I'm back at it again, with another breather chapter.
I changed Heather's English voice again (for the final time) to Cristina Vee (The voice of Noel Vermillion from BlazBlue).
With that said, enjoy!
Disclaimer: I own only the OCs here.
Chapter B2: The Homecoming Trainer
Shortly after leaving Cocoyashi Village, our heroes... or rather, our pirates is currently sailing the sea wherever the wind takes them.
"You raised your prices again!?" Nami exclaimed as she is talking to a News Coo, some sort of a messenger seagull.
"Oh boy." Seth muttered as he currently lying down on the deck.
"That's a little steep, don't ya think?" Nami said as she hands the bird a berri coin. "Raise your prices again and I'll stop paying!"
The News Coo then flies away.
"Is that something you should make a fuss about?" Hoopa asked. "It's just a paper."
"Just a paper!? I buy this everyday!" Nami retorted.
"Hoopa's kinda right, Nami." Usopp said as he currently working on a new ammunition that involves tabascos. "Now that your home island is free from Arlong, there's no need to be obsessed with money."
"Are you shortsighted!?" Nami snapped. "Now that all of that stuff's behind us, I'm saving money for me now! Geez." She then turns around before smiling. "I'm not gonna be one of those poor pirates who can't even afford to dress up!"
"Hey, calm down!" Usopp said. "I'm in the middle of developing my special Tabasco Star!"
'Oh how I missed this...' Seth thought with a smile as he sees Nami happy.. He was glad that he can see the orange haired girl smile agaim now that she's free from Arlong.
Meanwhile, A certain rubber boy is about to snatch a tangerine but only to foiled by Sanji, who kicks Luffy. This cause Luffy to get knocked into Usopp, who screams as he gets the tabasco on his eyes.
"C'mon, I just want one of them!" Luffy complained.
"This is Nami's tangerine orchard!" Sanji said with his arms folded. "I won't let anyone lay a finger on it!" He then enter his lovestruck mode. "Nami~! Can you see how well I'm protected your trees?"
"Yes, you're doing very well." Nami said as she sits on lounge chair before opening the newspaper.
"Really, Sanji?" Seth muttered as he how easily Sanji answer Nami's beck and call. He then sees Usopp running around. He stands up before he transforms into his Splash Plate form. "Water Gun!" He then shoots a stream of water from his mouth towards Usopp's face.
Once Usopp felt really better as he is now able to see clearly.
"Thanks, Seth! I really need that." Usopp thanked the red eyed young man as he sits down on the deck.
"No problem." Seth replied as Luffy sits down on the deck.
"I only want one tangerine." Luffy complained. "Just give it here! You're so mean." Luffy said to Sanji.
"NO!" Sanji shouted back.
"Don't worry, Captain..." Seth told Luffy. "We'll grab one when he's not looking."
Luffy simply smile at one of his friends.
"Seth..." Nami called his name while still reading. "Don't you think about it. If you do, I'll fine you."
"I'd like to see you try." Seth replied playfully with a smirk.
"Didn't say I warn you..." Nami retorted before she continued reading.
While everyone gathers around, Zoro is lying down sleeping.
"The world is sure a turbulent place." Nami noted. "They just had another coup in Villa." As she opens some pages, two tan colored papers come out of the newspaper.
"What's that?" Luffy asked as everyone except Zoro looks at the newspaper. The moment they saw what's on them, they shouted in mix reactions of happy, surprise, and panic.
(In the Marineford)
Several high ranking Marines are sitting at the floor as a meeting of sorts is about to go underway in a Japanese style room. A green haired Marine is standing in front of a bulletin board. In said board, there are bounty sheets of Buggy, Krieg, and Arlong.
"So even with the branch stationed in the East Blue, it's still not enough to handle?" A Marine asked.
"That's right. Even before forming a pirate crew, Luffy is able to defeat former Marine captain "Axe Hand" Morgan single handedly." The green haired Marine answered. "Since then, he shown no signs of slowing down. Buggy "The Clown", 15,000,000. And "Pirate Fleet Commadore" Don Krieg. And finally, the fishman "Saw Tooth" Arlong, 20,000,000. These pirates are big players and they have a bounty over 10,000,000 berris. In comparison, the average is only 3,000,000 berris. Who took them down!" He then slams a bounty sheet into board, revealing it to be Luffy's bounty. "But the one who took down Arlong is him!" He then slams another bounty, who turns out be Seth's. ""Monster Tamer" Seth Orion."
"Monster Tamer?" Some of the Marines repeated.
"As you can see, his bounty is slightly bigger than "Straw Hat" Luffy. He was also present during the Morgan incident. According to the locals in the Luminous Island, he is able to command several creatures that we've never seen. And the creatures themselves are well-trained." The green haired Marine said. "But the real concern is that his ability to undergo a transformation. So far, he can only use forms that able to use electricity, plants, and wind. These powers make the Devil Fruit pale in comparison." He then moves back to the main topic. "These two may have unprecedented starting bounties, but it is highly necessary. It's best that we destroy some seeds of villainy early on. Before they had a chance to get out of hand."
"Absolutely." A Marine agreed.
"But what about that pirate's pets?" A Marine asked.
