This was the starting day. Today Don leaves on his journey. It was a weird feeling, excitement mixed with melancholy. He wants to go; he needs to go. But he'll miss home.
Grandma's not gonna be around to listen to him. Her Pokémon will not watch over him.
He's going wherever he wants.
He can sleep under the stars all he wants.
He doesn't have to go home.
He can spend days and nights exploring.
It was early in the morning. The sun peaking over the horizon, the taste of the early morning air, it smelled like flowers. Grandma's garden makes the morning even better.
"You have everything? Enough clothes? Food? Don't forget, you never know when you're going to get a new Pokémon, so always bring spare food and water. You didn't forget anything, did you? Toothbrush? Tent?" asked a blue-haired woman with a yellow crop top and white pants.
"Enough Karen. The boy's been preparing for weeks and sneaking out for adventures a lot longer than that! He'll be fine," Agatha said, while Karen gave her best puppy dog eyes.
"But he's so small. How would he survive out there?"
Don felt slightly insulted.
"Karen, I'm gonna be fine. You taught me everything, didn't you?" Don said. Karen turned to him, gripping his shoulder and kneeling to his height.
"Don, listen to me. Your journey changes you. It's designed to help you grow, to find yourself. Just remember, don't lose sight of who you are right now. Don't get so caught up in all the new things that you forgot about what mattered to you at the start of your journey." She said Don could feel she meant everything.
He took a deep breath. He truly knows the journey will be challenging. That a lot of people come back from it differently, while others stay stagnant. He has no idea what he's going to be like at the end of his journey. He just knows that he's determined to be a professor, that he'll love his Pokémon no matter what, and that he's going to have a lot of fun.
Besides, he's no quitter.
"I won't Karen, I won't forget about you or grandma, or the flowers or the town. I promise to call whenever I can and I promise when I come back I'll have so many stories to tell you." Don said. Karen's eyes watered and she pulled Don close to the two of them, sharing a hug.
"I'll miss you bro,"
"I'll miss you too Karen,"
The woman let him go and he faced his grandma, the fearsome Agatha. To others, she was a symbol of power and longevity, to others a symbol of fear. To Don, she was his grandma and he wouldn't have it any other way.
Running up, he hugged her, getting a throaty chuckle as he felt her wrap her arms around him.
"Don't you let anyone stop you. You've got a lot to learn, and please don't get yourself injured doing something stupid." Agatha said, letting go of the boy and taking a step back. Her ghosts emerged from the shadows.
"Hahaha, stop it, haha," they floated through him in a weird ethereal hug. Agatha couldn't help but chuckle.
She saw a flash of light as an Alakazam appeared nearby.
Agatha held out her arm, pointing to Alakazam with slight reluctance. "Now go already. You still have to show that footage and give those samples to your grandpa." She was feeling emotional. She wasn't sure if she was happy about that or not.
Don walked away, waving goodbye to his family and home. He reached Alakazam slowly, who wasted no words. The next moment he was in grandpa's lab in Pallet Town.
The lab was spacious; the ceiling was so high, with bars of metal going across that he could see some flying types perching on. Grandpa's workshop was a hive of activity: perfectly organized sections, each with its own tools, his staff running around, and a constant transfer of paperwork. The red-tiled floor was sparkling, and the walls looked in perfect condition. Don knows how much effort his grandpa puts into making sure everything is perfect, despite the Pokémon's best attempts at wrecking it.
There it was again. It hit him. He's not going home at the end of today. The bubbling excitement mixed with sadness. However, the excitement, the happiness, they overpowered the sadness greatly. A wide smile split across Don's face.
"Someone's happy, excited to go outside and explore to your heart's content," Professor Oak said. Looking at his grandson, who was shaking with excitement. He's reminded of his old days where everything was simple. He's glad his grandchildren get to enjoy days like this. No war, no bloodshed, just peace. It's what he fought for.
"Yeah, I can't wait, but first I got some stuff to show you." Don said, bringing things out of the bag one by one. First, a video card with the footage from last night on it. Then some rock samples he got from the Otherworld. Plus, some berry seeds he picked up from his adventures inside the tree that didn't take any effort to get out of his folding space backpack.
Oak took the video card and played it, watching the footage back with an intense stare. He said nothing, just picking up the rock samples and looking at them under a microscope. "Fascinating. Its properties appear to be changing. It's like it's a gas and a solid at the same time. I wonder how this relates to ghost type Pokémon." He said, entranced by his work.
He got up and looked at the giant seeds. "Well, it'll certainly be a lot easier to feed the Snorlax and Wailords with this," he joked.
"I was thinking about using the giant trees to create a separate environment and see what Pokémon naturally migrates over there." Don said, looking at the berry seeds. The idea enticed him, but he restrained himself. Can't do anything like that without proper planning.
"An interesting idea, but you have to make sure you don't damage any natural ecosystems." Oak said, remembering the visions Dragapult showed him. The size of these trees and the berries they produce are giant, and the impact they could have isn't small at all..
"Yeah, I wanted to ask you if I could do it on your ranch to see the reactions of a control group," Don said, while his grandpa rubbed his hand under his chin.
