Hello all Storm here with a new chapter! Here we'll be seeing Naruto's and May's trip down Route 101 and arriving in Oldale Town, but with some changes, along with more sad parts in this chapter near the end. So, without further ado.
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"So Naruto, where are you from?" May asked, looking at the whiskered blonde curiously as they made their way down Route 101, with her pushing her bike along rather than riding it.
The brunette being curious to learn more about her new traveling companion as they made their way to Oldale Town.
"I'm from Fortree City, I had actually traveled to Lilycove City to take a boat to Littleroot Town." Replied Naruto, increasing May's curiosity.
"Fortree City? That's the city where everyone lives in houses built in the trees, right?" Said May, remembering what her father and brother talked about the other cities and towns in Hoenn, mostly the ones that had other Gym Leaders.
"That's right. It also lets us live closer to wild Pokémon since we don't really disturb the natural environment, with Bug-type and Flying-type Pokémon even flying through the windows, some times. Along with Kecleon sometimes blocking paths, since they can blend in with their surroundings and Fortree City gives them plenty of coverage. We also get really heavy rainfall, which makes it so the trees grow much bigger than most other places. And with the way everything is built, it makes it so we're really good at getting around via climbing and parkour." Naruto explained, much to the brunette's amazement.
"Wow, it sounds like a really nice place to live or visit." May said with smile, with Naruto nodding in agreement with his own smile.
"Yeah, it's really great. And we do get plenty of Trainers passing through due the Pokémon Gym in the city, not to mention during the Feather Carnival." Said Naruto, getting May's attention.
"Feather Carnival?" May asked, interested to hear what that was.
"It's a carnival held every year to celebrate Flying-type Pokémon, and it's really fun with different rides, games, and foods, with the Gym Leader Winona even giving rides on her giant Skarmory. There are even some stands that sell small Pokémon like Chimecho and Hoppip." Naruto replied, with May getting an excited look at hearing about the Feather Carnival.
"That sounds amazing! Oooh, I really hope there's a chance we'd be able to see it and get to try the different foods they'd have!" Said May, liking the idea of attending the Feather Carnival, making the Uzumaki chuckle lightly at her excitement.
"Well if we make good time, I'm sure we'd be able to make it there just before or during the festival." Said Naruto, knowing the carnival wouldn't be happening for a while now, so they should be able to make it to Fortree City to attend it around the time it's beginning.
"Awesome!" May said happily, liking the chance to travel even more if she'd get to attend events and festivals like that.
"What about you, May? You said that you're from Petalburg City, right?" Naruto asked, also curious to learn more about his traveling companion.
"That's right, though my family and I were originally from Olivine City in the Johto Region, before moving to Hoenn. Petalburg City is a really beautiful place and while we don't have a lot of trees, like Fortree, there are still plenty all around the city. There's also a sister city to the north called North Petalburg, and the people there can be a…little obsessed with the Gym Leader." Replied May slowly, not wanting to reveal the Petalburg Gym Leader is her father.
Not to mention, the obsession also extended to the rest of her family, something she found overbearing and exhausting. Not to mention how it made the somewhat distant relationship that she had with her father even more awkward than it already was.
"It can't be that bad. I'm sure they just like showing their support of their home cities' Gym Leader." Said Naruto with a raised brow, only for the brunette to give him a deadpan expression.
"They sell shirts and buttons with the Gym Leader on them." May stated, with Naruto's eyes widening at this.
"…Okay, that does sound pretty obsessive." Naruto said, not expecting them to go that far in admiring their Gym Leader.
"What else is it like?" Questioned Naruto, wanting to hear more about Petalburg.
"There isn't much else to say, we don't have a festival or anything like Fortree does, it's mostly just a nice place you could visit or pass through. But you can still find plenty of Pokémon around. Especially in Petalburg Woods, where you can find all kinds of different Pokémon, along with different Trainers who'd either be training or making their way through the forest towards Rustboro City." Replied May, with the whiskered Trainer nodding at this.
"Well, I'm sure it'll be nice to see when we get there." Naruto said, looking forward to seeing more places and locations in Hoenn.
"Wait May, stop." Naruto suddenly said as he saw a Pokémon coming out of the bushes, getting May's attention as she looked to see the Pokémon.
It was a round, blue mouse-like Pokémon. It has circular ears with pink insides. There are two white dots on its cheeks, and it has black eyes. It had a thin, black, zigzagging tail with a large blue ball at the end.
"Awe, look at how cute it is." May said, smiling at the cute Pokémon, before the two Trainers pulled out their Pokédexes and scanned it.
"Azurill, the Polka Dot Pokémon. Azurill is able to throw its tail like a lasso, using the momentum to move about."
"Huh, I think Azurill might be the pre-evolved form of Marill." Said Naruto, seeing how similar it looked to the Marill and Azumarill he'd seen on Route 120 or when they would occasionally wander into Fortree City.
"Well, I'm gonna be catching the cute little guy." Stated May, wanting to catch the adorable Pokémon.
"Okay, but be careful, just because it's cute doesn't mean it's not strong." Naruto said, with the brunette nodding before pulling out a Pokéball.
"Don't worry, how hard can it be? I just grab a Pokéball and throw it, simple." May said as she prepared to throw the Pokéball, making the Uzumaki's eyes widen.
"Uuhh, May I don't think you should just-" Said Naruto, not sure it was a good idea to try catching a Pokémon without battling it first.
