The world of Pokemon is a vast and marvelous place. You can see creatures with extraordinary powers just by looking outside your window. Though this place is full of these mysterious and amazing creatures, they are not all good to humans. At age ten, young trainers could start their journey with a starter Pokemon of their respective regions controlled by the regional professors. Though this was seen as a good thing for many generations, many children were injured and hospitalized because of the untamed power of nature. The Pokemon League officials banded together to stop further tragedies after the last major incident and made a new law. Upcoming trainers would have to wait until they were fifteen or sixteen, depending on birthdays, and enter an academy for three years to acquire a Pokemon license.
A cozy town in the Hoenn Region, surrounded by water and crashing waves on every port and a scorching sun, Lavaridge Town is a town on the top of a mountain to the north of the Hoenn Region and populated by fewer than one hundred people. The biggest attraction to this town is the Fire Gym, run by Mr. Moore, and the hot springs. In a humble house, a boy slept soundly in his bed aside a small green reptilian creature, both sprawled out on the bed. William Lee, was a sixteen-year-old tho most people besides his folks call him Will. His hair spiky and had a fluff to it, he had bright red eyes and his skin held the rich tones of a dark oaken wood, with lighter accents on his cheeks.. The small green creature was his partner since birth. This Pokemon was a Larvitar which Will nicknamed Broly. As the duo was sleeping, they were suddenly awoken by a woman yelling," Will! GET UP, YOU KNOW WHAT TODAY IS!?" exclaimed his mother, as the two jolted up from the bed only to tumble immediately.
Will's POV
I was deep in a dream, envisioning myself as a future Pokémon champion, when my mom's shrill voice shattered the illusion, sending me crashing out of both my dream and my bed.
"Ugh, what the hell? Man, I wanted to stay asleep long enough to finish that dream," I grumbled as I picked myself up from the floor.
Next to me, Broly lay sprawled on his back, mirroring my disoriented state. Looking at him, I couldn't help but reminisce about our journey together.
It all began fourteen years ago when I was just a toddler of two. I remember my dad's infectious laughter and my mom's mischievous grin as they returned home one day, cradling an egg wrapped in a soft baby blanket. Cracks appeared on the egg's surface, and out emerged Larvitar. My mom gently lowered him to me, and as I reached out to touch his nose, an unbreakable bond formed between us. Larvitar gazed back at me with a mix of curiosity and trust, marking the beginning of our inseparable partnership.
After these nostalgic reflections, I roused myself to pick up Broly.
"Does Mom really have to wake me up like that every single time?" I muttered as I scooped up my groggy companion.
"Lar-vitaarr," Broly groaned softly in response.
"Yeah, buddy, I hear you. But she's right. We've got a big day ahead, and I still need to finish packing," I said, nodding towards my scattered belongings.
I groaned, rubbing the sleep from my eyes as I stumbled towards the bathroom. The morning light filtered through the window, casting a soft glow over the familiar surroundings of my home. I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror—a tousled mop of spiky hair, vibrant red eyes still heavy with sleep, and skin kissed by the sun's warmth.
Taking a moment, I leaned closer to inspect my reflection, smoothing down stray strands of hair and adjusting the collar of my hoodie. The black and red fabric felt familiar against my skin, a comforting reminder of countless days spent training with Broly and Flannery. Satisfied, I straightened up, taking a deep breath to steel myself for the day ahead.
In the bathroom, I quickly changed into fresh clothes, trading sleep-wrinkled pajamas for black pants and a red and black hoodie. The hoodie's fabric was soft against my skin, its colors a stark contrast to the fiery spirit of Lavaridge Town. Glancing at myself in the mirror one last time, I nodded in approval, ready to face whatever challenges awaited me today.
With Broly trailing behind, I made my way downstairs to join my parents in the kitchen. They greeted me with smiles, Dad immersed in the morning paper while Mom bustled about, tidying up after breakfast.
Today marked a pivotal moment—I was finally old enough to begin my journey at the prestigious Orsay Academy in Kalos. Yawning, still half in the grip of sleep, I descended the stairs with Broly in tow. He was heavy, and I let him down midway, opting for a more manageable approach.
"Good morning, you two," I greeted my parents as I entered the kitchen, Larvitar trotting beside me.
"Morning? It's nearly noon!" Mom exclaimed, her voice a mix of amusement and exasperation as she busied herself with dishes. Dad sat at the table, absorbed in the morning paper.
"You've got a flight to catch at six. You've got about five hours to get yourself together," Dad chuckled, shaking his head fondly. "Reminds me of my own youth—always running a tad behind. But remember, Will, at Orsay, you've got to be sharp. No room for slacking."
His words grounded me, dispelling some of the nervous energy that had gripped me earlier.
