Fuchsia City: Train Station
Gary could not believe he ended up on the steps leading into the train station with Katrina, but he felt compelled to find out more about why Edna had been sitting on that bench. There were no trains coming in or leaving this station after all.
"Alright, what's up with the picture?" Gary asked.
"They're my grandma Edna and grandpa Joe." Katrina stated. "Unfortunately, I've never met him." She pointed at her grandma. "You see that locket, it actually contains a picture of my grandpa, but my grandma lost it long ago."
"What happened to your grandpa?" Gary asked.
"It was well before I was ever born." Katrina replied. "Grandma and grandpa lived right here in town. Grandpa Jonathan raised pokemon, and his specialty was pokemon eggs. Grandma Edna was his assistant. Things were good, but grandpa came to a decision one day.
See, back than Fuchsia wasn't a city, and that's where grandpa always wanted to be. He wanted to become a real doctor for pokemon to help them all their lives, but grandma really loved this old town. She was born and raised here.
In the end, grandpa took off for the big city while leaving behind a letter. He said he loved grandma so much, but he just had to go. She took off immediately after reading it. She was in such a hurry that she ended up bumping into someone losing her locket here.
The sad thing is she was too late. A year later she got a letter saying grandpa had passed away in an accident, but grandma never did believe that. She still doesn't to this day, so she comes back to this station day after day waiting for grandpa."
"What a rotten existence." Gary sighed. "That old lady seemed nice, and I wouldn't even wish something like this happening to my worst enemy."
"One day, she told me that she was pregnant with my mother at the time, but grandpa had left without knowing it." Katrina stated. "She's always wished it was snowing that day instead of raining."
Garry shook his head. "What a rotten story."
Katrina leaned back. "You can say that again."
The young Oak stood up. "Anyways, I should get this egg to the center for Nurse Joy to look after." He yawned. "I could do with turning in anyways."
Night…
The rain had cleared, and everything was silent at the old train station. Then, a light was shined out on the tracks.
"I can't believe I'm even doing this." Gary groaned. "I mean, what are the chances some stupid locket is out here anyways?" He stepped out onto the tracks and carefully scanned his light around. "Even if it is here, what are the chances I could find it?"
His light shined off something metal, so Gary turned it off before moving to pick the object up. He was shocked to see that it was that locket from the photo. He even opened it to see that picture of Jonathan.
"What are the chances?" Gary commented.
He was then shocked as the thing glowed and gave off waves of energy before he was completely covered in the light.
Past
Garry blinked and looked around in confusion as it was suddenly day. He didn't have much time to think on that as he heard a train before seeing it barreling towards him. He yelled as he scrambled up to the platform just barely avoiding it.
"A-A train!" Gary thought in shock.
Then, a conductor approached him. "Don't you know it's dangerous to play on the tracks?" He pointed far away from them. "Get away from here at once!"
"Right!" Gary exclaimed.
He booked it out of the station only to notice that the city was a town, and that old fur tree was thriving. In fact, it looked startling like that old photo he had seen.
"Okay, I've either died and this is my purgatory, I'm dreaming, or I'm in the past." Garry thought confused before he noticed Jonathan walk by him. "If this is purgatory, what are the chances he's here to?"
He watched as the guy walked into the station, and the young Oak was determined that whatever this was not end like he had been told.
"Even if I'm allowed in there, which I might not be given I was seen on the tracks, I doubt I could get by without a ticket." Gary thought. "I can't waist time, so what do I do?" Suddenly, it began to rain, and he noticed a hot air balloon nearby. "That's it!"
He ran on over hoping what he was about to try would work.
In the Air
Above the ground, Gary took out one of his pokeballs. "Krabby, I choose you!" The crab pokemon appeared. "I need you to shoot your ice beam into the sky and don't stop until it starts snowing!"
Krabby opened his right claw and unleashed the ice move into the clouds. He just hopped this worked. Fortunately, after a good minute, it did. From his place above the town, Garry could see the train. More importantly, he could see Edna and Jonathan hugging before they walked off.
"Well, whatever this is, it's ending far better." Gary stared down at the town. "I just wish I knew what this was. Beyond that, what do I do here? Is there a way back?" He took out the pendant he still had. "You got an answer?"
At that moment, the pendant glowed until he was completely covered in light.
Present, Day…
Gary once again found himself on those same train tracks, but the pendant was gone. Then, he heard another train coming straight for him. Again, that got him scrambling off the tracks before he was yelled at.
Fuchsia City
Gary walked out of the station and stared at his surroundings in shock. Fuchsia City was clean, places were open, and the tree was full of life. He'd almost think he was still in that town if not for everything looking like it belonged in his time.
