Chapter 2 The start of the Journey
It was nighttime in Pallet Town, and four years have gone by since the Lazario's moved to the quiet town. The town was peaceful, the shops having been long closed. Cool summer breeze rustled through the summer trees, filled with different berries and fruit ready to be picked. Other than the trees, a couple Pidgey's could be heard as they settled down for the night…. Although not everyone is settling down for bed.
In the Ketchum household Ash was still awake. He stood in the middle of his room, trying on the new clothes his mother bought for him for his journey. He has his limited-edition official Indigo League hat, which was mostly red with a white window above the flap, and the dark green Indigo League symbol in the center; A new blue jacket, yellow lining, with white short sleeves and a white collar; A pair of green Velcro gloves, with them being dark green over the hand and a lighter green around the edges; To match his gloves, he also has a new green backpack; Under his jacket, he has a plain jet black t-shirt; He also has a new pair of light blue jeans which are being held up by a brown leather belt, designed to equip shrunken pokeballs onto; Finally, he has his new trainers which are a combination of black and white. Ash was smiling broadly.
'I can't believe it! Tomorrow, I get my first Pokemon, and then I can begin my journey.' Ash thought getting more and more excited. "To be a Pokemon Master!" Ash yelled as Delia threw the door to Ash's room open. She saw Ash standing in the middle of his room, striking a pose with his pokeball alarm clock. His television was on, showing a special battle between two trainers. One has the shadow Pokemon Gengar on the field, floating around on its side of the field, with a bone chilling smile. The other trainer drew another pokeball and released a giant Onyx that towered over the shadow Pokemon, even with it in the air.
It was the Kanto Champion's League Battle, between Bruno of the Elite Four and last years Indigo League champion. Any trainer who wins that regions Pokemon League has the right to enter that regions Champion League and face its Elite Four and Champion. However, there is a catch. Kanto's Champion League consists of Lorelei, Bruno, Agatha, Lance and Champion Blue Oak. To conquer the Kanto's Champion League, the trainer must defeat all five members in the set order, with a preset team of six Pokemon. Healing is restricted to healing items they have on them and can't use a Pokemon Center during the three-day tournament. Though in the battles, the trainer is allowed to substitute freely, while the League members can only change when their Pokemon is deemed unable to battle.
The trainer had already defeated Lorelei, although is struggling with Bruno, it seems like this is the end of his Champion League Challenge. Delia was in her robe, with her hair in a messy bun and some sort of green face mask on. And she did not look at all amused, it was thirty minutes to midnight.
"Ash, you should be in bed now," she says sternly to her son. Stunned by her presence, Ash jumped causing the pokeball alarm clock to pop free of his hand and fly at Delia. But Delia didn't even flinch as she caught the alarm clock with one hand and gave Ash a hard glare. "It's late and you have to get up early tomorrow." The pokeball opened timed perfectly as the model Pidgey chirping revealed the time.
"I know, Mom." Ash said groaning before realizing his tone, which seemed to only harden Delia's glare more. "I'm just so excited, tomorrow I get my first Pokemon, Nikki's mom is going to let us pick a Pokemon egg and then set off on my journey." Delia sighed as she knew how long Ash had dreamed about tomorrow and she really couldn't blame him.
"Fine, you can stay up a little longer than I want you in bed, Ash." She says as she walked over to the television. Ash nods in understanding. "You can at least watch this. But once it's over I want you in bed." Delia says as she turned the channel from the battle to a show with Professor Oak, and the three starters a trainers can choose, going over their basic information. And Ash knew trying to argue with his mom was a losing battle.
"Okay, Mom." Ash said in defeat.
"And change out of those clothes and into your pajamas. You don't want them to be dirty before you leave." Delia scolded before leaving the room. Ash changed into his pajamas before sitting on his bed watching the television.
Across Pallet, in a different house, Nikki was still up and out of bed. She was going over the check list that her mom had helped her make to make sure she didn't forget anything before she left Pallet Town tomorrow. Her mother had bought potions and extra pokeballs from the Pokemart in Viridian City. Among other things she thought Nikki might need on her journey. She had even made a new outfit for Nikki to wear during the journey. Nikki looked at her new outfit hanging on the door of her closet.
It consisted of a dark red hat with a blue window above the flap, and an indigo dragon symbol in the center. It was worn and faded. It had been her father's hat when he started his journey; A dark red jacket, indigo lining, with blue sleeves and a blue hood; A pair of blue Velcro gloves, they were dark blue over the hand and light blue around the edges; A new dark red backpack; Under the jacket was a plain dark red t-shirt; She also has a new pair of dark blue jeans with a black leather belt hanging in the jean's belt loops, designed to equip shrunken pokeballs onto; And finally her new trainers which were a combination of red and blue on the floor in front of the closet door.
