Welcome back!
I hope you have had a Merry Christmas! I've had a busy few weeks, but I'm excited to get this chapter out to you! I hope you enjoy!
Author's note: I am not going to show every moment with Phoenix, Ferra, and Austin training their Pokemon. It wouldn't flow if I wrote about every little battle. So just imagine that between chapters they are training and battling other trainers. Some Pokemon might even evolve between chapters. I will try to update you on what Pokemon they have though. Phoenix, unlike Ash, will rotate his Pokemon, so he's working with more than six regulars. I won't explain every switch he makes, but I will make sure he only uses six Pokemon (plus Raichu) between Pokemon Centers.
Part 5
After a wonderful dinner and a good night's sleep at the Harrison household, Phoenix, Ferra, and Austin left Pewter City and started east en route to Cerulean City. They moved quickly through Route 3, pausing only momentarily for Phoenix to capture a Sandshrew that was rolling through the grassy area. Additionally, Ferra revealed that she owns two Pokemon: an Alolan Vulpix bred from her parents' Kanto Ninetales and their acquired Alolan Ninetales as well as a Cubone that she caught while visiting the Pokemon Tower in Lavender Town.
It was just beginning to become dark again when they reached the quaint little Pokemon Center that is nestled just a few hundred feet from the main entrance to Mt. Moon.
Phoenix and Ferra sit outside on logs surrounding a blazing fire out the back doors of the Pokemon center. Austin had opted to rest in their room for a bit which allowed the two to talk openly with one another.
"Do you think bringing Raichu with us was the best choice for him?" Phoenix asks suddenly, breaking their comfortable silence.
Ferra drags her eyes away from the swirling fire and looks over at him.
"It doesn't matter what I think." She states simply, moving to pick up a stick off the ground. She pokes at the fire with it.
"Ferra," Phoenix addresses her sharply, "of course it matters what you think. You've known him your whole life too, and I'm sure you have spent a lot of time with him over the last few years he's lived with you."
Ferra looks back towards him and searches his cerulean eyes.
"I think you should release him from the ball and talk to him about it." She shares her opinion.
Phoenix looks down at the gold ball and fingers it gently.
"I'm afraid he'll be mad." He reveals.
"Only one way to find out." Ferra smiles reassuringly at him.
Unable to respond differently to the teen girl's bright smile, Phoenix reflects a grin of his own.
"You're right," he says, "you're always right."
Ferra rolls her eyes playfully.
"Okay, Raichu," Phoenix holds up the ball, "come on out, buddy."
The Luxury ball emits a bright red light from which the large orange and black rodent appears. He appears less than amused and slightly irritated.
"Did we wake you up?" Ferra asks quietly.
"CHAAAAAA," Raichu releases a loud yawn. He then looks around his surroundings and becomes confused. He looks up at Phoenix and questions, "Rairaichu?"
"Hey Raichu," Phoenix says nervously, "I was thinking that it would be really great if you came along with me for a little while. You know, you could see the world again and help us train."
Raichu turns his face away to hide a slight scowl from the duo and looks out into the night. He believes his eternal penance for not saving his master should be living the same boring life he's lived for the last seven years and dying alone. There should be no travelling in his future because there would be no travelling in Pikapi's future. Pikapi was his partner, how could he replace him? Could he really travel the world with another human? Even if he's the son of Pikapi and Pikachupi?
Yet the allure of the open road is hard to resist to the champion, a Pokemon who had been to the ends of the earth and back. His ears twitch as he listens to the sounds produced by nature. It has been a long time since Raichu left Pewter or even seen a grassy area. Maybe Pikapi would want him to be with Rairaichu.
No, Pikapi would definitely want him to be with Rairaichu. His Pikapi was compassionate and strong. He would not harbor a grudge; he would be grateful to Raichu for saving Rairaichu. Pikapi would want Raichu to take care of Rairaichu.
"Raichu chu," He whispers quietly to himself, the debate raging inside of his soul.
"I want you to come with us," Phoenix pushes through Raichu's thoughts and kneels next to him, "my dad would want you to come with us."
Raichu looks up at him, eyes sparkling in the light of the fire. He would take a new partner, believing that it would be Pikapi's wish.
Phoenix holds out his hand and Raichu grips it tightly in agreement and nods.
