Journey of Dreams: Chapter 2 Start
Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon. Pokemon is owned by the Pokemon Company. I only own this story.
A/N: Hey guys, CyberGuardian7 here back with Chapter 2 of the Journey of Dreams. I was not able to finish the Kanto region in this chapter, but hopefully it will be finished soon. Anyway, I also wanted to give everyone a reminder that any/all updates and important notes regarding the Journey of Dreams (and any story I may write) will be posted on my profile, not in the story itself.
The questions I did not answer from the reviews are ones that will likely be addressed in this Fanfiction soon (probably within a few chapters). There was an important question in the reviews however, so I'll answer that now.
Satoshi and Touko: I know this will not have an AshxMisty pairing (Thank Arceus!), but will it have a pairing at all?
CG: This story (probably its sequel) will have a pairing for Ash, but it will not be for a while. Ash is still only 10 at this point and needs to grow and gain experience before considering a relationship. Now on with the story!
?: Wait! Aren't you going to introduce me? You totally forgot to do that! By the way what was that noise earlier?
CG: *cringes* That was Salamence breaking my 45" plasma screen TV, but this time it was by accident. He was just walking through the living room and his wing brushed against it, sending it plummeting to its unfortunate death….please don't remind me again. I really need to take any and all valuables and lock them up.
CG: Oh, I almost forgot. I actually didn't forget to introduce you; I purposely haven't introduced you yet because you are Eevee's evolution and we haven't gotten to that point in the story yet. I'll probably introduce you sometime in the next few chapters. You know your story better than I do; I'm just writing down what you told me in your story, but it takes time.
?: ….Alright, you'd better reveal me soon though or Salamence will be the least of your problems. Where is Salamence anyway?
CG: Salamence is currently resting in my backyard and I have no intention of waking him up right now; I don't have a death wish. I'd rather not have another incident this time. Oh yeah before I forget, reviews would be greatly appreciated! To all the readers out there: Here is Chapter 2.
"Normal Human Speech"
"Human/Pokemon Thoughts"
"Pokemon Speech"
The sun was just now setting, the last few rays peeking through the trees as Ash and company arrived in Viridian Forest. They were currently looking for place to set up camp for the night.
Pikachu and Ash yawned and were getting a bit tired while Eevee was still full of energy. He was too excited about this journey to be tired at the moment.
As they were walking Eevee called out, "Ve!" and pointed out the small clearing up ahead with his paw. Ash grinned as they walked in the clearing up ahead and decided to have a look around.
As he was currently looking around the edges of the clearing he thought, "This clearing is definitely a good landmark in the forest to prevent us from getting lost, but it is a bit out in the open. I wonder if….ah, there!"
Ash spotted a small area as he walked along the west side of the clearing. It was perfect; it was about 10 yards away from the clearing and he could hear a current of water on the other side which told him there was a nearby stream.
"Eevee come over here! Let's set up camp" he called out. Eevee came over and started checking out the nearby area as Ash pulled out his sleeping bag. Ash then decided to get some firewood and berries, but decided to call Bagon out first.
He grabbed Bagon's Pokeball and enlarged it. He then tossed it up, "Bagon, come on out and join us."
Bagon appeared and he immediately saw his new friends Eevee and Pikachu looking at him. They smiled and greeted him with their respective cries. Bagon smiled back and greeted them in turn.
The three of them started talking for a moment to get to know each other a bit more while Ash was observing their behavior. He was thrilled that they were all getting along so well. He would have been fine to let this go on, but a bit of work had to be done first.
"Hey guys, I'm going to go get some firewood to start a fire. Pikachu and Eevee, I need you guys to watch the camp for just a bit." Pikachu and Eevee responded with their respective cries and a look that said, "Just leave it to us."
Ash nodded and turned to Bagon, "Will you come with me Bagon? I could use just a little help if you don't mind." Bagon grinned and nodded, "Bagon!" and followed Ash as he left to get firewood.
(With Ash and Bagon…)
Ash was ecstatic as he thought about the possibilities of his journey and getting the chance to do it with his best friend. He also thought about what had happened in the Pokemon Center earlier that day with his eyes. His eyes were normally black as they were dilated a bit most of the time, but certainly never glowed blue before.
As Ash started picking up logs and Bagon picked some nearby Pecha berries, he remembered a conversation he had with his father just last week last week via a video call in his living room…
(Flashback – 7 days ago)
"Hey Son, how are things going? Are you and Bagon doing well?"
Ash declared with enthusiasm, "Things are going great! Bagon and I are both doing well and are as close as ever. He has become my best friend."