Nikki put the checklist down and walked to the window in her room. She looked at the crescent moon in the night sky. "Well, Daddy, I get to pick my first Pokemon tomorrow and begin my journey. I'm going to get the same Pokemon that you did. I'm going to make you proud."
The door to Nikki's room opened revealing her mother. Diana was wearing a nightgown with her hair in a braid. "Nikki, honey it's late. You should already be in bed asleep. Tomorrow is a big day for you." Diana says as she walked over to Nikki. "Come on, sweetheart. Let's get you in bed." Nikki nods as they walked to her bed. She climbed into bed and Diana covered her up. "Did you decide who you are going to ask to travel with?"
"Yes, Mama. I'm going to ask Ash. Leaf said she was going to travel alone while she worked on the Pokedex. And I refuse to ask Gary. I really don't like when he bad talks Ash." Diana smirked a little as she tucked Nikki in.
"Are you sure it isn't because of your crush on Ash?" She asked teasing her daughter.
Nikki blushed and shook her head. "Of course not, Mama! Ash has always been able to calm me down when I had an episode." Diana just giggled softly as she leaned down and kissed Nikki's forehead.
"I'm just teasing, honey. I think travelling with Ash is a good idea. Now get some sleep. You need to get up early to be able to get to the Professor's lab. I know you want first pick."
Nikki sighs and nods. Diana walked to the door and turned off the light. "Sweet dreams, Nikki." She said before closing the door. Nikki closed her eyes and let thoughts of what adventures she might have help her drift to sleep.
The next morning Delia had made sure that Ash had got up at 9:00. Ash got dressed and headed downstairs to the kitchen. Delia was making a plate of breakfast for Ash. Ash smiled as he sat at the table.
"Eat up, honey. This is the last meal that I'm going to be able to cook you for a while." Delia said as she placed the plate in front of Ash. Ash smiled, knowing that he would miss his mom's cooking, and was going to make the most of this last meal.
Ash began to eat at an incredible speed as Delia sat down beside him. "Have you decided which Pokemon you're going to pick as your starter?" she asked trying not to seem sad about her son leaving soon.
"I don't know yet. Any of the starters would be an awesome partner." Ash says in between bites. "Besides I know which Pokemon Nikki is wanting for her partner, and I don't want to take that Pokemon from her."
Delia smiled as she listened to her son. Even though he was a bit dense when it came to Nikki's crush on him, it was still very sweet how he looked out for her and protected her.
"Hurry and finish, Ash. You don't want to be late."
At the Lazario house, Nikki was already dressed and ready to head to the lab. She made her way to the kitchen. She saw her mother with a small blue box on the counter near the table, as Diana was reading a letter. Nikki could see a tear run down her mother's face. Nikki pushed the door open causing the door to creak as she pushed it open farther. As soon as Diana heard the creak, she wipes the tears from her face and set the letter down as she turned to look at Nikki.
"Morning, sweetie," Diana greeted her with a sad smile.
"Morning, Mama. Are you okay? I saw you crying before I came in." Nikki says as she walked to the table and sat down to quickly eat her breakfast. Nikki looked at the box on the counter as her mother sat beside her. "Mama, what's in the box?" She asked before she started to eat her breakfast. Another tear fell before Diana wiped it away.
"It's a surprise for you, Nikki. Something your father wanted you to have when you become a trainer. A Pokemon to be your service Pokemon. It was his last wish to give you the Pokemon you asked for as your service Pokemon." Diana explains as she wiped tears away from her face.
Nikki dropped the fork she was using to eat when she heard the box had a Pokemon in it for her from her father. "Can I have it now, Mama?!" she asked as she tried to get up from the table. Diana stopped her.
"Nikki, honey, no not yet. The letter from your father and I's breeder friend said not to give you the pokeball until after you get your starter. Besides you and your friends will have to come back to the house. So, they can get one of the eggs I bred for them, and you can get your father's gift before they come to the house."
Nikki sighed and sat back down. "I'm sorry, Mama. It's just hearing that it's a gift from Daddy… The only other thing I have from him is the hat I'm wearing now."
"I know, Nikki." Diana reassured her as she rubbed Nikki's back. "Now finish your breakfast. You don't want to be late." Nikki nods and hurries to finish.