"The only thing is that you're technically my seventh Pokemon and you don't officially belong to me. I can't use you in official battles like gyms, leagues, or tournaments. The rules say that a champion Pokemon can only compete with their original trainers. It is a league rule because of situations like this, so that the child of a champion doesn't have an unfair advantage. Professor Oak is processing paperwork for us so that I can have six of my own Pokemon plus you."
Raichu nods in understanding. His champion days may be over, but at least he can travel the world once again.
"But you could sure help us beat Team Rocket's ass if we run into them!" Ferra giggles.
"Raichu!" He allows electricity to crackle from his cheeks at the thought of the criminal organization.
At that moment, Nurse Joy sticks her head through the door and sings, "Curfew, children!"
"Okay!" Phoenix and Ferra chirp together.
The three giggle together as they head into the center to find their rooms.
Luckily, they were able to get two rooms, so Phoenix would share his room with Austin while Ferra had her own.
"Good night, Ferra," Phoenix smiles at her warmly.
"Good night, Phoenix," she says as she rests her hand on his arm.
He watches the motion, which causes Ferra to pull back and murmur an apology.
"No," he assures her, "it's alright."
Then he pulls her against himself and hugs her tightly.
"I am so glad you're coming with us, Ferra." He grins as they pull apart. Her cheeks appear to be a light rosy pink in the dimly lit hallway.
"Me too, Phoen," she smiles as she slips into her room.
He grins at the door momentarily before turning down the hallway to find his own room.
In the morning, the group met up in the lobby of the Pokemon Center. There they purchased a light breakfast of granola bars and fruit as well as some extra supplies for their journey through Mt. Moon.
"Why do we have to go through Mt. Moon? Can't we just go around it?" Austin asks nervously.
"And miss all the Pokemon in the cave? No way!" Phoenix exclaims eagerly.
"I just don't like dark, damp caves," Austin shivers at the thought.
"You're so dramatic," Ferra pokes at the boy.
"Everyone has something they don't like and caves are mine!" Austin states without shame.
"That's fine, Austin," Phoenix shrugs his shoulders, "you can go around Mt. Moon and we'll meet you in Cerulean City."
"No way!" Austin nearly shouts, "if you think I'm going to miss a minute of your adventure, you're dead wrong!"
"Then, you'll come through the cave with us?" Ferra asks, unamused.
Austin nearly face plants at the conclusion, but nods unhappily.
"Alright then! Let's go!" Phoenix stands up and marches determinedly towards the doors and out into Route 3. He leaves his friends behind to finish their breakfasts.
"And what are your plans for the environmental act that you would enact if you are elected as one of Kanto's representatives?"
Phoenix is confused when he sees a large van and a news crew near the entrance of Mt. Moon. It appears they are in the middle of an interview. In front of the camera stands a tall dark haired man. His hair is short, yet long enough to spike up stylishly. He is fairly young, maybe thirty, and dressed in a gray suit and decorated with a red tie. The woman next to him wears a purple suit and holds a microphone.
"The environmental act would make sure that our national parks such as Mt. Moon national park would be taken care of and protected for many years to come. It would limit the foot traffic and prohibit pollution from wrappers to carbon dioxide." The dark haired man states with a grand smile.
"There you have it, folks," the woman conducting the interview begins to wrap it up, "this has been an exclusive interview with Grant Roque, a nominee for a representative seat."
Suddenly there's a blast from inside the cave. The group moves away from the entrance, but continues to film the cave entrance. Movement is seen through the billowing smoke.
"Why it's our lucky day," two men stroll out of the cave dressed in completely black outfits with red 'R's plastered on the front, "we've got a message to share with your viewers."
"Team Rocket," the man in a suit states calmly, "please go about your own business. We want no trouble here."
"Not until you air our message." the Rocket says.
"Never," the man in the suit spits.
"Then you'll have to battle us," the Rocket continues with an evil smirk, "unless you have no Pokemon."
There is a chilling silence among the group.
"I don't have any Pokemon on me," the man sighs in defeat, "Madison, continue to roll the cameras."
"But sir," the woman tries to insist.
"No, Madison," the man in the suit says, "I don't want anyone to be hurt."
"Sounds like the wise choice," the other Rocket booms in a loud voice.
"Wait!" Phoenix finds himself suddenly involved at the hands of his own voice, "I'll battle them."
"Sorry, punk," the first Rocket says, "we only deal with grown ups."
The comment causes Phoenix to boil.
"What's going on Phoenix? We heard an explosion," Ferra says appearing next to him with Austin.