"Then we shall capture them as well." The green Marine said. "We can certainly find some use in them in the Marines."
(On the Going Merry)
"Check it out! We're wanted criminals now!" Luffy shouted before laughing as he shows everyone around him his wanted poster.
"Wanted: Dead or alive. Monkey D. Luffy..." Usopp read what's on the wanted poster out loud before he widen his eyes at the amount of the straw hat's bounty. "30,000,000 berris!?"
"There's a whole lotta berris!" Luffy said loudly.
"Oh Luffy..." Luffy and Usopp turn around and see Seth with a wanted poster in his hand. "Guess who has higher bounty than you...!"
"Wait what!?" Luffy and Usopp said as they see Seth's wanted poster. They then widen their eyes at the amount of the bounty. "40,000,000 berris!?"
"That's quiet the price." Hoopa commented.
"That's right." Seth said with a grin.
"No fair! You must've cheated somehow!" Luffy retorted.
"Sorry, Luffy. I don't decide the bounty." Seth said smugly. "As a matter of fact, I should be captain instead of you."
"Nooooooo!" Luffy shouted in despair.
"I'm just messin' with you." Seth said.
"Oh okay..." Luffy said as he calm down.
"Which reminds me..." Seth said. "I think I see you in Luffy's wanted poster, Usopp."
"Oh really?" Usopp perked up as he look for a picture of him in Luffy's wanted poster. It didn't take him long to find it. "Hey, you're right! There's me right there! Girls might even fall for me!"
"What!? They put long nose there but not me!?" Sanji exclaimed as he looks at Luffy's wanted poster. "Where are you? I didn't see you anywhere!"
"It's right there." Usopp said with a smug expression as he pointed to where he was in the picture, which is only the back of his head.
Sanji then sits down and pouts just like Luffy.
"It's just the back of your head." Sanji muttered. "That's not something to brag about."
"Oh don't be so glum." Usopp said with a grin. "You don't have to be a captain to get your picture on one these things."
"Is that true?" Sanji said as he was cheered up.
"Yeah." Usopp said. "Just work really hard."
"You're best bet is prolly to piss off the Government." Seth noted. "That's only my opinion."
Luffy is laughing while Usopp and Sanji are dancing together.
"Set sail to the Grand Line, men!" Luffy shouted.
"Yeah!" Seth, Usopp, and Sanji shouted back.
"Aren't you all supposed to worry about this!?" Nami told them as she facepalms. "Yet again, you guys don't understand how grim the situation really is. This is no time to be relaxing in the East Blue."
Zoro turns out to be wake as he sees the others singing and dancing about going to the Grand Line.
'30,000,000 and 40,000,000...' Zoro pondered. 'With those amounts, I bet headquarters will take action. Not to mention there will be bounty hunters to deal with. And with these kind of bounties, they'll be good.'
(In Petalburg City, Hoenn)
"You can do this Karen..." Karen muttered to herself as she's nervous on knocking the door of her home. "It's been two years since I last saw them, and let's things go perfectly well."
"Well, this is a surprise." Karen turns around and see a black haired man looking at her with serious look. This is Norman, the Petalburg City Gym as well as the father of Seth and Karen. "Didn't expect to meet you after all these years."
"Oh... hey, Dad..." Karen said timidly.
"Hm? Where's that aggression you showed me and your mother two years ago went?" Her father asked, causing Karen to tenses up.
"I'm... I'm changed, Dad." Karen said, trying to keep calm. "I'm not the same girl as I used to be back then."
"Is that so?" Norman said. "Forgive me if I'm being skeptical but the last time you said this, you ended up trying to kill your brother while we're asleep."
"No! This time I mean it-"
"If you came back here just to hurt Seth..." Norman said with low tone. "Then you better off staying in Unova. That's the first and last warning you've ever going to get."
Karen can only gulps as the situation didn't go in her favor.
'At this rate, All those time during the probation will be all for nothing.' Karen gritted her teeth before she looks serious. 'No, I can't give up! Not now! I've come too far to turn back!'
"Honey, who are you talking to-" Someone comes out the door of the house as she noticed Karen. Other than her short hair, white blouse, blue attires, and white slippers, she's practically the older version of Karen. "Karen! Is that you?"
"Yeah, it's me... Mom." Karen retorted as her mother cover her mouth in surprise. She then steadily approaches her daughter.
"You... look well." Her mother said as she can't help but to be happy about her daughter.
"I've put all of that drug bullshits behind me." Karen replied to her mother.
"When did you get back?" She asked.
"Earlier today." Karen answered. "I... understand if any of you don't believe me, but I have changed. I've grown past from my foolish young self."
"Talk is cheap, Karen." Norman said as Karen and his wife turns to him. "You'll have to prove that you mean it."
"I see..." Karen said as she understands where this is going. "Guess I'll have to prove myself in a battle then."
"A battle? I guess that's one way to do so." Norman stated, intrigued at his estranged daughter's suggestion. "Very well. I can decide whether you change or not from how you battle now."
"So, will you-" Karen asked before she was interrupted.
"On one condition." Norman said. "You can only use a Starter Pokémon."
"A Starter Pokémon..." Karen said before she frowns as she held her head down. "I... don't have a Starter with me."
