A/N: Good morning. Thank you for to Aarontheanimelover, Animeloverdog, and pokemonking0924 for the favourites and thank you blaze08 for the follow. I really do appreciate it :). As you can probably tell, I am new to writing Pokemon battles. With time and experience, I will get better. This will be a long term project :)
Pokemon Journey: Indigo League
Chapter 2: On the road
Rain began to sprinkle upon Brandon, who walked along Route 1. He spotted a tent up head and quickly stepped inside it, getting out of the rain. He put his bag down near the picnic table and sat down, enjoying the small break. His feet were sore from all that walking and it felt great to relax momentarily. He rummaged through his pockets and took out a granola bar and began to munch on it.
It had been almost 6 hours since he left home, walking along Route 1. It had been a peaceful journey so far, with the sun shining at the start of it. The sky turned grey a little while ago, threatening to rain before opening up. During those 6 hours, Brandon and Squirtle ran into a few Pokemon families but Brandon decided not to add to his family right now.
Speaking of Squirtle, Brandon returned his partner to his Pokeball earlier, allowing him to rest. They had gotten to know each other a bit but they still haven't gotten into an official Pokemon Battle yet. In fact, during his walk, he hasn't run into anyone, which surprised him a little. Mind you, the season doesn't officially start until tomorrow, so maybe trainers will be starting later.
Brandon finished his snack and throw away his wrapper. He looked outside and saw that the rain had died down, though the sky was still a grey colour. He stood up, fetched out his rain jacket from his pack before holstering it on his back. With a final look around the rest area, he stepped back out of the tent and resumed walking.
A couple of hours later and with the sun beginning to set, Brandon looked around for a suitable campsite. It took him 20 minutes to find one that was dry enough to start a small campfire. With a little work, Brandon set up his tent and had a campfire going. Squirtle was sitting on a log, watching his trainer cook food.
"So Squirtle," Brandon spoke up, boiling a soup on his stove. "Day one done. I think we did alright huh?"
"Squirt, Squirtle," Squirtle agreed.
"Sorry if you didn't get into a battle today," Brandon apologized.
"Squirtle, Squirtle," Squirtle replied, waving off his trainer.
"Thanks, buddy," Brandon said, finally sitting down beside Squirtle. He held two soup bowls and offered one to his partner. "Eat up. Tomorrow, we should start training."
"Squirtle," Squirtle replied, taking the bowl and spoon. He took a bite and his eyes widened.
"Yeah, I might not be the best cook around," Brandon said sheepishly, rubbing his head as he watched Squirtle's reaction.
"Squirt, Squirtle," Squirtle agreed, eyeing that bowl.
"Geez, thanks," Brandon said with a chuckle. "If you don't like it, that's fine. I can give you some Pokemon food tonight."
"Squirtle," Squirtle immediately nodded his head, giving back the bowl of soup.
Brandon got up and took out a can of food and poured that into a bowl and handed it to Squirtle, who took it and began to eat it. Brandon chuckled as he finished both bowls and put away the leftovers. He quickly cleaned up and sat back down on the log, enjoying the warmth of the fire. Squirtle sat beside him, also watching the flames before yawning.
"Time for bed," Brandon said, getting up and dowsing the fire. He crawled into the tent and his sleeping bag. Squirtle also crawled into the tent and took the spare sleeping bag and was out like a light within a few seconds his head hit the pillow. Brandon quickly followed suit.
Viridian City, a small city that flowers bloom year-round. A city that welcomed trainers throughout the season but who also enjoyed the quiet during the downtime. A city where citizens are friendly, helpful and a pleasant bunch. Brandon walked through the bustling streets, heading towards the Pokemon Centre.
"Hello, young trainer. How may I help you?" Nurse Joy asked kindly, as Brandon walked in.
"I was wondering if you can look over my Squirtle?" Brandon said, pulling out Squirtle's Pokeball.
"Of course," Nurse Joy replied with a smile. A Chansey came over and took the ball from Brandon and retreated into the treatment room. "It will take a few moments if you want to take a seat."
"Actually, I would like to register for the Indigo League please," Brandon stated.
"Sure. May I see your Pokedex for a moment please?" Nurse Joy asked. She took the offered Pokedex, scanned it and took the trainer card that was printed out. She handed the card to Brandon. "Here you go. You are officially registered. Whenever you use a Pokemon Centre, you can show this card and gain free accommodations for however long you need. Each Pokemon Centre will offer different amenities. For instance, we offer a free continental breakfast. If you want, we do offer practice fields, just on the west side of the building."
