Hey guys, I'm back. I can't seem to thank you guys enough when it comes to viewing this story. I've had this idea bouncing around inside my head for a while now. I'm done talking, let's get back to the story, shall we?
(Route 202)
"Man this brings back memories!" said Andrew as the group left Sandgem Town. Andrew had brought out his first four Pokemon: Torterra, Luxray, Roserade, and Staraptor, to walk with him, it felt symbolic to him.
"What type of memories?" asked Miette. "Well this route was where I made my first two captures" Andrew said, motioning to the lion walking next to him and the hawk perched in Torterra's tree, "You remember this place right guys?" the two Pokemon nodded, this was where they first met their beloved Trainer.
(Flashback: 9 years ago)
A 10 year old Andrew Townsend was running along Route 202, his Turtwig right behind him. It had been around a month and a half since the turtle Pokemon had hatched, and the two had become best friends ever since.
As the boy was running, he felt himself trip over something and crashed into the ground. He looked up to see what he had tripped over and to his surprise, there was a very annoyed Shinx glaring at him. Turtwig quickly ran up to protect his trainer, growling at the blue Pokemon.
"Looks like we're about to have our first battle Turtwig," grinned Andrew. "Use Tackle!" he commanded. Turtwig charged the cat, hitting him head on. Shinx quickly charged Turtwig, eager to return the favor, "Quick use Withdraw!" shouted Andrew. Turtwig nodded and withdrew into his shell, causing the Shinx to stumble back as it slammed its head into Turtwig's rock hard shell. Andrew saw this as his chance as he hurled a Pokeball at the stunned Flash Pokemon, a ping signifying its capture, "Alright!" cried Andrew as he picked up the ball and held it over his head triumphantly. Andrew called out Shinx, who still looked a little stunned. Kneeling down, he spoke to him, "Hey, I'm sorry I tripped over you. I'm a trainer just starting out and I was hoping you'd join me, together we can become stronger than we could ever imagine. So what do you say?" Shinx thought about it for a minute, then he put his paw onto the Pokeball. "You want to join me?" Shinx nodded, causing Andrew to smile, "Welcome then, I'm, Andrew and this is my buddy Turtwig." "Twig," said Turtwig as he waved at the little blue Pokemon.
(3 hours later, still in Flashback, near Jublife City)
As Andrew, Turtwig, and Shinx were heading towards Jublife City, he spotted something in a nearby tree. Creeping up to it, he saw that it was a Starly, but this one looked different. This Starly was light brown rather than the almost black of a normal Starly. "This one looks different, let's try to catch it." said Andrew, as Turtwig and Shinx nodded. "Alright Shinx," whispered Andrew, "use Charge and on my command use Spark". Shinx nodded and began charging up. "NOW!" yelled Andrew as Shinx fired a bolt of electricity at the startled bird. Boosted by Charge, Spark did massive damage, causing Starly to faint instantly. Andrew quickly threw a Pokeball, catching the bird. "Great job Shinx, that was one powerful attack," praised Andrew as he pet Shinx affectionately, causing him to purr loudly.
(End Flashback)
"And that's how I met these two" said Andrew, "I'm glad they agreed to come with me, they've become stronger than I ever would have imagined." This caused Luxray to nuzzle Andrew, purring in appreciation, while Staraptor smiled at the boy, he was glad he joined Andrew as well.
As Andrew finished his story, the group approached Jublife City. Noticing it was getting late, they decided to spend the night in the Pokemon Center.
The next day, the group headed east towards Oreburgh City, where Andrew would battle Roark.
While travelling down Route 203, Andrew told them another story, this time how he captured Roserade.
(Flashback, 1 day after capturing Shinx and Starly)
Andrew was sitting in a clearing, enjoying lunch along with Turtwig, Shinx, and Starly, who he had found out from Professor Rowan was a shiny Pokemon.
