//------------------------------//
// Chapter 1: The Journey Begins 
// Story: Pokémon EG: The Journey 
// by ShootingStar25 
//------------------------------//

The whole sky was blanketed in a sea of dawn. Black was slowly turning into blue as bits of orange across the horizon were peaking. There was a town as it was silent, with no peep of light turned on. A small house on a hill was a good distance from the town. And in that house, it too was silent with no one awake, except that's what it seemed. While there was no light to signal someone was up, in a room, there was a boy who couldn't sleep.

They were sitting in the nook of their bedroom, looking out the window. Normally, the person wasn't up at this time, but today was no ordinary day. As could be explained by the small red and white ball they were tossing and catching with their right hand. Their left arm rested on their left knee as they gave a sigh. They moved their face into the light as it was revealed to be a boy.

"It's finally here. Time to see what the road lies ahead." said the boy as he continued to look out the window.




The smell of pancakes and the sizzle of the stove were heard. Downstairs, there was an elderly lady who was making some breakfast.

"Sky, breakfast is ready! You up?!!" shouted the elderly woman.

The boy was awake in his room, shown in front of his closet. He put the final touches on his outfit as he looked in the mirror. He stood there examining himself as it consisted of a black V-neck t-shirt with white hemming, black shorts with gray pockets held on by red straps. His shorts were tight around his calves. He wore a long black hooded jacket with red hemming, gray pockets with white hemming, and red flannel flaps held down by a series of yellow buttons.

"Looking good," said Sky to his reflection.

"Sky, did you hear me?!!!" shouted his grandma's voice as it was the loudest.

"On it!" shouted the boy as he quickly put on his shoes and raced out of his room to avoid more of his grandma's consequences.

The teen appeared in the kitchen, and there stood his grandma. She wasn't pleased, especially with the spatula she held while crossing her arms.

"Do you know how many times I've shouted?" asked the old woman.

"Too many," chuckled Sky sheepishly.

"Seems you can still function, considering you didn't get much sleep last night."

"Sorry, Grandma. But, you know, I'm kinda excited."

"Yes. Well, that excitement won't mean much if you don't eat. Now, take a seat." said Sky's grandma.

Once breakfast was over, Sky was looking at a small photo he had as it showed his parents. For the boy, his parents were currently away on some business as they had left him with his grandma for the last 2 years. Still, every day the boy missed them as he hoped that wherever they were, they would be proud to know that their son was now starting his journey.

"To think these past 2 years flew by that quickly. Your parents promised me that you would embark on your journey when ready. And I'd be the first to admit it; I dreaded when this day would come. Cause it would mean I would be all alone. I've come to appreciate having you around."

"I guess I felt the same way," responded Sky. "I was bummed that Mom and Dad had to leave and couldn't take me, but I understand their reasons. Besides, spending time with you was way more fun than I imagined. Thanks, Grandma."

"Well, glad to know I'm not out of touch with my grandson," smiled the old lady. "So, have you decided what you want your first partner to be?"

"Honestly, no. And I'm fine with that, 'cause as mom said: Sometimes not knowing is a good thing." Sky replied to his grandma, "Besides, you won't be alone; you got Sylveon to keep you company." 

The boy directed his gaze to the small quadruped mammalian creature with white-colored fur covering most of its slender body. The top of its head is a vibrant shade of pink, with long pink rabbit‐like ears and dark blue insides. It had a short, blunt catlike muzzle and a small black nose. Its skin was arranged to form pink and white bows on its right ear and around its neck. Attached to the bowlike skin are ribbonlike feelers with pink and blue tips that curl around its body. It had four slender legs, small dainty pink‐tipped paws, and feet with three visible toes. The creature also had two large blue eyes with white pupils and two pointed teeth on its upper jaw, seen when its mouth is open. It had a fluffy pink tail that curved inward slightly to form a crescent shape.

The Pokémon walked in, and it gave a cute cry. The ribbons then began to move as they gathered the dishes and began to take them to the sink. The humans smiled as they watched it walk away.

"I guess you're right. Still, I'm gonna miss my grandson."

"It's not like I'm leaving forever. I could always make a stop during my journey."

"I'd like that. Now hurry up; I don't want you to keep Professor Celestia and Professor Luna waiting."

"Right, I'll be back," Sky said as he grabbed his backpack before exiting the house.

The boy was now walking along the path to his destination. Which was a lab in between the town and Sky's home. The teen got there as the door was opened. The bell at the top rang.

"Hello, Professors?" called out Sky.

The boy was expecting the ladies to be present, but they were nowhere to be seen. He soon saw a small creature with mostly blue fur, yet black fur was under its torso. It has a long black tail with a gold four-pointed star on its end. Its forelegs had a gold ring around them; there were electricity glands. It had large, oval ears with gold, star-like symbols on them. It had gold eyes and a pink-red nose.

