The Pokémon Journey
Disclaimer: I don't own Pokemon.
The Path to Mount Moon
Brock had brought Lita to the back where several Pokémon were playing with some little kids. He gave Lita free range to take a picture of any of the Pokémon she wanted. The kids were fond of it and posing for pictures. They were smiling and laughing.
"Brock, these aren't all rock Pokémon," Lita said confused as she realized that fact.
"I know," Brock said. "Your posting these pictures on an official board where magazines can bid on them?" Lita nodded. "You'd get more money with a quote. Turn on a record." Lita took out her poke nav and started recording. "The rock gym has been in my family for generations, but it's not my passion. I am keeping hold of the gym and leading it until my little brother can take over. My passion is Pokémon breeding. I have been collecting many different Pokémon to start a small breeding business on the side."
Lita smiled knowing that was the end of the quote and turned it off. "Can I get a picture of you with one of the Pokémon?" Lita asked.
"Togi," a small Pokémon with a sort of shell around it came running up. Lita recognized the Pokémon as Togepi. Brock picked up the Pokemon and hugged it and Lita snapped a picture. Brock posed with a few more of his Pokémon including the gym's rock Pokémon. Plus, a photo with him and the kids, who Lita found out were his siblings, before Lita left.
….
Ash and Misty had gotten a room at the Pokémon Center for the night for the three of them when Ash left Eevee and Pikachu with Nurse Joy. They then went and got some food at the center food court. "That was an amazing battle," Ash said as he ate. "Did you see Pikachu? I think that little guy will become my strongest Pokémon."
"You did well. Don't let it get to your head," Misty said but smiled none the less.
"Hey food," Lita said coming up and grabbing a fry from Ash who yelled hey and slapped her hand. She had Nova on her shoulder clearly having stopped and picked up her Pokémon before coming over here. "You know Brock is a nice guy."
"He used self-destruct," Ash said with a frown.
"Because it's his job," Lita said pushing her cousin playfully. "A job he doesn't like. He's only being gym leader until his brother Forrest is old enough. Forrest left on a journey about a week ago. Same time as us. He's going to the specializing event. I told Brock we'd keep an eye out for him. And he told us to come back some time for another battle when we're stronger. He'll use his real team instead of the beginner gym team." Lita then took out her camera. "And did you know he takes care of all his little brothers and sisters. He wants to be a breeder. And I got to go send these photos and the quote he had me record to Tracey for posting. This might get me a bit of money."
Lita ran off to the phones and computers. "Is there something up with Tracey and Lita?" Misty asked.
"What?" Ash asked and Misty rolled her eyes. The boy was cute but not smart.
"Never mind," Misty asked thinking it was better to ask the girl herself if they ever got a free moment without Ash around.
….
The next day the three left heading for Mount Moon after restocking their supplies. Lita had released Pidgey to let him fly above them as Nova walked next to Lita. Ash had both Pikachu and Eevee out. First thing on the road they saw a male and female Nidoran and Lita barely got a picture in before Ash challenged them to a battle. Pikachu and Eevee against the two of them. Pikachu and Eevee easily overpowered the two and Ash caught them both.
"Yes, I got two Nidoran," Ash said holding the pokeballs up. "Let's see." Ash took out his pokedex. "The male has leer, peck, focus energy, and double kick. The female has growl, scratch, tail whip, and double kick. Not bad move set. And two more." Ash took out his poke nav and crossed male and female Nidoran off his list with a smirk.
"What's with the list?" Misty asked.
"A list of all the Pokémon my dad caught," Ash said. "I plan on catching all the same Pokémon."
"Okay," Misty said raising an eyebrow as the three continued to walk. Lita looking out for any Pokémon to take a picture of or catch. She still only had two on her team after all.
Pidgey gave a sound out and Lita turned. There was a trainer there with weird blue hair and he had Sandslash and Wartortle out attacking a Vulpix. The Vulpix was just taking the attack and not defending itself. "I said go," the boy said. "I don't want you anymore."