Andrew turned as he heard rustling coming from his backpack. Suddenly, a tiny green Pokemon, a Budew, popped out clutching an Oran Berry. The baby Pokemon held the berry triumphantly in his mouth, but quickly dropped it when he realized he had been spotted. As Andrew approached the little Pokemon, it began to shake and whine in terror. "Hey, hey, it's okay. I'm not going to hurt you little guy" soothed the boy as he picked up the little Pokemon. Picking up the Oran Berry, he asked Budew, "You hungry?" Budew quickly nodded and scarfed down the berry, earning a laugh from the boy. Andrew reached into his bag and pulled out a box of Pokefeed, pouring some of the little brown pellets into an empty bowl, "Help yourself, there's plenty to go around" Budew looked nervously at the other three Pokemon, who were happily munching away, and decided he had nothing to lose. Biting down on a pellet, he quickly realized that the little brown niblets were delicious and rapidly finished his food.
Once lunch was over, Andrew packed his things and prepared to continue his journey. He was stopped when he heard Budew cry out. "What's wrong?" asked Andrew. Budew began jumping up and down, "Budew bud!" staring at the Pokeballs on Andrew's belt. "You want to come with me Budew?" Budew jumped excitedly, "Budew!" "Well alright then, just tap this ball," said Andrew as he held out a Pokeball. Budew quickly hopped over to the red and white ball and tapped the center, getting sucked in, a ping signifying his capture.
Andrew called out Budew and hugged the little grass type, "Welcome aboard little guy. I just know that together we'll become stronger beyond our wildest dreams." He placed Budew on his shoulder and the little party continued on their way to Oreburgh.
(Flashback end)
Roserade had begun to shed a few tears as he remembered the kindness Andrew had shown him all those years ago and ran over to his trainer, embracing his waist. "Rose rose" he said, tears in his eyes. Andrew smiled and ruffled the Grass type's white head, "Don't mention it buddy, I'm glad you joined me all those years ago, and I know our best days are just ahead, I can feel it deep inside of me". Everyone looked on, smiling at the scene in front of them.
The sun was setting as they entered Oreburgh City. The gym was likely closed until morning so they got rooms at the Pokemon Center.
(The Next Day, Oreburgh Gym)
Roark had just opened the gym for the day and was observing some fossils. He failed to hear to hear the door open and almost jumped when he heard a familiar voice, although it sounded deeper than he remembered.
"This collection you have is something else Roark." Roark whirled around to see a boy in a blue cap and Mareepskin jacket. "Andrew?" he asked, "Who else?" grinned the boy, extending his hand, which Roark gladly shook. "You've certainly grown from the boy with the Turtwig, Mr. Champion of Hoenn AND Kalos" the rock-type leader smirked. "Hey, your Roxanne, I've heard about you, word is you run a mean Rock-type Gym in Hoenn." Roxanne shook her head, "USED to," said Roxanne as she kissed Andrew's cheek, "now I'm traveling with my boyfriend." "Well Roark" grinned Andrew, "you're my first gym in Sinnoh, again." Roark smirked, "And you're going to have your back to the wall, again" referencing how Andrew had won his Badge fairly narrowly, his Turtwig edging out Roark's Cranidos to win Andrew the match.
"The official battle between Roark and Andrew will now commence." "Golem, time to bowl over the competition." said Roark as a ball of rock jumped out and landed with a thud. "I've been training this guy for a while now and it's high time he has his baptism of fire. Golett, let's rock!" yelled Andrew as the rotund Pokemon appeared. Roark looked surprised, he had never seen one of these Pokemon before.
"Alright Golem use Brick Break" "Take it," said Andrew calmly, which shocked many, except for Andrew and Miette. The attack connected, but nothing happened. "What the hell?" "Golett is part Ghost-type, Fighting type moves do nothing to him." explained Andrew. "Our turn, Golett use Rollout to lead into a Shadow Punch" Golett nodded as he pulled his extremities in and rolled towards Golem. As he popped out of his ball he slugged Golem with a fist covered in ghostly energy, causing the Rock type to stumble backwards. "Golem recover and use Fire Blast" Golem nodded as he spewed a searing hot jet of flames at Golett. "Use Rollout to dodge" Golett curled into a ball again and rolled effortlessly out of the way. "Golem stop him with Bulldoze" Golem stomped the ground and a stone pillar erupted from underneath the ball that was Golett, launching the Pokemon skyward. Andrew grinned, "Now Golett use Earthquake!" commanded the blonde as Golett fell down. The Ghost type uncurled and cocked back his fist, slamming it into the ground as he landed, causing the entire building to shake and knocking Golem out. "Golem is unable to battle, Golett wins". "Very clever of you Andrew" complemented Roark. "Steelix, show Andrew the door!" Roard said as the massive steel snake appeared and stared down Golett who stepped back in fear. "Come on Golett, Roark's Golem is no pushover, so you can beat Steelix no problem, I know it." This eased Golett and the rotund Pokemon stood his ground. "Steelix versus Golett begin".
