Disclaimer: I do not own Pokémon, and I never will. I do own the character Blythe Rainson, though.
Note: Team Rocket is not after Blythe's Pichu anymore; they will be after Fang, her Arcanine.
SCH Chapter One – a girl like Me
"We're near, Fang," I told the Arcanine who stood proudly beside me. "We're almost at Petalburg City."
Glancing down at the torn map I held in my hands, I tried to make sense of the various scribbled marks – that quite resembled chicken scratches – and sighed.
"I should improve on my handwriting, huh?" I smiled wearily, glancing at Fang.
He nodded and barked an agreement to my question, before he pointed to the city sprawled in front of us with his paw, as if to ask whether that was our destination.
"You probably wouldn't remember since you were still a baby Growlithe," I told him, patting his warm, soft turf of fur on his head. "But that's North Petalburg, and I really dislike that place."
"Arcanine," He murmured, enjoying my touch before nudging my knee. "Arcanine?"
"That's because all the people there are Norman-freaks." I informed. "They're practically Norman-obsessed."
Fang wagged his fluffy tail, as if saying he remembered Norman.
"You remember Norman and his family don't you?" I asked as we walked alongside each other.
"Canine, canine," Fang barked, as if agreeing once again, and wagged his tail harder.
"Well, let's get going before the sun sets and our only source of light is vanquished," I muttered dramatically. "If only my flashlight didn't die on us last night."
Grumbling another agreement, we continued our journey towards North Petalburg City.
We soon reached the bustling city, full of people in the marketplace, all stalls selling some sort of Norman merchandise. Norman's posters were plastered on every nook and cranny of the whole place, and I sweatdropped.
"You there, with that Arcanine," Someone yelled. "How would you like some Norman-specialty pokéblocks to enhance your Pokémon?"
"No thanks," I denied the salesman, holding up my hand. "I'm in a hurry, if you don't mind."
"You'll lose out, kid!" The man yelled, causing quite a commotion as people turned to stare. "It's NORMAN-specialty pokéblocks! N-O-R-M-A-N! Have you no respect for the greatest gym leader of all times?"
"It's not that," I gave him my iciest glare. "I am in a rush, in case you didn't know the English language."
"Hey kid," A woman approached me. "How dare you reject Norman pokéblocks?"
"Yeah, those pokéblocks have Norman's face on 'em!" A kid yelled out.
"And I'm gonna plaster his face to you if you don't get out of my way!" I seethed as I saw the sun slowly setting. If I didn't hurry and get out of here, the sun would've gone down, and I wouldn't have light.
"How dare you," The kid yelled once again. "Taillow, let's go and show this brat what a Norman fan can do!"
"Taillow!" The swallow called out, flapping its wings to stay upright.
"Oh man," I groaned. "Fang, fire blast, let's go."
Releasing a large fire blast, Fang displayed a fiery show of pure power.
"Taillow, dodge it!" The kid yelled a little too late as the Taillow was hit with the large impact before it could move.
"Taillow!" The Pokémon cried out before it was smashed right into a wall and fainted right there.
"Ah, Taillow!" The kid ran over to take care of his Pokémon.
"Wow, she's good," murmurs went all around.
"Not good enough to challenge Norman!" Another kid stepped up. "Makuhita, go!"
The Pokémon burst out of its pokéball, determined to win this for its master.
"Fang, crunch, let's go," I ordered softly.
"Canine," Fang murmured as it sprang forward using its extreme speed before biting down on Makuhita with a powerful twist of its jaws.
Makuhita fainted from the attack because Fang moved too fast, again, for it to do anything to reduce the damage inflicted.
"Now, Fang, fire spin to clear the way," I commanded softly.
"Arcanine!" Fang unleashed a fire spin at the townspeople gathered in front, who quickly dodged away to avoid getting hit.
"Let's go, Fang," I nodded as I held on tight to my Pokémon. Fang nodded and burst out into a run using extreme speed.
