Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon; obviously!

Sorry for the delay. That tends to happen when your only computer literally catches on fire... I just got a new one, and now, I am back. The updates will be slower, mostly because it will be harder pressed with my school schedule, but I'll try to make things work! Thanks for understanding!

"So are you gonna become the Champion?" I know when you're younger, you are bound more with energy, but I never recall being that hyper. Maybe I was a weirdo... I dunno. It's possible. So far, I'd barely been able to eat because the young boy and his mother had been full of questions, the former being the more curious one.

"Joey, you can ask later. Let Mr. Kyle eat first," Joey's mother scolded, coming to my rescue. I smiled gratefully at her, and we ate in "silence". It wasn't really like an awkward silence or nothing, because occasional comments were made. Cyndaquil seemed to be enjoying his Pokechow, much to my pleasure. I may not've had him very long, but his comfort was very important to me already.

The meal went by rather quickly, Joey finishing first to get some questions in. It kind of felt like I was a powerful trainer; what with me getting so much attention and interest from Joey and his mother.

"Ma, I'm done, may I be excused?" Young Joey asked. His mother merely nodded, and as he ran upstairs she sighed.

"Such energy... ah, do I miss being that young."

I nodded in agreement.

"I do hope you enjoyed the meal. And forgive Joey... Pokemon Trainers are a bit rare these days. At least, ones that want to go all the way to the Champion Throne," Joey's mother explained, taking my finished plate and the rest of the silverware into the attatched kitchen. I heard the water begin to softly run, but I could still hear her clearly as she talked.

"It was great, thank you. And, what do you mean?" The last part was a bit new to me; I had no idea there was a discrepancy in trainers...

"Many of the trainers who recieve Pokemon no longer have the drive to go all the way to the top. It's a sad fact," Throughout the explanation, I found myself looking at Cyndaquil, who looked back. Trainers giving up, no longer able to accomplish the tasks set ahead of them... it was sad to hear.

It was then a thought crossed my mind. We were just pushing the limit in staying another night. Nothing would be accomplished in staying another night. We would be drained of more money, and even then, we'd find another reason to stay behind. It was time to go after this.

"It is sad. Perhaps your son can ask his questions soon? I should get on the road soon," I said, catching Joey's mother by surprise.

"I thought you weren't leaving until tomorrow?" She asked.

"Things have changed. I want to get into the game quickly. I need to make a side-stop as well, so the sooner, the better," It may've been my imagination, but I thought I saw a faint, ghost of a smile appear on the mother's face.

"Okay," She said, before shouting, "JOEY! MR. KYLE NEEDS TO LEAVE! COME DOWN AND SAY YOUR GOOD-BYES!" I blinked a few times in an obviously fruitless attempt to regain my hearing. I wanted to avoid using my hands to try and fix my ears, but that may not have been a choice.

In the blink of an eye Joey was in the kitchen doorway. He didn't look too happy with the news.

"Already?" He asked quietly. I felt bad, but knew there was no going against my decision.

"Sorry...," I said, kneeling down. "But I need to get moving for my first badge."

Joey frowned, but nodded in understanding. "Win it for me, okay?" He asked.

"Of course," I said with a smile. I then stood up. Although it seemed Joey had questions for me, the atmosphere had changed, and he no longer was bustling with the energy he had earlier. I felt heavily responsible for that, but I didn't make it known. Instead, I made an alternative.

"Do you have a Pokegear?" I asked. Joey nodded slowly. Smiling, I pulled mine out of my pocket.

"What's your number? If you ever wanna talk, I'd be glad to chat a bit," It was the most I could do, but it seemed to suffice well enough for Joey was overjoyed as soon as I stopped talking.

"Really! You mean it?"

"Mhm." The number exchange took seconds, and in no time, I found myself bidding the family good-bye. Both assured the entire town was going to tune into my battles when they aired Live during Gym Battles. That was enough to make me anxious and excited at the same time. Though the dinner was cut short, I made my way to the Pokemon Center for one final check-up.

Nurse Joy, seemingly always awake, was stationed behind her computer and when the automatic doors slid open, she peered from behind the monitor- such as she did when I first arrived.

"Welcome to the Pokemon Center. How may I help you?" She asked in her ever-friendly tone. I smiled and handed her Cyndaquil's pokeball.

"Just a quick check," I said. The check was quick indeed.

It took only 2 minutes, and before I knew it, Cyndaquil was on his feet at my side looking slightly grumpy with being recalled.

"Sorry buddy, I needed to." He just huffed, not accepting my explanation.

"Are you off?" Nurse Joy asked, a bit surprised. (Like everyone else)

"Yes, I am," I said shortly. The less explanation, the better.

"Well good luck trainer! Be safe!" Nurse Joy said sweetly. I smiled and thanked her. Walking out (lacking confidence) I realized the time of day was around 8. The journey wasn't too long, and the trek wasn't difficult at all, but it could be up to 2 or so hours from here to Mr. Pokemon's house. Depending on the wild Pokemon and all.