Ash was in a rush, he had ended up having seconds and thirds of his mother's cooking, and that meant he was really cutting it close to the deadline to be at the lab. He didn't see anyone else in a rush to the lab. "Aw man! If I don't hurry up there won't be any Pokemon left for me!"
Ash started to run faster as he got to the crossroads. As he came up to the lab Nikki, Leaf, and Gary were standing outside the door. As Ash joined the group opened a second later.
"Good morning, everyone." The Professor greeted as he opened the door standing in front of them. Nikki, Leaf, and Gary all turned towards him.
"Morning, Professor," Nikki gently greeted with a soft smile on her face.
"Morning, Professor!" Leaf greeted cheerfully with her usually bubbly tone. Leaf had a giant grin on her face.
"Morning, Gramps." Gary said with his usual smirk on his face. Ash was slowly catching his breath.
"Morning…Professor…" Ash greeted still panting from the run to the lab. Professor Oak raised an eyebrow, as it was obvious that Ash was the late arrival and as is the standard, the new trainers choose their Pokemon in the order of arrival.
"Children today is the day you begin your journey and step into the Pokemon World. Would you please follow me?" The Professor turned around and walked down the hall. Nikki followed first and Ash and Leaf joined her making their normal trio, with Gary following behind them. Oak led them into a room that closely resembled a living room, with three pokeballs on a desk.
Once everyone was inside, the Professor stood next to the desk and motioned for the kids to stand in line. They quickly got in this order: Nikki, Leaf, Ash, and Gary. Everyone was eager to get their Pokemon. Oak waited as Daisy, Gary's older sister, pushed a metal cart into the room. On top was sets of five pokeballs and a pokedex paired together. There were four pairs.
"Trainers, you are about to set off on your journey with a Pokemon partner. Together you'll travel across the lands, meeting and befriending people and Pokemon alike, working towards your dreams." Nikki smiled as she thought of her dream to be a Pokemon Master.
"Daisy will now be handing out your pokedexes and pokeballs. The pokedex will allow you to research, record and store information on any Pokemon you may meet on your journey. And although it has the capability for all Pokemon currently known about, I would like for you to record the 150 species native to the Kanto region." Oak said explaining. Everyone thanked Daisy as she handed them each a set. "If you do so, I will have a special reward for you." Everyone settled down once they got their sets from Daisy.
"Now as is the tradition here, you get to choose your Pokemon in the order that you arrived at the lab," the Professor explained as he looked at Nikki with a gentle smile. "Nikki, would you step forward please?" Nikki gave a big grin as she took a step towards the desk holding the three pokeballs. "You may now choose your partner." Nikki looked over the three pokeballs, each one has a sticker on it to show which Pokemon was in which pokeball. Nikki smiled as she looked over the pokeballs. She had made her decision a long time ago before her father died, wanting to follow in his footsteps.
"Thank you, Professor. I know which Pokemon I want."
"Go ahead, my dear."
"I choose Charmander," she said grabbing the fire starter's pokeball, and with a hand gesture from the Professor, she pushed the button in the middle and the little Pokemon appeared on the floor. Nikki kneeled beside Charmander, as the fire type looked up at her new trainer.
"Hi, Charmander. I'm Nikki and it's my dream to become a Pokemon Master. Would you like to join my team and be apart of that dream?" The Pokemon stared at the girl in front of her, studying the young girl. The little mon walked to Nikki and hugged her leg.
"I'll help you make your dream come true!" Charmander said before nuzzling Nikki's leg. Nikki smiled as she pulled out her new pokedex, Leaf doing the same:
Charmander, the Lizard Pokemon. The flame that burns at the tip of its tail is an indication of its emotions. The flame wavers when Charmander is enjoying itself. If the Pokemon becomes enraged, the flame burns fiercely.
Type: Fire
Ability: Blaze
Hidden Ability: Solar Power (Note: Hidden Ability is locked)
Sex: Female
Nature: Gentle (Note: The nature can change when the Pokemon evolves)
Move(s): Scratch, Growl
Nikki smiled as she put up her pokedex. "I have a nickname for you, Charmander. How do you like the name Blaze?"
"I like it!" Blaze said excitedly as she pulled away from Nikki's leg and jumped up and down happily.
Nikki just giggled as Blaze jumped up and down. "I'm happy that you like your nickname."
Blaze stops jumping and looks at Nikki in shock. "YOU CAN UNDERSTAND ME?!"
Nikki smiled and nodded. "Yes, it's something I've always been able to do. I'll explain more later." She says as she picked Blaze up in her arms and got back in line with the others.
"I know you and Blaze will make a great team, Nikki." Ash said with a friendly smile. A light pink tint covered Nikki's cheeks as she smiled at Ash.