"Well I usually only deal with decent human beings, but sometimes I'm stuck beating up Team Rocket members." Phoenix sneers back at the Rockets, leaving Ferra unanswered.
"Fine, kid," the Rocket member growls, unable to resist the taunt, "but it's your funeral."
Both Rocket Members pull out Pokeballs and launch them across the rocky turf.
A large, green mantis Pokemon appears and screeches, "Scyther!"
Next to it appears a humanoid Pokemon wearing large boxing gloves. It punches the air and grunts, "hit hit chan."
"Alright, time for some real power," Phoenix smirks as he pulls out the golden ball from around his neck. He clicks the button and Raichu materializes in front of him.
"Your time to shine, Raichu!" Ferra shouts encouragingly.
"Raichu," Raichu's eyes narrow at the sight of Team Rocket members. Sparks form from the electric sacks on his cheeks.
"Back him up, Fletchling!" Phoenix calls his little bird Pokemon.
"Fletch!" he emerges and flares his wings.
"Piece of cake," the first Rocket grunts.
Phoenix can't help but smirk at the fact that the Rockets do not know who they happen to be.
"Scyther, fury swipes at that Raichu!" The first Rocket calls.
"Raichu, double team!" Phoenix commands.
Scyther tries to hit Raichu with fury swipes, but is unable to locate the correct copy.
"Hitmonchan, mega punch that little pipsqueak bird," the second Rocket calls.
"Fletchling, agility!" Phoenix calls.
Fletchling starts to fly and increases his speed. He zooms around Hitmonchan as it flails around trying to knock Fletchling out of the air.
"Raichu thunderbolt! Fletchling tackle!" Phoenix orders both Pokemon.
Raichu's thunderbolt immediately causes Scyther to drop to the ground defeated. The Rocket member reluctantly returns the battered bug.
Fletchling swoops in to tackle Hitmonchan, but Hitmonchan smacks him away. Fletchling falls to the ground. He looks discouraged and ready to give up.
Raichu stands off to the side allowing the little bird to gain his experience, but ready to join again if needed.
"You can do this Fletchling!" Phoenix cheers him on, "go on in for another tackle!"
"Fletchling!" he pulls himself up at his trainer's encouragement, and he uses his agility to beeline straight towards Hitmonchan.
As he is speeding towards Hitmonchan, Fletchling is suddenly engulfed in a roaring flame that covers his entire body, shielding it from view.
Hitmonchan watches in wonder and confusion as the ball of fire rams into him at a lightning speed. Hitmonchan is knocked to the ground. The fire around the bird disperses to reveal the newly evolved Fletchinder stretching his wings.
"Alright! Fletchinder!" Phoenix woops at the sight of the slightly larger evolved Pokemon.
"Fletch!" he screeches.
"Hitmonchan," the punchy Pokemon pulls himself to its feet and prepares to continue the fight.
"Fletchinder, use wing attack!" Phoenix calls out. The bird zooms through the air and slams its wing into the fighting type.
"That's a super-effective hit!" Austin exclaims, "Flying types are good against fighting types."
"Hitmonchan, mega punch again!" the Rocket commands.
Hitmonchan obeys, but is unable to land the hit. Fletchinder is much too quick.
"Finish it with a flame charge!" Phoenix orders. Fletchinder speeds towards Hitmonchan and catches on fire once again. Then he slams his entire body into Hitmonchan, knocking it backwards onto the ground.
Hitmonchan is effectively knocked out and the Rocket member returns it while grumbling.
"You might have won this time, but Team Rocket will have the last word." the first Rocket member yells as the two barrel back into Mt. Moon and run away.
"This has been a Team Rocket exclusive! After an intense battle, I stand here with our saving grace. What is your name, young man?" the news reporter asks, sticking a microphone in Phoenix's face.
"Oh, I um-" he starts, fumbling over his words, "My name is Phoenix."
"Where are you from, Phoenix?" she asks curiously.
"I'm from Pallet Town." He tells the camera cautiously.
"We're quite far from Pallet. What brings you out to Mt. Moon today, Phoenix?" she continues.
"I just started my Pokemon journey a few weeks ago and we just left Pewter City yesterday." Phoenix shares.
"Just started?" the woman asks suspiciously. "The way you handled your Pokemon in that battle make that hard to believe."
"Well," Phoenix struggles to explain, "I have been training at home for a few years before my journey."
