I would like to again apologize for how long it took to post this chapter. I got distracted playing the game Disney Dreamlight Valley. It is a very addicting game and hard to put down. Now I would like to say that I will try to work on chapter 8 during the months that the big-name games are coming out. But I can't make any promises because I have all of the big-name games preorder. I hope you enjoy this new chapter of Journey of two Pokemon Master: Kanto arc.
Chapter 7 An Eggciting Experience
It was nighttime as the four stood on top of a hill looking over a dimly lit city, Pewter City. It had been two weeks since their encounter with Samurai. In that time, they spent each day the same. After breakfast they would travel until noon, they would stop for a quick lunch then spend the afternoon training.
Their training sessions have been very successful. For Ash, Pidgeotto has opened up a little and is by far his most experienced Pokemon as she had spent years training by herself and prided herself on being the best bird in the forest. Butterfree was no longer the shy little bug he was when he was a little Caterpie. And Pikachu has almost mastered Iron Tail and has become like Ash's brother in everything but blood.
Nikki's training sessions was also successful. Blaze was becoming quite the battler and is gaining serious fire power and has almost mastered Iron Tail. Plume had learned Twister and gained more speed when attacking. Pidgeotto had even helped Plume learn Agility. Spike learned focus energy and was starting to be a little more trusting of Flora, Misty he still had some doubts about. Storm has started to open up a little more but was only really comfortable with Nikki and the other Pokemon learning Sweet Kiss and Nuzzle with training almost mastering Iron Tail. Spike had even started teaching Storm how to be a Service Pokemon for Nikki when he can't be with her.
Flora's training sessions were also successful. Ivysaur and Eevee improved their accuracy and with Storm's help Elekid mastered Thunder Punch.
Misty's training sessions were also very successful. Her Staryu had mastered the move Water Pulse. And when they found a body of water, she would also train her Goldeen who is working on unlocking her Hidden Ability Lightning Rod.
"We're finally here, Pewter City." Ash said happily. "And our and Nikki's first gym battle!"
"Great!" Pikachu cheered from his shoulder as he sparked his cheeks.
"We'll take them down." Spike says with a smirk as Storm cheered softly from Nikki's shoulder sparking her cheeks.
"Uugg! Can't you two just rest for five minutes?" Misty groaned in an annoyed tone.
"Guys calm down." Flora said as she stepped between them. She was tired as well and was just trying to play peacekeeper. "Look. There are some rocks. Let's rest there." The group walked over to several large rocks. They were surprisingly smooth, and they each took a seat.
"I can't wait to sleep in a nice and warm bed." Misty said as she closed her eyes. Ash and Nikki's stomachs growled.
"And I can't wait to eat something other than sandwiches." Ash said closing his eyes.
"Is food the only thing you think about, Ash Ketchum?" Misty asked with a deadpan expression.
'That and Pokemon battles.' Nikki thought with an inward giggle. "But he is right. It will be nice to eat something other than those plain sandwiches." Nikki said.
"It's not my fault." Ash groaned. "My stomach and I have been on shaky ground since it hasn't had anything but sandwiches in weeks."
Nikki giggled softly. Yes, it sounded silly but that was just how her Ash is and she finds it cute. Nikki blushed. Did she just think of Ash as her Ash? When did she start doing that? Sure, she called dibs and will personally escort any girl who tries to take him to the Orre Region, but when did she think of him as hers? Yeah, they have been getting closer ever since travelling together, spending all day together, everyday together, eating, travelling, training together. As weird as it was at first, Nikki liked the sound of it. Her Ash. She realized she was bright red and while lost in her thoughts Ash, Misty, and Flora were just staring at her. Flora learned very early in travelling with the group about Nikki's crush on Ash and didn't let an opportunity to tease her about it go by. Misty and Flora were smirking, knowing that Nikki was having another Ash-Anticy, while Ash looked at her with confusion and concern.
"Hey, Nikki. Are you alright?" Ash asked with concern evident in his voice. "Your face is all red. Do you have a fever?" Ash asked as he stood in front of her and placed the back of his hand against her forehead. That action just intensified her blush, but it changed from one about her crush to one of pure embarrassment.
"Er I'm fine, Ash." Nikki said in a slightly panicked tone. Ash shrugged his shoulders and accepted it, sitting back down on one of the rocks.
