So uh... I really haven't talked to you guys at all since I've made this thing, so I guess I should introduce myself properly. You can call me by my username if you'd like, I don't really have a problem with it. If swearing makes you uncomfortable, or if you just wanna use a real name, feel free to call me Danny. This story I'm writing is a warm up for the writing I'll eventually do for my career (I really want to be a well-renowned author). I'm trying to find my style with this work, but it's not just practice. I intend on, and have been, putting my all into this work to make it as enjoyable and fascinating as possible. I also want to make this have that free, adventurous feel that the Pokemon games have provided me with for so long while still dabbling into light tones. I hope you all enjoy, and I'll try to be more talkative in the future

- Danny

A man in a black, silk suit made his way down Route 29 carefully, brushing aside branches slowly as to not dirty the suit. A large red "R" bore itself brightly against his black attire. This man's name was Giovanni, and he was the former leader of a criminal organization known as Team Rocket.

For years, the organization bullied its way through the Kanto Region. It gained so much momentum that some of its gym leaders, out of fear, joined the team. Giovanni himself maintained a position as the gym leader of Viridian City. This all changed when a young boy named Red challenged him. He showed Giovanni what it meant to be a trainer again.

Giovanni had since disbanded Team Rocket, and sought to return to his roots as a Pokemon trainer. This is brought this man to the untamed wilderness of Route 29, making his way eastbound, towards New Bark Town.

On his way through the brush, he heard a commotion in the distance and went to investigate it. As he approached the scene, he heard a familiar voice hissing.

"Listen kid, I don't care who you are, you don't go stealing a man's Pidgey like that!" It was Proton, a former executive of Team Rocket.

The unfamiliar voice spoke up. "I don't care what you say," it roared, "I caught this Pidgey fairly!"

"That's complete garbage and you know it, kid! Now take it back, before I destroy that ridiculous Pokemon of yours!" He sneered at the kid.

"No, I won't let you hurt my Chika!" The kid cried. Giovanni hustled over to the scene.

"Alright kid, you asked for it. Sneasel u-" Giovanni grabbed Proton's shoulder. Proton stopped mid sentence and his Sneasel looked at him expectedly.

"That's enough, Proton." Giovanni's voice held a commanding tone, and boomed through the thick brush of Route 29.

Proton looked down, frightened. "I-I-I'm sorry, boss."

Giovanni's eyes narrowed at the man. Proton's bright blue hair, which darted messily around, trembled. "Refrain from using that epitaph around me, Proton. I've disbanded the team. You know this."

"I-I'm sorry, sir. You're right…" Proton's voice shook.

"Now get out of my sight. I better not catch you bothering this boy anymore."

Proton nodded firmly. Without a word, both he and his Sneasel ran away in fear.

Giovanni knelt down next to the young man. The boy had blond hair and bright, hazel eyes. "Young man, are you okay?"

The young man, who had bled from an open wound across his chest nodded bravely. "Yeah… I think I'm okay."

Giovanni looked at him with fatherly concern. "You need medical attention. I'll seek it out for you immediately. Can you stand?"

The young man shook his head. "No… No I can't… It hurts too much…"

Giovanni's brow furrowed. "Young man, I am truly sorry for this. I shall do whatever it takes to see that you become healthy."

The young man managed a small smile. "Thank you sir… Who are you, if you mind my asking?"

Giovanni held his hand out to the young man. "My name is Giovanni. What might your name be?"

The young man reached out to feebly shake the man's hand. "My name is… F-Fletcher."

"Fletcher…" Giovanni repeated. "Although I wish it were under different circumstances, it is an honor to meet a young trainer such as yourself."

Giovanni carried Fletcher the entire way through Route 29 without wavering for a second. Thick branches clawed and tore at his suit, but he marched on. The boy's two Pokemon - a Chikorita and Pidgey - trailed behind him meekly.

When they reached the Center, Giovanni carried Fletcher to a bed and stayed to ensure that he was treated. He sat by the boy's bedside for several hours before the boy woke up.

His eyes batted open, and he looked at Giovanni intensely. "Hey… How did I get here?"

Giovanni looked solemn. "Do not worry about it, Fletcher. I am merely doing what is right."

Fletcher nodded. "Thank you, sir." He sat up suddenly and winced.

"It might be better if you lay down for awhile." Giovanni held his hand up in passive resistance. "That wound of yours won't heal if you're thrashing about."

Fletcher sighed in defeat. "I just… I want to know if Chika's okay."

Giovanni's eyes widened. "You named your Chikorita, Chika?" Giovanni hesitated. "What of your Pidgey?"

A small smile crept across Fletcher's face as he eased himself back down. "I hadn't thought of it yet." He pondered for a moment. "I think I'll name him Pidge."

Giovanni shook his head. *I don't believe it. This boy, his naming scheme is the exact same as the one of that man's… Could it be that this boy has been put in my path for me to… To retribute my mistakes..?*

Giovanni realized the prolonged silence that was brought by his stunning revelation. "Can I be of any further service to you."

Fletcher looked at him for a moment. "Don't worry, you don't need to do anything else. You already saved my life. You should do what you need to do."

Giovanni became stunned again. "Er… Yes, I suppose you're right. Young man, if you ever need my help…" He thought for a moment. "You know of Professor Elm, correct?"

A spark of recognition lit in Fletcher's mind and shone in his smile. "Yeah!"

Giovanni beamed. "Excellent! He will know of my whereabouts." He put his hand on Fletcher's shoulders and looked him sternly in the eye. "If you ever need my assistance again, do not hesitate to contact him."

Fletcher nodded firmly. "Okay, I'll make sure to. Thank you for everything, Mr. Giovanni."

Giovanni smiled politely. "Farewell, young Fletcher. Until we meet again."

Giovanni stood up and brushed off his tattered suit jacket. He turned on his heel, and walked away. He did not stop walking until he reached the end of Route 29, and saw the bustling small town of New Bark Town spread before him.