Journey of Dreams: Chapter 3 Start

Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon, Pokemon is owned by the Pokemon Company. I only own this story.

CG: *grabs desk with one hand shakily and uses it as support while climbing up into chair.* Ugh, that is the last time that I wake that dragon up. At least we came to an understanding….Oh shoot! I'm live right now! Ahem…

A/N: Hey Guys, CyberGuardian7 here and Chapter 3 is finally completed! This chapter took a bit longer as several things needed to be covered and soon I found myself with an 8,000 word chapter. This seemed very unbalanced with the length of the other chapters, so I had to split it up. As a result of splitting the chapters, Kanto will actually be finished at the end of the next chapter. The good news is that chapter 4 is already partially written, so hopefully its upload won't be as long.

This chapter and the next one use a few time skips, but Chapter 5 should be back to the pace that we have been going at. I do not plan on doing large time skips like this very often and it should only happen where I believe it would help the story.

That being said, I hope you guys enjoy these chapters as well. Once again, if you have any thoughts, requests, or concerns regarding this story, please leave a review or send me a PM.

Pikachu: CG, do I get any battle time in this chapter?

CG: I guess you'll have to wait to find out, now won't you?

Pikachu: I guess, but I really hope so. By the way, why are your clothes all torn up?

CG: Sigh, take a guess, you have one.

Pikachu: *shudder* Salamence...of course, stupid question. What are you going to do with him?

CG: Well, Salamence and I—

?: CG! The readers are waiting! We can talk about this later! By the way, you had better reveal who I am this chapter. I am losing my patience!

CG: Whoa, chill out my friend. I am revealing you this chapter, so all is well.

?: *180° mood swing* Excellent! Let's get on with this then. Without further ado, here is Chapter 3 guys!

CG: Hey Wai—

"Normal Human Speech"

"Thoughts/Telepathy"

"Pokemon Speech"

(Time Skip – 3 weeks)

Ash, Pikachu, and Brock were just now arriving in Lavender town and were heading to the Pokemon Center at around 10 in the morning.

They let out a sigh of relief as they walked; Rock Tunnel was always a bit unnerving as it is very dark and the Pokemon in there can surprise you quite easily if you don't have a Pokemon with Flash. Ash wanted to have Eevee rejoin them and called him out of his Pokeball. He had recalled Eevee so he wouldn't get separated from Ash.

Ash and Brock had been getting to know each other more over the past few weeks and they realized that they had a few things in common. One thing in particular that they talked about a lot is Pokemon food and preferred recipes for various Pokemon and people. Ash was careful to jot down any tips that Brock provided him in his notebook as he quickly learned that Brock was an excellent chef and had some great recipes and tricks when it came to cooking.

They had also been training with each other and caught a few Pokemon as they traveled. Ash caught a Bulbasaur in a hidden village, a Squirtle that was causing trouble for some nearby random city, and a Charmander who was abandoned by its trainer before he befriended it (Ash scared Damian senseless for even considering such a thing.)

He also caught a Magnemite that wanted to come with him after helping to clear out some Grimer out of the Power Plant. His most impressive (and difficult) capture though, was a larger than average Onix that he just found in Rock Tunnel as it was blocking their path; that fight was anything but easy.

Most Onix are about 28' in height, but this one was about 34' and Ash had to use Pikachu's electricity to provide just enough light for Squirtle to see, battle, and defeat Onix.

Ash had asked Brock why Onix was larger than normal since he was a Rock-type expert. Brock had told him that he had heard rumors of a mountain in Kanto that had giant Onix. He explained that while Rock Tunnel was not a mountain, much less that particular mountain, there may have been something in the environment that caused it to grow larger, but it was difficult to tell since the tunnel was so dark.

Brock had also obtained a couple of Pokemon, including a Zubat in Mt. Moon which he used to help stop Team Rocket when they tried to steal a gigantic Moon Stone. He also received a Vulpix from a Pokemon Breeder that he looked up to: Suzie.

