I did not expect that... People actually like this o.O
I am left pleasantly surprised, anyways, here's another chapter, featuring one of my all time favourite characters!
| Rio POV |
A couple hours on the road, and we're back in front of the scientist on Route 102.
Well… it's more accurate to say we're standing over his defeated form as he lays on the ground, sad, broken, and mumbling to himself. "Footsteps… Pokémon… circles…"
Oof. Guess following your own tracks for… who knows how long… does that to you.
May crouches, half-concerned, half-horrified. "Should we… help him?"
I, being the emotionally mature member of this group, offer a silent salute. Rest easy, brave fool. May your circles become straight lines someday.
Torchic tilts her head, chirping softly. Her attention quickly getting caught by a shiny rock that she peck at a couple time, and swallows whole? Uh... Did she just eat that rock?
May sighs, brushing some hair behind her ear. "Well… he's breathing. Let's, uh, just… keep moving."
Torchic hops ahead, all innocence — until she hiccups, a faint glimmer flashing in her beak.Well... some birds use stones to help with digestion, hope she's one of them…
We leave the poor scientist to his spiral of despair and head down the road, trees arching overhead and the scent of sea salt slowly drifting in.
By the time Petalburg comes into view, the sun's dipping lower, painting the sky in gold and pink. May's already pulling out her Pokédex, scrolling through something, mumbling under her breath.
"Huh… looks like Dad wants me to record more field data," she says absently, glancing at Torchic, who's still bouncing along like she didn't just swallow a shiny rock.
I pad along at her side, ears flicking toward the sounds of town — voices, the creak of a sign swaying, the distant thunk of a door shutting. Petalburg Gym's just ahead, standing solid and calm, like a checkpoint waiting for us.
Near the doors, Brendan waves us over, Treecko perched on his shoulder, looking smug as ever. Next to him stands a nervous-looking boy, mint-green hair and a grip on his backpack like it's the only thing keeping him anchored to the planet.
"Hey!" Brendan calls. "May! Over here."
Not even greeting me? How rude…
We wander over, and Brendan jerks his thumb at the green-haired kid. "This is Wally. He, uh… kinda needs help catching his first Pokémon."
Wally gives a shy wave. "H-hi…"
May's face softens into a gentle smile. "No problem, we can help."
Torchic lets out a proud chik-chik, clearly ready for adventure.
Just as I'm about to voice my own reluctant agreement with a huff—
[New Quest Unlocked: Babysitter Duty]
Objective:Help Wally catch his first Pokémon.
Optional:Make sure Wally and his new partner vibe.
Rewards:+75 EXP
One random item
Lucky encounter
You had my curiosity… but now you have my undivided attention.
I mean, sure, EXP and Whatever overpowered item I might get are nice — but a lucky encounter? In a world where Togepi are walking good luck charms and Absols can sense incoming doom, that could mean anything. Ho-oh soaring overhead? Jirachi napping under a tree? Arceus ordering coffee at a roadside café?
"Rio? You okay there, buddy? You've been quiet for a while."
Ah. Right. Reality. Better get moving before they leave me behind.
I nod calmly as I glance over at the Wally kid — if I remember correctly, he's supposed to get a Ralts, right? Well... It doesn't matter, that kid is my ticket to a nice boost...
| Wally POV |
Oh man, I can't believe I'm catching my first pokemon! I clutch the borrowed Poké Ball a little tighter, heart pounding in my chest as we walk out of the city. This is it. My first Pokémon… my first real step toward becoming a Trainer.
I glance up at May and Brendan, their smiles encouraging, and then at the Riolu beside them— and its… Staring at me? I remember Brendan talking about him, he said he was an energetic guy but his gaze— it almost feels a bit too eager...
Okay, Wally. Deep breath. You can do this.
I swallow hard, my throat suddenly dry. The forest around us seems to close in, the sounds of rustling leaves and distant birdcalls barely reaching my ears. All I can hear is the pounding of my heart. I can't believe this is actually happening.
