A Kanto Adventure!

John, a young teenage boy of Pallet Town, rolled over in his compact bed. His 
Pikachu alarm clock goes off and he falls out of bed. He gently rubbed his wild 
curly brown hair and gets up. For a bit, he played his NES, and then he slipped 
into his regular clothes. He headed downstairs where he could smell his moms 
cooking famous Cinnabar Bacon on the stove. So John took a seat and a plate at 
the table where he saw his mom smiling at him.
“What is it mom?” John asked while slouching in his chair.
“It’s Professor Oak,” She began, “He’s looking for you next door at his lab.”
“Cool, for what?” John questioned as his mom slopped the Cinnabar Bacon and eggs 
on his plate.
“It’s some Pokemon Trainer Recruitment.” She replied while continuing her 
cooking, “It sound interesting and I’ve already signed you up for it. Besides, 
you need to get out more this summer. All I see you do is play that NES!”
“Whatever mom, who’s gonna be in it though?” John asked as he munched on the 
Cinnabar Bacon, “This isn’t going to be like some stupid summer camp is it?”
His mom shook her and said:
“It won’t be like a summer camp at all, it’s more like a journey of some sort, 
or that’s what he told me.” She paused for a moment then continued, “I hear Jack 
next door will be there too!”

John froze in his seat as his mother told him those final words. Before he 
headed out the door, he could remember perfectly all the horrible memories of 
Jack, his greatest rival. His mom waved John good-bye as John set off for 
Professor Oaks lab next door.  
 “Well, look what the Meowth dragged in!” John heard from across the lab.
It wasn’t Professor Oak, but it was his life-long rival Jack Grim who lived next 
door to him. Authors Note:  Think Gary from the Pokemon TV series when thinking 
of Jack because they both have similar spiky hair. John walked towards him 
looking around.
“Nice to see you too, Jack.” He sarcastically replied, “Have you seen Professor 
Oak?”
“Why do you need to see him?” Jack asked instead of answering, “Wait don’t tell 
me…You’re becoming a trainer too, aren’t you?”
“That’s right, Jack.” John stated proudly lifting his chin up, “What’s your 
cheap plan to annoy me this year?” 
“Oh, there’s no plan…” Jack said in a sneaky tone of voice, “This year, I only 
plan on completely annihilating you as a trainer!”
 “Keep on dreaming Jack!” John remarked, “As soon as I get my first pokemon, 
I’ll be turn out to be a superstar pro trainer like that kid who used to live 
here! What’s his name again, oh yeah; his name was some weird color or 
something.”

John and Jack both scratched their heads and pondered around, trying to recall 
his name.
“Red, yeah that was his name, it was Red!” Jack exclaimed and jumped up, “He’s 
like a celebrity now…I think Old-Man Oaks trying to make Pallet Town a hot-spot 
for upcoming trainers! Yeah, that’s it; he’s just trying to recruit trainers so 
they can be like Red. I guess we’re the only people part of this twisted 
scheme.”
“Yep the lucky few…”
“But this doesn’t change anything at all John, we’re still rivals to the bitter 
end!” Jack shouted.
“I hear ya Jack, I’m right here.” John said and played with his ear, “Well, do 
you know where the professor is or not?!”
“Jeez, calm down.” Jack replied, “I don’t know where he is, why do you think I’m 
waiting here anyways? Actually, I forget why I’m even here now…I could be out at 
Fuchsia City, chillin’ at the beach pickin’ up hot chicks right now!”
“You really are a scumbag aren’t you Jack? Oh well, I guess I’ll go find the 
professor myself…” John said as he slowly walked out the door from the pokemon 
research lab.

John continued his search through little all of Pallet Town, yet there was no 
trace of him.
“Where could he have gone?” John thought and scratched his head.
He walked over to the tall grass to try and look for him there.
“This is weird; I’ve never been over here before.” John thought, and then 
spotted a wild pokemon that resembled a bird, “Ah, a cute little Pidgey.” 
John walked closer and closer, but right before it could attack, an old strange 
man in a lab cloak jumped from behind him. John screamed and jumped back and 
grasped his heart.
“You shouldn’t go out, it’s unsafe.” The man advised, “Wild Pokemon live in tall 
grass!”
“I see that.” John replied as he tried catching his breath.
“You need Pokemon for your protection.” He added, “Wait-a-minute, you wouldn’t 
happen to be John would you? I know, come with me!”
The man in the lab apron dragged John along with him back to the Pokemon lab.
“Finally, it’s about time!” Jack yelled as they approached him, “How long did 
you plan on keeping me waiting here?!”

