Pokemon: Rick and Morty

Meanwhile, in dimension C-128.

Morty Smith, a boy with brown, short, curly hair just woke up. Ah jeez, today’s the day, thought Morty as he sat himself up in bed. He got out of bed and donned his yellow t-shirt, blue jeans, and white sneakers. Today was his 14th birthday. And in dimension C-128 most all people began their pokemon journey at 14, where they would be given a pokemon from their nearest pokemon research facility, and attempt to battle and defeat eight gyms before the end of the year to be given a chance at fighting the elite four. And those who defeat the elite four are allowed to enter the region’s pokemon tournament.

Morty slung his backback onto his back and went downstairs to find his family having breakfast. His father Jerry was playing a game on his tablet with his right hand and shoveling a forkful of pancake into his mouth his left hand. His sister Summer paid no attention to the eggs and sausages on her plate, more interested in whatever it was on her phone. And Beth, Morty’s mother, simply held her towards the stairs while eating her meal.

With excited eyes Beth was the first to greet Morty, “Today’s the big day, Morty!”

Instead of a reply, Morty simply asked, “Where’s Grandpa Rick?” His voice was high pitched, and his tone whiny.

Beth clenched her teeth and then said, “Sorry, Grandpa Rick is…”she paused to find the right word, “indisposed. You know how he is with his experiments, sometimes he stays awake for days on end.”
“So he’s sleeping face first on the counter in the garage?”
“Yes,“ admitted Beth almost apologetically.

Morty entered the garage door and flicked on the light switch. On the opposite side of the garage door was the desk that Grandpa Rick was sleeping on, pushed up against the wall. And on the desk were test tubes and beakers with liquids of varying colors, a soldering gun, a plasma glue dispenser, a small safe, a toolbox, and an overhead lamp. To the right of the desk, and hung up on the wall, there was a pin board with papers scattered across it with interconnecting strings attached to each of them. There were no cars.

“Grandpa Rick?” said Morty in hopes of waking him up. Rick remained motionless. Morty sighed, walked up to Rick, and started to shake his shoulder. Rick half turned around and waved his left arm in a shooing motion, and said, “Five more minutes, Mom.”

“Wake -” Morty was suddenly assaulted by the stench of alcohol emanating from Rick. “Damn it, Rick.” Morty left the Garage.

Yesterday morning. Rick, Morty, Beth, Summer, and Jerry were all having breakfast. Jerry said, “How can you say that!?”

Rick responded, his voice gruff and tone grumpy, “It’s a waste of time, this whole gym battling nonsense. A bunch of people running around, bumping into each other, battling with their pokemon. The gyms are supposed to test the skill of a trainer, but all you have to do is overlevel your pokemon and steamroll your way through with at least one pokemon that has type advantage.”
“There is actual strategy involved, moves to be made and predicted.”
“But none of that matters when given a simpler solution. When given a choice, people will always choose the path of least resistance. It’s not the sort of thing for smart people, Jerry. And I know that’s not a popular opinion, but that’s my two cents on the issue.”

Today. Morty is about to leave, everyone is gathered around him, saying their final goodbyes, all except Rick.

“I’m sorry Rick couldn’t make it,” said Beth.
“Yeah, me too,“ said Morty, looking dejected.
“But he wanted me to give you this.” She handed him a red clamshell device that opened sideways.
“Is this -”
“Yup, it’s a pokedex. And since it’s from Rick, I’m sure it has some upgrades.”
“Wow.” Morty held his pokedex up in awe. “Please thank Granpda Rick for me, Mom.”
“Will do, Sweetie.”

And so, Morty Smith left for his pokemon journey!