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So here it is. My first Pokemon fic in over 5 years.
I can't think of anything that would get this a Teen rating right now. But if I ended up accidentally slipping something in, please let me know.
I'll likely make edits to the story depending on the feedback I receive. And feedback is very important to me. For me, it's hard to keep going if I don't know how I'm doing.
Synopsis: Headstrong martial artist Robin Arrow teams up with timid psychic Makoto Sato. Robin strives to be the toughest Coordinator around while Makoto, who has trouble controlling his powers, seeks to rein them in somehow.
Table of Contents:
Gateway to Hearthome
Chapter 1- The Encounter
I can't think of anything that would get this a Teen rating right now. But if I ended up accidentally slipping something in, please let me know.
I'll likely make edits to the story depending on the feedback I receive. And feedback is very important to me. For me, it's hard to keep going if I don't know how I'm doing.
Synopsis: Headstrong martial artist Robin Arrow teams up with timid psychic Makoto Sato. Robin strives to be the toughest Coordinator around while Makoto, who has trouble controlling his powers, seeks to rein them in somehow.
Table of Contents:
Gateway to Hearthome
- Chapter 1: The Encounter (Can be found right in this post)
Chapter 1- The Encounter
She had just finished her final martial arts class before the start of her journey. She emerged triumphantly through the doors, barely winded by her training. She knew she was tough. And one day, everyone in Sinnoh would know too.
But she wasn't planning on challenging the Pokemon League. Trainers and Pokemon challenging the League are often tough, but they do not necessarily have to be tough. Some top-tier trainers are smart instead of steadfast, or their Pokemon just don't look all that intimidating. Instead, what she strove to do was to dominate Sinnoh’s Toughness Contest circuit. Unlike the Pokemon League, those Contests are all about being strong and showing it off. And by Arceus did she want to show it off.
The teen casually flung the top of her gi over her shoulder, revealing a plain undershirt and toned arms underneath. Her ambition burned within, keeping her warm in the cold darkness… But first, dinner called. She took to the streets of Jubilife City and let her hunger for a succulent steak lead her home.
A boy was wandering aimlessly, seemingly disconnected from the world around him. He was huddled in his crossed arms, feebly attempting to block everyone out while he looked within himself.
All he could think about was how in the world he was going to get started on what could be the most important journey of his life. He glanced at two bracers locked onto his wrists that glowed erratically. He shuddered at the sight, feeling as though the flashes were signaling the apocalypse.
But now was not the time to worry about such things. He tried to pull himself together… just in time to nearly collide with someone.
The sudden sight of another person repulsed the two teens from each other. They were ready to complain until they both took another look at each other.
The girl had seen this boy before. He was like a living opposite of her. The brown hue of their hair was the only thing they had in common. Meanwhile, the styles were radically different; her hair was a sharp fauxhawk, his hair was star-shaped and fluffy. Her solid build contrasted with the boy’s delicate physique. And while she was ready to take on the world, he would be happy just with surviving this conversation.
Naturally, she made the first move. “Hey, I’ve seen you before. You’re the instructor’s kid! …Well, the instructor’s other kid.”
“Eh?” The boy felt dumbfounded and proceeded to avoid all eye contact. “H-how’d you-“
She cut in before he could finish. “I’ve seen you around a couple of times. Oh, and your dad talks about you sometimes in class.”
He started to retreat back into the embrace of his crossed arms but was interrupted by a surprise handshake offer.
“Name’s Robin.”
“I’m… um… Makoto.” Makoto slowly extended his hand. He felt the whiplash when Robin gripped his hand and shook it vigorously. “Oh, and, um… if you... if-"
“Out with it, man.”
Makoto struggled to spit out the words, but he pulled through and landed in the right ballpark of the vocal sounds he was looking for. “Do you know anyone who is… going on a Pokemon journey? My sister and my brother- my sister and brother already-“
“Me” replied Robin in the bluntest manner possible.” I’m starting tomorrow.”
Makoto had an even harder time with the next set of words. “…C-Can I come with you? Y-you don’t have to, not saying anything like that. You don’t have to say yes. It-It’s okay to… you know… say no.” Makoto was already starting to back off, both figuratively and physically.
Robin thought it over for a moment while Makoto shivered a bit. He didn’t look like much. But then she thought about Makoto’s father. More specifically, she remembered all those training exercises where his father lifted objects with his mind. If this kid was capable of anything close to that, she wanted to see it for herself.
