Tyler Kimball - Lessgently
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New Beginnings - Chapter 56
🕑 Added 2024-10-16 02:00:10 +0000 UTCThis chapter was getting long so I had to cut it off at a slightly awkward time. If I didn't it was going to be a giga-cliffhanger.
Enjoy. :)
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“He’s… a feisty one.” Elm murmured as the setting sun sent gleaming yellow and orange patterns across the top of the fluctuating water of Ethan’s pond. He lazily tossed some of the Berry’s Ethan had provided toward the small school of Magikarp and Feebas—Three of each.
Ethan snorted as he knelt to have the two Maril who called his pond home their pick of their spoils. They both picked Sitrus berries, then lovingly fed one another in a very honeymoon-esque display of affection. “Yeah, Kraby doesn’t like anyone. He’s grumpy at best.”
While Krabys were a common pokemon, more common than people would like given their snip-snap proclivities upon most beaches and shoals, finding one so far inland and surrounded by freshwater was rare indeed. Like most Krabys this one was defensive, a little more so than most. From the looks of it, this Kraby has chosen the sole jutting spire of rock to call its home. Very peculiar. “Are any of these pokemon yours?”
All of the pokemon who called this small clean pond home were undesirables to most trainers, excluding Maril and their line of evolution. Magikarp were, sad to say, borderline useless until they evolved, and even if and when they did, they were forces of destruction many a trainer would be forced to release or more sullenly put down. The rage of Gyarados wasn’t a very well understood phenomena, and he wasn’t one to delve into that type of research in the first place.
“No. They’re all wild. I did bring the Feebas and the Magikarp from a middling stream not too far away from here though. The Marils and Kraby just showed up on their own.” Ethan finished, waving away the two round and happy Marils as they both plopped into the water and floated along its surface.
“Have you always had such easy goings with wild pokemon? I dare say, I may have run into only a handful throughout my journey from Floraroma Town to here.” He asked casually.
Joyce Joy had regaled him about the unusual friendships the man had gathered, having suspicions of either some form of natural psychic prowess or mild aura immitions. From what he’d been able to scan upon his arrival and inspection of the sproutlings, Ethan wasn’t a psychic, and with aura was rarer than finding five mythical pokemon? He doubted it, even if his results were inconclusive.
“Hmm.” The man thought for a moment as he gazed off at the water pokemon. “I’d say myself and the pokemon have a mutual form of respect. So yes, I’d like to think that most pokemon would like me. Treat others as you’d like to be treated, and all of that.”
Ethan flung out another handful of berries before turning around and marching off through the meadow. “Come along, I’ll show you my pokemon and not wild ones—Not that there’s many more wild pokemon that call my ranch their home.”
Elm followed along through the swaying grasses of the lush meadow he’d spent most of his day in. It was quite a lovely and picturesque place all things considered. It only took a second for Elm to realize where they were heading, and he wasn’t ashamed to say that he was fearful upon their approach. Ethan, on the other hand, strolled up to the entrance of a clearly move-made cave without a worry in the world.
With a cupped mouth, Ethan shouted into the cavernous entrance, while he took a good ten feet in retreat. “Ursaring! Come out and meet the professor.”
Elm felt a line of sweat drip down the back of his neck at the grunt of recognition and the heavy footfalls from within the darkened entrance. He nervously fixed his glasses, a habit he’d formed long ago, as a seven foot tall mother bear, one feared for their aggressiveness, exited the cave with a frown.
As Ethan and Ursaring spoke to one another, he took his time to inspect the pokemon from head to toe. First and foremost, this Ursaring was a powerhouse. Ignoring the fact that it was capable of using what appeared to be Stone Edge to make itself its domicile, it was older than many that he’d seen. Twenty to thirty years of age if he had to make a rough estimate, judging by its fur and crest upon its chest. It wasn’t lean either, and as an omnivore, he doubted that Ethan’s berries were keeping the beast in tip-top shape.
As his eyes roamed the Ursaring in front of him, they eventually found its face. His breath hitched in his throat as its eyes bore a hole into his own. Noticing his panic, it grinned!
Ethan playfully slapped the Ursaring on the arm, causing it to give him a frown and a roll of the eyes at being stopped in her intimidation. “Don’t mind her, she’s very protective.” Ethan said before looking further into the cave. “Too late to play?” He asked into the depths.
*Rawr!*
“Teeeeeed!”
Two Teddiursa launched themselves from the cave, tackling Ethan to the ground with cute growls and tugs on his clothes. Ethan, for his part, gave a very un-manly growl back and started to tickle the small and cuddly cubs. They squealed in delight and surrendered to his onslaught of tickling, but not before they snatched some of the berries from his small basket. The two Teddiursa then retreated behind their mother, giggling at their theft.
