Disclaimer: I don't own pokémon.
This story is the rewrite of the disaster of a novel I wrote before! No aura or phoenix stuff in this. Pure pokémon travelling. Please R&R to show your love and support!
Do you want to know how I sound? The link is down below!
watch?v=TyC2-BqHKXk
Xxx
The Beginning.
Pallet Town, the town of new beginnings, the place where kids who completed their first decade could start their journey by passing through an exam made by the respected prodigy Professor Oak.
The reason Pallet Town existed was due to the lab that stood above the small peaceful settlement. Protected by the dangers and threats in the real world by the Professor's presence alone.
In his lab worked two capable individuals, namely Ash Ketchum and Cynthia Carolina. Ash Ketchum was a black-haired ten year old male with chocolate brown eyes. He had a happy-go lucky attitude all the time and it was very hard to piss him off.
Cynthia Carolina was an aspiring professor that wanted the answers to questions not normally found. Not wanting to stick to books and a small lab, she wanted to find her answers through Pokémon Battling. She was a tall, slender blonde with piercing grey eyes.
The two had met when Ash had decided to become a field researcher for Oak for the simple sake of knowledge. He worked hard and Cynthia showed him the ropes.
Now, both were about to go into the wild expanses of Kanto and possibly the world. Both had turned ten a few days ago but the new batch of pokémon had yet to arrive.
Ash, done passing food to the pokémon in the ranch, got up and wiped the sweat off his brow. Looking at the time on his watch, Ash walked back to the main lab from the corral.
"Hey Ash." Cynthia greeted in her Sinnovan accent as they met on the way. "What's the time?"
"About Seven PM." Ash replied. "It's time to retreat." They entered the laboratory and met the Professor sorting through some papers.
"You two done?" They asked. Ash and Cynthia nodded. "Good. Work is over for today. Come early tomorrow and make sure to bring all of your supplies. I think it's time to start your journey."
"Really?" Ash questioned in surprise. Oak nodded with a smile on his face. "About time!" Ash jumped up in excitement. Cynthia was a bit more reserved but the excitement was evident on her face as well.
"All that is left is your test which will be conducted tomorrow. Be prepared." He warned. "I have no doubt you both will pass with flying colors but just to be safe."
Ash and Cynthia, while confused, nodded and walked away with an excited look. That didn't let the nagging suspicion of something to be on the top of their head.
"Professor Oak was putting extra emphasis on the being prepared part." Cynthia mentioned as they walked the path leading to their homes. "You think he has something prepared?"
"Maybe." Ash shrugged. "But if he has, I'm pretty sure he trusts us to pass. And we will."
On the way, where their paths would split, Cynthia and Ash looked at each other.
"Let's settle this rivalry and begin a new one with the test." Cynthia told him. "The one with more marks wins."
"Sounds good to me." Ash and Cynthia quickly exchanged a handshake and Ash retreated back to his home, a simple two story house with a small backyard consisting of a garden.
Entering inside, Ash quickly called out. "Mom! I'm home!" Ash's mom, Delia Ketchum, quickly embraced her son in a hug. She was the same like Ash, just having long auburn hair instead.
"How was the day?" She asked Ash. Ash smiled and quickly began to ramble on about how his day had gone and the fun he had with Eevee and Cynthia.
Delia in her mind knew how Cynthia felt. She was a bit of a loner when she came into Pallet Town with her family and was more focused on studies than activities. That didn't mean she wasn't fit. She exercised at home to stay in shape and be prepared for her job.
Ash had slowly eased her into the Pallet Crew consisting of his forever rival Gary Oak and Leaf Verdant, the daughter of her good friend Rose. Cynthia was a bit reserved at first but slowly opened up to them.
"Oh. So you're ready to start your journey tomorrow." Delia nodded. "I have no doubt you'll pass in the test easily but be prepared."
"I will mom." Ash promised. "Now, what's for dinner? I'm tired." Delia nodded and after a good night meal, let him retire to his bedroom.
"Remember everything Professor Oak has taught you Ash." Delia told him. "Never doubt yourself and you'll succeed in your dreams Ash."
"Don't worry mom." Ash spoke up with a determined look. "You'll be proud to call me your son one day. Mark it." Delia teasingly tickled the raven-haired boy making him chuckle.
"I know Ash." Delia got up from his bed and walked away. On the way, she closed the door but not before whispering. "Good night Ash." She then closed the door and the lights in his room.
Ash immediately entered the dream regions after that.
Xxx
"Cynthia!" The blonde's mom yelled out. "Go sleep! I don't want you all lazy and sleepy on your big day!"
"I will mom!" Cynthia replied. "I'm just revising my notes!" There was an audible sigh from below.
"Just remember to sleep early." She ordered before going to her own room to retire. Cynthia stretched lazily and snapped her neck to get rid of any aches.
She thought about the test tomorrow and Ash. They would finally begin their journeys! That is, if they passed the test. The League didn't make it necessarily hard but they didn't leave it as a piece of cake as well.
"Maybe I'm overthinking things." Cynthia muttered as he quickly arranged her notes and placed them in the drawer next to her. Checking up to make sure everything was in her bag, Cynthia nodded.
Quickly untying her hair to be free, she switched off the lights and lay comfortably on the bed. Snuggling to her blanket, she entered the dream regions as well.
'I hope that I'm prepared enough.' Was her last thought.
Xxx
The sun shone brightly and the chirping of Pidgey and Spearow made Ash stir in his bed. Yawning loudly, Ash stretched and got up lazily. Then he remembered how important the day was and scrambled around to get ready.
