OSPREY…SWOOOSH
UO: Okay finally ready to proceed. Actor Check
Ash: Here
Misty and May: Here
Anabel: Present
Brock: Here
Max: Ready
Gabby and Tori: Ready to go
UO: Good….wait a minute where's Drew and Dawn
Shouting is heard then a muffled squeak got their attention. The cast runs to see Drew trying to catch Piplup.
UO: What the heck happened?
Dawn: Uh…I was practicing with Piplup and his Peck went too far…and hit his car.
UO: (Rubs head) Well this is less than normal. Drew calm down I will send it to the repair shop.
Drew: I thought I moved it far enough
UO: Remember Murphy's Law.
The whole cast dropped their heads.
UO: Dawn would you be a dear and do the disclaimer?
Dawn: Uh…sure. UnitedOsprey1991 does not own Pokémon or Kamen Rider. He would be a Trillionaire otherwise and I might have had more success in my contests.
UO: Ego trip aside thank you.
Drew: You're still paying for my car.
UO: Yeah I know on with the show.
Normal: Dialogue
Italics: Thoughts and Flashbacks and communications
CAPS: Attacks
Bold: Yelling and Belt Noises
Bold and Italics: Yelling in head:
Underline: Dates and locations
Chapter 30: Training in the Art of Heroes.
When we last left our heroes they had landed in the Sinnoh region only to have Pikachu be captured. Thankfully for the electric mouse a new trainer by the name of Dawn had found him after being blown away. After healing Pikachu they attempted to find Ash only to run into Troopers and they were forced to run. In a stroke of luck they ran in Ash and the gang who held them off. After battling a rude trainer named Paul, Ash and friends transformed to protect Professor Rowan's lab. Despite the danger she could potentially face she asked to join our heroes which Ash agreed.
Which was where find our heroes about two days out from Sandgem Town. Dawn had awoken in her tent to bad bed hair. She frantically combed it down to a manageable level and crawled out of the tent. The sun was barely up but from her vantage point she could see Brock was making breakfast while Max was feeding the pokémon who were getting ready to train as well.
"About time you woke up Dawn." Gabby said walking over. She had a white bundle that she tossed to Dawn. Said girl yelped as she caught the bundle. "You look about Tori's size though the chest are is a bit smaller. Anyway put that on and grab some breakfast we are starting your training now." Gabby said walking away.
Dawn looked at the garment and then changed into the gi. Stepping out onto the ground pulled on the gi.
"Not that I complaining but this does feel a little small." Dawn said holding out the chest area. (She's thirteen so she is a tad more developed.)
"Sorry it was the closest size we had to you. We can find a place in Jubilife to get you fitted. For now do you have anything to tie your hair back?" Gabby said as Dawn went into her bag and pulled out a hair tie and tied her hair into a short ponytail. When she turned her attention to the rest they had gotten into their own gis as well.
"Alright today we are going to start off slow so you can a. see what we do Dawn. B. Get an idea what to train you in. First thing we are going to is stretch out your limbs. So come on let's start."
Dawn hesitantly nodded and followed them. He started her with some light stretching in her arms and legs. She got curious as he sat down and pulled one of his legs back and tried to copy what he did. She immediately felt the pain in the legs. The muscles in her legs were not used to the strain and she groaned in pain as the muscles were worked for seemingly the first time. To add to her misery, Drew had Tori lean on her back slightly. To her credit she was apologetic about it. When he called an end to the stretching Dawn fell on to her back.
"Ow..." Dawn cried out.
"I am sorry Dawn. It will get better but you need these lazy muscles woken up. Now let's just focus on the basics for now. Now follow my lead."
The next fifteen minutes had Dawn throwing punches and Tori and Gabby corrected her stance. Then he had her attack him which shocked the girl. Reassuring her she wouldn't hurt him she punched and kicked him which Drew blocked it. After a few minutes she was exhausted and she fell on her butt. Feeling something cold on her shoulder she looked and saw Gabby holding out a cold canteen. Grateful she took a sip. Looking around after finishing the water she saw Ash and Misty in the middle of a spar. She was amazed as the punches and kicks flew at each other. Misty looked like she was dancing in water as she blocked and redirected attacks. If there was an attack she couldn't she bent out of the way. Ash looked more like he wanted to attack hard and fast but was not opposed to blocking. He ducked out of the way of attack and caught the second kick flipping Misty and causing her to fall on the ground. Brock stopped the spar as Ash tried to help her up only to be dragged down which got both to laugh.
