After helping Professor Elm, Summer and Samir travel to the Kanto Region for their respective reasons. They find a festival going on and attend. While there, Summer meets Professor Oak, who asks her to help him with a groundbreaking experiment. While testing it, she also meets her first and main rival in the Kanto Region. Will Summer be able to beat him?

Chapter 4- A New Region and a New Rival

During our short cruise to the Kanto Region, Samir and I let our Pokémon play with each other as we studied the Kanto region. After dinner, we retired to our rooms and went to sleep.

In the morning, the ship whistle blew. The PA system announced, "Ladies and gentlemen, we have arrived in Pallet Town of the Kanto region. Please take your time in disembarking. We hope you have enjoyed your cruise and we hope to see you soon."

Samir and I hurriedly packed up our things and disembarked the ship. I can't believe it! I excitedly thought. We're finally in the Kanto Region!

Once we stepped on Kanto soil, we saw a Poliwag waiting for us at the end of the dock. "Wait a minute," I said, "isn't that the Poliwag from yesterday?"

Samir looked at her and gasped. "I think it is." he said, "Let's go see."

We ran over to the end of the dock and Poliwag greeted us. "Hey there," I said, kneeling down, "are you the same Poliwag that helped us yesterday?" Poliwag jumped up and down happily. I laughed and said, "I guess you are. But how did you get here so quickly?"

Samir picked up an empty, wet bag with the words, Rage Coffee Beans, on it and threw it in a nearby trashcan. Now that makes a lot of sense, I thought. Poliwag must have eaten some to catch up with us.

Poliwag nudged her head against a Pokéball on my belt. "Do you want to travel with me, Poliwag?" I asked. She smiled and nodded. "Okay then, I'll nickname you Swirls," I said, taking a Pokéball off my belt. "Welcome to the team, Swirls." Swirls happily touched the Pokéball and allowed herself to be caught.

"I guess that solves our mystery of where Poliwag, or I guess Swirls now, was," Samir said while I put her Pokéball on my belt.

"It sure does," I happily said. "Let's go into Pallet Town!"

Samir nodded and we walked on roads lined with small houses. After a few blocks, we arrived at a large field where a festival was going on. A big yellow banner with the words, New Trainers Festival, stood at the entrance.

"I've heard about this festival," Samir said. "It's for new Trainers coming in for the Indigo League. Let's go check it out!"

"Sure!" I said excitedly. "I can't wait to see more Kanto Pokémon!"

A man standing by the banner greeted us and asked, "Are you too new Trainers?"

"Yes, we are," I responded.

"CONGRATULATIONS!" the man shouted, spraying us with streamers and confetti. After Samir and I shook off the streamers and confetti, the man gave us some red and blue bags.

"Use these bags for free and discounted items," the man gleefully said. "Feel free to let three of your Pokémon join in the festivities. Enjoy the festival!"

"Thanks," we told the man and started at the festival's information booth. We picked up a map and looked at it. The festival space covered three main areas: food, landmarks, and vendors. There was also a battlefield in the center of the festival where new Trainers can practice battling.

"Why don't we split up to cover more ground?" I asked Samir.

"Sure," he said. "Let's exchange Pokégear numbers in case we can't find each other." After that, Samir went to the landmark booths and I headed to the food booths.

"Come out, everyone! Let's enjoy the festival together!" I said, sending out my three Pokémon. Blaze and Swirls looked at the snacks while Errol wanted a dessert. "Okay, okay. I'll buy them for you."

My Pokémon cheered. I bought some of the regional treats: Chansey eggs, Poliwag rolls, and Tomato Berry rice balls. We headed to a picnic table and ate the food. They're so delicious! I never knew Kanto food was this good! I blissfully thought. "How's everything?" I asked my Pokémon. They loved the food and wanted to continue looking around. I smiled and put the trash into a trashcan. "Okay, let's continue on!" I said, pointing to the product booths.

We walked through the product booths, and I bought a Pokémon grooming kit and a shower kit. After I put my purchases into my backpack, I heard, "Portable Pokémon food makers on sale now!" A Pokémon food maker! I happily thought. Kanto has everything for Trainers! No manual prep for me! I have to have it!

I approached the salesperson in a calm manner while squealing on the inside. "So…how does this machine work?" I asked.

"Ahhh…" He said in a raspy voice. He held a small blue blender with settings for shake, juice, kibble, and mush. "This machine can make Pokémon food using Berries, drinks, and any other natural ingredients to make delicious, healthy Pokémon food. Unfortunately, it can't make coffee or julienned fries. But it'll never break, a lifetime warranty!"

"Intriguing…" I said, putting my fingers under my chin. "How much is it?"

"I like you, miss," he said and chuckled. "This lovely blue blender can be yours for 10,000 Pokédollars."

"Uhhhhh…." I said with my mouth hanging open. I was shocked by the high price. "That's really expensive."

"All right, miss," the salesperson said, trying to still make the sale. "Just for you, how about 5,000 Pokédollars? A good discount, yes?"

I can't spend half of my money on the Pokémon food maker, I thought. I have to spend my money for other things. Sigh, no food maker for me….

