[Everyone] The Legend of Ampharos (2024)

The Legend of Ampharos takes place directly before the events of Pokémon Gold and Silver and follows the events of the video games to some accuracy. Follow Bryan Schneider, the former gym leader of Olivine City as he deals with the loss of his gym and discovers a danger that could threaten the safety of everything in the Indigo Plateau and farther.

EVERYBODY.
-Mild Cartoon Violence

A New Wind Blows

Ampharos sidestepped the oncoming Tauros and lashed out with a powerful FirePunch. Tauros went sprawling across the smooth gym floor, but then turned and renewed its assault. Ampharos may have been slow, but he was strong and he grasped the charging Tauros by both horns. It bucked, trying to free itself, but Ampharos countered with a shockingly powerful Thunderbolt and the enraged bull collapsed to the floor.
"Uncle B.," a sweet voice echoed done the hallway, and Bryan quickly paused the old battle video to better hear his niece, "dinner is almost ready."

"Coming," Bryan answered down the hall, pushing STOP on the controller.

The television screen blinked briefly blue before the news channel appeared.

"And that concludes our special on the Legendary Articuno, mystery of the Seafoam Islands. Stay tuned next for our continued coverage on the newly discovered Steel-type and how it is changing the face of the Pokémon League Challenge forever."

Bryan switched off the television set and tossed the controller into his old, blue recliner. Sighing, he ran his hand through his crop of short, brown hair and turned for the door. His room above the Olivine City Gym was small, but comfortable. Other than his comfortable chair and the small tv, only three pieces of furniture decorated the dimly lit room. A bed sat in the corner opposite his television and a long, wooden desk with matching chair nearer to the door. As he walked purposefully toward the door, his eye couldn’t help but catch the single white envelope sitting upon his desk. The official Pokémon League seal decorated the top right corner and the middle-aged man signed again, remembering its contents. He tried to push the depressing declaration within from his mind, but he knew it would continue to nag him until he came to grips with the news it delivered. So forever.

"Uncle B.," the voice echoed down the hallway again and Bryan increased his pace.

He passed his niece's room and the living space's only bathroom before pushing open the door to the small kitchen. The delicious smell of spaghetti and meatballs hit him full in the face and he immediately smiled. His niece was already at the small table, scooping great servings of noodles and sauce on to both plates. Her curly, brown hair cascaded down her back, nearly to the seat of the chair, and her light brown eyes sparkled as she looked up at her uncle.

"Could you grab the garlic bread from the oven," she asked politely.

Bryan moved to do so. Before he took two steps, a Magnemite floated from beneath the table and across to the oven. Using one of its magnets, it pulled open the oven door, attracted the metal sheet the bread was baking on, and returned to the table. The gym leader shook his head in amusem*nt before kicking the oven door shut and switching off the heat. He followed Magnemite to the table.

Sitting opposite his niece, he locked eyes with Magnemite and motioned for it to come closer. It did so without hesitation. Glancing over it quickly, he found what he was looking for. A small seven marked on the top of its left magnet. Patting it gently on the screw, Bryan let Magnemite float away and back to his niece's side.

"Jasmine, you have done an excellent job training Number 7," he said brightly, smiling. An action that lit his normally gloomy blue eyes.

Jasmine returned his smile, but didn’t respond, as her mouth was full of spaghetti. A drip of sauce spilled down her lips and she quickly, and embarrassedly, reached for a napkin. Bryan didn’t mind. She had lived with him since she was 10 and she was more a daughter than a niece. Her parents had sent her to study under him and, though they visited from Azalea Town several times a year, he felt primarily responsible for her well-being.

They finished their dinner in silence, listening to the soft hum of Number 7 from beneath the table and the occasional loud crash from the gym below. After the third such crash, Number 7 peeked its head from beneath the table in concern. Jasmine patted it softly in reassurance.

“Those two will never get along,” she sighed, a near perfect mimic of her uncle’s earlier sigh.

“Peter is still holding on to the past,” Bryan responded, shrugging, “I will take him with me when I leave.”

“So you have decided to go,” the young girl responded, her normally happy eyes losing some luster.
Bryan nodded, “you are ready to handle this place on your own and you already have a disciple.”

As if to prove his point, another thud sounded from the ground floor and the room shook ever so slightly.

“Besides, Myron will be here if you need him.”

Jasmine nodded her agreement, but the light failed to return to her eyes.

“Kanto?”

“Yes,” Bryan confirmed, “it is an easy trip to Vermilion City from here and Lt. Surge has his Electric-type gym there.”

Jasmine nodded again, but it was clear she was sad that her uncle was leaving.

“Don’t hang your head, Jasmine, or I can’t see your pretty eyes beneath all that hair,” he uncle said, trying in vain to cheer her up, “besides, it is time to feed Amphy.”

The girl perked up slightly and pushed herself back from the table. Hurrying to the cupboard, she began rummaging around for Amphy’s dinner. Bryan busied himself clearing the dishes from the table with Number 7’s help, but the young Magnemite was little help because the only metal on the table was the baking sheet. Once dinner was cleaned up, Jasmine and Bryan headed down the stairs. As they passed the door to the main gym, they could see Peter and Jasmine’s new disciple, Steven, continuing their battle. Peter’s Raichu cast a Thunderbolt toward the waiting Forretress. The bulky Bug/Steel-type was strong, but practically immobile defensively. Despite its lack of speed, the attack glanced off, doing little damage, and cracking one of the walls. Plaster fell from the strike point and several Magnemite hovering below scattered to avoid being hit.

Bryan shook his head, “That is a powerful Forretress, Steven will make an excellent disciple.”

“I suppose,” Jasmine shrugged as she pushed open the front door and they stepped into the cool, evening air, “but he refuses to catch or train any other Pokémon.”

“It is your job to teach him,” her uncle reminded, “did you want to train anyone but Onix when you first started out?”

“You’re right,” she responded, punching him playfully on the shoulder, “like always.”

He rubbed his shoulder jokingly, “now would…”

“You don’t have to say it,” Jasmine cut him off, “I already know.”

Bryan smiled again as the shorter girl reached for a Poké Ball at her waist and tossed it skyward. It popped open and Skarmory burst forth, screeching loudly. It glared down at the pair of them, then sped off toward the north. They both watched as it sped off, knowing it would return eventually, but not knowing truly when. Bryan took a deep breath of the wonderfully salty air off the coast and headed toward the lighthouse near the edge of town. They walked in silence, the cool night breeze rustling long and short brown hair alike, Bryan mulling over the events of the past several weeks.

Three weeks ago to the day, a letter had arrived to the gym bearing the official Pokémon League seal. Peter, who was his oldest, most dedicated disciple, received the letter and immediately rushed it to his Master. The letter, however, contained bad news, not good. It was brief and to the point and the words still echoed through Bryan’s head.

Mr. Schneider,

With the recent discovery of the Steel-type by the esteemed Professor Samuel Oak, the Pokémon League Council has decided to integrate the new typing into the Pokémon League Challenge. As the Electric-type is already represented by Lt. Surge in Vermilion City, it is your gym that will be converted to Steel-type. The official change will take place on October 1st. Thank you for your years of dedicated service to the Pokémon League.

Pokémon League Council

Bryan supposed that their rationale was sound, but they could just have easily converted Surge’s gym instead of his. In addition, Dragon, Fighting, Psychic, and Poison-type were each represented twice in the Pokémon League Challenge, even if the second representation occurred in the Elite Four. If anything, the new Fuschia Gym Leader, Janine, should be replaced. In the four months since replacing her father, Koga, she had yet to defeat a single challenger and her technique was laughable.

Bryan tried to push the thoughts from his head, but he felt singled-out and betrayed. Only Pryce, Blaine, and Bruno had represented the Pokémon League longer and no-one, save Professor Oak’s newly installed grandson, had a better winning percentage. He shook his head, again trying to escape from his own mind, but the nagging feeling of betrayal refused to leave. If anything, it felt like the league was lashing out at him for being vocal about their refusal to change policies. In recent years, the league seemed far more interested in money than truly challenging trainers and the limitations set to Leader’s Pokémon were becoming more and more stringent. As such, winning matches was becoming more and more difficult and even mediocre trainers were earning the right to compete in the Pokémon League Tournament and challenge the Elite Four. Bryan felt ire for the league rise into his cheeks and his face begin to grow red.

“I think Skarmory dislikes the moist air,” Jasmine said, snapping Bryan from his internal raging, not a minute too soon. He collected himself before responding.

