Intro:
Howdy everyone quick intro again but in two weeks (the week of Monday, May 10) there will not be a new chapter. I am going on vacation so I won't have a way of posting it because where I'm going there is almost no wifi. So don't be alarmed...AHAHAH AS IF. Anyway, thank you all for sticking around, and let's continue with the story. Also, special shoutout to HelloYellow17, a personal friend of mine and is proudly working with me to create amazing cover art for this story. She takes commissions to hit her up to get something. Also shoutout to LuxBeacon for letting me run ideas to him, he really is a backbone behind the scenes for this story and if you two are reading this...sup nerds thanks.
Disclaimer: I do NOT own Pokemon in any way this is just a fanfiction! Please support the creators by buying and playing Pokemon Platinum Version wherever sold in your respective country!
AND. HERE. WE. GO.
Guide:
Bolded Italics: Talking to Audience or Setting Time
Italics: Thoughts
COF: Character(s) of Focus
Chapter 27: Back on the Road
COF: Lucas Diamond
Lake Verity Lakefront
10 am
Lucas Diamond
"One more time, let's go," Lucas ordered.
Infernape nodded, grunting, and sent out another Burning Mach Punch. Since Lucas had been home he wanted to train his pokemon harder, the gym battles weren't getting easier and he needed to keep up. He wrote down all of his current pokemon weaknesses.
Infernape: Needs to increase the temperature of his heat without hurting himself.
Luxray: Increase the range and accuracy of his electric abilities and power.
Bibarel: Increase control and power of his water attacks.
Staraptor: Increase the speed of flight and durability of her body.
Gabite: Focus and obedience.
Infernape landed the Burning Mach Punch on a target Lucas bought designed to withstand heat up to 150 degrees. He grunted in pain as the fire he was producing was too much even for him. Infernape had already mastered Flame Wheel, he could hit any long-range attack with it and Flamethrower was easy for him, he was always constantly working on his main attack. Ever since creating the Burning Mach Punch, Infernape always wanted to make it stronger so it could keep up with his other mastered attacks.
"You alright buddy?" Lucas asked, looking at his hand.
Infernape nodded. He made some progress.
Lucas thought of Infernape's fire as a power meter up to 100 percent. The higher percentage aka temperature of the flame he used the better the damage he would output however with this comes higher self-damage to his body. Right now Lucas noted that Infernape's fire could only get up to 45 percent of its maximum power before hurting himself.
"You did good, buddy, take a rest," Lucas said.
Infernape shook his head and pointed to Lucas's injury as if to say if you aren't resting neither am I.
"What this, don't worry man I'm okay I can walk now, we'll be back on the road soon," Lucas smiled.
Infernape smiled back and tackled him, playing around. With his evolution also came control of lowering his heat so it wouldn't hurt Lucas. He had no problem turning the heat down; he needed to work on turning the heat up. Lucas laughed and got him into a chokehold, of course not applying any actual pressure. Infernape grinned, he loved doing stuff like this and grabbed Lucas and overpowered him, bringing him to the ground and laughing.
Lucas and Infernape's relationship only grew as their time together increased. Lucas started his journey in December and it was already April. Time flew by for the both of them. They had their moments of arguing but at the end of the day Infernape always had Lucas' back.
"Alright, alright I give up," Lucas laughed.
Infernape let him up. Lucas playfully punched his arm.
"Take a little rest and then we'll continue," Lucas said.
Lucas left Infernape and moved on to Bibarel who had been practicing his water moves.
"How are you doing Bibi?" Lucas asked.
Bibarel responded by shooting his water halfway across Lake Verity. He was panting, this was taking a lot out of him.
"Hey hey man, remember to hydrate," Lucas said, pointing to the lake.
Bibarel took a drink and sat down.
"Good work, you're getting better little at a time that's all I'm asking," Lucas said, petting Bibarel.
"You're already doing better than you were before, we gotta get back on the road soon and the battles won't get any easier," Lucas said, petting him.
Bibarel to Lucas had one major problem, he was his main water type but his control on the water was struggling. The more water Bibarel produces or tries to control, the harder it is. Lucas would like Bibarel to get a grip on it so he could create devastating water attacks. Also, he wanted Bibarel to increase the pressure of the water he was given.