"Then you can't prove yourself. Simple as that." Norman retorted.
"That's out of the question!" Karen objected, surprising Norman. "I didn't come here just to get booted off easily! I'm here to fix what I did wrong and that's exactly what I'm going to do!"
Needless to say, Karen are shocked at their estranged daughter's determination. A quite a contrast of what she told them two years ago.
'The fire in those eyes...' Norman thought as he is intrigued by the look of Karen's eyes. "They're no longer full of jealousy and hate... Now they're full of determination.'
'I guess her time in the Unova Region really did change her for the better...' Karen's mother noted. 'Still, I'd like to see how she acted in a battle this time...'
"In that case... I will accept the challenge." Norman said, causing Karen to perk up.
"You will?" Karen asked.
"Yes, and I can tell where can you get a Starter Pokémon." Norman continued. "Go to Professor Birch's lab in Littleroot Town. There's a good chance that you'll receive a Starter there."
"Professor Birch's lab. Got it!" Karen said.
"I think you need this, Karen." The woman then give Karen a rectangular device, which the martial artist takes it.
"A Town Map?" Karen said aloud. "Why would you give it to me?"
"We were impressed with how great is your resolve." Norman explained. "Something that we haven't seen from you since seven years."
"Thank you..." Karen accepted the compliment. "I can promise you that I'll do everything in my power to accomplish this task."
"I know you will." Norman said. "If you are ready, come to the Petalburg Gym. We'll meet you there."
"Okay." Karen said before she begin to make her way towards Littleroot Town.
As soon as she's out of sight, Norman can only smile in approval.
"So she really does change..." Norman muttered.
"But what if she lose, Norman?" His wife said as he turns towards her. "Will she go back to Unova?"
"I can't say for a certain, Felecia." Norman replied. "But I can see the looks on her eyes. They were not filled with hate and jealousy, but the resolve to set things right."
"If you say so..." Felecia said before she realized something. "We should've told her that Professor Birch tends to be away from his lab."
"Should we?" Norman said before he shakes his head. "She'll figure it out eventually." He said before they noticed the luggage that Karen has.
"Looks like she left her luggage behind." Norman noted. "Should we throw it in the lake?"
"Of course not, you idiot!" Felecia scolded before she elbows her husband in the gut.
"Ow! It was just a suggestion." Norman retorted.
"I should probably bring this to the house." Felicia said as she taking the luggage to the house while Norman going towards the gym to prepare for the soon-to-be battle.
(With Seth and co.)
Seth, Hoopa, Luffy, and Usopp saw a Marine ship passes them before them.
"What a crap of a ship that is." Seth commented as the ship sails back towards them. "And now its sailing towards us."
"It looks like it just came out of battle." Luffy observed. "That thing barely floats."
"That's a real shame. Floating scrap ships in the sea." Usopp added.
"It would be better if someone were to put it out of its misery." Hoopa added.
"Let me do it." Seth volunteered. Just before he transforms, they get a response.
"It's not a scrap ship, dumbasses!" A familiar voice said as a familiar face appears from the ship... it's none other than Fullbody. "Are you guys blind!? Have you forgotten the face of "Iron-Fist" Fullbody!?"
"Oh yeah, you're that Marine guy I saw one time." Luffy remembered. "Are you stranded? Need some help?"
"He probably need someone to fix the ship." Seth said with devious grin. "After all, the ship is a mess."
Hearing those comments fueled the pink haired Marine with anger.
"Quit fooling around! Our meeting spells the end for you! Monkey D. Luffy! Seth Orion!" Fullbody angrily said as he held up the wanted posters of Luffy and Seth.
"Yep! That's me alright!" Luffy replied cheerfully.
"And me." Seth added.
"And the back of my head!" Usopp added.
"They all said, "Dead or alive"..." Fullbody said with a grin. "A key distinction. Now TAKE AIM, MEN!"
Just like that, Fullbody's subordinates begin to prepare the cannon.
"What's all that noise?" Nami asked, still reading the newspaper.
"I guess they're gonna shoot." Luffy said casually.
"You think?" Seth deadpanned.
"AAAH! They're aiming right at us!?" Usopp said with frightened expression. "This is bad!"
"Mind if I put a cork on this?" Seth said as he cracks his knuckles.
"No, let me handle this." Luffy replied.
"How about I'll do it.?" Zoro joined them with the sheated Wado Ichimonji in hand.
"Yeah, let Zoro handle this!" Usopp said as he turns to Luffy. "You probably going to screw it up like last time."
"I got no objections. Go ahead, dude." Seth said as he steps back.
"Your tales end here! FIRE!" Fullbody said with a grin as the cannonball has launched.
Zoro responds by jumping in the air before he unsheathes the sword. Then, he slices the cannonball downward, splitting it in half as they falls in the sea.
"Whoa! So cool!" Luffy complimented as Zoro lands on the deck spectacularly.
"What!? Impossible!" Fullbody exclaimed.
"Not impossible. Just hard for idiots like you." Seth said before mocking the man.
"Why you!? Don't you underestimate me!" Fullbody said before he turns to his men. "Men! Follow me!"
"Yes sir!" His subordinates said as they pulls out their swords before jumping into the Going Merry.
