Disclaimer: This narrative and its characters are inspired by the incredible world of Pokemon, which belong to their respective copyright holders.
"Michael!"
"Michael, wake up!"
There it was again, my mother's dulcet tones cutting through my dreams like a jackhammer through butter. "You are running late for school!"
"Michael!"
"Just five more minutes, Mom. Please."
The plea was about as effective as asking a Krookodile to consider vegetarianism.
"Wake up, now!" she demanded, yanking the covers off with the precision of a seasoned matador.
"Alright, you win, you win," I groaned, peeling myself off the mattress like a reluctant sticker from a sticker book.
"And don't forget to brush your teeth," she added, her voice already trailing away, knowing that any victory over my inertia was only temporary.
I stumbled around, grabbing whatever clothes were within arm's reach. It was a mismatched ensemble: yesterday's jeans, a wrinkled shirt, and one sock that might have been from another dimension. Thus equipped, I staggered into the bathroom.
My reflection was a sight to behold. Dark hair, resembling a bird's nest post-storm, jutted out in every direction. My blue eyes, which might have been striking if not for the massive bags underneath them, peered back at me from a nicely shaped face that looked like it had gone twelve rounds with a steamroller.
Grabbing my toothbrush, I brushed with the vigor of someone trying to scrub Binacles off a ship's hull. Toothpaste dribbled down my chin in a manner that was almost artistic. A splash of icy water to the face finished the job, shocking me into a state of semi-consciousness.
Presentable by only the loosest definitions of the word, I shuffled towards the balcony. My mother, the eternal optimist, was already there. Despite the New York winter doing its best impression of Antarctica, she looked radiant. Her long dark hair cascaded down her back, and her blue eyes, the same shade as mine, sparkled with a kind of joy that seemed almost indecent at this hour.
"Morning," I mumbled, taking a seat and pulling my hoodie tighter around me.
"Good morning," she said brightly, as if she hadn't just waged a small war to get me out of bed. "You look dashing."
"Thanks, I barely had any sleep last night," I replied, layering on the sarcasm as thick as the cream cheese on my bagel.
"Understandable," she said, undeterred. "I still remember the day I got my first Pokemon. My mother dragged me out to school in my pajamas."
"I've had Theo my whole life, Mom," I pointed out, my mouth full of toast. "I'm not nervous about getting my second Pokemon."
She chuckled, ruffling my hair in that affectionate but slightly annoying way that only mothers can pull off. "I know, Michael. But it's still a big day. You'll do great."
I nodded, feeling a small spark of excitement despite my general state of grogginess. Today was indeed a big day, even if it started like every other—with my mother's unyielding cheerfulness and my grumpy resistance. But that was the rhythm of our mornings, and in some weird, twisted way, it always worked out just fine.
I glanced out at the New York skyline, the chaotic symphony of horns, chatter, and the occasional Pidgey cooing echoing up from the streets below. Living near Central Park had its perks: the lush greenery, the occasional wild Pokémon sighting, and, of course, the daily reminder that New York was a city that never took a break. It made my routine to school a veritable adventure, navigating through crowds, dodging the odd stray Meowth, and trying not to trip over tourists gawking at the skyscrapers.
Today was special. In the United States, kids who attended a Pokemon-focused school typically set off on their journeys at sixteen. Sure, the career paths varied—Pokemon doctors, researchers, breeders—all requiring a few more years of study, depending on the field. But me? I had always been interested in breeding since I was a kid. Yet, recently, I'd been gripped by a wanderlust, a burning desire to travel the world and learn about all the Pokemon I'd only seen in books or on TV. It was this very reason that had kept me up all night, preparing myself for the task ahead.
Theo, my cheerful Growlithe, nudged my hand, reminding me of the bond we shared. He had been with me since he hatched from an egg ten years ago, a gift from my father. It was a family tradition on my dad's side, passing down Growlithes to the next generation. Oddly enough, most of them weren't particularly interested in Pokemon, but traditions, like old habits, die hard.
I was only the second in my family to choose a life centered on Pokemon. My father had been the first, dedicating his life as a Pokemon doctor. Both my parents adored Pokemon, but neither had much interest in battling. Unlike me, of course. The thrill of a good Pokemon battle was something I couldn't resist.
"He is such a good boy," my mother said, clearly talking about Theo. "He was awake first thing in the morning."
"You could learn a thing or two from him, Mike." Theo barked cheerfully right back at her, the traitor.
"He fell asleep in the middle of our preparations. He barely helped," I countered, glaring at Theo. He looked at me with those big, innocent eyes that screamed, "Who, me?"
My mother ignored my comment as she slipped Theo a piece of bacon. "Your father would've loved to see you off to school today. He was as excited as you are, but he got a call at midnight from the clinic about an urgent surgery."