"Thank you, Ash."
"Leaf, will you please step forward?" Oak requested as Leaf excitedly stepped toward the desk. The Professor just smiled at the hyperactive girl's excitement. "You may choose your Pokemon." Leaf wasted no time and grabbed the pokeball with the leaf sticker. "It seems you have made your decision." The Professor commented as Leaf blushed in embarrassment. Her over excitedness made her briefly forget her manners.
"Sorry, Professor. Thank you." Getting the same hand gesture from the Professor, Leaf pushed the button and released her new partner. Bulbasaur appeared on the floor, facing Leaf as she had dropped to her knees in front of the little mon.
"Hello, Bulbasaur. I'm Leaf. Would you like to go on an adventure with me?" Leaf talked at rapid speed, trying to contain her excitement and failing. Bulbasaur studied Leaf and only took a few seconds to make his decision.
"Sounds like fun!" Bulbasaur said happily as he jumped into Leaf's arms. Leaf smile grew as she hugged the little mon back.
"You two seem to be an excellent team." Oak said with a smile, as Leaf was able to pull out her pokedex:
Bulbasaur, the Seed Pokemon. Bulbasaur can be seen napping in bright sunlight. There is a seed on its back. By soaking up the sun's rays, the seed grows progressively larger.
Type: Grass/Poison
Ability: Overgrow
Hidden Ability: Chlorophyll (Note: Hidden Ability is locked)
Sex: Male
Nature: Jolly (Note: The nature can change when the Pokemon evolves)
Move(s): Tackle, Growl
By the time the pokedex finished Leaf had managed to get back on her feet, holding and cuddling with her new partner. She made her way back to her spot in line. Nikki smiled at the little seed Pokemon.
"He's cool. I'm sure you'll work great together, Leaf." Nikki said with a bright smile.
"Thanks, Nikki. I know that we'll have a lot of great adventures together." Leaf said with joy.
"Gary, will you please step forward." Oak requested as Gary smirked stepping up and swiping the last pokeball. Without saying a word, Gary pushed the button and released Squirtle, however unlike Nikki and Leaf, Gary remained standing as he looked down at the little mon.
"How about you travel with me, Squirtle? And we'll conquer everyone at the Indigo League." Gary said arrogantly looking at Squirtle. Everyone sweat dropped at Gary's attitude. Hopefully he'll lose the arrogance while he travels. Squirtle took time looking over the new trainer in front of him. He took longer, about four minutes, before he finally answered.
"Alright." Squirtle replied as he pounded on his shell with his paw. After that Gary walked back to his spot in line, and Squirtle stood by his new trainer's foot. Gary and Leaf pulled out their pokedexes:
Squirtle, the Tiny Turtle Pokemon. Squirtle's shell is not merely used for protection. The shell's rounded shape and the grooves on its surface help minimize resistance in water, enabling this Pokemon to swim at high speed.
Type: Water
Ability: Torrent
Hidden Ability: Rain Dish (Note: Hidden Ability is locked)
Sex: Male
Nature: Bold (Note: The nature can change when the Pokemon evolves)
Move(s): Tackle, Tail Whip
"Ash, will you step forward please." The Professor asked as Ash stepped forward. Ash smiled brightly. This was it, he was finally going to get his partner who he would bond with, battle with and become one of the greatest teams there will be. But when he stepped up to the desk and saw there was no pokeballs left. Nikki and Leaf noticed this and looked nervous.
"Professor, there is a Pokemon for me, right?" Ash asked nervously while looking at the Professor with pleading eyes. Professor Oak rubbed the back of his head.
"There is another Pokemon… But I must warn that this Pokemon has had a very troubled past. Are you sure you want it?"
"OF COURSE! Professor, I'll take it!" Ash exclaimed happily. Gary rolled his eyes. He couldn't believe how easily excited Ash was. He found it annoying. Oak smiled as he knew Ash was serious about this, and he also knew that once the Pokemon trusted Ash that they will become great partners and the best of friends.
"Okay, Ash. I'll trust you with this Pokemon." The Professor says as he took a pokeball out of his lab coat pocket and handed it to Ash. "I will ask the rest of you to step back as not to startle the Pokemon." Everyone, including the Professor, took a big step back as Ash looked at the pokeball in his hand fondly. Once the others and the Professor were clear, Ash turned to the desk and pushed the button. The pokeball opened releasing the Pokemon on the desk. It was revealed to be a Pikachu.
