Chapter Text
Standing in the middle of what appeared to be a large center for an audience of sorts stood a prominent woman of some kind. She had strong black heels on that combined well the rest of her black attire, the ankle-cut pants and black sleeveless blouse in which her arms were covered by a white lab coat jacket. She had one of her hands on its pockets while the other was holding a Pokeball, moving it around with her tender hands. Her short black hair and brown eyes were also a distinct feature of the woman, as they gazed upon the crowd in front of her as she smiled broadly. Her glasses helped reflect most of the light that shone her way as she stood there.
“Hello everyone!” she shouted with excitement. “My name is Professor Wakaba, but everyone mostly knows me as the Pokemon Professor.” she then threw her Pokeball high in the air, the ball now rotating rapidly before it opened with blue lights hitting the ground, revealing none other than a Furret, who purred as it stood next to its owner. “These magnificent creatures right here are none other than Pokemon. Here in the Mona Region, you will see lots of these extraordinary creatures roam about in the wild or at our domestic spaces, be it at home or abroad.” Furret growled with agreement.
“Exactly Furret.” Professor Wakaba chuckled before she looked back at the camera. “So to all dear future trainers, boys and girls, I hope you get the chance to explore our vast oceans, mountain ranges, and cities that we have to offer here at Mona.” she bowed with delight and the crowd cheered as she announced one more thing.
“Alongside me today for this advertisement is none other than our wonderful and most honorable men yet! One is our humble chairman Masayoshi Shido and the current Champion of Mona, Amamiya Ren!” the crowd then began to roar as Professor Wakaba and Furret began to leave the stage, now the monochromatic lights shifting into a rainbow spectacle as two men gathered at the center now.
The tallest one appeared bald like, and had the most interesting of orange glasses while also donning a simple blakc go-tee. He wore a nice dark blue suit with vest that contained a nice pocket watch that nestled on his back pocket, the chain shining brightly thanks to the lights. He graciously waved at the camera alongside the second, who had much more distinct features than the tall bald man.
The second man had short yet wavy-like black fluff that was considered as hair, being combed to the right side and back. His eyes were piercing dark-gray, yet emitted a gentle and kind tone as he smiled towards the crowd while he too was fixing his dark grey suit jacket. It combined well with his dark black pants and shoes as well as his white button down that was not tucked in.
“Hello Mona Region!” the tall bald man spoke with vigor as he welcomed everyone with open arms. “My name is Chairman Masayoshi Shido, once the humble Champion of the Mona Region fifteen years ago!” the crowd cheered and whistled at the chairman before he kindly interrupted them as he continued speaking. “Of course being the Champion of the Mona League was no easy feat, and it wasn’t until this young man right here, tested my strengths and won the very title.” the younger gentleman continued smiling.
“Mona Region!” he exclaimed with a pumped fist. “It is the usual time! As I, Champion Ren continue my time as the champion of our region, I do hope to have a fierce competition this league year!” the crowd roared, especially the women as they chanted the dreamy name of Ren.
“Sorry ladies, but I’m happily married.” he pointed to his left hand, which held a silver ring on his ring finger, to which the women groaned with despair.
“Anyhow,” Champion Ren continued. “The Gym Challenge is back in season everyone! Hope you future Pokemon battlers are ready to train and work hard towards entering the Mona League!” Ren bowed as he ended his speech and handed the audience back to Shido, who clapped his hands and shook hands with the champion before he ended off the broadcast. “Thank you all for your amazing time, and enjoy your travels here at the Mona Region!”
And with that conclusion, the TV screen went black.
As the TV screen went black, a young fifteen-year boy sat there in silence, his excitement slowly building up with each anticipating moment. He had medium light-brown hair that spiked both upwards and downwards while also being swept to the side. His dark-brown eyes blinked with each passing moment as it now shifted towards the clock to his right of the living room, where a Meowth stood back while having its paw move up and down as it was tracking the time. It was currently 11:00 in the morning, and he groaned as he was getting up from his couch, now stretching his body from slouching. He sighed and then fixed his red and black long-sleeve shirt as well as his pokeball beanie that his father gave to him while he was only five years old. He then saw that his dark gray pants were held up for being on the couch, showing his checkered socks.
