Hi everyone. I just wanted to clear up one thing about Nikki's uncle. Yes, he is Riley from the diamond and pearl series. I wanted a known aura guardian to be related to her. And when I was looking Riley up, I couldn't find his last name, so I gave him Nikki's father's last name so that they are related. That's all. Please enjoy this next chapter.
Chapter 5 A late Blossom Blooms
It is the day after Team Rocket attacked the Pokemon Center. As planned, the group spent the night at the Pokemon Center, and because the room had three beds Ash and Nikki invited Misty to join them. Though it was a little uncomfortable at first sleeping in the same room as Ash, she gladly agreed. Misty had changed into her sleep wear in an adjacent bathroom for privacy. While Misty was changing Ash took that time to check on his Pokemon egg and checked with Nikki that the egg was okay from the day's adventures. Once in bed the trio spent the night getting to know each other and plan out the next day's adventures.
As Ash had promised, he planned to visit his Aunt Yellow in the morning. While he did that Misty decided to go with Nikki to check out the Battle Chateau. They both knew this should get them through the morning to noon. As a result, they would head out for their next destination of Viridian Forest since it is the most direct route to Pewter City and Ash and Nikki's first gym battle. Of course, there is a gym here in Viridian City, but they only accept challenges from trainers with seven badges. It's the only leader whose identity is kept a secret. Whenever they are referred to, they are called G.
The trio had also introduced their Pokemon. Needless to say, Misty was shocked by Ash and Nikki's ability to understand Pokemon. Misty actually had two Pokemon with her. One being the Staryu she battled Team Rocket with, and the other was a little fish which both Ash and Nikki scanned with their pokedexes:
Goldeen, the Goldfish Pokemon. Goldeen loves swimming wild and free in rivers and ponds. If one of these Pokemon is placed in an aquarium it will shatter even the thickest glass with one ram of its horn and make its escape. Its tail fins billows like an elegant ballroom dress, giving it the nickname of the Water Queen.
We now join them in the lobby parting ways for now.
"So, we'll meet up at your Aunt Yellow's house so I can see my Uncle Riley before coming back here to grab a quick lunch and setting off." Nikki said clarifying.
"Right." Ash said smiling while giving a thumbs up. "And good luck at the Battle Chateau, Nikki." Nikki blushed hearing Ash's comment.
"Thank you, Ash." Nikki said in a sweet low tone, hardly audible.
'Seriously, how can he be THIS dense?!' Pikachu thought with a mental sigh. While yes, Ash was probably the nicest human he has ever met, he is also the densest. Oh well, at least it will make for some good comedy for the electric mouse.
Spike gave a mental sigh watching his trainer and the raven-haired boy interact. 'Is he really THIS dense? I feel bad for Nikki.' Spike thought as he moved to sit beside Nikki's feet.
'Hmm, this could be very interesting.' Misty thought with a mischievous smile. Yes, they were friends and she highly doubted that she would ever be interested in Ash. At least in that way. But some playful teasing couldn't hurt. It could even be a way to bond. And maybe she'll help the younger girl out but that would have to happen on a later day.
"Alright, Pikachu, ready to go?" Ash asked as he turned to his partner who was sitting on his shoulder, seeing nothing weird about Nikki's reaction.
"Ready as I will ever be to meet this aunt of yours and uncle of Nikki's." Pikachu replied.
"Alright, see you guys later." Ash said as he started to walk away. Nikki just stared at the raven-haired boy until he turned the corner and was out of sight. Nikki just sighed happily before turning to Misty.
"How about you, Misty? Ready to go?" Nikki asked, receiving a smile and a nod from the orange haired girl. The three of them started to head in the opposite direction of Ash and Pikachu.
As they walked in silence taking in the sights of the city Misty had decided to break the silence.
"So, Nikki, how did you meet Ash?" Misty asked casually.
