Disclaimer: I do not own Pokémon.
Chapter 9, The Journey to Sinnoh
At 6:00 on the first day of the month, a blue watch suddenly went off as it was programmed to. This in turn woke up the owner of said watch, a 14 year old raven haired boy. Alongside him woke up a foot tall yellow mouse. Both of them turned to the alarm on the watch, before the raven haired boy turned it off. Upon noticing the date however, he immediately broke into a massive grin, much to the confusion of the yellow mouse. "Todays the day Pikachu"
"Pika"
"Todays the day we finally go to the Sinnoh region"
Pikachu continued to remain confused at Ash's statement, until he to saw the date and realise what it meant. "Pi Pikapi"
"Come on, we better get ready, we've got a lot to do today" Ash was answered with a affirmative nod from Pikachu, and the two set about getting ready. After a quick shower, Ash got dressed in his new travelling gear, new clothes that his mother had got him for his Birthday not the other week. After a short while, Ash was decked in said new clothes. His hat was similar to his 'Hoenn' hat, but with a blue Pokéball motif instead. His hoody was no replaced with a think white and black jacket done up, with a white undershirt underneath. The white and black jacket had a large, upturned collar and a yellow strip across his lower chest. He was wearing thick blue jeans, and his trainers were now black with a red motif. However, he kept the same fingerless gloves that he wore to Hoenn. Turning around he saw his backpack, which was packed the night before.
Picking it up, and with Pikachu on his right shoulder, Ash left his room and headed downstairs to do his and his mums breakfast. Half way through, Mrs Ketchum came downstairs with a happy smile on her face after seeing her baby boy all grown up and ready to head out again. After a long breakfast, the clock turned 8:00, and Ash knew he had to leave now. "Okay mom, its best I head out now so I don't miss the ferry"
"Hmm, yes you best had. Explain to me what's happening again? How are you getting to Sinnoh?"
"I'm going down to Professor Oaks to collect the Pokémon I'm taking and to say goodbye. Then, I'm flying on Charizard until we hit the Charcific Valley, we we'll split up again so he can continue his training for the foreseeable future. Then, using Pidgeot, we'll head down to Goldenrod City, to catch the ferry to Sinnoh. I have told you this before mom"
"I know, but it's best to keep telling yourself things like this just so you don't forget" Mrs Ketchum said with a smile to her son, causing anime sweat drops to appear on his head. "Gee, thanks for the vote of confidence mom"
"I aim to please honey. Now, do you have everything?"
"Yes"
"Your spare clothes"
"Yes"
"Your first aid supply"
"Yes"
"Your food"
"Yes"
"Your underwear"
"MOM!"
"I'm only teasing honey, don't look so embarrassed"
The two headed towards the door, with Pikachu and Mr Mime close behind. As both Ash and Pikachu exited the house, they turned back to Mrs Ketchum to say goodbye. "Now, you know that I'll be watching you every step of the way Ash, you'll always have my support, just remember to call, okay"
"Yes mom. Thanks mom"
"Now go on and show Sinnoh what you can do"
"You can count on it. See you soon Mom!"
"Pika!"
And with that, Ash and Pikachu started to run to Professor Oaks Lab, whilst Mrs Ketchum watched as her son continued on his quest. Sighing fondly, she returned indoors, to get ready for a shift at the Restaurant.
Ten minutes later, Ash and Pikachu are bounding up the Labs stairs to meet Professor Oak, collect his Pokémon and set off to Sinnoh. Going up the stairs to the upstairs lab, they saw the Professor working at his computer desk. Upon hearing footsteps, Professor Oak turned and saw his protégé enter the Lab. "Ah Ash, early I see"
"Yeah Professor, I want to make good time on getting to Sinnoh, I'm just so excited I can't wait to get there sooner"
"Ah, to be young and full of energy again. Now, which Pokémon are you taking to Sinnoh young man?"
"Well, Pikachu is a definite, as is Pidgeot and Charizard. After thinking about it, I also want to take Glalie, Aipom, Eevee, Vulpix and Kirlia just for now"
"I see, taking some of the younger ones first are we?"
"Yeah, it gives them more experience, and those Pokémon haven't travelled with me long at all, so allows me to connect with them more"
"Okay, but what about Scyther, or Vibrava. They haven't travelled with you long have they?"
