FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Galen lay in bed, starring up at the ceiling. It was around eight in the morning, and-though he had yet to get out of bed-he had been awake for almost an hour at that point. He had spent the better part of that hour with his thoughts focused on the most recent in an ongoing set of dreams. Those dreams had been haunting him for almost three months now, and all pertained to the same thing: his Ninetales. Or rather, the Ninetales that he had been in a rather taboo-and seemingly rather loving-relationship with until she had disappeared without any cause or explanation. But then, things never seemed to go very well for him for very long.

In fact, he could almost set his calendars by when things would go wrong for him. It seemed like once every five years, something would happen that would negatively impact his life. When Galen was five years old, his father had died in a forest fire. When he was ten, the Sinnoh Region's Pokémon Professor had left on some sort of research trip and had yet to return, depriving Galen of his chance to become a pokémon trainer. And now, at fifteen he had had his heart most profoundly broken.

He sighed. While in general his life was pretty good(he had a loving mother, and a good home after all)he still felt like he had missed out on so much. He shook his head then, as though trying to clear away the sadness that was gathering around him. He hated feeling like that, but sometimes he just couldn't help it.

Letting out a long slow breath, he got himself together and slid out of his bed, stretching to his full height when his feet touched the cold wooden floor. With a yawn he took one last look at his clock and-seeing that it was now almost 8:30-it would be a good time to get up whether he wanted to or not. It also didn't hurt his decision to get up that he was starting to smell tha familiar scents of his mother's cooking wafting through the house.

After dealing with his body's normal morning needs he made his way downstairs, following the smell of bacon and eggs. Walking through the simply furnished living room he entered the kitchen, where his mother was dividing her attention between two pans on the stove. Taking a seat at the kitchen table he said-just loud enough to be heard over the sound of the sizzling grease, "Good morning."

His mother smiled at him over her shoulder. "Good morning. Nice to see you up just in time for breakfast. I could swear you would sleep all day if I didn't give you a reason to come down in the morning."

He chuckled half-heartedly in response. "Yeah...maybe."

The next ten minutes or so passed in silence as his mother finished cooking, portioned out two plates and set on either end of the table. She took the seat opposite his and both began eating, yet again silent. It wasn't until they were nearly finished that his mother broke the silence. "Galen, what's going on with you? Is something wrong?"

He blinked in surprise, looking up from his food. "Uh...why do you ask?"

She hesitated briefly before she replied. "I don't know, you just seem rather withdrawn lately. I've left you alone about it because I don't want to pry...but you don't seem to be changing much, and it's got me worried."

Galen ran a hand through his hair, scratching the back of his head. "I...I don't really think there's anything to talk about."

It wasn't exactly a lie, as he really didn't feel like he had anything to talk about, at least not with his mother. She on the other hand wasn't satisfied with that. "Come on Galen, what can't you talk to me about? Is it...I don't know, girl troubles or something? I mean, you always used to be so anxious to leave the house, but for the past couple months it's like you never leave."

Galen sighed, fighting back the surge of emotion that came with the subtle reminder of his Ninetales. He certainly couldn't tell his mother about that, so he would have to cover as best he could. He smiled as convincingly as possible and picked up both of their plates, walking them over to the sink. "I think you're imagining things. I'm fine. Really."

She watched in silence as he trudged back upstairs, thinking to herself that he most certainly was not fine, but deciding to leave the topic for that moment.

When Galen returned to his room he flipped on his TV, searching for one of his usual choices in programing, which generally meant some show involving Pokémon Archaeology and/or Mythology. When he had been unable to become a trainer five years previously he had taken an interest in those subjects, hoping maybe he could get into one of those fields, getting to travel and train Pokémon like that. Not only had he found himself fascinated by the topics, but after years of reading he was as knowledgeable as could be on them without a university education. Even now he still held hope that they would be his tickets out of Twinleaf Town.

