Weak.
Weak.
Weaker.
Pathetic.
Weak
Sad
Laughable
Weak
These were Atlas thoughts as he surveyed his surroundings. All the Pokémon here are weak. With the strongest he saw being a Spearow. It didn't like that we were encroaching on what it considers as their territory, one water gun to the face, had the avian seeing stars.
He knows Charles had told him to not get his hopes up as they were traversing the beaten path, but he couldn't help it.
After a year of getting tossed around by the professor's Pokémon he–
Scrchhh!
Quacking in pain, he put his hand on his head and rubbed it soothingly, the familiar throbbing spread across his temple, as he tried his best to weather through it. He really hates when the attacks appear randomly like that.
His trainer as attentive as always rubbed his feathered head as if second nature fully aware where to rub, and which spot is the most soothing.
Currently, he's laying down atop Charles' head. His human thankfully came prepared and brought an umbrella with him shielding them from the sun's harsh ray's.
Ever since cosmic left, Charles had a rather thoughtful expression. It seems they had a deeper conversation than he thought.
Atlas wouldn't say he's the most socially adept Psyduck in the world, so he doesn't really know how to approach these types of situations, but through observation he noticed that in times of stress, humans naturally feel better when given physical affection, it's why he's hugging his head at the moment.
He believes it's working. As it should.
But where was he, oh right. An entire year, he got knocked around by what Charles refers to as heavyweights, he's never won a fight in his life, because all he's ever fought were the professor's Pokémon.
His ego was severely damaged. He knows it shouldn't be, after all they've been fighting for years, but if he's going to be the world's greatest psyduck, how can he hold his chest high if all he's ever known is loss.
So, when he wanted to challenge the wild Pokémon in new bark town, he was shot down.
"Why would you want to challenge something weaker than you, that is the mindset of a loser, and I'm not raising one. If they attack you by all means show no mercy, but seeking out weak prey usually means the predator is even weaker."
Uh, Charles can be so annoying sometimes, but he hates how he's right, if he went to challenge weaker Pokémon it wouldn't make him strong. Just a bully.
It's why the older Pokémon never come to him, he has to go to them, and they always accept his challenge. Does that mean strength is to guide those weaker than you? Do you finally know your strong when others seek to prove their worth by beating you?
Or is there something that he's missing.
Charles Said he's, his Ace. So, he has to be the strongest. A role model is how he would put it, but Charles has also shown him videos and recordings of his species performance in high stake battles.
They were, not what he would have expected, but he is not them, he is Atlas.
The strongest role model, the wisest role model, the dependable role model.
His beak curved upward; he likes the sound of that. This is what strength affords, he can't wait to get more powerful.
(-)
This…this is boring. What the hell. 'Have fun, ' he says. What on earth is there to do? All he's seen are Pidgey, Rattata, and Fearow. Not to mention the heat is particularly scorching, thank God he thought of bringing an umbrella, because he still has another 2 days before he can make it to Viridian.
2 days! That's without any stops or rest.
He thought of trying to find some type of Pokémon to pass the time, but they all ran away the minute they saw Atlas. All that training has really paid off if Pokémon can discern the difference in just a glance, but that doesn't help his boredom.
Adjusting his glasses, he grumbled to himself, he guesses this makes sense. This isn't an anime, or a TV show, this is real life, and real life is heavily invested with normalcy, and monotony. Nothing interesting is just going to jump out at him every waking moment, but still.
Looking in front of him and looking behind himself all he saw was an open dirt road.
Isn't there anything interesting happening!
(-)
No, no, no, no, no, no!
Looking at his test score, he read it.
76%
He just barely passed the trainer provisional license exam that the professor gave. Grasping the test in frustration, he grits his teeth tightly. Even though he passed he might as well have failed.
"Well damn, that's tough red." An all too familiar voice said suddenly beside him.
Jumping in surprise, he looked to his left and saw that same aggravating smirk that taunted him for years.
" A 76 huh, I mean it is not bad, for an amateur like you, but hey at least you passed, you already beat my expectations of what you would have gotten." He said with his nose high in the air. Uh, every time, every time. He really knew how to get underneath his skin.
" Shut up Blue, yeah I got a 76, but that doesn't mean I still can't get my dream Pokémon."
