Hey guys, it's been some time since I've last uploaded, and for that, I apologize. Well, that goes for anyone who's read my previous fic, but if you're new to my work, that's cool too!
This story is going to serve as a rewrite of my previous work, Pokémon Metal Platinum, and this time, I intend to actually finish it (laughs).
Anyways, on that note, I hope you all enjoy Pokémon Neo Platinum!
Chapter 1: The Light That Shines Before the Dawn
As dusk settled over the calm lake, the surrounding landscape basked in the soft glow of the setting sun. The tall grass swayed gently in the evening breeze.
A dense canopy of trees loomed on the horizon, their silhouettes etched against the darkening sky. Shadows danced among the foliage, casting dappled patterns of light and shadow on the ground below.
The air was cool and crisp, tinged with the scent of earth and water. It was a place of solitude, almost as if in a different realm from the outside world.
And amidst this tranquil setting, a lone figure, cloaked in a dark trench coat that swayed softly in the breeze. With a commanding presence, the figure approached the edge of the lake, its gaze fixed on the shimmering waters before it.
The solitary figure stood right at the edge of the lake, the air couldn't help but crack with an unspoken tension, as if the very fabric of reality was holding its breath.
With a slow, deliberate movement, the figure raised a commanding hand. "As I stand here, amidst the flowing time and expanding space, I am consumed by the futility of it all."
A palpable sense of dread settled over the scene as if the very ground quivered beneath the weight of the figure's words. "It is my destiny to unravel this illusion, to shatter the bonds of reality itself."
A shiver would run down the spine of any who dared to listen, for in that moment, the darkness radiated. "Remember my purpose, for it will be the last echo in the void... Until then, sleep peacefully, legendary Pokémon of the lake bed, as I bring about an end to this charade."
As the figure turned to depart, they casted a final, piercing gaze over their shoulder. "Cyrus is my name, you'd be wise to remember it," his voice echoed across the tranquil landscape, carrying with it a chilling reminder of his presence.
With that ominous declaration hanging in the air, the figure disappeared into the encroaching shadows, leaving behind an unsettling aura of unease and uncertainty.
In a secluded glade on the outskirts of town, the gentle snow painted the landscape in a blanket of pristine white. Amidst the scenery, a lone Bidoof timidly scampered through the cold snow.
Nearby, a group of children frolicked amidst the snow, their breath visible in the crisp air as they chased each other in circles. Their laughter rang out like tinkling bells, harmonizing with the soft patter of snowflakes against the ground.
As the Bidoof ventured closer, its presence was caught by the children. With a mischievous glint in their eyes, they turned their attention to the hapless Pokémon, their playful antics taking on a more mischievous edge.
"Hey, look, it's a Bidoof!" one of the children exclaimed, pointing a gloved finger in the direction of the trembling creature.
The Bidoof froze, its round eyes wide with fear as it suddenly became the center of attention. Sensing its vulnerability, the children closed in, their laughter morphing into taunts and jeers.
"Can't even walk straight!" one of the children mocked, his words punctuated by clouds of breath thanks to the cold.
The poor little Bidoof whimpered, its small frame trembling with distress, but the children showed no mercy, their taunts growing louder and more relentless with each passing moment.
"Hey, stop picking on that Pokémon!" a voice called out, breaking through the chilly air.
The children turned to see a figure emerging from the falling snow, her red overcoat standing against the wintry backdrop. A short young girl with a slender build, her black hair framing her fair skin and dark blue eyes. She wore a white scarf wrapped snugly around her neck and carried a white bag slung over one shoulder.
She wore a white beanie cap with a pink Poké Ball design on it, and her hair clips gleamed brightly against the snowy scenery. She wore pink knee-length socks that peeked out from the top of her lighter-colored pink boots, which left faint imprints on the freshly fallen snow as she strode purposefully into the clearing.
"Who the heck are you?" one of the children asked, curiously eyeing the newcomer.
"My name is Dawn. Dawn Platinum," the girl replied firmly, her voice carrying a note of authority. "And you guys need to leave that Bidoof alone. Can't you see you're hurting its feelings?"
As the children gathered around the girl, their faces twisted with defiance, one of the boys stepped forward. "Oh yeah, and what're you gonna do if we don't?" he challenged, his tone daring Dawn to intervene.
Dawn's gaze remained steady, her expression calm yet determined. "Then I'll just have to stop you," she declared firmly, her voice carrying a quiet resolve.
The main boy smirked, a look of superiority crossing his face as he pulled out a Poké Ball. "You, stop me? That's hilarious, and just so you know, I don't plan on going easy on you cause you're a girl!" he sneered, his words dripping with pride.
