Main Shipping: PokeShipping (Ash/Misty)

Other Main Shippings: ContestShipping (Drew/May), CavalierShipping (Gary/Dawn), LuckShipping (Brock/Pike Queen Lucy), MockShipping (Paul/Ursula), QuestShipping (Jimmy/Marina), YellowShipping (Ritchie/Casey), and SmartkidShipping (Max/Molly Hale), FlavescentShipping (Trip/Iris), ServiceShipping (Cilan/Bianca), GeekChicShipping (Clemont/Serena)

Several other Shippings

Genre: Adventure/Family

Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon but I do own the plot.

IrishDreamer4: Here's the sequel! Enjoy!

2nd Disclaimer: I don't own Pokemon. I repeat, I do not own Pokemon. If I did, then Ash would have a reunion with Misty already!

Summary: 20 years after the Master Battle, a new journey begins. A young trainer, armed with skill, charm, spirit and friends, aims for the top. Until she meets the Pokemon Master. What secrets will come out?

Prologue

~PKM~

A light wind ruffled the long grass, dancing swiftly among the leaves. Stars scattered the dark-blue sky. Several Pokemon of all types hummed softly, either falling asleep or crowding around a bed of flowers, showering something with attention.

A baby slept sweetly, rested warmly in thornless roses, daisies, violets, lilies, and even baby's breath. Her hair was short, fine, and dark with a pink/purple streak at the front, while her skin was pink. Her pretty dress, filled with ruffles, was dirty with mud and grass stains.

Not quite far from the bundle, a figure stood at edge of a hill.

"I done what it was needed. What else is there for her?" His companion beside him gestured about, making suggestions. "She needs to be with her own kind? Are you suggesting…" A head disapprovingly. "No. We cannot. It's too dangerous. Not for me…for her." A more insistent answer was made. "Then how?"

The blue color of the sky was beginning to bring in a touch of orange and pink. Dawn broke and the baby begun to whimper, waking up. The Pokemon tried to comfort her as she got fussy, promoting the figure to come over and pick her up, lightly rocking her. Although awkward at first with holding a child, he soon found at ease.

The baby's eyes opened, revealing greenish orbs of something so amazing he could not help but marvel at. Her eyes the size of marbles were filled of innocence, of child-like wonder, of curiosity, of such sweetness and love.

"I promise I will take care of you…"

Those sparkling orbs held a sort of magic that captivated him completely. He reluctantly glanced to the magnificent aurora in front of him. The sight was so beautiful, worthy to be held in great honor.

"…Aurora."

"Aurora!"

"Coming!"

His cherished little girl came running up to him with a big, wide, happy smile after playing with the Pokemon. The precious little girl he cared for was no longer a baby. She was a big girl now, wearing a red tank showing her belly, blue surf shorts hitting her kneecaps, and her longer hair loose upon her shoulders.

He made a face, looking her up and down. "Go and get dressed."

Her greenish eyes, usually sparkling, became dangerous slits. "I hate dresses!"

"Go."

"Don't wanna- HEY!" She yelped as a Wigglytuff appeared right behind her, ears slapping her back. "Ok, ok, I'm going, stop hitting me!"

He watched her go inside in a huff. "That attire she had on was much too inappropriate."

"She's only 9! Its perfectly was fine for an active child like Auri, and it would be when she develops you should worry about revealing attires."

"Don't make it any worse before it can happen, Mel!"

He got giggles for an answer.

Moments later, Auri came out of the house, Wigglytuff following her, and wearing a nice light-blue sleeveless dress with a skirt flared out over her knees, red mary-jane shoes, her hair thick with flicks and waves, shining pink and purple, and decorated with a blue bow.

She would've been very pretty instead of just pretty if it wasn't for her frown.

"I hate dresses." She stated angrily again.

"Happy birthday, Auri!"

Her sour mood went away as she started to grin, suddenly bubbling with excitement at the table filled with food, presents and the Pokemon she grew up with and played with.

She reached out for her presents, only to be stopped by Martin. She glared childishly up at him but then blinked as Mel handed her a tall blue box, decorated with a yellow bow. Auri took the present and started shaking it until Mel slapped her hands on the sides.

"Don't do that, you'll break your present." She said, a sweatdrop falling down from her head.

Auri stared at the box, curious of what fragile thing was inside. She torn the top off, unwrapping the paper, and reaching in, carefully grasping something smooth and warm. She gasped at what she pulled out.

An egg.

An egg that's half blue and half black, separated by a zigzag line and a creamy-yellow top.

A Pokemon egg.

Her smile grew and grew and grew. Her eyes widened. She voiced her emotions.