In the case of our other protagonist, Cynthia was dressing up after getting ready. She originally wanted to wear the thick fur coat that suited her but settled for a black shirt and fitting black pants with a black belt.
Over them was a black waistcoat with golden edges unzipped. Cynthia brushed her blonde mane carefully as she thought over everything she had revised last night.
'Eevee can evolve into eight forms. Flareon, Vaporeon, Jolteon, Espeon, Umbreon, Leafeon, Glaceon, and Slyveon.' Cynthia thought over. 'The final typing of a Charizard is Fire/Flying. Blastoise remains pure water while Venasaur is a Grass/Poison from the starting.'
Ash ran downwards, fully prepared in his Kanto Journey clothes. Setting his moderately weighing bag next to his chair, Ash began to eat his food at a good pace.
"Are you all prepared for the test?" Delia questioned him. Ash nodded. "What's the cure for poisoning?"
"Antidote." Ash quickly replied. "For more severe cases of poisoning, visit the Pokémon Center after applying an Antidote."
"How to know when a Charmander is pushing itself too hard?"
"Check his tail flame." Ash countered smoothly. "The flame is his sign of healthiness."
"Real reason to become a trainer?"
"To become the best like no one ever was." Ash told her.
"How to treat pokémon?"
"With love and care."
"What to do when you find someone poaching or abusing pokémon?" Ash paused at that question.
"Report the authorities." He answered to the delight of Delia. "However, if the scene is too severe in the case of the pokémon dying, intervene." His mom sighed at that.
"Ash." She began. "I know you care a lot about pokémon but I can't let you go on a journey without making sure you're completely prepared. Always report the authorities first and then make your move. Proceed with caution."
"I know mom." Ash said and finished his breakfast. Jumping to his feet, Ash shouldered his bag. "Are you heading to the lab?"
"Yeah. I'm coming." She responded. "You go there first. I have to finish up watering the plants." Ash nodded and, after hugging his mom goodbye, walked out of the Ketchum Residency.
Cynthia quickly checked the time on the clock hung at the wall and found it the time the Professor mentioned. Getting up, she slung her bag over her neck and walked out of her home.
'Venasaur is best to incapacitate the opposing foes with its various status moves while Blastoise is a tank with water capable of cutting through metal. Charizard are known for their angriness and the savageness normally found in dragon types. If one wants to hurt you, there are many ways to achieve it.' Cynthia memorized.
On the way, she spotted Ash arriving from his own home and waved at him. Ash spotted her and increased his pace to catch up with her. "Are you ready for the test?"
"Yup." Ash answered. "I don't think it's anything too hard. It'll be a piece of cake." Ash told her.
"Maybe." Cynthia stressed. "Don't you think Professor Oak put emphasis due to a reason?"
"Eh. You think too much!" Ash chided. "Here we are." The two stood outside the entrance to the lab. Quickly climbing up the stairs, they knocked on the door.
"Coming." Came the reply. The duo waited before the door opened. Professor Oak came out, hair a bit ruffled and posture a little tired. "Hello to be trainers." He chuckled.
"Hello professor." Ash greeted. "May we come in?" Professor Oak stepped aside and the two walked in. Professor Oak closed the door behind them and quickly signaled one of the researchers on his lab to bring something.
"So, ready for your test?" The Pokémon Authority asked. Ash and Cynthia nodded excitedly. "Good, sit on separate couches on the lobby. I'm bringing your papers there."
"Nervous?" Ash asked the blonde who looked slightly worried.
"A little." She admitted. "Good luck. You'll need it." She challenged.
"Oh please!" Ash grinned. "You'll need it instead!" Ash retaliated. Cynthia wisely didn't reply and waited for her paper. She didn't have to wait long and began to scribble down answers.
Ash wisely started to fill out his paper, thinking to the best of his ability at the little tricky questions the professor had made.
Q: If you fight against an Electric Type and have a Pidgeot and a Rhydon in disposal, who will you send out?
Ash quickly thought before scribbling down Rhydon given its Ground Typing. This one was easy.
Q: Which Pokémon has the most Evolutions? Extra marks to name the evolutions.
Ash jotted down Eevee and began to write down all of her evolutions. Hell if he'll forget that!
Q: If your pokémon is being abused by a poacher what is your duty?
Cynthia chewed on the back of her pencil thoughtfully before imagining herself in such a position. She found her answer immediately. She'll intervene and protect her pokémon with her life.
Q: When someone sends out a pokémon nor weak nor strong against your pokémon, what should you do?
This was a bit hard. If someone did that, they must have some reason. So, she wrote down that she might play safe and substitute her pokémon.
The two quickly finished the exam consisting of twenty-five such questions simultaneously and put down the pen. "Done?" The assistant asked. The duo nodded.
Taking their papers, the assistant walked off to check them while they waited. "How was it?" Cynthia asked him.
"Easy! I told you not to worry." Ash grinned. The blonde exhaled in relief.
"Let's wait for the results first." She told him. "Don't count your eggs before they hatch." Ash's smile didn't leave but it did lessen.
"What a bummer." He complained. "Anyway, I was wondering if you would like to travel with me once we get our papers." Cynthia looked at him in confusion.
"I was planning that from the start." She replied. "What were you thinking?"
"I thought maybe you would like to travel at your own pace." Ash rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. Cynthia rolled her eyes at that.
"Nah. I'm okay with travelling with you. Besides, if it doesn't work out, we'll split from there." Cynthia told him.