"So, Ash, Nikki, do you both think you're ready for your gym battles?" Flora asked trying to change the subject for Nikki.
"Yeah. Pikachu, Butterfree, and Pidgeotto have all been training really hard. We can definitely win that badge." Ash said with enthusiasm.
"Spike, Blaze, Plume, and Storm have been training hard as well. Though I don't think Storm is ready for a gym battle just yet. But we will get that badge." Nikki said with a smirk.
"You betcha!" Pikachu added with equal enthusiasm.
"We'll win." Spike said with his own smirk mirroring Nikki's. In the few weeks that Ash and Pikachu and Nikki and Spike have been together they had grown quite close. Flora smiled as she liked how easily Ash and Nikki can connect with any Pokemon. Looking at them now, it's hard to believe that it's the same Pikachu that shocked Ash when they first met. And Spike has opened up a lot more when it comes to trusting other people around Nikki than when she first met him.
"I wouldn't get too confident if I were you two, Ash, Nikki." Misty butted in. "I heard that Pewter's gym specializes in Rock types. None of your Pokemon have a type advantage against rock types."
"Type match isn't everything, Miiisty." Ash retorted. How dare she put his and Nikki's teams down like that.
"Ash is right. He and I have watched Pokemon battles on tv where Pokemon with no type advantage won the battles." Nikki said a little rudely as she was a little ticked off that Misty just put down her and Ash's teams like that.
"All I'm saying is if you both ask me really nicely then I might let you both borrow one of my water Pokemon." Misty said with annoyance.
"Thanks, but no thanks." Ash said.
"No offence, Misty, but I don't want to borrow your Pokemon." Nikki said with annoyance of her own. Ash saw Misty start to harden her gaze into a glace and decided it would be best to explain why he and Nikki don't want to borrow her Pokemon.
"Sorry, Misty, but if we used your Pokemon then it wouldn't be our badges. Nikki and I have been training hard with our Pokemon and using one of your Pokemon wouldn't just undermine all of the hard work we all did, but also half of our badges would be yours. We believe in all of our Pokemon and our strength. We do appreciate your offer, but it just wouldn't sit right." Misty nodded in understanding.
"That's a great mind set for you both to have. So, who do you both plan on using?" Misty asked.
"What do you mean?" Ash asked confused while Nikki looked her.
"Ash, gym battles aren't like a normal battle. You are only allowed to use a set number of Pokemon." Nikki explained to him.
"She's right. I believe your battles will be a two on two since it is for your first badge." Misty adds on.
"Hmm… If someone needs to sit out…" Ash started tapping his finger against his chin as he slipped into seep thought. There isn't any of his team with a type advantage so its no easy first choice. Pidgeotto has been a complete powerhouse. Any battle she's been in she has won with complete obedience and efficiency. And even helped Pikachu and Butterfree and Nikki's Pokemon. She helped Butterfree unlock Iron Defense and has been working with him on his flight maneuvers and taught Pikachu to master Iron Tail. Butterfree has been working hard since evolving and has been almost as enthusiastic about the gym battle as Ash. Then there's Pikachu. His starter and best buddy, plus he has worked so hard on Iron Tail. It's not fair to leave any of them out.
Pikachu could see his trainer's confliction and decided to add his own thoughts. "Ash…I'll sit out." Ash looked at Pikachu surprised.
"Pikachu… Are you sure?" Ask asked.
"Yes. My best attacks won't do anything to them. At least the others have evolution, and all of their moves will at least do something." Pikachusaid logically.
"Okay, Pikachu. If, you're sure." Ash said as he scratched behind his ear. "But I promise that you will be in the next gym battle."
"I'll hold you to that." Pikachu said giving a playful smirk, then the two fist bumped.
"Then that settles it. Tomorrow Pidgeotto, Butterfree, and I will take on the Pewter City Gym Leader." Ash says.
"I'll have to talk with my Pokemon to figure out who will sit out. But I'm not going to let Storm battle just yet. Especially in a battle where her best moves won't do anything." Nikki says looking at the others.
"Well, I know you both will do great." Flora says with a smile. "And I'll cheer you both on all the way." Nikki smiled.
"Thanks, Flora. We can cheer for Ash when he battles, and you both will cheer for me when I battle."
"That sounds like a plan to me." Ash said giving his toothy grin.
