Chapter Eight

Serena looked out at the Cerulean City as she exited the airport, the city fairly big, but nothing compared to Lumiose City. It had been ages since she had been in Kanto, but as she exited something just felt... right. This strange city feeling more secure than home ever had– and she couldn't help but wonder if it was the influence of the Knowing, did it realize they were in the same region as her soulmate once more?

Assuming Ash was still in Kanto...

She shook her head– Kanto was the only lead she had. They had promised to one day journey through Kanto together, and if he was looking for her by some means this would be the best place for her to begin. He had always wanted to do the gym challenge here, and if he did remember anything about her he would know that her family traveled often, so him going to Kalos could be a dead end. He had to be in Kanto.

She hoped.

The first thing she had done was head for the Pokemon Center to get her Pokemon checked up, to make sure they had handled the airplane ride well. Isla had of course had been in her Pokeball the whole time, and she had spent the trip getting to know Flambé. He was a calm little Fennekin, and had been more than content to let Serena groom him. She had never worked with a fire type before, but thankfully as a starter his needs were simple compared to many more specialized Pokemon.

The Nurse Joy had been interested in her Fennekin, and it had been a good chance to practice her Kodaic, since it had been awhile since she had needed to use it. However once she made her way over to the video phones to call her mom she had immediately fallen back into the much more familiar Kalosian.

"There you are," Grace said, beaming as she answered the video call. "It said your plane had landed nearly an hour ago, and I was getting worried when you didn't call."

"I was just renting a room in the Pokemon Center for the night," Serena replied, smiling. "Didn't want to wait until the last minute and then there not to be any left. Also got my Pokemon checked up, and bought a few supplies that I didn't have with me on the plane."

"Prepared– what a perfect mindset," Grace said with a nod. "Now, how is Isla doing? Her saddle and everstone are intact? Your track suit is okay?"

"All of my gear made the flight in perfect condition," Serena said, trying not to let her disappointment show as the conversation went straight to Rhyhorn racing. "But I want you to meet someone– Flambé, come meet my mom."

The Fennekin hopped up onto Serena's lap, in view of the camera. Grace looked surprised at the sight of the Pokemon, whose ears flicked towards the screen. "You caught another Pokemon?"

"The professor gave him to me," Serena replied, scratching him behind the ears. "He said it would be good to have at least one Pokemon trained for battles, in case we run into an aggressive wild or anything. Isn't he beautiful?"

Grace frowned. "Well, Fennekins are rare. And it would be good to avoid letting Isla get involved in battles, but still... don't let this distract you from Rhyhorn racing."

"Don't worry," Serena said. "I'll do the races, Mom. But this is a journey, and if I get a chance to catch some neat Pokemon I'm not going to pass it up." She smiled at Flambé fondly. "Well, we're thinking about heading through Mount Moon and heading towards Pewter City."

Grace frowned. "I think there is a Rhyhorn track there..."

"Yeah," Serena said swiftly. "Also it's famous for a lot of rock type trainers, and I figured I might be able to pick up on some tips that could be good for Isla."

"Just remember that racing-Rhyhorns are different from battling-Rhyhorns."

"Of course," Serena said, forcing out a laugh. "Anyways, it's pretty late here... jet lag, time difference... all that jazz." She forced a yawn. "I think some sleep is what I need."

Grace smiled. "Call me when you wake up, okay?"

"I will."

"Do you have any idea how worried I was?"

Ash smiled uncertainly. "I'm sorry, Mom, I didn't mean to not call you..."

"Two nights! Two nights I haven't heard from you! You're alone out in the wild with an untamed starter– and you don't call!"

"Heh, well, I kinda did run into a bit of trouble..."

"Ash!"

He held up his hands. "Hey, I'm okay now, I promise. But it kinda got me sidetracked... which was why I forgot to call you." He smiled uncertainly. "But hey, on the bright side Pichu isn't attacking me at all?"

He tugged open his jacket, showing his mother where the small mouse was curled up in pocket. Pichu peered out for a moment, before his ears went flat, and he retreated back into the folds of cloth. Ash laughed, before adjusting his jacket and smiling at his mom. She only looked minorly relieved.

"Also I caught another Pokemon," Ash said, excitedly. "She's really sweet, and she's already stepped up to battle when it came to wild Pokemon– so you don't have to worry about me being defenseless."

It was now that Delia's shoulders relaxed. "Well, I would like to meet this Pokemon."

"Houndour, came here girl!" Ash called, and the black blur came racing over towards the video phone. He leaned down, grunting a bit as he wrapped his arms around the Pokemon, lifting her up onto the counter.

"Oh my!" Delia said, slightly taken back. Which wasn't too unsurprising, as Houndour lacked the cuddly looks of the Growlithe line. With visible fangs and bony-structures protruding from her head and back, Houndour was naturally a more intimidating Pokemon. However that illusion clearly didn't last long as Houndour sat down, tongue out as Ash scratched her behind the ears.