"Sounds good." Ash cracked his neck. The rest of the time was spent in silence as they waited for the results patiently. Cynthia was hesitant about something before swallowing. No need to show her insecurity to everyone.
"Ash Ketchum? Cynthia Carolina?" The assistant read the names. "I'm pleased to tell you that you have both succeeded with flying colors!" The excited grin on their faces was visible even to the blinded.
"Alright!" Ash cheered. They could go on their pokémon journey now! Cynthia did a silent whoop as well.
"What are the marks?" Cynthia asked curiously.
"Ash Ketchum has scored twenty three out of twenty five. A great score I may say." The assistant told him. Ash nodded. "Cynthia Carolina has scored twenty four out of twenty five!"
Cynthia couldn't bottle the feeling of excitement in her stomach any longer and punched the air repeatedly. "I won! I won!" She repeated continuously.
The assistant and Ash chuckled at her enthusiasm and couldn't help the amused look they sported. Ash felt a bit down about his narrow defeat but couldn't care about it. Cynthia's happiness was more important to him.
"Well, well." An aged voice chuckled. Cynthia, Ash, and the assistant turned to see Professor Oak walking in, two pokéballs in hand. "Looks like the tough façade is finally broken."
Cynthia blushed a crimson red at that while Ash barely muffled his laughter. The blonde shot him an angry grin which he returned by sticking his tongue out.
"Now." Professor Oak began sternly making them stop. "I wanted to offer you the normal trio of starters but unfortunately the delivery is not to come for a while."
"However," His voice continued seeing the disappointed look on their faces. "I brought in a few favors and have got two pokémon to start your journey."
"Really?" They asked in sync. Oak nodded. He threw the pokéballs and an Eevee and a pale yellow colored quadruped fox pokémon materialized.
"What's that?" Cynthia muttered in confusion. She never saw a pokémon like that despite studying intensively with Professor Oak.
"That's a Fenniken." Oak elaborated. "A Fire Type that evolves into Braixen and later Delphox which is a Fire/Psychic Type."
"Oh." Cynthia mumbled. She looked at the Eevee sitting calmly on its haunches and then at Fenniken.
"Now, who wants to choose first?" Oak asked. Ash and Cynthia exchanged a look with each other at the question.
"Ladies First." Ash broke the silence. Cynthia nodded and stepped forwards. Analyzing both Eevee and Fenniken, she did a mental game in her head.
The counter stopped on Fenniken and she decided to choose it. "I Choose Fenniken." Oak and Ash nodded. That was just fine with the latter.
"Then I Choose Eevee." Ash kneeled in front of the Evolution Pokémon and scooped it into a hug. "Want to come on a journey with me to be the best?"
Eevee nodded and nuzzled her face against Ash's face making him chuckle. Cynthia did the same and offered Fenniken her palm. Fenniken sniffed it experimentally before licking it. Finding Cynthia to be harmless, she rubbed her head on her hand.
"We'll be the best Fenniken." Cynthia promised. Fenniken nodded and jumped on her shoulder. Cynthia adjusted to the added weight and stood up straighter.
"First of all, congratulations at officially becoming Pokémon Trainers!" Oak spoke out. Both nodded with excitement. "Now, here are your pokedex and pokéballs."
Six pokéballs and a pokedex was handed to the trainers, Cynthia's being a black with golden outlines to match her appearance while Ash's was a half white color.
"Let's scan them first." Ash pointed his pokedex to Eevee who curiously looked into the camera.
"Eevee the Evolution Pokémon. Possessing an unstable genetic makeup, it can evolve into many different forms depending on its environment. This Eevee is Female and has the ability Adaptability. It knows the following moves: Quick Attack, Sand Attack, and Shadow Ball. Egg Move is Detect which has not been unlocked."
"I'll do it as well." Cynthia murmured and pointed her pokedex towards Fenniken.
"Fenniken the Fox Pokémon. Eating a twig fills it with energy and it intimidates opponents by puffing hot air out of her ears. This Fenniken is Female and has the ability Blaze. It knows the following moves: Scratch, Hypnosis, and Ember. Egg Move is Heat Wave which has not been unlocked."
"Those are some moves." Cynthia muttered. Pocketing her pokedex, she turned to see Oak and the assistant. "Thanks for this Professor."
"Yeah." Ash chimed in.
"No need to thank me. You don't know how much you both helped me these past days." He smiled thankfully. "Now go into the world and show them just how strong my students can be."
"We will." Ash vowed. Turning to Cynthia, he gestured her to go. "Let's move then. We have to show them-"
"No need!" Ash and Cynthia turned to see Delia Ketchum and Sophie Carolina walking towards them.
"Hey mom." Cynthia greeted a little awkwardly while Ash enveloped his mom in a hug as best as he could. Sophie enveloped her daughter in a hug, running her fingers through her hair.
"I know we've not always been on good terms," Sophie whispered. "But all I want you to know is that I've always loved you and always will. Go into the world, I won't stop you, but make a promise."
Cynthia was confused at that. "What promise mom?" She asked voice a bit muffled since her face was buried in her blouse.
"That you'll never leave me." A tear slid down Sophie's cheek. Cynthia felt her eyes get wet but forced the tears back.
"I promise mom." She spoke. Sophie broke the hug and kissed Cynthia goodbye on the forehead. "And when we meet next time, you'll see your daughter in a new light."
"For me dear, you're always special." With all the goodbyes done, Ash and Cynthia wiped their face of any tears, spilled or not.
"Now my dear students," Oak spoke, voice filled with pride. "Go into the world of pokémon and mark your names in its history!" Ash and Cynthia bid their final goodbyes before walking out of the lab.