The now named Blue scoffed "Oh right, Charizard right. I mean I suppose it is possible, grandpa did say we would choose our Pokeballs randomly, so it's not like we can just pick, but still. You're absolutely dreaming if you think someone of your caliber can handle the temper of a Charizard."
"Uh! Why do you got to be such a jerk all the time? Can't you for once in your life say something positive."
"Of course, I can, but why waste it on someone I just can't respect, haha. Besides, your way too easy to fluster. For example." Taking a neatly folded paper out of his pocket, Blue opened it slowly and taunting, before shoving it in Red's face.
100%
Red felt his throat go dry.
"It's a miracle, someone like you passed at all, it's only expected that someone like me got perfect marks."
Tightening his fist, he was about to make a snarky comment, as he can't afford to allow Blue to get the last laugh.
"Come on guy's, this is supposed to be a special occasion, we're all going on our journeys today, let's try to get along ok." A cheerful voice Interrupted. The third and final person to start their journey from their little town, Green. A girl practically made of sunshine, who never loses her smile.
"Haha, why do you waste your time helping out that dweeb Green. The way I see it, he's not even fit to hold a Pokeball with a score like that."
"Hey, you jerk, I passed didn't I."
"Hmm, if that's what you want to tell yourself." Blue finished with a smirk.
God how he wishes he could spew a flamethrower right now.
"Blue, stop taunting him, and Red stop getting riled up by every little thing he says. The point is we're all here because we passed, we're all officially sponsored trainers by Samuel Oak, which means our actions reflect on him. We can't act like little kids anymore all right."
"Pftt, who's acting, that's just how he naturally is Green. Red doesn't have a single mature bone in his body. I only make fun of him for the entertainment it grants."
Grinding his teeth, he tried his best to hold his tongue, Green was right, from today onwards, he has an image to set, he can't make a fool of himself, lest if reflect badly on the professor.
But still.
Looking at Blue, the demeaning smirk sent his way, made it really hard, like really really hard, not to say anything.
Taking a deep breath, he decided to change topics.
"So does anyone know where the professor is at the moment." He questioned.
Green put her finger to her lips in contemplation. "I'm not totally sure, I did ask around, they said he left this morning for some important business.
"Who told you that?"
"That would be me."
A psychic voice, looking to his left he saw him. Malbolge the Alakazam. 'Why was he named Malbolge?' He remembered asking the professor once, because this Alakazam represents the impossible.
"I apologize, but the professor isn't here at the moment, he was contacted by the Indigo League for some very important matters."
"Wait does that mean we're going to have to wait even longer for us to get our Pokémon?" He couldn't help, but question.
"Pipe down Red." Blue dismissively said. " If grandpa had to leave on such short notice, then there's no way he would forget about us and not leave a substitute. Thus, why Malbolge is here, one of grandpa's most trusted partners."
Feeling his cheeks redden in embarrassment. Gosh, he hates how right he is. He knew the professor all his life, there was no way he would just forget about them, but still, what could be so important, that the professor has to leave urgently.
"Very astute Blue, yes I'm here to give you your starters in the place of Samuel, However, I must warn you there not what you expect." At that admission all three of them frowned.
"Umm, what do you mean?" Green nervously asked.
In response Malbolge lifted one of her prized spoons, and in an instant three Pokeballs materialized right above her, floating innocently in the air.
" I mean that you children expected to get one of these three Pokémon, Squirtle, Charmander, Or Bulbasaur, correct."
"Well obviously." Blue said snarkily.
Malbolge nodded, completely undisturbed, by Blues cocky attitude. "Well, I regret to inform you that none of those Pokémon reside in these Pokeballs."
"What!" Red called out in shock.
"But, but …but Charmander."
"Does not reside in anyone of these Pokeballs." Malbolge repeated himself.
Red, felt like he just dropped into a 100ft ditch, as he was comically crying in his own head,
At that Green raised her hand. " Why though, the professor specifically stated-"
"What he stated is irrelevant. What you all must understand was that these were the Pokémon Samuel specifically gave to me so that they can accompany you on your journeys." Malbolge said a bit aggressively.
'Something is wrong.' Red thought Is it him or does Malbolge seem a bit irritated. In all the years that he's seen them the Alakazam was always the height of calm and collected, but this is the first time he's ever seen them look so haggard. Their fur is ruffled, and... is that a bruise on their left shoulder, did something happen.