Accompanying the small electric cat was a small, winged mammalian that resembled a baby fruit bat. Its body was covered in purple fur of various shades, with black patches of scruffy fur encircling its neck and legs. Its scruffy head is light purple with a patch of dark purple fur just above its mouth. It had large yellow ovular eyes with slit pupils. Its ears are large and round, with dark purple and black rings on the insides. It had tiny black claws attached to its small light-purple wings.

"Hey, Shinx, Noibat," said Sky as he bent down to pet the feline-like creature before standing up and rubbing the bat's head.

"Mr. Sky, I presume?" said a voice.

The boy looked beyond the two Pokémon as a woman walked down the stairs. The woman wore a lab coat as her hair matched that of the night sky, and she wore a blue shirt under her coat, a black mini-dress, and a matching set of heels.

"I take it you're Professor Luna?" asked Sky as he saw the woman approach him as Noibat landed on her shoulder.

"Yes, but no need to be so formal when it's just the two of us. Luna is fine. I take it you're Alois and Rhea's son?" asked Luna while petting Noibat.

"Yeah, I'm here to start my journey as a Pokémon trainer," said Sky.

"You're just like them. I remember the days all four of us traveled. My sister is currently occupied. But she has instructed me to get you started. Follow me." gestured Luna to the boy as he and Shinx followed the woman.

Luna brought Sky to a lab section as she approached the computer. The woman then began to ask Sky for some information as she typed it into the database. She instructed the boy to stand on a specific spot to take a photo to serve as identification. A flash occurred as the image of Sky appeared in the system, and the computer gave a ding. Luna then took out a small tablet device as it was golden colored and gave it to the boy.

"Here you go. Your very own Pokedex. Inside contains all the information on every Pokémon recorded throughout history. You can also use it to check on a Pokémon's moveset and nature." said Luna as she gave the device to the boy.

"Thanks," said Sky.

"Hello, my name is Z-456TS21," said the Pokedex.

"Yeah,... I'm not gonna remember that. How about I just address you as... Nicole. It's the nickname of my mom's partner Pokémon." said Sky.

"You're really like your parents," smiled Luna at the boy in front of her. "Now then, I assume you know the functions of your Pokedex and how it works."

"Watch," said Sky as he touched the screen. "Nicole, respond."

"Very well," said the A.I. as she went along with the name her trainer gave it. "I'm Nicole! A Pokedex programmed by Professor Celestia and Luna for Pokémon Trainer, Sky. I provide Sky with information and advice regarding Pokémon and their training. If lost or stolen, I cannot be replaced."

Sky then pointed the tablet at Shinx as it pulled up the creature's image with some information as it began to speak.

"Shinx, the Flash Pokémon. When Shinx senses danger, its fur gives off a bright flash. This brilliant light blinds its attack so Shinx can make a hasty escape." 

Sky then pointed the Pokedex at Noibat on Luna's shoulder.

"Noibat, the Sound Wave Pokémon. Noibat loves to eat different kinds of fruit, but its flavor and texture are a little picky. It uses sonar to pick out only the perfectly ripe ones."

"Seems, you know the basic. Now then, time for you to find your partner," said Luna as she led Sky to the back entrance of the lab.

They soon stepped through the doors and were welcomed to the backyard of the lab as a huge forest lay before them.

"Normally, people pick the Pokémon they want. But we do things a bit differently. If you want a partner, your goal is to head into the small forest and find a partner. You'll need this." said Luna as he handed a single Pokéball to Sky as he caught it.

"The rules state, head into the forest. Whichever Pokémon you successfully catch will be your partner," said Luna.

"Any restrictions on which Pokémon I can have?" asked Sky.

"None. Whatever we have in the forest that pops up is fair game. Now there are a few Pokémon that tend to show up that aren't part of our daily roster that live in the forest. So, you may end up with a surprise. But that all depends on you. If you have a specific one you'd like, you're more than welcome to find and capture it." 

"Right," said Sky as he put the small ball into his pocket. 

He then tugged on his backpack and began to head into the forest as Luna watched him disappear. The woman smiled as Noibat made a sound.

"You said it; I can't wait to see what he gets," smiled Luna to her Pokémon as they headed back inside as her sister arrived from her latest business.

Sky was walking through the forests as they were densely close. The boy was looking around and scanning as he awaited for a Pokémon to appear. As a bush shook a few meters before him, he soon got his answer. A small bird popped out as it began to eat an Oran berry that was on the floor. The bird had a small, plump body. It was brown in color, with a cream-colored throat and belly. The tips of its wings share the same color. Both its feet and beak were a pinkish-gray color. Its plumage was fairly bland. It had black markings around its eyes and a small crest of brown and cream feathers above its eyes.

Sky pulled out his Pokedex to check on some information.

