Pokémon Adventures: Gold

Choose Your Fighter

The Lab

6:05 AM     

     Beck is greeted with the sight of many large, wooden bookcases completely stuffed with various books. Some look to be brand new, others have worn spines and faded letters. The books are from all over the world, some written about the Pokémon found in the Unova region, others- written by Elm himself- catalog many of the Pokémon found in the Johto region. Beck marvels at the dedication and love of science and Pokémon on display as she wonders just how long the different authors studied every facet of Pokémon in order to publish, a smile slowly growing on her face. But, when her eyes land on a red and black hardback written by one Professor Sycamore, her face falls, and she walks away to join the others in the back of the lab.

     To the left of the room is a desktop computer and a rather curious machine. It is long, and looks almost like a cradle to Beck. A very metallic cradle. To the right are Professor Elm and Ethan. They stand next to a very large table atop which sit four shiny glass cases holding three shiny Pokeballs resting on velvet cushions.

     "Oh," Ethan says. "There you are, Beck."

     "Beck! It's so nice to meet you. I am Prof. Elm. Your grandmother has told me all about you. How...how are you doing?"

     "I'm fine."

     "That's good. And your Vivillon, Vex? How is she-"

     "It's my sister's. Not mine. It's with Gran."

      "Ah, well...I do hope you're both getting along?"

     "You're giving out Pokémon, right?" 

     "Ah yes! Look here you three." Professor Elm waves his arm to properly present the Pokémon that the children may choose from. "Each case comes from a different region: Johto, Sinnoh, Unova, and Hoenn. You may each choose one of these Pokémon. Now, time to meet your starters!" 

    The twelve Pokémon came out of the Pokeballs in a bright flash of light, each making a screech or a chirp as they stretched and walked around. The fire monkey jumps around the room, the grass snake toots its nose up at the group, the penguin chirps a song. Some of them, like the two-leafed tortoise Pokémon, look very strong to Beck. Others, like the skinny gecko strutting around the room, look more or less like a waste of time. But there is one Pokémon that she feels particularly drawn to. It is small and looks very soft, yellow-bellied with a blue coat on its back. It has a long, skinny, snout that rounds out. 

     "There's so many to choose from," says Ethan. "I don't know who to pick. I want a strong one, but all of these look so cool!"

     "I know who I want," shouts Barry as he jumps after the fire monkey.

     "Patience, Ethan," Professor Elm advises. "Just let your heart guide you, and don't worry about strength or size."

     Don't worry, huh? Beck stares at the Pokemon curled in the corner. "What's that one?"

     Elm looks over. "That's Cyndaquil. He's a very sweet thing. He's a fire type, as you can see. From right here in Johto. Is he the Pokémon you choose?"

     Beck walks over to the little Cyndaquil, kneels before it, and holds out her hand. The Cyndaquil walks slowly to her, sniffing at her hand before placing its head in her palm. She smiles softly. "Yeah. I want this one."

     "Great!" Professor Elm hands her Cyndaquil's Pokeball. "And have you two found your match?" The boys nod in affirmation, Ethan holding up Mudkip and Barry dancing with Chimchar. Professor Elm returns the remaining Pokémon to the Pokeballs and places them into their respective cases. "And how about nicknames for you Pokemon?"

     "I'm good," says Beck.

     "I think I need to spend more time with him first," Ethan states.

     "Her name is Ember!" Barry fist bumps the Chimchar, Ember.

     "Very original. Must have taken two whole seconds to come up with that one," Ethan teases. Beck hides her smile behind a cough, covering her mouth with her arm.

     "Well I bet you'll remember her name!"

     "It's Kindle, right?" Ethan grins.

     "It's Ember!"

     "Did you say Cinder," Beck joins in.

     "Ember is an excellent name for an excellent Pokémon," Elm interrupts. "Now, children. I have a request for you, and I need you all to get along with each other in order to complete the task for me."

     "Nothing is free, I guess." Ethan chuckles as Barry and Beck cross their arms.

     "I should have known," Beck agrees.

     "There's always a catch with you and Mrs. H!" Barry huffs.

       Elm laughs, nervously rubbing the back of his neck. "Come on, kids. Give me a break. It's hard to get around like I used to."

     "You're not even that old," Beck argues.

     "What do you need, Professor Elm? We're happy to help." Before either Barry or Beck can protest, Ethan adds, "We're grateful for the Pokémon after all," at which the two grumble their assent. 

     "Excellent! So what I need from you three is...."