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'Click...De-de-de-de... De-de-de-de... De-de-de-de.'
The sound penetrated the small room, echoing around the beige walls. Sprawled across the dusty wooden floor were assorted pieces of clothing, each lay idly in the shadow of the single beam of light which broke through the crack in the curtains. The light reflected the dust which flew around in the air, shimmering and fighting for a chance in the spotlight.
There wasn't much furniture in the room; a few wooden wardrobes and a small wooden bed, each respective of their places. The walls were covered in a beige style wallpaper, with a single beam of dark brown across it's centre to give it that retro look.
A old alarm clock, small with a green plastic covering it's face stood atop of the wardrobe; the source of the sound. Something stirred under the covers of the bed, shifting around and squirming slightly. The sheet grunted slightly, exposing a pale foot at the end of the bed which fell heavily to the dusty ground. Another foot appeared, and fell next to it's counterpart on the ground. Another grunt, a hand, another hand, each grasping the cover and pulling it down to reveal the source of the grunts.
His hair, brown in colour though wild and medium length. Eye's darker than his hair, almost black.
The human swung his hand wildly at the alarm clock, knocking it over on to it's side and causing it to cease it's beeping. He wiped his hand over his face, yawning into it before moving his hand away and placing it back down on the bed.
Looking around, the bedroom was a mess. Lined with his clothes and paper of some kind. Odd little objects scattered around, some of them big and others small. The human groaned again, falling back onto the bed and closing his eyes once more, half covered by the sheet.
*
"Now you've gotta eat up Ryu or you wont be ready for later!"
Hustling around was a woman, quite old with fluffy curly hair a lighter shade than the boys. She wore a apron over her long pink dress. At the table sat the boy, Ryu. He looked down at the food in front of him, then looked away and sighed to himself gently.
"I don't feel like eating mom... Anyway what's happening later that's so important?"
She turned to face him, and gave him one of those ' I told you so ' looks, a smirk tugging at her lips.
"Shouldn't have partied then should we?" The boy shook his head and poked at his pancakes slightly, breaking off little pieces and poking them numerous times with his fork. "C'mon, eat up. You got a letter today."
She waltzed over towards the kitchen side, picking up a small white letter that was wedged inbetween two cups. The letter slid across the table, landing beside Ryu's plate. Upon the letter was a seal, the image of a Poke Ball wrapped around with a parchment that two pidgeys held together at either side. Written on the parchment were the two letters P.A. Everyone knew that P.A stood for Pokémon Academy. What Ryu didn't understand, was why he had received a letter from them.
"But... This is from the Pokémon Academy." He turned towards his mother who merely smiled and nodded her head, watching him.
"But I never attended the Pokémon Academy..." She nodded again and smiled wider at him.
"I'll leave you to open it yourself." And without hesitation, she walked through the door opposite Ryu and disappeared.
And he was alone, left holding the small letter above his breakfast. The smell of treacle hit him, though something inside his stomach rejected the smell and made him queasy. Maybe it was the nerves of what the letter contained, or maybe the larger from the night before was being dominant over his body. Either way he didn't know what to expect inside the letter.
One or two Pidgeys' Coo'ed contently in the apricorn tree outside. It was mostly quiet other than that, though that made it worse. Ryu had been sat there for 5 minuets just staring at the letter. It felt thick, and it was hard. He couldn't bend it otherwise whatever was inside would break.
He shifted his fingers towards the seal, which was pressed over the flap of the letter keeping it sealed. He pushed his finger underneath, ripping the wax seal apart and allowing the paper to spring open.
Fumbling around slightly, he pulled the contents out. It was strange, like a small monitor. Lined with a chrome border and the back exactly the same. Ryu placed the empty envelope down on the table, and held the gadget with both hands.
There was a slight high pitched squeal, then a flicker of light as the screen switched itself on automatically. The image seemed to grow larger from the centre, though the image wasn't clear yet. Then it changed slightly, the screen turning a light blue with a pattern across the back, and a Pikachu stood in the corner. In the top left corner was the Pokémon Academy symbol again. Then there was a noise, like talking, though it wasn't understandable.
After a few moments of the strange muffled talking noise, it got louder and spoke clearer. The voice was a male computer voice, speaking in syllables and pronouncing everything in a strange manner.
'Hello there! Its so very nice to meet you!'
The screen flickered again, the words Ryu could hear now appearing on the screen.
'My name is Professor Rowan. However, everyone just calls me the Pokémon Professor. As you may know, we live in a world inhabited by Pokémon and Humans alike! Some of us play together, at other times we work together. But most commonly people team up with Pokémon to battle against each other, in an attempt to train themselves and their Pokémon! We at the Pokémon Academy try to help younger humans to train with Pokémon for working life, however, the Pokémon academy cannot help ALL younger people, so only a select few are chosen and you will be glad to know, your one of them!