"Pidgey, the Tiny Bird Pokémon. Thanks to Pidgey's excellent sense of direction, it can always find its way home, no matter how far it has traveled."

"O-kay, not the greatest start, but then again, not bad. I think it could work," said Sky as he could see Pidgey evolving into a more powerful partner down the line. "Well, beggars can't be choosers. Pokéball, go!"

The boy pulled out his tiny ball and pushed the center as it enlarged. It then fitted the palm of his hand as he tossed it at the tiny bird. It then bounced off as a red light shot at it and surrounded its body. The tiny bird was sucked into the ball as it opened up and closed. It hit the floor as it began to rock back and forth.

Sky was looking on with a determined look as he hoped the struggle would end. It rocked a few more times before it came to a stop. The boy smiled as he started walking. He stepped forward as the ball shot open, and the bird escaped. It then began to fly away as it disappeared.

"This is gonna be a long day," groaned Sky as he rubbed his forehead.




The next few hours were filled with tons of encounters but all failures. After failing to catch a Pidgey, Sky picked up his pokeball and continued his crusade. He came across other Pokémon; an Eevee was scratching her ear as the boy snuck up and tossed his ball. The small furry creature saw it as it was sucked in at the last second. But that didn't last long as it escaped and ran off. Another encounter involved Totodile jumping up and down in a stream. The boy tossed his ball only for the small gator creature to open his mouth and swallow the item. Sky then spent the next while getting his ball from inside the Pokémon as that was a pain.

He also unintentionally bumped into a Beedrills' nest as they chased the boy, running as if his life depended on it. After managing to fake them out and lose the swarm. He spotted a Roggenrola on the cliffside above him. The boy saw his window as he tossed it, only for the creature to jump out of the way and disappear as he let out a grunt. Encounter after encounter, Sky threw his single ball and successfully pulled off throws. But yet, all the Pokémon he tried to capture managed to break free at the last second, which left the boy pissed off.

The boy was taking a sip at the small river as another Pokémon reared its head. Sky saw it as he pointed his Pokedex at the creature.

"Psyduck, the Duck Pokémon. Poor Psyduck suffers from terrible headaches, which somehow enhance its psychic powers-but it's often too miserable to control those powers. The pain can be intense enough to make it cry."

"Oh, hell no!" shouted Sky. "I damn sure ain't catching no Psyduck as my partner!" exclaimed the boy.

"Psy," said Psyduck as it spoke with its hands on its head.

"You can kiss my ass if you think I'm catching this one," said Sky as he picked up his backpack and began to walk away.

"Psy," said the duck as he watched the boy leave.

"It's not you, buddy; it's me," replied Sky as he disappeared and left the duck to be hit on the head by a rock.

Sky swatted away some branches as she stepped through some bushes. He picked some leaves off his hoodie jacket as a Kricketot appeared behind a nearby tree. The boy pulled out his Pokéball and was about to throw it when he stopped.

"What's the point?" said the boy as he kept walking as Kricketot heard him. The small cricket saw the human walk by as it followed him before going about its business.

"It was probably gonna break free like all the others," said Sky as he jumped onto some logs and began to balance himself.

"It's been hours, and all I've done is fail at catching every Pokémon I've come across."

Sky overcame more obstacles as he began to do some parkour moves his parents taught as he landed perfectly on his feet. The boy picked up a stick and poked at the dirt in front of him as he walked.

"It was supposed to be simple, find a Pokémon, catch it, and you got yourself a partner. Why can't shit go the way you want it to go?! Gees, grandma would kill me if she found out I was cursing up a storm." said Sky as he stopped by a nearby spot.

The boy sat down and leaned against the tree as he took off his backpack. He then heard growling as he put his hand to his stomach.

"I've been at this for hours; I almost forgot to eat," said Sky.

The boy opened his backpack and pulled out a bottle of water and a tinfoil object. He unwrapped it to reveal a sandwich. The boy was about to take a bit when he heard something. Emerging from the nearby shrubbery was a small greenish Pokémon with a small twig on its head. On the twig were two green leaves. It had large yellow eyes, and its face was oddly shaped. On the bottom of the face, there was a yellow mouth in an obtuse shape. Also, on its face, it had two tiny nostrils. It has four small stubby feet, and on the bottom of its feet was an obtuse area of yellow towards the bottom. It also has a shell similar to silt and feels damp and warm when touched on its back. The shell is brown with a black line on the bottom, a few stripes, and a tiny tail behind.

"Is that a Turtwig?" said Sky as he knew what the Pokémon was. He reached into the pocket of his hoodie jacket and pulled out his gold-color Pokedex.

"Turtwig, the Tiny Leaf Pokémon. Turtwig's shell is made of soil, and its whole body can produce energy via photosynthesis. If it goes too long without water, its leaf wilts." responded Nicole.

"Twig," said the creature as it heard the female voice and looked up. It saw Sky as the boy was meters away.