Ash's father smiled warmly at this. To be honest, he knew Ash would be able to handle Bagon. He hadn't told Ash yet, but his family had a natural affinity with Dragon-type Pokemon.
The Ketchum family had several common traits that always seemed to be passed down to the next generation; including courage, determination, the desire to be strong and protect, and respect for others.
These traits were very common with Dragon-type Pokemon, more so than with any other type. The Ketchum family's affinity with Dragon-type Pokemon is made possible through these very qualities that both groups share, specifically through their Aura.
Dragon or dragon-like Pokemon always seem to possess an abundance of natural energy (more so than many other Pokemon types) which is usually tied with a strong life force; This is why Dragon-type Pokemon usually have so much sheer power.
Aura is known as the life force of all living things; it is never in a constant state as it can fade or grow, depending on the will of the life it resides in. As Aura is very dependent on the will of its host, it is also closely tied to and influenced with emotions; however that is also what makes Aura dangerous if not used correctly.
This is why he decided to tell Ash about all of this; he had a feeling Ash would start using his Aura soon whether he realized it or not.
Ash was watched his father and noticed his expression had changed from a warm smile, to one of debate. "Dad, is something wrong? You look like you are struggling with something."
Ash's father snapped out of it, "Oh, no everything is fine. However there is something I would like to talk to you about soon…oh, hi Delia" He noticed Delia had walked up behind Ash and saw him. He smiled sheepishly while he counted down mentally, "3..2..1"
"RILEY SATOSHI KETCHUM! Why have you not called in a month!?" Delia yelled with an angry expression.
Ash's father jumped at this outburst and nearly dropped the phone, but he got a steady hold on it. "Sorry dear, I have been in training for that, but I'm almost finished with it. I was actually going to tell Ash that we will have a talk about it in person soon" he explained.
Delia visibly calmed and decided to listen for now, but Ash was confused, "Dad what are you talking about?"
He sighed, but smiled softly and responded, "Ash, there is something about our family you need to know; however we will need to discuss it in person. I know your journey starts later this week, but you said something about participating in the Johto League starting in about two months the last time we talked right?"
Ash nodded and his father continued, "Then I will see you just before you take off for Johto to talk to you about it. If you notice anything odd happening with your body before then don't worry about it. I will explain it when you return. I need to go now, but keep in mind what I taught you. Your bond with your Pokemon will be the most important part of your journey, and is one of the most important aspects of life as they can be not only your Pokemon and partners, but also your closest friends."
Ash nodded and smiled, "I'll remember that Dad! I love you and I'll see you soon."
Delia decided to interject softly, "I love you Riley. Take care and come home safely."
Ash's father returned the smile and said, "I love you too son, take care of yourself on your journey. Delia, I'll see you before you know it. I love you honey" and with that Riley ended the call…..
(Flashback end)
Ash turned toward Bagon as he looked at Ash, "Bagon, I'm so grateful that Dad introduced us. We have come such a long way in 5 years, and I can't wait for all of the future adventures and experiences we will have together. I couldn't have wished for a better starter and best friend."
He proceeded with, "I know we will go on to do great things and make many close friends along the way, just like Eevee and Pikachu. I will have a close relationship with all of my Pokemon, but our bond will always be a little closer as you were my starter and the first Pokemon I made friends with."
Bagon was touched by Ash's words, but wholeheartedly agreed. He grinned widely and said, "Ba, Bagon!"
Ash finished getting as many logs as he could carry and Bagon was also holding as many berries as he could. Ash finished his thought with, "Let's head back, the others are waiting." They started on their way back, but unknown to them there was a figure in the trees watching them as they walked off.
She had heard everything the young boy had said after he unintentionally woke her up and decided to confront them tomorrow. "All of the trainers I have seen pass through here were arrogant and believed that nothing could stop them, but they never bothered to consider what their Pokemon felt."
She had seen many Pokemon that either felt uncertain about their new trainer as they didn't spend much time with them, or some that had hated their trainer as they were being pushed too hard against their will, or abused.
She wanted to travel with a trainer to get stronger, but also wanted to travel with one that saw her for who she was and treated her as such, not as a fighting machine.
She continued, "This trainer though, he appears to treat his Pokemon with the respect that he would give another human and seems to genuinely care. That Pokemon of his, Bagon I think he called it, seemed to genuinely care for him as well. Rest well human, for I will see you tomorrow and you will be in for a tough fight."
With that, she flew off and decided to prepare for their meeting tomorrow and to get some rest…
Ash and Bagon arrived at the camp site to find Pikachu and Eevee observing their surroundings, but talking a little bit. They saw Ash and ran up to greet him.