With determination burning in her eyes, Dawn reached into her bag and grasped something tightly. "I'll make you eat those words!" she shouted; her voice filled with conviction as she hurled the object forward. It twirled gracefully through the air, revealing intricate folds and vibrant colors reminiscent of the average Poké Ball, but with a unique twist.
The boys were suspended in a stunned silence as they watched the paper Poké Ball spin through the air, their eyes widening in unexpected awe.
"Is that an... origami Poké Ball...?" one of the boys muttered in shock, his voice barely above a whisper.
As Dawn observed the boys' reactions, it finally came to her. "Oh yeah," she muttered softly, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "I kinda forgot... I don't actually have a Pokémon."
The stunned silence that had momentarily enveloped the group was shattered by the boy's sudden eruption of laughter. Laughter echoed through the wintry glade, causing Dawn's cheeks to flush even more.
"She doesn't even have a Pokémon and she thinks she can step to us!?" one of them jeered, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
"Look at her, thinking she's tough without a Pokémon!" another one of them sneered, his voice filled with contempt. "She's just a pathetic wannabe!"
"Yeah, what's she gonna do, cry to her nonexistent Pokémon for help?" another chimed in, his tone dripping with derision. "What a loser."
The girl's heart sank with each cruel word before she could even respond, the group leader bent down, scooping up pebbles from the ground. With a wicked grin, he began tossing them at Dawn, each projectile finding its mark with painful precision.
Dawn instinctively raised her arms to shield herself from the onslaught, her voice trembling as she pleaded. "Hey, that hurts, cut that out!" But her words were drowned out by the boy's laughter.
But just as quickly as they had come, the boys suddenly turned and ran off, their laughter trailing behind them like a bitter echo. Dawn watched them flee, a mixture of anger and hurt boiling inside her.
"Jerks!" she yelled after them, frustration coloring her tone. But her words were lost on the wind as the boys disappeared from view.
Despite the pain throbbing through her body, Dawn mustered the strength to turn towards the little Bidoof. With a tender smile, she addressed the little guy, her voice soft and gentle.
"Well, you're okay now, little guy," she murmured, reaching out a reassuring hand. "Those meanies won't be bothering you anymore. There's no need to worry."
The Bidoof remained silent, its gaze fixed on Dawn as if pondering whether she was friend or foe.
Dawn's gaze softened as she considered her next words. "But, they were right about one thing. I don't have a Pokémon..." She trailed off momentarily before continuing, her voice filled with hope. "And I'm guessing you don't have a trainer. So, what do you say? Do you wanna be my friend?"
Even with a hopeful hand extended towards the Bidoof, the Pokémon remained still, as if contemplating her offer. Then, without warning, it turned around and scampered off into the distance, its tiny form disappearing within snowy.
As Dawn witnessed Bidoof's running off into the distance, a wave of disappointment washed over her, like a sudden chill in the crisp air. "Wait, come back! I don't bite!" she called out desperately, but it had completely vanished from sight, leaving Dawn alone once more in the quiet solitude of the icy glade.
Since before she cared to remember, Dawn had always dreamed of becoming a Pokémon Trainer, much like most kids her age. She had spent countless hours imagining the adventures she would have, the Pokémon she would befriend, and the battles she would win. But despite her longing, reality often had a cruel way of reminding her of her limitations.
Born and raised in Twinleaf, Dawn had always felt a deep connection to the natural beauty of her hometown. From a young age, she had spent countless hours exploring the forests, fields, and lakes that dotted the landscape, her imagination fueled by the wonders of the world around her.
Despite its idyllic charm, life in Twinleaf had its challenges. Despite being the daughter of Johanna, a retired Pokémon Coordinator who had once traveled across Sinnoh competing in contests, Dawn had never once set foot outside of Twinleaf. While her mother's legacy loomed large, Dawn harbored her own dreams of becoming a Pokémon Trainer, forging her own path and experiencing the thrill of adventure firsthand.
As Dawn strolled through the quiet streets of Twinleaf Town, she reached the fringes of the community, where her weathered home stood. The old, slightly rundown cottage greeted her with its faded paint and creaky front porch. A sparse garden surrounded the house, with wilted flowers struggling to survive in the neglected soil.
As Dawn quietly entered the house, she found her mother, reclining on a worn futon in the dimly lit living room. The television flickered in the background, casting a dull glow over the room as Johanna absentmindedly flipped through channels. A cigarette dangled from her lips, wisps of smoke curling upwards; the scent of tobacco overtaking the room.
Despite the afternoon hour, Johanna remained in her pajamas, the wrinkles in her attire suggesting she had been lounging for quite some time. Dawn glanced at the clock on the wall—it was nearly 3 p.m.