"Sup," responded the teen.

"Twig"

Sky noticed a nearby Oran berry bush as he picked one. He poured a bit of his water bottle into the berry before tossing it toward the green creature. The berry landed as Turtwig was cautious and looked back at the human as if ready for a fight.

"All yours, bud," said Sky as he took a bite of his sandwich.

The small Pokémon approached the berry and began to bite it. It devoured the whole thing in one gulp as its stomach still growled for more. Sky, who had been minding his own business, chuckled a bit at how the Turtwig in front of him was just as hungry as him. The boy grabbed another berry and tossed it at the green creature. Turtwig saw them as he jumped into the air and swallowed them before landing and moving quickly to catch the others the boy threw.

"Nice reflexes," said Sky as he managed to finish his sandwich.

"Twig," said Turtwig as he accepted the boy's compliment. 

The small shelled thing then began walking toward Sky as it came up to him and looked at the human. It then jumped into his lap and began to curl up. Sky was shocked to see the Pokémon resting in his lap as he lifted his hand and patted the shell of Turtwig.

"If only the others were like you. It'd make catching Pokémon so much easier," said Sky as he addressed the animal in his lap.

Sky was looking upwards as his mind began to think. He was taking a moment to enjoy the serenity around him as the wind blew in his face. Eventually, his eyes started to get a bit tired as he let out a yawn. The human felt his eyes close as he figured a small nap couldn't hurt.




About an hour passed after Sky had decided to rest his eyes. The boy yawned, seeing that it was much later than before. The sun was already starting to go down as the sky turned into red and orange colors, with a hint of yellow. He felt his lap as he looked down and to his surprise, there was Turtwig still napping. The teen was expecting the Pokémon to leave after a while, but it appeared to have stayed with the human the entire time.

The boy moved his leg slightly to wake the Pokémon as it opened its eyes. Turtwig then looked at the human as he smiled.

"Sorry to wake you, bud, but the sun's going down. I need to get back to the lab," responded the boy to the green Pokémon. "I only wish I was able to catch a partner."

"Twig," said the creature as he gestured to Sky's pocket.

The boy pulled out his small Pokéball as it grew. He then looked at the small thing in his lap as he saw the look on its face.

"You... want to come with me?" asked the teen.

"Twig," nodded Turtwig.

"You sure? Isn't this your home? I don't want to take you away from it." said Sky.

Turtwig simply shook his head. He then pointed one of its stubby legs at Sky's chest, where his heart was positioned. The small Pokémon gave the human a message that he wanted to go with him on his own accord. For Sky, he got it as he smiled.

"Alright then," said Sky. He was about to stand up and toss the ball when he was stopped. Turtwig simply approached the ball and touched it with one of its legs as it was absorbed by a red beam. The small creature entered as the ball struggled a bit before it stopped shaking, and a few sparkles appeared, with the red light in the center stopped flashing.

"Time to see," said Sky as he stood up with the ball. He gave it a small toss as it opened, and out came Turtwig on the ground.

"Twig," said Turtwig as he was happy.

"I guess you're my partner," smiled Sky as he bent down and extended his hand for Turtwig to shake, which the small Pokémon did.

Luna was currently checking her watch as she was waiting. It had been quite a while since she last saw Sky, and she was worried. If the boy didn't show up, she would go on a search party to look for the teen. If there was one thing that Luna and Celestia promised Alois and Rhea, it was that they would be there to protect and guide Sky while on his Pokémon journey. Both sisters intended to keep their promise to the boy's parents when they left on their business trip.

Noibat then got the attention of the nighttime woman as Luna looked at her assistant. The small bat flapped its wings in the direction of the forest as Luna looked. Emerging from the dense woodlands was Sky, to which Luna sighed, glad to see he wasn't in danger or lost.

"Hope I didn't keep you waiting," said Sky.

"Well, it was morning when you first entered the forest, and it's almost dinnertime," snickered Luna as Sky rubbed his neck sheepishly for making the friend of his parents worry about him. "So, did you find your partner?"

Sky simply smiled as he pulled out his Pokéball. He tossed it as out came Turtwig, who gave a cry.

"Huh? A Turtwig? That's the first I've seen in these woods. Seems you got a rare partner to start your journey." said Luna.

"My mom always did say: Sometimes not knowing is a good thing," said Sky as he looked down at Turtwig; as the Pokémon smiled back.

"Well, it's already sundown. So it seems you'll have to start your journey tomorrow," said Luna.

"Yeah, probably for the best," stated Sky.

The boy looked at his partner Pokémon. Now having selected his partner, the boy was ready to begin his Pokémon journey. Both trainer and Pokémon looked at one another as they could tell that not only would this be an adventure that would change their lives but that it would be one that they would come to admire. The road ahead was going to be full of obstacles and tough opponents, and both were looking forward to it.