Chapter Text
Suddenly, the adventurers had entered a wide cavern after having marched through the mountain ranges in search of a discovery. Observing the area momentarily, the group’s leader noticed how there was a rock formation resembling an arched doorway at the other end, and just before it were 9 gems, varying in colour. Cautiously, the leader pulled out a handbook that explained these mysterious occurrences. Flicking through the pages, the leader’s eyes widened as they figured out what the gems meant and what would happen if they were to touch them simultaneously.
The leader explained. “Each gem represents a different type of Eeveelution, with the one in the middle being the one that represents Eevee before it evolves. Besides its ‘Normal’ typing, it can evolve into one of eight Pokémon with their types being either Water, Electric, Fire, Psychic, Dark, Grass, Ice and Fairy. Therefore, if we were to choose one gem each… I have a feeling that we might unlock that strange portal over there.”
Noticing the archway in the distance, the group soon realised that by placing their hand on the gem, the portal could be activated and allow them to enter this new adventure into the world of Pokémon. After a bit of silence, that was when one of the leader’s friends stepped forth to be the first to place their hand on whichever gem they wanted.
The leader’s friend spoke as they walked towards the sea-blue gem on the pedestal. “Nathan, I’ll choose the Water Gem. As my personality is kind of like weather patterns, when it comes to rain and water. May I please approach the gem?”
Nathan smiled, pleased with his friend’s eagerness. “Yes, Felix, as it fits you perfectly.”
Felix’s blue eyes lit up in delight as he was the first to march forth over to the blue gem that was situated on the rocky pedestal. The glow of the gem matched the colour of his casual gaming/exploration attire and contrasted with his messy, short light-brown hair. Looking back towards the group once more, that was when Felix gently placed his hand on the gem; immediately noticing how a beam of light shot out from it before striking the rocky archway.
Felix asked, shocked at what had just happened. “Nathan, is this meant to happen, and what does it mean?”
Nathan flicked through the book for a moment before explaining. “The Water Gem activated on touch, and it seems like to activate the portal; we must all follow suit and place our hands on the gems, as that’ll activate the beams that will, in turn, activate the portal. In Pokémon terms… I have a feeling this will determine which ‘Eeveelution’ starter we’ll get.”
Felix questioned. “So, if I chose this gem… which Eeveelution might get entrusted to me?”
Reading through which gem relates to which Eeveelution, Nathan concluded. “Vaporeon can manipulate water and its environment.”
Felix smiled at this as he kept his hand on the gem, pleased that he was about to get his first Pokémon.
Unexpectedly, that was when one of Felix’s close friends from the group marched forth towards the green gem, leaving Nathan to wonder if he should demand that this energetic Irishman wait for an explanation before doing anything. As the Irishman slammed his hand onto the gem, he was shocked that it suddenly glowed, illuminating his adventurous battling attire, brown short hair with green streaks and blue eyes.
Holding onto the gem as it shone brightly, the Irishman turned around before shouting. “Hey, Nathan! Is it meant to do that? Which Pokémon will I get? Since Felix might get Vaporeon! Better be a great one, and I do hope Mark gets a great one as well when he chooses!”
Looking through the list, as Mark proceeded to stand nearby in anticipation, Nathan explained. “Ah, you’re holding onto the Grass Gem, Jack! It represents Leafeon. It enjoys sunlight and can aid in healing its trainer and other Pokémon if they’re injured during battle.” Nathan then stated. “Mark, you may go next in choosing the gem that you feel suits you best.”
Mark beamed as he briefly hugged Nathan as a sign of thanks. “Thank you, Nathan! And I think I know exactly which one I’ll choose!”
Rushing over, Mark darted straight for the red gem. It complemented his red streaks in his dark hair and flannel shirt that was unbuttoned to reveal a black shirt. His brown eyes shimmered in delight as he slowly placed his hand on the red gem. He soon learned that the Fire Gem that he found meant that he could obtain Flareon, once he encountered the Pokémon, that is.
Mark exclaimed, looking over at Jack. “Guess this means that we have different battling styles then! As I learned that Flareon tends to explore often and uses moves like Ember and Fire Blast just by breathing out!”
Jack smirked. “And I’ll be able to assist if we encounter your type disadvantage! As Grass will defeat Water easily!”
“We haven’t gotten everyone over here yet, but already – we make the best team, Jack!”
“You got that right, Mark!” Jack then faced Felix. “Heh, and are you ready for this adventure to begin, Felix?”
Felix responded. “Of course I am, Jack and Mark!”
Nathan watched on from afar, pleased with the enthusiasm as he soon turned to find someone else who was eager to choose one of the gems that would correspond with a Pokémon. It appeared to be a young man with fluffy brown hair that had blue streaks in it, which complemented his blue eyes and youthful gaming attire.
The young man cheered. “May I please choose one now, Nathan? As I can’t wait to get this adventure started!”
Nathan replied. “Yes, Ethan, you may go and choose one.”
Ethan bounced about victoriously for a moment before running over to the ice blue gem. It shimmered brightly as Ethan placed his hand near it. And just like what happened with Felix, Jack and Mark, as soon as Ethan placed his hand onto the gem… a beam of light shot forward before hitting the archway. Beams of blue, green and red were already illuminating the cavern, and soon, more light would join them, once the others decided on where they wanted to go.
If anyone asks, that was the Ice Gem that Ethan had selected. And the equivalent being Glaceon, able to manipulate snow, ice and blizzards.
After Ethan had bolted off, that was when Nathan could sense that two certain individuals were standing right behind him, as if they wanted to play a game with him.
