Chapter 6: 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 Alex stood before the strange machine, a whirlwind of emotions coursed through him. The sight of the three Poké Balls inside the glass chamber stirred a torrent of memories and dreams. He had imagined this day so many times, picturing himself standing proudly with a Charmander by his side, embarking on exciting adventures. But now, reality crashed down like a tidal wave, washing away that vision.
"Here are your choices: a Pidgey, a Rattata, and a Poliwag," he announced, gesturing toward the balls with pride.
His heart sank as Professor Oak's words echoed in his mind—no Charmander, no traditional starter Pokémon. The disappointment was a sharp pang, a reminder of how things rarely went as planned. Alex had always sought stability, a sense of control, especially after the chaos of his childhood. The loss of his parents, the uncertainty of foster care—these experiences had shaped him, leaving him yearning for a partner he could trust, a friend who wouldn't abandon him.
I stared at him, dumbfounded. "What the…," I managed, grappling with my disappointment. "Professor, aren't these usually found 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 he remembered tales of Raticate, its evolved form, wielding moves like Hyper Fang and Crunch with devastating effectiveness. Rattata could perhaps teach him resilience. Its adaptability in the wild might mirror Alex's 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, and it can evolve into Pidgeot, which can Mega Evolve. Imagine soaring through the skies!" I couldn't help but smile at the thought.
The idea of flight was intoxicating. He envisioned himself soaring above towns and forests, the wind rushing past as Pidgeot, its final evolved form, carried him across vast distances. Flight offered more than convenience; it symbolized freedom, a break from the constraints of his past. Alex 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, he wondered if it could truly understand the weight of his 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, Alex contemplated Poliwag. Its potential to evolve into Poliwrath intrigued him. 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 Alex an edge in battles. The thought of commanding a swift, powerful partner appealed to him, aligning with his desire to tackle challenges head-on. However, he hesitated, considering whether Poliwag's strength matched his need for a deep, understanding bond.
As he weighed his options, Alex 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. Alex's curiosity piqued, he tried to decipher the codes, but they meant nothing to him.
A shiver ran down his spine. What was Project Eclipse? And why did Professor Oak seem so invested? Alex's mind whispered warnings: Be cautious, don't get involved.
"I shouldn't get involved in matters that don't concern me," Alex thought, 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 nodded, finally feeling a sense of resolve.
"Okay, I've made my decision," I said, my voice steadying.
I reached out, hand hovering over the Poké Balls.
"Pidgey!" I declared, remembering my excitement about flying and adventure.
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.'
Alex's mind raced. What did it mean? And what did three months indicate?
Professor Oak's eyes flickered, noticing Alex's interest in the whiteboard. 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."
Alex felt a pang of uncertainty. Was he ignoring something important?
He pushed aside his doubts and stared at the Poké Ball that was within his grasp. With newfound determination, he nodded.
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End of Chapter 6