Then, to Makoto’s relief, she finally said something, even if it was just her thinking out loud. “Travelling with the son of a psychic martial artist… That sounds amazing.” Stars of profound wonderment were flashing in her eyes as she said that. She directed her starry gaze at her prospective partner in crime. “Alright, you’re in.”
Although he wasn’t sure about the “amazing” part, he was still happy to have found someone. “Th-Thank you. Thank you very much” he replied, suddenly looking a lot less intimidated.
“We’ll meet at the east gate first thing tomorrow morning. Don’t forget your Pokemon. See you then!” Robin waved at her new traveling partner as she left.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Makoto had gone home to start packing. But first, there was dinner. The scene felt immaculate: his favorite tofu dengaku was ready, the dining room had finally been renovated, and the brand new table and everything on it was glistening.
“You finally found someone to travel with. Good for you!” Makoto’s mother said. His mother, Ayumi, looked like a paragon of gentleness. Her hair was long and thoroughly combed, her light brown eyes shimmered, and she gave a smile that could put a raging Ursaring at ease. “What are they like? I’m curious, tell us more about them.”
Makoto gladly complied. “Oh yeah, um, dad, you know Robin from the dojo, right?”
Makoto suddenly felt a sobering chill when he looked upon his father’s face. His father, Haru, had suddenly put on a stony stare. His unkempt long hair and pitch black eyes made the contrast with his wife that much more evident. “Son… Do be aware that while Robin is strong, she is also reckless. She lacks grace. She lacks control. And she can’t aim properly with that accursed roundhouse kick of hers!”
Haru let out a sigh to stop that tangent in its tracks. “We agreed to let you choose your own traveling partner. But I do not recommend going with her. You may not be able to keep her in check if she does something foolish.”
Makoto nodded slightly. “Yes… but… but she might be my only choice.” Makoto glanced at one of his bracers. “And I don’t think I can wait any longer. I-I don’t want to know what would happen if I do.”
Haru closed his eyes and deferred to his son’s reasoning. “Then I can’t stop you” he responded, “Just… be safe.”
Ayumi too became more serious in tone. “Remember, we ordered that brand new Poketch for a reason. If anything happens to you, we’ll be just a call away.”
Ayumi's smile re-emerged from the clouds of sobriety. “Anyways, you should start packing right after dinner. Tomorrow, you’ll be starting on an adventure. An adventure that you will remember for the rest of your life.” Ayumi relished those words, reflecting on her own journey all those years ago as she spoke.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Robin was already at work packing up her belongings. She was in her room, a room that looked as though it was ruined by a flock of angry Spearows. She moved from pile to pile, digging through the vast clutter to find all the items she was looking for.
A string of fresh Poke Balls. A metallic Poffin lockbox. A pair of fingerless training gloves. These would form the foundation of her future reign as the queen of Toughness Contests.
Robin continued searching for everything else. Next she sought out what she would wear on the journey. She figured she could use her gi for contests, but what would she travel around in?
Then it hit her. That crimson hoodie of hers in the closet! The one emblazoned with the mark of an exotic fighting bird from Hoenn. It would be perfect! She rushed right for the closet, trampling all over the clutter beneath her. She swung open the closet doors and gazed upon the hoodie’s magnificence. It was like looking upon the vestments of the gods to her. She quickly snatched it and browsed for items to complete the look. She quickly decided on a pair of roomy black shorts and a set of scarlet sneakers.
Just one more thing was missing. But it wasn’t anything she would be carrying in her backpack. She glanced at a photo of a diving Staraptor and zoomed in on its fake beak. She charged right into the bathroom and flipped the light switch. A crimson-hued bottle and an assortment of supplies were already on the table. She took a moment to inspect her hair before getting right to work.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
The city was tinted a cool blue by the early morning sky. The eastern gate was relatively quiet… about as quiet as a major city’s eastern gate can be.
Makoto was already there, waiting for his traveling partner while drowning out the noise of the passers-by moving in and out of the gate. While his slim jeans, sky blue star-marked T-shirt, and soft white long sleeves were enough to keep him warm in this weather, his hands were jammed into his pockets for good measure.
Makoto’s eyes were drawn to what looked like a red beacon in the crowd. It took him only a short moment to realize that this was Robin. He began to slink one of his hands into view, but Robin was already headed his way.
