Chapter 5: My Starter
Haru arrived in New Bark town, he looked around Wondering where the professor Elm's lap he asked a few people as he arrived to the lap.
As there he saw a man on his computer, he looked like a middle-aged man with short brown hair and gray eyes. He wears a pair of glasses, as well as a white lab coat with two pockets and a collared teal shirt. He also wears brown pants with a black belt and brown shoes.
[ Insert Image of Professors Elm image here ]
Haru looked at him and spoke. "Um professor".
Elm fouces on his laptop just spoke. "Sorry all the starter have been taken, you can comne back Tomorrow".
Haru just blinked wondering if the Professor was on auto pilot, as he went to him ans spinned hus chair.
Elm was just on his chair, as he was spinner as his eyes meet Haru, he saw how Haru looked then what he was wearing
Haru was wearing a black slacks, black belt, black long sleeve collared shirt and dress shoes White trench coat
Elm looked at the teen as he spoke. "I um didn't know we were going to have another trainer for today".
Haru just sigehd. "So all the starter have been picked".
Elm just sighed and spoke. "2 were picked and 1 stolen the cops are after him".
Haru raised and eyebrows, as he sighed. "They I will just leave".
Elm then stopped him. "Wait stop, there is another Pokémon I have, but um it doesn't have typical Ability, that Pokémon is known for".
Haru stopped and looked at him. "What is the ability".
Elm then spoke. "No one wants to take because of this, it is Moxie"
Haru then looked at him. "I will take it".
Elm just looked at him. "How can trust with this one, can you treat it right and not return it back".
Haru looked at there eyes meet as Haru rember Staraptor. "I can and I will".
Elm was the conviction in Haru eyes as he sighed. "If he does become to much to handle please return... Like the rest".
Elm walked as Haru followed him as they arrived to a different part of the lap, as on it was a one Pokeball, inside of was a Pokémon Haru had many Pokémon in his mind who the Pokémon could be but when Elm sends the Pokémon out it made his brain glitch as there standing the desk after Elm released it from the ball was a Mudkip
Haru stared at the Mudkip, his brain momentarily short-circuiting. A Mudkip? Here, in Johto? His expression flickered between confusion and amusement as he processed the sight of the small blue Pokémon.
Mudkip tilted its head, looking at Haru with a mix of curiosity and wariness. Its fin twitched slightly, and its eyes held a determined glint despite its small size. Haru crouched slightly, meeting the Pokémon's gaze as he spoke softly.
"So, you're the one with Moxie, huh?"
Mudkip let out a small croak, seemingly proud of its unique ability. Haru couldn't help but smile. He had expected a Chikorita, Cyndaquil, or Totodile—not something as unexpected as this.
Elm adjusted his glasses nervously, observing the interaction. "Mudkip isn't native to Johto, but it was sent here as part of a research exchange program. It's been... difficult to place because of its ability. Trainers don't usually think of Moxie as useful for Mudkip's evolutionary line. They prefer Torrent."
Haru raised an eyebrow. "Moxie's a great ability. It boosts attack after a knockout. It just means you have to fight smarter, not harder."
Elm's lips twitched into a faint smile. "It seems you already understand its potential. But be warned—Mudkip is spirited. It's been a bit stubborn with other trainers who tried to bond with it."
Haru extended a hand toward the Mudkip, his voice steady. "What do you think, little guy? Want to give this another shot with me?"
Mudkip stared at him, its eyes narrowing slightly. It hopped closer, sniffing his hand before turning away with a huff. Haru chuckled. "Tough crowd, huh? Don't worry, I'll earn your trust."
Elm handed Haru the Pokéball. "If you're serious, then Mudkip's yours. But remember—if things go south, don't hesitate to come back. I'll always make sure it's taken care of."
Haru nodded, taking the Pokéball and attaching it to his belt. He gave Mudkip one last glance before turning to Elm. "Thanks, Professor. I'll prove that we're a perfect match."
As Haru stepped out of the lab, Mudkip trailed after him hesitantly. Haru glanced down at the Pokémon, a determined smirk crossing his face. "Let's start over, you and me. I've got a lot to prove, and I think you do too."
Mudkip croaked softly, its fin twitching with a hint of excitement. For the first time in years, Haru felt a spark of hope. His journey was beginning again, and this time, he wasn't going to let anything—or anyone—hold him back.