"They're getting away!" The people yelled, but none of them could catch up due to Fang's extreme speed.
Once we were out of the city and right into the woods, I sighed in relief, and as did Fang, producing a cough of some sort.
"Are you okay, Fang?" I asked, patting him. "That was really quick, are you exhausted?"
Fang simply shook his head, and then continued to shake his fur out until it was perfect.
"Arcanine," He barked, black orbs confident as he took his usual proud pose.
"Let's go then," I smiled. "We're burning daylight."
Fang barked an agreement and we continued to stroll at our own pace – even though we were losing light as the sun slipped down the sky – to Petalburg city.
Soon, we were near Petalburg city and I grinned. It had been ten years since I had left this place that I called home, and it had been ten years since I put my parents' death behind me.
When I was five, and outside playing with May, a herd of wild Pokémon – Poocheyena, from what I heard – attacked May and I for no reason, or perhaps it was because they thought of little girls who were throwing a large paper ball around as a threat, or they wanted to play with the ball themselves.
May and I screamed, and my parents came running out and tried to chase the Poocheyena away from the broom and dustpan. It worked, but our euphoria was short-lived as the same Poocheyena returned later with a whole group of Mightyena.
Though the Poocheyena were weak, the Mightyena were not, and because my father was a Pokémon researcher rather than a Pokémon trainer, he was overwhelmed by the fierce aggressiveness of the Pokémon. My mother was but a seamstress, and the two of them were savagely mauled by both the Poocheyena and Mightyena.
I cried until my tears ran dry, but it was too late for my beloved parents, even when Norman drove the Mightyena off with his Vigoroth. After that, I lived with Norman and his family.
Even as they tried to make it feel like I was in their family from the start, I knew deep in my heart that I wasn't capable of calling someone else's parents as my own. I had my own biological parents – who were now dead.
I was overcome with unbearable grief and extreme depression, locking myself in the room when I got the chance, skipping meals, crying in a corner… Until one year later, after I turned six, I decided to go find the Poocheyena that caused my parents' death by calling the Mightyena.
I remembered that day clearly too – for that was the day I met my hero. I had been walking around in the tall grass, which loomed since it was as tall as I was. All of a sudden, a Pokémon sprung out at me, and I screamed. It was a Poocheyena, but my fear of seeing the Pokémon having mauled my parents to death had me rooted right to the ground, and I stared into the Pokémon's intimidating eyes as I landed on my butt.
The Poocheyena moved in closer, its guard up, fangs bared and snarling as he growled and snapped at me. I felt fear bubble in the form of a loud scream in my throat, but I swallowed it down, fearing if I let it out, the Pokémon may just assault me.
Tears welled up in my eyes as my mouth crumbled into a open-mouthed gape, body shivering, palms sweating as the Pokémon came even closer. The tears started to streak down my cheeks one after another, and I let out a soft whimper.
"Uuu…" I sniffed. "Someone… help…"
Through my tears, I fervently prayed for the impossible: someone to appear out of nowhere and save me. But it happened – a figure leapt out of the grass.
"Skarmory, steel wing, let's go!" A boy's voice yelled out and a pokéball flew out to summon the Steel-type.
"Skar!" Skarmory cried out before it flew at the Poocheyena with all its might and hit it in the face with a steel wing. "Mory!"
The Poocheyena, obviously hurt, quickly ran away to hide from the intimidating Skarmory, who loomed over him.
"Skar," The Pokémon cried again, turning to face me.
"Are you alright?" Its trainer appeared – a tall boy, about three years older than me, came forward.
Speechless at his Pokémon's strength, I nodded. Not only that, I was also awed in silence by his beauty – from his flowing mane of silver hair to his appealing emerald eyes. Those emerald orbs were the prettiest out of all I had seen, and I really couldn't believe how beautiful they were.
"My name's Steven," He introduced himself as he helped me up. "What's yours?"