Firstly, I will need to know your gender.'
The screen changed, showing two boxes. Inside one of them was 'BOY' and the other 'GIRL'. Above them it wrote 'Please touch your gender'. Naturally, as Ryu was a boy he pressed against the boy symbol. The screen changed again with two more boxes, one saying 'YES' the other 'NO', and written at the top was 'Are you sure?'. He looked down at the screen, one eyebrow raised. Then looked down at his lap, pulled his jeans and boxers forward to check before pressing the 'YES' button. It began to speak again.
'Great! So your a boy! Could you please tell me your name?'
This time the screen changed to a keypad. Naturally he wrote in 'Ryu'. Pressed enter again before he was greeted by the 'YES' and 'NO' buttons again.
"Of course I'm sure that's my name... Jeeze."
Pressing the 'YES' button for the second time, he sighed slightly and watched again as it began to speak.
'And your name is Ryu, what a wonderful name! Now, here at the Pokémon academy we don't like you starting your journey all on your own. So, we have invited your friend Dante to join you on this Journey! Unfortunately, we couldn't send him a machine so would you be so kind as to tell us his name?'
"Okay, your kidding me right? Dante! Yeah! Woo!... Wait, why do I have to give you his name when you already know it...?"
The screen didn't respond, instead the little symbol blinked and waited patiently. Something crossed Ryu's mind as he was about to type in his friends name. What if, he was to put in a silly name. Like, 'Douche'. He laughed to himself at the thought; Arriving to receive their Pokémon and the professor calling him Douche. Though the temptation was there, he didn't and simply typed his friends name in.
'So his name is Dante? Are you sure?'
He bit his lip and smirked at the opportunity, but instead clicked 'YES' and kept the little joke all to himself.
'Great! There are a few things I need to explain to you before I can let you begin. As you may already know, we at the Pokémon Academy allow you to choose one of three Pokémon we have at your local facility. These Pokémon may differ daily, and you have to be fully prepared to take care of your Pokémon regardless of what you receive. If in the unlikely event that you are left with the last Pokémon, you may return the following day for a different pick. However, your only allowed one chance to do this, if you continue to avoid the Pokémon available you will not be allowed to receive a Pokémon.
In the case of extreme illnesses, you may...'
The machine babbled on to itself, Ryu's attention now elsewhere. He looked up, loosing himself in a world of Pokémon battles, fighting other trainers for respect. Or maybe, Pokémon competitions. Grooming and talent contests? Or, perhaps a Pokémon breeder.
He blushed at the concept and swiftly shifted his day dream onwards. Maybe, A Pokémon collector? Or Photographer? Or breeder?
He blushed again. This time redder than before and coughed to himself slightly, deciding that he would try all of them, and see which one was his favourite.
'... And that's where you will receive you Pokedex, Pokémon, Trainer card and some beginners equipment to get you started on your journey. Remember, don't be late otherwise you may not have a selection of Pokémon to choose from! Thank you and I look forward to seeing you tomorrow."
Ryu stared blankly at the screen, which switched itself off. It's image closing down to a bar in the middle, swallowing itself in the centre and disappearing from sight. There was a eerie silence in the kitchen; The dishwasher no longer creating a noise, the pidgeys coo'ing a distant memory, the gentle hum of the fridge low in the air. Ryu sat there, staring down at the little machine in his hand. He turned it to the side, looking all around it for a switch. There was nothing.
Sighing to himself and placing the machine down on the table, he let his head fall into his hands and sighed once again. Thanks to his day dream he missed the location of the local Pokémon Academy, and all his day dreaming will have been for nothing. He sighed to himself again, though something caught his attention. There was speaking, in the other room. It sounded like his mom, but he wasn't quite sure. Then someone walked through the kitchen door.
It was another male teenager, similar in height and age to Ryu though his dress sense was far different. He wore a green jacket, light blue jeans and a red and white scarf to compliment his already terrible dress sense. His hair, dark brown like Ryu's though shorter.
"Ryu! You've got to come with me! Quick!!"
And with that, he disappeared behind the door. Ryu sat there, staring at the swinging door in anticipation. Nothing happened, so he stood up and walked towards the door, pushing it forwards as he made his way through into the large living room.
The living room was under furnished, in Ryu's opinion. Though his mother loved it the way it was. A large T.V, two seater sofa and a simple coffee table inbetween the two. A whole room, with only that and a few lamps in it. Ryu's mother was nowhere to be seen inside the room, though the front door was open slightly so he figured she'd be outside, beside, that must have been where Dante had disappeared to, too.
Outside was beautiful. Summer had arrived not that long ago, and the sun wasn't giving up. Sky almost cloudless, with a warm gentle breeze in the air to compliment the suns rays. School had finished for the children, many of them outside their houses playing with their parents Pokémon.
