Chapter 4: An Unexpected Start

Almost a week had passed. Finals were over, the seniors had been commenced, and all of a sudden, the next part of Matt's life was about to begin. Today was the day that he started his adventures as an official Pokemon Trainer.

Waking up around eight, he quickly got himself a shower and then got dressed into his trainer gear, which consisted of newer dark blue jeans he had gotten from his birthday a couple of months ago, a red shirt with a black vest to accompany it, and fingerless gloves. One of the last things he made sure to bring was his Poketch. Always good to have the time.

Looking at himself in the mirror, he smiled. It was almost like he was looking at himself six years ago, when he was so determined to fulfill the dream he had always wanted. Now he once again had that chance.

"We sure went through a whole lot, didn't we Empoleon?" he said, patting his companion on the head. "I remember that one day still, where it seemed hopeless since we couldn't get anything, but we did manage to find Raiden." He then looked to him. "Apparently, neither of us were having such a good day."

"Chu," Raiden said. He still remembered that day well. And yet, it had been six years and still no word about his family.

"And of course, we couldn't forget about you, Lucario," Matt said to his Aura Pokemon. "For a Riolu, you were definitely a tough Pokemon inside and out. And one who you didn't want on their bad side."

Lucario nodded. It was a strange story, but when he was just a Riolu, he managed to wander out of the wild and straight into Veilstone City. Of course, Matt was the first to get to him, but he was rather timid at first. Now, looking back, he realizes he made the right choice.

"Now remember," Matt said. "We're going to be encountering many other types of Pokemon around here, some that may prove to be stronger than any of you. But I always believe that strength doesn't win a battle. It's more about dedication and willpower. But that's not just for the Pokemon we meet, but the upcoming gym battles as well. I admit, however, that before we get to that we're going to need a couple more companions, just in case. So, is everyone ready?"

The three of them nodded. Matt then called back Empoleon and Lucario. He then looked to Raiden. "So tell me, do the other two care that you get to stay out more than they do?" Raiden only shook his head. "I wish I could, but I know they wouldn't like to walk the entire day, plus neither of them could be able to sit on my shoulder." Raiden then jumped onto his shoulder. "Yeah, that's exactly what I mean." He then looked out the window. "Hopefully Kari will be ready by the time I get to her house. Actually I'm hoping more that she used to walking long distances."

"What do you mean you're going to be traveling!?" Kari's father said. Her parents had only been informed this morning about Kari's recent change in plans.

"Like I said, Matt invited me to accompany him on his journey," Kari said calmly. "And I said yes."

"But what about the Academy?" her dad asked. "I thought you said you were done being a trainer?"

"I am," she said, although the tone in her voice made it sound like she wasn't totally sure.

"Well, I think it's a wonderful idea," her mom said. "The world is full of all types of Pokemon. Who knows, you may even run into a rare or even legendary Pokemon."

"But you do realize you have to be back here before school starts," her dad said.

"And I will be," Kari said. "Three months is a long time, you know. Besides, I know my way back and I'll visit home sometime."

"Well, then that means you'll have to take your Pokemon with you," her mother said.

"Of course," Kari said. "Buneary and Noctowl would definitely like being away from home for a bit."

"Well... and someone else," her mom said.

Suddenly, Kari felt something rub her leg. She looked down and saw Glameow smiling at her. "Glameow, you want to come as well?" She then smiled. "I'm not surprised."

"Glameow and you have been close for quite awhile," her mom said. "I don't think she could handle being home while you're away."

"Well, if that's what you want, then of course you can come along," Kari said. She then looked to her parents. "You two won't feel lonely without her?"

"Well, she is more yours than ours," her dad said, giving her Glameow's Pokeball. "As long as she's with you, you can always feel protected."

Kari then called back Glameow into her ball. She stared at the ball for a second. "Yeah... I know," she said softly. All of a sudden, the doorbell rang. "That's probably Matt," she said then. She went over to the door and opened it, and indeed it was Matt, along with Raiden on his shoulder.

"Did I make good timing?" Matt joked.

Kari laughed. "Yes, very good timing. Come on in. I'm almost ready to go, just have to get a couple more things packed."

While Kari ran back upstairs, Matt decided to head back to the living room with her parents. After saying hi, her mother almost squealed with joy once seeing Raiden. Matt had forgotten that this was one of the few times when he wanted back into his ball.

"Hi there Raiden," Kari's mom said. She then took him and held him in her arms, while Raiden gave Matt a look that clearly said either "Help me" or "Kill me."

"So, big day for you, huh?" Kari's dad asked.

"You know it," Matt said. "Got the whole crew with me. How it'll all turn out, not too sure, but I know it'll be a very interesting adventure."

Soon, Kari came back downstairs, carrying a rather large backpack. "Alright, now I'm set," she said. She then gave her mom and dad both hugs and the two of them left the house, starting on their adventure.

"So I'm guessing you managed to cramp everything you could find into that little backpack?" Matt said, smiling.

"Haha, very funny," Kari said sarcastically. "For your information, I didn't even bring that much stuff. I probably have less than you do."

"Not so sure about that," Matt said. He then laughed. "It's funny, but we both sound like we're back in middle school again."