After Ash and Brock helped restore Suzie's self-confidence (again, more trouble caused by Team Rocket) she decided that she needed to do some soul-searching. Suzie saw potential in Brock and asked him to take Vulpix along as she needed to do this alone and Vulpix seemed to like couldn't refuse a request from his role model, so he accepted it.

Despite gaining two additional Pokemon, Brock left his Onix behind so his father had a good Pokemon to use against challengers. "Onix was always a hard worker and a great friend. He will do a great job defending our badge" he mused.

Brock snapped out of his thoughts as they arrived at the local Pokemon Center. Just as they were about to walk through the main doors, a man with spiky, brown hair walked out and bumped into Ash.

"Ow! Hey watch where yo—well, if it isn't Ashy-boy."

Ash looked up at the person who spoke to him as he held his head in mild pain and glared, "Gary! What are you doing here!?"

Gary smirked, "Well unlike you, I've been working toward my dream of becoming a Pokemon Master. I've already got 3 badges. How many do you have Ashy-boy?"

Ash smirked in return and said, "I don't have any badges yet, because my plan to become a Pokemon Master is different than your approach Gary."

Gary lost it at this point and laughed, "H-H-Hahaha! Ashy-boy, I don't know if anyone told you, but if you don't have 8 badges, you won't get the chance to battle in the Indigo League, let alone trying to become a Master."

Ash adopted a serious expression and responded, "As I said, my plans are different from yours, but before we get into that, I challenge you to a battle!"

Gary stopped laughing at this and uncertainly replied, "Seriously Ash? I have 3 badges and you don't have any. How do you expect to win?"

Ash calmed down and answered with, "Just because I don't have any badges doesn't mean I haven't been training. Do not underestimate me."

Gary studied Ash for a moment before grinning, "Alright Ash, let's see what you've got." He turned toward Brock and looked confused for a moment before he remembered who this individual was. "Hey aren't you Brock, the Pewter City Gym Leader I defeated? What are you doing here?"

Brock casually replied, "I gave the position to my father since he returned. I actually wanted to become a Pokemon Breeder."

Gary nodded, "Not bad, that is a great goal actually. Maybe I could get some tips from you later, but for now, would you mind being the referee for our match?"

Brock agreed to do so and stood at the edge of the battlefield while Ash and Gary took their places.

Ash was a little annoyed that Gary wasn't being a jerk to Brock, but was always trouble for him. "That will change soon enough. I've just got to beat him at a League" he smirked inwardly.

He called out to Gary, "This will be a 3v3, 1-on-1 elimination style battle. First to knock out two of the opponent's Pokemon is the winner and no substitutions are allowed. Agreed?"

Gary just shrugged with his eyes closed and a grin on his face, "Eh, whatever. I'll beat you regardless of the circumstances."

Ash was beginning to lose his cool again, but stopped when he remembered that his battling would be hampered if he lost control of his emotions. He reached for a Pokeball and tossed it, "Pidgeotto let's win this!"

Pidgeotto appeared with a determined expression on her face, wondering who she would be up against.

Gary was mildly impressed, but grabbed a Pokeball from his belt and threw it up, "Nidorino, Go!"

Nidorino appeared and smirked when he saw his opponent. Pidgeotto just glared at it in response.

Ash gritted his teeth, "Drat! He had to choose a Pokemon with Poison Point! Now I can't use half of Pidgeotto's moves without risking poison."

Gary was getting a bit impatient and shouted, "Hey Ashy-boy. You're going to lose regardless, so stop stalling already! The first move is yours."

Ash ignored his friend's goading and decided to attack, "Pidgeotto, use Gust!" Pidgeotto immediately responded by flapping her wings as hard as she could. Nidorino had to grip the ground hard, but was still skidding back as his energy was being drained a bit.

Gary called, "Nidorino hit it with Thunderbolt!" Nidorino's body started crackling and he sent a blast of electricity at Pidgeotto and scored a direct hit, causing Pidgeotto to cry out in pain.

Ash was surprised; he did not expect Gary's Nidorino to have a long-ranged attack already, much less a powerful one. He expected that to be the case after it had evolved.

