Chapter 1: Legends? Go! Friends? Go!

It was a fresh day in Pallet Town. Everyone was doing their things and for one young man, he was about to get ready for his new adventure. In the Platinum house, Daniel Platinum was fast asleep in his bed, his Umbreon opening her eyes before nudging his shoulder with a paw. When he did not wake, Umbreon gave her Trainer a Buzzy Buzz wake-up call, which caused Daniel to scream and fall to the floor.

"It's morning, brother," Umbreon said. "It's about time we get going to the new lab in Vermilion City."

"It's that time already?!" Daniel gasped.

She nodded.

Daniel hastily got himself ready by getting his clothes on and packing his things. He looked at his smartphone he got from his father, Red Platinum, the former Champion of Kanto. Daniel had been busy quite recently with all the new Trainers aiming to become Champion in Kanto for defeating him, but with his unbeatable team of friends at his side, Daniel never lost a battle.

Daniel took the smartphone and put it in his pocket. "Let's go, sis," he said to Umbreon. "We shouldn't let Mom and Dad wait."

"All right," was all she said.

Ever since he could understand Umbreon, Daniel felt his link and bond with her stronger than ever whenever they touched each other's thoughts.

Daniel got out of his room to the front door, Umbreon trailing beside him. He was greeted by Red and Sakura Platinum, who were smiling at him once he got out.

"It's about time you awoke," said Red.

"Sorry that I slept in…" Daniel apologized.

"He was lucky that I was there, otherwise he would just have slept all day," Umbreon added, with her thoughts reaching her Trainer's parents, who chuckled heartily at the remark.

"Yeah, would you stop teasing me, sis?" Daniel frowned at Umbreon.

Since they were together throughout their journey in Kanto, Daniel and Umbreon—who was an Eevee back then—formed a familial bond where they would call each other "Bro" and "Sis" when they spoke with each other.

"Now, come on you two," said Sakura. "In the car. We're going to see Professor Cerise's opening of his lab. We wouldn't want to be late."

"No."

"No, we wouldn't," Umbreon added with Daniel.

Daniel and Umbreon got in the red car before Red began to drive through Pallet Town.

~~...~~

In Vermilion City, all was excited about the new opening of a laboratory founded by Professor Cerise, who was more than pleased to see everyone having gathered in front of his laboratory.

"Welcome, everyone," said Professor Cerise. "It's my great pleasure to have founded Cerise Laboratory. I'd like to thank you all for your patience in coming to see the new lab."

Daniel and Umbreon stood with Red and Sakura beside Delia Ketchum, Ash and Professor Oak, who they were surprised to meet in the area.

"And now, for the grand opening you've all been waiting for!" said Cerise before he took a scissor and cut the red ribbon in the front of the Cerise Laboratory.

Everyone cheered.

Both Daniel and Ash smiled at each other, their partners looked at one another. Not long after the ribbon was cut, they all walked into the building to see the sights. Daniel was most excited about seeing the Pokémon that Cerise will have. However, to his disappointment, no other Pokémon were in the building aside from Umbreon and Pikachu, who were with him and Ash as they stayed with their respective parents.

"Now," started Cerise to say. "I think we all would love to see some new Pokémon. Maybe if we're lucky, we might see some rare ones very soon."

"What do you think it could mean?" Ash asked Daniel.

"No idea," was all Daniel replied with a shrug.

A beeping sound came just then. Everyone looked at the screen, where they soon saw a black cloud in the sky.

"I wonder…" Red began before he noticed Daniel and Umbreon missing. "Son?" he asked.

"See you soon, Dad!" Daniel waved to him by the door. "Gotta go!"

"Yeah, same!" Ash added.

Daniel and Ash ran out of the building and went separate paths in the city to see the rare Pokémon that was to appear in the sky above Vermilion City. Daniel had chosen the left path, while Ash went the other path.

"What sort of Pokémon do you think it could be, brother?" wondered Umbreon.

"No clue," was Daniel's honest answer. "But it'd be most likely a legendary or some other strong Pokémon. We should just see it with our own eyes."

"Agreed."

Daniel continued running to the port with Umbreon beside him. Once they got there, he noticed some Trainers who had gotten to the port before him, and he looked at them in defeat. "Dang, we weren't the first ones," he mumbled to his Pokémon sister.

Umbreon sighed.

