Naruto: When am I gonna evolve!? *pouting as he water flowers*

Me: Soon, hang in there. Until then don't you want to see Paul get his ass kicked?

Naruto: Paul getting his ass handed to him? Heck yeah bring on the ramen! I gotta see this!

Pikachu: Apples for me!

Me: I got my mochi~! We're all set then. Oh but I need some nightmare ideas for Naruto for Rise of Darkrai. *stares evily at Naruto*

Naruto: *inches away and hides*

Chapter 17
The Champion Appears & Another Lead Too!?

~.~.~

It was another day for the gang.

The sky was partly cloudy and like all good nocturnal pokemon a certain ghost/fire type fox spirit pokemon was snoring away in Ash's backpack. That is until he heard the tv, making his long ears twitch as he awoke and poked his head out to investigate. Sure enough there was a match being streamed live on the flat screen on the pokemon center's cafeteria. He rubbed his eyes with his paw before yawning and floated over. It was then he saw a familiar face on the screen: Lucian!

But who was that woman he was up against?

She wore a black overcoat with fluffy cuffs and rim at the base. She had long blonde hair that had natural curls to it that fell past her waist line with long bangs covering part of her face. She wore long black pants and heels and a fluffy black choker. Eyes were a steely blue-grey hue and were sharp but keen. Giving her an air of mystery and authority.

"Pikachu, who's that fighting Lucian?"yipped Naruto in interest.

"Oh morning Naruto, I honestly don't know."stated Pikachu, offering some food to Naruto.

Naruto eagerly accepted his friend's invitation when he heard Brock mention that women was the champion of this region. Now that got his attention and made his eyes gleam and tails wag in admiration. This women was this world's equivalent of his, Hinata's, and Itachi's old world''s kages. But that strange looking hammer headed creature...they called Garchomp, right? It seemed very well trained and skilled. He couldn't help but wonder, "Would I be able to meet Cynthia?"he thought.

As the saying goes, "Ask and you shall receive."

That was when a young boy raised in to what seemed to be his two friends.

"Hey guys, check it out! The Champion herself just showed up at Amity Square!"said the boy in excitement.

"No way!"said the other boy in amazement.

"Cynthia's over there?"squeaked the girl in delight.

"Yeah, let's go!"Naruto's jaw fell to the floor as he watched the trio of strangers dash off.

What were the chances this would happen!?

Eagerly he started pushing and tugging at Ash, desperately want to go see for himself. But it thankfully seems they got the message. "Let's go! Let's go! Let's go!"he barked frantically and impatiently.

"Seems like your Whispup wants to go see too Ash."pointed out Brock.

"So you want to go check it out too buddy?"asked Ash, earning eager nods from the fire type, "Alright, let's all go check it out."

"Yeah!"

With that the trio along with Naruto and Pikachu hurried off. Unfortunately Naruto had zero patience and had bolted off way ahead of his trainer and the others despite them calling for him to slow down and come back and wait.

Naruto easily found his way to the famed Amity Park. After all it wasn't exactly hard to miss. Finding Cynthia was a little harder as his stomach decided to grumble it's discontent. He really didn't eat much back there and this caused him to vanish as he sniffed out any food carts. His nose caught the scent of some berry ice-cream, making his mouth water as he followed the scent. With a snicker he went over and knew instantly it was Jessie and James by their scent and their auras.

With a mischievous grin he landed on the fabric draped roof of the cart and was about to snag himself some of that chilly treat when his sense alerted him again. This time his orbs turned a rather cheerful but calm hue. Made him feel the way he did when hanging around his grandparental figures, Tsunade and Jiraya. It was a warm and comfortable feeling that made him want to purr.

And the cause of it was...HOLY RAMEN!

The cause was Cynthia herself as she came up to the cart to make an order of ice-cream. He floated over to her curiously watching the odd scene. Cynthia couldn't seem to decide what flavors she wanted or even if she wanted in a cone or bowl. After what seemed like an hour she finally decided on a waffle cone with three different scoops of flavors. Calmly Naruto decided to follow her but on the way his stomach decided to remind him...very loudly giving him away.