Ash snapped out of it, and yelled, "Pidgeotto, dive and hit it with your new move! Steel Wing now!"

Pidgeotto regained her focus and did a sharp dive and nailed Nidorino who cried out in pain as he was pushed back. Nidorino's Poison Point activated and Gary smirked, but when Pidgeotto landed, she showed no signs of being poisoned. Gary's jaw dropped.

"What happened, why didn't Pidgeotto get poisoned? I saw Poison Point activate! What did you do Ash?" he demanded while glaring at his opponent.

Ash smirked, "You must not have known, but Steel Wing is a steel type move, and Poison is completely ineffective against it. Pidgeotto did touch Nidorino directly, but because her wing was coated with a steel-like film so the poison could not reach her."

Ash was inwardly thrilled that he managed to surprise Gary with one of his strategies, "There's more where that came from Gary!"

Gary facepalmed, unable to believe that he hadn't thought of that, "Not bad Ash, but let's see how you deal with this, "Nidorino, use Horn Attack!"

Pidgeotto was too close and was unable to evade the attack as it struck her, causing Pidgeotto to fall to the ground with swirls in her eyes.

Brock looked over Pidgeotto and announced, "Pidgeotto is unable to battle. Nidorino is the winner! Trainers, send out your next Pokemon."

Both trainers recalled their Pokemon and Gary selected his next Pokemon. "Abra, I choose you!" Gary's Abra appeared on the field, ready for battle, but unusually relaxed.

Ash was determined to step up his game a bit as he threw his next Pokeball high in the sky, "Onix, I choose you!" A roar was heard as Ash's unusually large rock serpent appeared on the field.

Gary gulped a bit. He knew from his studies with his Grandfather, as well as his battle with Brock that Onix are very large, but this one was huge! "Ash, I don't know how you managed to get a slightly larger Onix, but it won't be enough to beat me" he finished with a cocky grin.

Ash was uninterested and simply replied, "We'll see. Onix, start with a Tackle now!" Onix charged toward Abra, intending to land a huge hit, but Gary calmly commanded, "Dodge with Teleport!"

Abra suddenly vanished, causing Onix to hit nothing but ground. Ash quickly thought of a counter strategy, "Onix, use Rock throw over the entire field!"

Onix roared and slammed its massive tail into the ground causing several rocks to go flying in different directions. Abra re-appeared only to get caught by one of the rocks and promptly fainted.

Brock saw Abra's condition and called out, "Abra is unable to battle; the victor is Onix!" He inwardly grinned when he announced this as he was a bit biased and was pleased that Ash's only Rock-type won that match.

Gary groaned, "Really? It landed a critical hit on the first hit and on top of Abra's poor defense too… I guess we'll work on that, Abra return." Gary recalled Abra and thought, "I'll have to remember Ash's Onix; it is already really strong."

Ash recalled Onix and looked to the Pokemon next to him, "Eevee, I choose you my friend!" Eevee jumped on the field, and started jumping around, excited for battle.

Gary thought it was pretty cute, but he wasn't here to praise Ash's Pokemon; he was here to defeat them.

Gary thought over his final choice for a moment before sending out his Pokemon, "Electabuzz, you're up!"

Electabuzz materialized on the field and started punching his fists together in determination for this battle. Eevee was a little intimidated and backed up a bit and sent a worried look to Ash. "Ve?" he said weakly.

Ash smiled at Eevee and said, "Eevee, I know it looks like we are a bit outmatched, but I know you can do it. I'll be here with you as well. Let's do this!" he said optimistically. Eevee smiled at this and yipped happily "Ve! Eevee!" and faced his opponent with a glare.

Gary called out to Ash, "We'll start things off this time Ash. Electabuzz, use Thundershock!" Electabuzz briefly charged electricity before sending it toward Eevee.

Ash was quick to respond however, "Eevee, jump to dodge and follow it up with Bite!" Eevee dodged the attack with an impressive jump and went in to attack.