“I hadn’t thought of that, perhaps the salty air isn’t good for his metal body.”

Jasmine nodded her head in agreement, “how can we fix it though?”

“If we keep it warmer in the gym, the air will be dryer,” Bryan responded, thinking aloud, “and if you take him north occasionally to fly, he may appreciate that as well.”

“You’re the best, Uncle B.,” she said, pushing open the lighthouse door and stepping aside to allow him to enter first, “no wonder you’re the best leader in Johto.”

“Not for long,” Bryan responded, a little more sourly than he intended, especially to his niece.

“Sorry,” she muttered, deflated.

“It’s ok,” he reassured her, patting her curly hair gently, “you will make an excellent replacement and I couldn’t be prouder.”

Jasmine’s bright, youthful smile returned in full, but the two remained quiet, saving their breath for the long climb up the lighthouse. Bryan let her take the lead, her young legs better equipped to deal with the strain. He was far from old, he had just turned 30 in March, but he had been a gym leader for 13 years and rarely left his beloved port city anymore. The long climb gave him time to return to his musing, but he reflected more positively as he watched his young niece climb ahead of him.

The one good thing about his replacement was that Jasmine had won the right to take his place. A plethora of challengers had stepped in to compete for the position, but she had defeated them all with poise and honor. She was a smart, powerful, and loving girl who would do Olivine City proud. At 16, she would be the youngest gym leader in the Indigo Plateau, younger even than him when he took over the gym at 17.

“Do you think you can catch me an Abra while you are in Kanto?” Jasmine asked, interrupting his musing a second time.

“Why?” Bryan replied.

“To Teleport me up all these stairs,” she said, half-serious, half-joking.

Bryan laughed aloud as they reached the landing on the final floor and a loud coo from beyond the thick wooden door answered him.

“Amphy is waiting,” she called loudly, opening the door, and the loving female Ampharos on the other side cooed a second time.

While Jasmine rummaged through her bag for Amphy’s dinner, Bryan tapped on one of the PokéBalls at his waist and it popped open. His own Ampharos greeted Amphy with a friendly hoot and the classically awkward hug they always shared. Amphy was the daughter of Bryan’s older Ampharos, raised by Bryan from a Mareep after he had completed his own Pokémon League Challenge years ago. His own Ampharos, whom Jasmine lovingly called Jolter, had battled with him through thick and thin, but Amphy, though well-trained, battled very little. Its job of lighting the lighthouse was far more important. Her isolated life, however, had made her untrusting and she refused aid from anyone save himself and Jasmine.

Once Amphy and Jolter released their awkward embrace, Jasmine handed both of them carrots and set a basket full of them on the stone table behind them as well. The two Electric-type Pokémon ate quietly as Jasmine and Bryan bustled about checking the lighthouse’s functionality, as they did every night. In addition to running the gym, it had always been the Olivine City Gym Leader’s responsibility to maintain the lighthouse and care for its Ampharos. When uncle and niece completed their nightly check, they returned to the stairs and waited for their Ampharos to finish eating. Seeing his Master waiting, Jolter took a last bite of carrot and handed the remainder to his daughter. They bent forward and touched noses in a customary farewell before Jolter ambled to the door and returned to his PokéBall. Jasmine waved a cheery good bye to Amphy before they descended the stairs and returned home.

One Final Challenger

The following day, Bryan awoke promptly at 6 a.m. and wandered down to the beach. As he walked through the quiet streets, his mind again returned to the letter and his impending life change. He had been a gym leader almost half of his life and, before that, he had spent seven years training his Pokémon and winning all 16 gym badges in the Indigo Plateau. Perhaps he was scared of the mystery that lie ahead, a break from the norms of the lifestyle he had built over the past decade.

He stumbled slightly as his sandaled foot stepped off the paved sidewalk and into the sand of the beach. The ocean stretched before him for miles, disappearing over the horizon toward the mysterious Whirl Islands and, eventually, Cianwood City. Bryan loved living in a coastal city and taking walks along the beach, but, to be completely honest, he wasn’t a fan of the ocean. One of his Pokémon, however, was. Reaching inside his light jacket, he pulled out a Lure Ball and tossed it in front of him. With the customary flash of red light, Feraligatr leapt forth and stood expectantly before him. Bryan fiddled briefly with his jacket pocket before producing a Green Pokéblock and tossing it in Feraligatr’s direction. The skilled jaws snapped it quickly from the air before the excited creature turned, dropped to all fours, and ran for the light surf.

Bryan watched for a time as Feraligatr swam powerfully through the weak crests just off shore before heading for deeper water to float lazily in the rising sun. He again turned his thoughts to the prospects of his unknown future, but his mind was again tugged to the past. He’d had a chance, in April, before discovering he would lose his gym, to take a step down the path to becoming the Pokémon League Champion, but had failed on the doorstep. After Agatha had retired from the Elite Four, and with a vacancy in the Viridian City Gym following the debacle with Team Rocket two years prior, the Pokémon League Council had decided to use the yearly Pokémon League Tournament to fill their vacancies.

Tournament attendance hit a record high, as trainers from every corner of Pókran traveled to the Indigo Plateau to compete. The new champion was deserving, Bryan couldn’t deny that. Lance was a phenomenal trainer and had been champion once before, while his second-in-command, Karen, was as beautiful as she was powerful. Bruno, too, was an excellent trainer, but it was Bryan’s bad luck to face the incumbent member of the Elite Four in the quarterfinal. He had replayed their battle in his head over and over. The quarterfinal match was 3v3 and they had traded blows. Bruno’s Onix took down his Heracross after a brutal dual. Feraligatr had finished a weakened Onix before defeating a surprising choice by Bruno, Ursaring. A tired Feraligatr was no match for Machamp, however, and the bout came down to each trainer’s preferred Pokémon: Machamp vs. Ampharos. The 1v1 dual was voted the best in the tournament, with each Pokémon taking and giving ferocious blows and always rising for more. Fatigue, however, set in late in the match and Machamp outmuscled his tired Ampharos. He fingered the only other PokéBall in his jacket, apologizing silently to his old friend for failing him, but deftly withdrew his hand as he heard heavy footsteps approaching. He assumed it was Feraligatr returning from his swim and trained his eyes to the ocean, but a woman’s voice to his left was the source of the footsteps.

“The loss was not your fault or his,” she said knowingly, reading the emotion on his face.

“Elizabeth,” Bryan responded in surprise, his voice husky from the emotion of his memory, but he quickly remedied it.

He glanced over her beautiful face just once before turning his blue eyes back toward the ocean. His heart raced slightly in her presence, she had always had that effect on him, but he did his best not to show it.

“Morning,” she returned softly, letting the subject go, “I saw a challenger headed for the gym, you should head back.”

“Thank you,” Bryan replied, his voice back to normal, “but I have to wait for Feraligatr.”

He turned back to look at her once more. She was the picture of beauty to his eye, reflecting the peace and serenity of the beach in the early morning. Her long, golden hair caught the morning sun’s radiance and her kind, blue eyes mirrored the soft waves. She wore a long dress that waved around her ankles in the morning breeze, but a heavy coat was pulled around her shoulders to ward off the chill. Bryan wondered momentarily how her light, bare feet had sounded so heavily in the sand when her Phanpy peered around her left leg, snout hovering over the soft sand.

“Phanpy found a strange feather on the beach this morning,” Elizabeth started, Bryan’s gaze causing a grin to form on her pretty face, “I thought you should have it.”

She pulled a long, silver-white feather from the pocket of her heavy coat and handed it to the gym leader. Phanpy was famous in Olivine for turning up strange stones and beautiful seashells from the beach, but this feather was entirely different. It had a dull sheen in the early morning light, but was far larger than any Pokémon Bryan was aware of. In addition, the color was strange. Skarmory automatically jumped to mind, its metallic feathers were similar, but this feather was not metal and Skarmory hated the beach.

“Thank you,” he said again, carefully placing the feather in his trouser pocket.

“Do you know what it is,” she asked.

“Honestly, no,” he replied.

He might have lied to someone else, as he was supposed to be the Pokémon expert for the area, but he knew he couldn’t lie to her. She didn’t have the psychic abilities others claimed to have, but she always seemed to know what he was thinking. He suddenly realized she was lingering, expecting more.

“I will look into it. After all, I will have some free time on my hands soon.”

Elizabeth smiled sadly at him, “Jasmine said you are thinking about traveling to Kanto.”

Bryan only nodded.

