Chapter 10: Sophie's First Battle! A Childhood Reunion!

Ashley rests on Winter lap as the comb strokes her fur. They just finished breakfast at the Pokemon Center and are preparing for another exciting day. On Winter's back is the newest addition to the group, Sophie the snivy. Sophie watches as Winter carefully takes care of Ashley. Nicole and Wade already got groomed and its Ashley's turn now. Sophie has only been with Winter for about a day and she still isn't comfortable with the adjustment of belonging to a trainer. Sophie is still very shy around the others and always seeks shelter on Winter's back. Winter knows that it'll take some time for Sophie to be at ease with them, but how long is the question.

Jack comes back from the bathroom and sits next to Winter and grabs the remote to the TV in the lobby. Sophie moves to the other side of Winter's back to distance herself from Jack. Jack freaks her out because he can be both a person and a pokemon. "Let's see what's on the tube today." Jack flips through the channels of mostly morning talk shows and children's shows. Then he stops at the CNC where Caroline is doing a special broadcast.

"Hiya fellow Coordinators! It's your host at the coast, Caroline! Today I'm in the Sinnoh region doing a piece of one of the most remarkable Coordinators in this decade. She was voted number three on the list of most beautiful Coordinators and number two on the list of most amazing Coordinator." Winter frowns and looks up at the TV. "Here she is, Albiona Diamond!"

Albiona appears on screen. Her hair is long with beautiful curls and there are a few silver strands that Winter knows is fake hair made of actual silver that Albiona invested in after she won her first Grand Festival. Albiona got many endorsement deals and basically got rich. The first thing she bought was those hair strands. Albiona's face was covered with makeup, it looked like she had a mask on. Before Winter left, Albiona obsessed over a small pimple she had on the side of her nose. It wasn't visible unless you were up close. Without makeup, Albiona was already pretty, but her high standards of beauty made her feel she was never pretty enough. Albiona wore a blue and silver dress that looked like she was part of the Hearthome Gymnastics team. Winter noticed that Albiona's red lipstick didn't fit well with the outfit. She knew that Albiona always watches her interviews and will probably have a fit because of this and fire the fifth makeup specialist this year. "It's a pleasure to be here Caroline. I am so happy to talk with you." No you're not. Winter gritted her teeth. Albiona only did interviews because it got her name out to the public. Albiona always complained afterwards and even told Winter once that she hated Caroline because she is as nice on TV as she is in real life, which is super nice, but Albiona can't stand people who are constantly helpful and nice.

"So, Albiona, where are you going to go next since you won your third Grand Festival in Kanto almost a year ago?" Caroline asks. This was a big question because the last Coordinator that ever won four Grand Festivals in a row was Wallace, the new champion of Hoenn since Steven stepped down a month ago, big news for Hoenn. If Albiona could win another Grand Festival, she'd be one of the best Coordinator's in the world. And Winter would never hear the end of it by her mother.

"Well, Carol, I've been thinking a lot about where I want to take my talents and beauty next." Really? Winter though to herself. Albiona never acknowledged her pokemon who always did the most work. All Albiona had to do was command them and look pretty. Coordinating is all about teamwork, but Albiona and her mother could never fathom that. "I've decided to go to the Rorroh Region this time. You see, my baby sister is also beginning her contest career and I feel like it would make history if we both went head to head in a contest." Winter grunted loudly and Jack glanced at her for a quick second, then looked back at the TV. "I would go to Kalos, but I feel contests are overshadowed by those showcases while here in Rorroh, everything is balanced. Showcases and contests can be together as one." Albiona just didn't like Kalos. She felt it had bad style and taste compared to hers. "Anyways, I'm not entering the contest scene in Rorroh right away. I'd like to make a special appearance at the least expected moment, you know?"

Caroline nods. "I'm so excited to see you in Rorroh Albiona. Let's hope you and your pokemon become the best again."

"Oh I will." Albiona smiles.

"Now, let's go to Hoenn where the location of the next Wallace Cup in Unova will be announced."

Winter turns off the TV and Ashley jumps off Winter's lap as Winter stomps away to her backpack and puts her comb away. "Yo, Winter. What up?"

"Nothing, Jack."