"No, but they are older, and have made close friends with the other Pokémon here so wouldn't be as lonely"
"Hmm, I suppose not. It is good to see you thinking things through now" Professor Oak stated fondly as he turned to collect those respective Pokéball's. Upon handing them to Ash, Professor Oak continued his conversation. "Now, I'll expect you'll be off"
"Yeah, I want to get there on good time"
"No need to rush, you have plenty of time. The ferry doesn't leave Goldenrod until four o'clock this afternoon, so you have plenty of time" Professor Oak then escorted Ash to his Pokémon in the corral, who were lined up and waiting for their trainer. Ash then turned to address the assembled Pokémon. "Okay guys, as you know already, Pikachu, Pidgeot and Charizard are with me initially, so that I can get to Goldenrod, and so that Charizard can head back to the Charcific Valley on the way" Everyone seemed to be alright with this statement, as it made the most sense. "Now before I say who else is coming with me, every one of you will be in Sinnoh with me. It may not be today, but you all should come on over" Again, no-one made any noises of disagreement, knowing that even with 12 Pokémon, not everyone could go. Ash took a deep breath before saying "The Pokémon coming with me are Glalie, Aipom, Eevee, Vulpix and Kirlia. Now just because….AAAAHHHHH" Upon stating who was coming with, the said Pokémon decided the best way to show their appreciation was to swarm their trainer, tackling him to the ground. With Eevee and Vulpix licking his face, Kirlia and Aipom hugging his chest, and Glalie was rolling around the pile in glee. Whilst the others were disappointed about not going just yet, they all smiled at the scene and knew what Ash had done, taking the youngest with him first.
As soon as Ash had disentangled himself from the impromptu pile, he turned to the other Pokémon, where some where smiling sadly, whilst others gave him nods of respect as to what he had done. Charizard then stepped forward and lowered himself, so that Ash could climb on easily. Ash then returned the Pokémon he was taking to their respective Pokéball's, before turning back to the rest of the Pokémon and Professor Oak. "I promise that all of you will come to Sinnoh, just please be patient". Stepping onto Charizard's back, he turned to Professor Oak, who had a few more words of advice for him. "Now Ash, I want you to go all the way this time. Don't let any mistakes hold you back. You have been brilliant this past month, especially with your Ace trainer Missions. Do us proud, and go the distance."
"I will, and I will win the Sinnoh League"
"Pi Pikachu"
"Char"
"Come on Charizard, let's go" And with that, Charizard took off, flapping his large draconic wings. Ash's departure was accompanied with significant calls from his Pokémon, as Professor Oak turned around and started making his way back to his Lab.
About an hour later, Ash, Charizard and Pikachu where making their way over Kanto, and where just about to pass by Mount Silver. Ash was focusing on the path ahead when he started hearing a ring tone.
'Ring, Ring'
Confused as to what it was, Ash frantically looked around, before realising that the ringing was coming from his Xtransceiver. He decided to answer it, and was met with the face of Professor Oak. "Ash, my boy, just quickly, where are you?"
"Uhhh, Professor? We're just about to pass Mt Silver. Why?"
"Good, your close. Listen Ash, the people in charge of the Mt Silver Pokémon reserve have just contacted me looking for you. Apparently, someone wants to meet you at the reserve. I told them I would get in contact with you to see if you were close by, and to get you to go there and see what was up."
"Uhhh, okay sure. Shouldn't take long, right?"
"Of course not, if it does stretch over however, call me, and I'll setup a new way to get you to Sinnoh. Call me if you need it, and let me know of the development"
"Off course Professor, I'll call soon" With that statement, the Professors face disappeared, to be replaced with coordinates to where the reserve entrance was. After telling Charizard the general location, the fire/flying type turned around and headed towards the place. Not ten minutes later, Charizard landed, with Ash and Pikachu dismounting. Upon stretching, Ash recalled Charizard and headed inside the facility. Almost instantly, Ash recognised Ranger Mason, the female ranger in charge of the Pokémon reserve. It seemed that she recognised Ash as well, as she quickly made her way over. "Ash Ketchum. Never thought I would see you again huh?"
"Yeah, imagine my surprise when I found out you wanted me here. Why did you want me here anyway?
"Well, someone wanted to see you" With that statement, Mason took Ash outside, where not even getting 10 metres outside, was tackled by a green blur. Upon recovering, Ash looked down to see small green, squat Pokémon, with stubby arms and legs, a red underbelly, and a fanned tail. This was a Larvitar, more specifically the one Ash helped protect before reuniting him with his mother. "La-Larvitar?"
"La"
"It is you Larvitar"
"Pika pi" Pikachu then quickly reintroduced himself to the rock/ground type, getting reacquainted with Larvitar. Whilst this was happening, Ash picked himself up and turned to Mason confused. "Why did Larvitar want to see me?"
"Yesterday, Larvitar and his mother came right up to those doors" Mason explained whilst gesturing to the doors they had just walked through "When I came to see what was up, I saw the two of them embracing one another, and then Tyranitar just walked away, whilst Larvitar just turned to me expectantly. I took Larvitar in, where it started messing around with the photos I have. Eventually, it came across one of you, and gestured to you and the video phone. I realised that Larvitar wanted to meet up with you for some reason, so I called Professor Oaks Laboratory, hoping to catch you. Now here you are" As Mason, finished explaining, Ash turned back to Larvitar, who was now looking at Ash with a small grin on his face. "Ash bent down to Larvitars level and gently asked him "So what did you want Larvitar?" Larvitar answered by gesturing to the Pokéball's on Ash's side, easily signifying what he wanted. "You want to come with me Larvitar?"
"Larv"
"Is that alright Mason?"
"Normally, I would say no, but because Larvitar seems set on it, and because you did help in the past, I'm willing to allow it" Upon Masons words, Ash broke into a wide grin, whilst Larvitar and Pikachu cheered at the prospect. Ash then threw a new Pokéball at Larvitar, capturing him with little hesitancy. Ash then decided to scan Larvitar, to see where he stood in terms of training.
Larvitar, the Rock Skin Pokémon. Larvitar generally hatch deep within the earth and take a long time before coming to the surface. This Larvitar is Male and has the ability of Guts. Its known moves are: Screech, Hidden Power, Harden, Bite, Dig, Chip Away, Rock Slide and Scary Face.
After scanning Larvitar, Ash said goodbye and thank you to Mason, before releasing Larvitar to do the same. Upon releasing Charizard, who also introduced himself to the little rock/ground type, Ash, Pikachu and Larvitar climbed on and continued their journey. When they were flying over the reserve, they heard a similar roar, and saw Larvitars mother, Tyranitar, saying a final goodbye. As Larvitar also said goodbye, Ash decided to include his two cents "Don't worry, I'll take good care of him! Just you see!" Tyranitar answered his call with another Roar, which was joined by Charizard, Larvitar and Pikachu, as they said goodbye and continued heading towards Sinnoh.
The next day saw Ash waking up in his cabin on the cruise liner heading towards Sinnoh. Before he woke up, he remembered the events of the previous day. After meeting up and capturing Larvitar, the four made good time to the Charcific Valley. Charizard landed and re-joined his fellow Charizards, showing them his new move pool, with Charla watching with admiration. Liza similarly saw through Ash's Xtransceiver what new moves Charizard had learnt, and was eager to see them in practice. After spending an hour at the Charcific Valley, Ash said goodbye to Liza, Charla and Charizard, telling the latter that they will see each other again in Sinnoh. Charizard could only answer with a Flamethrower to Ash's face, whilst Pikachu and Liza could only chuckle. Ash and Pikachu then climbed upon Pidgeot, and took off to Goldenrod city, accompanied with a powerful Flamethrower.
In another 2 hours at a steady pace, the trio made it to Goldenrod city at around 1 o'clock in the afternoon. With 3 hours to spare, Ash decided to get on the Ferry early and have a late lunch on the ship. Despite the no Pokémon in the dining area sign, Ash was able to get food for his Pokémon to eat on the deck, with the stern warning from the waiter that if it breaks, he pays for it. After a hefty lunch, Ash returned everyone to their Pokéball's and took them to his room, so that they wouldn't be in the way of when everyone else coming on board the ship. At 4 o'clock, the ship began its overnight ferry to the Sinnoh region. At 6 o'clock, Ash took his Pokémon to the designated feeding area, and had dinner with them. After dinner, they spent a while on deck, with the younger Pokémon playing with each other, and by the time the sun set, Ash and his Pokémon where on their way back to the cabin. A couple of hours later, Ash and all his Pokémon where fast asleep.
Now, at 10:00 the next morning, after a hearty breakfast, Ash, Pikachu and all his Pokémon where on deck at the bow of the ship, watching as the Sinnoh region drew ever closer. With Ash leaning against the railing, Pikachu and Aipom on top of his right and left shoulders respectively, Eevee and Vulpix between his legs, Glalie hovering just behind him, with Kirlia and Larvitar by Ash's sides. Meanwhile, Pidgeot was above the group, flying alongside the ferry. All of them where looking towards the incoming mass of land, some with views of wonder and awe, but for Ash, Pikachu, Glalie and Pidgeot, they had looks of determination.