"WOW! A POKEMON EGG!"

"Yes, Aurora." Martin beamed while his little girl stared excitedly at the egg, expecting it to hatch. "You're a year shy from your Pokemon journey, and I-" Mel coughed. "We decided we should present you with an egg. That egg is your responsibility. Its yours to care for and begin your journey with."

"Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you!"

His little girl jumping in grateful delight brought a warm joy in him.

And then she shrieked as the egg suddenly moved.

"What's happening?!" She screamed as the egg had begun to flash and shake.

"Its hatching!" Mel explained in an exclamation.

"Your partner is being born, Aurora." Martin explained more calmly.

Auri held the shaking, glowing egg in her hands, watching it slowly change shape.

Then in one last bright flash, a new Pokemon appeared in her arms, all curled up and asleep.

"Wow…" She breathed in awe, actually calm instead of her usual excitement.

Her first Pokemon was small and dog-like, blue with a short tail, short pointy ears, black legs and torso, a cream-colored collar, and two small black appendages on its head like long flappy ears. Interestingly, it had rounded steel bumps on the backs of its forepaws and a black 'mask' across its closed eyes.

"It's an adorable little Riolu!"

"And a healthy one by the shine of his fur."

Riolu whimpered in his sleep, coming out of his dream. After a little moving around, Riolu slowly opened his red eyes, the blurry vision slowly becoming clear, seeing Auri smiling face for the first time.

The Baby Pokemon blinked up at her, making a cute babyish sound.

"Hi." She said calmly, totally amazed by his birth. "I'm Auri."

"Rio…ri…" The baby Pokemon repeated in its baby Pokemon words.

"Au…ri…"

"I'm gonna name you…" She pondered for a suitable name for a minute until she selected the perfect one. "Leo!"

"Ri…o? Rio!"

"Le…o? Leo!"

"We're gonna be best friends." She cradled Leo gently. "Leo."

"Riori."

"Auri."

Leo's arms reached up to her. She smiled and hugged him closely yet very gently. A friendship was in bloom…

"Smile!"

Mel snapped a picture of the new partners from a flash camera.

The bright, blinding light took Leo by surprise. His appendages jumped up, his eyes widened…

"WAAAAHHHHHHHH!"

Leo jumped away and right into Auri's face. She shrieked in surprise. Leo clung onto her, crying her name, water squirting out of his eyes like water fountains.

"Auri, Auri, Auri, Auri! Wahhhh….!"

"Hey, hey, hey! Calm down! It was just a picture!" She tried to soothe him, rubbing his back. "Geez…"

"Nicely done, Mel." Martin deadpanned.

Mel giggled nervously while she blushed pink in embarrassment. "Opps." She watched her child struggle with the baby Riolu and commented on it. "This isn't going to be easy for her."

"A trainer's journey is never easy." Martin grumbled, standing up and walking over, towering over her, scaring Leo even more. "He seem to be skittish."

"You mean jumpy." She groaned, getting annoyed by his scaredy antics. "Why do I have to have a crybaby?"

"Because he is a baby." He knelt down to her level, laying a hand on her shoulder. "He is like you…naïve, inexperienced, possess no idea of what is the world outside your home is like. Aurora…A Pokemon is many things; a friend, enemy, helper, destroyer. They can be anything. But never a tool. Don't give up on him or any other Pokemon simply because of one flaw. It can be its greatest strength. And never use a Pokemon purely for selfish reasons."

Aurora blinked. "…OK." Then she got determined, inspiration sparking within her. "I'll raised Leo to be the strongest Pokemon ever and I'll be the greatest trainer ever!"

Martin chuckled. Such innocence. He will let her be naïve for now and just worry about caring for a baby.

The moon was shining down on the little town below dominated by a forest, its light sending a beautiful shimmer through the glassy fields and the wind tossing it restlessly. Strong trees over many years old stood tall, with Pokemon sleeping on the branches.

"Isn't Belita Town just so beautiful at night!" the woman exclaimed as she looked at the beautiful view from the hillside, her big baby-blue eyes sparkling from under her sugar-pink chin-length thin layers. Her very long thin rope-braid flapping in the wind. She smiled brightly. "It's mmphmmph!"

A strong hand was placed over her mouth, making her quiet.

"Mmph!" she said.

"Please be quiet for one second and listen," said the man who was head taller than her. His spiky and raggedy lilac hair covered the left side of his deep purple eyes, a small black cavalier hat placed on his head that tilted slightly to the left. The black cape attached to his shoulders flowing in the wind.

The woman slapped his hand away and cross her arms in front of her chest. She breathed in and her arms fell to her sides. Her eyes closed, her annoyed expression soften. She could hear the wind whistling, its tune amusing the couple.