"Not a problem, Mom. I can hardly blame him when he goes to save a Pokemon." Even though I resented it sometimes, him leaving.
"Madam, Mr. Jones is ready and waiting for Mr. Michael downstairs," informed John, our butler. Yes, we were kind of well-off.
"Thank you, John." She turned to me. "You should probably hurry, Mike. It's quite late already."
"Yes, yes, I know, I'm trying," I said, grabbing my berry juice and drinking it in one mouthful. "Good morning, John."
"Good day, Mr. Michael," he replied with a small bow.
I took off running towards the exit, Theo following closely behind.
"Michael, don't go running like that, or you will fall," my mother called after me.
Just as I was about to retort, I did indeed fall, sprawling out on the floor in a spectacularly undignified heap. Theo licked my face with enthusiastic encouragement.
"Yeah, that happened," I muttered, getting up. "Traitor," I added, glaring at Theo, who merely wagged his tail, clearly pleased with himself.
"Bye, Mom."
"Good luck," she called out, her voice filled with warmth and encouragement.
I stepped into the elevator, its worn buttons lighting up in a sequence that suggested it was considering taking me to every floor but the one I needed. As the doors closed, I couldn't help but think how my life was about to change forever. This was it—finally, I was leaving to fulfill my dream. I glanced down at Theo, who looked up at me with those big, trusting eyes of his, as if he knew exactly what I was thinking.
Theo had always been perceptive, almost eerily so. Our connection was incredibly close, something my father once hinted wasn't just a happy accident. He'd mentioned that our family's tradition of passing down Growlithes wasn't without reason, but he'd never elaborated. It was one of those mysterious parental remarks designed to intrigue and confound in equal measure.
"We're finally doing this, buddy," I whispered, more to myself than to Theo.
Theo barked with enthusiasm, his tail wagging furiously, as if to say, "About time!"
The elevator dinged cheerfully as it reached the ground floor. Determined not to make a fool of myself again, I opted for a brisk walk instead of a run. No need to give my mother more ammunition for her "I told you so" stockpile.
"Good morning, Jonathan," I greeted our chauffeur as I passed.
"Hey, Mike. How are you doing today?" Jonathan replied, his usual jovial self.
"Can you get me to school in ten minutes?" I asked, more hopeful than realistic.
"With this traffic?" Jonathan looked incredulous. "Yeah, no chance."
Both Theo and I growled at that.
The ride to school was a torturous thirty minutes, meaning I was incredibly late. I spent the entire journey calculating just how many detentions I was racking up. Today was supposed to be the ceremony where we'd receive our Pokemon. Typically, the school provided them as graduation presents, selecting Pokemon suited to our interests and strengths. However, it was possible to receive a special one from our parents. Few chose this route due to the expense, and because the school had privileges for acquiring exceptional Pokemon that would otherwise cost a small fortune.
As we finally pulled up to the school, the empty front entrance was unsurprising yet disheartening.
"Here we are, Mike. Looks like you arrived quite late," Jonathan remarked with a sympathetic grin.
"Thanks for stating the obvious, Jonathan," I responded sarcastically, rolling my eyes.
"My pleasure, as always, Mike," he replied, still grinning.
Walking towards the school, I couldn't help but think about the Pokemon I would be receiving. Despite having Theo, I still felt a sense of anxious anticipation. I'd tried not to get my hopes up about what I might get, convincing myself that it didn't really matter. My plan was to make any Pokemon the very best of its species, after all.
Still, deep down, I knew I was lying to myself. There was one Pokemon I'd always wanted, a dream Pokemon that seemed highly improbable. No matter the school's privileges or my family's resources, the chances of getting this particular Pokémon were slim to none. Yet, as I approached the school, I couldn't shake the tiny spark of hope.
The school itself was an imposing structure, all ivy-covered red brick and towering spires, like something out of a Harry Potter novel. The front lawn was meticulously maintained, not a single blade of grass out of place, as if the gardeners had some kind of vendetta against natural disorder. Statues of legendary Pokemon stood sentinel along the walkway, their stone eyes following your every move. I hurried past a particularly stern-looking Arcanine and pushed open the heavy wooden doors, feeling a rush of warm air and the faint scent of floor polish.
Theo trotted beside me, ever the faithful companion. His enthusiasm was contagious, though I had to admit that it was also a little annoying at times. Like now, when he decided to pee right in front of the school steps.
"Theo!" I chastised urgently, trying to maintain some semblance of dignity as we approached the main entrance.
Inside, the school was a labyrinth of polished marble floors, grand staircases, and stained glass windows depicting epic Pokemon battles. The halls were eerily quiet, the usual cacophony of student chatter replaced by the muffled sounds of the ceremony already in progress. I could hear Principal Oakwood's voice echoing down the corridor, a familiar mix of authority and enthusiasm.
