Every kid has a crazy dream at some point in their life. Some are seemingly illogical, and some make more sense. However, there is one boy, whose dream shines bright. His name is Riley Mason, and his dream is to become the world’s greatest champion.
“Go Arc. Use Bite!” A teenage boy shouted, waving his arm and pointing at the opponent. A Growlithe, a bit smaller than the average size of one, ran forward with his jaws open. Their target, was a Rattata, a common normal type Pokemon.
The Rattata tried leaping away, but was caught in Arc’s jaws. Then the Growlithe flipped the Rattata into the air, and the boy gave his next command. “Arc, use Ember!” From the Growlithe’s mouth, a small burst of fire rushed forward, slamming into the Normal Type, causing him to faint.
The boy, whose name was Riley bent down and rubbed the Growlithe’s head. “Thanks bud. You’re speed is improving. Not to mention it looks like your Ember attack has gotten better.”
Arc gave a happy bark, and wagged his tail. “Okay Arc. That’s enough training for today.” Riley said, before turning around and walking back to town.
Riley and Arc lived in a small town called Kurin Town, in the south west portion of the Hajime Region. He had moved there about a month ago to live with his uncle and aunt. Arc, the Growlithe who was with Riley, wasn't even his. It belonged to his uncle, whom had lent Arc to Riley for the past couple of weeks. Riley’s dream of becoming a Champion had been noticed by his parents so they had sent him to Kurin town to hopefully learn from the Pokemon Researcher who lived there; Professor Cedar. However the man had recently gave away 5 Pokemon to budding trainers, and went on a journey himself, right before Riley had arrived. Leaving Riley stuck in Kurin Town for no reason, except to wait for Professor Cedar. So now he spent day after day, training with Arc.
As Riley walked past the closed lab, he felt a pang of regret in the pit of his stomach. If he only he had arrived in town sooner, he might have been one of the trainers with his own Pokemon and a Pokedex, traveling the region. But nope, he was stuck here.
Then something caught his eye. A young man who looked to be in his early 20’s waked up to the lab door and knocked on the front doors of the lab. “Professor Cedar. My name is Kaiden Atakai. Mr. Pokemon sent me here to deliver those Pokemon he mentioned. The ones with the rare abilities. They have the same ones as Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle, the ones you give out to young trainers.”
With Kaiden’s comment, Riley was reminded that Professor Cedar studied abilities of Pokemon. However Riley had to tell the man that the Professor was out in the field. “Professor Cedar went off traveling after he gave away the 5 starters.” Riley said, behind Kaiden getting the man’s attention quickly.
The man turned and Riley noticed he had glasses that were a bit slanted and in his hands he held a horizontal glass cylinder. Inside, one could see three Pokeballs sitting on a piece of cloth. “He’s what!? He assured us he would still be here and not leave without them.” The man looked flustered and Riley knew he had to help.
“Come with me. My uncle has Professor Cedar’s number. You can stay with us until he returns. It should only take a day or two.” Riley said, turning around and gesturing for Kaiden to follow.
“Thanks,” Kaiden said brushing off his jacket and following Riley. “My name is Kaiden Atakai, and I’m a researchers assistant. Who are you. A local trainer? If so, I must say, that Growlithe of yours looks well trained.”
Riley gave a sigh as they walked. “No, I just moved here about a month ago. I want to be a trainer, but I am not one, officially. This Growlithe belongs to my uncle and he lets me borrow it to go practice my battling. My name is Riley Mason by the way.”
“So you don’t have a Pokemon to call your own yet?” Kaiden asked. Riley flinched. He hated the fact he didn’t have one and Kaiden bringing it up, wasn’t really helping him feel better about it. “How old are you kid?”
“I’m 16. Not really a kid,” Riley said, beginning to get a little annoyed with Kaiden’s questions. “Can we just drop the whole having a Pokemon thing now. You don’t have to rub it in.” The teen moaned.
“Wow, 16 and you don’t have a Pokemon. I got mine when I was 10. That must be a real shame.” Kaiden said trailing off into his own thought, much to Riley’s relief. The rest of the walk to Riley’s home wasn’t long, but it was silent, as both parties felt it a bit awkward to speak.
“Uncle Tony! I’m home, and I brought someone who needs your help!” Riley shouted as he opened the door, and took of his shoes in the mud room. Now in socks, he walked into the living room where his uncle was, whom was sitting on his recliner reading a book. Kaiden took of his boots and joined Riley.
“What do you mean, needs my help.” Tony said, setting his book down on the coffee table to his left. Then Arc ran up to him and Tony leaned forward and roughly petted the Puppy Pokemon. “Hey buddy. You have fun?” He asked Arc in a playful and cheery voice.