“We will miss you.”

As if to emphasize who “we” meant, Phanpy nuzzled Bryan’s leg with her short trunk. The gym leader bent and scratched her long ears, evoking a happy snuffling sound. A loud slapping and huffing interrupted the moment. Feraligatr was finally returning from his morning swim and was jogging up the beach. Phanpy panicked and ducked behind Elizabeth. She may have been a beloved public figure, but she hadn’t seen a battle in her life. Knowing that, and seeing the meaningful look in his own Pokémon’s eye, Bryan pulled out his Lure Ball once more and returned Feraligatr.

“Sorry,” Bryan apologized to his lady friend, “he is very protective.”

“I recall,” Elizabeth laughed and bent to pick up Phanpy, “I do believe he took a swipe at me once because I gave you a hug.”

Bryan nodded knowingly, “should I swing by later to check on the Staryu you rescued?”

“No need, she is recovering well and should be fine to release in a couple of days. It would be nice to see you again before you leave though.”

“That I can guarantee,” Bryan promised and headed back toward the gym.

Peter was waiting for him upon arrival, two Poké Balls in hand. Without saying a word, Bryan took them and attached them to his belt alongside Ampharos. He handed Feraligatr’s ball to Peter. His disciple rushed off as Bryan headed for the gym floor. As he pushed open the two metal doors leading to the arena, he saw his opponent had already taken up his position and was boxing lightly with a Poliwrath in preparation. A few people had gathered to watch the match, but, since his other disciples had left weeks ago, the bleachers seemed decidedly empty.

Jasmine sat in the front row and waved quickly as he entered. She was still munching on a bagel and talking softly to a Magnemite. Number 7, he was guessing, but it could be another, as he had no less than twenty roaming about the place. He had taken to numbering them years ago as a way to keep some sort of order. As Bryan waited for Peter’s return, he fingered the PokéBalls at his waist. His disciple had handed him Electabuzz and Magneton, which meant 3v3 at full strength against a seasoned opponent. From this distance though, he wouldn’t have judged his opponent at much past 20.

Peter finally returned, having changed into the uniform he had to wear to judge the match. Stepping into the middle of the arena, he pulled a wireless microphone from his pocket, tapped it twice, and the slight chatter in the room ceased.

“Today’s challenger is Joseph Baron, hailing from the Kanto Region. As he possesses all eight badges of Kanto and four Johto badges, this battle will be contested in a 3v3 format at full strength. The challenger’s three Pokémon will be: Poliwrath, Hitmontop, and Heracross. The incumbent gym leader is our very own Bryan Schnieder,” a small cheer went up at the announcement, “who will be using Magneton, Electabuzz, and Ampharos.”

As Peter finished his announcement, he backed up slowly and took his position beside the arena. Poliwrath sauntered co*ckily out onto the floor and Bryan unhooked Ampharos’ PokéBall from his waist. Three fighting types, he thought to himself, strange decision. He opened Jolter’s ball without tossing it and his Pokémon sized up his opponent. Poliwrath was at a distinct disadvantage and, though Bryan doubted he would need more than Ampharos, he also knew not to underestimate his opponent. Joseph made the first move.

“Poliwrath, Hydro Pump.”

Poliwrath held its clenched fists forward and a powerful stream of water burst forth.

“Light Screen,” Bryan responded calmly.

Without moving, Ampharos produced a powerful Light Screen that absorbed Poliwrath’s attack. Even before the last attack faded, Joseph gave his next command and Poliwrath sprung forward. A well-aimed Dynamic Punch shattered the Light Screen, but slowed his momentum and the battling Pokémon locked arms. Without waiting for the command, Jolter released a Thunderbolt into the stationary Poliwrath, mimicking the move it had used against Tauros weeks before. The Pokémon’s wet body amplified the attack and it collapsed, unable to continue. A cheer rose from the crowd for their experienced gym leader and Peter stepped forward.

“Poliwrath is unable to battle, please choose your next Pokémon.”

“I choose Heracross,” Joseph shouted, frustration written into his face after the easy KO.

Heracross burst forth and flexed its big, bug muscles. Its small, heart-shaped horn indicated it was a female. Knowing that females, though often weaker, are faster than males, Bryan decided to take his opponent off guard.

“Ampharos, Go.”

Jolter lurched forward, barreling down on the equally-sized Heracross. Speed was not his strong suit, but the move was essentially a feint.

“Hera, Horn Attack,” Joseph commanded, and his Heracross dropped to its front claws, predictably waiting the oncoming challenger. At the last second, Berem gave the command he knew Ampharos was waiting for.

“Strength.”

Jolter stopped on a dime and, as Heracross wildly swung its horn forward, he grabbed it and lifted her from the ground. A shocked cry escaped from Heracross’ mouth as Ampharos heaved her across the large, flat arena. Before she hit the ground, however, her experienced trainer gave another command.

“Hover, Hera, and counter with Take Down.”

Just a foot above the ground, Heracross opened her wings and prevented the impending impact. Turning its surprise manuever into an advantage, she shot back across the arena. Ampharos was ready again. At her hovering height, Heracross was at the perfect level for a FirePunch, which Jolter delivered with amazing speed and accuracy to her underbelly, sending the Bug-type flying once more. The fire surging through the punch was enough to guarantee the lack of a second recovery and, when Heracross hit the floor, it too had fainted.

“Heracross is unable to battle,” repeated Peter officially once more, “please choose your final Pokémon.”

“Hitmontop,” Joseph shouted, retrieving Heracross and summoning Hitmontop in quick succession.

Again, the Pokémon sized each other up, waiting for their Masters’ first command. Bryan was cautious with Hitmontop, they could be tricky. Detect could be a game changer, but it was only effective if he attacked first, so he waited. Joseph, though, was patient. Strategies surged though Bryan’s head and he finally decided on one.

“Ampharos, Light Screen.”

Jolter threw up another Light Screen, and Joseph, reacting to Bryan’s voice, immediately shouted, “HItmontop, Detect.”

Hitmontop deftly flipped from its ungainly feet to its pointed head and prepared to dodge the incoming attack, but it never came. Frustrated and knowing Detect was likely to fail in succession, Joseph played directly into Bryan’s hands.

“Hitmontop, Rolling Kick.”

Joseph’s Pokémon surged forward, shattering the Light Screen, but, concentrated as it was on attacking, it couldn’t defend.

“Ampharos, Thunderbolt.”

Electricity surged forward once more, catching Hitmontop mid-spin. To his credit, Hitmontop maintained his Rolling Kick through Ampharos’ Thunderbolt, but, by the time he reached his stationary opponent, all momentum was lost and he collapsed at Jolter’s feet. The final attack again came without command, Ampharos knowing his Master’s wishes as few Pokémon do. Bending, he grasped Hitmontop by his small tail and flung him unceremoniously across the arena. Hitmontop landed hard at his Master’s feet with a groan and Peter stepped forward to announce the verdict.

“Hitmontop is unable to battle, Bryan Schnieder has won the match.”

The crowd erupted into cheers and Bryan waved once to his fans before turning and walked to the middle of the arena to shake his opponent’s hand. As he turned, he saw the metal doors behind him swing shut, but he thought little of it. Joseph, on the other hand, had no interest in speaking to the gym leader and stomped off in a huff to the locker room’s beneath the bleachers.

“Seems to be happening more and more these days,” Peter commented softly as his Master approached.

“Because these children are unprepared for real battles,” Bryan responded seriously, “the restrictions placed on gym leaders makes it too easy for trainers to win badges and so when they lose…,” he held a hand in the direction Joseph had left to complete his thought.

Peter nodded his understanding. As the rest of the crowd followed whoever had rushed out after the fight, Bryan handed Electabuzz’s and Magneton’s PokéBalls to Peter and turned to his approaching niece. His disciple took the hint and hurried off.

“The next time there is a battle in this arena, you will be in my place,” Bryan greeted his niece with a smile.

She returned it warmly, “but I doubt Elizabeth will come to see me fight.”

“She was here?” Bryan responded in awe, “but she hates fighting.”

“She was the last one in and the first one out,” Jasmine stated seriously, “and, as much as she dislikes fighting, she loves you more.”

Bryan scoffed at the notion, but was impressed at the maturity of the young girl he had helped raise. He had raised and loved many Pokémon in his life, but they all paled in comparison to the wonderful young woman standing before him now.

“It would never have worked,” he finally responded, placing a hand on the girl’s back and gently leading her to the kitchen. He had missed his own breakfast.

