Summary: She recalled memories of her past life when her grandfather told her to choose a starter pokemon from his trophy garden. AU Sakura-Centric
Title: Perseverance
Since her narrow escape from the old chateau, Sakura made it safely to Floaroma Town and headed straight for the Pokemon Center to get the rest she needed. It was now late in the afternoon and she had just awakened from her slumber.
Sakura yawned as she sat on the edge of her bed in a simple white nightgown. "I still can't believe I went through so much not even a day into my journey," Sakura thought, still shaken up but the ordeal. She had near death experiences in her past life but even then, she had a way to defend herself. In this world, she's just a normal girl with only her pokemon to protect her.
Sakura breathed a swooning sigh as she ran a hand through her hair.
She was in such a rush to get to the Pokemon Center that she didn't even have time to see the town. Her lips slowly curled up into a smile the more she thought about exploring the town that's said to be filled with flowers. She had heard there were even a famous Café that couples go to have dates and eat delicious desserts called; Blossom Café.
Sakura's cheeks slowly turned red as she thought about couples kissing and having dessert together. She hadn't thought much about romance since recovering her memories but before that, she often thought about marrying her prince charming or knight in shining armor. Furthermore, at this age, she's still going through puberty so crushes and love were bound to happen eventually. So when it happens, she would welcome it wholeheartedly, but only if the person has a good personality and actually cared about her.
She didn't want another Sasuke.
Pushing those thoughts to the back of her mind, Sakura rose from her bed and walked into the bathroom to prepare for the day. Thirty minutes later, Sakura came out of the bathroom fully dressed in her pink dress and heels. She gently placed her hat on top of her head, leaving her hair down today. Smiling to herself, she attached her two pokeballs to her waist, grabbed her bag and left the room. She bought generic pokemon food using her black card from the indoor store and exited the center.
The moment she exited the Pokemon Center, the smell of fresh flowers drifted through the air, carried by the strong winds. Sakura's eyes widened as she took in the sight of the town. The town was small and she could count the number of buildings there were on her fingers but the flowers enhanced the town more than she thought and made the town look bigger than it should.
She went behind the Pokemon Center and could only marvel at the sight of the flower field in front of her. There were so many different kinds of flowers growing in the field that it was a sight to behold. Not wanting to share this moment alone, she grabbed the two pokeballs from her waist and released the pokemon inside. With a bright flash, both pokemon appeared next to her.
[Cleffa!]
[Gastly!]
Sakura looked at the pokemon in front of her and smiled. "Look, isn't this just beautiful?" Sakura said, pointing at the flower field.
[Cleffa!] Cleffa squealed before running into the flowers.
[Ghas Gastly.] Gastly snickered, following Cleffa into the flowers and chasing her through the flowers.
Sakura laughed, happy that her pokemon were able to have fun despite the frightening experience they had not too long ago. She sat down in the grass, watching her pokemon play as she thought about her plans.
Her first priority was to at least catch one more pokemon. Gyms were normally 3 vs 3 and even though she could still enter with just her two pokemon she wanted to even out her odds of success.
Next, she wanted to visit the Valley Windworks that is famous for generating energy by using the wind. She also wanted to visit the Meadow and the Cafe she had heard so much about.
Finally, she wanted to get some more battle training under her belt. The first gym is a rock-type gym and she has a fairy type and a ghost/poison type on her team so far. Though she doesn't have the type advantage it would still be nice to have a type that can have the advantage over rock types. She had more ideas for training but she didn't want to start them as yet.
Sakura giggled quietly as Gastly pulled a prank on Cleffa who turned around to chase the ghost type pokemon. Sakura pulled out her pokédex and pointed it at Gastly.
[Gastly, the gas pokemon. Although Gastly is barely visible, when it's near, a faint sweet smell lingers. Ability: Levitate: Damage dealing Ground-type moves have no effect on this Pokémon. Cannot be trapped by Arena Trap ability. Takes no damage from Spikes. Known Moves: Confuse Ray, Sucker Punch, Night Shade, Curse]
Sakura nodded to herself, committing Gastly's moves and ability to her mind. Sakura dug into her bag and pulled out two paper tissues and pouring pokemon food into the tissues. "Cleffa! Gastly! It's lunchtime!" Sakura shouted, laughing as Cleffa scrambled out of the flower field and Gastly floating close behind her.