Nikki smiled as she remembered that fateful day and sighed happily. "Well, it all started four years ago…" From there Nikki described their first encounter at Professor Oak's Pokemon Summer Camp, with a little bit of a romantic tone. "And then after camp he kept his promise, and we became best friends." Nikki said with a smile. At this point Nikki's head was turned at the sky with her eyes closed reliving the day she met Ash, like a movie playing in her mind. Misty smiled, which at this point looked a little mischievous. She was sure that Nikki had feelings for the raven-haired boy.
"Soooooo…" Misty drew out. "I guess that means that you two are a couple, right?" Nikki came to a complete stop as her eyes shot open. She stared at the orange haired girl with her face turning a dark red.
"W-w-what a-are you t-talking a-about?" Nikki says stuttering nervously. Misty smirked knowing that she was on the right path. "We're…just friends." Nikki said with a sad sigh. Misty knew the least she could do was help.
"But you do like him, right?" Misty asked in a kind tone.
"Yes." Nikki said with a sad sigh.
"So why don't you tell him? I'm assuming that he doesn't know."
"Well, it's really simple." Nikki said in a matter-of-fact tone. "Ash is the...nicest, kindest, and sweetest person I've ever met. And I would hate for our friendship to be ruined because I revealed my feelings, and he doesn't feel the same." Misty smiled listening to the younger girl. It is very clear that this isn't some silly little schoolgirl crush.
"Don't worry Nikki." Misty said reassuring her as she placed a hand on her shoulder. "I'm sure Ash has feelings for you. He just hasn't realized it yet." Nikki smiled a little, maybe Misty was right.
"Thanks, Misty." Nikki said thanking her. "But I'm still just not ready to tell him." Misty smiled and gave a nod. The two girls closed in on the Battle Chateau.
Ash stood in front of a medium-sized cottage in a deserted part of town. Ash didn't know why but his Aunt Yellow always seemed isolated. And she and her Pikachu, Lumi, only ever seemed really happy when Mr. Lazario was around or when he and Nikki visited. She was always nice to them and treated them both like her own children.
Ash released a big breath before hitting the knocker on the door knocking three times. He let got of the knocker and took a step back. After about a minute or two the door opened. Stood in the doorway was a man a few years older than his father. He had spikey black hair with a stray lock of hair staying between his left eye and his nose; A blue jacket with black lining; Black pants with black shoes; sapphire blue eyes and a blue hat (same shade as his jacket) with a black band around the base and the back of the hat's brim in the back spiked.
The man looked down seeing Ash and smiled. "Ash, it's good to see you. Where is my tomboy of a niece? Normally she isn't far from your side." The man said chuckling a little.
"Hi Mr. Lazario. Nikki is checking out the Battle Chateau in the city before she comes to see you and Aunt Yellow. We have a new friend we met last night travelling with us with Nikki right now, so she isn't by herself." Ash said with a smile before pointing to Pikachu who was still sat on his shoulder. "And this is my partner, Pikachu." Riley's gaze fell on the little mouse Pokemon as he smiled.
"Well, I'm glad Nikki isn't alone in the city. She got the Nidoran my brother arranged to be bred from his Nidoqueen right? As her service Pokemon?"
"Yes sir. She loves Spike a lot. Though she will probably catch a small Pokemon that she will be able to take into stores when he evolves."
"Good. And it's a pleasure to meet you, Pikachu. And as I'm sure you might have guessed yes, I am Nikki's uncle and yes, I can understand Pokemon like she can."
"Hiya." Pikachu says not surprised a man related to Nikki was able to understand Pokemon too. He could sense the man is a good person like his niece so he would trust him.
"Where is Aunt Yellow?" Ash asked wondering where his aunt was.
"Oh, she's in the backyard tending to her garden with Lumi. Come on in and I'll go get her." Riley said as he moved letting Ash and Pikachu in the house. Once the front door was closed Riley went to get Yellow from the backyard.
Nikki, Spike, and Misty arrive in front of a big castle like building. With a big gate and a smartly dressed man standing in front of the gate. He had neatly combed white hair, a point thin moustache, a smart dark blue blazer which covered his pure white shirt and black bow tie. He also had smart dark blue trousers in the same color as his blazer and smart black shoes.