"Those two act like they are on their honeymoon." Drew sighed. Dawn felt a twinge of jealousy at the sight. Drew saw the look. "Don't worry you'll find someone." Dawn looked at Drew and turned to see the couple embracing. 'But I want to be where Misty is. Maybe not as a girlfriend but…" She watched as May and Anabel embracing the couple and Misty was not even complaining about the two interlopers. In fact she looked happy to see the two girls.
Dawn looked confused and even more so when Ash turned kissed May on the cheek. 'This is so confusing. Ash is with Misty…but also May and Anabel?'
Drew saw the confused look on her face. "I know it is confusing Dawn but you see the affection on their face." Dawn nodded. "A heart like Ash's is pretty big. And it helps all three are on great terms with each other. I know you don't understand his or our relationship but can you at least respect it?"
Dawn looked at him and smiled. "No need to worry. I might feel left out but I won't disrespect it."
Drew patted her on the head. "Thanks Dawn." He said as Gabby came over to kiss him. "Now two more things to do today." Dawn groaned. "Relax your physical training is done. We want to get an idea of what else to train in." Drew turned to Ash who was snuggling with his mates. "Oi love birds we need to figure out Dawn's elements." The four separated with a small blush and walked over. Dawn was ordered to sit cross legged as they put several items on the ground around her. As they were doing so Dawn looked over and had to giggle. Piplup was practicing Bubblebeam with Misty's Starmie and was being knocked on his fanny. Dawn giggled at his reaction.
"Alright Dawn here is what we are going to do. You are going to what I am about to show you." Ash said kneeling down and crossing his legs putting his hands into a meditative pose. Dawn copied his pose.
"Now close your eyes and release your internal Aura. All people have Aura but only some can access it fully. This is to determine who can teach you effectively and what unique elements you have."
Dawn nodded and closed her eyes. Soon the world seemingly fell away as she breathed in and released out. She did this for a couple of minutes and then felt something leave her. 'Is this Aura? It feels…nice.' She said feeling at peace. She was shaken from her musings with a tap on her shoulder.
"You alright Dawn." Ash asked concerned. Dawn looked at him and nodded. She looked to see her new companions holding five different items. She notice they were the magnet, the blue gem, the seed, and the icicle. What made her curious was the pink looking crystal that wasn't there before.
"Confused so are we." Gabby said.
"I felt something coming out of you and forming this crystal. I am curious as to what this could be." Anabel said.
"Alright let's clear up what the other four are. The magnet means Electricity, the seed here represents Grass, the gem is Water and the Icicle is Ice. Ash can help you with electricity, May can help with Grass and Misty and Tori can help with Water and Ice. But I am curious as to what this crystal is. It formed first before it reacted to the other items.
Dawn looked perplexed and then suddenly something came to mind. "Fairy."
"What's that Dawn?" Misty asked curiously.
"The gem…it means Fairy. Something about that seems right."
Ash looked at Drew. "Ever hear of the Fairy Type?" Drew shook his head. "No but this will be unique. Anyway let's grab a seat. Dawn we just have a couple of questions and then we can determine where to focus your training.
Dawn nodded as the rest sat down.
"First question how tall are your parents and how big are they?" Gabby asked bluntly.
Dawn blinked at the question. "Um…well according to mom, dad was not that tall maybe five foot five. Mom is five two. I am just taller than mom and I think I stopped growing. Weight mom is about 115.
Gabby nodded. "So not much more growth expected okay so that rules out a few things. Next question. Did you have any hobbies growing up?
Dawn put on a thoughtful face. "Well…I liked dancing. I was in ballet for a few years. So I might have good coordination. Um I also liked riding my bike but I don't have one thanks to Pikachu." She said sheepishly
She could see the gears turn in her friend's heads. "Alright then I think we can figure some stuff out." Gabby said.
"Three things I think we should focus on with you. One is your dancing could be used as a martial art there is a style that me and Drew practice called Capoeira though that's not his preferred style. I think if your flexibility is increased I think you and me would be great tag partners" May said.
"Number two is your flexibility. I practice Tae Chi Quan and a couple of other arts that require you to bend your body. I don't think upper arm strength is your thing. We could try to learn some basic boxing maneuvers to get your legs in shape." Misty added
"You should be noticing a trend that we focus on your legs. I think your dancing training and the walking we will do will make your legs formidable. There is a style developed by the French called Savate which means old boot. They almost exclusive involve kicks and moves to lock your opponent with their legs. I think it would be great for you. That said we need to find a weapon that suits you but we can worry about that later. For now let's get changed and move out."
Dawn nodded and stood up to head to her tent. After a few moments she stepped out of the tent to see that the girls were changing in the open, more specifically May and Gabby. What shocked her was the guys were barely paying attention to it.
"Uh guys shouldn't you I don't know have separate changing areas."
