Last time on Tony's Journey…

Tony woke up in his room, after a nearly fatal encounter with dangerous mental case Kayla Reeds. Tony and his friend, Kirby were both alive, and safe. So, after a very large breakfast courtesy of Tony's Aunt Sally, the two went to see Professor Oak, the authority of Pokemon studies. Oak revealed that he wanted to hire Tony as his field researcher, to go out and study Pokemon. With the new Pokedex in his hands, Tony prepares for his journey to study all Pokemon, and become a Bug Type master! Meanwhile, we saw a new trainer, Tayuyu, who will be coming with Tony on his journey. She has just lost to Giovanni, the Gym Leader of Viridian City, and feels that the journey will strengthen her. Meanwhile, we learned the Giovanni is the leader of Team Rocket, and broke Kayla Reeds out of a mental institution to work for him. Now, he plots for a crime better suited to the psychopath's abilities! What happens next? Find out now! In this chapter, Tayuyu and Tony meet, and Tony gets a brand new Pokemon from Johto!

"Tony did WHAT?"

If Uncle Brad had been in the house, his voice would have echoed throughout the home, scaring everyone. Thankfully, the man was on the phone, in an entire other country. Brad was an archeologist, working for Professor Oak and Professor Elm in Johto, examining the ruins of Alph. There were rumors of a legendary Pokemon that had been seen there. But now, Uncle Brad was talking with his wife about Tony's latest escapades.

"He fought against that group of criminals called Team Rocket," said Aunt Sally.

"Why would he do something like that?" Uncle Brad asked. "He could've gotten killed or kidnapped!"

Sally sighed. "That's just the way that Tony is, dear."

Brad sounded paranoid. "And now you're letting him go and be Oak's research assistant? What if he runs into those clowns again and he gets hurt or worse?"

Sally sighed. "Dear, you went on a journey like his when you were younger."

"I had my dad with me!" Brad said.

"And Tony will have a young lady who is one of Professor Oak's aides," Sally said.

Brad sighed. "Alright…" he said. "I'm not gonna be able to talk him out of it, am I?"

"Probably not," Sally admitted. "He's already packing."

Brad sighed again. "Alright," he said. "I'll be home in a few weeks anyway, so I'll be sure to go and find him." He paused, and then added, "But he will call both of us every day, and we will check up on him daily," he said firmly.

Sally nodded. "I wouldn't have it any other way!" she said.

Over the phone, Brad nodded. "Glad to hear," he said. "Thanks for letting me know, dear. Besides, this'll be good for him. He'll get to meet new people, see new places, and learn about the world."

"He'll also be garnering research for his book," said Sally with a grin.

Brad chuckled. "Right," he said. "Well, it looks like he's growing up. And I'm not even there to see it."

"You will be, soon," Sally said. "Do you want to talk to him?"

"Yeah," said Brad. "I'll call him after lunch, okay?"

"Okay," said Sally. "Good bye, hon."

"Wait!" Brad said, suddenly. "Wait a second, Sally, I have something here…"

"What is it?" Sally asked.

"Last night, I got a present for Tony…" said Brad. Sally could hear rummaging in the background, meaning that Brad was probably digging through his bag. "Here we are!" he announced. "I'm gonna call Oak and send the little guy to him, alright?"

"Okay, but what is it?" asked Sally.

"You'll see when I send it!" Brad said, excitedly. "Good-bye now, honey," he said. "I'll call you after I've sent the present over to Oak!"

Before Sally could say another word, the phone went dead. "He always does that!" she complained.

Shrugging, Aunt Sally left to make lunch.

"Already then… Spare clothes?"

"Bree!"

"Check. Swim suit?"

"Bree!"

"Good. Your favorite Pokemon food?"

"…Bree…"

Tony turned around to see Lucky, who was guiltily clutching a can of Pokemon food, now halfway empty. "Hey!" he said. "That's for the trip! Come on, we need to conserve!"

Lucky sighed sheepishly as she placed the can back in Tony's bag.