"Hey Guys, I'm back! Let's get this fire started shall we?" he responded. The three Pokemon wholeheartedly agreed with him on that idea and expressed their thoughts as such. Ash laughed at this, "Excited to be near a warm fire huh guys? We'll get it going very soon" and with that, he placed the firewood down. As soon as the firewood was placed in a pile, Ash got some decent-sized stones and started to build a small wall around the wood with them.
After about 30-minutes of doing this and seeing that the area was secure and cleared of anything flammable; Ash called out, "Bagon I know it isn't perfected yet, but this area is secure. Will you start the fire with an Ember?"
Bagon nodded and launched Ember at the wood starting the fire.
Ash sat down on a nearby log and his companions set next to him. Bagon placed all of the berries in front of them and everyone grabbed two berries for dinner. When they were finished eating, there was 1 Pecha berry, 2 Cheri berries, and 1 Sitrus berry remaining.
Ash grabbed them and stored them in his backpack near the Oran berry. He then pulled out a brush and started to groom Eevee as the Pokemon resumed talking with each other as they had before. Eevee seemed to really enjoy the grooming, though Ash wasn't completely sure why Eevee liked it so much.
After about an hour or so Ash told his friends, "Let's go to sleep guys, tomorrow we will start our new training routine. I will watch the fire for a while." All of them nodded and went to sleep for the night.
Ash decided to stay up for another hour before deciding to call it a night. He got up and decided to get a drink first, so he pulled a Fresh Water from his backpack and downed it. When he finished it he went to the nearby stream, filled it up, and returned to the campsite to put out the fire. He then went to sleep for the night next to his Pokemon.
(The next day….)
"Alright guys, we are going to do some training, but before that I'm going to scan you guys to see what moves you know." They nodded and Ash scanned them with the Pokedex. It revealed that Pikachu knew Thundershock, Quick Attack, Tail Whip, and Thunder Wave.
Eevee seemed to know Tackle, Tail Whip and Dig, but the Pokedex showed the move Shadow Ball faded out. Ash took that to mean that Eevee had been working on that move, but hadn't mastered it yet. He didn't bother scanning Bagon as he already knew Bagon's moves: Rage, Bite, Focus Energy, Headbutt, and Ember. He also had a hidden egg move, but that attack was highly advanced and Bagon needed more training before attempting to use it.
Ash was impressed with their progress and said, "Wow, you all have some good starting moves! I am impressed, but how about I help you guys to learn even stronger moves?" All of his Pokemon cheered excitedly and Ash chuckled at their enthusiasm.
"Great! We will be practicing for about 2 hours, with a 10-minute break after the first hour. Here is what will go down: Pikachu and Eevee, you guys will be working on Iron Tail as that will help with Rock and Ghost types."
He continued, "To learn this move, you need to strengthen your tail muscles by using them a lot. Start by moving your tails up and down at a normal pace repeatedly until you can no longer do so. This will build your muscles a bit. While you are doing this, try to focus on your tail and see if you can divert your energy to it. If your tail starts to glow, you are close to mastering it."
Eevee and Pikachu nodded and got to work with what they were told.
Ash smiled and called Bagon over to the stream he found yesterday. He turned to him and said, "Bagon, we will be working on focusing your Ember attack for now. You know how to do the move, but it still appears to be just a bit unfocused. That is likely due to releasing the energy almost immediately after it builds. Try to focus the fire from Ember a bit just a little bit more before releasing it and you will have Ember completely mastered. After a while, you will be able to launch it quickly again, but for now we will focus on the timing."
Bagon nodded and began practicing Ember on the stream so nothing would catch fire. Ash watched his Pokemon and offered pointers where they would be useful in helping to master their moves, but the instructions Ash gave at the start seemed to be helping them a lot.
That was one of the things that Ash studied the past 5 years; He looked up various moves and tried to learn the mechanics behind how they worked and right now he was glad he did so as that enabled him to help his Pokemon more effectively. Once they were done here, they would head to Pewter City.
He decided to do a few push-ups while his Pokemon were practicing their moves until he either noticed something else or they wanted some advice. He figured if his Pokemon are going to work hard, he should as well.
(2 hours, one capture, and a need to visit the Pokemon Center later)
Ash was in Pewter City heading to the Pokemon Center. His Pokemon were currently in their Pokeballs; all of them were exhausted and some were in need of healing. Right after their training session a Pidgeotto found them and wanted to battle. Unfortunately, Eevee was knocked out after exchanging a few blows with Pidgeotto and Pikachu took a few hits as well, but was able to win with a point-blank Thundershock.
