– Chapter 2 –
Family
Professor Oak’s lab sat atop a hill with a wind turbine built on its backside, overlooking the river below that curved around the foot of the hill. Roy and Genny made their way down the stairs to the gate alongside the dirt road. Roy reached the gate first, leaning against it as he looked up at the lab he’d worked at for a third of his existence.
“I’ve waited for this day nearly my whole life,” Roy said as Genny reached the gate. “And now that it’s here…”
Genny stood beside him and looked up at the lab. “I’ll miss this place too. But…” her smile faded and she tucked her chin to stare at the dirt, which she stirred around with her foot. “Well… You know, I just… need to get away from home and start my own life.”
An awkward silence followed. Genny wrapped her arms around herself and Roy noticed her biting her lower lip.
Roy stood straight, perking himself up. “I know,” he said in a cheerful voice. “Since we got out early and there’s still some daylight left, let’s get some ice cream downtown. My treat.” Roy opened the gate, and when he turned back to her, noticed she’d cheered up almost immediately. “Okay,” she said, then ran out the gate. He knew that would work. The promise of ice cream always worked on her. By the time he finished locking up the gate, she’d already crossed the bridge and was waiting for him on the other side of the river.
***
Roy sat at a table next to the window, an untouched cup of vanilla ice cream in front of him. He watched a young boy and girl outside playing with a pet Growlithe around the fountain in the center of the plaza. With Pallet being such a small town, the plaza was seldom truly busy, but it was certainly never boring. He and Genny came here often. Whether it was for ice cream, to chat, or just people watch. They both had a lot of fond memories of this place, and Roy couldn’t think of a better place to spend their last afternoon here.
Pallet Town was a blip on the map compared to Kanto’s bigger cities. If not for the Oak Pokémon Research Lab and the reputation of Oak’s grandson, Blue, Pallet would be practically unheard of. But it had been Roy’s entire world for his life thus far. His world would grow much larger tomorrow. He’d finally get to explore the world his father always dreamed of seeing. The world they’d once dreamed of traveling together.
One day! Roy’s father had said. As soon as you’re old enough, you and I! We’ll see the world together! It’s a promise!
Roy thought of all the places they’d talked about visiting. All the things they’d wanted to do.
He would have to do them on his own.
For both of them.
Roy had prepared for this journey his entire life, but suddenly wondered if he was ready. Hundreds of experienced Trainers and savage wild Pokémon waited out there to stomp him out–or even kill him if he wasn’t careful. And with the increase in crime and recent explosion at the Pokémon Mansion, it was a heck of a time for amateur Trainers.
What if he wasn’t good eno–
Roy’s thought was interrupted when Genny–who had finally decided what to get–sat across from him, dropping a huge strawberry sundae drizzled with chocolate and topped with a cherry in front of her, the bowl making a clang as it hit the table. Its extravagant appearance made Roy think of a wedding cake. No way she was eating all of that. Looking at the minuscule amount of change she gave him back, maybe offering to pay was a mistake.
“Man,” she said “Can you believe that line? I don’t think I’ve ever seen it this long before.”
“I think they were mostly waiting behind you. I see you finally ordered the Mega Vanilluxe sundae you’ve always wanted.”
“I wasn’t going to buy it, but you know, this is probably the last day we’ll ever come here, and I’m going to treat myself.”
Yeah right, Roy thought. You mean I’m going to treat you. She was right though. If it was indeed their last time eating here, he may as well buy her whatever she wanted. Roy simply stirred his ice cream, taking more pleasure in seeing such joy on Genny’s face.
“What?” She said, with the spoon still in her mouth. “Do I have ice cream on my face?”
“No.” Roy leaned back in his seat and looked back out the window, staring at the distant hills, beyond which lied Viridian City, which would be their first destination starting tomorrow.
“What do you want to do, Genny? After you get your first Pokémon. What kind of Trainer are you hoping to be?”
