A/N: Thanks to all those who took the time to review. It means a lot to me. oAo I'm glad some people enjoy it so far, even if Cynthia didn't appear yet. The plot still needs to be set up so thank you for being patient. Hopefully, you'll find this chapter more enjoyable. Er, there are subtle hints of Eliteundershipping but I'm not making it official so...just use your imagination if you like it or ignore it if you don't.
As usual, please R&R! And notify me of any mistakes. :3
Chapter 1
"And the winner is…Aaron of the Elite Four!"
A wave of cheers followed after the announcer's voice. Many people were clapping as an emerald-haired boy of about eighteen waved to the crowd. His opponent stepped before him, as the two of them shook hands.
Not long after his match, Aaron was sitting at a table with a drink before him. The room was brightly lit and clean; it resembled a cafeteria or a lounge of some sort, decorated with Pokémon Center nuances.
"Congratulations on winning your match, Aaron."
Aaron looked into the older man's eyes as he was addressed, but waved his hand airily. "Ah, it wasn't a problem. He didn't even get past Drapion."
The man clad in the wine-red suit took a seat before the eighteen-year-old; his expression calm. "You have certainly improved a great deal."
"Hey, practice makes perfect, right?" Aaron replied, crossing his arms. "If they think that the Elite Four can be beat that easily, I'll make them think otherwise."
"Aw, but if you keep winning the matches, how are we supposed to have any fun?"
Both males turned in the direction of the voice. Standing before them with a grin on his face was a man in his twenties, sporting a yellow shirt and a rather wild hairdo.
"Flint."
He grinned, grabbing as seat between his cohorts. "Don't tell me I'm wrong, Lucian! I don't know about you but I'm itching for some action!"
"Well, too bad!" Aaron interjected. "I'm the first tier! And I'm not going to let myself lose any time soon!"
"Ho, ho. That's the spirit."
Eyes shifted again; this time they settled upon an old woman dressed in earthy tones. She did not join them at the table, choosing to remain on her feet instead.
"I'm glad that you don't let your status go to your head," she stated.
The green-haired boy let out a short laugh. "I aim for perfection, Bertha."
"I don't know," Flint began abruptly. "But what I need is a new face around here; someone that can last—someone with…fresh talent!"
Lucian adjusted his glasses. "Indeed. I am rather disappointed by the lack of skilled trainers as of lately."
At Lucian's comment, Aaron frowned. Bertha decided to cut in.
"Ah, but you forget. There is boundless potential out there in the world," She began sagely. "You would be surprised at the type of Trainer you might see next."
"You're getting me all fired up!" Flint exclaimed with a huge grin plastered to his face.
Lucian smiled. "I certainly would look forward to that."
"Humph, I still won't lose any time soon," Aaron commented, looking the other way. "We're the Elite Four; we've trained nearly our whole lives. What are the chances of some run-off-the-mill Trainer waltzing in and winning?"
The lavender-haired man gave his glasses a gentle push, a smile still on his face. "If memory serves me…a 'run-off-the-mill' Trainer surprised us all two years ago."
A light tinge of pink made its way to the eighteen-year-old boy's cheeks; he began to focus on his drink.
***
"Good job, Lucario."
The teal, dog-like creature responded to its owner with a grunt. Smiling, the blond woman called it back inside its Poké Ball. Breathing a light sigh, she turned on her heels and slowly made her way down the rocky slope. The cave was primarily dark but the nearby exit provided sufficient light.
"Oh, Miss Champion!"
Upon hearing the voice of another, she turned. Emerging from a nearby tunnel was a man with slightly messy hair and a violet-colored outfit.
"Cynthia will do," She replied gently. She recognized him as one of the usual Trainers who liked to practice at Victory Road. Judging by his attire, he was a Dragon Tamer.
"I thought I heard someone else here," He began. "Ha, to think that it was the Champion herself!"
The said Champion brushed a few stray locks of hair out of her eyes. "I need to practice my skills on occasion."
"Oh, well I thought that you would be at the League," He answered. "I heard that there was a challenger."
