Pokemon: An Epoch of Heroes

Chapter 2

    The past few hours were amazing. My brother and I flew across the Kanto-Johto border over the world famous Tohjo Falls. We passed several flocks of various flying pokemon such as; Starly, Spearow, Pidgey, Murkrow, and Skarmory. This all just added to my excitement to begin traveling this glorious region. My brother looked over at me and gave me the hand signal to start descent. This means we are here! I nodded then looked back at Rowlet who was still flying in formation behind us, giving him the command to land below. He gladly obeyed and began a nose-dive maneuver. We slowly landed right at the banks bordering the water at the entrance to New Bark Town.

    “Well Jake, the Myles family has officially landed in Johto.” my brother was amazed at how far we've come from being two kids drawing in the sands of our Melemele Beach house. “I've set you up with a modest bank account. I don't want any grief about it. I need to be sure my brother is taken care of and will be making monthly deposits.” Marc spoke as he handed me a plastic ATM card.
   
    “Marc you seriously didn't need to do that.” I replied as I placed the card in my leather billfold.
I really felt guilty about taking money from my family members. I will make this up to him, I will make him proud to call himself my brother.
   
    “Hey kid, you know that I have the money. Especially since I receive my Champions Pension on top of my E4 Salary. My room and board are also taken care of by the Pokemon League Elite Four Foundation. Trust me it is not hurting my wallet, it is easing my heart knowing my brother is taken care of. Ma and Pop don't have the funds to help you, so please don't tell them I did this for you.” Marc has become the de facto “man of the family” following his championship victory. He takes care of all of us, so dad can relax after all the years he worked hard to provide for us. I really want, no need to become a champion so I can repay him for all he has done for us.

    “I won't, thank you for everything.” I looked at the ground, the nerves were finally hitting me. I have never been away from my family for long periods of time. Ever since I was little we were constantly traveling so it was hard for me to develop any friendships. My family and Rowlet are the only friends I have. 

    “Alright buddy.” Marc paused as he began to walk away. “You have your phone with you right?” I reached my hand into my pocket and retrieved my PokeGear 2. I clicked the side button to assure it was still working, and the screen came to life.

    “Yes, never leave home without it.” I said with a sigh. The time on my phone read 16:00. “Oh shit its four o'clock already! I got to go. Prof. Elm closes his lab to visitors at five.” Marc held up a pokeball in his hand and a bright red light encased Charizard as he receded back into his pokeball. He turned back one last time and gave me his signature cheesy smile and wave.

    “Stay safe Jake. Make sure you call home when you make it to Cherrygrove Town. I'll call them tonight when I get back to the Plateau Quarters and let them know you are here. Love ya kiddo” With that he mounted Pidgeot and took off. Rowlet followed him up to the cruising altitude and cooed a farewell to Marc. I waved farewell until he was out of sight.

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    Rowlet and I stood in front of this massive building for what felt like hours, but was only mere minutes. The large sign above the sliding glass doors read: New Bark Town Research Facility. The sign also bore the symbol from the wax seal on my envelope. I took a deep breath and stepped forward. The doors slid open and I walked inside. I was immediately greeted by a young guy in round mirrored spectacles and a white lab coat. He stepped forward and extended his arm out for a handshake.

    “Jacobi,” he shook my hand. He then turned his gaze to the tiny owl pokemon on my shoulder. “Rowlet good to see you again! I'm glad you two have finally been acquainted. I am Professor Elm, I am the worlds foremost expert on Pokemon breeding patterns and Pokemon eggs. Now tell me do you prefer Jacobi or Jake?” the wise professor asked.