Shout Outs...
Infinite Freedom: Just wait and see.
Secret Weapon Unit 06: If the Water Gun thing is my worst error, I'm doing okay.
X00001: As mentioned this is not based on the anime, so no Ash. Unless more dimensional crap happens, but...
0-0
It had been a couple days since Dawn had left for her journey and Jay had kept himself busy with the pokémon at the lab, in particular the Ponyta and its jumps as it raced to another barrier taller than he was, easily leaping over it and dashing off to get turned around. "Is it just me, or is that girl leaping higher each time I see her?"
"Vee." The Eevee perched on his shoulder let out as it jumped the obstacle again.
"Cro... Croagunk." The Croagunk next to him croaked out as the Ponyta leapt over a large rock for good measure.
"Yeah, I did ask you to help her too, huh?" Jay said turning to Croagunk. "Going well?"
"Gunk!" It let out with a large smile.
"Good to hear." He added as the Ponyta trotted over, Jay petting it's head as it neared. "Good girl."
"Things going well I assume?" Rowan asked as he walked over to them, Jay and Croagunk turning to face him.
"Afternoon Doc." Jay replied as he gave him a wave. "And yeah, it's going all right. Ponyta here keeps breaking her records every other jump." He had as the horse gave a happy sound.
"Good to hear!" Rowan said with a smile. "You really know how to handle pokémon!"
"I ain't that great..." Jay said, rubbing his head only to have Ponyta nudge his arm, Croagunk reaching up to pat his side with the Eevee rubbing it's face into his temple.
"It seems they disagree." Rowan replied, chuckling softly. "That's why I want to ask something of you."
"Yeah?" Jay said, as Eevee tilted its head.
"Would you be willing to consider becoming a pokémon trainer?" Rowan asked as Jay blinked.
"Me? A trainer?" Jay asked, pointing at himself. "You mean wandering Sinnoh, battling and catching pokémon?"
"Yes." Rowan added with a nod. "Perhaps become a coordinator like Dawn is aiming for, or join the Sinnoh League."
"Sinnoh League?" Jay replied as he scratched his head. "I've heard of it, but what is it?"
"It's the central organization for pokémon training in Sinnoh, and holds a tournament every year to determine the champion." Rowan began to explain. "To enter you have to collect eight badges from eight of the cities in the Sinnoh region by going to the local gyms and defeating their leaders in a pokémon battle. Then you can go to victory road and sign in to enter the tournament. The winner goes on to fight the Elite Four, four of the most powerful trainers in Sinnoh. If a trainer can accomplish all of this they can challenge the champion for the title."
"Wow." Jay said, blinking. "I mean the champ has the odds so stacked in his favour, just getting to him must be a miracle in itself."
"That's sort of the point..." Rowan admitted with a nod. "Being the league champion isn't just some title to hang on the wall; he or she has considerable political sway. Since pokémon battles first began they became a central part of our world, and traditionally the strongest trainer was considered the leader of the region. Things have changed since then, and the champion's influence has decreased significantly since the olden days, but the title is not without prestige and influence."
"Wow." Jay said as he idly petted Ponyta.
"I'm not expecting you to coordinate, or enter the Sinnoh League, but I think it would be good for you." Rowan continued. "You've been cooped up here since we found you, and while I appreciate all the help you should be learning about our world, not just about the lab."
"So, what about you?" Jay asked as he rubbed his head. "I mean you gotta be getting something from all of this."
"I am." Rowan said with a nod. "You remember the pokédex I mentioned before? As you go around it will passively scan, recording what pokémon live where, how many, and a few other details. Any pokémon that are not a part of the six you can carry with you will be teleported to my lab, expanding the amount of pokémon we can study and learn about. And the pokédex records details of your own pokémon; how they grow, evolve and learn. Pokémon trainers help professors like me learn more, no matter how many or few pokémon they catch."
"Sounds like a major job." Jay said with a sigh.
"It is a serious one, yes." Rowan added with a nod. "In order to become a good trainer it takes maturity, discipline and understanding. It's why so many people in our world are pushed to become pokémon trainers; to help instill experience and lessons that can't be simply taught."
"Yeah, but..."
"Don't give me an answer now." Rowan interrupted him, passing him a clipboard, a trainer application form and pen on it. "I will respect your decision, whatever it may be. But please, give it some thought."
0-0
"A pokémon trainer?" Johanna said as she washed some dishes, both Glameow and Eevee sitting on Jay's shoulders. "I think it's a great idea. I know your memory isn't what it should be, but you should know how important training journeys are."
"I know. I'm just not sure." Jay replied with a sigh as he sat at the table. "I mean don't get me wrong, it sounds like fun but I enjoy working with the pokémon at the lab, and I'm still not sure what to go on a journey for."
