Lake Verity

Sinnoh Region

Summer

Alex strolled underneath the overhanging canopy of tree branches that marked the entrance to Lake Verity. He sighed as he readied a pokeball containing his partner, Mudkip. Mudkip had been a gift from Professor Rowan. The professor had told him that it was a rare Pokémon from the Hoenn region that had been sent by his good friend Professor Birch in order to gauge its ability to adapt and grow in a completely new environment. Mudkip and Alex had yet to truly become partners as Alex felt that the small blue pokemon was incredibly stubborn and haughty and Mudkip thought Alex was bossy and overbearing.

Alex pressed the small white button on the center of the red and white spehere and red light beamed out, taking the shape of Mudkip. The small water-type looked up at its trainer and huffed before turning and hopping away into the grass.

"Hey! Mudkip!" Alex called after the Mud Fish Pokémon. He saw it dissappear between two thick green bushes and heard heavy rustling on the other side before Mudkip gave a cry and he rushed forward, parting the undergrowth.

As he burst forward through the bushes, he felt his foot snag on a thick root and he was sent hit his chin hard on the ground and he instantly tasted blood as he realized he had bitten his tongue during his fall.

Alex opened his eyes and saw that he was face to face with a growling Shinx.

"Ahh!" He yelled as he scrambled backwards hitting a tree behind him with an audible 'thump'.

The Shinx began to glow brightly and a ball of yellow energy started to form at the tip of its head.

Alex's eyes widened and he raised his arms to shield himself.

"Charmeleon, Flame burst!" a shout came from nowhere and Alex felt intense heat sear his forearms and he opened his eyes to see the Shinx crying out and running away before disappearing in the bushes on the far side of the lake.

He looked around for his savior and soon spotted a trainer and a Charmeleon standing along the lake's beach.

"You ok over there?" The trainer called in a high ringing tone.

Alex staggered to his feet and saw Mudkip asleep behind one of the bushes to his right. He rolled his eyes and cupped his hands around his mouth to call back.

"I'm fine thanks to you!" He replied before approaching the trainer.

As he got closer he made out some of the trainers features. The Trainer was a girl who looked to be about 16, with long tawny hair that was held up in a ponytail. She had lightly tanned skin and an athletic frame. Her dark brown eyes twinkled with amusement as she watched Alex make his approach.

"Don't you know any better than to be out in the wild without any Pokémon to help you out?" She scolded lightly.

"Well, I do have a Pokémon.. it just doesn't want to listen sometimes." He replied abashed.

She raised her eyebrows and laughed.

"I couldn't possibly see why it'd want to disobey such an intelligent trainer like you…" She said sarcastically.

"Hey! It's not my fault my partner fell asleep and wouldn't help." He said defensively.

She rolled her eyes and touched her waist where pokeballs hung.

"Why did you come out here in the first place anyway?" She inquired.

"Professor Rowan asked me to investigate the rumors of a pack of injured Shinx." Alex replied.

"Oh Professor Rowan? He's from that quaint town over there.. Sandgem was it? Anyway, I've been out here fishing in the lake with my Pokémon all day and I haven't seen any injured Pokémon. The Shinx have been really aggressive lately though.." the trainer pondered.

"Oh, by the way, what's your name?" She asked, cocking her head to one side.

"I'm Alex Cooper. What about you?" He replied, sticking out his hand.

"Tasha Willowin. Pleased to meet you Alex." She said with a cheerful smile before grasping his hand and shaking it.

Suddenly a loud cracking noise split the air.

Alex and Tasha turned rapidly and saw a jet of flame erupt around the trees where Alex had been attacked by the Shinx.

"Golduck! Come out and use Water Pulse!" Tasha called as she released her water Pokémon.

Alex watched the jet of water burst through the trees and hit the blazing fire with a hiss. Alexs eyes widened as he released Mudkip was still asleep in that area.

He sprinted towards the fire as Tasha called his name in shock.

A large tree which was still alight started to creak and tip right over the thick patch of grass upon which Mudkip laid.

"Mudkip!" Alex yelled as he dived forward, grabbing the small blue Pokémon with both arms. The Tree teetered and began to fall right on top of the pair.

"Water Pulse again Golduck!" Right before the tree collapsed a ball of water crushed into the side of it, spraying splinters droplets everywhere. The tree smashed into the ground a little ahead of Alex and his Pokémon, leaving him a little bruised but ok.

Tasha ran to the pair and knelt down.

"Are you ok?" She asked worriedly.

Alex nodded and rubbed his hair a little ashamed.

"That's the second time you've had to pull me out of the fire," He glanced back at the smoking tree. "Uh, literally." He finished with a grin.

"That was insane! You ran right into the fire without any kind of protection." Tasha exclaimed, shaking her head. "I've never seen anything so stupid.. or brave!"

Alex turned a little red and shook his head modestly.

"Mudkip would have been hurt, I couldn't let that happen, he's my partner." He stated.

Mudkip squirmed out of the young boy's arms and sat directly in front of him. It proceeded to but his hands with its headfin, signifying trust.

"Looks like you earned its respect.. That's incredible!" Tasha said, shocked.

Alex nodded and grinned before sending Mudkip back into its ball.

"I'd better get back to the lab. Professor Rowan will want to know about this spontaneous fire. It looks like your Golduck put it out so I think it's safe to leave." Alex said.

"I'll come with you." Tasha stated, not waiting for him to agree before heading towards the path to Sandgem Town.

Well that's Chapter 1! I hoped you enjoyed the introduction of the first OC, Tasha! Thanks to Cake09877 for submitting her. I do hope you continue your support and I will do my best to reply to every review for each chapter. The next OC will be introduced next chapter, as Alex and Tasha make their way back to the Pokemon Lab. Also, I won't be able to update till Sunday at the earliest, so there's still time for more OCs to be submitted! Have a great week!

Review Answers:

magical fan18:

Hello! I have put in my vote on your poll. I enjoy being an active member of the community, and I hope that you pass on the kindness of participation to others.

Chillyice:

I'll be waiting for them!

Cake09877:

Once again thanks for Tasha! I feel shes a great fit in the story.

WolfSummoner93:

Thanks for reviewing. I hope you stay interested, as Alex's journey is about to get much more fun!