Early next morning Rina carried on walking towards Pastoria City. She hadn't gotten much sleep mainly because she was alone. Sure, she had her Pokemon but human company was always nice. Also, the strange noises she had probably imagined didn't help. She had always been slightly afraid of the dark since a young age. She thought she would grow out of it but strangely, she never did.
"Sparky, I was thinking..."
"Pi?"
"Well, I cared a lot about Sky because she was a good friend, but sometimes she seemed to be a bit... mean. When we first met Tizzy she was horrible to her, and a couple of times she made comments about me. Heck, I could have gotten killed when we first ran into Team Elemental! Maybe she isn't the best travelling partner after all..."
"Pi!" Sparky nodded her head, agreeing with what Rina was saying. Sky was a good person but she had her faults too. Rina changed the subject after a few minutes of silence.
"We haven't had a decent battle in a while. Maybe we should get some training done before we battle the next gym. You are the only one who has a good type advantage... It could be difficult."
"Oh really? How about a quick battle then?"
Rina turned to her left and saw an all too familiar face. The girl was leaning against a tree with her arms folded and a grin on her face. She had sky blue eyes and curly blonde hair which was tied in two low pony tails. She wore a plain black tank top and a red checkered skirt. On her feet were a pair of black trainers with a red stripe on the sides.
"Rikki?!"
"Long time no see Rina!" Rikki approached her and they shared a quick hug.
"I haven't seen you since year two! After you moved we somehow lost contact." Rina said.
"Yeah I know, we were such good friends!"
"What have you been up to anyway?" Rina asked. She was surprised to see Rikki because she was never one to like Pokemon. In fact she used to hate them. While everyone else in year one and two would talk about the Pokemon games and what was their favourite, Rikki would complain about how boring they were. It was quite weird because every one back then loved Pokemon.
"I actually started a Pokemon journey, believe it or not! I earned a few badges but gave up when Professor Rowan requested that I collect as many Pokemon as possible for his research." Rikki explained.
"So you basically catch every new Pokemon you come across for him?" Rina asked. She wasn't too sure if she understood properly.
"Pretty much. So are you travelling alone?"
"Well I was with this girl called Sky but we had a few problems and she left recently." Rikki noticed that Rina didn't seem too bothered by this.
"Want some company? I'd love to travel with you, we have so much catching up to do!" Rina smiled and immediately said yes. It was just so great to see Rikki again that Rina didn't even give Sky a second thought. The two carried on walking while chatting about their Pokemon journeys and the memories they had.
They had been walking for just over an hour when they decided to take a break in a field. It was going to be lunch time soon and both girls were getting hungry. They put their bags down and had a quick lunch which consisted of basic stuff; sandwiches' and crisps. Neither of them were great cooks so they wouldn't get a decent mean until they reached the next Pokecenter which was in Pastoria City.
"Hey, you mentioned earlier you wanted to do some training. How about a battle? It will give us both the chance to meet each other's Pokemon."
"Sure! Three on three."
Rina and Rikki stood opposite each other leaving enough space for the Pokemon to move. Rikki and Rina threw their first Pokeballs at the same time, so neither of them purposely had the advantage. Out of Rina's Pokeball came Kirlia, while Rikki's Pokemon was a Monferno.
"Cool, you started with a Chimchar!"
"Sure did, I don't want Monferno to evolve though. I don't particularly like Infernapes." Rina giggled and then called an attack.
"Start things off with Psychic!" Kirlia's eyes shone a bright blue and he lifted Monferno of off the ground who in return started struggling. Kirlia then slammed Monferno on the ground but it got right back up.
"Monferno counter with Mach Punch!" Monferno raced forward and brought his fist back. Kirlia side-stepped out of the way but Monferno still landed a punch on Kirlia's cheek, although it barely harmed Kirlia.
"Monferno quickly do a Flamethrower!" Before Rina or Kirlia could react Kirlia received a blast of flames in his face at close range.
"Kirlia! Hang in there and use Confusion!" Kirlia's eyes flashed blue again as it blasted Monferno with psychic power, although it was less damaging compared to Psychic. Monferno struggled to stand as did Kirlia because of the Flamethrower.
