A/N: Hello :) Hope you all enjoy this one. I will try and get out the next chapter very soon :) Have a great day!
Pokemon Journey: Indigo League
Chapter 21: Lucky
Brandon steps onto route 6, breathing in that fresh air. It feels good to finally continue on his journey, after a few days in the Underground Path. Route 6 consists of tall trees with a nice dirt path for travelers that leads deeper into the canopy.
Beside him, Ava also stretches. She's happy to be walking again. She enjoyed herself in the Underground Path but it doesn't compare to traveling over the land. Battling in the tournament, she has an itch to battle gyms again. But does she want to go through that again so soon?
Saul, the newest traveling partner rests on the route, looking excited. He decided to travel with Brandon and Ava. They are all headed towards Southern Kanto, so for him, it made sense to join them. He actually has a showcase in Vermilion City.
It's a nice, warm sunny afternoon as the trio walks in comfortable silence. Step after step, mile after mile, tree after tree, the three friends walk deeper into the trees, observing the occasional Rattata or Pidgey or Weedle stick their heads up before disappearing back into the woods. Finally, they make it to a clearing with a nice pond, making it the perfect place for a mid-day snack.
Brandon brings out his team and begins to set up camp with the help of Joltik. Wartortle decides to go for a swim, Tangela begins to practice his dodging, and Nidoran watches from afar, content to be alone.
Ava also sends out her team and helps Brandon. Umbreon helps Joltik as Growlithe and Omyante are playing in the grass.
Saul brings out his team while setting up the cooking station. Pikipek is flying around the campsite as Yungoos is napping underneath a tree. An unfamiliar blue colored ray-looking Pokemon immediately jumps into the pond and begins to swim. Soon, Wartortle and it are racing in the way, with Wartortle losing apparently. Brandon pauses setting up camp and pulls out his dex to scan it.
"Mantyke, the Kite Pokemon. Water/Flying-type. It's highly friendly and easily tamed. Tours that take people swimming with Mantyke are a super-popular beach activity."
"That is correct," Saul says, as he begins to cook. "That's the main reason why Mantine are selected for surfing."
"I'm excited to see a match," Brandon says. "I've heard of them but never actually seen one live."
"You are in luck then' Saul says, putting fish in a pan. "I have a match in Vermillion City very soon."
"That will be cool to watch," Ava says. She sits on the grass after helping, Umbreon laying down beside her.
"Speaking of Vermilion City," Brandon says, looking at his Poketch. "If I am reading the map right, we should be hitting Vermillion later tonight, around midnight if we walk straight through. Or we can set up camp, sleep here and make it to Vermilion tomorrow during the day. Up to you guys."
"I'm sure you would like to train for your gym battle right?" Ava asks Brandon.
"Yeah," Brandon replies, watching Wartortle and Mantyke swimming in the pond still. He watches as Tangela takes a quick break from training. He notices that Nidoran is sitting by herself though Pikipek is flying around her. Joltik is sitting on Brandon's lap contently. Brandon reaches down to pet Joltik on the head. "I would love to work with Joltik more. You really surprised me."
"Jolt?" Joltik asks, cocking his head and looking up at Brandon.
"You showed a lot of guts," Brandon says, scratching his head. "For that being our first battle together, I think it went alright. We still need to work on a few things but from what I saw, we should be good."
"Joltik," Joltik nods, as Saul places out dishes. Brandon quickly whistles. "Food's ready."
Soon, everyone is sitting around the table, eating contently. It seems like the Pokemon are happy to be outside again. After eating, everyone pitched in and soon they cleaned up the food. After discussing it, they decided to camp at this spot, allowing for Wartortle and Mantyke (and everyone else) access to the water. Once the campsite was set up, Brandon calls his team over.
"Hey guys," Brandon says, sitting down with them. "First, I want to say congratulations on the tournament. Even though we didn't go that far, it was still a great learning experience. I know some of you didn't battle but there is a reason for that. Our next gym battle is against Lt. Surge. I haven't been able to get much information but from the sounds of it, he uses electric-type Pokemon. This means, Wartortle, odds are you won't be battling this time, which is why I had you battle in the tournament. Same with you Joltik."