As he opened his mouth he was about to question when-
"Please do not ask any questions about the situation, or the sudden changes, just know that due to circumstances out of the professor's control, changes had to be made. If you trust the professor, then accept that explanation and move on."
"..."
Silence fell on all of them as they looked at each other with uncertain eyes, but no longer asked any questions. Well Red and Green looked at each other, Blue just resolutely stared at Malbolge with a contemplating frown, but he two was quiet.
"Good now before I hand these pokeballs to you, the professor has a gift for the three of you."
Immediately, Malbolge's eyes glowed an azure blue, and a red rectangular object appeared before him, as well as the others.
"This is a new invention of the professor's, the first of its kind, a prototype if you will. He calls it the Pokedex."
'Pokedex?' he titled his head as he grabbed it from its floating position.
It really is shaped like a rectangle, and as he was looking at it from all angles, he realized it opens horizontally, like a book. As he opened it, he noticed there was one screen on the left, and arrows keys on the right, as well as a bunch of other buttons he doesn't have the slightest idea of their function. But if there is one thing he can recognize, it's the power button. Clicking on it a loading screened popped up before-
" Hello, welcome to your Pokedex experience."
"Hello, welcome to your Pokedex experience."
"Hello, welcome to your Pokedex experience."
All three of their devices spoke at once, causing him to nearly drop at the surprise that the device just spoke. What is this?
"Do you children understand the causality rate for young trainers embarking on their journeys?" his thoughts were interrupted by The Alakazam's sudden question.
"Umm, no, why?" Green asked.
" Not really." Red said,
Even Blue shook his head.
"It's not good. I wouldn't expect any of you to know considering pallet town is quite the peaceful place, but to put it into perspective. The statistics say that 56 percent of trainers in their first year, suffer minor to severe injuries on their journeys, while only 10 percent are able to remain free of those injuries. This is not good, as people truly think being a trainer is all fun and games and an easy way of living, not taking matters seriously."
"Um, what about the other 34 percent?" Green said nervously.
At that Malbolge looked her dead in the eye, causing Green to gulp.
"They die." Malbolge said coldly.
The air in the laboratory suddenly grew cold.
"Wild Pokémon are just that, "wild" and in the wild anything is free game, but it is not just the Pokémon, some come Ill equipped, lack supplies, lack of knowledge, too high of an ego, no sense of danger, etc. These thoughts and actions which are mostly shared by the young masses ultimately lead to their deaths.
"Tch, so what are you saying that were so stupid as to fail like the rest of those losers." Blue said angrily.
"Blue, those are people, they had families, you can't just-"
"What! Talk shit about them, I mostly certainly can, why because they were idiots that didn't understand the basics, they underestimated the opposition they faced and overestimated their own ability, of course I'm going to call them out for being idiots, but you're wasting your mental breath Malbolge, were not like them, yeah even that dunce Red. We know about the dangers of Pokémon, we grew up being constantly told about them by grandpa, the greatest Pokémon researcher this region has ever seen, and we know our own limits. Why should we be concerned about the statistics and causality of others?"
"That, that's not." Green quietly whispered.
Silently Red agreed with Blue, although he would have never phrased it that way, and would take some things out. Is this device supposed to discourage them? Why would they be concerned, there fully aware of how dangerous Pokémon are, they-
"Dragonite, hyper beam. One moment the world was peaceful, the next moment... chaos. The professor called it, a teaching moment."
They understand what Pokémon can do! Both the threat the pose and the opportunities they represent.
"I do not say this to demean you. I only brought this up to inform you of the outside world. None of you have ever left this village, so I merely wanted to bring this to your attention. You see, the test the professor gave you was far more difficult than the regional test that the masses take in order to get their provisional licenses.
What?
" Shocking isn't it. That test was one the professor personally created in order to make sure you meet his standards. And you all did it. I guarantee you that all of your knowledge concerning Pokémon exceeds that of Pokémon trainer's years your senior, let alone people your age."
Again, what?
"If that's the case then why bring this up." Green questioned.
"Because, the professor wants to prove something, and these devices will help with."
"Oh, umm ok." Green said awkwardly. Seems this whole situation and the sudden twist has her feeling a little uneasy.
