Pokemon. In this world, there are many of them, and Sinnoh is a melting pot of Pokemon from all over the world. Some battle with them, some keep them as pets, and others go down a different path... to become league champion. However, our story starts with a girl who chooses none of these, and finds a fourth pathway not in many places around the world. Let us begin, shall we?
In the small town of Sandgem, a girl of about 14 years of age is helping around the house. Her name, Fleur.
Fleur: "Mom! Dinner's almost done! It's your favorite, vegetable stew!"
Her mother swiftly comes downstairs, and sits down at the dinner table, eager for dinner.
Mom: "Oh, Fleur... you're too kind to cook dinner after all you do for me, the house, and Mr. Rowan... you need to take a rest sometime, sweetie."
Fleur: "What?! Why would I not do this? I owe you and Mr. Rowan so much! You raised me with such care, and the professor has taught me a lot! I need to pay you back somehow, why not dedicate myself to helping out every day?"
Mom: "Fleur, I've been thinking... I think it's finally time I sent you out on your journey. I can't have you caring for us forever, you NEED this experience if you hope to grow into something... better. As much as I appreciate what you do, it's time you got your first Pokemon."
Fleur: "But... I'm not fit to use a Pokemon... I'm not good at battling, there's no way I could go for the league, and I know staying here is out of the question, so what would I even do with a Pokemon? I just think my time is better spent here in Sandgem, with you and the professor."
Her mother's facial expression and tone becomes exasperated, leaving her with no option but to take charge.
Mom: "I'll do it, Fleur. You know I'm not afraid to do it when you're being so fussy, and right now I'm on the edge."
Fleur: "No... not THAT! Anything but that! I beg of you, please don't do it! I'll do anything! ...Except leave the house. That's still not happening."
Mom: "Alright, here it comes... I did warn you..."
Her mother goes into the closet, pulls out a megaphone, and turns it on.
Mom: "FLEUR, YOU'RE GROUNDED FROM THE HOUSE AGAIN! GET OUT THERE AND GET YOUR POKEMON! NOW!"
Fleur quickly rushes out of the house, running to the lab to see Professor Rowan.
Fleur: "Mister Rowan, I'm ba-"
Before she even finishes her small sentence, Professor Rowan turns around with a stern look on his face, as usual.
Rowan: "You got kicked out of the house again, and you're coming here to get a Pokemon, yes? I can understand where your mother is coming from, wanting you to explore and broaden your horizons, but she really doesn't need so loud about it... ha... anyways, you're in luck. I have a young boy coming in as well, so you two might as well be rivals, so you push yourself harder. That and your mother will probably make you anyways."
Fleur: "Oh, okay. I'm sorry that my mom was so loud... she pulled out the megaphone again because I was being, um... resistant. So... when's he gonna be here? I don't want to take too long... my mom will probably pull a pitchfork out of the closet next!"
They both laugh, knowing about Fleur's mother's fiery temper and strange array of tools that she has. There is then a knock on the door, and a young boy wearing... somewhat odd attire enters the room.
Rowan: "Ah, so you must be Gabriel. Remind me, you come from Twinleaf, correct? I've had many kids from that small town grow into strong trainers... not all of them were too bright, though."
Gabriel: "Yes sir. I'm ready to become a trainer, just like my old man. Sure, he told me not to follow in his footsteps, but I've always wanted to be trainer! The feeling of your blood pumping through your body as you work with your Pokemon to achieve unbelievable tasks... it's exhilarating!"
Rowan: "Well, Fleur here will be getting a Pokemon with you. Her mother is having her going on a Pokemon journey instead of being an aide to everyone here in town. She will be your rival."
Gabriel: "Wait a second... isn't your mom the crazy megaphone lady? I heard her just a few minutes ago... so you're her daughter? Professor, are you sure she doesn't have the crazy genes from her dear 'ol ma?"
Fleur's face turns a slight red, and her cheeks puff up, now talking with a bit of a pouting tone.
Fleur: "My mom is NOT crazy... she just gets really angry sometimes... and has a megaphone... just focus on getting our Pokemon, okay?"
Gabriel: "Alright, let's do this! Whaddya got, Prof?"
Rowan: "There are three options for both of you. There's the Grass type, Turtwig, the Fire type, Chimchar, and the Water type, Piplup. Turtwig is good for starting trainers, and what Fleur has used during her training. Chimchar can be anything really. Some are the kindest souls you will meet, and some are flat out mean spirited. Then there's Piplup. Piplup... Piplup's hard to control sometimes, and is often defiant. That being said, it becomes something with great potential, gaining a one-of-a-kind typing of Water and Steel. Choose wisely."
The two children look at the Pokemon in awe, wondering where they'll go and what they'll do with them. This is the first step of their Pokemon journey, and knowing this, they look at each other, then nod to Prof. Rowan.
Fleur & Gabriel: "I choose... Piplup!"
