Chapter Six

"Wha– Professor, I can't–!"

"No Serena, I insist," Professor Sycamore said, smiling at her. "You are a trainer after all, and it's good to have a 'Mon that can handle itself in battle."

Senera had just arrived in Lumiose City late last night, and had gone straight to Professor Sycamore's laboratory first thing in the morning. The moment she officially became a trainer was the moment she was officially free from her home life, and she didn't want to wait a moment longer. She also couldn't stay in a Pokemon Center until she had her license, and had to stay in an overpriced hotel last night, and she didn't plan on doing that again.

"But... but I already have my Rhyhorn," Serena said slowly, grip tightening on her brand new Pokedex, which also doubled as her trainers license.

"The starters I give away are raised from eggs right here in the lab. It is my choice who I give them too, and even if you have your Rhyhorn I still think it would be a good idea to have a Pokemon that can battle. Protect you in case you run into danger."

Serena considered this. She was very close to Isla, and she couldn't see any other Pokemon as her starter. However, the idea of having a rare Pokemon was one she didn't want to pass up– especially if it could protect her against wild Pokemon.

"Okay, Professor, if it's really okay with you... I think I would like to have one," Serena said, offering a small smile.

Professor Sycamore grinned in reply. "Marvelous choice!" He turned, calling up the stairs of the lab. "Alain! We have a trainer here to pick out a starter!"

"Okay!" A voice replied. "Just give me a second, Dad!"

"We have three Pokemon you can choose from," Professor Sycamore said, signaling for her to follow him deeper into the lab. "I'm sure you've heard of them before– but there's Chespin, Fennekin, and Froakie. All three are very friendly Pokemon, and powerful when they evolve."

"Oh, I don't know if any Pokemon will evolve with me, I'm just racing..."

"There's more to evolving than just battles, many things can trigger evolution," the professor said. "It's one of the many things I study."

A blue haired woman hurried down the hall, holding up a hand to stop Professor Sycamore, a look of worry on her face. "Honey, have you seen Kai?"

"I'm afraid not," he frowned. "Is he with Alain? Or in the green house?"

"I'll check," she said, before hurrying down the hall. Serena stood awkwardly off to the side, not quite sure of what she should be doing.

"Sorry about that," Sycamore said. "That was my wife and assistant, Sophie. As for Kai, he's our youngest, and if you're not watching him every second he'll get into trouble," he let out a chuckle. "Now, where was I?"

"Um, starters?"

"Yes, yes, right in here," Professor Sycamore said, gesturing to a room that stood off to their side. "Alain will be down in a minute with them, and then you can choose. I would wait here with you, but I need to find Kai before he gets into something."

And with that Serena was left alone in the lab, the Kalosian professor hurrying back the way he had come. Shifting slightly, she headed into the room he had pointed out, sitting down on a chair inside. She glanced around, not quite sure of what she should be doing. She looked down at her Pokedex, turning it on with a tap of a button. She fiddled around with it for a few minutes, both to figure out how it worked and to keep herself occupied.

According to the Pokedex it was nine o'clock, meaning that she had several hours before she needed to be at the airport. She bit her lip, realizing that it wouldn't be long now until she was in Kanto. But even then... it was a big region, and she wasn't sure where to begin her search. Besides, she would need to be doing Rhyhorn races as well, to make sure her mother didn't get upset...

She flipped through the pictures of the starters on the Pokedex, wondering which one she was going to choose. They all seemed cute enough, though Froakie's eyes creeped her out a bit. Both Fennekin and Chespin were absolutely adorable, and she found herself debating between the two of them. But should cuteness be her final decision? Perhaps she would wait until she met them in person.

The door to the room suddenly burst open, a panting teen bursting in. "Sorry, Dad, I was–" he paused, realizing that the professor wasn't in the room. "Um... Who are you?"

He seemed to be a few years older than her, perhaps seventeen. He had dark raven hair and piercing gray eyes, and was clutching a container in his hands. A small Charmander was curled up on his shoulder, the fire type fast asleep.