"Still wearing your pajamas, Mom? Don't you see what time it is?" Dawn asked, arms folded across her chest as she spoke.
Johanna took a drag from her cigarette, exhaling a plume of smoke as she glanced towards her daughter. "Just shut up and grab me a cold one," she muttered, sounding annoyed as usual.
As Dawn made her way to the fridge to retrieve a can, she couldn't help but voice her disapproval. "Drinking in the middle of the day... you never cease to surprise me."
Dawn handed her mother the beer, watching as Johanna effortlessly popped open the can and took a long gulp. After a moment, Johanna set the beer down and turned her gaze towards Dawn. "When I woke up, you weren't here. Where'd you go?"
"I was heading to the forest," Dawn explained calmly, her eyes meeting her mother's gaze unwaveringly, "I wanted to catch a Pokémon. I was heading for the woods to find one."
Johanna took a long swig from the beer can, the sound of the liquid sloshing echoing in the dimly lit room. She tossed the empty can aside, the metal clattering against the coffee table before rolling to a stop.
"How many times have I told you," Johanna began, her words tinged with exasperation as she finally tore her gaze away from Dawn, "entering the woods without a Pokémon is dangerous."
Her attention diverted once more, Johanna's fingers flicked absently through the channels on the television remote, the muted glow of the screen casting shifting shadows across the room. "If you want to throw your life away," she continued after a brief pause, "there are easier ways to do it, you know."
As Dawn turned to leave, she paused halfway through the doorway, her hand resting on the doorknob. "Yeah, sure Mom, I'll keep that in mind," she replied, sarcasm coloring her tone.
Before she could close the door completely, Johanna's voice cut through the air. "Oh yeah, your boyfriend was here earlier," she said casually, her eyes never leaving the flickering images on the television. "He was looking for you."
"Barry..." Dawn murmured softly to herself, lingering in the doorway, laden with intrigue.
Barry Pearl, Dawn's best friend since they were four years old, held a special place in her heart. Their bond weathered countless adventures and challenges over the years, shaping their friendship into something that would last forever. Barry's father, Palmer, held a prestigious position as a Frontier Brain in the Battle Frontier.
As Dawn approached Barry's place, she noted its familiar size and grandeur. Unlike her rundown and dusty home, Barry's residence stood tall and imposing, three stories of elegance and refinement. While not quite a mansion, it was undoubtedly the largest and most impressive house in Twinleaf Town. The pristine exterior and manicured gardens were old sights to Dawn.
She approached the door with a sense of familiarity, as Dawn opened the door, she was immediately greeted by Barry's mother, Gilda, who approached with a warm smile.
"Dawn, good afternoon, honey," Gilda said, her voice infused with genuine affection as she enveloped Dawn in a heartfelt hug.
Dawn returned the hug warmly, her voice casual and friendly. "Morning, Auntie. How are you today?" she asked, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips as the hug ended.
"I'm fine, thanks for asking. How's your mother doing?" she inquired. As she began to walk past Gilda, Dawn couldn't suppress the urge to roll her eyes in mind annoyance.
"Oh you know how Mom is," Dawn replied, frustration in her voice. "If it's not a bottle in her hand, it's a cigarette."
"You shouldn't talk about her like that," Gilda responded scoldingly, "you know she's... different. She's still a kid herself too, you know, she was only 15 when she had you."
Dawn let out a weary sigh, her shoulders slumping as she leaned back against the cool surface of the kitchen counter. "I know, it's just... sometimes it feels like she loves the TV remote more than she does me,"
Gilda approached Dawn with a gentle expression, her hands finding their place on Dawn's shoulders as she spoke. "Don't talk like that, sweetie," she said in a gentle tone.
She leaned in closer with a confidential tone. "Hey, between you and I, when me and Johanna are alone, all she ever talks about is you," she revealed, trying to cheer up her niece.
As her auntie's words sank in, Dawn's features softened, her eyes glistening with emotion for a brief moment. A mixture of gratitude and vulnerability flashed across her face, visible in the subtle quiver of her lips and the shimmer in her eyes. Quickly regaining her composure, she masked her emotions with a faint smile.
"So, I heard Barry was looking for me?" Dawn interjected, smoothly transitioning the conversation to a new topic.
Gilda turned away momentarily, her voice trailing after Dawn as she spoke. "He says he absolutely needs to speak to you about something. I've got no clue what, probably something about fining you,"
As Gilda turned back around, she realized Dawn was no longer present. All she heard was the sound of footsteps ascending the stairs, echoing through the now-empty room.