"Your head is mine, Monster Tamer!" Fullbody shouted as he throws a fist towards Seth.
"Oh crap!" Seth said as he blocks himself with his hands, causing a light blue barrier to appear around him and for Fullbody to hit the barrier.
"Yeooooow!" Fullbody said as he felt like hitting a thick wall, causing him to take a step backwards while holding his injured hand. "What the hell did you do!?"
"That's so cool!" Luffy said with amaze before he dodge from one of the Marines.
"Well, what do you know... he use Protect." Hoopa commented before using his rings to send an unfortunate Marine away.
"Protect?" Zoro said as he slashes one of the Marine's down.
"It's a Normal type move that allows to user to completely protect themselves from an attack." Hoopa explained. "But using it over and over again will make the move prone to fail."
"Wait, does that mean—" Seth said before he was interrupted.
"Yes. You have unlocked the Simple Plate... albeit through a unexpected circumstance..." A familiar voice told Seth via telepathy.
"Arceus!" Seth said in his head. "The Simple Plate, huh? I didn't think I get it this way."
"To be frank, I did not foresee this as well. Despite having no visible form, the power of Simple Plate is not to be taken lightly. Use it wisely." Arceus said.
"Okay." Seth nodded before he looks at Fullbody with a smirk. "You don't look too good there? Don't tell me you're afraid of me now."
"Shut up! I'll get you yet!" Fullbody said as he tries to hit Seth with another arm.
"Have it your way. Double Hit!" Seth said before he struck Fullbody with a punch, followed up with another punch, causing Fullbody to gagged some blood.
"And for the finishing touch..." Seth said before he grabs the pink haired Marine by the collar. "Headbutt!" He shouted as he literally headbutts Fullbody to the head, knocking the latter out as the former let go of the Marine.
Unfortunately, Seth also felt the pain on his forehead.
"Ow... that wasn't so smart." Seth muttered as he clutches his head.
"You think?" Hoopa deadpanned.
Shortly enough, Luffy and Zoro manages to beat his men. After that, Fullbody pick himself up but barely managed to keep it together.
"Don't think... this is over." Fullbody growled.
"Hey, what's all the ruckus about?" A familiar voice sends chills to the Marine's spine as he turns to his worst nightmare... Sanji.
"Oh... it's you." Sanji said in a sour mode. "You gotta a lot of nerve attacking us while we're just about to have lunch. I suggest you take your leave right now before things got real messy real quick."
Like a bunch of lost causes, Fullbody and his men proceeds to jump ship to get away from Sanji.
"This is kinda... anticlimactic." Seth commented.
"Well I guess he's done." Luffy said, adjusting his straw hat on his head.
"In the end, He was all talk." Usopp said with his arm folded.
"That's bastard is still just a wimp." Sanji added.
"Could you guys keep it down!" Nami shouted. "Honestly! It's hard to read in peace with all of the noise around."
"Nami-swan~!" Sanji said with his usual expression. "I finished preparing for you a delicious meal!"
"Ooh yeah! Let's eat! Food! Food! Food!" Luffy cheered.
"It's about time. I'm starving." Seth added as everyone goes to the lounge. But before he does so, he look at the sky.
"Even though you're a deadbeat, you're still my sister. I wish I can see the old you..." Seth muttered quietly before entering the lounge.
(With Karen)
"Phew. I made it here." Karen muttered as she finally arrived in Littleroot Town after doing such a long walk from Petalburg City. But more specifically, she arrived in Professor Birch's laboratory.
Just before she knocks the door, she realized that there's something she need to decide something very important.
"Wait. What Pokémon should I choose?" Karen muttered. "From what I've heard, Hoenn has Treecko as the Grass Starter, Torchic as the Fire Starter, and Mudkip as the Water Starter. All three of them are good, but I can only choose one of them..." She muttered before shakes her head. "Maybe I'll know when I see-"
Suddenly, something or someone bumps into her as soon as the door in front of her opens. Karen lands on her butt.
"Sorry! I didn't see you there!" Karen look up and see a blue haired young man in a lab coat.
"That's okay. This things happen all the time." Karen said as she pick herself up. "Anyway, why are you in such a rush that you bumped into me?"
"It's Professor Birch! He is currently being attacked by a pack of Poochyena!" The young man said.
"What!?" Karen said. "Do you know where he is now?"
"If I recall, he was doing a field research in Route 101." The young man answered.
"I just pass through that route..." Karen muttered before she turns to the young man. "I'll go save him then. Don't worry!"
"Are you sure?" The young man asked.
"Yeah. I'm experienced at something like this... I think." Karen said before she said the last part quietly.
"Okay then. I'll leave the professor in your hands." The young man said. "Just be careful."
"You got it!" The martial artist said as she head towards Route 101.
Once she arrived, Karen began to look for the missing professor.
"If I were him, where would I be?" Karen said while searching for Birch. So far, she got no luck. "Damn it, I should have asked about what the professor look like..." She muttered, still look around the surroundings.
"Someone! Help!" A man's voice can be heard not far from where Karen now.
"That must be him." Karen said as she run towards to where the voice comes from. Surely enough, she sees a man in lab coat is clinging on a tree branch as a pack of Poochyena bark at him.