"Um, I'm Serena, I'm supposed to be getting my starter..." her voice was quiet, the teen's stare harsh.

"Where's Dad?"

"The Professor said he needed to go find someone named Kai..."

"Oh," he relaxed a bit, and his glare didn't seem quite as harsh. "What did he get into this time...?" He shook his head, before stepping into the room. "Um, er, I guess I can give you your starter then. I'm Alain Sycamore, by the way."

"Hi," she said uncertainly, but Alain didn't reply. He turned towards the table, pulling three Pokeballs out of the container and setting them on the table. "Er, how do you have a Charmander? They aren't native to Kalos..."

"He's my starter's son," he replied, bright bursts of red light filling the room as he opened up the Pokeballs.

"Starter?"

"Charizard," he replied. "Dad got her for me before I went on a journey," he shrugged. "Quit traveling earlier this year, Dad needed help around the lab," Alain stepped back, gesturing towards the table. "There you go– pick whichever one you want."

Serena pushed herself to her feet, and found the three Kalos starters resting on the table. They were stretching and blinking, having just barely been released from the Pokeballs. They glanced around, and soon three pairs of eyes were locked on Serena. She watched as the Pokemon perked up, clearly realizing that one of them was about to be chosen, and they were watching her eagerly.

"Hmm..." she said, looking over each of them in turn. They looked even more adorable in person than they did on the Pokedex, and she found her uncertainty returning to the surface. If she had known she would be able to choose one she would've taken the time on deciding before coming here. "Um, I'm actually not sure who to choose, so... who wants to come with me?"

All three Pokemon let out cries all at once, excitedly pressing forward, eagerness in their eyes. She bit her lip, realizing that this had done nothing in narrowing down her options. She scanned them once more, again hesitating.

"You should know I don't plan on doing battles, I'm a Rhyhorn racer," she glanced away as she said this. "So whoever comes with me will be a companion, and maybe there will be battling wild Pokemon if needed."

This seemed to change Chespin's mind completely, the grass type pausing before stepping back. He shot an uncertain glance at Serena, as if not wanting to upset her, but she just gave him a small nod. If they were looking for a grand adventure and a fierce trainer in battle, then she wasn't the trainer for them. She returned her gaze to Froakie and Fennekin, who were taking in her words, but both remained close.

Froakie let out an eager croak, the frubbles on her back puffing up in her excitement. Fennekin was regarding her with cool golden eyes, the fire type appearing to be the calmest of the three. The debate had been between Chespin and Fennekin, and now that the grass type had backed out... She held her hand out towards the Fennekin, which he sniffed, ears twitching.

"Would you like to come with me?" she asked.

"Kin," he said after a moment, giving a small nod. A smile flickered over Serena's face, while Froakie looked away sadly.

"Good choice," Alain said. "Fire types are the best," he glanced at Froakie and Chespin. "And don't you worry you two, I promise you they'll be more trainers in the future for you."

They both let out a small call at the lab assistant as he returned them to their Pokeballs, placing them back within the container. The third Pokeball he held out to Serena, which she carefully took. Fennekin looked up at her, tail thumping, looking quite content at being chosen.

"Thank you," Serena said.

"Of course," Alain said. "Make sure you scan his Pokeball with your Pokedex so he's registered to your account, then he's officially yours."

She picked up the Pokedex she had set on the table, doing just that. Then she turned the device towards her new Pokemon, a small red light appearing on his chest as she scanned him.

"Fennekin, the fox Pokemon– fire type. Unlike many fire types, Fennekins lack a fire sac, so they regularly ingest twigs and other fibrous sources to help fuel their flames. They vent excess heat through their ears and tail-tip to maintain its temperature."

"Well Fennekin," Serena said, tucking her Pokedex away. "How do you feel about a nickname?"

Fennekin paused for a moment, considering the offer, before giving a nod. "Kin."

"How does Flambé sound?" She asked, the name having just barely popped into her mind, but she found it fitting.

"Kin!" The newly named Flambé cried, leaping into Serena's arms.