The auditorium was a vast space with rows of plush seats and a stage that seemed to stretch on forever. Chandeliers hung from the high ceiling, casting a warm glow over the assembled students and faculty. Banners bearing the school's crest and various Pokemon symbols adorned the walls, adding a touch of color to the otherwise solemn room.
"Ah, Mr. Browne, so glad you could join us," came the familiar voice of Principal Oakwood, his smile both welcoming and a little too knowing.
"Good morning, Sir," I replied, attempting a casual grin that probably looked more like a grimace.
As I walked into the assembly hall, all eyes turned towards me. I couldn't help but feel like I was the main attraction at a circus, and not in a good way. Theo, of course, was loving the attention, wagging his tail and barking happily.
Ignoring the stares and whispers, I took my seat, trying to blend in with the rest of the students. Not an easy feat when you've made a dramatic late entrance with a hyperactive Growlithe.
"Ready for your big moment, Mike?" whispered my friend, Sarah Adams, sitting next to me. Her large blonde hair framed her face perfectly, her icy blue eyes twinkling with amusement. Sarah was the kind of bookworm who somehow found herself more interested in Pokemon battles than in following a research-oriented career. It was an odd combination, but she made it work with her fierce determination and quick wit.
"As ready as I'll ever be," I whispered back, trying to sound nonchalant.
"So, did you see who already got their Pokemon?" she asked, glancing around the room.
"Yeah, I saw Thomas with his Pidgey. Not exactly groundbreaking, but he seemed happy enough," I replied
"Well, Karen got a Jigglypuff," Sarah added, stifling a giggle. "She'll probably use it to sing her way out of doing homework."
"And Jake got a Geodude," I said. "He's been lifting weights for years, now he has a rock that can do it with him."
The ceremony went on, with speeches that felt like they lasted an eternity. Finally, it was time to receive our Pokemon.
"And now, Mrs. Sarah Adams," Principal Oakwood announced, bringing my attention back to the ceremony.
"Good luck," I whispered to Sarah as she stood up, her nervousness showing in the way she bit her lip.
She walked towards the stage with a mix of determination and trepidation. Principal Oakwood greeted her warmly, a broad smile on his face. "Sarah, congratulations on being the top student. As a reward, we have something special for you."
A hush fell over the room as Sarah took the Powerball from Principal Oakwood. She opened it, and out emerged a very serious-looking Squirtle. Sarah's face lit up with excitement, her previous nerves forgotten as she embraced her new partner.
"Oh my goodness, thank you so much, Principal Oakwood! This means the world to me," she said, her voice trembling with emotion. Tears welled up in her icy blue eyes as she held the Squirtle close. "A Squirtle! I can't believe it. I've always wanted one. Thank you, truly."
The principal smiled kindly, clearly pleased with her reaction. "You've earned it, Sarah. We're all very proud of you."
She walked back to her seat, the Squirtle marching beside her with a sense of purpose. I gave her a thumbs-up, and she responded with a big, bright smile.
Just as I was about to comment on Sarah's Squirtle, Principal Oakwood's voice boomed through the auditorium. "And now, Mr. Michael Browne."
My heart leapt into my throat as I stood. I tried to maintain a calm exterior as I walked to the stage, but Theo, ever perceptive, sensed my nerves. He licked my hand, snapping me back to reality. I whispered a thank you to him, managing a big smile for my loyal companion.
Principal Oakwood's eyes twinkled as he saw us approach. "Congratulations, Michael, for making it through all these years in school, even if you did arrive late every single day."
The auditorium erupted in laughter at the good-natured jab. I couldn't help but laugh along, feeling the tension ease slightly.
The principal then turned serious. "Michael, this Pokemon is a gift from your parents. They've seen the remarkable job you've done with Theo, who is no ordinary Growlithe. Your parents are immensely proud of you, as are we."
He handed me a Pokeball, and I felt its weight with a mix of anticipation and gratitude. "Your parents had a hard time getting this Pokemon, but they thought it perfectly suited someone like you, who understands the care Pokemon need to grow."
With enthusiasm, I opened the Pokeball. Out came a flopping Feebas, its scales glistening under the stage lights. The entire hall burst into laughter at the unexpected sight.
I stood there, momentarily taken aback. But then, a smile spread across my face. While it wasn't the dream Pokémon I'd envisioned, it was a step towards one of my favorite Pokemon, Milotic. My parents had remembered my childhood ramblings about the team of my dreams, and that meant the world to me.
"She's perfect," I said, turning to the principal with a grin.
Theo, sensing my emotions, bounded over to our new teammate and gave her an enthusiastic lick. I panicked for a moment, unsure if Theo was tasting or welcoming her. But Theo looked up at me, wagging his tail and barking as if to say, "You are right, she is perfect!"