Professor Rowan's eyes widen, he then chuckles a bit, regaining his focus.
Rowan: "...Intriguing... never have I had this happen... two kids wanting the same Pokemon... luckily, I have plenty of Piplup, so both of you, take them. I expect that you will enjoy them and their company."
Prof. Rowan take two Poke Balls, putting one in each of the kids hands, all the while the kids eyes are filled with wonder, curious where their Pokemon will take them on their journey.
Rowan: "Now... to test the strength, both physical and mental, of both of your Pokemon, we will have you two battle to see the potential of your Pokemon. We shall start once we reach the beach."
The two of them bolt out the door and head to the beach, sending out their Piplup with Prof. Rowan not far behind them.
Rowan: "I trust the two of you are ready. This battle marks the start of both Gabriel and Fleur's journey, the gloves are off this battle, meaning all is fair game for the Pokemon. Trainers may not interfere with the battle itself except for giving orders. Let the battle begin!"
Fleur's Piplup has already run off, attempting to use Pound on Gabriel's Piplup. However, he swiftly dodges and counterattacks her, knocking her out instantly.
Rowan: "Well, that was certainly... quick. It seems that Fleur's Piplup has a very big sense of overconfidence, while Gabriel's Piplup is calm and collected, no matter the situation. I suggest that you work on fixing her problem, Fleur."
Fleur: "But... I didn't even tell her to do anything! She just rushed off on her own! Why did- know what... it's fine... I have a perfect nickname for her now... she will be known as... Spunk!"
Gabriel: "Wow, I didn't expect it to end up like that... and that's a really good nickname for her, Fleur. Speaking of nicknames, based on your performance, I'm going to call you Czar, little buddy."
Fleur returned Spunk to her ball, then bolted back home with tears running down her face, slamming the door when she got home, then running upstairs to faceplant on her bed.
Mom: "Fleur, honey? Are you okay...? You're crying because you lost didn't you... it's okay, let me come in, I can talk to you..."
Fleur: "I didn't just lose, I failed as a trainer... I lost because of my own attack that I didn't even tell Spunk to use! This is going to be terrible, I can already tell..."
Her mom comes into her room, picks her up, then embraces Fleur in her arms
Mom: "It's alright... you can cry... I'll stay here until you're all better... but we shouldn't keep Rowan waiting... he's probably concerned about you."
Fleur: "Okay... thank you mom... I'm sorry for being so rude earlier... I love you..."
Mom: "I love you too, sweetie..."
After a while, Fleur gets up, her mother kisses her forehead, and Fleur leaves the house one last time
End of Part
In the small town of Sandgem, a girl of about 14 years of age is helping around the house. Her name, Fleur.
Fleur: "Mom! Dinner's almost done! It's your favorite, vegetable stew!"
Her mother swiftly comes downstairs, and sits down at the dinner table, eager for dinner.
Mom: "Oh, Fleur... you're too kind to cook dinner after all you do for me, the house, and Mr. Rowan... you need to take a rest sometime, sweetie."
Fleur: "What?! Why would I not do this? I owe you and Mr. Rowan so much! You raised me with such care, and the professor has taught me a lot! I need to pay you back somehow, why not dedicate myself to helping out every day?"
Mom: "Fleur, I've been thinking... I think it's finally time I sent you out on your journey. I can't have you caring for us forever, you NEED this experience if you hope to grow into something... better. As much as I appreciate what you do, it's time you got your first Pokemon."
Fleur: "But... I'm not fit to use a Pokemon... I'm not good at battling, there's no way I could go for the league, and I know staying here is out of the question, so what would I even do with a Pokemon? I just think my time is better spent here in Sandgem, with you and the professor."
Her mother's facial expression and tone becomes exasperated, leaving her with no option but to take charge.
Mom: "I'll do it, Fleur. You know I'm not afraid to do it when you're being so fussy, and right now I'm on the edge."
Fleur: "No... not THAT! Anything but that! I beg of you, please don't do it! I'll do anything! ...Except leave the house. That's still not happening."
Mom: "Alright, here it comes... I did warn you..."
Her mother goes into the closet, pulls out a megaphone, and turns it on.
Mom: "FLEUR, YOU'RE GROUNDED FROM THE HOUSE AGAIN! GET OUT THERE AND GET YOUR POKEMON! NOW!"
Fleur quickly rushes out of the house, running to the lab to see Professor Rowan.
Fleur: "Mister Rowan, I'm ba-"
Before she even finishes her small sentence, Professor Rowan turns around with a stern look on his face, as usual.
Rowan: "You got kicked out of the house again, and you're coming here to get a Pokemon, yes? I can understand where your mother is coming from, wanting you to explore and broaden your horizons, but she really doesn't need so loud about it... ha... anyways, you're in luck. I have a young boy coming in as well, so you two might as well be rivals, so you push yourself harder. That and your mother will probably make you anyways."