"I don't see why not. I'll plant the trees and set up a camera. You can watch the recording at a later date," Oak said, mentally visualising a corner of his enormous ranch where he could plant the berries.
"Don, these rock samples will take time and while I'm sure I can figure out some mysteries surrounding it, it's not my area of expertise." He looked at Don, a small smile plastered on his face while Don's eyes widened. "I'm sure at some point, someone will come along more capable of figuring this out than me. Until then, I will store these samples safely after I'm done for that person," he said, winking at Don.
Don gave his grandpa a hug that he happily returned. It was sad to hear his grandpa talk about not being able to figure something out. He was Don's hero, after all. But he felt so happy, his hero, his grandpa. He thought Don could figure something out that he can't.
Determination flowed through him, in order to not let his grandpa down.
"What's going on? Gramps, you better not have let someone else get their starter first," they heard Gary as he rushed down the stairs, to check what's going on. His Eevee trailing behind him.
"Just me Gary, we're looking over Otherworld rock samples."
He saw Gary kitted out. His shirt was stylish black, but durable, a luxury trainer brand Don was happy to see since it was Karen's brand. He has the same shirt somewhere back home. His side bag, off-white with a premier ball styled on it. The bag can hold a lot more than you think. His trousers were purple and built to last and his shoes, the same but black instead. He had new purple wrist bands he had never seen before and a locket around his neck.
"Oh, good, I thought it was something important for a second," he said, giving a sigh of relief. Don just looked at him, and Gary just shrugged. He knew Gary didn't mean anything by it. He's just like that.
"Gary, be nice. It's the day you both start your journey," Daisy said, calmly walking down the stairs instead of rushing like Gary.
"Yeah yeah. Gramps, when are the starters ready?"
"Just a few minutes. Go outside. Your friends will be here soon. I'll come and let you know."
They walked outside in front of the laboratory. He could see a crowd waiting near the gate. They suddenly cheered. The crowd parted, letting two people walk through and inside the gates.
"Blue! Don! Daisy!"
"My name is Gary, you imbecile!"
Seeing two people walk up Don's heart skipped a beat, there were the other two of Pallet town's dynamic trio, Red and Leaf.
He could see Leaf smile at him and had to hold back his blush as best he could. The two walked up to him. It's been a while since he last saw them. They still keep in contact, they all have each other's numbers and text now and then.
"Didn't think I'd see you in Pallet today, Don." Red said, as he stopped and struck a pose. One leg forward, his hat covering one eye and arms in his pockets, a mix of relaxed and ready to fight. Apparently, it's something he does naturally.
"Yeah, I was expecting to see you later on, but I'm happy I got to see you today." Leaf said she was standing a lot more casually, but she still felt like she was ready to battle at any time.
Maybe Gary does this as well, and he's just too used to his cousin.
"I had to drop some stuff off with grandpa, plus I wanna do something in Viridian Forest," Don said. He could see Red's face shift.
"Oh no, don't come to our peaceful forest with one of your shenanigans." Red said, making everyone chuckle.
"I like Don's adventures. They're so crazy. Isn't life all about enjoying it to the fullest?" Leaf said, making Red pause.
Don would never admit it, but his heart skipped a beat.
"Yeah, I guess you're right, but you can go around all you want. I'm becoming champion," Red exclaimed
"Get your brain checked, Red. It's obvious I'm the next champion," Gary said, pointing to himself.
"Both you boys have to beat me first," Lead challenged.
I could see the sparks fly between them. Their competitive nature rising. They all want to be the best. They all have the potential to be. There was no doubt in Don's mind that he would see all three of them at the conference. He just had no idea who would win.
"Then what are we waiting for? Let's go get our Pokémon," Red said, his smirk growing. He wants to get started, to battle his way through the league.
"Wait, grandpa said to give him a few minutes. He'll be out soon to get you three," Daisy said. Her gaze shifted over to Leaf. "Leaf, I thought you were gonna join me in doing contests."
Leaf turned to her, looking a little startled. "Huh? I said I'd try them out. Like I said, life's all about enjoying it to the fullest. I have to try everything at least once."
"Well, you have fun with that. We're gonna be getting stronger," Gary said, pointing at himself and Red.
Red, however, looked away. "Actually, I'm planning on at least trying it once."
"Come on Red,"
"What? It could be fun."
Gary's annoyance was obvious. He looked like a Greedent who's not allowed more berries. Don guessed that Daisy's done something to him. Her face was smug and amused at Gary's reaction.
"As long as you don't make a fool of yourself, on stage, in front of a crowd, televised, while trying to look good, only to be laughed at, or worse, awkward silence." Don said, explaining his own reasons for not taking part in contests.
Going to the Otherworld, dangling over dangerous waters or facing the unknown, he can do that. But going up on stage, that's the scariest thing of all.
His shoulders sagged with a heavy sigh. "Great, now I'm freaked out about it. Thanks Don," Red said, shivering at the thought. Don placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, brothers in stage fright.