"Here you go," Sakura said softly, placing the two tissues in front of her and watching her pokemon eat with fervor.
[Rubi?] a soft voice sounded out.
Sakura's eyes widened as a Cherubi came out of the flower field, coming towards her. Sakura quickly pulled out her pokédex and pointed it at the pokemon.
[Cherubi, the cherry pokemon. Sunlight colors it red. When the small ball is drained of nutrients, it shrivels to herald evolution.]
Cleffa and Gastly turned around, glaring at the pokemon who ignores their looks and simply stares at the pokemon food. Sakura smiled. "Cleffa, Gastly, it's fine," Sakura said, standing up, "Hello Cherubi, would you like some of my food?"
Cherubi's eyes brightened before jumping up and down. [Cherubi Rubi!]
Sakura poured out some pokemon food in her hand before presenting it to the grass type pokemon. Cherubi eagerly ate the food from Sakura's hands before sending her a big smile.
[Cherubi!] Cherubi swung around the little ball on its head aggressively.
"Do you want me to battle you?"
[Rubi!]
Sakura smirked, thinking this was the perfect time to battle with her Gastly and catch another pokemon. "Then let's do it!" Sakura replied, taking a few steps back. "Gastly, I'm going to battle with you," Sakura told the gas pokemon before looking at Cleffa, "Cleffa just stay next to me, OK?"
[Cleffa!]
Cleffa moved next to Sakura's left foot as Gastly hovered in front of her. "Are you ready Cherubi?" Sakura asks, watching the cherry pokemon.
[Cherubi!]
Cherubi opened her mouth, firing several seeds at Gastly.
"That's leech seed," Sakura thought before commanding Gastly. "Gastly sink into the ground and use Night Shade!" Gastly snickered before sinking into the ground with a large grin, making the leech seeds miss completely. She came up with this idea by seeing what Ragnar did in the old chateau when it was in its butler form. Ghost-types were pokemon that can go through walls so why not use it to her advantage?
[Rubi?] Cherubi looked around in confusion, not noticing the shadow growing underneath her feet.
The darkness got bigger and bigger until there was a perfect replica of Gastly on the ground.
Cherubi looked down and notice the large shadow underneath her feet and cried out. [Cherubi!]
"Now Gastly!" Sakura ordered.
Gastly snickered loudly. [Gassstly!]
The large shadow shot from the ground, knocking Cherubi high into the air.
[Rubi!] Cherubi suddenly spun around in the air, releasing a plethora of magical leaves. The leaves kept swirling around her, forming a mini tornado that she threw at Gastly.
"Gastly, Sucker Punch!" Sakura quickly ordered.
Gastly vanished on the spot the moment the magical leaf tornado crash into the ground, whipping up a flurry of flower petals. Gastly appeared directly in front of Cherub with a grin before smashing her towards the ground with a phantom hand.
[Cherubi!] Cherubi cried out as she hit the ground.
Hard.
Now was her chance. "Let's go Pokeball!" Sakura yelled, throwing a luxury ball at the cherry pokemon.
The black Pokeball hit Cherubi's forehead, automatically opening and sucking the pokemon inside. Sakura and her pokemon watched as the Pokeball shook three times before finally stopping.
Sakura grinned.
She ran over and picked up the Pokeball and showed it to her pokemon. "We caught our first pokemon through battle!" Sakura gushed, patting Gastly on her head, "you did really great for our first battle together Gastly!" She could only pat Gastly on its head because it was her pokemon and Gastly was allowing her to do that.
[Gastly!] Gastly happily cried.
[Cleffa!] Cleffa jumped into Sakura's arms, snuggling up with her.
Sakura smiled at the display. "Let's meet our new companion, guys," Sakura told them softly before releasing her newly caught pokemon. In bright light, Cherubi appeared in front of Sakura, slightly injured.
[Cherubi!] Cherubi happily cheered even with its injuries.
"Welcome to the team, Cherubi," Sakura said softly, kneeling in front of the pokemon, "Why don't we get you healed up."
[Rubi!]
Sakura smiled and pulled out a Full Restore from her bag. She carefully examined Cherubi before spraying the medicine on the bruises the cherry pokemon was sporting. After she was done, Sakura carefully put away the item in her bag and stood up.