Bibarel got up and tried something he had been working on, he stuck his hands on the ground and a beam of water shot up from it.
"Oh, shit, nice one," Lucas said, impressed.
"How far away can you shoot it?" Lucas asked.
Bibarel tried again and got about 20 feet away but the pressure was lower and not as fast. Bibarel shook his head, disappointed with himself. Bibarel had always had the calm mood of the group but he saw that he was the one lacking in the power department so he took self-growth and training very seriously.
"That's good Bibi I don't expect you to master it in one day," Lucas said, smiling.
Bibarel took a small break before working again. Lucas knew that he would just be in the way so he moved onto Staraptor.
Star was flying in the air, going faster than ever but her wings were in pain. Lucas knew that Staraptor was the fastest on his team so maximizing that speed would benefit in traveling and battles.
"Star, down here," Lucas shouted.
Staraptor flew down to take a rest. She ached from the pain a bit but was visibly okay.
"You kicked it up a notch didn't you," Lucas smiled.
Staraptor needed to increase her durability too, that has and always will be her biggest weakness. Lucas didn't expect her to be a tank like Bibarel or even hard to hit like Infernape but he wanted her to be able to withstand a drawn-out battle. Lucas knew that Brave Bird was her hardest-hitting move but she hurts herself while doing it. Lucas wanted her to practice it while learning to go faster in flight.
"Let's see a Brave Bird," Lucas said, setting up a pile of sticks as a target.
Staraptor flew up with the already more intense speed and shot down and destroyed the pile of sticks.
"HAHA YEAH!" Lucas shouted.
Staraptor flew down, she visibly had a bruise on her wing from the attack but overall her durability was getting better.
"We need to increase the strength of your targets, what do you think should we use plywood, rocks, or something even harder?" Lucas asked.
Staraptor was determined to get better but she wasn't stupid, she pointed to the plywood with her foot. Lucas set it up and left her be.
Lucas had to go the farthest away to see Luxray. Lucas wanted Luxray to increase how much electricity he could charge while dealing out the most of it. Like Infernape, Luxray could only shoot out a certain amount of voltage before hurting himself. He didn't want to risk Luxray accidentally hurting someone so he sent him far away from the group.
"ERRRRRRRRRRRRR" Luxray grunted, absorbing electricity from a battery Lucas has been borrowing from the lab.
"I think this is going well," Lucas chuckled, putting on some rubber protection on his body.
To increase his power, Lucas had given Luxray a battery that was capable of storing up to 500k volts of electricity. With Luxray's new form he discovered that he can suck up electricity from an area to gain power with Charge, it was also his way of recharging after using a lot of electricity. The more he charged the more powerful his attacks along with the self-harm. He also measured Luxray with a power meter. He figured Luxray could only use about 45 percent as well.
To increase his accuracy and range, Lucas set up small patches of dirt in the area for Luxray to hit from afar. His spark had already evolved into Thunder so it was a matter of getting better with hitting targets. He used dirt because he knew it wasn't a good conductor so it wouldn't travel and hurt someone.
Luxray glared at the piles and sent out a Thunder to the piles, he hit 7 out of 10 of them, already an improvement. When it came to Electric Bite, Luxray would bite onto a nearby tree and shock it. Electric Bite was a double edge sword if hit it would easily be his most powerful attack but the longer he held on the more harm to his body it would cause and it would pile on if he used more than 45%. Lucas saw Electric Bite as mostly a last-ditch effort if Luxray can even get close enough, he would like him to use it freely but they weren't at that stage yet.
"Alright let's do a bite let's go for...30 seconds at full 45%," Lucas said, pulling out the clock app on his Poketch.
Luxray nodded and bit onto a tree and shot volts of electricity into it at full power.
"Hold it, hold it," Lucas said.
Luxray kept holding on, it was getting harder and harder and was starting to hurt his body.
"And," Lucas said, looking up but Luxray had already let go, 25 seconds.
Lucas sat next to Luxray while he recharged and rested.
"Close buddy, we'll get there," Lucas said, giving Luxray a treat.
"By the way, I'm thinking about calling you Lux...or Beacon cause you're like a beacon of electricity...OH, WHAT ABOUT LUX BEACON!" Lucas said.
