Chapter 2 - "I'll Choose Chikorita!"
Cyan had once taken a trip through a portal to a different dimension. He remembered the feeling of riding on top of Solgaleo as it bounded through time and space, dragging him to a different world. It had made him dizzy, and his stomach churned and twisted. His senses had blurred, and everything had quickly numbed.
The plane ride to Johto gave Cyan a similar feeling. Upon departing, he immediately found the closest restroom, and he lost his lunch. The ride was roughly six hours, and during that time, he found no rest while Lilo slept the whole way.
"You alright?" Lilo asked as Cyan came from the airport bathroom, clutching at his stomach.
"I'm fine," he grumbled. Vulpix walked closely by his side. She didn't quite understand what had happened, so she showed no concern for Cyan's stressed condition.
"We're going to take a bus to Newbark Town," Lilo said. "From there, it's a ferry ride to the Indigo Plateau, which is where we'll be able to enter Mt. Silver. It should take us roughly a day."
"You seem to know your stuff," Cyan said. He finally found the ability to stand up straight, and he tried widening his eyes, an attempt to 'stretch' them and wake himself up.
"Let's go."
The bus ride to New Bark Town took awhile, as the bus would stop every ten minutes. Once again, Cyan was unable to sleep, but this time, he didn't get sick. Vulpix had no issue falling asleep in his lap, and anytime that Cyan could feel himself going into a dream state, the bus would hit a bump, and he'd jolt awake.
Eventually, the two reached their stop, and they found themselves in New Bark Town. It was a quiet place, and for the first time in awhile, Cyan felt at home. He had loved living and traveling in Alola, but it never stopped feeling like a vacation to him. In Johto, all of the signs were written in his mother tongue. The air had a different smell to it, and it was cooler.
He smiled. He was still miles away from his home in Pallet Town, but he still had the feeling to mutter, "Tadaima."
"So, the ferry that we can take to get us to the Indigo Plateau doesn't take off for a few hours," Lilo said. She was reading from a pamphlet that she picked up from the airport. "I'd like to go to the professor's lab during that time. If I remember correctly, today is a special day for kids in Johto."
Cyan didn't like the idea of going on a detour. He was in a hurry to get to Mt. Silver, find his sister, and then get back to Alola so he could see his mother's smile once more. But nonetheless, if he had to wait for the ferry to be ready, then he had no choice. He simply nodded, and he followed as Lilo led the way with her map.
Cyan had spent a lot of time in Professor Oak's lab when he was learning about Pokémon. It was an amazing place with machines and so many books that he couldn't understand. It was a well organized system, and Cyan never once questioned Professor Oaks' authority on Pokémon.
But there was something different about the laboratory in New Bark Town. Upon entering, Cyan found himself standing on papers that had fallen to the ground. The books that were left on the shelves were out of order, and the machines appeared like they hadn't been maintained or dusted in months.
However, this didn't stop one of the assistants from approaching them when they walked in.
"How can we help you?" she asked. She adjusted her glasses, which just slid right back down her nose. It looked like the bridge had been bent and broken some time ago. "Are you here for a Pokémon?"
Lilo shook her head. "We're just visiting. I'm from Alola, and I wanted to see if I could talk with Professor Elm. Is he around?"
The assistant looked up at Lilo and paused for a moment. The two had put together that she probably recognized her as a member of the Elite Four, but she was too nervous to say anything. It was common in Johto to keep silent on that kind of matter.
"Um, I'll take you to him. He's a bit busy, but I'm sure he can make some time for you. Are you here on any kind of business?"
Lilo shook her head. "No."
The exchange was awkward, and Cyan could feel it. However, the jetlag and air sickness did not affect his common sense. He sighed. "She wants to see the Johto starter Pokémon."
"Well, c'mon!" the assistant said happily. She dropped her stack of papers on a nearby desk and then motioned for them to follow.
The three entered into a bigger room, which seemed just as disorganized. Cyan couldn't believe that so much unfiled paper could exist in one place, and the mess had made him slightly uneasy. But he tried to ignore it, and he looked forward.
"Today, you go off on your journey!" a voice announced. "It'll be filled with trying times, don't forget! But also, there will be fun times aplenty! I want you to choose a new Pokémon to be your partner. You two will train together and become great friends. Always stay close and take care of one another."
