When 'What If's' Attack...

[Cass]

<sub>Cass tentatively walked down the path leading the Professor's Lab, her nervousness clear on her face. As she had gotten closer and closer to the lab, she had suddenly scared herself with many horrible, horrible ideas!

'Ahhh, what if they're all out of Pokemon?' She thought to herself, panic clear on her features as she froze in mid-step. 'No.' She suddenly relaxed. 'They can't be out of Pokemon, after all they have so many kinds.' she assured herself, smiling confidently as she walked on again, her eyes sparkling in excitement.

She made it a few more feet before another thought struck her. 'What if they don't let me start in another region other than Kanto?!' Her thoughts went wild with images of the Professor laughing at her, and telling her to go back to Kanto and get her regular Charmander, Squirtle, or Bulbasaur...

'No.' She thought, waving the thought off with a smile as she continued to walk on, confidence oozing off of her. She made it a couple feet before...

"WHAT IF...?!"

Needless to say, it took her a while to get to the Professor's.

Eventually, Cass could finally see the lab. The horrible ideas were quickly chased away with the thought of finally starting her Pokemon journey with her very own Pokemon partner.... Which she still hadn't decided on yet....

Cass sighed as she stood in front of the door, casting it a nervous glance. She gulped audibly and began patting her hair down and trying to wipe invisible dirt off her clothes as she tried to appear presentable. After all, she was meeting a Pokemon professor!

She took a deep breathe that was meant to soothe herself as she knocked on the door three times. The 'soothing deep breathe' did little to help her as she nervously stared at the door, waiting for the Professor to answer.</sub>

[MorriganFearn]

There was a squeak of casters and the Professor came to the door a little after the first knock. His smile at seeing the new trainer to be standing on his doorstep was half hidden by his mustash. "Hello, hello, welcome to the Jentan lab," he told the girl. "Do come in. I'm Professor Cherry, and very pleased to meet you."

[Cass]

<sub>Cass smiled at the Professor, still a bit nervous, "I-I'm..." She paused, frowning. She quickly cleared her throat and responded in a much clearer, stronger voice. "I'm Cass Jordans." She said smoothly, hoping the Professor hadn't heard her stutter.

"I'm here for my first Pokemon, sir. She sad politely, mentally going over the list as she contemplated which Pokemon she she should choose. After all, there were so many to choose from, there were it least 10 different types of Pokemon, not including the different species in each type.

"I apologize, sir, for not preparing my choice of Pokemon ahead of time." She said, ducking her head a bit as she blushed. "I'm just so use to the idea of picking either a Charmander, Squirtle, or Bulbasaur, that the amount of Pokemon you offer is a bit.... Overwhelming." She supplied, inwardly berating herself for sounding so lame.

"I'm just not sure if I should stay true to my roots and choose the Pokemon regularly given out by Professor Oak, or go for Pokemon of a different region..." Cass sighed, hoping the Professor didn't think she was wasting his time.</sub>

[MorriganFearn]

"Oh, it's no problem," Professor Cherry waved his hand. "A lot of new trainers have trouble choosing new pokemon when faced with so many choices. Especially if you come from such a famous region as Kanto I guess the choices must seem a little hap-hazard. But come over here," he lead her to a book shelf with rows and rows of pokeballs on it, and a complex diagram pasted to the side. "First thing that I think most new trainers should do, even before they think about type, or species, ask yourself what kind of pokemon you want.

Are you up for a challenge? Do you get along well with peppy people? Think about what kind of person you want to be partners with. Once you know that then ask if you have a specific type that you would like, or a certain gender. It's better to have a dunsparce that you get along with than a salamance that you don't, Cass. If only because salamence can turn you into impure charcoal if they get annoyed."

[Cass]

"I want..." Cass trailed off as she closed her eyes, picturing her journey in her head like all the other times she'd done it before. It started of like normal. She was walking down a nameless road, a Pokemon's voice beside her.

But this time there was no Pokemon she could see. She could only hear the words she thought her Pokemon might say, or how they would react to other things.

After a few moments she opened her eyes, a small smile on her face. "I.... I want a Pokemon who can give me a challenge. Who can test me as a trainer, but not be judgmental about my weaknesses when it knows them." Se decided, nodding to herself. "It.... Doesn't really matter to me what species or type it is. I'm sure that whatever Pokemon I get will be a great partner and friend." She stated, smiling contentedly.