"Huh?" Jack asks. "I didn't say anything."

Winter turns around to see a guy waving to her by the door. He is wearing thick glasses and has a black T-Shirt on with two lime green stripes on each arm hole. He has brown cargo pants on and dark green boots. His backpack is shaped like a leaf and his hair is black with a dark green tint to it. He looks slightly overweight and he is breathing hard as if he ran for a good mile. Next to him is a Turtwig who seems really tired as well. The leaf on it's head it tilting a little, nothing a little water can't fix. "Winter, it's me!"

At first Winter doesn't recognize the boy, but his voice is definitely familiar. "Oliver?" The guy nods and walks over. He let himself go. When he left, he was a twig. "Oliver! I can't believe it!"

"I heard from Rowan that you came to Rorroh too! I didn't think I'd see you so soon." Oliver is still panting. "I ran here."

"Why?"

He takes in a deep breath. "I got word of a book on mythology here from a trainer. Hopefully it'll help with my studies."

"Oliver." Winter shakes her head. "You've let yourself go. I thought walking everywhere means you lose weight."

Oliver laughs. "I knew you'd say that, Winty."

"Winty?" Jack snorts with amusement. "Winter, who's this fine young fellow?" It's obvious that Jack doesn't care one bit about Oliver by his sarcastic tone.

"This is my childhood friend, Oliver. He lived next door to me in Twinleaf Town. He left for his journey early at Professor Rowan's request. He's Rowan's assistant." Winter explains.

Oliver shakes Jack's hand. "You've met a new friend I see. How are ya?"

"Could be better, if I was a human again." Oliver stares at Jack in confusion and Jack goes back to his Zorua form. "I'm a talking Zorua."

"That's amazing!" Oliver fangirls. "Holy crap, that's awesome Winter! Tell me about your journey so far!"

Winter and Jack tell Oliver everything, even the fact that Winter can talk to pokemon now. Oliver doesn't believe her until she tells Oliver that Turtwig wants more biscuits for dessert and Turtwig agrees.

"I'm studying the mythology surrounding Rorroh." Oliver starts. "I guess Rowan told you about it a little."

Winter nods. "Yes, and Ivory explained some things to. It's still pretty foggy to me though." Winter never mentioned that Jewlmast gave her the ability to talk to pokemon. She wanted to keep that secret because Oliver was the type to question people like they were guilt of something they didn't do.

"Well, it's foggy to me too. I did talk to Ivory. The only information I found about Rorroh is all from Ivory's research. I've been looking into every single book I could find. But nothing." Oliver stuffs a doughnut in his mouth.

Nurse Joy comes over with a book. "This is the book that we have, Oliver. I hope it helps." She leaves.

Oliver opens the book and sees that it's a children's pop-up book. "This is it?" Oliver gets upset. He reads through it a little. "The Story of Eletrus and the Raichu… Eletrus?"

"Eletrus?" Winter asks as well. I never heard of Eletrus.

Oliver reads some of the next few pages. "Eletrus was the son of Godosus. Everyone loved him, even us. He traveled spreading joy. He would tell the sailors "Ahoy!" Eletrus met a sad Raichu one day. He asked what happened and then Raichu would say. "I lost my thunder can't you see? I lost my thunder, oh poor me!" Eletrus called upon a large storm. He made sure that everyone was warned. A bolt of lightning struck down on Raichu. The storm disappeared and everyone approved. Raichu got his thunder back. "It's back, it's back, now I can use my Thunderbolt attack!" Raichu and Eletrus became best friends. They were always together even after the end. Eletrus sealed their friendship with two stones. When they wore them, a rainbow of light shone. Raichu's look changed and it was stronger. It wouldn't be weak no longer." The Raichu pop up shows Raichu having a giant lightning bolt as its tail. Raichu's ears spiked up and it had slightly longer legs. The stripes on its back were spikes and it could fly on a thundercloud. "Everyone called him super Raichu! He and Eletrus helped me and you! They never parted, even when Raichu farted. They were happy together, forever and ever." The book ends.

Oliver turns back to the page with Eletrus and the two stones. Jack stands up. "Those are Mega Stones! That must be normal Raichu's mega evolution."