Gilda let out a brief chuckle before remarking, "She's just as impatient as my Barry is."
Ascending the stairs to the second story, she pushed the door to Barry's room. The sight that greeted her was one she knew well: Barry's room, adorned with posters of well-known Pokémon like Charizard, Blastoise, and Venusaur, decorating the walls.
In the center of the room, Barry's figure was hunched over a chest, intently focused as he rummaged through its contents. Dawn couldn't help but stifle a giggle at the sight of Barry's backside protruding from his chest.
Suppressing her laughter, she called out, "Hey, Barry, impressive view you've got there! But what I think you're looking for is behind you!"
Barry popped his head out from beneath the chest, his yellow hair tousled and his orange eyes bright with curiosity. Spotting Dawn, he looked at her with a mock expression of impatience before calling out, "Dawn, took you long enough! I thought I was gonna die of old age!"
As he stood up, Barry's appearance came into full view. He wore gray pants, brown boots, and sported a brown messenger bag slung over his shoulder. Around his neck was a long green scarf, adding a splash of color to his ensemble. His cardigan, a jacket with orange and white stripes, boasted long sleeves suitable for Sinnoh's cold climate.
"What this important thing you wanted to tell me?" Dawn asked, her voice laced with curiosity, as Barry rushed up to her, causing her to lean back slightly.
"Err, we don't have time, Dawn! There's no time to explain!" Barry yelled, his excitement palpable in his tone.
Dawn began, "But I-" before Barry swiftly covered her mouth, shushing her with a finger pressed to his lips
"You're asking too many questions! Keep it up, and I'm totally going to fine you!" Barry exclaimed dramatically.
The boy's urgency was palpable as he dashed towards the door. "Just shut up and follow me, yeah!?" he urged, with a swift movement, he swung the door open and bolted out, the sound of the door slamming shut reverberating through the room in his wake.
Gilda's voice cut through the air as she called out, "Play nice, you two!" her words tinged with annoyance as Barry bolted past her and out the door.
Moments later, Dawn hurried after him, calling out, "Wait up!" her urgency echoing through the hallway as she dashed to catch up with her friend.
Barry consistently outpaced Dawn in every race they undertook, leaving her in the metaphorical rearview mirror without fail. As they dashed outside of the village, the familiar landmarks blurred past them in a familiar whirlwind of motion.
Skipping through the outskirts, they finally reached the iconic "Welcome to Twinleaf Town" sign, a beacon marking the boundaries of their home.
As expected, Barry reached their destination first, waiting patiently for a few moments as Dawn caught up, gasping for breath with her hands resting on her knees.
Barry crossed his arms, tapping his foot impatiently before finally speaking. "Dawn, what took you so long? You might just be slower than a Slowpoke!"
The girl's face registered shock as she retorted to Barry, "Seriously, Barry? Throw me a bone here. I was only three seconds behind you this time!"
"That's still too slow. I was about to fall asleep, and you know I can't do that without my night light!" Barry quipped, launching into one of his characteristic tangents.
Dawn shook her head as she regained her composure. "Anyway, what are we doing here?"
Barry's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Oh right, I nearly forgot!" he exclaimed, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. "First things first, take a good, long look around."
As Dawn glanced around, she found herself standing in a forest clearing, the snow-capped trees surrounding them. In front of her, bushes and tall grass rustled gently in the breeze.
"I was actually on my way here earlier to search for a Pokémon," Dawn explained, recounting her earlier encounter. "But I got held up by some goons who were picking on a poor Bidoof," she added. "Is that what you have in mind, Barry?"
"No, Dawn, are you kidding!?" Even if we found a Pokémon, we'd have no way of catching any without Poké Balls, remember!?" Barry exclaimed incredulously.
"Oh..." Dawn murmured, her brows furrowing slightly in thought. "Then, what is it you have in mind?"
"What, you mean it's not obvious?" Barry said, turning from Dawn with a smirk. "Well, you never really were the sharpest tool in the shed. Fine, I'll spell it out for you: you and me are gonna head to Sandgem!"
Confusion clouded Dawn's features as she puzzled over Barry's suggestion. "Am I missing something? What's there for us in Sandgem?"
"What do you think, Professor Rowan, duh!" Barry stated all matter-of-factly, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.
Dawn stood frozen, her mind struggling to process Barry's revelation. "Professor... Rowan?" she repeated, her voice betraying a hint of bewilderment.
"Yeah, Professor Rowan," Barry began confidently, only to pause as he noticed the look of cluelessness plastered on Dawn's face. "Wait a second," he exclaimed, incredulity tinging his tone. "You mean to tell me you don't know who Professor Rowan is!?"