"So is that Raichu your starter Pokemon?" she asks, looking over to the orange rodent.
Phoenix scratches the back of his neck nervously, "no, actually, Raichu was my dad's starter Pokemon."
"I thought there was something familiar about you!" the reporter screeches suddenly.
Phoenix stiffens at her sudden declaration.
"You're Phoenix Ketchum, isn't that right?" she questions, motioning to the cameras to come closer, "Phoenix Ketchum, the son of the late Champion Ash Ketchum and the elite member Misty Ketchum. That's you isn't it? You look like them! That's your father's Raichu, right?"
Phoenix mumbles to himself as a blush forms across his cheeks, "yes."
"It is an honor to be interviewing you right now!" she continues. Then she points toward Austin and Ferra and says, "are those your friends?"
"Yes, that's Austin and then Ferra, my best friend." He nods in confirmation.
"Fantastic," she squeals and turns back to the cameras, "about thirty years after our late champion began his fateful journey, we stand with his son, Phoenix, who is following in his footsteps. Just as Ash Ketchum had, Phoenix wears a blue training outfit and an original Pokemon League official cap. He travels with his friends and he even has with him his father's trusty Raichu. We'll do our best to keep you informed about Mr. Ketchum's future whereabouts and happenings. This has been a crazy KA35 exclusive. Join us tomorrow for a new adventure."
"That's a wrap!" the man holding the camera announces.
"What just happened?" Phoenix asks, still shaken up over the sudden ambush interview.
"Kid," the reporter smiles at him, "you're going to be a star."
"What?" he asks, still confused.
"People will pay good money to see what you're up to every once in a while." she tells him. Then she looks over to the cameraman and says, "get the kid a check for two hundred and have him sign the release for the interview."
"That was quite an impressive battle," the man in the suit speaks after being a bystander to the entire battle.
"Thank you, sir," Phoenix nods, "I saw you on the television a lot when my gran watched the recent debates."
"Oh no, please call me Grant," the man insists with another grand smile.
Phoenix nods in response.
"I am mighty impressed with your battling skills Phoenix," he continues, "I hope we have another encounter soon."
Grant holds out a hand for Phoenix to shake.
"Thank you, Grant," Phoenix says while accepting the handshake.
"It is good to meet the both of you as well, Ferra and Austin," Grant nods to both of them.
They smile back and nod.
"Madison," Grant redirects his attention to the reporter who is busy packing up the van with the cameraman, "are we ready to go back to Pewter?"
"Yes, sir," she responds while approaching the group again, "just go ahead and hop in the van while I talk with Phoenix momentarily."
"Right," Grant nods at the group and then walks away to climb into the van, "goodbye, Phoenix, Ferra, and Austin."
"Alright, this is the disclosure form that allows us to use the interview in anyway except to slander you. Because it was aired live, it is already out there, so I suggest that you might as well take the money and sign the form." The reporter informs him.
"Alright," Phoenix mumbles as he takes the pen from her and signs the form. Then he accepts the check written out to him for two hundred dollars.
"And, this is our card," the cameraman holds out a business card, "if there's anything you want to update the media about, please call us first."
"People will eat up anything about you. If you even change your shoes, they will want to know. It will be crazy. Just call us up if there's anything at all!" the reporter continues.
"Sure," Phoenix says uncertainly.
"We've got to hit the road and get Mr. Roque back to Pewter," the cameraman says, "see you next time!"
"Please give us a call!" the reporters says, "bye now!"
They jump into the van and take off west towards Pewter City, leaving the three standing there recovering after the whirlwind situation.
"That was something," Phoenix states, holding his chin lightly.
"Raichu!" the large mouse exclaims, his ears twitching, searching for a sound. Suddenly, he bounds off into Mt. Moon's entrance.
"What's going on, Raichu?" Phoenix calls as he begins to chase Raichu, Fletchinder following behind them.
"Wait! Phoenix!" Ferra shouts after them, "we need to grab our backpacks still!"
"Quick, let's get them and follow!" Austin urges, and the two run back to the Pokemon Center quickly to find their backpacks in the lobby.
Phoenix chases blindly after Raichu. They turn off an unlit path and dash through the dark cave. Luckily, Raichu's tail glows just enough in the dim light for Phoenix to keep up.
"Rai rai rai," Raichu pants as it races forward.
"Where are you going?" Phoenix asks breathily.