Not to say he didn't like Twinleaf. It was his home, and he had been born there, but part of him wanted to leave, go out and explore the world and have adventures. Sometimes he worried that it was a bit childish to want such things, but at the end of the day he knew what he wanted and nothing could deter him from that.

As he flipped through channel after channel, he stopped as he thought he recognised a face as he passed through a news channel. Going back a few stations he found the one in question, and his jaw dropped. A female voice issued from the speaker, saying, "...and that was the statement left here for us two days ago by Professor Rowan, who has returned to the Sinnoh Region after five years of studying alongside Professor Oak of Kanto. In other news citizens of Veilstone City have begun to express concerns over the presence of the mysterious organisation going by the name "Galactic" and their multi-story building that now..."

Galen had already stopped listening by that point, tuning out the woman speaking as his mind worked furiously to come to terms with what he had just heard. If Professor Rowan was back in Sinnoh...then that meant...

Galen suddenly found himself fighting back the urge to jump for joy. This changed everything! He could travel to Sandgem Town-where the Professor's lab was located-and just maybe he could get a Pokémon of his own. He would be able to travel and explore...and he might just be able to take some time to figure out what had become of his Ninetales mate.

He blinked in surprise. He hadn't realised until that moment that he still wanted-still hoped-that he could be reunited with her. He shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts. Thoughts of her could wait for now, because he needed to get ready to leave-the sooner the better. He immediately began packing a bag, throwing in a notebook, some changes of clothes, and all the money he had, which-while not an overly large sum-would be enough to last him for a couple weeks on the road.

Once complete, he slung the bag over one shoulder and rushed downstairs. Just as he reached the front door he heard his mother's voice behind him. "Where are you going in such a hurry?"

He turned to see her standing in the kitchen, her back to him as she washed up the dishes from their breakfast. He sighed. He never understood how parents did that whole 'eyes in the back of their head' thing. "Well...uh...Professor Rowan...the one who gives new trainers Pokémon...he's just come back to the Region, so I thought that I would, you know, pay him a visit."

She didn't respond for a moment as she put the last of the dishes on the drying rack, shut off the water, and towelled off her hands. He was rather surprised that, when she turned to face him, she was wearing a sad smile on her face. "You never really gave up on that dream, did you? Can't say I'm surprised really. You're already so much like your father...I should've guessed. Galen, can you just promise me...that you won't do anything too dangerous...or foolish?"

He smiled, mainly because she was essentially giving her permission for him to go, but also because of her comparing him to his father. "I will."

She sighed sadly. "Well, go on then. Go have your adventure. Just, remember to call and, maybe visit once in a while, 'kay? And...good luck."

He nodded. "Thanks."

With one last smile and a wave goodbye as he rushed out the door, taking off down the road. She watched him leave in silence. Part of her was glad he was happy again, but part of her was worried, mostly because he was so much like his father. Her late husband had always been willing to jump in to save others with no regard for the danger to himself, and it was those very tendencies that had lead to his demise. It was in that moment that she prayed to Arceus to watch over Galen, knowing that if he truly was his father's son that might be the only thing that would keep him alive.

For his part, Galen was feeling exhilarated. For the first time in as long as he could remember, he was hopeful, and that was simply the best feeling in the world, like finally seeing the sun after years in darkness. While a small part of him was trying not to get his hopes up to high, he was so excited he more or less ignored that bit.

As was his usual way, he chose to take things at his own pace as he made his way through town. He wasn't inclined to run, but still moved with speed and purpose, knowing that every step brought him closer to his goal. So small was Twinleaf that-even without moving at top speed-the path out of town to Route 201 was visible after he had been walking for only about twenty minutes.

