Acacia Song
June 21st, 10 years ago.
Oaks Laboratory. Pallet Town, Kanto.
Having taken a few beats to regroup, Acacia slowly began the process of cleaning up the mess he had made. The first step, of course, was to make sure the pokemon were treated to. Windie was a little worse for wear, but overall had been spared from taking damage beyond what a heated battle would entail. A few potions later and the puppy was good to go, resting itself within the confines of its premier ball. The squirtle on the other hand had suffered crueler fate. Acacia brought it to the upstairs of the laboratory, set the pokemon down on an empty couch, and began applying first aid to the best of his abilities by wrapping it in bandages and applying a super potion he had found. It wasn't perfect, but he figured it would do until the professor got back and could provide better treatment.
Oh that's right, the professor!
In his relief, Acacia had nearly forgotten about perhaps the most pressing matter at hand. He had contributed to the destruction of one of the most prestigious research facilities in the world and soon its owner would be returning. I better try to clean up. He descended the staircase, grabbed a broom from a closet near the entryway, and began sweeping up the shards of glassware scattered around the first floor.
It wasn't far into the cleaning process that others began to arrive. It was the two boys from earlier, the girl from before who looked as though she had gotten roughed up too, and a new girl whose inexplicable optimism contradicted the gloomy atmosphere Acacia's defeat had cast. He scanned their hands, noticing all returned similarly empty handed, and only found comfort in the sight of the charmander and bulbasaur returning safely. They had been defeated, but at the very least had avoided tragedy.
It seemed some took that sentiment as more of a positive than himself, with the blonde-haired girl who introduced herself as Nakano breaking into some unanticipated declaration that she would be guiding the boys on their journey. The assertion was almost enough to make Acacia chuckle, finding humor in the confidence with which she spoke despite the circumstances and limited evidence for her claim.
Quite presumptuous of her to assume I need help with a career in research. "I think you have me confused with someone else." Not wanting to cause any more troubles at the lab, Acacia tried to sound genuine and sincere, but his troublesome nature teased the corners of his lips and his words were spoken with an air of sarcasm and annoyance. "None of us came here together, I just stopped by to try to help. Appreciate the offer though." On that note he turned away and resumed his sweeping. Besides, what kind of trainer would set out for an adventure with a babysitter anyway?
-----
A few hours later and things had settled down a bit. Understandably when Oak first returned to find his once proud laboratory had been trashed the professor was a rather disturbed, but after Acacia explained the situation, he calmed down a bit. understanding that the situation was out of the children's hands. They cleaned up to the best of their abilities, though there was work that would need to be done by professionals and materials that would need to be replaced. Acacia chatted with the professor for a while, exchanging stories about Blaine and discussing potential reasons for the notes the thieves had stolen, and after that he gratefully accepted the offer to rest for a while before heading out on his journey.
Evening was just coming about when Acacia decided it was time to take his leave. He packed up his bag and headed down from his resting place upstairs, taking a glance at the resting squirtle on his way out. I hope he's alright. Little guy must've put up a good fight to piss her off like that, I've never even seen mom as angry as that woman.
The memory of his mother's scathing lectures brought a grin to his face. He was so far away from that now, even on a less-than-ideal start to his journey, Acacia couldn't help but feel a hint of gratitude that, at the very least, he was out in the world experiencing both the highs and the lows away from shelter and restrictions.
He caught sight of Oak near the entryway and made his final remark, “I think it's time for me to head out. Thanks for letting me stay a while, and I'm sorry about the mess. If I see that woman again, I promise I'll get her back for you!"
“I’m sure you will.” The professor smiled back, eager to see where the odd boy’s journey would take him.
However, before Acacia could leave the sound of a defiant “Squirt!” drew his attention to the staircase. Having waddled down after the boy, the bandaged squirtle stood facing Acacia with a fierce look in its eyes. Its tiny blue claws firmly clutched a Pokéball and it marched up to the boy.
“What’s this?” Acacia asked as it lifted the pokeball up to him. “You wanna come with us?”
“Squirt!” The turtle nodded, while never breaking its determined gaze.
“Is that alright with you Oak?”
“Oh yes, it’s quite alright. Though, I must warn you… things haven’t exactly panned out with this little guy. If you are simply looking for a starter there are plenty more to choose from.”
“Nah, that’s okay.” Acacia shifted his attention back to squirtle, offering an understanding smile and nod. The look in its eyes was familiar. There was a resolve in the Pokémon, one that he felt within himself. Together, the duo had tasted defeat and decided they didn’t like the flavor. “I want this one.”
He grabbed the pokeball from its hand, already noticing how natural it felt to consider himself its trainer. “Well, let’s go then. We got unfinished business together, don’t we?” With one more enthusiastic cheer from the turtle and a wave goodbye, Acacia headed off into the dusk of his first day with a new companion in stride.