Ethan stood and wiped down his now dirty clothes with a smiling sigh before waving himself over to join him. He wasn’t ashamed to say that he didn’t move until reassurances came. “It’s alright. These three are my pokemon. They won’t hurt you—Well, Ursaring won’t unless you hurt her kids.”
With as steps as confident as he could make, he walked forward to join Ethan’s side, ending up only a few feet from the Ursaring who’s eyes tracked his every movement. Ethan bent down with his hand out, and one of the Teddiursa ran forward and jumped into his outstretched arms. Rising up, Ethan held the admittedly cute pokemon like one would a toddler, wrapped with one arm and resting on his hip. “Professor, would you live to hold him?”
Ursaring’s exhale of disapproval was enough for him to decline. “No thank you, Ethan. But, you own three pokemon of the same line?” A very, very, exclusive and well sought after line at that. Teddiursa were a favorite of many women and younger girls for their cute appearance, and Ursaring and the rare Ursaluna were extremely strong pokemon for battles. Most Ursarings in Johto were found in or around Mt. Silver. A highly dangerous zone exclusive to only the most talented of trainers.
Ethan shrugged as the Teddiursa stuck its paw in its mouth to suck on, its head tilting curiously as it inspected him from head to toe. “Wouldn’t want to tear a family apart.” Ethan placed the Teddiursa back onto solid ground and smiled as the three pokemon returned to their cave. He didn’t miss the final glance the Ursaring gave him, one that might plague his nightmares in his sleep tonight.
As they strolled back toward Ethan’s home, the man spoke apologetically. “That was definitely the most powerful pokemon I have. All of the others are much friendlier… Sorry if you were uncomfortable.”
He nodded a little woodenly. It appears that he didn’t put on a good enough facade of bravery to escape Ethan’s notice. “It was a little frightening, I will admit. Such a powerful pokemon isn’t very common, especially one with such a fearsome reputation.”
“Well, you’ve met Chatot already. She was my very first pokemon.” He could hear the pride in his tone, but for that younger Chatot to be his first pokemon…
“Chatot was your first? She can’t be more than four years old, if I’m not mistaken.” He asked.
Ethan nodded, seemingly unperturbed. “Nurse Joy said she was around three. I’m impressed you can tell her age at just a glance. I find it nearly impossible to judge the ages of pokemon unless I do some research. Shuckle for instance, I didn’t know that his yellow rings meant that he was very young until I looked it up.”
It wasn’t very hard for him to look upon a pokemon and judge their age—not after all this time at least. With all of his research revolving around young pokemon or their parents, whose ages vary depending on species, he’d gotten a solid grasp on what to look for. Seeing a good opportunity to teach, and that this knowledge was harmless, he decided to share his findings so far. “Those Magikarp are all younger, maybe only one or two. Two of the Feebas were around the same age, with the third, the one with longer scales, being three or four. Both of the Marils are around five years old…”
It was obvious that Ethan was impressed, also eager to hear more just by looking at the man’s raised brows. With a smile, he continued. “The Teddiursa aren’t as young as they appear to be, do not let their demeanor fool you. They’re both nearly ten years old, it’s hard to tell with accuracy but they’re not less than eight judging solely by their claws and the clarity of their eyes. Ursaring is More than twice that, being twenty to thirty years of age. It’s hard to tell the age of pokemon past that point. Mostly, it's by scars or wisened skin.”
He almost let out a chuckle upon seeing Ethan’s gaping mouth upon hearing the Teddi’s ages. “If I was a betting man, I’d say the Teddiursa are twins. A common occurrence for their species.”
Ethan slowed in his pace, thinking deeply about the revelations he’d learned no doubt. “Professor, I have a question.”
“Ask away!” He smiled, more than happy to answer.
“When it comes to evolutions… What determines them? Is it strength? Age?”
That… was an odd question, something he’d assume someone of Ethan’s age to be aware of. “Depends on the pokemon. Most are capable of evolving through strength, or during times of stress or need. Some evolve or adapt to their locations or through evolution stones…” Ethan nodded to that, seemingly aware. “Not many, if at all, evolve due to age. Some are sporadic, or mayhaps random. Those are the rarest of pokemon, and to this day we strive to learn more about the hows and whys. I believe Professor Rowan, here in Sinnoh, is the foremost expert of evolution.”
As they approached the steps to Ethan’s home, Ethan asked for clarification. “So, for the rare pokemon, I would assume something like Blissey or Lucario would be examples? Snorlax or Crobat?”