Only for May to throw the Pokéball at Azurill, with it bouncing off of the Polka Dot Pokémon's head. With the Pokéball opening up and sucking Azurill inside it, before it fell to the ground and began shaking.
"Oh yeah! I caught my first Pokémon!" May cheered, only for her happiness to be cut short when the Pokéball stopped shaking and opened up, with Azurill being released from it.
"Azurill?!" Azurill looked at May and Naruto, feeling upset at having suddenly being hit like that and sucked into the Pokéball.
"Hey what gives?!" Questioned May, confused at how Azurill broke out of the Pokéball she threw.
"I was trying to tell you May, you can't just throw a Pokéball at a Pokémon. I mean you can, but it's very lucky if you manage to catch a Pokémon on the first try like that and usually only if they willing let themselves be caught, or if they're weak enough to where you don't need to battle in order to catch them. But more often than not, you do need to battle a Pokémon first and weaken it. Then once its guard is lowered, you will have a much better chance at catching it once you throw the Pokéball at it." Said Naruto, knowing it'd be rare to catch a Pokémon just by throwing a Pokéball at it without a battle.
"Right, I know! Time for a…Pokémon Battle!" May said with a light embarrassed blush, trying to cover-up her little blunder, while pulling out Torchic's Pokéball.
'…She's doing her best, at least.' Thought Naruto with a sweatdrop, seeing that May still needed to learn the basics of catching and battling Pokémon.
Not that he could say anything, the whiskered blonde knowing he also still had a lot to learn as well.
"Torchic, I choose you!" May said as she released the Fire-type from its Pokéball.
"Torchic, Torchic!" Torchic jumped up in the air before gaining a determined looked to see who she and her Trainer were facing, only to see Azurill across from her.
"Now, what're those attacks again?" May said, thinking of what attacks Torchic could use.
"Torchic can use Ember, Peck, and Growl at the moment." Said Naruto, making the brunette smile at him thankfully.
"Right, thanks Naruto! Okay then, Torchic us-" Said May, only to see Torchic suddenly run after Azurill, who was bouncing on its tail to escape.
With Torchic chasing after Azurill, only for Azurill to bounce towards a tree and quickly move out of the way, causing the Chick Pokémon to run right into the tree.
"That wasn't good. Torchic, are you okay?!" May asked, going over to Torchic, looking at her in worry in case she was hurt.
"Azurill!" Azurill smiled slightly at tricking Torchic before it bounced away again, with the Fire-type quickly getting up and glaring at Azurill.
"Tor!" Torchic glared at Azurill before she began chasing after it again, now angry at being tricked and planned to get back at the Polka Dot Pokémon.
"Woah, Torchic not so fast! Wait for me!" May said as she ran after the two, not wanting to end up losing track of her Starter after just getting her, while unknowingly abandoning her bike in the process.
'I get the feeling this isn't going to end very well.' Thought Naruto, running after May and the two Pokémon.
With Torchic chasing after Azurill through the bushes, refusing to let the Normal/Fairy-type Pokémon get away. Torchic then ran faster when she saw Azurill stopping trying to escape, believing it was going to battle and she intended to get the first attack. Only for Azurill to trick Torchic again, bouncing away at the last second, causing the Chick Pokémon to run right into a rock.
"Torchic-Tor…" Torchic fell to the ground in a daze, not believing she fell for the same trick again.
"Okay, next time, don't do anything until I tell you to." May said sternly as she caught up to Torchic and picked it up, not wanting her Pokémon to run off again like that.
"Torchic." Torchic looked up at May sadly, upset at feeling like she failed her Trainer and now she's mad at her.
"Hey what're you crying for? Come on." May said, now feeling bad for upsetting her Pokémon, before looking at Naruto when he put a hand on her shoulder.
"May, maybe it'd be better to wait until you and Torchic are more in sync with each other, before trying to catch a Pokémon. Something me and Zorua will be doing as well, since while we had time to get to each other, we haven't had any time to actually battle together. Plus, while Azurill isn't a Water-type Pokémon, yet. That doesn't mean it can't still learn and know Water-type Attacks. Which wouldn't be good, if Torchic was hit by any of them." Said Naruto, making May frown before sighing.
"I guess that makes sense." Muttered May, not liking the idea of just giving up on catching Azurill, a sentiment Torchic shared as she looked down.
"Don't worry about it, there are going to be plenty of other Pokémon you'll get the chance to battle and catch. And next time you encounter one, I guarantee you and Torchic will be more prepared and do great." Naruto said, smiling reassuringly at the brunette, which she returned and nodded in agreement.
"Yeah! We just need to get some training done and the next Pokémon we encounter won't know what hit them! Right Torchic?!" May said, smiling at her Starter.
"Torchic!" Torchic nodded in agreement with her Trainer, determined to work hard and get stronger for the next Pokémon they encounter.
"That's the spirit. Now let's keep moving, we still have a long way to go before we reach Oldale Town." Said Naruto, with May nodding in agreement before returning Torchic to her Pokéball as they continued on their way.
*Later*
Naruto and May had continued making their way to Oldale Town, before seeing that the sun had begun going down and decided to set up camp for the day.
"It shouldn't be that much farther to Oldale Town, we'll likely be able to reach it, tomorrow." Naruto said, with May nodding in agreement.
"Yeah, the trip there isn't that long, if we'd started walking a few hours earlier, then we'd probably already be there by now." Said May, given how she was able to make the trip from Oldale to Littleroot really quickly on her bike, so it shouldn't be that much slower on foot.