It was the heart, spirit, and mind that made the Pokemon after all, and who was she to judge what kind of Pokemon would be the best, just based on species and type?

[MorriganFearn]

The white haired Professor nodded, looking pleased. "Well then I suppose all we can do is meet some of the potential partners, then. Hopefully you'll be able to hit it off with at least one of them. Oh, and when you say you're up for a challenge, are you willing to take a pokemon that might not challenge your authority, but tax your ability to care for it? I do receive some starters occasionally from trainers who no longer want the young or newly hatched pokemon for health reasons."

While he was saying this he was running long gnarled fingers over the shelves, picking up the odd pokeball, and setting it down on the table. "So, would you like to met them all at once, or individually?"

[Cass]

<sub>Cass listened carefully to the Professor's words. People really abandoned Pokmon because they hd health issues? She could understand the Pokemon that might have health issues that require special attention, but surely not too many...

"As long as I would be able to properly take care of the Pokemon." Cass said. "I can't take care of a Pokemon that is out of my capabilites, health wise."

"Oh, and indvidualy, please. It will be easier to get to know the Pokemon that way." Cass said, more to hersef than the Professor as she watched him pick pokeballs from the shelf..</sub>

[Nyaa-Neko]

"Hm. Well, let's try this one, then. So far, nobody's picked one of these guys in awhile..."

He walked over to Cass, Pokeball in hand. The red-and-white metal ball dropped to the ground, bouncing on the cold metal floor as the button made contact. The ball returned, empty of its living contents, to the professor's old hand as the Pokemon inside appeared before the group.

The rocky, spherical Pokemon glanced around with pale white eyes. "<Hm? What's going on?>" he asked in a gruff, yet kind, growl. "<Is it feeding time, professor?>"

The man shook his head out of habit, even though he knew the Pokemon couldn't see the movement. "It's not. There's a trainer here who wanted a 'challenging' Pokemon and I thought you might be the one. No offense, of course," he added, adjusting his glasses.

"<None taken,>" the geodude replied with a chuckle, turning himself around with his single hand, trying to figure out where the girl was. "<So, a trainer, huh? Please say something so I know where you are. I'm afraid I'm blind, and while my hearing's pretty sharp, I can't see a thing. Oh, and I can't smell much either, but geodude aren't renowned for our sense of smell, are we?>"

"And..." the professor added, sounding a bit tired.

"<Ah, right. I also have only one arm, though you can probably see that. The other was destroyed in a lab explosion - sort of routine, eh?>" he joked, pointing to the rocky stump on his left side. "<But don't worry 'bout that. I can still throw rocks and attack. And if I ever evolve, I'll probably gain at least one more,>" the rock added with a blind wink.

[Cass]

<sub>At first, Cass had been horrified at the Pokemon's appearance, had the Geodude been abused? What had happened?! However, as he explained, Cass understood that it was an accident, but it was still shocking. Even with the disadvantages she might have in battle, she was seriously considering this Pokemon, but not because she pitied him.

Cass grinned at the Pokemon. "I'm over here. I'm Cass, it's nice to meet you." The Geodude was so nice and charming, it was a wonder he was still here. He was also, obviously, an emotionally strong Pokemon if he could still be so happy after what had happened.

"If you don't mind, Professor," Cass said, her gaze still on the Geodude, "I'd like to meet the others before I make my decision." Cass said, adding a, "It was a pleasure meeting you, Geodude." That was obviously directed at the Pokemon.</sub>

[MorriganFearn]

<All right,> the geodude nodded in time with the professor, making one of the ekans draped over the chair across the room laugh hissingly.

Professor Cherry stooped creakily to pick up the pokeball, and then returned the rocky pokemon. He pulled another pokeball off the table where he had set down his other choices. This time he just pressed the release button, rather than letting fall, and a bulbasaur appeared in a flash of light. She looked up at Cass, and raised a quizzical eyebrow.

<Hey. What do you all want?>

[Cass]

<sub>Cass stared at the Bulbasaur for a moment, wondering in what way this Pokemon would be a challenge. There was nothing visibly wrong with the Pokemon, as far as she knew. She looked at the Professor for a moment before her gaze fell to the Bulbasaur.