May and Brendan continue to walk ahead, oblivious to my anxiety, which is probably for the best. I can't let them see how nervous I am. They're both experienced Trainers, and I'm just starting out. A tiny part of me feels like I don't belong here, like I'm the weak link in the group.
But then I remember. That's why I'm here, right? To find my first Pokémon.
I glance down at the Poké Ball in my hand. This isn't just any Poké Ball. It's my Poké Ball. This is the first step toward everything I've wanted — a partner, a team, a future.
Then, I notice something flicker in the corner of my vision — movement, just beyond the trees. I freeze, instinctively reaching for my Pokédex, which is tucked safely in my pocket.
"May," I whisper, trying to keep my voice steady. "I think I saw something."
May slows her pace, turning her head with a raised eyebrow. "What did you see?"
I don't answer right away. Instead, I take another cautious step forward. My heart rate spikes as the shape finally comes into focus. There, just ahead in the clearing, is a small, green Pokémon with a white frill around its neck.
A Ralts.
It's so much more beautiful in person than I imagined. Its eyes are large, a soft shade of blue, and it's looking right at me.
"Ralts…" I murmur, barely daring to believe what I'm seeing.
May smiles warmly. "There it is. Looks like it's your lucky day, Wally."
I glance at her, then back to the Ralts. My hands are shaking slightly as I realize this is happening. The moment has arrived.
"Okay, Wally," May continues, her voice steady and reassuring. "You ready to catch your first Pokémon?"
I nod, a burst of excitement surging through me.
"Alright, Ralts, let's do this!" I call out, my voice shaking with a mix of nervousness and excitement.
The Ralts tilts its head, sensing my energy. It steps forward slowly, eyes locking onto mine. I take a deep breath and reach for the Poké Ball.
May gives a gentle nudge, encouraging me to keep my focus. "Just remember, don't rush. Let it come to you. Take your time."
I hold out the Poké Ball, feeling the cool metal against my palm, my thumb hovering over the button. Ralts still watches me, its expression unreadable. This is it.
"Go, Poké Ball!" I shout, tossing the ball into the air.
The ball spins end over end, the light flashing as it arcs toward the Ralts. And misses... The Pokémon doesn't flinch or try to run away. Instead, it calmly looks at me, a deadpan on its almost covered face.
The Riolu besides me is holding his stomach as he rolls on the floor laughing.
I feel tears threatening to burst out of my eyes, the Riolu gets up wheezing as he aproches the ralts and picks up the pokeball.
"Rii, Riolu?" He shakes the ball in front of it as he puts his arm around its shoulder.
A moment of silence.
And the Ralts presses the button on the ball. A red light shooting over its white form. Before it plops onto he ground
The ball shakes once. Then twice.
I hold my breath, the world slowing down as I wait.
Click.
A rush of relief floods through me. I did it.
The Poké Ball lies on the ground, still and quiet for a moment, before finally coming to rest.
"Yes!" I can't help but grin. I've done it. Well... Riolu did it...
"Nice job, Ri- uhh, I mean Wally," Brendan calls over. He's grinning too, trying to hide his embarrassment.
I look up to May, whose smile is gentle but proud. "You did great. You've got a strong partner now."
I feel a rush of joy overtaking my nervousness, and for the first time, it doesn't feel like I'm just some kid tagging along. I've made a real step into this world.
"Thanks, everyone." I pause for a moment, looking down at the Poké Ball in my hand, the one that now holds Ralts. "I think… I think we're going to make a great team."
Word count: 1406
Poor wally, I wanted to let him have a cool moment, but let's face it, no one gets to be cooler than the MC… except maybe the Pidgey that wrecked him.
"HE HAD THE TYPE ADVANTAGE! AND WAS 15 LEVELS ABOVE ME"
Excuses, excuses.