Cyan smiled. He had remembered being given a similar speech from Professor Oak when he got Bulbasaur. He didn't actually go on his journey at the time, but it was still a nostalgic sentiment.
The assistant quietly guided them into the room where they could enter without interrupting Professor Elm's procedure. There were only two new trainers being gifted at this time, a boy and a girl. Cyan and Lilo walked in as Elm released the three Pokémon onto the table, introducing each one by name and typing.
"Mana, you scored highest on most of the tests, so I'll allow you to choose your Pokémon first," Elm said. "Go ahead!"
The girl that he was talking to walked forward. She was ten years of age, and she had a bright smile on her face. Her bangs were cut straight, and they fell evenly on her forehead. She wore a bright yellow jacket and a short white skirt, which only seemed to add to her bright appearance.
"I'll choose Chikorita!" she exclaimed.
The Pokémon with the long leaf on its head perked up at the sound of this. It smiled and then nuzzled against the girl before allowing itself to be returned back to its ball.
"And now Sora," Elm said, turning his attention to a boy with white hair.
The boy had a relaxed look on his face, and his posture matched, his shoulders low. He looked at the two Pokémon. The Fire-type appeared nervous, and it looked away, not wanting to meet the cold stare from the boy. But the Water-type, reptilian in appearance, danced around on the table, trying to get the boy's attention.
It worked, as the boy reached out and softly put his hand on the Water-type's head. The Pokémon suddenly calmed down, and it smiled.
"Totodile," the boy said softly. "We'll be partners."
"Remember this feeling? It's amazing," Lilo whispered.
"Wasn't too long ago."
Elm smiled. "Alright! Mana, Sora! You've made your choices! Go out into the world and become the strongest trainers that you can! Have an adventure like no other! Never give up!"
Sora kept his head down, but Mana stood up straight before bowing at Elm.
"Make sure to take a lot of pictures for us," Elm said to Sora.
The boy with white hair simply nodded.
It was then that Elm finally took notice of Cyan and Lilo. He had been so focused on not messing up the speeches that he had memorized that he hadn't seen them.
"Oh, hello," he said. "Can I help you?"
"We were just curious to see the new Pokémon," Lilo said. "I hope it's no bother."
"No. No bother at all. Just, unexpected," Elm said. He observed Lilo closely. "You're not from around here, right?"
"Alola."
"And Kanto."
The assistant, who had now figured out Lilo's identity, was perplexed by Elm's ignorance. She couldn't handle it anymore, and finally she just blurted out, "She's an Elite Four member!"
What followed was silence. It took Elm a lot longer to put it all together, and then panic set in. He started to shuffle around, grabbing at papers so he could hold something while he tried to figure out something to say.
"I-I didn't-I didn't know you were coming y-your highness!" he said nervously.
"Your highness?" Lilo wondered.
"We would have cleaned!" he exclaimed. "Our lab is such a mess!"
"It's not that bad," Cyan said while he tried to avoid looking at any of the books that were every which way on the shelves. "And besides, it's not like we said we were coming. We just kind of showed up."
"It's rude of us. I'm sorry," Lilo said. "I just really wanted to see the Johto starters."
"It's not rude at all!" Elm exclaimed a lot louder than he intended to. "Welcome! Welcome to our lab! Welcome to Johto! What brings you here? Why? Why are you here?!"
"Loud," Sora said quietly.
Cyan walked forward. "We're looking for something. Lilo is taking a small vacation."
"And what did you say your name was?" Elm asked.
"I'm Cyan Kokura."
The assistant now looked as though she was having a stroke, and she almost collapsed. But no one seemed to have noticed her condition.
"It's nice to meet you, Cyan. You said you're from Ka-"
"He's the Alola Champion!" the assistant declared once she found enough air to speak. "He's the first ever Alola Champion!"
What followed was silence. Elm's leg went limp, and he fell to the ground as shock came over him. The two younger trainers raced over to help him up.
"It's just a title," Cyan said, still bothered by it.
"Thank you so much for coming today!" Elm said, exasperated. "Would you like some tea? We have bread! We have so much bread!"
Cyan shook his hands. "No. No. That won't be necessary."
"Excuse the professor, he's a bit excited," Mana said. "We're very happy to have you here in Johto!"
"Bow your heads!" Elm said while grabbing his two students. He forced their heads down low, and they all bowed, going silent once more. Elm then looked up, getting a closer look at Cyan. "Please don't think rude of me, but you do seem a bit young to be the first champion."
