So, I had a rather... Strange idea. Well, first, lemme explain. See, Zinnia didn't get too much attention in Pokemon ORAS, not much development but you can tell she is a strong character. But what if, she was introduced earlier, as a travelling companion, and possible interest? That's what "A Different Journey" is all about.

Oh yeah, the other thing. I simply don't really like Brendan's design. Therefore, I'm probably going to make sure it gets changed, clothes wise. I think it's the hat... But yeah, changing outfits and the like. There will be a sense of realism in this story.

Also, the idea of ten year olds going out into the world themselves? Yeah, no. Try sixteen. As such, I will have a list updated with character's ages and the like at the end.

Loosely based on the Pokemon Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire games plotline, but with my own additions. Hope you enjoy!


Chapter 1: Arrival.


The car bumped on another rough patch on the road, the teenager riding in the passenger seat along with it.

The man whom was driving snorted.

"Betcha you're 'appy yer not in the back eh?" He said gruffly in his thick accent, chortling as boy shied away.

"It sounded like a fun idea at the time!" Brendan argued, refusing to acknowledge his childish aspect was rather...dangerous, as he grumpily folded his arms against the seatbelt lashed across his chest.

The driver simply laughed again, more openly.

"All it takes, kid, is a bump on another one o' those patches fer the boxes to possibly come crashin' doon on yer head."

Perhaps riding in the front was safer. After all, now that he thought about it, what sort of idiot would ride without a seat or anything in the back of a moving van?

Silence reigned for a moment, aside the rumbling of the engine, the growling of tires and the occasional knock as a rock went under the wheels.

"So, gym lea'ers son are yeh?" The man stated conversationally.

"Yeah." Brendan nodded. In truth, he wasn't too sure whom he was riding with, all he knew is it was his father's friend whom lived nearby and was willing to lend his van and help to the family, whom were moving from the Johto region.

As if sensing his hesitance and wariness, the driver grinned, holding out his hand to the side whilst keeping one on the wheel.

"Ahm Nick incase yer wonderin'."

Brendan shook the offered hand, noticing how calloused it was.

"So, er, what is it you do anyway, and how do you know Dad?" the sixteen year old asked.

"Oh, me and yer dad go way back." He announced, drawing out the 'a'. "As fer what ah do, well, ahm a workin' man. Yer old man and me were mates, until me and the missus had ter move here, to Hoenn, fer my job. I work with Devon Corps in Rustboro."

Brendan nodded at the explanation, eyes however, focused out on the treeline, watching various pokemon scatter back into the wilderness as the vehicle passed by.

A swallow darted in front of the van, before darting off into the sun.

"So, yer movin' to good ol' Littleroot Town, eh?" Nick rumbled.

"Yeah." Brendan mumbled.

"Quaint little town it is. Nice an' relaxin', suppose that's why the Professor choose tha' town."

"What do you mean?" Brendan asked, eyebrows raised.

"Well, you know about Prof. Birch, righ'?"

"Yeah, of course, he's a friend of my Dad, though I don't really know him." Brendan explained.

"Your old man has many friends, dunnhe." Nick stated, before continuing. "Well, the professor lives there. An' I know what yer thinkin'." The man said, noticing the rather...displeased look Brendan had adopted. "He's no some grouchy ol' coot. Professor Birch is kin'a... Eccentric, would be the word. He likes been out in the field."

The man glanced further down the road, eyes squinting.

"An' I think we're almost there kid."

After an apprehensive minute, the moving van trundled to a jerky stop in front of the homestead.

"Well, you ge' in kid, le' me and the others handle the boxes." Nick said, after turning off the engine.

"I could help y'know." Brendan started, before it was shrugged off politely by Nick.

"Nah, don' worry about it."

After a moment's hesitance, swung open the door and took his first steps on the earth of Littleroot Town.


The bright sunlight welcomed him, the wind blowing in the scents of nature. There really was no word to describe the place; cosy? Quaint? It seemed Nick had been right. It felt so... Welcoming.

"Brendan! You're here at last!"

The teenager turned, a smile worming it's way unto his features.

"Hey mum!" He called as the woman walked forward.

"So, wasn't it tough riding in the back of the bumpy moving truck all that way?" She grinned.

"Shut up..." He murmured, blushing. Was everyone going to pull him up about that?

Caroline, Brendan's mother, laughed. "Well, this is Littleroot Town." She announced, gesturing to the surrounding land. "What do you think? This is going to be our new home!"

"It does feel comfortable." He admitted.

"It has a quaint feel, but it looks like it should be a nice place to live, don't you think?"

A single eyebrow went up at her word choice, but he didn't say anything, aside acknowledging with a simple "Yes".

"Come on. You have to see the inside!"

Brendan nodded, allowing her to lead him in after a glance at Nick, whom was organising the crates from the van.

Inside, Machoke were busily sorting the heavier objects into their location on shelves. Brendan watched on curiously for a moment, as he was half expecting more men like Nick, perhaps his colleges. Then again, these Machoke were the ideal partners to a worker.