Suddenly the ground shakes and groans. The rocks beneath them give way. Phoenix finds himself sliding down a rocky wall and straight to the ground next to Raichu.
"Ouch," he groans as he rubs his hip. In this new cave, it is completely pitch black.
"Chu Raichu," Raichu says through the darkness.
"Fletchinder!" the bird calls from above.
"Let Ferra and Austin know we're alright," Phoenix calls up to Fletchinder, "we'll try to make it back up there somehow!"
"Fletch!" he agrees and flies away.
"Alright," Phoenix says while pulling the first ball off his belt, "help us out Charvo!"
The pastel orange lizard appears before them. His tail blazes brightly, lighting up a significant portion of the room.
"What is this place?" Phoenix asks while looking around.
"Charmeleon?" Charvo looks at the walls in awe.
The walls are made up of thick slats of stone that contain markings drawn from the ceiling to the floor.
"It looks like some kind of language," Phoenix traces his fingers across the wall, "I should take pictures!"
Phoenix pulls out his cell phone and turns on the flash setting. Then he aims the camera at each wall and takes pictures of the markings.
"I've seen something like this before," Phoenix says thoughtfully, "in the Rock Tunnel near Lavender Town. Walls filled with markings and pictures."
"Raichu!" Raichu motions for Phoenix and Charvo to come closer.
Before Raichu, risen on a pedestal, sits a black spherical stone.
"What is it?" Phoenix asks, looking at it curiously.
"Char char!" Charmeleon gestures for Phoenix to pick it up.
Phoenix hesitates momentarily, but resigns to reach out to the sphere. Once in his hands, the sphere glows for a split second, and then reverts to its black state.
"This is strange," Phoenix concludes, "maybe we should bring it to a professional."
"Rai rai!" Raichu nods in agreement.
Phoenix pulls his bag off his shoulder and then slips the sphere into the main pouch, setting it gently between his clothes and his sleeping bag.
"Charmeleon!" Charvo points in another direction. He bolts towards a corner where Phoenix comes to realize is a small passage way.
Charvo squeezes through the hole with Raichu behind him. Phoenix kneels down and pushes his body through the small crack.
On the other side, Phoenix can see a small pool of water sparkling in the light of Charvo's flame.
"Wow, how'd this get here?" Phoenix asks, looking around at the cavern.
It is much taller and wider than the previous room, but Phoenix sees no immediate way out.
Phoenix approaches the water and looks down into it. There is no way to tell what's inside or how deep it is. Going for a swim seems like a poor decision.
Instead, Phoenix finds a rock next to the pool and lowers himself to sit on it.
He ponders his situation momentarily and wonders how to get out.
He is surprised when the rock trembles underneath him.
"Whoa," he gasps as he stands straight back up.
Before him stands a shelled Pokemon that he had mistaken for a nice sitting rock.
It hisses slightly at the disturbance and scurries away on its four yellow legs.
"Hold on!" Phoenix shouts at the Pokemon.
The Pokemon halts and turns back to Phoenix, looking at him with bright red eyes and taking a battle stance.
Phoenix pulls out his phone and clicks the dexter app.
"Error," the device replies, "unable to identify under current lighting conditions."
"Well, we're just going to have to catch it to find out what it is!" Phoenix states, moving a hand to his belt, "now, I found it near the water, so maybe it's a water Pokemon."
His hand feels for the right Pokeball on his belt and he picks the fourth one.
"Go Shinx!" he calls the little blue lion out.
The little lion immediately takes his fighting stance.
"Alright, Shinx," Phoenix commands, "use spark!"
Shinx leaps forward towards the mysterious Pokemon and releases a spark of electricity.
"Ka!" it cries out.
"Must be effective!" Phoenix concludes.
The shelled Pokemon scurries to Shinx and slashes at it with its sharp legs.
"Spark again!" Phoenix commands.
Shinx's spark causes the Pokemon to attempt to retreat, but Phoenix is much quicker.
He turns his hat backwards and pulls out a new Pokeball, "Go Pokeball!"
The Pokemon is engulfed in the red light and contained in the ball. It wiggles three times and then stops.
"Awesome!" Phoenix exclaims. The ball dematerializes and disappears back to the lab.
"Phoenix!" he hears distantly.
"Ferra? Austin?" he cries out, trying to locate where the voices are coming from.
"Rai Raichu!" Raichu bounds off towards one side of the cavern.
There is a small hole in the wall that Raichu motions to.
