3 – Solaceon Town a Luxio away

Sometime later both trainers were ready to leave, they agreed on going together to Canalave and once they arrived in Johto they'd part ways. Shinji exits his room, open backpack in hand –I'll just ask once… where is Electivire?

-Reiji said he wouldn't give him to you and hid the poké ball- Sumomo explained, entering the house to drink some water after training with Lucario for a while. Shinji sighed and in that moment Reiji came in holding a yellow pokémon egg with black stripes. Hikari was following him.

-Tell me!

-Nope.

-Please!

-No.

-Don't be mean!

-Reiji, where is Electivire?

-I think he's resting in the backyard- The older answered calmly.

-Well give me his poké ball I'm leaving already- He replied obviously.

-You won't be taking Electivire, I got you a substitute- Reiji said showing him the pokémon egg.

-What pokémon is it?

-It's a secret- Reiji replied playfully –I'll just say it's an electric type.

-Reiji tell me!- Hikari asked.

-Brother… I need Electivire because as you know Johto's first gym is a flying-type one, I won't argue with you.

-Neither will I. This egg, or more like the pokémon that will hatch from it, is special and I'm sure it'll give Electivire a good rest- Reiji explained.

-I'm not taking that egg with me.

-Well I'm not giving you Electivire.

-I will!

Both brothers turned to the blue-haired girl –what?

-I can take care of the egg, I wanna see what pokémon is it.

-So you'll travel with my bro?

-Eh yeah, I guess- She shrugged though a bit insecure.

-Great!- Reiji handed Hikari the yellow egg –Don't worry about having a full team, when the baby hatches Shinji can send me over one of his pokémon and catch it.

-What? I never said I agree with this plan!- Shinji complained. Being amazingly ignored.

-Will it hatch quickly?

-Well… it'll hatch when it's ready.

They went up to the door – Well, thank you for everything Reiji, we'll be seeing each other- Hikari smiled.

-By the way- Reiji mentioned – If you want you you can also leave some of your pokémon here with me. I'll take care of them while you two travel- He smiled warmly.

-Thank you, that's kind.

-Goodbye brother.

-Take care you two, please don't argue two much, and remember to have patience and respect.

-Okay…- They both replied.

The two trainers had been walking for a while now and still were merely halfway to Solaceon. None of them spoke, Shinji was ahead silently while Hikari tagged along behind, petting and looking at the yellow egg.

-Shinji, I'm tired. Can we rest?

-Don't start now.

-Argh! We've been walking for long – She complained.

-And we're not even halfway- The boy replied, not even turning back or stopping.

-You're not the one carrying the egg.

-No. And don't give me that excuse.

-You're mean!

-And you're annoying.

-Awww pleeeeease, just this once!- She said trying to negotiate. It was quite obvious it wouldn't be the only time though…

-Fine- Shinji sighed – Just this once.

They stopped somewhere comfortable and it was just in time for lunch too.

-Awww, in moments like these I really miss Takeshi's cooking… or mom's- Hikari lamented while extending a cream-colored picnic blanket with help from Prinplup, Pachirisu, Ambipom and Buneary –One of the disadvantages of traveling, you gotta make do with what you have...

-Yeah…-Shinji mumbled taking out some things from is backpack as well. Hikari noted the cooking implements –Hey, You know how to cook too?- She asked somewhat surprised and curious.

-What do you think I eat when camping?- He asked back.

She shrugged -…Touché.

Pachirisu and Buneary giggled, while Ambipom and Prinplup just shook their heads.

-Then let's make something together- She said somewhat excited, ready to show her skills and really up to demonstrate a thing or two most likely. Also that the idea of cooking with him, or watch him cook, was intriguing to say the least.

-In that case you can help by searching some firewood- He said.

Hikari nodded –Prinplup, you're in charge- She said, the penguin pokémon patted his chest with a flipper in a gesture of authority and turned to look at Pachirisu, who just sat down with an innocent face.

Hikari crouched down upon seeing a dark colored dry branch –This one will work too- She said picking it up and holding it along a bunch others she had already found –I think it's enough- She got –Who would have guessed, Shinji can cook too…and if Reiji taught him, he should be pretty good- She smiled. Hikari headed back to the camping place when she heard some noise in the bushes near –Eh, anyone there?- There was no answer –Shinji, guys?- The rustling was heard once more.

-Lux…- Suddenly a pair of brilliant eyes looked up at her from the bushes, a pokémon's shadow looming near. Hikari felt a chill down her back and hurried back to the campsite, holding the firewood tightly.

Shinji looked up upon seeing the girl run up to them, practically hiding behind the safety of her pokémon –What the-?- He exclaimed.