Ash had a huge grin on his face as he looked at the mouse Pokemon. 'A Pikachu. That will be an amazing partner.' Ash thought as he kept watching Pikachu. Pikachu watched Ash with curiosity. Who was this kid and why was he looking at him like that?
"Hi, Pikachu. My name is Ash Ketchem. I've heard that you have had trouble in the past and I promise I'll help you in any way I can and become your partner." Ash says giving Pikachu a friendly smile. Pikachu had heard this kind act before and didn't believe Ash at all. Pikachu turned his back to Ash.
"Yeah, sure you are," Pikachu says darkly, clearly to everyone that Pikachu didn't believe Ash.
"Come on, Pikachu. I promise I am not like the people from your past." Ash pleads as he moved his hand to rub Pikachu's head with affection. Pikachu narrowed his eyes as he saw Ash's hand coming toward him. So, he was already trying huh? Pikachu released a powerful electric shock. Ash couldn't hear the warning Professor Oak tried to tell him before it was too late and Pikachu shocked Ash.
Gary just busted out laughing. "Jeez Ashy-boy, I didn't think it took just meeting you for your Pokemon to find out that you're a loser! I thought it would take longer!" Nikki and Leaf, however, were scared for Ash's safety. Ash dusted off the soot as he pulled himself up.
"Ash, are you alright?" Nikki asked as she took a step toward Ash. The concern could be heard in her voice. Nikki had set Blaze down as she put a hand on Ash's shoulder.
"Yeah, I'm fine, Nikki." Ash reassured, though it didn't work completely. Ash turned to face Pikachu again. "Wow, Pikachu, you are really strong. I didn't mean to scare you. I'm sorry. I swear I didn't mean anything bad by it." This shocked the little mon. He had only ever been called weak, pathetic and so on. But he just shocked the heck out of this kid, but not only does he compliment on how strong he is, but he is also apologizing. The kid doesn't even look at all angry. Maybe he judged this kid too quickly. "Please forgive me." Pikachu looked into Ash's pleading eyes and didn't see any malice in them.
"Fine, you're forgiven." Pikachu says giving a slight nod.
"Great, I know that we'll make a great team." Ash said excitedly as he began to jump up. Pikachu sparked his cheeks at Ash.
"Don't push it. I forgave you nothing more," Pikachu warned. Ash quickly calmed down.
"Okay, Pikachu, don't worry. I just want to be friends." Ash says as he held his hands up.
"Ashy-boy, you should put that Pokemon back in it's pokeball before it shocks anyone else!" Gary warns.
"I have to agree with Gary on this Ash, at least until you and Pikachu come to an understanding." Professor Oak says looking at Ash.
"If you think I'm going back into that cluster phobic trap you call a pokeball, then you have another shocking coming!" Pikachu threatened as he sparked his cheeks.
"Pikachu, if you don't want to than I'm not going to make you go back in your pokeball." Ash said with a kind smile. "You can walk around out here with me." Again, this kid was shocking Pikachu. Ash was considering his feelings. But then something seemed odd to Pikachu.
"HOLY CRAP! DID YOU JUST UNDERSTAND ME?!" Pikachu yelled, clearly shocked by this. Ash just chuckled slightly. Nikki giggled a little as she looked at Pikachu with Ash.
"Well, both Nikki and I can understand Pokemon. And before you ask, we don't know how we can. Nikki has been told by a doctor that her disability might have something to do with it, but I don't have a disability, so we don't think its that." This shocked Pikachu, his mother told him the stories about the humans that could understand Pokemon. But this boy and girl can't be ones…could they? Pikachu decides to give the kid a chance. After all, it would be extremely easy to escape if everything this kid has done so far was just a ruse. With this, Ash and Nikki made their way back to the line. Pikachu followed Ash keeping his distance from the other kids and Pokemon while Blaze stood by Nikki's foot. Ash and Leaf pulled out their pokedexes:
Pikachu, the Mouse Pokemon. The evolved form of Pichu. This Pokemon has electricity-storing pouches on its cheeks. These appear to become electrically charged during the night while Pikachu sleeps. It occasionally discharges electricity when it is dozy after waking up.
Type: Electric
Ability: Static
Hidden Ability: Lightning Rod (Note: Hidden Ability is unlocked)
Sex: Male
Nature: Quirky (Note: The nature can change when the Pokemon evolves)
Move(s): Thunder Shock, Tail Whip, Quick Attack
Now with all the Pokemon and trainers antiquated as well as all the equipment handed out, Professor Oak saw this as a good time to bring this to an end. Daisy had already left, only being able to stay for the meet and greet, as she had to feed the Pokemon.
