The Pokémon Journey
Disclaimer: I don't own Pokémon.
Just to remind everyone who has what Pokémon.
Lita's Pokémon:
On hand- Eevee(Nova), Vulpix (Hestia), Poliwhirl, Primeape, Shelgon, Pidgeotto
At the Lab- Meowth (Stilely), Dratini (Emerald), Rockruff, Cubone, Scyther, Tauros (4)
Ash's Pokémon:
On hand-Espeon, Pikachu, Charmelon, Oddish, Butterfree, Riolu
At the Lab- Dratini, Alolan Vulpix, Skarmory, Nidorina, Nidorino, Rattata, Muk, Magnemite, Hypno, Gible, Ryhdon, Tauros (10), Exeggcute, Litwick, Honedge
Misty's Pokémon:
On hand- Totodile, Vaporeon, Krabby, Buizel, Dewgong, Lotad
At the Lab- Goldeen, Feebas, Shellder, Psyduck, Horsea, Starmie
May's Pokémon
On Hand- Torchic, Butterfree, Skitty, Ponyta, Absol, Tyrogue
Planning Battles
Lita, May, and Max made their way towards the dock they could buy tickets to head to the Ice Islands. It was a good distance from where the Eevee brothers lived. Lita had to admit she loved having her first six Pokémon back on her. Primeape still liked running around with Lita's old backpack and tossing random things into it. And keeping his hat on his head. Nova had been excited to be back as well. Max was still going up to random Pokémon leading Lita to have to save him and May and her were getting even closer. Absol seemed upset though Stilely wasn't around.
The one big difference was Lita was now recognized by other trainers for who she was. Anyone who had watched the Eevee brother tournament ran up to her wanting a battle. Lita had won a lot and lost some as well. She had convinced May to take several of the battles as well to help her train. May seeming to get more confident as she continued to battle. Everyone seemed to know she took pictures as well and trainers had asked her to take their pictures either to send to them.
The three had also came across a dig that had run across a large pile of fossils and hired trainers to help. They could take money or one fossil that was able to be revived into the Pokémon. Lita and May deciding to help out for a few hours, both choosing to take a fossil. Lita ended up with an old amber while May got an armor fossil.
Lita had bought a case to protect both fossils as they stored them. Neither of the two sure they wanted to revive the Pokémon yet. Lita wasn't a bit fan of Aerodactyl and May was looking up Shieldon the Pokémon that the armor fossil would turn into.
They came across a Pokémon center along the road and Lita stopped for a second. "Hey, May you still have a while before the contest, right?" Lita asked making the two siblings who had walked ahead pause and turn.
"Yeah," May said.
"So, we wouldn't be delaying you if we stopped here for the night so I can decide what Pokémon to use in my gym battle," Lita said.
"Honestly I should probably pause and figure out who I will use in my contest," May said.
"Awesome," Max said as they went into the center and checked in.
Lita paused as she took out her pokedex and looked at her current Pokémon. Of the ten Pokémon she had that she would battle with four had a big type disadvantage. Pidgeot, Scyther, Dratini, and Shelgon. Plus, the ice gym was the only gym in Kanto with their own website where they actually posted pictures and videos of the battles. The gym wasn't designed for Pokémon with large wings. It was also a solid ice floor the Pokémon battled on. A lot of trainers were taken out due to their Pokémon not able to move on the ice. It was also the only gym in Kanto that did full six on six battles for all challenger 5 badges or higher.
Lita knew this made her perfect team Nova, Hestia, Poliwhirl, Primeape, Stilely, and Rockruff. She had to test them all on the ice floor though. Lita went to the phones and called Professor Oak. "Oh, hello Lita," Oak said.
"Everything okay there?" Lita asked. Oak looked a bit ruffled.
"Ash's Muk is being a bit….." Oak trailed off. "Plus, his Rhyhorn is causing trouble and Hypno getting impatient being here. Do you need Tracey?"
"Hey," it was Tracey coming up. "You got a lot of good press out of that Eevee Brother Tournament. Your pictures keep on selling. Plus, all the money you have coming in from that photo of Ho-Oh." Lita knew Lance had set it up for her to keep the rights over the Ho-Oh picture so every time it published she got money. "Could use some more."
"Yeah, I have some wild shots, plus the Eevee Brothers let me take a few pictures they said I could sell," Lita said. "I'll transfer them over, but Professor I do need to make a Pokémon exchange."
"Ah, figured it was about time," Oak said. "I can go grab them while you send the photos to Tracey. Who do you need?"
"Rockruff and Stilely," Lita said and noticed the look. "Stilely is Meowth."
"You know your pokedex keeps a record of all the Pokémon you have caught and you can edit in nicknames so I know them," Oak said.