"Hey," Lita and Ash called together and ordered both Nova and Eevee to use swift.
"What do you think you're doing?" It was Misty who had taken out her Staryu pokeball ready to release the Pokémon incase her friends needed help.
"This is none of your business," the boy said and the group glared at him. "If you must know I bought that Vulpix from a breeder without realizing how pathetic it was. Weak and doesn't even have an egg move. I released it but it keeps following me. Had to show it to get away."
"A Pokémon bought from a breeder is not equipped to live in the wild," Lita said. Those Pokémon were used to being with humans from birth. If released into the wild they often died.
"Not my problem," the boy said. "I'm going to pick up a new Pokémon I just bought. A Charmander and he'll be a ton more powerful than that weakling."
The boy turned around. "What's your name?" Ash asked as Lita turned around. The Vulpix was sitting there crying and Lita sat next to her and took some food out.
"Not that's it any of your business, but Damien," Damien said.
"Well Damien I am Ash and next time we meet I am going to kick your ass in battle," Ash said glaring at the boy.
"Dream on," Damien said walking away.
"Vulpix? Did my dad have a Vulpix?" Ash asked taking out his list.
"You know," Lita said ignoring Ash as she talked to the Vulpix. "You don't need him." Vulpix looked up with her as Lita pet him. "How about you come with me?" Lita took out an empty Pokeball holding it out to Vulpix. "I promise to take care of you and train you to be so strong next time we meet Damien you'll be able to outclass his new Charmander in every way."
"Vul," Vulpix said looking at Lita and then hit the button on the pokeball being instantly captured.
"Yes, he did," Ash said after a moment having not paid attention to what was going on with his cousin and the Pokémon. "Vulpix how would… where did Vulpix go?"
"Here," Lita said holding up the Pokeball.
"You caught Vulpix. No fair I was…." Ash started but was cut off by Misty.
"You snooze you lose," Misty said playfully smacking Ash on the back of the head.
"And you have an entire team of six. Well five not including Beedrill," Lita said.
"Why would you not include Beedrill?" Ash complained and Misty and Lita shared another look.
"There's a Pokemon Center at the foot of Mount Moon," Misty said. "We should go and get Vulpix checked out."
Lita nodded as Ash took the lead. Her tossing out a treat to Pidgey for alerting them to the Pokémon in the trouble. The foot of Mount Moon was a bit of a walk but the three ended up there in a good amount of time to find the Pokémon Center.
"Nurse Joy," Lita said going up to Nurse Joy. "I just caught this Vulpix and she needs some medical attention." Lita then explained in detail to the nurse circumstances of the catching and the abusive trainer. Nurse Joy had grabbed the Pokeball out of Lita's hand quick at that mumbling something under her breath as she went with her Chansey to the back.
"So, with any luck we might be able to get through Mount Moon before nightfall," Misty said once Lita joined them.
"What Pokémon are commonly found in the Mountain?" Ash asked.
"Usually rock," Misty was the one to answer.
"Don't you think you should take a break from catching and train your full team?" Lita asked. Ash had gotten a full team extremely fast. She was concerned her cousin might take on too many Pokémon too fast.
"Nope, the more Pokémon the more options," Ash said. "And a diverse group will let me always have the type advantage. Getting all the Pokémon my dad did will help me with that."
"But they need training too," Lita said and Ash gave a smile.
"Of course," Ash said as Officer Jenny came walking in.
"Joy," Jenny said the nurse coming from the back. "Tell everyone the path through Mount Moon is closed until tomorrow."
"What?" Misty, Lita, and Ash all said together turning to Jenny.
"Sorry kids, some complications," Jenny said. "The path will be reopen first thing tomorrow. You should get a room before the center fills up."
Not having much of a choice they book a room for the night and started to decide what to do. Joy coming out with the Pokeball. "I healed her up. She's good to go. I would suggest light training for a day or two. And no battles until she's fully healed."
