Chapter Text
*The day that Red and Blue had both been waiting for had finally come - now that they were both 10 years old, they were both eligible to begin their Pokemon journey! Red and Blue, having been rivals at pretty much everything they’d done up to this point, however, both seemed to be in something of a race to get to Professor Oak’s lab first.*
Blue, trying to push Red out of his path: Come on, now! Everyone knows that I’ll be the one to become a Pokemon Master, so why don’t you just bugger off until then, Red?
Red, pushing Blue back, and getting himself in the lead again: As if! I’ve been waiting my entire life for this day too, you know!
Blue, pushing Red to the side again, as he enters his grandpa’s lab first: Well, sorry to say it Red, but I got here first! Hey, Pops! You know what day it is, right? It’s the day I set off to become the world’s first Pokemon Master!!
*The pair end up trying to rush past the door to the Professor's lab at the exact same time...but thanks to how narrow the doorway was, both boys end up tripping over each other in the process, ending up lying on the laboratory's doormat.*
Professor Oak, burying his face in his palm: Blue…must you always be so rash? Having a few manners would do you quite some good, I would say!
Blue, rolling his eyes, as he gets up off the ground: Manners? I ain’t got time for those! All I want is to get my first Pokemon and my Trainer ID, and skedaddle!
Professor Oak, looking quite annoyed: Well if that’s how you feel, I think Red should be more than welcome to choose his Pokemon before you wouldn’t you say?
Blue, looking shocked: What?! No way, pops! I got here first…and I’m actually related to you! Why does that dork get to choose his Pokemon first?!
Professor Oak, looking away from Blue: Because I said so. Well then, Red? Which of these fine Pokemon would you like to join with you today?
Red, rubbing his chin as he mulls over the three Pokemon before him: Well, I’ve read all about your research on all three of these Pokemon, actually. Charmander can be pretty spirited little guys, and require a more experienced Trainer to train them well, though the payoff is pretty great. Squirtles are a bit easier to train, being mischievous, but nonetheless, pretty obedient once you have enough Badges. And then there’s Bulbasaur, the easiest and most friendly of the bunch! Perfect for new Trainers you’ve always said, right? That’s why I think I’ll choose you, Bulbasaur!
Professor Oak, smiling: I see someone listens to my radio broadcasts quite fruitfully, it seems! I only wish a certain grandson of mine would give me the same time and day!
Blue, shaking his head: Since when do I have the time in a day to listen to an old man ramble on about stuff I wasn’t allowed to enjoy until today? Anyway, if you’re choosing Bulbasaur, I’ll choose the one that can set it on fire. Give me Charmander, would ya?
Professor Oak, grimacing as he hands Blue Charmander’s Poke Ball, and his Trainer ID: You really shouldn’t be so hasty in choosing a Pokemon like this…but…fine. Agree to treat this Pokemon well, and he’s yours.
Blue, rolling his eyes: Oh, I’ll treat it well, alright…by having it faint Red’s Pokemon in battle, right now! I challenge you right here, right now, Red!!
Red, looking alarmed: Wait, what?! Just like that?!
Blue, sneering: Our eyes met, didn’t they? Charmander, get out here, and blaze Bulbasaur up with your Ember!!
Professor Oak, looking quite fed up with his grandson already: Need you do this right in the middle of my lab?! If you start a fire in here, you’ll be known as the Trainer who got his Trainer ID nullified quicker than anyone, once I rip it up myself!
Red, looking concerned: Those flames…Bulbasaur, keep Charmander at bay with your Vine Whips!!
Blue, shaking his head: That’s not how nature works, Red. Aim for the Vines, Charmander!
*Charmander blasts a series of Embers into Bulbasaur’s vines, which then travel upwards, and light up Bulbasaur’s bulb on his back…before it quickly withers into greyed-up mush.*
Red, looking worried: Uh-oh…looks like your bulb’s already out of commission, huh? Only one other attack we can go for now, Bulbasaur - Tackle it!
