So here it is guys, chapter 2! I hope that the story is starting to pickup somewhat. This is my first fanfic and I plan to see it all the way through. Please rate and review. Any feedback would be SUPER helpful. Thanks!
CHAPTER 2
Kirt leaned across the granite counter top and grabbed the gallon of milk sitting there. He turned and poured milk into the two waiting cereal bowls beside him. He slid open a drawer in the kitchen and pulled out one spoon before walking barefoot to the round glass table that was situated in front of the large window that overlooked the gentle tide of the ocean. He crouched down and put down the bowl he was carrying. It clinked against the white tile floor. Vaporeon trotted up and began to devour his breakfast, stopping every now and then to glance up at Kirt. They had only known each other for a day, but Kirt was already starting to like his Vaporeon. He munched on cereal and smiled, staring out at the vast blue in front of him. Kirt's thoughts rested on tonight. He and Lewis had a meeting with Professor Stump about their travel plans. Needless to say, Kirt simply wanted to go ahead and get on the road and to begin his journey to become the pokémon champion.
"You ready buddy?" Kirt asked as he put up his bowl and rolled his hand over Vaporeon's head. Vaporeon's fur was so smooth and short, it was difficult to tell that it even existed, but the feeling under Kirt's fingers was cool. It wasn't cold, or uncomfortable, yet it wasn't anything like a warm body. Uncle Lee had been amazed when Kirt has shown him Vaporeon. He had always preferred water pokémon being a fisherman and all, and Kirt wondered if this had influenced his decision of which stone he picked. Kirt knew that Vaporeon was the pokémon that Uncle Lee never had, but always wanted, and it was evident in the way he excitedly talked about Vaporeon. There was a knock on the door.
"Hey Kirt, you here?" Lewis called already letting himself in through the front of the house.
"Yeah, just come on in."
"Man I'm starving! Thanks!" Lewis exclaimed, seeing the two leftover bowls on the counter top. He snatched up a spoon, already knowing where they were kept and dug into Vaporeon's bowl. Kirt laughed and just figured that he'd rather not let Lewis know what he was eating. Lewis, not taking notice of Kirt's snickering, looked over in his direction.
"So you wanna head to the park today?" Lewis asked with crunches between each word.
"What else are we gonna do till tonight?"
"Glad you agree," Lewis said, and just as he took another bite, Jolteon, who had be outside, came up through the open door and darted over to Kirt.
"Hey girl, how are you?" Kirt asked scratching Jolteon's ears as she jumped up at him.
"Dude, I think she's like nocturnal or something," Lewis said pointing his spoon in the direction of Jolteon, who was now prancing around the kitchen, playing with Vaporeon.
"Anyways, long story short, I didn't get any sleep. So, you ready to go? We're burning daylight."
"Sure thing," Kirt said, realizing just how eager Lewis was. "Let me just grab my socks and shoes." And with that Kirt, hopped up and charged up the stairs into his bedroom. The stark white carpet felt nice, and he could see just under his fluffy bowl-shaped chair the shoes he was looking for. He slipped them on and came fast back to the kitchen. As soon as he walked in, Lewis tossed him something.
"Here," he said. Kirt caught the tattered navy book bag and stood confused.
"I carry Jolteon in mine while I ride my bike," Lewis said, turning to show Kirt his yellow bag on his back.
"She hates being in a pokeball." Lewis further explained.
"Good idea," Kirt said with a grin. The two exited onto the green lawn and walked to their bikes, their pokémon following close behind. As Kirt reached his bike, he knelt down and laid the book bag in position for Vaporeon to crawl in. Kirt coaxed and Vaporeon protested in strange sounding meows, but eventually became situated comfortably in the bag. Their bike ride through the town was just as it had been the previous day, except this time they had new companions. The air was warm and the sun brightly shone down on them as Jolteon stuck her head out into the wind. The boys took a sharp turn onto the same sidewalk that wrapped around the park, and then they proceeded onto the rough grass towards their tree house. They rested their bikes and sat down in the grass watching the pond. Vaporeon leapt out of his bag and went to the water. He seemed to melt away as he submerged into the tiny waves. Kirt smiled and thought about how amazing everything was.