Ryu lived in the small village of Twinleaf, in the Sinnoh region. School finished for him 3 Years ago, he was now 17, without a job. Though, he could embark on a once in a lifetime adventure... If he could find Dante. He wasn't in eyesight, nor was he outside his own house. Y'see, Dante has a problem of... Being a bit too fast, eager. Which caused a few problems, like when your trying to find him to tell him something important and life changing.
Ryu sighed to himself again, taking things easy was his way of doing things. Couldn't be more different from Dante if he tried, yet the two of them were best friends. Always have been since they were children.
Someone familiar stood next to the house, wearing a pink dress and apron. Ryu's mom. She looked up towards the exit of Twinleaf, face concerned and hand covering her mouth as she watched someone fidget around at the exit.
"Mom, did you see where Dante went?" She merely nodded, turned around and smiled at him, lowering her hand to speak.
"He went towards the exit hon., said it was an emergency or something. Be safe... Don't walk in the tall grass honey."
She sounded concerned, though Ryu simply smiled back at her and began running towards Dante. Shouting back 'I Won't Mom!' as he ran towards the exit.
Twinleaf was majestic in it's own way. Just a small village that had managed to poise itself on the Sinnoh region map, simply because the Elite Four champion was born there. Other than that, the little village was hardly worth visiting, unless you wanted to visit the Pokepensil museum. Not a fun filled day I can assure you. But there was something strange about it, as if, there was a un-tampered power locked away. But enough of that, what was really interesting was Lake Verity. A thick fog covered the landscape and there are rumours said that Pokémon of unfammable rarity were hidden there. But, that was just a rumour. Still, interesting to think though isn't it?
Ryu jogged up behind Dante, stopping for a quick moment to catch his breath. Dante huffed impatiently, shuffling his feet around. It wasn't long until Ryu had caught his breath, looked up at Dante and smiled.
"Well I'm here, what's the emergency?" He watched Dante frown at him, knowing he wasn't fast enough for his liking.
"Well it's not an emergency... Yet. Did you watch that Pokémon Programme? The one about the Red Gyrados?"
Ryu simply nodded, remembering watching about 5 minutes of it before switching channel.
"Well, it got me thinking. If there are such rare Pokémon like that in Johto, then why not here in our lakes? So! The emergency is, well, the mission is! Yeah that's better. Anyway, the mission is, we search the lake for any rare Pokémon of any kind! And Ryu..." He looked up at Dante, who was frowning again. "If your that late next time I'll fine you 1,000,000 Poke!"
His face didn't change, he was serious. Ryu chuckled a little and shook his head, deciding this wouldn't take that long. What with Dante's rushed personality. And he'd have plenty of time to explain what was happening tomorrow. Besides, he didn't want to tell Dante right now... It would ruin his fun.
The route to Lake Verity was plain. Only a 5 Minute walk from Twinleaf, though Dante managed to make it 3 Minutes, Ryu stumbling along behind him.
They walked through the small entrance created by coving tree's and bushes. The archway of tree's opened up to a wide area, light fog hovered over the area and back indistinguishable. Though, it was clear that ahead of them stood two humans. One quite tall, white hair, wearing a long brown trench coat. The other, similar in height and what seemed age too the two boys that stood watching them in the archway. The taller human spoke, both of them transfixed on what seemed to be a large rock in the centre of the lake, though it was barely visible from the fog.
"Dawn, I think our work here is done. Whatever is here is certainly a rare creature. Nothing should disturb it, I fear, it may disrupt the natural environment around here if we did."
His voice was deep, but croaky. It seemed worn and tired, but at the same time strong and powerful. Dawn, the males apprentice as it seemed, replied; her voice steady and gentle.
"Yes Professor. I fear you may be correct... So how does it feel to be back in the Sinnoh region after 4 years, Professor Rowan?"
Ryu gasped slightly realising the man in front of him was the Professor, the one he was supposed to meet tomorrow. Without thinking, he walked towards the Professor. Jogged. Sprinted.
"Professor! Professor!"
Rowan turned around to face Ryu, raising an eyebrow as he saw the young man sprint towards him. What could possibly be so important as to have a complete stranger sprint towards him shouting his name.
The sudden outburst of noise startled a few Pokémon... Namely, two Starleys who thought Professor Rowan and Dawn was the source. Not to mention, they were grumpy.
There was a sudden burst through the bush, and two black dashes flew out and straight towards the Professor. One of them scratching the side of Rowans face, while the other flew in front of Dawn causing her to scream and wave her arms around frantically in an attempt to scare it off. The shock of the scratch caused the professor to drop his briefcase, which fell to the ground and burst open. Papers with assorted data from his research fell over the grass, the breeze causing them to float out over the water and into the surrounding tree's and bushes. Though, three small, red and white objects fell out onto the ground. They rolled out in different directions, one of them landing straight in front of Ryu.
