Chapter 12
Emeral and Ruby
Brendan's gaze swept across the sun-kissed expanse of Route 103, his eyes alighting upon a figure that radiated an aura of vibrant energy. It was May, resplendent in her unique ensemble that reflected her zest for life. A red and white headband adorned her tousled chestnut locks, fashioned in the likeness of playful rabbit ears, accentuating her youthful spirit. A scarlet tank top, paired with a black undershirt, hugged her form, a testament to her athletic prowess and determination. White short shorts, veiled by the black lycra mini-leggings beneath, emphasized her agility, hinting at a boundless reservoir of energy ready to be unleashed. Her feet, adorned with yellow and black sneakers boasting vibrant orange soles, propelled her with a spirited grace that mirrored the fire burning within her soul. Ankle-length red and white socks peeked out from above her sneakers, adding a whimsical touch to her ensemble. The ensemble was completed by a vibrant yellow and green fanny pack, serving as a testament to her boundless curiosity and preparedness for the adventures that lay ahead.
As Brendan approached May, he caught the flicker of surprise in her eyes, momentarily disrupting the rhythm of her thoughts. She swiftly regained her composure, offering a warm smile that exuded a genuine sense of camaraderie.
"Huh?! Who...are you?" May's voice rang out, a mix of surprise and curiosity woven into her words. Her eyes widened with recognition. "Oh! You must be Brendan! Your move was today, huh?" A smile brightened her face as she extended a hand in greeting. "Well, I'm May! Glad to meet you! I...I actually have this dream of becoming friends with Pokémon all over the world. And then when Dad—oh, I mean Professor Birch—told me about you moving here, Brendan... Well, I was hoping you would be nice and we could be friends." She chuckled, a hint of self-consciousness seeping into her words. "B-but that's just silly, isn't it? I've just met you. Right, Brendan? So, what am I talking about... Hee hee..."
Brendan's lips curled into a warm smile, mirroring the genuine warmth radiating from May's vibrant presence. "It's a pleasure to meet you too, May," he replied, his voice laced with a touch of excitement. "Your dream sounds amazing, and I'm sure we'll be great friends." The bond of kinship between them felt immediate, as if fate had orchestrated their meeting in this very moment.
May's eyes darted toward Brendan's shoulder, where Treecko perched attentively. A spark of recognition flickered in her gaze. "Oh! My dad gave you a Pokémon as a gift, huh?" Her voice filled with a mixture of admiration and curiosity. "Well then, why don't we go ahead and have a quick battle? I'll give you a taste of what being a Trainer is really like!"
Brendan's heart leapt at the prospect of a battle, a chance to showcase his newfound partnership with Emeral. "I'd love to!" he exclaimed, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. "Let's see what we and our Pokémon are capable of!"
Emeral, sensing the imminent battle, leapt off Brendan's shoulder with a surge of energy, ready to face the challenge head-on. Across the field, May swiftly retrieved a Pokéball from her fanny pack and released her fiery companion, Ruby the Torchic. The air crackled as the clash between these determined Trainers began.
"Ruby, use Ember!" May commanded with a flicker of determination in her eyes. The small flame on Torchic's head intensified, as a cascade of fiery embers shot forth toward Emeral. With remarkable agility, the nimble Treecko evaded the onslaught, his lithe form effortlessly dodging the flaming projectiles.
Brendan's voice rang out, filled with confidence. "Emeral, show them your strength! Use Pound!" With a swift movement, Emeral's tail swung through the air, delivering a powerful strike upon Ruby. The impact reverberated through the battlefield, showcasing the resilience and tenacity of Brendan's newly acquired partner.
May's gaze narrowed with a mix of pride and determination. "Ruby, retaliate with Scratch!" she exclaimed. Torchic lunged forward, claws gleaming, aiming to make contact with Emeral. However, Brendan's quick thinking and innate bond with his Pokémon guided his next command. "Emeral, use Pound again!" he called out. The clash between Treecko's tail and Torchic's claws sent sparks flying, each Pokémon feeling the force of their opponent's blows.