Above them in the sky, the black cloud were growing stronger and soon, a Lugia appeared from it. Daniel gaped at the majestic legendary Pokémon and he saw the Trainers getting their Poké Balls ready in hand.

"All right! Time for a Raid battle!" one of them said.

"Raid?" Daniel looked at Umbreon, who looked back in as much wonder.

"Go, Corviknight!" said the first of the Trainers.

"Garchomp!" added the second Trainer.

"Scizor!" finished the third Trainer.

Daniel blinked. He hadn't seen those Pokémon before…except for the times when he was busy defending his title from other Trainers who had gathered all eight Gym Badges from Kanto's Gym Leaders. Many of the young Trainers who challenged him were from Hoenn, Sinnoh and Johto, regions he never visited when his journey in Kanto ended.

Soon, the Raid battle began between the three Trainers and the wild Lugia, which immediately dodged an attack from the Corviknight when the first Trainer made the first move with Steel Wing. However, the battle soon ended with an Aeroblast from Lugia, with the Trainers' Pokémon being sent straight to the ground.

Daniel was surprised at the display.

"This isn't over!" declared the first Trainer. "Let's go! Our next Pokémon!"

Daniel wondered whether or not he should join in the Raid battle. He smiled at Umbreon, who nodded. "I will join you!" he called out to the three Trainers.

They blinked and were shocked to see Daniel Platinum. "Wait…the Champion?!" the first Trainer gasped.

"Sure, we'd love the assistance," the second Trainer nodded.

Daniel stepped up beside them and smiled. "It's time, Umbreon!" he said.

"All right! Finally, a battle!" she said excitedly.

The wild Lugia smiled at the challenge given and accepted the Trainers' choices.

"Jolteon!" said the second Trainer and sent out her Jolteon.

"Growlithe!" added the third Trainer as he sent out his Arcanine.

"Bisharp!" finished the first Trainer.

Daniel started first. "Umbreon, use Buzzy Buzz!"

"Understood!" she nodded and fired electricity from her body towards the wild Lugia, which became hit by the attack and cried out in pain.

"What a powerful attack," commented one of the Trainers.

"That's the Champion for ya!" the female Trainer added.

Just then, they noticed a movement from the wild Lugia, which opened its mouth and was getting ready to fire an Aeroblast at the Trainers' and Daniel's Pokémon.

"Quickly, Umbreon! Use your Shadow Ball!" Daniel ordered.

"All right!" Umbreon nodded understandingly and fired a Shadow Ball at the wild Lugia, damaging it, preventing it from using its Aeroblast attack.

"Now's your chance!" Daniel said to the three Trainers.

They smiled and nodded in understanding.

However, the wild Lugia recovered quickly and fired its Aeroblast at the four Pokémon, sending them into their Trainers and flew away from the area.

"Aw, man," Daniel sighed with a groan. "We were so close, too."

"I'd say that Lugia was more powerful than I was," Umbreon commented. "It was a strong opponent, that's for sure."

"Anyway, thanks for the help, Champion Daniel," said the first Trainer who looked at him. "We weren't sure if we'd survive that Aeroblast attack."

"But that Lugia was strong," the female Trainer gave a grunt. "If I was just able to launch an attack with Jolteon, we could have won the Raid."

"What is a Raid battle?" Daniel asked. "I'm not sure if I've heard of that term before."

"It's when there's a crazy strong Pokémon about to appear, then up to four Trainers choose their partners and they must battle the Pokémon, and either the Trainers or the wild Pokémon are defeated, the battle will be decided upon the strongest," the first Trainer explained. "Just like Lugia now."

"Ah. I understand now," said Daniel. "Well, I gotta go to the Pokémon Center. Umbreon is beat up after that battle, right, sis?" He looked down at a nodding Umbreon.

"Be seeing you, Champion!" the female Trainer waved to him when Daniel turned and gave them a wave of farewell, Umbreon right beside him.

Upon arriving at the Pokémon Center, Daniel made sure to get Nurse Joy to heal Umbreon to full health. A ding sound came after a short while of waiting.

"Well, Daniel, no more waiting," said Nurse Joy as she laid the tray on the receptionist desk. "You'll be glad to know that your Umbreon is fully recovered and ready again."

"Thanks, Nurse Joy," Daniel smiled thankfully to her as Umbreon jumped down to the floor beside him.

"I am ready for our next battle, brother," Umbreon told him.