A beautiful view and a beautiful melody. What can be more perfect?

"Go! Go, go, go!"

The couple's eyes quickly open at the sudden yell. The man turned his head around and looked at the brown-and-white Victorian-style house behind him, his eyes shifted to the left window. Behind the yellow curtain, their child was jumping about, legs kicking, arms swinging, words yelling.

He slapped his hand on his forehead, groaning. "Why does Aurora have to watch a Pokemon battle now? I was having the most peaceful time I had in the last ten years!"

"Oh, Martin, be easy on her." the woman said. "She's just very excited because tomorrow, she starts her Pokemon journey! And by this special occasion, we allowed her watch TV tonight as a treat."

"Well, she shouldn't be, Mel, considering that she need sleep for tomorrow instead of jumping around like a wild Mankey!" the man, Martin, pointed out, referring to the jumping figure.

The woman, Mel, yawned, waving her hand over her mouth, "Speaking of sleep, we should get some rest as well…"

Martin yawned as well, "Perhaps we should…"

"Come on! Beat him!"

"After we put her to sleep."

From behind the yellow cotton curtains, Aurora and Leo jumped on her bed, messing up the red comforter and sending the yellow pillows flying. Her sea green-blue eyes fixed on the blue TV, her spikey, raven hair scattered over her shoulder blades.

"Come on, Gengar! You can win this, just keep on moving!" She shouted.

"Rio riolu ri, riori!" Leo cheered. After a year of nursing, he can stand on his its tippy toes rather than his entire foot.

"You can do it, come on!"

Then, Gengar jumped on its head and released black circles at the Nidorino, causing it to fall asleep.

"Alright, yeah!"

"Yeah!"

The girl jumped onto the floor and went to a yellow bookshelf, which the shelves were filled with Pokemon toys and books. She grabbed a PokeBall.

"Someday, I'll be the best there is!"

She jumped back onto her bed, still fixed on the Poke Ball.

She held up the PokeBall up in the air.

"I'll be... the Pokemon Master!"

The door suddenly flung open and a dark, tall figure, covered in a long black coat that has a black cape over his shoulders.

"Aurora Mewn!"

She screamed as she lost balance and the PokeBall. Leo screamed and hid underneath the bedcovers in fear.

Martin caught the flying PokeBall and opened it, which was a clock displaying a late time. "Its pass your bedtime, Aurora! You need sleep for your coming of age first thing tomorrow!"

Aurora sat cross-legged on her bed, Leo peeping out. "I don't watch TV a lot so I was just savoring the moment."

"Now you can savor in your dreams. Bed. Now."

Aurora grumbled in annoyance but she nonetheless slipped under the cover, Leo snuggling in beside her. Martin turned off the TV and came over her to tuck her in more.

She kissed his cheek. "Goodnight!"

He smiled softly. "Goodnight."

He stayed as she snuggled in more, her breathing becoming slow and steady, sweetly beside her Pokemon partner. It was like she was a baby again. The thought of it made him smile again and kiss her own cheek.

"Sweet dreams, Aurora."

"Aurora! Get up!"

"I'm coming, I'm coming!"

This is it.

Today was the day.

The day Auri would leave her sheltered home and survive on her own in the unknown world.

She ran outside, clutching Leo, dressed and fed and ready to go. She was fired up! But as she was surrounded by the Pokemon she grew up with, and gazed adoringly by her guardians, her excitement drifted to uncertainty.

"Auri?" Mel touched her cheek, staring at her softly. "What's wrong?"

"I don't know…I never left Belita Town before. I used to whine that we never go on vacation but now I'm not sure how I feel."

"I know its overwhelming for you. Its natural to have mixed feelings for this event."

"I really wanna go and be the Pokemon Master! But I don't wanna leave home…"

"You can't become the Pokemon Master if you stay cooped up in the house forever!" Mel giggled. She stroked Auri's face tenderly. "Sweetie, its tough at first but you will grow into it. You love Pokemon. It will be a snap!" She snapped her fingers, making Auri smile.

Mel stepped aside, allowing Martin to knelt down and lay a hand on Auri's shoulder. "Remember, Aurora, strength isn't everything. Pokemon training is very complex and you will learn in time. Remember what I taught you. Pokemon are not tools. Pokemon are your partners." He sighed quite deeply, moving his hand to cascade her cheek. "Aurora, you will face hardships on your quest through life, be it your Pokemon journey or your personal journey. As much I want to protect you and free you of challenges, I must let this be for your own good."

"Good, 'cause you way too overprotective." She quipped teasingly.

