PART TWO: LEAVES AND FEATHERS

I.

The night Theo left home before had been frantic. He had called his boss at the bar to quit. He held the phone away from his head while his boss screamed at him for quitting on such short notice. Theo didn't care. They could find somebody else who could hoist kegs and bottles.

He had packed and unpacked his bags several times, making sure he had clothes for different climates, plus cookware and camping gear, which he knew he'd need eventually. Professor Elm had let him keep the leftover medicine he had given him for his errand, plus a blister pack of Potions, Revives, and Full Heals. He sorted everything by type and then deposited them into storage capsules. His mother, thankfully, had a few of these around the house. They used the same technology as Pokeballs; once the items were inside, he could lock the capsule, press a button, and shrink it down. He could fit a small car's worth of gear in his bag this way, and it wasn't even heavy. His three Pokemon had watched him from his bed, Vulcan nudging Allegra with his nose so that she didn't roll to the floor. Mags floated overhead, beeping and buzzing. All three seemed just as eager as he was to leave.

His mother woke with him at sunrise to see him out. The spring morning was cold and clear. At the door, she held him in a long embrace.

"Don't be stupid," she said. "Don't gamble. Don't drink. Don't do anything but raise those Pokemon right, and win."

"I'll do my best, mom," he said.

"Make your dad proud," she murmured.

Theo didn't know what to say to that. His mother hadn't said a positive thing about his father since they had put him in the ground. How could he make someone like that proud? Why would he want to?

"Bye mom," he said. He left the house and didn't turn. If he had, he would have seen her watching him go until he was a little figure disappearing in the distance.

Toward the edge of town, he hesitated at the bus stop. The great joke in New Bark Town was that whenever anyone from out of town asked where to go when visiting, they always said the bus stop. That was where you went so you could leave.

He wouldn't be leaving by bus, though. Pokemon trainers walked. That way, they saw everything. They saw the world. They met people to battle. They met wild Pokemon against whom they could train, and maybe some whom they could catch and raise. It would be sacrilege to do anything but walk. Theo only stood on the platform to breathe in the air of home for a moment longer before he set out.

A bus pulled up, the overnight from Goldenrod City. It was almost empty, but there was one person exiting whom he recognized right away.

"Lyra," Theo said. She was in pajamas, her dark hair pulled into a messy ponytail, with a set of bulky headphones hanging around her neck.

"Theo," she said, yawning. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm going on a trip," he said.

"To Goldenrod?" she asked, pointing at the bus behind her. "You're leaving now? How did you get the time off?"

"No, I'm not taking the bus," he said. "I was just walking by."

"You're leaving on foot?" she asked, raising her eyebrows. "I'm confused."

"I'm leaving," he said again. "Like, for real leaving."

"But where are you going?"

"Violet City."

"What's in Violet City?"

"A Pokemon Gym."

She looked at him for a long moment.

"Theo," she said. "You're going to be a trainer?" Her tone, he was glad to hear, was not incredulous.

"I'm going to try to challenge some Gyms and see how far I can get." Even now, having made his decision to leave, he had a hard time saying that it would be permanent.

She looked at the three Pokeballs at his belt. "Did Professor Elm give you a Pokemon to keep?"

"Yeah, the Cyndaquil" he said. "And then I hatched two more."

"You hatched two Pokemon?" she asked. "I've only been gone for, like, four days."

"A lot has happened," Theo said, nodding.

"You're leaving me alone at the lab?" she asked. Her voice cracked when she said it.

"You'll hardly notice I'm gone," he said.

"Theo, that isn't true," she said. She rubbed at her nose. "What a thing to find out first thing in the morning."

He couldn't understand her sadness. They had worked well together as colleagues, but he wouldn't have said they were friends. He stood there awkwardly, not sure what to say.

"I'm sorry," he offered, finally. "I didn't know it would upset you."

"Don't be sorry," she said. "This isn't about me. You're taking an opportunity. I think you'll be great."