Her smile fading, she lowered her spoon and stared down at the sundae in front of her. She sat there for what must have been a full minute before answering. “I don’t know. I… honestly thought I’d just get out there and see what happens. You’re lucky, Roy. You’ve known exactly what you want for years. I have no idea.” Another long silence. Her smile started to return. “But… I see Trainers on T.V. all the time. And we get them passing through town occasionally. And every time I see those Trainers with their Pokémon, it’s just… They look so close. Like they’d do anything for each other. I guess… more than anything… I want a bond like that… A fam–”
The bell on the front door jingled. Roy saw who entered the parlor and hung his head, letting out a soft groan. “Oh, not now.”
Genny looked over her shoulder, then immediately whipped her head back down to the bowl in front of her and continued eating her ice cream, trying to look natural and doing a terrible job of it.
“Brayden! Welcome,” the manager said. “Would you like the usual?”
“You know it.”
“Tomorrow’s the big day for you, isn’t it? Nervous?”
“Not at all, Tony.”
“Haha. Of course not! Your old man’s such a great Pokémon Master, I’ll bet he’s taught you everything he knows. You certainly have my confidence. Whoever the other two new Trainers are, they’ll be nothing compared to you.”
Please don’t notice us. Roy tried to ignore the banter as Tony continued to stroke Brayden’s already inflated ego. After several painful minutes, it finally seemed like Brayden was leaving. Roy heard footsteps walk towards the exit, but didn’t hear the door open.
“Well, look who’s here.”
Fuck. Roy glanced up just barely to see Brayden looking directly at him with his blue eyes. His hair was a spiked-out mess as always, and he wore a brand-new Trainer outfit.
“What do you want, Brayden?” Roy said calmly as possible.
“Now that’s hardly a way to greet someone. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised to see you two here, but I thought you’d still be working at the old has-been’s place.”
“We finished early,” Genny intervened, trying to diffuse the tension. “So, if you please don’t mind, we’re trying to enjoy our last night in Pallet together.”
Brayden’s eyebrows went up. “Oh, I’m sure you will. You guys have enjoyed lots of nights together, haven’t you? Didn’t I see you coming out of his house early morning a few days ago?”
Genny’s head hung low and she flushed with embarrassment.
“I mean,” Brayden said, “it’s not like I’m judging Roy; you’re such a pretty thing. You just never struck me as that type of girl.”
“Watch it, Brayden,” Roy said, clenching his fist below the table.
“I’m just saying, she spends so much time sleeping over at your place, it might give people the wrong idea.” Brayden gave a slight smirk and turned back to Genny. “I mean… is there something wrong with your home?”
Roy slammed his fist on the table, rattling the silverware. Though his anger was obviously directed at Brayden, it was Genny who instinctively cringed back. “You watch your mouth.”
“Roy, please,” Genny said, and she stood, pulling Roy from his seat. “Let’s just go.”
“Well,” Brayden said. “I’ll be seeing you two tomorrow, then,” Brayden said something else to him as they walked out, but Genny closed the door behind her and Roy didn’t hear it. Roy yanked his hand out of Genny’s and stormed away from the parlor. He passed by the fountain and the two children with their Growlithe. The anger on his face must’ve been apparent, because they cowed away from him.
Walking down the cobblestone path and around a street corner, Roy slumped against the side of a building. He rubbed his temples, trying to calm himself. Why did he always do this? He knew he shouldn’t let Brayden get under his skin so easily. But that asshole had gone too far with that remark toward Genny. Everyone knew Brayden was a dick but didn’t he have any empathy?
A few moments later, Genny caught up to him. “Are you all right?”
“I’m fine.” Roy tilted his head back, lightly banging it against the brick wall with a muffled clunk. “I’m sorry about that back there. I shouldn’t have lost my temper.”
Genny’s head drooped. “It’s my fault. If I hadn’t agreed to come out here for ice cream, this wouldn’t have happened.”
“What are you talking about?” He could see the self-blame on her face as she seemed to be replaying the scene in her head. “Hey.” Roy stood and put a hand on her shoulder. He looked directly at her, but she kept her head down, avoiding his eyes. “Genny, look at me.” She raised her timid head. “Brayden’s an idiot. Don’t go blaming yourself for this, you hear me?”
Genny nodded her head and wiped her eyes.
