Pokémon Chronicles
The Next Generation
Author's Note: Ok, for you guys out there that are insane about the copyright thing, I do not claim any of the original material from the Pokémon franchise as my own. But I do claim the material that I have created, which includes, but is not limited to: The characters Tony, Lauren, Prof. Aspen, Blaze, Amber, and others that I can't think of right now . . . Oh, and the return of some old faces is certain in this story; I do not claim them as my own work. I have also manipulated a few aspects of the Pokémon world, making it fit to my story as I deem appropriate. As far as new stuff is concerned in the story, expect to see a few Sinnoh Pokémon close to the end of the story; also, maybe a glimpse at some of the Legendary Pokémon of Hoenn; neither of which I claim as my work.
If you're wondering why the hell I'm writing this story, the following information will make it all clear. Ok, so basically, we're revisiting the Hoenn Region (my fave) thirty (30) years after Ash, Brock, May & Max were there. In this story, two new Trainers (Lauren and Tony) are about to embark on a two-part quest; that for the Hoenn Pokédex and for the Pokémon League Challenge (with Tony going for the League and Lauren for the 'Dex). In the thirty years since Ash visited the Hoenn Region, many things have changed; eight new Gym Leaders, the distribution of Pokémon across the region and the landscape itself has changed in some places. Nevertheless, Hoenn is still unchartered in parts; the Legendary Pokémon of the region slumber, some ancient places lay undisturbed, and the land remains wild as ever.
I am going to go ahead and rate this story PG-13 for the following reasons: Mild Violence, Some Suggestive Themes, Mild Language and Some Romance. Parents and fellow Pokémon fans be warned; this is not the Pokémon that kids watch every afternoon; this story is Pokémon, but in a more mature, refined nature. I am writing this in the hope that for those older readers out there who still love Pokémon, that this story is more age-appropriate than the cute & cuddly TV show that started it all. And last, kudos to you, Shigeki Morimoto, if you ever read this; if you hadn't had the awesome idea that became Pokémon, I would be a bum-assed teenager trying to get through his sophomore year in high school while trying to stay as sane as possible. Thanks.
Introduction
A moving truck rumbled down the dirt road, a cloud of dust trailing behind, trees whipping past the small van.
"Are we almost there?" Tony asked his mom.
"Yes, almost," she replied, "it should be just around this next turn,"
Tony and his family were moving to Littleroot Town from the Johto Region. His father was the new Gym Leader of Petalburg Town, while his mom planned to stay at home and keep the house. A thin, white-haired teenager, Tony intended to travel the road as a Pokémon Trainer, seeking out the eight Gym Leaders and one day competing in the Elite Four Pokémon League.
The truck rounded the turn and pulled into Littleroot Town. It consisted of a large clearing, with four houses and a large laboratory at the center.
"This is it," Tony's mom said, maneuvering the truck next to the nearest of the houses. A 'For Sale' sign stood in the small front yard of the structure. It was two stories high with a pointed roof. Tony and his mom exited the truck and stood in front of the house, looking.
"Nice buy," Tony remarked, eyes searching the face of the house.
"Yeah," his mom replied, taking out a key. She went to the front door, unlocked it and entered the house.
"Come on in!" She called, Tony following. The base floor was large and spacious; the kitchen and living room were melded together. Though devoid of furniture, it reflected a welcoming atmosphere. A pair of tall, elegant windows let sunlight in from the east. A set of stairs were set into the northeast corner of the house leading upstairs.
"Well, what do you think?" Tony's mom asked, looking around.
"I like it," Tony declared, unclasping two Poké Balls from his belt. Tony tossed them into the air. With a small click, they burst open, filling the room with white light. A Chikorita and a Pikachu appeared, stretching.
"Come on guys," Tony said, racing upstairs to check out his room, Pikachu and Chikorita close behind. Up the stairs, Tony turned left and entered the room.
It was smaller than he had anticipated, but was large enough to accommodate all of his gear and furniture.
"What do you guys think?"
"Pika-Pika,"Pikachu replied, looking around the room.
"Chika," Chikorita agreed.
"I know," Tony replied, "it's nice, but we're not going to use it much once we get on the road. Come on, let's go help Mom unload," he said, exiting the room, Pikachu and Chikorita close behind. Tony came down the stairs to see his two Hariyama from the moving company hefting a sofa into the room.