About an hour and a half later, Ash had returned everyone bar Pikachu to their Pokéball's, packed what little stuff he had brought out on the ferry, and was exciting the ferry onto the docks near Sandgem Town.
"Well, we finally arrived, huh buddy"
"Pi Pikapi"
"We had best find a private area, contact home to say we're okay huh"
"Pi ka chu pi" Ash brought his Xtransceiver up to his face, and began dialling his mother first whilst Pikachu watched on. Soon, the Xtransceiver's screen changed from its display to a screen similar to a TV, and after a few short moments of static, the screen showed Mrs Ketchum's slightly surprised face. "Ash, what a surprise, have you made it to a Pokémon centre already?"
"No mom, I just got of the Ferry just know, just wanted to let you know that we all arrived safely.
"You sure have grown up haven't you, I didn't hear from you for weeks when you went to Hoenn, now here you are calling me up, so grown up" Mrs Ketchum seemed to begin wiping imaginary tears as she teased her sons forgetfulness, whose cheeks turned red with embarrassment knowing that even though he's on an entirely different region, is mother can still tease him. "Anyway, have you contacted Professor Oak yet?"
"Uhhh, no, I haven't, why?"
"Well, apparently he's called ahead to Professor Rowan, he's the regional professor of Sinnoh. Anyway, Professor Oak asked if Professor Rowan could help set you up for the Sinnoh League. It would also give you a could starting point for your Journey"
"Really, that's great mom, thanks for telling me. Anyway, I've got to get going now. I talk to you later"
"Okay honey, see you later, and remember to have fun" 'Click'
A few moments later, Ash's Xtransceiver was a screen of snow again as he dialled Oaks Laboratory. Meanwhile, Pikachu noticed that a couple of people were wearing clothing far too warm for this weather, and where much too interested in Ash and himself. After a few seconds, Professor Oak appeared on Ash's Xtransceiver. "Ahh, Ash my boy, I take it you got to Sinnoh alright?"
"Yeah, just got off the ferry not 10 minutes ago. My mom said you wanted to tell me something about a Professor Rowan?"
"Yes, I called ahead and he is expecting you at his lab. He is going to register you for the league, and has a badge case that he can give you. I'll e-mail you where his lab is, just go to him and sort yourself out, and then head back to Sandgem's Pokémon centre for the night, and start in full tomorrow."
"Sounds great Professor, thanks. I'd best get going then huh. I'll keep in touch"
"Off course my boy, if you need anything, don't be afraid to call, and I'll sort you out. Take care now." 'Click'
"Well, we had be best get started hadn't we buddy?"
"Pi Pikapi" Upon hearing a notification, Ash and Pikachu turned back to the Xtransceiver, and after seeing Professor Oak had sent the e-mail. After reading it through, Ash clicked on the link, which brought up a map of the southern eastern part of Sinnoh and a highlighted area that seemed to be east of their position. "Right, so Professor Rowans Lab is on route 201, just to the east of here. Doesn't seem like a far walk, does it buddy?"
"Ka chu Pikapi"
Suddenly, a load wiring sound was heard, and a strange two-pronged claw was seen heading straight towards Ash and Pikachu. Unable to act quick enough due to the shock of the event, the claw had grabbed Pikachu, and was reversed towards a very shady looking trio, the same trio who had paid very close attention to Ash whilst he was on the videophone. Because of the recognisable hair and shape of the trio, Ash immediately knew what was up.
"Team Rocket, what are you doing now!?" With a flourish, Team Rocket revealed themselves, and despite their numerous past failures, decided that arrogance was the best course.
"You see twerp, this is just a culmination of 4 years grievances that we are collecting right now" Jessie stated with an arrogant smirk.
"We overheard your conversation about heading to Sinnoh, and decided to spend your month of training as our month of preparation" James haughtily said with a sneer on his face.
"We did this so that anything that you did would be prepared for, of course considering you like to start again every region, we knew you wouldn't have anyway of stopping us" Meowth stated with a wide Cheshire grin on his face as he held the claw up. What any of them didn't see was the grin spreading across both Ash and Pikachu's faces. Ash got two of his Pokéball's ready, and turned to team rocket to simply say "Well you got that wrong didn't you. Pidgeot, Glalie, I choose you!"
"PIDGEOT!"
"GLALIE!"