"S-should I?" Dawn asked, tilting her head slightly in confusion. "Who is he anyway?"
"He's—" Barry began, before a puzzled expression crossed his face, he hesitated for a moment. "Well, who he is isn't important," he quickly interjected, attempting to steer the conversation away from his lack of knowledge. "What really matters is I saw him on TV earlier. He lives in Sandgem Town, and he was handing kids around our age Pokémon!"
"Wow, seriously!?" Dawn exclaimed, her eyes lighting up with excitement at the prospect.
"Imagine it, Dawn," Barry enthused, his eyes shining with anticipation. "You and I head to Sandgem, find this Rowan guy. There's no way he'd deny either of us a Pokémon. If he does, I'm fining him a million!"
Dawn's excitement faltered, replaced by a more practical concern. "It's a good plan, Barry," she admitted, "but how are we supposed to get to Sandgem anyway? It's gotta be at least four hours on foot from here, and I have no idea how to get there without a map!"
"Oh, come on, have a little faith, will you!" Barry protested. "You're forgetting my wonderful sense of direction. I could find Sandgem before you can count to 5!"
"That's true... but," Dawn pondered, her gaze shifting to the tall grass looming ahead of them. The grass stood at least waist-high, its verdant blades stretching as far as the eye could see. "How are we supposed to get through all this tall grass?" she wondered aloud. "I hear Pokémon are wilder in there than anywhere else."
"Oh please, what a silly concern," Barry scoffed, his confidence unwavering. "How are the wild Pokémon supposed to catch us if we scoot over to the next patch of grass before they can appear!? As long as we're faster than them, we've got absolutely nothing to worry about!"
Dawn's expression darkened, her fingers twitching as her fist clenched. "Barry, that idea, it's..." she began, her tone hesitant, her words hanging in the air.
Then, in a sudden shift, her demeanor transformed. With a bright and bubbly expression, she exclaimed, "It's genius! How have I never thought of that before?"
"Heh, of course it's genius, that's why I'm the brains in our dynamic... and the brawn... and the good-looking one too, I suppose," Barry declared with a smirk, completely full of himself. He then placed both hands on Dawn's shoulders, his gaze locking with hers. "And you're here to make me look even smarter and better, wouldn't you say so?"
Dawn frowned slightly. "You know, just 'the brains' was good enough," she remarked as Barry withdrew his hands, redirecting his attention towards the tall grass ahead of them.
"Alright, well, we should get going... on your mark, get set, go!" Barry exclaimed, poised to set off with Dawn into the grass. However, their departure was abruptly halted by a commanding voice calling out, "Hold it!"
Both Dawn and Barry pivoted to face a man who had just called out to them. He sported fair skin, blue eyes, and spiky white hair, along with sideburns and a mustache. His attire comprised a gray jacket over a white shirt, a light blue vest, a gray tie, dark teal pants, and gray shoes.
A subtle tension tightened the man's features as he surveyed Dawn and Barry, his gaze carrying both concern and disapproval. His lips pressed together in a firm line, and a faint shadow passed over his expression.
"What do you two think you're doing?" The man inquired, his tone stern and probing. "Is either one of you a Pokémon Trainer?"
Both Dawn and Barry shifted uncomfortably under the man's scrutinizing gaze, their eyes dropping to the ground in unison. "N-no..." they muttered softly, their voices tinged with a hint of embarrassment.
"Then what is the meaning of going into the tall grass? You're both fortunate that an adult was here to prevent such a foolish mistake," the man chided.
"You're right, it was my idea—" Barry started, but then his eyes widened in shock, and his mouth formed a perfect "O" shape as he suddenly realized the identity of the man standing before them.
"Well, how do you two explain yourselves!?" The man's voice boomed, but at this point, neither Dawn nor Barry was listening to him.
"Dawn, that's him!" Barry whispered excitedly into Dawn's ear. "That's the guy I saw on TV! That's Professor Rowan, for sure."
"How can you be so sure?" Dawn responded, her voice barely audible.
"That's a good question, let's ask him," he replied. Then, with newfound confidence, he turned towards the man he suspected to be the professor. "Hey, old man," Barry called out, his voice tinged with cheekiness, "are you Professor Rowan?"
"What, old man... I'll have you know, I'm only 50!" he boomed, his face reddening with anger, indignation in his voice, yet there was a touch of absurdity in his tone, as if he couldn't believe the disrespect he was receiving.
"What? He's only 50!? Dawn exclaimed in disbelief, her eyes widening in shock. "B-but, he looks like a fossil!" Her words spilled out before she could stop herself, her hand quickly flying to cover her mouth as she realized the bluntness of her observation. The man's glare intensified, his eyes narrowing with irritation at her comment.