With one final look over his shoulder at his home, Galen crossed over the town's limit and into the larger world. Another few minutes of walking brought him to split in the road that was marked by a sign that simply read "201". Down the west road was lake Verity, one of Sinnoh's three lakes, and the supposed home of the legendary Pokémon Mesprit. To the east was the road that would lead to Sandgem Town. Galen turned right, looking down the road ahead, which itself split into two paths. He knew that one was quick and direct, but also rather overgrown with tall grass and would be home to plenty of wild-and not necessarily friendly-Pokémon. The other path was meandering, and required a small amount of climbing over equally small ledges, but it was the safer of the two. He stood there silently, weighing his options. Finally he let out a frustrated sigh. "It shouldn't be this difficult. Just pick a path and go with it dammit! Quick but risky, or safe but slow. Those are my choices."

He sighed again. "Maybe I should just flip a coin."

Galen turned in surprise when a gruff voice came from behind him. "Perhaps, but you may regret what is chosen for you if you don't choose yourself. I rather think that if you have no way of protecting yourself, you should go along the safer route."

Galen's eyes went wide as he recognised the white-haired man approaching him. There was no mistaking that he was now in the presence of the very person he had wanted to meet. "I...you...you're...Professor Rowan."

He gave a curt nod in response. "You have me at a disadvantage then, as I don't know you."

"Uh...my name is Galen."

"Well Galen, I feel it would be somewhat irresponsible if I didn't ask why you seem so hell bent on getting to Sandgem."

Galen hesitated for the briefest of moments to think about exactly what he wanted to say. "Well...I was going to go to your research lab there, actually. Five years ago...when you left Sinnoh, I lost my chance to become a Pokémon Trainer...and I had hoped that that chance had come again."

Rowan quirked a brow. "Is that so? Then you must resent me some amount, for having deprived you like that."

Galen shook his head. "Of course not. It wouldn't really make sense to be upset with you for that. You wouldn't have known had we never met, so you didn't do anything intentionally."

It was then that Professor Rowan smiled ever so slightly. "Well then, why don't you accompany me as we travel to Sandgem. Along the way you can tell me why it is you are so interested in traveling as a Trainer.

Without another word the Professor set off down the road, going the direction that would take the longer path. Galen weighed his options, then took off after him only a handful of heartbeats later. As Rowan had requested, Galen immediately launched into why he dreamed of being a Trainer. "It all started with my dad, really. He was a trainer when he was young, and though he never was all that good at it, I always enjoyed listening to stories of his adventures. Even though they weren't the most exciting things, it sounded so great to be out there traveling, that I've wanted to be a trainer since I was little."

"I see. And how does your father feel about you following in his footsteps?"

Galen's eyes shifted away from Rowan as he answered. "He wouldn't have any feeling s on it. He died when I was five."

"Ah. My apologies. The loss of a loved one is always difficult to bear."

Galen nodded. "Yeah."

A few minutes passed in silence before the Professor asked, "Was your father the only reason, or is there more?"

Galen thought for a moment then said, "That was where it started, but as I grew up I acquired an interest in myths and legends about Pokémon, as well as Pokémon Archaeology, so I also want to travel to see some of the places and things I've read about."

"I see. I think I better understand you now."

Silence fell once more as they continued along. From what Galen knew, it would take a few hours at least to reach Sandgem Town, so he started considering what else he might say, or things he might ask the Professor. Finally he asked, "So, what were you doing so near Twinleaf?"

"I was paying a visit to Lake Verity. Since I returned here a few days ago, I've been visiting some of the places in Sinnoh associated with myth and legend. That's the primary reason I've returned here, actually. My primary focus on research is Pokémon Evolution, and as a part of that I've started doing research into Legendary Pokémon, in an attempt to understand why most Pokémon evolve, but not Legendary Pokémon. After all, of non-Legendary Pokémon, about ninety percent are connected to evolution, so one can't help but wonder why."

Galen nodded. "I had never really thought about it before, but it does raise interesting questions. Actually, I read something recently by a Doctor Conner, and he has some rather interesting ideas on where Pokémon come from and why they evolve."

The conversation continued on for quite some time, discussing theories of various experts and experiments that had been done in attempts to prove or disprove them, as well as the Professor's own research findings-though there were some things he shared that weren't yet conclusive. They time went by at a rapid pace as they talked, and so it was that Galen was actually surprised when the outskirts of Sandgem Town came into view.