"Now, Trainers it's time for you to set off on your journey with your partners into the world of Pokemon." Professor Oak concluded with this, the four trainers were allowed to leave. Gary returned his Pokemon before turning to leave.
"Hey, Gramps, tell the family I said bye." Gary yelled as he walked out.
"Gary, wait! Don't forget my Mama has a Pokemon egg for you!" Nikki yelled after him.
"Don't worry, Nikki. Which ever egg is left I'll send to Gary if he doesn't stop by your mother's house." Professor Oak assured her. "Just tell you mother to bring it to the lab after you all leave." Nikki just sighed and nods.
"Alright, Professor." With that the trio walked outside of the lab. Once they got outside, they saw Gary in a red convertible with an entire cheerleading squad in the car with him, driving off with speed. This caused the group of six to sweat drop.
"Since when did Gary get a car?" Asked a bewildered Nikki.
"Or the Cheerleading squad?" Ash asked in the same tone.
"I have no clue." Leaf said in the same tone. It took a couple of minutes for the six to recover from the shock and they decided that it was best to head home to see their mothers like they had asked.
"Hey guys, how about you both meet up with me at my house to pick up your Pokemon eggs and then we'll head to the entrance of Route 1 before we start our journey." Nikki suggested and Ash and Leaf agreed. Nikki then remembered that she still needed to ask Ash if she could travel with him.
After they left the lab, Ash tried very hard to talk to and bond with Pikachu. However, even though Pikachu agreed to give Ash a chance, he still didn't completely trust the raven-haired boy. It didn't take long before they reached his house. Ash reached for the handle but stop as a thought hit him. He turned to face Pikachu kneeling at Pikachu's eye level.
"Okay, Pikachu, you are about to meet my mother. I promise that she's a good person and that she won't hurt you. But if she does try to touch you, can you save the shock for me afterwards, please?" Ash asked. Pikachu thought it over for a minute. If Ash was good than his mother had to be to. Pikachu found the terms acceptable.
"Fine, as long as she doesn't hurt me." Pikachu agrees. Ash smiles standing up and putting his hand on the handle. He took a deep breath before putting a smile on his face and turned the handle opening the door.
Ash looked around as he entered the house. "Mom? I'm back."
"I'm in the kitchen, honey." Delia called from the kitchen. Ash and Pikachu walked to the kitchen to see Delia finishing washing dishes. "Ash, which starter did you pick?" She asked as she dried her hands with a hand towel.
"I got the best starter of them all, Mom. I got a Pikachu." Ash says as Pikachu moved from behind Ash revealing himself. Delia smiled as she got on her knees at Pikachu's eye level. She extended her hand and scratched behind his ear. Seeing this caused Ash to flinch as he remembered how well that went for him. All he could do was pray that Pikachu wouldn't go back on their agreement. But Ash was shocked to hear Pikachu purring from his mother's scratching.
"A Pikachu? But I thought the starters were Charmander, Bulbasaur, and Squirtle."
"Normally they are, but since I went last Pikachu was the only Pokemon left. But I wouldn't change anything." After that Delia walked away from Pikachu and just talked about general things as she collected Ash's backpack which he had left behind on accident when he ran off to the lab this morning.
"Alright, Ash, I've packed a few things for your journey." Delia says as she handed Ash his backpack, it felt like it weighed like a ton of bricks. "A fresh change of clothes, just in case your current ones get dirty. Your sleeping bag and tent as I can imagine you'll be sleeping outside some nights, and you never know when it will rain. A first aid box for both you and your Pokemon…" Ash and Pikachu both sweat dropped at this. They both knew only mothers could pack like that.
"Alright, Mom, I have got it." Ash says as he put his backpack on. "I should get going. Leaf and I promised to meet up with Nikki at her house to get our Pokemon eggs before we head to Route 1's entrance before we set off." Delia nodded as Ash made his way towards the door, with Pikachu following behind him.
"Ash." Delia called as she had one last thing she wanted to suggest to him.
Nikki and Blaze were almost at her house when they saw Diana in the yard with three Pokemon eggs on a small table. One of the eggs was orange with black stripes, the second was brown with a white stripe encircling a little above the middle of the egg, and the third egg was light blue with dark blue spots. Nikki smiled as she walked into her yard with Blaze.
"Mama, I'm back." She says as Blaze hid behind Nikki. Diana turned around and smiled seeing Nikki.
"Hi, honey. Which starter did you pick?" Diana asked as she walked to Nikki.
"I picked Charmander like Daddy. I named her Blaze." Nikki says introducing Blaze to her mom. Diana looked down as she saw Blaze move from behind Nikki. She smiled and looked at Nikki.