The Feebas, who had been flopping about in confusion, suddenly stopped and blushed at Theo's antics. I found it amusing and quite endearing, realizing that they seemed to get along well right from the start.
I laughed at Theo's actions and gave him a pat on the head. Then, I gently picked up the Feebas with both hands and carried her back to my seat, the warmth of the auditorium's laughter and my own excitement mingling into a moment I knew I'd cherish forever.
The bustling train station was a cacophony of sounds: the rhythmic clatter of footsteps, the echoing announcements, and the distant rumble of arriving and departing trains. Sunlight filtered through the high, arched windows, casting dappled shadows on the worn, tiled floor. People hurried past, their faces a blur of anticipation and farewell. Amidst this organized chaos stood my parents and me, at the cusp of a new journey.
My father, Leonard Browne, with his kind demeanor and soft features, was the first to break the silence. His brown hair had a slight wave to it, and his green eyes sparkled with a mix of pride and sadness. "Michael, have you decided on a name for your new Pokemon?"
I nodded, a small smile playing on my lips. "I've had it decided for years, Dad. Her name is Serena."
Both my parents chuckled, and Theo, my ever-loyal Growlithe, barked in agreement, his tail wagging furiously. My mother, Natalie, with her long, luscious dark hair and striking blue eyes, began to tear up. "I'm going to miss you both so much," she said, her voice trembling. "But I understand you need to do this to become the person you want to be."
She knelt down to Theo's level, her eyes filled with trust and love. "Theo, I trust you to keep Michael safe, just like you've always done. But remember, you're starting your journey too, and together, I know you two are unstoppable."
Theo nuzzled her hand, his big eyes full of loyalty. She then turned to me, tears streaming down her face. "I love you, Michael. Take good care of yourself and Theo. Don't forget what it means to be a gentleman. You're representing the Browne family. Change your underwear every day, comb both your hair and Theo's, and brush both your teeth."
Theo growled at the last part, making everyone laugh. My mother enveloped me in a big, sobbing hug. "You'd better call often," she added between sobs.
My father, clearly moved by the scene, wiped away a tear. "You'll both be fine," he said, his voice steady but emotional.
As my mother stepped back, my father produced a small, elegant wooden box from his coat pocket. "I have a last gift for you," he said, opening it to reveal a shimmering Fire Stone.
I gasped. "Dad, this is amazing."
He nodded, a proud smile on his face. "You're lucky to have had Theo since a young age. It's not usually permitted for a child, but thanks to our family's long-standing tradition and the bond you share, it was allowed. Theo is special, and while I believe he might be ready to evolve, I advise caution. It's a big step, more so for a Pokemon as rare as him, and you need to pick the right moment."
I thanked my father and took the box, feeling the weight of the stone and its significance. I showed it to Theo, who sniffed it curiously, a new fire lighting in his eyes. "I'll let you decide when to use it," I said, leaning down to him.
Theo looked up at me, and for a moment, we stared at each other, sharing an unspoken understanding. Finally, I closed the box. "You are right," I said. Theo barked, as if to agree.
My parents, accustomed to our antics, smiled warmly. I felt a mixture of excitement and apprehension about the journey ahead, but with Theo by my side and my parents' unwavering support, I knew I was ready for whatever came next.
I turned to my parents, feeling a wave of emotion wash over me. "I'll miss you both dearly," I said, my voice cracking just a bit. "I'll make you proud, I promise. I'm proud to have you as my parents. You're the best I could've asked for."
Theo barked in agreement, his tail wagging furiously. We all leaned in for a big group hug, feeling the warmth and love radiating between us, one more time.
"My train is about to take off," I said, breaking the hug reluctantly. My father, ever the joker, couldn't resist. "Late to your train? Now that's something we all expected."
We all laughed, the sound a soothing balm to the bittersweet moment. "I'll call you every day," I promised, giving them one last wave as I turned to head towards the platform.
As Theo and I walked towards the train, we spotted a police officer standing at the door with his own Growlithe. Both the officer and his companion grew tense as we approached. Theo, being as carefree as ever, didn't even register their presence and was more focused on sniffing around the station. Typical Theo.
As we passed the police officer, Theo finally noticed the other Growlithe and, in a gesture of friendly acknowledgment, wagged his tail amicably. The officer and his Growlithe relaxed, clearly recognizing Theo's good intentions.
I was used to this kind of reaction, especially from those familiar with Growlithes. After all, it's not every day you see a Growlithe double the size of a normal one.
With a final glance back at my parents, I took a deep breath and boarded the train. The adventure of a lifetime awaited, and with Theo by my side, I felt ready to take on the world.
Oh, did I forget to mention that Theo is an Alpha Pokémon?