“Um, hello. My name is Kaiden Atakai. I’m Mr. Pokemon’s research assistant of the Johto region. I was sent to deliver a package to Professor Cedar and it seems he isn’t in town. Your nephew said you could get ahold of the Professor. He also invited me to stay here until the Professor arrived, if it’s alright with you, I’m assuming.” Kaiden stuttered a bit nervous and flustered. Riley was beginning to see it as a common occurrence with Kaiden.
“Well then. If Riley said it was okay, then I’m sure we can make room for you and get ahold of old Cedar. It’s no problem. Have a seat, and I’ll go call the old coot.” Tony said boisterously, getting out of his seat and walking into the kitchen with Arc at his heels. In the kitchen you could here his voice as he loudly said, “Honey could your grab some refreshments for our guests and us. And then go ahead and meet the kid.”
Riley plopped down on a the far end of the couch as Kaiden looked flabbergasted. “That was sudden. He didn’t even seem to hesitate or think about it.” Kaiden mumbled rubbing his wrist.
“Tony is pretty friendly and loves to help people. He was once in contests you know, when he was younger and loves to make people smile. So nowadays he is willing to help anyone and everyone. And take off your coat and relax. No need to be so nervous.” Riley chuckled. He stretched his head back, placing his palms against the back of his head. Reluctantly, Kaiden sat on the other end of the couch.
“Riley, could you bring in the drinks?” Riley’s aunt, Polly, asked as she entered the room carrying a tray of cookie. “I made a pitcher of lemonade this morning and it’s in the fridge.” She added placing the tray on the larger coffee table that was in the middle of the room.
Riley got up and walked away to get the glasses and the lemonade. “Hello. My name is Polly. I’m Riley’s Aunt.” Polly said offering Kaiden a handshake. The man took it and introduced himself.
Within ten minutes, the drinks had been brought out and poured, and Tony had made the phone call and joined them. Professor Cedar was now on their way, and Kaiden, Tony and Polly all talked heavily, telling stories and discussing weather and politics and other assorted things. During this, Riley quietly sipped his lemonade and kept to himself, only saying anything when he was asked something, and answering in simple phrases. However after a while, one thought that had been gnawing at him was beginning to form. What were the Pokemon that Kaiden had been bringing to Professor Cedar. He thought about it, and all he could recall about his meeting with Kaiden earlier, was that the Pokemon had the same abilities as Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle. So maybe that meant they were the same type as the trio; Grass, Fire, and Water. After a good while he couldn’t wait any longer, especially after almost an hour of boring chatter.
“What Pokemon were you going to bring to Professor Cedar? Can I see them?” Riley blurted out, interrupting the adult’s conversation. Aunt Polly immediately scowled him for being so rude, while Kaiden gave a warm smile and a light chuckle that made him seem older than he looked.
“No, don’t worry about it. He does have a right to know. From what I can assume, he really likes Pokemon. Especially after seeing how well he works with your Growlithe, Tony. So here they are.” Kaiden said opening the cylinder and lifting up the far left Pokeball. He clicked the button with his thumb and a small light green Pokemon appeared with a leaf upon her head. “This is Chikorita. She is a Grass Type Pokemon, and like Bulbasaur, her ability is Overgrow.” Then he grabbed the Pokeball in the center and clicked the button. Out popped a pokemon with a navy back and a light yellow underbelly. Flames arose from his back as the Pokemon gave a yawn. “This is Cyndaquil. He is a Fire Type and his ability is Blaze; like Charmander.” Then he lifted up the final Pokeball and clicked the button. A small bipedal alligator appeared next to Chikorita and Cyndaquil. It had light blue scales and was smiling happily waving his arms. “And this excited guy is a Totodile. He’s a Water type and he shares his ability, Torrent, with Squirtle. Their abilities allow a signfigant increase in their respective attacks when they are in trouble, grabtrd they are the same type as the ability requires.”
Riley gave a gasp and reached over to pick one up to get a better look. However, Akiden quickly recalled them into their Pokeballs. “Sorry Riley. But they aren’t mine or yours. You can’t play with them.” Riley slumped back into his chair and pouted a bit.
“You know what. It’s getting late. We should all head to bed. Kaiden you can sleep on the couch. It folds out and we can bring you some sheets, blankets and pillows. Old Cedar should be here tomorrow by noonish so we can all have a good breakfast before you deliver those Pokemon.” Tony said quickly standing up and stretching, trying to defuse any possible problems that his nephew might start.
“Thank you sir.” Kaiden said smiling as he placed the Pokeballs back into the case. While he did that, Riley eyed them. He really wanted to get a better look at them.
By the time everyone was in bed, Riley was still unable to sleep. The house was quiet and it was almost like Riley was alone. He laid on top of his covers ad stared at the Pokemon League Poster he had above his bed on the ceiling. Then he decided. He would get a better look at those Pokemon and learn all he could about them. He had never seen Pokemon like them ever before and he would learn what he could about them.