"At least Eevee managed to master Iron Tail during the fight with Pidgeotto. I didn't expect him to master it so quickly. Pikachu needs a little bit more work, but he should have it down soon." He thought.
Bagon had also mastered his control of Ember in those 2 hours, so they were making progress. As soon as he had finished that thought, he saw the Pokemon Center up ahead and picked up his pace a bit.
He walked through the doors to find Nurse Joy at the desk writing an entry into a log of sorts.
He was a bit perplexed by this and decided to ask, "Nurse Joy? I thought I saw you at the Pokemon Center in Viridian City? How did you get here so quickly?" He questioned.
Nurse Joy casually responded, "Oh, you must have met my sister. There are actually quite a few of us and we all look pretty similar so I can understand the why you mistook me for her. Take a look at this."
Ash peered over to the photo Nurse Joy had in her hands and his jaw dropped. There must have been at least 20 Nurse Joys in the picture; what was worse was that he couldn't tell them apart!
He sweatdropped and replied, "Err, that's quite the family you've got there."
Nurse Joy agreed and said, "Yes, but we all have different personalities despite looking very similar to each other. Anyway, how can I help you today?"
Ash recalled the reason he visited and took out his four Pokeballs and handed them over after providing his name. "My Pokemon are kind of exhausted and need healing. We were training in the forest for a couple of hours and when we finished, a Pidgeotto attacked. It wanted to come with me, but it wanted me to prove my worth as a Trainer first" he explained.
Nurse Joy understood and said, "A Pidgeotto is quite rare in those woods, but they are strong for newer Trainers. Anyway, I'll take care of them Ash. It should only be a few minutes."
Ash nodded and decided to wait at the desk; he didn't want to get started on an interesting read only to have it interrupted. That was when he noticed a man at the other end of the desk walking up to him.
The man started, "Hi my name is Brock. I noticed that you appear to be a new Trainer and already have about 4 Pokemon from the looks of it. Are you a new Trainer?"
Ash responded, "Yeah, I just became a Trainer yesterday, but I've been training my starter for about 3 years. My name is Ash and my goal is to one day become a Pokemon Master."
Brock was shocked at this, "3 years!? No offense Ash, but I know a person needs to be at least 10 before they can become a Trainer and you don't look like you are 13 yet. How did you manage that?"
Ash shrugged, "I am 10, but I met my starter when I was 5 as he was a gift from my father. After talking with my Mom, we agreed that I could do very mild training with him after I turned 7 under her supervision. Before that, I was spending time getting to know my starter to develop a bond with him. My father taught me that was the most important aspect of being a trainer and I agree with him."
Brock nodded and smiled, "Yeah, I also believe that is the most important part of being a trainer. That's quite the story by the way. Are you looking to battle the Gym Leader to take on the Indigo League?"
To Brock's surprise, Ash shook his head, "No, I am actually just making a 2-month pass through Kanto before heading over to Johto. I want to take on the Indigo League last since it is in my birth region. Although I would be interested to know who the Gym Leader is. Do you know the Leader by chance?"
Brock smirked, "Actually you are looking at him. That is why I am here, I just got done with a gym battle and I am waiting to get my Pokemon after they heal."
He decided to ask, "Once our Pokemon are healed, can I interest you in a mock battle? It does not have to be official as you would like to enter the Indigo League later, but I would be interested to see your skills as a Trainer. There are few new Trainers that already have 4 Pokemon before getting their first badge."
Ash was surprised. He didn't realize that Brock was the Gym Leader in Pewter City. He also didn't expect to be challenged by the Gym Leader to a mock battle as he thought he would be the one doing the challenging. "I could use experience in battling a Trainer, and it is just a mock battle" he came to a solution.
He smirked, "Sure, but I will give it my all. I expect you to do the same." Brock then mirrored his smirk in response.
Nurse Joy then returned with both of their Pokemon, "Ash and Mr. Harrison, your Pokemon are fully healed. Here are your Pokemon." Ash and Brock accepted their Pokemon and walked out of the Pokemon Center and headed to the battlefield out back.
They each took their respective spots and Brock called out, "This will be a 1-on-1 battle with no substitutions. Is that acceptable?"
Ash nodded and Brock grabbed a Pokeball from his vest in response. "Geodude, Go!" He threw the ball at an angle and the Pokemon materialized with a determined expression.
Ash analyzed his opponent and retrieved a ball from his belt and tossed it straight up. "Eevee, Let's go!" Eevee then appeared on the battlefield and growled.