"What makes you say that?"

"You're a natural," she said. "Professor Elm always left you with the roughest ones. You never got to play with the babies or work in the breeding center. You took care of the old ones and the sick ones and the ones who wouldn't sell. You never complained, even when you were cleaning up their messes. You loved them all the same."

"That might not make me a good trainer, though," Theo said.

"Of course it will. Don't you see? You know how to see the best in all Pokemon, not just the flashy ones." She smiled, though her eyes still looked sad. "You should have done this a year ago."

"I didn't have a Pokemon," he said. "I guess I finally got lucky this weekend."

She shook her head. "I don't believe in luck."

"You know, someone else just said the same thing to me the other day," Theo said.

"They were right," she said. She bit her lip suddenly, and then she threw herself at him, wrapping her arms around him. "I really am going to miss you. What if they replace you with some idiot?"

"I'm going to miss you too," he said. "Hey, maybe you can come see me on the road."

"I would really like that," she said. "I go to Goldenrod all the time to see my grandparents. Maybe when you're in the area, you can let me know."

"Definitely," he said. "I've got to get walking now, though."

"I know, I'll let you go. Good luck." She bit her lip again and added, "I'm proud of you."

He hugged her one more time, and then he left the bus stop with only a single backwards wave. Lyra waved back at him. Just as Theo's mother had watched him leave, so too did Lyra. She kept her eyes on his retreating form, which shrank smaller until it was invisible in the distance.

Like many people who undervalue themselves, Theo had no idea of his own measure in the lives of others. He felt that because he was quiet and unobtrusive, he existed in the world unnoticed. But this is never true of people like Theo, for whom kindness is a guiding force. They leave imprints everywhere. When they leave, there is a loss. His mother, Lyra, and others he had not considered would ache for a long time with him gone.

II.

Just as he had the first time, Vulcan paced alongside Theo as they walked toward Cherrygrove City, though now they both moved with more confidence. Theo stopped periodically to let the Cyndaquil take down Caterpie and Pidgey, but he did so far more easily, spitting Embers at them and charging with harder Tackles than on the first trip. Vulcan was young and would grow steadily for a while, Theo knew; even so, it was remarkable how much more adept at fighting he had become in a matter of days. To Theo's surprise, he even learned a new move, Smokescreen, which he deployed against a HootHoot toward evening. After toying with the bird, Vulcan let loose a plume of smoke, and then he dove from the dark cloud in a Quick Attack, sending his opponent flying away, squawking in protest.

"Wow," he said. Vulcan mewed humbly.

Allegra, when he switched her out, was not having such an easy time. His little egg creature boldly faced whatever Pokemon he sent her against, but she did not seem to know any attacking moves. She would Growl and Charm at her enemies, but beyond that, all she could do was wave her arms rhythmically at her opponents. When they launched at her, she shrieked and ran back to Theo. Each time, he sent out Mags or Vulcan to finish the job.

He would have to ask someone about Togepi. No one had known about the egg, though. He wondered if anyone in Johto knew about the species itself.

Of his three little warriors, Mags had the easiest time on the road. Theo encountered a few trainers, all in high school, who sent Rattata and Pidgey and Metapod against him. No Tackle or Scratch did anything more than glancing damage, and Mags' retaliatory Thunder Shocks proved to be a mighty counter, especially against the Flying Pokemon.

"Come on, that isn't fair," one of Theo's opponents said at the end of a battle, red-faced and near tears. "How am I supposed to hit something like that?"

"Honestly," Theo said, "I'm not really sure." Maybe this is what his father had meant. Mags might not be the strongest, but his steely body was impregnable.

Theo arrived back in Cherrygrove and headed to the Pokemon Center. The dark-haired nurse with the green glasses was at the desk again.

"Why, look who it is," she said. "You're coming through here quite a bit these days."

"I've got a new mission," Theo said, smiling.

"Another Pokemon, I see," she said, nodding at his belt. "I'm Harriet, by the way."