Ryu bent down to pick up the small object, realising that in his hand was a Pokémon. If he was to save Rowan and Dawn, he'd have to use this Pokémon. Something stirred at the base of Ryu's stomach, worry. What if he wasn't good enough to win the battle? What if, the Pokémon inside the Poke ball didn't obey him and Professor Rowan and Dawn were severely injured thanks to his mistake.
He couldn't do it... Sweat began to roll down the sides of his face just thinking about what might happen. He swallowed, the lump in his throat making things more awkward than what they already were. Then something happened... He pushed the button subconsciously. The ball clicking open and the translucent red beam hitting the ground in front of him, slowly merging into the form of a 2ft 5" High canid Pokémon. It's features hidden by the red beam, though they were becoming more prominent.
The beam disappeared back inside the Poke ball, leaving the small creature that once was inside in front of Ryu. It stood on all four legs, a canid figure though different. It's body was covered with a sleek burgundy fur, darker on the tuft of fur above it's head, and it's paws too. Behind it stood 6 small tails which curved gently at the ends creating a swirl, the same darker brown fur covered them too.
It stood poised and ready for command, staring at the Starleys ahead. Ryu stuttered something, watching the small canid. His nerves getting the better of him, though, he saw the small Pokémon turn slightly, it's face looking up at Ryu's. There seemed to be a smile spread across it's muzzle, but it quickly shifted it's view back towards the enemy, not giving Ryu half a chance to see it. Though he did remember one thing... The Pokémon eyes. Deep dark brown, much like his own. But there was something deeper inside them, something which calmed him down slightly, causing him to think rationally.
Still, he didn't have a clue what attacks the little canine might know.
"Uh, use tackle on that Pokémon over there!"
His voice wasn't half as powerful as he would have wanted it to have been; stance, mediocre and to top it all off he wasn't even pointing in the enemies direction. Though, the little Pokémon followed his command perfectly, slamming into the swift Starley causing it to fall to the ground, squawking in pain.
Ryu couldn't believe it. It was a direct hit, perfectly executed and above all the little canine simply turned around and walked back towards Ryu. This time, showing him it's face, and it was definitely smiling. It had a cute black button nose, beautiful brown eyes as he'd already seen, and small pointed ears.
"Vuulll!"
It cried out in happiness at Ryu, nuzzling gently at his leg as it looked up towards his face, smiling still. Something stirred again deep inside Ryu's stomach, this time a nostalgic warm feeling he got when looking at the small Pokémon. His face warmed up as he gave the little creature a large smile, the nostalgic feeling in his stomach gaining in strength as he watched the little Pokémon nuzzle at his knee. Then he remembered, Dawn!
"Uh! Get the oth... Oh."
Blood rushed to Ryu's cheeks as he noticed Dawn and Dante standing together. In Dante's hand, a small Poke ball just like the one in his. Beneath him stood a Pokémon similar to the one Ryu used, though it's fur was dark brown and it had a fluffy mane around it's neck. An Eevee, he remembered.
Dawn giggled slightly, turned to Dante and pecked him on the cheek. He blushed slightly, turned away and gave Ryu a victory smile, which he returned. Professor Rowan coughed from the side of Ryu, gaining everyone's attention. He was staring down at Ryu, eye's seeming to penetrate the surface of the human and looking in far past what lied beneath the surface.
"That was very brave, you two young lads. Both of you show full potential. What did you say your name was?"
"I'm Ryu... And my friend over there is..."
"Ah! Ryu and Dante! Marvellous! The two young lads I will be seeing tomorrow."
At this stage, Dante was thoroughly confused. Stuttering a few words, he managed to speak, mind still running through what happened.
"So, you mean to tell me... That I was supposed to see you tomorrow... Professor?"
The professor nodded carefully, glancing towards Dante as he did but then turning back to look at Ryu.
"Yeah, Dante. Sorry... Kinda forgot to tell you. Were both starting our Pokémon Journeys tomorrow. I got a letter... Thing today." Dante stared blankly towards Ryu, not everything had sunk in yet. "Only, I've got a problem professor. I didn't quite catch the part where I was supposed to go..."
At this point Dante was holding up his hand, staring a his fingers for a moment, dropping each one down as he muttered things to himself.
"Ah! My Laboratory in Sangem is where you should go. 11am sharp. I suggest you tell your mothers, you'll need their support. Oh, and I almost forgot. Bring that little device you received in the post, you'll need that for the both of you to receive your Pokémon, trainer card, Pokedex and some beginners Items. Oh, and I'm afraid boys you'll have to return them Pokémon to me, they wont be available until tomorrow."
He simply smiled at Ryu and Dante, then began to pick up the pieces of paper that were scattered around him, sliding them neatly into the briefcase on the ground.
Ryu looked down at the small Pokémon by his feet; It beamed up at him, murring as it continued to nuzzle at Ryu's knee. He knelt down on the ground and gave the small Pokémon a stroke. Its silky fur running inbetween his fingers, smooth and short. He sighed to himself, frowning.
