Hello all Storm here with a new chapter! Here we'll be seeing more of Naruto and May's time in Slateport City, along with encountering some familiar faces and some unwelcomed ones. So, without further ado.
I own nothing
A week has passed since Naruto's and May's arrival in Slateport City, with them having since been getting familiar with the city and everything it had to offer. Along with them having gone out on a few more dates and continued training their Pokémon.
Which the couple was currently doing right now, with Skitty having started getting Sunny Day down, and managed to master Iron Tail and Thunderbolt. With May now having her start working on mastering Solar Beam and Blizzard, though the two moves were taking longer than anticipated. But given how powerful they are, it's understandable that it'll take longer for Skitty to be able to learn and master those two moves.
While with Naruto and his Pokémon, Eevee has succeeded in getting Retaliate down, while Zorua's managed master both Sword Dance and Incinerate as well.
The two were also spending time getting in sync with their newest Pokémon, Naruto with Bagon and May with her Absol and Electrike.
Overall, their Pokémon have been making great strides in their training, with both Trainers being happy at how far they're all coming.
"Hey May-chan, have you decided on which Pokémon you're going to be using in the Slateport Contest?" Naruto asked while looking at the brunette, with May's Pokémon also looking at her, all of them curious to see which of them will be performing in the upcoming Contest.
"I was thinking of having Skitty performing, since I want to expand Beautifly's Move Pool before she can compete. While Absol and Electrike are my newest team members, so I want to work with them some more and spend more time training them before I can think of using them in Contests. And I also want to have Eevee learn some more combat oriented moves, since she mostly has status effect ones." Said May while looking at her team, with Skitty wagging her tail in excitement at getting the chance to compete, while Beautifly, Eevee, Absol, and Electrike were a little disappointed that they weren't chosen, but also understood their Trainers reasoning,
"Nice, I'm sure you'll have plenty of combos to think of, with all the new moves Skitty's learned." Naruto stated, with May nodding in agreement while sporting a smile, having thought of some ideas for what Skitty can do.
"I do, but I'm gonna need to practice with them and see how they turn out. What about you Naruto-kun, how's your training going?" Questioned May.
"Pretty good, I'm actually going to use the Flamethrower TM to have Bagon learn Flamethrower, along with starting to have him learn Dragon Claw and Zen Headbutt." Naruto answered, while looking at the Dragon-type.
"Bagon!" Bagon nodded in agreement with his Trainer, eager to learn such powerful moves and get closer to when he'll eventually evolve.
May nodded at this before they got back to their training, the Coordinator getting some one-on-one training with Skitty to work on some tricks and combos they can use for the Contest. While Naruto used the TM for Flamethrower on Bagon, which also resulted in his Ember being assimilated into the stronger Flamethrower.
Along with getting started on learning Zen Headbutt and Dragon Claw, with the former involving Naruto helping Bagon learn meditation to help access the Psychic Energy required for the move. Though Bagon did have an easier time starting on Dragon Claw, which wasn't that surprising.
While May pulled out some balls and smiled at Skitty.
"Okay Skitty, let's work on your juggling. Use Double Slap!" May said while tossing the balls to the Kitten Pokémon.
"Skitty!" Skitty ran forward and began smacking the balls with her tail, being careful not to hit them too hard as she found a good pattern and began juggling them.
"Great job Skitty. Now use Iron Tail to launch them into the air!" Said May, with Skitty nodding as her tail glowed white before smacked each of the balls right into the air, only to hit them higher than May intended for them to go.
The brunette's eyes widening, when she saw one of the balls heading straight for someone leaning against a railing on a walkway above.
"Hey, watch out!" May called out to the person but was surprised when they casually caught the ball.
Running up to look at the person, May saw it was a boy, likely around hers and Naruto's age, with green eyes and green hair. While wearing a black long-sleeved shirt, a purple jacket, a pair of teal trousers and black shoes.
"I'm really sorry about that." Said May, relieved that he wasn't hit, only for the boy to smirk and toss the ball up and down.
"Please don't tell me you were planning on entering the Pokémon Contest, with a cheesy act like that?" Said the boy, while tossing the ball at her feet, causing May to narrow her eyes at him, while Naruto frowned as he looked at the kid.
"You got no finesse, no moves." The boy stated while walking down to the beach, before putting his hand in May's face when she glared at him.
"Hey! I'll have you know, I am entering the Contest and I'm still working on my combos, so of course they're not perfect yet! And who are you to say that?!" Demanded May, angry at this guy showing up and saying that.
"If you must know, I'm Drew, a Pokémon Coordinator." Drew introduced.
"A Pokémon Coordinator? So, I'm guessing you'll be in the Contest too." Said Naruto, while walking up.
"Naturally, but there's no comparison between me and her. You see, you and your Pokémon here, you've got no style." Stated Drew, much to May's growing anger as Naruto had to hold his girlfriend back from attacking Drew.
"Listen here buddy, you can say whatever you want about me, but don't even think about insulting my Pokémon!" May shouted.
"Look Drew, I don't care what you think, but May-chan and her Pokémon always do their best and train to be ready for any Contests they enter. Maybe you should do the same if you're so confident in yourself." Said Naruto as he narrowed his eyes at the green-haired boy, who merely continued to smirk.
"I've already gotten all the training I've needed done, and I know what to do in the Contest. Why don't you just focus on calming down your girlfriend, okay blondie." Drew said tauntingly.
"Yeah, she is my girlfriend." Naruto stated, causing Drew to lose his smirk and blink.
"…Oh." Muttered Drew, not expecting them to actually be in a relationship and assumed his comment would embarrass them.
"Yeah, congrats on learning something new. And if you wanna learn something else, then why don't you show us just how great your Pokémon are, and we'll see which of us is better." May challenged, while Drew regained his smirk.