Ah, he was worried about that Munchlax it seems. Although, he appears to know about a good many pokemon whose evolutions aren’t well understood… “Perfect examples. That Munchlax may evolve at any time, not just through battles or stress. Age doesn’t play a factor. If you’re worried, you should talk to him about Everstone. It’s a rare mineral that can stave off evolutions if the pokemon desires. Very commonly used and affordable.”
A brief flash of confusion passed by Ethan’s face, but quickly disappeared. “I see. Thank you for the informati–AHH”
“Pachiii!” From out of the darkness, a Pachirisu flew out of nowhere! Launching itself into Ethan’s face! Quickly, it sprung and swung around Ethan’s neck and rested on his right shoulder. His hand was halfway to his waist, reaching for his last pokeball as Ethan’s groaned. “Pachirisu, meet Professor Elm. Professor, this is my Pachirisu.”
“Pachi-Pach!” The Pachirisu crossed its arms, seemingly introducing himself to him with an air of smugness.
“Hello there.” He smiled, Pachirisu wasn’t a very strong pokemon by trainers standards, but very loving ones according to all the ones he’s seen. This one seems to have some spunk to him, though.
Ethan waved his long hair out of his face, then pointed off up the cobblestone path he'd traversed earlier in the day. “Pachirisu, go and get Shuckle for me please. Tell him the Professor wants to meet him.” Before the electrical white and blue rodent could launch from Ethan’s shoulder, he continued. “AND make sure he’s not scared. If it helps, tell him that Loudred and Typhlosion are the professor’s pokemon.”
“Pachi!” With a salute, the eclectic pokemon launched from Ethan’s shoulder and scampered off into the darkness.
“Was there an issue earlier? Did our pokemon meet?” He asked. Loudred could be… a handful, and Typhlosion tended to stick his nose where it doesn’t belong.
Ethan waved off any worry. “Typhlosion tried to enter Shuckle’s den. He got stuck in the entrance and I had to pull him out by his feet. Loudred was there when it happened… Just a heads up, Shuckle is very scared of other people and he is young. I worry for him, sometimes it seems a bit much.”
To his knowledge, Shuckle as a species didn’t have a very pleasant time in the wild. They are easy prey, ones that usually carry nourishing and flavorful juices. Their near inability to fight off predators was a very disastrous downside when eventually caught. A cautious Shuckle was an alive Shuckle. It was no wonder Ethan was having concerns. “I understand. I will be gentle and kind.”
“While we wait, you can meet my youngest pokemon.” Ethan reached into his overshirt, where shockingly, an Orre military vest could be seen. He withdrew a standard pokeball, then released another rarity—An Emolga.
It was a jittery and excited little girl, spider climbing her way up Ethan like with a singular gleeful focus. He was quite sure that the little glider didn’t even notice his presence. Ethan cooed and played with the small, and obviously very young pokemon in a little game. One where he had her spread out her arms and legs and glide toward the ground. One such fall, Emolga must have mistaken Ethan’s feet for his own. She cheerfully climbed his legs and up his lab coat to his chest. When they locked eyes, Emolga’s smile faltered. With confusion, the baby pokemon felt around his face as if something had gone terrible wrong.
Ethan laughed, causing Emolga to twist around, hand still feeling his face. “Emol? EMOL!” The electric glider used him as a springboard to jump onto Ethan, confused no longer.
The Professor chuckled and righted his off kilter glasses. “Energetic, I see.”
“Not for long. She tuckers out real quick. Emolga, this is Professor Elm.” Ethan introduced them, but Emolga didn’t seem to care for anything but Ethan.
“Shuuu?”
Twisting around, his lab coat twirling with the motion, he spotted a brilliantly red shell, the tall tale sign of a Shuckle. It was cautious, as was a given for its species. It judged him with squinted and slightly fearful eyes, but continued to trudge its way toward Ethan. Noticing his pokemon’s approach, Ethan knelt and picked up the rock-bug pokemon, eliciting a grunt from the hefty weight. “Shuckle, meet Professor Elm.” He said with gentle tones.
Shuckle swiveled its long yellow noodly-like head towards him, then gave a little nod and a nearly inaudible “Shu…”
That was all he got before the Shuckle, slow as could be, lowered inside his shell inch by inch, almost as if it was trying to not be seen. It took a solid ten seconds, but once full in his shell, a bright sheen of blue flickered across the vibrant contrasting red.
Ethan sighed.
Comments
Lucida
btw it's Krabby, not Kraby :3
rizen
A rather untimely typhlosion appearance lol. they are never going to beat the allegations.
Tyler Kimball
After reading through, I noticed a few edits I'll have to take care of. ignore those for now, I'll fix them soon. :)