"Don't worry you two," Oak assured them. "I've trained them well. If anything, their foes should worry more about crossing paths with the two."
"I hope you're right." Delia spoke, a clenched fist near her heart.
Xxx
"So," Ash began. "What are your first thoughts on becoming a trainer?" Ash asked the blonde next to him. It was only a few minutes after they had departed.
"Mine?" Cynthia inquired. Ash gave an affirmative. "That's a good question." Cynthia grabbed her chin with her slim fingers.
"Seriously? All this suspense and the first thing you say is you want to think about it?" Ash asked in surprise.
"What? I don't know everything!" Cynthia protested. Ash shook his head.
"Somethings never change." Ash commented. Cynthia glared at him in annoyance to which he replied by whistling innocently. The blonde then scratched Fenniken's ear who was conversing with Eevee.
The Fox Pokémon perked at her touch and purred making Cynthia chuckle. Eevee gave a protest to Ash who chuckled before pulling her into a hug.
"She's a real attention seeker." Cynthia commented making the Evolution Pokémon pout. Ash scratched Eevee behind the ear making her yip in bliss.
"So is your Fenniken." Ash shot back. Cynthia looked up to see Fenniken giving her the cute eyes. She couldn't resist and pulled her into a hug.
"I think she has Baby-Doll Eyes as a move." Cynthia joked. Fenniken blew hot air from her ears making Cynthia wince. Fenniken jumped from her hold and yipped at Eevee who yipped back and jumped from Ash's grip.
The two began to play tag making their trainers chuckle at the antics. "They sure are feisty."
"I double on that." Ash answered grinning. The next few minutes were spent in silence before Cynthia smiled.
"So…" She drawled. "About my victory?"
"Yeah, yeah." Ash grumbled. "Laugh it up." Cynthia did as he said. "You won by one mark! That's barely winning!"
"A win is a win Ash. You should know that." Cynthia countered teasingly.
"Yeah right." Ash rolled his eyes sarcastically. "What about who won the most battle simulations?"
"That doesn't matter!" Cynthia hollered. "The final score does!"
"It matters! Especially when it's more than just one mark!"
"A stupid critical hit doesn't mean anything!" Cynthia argued.
"Better than barely winning." Ash scoffed. The two continued to argue back and forth about it making Eevee and Fenniken look at them curiously.
Fenniken's ears twitched suddenly and she looked around. Eevee gave her a curious look before hearing something as well. The two fox like pokémon yipped at their trainers.
"What is it?" Ash asked. Eevee began to run forwards, Ash and Cynthia following her. The duo of pokémon and trainers began to hear pained yelps and cries.
"Oh no!" Cynthia exclaimed as she saw a small yellow mouse get abused by a flock of Spearow.
"That's a Pichu!" Ash gritted his teeth at the situation. "We cannot fend off a complete flock right now." Ash thought of a way to get the electric type out.
"Ember!" Fenniken howled and unleashed a ball of fire towards one of the Spearow. It narrowly missed them and the targeted avian cawed angrily.
"Shadow Ball!" Ash ordered Eevee. Eevee jumped and unleashed a purplish ball of ghost energy towards Spearow who quickly moved out of the way. "Quick Attack!"
Eevee burst forwards, followed by Fenniken's Embers. She quickly dashed into the crowd, grabbing Pichu by her mouth, and quickly rushed out from the opposite side.
The embers struck the Spearow targeting her and made them stumble. Eevee quickly made her getaway and skid to a stop in front of the duo. "Get away while you still can." Ash spoke boldly.
The Spearow cawed and flew towards them making Ash wince. That went well. Preparing for the sharp talons to touch him, Ash closed his eyes.
"Ember!" Ash gave Cynthia a flabbergasted look as she threw a bottle of repel in front of them. Fenniken fired off Embers hastily, one of them hitting the repel.
The bottle exploded violently, spreading a stinking stench that made the Spearow recoil. "Shadow Balls!" Eevee yipped and began to launch the spheres, striking the Spearow in barrages.
"Hypnosis!" Cynthia spread her arm out. Fenniken's ears stood up and psychic waves rolled off her, washing over the Flying Types and making them fall unconscious.
"Great job!" Ash complimented. "Let's go now!" Ash quickly returned Eevee back to her pokéball and, scooping Pichu up, began to dash from the spot. Cynthia followed him a second later after returning her starter.
The two ran on for how long theirs legs could carry them before slowing down. Collapsing on their knees, the two huffed and puffed as their lungs demanded air.
"I think we left them behind." Ash stated. He looked at the beaten Pichu in his arms and unstrapped his bag. Fishing out a potion, he began to spray it over his wounds.
"You could've warned me." Ash told Cynthia with an accusing look.
"Direct approach worked better didn't it?" Cynthia asked him. "What else did you think we should've done?"
"I didn't say that." Ash defended. "I'm just saying that maybe you could've told me about it or at least signaled me before proceeding."
"Sorry about that." Cynthia replied, having the grace to be embarrassed.
"We learn from mistakes." Ash told her. The Pichu in front of him began to stir and Ash stepped away from him. Sitting on his knees and trying to make himself as short as he can in front of the Pichu, Ash smiled.
The Electric Mouse Pokémon stirred before getting up. Looking around, he spotted Ash and cautiously took a step back. "Hey! No need to get all alarmed." Ash told him.
Remembering the lessons Professor Oak told him, Ash calmly waited for the Pichu to completely regain his bearings. The small yellow mouse walked forwards, sniffing his hand before delivering a mild shock to Ash.