As I was about to reject his offer, a middle-aged man with grey hair and a lab coat came by the booth. He looked really familiar, but I couldn't remember where I know him from.

"Well, young lady, do you really want that Pokémon food maker?" he asked me.

"Yes," I answered, "I really want to make sure my Pokémon are healthy and happy."

The man smiled, told out his wallet, and told the salesperson, "I'll buy that portable Pokémon food maker."

The salesperson was astonished and said, "I'm honored the esteemed Professor Oak's buying of my products. There's no need for you to pay, sir."

My mouth dropped, and I realized, I'm such an idiot! How did I not recognize one of the greatest Pokémon Professors of all time!

Professor Oak then gave me the Pokémon food maker and said, "Here you go, Summer. Why don't we have a chat?"

I quickly closed my mouth, and I stuttered, "S-sure, Professor..."

We found a bench overlooking the ocean and sat down. Blaze and Errol sat on my lap while Swirls sat on the grass. Professor Oak said, "I've heard a lot about you from Professor Birch, Summer. I've read your articles, and you have potential of becoming a Researcher."

I was surprised by how much he knew about me and didn't know what to say. Blaze and Errol pecked me, and I quickly said, "Thank you, Professor!"

Professor Oak chuckled and said, "You have a good relationship with your Pokémon. I would really like someone who knows Pokémon habitats to help me with a project I'm working on, and you fit those qualities perfectly. Would you be interested in helping me?"

"Sure!" I blurted out. I can't believe Professor Oak wants me to help him!

"Excellent," Professor Oak said with a smile.

"But wait," I said, calming myself down. "What about your Junior Research Assistant? Isn't he available?"

"Oh, Josh? He's actually left to study in the Johto Region this year," Professor Oak said.

"Then of course! I'd love to learn more about your work in the relationship between Pokémon and humans," I said enthusiastically.

"Wonderful!" Professor Oak happily said. He gave me a microchip with a Pikachu-shaped microphone. "This is for your Pokédex. It contains data for a Pokémon translation app, allowing you to understand Pokémon communications in human language."

"Wait, there's such a thing now?" I asked, looking at the microchip from all angles. "I thought it could never be done."

"Well, this is just a prototype. But yes, it's a new technology we Professors working on to help people better understand Pokémon," Professor Oak said.

"Okay," I said, "how does it work?"

Professor Oak took a deep breath and lectured, "Just insert it into the microchip slot in your Pokédex. Then whenever you use it on a Pokémon, it'll not only give you the Pokémon's data entry, but it also translates that species' language into human language. As you continue traveling and battling, you'll be able to communicate with hopefully all Pokémon species. Why don't you try it on your Pokémon?"

"Oh, okay," I said. I inserted the microchip into my Pokédex, and it made a whirring sound. After it stopped, the Pokédex screen had a small microphone sign on the upper right.

"There, it should work," Professor Oak said. "Pokémon speech can be translated into either text or words. Oh, yes. Before I forget, here is an earpiece that will allow you to hear them. It will receive the translations remotely from the Pokédex. Why don't you try it out?"

I carefully put the tan earpiece into my right ear and turned the word option on for the translator app. I looked at my Pokémon and said, "So, guys, how's it going?" Blaze and Swirls tried to speak, but they only said their names. Errol, however, said, "It is going quite well, Ms. Summer."

"Whoa!" I said, slightly freaking out. "Why do you have that British accent?! And how did you get it?!"

"Oh, this?" Errol asked. He stroked his beak and smiled. "I learned the accent from watching an outdoor film marathon on Route 29. If I remember correctly, the films featured a gentleman by the name of Larry Wotter. The actors were quite eloquent, so I decided to become eloquent as well."

"I-I see…" I said, still stunned at Errol talking. "But wait, I haven't looked up Torchic or Poliwag yet. I should go ahead and do that."

Professor Oak chuckled and said, "There's no need to rush. Why don't you have a battle with Blaze? It'll not only let you look it up in the Pokédex, but it'll also strengthen the bond between you two."

Blaze and I looked at each other and nodded. "Sure, Professor. Do you know of any Trainers I can battle?" I asked.

Professor Oak stroked his chin and said, "Why, yes. I do know of one. Follow me, Summer." We got off the bench and walked to a nearby battlefield.

There was a boy standing at one end of the field. He wore a red and black cap under his dark hair, a green and red shirt, and blue jeans scanning the festivalgoers. He was slightly taller than me and gave off an air of strength mixed with arrogance. "Come on!" he yelled. "Does no one want to battle me?!"

Professor Oak said, "Why don't you battle, that boy, Weldon? He's from a long line of strong Trainers and got his Pokémon today."

"I don't know," I nervously said, "He does look strong."

"Poppycock! You will be fine, Ms. Summer," Errol said, making a determined face. "Never show them your fear." Blaze and Swirls nodded at Errol's encouraging words.

"If you say so, guys," I said. I took a deep breath, and we walked towards him.

Weldon saw us approaching and bowed to Professor Oak. "Professor Oak," he said. "thank you for giving me this strong Bulbasaur."