"Why, what good would that do? I think you children should just leave. After all, this is a private beach for people staying at that resort up there. People like me, who don't stay in cramped and crowded Pokémon Centers." Drew said.
"…What exactly does that have to do with Pokémon Contests?" Naruto asked, genuinely confused at why he felt the need to say that, while Drew once again blink as he considered the question.
"It…It has…" Said Drew as he tried coming up with a response, while May smirked at him.
"What's the matter? Lost your cool again? Well it won't be the only thing you lose when the Contest begins." May said, making Drew scoff and look at her.
"We'll see who loses. But maybe, you should save yourself the trouble and just go play in the sand with your kitty there." Taunted Drew before taking his leave, with May growling and tried getting out of Naruto's hold, while Skitty hissed lightly at Drew's retreating form.
"Relax May-chan, don't let him get to you, you've already proven yourself to be an amazing Coordinator. And you'll do it again in the Contest, when you and Skitty show just how great you both are." Naruto said, making May calm down and nod in agreement, with the whiskered blonde letting her go.
"Yeah, you're right Naruto-kun. We're gonna show that guy and everyone else what we can do, right Skitty." Said May, while smiling at Skitty.
"Skitty!" Skitty nodded in agreement, now even more determined to do her best in the Contest, to show that human what she and her Trainer can do.
"By the way May-chan, what was that combo you were trying to do?" Naruto asked, having not seen May using that combo before.
"It's a new one that I've been thinking of, after watching those past Contests with Abby and seeing her Skitty juggling. I wanted Skitty to learn and improve on it, in case it wasn't good enough to pass the Appeal Rounds. So I plan on improving it to where Skitty would start out juggling, before smacking the balls into the air with Iron Tail and then using Thunderbolt to hit them, creating a shower of sparks. I'm also thinking of filling the balls up with something, like glitter, to add to the appeal." Explained May, with Naruto nodding at this, while amazed at the combo the brunette thought of.
"Well, that'll definitely amaze the judges and audience once you and Skitty get it down. And don't forget that if you ever need help, I'm here if you need anyway." Naruto said, with May nodding and smiling at him.
"I know and thank you Naruto-kun. Now let's get back to training, I really need to win that Contest now." Said May, now even more determined to win the Contest, but especially wanting to beat Drew as well.
*Later*
After they finished their training, Naruto and May headed back to the Pokémon Center, only to stop when they spotted Ino, Shikamaru, and Chōji.
"Naruto, May! It's great to see you two again, though I had a feeling we'd run into you again, after hearing there'd be a Pokémon Contest held here." Said Ino, having expected that they'd see the two in Slateport, with the Contest coming up.
"That's right, I'm already registered and know which Pokémon I'm gonna be using. What about you Ino, will you be using Oddish again?" May asked, with Ino shrugging.
"I haven't really decided yet. Given after what happened in the Verdanturf Contest, I've started training Oddish to learn more combat-oriented moves, instead of just status effect ones. So far, the trainings coming along pretty good, but I may use a different Pokémon, instead." Ino replied, not wanting to make the same mistake as before, in having her Pokémon only use status effect moves, along with letting her other team members get a chance to shine.
"That's good, while status effect moves can help in Contests and getting an advantage in battle, it wouldn't be good to only focus on those. And what about you guys, how've you been enjoying Slateport so far?" Naruto asked, while looking at Shikamaru and Chōji.
"It's alright, too big and crowded for my taste though, but the beaches are nice to relax on." Replied Shikamaru before yawning.
"It's great! There are so many new foods to try here, I can't wait to see what the other towns and cities have!" Chōji said, enjoying that every town and city seems to have different kinds of foods to try out.
"I swear, you two will never change, always lazing about and thinking of food. But yeah, it's been pretty great so far, especially the Oceanic Museum." Said Ino, having taken a tour of the museum and loved all the information about Water-type Pokémon they had, having seen several that she hoped to eventually catch for future Contests.
"Anyway, we were actually heading out to get some training done. So, see you guys later, and see you at the Contest, May." Ino said as the three waved at the couple, before taking their leave, with Naruto and May waving back before continuing on their way to the Pokémon Center.
"Well that was surprising, but I'm glad we got to see some familiar faces and another chance to compete against Ino in a Contest." Said May, with Naruto nodding in agreement.
"Yeah, she's probably trained Oddish and her other Pokémon a lot, since Verdanturf. So if you do face her in the Battle Round, be prepared for a harder battle." Naruto stated, with the Coordinator nodding at this, remembering how Ino's Oddish was still able to go against Timmy's Dusclops, even with its limited Move Pool.
Knowing any training Ino's given Oddish, since then, will likely have made the Grass-type even stronger.
"Naruto, May!"
Hearing their names being called, the two looked to see Robert waving and walking towards them.
"Robert, nice to see you again." Naruto said while smiling at the Coordinator, which he returned.
"You both as well, though I had a feeling that the two of you would be coming here for the Contest, after Verdanturf. By the way, congratulations on your victory May, and to both of you on your relationship." Replied Robert, having seen the Contest and was amazed at the talent that was displayed, while the two Trainers smiled in thanks.
"Thanks, it was a really tough battle, but I did the best I could. And the ending of it was worth it." May said while smiling at her boyfriend, knowing even if she lost, she still would have told him how she felt.
"I saw, and that was quite the performance you and Torchic put on. Even when she evolved into Combusken, you adapted and persevered, and it paid off in the end. Being able to put on such a performance on the fly, shows you have the makings to be a great Coordinator, May." Robert said while smiling at the brunette, as a Pokémon evolving before or during a Contest could cost a Coordinator and throw off their entire performance.