"Hmm, that is a problem." Johanna admitted as she finished up. "Dawn's always wanted to be a coordinator, but you can't remember what you were going to do, huh? Maybe try the Sinnoh League."
"Why do you say that?" Jay asked, tilting his head.
"It will be good experience, and as you go from gym to gym you can see more jobs that people do." She added as she went to sit down across from him. "Even if you don't compete in the Sinnoh League you will be able to see so much you wouldn't otherwise."
"Yeah... maybe." Jay said as he leaned back. "I guess I could and see what happens. Thanks Auntie, for hearing me out."
"Oh don't worry honey." Johanna said with a smile. "I'll even come down to see you off."
0-0
"Hey Doc." Jay said as he walked into Rowan's office, lightly tossing a clipboard onto his desk.
"Hmm?" Rowan let out, picking the board up. "Ah, you've signed the form I see."
"Yeah, it seemed like something to do." Jay admitted as Rowan reached out, setting three flat devices on the desk with a knapsack. "...You expected me to this, didn't you?"
"I thought you might." Rowan said with a chuckle. "I set some pokéballs into the bag with some potions and medicine for pokémon. You can put your clothing in there as well. And this... is a pokédex." He added, picking up a red device and passing it to Jay as the Eevee leapt onto the desk.
"So this is the fabled pokédex." Jay said as Rowan nodded.
"Yes, we only started handing the newest version out to trainers a few months ago. It will send and receive data to and from the Central Pokédex Archive." Rowan added as Jay flipped it open and pointed it at the Eevee, a feminine computerized voice emitting from it as an image of an Eevee appeared on it.
[Eevee, the evolution pokémon. It's irregular DNA pattern allows it to evolve into many different forms depending on what stimulus is provided. Because of this and it's rarity it's trainers and breeders alike seek them out.]
"Handy little thing, ain't it?" Jay said before pocketing it. "What are these two things?" He asked, at the other flat devices.
"A porta-tent and porta-storage." Rowan said simply, picking the green one up and standing up to walk next to the desk, opening it and setting it on the floor before pressing a red button on the inside before stepping back. Five small red lights flashed as if counting down before a green one flashed, energy emitting from it before forming into a tent.
"Holey cow..." Jay said, whistling.
"Yes. The porta-storage will turn into a storage box that you store things you couldn't in your bag. Pots, pans, forks, plates, knives, food, water and anything of note you come across. It was made by a president of the Devon Corporation when his daughter wanted to go on her journey can take her entire wardrobe with her. Someone later added a small fridge to it to store food and released it to the public."
"Sounds like a camper's wet dream." Jay added as Rowan reached to a little spot on the inside of the tent, stepping back before the tent became energy again and returned to the small device.
"The tent was made later as an adaptation." Rowan added as Jay picked it up, putting it and it's black counterpart into the bag. "For the trainer on the go it's also a major convenience."
"I'd believe it." Jay added with a nod. "So I guess all that's left is picking out my starter."
"Normally this would be so." Rowan said with a nod. "However I think you should take Eevee with you."
"Eevee?" Jay parroted, looking down at the silver pokémon as it wagged it's tail happily. "Are you sure?"
"It's not unheard of to give people a choice of pokémon other than the usual starters." Rowan admitted. "But Eevee here spends every moment it can with you, loyally at your side. It would likely become excessively depressed if it was separated from you for too long, and its ability to evolve and devolve at will should come in handy."
"What do you say then Ee... you know, with all shape shifting he does I should give him a name..." Jay mused. "Something that I can call him no matter what he is at the moment."
"Naming pokémon isn't unheard of." Rowan said with a nod.
"Yeah, and with all the forms he can assume it would be a good idea... Hmm, all..." Jay said rubbing his chin. "I got it. I'll call him... Omni."
"Omni?" Rowan mused as the Eevee let out a pleased sound. "Hmm, he seems to agree."
"Well then Omni, you want to go on a pokémon journey?" Jay asked as the Eevee stood up on it's hind legs, jabbing it's paws out.
"Vee. Vee. Eevee!" It let out as it comically boxed a non-existent opponent, 'punching' with it's front paws.
"I'll take it as a yes." Jay said as Rowan took out a pokéball, expanding it and setting it on the table.
"Well then, we just need Omni to go into the pokéball." Rowan said. "The ball will mark him to ensure no one else can capture him." He added as the newly dubbed Omni hit the ball with it's paw, the device opening up and sucking him into it.
"Wow, easy to carry to." Jay said, picking the ball up. "Still... Omni, come on out, will ya!" He said, tossing the pokéball to the floor, the device opening up and releasing the Eevee. "If it's all the same, I'll keep him out."