""But now back to those devices, the professor calls them the Pokedex and they are the first of their kind, a prototype if you will. Think of them as a personalized encyclopedia designed to catalog and record information regarding all the various species of Pokémon. That's not all, but they can also examine and identify specific Pokémon if you allow them to scan that Pokémon. Some features include identifying their gender, what types of moves they have, if they are affected with any illnesses or status conditions, what moves do they currently know. and much more. Which will be given to you in the form of a handbook."
No way! Such a thing, such a thing has so many possibilities. Looking at the device I'm my hand, it suddenly felt ten times heavier. The professor really entrusted something like this to him. His hands couldn't stop shaking.
"Heh, it's not like I needed something like this, but it certainly will come in handy." Blue said, holding the Pokedex up to the light. Jeez, you would think he would just say thank you, and move on.
"But what does the professor want to prove?" He could help but ask.
"With these, the Pokémon world will be revolutionized. You see, he wants to mass produce this technology and share it with the world in order to minimize injuries and death rates of young trainers. He has been trying to further education when it comes to Pokémon, but those efforts have only been minimally effective. This is another one of his attempts, in order to prove that as long as you have the knowledge, there is no Pokémon you can't befriend."
"Wow!" He's said it so many times before, but the professor is really amazing.
"However, this plan is still in its infancy, which is why the professor needs your help. You see, these Pokedex are sadly incomplete, there's almost zero data in them other than just 3 Pokémon. The ones I have in my hand at the moment."
"Why isn't it filled. The professor has been studying Pokémon for years, so it should be easy for him to type a whole essay on each and every one of them." Blue said confusedly.
"Yes, it would be simple, but you see the professor has a habit of going too far. You are all aware of how he gets lost in a subject and talks for hours on end, completely missing the point, and telling you. Every. Single. Factual. Detail."
They all nodded their heads, however in truth even though it got a bit confusing at times Red liked hearing the professor talk about Pokémon.
"Well to be blunt, he is overly scientific and while I'm sure you three would understand. The majority of the human population are idiots and wouldn't understand most of what was written."
"Umm I don't want to be that person, but people, people really can't be that dumb right?" Green said, looking at Malbolge for confirmation.
"Frightening isn't it, but I'm sure you'll soon find out when you are on your journeys. But now back to the matter at hand, your job is to fill out the Pokedex yourself and write in an overly simplified, yet still scientifically worthy explanation regarding every Pokémon you encounter. You will compare explanations with each through the communication device every two weeks and share and compare notes on your findings and report to the professor at least 3 times a month. You will do this in order to support the professor's claims and goal, as well as to assist future trainers in better understanding Pokémon, all while improving your own well of knowledge, ultimately aiding you in your quest to grow stronger. "
Wow, that's Alot. Redd thought fearfully. Looking at the other Green also looked a bit intimidated, but Blue still had that cocky smirk on his face. Really, even now!
"I understand this is quite the task, but the professor truly believes in all of you which is why he gave me these Pokémon. Now before I say this, I want you to be very open minded when it comes to Pokémon. Can you promise that to be?"
"Of course," Red, said immediately.
"Yeah, why not? You've never led us astray before." Blue added helpfully, for once.
"I trust you of course, Malbolge." And Green finished off.
At their admission the Alakazam nodded their head in approval.
"Good, now listen closely. All three of these Pokémon belonged to a trainer once. All three of them lost their trainer. This was not due to an accident, or another Pokémon. These Pokémon killed their trainers with their own hands." Malbolge said unflinchingly.
"..."
"Yes, like I informed you, the masses are ignorant, and so it is sadly not uncommon for them to be killed by their own Pokémon. These three Pokémon aren't considered murderers but just a statistic.
Red gulped; he's going to be receiving such an unruly Pokémon. He. He… he couldn't help, but grin. To think the professor trusts them so much as to give them such an amazing gift, a daunting task, and not to mention a Pokémon with such a history. He doesn't care how unruly they are, he'll take on the challenge, he planned to raise a Charizard, one of the most violent beasts in Kanto. He won't back down. Nor will he hold their deaths of their other trainers against them, for he knows the tempers, and pride of Pokémon, the professor beat it into him for as long as he could remember. It's cold and he really, really hates to say it, but those trainers' deaths were their own fault, not the Pokémon.
"Judging from all your smiles, there is no need to give you any further warning, you're all prepared for the task. Which means asking you if you want to back down is foolish, correct."