"Good girl," Tony said. He looked back at the list, asking, "Now, sandals, spare shoes and socks?"

"Bree, ree, ter ree!"

Tony grinned as he zipped up his shoulder bag. "Then we are all packed!" he said. "Now we're ready for our new job, right, Lucky?"

Lucky chirped happily, flitting next to her trainer's head.

"Good!" Tony said, as he swung the bag over his shoulder. With a grin, he ran down the stairs. Aunt Sally was making their lunch, warm grilled cheese. Kirby was sitting at the table, sweatdropping nervously while Aunt Sally waited on him hand and foot.

"I'm all packed!" announced Tony, sitting down on his chair and hastily beginning his lunch.

Aunt Sally smiled as she sat down herself. "Glad to hear," she said. "I don't want you to be gone for several months without having enough clothing."

Tony nodded. No use going on a journey in dirty clothes.

"You all packed, Kirby?" Tony asked.

Kirby nodded as he ate his sandwich. "Ready as I'll ever be. Blade, Taka and Tim are all rested up and ready to go."

Tony gave him thumbs up. "Awesome!" he said, before swiftly digging into his own meal.

"Well, it seems both you boys are packed, then!" said Aunt Sally, sitting down with her own lunch. "You didn't forget your toothbrush, did you?"

"No, Aunt Sally," Tony said, inwardly sighing.

"Good," Aunt Sally said. "I expect you to remember to keep up with your basic hygiene, clear?"

"Yes, Aunt Sally."

"Good. How about fresh socks?"

"Aunt Sally!"

Sally laughed. "I'm just teasing you!" she said. "Finish up your lunch and hurry over to the lab. We don't want to keep Ms. Tayuyu waiting, do we?"

"Nope," said Tony, shoveling his sandwich into his mouth as quickly and politely as he could.

Pappy chose this moment to walk in. The old man had a very satisfied smile on his face, and a large fishbowl containing a – you guessed it – Magikarp. The old man placed the bowl on the table, grinning. "Caught one," he announced.

"Congratulations," said Aunt Sally. "Now please, no Pokemon on the table."

"He's not on the table," said Pappy. "He's in a bowl on the table." He picked up a sandwich and broke off a piece of bread, dropping it into the bowl. The Magikarp ate it up. "You and me, Cap'n," Pappy said, grinning. "You and me."

"Karp! Magikarp!" the Magikarp replied.

"Cap'n?" asked Kirby.

"Of course!" said Pappy. "He is gonna be in charge of my team, once I get it ready."

"More Magikarp?" asked Tony, inwardly sighing.

"No, not just Magikarp," Pappy said. "Maybe I'll add some Goldeen and Tentacool."

"Both good choices," said Kirby, nodding. Both Water Types could be great, if trained well.

"Oh, why did it have to be Tentacool?" Aunt Sally moaned. She had been scared of Jellyfish Pokemon every since she was a girl. "You know I don't like those things, Pappy!"

"Well, being around one will do ya good!" Pappy said. "You'll feel more comfortable around them!"

"He has a point, Aunt Sally," Tony said.

Sally folded her arms. "Hmph… You boys won't be catching any of those, right?"

"Nope," Kirby said. "I don't catch anything that doesn't fly, ma'am."

"And I'm a Bug Trainer," said Tony. "No Tentacool coming from us!"

Aunt Sally nodded. "Good," she said, relieved. "Now finish your lunch and get going to the lab!"

Tony and Kirby nodded, before finishing their meals and heading out the door. "We'll be back later, Aunt Sally!"

Aunt Sally waved as they went to the lab and sighed as she put the boys' dishes in the sink. "You'd think they'd remember to clear their plates…"

Pappy didn't answer. He was too busy grinning at his Magikarp.

Oddly enough, the fish was grinning back.

Professor Oak sighed happily as he sipped his bowl of tomato soap, enjoying the delicious taste of his lunch. Being an expert on all things Pokemon and being a world renowned genius was nice and all, but it was hard work, so a nice hot lunch was always appreciated. "Blue," he said. "Stop looking at those Dratini scales! Come and get some lunch!"