Brock spoke up. "When you travel together as long as we have modesty is one of the first things to go. We respect privacy when asked for. Besides it wasn't like they were stripping completely."
Dawn blinked and sighed. This whole group was going to take some getting used to.
"It's fine. We have our own thing so if it offends you we'll stop until you feel comfortable." Gabby said finishing getting dressed.
Tori walked up to her. "Here let me put these on your ankles." She said holding up a couple of metal plates. "These are ten pounds each you are going to walk with them."
Dawn groaned and sighed. "Oh man. Alright." Tori clipped them on and in a half hour they were on the road. About an hour in Dawn collapsed on her feet.
"Ow…it hurts." Dawn moaned. The group decided to take a break. "Geez Dawn I guess you haven't really walked a lot?" Misty said. Dawn nodded. She sighed. "We'll take a few minutes alright. We will stop as needed okay let's not wear you out too much."
Dawn nodded and tried to relax. Fifteen minutes later she got up ready to keep pace. But after another hour her feet gave out again.
Drew sighed. "Alright take the weight off and let's have lunch. Let's see if we can't at least get Dawn walking again."
The group nodded and they settled down to allow their pokémon some light training. Tori was examining Dawn's feet and had to his. "Geez that is a nasty blister, alright this is going to sting a little." Tori said pulling out some antiseptic. Pulling out a small pocket knife she poked into the blister and peeled it off. She then cleaned it up and wrapped her foot. Checking the foot she did the same and wrapped her foot. "I hate people in pain. I'm sorry you are going through this but please persevere it will get better."
Dawn nodded. After lunch they were on the road as Dawn kept up. By the end of the day poor Dawn was almost out of it. She was grateful for the assistance on the tent set up as Brock prepared dinner.
"Oh man. My feet are killing me." Dawn groaned.
Ash sadly smiled. "It will get better I promise." Ash sat in front her and gently removed her boots socks and bandages. He looked at her feet and had to chuckle. "No wonder you had a hard time. Look how small your feet are." Ash had to chuckle at her flushed expression it was cute in a way. He gently massaged her feet which got an appreciative sigh.
"Thanks Ash." Dawn said closing her eyes.
Ash smiled. "No problem. The girls work so hard they need something like this a few times. Guess I have had practice."
The group looked at the interaction with a smile as they ate their dinner. Later that night Dawn went to sleep with massaged feet and a warm smile.
Next day (DP004)
Dawn stood with a confident smile. Off to the side Ash was standing next to Brock who was on a stump behind them the girls were finishing getting ready as couple of them were brushing their hair while Max and Drew struggled to get up with Max yawning and Drew taking a sip of juice.
Across from Dawn stood a Buneary poised to battle. Dawn pulled up a poké ball. "Alright time to catch a pokémon."
"Wait Dawn you need to enlarge it." Ash called out. Dawn looked and the ball was indeed shrunk. The observers who were paying attention sighed.
"Alright go pokéball." Dawn threw the ball but was way off target and nailed Ash in the face.
"Whoops sorry." Dawn apologized.
Ash stood up. "Watch were you are throwing that thing."
Dawn got mad. "It was an accident. If you hadn't been yelling I wouldn't have been distracted and my hand wouldn't have slipped."
"You weren't doing it right."
"Look don't get nasty with me."
"Get it together and I won't have to." While they were arguing Buneary took the chance to slip away which Piplup pointed out.
"Buneary!?" The two arguing trainers yelled.
"Well I hope your happy now." Dawn said
"Don't look at me." Ash replied.
"Why not it's your fault." Dawn said.
Before Ash could respond he was lifted up and thrown into a tree. Dawn gasped as Ash impacted the tree hard.
Ash groaned. "Great Drew is mad and it's not even 9."
Indeed Drew was on the warpath. "Way too early for this." Drew growled. He looked at Dawn who gulped. She knew him as the nice guy with a goofy attitude. This was slightly scary.
Drew sighed. "You're lucky it's still early. Come on let's go."
An hour later found the group on the road but Dawn and Ash were still going at it with Brock as the mediator.
"I would have a Buneary by now but you messed me up." Dawn yelled facing away from Ash.
"Yeah well I was only trying to help. You have only been training five days at most." Ash replied.
"Piplup is plenty strong you know I bet your first capture didn't go as smoothly." Dawn replied.
Ash chuckled sheepishly. "Well I did capture a Caterpie. Though the first couple of times Pikachu wouldn't listen to me." Pikachu chuckled sheepishly.
"Oh let's not forget the second capture. A Caterpie versus a Pidgeotto." Misty called out.
"Okay not my best moment." Ash said reluctantly. "I have come a long way haven't I?"