Nathan sighed, realising who it was as he turned around. “Yes, Dan and Phil? Do you both need suggestions, or are you here to just bother me with one of your games again?”
Phil appeared to be taller with raven coloured hair combed neatly to one side of his face, bright blue-green eyes and in pastel attire like Ethan. While Dan had messy dark-brown hair that was brushed roughly in the other direction, it almost fit his ‘emo-goth’ black leather attire. Their differences were vast, but they were still very close to each other.
Phil reassured. “Don’t worry, Nathan! We’ll let you off this time. Even though…”
Dan finished, eyeing the remaining gems suspiciously. “Phil here doesn’t know much about these gems and doesn’t know which colour to choose from… While I’ve already made up my mind.” Dan then whispered. “As I choose the black one… please explain what it is…?”
Nathan answered softly so only Dan could hear. “Dark Gem, representative of Umbreon. Its rings can only glow when it’s dark. And only those who aren’t scared of its glowing circles and are willing to find a way to befriend it.”
Agreeing with this, Dan then walked off to activate the next gem, leaving Nathan to explain to Phil about what he could choose.
Nathan went on. “The remaining gems are the Spark Gem, the Magic Gem, the Standard Gem and the Fairy Gem. Respectively, they represent Jolteon, Espeon, Eevee and Syleon. I won’t say much else, but… choose one that you feel is most appropriate for what you’re most like, Phil.”
Phil smiled brightly, as if he knew which one he would choose. Immediately, he walked over to the Fairy Gem and placed his hand on it. Instantly, a beam of pink light shot out from it, amazing him in the process.
Phil shouted. “Dan! I think I know which one I might get! As we’re opposites, I chose one that represented my optimism and positivity!”
Dan smirked, noticing what Phil was doing. “It suits you very well, Phil. Only a few more then… we might unlock that portal at the rocky archway.”
“Heh, and I can’t wait for that. Anyway… that’s the one connected to Sylveon, right?”
Nathan checked before answering for them. “Yes, it is. A very calming sort, able to heal those who are feeling down or have gotten hurt. It can also detect how someone is feeling, just by using its ribbons.”
Slightly remembering what a Sylveon looked like, Ethan beamed. “And I can’t wait to meet it as well! It’ll be just like Jack’s Pokémon, but cuter and can make you feel better after you get hurt physically or emotionally!”
Felix smiled at this, knowing that Phil could literally lift everyone’s spirits just by leading with his Sylveon.
The remaining gems appeared to glow a bit brighter, as if they were beckoning the remaining three to step forth. Yet, it wasn’t long before two of them had decided to step forth. One of them was dressed as if they were about to step into a magical boy anime, fit with an expressive pink-and-white uniform that contrasted his brown-with a yellow streak hair and brown eyes. While the other looked like a younger version of Mark, his hair was styled like a K-pop idol, and he was dressed in adventurous bard-like attire with a guitar slung over his back.
The older charismatic one announced, gesturing towards the Spark Gem. “I – Arin Joseph Hanson, shall go with that bright yellow gem! Its brightness reflects me the most, and from your description, Nathan, I have a great feeling about what I might obtain! And finally – I am ready for this adventure!” Turning to face his friend, Arin beamed. “Nate, which one will you choose? As there are only two left.”
Nate admitted. “I will go with the one that represents Espeon, the Psychic Gem. Even if that means…” He then turned towards Nathan. “You’re okay with obtaining Eevee? Despite how it’s a regular starter? Or do you have an idea in mind for this?”
Nathan explained, after having listened to the two. “As I have a feeling that I’ll assist as a regular Pokémon Trainer – I’m okay with gaining the regional starters and other Pokémon alongside Eevee. And potentially Pikachu, as that’s also a starter Pokémon. And as for the information behind your Pokémon… Jolteon can be stubborn at times, and can generate electricity that might… alter the weather, as they can harness the power of… lightning. Espeon can read trainers’ minds and uses its Psychic Type abilities to battle and assist, but wouldn’t do very well if the sun’s not present. Also, it can be very overprotective of its trainer.”
Arin beamed. “Thank you for the explanation, Nathan! And I can’t wait to start this new adventure! Bring on the exciting Electric Type Pokémon, Jolteon!”
Unexpectedly, that was when Arin bolted over to the Spark Gem before placing his hand onto it, much to the surprise of the others, who weren’t expecting Arin to have chosen this one. The light shot out once more, joining the others – meaning that it was time for Nate and Nathan to step forth and put their hands on the remaining gems.
Nate marched on ahead, leading Nathan towards the remaining gems. Nate knew that he and Nathan could’ve switched their gems, but knew that Nathan would rather take on the Pokémon world with a wide variety of Pokémon, while everyone else would assist with their Eeveelutions. Approaching the gems, the two stood in front of their respective gems as Nate placed his hand on the lavender coloured gem first.
Approaching the final gem and knowing that it would be how the archway portal would be activated, Nathan noticed how it glowed the brightest, illuminating his cream-blond hair and blue jacket in the process. Knowing what he must do, that was when Nathan gently placed his hand onto the gem.
The last light shot out as it struck the archway; the light beams were absorbed into the rocky archway. It appeared to transform into a large portal. Yet this time, there was no sudden effect of them being pulled forth. The group of 9 stood back suddenly as they noticed how the gems appeared to glow and hover for a moment before transforming into PokeBalls, each in the Eeveelutions’ respective colours.
Knowing what they must do, Nathan proceeded to lead the team onwards through the portal – not knowing that how they were going to start this journey was going to be much different from other journeys that had been made in the past.