"D-Did I do this by doing what I did where I was?" Gary questioned to himself.
"Gary Oak, there you are!" Nurse Joy ran over to him. "Your egg is hatching."
Pokemon Center
Nurse Joy brought Gary to a back room where his egg was glowing.
"Well, Well." Gary turned around only to be shocked at seeing Edna and Katrina with an older gentleman he could only assume to be Jonathan. "Just in time for the hatching."
"Yes, you timed it perfectly." Nurse Joy declared. "Hey Gary, that's Jonathan and Edna. They're pokemon pediatricians."
"And my name is Katrina." Katrina declared. "I help my grandparents whenever I can."
"Uh, hello." Gary managed in shock.
"My, what a beautiful glow." Edna commented as she observed the egg. "Does this egg belong to you deary? What's your name?"
"Yeah, this is my egg." Gary just blinked. "My name is Gary."
This was all surreal. He honestly wasn't sure if he had dreamed that rundown down town and meeting Edna. For all he knew, it could be real. As Jonathan worked on his egg, the young man looked to the old lady.
"Hey, do you remember me?" Gary asked.
"No, I don't think so." Edna stated.
"It must be my mistake then." Gary stated.
The egg eventually glowed big time before forming into an Elekid.
Jonathan picked him up. "My, this is a healthy little guy with lots of potential." He smiled at Gary. "You are one lucky trainer."
He passed the pokemon to Gary.
The young Oak held him at eye level. "Lots of potential you say…" He looked the pokemon in the eyes before smirking. "Well, what do you say?" He took out a pokeball. "Would a potential filled pokemon like you want to take the pokemon league by storm with me?"
Elekid smiled at Gary and touched the pokeball. "Elekid!"
He was sucked in and there was a dinging signifying a successful catch.
Gary then stared from it to Jonathan, Edna, and Katrina with a genuine smile. "I'm still not sure what happened, but I think I now know that your past can have a huge impact on your future. All I can do is my best to ensure it's a future worth living. One void of regrets."
Whatever this was, Gary would be certain not to forget it anytime soon.
Fuchsia City, Next Day…
Surge and Janine had officially made it to Fuchsia City with the young girl looking worse for wear. Her clothes were torn and muddy while her hair was a mess. Surge looked perfectly fine.
"Remind me again why we trained in the rain yesterday?" Janine asked while glaring at him.
"Hey, don't look at me brat." Surge stated. "You're the one who asked me to train you on this journey. Also, I remember specifically asking you if you wanted to come train with me during the rainstorm. You could have said no."
Janine grumbled to herself. "Old man."
Surge sighed with an amused smile as he rubbed the top of her head. "Come on, your father will be expecting us."
Now, Janine was over the moon to see her father again; however, he also had something big to answer for. She did not like how everyone seemed to think he'd turn on all of Kanto for her.
"Right, let's go." Janine stated.
Fuchsia Gym
The Fuchsia Gym was a huge ninja like mansion that you kind of had to go through the city to arrive at. Koga stood outside as Surge and Janine came to stand before him. The poison type gym leader was dressed like a ninja.
Koga has spiked, dark blue hair with black eyes. He wore a long sleeved, blue suit with a black mesh shirt underneath and black boots. Upon seeing her father, Janine and Koga hugged each other glad to be together even if it would be temporary.
"It is good to see you again my beloved daughter." They parted and Koga looked to Surge with a smile. "Thank you for keeping her safe all this time my old friend."
"Well, I won't say it's been easy since your little girl can be a brat, but I've taken my role as her honorary uncle quite seriously." Surge stated.
"Oh yeah, real seriously." Janine commented. "A couple of guys approached us to ask for directions, and he stood behind me with Electivire behind him."
"Ah, then he is doing his job." Koga declared. "No daughter of mine will associate with guys until she is at least thirty."
"Dad!" Janine complained.
"Fine, eighteen." Koga crossed his arms. "Lowest I will go."
Janine crossed her arms and grumbled. "You're both a couple of old geezers."
"At least traveling hasn't been boring with her around." Surge commented.
"Anyways, I have a serious question for you father." Janine stated firmly. "Everyone seems to think you'd betray Kanto if I were to be captured. Is this true?"
"Janine, I will not lie to you." Koga sighed. "Nothing means more to me than you."
"Dad…" Janine clenched her fist. "Listen to me. If anything happens to me, you can't turn on Kanto. No matter your reason, you'll have still associated with Team Rocket rather than acting like Surge does. Then, what do you think happens? I don't…"
Koga brought his daughter in for a tighter hug. "Janine, you are the greatest mark I will ever leave on this world. My name means nothing next to your safety. If Team Rocket gets their hand on you, I will do as I am told. No true parent would ever wish to outlive their child."