"You think this will lead us back?" Phoenix asks, looking into the hole.
"Rai," Raichu nods.
"Alright," Phoenix shrugs, "worth a try!"
Raichu slips into the hold and moves quickly. Phoenix returns Charvo and Shinx and follows after Raichu.
The small tunnel winds to the right and then the left. It is an upwards slope which is hard for Phoenix to move through.
Suddenly they come to a dead end.
"It just stops?" Phoenix asks Raichu in the darkness.
Sparks begin to fly from Raichu's cheeks which is a hint to Phoenix to move backward. The large rodent flares with electric power and then slams into the dead end in front of him. The rocks give way before them and Raichu hurtles into a new, larger tunnel. Phoenix scurries quickly after him. The unstable rocks fall over the small tunnel where they just come from.
"Phoenix!" he hears a little louder now.
"Ferra! Austin!" he shouts in response.
Raichu bounds off towards the direction of the voices with Phoenix on his heels.
"Phoenix!" Ferra shouts when the teen comes into view.
Ferra runs towards him and wraps him in a tight hug.
"Ferra," Phoenix mumbles into her hair.
Ferra pulls away, blushing, "oh Mew, I'm sorry."
"Where did you go?" Austin asks, "what did I miss?"
"It was strange!" Phoenix begins, "I ended up in this chamber filled with marks that looked like they might have been an ancient language!"
"What?" Austin screeches, "of course I missed it!"
"Sorry, but I have pictures!" Phoenix pulls out his phone and shows it to his friends.
"That's crazy!" Ferra says while looking at the phone.
"I caught a strange Pokemon too!" Phoenix exclaims in excitement.
"What was it?" Austin asks curiously.
"It was too dark for dexter to identify it," Phoenix continues, "but I think I've seen pictures of it somewhere. It had a big shell and four little yellow legs.
"Was it a Parasect? They're usually red though." Ferra asks.
"No," Phoenix shakes his head, "we'll just have to get it from Professor Oak when we reach the next center."
"Guess what I caught while we were looking for you, Phoen," Ferra inserts, "a Clefairy!"
"That's so cool!" Phoenix commends, "fairy types are so useful against powerful dragons!"
Finally back on the right path, the trio, and their Pokemon, head east through Mt. Moon, towards Cerulean City.
When they finally emerge from the cave, they find themselves on Route 4, just a few miles from Cerulean City. It had taken an entire day to navigate the cave and emerge on the east side. Because it was already past dusk, the group decided to set up camp for the evening near the cave entrance. Austin found himself exhausted from spending the entire day in the cave, so he decided to go to sleep as quickly as possible leaving Phoenix and Ferra to set up a fire on their own.
"I can't believe how many times I've already run into Team Rocket," Phoenix sighs once they can finally relax and sit together, "I mean, I've already faced them three times!"
"They run rampant in Pewter City at night. We don't have enough officers to chase them off." Ferra shakes her head at the seemingly hopeless situation.
"It's strange that people our age just up and join Team Rocket," Phoenix says gruffly, "don't they know how hard my parents fought to get rid of them?"
"It's despicable," Ferra exclaims, "one of my guy friends from school left to join Team Rocket. He thought he would have a chance to become rich and famous. I can't imagine what he's up to now."
Phoenix cannot help but cringe at the thought of Ferra having a friendship with another boy, let alone a Rocket. He finds his own feelings ridiculous, but can't shake the jealousy.
"Are you alright, Phoen?" Ferra asks as she notices his sudden silence.
"Oh yeah, right," Phoenix nods eagerly, "just thinking about your friend is all."
"Because he's a Team Rocket member?" Ferra asks thoughtfully. A sly smile forms across her lips as a new conclusion forms, "Or because he's a boy?"
"What?" Phoenix asks, a blush forming across his cheeks and the tip of his nose. "Why would that matter to me? That fact is completely irrelevant to the point of the situation."
"I don't know, Phoenix," Ferra smirks knowingly, "maybe there's another reason that it matters to you."
"I don't know what you're talking about," Phoenix shakes his head wildly.
With that cat grin still stretching across her face, she scoots slightly closer to him. He subconsciously inches away from her.
"I think," she hums lowly, "that you're jealous."
"Jealous?" He murmurs in response and leans away from her. Her bold assertion strike his nerves and being so close right now is agonizing.
"Yeah, Phoenix, when a boy likes a girl, he might be jealous when she has guy friends." She states softly, dropping the sly facade slightly.