"B-Blythe," I answered shyly. "Thank you for saving me…"
"It's not a problem," Steven smiled before he turned and got up on his Skarmory. "But seeing as to how you don't have a Pokémon of your own, you better keep out of the tall grass for now, yeah? See you, Blythe."
With that, he took off with his Skarmory into the blue sky, and I stared after him, blushing – I had found someone I admired since then, till now.
Now, I stood, 10 years later, with my strong Arcanine and a team of Pokémon, all equally as strong. I smiled as we finally got to the forest's clearing, and I could finally see the houses in Petalburg city.
"I'll bet Norman will be surprised to see me," I grinned down at Fang, "And also how much you've grown too."
Fang wagged his tail in agreement, and we started to walk through the streets to find Norman's house. We spotted it in the distance, the familiar house we hadn't seen for the 10 years we were travelling. Fang wagged his tail once again, obviously remembering this house from when he was a Growlithe.
Norman had discovered Fang as a Growlithe when I was six, and he knew I had a lot to deal with, especially with my parents' death and sudden, overwhelming feelings for Steven. He then gave me the Growlithe, which I dubbed Fang, as my companion on my trip he was sending me on. He wanted me to go on a trip to travel throughout the whole Pokémon world and experience Pokémon, to stop my irrational fear of Pokémon, especially for Poocheyena and Mightyena. He wanted me to grow up on this trip, not just physically, but mentally as well.
And so I had travelled far and wide with Fang, earning great friends as we went along on our journey, and now, I stood near the very house I had left 10 years ago.
"Let's go and see them," I grinned even more, a white flash in the darkness that had eclipsed upon us. "They'll be surprised!"
Fang barked a quick agreement before running up eagerly to the door and pawing it. I ran up to it and knocked on the wooden oak. After three knocks, the door clicked open to reveal Caroline, May's mother.
"Aunt Caroline!" I greeted enthusiastically, but Fang greeted her even more eagerly by planting his hugs paws on her shoulders and giving her a big lick on the face.
"Oh my," She breathed. "Blythe, is that you? It's so good to see you again!"
"It sure is," I grinned wider than before. "Here's Fang, if you remember."
"Splendid work, Blythe," Caroline gaped at Fang's gleaming coat. "You've taken really good care of your Growlithe, and look at how it's grown! Dear, come and see who's finally back home!"
"Who is it?" Norman asked, clearly not understanding why Caroline was so excited about my arrival. "If it isn't young Blythe, why, how have you been, young lady?"
"Good, sir," I replied, reaching out to shake his outstretched hand when Fang once again leapt onto the family member, licking him enthusiastically on the face.
"Wow, I see the Growlithe I gave you evolved into an Arcanine," Norman whistled, impressed. "Look at how slick and shiny its coat is, you've obviously taken great care of him like you promised!"
"Come in dear," Caroline quickly ushered me in. "It must be so chilly outside, so come in and have a cup of hot chocolate."
"My favorite," I smiled as I went in. "It's good to be back!"
Caroline placed a mug of hot chocolate in front of me, and then called May and Max down to meet me. May and Max came running down the stairs in a competition, both reaching the landing at the same time.
"Blythe?" May was very surprised to see me sitting and sipping on a mug of hot chocolate. "Blythe, it is you!"
"Yo May," I greeted her, steaming cup of hot chocolate raised to my lips to take a drink. "Hello Max."
"Do I know you?" The boy tilted his head as he adjusted his spectacles.
"No, but I know you," I teased. "I'm Blythe, I used to live here as part of the family before I left."
"Why'd you leave?" Max questioned, crossing his arms.
"There were some major problems in my life that time," I replied smoothly and took a drink of the hot chocolate. "I'm Blythe, nice to meet you."
"Cool, I'm Max," Max shook my outstretched hand. "Hey, I know you! You won the Ribbon Cup in a splendid battle at that time!"