Galen couldn't help but look at everything with some amount of curiosity once they entered the town. This was the first time in his life he had ever been to any town but Twinleaf. Perhaps what he found most surprising about it all was how mundane everything seemed. He certainly hadn't expected anything to be particularly odd or exciting about Sandgem, but he had expected it to be different somehow.

After only making it a short distance into the town, Professor Rowan stopped and turned to face Galen. He gestured to a building to his right, as smallish, rather unimpressive looking building. "And here we have reached my lab. So, the question must be asked, Galen, are you truly determined to be a Pokémon Trainer, and undertake the responsibilities that come with that path?"

Galen nodded, a stoic sort of expression on his face. "Of course."

Rowan chuckled slightly. "Well, you certainly seem sure of yourself. Come along then, we shouldn't keep them waiting any longer."

Galen canted his head, feeling as though he were missing something as the Professor walked toward the unassuming building. "Uh...keep who waiting, exactly?"

"The Pokémon of course, from which you will choose your first."

Galen's face lit up, and he found himself having to fight the urge to jump for joy. He followed after the Professor without hesitation, scarcely believing that he was really about to realise his dream of setting out into the world with a Pokémon by his side.

When they entered the lab building, Galen quickly realised that the unimpressive exterior was rather misleading. Not only was the building bigger than it looked from the outside, but it was filled with all sorts of equipment. There were monitors everywhere, and all sorts of machinery and devices that Galen couldn't even begin to guess the purposes of. The building was also close to spotless, fit to match the coats of the several assistants working in the lab, who greeted Professor Rowan as they entered.

Even in taking the time to return the greetings of his colleagues, the Professor wasted not a second in guiding Galen toward the far end of the lab area where-amid all of the unrecognised devices-Galen could see a cylindrical machine that had three depressions on its top surface, two of which held Pokéballs. Near the machine stood a girl with dark blue hair dressed in pink-including a notably low cut pink skirt. She greeted Rowan as they approached. "Glad to see you back Professor! How was Lake Verity?"

"Hello Dawn. It was quiet, as I expected it would be. Neither hide nor hair of the Pokémon said to live beneath its surface."

Dawn smiled reassuringly. "Well, I'm sure it'll only be a matter of time before one of the Lake Pokémon shows themselves." Looking past the Professor she seemed rather surprised by the fact that Galen was standing there, waiting not so patiently for them to finish their conversation. "And who have you brought back with you Professor?"

"This is Galen. Galen, meet my assistant Dawn. She often accompanies me on field research."

Galen nodded. "Nice to meet you."

Dawn smiled slightly. "You too. But what is he doing here Professor?"

Rowan gestured to the machine that held the two Pokéballs. "He is here because he wishes to be a Pokémon Trainer, so I have elected to give him one of these two Pokémon to start him off."

Dawn seemed less than thrilled by the idea. "Are you sure Professor? You already gave away one, and these Pokémon could be very useful for your research, not to mention being difficult to replace. I'm not sure it's a good idea to just be handing them out to people."

The Professor quirked a brow. "Is that so? Then perhaps you should return your Pokémon to me, if that is how you feel."

Dawn tensed up, looking stricken by the very idea. "But...I have proven that I can handle the responsibility. What makes you so sure he can as well?"

Rowan looked over his shoulder at Galen, then looked back to Dawn. "I'm not sure he is, but I think he is worth giving a chance too. I believe that-at the very least-he understands the kind of responsibility that would be placed upon him."

Dawn sighed. "Oh alright. I guess if you think it's okay, then he must be at least worth the chance."

Professor Rowan nodded, apparently satisfied. "Good. Now with that out of the way, we can get back to the matter at hand."

He approached the machine then, pulling off the two Pokéballs. "Now, I already gave away one of the three Pokémon I had here, so you will be limited to choosing between just these two."

