Chapter 14
I cupped my hand over my eyes to block the bright shining sun, rising over the eastern side Route One. A tan dirt path paved the way to Uirbeacha City, a beautiful metropolis that I could faintly see in the distance. Bunches of knee high grass were dotted along the route, and every few minutes, a Rattata or a Sandshrew darted out, scurried around, searched for some food, and ran back in.
“Wow, I can’t believe we are doing this,” said Liam, in awe.
“I know,” I replied back. “I can’t tell you how many years I’ve been dreaming for this...”
All of a sudden, as we walked down the Route, I flashed back to the day I met my Starter Pokemon, Ziggy and Poochie. It was about a week after I met the breeder who gave me my eggs, and I was messing around with the two Pokeballs I was to put my two new Pokemon in. I was growing impatient. See, most professional breeders have Eggubators. They are special incubators for Pokemon Eggs, so they can hatch faster. Well, we didn’t have one. So, I kinda made a makeshift one out of my comforter and some brand name Darumaka Handwarmers from the dollar store in town. Well, I just sat there, juggling the Pokeballs, throwing them in the air and catching them, and rolling them in between my fingers, when I heard a loud cracking sound. Excited, I turned my head almost at light speed to the eggs, but they were completely untouched. Then, I heard it again, and this time, I noticed it was coming from outside. So, I went downstairs, and walked out the back door to investigate. I looked everywhere, but couldn’t find anything. Then, I heard it again. I waited a few seconds, and heard it again, this time a bit louder. I looked around the yard, and walked towards my father's training field. There, I saw him throwing stones to his Machamp, and Machamp Karate Chopping them in half with a loud crack. I sighed, turned around, and walked back into my room. I sat back down, and started playing with the two Pokeballs, when I almost had a heart attack. Laying on the floor was a jumbled comforter, and large egg shells stuck inside. No Pokemon.
Suddenly, I was shaken out of my flashback by Liam, asking me if I wanted a water. I looked around, we were already halfway to Uirbeacha! It was astounding!
“Yes please,” I replied, still shocked about how much ground we covered while I had daydreamed.
I took a small sip of water, which turned into downing the whole bottle. I guess I was thirsty. Another thing I didn’t notice.
“I was wondering guys,” Liam started. “What is your ultimate goal. Like, as a trainer?”
I smiled, and thought about it for a few seconds.
“Well, I want to win all eight badges, and hopefully win the Rentoh League... What about you guys?”
They both did the same as I, and thought for a few seconds.
“Well, I’ve always been interested in Shiny Pokemon,” Liam answered. “I want to collect some, and research what makes them that way. Is it magic, is it science? Who knows!”
We both stared at LJ.
“Well, to be honest, I didn’t really want to take on the gyms like I told Dad,” LJ revealed. “I just saw that you weren’t allowed to go with this Luke guy on the loose, so I made it up. I want to get more experience as a trainer, and then take it from there.”
“Wow,” I said, gaining a new respect for my younger brother. He may only be twelve, but he was as wise as me. “Thank you. That really means so much to me.”
“Please don’t mention it. It really works out for me. I get to travel the region with my best friend, brother, and Pokemon. What could be better?”
“Hey, I have another question,” said Liam.
“Shoot.”
“What’s your favorite thing about Pokemon?”
“Oh that’s easy!” LJ cried out. “I like playing games with mine. The looks on their faces while we play soccer are priceless.”
“Haha, thats a good one,” replied Liam. “I love the loyalty of your Pokemon. They’re always there for their trainer, no matter what.”
They both looked at me for my answer. Again, I pondered it a bit. But, I quickly came to my decision.
“Those are both great choice guys, but I have to say I love battling the best. I love the connection you feel between you and your Pokemon during a good battle. You can almost read each others minds.”
I stood there, satisfied with my thoughtful response. But, I was a little shocked when it was greeted with uncontrollable laughter.
“Haha! Here’s Conor, the Pokemon psychic!” mocked Liam.
“Haha yeah! You’re just like that psycho on the news who they just locked away in that mental institution! He said he could talk to Pokemon, and hear their thoughts! What was his name again?”
“N,” I replied sternly, my face turning a bright red color.
“Even his NAME is psycho!”
God, I was embarrassed. I hate being called out. I didn’t say another word the whole way to Uirbeacha. I just walked a few steps ahead, while they kept laughing and cracking jokes about N being my long lost brother. They were my closest friends, but they sure could be jerks.
For the rest of the walk, I just enjoyed the scenery. It was about 12 o’clock, and we had been walking for a good two and a half hours. I watched as a young trainer and his Rattata battled another trainer and his Magikarp. After his Rattata’s easy victory, the annoyingly peppy trainer exclaimed, “Yes! My Rattata’s in the TOP percentage.” I didn’t even know this kid, but I borderline hated him.
After another 15 minutes or so, we reached the gate to Uirbeacha. We began to walk through, but suddenly, a voice screamed at us.
“HALT!” it cried. “Put your hands up, and any weapons and/or Pokeballs on the ground.”
We all threw our hands into the air, and put all of our Pokeballs on the ground.
I turned to see three policemen with their guns drawn, and their partner Herdiers snarling, ready to attack at any moment.
“You fit the description of a wanted suspect, sir,” one barked, pointing at me. “Teenage boy, brown hair, about six feet tall. Please come with us.”
“This is all a big misunderst-”
“Sir! We require your full cooperation. Now come with us.”
To be continued...