"That's me, alright," I smiled down at the boy. "Did you spot Fang with me?"
"Arcanine," Fang greeted, sat on his hunches.
"Wow, that's the same Arcanine you used in the Grand Festival!" Max exclaimed, clenching his hands into fists in excitement. "It's so cool!"
"You won a Ribbon Cup?" May gasped, amazed. "Wow, Blythe!"
"It's not a big deal," I smiled. "It was all thanks to Fang."
"Canine," Fang uttered, closing his eyes in a proud pose again.
I finished up my chocolate as the five of us continued to recall life stories when I still lived here to break the ice for Max and I, and soon we were great friends, as if we had been all our lives.
"Can we see the rest of your Pokémon?" Max asked me, excitement making his eyes gleam and sparkle.
"Sure," I agreed, before reaching into my bag and pulling out my pokéballs. "Come on out, everybody!"
The family watched as my team materialized before us: An Espeon, an Umbreon, a Flygon, a Delcatty and a Pichu.
"Strong team," Norman noted. "A Pichu, though?"
"I got her as an egg from Professor Birch," I informed them. "Though, she seems to like Professor Birch more than me. I was thinking of swapping her with one of the Starter Pokémon in the morning."
"That sounds like a plan," Caroline smiled. "You make a good decision now, Blythe."
"Of course," I grinned at the adults before turning to May and Max. "How about we go and catch up in your room, May?"
"Sure thing!" May agreed, and then stood up to lead me to her room even though I knew the way myself.
I returned my Pokémon into their pokéballs for a good night's rest, and followed May up to her room with Max and Fang. Fang and I collapsed onto a pink beanbag in the middle of the room, and Max sat on an orange one. May sunk down onto her soft bed, and then patted her pokéballs to count them on the table.
"So get me up to speed on what's happened since I've been gone," I asked of May.
Soon I was well-informed that Norman was running the Petalburg Gym quite successfully, as always, May had an Eevee and was aiming to be the best coordinator in the Grand Festival and win the Ribbon Cup, Max wanted to find the Ralts he had promised to return to and that they weren't able to do that because they couldn't go on an adventure since Max didn't have Pokémon of his own, and they were worried if a strong trainer came along and took out all of May's Pokémon, then they would be doomed.
"Aren't you guys thinking it a little too far?" I sweatdropped after having heard their long explanation on the reasons why they didn't just go on an adventure to fulfil their goals. "Hey, I have an idea!"
"What is it?" May and Max asked in unison, both curious to know.
"How about the three of us go on an adventure?" I suggested. "That way, I can help you two with your goals as well!"
"That is a pretty good idea," May commented after thinking about it for a little while. "Additionally, I think we'll get to explore more of Hoenn!"
"Yeah," Max agreed excitedly, "And I'll see Ralts again, maybe even take it on the adventure with me this time!"
"Wait, but," May paused to think. "What will be in for you if you help us, Blythe?"
"What do you take me for, May?" I questioned, giving her a glance. "We've been friends since we were little; I'm doing this so I can see the both of you happy!"
"If our happiness is what counts to you, count me in!" Max exclaimed. "We better inform mom and dad!"
I caught the boy's collar before he ran off to hammer down his parents' door in the middle of the night and yell at them about an exciting adventure with his sister and yours truly.
"Hold your horses, Max," I sighed. "Let's tell them in the morning, where they won't be all sleepy and in a daze."
"Oh… right," Max uttered, embarrassed by his hurry. "I'm going to sleep then."
"Alright," I smiled at him. "Goodnight, Max."
Max yawned as he walked out of the room and headed to his room, showing signs of obvious exhaustion. May and I listened until we heard the click of his door as it swung close.
"So, May," I started with an evil glint in my eyes. "Tell me about any boys?"
May gasped as she backed away; face one of painted horror as she held up a gloved hand to her mouth.
"So there are boys!" I laughed at her expression. "Well? Are you going to tell me?"