"Steelix use Stealth Rock" Steelix proceeded to launch several large rocks that landed around the battlefield. "This again? I'm getting serious deja vu" thought Andrew. "Alright Golett use Shadow Ball" Golett launched a ghostly ball at Steelix but the large snake seemed unfazed. "Use Ice Fang!" yelled Roark as the large snake bit down on Golett with his ice-covered fangs, dealing heavy damage. As Steelix let go the little Pokemon panted heavily.
"Come on Golett, we can do this! Use Bulldoze to launch yourself up and follow it up with Hammer Arm!". Golett nodded and dutifully stomped his foot, causing cracks to appear on the battlefield. Golett quickly rolled into a ball and just as a caught up with the crack, a stone pillar burst from the ground, catapulting Golett into the air. Golett then streaked towards Steelix, his fist glowing white. With a resounding clang, almost as if a gong was being struck, Golett's fist crashed into Steelix's head for massive damage. The move was risky, as Golett took damage from Bulldoze, but it seemed to have paid off. Both Pokemon now looked like they could faint at any second. "Steelix push through and use Dragon Tail" ordered Roark quickly, and the massive steel snake swung his tail, now colored purple, into Golett, sending the Ghost Type sprawling. But the plucky Pokemon refused to give in and shakily stood up.
"That's the spirit Golett! You can do this, I have faith in you!" yelled Andrew. As the words of encouragement reached Golett's ears, he let out a loud cry as he began to glow white. "Well I'll be damned..." thought Andrew as Golett began to grow. When the light died down, Golett now towered over Andrew, whereas he was previously waist height to the boy. He was taller and bulkier. "Alright Golett! You evolved!" shouted Andrew. Roark was visibly sweating, he knew he now stood no chance against this freshly evolved Pokemon.
"Alright Golurk let's wrap this up with Fire Punch!" yelled Andrew as he pointed at a panting Steelix. Golurk pulled his legs in, revealing a large rocket thruster and rocketed towards Steelix, his fist glowing blue with fire. Golurk crashed into Steelix with blistering speed and rammed his fist directly into Steelix's nose, sending the snake crashing into the wall, knocked out.
"Steelix is unable to battle Golurk is the winner." As the two returned their Pokemon and praised them for their efforts Roarked looked at Andrew.
"Well Andrew this has been one hell of a battle but it's time for it to end. Lets see if you remember this guy. Rampardos show them your power!" The large gray and blue Pokemon appeared and stomped his foot. Andrew simply grinned, pulling out a Pokeball with "P.V." etched into it. "This guy certainly will. Torterra lead us to victory!" Andrew cried as his loyal starter landed with a thud. Rampardos saw his opponent and snorted angrily, he wanted payback for Torterra defeating him as a Turtwig. The massive tortoise simply grinned, he remembered this guy.
"Alright buddy let's kick this off with Seed Bomb!" commanded Andrew as Torterra launched several large seeds from his mouth. "Use Zen Headbutt!" ordered Roark. Rampardos nodded and charged through the barrage of explosive seeds.
"Use Iron Head now!" barked Andrew. Torterra charged towards Rampardos, his head glowing silver. With a resounding clash the two Pokemon collided with each other, both refusing to give in. "Torterra use Energy Ball!" commanded Andrew. The tortoise grinned and fired a green ball of energy at point blank range, causing Rampardos to stumble backwards.
"Use Flamethrower!" yelled Roark as Rampardos fired a jet of fire, causing Torterra to roar in pain. "Stay strong buddy! I know you're tougher than that!" encouraged Andrew. Torterra gritted his teeth and bore the pain.