The softening of her tone is enough for Phoenix to regain his bearings.
"If a girl accuses a boy of being jealous, does that mean that she likes him?" the words glide off his tongue before he can control it.
The light dances playfully in Ferra's purple irises. She is unbearably close now. The remnants of the sly smile show her playful nature.
"You know," she purrs softly, lifting a hand to draw circles on his bare arm, "I'm seventeen now. Many boys have shown interest in me. They probably will be interested until I choose a boyfriend."
"Is that right?" Phoenix swallows hard. He knows that his feelings for her are strong and it is clear by the look in her eyes and the way she flaunts herself that she knows there is something there as well, but is he ready for this? Is he ready for a relationship with his best friend? At sixteen? Would it work out or would it destroy their friendship too?
Then he remembers his father's wise words many years ago.
Just do anything you can do that clearly says that you like her. Tell her! No mixed signals. Be clear. Trust me, you both will appreciate in the long run.
"Yeah," she finally pulls away from his personal space as he gains his courage. His eyes follow her intently. She shrugs and says, "There are a lot of options."
A blazing fire swallows his insides at the idea, but he keeps a cool demeanor. However, the fire beside them reflects his inner turmoil.
"A lot of options?" he asks, trying to tone down his jealousy. He flashes an endearing smile her way and asks bluntly, "any options that you're interested in?"
"There's this one guy that I've been interested in forever," she looks away to hide her reddening cheeks, "but I'm not sure if he's an option yet."
"What would this one guy have to do to be an option?" Phoenix asks curiously, trying to catch her eyes with his own, but she continues to stare at the fire, deep in thought.
She doesn't say anything immediately, and he's left to stare at her cautiously. Maybe he was wrong about her feeling the same way for him. Maybe she was thinking about some other man back in Pewter City.
"He needs to be so interested in me that he can't see his future without me," She tells him softly, "because I've loved him my entire life, and I can't ever lose him."
The sly smile falls from her lips and is replaced by the most honest and softest smile he's ever witnessed. There is no fear in her eyes after her declaration. His jaw loosens and falls slightly causing his lips to part. His brows furrow slightly in deep consideration.
She could not have been clearer. She gives no mixed signals. How could she be so brave?
But is he ready for his future to be settled just like that?
How could she know that he is her one and only?
Sure they've known each other for their entire lives, but they've only just reconnected.
"I don't expect anything from you right now, Phoenix, or ever if you're not interested," she continues to smile softly and grabs his hand, "I just wanted to be clear with you. I owe you that much because you're my best friend. My dad always told me to be clear. He said that not being clear would waste time."
"Funny, my dad told me that too," Phoenix mumbles shyly, "you're very brave, Ferra."
He looks down at her hand resting over his. Then he turns it to intertwine their fingers. Ferra stares down at their linked hands.
"I want to be clear too, Ferra," he begins nervously. He looks into her eyes and finds their destiny swimming in her eyes.
"I can handle anything, Phoenix," she claims, yet he sees fear nestling in her pupils.
"I have known you for, basically, forever," he rubs her hand softly, "and I love you."
Ferra watches him closely, the fear still present, waiting for the seemingly inevitable rejection, "but?"
"It isn't logical to jump into a relationship right now." Phoenix concludes, his voice betraying his body that screams for him to hold her.
"You just want to be friends, then?" Ferra asks, sadness spiking at every pitch.
"No," he states quickly, "I mean yes. I mean for now."
"For now?" She watches him curiously as he struggles to explain.
"You said you want me to be completely sure that we'll make it, right? Like full on relationship, marriage, children? Till death do us part?" Phoenix asks, repeating her conditions.
"Something along those lines," she acknowledges bashfully.
"Then let's travel the world together! Phoenix and Ferra! Let's catch Pokemon and join competitions and defeat gyms! We'll figure out what we're going to do, just like we said we would when we were kids." He tells her with excitement peaking in his voice.
She watches him, knowing that there is nothing the boy could do or say that would lessen her love for him, but it pains her to not understand his point.
"We'll grow up a little more and get a little older together and we'll have all of these experiences and new memories. And then we'll know. We'll know without a doubt if it's going to work forever." He tells her boldy, finding both her hands and holding them tightly in his own.
Her eyes shine with happiness. She had not planned on spilling her best kept secret that night. She had not known what his answer would be, but she was met with a real, honest, sincere, and logical proposal. He did not reject her; in fact, he confessed that he loves her. He simply requested more time with her as friends, and that was probably the smartest answer possible.