"Dad…" Janine hugged him back. "I know I can't change your mind, so I'll just have to become stronger. That way, you'll stay free, and I never have to live with you being imprisoned or worse."
"You will grow stronger under Surge." Koga stated as he pulled away from her. "He is even more qualified than I to keep you safe." He patted her shoulder before looking to Surge. "Now, let us move onto another topic."
He smiled. "Since you two are here for a visit, we will be having our annual Fuchsia Festival in the coming days. There will be games and food as well as a small tournament for any trainers who happen to be around. Surge, I would be honored if you'd be an MC with me."
"I'd love to." Surge declared. "I'm always up for some good battles."
"In that case, I shall participate in the tournament to hone my skills." Janine declared.
Fuchsia City: Day's Later…
Ash and Serena have been training harder than ever to get ready for their gym and chateau challenges, respectively. While they travelled, Serena stayed wrapped around Ash's arm and rested her head on his shoulder.
Though she had to make sure it was the right shoulder as Pikachu had claimed the left. In the beginning, Ash was embarrassed with the public affection, but he soon warmed up to it. It helped that Brock reassured him it wouldn't last long since this was just the honeymoon phase.
Ash's current team is: Pikachu, Nidorino, Pidgeotto, Scyther, Charmeleon, and Dratini while Serena has Gloom at the lab, so she could spend quality time with her new Cubone. Now the group stood within Fuchsia City.
To everyone's surprise, it looked like a festival was going on. There were countless stores and venues set up. People were walking around while music was playing, and games were being played. All in all, it seemed like a fun time.
"Whoa, what's going on here?" Ash asked.
Brock had his book out and on the right page. "It says this is Fuchsia's Festival. Trainers, breeders, watchers, and so on gather here from the four corners of Kanto. Come with your love, if you're looking for the latest info, or meet likeminded people. There's even a tournament."
"This sounds like a lot of fun and a great way to unwind after everything we've been through." James commented.
It's not like he minded running into Team Rocket, but a nice break would be welcome. Ash noticed Serena had been quiet, so he looked to her. She was resting on his shoulder with her eyes closed, and a dreamy expression on her face. She was thinking about this being their first date.
"Serena, are you alright?" Ash asked concerned.
Serena had been snapped out of her thoughts. "Oh, I'm fine Ash."
"Well, why don't we check the festival out?" Ash suggested. "I want to give that battle tournament a try."
"I think I'm going to check out some of those breeding stands." James stated.
"I believe I will have a look around to see what I can find." Brock added. "Come nightfall, we should all meet up at the pokemon center."
Doctor Love had an idea of what Serena was thinking and was happy to leave them to it.
"Sounds good to me." James declared.
Once they were gone, Ash nodded to Serena. "Guess it's just you and me."
"It's a date." Serena dragged Ash while positively beaming. "Let's get going."
With Ash & Serena
"To compete in the tournament, you will need to register two pokemon." The woman explained as the couple stood before her. "Each battle will be a one-on-one battle."
"We both wish to participate." The couple declared together.
"Very good." The woman nodded. "What pokemon will you register?"
"My first choice has to be my Pikachu." Ash declared with a smile.
"Pika!" Pikachu declared happily.
"In that case, I'll make my first choice Eevee." Serena stated.
"My next choice has got to be Pidgeotto." Ash declared. "She hasn't had much of a chance to battle lately."
"Cubone's got to be my second choice." Serena declared. "The little guy has been really invested in our training. Even if we don't make it far, I'm betting this will be the perfect training before our next chateau challenge."
"Very good." The women replied. "Meet back here in three hours for the start of the tournament and enjoy the rest of the festival."
"Thank you." Ash and Serena replied before walking off.
Before anything more could be said, they were approached by Gary Oak. "Well, Well, Well." He chuckled. "If it isn't Ashy-Boy."
"Gary." Ash stated as he faced him. "You're here to?"
"Indeed I am." Gary declared. "I just won the Soul Badge about a day ago and decided it might be worth sticking around. Looks like I was right considering I not only get the chance to cream you in this tournament, but I also get to see that you finally got your girl."
Ash's cheeks were tinged with pink. "What's your point?"
"My point is, I'd almost be proud of you for finally getting a girlfriend if I weren't excited to beat you in our upcoming battle." He smirked. "That's if we even battle to begin with. Knowing you, you'll be knocked out before then."
"Yeah, we'll see who knocks who out Gary." Ash declared.