"Yes it all departments except bike-wrecking." May said which got both her and Misty to laugh.
Drew chuckled. "You know this bickering reminds me of when Ash started out on his journey and a red head followed him because of her bike—OW" Drew started to say only to get beamed on the head with Misty.
"SHUT UP!" Misty said with a furious blush.
"God dam it Misty I am surprised no one has gotten a concussion from this." Drew said rubbing the knot on his head.
Anabel looked concerned at the emotions running through the group as most of them were of anger. At this rate someone was going to say something they would regret.
"Guys can we please calm down. Your auras are going crazy. I feel like I am getting a headache."
The arguments died down somewhat as Tori supplied her some aspirin to which the empath was grateful. Dawn and Ash looked at each other huffed and looked away. The feud quickly petered out when the sun started shining brightly.
Brock looked up in wonder. "That's Sunny Day.
Dawn gasped and then heard a small cry. Out of the bushes stepped to figures. The first was a green bud like pokémon with a yellow face. The second was a black haired young man who appeared to be dressed like a bard from the old days.
The man looked up after strumming his harp. "Salutations my fellow travelers, I overheard your disagreements and used my Budew's Sunny Day to soothe the troubled hearts. Permit me to introduce myself. I am Nando a wandering poet. This is my lovely Budew."
Dawn quickly pulled out her pokédex as they made their introductions. Budew, the Bud Pokémon. In winter, it keeps its bud closed to survive the cold, but then opens it again in the spring.
Dawn got an idea. "Excuse me Mr. Nando can you please battle me I want to see my improvement.
Ash looked at Drew who shook his head as Nando accepted a contest battle with the budding coordinator. Ash walked up to the confident girl. "Dawn, can I ask what you are doing?"
Dawn showed a confident smile. "I want to sow how strong I have gotten." And before Ash could reply she ran to catch up with Nando.
Gabby growled. "Who does she think she is? She has only been a trainer for less than a week and she claims she is strong. What an ego."
Drew put a hand on her shoulder. "Relax; let's cut her a little slack, she's a rookie." Gabby deflated at that. "We can still punish her after she gets her butt kicked." Gabby giggled sinisterly at that.
Misty was about to ask when Tori beat her to the punch. "You don't want to know."
The group followed Dawn and Nando to the battlefield with Dawn using Piplup against the grass type. Budew opened with a Bullet Seed which Piplup responded with a Bubblebeam. It hit the bud but because of the typing Budew appeared unscathed. Brock noticed that Budew spun out of the smoke like in a contest battle. Nando then ordered a Solarbeam. Thinking it would take a while Dawn charged in with a Peck. But the Solarbeam charged way too quickly and fired knocking out the poor Piplup.
"Solarbeam should not have been that fast." Brock commented as Dawn cradled Piplup.
"I think Sunny Day carried over." Max said convincingly.
Drew and Ash walked over to Piplup. Drew knelt down. "You learn your lesson? You're still a rookie that means you are learning." He said. Dawn looked and nodded as she returned Piplup.
"Good. Now Gabby what should her punishment be for not only going against a bad type match-up but also disregarding our advice."
Dawn gulped at Gabby's look as she rubbed her hands.
Hours later, Dawn was groaning as she carried everyone's bags as part of her punishment.
"Oh man, I can't catch a pokémon, I lost my first battle and now I am stuck as a pack mule can this day get any worse?"
Gabby turned around. "Two things one never say that, two that's what you get for being a you know what today."
"Just be thankful you aren't setting up the tents tonight."
Dawn groaned louder. "And we have to sleep on the ground great."
Brock though saved her torture. "According to the guide there is a pokémon center nearby."
Dawn immediately perked up. "Alright, a real bed, a real shower and no camp food."
"And it also means Nurse Joy is there Woo Hoo!" Brock said as he released his Bonsly.
Dawn looked at the tree pokémon and pulled out her pokédex Bonsly, the Bonsai Pokémon. Being a Rock-type, it can get weak if its body contains too much water, so it secretes that water from both sides of its body to regulate it.
"Wow such a cute pokémon." Dawn gushed.
Ash chuckled. "Yeah that's Brock for ya. He always takes great care of his and our pokémon, comes with being a gym leader.
"Brock was a gym leader?" Dawn asked amazed.
Misty nodded. "So was I. Brock was the Pewter City gym leader while I was the Cerulean City Gym Leader.
Dawn was flabbergasted even as they walked to the pokémon center. Brock went through his normal routine and Max pulled his ear.
"Hello Nurse Joy do you remember me from Sandgem Town?" Dawn said.