The trainer's body seized up for a moment at the attack and Ash fell on his butt making the Pichu and Cynthia snicker. "I think he likes you." Cynthia remarked between chuckles.
"Same here." Ash got up and looked at the Pichu with a curious look. "So, want to come with me on the path to become the best?" Pichu considered it for a few moments.
Ash let out Eevee to get Pichu more comfortable with him. The Evolution Pokémon walked over to Pichu before nuzzling him. The Electric Mouse Pokémon quickly back stepped, sparking up electricity to make himself look intimidating.
Eevee giggled at his rather cute attempt to scare her and walked forwards. She brushed his face with her tail making the mouse giggle at the ticklish feeling.
"Back." Ash ordered. Eevee walked back, leaving Pichu alone. "So Pichu, want to become my first capture?" Pichu nodded excitedly, jumping up and down.
Ash reached for one of the pokéballs Professor Oak had given him and tossed it towards Pichu gently. The baby was hit on the head and sucked inside the sphere in a flash of red.
The ball touched the grass and wobbled twice before dinging. Ash smirked and picked up the pokéball, looking at it proudly. "My first capture," He glanced at Cynthia. "Before you." He added teasingly.
"I'll get my first capture soon enough." Cynthia retorted. Eevee pawed at Ash's pants and gave him a pleading look. Ash released Pichu and the two began to play.
Cynthia released her starter, Fenniken, as well and she joined in on the games. "Let's take a break and eat." She suggested. Ash nodded and rummaged through his bag.
Fishing out two sandwiches, he handed one to Cynthia who, even after politely trying to decline, took it and kept the other to himself. The blonde quickly served the food for the pokémon.
Fenniken, Eevee, and Pichu walked over, eating the food at a leisure pace. Everyone except Pichu, that is. The Electric Type ate at a Tauros's pace and ended up chocking.
Ash quickly opened a water bottle and poured some of it down his throat, careful not to drown him, and Pichu managed to down his chocked food.
"Be careful Pichu." Ash chided. "Eevee, help him please." Eevee was glad to oblige and began to explain to him. Ash turned to Cynthia and found her lost in thoughts. "What's up?"
"Just thinking about the question you asked me earlier." Cynthia answered. "What is my reason to become a trainer?"
"Did you get your answer?" The raven-haired trainer questioned. Cynthia nodded, grey eyes shining.
"My reason is to be the best, not just in battling or performing but in studies as well. I want to know the theoretical view behind everything and not just mark it as nature. What is pokémon? How did it come into existence? What is our life? Who is the creator?" Ash listened on intently as she began to explain her life goal.
"Many other questions linger around my thoughts and I want to find them through battling." Cynthia summarized. "Plus, I don't want to get stuck in a lab for my whole life going through notes and data while others enjoy the outside world."
"You know," Ash began. "You're a lot more mature and fragile than you let on."
"What do you mean?" Cynthia questioned. Ash smirked.
"You didn't show much emotion at first but slowly opened up to me." Ash stated. "Plus, you know a lot more about everything than you let on. You're sharp, smart, and capable of making plans on the fly."
"That's…" Cynthia blinked. "An awful lot of observation."
"You're not the only one to analyze someone before acting." Ash winked. "Besides, I learned that method from the best." He gestured to the blonde.
"Please!" Cynthia drawled. "We both learned from Professor Oak so stop sugaring me!"
"I'm just kidding." Ash chuckled. "Let's go shall we?" Cynthia nodded and got up. Slinging her bag over her neck, she returned Fenniken. Ash did the same with his two pokémon, deciding on scanning Pichu later, and resumed their walk towards Viridian City.
The sun fell and darkness began to wrap around, spreading tiredness and a promising sleep to travelers. Naturally, Ash and Cynthia felt just like that.
"I think we should stop." Cynthia voiced her thoughts. Ash agreed and spotted a good camping spot a little distance away. The duo quickly reached it and sat on it.
"Today went well." Ash grinned. "Hopefully the rest of the journey goes just like this."
"The chances of that happening are pretty slim." Cynthia sighed while taking off her waistcoat. She pulled out her sleeping bag and spread it on the ground.
"I can dream can't I?" Ash said. He called out Eevee and Pichu out who were sleepy as well. "Hey guys. Do you want to sleep inside the pokéball or outside?"
Eevee asked Pichu who shook his head and clung to Ash. Ash smiled before his body seized up in another tremor. He looked to see Pichu chuckling with small arcs of electricity bouncing off him.
"Why, you little prankster." Ash growled in annoyance. Eevee yipped in Pichu's defense making Ash sigh. "Not you too Eevee." Cynthia quickly handed him a plate of food. "Thanks."
Cynthia rubbed Fenniken's back with her hand, running her slim fingers in her fur. Fenniken purred at that and happily munched on her food. "I'm calling it a night after eating." Cynthia declared.
"Me too." Ash spoke. "Walking for a complete day has really tired and burned me out." The nice comfortable breeze of air made Ash's muscles loosen.
Cynthia quickly finished her plate and, wiping it with a tissue to make sure it was clean, wrapped it up in a plastic wrapper, and placed it in the food section of the bag.
She and Ash had bags which copied the exact mechanisms of a pokéball to store large quantities of food with much of the weight cancelled. A bit expensive but ideal.
"Good night Ash." Cynthia yawned and slid into her sleeping bag, Fenniken snuggling into it. Cynthia hugged her tight, enjoying the Fire Type's warmth, and began to lightly snore.