“Her husband died five years ago now,” Jasmine pushed, though Bryan couldn’t figure out why now, “and she has loved you since you were kids. You grew up on that beach together.”

It was true, he and Elizabeth had been neighbors as children and her mother, Mrs. Reed, had tutored both of them in math and writing before he had left to challenge the Pokémon League. He stuffed a bagel in his mouth to delay responding and, for seemingly the hundredth time that week, took a trip down memory lane. Long afternoons playing in the sand with Elizabeth, then laying in the shade of a huge umbrella while they read each other stories. Drinking lemonade from the stand on the beach front as they walked home, holding hands, thinking of excuses for their sunburn and whose parents would be more likely to believe them.

Things had changed when Bryan caught his first Pokémon. A Krabby he had found snapping at another kid’s toes on the beach. He started challenging every other trainer in Olivine, but Elizabeth hated the fighting and, for a time, they stopped being friends. When she discovered he was leaving, however, she cried and begged him to stay. He refused, this was his chance to become something great, but he would come back for her.

After traveling to New Bark Town and receiving Totodile, he decided he would send Krabby to be with Elizabeth, but decided against it when he remembered how it liked to snap at her toes. The solution, however, came to him in Cherrygrove City. During their annual Cherry Blossom Fesitval, he found a trainer willing to trade her young Phanpy for Krabby. Feeling the young, docile Pokémon was a better match for his best friend, he sent it instead.

Years later, when he returned to run the gym at Olivine, he found that she had married a sailor from Cianwood City and was extremely happy. His emotions on the development were confusing, even to himself, but, over time, they returned to the harmonious friendship they'd had as children.

Bryan was so engrossed in his memories, he forgot to chew the bagel he had shoved in his mouth and Jasmine began poking him in the ribs.

“Uncle B., Uncle B., are you okay?”

She poked him again and he snapped from his memory, accidentally spitting the piece of bagel across the room.

“He died in a shipping accident,” Bryan spluttered, though Jasmine hadn’t asked.

“I know,” she responded, “she told me once. I asked if you are okay.”

“Oo, yea, just, umm, hungry,” he managed, “I am going to eat, meet me in the arena at noon, we should train."

The End of an Era

The next five days passed in a blur for Bryan. He, Peter, Jasmine, and Steven trained in the mornings, while giving their Pokémon time to relax in the afternoons. Bryan continued to prepare Jasmine for her new responsibilities, though he knew she was ready. He was just keeping himself busy and out of his own head. The Saturday before the 1st of October, he finally found the courage to visit Elizabeth one last time. They shared a light lunch, a lemonade, and a beach walk reminiscent of their youth before Bryan awkwardly and somberly bid her farewell. As Bryan awoke tiredly on the 1st, intent on catching the noon ship to Vermilion with Peter, two surprises met him before his bowl of cereal.

“Peter, what are you doing here so early,” he yawned, rubbing the sleep from his eyes as he made his way down the hallway to the kitchen. He also briefly wondered why Peter had come to his living quarters, but his sleep addled-mind pushed the thought aside in anticipation of breakfast.

“The Pokémon League Council is here AND Jasmine has her first challenger.”

Bryan wasn’t sure what surprised him more, but either way his eyes snapped open and his fatigue vanished. Rushing to the kitchen, he elected to bypass the cereal for a much quicker donut before hurrying back to his room. Peter waited patiently outside as Bryan traded out his old jeans and t-shirt for a pair of khakis and his official Pokémon League polo shirt. Together, he and Peter took a deep breathe and headed for the arena.

The battle had already begun when Bryan and Peter snuck in through one of the locker rooms and slid quietly onto the bleachers, joining a good size crowd that had come to see Jasmine in her first official gym battle. Three Pokémon League officials stood on the far side of the arena wearing matching black suits with the Pokémon League emblem emblazoned over the right breasts. Their arms were crossed seriously and they looked on impassively.

“Not a good place to stand,” Peter commented under his breathe, having followed Bryan’s eyes to the far side of the arena.

Bryan agreed, they were definitely in a danger zone, but he didn’t verbally respond to his young disciple, simply nodding his head. Curious who had come to challenge Jasmine on her first day, he re-focused his attention to the far end of the arena and gave an audible gasp. Peter again followed his gaze and confirmed Bryan’s surprise.

“Joseph Baron?”

“It would seem he thinks Jasmine will be the one to give up the Olivine City badge since he couldn’t defeat me,” the former gym leader commented, holding down his ire, “I think he will find she isn’t a push over.”

“He defeated Chuck,” Peter noticed, checking the board on the wall above.

Bryan shrugged. Chuck was a tough cookie and he would like to see the battle video from a purely Fighting-type battle, but he wasn’t surprised Joseph had defeated him. He looked on as the battle before him continued. Joseph had begun with Poliwrath again, while Skarmory took to the skies for Jasmine. They had traded blows several times, but Skarmory was clearly avoiding too much contact, perhaps its dislike of the water dissuading it from its full potential. Jasmine had the metal avian drop low to the ground for a Wing Attack, but Poliwrath dodged and turned to release Hydro Pump. The jet of water struck Skarmory squarely in the tail feather and knocked him into the wall.

Steven, officiating for the first time, stepped forward and raised on arm, “Skarmory is unable to battle, please choose another Pokémon.”

On the far-side of the arena, the Pokémon League officials exchanged concerned looks, but Jasmine was an experienced battler and took the KO in stride. Calling back Skarmory, her newest Pokémon, she replaced its PokéBall at her waist and chose again.

“Is that Number 7,” Peter asked incredulously at her choice.

Bryan couldn’t help but laugh, “this should be fun.”

The Magnemite hung in the air before Jasmine and Joseph spent no time renewing his assault.

“Poliwrath, Fury Attack.”

Poliwrath surged forward, fists at the ready, and began to pummel at Magnemite, but with no luck. Number 7 was a small, quick target and Poliwrath’s powerful swings couldn’t find contact. Looking for an opening, Magnemite swung around behind the bigger Pokémon and slammed its full weight into his back. Poliwrath didn’t flinch, but turned and finally found contact with the much smaller magnet. Number 7 bounced off the smooth floor once before finding its bearings. Poliwrath took no time in coming forward again.

“Magnet Bomb,” shouted Jasmine.

Number 7 responded immediately, shooting dozens of small magnets forward. Poliwrath answered by turning his Fury Attack on the projectiles. Big mistake. His fist punch hit home, causing the magnet to explode and set off a chain reaction. As Poliwrath covered his face protectively with his arms, Jasmine moved in to finish him.

“Magnemite, Thunder.”

Number 7 didn’t hesitate. A single, massive bolt of electricity surged forward from its small, metallic body and struck the beleaguered Poliwrath squarely. He convulsed for a long moment before collapsing and Steven stepped forward again to announce the KO.

“That is amazing,” Peter whispered and a murmuring from the crowd confirmed their agreement.

“He can only do it once though,” Bryan informed in the same undertones, “the next battle is likely to be short.”

The former gym leader was correct. A few stray magnets from a quick Magnet Bomb did minor damage to Heracross, but Joseph wouldn’t fall for the same trick twice and a well-aimed Arm Thrust spelled the end of Magnemite. The Pokémon League officials exchanged concerned looks again as their new gym leader fell behind and Steven stepped in a third time.

“Only Steelix left,” Peter whispered.

Bryan nodded, but he still had confidence in his prodigy. He had seen Steelix fight hundreds of times and knew its true potential. Jasmine just had to concentrate and limit mistakes. An audible gasp went up from the crowd as Steelix burst forth. The Iron Snake Pokémon averaged around 30’ in length, but Jasmine’s exceeded that by a decent amount. Even her opponent seemed awed by its sheer size, but refused to back down.

“Hera, Earthquake.”

Heracross jumped slightly into the air, hovered there a moment, then slammed her entire body, thorny forearms first, into the floor. A thick crack appeared, racing toward Steelix, an attack the monstrous Pokémon had no chance of dodging. Jasmine…smiled.

“Steelix, Terremoto.”

Steelix swung his heavy tail forward with blinding speed and struck the ground before the oncoming crack. A similar, but much larger, crevice formed, racing toward the first. When the two met, Steelix’s attack engulfed Heracross’ and continued surging on. So shocked by the turn was Joseph, he reacted too slowly and Heracross took the attack head on. It didn’t stand a chance.

“Heracross is unable to battle, please choose your final Pokémon.”