"I'm Theo."

"Right, I remember now," she said. "So you're on a little adventure? Taking the Gym challenge?"

"I'm going to try," Theo said. He put his Pokeballs on the counter.

"What's the new one?" she asked, holding up Allegra's Pokeball.

"Here." Theo released Allegra onto the counter. The Togepi was smiling, baby-like, and she chirped, seeing Theo.

"What in the world is this?" Harriet said, her tone warm. She picked up Allegra and held her in her arms. "I've never seen anything like this!"

"She's a Togepi," Theo said. "Her name is Allegra."

"What a sweetie," she said. Allegra, resting against Harriet, screeched at something behind the counter, waving her arms rapidly.

"You want that thing?" Harriet asked. From behind her computer monitor, she pulled up a long, shiny, white stone, which Theo hadn't been able to see. The stone had a golden core which looked like liquid sunlight. Harriet handed it to Allegra, who cooed and began to wave the stone back and forth in front of her eyes, as if hypnotized.

"What is that thing?" Theo asked.

"There was a conference on evolution stones in town the other day," Harriet said. "The people who ran it left a bunch behind for us to give away. People passing through took all the useful ones, the Thunder Stones and the Fire Stones and stuff like that. They said this is one they've discovered in Sinnoh, but I've never heard of it. A Shiny Stone. Stupid name, and nobody's wanted it. I don't know if it works on any Pokemon from this part of the world." She looked down. "Your Togepi likes it, though. Want to keep it?"

"Sure, I guess," Theo said. He plucked the stone from Allegra and deposited it into his backpack. Allegra didn't seem to mind, but she kept moving her arms rhythmically back and forth.

"I'm not sure why she keeps doing that," Theo said. "I've sent her out to battle, and that's all she seems to know how to do."

"Call her back," Harriet said. "I think I know."

"All right." Theo recalled the Togepi into her Pokeball.

"My grandparents lived near Mount Moon in Kanto," Harriet said. "They both had Clefairy that would do that with their arms. It's a move called Metronome. I don't think it's very common. I would have said it while she was out, but I didn't want her to think you were commanding it."

"What does it do?"

Harriet shrugged. "It's random. It can do almost any move in the world, I think." She laughed. "I remember my grandmother's Clefairy did it once when we asked her. She ended up causing an Earthquake that almost brought down the mountain. Zubat went flying out of there in a panic."

Theo's eyes widened. Could Allegra have that kind of power?

"It's really unreliable, though," Harriet went on. "Sometimes they'll just blow a Bubble or do a move that doesn't work on their opponent. Sometimes they'll do something really weak. I'd only do it in a proper battle if I were desperate."

"Well, at least I know she can do something," Theo said. He'd been afraid all she could do was Growl and look sweet.

"I'll take these three back to heal," she said. "Room Twelve is open again. You know not to catch any more Pokemon, right?"

"What do you mean?" Theo asked. He was already planning what to do if Allegra couldn't battle reliably yet. Two Pokemon wouldn't be enough to mount a challenge.

"You don't have any badges or any other kind of licenses," Harriet said. "You're capped at three Pokemon until you can prove you're ready for more."

"How do I do that?"

"You need to beat Tier Two, if you're going the badge route," she said. "You can get research licenses and stuff, but that takes longer. If you catch anything else, you'll get fined. If they catch you with too many Pokemon, they might make you release them all."

"What's Tier Two?"

"It just means two badges. The Gym leaders will send out Pokemon of different strengths depending on what Tier you're in. The higher up you go, the harder it gets." She looked at him. "Didn't you know that already?"

"No, I didn't." Theo felt his cheekbones reddening.

"Don't worry," she said. "If you're heading to Violet City, they do Tier One battles there. It's a good place to start."

"Not all Gyms do?"

"Most do, since that's what Tier most people are stuck in. Some of the snobby ones don't. Blackthorn City starts at Tier Three or Four, I think."