Something wet touched Ryu's cheek, it was cold, but soothing. He turned to look, and stood up against him was the small Pokémon, concern spread across it's face.
"Vull!" It murred gently and gave Ryu another nuzzle, licking gently afterwards on his cheek. The nostalgic feeling in his stomach returned, heavier than before. He smiled, wondering whether he would see the Pokémon again or not.
"Hey, I'll see you tomorrow, yeah?" The Pokémon replied with a exited 'Vull! Vull!', dropped it's paws from the human and ran around once in a circle, placing it's paws back on Ryu and giving him another lick on the cheek. He smiled to himself, stroking the Pokémon gently as he stood back up. Held the Poke Ball in front of him and pushed the button.
The same red beam engulfed the Pokémon, wrapping itself around it, then dissolving it slightly into the translucent light. Just before it returned to the Poke Ball, the Pokémon cried 'Vulll!' happily.
And it was gone, back inside the small ball held in Ryu's hand. And for the first time in his life, he was reluctant to hand a borrowed Pokémon back. He'd done it plenty of times at school when practicing, but this one was different. There was something there that, just made him want to keep ahold of the Pokémon. Even if it was just for a little while longer. Though, he knew he had to hand the Pokémon back to Rowan, and hope that come tomorrow, it's still there.
Rowan simply thanked the two boys one again for saving them, took the two Poke Balls from them and scooped up the third along with as much of the paperwork he could find, then hurried off out of the tree archway. Dawn following close behind, looking back towards the two boys every now and then.
Both Dante and Ryu returned home. Neither of them talked much on the way back, other than Ryu explaining what happened this morning. When Ryu arrived home, his mother was sat at the kitchen table. Tea in her hands, waiting.
"Ryu... Is there something you want to tell me?"
She didn't seem concerned or worried. Rather, curious.
"Uh, yeah there is. Actually." He sat down at the table in front of her, leaning against it with both elbows, head in his hands. "Uh. That letter. I got today? Well it was from the Pokémon Academy. They... They want me to become a trainer. Tomorrow, actually. So... If that's okay with you... I mean, that's what we wanted, right?." She just simply nodded slowly. "And well, something else happened today. At the Lake. We met the professor. Professor Rowan. And well, he got attacked by some Pokémon. And... And me and Dante had to use one of his Pokémon to save them. And well... Mom I used this Pokémon and I think, I think it liked me. And Mom, I liked it. I want to be a trainer. And tomorrow, I want to go and get that Pokémon. So, please... You don't mind, do you?"
She merely shook her head and smiled.
"Mom... Is something the matter?"
Then he noticed it. Tears rolling down her face as she looked at her son, proud.
"No... No Ryu nothings the matter! Well, I'm just... I'm sorry... I'm so proud of you and, of course I don't mind! I better cook you something good! And you better get packing!"
*
Wait... Why am I here...?
'Ryu...'
What's that voice?
'Ryu...'
... Why do strange things always happen to me... Hello? Who's there?
'Ryu... My name...'
Your name? I don't understand...
'My name... It's Zephyr...
Zephyr... That's nice... Who are you?
'I'll see you... Tomorrow...'
Wait... What?
Oh. My life is so strange... I thought I was dreaming... Oh wait here it comes.
--
"Zephyr, use flamethrower!"
'Vull!'
"Then quick attack and finish it off with a body slam!"
'Vull Vull!'
The fox moved swiftly, running towards the shadow foe. It jumped in the air, raised it's hind and shot a beam of fire straight from it's muzzle. Hitting the shadow directly. The fox hit the floor gracefully, poised to attack though it didn't linger for too long, dashing forwards at a high speed to slam into the foe once again, knocking it to the ground.
Then it commenced the final blow, a full body slam. Though the creature was only small, the force of the hit sent the shadow creature flying back towards the shadowed trainer.
"Yeah! Alright Zephyr! Good job!"
'Vull Vull!'
Affection in it's eyes, the small fox leapt towards Ryu almost knocking him over in the process.
'Vull Vull... Vulpix!"
Ryu picked the small Pokémon up, holding it in his hands as he gazed into the eye's of the fox. Those deep, dark brown eyes... How he could stare into them all day. Losing himself in them...
"Wait... What am I thinking!"
Ryu blushed slightly at his thoughts, letting his mind wander off to other things was dangerous. Then again, this was a dream, after all... It wasn't like anyone else could see, or hear what he was thinking... Right?
Moving the little fox closer, he noticed a few more things he just loved. The way it's fur fell naturally over it's face; it's little button nose; and those adorable ears. But nothing could beat it's eyes... Eye's that seem to penetrate everything and anything he was thinking. As if they knew everything about him, and more. Stuff that even he did...