"Hey, better hearing it now than in the waiting room," Gary said, enjoying Red's discomfort. All the while, Daisy looked at the boys, unimpressed.
"How are you not freaked out about that?" Red asked Leaf. She looked slightly confused, like she couldn't figure out what the problem was.
"I'm me, heh, I'll be fine. I'm too skilled to make a fool of myself," Leaf said, flipping her hair over her shoulder, her confidence unmatched. Don couldn't help but think she was the coolest girl he's ever seen.
"You know, I think I understand, for me, battling is just a part of me. There's no way I won't become champion," Red said. Giving Gary and Leaf a knowing look, he knew the reaction his words would get.
"Except, that you have to beat me," Gary said confidently.
"And me," Leaf told them, undeterred.
"Bring it," Red said, accepting the challenge.
Sparks flew between them again. He could see their need to battle, to prove themselves stronger.
"How long have they been doing this?" Don whispered to Daisy.
"Like, all the time in the past few months, they just can't accept someone other than themselves as the best," Daisy whispered back.
"Gary, Leaf, Red. It's time" They heard from the lab. Professor Oak stood there, hands behind his back, welcoming them in.
They smirked at each other, the competitive spirit burning within them. Don couldn't help but admire it, the drive to better than the rest. It's not him. He doesn't have that drive to battle. That doesn't mean his own drive isn't as strong. His drive to explore, research and become a professor.
"It feels like a pretty significant moment," Daisy said. Don understood despite this being their starter choice, it felt like he was witnessing something special happen.
"They're getting their starters. I remember when I first caught Heracross. It was like everything changed. The world was different from that point on." Don said, thinking back to when he met Heracross.
"I get what you're saying, but for me that was when I first stepped foot on stage. I knew from that moment on that this was what I wanted," Daisy said with a wistful smile, thinking back to her first performance.
"I'll watch the Grand Festival,"
"I'll be upset if you're not there in person,"
"That's what I meant," Don exclaimed. She gave him a stare. "Honest!"
"Alright, I believe you," Daisy said joyfully.
The doors opened. We moved out of the way, letting them run past us. The excitement was palpable in the air. They released their Pokémon.
Red's partner emerged from the pokéball, the cute little Bulbasaur. Hopping around happily, Red opened his arms, and the Pokémon leaped into it. His vines came out and wrapped around Red, who laughed.
Gary posed, arms crossed, stance wide and strong. When Charmander first saw him, they smiled at each other. It was like Don could see their bond forming. Charmander released flames from his mouth into the air and posed himself. I could tell these two would definitely get along.
Leaf's Squirtle looked at her calmly. She crouched down and went eye level with her. The Tiny Turtle Pokémon smiled and Leaf picked her up. It felt like they had an entire conversation that no one else had heard.
"Alright, guys, it's your journey day. Don't want to spend the first night at home, do you?"
That snapped everyone out of their own world. Gary nodded at Charmander before returning him. Red gave his Bulbasaur a hug, then returned him. Leaf smiled at Squirtle; Squirtle smiled back before Leaf returned her Squirtle.
"Next time I see you guys, we battle," Gary said as he headed back inside, probably to say goodbye to grandpa.
"Well, this is it I should be off, I'll see you guys when I do," Red said, he turned and looked back, striking a pose with his head turned up, his finger lifting his cap slightly so we can see his face, his jacket billowing in a wind that didn't exist before.
"I hope you have fun, Red. You guys as well Daisy, Don. This world is vast and there's a lot I need to do. But don't think for a second that I'm going to lose to you," Leaf said, looking introspective for a second before her competitive edge flared up.
Sparks flew again. The challenge is down, and they're both ready to rumble.
Before Don could say something back to them, they heard screaming in the distance coming towards the gate.
"I'm late. I'm late. I'm late. I'm late. I'm late. I'm late."
They all looked confused. Everyone was already here, and they all had starters already. Was it an employee late for work?
A boy in his pajamas rushed inside.
Definitely not an employee.
"Ahh, so many people are here! I hope Professor Oak still has a starter left for me," the strange boy said, rushing inside.
"Still has a starter left? He knows there's only three right, there's not any leftover," Don said, confused about what just happened.
"Who knows, it's Ash, he's not the brightest, wait he didn't even qualify for one of the starters?" Red wondered. His face shifted into confusion. "No, there's only three, and that was me, Gary, and Leaf. What is he doing here?"
"At least he's funny to laugh at." She looked down in thought. "Which isn't very nice now that I say it," Leaf said.
"Oh well, I'm off now. I hope I'll see you guys soon," Don said, walking towards the gate.
"In a bit," Red said.
"See you soon," Leaf said. Don hoped that was true.
"I'll give you a call later ok," Daisy shouted.
Don walked away, happy to see them one last time before he officially set off. Making his way out of the gate, the crowd cheered for him. He did visit Pallet Town often, so the people knew him. He gave them a wave and a smile before walking onwards. The last thing he heard was Gary's laugh as he walked outside.
Next stop, Viridian Forest.
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AN: Sorry this took so long. I'll try and get chapter 5 out quicker. No promises.