The sun dipped below the horizon, casting an orange glow against the clouds’ underside. The temperature began to cool. Putting on a smile for her, Roy patted her shoulder. “C’mon. Let’s head back. It’s not every day we get off early enough to enjoy a twilit walk through the country.”
Genny gave a weak smile and nodded.
***
A few stars had come out by the time they reached the outskirts of town, where Roy lived. A picket fence surrounded a modest red-roofed home. Open fields stretched out to the horizon. Beyond the town limits, the valley was almost entirely farmland.
They stopped outside Roy’s house. Genny’s place was a few houses down.
“Well…” Genny said. “I… guess I’ll see you tomorrow.” Genny walked onward with slow-moving steps.
“Genny,” Roy said. She stopped and looked back to him with curious eyes. Roy looked to the side and rubbed the back of his neck. “My mother’s making a big dinner tonight. Cake and everything. It’s nothing big, just a celebration for tomorrow. You’re welcome to join us. I’m sure Molly’ll be happy to see you.”
Genny turned the rest of her body to face him and her face almost seemed to light up. She seemed to want to walk back to him, but hesitated and finally took a step back, hanging her head. “Thank you. But… it is our last night in Pallet. And…” She raised her head. She was smiling, but the tone in her voice betrayed her expression. “I should probably spend it with my parents. I likely won’t see them for a long time after all.”
Roy wanted to say something more. To try to convince her otherwise. Anything he said further would probably change her mind. But all he got out was “If that’s what you want.”
“Thanks for the ice cream. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Roy watched her run back and enter her house before opening the fence gate and entering his own home.
***
Roy sat at the living room table with a finished dinner in front of him. His mother had prepared an extravagant meal of pasta primavera with sides of potatoes, beans, and asparagus. The smell of leftovers lingered from the kitchen. A bowl of berries sat in the center of the table. A counter divided the living room from the kitchen, where Roy’s mother was fetching the cake she had specially made. Roy still hadn’t seen it.
To Roy’s right, Molly sat on the couch, eyes glued to the TV, her six-year-old mind entranced by the live battle being broadcast. A challenger was facing off against Lorelei of the Elite Four–a Trainer specializing in Ice-Type Pokémon, and perhaps Molly’s biggest idol. Pokémon League challenges were usually broadcast live and Molly tuned in daily to watch Lorelei decimate nearly every Trainer that challenged her. (And to think she was only the first Trainer in the league’s lineup.)
Lorelei’s Lapras unleashed an Ice Beam attack, which took out the challenger’s Hitmonlee in a single blow. Molly punched the air and cheered. “Down for the count!” Molly whipped her head around, her long black hair swinging behind her. “Hey, Mom, why are we letting Roy leave? Even if he does become a great Trainer and beat all the Gyms in Kanto, he’s still just gonna get his butt kicked when he meets Lorelei.”
“Hey, Mother,” Roy said. “When I do eventually challenge the Elite Four, make sure you guys are watching my match on TV, and I want you to record Molly’s reaction so when I get home I can see her tears as she watches her idol fall.”
Molly laughed. “You’ll never be like Lorelei.”
“Oh, of course not,” Roy said. He got up from his chair and walked up slowly behind Molly. “I was thinking of being more like Kikuko. She trains Ghost Pokémon. I wonder what it would be like to train one of those. They say some like to steal the souls of young children.” He leaned in and whispered into Molly’s ear. “Especially those who aren’t nice to their older brothers.”
He grabbed her from behind. Molly screamed but quickly switched to laughing as Roy poked at her sides. “Mom!” she cried.
“All right, settle down you two,” Delilah said. “Now come on. The cake’s ready.”
“Yay!” Molly leapt from the couch and dashed to the table, climbing into her chair.”
Roy returned to the table to find a waiting cake far bigger than necessary for the three of them. It was decorated like a Poké Ball and topped with three figurines of a Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle. At the cake’s bottom she’d written, “Good luck future champion!”
“Mom,” Molly said. “Why does it say future champion instead of good luck, loser?”
Sleep with your eyes open tonight, you little shit, Roy thought. “Because this cake is made for me and not you.”
“Do you two really want to spend your last night together picking on each other?” Delilah said.