Luxray shook his head.
"Just Lux huh," Lucas said.
Luxray smiled and nodded.
"Wait a minute, I've got an idea, stand up," Lucas said.
Luxray got up.
"Try to use it again but not at 45%, lower the voltage," Lucas said, resetting his clock.
Luxray did as was told and gripped on, this time only using 25% percent. Lucas was astounded as he gripped on for a whopping 45 seconds.
"THAT'S IT, MON COME OVER HERE," Lucas shouted.
Infernape heard his voice and ran over, Infernape already had very good hearing so Lucas knew he didn't have to go far.
"So with 45 the more Mach Punches you use the worse it hurts right?" Lucas asked.
Infernape nodded.
"What was the limit, how many punches could you do at 45% before stopping?" Lucas asked.
Infernape put up 4 fingers.
"Okay now try using it at only 25%," Lucas said.
Infernape was confused but gave it a shot, he ran around the area punching the ground, it worked and it didn't hurt as much he got in 9 punches.
"I'm a genius," Lucas said.
"Until you guys can increase your durability with 45% percent and even increase that percentage, when in battle only use it at 25%. It works like a meter the more percentage you use the less time you have with it, Luxray with 45% you could only hold on for about 25 seconds and could only use about 2 Thunder attacks before maxing out. Use 25 percent in a battle for increased durability until we can keep your 45% at higher durability. Infernape you do the same, so while we are training go all out but in battle lower it down a bit so you guys don't hurt yourselves too much," Lucas said.
The two pokemon nodded and went back to their workstations. Lucas had not only taught them new things but he also learned new things. One more Pokemon left, Gabite.
Gabite had also secluded himself, he wanted to increase his focus on attacks and Lucas wanted to overall increase his obedience.
Gabite was panting as he hit the stone wall with Dragon Claw. His physical attacks were impressive in terms of damage but there was something he wanted to try but was unable to, Dragon Breath. It was a special beam that a dragon could shoot out of his or her mouth and deal devastating damage. Gabite tried and tried but couldn't get it to work.
"Having trouble?" Lucas asked.
Lucas and Gabite had grown more respect for each other and Gabite even let the hatred go for the most part but they still butted heads and Gabite was not one to listen to orders.
Gabite nodded and got back to work.
"Look man I know you want me to use you in battles but if you aren't gonna follow orders I can't let you," Lucas said.
Gabite shook his head as if to say "whatever".
"Trying to do Dragon Breath huh?" Lucas asked.
Gabite nodded and tried again.
"You know most pokemon like you don't get to use that move until Garchomp level," Lucas said.
Gabite didn't care, he wanted to use it now he wanted to get it going so that when he was a Garchomp it would be even more powerful.
"Can I suggest something?" Lucas asked.
Gabite looked over at him.
"Normally when Garchomps do it, they lean forward with their hind legs back," Lucas said.
Gabite looked at Lucas as of saying "how the fuck do you know that?".
"Yeah I've spent too much time watching Garchomp battles," Lucas said.
Gabite took the advice and got into position. He tried one more time and this time a shot came out of his mouth, a small one, not very powerful but Gabite was over the moon.
"ALRIGHT!" Lucas cheered.
Gabite had a look of happiness on his face, the first time Lucas had even seen it before.
"So position does matter, I think you just need to reach deep down and get it but that was awesome!" Lucas said.
Gabite smiled, proud of himself, and basked in the glory.
"You really are something else," Lucas said, patting his back and walking off he knew Gabite liked his space.
Gabite smiled as Lucas left, slowly they were getting to partner status.
Professor Rowan's House
10 am
Barry Platinum
"And now he wants to go back out there and do it again, he's crazy he's like...like," Barry was saying.
"Like you?" Rowan said.
"Oh come on Professor don't say that I'm one of a kind...at least I try too," Barry sat down.
"That dad thing is still bugging you?" Rowan asked.
"It's always bugged me...everyone just sees me as Palmer 2.0...I hate it, I love my dad but I hate being his shadow," Barry said.
Ever since Barry had been a kid everything he ever did was compared to his dad, he was never shown to be his own person with his own goals. Ever since then it's been hard for him to not try to do over-the-top things to try to separate himself.