"Hey, you there!" The man said as he notices Karen. "I know this is sudden, but could you please do something about these Poochyena? My bag is by your feet."
"It is?" Karen said as she looks down, noticing the bag. "Is this it?"
"Inside the bag, there are three pokeballs. Grab one of them and hurry!" The man said, still hanging onto the tree branch.
"I see them." Karen said as she found the mentioned pokeballs. "But... which one should I choose?"
"Any Pokémon will do!" The man shouted as the Poochyena pack keeps barking at the man
"Okay okay! Give me a sec..." Karen said as she instantly grab the pokeball on the far right. "Come on out!" She said as a Pokémon appear from its pokeball. It is a small, amphibious, quadruped Pokémon that has a blue body and star shaped gills on its cheeks. It also has black, beady eyes, blue fin on top of its big head, and a light blue tail fin.
"(Need help with somethin', missy?)" The Pokémon said as it sees Karen.
"All right! A Mudkip!" The man said before the tree branch give out on him, causing the man to fall to the ground. Because of that, he has to run away from left and right from the Poochyena pack. "Quick! Have Mudkip use one of its attacks!"
"Okay!" Karen said as she pulls out her Pokédex before a picture of Mudkip appears. Unlike Seth's Pokédex, this one is a little bit different since it's from Unova.
"Mudkip's moves are: Tackle, Growl, and Water Gun."
"I know what to do now." Karen said as she puts away her Pokédex. "Mudkip, use Water Gun!"
"(Have a little bath, you palookas!)" Mudkip said it shoots a blast of water towards the Poochyena pack, causing the pack to get washed away by the attack. All of the Poochyena proceeds to run away as they clearly just pick a fight they can't win.
"That was a close one." The man said as he turn towards Mudkip before kneeling down. "You did great out there, Mudkip! I couldn't be more proud."
"(Glad to help, doc.)" Mudkip replied eventhough the man can't understand what it's saying.
The man then turns to Karen.
"And I also thank you for the help, young lady." The man thanked her.
"It was nothing." Karen said. "So what did you do to piss them off?"
"Well, I tripped and fell on top of a Poochyena." The man explained. "I tried to apologize to it, but then it called two of it friends and... I'm pretty sure you can guess what happens next."
"Yeah..." Karen said. "You must be Professor Birch, right?"
"Yes, that's me." The man named Birch replied. "But how do you know that?"
"Lucky guess." Karen replied. "And I'm Karen Orion."
"Orion..." Birch said before widen his eyes. "Are you related to Seth? Because if you are, that also makes you Norman's daughter."
"You just nailed that pretty well." Karen repiled.
"That certainly explains why you are so familiar." Birch answered. "But honestly, I don't know where he is right now. He could be anywhere at this point."
"Oh. That's okay." Karen said, slightly disappointed.
"Now that I think of it, I've seen you before..." Birch said before continuing. "Are you that young actress who made a debut in "Brycen Man"? Ever since then, I hear that you made a name for yourself as the main protagonist of a tv series."
"Yeah! That's me!" Karen said with a smile. "I'm surprised you know about that."
"My assistant always talk about you. I sometimes watch with him when we're not busy with a research." Birch said before he sweatdrop. "I think he's a fan."
"Figures." Karen said with a facepalm. "I surely hope he's not like one of those type that treated celebrities like an object." She said as shudders at the thought.
"He's good natured, don't worry." Birch assured. "But enough of that, what brings you all the way to Hoenn?"
"First, I once lived here before an unfortunate... incident that got me sent to Unova." Karen explained. "Second, I need a Starter Pokémon to battle my dad. I can't afford to lose this battle."
"I see..." Birch said as he understood. He then nods as he finally comes to a decision. "In that case, You can keep the Mudkip that you chose to save me."
"Really?" Karen said with a shocked expression. "Isn't it suppose to be one of the Pokémon for new trainers can choose?"
"Yes. And that's why I told you to keep it." Birch replied. "Think of it as a way for saving me."
"(Besides, you're pretty good out there.)" Mudkip said as he approaches her. "(I can learn a lot by being with a pro like you.)"
Karen can't help but to shed a tear of joy.
"Thank you...!" Karen said with a warm smile. "I'll promise you that I'll take good care of Dewey!"
"(Dewey, huh...?)" The Mudkip named Dewey said before he nods in agreement. "(I like that. I like that very much.)"
"Looks like he's taking a shine to the name you gave him." Birch told her.
"If that's the case..." Karen said as she wipes her tears off. She then aims her pokeball towards her new Pokémon. "Welcome to the team."
"(Look forward for to it.)" Even though Karen couldn't understand what he's saying, she can tell by just looking. Soon enough, Dewey returned to his pokeball.
However, the button on the center is still red and won't shrike down.
"What's this?" Karen asked as she's confused.
"I think I know what's going on. It's seems that you already have six Pokémon in your party." Birch explained. "Unless you have the approval to carry more than six, you can't bring your seventh Pokémon with you."
"In that case..." Karen said before she pulls out a pokeball and then handing it to the professor. "I'll leave my Druddigon, Garrett, in your care. I should warned you that he's very aggressive. And most likely to pick a fight."