"Hm? That wasn't me."Cynthia mused curiously.

She blinked when she saw a top scoop of her ice-cream vanished into thin air, sprinkles floating in place. The champion got an amused grin. There was defiantly a ghost or psychic type pokemon just inches away from her. "I won't harm you little one, I'll happily share if you show yourself."spoke Cynthia.

Naruto not feeling any threat or hostility happily showed himself to Cynthia, licking the sprinkles on his maw. "Can I really have some?"he barked with shining eyes as he landed on her shoulder.

Cynthia was amazed at the sight of this pokemon. She had seen ancient artwork in the ruins as a kid of a vulpine pokemon with no known identification that stood at the feet of Arceus. One more slender and elegant while the other gave off a sense of majesty and mystery. There was even this old myth about it, the Guardians they had simply been labeled in the translation. This little ghost type could easily be their baby and he was so cute! With a kind sort of quiet smile she offered some of the cone to Naruto, much to his delight. It was kinda humorous, making her think of her own ghost pokemon that could quite cheeky some times.

Cynthia with one full and content Naruto in tow finally made it up one of the hills where some old ruins lay. Naruto's fur fluffed up as he looked at the pictures carved on the massive stone tablet. There were two dragons; one stood up on two legs while the other stood on all four legs. Something about it was pulling, nagging something in him as Cynthia gently stroked it.

"Hey, there you are Whispup!"Naruto looked over at the sound of Ash's voice.

Cynthia noticed's the little vulpine-like ghost type's reaction and scooped Naruto into her arms and walked over. "Is this little one your pokemon?"

"Yes, thank you."Ash eagerly accepted Whispup from her. "Whispup is a bit mischievous and got a bit carried away and ran ahead of us."

Cynthia simply smiled and laughed, "I see. Well be bit more careful you two."

"Yes ma'am."

"Yes Cynthia."

Naruto's eyes instantly turned red along with his orbs as he began to bristle his fur and growl. He knew THAT aura anywhere as Cynthia was about to walk back over to examine the ruins Paul walked out from the crowd. Still snarling in Ash's arms as he went over to greet Paul, same arrogant prick gave Ash the cold shoulder again. Oh he was so tempted to pull the worst prank on him possible...or burn him again.

Whatever came first!

"Same old, same old."huffed Dawn.

"Can't make a Liepard change it's spots."sighed Pikachu.

"What's a Liepard?"yipped Naruto, earned a face fault from his electric rodent friend.

"I'll tell you later, Naruto. But I think he's going over to Cynthia."pointed out Pikachu quickly.

"You wouldn't happen to be Cynthia would you?"asked Paul.

Cynthia looked over at the boy with the blue track coat, "Yes I am."

"My name is Paul and I'm from Veilstone. I'd like to challenge you to a battle."This stunned Ash, Dawn, and Brock but not Pikachu and Naruto.

Actually Naruto was giving a mischievous grin as he knew already from experience Paul was way over his head. Challenging a kage skilled champion like Cynthia? Forget it. He was unpredictable knucklehead but even he knew better then to pull that stunt as a kid. By the murmurs and whispers of the crowd it seemed they agreed. Cynthia herself was stunned for a moment but then grinned, "It's been awhile since I took on a field challenge. Are you competing in the Sinnoh League now?"

"That's right."confirmed Paul.

"I see,"Cynthia calmly walked over and took a spot to face him, "Then I'm assuming you're transferring here from another league. Fine then I accept your challenge."

"Do you mind if we battle with six pokemon each?"asked Paul.

"No problem."agree the champion.

The crowd was beginning to get excited and rowdy at being able to see Cynthia battle in person. Actually Naruto was shaking with excitement himself as he scurried to up to plop himself on Ash's head for a better look. "Oh this gonna be good, believe it!"barked Naruto excitedly.

"Garchomp, battle stance!"Cynthia tossed her partner's ball and released her signature and very first partner pokemon.