"Yeah, it wasn't something I expected, but I got some good advice, that when you're in a tough situation and don't have a plan, you just have to wing it and hope for the best." Replied May while looking at Naruto, making Robert nod at this.
"While that could be a risky strategy, it can sometimes come down to risking it all to win in the end." Stated Robert, with Naruto and May nodding in agreement.
"So, are you here to watch the Contest again Robert? Or are you entering it?" Naruto asked.
"I'm planning to enter the Slateport Contest. I actually just arrived today and was about to head for the Contest Hall to register." Replied Robert, something that worried May at hearing a Top Coordinator would be entering the Contest.
The brunette wasn't sure if she had what it takes to beat him, given he's likely entered plenty of Contests before and has strong Pokémon as well.
"W-well, good luck Robert." Said May.
"And good luck to you May and may the best Coordinator win." Robert replied while waving at the two as he headed for the Contest Hall, with Naruto looking at his girlfriend.
"You're worried about facing him, aren't you." Naruto stated, with May nodding while letting out a sigh.
"Yeah, since I don't think any of my Pokémon would stand much of a chance against Robert's. While Combusken might have a chance, I'm going to be using Skitty. And even with all her training and new moves, she'd still have a tough time against his Pokémon." Replied May, not sure what kind of Pokémon Robert even has or if she would win against him, so it's unlikely she'll be winning her second Ribbon.
Though, she looked up when Naruto put a hand on her shoulder and smiled at her.
"Hey, don't worry about it, May-chan. If you do face Robert and lose to him, that doesn't mean you still shouldn't give it your all and make him work for a win. No matter how things look, never give up and always do your best. As even if you lose, you'll still grow from it and be even better next time." Said Naruto, with May looking at him in surprise before she soon nodded and smiled at him.
"Yeah! Even if I don't win the Contest, I'm gonna make sure to give it my all! And if I do face Robert, then I'm gonna make sure he has to really try to beat me and win." May stated with renewed vigor, knowing if she's gonna go down, she'll go down fighting to very end.
But that didn't she had any intentions of losing, still determined as ever to win the Pokémon Contest, and earn her second Ribbon.
The two then continued on their way to the Pokémon Center to get some lunch, soon arriving before they spotted Nurse Joy pushing a cart with a Treecko, Mudkip, and Torchic on it. Surprising the couple at seeing the three Hoenn Starters all at once, curious of who could have caught all three.
"Hey Nurse Joy. Who's Pokémon are those?" Naruto asked curious, with Nurse Joy looking at the two before smiling.
"Oh, hello Naruto, hello May, good to see you both are back. And actually, these three don't belong to any Trainers, at least not yet. They're for new Trainers that will be arriving to start their journeys." Revealed Nurse Joy, surprising the two.
"They're for new Trainers? But I thought Trainers got their Starters in Littleroot Town." Asked May, with Nurse Joy nodding at this.
"Normally yes, but with how Littleroot can be a difficult place to reach for some new Trainers, especially those that live farther away, they also have the option to receive their Starters at a Pokémon Center. And like at Littleroot Town, they have the choice of Treecko, Torchic, and Mudkip. A new Trainer will actually be arriving soon to pick her own Starter, so I was giving these three a checkup and was about to let them out to get some exercise." Explained Nurse Joy, surprising the two, that Trainers could also get their Starters at a Pokémon Center as well.
"Huh, that's pretty cool. Well if you need any help with them, we could let our Pokémon out. I even have a Grovyle and May has a Combusken, that can help look after them." Naruto offered, with May nodding in agreement.
Before Nurse Joy could respond, she looked back at the front counter at hearing a ringing, showing she's getting a video call.
"Who could that be?" Nurse Joy wondered while pushing the cart over, before answering the call, showing some other Trainers with worried expressions.
"Nurse Joy, we need your help quickly, down at the beach!"
"A Wailord is washed up on the beach, it's stuck and can't get back in the water!"
This made Nurse Joy gasp in fear and worry, while Naruto and May heard this and were also worried at hearing such a large Pokémon was stuck and unable to get back in the water.
"Oh no! Stay right where you are, I'm on my way!" Said Nurse Joy, before ending the call and looking at Naruto and May.
"Naruto, May, I hate to bother you both, but could you look after Treecko, Torchic, and Mudkip?" Nurse Joy asked, with the couple nodding without hesitation.
"Yeah, we can watch them." May replied, knowing she needed to go help Wailord get back in the water.
"Thank you! I'll be back as soon as I can, and make sure those three don't go outside, they aren't used to being outdoors yet!" Said Nurse Joy before gathering some things and rushing out of the Pokémon Center, to where the Wailord was beached.
*Beach*
Unfortunately, the Trainers weren't the only to have spotted Wailord, with three Team Aqua Grunts having also spotted the beached Wailord and smirked wickedly at each other.
"Wailord, one of the largest Pokémon in the world, even better that it's a Water-type." Said one Grunt.
"Agreed, and it's helpless and stuck on the beach." The second Grunt added.
"Leaving it perfect to be claimed for Team Aqua." Finished the third Grunt.
All of them nodding in agreement to capture the Wailord in the name of Team Aqua, knowing such a large and powerful Water-type Pokémon would be perfect for them.
*Later-Pokémon Center*
Back at the Pokémon Center, Naruto and May had been looking after the three Starters, while Nurse Joy was away. Finding that Treecko was a girl, Mudkip was rather sensitive and cried a lot, and Torchic seemed ready to fight.
The latter of which having led to some problems, as Torchic was now trying to escape and get outside.
"Hey wait! Torchic get back here!" Naruto said as they ran after Torchic.
"You can't go outside! Nurse Joy told you to stay in the Pokémon Center!" Said May while rushing after Torchic, with Naruto jumping in front of Torchic and grabbing it.
"Ha! Got you now!" Said Naruto, smirking, only to cry out when Torchic began using Peck on him, hitting the Uzumaki in the head repeatedly with its beak, until he let go.
"Are you alright Naruto-kun?" May asked, with Naruto nodding since he hadn't expected that.
"Yeah, I didn't expect Torchic to actually attack like that. This one seems a lot more fierce, determined, and stubborn than yours was." Naruto replied, the brunette nodding in agreement.
"Tell me about it. Makes me glad that Combusken is nice, even after evolving." Said May, thankful her Starter was kinder than this Torchic.
"Zorua! Come out and help stop Torchic!" Naruto said while releasing Zorua, since he couldn't really use Ninjutsu and risk hurting Torchic.
"Zor!" Zorua appeared and jumped in front of Torchic, growling it causing Torchic to stop running.
"Tor-chic." Torchic's eyes filled with tears in an attempt to get Zorua to back down, only for the Tricky Fox Pokémon to narrow his eyes, not being fooled by such a trick.
"Zor, Zor, Zorua!" Zorua pointed back at the lab, motioning Torchic to go back inside or else, with the Chick Pokémon losing their fake tears and blasting Zorua with Ember, throwing the Dark-type back as it continued to make its escape.
With Zorua narrowing his eyes before rushing after Torchic, now angry as he charged up a Shadow Ball.
"No Zorua! Don't attack Torchic!" Said Naruto, since they couldn't hurt Torchic, something that'd definitely upset Nurse Joy.
"Zor!" Zorua didn't listen, too angry at Torchic's attack, and fired the Shadow Ball at Torchic.
Only for Torchic to flip over the attack and rush towards Zorua and began furiously pecking him, before switching to using Scratch, throwing Zorua back. The Dark-type shaking off the hits before using Dark Pulse, firing a beam of black and purple rings at the Fire-type. With Torchic once again dodging by jumping out of the way and hitting Zorua with Ember again.
"Are you alright Zorua?" Naruto asked, with Zorua standing up and glaring at Torchic, now refusing to stop until it was taken down.
Unfortunately, the three were then shocked, when Torchic was covered in a familiar bright blue-white glow and began changing.
"Oh no, don't tell me it's…" May said in worry, knowing what this meant.
"It's evolving?!" Said Naruto in shock and worry that Torchic was both evolving and that it was evolving so soon.
"Com-busken!" The newly evolved Combusken flexed its new body, with Naruto and May being worried.
"Oh man, what're we going to do now?" Naruto said in worry since he didn't expect this to happen.
"That new Trainer's gonna be here soon to pick up her Pokémon." Stated May as they looked at each other, just imagining the new Trainers reaction.
"Now, tell me which Pokémon you'd like for your very first one?!" Nurse Joy asked, while smiling.
"Okay." Said the Trainer, before looking at the Starters.
"Mud."
"Treecko, Treecko."
"Combusken!"
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!"
"We're in so much trouble." May muttered, with Naruto nodding in agreement, only for them to see Combusken running away again.
"Come on, we still have to catch Combusken and bring it back!" Said Naruto, creating a clone to stay behind and watch the other two Starter Pokémon, with May nodding in agreement before she, Naruto, and Zorua ran after the Young Fowl Pokémon.
*Beach*
Meanwhile, back on the beach, Nurse Joy had just finished tending to Wailord, relieved to see it just needed to rest and now, then it'll be good as news.
Wailord is a huge Pokémon, one of the largest in the world. It has small beady eyes, a huge mouth, and a throat that is lined with grooves. It has a blue back with and four white spots, and a grey, grooved underbelly. It has two pairs of fins along its sides and a horizontal tail at the back.
"Now, I just need to get you back in the water. Luckily, the Contest is happening soon, so there are plenty of Trainers and their Pokémon here to help get you back in." Nurse Joy said as she put away her supplies and prepared to head back to the Pokémon Center to get some help to get Wailord back in the ocean.
"We'd be happy to help you get Wailord in the ocean. Right after we capture it." Said the first Aqua Grunt from behind Nurse Joy, making her pale in fear at the sight of members of Team Aqua, even more so at the fact that they were here to capture Wailord.
"Please, if any of you care about Pokémon, leave Wailord alone. It needs to get back in the water." Said Nurse Joy, hoping to convince them to leave Wailord alone.
"Of course we care about Pokémon, we care about all Pokémon that call the sea home. Which is why we'll be capturing Wailord and to help with our goals. So either get out of the way or get moved." Threatened the second Grunt, with Nurse Joy stepping back when they approached.
But before they could do anything, everyone's attention turned towards the trees when Combusken suddenly jumped through them, soon followed by Naruto, May, and Zorua.
"Get back here, Combu-" May said, only to stop in shock when they saw Wailord, taking in the sheer size of the Water-type Pokémon, only for their attention to turn to Nurse Joy and the Aqua Grunts, making Naruto narrow his eyes.
"Team Aqua! Get away from Nurse Joy and Wailord, or else!" Naruto said while stepping forward, with Zorua jumping in front of him, growling at the Grunts who all scoffed at him.
"In case you haven't noticed runt, there's three of us and only one of you." Said the third Grunt, only for Combusken to run up beside Zorua and got ready for a battle, surprising Naruto and Zorua before the former smirked at the Grunts.
"Now it's two against three. Though that doesn't seem fair…for you losers, anyway." Naruto said, making the Grunts scowl before pulling out their Pokéball's, while May ran in front of Nurse Joy, ready to defend her and Wailord in case they tried anything.
"Fine you little punk, we'll send you to a watery grave! Go Poliwrath!" Said the first Grunt.
"Go Cloyster!" The second Grunt said.