And before he knew it, the small fox was pressed gently against his face. It's muzzle pressed against his. The small Pokémon had it's eyes closed, contently kissing the human.
He didn't know what to do. Whether to pull it away or, go along with it. After all it was his dream, though there was something strange about it. He never imagined kissing the Pokémon... Not that he didn't like it. But rather, as if he had a mind of his own and it was running away. Still... He was enjoying the kiss. But, that beeping. That annoying beeping again. Where was it coming from? Why was he imagining beeping?
"No... Oh..."

*
'Click...De-de-de-de... De-de-de-de... De-de-de-de.'
Something groaned under the sheets as the intoxicating sound woke it up. Stumbling around, a arm wildly flew out from under the quilt and hit the little green clock, knocking it down and against the wall.
'Crack... De-de-de...De...D...'
There was a sigh, and the cover slid off the bed onto what seemed like a immaculately tidy floor. The dust that once was there, now a forgotten relic.
Ryu sat up on the side of the bed, yawning into his hands as he looked over towards the broken alarm clock.
"Oh no..."
He tutted to himself, frowning slightly though still smiling in the process. Today, he was going to become a Pokémon trainer! Today, everything was going to go his way... He hoped. Along with that hope, was worry. Worry that, he might not be able to get the Pokémon he fought with yesterday. Which reminded him of the strange dream he had just moments ago...
Besides making sure Ryu was dressed properly, had eaten properly and had everything he needed, his mom was fussing around as if it was his first day at school.
"Mom, I know I need to be prepared but, don't you think taking a table cloth is a bit... Much?"
There was tension in the air; Ryu in desperate need to get away and meet up with Dante before they set off, and his mom frantically rushing around. She turned from the kitchen cupboard, a stern look upon her face.
"Now don't you give me that 'Oh I'll be living in the woods I don't need hygiene' stuff Mr.! Your going to do this properly whether you like it or..."
"No Mom, really, I don't need it. Are you gonna come here to wave me off or fuss around like some old fossil?"
She didn't seem impressed, but the point was taken. Hurrying over towards the front door where her little boy stood, she embraced him in her arms for probably the last time in a long time. Her tears began to roll down the sides of her distraught face.
"I'm going to miss you Ryu..."
"I know mom, and I'll miss you too... Promise I'll come back and visit, and when I do, I'll show you all my Pokémon and how strong I'll have gotten... I'll make you proud mom."
This only caused her to sob even further. She muttered 'I love you son' into Ryu's ear, and he muttered it back, picking up his over packed rucksack and swinging it over his shoulder. The first few steps were the hardest, but the bravest. She stood at the door watching him, waving him off as he walked towards the exit. The shadow of Dante at the end, moving around and fidgeting made Ryu wonder if he was late or not.
With a few last waves to his mother before she was out of sight, he turned around and walked forwards, not knowing what to expect. Or when to expect it. But he did know what to expect as he approached Dante. A sarcastic comment, as usual.
"So you moving out then?"
There it was.
"Mom seemed to think so. This is basically my bedroom... Curtains and all."
He sighed as he said that. The thing is, he wasn't lying.
"Well, either way were five minutes early so lets set off know. You never know, we might get attacked again and this time, we don't have any Pokémon with us."
Dante had a fair point, so Ryu simply nodded his reply and began to walk east towards Sangem Town. For once Dante following behind him without rushing on ahead. Ryu could tell there was something playing on his mind.

*
After about Thirty minutes, a few trips and falls and above all, Dante taking the lead due to impatience, they had arrived at Sangem town and hour earlier than planned. The town wasn't much bigger than Twinleaf. A Pokémon Centre, Pokémon Mart, Pokémon Academy. All reasons why it was Sangem Town, rather than Sangem Village.
Sea air greeted the two boys as they stepped into foreign territory, along with a cool breeze to compliment it. Looking around, they noticed the Pokémon Academy towards the north east of the city. Outside, stood two people.
As Ryu and Dante hurried closer to the Academy, they noticed that one of the people stood outside was Dawn, accompanied by another young boy like the two of them. Though, he didn't seem at all pleased.
Dawn noticed the two, and skipped over towards them, leaving the other boy alone to wallow in his dissatisfied feelings.
"Hey you two~ Your early!"
She giggled slightly before looking at Dante and blushing.
"Thank you, again Dante, for saving me~"
Dante just merely smiled at her, blushing gently at the cheeks as he did. Then, he began to walk towards the entrance of the Academy. Then Jog. Then sprint.
"Impatience always got the better of him... How're you Dawn?"
"Yeah I'm good. You wanna come inside I'll get you all sorted with a Pokémon."
She sounded distracted, un-interested if you like. Either way Ryu was just being polite, he didn't care about Dawn. They walked towards the Pokémon academy; Ryu noticed the young boy had sulked off elsewhere, grumbling things to himself as he stomped away.