"Oh alright," May conceded after a little while, and began telling me of an infuriating creep by the name of Harley, her suave – not her words, though – rival, Drew and Ash, her travelling companion.
It turned out that May first met Drew at a contest, and apparently he had been so arrogant he angered her so much. May also met Harley on a boat destined to an island where a contest was taking place, and for some reason, Harley thought May had insulted him somehow, causing him to act all nice in front of her to make her lose in the contest.
However, with Drew's help, she was able to conquer Harley, and she didn't forgive him after that anymore, which was quite a relief. She hoped she wouldn't see much of Harley again, but she really wanted to meet Drew again so she could show Drew how much she'd improved since the last time.
As I listened to her fiery rants about beating Drew's Pokémon to a pulp in a contest and winning, and showing off her ribbon in his face, I smiled when I saw the passion in her eyes for the Pokémon contests. She was born a coordinator, alright. Also, it seemed to me that she liked Drew more than she actually thought, and apparently, Caroline thought so too.
And then May started to tell me about their adventures, and one special occasion they got to meet Steven Stone, Mr. Stone's son. Mr. Stone was the President of the famous Devon Company, and Steven was second-in-line and the heir of the company. Steven liked to collect all sorts of rare stones, like fire stones and other stones.
Hearing about this Steven made me wonder about mine. Where was he? What was he doing now? I wondered if he would recognize me, if we were to meet face to face again. Probably not, since I was a child way back then, and I had already matured now. Well, half-matured, actually, since I wasn't quite an adult yet.
"And Steven is so cool," May gushed, eyes sparkling in delight. "He helped us out of Granite Cave, and he blasted Team Rocket out of it for the Pokémon's sake!"
"Sounds like a real lady-killer," I laughed before I glanced at the bedside table clock. "Wow, it's late, May. Let's go to sleep so we won't wake up too late tomorrow to tell your parents."
"Alright then," May smiled. "I wish you could meet Steven. He's a really cool guy."
"I wish I could too," I smiled and blushed at the name 'Steven'. I really wanted to see my Steven again – but it wasn't fair calling him "my" Steven, since technically, we weren't an item. "Goodnight, May."
"Goodnight, Blythe," May switched off the lamp, making the room enveloped in darkness.
"Come here, Fang," I hugged him as he lay beside me, enjoying his warmth. "Goodnight."
"Arcanine," Fang breathed softly, and then closed his eyes to sleep as well.
I felt a soft nudging as I opened my eyes slowly to see Fang's face focus into view. Dazed, I just stared at the Arcanine as it continued to nudge me, as if to tell me to wake up.
"Mm, okay…" I muttered as I sat up, so Fang stopped nudging me and started to squish my cheek with his paw. "I got your point the first time."
He nudged me with his nose again, and then topped it off with a huge lick on my cheek. I got up then and he followed me to the bathroom as I washed up before I headed down to the kitchen.
"Hey guys," I greeted with Fang, who wagged his tail and barked. "Did May and Max tell you about our plans?"
"Yes they have, dear," Caroline said over a hot stove. "So I'm preparing a huge breakfast that will fuel your energy and make you more confident before you leave!"
"Alright, thanks," I smiled and sat down. "Let's eat!"
We tucked in and finished the breakfast at our own pace and leisure, enjoying and savoring each food with small bites and letting the flavors mix and mingle on our tongue, letting the food melt and our taste buds tingle.
"All done now," I smiled. "Let's go then, May, Max!"
"You all have a safe trip now," Norman and Caroline waved. "Don't get into trouble!"
"Okay, we won't!" We yelled back together, waving back before turning and starting our journey as a trio.
"We'll be heading to Professor Birch's lab first," I told them. "So I can switch Sparky."
"Alright, then we'll be going to Little Root town first," Max noted. "It's not far from here, so let's get going!"
Pumped by both the food and our excitement, we headed for Professor Birch's lab, May carrying her Eevee and Max staring at his Pokénav.
