Chapter 06 - Starter Dilemma
"But..." Professor Oak's voice took on a serious tone, breaking the anticipation in the room.
"But what, Professor?" I asked, trying to suppress the growing anxiety.
"Since you're 16, you've surpassed the typical age for receiving one of our traditional starter Pokémon," he explained, a note of regret in his voice. "I can't give you the usual choices."
No! My heart sank as the dream of starting my journey with a Charmander—a symbol of strength and adventure—began to crumble. The image of standing alongside a majestic Charizard seemed to slip away.
"Then, if I can't have any of those three Pokémon, what other options do I have?" I asked, trying to keep the desperation from my voice.
"There is actually," he replied, a glimmer of hope igniting in my chest.
"What are my options, Professor?" I leaned in, eager.
As I stood before the strange machine, a whirlwind of emotions coursed through me. The sight of the three Poké Balls inside the glass chamber stirred a torrent of memories and dreams. I had imagined this day so many times, picturing myself standing proudly with a Charmander by my side, embarking on exciting adventures. But now, reality crashed down like a tidal wave, washing away that vision.
My heart sank as Professor Oak's words echoed in my mind—no Charmander, no traditional starter Pokémon. The disappointment was a sharp pang, a reminder of how things rarely went as planned. I had always sought stability, a sense of control, especially after the chaos of my childhood. The loss of my parents, the uncertainty of foster care—these experiences had shaped me, leaving me yearning for a partner I could trust, a friend who wouldn't abandon me.
"Here are your choices: a Pidgey, a Rattata, and a Poliwag," he announced, gesturing toward the balls with pride.
I stared at him, dumbfounded. "What the…," I managed, grappling with my disappointment. "Professor, aren't these usually found commonly in the wild? Pidgeys can even be caught on Route 1 just past Pallet Town. How can these Pokémon qualify as starter Pokémon?"
Professor Oak smiled gently, sensing my frustration. "Even though these Pokémon can be caught easily in the wild, the ones here have been bred from high-level Pokémon, carrying unique potential. They can be powerful allies if nurtured correctly."
His words struck a chord. I remembered countless stories of trainers forging powerful bonds with their Pokémon, unlocking hidden potential through care and respect.
"Still…" I hesitated, my mind racing. My dreams of starting with a fierce Charmander felt dashed, but I needed to focus. "What about Rattata? It's just a Normal type."
At first glance, it seemed the least remarkable, a common sight in the wild. But I remembered tales of Raticate, its evolved form, wielding moves like Hyper Fang and Crunch with devastating effectiveness. Rattata could perhaps teach me resilience. Its adaptability in the wild might mirror my own need to adapt to life's unpredictability. Yet, the question lingered: would Rattata be overlooked in a world that valued rarity and spectacle?
"Rattata is a strong contender," Professor Oak replied, his tone encouraging. "With proper training, it can evolve into Raticate, learning strong moves like Hyper Fang and Crunch."
"Yeah, but…" My thoughts drifted, "Pidgey could fly me places, eventually evolving into Pidgeot, which can even Mega Evolve!" I couldn't help but smile at the thought.
The idea of flight was intoxicating. I envisioned myself soaring above towns and forests, the wind rushing past as Pidgeot, its final evolved form, carried me across vast distances. Flight offered more than convenience; it symbolized freedom, a break from the constraints of my past. I recalled the lonely days in the orphanage, dreaming of escaping to new worlds. Pidgey's potential to mega evolve into a powerful Pidgeot meant it could be a formidable ally in battles to come. Yet, I wondered if it could truly understand the weight of my dreams.
"Pidgey does have that potential," Oak acknowledged. "However, don't overlook Poliwag. Its speed can be a real advantage, especially when it evolves into Poliwrath, gaining a dual-type that could surprise your opponents."
Lastly, I contemplated Poliwag. Its potential to evolve into Poliwrath intrigued me. The dual Water and Fighting type could offer strategic advantages, surprising opponents with its versatility. Speed was also a critical factor; Poliwag could outpace many foes, giving me an edge in battles. The thought of commanding a swift, powerful partner appealed to me, aligning with my desire to tackle challenges head-on. However, I hesitated, considering whether Poliwag's strength matched my need for a deep, understanding bond.
