Chapter #4An Eventful Start by: Frost   Ethan and Kris had met in Professor Elm’s lab. They shared a short, introductory conversation as the two waited for the Professor to bring out their starters. Though, once Kris got her hasty pick of a Totodile, she ran off with a chipper, “Bye!”
In contrast, Ethan took his time as he chose his Chikorita. He also stayed behind to pack and say goodby to his mother.
However, Ethan's rush to the next step in his journey slowed as he found a relatively rare addition to his team.
Ethan gritted his teeth staring down a Muk. It was an anomaly for this region of Johto, so it was a prize Ethan would be more than happy to catch. "Chikorita! Use tackle!"
The pokemon complied, slamming directly into the Muk, lodging itself into its viscous body.
"Oh jeez," Ethan hummed, running over to the Muk. He grabbed at his starter's leg, attempting to free the Chikorita. It didn't budge.
"Hey Ethan!" Kris called.
Startled, Ethan stumbled and fell into the Muk. The gelatinous grime surrounded him, and he let out a surprised scream as he struggled for freedom.
And then the Muk used Minimize.
In a matter of seconds, the Muk's form began to dwindle down until it was an inch tall blob, releasing Ethan and the Chikorita from its grasp. The tiny pokemon then began to run away, leaving Ethan lying on the ground sputtering.
"Ugh, I think I got some of it in my mouth," Ethan whined as he spat on the ground. Groaning, he called back his pokemon.
"Oh," Kris hummed, tugging on a few loose strands of blue hair. "Sorry." She made her way over to her new aquaintance and helped him up.
"It's fine," he said, dusting off his shorts. "It probably would have ran away with my Chikorita if you hadn't come along."
"Yeah..." Kris chuckled. "So I guess you're heading for Violet City, too."
Ethan nodded. "I'm gonna try and take down the gym later today."
Kris whistled. "That's pretty ambitious. Plus, the gym'll probably close by the time we get to Violet City."
"We?"
Kris nodded. "Well, I figured we could be road buddies. Y'know, traveling together, training our pokemon, taking down gyms..."
"Sounds like fun," Ethan said, stuffing his hands in his pockets. "Wouldn't hurt to have a road buddy for a while."
"Yes!" Kris pumped her fist. She grabbed Ethan by the hand and ran down the route. "C'mon! The Violet City Poke-Center has really good food."
***
The two shared a booth in the back corner of the Violet City Center. Kris carefully picked at her salad, chewing on a crouton, idly watching other trainers around the cafeteria.
“You really spent the entire day chasing down a Phanpy?” Ethan asked, digging into his sandwich.
Kris nodded. “Duh. I had to.” She hugged the elephant-like pokemon, and it squeaked. “It’s so cute!”
Ethan chuckled. “I don’t really know how well it’ll do against Falkner and his flying types.”
“I’m sure we’ll be fine,” Kris said, still squeezing her Phanpy. “Although, it would be best if I turn in for the night.”
After dinner, the two went into their respective rooms. For a small fee, the Pokemon Centers offered registered Trainers dorms for one night only. Though, it was barebones with pretty much just a cot and a dresser. Regardless, the two trainers appreciated having a place to stay.
***
Ethan woke up surrounded by his sheets. He scrambled upwards and fought his way past the blankets and towards the light Upon escaping, he realized that something was off.
After two seconds of staring off the cliff that used to be the bed he slept on.
He had shrunk.
Ethan felt his breath shorten as he stumbled backwards. “What the…” He rubbed his eyes before scanning the room again. Nothing. He was still hopelessly small.
On the tiny bedside drawer next to him was his bag he brought with him for his journey. He ran over to the edge of the cot. The bag’s strap hung off the edge, just high enough for him to climb up. He scaled the bag, pried open one of the zippers. A Pokeball rolled out and on the floor, releasing his trusty starter.
“Chikori!” the pokemon screeched up at its master.
“Chikorita!” Ethan called, sliding down the bag’s straps and back onto the bed. “Go get help!”
“Chiki!!” Without another word, the pokemon bolted out the door.  indicates the next chapter needs to be written. |
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