For once, a look of approval crossed the faces of the Pokémon League officials and, as Joseph prepared Hitmontop for the final bout, Peter asked the question on all the spectator’s minds.

“What was that?”

“Years ago, when Jasmine first came to live here with Onix,” Bryan answered, “I asked my friend Pablo to aid her in training. He spoke only Spanish to Onix for nearly two years and, as such, even fully evolved, Steelix responds best to that language.”

Peter shook his head in amazement and turned back to the bout. Steelix struck first with Iron Tail, but Hitmontop dodged nimbly with Detect. Turning defense into attack, it spun forward and repeatedly struck Steelix with a powerful Rolling Kick. The bout looked to be over quickly, but Jasmine’s strategy soon revealed itself.

“Steelix, Contraatacar.”

Steelix’s shiny body glowed a shimmered brown and Hitmontop flew off of him and skidded to a painful halt at her owner’s feet. Pushing herself up, she delayed Steven’s announcement and the two dueling Pokémon sized each other up.

“Counter,” translated Bryan before Peter could ask, and his disciple passed the word down the bleachers to the confused spectators.

“I didn’t know Steelix could learn Counter,” Peter commented.

“He can’t, I don’t know how she was able to teach him, but it is devastating when used properly.”

The battle before them had slowed. Both Pokémon were injured from the last engagement and awaited the fatal mistake from the other. Steelix towered over the arena, but Hitmontop’s speed was enough to make him wary. Finally, Joseph ordered the attack.

“Hitmontop, Rolling Kick.”

The diminutive fighter again surged forward, hoping to surprise the weary Steelix, but Jasmine was ready.

“Steelix, Iron Tail.”

Steelix lashed out, but another Detect saw Hitmontop launch herself into the air and away from the metallic whip. Her dodge, however, put her in range of a different attack.

“Steelix, Tritrurar.”

Steelix’s jaw snapped into action and closed around one of Hitmontop’s spinning feet. Holding the helpless Pokémon in his mouth like a dog might hold a toy, he flung Hitmontop across the arena and crashing to the floor. Hitmontop was out before she hit the ground, but Steven waited appropriately before stepping in and making the announcement.

“Hitmontop is unable to battle. Jasmine is the victor.”

The crowd erupted into far greater cheers than the previous week when Bryan had defeated the same opponent, though Joseph reacted in the same way, storming off like a pouty child. Jasmine exhaled in great relief and returned Steelix to his ball. Steven scurried over to retrieve her Pokémon, they would need treatment and he would see that they got it. Bryan stood to take the floor and congratulate her, but a small boy broke from the crowd and beat him to it. Before the boy had left, the Pokémon League officials approached her and Bryan decided it best to retreat to his room and speak with her later.

--

Bryan heard Jasmine’s light footfalls outside his door before she pushed open the door with a creak and whispered his name.

“Uncle B.?”

“Here,” he replied, standing with a backpack in hand. He had been bent over it packing the few things he would need for his journey. He was again wearing the old jeans and t-shirt he had donned that morning, accompanied by a new pair of tennis shoes and his trusty blue jacket.

“You’re leaving,” she said, a tear forming almost immediately in her eye.

“Not until I saw you one last time,” he countered, “and congratulate you on your first win. You were stupendous.”

She smiled through the tears on her face and remained modest, “I had an advantage, I saw you fight him last week.”

Bryan shook his head at the maturity of his niece and walked to the open door where she was standing. Placing his bag on the ground, he embraced her warmly and kissed her on the forehead.

“I am going to miss you so much,” she cried, wrapping her arms around his mid-section as he was several inches taller than her.

“And I, you,” he said, his voice emotional, “and if you ever need me, I am just a phone call away.”

He tapped the PokéGear on her arm and she nodded her understanding into his chest. They stood in the doorway for a long moment before a single chime from the old grandfather clock on the wall indicated the time as half past five.

“I have to go,” Bryan said softly, though he didn’t exit the embrace immediately.

Jasmine, understanding, stepped back and looked into Bryan’s blue eyes above her.

“I am ready,” she said, “be careful.”

The two walked down the stairs hand-in-hand without speaking. They passed the steel gym doors that had seen so many intense battles and pushed open the exterior doors into the salty, sea air. The sun shimmered off the ocean in the distance as it set beneath the waves and the two enjoyed the spectacle together one last time. Another long moment passed as they stood there, then Bryan stepped away and bent to kiss his niece again.

“Peter is waiting for you,” Jasmine finally said, pushing open one of the front doors to the gym.

She smiled at her uncle one last time, then stepped through the door before she began crying once more. Bryan held back the tears as he turned from his beloved gym. He would miss his niece dearly, but he needed to do this. He had said his farewells to Amphy and Elizabeth, so, with resolve and determination, he walked briskly toward the port on the edge of town. Twirling two Poké Balls slowly in his hand, he had decided he would only take Feraligatr and Ampharos with him, his thoughts turned to the future.

The stroll to the port wasn’t far. Olivine wasn’t a large city. As he approached, Peter waved to him from a bench on the dock and he increased his pace. They heartily shook hands and Peter opened his mouth to greet his Master, but stopped short and pointed just over Bryan’s shoulder. Turning, Bryan saw Elizabeth’s blonde hair reflecting the setting sun as she approached him them from the beach.

“I have both tickets,” Peter said so only Bryan could hear, “take your time.”

Peter walked down the dock toward the ship and Bryan took a deep breathe, contemplating what to say, but Elizabeth beat him to it.

“I wanted to see you again before you left.”

Bryan let out a long breathe as he looked into his childhood friend’s eyes and noticed she was near to tears as well. He hadn’t expected leaving would be so hard, but now, as he stood on the doorway to the future looking back, he realized how much he loved this town and its people. Two in particular.

“I will miss you,” he finally said, and one of the tears Elizabeth had tried so hard to suppress broke loose and ran down her cheek.

Bryan leaned in to wipe the tear from her cheek and she took the moment to embrace him tightly. He returned the embrace, mind racing, but the whistle from the ferry sounded and he knew time was short.

“I will miss you too,” she said, a pushed a small object into his hand.

He looked down to see a very special seashell necklace. The seashell was the first one Phanpy had found after Bryan had sent it to her years ago. She had sent him the seashell as a thank you for the gift and he had later created a necklace from it and gave it to her for her birthday. The braided rope from which the shell hung was made of nine individual hairs braided together, one from each tail of a Ninetales. She had worn the necklace for years and he couldn’t believe she was giving it to him.

“I can’t…,” he started, but she interrupted him by leaning in and kissing him on the cheek.

The whistle sounded a second time and Peter called down the dock.

“Go,” she said.

He nodded once, dumbfounded. Then, finding his courage, he stole a kiss of his own and sprinted down the dock to the boat.

--

The trip to Vermilion City from Olivine City was a short one. Years ago, it had been nearly impossible to make the trip from Kanto to Johto, but with the installation of the Magnet Train and the advancements in high-speed ships, Kanto was a few hour trip away at most. Peter and Bryan talked quietly over the small dinner they had packed for the trip or stared out the windows at the marvels of the ocean. Once the lights of Olivine disappeared, no artificial light was seen, but the Pokémon of the sea came out in force. Staryu and Starmie could be seen floating near the surface, their red cores giving the sea an eerie light. Further on, the Starfish Pokémon gave way to the lights of Chinchou and Lanturn. As they turned north into the Bay of Southern Kanto, Tentacool and Tentacruel could be seen communicating by flashing the red orbs on their heads. Later, they passed under the elevated bike paths of Route 17 and a few Noctowl could be spotted flying overhead, but eventually the lights of Vermilion appeared in the distance and the Pokémon vanished into the night.

As the ship gave its last push of speed before slowing to dock, Bryan and Peter headed for the deck and peered over the side into the dark oceans of Kanto. Just off the port side, racing the speeding ship, was a school of Horsea. When the ship finally slowed, the school overtook them and disappeared into the shallower waters of the bay. The ship’s horn blew twice as the it finally docked and the two displaced Johto-jins made their way down the long dock and into the city. Bryan had been to Vermilion a few times, but it had been decades ago, and it was Peter's first time in Kanto. As they strolled off the wooden dock, they turned west toward the city.

