Professor Rowan took a breath.

Paul continues to stare at each of the three Starters.

The Sinnoh Region's local Pokémon Professor knew how important this decision would be for any Trainer to be.

And Rowan was more than willing to wait; especially as young Paul has shown himself capable enough for his age, passing the Lab Trainer Test.

88% Complete. Around 85% Correct. The full hour used. It would seem time was Paul's greater opponent. A shame really, but Professor Rowan took the results as they came.

"Alright, I know which one." The old Professor found himself pulled from thought.

Rowan clears his throat, raising a brow. "Oh? And which would that be, young Paul?"

A likely meaningless question. Paul's eyes stared at only one. "Turtwig."

"Very well." A fine choice. Although Rowan's lab assistants have had much to say about the Turtwig's rather... aggressive attitude. He'd be sure to forward Paul some notes.

Which reminds him, Paul had also completed the newer Sinnoh Regional Trainer Licence Test. He passed very much just the same, alongside two other Trainers. A bright boy with a Lucario. And a girl who, like Paul, had passed the Lab Trainer Test; also due in today for her own Starter from either the remaing two.

"Now, young Paul." Rowan clears his throat. "As you are choosing to have your first journey in Kanto. I will ask you to visit an old colleague of mine."

Paul blinks a couple times, breaking his attention away from his Starter. "Colleague?"

"He's rather well known in Kanto; Professor Oak. I believe you at least will know who he is?" The wizened man strokes his mustache. "Considering you've chosen to participate in the Indigo League"

"...I've heard of him."

Professor Rowan nods. "Well, he and I are currently working on a collaborative project, of sorts."


Hey, I'm Paul.

The Rival to that person.

The Trainer, who was ruthless in his methods, and would leave those lacking power behind.

I think...

Honestly, I don't remember much outside of that. What? Past life memories are more like patchy picture book pages than a film reel.

Like looking at a life of what could've been.

I'm a not nice, apparently.

Next week, I'll be in Kanto. And right now, I'm training my only Pokemon outside my home in Veilstone.

Turtwig is biting down on a specially designed spring for training the early Bite strength of young Pokémon. He's been at it for a good ten minutes now.

A good sign, but Turtwig is visibly beginning to struggle.

As his Trainer, my job's to draw out the best in him. "Is that all the strength you've got?" That seems to do the trick. One thing Turtwig's got going for him is a mean attitude that likes winning.

"Tuurrrr-! Twiggg-!!!" The spring creaks, pushed even further inwards, as the Pokémon's Bite force becomes significantly greater. This new found strength lasts about three minutes more, before Turtwig begins to visibly struggle again.

Good.

"That's enough. You've proven your strength." At the prompt, Turtwig spits out the training spring. Gently letting his mouth hang to glare at the floor.

Sitting by Turtwig, I crack open a container of Grass-type recovery food, which my brother taught me how to make.

Turtwig eyes the smooth blue food uncertainly. "Don't worry. This is much easier than that chew toy." Smirking out that comment, I offer a large spoon to the Tiny Leaf Pokémon's continuing scrutiny. "Say, 'ahhh.'"

Slowly, the terrapin closes his recovering mouth around the spoon and I slide it out.

"Tur, Turtwig!" Seems he likes it.

That's good.

I'm glad...

"Hey, Paul! I heard you got a Starter!" Pulled out of thought, both myself and the Pokémon in question look up to the smiling newcomer. An older girl with familiar pink hair. "You want to battle?"

That's Gym Trainer Maylene all right. I like to help Veilstone Gym for experience. "Yeah, got a Turtwig. As for battling..." I look over to the Grass-type's determined expression, jaw clenched with all pain forgotten. "Sure, why not."

A short while later, we were standing on opposite sides of the training grounds out back of my house. "This'll be 1 v 1."

Maylene throws out a Poké Ball. "Riolu, go!" In a flash, the Emenation Pokémon, Riolu appears.

"Rio!!!"

Looking down to Turtwig who looks back at me, I cross my arms. "Go, stand by for battle."

"Turtwig!!!"

The two Pokémon lock eyes. Since we don't have a referee, and I'm the one being challenged; it's courteous I get the first move.

It's quite bright today... "Growth." Glowing a pale white, Turtwig's small size slightly increases with his strength. "Tuurrrr..."

"In there with Metal Claw!" Riolu bolts forward with a bright extending claw, ready to swipe.

Rather than dodge, however, "Greet with Razor Leaf, into Tackle!" Turtwig whips his head, throwing a small barrage of blade-sharp leaves of which some Riolu batters away, only to be caught by a couple.

The Grass-type rushes to meet the Fighting-type in a Tackle... only to trip over a rock and roll into the blue-mon, who looks actually taken by surprise despite his normally stoic demeanour.

My eye twitches. And Maylene stuggles to not laugh. The dust cloud clears to reveal two downed Pokémon groaning next to each other.

Well... I guess he's learned Take Down now, right? Having Turtwig go into one move after the other was a little too advanced without the practice.

"Riolu, Work Up and Cross Chop!" Maylene throws out her orders, and almost instantly her Pokémon recoveres to stand glowing in an aura of battle spirit.

"Rio!!!" His determined cry sent chills through my skin.

Crap! Initiative! "Turtwig! Get out of there! Quick!" He recovers with a quick shake of his head. But too late to respond, as Riolu's glowing arms collide downwards into the turtle's back, sending him flat out down on the floor again.

It's over. I rushed over to pick up Turtwig, letting loose a sigh. He looks at me in an apologetic way. "No. We both learned something here. You rest up..." Pal.

Raising the Poké Ball, I return Turtwig to rest. I'll get him checked at the Pokémon Center.

"Well, I'm guessing you want some help with getting your Turtwig used to regular battles?" Looking at Maylene as she approaches, I nod.

"I'd be greatful, thanks." Turning to her Riolu, I notice it looks a little awkward. Why's that?

Maylene waves her hand, as if knowing my unasked question. "Oh, he's just embarrassed about getting caught off guard for once. I wouldn't worry."

"Lu!" Riolu snaps in betrayal.

"It's okay, Riolu." She raises her hands in surrender. "I was also caught off there."

Well, it was learning curve for everyone involved, I guess.


Bohhhhhh!!!!

The ship sounds the horn as we depart Sunyshore City's port. At last, our -Turtwig's and I's- Pokémon journey will begin in full swing.

Reggie said we should try to meet up so I could watch his last Battle Frontier fight against the Frontier Brain: Pyramid King Brandon.

Yeah, hearing his name always annoys me. That guy being called King is just a bad joke.

I'll plan out my route to Pallet Town when I get to Kanto. Because the Battle Pyramid likes to hop about annoyingly, just like its crap dad owner. Ha!

Looking away from the moving sea, I looked to my Pokémon friend. His gaze was focused on the deep blue. For the last week we'd gotten to know each other a little better, although there's still a long way to go.

Moving my gaze back towards the same direction, I stare just the same into the ocean. Fleetingly, I think to the past and future of which neither exist.

Yet even so... a possibility nagged and excited my mind.

Look out. I don't know who you are, but Rival me if you dare.