Chapter 4

With the midsummer sun beating down, Pippa and I hike the dusty trail to Sandgem town in the hope of catching Ralph. Each step I take is the furthest I have been from home. I'm excited, yet nervous. On the one hand I am finally a Pokémon trainer, years after many friends have left on their own journeys, but on the other I am bound to this old man's task. I am suddenly reminded of the package I've yet to open. I sit on a sun warmed rock, situated just off the path and take a sip of water from my flask. The cool liquid is very welcome in this heat. Pippa jumps up beside me, thankful for the rest.

"…Pip…Lup…" she sighs exhaustedly.

I think the heat is getting to her.

"Not much further Pippa, then we'll get you in a huge cold bowl of water." I smile as I pour some of the flasks contents over her head.

"Piplup!" she chirps, visibly refreshed from the shower.

I put the flask back into my bag pack and rummage around for the package. Brown paper and unfamiliar writing encases its contents. Before opening I know exactly what's it inside and who sent it. As I tear the paper off, releasing its contents my suspicion is confirmed. It's a brand new pokedex. I open the black and red devise and flick through a couple of its pages. I stare at the bright screen which has been specifically programmed for me. I should feel giddy with excitement as only a select few get a pokedex, but I don't. I am just reminded of the danger that I face. I have witnessed what power that old man holds and I can only imagine the lengths he is willing to go to get what he wants. It would be unwise to disobey; who knows what he may do to me, Ralph or even mom. I wince as my memory flashes back to blood dripping from the assistant's eyes. That image has been burned into my memory and will not be soon forgotten, that I am sure of. I shake my head to clear it of this unwelcome image. With a sharp intake of the fresh summer air I steel myself for what is ahead. First I'll find Ralph and together we can decide what to do next.

I take a moment to gaze around at the beautiful surrounding, stowing the pokedex in my pocket as I do. Tall strong trees run parallel to the path on either side. Colourful flowers are spread in bouquets around the area. Mixtures of blue, yellow and red stand out against the bright green of the grass. The sound of wildlife punctures the silence sporadically.

"Right Pippa, break time's over. We need to get to Sandgem town before it gets…"

I stop abruptly when I notice that I am speaking to myself.

"Pippa?"

I scan the area quickly looking for that adventurous little bird. Out of the corner of my eye I see a flash of blue wandering into some tall grass just off the path. I race towards where I saw her enter and dive right in. The grass here is coarser than it's smaller cousins. It reaches just below eye level and painfully scrapes my cheeks as I search. Long grass it known to be the habitat of wild Pokémon and can be dangerous as I found yesterday.

"Pip-lup, Piplup!"

I rush in the direction of Pippa's chirps and enter a small clearing. I skid to a halt at the sight of Pippa trying to communicate with a blissfully unaware Pokémon. A wild Pokémon! I grab the pokedex almost instinctively from my pocket and hold it up to the wild creature. The pokedex is a tool that gives information on Pokémon in its region. A voice blurts out information identifying the creature as a bidoof. A normal typed rodent beaver. The wild bidoof is happily gnawing on some wood and hasn't noticed us; despite my thundering entrance. I have the element of surprise and now it's time for my journey as a trainer to really begin. I'm going to catch my first Pokémon! My heart is pounding, my adrenaline rising… and I let the excitement get the better of me. I prematurely grab an empty poke-ball from my belt and throw it at the unsuspecting bidoof. As I watch the red and white ball spinning towards its target, in what feels like slow motion all I can think is 'idiot'. I've watched enough instructional videos to know that I need to weaken my target first. The poke-ball hits bidoof on the back and is sucked inside as a red stream. I hold my breath as the ball lands on the ground, the drop cushioned by the soft grass. The ball begins to shake as the Pokémon struggles inside. I cross my fingers and close my eyes, the anticipation too much to bear.

I wait for what seems like an age before sneaking a peek. My half open eyes are then met by a very angry bidoof raised up on its hind legs.

"Bidoooof!"

"Damn…" I exclaim in a whisper, wishing that I'd thought before I acted. Now I've done it. Right, quickly send in Pippa. I turn to the little bird that seems ready for action. We can do this! I turn again to the furious bidoof and order with confidence.

"Pippa, you're up. Tackle it."

My heart is picking up speed as Pippa hits the upright bidoof square in the chest and knocks it to the ground.

"Yes! Great work."

I'm doing it; I'm actually a Pokémon trainer… but this is no time for that I need to concentrate. Snapping back into the here and now I shout my next command.

"Pippa! Tackle again. Show it your strength."

Pippa dodges the rash attack from her foe and circles up behind. Seeing the advantage she tackles the bidoof in the back causing it to roar.

"BIDOOF!"

The wild bidoof is knocked back. Shaking off the blow it returns the favour with its own tackle. Pippa is sent flying into a patch of grass by my feet.

"Pippa! Are you okay?" I say softly as I stare down at her.

That was quite the hit she has just taken, maybe it's time to make a hasty retreat.

"Pippa… I think we should call it…"

Before I can finish my sentence Pippa is pulling herself up. With fire in her eyes she is staring directly at the bidoof. Breathing heavily she steadies herself, ready to strike.

"Pip! Lup!"

Her spirit blows me away. She is so strong willed at such a young age.

"Okay! Pippa, that last blow has weakened it. One more like that and we've won. TACKLE!" I let out my battle cry and Pippa snaps into action.

She charges towards her opponent, gaining speed with each step. My heart is in my mouth as she smacks it right between the eyes. It's as though time freezes as the bidoof succumbing to the multiple hits rocks on its hind legs before falling flat on its face. That's it, the moment is now. I reach for an empty poke-ball from my belt and raise to my mouth. I give it a quick kiss for luck and toss it towards the vulnerable Pokémon. Once again the ball opens and the bidoof is sucked inside. I hold my breath as it falls to the ground. The ball shakes once and then lies still. I take the moment in before shouting with glee.

"YAS! We've done it Pippa. We've caught a bidoof." I race to the now inhabited poke-ball lying in the grass and hold it aloft. "A new friend Pippa and the first of many." I smile down at the brave bird.

"Piplup."

She seems pleased, and she should be.

"You did great Pippa! Thanks. Shall we meet our new companion?"

"Pip." She nods affirmatively.

I bring the poke-ball down to eye level and toss it on the ground before us. A stream of bright white light is emitted from inside and the newest member of our team, bidoof, is released.

"Bid-oof." It calls as it turns to face us.

I study my new friend, its brown fur coat gleams showing signs of good health. With the aid of the pokedex I identify it as a female.

"So you're a girl eh?" I say tenderly returning the pokedex to my pocket.

Bidoof nods affirmatively.

"Well, how about we call you… Hilda? I think that suits you."

She slowly wanders up to me on all fours assessing her new owner as she advances, her eyes darting up and down my body. After a moment she nods her head.

"Excellent. Welcome to the team Hilda!" I greet her kindly.

Hilda gives us a smile and I return her to her ball.

"Well that was a welcome distraction, but we need get back to the path. Try and stay close this time Pippa." I jokingly scold.

She flushes red and I know she understands. As we head back through the tall grass to re-join the path, I can't help but grin from ear to ear. I've caught my first Pokémon and I can't wait to get some more! With a renewed spring in our step, once back on the road it doesn't take us long to see the lights of Sandgem.