Through the carved Oak doors, the gold linen hallways, and over a few red silken carpets, the two walked straight towards another set of huge Oak doors. A small plaque on the outside reading 'Pokémon Research Lab'.
Inside, assorted chrome machinery beeped and flashed an array of different lights. Men scurried from one side of the room to the other, carrying different pieces of paper and odd little things that Ryu didn't recognise.
The two walked towards what seemed to be a huge round machine, though the centre of the machine was a mass of blue light. In the middle, a single small beam held the huge round mushroom top above it's counterpart base. Inside the middle, laid a single Poke Ball.
Dante lurked around the Machine, staring aimlessly through the blue light at Professor Rowan who stood opposite him. The moment Dawn saw Dante, she skipped jollily off towards him, calling behind her back 'Talk to the professor~!'. Laughing to himself, Ryu made his way over towards the Professor. Who greeted him with a smile and a handshake, before speaking.
"Did you bring the device?"
Ryu nodded, kneeled down and swung his over packed bag pack off. After a bit of rustling and a few embarrassing hiccups, where he pulled out his boxers rather than the little device, he found it eventually and passed it over to the Professor.
Rowan simply placed the small device onto a little machine, which hummed, beeped a few time, then pinged and he removed the device placing it in the bin at the side.
"Okay all sorted, it will take a few moments for your Trainer Cards to be printed. Dante, I have yours here, I believe your all set to go."
Dante rushed over to Professor Rowan, retrieved the small piece of plastic and began to make his way to the exit, calling over his shoulder to Ryu.
"I'll see you around!"
And that was it, Dante had disappeared for the last time today. He knew he was too head strong to hang around with Ryu for a bit, but then again that's how he liked it. On his own. If Dante wasn't around then both of them could get further than together. Still... It would have been nice for his best friend to stay, just a little longer.
Sighing to himself, Ryu turned to the Professor who was working around his computer. Dawn grumbled a few things about Dante and not being interested, though Ryu knew he was, he just didn't like to show it.
"You can take the Pokémon now if you want."
He hadn't taken his eyes' off the computer screen. Then there was a single moment, a moment of worry as Ryu stared at the Poke Ball in front of him. It was the last one. Dante didn't seem disgruntled, so maybe he got the one he used. But what if it had already gone? The other person had already arrived and taken their Pokémon.
Ryu swallowed; the lump in his throat hardened slightly and caused him to worry further. Slowly, he shifted his hand inside the blue light. Grasping the small Poke Ball, lifting it up and sighing gently.
Then something happened. There was a beep, a moment of silence and then in front of him a small screen lit up, showing some information.
Beldum. Lvl 5
Steel, Psychic type.
Found in the region of Hoen.
Gender : Genderless.
Nature : Hardy.
Moves :
Tackle
Growl
'Oh... Beldum... Right... That's defiantly not the Pokémon I used yesterday... Someone must have already taken it...'
Suddenly a heavy feeling of annoyance, disappointment and stupidity swept over Ryu. Getting himself all worked up over a Pokémon that he might not have gotten, and getting his hopes up too.
Sighing to himself, he took the Poke Ball out of the blue light. The data on the screen disappeared, leaving just the blue light.
"So, Beldum is it. I'll just input the..."
Rowan was interrupted by one of his work colleges. They called from the opposite side of the room, accompanied by the young boy from outside.
"Professor! This youngster here..."
He was cut off by the young boy, who had already walked square up to Professor Rowan, anger in his face.
"Sir, the Pokémon you gave me earlier doesn't work! Its not obeying me and it even attacked me!"
The Professor didn't seem at all disgruntled by this. In fact, he smiled slightly.
"Well, that's all part of being a trainer Youngster Joey."
Joey wasn't having any of it. He snarled slightly at the Professor, walked over to the blue machine and firmly placed the Poke Ball down into one of the slots. The little screen appeared again, showing a picture of the Pokémon inside.
Vulpix. Lvl 5
Originated from the Kanto region.
This is all Ryu needed to know. Quickly, he turned to face the youngster who was about to strut outside.
"Wait! Would you like this Pokémon instead? I'll take that one, you can have this, yeah?"
At this point, the young kid had turned around, frowning.
"Why would you want that Pokémon? It doesn't obey you."
Ryu had to think fast... The youngster may want the other Pokémon back if he thinks it's rare.
"Uh, well Y'see. I like a challenge. And I know your not happy, so, it would be better if you took my Pokémon and I took your old one."
Joey didn't seem suspicious. Infact, he began to smile and nodded enthusiastically.
"So what Pokémon is it you've got?"
"Beldum. Steel and Psychic type."
Once again the youngster nodded, took the Poke Ball from Ryu's hand and walked back outside the Oak doors. All that was left to do now, was retrieve his Pokémon from the depths of the blue light. Reaching in, he grasped it and this time, felt his body heat up with happiness. He noticed the screen, reading the rest of the information.
