Lucas Ordo and his Magby, Genesis, search for Mewtwo in the Kanto Region. Along with another trainer named Blue, they've rescued a lost Zorua and battled strange fossil thieves in the caves of Mt. Moon. They're now on their way to Cerulean City for their next gym challenge, and the Emerald Trainer just might need to take another detour first...

The Emerald Pack:

-Lucas Ordo: Magby (Genesis), Charmander (Comet)

-Blue: Wartortle, Paras

-Zorua

Chapter 5

Our New Pokémon Debut! Gym Leader Misty!

"Lucas, what in the world are you doing?" Blue asked promptly.

Lucas glanced back while digging around in the tall grass. "Looking for a wild Pokémon! Haven't you noticed it's been like, an entire day I've been in Kanto and I haven't caught a single Pokémon yet?", he said, impatiently. "Why didn't you look back in the cave? Couldn't this wait till we've gotten to Cerulean City?", Blue asked, also rather impatient. Lucas popped up, slightly offended. "No! The Cerulean gym is Water-Type right? Well I've only got two Pokemon and they're both fire types! It was hard enough against rock-type Brock, but this Misty girl could put out Comet and Genesis in flash!", he said.

Blue rolled her eyes. "Oh come, it's not going to be that tough", she laughed. "Yeah, easy for you to say. Both your Pokémon are water and grass types. You're a better match! If I could find a grass type, or even better-an ELECTRIC type-I'll be good to go!", Lucas retorted. He let Genesis out of his ball. "Genesis, help me look for an electric Pokémon!" Lucas commanded. Genesis gave a salute and jumped into a bush to look. "Lucas, I highly doubt you're going to find an electric Pokémon at night." said Blue. Then came a rustling in the grass. Lucas stood still. "Oh yeah? Then how do you explain...THIS!" he said as he opened the grass patch.

It was not the Pokémon he expected.

"A Lillipup?!" Lucas exclaimed. The Lillipup looked up and gave a confused bark. It then proceeded to sniff at Lucas' leg before wagging it's tail and giving small happy yaps. "Huh, that's odd. That's a Unova Pokémon, isn't it?", asked Blue, checking her Pokedex. "Yeah, they used to be all over Driftveil City", Lucas said.

Blue scanned the Lillipup on her Pokedex and showed Lucas the entry. It was much smaller than the entries for the other Pokémon and didn't list any stats.

Lillipup: Puppy Pokemon

It uses the soft fur covering its face to collect information on its surroundings

Lucas also noticed the identification number was missing, it was only a "?". An error message popped up, which read: This Pokémon is unlisted. Please upgrade to National Pokedex for complete entry.

"Unlisted?", Lucas asked. "Just as I thought. It's not part of the Kanto Region Pokedex because it's not native to Kanto. Someone must have brought it over here from somewhere else, probably Unova", Blue explained. "We'd need a National Pokedex that can record all Pokémon, but Professor Oak only gives it to trainers who complete the regional Pokedex." She looked back at the Lillipup. "Still cool that there's a national Pokemon here though!" she said cheekily.

Lucas wasn't really as impressed, but he looked back at the Lillipup and said "Ehh, I guess you'll do." Then he threw a Pokeball, which sucked in the Lillipup. The Pokeball shook twice...nearly there...suddenly it burst open. The Lillipup didn't look as happy anymore, in fact it looked quite angry as it growled at the trainer.

"Aw crap..." said Lucas. "Lucas, you have to battle it first and weaken it before you can capture it! Hasn't anyone told you that before?" Blue said. "Um, no? Was anyone supposed to? Did I miss something here? You didn't battle your Paras, how'd you capture it so easily?" Lucas said. "Um, I don't know...dumb luck?" said Blue, her face shifting to awkward shyness. The Lillipup then started barking angrily at Lucas. It looked like it definitely wanted a battle now.

"Well, as you wish", said Lucas. He sent out his Charmander, Comet. "Char Char!"

"Comet, Use Scratch." said Lucas, and Comet scratched the Lillipup.

The Lillipup was hit and skidded back. It growled, gave an angry bark, and rushed towards the Charmander, using Bite.

It bite Comet on the tail, and it started flailing it around in Pain. "Er, Scratch again." said Lucas, and Comet scratched it. Lillipup was hit and tried to use Bite again.

"Scratch..." said Lucas. Comet used Scratch, knocking the Lillipup back out of the way.