Cyan sighed. "I… age really well," he said, not wanting to explain his complicated situation.
"While we have you here, would you mind giving these young trainers some advice? I'm sure that any words of wisdom would be welcome!" Elm said.
Cyan and Lilo looked at the younger trainers and then one another.
"Always look forward," Cyan said.
"And never give up hope!" Lilo added. They looked back at one another again and nodded.
"And pack a lot of food just in case you get stranded somewhere like an island or something."
"Thank you so much!" Elm said as he barreled through the two trainers. He reached out and began to violently shake Cyan's hands. "Thank you! Thank you so much!"
"It's no problem," Cyan muttered.
Elm straightened up and looked around. "We have to give you something! It's not every day that a champion and member of the Elite Four comes to visit us."
The young boy who chose Totodile raised his camera. "We can take a picture."
"Yes!" Elm exclaimed while quickly turning around. He snapped his fingers and then noticed something. Behind the two young trainers sat the Fire-type Pokémon that went unchosen. It lowered its head, taking note that Elm was now looking at it. "You can take Cyndaquil with you too! I'm sure it'd love a strong trainer like yourself! You can show it off to the people of Alola."
Cyan glanced at the Pokémon, and he smiled. It recoiled slightly, still avoiding any of their looks. "It's cute."
"Please take it with you! It'll be a great addition to your team!"
Before Cyan could answer, Lilo put her hand on his shoulder. "Maybe where we're going, it's best to not bring such a young Pokémon along."
Cyan paused. "Ah. You make a good point. I'm going to have to decline."
Elm and the two young trainers looked disappointed.
"But, when we come back from our vacation, we'll come through Newbark, right?" Cyan asked.
"I believe so."
Cyan smiled. "We'll be back in a few days. If the offer still stands, I'll take Cyndaquil then!"
Elm grinned and turned to Cyndaquil. "You hear that, Cyndaquil! You're gonna have a new partner in a few days! Not only that, but your partner is a champion!" He softly pet the timid Pokémon before he suddenly realized something and then looked back at Cyan and Lilo. "Wait. Where are you going?"
AUTHOR'S NOTES:
Next chapter, the two will finally reach Mt. Silver, and they're going to see immediately why it's one of the most dangerous areas in the Pokémon World.
REVIEWS:
wisdom-jewel - "I wish you the best at this time. It isn't fun for anyone right now and I can understand the lack of motivation (for different reasons). I can see this being shorter. sweeter story compared to the other stories. It would be interesting to see how this would affect Logan's journal if he goes to Kanto (or hear stories while going through Johto). It would be to see them becoming closer (as friends). Of course, Lilo will fill him in with the other regions because she's one of the Elite Four. I seriously think that the Elite Four and Champions would have a better idea of what's going on with other regions." - I'm not sure if I ever intend for Logan and Cyan to become close friends, but I am thinking of ways to have them meet up again. Right now, I'm unsure.
CrescentApple - "Ahhhhh. That Vulpix. It had crossed my mind a few times what happened to her. Good to see she is healthy, strong and in Cyans team. It was great reading about how each Pokémon spent their time together and joined with Cyan one last time before they parted ways. Salazzle staying is pretty neat. So is she currently Cyans most powerful Pokémon, since she trained the last 2 years? I think its a great new idea Lilo is joining Cyan on an adventure. The mystery of what has happened to his sister will finally be revealed! And I am unable to fathom what has happened to her. Was she just training all these years? Or is she alone holding back a powerful Pokemon on Mt. Silver, like a guardian of sorts? Or maybe Spacetime interference above the mountain. So for her maybe only a few months passed? I can't wait!" - If she's dead, you'll be very disappointed. Also, Salazzle is currently Cyan's strongest Pokemon on his team right now. Lycanroc is probably stronger though.
pokemonking0924 - "Cyan completed his original journey an now has a new mission finding his sister. While he has most of his Pokemon some decided to stay behind for their own reasons but when it comes down to it if he needs them they'll come battle by his side in a heartbeat. Plus he now has new Pokemon in the form of an old friend the Alola Vulpix. Looking forward to seeing what he and Lilo will find on their Johto journey and it's too bad Kala can't join them." - And it looks like he could have a Cyndaquil join him at some point!