Nurse Joy shook her head. "You must be talking about my sister. Sorry here let me heal your pokémon.
Dawn was confused until Ash cleared it up. "You see all the Nurse Joys are related to each other.
"And so are the Officer Jenny's though that is beyond me." Drew mumbled as Dawn asked where she could register for contests. Just then three trainers came in with their pokémon. Coincidentally all three were the Sinnoh starters or in the case of the big penguin the evolutionary line. Dawn pulled out their pokédex to scan the bigger pokémon
Prinplup, the Penguin Pokémon, and the evolved form of Piplup. A strike of its wings can be harmful as it searches the oceans for prey.
Dawn was watching the pokémon as Nando came in.
"Oh hello Mr. Nando your Budew is ready." Nurse Joy replied.
"Thank you Nurse Joy. I must be off to do some quiet contemplation." Without another word he left.
"What's with him?" Tori asked curiously.
"He is emotionally conflicted. One side wants to feel the thrill of battle the other gracefulness of contests." Anabel said closing her eyes using her heightened empathetic abilities.
"Your young friend is right. He doesn't know whether to be a coordinator or a trainer."
Dawn saw an opportunity. "Well I think he should be a coordinator and I am going to talk to him." And she ran after Nando.
Ash glared at her running away. "No way! He is going to be a trainer and I am going to convince him." Ash said as he followed her.
The group sighed. Drew shook his head and grabbed his bag. "I'll follow them and keep them out of trouble. Don't wait for us." Drew said as he left too.
A couple of hours later the sun had set with no luck finding the wayward bard. Drew and Ash recalled their Starlys and began setting up their camp.
"This has not been my day. I can't catch a pokémon, I had to deal with a sadistic girl, I lost my first battle and just when we have a place to sleep I end up chasing someone to convince them to follow my dream. Some first week, huh?" Dawn said as she leaned against the tree and put her head on her knees.
Ash sat next to her. "So it's been a rough patch. All trainers have them. There will be great times and there will be bad times."
Dawn looked at Ash. "But all of this training you want me to go through. It is tough enough wanting to be a coordinator but you pile on this I don't know if I can do it."
Drew sighed from across the clearing. "No one is expecting you to be combat ready now. I don't expect you to fight alongside us for a while. For all we know you're not the person we're looking for."
Dawn looked at the other male. "But you have been talking about going to different worlds and other stuff."
"Is that what you are afraid of Dawn? Fear of the future?" Drew asked. Dawn looked away but nodded. He chuckled. "The future is never set in stone. Our destinies are what we make of it." He pulled out the Fire Ruby. "Just because we are descendent from this guardians doesn't mean we have to be like them. We are 13 years old. The future is as limitless as the universe above."
Dawn turned to face him and smiled. "I guess I needed that, thanks. I want to apologize for my behavior earlier I guess I was a tad overconfident."
Ash chuckled. "No worries I get that way too."
Drew smiled and looked up. "Ah…there they are." Dawn looked up curiously as Ash looked up as well. "You found them?" Ash asked.
"Yep I see Orion clear as day. Sirius is just above the tree line."
Dawn looked at Drew curiously. "What's so significant about this Orion and Sirius?"
Drew looked at Dawn. "Guess we never told you about our powers. My powers are designed after the stars above specifically the constellations. They come from the ones called the Zodiac constellations. 12 different signs provide different abilities.
"Oh are those like Horoscopes?" Dawn interrupted.
Drew chuckled. "Yes they get those from these twelve constellations. The only ones I haven't unlocked are Aries and Capricorn. Anyway, Gabby get her powers from human constellations like Orion the hunter which is that one with the three stars lined up like a belt. Tori gets hers from animal constellations. Sirius is the Dog Star considered to be the brightest none solar object in the sky. When we are separated I like to look for Orion the Hunter and Canis Minor the Little Hunting Dog. When I see them I know they are here in spirit."
Dawn looked back up at the stars in wonder at this new found knowledge. "You know speaking of spiritual when I was at Lake Verity I saw this pokémon coming out of the lake. I think it was called Mesprit.
Ash widened his eyes. "Wow. Guess I wasn't the only one to see a legendary pokémon. I saw a Ho-Oh when I started my journey."
Drew shook his head. "I guess some people are destined for greatness of a legendary pokémon blesses the journey."
Ash yawned. "I guess it's time to go to bed. We'll head out in the morning."
The other two agreed and the two boys pulled out their bags. Drew offered his sleeping bag to Dawn who was grateful. As she climbed in she shivered slightly. Ash seeing this offered her his jacket. She smiled and thanked him and when he wasn't looking she blushed. They fell asleep with the nice cool air.