The Alakazam gets three firm nods, causing it to smile a bit. (The professor chose wisely)
"Then please pick your starter, remember this is a crucial moment. So do not open this Pokeball until you are alone, you need to make this Pokémon your ally, and they'll feel threatened with other people around. So once each of you pick a Pokeball, go to one of the study rooms in the lab, close the door and release them, you will pick in the order of who got the highest test score."
Not needing to be told twice, Blue confidently walked up first, and grabbed the Pokémon dead in the center. Typical. Of course, someone like him would do that. ThinkS the world revolves around himself.
"Welp, when I come out of these doors my starter will be confidently walking by my side, like we have known each other for years. See ya later." He ran to one of the empty study rooms. Red couldn't help but shake his head. He might try to hide it, but there's no way they all didn't see how excited he was.
"Well then I'll go next then." Walking up Green stared contemplatively. Before settling on the Pokeball to the left.
"I wish you luck Red." Before she also disappeared into one of the study rooms.
Finally, it's his turn walking up to the Alakazam. He took the Pokeball. And he couldn't help but shake in excitement, it might not have been what he had hoped for, but he's grateful all the same.
Nodding to the Alakazam, he went to his own study room, and locking the door beside him he looked around. It was a reasonably sized room, with a desk, and a computer, a bookshelf on the left end, and a bean bag chair on the right if you want to cozy up to some reading. Overall, pretty generic.
Looking at his Pokeball he took a deep breath and braced himself. This is it. The beginning. His first serious trial, in order of becoming a Pokémon trainer, to become the very best.
Quickly clicking the middle section of the Pokeball, the Pokeball opened and in a flash of blue light a Pokémon appeared on the opposite end of the room.
Once the light died out, he was… confused. Is that a Pikachu? Its pale skin makes it almost look… sickly.
Quickly taking out his pokedex he went to one of the three files the proffered filled in for them. The first file was of a Pokémon that looked like a knight covered in a suit of armor and a killer expression, the second Pokémon he passed, just looked like, well like a booger and slime went and had a baby and plopped two eyes on it, and the third one is-
"Mimikyu," he said completely in awe. "So that's your name, immediately the Pikachu look alike turned around and was…laughing?
"Tch,tch,tch,tch,tch,tch." It was a short conniving type of laugh, the type, that equates to no good.
Searching through his entry he looked at what the professor wrote.
Mimikyu, a newly discovered Pokémon native in the famous and stress relieving Alola region. This Pokémon is amazingly enough a dual typing of the wildly feared ghost and newly discovered fairy type. Not much is known about this Pokémon other than that there are rather solitary creatures that usually stay away from human contact. It covers itself in a Pikachu disguise of its own making. Why? The leading hypothesis is that its enemies are of the Pikachu line, but one thing is clear, under no circumstances should you ever touch their disguise, let alone look to see what's underneath there, for if you do, nothing but a cold death awaits you.
Gulping to himself he looked at the Pokémon who hadn't moved from their spot. Well now he knows how their other trainer died. Solitary creatures, not to mention a ghost typing along with a fairy. He is still a little unclear about the fairy typing, as since it's a newly discovered type not much is known about it, but he does know no one thing. Never show fear to ghosts, ever.
Dropping to his knees he scorched close yet still remained a respectful distance.
"Hello Mimikyu, my name is Red, and my goal is to be the very best." He said with an honest smile. The best way to Mimikyu's heart is to just be himself.
"Tch,tch,tch,tch,tch" Mimikyu chattered, in what he thought was confusion, or possibly excitement. He doesn't know, but he's sure of one thing, the noise he made was by no means threatening. That's definitely a good step in the right direction."
"Tch,tch,tch,tch,tch."
(-)
"1st verse.
The islands in the south are warm...
And their heads get really hot...
They grow-a pineapples...
They grow-a coconuts...
And they're all idiots!"
Charles sang to himself as he continued his walk down the beaten road.
"Atlas, second verse."
"Quackkkk! Quack, quack, quack, quackkkk….
Quack, quack, quack, quack, quakkkk….
Quack, quack-quack quack….
Quack, quack-quack quack….
Qua-ha quack, qua, quack…."
Atlas sang along, as he sang with the most passion a psyduck could express.
"Hm, hmm, well done."
"Quack." Atlas happily replied.
Looking at his watch Charles' eyes widened in shock. 11:30 he could have sworn they were farther along than that. Sigh, this really sucks.