-There's something following me!- Hikari replied nervously. Prinplup and Ambipom immediately got up and alert, taking defensive stances. From the bushes appeared a female Luxio growling and showing her fangs, but she had something different, a very peculiar detail: she was yellow-colored – A Luxio!

-Gliscor get ready!- Shinji quickly tossed out a poké ball from which Gliscor came out ready to attack, the Luxio growled again at the opponent –X-scissor!- Gliscor's pincers started to glow white and with a quick X-shaped movement hit the Luxio. The electric pokémon jumped left to evade but stopped and grimaced a bit when she touched the ground, then shot a shadow ball at the Gliscor –Sandstorm now- Gliscor attacked with a gust of dust and dirt which blew back the shadow ball at Luxio and hurt her, however the pokémon didn't give up and released a strong amount of electricity that hit the fang scorpion pokémon head-on, unfortunately for her… it seemed to do nothing! -Gliscor finish it off with another X-scissor- Gliscor shook off the electricity like it was nothing and proceeded to attack the spark pokémon, making her drop to the ground. Shinji immediately tossed a poké ball and after a few shakes the pokémon was caught.

-You caught the Luxio, great!

Shinji simply picked up the poké ball and stared at it thoughtfully –That Luxio… I believe her left back paw was injured- He suddenly said.

-Eh?- Hikari blinked confusedly at such affirmation.

Shinji released the Luxio and approached cautiously, the Luxio hissed and growled angrily, stepping back. She was obviously annoyed of having been captured and was still very defensive.

Hikari crouched from a safe distance –It's ok don't be scared.

-Big words from the one who was scared by her moments ago.

-Oh shush- She told the boy and turned back to the Luxio –Calm down I won't do anything, we just want to know if you're ok- Hikari's pokémon walked up to the Luxio and she seemed to become more nervous until Ambipom and Prinplup started talking to her. It was then that both trainers saw her back paw was indeed somewhat swollen and she limped a bit.

-Wow you were right!- The girl mentioned –How did you know? – She asked turning to the trainer, who was taking out a potion from his bag and approaching the Luxio carefully, but she only stared at him with uncertainty.

-During the battle she jumped left, trying to protect that side, but she stopped immediately from the pain- Shinji replied as he sprayed the medicine in the hurt paw and then all over to restore her health a bit –Besides, it was weird that she didn't catch up to you when running, seeing as you're so slow- He said calmly.

-What did you say?!- She yelled annoyed, Shinji didn't pay much attention and returned the Luxio to the poké ball for resting. Hikari dropped the subject –You'll keep her?

-Yes, for now. Luxio usually travel in prides, this one probably got separated after being injured or something and took this area as her territory, attacking you when she felt you had invaded it, even when being hurt. She's got courage. Also in case you didn't notice…with how clueless you are… she's a different color, which makes her quite rare- He explained.

-So she's strong and rare? That's why you keep her?- She summed up blankly.

-And I need an electric pokémon for the gym because that thing- He said pointing to the egg that was being currently guarded by the Ambipom –won't hatch by then, I'm sure.

Hikari sighed – Well I guess it makes sense- She said while she went to pick some of the twigs she had dropped while running –Now let's go cook already I'm hungry- She mumbled.

After another while the group was finally enjoying lunch. Even, of course, the pokémon, for which Hikari had made something too and leftovers she had from her backpack.

-Hmmm- Hikari ate happily –This is really good… you're great at cooking too Shinji!- She exclaimed with a smile after swallowing.

-I guess…- He replied without giving it much importance, eating quietly.

-…

-…

There was an awkward silence that Hikari didn't know how to break –So… what are you going to do once we get to Johto? I mean, where are we going first?

-We'll land in Newbark and from there the best option is to continue traveling up to Violet which is where the first gym is.

-Mmmm… why did you choose to go to Johto?- She asked interested.

Shinji shrugged –I guess I wanted to revisit Johto, it's been long since I was there. And my mineral badge, the one from Olivine, got damaged- He lowered his voice a bit at the last part.

Hikari tried not to laugh –How?

-Honchkrow… when he was still a Murkrow started playing around with it. Murkrow love shiny things – He explained looking at the crow pokémon that was staring at both and upon noticing what the conversation was about turned around and started eating quickly acting innocent.

Hikari laughed this time, but just a little.

-However first we'd have to cross Cherrygrove city first- Shinji said as he finished eating.

-Well- Hikari placed her plate in front of her in the blanket, got up and went over to the pokémon –I'm done eating- She searched in her new black and white bag and took out a small box filled with something that looks like little oval cookies. Her pokémon quickly gathered around her, each one took one and ate it happily.