The next day
The two trainers had finally caught up with Nando after a botched Team Rocket plot for their new boss. Ash had asked for a battle with Nando and he agreed. Despite Budew evolving into Roselia, Pikachu's speed and Ash's experience allowed him to win the battle.
"That was quite an impressive battle. I believe I have made a decision regarding my future. Thanks to you Ash and Dawn, I believe I can handle both the contest circuit and the pokémon league successfully."
Ash and Drew smiled. "I hope you do great Nando." Ash said.
"Yeah, good luck and we will see you in the pokémon league." Drew said shaking his hand. With that Nando departed on good terms with the group and two smiling trainers and a smiling coordinator looking forward to future battles with him.
Four days later (Post DP005) Warning possible graphic content ahead
The gang was just settling down for lunch and light training. Ash was contending with an affectionate new addition to his head. This was Turtwig, a grass type that was found defending a nature preserve that didn't like humans at first. He warmed up to Ash and after a battle he became Ash's fourth member of his crew.
Now sitting down to lunch the group was enjoying the small talk as they ate a meal prepared by Misty of all people. Dawn had been told they had learned how to cook in case something came up in their travels and they needed to survive. That and they also figured cooking would be great for later in life.
As they talked and trained lightly, Anabel was lying against the side of her bag. She smiled at Misty's movements while Ash was training Turtwig. The happiness she felt from them training either themselves or their pokémon put a smile on her face. Drew saw that and chuckled. "Guess the old adage when they are happy your happy is literal in this sense."
Anabel blushed slightly but nodded. Just then the two heard some rustling in the bushes. They turned to bushes as the rustling stopped.
"Anabel?" Drew asked.
"It's not an enemy it is a pokémon." Anabel said closing her eyes. She opened and it was full of worry. "It's scared, hurt and hungry. It smelled our food but is scared of approaching us."
Drew nodded and went to grab some of the pokémon food. He approached the bushes stopping short of it and pulled out the food. It was at this point everyone came back. Tori noticed Drew off to the side on his knee.
"What's going on?" She asked.
"I felt an injured pokémon approaching us. It felt hungry and hurt. We are trying to get it to come out." Anabel said.
"But what if it's a wild pokémon?" Max asked.
Anabel shook her head. "I don't think it is but we will see."
Drew had knelt down and poured out some food and laid it on the ground.
"Don't be scared. We aren't going to hurt you. We got some great food if you're hungry. "
After a few tense moments the bushes rustled and a pokémon came. It had a blue face and a black rear half. It also yellow striping on its belly and paws. It had a very scared look on its face and it looked like it was attacked claws.
"Shinx." It cried weakly.
Drew pulled out his pokédex. Shinx, the Flash Pokémon. When it senses danger, the hairs on its body light up and it runs away, leaving its opponent dazed.
Drew looked through the pictures and saw the gender differences in this species.
"So you're a Shinx huh? Are you hungry?" Drew said smiling. Shinx approached cautiously which send up red flags especially with Tori and Anabel. Shinx got closer and its fur started to sparkle a bit.
"I am not going to hurt you. None of us are." He said motioning everyone back. Shinx continued to approach cautiously until it was right next to the food. One more look at Drew and it started eating like it hadn't eaten in days.
Drew pulled out some more food and held it out for the electric type who began to eat it. He motioned Brock to get a bowl and he poured more as Shinx ate.
"Alright I am going to pet you okay?" Shinx looked up and went back to eating. He cautiously reached out and when he touched her Shinx flinched but she didn't back away.
Drew got a good look at the pokémon. The fur looked dirty and worn and there were a few scars on the body. Feeling around he felt ribs which was not good in his opinion. He petted Shinx a little more and felt around his neck. He felt something metallic and that caused Shinx flinch and back away.
"I'm sorry I didn't mean to do that." Drew said. Shinx's reaction shocked the group but it drove the point home for Tori. Drew managed to coax Shinx into his arms and he walked back to the camp.
"Is it abuse?" Tori asked which caused everyone to widen their eyes.
"I think it's worse than that." Drew said. Dawn spoke up. "How can there be anything worse than abuse? That's just horrible."
"Trainers are allowed to train their pokémon within reason but abuse would leave more hidden scars. I think we might be dealing with poachers." Drew said which got the girls to gasp and Ash and Max to growl. Drew pointed at the neck. "That collar doesn't appear to be in its neck but there will be some scaring. Brock get the antiseptic." Brock did so as Drew and Ash walked over. With a gentle nudge Shinx cooperated as they leveraged the collar off of Shinx and the damage was fully realized.