"Confusion!"
"Flame Wheel!"
Using the last of their energy both Pokemon attacked at the same time, both taking damage. Since psychic type moves were extremely effective against Monferno, it fainted in the end while Kirlia was still standing.
"Monferno you were great. Take a rest now." Monferno was put back in its Pokeball and Rikki watched as Rina complimented Kirlia but also returned it because it was tired.
"Your Kirlia is strong, I think you should use him in your next gym battle." Rikki suggested while taking her next Pokeball in hand.
"I think I will. He works hard when training."
Both girls then released their next Pokemon. Rina went with her Staravia while Rikki released a Pokemon that Rina took a liking too. It was a purple monkey with two tails and had a happy grin on its face.
"I've always wanted too see an Ambipom! It's so cute!" Rina squealed, admiring the Pokemon.
"Don't let her looks fool you. She is one tough Pokemon! Show them by starting off with a Swift!"
Ambipom kept smiling as it jumped around doing some sort of crazy dance. She didn't use Swift at all, confusing both Rina and Staravia. After about a minute Ambipom was still dancing and messing around.
Rina smirked. "Ha, she doesn't even listen to you! Alright Staravia this shouldn't take too long. Get in close and prepare for an Aerial Ace!" Staravia backed up then spread it's wings out and swooped down on the happy-go-lucky monkey.
'Gotcha.' Rikki thought with a grin. "Ambipom now!"
Just as Staravia was about to strike Ambipom in the stomach, Ambipom waved her two tails and sent stars towards Staravia, hitting it dead on. Rina stood with her mouth wide open. Staravia managed to stay in the air as she quickly shook of the attack.
"What was that?!" Rina yelled.
"Me and Ambipom came up with that technique and it works every time. We make our opponents think Ambipom has no intention to fight and they get big-headed and usually dive straight in; that's when Ambipom strikes." Rikki explained, her smile getting bigger and bigger.
"I could learn a lot from you. Maybe you could help me come up with my own technique after the battle? But in the meantime... Staravia use Quick Attack!" Staravia vanished in the blink of an eye and re-appeared seconds later, striking Ambipom.
"Ambipom use Double Hit!" Ambipom got right back in there, her two tails glowing purple as she aimed her attack. Staravia countered with a Whirlwind but it wasn't strong enough. Ambipom stood against the wind and slowly edged towards Staravia. When she was in range, she struck Staravia twice with sheer power. Staravia stood on the ground panting.
"This could be too risky but we need to end this fast." Rina muttered. "Okay Staravia, use Brave Bird!" Staravia flew up and kept her wings firmly at her side. She shone a blue colour and swooped down on the grinning monkey who was jumping from foot to foot.
"Dodge it." Rikki called calmly, showing no signs of being worried. As Staravia came closer and closer Ambipom smiled at her and waved, then skipped out of the way, making Staravia panic and swerve into a tree.
"Staravia no!" Rina ran to her Pokemon to check if she was okay. When she turned her onto her back she saw that Staravia was out cold. Rina praised her for her effort and returned her to her Pokeball. By the time she walked back to her side of their makeshift battle field Rikki had recalled Ambipom.
'Who should I use next?' Rina thought as her hand brushed against her Pokeballs, finally taking one in hand. Both of the girls Pokeballs revealed their final Pokemon. This round would determine the winner, but neither girl knew just how powerful the other one was. Rina's Pokemon was her Glaceon while Rikki used a blue slug Pokemon she recognised as a Gastrodon.
"Unfortunately I don't know much about this Pokemon but I think it's just a water type. You never know so be careful Glaceon." Rina said while trying to think if Gastrodon had a second type.
"Glae!"
"Since you are clueless on my Pokemon you have the first move." Rikki offered.
"How very nice of you." Rina grinned. "Glaceon Ice Shard!" Glaceon opened its mouth and shot out sharp pieces of ice with hit Gastrodon but did little damage.