"This is amazing! This is a big score." Oliver calls to Nurse Joy. "Excuse me, can I keep this book? It'll help with my research."

Nurse Joy smiles. "Of course! It's one of the rarest children's books in the world and I hope it helps with your research."

"What's Mega Evolution?" Winter asks Jack.

Jack explains. "Certain pokemon in the world are able to Mega Evolve. Let's take… Charizard for example. Charizard holds a special stone called a Charizardite while the trainer has a keystone on them somewhere like on a bracelet or a necklace. It can only work if the trainer and pokemon have a strong bond together. Plus, only the final evolutions of certain pokemon are able to mega evolve. Charmander and Charmeleon cannot be they aren't at their fullest potential." He looks at the book. "I've never heard of Mega Raichu though… This Eletrus… was he powerful enough to create mega stones?"

Oliver thinks. "Maybe. But, it's weird. Godosus is a pokemon and Eletrus should be a pokemon too if he's Godosus's son. So how can a pokemon mega evolve another pokemon?" Oliver puts the book in his backpack. "I'll study it later tonight. Ashley jumps on Oliver's lap to greet him. "Hey Ashley." Wade waddles over too. "Hey Wade! You guys look stronger!" Oliver sees Nicole and Sophie. "I see you caught some nice pokemon already."

"Yup. I just caught Sophie, my snivy, not long ago. I plan on entering the Marina Contest with my pokemon." Winter picks up Sophie but Sophie squirms and hides on Winter's back. "I'm sorry, Sophie is really shy."

"I see that. You know, if you're gonna be a Coordinator, you and your pokemon have to be comfortable in front of a lot of people. I'm not sure if Sophie can handle that." Oliver says. "She doesn't even look comfortable with you or your other pokemon."

Winter frowns. "I know; I just want to give Sophie some time. She'll get used to use."

"Winter, this isn't just a phase." Oliver starts. "This is like a bird pokemon learning how to fly. This is a mental and emotion problem that you have to help Sophie with."

Jack nods. "I agree with Oliver. Sophie doesn't even go near me."

"Has Sophie ever battled before?" Oliver asks.

Sophie responds quietly. "No. I only battled when I was in danger. Not with a trainer."

"Sophie has never been in an actual pokemon battle before. She says."

Oliver thinks. "Maybe we should battle. How about a double battle?"

Winter turns to Sophie. "Are you okay with that? You'll be working with someone else so it won't be as bad." Sophie nods yes. "Nicole, do you want to battle with Sophie?"

"That'll be awesome!" Nicole looks at Sophie. "Don't worry Sophie, I've got your back."

Winter and Dein go onto the battle field. Nicole is in her battle position while Sophie is standing in front of Winter, unsure about her decision to battle. "Alright, Winty. You'll be battling my turtwig Ulysses and my newest pokemon!" Dein sends out Ulysses and Honedge. Winter takes out her pokedex.

'Turtwig, the Tiny Leaf Pokemon. Type: Grass. It's "shell" is hardened soil. It is able to create oxygen using photosynthesis, but its leaf wilts if its thirsty.'

'Honedge, the Sword Pokemon. Type: Ghost/Steel. When a departed spirit inhabits a sword, Honedge is born. Its blue cloth can attach to living things and drains energy.'

"Nicole, and Sophie, don't hold back!" Nicole's ear tuffs glow red to signify that she's ready for battle. But Sophie is still in the same spot." Winter goes first. "Nicole, use Ember!" Nicole launches an Ember attack, but Ulysses dodges. "Sophie, Use Vine Whip on Honedge!" Sophie doesn't move. "Sophie?"

"Ulysses, use Tackle!" Ulysses lands a blow on Nicole, but she is able to shake it off.

"Nicole, use Ember!" Nicole uses Ember, but misses both Ulysses and Honedge. "Sophie, use Tackle on Ulysses!" Sophie still doesn't move. "Sophie, what's wrong?" Winter gets concerned. This was a terrible idea.

Oliver speaks. "Sophie's too shy to the point that she can't battle. Maybe we should stop."

"No! I won't give up on Sophie." Winter says. Sophie looks up at Winter who smiles at her. "I have faith in you."

"Ulysses, use Razor Leaf!"