As I weighed my options, I noticed Professor Oak's gaze drifting to a nearby whiteboard, where 'Project Eclipse' was scribbled in the corner, surrounded by cryptic notes. Symbols and equations danced around the words, seemingly unrelated to Pokémon research. My curiosity piqued, I tried to decipher the codes, but they meant nothing to me. A shiver ran down my spine. What was Project Eclipse? And why did Professor Oak seem so invested? My mind whispered warnings: Be cautious, don't get involved.
"I shouldn't get involved in matters that don't concern me," I thought to myself, shaking off the unease.
This isn't how I imagined my adventure starting. I had pictured myself training a majestic Charizard, not deliberating over a Pidgey, a Rattata, and a Poliwag nor getting entangled in a mysterious conspiracy.
"What if I pick the wrong one?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. "What if I end up regretting it?"
"Choosing a Pokémon is a personal journey," Professor Oak said thoughtfully. "It's not just about strength or rarity; it's about the bond you'll form. Every trainer's path is unique. Trust your instincts."
His words resonated with me. I took a deep breath, trying to calm the turmoil in my mind. I thought about my past, the loneliness of living in an orphanage, and the friends I hoped to make on this journey. I needed a partner who would understand me, someone I could rely on.
I glanced back at the Poké Balls, my heart racing. Pidgey? Poliwag?
"Every choice has its merits," Oak encouraged. "Trust yourself. You'll grow alongside your Pokémon, no matter which you choose."
I took one final look at the Poké Balls. Poliwag was power, Rattata was resilience. But the dream of freedom, of soaring above the world that had once kept me trapped... that was a promise I couldn't ignore.
"I'll take the Pidgey," I said, my voice steady and certain.
Professor Oak beamed at me. "An excellent choice! You'll find that Pidgey can be a loyal companion, ready for new challenges."
As Alex reached for the Poké Ball, his gaze lingered on the whiteboard. A single phrase caught his attention: 'Eclipse Initiation: Variable Dependent.' Below it, a date was scribbled: 'Three months.' And beneath that, starkly encircled in red, were two words: 'Mt. Moon.'
Ding
___________________________
[Observe (Passive) - Lv. 2]
You've identified multiple potential clues.
___________________________
Ding
[Quest Completed]
Uncover Project Eclipse
Objective: Investigate "Project Eclipse" and its connection to "Red's Last Transmission".
Current Progress: Initial Clues Identified (Documents & Whiteboard). Initial Investigation of Professor Oak's Lab Completed. All initial clues gathered.
Clues Log:
Documents on Desk: "Project Eclipse: Contingency Protocols," "Red's Last Transmission: Decoded Message," "Authorization: Eyes Only."
Whiteboard Note: "Eclipse Initiation: Variable Dependent," "Three months," "Mt. Moon (Encircled Red)."
Reward:
EXP Gained: +5
PokéPoints: +10
My mind raced. What did it mean? And what did three months indicate? Why was Mt. Moon circled in red?
Professor Oak's eyes flickered, noticing Alex's interest in the whiteboard, specifically lingering on the marked location. For a moment his expression turned guarded before returning to his warm smile. "Remember, Alex," Professor Oak said, "Your adventure begins with a single step. Nurture your bond, and you'll discover your Pokémon's true potential."
I felt a pang of uncertainty. Was I ignoring something important? My breath hitched. Mt. Moon. In the games, that place was significant. Team Rocket was there, farming fossils. But there was something else... a story about Clefairy. The manga and some of the side-lore claimed they came from space, drawn to the Moon Stone. Space... summoning... My own arrival here wasn't an accident; it was a summoning. Could Project Eclipse be tied to… the summoning? A cold dread washed over me. This was much bigger than just a renegade crime syndicate.
I pushed aside my doubts and stared at the Poké Ball that was within my grasp. With newfound determination, I nodded.
Ding
[New Chain Quest]
Investigate Mt. Moon
Objective: Investigate Mt. Moon's connection to "Project Eclipse".
Reward:
EXP, PokéPoints, and clues upon completion.
Bonus Rewards after evaluation
---
Chapter End