-What is that?

-Poffins- She replied –You've never heard of them? They're the best thing you can give to your pokémon if you're a coordinator.

-And what are they made of?- He asked raising an eyebrow. Hikari thought it was weird to see him so confused by something that for her was so basic.

-They're baked, they have mostly flour and berries but also milk, butter, sugar and that sort of things depending on how you make them. Not only do they make pokémon stronger and more agile but also their fur is shinier and softer and most importantly they create better bonds between trainers and pokémon. They always appreciate when you make an effort for them… hey I know!- She picked a few more and gave them to Shinji's pokémon. Honchkrow looked at it weirdly but ate it in three pecks but didn't seem to enjoy the flavor much. Torterra ate it in one gulp and happily let out a "Terra!" Luxio did the same with a smile licking over her lips. Gliscor tasted it but spit it back and dropped the rest uninterested and Weavile ate it and nodded in approval –Well, seems like Honchkrow and Gliscor didn't like them much, maybe I should try with other berries- The girl said to herself.

-Don't get used to giving them those, I don't want my pokémon to get all spoiled- Shinji said simply before picking both plates and pointed to Prinplup and the fire.

Hikari asked Prinplup to put out the fire and put her hands in her hips –Spoiled? What do you mean?

-Look behind you.

Hikari turned and to her surprise, Pachirisu and Buneary had their little paws together as if asking and big sparkly eyes. Yep, typical little Growlithe face.

-Ah no! I won't give you more, you guys know I won't – Hikari said, the pokémon pouted cutely- I said no. Now let's go we still have a long way to go- She went to her bag, picked her poké balls and returned her team. Then she packed up some things, put on her bag and picked the egg –All ready!

Shinji did the same and both resumed walking again. Hikari started making questions about his pokémon, their personalities, behavior, attacks… and so time went by. It was around five pm when both finally arrived Solaceon, immediately heading to the pokémon center to take a room.

-Ahhh finally!- Hikari complained, tossing her bag away somewhere and lying down in one of the beds –And there's still such a long way to go…- She added. She turned to see Shinji taking out some poké balls and go out –Where are you going?

-Training… I want to see what this Luxio can do.

-Mmmmm ok… I'll rest a bit- She said with a yawn.

-Whatever- He turned off the light for her and left the room.

Shinji was just outside the pokémon center in one of the training fields with Weavile and the new Luxio.

-Show me what you've got, bite!- The Luxio dashed out to her opponent with a bite but her leg still hindered her speed so Weavile evaded –Try with thunderbolt- Luxio released a lot of electricity from her body against Weavile but the dark-type intercepted it with a shadow claw, diverting the electricity.

Luxio looked impressed at her opponent's ability and couldn't evade the shadow claw that hit her directly, however she didn't give up and growled –Luuux.

-Double team!- In a flash a bunch of different Luxio copies scattered on the field –Now shadow ball!- Each of the copies fired a shadow ball against the opponent. Weavile didn't know where to run and received the attack –Thunderbolt!- The clones disappeared and the real Luxio attacked with a thunder strike, which considerably weakened Weavile –Good… I think I can work with you- He said the young lion pokémon – But we need to test your speed once you recover.

-Excuse, that Luxio is your right?- Shinji turned upon hearing an older voice near the entrance to the pokémon center. The one who had spoken was none less than professor Nanakamado, one of his assistants followed him.

-Yes, why?- He asked simply, returning Weavile but leaving Luxio outside.

-It's very interesting, it's got a different color- He explained thoughtfully as he looked at the electric type that just sat there curiously – I was wondering if you'd let me take a look at her in the pokémon center.

-Yeah?- He replied looking somewhat confused.

-This is something I cannot let pass. Actually I had come here to Solaceon to study more closely a pack of Luxio but the townspeople told me they left a few days ago. It would be just for a moment since I'm leaving tomorrow to Canalave and- The man explained but Shinji suddenly interrupted.

-Wait… you said you're going to Canalave?

-Yes, to the library to continue some investigations- The assistant answered with a smile –The helicopter will be here tomorrow morning.

-I propose something professor Nanakamado…- Nanakamado looked at the boy with interest and curiosity –I'll let you check up Luxio if you can please take me and my traveling partner to Canalave with you… we need to take a ferry that will take us to Newbark, Johto.

Nanakamado seemed to consider it for a moment but smiled –Well, I supposed hat can be done, you've got yourself a deal boy, now let's go inside. By the way don't I know you?

-Yes you do sir, my name is Shinji and years ago I received my started from you- He replied simply, putting his hands in his pockets and going to the pokémon center, Luxio got up and followed him.