"Go Tentacruel!" Said the third Grunt, as they all let out their Pokémon.
Poliwrath is a blue, bipedal Pokémon with a round body and muscular arms. It has bulbous eyes that protrude from the top of its head and its belly is covered by a white and black swirl. There appear to be white gloves on its hands, and it has rounded, digit-less feet.
Cloyster is a black, pearl-like Pokémon. It is encased inside a light-gray shell, which is surrounded by a second jagged, blue-violet outer shell casing. It has one barb-like spike protruding from above its head, and multiple conical horns on its outer shell. Its shell is harder than diamond with spikes that are even harder; harsh tidal currents will affect the size and sharpness of these spikes. On its pearl-like face, it has two white eyes and a mouth.
Tentacruel is a large, jellyfish-like Pokémon. It has a clear, light blue body that has two large, red orbs on either side and smaller orb in the center. Its eyes are visible in its round lower body, which is black. Extending from its lower body are two blue, beak-like appendages and numerous grayish tentacles.
"Wrath."
"Cloyster."
"Tenta."
"Poliwrath, Cloyster, and Tentacruel." Naruto said as he and May scanned the three with his Pokédex.
"Poliwrath, the Tadpole Pokémon. Poliwrath is an excellent swimmer and its powerful muscles make its attacks extremely effective."
"Cloyster, the Bivalve Pokémon. Its shell is incredibly strong and resistant to a bomb. Its shell only opens when it attacks."
"Tentacruel, the Jellyfish Pokémon, and the evolved form of Tentacool. Tentacruel uses its tentacles to capture prey and holds it until weakened from poison."
"Poliwrath, use Rain Dance!" Said the first Grunt with Poliwrath waving his hands and jumping around, summoning dark clouds overhead with rain soon falling from them.
"Cloyster use Whirlpool!" The second Grunt said, with Cloyster spinning around, creating a hug Whirlpool around her body, before launching it at Zorua and Combusken.
"And you use Screech Tentacruel!" Said the third Grunt, with Tentacruel letting out a loud piercing Screech that lowered Zorua and Combusken's Defense.
"Zorua dodge quickly, then use Copycat on Tentacruel!" Naruto said, with Zorua jumping out of the way of the Whirlpool, with Combusken doing the same.
"Zorua!" Zorua let out a loud screech at the three Pokémon, lowering their own Defense, with Combusken rushing forward and jumping into the air.
"Com-busken!" Combusken kicked Tentacruel twice in the head before jumping over him, with its claws glowing red with black energy arcing around them, which Combusken then slammed into Poliwrath.
"Not so fast, Poliwrath dodge and use Dynamic Punch!" Said the first Grunt, as Poliwrath vanished in a surprising burst of speed, before reappearing behind Combusken with his fist and arm glowing white.
"Zorua use Extrasensory on Poliwrath!" Naruto said, with Zorua's eyes glowing gold before firing a multi-colored beam at the Tadpole Pokémon.
"Cloyster get in front of Poliwrath, and use Protect!" Said the second Grunt.
"Cloy-ster!" Cloyster rushed in front Poliwrath before closing her shell as a green force field formed around her, blocking Extrasensory.
"Poliwrath!" Poliwrath slammed his fist into Combusken, with the Fire-type crying out as it hit the ground, along with being Confused by the attack.
"Use Poison Sting on both of them Tentacruel!" Said the third Grunt, with Tentacruel's center jewel glowing before firing a barrage of purple darts at Zorua and Combusken, with Naruto seeing that Combusken's Confusion was keeping it from dodging out of the way.
"Zorua get in front of Combusken, and use Incinerate to destroy the darts!" Said Naruto, with Zorua nodding, before jumping out of the way of the Poison Stings launched at him and in front of Combusken.
"Zor-ua!" Zorua fired a beam of red, yellow, orange, and black flames at the Poison Stings, though it wasn't as strong as it could be thanks to the rain, but still strong enough to destroy the darts.
"You should be more worried about protecting yourself than a Pokémon that isn't yours! Cloyster use Icicle Crash!" Said the second Grunt, with Cloyster's shell opening up, before she took a deep breath and released a wind with light blue sparkles in it from her mouth into the air, with small clumps of ice forming in the wind, grow longer and larger, until they were long and sharp icicles that rained down onto Zorua.
"Zor!" Zorua was thrown back as the icicles crashed into him.
"Zorua!" Naruto said in worry for his Starter, while Zorua struggled to stand back up, with Combusken being surprised at how Zorua would protect it from the Poison Sting, leaving himself open to be attacked.
"Poliwrath use Mud Shot!" Said the first Grunt.
"Poli-wrath!" Poliwrath released a barrage of mud balls at Zorua, only for his aim to be knocked off course when it went off, when Combusken rushed up and swiped its leg at the Water-type, knocking it off balance and making him shoot his attack into the air.
Before following up by using Flamethrower right in Poliwrath's face, throwing the Tadpole Pokémon back.
"You good to keep going, Zorua?" Naruto asked, as Zorua managed to stand up.
"Zor!" Zorua nodded, refusing to give up now.
"Alright then, use Feint Attack on Cloyster, followed by Shadow Ball!" Said Naruto, with Zorua rushing towards Cloyster.
"Dodge and use Icicle Spear Cloyster!" Said the second Grunt, as Cloyster dodged out of the way of Zorua's Feint Attack,
"Cloyster!" Cloyster then fired a barrage of small, sharp icicles at the Dark-type, only for Zorua to suddenly disappear in a burst of speed, surprising and confusing the Water-type.
Only to cry out, when Zorua reappeared behind her, slamming into Cloyster before firing a point-blank Shadow Ball at Cloyster's back, sending her crashing into the ground.