"I'm ready!"growled Garchomp.

Naruto was surprised, by the feminine voice of the dragon type. Which meant this Garchomp was female! "Woah, there's Garchomp again!"Ash swiftly pulled out his pokedex.

Garchomp the Mach Pokemon
When it folds up its body and spreads its wings, it can fly like a jet plane at the speed of sound.

Naruto tilted his head in confusion, "What the heck is a p-plane or however you say it?"

Pikachu slapped his face at this, once more being reminded of the ghost type's youth. Naruto yet again proving unpredictable by being not interested in the speed but on what a plane was. Pikachu knew he'd have a lot to explain later tonight to his young friend.

"Chimpchar stand by for battle!"called Paul as he released the fire chimp pokemon.

"Let's do this!"Chimpchar stood at the ready.

Naruto's ears perked at seeing the cheerful fire type, "Hey, Chimpy!"

Chimpchar simply looked over and gave a small wave in greeting to Naruto, only to be scolded by Paul. That upset Naruto; he was kinda growing attached to the cheerful fire type. The group watched as Chimchar attacked with a fire spin, amazing Ash and the gang. Garchomp quickly used her fin to shield herself as she was trapped in the blaze. At the same time Chimchar was ordered to use Dig to go underground. Garchomp followed after with the exact same Dig attack. End result was Chimpchar being sent flying to the ground out of his hole out cold.

Ok, Naruto hated Paul with a passion but he couldn't help feel bad for Chimpchar as once again Paul spoke harshly to him after being returned to his ball. Cynthia had noticed Paul's behavior towards his pokemon and it lit a spark of quiet disgust in her and Naruto could feel it as his orbs changed color again. Ash was radiating the same emotions as the Champion's but Naruto could feel disappointment mixed in. "That guy still doesn't get it!"thought Ash.

Paul's next pokemon was Weavile.

"Lets see how Weavile does."Dawn quickly pulled her own dex out.

Weavile the Sharp Claw Pokemon
It signals its companions by using its claws to leave mysterious markings on the surfaces of trees and ice.

"An Ice type pokemon like Weavile against Garchomp is a good match."Cynthia gained a sly grin, "Yes a wise choice indeed."

Naruto watched as Weavile unleashed a blizzard attack on Garchomp only for her to shield herself with her fin again. It literally seemed to be doing nothing at all. Garchomp might as well have been just dealing with a cool breeze! The outcome was the same as Garchomp knocked out Weavile with Dragon Rush. Paul then let out this odd crow looking bird pokemon that they called Murkrow.

"I didn't know Paul had a Murkrow."Ash said in shock.

"I'll check it out."Dawn quickly pointed her dex at the bird pokemon as well.

Murkrow the Darkness Pokemon
Many people believe that if you see a Murkrow at night, it will bring bad luck.

Naruto pouted at that entry, looking very displeased by the pokedex. The memories he still had, some of the strongest had to do with how he was treated for being Kurama's jail cell. What right did those people have to look at a pokemon or other humans like that? It didn't sit well with him as he watched this fight end like the last two: in defeat. But for some reason Paul was smirking like how Sasuke did in their youth. "What are you up to teme?"he thought with a growl.

"Hold on what's Paul smiling about?"pondered Ash.

"I don't know, do you Naruto?"asked Pikachu.

"He's up to something."hissed Naruto.

"He's lost three pokemon already."pointed out Dawn in equal confusion.

"Torterra, stand by for battle!"Paul let out his signature pokemon.

Now jaws were hitting the floor, in particular Ash, Pikachu, and Naruto at the sight of the tortoise-like pokemon. It was positively HUGE and had these shrubs growing out of it's back, spikes-like rocks, and what seemed to be small tree. "WHAT IS THAT THING!?"yelped Naruto.

"Woah, that's a Torterra!"Ash swiftly point his dex at it. This he had find out more about.

Torterra the Continent Pokemon
Torterra is the final evolved form of Turtwig. Sometimes small Pokémon will gather to make their nests on Torterra's back.