Blackthorn City. Lance was from there. But he hadn't even done his Gym challenge in Johto. What had he said? It wasn't as respectable here.

"Once you have two badges, you can add another Pokemon to your party," Harriet said. "For now, unless you want to release one or trade one, these are the three you've got."

He had only known these three Pokemon for a matter of days, but the idea of parting from any of them made his heart crack.

"I'll stick with them, then," he said.

"I'm going to take them back," she said. "Go eat."

III.

He departed early the next day. It was not the bright, auspicious morning of the day before, but overcast and promising rain. Vulcan paced beside him bravely for a few miles, but as rain droplets began to fall, the Fire Pokemon whimpered until Theo recalled him. He tried to have Mags float beside him, but the Electric Pokemon, once wet, began shooting accidental sparks in all directions. Theo recalled him, too, and, thinking Allegra would cry in the rain, he walked on alone.

Theo had pulled on his rain jacket, but soon it was downpouring. His new shoes were squelching beneath him, and they were already stained with mud. He trudged along the empty road, a lone, miserable figure. Even the fruit trees that lined the road didn't offer much shelter from the rain. When he had imagined his journey as he fell asleep a few nights prior, he had thought of glory, of victory, of triumph. He had not thought of bad weather and wet shoes. He wondered how many uncomfortable days and nights were ahead of him.

But then he came upon it again, like a gift from heaven: Mr. Pokemon's house. He ran to the gate and pressed the buzzer, hoping someone was home.

"Yes?" came the distinguished old man's voice.

"Mr. Pokemon, it's Theo, from a few days ago!"

"Theo? What are you doing back this way again?"

"I'm heading to Violet City, but that egg hatched! I wanted to show you."

The gate swung open immediately. Theo ran down the driveway, glancing at the pond again, where several Water Pokemon were luxuriating by the shore in the rain. He arrived at the front door, where Mr. Pokemon let him in.

"My boy, what a day to be out walking," Mr. Pokemon said. "Come in, let me get you a towel."

In a few minutes, Theo was situated in a cozy lounge, where a small fire was crackling in the corner. His wet clothes had been taken somewhere to dry, and he had changed into a warm, dry pullover.

"So," Mr. Pokemon said, his eyes glittering. "Show me your new companion."

Theo released Allegra again. As always, she chirped cheerfully, seeing Theo, and waddled to him.

"She's a Togepi," Theo said. "That's what my Pokedex said, anyway."

"How remarkable," Mr. Pokemon said. "A Fairy, by the looks of it. No wonder Lance was perturbed." He chuckled.

Theo picked Allegra off the floor and held her out. "She's not much of a fighter, but she's been fun to have around."

"Not much of a fighter yet," Mr. Pokemon said. "Some of the sweetest creatures become the fiercest battlers in the end."

Theo had a hard time imagining that for Allegra, but the thought of his marshmallow infant causing terror on the battlefield made him smile.

"So you're off on a journey?" Mr. Pokemon asked.

"I'm trying," Theo said. He looked ruefully at the rain-splattered window. "Not the best start."

Mr. Pokemon waved his hand dismissively. "Rain, snow, heat, you'll get used to it. It's worth it to travel with friends. I had a feeling you might want to do more than work in a lab. Nothing against Professor Elm, of course." Mr. Pokemon winked.

"Professor Elm was a great help getting started," Theo said.

"Was he?" Mr. Pokemon said. "Well, that's new."

Theo laughed. "He let me keep the egg, at least."

"Well, one does recognize a superior hatchman in you, Theo," Mr. Pokemon said. He stood and clapped his hands. "I have a conference call to prepare for, but you're welcome to stay the night here, Theo, or at least wait out the rain. The room at the far end of the hall is all yours."

"Thank you, sir," Theo said. "I'd love to stay the night, if you'll have me."