“Good morning” said Makoto, waving as he gave a bashful smile. His cheeks changed color involuntarily.
“You ready?” Robin had no time for idle chit-chat.
“Yeah. I guess I am.”
“Good, because you better believe I’m ready!” Makoto was startled by her sudden shouting. So were the other people around them.
Makoto raised a finger- “Aah!”
Robin gripped his wrist and ran through the gate. Makoto was helplessly dragged along on this trainer’s wild charge into the wilderness, his light blue canvas shoes failed to keep him grounded. He couldn’t quite bring himself to protest her actions. Not successfully, at least. All of his attempts were squelched by his own stuttering. For now, he would have to just go with it.
But she wasn't planning on challenging the Pokemon League. Trainers and Pokemon challenging the League are often tough, but they do not necessarily have to be tough. Some top-tier trainers are smart instead of steadfast, or their Pokemon just don't look all that intimidating. Instead, what she strove to do was to dominate Sinnoh’s Toughness Contest circuit. Unlike the Pokemon League, those Contests are all about being strong and showing it off. And by Arceus did she want to show it off.
The teen casually flung the top of her gi over her shoulder, revealing a plain undershirt and toned arms underneath. Her ambition burned within, keeping her warm in the cold darkness… But first, dinner called. She took to the streets of Jubilife City and let her hunger for a succulent steak lead her home.
A boy was wandering aimlessly, seemingly disconnected from the world around him. He was huddled in his crossed arms, feebly attempting to block everyone out while he looked within himself.
All he could think about was how in the world he was going to get started on what could be the most important journey of his life. He glanced at two bracers locked onto his wrists that glowed erratically. He shuddered at the sight, feeling as though the flashes were signaling the apocalypse.
But now was not the time to worry about such things. He tried to pull himself together… just in time to nearly collide with someone.
The sudden sight of another person repulsed the two teens from each other. They were ready to complain until they both took another look at each other.
The girl had seen this boy before. He was like a living opposite of her. The brown hue of their hair was the only thing they had in common. Meanwhile, the styles were radically different; her hair was a sharp fauxhawk, his hair was star-shaped and fluffy. Her solid build contrasted with the boy’s delicate physique. And while she was ready to take on the world, he would be happy just with surviving this conversation.
Naturally, she made the first move. “Hey, I’ve seen you before. You’re the instructor’s kid! …Well, the instructor’s other kid.”
“Eh?” The boy felt dumbfounded and proceeded to avoid all eye contact. “H-how’d you-“
She cut in before he could finish. “I’ve seen you around a couple of times. Oh, and your dad talks about you sometimes in class.”
He started to retreat back into the embrace of his crossed arms but was interrupted by a surprise handshake offer.
“Name’s Robin.”
“I’m… um… Makoto.” Makoto slowly extended his hand. He felt the whiplash when Robin gripped his hand and shook it vigorously. “Oh, and, um… if you... if-"
“Out with it, man.”
Makoto struggled to spit out the words, but he pulled through and landed in the right ballpark of the vocal sounds he was looking for. “Do you know anyone who is… going on a Pokemon journey? My sister and my brother- my sister and brother already-“
“Me” replied Robin in the bluntest manner possible.” I’m starting tomorrow.”
Makoto had an even harder time with the next set of words. “…C-Can I come with you? Y-you don’t have to, not saying anything like that. You don’t have to say yes. It-It’s okay to… you know… say no.” Makoto was already starting to back off, both figuratively and physically.
Robin thought it over for a moment while Makoto shivered a bit. He didn’t look like much. But then she thought about Makoto’s father. More specifically, she remembered all those training exercises where his father lifted objects with his mind. If this kid was capable of anything close to that, she wanted to see it for herself.
Then, to Makoto’s relief, she finally said something, even if it was just her thinking out loud. “Travelling with the son of a psychic martial artist… That sounds amazing.” Stars of profound wonderment were flashing in her eyes as she said that. She directed her starry gaze at her prospective partner in crime. “Alright, you’re in.”
Although he wasn’t sure about the “amazing” part, he was still happy to have found someone. “Th-Thank you. Thank you very much” he replied, suddenly looking a lot less intimidated.