Lillipup wasn't down yet, but was clearly in it's last legs. It attempted a weak Tackle as it rushed, albeit slowly, at Comet.

"Alright, let's try again." said Lucas. And he threw another Pokeball.

The Pokeball didn't even wiggle as the round ball clicked.

Lucas looked at his Pokeball in victory. "Alright! First Pokemon caught! Return, Comet." he said, withdrawing his Charmander. Genesis gave a cheer. "Well my little friend, I can't think of a Nickname, so I'll just call you Lillipup." Lucas said to the Pokeball, capturing his catch.

"Hey, good job Lucas! Now..." started Blue, who then proceeded to crack her own back. "Can we get to Cerulean City now, I am tired!"

And so they did. They found the nearest Pokemon Center and had all five of their Pokémon healed by the healing machine. "There you go! Your Pokémon are all happy and healthy!", said the Pokémon nurse, handing back the Pokeballs to Lucas. "Thanks!" he said, returning to the sitting couch he and Blue picked out. Blue came back from fidgeting on the PC at the front desk. "Well, guess we can let you all out, get some space", said Lucas, letting Genesis, Comet, Lillipup, Wartortle, and Paras out of their Pokeballs. Zorua also came out of Lucas' backpack to join the fray. Lillipup jumped up on Lucas' lap as he sat down. "No hard feelings mate?", he asked, scratching the Pokemon's chin. Lillipup licked his fingers.

"Good news, Lucas", Blue said as she sat. "I just checked Lillipup's info on the Greater Pokemon Database on the Center's PC. He can learn Thunderbolt", she held up what looked like a blank disc with a yellow-ish hue. "What's that?", asked Lucas. "It's a TM containing Thunderbolt!", said Blue. Lucas said nothing, just stared.

"You know...a technical machine...?", said Blue. Crickets again from Lucas.

Blue looked at him, dumbfounded. "You've seriously never heard of a TM before?", she said, incredulously. "Nah uh", Lucas said simply. Blue couldn't help but think, "Who taught this kid?". But never mind. It was an opportunity to teach.

"It's a way to teach a move to a Pokemon that they wouldn't learn naturally on their own, as long as they're compatible. Can't teach a Charmander to swim, you know?", she giggled. Comet looked at her puzzled. "Oh I see...", Lucas said as a half-truth. Blue gave him the Thunderbolt TM. "Brock gave us both Bide TMs, which pretty much all our Pokemon can use, but Professor Oak gave me a couple a while back. You can use this Thunderbolt one to help with our gym battle."

Lucas looked at the disc "Sweet! Thanks! Now...how do I use this TM thingamabobber?" he said. "Here. Let me", Blue said, taking the TM back. She knelt down to the Lillipup and pressed the disc to his forehead. It gave a click and a glow, then snapped and shattered to pieces after that, which suddenly disappeared. "There! Easy as that! Although I don't know how the TM breaks and disappears like that..."

Lucas looked at Lillipup with curiosity. "So...did it work?", he asked. "Only one way to found out...", Blue said cheekily. "Haha, right. Lillipup, use Thunderbolt!", Lucas said. Lillipup promptly complied and used Thunderbolt...on Lucas. Emerald gave an electric jolt as he was shocked, and he sat frozen with his hair stuck up electrically. "Okay, I think it worked..." he said. Blue and the other Pokémon laughed. "Haha! Sorry, that was too funny", said Blue, checking her Pokedex. "At least now you have a fair advantage. Oh darn. My Paras doesn't have any grass moves..." She checked her Paras' entry.

"Hey, I forgot to ask you, who were those guys back in Mount Moon?" Lucas said to Blue.

"Didn't I tell you about Rocket activity? They were Rocket Grunts, part of the infamous Team Rocket. They are Pokémon gangsters who steal Pokemon and use them in whichever way for their profit..." she said. "Oh, THATS what you meant when you said 'Rocket Activity'. I thought you meant People were launching Rockets in there", said Lucas. "Haha! Rocket's would neither fit down there, nor is there any hole for them to pass through." Blue chuckled.

"Although, I think back in Unova I've heard something about a gang like from Trask. But apparently they haven't been seen for decades, probably disbanded..." said Lucas.