"There, all done."
[Cherubi!]
"Now let's see what kind of moves you have," Sakura said, pulling out her Pokédex and pointing at Cherubi.
[Cherubi, the cherry pokemon. Sunlight colors it red. When the small ball is drained of nutrients, it shrivels to herald evolution.
Ability: Chlorophyll: When sunny, the Pokémon's Speed doubles. Known Moves: Morning Sun, Leech Seed, Magical Leaf, Sunny Day]
"I could work with these moves," Sakura replied, making a battle strategy for her pokemon.
Now that she was learning more about battling she liked coming up with strategies that work with her pokemon.
For example, her Cleffa's ability is Magic Guard which prevents damage from all direct-attack moves is incredibly useful for those that like to rely on weather conditions or status moves. Not to mention her fairy typing was also fortuitous for her due to only having two weaknesses. Though it wasn't a complete strategy, it would be a perfect surprise for her opponents.
Gastly, however, will definitely fit the sweeper category. Her strategy for the pokemon is to completely utilize its ghostly qualities to ambush an opponent. She also wanted to utilize it's poison qualities such as its gas. The gas was said to be able to knock out a human or pokemon but she would need to try it out to see if it's possible.
And her newest companion will serve as the support when it's needed. The most important moves were Morning Sun, Leech Seed and Sunny Day which could all prove useful if worked well together.
Sakura smiled, pushing her plans to the back of her mind and regarded her pokemon. "I'm going to return you guys to your pokeballs now."
Sakura returned the pokemon to their respective pokeballs and gathered her things. Following the map on her pokédex, she set out on her first destination.
The Valley Windworks.
Sakura ran across the bridge, happily enjoying the wind and the sound of the rushing river. She could see the building ahead of her and marvel at the sheer size of it. To think such a thing existed in this world and she couldn't believe how the energy as created when she read about it. If this was implemented back in Konoha a lot of things would've been easier for the civilian population.
Sakura neared the building, lost in her thoughts as she looked at the building.
"Beautifly, Bug Buzz!"
"Dustox, Psybeam!"
The voices snapped Sakura from her thoughts and her eyes landed on two figures near the entrance of the building attacking a pokemon. Sakura's eyes widened as they attacked the helpless pokemon that was taking attacks from all sides.
Her eyes darkened, her hands forming a fist.
She ran up towards the man and woman, skidding to a stop. "What the hell are you doing?!" Sakura snarled, making them turn to look at her.
"Haha, run away little girl. This has nothing to do with you!" the man snapped.
"It has everything to do with me," Sakura shot back, "you're attacking a helpless pokemon!"
"Shut the hell up!" the woman screamed, spit flying everywhere, "you don't know what this horrid Drifloon did!"
"And what did this pokemon do that warrants you ganging up on it?!"
The man chuckled, looking at her with red eyes. "This pokemon stole our son. That's the nature of these sick Drifloons who steal kids from people!"
"You're wrong!"
"And what do you know?!" the woman screamed, "this Drifloon kidnapped our son and it's getting what it deserves!"
"I-"
"You're despicable!" a new voice cut in.
Sakura turned to look at the owner of the voice and her eyes slightly widened. There next to her was an incredibly handsome tea green-haired boy who wore an angry expression with his ice blue eyes narrowed the couple. He wore a grey jacket over a white dress shirt with green pants that matched the color of his hair. To top it off, a necklace with strange stone hung from his neck.
"What did you say?!" the man screamed, "you came here to stick up for your girlfriend?!"
Sakura spluttered. "Wha-?!"
"So what?" the boy replied, "you're both attacking a helpless pokemon and think you're doing the right thing!"
"Don't speak to my husband like that?!" The woman angrily pointed a finger at the boy.
The boy continued to speak. "Drifloons do not kidnap children. Contrary to what you think, Drifloons are friendly towards children. When trying to make friends with children, Drifloon grabs them by the hand or in some cases, children mistake Drifloon for a balloon and are accidentally carried away!"
Sakura nodded towards the boy with a smile before sending the married couple another glare. "Can't you see how sad that Drifloon there looks?!"
"Enough of this!" the husband shouted, "if you want us to leave this pokemon alone the battle us!"