Daniel chuckled. "Well, all right. But which one should we battle?" he asked her as they stepped out of the lobby to the outside of the Pokémon Center.

Just then, he noticed something—or rather someone—running straight towards him.

Daniel yelped as he saw the person stop directly in front of him. "Battle with me now!" the boy said. "I wanna be the best Trainer in the region. You've gotta let me battle you!"

"Who…are you?" Daniel asked.

"Me?" The boy smiled. "I am Jake Kidoya. I am the new number one Trainer in Kanto!"

Daniel stared at him, dumbfoundedly. "You…the new number one Trainer?" He laughed aloud, Umbreon joining him in the laughter.

"What's so funny?" Jake demanded. "It's true! When I beat you, I'll be the next Champion. Isn't that right?"

"Well, first," said Daniel after calming down. "You need to acquire the eight Kanto Gym Badges and enter the Pokémon League. There will be no official battle once you have those Badges."

"Ah, whatever!" said Jake. "Battle me. Right here, right now. I don't need to wait until I've acquired the eight Badges."

"He's just in a haste," Umbreon commented.

Daniel agreed with her. "All right, fine. Jake, I accept your challenge."

"Finally! I've been waiting for this moment!" Jake looked pleased. "It's a one-on-one battle. No time limits."

"Fine by me," Daniel smiled.

After they arrived at a battlefield in Vermilion City, the two Trainers got into their respective places and readied their Pokémon.

"Umbreon, I choose you!" said Daniel.

"Yes! I won't lose this battle, brother," Umbreon nodded and ran in front of her Trainer.

"All right. My first Pokémon. Go, Riolu!" Jake called out and his partner came out on the battlefield.

Daniel took his smartphone and scanned it with its Pokédex function.

"Riolu, the Emanation Pokémon. A Fighting type. Riolu can understand how people and Pokémon feel by observing a kind of wave called aura. It has a flexible body with enough power to cross three mountains and two canyons in one night."

"This one seems strong," Daniel commented. "Be ready, sis."

"I'm always ready," she replied.

"Our first move!" Jake said, not waiting for his opposing Trainer's move. "Riolu, use Force Palm!"

Riolu nodded to his Trainer and ran towards Umbreon.

"Dodge!" Daniel ordered.

Umbreon jumped away from Riolu's path and awaited her Trainer's next command.

"Buzzy Buzz!" said Daniel.

Umbreon fired electricity at Riolu, shocking and damaging it, with Riolu being paralyzed afterward.

"What?!" Jake gasped. "You've gotta be kidding me! Riolu, use Reversal!"

Riolu nodded and a wave of orange energy burst from the ground around it before one of its fists became covered in the orange energy. Riolu ran to Umbreon and punched her with a fist.

Umbreon screamed in pain and was sent across the ground.

"Umbreon, are you all right?" Daniel asked concernedly.

Umbreon shakily stood on her paws. "I…I am all right. But that was one powerful Reversal attack. I've never felt pain like this in forever," she added.

"Once we beat them, we will be able to enter the Pokémon World Battle Tournament, Riolu," said Jake to his partner.

"Lu!" Riolu nodded in agreement.

"Pokémon World Battle Tournament?" Daniel repeated in confusion. "What's that?"

"It's a tournament in which every region participates and needs to take out their opponents from the other region before they can advance to the next round," Jake explained. "It's like a world championship, in short."

"A world championship…strong opponents," Daniel whispered before letting a smile on his face. "That sounds like fun."

"Yup! But first we need to win this battle," Jake reminded himself. "Riolu, use Force Palm!"

"Dodge!" commanded Daniel to Umbreon.

Umbreon jumped away from Riolu, who stood still in paralyzed state.

"What's wrong, Riolu?" Jake asked, concerned.

"Now's our chance!" Daniel decided. "Use Iron Tail!"

Umbreon's tail became steel and she hit Riolu hard on the body, where Riolu screamed painfully before landing on the ground, unable to battle.

"No, Riolu!" Jake gasped and ran to his partner.

"First victory in a long time!" Daniel cheered.

"All right!" Umbreon added to his cheerfulness and ran to her Trainer, and he hugged her. "It felt like a long time before we had a decent victory."

"That it does," Daniel agreed.

"No fair!"

They looked at Jake, who began complaining.

"It wasn't meant to be like this! I needed that win!"