"Barry, son, you have the opportunity of a lifetime, you want to separate yourself from your father then embrace being an enemy of Team Galactic," Rowan said.
"You too huh," Barry said.
"Look I'm not saying I agree with what you and Lucas have done but you're right son you're in too deep now I say fuck it, be a thorn and be a hero to these people," Rowan said.
"I'm no hero...selfish maybe," Barry said.
"And what's wrong with that?" Rowan asked.
"Heroes are always willing to go to new lengths. They set high expectations for themselves and they inspire all around them, Lucas has a great job at that part. Everywhere I go I hear about him," Barry said.
"New lengths you mean like becoming a Pokemon Trainer," Rowan said.
"What?" Barry asked.
"High expectations, you mean saying you're going to be the best pokemon trainer in the world," Rowan said.
"Inspire people, Barry, do you know how many times I've wanted to give up when it came to science but then I see your attitude and determination and it boosts me," Rowan said.
"Kid, not every hero is the same I mean look at Blue from Kanto, he ain't exactly pleasant," Rowan said.
"Yeah but he's so powerful his pokemon are top tier, he's my inspiration," Barry said.
"Do you think he was always like that?" Rowan asked.
"No, but," Barry said.
"Barry, yes Lucas looks like the ideal hero but you have something Lucas doesn't have. That eccentric personality and unwavering grit are unique to you. How did it feel to free Eterna City?" Rowan asked.
"...it felt good, all those people they're free now," Barry said.
"You think Lucas could have done that alone?" Rowan asked.
"No, the idiot almost died," Barry laughed.
"Barry you do things that most people don't even think of doing, things people think that if they do they would die and that's what a hero does. It doesn't matter about the presentation of the person it matters about the heart," Rowan said.
Barry looked at himself in the mirror, he always believed that everybody had a destiny. He always thought he was to be the best pokemon trainer of all time, but could he have been wrong? Ever since he and Lucas got involved with Team Galactic they were in a lot of trouble but on the other hand, people are much happier and it gives them hope.
"You got a good thing going son and yeah you are in deep, why not go deeper?" Rowan asked.
Professor Dawn's Lab
2 pm
Lucas Diamond
"Welcome to Professor Dawn's lab," Dawn shouted.
"This place sucks," Barry said.
"Yeah it's filthy," Lucas said.
"Fuck you guys," Dawn said.
Lucas and Barry high five each other and laughed.
"Anyway, I called you here to meet someone, ever since I became a professor I've had to meet a lot of people and these 3 in particular well 2 of them are people I think you would like," Dawn said, setting up the computer.
On the screen was a man in a lab coat as well and two people in the background that seemed to be fighting.
"COME AT ME YOU BITCH!" One shouted.
"SHUT UP YOU'RE EMBARRASSING THE PROFESSOR!" Another yelled.
"Boys calm down, hello Dawn can you hear me?" A professor asked.
"Yes Professor Elm we can hear you, Lucas and Barry meet Professor Elm of the Johto region," Dawn introduced.
"Hi there," Lucas said.
"Hello Yellow," Barry said.
"Stop saying that shit it's weird," Lucas said.
"You're weird," Barry said, punching Lucas in the arm.
"YOU SON OF A," Lucas said, struggling with Barry.
"See what I mean," Dawn said.
"Oh yeah, a lot of similarities," Elm said.
"Boys shut up," Dawn said.
"Yeah Barry, stop it," Lucas said.
"I hope you die," Barry said.
"Anyway I thought you two would like to meet some people, Professor," Dawn asked.
"Yes, of course, Ethan you first," Elm said.
"HA YOU LOSER," Ethan said, proudly walking up.
"Boys this is Ethan Gold he is currently on his own journey in Johto," Dawn said.
"Oh she's hot, Professor you didn't tell me how hot she was," Ethan said.
"Ethan calm yourself please," Elm said.
"Yeah yeah I got this, you're looking at the best pokemon trainer to ever walk the earth," Ethan said, cockily pointing to himself.
"WHAT!" Barry shouted.
"Yeah that's right cry about it you little bitch I'm the best around here," Ethan said.
"YOU WANNA GO RIGHT NOW," Barry shouted.
"Bring it I'll take you and your friend both on," Ethan laughed.