"If that's what you wish, so be it." Birch said, taking Garrett's Pokémon. "You can leave him to me, Karen. I was planning to go back to the lab anyway."
"Thank you." Karen said before she remembers something. "Oh yeah! There's something I should give you in return." She said as she pulls out a small potrait of herself before pulling out a pen, which she used to write an autograph on it. "You should give this to your assistant. Better now than never."
"Oh. Okay then." Birch said as he receives the autographed paper. "I'll made sure to give this to him the next time I see him."
"I know you do." Karen said as she puts Dewey's pokeball away. "I'll call you right after the battle. I'll see you around!"
"Take care and good luck on your battle!" Birch said as he waved goodbye.
After that, Karen part ways with the professor as she heads back to Petalburg Gym.
(Several minutes later...)
"Well, this is it..." Karen muttered to herself as she has arrived in front of the Petalburg City Gym. To make sure she's prepared, she had Dewey battle any wild Pokémon or other Pokémon Trainers that come in their way.
"Alright. Here goes nothing..." The martial artist said as she enters the gym.
Once she's went through the door, she kept walking through hallway before she finds a particular room, one that is very bright as it has a battlefield in it. She notices her father, Norman, standing on his side of the battlefield. As well as her mother, Felecia, who is sitting on the sidelines. Of course, standing in the middle of sides is a referee.
"Looks like you really did come back." Norman said. "For a second there, I thought you'd just backing out on your word."
"I already told you; I'm not the same person I used to be two years ago." Karen said as she stands on her side of the battlefield. "And I'm going to prove it in this battle."
"Let's see if you have the strength to back that up." Norman said as he pulls out one of his pokeball. "Let's go, Vigoroth!" He shouted as he throws the pokeball forward in the air, causing a Pokémon to appear from it.
The Pokémon in question is a white furred, bipedal Pokémon that looks like a sloth. It has a set of large eyes that are encircled with brown rings and brown colored lower jaw. Other than the fact it has two triangular teeth, its also has a red tear-shaped tuft of red fur above its eyes. Its arms are long, its hands and feet has two sharp claws, and the underside of the hands and feet have a circular red pad. And it has two brown horizontal stripes on its back.
"(I'm ready!)" The sloth Pokémon said energetically as it spins its arms wildly.
"So that's a Vigoroth." Karen said as she pulls out her Pokédex in order to find out more about her father's Pokémon.
"Vigoroth, the Wild Monkey Pokémon. A Normal type. Vigoroth is simply incapable of remaining still. Even when it tries to sleep, the blood in its veins grows agitated, compelling this Pokémon to run wild throughout the jungle before it can settle down."
"This going to be a tough battle..." Karen said as she pulls out Dewey's pokeball. "But this is a battle I refuse to back down! Come on out, Dewey!" She said as her Mudkip appears, ready to battle.
"(Bring it on, you big monkey!)" Dewey said.
"(I hope you can take these strong hits, smally.)" Vigoroth said. "('Cause I'm gonna rough you up real good!)"
"(Smally!?)" The Mudkip exclaimed, offended by his opponent's insult.
"The unofficial Gym battle between Karen, the challenger, and Norman, the Petalburg City Gym Leader, is about to go underway! Each side can only use one Pokémon, with challenger's side can only use a Starter Pokémon to battle. The winner is decided when neither side is unable to battle." The referee said.
'I don't know what move Vigoroth can use...' Karen noted as she's looking determined, something that her mother notice. 'But I will win this battle!"
"Karen..." Felecia muttered quietly as she likes to see how Karen do in her battles now.
"Battle begin!" The referee shouted.
"I'll make the first move!" Karen said. "Dewey, use Tackle!"
"(Here I go!)" Dewey said as he charge towards Vigoroth.
"I knew you would start with an offense." Norman said before ordering his Pokémon. "Vigoroth, dodge the attack and use Counter!"
Vigoroth dodges left to avoid Dewey's Tackle. "(Choke on this!)" One of Vigoroth's claws glow orange before hitting the Water type Pokémon, causing Dewey to be sent flying in the air.
"Dewey!" Karen shouted as her Mudkip manages to land on the ground safely, causing his trainer to sigh in relief.
"(Dang. This guy's not hold anything back!)" Dewey said as he gritted his teeth. "(But I can still fight!)"
'Damn it. That Vigoroth's attack power is no joke.' Karen thought. 'I have to do something about that before it becomes a problem later on.'
"Now it's our turn for the offense!" Norman declared. "Now Vigoroth, use Slash!"
"(There's still more with that came from, Smally!)" Vigoroth said as he charge towards Dewey with glowing claws on one of its hands.
"Not so fast! Dewey, dodge the attack and use Growl!" Karen ordered.
"(Got it!)" Dewey shouted as the Mud Fish Pokémon barely dodges Vigoroth's Slash before he growls at his opponent, causing him to be enveloped in blue aura that disappears soon after.
Norman can't help but feeling impressed on Karen's strategies. 'I see what you're doing, but I have a countermeasure for that.' He thought. "Use Work Up then attack again with Slash!"
"(That won't be enough to save you, Smally!)" Vigoroth said before he is covered with red aura, regaining its attack power before going for another Slash.