"Hohohoho, they can't beat us, honey," the woman sneered, "we're the strongest couple in Floaroma Town."
The boy turned to Sakura with a smirk. "Hey, I'm Wally. Do you care to help me defeat this horrid married couple?" he asked.
Sakura nodded. "I'm Sakura and with pleasure," Sakura replied, smiling.
"Go Gallade!" Wally yelled, throwing a Pokeball into the air. The Pokeball opened, shooting a white light down to the ground and from the white light emerged the blade pokemon.
[Gallade!] Gallade stood in front of Wally, waiting for instructions as he stared down the couple.
Sakura grabbed her own Pokeball. "Let's go, Gastly!" Sakura shouted, throwing the Pokeball in the air. Gastly emerged from the white light and floated the air, snickering at her opponents.
"Let's win this battle baby" the man yelled, "Dustox, Psybeam on Gastly now!"
"I'm sorry," Sakura muttered softly, "Gastly, Sucker Punch!"
[Gastly!]
Gastly vanished from the spot appearing in front of Dustox. Gastly knocked Dustox back, stopping it from attacking.
"Gallade, Psycho Cut on Beautifly!" Wally ordered.
[Gaaallade!]
Gallade's elbow blades glowed white before he jumped high into the air with a spin before sending multiple blades of psychic energy at the bug pokemon.
"Beautifly, dodge and use Bug Buzz!"
[Beautifly!]
"Dustox, assist Beautifly with a Bug Buzz of your own!"
The butterfly pokemon narrowly dodged the Psycho Cuts and joined Dustox in producing red waves from their wings. The waves spread out in all directions heading for Gastly and Gallade.
"Gastly, into the ground!" Sakura commanded, watching the ghost type sink into the ground before the Bug Buzz could hit.
Wally smirked as he took notice of her plan. "Gallade, into the air!" Wally yelled.
Gallade sprang into the air, the red Bug Buzz waves missing him barely.
"Cowards!" the man laughed.
"Look they're running!" the woman said, joining her husband in laughter.
Sakura smiled. "Gastly use Night Shade!"
[Gas Gas Gastly!]
Gastly's shadow appeared underneath the two bug pokemon, growing larger until it rushed out of the ground, crashing into them and pushing them high into the air.
"Wha-" the man stuttered.
Wally smiled. "Gallade use Aerial Ace."
[Gallade!]
Gallade who was still in the air fell towards the two pokemon coming towards him. His two blades glowed white before he slashed both pokemon at the same time and landing safely on the ground.
"Impossible!" the woman cried, running towards her knocked out Beautifly.
"Let's get out of here!" the man sneered at Sakura and Wally before picking up his Dustox and pulling his wife away with him.
Sakura smiled at Gastly. "Good job, Gastly!" Sakura thanked the pokemon before returning her to the Pokeball. Sakura ran towards the injured Drifloon and knelt down in front of the pokemon.
"It's ok Drifloon," Sakura coaxed the crying pokemon with her soft voice, "the bad people are gone."
"Do you have any healing items?" Wally asked, kneeling next to her.
"Yes," Sakura replied while taking out the leftover Full Restore from before, "now hold still ok, Drifloon?"
[loon…] The balloon pokemon replied weakly.
Sakura quickly sprayed the leftover contents on the injured parts of the Drifloon and almost instantly it got better.
[Driflooon] It happily said, now full of energy.
"I think it's thanking you, Sakura," Wally said, watching the pokemon.
Sakura grinned. "Your welcome, Drifloon," Sakura replied, waving goodbye to the pokemon who began floating higher and higher.
She turned to the boy next to her who sported a smile and was waving goodbye at the Drifloon. "Thank you, Wally," Sakura replied, her cheeks turning red, "It was wonderful of you to help out."
Wally turned to her and smiled. "It's no problem," Wally said with his cheeks turning red from the praise.
"Sometimes humans can be really horrid to pokemon and even other humans," Sakura said softly with a sad expression. She couldn't help but think of the story of the old chateau.
"It's up to the good people to help other people and pokemon in need," Wally replied, "we just have to do our best."
Sakura smiled, feeling slightly better. "How about I treat you with some food?" Sakura asked, then hurriedly said, "as a thank you for helping out."