Lucas sat and watched and had one thing on his mind.
I see the similarities too...
"Ethan shut up you literally lost last week," Another boy shouted.
"HE CHEATED!" Ethan shouted.
"Sorry about him, he's a bit...annoying," The boy said.
"This is Anthony Silver and along with Ethan he is also exploring Johto," Dawn said.
"BRING YOUR FRIEND BACK HERE, I'LL SHOW HIM WHO'S THE BEST!" Barry shouted.
"He's not my friend, we just happen to cross paths on our journeys," Silver said.
"Trust me, man I know how rough it is to deal with an eccentric person," Lucas laughed.
"Tell me about it," Silver chuckled.
"And by the way Barry is it, I'm gonna be the best trainer of all time," Silver said.
"LOOK AT THIS POMPOUS DOUCHE!" Ethan laughed.
"I'M SURPRISED YOU EVEN KNOW THAT WORD MORON!" Silver shouted.
"Dawn why are we meeting them again?" Lucas asked.
"I wanted to show you two that you aren't the only ones making an impact in your region, surely you have heard what's been going on with Johto and Kanto," Dawn said.
"Yeah the whole Team Rocket rises again," Lucas said.
"Well those two are also thorns in their sides, mostly Ethan," Dawn said.
"They're just jealous of how awesome I am," Ethan said.
"And you call me pompous," Silver said.
"All 4 of you should be proud of yourselves, you're all heroes in your region," Elm said.
"I'm the best one," Ethan said.
"You just met these people, at least try to have some respect," Silver said.
"Please they're just people I'm gonna eventually beat," Ethan smirked.
"WANNA BET ON IT!" Barry shouted.
"LET'S GO SINNOH BOY!," Ethan laughed.
"Our connection is slipping, Dawn let's wrap this up," Elm said.
"Oh okay well it was nice meeting you two," Dawn said.
"No problem and call me sometime," Ethan winked.
"Ethan, stop it," Elm said.
"He's just mad cause I banged his daughter," Ethan whispered.
"YOU DID WHAT!" Elm shouted.
"What!" Ethan looked back as the connection ended.
"Those two are something alright," Lucas said.
"Oh please it's like looking at you two Ethan's like Barry turned up to 11," Dawn said.
Lucas knew that powerful trainers were all over the world but these guys seem to have the confidence so they must be good especially Ethan. His cockiness is almost like Trainer Blue.
"Yo, you with us?" Barry said, shaking Lucas's shoulder.
"Oh yeah I'm here," Lucas said.
"How're your ribs?" Barry asked.
"Good I can move again still got the bandages but I'm ready to go," Lucas smiled.
"Alright I'll meet you at the town exit in a little bit got some stuff to do," Barry said.
"Same," Lucas said, watching Barry leave.
"You know you really changed him," Dawn said.
"Oh please he's still the same Barry," Lucas said.
"Yeah but he's much more focused now no doubt he got that from you," Dawn said.
"You think?" Lucas asked.
"Yeah, and you took more of his courage diving into trouble, who are you?" Dawn laughed.
"Okay maybe a little has rubbed off on me, I guess that's what a travel partner does," Lucas said.
"Yup, good luck, and please stay safe," Dawn said.
"We will...probably," Lucas laughed, leaving the lab.
Joanna's House
4 pm
"Mom, I'm going," Lucas said.
"Wait...," Joanna said.
"Hm?" Lucas asked.
Joanna has a look on her face of fear. She loved that her son was doing what he loved but recently she didn't know what to think.
"I'm...I'm worried about you," Joanna said.
"Mom, I'm fine," Lucas said.
"No you aren't, you almost died...I lost your father I can't lose you too," Joanna said with tears.
Lucas took a sigh, he never really knew his dad but he knew how close he and Joanna were and when she lost him it was like a bullet. Lucas was the only thing she had in his life and now that he was getting hurt it just hurt Joanna more and reminded her of how much pain she felt when she lost her husband.
Lucas hugged his mom and Joanna burst into tears, she didn't want to lose the only family she had left.
"I have to do this mom, I found my calling," Lucas said.
"I know but for god's sake do you have to be so reckless, look at you," Joanna said.