"I got it," Lita said. Nova and Pidgey were still out of their pokeballs eating as Lita released her new team mate. "Hi Vulpix." Vulpix jumped into Lita arms the girl barely catching her. Pidgey and Nova looking up. "These are your team mates. Nova and Pidgey." Vulpix shouted out a greeting as the other two did as well. "Would you like a nickname? A special name just for you."
Vulpix seemed to think and then nodded out saying "Vulpix."
"Okay, how about… no… what about Hestia?" Lita asked and Vulpix came out happy with that.
"Hey," Ash said coming up with Pikachu and Eevee with him as always. "What a cute little Pokémon." Ash went to give her a pet but Hestia cried out and sent a small ember. "Ow." Ash shook his hand.
"Hey it's okay. It's just my cousin," Lita said. "He won't ever hurt you."
"Vul," Hestia said looking at Ash worriedly.
"Well I'm going to go outside and train since we're stuck here," Ash said. "Joining?" Lita gave a nod and the two went outside. Misty was already at the pool training her water Pokémon. Seel, Staryu, and Goldeen were all working on new moves.
Ash released his two new Pokémon and introduced himself. The two more than happy to train. Seemed to be happy to be together and started working on training. Attacking target dummies in an attempt to learn poison sting. He had both Pikachu and Eevee practicing on mega punch and double kick respectfully. He also released Butterfree to work on some moves.
"Do me a favor and don't release Beedrill," Lita called out to her cousin. "I don't need her scaring Hestia." Ash had the pokeball in his hand but gave Lita a nod and put the ball away.
Lita looked down at Nova who was staring at Eevee. "Hey, curse is a lot harder than double kick," Lita stated to Nova knowing she was jealous Eevee had figured out his egg move. Egg moves were a tricky thing. The pokemon were born with the move but sometimes could not use them right away. "We're going to concentrate on getting you more powerful hoping the move will just come as you grow." Nova gave a nod. "For now, help Pidgey learn quick attack."
Lita was ashamed she hadn't taught Pidgey any new moves before the battle with Brock. Quick Attack would have helped him dodge moves. Eevee gave a nod and moved off with Pidgey. "Okay Hestia," Lita said taking out the pokdex and scanned her new Pokémon. Ember, tail whip, disable, and quick attack. Not a bad move set. The guy Damien was right in there was no egg move which was unusual for a Pokémon from a breeder, but it was nothing to worry about.
"Okay I want to see your moves," Lita said. "Target the practice dummy. With ember." Hestia used ember on the dummy.
While Lita worked with Hestia, Ash was watching his Pokémon. The two Nidoran were doing well. Pikachu and Eevee were strengthening their attacks along with Butterfree. Ash was thinking about starting him on learning poison powder and confusion.
"These your Pokémon?" Ash heard a voice and Ash turned around to see a boy about his age with purple ish hair standing there.
"Yeah," Ash said with a smile. "Want to battle?"
"Best two out of three," the boy said.
"I am Ash by the way," Ash said calling his Pokémon to him as he and the boy went to a battle field the center had.
"Paul," Paul said and Paul took out a poke ball and released an Elekid.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said his cheek sparking and jumping down in front of Ash.
"You want this one buddy?" Ash asked and Pikachu made an approval sound. "Okay let's go for it." Pikachu and Elekid battled with electricity. The two seeming to be evenly matched when it came to electrical attacks. Ash switching to Iron Tail and Elekid blocking it with one arm. "It's a tie."
"No, your Pikachu is all tied up. But Elekid has another arm. Dynamic Punch," Paul called out.
"Move," Ash called out but it was too late. Elekid other arm came up and punched Pikachu. Throwing him right at Ash who caught the Pokémon. Pikachu having been knocked out from the attack. "Good work buddy." Ash turned to see Lita and Misty had stopped training to watch. He handed Pikachu to Misty who took the Pokémon in her arms.