Wally blinked twice, surprised at her offer before he smiled. "Then let's go to Blossom Café," he announced with a nervous tone, taking her hand and pulling her along with him.
"But..why would we go there?" Sakura blushed, pulling her hand from his grip. "Isn't that where couples mostly go? She could sense that he was a good person but he was way too touchy.
He stopped, turning to look at her with a nervous smile. Sweat began forming on his forehead as his confidence began to falter. "Well, you said you were going to treat me with some food and Blossom Café is the only place it Floaroma that serves food..."
Sakura paled. "I could mean that I will treat you with food in my bag." Sakura countered.
"So you're going to treat me with pokemon food?" Wally shot back before he realized his mistake.
Sakura narrowed her eyes. "How did you know that?" Sakura slowly asked, raising an eyebrow.
Wally coughed, turning away from her. "Never mind that. Are you still going to treat me?" he said, glancing at her from the corner of his eye.
Sakura shook her head in disbelief. "Fine, let's go."
Wally smiled. "You don't need to use your pokédex since I know where the café is."
"You-"
"Let's go!" Wally cut her off nervously before grabbing her hand once more and pulling her in the direction of the café.
As they got nearer, she was besotted by the charming yet quaint café. The cafe front was lined off with yellow tables and pink chairs. Flowers of all types surrounded the pink building with large glass windows. Before she had more time to take in the café, Wally pulled her inside. The smell of freshly baked sweets, coffee and chocolate assaulted her nostrils and she immediately felt hungry.
She hadn't eaten anything since escaping the chateau and the food she "apparently" ate was all a dream.
Hushed whispers and chatter filled her ears, snapping her from her thoughts. She peeked out from behind Wally and blushed at how lovey-dovey the couples were.
Some were even openly French kissing in their own corner of the café.
Wally turned to her with a blush marring his face. "U-um, let's g-get a table over there." he stammered, pointing a table for two in a far corner.
Sakura raised an eyebrow. "Why are you so nervous now?" Sakura questioned, crossing her arms.
Wally looked away. "I'm not nervous," he mumbled but Sakura heard.
Sakura laughed. "Come let's go!" Sakura replied, this time taking him by his wrist and pulling him towards the table. The two sat down facing each other. One with a nervous smile and the other amused mixed with a bit of nervousness.
A lovely older female waitress came over to the table with a bright smile. "What will this lovely couple be having today?"
Wally coughed while Sakura winced.
"We're no-" Sakura started.
"I'll have a slice of cheesecake paired with hot chocolate!" Wally interrupted.
The waitress wrote his order down on her clipboard and turned to Sakura. "And you?"
Sakura glared at Wally before angrily snatching up the menu."I guess I'll have the chocolate fondue with strawberries and pound cake cubes for dipping and vanilla spice tea."
"Your orders will be out in a few minutes." the waitress said before leaving them alone.
Sakura glared at Wally, leaning closer to the boy. "What are you doing?!" Sakura hissed, "we're not together and I basically just met you!"
Wally laughed nervously. "Well, I didn't ask you to treat me, didn't I?"
Sakura gasped. "Unbelievable!" Sakura spat, moving to get up before a hand around her wrist stopped her.
"I'm sorry!" Wally apologized quickly before looking away with a blush, "I-"
Sakura sighed, sitting back down. "What is it?" Sakura asked softly, not wanting to draw attention to them.
Wally sighed. "I arrived in Floaroma Town just this afternoon and saw you came out the Pokemon Center."
"So you were stalking me?" Sakura asked, crossing her arms and raising an eyebrow.
"NO!" Wally blurted out before covering his mouth quickly as he looked around at the stares sent at their table. Wally sighed once more. "Look, I don't do this often and I-I don't see girls just to pick them up. Up until today, I wasn't interested in any girl until I saw you."
This time it was Sakura's turn to blush.
"When I saw the pure joy on your face as you watched your pokemon play in the flower field or when you battled that pokemon and successfully caught it, I admired you. I've been charmed by your wonderful green eyes, your vibrant hair color and most of all, your kindness towards pokemon." Wally finished with his cheeks red.
Sakura felt her heart hammering against her chest. She has never been confessed to like this in both of her lives. She could hear the sincerity in his voice and felt chills all over her body. Sakura knew she was attracted to Wally but she couldn't just jump right into a relationship. She didn't want to reject him outright either. She remembered how she treated Naruto and instantly felt regret.