"Emaciation, scars, and a nearly embedded collar. This is either abuse or it was held in captivity." Tori said as Brock tended to wounds. Shinx flinched in pain at the application but still allowed the application. After wrapping the wound Shinx hobbled over to Drew who smiled.
"Okay Shinx I know this is going to be tough but answer as best you can. Pikachu can you translate?"
Pikachu nodded. "Alright. First question, how long have you been captive?"
Shinx replied which Pikachu translated to Ash. "He says three months."
"How long ago did you break free?"
"Two days." Ash said. Brock rubbed his chin. "Based on the injuries it could not be that far. They might be in the area."
Drew nodded. "Final question, were you born there?"
Shinx shook her head. Drew sighed. "Looks like this might be poaching and maybe illegal gambling. Somehow we need to get in contact with Officer Jenny and then find this place and shut it down."
The group nodded and packed up silently. Shinx despite its injuries led the group back through the woods. After about a mile Shinx was exhausted and Drew picked him up. Despite possibly being hurt by humans Shinx relaxed slightly into Drew's arm as they headed in the direction Shinx pointed.
Three hours of silence later Brock looked at the sky. "Look let's set up camp. I am pretty sure the camp is not far. Let's get some sleep we are going to need it."
The group nodded and the set up camp. They set up a fire and ate in silence. During the meal Dawn noticed they pulled out their weapons to inspect them.
"Dawn?" The first noise she heard in hours spooked her. She turned to see Misty had a concerned look. "Tomorrow we are going to do what we train for. To protect the innocent, people and creatures, from evil. This…might get dangerous. I will understand if you want to stay behind."
Dawn contemplated her words and looked at the group who had stopped inspected their gear. She then looked at Shinx. The little girl, they had determined the gender by examining the rear leg had taken to Drew and was sleeping right next to his legs. She smiled and then gained a confident look.
"I'll stay. These guys need to pay for what they did to poor little Shinx." Dawn said.
Drew chuckled though it had less emotion than before. "That takes guts Dawn. But I admire your courage. I will warn you, though you will see the worse of humanity in them…and us."
Dawn gulped and nodded. Shortly afterwards the fire was put out and guard shifts were put in place the camp fell into an uneasy silence.
The next day all of the weapons they had out the previous were on their back or on their hips. They walked silently in the bush towards the direction Shinx was leading them towards.
"Dawn?" The girl looked up at Drew as they walked. "Whatever happens….stay with Ash. Stay near us at all times. This is going to get ugly.
Dawn nodded hesitantly as they walked. Two minutes later Max perked his head. "Guys I smell smoke." The group paused shortly and then move more carefully through the bush. Another minute and Drew held up the group. Holding three fingers without looking behind him he pointed to his right and then repeated pointing to his left.
Ash, Misty and Brock followed to his right while May, Anabel and Max went left leaving Tori and Gabby with Drew and Dawn. They spread out around the clearing to watch the camp from multiple angles. Drew pulled out binoculars and watched as two of the poachers brought out a dark looking wolf and draconic like pokémon. They could only watch as both pokémon claw at each other. The battle ended when the green draconic pokémon sliced the dark wolf pokémon and had it bleed to death. Tori and Dawn could only gasp in horror as the two men carried it off to hole in the ground off to the side. They almost screamed in shock when they felt Drew tap them on the shoulder.
"It's going to be alright." Drew whispered. While Drew comforted the girls Gabby gasped in shock.
"Drew look." She said pointing out into the clearing. Drew looked in the binoculars and uncharacteristically cursed. He spotted a kaijuu monster that looked like it was a type of bird pokémon. It looked at the pokémon in the cages and then looked at the Flygon that won the battle. It nodded his head and three of the kaijuu herded the Flygon away.
"Well that explains how they get pokémon to transform into these monsters. So now how do we take down this camp?" Drew muttered.
Off to the right the three trainers saw this and began making plans in silence to attack the camp. They agreed after seeing a cabin that Brock would sneak over to the radio and try to get help. This also meant that he might need help getting over to the shack. Misty grabbed her compact mirror and reflected the sun across the way in Morse code. A few moments later they got a reply from May who replied back. They sent a message to where they thought Drew's group was and got the message. The poachers moved on to examine other pokémon leaving a group of troopers to walk around the clearing.
In the bushes Gabby pulled out her bow and pulled it back while Drew spun his sword tensing to jump. Tori stood next to Dawn ready to help. With May's group she clenched her sword while Max pulled out his Sais. Anabel clenched her fists and her folded up chakrams dropped into her hands and unfolded them getting into a throwing stance. With Ash's group, Misty climbed into a tree and had her trident ready to stab while Brock and Ash ad their weapons to their side tense to fight.