The first building they happened upon once entering the city proper was the PokéMart and Bryan indicated to Peter that he wished to step inside. The PokéMart was furnished in the same fashion as every mart in Johto and Bryan made his way immediately to the counter. He momentarily contemplated removing his jacket because the temperature in the store was near unbearable, but, when he reached the counter, he discovered both the purpose and the source of the heat. A tiny old woman was sitting behind the counter half-asleep and a quick glance at his PokéGear reminded Bryan that it was nearly 11:00 p.m. The old woman was so short that only her frizzy black hair bun could be seen over the counter. Laying beside her, the flames on its back blazing to keep the old woman warm, was a snoozing Cyndaquil. Bryan chuckled to himself and gently cleared his voice to wake the lady. Despite his gentleness, the woman jumped and rattled her chair, causing Cyndaquil to wake and assume a defensive position. Glancing up and seeing a customer, the woman comforted Cyndaquil and turned to Bryan.

“Boat just get in?” she asked.

“Indeed,” Bryan answered shortly, looking around for Peter as the vendor rubbed the sleep from her eyes. He was checking out the medicines on the far wall and letting his Master take care of his business.

“How can I help you,” the woman asked after a moment, hiding a yawn.

“Do you have a map of the area,” Bryan asked politely.

Without speaking, the elderly saleswoman opened a drawer behind the counter and splayed several maps before Bryan. They read: Metropolitan Kanto (Cerulean, Vermilion, Lavender, Celadon, and Saffron), Western Kanto (Pallet, Viridian, Pewter, and Cinnabar Island), Southern Kanto (Fuschia City, Seafoam Islands, and connecting Routes), Pokémon Trainer’s Map (Rock Tunnel, Mt. Moon, Diglett’s Cave, Viridian Forest). There was also an Advanced Trainer’s Map with Victory Road included and several individual route maps.

“Nothing with all of Kanto,” Bryan queried, trying to hide his disappointment.

“Sorry,” the woman said, shaking her head, “sold out. Every trainer coming off the boat wants one.”

Bryan nodded his understanding and turned to tell Peter they were leaving, but the woman had another thought, “Lt. Surge down at the Pokémon Gym might have one.”

“Thank you,” replied Bryan kindly, smiling warmly at her, “how might we find the gym?”

“Straight down the street you came in on,” she said, indicating with her finger, “all the way on the far side of town. It is surrounded on three sides by the bay.”

Bryan smiled his thanks a second time and picked up the Pokémon Trainer’s Map from the counter, “I will take this just in case.”

“On the house,” the woman replied, returning to her chair, “because I am too tired to ring it up.”

“Have a nice evening,” Bryan responded, the smile on his face more genuine.

Stowing the map in his backpack, he walked quietly to the back of the store, spoke softly to Peter, and headed for the exit. As they passed the front counter, the elderly saleswoman was snoring gently and Bryan silently removed the money he owed her from his pocket and laid it discretely on the counter. If she remembered him in the morning, she could ring it up then.

By the time they reached the Vermilion City Gym, it was the only building in town that still had lights shining in the windows.

“It is nearly midnight,” noticed Peter, “maybe we should stay at the Pokémon Center this evening and come back in the morning.”

“A good leader would let us stay here,” Bryan disagreed, “we will be fine.”

The gym was twice the size of Bryan’s in Olivine City and, as they pushed open the opaque glass door, they were met with quite the spectacle. A large grid of some kind was laid out on the floor and, at random intervals, an electric charge would run through it, causing it to glow in variety of colors. Behind the grid was a gate of pure electricity, sparking dangerously each time a surge ran through the grid. Bryan and Peter exchanged a look, but, before they could speak, they were interrupted by a tall, well-built man in a military uniform.

“Are you challengers,” he asked sternly.

“No,” responded Bryan, stepping forward and extending a hand, “we are new in town and wished to speak with the Gym Leader.”

The soldier took the proffered hand and nearly broke Bryan’s fingers in the resulting shake. After he released Bryan’s now-injured hand, he motioned for them to follow. He led them away from the grid and the electric gate. Approaching a wooden door, he knocked twice and a deep, stern voice from the opposite side told them to enter.

“Two men to see you, Lieutenant,” the soldier said, indicating Bryan and Peter.

“Thank you, Gregory,” Lt. Surge intoned from behind the desk, “that will be all.”

Gregory saluted and left the office.

“How can I help you boys,” continued the gym leader, his short-cut, blonde hair and menacing eyes intimidating even the seasoned trainers, “it is a bit late to be ambling about town.”

“We are from Johto,” Bryan said, finding his nerve, he had met Lt. Surge once before, but he had been a younger, more co*cky trainer and didn’t recall the man seeming so…scary.

“We need a place to stay for the evening and my associate, who is already an accomplished trainer, wishes to study under you.”

Peter threw Bryan a confused look, which the former gym leader fully understood. His disciple thought they were both staying, but Bryan had other plans. Before Peter could question the comment aloud, Lt. Surge responded.

“I will have someone pull some cots out for you this evening and we are always looking for new trainers.”

He stood and looked over Peter thoroughly, “despite your experience, you will have to work your way up the ranks, understood?”

Peter nodded once and swallowed hard.

“What Pokémon do you have with you?”

“Raichu and Magnemite,” Peter responded.

“Excellent choices,” commented the lieutenant, “but remember, once you officially become a trainer here, you will have to refer to me as sir, understood?”

“Yes, sir” Peter answered, in a strange tone.

“Good,” continued Surge, ignoring the tone, “Gregory will show you to your bunks.”

Bryan and Peter turned and followed Gregory out the door again. He must have been standing outside the door and heard his Master’s orders through it. It wasn’t difficult to imagine that the former military man’s voice would travel. Gregory led them to a small room on the first floor with several cots stacked beside a window overlooking the sea. He pulled two down, arranged them on the floor, and turned to leave.

“Bathroom is through that door,” he said as an afterthought, indicating another door at the far end on the room. Bryan and Peter sat wearily on the cots and sighed simultaneously.

“Are you sure you want to stay here,” Bryan asked.

“Yes, if only to get my feet on the ground,” Peter answered confidently, “Lt. Surge sounds tough, but I have trained under you for years, I have confidence I can handle it.”

Bryan patted him on the shoulder, taking the compliment with a deep gratitude. Peter stretched out and laid down on his cot, but his Master stood and walked to the window, looking out over the calm waves of the bay. In the distance, from the direction of the Seafoam Islands, Bryan saw the moonlight reflecting off something silvery high in the sky. He remembered the feather in his pocket and his mind began to wonder.

“Why aren’t you staying,” Peter said suddenly, interrupting Bryan’s thoughts.

“I just need to get out of a gym, see the world again,” Bryan responded truthfully, “I forgot how amazing the world can be.”

Peter didn’t respond, but laid his head back on the cot and his breathing soon steadied to indicate he had fallen asleep. Bryan needed some rest too, he knew tomorrow would be long, but before he returned to his cot, he moved silently to the bathroom at the end of the room. He needed to make a phone call and he didn’t want to wake his former apprentice.

A New Challenge

The next morning, Bryan and Peter were awoken by the sound of a loud siren resonating through the gym. Peter jumped at the noise and landed painfully on the ground, but Bryan simply stuck his fingers in his ears until the siren died down. Glancing at his watch, he noticed it was just after 8:00 a.m. and he needed be on his way. Aiding Peter to his feet, they gathered their things and headed to the gym’s entrance. Apparently, a challenge was about to begin because there was a flurry of activity about the gym and the two had to stick to the exterior wall to avoid being trampled. As they approached the front doors, they saw a young boy with a Sandshrew standing before the grid on the floor.

“What is going on,” Bryan heard Peter ask one of the bystanders that had gathered by the doors.

“The boy has issued a challenge, but, before he can face Lt. Surge, he must pass a test,” the stranger explained, “each of the grid points hides a switch and Sandshrew must find the correct switches to de-activate the gate and get to the gym leader.”

“Interesting,” Peter voiced his opinion, but Bryan scoffed.

“More tricks and ridiculousness by the league,” he commented, pushing open the doors and shutting out of the hubbub that was growing inside.

Peter followed.

“Thank you for everything you have done for me, Master,” he said, extending his hand, “I will forever be indebted to you.”

“I am no longer your Master, Peter,” Bryan responded seriously, “and thank you for sticking with me until the end.”

They shook hands briefly and exchanged farewells before Bryan turned and headed back in the direction of the port. He stopped once again at the PokéMart to pick up a Max Repel, then continued to Route 11 and Diglett’s Cave. Before entering the cave, Bryan stopped and sprayed himself thoroughly with the Max Repel. The Diglett in the cave were weak and Feraligatr was more than a match for them, but he didn’t want to deal with the constant headache. He passed through Diglett’s Cave without incident and then turned south toward Viridian. He had made plans the night before to meet a friend in Pewter, but it would take him a couple of days to arrive and Bryan had other things to handle first. He had intended to pass directly through Viridian City and on to Pallet Town, but a large sign posted just inside the city limits caught his eye.