“Sabaru!” his name was called from the left side, where the kitchen area was. The voice was a tender female motherly voice who was busy making what seemed to have been a late breakfast. She called the young boy again.
“Coming Mom!” he yelled as he was walking his way to the kitchen before a Purloin creeped its way around his feet. “Purly!” he said almost with a shock as he went to grab the Pokemon before his Mom coughed in interjection. “Either way I still need to wash my hands Mom,” Sabaru chuckled as he went to the sink and washed his hands carefully before sitting back down and being welcomed with a beautiful breakfast.
Before him were giant pancakes that were filled with a nice filling along with syrup flowing down from the top. To his side was a cup of orange juice, and the forks and knives needed to cut the food. “Thank you for the meal!” he thanked quickly before beginning to wolf it down inch by inch.
“I keep forgetting that kids your age have a fast metabolism, right Purly?” she tossed a quick Puffin to the Pokemon, which received it delightfully as it jumped and grabbed the fish-shaped delight. “Purr!” it thanked and began eating.
Sabaru’s Mom grinned and sat down next to her son, who was almost just about done. “Oh it seems you were hungry alright. Are you excited for today?” her tender blue eyes blinked with curiosity while tying her brownish black hair into a bun.
“Yeah! The broadcast was this morning, and seeing how the cool things we have here in Mona just makes me all the more excited to start traveling on my own!” he bit a giant bite into the pancake and slurped it down. “And it’s the day I get to choose my first Pokemon too!” Purloin stared down Sabaru. “No offense Purly, but you’re Mom’s.” he pet its head.
Sabaru’s Mom sighed. “I knew this day was coming in some way, but didn’t think it would come so soon!” she moved her head side to side and then played around with her wedding ring. “But I’m very happy that you’re maturing and going to see the world for yourself. Who knows what lies ahead?”
“I don’t leave until tomorrow, but I know one thing Mom: Gym Challenges are for sure on my list.” Sabaru then drank his orange juice and looked at the clock. “It was now almost 11:15. Fifteen more minutes and he would have to head down to the Pokemon Lab where Professor Wakaba resided to obtain his very first Pokemon. His nerves were now getting to him and he couldn’t wait any longer as he tapped his foot loudly.
“Calm down Sabaru!’ Sabaru’s Mom chuckled as she saw her son getting all revved up.
“Sorry.” Sabaru apologized, and slowly gathered his plates and placed them down the sink.
“Don’t forget to-”
“Wash it.” Sabaru smiled and began to uphold his chore. Sabaru’s Mom nodded and looked towards the window, where an array of photos were arranged. Some were of Sabaru when he was a little child and his beanie was too big for his head at the time, and others were of moments with his father, which due to the light was making the figure unnoticeable. What did appear were his glasses and unkempt brown hair and a very genteel smile that was passed onto Sabaru.
Sabaru made sure he had everything as he was leaving the door.
He continuously fixed his beanie as he walked outside to greet the everlasting breeze that Autumnal Town always brought to the Mona Region. With its nice autumn like breeze and its spring like atmosphere, the two was a place of relaxation. As Sabaru took in the fresh morning air, he headed his way down towards the middle of the town, where the usual neighborhoods were located as well as the Pokemon Lab and Mart.
Going to get my Pokemon...going to get my Pokemon...I’m going to get- Sabaru has stopped short when his tracks were met with a familiar figure. He was around Sabaru’s age, and though they were about the same in height, Sabaru noticed the black and gold goggles that were on top of his black hair. There was a large portion that ran down his left side as one whole bang, and his green eyes. He had his pockets in his dark blue jacket pocket, and blew some of the beige fur that was around the collar area before he looked his way towards Sabaru.