"Easy with the couch," Tony's mom called to the Fighting-Type Pokémon.
"Hariyama," the Pokémon grunted, walking backwards into the living room.
"Need some help?" Tony offered.
"No thanks; I've got things tied down here," Tony's mom replied, "but why don't you go next door and say hello to Professor Aspen?"
"Alright," Tony compromised, "come on," he added to Pikachu and Chikorita. They followed him out as he crossed the clearing to Prof. Aspen's house. Tony knocked on the front door. A moment later, Mrs. Aspen opened the door.
"Hello! You must be Tony. Please come in!" She stood aside and allowed Tony to enter, along with Pikachu and Chikorita.
"It's so good to finally meet you," Mrs. Aspen said warmly, shaking Tony's hand.
"Likewise," Tony replied, looking around. The Aspen household was quite similar architecturally to Tony's house.
"If it's my husband you're looking for, I'm afraid he's out now," Mrs. Aspen mentioned.
"But, our daughter Lauren is here," she added, "she said she was excited about meeting you. I think she is upstairs." Tony nodded and ascended the stairs, Pikachu and Chikorita close behind. He turned left up the stairs and entered Lauren's room. It was sparsely decorated, save for a queen-sized bed, dresser, TV and a desk, which Lauren was currently sitting at.
She was about Tony's age of sixteen; similar in height, with brown hair that came down in two long partitions on either side of her face She wore a green bandana on her head, and sported an orange and white half-suit, half-skirt outfit. Lauren looked up as Tony entered the room.
"Hello!" She said, standing up from her chair.
'Hey," Tony replied.
"Um, I'm Lauren. It's nice to finally meet you," she said, crossing the room. As Tony looked in her face, he noticed her eyes were a delicate sapphire color.
"I'm Tony," he said, extending a hand. Lauren took it and shook.
"So you just moved here?" She asked.
"Yes," Tony said, "from the Johto Region.
"Oh wow, really? It's so far away." She said.
"Yes. These are my Pokémon," Tony replied, motioning to Pikachu and Chikorita, who were standing next to Tony.
"Oh, they're cute!" Lauren exclaimed, squatting down to see them properly. Tony grumbled a bit to himself. They're not cute, he thought, more like handsome or intimidating. The Pikachu extended its small hand toward Lauren, while Chikorita offered a vine.
"Wow! Your Pokémon are well trained!" She said, impressed. She shook both Pikachu's paw and Chikorita's vine.
"They're even better in battle," Tony added, a note of pride in his voice.
"Really? We'll have to see about that," Lauren said challengingly. She brushed past Tony and headed downstairs, Tony and company in tow.
"Oh good, you've gotten acquainted," Lauren's mom said as the two Trainers descended the stairs.
"Come on outside, we'll have a battle!" Lauren said to Tony, leading the way outside.
Tony followed her, and out in the open glade, they took their respective positions fifty feet apart from each other, in exact Pokémon League form.
"We're going to do a Double Battle, if that's ok with you," Lauren called to Tony.
"What's a Double Battle?" Tony shouted back, confused.
"You use two Pokémon at once, silly!" Lauren laughed. Humiliated, Tony called back,
"We never fought Double Battles back in Johto, but I'll do my best anyway! Go, Pikachu and Chikorita!" Tony's Pokémon took their spots on the field. Lauren unclasped two of her own Poké Balls and threw them into the air. Out of the flash of white light emerged a Pikachu and a Mudkip.
"What? You have a Pikachu also!?" Tony said, surprised. This Pikachu, however, was a female; its tail was curved into a slight heart shape.
"Let's go," Lauren shouted, "Pikachu – use Thunder Wave on Chikorita, and Mudkip – use Tackle against Chikorita!" The two Pokémon went into action; Lauren's Pikachu shot a bolt of electricity at Tony's Pikachu, while Mudkip charged at Chikorita.
"Pikachu – dodge and use Slam! Chikorita, you dodge as well, then use Razor Leaf against Mudkip; let's go!" Tony countered with his own orders, watching the four Pokémon do battle. Tony's Pikachu successfully dodged the electricity, and rushed to slam into Lauren's Pikachu.