"I won't tolerate any disrespect towards my mentor," a voice from behind the old man echoed, catching both Dawn and Barry's attention.
It was a boy who looked to be around Dawn and Barry's age, maybe a little older. His dark red full-sleeved shirt was visible under a dark blue and black jacket, giving him a distinctive style. A white scarf wrapped snugly around his neck, adding a touch of sophistication to his ensemble. His black denim pants paired perfectly with dark gray and white running shoes, completing his urban look. Topping it off with a dark red beret, featuring a white and black semi Poké Ball design on the back, adding a playful element to his outfit.
Dawn couldn't shake the feeling of familiarity as she eyed the boy's attire. His fashion sense struck a chord with her own, prompting a subtle recognition in her mind.
"Calm yourself, my boy. There's no need to get worked up over a mere comment," the man advised to the boy behind him. Then, turning to Barry, he confirmed, "And yes, to answer your question from earlier, I am indeed Professor Rowan."
"Yes, I knew it!" Barry exclaimed with excitement. "Look, it may have been a foolish idea, but me and my friend here are so eager about Pokémon. And, uh, well, we were kinda hoping you might have some to spare. Any Pokémon is fine with us, we're not picky."
"Oh, come on, you can't be serious!" the boy began, "You'd seriously expect the professor to give some reckless idiots like you Pokémon!?"
Rowan turned towards the boy behind him, his gaze stern. "Lucas, didn't I tell you to calm down?"
The boy stepped forward, his expression serious and his tone firm. "Professor, respectfully, I really don't think giving them Pokémon is a good idea. They're clearly reckless and naïve. They don't understand the dangers outside Twinleaf Town. With Pokémon, they'd only end up doing something idiotic and getting themselves seriously injured, or worse. We need to consider their safety before anything else."
Professor Rowan casted a discerning glance at the boy, acknowledging the weight of his apprehensions.
Dawn sensed the urgency in the situation and felt compelled to interject before matters escalated further. "Um, Lucas, was it?" Dawn began tentatively. "You might be onto something about me—I am reckless, naïve, and a total rookie for that matter. But Barry, he's different. He's ready for this, more than anyone else. So, if you're not going to give a Pokémon to both of us, then please, at least give one to him."
Barry's expression morphed into one of disbelief as he glanced at Dawn, then turned to face Professor Rowan. "N-no way, I just can't accept that," he protested, his voice tinged with desperation. "Don't worry about me, just give a Pokémon to Dawn!" Barry's plea was followed by a subtle mouthing of the words, "Forget about her, give me a Pokémon!"
Professor Rowan took a step back, his expression contemplative. He crossed his arms, pacing back and forth in deep thought.
"Come on, Professor, they're obviously trying to manipulate you!" Lucas attempted to reason, but Rowan simply brushed off his comment, focused on his own thoughts.
Rowan halted his pacing, turning his gaze towards Dawn and Barry. "You two, do you genuinely love Pokémon?"
"Of course, more than anything!" Barry replied enthusiastically, while Dawn echoed, "Yes, a thousand times yes!"
"Even if I decided not to hand you two Pokémon, I'm sure rambunctious children such as yourselves would still attempt to venture into the tall grass, despite my warning," Professor Rowan remarked. "Very well, I shall hand you two Pokémon but only under one condition."
"One condition?" Dawn's eyebrows shot up, her eyes widening in surprise. Barry leaned in, his expression mirroring Dawn's, eager for the answer.
"I'll hand you two Pokémon," Professor Rowan began, his voice carrying a weight of solemnity, "but you must promise to become my protégés, much like Lucas here."
Lucas scowled, his displeasure evident in his narrowed eyes and downturned lips, as the prospect of Dawn and Barry becoming protégés of Rowan, like himself, didn't sit well with him.
"Wait, is that all?" Barry asked. "Well, sure, I'll do that without a second thought if it means I'll get a Pokémon!"
"Count me in too!" Dawn's voice brimmed with joy as she spoke. "I'll gladly become your protégé, Professor!"
Professor Rowan clapped his hands together briskly, his gaze shifting to Lucas. "Well then, Lucas, you know what to do," he instructed with a firm nod.
Lucas shot Dawn and Barry a disapproving glare, his lips forming a tight line of frustration. Barry's obliviousness only added to his irritation. As Dawn caught Lucas's gaze, she responded with a mischievous smirk, pulling down her eyelid and sticking out her tongue.