As Haru stepped out of the lab, he heard Elm's voice calling after him. "Wait, wait! You forgot your other five Pokéballs and your Pokédex!"
Haru stopped mid-step, turning back with an embarrassed chuckle. "Right... wouldn't want to start my journey unprepared, huh?"
Elm hurried over, holding out a small pouch and the Pokédex. The sleek, red device gleamed in the sunlight, looking brand new. Haru accepted both items with a nod of gratitude.
"Here," Elm said, catching his breath. "This Pokédex is programmed with all known Pokémon species. Keep it safe. And these Pokéballs should help you start building your team."
Haru inspected the Pokédex, flipping it open. The interface was user-friendly, and he could already see entries for common Pokémon in Johto. "Thanks, Professor. This'll definitely come in handy."
Elm adjusted his glasses, looking serious. "I know you're experienced, but I still have to say it: Pokémon training is as much about heart as it is about strength. Take care of your Mudkip, and it'll take care of you."
Haru glanced down at Mudkip, who was eyeing him skeptically. He smirked and crouched down. "What do you think, Mudkip? Ready to give this a shot?"
Mudkip huffed again but didn't move away. That was enough of an answer for Haru.
He stood back up and looked at Elm. "Don't worry, Professor. I won't let you—or Mudkip—down. And next time you see me, I'll be the Johto League Champion."
Elm chuckled softly. "I'll hold you to that. Good luck, Haru."
With that, Haru pocketed the Pokédex and slung the pouch over his shoulder. He stepped off the lab's porch, Mudkip trotting after him. His journey was truly beginning, and for the first time in a long while, he felt ready to face the challenges ahead.
As he walked toward the route leading out of New Bark Town, Haru glanced at Mudkip again, a determined gleam in his eye. "Alright, buddy. Let's show this world what we're made of."
Haru left the city with Mudkip, as they passed a Trio, but the fornt of the Trio was running fast being followed by the other two, it was Trio of older boy, a 10 year old Boy and a Orange hair girl, as the Girl and Older boy chased the 10 years old as Haru passed then the boy stopped as he looked at Haru as he Haru left the town fully
The red hair girl looked at him. "Finally you stopped Ash".
The older boy looked at the girl. "Yeah, Misty is correct, we just arrived to a new Region and you are running like no Tomorrow ash.
Ash looked at Brock, as he looked at his Pikachu as he looked at were Haru was. "Um guys, did you um feel that".
Misty crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow at Ash. "Feel what, Ash? The wind from you running off without a clue again?"
Brock, ever the voice of reason, adjusted his backpack and gave Ash a concerned look. "You mean something unusual, Ash? Like what?"
Ash glanced back in the direction where Haru had disappeared, Pikachu still perched on his shoulder. Pikachu's ears twitched, its cheeks sparking faintly. "I don't know," Ash admitted, his voice quieter than usual. "When that guy passed by, I just felt... something. It was like he gave off this intense energy, you know?"
Misty rolled her eyes, her hands on her hips. "You're imagining things. He was probably just some regular trainer heading out of town."
Brock, however, seemed more thoughtful, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Ash might be onto something, Misty. Pikachu's reacting too. That trainer didn't even look our way, but there was something... commanding about him."
Ash nodded, his grip on his hat tightening. "Exactly! It was like he wasn't just any trainer. He felt... strong. Like he's done this a million times before."
Misty sighed, brushing her hair out of her face. "Fine, whatever. But if you're going to go chasing after random trainers now, we're never going to make it to Violet City."
Ash shook his head. "No, we're not chasing him. I just... have a feeling we'll meet him again."
Brock smirked knowingly. "Maybe he'll be your next big rival, Ash."
Ash grinned at the thought, his adventurous spirit reignited. "If he is, I'll be ready. No way am I losing to anyone—not even someone like that!"
Misty groaned, already feeling the competitive fire blazing in Ash's eyes. "Let's just focus on getting to the next town before you start planning your next rivalry, okay?"
As the trio resumed their journey, Ash kept glancing back over his shoulder, Pikachu doing the same. Neither of them said a word, but both felt the same thing deep down: the sense that their paths would inevitably cross with Haru's, and that when they did, it would change everything.
