Setting:
•New Bark Town, Johto•
•Late February•
•Amber (Wolfe Alias) POV•
Chapter Eight
A Partner Worth the Challenge
My running shoes crunched on the gravel to Professor Elm's lab as I contemplated my choices of starter Pokémon. I already read up on the three Johto starters, but that didn't help my indecision in the slightest. Last time, I chose the Fire-type Charmander, Charry. She was a rough start for myself back then considering she ran away, but at least I knew what not to look for in a starter Pokémon—not that I didn't like a good challenge.
I sighed as I realized how much I missed my Charizard, who was in training here in Johto in a secret location. Since I absolutely loved Fire-types, I decided to give the fire starter, Cyndaquil, a good look over.
I also thought on the possibility of owning the Water-type, Totodile. I heard that Totodile had incredible attack stats, and the attacks they could learn went very well with their power. And, as an added bonus, Totodile was a reptile, much like my lovely Charry.
Then again, I considered that new grass Pokémon, Chikorita. Tangela aside—and really I didn't care for Tangela—I hadn't seen a pure grass Pokémon before. From the pictures I saw, it at least looked kind of cute. Though, I realized since the first gym was a Flying-type gym, a Chikorita would be at a total disadvantage.
I approached the door and simply decided I'd choose the one with the personality that fit me the most. I wanted a Pokémon that would be up to the challenge of my job, and I wanted a Pokémon that could understand the risks of taking on Team Rocket. I couldn't have a Pokémon that didn't want to achieve the same goals as myself.
I knocked on the lab's glass door and waited anxiously while a rather distracted-looking man in a white lab coat opened the door to peer out at me.
"May I help you?" He asked while looking back inside of the lab at something I couldn't see.
I knew instantly that he was Professor Elm since I saw pictures of him hanging on the walls of Professor Oak's office. Apparently, my good friend Professor Oak and Professor Elm had a student-teacher relationship. Of course, both professors focused on different aspects of Pokémon and often ran ideas by each other.
"Yes, I'm Wolfe. I just moved here, and I was wondering if I could become a Pokémon trainer. I was told to see Professor Elm, and they said this was his laboratory." I acted the ignorant person's part well so he'd buy my story and not turn me away.
The professor looked at me as if he were scrutinizing my appearance. "You're kind of old to be just starting on a Pokémon adventure. Normally I only give Pokémon to new trainers around the legal age of ten. How old are you?"
"Nineteen sir, but I haven't been able to become a trainer before now. I used to work in Pokémon medicine, but I recently lost my job and haven't been able to find one since. I've always wanted to be a trainer since I was a kid, so I thought it'd be a great time to try out actually being a trainer instead of just working with Pokémon." I grinned easily.
He seemed to consider me for a moment before replying. "Well, you seem sincere. Okay, I'll give you a test. You see, right now I only have one Pokémon to give out, so before you become a trainer, consider my terms. First off, the only Pokémon I have right now is a female Chikorita that is rated extremely tough for new trainers to raise. She is very stubborn, and she probably won't listen to you unless you earn her respect."
"Also, I just got an e-mail from a good friend of mine who always seems to rave about new discoveries; this time, he says his findings are for real. If you and that Chikorita can travel to his house and bring me whatever he discovered while learning to get along, you may keep it." He offered.
Challenging Pokémon, huh? Sounds like another Charry in the making.
"Sure. I accept your challenge. Where exactly is the house I need to retrieve the discovery from?" I asked.
"He lives just outside of Cherrygrove City, to the north in Route 30. His name is Mr. Pokémon. Do you agree to these terms, Wolfe?" The Professor asked.
"Absolutely! Certainly do. Please, can you show me Chikorita?" I asked, figuring I'd probably like the new grass starter since it sounded a lot like my favorite flame lizard.
"Sure, right this way."
He led me to a room with some odd equipment. In the center of the room was a machine with a single pokeball. I peered inside of the ball at the green form who sneered at me. I smirked back, which made it give me a look of shock.
Professor Elm gave me the ball before replying. "Good luck." He then headed out of the room and back to what I guessed to be his office.
I exited the laboratory and headed down the main road of New Bark Town. I casually tossed Chikorita's pokeball in my hand as I plotted in a course to Route 30 in my GPS on my pokegear. After my route was plotted, I quickly reached the main exit of town and the start of Route 29. Finally, I decided to let my new partner out of her pokeball.
Immediately, the small form lunged at my legs with a powerful Tackle attack. I had a feeling that was coming, so I was well prepared. Before she could ram into my legs, I placed the bottom of my shoe softly against her green forehead as she tried to race forward.
After a few seconds, she stopped and looked up at me, blinking her large red eyes. "You done?" I asked calmly as I removed my foot.
"Chika?" The Pokémon enquired as she blinked in shock. Obviously she was astounded how I called her bluff.
"Look, Chika—that's going to be your nickname if you like—I admire your brave spirit and will to battle, but there's no point in attacking your teammate, alright?" I grinned.
"Chick?" She blinked in surprise.
"From now on, Chika, you and I are partners. We'll show Elm that we can easily complete his little challenge, all right? He doesn't believe in us, but I know better. You remind me of a close friend, and that friend and I did all sorts of fun things together. I have the feeling you and I will have plenty of fun adventures together, too." I grinned.
"You see, I plan on taking on the gyms here in Johto and competing in the Silver Conference as well as the Indigo League. So, what do you say? Up to the challenge?" I asked.
"Chika!" The Pokémon swirled the dark green leaf on her head like a baseball bat.
I laughed. "I like that. You certainly have guts. We'll definitely make it to the top!"
"Chika! Chikori!" She exclaimed as a glint appeared in her eyes.
Heh. Challenge to new trainers? You bet. She's exactly like Charry. Only this time, I know how to deal with her. This little one definitely is determined to be the strongest she can be.
I let the little green Pokémon jump on my shoulder, and we set off down Route 29. I grinned contentedly as I stroked Chika's leafy head, which released a relaxing aroma. By the way things were going, we'd definitely be home by nightfall.