The boy heaved a heavy sigh, reaching into his bag and retrieving a small, sleek pouch. With a deft motion, he opened it, revealing three Poké Balls nestled snugly inside. Each one gleamed brightly in the sunlight filtering through the trees, their red and white exteriors catching the eye. Lucas's expression remained stoic as he held the pouch out towards Dawn and Barry.
Dawn and Barry's eyes widened in wonder as they gazed upon the Poké Balls laid out before them. Each sphere seemed to pulsate with a faint energy, captivating them both with its promise of adventure.
"So, um... what Pokémon are we dealing with here?" Dawn inquired, her curiosity piqued.
"Oh, of course, how could I forget," Professor Rowan remarked with a chuckle. "Lucas, would you care to enlighten them?" he asked, gesturing towards the boy beside him.
"Ahem," Lucas cleared his throat, his tone tinged with utter disinterest. "Well, on the left, we've got Piplup, the water type; in the middle, we've got Chimchar, the fire type; and then on the very right, Turtwig, the grass type. Each of them has their own merits, but, uh, you'll figure it out."
"Hey, Dawn, why don't you choose first?" Barry suggested, catching Dawn off guard with his unexpected suggestion.
"Really, you don't mind?" Dawn responded, her surprise evident in her tone.
"Sure," Barry said, leaning back and interlocking his fingers behind his head. "I mean, I am older than you, I gotta show some class here!"
Dawn stepped forward, her gaze fixated on the trio of Poké Balls resting before her, contemplating her choice.
Choosing proved challenging; each Pokémon had something the other didn't, making the decision difficult. With only two options, she might've just decided with a coin toss, but three presented a more intricate dilemma.
After a moment of contemplation, Dawn's resolve solidified. "It's a tough call, but..." she murmured, extending her hand towards the trio of Poké Balls. With deliberate intent, she selected the one in the center, cradling it gently against her chest.
"Ah, Chimchar it is, I see," Professor Rowan remarked, nodding approvingly.
Dawn grinned, her eyes gleaming with delight. "Yup, I mean, I'm sure Piplup and Turtwig are cool too, but, there's just something about fire types that speak to me," she exclaimed, her voice filled with enthusiasm.
A smirk widened on Lucas's face, a glint of skepticism in his eyes. "Chimchar, huh? Fair warning, that one's a little... funny."
"How do you mean?" Dawn asked, her interest now fully engaged.
"Well—" Lucas was about to explain when Barry suddenly barged in, exclaiming, "My turn! My turn! Woo-hoo!" He danced between Lucas and Dawn, eagerly eying the Poké Balls. In no time, he snatched the left Poké Ball, effortlessly spinning it one finger.
"Looks like Piplup's your choice," Professor Rowan observed with a nod, his gaze fixed on Barry.
Dawn grinned mischievously. "Ah, going for the type advantage over mine, are you?"
Barry grinned eagerly. "Well, I say we take a look at these bad boys!" As he spoke, he pressed the button on the Poké Ball with enthusiasm, and with a soft mechanical click, it split open. A burst of light erupted, revealing Piplup in all its glory as it emerged gracefully from the ball, its blue body shimmering in the sunlight, eyes gleaming with curiosity.
"Pip," the water type chirped, its round, blue body glistening under the sunlight. Its large, expressive eyes sparkled with intelligence, and its sleek, smooth feathers gave it an air of elegance.
Before Piplup could even react, Barry dove in and scooped it up in a swift embrace, lifting it off the ground. "You are just so adorable! I love you already!" he exclaimed, showering the Pokémon with affection.
"Pip-lup!" Piplup squeaked, struggling to breathe as the boy's tight hug was nearly suffocating.
As Dawn watched her best friend and his newfound Pokémon, she felt a surge of excitement. With a confident press of the button, she released Chimchar from its Poké Ball.
The fire type had a light-colored stomach, adorned with a charming swirl at the top of its chest. Its tail flickered with a burning flame, adding to its lively demeanor. Chimchar's eyes sparkled with curiosity as it took in its new surroundings.
"Char?" Chimchar muttered, gazing blankly at the girl before him, its expression curious yet uncertain.
Dawn's expression softened with fondness as she knelt down, extending her arms toward Chimchar. "Oh wow, aren't you just the cutest little guy I've ever seen!" she exclaimed, going in for a hug.
Chimchar's face shifted from blank to warry the closer Dawn got. With a swift movement, Chimchar leaped backward, executing a graceful backflip. In the process, its foot inadvertently kicked Dawn's face, causing her to stagger and lose her balance.
As Dawn stumbled backward, Chimchar's gaze locked onto Professor Rowan, and it enthusiastically aimed for the professor's awaiting arms. Landing securely in Professor Rowan's embrace, Chimchar nestled comfortably, seeking solace from its new trainer.