"Good night." Ash wished back. He opened his sleeping as well and went inside, pulling Eevee and Pichu with him. "Hey guys." He spoke to the sleepy duo. "Do any of you want nicknames?"
Eevee shook her head, declining the thought. She didn't think she wanted one right now while Pichu gave him a confused look. Being in the wild since his birth, he didn't know about the term at all.
"Nicknames means a name that I can call you with. It gives you a separate identity." Ash explained. Pichu nodded at that. "Let me see." Ash thought over. "Bolt?" Pichu shook his head immediately. "Thunder? Yellow? Zeus?" Pichu perked his ears up at the last one.
"Zeus?" He nodded vigorously. "Then Zeus it is." The newly nicknamed Pichu cheered before succumbing to sleep. Ash joined him soon after.
Xxx
"According to this," Cynthia read the map on her pokedex. "We are about three days away from Viridian City." Ash looked at her with a questioning look.
"Really? Three days?" Ash asked her with a deadpan look. "No wonder many trainers quit after only their first year."
"The road to success isn't easy." Cynthia chided. "It's filled with hardships, struggles, and sacrifices."
"Whoa, whoa, whoa! Slow down their philosopher." Ash signaled her to calm down.
"I'm just stating the obvious." Cynthia commented. Ash passed her a grin to clarify he was joking. "How are you enjoying the travel Fenniken?"
Fenniken yipped enthusiastically. She loved it! Cynthia turned to Ash's Eevee and found her playing with Zeus. "She treats him like a younger brother."
"Yeah." Ash nodded. "Zeus's really young and Eevee feels emotionally attached to him."
"When did you name Pichu?" Cynthia asked in surprise.
"Last night." Ash answered. "Now, I'm all for training my pokémon a bit."
"Me too." Cynthia absent mindedly twirled a strand of hair around her finger. "We can fight against a few wild pokémon." She suggested.
"I still haven't scanned Zeus yet." Ash realized. He brought out his pokedex and aimed it towards his first capture.
"Pichu the Tiny Mouse Pokémon. It is not yet skilled at storing electricity and. Any kind of shock causes it to discharge energy spontaneously. This Pichu is Male and has the ability Static. He knows the following moves: Thunder Shock, Nasty Plot, and Thunder Wave. Egg Move is Volt Tackle."
"That's some serious power." Ash blinked. Cynthia besides him looked a little envious.
"He's still young Ash. Imagine how strong he will be once he's fully grown up." Cynthia spoke up. Ash imagined a powerful Raichu standing over formidable foes with his cheeks sparking with electricity.
"That's something." Ash gulped. "So, have you decided on what pokémon to catch?"
"Yeah. I was thinking about one of the Nidoran around. There are many young ones in this season." She looked around in hopes of seeing one.
"I'm pretty sure we'll come across one sooner or later." Ash whistled. "Zeus, are you ready to begin training?" The Electric Type nodded enthusiastically.
"Remember. He's still young." Cynthia chided. Ash sighed in answer.
"I know. If he bites more than he can chew, I'll let Eevee interfere." Cynthia nodded in satisfaction. Ash looked around for an opponent fit for Zeus.
"There!" Ash spotted a lone Pidgey chirping. "Thunder Shock it!" Zeus's fur sparkled before a blast of electricity flew towards the avian. The Pidgey, unaware and caught off-guard, was struck. Shrieking in pain, it dropped to the ground.
"That's some power." Cynthia spoke in a little bit of awe. Ash saw the Pidgey right itself and launch at Zeus in a Quick Attack.
"Thunder Wave to stop it in its tracks!" Zeus gave a growl and another blast left it. Striking Pidgey right in its path, the bird felt its muscles stiffen and couldn't move much at all.
Still, it did collide with Zeus and the two tumbled back. The Tiny Mouse Pokémon accidently let out a discharge which shocked Pidgey further. The damage too much, Zeus's opponent fainted.
"Great job!" Cynthia cheered. Ash turned his cap behind and threw a pokéball forward. It hit the Pidgey on its head and sucked it in. Cynthia was surprised. Ash wanted to catch another pokémon so soon?
"It was paralyzed and badly harmed. Besides, we can use a Flying Type for Viridian Forest." Ash answered her unquestioned question. Cynthia nodded in understanding.
The pokéball dinged to signify Ash's second capture. The Palletian happily jumped over to the still sphere and picked it up. "Great job Zeus. Keep it up!"
Zeus chirped happily, panting a little from the electricity it just discharged. Eevee congratulated him which he replied with a sheepish grin.
"It's my turn now!" Cynthia declared. Fenniken jumped from her shoulder and yipped in turn. "Say Ash. Should I challenge a Spearow?" She asked him teasingly.
"Hell no!" Ash threw his hands up in surrender. "The last time we barely escaped."
"I'm just kidding." Cynthia chuckled, clutching her sides at the look Ash had. It was pure horror. "Hey, do you want to have a battle? One on one?"
Ash finished spraying the Potion over Pidgey and looked at her with a challenging grin. "Why not? Let's mark our new rivalry from here on!" Eevee jumped in front of Ash and bared her fangs.
Fenniken yipped back, taking a battle posture. "Let's hold a battle when we are in Viridian." Cynthia stopped him suddenly. "Let's not tire ourselves out so fast."
Ash was disappointed but gestured Eevee to stand back. "Your wish." He brought out his pokedex and aimed it at Pidgey.
"Pidgey, the Tiny Bird Pokémon. Docile, they avoid fights and usually travel in flocks. Common in Kanto more than any other pokémon. This Pidgey is Female and has the ability Keen Eye. She knows the following moves: Tackle, Quick Attack, Gust, and Sand Attack. Egg Move is Sky Attack."