"Welcome to the Battle Chateau, Dames." The man said. "I am Hennessy, pleased to make your acquaintance." Nikki gulps softly feeling nervous. For some reason she was intimidated by the man.
"Uh, hello Hennessy." Nikki says nervously. "I'm Nikki and this is Misty. And my partner Spike." Hennessy raised an eyebrow as this was clearly her first time at the Battle Chateau.
"Is this perhaps your first visit to a Battle Chateau facility?" Hennessy asked.
"Yes, it is." Nikki answered swiftly.
"Very well. All I need is your recommendation, from a person of statue, and I will gladly show you through."
"A recommendation?" Nikki asked frowning a little as she was a little confused. "I don't think I have one."
"If you have a number, I could call then that would work as well." Hennessy explained.
"Oh, I know." Nikki said as she lit up. "I'm sure Professor Oak would give me a recommendation."
"Oh, you know Professor Oak?" Hennessy asked.
"Yes." Nikki said with a smile. "He gave me my pokedex and he is a neighbor."
"Perfect." Hennessy exclaimed. "Your pokedex will be proof enough that Professor Oak deems you a worthy trainer."
"That's great." Nikki said grinning as she pulled out her pokedex. Hennessy gladly accepted the device and pressed a few buttons. The pokedex confirmed Nikki's identity and the fact that Professor Oak gave it to her.
"There you go." Hennessy says as he handed the pokedex back to Nikki. "Are you competing too, young Dame?"
"Me?" Misty said like it was a question. "Oh no. I'm just here to spectate today."
"Very good. Would you follow me please?" With that Hennessy turned around and started walking into the castle like structure behind him. Nikki, Spike and Misty followed behind him though they kept their distance.
Once they were in the building Hennessy walked over to the desk to the right, where a smartly dressed woman was standing next to a computer.
"Madam, I have one Nicole Lazario here who will be competing for her first time." Hennessy explained and gestured towards the nervous bluenette girl. The woman smiled and pulled out a clip board with a sheet of paper on it.
"Very good, Hennessy." The woman said smiling before turning to Nikki. "Young Dame." The woman said as she turned towards Nikki. "If you'd be so kind, could you fill this in, please?" The woman asked as she passed the clip board and pen over to Nikki.
"Of course." Nikki said returning the smile and gladly accepted the items. She spent a few minutes filling in the piece of paper, just basic information, and then handing the clip board and pen back to the woman.
"Thank you, Young Dame." The woman thanked while skimming the information that Nikki had just filled in, before typing down something on the computer an incredible speed. After about a few minutes the woman hit the enter button and a new card was exported from the computer.
"Here you go, Baroness Nikki." The woman said as she held out the card. "You need to keep this card as it is your personal entry pass and also keeps track of your rank." Nikki frowned in confusion.
"Rank?" Nikki asked.
"Ah, yes. You see, here at the Battle Chateau you don't receive gym badges or Frontier symbols or anything like that. Here once you've won a tournament consisting of four battles you raise your rank. There are five all together. Baron/Baroness, Viscounts/Viscountesses, Earls/ Countess, Marquises/Marchioness, Duke/Dutchess. And once you've worked your way up to a Duke or Dutchess, you'll have the right to challenge the Battle Chateau head for the title of Grand Duke or Grand Dutchess." Nikki stopped for a moment, imagine if she did win the Battle Chateau and became a Grand Dutchess even if she didn't win the League, it would be amazing.
"Now, Baroness Nikki, please follow me." Hennessy said before walking up to two woman dressed up as maids. "Would one of you madams please show our new Baroness towards the changing room?" Hennessy asked.
"Certainly." One of the maids said before bowing and walking down the left corridor. Nikki followed shortly behind her dreading the dressing up part. Spike stayed behind with Misty to wait for Nikki.