"Anyways, I should take off since I wouldn't want to ruin your little date." He walked off and waved back at them. "Oh, congratulations by the way Serena."
"Oh, thanks Gary." Serena declared happily.
"I'll show him, but I shouldn't let him sour this date." Ash looked to Serena. "So, what do you want to do for the next three hours?"
"I'm not sure." Serena wrapped her arms around his right arm. "Why don't we just walk around and see what catches our eye?"
"Sounds good to me." Ash stated.
With Brock
Brock had just been walking around when he heard a female's voice. "Aha, I finally found you Brock Harrison!"
Brock turned confused as he didn't recognize this voice. To be fair, he didn't recognize the person either. The rock specialist was now looking at a blond-haired woman with green eyes. She wore orange pants with a matching top and an open, white coat with purple accents.
"I'm sorry, but do I know you?" Brock questioned.
"No, you don't, but I know you." The woman came to stand right before him seeming rather furious. "My name is Barbara, and I'm the sister of Pike Queen Lucy. She's told me all about your day at the beach with her."
"Oh, you're her sister." Brock didn't know why she seemed angry with him, but he decided to play this politely. "She told me all about you. It's so nice to finally meet you, Barbara."
"Well, it's not nice to meet you, Brock." Barbara declared. "How dare you date my sister without battling me first. Any man who wants my sister must prove their at least as strong as me. I should…"
A Seviper pinwheel was thrown between them.
"Barbara, do not scare this one away." Lucy was standing behind her sister now wearing an outfit which invoked a Seviper. "I happen to like Brock very much."
"Lucy, he has to beat me before you can like him." Barbara crossed her arms. "I'm sorry, but this is the one thing I will never back down on when it comes to you."
"I won't hear it of it." Lucy moved over to Brock's side and grabbed his arm. "Like I said, I happen to like Brock very much, and your opinion on him won't sway that."
Brock really liked Lucy as well, but he also knew the importance of family. Not to mention, there was a chance, small as it may be right now, that he could one day marry Lucy. At the very least, him and Barbara should tolerate each other for Lucy's sake."
"Girls, could I say something?" Brock asked.
"Of course, you can Brock." Lucy declared.
Barbara crossed her arms and turned her head. "I suppose."
"Barbara, you and I can sign up for the tournament being held at this festival where we'll battle it out. Regardless of the outcome, I really do like Lucy, but I'm hoping my willingness to compromise on battling you is enough."
"It might be." Barbara looked at him with narrowed eyes. "Fine, we can sign up for the tournament, but if you lose before we battle, we'll have problems."
She then stormed off to sign up.
"I'm sorry about her Brock." Lucy sighed. "Barbara is my younger sister, but with how protective she is, you'd think she were older."
"Hey, it's quite alright Lucy." Brock smiled. "I understand what having siblings is like." He chuckled. My little brothers and sisters can be quite protective of me to. If battling her is what it takes to get her to accept us dating, I'll gladly do it."
"I was actually afraid she may make you not want to date me." Lucy confessed. "If it's not my power or tittle, its Barbara who prevents potential guys from being interested in me. Not to mention, we only spent one day together."
"It was one day, but it was a day I have not forgotten." Brock smiled. "Every day since, I had hoped to spend another with you. In fact, how about we go sign me up for the tournament and spend more time together at this festival?"
"I would love that, Brock." Lucy declared. "Though I must ask, what are you doing here?"
"Oh, my group and I arrived not too long ago." Brock explained. "We actually split off to do our own things. Personally, I'm quite happy about that because it appears this turned into a date with the most beautiful girl I've ever met."
"I see." Lucy blushed. "Well, I had come here to enjoy a good time, and I am quite glad I get to spend that time with a truly handsome guy."
With Ash and Serena
Ash and Serena were sat on a beach with the later holding a thing of cotton candy while Pikachu was busy finishing off a bottle of ketchup. Serena was on cloud nine as she snuggled up to Ash. What they didn't notice was a certain cousin watching them from affair.
"Oh, looks like those two got together." Calem smiled. "I don't think I'll disturb them. Besides, knowing them, we'll see each other in the tournament."
With James
James was walking around the festival with Growlie by his side. He had recently decided on signing up for this tournament himself figuring it'd be great experience for his team. For now, he was feeding his fire type a new recipe he pick up, and Growlie certainly wasn't complaining.
"Glad you like it buddy." James declared happily.
"Excuse me sir, but your Growlithe seems to be in outstanding condition." A female voice called out from a nearby stall. "Would you like me to give him a massage?"
"Oh, I'm sure Growlie would just love that." James turned to face the owner of the voice only to be shocked. "Wait, you're Suzy!"