"I did not know that. I will do it," Lita said with a nod as Oak went up and Lita started transferring the pictures to Tracey
"Who will you be sending?" Oak asked once he came back with two pokeballs.
"Pidgeot and Shelgon," Lita said taking out the two Pokémon and whispering to Pidgeot to be trainer while they were at the lab. Lita and Oak transferred the Pokémon with each other.
"Considering who you have on you and Nova's want to be a Glaceon I would say your heading for the Ice Islands and the Ice Gym," Oak said after they were done.
"Yeah," Lita said with a nod. "Got to test these six out to make sure they will work with the ice floor. If I have a problem I might call you back." Lita really hoped there was no problems with these six.
"I'll be by the phone," Oak said.
"And I got the pictures. Some amazing shots," Tracey said before Lita said bye and hung up.
"Hestia, Nova," Lita said. Her two Pokémon had been walking with her outside of their balls and was currently playing with each other not far from Lita. "Come on, to the back." When Lita got to the training grounds May was already there going over routines while Max watched. Max switched to Lita's field when he saw Lita come out.
Lita release her other four Pokémon. "Okay, guys, you six are who I want to use in the ice gym," Nova, Hestia, Poliwhirl, and Primeape seemed excited. Nova, Hestia, and Poliwhirl were pros when it came to gym battles now. Primeape had been wanting to get in one for a while. Rockruff and Stilely seemed nervous.
"Vul," it was Hestia coming up to Lita and pawing at her backpack. Lita knew what was in the pocket Hestia was pawing at. Lita removed the fire stone.
"You want it?" Lita asked.
"Vulpix," Hestia said giving a nod.
"And your sure?" Lita asked and Hestia responded again in a way that made Lita sure Hestia was sure. Lita put the fire stone on the ground picked up Hestia and kissed her head. Then she put Hestia back down. "It's all yours." Lita taking out her camera and deciding to take pictures of Hestia evolution.
Hestia went over and touched the stone with one of her paws. Hestia glowed and started to get bigger. When the glow was gone a Ninetails was standing before Lita and the fire stone was gone. Lita smiled as she pet Hestia head.
"So, cool," Max said as Lita looked over her pictures for a moment. She got some good ones. She had to delete a few that were too blurry.
"Okay, we need to test you all out on the ice floor, but before I test you Hestia I want you to get use to your new body. Take that empty field there and do some laps and target practicing. Get use to your new power levels too," Lita said and Hestia gave a nod and did as instructed.
"Poliwhirl, use ice beam on this field, ice it over," Lita said and Poliwhirl obeyed using ice beam on the field making an ice field. Then Poliwhirl got on the ice and did some fancy staking and showed off using his moves on the ice. "Poliwhirl I get it your good. Stay at the other end. Be ready to keep the ice solid if needed. Nova you first."
Nova ran out onto the ice and seemed to slide a bit. It wasn't the worst Lita had ever seen a Pokémon on the ice but was definitely shaky. Lita had been debating when to evolve Nova. Before or after the battle. Both had positive and negatives to it. Evolving Nova before the battle would mean she became an ice type and should have a natural flow on the ice. It also meant going against an ice gym leader with a newly evolved ice type. After meant Nova stayed a normal type for the battle which got rid of the uncertainly of battling a gym leader with their own type, but also meant Nova would not have the power boost that came from evolution and would be shakier on the ice.
"Nova, we're going to evolve you before the battle. Meaning you will be an ice type for the battle. It comes with its advantages and disadvantages though," Lita said and Nova gave a sign she undertook. "Okay, your in. Go stand with Poliwhirl. Rockruff get on the ice."
Rockruff would slide on the ice but seemed to be able to navigate okay and use her attacks. "Okay, Rockruff you're in," Lita said. "Stand with Nova and Poliwhirl. Stilely, your next." Stilely ran onto the ice and started to slide really badly. More unsteady than both Nova and Rockruff. "Stilely, use your tail. Put it on the ice to help you keep steady and walk on the ice better."
Stilely did as Lita suggested using his tail and gained better balance. He would still need some training but definitely was good enough. "Okay, Stilely, you're in, Primeape your next."
The minute Primeape got on the ice though Lita streak had ended. Primeape couldn't walk on the ice and kept falling over. He was barely able to move or get up once he fell. It ended him with punching the ice and breaking the ice floor. Lita knowing that was something he would not be able to do in the gym. That ice was thick and the temperature in the gym should be cold enough to keep it solid.
"Primeape, take a rest," Lita said getting on the ice herself a little unsteady to get Primeape off the ice and back towards her. "Poliwhirl, fix the ice floor." Poliwhirl used ice beam again. "Hestia, you ready to give it a try."
