DPA: Rivals

Chapter 3: A First Time For Everything

Arriving back at Daryon's house, the two were surprised to be greeted by Teresa, Lisa (Cameron's mom), and a large banner, with the words "Goodbye Future Champions." Both mothers had clearly been crying, but were trying not to show it.

"Hi Mom," Cameron said, giving his mother a hug, causing Lisa to break down into tears again.

"I know you have to go, but I hate that I have to watch you leave," Lisa said between tears. "You have everything packed, right? Food, water, camping supplies, yen?"

"Mom, I'm going to be okay," Cameron said.

"I know, sweetheart, I know you're going to be fine." Lisa wiped some snot off her face.

"Of course he'll be fine," Teresa said, putting her hand on Daryon's shoulder. "He has the future Pokémon Champion traveling with him. Besides, it's not like the world is filled with wild Pokémon that can shoot flames or bolts of electricity."

Everyone laughed.

"Anyways," Teresa continued, "Before you two go, we want to see you battle with your new Pokémon . If you two are going to be Champions, we want to see the moment that starts everything off."

Daryon turned to Cameron, who shrugged. "Mmkay," Daryon said, walking a few yards away from the house. "Let's do this!"

Daryon's Pikachu, who had been riding on Daryon's shoulder and enjoying the attention of Daryon up to this moment, climbed down onto the ground. Cameron's Mudkip, who had been relaxing quietly, curled up in Cameron's shoulder bag, crawled out, stretching like a sleepy Meowth before turning to face the opposing Pikachu.

"I know Pikachu has the type advantage," Cameron said, pushing up his glasses. "I hope you don't plan on going easy on me."

"Not gonna happen!" Daryon replied, ordering Pikachu to deliver a Thundershock. Pikachu leaped into the air, its body releasing a large bolt of electric energy directly at Mudkip, flinging the Mud Fish Pokemon back several feet.

"Mudkip, deliver a Water Gun!" Cameron responded. Mudkip opened up its mouth, shooting out a powerful stream of water that made direct impact with Pikachu's legs, knocking the Electric Mouse Pokémon over.

"Holy Spritzee, are you okay?" Daryon shouted at his partner Pokémon . Pikachu looked back at Daryon, nodding. Daryon smiled. "Okay then, use Quick Attack."

"Mudkip, execute a Tackle!" Cameron responded. Pikachu and Mudkip charged at each other, each smacking into the other with incredible force. Both of them were knocked back a few feet, clearly taken aback.

After a moment of uncertainty, Mudkip dropped down into the dirt, fainted.

Daryon let out a roar of victory, picking up the still-standing Pikachu and swinging it around. Pikachu let out a tired cry of satisfaction. Meanwhile, Cameron knelt down before his fallen Mudkip, smiling. "I'm proud of you," Cameron said gently, picking up the sleeping Mudkip.

"You were awesome!" Daryon shouted, high on adrenaline, running over to Cameron. "Pikachu was like boom and Mudkip was like whoosh, and there was that moment where we weren't sure who was going to win! It was incredible!"

"Good battle, Daryon," Cameron said with a smile. "It was a lot of fun."

"I can't believe it," Daryon said, falling on his rear, having tired himself out. "We're trainers now."

Cameron got down onto the ground, legs crossed, a sleeping Mudkip on his lap. "Yeah. We're trainers."