"Hi," She finally said, smiling at the Bulbasaur. "I'm Cass." She left it at that and opted to wait for the Professor to say something. Hopefully before it got too awkward. Cass hated awkward silences.</sub>

[MorriganFearn]

<And I'm a plant pokemon,> the bulbasaur replied sarcastically, before sighing as Professor Cherry coughed. <All right, all right, already. I'm pleased to meet you Cass. For a given level of "pleased." I suppose.>

Professor Cherry winced. "Sorry. She's not the easiest person to get along with."

<Well sorrrrry. It's a little hard to get all enthusiastic about hanging around some dippy kid for the rest of my life, when I know that with one more level I could leave here,> the bulbasaur pointed out.

Over from the chair one of the ekans raised her head. <Perhaps, Professor, displaying this girl right after our favorite rock wasn't the brightest move. I mean the personality comparisons --,> the ekans trailed off appoligetically.

The bulbasaur lowered her head to the ground, the saurian's version of a shrug. <Hey, I'm not trying to win Miss Congeniality, here. We're two very different people, me and that geodude. It wouldn't change anything if you showed me off after the ember happy charmander. We are who we are. Plain and simple.>

[Cass]

<sub>Cass winced at the Bulbasaur's bluntness, and her eye twitched a bit at the 'dippy kid' comment. Maybe this Bulbasaur wouldn't be the best of choices.

She was obviously not happy about the idea that she might have to follow somebody around, and Cass couldn't exactly blame her. "I won't pick you if you don't want me to." Cass said,
shrugging.

If Bulbasaur didn't want to have her as a trainer, she was fine with it. There were probably many other Pokemon that might be happy to have her as a trainer.</sub>

[MorriganFearn]

"Okay then, the professor clapped his hands. "We have a few other stubborn pokemon, but I'm getting the feeling they probably aren't so much up your alley."

<Yeah, it's amazing how people who actually respect others know better than to try to reform us,> the bulbasaur told Professor Cherry dryly.

"You know just for that, I'm going to read "Happy Face" to you again at bed time," Professor Cherry joked, before returning the grass type. "Alright, one more?" He tapped a pokeball on the table and a white treeko with red eyes emerged. "This treeko suffers from a condition known as albinoism," Professor Cherry explained, carefully facing the treeko. "She has very photosensitive skin and is deaf. She can lip read, though."

<Yesh,> the treeko nodded. <I alsho can feel vibrashunsh in teh ground and air, so I know what people shay,> she smiled at Cass. <I don't shuppose you know shign language?>

[Cass]

<sub>Cass smiled gently, trying not to show her pity for the Pokemon. "I'm sorry, but I don't. I'm Cass, by the way." She said, shaking her head.

"If her skin is so sensitive, wouldn't it be hazardous for her health if she were to travel around?" Cass worried, glancing at the Professor questioningly.

Cass didn't want to accidentally hurt the Treeko if she accidentally released her while outside in the sun. She knew it would be nearly impossible to train her against wild Pokemon unless she trained at night...</sub>

[MorriganFearn]

<We think if I evolve,> the treeko said, <mah shkin would get tougher and more heat resistant. I've been worhking on it. Rhoute One is very shady, with lots of wahter. But it ish a problem yesh. You would probably need to train me at night, or in teh Underground Mashe.>

"The Underground Maze is one of the optional training areas of Jenta," Professor Cherry informed Cass. "It has openings all over Jenta and can be accessed at any time. The Altering Mansion is another option, as not much sun gets in there."

<I'm not worried about training,> the treeko added. <I want to do what I was born to do. I'm not going to let how I wash born get in my way. Tihsh ish what I can do.>

[Cass]

<sub>Cass bit her lip, not exactly sure which Pokemon she should choose. She really liked both the Treeko and Geodude, but she knew she had to choose one Pokemon. She sighed in frustration, almost wishing she was still in Kanto, choosing one of the normal three starter types.

Finally, she sighed and turned toward the Professor, her decision made. "I think I'll take... Geodude, Professor." Cass shot an apologetic smile at the Treeko. "It was a hard decision, really. I hope that one day you'll find the trainer that will be perfect for you." She said, smiling softly. She hoped the Treeko didn't resent her for her decision....</sub>

[MorriganFearn]

"All right," Professor Cherry said, as the treeko nodded. <No problem.>

She was returned in a flash of red light, and the professor handed over a pokeball with a rock etched on the top. "Here you go. He is now your partner, and good luck together," he told Cass, before motioning her over to the computer.