Hestia responded by running over and right onto the ice. Lita was concerned for a moment as it looked like he would fall but she got her footing easily and managed to be as graceful on the ice as Poliwhirl. Using her tails as well to help her move. Lita let out a breath. Hestia and Primeape were her biggest type advantage on this gym and it looked like she wasn't going to be able to use one. If she had lost both it would have been a lot of trouble.
"Hestia, you're in," Lita said and then turned to Primeape. "I'm sorry buddy I'm not going to be able to use you." Primeape looked up at Lita clearly sad. Even tears in his eyes. "I promise you'll get a gym battle. Maybe the ground gym. There's just no way you can fight on the ice."
Primeape gave an understanding sound as Lita gave him a hug and then took out a hat from her bag. Putting it on Primeape and giving him back her old backpack. That cheering the Pokémon up as she returned him. "Rockruff, Stilely, you two are the most unsteady. Get back on the ice and dodge each other attacks as best as you can. Max watch over them. I got to make a transfer."
Max gave a happy confirmation he would watch as Lita saw her two Pokémon get on the ice. Her going back inside and to the phone to call Oak. "That was fast," Oak said as he answered. His outfit even more messed up.
"Primeape cannot battle on the ice," Lita said. "Could you send Shelgon back to me?" Of her four Pokémon with a type disadvantage he was the one she had the most confident in being able to overcome it. He was strong and knew flamethrower.
Lita sent Primeape back and got Shelgon pokeball. "Thanks professor," Lita said. "And maybe return some of Ash's Pokémon to their pokeballs."
"Already on it," Oak said with a nod. "Him and Gary, both need to slow down a bit."
Lita tried not to laugh at that comment as she went back to the training ground. Stilely and Rockruff were still dodging and throwing out attacks. Both seeming a bit better on the ice now. "Okay cut it out," Lita said. "Back to the sidelines. Poliwhirl refreeze the holes made from those attacks."
Poliwhirl fixed the ice floor as Lita released Shelgon. "Shelgon, get on the ice. Let's see how you do," Lita said and Shelgon went on the ice right away. He wasn't falling over but that was mainly due to the way Shelgon body was. His legs were small and while he wasn't falling down he couldn't direct himself. He kept sliding off the ice and getting back on to slide off it again.
Lita heard laughed and groaned as she knew the voice. "Little Lita," Gary Oak said appearing with his cheerleaders behind him.
"Annoying Gary," Lita said noticing May had turned from her practice at this.
"Where's Ashy Boy?" Gary asked.
"I don't travel with him anymore," Lita said and saw Gary laugh. Lita rolled her eyes but decided not to say anymore to it.
"Your Pokémon really doing well on the ice," Gary said and it was clearly sarcastic. "Ice Gym. I already beat her." Gary took out his badge case and showed all 8 badges inside.
"Congrats, you heading back to Pallet to train for Indigo League?" Lita asked. Indigo league was still month away. Gary could get a lot of solid training in before than.
"That months away. No, I got me and my girls tickets on the Saint Anne. We're heading to Vermillion," Gary said as his cheerleaders started cheering 'Gary, Gary, he's the best'.
"Care for a battle. My Ninetails could use some practice," Lita said and saw Hestia blow out some fire. Clearly wanting Gary to accept.
"Some other time. I only stopped here to gas up," Gary said and Lita saw his car on the main road. Gary heading back for it and getting in with his cheerleaders still cheering him in the back.
"That was obnoxious," May said.
"Meet Gary. He was once Ash's best friend, but they had a fight. Since then he has been a little terror to us," Lita told the two. "It's kind of his thing. But he is right about one thing. Shelgon is not going to work for this gym battle. Sorry buddy." Lita said returning her dragon type to his pokeball and pausing for a moment. Pidgeot could possibly get pass a type disadvantage but the gym wasn't right for him. Scyther she just wasn't sure.
Lita didn't say a word as she ran back to the phone and called Oak again. "Shelgon didn't work," Oak said.
"No, can you send me Emerald," Litas said and noticed the look. "My Dratini."
"Absolutely," Oak said and made the exchange. "Hope she works."
Lita gave a nod as they ended the conversation and Lita went back to the group. Before she released Emerald she went into her backpack and took out her TM machine along with her Flamethrower TM. Giving Emerald the TM before releasing her. Emerald releasing some flames from her mouth.
"Okay, Emerald get on the ice," Lita said very nervous. Emerald though did better than Lita expected. She was able to move on the ice well and fast. Her aqua jet move helped her move and direct even better. She aimed her attacked well too.
"Nice," Max said and Lita nodded. "Looks like you have your team." Lita gave another nod.
"May, how about you?" Lita asked.