"Tentacruel, grab them both with Wrap!" Said the third Grunt.
"Tentacruel!" Tentacruel's tentacles shot out and wrapped around both Zorua and Combusken, squeezing them tightly.
"Now use Poison Jab on them!" The third Grunt said, with Tentacruel's free tentacles started glowing purple before he began jabbing Zorua and Combusken.
"Zorua, Combusken, you both gotta break free!" Naruto called out, worried for the two.
"Poliwrath use Bubble Beam!" Said the first Grunt.
"Wrath!" Poliwrath fired a barrage of blue bubbles at the two trapped Pokémon.
"And you use Icicle Spear, Cloyster!" The second Grunt said, with Cloyster firing a barrage of ice shards at Zorua and Combusken, making them cry out as the attacks along with Tentacruel's tentacles around them.
"Come on, you both can break free, I know you can! Just don't give up!" Said Naruto, wanting nothing more than to help them himself, but couldn't expose his abilities.
"Z-Zor…" Zorua looked up at Combusken and at his Trainer, narrowing his eyes as he struggled to break free, even as they got tighter around him.
"Come on Zorua, you can do it!" Naruto said, encouraging his Starter.
"Z-Zor-ua!" Zorua was suddenly covered in a bright blue-white glow as he began changing, much to the shock of everyone watching.
"No way." Muttered Naruto, not expecting this.
"Zorua's…evolving?!" May said in surprise, as the glow faded, revealing Zorua's evolved formed.
"Zoroark!"
Zoroark is a bipedal, grey, fox-like Pokémon with crimson and black accents. It has a pointed snout and ears with red insides. It also has some red rimming its eyes and mouth. Zoroark has a large, red, voluminous mane with black tips, which somewhat resembles a ponytail, as a teal bangle down its length separates a mass of the mane from the lower portion. It has a black ruff on its upper body, pointed at the shoulders from which its arms extend. Its upper arms are thin, whereas its lower arms, while still slim, are bulkier. The arms have spiky extensions of fur at the elbows, and it has red claws on its hands and feet. Zoroark's eyes are red-rimmed with light blue irises.
"Woah, Zoroark." Naruto said in amazement before scanning Zoroark with his Pokédex.
Zoroark, the Illusion Fox Pokémon and evolved form of Zorua. This Pokémon cares deeply about others of its kind, and it will conjure terrifying illusions to keep its den and pack safe."
Zoroark:
Gender Male
Ability: Illusion
Moves: Scratch, Leer, Pursuit, Copycat, Feint Attack, Sucker Punch, Shadow Ball, Sword Dance, Aerial Ace, Incinerate, Dark Pulse, Extrasensory, Night Slash, Night Daze
'Night Slash and Night Daze, awesome!' Naruto thought at seeing the new moves Zoroark's learned upon evolving.
"Z-Zoro-ark!" Zoroark managed to forcefully remove Tentacruel's tentacles around him, before smirking at the Jellyfish Pokémon.
"Tentacruel, get back quickly!" Said the third Grunt, as Tentacruel hastily tried to move away from Zoroark.
"Stop it Zoroark and use Night Slash to free Combusken!" Naruto said, with Zoroark grabbing holding of Tentacruel's tentacles.
"Zor, Zor, Zor." Zoroark even went as far to mockingly wave one of his claws at Tentacruel, before flexing his claws as they glowed crimson red.
With Zoroark then yanking Tentacruel towards him and slashing the Water-type with his claws, with Tentacruel crying out as he was thrown back into Poliwrath and Cloyster, along with releasing Combusken.
"Now let's finish it, use Night Daze!" Said Naruto, as Zoroark's gaze sharpened.
Zoroark's eyes glowed a light blue and his body became surrounded by a crimson aura. He then raised his arms above his head, causing the aura around his arms to become thicker.
"Zoro-ark!" Zoroark then slammed his arms down on the ground unleashing a pink and crimson glowing forcefield of energy that exploded off the Dark-type, while rushing towards Poliwrath, Cloyster, and Tentacruel.
The attack throwing all three Pokémon back into the Aqua Grunts, launching all of them far across the beach, before crashing into the ground. The attack fading, revealing all three Grunts and their Pokémon unconscious.
"Alright! Way to go, Zoroark!" Naruto cheered, while smiling at his newly evolved Starter.
"Zoroark!" Zoroark grinned at his Trainer and looked himself over, pleased at his evolution.
"And you did great as well, Combusken." Said Naruto to the Fire-type.
"Busken." Combusken nodded while looking between the two and thought of how they helped it, even after the trouble it caused back at the Pokémon Center.
"Way to go, Naruto-kun! That was amazing, and I can't believe Zorua really evolved!" Said May while running up and hugging her boyfriend.
"Yeah, I wasn't expecting it either, but I'm glad it happened." Naruto replied.
"Thank you for your help, Naruto, May. I'm glad you arrived when you did, otherwise, who knows what those three would have done with Wailord. And from the looks of it, I'm guessing Zorua isn't the only one who evolved." Nurse Joy said while walking up to the couple, before looking at Combusken, with Naruto and May remembering what happened and looked down.
"Uh yeah, we're really sorry Nurse Joy. We tried looking after the Starters like you asked, but Torchic managed to escape." Said Naruto, with May nodding in agreement.
"We tried chasing after Torchic and stopping it, but it kept escaping. And when Naruto tried sending out Zorua to stop it, the resulting fight caused it to evolve into Combusken. Which lead us here." May said.
"But we made sure Treecko and Mudkip stayed safe at the Pokémon Center!" Naruto added quickly, wanting to assure her that Treecko and Mudkip were safe.
Nurse Joy could only sigh at hearing this, though was thankful the other Starters were safe.