"That's awesome," Brandon said with wide eyes. This was new information, something that Kelly never told him. "May I book a room for tonight then?"
"Of course," Nurse Joy said, typing away on her computer. She handed him a room card. "You are in luck. You got the last room available. It is room 45."
"Thank you, Nurse Joy," Brandon said, pocketing the room card. At this time, Chansey came back with Squirtle's Pokeball with a soft smile.
"Looks like Squirtle is in excellent health," Nurse Joy said, handing Brandon his Pokeball.
"Again, thank you Nurse Joy and Chansey," Brandon said gratefully.
"Our pleasure. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask," Nurse Joy said, bowing. "Good luck Brandon."
Brandon bowed before heading up to his room. He opened the door to a simple white room that consisted of a bed, dresser, desk, chair and a computer. Brandon put his bag down near his bed and jumped in for a quick shower. After his shower, took Squirtle's ball and decided to check out the practise fields.
Stepping onto the field, he saw the place was nearly empty. He picked on that was near the doors as he brought out Squirtle.
"Alright Squirtle, I said we would train today and this seems like a good time," Brandon told the Tiny Turtle Pokemon.
"Excuse me," a female voice spoke up behind Brandon. He turned around and saw a girl about his age, wearing a red flannel shirt with blue jeans. Her hair was put up in a ponytail. "I see that you are about to train yes?"
"Err, yeah," Brandon said, confused about the question.
"It might help if you have a partner," she said, pulling out a Pokeball. "Will you do the honours and have a battle with me?"
Brandon looked down at Squirtle, who nodded. Brandon then glanced at the new person and nodded. "Sounds like a good idea. I'm Brandon. I only have one Pokemon though"
"Hi, Brandon. I am Ava," She said with a smile. She pointed towards the field. "One vs One is fine. Shall we?"
"Let's go," Brandon replied, leading the way. He got on one side and Ava got on the other side. He knelt in front of Squirtle. "Squirtle, this is our first-ever battle. Doesn't matter if we win or lose. Let's just try our best."
"Squirtle," Squirtle said confidently. He walked onto the field and faced Ava.
"Eevee, it's gone time!" Ava shouted, calling out a brown fox-like Pokemon. "This is our first battle. Let's give it our all!"
"Ev," Eevee nodded at her trainer and stepped onto the field, staring at Squirtle.
"You can have the first move," Brandon called out, being polite.
Ava nodded, then called out to her Pokemon. "Eevee, let's start with a tackle!"
"Squirtle, use tackle as well!" Brandon called out.
Squirtle and Eevee crashed in the middle of the field, throwing each other back, clutching their heads.
"Squirtle, quick water gun!" Brandon called out quickly, trying to gain an advantage.
"Eevee, dodge it quickly!" Ava countered.
Squirtle quickly released a jet of water towards Eevee but at the last second, Eevee leapt to the side, the water gun missing its mark.
"Great job Eevee," Ava praised her Pokemon. "Now, let us go on the offensive. Come in with a tackle again!"
Brandon watched as Eevee bounded towards Squirtle with speed. He knew he had to think of something. He racked his brain but couldn't think of something. He was about to call out an order when his eyes landed on Squirtle's shell.
"Squirtle, wait for it," Brandon called out. He was waiting for Eevee to get closer. Just as Eevee was about to take the last yard, Brandon reacted. "Squirtle, spin around!"
"Eevee, jump and use Squirtle's shell as a launching pad!" Ava countered quickly, realizing what Brandon wanted to do.
Squirtle immediately turned around and felt Eevee's paws on his shell and watched as Eevee jumped over him. Without waiting for Brandon's call, he unleashed a water gun, hitting Eevee in the stomach. Eevee fell to the ground, soaking wet.
"Great work Squirtle," Brandon praised him. "Go in for a tackle."
"Come on Eevee. You can get up," Ava encouraged her friend, watching as Squirtle lowered his shoulder and connect with Eevee. Eevee tried to get up but was struggling.
"Eevee, you did a great job. Get some rest," Ava said, recalling Eevee. She walked over to Brandon and offered her hand. "That was a good battle. Thank you."
Brandon shook her hand. "Your Eevee was awesome."
"Thank you. She's my newest Pokemon," Ava stated, sitting down on the bench. "I'm still trying to figure out how to train her."
Brandon took a seat beside her. "That's the whole point of training. I'm sure you will figure it out."