“Well, I’m not gonna have anyone else to laugh at once he’s gone,” Molly said.
“I thought you had a mirror in your room,” Roy said. Molly gave him a flat stare.
“Okay, okay,” Delilah said. “Can’t we please have just one night of peace and enjoy this cake?” She cut a slice and set it on Molly’s plate. That quickly grabbed Molly’s attention, who picked up her fork and messily dug into her slice. Next, Delilah cut a piece for Roy, giving him the slice with the Squirtle on it. Roy noticed she seemed to be fighting back tears.
“I’ll be fine, Mother.”
“I know you will. But you can’t stop your mom from worrying. Promise you’ll call, okay?”
“I said I would, didn’t I? I’ll update you at every town.”
“Good. Now, since you’ll be traveling all over Kanto, I have a present for you.” Delilah walked to the hallway closet.
“Presents!” Molly exclaimed.
“Not for you, dummy,” Roy said.
Delilah came back holding a blue backpack. She handed it across the table to Roy. It was outfitted with dozens of pockets, several of which looked designed to hold specific items. Emblazoned across the main front pocket was a Poké Ball logo. Roy smiled. He’d always hoped he would have one of these for his journey, but never thought he’d be able to afford one. At least not right away. “You got me a Trainer Bag?” he said, still trying to wrap his head around the situation. As if the Master Ball from the professor wasn’t enough, now his mother had given him a backpack designed specifically for travelers. Being a Trainer required the use of dozens of different tools and items beyond just Poké Balls and a Pokédex. Trying to lug all these items around was one of the greatest struggles new Trainers often faced. But Trainer bags could hold everything a Trainer gathered without the need to worry about weight or running out of space.
Roy had always been fascinated at how anyone had managed to design a bag that was larger on the inside than it was on the outside. But if scientists could fit a Wailord into a ball no larger than an orange, then it shouldn’t be too surprising that they could apply the same technology to other things. The only downside was that it became easier to lose things the fuller the bag got. Just last year, there was a Trainer who’d worked tirelessly collecting all eight Gym Badges, and when they went to present them to the Pokémon League, couldn’t find them.
“I already packed your sleeping bag, along with several extra pairs of clothes. There’s a map of Kanto, so you’ll never get lost. Your toothbrush is in the side pocket. Don’t forget to brush every day. And I packed some sunscreen as well. I hear it gets really hot on Cinnabar Island so be sure to use plenty of–”
“All right, all right. Jeez, calm down, I haven’t even left yet.”
“I’m sorry, it’s just… I still have nightmares of the police knocking on my door again to tell me you’ve…”
Roy reached across to take her hands. “Look at me.” She met his unblinking stare. “That is not going to happen.”
“You’re right. Of course. Just take care of yourself out there.”
“I will.”
“Good. I got one for Genny too.”
Roy’s disbelieving eyes snapped up from the bag to his mom. He was almost angry. “You did? Mother, how much did you spend on these?”
Delilah waved a dismissive hand. “Money’s not important. I’ve been saving for a while. The important thing is that you two have everything you need to take care of yourselves out there.”
Roy let out a sigh and leaned back against his chair, smiling. “Well, thank you. For everything. I know things have been hard for you since Father…” Roy swallowed. He took a deep breath, fighting back his emotions then continued. “Anyway. Just… thanks.” Delilah smiled.
“Do I get a present, Mom?” Molly said.
“You get the toys on the cake,” Roy said.
***
They talked and ate cake over the next hour. Molly was on her third slice. Delilah normally wouldn’t allow her to have that much sugar, but, since it was a special occasion, gave her as much as she wanted. Roy’s finished plate sat in front of him on the candlelit table. Delilah urged him to have as much as he wanted, but he was in more of a talking than eating mood. Somehow, knowing he wouldn’t be seeing his family for a while made their simple presence a greater pleasure than anything else at that moment.
They talked mostly about the past, discussing fond family memories. Attending Pokémon festivals every year, the long walks they used to take through the countryside, Molly’s birth, or that time Roy had brought an injured Rattata home. Delilah had freaked, but Roy’s father reacted with jovial pride and had helped him nurse it back to health. In turn, the rat had smashed up the kitchen and torn through most of their food.
Roy ended up talking mostly about all the great experiences working for Professor Oak; a job he’d taken to earn some extra money for their family and broaden his knowledge of Pokémon. But perhaps more importantly… to fill the empty position and follow in the footsteps of Oak’s previous assistant.
“So how did your last day at Professor Oak’s go?” Delilah asked. Roy was about to answer, when he was interrupted by the sound of yelling coming from down the street. His eyes glanced to the left, looking out the curtained window in the direction of the voices. Though they lived two houses down, they made themselves plainly heard.
Mr. and Mrs. Maddison were arguing again.
Roy looked at his mother, who made uneasy pokes at her slice of cake with her fork. They sat in awkward silence, listening to the fighting until Molly tried to reignite their previous conversation. Roy and his mother both made an effort to continue talking, but couldn’t block out the escalating shouts. Roy caught his mother’s eyes glance over to the phone on the wall a couple of times. He knew what she was thinking.
The crashing sound of a thrown object came from the Maddisons’ house and Delilah made a move to stand, her mind set on the phone. She was halfway out of her seat when Roy reached across the table to cover her hand. He shook his head at her. Don’t, he thought. One day. One day and she’s free. Don’t call the cops and stir up trouble now.
Seeming to get his message, she sat back down. Roy stood and pulled at the drapes on the window as if it could somehow block out the sound or at least the thought of it. He started to sit back down when a soft knock tapped outside. Before Roy could even attempt to answer, Delilah was on her feet and at the door. Genny stood on their front mat.
“Genny,” Delilah said.
Genny looked up at Delilah with a big smile. “Hi, Mrs. Ackerman.” She spoke with as much cheerfulness as she could muster. But that, accompanied by her hollow smile, wasn’t fooling anyone. Roy and Delilah both saw in her swollen eyes, she’d been crying. “Roy said you guys were having a celebratory dinner tonight. I’m sorry for changing my mind and showing up so late, but… if it’s not too much trouble, are you still willing to have me?”
Delilah let out a sigh and gave a weak smile. “Of course.” She put a hand around Genny’s shoulder and guided her in. “There’s plenty of cake left. Please, make yourself at home.”
“Genny’s here!” Molly cried, hopping from her chair and dashing over.
“Hey, Molly,” Genny said, though her own enthusiasm was much more forced. Genny scooped Molly up in her arms, lifted her into the air to spin her around, then set her back down. “Oh, goodness. You’re getting so big, I can hardly do that anymore.”
“Please,” Delilah said, “help yourself to anything you’d like to eat. And you’re welcome to stay the night.”
“Oh, I don’t want to impose on your last night together as a family.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. Roy, go get the sleeping bag and extra pillows out of your room.”
“Of course.” Roy grabbed his Trainer bag and went upstairs.
“Genny,” he heard Molly say from downstairs. “Come look at the cake Mom made.”
“Wow,” Genny said. “Mrs. Ackerman, you’ve got real talent. Did you do this for a living?”
“Just for a year or so, way back when. Let me show you the picture I took before we cut into it.”
Roy took the first door on the right upstairs, closing the door to his room behind him and their words became muffles, though their joyous time was apparent.
Roy dropped his Trainer bag in the corner of the room. He’d finish packing that in the morning. For now, he opened his closet, digging through the clutter of old Pokémon toys from his childhood for the sleeping bag on the top shelf, which was hidden behind an overstuffed Snorlax beanie. He threw the sleeping bag out across the floor at the foot of his bed then grabbed the extra pillow to drop beside it. He left the other three pillows on the bed for Genny. She’d fight against taking Roy’s bed, but he wouldn’t let her sleep on the floor tonight.
Leaving the girls to their conversation downstairs, he sat on the bed, picked up the remote lying there, and turned on the television on his desk. Stand by Me was playing and he flicked through the channels to the live tournament the Indigo Plateau held every year. The current match was between a Gengar and Nidorino. Roy caught Kikuko’s face at the far side of the stadium. Of course it was her. How many other Ghost Trainers in Kanto were there?
Roy watched for a little over an hour before he heard footsteps coming up the stairs. A few seconds later he recognized Genny’s soft tap at the door.
“Come in.”
Genny entered, a green handbag slung around her shoulder and a more authentic smile on her face. “Your sister’s the sweetest thing.”
“She’s annoying.”
“You’ll miss her once you’re gone.”
“That’s what scares me.”
Genny held up her handbag. “Look. Your mom got me a Trainer Bag. I can’t believe how many pockets this thing has. It’s like having an entire closet on your side.” Roy smiled. It was good to see Genny happy. Seemed his mother and sister managed to take her mind off of her parents. “Your mom says she got you one too.”
“Yeah. It’s over there in the corner.”
Genny rushed across the room to check it out. After looking it up and down, her smile waned. She glanced from the sleeping bag spread across the floor to the bag at her side. “Why would your mom do so much for me? I’m not her daughter.”
Roy gave a light laugh. “You tell her that. As far as she’s concerned, you’re family. I’m surprised she hasn’t tried to adopt you yet.”
Genny smiled, then sat next to Roy on the bed. She stared at her own feet before noticing the program on TV. “Oh, is this the Indigo Plateau Championship?”
“Yeah. They’re just getting into the semifinal matches. Kikuko’s competing this year. I guess she gets so few Elite Four challengers, she can afford to skip work for this.”
Genny glanced at the clock, which read 10:30. “We have a big day tomorrow. We should probably get some sleep.”
“Probably.”
Silence followed. They looked at each other, then both laughed. Of course they stayed up watching the rest of the championship.
The final match ended just past midnight. The winner (surprisingly not Kikuko, but a Trainer from Fuchsia City) held a gold trophy depicting the three Legendary birds high in the air. He then spent the next minute and a half giving the obligatory speech people pretended to care about, rattling off a list of names that of course included his parents.
Roy looked over at Genny, who stared mesmerized by the screen. She smiled, though it was weak. Her wet eyes shimmered. “You all right?”
She didn’t appear to hear him. Her gaze remained fixed on the TV. Eventually, she spoke. “Who would you thank, Roy?” The question seemed to come out of nowhere. “You have people who’ve encouraged you to be a Trainer, right? Who would you thank if you won a championship?”
Roy lowered his head, as if the sight of the floor might tell him the appropriate thing to say. “The same people you would, I guess. Professor Oak has been a huge encouragement to both of us. And how about Mrs. Flores down at school? I mean, it’s not a Trainer School, but she gave us all sorts of tips.”
“And your parents?”
Silence.
“Yeah,” Roy said. “Of course I’d thank them. My father always wanted to be a great Pokémon Trainer. But he got drafted into the Civil War. Plus that social movement he took part in, then… well, you know. He’s the one who inspired me to become a Trainer. I want to fulfill that dream. Our dream.”
“Sorry. I know it must hurt to talk about your dad since he passed.”
Passed, Roy thought. Sure, let’s call it that.
“But it’s awesome the way he encouraged you. He wanted you to chase after your dreams and helped in every way he could… And your mom...” Genny hugged the handbag in her lap. “She has to be the nicest lady in the world. Even though she’s a single mother struggling to keep her family afloat, she still manages to support you at every opportunity. And then she looks after me on top of that?”
Roy tried to find something to say in the silence that followed, but nothing came to him.
“Roy,” Genny whimpered, “… you’re so lucky.”
He put an arm around her shoulder. “Hey. Let’s get some sleep. We’re leaving Pallet Town tomorrow after all. We’ll be given our first Pokémon that will, in a way, help us in building a new family of our own.”
Her smile brightened and she nodded. Roy stood. “Well, we’ve had a long day and tomorrow’s an even bigger one. You take the bed. I got the sleeping bag.”
Genny opened her mouth, but Roy expected it and interrupted before she could speak. “Don’t argue.”
Genny sighed and rolled her eyes, but smiled and laid back without another word. Roy settled in his makeshift bed and closed his eyes. But he couldn’t sleep. Instead, he ended up staring up at the ceiling for a good hour, his mind occupied with thoughts of the future. Another half-hour passed, and Genny must’ve thought he’d fallen asleep, because he heard her weeping softly up on the bed.
To be continued...