"Wartortle," Wartortle nods, though he looks kinda sad for not battling.
"Joltik," Joltik nods as well.
"Great. For now, Tangela I want you to focus on accuracy and speed. Wartortle, I want you to work on your new move alright, " Brandon says, standing up. "Joltik and Nidoran, following me please."
Wartortle finds a spot and begins to work on his new move, hoping to master it. He begins to punch the air, imagining an opponent as Tangela begins to work on releasing his powder moves quicker. Meanwhile, Nidoran and Joltik follow Brandon, who stops in a small clearing. Ava and Saul watch from the sidelines.
"Nidoran and Joltik, you are my newest Pokemon," Brandon tells them. "I'm still trying to figure out your battle styles, so now, we will have a friendly spar with each other. I just want you guys to battle as if you are still wild alright? Whenever you two are ready, you may begin."
"Has Brandon done this before?" Saul whispers to Ava.
"No," Ava whispers back, slightly impressed with this idea. "Curious to see how this will play out."
Joltik and Nidoran each took their respective places, facing off against each other. Joltik was unsure of fighting a teammate, while Nidoran relishes the chance to battle. Without missing a beat, Nidoran charges towards Joltik, firing off a couple of poison sting attacks towards the yellow spider Pokemon. Joltik manages to dodge with and fires off a quick electroweb, hitting Nidoran and slowing her. Furious, Nidoran roars and yet again charges Joltik, trying to slam into it. Joltik manages to jump to the side though he wasn't expecting the double kick, which smashes into him. Joltik manages to shrug it off, and lets loose a string shot, tying up Nidoran and jumping onto her back. Nidoran bucks, trying to shake off the Spider Pokemon before feeling a shockwave course through her body. Roaring again, Nidoran jumps, turns her head, fires off a poison sting attack. Reacting quickly, Joltik jumps off her back though fails to see the double kick coming. Nidoran hits him as she lands on the ground. Joltik reels from it, dazed. Nidoran takes this chance to slam into Joltik with a tackle attack.
"Awesome job guys," Brandon calls out, stepping in between them. "You both battled hard."
Joltik and Nidoran both nod before limping back to the campsite. Joltik sits by the fire, while Nidoran lays underneath a tree. Ava and Saul join Brandon.
"That was a cool idea," Ava praises Brandon. "What made you think of it?"
"Honestly, I don't know," Brandon answers sheepishly. "Just felt right in the moment."
"Did you learn anything from it?" Ava asks, almost like she's testing him.
"Nidoran is a straight-up fighter," Brandon answers immediately. "She seems to enjoy those close combat fights."
"I get that impression as well," Ava nods like a teacher confirming a student's answer. "What about Joltik?"
"That one is a little tricky," Brandon says, thinking. "I could be wrong, but it almost seemed like Joltik likes to out speed his opponents, and then go in for a hit."
"Not bad," Ava nods approvingly. "So now that you know this information, how will you train them?"
"That I am still working on," Brandon chuckles, joining Joltik around the campfire. "But I'm getting some ideas. It seems like double kick will be her best attack right now, so why not try to make a strategy around it. I did like her jumping up and using a "flying double kick."
"That was pretty cool," Saul says, just listening. "Mantyke, Pikipek and Yungoos are back in their Pokeballs, resting.
"As for Joltik, he appears to prefer fighting with his webs or string shot," Brandon says. "So I will have to come up with a strategy around them."
"At least you have an idea," Saul says optimistically.
"That's right," Ava nods before stretching. She washes her cup before stretching out on the grass, staring up at the stars. "One of my favourite things traveling around is sleeping under the stars."
"My folks own a ranch on Melemele Island," Saul says, also stretching out, his hands behind his head. "The ranch is right by the ocean, so it's quite peaceful at night."
"I always took it for granted when I was at home," Brandon admits, also looking into the sky.
"You never know what you have until it's gone," Saul says sleepily. "As much fun as the Underground was, nothing beats sleeping underneath a clear, warm night with stars."
"You can say that again," Ava says as she drifts off to sleep.
'Well, I guess good night," Saul chuckles, as he too falls asleep.