Galen smiled. "Better than no choice at all."

"Glad you agree. Now then, meet two of the starter Pokémon of the Sinnoh Region. Chimchar, Turtwig, come out!" As the Professor said that, he pressed the buttons on the front of the two Pokéballs, and two Pokémon appeared in a flash of blue tinted light. One was green and turtle like, with a twig and two leaves sprouting from its head. The other was an orange hued monkey with a small ball of fire for a tail. Both looked up at the humans with wide eyed curiosity.

Galen was grinning from ear to ear now. He knew that the third choice for a starter Pokémon in Sinnoh was supposed to be Piplup, but from what he knew the whole species was rather proud, and he didn't much care for that. All in all, he was pleased with his options. He lowered himself into a cross-legged position, sitting to be able to get a closer look at the two young Pokémon.

Both approached him with cautious curiosity, as though trying to figure him out. Galen watched how the moved, how the behaved. He wanted to pick the one that eh thought would be the best fit for him, so that would mean taking as much into consideration as possible. Both seemed healthy, so there were no issues there. He reached out a hand toward them, both sniffing, trying to determine if he was a threat. Apparently satisfied that he meant no harm, the edged closed to him, allowing for a more thorough look-for both them, and Galen.

Both seemed like they were in rather good condition. The Turtiwg's shell was hard but moist, as it should be, and in spite of its inexperience, the Chimchar's flame burned at a good temperature. Both also seemed friendly enough, once they became used to Galen's presence.

Galen sighed. It was no easy choice. In the end, he decided, he had to think about which he would rather travel with, and which type he preferred: Fire, or Grass. After a few minutes of deliberation, he finally reached a decision. Getting to his feet he looked to Professor Rowan and said, "I honestly wish I didn't have to choose just one, but since I do, I'm going to go with the Chimchar."

The Professor nodded, and returned a slightly crestfallen Turtwig to its Pokéball, placing the capsule back on its perch. He then handed the Chimchar's Pokéball to Galen, who gladly accepted it. "Now then Galen, this Pokémon is still young, and like you is new to the world, so you'll be growing up together in a sense. Because you now have another life in your charge, I would like you to promise me that-unless of course you have no other way out of a situation-you won't recklessly endanger yourself as you travel."

Galen nodded compliantly. "Of course Professor."

Rowan smiled slightly. "Good, now that that is taken care of, I have a few items to help get you started on your journey."

From somewhere within his coat the Professor produced five Pokéballs and two devices that looked somewhat like small laptops. "I'll give you these first few Pokéballs, but in the future you'll have to buy your own."

Holding out the smaller of the two devices-made of red metal and with a camera lens on the front-Rowan handed it to Galen along with the Pokéballs. "That device is a Pokédex. It will automatically record data on any Pokémon you encounter. It's my hope that you fill as many pages of that as possible, as myself and the other Pokémon Professors are all rather longing to see a completed one some day."

Galen tucked the 'dex and the capsules into his bag, then pointed to the other device and asked, "And what is that one for?"

"This is a Move Computer. You use it in conjunction with the disks known as TMs-or 'Technical Machines'-in order to teach your Pokémon new moves." The Professor explained as he handed off the small steel grey device to Galen as well.

Galen smiled broadly. "Thanks for all of this Professor, I really appreciate it."

Rowan shook his head. "Don't thank me, just put them to good use, and prove that my faith in you isn't misplaced."

"I won't."

It was at that moment that-having become more than a bit impatient with being ignored and the slow proceeding of things-Galen's new Chimchar jumped up onto his trainer's shoulder, nearly knocking Galen off balance in the process. After struggling for a moment he regained his balance, Galen smiled wryly at the Fire-type. "Bit antsy aren't we? You're just a regular furry ball of fire."

The chimp Pokémon replied with a somewhat indignant 'Char!', causing Galen to chuckle as he picked up the Fire-type, setting him back on the floor. "Alright, I get the message. We'll get going."