"So…you both are challenging Brock, are you?" A new voice spoke up. A man appeared behind Ash and Nikki, almost seemingly out of nowhere. He was sitting Indian style on a larger rock behind the group. Had he been listening to them this whole time? Well, he was silent and without looking up, is out of sight. So, it's no surprise he went unnoticed.
"Um, y-yeah. Why?" Ash nervously asked. He didn't know why but this guy was giving him bad vibes. Looking at Nikki, Misty, and Flora they seemed to be thinking the same thing.
"What is it to you if we are going to challenge the gym leader anyway?" Nikki asked rudely. She didn't like eavesdroppers listening in.
"No reason." The man said. "I just know that Brock's really strong. I don't think either of you stand a chance." That got Nikki's blood boiling.
"And just how would a nobody like you know that?!" Nikki asked in anger. How dare this man put her Ash and herself down like that.
"Nikki, calm down." Flora said gently as she put a hand on her shoulder. "Don't let what this man says get to you okay?" Nikki takes a deep breath and nods as she slowly calmed down a little bit.
"Just trust me. My name's Flint, by the way." The man said as he jumped down from the rock. "And these are my rocks that you all are on by the way."
"Your rocks?" Misty asked.
"Yes, I run a rock selling service." Flint said. With the looks he was getting from the four trainers he sweat dropped. "A man has to make a living somehow."
"Rrriiiggghhhhhttttt." Ash said while stretching out. "Anyway, I don't care how strong Brock is. My Pokemon and I have been training really hard. I came here for a boulder badge and that's what I'm leaving with." Nikki smiled and blushed a little. She loved Ash's determination.
"The same goes for me. My Pokemon and I have worked too hard to leave the Pewter Gym without a boulder badge." Nikki said giving a confident smirk.
"Humph. If that is how you feel, then I guess I could show you the way." Flint offered. Ash and Nikki grinned and was about to accept, but Flint continued. "But the gym is closed now. So, I can show you the way to the Pokemon Center now, then to the gym tomorrow."
Ash and Nikki both shrugged their shoulders. "Let's go then." Ash said as he stood up and Pikachu jumped onto his shoulder. As the three girls got up Storm jumped onto Nikki's shoulder and Spike got beside her as Nikki stood behind Ash. She didn't trust this man…and it gave her an excuse to be closer to Ash. Misty and Flora didn't need any protection. If he tries anything the both of them would be extremely happy to introduce their mallets to his face.
A sudden flash of light from Ash's backpack caught Nikki's attention.
"Ash! I think your egg is close to hatch!" Nikki said excitedly. "I just saw a bright light come from your backpack!" Ash turned looking at Nikki excitedly.
"Really?! How can you tell, Nikki?" Ash asked.
"Because Pokemon eggs tend to glow brightly on and off while moving when they are close to hatching. I can't tell if your egg is moving in your backpack, but I saw a flash of light. You should have Nurse Joy check your egg out when we get to the Pokemon Center." Ash nods before turning back around to face Flint.
"By the way, that'll be a five poke-dollars each for resting on my rocks." Flint said as he held out his hand. The trainers, Pikachu, Spike, and Storm sweat dropped but handed over the money anyway, though Nikki had to be convinced by Flora to give Flint any money. And with that they all set off.
When they arrived at the Pokemon Center they bid goodnight to Flint, who left back towards the hill. The group ate their first proper meal in weeks. Ash had even eaten five portions. Ash had gotten his Pokemon egg checked by Nurse Joy before getting a room, Nurse Joy conformed what Nikki had said. Once they got their room and changed into their nightwear, they fell into a long sleep. It felt good to have a bed rather than the ground.
The next morning the group woke up getting ready for the day and ate breakfast. They learned that the gym was opened at 10 am, so Ash and Nikki decided to spend the morning training. And Nikki still needed to talk to her Pokemon to see who was going to sit out for this battle.
Once outside they both went to the battlefield and let their Pokemon out. Pikachu and Storm jumped down from their respective trainer's shoulder and with Spike join the other Pokemon.
"Okay guys. The gym battle is today for one of us. Nikki and I still need to decide who battles the gym first." Ash said to the group of Pokemon.