"Quick! Use Water Gun to stop Vigoroth!" Karen ordered as she extends her arm out
"(But this will!)" Dewey said as he launches another stream of water towards his opponent.
"Cut it through!" Norman ordered.
"(With pleasure!)" Vigoroth smirked as he easily cuts through Water Gun and manages to hit Dewey, sending the Mud Fish Pokémon flying before landing on the ground, hard.
"Come on, Dewey. Get up!" Karen said as she sees her Mudkip able to get up. "Can you still battle?"
"(As if I let that attack... beat me!)" The Mudkip declared as he ready to continue.
"Vigoroth, use Slash again!" Norman ordered.
"(This will shut you up!)" Vigoroth said as he run towards Dewey with another glowing claws.
"There's no point of attacking if you can't aim it. Intercept it with a Mud Slap to the face!" Karen ordered.
"(I hope you like a mud pie to the face, you big palooka!)" Dewey said before he shoots several muddy spheres that hit the Wild Monkey Pokémon in the face.
"(Oh crap! I can't see a thing!)" Vigoroth complained as he tries to wipe the mud off of his face.
"Now, you use Tackle!" Karen ordered.
"(Why don't you choke on this!)" Dewey said as he tackles him in the gut, causing Vigoroth to fall down on his back.
"I didn't think she would come up with that..." Felecia said as she sees the confident look of her daughter's face. 'Seeing her battle now is like seeing Seth all over again.'
'First, Mud Slap to blind Vigoroth then a Tackle...' Norman thought, feelings impressed. 'She really did come from a long way. A far cry of how she acted in battle two years ago...'
By the time Vigoroth gets up, he is able to wipe the mud off of his face.
"(That's real smart, I give you that.)" The Wild Monkey Pokémon said as he glared towards his opponents. "(But this is the part where I take this seriously!)"
"Looks like we need to step up in this battle!" Norman commented. "Vigoroth, use Work Up again, then use Feint Attack!"
"(Fun time is over!)" Vigoroth declared as he is covered with red aura before charging towards Dewey. The moment he reached his opponent, he then look towards another direction. "(Hey, look! What's that?)"
"(What where?)" Dewey said as he look towards the direction his opponent pointing at. Unfortunately, the Mud Fish Pokémon lets his guard down.
"(You fell for the oldest trick in the book!)" Vigoroth mocked before hitting Dewey in the gut. He's able land but the Mud Fish Pokémon barely keep it together.
"Oh no!" Karen gasped.
"I think it's time to wrap this up with Slash!" Norman ordered.
"(Nighty night, Smally!)" Vigoroth said as he charge towards the Mudkip with his glowing claws once more.
"Quick! Intercept Vigoroth with a full power Tackle!" Karen ordered
"(I ain't going down for this!)" Dewey said as he charge towards with all his might. Soon, Vigoroth's claw and Dewey's body come in contact with each other.
Everyone then widen their eyes because... Dewey hanged on Vigoroth unconsciously before falling to the ground with swirly eyes.
"Mudkip is unable to battle! Vigoroth wins! Which means the victory goes to Norman, the Gym Leader." The referee shouted.
Karen proceeds to run towards her Mudkip in order to check on him. Once she's get there, the martial artist proceeds to pick the Pokémon up in her arms.
"Are you okay?" Karen asked worriedly as Dewey look at her.
"(I'm okay...)" Dewey said. "(Sorry I messed this up...)"
"No. You did okay." Karen said, as she somewhat understood what Dewey saying. She then pulls out his pokeball. "I'll make sure to take you to a nearby Pokémon Center. For now, get some rest." She added as she returns him to his pokeball. Karen then sigh in defeat. "I suppose the deal's a deal. I have to go back-"
"That won't be necessary." Norman interrupted, gaining her attention.
"What do you mean?" Karen asked, feeling confused. "I lost. I thought that was the deal."
"When did I agree to that?" Norman asked as Karen realizes that there was an agreement for the battle. "You remember that this battle decides whether or not you've changed, right?"
"Yeah..." Karen answered.
"And after seeing how you interact with your Pokémon as well as showing your bond with Mudkip..." Norman said before he smiles. "It's safe to say that you're rehabilitated."
"Does that mean I don't have to go back Unova?" Karen asked her father.
"You could say that. But..." Norman said.
"I don't think Seth will forgive easily. Felecia finished as she approaches them. "As a direct victim to your abuse, it'll take some time for you to reconcile with him."
"That's if he's not being hostile to you." Norman said.
"I see..." Karen said as she looks down. She then proceeds to look up with determination. "Don't worry. I'll try to make up what I did to him in the past. There's no way I'm not giving up on that."
"I know you do." Norman said as he and his wife smiles at Karen, who smiles back at them.
"Speaking of Seth, where is he?" Karen asked.
"No idea." Felicia answered as she and her husband shake their heads. "He's always wondering around Hoenn. So we can't be sure on where he is exactly."
"So your chance of encountering him is really small." Norman said.
"Okay." Karen said. "But I couldn't just stay here and hope he'll come home."
"You could go challenge the Gyms or compete in a Pokémon Contest." Felicia said.