"Going to use Ponyta in the first part and Torchic in the second," May said. "We're working on techniques now." The two spent a couple more hours training before returning their Pokémon and going in for dinner.
Lita eating a bit and petting Hestia who had wanted to stay out her of her pokeball along with Nova. "I'm going to make some phone calls," Lita said when she was done and headed for the phone. She wanted to talk to her uncle, but was disappointed as he wasn't in his home or his office for the league. His assistant suggested on calling the dragon gym since he had been there a lot recently.
"Lita," Loren said as she answered the phone. "This is a nice surprise. I saw you on the Eevee Brother Tournament. I was happy to be able to see Bagon evolve. You clearly did well with him."
"Thanks," Lita said. "Is my uncle there? I have been trying to track him down and his assistant said he's been spending a lot of time there."
"He has. He bought one of my dragons too young to leave yet," Loren said.
"Another Dratini?" Lita asked.
"Actually, Bagon this time. One of your Shelgon's siblings," Loren said and Lita was actually surprised. Her uncle had a few dragons but usually loved the Dratini line. "Why? Something wrong?"
"I want some advice on one of my dragons," Lita said.
"Well I might not be your uncle but I have a lot of dragon knowledge," Loren said. "Let me help."
"It's my Dratini," Lita said petting Hestia who had come close. Nova was still on her shoulders. "I'm heading for the ice gym and been testing which of my Pokémon can fight on an ice floor. Shelgon wasn't able to." Loren gave a nod there. "But Dratini is amazing on the ice."
"The problem?" Loren asked.
"I'm not sure if she can overcome the type disadvantage of fighting against an ice type," Lita said and Loren nodded. "She knows iron tail and flame thrower which is helpful, but part of me is nervous about her fighting an ice type right now. That being said it's a six on six battle and all my other options either can't fight on the ice or have just as big of a type disadvantage."
"I am guessing you haven't had Dratini for long," Loren said. "And it's definitely scary putting a newer dragon your training against a type advantage as big as ice to dragons. That being said if you believe in your Pokémon and think she can do it she can do it. If you hold back she'll pick up on it and fail. So, do you think Dratini can do it?"
Lita took a breath and thought. Thinking of her on the ice field. Hestia and Nova gave her a look and a nod. "Yeah, I think she can," Lita said.
"Then just give her some extra training before the battle and you should be fine," Loren said.
"Thanks, Loren," Lita said.
"Anytime," Loren said. "And hey I got a lot of good press from your photos. Been getting a lot more sales of dragons. No one knew I breed them before. If you want to buy a third one I'll give you a discount."
"I'll keep that in mind," Lita said. She did one day want an entire team, at least 6, different dragon types. "Bye."
Lita took a look at her bank account to notice Tracey was right. She had a lot. This Pokémon center had a small mart with some TMs available. Unfortunately, she couldn't replace her iron tail. She had thrown that away a while ago knowing it had worn out. She did manage to buy iron head instead. She could give it to Rockruff. Having two steel type moves would not hurt and maybe learning iron head will make the confusing iron tail she had gotten clearer.
Both Nova and Hestia made a noise, but Lita gave them a shake. They didn't need another TM right now. Lita looked up Scyther TMs, but noticed he could learn Aerial Ace a TM she had already bought for Pidgeot. Meowth could also learn a few TMs she already had as well. Deciding to restock her supplies of food, pokeballs, and potions instead of buying more TMs before heading to the room where May and Max were waiting.
"Everything okay?" May asked as Lita sat on her bed. Hestia jumping on it and with her new bigger size she took up half the bed. Nova jumping on Hestia to snuggle.
"I just wanted to track down my uncle to ask for some advice. I instead ended up talking to Loren, the gym leader of the dragon gym. She's a former student of my uncle and really nice. She calmed some of my fears over using Emerald in the battle," Lita said.
"That's good," May said giving Lita a smile.
"Lita, what happened to your mom?" Max asked and May tossed a pillow at him.
"Max," May said.
"It's okay May," Lita said. "She abandoned me." May and Max turned to look at Lita seeming shocked. "I don't really remember her well at all. Even when she was here it was like…. She didn't care. I don't really know. I don't really remember how she abandoned me. I just know when news got around my dad had died in the war she was gone and no one knew where. Uncle Lance is my legal guardian. I lived with my Aunt Delia though, Ash's mom, until I started my journey."
"That's so sad," May said.
"I'm over it," Lita said with a shrug. "Let's get some sleep. We still have a few days walk before getting on a boat and I want to train a bit as we walk."
"Me too," May said getting up and giving Lita a hug before going back to her bed and the three went to sleep.
Post Chapter Note: well hope you liked this chapter.
Karry Master OUT!