The man with gray hair glared at Jack and John soon realized that the man was 
Professor Oak himself! 
“Before I begin what I’m about to say, I’m still waiting for one more person to 
arrive.” Professor Oak announced, “When she arrives, I’m gonna need you two to 
be on your best behavior, and Jack, I’ve got my eye on you.”
Jack nodded along with John.
“Who is she anyways?” Jack asked.
“She’s becoming a Pokemon Researcher, and she needs her first pokemon before she 
goes out in the wild to research.” Oak responded, “I hear she’ll be moving into 
this town soon.”
“Sounds interesting, but how do you know her Mr. I mean, Professor Oak?” John 
asked.
“Her work is widely known when it comes to science!” The professor remarked 
making a gesture, “Oh yeah, her name is Julie. She’s helped me with the 
blueprints of the next generation Pokedex. She’s a prodigy!”
“Heh, for all we know, she’s probably a nerd.” Jack blurted, “Why would anyone 
in their right mind want to become a Pokemon Researcher?”
Jack took a big step back as Professor Oak gave him a menacing glare again. 
“You’re really beginning to get on my bad side, Jack.” Oak told him, “I’ll tell 
you now, you don’t want to get on my bad side, isn’t that right, research Aide?”
Professor Oaks aide all nodded together and continued their work. 

They waited for a moment or two, but she still didn’t arrive yet.
“Well, while were waiting, I guess I’ll let you two get first pick.” The 
professor concurred, “Here John, there are three pokemon here.” 
“You mean those pokeballs?” John asked and looked down at the desk with the 
pokeballs.
“Ha, the pokemon are inside the pokeballs.” The professor replied, “Oh, I 
remember when I was young…”
“He was young?” John thought to himself.
“I was a serious Pokemon trainer. Now in my old age, I have only these three 
left.” Professor Oak explained, “You can have one, so go on, choose!”
“No fair, what about me Gramps?” Jack complained.

John gazed upon the three pokeballs. Bulbasaur, Squirtle, and Charmander were 
the Pokemon selections. 
“They all sound pretty weak…I wonder which one will be the best to choose.” John 
thought.
“Oh will you freaking choose already!” John exclaimed, “We don’t have all day!”
“Ok, hold on just a second.” John replied, “I think I’ll choose this one.”
He released the poke ball with the one that contained the Charmander.
“You’ll have to raise it patiently John.” The professor stated, “Are you sure 
you want to choose the charmander?” 
“Yeah I’m sure.” John nodded, “I think I’ll call him Flame! Yeah, it suits him.”
John tried to get close but Flame whipped his fiery tail at him. John quickly 
patted down his charred jeans before the burn mark spread.
“Hmm, he has a lot of guts…Hopefully John will be able to raise it properly.” 
Professor Oak thought to himself.
Jack quickly chose the Squirtle and attached it on his new Pokemon belt.
“He-he, mine looks tougher than yours.” Jack snickered.

John ignored him and walked back over to Professor Oak. 
“With your new pokemon at your side, you should be able to reach the next town.” 
“So I won’t be able to keep my squirtle?” Jack asked.
“I never said that, but come to think of it, I’m not sure if you two are 
responsible yet.” The Professor responded.
“Well, I guess I’ll be going then.” John said and headed to the door.
“Wait, John, let’s check out our pokemon!” Jack exclaimed, “Come on, I’ll take 
you on!”

John released Flame and Jack released his Squirtle.
“Well this should be interesting.” Professor Oak thought. 
Oaks Aide gathered around John and Jack and flipped out their notepads to take 
notes on the battle.
“Um, Flame, whip Squirtle with your Tail of Blazing Fire!” John called out, but 
Flame looked at him awkwardly.
Jack burst out laughing and Professor Oak walked over to John.
“Since it’s your first time battling John, I’ll let you in on a little tip.” 
Professor Oak said, “Right now, your charmander is still inexperienced, so he 
only knows two moves.”
“Oh, well what are they?” John asked.
“Scratch and growl.” The professor replied.
“Oh…well that sucks.” 
“Yeah, it does, but if you keep training him he’ll learn better moves and gain 
more experience you see?” Professor Oak explained and John nodded.
“Squirtle tackle!” Jack called out, and his Squirtle bashed its hard shell body 
against Flame. 
“Hey, I wasn’t ready Jack!” John exclaimed.
“Too bad! Squirtle, another tackle!” 

Squirtle charged back at Flame and hit him again. Flame fell back, and struggled 
to get back to its feet.
“Come on Flame, get back up and use scratch!” John said, and Flame dashed over 
and scratched Squirtle.
It was a critical hit. Squirtle tackled Flame, and Flame scratched Squirtle. 
This pattern went on for a while, and it was looking like a stalemate. Finally, 
Squirtle gave out and fainted.
“What, this is freaking unbelievable!” Jack yelled, “I picked the wrong 
pokemon!”