Why is this so drab? What is it that he's missing?
Is it because he's following the path? That must be it, but going off the paths is just time wasted not to mention the wrong way.
2 days huh.
Why did Xatu ever think that this was fun? If he didn't respect that bird, he would… uh he's so annoyed he can't even think of a proper comeback.
Not to mention. Another annoying factor has been getting on his nerves.
"Hey, how long are you going to keep following me?"
"Eeep!"
Eeep? What on earth, people actually say that when frightened. He thought it was more "Ahh" than simply "Eeep".
Looking over to his right he sees a kid hiding, very badly. What the hell is anyone even doing out here, isn't route 1 considered the sticks.
Sighing to himself he turned to the person fully. Prepared to confront them considering they were following him shortly after he teleported here.
"Well, I'm waiting." Charles announced. " Please don't make me come for you."
Realizing they were caught. They trudged rather slowly out of their hiding spot behind a tree, and out emerged a kid relatively the same age as him. Give or take.
They had short cut wavy brown hair, accompanied by lightly tanned skin. They wore a plain striped, red shirt, with blue shorts. Honestly, they look rather plain looking. The only thing that really made them stand out was the camera they had in their hand, and the Mankey standing right by their side, but then again, all Pokémon made humans grander in his opinion.
They look really guilty at being caught, to the point where they look like they might throw up.
Sighing to himself and used to dealing with Ethan's antics, he decided to dispel their assumptions.
"So just to be clear, I'm not mad that you were following, but it just got really annoying, and I'd thought you'd quit by now, so tell me what you want?"
"Ki,ki,ki." The Mankey chattered as it nudged the boy's legs.
"I, um… I."
"Yes." He responded patiently.
Taking a deep breath, the guy gathered himself.
"I challenge you to a Pokémon battle!" The trainer said with all the determination he could muster.
"No thank you." He responded equally as determined, and continued walking on this boring path, leaving the shocked trainer in his musings.
Now then back to his pondering, how can he make this journey interesting.
He already crossed out traveling off the path, at least for this area, there simply nothing there for him.
"Wait."
Maybe he can…. No that won't work either.
"Hold on."
Oh, how about... no not good either. What if he-
"I said wait!"
Stopping once again he looked to see what he wanted now.
"What do you mean? Why won't you battle me."
"Because I don't want to, it's just that simple."
"No, it's not, when a trainer declares a battle, the honorable thing to do is to always accept."
"Well honor is something I've never gotten along with. Now if that's all." He continued walking to Viridian.
"Hey Atlas, do you have any ideas on what we should do to make this less boring."
"'Quack." He said from atop his head. So that's a no then.
"Hold on." He said, as he ran in front of him. Blocking his path.
"Please move." Charles Said patiently.
"Not until you give me a reason as to why you won't battle me."
"Because I see no merit in battling someone like you. I mean sure I can get some easy money, but that really isn't worth disturbing my Psyduck from his relaxed position."
"Quack." Atlas said in agreement.
"Easy! What do you mean Easy?" He questioned, somewhat insulted.
"Whatever your assumption is, is probably right. Just as I'm making it out to be, you're no match for us." Charles Said easily.
"You don't even know-
"I do. "Charles cut him off pointedly.
"..."
Gathering his wits, the guy closed his eyes, and maybe he's wrong but it looked like he didn't want to say this but went through with it anyway.
"Fine you said battling me has no merit, what if I give you something that you'll find interesting."
"Pfft, apologies, I didn't mean to make fun, but what could you offer me."
His gaze hardened. "Information, if you beat me and Mankey in a Pokémon battle, I'll give information on the whereabouts of an extremely rare Pokémon."
Oh, now that got his attention. "Oh, oh really?"
He only got a nod.
"Heh, walking closer to him he looked him in the eye. "Why do you want to battle me, what's in it for you if you win.?
"You're a sponsored trainer aren't you."
"..."
"How could you tell?" Charles Said with a tilt of his head.
At that he tapped the right side of his chest. "It's the badge, all sponsored trainers have it."
Badge?
Oh, oh right, he kind of forgot about this. Looking down he sees the circular orange badge he had pinned to his long sleeve shirt. Let's see, what did the professor say to him about this badge again.
