy, Jet tried to build up Ember's intensity by feeding Charmander herbs used for increasing the heat of his fire breath. He would then have Charmander melt big rocks and evaporate puddles. Jet made a mental note that the Ember only had a range of about six feet.
Bulbasaur learned the highly useful Leach Seed. Jet had Bulbasaur do target practice on trees. The attack didn't raise his health by a lot, but Jet figured it would work well in a tight spot if uninterrupted.
By the time the study was over, all three starters were at level ten. They had all mastered the moves Jet had taught them, and all had power far above that of their evolutionary level. Jet was saddened when Oak announced that the Pokémon were going on auction in two days. After all of that work, Jet had really grown attached to all three of those Pokémon. Whoever bought them was going to be a lucky trainer.
Jet had finally gotten his class A just a few days before the end of the experiment. This would mean he could get promoted to Oak's personal aid. With a pay raise, Jet may be able to afford to buy the Pokémon. Then Jet reminded himself, he was saving his money to get a car. Though he had about ten grand saved up for the purpose, there was no way he could afford to buy three Pokémon and a car. And even if he could, he would be putting out hundreds of dollars a month just for the up keep. Jet seriously contemplated just forgetting about the car but thought better of it, he needed to get his priorities straight.
Raising Pokémon was just too expensive, and he had bills to pay at home. He couldn't just do what Brian and Amy are doing and leave on some hair brained adventure the beginning of fall could he? He had the money, he was no longer in school, what was stopping him?
To fund his adventure, (his heart started pounding dangerously fast now), he would only be able to afford one of the starters. He knew which one he wanted to choose already, but he had hoped he would be able to keep all three. Making up his mind based solely on impulse, Jet decided that he would head down to the lab tomorrow and tell oak that he wanted to buy a Pokémon.
When he arrived at the research center the next morning, he walked straight up to Doris and asked, "Where is the Professor?"
Doris looked surprised, "He was trying to call you earlier. He told me to tell you to meet him in the main lab."
Jet headed immediately to the main lab and found Oak standing in the back talking to Brian and Amy. When Oak saw Jet, he said, "Ah, Jethro! Exce-"
But Jet cut him off, "I want to buy one of the starters!"
All three of them looked surprised and Oak said, "Well, this kind of ruins my surprise. I was never actually going to sell the starters in the first place. My plan was to give one to each of you when I was finished with my study, free of charge."
Jet stood there in shock. Brian however yelled, "Really? Seriously? You're shitting me right? Oh, sorry. I mean, you're kidding me right?"
Amy, however, flung herself forward and hugged her grandfather, shouting, "Thank you, thank you, thank you thank you!"
Professor Oak laughed looking pleased with himself, "Well, you three are some of my brightest pupils. I always give my star employees a Pokémon when they get their Class A license. And I must say that you kids are lucky, these are three very talented Pokémon. Jethro did an excellent job raising them."
Amy then let go of Oak and hugged Jet, "Jet I love you, you're so freaking awesome!" She than let go and turned back to the professor, "Where are they? Can we see them?"
Oak smiled and walked over to one of the exits and opened the door. In marched Charmander, Bulbasaur, and Squirtle. All marching forward with their heads held high and a trace of excitement in their eyes. They then stopped and faced their new trainers.
Brian was beside himself, "Oh man this is so great! I've been waiting for this moment all my life!"
Professor Oak turned to Jet, "You are, technically, their original trainer. You get first pick."
Jet nodded and pulled out his ultra-ball. "Bulbasaur, Squirtle, I love you guys with all my heart. But I'm choosing Charmander."
Charmander's eyes lit up as Jet enlarged his ultraball. He aimed it like he was pitching a baseball and threw it at Charmander. Once inside, Jet immediately heard a click, which meant Charmander was captured. Jet picked up the capsule and said, "I'm going to call you… Thorn." Jet named Charmander after a red dragon from a book he once read called Eldest. Jet remembered when he read it and the dragon was introduced, all he could think of was that Thorn was probably the most badass name for a dragon ever. Jet then shrunk the ultra-ball and pocketed it.
Brian said, "Alright, then I choose-"
Before he even got the words out, Bulbasaur ran into Amy's arms, who laughed.
Brian laughed too, "I wanted Squirtle anyway. At least he has a sense of humor."
Squirtle, who was laughing at Bulbasaur, ran over to Brian and hugged his leg.
Professor Oak smiled and said, "Excellent."
Brian looked at Jet, "I've been waiting all my life to say this," He then turned and faced Jet, "I challenge you to a Pokémon battle! Winner gets five hundred dollars, do you accept?"