"I know but for the first time, I'm doing something I love...I love being a trainer and yeah I love getting in the way of these people, they killed grandma and grandpa," Lucas said with a fist.
"I still worry, you're my son the only thing I have left, you leaving was bad enough but I know I can't go one day without worrying about your safety," Joanna said.
"Mom, I'm not a little kid anymore you have to trust me I will always come back to you," Lucas smiled.
"You promise me that Lucas Blake Diamond," Joanna said.
"I promise...Joanna," Lucas laughed.
"Don't you start, you're still my son," Joanna said.
Joanna let Lucas go, she was scared but he was right, Lucas was his own man now and she couldn't protect him forever all she could do was trust Lucas.
The exit of Twinleaf Town
4:30 pm
"Oi Lucas," Barry shouted.
"What?" Lucas asked.
"How about we race to Pastoria huh," Barry smirked.
"And how would you like to do that?" Lucas asked.
"We both got Staraptors right?" Barry asked.
"Yeah," Lucas said.
"Easy we fly there first one there is the winner," Barry smirked.
"I'm down, let's go," Lucas said.
Perfect to test Staraptor's new speed!
Barry and Lucas got their birds out and counted down.
"Let's win this Star," Lucas said.
"Time to blow this nerd away, right Sierra," Barry said.
"...Sierra?" Lucas laughed.
"Hey it's special to me...fuck you," Barry said.
The two took off and at first, it was fun, two friends racing but then they found themselves one-upping each other. The smiles went away and all that was left was determination.
"Come on Star," Lucas glared at Barry.
Staraptor's speed training paid off. She was going faster than ever but Barry seemed to be doing the same.
"Don't let him beat us," Barry shouted.
The two glared at each other both wanting so badly to win, that's what made them good rivals. They were best friends but they both wanted to surpass each other. Barry made it extremely vocal. He wanted to be the best but Lucas had developed a similar drive in his journey...he wanted to be the best too.
They didn't even have to battle to be competitive with each other, they brought out the best of each other, and neither wanted to lose to the other.
The two birds got closer and the two rivals locked eyes, both with determination and greed. Who wanted it more?
No way am I letting Lucas beat me!
No way am I letting Barry beat me!
Outro:
Long chapter again well for my standards that is but again I really am proud of these and that's why I took last week off, I just felt it wasn't ready yet and didn't wanna give you guys shit so I hope you all enjoyed this chapter, I had a lot of fun writing it. Let me know what you guys think. Leave a comment telling me what you liked, dislike, etc. PM with any questions or if you feel that I should eat a tide pod! Thank you all for reading and as always I will see you in the next chapter!
-Don't forget to Smile!
Shocker
Question of the Chapter: Favorite Gym Leader? What was your favorite moment of the chapter?
For me, I love Blue as a character, and seeing him again as a gym leader was awesome to me and I love that he was still the same Blue (cocky as shit) but he was more humbled as well. I think my favorite part was introducing Ethan and Silver to Lucas and Barry, since their stories take place at the same time (canonically, I'm not joking) it would be cool to introduce them since I do love Johto and that storyline.
Important Events/Ideas (Spoilers):
-Lucas and his team train.
-Lucas develops a power meter system for Luxray and Infernape.
-Gabite gives his first Dragon Breath.
-Rowan gives Barry a pep talk about heroes.
-Dawn introduces Lucas and Barry to Professor Elm, Ethan, and Silver
-Joanna voices concern about Lucas' journey.
-Lucas and Barry race to Pastoria.
Lucas' Team (5/6):
Mon (Infernape)
Moves: Flamethrower (45%), Mach Punch, Flame Wheel(45%), Cut, Leer, Burning Mach Punch (45%)
Lux (Luxray)
Moves: Electric Bite (45%), Charge, Tackle, Bite, Flash, Thunder (45%)
Bibi (Bibarel)
Moves: Water Gun, Headbutt, Rock Smash, Yawn, Geyser
Star (Staraptor)
Moves: Fly, Aerial Ace, Quick Attack, Tackle, Brave Bird, Defog
Gabite
Moves: Slash, Dragon Claw, Dig, Take Down, Iron Tail, Dragon Breath (slightly)
Next Chapter: Established Threat
Mike is sent to oversee bomb travel for Team Galactic!