"Well, tell me more your home region. I've heard a bit about Unova, but I've never actually been." Blue asked. "Well, I mean it's nothing reall that special. I mean there's this HUGE city in the center, but I haven't really been. The Pokemon sure are different, and they're the ONLY ones we have. I was so excited to come here to Kanto because of all the Pokémon I've seen on TV and read about in books, but never actually seeing before.", Lucas explained

"Ooh. So now you're here to defeat the gyms and the Elite Four?" Blue said, resting her cheeks on her palms. "Oh yeah, I sailed the high seas with a Magby that talks back, in a rowboat made of sticks, for four weeks just to do something I could've done in Unova." said Lucas with all sarcasm. "No, I came here for one reason: to find Mewtwo! But these gym challenges have been interesting enough though. So I might as well try..."

"Totally! But I've been meaning to ask you more about that. This Mewtwo Pokemon just passed by you randomly one time? And you seek it? Now that's what I call devotion! Searching for something you've only seen once. You're going to need perseverance and luck, if I may say so!" Blue smiled cheerfully at the thought of it. Lucas couldn't help but blush. "Well, thanks...", he said.

"But...one question nags me. Why do you think you won't find Mewtwo in Unova?" She asked. "Well, one night when I was younger, Trask and his crew was having a party, and it was fun! But I needed some fresh air so so I stepped outside. I was all on my own just chilling and suddenly...there he was! I thought it was a shooting star but I could see closely, it was a Pokemon! He flew off in this direction. I immediately went inside to tell Trask and described what he looked like. We did some research over the next couple of days and I found that it was Mewtwo", Lucas said.

Lucas pulled out his Mewtwo card again and showed it to Blue. "We found this card of him in his stacks. Sometime after that, he had to leave for Johto, he encouraged me to go on my own to find him. He gave me the egg with Genesis in it, my Pokenav, and he let me keep card" Lucas said. Looking at the card, he further remarked, "Just so I could remember what I'm on my journey for..."

Blue looked at the card. "So that's what it looks like...", she trailed off. "It's my Lucky Charm. Trask also gave me this." Lucas said. He took off his Bandana and held it up. "This use to be his as well. Gives me good luck. I'll always treasure it.", he said, nostalgia in his voice. "It's really nice", Blue said. "I just thought you picked it up from some fashionista store or something", she laughed. Lucas grinned.

"Hey c'mon!" Blue said. "We've still got time and the Gym is still open! Let's get out there and earn our second badge on our first day out!". Lucas truthfully was focused more on food at the moment, but he couldn't help but admire Blue's enthusiasm. For that, he was willing to oblige. "Count me in!", he said.

And so the two trainers set out for the Cerulean City gym at last. They arrived at the building, the inside of which looked like, as Lucas put it: "Looks more like the Pool of a High School".

"Hehe. Misty uses Water Pokémon, so she prefers the surroundings to be to at her advantage. Oh look, Misty!" Blue said.

The red-headed girl, Misty, emerged from the water. Apparently she had been diving.

"Why Blue! Such a pleasure to meet you again! It's been a while!", she cried, excited, jumping out and running to hug Blue. The two started exchanging indeterminant hellos while Genesis stared and muttered to his trainer: "Huh. Guess they must know each other or something, huh Emerald?...Emerald?"

Lucas said nothing, just stared at Misty with an expression the Magby knew all-too well. "Oh no...", it said.

As their conversation died down, Misty noticed Lucas and stuck out a cold and clammy hand to him. "Oh, hello. I didn't see you there. I take it you're a challenger! Are you a friend of Blue's?". Lucas didn't say anything. He took Misty's Hand, then got on a Knee and lost it. "O' Mother Ocean! Thank you for arranging this encounter today! Go on Laugh at me, I who can't bear the Torture...but my Heart is Ready!" he blurted out with Hearts in his eyes.

Then, Genesis grabbed him by the collar, pulled him away, and slapped him repeatedly with a fiery hand. That got him back into reality. "Yeah yeah...Names...Lucasss..." he said deliriously.

Misty and Blue giggled in unison. "Don't mind Lucas, he's just extra", Blue said to Misty. "I can see that", said Misty. "So Blue, are you finally taking the gym challenge?" she said with excitement. "Yes!", Blue exclaimed. "We both are!", she acknowledged Lucas, who was picking himself back up. "Great!", said Misty. "Would it be okay to do a tag battle, Misty?", asked Blue. "Why yes! Of course!, Blue said. "Fantastic!", said Misty, who went to get herself ready.