Naruto was even more stunned now at this information. He looked at Turtwig's ball on Ash's belt then to Torterra and back again. Turtwig was gonna evolve into that massive pokemon!? Eventually it resulted in the information being too much to handle it it overloaded his poor brain. Resulting in him almost seemingly get smoke explode out of his ears from the overload. The gang's attention went back to the battle and to their surprise Torterra was actually fairing better and holding his own against Garchomp. Using moves like Giga Drain and Frenzy Plant. But Garchomp and Cynthia both grinned as the female dragon/ground type revealed it had shielded herself again. Which startled and surprised Paul and made Naruto sneer a foxish grin. "Oh that's a good look on you teme!"he thought with a snicker.

Torterra was swiftly knocked out with a Brick Break attack by Garchomp, causing Paul to throw in the towel. "I guess that's it."

"Guess so. Nice Garchomp, great battle."grinned Cynthia.

"Thank you."grumbled Garchomp happily before returning to her ball.

The crowd ended up laughing and insulting Paul for his loss against the champion, causing Ash to snap at them and Naruto to growl in turn. Naruto didn't like him but Paul had tried hard against difficult odds. It make them have a little bit of respect for the arrogant boy.

"I'll tell you Paul, it was great."Paul simply glanced over at Ash at being praised.

"Well, I'll work on it and try again."Paul gave a polite bow towards Cynthia.

"I'll look forward to it."agreed Cynthia.

"Goodbye."Paul began to leave but it was not in the direction of the pokemon center.

"Hey wait, that's not the direction the pokemon center is!"Ash quickly called out as his Whispup flew over and went in front of him and cut him off.

"Hold it, Paul-teme!"he growled.

"Stop! Hold it right there!"Cynthia called him out scoldingly, "Taking injured pokemon to a pokemon center is a trainer's first responsibility you know!"

Paul for awhile said nothing as he stared at the Whispup that had constantly burned him or bit him or sent him flying. For reasons he did not understand. But those eyes, something in them combined with Cynthia's scolding words made him cave in. He would go with them to get his pokemon treated. "Right."

Naruto was calmly perched in the window sill as he watched Cynthia and Brock treat each one of the pokemon. This situation had happened because Joy was needed to help with a pokemon that came in that needed urgent surgery. He watched as Murkrow, Weavile, Torterra, and even Chimpchar was treated. He listened closely to the others as they talked, finding out Torterra was Paul's very first pokemon. But as the conversation progressed things started to get heated up. Out of annoyance Naruto shot both Ash and Paul with a shadow ball, "ENOUGH!"snarled Naruto.

"Ouch!"yelped Ash.

"What in Arceus!? Have more control over your damn Whispup!"snapped Paul.

"What was that for Naruto?"asked Pikachu, landing on his paws.

"This is a hospital, not a battle arena."huffed Naruto.

Cynthia simple chuckled as she scooped up the Whispup and petted him and earning a purr, "Now don't be so harsh Paul. Whispup was it?"Ash gave a nod as they got up. "Whispup was I believe was trying to tell you both to settle down. This is a hospital after all."

"Sorry."the two boys apologized.

"You want to get stronger?"asked Cynthia with a grin, still petting a now lightly dozing ghost type in her arms. This got both Ash and Paul's attentions.

"Huh?"

"If you do there's something I want you to see."

The gang along with Paul followed Cynthia back to the ruins they had met her at where the old stone wall tablet stood with the two pictures carved into it. Naruto by now was rather drowsy, dozing lightly in the champion's arm snuggled up in a cute fluffy ball of fluff as he hugged one of his tails. But make no mistake he was still alert and listening as she spoke, "The words that are written here completely changed my life. Listen while I read them."

Everyone looked to her quietly and intently while Naruto groggily opened up a single cerulean blue eye to glance over, ear twitching softly. "When every life meets another life something will be born."stated Cynthia as she translated the script on the stone.

"Every life?"echoed Ash.

"Every...life?"whispered Naruto opening his eyes.

