Beryl Dreams: Part 4

Part 4: Paternal Instinct

The four of us walked back into Oldale Town to rest.  After that, we set out for Route 102.  I warned the guys to be wary.  There were a lot more Trainers here than on other routes.

"Hey, kid."  Tyler said, walking next to John.  "You ever been a fight?"

"N-no."  John said.  "Why would I?"

"Arceus Christ, you've never been in a fight?"  Tyler shouted.  "What good are you then?"

"Stop making fun of him, Tyler."  Daniel warned.

"Hey, you!"  a high voice said.  We all looked to see a small boy running towards us.

"We just made eye contact!  Now we have to battle!" he shouted before sending out his Zigzagoon.  Tyler stepped in front of us.

"Watch and learn, kid.  This is how you fight."  he said, his fur bristling.

The spiky Pokemon lunged at him and knocked him down.  Daniel jumped into the fray and scratched our foe, knocking him out.  The kid handed over some money and I walked with him back to town.

"How old are you?"  I asked, a bit concerned with how young he looked.

"10.  I just got my first Pokemon from the new Gym Leader in Petalburg." he said, brimming with excitement.

"Nice.  Well, here's the center.  See you around!"

"Bye!" he called back as he walked into the center.  I walked back down the route while Tyler and Daniel argued on the ground below me.

"I had him!  Why did you but in?"

"You were going to get hurt.  At least stop complaining about it."

"Whatever."  Tyler huffed.

As we walked down the route, we fought another group of Trainers; a Bug Catcher who walked back to Oldale alone, another new trainer who went back home to Petalburg, and a Lass who asked me to walk her home.

"Bye Matt!"  she said as she walked inside her house.

"Bye Tiana!" I said.  The team and I walked to the Center and relaxed.

It was late that night.  Daniel and Tyler were sleeping on the other bed while I talked to Mom on the phone.

"Alright, Mom, I'm going to bed.  I love you.  Bye."  I said, then hang up the phone.

Suddenly, John jumped up on the bed.  "Matt?"  he said.

"Yeah?"  I asked.

"I was just wondering, um, could I maybe try a battle?"  he asked, sheepishly.

I swung my feet off the bed, stepped into a pair of slippers and pulled on my shirt and jacket.  "Let's go."

John beamed at me, then jumped on my shoulder.  We sneaked out of the Center and onto the dark route.  The Pokemon were much more active, as fewer people would be out here at night.

"Now, John.  You can't knock this Pokemon out.  I want to catch it."

"Okay!"

Just then, a small red and white caterpillar walked out of the brush.  John tackled it and it flew into the trees.  I threw the Poke Ball into the trees.  It hit the Pokemon and fell to the ground.  After hearing the click, John grabbed the ball in his mouth.  The two of us sneaked back into the room and let it out.

"Where am I?"  the Wurmple asked.

"It's okay."  I said.  "You fought my friend John and I caught you."

"Oh." she said, growing quiet.

"What's your name?" John asked.

"Heather."  she murmured.

"Nice to meet you, Heather."  I said.  "I'm Matt, and those two are Daniel and Tyler."

"Can I go back into the ball?"  she asked.

"Sure thing."  I said.  She was enveloped in red light and returned to the ball.  I climbed back into the bed and John wriggled next to me.

The next day, we walked into the Gym.  Heather, still a bit shy, stayed in her ball.  Unfortunately, John was having a hard time convincing Daniel and Tyler that he actually had a battle.

Regardless, I walked into Dad's Gym.  It was very plain, with boxes up against the walls.  Dad was standing in the foyer, directing his Trainers.

"Dad!"  I said, running to give him a hug.  He turned to embrace me.

"Matt!  It's good to see you!"  he said.  "How's everything back home?"

"Things are going fine."  I said.  "How's the Gym?"

"It's exciting!  I missed being a Gym Leader ever since Whitney took over Goldenrod."

Just then, a small boy walked into the room.  "Um, sir?"  he asked.

"Wally?  What are you doing here?"  Dad asked.

"Um, I was wondering if you could help me get a Pokemon?"  he weakly asked.

Dad smiled.  "Matt, why don't you take Wally out to the route and help him catch a Pokemon."

Wally's eyes lit up.  "Really?"

"Sure.  Take these to help you."  Dad said, handing him two Poke Balls.

"Thank you sir!"  he said.

"Come on, Wally."  I said.  We walked out to the route and, after some confusion as to which ball was which, Wally returned with a new friend, a Ralts.

"So. Dad," I asked once Wally left, "can we battle now?"

Dad looked a bit shocked.  "H-how many Pokemon do you have?"

"Four, why?"

He sighed.  "Son, I think I'm just too strong for you."

My stomach dropped.  I was crushed.  "But, why?"

"I think it would be best if you came back once you had four badges."  he said.  "Say hi to your mother for me."

I walked out the Gym as he returned to his work.  I stayed at the Center that night and just slept, dreamlessly.