Ash was sitting on a love seat couch when Riley when to get his Aunt Yellow. Pikachu was sat beside him and looking around the house. There were pictures of a woman with a group of Pokemon and some of the woman with Ash, his mom, and Nikki, and a few with the woman and Nikki's uncle in them. The windows were covered which he did find a little weird, and a sunny yellow color on the walls.
A few moments later Riley came in with the woman from the pictures. She was a few years older than Delia. She had long pale-yellow hair in a long braid over her shoulder; A straw hat on her head to block the sun; Her eyes are bright, wide, and brown like Delia's, though unlike her sister's they seemed to hold some kind of pain hidden under the happiness; She is wearing a bright yellow sundress and a pair of blue boots. Lumi, her Pikachu, followed in behind Yellow.
"Ash." Yellow says walking to him. She pulled Ash into a hug holding him tight. "Its so good to see you. But where is Nikki? That girl is never far from you."
"Yeah, it's me, Aunt Yellow. And Nikki is checking out the Battle Chateau in town. She's coming back with our new friend after they are done there." Ash pulled away and motioned his hand at Pikachu. "This is my partner, Pikachu." Yellow smiled down at Pikachu.
"I take it that Nikki picked Charmander like she was always saying she would? And the other two kids got the other starters?"
"Yeah, but I wouldn't change anything. Pikachu is the best partner." Ash said with a toothy grin.
The three than sat down as Ash told them about his and Nikki's first day as trainers explaining everything from trying to catch a Pidgey to being chased by the Spearow flock.
"Oh dear! Well, I'm just glad that you and Nikki are all right. As well as your Pokemon." Yellow says looking at Ash.
"I agree with, Yellow. But, Ash, you and Nikki need to be more careful. I know Yellow and I don't want to get calls from both your mothers that you both got hurt during your journey." Riley says sternly.
"Yes sir. My mom already beat you to it Mr. Lazario."
"What are you and Nikki going to do? Where do you both plan on travelling too next?"
"Well, Nikki and I are aiming for the Indigo League. Nikki and Misty are going to meet up with me here so Nikki can see Mr. Lazario before we leave. We'll go to the Pokemon Center and then it's off to Pewter City and our first gym battle." Ash said very enthusiastically, throwing his fist into the air to finish. Pikachu was mimicking the action. Yellow giggled while Riley chuckled. Yellow loved Ash's enthusiasm, it was how she had been when she first became a trainer. Before she met…Him. But then she noticed something.
"Who is Misty?" Yellow asked with interest.
"She is the girl whose bike we borrowed to escape the Spearow. She caught up with us yesterday and because we can't repay for her bike right now, she has decided to travel with us."
Back at the Battle Chateau when she entered the changing room, Nikki's eyes filled with horror seeing all of the clothes available, she was in a tomboy's worst nightmare. She started to move around trying to find a simple dress with no frills or anything of the sort. After about twenty-five minutes she started brushing her hair to make it look nice. In total she spent about thirty minutes in the changing rooms. Nikki was wearing a long simple blue dress with thin straps; Pantyhose on her legs with blue flats to match; And on her head a sparkling blue hair barrette holding her bangs out of her face.
As Nikki walked out to the main lobby, she found Misty and Spike waiting for her. When Misty and Spike spotted the bluenette their eyes widened, and they walked towards her.
"Wow, Nikki! You look beautiful in that dress." Nikki blushed a little and looked down a little.
"Yeah, Nikki. You look like an angel." Spike said in awe.
"Thanks, Misty, Spike. I just feel so out of place in this dress. This is not my normal style."
"Yeah, I'm sure you do. But I bet Ash would agree with me and Spike too." Misty whispered. This caused Nikki's eyes to widen as she blushed darker. Misty just giggled in response.
"Oh, come on, Nikki. It's nothing to be embarrassed about." Misty said reassuring her.
"Yeah maybe." Nikki says sighing as her blush faded. "It's just that everyone one in Pallet seemed to tease me about my crush. Even my mama, and…"
"Nikki, its nothing to worry about. It was just a bit of fun." Misty reassured. "Besides, if Ash is as dense as you say he is then you don't have to worry about someone else trying to steal him away."