He chuckled. They hugged and Auri hugged Mel before the older woman gave her bag, filled with the bare necessities; food, water, PokeDex, six PokeBalls, and clean underwear.

All set and ready to go.

"Goodbye! I'll call you when I get to Viridian City!"

Mel, Martin and their Pokemon waved her and Leo goodbye as they watch her go, disappearing down the path.

Mel took a deep, deep breath in and sheared a tear. "She'll do us proud."

"I know she will." Martin nodded. "We knew this day will come, whatever we want it to or not. All we can do is let faith lead us…and her to her destiny."

"Trainers typically use a Pokemon they already have in their possession, partner or previous caught, to catch another Pokemon."

"Now it tells me."Auri moaned as she gripped her red PokeDex.

The Pidgey she wanted flew off, irritating her even more.

"It would be easier if my partner would help me!" She yelled over her shoulder.

Leo was hiding behind a tree, too scared to battle a wild Pidgey! She sweatdropped. She almost forgot that Leo was scared of everything.

She groaned out loud and headed over to the tree. "Come on, Leo. You can't be scared of everything for the rest of your life." Leo only whimpered and hid himself more behind the trunk. "Leo!" She groaned once more. "What am I gonna do?"

Then her eyes lit up. She turned away, digging through her bag and pulled out something that made her grin. Leo peeped curiously, watching her bend down to his level and quickly tied a red handkerchief around his neck, knotted at the right side.

"Maybe this will give you confidence. What cha think?"

Leo cheered and jumped up to her. "Ri riolu!"

"I love it!"

Auri smiled back. "That's good! Wanna try again?"

Leo nodded eagerly.

After a few minutes of walking, they found a Weedle crawling in the grass.

"Ok, Leo, use Quick Attack!"

Leo answered at her command, running at impressive speed in a white streak. But then Weedle simply used String Shot, missing Leo barely but it was enough to scare him and made him ran off crying and hiding behind Auri's legs.

She sweatdropped once more. "Never mind, buddy, I got it!"

Auri threw a PokeBall at Weedle, so hard it went flying into a treetop instead. And it hit something.

A Beedrill popped out. An angry one.

"Opps."

More Beedrill appeared.

"Uh oh."

She quickly up Leo and ran.

The Beedrill chased her through the woods. She ran as fast as she could. A light rain started falling on her. The Beedrill even attacked her with Twineedle!

She liked all Pokemon, including Bug types. Just not when they're attacking her! A lifetime of growing up with Pokemon being loved by Pokemon, and loving Pokemon in return…she wasn't prepared for this!

Eventually she lost the flock but knew she can't run forever. So she stopped and carefully placed Leo down.

"Leo, you have to get into your PokeBall!" She said as she took out and enlarged her PokeBall with one click.

"Rio?"

"What?"

She placed the PokeBall down, just at his feet. "I know you hate it in there but you'll be safe. I'll hold the Beedrill off while you get in."

"Ri?" Leo squeaked.

"Just do it!" She demanded, making him jump. With a hard and determined look on her, she stood up, turned and spread her arms out, shielding Leo from the Beedrill flying straight towards her.

Leo stared up at the back of the girl who raised him, who's patience he tested but she nonetheless put up with his crybaby ways. This wonderfully caring, selfless and brave girl was injured protecting scared little him.

Auri shut her eyes and braced herself for the attack…

She heard Leo cried out but not in the typical wail.

"Ri…io…RRRRIIIIIIIIII!"

It sounded like…a move, an attack.

She opened her eyes and gasped.

Leo was in the air, limbs stretched out, bright yellow electricity shooting out of him, shocking the Beedrill. Because of the storm brewing, the electricity of Leo's mysterious attack spread everywhere!

It was frightening. It was bizarre. It was amazing.

"My Fighting-type is also an Electric-type…"

The defeated Beedrill dropped down in burnt crisps and zoomed off as soon their wings twitched. Leo dropped down too like a stone. Auri yelped and leapt to catch him. She cradled him gently, feeling like her newly turned 9-year-old self again, holding her best friend for the first time.

She gazed on him softly. "Leo…You saved me…"

Leo, extremely exhausted, peered up just as he did when he was born, seeing Auri for the first time. He made a very cute, "Ri…"

His electric-type power was a mystery. Questions rushed around in her mind. Why does he have it? Suddenly she got scared, seeing images of Leo in a cage with scary scientists callously experimentally on him.

"Martin always said 'a secret is best kept unless the time is right'. So we won't tell anyone until you mastered it."

Thunder stroke loudly. There was a thunderstorm coming. No time to waste.