"Well this way, we'll also have the chance to get some training done for the rest of the day." Naruto stated before pulling out Zorua's Pokéball, eager to begin training with his Starter.
The brunette smiled at this and pulled out Torchic's Pokéball, also eager to begin training with her Starter, wanting to be prepared and ready for the next Pokémon they'll encounter. Not to mention, any Trainers they end up coming across who'd want to battle them.
Naruto and May then released their Starters before they began setting up a campsite. Once that was done, the two then went a little further into the forest with Zorua and Torchic following them.
"Alright Zorua, are you ready to get started on our training?" Naruto asked, looking at the Spiteful Fox Pokémon.
"Zor!" Zorua nodded in response, determined and eager to begin training and growing stronger with his Trainer.
"And are you ready Torchic? We'll need to work really hard to be a team, but I know we'll be ready for the next battle we're in." Said May, smiling at her Starter.
"Torchic!" Torchic nodded as well, wanting to start training and be ready to face any wild Pokémon they come across or any other Trainers.
"Then let's get started!" Naruto stated before they began their training.
Though before they did, Naruto and May went a fair distance away from each other to train their Starters separately. Not out of mistrust, but for if they ever decide to battle against each other, they wouldn't know everything the other is working on. Once the two were sure the other wouldn't see them training, then got to work on training their Starters.
With both of the new Trainers focusing on having Zorua and Torchic master the moves they already knew, along with working on unlocking their Egg Moves. Along with making sure they were in sync with their Pokémon whenever they battled other Pokémon or Trainers.
Naruto also focused on physical training to improve Zorua's strength, speed, endurance, and agility. With the Uzumaki training alongside Zorua while doing this, given the training he's done before in Fortree City. Something that surprised, but also made Zorua happy to see his Trainer training with him. Which also made the Normal/Ghost-type Pokémon more determined to improve and grow stronger.
While May focused on building hers and Torchic's bond and trust, allowing them to work better together. Along with making sure Torchic didn't rush in recklessly to a battle, ensuring it wouldn't fall for the same tricks Azurill used on her.
The two had continued training for a few hours, until they finally stopped and took a break, regrouping with each other afterwards.
"So, how did you training go?" Naruto asked while looking at May and Torchic, guessing it went well as he could already see the two were closer than before.
"It went really great! Torchic's showing good improvements with her current moves, though not much progress on unlocking her Egg Moves. But we've also worked on our teamwork and we should do much better the next time we're in a battle." Replied May with a smile, pleased at the training she and Torchic had gotten down.
"Tor!" Torchic nodded in agreement with her Trainer, feeling more confident and ready for battle, along with knowing not to just run after a wild Pokémon like before.
"That's good, but don't get ahead of yourselves, since there are going to be plenty of stronger and more experienced Trainers we may come across, not to mention wild Pokémon that can be really tough." Said Naruto, not wanting them to get reckless and try challenging someone stronger than them.
"Yeah, I know. What about you and Zorua, how did you training go?" Asked May, wondering how their training went.
"Pretty good. We worked on the same thing as you both, mastering Zorua's current moves and unlocking his Egg Moves. We also did some physical training to improve his strength, speed, and endurance as well." Naruto said, with Zorua nodding in agreement, pleased at the training they'd completed.
"Then it looks like we both got a good amount of training done. But it looks like Torchic and Zorua still have some energy. So, what do you say about having a practice battle?" May said, looking at Naruto, wanting to see how much the trainings paid off in a battle.
As well as figuring that after what happened with Azurill, it would be best to start getting some Battle Experience now, rather than against a Trainer or Wild Pokémon.
The question surprised Naruto, not expecting May to want to have a practice battle, before looking at Zorua and Torchic. Seeing that they didn't look that tired from training, along with seeming eager at the chance to have a practice battle as well.
"Sure." Said Naruto with a smile, which May returned before they stood up and moved to opposite ends of the clearing, with Zorua and Torchic following their Trainers.
"Zor…" Zorua stood in front of Naruto, narrowing his eyes at Torchic, determined to show what he can do.
"Torchic…" Torchic returned the look, feeling just as determined and eager to win the practice battle.
"Alright Torchic, use Ember!" Said May, making the first move.
"Tor-chic!" Torchic immediately rushed at Zorua, opening her mouth, and releasing several small fireballs at the Spiteful Fox Pokémon.
"Dodge it Zorua, then use Snarl!" Naruto said, with Zorua immediately jumping off to the side avoiding the fireballs.
"Zorua!" Zorua then opened his mouth, letting out multiple black and purple rings that slammed into Torchic, knocking her across the clearing.
"Torchic!" May said in worry at seeing her Starter be hit.
"Now use Swift, Zorua!" Said Naruto, not wanting them to get a chance to counterattack.
"Rua!" Zorua jumped into the air and swung his tail at Torchic, shooting several yellow stars at the Fire-type Pokémon.
"Get out of the Torchic!" May said quickly, with Torchic recovering in time to dodge the stars, only to be surprised when they locked on Torchic and hit her anyway.
"Swift is an Attack that will always hit its target, outside of times where they have Semi-Invulnerability." Naruto explained when he saw May's confusion, making her wince slightly at not knowing that and how it ended up biting Torchic in the butt.
'Perhaps I should've taken Max's and Dad's offer to get me caught up, when it came to Pokémon. Before I started on my Journey.' May thought to herself, since while she did know some things due to her father being a Gym Leader and her younger brother being a wiz when it comes to Pokémon, especially with how he big of a fan he was of Professor Oak, she was more than willing to admit that she was pretty naïve for the most part.