A smile grew across his face.
“Sabaru!” he yelled as he ran towards the boy to greet him. They shook hands for a moment before they butted heads against each other and then laughed as they were acting silly.
“Hey there Hiro.” Sabaru replied as they held each other’s shoulders for a moment.
“Ready for the big day?” he asked while rubbing his upper lip with his index finger.
“You betcha Hiro.” he squeezed Hiro’s shoulder.
“Though be warned...I will take that Champion’s throne.” Hiro snickered.
Sabaru snickered back. “Sure...if you try and beat me in the Preliminaries.”
“You’re on Sabaru.” Hiro replied back.
“Hiro dear!” a female voice was heard from across the street. Hiro looked up to see his mother who was waving back at him.
“Yeah Mom?” he yelled back.
“You forgot your Xtraciever!” she yelled as she was holding the gadget on her other hand.
“I’ll be right there!” Hiro then squeezed Sabaru’s shoulder as hard as Sabaru did previously. “Don’t get your Pokemon without me Sabu.” Hiro then ran towards his mother and grabbed his communication device.
Sabaru then continued walking straight as he made his way towards the Pokemon Laboratory.
“What took you so long Hiro?” Sabaru asked as his rival caught up to the teenage boy. Hiro caught his breath for a second before he tried to answer with a simple “Mom being Moms” before they both looked at the two dark brown doors of the laboratory.
“Can’t believe that we’re going to have our very first Pokemon.” Hiro said in awe.
“Yeah. What do you plan on getting?”
“Sobble.” Hiro said with ease. “Yuuki had a Froakie when we were growing up, and when I looked up pictures of Sobble, it reminded me of those fun times. What about you?”
“I always wanted a Scorbunny.” Sabaru said with a pumped fist. He always felt that he had a fiery-passion within him and that Fire-types always resonated with him deeply.
“So you’re going with the type-disadvantage already? At least wait a little before you’re professionally trained for the League.” Hiro smirked.
Sabaru scoffed. “You’ll see what I’ll be capable of Hiro.”
The doors then opened before them, now grabbing them back to the real world as they peered right through its contents. A female with orange long hair and circular glasses appeared, now looking at the two teenagers. She blinked for a moment before an “aha!” was uttered and further opened the doors. ‘You’re the two that Mom was going to give their first Pokemon too!” she yelled with excitement as she welcomed them. “My name is Professor Futaba, Professor Wakaba’s daughter and helper!”
“Where’s Professor Wakaba?” the two ignored her as they looked around the laboratory for the esteemed professor. Futaba giggled before she addressed the whereabouts of the Professor. “She’s currently in Juniper City taking care of some business over there. I’ll be the one in charge of handing your Pokemon.”
“Alright!” the two walked alongside Professor Futaba towards the very end of the laboratory.
There were various bookshelves and books that laid about among them as they walked. Other scientists were working on their projects without batting an eye at the three, and Futaba continued her stroll before they reached the office space of Professor Wakaba. She then grabbed a briefcase and placed it in the middle of the desk that contained many articles and contents of the Mona Region. Futaba then opened the briefcase and three Pokeballs were presented to Sabaru and Hiro.
“Here before you are our three starter Pokemon: Scorbunny to the right, Grookey to the center, and Sobble to our left.” she spoke leaving the briefcase open. “Choose your partner carefully.”
Hiro and Sabaru looked at each other and then at the Pokemon they desired, quickly grabbing Scorbunny and Sobble respectively. Once they choose their Pokemon, they sent them out immediately to take a good look.
Scorbunny stretched its little white paws before he looked at Sabaru and smiled at its newfound trainer. Sabaru knelt down and gave him his hand, to which Scorbunny gave a quick high-five. Hiro grabbed Sobble, and saw that the Sobble was teary-eyed before their eyes met each other’s gaze. Hiro smiled at his Pokemon and Sobble smiled back and the two gave each other a big friendly hug before letting go and placing him back on the ground.