"That's a nice move set girl." Ash scratched her under the beak. Pidgey cooed in delight. "Don't worry. I'll make you so strong you'll rule the skies. Let's train hard!"
Cynthia chewed her lower lip thoughtfully at how Ash treated her and his pokémon. He wanted to bring the best out of each of them, helping them reach their ambitions while progressing towards his own. He was a true friend. Not many were like him.
"Hello? Earth to Cynthia Carolina!" Cynthia snapped out of her thoughts. "You seem zoned out for a second."
"That was because I was zoned out!" Cynthia retorted with a roll of her eyes. Ash looked around for more wild pokémon to battle. "What are you planning?"
"Looking for pokémon to battle. Eevee and Pidgey want to battle." Ash told her while his eyes never stopped scanning the area. He spotted a Weedle in the bushes but ignored it. Pidgey could defeat it with ease.
"Can we-" She stopped speaking. In front of them was a pink Nidoran. It was sniffing the ground and seemed to be very hungry. Cynthia settled her bag down and pulled out a packet of food.
She placed it a small distance away from them and waited. The Nidoran sniffed the air before finding the food. It made a beeline towards it and, looking around to make sure no one was there, began to munch on it at a fast pace.
Cynthia got an idea. Grabbing an empty pokéball, she opened its mouth and placed a small amount of Pokéchow in it. Then, a few meters away she placed a little bit amount.
Nidoran was finished with his first helping when he found the second. Quickly trotting towards it, the Poison Type wiped it from existence. Seeing the pokéball and the food, he walked forward a little slowly and began to eat the food in it as well.
What he didn't notice was the pokéball's red beam hitting him and pulling him into it. The pokéball wobbled around before dinging, signifying its capture.
Cynthia did a victory pose, walking over the pokéball and picking it up. "My first capture without any fighting." She beamed happily. "Why fight when you can have a peaceful method instead?"
"True." Ash spoke up. "He seemed pretty hungry. Why don't you scan him?" Cynthia pulled out her black pokedex and aimed it towards the pokéball.
"Nidoran the Pin Poison Pokémon. It's horn drips powerful poison capable of felling the strongest of enemies. This Nidoran is Male and has the ability Poison Point. He knows the following moves: Tackle, Poison Sting, and Confusion. Note: Confusion is an Egg Move."
"He knows confusion?" Cynthia mumbled to herself. "How is that even possible?"
"Must be through some complicated parentage chain." Ash made an exaggerating gesture. "For example, my Eevee knows Detect." Eevee perked up at that.
"The real question is can he use it?" Cynthia looked at the pokéball. "Ash, can you stand back? I want to make this a bonding experience."
"Sure." Ash walked a few steps away from Cynthia along with all of her pokémon. The blonde crouched down and released her latest capture. The Poison Type's ears twitched before it spotted Cynthia.
Immediately, its horn began to leak potent poison and Cynthia raised her hand to soothe him. "It's okay." She whispered. She put her clenched fist in front of him, opening it to reveal some more Pokéchow. Nidoran growled at her in a threatening way.
Still, it's hunger flared up and the Poison Type began to slowly eat. Sniffing his food first, the Poison Type continued at a slower pace. Cynthia smiled at that.
"Okay. Taming a poison type is harder than it looks." Ash told the Evolution Pokémon on his shoulder at her skeptical look. "One strike and the poison in your body can kill you. Pokémon have more tougher bodies than humans Eevee."
Eevee shrugged and her bushy tail hit Ash across the face. The Kantonian gave an annoyed look before looking at the procedure they had.
He overheard what Cynthia was saying. "Use Confusion on that tree over there." Nidoran concentrated. The tree's leaves began to rustle and Cynthia nodded.
Just as she suspected, the ability to use Confusion was diluted. What Nidoran had was a watered down version of it. That couldn't mean she couldn't train him to use his parentage to build a sort of shield against psychics.
"We'll work on it later on." Cynthia assured him. Nidoran nodded and curled up to sleep. Cynthia returned him to his pokéball and found Ash and the others waiting.
"What's up with Confusion? Even if it was a weak attack from the beginning, never was it so weak." Ash frowned. Cynthia explained to Ash her hypothesis on the current statement.
"That's more or less an accurate guess. We can find out more later when we actually begin to work on their moves." The blonde picked up her bag and the group continued their travel to Viridian.
Xxx
"Let's stop now." Ash told the blonde. Cynthia nodded and sat down near a tree, Ash sitting down there as well. The two quickly took off external layers of clothing, mainly being jackets and any hair accessory, and placed them to the side.
"Travelling is a lot harder than it looks." Cynthia's breathing was winded. Even if they stayed in shape at home, they never walked for an entire day.
"Good call on not battling. Imagine if we had to face a threat and our pokémon were tired." The duo of trainers winced. Their pokémon were long in their pokéballs, resting.
Eating dinner and letting the pokémon eat as well, it was approximately half an hour later they decided to sleep. Their pokémon were out, given their heightened senses.
Ash pulled out his pokedex and began to search for moves he can teach Eevee and his other pokémon for the Pewter Gym Leader. Being a Rock Type Leader, it was hard to just defeat him with Normal moves.
"You're not sleeping?" His blonde companion questioned. Ash shook his head.
"Just checking about the Pewter Leader. Maybe any moves or such." Ash told her. Cynthia hummed sleepily.