"I suppose that's a way to pass some time." Karen said with a smile. "I've always wanted to enter a Pokémon Contest."
"Then you better train hard if you wish to do those things." Norman said. "With that said, I wish you and I can battle again... but in a Gym battle that is."
"Yeah." Karen said before she widened her eyes as she realizes something. "Oh shoot! I forgot about my luggage!"
"Don't worry, Karen." Felicia assured her daughter. "I brought in to the house after you left for Professor Birch's lab."
"Oh. Thank you." Karen said as she rubs the back of her head. She then turns to her parents. "Is it okay that I go to a Pokémon Center first? There's something I need to do first if I'm going to be traveling through Hoenn."
"Sure, dear. Just take your time." Felicia said as Norman nods in agreement.
"In that case, see you around!" Karen said as she leaves the Gym and head towards the Pokémon Center.
'When we meet again Seth...' Karen thought while walking. 'You'll see that I'm a different person. I'll do whatever it takes to make up for my past mistakes.'
(With Seth and co.)
After having lunch, the crew are on the deck again. Right now, they gather around as everyone look towards Nami's map.
"We're getting closer, guys. We've almost made it to the Grand Line." Nami told them. "But looks like we have go through here..." She then points her finger towards a mountain. "The Reverse Mountain."
"What a pain. There's gotta be somewhere around that thing." Zoro muttered as he scratches the back of his head.
"Well there's not." Sanji answered. "According to the Geezer, that's the only way in."
"Well, how come?" Usopp asked.
"Because it's dangerous." Sanji answered Usopp.
"Yeah, but how come!?" Usopp exclaimed.
"I don't know! I've just told you everything!" Sanji retorted. "Geez!"
"The reason is—" Nami explained before she was interrupted by Hoopa.
"Actually there is a safer way, but it's not available to us pirates." Hoopa stated.
"What do you mean?" Sanji asked.
"The safe way is only for Marines and other ships that is permitted by the them." Hoopa explained.
"Then the safe way is out of the question." Usopp said as he gulps. He can't afford to get caught by Marines on sight.
"In that case, we should sail straight to it!" Luffy suggested.
"Are you really that of an idiot!?" Nami argued. "We can't just go there blindly!"
"Aw. But my way is much more funner!" Luffy stated. "Plus, it'd feel way better to just dive right into it, ya know?"
"Just talking to you drives me crazy!" Nami said as she facepalms in frustration.
"Before we go towards somewhere crazy..." Seth began. "I think we should restock our supplies. Sure, we have supplies from Nami's island, but we really should prepare since we don't know what awaits in the Grand Line."
"Seth, you're a genius!" Luffy said. "We should go to an island that is full of meats!"
"Oh brother." Seth said as he facepalms.
Nami then points her finger to an island.
"There's a famous town in this island. It's called "Loguetown"." Nami explained.
"Loguetown? What is that?" Seth asked with curiosity.
"Yeah, so what's this Loguetown is?" Luffy added. "Are they famous for their delicious steak?"
"No, it's an island with all sorts of stuff." Nami explained. "You can find all sorts of shops there, so it's perfect spot to get some supplies."
"It's also called "The Town of the Beginning and the End"." Zoro added.
"It's the town where the late King of the Pirates was both born and executed." Nami finished.
"Loguetown, huh...?" Seth muttered. "So that's where Gold Rogers died..." He said before smirking. "This is a place where I'd like to see it myself."
"The town where the King of the Pirates born and died?" Luffy repeated, feeling interested.
"Well? How about it?" Nami asked.
"Yeah, let's go there." Luffy answered. "This was the man who had everything in the world had to offer, the One Piece." He then lets out a smile. "I need to see where he is born and executed."
It's seems that our favorite pirate crew are setting course to Loguetown. But what awaits in the town, known for the birth and death of the King of the Pirates? Find out next time as their journey continues...
(In Loguetown)
A familiar face has just arrived on a boat as she stops at the docks. After that, she steps out of it with her belongings. And also a familiar Pokémon with her.
"So this is it...?" The figure said before opening her cloak, revealing Reina. "Loguetown."
"Do you think we'll meet Auntie Heather here?" Monty asked.
"Only one way to find out. Let's go." Reina said as she and her only Pokémon goes through the town.
Next...
N: Every pirate that heads to the Grand Line stopped here to resupply.
?: To tell you the truth, I'm also selling weapons too.
S: Hold up! What!?
R: I didn't think we would meet again here!
H: Oh geez. Another Pokémon got caught in a Dimensional Distortion
S/H/L: Next time on A Star in the Ocean, Chapter 20: The Town of the Beginning and the End!
L: I'm gonna be King of the Pirates!
That's a wrap for this breather chapter.
I'm sorry to tell you that... there's one of the story I had that needs to be put down since I lost interest. I'm just... not feeling motivated towards that series anymore. I hope you understand.
I have updated the OC Profile of the story since I haven't done it for quite a while. It's highly recommended that you read this chapter before seeing the Profile to avoid some spoilers.
Now, I shall put my attention on "Dragon of the Shield" and my other stories that needs to be updated (minus the one that needs to be put down)
Please leave some reviews and comments~! All of them are appreciated :)