Paul had already released his next Pokémon. A Turtwig who Ash had only seen in books. "Eevee no," Ash said holding up a hand seeing Eevee wanted to battle. "I want Butterfree to get some battle training." Paul's Turtwig was strong with some good moves, but Butterfree was fast in the air and had both gust and bug bite. Butterfree took Turtwig down with a bug bite.
"One to one," Ash said as he returned Butterfree and thanked him. Paul didn't say anything as he returned his unconscious Pokémon and released an Aron. Ash took out another pokeball. "How about we battle together? Go Beedrill."
Both Misty and Lita loudly groaned as predictably Beedrill turned on Ash and stuck him with a poison sting. Then tried to fly away only to be returned to the ball. "Pathetic," Paul said returning his Pokémon.
"Hey the battle is not done," Ash yelled.
"Yes, it is," Misty said. "Beedrill refusal to battle threw the last round to Paul." Ash sighed realizing Misty was right and took out some money to pay the winner. Paul took the money and walked away.
"I don't get Beedrill," Ash said taking Pikachu from Misty who had woken up. "Hey buddy, nice battle. We'll have to figure out a defense to that."
"Did you enjoy that?" Lita asked Hestia who was in her arms having watched the battle. Nova and Pidgey had also watched. Hestia gave a sort of nod. "Soon you'll be taking on battle like that. Not today though. You still need time to heal."
…
Later that night Misty, Lita, and Ash settled in their room. Ash went to the top of the bunkbeds with Pikachu and Eevee right away. Lita had returned Pidgey who preferred to sleep in their pokeballs but Hestia and Nova had wanted to stay in the bottom bunk with Lita. Misty had no Pokémon out as she settle in the single bed.
"So how did everyone training go?" Lita asked.
"Great Staryu learned swift. Thank you for both Eevees help," Misty said. Misty had asked them for Eevee to help train her Pokémon in the move they knew. "And Seel finally got icy wind down. Goldeen was finally happy to be able to train and battle a bit. Didn't learn anything though but I won a few battles. Lost one or two." With the path through Mount Moon closed trainers had started to pack the Pokémon Center and more battles had happened. "How did everyone else do?"
"Pidgey learned quick attack," Lita said with a smile. "And started on whirlwind. Most of the more advance flying attacks will need to wait until his a Pidgeotto." Lita was sure her Pidgey would be there soon. Pidgey evolved fast to their second form once they were with a trainer. It was the third form that could take a while. "Nova doing good but spent most of her time helping Pidgey and Staryu train. I won a couple of battles but lost a couple too when Pidgey and Nova got tired so stopped accepting. I think I came out even. I can't put Hestia in any battles or major training yet but I think she will become one of my strongest Pokémon. Her ember is extremely powerful. Once I can train her a little more going I am starting her on a more powerful fire type move." Lita smiled as she pet the sleeping Vulpix. "What about you Ash?"
"Both my Nidoran learned poison sting," Ash said happily. "Pikachu got mega punch down finally while Eevee practiced with Double Kick. And Butterfree learned confusion."
"Should have him use it on Beedrill. Maybe he'll like you then," Misty joked and Lita laughed. "Let's get some sleep."
….
The next day Nurse Joy told them the path was open. When they got to the path Officer Jenny was there and they were afraid it was closed again. "You have to stay on the path. No wandering or looking around. No catching Pokémon. You should be able to get through the path easily enough before mid-day."
The three nodded finding this strange. "Keep a Pokémon out with you though. The Zubats are being a little temperamental," Jenny advised.
"Was that weird?" Ash asked and the two girls nodded. Pikachu and Eevee were out and Lita was carrying Hestia but once inside the cave she made a scared noise.
"Want to return to your pokeball?" Lita asked and Hestia gave a nod and Lita returned her.
"Don't worry Pikachu and Eevee got our back," Ash said since they were the only two Pokémon out.