“Go Arc. Use Bite!” A teenage boy shouted, waving his arm and pointing at the opponent. A Growlithe, a bit smaller than the average size of one, ran forward with his jaws open. Their target, was a Rattata, a common normal type Pokemon.
The Rattata tried leaping away, but was caught in Arc’s jaws. Then the Growlithe flipped the Rattata into the air, and the boy gave his next command. “Arc, use Ember!” From the Growlithe’s mouth, a small burst of fire rushed forward, slamming into the Normal Type, causing him to faint.
The boy, whose name was Riley bent down and rubbed the Growlithe’s head. “Thanks bud. You’re speed is improving. Not to mention it looks like your Ember attack has gotten better.”
Arc gave a happy bark, and wagged his tail. “Okay Arc. That’s enough training for today.” Riley said, before turning around and walking back to town.
Riley and Arc lived in a small town called Kurin Town, in the south west portion of the Hajime Region. He had moved there about a month ago to live with his uncle and aunt. Arc, the Growlithe who was with Riley, wasn't even his. It belonged to his uncle, whom had lent Arc to Riley for the past couple of weeks. Riley’s dream of becoming a Champion had been noticed by his parents so they had sent him to Kurin town to hopefully learn from the Pokemon Researcher who lived there; Professor Cedar. However the man had recently gave away 5 Pokemon to budding trainers, and went on a journey himself, right before Riley had arrived. Leaving Riley stuck in Kurin Town for no reason, except to wait for Professor Cedar. So now he spent day after day, training with Arc.
As Riley walked past the closed lab, he felt a pang of regret in the pit of his stomach. If he only he had arrived in town sooner, he might have been one of the trainers with his own Pokemon and a Pokedex, traveling the region. But nope, he was stuck here.
Then something caught his eye. A young man who looked to be in his early 20’s waked up to the lab door and knocked on the front doors of the lab. “Professor Cedar. My name is Kaiden Atakai. Mr. Pokemon sent me here to deliver those Pokemon he mentioned. The ones with the rare abilities. They have the same ones as Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle, the ones you give out to young trainers.”
With Kaiden’s comment, Riley was reminded that Professor Cedar studied abilities of Pokemon. However Riley had to tell the man that the Professor was out in the field. “Professor Cedar went off traveling after he gave away the 5 starters.” Riley said, behind Kaiden getting the man’s attention quickly.
The man turned and Riley noticed he had glasses that were a bit slanted and in his hands he held a horizontal glass cylinder. Inside, one could see three Pokeballs sitting on a piece of cloth. “He’s what!? He assured us he would still be here and not leave without them.” The man looked flustered and Riley knew he had to help.
“Come with me. My uncle has Professor Cedar’s number. You can stay with us until he returns. It should only take a day or two.” Riley said, turning around and gesturing for Kaiden to follow.
“Thanks,” Kaiden said brushing off his jacket and following Riley. “My name is Kaiden Atakai, and I’m a researchers assistant. Who are you. A local trainer? If so, I must say, that Growlithe of yours looks well trained.”
Riley gave a sigh as they walked. “No, I just moved here about a month ago. I want to be a trainer, but I am not one, officially. This Growlithe belongs to my uncle and he lets me borrow it to go practice my battling. My name is Riley Mason by the way.”
“So you don’t have a Pokemon to call your own yet?” Kaiden asked. Riley flinched. He hated the fact he didn’t have one and Kaiden bringing it up, wasn’t really helping him feel better about it. “How old are you kid?”
“I’m 16. Not really a kid,” Riley said, beginning to get a little annoyed with Kaiden’s questions. “Can we just drop the whole having a Pokemon thing now. You don’t have to rub it in.” The teen moaned.
“Wow, 16 and you don’t have a Pokemon. I got mine when I was 10. That must be a real shame.” Kaiden said trailing off into his own thought, much to Riley’s relief. The rest of the walk to Riley’s home wasn’t long, but it was silent, as both parties felt it a bit awkward to speak.
“Uncle Tony! I’m home, and I brought someone who needs your help!” Riley shouted as he opened the door, and took of his shoes in the mud room. Now in socks, he walked into the living room where his uncle was, whom was sitting on his recliner reading a book. Kaiden took of his boots and joined Riley.
“What do you mean, needs my help.” Tony said, setting his book down on the coffee table to his left. Then Arc ran up to him and Tony leaned forward and roughly petted the Puppy Pokemon. “Hey buddy. You have fun?” He asked Arc in a playful and cheery voice.