With Haru, he and Mudkip stopped as he picked him up, as he looked at the Pokédex ready to check Mudkip moves he didn't like doing this.
Because there was better way to do this, something he needs to try late before the Pokédex, the way trainer's checked there Pokémon moved was simple they used Aura, Aura was key part life, it was a necessary skill back in the old times, so everyone knew how to hse Aura how to control it and how to channel it, it was lot more simple a fundamental part of everything, but now a day's Aura is not used it it barely mentioned
Haru held Mudkip in his arms, looking at it thoughtfully. He let out a sigh, feeling the weight of how times had changed. "Things are different now, huh?" he muttered to himself. "Back then, we didn't rely on machines to tell us everything about our Pokémon. We used Aura... a connection. A bond."
Mudkip tilted its head at him, its small fins twitching as if sensing Haru's mixed emotions.
"Aura was everything," Haru continued, his tone reflective. "It wasn't just for fighting or sensing danger. It was how we understood each other. Humans and Pokémon... we shared something deeper than words. But now..." He glanced at the Pokédex in his other hand, feeling a strange sense of detachment. "Now it's all about gadgets and data."
Mudkip let out a curious "Kip!" nudging Haru's chest with its nose. Haru smiled softly, setting the Pokédex aside. "Maybe it's time I try to bring that back," he said. "If I can still use Aura... if I haven't forgotten... we'll figure this out together."
He set Mudkip down gently on the ground and closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. He focused inward, trying to find the familiar rhythm of his Aura. It had been years—perhaps lifetimes—since he'd last tapped into it. His breathing slowed as he concentrated, feeling the faint pulse of energy within him. Slowly, he reached out, letting his Aura flow towards Mudkip.
For a moment, nothing happened. Haru frowned, wondering if he had lost his touch. But then, he felt it—a faint, warm response. Mudkip's Aura reached back, tentative yet curious. Haru's eyes opened, and he smiled. "There it is," he whispered. "You feel that, buddy?"
Mudkip blinked, its expression brightening as it gave an enthusiastic "Mudkip!" Haru chuckled, feeling a surge of confidence. "Guess it's like riding a bike. You never really forget."
He focused again, this time directing his Aura to sense Mudkip's energy. It wasn't as precise as the Pokédex, but it was familiar, intuitive. He could feel the flow of Mudkip's strength, the potential it carried, and even the moves it instinctively knew.
"Okay," Haru said after a moment, standing up and brushing off his coat. "We'll rely on the Pokédex for details later, but this... this is how we're going to train. The old way. You with me, Mudkip?"
Mudkip hopped excitedly, its enthusiasm contagious. Haru smirked, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. "Good. Let's show this world what real bonds look like."
With that, the two continued down the path, leaving the reliance on technology behind as they stepped forward into a journey of rediscovery—of Aura, of bonds, and of the trainer Haru used to be.
Haru sighed, picking up the Pokédex again and pointing it at Mudkip. "Alright, little guy, let's see what you've got while I work on controlling my Aura better."
The Pokédex lit up, scanning Mudkip as a robotic voice began to list the information:
"Mudkip, the Mud Fish Pokémon. Its large fin acts as a highly sensitive radar. It uses the strength of its fin to easily swim through even the muddiest waters."
Haru tapped a button to reveal Mudkip's known moves.
"Current moves: Tackle, Growl, Water Gun, and Mud-Slap."
Haru nodded, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "Not bad for a starter. Basic moves, but reliable. We can work with this." He crouched down to Mudkip's level, ruffling its head fin gently. "Alright, buddy, we'll make these stronger first, then start adding some new ones. You okay with that?"
Mudkip chirped happily, wagging its tail fin in excitement.
Haru stood up, stretching a bit. "First thing's first: we need to find a good spot to train. Somewhere open, with plenty of space to practice." He glanced at the road ahead, the sun shining down on the path leading into the wilderness. "Let's get moving. Adventure waits, and we've got a lot of work to do."
Mudkip hopped after him as Haru started walking. Together, they ventured into the wilds of Johto, ready to face whatever challenges awaited them.
To be continued
Hope people like this Ch and give me power stones
And why Mudkip, Personally I wanted Haru to started with something new, and out of Gen 3 Mudkip was my favourite plus it was my First Starter when I started to play Pokémon, so yeah that is why