"Come on. I have to get you help." Auri clutched Leo to her chest and ran, ran as fast as she could.

Eventually she got out of the dangerous woods and saw a town up ahead. As she was running, she glanced up and saw something else. A red, white, green and gold flying Pokemon, shimmering in the sky as the storm cleared up. It was a magnificent Pokemon. But she was occupied with her own to check her PokeDex for identification.

Suddenly she was yanked by the collar, stopping her run for help.

"Hey! What the-"

"Hold it right there, missy!"

Auri furiously turned around. A young woman was grabbing hold of her jacket's collar with a fierce, stern personality shown in her eyes and face. Her hair was light teal-green and very short, just above her ears and her eyes were a light hazel-brown. On her head was a light-tan hat, where the visor face was dark navy, and the front had a yellow oval with a dark navy curve on it. She was wearing a light-tan, short-sleeved and collared dress in a military style that ended halfway to her knees and fitted her like a glove, with pockets on her chest, and dark-navy stripes on the shoulders and hem of the sleeves. A dark-navy tie under the collar, a dark-navy belt with a rectangular yellow buckle fastens around her waist, dark-navy loafers on her feet, and white gloves on her hands.

"You're over the walking speed limit, young lady. I have to-"

"I was running because I have my hurt Riolu to a Pokemon Centre!"

The woman peered at Leo, her fierceness softening to understanding. "Oh I'm sorry. No wonder you're in a hurry."

"I need to get to the nearest Pokemon Centre right away."

"Let me see your PokeDex."

"My PokeDex?"

"I have to check if you're a registered trainer and what Pokemon you have. Unless you stole Riolu!"

"Uh, sure. OK, here."

Auri simply handed the overzealous officer her red PokeDex. The lady took it and listened to it.

"Hello, I am a Pokedex programmed by Professor Blackwood for Pokémon Trainer Aurora Mewn of Belita Town. My function is to provide Aurora with the information and advice regarding Pokémon and their training. If lost or stolen, I cannot be replaced. Aurora Mewn's partner Pokemon is Riolu and she has no other Pokemon currently."

"Well, you're cleared." Officer Jenny said, handing the girl back her PokeDex. Then she pulled up and threw a long leg over a motorcycle. "Hop on, I'll get you there."

Auri obliged. Officer Jenny at a fast yet safe speed, quickly pulling up to a Pokemon Centre.

"Thanks!" Auri shouted just as she hopped off, ran towards the doors and barged through.

A nurse was behind the desk, talking to a girl before they were suddenly interrupted. A wooden-carved picture of the Pokemon she saw in the newly cleared sky. The girl twirled. She gasped at the sight of Auri, her hand planted over her heart.

"My Riolu's hurt! Help!" Auri cried.

"Oh mine!" The nurse hurried over. Her magenta-pink hair was in two perfect, pigtailed loops that settled neatly on her shoulders and bright blue eyes that seem to say 'hello', or in this case, 'worry'. She was in a peach dress with short puffy sleeves and a white apron around her waist with a big bow at the back. Her dress went all the way down to her knees and the skirt was a bell shape, so she was able to move. The collar wrapped around her neck with a white button in the middle, and then two more white buttons went down her chest. A white nurse hat had a light-orange medical cross was perched on her head. On her legs, she wore long, white stockings and peach shoes with white soles and a white button on the strap.

She took Leo right away, already disappearing behind white doors. Auri watched her go, worried for Leo. She hoped Nurse Joy will heal him soon as possible. She wanted him back, even as a scaredy crybaby. He really scared her when he saved her. She almost thought she lost him.

"Oh my gosh, you're the hurt!" The girl exclaimed.

Auri glanced down on herself. Her exposing skin were scattered with marks from the Twineedle. She glanced up, the girl looking through her own bag.

Then the girl smiled as she beheld a cream and a roll of bandages.

"I'm Natasha Harrison. What's yours?"

"I'm Auri Mewn from Belita Town. I've just turned 10 and I wanna be the Pokemon Master."

"Belita Town, huh?" The girls sat down. Natasha started rubbing her skin with the cream. "I don't think I've heard of it."

"I'm trying to get to Viridian City."

Natasha smiled, bandaging her arms and legs. "Well, you're in luck. You're here and I live in Viridian City."

Soon, Nurse Joy returned with a smile and a healed Riolu.

"Leo!" Auri cried.

Their partners jumped at the same time, meeting halfway in a hug.

Not the start Auri originally pictured for her dream journey. She got a rocky beginning instead. But she didn't mind anymore. She was still young and gusty, and still a lot to learn as Martin had said.

Wonder what else will happen on her journey?