"Jolteon, what are you doing?" Lewis said as he studied Jolteon, who was sniffing one of the many bushes that reside in the foliage behind them. Jolteon jumped back in an instant, but paid neither of them any attention. Jolteon backed away from the bush and her hair rose up like spikes.
"Woah, I haven't seen her do that before," Lewis said.
"What's wrong with her?" Kirt asked while stepping back slowly like Jolteon.
"I think I see-" Lewis began, but just as he was about to finish his thought, a purple blur dove from out of the bushes and tackled Jolteon. Lewis jumped up and tried to pull off Jolteon's attacker but was almost bit in the process. The rattata that had launched the surprise attack had now granted Jolteon some room, and was moving around her in circles.
"Darn rattatas, there are too many in this park!" Lewis screamed in frustration. "Alright Jolteon, lets teach this dirty rat a lesson!" Lewis shouted.
"Lewis, do you know what you're doing?" Kirt asked with Vaporeon, who had come to investigate, standing at his side.
"Yeah, leave this to us," Lewis said. "Jolteon, tackle that rattata!" Lewis shouted. Jolteon left the ground like lightning, but rattata was also fast. There was a pause after Jolteon's missed tackle.
"Jolteon, try it again! I know you're faster than that pokémon!" Lewis encouraged. Jolteon this time seemed to take flight and shortly the two fighters became entangled in a mess of scratches and bites. When the dust cleared, both Jolteon and the rattata looked worse, wearing cuts and bruises.
"Its time to get serious, Jolteon. Next time, don't attack, wait for it to come to you, then at the right moment, dodge and use some of your ultra electric moves!" Lewis spewed out all the while making ridiculous arm motions to track his requests. Kirt could feel the air become tense as the two pokémon once again circled each other in the open grass, waiting for the other to snap first. Finally, the rattata came charging at Jolteon with its mouth open to reveal its dangerous teeth. Jolteon, with superior speed, cut around the rattata's attack and landed behind it. Once she caught her footing, she aimed and released a bolt of lightning energy from her spiky fur that zapped her opponent. The rattata stunned, sat still. Then, whimpering, it ran back into the undergrowth with its charred tail between its legs.
"That was awesome!" Kirt said, slapping Lewis on the back.
"Yeah we sent him packing, right Jolteon?" Lewis said. Jolteon made a sound of agreement and began licking a wound on her leg. The two boys spent that day dreaming about what future pokémon battles would be like, but evening came eventually. Lewis and Kirt parted ways, knowing that in only a little time, they would see each other again, this time at a fancy restaurant, discussing who knows what with a crazy professor.
Kirt let his bike rest on the side of one of the concrete walls that surrounded the stout restaurant building. He pulled out a pokéball and pushed the button, releasing Vaporeon onto the pavement beside him. He didn't bring his book bag, knowing it would not be qualified as being well-dressed, as he assumed he would have to be for this place. He felt awkward and unsure in his only pair of slacks and a button shirt, but nevertheless, he approached the glass double doors and tugged on the shiny silver handles. Once inside, he was bombarded by smells of everything he could imagine, and there were dim hanging lights everywhere that immediately started to make his head hurt from looking at them. He progressed further into the place, walking past parties of people here and there, holding glasses in their hands. He passed rushing guests, going back to the buffet line for more food, and waiters that carried trays and handed him judging looks. He finally spotted Lewis's dark copper hair and, feeling relieved, found his way to where they were seated. Upon seeing Kirt, Stump stopped whatever story he had previously been telling and then stood promptly to engage Kirt in a firm handshake.
"Well my boy you made it after all," Stump said. Kirt said hello to Asia who he just noticed was sitting across from Lewis and then he took his seat next to his friend. Stump sat down as well and wasted no time. He pulled out a large torn map and placed it on the table top and began pointing out various landmarks that the boys would be visiting on their journey and the correct routes to take and what each and every city was like. Kirt could tell that Stump was excited. Lewis on the other hand paid no attention at all, and looked as if he was waiting for an opportunity to make a break for the buffet line. Asia made comments every now and then, making it seem as though she and Stump had rehearsed this all very well. After a few minutes, Stump looked down at his watch.
"Great charizard fangs! I'm forgetting that we came here to eat as well, go on boys, up you go! Help yourselves, I've covered it all." Stump said.