Gary was only too eager to reply, "Electabuzz, give that Eevee a Shock Wave when it comes in."

Seconds later, Eevee cried out in pain as it was struck with an arc of electricity and fell to the ground. Eevee struggled to get up with one eye open while gritting its teeth before regaining its composure a few moments later.

Ash looked on a bit worried; he had forgotten that Electabuzz learns that powerful attack early on in its training. It was a strong move for Electabuzz since it also got the Same Type Attack Bonus (STAB) and it couldn't be avoided.

He called out, "Eevee, don't push yourself too hard. I don't want you to get too injured in trying to win a fight, your safety is more important. Do you want to continue?"

Eevee looked at Ash, still amazed at how much he constantly cared for him, "Even in the midst of this battle, when I could very well lose the match against the rival he always wanted to beat, Ash still cares so much. That's it! I've got to win this battle now, or go down hard trying!"

Eevee nodded looking more than determined than ever. He turned toward Electabuzz and cried out "VEEEEE!" and suddenly started glowing blue. Energy began swirling around Eevee as he started changing shape.

Ash watched what was happening with one of his best friends and was surprised, "Eevee is evolving and so soon too! I was told that without a stone, Eevees must have a very close friendship with their trainer to evolve!"

Ash started tearing up a bit when reality finally sunk in, "Eevee must trust me and value our friendship more than I thought and decided to evolve to help me win against my rival after hearing me talk about him." Ash smiled greatly and silently thought to himself, "Thank you so much Eevee, you don't know how much this means to me."

The energy surrounding Eevee suddenly dissipated with a flash and Eevee's Evolution was revealed to be none other than Espeon.

Espeon turned toward Ash with a smile and telepathically said, "No, thank you Ash!"

Ash jumped, not used to hearing a voice in his head and looked around quickly before seeing Espeon and put 2 and 2 together. "No way, you can use telepathy!? We have a lot to talk about later, but let's finish this battle first."

Espeon nodded, but was looking a bit tired as he turned toward Electabuzz who was still looking quite strong.

Gary shook his head, "How lucky can you get having a Pokemon evolve during our match? Oh well, let's finish this."

Ash agreed and decided to take advantage of Electabuzz's only weakness, "Espeon, use Dig!" Espeon, known partially for its excellent speed, dug underground faster than seemingly possible for such a Pokemon. Electabuzz started looking around in confusion.

Gary reeled a bit, not expecting this move and quickly went over his options. Finally he made a choice, "Electabuzz, try and sense Espeon's movements and strike with a Shock Wave as it appears."

Electabuzz nodded and started trying to sense Espeon as he charged Electricity. 10 seconds later, both Pokemon sensed each other and attacked, Espeon nailing Electabuzz in the chest with the super-effective move as Espeon received a painful shock.

When the attacks finished, they both just stood in front of each other for a moment, glaring at their opponent before Espeon's strength finally gave out and he collapsed.

Brock looked over at Espeon and declared, "Espeon is unable to battle. Two of Ash's Pokemon are unable to battle so the victor is Gary Oak!"

Both trainers recalled their Pokemon and Ash stared at his Pokeball for a moment while deep in thought. The loss to Gary really stung his pride, but it was greatly diminished by what Espeon just did for him. His friendship to Espeon meant far more than winning a match against Gary. With that, he was able to put this loss behind him. It wasn't like this was a Pokemon League match anyway.

He turned to Gary and actually smiled, "Not bad Gary, but it won't end this way the next time. I will make sure I defeat you."

Gary smirked in return and said, "You wish Ashy-boy. Anyway, let's head to the Pokemon Center to heal our Pokemon and hear about your plan." Ash nodded, and turned to thank Brock for refereeing the match and the three of them headed to the Pokemon Center.

(Time Skip — 10 minutes)

After Ash and Gary gave Nurse Joy their Pokemon to be healed, they sat down at a nearby table and started to talk. Brock decided to wait on their Pokemon as he thought Ash needed to have this talk with his rival alone.

Gary decided to start, "So Ash, what is your plan anyway?" He had an idea of where this was going, but wanted to be sure.