"You're right, my bad," I admitted with a sheepish grin, acknowledging my father's gentle admonishment. "I'm off to check on Flannery; we're flying out together." With those words, I turned towards the door, Broly trotting faithfully at my side. Stepping outside, we were immediately greeted by Hoenn's relentless sun, its harsh rays casting everything in a golden hue. I shielded my eyes against its glare, squinting as I surveyed the familiar sights of Lavaridge Town waking up to another day.
Broly, on the other hand, seemed to revel in the warmth, stretching out lazily on the ground as if absorbing every bit of sunshine he could. I chuckled softly at his enjoyment before attempting to lift him, but he remained steadfastly grounded, his bulk making any attempt at carrying him futile. With a resigned sigh, I reached into my backpack and pulled out a sturdy wagon, its warm blue plastic well-worn from countless journeys. It served as both a comfortable ride for Broly and a convenient way to lighten my load.
As I began pulling the wagon along the familiar paths of Lavaridge, I couldn't shake the words my dad had said earlier. "You can't do this when you get to Kalos. You need to be on your A-game at the academy." His words echoed in my mind, stirring a mix of determination and nervous anticipation within me. Kalos wasn't just another destination; it was a stepping stone towards my dreams of becoming a Pokémon Champion, a goal I'd been chasing since I was old enough to understand what it meant.
I took a moment to glance back at the house, feeling a pang of nostalgia and gratitude for the place that had been my home for sixteen years. Mom's voice calling out reminders, Dad's hearty laughter over breakfast—these were the memories that anchored me as I prepared to leave for Orsay Academy. With a solemn nod to myself, I silently vowed to take my dad's advice to heart. "Yes, sir," I murmured under my breath, a promise to uphold the Lee family tradition of determination and resilience.
With Broly comfortably settled in the wagon, I resumed my journey towards Flannery's house, the wheels of the wagon rolling smoothly over the familiar cobblestones. The town was coming alive, residents going about their morning routines, the scent of hot springs and sea salt mingling in the air. Despite the bustling activity around me, I couldn't shake the feeling of being on the precipice of something grand.
As we neared Flannery's house on the outskirts of town, nestled near the Fire Gym where she honed her skills, I couldn't help but notice a glint of curiosity in Broly's eyes. His gaze followed mine as I spotted a shimmering object by the roadside, partially hidden beneath a tuft of grass. Intrigued, I knelt down and brushed away the dirt, revealing a brilliantly glowing stone unlike any I'd seen before. Its radiant light seemed to pulse with a mysterious energy, captivating both me and Broly.
Lost in thoughts of the future, I almost missed the sight of two figures dressed in conspicuous red outfits, adorned with large M's. They exuded an air of mystery and danger, but I pushed aside any lingering curiosity, focusing instead on reaching Flannery's house.
Finally arriving at her doorstep, I knocked lightly, even though I knew the door would swing open any moment. Behind it stood Flannery's grandfather, a warm smile on his weathered face as he welcomed me inside. His presence brought a sense of familiarity and comfort, a reassuring reminder of the bonds that anchored me to Lavaridge Town.
"Ah, Will, I was expecting you a bit earlier!" Flannery's grandfather greeted me with a warm smile as he opened the door wider. His eyes, framed by small glasses perched on his nose, twinkled with fondness as he glanced from my chest to my face.
"It seems only yesterday that I could throw you. I still probably could!" he chuckled, his tone teasing but affectionate. I couldn't help but grin, feeling a bit of nostalgia in his presence.
"Yeah, I wanted to make sure she was ready and packed before we left. Plus, I wanted to hang out 'til we left. Maybe get a little training in at the gym," I explained, glancing down at Broly who perked up at the mention of training, his eyes fixed on me with a mix of excitement and laziness.
"Although, I may have overslept a bit," I added sheepishly, scratching the back of my head. "Broly and I were up late last night training. You know how it is, trying to squeeze in every bit of preparation before we head off to Kalos."
Flannery's grandfather chuckled knowingly, shaking his head with a smile. "Always the dedicated battler, huh? Well, no harm done. You're here now, and you've got plenty of time before your flight
"Yeah, you're right," I replied with a relieved grin, grateful for his understanding. "I'm going to make sure Flannery's all set and maybe challenge her to a quick battle. Gotta keep ourselves sharp, right, Broly?" I glanced down at my Larvitar, who responded with an enthusiastic growl, clearly eager for some action.
With a nod of agreement, Flannery's grandfather waved us off, his expression a mix of pride and fondness. "Go on then, have your fun. Just remember, when you're at Orsay, every moment counts. Make the most of it, both in and out of the classroom."