The intensity of the battle grew as the combatants exchanged strikes, their determination unyielding. May's strategy took a new turn as she rallied Ruby for another Ember attack. The searing heat radiated through the air, and despite Emeral's agile evasion, a stray ember found its mark. The fiery projectile collided with the unsuspecting Treecko; its impact accompanied by a sharp crackling sound. Emeral's lithe form shuddered as the flames licked at its green scales, its body momentarily engulfed in a fiery glow. The intense heat seeped into its being, causing a surge of discomfort that rippled through its frame. The Treecko staggered backward, its usual spry movements hindered by the searing pain that radiated from the point of impact. With Brendan's heart pounding in his chest, he rushed to Emeral's side, his expression etched with concern and determination. The Treecko's breaths came in shallow gasps as it lay on the ground, its emerald eyes reflecting both the pain and unwavering resilience that burned within.
Meanwhile, May and Ruby celebrated their hard-earned victory, their jubilant jumps and cheers filling the air with elation. With a gentle smile gracing her face, May approached the fallen Emeral, her eyes shimmering with a mixture of appreciation and empathy. The weight of the battle lingered in the air, but her words carried a sense of camaraderie and understanding.
"It was a good battle. Thanks! Let me heal up both our parties real quick." May's voice resonated with sincerity, bridging the gap between victory and defeat. In a graceful motion, she retrieved a Potion from her trusty fanny pack, a small but potent tool in the world of Pokémon training. The hiss of the aerosol spray filled the air as she applied the healing mist to Emeral's scorched form.
As if touched by a revitalizing breeze, the Treecko's wounds began to fade before Brendan's eyes. The pain that had burdened it moments ago yielded to a renewed vigor, a testament to the healing properties of May's Potion. Emeral's emerald eyes gleamed with gratitude as it acknowledged the kind gesture, its trust in Brendan and its own resilience reaffirmed. Brendan, feeling a mixture of relief and regret, turned his attention to Emeral, his voice carrying a hint of remorse. "I'm sorry, Emeral. I let you down in our first battle." His words hung in the air, heavy with self-criticism and a desire to prove himself. Yet, even in the face of defeat, his bond with Emeral remained unbroken.
Observing the tender exchange between Trainer and Pokémon, May couldn't help but be moved by the depth of their connection. Her voice, tinged with a touch of awe, broke the silence. "Wow... I think I know why my dad has his eye on you now. It's not just your potential as a Trainer. It's that strong bond you have with your Pokémon. You've only just begun your journey, Brendan, and yet you already possess the power to befriend any Pokémon you encounter."
"Thanks for the battle," Brendan said, standing to his feet.
"You pulled it off with aplomb. I just had type advantage and I've been a Trainer for much longer," said May. Ruby and Emeral ran around the two Trainers playing a friendly game of tag. May couldn't help but smile at the two Pokémon as she continued, "So, what will you do now?"
"I'm heading out for Petalburg City to see my dad. I can't wait to show him my Pokémon!"
As Brendan expressed his excitement about heading to Petalburg City to reunite with his father, a flicker of panic danced in May's eyes. The sudden realization that her newfound potential friend was about to embark on a journey away from Littleroot Town sparked a sense of urgency within her.
"Wait!" May's voice carried a hint of apprehension, her mind racing to find a solution. "Brendan, since you're new to the Hoenn Region, I don't want you to get lost on your way to Petalburg City. How about this? I'll show you the way there!" Her proposal hung in the air, the weight of her words reflecting the genuine concern that blossomed in her heart. She couldn't bear the thought of Brendan setting off on his own, wandering unfamiliar paths and encountering potential dangers without a guide. The prospect of their budding friendship being cut short before it even had a chance to bloom ignited a determination within her. May eagerly continued, "We can travel together, Brendan! I know the way to Petalburg City, and it'll be safer and more fun if we journey together. Plus, we'll have plenty of time to get to know each other better. What do you say?"
"Yeah, sure. You alright with that Emeral?" Brendan said. Emeral nodded.