James had read all about her. This was one of the greatest breeders in all of Kanto, and her lovely Vulpix sat on the counter.
"Sorry, do I know you?" Suzy asked confused.
"I'm sorry, but we don't actually know each other." James walked on over. "I've simply read all about your work in pokemon breeding."
"Well, it's nice to meet a fan." Suzy giggled. "May I ask who you are?"
"My name is James, and I'm an aspiring pokemon breeder with a passion for battle." James alluded.
"Well, it's always nice to meet another breeder." Suzy replied. "So, would your Growlithe like to get on the table?"
"Well, what do you want Growlie?" James asked. "Would you like a nice massage?"
"Grow!" Growlie declared as he jumped on.
The puppy laid on the table before Suzy started massaging him. Growlie happily barked under her touch.
"You're Growlithe has some good muscle to him." Suzy stated. "Good muscle means I can use a nice, firm grip to really give him a good massage."
"I thank you for the compliment." James smiled. "I always do my best to make all my pokemon look, feel, and battle good."
"So, do you have any tips or tricks?" Suzy asked. "I saw you feeding your little Growlie."
"Well, thanks to my grandparents, and what I've been able to pick up, I'm able to make my own pokefood." James stated. "All the pokemon in my group don't have any complaints."
Really?" Suzy questioned. "Well, do you have anything for my Vulpix. She's always been a fussy eater and considers anything I give her to be second rate."
"No problem." James reached into his bag and produced a canister of his fire type food. "My group actually has two fire types, and they just love strong spices." He set a few pellets before the fox. "Try some of this Vulpix."
The fire type sniffed the food hesitantly before eating one.
"Vulpix!" Vulpix cried happily before digging in.
"Whoa." Suzy uttered impressed. "This is the first time Vulpix has enjoyed her food."
"One of my secrets is to mix in some berries which complement the initial blend." James explained. "Based on the pokemon's reaction, I can tell it brings out the best aspects of said blend."
All of this gave Suzy an idea. "What are you doing for the next few days?"
"Oh, well my friends actually came her for a gym battle and chateau challenge." James stated. "We'll also need to restock, and Ash has expressed interest in checking out the Safari Zone. "Guess we'd be around for three or four days."
"Perfect." Suzy clapped her hands together. "I'm also staying at the Fuchsia Pokemon Centre for a few days, so why don't you take care of Vulpix in that time?"
"You really want me to look after your Vulpix?" James questioned.
"Yep." Suzy smiled. "I think you'd be wonderful at it."
"I certainly wouldn't mind the experience." James declared.
Center of Fuchsia
Everyone had gathered to watch the small tournament with the eight competitors standing in a row. They were: Ash, Gary, Brock, Janine, Calem, Serena, Barbara, and James. A large, wooden board had the matches displayed which had been chosen at random before being put in a bracket.
The matches would be: Ash vs Misty, Gary vs Serena, Brock vs Barbara, and James vs Janine. A referee stood by this board while two judges/MC's. Koga and Surge, sat behind a table. Koga stood up.
"Greetings all!" Koga declared. "I am Koga, and I lead Fuchsia City's gym while this is my good friend Surge. He was a last-minute addition and will help me with my duties here."
"So, he's my next gym challenge." Ash thought while studying the man. "I had no idea he knew Surge, let alone that he and Janine would be here. I also didn't know Brock and James would be signing up for this." He smiled. "This is going to be awesome."
While Ash was admiring what was to come, Serena and Brock wondered why James was holding a Vulpix. "Where did James find a Vulpix?"
Surge now stood up. "Now, the rules for this tournament are simple. These eight trainers were randomly matched into the first four battles. They all registered two pokemon, so those are the only pokemon they can use.
Each battle will be a one-on-one battle using one of their registered pokemon. There will be no time limit. Naturally, we have some fine prizes for our winner and runner up. The winner will receive a medal and an officially recognized pokemon league Festival Badge."
Gary and Ash were shocked that they could get a badge this way, and it only made them want to win more. As for the badge itself, it was a green cube with a gray circle in the middle.
"The runner up will receive a Helix and Dome Fossil excavated from Mt. Moon." Koga explained while the crowd cheered. "Our first battle will be between Ash and Calem. Please, take your positions!"
Before anything else, there is a poll pertaining to the future of this story on my page that you can all vote on. The question is: Should Ash catch legendary pokemon, eventually, in my story Ash's Remixed Journey? (Note: This does not mean he'd use them right away.) If you want to have a say in this, then go vote in the poll on my author page.
Reader (26): We can only wait and see how Scyther will fit in.
Reader (27): Exactly.
