A/N: Well, I suppose it's true: You learn something new every day.

Drake: In his case, it's that Latios and Latias, two of the new Dragon-type legendaries, can have a gender. And that Latios is a pain to capture.

Ash: You finally caught it!?

Alpha: No, not yet. *sighs* Even the three dogs were easier to capture than this guy!

Disclaimer: blah, blah, blah, do the math.

Lance [yami]: Okay, let's start this chapter!

Yami Alpha: Hey, don't steal my lines!

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Narrator: Today, Ryu and Sparks are heading toward Petalburg Woods, a large detour standing in the way of Ryu, and Rustboro City's Pokemon Gym! However, in order to get to the woods, two paths must be chosen from. While logic dictates going through the grassy road to the forest entrance, Ryu chose the longer path, heading through the beach. However, his reasoning may have backfired...

"So, now that you've seen the lack of girls on this beach, do you admit we should've gone through the other path?" Sparks asked his highly ticked companion.

"Yes, sorta, ARGH, why is it always me?" Ryu groaned.

"Ba gon, gon ba bagon!"

"You'd better be glad I didn't understand that......"

As his two friends chuckled, Ryu thought things over. " So, Rustboro's Gym Leader? Who is it?"

"Don't ask me. I've only set foot in my hometown's Gym, I don't know a thing about the others." Sparks replied.

Ryu noticed the hill up ahead was green." Yes, we've made it!"

The three quickened their pace, and went up the hill. Though the forest entrance was immediately visible a bit farther off, something else had their attention.

To the side was a river, swiftly leading down into the ocean below. On the river was a small speedboat, which strangly had an old mast on it. In front of them was a small hut, and a an old man coming out the door, carrying a heavy supply backpack, and dressed like a sailor.

"Who are you little hooligans?" He shouted, his voice carrying a pirate's accent." The answer better not be the landlubbers who own that there little blighter!"

"Wha-, what? What are you talking about?" Ryu said, stepping back." Who are you?"

"My name be Briney, and I've been retired round these parts since I met me darling Peeko! Unfortunatly, that be why I'm going off, to look for her!"

"Um, okay...... Why isn't she here?" Sparks asked, confused.

"That little demon scared her off, tha's why!" He shouted again, pointing to the mast.

Ryu looked up. At the top of the mast was a small, bird-like Pokemon. It had blue sking, and it's feathers seemed to be clouds.

"That's a Swablu!" Sparks exclaimed." Those are supposed to live in the far north, why's one here?"

"Swablu." Mandark said," This Flying-type Pokemon lives in humid regions and is normally very calm. It would take great force to cause it to leave it's perch if it is content."

"Far north?" Ryu asked Sparks skeptically.

" All of Hoenn's humid, but the northern areas are home to a volcano called Mt. Chimney, and Swablu thrive up there." Sparks explained." My guess is it probably followed a flock of Taillow down for the winter, or something, by accident."

"That was me Peeko's favorite spot! If that little critter had just left... but when she tried to get it back, the leech Peck'ed her off!"

"Wow, that must be some pretty brave old lady." Ryu said.

"What'dya mean? Peeko be me pet Wingull!" Briney growled, causing Ryu to lose his balance.

"Aaaagh, you could've told me that!"

"Whatever. I be going now." Briney said, starting to walk off.

"It doesn't matter how many times he brings her back if that Swablu's still here." Sparks said, concerned.

"Then we'll have to send it off!" Ryu said, pointing toward it." Bagon, go up there and Headbutt it!"

"Bagon!" The dragon said. It crawled up the rope of the mast, the lunged forward. Swablu snapped awake as it felt the contact.

"Swa!" It said angrily, flapping up. It threw it's wings together, and let out a Gust.

"Ba goooooooooooooooooooooooooooon!" The Pokemon shouted as he fell into the river.

As Ryu ran to pull his partner out, Sparks stared at the Swablu, who fluttered to it's position as if nothing had happened.

"You okay, Bagon?" Ryu asked his dripping friend. Bagon nodded, shook the water off [amd onto Ryu] and went back up.

"Okay, this time Bite it and throw it to the ground!" Ryu called.

Bagon chomped down, waking the bird again, whose eyes bulged at the pain. He threw it strongly toward the ground.

"Okay, jump and Headbutt it again!" Ryu yelled.

"Baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa gon!" He said, zooming until his head bashed into the bird again.

Swablu hit the ground with a heavy thud. Ryu quickly grabbed an Ultra Ball, and threw it. Swablu's form turned into energy, and was quickly absorbed into it.

Almost as soon as the ball hit the ground, the catching mechanism succeeded. The ball stood motionless, it's job fulfilled. Ryu, face beaming, picked up the Ultra Ball.

"How nostalgic. I remember when I caught my first Pokemon. Does it feel like you've won a taxless lottery?" Sparks asked.

"Ohhhhhhhhhhhhh yeah." Ryu answered. He held up the ball and made a Peace sign with his fingers. "I caught Swablu!"

"Ba gonba ba!" Bagon cheered.

"Now, with that problem settled, off to Petalburg Woods!" Ryu declared.

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They quickly arrived at the entrance to the woods, a small opening in a sea of trees, revealing a dirt path that dissapeared inot the darkness ahead.

"Well, here we go!" Ryu said, ready.

"To Rustboro City, and the first Badge!" Sparks added, cheering his companion on!

"Gonbagon!"

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A/N: Oy, this chapter is too short. I have so many ideas for almost EVERYTHING after the next chapter, but I'm drained as to plots for it right now. The next update may take awhile, but I'll manage.

Ryu: So, why did I catch a Swablu, again?

Alpha: You'll see eventually. By the way, chapter after next you meet your rival.

Ryu: Really, who?

Alpha: See previous answer. Please review, dear readers, and stay tuned!