I took a halt at the end of the Cherrygrove City limits. The route to Violet City was darkened and mysterious- and looked full of adventure. Taking a breath, I steeled myself for the oncoming journey, and began walking forward with Cyndaquil on my shoulder. His soft breath was the only audible sound I could hear.

I would love to describe the journey, but it was full of nothingness. We had a short-lived battle with a wild Weedle and a Hoothoot. So minor, Cyndaquil could've won with his Growl. But the battles went rather quickly, and at most, added 15 minutes to our trek. I wished there was more excitment- but then again, I also wished we weren't heading for our certain demise. After all, I found myself fearing the result of my upcoming battle against the Gym Leader of Violet City.

Falkner.

The bird-typed trainer was rumored to be quite powerful. He used to have Pidgeot, but due to Pokemon Leauge Regulations, and no beginning trainer able to trump its awesome battling strengths, he was forced to breed and train the much-less powerful Pidgey. That didn't stop him from being strong though.

I didn't know the kind of battle we'd have- whether it'd be huge and magnificent, or short-lived like my previous ones. Cyndaquil still found the disability of not being able to ignite its flame to be a major liability. Plus, he was my only Pokemon. I had yet to catch anything else.

I sighed, and pushed the upcoming challenges away. Whatever happens, happens.

I could only be so prepared...

After a good 2 and a 1/2 hours of walking in darkness, I started regretted leaving. We were at a loss for our bearings, and at this rate, we'd get even more lost. We'd get so lost, we had no idea which way was up.

"Cyndaquil, can you try and give us some light?" I asked of the small Pokemon. Cyndaquil, always eager to try and fire up, nodded and lept from my shoulder. He concentrated and began humming. His back fur bristled and the holes on his back flexed- as if preparing to spout fire. But even as they flexed and he willed his fire to come bursting forth, nothing happened.

Not even a spark.

"Oh well..." I mumbled, greatly disappointed. I knew I couldn't blame Cyndaquil in the least. After all, he was still young, and had yet to be taught such things.

I allowed him to hop back onto my shoulder, and then continued walking. My hope came in the form of looking for the forest's clearing. If I found mass lighting, I either found Violet City, or I made a huge circle that I should be embarrassed about.

"Cynda!" The call came as a surprise to me, and I stumbled. It didn't help that Cyndaquil was positioned right next to my ear, so his cry of drawing attention caused me to wince in pain.

"W-what?" I asked, thinking it was another foolish Hoothoot. But when Cyndaquil made no effort to get off my shoulder, nor to prepare for battle, I tossed out that theory.

That's when I saw the outline of a house. Due to its general isolation, I instantly knew this to be the one I was seeking. I almost cried tears of joy. I wasn't lost afterall.

Well, anymore.

"We found it, buddy," I said to Cyndaquil. Although I couldn't see his face, I imagined him to be smiling with glee and looking forward to a nap.

I ran the last stretch of the clearing to get to the door. As I raised a fist to rap at the wood, I drew back. Wouldn't it seem weird if a teenager came and knocked on your door at like, 11 o'clock at night, asking if you could help him train? Wouldn't that tick you off?

Doubt began swirling in my head like a forming hurricane. Suddenly, I regretted leaving at dusk even more. If I'd just left in the morning, this wouldn't have been so awkward. But I couldn't just rest out here either. I needed a place to stay, and I also needed Mr. Pokemon's help.

But... what if this wasn't even his house? What if I was completely mistaken?

No, have faith. You've gotta put trust in yourself, Kyle.

I took a breath and looked down at my partner. His face remained stoical... but then again, it was also dark. He could've been freaking out, and I probably wouldn't have been able to see.

That was the problem with night-time. You couldn't see anything.

"We gotta do this..." I mumbled. I just hoped he didn't view me as some teen who was inhaling PokePowder or something. Because the last thing I needed was him freaking out and A) Attacking me. B) Calling the cops. C) Locking me out. Or D) Lighting me on fire. Why D? I dunno, it's kinda like, that'd be a terrible way to be greeted. Anyways...

I put my fist to the door, and gently rapped several times. The house remained dark for a moment before two sets of voices mumbled in the house something incoherant. A light flickered on and a window was faintly illuminated. I found surprise when the door clanked and cracked open.

"Hello?" A tired old man asked.

"Hi... I heard Mr. Pokemon lived here? Mr. Vin of Cherrygrove told me to come here."

The fact the door wasn't slammed on my face was a good sign. The other good sign was the smile that I got from the old man.

"Ah yes, Kyle. Please, come in."

I found myself praying to Arceus that this man was NOT a pedo... because the last thing I needed in this upside-down life, was to go to a court case cause one old man had a fantasy for teens.

I'd come this far. Time to go a bit father... I thought, walking inside. Guess my days were bound to be worse.

If I got that far.