That's when something clicked in his head, new memories surfacing. Memories of his fight with Gaara, defending Hinata from bullies, befriending the tailed beasts, winning his bet with Tsunade as he defended her, and at least a few more of some encounters that had strong effects on himself and the other(s). It made him tremble with a crashing wave of feelings as he jumped out of Cynthia's arm and touched the strange writing. Much of their conversation went in one ear and out the other as he tried to make heads or tails of these new memories. That is until Cynthia's next words, "It is my dream that some day I'll get to meet the legendary pokemon Diagla and Palkia. Then perhaps I'll be able to travel back and find the source of all pokemon."

The source of all pokemon?

Diagla?

Palkia?

That did it, that caused something else to click as a blurred image appeared in his mind, making his zoned out and entranced. But it was something only he could see...

Two large figures stood in some sort of odd field of golden energy, one was a huge fox with long ears and nine long tails. The other was some kind of weird steed or deer-like creature as they looked over the tiny shape of a human between them. The steed-like creature looked at the fox, "This can't be undone and will cost you your life old friend, are you certain?" came it's wise but booming voice.

"JUST DO IT!"snarled the fox.

The other creature seemed sad but accepting as with it's powers lifted the human up, "So be it."...

Naruto shook his head as he returned to reality, finding the concerned looks of Cynthia, Ash, Brock, Dawn, and Pikachu. As well as Paul's confused one. Naruto looked at them in confusion. "Pikachu why is everyone staring at me?"Naruto asked looking very uncomfortable.

"Dude, you looked somebody did Hypnosis on you then were acting like you were in pain and then your tails-"squeaked Pikachu frantically.

"What about my...tails-HOLY RAMEN!"Naruto looked down and shrieked at seeing his tails had turned red like Kurama's fur. What the flying fuck happened to cause this!?

"Whispup's freaking out."pointed out Dawn.

"Has this ever happened before?"asked Cynthia. The three shook their heads no, earning look of interest from Cynthia and Paul.

"Lets have Nurse Joy take a look just in case."suggested Cynthia as she handed Whispup to Ash.

"Ok!"

On their way back Naruto was still freaking out over everything that happened and Pikachu was trying desperately to calm his friend down who was now hiding in Ash's backpack. Normally it'd be Hinata but she was now too big to crawl inside. Poor Naruto looked like he couldn't make head's or tails of whatever had happened. Heck not even Pikachu knew why! Unfortunately the experience had left the ghost pokemon in a very sour mood when he once more felt Team Rocket's auras and Ash picking up the pace and shouting outside his portable little hideout. But as he poked his head out he saw Chimpchar had escaped and that scary Ursaring from Bewilder Forest send those idiots flying. Naruto bolted forward and caught Chimpchar faster then could see.

"I've gotcha Chimpy!"barked Naruto using what seemed to be Psychic.

"N-Naruto?"squeaked Chimpchar in surprise as he was set down.

"You ok? Those idiots didn't hurt you did they?"asked Naruto as he set his paws on the ground.

"I-I'm ok...thank you."Chimchar then froze at seeing Paul's disapproving glare at him.

"Look I don't care if you did get injured! To captured by a bunch of loosers. Useless!"growled Paul.

"But I..."Chimpchar looked down in shame.

But before Ash and co could say anything Naruto let loose a Mystical Fire right in Paul's face, "Don't call him useless!"

"I'm with Whispup, how could you be so mean?"snapped Ash.

"Chimpchar was sleeping when Team Rocket grabbed it!"pointed out Dawn angerily.

Cynthia quickly stepped in before the fighting could get too far, "Alright that's enough." she then knelt down to be eye level with Chimpchar and Whispup, "The important thing now is Chimpchar is safe and sound. And Whispup, no burning people alright?"

Naruto pouted as he and Chimpchar were both petted by the champion's gentle handles. The others agreed it was good thing Chimpchar was safe and unharmed. The all then headed back to the pokemon center. Where Ash went up to the counter, "Nurse Joy would be able to look over my Whispup? He's been acting strange and his tails changed color too."