"I guess your right, Misty." Nikki says with a grateful smile.
"Anyway, are you sure you want to participate today?" Misty asked looking at Nikki.
"Well, yeah. It looks like it will be fun, and it will be good training." Nikki said with a competitive smirk. Misty sighed inwardly thinking that this won't end well. Guess she should wait until it's all over. Nikki looked down at Spike. "Spike, I want you to stay with Misty. I'm planning on using Blaze for this first battle."
"Alright, Nikki." Spike said agreeing.
"Baroness Nicole Lazario. Please make your way to battle room four." A voice came over the speaker. With that, Nikki turned around and started walking towards the battle room.
"This is a first-round match of an official Battle Chateau Tournament between Baroness Nicole and Baroness Flora. May both participants curtsy." The Ref declared. He stood on the podium box in the center of the edge of the field, with Nikki and her opponent in the trainer boxes. Both Nikki and Flora did a curtsy to each other. "Now both participants may choose their Pokemon."
Nikki and Flora each grabbed their pokeball and held it.
"Ivysaur, show time." Flora threw her pokeball releasing the seed Pokemon. Ivysaur shook its body before getting in a battle stance and roaring as a sign that he was ready for battle. Nikki took a deep breath and exhaled. She pulled out her pokedex:
Ivysaur, the Seed Pokemon. There is a bud on this Pokemon's back. To support its weight, Ivysaur's legs and trunk grow thick and strong. If it starts spending more time lying in the sunlight, it's a sign that the bud will bloom into a large flower soon.
"Blaze, I choose you!" Nikki threw her pokeball and the lizard Pokemon appeared on the battlefield. And though she was a little bit scared of the seed Pokemon she stood her ground taking a battle position.
"Begin." The Ref declared.
Baroness Nikki VS Baroness Flora
"Blaze, use ember!" Nikki instructed. Blaze tensed up as she opened her mouth and fired several little fireballs at Ivysaur.
"Use Razor Leaf to block it." Flora shouted. The leaves on Ivysaur's back fluttered before firing multiple sharp leaves hitting the little fireballs before they even had a chance to hit Ivysaur. "Now use Power Whip!" Flora shouted. Vines appeared out from under the bud on Ivysaur's back. The vines began to whirl violently as they hit Blaze slamming her into the wall. Blaze had swirls in her eyes.
"Charmander is unable to battle, the winner is Baroness Flora." The Ref declared.
Flora returned Ivysaur and gave one last curtsy before leaving the room. Nikki made her way to Blaze and picked her up. She cradled the lizard Pokemon in her arms.
Nikki stared down at her unconscious fire type as her mind raced. What went wrong? She had the type advantage and they were both the same rank… Than why did she lose? Nikki's thoughts halted when Blaze let out a small whimper of pain. She can't think about what went wrong now, Blaze needs medical attention. With that Nikki took off returning Blaze. Nikki quickly changed back into her normal clothes and ran back to the Pokemon Center.
Misty sighed watching Nikki rush out and Spike taking off after her. She guessed that this was her cue. The orange haired girl slowly followed Nikki back to the Pokemon Center.
At the Pokemon Center Nikki rushed into the medical building with Spike by her side and handed Blaze over to Nurse Joy, who left to preform the checkup. Once Nurse Joy left Nikki sat down on a bench and just stared at the floor with Spike sitting beside her nuzzling her side to try to comfort her. She was analyzing what happened in that battle. It had been her first official battle, and she lost…very badly. She was snapped out of her thoughts only when she heard a voice.
"Nikki." Misty said as she stood in front of her. Misty's tone wasn't sympathetic or anything. If anything, it sounded stern.
"Oh, hi, Misty." Nikki said sadly.
"You are pretty naïve, you know that." Misty said with a stern voice.
"What do you mean?" Nikki asked a bit offended.