"That sounds like a really nice idea, Phoen," Ferra smiles brightly, just inches from Phoenix's own smile.
Phoenix's heart clenches at their proximity, while Ferra's breath catches in her own throat. The two spring apart, sharing matching blushes.
This might be harder than I thought. Phoenix thinks as he groans internally.
"Professor, there's something that you should see," a man dressed in a lab coat calls to his colleague.
"What is it Merrick?" the middle aged Professor Gary Oak leans over his staff's shoulder to view the computer monitor.
"The dig in the Rock Tunnel turned up an interesting find," the man called Merrick begins, "Deep in the lower layer, our archeologists found a cavern. It contains an ancient language. From what we've been able to understand it's some kind of lost legend."
"Interesting," Professor Gary Oak rubs his chin in thought.
Merrick continues, "The strangest part is the mural on one of the walls. It is a man with a Pokemon that appears to be similar to a Raichu."
A picture of the wall appears on the screen. A carved depiction of a Raichu using its electricity covers the wall. A simple drawing of a man is off to the side of the wall, fighting alongside his Pokemon. The object of their rage; a giant, evil pair of eyes set in a cloud of darkness that looms over the drawing.
"How many freaking times can Ash be the chosen one?" Gary exclaims, only slightly salty.
"Sir, you think it is depicting the Pokemon Master?" Merrick asks while looking closer at the carving.
"Who else could it be?"
"This is the south entrance to the Rock Tunnel, Phoenix," Ash says as they jump off of Charizard's back, "Uncle Gary found something here that he wants to show me."
"What is it?" Phoenix asks curiously.
"Just a really old picture carved in stone," Ash adjusts his had to block the strong sun rays.
"What's it doing here?" Phoenix questions, looking around the entrance of the cave.
"No one really knows, but I'm excited to learn more," Ash smiles down at him, "but remember, Phoen, no one knows that the scientists are here. It's supposed to be a secret. So we can't tell anyone -except mom."
"Got it," Phoenix agrees.
Ash leads them into the cave. At the entrance it is quiet and the Pokemon inside go about their normal business. However, Ash gestures Phoenix to follow quietly through man made tunnels that lead to a brightly lit area.
"There you are, Mr. Ketchum," a scientist greets him, "come this way."
"Alright, young man, don't roam off," Ash lectures Phoenix really quickly who is distracted by the carvings on the walls, "Stay by the scientists."
Ash follows the scientist to a different section while Phoenix stares up at the walls. There are markings from the ceilings to the floors. There are pictures scattered here and there of items and Pokemon.
"So what is this Pokemon called?" Phoenix hears his father across the room, "I've never seen anything quite like it."
"Well, the legends call it 'the darkness'," the scientist explains, "and it seems to refer to the other Pokemon, that appears to be a Raichu, as 'the light'. So there is no definitive name for it."
Phoenix walks quickly over to where his father is to hear what's happening.
"So you think that Raichu and I have something to do with this legend?" Ash asks while still observing the mural.
"We're not sure what it all means," the scientist continues to explain, "all we know is that you have a tendency to save the world and your Raichu is one of a kind."
"It's possible…" Ash contemplates.
"We just want you to be prepared in case this comes to fruition." The scientist remarks.
"What is it dad?" Phoenix asks curiously, trying to join the conversation.
"It is a prophecy," Ash explains to his son, "but we can't know all of it just yet."
Thanks for reading!
I really hope you're enjoying reading this as much as I enjoy writing it! There was a little more action and plot development happening in this chapter. It will hopefully pick up a little from this point on.
Man, I totally didn't mean for Phoenix and Ferra's relationship to develop so fast, but I wrote it and I LOVED how honest they were, and also how much awkwardness and tension it will create. They both love each other, but they are teenagers and don't always know how to handle themselves. hehe
These are the Pokemon that our heroes have:
Phoenix: Charmeleon, Fletchinder, Oddish, Rattata, Nidoran, Shinx, Mankey, Pichu, Sandshrew, Kabuto (I'm sure you guessed what it was, but they don't know yet)
Ferra: Alolan Vulpix, Cubone, Clefairy.
Austin: Charmeleon, Bellsprout, four unknown
If you like this story tell/show me and the rest of Pokemon fic readers!
Love, Alert Review!