The sun shines through the window of the plane, waking Ethan from his slumber, and causing him to grumble and rub his eyes. Ethan looks down on his lap seeing Anorith still fast asleep, undisturbed by the sudden burst of light from the sunrise. Ethan sighs quietly, not wanting to disturb his prehistoric friend, and begins to stretch as carefully as he can. He had never flone for this long before, 12 hours from Castellia City to the Spurge City airport took everything he had out of him. As he stretches, he can feel the damage the awkward sleeping position has caused his back. He was way too young to have back problems, but he can thank his dad's genes for that.
"Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. We are going to begin our descent into Spurge City, and on behalf of Latios Airlines, I would like to thank you for flying with us. The weather in Spurge City is sunny and warm, and should stay that way for the rest of the day" Spoke the captain in his deep calm voice. Ethan had forgotten what it sounded like, in the throws of his slumber.
As the plane lands, Ethan hobbles out on weak legs waiting for his father in the terminal building. In one hand, he holds the handle of his rolling suitcase, and in the other, he keeps a tight hold on Anorith's Pokeball. He has been nervous about Anorith being stolen by thieves back in Unova and now in Naljo, despite how many times his father reassures him that the crime rate in Naljo is much lower. Ethan is a lean and athletic teenager with a height of around 5'10". His unruly chestnut hair falls casually over his forehead, often swept to the side but occasionally falling into his striking emerald-green eyes. He has a tan complexion, a testament to his outdoor adventures. Ethan's attire consists of comfortable jeans, sturdy sneakers, and a well-worn jacket.
"Hey Dad, it's good to see you," Ethan says as he hugs his father, weak from the flight. Their relationship had gone quiet since Ethan's mother had gotten custody in the divorce. But, they kept up while they could and Ethan was excited to leave the overdeveloped Unova for the more natural and peaceful Naljo.
Ethan's father William had moved to Naljo two years ago to study with Professor Ilk and assist in his research of Pokemon characteristics and behaviors. William had just been assigned to Spurge City to work with the Pokemon Orphanage, to observe pokemon growth and development of abandoned Pokemon just a month ago. Thankfully, William had already secured an apartment next to the Orphanage and had asked Ethan if he wanted to move to Naljo and join him in his research. Ethan's mother Vivian, had never been particularly attentive and thus, despite fighting tooth and nail for custody of Ethan, had been too preoccupied with her new children to object to Ethan moving away. William was more than happy to have his son back living with him, even if it was halfway around the world from where they were used to living.
William was a tall man, with the same striking green eyes as Ethan. But, where they differed was in their frame and hair: William was broad-shouldered and full-bodied, whereas Ethan was narrow-bodied and lithe.
"Come on Ethan, let's get you to our new home! Hows Anorith? Has he gotten over his shyness problem? Is he growing properly?" His father rambled off with endless enthusiasm about the Pokemon he had gotten Ethan for his 15th Birthday.
"Alright alright Dad, let's calm down haha!" Ethan lets off a jovial laugh, refreshing to be speaking with his father and basking in his curious nature once more. "Anorith is fine. He is still shy around new people and doesn't love battling yet. But, I just think he's scared of Rattata and Koffing. He's getting bigger, and his claws are getting sharper too as he gets older. Thanks for telling me about the extra Iron supplements for his shell!" Ethan's energy levels began to rise as they spoke, getting deeper and deeper into the conversation just about Anorith. Which, the little Pokemon now released in the car, would grow incredibly flustered by.
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"Well. this is it. Home sweet home for us for now!" Ethan twinged at William proudly announcing that the home is temporary, having just moved he wasn't keen to get attached. While he enjoyed seeing new places, he disliked the thought of planting roots only for them to be upended at a later date.
"Yeah....for now," Ethan said a little drained from the thoughts of having to move again. "Hey Dad, I'm going to go lie down. I'm still jet lagged from the flight, Pizza for lunch sound okay?" Ethan shouted as he walked up the stairs towards his new bedroom, crashing onto the bed. Thankfully, he was able to ship all his stuff for his father to put up before he got there.
After a long, and well-deserved session of laying on his bed, and scrolling through Pokegram on his phone Ethan was finally ready to move around again. He gently shook Anorith who began to chitter in protest. But, his trainer was insistent that they needed to get up and move around today. As he walks down the stairs, he lets Anorith scuttle across the floor and get some semblance of exercise. William sat on the couch reading a novel series about a man getting reincarnated as a Grimer, once a nerd always a nerd. Upon seeing his son back in the land of the living, William sets his book down and gets up to go take his son to lunch. They arrive at the Spurge City department store food court, a bustling place full of trainers getting supplies for this year's League Circuit. As they sit down with their food, William can't help but think that Ethan would do well to go off and see the region on a journey. The idea begins to stew in his head the entire lunch, showing the contemplation visibly on his face.
"Say, Ethan, have you ever considered becoming a trainer? I know you said you didn't mind becoming a researcher when you grew up but has battling ever crossed your mind?" William asked cautiously.
"Uh, it has crossed my mind once or twice. Anorith and I have battled some of my friends from school before, but nothing super serious. He tends to only battle against certain Pokemon, the ones that scare him may resemble their ancestors who would prey upon his species. But, it's certainly not out of the question. Why do you ask?" Ethan replies casually, thinking this is just a normal lunch conversation.
"Ethan, I want you to battle me! I recently obtained a Pokemon from the orphanage, and I want to see how much you've grown in the past two years!" William boldly declares, not caring who hears it.
Ethan cannot help but spit out his cola, trying to take in the sudden passionate challenge issued by his father. William laughs and pats Ethan on the back encouragingly "I'll take that as a yes! You have until dinner to prepare, meet me at the battle facility three doors down from here. And son, bring your A game against me. Your old man is no slouch!"
Ethan, left alone at the table is stuck thinking and looking at Anorith who just stares back confused. Ethan is flooded with emotions, concern, and confusion, but most of all he is excited and can't think why.