Route 1 wasn't the most exciting start to a journey– as the paved roads were well used as it was the only way to Pallet Town on foot. The Pokemon here were far from aggressive, mostly just Pidgeys in the trees or a Rattata scurrying through the grass. Ash had seen an occasional Bellsprout during his many trips across it, and of course there were plenty of tales for when a Spearow flock found their flight path over the route, but this time nothing of interest caught his eye as he headed out on his journey.

He had attempted to let Pichu out a few times, but the small mouse had just stared at the wide open land about him in nothing but fear. That fear only seemed to grow upon seeing the Pokeball, and Ash decided that he would have to find a better place to let the little electric type out to begin to earn its trust.

He arrived in Viridian City in the evening– the sun beginning to dip in the west as he headed down the road. It wasn't a city full of crowds and traffic, but for Ash who had grown up in little Pallet, it most definitely was a busy place. He couldn't help but look about as he wandered the streets, looking about as he slowly took in the realization that he was on a journey. There would be no heading home tonight, but merely continuing on. The whole world was now his to explore.

He paused as he passed the Viridian Gym, looking up at the imposing building with a frown. This had once been his goal, to conquer these gyms and to become the strongest trainer. And while a part of that still appealed to him, the thrill of battle with a Pokemon by your side, the pull wasn't there like it had once been. He smiled at the ground type gym, before turning his back, the thoughts of contests entering his mind. The same thrill of battles were still there, but accompanied by the beauty this world had to offer.

His stomach gave a loud rumble, reminding him that his lunch had been hours ago, and that his mom had packed him dinner. His mouth started to water, his wandering thoughts now turning to food. His hand drifted to his belt, touching the small Pokeball that rested on it. He of course needed to give Pichu his dinner too, but clearly the city wasn't the place to bring out the scared Pokemon.

He spent some time looking around, but the park was full of people and he wasn't quite ready to turn in for the night at the Pokemon Center. Eyes narrowed and stomach rumbling Ash wandered at the edge of town, not quite sure of where to go, but as he passed the western exit of the town he found himself coming to a stop.

'Route 22', as the sign advertised. It didn't seem to be a major route, because while there was a road and paths it seemed next to empty. The route also looked much more serene than route 1, more trees and a much more maintained landscape. Ash didn't even have to think twice, walking right out of the city, the sun casting a long shadow as he walked.

He made sure he went far enough away that the noise from the city wouldn't be heard, but close enough that the walk back to town wouldn't be long. He settled underneath a large oak tree, pulling out the meal his mom had packed him and his supply of Pokemon food, laying everything out. They were right where the maintained paths turned into the wild, the grass under them fading into underbrush not far from where Ash had chosen to settle down.

And once he was all ready to eat, he pulled out his Pokeball and released Pichu.

The small electric type was cowering the moment he was sent out, coppery eyes wide and fearful as he looked about. Ash didn't move, standing a ways back as the Pokemon took in its surroundings. He hoped the shade of the tree would feel more secure than the wide open route 1, and that the food set out would give Pichu a reason to calm down.

"Chu..." Pichu's gaze turned towards Ash, his gaze narrowing. At once his red cheeks began to spark, the little mouse beginning to back away. The fearful look was gone, but by the way his eyes kept flickering about he clearly wasn't looking for a fight.

The mouse then suddenly bolted– racing up the tree and up onto the lowest branch. He let out a low growl, wincing as the sparking of his cheeks shocked himself, eyes locked right onto him. Ash gave the Pokemon a smile, trying to stay as relaxed as possible.

"Hello," he said warmly, slowly moving forward and staying sitting as to not startle him. He carefully picked up a few food pellets from the dish he had set out, showing it to the mouse. "I got some dinner out for you, if you want to come eat."

The Pokemon's eyes lit up for a moment, but his ears slid back. Ash frowned, before letting the food fall back into the bowl, and he pushed the dish closer to the trunk of the tree. He then inched back with his own food, careful to stay sitting.

"There you go, you don't have to be near me if you don't want to," Ash said, before turning to his own food. The Pichu stared as he began to wolf down his meal, the human not even glancing at him.