"Thank you sir," Kirt said
"Great charizard fangs?" Lewis whispered to Kirt. "What's wrong with this guy?" Kirt just smiled and watched as Lewis and Stump got a head start on their dinner. Vaporeon and Jolteon had remained quiet this whole time, resting under the table at their feet.
"What do you guys want to eat huh?" Kirt asked peering down at them. Vaporeon made a noise as if responding, but of course Kirt had no idea what he meant, and Jolteon just yawned loudly and laid her head down to sleep.
"You seem really good with pokémon." Kirt jumped in surprise. "Sorry, didn't mean to scare you, just wanted to introduce myself a little more formally," Asia said standing just nearby.
"Oh yeah, it's good to meet you. Asia right?" Kirt asked.
"Yeah, and hey don't mind the professor, he just enjoys his job a lot, so he tends to ramble on with his maps and such," Asia told him.
"Oh it's all good. Hey you're not from here right? That's what Professor Stump said."
"Yeah, I'm all the way from Sinnoh. I miss it, but I love my work here with the professor, so it's okay," Asia said, seeming a little saddened. She quickly cheered up though as she addressed Kirt again. "Anyways, I'm glad to get to work with some new people. You guys really can help us change what the world knows about pokémon through your travels."
"Oh yeah?"
"Yeah, I envy your job a little bit, but the professor said that we'll accompany you to Clearflow town, just through the forest to the East, so I'll get to experience some traveling."
"That's great! What time do we leave tomorrow?" Kirt asked.
"Bright and early at 7:00 am!" Asia exclaimed with mock enthusiasm.
"Whoa, well, that's ok I guess, didn't need to sleep in anyways," Kirt said with a smile. "Hey I was wondering, do you have any pokémon?"
"Yeah, I do actually." Kirt watched as she pulled out a pokéball and began to release her pokémon. Kirt didn't know if the waiter passing by liked that by the way he looked at them, but Asia just gave him the death stare and kept on doing what she was doing.
"This is Squirtle," Asia said picking up her pokémon like a baby. Squirtle squirmed but began laughing as Asia tickled him.
"You seem pretty good with pokémon yourself; probably know a lot more than I do." Kirt said.
"Ah, don't worry about it," Asia said putting Squirtle down. "In time, young one." she said, bowing. They laughed for a little and noticed Squirtle making new friends with Jolteon and Vaporeon.
"Anyways, I'm gonna go eat now, nice meeting you Kirt." Asia said.
"Nice meeting you too," Kirt said before walking off to the buffet line. Kirt flocked to the line that was seafood galore, and as he got to the back, he saw that Stump was in front of him.
"It's Kirt, my boy!" Stump said loudly.
"Hey Professor," Kirt said. Stump seemed to already have gone through the other buffet lines and was just stacking more and more onto his plate. Kirt had no idea how he thought Stump would make it past this next line without his plate overflowing like a geyser. As they waited, Stump turned to face Kirt.
"Kirt, I know that this whole trip is a lot to take in, and that you must be excited, but know that I'm counting on you two. These Team Mercury thugs need to go down, so in any event you meet them, act smartly. We haven't even left and yet, I feel so happy, maybe even proud, to be able to help the world you know?" Stump said and Kirt nodded, seeing conviction and emotion on Stump's face.
"Here, take this." Stump said, handing Kirt a business card.
"What is B.R.I.G.H.T?" Kirt asked confused after reading the card.
"Oh, I must've forgotten to tell you, it's the name of the company I work for. You see B.R.I.G.H.T. does their best to protect people and pokémon everywhere, and now that you're working with me, I guess that makes you a member too." Stump explained.
"That number, right there," Stump said pointing at the tiny print with a big finger. "If you ever need anything, my boy, call that." Stump said smiling and putting a hand roughly on Kirt's shoulders. He then handed Kirt a plate. "Now, we have time to eat and get to know each other, what are you gonna get out of that line?" Stump asked.
"I guess, a little bit of everything." Kirt replied. Stump roared with laughter.
"A fine choice my boy!"