TRAINER HOUSE, NOW OPEN. TEST YOUR SKILLS IN OPEN BATTLE AGAINST THE BEST IN KANTO.

Intrigued, the former gym leader altered his course and followed the big red arrow on the sign. The Trainer House wasn’t hard to find and, as he stepped inside, a friendly voice greeted him.

“Welcome to the Trainer House,” a thin, blonde girl chimed, “how may we help you?”

“I would like to battle,” Bryan answered, “how does it work?”

“Just head down those stairs,” she said, pointing to the far corner of the room, “the Battle Master will register you.”

Bryan thanked her and skirted a couple of children playing with PokéDolls in the middle of the room, giggling wildly. The basem*nt was set up with a simple arena design and, at the base of the stairs, the Battle Master sat behind a window doing a crossword puzzle. He registered Bryan for the next battle and informed him it would begin shortly and to wait on the challenger side of the arena. Bryan did as he was told and only had to wait a brief moment before his opponent appeared and a voice that was clearly the Battle Master rang over a loud speaker.

“This match with pit the current Trainer House Champion, Oliver King, against a challenger from Johto, Bryan Schneider.”

There was mild applause from the few people who had ventured down from upstairs and the Battle Master, acting as referee over his loud speaker, began the battle. He announced it as standard 3v3 without limitation, which mildly concerned Bryan because he had only two Pokémon. His concern, however, was unwarranted.

Oliver called out Weezing to start the match and, after coating the arena in a Smokescreen, ordered a Take Down. Jolter was patient and waited for Weezing to emerge from the smoke before landing a well-timed FirePunch. As Weezing recovered, Jolter finished him with Thunderbolt, much to the surprise of the crowd. Pokémon number two was Blastoise. He charged immediately at Ampharos with Skull Bash, but Jolter dodged the rush and, as the large turtle skidded to a stop, Jolter latched on to one of his water cannons and used Strength to fling him across the room. He landed hard, but pushed himself to his feet before firing off a Hydro Pump. Ampharos countered with another Thunderbolt, which traveled up the oncoming water stream and threw Blastoise backwards for another KO. Ampharos barely broke a sweat with the final battle either. The opposing Pokémon opened with a powerful Sludge Bomb, which was block by Light Screen. The ensuing Razor Leaf cut through the Light Screen, but Thunderbolt wilted the Razor Leaf in mid-air. As Victreebel recovered from consecutive attacks, Jolter charged forward. A weak Vine Whip landed on the charging Ampharos, but it did little to stop the well-aimed FirePunch and the end of the match.

A shocked silence filled the arena instead of applause and Bryan, disappointed with the quality of opposition, called Ampharos back and headed for the exit. The Battle Master called after him as he ascended the stairs, but he ignored the lazy man. The two children were the only people left on the upper floor and Bryan took the opportunity to disappear without being accosted. He knew the walk from Viridian City to Pallet Town would take a couple of hours and it was already past mid-day. Pulling an energy bar from his bag, he zipped his old jacket against the chill in the air and headed south.

The city soon gave way to a clearly marked dirt path lined with tall trees. Most of the trees were decorated in stunning orange and gold leaves as the autumn approached, while the grass patches near the sides of the road were tall, but well-kept. He saw no other people and was so absorbed in his own thoughts that he failed to see the Pidgey flying low in front of him until it hit him directly in the stomach. Although the force of the blow wasn’t great, the surprise knocked him backwards several steps. Looking up, he saw the Pidgey jump to its feet, unharmed, and stare up at him. He laughed at the silly bird before picking it gently from the ground and walking to the nearest tree. Holding his hand up, he allowed the Pidgey to jump to the lowest branch.

It wasn’t long before a few red roofs appeared over the colorful trees, but for some reason Bryan couldn’t shake the feeling that he was being followed. Turning back, he saw nothing. As he entered the quaint town, he easily identified the Pokémon Lab, but again felt eyes on him. Again he turned back. Again, he saw nothing. The roads of Pallet Town were dirt, like the ones he had taken down Route 1, but better maintained and easier to follow. A woman in a large hat was tending the garden in front of her house with aid from a Mr. Mime, looking somewhat comical in a pink and green apron. They both smiled warmly and waved as he passed. He returned the greeting.

When he reached the door to the main building of the Pokémon Lab, he again suspiciously glanced about, unable to shake the feeling of being followed. Again, seeing nothing, he pulled open the door and walked inside. A soft thud and a sad chirp sounded from behind him, but he was too distracted by the immensity of the lab to pay much attention.

“Professor Samuel Oak?” he asked one of the dozen men in lab coats.

The man pointed to an elderly, but healthy-looking man with gray hair. Bryan thanked him and moved forward. The Professor was discussing an old piece of vellum with one of his assistants and Bryan waited patiently until he finished. When the assistant moved away, taking the vellum with him, Oak turned his attention to his visitor.

“How may I help you?” he asked politely.

“I would like to register for the Pokémon League Challenge,” Bryan responded seriously.

Professor Oak sized him up curiously, “you are quite a bit older than most of the people I register, but I would be glad to get you started. Do you have any Pokémon to claim?

“Just…” Bryan was cut off by a scream from the front door.

One of the professor’s assistants had opened the door and immediately jumped out of the way. A blur of feathers shot through the opening and landed at Bryan’s feet. It somersaulted twice, then hopped happily to its feet and chirped at Bryan. For the second time that day, Bryan bent and scooped up the Pidgey.

“I only have Ampharos and Feraligatr with me,” he finished the answer to the Professor’s previous question.

“And this little rocket,” Professor Oak chuckled.

Bryan shrugged his shoulder, “I suppose. The little guy has been following me all day. I think he tried to enter with me, but missed the first time.”

“Fiery little thing,” Oak commented, “I will need to see your Pokémon. Do you have a PokéBall for this one?”

Bryan shook his head and handed his PokéBalls to the Professor, who walked over to a computer on the back wall.

“Would you like to register a nickname for Pidgey,” he called over his shoulder.

Normally, Bryan didn’t nickname his Pokémon, he thought it was silly, even though Ampharos was unofficially called Jolter. He was about to tell the Professor 'no' when he had a thought.

“I like Rocket,” he said with a small laugh.

Oak laughed lightly as well and turned back to the computer. He spent several minutes inputting information, walked to a printer in the corner of the room and returned. Holding out his hand, he presented Bryan with a small card.

“This is your official Pokémon League Challenge Trainer Card. It has your name and your official number on it,” he indicated to both on the front, “on the back, each Gym Leader you defeat with stamp the card to indicate you defeated them. This is done in conjunction with the awarding of a badge, thus, in the event that one is lost, you have the other.”

“That is a good system,” Bryan commented thoughtfully, “one they should adopt in Johto.”

“They will soon enough,” the Professor added, “I also have some bad news.”

“Yes?”

“Both your Ampharos and Feraligatr are at too high of a level to challenge the first few gyms in Kanto, you will have to leave them with me until you have defeated six gyms.”

Bryan hung his head at the thought of losing either Pokémon, even for a short time, but he understood the rules. As a Level 1 Trainer in Kanto, the gym leaders would be forced to use weaker Pokémon as well and it would be unfair to use either Ampharos or Feraligatr.

“Can I send them home?” he finally asked.

“Of course,” Oak responded, “where?”

“Olivine City,” Bryan answered, “can I use your phone?”

Professor Oak nodded and indicated that it was in the corner opposite the printer. Bryan made his way to the corner and dialed the Olivine City Gym. Steven answered, but he left momentarily and returned with Jasmine. His niece was excited to see him and told him how the young boy she had spoken to the day before had decided to stay and train with her. Bryan congratulated her on her success and explained the situation. She was sad that he had to part with his Pokémon, but promised to take good care of them and take Ampharos to see Amphy everyday. Another call came into the gym and they wished each other farewell after promising to speak again soon.

“Can you have them sent to the Olivine City Gym, please?” Bryan requested upon returning to the professor.

“It would be my pleasure,” Professor Oak said genuinely, “how do you know Jasmine?”

“She is my niece,” Bryan answered simply.