…
Right, nothing, he said he'll explain the next day, the day that he so happened to have an emergency meeting. He's completely clueless about this badge. He only wore it because it was a gift, but he guesses it is more important than that. Something only sponsored trainers have huh. Isn't that like showing off.
Eh who cares, the professor gave it to him, and he'll wear it proudly, but if that's the case then people know he's representing someone, which means.
"He can't disappoint." He thought as his gaze reflexively hardened.
Never.
(-)
Scary.
Where did that wide eye doughy stare go? That gaze he's sporting now is really creepy.
Oh man he hoped he didn't say anything wrong, but he's going to challenge this guy, he's got to.
His name is Todd Snap and originally, he came here to route 1 to train and gain coordination with his partner, they really have to step up their game if they're going to accomplish their goals, but in order to do that he's got to get his act together. His showing as a trainer has been…. Well not the best, but this will be great practice.
Not only that, but he had to give away the secret location of that Pokémon to convince him to battle.
But that doesn't matter.
"Um quick question, how long have you been a trainer?" He asked offhandedly.
"I literally just started today?" He said easily.
Silently smirking, his heart was put to ease, there's no way he can catch that Pokémon, let alone find it, he'll just give him some vague information on its whereabouts if he loses and even if he managed to find it, there is no way he can beat it. On the other hand, if he wins, not only does his trainer ranking go up, but he'll have on his profile the proof that he beat a regionally sponsored professor. Even if he loses, he'll still win, as he'll get good experience on what it's like to battle such a high-level opponent.
"So just to be clear, what is this Pokémon you're talking about?" The guy asked.
Composing himself he spoke." I'll tell you all about it if you win?"
"Oh, not even going to give me a name, what if I have no interest in that Pokémon?"
"I'm confident that you will, everyone favors this Pokémon." Todd spoke evenly.
"Ok then, but just to say this, how many Pokémon do you have with you?"
"Hmm just Mankey."
"Ok, I have my psyduck."
"Quack." The psyduck cheerfully affirmed.
"Then how about this, it's not that I doubt you, but I really don't like this, so to make it fair, if you really want to battle me you must grant me two things."
Feeling skeptical, he questioned lightly, being wary of anything unreasonably.
"Oh nothing, too big, it's just that 1, I'll need you to direct me to the area of this Pokémon yourself, and two if I'm not satisfied you have to give me any one thing I ask for."
"That's, uh, that's … something."
"Haha, don't worry, don't worry, I won't ask anything unreasonably, I'll probably put the difficulty of the demand in the same weight class of this Pokémon you're so Gung-Ho about."
"Quack."
"But on another note. What with the camera, are you a photographer or something."
"Oh, umm well not a photographer, but umm… well that doesn't matter. Just know that I'll accept, but I'll only point you to the area."
"Why?"
"Because the..the." Quick lie. "The Pokémon is really strong and I'm not really confident in my chances, regardless of your strength, haha." He said with a nervous chuckle.
"Hmm."
"..."
An awkward silence passed by as he just stared at Todd for an unspeakable amount of time.
"Quack." The silence was broken by the Psyduck as it tapped its hand in its trainer's face.
"Hmm your right Atlas. Ok, then I'll give it to you, you've got a deal. But be warned." With that he walked a few paces away, before the psyduck jumped off its head and placed its hands on its head.
"Well show no mercy to you." He said with a smile.
"Ki, ki, ki." Mankey, his battle hungry Partner, chattered in excitement.
That's right, he's half the reason he's doing this, Mankey loves to fight. Unlike him.
Taking a deep breath, he braced himself. "Alright let's do this Mankey." He said with all the confidence he could muster.
"Ki, ki!"
(-)
So, chapter 2, I'm pretty happy about it.
I wanted to take a more realistically approach on Pokémon, as well as include the original trio in the story. Hopefully, I'll do them all justice.
As for including Todd Snap. Truthfully, I kind of liked him as a kid, and was kind of disappointed when he left. The problem is no matter how hard I tried to remember, I don't think he really had any Pokémon on him, so that was being changed immediately. Todd has goals of his own, and not all of them are related to photography, I'll get into that more. I just hoped the meeting didn't feel too forced, but other than that I think it was good.
As for the starter Pokémon, Red with a Mimikyu I can picture as an absolute monster, and both Blue and Green have something that can rival that.
Anyway, thanks for reading and see you next time.