Chapter 3 Route 1
Ash, Aurora, and Serena are now heading towards Theo's house, once they head inside the house, they see Theo glaring at them before rushing towards his room upstairs. Cameron, who turns out to be Theo's father, spots them and he is having an angry face, "You guys must be the ones that made my son cry, what do you say to my son?! he ran upstairs, crying, and locked the door behind him. He won't tell me what's wrong or come downstairs. I swear if you did anything to hurt him..."
"We didn't hurt him, we just had a Pokemon Battle. I just win because of Type Advantage..." Ash says as he notices Serena is a little afraid of his yelling. "Serena, there's no need to be scared, that is what overprotective fathers always do."
"But still..." Serena says as she tries to calm herself down.
Aurora says, "My brother here is using a Water Type Eletux while your son got Raptorch as his starter."
"Oh. So that's how it is. So he got the weaker starter, and you beat him in a battle... Hm. I see...that explains it. A harsh lesson, to be sure...but losing is as much a part of being a Trainer as winning. He had his heart set on this day being perfect, so losing right off the bat is somewhat of a shock. Still, crying won't solve anything. That's something he has to learn."
He goes to the stairway and yells, "THEO! COME DOWNSTAIRS RIGHT NOW, YOUNG MAN!"
The three are a little terrified at the voice, and Theo also comes down with a sniffle.
"Theo... You can't cry every time you lose a battle. That's just part of being a Trainer." Cameron says sternly, but Theo doesn't seem to be scared, instead, he is still crying like a kid.
"B-but it isn't fair...Ash got the better starter'n me..." Theo cries. "Now I'm never gonna win!"
"Then you'll have to catch more Pokemon to balance out your team's weaknesses." Cameron says. "Besides, a well-raised Pokemon can still win, even at a disadvantage. There's no sense in giving up before you even begin."
"*sniff* Y-yes, dad..." Theo mutters.
"Now, Theo... I won't always be around to pick you up when you're feeling down. So, try and be strong for yourself, okay?" Cameron says as he turns to Ash, "Please be patient with my son."
"Don't worry, we will." Ash says.
"By the way, I haven't asked your name." Cameron says.
"I am Ash Ketchum, this is my sister Aurora Ketchum, and my friend Serena." Ash says.
"Ketchum...are you perhaps related to Adam Ketchum and Delia Ketchum?" Cameron widens his eyes in surprise.
Aurora is the first one to say, "You know our parents? We are on a quest to find them, do you know where they are?"
Ash says, "Wait, sis. Adam Ketchum...is that our father's name?"
Cameron says, "Adam is at Bealbeach City, he is the chef of the Pokemon Rangers there. As for Delia...I am sorry...ever since the incident, I have never seen her again..."
"Mother isn't dead. We just know it." Ash says. "We are going to find her no matter what."
Cameron sees the determination in his eyes, he nods, and says, "Then I have something for you, and Theo, you have one as well."
"L-like a present...?" Theo asks.
He puts the devices on the table and says, "Yes, exactly. Ash and Aurora, your father Adam sent me these and told me to give them to you if you manage to come to this region. He also has one for you as well, Serena. I am sure it will come in useful, they are called PokePods."
Once Ash, Aurora, Serena, and Theo grab the device, Theo asks, "A PokePod? What's that?"
Cameron says, "It's a high-tech device that's indispensable for Pokemon Trainers. It plays music and includes a map of the region. Most importantly, it contains a phone that will allow you to stay in touch with each other and other Trainers."
Theo says, "Cool! Heheh, I got the red one...it's cooler than yours!"
Ash rolls his eyes and says, "Sure. The Professor has called us to go meet him by the edge of the town. I think we should go now."
"And I'll be the first to catch a Pokemon! Bye, Dad! Keep up, Ash, Serena, Aurora!" Theo says as he rushes off. Cameron says, "...Well. Talk about a dramatic turnaround. He always bounces back quickly."
"Yeah, we don't want to keep the Professor waiting, so we should get moving too." Ash says.