Some Zubats did swoop down but Pikachu gave them a tiny spark and they left. It was about when they were almost through that a Clefairy ran pass them along with two people and a Meowth. "Who are you?" Misty asked.
"Prepare for trouble," The female said.
"Make it double," the guy said.
"To protect the world from devastation!" The female continued and it went back to the male.
"To united all peoples within our nation." The two were sort of dancing as they said it surprising the three.
"To denounce the evils of truth and love!" The female continued
"To extent our reach to the stars above!" The male said.
"Jessie," the female said and the three assumed that was her name.
"James," the male said and they guessed that was his name.
"Team Rocket, blast off at the speed of light," Jessie said.
"Surrender now, or prepare to fight!" James said.
"Meowth! That's right!" The Meowth jumped in the back of the two of them
"Did that Meowth just talk?" Ash asked the two girls and they nodded. "Wait Team Rocket? Aren't they that criminal organization that has been taken down."
"Hey," Jessie said. "Team Rocket is back. Hand over your Pokémon now."
"Pikachu thunder bolt," Ash said and Pikachu let out a big thunder bolt at the three knocking them against a wall. Not long later a Pokémon Ranger along with some cops came running up.
"You got them," the Ranger said and turned around. "I know you. The ones with the Spearow Flock."
"Ranger Kelly," Lita said with a smile. Tracey had sent her a message this morning that a couple of her pictures did sell. The ones of Brock and his gym got the most money, but it was a start and she had this ranger to thank for it.
"Well you three know how to get into the middle of everything," Ranger Kelly said as the cops were arresting the three criminals. "Come on I'll walk you the rest of the way out."
"What was going on?" Misty asked as they walked.
"Illegal mining," Ranger Kelly said. "We thought we had the path safe reason why we let trainers walk through since its safer than climbing the mountain. Didn't realize it was the remains of Team Rocket until we found those three. Lucky, they ran into you and you shocked them or they might have gotten away." They hit the exit of the mountain. "Stay safe you three."
The three walked out and continued down the path. Lita taking some pictures of wild Pokémon while Ash kept a look out for anyone to catch. Lita having let Hestia and Nova out of their pokeballs to walk as well.
They hit a fork in the road with directions and some writing on it. "Gary Oak was here. Ash and Lita suck," Ash read the handwriting on it. "Gary." He yelled out.
"Who is Gary?" Misty asked having heard that name before.
"Former friend," Lita said and Misty nodded figuring that was all the information she needed. "Ash, where are you going?"
"Cerulean is this way," Ash said pointing down the path. "We're going to Misty's gym."
"Actually," Misty said. "I need to go this way to Vermillion City. The specializing sign up is taking place on Castaway Island so need to take a boat from Vermillion."
"Castaway Island?" Lita asked turning around. Castaway Island was closer to Kanto than Johto but had belonged to the Johto Region until recently. A recent deal had changed the hands of the Island to Kanto. "That's where Kyle has opened his fighting type gym. I wanted to go there."
"Not this again. That's not part of the plan we had since we were children," Ash said.
"This gym is new," Lita said. "Only got league clearance a month ago. Plans change Ash."
"You just think that guy Kyle is cute," Ash said knowing Lita had enjoyed watching his battles for the trainer more than the battles.
"He's a good battler too," Lita said looking at Ash and knowing Ash wanted to go to Cerulean. "Why don't you go to Cerulean and Misty and I will go to Vermillion. We'll meet up in Vermillion in a couple of weeks."
"Okay," Ash said seeming stunned by this but continued on his own with his Pokémon to the path to Cerulean while Lita and Misty headed toward Vermillion with their Pokémon. A little over a week on the journey they said they would do together and they were already separating.
Post Chapter Note: I decided not to have Brock join them but he will be seen in later chapters. As you can tell I am making up some gyms. Next chapter will give a more examine of the gyms of Kanto in this story.
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