Vulpix. Lvl 5
Originated from the Kanto region.
Fox. Fire type.
Gender : Male.
Nature : Playful
Moves:
Tackle
Growl
"Okay then, I'll put down on your Trainer Card that Vulpix is your starter Pokémon. Would you like to give it a nickname?"
Now this wasn't difficult for Ryu. If there was one thing he remembered about his dream last night, it was that name. Fortunately for him, he remembered everything in his dream last night. And unfortunately, this made him blush quite badly.
"Yeah, Zephyr."
The professor nodded, typed something in and stood up. In his hand, a small red plastic device. In the other, a small brown pouch.
"I have here a Pokedex. I would like you to record data of all the Pokémon in Sinnoh for me. And I also have a pouch of some beginners items for you, these should get you started." He passed them over to Ryu, turning around to retrieve a small piece of plastic. "And here is your trainer card, without this, you won't be allowed to participate in Gym battles. Good luck, and I hope to see you again."
And with that, he turned back around and sat on the computer chair, typing away at the computer in front of him.
*
Everything was going his way. He got the Pokémon he wanted, a new life, an interesting life away from home. Home... Mom... She'd been so kind to him. Always there for him. Still, it was exiting, wasn't it? Living out in the wild with Pokémon. Doing whatever you wanted, whenever you wanted, with whoever you wanted. And the best part, was the fact you had Pokémon with you. Your best friends, ones to help you through the tough times, and make the good times even better. Which reminded him...
"Come on out Zephyr!"
Hand held out, Poke Ball placed firmly in his grasp. Voice, defiantly more confident than yesterdays. Naturally, as he pushed the button the little ball popped open; the read beam firing out at the ground and creating the same familiar canid figure from yesterday. The beam retracted and stood on the ground was the small Vulpix, his head stuck up high and a face of pure determination.
"Zephyr?"
The Pokémon opened his eyes, suddenly realising that the person that called him out wasn't the bratty youngster, but rather someone he knew. And liked.
Lowering his head from his determined position, he turned and faced Ryu slowly, anticipating something bad. But it wasn't. He was greeted by the 5ft 6" high human with a huge smile. Something stirred in the base of his stomach, something that made him feel light and warm, happy.
'Vulll!'
Zephyr cried happily, pouncing gently towards the humans chest, where luckily Ryu caught him. Nuzzing affectionately into Ryu's neck and licking at his cheek, crying 'Vul' every now and then as the human held him close.
Ryu allowed the little Vulpix to do as he liked, giggling slightly as the Vulpix tickled him. Sighing to himself, in relief, he gave the small Pokémon a kiss on the forehead. Zephyr returned the kiss by licking Ryu's mouth gently; Ryu blushing slightly as he did, thinking about what he imagined.
"Uh, so, anyway. Looks like were partners now! Your gonna obey me, aren't you?"
'Vull!'
"I'll take that as a yes. So.. Anyway, what should we do first?"
Neither of them said anything in reply. The little Vulpix happily nuzzling against Ryu's neck, murring gently as he did. Though neither of them had to say anything, as a strange woman dressed completely in black made her way through Sangem, stopping in front of Ryu and the Vulpix.
"New trainer?"
Her voice was cool, still. Showing no emotion what-so-ever. She wore a long black dress, frilled at the base. Blue eyes, though they seemed to just stare through everything.
"Uh... Uh yeah... I just got my Pokémon today..."
The woman looked at the small Vulpix, who was still nuzzling at Ryu's neck contently. Then she rustled around in her pocket for a moment, pulling out a small red stone that seemed to glow slightly.
"Put out your hand."
Ryu obeyed the woman, watching her as she placed the small stone in his hand, turning back and walking away quickly. Her long black skirt following her as she went.
"T... Thank you... What is it?"
She didn't look back, though she did reply.
"Its a firestone. Certain Pokémon evolve when exposed to it. Your Vulpix should."
And with that, she disappeared into the tree's. Her mysterious Aura still lingering around the small rock she gave to Ryu.
"That... Well that was... Different."
Zephyr just continued to nuzzle and lick at Ryu's neck. Hardly taking any notice in what was going on around him. Ryu simply pocketed the firestone, utilising his hand to stroke the Vulpix's fur again. The feel of his soft silky fur running through his fingers sent tingles down his spine, knowing full well he loved the feel of the Fox's fur.
"Right! So, what do we do now huh?"
He felt the Vulpix stop; looking down at him he noticed that Zephyr had shifted his gaze towards Ryu's face. The same smile he had yesterday plastered across his face. 'Vull!'
"Lets have a few battles then, huh?"
And with that said, a single happy 'Vull', the two set off towards Route 202.Chapter End Notes:Hope you enjoyed it and the second part should be hanging around here somewhere! :3

Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended, and is applicable for all consecutive chapters that follow.