"Don't worry about it, May. No one knows every single detail when it comes to Pokémon, plus I probably wouldn't have known of Swift's lock-on ability if it wasn't for Zorua already knowing that Move." Naruto said reassuringly, helping to lift May's spirits as she nodded in thanks before focusing back on the practice battle.
"Okay, use Growl while Zorua's still in the air!" Said May.
"Chic!" Torchic immediately let out a loud, piercing cry right at Zorua, distorting the air and making the Normal/Ghost-type Pokémon flinch, along with lowering his attack strength.
"Now jump up and use Peck, Torchic!" May said, smiling as Torchic jumped into the air right at Zorua and managed to hit him.
"Tor-chic-chic-chic-chic-Torchic!" Torchic began repeatedly pecking Zorua, sending him falling back towards the ground, finishing the attack with a final peck increasing his speed.
"Zorua use Shadow Sneak!" Said Naruto, with Zorua managing to catch himself in the air and dive into his shadow, much to May's shock.
"How did…" Said May, not believing she saw Zorua seemingly stop himself from hitting the ground and then float down into his shadow, before shaking her head while her eyes widened when Zorua's shadow then rose up behind Torchic.
"Torchic, quickly use Growl again behind you!" May said, the Chick Pokémon quickly turned around, only to be too slow as Zorua's shadow lashed out and struck her, sending Torchic flying back.
"Tor!" Torchic let out a cry as she was hit, before grunting as she fell back to the ground.
"Alright! Now use Snarl again, Zorua!" Naruto said, the Spiteful Fox Pokémon nodding and released multiple black and purple rings at Torchic.
"Use Ember on those rings, Torchic!" Said May, getting an idea on to get an advantage.
"Torchic!" Torchic released several fireballs at the rings, causing the two attacks to explode once they collided, creating a cloud of smoke in the clearing.
"Now, use Ember again and shoot it into the smoke!" May said, Torchic doing so and shooting multiple fireballs into the cloud of smoke.
"Go into the air Zorua!" Said Naruto, making May look around to see where Zorua was going to jump out of the smoke.
Only for her eyes to widen in shock when she saw Zorua actually float up directly out of the smoke, like he was a Flying-type Pokémon.
"Zorua, use Swift!" Naruto said, using May's distraction as the chance to attack.
"Zor-ua!" Zorua started swinging his tail at Torchic, releasing several waves of yellow stars that crashed into the Chick Pokémon, sending her crashing into a tree.
"Torchic! Are you alright?!" May said in concern at the damage Torchic was taking.
"T-Tor…chic." Torchic shakily got up and looked at Zorua, also shocked to see him floating in the air, but refused to give up now.
"Use Shadow Sneak again Zorua!" Said Naruto, with Zorua diving back towards the ground to enter his shadow.
"Not this time! Torchic use Growl!" Said May, Torchic immediately let out a loud cry, making Zorua flinch as his attack went down again, along with slowing his decent.
"Now rush Zorua and quickly use Peck!" May said.
"Torchic!" Torchic charged at Zorua as fast as she could, managing to reach him before he could enter his shadow, and pecked him as hard as she could, sending Zorua flying back.
"Are you good, Zorua?" Naruto asked while looking at his Starter, with Zorua nodding in response.
"Zor." Zorua narrowed his eyes at Torchic, not planning to be defeated.
"Torchic use Ember!" Said May, not wanting to lose the chance to attack again, with Torchic shooting several fireballs at Zorua in response.
"Zorua use Swift on the fireballs!" Naruto said, Zorua doing so as he swung his tail, launching waves of stars that triggered explosions as the two attacks collided.
"Now use Shadow Sneak!" Said Naruto, with Zorua immediately sinking into his shadow which rushed towards Torchic.
"Get out of there, Torchic, then use Ember again!" May said, seeing the shadow rushing towards her Starter.
"Chic!" Torchic jumped out of the way, avoiding Zorua's shadow as it sped towards her, before shooting more fireballs at it.
Only for Zorua to prove faster as it moved across the ground, avoiding the fireballs, until he was close enough to Torchic.
"Zor-ua!" Zorua's shadow rose up and struck Torchic repeatedly, knocking her back where she crashed into the ground.
"Okay, now finish it with Bitter Malice!" Said Naruto, with Zorua's eyes glowing a dark blue while black, purple, and dark blue energy began emitting off his body.
"Zor…" Zorua then lifted his front paws up as the energy then began swirling on the ground around him.
"…UA!" Zorua immediately slammed his paws down, causing the swirling energy to expand outwards across the entire field, hitting Torchic before she could dodge, with the energy then engulfing the Chick Pokémon.
"Torchic!" Torchic let out a cry as the attack hit her, inflicting a large amount of damage, as well as leaving behind a malice-filled chill through her body.
"Torchic!" May said in worry and concern for her Starter, with the energy soon fading while Torchic fell to the ground with swirls in her eyes.
"T-To-Tor-Torchic…" Torchic twitched slightly while May ran over and picked her up.
"Torchic, are you alright?!" Said May, worried at Torchic being hit by an attack like that, with Torchic looking at her Trainer sadly.
"Torchic…" Torchic looked down, disappointed at having lost the battle along with how one-sided it was.
"Hey, don't be like that, you did amazing." May said, smiling comfortingly at the Fire-type Pokémon, before looking at Naruto when he walked over.