Brandon tries to fall asleep but he couldn't. He sits up by the fire, stroking it to keep it going for a couple of hours. He watches as Ava and Saul are sound asleep when he feels the temperature drop. Curious, and a little afraid, he brings out a Pokeball, releasing Wartortle. Rubbing his eyes, Wartortle looks at Brandon curiously.
"Sorry to wake you, buddy," Brandon tells him quietly. "But I think there's something out there."
"War," Wartortle nods, feeling the temperature drop. He looks around, trying to pinpoint the souirce.
"If it's too much for us to handle, I will wake the others," Brandon whispers, looking around the campsite. At first, he didn't see anything but Wartortle finally points out to the water. Brandon's jaw drops in awe as he wakes the others.
"What?" Ava asks groggily.
"What time is it?" Saul asks groggily as well.
Brandon puts his fingers to his mouth and points out on the water. They follow his finger and instantly they are awake, their jaws drop in awe as well.
Standing on the water, watching them, is a slim blue Pokemon with white diamond-shaped markings. Its red eyes watch the trainers watching him, standing on the water. For a few seconds, all parties stare at each other before Suicune dips his head before running off. The three friends look at each other in silence.
"Oh wow. That was cool," Brandon finally says, still staring at the lake.
"It's not every day you see something like that," Ava says, still in shock. "Being from Johto, I've only heard stories about it. I never dreamed I would run into it, only for a few seconds."
"This was truly an honor," Saul says, yawning. "Well, I'm going back to bed."
"Same," Ava says, following Saul back to her bed.
"We've sure been lucky," Brandon tells Wartortle, sitting back down at the fire. "First Zapdos, now Suicune. So far, this journey has been a blast."
"Wartortle," Wartortle agrees.
"We've learned so much in a short time," Brandon says softly, not to re awake his companions. "Yet, we still have so much to learn."
"Wartortle," Wartortle answers just as softly. He then grins. "War, Wartortle."
"Har har har," Brandon responds with a chuckle. "I've gotten better right?"
Wartortle looks away jokingly. Brandon chuckles as he doses the flames and crawls into his sleeping bag, Wartortle beside him. "I'm glad you gave me a chance Wartortle."
Soon, Brandon was asleep. Beside him, Ava lets a smile show as she drifts off to sleep herself.
Vermilion City, the largest port city in the Kanto Region. Stepping inside the city limits, the first thing they all notice was the cool, breezy winds coming in from the ocean. It honestly felt refreshing as they walk alongside the busy sidewalk. Beside them, transport trucks, cars, vans, trucks all zoom by, eager to get to their destination. People are waking fast, almost colliding with the party but none seem to notice them.
The closer they walk to the center of Vermilion City, the more the sea salt smell became stronger. Buildings began to raise towards the sky, and in the distance they can hear ship horns blowing. The sun was high in the sky when they finally got to the Pokemon Center.
Stepping inside, the trio almost collides with a host of trainers rushing out. Ava glares at them but not one noticed them as they disappear towards the way they came. Muttering to herself, Ava walks up to the counter.
"What was that all about?" Ava asks Brandon.
"Sorry if they hurt you," Nurse Joy says with a friendly smile. "There are rumors that Suicune was spotted last night. So, of course, the trainers are all rushing trying to capture it."
"I see," Brandon says. "We were lucky enough to see Suicune very briefly last night."
"That is indeed lucky. Not many people get the honor," Nurse Joy responds.
"Are there any rooms?" Brandon asks.
"We do," Nurse Joy says, checking her PC. "How many would you like?"
"Three please," Brandon replies. "Can you tell me where the gym is as well?"
"The gym is near the port," Nurse Joy says as she retrieves three key cards. "However, Lt. Surge isn't taking any challengers right now. And here you guys are. Rooms 4, 5, and 6."
"Thank you," Brandon says, pocketing one and giving Ava and Saul theirs. "Why isn't Lt. Surge taking any challengers right now?"
"There are two major events this week," Nurse Joy explains. "First is the Mantine Surf event this week, and the S.S Anne is docking at the end of the week. Previously, Lt. Surge would accept challengers but because he's regarded as one of the toughest gym leaders, trainers weren't prepared for him. So, they would be forced to miss the S.S Anne Tournament. So Lt. Surge made that rule, so trainers can do both."