“We’ll meet at the east gate first thing tomorrow morning. Don’t forget your Pokemon. See you then!” Robin waved at her new traveling partner as she left.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Makoto had gone home to start packing. But first, there was dinner. The scene felt immaculate: his favorite tofu dengaku was ready, the dining room had finally been renovated, and the brand new table and everything on it was glistening.
“You finally found someone to travel with. Good for you!” Makoto’s mother said. His mother, Ayumi, looked like a paragon of gentleness. Her hair was long and thoroughly combed, her light brown eyes shimmered, and she gave a smile that could put a raging Ursaring at ease. “What are they like? I’m curious, tell us more about them.”
Makoto gladly complied. “Oh yeah, um, dad, you know Robin from the dojo, right?”
Makoto suddenly felt a sobering chill when he looked upon his father’s face. His father, Haru, had suddenly put on a stony stare. His unkempt long hair and pitch black eyes made the contrast with his wife that much more evident. “Son… Do be aware that while Robin is strong, she is also reckless. She lacks grace. She lacks control. And she can’t aim properly with that accursed roundhouse kick of hers!”
Haru let out a sigh to stop that tangent in its tracks. “We agreed to let you choose your own traveling partner. But I do not recommend going with her. You may not be able to keep her in check if she does something foolish.”
Makoto nodded slightly. “Yes… but… but she might be my only choice.” Makoto glanced at one of his bracers. “And I don’t think I can wait any longer. I-I don’t want to know what would happen if I do.”
Haru closed his eyes and deferred to his son’s reasoning. “Then I can’t stop you” he responded, “Just… be safe.”
Ayumi too became more serious in tone. “Remember, we ordered that brand new Poketch for a reason. If anything happens to you, we’ll be just a call away.”
Ayumi's smile re-emerged from the clouds of sobriety. “Anyways, you should start packing right after dinner. Tomorrow, you’ll be starting on an adventure. An adventure that you will remember for the rest of your life.” Ayumi relished those words, reflecting on her own journey all those years ago as she spoke.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Robin was already at work packing up her belongings. She was in her room, a room that looked as though it was ruined by a flock of angry Spearows. She moved from pile to pile, digging through the vast clutter to find all the items she was looking for.
A string of fresh Poke Balls. A metallic Poffin lockbox. A pair of fingerless training gloves. These would form the foundation of her future reign as the queen of Toughness Contests.
Robin continued searching for everything else. Next she sought out what she would wear on the journey. She figured she could use her gi for contests, but what would she travel around in?
Then it hit her. That crimson hoodie of hers in the closet! The one emblazoned with the mark of an exotic fighting bird from Hoenn. It would be perfect! She rushed right for the closet, trampling all over the clutter beneath her. She swung open the closet doors and gazed upon the hoodie’s magnificence. It was like looking upon the vestments of the gods to her. She quickly snatched it and browsed for items to complete the look. She quickly decided on a pair of roomy black shorts and a set of scarlet sneakers.
Just one more thing was missing. But it wasn’t anything she would be carrying in her backpack. She glanced at a photo of a diving Staraptor and zoomed in on its fake beak. She charged right into the bathroom and flipped the light switch. A crimson-hued bottle and an assortment of supplies were already on the table. She took a moment to inspect her hair before getting right to work.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
The city was tinted a cool blue by the early morning sky. The eastern gate was relatively quiet… about as quiet as a major city’s eastern gate can be.
Makoto was already there, waiting for his traveling partner while drowning out the noise of the passers-by moving in and out of the gate. While his slim jeans, sky blue star-marked T-shirt, and soft white long sleeves were enough to keep him warm in this weather, his hands were jammed into his pockets for good measure.
Makoto’s eyes were drawn to what looked like a red beacon in the crowd. It took him only a short moment to realize that this was Robin. He began to slink one of his hands into view, but Robin was already headed his way.
“Good morning” said Makoto, waving as he gave a bashful smile. His cheeks changed color involuntarily.
“You ready?” Robin had no time for idle chit-chat.
“Yeah. I guess I am.”
“Good, because you better believe I’m ready!” Makoto was startled by her sudden shouting. So were the other people around them.
Makoto raised a finger- “Aah!”
Robin gripped his wrist and ran through the gate. Makoto was helplessly dragged along on this trainer’s wild charge into the wilderness, his light blue canvas shoes failed to keep him grounded. He couldn’t quite bring himself to protest her actions. Not successfully, at least. All of his attempts were squelched by his own stuttering. For now, he would have to just go with it.
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