Author's Note: This chapter is going to be quite long, so I decided to split it into two parts. Here's the first part, which makes our heroes to go to Johto for the first time. The next part will come out in two days, so be excited for it, readers.
Chapter 3: Takin' it to Our Next Destination / Pt. 1
Daniel was already up and about before his Pokémon sister could use her Buzzy Buzz wake-up call on him again. He could see her happy expression when she knew he was awake after a good night's sleep.
"Not today, sis," said Daniel to her.
"I see you're getting better at waking up on time," Umbreon noted. She stretched her legs as Daniel got down from the shared bed he was sleeping with Jake, who was not on the lower bed.
"I wonder where Jake is?" wondered Daniel.
"Why don't we check out the Pokémon grounds of the lab?" Umbreon suggested.
"Good idea."
After getting dressed, Daniel went out of the room with Umbreon trailing behind him. When they got to the backyard of the Cerise Laboratory, he noticed Jake standing with his Riolu and Sprigatito, and it looked like he was training with his newly caught Pokémon.
"Okay, before we can get to Daniel's level, we need to test out your attacks, Sprigatito," said Jake to his Pokémon.
"Meow," Sprigatito nodded in understanding.
Riolu looked behind Jake and noticed Daniel. "Rio! Lu!" He pointed.
"Oh! Daniel!" Jake smiled. "What a nice surprise to see you up. Umbreon didn't shock you like the other days?"
"Nope," Daniel replied. He walked over to his friend. "I was wondering what you are doing this early. The others haven't even been awake yet."
"I was just about to do some special training," answered Jake. "You see, since Sprigatito is from the Paldea region, I need to understand how I am going to battle with it if we are to fight against other Trainers."
"A good thought," Daniel noted. "I see you're slowly getting better at handling your Pokémon."
"I'm learning from the best," Jake responded.
Daniel was flattered. "So, do you need help with your training?"
"Hmm…sure, we could use some training partners," Jake nodded. "What do you two say?" He looked down to Riolu and Sprigatito, who both let out their agreeing cries.
"Then, let's go!" Daniel smiled at the thought of early morning training. "We need some training to stay in top shape after a couple of weeks from battling since no new challengers came to the Pokémon League."
"You've got that right, brother," Umbreon smiled.
And so they began their training, with Daniel using his only Pokémon, Umbreon, against both of Jake's Pokémon. As morning started to turn into noon, they noticed Ash and Goh joined them in the middle of their training. Ash was excited to join in, but Daniel turned his offer down, saying that Jake only needs to learn how to battle with his Pokémon in a smart way instead of being reckless and rash. Ash became embarrassed at the response.
When midday arrived, they relaxed after some hours of training. Daniel was relieved to relax with his Pokémon sister, while Jake was still in a mood to train.
"No more for today," said Daniel.
"Aw, come on, Daniel! I need to continue training with Sprigatito," Jake begged. "I am not even sure what it is going to evolve into. Please help us get stronger!"
"No more training," said Daniel firmly.
Jake sighed in defeat.
Ash grinned at them. "It sounds like you two are better partners at the moment, Daniel."
"Not exactly 'better' partners, Ash. He still needs to relax once in a while, it isn't going to hurt, as we've got plenty of time before the World Battle Tournament starts."
"World Battle Tournament?" Ash repeated.
"A championship which determines the strongest team of Trainers from every region, with each region joining in with their team of five Trainers, who are serving as representatives," Jake explained.
"Oh, that sounds cool!" Ash exclaimed.
"It indeed is," Jake nodded in agreement. "I am going to be the world champion by entering this championship."
"Not if I get there first," Daniel reminded him. "Remember that I don't plan on sitting out while there's going to be strong opponents from each region in the championship. Besides, we're going to be the first two members of our Kanto representative team."
"Really?" Jake's eyes flashed in excitement.
"Absolutely," Daniel nodded.
"Oh, there you four are!" was the voice of Cerise coming to them.
"Is there something you need, Professor?" Goh asked Cerise when the professor came up to them.
"Yes, but it's more for Daniel and Jake this time," answered Cerise. "It seems that there have been sightings of a new Pokémon in Johto. If you two would investigate it for me, that would be great."
"Sure, Professor," Daniel said. "We'd do anything to research new and unknown Pokémon. Right, sis?"
Umbreon nodded. "Yes. We would and will do that."
"Excellent!" Cerise smiled happily. "Thank you, both of you."
"We won't disappoint you, Professor," said Daniel.