A light smile came to her lips. "I'm afraid you have caught me then; skipping my duties."
"Oh no, that's not what I—" The man began, somewhat perplexed.
"Well, excuse me then," She said with a wave. "I must hurry back."
Thankful to get away from the Dragon Tamer, Cynthia quickly made her way to the exit; navigating through the rubble with impressive ease and demonstrating quite a bit of agility.
The man stood feeling rather silly and in awe at the same time.
Outside, Cynthia's expression reverted back to a neutral tone. Honestly, people like him were a bit difficult to deal with; though she was quite used to dealing with almost every kind of person by now. Being the Champion did not just mean working with Pokémon after all. There are technicalities and certain formalities that one had to take into consideration.
However, she remembered what the man had said. There was a challenger today; she knew that already. She was supposed to be present during the opening ceremony, but she had decided to let Lucian take her place for that. In truth, she guessed that she would not have to make an appearance at all. It was not the matter of degrading the challenger; it was simply intuition.
Though I suppose I should return. She decided, pulling out a Poké Ball. Touching the middle, the ball burst open, sending forth a dark-colored dragon-like beast.
"Let's go back, Garchomp," she said lightly, mounting the Pokémon.
With a growl of compliance, it took to the skies and soared forward. It soon dropped its owner off on the highest floor an impressive looking building. Stroking its head, Cynthia returned her Garchomp back into its ball before going inside. The balcony led to the reception area of her room. Looking briefly about the neutral colored walls, Cynthia dropped off a few of her things before exiting into the hall.
The hall extended toward an elevator, which the blond took to the second lowest floor. As the doors slid open, she was met with—
"Lucian!"
He smiled, stepping out of the way. "Ah, I was wondering when you would return."
"You didn't need me," She answered, returning the smile.
"Yes, Aaron performed well."
Cynthia took a seat at one of the empty tables. Besides for herself, Lucian was the only one there at the moment. He chose to stand.
"Where is everyone?"
The lavender-haired man readjusted his glasses. "Aaron decided to return to training. Flint said that he was heading to Sunnyshore for a few days. As for Bertha, I am not quite sure."
The Champion's eyes flickered as her companion mentioned that their colleague was going on a trip. "Oh? I was thinking of taking a break myself."
"Cynthia," He began, looking her in the eyes.
She returned his gaze. "I wish to leave for awhile."
"…Your duties as Champion make it difficult."
"I don't believe so. There has been close to nothing that requires me for the past few months."
Lucian folded his arms. "Where is it that you are trying to go?"
She remained quiet for a moment before answering, "…Everywhere."
The twenty-four-year-old examined her in silence. Cynthia continued. "It has been quite awhile since I've traveled. To be honest, I certainly miss it. There is a lot I wish to see."
"…As the Champion—" He began.
"Not as the Champion. As me," She interjected firmly. "…It's been awhile for that as well…"
Exhaling, Lucian pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose. "…You are fortunate that I am capable of taking on numerous tasks."
Cynthia smiled, watching as her friend made his way to the elevator. With the closing of the doors, he disappeared but the smile on his face did not vanish. Now where should I go first, I wonder?
"Here!"
"Oh my, he certainly is cute."
Dawn smiled proudly as she presented her first Pokémon to her mother. The little penguin was standing atop the counter, looking albeit a little bored, but huggable nonetheless. Joanna seemed to think so, giving the plump Pokémon a gentle squeeze around the midriff.
"Okay, that's enough mom!"
The middle-aged woman laughed. "Alright, alright. Go on."
"Piplup, return!"
Upon her command, the Pokémon was taken off the counter. Bidding her mother a good-bye, Dawn headed toward her best friend's house. She was greeted by his mother when she entered.
"Hello, Dawn," said the middle-aged woman. "My boy just left not too long ago. He said he would wait for at the edge of town."
"Thank you for telling me," She replied. Geez, knowing him, he could with the professor already!
True to his mother's words, Pearl was waiting at the spot where he and Dawn had met Professor Rowan yesterday. He looked up when he saw his friend approaching.
