Episode 2: Earning a Shocking Pair of Wings (part 1)


I left home with Kitsune early the next morning after telling Mom my goodbyes. "I'll call or send letters as often as I can." I assured her.

"Treat Kitsune well--if you take care of her, she'll take care of you in return." Mom reminded me.

"I will." I replied.

[Are you done saying goodbye yet?] Kitsune asked with a huff. [There's a big wide world out there and here we are stuck on the front walk!]

"Be patient, Kitsune--I may not see Mom again for a long time, and it's always sad when you leave home for the first time." I assured Kitsune before hugging Mom one last time. "I love you..."

"I love you too, Serena--good luck." Mom replied as I shepherded Kitsune to my side. She waved as we started down the front walk for the last time for a while.

As we walked down the pathway leading to Aquacorde Town again, a loud bellow startled Kitsune. [What was that?] she gasped, fearfully looking around the tree lined pathway for the supposed intruder.

I then noticed a Rhyhorn lumbering through the grass, searching for its breakfast. As soon as it saw me, it unleashed another mighty bellow, as if to say "Good luck, new trainer!" "It was only a Rhyhorn." I assured Kitsune. "They tend to roam in the woods, and every year, when the new trainers leave on their journeys, they get a lot more vocal. Prof. Sycamore says it's because that time of year is mating season, but I like to think they're telling the new trainers good luck."

[We'll go with that.] Kitsune smiled at my explanation as we walked through town and onto Route 2.

Shauna and Callum were waiting for me on the route. "Serena! You made it!" Shauna grinned.

"Hey guys..." I smiled back.

Callum, meanwhile, offered me another box. "These are for you--your first set of Poke Balls."

I halfway expected him to drag me into the grass and show me for the billionth time how to catch a Pokemon:

1. Weaken the Pokemon by battle--DO NOT make it faint

2. Toss Poke Ball

3. Watch it wiggle--three wiggles usually means the Pokemon's not getting out, but you need to be prepared just in case.

4. If the Poke Ball's center dims, you've got it.

Instead, he encouraged me to go into the grass. "We're all trainers here, so we obviously don't need to go over how to catch a Pokemon. Instead, I want to see you make your first catch. Kero and me will be here if you need help." He gestured to his Froagie, who promptly proceeded to catch a Venonat with its tongue as Kitsune romped into the grass.

Kitsune, meanwhile, heard a familiar birdsong in a tree. [I found a good mark!] she called. I hurried over to the tree, where a Fletchling was uneasily singing and warily eying the Fennekin looking up at it.

I took that opportunity to look at Fletchling's Pokedex entry:

"Fletchling, the tiny robin Pokemon. Despite the beauty of its lilting voice, it's merciless to intruders that enter its territory"

Right on cue, the Fletchling dove into Kitsune, making her stumble backwards. Her first thought was to burn it with an Ember, but I warned her "Don't make it faint." She nodded, and ran to scratch it.

The Fletchling unleashed a screech of pain as Kitsune's claw dug into its wing, and started flapping up a small tornado--a Gust attack! "Watch out!" I called to Kitsune, but the thud as the Gust picked her up and dropped her made me wince. "Are you okay?"

[I think so...think I have enough strength to attack again...] she groaned as she eased herself to her feet.

The Fletchling diving at her got her attention. She fired an Ember at the Fletchling, which singed its stomach and sent it fluttering into the grass.

"Okay, Kitsune, I'll take over from here." I told Kitsune as I heaved a Poke Ball at it, which absorbed the weakened Fletchling in a flash of light...

One...

Two...

Three...

A smile formed on Kitsune's face when the center of the Poke Ball dimmed. [We did it! We caught a Fletchling!]

Callum must've heard Kitsune's triumphant bark. "Nice work out there...I was worried for a minute when I saw that Gust attack."

"May I see your Fletchling?" Shauna asked.

I obediently let it out, allowing her to heal it with a Potion from her bag. "There we go...all better! Saves you a trip to the Pokemon Center." she grinned.

The Fletchling looked up at me. [Who are you?]

"My name's Serena." I replied. "If you've always wanted to see the world, I can make it happen."

[Really?] The Fletchling was intrigued. [I've always wanted to grow into a majestic Talonflame and see what lies beyond Santalune Forest.]

[We're on a trip around Kalos, so you're gonna get your wish.] Kitsune grinned.

"Welcome to the team...Rouge." I smiled as I hugged my new Fletchling.

"Rouge...what a pretty name!" Shauna commented.

"I agree, and very fitting, since it means 'red'" Callum agreed before turning to leave. "We're going on ahead, but if you want to spend some time with Rouge, that's okay--we're in no hurry."

"Be careful!" I called before Rouge flitted on my shoulder. "Okay...if you wanna ride on my shoulder for a while, you can."

[I think I will.] Rouge replied as we continued on our way down the path...