"It's fine, really. In fact, Torchic had always been a feisty one, since arriving at the Pokémon Center. Always jumping at the chance to fight any Pokémon and Trainers that came by. It honestly isn't surprising that it evolved so suddenly, like that." Said Nurse Joy, knowing there was a chance Torchic could suddenly evolve before a new Trainer could choose them.
"So…you aren't mad?" Naruto asked, with Nurse Joy shaking her head.
"No, I'm not. I suppose Torchic evolving into Combusken is a good thing, since I was worried a new Trainer would choose it and wouldn't be able to handle them, if they suddenly evolved without warning. But let's get back to the Pokémon Center, since we still need to get Wailord back into the water and alter the authorities about these Team Aqua members." Nurse Joy replied, with Naruto and May nodding in agreement before they all headed back to the Pokémon Center.
*Later*
After arriving back at the Pokémon Center and getting help from some of the other Trainers to get Wailord back into the ocean, Naruto, May, and Nurse Joy waited until the new Trainer arrived for her Starter. With the new Trainer, Stephanie, soon arriving with her father.
"So, all you need to do is pick the one you want." Nurse Joy said while smiling at Stephanie, who nodded and smiled at Treecko and Mudkip.
"Okay, but wasn't there gonna be a Torchic too, Nurse Joy?" Stephanie asked, having heard there'd be three Starters.
"I'm afraid that the Torchic had suddenly evolved into Combusken, which wouldn't be a very good Pokémon to start out with. Sorry Stephanie, but don't worry, Treecko and Mudkip are still both wonderful Starters to choose between." Replied Nurse Joy, with Stephanie looking between them and nodded.
"Okay, but it's so hard to choose." Said Stephanie, unable to decide since both looked really cool and cute to her.
"Ahahaha, don't rush it, just take your time Steph." Her father said while smiling at his daughter, knowing she's eager to get her first Pokémon.
Stephanie looked between the two, unable to choose which one she wanted, before she finally smiled at Mudkip.
"I choose you, Mudkip!" Stephanie said, smiling at the Water Starter, while Treecko looked saddened at not being chosen.
"Tr-Treecko." Treecko gained tears in her eyes at seeing Mudkip was chosen instead of her.
"Good choice Stephanie. And sorry Treecko, but I'm sure things will work out." Said Nurse Joy while smiling comfortingly at Treecko.
"Actually, would I be able to take Treecko as my own Pokémon, Nurse Joy?" Asked Stephanie's father, surprising everyone.
"Daddy?" Stephanie said, not expecting her father to want a Pokémon.
"I'm not sure what just came over me, but Treecko just looks so cute. If I'm not too old to become a Trainer Nurse Joy, I'd like to take Treecko myself." He said, with Nurse Joy soon smiling and nodding.
"It's never too late to start. And I'm sure Treecko would be very happy with you, as well." Nurse Joy replied, as Treecko and Mudkip both smiled at their new Trainers, before the four left.
"Now, what to do with you Combusken?" Said Nurse Joy while looking at Combusken, who had been leaning against the wall, with the Young Fowl Pokémon pushing off the wall and walking up to Naruto.
"Combusken." Combusken looked at Nurse Joy and pointed at Naruto, surprising the whiskered blonde.
"Combusken?" Naruto said, not expecting that.
"I guess you earned Combusken's trust and respect for helping it against Team Aqua, Naruto. It looks like it wants to go with you." Nurse Joy stated, with Combusken nodded in agreement with this.
"Are you sure, Combusken?" Naruto asked, while looking at the Fire-type, who simply nodded again.
"Combusken." Combusken wanted to repay the help Naruto and Zoroark gave it, even after it ran away, along with seeing how strong Zoroark became after evolving and wanted to gain the same strength as well by going with Naruto.
"Well…I'd really like to have you join us, especially after seeing how you and Zoroark work well together. But I'd have to send one of my Pokémon to Professor Birch, first." Said Naruto, before taking out his Pokéballs and releasing all his Pokémon.
"Hey guys, this is Combusken, not May's, but one that helped me and Zoroark fight off some Team Aqua Grunts. And now they want to come with us, but since I already have six of you, I'd need to send one of you to Professor Birch's Lab with Gallade. So, would any of you want to go?" Naruto asked, leaving it to his team to decide who'd be fine going to Birch's Lab.
The Pokémon looking at each other, all unsure who should go, since Combusken would be a great addition to their Trainer's team. With Magikarp about to go forward and offer to go, since he couldn't do much at the moment, not until he evolved, and was willing to let Combusken take his place. Only for Zigzagoon to step forward.
"Zigzagoon." Zigzagoon nodded, willing to be the one sent to Birch's Lab.
"You sure Zigzagoon?" Naruto asked, with the Normal/Dark-type nodding in response.
"Zagoon." Zigzagoon didn't mind going, since he'd still spend his time training and improving himself for when his Trainer brought him back onto the team.
"Okay, and thanks Zigzagoon." Said Naruto, returning his Pokémon and looked at Nurse Joy, who held out Combusken's Pokéball for him.
Once Naruto took it, he saw Zigzagoon's Pokéball teleport away to Professor Birch's Lab.
"Welcome to the team, Combusken." Naruto said, smiling at the Fire-type before scanning it with his Pokédex to see its stats.
Combusken
Gender: Male
Ability: Speed Boost
Moves: Scratch, Peck, Flamethrower, Double Kick, Crush Claw, Low Kick
Naruto was surprised at the moves Combusken had, but figured it must have gotten Flamethrower, Double Kick, Crush Claw, and Low Kick after evolving. With the Ember he used as Torchic being assimilated into Flamethrower.
"Wow, no wonder you evolved so soon. And with moves like these, you're gonna be a real powerhouse for my team." Stated Naruto, along with knowing how strong May's own Combusken is.