"There you are!"
"There you are," Dawn retorted; although, she was not angry.
The blonde disregarded her comment. "Okay, so here's the deal: I think we should bring Prof. Rowan something when we see him."
At Dawn's inquiring expression, he added, "Have you heard of the mirage Pokémon? It's supposed to live at Lake Verity. If we can catch such a rare Pokémon and bring it to him, think of how happy he'd be!"
"…You really think we really could…?"
Pearl grabbed his friend by the wrist and began heading towards the lake entrance. "When have I steered you wrong before?"
Upon arriving at the lake front, the first thing that caught their eyes was a strange man. He had aqua-sky-blue hair and looked as if he had not slept properly in days. His attire was rather odd as well; a silver and black colored space-like suit. If anything could have made him stranger, it was the fact that he was muttering to himself. Dawn only managed to catch bits and pieces; he mentioned something about power, the world, and Mesprit.
"Huh? Who's that?" Pearl thought aloud.
At the sudden noise, the man turned towards them, his expression rather frightening. However, seeing nothing but a pair of uninteresting kids, he seemed to relax. As he began walking towards them, Pearl did his best to seem intimidating.
"Wh—who are you? What are you doing here?"
"Out of my way, boy."
Dawn and Pearl automatically did as they were told. The man's voice was deep and his tone was icy. As he walked away, Pearl seemed to return to normal. Dawn on the other hand, was still a bit curious.
"Anyway, let's go catch—" The blond began. However, he seemed to realize something very important. "Wait a minute. We can't catch anything! We don't have any Poké Balls!"
Dawn couldn't help but smile. "You realize this now…?"
"Oh let's just go then," He answered. "…Maybe we can ask Prof. Rowan for some… Alright! I'll race you there, Dawn! First one to Sandgem Town rules!"
"Hey!" She cried, watching as her friend took off like a maniac.
Again, she was left to pick up on his tracks. I'll just move at my own pace. She decided. Dawn began to walk until a bright light shone from her pocket. The next thing she knew, her Piplup was standing beside her.
"Huh? I didn't even let you out yet. Is this supposed to happen?"
The little blue creature chirped, leading her toward the grass. With a sigh, Dawn followed, figuring that it simply wanted to play…
***
By the time Dawn arrived at Sandgem Town, she was rather winded. Apparently, what Piplup wanted was to battle with the wild Pokémon, not play. She could not decide if it was being aggressive or just technical; that being it wanted to become stronger. She hoped that it was the latter because it certainly helped her better adjust.
"I need to stop by a Pokémon Center…" She muttered, approaching a white building with a red-orange roof.
Inside was almost exactly the same as a hospital. Approaching the counter, the thirteen-year-old got the nurse's attention.
"Welcome, dear," The pink-haired woman began with a smile. "You need your Pokémon healed?"
"Yes, ma'm."
Handing over the ball with her Piplup inside, Dawn watched as the nurse inserted it into a machine. Within seconds, it was back in her hands.
"Your Pokémon is fully healed. We hope to see you again!"
Heading back outside, Dawn looked for any signs of her friend. She did not see him, but she found Professor Rowan's lab. As she reached for the door, it opened by itself; the next thing she knew, something collided into her.
"Oh, it's just you, Dawn!"
"Ow…Pearl!"
The blonde looked excited. "Heh, heh! You wouldn't believe me even if I told you! I'm gonna be a real Trainer!"
"Huh, what are you talking about…?"
He pumped his fist into the air enthusiastically. "Just you wait, Dawn! I'll be the best Trainer there ever was! I'll become the next Champion! Everything starts right now!!!"
Having said—screamed that, the hyperactive blond was off and running once more. However, he wasn't running back to Twinleaf Town—he was heading some where else…
"Dawn, come here."
The thirteen-year-old turned toward the direction of the voice. Professor Rowan wanted to talk to her. Entering, she walked past numerous machines and a few people in white lab coats. Standing before the old man, she found that he was accompanied by the dark-haired boy from before.