"That's quite fine." Rowan said as Omni jumped onto the desk, then back onto Jay's shoulder. "Sides, he seems the type to prefer to be out. Now-"
"Here I am!" They heard, a blonde haired youth opening the door and poking his head in, wearing a white and orange striped shirt, a green scarf that hung in front of him, faded blue jeans and a duffle bag over his shoulder. "I'm here for my pokémon!" He said, smiling widely.
"...Ever hear of knocking?" Jay asked idly as his eyebrow rose up slightly.
"And I thought you were supposed to be here this morning, Barry." Rowan said sternly.
"Yeah... sorry." Barry replied as he rubbed his head. "Mom got sick, and I couldn't remember the number for here, and it took awhile for Dad to get home so I had to stay and look over her until-"
"That's fine, that's fine." Rowan said with a sigh. "Your family must come first after all. Well then, we'll get you set up with a pokémon right away then."
0-0
"Here are your choices." Rowan said as Jay looked at the list of attacks Omni knew with the pokédex.
'Does this thing read a pokémon's mind or something?' Jay wondered idly. 'Of course this doesn't include anything he knows when he transforms.' He looked back up as Barry inspected the three pokémon on a table. 'Still, how it figures out what a pokémon knows this very minute is weird... Best not to think about it.'
"We have the fire type, Chimchar." Rowan began as the named pokémon, a red monkey-like creature, bounced from one foot to the other. "The water type, Piplup." He added as the little penguin pokémon flapped its wings. "And the grass type, Turtwig." He finished as the turtle like pokémon let off a happy cry as it stood on its hind legs.
"Aww, they're all so cool..." Barry let out, looking at each, before pointing at the Turtwig. "But I think I'll go for this one!" He called out as the Chimchar fell over in surprise. "I mean it looks SO tough!"
"Wig! Turtwig!" The pokémon cried out as Rowan recalled it into it's pokéball before passing it to Barry.
"Then Turtwig is yours." He said with a smile, patting his shoulders. "Treat him well."
"Oh yeah, we are going to rule!" Barry said, hopping foot to foot.
'I think the Chimchar would have been a better choice for him.' Jay thought. 'They act alike...'
"Hey, what about you? Aren't you getting your starter here?" Barry asked Jay as the named boy shook his head.
"Nah, I already got Omni here." He said, pointing to the perched pokémon.
"Oh man, I've never seen an Eevee like that before." Barry added as he looked at Omni. "It's got a silver coat!"
"I noticed." Jay said, chuckling.
"Hey, let's battle!" Barry suddenly declared.
"Huh!?" He said, Omni letting out a 'Vee' in tune with it.
"Hey, we're trainers, we have to battle!" He said, pointing his finger upwards.
'Man, this guy doesn't waste any time at all...' Jay thought with a sigh. 'Like a parakeet on a sugar rush...'
"Okay, fine. I'll meet you out back." Jay said as Barry nodded.
"Okay! I'm fining you one million dollars if you're late!" Barry cried out before rushing off.
"Excitable boy, isn't he?" Rowan mused.
0-0
"Okay Omni, let's see what we can do without turning you into something else, kay?" Jay asked as Barry stood across from him, Rowan and several of the pokémon in the field gathering to watch. "Let's not play our hand unless it gets too tough."
"Vee." Omni replied with a nod before jumping to the ground and taking a stance before his trainer.
"Alright, let's battle!" Barry called out, rearing back a pokéball. "Turtwig! I choose you!" He called out, throwing the ball out, Jay taking out his pokédex as Turtwig jumped out of the ball.
[Turtwig, the tiny leaf pokémon. The shell on it's back is made from soil and hardens when soaked with water. It's been known to gently bite people it likes, being careful to avoid causing harm.]
"Okay then. You ready Omni?" Jay asked as his pokémon nodded.
"Let's go Turtwig! Tackle!" Barry cried out, his pokémon charging across the field.
"Omni, ugh, Quick Attack!" Jay called out as Omni began to charge at the Turtwig. "No, zigzag and nail it on the side!" He called out, Omni complying right away, striking Turtwig on the side of it's head.
"Turtwig!" Barry called back as his pokémon was knocked down, rolling to it's feet. "Use Razor Leaf!" He called, the pokémon sending out several razor sharp projectiles.
"Omni, hit the dirt!" Jay called back as Eevee dug down, making a hole as it went underground, the leaves flying over the hole. "...Not what I meant, but I'll take it."
"Turt? Turtwig?" The grass pokémon let out, walking to the hole and looking down.
CHOMP!