"May, I'm really sorry about that last attack. Zorua's just…a lot stronger than a regular Starter and we're still working on him learning to hold back." Naruto said while giving Zorua look, knowing the Spiteful Fox Pokémon hit Torchic that hard on purpose.
"Zor." Zorua merely looked away, though did feel some slight guilt at hurting Torchic that much, but not much since that's his nature, being spiteful and malicious to other Pokémon and humans.
"It's fine Naruto, I guess I should have expected that Zorua was a lot stronger than I initially thought, since he's not a regular Starter. I'm just…kind of disappointed to lose my first battle, even if it was just a practice battle." Said May looking down, sad and disappointed she and Torchic lost their first battle.
Only to let out a yelp when Naruto flicked her lightly on the forehead, looking up to see him smiling at her.
"Don't let it get to you, May. After all, you're still a new Trainer and learning the basics of everything. No one's expecting you to suddenly be an expert in battling other Trainers and Pokémon. Maybe you won't win every battle, but you won't lose every battle either, what matters is that you keep trying and keep getting better with each one. Any time you lose, use it as an opportunity to learn from your losses as well as improve yourself and your Pokémon. Even when you win a battle, you can still use it as a chance to keep growing stronger, to be better than you were before. So, don't let one loss get you down, just see it as an obstacle to overcome." Naruto said, smiling at May and Torchic, who both looked at him in surprise.
"And besides, you both did really great for your first battle. If it had been against a regular Starter Pokémon, I bet you both would have at least ended in a tie, if not been able to win." Added Naruto, seeing that they were already a really good team and would only get better, with his words helping cheer May up.
"Yeah! We'll keep training and getting even stronger! Right Torchic?!" May said, smiling at her Starter, who nodded in agreement with her Trainer.
"Tor!" Torchic felt better despite the loss, along with her determination growing to get even better for the next battle.
"And thanks Naruto that really helped. And despite losing, once I started getting a good flow with Torchic and getting some hits in, the battle started becoming really fun and exciting." Said May, having started enjoying the battle once she and Torchic started getting into the swing of things.
All while wondering if that's how her father felt, whenever he got a new challenger, or why her brother was so eager for the chance to become a Trainer himself.
"I'm glad you enjoyed it, battles can be really fun and shows the bonds and trust that a Trainers has with their Pokémon." Replied Naruto, happy that May had fun during their battle.
"Yeah, though what would you say to a rematch?" May asked, wondering if he'd want to have another battle.
"Sure, I don't mind having a rematch, but how about having one after our Pokémon are fully healed, both from battling and training." Naruto with a smile, which May returned and nodded in agreement, eager for the chance to have a rematch.
*Later*
Naruto and May had returned to their campsite after their battle, having seen how late it had gotten during their training and battle. The two had gotten started on making dinner, with the whiskered Trainer also making some Pokémon food for Zorua and Torchic.
With it not being long before the food was finished and they all began eating, though May couldn't help but glance at Naruto and Zorua a few times. Still remembering their battle and everything Zorua was capable of doing.
"Hey Naruto. If you don't mind me asking, but…what's with Zorua exactly?" May asked, unable to help her curiosity.
"What do you mean?" Said Naruto, though he was able to guess what she meant.
"It's just that…Zorua seems capable of doing things most Pokémon usually can't, at least ones with his types. Like being able to just float into the air, since I know that some Ghost-type Pokémon can do that, they're usually ones that don't have legs or walk around, but Zorua does and can still float. And during our battle, I don't want to sound mean, but…it seemed like Zorua was enjoying attacking Torchic just a little too much, no offense or anything. He just seems like a really strange Pokémon." Said May, making the Uzumaki frown at her words, but also knew she wasn't wrong either.
Looking at Zorua, Naruto silently asked his Starter if it'd be fine to tell May and Torchic about what happened to him.
"Zor-Zor-Zorua." Zorua merely shrugged reluctantly, as while he didn't like remembering what happened, he figured it'd come out sooner or later if his Trainer intended to continue traveling with May.
"The reason why Zorua's able to float around and why he's aggressive to other Pokémon, it's because he's not just part Ghost-type…Zorua is an actual ghost Pokémon that died." Revealed Naruto, with May and Torchic freezing in shock at this,
"Wh-what?! Z-Zo-Zo-Zorua's…a literal ghost?!" May said in shock and disbelief, having never heard of an actual ghost Pokémon.
"Yeah, I was shocked to when I learned. This isn't how other Zorua normally look, they're known as Hisuian Zorua due to first being seen in the Hisuian Region. The ancient name of the Sinnoh Region before it was changed. They're the result of regular Zorua being killed and their spirits being reborn in new forms, along with being filled with malice towards humans and Pokémon who caused their deaths, which is why they're aggressive in attacking opponents, they're created from spite, malice, and resentment. And for Zorua…he was hunted and killed by a Pokémon Poacher, given that finding Zorua's in the Hoenn Region are really rare. With it ending in Zorua dying and being reborn as a Hisuian Zorua. I found him on my way to Professor Birch's Lab and he wasn't very trusting, which I learned why when Professor Birch told me about Hisuian Zorua and how they come to exist. Though I decided to stay and look after Zorua until he was taken somewhere safe, slowly earning his trust during that time, until a little over two weeks ago the same poacher that tried capturing Zorua showed up and tried again, only seeing him as a more valuable target. But I was able to protect Zorua, even when the asshole and his Pokémon attacked me, which really helped me earn Zorua's trust. And we were able to take him down together, with Zorua choosing to join me and become my Starter Pokémon. But while he trusts me, it's still his nature to resent and be distrustful to other humans and Pokémon." Naruto explained, much to May's and Torchic's shock and horror to hear what happened to Zorua, the former looking ready to cry, with the Normal/Ghost-type Pokémon looking away.