"We will be back," Jake promised.
~~...~~
In Goldenrod City of Johto, Daniel and Jake were looking around, with Umbreon and Riolu beside them. It had been the first time Daniel had visited the region, and he wanted to explore some of Goldenrod before the day was over. Jake liked the sound of it and they chose to explore the city.
"I've never been here, in Goldenrod city, brother," Umbreon said. "But it is surely a big city. It's like Celadon City, but bigger."
"You got that right, sis," Daniel agreed with her. "But while we are here for sightseeings, where do you think we should find this Pokémon we are tasked with looking for, Jake?" He looked and didn't find the boy next to him. "Jake?" he called out again. Then he sighed in irritation.
"He is gone," Umbreon noted. "But where to?"
"No clue," Daniel replied. "But we should just be able to find it on our own. I just hope he doesn't find it again by himself…"
"We should be able to find out where it is together," said Umbreon. "For now, let's explore! I love to explore new places with you, brother. It has been a long time since our journey through Kanto and we stopped journeying around after winning the Indigo Conference and against the Elite Four."
"Yeah," Daniel agreed. "And my dad in an exhibition match. That was one of the greatest battles we ever had."
"Agreed. Your father was a tough opponent, as well. If it weren't for our Z-Crystal, we would have lost the match."
"Luckily, we didn't." Daniel looked around while talking with her to spend the time exploring Goldenrod City.
"Excuse me, is that Umbreon yours?" someone asked him.
Daniel blinked and looked to the left. "Yes, she's mine."
"Ah," the boy smiled. "She is a healthy Umbreon. My name's Bill, by the way. What's your name?"
"Daniel Platinum."
"The Daniel Platinum?" Bill asked, looking for a confirmation. "The one who won the Indigo League and gained the title Champion of Kanto?"
"That's me," Daniel nodded.
"Wow, to think that I would meet the one and only Champion Daniel," Bill said. "It's nice to meet you, Champion. What are you looking for, if I may ask?"
"A Pokémon that Professor Cerise had been wanting to know about," Daniel replied.
"Could it be something from the Paldea region?"
"Paldea region? I've never heard of it."
"It's a region filled with new and rare Pokémon," Bill explained. "In fact, if you're looking for such a Pokémon, I might be of some assistance to you."
Daniel looked at Umbreon. "Should we do it?"
"I don't see why not. Maybe if he says that he can help us, then perhaps we could use a bit of help," she replied.
"Okay, Bill. We agree with your request for assisting us."
"Perfect!" Bill smiled, pleased. "Come to my house. I know where you can look for one of those Paldean Pokémon."
Daniel followed Bill to where he lived.
With Jake
Jake was looking around the city portion he decided to explore with Riolu. He was excited to have gotten to one of the new places in a region he's wanted to explore, but he was here on an assignment from Professor Cerise, and so he should not get too excited about exploration yet.
"Lu?" Riolu wondered when he looked up at his Trainer.
"I'm all right, buddy," Jake reassured him. "I am just excited to get to know this place."
Riolu nodded in agreement.
As they continued to make their way through exploration of the city, Jake saw someone looking at him with a knowing look: the look of a Trainer-to-Trainer exchange.
"You seem to be a good Trainer," said the boy as he walked over to Jake. "Do you wanna have a battle with me?"
Jake smiled. "Sure. A two-on-two battle would sound good."
"All right, then," the boy nodded. "Let's go over there." He pointed to a battlefield in the area.
Jake and the boy went over to the battlefield, where they went into their positions on each side of the field. This one should be a piece of cake, Jake thought.
"My first Pokémon. Go, Charmeleon!" the boy called out as his Flame Pokémon came out with a battle cry.
"Riolu, I choose you!" Jake said.
"Lu!" Riolu nodded and ran out to the battlefield.
"Charmeleon, use Slash!" the boy ordered.
Charmeleon ran over to Riolu with shining claws raised in the air.
"Dodge!" Jake commanded.
Riolu jumped away from Charmeleon's attack.
"Force Palm!" Jake ordered.
"Dodge it!" the boy commanded.
Riolu ran up to Charmeleon, but it jumped to the side and avoided being touched.
"Flamethrower!" the boy said next.
Charmeleon opened its mouth and fired reddish orange flames towards Riolu, who was hit by the burning flames and cried out in pain. Once the attack stopped, Riolu grunted as he stood on one knee.
"Riolu?" Jake gasped.
Riolu stood back up at the call.