“I’m very happy you two choose Scorbunny and Sobble! Take good care of these two and vice versa, okay?” Futaba looked at the two Pokemon and they saluted their former owner before happily returning to their Pokeballs.
“Now my mother also left a special note for me to give to you.” Futaba ruffled her coat’s pockets to find a yellow notepad paper and then placing it back as she was moving around her mother’s belongings before she found another briefcase, this time much smaller.
“Professor Wakaba is among many throughout the world where she hand Pokemon Trainers the most advanced piece of technology to date.” Futaba opened the briefcase to reveal what appeared to be two modern-day phones. The screens were very clear and transparent and was held with two strong metal pieces that were a shiny red, black, and gold color. The Pokeball icon was shown on the bottom as if to be pressed by the two new Pokemon Trainers.
“We call these devices Pokedexes. These devices analyze the data of every Pokemon in every single region of the world. From their natural habitats to their height, weight, and more, the Pokedex is something magnificent to behold. And something Professor Wakaba and I entrust you to use as you travel through the Mona Region.”
Sabaru and Hiro grabbed their respective Pokedexes, which turned on upon contact. The screen turned into a light-blue hue and began scanning the two’s faces as well as the finger in which they held the Pokeball icon with. “Scanning...scanning...scanning...welcome Sabaru.” a navigator voice was heard and Sabaru was held back for a moment.
“What it’s doing is recognizing your face and fingerprint so no one can use your Pokedex except yourselves. The Pokedex is now officially yours!” Futaba yelled as the software was now complete and the two examined their Pokedexes before turning them off and placing them in their pockets.
They would later put it inside their bags.
“That is all I have for you guys today!” Futaba clapped her hands and smiled back at them as they began to leave the room and head back out into the streets of Autumnal Town once more.
As the two teenagers left, Futaba collapsed and sighed with relief. “I was so sure I was going to bomb the orientation…” she whispered as she sulked on her mother’s chair for a few moments.
“A battle?” Sabaru asked as he and Hiro were walking back home.
“Yeah just a quick one to see who’s the strongest already.” Hiro replied.
“Hmm we just go them and we haven’t even gotten them a nickname yet.” Sabaru looked inside his Pokeball to see Scorbunny hopping around and already getting excited from the idea of a battle. Sabaru shook his head and then began to think of a nickname for the Rabbit Pokemon. Bunny? No that’s dumb...how about Scor? No that’s dumb too...how about...I got it!”
“I think I’ll call you Sora.” Sabaru spoke to the Pokemon.
Scorbunny’s eyes were filled with delight and nodded with agreement.
“Sora huh? Like that game we played when we were kids?”
Sabaru nodded.
“Well if that’s the case, then my Sobble will be called Riku.” Hiro looked at Sobble, who clapped his little hands with joy at the name.
“Then that’s settled. Sora and Riku.” Hiro concluded before he faced the Pokeball at Sabaru, who was taken aback. “Now it’s time for a quick battle!” HIro smirked confidently and Sobble crossed his arms with confidence as well. Sabaru blinked and looked at the once tearful creature now appearing just as prideful as his Trainer.
Sabaru looked at Scorbunny and then back at Sobble before he made the agreement and made a pumped fist. “You’re on Hiro!” he yelled as he summoned his Pokemon.
Hiro performed the same movement, sending out Sobble and the battle had begun.
Scorbunny and Sobble looked at each other as they awaited for their Trainer’s command. Seeing that the two didn’t even bother to know their moveset before the fight began, the Pokedex in their pockets vibrated. Sabaru grabbed his and turned it on before it began examining Sora. “Scorbunny, the Rabbit Pokemon. It has special pads on the backs of its feet, and one on its nose. Once it's raring to fight, these pads radiate tremendous heat. Moveset include: Tackle, Growl, and Ember.”