Nurse Joy glanced over from her computer and smiled as she walked over. So this was the newly discovered rare pokemon her family had told her to watch out for. But it looked different from the photos and data the professor had sent the pokemon medical society. How curious indeed.

"I'd be happy to. Just a health exam?"Ash nodded as he handed Joy his fox spirit pokemon.

"Alright I'll be right back, please just stay and relax here until I'm done with your pokemon."instructed Joy.

"Alright."agreed Ash.

Joy wasted no time taking Naruto to the back to an exam room for some tests and a check up. Naruto though was not too fond of all the poking and prouding and those damn needles. Oh those damn needles! But he knew she meant no harm so he did his best to comply or face a doctor's wrath...thanks a lot Sakura and Granny Tsunade.

Doctors were scary.

Best to behave and get it over with fast then to whine and hide for life. So he complied, simply tucking his paws under his furry chest and licked his fur like a cat. Joy in the mean time was finding nothing wrong with the little ghost/fire type pokemon. What the data was showing was a healthy, strong, recently matured pokemon. Which wasn't unusual for a ghost type since they reach sexual maturity faster then a lot of pokemon just like the bug type did. But there was one thing all pokemon that could evolve had in common. Certain proteins in the blood and changes start to show up when a pokemon was nearing an important milestone. This was truly exciting and new information!

"That's a good boy, Whispup. We're all done now so lets get you back to your trainer shall we?"smiled Joy as she offered him a poffin as a treat.

"POFFIN MINE!"barked Naruto excitedly snatching it, earning a giggle from the nurse and her partner Chansey.

They then took the vulpine-like pokemon that was happily munching on his treat back out to the lobby. The news broadcast of the Lusterious Orb discovery had just finished by the time they got out. "Ash Ketchum, your Whispup's ready."called Joy.

Ash, Dawn, Brock, and even Cynthia hurried over.

"Is everything ok with him?"asked Ash in worry.

"More then ok, actually your Whispup's close to evolving. Congratulations!"smiled Joy in delight before leaving to go back to her other duties.

"Whispup's gonna evolve soon? That's great!"smiled Cynthia as she stroked Naruto behind the ears.

"Hear that Whispup? I wonder what you'll evolve into buddy."grinned Ash in delight.

Naruto just blinked up at his friends, unsure what to say or think. As it was starting to get dark the gang bid Cynthia farewell and continued on their separate ways. Naruto though was deep in thought, which was very unlike him as he pondered what he saw in that vision...or was it a memory? The more he found the more mysteries came up. But his mind flew to the two legendaries of space and time he had learned about: Diagla and Palkia.

Just who were they?

And why did he feel such a pull towards these entities?

Little did he know he would soon find out in due time.

To Be Continued...

A/N: Move update time yippy! Naruto now knows Psychic.

Unfortunately this is the last new move for him for awhile. At least until Veilstone. Also the next couple chapters will actually be, "Rise of Darkrai" which will actually be really exciting. Out of all the movies the trilogy of the Sinnoh Legends movies is my favorite. It will very much be the first marapthon likely in awhile.

For those wondering Whispup is a legendary that can evolve in a split evolution line by gender. Females become Phantsune, males become Kitsuwhisp. They will be known as the "Sage Pokemon" for Kitsuwhisp and "Sacred Pokemon" for Hinata respectfully. In mythology there are 13 types of kitsune spirits by the way:

Tengoku (Heaven, Celestial, Light, Prime), Kukan (Void or Dark), Kaze (Wind), Seishin (Spirit), Kasai (Fire), Chikyu (Earth), Kawa (River), Umi (Ocean/Sea), Yama(Mountain), Mori(Forest), Sanda(Thunder), Jikan(Time), and lastly Ongaku(Sound/Music).

Phantsune is a Ghost/Fairy type with some inspiration on the Tengoku Kitsunes. But I wonder, can you guys guess Naruto's since he's got heavy influence from salty boyo, Kurama? Winner gets a bucket full of Kurama shaped cookies. :D