"I won't allow it Jack, not after what happened," said mom as we ate at the table. "But I have to do this... sooner or later. I need to brake this cycle mom!" I said as Persephone nods in agreement. The gloom at the table weighed more than normal. "Mom, I, I can't just sit here and waste away my life. I do want to stay here, but, I can't just wallow in fear of one thing," I state placing down my fork. "You are a drill seargent mom, if I wasn't your son you would bust my as-" "language!" "-for such cowardice! Mom I have to do this!" I say as get up from the table a cane in hand.
"You said you pushed back my starter for five years, so this year I am going with Persephone," I muttered as I left the room with mom grumbling with a worried expression.
I hate this too, I would much rather lock my door and hide under the covers. I can't keep going on like this, May is already a contest Veteran of five years while I am just sitting in my room scared of every shadow that moves.
I went to my room, and immediately began packing my things. I had a Devon Corp. space sachel with a camo pattern with a Rayquaza symbol on the back. I grabbed two water bottles and various necessities of similar types. A foraging and other boocks were thrown in too with my personal note book.
I managed to grab a few tips from Lopunny and Tyranitar with Persephone translating. I even grabbed a digging manual of locating ore deposites. I also grabbed my Poketch, a phone/watch of green coloration.
I also sent a text to May that I am going over to Professor Birch's lab tomorrow. Before going to bed I put on a sweatshirt and pants before collapsing at my bed with my Cain against the nightstand.
Persephone, like usual, climbed on top of the covers and began to hum a song. Eventually I fell asleep to the gentle melody. It was only then that Persephone used [Psychic] to turn off the light.
[Pov Change: Rosalina]
It was frustrating, sure, but little Jack was right. I wish he could stay longer, I wouldn't mind to just keep him caged up here, but what kind of life is that? I looked at Zoroark and she too nodded as I grabbed my phone from my pocket.
I immediately dialed up Mari, it was after a few seconds that she picked up. (What's up sis, what can I do for ya?) She said through the phone. "Jack, he's going on a journey and is leaving tomorrow... I don't know whether to just let him go or lock him up here..." I said worriedly as my sister responded, (He has Persephone with him, he'll be fine, and if you want him extra secure, let him get his starter... he needs to do this or else he won't become a man, as harsh as that sounds. He's not a lil kid anymore ya'know.)
She was right... my son needs to grow up, if he doesn't then what will he make of his life. Even the hospital that prescribed Persephone agreed to let us have her and even said she was fit for training. It's also how I noticed she had the move [Gravity] and helped little Jack train under pressure of gravitic weight.
"I know... I still worry what will happen when he leaves... you know what I have an idea, remember that one time you met Jirachi and saved your wish... use it on him," I said through the phone. (That either must be the most stupid or the smartest idea ever. But what should I wish for?) She asked as I got an idea. "We could wish him increased luck or we could wish for a Pokemon since the wish isn't limited... I'll text you the details, but don't spoil the surprise to early... and give it to him after the first gym," I said before hanging up and began typing away on my phone.
I hadn't realized that I began to unconsciously laugh in glee at my wonderful idea... Jack will be so happy~.
[The next day POV: Jackson]
It was 8:00 in the morning and I was finishing up packing my supplies. And when I made my way downstairs I was met at the bottom by mom. "Here, this is Persephone's Pokeball. You'll need it for your journey," she said with a wistful smile. "I'm sorry Jack, for not pushing you to do this earlier... but please be safe... and make sure to call me," she said before bringing me into a hug. "And make sure to come back home, I don't know what I'll do if you left this world. So don't make me drag you out from Giratina's den, alright?" She said before letting go.
I nodded "I'll miss you too mom, just don't let Perserker stink up my bed while I'm gone," the pokemon in question perking up when he heard his name. Making my way to the door I looked around what was my sanctuary one last time before saying goodbye.
Before I even knew it I was on my way down the road, in a taxi, to Professor Birch's lab to grab my starter, with Persephone sitting beside me. The weather was cloudy, but it did not hinder the beauty of the landscapes on my way to the Littleroot, the hometown of my best friend May.
Nothing of note really happened along the way. Littleroot was a small town hidden in the trees but harbored one of the greatest scientists in the world, as shocking as it is. After I was dropped off at the entrance, I met with May, who cheerfully dragged me around town.
"It's so nice that you finally crawled out of your den to see the world Jack!" She cheerfully said as we finally made our way to the lab. "So, which starter do you want to pick~" she said curiously as I nodded, " I was thinking Mudkip or Treeko, since both are cool when they evolve, not that I'm doubting the power of Blaziken," I said as May nodded. "I was about to punch you, but since you said that last part I'll let it slide~" teased May as we reached the door to the lab.
Opening the door we were greeted with a messy lab filled with books on different habitats, drawings and sketches of terrains as well as photos of various dens. In the back was a spacious area with a large computer and various machines that were interesting and drew the eye. A large man left a backroom in a sweat muttering "Damn Poochynas," before looking towards us.
"Ah, May, and you must be her friend Jackson Jacobes, it's nice to meet you. I am Professor Birch, and you must be here for your starting partner!" He said cheerfully opening his arms in welcome. "Nice to meet you too, I read up on your theories on how different environments affect pokemon like how a Shroomish can be a Fire type instead of poison by living near plants high in capsaicin!" I said pulling out the book the Prof. wrote. "Could you actually sign this, it's also how my companion evolved into a triple type by living in a house full of dark types," I said scratching my head.
He nodded before saying "It's always nice to meet someone interested in the mysteries of the world," while signing the inside of the book. After signing the book Birch brought us to a table "You are actually in luck today, one of the Sceptile clans gave us a Treeko that was raised in a cavern full of rampant Electric Type energy bringing out a Grass/Electric type and is a speed type pokemon!" He said cheerfully handing the pokeball, "Would you please take him as your partner, he is frequently bullied here by the others," he said as I took the orb from his hand releasing the pokemon.
Persephone hopped off my shoulders, surprising me as I forgot she was there. The two pokemon began talking with each other and the Kirlia took the young Grass type in a big hug as I nodded to the professor. "Of course, I sorta wish to become a delta species expert, so he would make an awesome buddy along the way!" I said cheerfully taking the Treeko in his arms. "Let's see, I'll name you... Hermes, how does that sound?" I say to the pokemon as it nods in agreement. "Awesome, I'm sure you already know her name but this is Persephone, my first partner," I said as I picked up the Kirlia and returned her to her seat on my shoulders. She waved at the now named Hermes as he waves back.
May giggles at our interactions before speaking, "I remember when I first got Blaziken as a small little Torchik from this lab. I am also going to run the circuit again this year, do you want to join us?" She said as I shook my head in response. "I would have said yes if my goals where just running the gym circuit May, but... I need to face the shadows and run in head first. This is more of a "coming of age" sort of journey than the normal traveling with friends type of one," I said sternly.
She nodded, but agreed with my decision and promptly said "But if you need help, I'll be there ASAP." I laughed in response before walking out of the lab. Making our way to the exit of the city with Persephone on my shoulders and Hermes marching beside me I begin to think about the journey ahead. It was exciting, I began thinking over a training plan in my head for Hermes and thought of what TMs I should get him.
'It truly is a world of wonders' I thought as I walked out the gates of Littleroot town. I did not Halt my strides, I walked with purpose, back to Oldale town before seting up camp for the night