Misty placed herself on the other side of the battle court from Lucas and Blue, which of course was the pool; several foam platforms floating on the water for non-water type Pokémon.

"Alright, now for the rules..." Misty said.

"1. I can send out two Pokémon together, while you both send out one each.
2. You both can use two Pokémon in the battle altogether, while I use two alone. Agreed?"

Lucas sent out his Lillipup. "Yay-Yah." he said.

"Go Paras!" Blue yelled as the small bug appeared.

"That's about it! Battling, commence!" Misty cried as she tossed two Pokeballs. Two very similar starfish-looking Pokemon appeared, one clearly the evolved form of the other.

"Starmie and Staryu..." said Lucas, using his Pokedex.

Starmie: Mysterious Pokemon

STARMIE's center section - the core - glows brightly in seven colors. Because of its luminous nature, this Pokémon has been given the nickname "the gem of the sea." Some people value the core as a gem. Regardless of the environment it lives in, its body grows to form a symmetrical geometric shape. People think it is communicating when it glows in 7 colors.

Staryu: Star-Shape Pokemon

STARYU's center section has an organ called the core that shines bright red. If you go to a beach toward the end of summer, the glowing cores of these Pokémon look like the stars in the sky. If its body is torn, it can grow back if the red core remains. The core flashes at midnight. At night, the middle of its body slowly flickers with the same rhythm as a human heartbeat.

"Lillipup, use Bite on Staryu." said Lucas as Lillipup went to bite the Staryu.

Starmie and Staryu both dove in the water together, thus avoiding Lillipup's Bite. Both of them suddenly jumped up and used Water Gun together on Lillipup.

"Ohoho. Using the old strategy, Misty?" Blue said. "Paras, use Stun Spore!" The green spores hit the unfortunate Starmie.

"Ack! Paralyzed?!" Misty exclaimed.

"Yep. Use Leech Life!"

Starmie just about managed to dodge the attack.

"Tackle!" But Starmie was paralyzed.

"Lillipup, use Thundershock on Staryu!" said Lucas, and Lillipup unleashed his electric fury on the wet Staryu. "HAHA, Water attracts electricity!" said Lucas.

Starmie was not expecting an electric assault and was hit. "Ack! Use recover." But Starmie was paralyzed again.

It was further weakened by Paras' Leech Life. It finally managed to use Recover, raising health to around half. "Aww, son of a-" said Lucas.

Staryu unleashed another Water Gun at Lillipup. Critical hit! It was hurt, but still able to fight.

"Let's see you dodge This! Thunderbolt, Again!" Lucas said.

Staryu was knocked out.

"What? In one hit? that Lillipup must be strong..." Misty muttered. "Starmie! Use Reflect!"

Starmie set up a shiny wall that greatly raised it's defense. "Now, Water Gun!" Starmie tried to get up, but was paralyzed yet again. 'Noooo..." Misty moaned.

Blue smirked. "Paras! Leech Life!" With it's health constantly being chipped down, Starmie was pretty much in a mess.

"Finish it Lillipup! Use Thunderbolt!" said Lucas.

And Lillipup gave a grand strike of Thunderbolt on the defenseless Starmie.

The damage was halved due to Reflect but it still fainted, assisted by a Leech Life from Paras.

Misty sighed. "All right. You won.." She handed them both Cascade Badges.

"Whoo!" said Lucas, and he put the badge in his pocket with the other badge that Brock gave him. "Hey, Good Job Lillipup! Return" he said as he recalled his Pokemon.

Blue brought out Wartortle and pinned her badge onto his shell, next to the Boulder Badge. Misty came over to them. "That was some battle! It's been a while since my Starmie's been given a tough job like that. Blue, you're really coming a long way? And..." she suddenly gasped, "Wartortle?! Your Squirtle's finally evolved?!"

"Yep!" Blue jumped up. "And it was thanks to Lucas here that he was able to do so!" she smiled.

"Oh it was nothing", Lucas said with a blush. "By the way, just out of curiosity, how do you two know each other?" he asked Misty and Blue.

"We were friends together in Pallet Town!", they both said together. Then they both engaged in giggling.

"Oh, you're both from Pallet Town?" asked Lucas.