Blue shook his head. "Gotta finish that report on Dratini, Gramps…"

Oak rolled his eyes. That grandson of his…

There was a knock on the door. "Professor?" a female voice asked.

Oak smiled. "Ah, Tayuyu! You're here! Come in, come in!"

The red headed trainer walked inside, smiling. "Hey, Professor," she said, as the old man stood up and shook her hand. "Good to see you again."

"Good to see you, too," said Oak. "You're just in time. Tony should be over any minute now."

"Good," said Tayuyu. She turned over to Blue. "Hey, Blue!" she greeted.

Blue waved his hand back, not paying attention. Tayuyu sweat dropped. He always does that, she thought. "So, when's this Tony guy getting here? I want to be back in Viridian before nightfall!"

"He was eating lunch, last time I checked," said Oak. "He's all packed and ready to go. Thanks again for taking him with you! It'd be crazy to send a young, inexperienced boy into the world alone!"

Tayuyu nodded. "We'll be fine, provided he isn't a whiner. If all he did was complaining every step we took, I'd explode!"

Oak rubbed the girl's head. "That's the spirit!" he said. "Don't worry. Tony can handle a lot. He's quite the bright young man! Just let him get the data we need and everything will turn out fine!"

There was another knock on the door, and a boy with sandy blonde hair (and no shoes, oddly enough). "Heya, Professor," he greeted.

"This guy's Tony?" asked Tayuyu. He's older than I expected. Maybe this won't be so bad after all…

"No, I'm Kirby," the boy said. "Tony's on his way. He got distracted by a Beedrill."

Tayuyu blinked. "Oh," she said. "He didn't get stung or anything did he?"

"No, he's good," said Kirby. "He's just adding data to his Pokedex." He shook the girl's hand. "Tayuyu, right? I'm Kirby, your other travelling buddy."

"What?" Tayuyu asked, looking at Oak. "You said I was only taking that Tony kid."

Oak sweatdropped, chuckling. "Oops…" he said. "Sorry."

"Don't worry about it," Kirby said. "I can take care of myself and pull my own weight around. I'm not a rookie."

Tayuyu nodded. "You'd better not be," she warned, half joking.

Kirby grinned. "Don't worry about me. Worry about Tony."

Another boy, dressed in a blue shirt and wearing a sunhat walked in, a Butterfree following him. The boy was grinning as he checked his Pokedex. "Heh…" he chuckled. "That's another one down! Let's see… only about one hundred and forty seven to go…"

Oak cleared his throat, catching his attention. "Ah, Tony!" he said. "You're finally here. All packed?"

"Yeah," Tony said, pocketing his Pokedex. "All packed, eaten, and ready for a long trip!"

"Glad to hear," Oak said. "This is Tayuyu," he said, gesturing to the redhead. "She will be accompanying you on your journey!"

"Heya!" Tony said, shaking the girl's hand. "Nice to meet you! Oh, and this is Lucky!" he said, gesturing to Lucky.

"Bree!" said Lucky, happily.

"Uh, likewise!" Tayuyu said, surprised. He's an upbeat one…

"Thanks for agreeing to come along!" Tony said, happily. "My Aunt would have never let me go alone!"

"Right," said Tayuyu.

"What am I, chopped liver?" asked Kirby.

Tony chuckled. "Oh, right, sorry. You've met Kirby, right?"

"Right," Tayuyu said.

"Good!" Tony said. "So, Professor, where to we go first?"

"The very first Gym is in Viridian City. It's lead by a business man named Giovanni. Not a bad fellow, if I do say so myself," Oak said.

"No way," Tayuyu said. "Uh, no offense, but you're just starting out! I just came from Viridian and Giovanni stomped my team!"

Tony looked a little discouraged and angry, but ignored it. "Alright, I'll take your word for it. What's the next town?"

"Pewter City," said Oak. "The Gym Leader is Brock, who uses Rock Types. He's a little… odd, but also not a bad fellow."

"Oh, I've met Brock," Tayuyu said, rubbing the back of her head.