Cameron says, "You see, I'm supervising the construction of the new Power Plant Epsilon. It's built on the same island where the old Plant melted down 10 months ago... The last place Delia was ever seen."
This causes the three of them to widen their eyes. "Did you say something?"
"Nothing. Best of luck on your journeys. Perhaps we will meet again." Cameron says. The three are still skeptical, but they just bid the man farewell.
As they go to the grass in front of the entrance of Route 1, Theo and Professor Bamb'o are already there. Ash asks, "So what's the matter?"
"Hey there. Now that you and Theo are here, it's time to begin your first lesson as a Pokemon Trainer and a field research aid. Now watch closely." Bamb'o says.
Ash, Serena, and Aurora know that Theo is a beginner and the Professor is teaching him how to capture the Pokemon, so they decide to be patient and see how Theo learns it.
"Wild Pokemon, as you probably already know, inhabit tall grass. But that's not the only place - you can also find them in caves, in water, and even in cities if you know where to look. Still, tall grass is going to be your best bet for finding new Pokemon. Simply takes a few steps in and..."
Just then, a small brown Wessel Pokemon appears in front of them. "Look! It's a wild Chyinmunk! They're very common around here. It hasn't noticed me yet, so now's my chance... Go, Orchynx!"
After sending out another Starter Pokemon, Bamb'o says, "Now! The next step is to weaken the enemy Pokemon to make it easier to catch. Orchynx! Use Scratch!"
Orchynx scratches at Chyinmunk and deals some damage. Bamb'o says, "Now that it's weakened, now's my chance to catch it."
He throws the Poke Ball and captures the Chyinmunk. "...And that's how it's done. Now, Chyinmunk is fairly easy... but you're sure to encounter Pokemon that are a lot harder to capture. For those, you might need to inflict them with status effects or use a special Poke Ball. Ah, but I'm sure you'll get the hang of it before too long. By the way, these are for you."
He hands them each a Pokedex. Ash says, "I was just thinking when I will get this if I want to know more about new Pokemon."
"I agree." Serena says. "Now we can finally use it on our Pokemon."
"That Pokedex is an encyclopedia that will automatically update itself whenever you encounter or catch a new Pokemon. It's important to my research, so make sure to fill it out as much as possible! Also, I want you to have these."
They are also given the PokeBalls. "PokeBalls are necessary for catching Pokemon, of course. What's that thing the kids always say? "Gotta Catch 'Em All?" If you run out, you can pick up some more at any Poke Mart. Moki Town doesn't have one of those... but there's one in Kevlar Town on the other side of Route 1. So, with that said... your lesson is now over. Oh, but you have PokePods, don't you? Here, let me input my number."
Then they register the Professor's number in the Pokepod. "You can give me a call anytime, and I'll take a look at how your PokeDex is coming along. If you do a good job collecting many different kinds of Pokemon, I might even have special rewards for you. With that said, I'm going back to my lab. Best of luck on your journeys, all of you!"
After Bamb'o leaves, Theo turns to the three. "Ash, I don't care that you got the stronger starter. I'm still gonna be the best Trainer ever! I'll catch tons of Pokemon and we will win every battle! You just wait and see!"
"Sure, I will like to see about that." Then they bid farewell and scan their Pokemon.
Orchynx: The Kitten Pokemon: Grass and Steel Type. Metal plates underneath its fur protect it from harm. It replenishes its energy by basking in the sun's rays.
Raptorch: The Fire Dino Pokemon: Fire and Ground Type. Raptorch are energetic Pokémon that require constant attention, or they will start setting their surroundings on fire.
Eletux: The Hippocampus Pokemon: Water and Electric Type. Eletux is capable of generating strong magnetic fields around its feet and tail that allow it to walk on water.
Before heading to Route 1, a Chyinmunk wants to join Serena's team. Serena says, "Okay, I can capture you if you want."
After tossing the Pokeball to the Pokemon, it shakes three times before signalling its capture.