Suffice to say, the looks on Team Rockets faces would have been enjoyable if not for the situation everyone was in. Jessie turned angrily to Meowth to state her displeasure "Why didn't you think of a preparation for this Meowth!"
"Well how was I supposed to now he'd bring other Pokémon!" Meowth argued angrily back.
"Doesn't matter now, just defend our prize, Cacnea, Carnivine, beat them back" James tried to get everyone back on track by starting the battle. Unfortunately, James has always had the more affectionate grass types.
CRASH
"Not me you two, them, them!" James shouted trying to pry his affectionate grass types of him. Ash was interested in the new Pokémon James released, but decided now wasn't the time to get distracted. "Alright, Pidgeot, use Agility to get yourself moving, Glalie, use Double team to surround them" Not even hesitating, Pidgeot began moving at incredible speeds, making the rocket Pokémon incredibly dizzy, whilst Glalie surrounded them with copies of himself, furthering their confusion.
"Carnivine, use Bullet Seed, knock that bird out of the air, Cacnea, use needle arm to take out those copies"
Despite the quick commands, they were effectively useless, as Pidgeot was much too fast, especially for an untrained Pokémon such as Carnivine, and there were just too many copies for Cacnea, who quickly made himself tired. Ash quickly leapt onto this dilemma in order to take advantage of the chaos, not knowing what would happen.
"Pidgeot, use Twister, Glalie use Blizzard" Once again, with little hesitancy, the two Pokémon answered the call, and unleashed their attacks on the two Rocket Pokémon, blowing them back to the main group. Unfortunately, Pikachu had used his time to try and break free, and when the Twister and Blizzard got to Team Rocket, and the distraction forced a Thunderbolt from Pikachu. The electric, dragon and ice type moves all converged, and exploded, causing Team Rocket to once again, blast off. Only this time Pikachu also blasted off as well alongside them.
"NO, PIKACHU!" Ash watched helplessly as he saw his best friend land in the forest of route 202. Seeing that the explosion had also knocked Pidgeot clean out of the sky, he wasn't going to force her to fly in her condition. "Pidgeot, Glalie, return" A red beam brought back the two combatants, and after a quick thanks, Ash released Kirlia, Aipom and Vulpix. The three Pokémon looked confused, as their release was quiet, and Ash's frowning face only made them worry. "Listen girls, Pikachu's been separated from us by a bunch of crooks, and Pidgeot was injured trying to save him" Upon Ash's statement, all three female Pokémon grew increasingly worried, especially for the one who was considered the elder brother to them all. "Vulpix, I need you to try and sniff out Pikachu, see if you can follow his scent" Vulpix answered with a nod, and began to sniff around the area Pikachu was last. "Aipom, can you take to the trees and try and spot from above for us" Aipom to answered with a nod and scrambled up the nearest light pole to look around. Ash turned to his final Pokémon for his final request "Kirlia, I know your Psychic powers aren't that strong yet, but can you use them to find Pikachu in the forest" Kirlia also answered with a nod, and after settling herself on Ash's shoulder, began using her powers to pinpoint the direction Pikachu should be in. A few moments later, Kirlia and Vulpix were able to pick up their respective trails, the same direction Pikachu was seen falling. "That's great girls, let's get going"
Ash then broke into a steady run, with Vulpix running alongside, Aipom in the trees above and Kirlia holding on, all prepared to look for the elusive electric type. All Ash could think about was getting to Pikachu, and making sure he was safe and sound. "Don't worry buddy, I'll get you, and we'll be together again".
Meanwhile, a few miles down from route 201, in a house in Twinleaf Town, a 13 year old girl was preparing to leave to Professor Rowans Lab to receive her starter Pokémon. She was just over 5 feet and was wearing black V-neck tank top with a white undershirt and a pink skirt. On her head, she wears a white beanie with a pink Pokéball print on it. She also wears gold hair clips that hold up her hair in front. On her feet, she wears pink knee-high boots with black socks underneath. This was Dawn, an she had dreams of becoming a Top Coordinator. Little did she know of the journey that would take her there.
Additional Notes: Finally in Sinnoh, with another member to the team. I am going to be dealing with Team Rocket permanently soon, as they do get annoying rather quickly.
Just a quick heads up about the update schedule for this story, there is no update schedule. Chapters will be effectively uploaded first chance I get to, but it should be no more than a fortnight between chapters. If it does get to that, I will let you know before hand.
Other than that, feel free to review and comment, and I'll see you next time.