"Use Synthesis quickly then use Leaf Storm!" yelled Andrew. Torterra's tree glowed green and the grass typed sighed contentedly as he felt his burns heal. As Rampardos charged in for a Headbutt, Torterra fired a whirlwind of leaves at the Rock type, knocking him out.
"Rampardos is unable to battle, Torterra wins!"
Andrew ran over and petted his starter's head, praising him as he did so. Roark returned Rampardos and sighed as he walked up and shook Andrew's hand, "That was a spectacular battle, I can see why you're Champion. That Golurk was something else, and Torterra's certainly grown. Not many Pokemon can hold out against Rampardos in a headbutt battle."
"Thanks Roark, I'll try to drop by some time. And if I find any fossils you'll be the first to know" said the blonde as he smiled warmly, the prospect of more fossils brought a mile wide grin to Roark's face.
"I'll take you up on that" said Roark. As Andrew and his gang were about to leave Roark remembered something. "Andrew wait!"
"What is it Roark?" asked Andrew.
"Veilstone Gym's got a new leader. Maylene's no longer running the place."
"What happened?" asked Andrew, he hadn't seen the pinkette since he and Dawn helped her find her confidence.
"She lost a bet to some guy and he runs the gym now. I think his name was Paul Shinji or something like that. I don't know I don't really like the guy." Andrew winced a little at the mention of the purple-haired trainer. "Thanks for the heads up Roark I'll see you around."
As the group made left Oreburgh City they noticed a determined look on Andrew's face. "Where are we going next Andrew?" asked Miette. "We're going to Veilstone City, I got a score to settle."
As they continued walking they passed a quarry. "Hey I remember this place." "You do?" asked Rosa. "Yeah this was where I got Deathclaw."
(Flashback, 1 week after Andrew' loss to Paul)
Andrew was training with Torterra and the others in preparation for his journey with Dawn through Hoenn. As they passed under a cliff to head back to the Pokemon Center, Torterra felt something land on his tree. Andrew turned as he heard the leaves on the tree rustle. Luxray and Flareon, who had been out as well, got into battle position as Torterra stayed deathly still. A few seconds later, a small Bagon poked its head out of Torterra's tree. "Bag?" it said as it looked around.
"Well hi there" said Andrew, "what are you doing in there?" Bagon pointed its hand upwards to a cliff. "Oh I see, you jumped off to try and fly." The little Dragon type nodded, Bagon were known to do such things. "Well if you come with me, I can help you evolve into a Salamence and then you'll be able to fly to your heart's content. What do you say?" Bagon weighed her options and nodded. "Awesome!" said Andrew as he fished out a Pokeball and captured the blue Dragon type.
(Present Day)
"Wow" said Leaf, "so you caught Deathclaw by saving her life". Andrew nodded, "I guess so" he said scratching his head. He then noticed another area, "I remember that spot too!" "I took a picture there after I beat Roark for the first time!"
He dug into his bag and pulled out a laminated photo of a much younger Andrew laying on his side, one arm propping him up and his left knee bent causing his left leg to make an arch, with his right leg going underneath the arch. In front of him sat Turtwig and Shinx, while Budew stood on Andrew's head and Starly was perched on his left knee.
Andrew then got an idea. He pulled out his original four Pokemon. "Hey guys you remember this?" The four nodded. "Well I found the spot we took it, what do you say we do another one?" The four Pokemon cheered, causing Andrew to smile.
The group made their way to the spot and Andrew climbed onto Torterra's back, making the same pose as he did in the photo. Staraptor perched himself in Torterra's tree, while Roserade stood on Torterra's left side and Luxray stood on the tortoise's right. Dawn snapped the photo and showed it to Andrew, a beaming smile gracing him. "This looks awesome!" he said as he showed the Pokemon, who cried out in approval.
After a moment of nostalgia Andrew and the gang continued their journey, the fires of vengeance having been lit inside the Sandgem native. He had unfinished business with Paul, and with Arceus as his witness, he was going to see it settled once and for all.
And that's that for Chapter 16. I've come up with backstories for a couple other of Andrew's Pokemon, I'll probably be putting flashbacks for them somewhere down the line. Thanks to all who have followed this story. Don't be afraid to leave a comment, you won't be hurting my feelings.
With that out of the way, I will A, B, C ya.