"We're close," Max informed us after a little while. "There, up ahead!"
We looked up and saw the Professor's lab, and we all smiled together. Deciding to pick up the pace, we did so by declaring a race to Professor Birch's lab and off the three of us sped as we tried to defeat one another.
"Who's the new twerp?" James asked, head out of a bush.
"I don't know, but that's an impressive-looking Arcanine," Jessie noted.
"If we give that Arcanine to the boss, he'll be the happiest with its warmth!" Meowth clenched his paw.
"All right!" They cheered. "Let's steal that Arcanine!"
"Here we are," Max announced as we halted outside the Professor's lab. "Let's go!"
We went in together and called out for the Professor, who stumbled and crashed to the ground, evidently surprised that we were here, especially so for me.
"What are you all doing here?" Professor Birch rubbed his head, embarrassed to have fallen in front of us.
"I came to see if you could switch Sparky with some other Pokémon," I told him, summoning the little Pichu out. "You see, she's still much closer to you than me."
"Of course," Professor Birch nodded. "Would you like to choose from the starter Pokémon?"
He was then interrupted by a electric shock that hit the floor. A loud growling came from the corner, where a yellow Pokémon was cowering.
"What's that?" I asked. "Is that a Jolteon?"
"Yes it is," Professor Birch nodded. "However, I suppose it got abused before, so now it's mistrustful of humans."
Without needing him to explain the Pokémon's violence, I walked over and bent down, with several warnings from the Professor that Jolteon may bite and shock.
"Hey, little fella," I greeted the Jolteon, who gave me a good zap when I reached out my hand. "It's alright, I won't hurt you."
Jolteon glared at me, clearly not trusting my words, and growled deeper.
"Alright then," I nodded. "Come on out, Espeon, Umbreon!"
The two Eeveelutions came out, Espeon gracefully and Umbreon quickly. Jolteon eyed the two, before it stopped growling and looked less vicious than before. Clearly, it was friendlier with its familiar brothers and sisters.
"Espeon, esp," Espeon coaxed Jolteon that we were of no harm, while Umbreon told him of the great care they received from me.
"Jolt?" Jolteon asked doubtfully, tilting his head. "Jolteon, jolt, Jolteon, jolt, jolt."
"Espeon, Espeon, espriiii." Espeon purred and seemingly convinced the Jolteon we really were of no harm at all.
Jolteon came over and licked my ankle, as if to apologize for shocking me earlier.
"It's cool, Jolteon," I bent and patted it, noting that it flinched upon contact. "Would you like to travel with us?"
"Jolteon jolt!" Jolteon nodded, obviously excited about a trip.
I pulled out a pokéball and placed it on the floor in front of Jolteon, "Your choice now, Jolteon."
"Jolt!" Jolteon cried before he pushed the button with his nose and disappeared in a red light into the pokéball.
After a few shakes, the pokéball signalled with a soft sound that Jolteon was now a part of my team.
"Alright, I caught a Jolteon!" I cried out, picking up the pokéball as Fang, Espeon and Umbreon cheered. "I'll leave Sparky with you then, Professor!"
"All right," Professor Birch smiled and picked up the Pichu. "By the way, since you're travelling, could you get this to Steven for me?"
He gave me an Everstone, "Steven needs this for his Aron, so try to get to Granite Cave in Dewford as quickly as you can."
"Alright Professor, leave it to us!" I waved, and he stopped me by placing a Pokédex in my palm. "Wow, thanks!"
"I know you always use the old method of observation to know about Pokémon, so this will help you on your journey." Professor Birch smiled. "Say hi to Steven for me!"
"I will!" I called back as we waved, ready to leave on our first mission.
I know I said I'd put this up after DA reached chapter 10, but oh well. Hope you enjoy it, and of course, Team Rocket will probably be in each and every chapter, those story hoggers. See you soon, enjoy!