Kirt was staring at his alarm clock. It was 6:18. He had planned to get up at 6:20, but he had been awake long before then and instead of getting a head start on the day, decided to lay and think. Outside, dark was still lingering, and the earth had yet to wake. Kirt stared out his windows and everything felt like a dream. Vaporeon was snoring softly to Kirt's left and as Kirt looked back at his clock, it now read 6:19. To keep from suffering the irritating alarm, Kirt hit the button and got up. Kirt made quick work of getting ready, going through his normal routine. He woke Vaporeon and snatched up the navy backpack Lewis had lent him. It wasn't too big, but Kirt didn't need too much for his trip, so it was all he took, packed with essentials. Kirt quietly made his way downstairs and noticed immediately that Uncle Lee was up, and had seemed to be for some time now. He was flipping eggs in a pan as Kirt entered the kitchen.
"Top of the morning to ya!" He roared cheerfully in his rough voice. Kirt made his way to the chair he always sat in and watched the weather forecast for the day, viewing all the different colored blurs over the maps. Uncle Lee walked up, handed Kirt a plate and then took a seat himself. They sat in silence as the minutes wound down till Kirt's departure. Uncle Lee was out fishing again today, so in order to make it to the bus stop at the edge of town that the Professor had instructed them to meet up at last night over dinner, Kirt would have to leave soon. Kirt didn't touch his breakfast much and Uncle on the opposite was done with his before 3 minutes passed.
"What's wrong Kirt?" Uncle Lee asked, peering over at Kirt from across the room.
"Nothing, it's just early that's all."
"You could just tell me that I'm an awful cook, I swear that I won't be offended." Uncle Lee said smiling.
"No, no, it's not that," Kirt said.
"What is it?" Uncle Lee said patiently.
"It's just that, I'm going to leave, and be gone. Probably for a really long time." Kirt said. "Doesn't that bother you? Cause I'm starting to second guess myself going."
"You know it bothers me more than the world, but you have to see this through. I know you're gonna help the world." Uncle Lee said. "And you!" Uncle Lee said, pointing at Vaporeon, who was happily munching on Kirt's uneaten meal. "You better keep him safe!" Uncle Lee laughed.
"Thanks Uncle," Kirt said looking up at the grinning man sitting across from him.
"Now," Uncle Lee said rising to his feet. "Come give this old man a strong handshake, and a hug too!" They stood still hugging for a moment and the Uncle Lee led Kirt and Vaporeon to the door, putting both of their dishes up on the way. He opened the door and they both went out onto the sidewalk.
"Hey I got you something too," Uncle Lee said handing Kirt a small orange box. Kirt held it in his hand and looked at it, being still.
"Gum?" Kirt asked.
"Yeah, of course, to keep you calm." Uncle Lee said as if it was obvious, and that this was the most practical and honorable gift that one could receive.
"To keep calm?" Kirt scrutinized.
"Yep. Hey I think you'll understand what I mean one of these days, maybe when you're old and grey like me!" Uncle Lee laughed.
"Thanks," Kirt said smiling. He wanted to cry, and almost did. He wouldn't see his uncle for so long. When they were done here, Uncle Lee would go walking down one way on the sidewalk and Kirt would go the opposite way.
"Goodbye you two," Uncle Lee said beaming, but with a slight melancholy look.
"Love you Uncle Lee," Kirt said hugging his only family one more time.
"Love you too lad," Uncle Lee said. "Now, get walking, or you'll miss your adventure!" He said winking. Uncle Lee walked away towards the harbor and put on his cap, whistling all the while.
"Come on Vaporeon, time to go," Kirt said aloud, and he slowly unwrapped one piece of gum from the orange container and began to chew on it. He felt a little more at ease, and thought to himself. Uncle Lee probably knows what he's talking about.
Kirt walked steadily on the sidewalk, down a slow sloping hill and after some time, arrived to the public bus stop. The bus went around the town and even stopped this early in the morning to pick up hikers and take them to the trail not too far along the road. He could see that they had made it just in time, and that the rest of their friends were on board. Professor Stump furiously waved for them to get on, to which Kirt and Vaporeon obeyed. Kirt took a deep breath and began up the steps of the bus, into his great journey.
So the journey has finally begun! What's in store for Kirt and Lewis? I don't know, you'll just have to stay tuned for chapter 3! Until next time, Slimcrackers out!