"I will, sir. Thank you," I said earnestly, a renewed determination swelling within me as I headed towards Flannery's room, ready to embark on our final adventure together in Hoenn before our journey to Kalos began.
As I waved him off, I took a moment to soak in the familiarity of Flannery's home. The traditional Johtonian architecture of the house, with its sturdy wooden beams and intricate carvings, felt like a haven of comfort amidst the bustling town of Lavaridge. Broly followed me inside, his usual antics of wanting to be held and then being too heavy to carry playing out as always. Chuckling softly, I gently lifted him out of the wagon as we made our way through the open rooms adorned with Pokémon-themed decor and memorabilia.
Finally arriving at the door with the Magcargo poster, I hesitated briefly, remembering past mishaps of bursting in unannounced. I opted for a rhythmic knock that Flannery would recognize, but before I could finish, impatience got the better of me, and I pushed the door open, barely managing to keep a grip on Broly who shifted restlessly.
Inside, Flannery greeted me with her typical exuberance. Her toned frame exuded vitality, her spiky red hair loosely tied with a blue band matching the fiery symbol on her black crop top. Her bangs danced over her right eye with every movement, reflecting her lively spirit and determination.
"Will!" she exclaimed, her voice echoing excitement. "You're just in time. Grandpa told me you'd be stopping by before we leave."
Grinning, I stepped further into her room, Broly settling beside me as he took in his surroundings with curious eyes. "Had to make sure you're all set and ready to go. Kalos awaits, Flann." As I said her nickname, Flannery couldn't help but blush cutely, her cheeks turning a shade of pink.
"Will, you know I told you not to call me that," Flannery said, playfully punching my arm while the blush lingered on her cheeks. Her playful demeanor softened the air, a familiar comfort in our banter.
"Sorry, couldn't resist," I replied with a grin, rubbing my arm where she had punched me. "Besides, it's tradition. Can't break tradition on a day like today."
Flannery chuckled, the blush on her cheeks fading slightly as she settled onto her hammock. "Yeah, yeah, tradition. So, you all packed and ready for Orsay?"
I nodded, taking a seat nearby. "Pretty much. Just some last-minute stuff to double-check. You?"
She swung gently on the hammock, her red hair cascading around her shoulders. "All set. Grandpa made sure I had everything packed weeks ago. He's been more excited about this than I am, I think."
"He's just proud," I said, leaning back slightly. "Can't blame him. You're his star pupil, after all."
Flannery smirked, her eyes sparkling with a mix of pride and amusement. "Someone's gotta keep his gym running smoothly while he's off on his battles."
"That's true," I agreed, glancing at Broly who was inspecting a nearby shelf of Pokémon trophies. "Speaking of battles, did you get in any good training this morning?"
She rolled her eyes playfully. "Of course. Grandpa had me running drills since dawn. You know how he gets."
"He's not going to go easy on us just because we're heading to Kalos," I remarked, watching as Broly examined an old photograph with interest.
Flannery laughed, swinging her legs off the hammock and sitting upright. "Nope. But that's what makes us stronger, right?"
I noticed Flannery's attention shift to Broly. She crouched down, her hand gently rubbing his head. Broly, usually aloof around strangers, surprised me by nuzzling against Flannery's leg affectionately.
"Hey, Broly," Flannery cooed, her voice softening. "You ready for this big adventure too?"
Broly responded with a low, contented rumble, his eyes half-closed in bliss.
Flannery glanced up at me with a grin. "He's such a sweetheart, Will."
I nodded, feeling a surge of pride for my Pokémon. "Yeah, he's a good partner."
"So, what's the move for today, Will? You got a game plan?" she asked, her voice dripping with curiosity and a hint of challenge.
I chuckled, considering her proposal. "Game? Yeah, I've got an idea. You, me, Broly, Mag. A spar. Special rules—ones that I definitely didn't just come up with in the past few seconds. What do you say?"
Flannery grinned mischievously, her eyes lighting up with excitement. "You know what? That sounds pretty... heat!" Her playful pun earned an eye roll from me, but I couldn't help but grin back at her enthusiasm. She wasn't about to let me off the hook for my cheesy response, though, shooting me a mock glare that only made me laugh more. I fired imaginary finger guns at her, knowing it would only further annoy her.
As we stepped out into Flannery's backyard, the familiar scent of burning embers mixed with the crisp Hoenn air greeted us. The space was modest but well-equipped, with training dummies set up against one side and a cleared area in the center for battles. Flannery wasted no time, immediately taking a stance with her Slugma at her side.
"You ready for this, Will?" she called out, her voice charged with excitement.
"Always," I replied, mirroring her enthusiasm. Broly, sensing the energy around us, hopped out of his wagon and onto the grass, ready for action.