"Pika!" cried Lauren's Pikachu as the other made contact, sending the Pikachu rolling across the ground. Across the playing surface, Chikorita had failed to dodge Mudkip's tackle, but was retaliating with a Razor Leaf barrage.
'Come on, Mudkip! Stay clear of those leafs," Lauren shouted. Mudkip was barely avoiding the steady stream of razor-sharp leafs. Chikorita bared its teeth as it upped the rate of fire. Finally, Mudkip was struck by five or so leaves, sending it sprawling.
"Mudkip!" It cried, coming to rest, clearly defeated.
"Timeout!" Lauren shouted. The two Pikachus ceased fighting as Lauren recalled Mudkip back into its Poké Ball. Tony did the same with Chikorita.
"Resume battle!" Lauren cried. The two Pikachus once again made battle.
"Pikachu, use Thunder Bolt!" Tony yelled. Tony's Pikachu stopped, tensed its body as it charged electricity.
"Pika!" It cried as its two red cheeks glowed white, releasing a giant thunderbolt. At the same time, Lauren's Pikachu stopped and stretched its tail into the air. The thunderbolt struck the tail, but was redirected toward the ground through the Pikachu's feet.
"What!?" Tony said, aghast. No one had ever mentioned that Electric-Types could negate aggressive electrical attacks.
"Pikachu, stick to physical attacks! Use Slam!" Tony ordered. Tony's Pikachu started to charge, gathering speed, approaching the opponent Pikachu. Lauren's Pikachu dodged the attack and rolled to the side.
"Pikachu, use Volt Tackle!" Lauren shouted. Lauren's Pikachu charged in a mad rush of yellow lightning, accompanied by an electrical inferno appearing around the Pikachu. Before Tony could call out a counterattack, Lauren's Pikachu slammed into the other Pikachu, transferring massive voltage. A resounding BANG shook the town as Tony's Pikachu was sent flying over forty feet away. It landed hard, skidding a few feet before coming to a stop.
"Pikachu! Are you okay?" Tony yelled, running to his fallen companion. He gathered the small Electric-Type Pokémon in his arms.
"Pika . . . Pikachu," It coughed weakly.
"Is he okay?" Lauren said, concerned.
"He'll be okay; He just needs a Hyper Potion," Tony said shakily.
"I'm sorry," Lauren apologized, "I didn't know my Pikachu's Volt Tackle was that powerful."
"Don't worry about it," Tony said reassuringly, pulling out a spray-bottle-like object out of his pack. He held the bottle to Pikachu and sprayed. A blue mist washed over Pikachu. After a few moments, Pikachu shook its head, opened its eyes. Its combat injuries were completely healed
"You ok?" Tony asked him.
"Pikachu!" It said, clearly fine. Tony nodded and let him stand up.
"You need to teach him that move sometime," Tony commented, "it might come in handy one day."
"Yeah," Lauren said.
"Where is your dad right now?" Tony asked.
"He's north of here in Oldale Town, talking to some of his friends about some new discovery or something. Honestly," Lauren said, rolling her eyes, "my dad can be such a nerd sometimes about being a Professor. It's interesting stuff and everything, but he expects me to do the same thing when I get older."
"I know," Tony said understandingly, "my dad wants me to become a Gym Leader after I top the Elite Four."
"Does he really? Being a Gym Leader is so . . . demanding," Lauren said.
"I don't know if I want to do it, though. I had planned on maybe traveling to the other regions after I am crowned Champion," Tony said thoughtfully.
"That's cool," Lauren said.
"So, I need to go talk to your dad about a Pokédex," Tony noted.
"Oh," Lauren said, "yeah. I'll go with you to Oldale Town."
"Alright, let's go," said Tony, who started up the path into the woods, Lauren close behind.
The path out of Littleroot took them on a trail that wound through dense woods. A sign on the path said:
Entering Route 101
"So this is the beginning of the Route System?" Tony asked.
"Yes," Lauren replied, "I think there are about 30 different routes across Hoenn. A flock of Tailow flew overhead, chirping loudly.
"What kinds of Pokémon live out here?" Tony said, looking around the trail.