"Your friend is quite reckless," Professor Rowan stated.
"Oh, yeah…I'm used to it though," She answered, scratching her head.
The older man examined her briefly. "Anyway, I would like to get to the point."
"I'm listening, sir."
"I am rather old to be doing this sort field work; that is why I have Lucas here," He began. "However, I think that it would not only benefit us, but also do you some good if you agree to aid me."
"Professor…?" The boy inquired, staring at his mentor's face.
"Mm. Dawn, would you like to help me with my research?" The professor asked, looking into the younger girl's eyes.
Dawn blinked. Me? Help Professor Rowan with his research? That's… Her subconscious intervened. The chance you've been waiting for!
"…Um, what would I do exactly?" She asked slowly.
The old smiled, reaching out into his pocket and pulling out a red handheld device. "You would use this: a Pokédex, to record data on Pokemon as you travel. Basically, you would go around the country and battle like any other Trainer. All I want from you is to use the Pokédex to record all of the Pokémon you encounter."
"Eh? That's it?" She said, taken aback. She had expected to be like Lucas, following the professor around, carrying his luggage…
"Yes, that's it," He reassured her. "Will you take it?"
He held out the Pokédex. With a smile and a nod, Dawn picked it up, examining it happily. Reaching into his other pocket, he pulled out another one.
"Here, Lucas. You deserve one too," He said. "I will be counting on you two."
Lucas looked moved. "Professor… I won't let you down."
"Good! Now go on, the both of you!" The old began. "The world of Pokémon is vast! But don't be afraid to ask for help."
"Prof. Rowan, thank you," The thirteen-year-old answered gratefully.
***
"Meet me back at my house tomorrow. Go home and say good-bye to your mom."
Dawn took in Lucas's words carefully as she headed home. Walking back felt a lot quicker; for the most part, she was distracted, thinking about how her mother would react. She said I could go now. I can't stay here forever…
"Dawn, happy birthday!"
At a sudden pop of a fire cracker, Dawn snapped out of her thoughts. The instant she opened the door, she was showered in confetti. There were numerous party decorations around the living room and all of her favorite dishes were for dinner—again!
"M-mom, what's all this…?"
The older woman smiled, pulling her daughter in. "Oh, you silly girl. Did you forget your own birthday? Today is September 13th!"
Dawn indeed feel silly. She had been through the whole day thinking that she was still thirteen! Wait…that means Pearl forgot my birthday too!
"W-well, thanks a lot, mom…" She replied sheepishly. "Oh, but…why does it say 'good luck' instead of 'happy birthday'?"
She was referring to the banner that her mother chose to hang along the wall. Joanna smiled.
"I do wish you good luck. This is also your farewell party; don't be selfish because you're not getting two!"
"Mommy…you…"
Joanna waved her hand. "Oh, don't be like that, Dawn. If you call me 'mommy' like that, it'll be only the more difficult to say good-bye."
"That's so…" The younger girl sniffled, trying to hold back her tears.
Joanna took the opportunity to hug her daughter. "My dear Hikari, I know you will return. I will always wait for you."
"…When you call me…'Hikari'…it'll only be…"
The older woman laughed, shedding a few tears of her own. "Don't be silly."
Brushing away each other's tears, both mother and daughter smiled. They both understood what was going to happen; they were not going to face it with fear.
"Come now, eat before the food gets cold," Joanna began. "I've taken the liberty of packing your belongings for you. Go and see what else you need after dinner."
Nodding, Dawn started to eat. Once they were finished, she went upstairs. Indeed, her mother had her traveling bag ready for her. All the items and necessities need for the journey were present.
By this time tomorrow, Dawn knew that she would no longer be at home. Last time…for a long time… She thought, slipping into bed. By this time tomorrow, she would be a Pokémon Trainer.
A/N: No, that's not my birthday; it's the release date for Platinum in Japan. And I'm not trying to be a weeaboo; in the story, using a character's Japanese name will represent closeness, familiarity, and/or importance. (Just go with it.)