The spar was quick but intense, each of us pushing ourselves to our limits. Flannery's Slugma was relentless with fire attacks, dodging surprisingly well and countering with precision. Broly, my trusty Larvitar, showcased his strength and endurance, trading blows and tactics with Flannery's Pokémon. We battled until we were both slightly out of breath, our movements slowing but our spirits high.
After the final exchange of attacks, we called a temporary truce, panting but grinning from ear to ear. Broly rubbed against Flannery's leg affectionately, before I returned him to his Pokéball, signaling the end of our training session.
"That was a good one," Flannery remarked, wiping sweat from her brow with the back of her hand. "Glad we had this last training session before we head out."
"Yeah, me too," I agreed, catching my breath. "It's been a while since we've gone all out like that."
"Thanks for having us over, Flann. It means a lot."
She smiled warmly, her blush returning slightly. "Anytime, Will. We're in this together, right?"
"Yeah, together," I affirmed.
"I'm heading back home now. Need to take a quick shower and make sure I've got everything packed."
Flannery nodded. "See you soon then. Safe travels, Will."
With that, I turned and headed back towards Flannery's house, Broly's Pokéball secure on my belt. The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the yard as I walked, the excitement of our upcoming journey mingling with the exhaustion from our training. As I approached the familiar porch steps, I couldn't help but feel a surge of gratitude for the friendships and experiences that awaited me in Kalos.
As I returned home, I swung open the door to find my parents lounging on the couch, ready for our trip to Slateport Airport. My mom couldn't help but tease me, giggling at my sweaty and disheveled appearance.
"Well, look who finally decided to show up!" she exclaimed playfully.
"Yeah, sorry about that. Flannery and I got caught up in training," I replied with a sheepish grin. "I'm going to hop in the shower real quick, and then we can head out. Flannery and her grandpa should be here by the time I'm done."
"Alright, son, but remember we're on a time crunch," my dad chimed in, a hint of amusement in his voice.
I dashed upstairs and took a quick shower while Broly enjoyed a shallow bath to cool down. Afterward, I changed into my usual streetwear: a black and red hoodie, black pants, and a pair of red and black shoes. I ruffled my hair into its normal spiked style, ensuring I was ready for the journey ahead. Grabbing my backpack, I headed back downstairs to find my parents engaged in conversation with Flannery.
"Well, look who finally show up; come on, Slowpoke, we gotta go!" Flannery exclaimed with a playful smirk, grabbing my arm and leading me towards the car.
As we walked, I couldn't help but notice Broly, who had slipped out of his Pokéball, trailing behind us with a happy bounce in his step. His tail wagged energetically, clearly excited for the journey ahead.
"Looks like someone's ready to hit the road too," I chuckled, glancing back at Broly who responded with an enthusiastic chirp.
Flannery glanced back as well, grinning at Broly's antics. "He's definitely pumped for this trip! Kalos better watch out for Team Will and Broly!"
The drive to Slateport Airport passed quickly, filled with lively chatter and anticipation for our new adventure in Kalos. Upon arrival, we bid farewell to my parents and Flannery's grandpa. As I returned Broly to his Pokéball, ensuring he was comfortable for the journey ahead, Flannery piped up cheerfully.
As we made it at Slateport Airport, the bustling energy of travelers and the mechanical hum of luggage carts greeted us. Stepping out of the car, I felt a mixture of relief and excitement, tinged with a hint of homesickness already settling in. Flannery glanced at me, a silent acknowledgment passing between us that we were embarking on a new chapter, together.
Getting our bags out of the car we made out way to the plane we'd be taking to Kalos, where a sense of adventure awaited us beyond the sliding doors. The salty breeze of Slateport's coastal air welcomed us, a stark contrast to the dry heat of Lavaridge, yet equally invigorating.
"Well, guys, this is it," I murmured, the weight of departure settling heavily on my shoulders. It was a moment fraught with mixed emotions; excitement for the adventures ahead, but also a pang of apprehension. This would mark the first time I'd be away from my parents for more than a couple of days, a departure from the familiar routines of home and the comforting presence of family.
My mom's embrace enveloped both Flannery and me, her touch conveying a blend of maternal warmth and concern. "You two be safe," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion, before turning to embrace my dad and Mr. Moore, the Fire Gym leader who had been a guiding figure in our small town.
"We will," Flannery assured her with a brave smile, though I could sense her own uncertainties masked beneath her determined facade.
As we walked towards the awaiting plane, the reality of leaving behind everything I knew sank in deeper. Each step felt like a farewell to the familiar streets of Lavaridge, the comforting routines, and the supportive community that had shaped me.
With a teary-eyed goodbye exchanged and the plane's door closing behind us, I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the journey ahead.