"I'll start this battle off since I made the challenge. Geodude, Rock Throw!" Geodude then proceeded to punch the ground hard and a few rocks flew up from the field and went hurling toward Eevee who was a bit nervous upon seeing the rocks flying in its direction.
Ash's eyes widened; he hadn't expected the attack to have so much power behind it! "Eevee, dodge that! Use Dig!" Eevee snapped out of his trance and dug underground with Dig causing the attack to land harmlessly on the field.
Geodude looked around completely confused. Brock called out, "Geodude put your hand on the ground and try to feel the vibrations! When you feel the tremors increase, dodge the attack!" Geodude nodded and did as instructed.
Ash, realizing that the attack would fail called out, "Eevee, strike now and follow it up with Iron Tail!" Eevee then immediately appeared, but Geodude dodged the attack.
Geodude didn't see Eevee's tail glowing as a follow-up attack however and got hit hard as Eevee swiftly navigated his glowing tail right onto Geodude's head.
Geodude cried out in pain as he crashed into the ground. Brock was initially concerned, but let out a sigh of relief when Geodude got back up.
"Quick, use Rock Throw again!" Geodude hurled another round of rocks at Eevee. "Eevee, there is no time to use Dig as Geodude is too close. Dodge that attack!"
Eevee jumped to the right, then back left missing the first two rocks, but was unable to dodge the third and cried out in pain.
Eevee then slowly got back on its feet while gritting its teeth. The two combatants glared at each other while panting a bit, waiting for the next attack order.
"TACKLE!" both trainers shouted at the same time. Eevee and Geodude shot towards each other and quickly collided, causing both Pokemon to back away and temporary flinch from the pain.
Brock decided to intervene, "Enough that will do." Ash looked at Brock a bit puzzled before remembering that it was a mock battle and nodded.
Brock handed Ash a Super Potion and both of them proceeded to heal their Pokemon a bit. In a few seconds, both Pokemon were back up as if no battle had taken place. They used the potions as they didn't want to abuse the Pokemon Center's services.
Brock recalled his Geodude while Eevee elected to remain out with Ash.
Brock then looked over at Ash and said, "Well Ash that was a great battle. I didn't expect Eevee to know Iron Tail already. You've been training it well."
Ash agreed, "I can say the same for your Geodude, I didn't expect that Rock Throw to have so much power behind it. Thanks for the Super Potion by the way."
Brock nodded and turned to the side for a moment and decided to take a chance and ask, "Ash, I may be a Gym Leader now, but my father just arrived in town again and will be taking over as Gym Leader again as my true goal is to become a Pokemon Breeder."
He turned back to Ash and said, "I know we just met, but I will be going on a journey as well to accomplish my dream and I was wondering if I could travel with you. Would that be alright?"
Ash considered this for a moment, but inwardly was excited about the idea. He did just meet Brock, but they seemed to hit it off pretty well so far. Brock also seems like a nice guy and seemed to know what he was doing. Add that to the fact that he was a Gym Leader, he should be trustworthy and perhaps they could learn a thing or two from each other.
Ash reached a conclusion and smiled as he answered, "Sure, I don't see the problem with that. It would be great to have a traveling companion along on my journey!"
Brock smiled and declared, "Excellent! I just need to inform my father that he is the new Gym Leader of Pewter, effective immediately, and we can head on our way."
The pair then proceeded to head to the Gym to get that sorted out and then continue on their way towards Cerulean City.
Chapter 2 End
A/N:I realized there were quite a few important parts that would be good to include in this chapter as well, but Kanto will hopefully be finished soon. I did come up with a small idea or two for the next chapter or two while writing this one, so I'm excited to get on that.
?: Not bad CG. I was hoping that we would get further in this chapter, but it was good regardless.
Pikachu: Speak for yourself! CG, why was my battle with Pidgeotto skipped and our friend here got his battle described?
CG: Oh come on, anyone knows that an electric type will most likely beat a flying type if they are of a similar level. Besides, you got to battle Bagon and TR in the last chapter. Our friend here didn't get a chance to battle last chapter. I'm not playing favorites.
Pikachu: …Fine, but I better get some battle action soon.
CG: We'll see Pikachu, We'll see. By the way, I think Salamence should get up now so he can sleep tonight. Can you wake him up for me?
Pikachu: Heck no, I don't have a death wish! You go wake him up CG; you were the one who agreed to watch us after all.
CG: ….Crap, your right. I just hope I don't get roasted alive. Why me!? Ash, if I make it out of this alive, you owe me.
?: Good luck CG!
CG: Thanks, I'll need it…Until next time everyone! *carefully walks outside toward the sleeping dragon*