"I see," Brandon replies. He realizes this gives him time to train for both this tournament and for his gym match. "Are there any activities around here you would recommend?"
"Hmm, let's see," Nurse Joy says, pulling up the tourist information. "I know a lot of people love to visit Diglett's Cave. There is a full section leading east of Vermilion City. Nice wide open spaces for trainer battles, training or just relaxing. And there will be a fishing contest tomorrow."
"Awesome. Thank you," Ava says. "Have a great night."
"You guys as well," Nurse Joy says, bowing before going back to work.
Brandon leads the way towards their rooms. Spotting his, he enters a rather nice, comfortable room. The bed is pressed against the wall, the window, like Cerulean's Pokemon Center, is shaped like a boat's window. The desk with a PC are at the foot of the bed. A mini fridge is located on the opposite wall of the desk, which is a nice surprise. Brandon puts his bag in the closet before freshening up and headed back downstairs.
Brandon is the first in the trainer's lounge, so he chose a comfy chair. He picks up a magazine and was about to read it when a news bulletin caught his attention. Putting the magazine down, Brandon paid attention.
"Welcome to the S.S. Anne Single Battle Tournament. This exciting tournament will take place on the S.S. Anne, which docks in Vermilion on Friday. Make sure you have your tickets. And for those in attendance, we have a very special gift. So, if you still need tickets, please visit your local Pokemon Center."
"Sounds like fun," Saul says, sitting down beside Brandon. "Can't believe we all have tickets to go."
"Agreed," Brandon says. "Though I don't know if I want to participate in the tournament."
"Why not?" Saul asks as they wait for Ava.
"Well, we had the tag tournament recently," Brandon says. "And I will be having my gym match next week."
"I see," Saul says, nodding understandably.
"What do you think?" Brandon asks his new companion.
"It's simple really," Saul says, shrugging his shoulders. "We're already going to be on the cruise right? Might as well join the tournament and get the experience."
"Not to mention, you owe it to your Pokemon," Ava adds on, sitting down beside them. "With the tag tournament, you used Wartortle and Joltik. What are your other Pokemon going to think?"
"I suppose you're right," Brandon says. Sitting back in the chair, thinking about it. "But that's a few days away. What do you guys want to do in the meantime?"
"I want to head to the port and check out the beach and get some practicing in," Saul says. "But right now, I just want to relax for tonight."
"Same," Ava says, stretching. "Think we can have a relaxing night. Let's go explore the city."
Somewhere in Johto
"Found her," a timid voice speaks, bringing up footage from The Underground Tournament.
"About time," the person growls, watching the scene. This person studies the footage. He memorizes the way she looks, the people whom she's caught talking too and the Pokemon she uses. They only have one shot at this.
"Do you want us to intercept them?" a voice asks.
"No. Just keep tabs on her," the voice demands. "She slipped through our fingers once. We can't make that mistake again!"
"Understood," the voice acknowledges the person.
"It's only a matter of time now Ava," the voice cackles into the darkness as the person disappears.
Team Listings:
Brandon Adams:
Wartortle - Male, Torrent ability. Knows Water Pulse, (Mystery Move), Withdraw, Rapid Spin
Tangela - Male, Leaf Guard ability. Knows Bind, Stun Spore, Mega Drain, Growth
Nidoran – Female – Poison Point ability. Knows Growl, Poison Sting, Double Kick
Joltik – Male, unknown ability. Knows: Shockwave, Electroweb, String Shot
Ava Mcarthur:
Umbreon - Female. Run Away ability. Knows growl , Quick Attack, Double Kick, Snarl
Omanyte - Male. Weak Armor ability. Knows: Withdraw, Constrict
Growlithe – Female. Flash Fire. Knows: Ember, Bite
Saul Raymond
Yungoos – Male. Unknown Ability. Knows Tackle, Sand attack, Leer
Pikipek – Female (Shiny). Unknow Ability. Knows Peck, Growl
Mantyke – Unknown Ability. Unknown moves