Kirby nodded. "Yeah, he is a bit odd…"

"Well, was he super hard and impossible to beat?" asked Tony.

"No," said Tayuyu. "It'll take some training, but it's doable."

"Perfect!" Tony said. "I'll start with Brock then!"

"After him is Misty," Tayuyu said distastefully. "She's a bit of a pain, but still not a problem, if you're ready. By the way, she's lying about her 'all out offensive water strategy', trust me."

"Noted," Tony replied.

"Then we have Surge from Vermillion, Erika from Celedon, Koga from Fuchsia…"

"That's my stop!" said Kirby.

"Right," Tayuyu continued. "Sabrina from Saffron, Blaine from Cinnabar and then you'll probably be ready to take on Giovanni."

Tony grinned. "So it's settled!" he announced. "That's the route we're going to take!"

"Sounds good to me," Tayuyu agreed.

Kirby nodded. "Right," he said. "Well, what are we waiting for? Let's get Tony's stuff and get a move on!"

"Oh, wait!" Oak said. "You can't go yet! I have something from your Uncle for you…" Oak began to dig through a pile of papers on his desk. "Dang it! Why can I never keep track of anything?"

"You put it in your pocket, Gramps," said Blue, changing his microscope slide.

Oak blinked. "Oh, right!" he said, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a bright red sphere.

A shiny red Pokeball, with a small piece of paper attached to it was in Oak's hand.

He tossed it to Tony, saying, "It's from your Uncle!"

Tony grabbed the ball eagerly and read the piece of paper. "Dear Tony," it said, "I caught this rascal in our supply of Pokemon food and thought you'd like to have him. Keep him out of trouble! Love, Uncle Brad."

"Awesome!" said Tony, as he spun the Pokeball on his index finger. "I wonder what's inside…" he muttered as he tapped the opening mechanism.

Oak's eyes widened. "No wait, don't!"

It was too late. The Pokeball shot open and the occupant emerged. Oak closed his eyes and waited for his building to be torn apart.

"Spinarak?" a small voice chirped.

Oak opened his eyes to see a small green spider on the floor, staring up a Tony with dark eyes.

"Whoa…" Tony said. "Is that what I think it is?" he asked, holding up his Pokedex.

There was a flash and the robotic voice said, "Spinarak, the String Spit Pokemon. A Bug/Poison Type, Spinarak is not native to the Kanto Region. This Pokemon catches prey in a thin, but strong webbing it can shoot from its abdomen and mouth. The horn on its head is poisonous. It is primarily nocturnal. The subject is male, and seems to be roughly a year old."

"Rak?" Spinarak asked, looking at boy.

"Awesome!" Tony said, thrilled. "Lucky, check this little guy out!" He held out his hand. "Heya, little guy," he said.

The Spinarak stared at the boy's hand, unsure of what to do.

Lucky felt a pang of jealously strike her. "Bree? Bree!" (What the…? Hey, wait!)

"Wow," said Kirby. "A Pokemon all the way from Johto!"

Tayuyu was impressed. "Your Uncle is in Johto?"

"Yeah, he's studying the Ruins of Alph," replied Tony, as the Spinarak crawled onto his arm. "Heh, it tickles!"

"Rak…" the Spinarak said, still feeling unsure of where he was.

Oak let out a breath of relief. "Please, don't do that! You never know what could be inside!"

"Oh, come on, Gramps," said Blue. "You aren't afraid of a Pokemon, are you?"

"Oh, yes, Blue, act all innocent," Oak said, frowning. "I don't suppose you remember when…"

FLASHBACK

"Hey, Gramps!" said twelve year old Blue, as he happily ran into the lab. "My Magikarp evolved! Wanna see?"

"Sure, Blue, that'd be… Wait, don't!"

SMASH!

"Dos!"

"BLUE! MY LAB!"

End of Flashback.

Blue turned red. "I… don't know what you're talking about!"

Tayuyu chuckled. "Good one, Blue!"