"I found her injured outside of Viridian City," Ash explained. "With Gary and Damian trying to catch her when she needed help. I brought her to the Pokemon Center, and she ended up wanting to join me. That's why I didn't call you in Viridian, my mind was a bit too focused on her.

"Well, she's a gorgeous Pokemon," Delia said. "Thank goodness you were able to help her. Are you going to use her in contests?"

He shrugged. "I haven't asked her about it yet," Ash said, while Houndour threw him a curious look. "Well, um, after she was healed up we left early in the morning because I was traveling with someone–"

Delia smiled. "Made a friend already?"

"I, um, think we're friends?" Ash frowned slightly. Misty was... interesting. Kind and caring, especially about Pokemon, but brash and not afraid to speak her mind. "We went through the forest together, but I think we're going to split ways now."

"I'm glad to hear you're well," Delia said. "You enjoy your journey– and please don't forget to call me!"

Ash smiled. "I won't, Mom, don't worry."

He had considered telling her about the Beedrills, but seeing how worried Delia was now he decided against it. He and his mother said their goodbyes, and then the screen went black. Ash let out a long sigh, before pulling away from the video phones in the Pokemon Center, and headed over to the waiting room of the Pokemon Center. Houndour followed after him as he sat down on the couch, letting out small yips.

"Hound? Dour?" She asked.

"I guess you want to hear more about Pokemon Contests?" Ash asked with a smile, and Houndour gave a nod.

"Dour!"

"Well, it's a form of competition Pokemon trainers can compete in," Ash said, wondering where to begin. "Competitive battling is the most popular, but instead of focusing on sheer power contests are about looks, creativity, and cleverness. There's an appeal round, which is all about showing off your moves and skill, and then a battle round, but it's more than just about trying to knock out your opponent." Ash was grinning. "All in all, it's just a really cool way to work with Pokemon, and it's Pokemon Contests that I want to do."

Houndour tilted her head.

"If you're interested, you can compete with me," Ash said, kneeling down next to her. "I already know that Pichu really isn't interested, and if you're not I won't make you compete either. But if you are... well, I'd like to start training, if your leg is feeling better."

Houndour went down into a play bow, letting out an excited bark, tail wagging. A grin was spreading over Ash's face, knowing that this was a yes, and he brought the Pokemon into a hug. She licked his face, causing him to laugh. He pulled back slightly, stroking the top of her head.

"We're going to be an awesome team, Houndour, just you wait and see," Ash said with a smile. "I'm going to go get a Contest Pass right now! And then we can start training!"

"Arf!"

Ash grabbed his Pokedex, before hurrying off towards Nurse Joy who was at the front counter, so he could finally register for contests.

No one could see Pichu as he sank deeper into Ash's pocket, ears back.

"Hello there," a warm voice said as Serena was looking at the taxi prices. "I see you've discovered the ridiculous prices of travel in Kanto."

Serena turned to see who had spoken to her, a young woman smiling at her. She had long magenta hair pulled back into a ponytail, and was dressed in what looked to be hiking clothes. She had a backpack and a few Pokeballs on her belt, suggesting that she was an experienced trainer.

Serena scratched the back of her neck. "Is it that obvious that I'm not from around here?"

The woman smiled. "The name's Jill, and it's fairly easy to pick out foreigners– they always have the same look on their faces when they see the prices."

She waved her hand at the sign Serena had been looking at– which listed taxis and buses that would travel through the winding roads through Moon Canyon. From what Serena could understand the only ways between here and Pewter were to drive around, fly over, or hike through Mt. Moon. She wasn't old enough to drive, she didn't have a Pokemon that could fly, and she had never traveled through a cave on her own. That left her with the last option of paying for a taxi or bus ticket to drive her through the canyon, but as Jill had mentioned, the prices... weren't cheap.

"Heh, I just wasn't expecting it to be quite this much," Serena said, storking Flambé, who was sitting in her arms. "I just started my journey, so I don't have a lot of cash to spare..."

Jill gave her a sympathetic smile. "The drivers around here know they can get away with jacking up the prices like they do. Many trainers have won enough battles by the time they come through here to either pay or have the experience to go through the mountains. The rest though..." She shook her head. "It's an unfair system. Fortunately for me I love the mountains– I've been through them more times than I can count!"

"Really?" Serena asked.

"Oh my, your Pokemon is absolutely adorable!" Jill cooed. She held out her hand, which Flambé sniffed– before pulling back with his ears flat against his head. Jill just laughed at this though. "Not a fan of strangers? I won't press the little guy then– what kind of Pokemon is it?"

"Oh, he's a Fennekin," Serena said. "The fire type starter in Kalos."

"Ah, like a Charmander," Jill said, clapping her hands together. She then frowned. "But a fire type... that won't be a good type match up for you if you were to go through Mt. Moon..." She tapped her foot, before nodding. "Look, it would be wrong to leave a new trainer like you on their own. If you decide to not take a taxi you can come through the mountain with me and my soulmate."