Pokémon: 4       Badges: 0         Deaths: 0            Current Location: Petalburg City

Beryl Dreams: Part 3

Part 3: The Birth of Bolstering

Daniel and I left Littleroot.  Professor Birch and I had signed the official papers, making Daniel legally mine.  It felt weird, owning something living and sentient, but it was really for his protection.

"We need to build up our team."  Daniel said as we entered Route 101.

"I guess I should use these Poke Balls May gave me."  I said, shifting my bag to here the small spheres clack together.

We walked together through the tall grass, watching, searching for another team member.  The air was cool and damp.  A slight breeze blew through the forest, rustling the leaves and grass.  Every so often, something would dart, rustling through the grass, just fast enough to be noticed, but not seen.

Just then, a spiky, tan and white raccoon burst from the brush.  Daniel jumped in front of me and swiped at it, knocking it down.  The poor Pokemon looked a bit dazed, but still conscious.  I threw the Ball at it and watched it writhe on the ground.  Finally, the white dot flashed red with a satisfying click.

I picked up and let the Pokemon out.  It was shaking a little bit and made soft crying sounds.  I bit my lip and knelt down.

"Are you okay?"  I asked.

It sniffed and looked up at me.  "Yes.  B-but, that hurt."

"I'm sorry.  I didn't mean to hurt you.  You just jumped at us and my friend got a little nervous."

"Hey!"  Daniel protested.  I looked back and glared at him.  He glared back, but remained silent.

"What's your name?"  I asked.

"John." he said, sniffling and pulling himself together.

"Come on, John.  Let's get you better."

I picked up the small team member and carried him on my shoulder into Oldale Town.  At the Pokemon Center, Daniel approached me.

"You think this kid can be a fighter?" he asked while John was being helped by the nurse.

"I think it's too early to pass judgement."  I said.

"You're being modest.  Be honest."

"Well?"

"I think he'll need some help, but there's no reason he couldn't be."

The nurse walked up with John in her arms.  He jumped out of them and into my lap.

"Your Zigzagoon is looking much better."  the nurse said.

"Thank you so much."  I replied, setting him down.

"It's no trouble.  Have a nice day!" she said before leaving to attend the other patients.

The three of us walked back to Route 103.  Daniel took point in scouting out a new team member while John and I stayed close.

Eventually, we heard a harsh growl.  I spun around to see Daniel in fierce combat with a dark, dog-like shape.  A Poochyena.  The small Bite Pokemon was pummeling Daniel, who was trying his hardest to scratch the more vulnerable belly.

Finally, Daniel knocked the Dark type off of him.  I threw a Poke Ball and watched the small dog be caught.

"What the hell was that for, Tweetie?"  he yelled as soon as he was released from his Ball.  "I was just-"

"Hi."  I said, stepping between him and Daniel.  I didn't want the two of them to start fighting.  Again.

"Move out of the way, Stretch.  You're blocking my view of the ass who-"

"How about you tell us who you are before you get all in our faces?  I could easily just let you go."

"Then do it.  What are you waiting for?"  he snarled.

I sighed.  "Well, I'm not going to.  My name's Matt.  This is John and I think you already know Daniel."

He growled.  "So I guess I'm part of this happy family now, aren't I?  Just my f-"

"What's your name?"  John asked, standing so close to me I could feel his fur through my jeans.

The Poochyena growled slightly, then exhaled.  "The name's Tyler."

"Good to meet you, Tyler.  Now, let's go back to town and get some healing and some shuteye."

Pokémon: 3       Badges: 0         Deaths: 0            Current Location: Route 103

Beryl Dreams: Part 2

Part 2: Our First Fight

Daniel and I walked out of the forest and saw her standing there.  Maya Azalea Birch, the professor's daughter.

Her hair was light brown, wrapped in a red head scarf.  She wore a red and white shirt with blue shorts and red shoes.  Her yellow belt held an equally yellow bag and a light blue Pokemon with fins was on the ground next to her.

"May."  I said.  She turned around and smiled.

"Hey, Matt."  she said.  "What brings you here?"

"Your dad thinks you could teach me something about being a Trainer."

"Do you have a Pokemon?"  she asked, her Mudkip stepping up next to her.

Daniel stepped out from behind me.  The Mudkip growled slightly.

"Easy, Gal." she said to her partner.  Then, she looked up at me.  "You ready?"

"Let's do this."

Both of our partners stood in front of us.  Daniel was breathing steadily while Gal looked ready to pounce.

"Daniel, Scratch!"

"Tackle, Gal!"

The two animals launched at each other.  Daniel slashed at Gal as the Mud Fish Pokemon slammed into him.  The two rolled in the grass as each fought to gain the upper hand.  Daniel scratched at Gal so fast I could barely see the claws.  Gal tried to dodge while also trying to ram into him.

"Come on, Gal!  Knock him down!"

Gal crashed into Daniel, knocking him against a tree.  Daniel looked dazed for a moment, then stood back up.