His tail twitched in thought, the Pichu debating his options. He could run down the tree and bolt for it– but the unknown was just as frightening as everything else he had been through. He could go grab some food, but that would mean going near the human and the Pokeball. Finally he could just say up here in the tree... but that would mean no food.

None of his options seemed appealing, but since he didn't know when he would be getting his next meal, he decided that food would be the best choice. He glanced at the human once more, but he was only focused on his own food. Swallowing hard, Pichu bolted down the trunk of the tree, where the dish of Pokemon food sat waiting. His ears flicked about, listening for any sign of danger, while he began to stuff as much food into his mouth as possible. He then turned and raced right back up the tree, depositing his stash into his paws, and then began eating.

He repeated this several times whenever he ran out, the bowl of Pokemon food gradually becoming emptier. Ash finished long before Pichu did, but he simply laid down in the shade, adjusting his cap, keeping one eye on Pichu as it ate. As the mouse made his last trip up the tree he settled down, curling up, shivering slightly.

Ash looked out at the horizon, letting out a content sigh as he stared at the sky. Even all these years later, the sheer beauty in nature never failed to awe him. Colors had changed the world in so many ways, and he just couldn't imagine living without them. He didn't understand how some people went so many years without seeing it– or even their whole lives.

He froze as he saw something in the distance though– a shape flying through the sky. Ash sat straight up, for a moment wondering if he was imagining things, because this thing was huge. It vaguely resembled a Fearow shape– a long neck and a head topped with a crest– but it flew with the grace of a Pidgeot. Wide wings carried the Pokemon far above the earth, scarlet feathers gleaming with an iridescent glow. It's golden tail reflected the light of the sun, a shimmer of rainbow light trailing in the creature's wake.

The being seemed to carry an aura about it, Ash finding himself watching in a hushed silence as he watched the beautiful creature fly off into the distance. He rose to his feet, trying to keep it in sight, but soon the mighty bird was just a distant speck in the sky. He glanced up at the tree, and found that Pichu was staring out at it as well, a hushed look on the electric type's face.

"Wow..." Ash whispered. "What Pokemon was that...?"

He was tempted to climb up into the tree with Pichu, to see if he could get a better look at the Pokemon, when suddenly a black shape blotted past his legs. This snapped him out of his awe, looking down at the Pokemon that was running as fast as it could.

There was a stumble in its step, a front leg refusing to bear the Pokemon's weight as it ran. It glanced over its shoulder, where an orange figure could be seen pursuing it. The Charmander sped past Ash and the Pokemon, cutting the creature off in its retreat, claws gleaming. The Pokemon then quickly turned around as fast as it could, only to find a Squirtle standing at the ready.

"You cornered it, Charmander?" A voice shouted, and Ash's stomach twisted as he saw two familiar figures coming towards them.

"Don't let it get away!" A haughty voice added.

Ash scowled. "What are you doing here, Gary?"

Gary and Damian were running across what had once been the quiet route, attempting to catch up to their Pokemon. They both sneered upon seeing Ash, but their focus quickly returned to the creature they had been pursuing. Ash turned to look at the Pokemon they had cornered, who was shaking.

The Houndour was panting in exhaustion, her head whipping between the Charmander and the Squirtle. She stumbled back a few steps, whimpering as she tried to put her from paw down. Blood was pouring out from her leg, something having sank its fangs right into it.

"Perfect, you've cornered it, great work!" Daimain said excitedly.

"Remember, I get to catch this one," Gary said. "You already have a fire type!"

"But I get the next Pokemon."

"We'll see," Gary said, eyes locking onto the Houndour. "Squirtle– Water Gun!"

Squirtle shot out a blast of water at the Pokemon, causing the Houndour to let out a yelp as she was soaked by the water. She fired out an Ember in retaliation– but Charmander slashed her with a Scratch the moment her back was turned.

"Stop it! Two against one isn't fair!" Ash cried, stomach curling. There was a Pokemon battle, then there was just plain bullying. "Besides– she's hurt!"

"That's what happens in a battle," Gary said, rolling his eyes. "Of course you wouldn't know that, would you? Wanting to do girly contests and all."