Kari laughed. "I know exactly what you mean. Hey, remember back when we played that huge prank on Miss Janis in 7th grade?"

"Oh my God," Matt said, laughing. "Yeah, we found that Shinx lurking around outside the school and we both took it inside and let it run rampant in the classroom, destroying about any appliance in the room. Of course, I tried to play the hero so she wouldn't suspect me and Raiden was able to calm him down. Remember that buddy?"

"Rai," Raiden said, nodding.

"And she still doesn't know," Kari said, laughing again. "That reminds me. Matt, why exactly do you have Raiden sit on your shoulder? Shouldn't he be inside his Pokeball?"

"I don't know," Matt said. "Since I found him, he's been rather reluctant to go inside it." He then looked to Raiden. "Must be a Pikachu thing."

Soon, about an hour or two of walking, the pair found themselves in front of a large forest. "So, this must be Eterna Forest," Kari said.

"Yep, full of plenty of Pokemon to catch," Matt said, smiling. He then looked to Raiden. "You ready for some battling?"

"Rai, rai," Raiden said with a determined look on his face.

The three of them entered the forest. "Better be careful," Kari said. "Who knows what Pokemon could just pop out of nowhere?"

And just like that, something did pop out of the bushes. Looking closely, Matt saw that it was a Pachirisu. "Hmm, a Pachirisu, huh? Sounds like a good companion to me." He then glanced over. "Uh, Kari? Are you alright?"

"That Pachirisu... IS SO CUTE!" Kari cried, her eyes glistening over with affection. "I have to capture it!"

(A/N: Well, it's been a awhile since you've seen this. Anyway, I only have this song for pure humor, but it's the "Romeo and Juliet Love Theme" by, yours truly, Pyotr Ilich Tchaikovsky. And um, I'm not sure which one you'll find but I think you know what theme I'm going with here. ;) Actually, I have another song after this one. Yes, it's another SMG song, but who cares? It's called "Boss Kamek" and trust me, I think it's fitting for Pokemon. Actually, I think it fits Pachirisu.)

"Just leave it to us," Matt said. "Raiden and I have done enough training that this is just practice, right Raiden? Raiden?"

*But Raiden was focusing on something else. Once his eyes laid on that Pachirisu, he suddenly felt his heart fluttering. Matt soon saw hearts appear in his eyes and his mouth opening, uttering inaudible words. Matt quickly sweatdropped while Kari started laughing outloud.

"Well, I think Raiden is a bit occupied," Kari said, chuckling. She then took out a Pokeball. "Alright Glameow, I need your assistance!" *There was a flash of light and Glameow appeared. "Hope you're ready for some battling! Now Glameow, use Fury Swipes!" Claws extended, Glameow rushed towards the Pachirisu, but the Pachirisu was too quick, and quickly ran off. "Oh no you don't!" Kari said. "Glameow, give chase!"

But, the Pachirisu proved to have much more energy and Glameow couldn't catch up. "I think you're going to need a different technique," Matt said.

"Alright, fine then. Glameow, Psychic!" Glameow's eyes started to glow blue, and then Pachirisu was caught in her tracks as a blue glow immersed around her. "You know what to do then, Glameow," Kari then said. Using the same attack, Glameow then threw Pachirisu up, down, left, and right until the Pokemon was weakened to an extent. Kari then got out a Pokeball and threw it at Pachirisu, which opened and transported her inside of it.

"Alright!" Kari cried. "I got myself a Pachirisu!" She then looked at the ball in her hand and threw it back, making Pachirisu come out again, still as happy and joyful as before. "You know, I think I might just give you a nickname," Kari said. "I like the name RiRi, how about that?" Pachirisu then jumped into the air obviously liking the name.

However, she was caught off guard seeing that Raiden was behind her, still dazed by her appearance. She looked at the other electric-type, a sweatdrop on her head, feeling a bit awkward. "Alright loverboy, that's enough," Matt said, picking Raiden up. He then looked to Kari with a smirk on his face.

"What?" Kari asked, a look of confusion on her face. He then shook his head in amusement. "What!?"

"I knew it," Matt said. "I can see clearly the trainer inside you still. Even you have to admit that."

He had a point. True, it had been awhile since she had tried to capture or even train a Pokemon. She then called back both Glameow and Pachirisu. "You can say what you want, but I already have my mind set for the academy."

Matt chuckled silently. He knew it was only a matter of time. "Well, we better continue on our way then. Eterna City should just be ahead past the forest."

And the two then continued their way through the forest. However, they were unaware of a third presence, who was lurking near the bushes. The figure then pulled out a walkie talkie. "HQ, I've spotted two in the forest," he said. "Yes, I'll make sure to keep an eye on them and track their movements."

(A/N: Uh oh, I don't like the sound of that. Sorry this chapter ended up being a bit shorter. Also, I should mention I do not own RiRi. If I wanted to, I'd probably have to pay Furyfur about $30, maybe more. Anyway, hope you enjoyed the chapter. Oh yeah, I know that Glameow can't use Pyschic, but I don't care, if she can use Hypnosis, she can use Psychic.)

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