"Really?" Serena said, perking up, because the idea of spending all her money on a taxi wasn't appealing.

"It would be wrong not to help a new trainer," Jill insisted. "I had help when I was your age, and I should be returning the favorite. Me and my husband's team can handle the wilds that your fire type can't, and we know the trail to Pewter. There are so many caves it wouldn't be hard to wander off the path."

"I would love the help," Serena said.

Jill beamed. "We were planning on leaving in about an hour, so if you meet us up by the trailhead we'd be happy to guide you through."

"Thank you so much!"

"You're going through Mount Moon? Seriously?" Misty said, crossing her arms.

"Um, yeah?" Ash said, blinking. "The nearest contest hall is in Cerulean, and this is the quickest and cheapest way there?"

"You have a Pichu that won't listen to you and a Houndour with a healing leg," Misty said. "And you want to go through a mountain that will be full of rock and ground types? Your Pokemon will be crushed! The only advantage would be Pichu against Zubat– but he won't attack for you!"

Ash scowled slightly. "So, what do you want me to do then?"

Misty closed her eyes. "Ugh, this is so stupid... I'll go with you halfway through the mountain, okay?"

Ash blinked. "Um, I thought you said you were going to stay in Pewter for a bit? Besides, I've can handle it–"

"This will make us even," Misty insisted. "You helped me through the forest with your fire type, I can help you through the cave with my water types." She crossed her arms. "I wouldn't even go with you the whole way, but it would help you and make me feel better."

Ash smiled. "If that's what you'd like to do, I'd welcome the company."

"Only halfway, though, then I'm heading back to Pewter."

"Sounds good."

Serena changed out of her dress as she prepared for the hike, but still she had taken the time to make sure that she looked nice even with clothes made for travel. Her mother always said she put too much focus on looks– but Serena loved clothes and makeup. It was a way to be creative, to make herself feel beautiful, and it was much better than the same racing outfit she was always forced to wear when training.

She found Jill right where the woman had promised– with a man she assumed to be her husband. They both were dressed in what was probably much more appropriate apparel for hiking, and they greeted her warmly.

Jill introduced her husband as Jack, who had an adorable little Meowth on his shoulder. Serena had instantly fallen in love with the cute feline, but the cat seemed just as wary of her as Flambé was with them. The couple led her up towards the entrance of Mount Moon, Serena a step behind them.

She was a bit confused on the Meowth– Jill said that their Pokemon would be good for caves, but wouldn't a normal type struggle against the potential rock and steel types that lived in mountains?

She got her answer as the light from the cave entrance started to fade– a glow from the Meowth's coin flaring to life. The Flash attack lit up the entire cave, the Meowth jumping down from Jack's shoulder to lead the way.

"Where did you get your Meowth?" Serena asked curiously, stroking Flambé in her arms– who was stiff as stone. His eyes kept flickering about uncertainly, and she guessed that he did not like the cave.

"Oh, little old Meowth?" Jill laughed. "He was a stray we took in. Spoiled thing."

The Meowth let out a yowl that Serena swore sounded almost like a 'hey!'.

"Well, he's adorable," Serena said, while the Meowth's ears went back against his head. "If I find a wild one I'm definitely catching it."

Jack laughed. "Well, I'll warn you now, they're a prideful Pokemon– a real pain to raise!"

Meowth glowered back at his trainer with narrowed eyes, causing the humans to all let out a laugh Serena smiled, grateful that she didn't have to go through these mountains alone. She looked down at Flambé, who still had yet to relax. Amber eyes were wide, flickering about the cave and at their new traveling companions.

"You'll want to be quiet through here," Jill said as they came up to a fork in the path– one marked for trainers to follow. "At this time of year the main path is full of Zubats, and they don't take too kindly to intruders."

Serena swallowed.

"Jill, you're scaring the poor girl," Jack said. "They're just Zubats."

"Well, on their own they're quite easy," Jill agreed. "But remember when we went through Rock Tunnel? In large swarms they can do a lot of damage!"

Jack paused to think. "Very true. Well, we could take the detour," he pointed to the other, unmarked path. "Would probably take an extra half hour– but no Zubats that way."

Jill crossed her arms. "We're taking someone through the mountains, we can't take them on the longer trail!"

"Um," Serena said uncertainly. "If it's safer the other way I don't mind... especially if it's only a half hour, that's not too bad of a detour..."

Jill clapped her hands together. "Wonderful! Well, that will make the trip just a bit easier. Let's go, shall we?"

Serena nodded, following as they went down the other forked path. Serena went to follow them, but Flambé twisted in her grasp. She frowned, stroking the Pokemon reassuringly as she went after the couple. The Fennekin's claws dug into her arm, causing her to wince.

"Don't worry," she promised him. "We'll be out of the cave before you know it."