"Okay, here is where I'll be generating your group two and three starters. You see I just enter the stats of your geodude, hit this button, and step back as the computer begins to churn out possibilities," Professor Cherry explained. "This can take a while, so I'll be getting your other items while we wait. You get five pokeballs," he shuffled over to a box, and placed five of the small red and white spheres on a central table.

"One pokedex, your choice of color. We have red, yellow, green, something called cream, pink, and brown at the moment. Oh, and I think there is one indigo left," he told Jordan, waving at a box in the far corner. "Pick out what you like while I get you a berry bag."

He walked over to a peg board on the wall by the window, and took down a leather bag that was bulging reassuringly. Walking back to the table he placed it down, along with a roll of bills. "This is your 5000 pyen from the Jenta Pokemon League. And --," he glanced at the computer as it beeped. "You have one starter package. Just let me get your swablu and riolu to you, and you'll be all set."

~~~

((The copy and paste into the profile stuff ^^))

YOUR POKEMON:

Group 1
Geodude
Name: ? ? ?
Gender: Male
Level: 5
Atacks: Tackle, Defense Curl, Mud Sport
Special Ability: Rock Head - Negates recoil damage
Personality: Although he is blind, and only has one arm, he's optimistic and cheerful. His hearing is wonderful, and he is ready to get out of the lab and become a useful partner.

Group 2
Swablu
Name: ? ? ?
Gender: Female
Level: 25
Attacks: Peck, Safeguard, Sing, Fury Attack
Special Ability: Natural Cure - Gets rid of status ailments when switched out
Personality: She hates to be underestimated just because she "looks like a fluff ball." She definitely isn't as easy going going as Cass's group one starter, but once this bird type is in the air nothing can get her down. She loves to fly, and doesn't like rainy weather because her wings get too heavy to use.

Group Three
Riolu
Name: ? ? ?
Gender: Female
Level: 45
Attacks: Foresight, Force Palm, Reversal, Quick Attack
Special Ability: Inner Focus - Negates flinching
Personality: She's a tomboy, perfectly happy to scramble over rocks and train from dawn to sun set, but don't make her smooth her fur, or force her to sit still for long. She's a fountain of energy and wants to get things done. If she doesn't have anything else to do she might start making up imaginary games to play.

YOUR PACK:
1 pokedex (color to be determined)
1 Berry Bag, with assorted berries for all your healing needs
5 pokeballs
5000 pyen

[Cass]

<sub>Cass grinned as she cradeled Geodude's pokeball in her hands, her eyes sparkling in happiness. She quickly placed the pokeball in her bag, in a spot that would be easy for her to reach. She than walked over to get her Pokedex, her grin never fading.

Cass surveyed the Pokedex colors, slightly disappointed their wasn't a black one. "I'll take, the indigo one." She said, picking it up from the box. She walked back to the table where the Professor was placing her things, and she began putting it away in her bag, putting her other new Pokemon's pokeball's carefully away, her eyes never leaving them until they were safely tucked away.

Once she was all packed up, she turned back toward the Professor. "Is there anything else?"</sub>

[MorriganFearn]

"Well, if you want my advice on what routes to take, I'd suggest that you start off on either Route Three, or Five. Route Three heads to Florak, and Botan's Grass type gym. With your swablu, and a team of other pokemon that are resistant to grass and poison type attacks you should do very well. Also, your swablu will be able to help you when you take on Corwin's dragon gym. You'll probably want to capture an ice type somewhere, for that gym, at least, and it would help in Florak, too," Professor Cherry told Cass candidly.

"Route Five might be even better for you. A fighting type is very useful against both the Steel Gym, and the Normal Gym further north. If you know you want to capture a fire type somewhere along the way, like the slugma of Sunstone Tunnel, then I would encourage you to go for it. Bahati, the steel gym leader in Nga, has a metagross, which might be a problem for your group three starter, but if you arrange the battle well I doubt that it will be an issue."

"Finally, although you could challenge Arisa's gym, I'd advise against it until you build up your group one team. Her first two pokemon are strong water types, which will be hard for our friendly geodude to combat, especially as her seel knows surf. Out of all the gym leaders Arisa is possibly the toughest on challengers, and likes to pound away with the TM moves that her pokemon have learned," Professor Cherry warned Cass.