Jet laughed and pulled his ultra-ball out, then enlarged it. "There is no one I'd rather have my first battle with."
Professor Oak said, "I'll be the editor of the battle. Each trainer will use only one Pokémon. When a Pokémon is unable to battle or refuses to battle, then its opponent will be declared the victor."
Jet's Heart started to pound with anticipation as Oak said, "Jethro, you may send out your Pokémon."
Jet grinned and pressed the button on his ultra-ball before throwing into the air. "Go Thorn, let's show 'em what we're made of!"
Thorn popped out of the Ultraball. Both Pokémon faced each other looking just as excited as their trainers.
"And," Oak started, "begin!"
Brian wasted no time, "Squirtle, use Water-Gun!"
Squirtle looked back at Brian and shook his head. Jet said, "He doesn't know that attack yet, he's level ten."
Brian said, "Oh, right! Level ten Squirtle, let's see…"
While Brian was distracted Jet said, "Use Leer!"
Thorns eyes began to glow as if he was using hypnosis. Leer loosens the muscles of the opponent who looks into the attackers eyes, lowering its defense.
"No, Squirtle close your eyes!"
But Squirtle couldn't look away.
"Alright Thorn," Jet called, "Use Tackle!"
Thorn ran at Squirtle full speed.
"Dodge it, Squirtle!"
Squirtle, who had snapped out of its trance, jumped in the air just in time to avoid Jet's tackle.
"Now Squirtle, use Bubble!"
"Use Ember to block his attack!"
No sooner after Squirtle shot glowing bubbles at Thorn did Thorn pop the bubbles with a well-timed Ember.
Jet grinned, "Save Ember for when he tries to hit you with Bubble again, Thorn!"
The Charmander nodded affirmative and closed the distance between him and his opponent to use scratch. It was like watching one of their boxing matches again. Both Pokémon were scratching and slashing, or else bobbing and weaving, neither getting a hit.
Brian looked amazed by their speed, "Wow, you really did do a good job on these two."
Jet however, was yelling, "Keep it up Thorn! Don't be afraid to use that uppercut!" and did not hear Brian. Squirtle tried with all his might, but could not dodge the much faster Charmander's every scratch.
"Let's go, Thorn! One, two, three! One, two, three! There you go!"
Squirtle tried to keep his hands up to block the onslaught, but to no avail. Thorn hit him again and again, drawing blood.
"Squirtle use Withdraw!" Brian yelled in a panicked voice.
Squirtle quickly went in his shell.
"Alright Thorn, cook 'em!"
Thorn let out a torrent of close range flames. They heard Squirtle cry out in pain.
"No! Squirtle, try using bubble from your shell!"
But Squirtle cried out even louder. Concerned for Squirtle's health, Jet said, "Thorn, stop."
Thorn released the Ember and stepped back. Squirtle emerged from its shell, burned and bloody. Brian ran over to him. Squirtle tried to stand, but fell back down and let out a cry of pain.
"Squirtle, no!"
Oak said, "Squirtle is unable to battle, Charmander is the winner."
Charmander let out a growl of triumph. Oak handed Brian an empty Pokeball. "Here," said Oak, "Put him in this until we can get him to the medical wing."
Brian nodded, looking distraught. He dropped the pokeball on Squirtle, who was sucked in side and was immediately caught.
Brian then reduced the ball and said, "You did great, buddy."
He then looked at Jet, "I guess I owe you some money, huh?"
Jet nodded. Amy piped up, "I'm next, same prize money as before."
Jet looked up, then he looked at Thorn. "You up for another round, buddy?"
Thorn nodded and then growled, ready to fight.
Brian stood back and Oak said, "Same as before, both trainers ready?"
Jet and Amy both said yes. Oak held up his hand and dropped it down saying, "Begin."
Amy immediately yelled, "Bulbasaur, use Leech Seed!"
Jet said, "Dodge Roll!"
Thorn dodged the Bulbasaur's attack, and Bulbasaur ran in for a tackle.
"Thorn, use Scratch!"
Thorn side stepped the tackle, and scratched Bulbasaur along its side. Bulbasaur didn't relent, however, and bit Thorn's tail. Thorn kept scratching Bulbasaur to get it to let go, but like a pit-bull it held on and bit harder, drawing blood.
"Use Ember!"
Thorn covered Bulbasaur in red-hot flames. Bulbasaur let out a cry and finally let go of Thorn's tail.
