Mafu
"This is Soraru, my grandson."
The Professor gives way to my view to see a boy my age, whose hair is as dark as the night sky and eyes as deep as the ocean.
"The both of you will be choosing your very first Pokémon today! Isn't that exciting?" The Professor smiled, patting both our backs.
I watched as Soraru-san had fixated his glare from his grandfather to me and I flinched. I haven't spoken up but I've already caused him to hate me..
Continuing on, there were three pokeballs that were suddenly laid out in front of us. The Pokémon in them had jumped out simultaneously without even having to lay a finger on any of them.
From left to right, there were Charmander, Bulbasaur, and Squirtle. I gasped quietly as I take a closer look to each and every one of them, even giving them a pat to the head if they allowed me to.
I looked over to the Bulbasaur last, and I felt as if something had clicked between us two. I reached out my shaking hand to the grass-type Pokémon but I started to hesitate as I felt like I was getting ahead of myself.
What had surprised me is the reaction she gave me. Instead of looking away and feel disappointed, the vines from her bulb had wrapped around my hand. I blinked as she emitted a noise as if it's okay to pet her.
I gave her a few more pats than I had given the others while her vines are still wrapped around my wrist. Smiling, I knew she was the one.
"Professor." I said, my voice quiet. He looked over to me and nodded before signaling for Soraru-san's turn.
Before looking properly at the table, he turns his attention to me as if he were examining me. Feeling vulnerable under his gaze, I looked away. My Bulbasaur had looked up to me and gave me a small cry as if I had worried her. I looked down to her before shaking my head, hopefully calming her down.
Seeming as if he'd made up his mind, he pats the Squirtle's head. "I'll take this one, Grandpa."
"A water-type and a grass-type, huh?" He smiles at me and his grandson before carrying Charmander into his arms. "Ooh, the battles between you two would be so interesting!"
"B-Battle..?" I mumbled, my hands beginning to shake.
I was never really a fan of Pokémon battles. The first time I had seen them in person, it had caused me to cry because I didn't like it when the Pokémon had gotten hurt or had fainted during the battle. I spent my entire time with my mother, who helped at the Pokémon Centers, but I would also often visit my father, who is a gym leader.
The Professor looks at me with a smile while the dark-haired male in front of me looks at the both of us. "Yes, a battle! They help shape you and your Pokémon's bond and show you how to grow together, Mafu-kun!"
"Grandpa."
We both turned our attention to Soraru-san, who had just helped his Squirtle get settled into a proper position on his shoulder. He shook his head at the Professor before stepping closer to me and grabbed ahold of my hand.
"Rather than being rivals," He looks straight into my eyes while I struggled to maintain the contact, flinching at the sudden hand-holding. "I'd prefer to be partners with Mafumafu."
Partners? With me? Who'd want to become partners with me?
I wouldn't want to be partners with me.
Professor had looked at the both of us one more time before sighing and giving us a smile. "..Take good care of each other, okay?"
"I'll take care of the battles until you feel ready." He smiles at me while giving my Bulbasaur a pat on her head.