"Ember!" Ember and Razor Leaf clash. Sophie takes a step back, frightened by the explosion.

"Honedge, use Shadow Sneak!" Honedge's shadow goes out from under him and is aimed at Sophie. Nicole jumps in front and takes the hit. "Razor Leaf on Sophie!"

For a moment, time stops for Sophie. Razor Leaf speeds towards her as she panics. Winter screams for her to move, but Sophie is consumed by fear. Then she notices Nicole on the ground, trying to get up after that nasty Shadow Sneak. Without thinking, Sophie moves out of the way and uses Vine Whip to smack Ulysses back. Sophie runs up next to Nicole and helps Nicole up. "Are you okay?" Sophie asks.

Nicole sneezes. "Yeah. That was awesome, what you just did!"

"Really?"

"Sophie!" Winter calls out. "Great job! Keep it up!"

Something changes in Sophie. She is still afraid but she feels a sense of security. Winter and Nicole are helping me. She glances at Jack, Ashley, and Wade on the sidelins cheering. And the others are cheering…for me! "I'm ready Winter!" Sophie's voice is louder now and more confident as she stands next to Nicole.

"Good. Sophie, use Growth. Power it up. Nicole, protect her with Psybeam!" As Sophie uses Growth to raise her attack, Nicole uses Psybeam to block a Retaliate from Honedge and a Tackle from Ulysses. "Sophie, use Vine Whip on Honedge, Nicole use Scratch on Ulysses!" They both spring into action. Sophie's quick movements make it seem like she floating on air. Both of their moves hit.

Oliver smiles. "Ulysses, use Bite on Sophie!" Ulysses bites Sophie's tail and she screams in pain. Turwig throws her in the air. "Honedge, Retaliate!"

"Nicole help Sophie!" In a blink of an eye, Nicole races to help Sophie. She gets faster and faster until flames appear around her. She gets fast enough to knock Honedge away from Sophie. Sophie lands on the ground safely. "What was that?"

Jack speaks. "That was Flame Charge. It speeds up the pokemon each time it's used."

"Amazing! Nicole you learned a new move!" Winter cheers. "Now let's finish this! Sophie use Leaf Tornado!" Sophie sticks her tail out and swirls it around. The wind picks up and a vortex of leaves tries to stuck Ulysses and Honedge in. "Nicole run through it with Flame Charge!" Nicole jumps in the vortex and uses Flame Charge to speed through it, giving both moves more power. Sophie lets Leaf Tornado go and Nicole crashes into Ulysses and Honedge. Ulysses and Honedge faint instantly from the team attack. "We won!"

Nicole cheers and hugs Sophie who responds with a hug back. Winter runs up to them and scoops them up in her arms. "Nice job you guys." Jack says as the others jog over. "Especially you Sophie."

Sophie goes back to being quiet. "Thanks."

Oliver comes over after returning his pokemon. "If I didn't know any better, I'd never think you were a Coordinator."

"What do you mean?" Winter asks.

"The way you battled and your passion during it screams Pokemon Trainer to me." Oliver says. "Let's heal them up.

Oliver gets his pokemon back and puts the balls on his belt. "I'm staying here for the night. I'm gonna analyze that book and see what I can find about Eletrus and Mega Raichu. You guys are leaving right?"

"Yeah. We wanna get going so we can make it to Marina City before the contest. I have to train too with my pokemon." Winter pets Sophie who's on her shoulder. "I hope we'll see you again!"

"Same here!" Oliver waves as they exit the pokemon center.

*Author's Note: Hi everyone! I wanted to make a quick update and say that I'm almost done updating everything for the first part of Pokemon Rorroh which I want to be at least 70 chapters. I'm doing this as if it's like the actually pokemon anime because I really want the characters to get proper development and introduce more rivals and competitions. I'm getting ready to write the episode for the Marina City contest and wanted your opinions on how I should do it because the entire two chapters are centered around the contest. I plan on putting up the next chapter within the next week and I might take a small break because I need to write in the moves and descriptions for the villains who will be making an appearance soon.

I'll give you a sneak peek of the next episode: Winter meets a crazy Dragon Trainer and a Dragon pokemon that is really immature.