"Zorua-Zor-rua-Zor…" Zorua didn't like thinking of what happened, but he did enjoy remembering getting his revenge on Rico and his Tyranitar, along with being happy that Naruto spent time with him before the poacher showed up.
"Oh you poor thing!" May cried before she immediately picked up Zorua and hugged him tightly, making Zorua tense as his eyes started glowing at being touched by someone.
"It's alright, Zorua! May's not a threat to you, she's just sad and upset you had to go through all that." Said Naruto, wanting to help Zorua calm down before it tried using his illusions on May.
"Zor…" Zor slowly relaxed at his Trainers words and accepted the embrace, but still looked uncomfortable at being held by someone besides Naruto.
As while he may trust Naruto, and was willing to be nice to other people and Pokémon for his sake, that didn't mean Zorua still didn't like any of them.
"I'm so sorry you went through all of that! I can't believe anyone would hurt an innocent Pokémon, even get it killed then still keep hunting it! I hope that poacher got what he deserved, so he can't hurt any Pokémon or anyone else again!" May said, saddened at what Zorua went through, but was glad Naruto was around to help him.
"He did and he won't be hurting anyone again. But May, you shouldn't just touch or grab Zorua like that, he may trust me, but anyone else are still threats to him. And that usually means he'll trap them in dangerous illusions." Warned Naruto, making May tense as she slowly looked at Zorua, who didn't seem amused at her grabbing him.
"O-o-o-oh…r-ri-ri-ri-ri-r-right…s-s-so-sorry, Z-Zorua." Said May sheepishly and tensely, while setting Zorua down, relieved that Naruto must've calmed him down and saved her from any illusions.
Especially since she's still getting used to Pokémon herself, so scooping Zorua up like she did made her a little worried at holding an actual ghost Pokémon, and a dangerous one at that.
"It's fine, May, anyone would have reacted in a similar way to Zorua's backstory." Naruto replied, waving it off, while Zorua went back to his food.
"Rua." Zorua though couldn't help but scoff, doubting that everyone would react the same, that others would see him as a monster or as some sort of prize, like Rico did.
But it didn't hold May's actions against her at least, with part of the Spiteful Fox Pokémon silently admitting that it felt…nice seeing the brunette act like that on his account.
"Torchic. Tor-Tor-Torchic-Chic-Tor-Tor-Torchic-Torchic." Torchic went over to Zorua and offered her own condolences for what happened to him, knowing no Pokémon should experience all of that.
"…Zorua…" Zorua looked at Torchic for a few moments before nodding in response, with him then going back to eating his food, with the others soon following.
*Later*
After finishing their dinner, the two Trainers and their Starters had exchanged "goodnights" before going to sleep, with Naruto and May going to their respective tents. Zorua and Torchic joining them, sleeping beside their Trainers.
Though in the middle of the night Zorua began twitching in his sleep, before he started moving and thrashing around.
"Zor!" Zorua let out a cry of pain as he was kicked by his Trainer.
"You stupid creature! How pathetic are you that you can't even handle something as weak as an Abra?! Are you that weak you can't even beat a Pokémon you should be strong against?!" Demanded the Trainer, with Zorua looking up at him fearfully, though was unable to make out any of his features.
"Z-Zo-Zor-Zorua!" Zorua tried to defend himself only to cry out again when the Trainer kicked him, sending the Pokémon crashing into a rock.
"Shut up already! I'm getting sick of hearing you crying! Maybe if you weren't such a crybaby or wasting so much time pulling stupid pranks and tricks, you'd actually have gotten stronger! Instead, a baby Pokémon would probably be better than you! You haven't even evolved yet or learned anything new! I'd be better off just getting rid of you right now and find a Pokémon that's actually worth my time!" The Trainer sneered, while Zorua looked at him with tears in his eyes.
"Zor! Zor-Zor-Zor-rua-Zorua! Zorua!" Zorua shook his head desperately, not wanting to be tossed aside and replaced, still believing he could prove he was strong.
"Oh, you want to stay. Then start getting stronger! You can even train with the rest of my team, I'm sure they'll actually be able to toughen you up, no matter how pathetic you are." Said the Trainer before releasing the rest of his Pokémon, much to Zorua's horror at now being surrounded by the bigger, stronger, and more vicious Pokémon.
"Z-Zo-Zor…" Zorua backed away from the other Pokémon, only to cry out in fear when they lunged at him, all while the Trainer laughed at the sight.
Only for things to change as the Trainer was glaring down at Zorua while holding his Pokéball.
"I knew I should have gotten rid you before! Instead I wasted my time, thinking you would actually amount to something! Now I see I should have just gotten a stronger Pokémon than keep a pathetic failure like you around!" The Trainer shouted before throwing Zorua's Pokéball on the ground and stomping on it, much to Zorua's shock, horror, and pain.
"Zor! Zor-Zorua-Zor-ua-Zorua! Zor!" Zorua tried running up to his Trainer, not wanting him to abandon him, despite everything he's done and how much he's hurt the Tricky Fox Pokémon, Zorua still didn't want to be left alone.
Only to cry out when the Trainer slammed his foot into his face, before grabbing Zorua by the scruff of his neck and threw him against a tree.