"What I mean is this is your second day as a trainer and have probably haven't done any training with your Pokemon."
"Well…" Nikki started to say though she couldn't deny it. Misty sighed.
"Every battle facility whether the Battle Chateau, a League Gym, or even the Battle Frontier is not meant to be taken lightly." Misty explained. Nikki didn't say anything so Misty saw fit to continue. "I am willing to bet that every trainer in the Battle Chateau today was an experienced trainer. And have been preparing for this tournament for weeks maybe even months and have gotten to know their Pokemon. Flora knew her Ivysaur could use moves to block attacks and used it. And when your attack missed you froze, and Blaze was left wide open." Nikki frown and sighed.
"I went with you today because I thought you would see battles from experienced trainers and be inspired to follow their example. Not try to battle them yourself."
"Then…What should I do, Misty?" Nikki asked as she was still looking at the ground, in a whisper.
"First, you need to apologize." Misty said and Nikki nodded. "Then you should spend time while out on the road. Catch some more Pokemon. And spend time with them, training, and bonding. And then you can try again at another Battle Chateau or the gym in Pewter City. And this time you will be prepared." Nikki was quiet for a moment.
"Thank you, Misty. You're right." Nikki said with a renewed smile and a flame in her eyes.
"Excuse me?" Came a voice behind them. Misty turned around and they both saw that it was Flora. She has long light purple hair that is braided to the side; Emerald green eyes that could be seen through the lenses of her glasses; A medium length purple sun dress; A small pink backpack hanging off her right shoulder; And bright pink trainers. "How is your Charmander?"
"Nurse Joy is healing her right now. Thank you for asking. But um not to sound rude but why are you here?"
"Oh um…Well I was wondering if maybe you wanted to be friends…and if its wasn't too much to ask if I could maybe travel with you both? I have been on the road for a year, and it gets really lonely when you don't have someone to travel with." Flora said nervously. Nikki looked at Misty wondering what she thought of this request. Misty smiled a little and nods.
"Well, we will have to ask our other friend who is travelling with us. But our answer is yes." Nikki said. She didn't know what it was about Flora, but she felt comfortable being around her even if this was the first time she has spent time with her. It was like she clicked with Flora and Nikki knew it was rare when she clicked with a girl.
"Other than asking us that why are you here Flora?" Misty asked looking at her.
"Oh! Well, I lost in the second round and came to have my Ivysaur, and Eevee healed by Nurse Joy."
"Well this just means we get to train and get better together Flora." Nikki said with a friendly smile.
Flora returned the smile and nodded. The three sat and talked as they waited for Blaze, Ivysaur, and Eevee to be healed.
Back at Yellow's house Ash was still talking with Yellow and Riley.
Ash looked at the clock seeing the time. "Nikki and Misty should be here soon." He says as he got up and looked out the window to see if he could see them coming.
"Ash before they come." Yellow says as Ash turned to look at her. "Don't take this journey lightly. Around every corner there is always going to be a new trial to test you, your Pokemon, and your friends. You can't just walk through. Promise me that with every challenge while out on the road whether in one of your battles or anything else you'll take it seriously." Yellow said in a serious tone.
"We don't want anything happening to you, Nikki, or your friend. So please take Yellow's words to heart, Ash." Riley said in a serious tone as well.
Ash was taken back by this. Of course, he would take it seriously. Yes, he should've handled the situation with the Spearows better and with Misty and her bike. Plus battling Pokemon thieves head on wasn't the greatest of ideas. He does only have Pikachu and Professor Oak gave him pokeballs to catch more Pokemon to add to his team. Maybe instead of aiming to get to Pewter City and his and Nikki's gym battle as soon as isn't the smartest idea. Maybe they should spend some time in Viridian Forest catching some more Pokemon and getting some serious training in. If his first day has taught him anything then it's that anything can happen. He needs to be prepared for it. What happens if they run into Team Rocket again?
"I promise, Aunt Yellow." Ash said truthfully.
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!