After the somewhat mildly intense battle there was a knock at the door, and Jack 
laughed.
“Who knocks anymore?!” Jack laughed.
“You can come in.” Oak said, and the person at the door entered.
It was a teenage girl with long shining brown hair. 
John and Jack were completely awestruck. She wore a red skirt to go with her sky 
blue tee-shirt. 
“Ah, Julie, I see you’ve finally arrived.” Professor Oak said and shook her 
hand.
“Professor Oak, it’s such a pleasure to meet you!” She replied, “I must say, I 
am a true fan of your works!”
“I must introduce to my two recruits, Jack and John.” Oak said, and Jack shoved 
John to the side as he walked to her.
“Oh, um…hi.” She greeted Jack in a shy tone, “I’m Julie.” 
Julie held out her hand to shake Jacks, but instead Jack took her and lightly 
kissed it. Julie blushed and John had to restrain himself from strangling Jack. 
Julie walked over to John now.
“And you must be John right, Oaks other pupil?” Julie asked.
“Yeah, uh that’s me.” 
“Nice to meet you too, John.” Julie replied and smiled.

The three of them watched as Professor Oak grasped his last pokemon.
“Here Julie, take this Bulbasaur.” Professor Oak said and gave her the pokeball 
which contained the Bulbasaur, “It should be an easy pokemon to raise for your 
journey.”
“Thank you so much, professor!” Julie exclaimed and released the Bulbasaur, 
“I’ll call you Bulby, I guess.”
The Bulbasaur looked friendly and tickled Julie with its vines that came from 
behind the large bulb on its back. 
“Now that you all are here, I must tell you that I need you all to help me on 
something very important.” Oak announced to the three of them.

They listened carefully; well, at least Julie and John were.
“I’m going to send you two on a very important errand.” He added on and pointed 
to Jack and John, “In Viridian City, which is a city north from here, I have an 
important package that I need! It should be in the Pokemart, the shopkeeper will 
have it waiting. If one of you can retrieve the parcel for me, there will be a 
prize waiting for one you. Well get going and good luck!”
Jack was already out the door before John could even get ready to go.
“Whoa he’s fast!” Jack thought and then sprinted out the door to catch up with 
him.

Outside, Jack still kept his lead while John came following up after him.
“You won’t catch me!” Jack yelled as he huffed and puffed.
“I think you’re tiring out, Jack!” John replied and let out a cough.
As they dashed through the tall grass, wild pokemon appeared such as rattatas 
and pidgeys, but that wouldn’t stop the two of them from retrieving the parcel. 
Soon enough, Jack collapsed and fell to the ground just before they could reach 
the city. John’s endurance paid off for him. John walked into the Pokemart and 
easily obtained the parcel. Now all he had to do was head back to Oaks Lab and 
he was safe. As he headed back down the route to Pallet Town, he encountered 
Jack. He seemed to be injured because of a rattata bite.
“Jack, you ok man?” John asked as he knelt down to face him.
“No, I think I’ll be fine, it’s just that…” Jack winced and paused.
“What is it?” John asked.
“It’s just that, you’re such a sucker!” Jack wailed and quickly snatched the 
package from out of Johns backpack.
“How could have I fell for that?!” John thought to himself as he chased after 
Jack, “Even worse, it was Jack! Of all people!”
 
	John came close, but it was too late. Jack approached the lab before John 
tackled him to the ground.
“Hey, get off of me!” Jack yelled as John struggled to get the packaged parcel.
They wrestled on the ground and the professor came outside with Julie. With an 
almost ironic surprised look on his face Professor Oak said:
“I am ashamed of the two of you!” 
John got up from the ground with the parcel in his hands.
“I can explain Mr. Oak.” John said, and Professor snatched the parcel from his 
hands.
“It’s Professor Oak!” He shouted yanked his gray hair with one hand.
“I don’t think I’ll be comfortable working with these immature guys.” Julie told 
Oak.
“Don’t worry; I’m sure they won’t hurt you.” Professor Oak said, “If anything 
weird happens, I’m on speed dial on your specially enhanced pokedex, ok?”
Julie nodded and smirked at John and Jack.

	They all headed back into the lab, and John and Jack wiped the dirt off of 
their clothes. Julie chatted with the lab assistants.
“You two will get two of my old pokedexes.” Oak claimed and handed a pokedex to 
each of them, “I need you two to do your best to fill it up. I used to be a 
trainer and my dream was to be a master, but now that dream is gone and I’m a 
Pokemon Scientist.”
“But Professor Oak, didn’t you always want to be a Pokemon Researcher or 
Scientist?” John asked curiously.
Professor Oak scratched his chin and then said:
“Well actually no John. Not until I realized that I was lousy at battling. So 
now I have two empty pokedexes that I need you and Jack to fill.”
“How come Julie gets the special pokedex?!” Jack complained, “Why do we have to 
get the hand-me down Pokedexes? They look like they have a lot of mileage on 
them.”
“All I can say is deal with it Jack!” Oak snapped, “Julie is only going with you 
to examine what it means to be a trainer and to do research on wild pokemon. 
It’s very similar to what you guys have to do, except it’s a special assignment. 
Oh yeah, and before you go, there will be no funny business regarding her or 
there will be various consequences!”
John nodded, and Jack sort of nodded.
“Well professor, we’re going to have to leave now if we’re ever going to fill 
these Pokedexes.” Julie remarked as she walked towards John and Jack.
The three of them waved good bye to Professor Oak and walked off into the 
horizon.