"Oh baby, your father would be so proud of you." Diana looked at Blaze. "Will you look after and protect my little girl? She is very special and needs strong partners to protect her." Blaze took in everything Diana said before smiling and nodding.
"I'll protect her with my life." Blaze says before giving a show of her Scratch attack to show that she was strong. Diana just smiled at the show of strength and Nikki's translation.
"Mama, can I have my gift from Daddy now, please?" Diana smiled softly and nods.
"Yes, sweetheart. But there was a letter with the one I got this morning. It is from your father to you, and he wanted you to read it before you got your gift." Nikki's eyes widened when she heard that there was a letter for her from her father. She watched her mother walk to the table holding the eggs and grabbed a letter off the table. She walked back to Nikki and handed it to her. Nikki took it and opened it starting to read it.
Hello my little star,
I know you are reading this long after I have passed on and I'm sorry that I couldn't stay with you and your mother. I tried my hardest to stay but lost the battle.
There are things I want you to know about the Pokemon your mother is going to give you and the Charmander that I know you picked as your starter. I had a few things arranged before I passed on. First, I had my Nidoqueen sent to your mother and I's breeder friend to breed a Nidoran as your service Pokemon. It is the same level as a starter, but it knows four TM moves that were taught to it. Remember when I asked you what four TMs you liked the most? Our breeder friend bought them to teach them to your Nidoran. So, it will be able to protect you and help you during episodes you may have during your journey.
And about your Charmander. It is the child of my Charizard. Your mother told me that after I passed on that you and she would be moving to Pallet Town, so I had Professor Oak see me before I passed. He agreed to breeding my Charizard, so his child was one of the choices for you.
I want you to know that I'm proud of you, little star. I know that you will do great things as a trainer. I love you, Nikki.
Love Daddy
P.S. Tell your mother to give you the box of pokeballs I left.
Tears were falling from her eyes as she read her father's letter. She couldn't believe that her starter was the child of her father's Charizard. He had been her favorite of her father's Pokemon to play with. And the Pokemon that was a gift from her father, a Nidoran, was bred from his Nidoqueen. Nikki looked at her mother to see her holding a Luxury ball in her hand.
"This is your gift from your father, Nikki." Diana says as she hands Nikki the Luxury ball. Nikki looked at the ball with awe. "Well go on. Let your new Pokemon out." Diana said with a smile. Nikki looked at her mother.
"Daddy said in his letter to give me the box of pokeballs that he left." Diana smiled sadly and nods before going into the house. Nikki looked at the Luxury ball and pushed the button. What was released from the Luxury ball was a shiny Nidoran. Nikki smiled seeing that it was a male Nidoran. She dropped to her knees in front of him.
"Hi, Nidoran. My name is Nikki. And I'm your trainer. You were trained to be a service Pokemon for me, right?" Nidoran looked over the girl in front of him. He had been trained to be a service Pokemon and be battle ready for this girl.
"Yes, I have. I am also ready for battles so I can protect you too."
"I know that you're battle ready. My father arranged for you to be. You learned four TM moves right?"
Nidoran nods before shock hit him realizing that she understood him. "WAIT! YOU CAN UNDERSTAND ME?!" Nidoran yelled still in shock. Nikki giggled and nods.
"Yes, I can understand Pokemon. At first, I was told by a doctor that it was because of my disability but my friend Ash can understand Pokemon too and he doesn't have a disorder. So, we don't know why I can understand Pokemon, I just can." As Nikki finished speaking, she pulled out her pokedex:
Nidoran, The Poison Pin Pokemon. Nidoran male has developed muscles for moving its ears. Thanks to them, the ears can be freely moved in any direction. Even the slightest sound does not escape this Pokemon's notice.
Ability: Poison Point
Hidden Ability: Hustle (Note: Hidden Ability is unlocked)
Sex: Male
Nature: Lonely (Note: The nature can change when the Pokemon evolves)
Move(s): Leer, Poison Sting, Peck, Ice Beam, Thunder Bolt, Iron Tail, Poison Jab
Just as the pokedex finished Diana came out of the house holding a dragon themed box. She walked to Nikki handing it to her. "This is the box your father wanted you to have." Diana said with a soft smile.
Nikki took the box and opened it. What she saw was a variety of pokeballs. There were several pokeballs made from apricorns, Premier balls, Dive balls, Dusk balls, Heal balls, Luxury balls, and Net balls. Nikki's eyes widened as she looked at her mother.
"Mama, I can't take these. These are the pokeballs that Daddy had been collecting." Diana just started to laugh.