"We can worry about that later. Sleep for now." She mumbled drowsily. Ash sighed as all the exhaustion caught up to him. "We still need to reach Viridian. Let's plan there."
"Okay Cynthia." Ash snuggled into his sleeping bag closer. "Goodnight Cynth."
"Goodnight Ash." Cynthia replied.
Xxx
"Zeus use Thunder Shock. Pidgey dodge it with Quick Attack." Ash ordered. No use wasting time when they could start endurance training.
He had Pidgey continuously fly in the air while Zeus tried to shoot her down. This way, Pidgey's speed and reaction time would prosper while Zeus could better gain control over his electricity and control.
Eevee was running in front of them, firing Shadow Balls now and then at Pidgey. The avian would have to quickly adjust and thus, more reaction time.
Cynthia was going a bit lighter over her pokémon's training. She wasn't going to be a hardcore battler so there was no need to train so much. She just wanted to spend a few days in leisure before beginning her pokémon's training.
"We're just a few hours away from Viridian now." Cynthia checked her map. "We'll reach there by late noon probably."
"Finally!" Ash exhaled loudly. "We can still take a break in between the travels. No need to rush it."
"Off course. Few hours or not, better be safe than sorry." Cynthia spoke. She stretched her sore muscles. "Ugh. Only our third day and we're so tired."
"Imagine the condition we will be in once we go through Viridian Forest." Ash immediately winced at that.
"We'll think of it when we reach it." Ash waved it off. "Although I'm more worried about Mt. Moon."
"Really? What's in Mt. Moon that isn't in Viridian Forest?" Cynthia questioned.
"We'll be under a mountain in Mt. Moon. I'm not claustrophobic or anything but what is we get crushed. Besides, the entire tunnel is dark and fatality rate is not that low."
"Mt. Moon has a large variety of Bug Pokémon ranging from Beedrill who can make huge holes in our body to Pinsir who can literally squeeze the life out of us. Not to mention the humid temperature. At least Mt. Moon is more bearable."
"Okay. Let's just agree both are easy to travel." Ash reconciled. Cynthia nodded and they sealed the deal with a handshake. "You still up for that battle in Viridian you told me about right?"
"Yeah. Let's reach their first though." Cynthia shrugged. "I'm not getting up for tomorrow that's for sure."
"Me too." Ash winced. The two continued making small chat along the way before deciding to take a break. After that, they continued until the buildings of Viridian could be seen in the distance.
"At last." Cynthia mumbled. "We made it!" She whooped in the air. The two entered the city borders and found it to be bustling with activity as usual.
"Shouldn't people be at work right now?" Ash questioned.
"It's Sunday, doofus. It's a work off day." She reminded. 'After all, it's the only day I used to meet my dad.' He was a huge businessman in Sinnoh and she only met him on Sundays. After her mother and he broke up, she lived in Pallet Town with her.
"How about we have our battle now?" Cynthia asked. "Let's get it out of the way." She suggested.
"Okay then!" Ash smiled. "Let's check in and then battle." His stomach growled suddenly. "And eat something before that." He blushed.
Xxx
Ash stood in a trainer box facing Cynthia. Eevee faced off against Fenniken. This was the first battle between the two, and they would give it their all.
"Begin!" Another trainer had decided to become the referee to this match. Eevee charged Fenniken immediately. Cynthia smirked at that.
"Hypnosis!" Fenniken's eyes lit up in an alluring charm that made Eevee sleepy.
"Sand Attack!" Eevee threw up sand right into the Fire Type's eyes, blinding her. "Now Quick Attack!" Eevee rammed into Fenniken's face, sending her skidding back. "Shadow Ball!"
"Ember!" Fenniken spat flames that collided with the Shadow Ball. Both exploded against each other and Eevee used the smoke to her advantage. Ramming into the blinded Fenniken again, she blasted her side with another Shadow Ball.
"You're so predictable Cynthia!" Ash grinned. "I knew you would try to win quickly with Hypnosis." The blonde gritted her teeth. She played right into Ash's hands.
"Fenniken." The Fire Type perked up at her voice. "Try Heat Wave." The Fire Type reached deep into her core and found a power. Pulling it to its surface, she fired off a wide spread blast of flames.
"Sand Attack!" Ash spoke up hurriedly. Eevee threw sand up at Fenniken, hitting her eyes again. The Evolution Pokémon endured the blazing flames from the Heat Wave and winced.
"Ember!" Cynthia pressed. Fenniken fired the blasts again but Eevee was able to dodge them easily with Quick Attack.
"Shadow Ball!" Ash called out the finishing move. Eevee spat one last blast, it striking Fenniken on its face. The Fire Type was sent tumbling in front of Cynthia, knocked out.
"Fenniken is unable to continue, Eevee wins!" Ash cheered happily with the panting Eevee and hugged his starter tightly. "We did it! We did it!"
Cynthia returned her downed Fenniken with a small smile. Praising Fenniken for her great performance, the blonde approached the rejoicing Ash.
"You had me good there Ash." She smiled. "I never knew you understood my battling style so much."
"You try to avoid a fight Cynthia. I knew that with Hypnosis at your disposal, you would try it. Fortunately, Sand Attack was the perfect counter." Ash told her. "Change your battling style a little and you're good to go."
"That's true." Cynthia chuckled. "Now, my legs are aching from so much travelling. I'll be in my room if you need me." Turning to the referee, she bowed her head. "Thanks for the help."
"No problem." He walked off and Cynthia did so as well. Ash followed her.
One rivalry ended yet another has just begun.
Xxx
Hope you enjoyed. Please R&R!
I'm out!