Ash sighed and explained, "Well Gary, I am actually not participating in the Indigo League this year. In about a month, I am headed to the Johto Region."

Gary was mildly surprised, but not shocked. He had thought Ash might be implying that he would participate in another League during their match. There were a few things that didn't make sense though, so naturally he wanted a few answers.

"Why did you decide to participate in another League" he questioned.

Ash answered, "Well, you had an hour's head start on me when we first took off and I thought I would fall too far behind. Besides, I wanted to do the Indigo League last as it is in my home region and I know you would've given me a hard time for being so far behind."

Gary contemplated this for a moment before acknowledging what his rival said, "Yeah, I was going to give you a hard time for falling behind, but you just took the fun out of it. If you are going to participate in the Silver Conference, and I'm doing the Indigo League, how do you expect to battle me like we talked about growing up? Remember our deal?"

Ash nodded, "Yes, you said that I would only have your full respect if I could defeat you in a League match. I haven't forgotten and I've already considered that. You and I can battle at the Hoenn League in Ever Grande City once we are both finished with our respective leagues. That is where my starter is from so it is only fitting." he finished with a chuckle.

At this Gary went wide-eyed, "What! Your starter was from Hoenn! How is that possible!?"

Ash laughed at his reaction, but managed to calm down long enough to explain, "My dad gave it to me when I was 5. I wasn't allowed to train it until I was 7, but even then it was very minimal and only with supervision".

Gary shook his head, quite annoyed that Ash had a Pokemon for 5 years while he had to wait until he was 10, "Geez, how lucky can a person be? First your Pokemon evolves in our match and now I find out that you have a starter from Hoenn that you got when you were 5!"

Ash smirked at this, "What's wrong Gary, jealous?"

Gary scoffed at this, "Ha, as if! I'll still be able to beat you and your starter the next time we battle. I'm guessing that you won't show me who it is right?"

Ash shook his head, "Sorry, but you have to battle me at Ever Grande to find out. I am specifically saving him for that match. Besides, you didn't reveal your starter either."

Gary shrugged, "I guess you have a point. We'll have our League Battle at the Hoenn League then. You had better train hard; I would at least like a decent challenge from you when we fight."

Ash was a bit irritated at this comment, and threw Gary's taunt back at him, "Right back at you. I'd hate to see your Pokemon get ruthlessly crushed."

Gary started laughing as Brock came back and handed both trainers their Pokemon. Gary thanked Brock and turned to Ash and said, "Well Ashy-boy, I've got a League to prepare for, later loser!"

Ash and Brock watched Gary walk off and Ash shook his head, "Why does Gary always have to be a jerk to me every time we cross paths?"

Brock thought about that for a moment and offered his thoughts, "Maybe he knows that you will make a good opponent and it is his way of gaining confidence when he measures himself against you."

Ash considered that for a moment but shrugged it off, "I guess I'll find out later. Right after I beat him in the Hoenn League. We'll see who the loser is then." he finished with a smirk.

He suddenly remembered that Espeon was still in his Pokeball and called him out. Espeon appeared with a neutral expression and observed his surroundings until he spotted Ash.

Ash got down to Espeon's level and with a warm smile said, "Espeon, your evolution is a testament to our friendship which is already stronger than I realized. I want you to know that you did great in that battle and I'm very proud of you."

He continued, "I'm also very touched that you consider me a great friend already considering that we've only known each other for 3 weeks. Your friendship means a lot to me as well, but what made you consider me such a great friend so quickly?"

Espeon smiled and replied telepathically, "Ash, we may have only known each other for three weeks, but it feels longer than that to me. When we first met, you understood rather quickly that I didn't care for Pokeballs and that I wanted more for my life than just battling. You were looking out for my interests above your own."

Espeon pressed on, "Since I agreed to travel with you, you have kept your promise to me about not keeping me in my Pokeball unless necessary and we have had a great adventure so far which is what I have always wanted. You spend a lot of time with us and all of your Pokemon, not just me, have learned what kind of person you are; a person that cares, and a person that looks out for others and not just himself. What you did for Charmander just proves that."