The bedroom was furnished with the heavy wood that Mr. Pokemon had favored in his upstairs lounge, but it had a bathroom attached with a deep tub, and the mattress was softer than anything Theo was used to. Lance had told him to accept help, so he would. Besides, who knew when he'd sleep on a mattress like this again?

The clouds had parted by the morning. Mr. Pokemon fed him a lavish breakfast and then pointed him out.

"Violet City is that way," he said, indicating north along Route 30. "When you reach the Dark Cave, turn left and continue that way."

"Thank you again, sir," Theo said, shaking his hand. "For everything."

"Anything for a promising young man like yourself," Mr. Pokemon said. "Keep me abreast of your progress. When that Togepi is dominating the battlefield, you remember what I said."

Theo laughed. If that was in the future, it was likely well ahead of him.

IV.

The grass was damp that morning, but it promised to be a clearer day. Theo walked the rest of Route 30, crested a hill, and followed a sign pointing toward Route 31. This was the farthest he had ever walked alone, he realized; anxiety suddenly gnawed at his stomach. He released Allegra and held her as he walked. She wasn't heavy, and even now that she was hatched, something about her gave him comfort. Her whistles and chirps made him smile and worked against his fears.

Up ahead, he saw a handful of Caterpie resting on a fallen log. They seemed docile, perhaps asleep in the morning sunlight.

"Hey," he said to Allegra, putting her on the ground. "Do you want to try something?"

As if reading his mind, she waved her arms back and forth.

"All right," he said. "Go for that one." He pointed at the smallest Caterpie.

She ran forward on her stubby legs and chirped stridently: her baby version of a battle cry. The Caterpie perked its antenna up, as if barely interested, but it wiggled down off the log and reared to face Allegra.

"All right, Allegra," Theo said. "Metronome!"

Allegra waved her arms again. This time, they quickened until they were moving like windshield wipers. She stopped, and suddenly her whole body launched into the air, halted, and plummeted at the Caterpie.

"Whoa," Theo said as Allegra fell like a bomb. The Caterpie shrieked as she made contact, and it lunged for her.

"Metronome again!" Theo said. This time her arms waved, and a shadowy version of herself crept along the ground. It slid behind the Caterpie, reared up, and launched from behind.

The Caterpie did not have much energy left, but it held on and dove at Allegra again.

"One more Metronome!" Theo yelled, and this time, the little spikes atop Allegra's head writhed and pulled together into a single sharp point. She pointed her head toward the Bug Pokemon and charged.

This one sent the Caterpie flying with a thunderous crack. The other Caterpie, watching from the log, saw their comrade soaring by them and decided to quit the field, slinking away from the suddenly fearsome Togepi.

"Your first win!" Theo said, grabbing Allegra into a hug and kissing her. She cheered, singing like a little bell.

He tried her against several more Pokemon as he continued down Route 31, pleased to find that, if she was lucky, she could hold her own. Sometimes, the Metronome landed just right, and she sent a stream of rocks over a Pidgey or whipped a Geodude with a vine. Sometimes Theo wasn't sure what was happening. Once, it appeared like she was hardening her shell. Another time, she emitted a foul-smelling purple gas that clouded a Kakuna to no apparent effect. Most strangely, in a battle against a Rattata, she launched at her opponent in a ball of electricity and then retreated to her Pokeball. Mags suddenly burst from his Pokeball, looking confused.

"I'm not sure what happened, buddy," Theo said, laughing, "but if you want to finish that Rattata off, go for it."

He understood what Harriet meant about its randomness, however. Allegra fought another Caterpie, and move after move was useless. She used String Shot, which the Caterpie ate through; she used Mimic, which just led to her shooting more string; most alarmingly, she fell asleep mid-battle and only woke after the Caterpie had tackled her four times. Crying, she hurried back to Theo, and he released Vulcan to finish off the Bug Pokemon handily.

Metronome was okay, he thought, but he had to find a way to get a consistent attack out of Allegra. Otherwise, battling with her would be a constant roll of the dice.