"TURTWIG!" It cried out as the Eevee leapt up and bit the branch extending from it's head. "WIG! TURT, TURTWIG!" It said as it started to run around, Omni on it's head, biting into the twig.
"Hey, you didn't call an attack!" Barry cried out, pointing at Jay.
"Hey, I ain't arguing." Jay said with a shrug.
"Come on Turtwig, shake that thing off!"
"Turtwig, Turtwig!?" It cried out, running about in circles, Omni still biting it.
"I don't know! Headbutt something!" Barry answered as it ran right at a rock.
"Hmm, Turtwigs don't learn Headbutt." Rowan mused as Jay called out for Omni to jump off just before Turtwig slammed head on into a rock. "Then again it's a simple enough move to replicate."
"Turtwig..." The pokémon let out, shaking the pain from its head as it turned to its opponent.
"Okay Turtwig, it's time to bite back with Bite!" Barry called out as the grass pokémon charged at the Eevee.
"Omni, Take Down!" Jay called out as the Eevee rushed out, slamming into the Turtwig, the grass pokémon digging it's heels in to keep from skidding back only to jump forward and bite Omni's head. "Oh no! Omni, shake it off!"
"Yeah, bite down Turtwig, we got this!" Barry called out as Jay watched on worried.
'If I have Omni try to slam into something he'll just make Turtwig jump off.' He thought as Omni shook it's head, running around. '...Ahh, no choice...' "Omni, it's time to use our ace! Go, go Jolteon!"
"Jolteon?" Barry parroted as the Eevee began to glow, growing in height before turning into a dark yellow, it's fur becoming spiky as Barry brought out his own orange pokédex. "What just happened!?"
[Jolteon, the lightning pokémon. Evolved from an Eevee that was exposed to a Thunder Stone this pokémon stores charges in it's needle-like fur. Electrical impulses in it's leg gives it explosive speed.]
"B-b-but I didn't SEE a Thunder Stone!" Barry cried out as the Turtwig looked nervous as it bit down.
"Omni, Thunder Shock!" Jay called out as arcs of electricity coursed over Omni's body.
"Jolt... JOLTEON!" Omni cried out as it let out a point black Thunder Shock at the pokémon on it's head, Turtwig cried out before it let go, falling to the ground, smoke lightly emitting from it.
"Turtwig, Synthesis!" Barry called out, even as it's eyes appeared to spiral. "Synthesis and heal up! ... Please? Aww, he's knocked out..."
"Nice one Omni." Jay replied as the pokémon reverted back to an Eevee.
"Wait, how did it do that...?" Barry asked, even as he walked over to pick up Turtwig.
"Jay's Eevee was exposed to some... force we can't explain." Rowan began. "We still don't know the what or the how behind it, only that Omni can shift between being an Eevee and any Eevee evolution."
"Oh man..." Barry said with a sigh even as Turtwig looked up at him.
"Don't feel bad." Jay replied, even as Omni hopped up to his shoulder. "You couldn't have known he could do that, and if he couldn't he wouldn't have won, not with the grip that Turtwig had on him."
"Turt...?" The pokémon said, looking up at it's trainer.
"Don't worry about it Turtwig." Barry replied with a smile. "You did okay. And we're gonna get stronger!" He said setting the pokémon down.
"Turtwig?" It said, tilting its head.
"Together we are going to get stronger!" Barry declared, pointing a finger up in the air. "We will overcome any and all opponents! No matter what they can do or what they can turn into!"
"Turtwig!" The pokémon replied, standing on it's hind legs, and pointing with a foreleg.
"We will collect all eight badges! We will go to the Sinnoh League! And we will defeat the Elite Four and the Champion!"
"Turt, Turtwig, Wig, Turt, Turtwig!" The pokémon added as he set his forelegs on his hips as his trainer set his fists at his own hips.
'...Well if battles were determined by that kinda spunk Omni would have been knocked around six ways to Sunday...' Jay thought to himself.
"Let's go Turtwig!" Barry said before running to the lab.
"Turtwig!" His pokémon added before running after him.
"Well he's driven, I'll give him that much." Jay admitted. "...Isn't it going to be dark soon?"
"He's too caught up to notice." Rowan sighed. "He'll be okay though. ... Probably. ... Maybe. ... Most likely."
"Where have I heard that before?"
0-0
Author's note: The porta-tent and porta-storage were made up as a way to explain how people can carry the sheer amount of crap the game characters tote. Such as a bicycle, a hundred different potions and antidotes, two hundred pokéballs, the TMs and HMs, and any other assorted crap they come across. Hey, if you can shove a fifty foot tall Wailord that's gotta be even longer into something the size and shape of a baseball making things like that can't be too out there.