Professor Oak said, "You're welcome, Weldon. I'm going to sit on that nearby bench." He then whispered to me, "Good luck, Summer."

Weldon looked at me and sneered, "Who are you? And why do you have a Torchic?"

I was surprised by his bluntness and said, "My name's Summer, and I'm from the Hoenn Region. This Torchic is my-"

Weldon laughed at me, interrupting my introduction. That's really rude, I angrily thought.

Weldon slowly stopped laughing and said, "Let me guess, you're going to participate in the Indigo League?"

"Uhh…yeah…" I said, slightly annoyed.

Weldon immediately stopped laughing and gave me a serious look. "Really now," he said, "nobody from Hoenn has ever won the Indigo League."

"Well," I angrily said, "I'll be the first."

"Yeah, right," Weldon retorted. "You're as crazy as that kid trying to beat the Hoenn Champion by following some crazy rules." He took out a Pokéball and said, "Let me show you why people from Hoenn never succeed as Trainers."

"All right," I said, walking to the other side of the battlefield, "Blaze, let's battle!" Blaze nodded and walked into our side of the field.

"Weldon smiled and said, "You're going to regret it. Go, Bulbasaur!" Weldon sent out a small dinosaur with a bulb on his side of the field.

So this is the Grass starter from the Kanto Region, I thought. I used my Pokédex on Bulbasaur, and it said [Bulbasaur, the Seed Pokémon. Bulbasaur can be seen napping in bright sunlight. There is a seed on its back. By soaking up the sun's rays, the seed grows progressively larger.] Oh yeah, I should look up Torchic as well. I used my Pokédex on Blaze, and it said [Torchic, the Chick Pokémon. If attacked, it strikes back by spitting balls of fire if forms in its stomach. A Torchic dislikes darkness because it can't see its surroundings.]

"Stop stalling!" Weldon yelled.

"Don't be so rude, Master," Bulbasaur told him in a calm tone. "She just wants to learn about me."

"Come on, show me what you got!" Weldon shouted.

I guess I'm the only one who can hear what the Pokémon are saying, I thought.

"Are you ready, Blaze?" I asked him.

"Sure thing, Summer!" Blaze said enthusiastically with a voice similar to his cry. "Let's show him!"

"If you're not going to do anything, I'm going first!" Weldon shouted. "Bulbasaur, use Vine Whip!" Bulbasaur nodded and sent out two vines towards Blaze.

"Ready Blaze? Use Growl!" I commanded. Blaze gave a shrill cry, stopping Bulbasaur in his tracks. "Great, now use Ember!" Blaze smiled and spit out small flames, knocking Bulbasaur out.

"Yeah!" I shouted with joy. "Great job, Blaze!"

"Thanks, Summer!" Blaze said happily.

"Excellent work, you too," Errol said. Swirls nodded.

Weldon became upset and said, "How could I have lost to a Trainer from Hoenn? You cheated! Growl is a sissy move!"

"No it's not," I argued. "It's a strategy I saw on TV, so it's legitimate."

"What a whiner," Blaze said.

Weldon returned Bulbasaur and angrily looked at me. "Just you wait, Summer. I'm going to become stronger, and when we meet again, I'll destroy you!" He put Bulbasaur's Pokéball on his belt and angrily walked away.

What a sore loser, I angrily thought.

Professor Oak got off the bench and said, "Excellent battle, Summer. You and Blaze are really in sync. And it seems the Pokémon translation app is working perfectly."

"Hey Summer!" Samir said running towards us. Banksia ran over as well, carrying a stick of cotton candy. "That was a great battle!" He saw Professor Oak and smiled at him. "It's nice to see you again, Professor."

"Who's that, Samir?" Banksia asked in a quiet voice.

"That's Professor Oak, Banksia. He's a world-class researcher," I told her.

"Thanks, Summer. Wait…you know what I'm saying?" Banksia said with surprise.

Samir was also surprised and asked, "How did you know what Banksia said?"

I smiled and said, "It's a long story. I'll tell you on the way to the next city."

Samir gave a confused smile but shrugged it off. He looked at his Pokégear and said, "We should get going to Viridian City."

I agreed and told Professor Oak, "Thanks for your help, Professor. I'll let you know how the project is progressing." Professor Oak and I shook hands.

"Thank you for helping me," Professor Oak said with a smile. "Here's my Pokégear number in case you would like any advice. Good luck on your journeys, Junior Research Assistants."

We inputted the number into our Pokégears, waved goodbye to the professor, and left Pallet Town. I can't believe I won against a Trainer from Kanto! I confidently thought. This shouldn't be too hard at all. But little did I know, I still had a lot to learn.

Pokémon: Blaze (Torchic): Brave Nature, moves: Scratch, Growl, Ember

Errol (Hoothoot): Rash Nature, moves: Tackle

Swirls (Poliwag): Relaxed Nature, moves: Bubble

Questions for the Chapter:

What do you think of Swirls on Summer's team?

How do Pokémon have accents if they don't have knowledge of or access to other universes?

Do you like Weldon as Summer's main rival?