"W-wally was it?" Sakura stuttered, "I'm not going to deny my attraction to you either."
Wally's lips curled up into a smile.
"But I would prefer to get to know you as a friend first before being a relationship," Sakura said.
Wally nodded with a gentle smile. "Then let's start over. My name is Wally Klein, I'm 15 years old and I'm from the Hoenn Region where I started my first adventure. I came to the Sinnoh Region to compete in the Pokemon League and I already have one badge."
"You're from the Hoenn Region?" Sakura asked, surprised.
Wally nodded. "Your turn."
Sakura took a deep breath. "I'm Sakura Backlot, I'm 15 years old and I'm from the Sinnoh Region of course. I started my first pokemon journey yesterday, almost had a near death experience and I'm aiming to compete in the Pokemon League. I currently have no badges yet."
Wally frowned. "I'm sure you have your reasons for starting your journey so late but a near-death experience?"
Sakura sighed sadly. "When you're going into the Eterna Forest please be careful," Sakura told him.
"Why?" Wally asked and Sakura told him the entire story of what happened to her in the old chateau.
Sakura wiped away her tears. "I'm sorry you had to hear that. It felt good being able to tell someone about my experience. I just feel guilty Cheryl's gone now because other trainers might come afterward and Cheryl won't be there to help them as she helped me."
"Y-you must've been so scared.." Wally suddenly said with a pained expression, "I'm sorry you had to go through that.."
Sakura shook her head. "I'm glad I did because when I get stronger I'll come back and fulfill Cheryl's wish. It also taught me that humans and pokemon can be equally dangerous."
Suddenly, Wally took Sakura's hands in his and he stared at her intensely. "I'll help you," he said with conviction, "when I go into the forest I'll make sure so many warnings are in place for new trainers that they won't even dare to go near and I'll ask the Eterna Gym Leader for help."
Sakura looked at the boy with wide eyes. "You'd really do that?"
"Yes, I don't want anyone to experience that same thing you did and I don't want you feeling guilty in case someone else enters the old chateau."
"Thank you, Wally," Sakura said softly, "I appreciate it."
Wally pulled back his hand and looked away blushing. "It's nothing.." he mumbled making Sakura giggle.
"Excuse me, your order is here." the waitress said, walking towards them with a large yellow tray. She placed the tray on the table before place their orders in front of them.
"Thank you very much," both Wally and Sakura responded.
"You're welcome." The waitress bowed, "Enjoy your date at Blossom Café!" she cheerfully said before walking away.
After eating their desserts and discussing various topics the duo walked out of Blossom Café in good spirits. Sakura turned to Wally and smiled. "I don't know how it went from me treating you to it turning into a date and you paying for everything but thank you," Sakura said sincerely.
Wally blushed. "I'm glad I could spend it with the first girl I've ever liked." Wally shyly said.
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" Sakura screamed inwardly as her heart sped up. "I had a wonderful time as well." She replied softly, contrary to her thoughts.
Wally grinned, making Sakura cheeks turn slightly red. He pulled out his phone and looked at her. "Do you have a phone so I can contact you?" Sakura nodded before pulling out her phone. They exchanged numbers before putting their phones away.
"Well, I'm leaving for Jubilife City," Sakura said, fixing her bag strap on her shoulder.
Wally smiled. "I'm headed for Eterna City but before that, I'll make sure no one enters the Old Chateau."
"Be careful and good luck with your gym battle," Sakura told Wally.
"I don't have to tell you good luck because after seeing you battle I know you'll win," Wally replied, grinning, "however to be safer…good luck with your gym battle Sakura."
Sakura blushed and did the most impulsive thing she would ever do in both of her lives. She didn't notice he was slightly taller than her before so she tiptoed and planted her lips on his cheeks. With her eyes closed, she pulled away with a blush.
"See you later, Wally," Sakura said softly before running away in the direction of Jubilife City.
Wally stood there frozen with his hand on his cheek and his face beet red. After a while, his lips curled up into a smile and he turned away, walking in the direction of Eterna Forest. "See you later, Sakura," he whispered.
I really love the Wally x Sakura pairing. I want to have fun developing their relationship.