"Gastrodon show them your Muddy Water!" Gastrodon summoned up water which looked much like surf but the water was dirty. The water attack swamped Glaceon, drenching her completely.
"Muddy Water? If I remember correctly that is a ground type move..."
-
Meanwhile...
"PLEASE give me a piggy back ride? I'm sooooo tired!"
The Pokemon sighed and gave in, allowing his trainer to climb onto his back. The Pokemon's trainer had been bugging him for a piggy back ride for a while now and he wanted to keep her happy. Besides, she must be tired after lugging around the extra weight...
-
"Correct. Gastrodon is in fact part ground type. Cool huh?" Rikki explained as she looked at the confused Rina.
"Pretty cool, I guess. Okay then Glaceon use-" Rina's sentence was cut off though as a large blue blur sped past, crashing into both Glaceon and Gastrodon knocking them out instantly.
"Glaceon!"
"Gastrodon!"
Seeing their fainted Pokemon they were returned to their Pokeballs as she saw the culprit. Surprise surprise... It was none other than Tizzy and her over grown Snorlax; Tubby. Tizzy was on Tubby's back and she was holding a piece of rope which was attached to a boy's waist. As Tubby ran around in circles with Tizzy screaming gleefully the boy was being dragged about helplessly. Tizzy noticed Rina and told Tubby to stop by them. She jumped off his back and gave Rina a bear hug.
"Hi Rina!"
She then moved over to Rikki. "Hi friend!"
"...Do I know you?" Rikki asked flatly.
"Nope!" Tizzy giggled and gave Rikki a hug none the less. Rina took this time to examine the boy who was being lugged around by Tizzy, who was holding firmly onto the end of the rope. He was shorter than Tizzy yet he looked to be around the same age as them. He had messy black hair but most of it was covered by a plain dark grey winter hat. He wore a red shirt with a black jacket over it. He also wore dark blue jeans and red and white trainers. He looked pretty weak and skinny, which was probably why he made no attempt to escape from the rope.
"Tizzy meet Rikki. Rikki meet Tizzy." Rina introduced the two, noticing the glares Tizzy was receiving by a not so happy looking Rikki.
"So who's your friend?" Rina asked, making conversation in order to save Rikki from Tizzy, who was smiling weirdly at her.
"This is Andy and he is my boyfriend!" She giggled at the word 'boyfriend' like it was such a big deal to have one of those.
"What the heck?! He doesn't look like your boyfriend. More like a boy who wants to leave because he shouldn't be with you." Rikki stated. Rina looked at her curiously.
"How did you come up with that story?"
"He just mouthed 'help me'." Rikki said simply. Rina looked at the tired boy who was staring at them with pleading eyes. It was so obvious he didn't want to be here. In fact he shouldn't be here. Rina felt pity for him because she knew how crazy Tizzy could get and he looked so timid, like he wouldn't be able to control her uniqueness.
"This is my Snorlax!" Tizzy excitedly told Rikki, making her stare at Tizzy.
"No. Really?!" Rikki said sarcastically. Rina giggled.
'She is still as sarcastic as ever.'
"Okayyy we're gonna go now. We need to get to Pastoria City as soon as possible." Rina grabbed Rikki by the arm and dragged her in the right direction, but then remembered they hadn't had lunch yet. Rina asked Rikki if she could cook; and her reply was no. Rina wasn't much of a cook either so they looked at each other blankly.
"I can cook!" Tizzy announced while sticking her hand up in the air as if she was at school trying to get the teachers attention.
"Really?" Rina asked, unsure if she should believe her. Tizzy didn't look like much a cook and anyway, she was a klutz.
"Nope!" Tizzy found this hysterical and had a laughing fit while Rikki groaned and shook her head. Andy stepped towards Rina and Rikki but Tizzy pulled him back so he was beside her.
He sighed and spoke timidly. "I c-can cook..." It was almost a whisper and Rikki put a hand behind her ear and leaned forward.
"I'm sorry what was that?" Rikki teased.
Andy huffed and spoke louder. "I said I can c-cook..."