Pikachu wholeheartedly agreed with this and said, "Pika!" as he nodded from his shoulder.

Ash was moved by this and said, "Thanks Espeon and Pikachu. That means a lot. By the way Espeon, how are you able to use telepathy now? I thought only a select few Pokemon could learn how to do that?"

Espeon shrugged as best he could and responded, "Well, that is somewhat true. Psychic Pokemon are able to learn to use telepathy, but that skill comes easier for some than others. Even if a Pokemon is able to use it though, they generally won't unless it is with a great friend or to threaten someone when actions aren't enough."

Ash sweatdropped but accepted the response. "Err...ok I suppose." Ash's face suddenly adopted a serious, yet concerned expression, "Now about the whole mind-reading thing..."

Espeon's face dropped a bit and he quickly explained, "That was unintentional Ash. That actually wasn't mind-reading but rather reading your surface thoughts at the given time. Those are very hard for a Psychic to ignore, but among Psychics it is considered very rude to read the mind of someone without obtaining permission unless it would be necessary to in case of an emergency, so it does not happen often. Please don't be upset with me."

Ash inwardly sighed in relief, but he smiled and pet Espeon who looked up at him in confusion. "Espeon, I am not upset with you, I was just curious as to how that worked as it surprised me, that's all. I appreciate you explaining that to me though. I have no problem sharing surface thoughts with you and communicating with telepathy either."

Ash ended with, "Also, even if you did read my mind, I wouldn't be upset with you as I have nothing to hide from you guys and I trust you. I would appreciate a heads up if possible though if you end up doing that." he finished with a chuckle.

Espeon finally cracked a smile at this, "Thank you Ash. You truly are a unique human and my best friend."

Ash grinned, happy that he cheered up his friend and replied, "No problem. We should probably get going though." He turned to Brock and said, "Thanks for getting our Pokemon Brock."

Brock had been watching Ash talk with Espeon, and he guessed that Espeon was communicating telepathically with as much as Ash seemed to understand him. He snapped out of this thoughts and said, "Sure thing Ash, but you are right we should leave. We aren't even halfway back to Pallet yet and we've got to make it back in about a month to go to Johto. Let's get going."

Ash agreed and with that, they left the Pokemon Center and set out for Fuchsia City.

Chapter 3 End

A/N: Eh, I think this chapter could still use work and I might update it when I find a way to give it more life so to speak. I still have high hopes for this story though and I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter.

CG: Espeon, why did you do that?

Espeon: Why did I do what? *Looking at CG with what appears to be an innocent look*

CG: Why did you start the….Forget it. I suppose it doesn't matter.

Espeon: *rubs against leg* Thanks for revealing me CG. I don't like being a mystery all the time. By the way, what were you saying about you and Salamence earlier?

CG: Ah right, well after waking up on the wrong side of his bed he attacked, but I only managed to save myself by saying that I needed to continue writing this story, otherwise it would never be finished….he made sure that I learned never to wake him up again though. I ended up reading Chapters 1 and 2 to him though and he seemed to calm down a bit.

Pikachu: So does that mean that Salamence doesn't hate you anymore?

CG: Sigh, that is where it gets complicated. He doesn't seem to outright hate me anymore, but he doesn't like me either. I think it will change in time, hopefully for the better.

Espeon: Didn't Salamence say that any chapter that he wasn't in was a horrible chapter? What is he gonna do when he demands that you read this to him?

CG: ...Shoot! I knew I was forgetting something. I'd better get writing on the next chapter ASAP! If I have to read this to him, I'd better have the next one ready with him in it!

Salamence: *Off in the distance getting closer* CG, is that chapter finished yet?

CG: *pales* Oh no. Guys I need you to stall him!

Pikachu & Espeon: Sorry CG, you're on your own for this. *walks out of the room*

CG: Traitors…fine, let's hope I can get lucky. Until next time everyone!

-CyberGuardian7