"Oh, I wouldn't be chuckling if I were you, young lady," Oak said. "I seem to recall you deciding to show me your Charmander after she grew into a Charizard."

It was Tayuyu's turn to blush. "H-hey! You said we'd never talk about that again!"

Kirby and Tony began to snicker as Tayuyu glared at them.

"Spinarak?" asked the Spinarak, who was staring at Lucky.

"Bree!" said Lucky, haughtily. She turned away from the Spider Pokemon with a huff.

The Spinarak went silent.

"So," said Tony. "We have our bags packed, a brand spankin' new Pokemon, and all of us are together! Looks like we're ready to go!"

"Not yet, we aren't," said Tayuyu. "I know I said I'd take you, I want to test you."

"Test me?" asked Tony, blinking.

"Yeah," Tayuyu said. "I don't want to travel with a kid who has no experience I want to battle you; two on two. Sound fair?"

Tony nodded with a grin. "Alright," he said. "I'll take you on!"

Tony and Tayuyu headed outside to the front of the lab (at Oak's insistence) and squared off, Pokeballs at hand. Oak stood to referee, and Kirby decided to watch. "The battle between Tayuyu and Tony will now begin! Choose your first Pokemon!"

"Alright!" Tony said, eagerly. "We're up! Let's go, Spinarak!"

The Spinarak stared at Tony strangely.

Tony pointed over to the battlefield. "Go on, go! Please?"

Lucky fumed. "Bree! Butterfree!" (Hey! No fair! I'm the most experienced one!)

The Spinarak made a six legged shrug and crawled to the field.

"Uh, you sure that's a good idea, Tony?" asked Kirby. "Spinarak is new, and young. Tayuyu already has six badges."

Tony nodded. "Don't worry," he said. "Spinarak will get some experience out of this one!"

"Well," Tayuyu said. "If you've made your choice, here is mine! Go, Mach!" she shouted, raising her Pokeball.

A large Machamp appeared, folding his arms as he glared down at the Spinarak. "Cham!" he said, gesturing for the Bug Type to come and get some.

"Spina, rak spin?" Spinarak said. (Uh, can we talk about this?)

"Champ! Cham, mach!" (Actions speak louder than words, shorty!)

"Your move, Tony!" said Tayuyu.

"Aright," grinned Tony, "let's see if I can make you regret that choice!" He pulled out his Pokedex and read through the Spinarak's data. "Use String Shot!" he ordered.

Spinarak didn't need to be told twice. He shot out sticky threads at Machamp, slowing the four armed muscle machine down.

"Machamp!" (Is that all you got!)

"Alright, Mach," said Tayuyu. "Let's do this! Use Focus Blast!"

Mach grinned as he placed his hands together, forming a sphere of energy. Roaring, he tossed it at the Spinarak. The spider's eyes widened as he scuttled around, dodging the spheres that shot at him with deadly accuracy.

One of the spheres sailed overhead and smashed the door to Oak's lab open. Oak's eyes widened and he pulled his hair. "Darn it!"

"Sorry Professor!" said Tayuyu, turning as red as her hair.

"Don't let him toss you around, Spinarak!" shouted Tony, keeping his mind on the battle. "Use Poison Sting!"

Spinarak scuttled towards and leaped at the Machamp. He stabbed him in the knee with the attack, but the Fighting Type barely even flinched.

"Use Strength!" said Tayuyu, turning away from Oak's smashed door.

Mach grinned and flicked the spider off his knee, sending him flying. The Spinarak sailed through the air and – SMACK – hit the walls of Oak's lab. The bug fell to the ground, his eyes dizzy and disoriented.

"Spinarak is unable to battle!" announced Oak. "The winner is Tayuyu!"

"Great going, Mach!" shouted Tayuyu.

"Machamp!" Mach replied, happily.

"Good job, Spinarak," said Tony, as he returned the Pokemon to his ball. "You deserve a rest! Alright, Lucky, you're up!"

"Bree! Butterfree?" (Oh, so now you want me?) Lucky was angry, but obeyed nonetheless, flying over to Machamp.

