To The Top [ Pokemon Fanfic. ]

Chapter 2 - Two People , Similar Struggles

I held the Pokeball at my palm for who knows how long, rubbing my fingers against it, feeling every inch of it, at my fingertips. It was hard to believe that there was a Pokemon in there, much less, my Pokemon, who would be helping me win countless tournaments.

As much I loved the idea of being an actual Pokemon trainer, it wasn't the same under the circumstances I was in. I wanted Randall to be there to witness my first official Pokemon battle, & my first tournament win, but sadly... It would never happen...

I sighed, & decided that I had wasted too much time enveloped in my thoughts. Before I could change my mind, I gently tossed the Pokeball in the air & a bright white light shined in front of me. As the light faded, I saw my future partner.

The Pokemon shook itself like a dog the instant it was let out. Then it stretched. Poor thing, I thought. It hadn't came out of its Pokeball in days. I instantly felt bad & frowned.

The tiny little fox-like Pokemon looked at her surroundings. An 'awww' escaped my lips as I looked at the cute Vulpix in front of me. "Hi," I said in a soft, friendly voice. "I'm Katrina. I'm going to be your partner," I smiled at Vulpix. She cocked her head at me, then stood up on all fours. She walked close, examining me. She sniffed me, licked me, & observed me for the next few minutes. She jumped on the bed & then leaned her head against me.

I took that as a good sign. I took this time to place my hand carefully on her head & pet her. To my suprise, she let me. "Vulpix... Hmm... I should probably give you a nickname. For uniqueness..." I picked her up & she stared at me with those big amber colored eyes.

"Well... You're gonna evolve into a big bad Ninetales one day I hope... So I can't name you Vulpis, which is what I had in mind..." I frowned as she began sniffing around the room. "I can name you Tails?" I questioned, but my Vulpix was not paying much attention. I guess she didn't like the name much.

"You're right... That sounds like a boy's name... Hmmm..." I rubbed my chin as Vulpix sat in front of me, waiting. Those amber colored eyes made me melt. She was irresistable.

"I got it!" I snapped my fingers suddenly, startling my Pokemon. "Amber! Get it? Because of your eyes?" I asked. "Vulpix!" she cheered happily. That was it. Amber was her name. Amber & I eventually got bored of being cooped up in a room, & she was getting restless, so we decided to take a walk around the boat.

As we walked I saw countless trainers with Pokemon by their side, & I was proud to say I recognized every single one of them. My brother taught me well. Amber & I passed by a battle arena where bored trainers would battle. I didn't feel much like battling yet, however, so I continued to walk.

When we passed by the Pokemon playground, my Vulpix got restless. "What is it girl?" She had suddenly stopped walking & was sitting. "Vul..." she whined a bit, & turned her head to the playground. She wanted to play. I looked at the playground, then back at her. "Fine, but only for a little while," I gave in when she used her puppy dog eyes. As soon as she had my permission she ran off. "Stay at the playground Amber! Don't wander off!" I yelled after her. She was just like a child.

I smiled to myself & took a trip up to the deck, which was suprisingly empty. Not a single soul was up there.

Ah, peace & quiet.

I sat at the edge of the deck, & breathed in the salty water. I loved the ocean. I looked out to the sea & the water looked so beautiful & sparkly. As I stared & enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere, I saw a Pokemon out in the water. Being the nerd that I am, as I squinted I realized it was a... Kingdra? Wierd, Kingdra's were rare, said to be native to the Johto region, & only evolved when exposed to a Dragon Scale, which was a pretty rare item, if I do say so myself... Usually Kingdra's were evolved by trainers... Did a trainer let it loose? As I struggled to further see the Pokemon, I was interrupted by a boy's voice.