"Yes!" They cried in unison again. "When I was growing up in Pallet Town, Misty lived down the road from me before she moved to Cerulean!", said Blue. Misty chimed in, "And I was also into Water Types, and Blue had a Squirtle! So we naturally became friends". "Yep!", said Blue. "Then Misty became gym leader, and I haven't really had a Pokemon of my own other than Squirtle-now Wartortle-but even that's changed thanks to Paras!". Misty laughed, "Haha, I honestly thought I'd have you in the bag, Blue. I didn't expect you to pull out another Pokemon, much less one that's strong against my water types! You impress me more every day".

"Mm. Catching up with old friends and memories," said Lucas. "That's always a good feeling", which sparked a memory of his:

"Come on Emerald, there's no way you could spot a Dweble just by looking at it!", said Trask. Young Lucas ran to a big rock and touched it. "Yes I can Trask! Just watch!" he said. "This is gonna be good", Blade whispered to Trask. Lucas picked up the Rock and looked under it...it was a Geodude. Lucas screamed and jumped back, but the Geodude tried to tackle him. "Here it comes..." said Atton. Lucas gave it one kick to the face and knocked it out. "Wow. One Kick." said Atton.

"That's a new record, Emerald."

"Hooray for Emerald!" said Zinc.

Trask's crew all cheered for Lucas. Trask himself patted him on the Back. "Lucas, you never cease to impress us." he said. Lucas Smiled.

In the present, Lucas stood remembering this. "Good times." he said, staring off into Space.

The two girls brought their attention back to each other. "So Blue, are you just going to hop from one gym to the next then?", Mist asked. "Well...yeah, that's the basic plan for now", Blue said. "Well then, your next bet will be in Vermillion City. That's an electric gym, so beware. You might not have the same luck pulling the same moves you did here", Misty said giving a wink. "Oh don't worry, we'll have a few new tricks up our sleeve I'm sure!", Blue grinned.

The two gave each other a parting hug, then Blue turned to leave, shaking Lucas out of his daydream. "We better get going, it's late", she said, acknowledging her silver watch. "Huh? Oh, yeah. Hold that thought." said Lucas. He turned back at Misty as they were going. "Bye Misty! Never forget me! I'll treasure the moments we spent together in my hear-" he blurted out losing it, before Genesis yanked him down again.

"No-no-no-no-no-no-no-no!" said Lucas, but too late, Genesis started slapping him again. "Nice to meet you, Lucas! Take care!", Misty said, face red with awkwardness as she waved to Lucas, being dragged out by the collar by his Magby.

Walking down the night streets, Lucas finally caught up with Blue on their way to the PokeCenter. "After we heal our Pokémon, should we find a hotel or something?", he asked. "Hotel? We can just stay at the Pokemon Center! They have free food and lodging for Pokémon Trainers!", Blue said. Lucas got excited. "Oh really?!", he said. "You had me at free food!"

After a meal at the PokeCenter, Lucas and Blue booked out a room. Lucas patted his bed to make sure it was soft. "Good enough for me", he said. Both he and Blue changed into their pajamas, and Lucas crawled into bed with Genesis. "Man, what a day", Lucas said. "Two new Pokemon, two gym matches, and SO many other battles in one day. Hard to believe it all came by so fast, right Blue?". But Blue had already dropped asleep against her pillow. "Well, I'm sure you agree, huh Genesis?", Lucas turned to ask his Magby, but even he was instantly tuckered out. Zorua slept on the end of Blue's bed.

As the night droned on, Lucas twisted in his bed, awake. He couldn't fall asleep no matter how hard he tried. He got up and sat on the windowsill, looking up at the moon over Cerulean City as every thought raced through his head. "First day in Kanto and look what we've done so far", he said to himself. He looked down at Blue. "Already made a new comrade on only day one. Such a character", he smiled, but then frowned at a thought. "You've had more of a dark past then I would've thought, Blue", he said to the sleeping Blue. "You've been my first friend here in Kanto. In fact, you've been my first friend a long time, since Trask left, and I will protect you to the end of the earth.

Lucas put a Hand on her head. "Sleep Well, friend" he said. "I mean it. You'll be reunited with your Parents, and whatever separated you. But I can already tell, you will be an excellent trainer."

Knowing that there's more to fight for than his own battles, the thoughts of what lies ahead disappear and allow Lucas to sleep the night away. His first day in Kanto has already been eventful, but a new day will only bring new promises, new battles, new friends, and new challenges.

To Be Continued...

::REVIEW::

-Adventure Set: Cerulean City

-Pokémon Caught: Lillipup [Lucas]

-Badges Received: Cascade Badges

-Current Location: Cerulean City