Chapter 2: Charmander's Disappearance

The air smelled like dew and pine, crisp and clear as the morning sun climbed over the horizon. The sound of rustling leaves and the distant chirps of Pidgey set the tone for the day. 

I tightened the straps of my backpack, glancing at Mia as she double-checked her things.

"Mia, you packed everything?" I asked, keeping my voice steady despite the gnawing anxiety creeping in. Today was a big day.

"Yes, brother, everything we might need," she replied, her voice calm, confident. Her fingers flicked over the zipper of her bag, ensuring it was sealed. I patted her head out of habit, a gesture of reassurance more for me than for her. She smiled up at me, her hazel eyes full of warmth.

"Let's see if I can get Charmander," I muttered, mostly to myself. Charmander had been the dream ever since we lost Mom and Dad. Charizard—the powerhouse, the fighter, the protector I needed to become.

We reached the front of Professor Oak's lab, and I pressed the doorbell. Almost immediately, I heard the professor's familiar voice, "Come inside, it's open."

I pushed the door open, stepping into the familiar sterile smell of the lab. The walls were lined with books and research papers, test tubes, and machinery that hummed quietly in the background. 

Professor Oak stood by the counter, his silver hair catching the light from the window. Five empty Pokéballs and one Pokédex lay neatly on the surface.

"Hey, Mia's here too," Oak noted, giving her a warm smile. "So she's going with you?"

I nodded, grinning. "She can't live without me."

Mia nudged my arm playfully, rolling her eyes. "Not true," she muttered under her breath.

Professor Oak chuckled. "You unlucky kid." He had that glint in his eye, the kind of look that meant bad news was coming. 

"Professor…" I started, a knot forming in my stomach.

"Charmander's gone," he said flatly, like it wasn't supposed to shatter my whole plan. Like it was just another day at the lab.

My brain stuttered to a halt. "What?" The word came out harsh, more disbelief than question.

"Did you have more?" Mia asked, her voice thin with worry. "Charizard's his favorite, you know."

Oak shook his head, looking genuinely sorry. "Nope. Sorry, but there's only Bulbasaur left."

I could feel my throat tighten. Bulbasaur? I'd never even considered it. "Squirtle?" I asked, hoping against hope.

Oak's eyes twinkled again. "Gary's out back playing with him. Took the last one."

"Of course he did," I muttered, rubbing a hand over my face. There was a sinking feeling in my gut. This wasn't how today was supposed to go. Not like this. But, at this point, I couldn't afford to be picky.

"Fine. Give me Bulbasaur," I said, the words heavy with resignation. It wasn't like I had a choice anymore.

Professor Oak handed me the Pokéball and a Pokédex, his face softening. "You want me to introduce you two?"

I shook my head, gripping the Pokéball tighter than I needed to. "No, I'll handle it later."

With that, we left the lab. The sun was higher now, filtering through the clouds as we walked down the road out of Pallet Town. I couldn't help but stew in the silence, frustration boiling just beneath the surface.

Mia glanced at me, her worry palpable. "Brother?"

"I just need some time, Mia." My voice was sharper than I intended.

She hesitated, then reached for my arm again, her touch light. "Don't be heartbroken, Will. We can catch one in the wild. Maybe we'll get lucky?"

I let out a breath. "Maybe."

The road stretched ahead of us. Trees loomed over us like sentinels, casting dappled shadows on the ground. I needed to clear my head, get a grip on the situation. Charmander wasn't an option anymore—fine. I could work with Bulbasaur. I had to.

Once we were deep enough in the forest, I stopped. "We should sit for a while. I need to think."

Mia nodded, quiet and understanding. We found a spot near the trees, the ground soft with moss and fallen leaves. I pulled out Bulbasaur's Pokéball, staring at it for a moment before releasing the little guy.

He appeared in a flash of light, blinking up at me with wide, curious eyes. I knelt down, trying to connect with him. "Hey, buddy," I said softly. "Let's be friends, alright?"

Bulbasaur tilted his head, then nodded, waddling closer and rubbing against my leg. He was sturdy, tougher than he looked.

I smiled faintly, feeling a small flicker of hope. "This is my sister," I said, gesturing to Mia. "Go play with her for a bit."

Bulbasaur trotted over to Mia, who crouched down and started petting him, her face lighting up in that way it always did when she was happy. I leaned back against the tree, watching them. Mia's laughter mingled with the rustling leaves as Bulbasaur nuzzled her hand.

I needed to create a new strategy. Fast.

The sun filtered through the trees, casting patterns on the ground as I sat there, thinking. Bulbasaur knew Growl and Tackle. Two moves weren't going to cut it. I could teach him more, maybe even develop a signature move later, but that would take time. More time than I had but I can teach him one normal move as signature move instantly.

I stood abruptly, shaking off the thoughts. "Let's go," I said, my voice firmer now. "Bulbasaur, we'll train tonight when we set up camp."

Bulbasaur nodded, trotting over to my side.

"And," I added, looking down at him, "protect Mia for me, alright?"

He seemed confused at first, blinking up at me with those wide eyes. Then he rubbed against my leg again, almost like he understood. 

Mia hugged my arm, leaning into me. "Let's not push him too hard, Will. He just met us."

I nodded.