"Alright!" Tony said. "Use Confusion on him!"

"Bree!" Lucky said, as she pounded the Machamp with powerful energy.

Mach hit the ground with a groan. "Mach!" said Tayuyu. "Come on, get up!"

"Machamp…" muttered Mach, feeling dazed.

"Use Strength!" shouted Tayuyu.

Mach grunted and raised his fist, preparing to swat at Lucky…

… And then proceeded to smack himself in the face.

"Oh, no!" Tayuyu said. "He's confused!"

Tony nodded as Mach began to swat and punch at empty air, angrily. "Lucky!" he said. "Let's wrap this up! Use Ariel Ace!"

"Butter…" Lucky said, charging at the Machamp, her wings glowing. "FREE!" she declared as she smashed into the Machamp. And a la David and Goliath, he went down with a crunch.

"Alright!" Tony said, grinning. "Good job, Lucky!"

"Bree!" said Lucky, proudly. "Free bree butter bree!" (Let's see you do that, Spider-Boy!)

"Mach is unable to battle!" said Oak with a grin. "The winner is Lucky!"

"Good job, Mach!" said Tayuyu, returning him to his Pokeball. "Don't get cocky!" she told Tony. "Time for you to see my next Pokemon! Go, Blaze!"

A proud looking Charizard appeared, roaring as she faced down Lucky. "Char!"

"Bree…" Lucky muttered, sweatdropping.

"Don't worry, Lucky!" said Tony. "We're not giving up yet! Use Confusion!"

"Bree!" Lucky launched another powerful Confusion attack.

"Use Fly!" said Tayuyu.

"Char!" Blaze shot into the air, the attack missing her completely.

"After her, Lucky!" said Tony.

"Free!" Lucky said, shooting after the Charizard.

"Use Tackle!" shouted Tony.

Lucky shot towards Blaze, striking her in the stomach. The butterfly bounced off with a squeak.

"Use Fire Blast!" shouted Tayuyu.

"Charizard!" roared Blaze as she unleashed the fiery star at the Butterfree. Lucky cried out in pain as the attack knocked her back, seriously hurting her.

"Lucky!" said Tony, as the Butterfree landed on the ground.

"Bree…" moaned Lucky, struggling to get out of Tony's arms.

Tony sighed. "Alright," he said. "That's enough. We fold."

"Tony is out of useable Pokemon!" said Oak. "The winner is Tayuyu and Blaze!"

"Char! Char!" said Blaze. (Yeah, yeah!)

"Great job!" said Tayuyu, as she returned the Charizard to her Pokeball. She ran over to Tony. The boy was cradling the Butterfree in his arms, with Kirby at his side. "Is she…?"

Tony smiled. "Don't worry," he said. "She just needs some rest. She's been through worse before!"

"Free bree…" (I disagree…)

Tayuyu breathed a sigh of relief. "Glad to hear. You did really well, Tony."

Kirby nodded. "She's right!" he said. "You did really well. Guess you aren't such a rookie after all…"

"Hey!" Tony shouted. "We're not rookies!"

"Bree!"

Oak sighed as the two other young folks began laughing and running off, as Tony and Lucky chased after them. He turned back to his lab and looked at his smashed door.

Blue walked outside, looking at the door. "Hey, Gramps?" he asked. "What happened? I just looked up from my work and the door was gone!"

Oak sighed. Facepalm.

Ah, another chapter. Sorry this took so long, folks, I was working on Titans Neo (P.S. I'll try to update that soon, too!) and also I've been working heavily on Birds of a Feather.

So, Tony has a new Pokemon! Hurrah! I just can't do a Pokemon fic without my favorite Pokemon of all time Spinarak. :D

Well, Tayuyu and Tony had a battle and Tony lost. I flipped a coin to see who would win, and I'll be doing that whenever we have a OC vs OC battle, so no accusing me of favoritism!

Oh, before I go, I have a question for you all: What should I name Tony's Spinarak? You decide! Give me your suggestions, and I'll choose the one I like best! :D

Until next time, readers!