"Great! I can't wait to meet your father! My Dad—oh, I mean Professor Birch—has told me a lot about him. He told me that your father was the strongest Trainer in the entire Johto Region!" May said. With a burst of excitement and determination, May reached out and grabbed Brendan's arm, her fingers closing around his with an enthusiastic grip. Her face lit up with a radiant smile as she pulled him along, setting their journey in motion towards Petalburg City. As they made their way down the road, May's thoughts raced with a whirlwind of emotions. This was her chance, an opportunity to make her long-held dream a reality—to forge a genuine friendship with Brendan. She couldn't help but feel a surge of hope welling up within her, as if the tides of fate had aligned to bring them together.
Emeral and Ruby, fueled by the infectious energy of their Trainers, frolicked behind them in a playful game of tag. The air echoed with their cheerful chirps and gentle growls, their innocent antics adding an extra layer of joy to the journey. The Pokémon seemed to sense the significance of this moment, as if they, too, understood the budding friendship that was taking root.
May couldn't help but steal glances at Brendan, his presence beside her bringing a sense of warmth and camaraderie. She marveled at the way his eyes sparkled with a genuine passion for Pokémon, and how his dedication to Emeral was already deepening their bond. It was in this shared adventure, guided by their dreams and driven by their shared love for Pokémon, that May sensed the potential for a friendship that could withstand any trial. As they continued their trek towards Petalburg City, the road stretching out before them like a tapestry of possibilities, May's heart swelled. This was her chance to open the doors of friendship wide.
Brendan and May strolled into Oldale Town, a quaint little hamlet that seemed to hold little significance on their grand journey. Their footsteps carried them to the welcoming doors of the Pokémon Center, where they sought solace for their tired Pokémon and a respite for themselves. Inside, the air was filled with the familiar hum of healing machines and the gentle chatter of Trainers sharing tales of their adventures. The soothing ambiance enveloped Brendan and May as they approached the counter, surrendering their worn-out companions to the capable hands of the Pokémon Center staff. While waiting for their Pokémon to be restored to full health, May pulled out her cherished diary, its pages filled with her innermost thoughts and musings. With a pen in hand, she allowed her thoughts to flow freely, capturing fragments of their journey and the emotions that swelled within her.
Brendan's gaze wandered over the pages, and his attention was captivated by a crude yet endearing drawing of Jirachi, the Wish Granting Pokémon. Intrigued, he turned to May, his curiosity evident in his voice. "What's the story behind this drawing, May?"
"You don't know what Pokémon this is?"
"No."
"Oh, right. You're not from the Hoenn Region. I guess Jirachi isn't a myth out in Johto. "A gentle smile tugged at May's lips as she closed her diary, her eyes reflecting a sense of wonder. "Jirachi is said to be a Pokémon that grants wishes. It's a symbol of hope and dreams. If you were to find Jirachi and make a wish, Brendan, what would it be?"
Brendan's eyes gleamed with determination as he pondered her question. Without hesitation, he voiced his heartfelt desire. "I want to become a Pokémon Champion. I want to stand at the pinnacle of trainers, to test my skills against the best, and to forge a legacy with my Pokémon by my side."
May listened attentively, her gaze fixed on Brendan. The weight of his ambition resonated within her, fueling a sense of admiration for his unwavering determination. Yet, when Brendan turned the question back to her, asking about her own dream, May hesitated for a moment, a wistful expression crossing her face.
"It's a secret to everyone," she replied with a playful twinkle in her eye, her words holding a hint of mystery. The true depths of her aspirations remained shrouded, locked away within the confines of her heart. Perhaps it was a dream too precious to reveal just yet, or maybe it was a dream she was still unraveling, one that required time and discovery to fully comprehend. Their Pokémon healed and energy replenished, Brendan and May left the Pokémon Center, their minds filled with unspoken dreams and the promise of a future yet to unfold. As they continued their journey, each step brought them closer to their desires, their paths intertwined like the pages of May's diary, waiting to be filled with adventures, triumphs, and the unbreakable bond of friendship.