“Um, hello. My name is Kaiden Atakai. I’m Mr. Pokemon’s research assistant of the Johto region. I was sent to deliver a package to Professor Cedar and it seems he isn’t in town. Your nephew said you could get ahold of the Professor. He also invited me to stay here until the Professor arrived, if it’s alright with you, I’m assuming.” Kaiden stuttered a bit nervous and flustered. Riley was beginning to see it as a common occurrence with Kaiden.
“Well then. If Riley said it was okay, then I’m sure we can make room for you and get ahold of old Cedar. It’s no problem. Have a seat, and I’ll go call the old coot.” Tony said boisterously, getting out of his seat and walking into the kitchen with Arc at his heels. In the kitchen you could here his voice as he loudly said, “Honey could your grab some refreshments for our guests and us. And then go ahead and meet the kid.”
Riley plopped down on a the far end of the couch as Kaiden looked flabbergasted. “That was sudden. He didn’t even seem to hesitate or think about it.” Kaiden mumbled rubbing his wrist.
“Tony is pretty friendly and loves to help people. He was once in contests you know, when he was younger and loves to make people smile. So nowadays he is willing to help anyone and everyone. And take off your coat and relax. No need to be so nervous.” Riley chuckled. He stretched his head back, placing his palms against the back of his head. Reluctantly, Kaiden sat on the other end of the couch.
“Riley, could you bring in the drinks?” Riley’s aunt, Polly, asked as she entered the room carrying a tray of cookie. “I made a pitcher of lemonade this morning and it’s in the fridge.” She added placing the tray on the larger coffee table that was in the middle of the room.
Riley got up and walked away to get the glasses and the lemonade. “Hello. My name is Polly. I’m Riley’s Aunt.” Polly said offering Kaiden a handshake. The man took it and introduced himself.
Within ten minutes, the drinks had been brought out and poured, and Tony had made the phone call and joined them. Professor Cedar was now on their way, and Kaiden, Tony and Polly all talked heavily, telling stories and discussing weather and politics and other assorted things. During this, Riley quietly sipped his lemonade and kept to himself, only saying anything when he was asked something, and answering in simple phrases. However after a while, one thought that had been gnawing at him was beginning to form. What were the Pokemon that Kaiden had been bringing to Professor Cedar. He thought about it, and all he could recall about his meeting with Kaiden earlier, was that the Pokemon had the same abilities as Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle. So maybe that meant they were the same type as the trio; Grass, Fire, and Water. After a good while he couldn’t wait any longer, especially after almost an hour of boring chatter.
“What Pokemon were you going to bring to Professor Cedar? Can I see them?” Riley blurted out, interrupting the adult’s conversation. Aunt Polly immediately scowled him for being so rude, while Kaiden gave a warm smile and a light chuckle that made him seem older than he looked.
“No, don’t worry about it. He does have a right to know. From what I can assume, he really likes Pokemon. Especially after seeing how well he works with your Growlithe, Tony. So here they are.” Kaiden said opening the cylinder and lifting up the far left Pokeball. He clicked the button with his thumb and a small light green Pokemon appeared with a leaf upon her head. “This is Chikorita. She is a Grass Type Pokemon, and like Bulbasaur, her ability is Overgrow.” Then he grabbed the Pokeball in the center and clicked the button. Out popped a pokemon with a navy back and a light yellow underbelly. Flames arose from his back as the Pokemon gave a yawn. “This is Cyndaquil. He is a Fire Type and his ability is Blaze; like Charmander.” Then he lifted up the final Pokeball and clicked the button. A small bipedal alligator appeared next to Chikorita and Cyndaquil. It had light blue scales and was smiling happily waving his arms. “And this excited guy is a Totodile. He’s a Water type and he shares his ability, Torrent, with Squirtle. Their abilities allow a signfigant increase in their respective attacks when they are in trouble, grabtrd they are the same type as the ability requires.”
Riley gave a gasp and reached over to pick one up to get a better look. However, Akiden quickly recalled them into their Pokeballs. “Sorry Riley. But they aren’t mine or yours. You can’t play with them.” Riley slumped back into his chair and pouted a bit.
“You know what. It’s getting late. We should all head to bed. Kaiden you can sleep on the couch. It folds out and we can bring you some sheets, blankets and pillows. Old Cedar should be here tomorrow by noonish so we can all have a good breakfast before you deliver those Pokemon.” Tony said quickly standing up and stretching, trying to defuse any possible problems that his nephew might start.
“Thank you sir.” Kaiden said smiling as he placed the Pokeballs back into the case. While he did that, Riley eyed them. He really wanted to get a better look at them.
By the time everyone was in bed, Riley was still unable to sleep. The house was quiet and it was almost like Riley was alone. He laid on top of his covers ad stared at the Pokemon League Poster he had above his bed on the ceiling. Then he decided. He would get a better look at those Pokemon and learn all he could about them. He had never seen Pokemon like them ever before and he would learn what he could about them.