//------------------------------// // At the Beginning // Story: Pokemon: Earth and Sky // by raven618 //------------------------------// As dawn broke over the small town of Pallet, it's inhabitants rose with excitement in their hearts. None more so than the two young girls about to set out on their grand journey. Applejack had packed her bags with food and camping gear last night, so all that was left was for her to shower and dress, and she would be on her way. She wore her usual orange top and overalls, though these were denim and much cleaner that the pair she wore yesterday. After she tied her hair off she grabbed her bag and raced out the door. “Hold your Horsea there youngin’.” Or would have if Granny Smith hadn’t stopped her. “Sorry Granny.” She gave her grandmother a firm hug. “I love you. I’ll write you every chance I get.” “I know you will.” The elderly woman broke the hug, “But before you go racing off.” She grabbed something off the table, “Your Pa wanted you to have these.” Applejack stared at the items she was holding; one was a leather-bound old book, and the other- “Pa’s Stetson?” Her voice was barely a whisper. “I- I can’t- “ “Oh nonsense.” She placed the hat and book in the young girl’s hands, “He left these for you. And don’t you worry none about Big Mac and Apple Bloom, your Pa and Ma left something for them as well.” “Thank you, Granny.” She pulled her into another hug. “I’ll miss you.” “Not so hard. These bones aren’t as tough as they used to be.” She said through the tears. They broke the hug and Applejack put the hat on her head. It was a little big on her, but she didn’t care. She put the book in her bag and ran out the door, waving goodbye to her Grandmother as she ran. The place she was running to was the windmill just outside town. Otherwise known as the lab of Professor Oak. Oak was a Pokemon researcher and was generally regarded as the leading expert on all things Pokemon. He was also responsible for the registration of new trainers. She reached the gate leading up to the windmill and was greeted by the professor’s two assistants, Daisy and Blue Oak, his grandchildren. The older of the two, Daisy, wore a turtleneck sweater and white lab coat. Blue on the other hand wore a black jacket over a green shirt. “Miss Applejack, welcome.” Daisy said, smiling, “We are still waiting for Miss Rarity. Would you like to sign the paperwork now or wait for her?” Applejack heard footsteps hurrying down the path, “Ah don’t think waitin’ will be a problem.” A panting Rarity came to a stop just in front of the others. She had chosen to wear a mid-length purple skirt paired with a white V-neck short sleeved shirt. Around her neck was a silver chain with three diamond shaped blue gemstones arranged in a harlequin fashion. She carried a large suitcase at her side, and an embroidered blue purse hung off her shoulder. “I apologize for the delay.” She said, short of breath, “It took longer than I thought to pack everything into one bag.” “I see.” Daisy said, sweating slightly. Blue just turned his head and scoffed. “Well, let’s get you two set up.” The party made their way up the small hill and into the laboratory. Inside the two girls presented their Pokemon Handlers licenses, then sat down to fill out the necessary paperwork. It wasn’t too difficult: name, parent’s names, date of birth, hometown, blood type, name of overseer (Professor Oak). After the papers had been filled out, Daisy had taken their pictures, and the two of them waited as their trainer cards were printed. “So, Rarity, where are we heading first?” Since the two of them were to be traveling together, Applejack decided to let the aspiring fashionista choose their road. Rarity pulled a map out of her purse, “I’m afraid I’m not quite sure. I had been hoping to visit Cerulean City first, but it appears to be on the other side of Kanto. I have no idea how long it would take us to get there.” Applejack looked at the map, “Well, why don’t we start with Viridian City. We see how long it takes to get there and plan the rest of our route after that.” At that time, Daisy, Blue, and Professor Oak himself entered the room. The Professor was an elderly man with sandy grey hair and a very kind smile. He wore a large white lab coat over a red shirt. “Miss Rarity, Miss Applejack, please stand up.” The two girls did. “You have both shown great skill at handling Pokemon, and your families speak very highly of you.” He pulled two blue cards out of his pocket. “Therefore, it is with great pleasure that I declare you: Rarity, daughter of Hondo Flanks and Cookie Crumble, and Applejack, daughter of Bright Mac and Pear Butter, official Pokemon trainers.” Applejack looked at her new trainer ID. Her face smiled back from under her Pa’s hat. She moved her free hand up to grab the rim of the Stetson. ‘I promise, I’ll make you proud.’ The Professor called Blue forward “And as new trainers, it is my privilege to present you both with your first Pokemon.” Blue pulled three red and white spheres off his belt. The first of these was decorated with an orange flame symbol, the second with a green leaf shape and the third had a blue raindrop printed on it. He threw all three pokeballs into the air, where they split in half, releasing the Pokemon inside. The first of these was a reddish orange reptile with a yellow stomach that stood on two legs. Its most striking feature was its tail, which sported a small blaze at the tip. “This is Charmander, a fire Pokemon,” The second was a much shorter creature with turquoise skin and darker green patches. It stood as the shortest of the three on all fours. On the Pokemon’s back was a large plant blub. “Bulbasaur, a sturdy grass-type Pokemon,” The third Pokemon was very similar to Charmander, in that it stood on two legs, had scales and a large tail. Unlike the fiery Pokemon, this one was slightly shorter, blue, and wore a large brown shell on its back. It’s tail also wasn’t on fire, instead being rather curly. “And Squirtle, the water Pokemon.” The Professor looked at the two trainers, “Would either of you like to choose first?” Rarity wanted to go first but checked with her friend before doing so. Upon seeing a nod of approval, she stepped forward and crouched down in front of the Pokemon. She looked between the three, the Charmander seemed to be puffing out it’s chest, while the other two were just standing there, waiting for her to make a choice. She looked the Pokemon over, taking in every detail about them. Suddenly she stood up. “I choose Squirtle.” “Any particular reason?” Professor Oak asked. “It’s shell and tail seem particularly well cleaned. I like a Pokemon that appreciates good grooming.” The Squirtle beamed with pride. Weather for being chosen or for someone noticing its hard work, no one but Squirtle knew. “And I’ll choose Bulbasaur.” Applejack stepped forward and picked up the green Pokemon, “He looks like the humble sort.” The quadruped blushed at her remark. “Then it’s decided.” The Professor declared as his grandson gave the blue and green marked pokeballs to Rarity and Applejack respectfully. “These are your Pokemon’s pokeballs.” His granddaughter gave them each six plain red and white pokeballs. “And these empty pokeballs are yours if you desire to catch any more Pokemon on your journey. You can only carry six Pokemon at a time, any others will be sent to me. A quick call from any Pokemon Center and you can swap out the Pokemon in your party with the ones I’ll be caring for here.” He looked at the two young girls, “You are now both ready to begin your Pokemon journeys.” Both girls thanked the Professor and his grandchildren and made to leave the lab, only for Rarity to pause and turn around. “Excuse me but, quick question?” she asked, “What will happen to Charmander here?” The orange reptile had turned away from the humans and looked downright dejected. “There is a third trainer coming in later today,” Blue said, speaking up for the first time, “they will receive Charmander as their Pokemon.” Rarity seemed satisfied with that answer and followed her friend out the door. Waiting outside for them was a large crowd of people, ready to see the girls off on their adventure. “Our little princess. All alone and unprotected.” Said a large man in a straw hat, hugging Rarity close to him, and totally not crying. “Father, I will be quite alright.” Rarity said, trying to break free of her father’s iron hug. “Please look after her, Applejack.” Asked a slightly overweight woman in white pants, otherwise known as Rarity’s mother. “Don’t worry Miss, I’ll keep her safe.” Big Macintosh walked up to his little sister, “You jus’ make sure you keep yourself safe as well. Okay sis?” “Don't you worry yourself none. Jus' make sure the farm stays running.” An elder woman with gray hair stepped forward. She was Mayor Mare, Mayor of Pallet Town and teacher of their class. “I want to say how proud I am of the two of you. You have both succeeded greatly in my class and I expect to continue to hear about your successes in the coming weeks.” Both girls gave their teacher a respectful bow. Then they turned to their most difficult goodbye, their little sisters. Apple Bloom hugged her big sis with all her might, “I’m gonna miss you.” “I’m goin’ ta miss you too.” Applejack let a few tears run down her face. Sweetie Belle, a lavender and pink haired girl the same age as Apple Bloom, buried her crying eyes in her sister’s bosom. “Remember to write as often as you can. And bring me back something from your trip.” “I will, Sweetie Belle. I will.” Rarity did not cry, but she did kiss her little sister on the head before leaving. And so, the two girls left their home, their friends and family waving farewell. “Firs’ stop: Viridian City. After that: who knows.” Applejack said, slinging her camping pack onto her back. “I can hardly believe that this is happening.” Rarity pulled her Squirtle’s pokeball out of her purse. The shelled Pokemon looked back at her through the transparent red container. “Our own journey. Traveling, excitement, romance, exotic foods.” “I highly doubt you’re going to find romance on a cross country road trip, Princess.” Applejack teased. Rarity smirked, “We shall see, cowgirl. We shall see.” Stretching out before them was a large field. Just off the side of the road, a furry Pokemon ran into the grass. Off in the distance a large number of feathered Pokemon took to the sky. “Race you to that boulder!” Applejack challenged, running ahead. “Hey! No fair!” Rarity yelled, laughing. “Do you know how hard it is to run carrying a suitcase!” = = = Back at Professor Oak’s lab, Blue was standing outside, leaning against a wall. A large winged Pokemon landed next to him, letting him know that their guest had arrived. A flurry of wing-beats indicated that another large flying Pokemon was touching down. “Hey!” said a rough girl’s voice. “Is this Professor Oak’s Research place?” “It is.” Blue answered. “Sweet! I’m here to begin my quest to become the most awesome Pokemon trainer in the world!”