"That's one tough Riolu you got there," the boy commented. "However, commenting on its toughness isn't going to let me win this battle and enter the World Battle Tournament. Charmeleon, use Slash!"
"Force Palm!" Jake ordered.
"Oh no!" the boy gasped as he saw Riolu dodge the Slash attack from Charmeleon and put his palm on the Flame Pokémon before a powerful force of energy burst from Riolu's paw, which caused Charmeleon to scream out in pain and struggle to stand once it fell to its knees, with static paralyzing it.
"Not bad," the boy said. "I wasn't expecting you to attack like that, Trainer."
"Call me Jake," Jake responded. "And thanks. I was taught that by my teacher."
"Really?" the boy raised a brow. "Then this makes it even more fun! Charmeleon, return!" He recalled Charmeleon to its Poké Ball. "Bagon, I choose you!"
Bagon came out on the battlefield with a battle cry.
"Riolu, take a rest," said Jake as Riolu nodded and returned to his Trainer's side. "Sprigatito, go!"
Sprigatito came on the battlefield.
"Oh, it's so cute," the boy said before realizing he was in the middle of a battle. "Bagon, use Headbutt!"
Bagon nodded and charged towards Sprigatito with its head lowered.
"Dodge!" Jake ordered.
Sprigatito jumped away from the charging Bagon.
"Scratch!" Jake said.
Sprigatito ran up to Bagon and scratched it on the head with its claws. Bagon cried out in surprise.
"Don't give in to surprise, Bagon!" said the boy. "Use Dragon Breath!"
Bagon opened its mouth and fired a light blue fiery blast that went straight for Sprigatito, who didn't have time to react as it was hurt from the attack and cried out painfully.
"Sprigatito!" Jake gasped.
Sprigatito was on the ground, unable to battle.
"You did a nice job on your first battle," Jake commented to his Grass-type before returning it to its Poké Ball. "Riolu, it's up to you!"
"Lu!" Riolu nodded and ran out to the battlefield again.
"His Bagon is strong, so I expect you to do a good amount of damage, buddy," said Jake to his Riolu, who nodded in understanding.
"Bagon, use Headbutt!" the boy ordered.
"Dodge it!" Jake ordered.
Bagon charged towards Riolu with its head low. Riolu jumped away in time before the Dragon-type could hit him.
"Force Palm!" commanded Jake.
Riolu ran up to Bagon and put his palm on its belly, which got Bagon curious before a huge light blue blast burst from the paw and caused Bagon to scream loudly in pain and roll across the ground of the battlefield, unable to battle.
"Bagon, return," the boy said and returned his Bagon. "You did well," he commented before looking at Jake. "Your Riolu is strong. I must make some different battling tactics now that I'm only one Pokémon left. Charmeleon, I choose you!"
His Charmeleon came forth from its Poké Ball with a battle cry.
Jake smiled, looking at his partner with eyes of expectations. "Riolu, use Reversal!"
Riolu nodded and concentrated its power.
"Don't let it, Charmeleon! Use Slash!" the boy ordered.
Charmeleon ran forth towards Riolu, but stopped when paralysis came into effect. A wave of orange energy burst out of the ground around Riolu and his right paw became covered in the energy before punching Charmeleon with a great force that made Charmeleon unable to battle.
"No!" the boy gasped in shock.
"And we're the winners!" Jake cheered as Riolu ran up to him and hugged his leg. "Great job, buddy!" He laughed joyfully.
"Lu," Riolu smiled, pleased with himself.
The boy had tears in his eyes. "How am I able to join the Johto representative team for the World Battle Tournament if I keep losing against other Trainers? It's not fair!" he sobbed.
Jake felt bad for him and walked over. "Listen, if you can accept a loss, all you gotta do is stand back up and continue training. Everyone loses sometimes. Not all can keep a winning streak, even if they look for opponents at their level."
"So how come I lost, then?"
"That…might be because you don't have enough faith and trust in your Pokémon," Jake explained. "I have someone who taught me that."
"Who?"
"The Kanto Champion, Daniel Platinum," Jake smiled.
With Daniel
Daniel walked with Bill to his house when Bill looked at him. "Tell me, Daniel. Is this your first time in Johto?"
"Yeah," Daniel nodded. "I haven't been to this region since my journey in Kanto ended after becoming the Champion. Umbreon and I had been looking forward to meeting some new Pokémon."
Bill smiled. "In that case, let me guide you while your stay in Goldenrod is temporarily."
