Lunar Dance - Part 2

Part 1 

The walk from the lake to Sandgem Town wasn’t particularly difficult. The only problem that emerged was when a small, brown feathered bird attacked them, only to get slapped in the face repeatedly by Piplup. The tiny blue penguin seemed quite level headed, though it had lost its cool for a little bit when the other bird had gone for Yugi’s new backpack.

Talking to the non-player characters on the way proved had fruitful. One of them apparently worked for the local shop and gave him a free Potion. Jamie had explained what a Potion was ages ago, but he was not sure what the in game mechanics were for it. He guessed he would find out when he used it since he still did not have a Pokedex.

Nor did he own a map, so he had honestly expected to get lost when he reached town. However Hikari had been waiting for him at the town’s entrance and she had been about to lead him into the Professor’s lab when Jun had emerged at high speed, once again knocking Yugi on his rear.

“What the... hi Yugi!” Jun grinned at him, offering Yugi a hand up. “That old guy, he’s not scary. He’s just totally out there.” He continued as Yugi took it and pulled himself up right, “Aww it doesn’t matter, I’m out of here.” With that Jun was gone.

‘He’s nuts. Completely. You realise that?’ Yami asked Yugi, who just grinned after the NPC who was supposed to be his best friend.

“He reminds me a bit of Joey.” Yugi replied, before following Hikari inside, mentally grinning as Yami chuckled, easily able to see an overly excited Joey acting the same way.

‘Okay, you might have a point there.’ Yami allowed as they stood before the Professor once again.

“Ah there you are,” The old man nodded sagely as he looked him over, “Yugi? Was it?” Yami nodded, “Let’s have a look at your Pokémon.” Piplup wandered over happily and let the Professor look it over, “This Pokémon seems happy. I’m glad I entrusted you with it. So, are you going to give it a nickname?”

“A nick...” Yugi paused, then nodded, looking down at the penguin, “Issui?” He asked it. The penguin nodded happily and latched onto his leg.

“It’s a good name.” The professor nodded. “When I first saw you two about to step into the tall grass without any Pokémon I was shocked. Even the most foolhardy children know better. Now, however, you’ve proved that I was right to give you a Pokémon.”

“I’m so glad you’re kind towards Pokémon.” Hikari smiled at him, “If you weren’t, I’d have to... oh, I just can’t say it.” She didn’t have to, Yugi could feel the Shadows swirling, waiting to take a bite from them.

“Er-hem.” The professor interrupted, “Let’s move on to the main topic. There’s something I want you to do for me. I am Professor Rowan, I study Pokémon. First off I want to know every kind of Pokémon that lives in the Sinnoh region. To do so I need to collect data using the Pokedex. This is what I wish to ask of you. Please take it and record every type Pokémon in the region.”

“Sure.” Yugi nodded, knowing he would need a Pokedex if he was going to survive this Shadow Game and not wanting to tick off the man willing to give him one.

Rowan didn’t need any other impetus. He handed the small red machine over without question. “The Pokedex automatically records data on every kind of Pokémon you encounter. Any you catch adds extra data to the system.”

“I have one too.” Hikari informed Yugi, “We should race to see who can fill it first.”

“Sure.” Yugi agreed, thinking he was adding to the in-game chatter when he felt the Shadows shift and settle on something. Suddenly the Pokedex in his hand felt a lot heavier.

“What did you feel when you walked up route 201 with your Pokémon?” Rowan asked, “I’ve lived for 60 years with Pokémon and I still get a thrill when I’m with a Pokémon.” The professor smiled properly for the first time, “Now go! Yugi, your grand adventure begins right now!” He handed over a small computer disc. “Use this at a Pokémon Centre. It can teach your Pokémon a new move.”

“Me and Chimchar will help you out where we can.” Hikari promised before leaving the premises.  

“Good luck.” Rowan nodded to Yugi before ushering him out the door. “You’re going to need it.”