Chyinmunk: Chipmunk Pokémon: Normal Type. The length of a Chyinmunk's stripes determines its authority in a group. If it spots a predator, it shrieks loudly to warn the others.
Inside Route 1, the road is split into two paths. Ash asks, "Which path should we go first?" Ash asks.
"According to the map, both ways are able to get to Kelvar Town." Aurora says. "But the one with all the roads is hard to walk while the one with the bridges is easier."
"Then I want to go on this path." Serena points at the path that has the bridge. "It is near the water and we can also relax there as well."
"Sure." Ash says. "No matter which path we take, what matters is that we enjoy it."
During the travel, they notice a bird Pokemon named Birbie. Ash, who usually captures all the first flying types of the region, wants to capture the bird.
"Pikachu, use Thunderbolt." Pikachu fires the electricity on the bird Pokemon. Just then, Birbie uses Flash, causing them to be a little blinded.
"Pikachu, don't let it affect you, once it gets closer, use Iron Tail." Pikachu waits until the bird starts to charge up a Quick Attack, and then it slams the bird into the ground.
"Go, Pokeball." Ash tosses the Pokeball and the bird goes into it. After 3 shakes it signals its capture and Ash scans the Pokemon.
Birbie: The Eden Bird Pokemon: Normal and Flying Type. It defends itself by dazzling opponents by flashing its brightly colored plumage. They are known for their elaborate mating dances.
As for Aurora, she finds a pink bug eating leaves on the trees, and seeing how pink it is, she wants to capture it. With the help of Spiritomb, it manages to use Miracle Eye to prevent escaping and captures it with the Confuse Ray.
Cubbug: The Love Bug Pokemon: Bug Type. It shares characteristics with bug and mammal Pokémon. Being in its presence has a calming effect.
After capturing the new Pokemon, Ash and the group decide to rest and set up a camp on the road. They have finished setting up the camp and it is dinner time. Even though Ash is hungry for now, he decides that he is going to cook. But Serena is thinking of the same thing.
"Um, Serena...so are you going to cook for us?" Ash asks in confusion. "You don't have to if you don't want to. I can just cook for you guys."
"That is so sweet of you, but you don't have to do this as well. I can cook myself." Serena says.
But as the situation is becoming awkward, Aurora asks, "You know, why don't you two cook together? I am sure that it will be fine, right?"
The two of them start to blush at the thought of working together. But due to the fact that it is the only way for this situation, they do it together.
Aurora is helping feed the Pokemon and she notices how Ash and Serena are working together flawlessly as she smiles.
Once they are finished cooking, Serena, Aurora, and Ash are sitting together and eat. Serena says, "Wow, Ash, these sandwiches taste so great."
"Thanks, I was afraid that the eggs are burnt and the meat is raw. I am glad you liked it." Ash says as he eats the pie. "And your Apple Pie is also delicious as well."
"Thanks, I have been trying to make other pastries.." Serena says.
Aurora decides to ask, "So how often did you cook when you were in Kalos?"
"Well...almost to none..." Ash sighs, "Since I was so focused on training Pokemon, I left the work to Clemont, you know our other travel companion..."
"I was the same, but sometimes I like to make deserts on my own." Serena says. "But I have never cooked a full meal before."
"From beginners like you, I am really lucky to eat your delicious food." Aurora says as she takes another bite of the sandwich she is holding.
"Well, we do like the food here, so I guess we should cook together more often." Ash says to Serena.
"You're right, I am glad to do this with you as well." Serena smiles at Ash, and Ash starts to notice some weird feelings in his heart. "What's wrong with me?" He thinks.
Here is a new chapter, and the journey of the Tandor Region is finally starting. I hope you like this chapter and the next chapter will be before the first gym.
Ash's Pokemon: Pikachu, Eletux, Birbie
Serena's Pokemon: Sylveon, Orchynx, Chyinmunk
Aurora's Pokemon: Spiritomb, Raptorch, Cubbug