"Beat it you worthless creature! And if you even think of following me or if I ever see you again, I'll feed you to my Pokémon!" Said the Trainer before turning around and began walking away, leaving Zorua crying and broken on the ground.
"Z-Zoru-Zorua…"
"…ua…Zo…a…Zorua!" Naruto said in concern as he tried waking Zorua up after feeling and hearing him thrashing around in his sleep.
"ZOR!" Zorua immediately shot up with his eyes glowing along with the red wisps of fur on his head and tail.
"Hey, easy, it's alright, you're safe. There's nothing to be scared of." Said Naruto softly while petting Zorua, the Spiteful Fox Pokémon slowly calming down, before tensing when May and Torchic peeked into the tent.
"Is everything alright?" Questioned May in concern, having heard Zorua cry out and quickly went to see if everything was alright.
"I think Zorua was having a nightmare." Naruto replied, looking at his Starter in worry, with May doing the same.
"Was…was it about the poacher?" May asked hesitantly, the Uzumaki looking at Zorua to see if it had been about Rico, only for Zorua to not show any reaction but was still shaken from the nightmare.
Which only made him more concerned, now wondering if there's more to what happened to Zorua before he encountered Rico, if he'd been hurt before. Though Naruto didn't say anything, not wanting to bring up even more bad memories, instead merely continued petting Zorua to help calm him down.
While May watched before hesitantly entering the tent and slowly reached out to Zorua, and began petting him gently.
"It's okay Zorua, we're not gonna hurt you nor will we let anything bad happen to you, either." Said May, with Zorua stiffening at her touching him, but relaxed slightly.
"She's right. You're safe and no one's ever going to hurt you again, I promise. We're partners, and we look out for each other." Added Naruto, while mentally swearing that if Zorua had been hurt by someone other than Rico, he'll make them pay.
"Torchic." Torchic walked over to Zorua and sat beside the Spiteful Fox Pokémon as well to help him.
"Zor…" Zorua slowly began relaxing and calming down, still feeling shaken by the nightmare.
It wasn't long before Zorua calmed down, with Naruto and May trading a look before the Uzumaki stood up while carrying Zorua and his sleeping bag. All of them exiting the tent, with May grabbing her sleeping bag from her tent as well. Before they laid them outside, with Zorua and Torchic beside them. Both Trainers figuring this would be easier, in case Zorua had another nightmare and needed them.
With it not being long until all of them fell back asleep.
*Timeskip-One Day*
The next day, after waking up Naruto and May prepared breakfast for themselves and for their Pokémon. With them and Torchic occasionally looking at Zorua in concern, while Zorua merely remained quiet, not wanting to think of the nightmare he had.
Once they'd finished breakfast and got some light training done before they packed up their camp, the two had continued on their way to Oldale Town. Though rather than return their Pokémon to their Pokéballs, they left them out, with May carrying Torchic around while Zorua rode on Naruto's shoulder. Something the whiskered Trainer didn't mind if it helped Zorua feel better.
With it thankfully not being long before they reached Oldale Town, leading to Zorua hiding within Naruto's shadow, not wanting to be around so many humans and Pokémon. Though they couldn't help but notice the downcast, somber, and devastated expressions on some people they passed by.
"Did…did something happen?" May asked in concern, wondering if something happened here.
"I don't know, let's get to the Pokémon Center to see what's going on." Replied Naruto, also worried that something happened, before they began walking faster towards the Pokémon Center.
The two soon reaching the Pokémon Center, and went inside, only to find the somber atmosphere seemed to have grown even stronger inside, worrying them even more. With them going up to the counter, where they saw Nurse Joy and her Chansey.
Chansey is a pink, ovoid Pokémon with stubby arms and dark pink feet. It has tiny eyes and three hair-like growths on each side of its head. The tufts of hair have dark pink tips. On the center of its belly is a dark pink pouch that contains a single white egg. Finally, it has a short tail along with it wearing a nurses cap.
"Hello there. Is there anything you need help with?" Said Nurse Joy once they went up to the counter, the two noticing her smile didn't really reach her eyes nor did she sound very cheerful.
"Uh, hi Nurse Joy. We were hoping to have our Pokémon looked after and healed. But…did something happen here?" Naruto asked, looking at everyone inside the Pokémon Center, seeing some Trainers that all looked saddened and devastated by something, with Nurse Joy's expression dropping.
"I…I'm afraid so. Just last night we…the Pokémon Center had been attacked by a mysterious group of people, they cut the power and locked me within the storage room in the back. I tried begging them to turn the power back on, as there were still Pokémon in recovery, but…but they didn't listen. And by the time I was able to get out and turn the power back on, some…some of the Pokémon didn't make it." Nurse Joy said sadly while wiping her eyes of any tears, while Naruto and May were shocked, horrified, and saddened at this.
"I'm…I'm so sorry that happened, I can't believe there would be people who'd do that." Said May, saddened to hear people would attack a Pokémon Center and turn off the power, even with Pokémon recovering inside.
"Thank you. It hurts to lose innocent Pokémon, but at least I was able to save those that I could, as well as alerting the other Pokémon Centers across Hoenn to make sure to have backup generators and power setup, to ensure what happened here doesn't happen anywhere else. As well as alerting the Officer Jenny's to be on the look for the people responsible." Nurse Joy replied before taking a few deep breaths.
"Now, you said you wanted your Pokémon healed. Please hand them over and I'll get started." Said Nurse Joy with a small smile, with Naruto and May nodding, the latter placing Torchic on the counter along with her Pokéball.