"Can he really help us look for new Pokémon, brother?" Umbreon asked her Trainer, who translated her thoughts to Bill.
"Sure, I would help any way I can," he said.
Soon they arrived at Bill's house, which was looking like a single staged building with red bricks and a red rooftop. Bill unlocked the door and gestured Daniel inside.
Once inside the house, Daniel looked around. The place was pretty filled with books and subjects on various kinds of Pokémon. There were papers all over the tables. A single computer was on a desk, which Bill walked over and turned it on.
"This place seems messy," Umbreon commented.
"Sorry if I haven't got the time to clean it up, Daniel," Bill apologized. "I was so caught up in researching new Pokémon from the Alola, Galar and Paldea regions that I didn't get enough time and wasn't expecting guests."
"It's fine," said Daniel. "So, there are nine regions?"
"Currently known, yes," Bill nodded. "There are Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, Unova, Kalos, Alola, Galar, and Paldea. There are also over nine hundred kinds of Pokémon."
"Over nine hundred?!" Daniel gasped in surprise.
"A surprise to be sure, but yes," Bill nodded.
"It would take us a lot of time to complete the Pokédex with that many Pokémon," Umbreon said. "How come we hadn't known so many were out there, brother?"
"No idea," Daniel admitted truthfully. "I'm sure there are still loads of other regions in the world that we haven't heard of."
"And you are correct," Bill said. "But for now, let's focus on finding a new Pokémon for you, Daniel. I see that you only have Umbreon on you so far, am I right?"
"Yes," Daniel nodded. "I decided to start a new journey fresh after hearing about the World Battle Tournament from Jake Kidoya, a friend of mine."
"Ah," Bill smiled understandingly. "It's always nice to have a fresh start when a previous journey ends. So, let us see. If I look up on Alola, we might be able to check on something that might be of interest to you." He began typing on the keyboard and the island region popped up on the screen. "There we are. If you can take a plane to Melemele Island, then you might find some new Pokémon you haven't seen before."
"Great! Thanks, Bill," Daniel said gratefully.
"One more thing before you go," Bill continued when he noticed Daniel turning around. "There's two Pokémon researchers in Alola. If you can find someone named Professor Kukui, he might be able to help you find a Pokémon."
"All right, I'll remember the name," Daniel said. "Come, sis. We're off to Alola."
"Wouldn't it be good to inform Jake about the decision, so he can tag along with us for Alola?" she asked.
"Yeah, that might be a good idea," Daniel agreed when they stepped out of Bill's house. "Let's see…Jake's phone number…" He began to search on his Rotom Phone for Jake's number.
"Hello? Daniel, is that you?"
"Yeah, it's me. Jake, I wanted to ask if you want to come with Umbreon and I to Alola in order to look for some Alolan Pokémon there."
"Really? You want me to come along?" There was a slight tone of surprise in Jake's voice.
"Yes," Daniel replied. "We are going to be a team when the tournament begins. And team members always stick out for each other no matter what."
"Great! Thanks again for calling me, Daniel. I'll come back to you right now, so we can take a train back to Kanto."
"All right, see you soon," said Daniel before he hung up the call.
"So," started Umbreon, "we're going back to Kanto and to Saffron City in order to take a plane to Alola?"
"Yes," Daniel nodded to her. "That way we'll be able to get there and meet Professor Kukui."
Umbreon hummed in curiosity. "I wonder who this Kukui will be…"
"Me too." Daniel had the same thought.
After a while of waiting for Jake, Daniel could at last see him running with Riolu to meet him in the area of Goldenrod City. Jake panted in a bit of exhaustion.
"Sorry I'm late…" Jake breathed out.
"Don't worry," Daniel assured him. "I was waiting for you to arrive. So, are we good to go back to Kanto?"
Jake looked up at him with a smile on his face. "Always!"
"Then, let's go!" Daniel said as they ran to the train station before taking it back to Saffron City's train station in Kanto.
With Professor Cerise
Professor Cerise was in his lab, looking at some status on the Pokémon habitats before he received a phone call. "Daniel? Is there something you need?" he asked.
"Yes. Professor, me and Jake will be going to Alola to look for Professor Kukui so that I can catch an Alolan Pokémon. I was hoping that you would wait a little while for us to return."
"Of course, Daniel. Anything you do in order to research Pokémon is fine with me," Cerise replied. "Just be careful, all right?"
"No problem! We'll be back before you know it!" And then the call was hung up.