"And I still need to talk to my team about who will sit out for this battle. I don't want to make anyone sit out but because this is my first gym battle the rule is that it is to be a two-on-two battle." Nikki explained to her Pokemon. "The gym uses rock type Pokemon, so we don't have type advantage, but type advantage isn't everything."
Plume, Blaze, and Spike looked at each other understanding that one of them needed to sit out for this gym battle.
"Nikki, I'll sit this battle out." Blaze said. "My best attacks won't really do much damage. It will be better to use Plume and Spike for the gym battle." Nikki smiled listening to her starter.
"Don't worry, Blaze. I promise that you will get to be in a battle. Whether it's a gym battle or a Chateau battle."
"Now to decide who gets to battle the gym leader first." Ash said. "You should go first, Nikki. I can wait til tomorrow for my turn to battle the gym leader." Nikki looked at Ash.
"Ash, are you sure? I know you have been looking forward to this just as much as I have."
"I'm sure. Besides this will give me more time to train Pidgeotto and Butterfree a little more before our battle." Nikki nodded.
"Alright, Ash, if you're sure. Alright, Plume, Spike. Let's get some last-minute training in before the gym battle."
Nikki spent the next half hour doing some light training with Plume and Spike as not to wear them out before the battle. She smiled as she walked to her Pokemon.
"We are ready. You all take a good rest until the gym battle." She said while returning Plume and Blaze.
"Ash! Nikki!" A familiar female voice called out to them. They both turned seeing Flora running to them from inside the Pokemon Center. "You both need to come quick! Something is happening with Ash's egg! Nurse Joy says it's about to hatch!"
Both Ash and Nikki's eyes widened hearing this news. They both took off running towards the door to the Pokemon Center after Ash returned Pidgeotto and Butterfree. Flora turned direction and ran after them following them inside to Ash's Pokemon egg. The three made their way to their shared room where Ash's egg was. The egg was making noises while moving and shining every few seconds.
Nikki was excited to see the look on Ash's face when he sees what Pokemon hatches from the egg. Ash got in front of his egg as it started to move more intensely. Then the egg began to glow in a blinding light. Everyone covered their eyes until the blinding light died down. Once the light dimmed, they could see the newly hatched Pokemon yawning. Ash and Nikki pulled out their pokedexes:
Nidoran female. The Poison Pin Pokemon. Nidoran female has barbs that secrete a powerful poison. They are thought to have developed as protection for this small-bodied Pokemon. When enraged, it releases a horrible toxin from its horn.
Type: Poison
Ability: Poison Point
Hidden Ability: Hustle (Note: Hidden Ability is locked)
Sex: Female
Nature: Sassy (Note: The nature can change when the Pokemon evolves)
Move(s): Growl, Poison Sting, Scratch
Ash smiled as he put his pokedex away.
"Hi, Nidoran. My name is Ash. And I'm your trainer if you want me to be. Do you want to join my team?" Nidoran watched Ash as he spoke. She could hear the kindness in his voice and see it in his eyes. She smirked a little and nods.
"If you think you can handle me." Nikki sweat dropped hearing this. 'Great he got a Nidoran with a sassy nature.' She thinks as she pulls something out of her backpack.
"Here, Ash. Catch her with this. This is a special pokeball that can catch Pokemon who evolve with a Moon stone." She says holding out the Moon ball. Ash looked at the Moon ball before looking at Nikki.
"Isn't that one of the pokeballs that your dad collected for you? Nikki, I can't take that. I can just use a pokeball." Nikki smirked a little and shook her head.
"Ash, yes, it is one of them, but I want you to have it. Trust me when I say I have enough that I can spare one." She leaned in close so she could whisper in Ash's ear. "Besides I don't think Nidoran will accept anything less than the Moon Ball. She has a sassy nature and seems very much like a princess type Pokemon." Nikki whispered in his ear before pulling away.
Ash gave her a little smile and took the Moon ball from her.
"Thank you, Nikki." He turned to Nidoran and tapped her with the Moon ball. She became engulfed with red light before being sucked into the Moon ball. The ball immediately dinged when Nidoran went in. Ash grinned as he held the Moon ball out striking the pose while flashing a V sign with his other hand. "I just caught a Nidoran!" Ash said cheering. Pikachu flashed a V sign cheering with Ash.
Nikki smiled watching the scene with a light blush on her cheeks. She found Ash doing this pose after he caught a Pokemon cute.