"Battles don't draw blood!" Ash cried, wheeling around towards the two attacking Pokemon. "Stop it, now!"

They both glanced at Ash, but as their trainers shouted more orders they returned to attacking the Pokemon. Ash's gut twisted, guessing they must have found the Pokemon already injured judging by its wounds, since the bite marks didn't seem to be from Squirtle or Charmander. But such a wound was when you should rush a Pokemon to the Pokemon Center– not launch more attacks at it.

And without a Pokemon that could step in to battle, there wasn't anything Ash could do to stop the fighting himself without stepping in. But seeing no other option he turned his focus towards the Squirtle, deciding that was the biggest threat to the Houndour. Gary's water type looked up in surprise as Ash stepped between him and the canine, and he looked back towards his trainer for instructions.

"Get out of the way, Ashy-boy," He snarled.

"Leave the Houndour alone!"

"Charmander– Scratch now!" Damian shouted as the dark type attempted to limp away, and the lizard leapt towards the Pokemon.

"Scald!" A voice shouted– and Charmander was suddenly knocked back by a spray of boiling water. He slid across the grass, steam curling up from him as he let out several coughs. Ash turned to see where the attack had come from, where a girl was standing with a Pokemon at her side. She let out a scoff, arms crossed. "Don't you know a thing about being a trainer?"

"Yeah– it's called capturing a Pokemon," Gary growled. "Mind your own business. Squirtle, Water Gun the Houndour again!"

"Staryu, Rapid Spin," the girl snapped, and the Pokemon leapt into action. It spun through the air, slamming into Squirtle like a shuriken. And while his shell protected him from the direct damage, the force of the blow knocked him away from Ash and Houndour. "Swift."

The orange-haired girl seemed to be about their age, but her Pokemon was clearly much stronger than theirs. It released a burst of golden stars out from its spinning form, the move crashing into both Charmander and Squirtle. The water type retreated into its shell, while Charmander sagged to the ground.

"The last thing you should do when a Pokemon is injured is inflict more damage!" the girl snarled at Gary and Damian. Ash shot one glance at her, hurrying to Houndour's side. "You don't know how long it's been hurt, how severe the wound is– you're only making things worse! There's a difference between capturing a weakened Pokemon and an injured one– what do you think you're doing?!"

She broke off mid sentence, wheeling to face Ash as he lifted the canine into his arms. He couldn't help but flinch back, the look of outrage on her face being nothing but frightening.

"Taking it to a Pokemon Center," he said, and standing with a grunt of effort. He shifted the squirming canine in his grasp, holding it tightly as he waited for it to calm down. The moment it went still he pulled one arm away, grabbing Pichu's Pokeball and aiming it up at the tree. "Return!"

Coppery eyes widened, but the Pichu was sucked inside of the sphere before he could make a sound. Ash once again adjusted his grasp on the canine, before turning to head back towards Viridian. The Houndour shivered in his grasp, not sure of what to make with the human holding her, but it was better than being attacked.

"Squirtle, stop him–!" Gary began, but he was cut off as the girl snapped her fingers. The Staryu began to spark with electricity– before releasing a bolt of lightning out at their Pokemon. Even Squirtle's shell couldn't shelter him from this attack, both of them collapsing to the ground.

"There," the girl spat. "Hopefully you'll at least have some compassion for your own Pokemon," she turned, sharp gray eyes scanning Ash, before gesturing with her head. "Come on, the Pokemon Center's this way."

He nodded, hurrying after her as they rushed towards Viridian City.

"I would guess she was originally attacked by another Houndour," Nurse Joy said, carefully setting the dark type on the counter. A bandage now dressed her injured leg, red stains slowly spreading across the cloth. All injuries from the battle before was gone, though the fire type looked exhausted. "Only broke the skin though, so fortunately there's no permanent damage."

"Thank goodness," Ash whispered, while at his side the girl let out a sigh of relief.

"I've given her some painkillers," Nurse Joy continued. "And the bite should be completely healed up in a few days– a week at most– depending on her energy levels, but Pokemon naturally heal quickly. The bandage should be changed every day though, and she'll need plenty of food."