"There's a large population of Zigzagoon and Wurmple out here," Lauren listed, "and there are also a few packs of Poochyena as well." Almost on cue, a group of furry brown Zigzagoon crossed the path, chittering among themselves. The rough track continued for several hundred yards before Tony and Lauren came upon Oldale Town.
The town was roughly the size of Littleroot, but with more buildings. Two more paths opened to the west and north of the town.
"This is a nice little town," Tony remarked. Then, to Tony's left, a group of men came out of a house, laughing and talking. They were middle-aged, a few wearing lab coats.
"Oh, there's my dad," Lauren said, pointing. The man she indicated broke from the group and approached Tony and Lauren.
"Hey kid," Lauren's dad said, smiling at Lauren. Then he turned to Tony, who cringed a little bit.
Lauren's father was a powerful man; tall, muscular and black-haired, with a short beard and deep blue eyes; the very same as Lauren's.
"Who is this? Not your first boyfriend, I hope," he growled, eyeing Tony, eyes narrowed. Lauren stifled a laugh and said:
"No, it's not like that. Dad, this is Tony. He just moved here from Johto." The professor's eyes widened.
"I'm sorry," he rumbled, "please forgive me." He inclined his head slightly.
"I was aware you were coming, but did not expect you so soon. You may call me Prof. Aspen. I take it your father is now the Gym Leader of Petalburg to the west?"
"Yes, sir," Tony replied.
"And what type of Pokémon does he specialize in?"
"He is a Bug Type Trainer, sir," Tony said. Aspen stroked his beard absentmindedly.
"Hmm," he said, "interesting. This region hasn't seen a Bug Gym Leader in many years. When you see him, send my compliments and congratulations for his success. Now, if you will accompany me back to the lab, I need to give you a task." He turned without another word and walked back towards Littleroot.
"Does he always look at other people like that?" Tony said, shivering slightly. Lauren laughed lightly.
"Don't worry about it," she said, following her father, "he's just suspicious of whoever I hang out with." Reassured, Tony followed her on the trail back to town.
After Tony and Lauren reached Littleroot, they headed straight for the large building that made the tiny town so famous; the Pokémon Lab. The door hissed and parted as the two entered. Many bookshelves and various machines and computers filled the cavernous space. Lab techs milled about the place, some accompanied by Pokémon, others carrying documents or stacks of books. In the midst of it all, Lauren's dad was in deep conversation with a prominent-looking woman in a lab coat.
"Ah, there you are," Prof. Aspen said, turning to meet them. The woman next to him nodded slightly, and went off in the opposite direction.
"That was Linda," Aspen explained, "she's getting something important for you two."
"What are you . . ." Tony began, but Aspen raised a hand to silence him.
"You, and Lauren especially, know I am the region's only Professor. Therefore, it is my duty to recruit young Pokémon Trainers to go out into the field and gather information about the world's Pokémon." Linda reappeared, carrying two small, red, computer-like devices in her arms.
"Here they are, sir," Linda said, handing the objects to him.
"Are those-" Tony began, but Lauren interrupted.
"Yes, those are Pokédexes," she said. Prof. Aspen handed one of the Pokédexes to Lauren and to Tony, who examined his closely. Tony flipped his open, revealing a screen, tiny keypad, and a speaker.
"Greetings," the Pokédex said as it was opened. The tiny screen flickered to life, shining light-blue.
"I am Pokédex No. 189-B472A. It is my function to gather information about all of the Pokémon you encounter in this, and other regions. My operation is easy; simply point me at any Pokémon in front or around you and I will give you a full readout of the species."
"Impressive," Tony remarked, folding it back up.
"You can program these later to recognize the owner, and personalize it as you see fit," Aspen explained.
"How many other Trainers have you sent out, besides us?" Tony asked.
"You two are the first," Aspen replied, pride in his voice.
"And we are traveling together, I take it?" Lauren asked, motioning to Tony.
"Yes," Aspen said, "a journey is much easier and safer with another person." A lab tech approached Prof. Aspen, who turned and entered a conversation. Lauren turned to Tony.
"Isn't this exciting? We're the first Trainers in over thirty years to try and complete the Pokédex!"
"What happened last time?" Tony asked her, puzzled.
"Well," Lauren said, "the two Trainers who were assigned last time sort of . . . disappeared."
"Disappeared? Was their Pokédex data lost?" Tony asked, frowning.