“Alright then.” Sabaru then looked at Hiro, who was now done examining his Pokemon.
“Ready Sabaru?” he asked.
“Only if you’re ready.” Sabaru replied.
“Riku use Bubble!” Hiro commanded his Sobble.
‘Wait we’re already going with type-advantages?” Sabaru gritted his teeth as he commanded Sora to dodge and use Tackle. The Scorbunny rushed towards the Sobble and used his tiny paws to push the Pokemon as hard as he could, knocking him down a few inches. “Riku! Growl and then go for Pound!”
The Sobble grunted and went for a hit in the Scorbunny’s chest, sending it flying a couple of inches before the Scorbunny jumped back into its positions and decided to go for Ember attack. Hiro saw the Rabbit Pokemon go for the Fire-Type move and instinctively yelled back Bubble to Sobble. The two then clashed at each other’s special attacks head on, colliding and turning the area into a small misty atmosphere for the two small Pokemon. Sora tried to look around for Riku and before long the Sobble was behind him and went for another pound before the Scorbunny went for another tackle to finish the fight.
As the Sobble hit the Scorbunny’s chest one last time and Scorbunny’s head hitting directly at the Sobble’s the two then fell to the floor, now tired from the battle.
“A draw?” Hiro said as he was returning Riku back his Pokeball.
“Guess so. Lady luck just isn’t on your side Hiro.” Sabaru rubbed his index finger on his upper lip and smiled before their Xtraceivers rang.
Hiro tapped his watch while Sabaru unclipped the gadget from his right side of his belt.
“Sabaru dear, time to come home!” Sabaru’s Mom cheerfully exclaimed on the Xtraceiver.
“You got it Mom. Be right back in a few.” Sabaru ended the call and saw that Hiro did the same.
“Guess it’s time for us to call it quits for today?” Hiro held out his hand.
Sabaru simply shook it and smiled back at his rival friend before heading back home.
The next day arrived and Sabaru was busy fixing his clothing and bag once more. He stretched quickly as he was getting dressed and went straight to see if he could cook something quickly as he was putting on his beanie and Scorbunny followed him afoot, eager to see what the boy would cook for the two.
“It’ll only be some simple eggs and milk Sora.” Sabaru whispered as he inched his way towards the kitchen until he heard whisking sounds. His mother was bright and early and she was busy making a much bigger breakfast for the boy.
“Hey Mom.” he said nonchalantly as he entered with Sora behind him, heading towards Purloin who was licking its paws. Its gaze met Scorbunny’s and then ignored the Rabbit Pokemon as it turned the other cheek.
“Purly is going to take some time to get used to Sora.” Sabaru explained as he was cooking his breakfast and helping out his mother. He cracked a few eggs and began whisking them into a batter before his mother spoke, breaking the silence. “Today’s the day, huh?” she asked.
Sabaru nodded, focusing on his culinary skills.
“Well I hope you enjoy your time travelling then. The Mona Region is huge and had so much to explore.” she said as they finished cooking and began eating their meals. Scorbunny and Purloin were busy eating their Pokemon feed and after a few wolfed down gulps and bites, Sabaru was ready to head out the door.
“Where’s the first town?” Sabaru’s Mom asked.
Sabaru thought for a moment and his mother laughed. She then went towards the couch to grab a piece of paper. “Make sure to memorize this Map, okay? Especially when the Xtraceiver doesn’t have connection.” she smiled her tender smile toward her son. “If I recall, the next stop should be Spring Town after Route 1.” she pressed her finger on the small town that was east of home. “From there, be sure to check the PokeMart and the PokeCenter, okay?” she then went on to hug her son goodbye. Sabaru returned the hug and placed the map in his messenger bag.
“Just you wait Mom, the next time you see me, I’ll be the Champion of Mona!” Sabaru yelled as he was opening the door, waving goodbye and now welcoming the vast region that was the Mona Region.