"Your Squirtle was pretty good, though I noticed that he's still new to battling," Ava said.
"Yeah. We just started our journey yesterday," Brandon replied. "You are our first battle ever."
"Really?" Ava asked, her eyes lighting up. "Wow. I am honoured then."
"To be honest with you, I had no idea what training to do before you showed up," Brandon admitted.
"Glad I can help," Ava said, smiling gently. She stood up and stretched. "Well, it was a long day. I think I will retire for the night. Hopefully, we cross paths tomorrow but if not, I look forward to meeting you again sometime."
"I like the sound of that," Brandon replied, also getting up. "If we don't see each other tomorrow, we shall cross paths at some point down the road."
"Take care of yourself, Brandon," Ava said as she waved goodbye. She quickly left the field, leaving Brandon by himself. Shortly later, Brandon also left, to look for food.
Sitting down at a table in the Pokemon Centre, Brandon and Squirtle were eating their supper.
"Squirtle, you did great today," Brandon praised his partner, who was seated beside Brandon, eating his supper.
"Squirtle?" Squirtle asked, lifting his head curiously.
"I'm sure," Brandon said with a smile. "The fact that you acted without my command was great."
"Squirtle," Squirtle replied softly.
"Squirtle, the fact that you can think for yourself in the heat of a battle is awesome," Brandon told him. "In fact, I encourage it, as long as you listen to me most of the time."
"Squirtle!" Squirtle said, perking up, knowing that his trainer wasn't mad at him.
"That's the spirit," Brandon chuckled, finishing his supper. "Now, I have an idea on how to train you."
"Squirtle?" Squirtle asked curiously.
"First, we need to raise your endurance, so that you can stay in battles longer. I know today's battle was short but future battles, especially gym battles, will be more intensive," Brandon explained.
"Squirtle," Squirtle nodded his head.
"I want to build a strategy around using your shell," Brandon told him, still thinking. "Today, we were able to use it defensively and managed to pull out a win. I would like to try and use it offensively as well."
"Squirt," Squirtle said, also thinking. He trusted Brandon to come up with ideas but also knows if and when he saw an opening, he wouldn't hesitate to use it.
"Battles will be tougher going forward," Brandon told him. "Actually, not just battles. The road will be harder."
"Squirtle!" Squirtle said, a fire in his eyes, staring directly at Brandon.
"You're right, we will face it together," Brandon told him. "We got each other's back, no matter what."
"Squirtle!" Squirtle agreed with Brandon.
"Well, let's get some sleep. Tomorrow will be busy," Brandon said, finishing his supper. Soon Squirtle and Brandon walked up to his room and were immediately asleep when their heads hit the pillow.
A beautiful day awaited Brandon and Squirtle as they began to jog around Viridian City. They were greeted with warm smiles and greetings as they entered a trail that led into the surrounding forest.
For another fifteen minutes, they jogged down the trail as tree branches acted like umbrellas, providing them with shade. His lungs felt like they were going to burst, so he slowed down, Squirtle matching his speed. Finally, they decided to take a break and sat on a rock, drinking water and trying to catch their breaths.
"Nothing like a morning run huh?" Brandon said, wiping the sweat from his forehand.
"Squirtle," Squirtle nodded, plopping down. He drank his water and looked up at Brandon. Brandon chuckled and gave him his bottle.
"Let's head back," Brandon said, getting up.
"Squirt," Squirtle replied, getting up. He was tired but if his trainer wanted to run back, he will.
"Don't worry, we will just walk back," Brandon chuckled, seeing the look on Squirtle's face. He grinned when he saw the relief that appeared on his face.
They began to trek back to the Pokemon Centre in comfortable silence when a bush began to rustle. Curious, Brandon stopped and looked at the bush, waiting to see what kind of Pokemon would step out. He smiled as a Tangela wandered out but as soon as Tangela spotted Brandon, it quickly jumped back into the bushes.
Brandon smiled at the antics but decided not to run after it. It was obviously shy and didn't want to make it worse. He indicted to Squirtle, who was watching curiously by his side, to move on.
They finally got back to the Centre. Brandon jumped in for a quick shower before packing his stuff. He took another look around the room before leaving and returning the room key.
After stocking up at the Pokemon Mart, Brandon and Squirtle were ready to continue their journey. Brandon looked around but saw no sign of Ava. He figured they will meet up at some point through their travels. Brandon nodded at Squirtle as they began to walk on Route 2, heading towards Viridian Forest. Behind them, a curious Tangela followed.