"Well, I better have Nurse Joy take a look at Plume and Spike before my gym battle." Why don't you guys go find Misty and introduce her to Nidoran?"
"Good idea, Nikki." Flora said.
"We'll meet up with you after you dropped your Pokemon off with Nurse Joy." Ash said.
"Alright, then I'm off." Nikki said before leaving the two trainers and Pikachu as Spike followed beside her.
Nikki walked with Spike beside her and Storm riding on her shoulder to the desk where Nurse Joy is stationed.
"Nurse Joy, can you check over my Pokemon before our gym battle please." She asked. Having met her last night, she wasn't surprised that she looked similar to the Nurse Joy from Viridian City.
"I'd be happy to." Nurse Joy said happily with a smile. Nikki place her two pokeballs in the tray she presented before picking Spike up and setting him on the counter while Storm jumped down next to the pokeballs. Nurse Joy dinged the bell on her desk and a Chansey came and took them away for the examination. "The check up shouldn't take too long." Nurse Joy tells Nikki. "I'll bring them over once it's done."
"Okay. Thank you, Nurse Joy." Nikki said happily before turning looking around for her group of friends. She smiles spotting them sitting in an open area for Ash to play with and bond with Nidoran.
Nikki made her way over watching as Ash was bonding with Nidoran.
"Hey, Nikki." Misty said greeting the bluenette. Nikki had approached from behind where Ash was facing. "That was a short training session." Nikki glared a little not realizing that Misty was just teasing her.
"Misty, ease up on teasing her." Ash says turning to look at Misty. "Because judging by the glare on Nikki's face she didn't know you were teasing." Nikki frowned hearing this. Misty was just…teasing her? She groaned on the inside knowing she needed to work on understanding when someone is teasing her and when they aren't.
"I didn't want to wear them out before the gym battle, so they are having a quick check up." Nikki explained.
The group of trainers just hung out until Nurse Joy came bringing Nikki's Pokemon to her. Storm jumped on her shoulder as Nikki looked at Ash.
"Why don't we introduce everyone to Nidoran before Flint gets here? Let them get to know each other and play?"
"That's a good idea, Nikki." Flora said with a smile.
"Yeah, that sounds good." Ash said with a grin.
The group made their way outside, releasing their Pokemon to introduce the newest member of Ash's team. They let their Pokemon get to know Nidoran and play together until they saw Flint showed up.
With that, they returned their Pokemon excluding Pikachu, Spike, and Storm and set off towards the gym.
"Hey, Flint, do you know anything else about the gym leader?" Nikki asked. "Besides him specializing in rock types."
"Yeah. He's name is Brock, and he is really strong." Flint praised. "But he doesn't want to actually be a gym leader."
"How come?" Flora asked with curiosity. Flint sighed.
"His good for nothing father left his family to become a trainer. Brock's mother left soon after, leaving Brock to look after his nine siblings and run the family gym." Flint explained. "He doesn't even like battling. He would rather be a Pokemon Breeder."
"That's horrible." Misty says. Everyone looked down. Flint saw this and sweat dropped.
"Don't worry. Brock is a good sport, and he would want you to take this battle seriously." Flint added and Nikki and Ash nodded in understanding. "Although deep down he is hurting." Ash nodded in understanding while Nikki looked perplexed.
"Hey, Flint… How do you know so much anyway?" Nikki asked and the rest of the group looked towards Flint wanting answers. Flint sweat dropped.
"Umm… I heard… Stories…" Flint nervously replied. The group gave a nod, although skeptical they decided they could accept that answer because after all it really wasn't any of their business.
The group continued their walk for another nine minutes before they appeared in front of a building.
"Here it is." Flint announced. "Pewter City gym."
"Right…" Misty said with a sweat drop.
"At least we know he takes his type seriously." Flora adds also with a sweat drop. The group waited about a minute, unable to come up with words to describe the…building design.
"Let's quit this standing around." Nikki said speaking up. "There's a gym badge in there waiting for me." With that the blue haired girl marched up to the front door. She is ready for her gym battle.
Thanks for reading. Please favorite, follow, and review. And please if you have any questions feel free to ask them through PM, I will answer all of them. But don't think I will answer any that ask for big spoilers. I appreciate any and all support. Thank you and tune in when the next chapter is posted!