"See, Brendan? Isn't it nice in here, too?" Caroline asked, receiving a nod.

"The moving company's Pokemon even help with the unpacking and the clean up you see." Explaining the presence of the Machoke.

One of the mentioned pokemon slowly approached from behind, waiting till Caroline noticed.

"Oh, are you done?" She asked.

The lizard like pokemon nodded.

"Thanks for all the hard work! We really appreciate it!" She smiled.

The Machoke gave an acknowledging grunt before it left with its partner.

"You should go and see your new room upstairs, Brendan! Dad even bought a new clock for it to help celebrate the big move." Brendan raised an eyebrow at that. Only mum would be excited by that... "You'll need to set the time though, it's about..." Caroline glanced at her watch. "Three-Forty."

Brendan nodded, walking around her towards the staircase. "Yours is the second on the left!"


After entering the room, Brendan paused to check his surroundings.

He had a slightly cluttered desk in the top left corner, the blue-covered bed lay against the wall on the bottom left corner. set up against the bannister of the staircase was a large television on a small, long stand. His various games were cleanly and safely in the drawers, with the gaming console on the left. His massive Snorlax beanbag dominated the centre of his large, blue rug and the bottom right corner it was in. His green footrest and purple cushion was tucked safely behind the squishy pokemon seat.

To his right at the top of the stairs, was a map of the region framed in a wooden brown which blends with the colours of the room; simple beige wallpaper, wooden supports splitting it into sections, with the blue curtains, rug, bed and even the simple desk chair. His cupboard and drawers still needed added, along with other nick-knacks, but there was plenty of room for them.

He then noticed his bin at the foot of his bed. That was supposed to be at the drawers, but Caroline tended to move it to his bed, as he usually was sketching on it before sleep, and instead of the floor around it hosting crumpled pieces of paper, different failings scribbled on, she usually moved his bin there.

Sighing in exasperation at his mother, the teen walked slowly towards the basic blue and white clock beside the map. Taking it off the mount, he adjusted the dials on the back, occasionally correcting it after going too far or little after glances to the face and his watch.

"Three forty... two." He says finally, placing it back on it's hook.

"Done." He hummed, glancing about. He should probably go back downstairs and see what he could help with.

"How do you like your new room, Brendan?" Was suddenly asked to his right.

Startled, he twitched, only to frown and roll his eyes at his mother.

"Try not to do that, please?" He groaned. She simply chuckled. "And yeah, it's nice. Plenty of space." He added with another look around.

"Good!" Everything's put away neatly!" She explained.

"They finished moving everything in downstairs too, just need your closet and drawers put in but Nick'll get that."

She grinned at my rather surprised look at the quickness of the work.

"It really is nice having Pokemon around to help us!" She laughed. "Oh, but you should make sure that everything's all there on your desk." She added, before going back down the stairs.

Brendan hesitantly walked over to the open journal, heart sinking at the thought of his mother going through it. It's not that it has anything... Truly private, but... It was his journal. The journal. Everybody had their quirks, and Brendan was no different. He didn't like people going through his things, especially his notebook. The teen had a strange ritual that confused others when they noticed or heard, but it seemed so logical to him. It usually had his plans for that day, usually with time markers. Also, it was filled with his drawings, reminders, ideas and thoughts. It was all purpose for his needs and compulsions. On the latest pages, was his reminders for his, well, plan. For a Journey. A Pokemon Journey.

Directing his train of thoughts from his notebook to letting his mother know that everything was in check.

"Oh Brendan! Brendan! Come quickly!"

Rushing down the stairs, Brendan stopped in front of his mother whom was beside the television.

"It's the Petalburg Gym! Maybe Dad will be on TV!" She quickly explained, turning back.

It was an interview, the man was standing outside a rather large building.

"We brought you this report live from in front of the Petalburg Gym. Next up, a special look at a long-awaited meteor shower in the next star show..."

It cut to adverts.

"Oh... It's already ended." Mother said, confused. "Looks like your dad was on, but we missed his part. What a shame."

Brendan concluded that she must have been skipping through the local channels, getting familiar with the programs when she got to the interview.

"But that reminds me... One of Dad's friends lives in this town, Professor Birch is his name." She explained.

"Yeah, Nick told me." I nodded.

"He lives right next door, so you should go over and introduce yourself." I nodded again, understanding. It was something that was expected, as much as he didn't like it; greeting the neighbours. Brendan just wasn't exactly a people person.

Sighing about the inevitable, he stepped back into the quiet and comforting atmosphere of Littleroot town.


In order of Appearance (So Far, including those mentioned):

Brendan: Sixteen.

Nick: Thirty Five.

Norman (Dad): Thirty Six.

Caroline (Mother): Thirty Four.

Professor Birch: Thirty Five.

Well, that's the end of the first chapter. To be honest, I'm not too sure how well this will be received and if it's worth carrying on. Anything like a review, follow, favourite would help me, knowing that some people are willing to read this. Zinnia will be introduced in the next few chapters, were we were first introduced to her! Until next time!