Blue, grinning: Going in for a physical attack? Well, I will too! Scratch those leaves off of Bulbasaur, won’t ya?!
*Bulbasaur jumps into Charmander, which doesn’t seem to phase the creature, as Charmander responds by brutally scratching at Bulbasaur, ripping patches of his grassy hide off, as Bulbasaur ends up fainting.*
Blue, calling back Charmander: See, what’d I tell ya? I’m prime Pokemon Master material, right?
Professor Oak, shaking his head: More like an Egomaniac Master, if you ask me! I fear for how your Pokemon will continue to grow, with a Trainer like you. Charmander are very rare Pokemon, after all, so at least treat that one well, won’t you?
Blue, shrugging off his concerns: Hey, as long as Charmander can keep putting in work for me like that, I have no beefs with it! Well then, I guess I’m off to Pewter City!
Red, looking surprised: Pewter City? Why go to that old city?
Blue, rolling his eyes: Normally, I’d never consider going somewhere that dusty myself, either, but apparently, Brock’s the first Gym Leader in the Indigo Line-Up. But with Charmander here, I’m sure we can burn all his rocks down! Well, smell ya later!
Red, reaching out to Blue quickly: W-wait! I can’t say I’ve actually been to Pewter City before..I’ve only read about the place, really. Mind if I tag along with you to get there?
Blue, sneering: As if! You’re on your own, if you don’t even know where Pewter City is, Red! I think my sis has a couple maps though…but I think I’ll stop by to tell her not to give you one. Hahahahahaha!!!
*Blue slams the door to the lab, as he runs off with Charmander.*
Professor Oak, sighing: That boy…sometimes, I wish he wasn’t even related to me, you know? What if he causes a big scene, and ends up endangering the lives of him or his Pokemon? How will that make me look, Red? The man who gave him his Trainer’s license and his Pokemon? That’s why…I want you to keep a close eye on him, Red.
Red, nodding: Sure, you have my word, Professor! But…could I ask one favor of you, first?
Professor Oak, smiling once more: And what would that be, Red?
Red: Well…I wasn’t kidding when I said I have no idea how to get to Pewter City. Could you…maybe point me in the right direction?
Professor Oak, frowning: Well, it’s just past Viridian Forest, but…that place is kind of a maze in itself. I don’t really recommend going in there without a map of some kind. And unfortunately, I’m all out of maps myself…but I’m sure Daisy should still have some, next door.
Red, shaking his head: But…you heard Blue! He said he’d tell her not to give me one!
Professor Oak, shaking his head: Oh, I don’t think you have anything to worry about, Red. Daisy, unlike Blue, is a very sweet young girl, about your age, I believe! You shouldn’t have any problem asking her for a map, I’d say.
Red, nodding: Alright! I’ll go meet her, then! Thanks Professor!
Professor Oak, placing his hand on Red’s shoulder: Wait just a second, Red! Before you go…place Bulbasaur’s Poke Ball on that machine for me, would you?
Red, doing so with a confused expression: Uh…sure, but…how come?
Professor Oak: Machines like these exist in every town around Kanto now. With them, the Nurse Joy’s in each Pokemon Center will be more than happy to heal your Pokemon up nicely.
Red, smiling: Wow, that seems pretty convenient! Thanks for the tip!
*The machine turns itself off, as Red retrieves the Poke Ball, and calls out Bulbasaur again.*
Red, smiling down at Bulbasaur: Well, you certainly look as healthy as ever again…just like that!
Professor Oak, nodding: Indeed, don’t be afraid to head to a Pokemon Center whenever necessary. Not only are they vital to keeping your Pokemon healthy, but many Trainers stay the night inside them too. Think of them as a free hotel of sorts, for both Trainers AND Pokemon! Regardless, I still need you to keep an eye out for my grandson. Go over to my place and ask Daisy for a map, would you?