_
Surprisingly Andy's cooking seemed to satisfy everyone, mainly Tubby. He was actually a really good cook but it did take a while for him to finish cooking because Tizzy kept tugging on the rope to pull him closer to her when he got too far away. While everyone was eating Rina and Rikki got to know Andy a bit more. Although Rikki was only half interested in what he was saying, but she nodded when necessary to be polite. They learnt he was from Fuchsia City in Kanto and then he went on to tell a boring story about how he went to school until he was old enough to start his journey. Later on into the conversation Rina was forced to explain to Rikki who Team Elemental were. Why? Because Andy told them a very interesting story.
When he was fourteen he decided to leave Kanto to explore Sinnoh because it was the furthest region from him and he was interested mostly in the Pokemon here. However soon after he came to Sinnoh he was attacked by a group of people – who he described and Rina told him it was Team Elemental – and they managed to steal all of his Pokemon which were; Ivysaur, Sandshrew, Pysduck, Rattata and Krabby. He searched for days on end for his beloved Pokemon but he was only able to track down his Ivysaur. Those two were never the best of friends and Ivysaur usually ignored him and refused to try and be friends. But after Andy had found him they grew inseparable but Ivysaur would occasionally bully Andy and laugh at him when he made a fool out of himself.
Rikki jumped up and pumped her fist in the air. "I swear in the name of Arceus I will help you get your Pokemon back! I heard about what those jerks put Rina through and I hate them even though I've never met them... But still! We will find them!" Rina quickly shot Rikki a look that was pleading with her to shut up.
"That means if we're going to help Andy Pandy we will have to travel with you guys! Yaaay! Here that Tubby? We get to be with Rina and Rikki twenty-four seven!"
Oh boy. Just what Rina was dreading. And of all people it was Rikki who gave Tizzy the idea to travel with them. Rikki was sure going to regret this. Tizzy was just so unique, and Rikki hadn't seen anything yet. Rina was going to have to complain later on when Tizzy was out of ear-shot.
-
It was getting late and the group had been walking for hours. They weren't too far away from Pastoria City but Rina had suggested they stop and set up camp for the night (which consisted of just sleeping bags.) Even when Andy was asleep Tizzy still had a hold of him meaning they had to sleep near each other. Andy had tried to protest and beg Tizzy for her to let him go but she refused; saying they were meant to be and Andy was "The One." Tizzy, Andy and Sparky were currently asleep while Rina and Rikki were laying in their sleeping bags talking.
"We didn't even get to finish our battle..." Rikki moaned. Rina sighed and reminded her that she was the one who had invited them along.
"Yes but Andy is the only one who can cook!" Rikki defended herself.
"I guess. But Tizzy can be a handful, just spending one day with her is bad enough. Don't get me wrong, she is a really nice person and she can be fun to be around but sometimes she is just too hyper."
Rikki thought about it but didn't see what the big deal was. Sure she had never been with Tizzy a whole day but she can't be that bad.
"Anyway, do you still remember Nicholas?" Rina asked suddenly.
"The one from primary school? The fat kid who bullied other people?"
"Yeah him. But anyway, I've been seeing him quite a bit lately and he has a few really powerful Pokemon. Sky used to like him but because we kissed she got angry and that is why she left."
"Wait, you kissed Nicholas?!" Rikki shot up and gave Rina a disgusted look. Rina also sat up and laughed.
"I know, what the heck was I thinking? I guess it just happened unexpectedly."
"Rina, I expected more from you!" Rikki joked. They carried on laughing and chatting idly about anything until they both eventually fell asleep.
-
A/N: So I finally finished this chapter... I'm determined to finish this story and update as soon as I can. I have the next two (maybe three) chapters planned so it shouldn't take too long. I hope...
So! A couple of new characters are introduced. Rikki belongs to me and Andy belongs to Crazy Amazing (she also owns Tizzy.) Rina has some new travelling partners and they will be staying. Don't worry, I haven't forgotten about Sky. She'll be making an appearance in about four or five chapters and it will be an unexpected twist! Also this chapter was kind of short because it was just meant for introducing Andy and Rikki.
Read and please Review! (: