The Alpha and the Omega (Pokemon Hoenn Trainer Quest) (2024)

You are Ashford Raven, though your friends like to call you Ash. You might only be twelve, but you'd like to think that you're pretty [Pragmatic] and [Wise].

Three years ago, you were lucky enough to win a contest which granted you a tour of the League facilities and even meet the Elite Four member Drake — the dragon master of Hoenn. Somehow, you impressed him enough for the old sailor to take you under his wing.

While prickly at times, his advice had been invaluable.

—But, where were we?

Ah yes, you are currently in your home, in Ever Grande City. The Raven Home, as you call it, for the parents you never knew.

They died on the Sea Mauville plant, during one of the infamous accidents that frequently marked the rig's troubled construction. Even now, you still have the letter from Gym Leader Watson, expressing his apologies.

A somber smile forms as you look at the photo on your nightstand, next to your bed. You have your father's bright red eyes, and your mother's dark hair. Even now, you still have a slight fear of the ocean.

—Though it's been years, and you learned how to swim, as any child in Ever Grande would, you can't forget the terror you felt when Alfred, the butler, told you of your parent's passing.

Oh well. Best not to worry about it. Today's about the future, not the past.

You promised them, after all.

To become champion.

Getting out of bed, you hurriedly pull on a change of clothes. A black windbreaker, a white shirt, and a pair of shorts, before hesitating as you look up to a cap sitting on your desk.

It was your old man's.

You reach for it, and blow some dust off the shining E engraved on its top.

…The Ever Grande Angels. Your dad's favorite baseball team.

"Watch me, dad," you whisper. "Maybe they'll win this year. Wouldn't that be cool."

It's been ten years since they've won the Hoenn Series. Yeah, they're not the best, but still, you can't forget them.

You grab it and rush down the stairs.

Alfred is setting the table, buttered toast with an omelet, and he smiles at you.

"The big day, isn't it, Ashford?"

You laugh. "Trainer school's over. Graduation too, so today, we get to take our Pokemon partners home — and our registration!"

Graduation was two days ago. Now, it's Saturday, and you're ready. Shoveling eggs into your mouth, Alfred watches on with mirth.

"You look almost like a male version of your mother, Ashford—"

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"Oh," Alfred turns to you. "It looks like he's saying congratulations."

You look at Ray. He's a Galarian Pokemon, from Alfred's home.

"Thanks, Ray." You nuzzle him on the head, but he only caws. You think he's laughing.

"Well, it's time."

You stop.

Then you turn to Alfred.

"What do you mean…?"

Alfred reaches into his pocket, and withdraws a handkerchief. He dabs at his eyes slowly. "Young man… I always told you there would be a day when you get your 'independence'. You're going on your own journey soon!"

He inhales sharply. "And…"

"Alfred, what's wrong?"

"I'm not coming with you, young man. This is your first step."

You stop.

Suddenly, Ray's appearance makes sense.

This is it.

Every step of the way, Alfred has been there. He's walked you to nursery. He's taken you to Trainer School. And soon, you'll have to strike it out in the world.

Your hand shakes.

"You mean…?"

He nods. His eyes are glassy. "Ray will take you up to the League, and back. I'll see you off on your actual journey, young man."

You stand there, in silence.

"Alfred…"

He hugs you. His white shirt, perfectly pressed, is suddenly stained with your tears. You aren't even leaving on your journey yet, but somehow, they just came out. He smells of bleach, and warm spice.

You laugh into his chest. "Old Spice?"

He chuckles through his own tears. "Never change, Ashford. Your tongue is just as sharp as the day we first met."

"I couldn't even talk back then…"

Alfred pats you on the back. "It's a figure of speech, young man. I'm proud of you. So proud."

You enjoy the embrace.

"Well then… I guess I should get going, you know?"

"Yes. You shan't be late, Ashford."

You nod. He holds out a handkerchief with a wink. "I know how children can be."

After cleaning your eyes, you turn to Ray, who nods. There's a hint of respect in his eyes. You slowly climb onto his broad back, and strap onto the saddle mounted there, and turn one last time to look at Alfred.

He smiles.

"Your parents would be proud."

You salute him, and then Ray takes off.

Even as you gain altitude, you can see him waving.

You wave back.

Now… it's really starting. Your Pokemon adventure.

The first step to becoming champion.

But as you fly, a thought comes to mind.

—What type of Pokemon would you want?

With the Elite Four and Steven Stone's presence, the League hands out Dark, Rock, Steel, and Ice types to trainers. If you're qualified through a Trainer's School Program, you will be given permission to handle Ghost and Dragon types, known for their unique temperaments. Along with passing a unique test.

Thankfully, with Drake's advice, you were able to sit at the PSAT — the Pokemon Standardized Assessment for Training, and gain that privilege, with a score of 1520 out of 1600. You only needed 1500 to pass.

But as you look at Ray's beady eyes, you wonder. Would you be able to handle such Pokemon, even with that experience?

[ ] A Dark-type starter. Dark types are generally frowned on for their rebellious attitude, but in part thanks to Elite Four Sydney's efforts they've made inroads with beating deeming good starter Pokemon.

[ ] An Ice-type starter. Cold, cool, and mysterious. Nothing else to say. Common starters like Spheal generally eat fish and other meat based products.

[ ] Rock type. Sturdy and good for a starting Trainer. You've seen how well they can be used in the hands of the Champion. Cheap to take care of, in part due to their love of eating rock based food.

[ ] Steel-type. The pinnacle of Hoenn Pokemon, in part due to the Champion. Requires a diet strong in metal to maintain, which might be a little costly. However, with Alfred's advice and expertise, you've become a natural at taking care of them. Especially because of Ray. The beady devil will probably cause a stink if he sees anything less than a Steel-type. Maybe that's why he likes Hoenn so much - or that's what Alfred loves joking about.

[ ] Dragon-type. Ambitious, dangerous Pokemon, that can be quite temperational. Often require a lot of care depending on the species, and unique diets catering to the individual Pokemon. Bagon in particular require a lot of calcium and protein to beef up for their evolution into Shelgon.

[ ] Ghost-type. Dangerous Pokemon that are often misunderstood by Pokemon. From your research, the most common starter handed out is Shuppet, in part due to it simply absorbing negative emotions rather than a more dangerous effect.

The type will really hinder or aid your journey moving forward. Say, a Bagon would cost more to maintain than a Poocheyena. While some stories like to limit type of the starter, I'll say that if you're a smart kid, did your studies, like Ashford did, and have a good head on your shoulders, you'd be qualified to handle them. Evolve them? That's a whole another thing. Gym Badges will needed to have a Salamance on hand, say, unless extreme circ*mstances. A full character sheet will be up soon as well, listing all our MC's perks and the like, but so far he's just a Novice Trainer so he can have a maximum of two Pokemon on hand.

Do tell me if you liked Alfred and the backstory. There's possible hints for future choices and plot points there, especially in the Sea Mauville. And Drake - he's at the league right now. Handing out Pokemon. Maybe you'll meet him there....

The Alpha and the Omega (Pokemon Hoenn Trainer Quest) (2024)

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