Professor Rowan cleared his throat, drawing their attention. "One more thing before you go. Most Trainers don't name their Pokémon, but you may find it strengthens your bond with them, so it's something you may want to consider."

Galen and Chimchar exchanged a look, and Galen tilted his head slightly. "A name huh? Never really considered it, but maybe..."

He looked over the little Pokémon a few times, trying to decide what a good name might be. After a moment his lip twitched in amusement. "Actually, I think I'm gonna just go ahead and call you Fireball."

The Chimchar canted his head, as though considering the name, the smiled and gave an affirmative sounding 'Char!'

Galen smiled back. "Fireball it is then. For now though, Fireball, return!"

Galen pointed Fireball's Pokéball at him, and in an instant a red beam of light enveloped the newly christened Fire-type, transporting him into the red and white capsule. Galen smiled a bit wider then. That Pokéball, and the Pokémon within, were his. He was finally a Trainer.

Looking back to Professor Rowan he said, "I know you said I shouldn't, but I'm going to thank you again, for giving me this opportunity."

The Professor nodded. "You are welcome. Now, I suggest you get going. You have a whole world out there to see, after all."

Galen smiled, waved, and turned away, having to restrain himself from running through the lab as he made for the outside world. The moment he was outside he took in a deep breath, and turned east, knowing that at the other end of Sandgem Town there would be a road that would take him north to Jubilife City. He had only made it a few steps in that direction when he heard someone behind him say, "Wait! Hold on for just a second!"

Turning, he saw Dawn approaching him from the lab. She stopped in front of him, blushing slightly as though embarrassed. "Um...I just wanted to say I'm sorry if I came off as...well a bitch, back there. I don't always know what the Professor is thinking, so sometimes I can't help but question his decisions. But, if he ahs faith in you, he must have a good reason...so I'm sorry."

Galen stood there quietly for a moment, not really sure how to reply. He hadn't really been happy with how she had reacted to him, but he sort of understood it. "Uh...it's fine I guess. Don't worry about it."

Hearing his acceptance of her apology she perked up immediately, smiling brightly. "Thank you."

Galen smiled back, suddenly becoming aware of the fact that his face was growing slightly warm. It occurred to him then that-when she wasn't being so quick to judge and doubt-she was actually pretty cute. He cleared his throat nervously. "So uh...was that all?"

She appeared flustered for a moment before saying, "Oh, yes! Um...unless, you think you need my help with anything. I've got a bit of experience as a Trainer, so if you have any questions, you can ask."

Galen shook his head. "No thanks. I'm more of a 'learn by doing' type when it comes to stuff like that."

"Oh, well alright then. Um...good luck!" She then scurried off back into the lab, blushing harder than when she had first come out.

Galen ran a hand through his hair, trying to make sense of what had just happened. He shook his head. "Doesn't really matter now. Time to get moving."

He once more turned to the east, making his way through Sandgem. Reaching the far side of town, he stopped off at a PokéMart with what little money he had and used it to buy some basic supplies, namely Pokémon food, healing items, and a map. Confident that he could now at least survive the trip to Jubilife, he left the store behind, walking around the corner of it to get onto the path that led north.

As he rounded the corner he bumped into someone else, stumbling back a few steps he quickly regained his balance, then looked up to see who he had bumped into. Standing before him was a man of maybe thirty years old with a gaunt sort of face and spikey, bright blue hair. The man looked down at him, his eyes widening slightly before he said, "You're blocking my path forward. I need you out of my way."

Galen blinked in surprise, and for the briefest moment though of offering some scathing retort, but then decided better of it and simply stepped aside. The man took one last look at him, then continued on down the road as though nothing had happened. Galen's brow furrowed, slightly confused. "Jeez...what was with him?"

Galen shook his head, deciding it simply didn't matter, as an excited smile took over his expression. Turning back to the road ahead, Galen pressed forward into the world, leaving Sandgem behind.