An impressive counter leads to a disappointing win.

You both stare at one another, realizing that this is only the first of what would be multiple confrontations you two would have in the future.

But, at this moment, everything else simply faded away, leaving only you and Blue. This first match would help set the tone of your journeys, so all of your focus would put into it.

You barely hear the cry of 'Begin', and with a well practiced throw you both send out your new friends to fight, strategies running through your minds as you both absentmindedly snatch the kicked-back poke'balls out of midair.

Blue acts first, ordering a Tackle from his Squirtle. The turtle complies, his head lowered slightly as he charges at Charmander as fast as he can.

It's not very fast, but they're fresh. What did you expect?

"Get ready, Charmander." He nods, his trust in you absolute, as Squirtle comes closer and closer. 10 feet, 8 feet, 6, 4, 3. "Sidestep and sweep with your tail!"

Charmander does as you say, sweeping Squirtle off of his feet. The turtle's momentum causes him to tumble head over feet a few times before he come to rest... perfectly on his back.

You, Blue, and Charmander watch with growing sweatdrops as the Pokemon struggles, and fails, to get back to its feet. A few moments of this is all any of you can take. "Let's just call that a thing, ok?" You ask your rival.

Blue agrees and makes to recall Squirtle before pausing, as you both watch Charmander walk over to the his helpless foe and offer his paw. Squirtle stills his floundering and blinks, before smiling and taking hold of the outstretched limb. You're touched by the display of sportsmanship they are displaying as the fire type helps the water type to his feet. The two shake before they each walk to their trainer.

When he gets to you, you take Charmander into your arms and walk over to Prof. Oak, whom you realize was refereeing for you. The professor has a smile on his face, even after such an anti-climatic battle.

"I can tell that you both are going to be amazing trainers in the future. Before we finish the last details and leave, did you want to give your Pokemon a nickname? It's up to you."

You look Charmander, who looks back at you with those soft eyes, and say "Charmy." Charmy grins in joy and wraps his arms around your neck in a hug.

Blue looks at his Squirtle, and remarks, "I want to give him one, but I can't think of a good one right now. Sorry, partner." Squirtle merely smiles back and snuggles into Blue's body.

"Ok, then."

****

Party

Charmy, the Charmander

• Scratch, Growl

Items

None

****