"Ow, that hurt," Dawn winced, massaging her nose tenderly where the accidental kick had landed.
Chimchar shot Dawn a disdainful look from the comfort of Professor Rowan's embrace, sticking out its tongue and blowing a raspberry in her direction.
Lucas stood with crossed arms, a cocky smile gracing his lips, "That's what I was trying to explain to you earlier. This Chimchar isn't your average Pokémon. It was nurtured by Professor Rowan from birth, imprinting him as a parental figure. I doubt getting it to accept you will be an easy task."
"Wow, maybe that information would've been helpful before I made my decision, don't you think?" Dawn scoffed as she regained her footing.
"Are you okay, Dawn?" Professor Rowan asked with concern. "I apologize for Chimchar's behavior. That was uncalled for," he added, casting a glance down at the Pokémon in his arms. "Chimchar, pay attention. This girl will be looking after you from now on. You're under her care, so please try to get along with her."
"Char!?" Chimchar exclaimed in surprise, glancing towards Dawn, who returned his gaze with a warm friendly smile.
Chimchar's expression soured as it turned its gaze away from its trainer, its tiny mouth forming a displeased frown. Ignoring her presence entirely, it focused its attention elsewhere, seemingly disinterested in any interaction with her.
Barry, engaged in a playful game of airplane with Piplup, glanced over at Dawn with a mix of amusement and sympathy. "Looks like that Pokémon isn't too fond of you, huh? Tough break..."
Professor Rowan gently released Chimchar onto the ground, nudging it towards Dawn. Once again, she knelt in front of Chimchar, extending a hand towards the reluctant Pokémon.
"I know we got off to a rocky start, but I promise to do my best to take care of you. We're a team now, okay?" she spoke, her extended arm lingering in front of Chimchar like an offering.
Chimchar's tiny hand hovered near Dawn's outstretched palm for a moment. However, in a sudden movement, he batted it away, leaving Dawn to retract her hand swiftly and shield it with her other hand.
With Chimchar completely unwilling to accept her, a wave of disappointment washed over Dawn. It's just like with that Bidoof from earlier, she thought, her voice echoing within her mind. It didn't want to be my friend, and neither does this Chimchar. What is it about me that makes Pokémon hate me? Why am I so unlikable? As the question lingered, she couldn't help but clench her fists, feeling the weight of rejection setting in.
"Though it may not seem like it now, Chimchar will come around to you. Have faith, Dawn," Professor Rowan reassured with a bittersweet smile.
Lucas glanced at his watch, then back at the professor. "Shouldn't we be heading out, Professor? You've got that lecture at Jubilife you've got to rehearse, remember?"
"Oh right, the lecture," Professor Rowan replied, then turned his attention back to Dawn and Barry. "It was a pleasure meeting you both. Now that you're both my students, I have a task for you two tomorrow. Meet me at my lab in Sandgem Town, and I'll explain everything there." He began walking ahead. "Take care, and I'll see you soon!"
Chimchar cast a longing glance at Professor Rowan's departing figure, extending one arm as if reaching out for him in desperation.
"Professor, wait up! I'm coming!" Lucas shouted, hurrying to catch up with him, not uttering any goodbyes to Dawn or Barry.
Dawn glanced at her disheartened Pokémon before turning to Barry. "Well, it may not have gone exactly as you planned, but it worked. Professor rowan gave us Pokémon," she said, trying to force a smile.
"Right, and now... there's only one thing left to do," Barry declared, gently setting Piplup on the ground. "Dawn, do you know what I'm thinking?"
"What?" Dawn wondered, not entirely sure where he was getting at.
Barry flexed his fingers, the sound of cracking knuckles accompanying his determined gaze fixed upon his best friend. "Dawn, now that we're both Pokémon Trainers, I challenge you to a battle!"
"A battle?" Dawn echoed, taken aback by Barry's proposal.
Whew, figure it's best to stop here, don't want this first chapter to be too long.
But anyways, yeah, that's the first chapter, one thing I've been criticized for in my previous fics was for the first chapters being dull, and too by the book. At first, I thought that criticism wasn't too important, since I liked starting off sticking to the game's script, before slowly and slowly changing it as the story goes along, but, I realized something...
The first chapter is like, the most significant chapter in a fanfic, it's the first impression, and if the first impression is poor, then readers may not want to read more chapters, so I tried to make this first chapter follow the initial part of Pokémon Platinum, whilst also adding some much-needed characterization to the characters.
Well, I haven't exactly decided on an upload schedule yet, but I'll try and get the next chapter out in at least 3 days, alright, well, that's all from me.
—yonas813, out.