Both Amy and Jet shouted at the same time, Amy yelling, "Use Leech Seed, Bulbasaur!" and Jet shouted, "Ember!"
Thorn was faster. He shot a powerful Ember that knocked Bulbasaur off its feet. Bulbasaur fainted, and Thorn was declared the winner.
Amy was given a pokeball to hold Bulbasaur like Brian. Jet pulled a potion out his bag. "Let me see your tail."
Thorn nodded and turned around. His tail had deep bite marks. It bled a little bit, but other than that, Thorn seemed unhurt. Jet sprayed Thorns tail with the potion and said, "You were amazing. Both of those Pokémon were at the same power and had the same training you did, but you took them both down. I'm proud of you!"
Thorn nudged Jet with his head affectionately. Jet pulled out his Ultra ball and said, "You earned a nice long rest. Return!" Thorn went back in his pokeball and Jet shrunk it. "Wow that's so fucking cool!"
Professor Oak looked at the three new trainers and said, "You all performed admirably. I'm sure, Brian and Amy, that you will both perform better when you get to know your Pokémon as Jethro has come to know Charmander."
"Now, have you given any thought on what you're going to do now that you have your first Pokémon?"
Brian nodded, "I'm going to train my Squirtle and toughen him up. I don't want to see him hurt like this again."
"Very wise," Oak said. He turned to his granddaughter, "What about you Amelia?"
Amy smiled, "You know I always wanted to travel, Grandpa. Now that I have my own Pokémon, I think I'm going to head to Cinnabar Island. I could use a vacation."
Oak laughed, "Yes, I'm sure." He turned to Jet.
"Well, I was thinking I'd like to go up north to Viridian City. They have a gym there, I figure I'll train my Pokémon there and maybe try out for a Pokémon badge."
Brian laughed, "All the times you told me that was kid stuff? Viridian sounds good. And that's right next to the regionals too! I'll head out with you, like we used to talk about when we were little. What do you think?"
Jet smiled, "Yeah, it'll be great to have some company."
Professor Oak smiled and said, "Well then the three of you are probably going to want these."
He pulled the cover off a cart he was standing by. On the cover was three cases. Each case had five empty pokeballs inside, as well as a pokedex, (a high tech Pokémon encyclopedia.)
Oak looked at their shocked faces and said, "The pokedex is a very high tech device given to only a few trainers. Not only does it catalog data on Pokémon you've seen, but it can also register Pokémon to their owner. Amy. May I see your pokeball?"
Amy handed over her pokeball. "All three pokedexes are already registered to your trainer ID's. This one is registered to Amy."
Oak showed them how to scan a pokeball and register a Pokémon under their name. He also showed them how to check the Pokémon's data, stats, and attacks.
"And you know how you were registered for the Pokémon storage system when you got your class A? Well with this device you access the storage system while on the field! It collects more information on a Pokémon if you capture it. A lot of our field research comes from trainers who have a pokedex. Take these with you on your travels, as well as these pokeballs. They will help you build your first team."
Oak showed them how to input data on captured Pokémon, including any custom moves they might learn. He then sent them on their way. The three trainers headed down to the medical wing to heal their Pokémon and discuss their plans for leaving.
After that they went to the shopping center. The Pokémon research center, like any other Pokémon center, had a shop designated for trainers to get supplies. They stopped by the ATM first, where Amy and Brian paid Jet his prize money. They then went shopping for supplies.
Jet bought a back pack big enough for the amount of supplies he was getting. The then bought a camping set, a cooking set, and other various outdoor supplies that could be stored in capsules, (AN: yeah, just like in Dragon Ball Z).
He also bought a capsulated wardrobe to put his clothes in. He bought a variety of medicines and snacks for the Pokémon. When all of that was said and done he bought ten more pokeballs, (as well as a free premier ball), and clips to put his Pokémon on his belt.
After Jet was finished shopping, he had all of about forty two hundred dollars left to start his journey. Jet's bag was pretty heavy, but he was sure he could fit more stuff in there if the need ever arose.
Jet and Brian left the research center for the bus stop, (Amy went to talk to her grandpa).
"So," said Brian, "When do you want to leave?"
Jet shrugged, "I don't know, I'll call you and let you know after I tell my parents."
Author's Notes:
So we're finally about to hit the road. What kind of Pokémon will Jet and Brian meet on their journey? What kind of challenges will they face? Stay tuned to find out!
Please Review; I enjoy criticism as well as praise. And it would be nice to know someone is actually reading what I write. Thanks to those few who gave reviews already!
