3

Neko smiled brightly at the rays of warm sunshine that now glistened over the horizon. Today was her day to make her stand in the Kanto region. A passerby gave her a frightful look at the montrous dragon curled up and sleeping soundly about her feet. She could only chuckle. The full scent of salty ocean air bathed her entirely, and she had to admit, it felt amazing.

Adrasteia gave a small grumble up to her trainer, stretching out a talon and her tail before catching herself on wobbly legs. There was a reason she faired better as a land shark than as a sea shark. Gold and black eyes narrowed at Neko, who only shook her head at it.

"Oh hush it you." she stuck her tongue out playfully to Addy. "We'll be in Lavender Town soon, and then we can take off elsewhere." Neko ran her hand down along the Garchomp's snout, comforting her. "Professor Oak said he would be waiting for us." the look of excitement that then flashed across her features was hard to miss. Today was the day they would welcome their new partner. "Cervantes..." Neko breathed, gazing off into the distance, a smile curving her delicate lips.

The Pokemon Professor had told her enough to make her fall in love. A Charizard by the name of Cervantes, abandoned by his owner that persued different interests when Pokemon were no longer strong enough and adventure's call had become a distant whisper. Yes, that giant orange, winged beast was so much more than just a pokemon to her. He was someone she could identify with, a partner, a friend. A shiver coursed through her then, bringing her to refocus herself and take in her surroundings.

Flocks of Pidgey and Spearrow fluttered about the docks that were close at hand, the wild calls of a half a hundred dozen bird Pokemon swarming about the boat in an instant. A half a second later the billow of the boat horn signalling their arrival in the private port tucked beside Lavender Town.

A loud bell echoed across the docks, mixing with the calls of the wild pokemon flapping about madly. Neko anxiously nibbled at her lower lip, catching herself bouncing on the balls of her feet. She tugged her dress' hem down at the front, then at the back, then at the front again. Squirming, impatient, she shoved her glasses back up her nose and searched around the port from her perch on the ship. She was hopeful to see the bright white of a professor's lab coat standing stark against the dull hues of the town.

Adrasteia growled low as she pulled herself up to the bow the the ship, her head slinking to rest on the ledge, a dull look in her fierce eyes. If she could speak, Neko knew she would be spewing spiteful curses at her. With a calming smile, the trainer patted her head gently. That's when that flash of white caught her gaze and her heart leapt to her throat.

A voice chimed in over the intercom, signalling their arrival to their destination. Down below the pokemon Professor caught the sight of Neko and raised his hand to wave to her. She could hardly surpress the tiny squeal that came then as she wove back, standing on tip-toes to ensure he saw her. Addy gave her another spiteful look before slinking down into the deck of the vessel, ready to inch her way off it and then roll thankfully in the dirt and grass.

It did not take long for them to finally make their way from the boat, the few belongings that Neko kept slung over her shoulder in one large bag, four pokeballs lining the strap. Wobbly legs lead them down a ramp as they searched for the correct way to walk on the still land. Addy didn't care. Uncoordinated or not, she tumbled over unsure legs and ran on all fours to leave that damned ship far behind her. Rushing as quickly as she could to the nearest patch of dirt she could find.

It didn't take the dragon long to clear a few dozen yards and roll headfirst into a dusty little patch. The deep earthy scent filled her nostrils, so warm and welcoming to her as she rubbed every inch of her that she could into the dirt. Neko chuckled out, straightening up as she approached Professor Oak, more than a few frightened and questioning looks cast upon her and her Garchomp.

"Ah, Miss Neko, how nice to see you arrive safely." His voice was warm and pleasant, a noticable trace of laughter in his tones.

Extendiing her hand to him she gave a bright smile. "Hello Professor Oak. I'm... Sorry about Addy. She... Erm... Doesn't like the ocean." a small chuckle did nothing to hide the slight flush of her cheeks.

The professor only smiled back in return, cocking his head to the side as he observed the Garchomp. "So this is the pokemon you were telling me so much about?" he stroked his chin as Adrasteia stopped abruptly to stare up and snort a small dust puff at him. The trainer gave a firm nod.

"Yup, that's my Adasteia." the Garchomp grumbled with delite as she turned a few shades of brown, returning to rolling in the dirt. The Pokemon Professor chuckled a little more, reaching for something in his coat.

"Well it's very clear you two are very much close." her heart began to race again, eye's widening. "Come along Neko. I believe you know its time to meet your new teammate." He chuckled a bit, producing a classic red and white pokeball from his pocket. "These past few months of talking with you have proven that you are indeed what dear Cervantes needs."

She tried to calm herself, tried to regain compsure, but it was so very difficult. The first time she had heard this creature's tale, her heart had broken, melted, and then fallen for him. An older Charizard that had once been given to a Kanto trainer as his first pokemon, this one named Cervantes grew quickly. Forced to grow faster than he was ready to, his trainer became infuriated at the fact that he could not hold his own. A rich little boy, shoving rare candies down his throat and wondering why he was not as strong as the other pokemon that worked for their strength. She could feel his pain, and wanted to help.

Stepping beside Oak, Neko gave him a smile. "Adrasteia, please come here you filthy little crazy thing." she chuckled to Addy. "It's time to meet Cervantes."

The Garchomp rose her head then shook it free of one of the many layers of dirt, standing up obediantly beside her trainer. Licking her lips eagerly she had a glint of curiosity in her dark eyes, ready as well to meet her new potential friend.