“I knew your name sounded familiar,” Professor Oak exclaimed after thinking a moment, “you were the gym leader at Olivine City.”

“I was, but no more,” Bryan said seriously, “I would appreciate if not too many people knew.”

“Understandable,” the Professor admitted, “also, we have one more matter to attend. Since you no longer have your other Pokémon, would you like a Pokémon from here at the lab?”

“Do you have an Electric-types?” Bryan asked excited.

“Unfortunately, Level 1 Trainers are only offered Charmander, Bulbasaur, or Squirtle,” Oak answered.

“No thank you then,” Bryan finished, “Rocket and I will be good for now.”

“Fair enough,” Professor Oak said, understanding, “it is getting late, if you need a place to stay for the night, I have plenty of rooms here at the lab.”

Bryan again rejected the offer, “I think I will head back north, I am meeting someone in Pewter City in a couple days.”

The Professor wished him good luck and left him with a warning, “My grandson recently took control of the gym at Viridian. Even if he is there when you reach Viridian, he won’t except challenges from anyone under Level 3.”

Bryan nodded his understanding and headed for the door. Pidgey, still sitting on his hand, jumped to his shoulder for a better view and more comfortable ride.

“Come on, Rocket,” Bryan whispered as he stepped out into the cool, early evening air, “this is going to be fun.”

Rocket chirped his agreement and the two disappeared into the growing night and back up Route 1.

Some Kid

Bryan spent the night sleeping under the stars and trees off of Route 1, backpack under his head as a pillow and Rocket snoozing peacefully on his chest. He woke early the next morning and finished the short trek to Viridian City. Already he was remembering the excitement of his youth, traveling with his Pokémon, sleeping under the stars, battling and catching new Pokémon. As the thought crossed his mind, he veered east and toward the PokéMart to pick up some PokéBalls.

As he headed for the edge of town, he heard a strange voice from behind him and he turned to see a young boy sprinting to catch him.

“Hey Mister, Hey Mister,” he yelled, his changing voice in throes of adolescence, “is that your Pidgey?”

Bryan indicated that it was, then held out his finger and Rocket hopped down his arm, “do you want to pet him?”

“No,” said the boy surprisingly, turning up his nose, “I want to battle him.”

Bryan was taken aback. The normal age for kids going out on adventures was 10 and this kid was probably 12 or so, but to be so bold in a challenge, especially to someone of Bryan’s age…wow. The former gym leader contemplated it for a moment, then looked down at the boy.

“Only if Pidgey wants to,” he decided, and Pidgey chirped his desire to do so.

“Awesome,” the boy nearly shouted, “there is a good place to battle beside the Pokémon Center.”

Bryan followed the excited boy back down the paved road to a rectangular patch of grass near the Pokémon Center. The area was clearly used by the local kids as an arena, and for good reason.

“Rules,” the boy shouted across the make-shift arena.

“I only have Pidgey,” Bryan returned, using his normal voice and knowing it would carry, “but you can use as many Pokémon as you want.”

“Ok,” the boy continued to shout, “my name is Patrick, by the way.”

“Nice to meet you, Patrick,” Bryan couldn’t help but smile at the boy’s enthusiasm, “I am Bryan.”

A wide smile cut across the boy’s face as well and he lifted up his overly large t-shirt to reach the PokéBalls at his waist. Bryan quickly noticed that he had six and perhaps he had been rash in accepting what was about to be a 6v1 match, but he was confident in his abilities, even if he had never battled with Rocket.

“I choose Rattata,” Patrick shouted, still not realizing he didn’t need to be so loud.

Bryan relaxed inwardly seeing the small rat and hoping the rest of his Pokémon were similar. Nodding to Rocket, Pidgey hopped forward and matched his opponent.

“Rattata, Quick Attack.”

Rattata zoomed across the grass at high speed and Bryan was impressed at the training of the small rodent, but he maintained his composure.

“Rocket, Up.”

Pidgey responded immediately and moved out of the way of Rattata’s attack.

“Rocket?” Patrick murmured to himself, though his voice carried across the arena, “that’s so cool.”

The kid’s enthusiasm was contagious, but Bryan concentrated on the battle.

“Rocket, Quick Attack.”

Pidgey dived and leveled off, hitting Rattata square with a strong attack. Even Bryan was surprised with the speed at which Pidgey attacked, but, as in the lab, he had some trouble stopping. Thankfully, most of his momentum was halted by the impact with Ratatta and he didn’t crash to the ground. Patrick tried to take advantage in the momentary loss of balance.

“Rattata, Bite.”

“Rocket, Gust,” Bryan countered.

It was a dangerous gambit, as Pidgey had his back to the attacking Rattata, but, with a beautiful aerial flip, Pidgey dodged the attack and positioned himself perfectly for the counter. Gust hit Rattata mid-air, forcing him to the ground and scoring the KO.

“Wow,” Patrick finally lowered his voice to a normal key, “that was an amazing move.”

Bryan had to agree. He had gotten lucky that Rocket had chosen him. The small bird was lightning quick and an amazing flyer. As he admired his own Pokémon, Patrick chose his second.

“Squirtle, Go.”

‘Level 1 Trainers are only offered Charmander, Bulbasaur, or Squirtle,’ Professor Oak’s voice echoed in Bryan’s head as he observed the new Pokémon. So he was just a new trainer, but one with promise.

“Squirtle, Water Gun,” Patrick said, intent on taking the upper hand.

“Rocket, Evade.”

Pidgey dove under the first jet of water and spun cleverly so the second shot just under his wing. Detect is a highly popular move in Johto right now, Bryan thought to himself, but it is nothing compared to the natural skill and speed of some Pokémon. Even as he thought this, Squirtle’s third blast caught a glancing blow to Pidgey’s talon. He lost some altitude, but stayed in the air. Bryan tried to turn it into an advantage.

“Rocket, Quick Attack.”

Pidgey dropped into its lightning quick dive, but Patrick was ready for it.

“Squirtle, Withdraw.”

The tiny turtle quickly retreated into his shell and Bryan realized that the kid had baited him.

“ROCKET, PULL UP,” he shouted, but it was too late.

As fast as Pidgey was, he needed to work on his brakes. He collided full speed with the hard shell and bounced off. Squirtle popped back out of his shell, ready to attack, but Patrick respectfully waited. Pidgey shook his head a couple times, but was determined to continue and returned to the air. Bryan didn’t know what surprised him more: Pidgey’s strength, Squirtle’s training, or this young boy’s poise.

“Squirtle, Tackle-Rocket, Sand Attack,” the two trainers shouted almost simultaneously.

Pidgey reacted more quickly than Squirtle and the tiny turtle was unable to locate his opponent to launch an attack. In the intervening seconds, Bryan racked his mind for a strategy. Quick Attack would result in another catastrophe, while Gust might land a blow, but it would also clear the sand. The delay, however short, was enough for Patrick to form his plan.

“Squirtle, Water Gun, 1-2-3.”

Three jets of water shot out of the sand cloud in quick succession. The first missed high, but startled Pidgey, who took the second full in the chest and fell. The third caught Pidgey as he fell and Bryan knew it was over. He ran forward to catch Rocket before he hit the ground. Patrick recalled Squirtle and walked over to where Bryan stood holding Rocket.

“You’re really good, Bryan,” he said, his manner professional, very different from the excitement he had showed during battle, “I didn’t even get to use Scyther.”

“Scyther,” Bryan questioned, wondering who this kid was and how he had the fortune, or misfortune, of running into him.

“Yea, Scyther,” Patrick responded, not fully understanding the comment, “big green bug, evolves into Scizor. He is my favorite.”

Bryan’s confusion only got deeper as the boy spoke and he looked him over again. He would definitely put his age at around 12, though he was short for the age. He was small in general, with very happy features and glittering blue eyes beneath a veritable mop of brown hair. His shorts and t-shirt, though clean, were too big for him and his tennis shoes were well-loved. He carried an official trainer’s backpack, much like his own, but nothing seemed overly extraordinary about the child. Except his manner and abilities.

In the absence of Bryan speaking, Patrick continued on, “Here, take a Potion,” he said, proffering one from his bag.

“No, Thank you,” Bryan finally responded, “I will head to the Pokémon Center.”

“Suit yourself,” the boy said, “maybe we will meet again one day and I will get to use my Scyther.”

“Perhaps,” Bryan agreed.

Taking his responses as a sign that the battle was over, Patrick practically skipped away toward the northern end of town. ‘Wow,’ Bryan muttered to himself, ‘some kid.’