"Yes, their Pokédexes were never found. No one is sure where exactly they disappeared, but some people say it had to do with a Legendary Pokémon of some kind," Lauren hinted.
"All Trainers know better than to tangle with those monsters," Tony scoffed; trying to imagine what would happen if he were in a battle with one of those ancient deities.
"I know," Lauren said knowingly, "but times were different then. Trainers were much more common than they are now, and far more reckless." Prof. Aspen turned back to the two, who were still in conversation.
"Ahem," he coughed. Tony and Lauren turned to him at once.
"Sorry," Tony apologized.
"Now, Aspen said, "it is time for you two to set out on your journey."
"So soon?" Tony asked in disbelief, "I'd need at least a day to assemble my travel pack!" Aspen stroked his beard, thinking.
"Yes, I suppose you should set out tomorrow morning, at dawn," he mused. Tony nodded, and turned to exit the lab. Lauren was left standing next to her dad.
"Well, I guess today had to come at some point," Aspen sighed, turning to a table with some books and paper.
"I like him," Lauren said, sitting down at the table. Aspen looked at her sharply.
"Don't try anything foolish while you are traveling," he warned.
"I know," she replied, "I mean, I don't like him like him (yet, she said to herself), but he's a nice guy all the same." Aspen nodded, somewhat relieved.
"So, where do we start?" Lauren asked.
"You will go north from here to Oldale," Aspen listed, "then west to Petalburg, and then to Rustboro, and start to follow the Gym Leader circuit, catching as many different Pokémon on the way as you can." It was a good plan, Lauren had to admit.
It would give Tony a chance to live his dream of defeating the Gym Leaders and Elite Four, and help Lauren with the Pokédex at the same time.
"You should go and start packing," Aspen said, rising from his seat.
"Alright, I'll see you later," Lauren replied, turning to the lab entrance. Aspen watched her go, wondering if it was the right thing to send his daughter on this adventure. Still troubled, he turned back to his work, mind buzzing like a swarm of Beedrill.
***
The next morning dawned cold and foggy, the sun just peeking over the horizon. In Tony's house, his mother was up and busy in the kitchen, cooking up a hot breakfast for Tony's departure. A few moments later, Tony came down the stairs, shuffling slightly.
"Morning," he yawned, stretching his back.
"Hi, sweetie," his mom replied, carrying a plate of scrambled eggs and toast over to the table. Tony sat down and started eating.
"Are you all ready to go today?" Tony's mom asked, taking a seat as well.
"Yeah," Tony said thickly through a mouthful of eggs and toast.
"Where are Pikachu and Chikorita?" she asked him.
"Oh, they're still sleeping upstairs," Tony said, taking a swig of orange juice.
"Hey, Pikachu! Chikorita! Come down and get some breakfast!" Tony called up the stairs. Several seconds later, the two Pokémon came down the stairs, eyes still gummed up with sleep. Tony's mom got up and fixed two bowls of Pokémon food for Pikachu and Chikorita. She brought the bowls to the table, where they sat in chairs and began to eat.
Tony had just finished his own breakfast when someone knocked on the door.
"I wonder who that could be at this hour," Tony's mom said, puzzled. She got up to answer the door.
"It's
probably Lauren," Tony said, rising to get dressed. He was right.
Lauren was standing there, backpack slung over her shoulder.
"Hello," she said.
"Good morning. Come on in, Tony's just getting ready to go," Tony's mom said, holding the door open for her. Lauren stepped in, taking her shoes off, and sat on the couch.
"How are you, dear?" Tony's mom asked, taking a seat in a chair opposite the couch.
"Fine," Lauren replied, looking around the house. Tony came down the stairs a few moments later, backpack slung over his shoulder, Pikachu and Chikorita in tow.
"I'm ready," Tony announced. His mom got up and came over to him.
"Promise me you'll come home sometime soon," she said tearfully, hugging him.
"I will," Tony promised, returning the hug. After a few moments, Tony's mother let go, and Tony turned to leave.
"Keep an eye on him, won't you Pikachu?" Tony's mother asked.
"Pika-pika!" Pikachu said, mock-saluting her. She only laughed and waved them out the door, watching Tony and Lauren walk up the path to Oldale, and beyond.