"You know what this means Naruto-kun, back to training and getting your new Combusken ready for stronger challenges." May said while smirking, with Naruto nodding in agreement as he returned Combusken to his Pokéball.
With the couple waving to Nurse Joy as they exited the Pokémon Center to go get some more training done.
So, what did you think, good. Yep we see more of Naruto and May training their teams, with May planning on using Skitty in the upcoming Contest. With them also encountering Drew, who taunts May and her Pokémon, with Naruto having to hold her back while defending them, before Drew soon leaves, while there won't be a battle between them, as May plans to let her actions in the Contest speak for herself. Then we see them encounter Ino, Shikamaru, and Choji again, with Ino also planning to enter the Contest after taking the time to train her Pokémon to be more combat oriented as well, along with meeting Robert again as well who's also entering the Contest, something that worries May given her chances of beating him, but knows if she loses she'll go down fighting, while still aiming to win. Next we see them getting asked by Nurse Joy to look after the Starter Pokémon at the Pokémon Center while she goes to help the beached Wailord, not knowing Team Aqua also spotted the Wailord and plans to capture it. While Naruto and May try to get Torchic back to the Center, only for it to end up evolving into Combusken, before running off to the beach where they see three Aqua Grunts trying to capture Wailord, leading to a battle between them against Naruto, Zorua, and Combusken. With the battle leading to Naruto earning Combusken's trust and respect, along with Zorua evolving into Zoroark. Finally Stephanie and her father arrive to choose her Starter, eventually choosing Mudkip while her father chooses Treecko after seeing she was upset at not being chosen, while Combusken chooses to go with Naruto, while Zigzagoon offers to go to Birch's Lab to let Combusken have his spot on the team. Now onto the Omake!
Omake: A Freed Birds Fate
Neji looked around Vermillion City, taking in the sights of it, still amazed at how different everything is from the Elemental Nations, even with how long he's traveled the Kanto Region.
'I wonder how Hinata-sama and Hanabi-sama are doing now?' Neji thought, wondering how Hinata was doing on her own and Hanabi was back in pallet Town.
The Hyūga couldn't help but sigh, as part of the reason he desired to go off on his own, was to try and find out what he was to do now.
He was no longer branded with the Caged Bird Seal, no longer required to stay with Hinata and Hanabi, no longer required to do…anything. It was surreal for Neji, realizing for the first time in his life, he honestly had no idea what to do.
From the moment he was born, it was his fate to serve the Main Branch, even if it mean giving his life. When he became a Ninja, it was his duty to protect and serve Konoha no matter what, along with fulfilling missions he and his team were given.
Now though, he was free of both his fate and his duty, he could for once choose what he wished to do.
'Ironic, all the times I cursed the Main Branch, and yet now that I'm finally free, I no longer know what I'm supposed to do.' Neji thought, finding the bitter irony in it.
So, he's simply been wandering the Kanto Region, wondering if he'll encounter any of his former comrades or anyone else from the Elemental Nations, while trying to find a new purpose. Merely moving around and training his Pokémon when he could, along with battling any other Trainers he came across, but not really having a destination in mind.
"Neji?"
Hearing his name, Neji stopped and turned only to be surprised when he saw Tenten and Lee looking at him, also surprised at seeing they're former teammate.
"Tenten, Lee? I…didn't expect to see you here." Neji said, looking at the two, while taking in the sight of Lee in his wheelchair, reminded of the fact he's still cripple from his fight against Gaara.
"Neji! It is so good to see you again! We had hoped to run into you or some of our other former comrades here!" Lee said, while smiling at Neji with a thumbs up.
"It is good to see you again Neji. Though we thought you were with Hinata and Hanabi." Said Tenten as they went up to the Hyūga.
"I was, but Hanabi-sama was left in Pallet Town, after Hinata-sama and I received our Starters, and is staying with Professor Oak's old student. While Hinata-sama and I went our separate ways afterwards. Though what about you both, what're you doing here?" Neji asked.
"We're here with Master Bruno, though he had to leave on official business, but would return when he could." Replied Tenten, Bruno having had to leave on official Pokémon League business but would be back when he was able to.
"Bruno?" Questioned Neji.
"A member of the Elite Four here in Kanto! He was most kind in taking us as his students and has been helping me in achieving my dream to become a splendid Trainer, who uses only Fighting-type Pokémon!" Lee said, surprising Neji at hearing he was a Trainer as well.
"You're a Trainer?! But you're…" Said Neji, looking at the wheelchair and his left arm and leg in casts, with Lee's smile dimming slightly, though still having determination burning in his eyes.
"Even if I can no longer walk on my own or train myself as I use to, my Flames of Youth still burn as bright as ever! Even if I can no longer be a Ninja, I will continue bettering myself to become a truly splendid Trainer!" Lee declared, knowing even if his dream has changed, he still won't give up on it.
"Hey, if you have Pokémon Neji, why don't you and Lee battle each other, to see who's the better Trainer." Suggested Tenten.
"Excellent idea Tenten! I can show you that even as I am now, I still won't rest until I can surpass you, Neji my friend!" Said Lee while smiling at Neji with a thumbs up and a wink, surprising the Hyūga.
"…Very well, let's battle. But don't think I'll take it easy on you." Neji replied.
"I wouldn't have it any other way!" Lee replied, as the three left to find a good spot for where the two could battle.
And we see Neji reuniting with Lee and Tenten in Vermillion City, and just to clarify from the last Omake, Lee is still crippled after his fight with Gaara, but isn't letting that stop him from achieving his dream. While Neji is now unsure of what he's supposed to do but will likely be able to find his new purpose with his teammates and friends with him again. So, review if you liked go away if you didn't.
Storm out