"Are you okay?"  I asked.

"Yeah."  Daniel breathed as he walked back toward Gal.

"You sure?" I asked.  I was worried my Nuzlocke would kill him.

Daniel lunged forward and knocked out Gal with one fatal slash.

"I'm fine."  he said, looking back at me.

May recalled Gal to his Poke Ball then walked up to me.

"That was incredible."  she said.  "I don't think I've ever seen a beginner do that well."

My face grew hot.  "Thanks, but I don't think I did that well."

"Nonsense."  May said.  "Come on, let's go back to my dad."

Daniel walked beside me as the two of us talked back to Littleroot.

Pokémon: 1       Badges: 0         Deaths: 0            Current Location: Route 103

Beryl Dreams: Part 1

Beryl Dreams: A Sapphire Nuzlocke

Rules

1. GENETIC CURSE - Only catch the first Pokémon you see in an area.
    1a.  Catch first non-dupe Pokémon in an area.
         1i.  A dupe is any Pokémon currently living on my team.
    1b.  Can catch any shinies, but can only use them if they are the first encounter.
    1c.  This rule comes into effect afer I get my Poké Balls.
2. WHAT I'VE DONE - All fainted Pokémon are considered dead.  They will be boxed.
3. WITH FRIENDS LIKE THESE - All Pokémon are named after personal friends.

Part 1: Sick at Heart

I woke up on a beautiful morning.  The Taillow were singing, the sun was shining and everything was right with the world.

Except for me.  It was my fifteenth birthday, and in Hoenn, that meant I would be getting my very first Pokémon.  Most kids would be excited.  But, then again, most kids don't have Nuzlocke disease.

Nuzlocke doesn't have any real health problems to me or any Pokémon I might have, save for one.  Most Pokémon faint when their HP runs out.

Mine will die.

Regardless, I walked downstairs from my tiny bedroom and saw my mom sitting at the table drinking coffee.  I puled on my leather jacket and started walking out of the house.  

"Bye, mom."  I said.

"Matt."  she called.

I paused at the door.  "Yes, mom?"

"Be careful."

I smiled at her.  "I will."

I started to walk over to the lab when a bloodcurdling screech pierced the air.  A little boy came running up to me.

"Help!  Professor Birch is being attacked!" he screamed.  I followed him through the pathway in the forest to Route 1.

"You there!" Professor Birch said, a Poochyena biting his leg.  "In my bag, there's a Poké Ball!"

I reached in the bag and pulled out the red and white colored orb.  Clicking the button on the front, I pointed it at the black and grey dog.

Out popped a orange and yellow chick in a cloud of embers.  The Poochyena turned around, the professor's blood on its jaw.

"Torchic, use Scratch!"  I commanded.  The Chick lunged froward and slashed a long scar down the Poochyena's face.

Professor Birch stood up, shaking.  "Thank you."  He said, limping over to me.

"Are you okay, sir?"

"I'm fine.  Don't worry about me."  We started to walk back into town.  "You battled pretty well with that Torchic."

"Thanks."

"Aren't you Norman's kid?"

"...Yeah."

He grabbed my hand.  "Come with me."

His lab was covered in research notes and technical equipment I couldn't even decide what they did.  As I sat down across from him, I noticed a Poké Ball sitting on the table behind him.

"So," he began, "it seems Norman finally made it over from Johto."

"Well, the war kept us tied there for a while."

"But the important thing is that you're here."

"Thank you, sir."'

"Now, onto the real reason I called you over." he said, standing up.  "May I see that Torchic?"

I handed over the small red and white ball.  Professor Birch clicked the button and the chick popped out one more.

"For someone so young, you battled quite well."  he said.  "I guess you have your father's blood in you."

I blushed.  "Thank you sir."

"How old are you?"

"I just turned fifteen, sir."

"Well, I think it's high time you headed out on your own Pokémon journey.  What better way to get to know Hoenn than by seeing it yourself?"

I stood up, my eyes the size of plates.  "Really, sir?"

"Why not? I'm sure you and this Torchic will get along fine."

"Thank you, sir!"  I said, bowing slightly.  The professor recalled the Torchic and handed me the ball.

"Why don't you head up to Route 103?  My daughter May is up there doing some research?"

"I'll get right on that, sir!"  I said as I walked out the door.

As I walked around the corner, I pulled out the Poké Ball and sent out the Torchic.  It stared up at me and blew a small cloud of embers out its nose.

I knelt down next to it.  "So, you and me are partners now, right?"

"That's how it works."  It said.  "You can understand me, right?"

"Yeah.  Good, that means I'm officially your trainer."

"Good."

"So, what's your name?"  I asked.

"Daniel."  he said.

"I'm Matt."

"Nice to meet you."  he said.

"Same."  I stood up.  "Are we ready to go?"

"Let's go."  Daniel said.

The two of us walked out of Littleroot and into the forest.

Pokémon: 1       Badges: 0         Deaths: 0            Current Location: Littleroot Town