"The Houndour is wild though," The girl said, a small frown on her face as she looked down at the Pokemon. The canine glanced at her, staying still as the humans regarded her, amber eyes flickering between them.

The nurse chuckled. "I'm well aware of that. One of you will need to take this little one with you, or she'll need to stay here at the Center for a few days until she's fit to return to the wild."

Ash frowned. "She shouldn't go back into the wild, at least not here– not if she was attacked by her own kind."

The nurse smiled sadly. "Unfortunately Houndours are pack animals, and don't like outsiders. No matter where she's released there's a chance there could be others around. We could always put her into our adoption program though, if one of you don't want to take her."

Ash glanced at the orange haired girl.

"I'm a water type trainer," she said with a shrug, though her gray eyes were filled with concern for the Houndour. "But if it means making sure those boys won't get her..."

"True," Ash said, his gaze returning to the canine. Whether the Pokemon was released or put up for adoption by the Pokemon Center, he was sure Gary would be more than willing to try to get the Pokemon once more. He leaned down a bit, making it was he was at eye level with the Houndour. "Hey girl, how are you feeling?"

Her ears flicked up, watching Ash.

He slowly pulled out a Pokeball, placing it in front of the dark type. "I was wondering if you'd like to come with me?"

"Dour..." The Houndour pulled back, slowly rising to her feet. She was still favoring her leg, sharp eyes watching Ash closely.

"I won't make you come if you don't want to," He said slowly. "But I promise if you do come with me I won't let you get hurt again. And you won't have to go back to the wilds either, you won't have to be alone."

He was just guessing, but by the way the dark type paused he knew that he had guessed correctly. This Houndour didn't have a pack, and seeing how they weren't native to this part of Kanto he wondered if this Pokemon had been wandering for sometime. Packs were usually made up of related Pokemon, so simply joining one wasn't always an option.

Houndour was still for a moment, thinking over his words. She watched him closely once more, before looking at the Nurse Joy, who nodded reassuringly. The Houndour then slowly stepped forward, and Ash picked up the Pokeball once more. She sniffed the sphere once, before pressing her head against the button. A burst of red light surrounded her, withdrawing her into the sphere.

The Pokeball shook once in his hand, before clicking– the Houndour caught.

"You better take good care of it," the girl said, glowering at him. "Pokemon just aren't tools for battle, you know."

"I know that," Ash said, a bit defensively. "I'm not like Gary."

She scowled. "So you know those boys?"

"We all grew up in Pallet Town," Ash replied. "But we're far from friends."

She took this in for a moment, then she glanced at the Pokeball in his hands. "...Pallet, huh? That means you'll be heading to Pewter next then, right? After you do the gym here?"

"I'm not doing the gym challenge, but yeah, I'm going to Pewter."

She hesitated for a moment. "Would there be any way I could go with you?"

He stared at her.

"Just through Viridian Forest!" She said swiftly. "It's just that... there's Beedrills in Viridian Forest, and... and you have a fire type now, so it would be safer to travel in groups and... and yeah."

She looked away.

"Sure," Ash said, smiling. "It wouldn't hurt to have some company. I'm Ash Ketchum."

He held out his hand, and she shook it. "Misty Waterflower, and thank you. None of my Pokemon really have a good match up against bu... against Beedrill," She frowned. "If you're not doing gyms, then what exactly are you doing?"

"Contests!" Ash said, eyes lighting up. "I'm heading to Cerulean City, there's a Contest Hall there, you see, at least a Contest Hall that's hosting the soonest contest..."

"Cerulean, huh?" Misty muttered, but Ash didn't seem to notice the distaste in her voice.

"Yep! You're okay with leaving tomorrow morning, right? It's too late to head out to Viridian Forest tonight but I don't want to waste anymore time."

"I'll meet you here in the morning," Misty said, and she turned to Nurse Joy. "Could I get a room for tonight?"

"Me too," Ash said.

"Sure thing, just give me one moment," Nurse Joy said, smiling.