Fleur: "Oh, okay. I'm sorry that my mom was so loud... she pulled out the megaphone again because I was being, um... resistant. So... when's he gonna be here? I don't want to take too long... my mom will probably pull a pitchfork out of the closet next!"
They both laugh, knowing about Fleur's mother's fiery temper and strange array of tools that she has. There is then a knock on the door, and a young boy wearing... somewhat odd attire enters the room.
Rowan: "Ah, so you must be Gabriel. Remind me, you come from Twinleaf, correct? I've had many kids from that small town grow into strong trainers... not all of them were too bright, though."
Gabriel: "Yes sir. I'm ready to become a trainer, just like my old man. Sure, he told me not to follow in his footsteps, but I've always wanted to be trainer! The feeling of your blood pumping through your body as you work with your Pokemon to achieve unbelievable tasks... it's exhilarating!"
Rowan: "Well, Fleur here will be getting a Pokemon with you. Her mother is having her going on a Pokemon journey instead of being an aide to everyone here in town. She will be your rival."
Gabriel: "Wait a second... isn't your mom the crazy megaphone lady? I heard her just a few minutes ago... so you're her daughter? Professor, are you sure she doesn't have the crazy genes from her dear 'ol ma?"
Fleur's face turns a slight red, and her cheeks puff up, now talking with a bit of a pouting tone.
Fleur: "My mom is NOT crazy... she just gets really angry sometimes... and has a megaphone... just focus on getting our Pokemon, okay?"
Gabriel: "Alright, let's do this! Whaddya got, Prof?"
Rowan: "There are three options for both of you. There's the Grass type, Turtwig, the Fire type, Chimchar, and the Water type, Piplup. Turtwig is good for starting trainers, and what Fleur has used during her training. Chimchar can be anything really. Some are the kindest souls you will meet, and some are flat out mean spirited. Then there's Piplup. Piplup... Piplup's hard to control sometimes, and is often defiant. That being said, it becomes something with great potential, gaining a one-of-a-kind typing of Water and Steel. Choose wisely."
The two children look at the Pokemon in awe, wondering where they'll go and what they'll do with them. This is the first step of their Pokemon journey, and knowing this, they look at each other, then nod to Prof. Rowan.
Fleur & Gabriel: "I choose... Piplup!"
Professor Rowan's eyes widen, he then chuckles a bit, regaining his focus.
Rowan: "...Intriguing... never have I had this happen... two kids wanting the same Pokemon... luckily, I have plenty of Piplup, so both of you, take them. I expect that you will enjoy them and their company."
Prof. Rowan take two Poke Balls, putting one in each of the kids hands, all the while the kids eyes are filled with wonder, curious where their Pokemon will take them on their journey.
Rowan: "Now... to test the strength, both physical and mental, of both of your Pokemon, we will have you two battle to see the potential of your Pokemon. We shall start once we reach the beach."
The two of them bolt out the door and head to the beach, sending out their Piplup with Prof. Rowan not far behind them.
Rowan: "I trust the two of you are ready. This battle marks the start of both Gabriel and Fleur's journey, the gloves are off this battle, meaning all is fair game for the Pokemon. Trainers may not interfere with the battle itself except for giving orders. Let the battle begin!"
Fleur's Piplup has already run off, attempting to use Pound on Gabriel's Piplup. However, he swiftly dodges and counterattacks her, knocking her out instantly.
Rowan: "Well, that was certainly... quick. It seems that Fleur's Piplup has a very big sense of overconfidence, while Gabriel's Piplup is calm and collected, no matter the situation. I suggest that you work on fixing her problem, Fleur."
Fleur: "But... I didn't even tell her to do anything! She just rushed off on her own! Why did- know what... it's fine... I have a perfect nickname for her now... she will be known as... Spunk!"
Gabriel: "Wow, I didn't expect it to end up like that... and that's a really good nickname for her, Fleur. Speaking of nicknames, based on your performance, I'm going to call you Czar, little buddy."
Fleur returned Spunk to her ball, then bolted back home with tears running down her face, slamming the door when she got home, then running upstairs to faceplant on her bed.
Mom: "Fleur, honey? Are you okay...? You're crying because you lost didn't you... it's okay, let me come in, I can talk to you..."
Fleur: "I didn't just lose, I failed as a trainer... I lost because of my own attack that I didn't even tell Spunk to use! This is going to be terrible, I can already tell..."
Her mom comes into her room, picks her up, then embraces Fleur in her arms
Mom: "It's alright... you can cry... I'll stay here until you're all better... but we shouldn't keep Rowan waiting... he's probably concerned about you."
Fleur: "Okay... thank you mom... I'm sorry for being so rude earlier... I love you..."
Mom: "I love you too, sweetie..."
After a while, Fleur gets up, her mother kisses her forehead, and Fleur leaves the house one last time
End of Part