"Zorua, come out." Naruto said, looking at his shadow as Zorua reluctantly came out of it, surprising Nurse Joy at his sudden appearance.
"Zor…" Zorua looked around warily, not liking the idea of being around so many people and Pokémon, before Naruto picked him up.
"Zorua, this is Nurse Joy and her Chansey, they're responsible for looking after and healing Pokémon. They aren't going to hurt you or do anything you don't like, the only thing they want to do is help. It'll be quick and easy, they'll be done before you even know it, alright. So you don't have to be afraid or suspicious of them." Said Naruto, wanting to make sure Zorua didn't do anything and behaved himself.
"Zor…Zorua…" Zorua turned to Nurse Joy and Chansey, really not liking the idea of being left with them, but also didn't want to upset his Trainer by putting them under any illusions or attacking them.
"Sorry about that, Zorua's just not really trusting of other people and Pokémon." Naruto said while setting Zorua on the counter along with his Pokéball.
"It's quite alright, I've seen some Pokémon that don't like being separated from their Trainers. I'll make sure your Pokémon are completely safe and healed." Replied Nurse Joy before picking up Zorua and Torchic, placing them on a cart with their Pokéballs
Naruto and May then went over to get some lunch, though neither of them were really hungry, not after what they learned happened here. Not to mention with Zorua's past as well, leaving the two without much of an appetite.
"Do you want to just get some supplies and then head out?" Naruto asked, not really wanting to stay in Oldale very long after what they learned.
"Yeah, I don't really want to hear any more depressing news and would prefer to just keep going." Replied May, also wanting to simply get their Pokémon and some supplied before continuing on their way.
Nodding in agreement, the two ate what they could of their lunch, before deciding to go out and get their supplies while waiting for their Pokémon to be healed.
*Later*
Naruto and May had gone to the Oldale Poké Mart, where they'd purchased some supplies for themselves and for their Pokémon. With the Uzumaki having also purchased several Heal Balls for the Pokémon he'll catch. As while they're slightly more expensive than regular Pokéballs, given Zorua's resentment of other Pokémon, Naruto felt Heal Balls would be very useful to have with their healing function. Ensuring any Pokémon he battles and catches will be instantly healed, rather than needing to be rushed to a Pokémon Center.
Once they finished their shopping, the duo returned to the Pokémon Center, where Nurse Joy brought out Zorua and Torchic for them.
"You're both back just in time, your Zorua and Torchic are fully recovered and ready to go." Nurse Joy said, with Naruto and May smiling in thanks, the latter picking up Torchic while Zorua instantly returned to Naruto's shadow.
"Thank you Nurse Joy. I was also hoping if I'd be able to register for the Hoenn League as well." Said Naruto as he pulled his Trainer ID, with Nurse Joy nodding in response.
"Of course, I'll get you registered and your Badge Case for you." Replied Nurse Joy with a smile before going behind the counter to get Naruto registered.
"Are you thinking about registering, May?" Naruto asked while looking at the brunette, who looked indecisive on the idea of registering for the Pokémon League.
"I'm…not really sure if entering the Hoenn League is something I'd want to do. Though I'll admit that training and battling with you and Zorua was really fun, and I want to keep doing it. I might need to wait before deciding on entering the Hoenn League." May said, wanting to wait and see if she'd want to take part in the Hoenn League or not, with Naruto nodding in understanding before Nurse Joy came back.
"And you're all set, here's your ID and your Badge Case. Good luck with your Journey, young man." Said Nurse Joy, with Naruto taking the items with a smile.
"Thanks Nurse Joy." Naruto replied, glad that he's now registered and set to take on the Gym Leaders.
With their business done, Naruto and May exited the Pokémon Center and headed for Route 102, continuing on their way towards Petalburg City.
So, what did you think, good. Yep we see things starting out familiar as Naruto and May make their way down Route 101, getting to know each other better, before encountering Azurill with May trying to catch it only to fail while Torchic chases after it, though rather than keep chasing Azurill or convince May to keep chasing it, Naruto convinces May to wait to try catching Pokmon until she and Torchic work better on getting in sync and growing stronger. Then we see them setting up camp and get some training done with their Starters, before then having a practice battle which Naruto wins, though May does put up a good fight and looks to now have gotten an interest in battling, and helped by some encouraging words from Naruto. Before we see them having dinner, where Naruto also tells May and Torchic about Zorua's past, much to their shock and horror at what Zorua went through, giving him some comfort as well. Only to then see Zorua having a nightmare showing he was once with an abusive Trainer until he was abandoned, eventually leading to his encounter with Rico, with Naruto, May, and Torchic comforting Zorua and staying together in case he needs them again. Finally we see them arriving in Oldale Town only for more tragic news at the Pokmon Center where they learn of the attack that happened last night, resulting in a few Pokmon perishing from the cut power and no one able to turn it back on time, leading to Naruto and May agreeing to not stay long with the somber atmosphere, only staying to get their Pokmon healed and purchase some supplies, including some Heal Balls for Naruto to use, given Zorua's resentment of other Pokmon making him less likely to hold back from seriously injuring them. With Naruto also registering for the Hoenn League and May now being indecisive and considering it, before the two take their leave of Oldale Town. So, for those that like the story, thanks for your support. For those that don't or at least don't like the direction taken, you're more than welcomed to drop the story. But thanks for giving the story a chance anyway.
Storm out