Daniel looked at Umbreon, who nodded. He stood and walked over to Jake. "Is everything all right, Jake?"

"No," the boy sighed. "I just lost a very important task I needed to complete in order to be able to participate in the World Battle Tournament. How can I win, when all I do is lose every single battle?" He began to cry, tears in his eyes.

Daniel felt bad for him. "Hey, it's fine. You did a good job on damaging Umbreon with your Reversal attack. If I hadn't been fast to respond, I probably would have lost."

"Really?" Jake sniffed.

"Absolutely," Daniel nodded. "After all, Riolu is a fighting type, while Umbreon is a Dark type. It depends on how fast you react when an opponent makes their move. I learned that the hard way a few times."

"So…you will battle me again?" Jake asked.

"Sure," Daniel smiled. "When you get Riolu checked by Nurse Joy, we will have our next battle as a training session."

"That would sound nice," Jake admitted. He then laughed out loud.

Daniel blinked in wonder.

"Wow, to think that I, a novice, would be trained by the Champion. It feels like heaven, doesn't it?" Jake chuckled to himself.

"Well, you've gotta have me approve of your battling style," said Daniel. "We cannot begin once you've determined which kind of battling style you'd prefer."

"Ah, no biggie," said Jake. "I don't need a battling style. After all, I need to trust my Pokémon. Isn't that true, Champion?"

"Yes," Daniel nodded in agreement. "Trust and a strong bond is important when you need to develop into a better Trainer."

"It's decided!" Jake declared. "You are my teacher, and I'll be your student!"

Daniel stared at him for a few seconds. "What?!" He was shocked, with Umbreon surprised. "Whoa, easy there. I didn't say I would be your teacher or anything yet."

"No worries!" said Jake with a smile on his face. "We can always work it out when the time comes for you to accept me as your student."

Daniel sweat dropped. Umbreon looked at her Trainer in anticipation.

"What do you think, brother?" she asked Daniel. "Should we wait and see what this world championship has in store for us?"

Happy to have the subject changed with her, Daniel smiled at Umbreon. "Let us go and register for the championship."

Jake blinked in surprise. "I think you're better off waiting with that, Daniel. As far as I heard, the requirements for registering to the World Battle Tournament is to have a team of six Pokémon and have at least five team members established before registering for the tournament."

"Oh," Daniel realized. "Then we'll do just that! Right, Umbreon?"

"You got that right, bro!" she nodded.

"Where should we stay while we search for our other five Pokémon and team members?" Jake asked.

Daniel looked at him with a smile.

~~...~~

"The Cerise Laboratory?!" Jake beamed in excitement. "I've always wanted to check it out when I first heard it was going to be opening in Vermilion City!"

Cerise laughed. "Well, you're lucky that I have enough rooms for you two, as well as Ash and Goh."

"Again, thank you for allowing us to stay here," Daniel thanked him with a bow.

"I'll take that as a good sign, then," Cerise said. "Besides, you are the Champion, Daniel. It's the least I could do."

Daniel smiled.

"And I am the next Champion in the making!" Jake added. "So you'd better respect me as well when I get the title from my teacher!"

"I already said that I won't take you in as a student…" Daniel reminded him.

"You gotta do it!" Jake continued. "That way, Riolu and I will learn more and more about Pokémon battles."

Daniel sighed as a reply.

"Sounds like you've gotten popular, Daniel," Ash noted.

"Which I would've avoided…" was a mumble from Daniel.

Umbreon chuckled in Daniel's thoughts.

"Let's go and check out the lab!" Ash decided and grabbed Daniel's hand before rushing off.

"I can walk by myself!" was Daniel's late answer.

Umbreon and Pikachu trailed behind them.

Author's Note: This story is a new addition to my writings in the Pokémon universe. I've come back to writing Pokémon after six years hiatus, which you guys might have noticed with my Danish story. This story will be written in English, because I seem to only have English grammar in my head whilst writing in my first language. However, I hope you guys will enjoy reading my version of "Pokémon Journeys". This will be a different take on the current series of the anime. Please leave your constructive thoughts, I'd love to hear what you guys think of this story!

I am also currently accepting original characters for the story. Please provide these following requirements:

Character name:

Age:

Appearance:

Region:

Pokémon team:

World Battle Tournament team name:

There are currently nine regions you can choose from: Kanto to Paldea. Whichever region and team you pick, I'll choose the most fitting character for the story. Thank you for reading!