"Oh baby, don't you know why he was collecting the pokeballs? He was collecting them for your journey. He wanted you to have good pokeballs to use for special occasions and to catch Pokemon you deemed special." At this Nikki had started crying again. She couldn't believe everything her father had done to help and protect her on her journey. Diana wrapped her arms around Nikki pulling her into a hug. "I know, baby." She says holding Nikki close.
"I miss him, Mama. I had no idea he set all of this to happen after he was gone."
"He wanted the best for you, Nikki." She nods and let's go of her mother. She looks at Nidoran.
"I have a nickname for you if you want one." She says as she sat down beside Nidoran. "How do you like the name Spike?" Nidoran thought about it for a moment before smiling and nodding.
"I like it!" He says happily before jumping into Nikki's lap and nuzzles her belly. Nikki smiled and scratched behind his ears.
Nikki talked to and bonded more with Blaze and Spike before she saw Ash and Leaf walking to her house. She returned Blaze and clipped her pokeball to her belt. "You're about to meet two of my friends, Spike. Don't worry they are very nice." Spike nods as he hides behind Nikki for now. He trusted her about her friends, but he didn't know them very well…yet.
Nikki smiled as Ash and Leaf walked into the yard. "Hey, Ash, Leaf. Ready to pick your Pokemon eggs?"
"Sure am!" Leaf said excitedly.
"Yeah! It is really cool of your mom to do this, Nikki." Ash says in the same tone.
"Well, thank you, Ash." Diana says as she came out of the house. "Where is Gary? I thought he was coming."
"Professor Oak said to just send the last egg to him, Mama. He said he would make sure that Gary gets it." Ash looked down and noticed a Pokemon hiding behind Nikki.
"Hey, Nikki, who is the Pokemon hiding behind you?" Ash asked as Leaf looked down seeing the Pokemon too.
"Whoa, it's a shiny Nidoran! Nikki, where did you get him?!" Leaf asked excitedly as she and Ash took out their pokedexes getting data on him. "And he knows four TM moves?! Seriously, Nikki, where did you get him?!" Nikki smiled in pride.
"He is a gift from my father. He is my service Pokemon and going to be one of my partners. His name is Spike." Nikki says as she looked down at Spike. "Come on. It's okay, Spike. I told you that they are nice." Spike nods and slowly comes out from behind Nikki.
"Well, now that you've met Spike, I think now you should pick which egg you want." Diana says with a smile. Ash looked at Leaf.
"Ladies, first." Ash, ever the gentleman, said kindly. Leaf walked to the table holding the three eggs. She looked at each egg taking a moment before picking up the brown egg.
"I want this one." Leaf says happily. She moved away from the table as Ash walked to it. He looked over the two eggs. He took a moment before picking up the light blue egg.
"I'll take this one." Ash says with a grin.
"Now you're going to want to keep the eggs warm and safe." Diana says as she picked up the last egg. "And don't try to find out what will hatch from the eggs from Nikki. It is more fun to find out what Pokemon is inside when it hatches." Diana says with a smile. "Now go on. It's time for you three to leave for your journey."
The three nodded as Nikki gave her mother one last hug before heading to the entrance of Route 1 with her friends.
The trio reached the entrance of Route 1. Leaf had made a quick stop by her house to grab her bike. The three friends looked at each other, none of them really wanted to say goodbye, but knew they had to. After about seven minutes Leaf spoke up.
"Alright guys, I'll see you around." Leaf said and they each gave her a big goodbye hug. Once they drew away from the hugs and said their goodbyes to the hyperactive girl, she jumped on her bike riding off into Route 1, leaving Ash and Nikki alone.
Again, the two were quiet for a little bit. Nikki knew that this was her last chance to ask Ash if she could travel with him and she really did try. She even felt Spike nudging her leg encouraging her to ask, but she felt like she lost her voice. Ash saw this and remembered what his mother asked him to do before he left. Thinking about whether he should ask or not, he looked at his partner. Seeing Ash's confliction Pikachu decided to add his opinion.
"Do it." Pikachu says with a nod. Nikki and Spike looked at them both with curiosity. Ash took a deep breath. If his mother's right, Then this would be a nice thing to do for Nikki, but if she was wrong then this was going to be extremely embarrassing.
"Hey, Nikki…" Ash finally said. This started to break Nikki's heart, he was about to leave, and she couldn't bring herself to ask to travel with him. "Why don't we travel together?"
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 dont think i will answer ones that ask for spoilers. I appreciate any and all support. Thank you and tune in when the next chapter is posted