Two troopers walked towards were Drew's group was hiding and got close enough where Drew could stab his opponent.
He mentally counted down. '3…2…1' He lunged and stabbed the one in front of him in the throat. As that one disintegrated Gabby fired and struck true to the second one.
The yells alerted the others in the clearing. Before they could react Anabel threw one of her chakrams and decapitated one of them. Misty took the distraction and landed on another one. Ash's quickness allowed him to bisect the fifth one while Brock thrust the pointed end into the sixth one.
The final two fell when Max threw his Sais stabbing one in the head and nailing the other in the shoulder which allowed May to slide in finish it off.
All of this took five seconds and this caused Dawn to gape at the aggression. She had never seen this side to her friends but was thankful it would never turn on her.
The riders came out of the bushes. "Surprise achieved let's go. Dawn stay close." Drew said as they spread out. Dawn moved to Ash's group as they went deeper into the camp. Two minutes later as they were sneaking through one of the human poachers spotted them.
"Hey you kids you shouldn't here! Where's your mother?" The guys sneered. Taking no chances Ash and Drew tag teamed him and knocked him out by face planting him. The commotion caught the rest of the camp's attention.
Misty groaned. "Why can't this ever be easy?"
"Remember knock out the humans and take out the troopers." Drew said as they broke off. Ash grabbed Dawn and put her on his back as she yelped at the force he used.
Misty and May were kicking and punching the troopers around them .knocking them out. They stood back to back as they were surrounded. Nodding at each other they started attacking in sync with each other in an improvised dance. With one final backflip, they kicked the two guys faces and sent them into the crates. They high fived each other and went to deal with the rest of the camp.
Anabel now as Kyokan had transformed along with Brock into Onyx as they encountered more troopers than humans. Kyokan used Confusion to lift the startled poachers while Onyx used Extreme Speed to knock the poachers aside leaving the troopers to contend with.
PSYBEAM
IRON TAIL
Kyokan levitated her chakram in front of her and fired the multi-colored beam eliminating the opponents in front of her. Onyx powered up Mortar and slashed through the remainder. They looked at each other and then went back into the fight.
Gabby kicked one of her opponents back. The guy snarled and tried to attack her again but a spin kick knocked him aside. Two more charged at her but Tori baseball slid into them knocking them down. She then dropped an elbow on to their backs disabling them. They proceeded to tie up their captives and walked over to the cages.
Tori had a sad look. "Don't worry guys we are going to get you out of here but it's going to take a little while. Help is on the way."
The pokémon who were scared of Tori's approach slowly calmed them down. Gabby looked around and spotted papers indicating where they came from.
"Looks we have all the evidence here…Hmm looks like they are working with someone named J." Gabby said
"I really want to hurt this guy for torturing these pokémon. They are just as bad as those that fight dogs." Tori said somberly. Gabby just wrapped her in a hug as the sounds of fighting started to die down.
Dawn yelped as she dodged one of the trooper's slashes. Aura fired off a lightning bolt to get him off Dawn. He ducked under another one as he scanned a card.
FLAMETHROWER
"Dawn duck." Aura yelled out. She turned around, panicked and got out of the way as the fire burned the troopers. Aura chuckled as one of the poachers tried to sneak up on him. That was until Dawn threw a rock at him. This allowed Aura to pick him up and tackle him to the ground.
"Thanks Dawn." Aura said powering down. The adrenaline dying down Dawn collapsed on her feet. But she smiled nonetheless.
Max and Drew had managed to get to a radio. Shinx had followed them and got into the door when he sparked.
Before the boys could respond they had to duck from star projectiles. They looked and saw the bird like creature and the leader of the camp.
"I got the tall one you get the kid Raptor Wing."
"You got it. This scrawny kid will be my next meal."
Drew growled and pulled out his knife while Max pulled out his buckle and went into his pose.
HENSHIN
EVOLVE
Ace pulled out his Sai and looked to Drew.
"This will be the first battle on my own." Ace said a little worried.
"You'll be fine." Drew said smiling. That quickly died as the leader charged at Drew. Raptor grinned.
"This will be too easy, SWIFT BARRAGE."
Ace dodged and crashed through the windows. He looked up as his opponent who appeared in a flash.
"WHIRLWIND SLASH" Raptor Wing flapped his wings and sent cutting air at Ace. Ace was forced to block as he was pushed back.
Inside the leader had tackled Drew into the wall getting a grunt of pain from him. He backed away and pulled out his knife and tried to stab Drew. He blocked the thrust and forced it into the wall. He then threw his right arm which connected but the leader countered. This quickly devolved into a boxing match.
Outside Ace was struggling to against the onslaught of the winged foe.
"Puny boy you can't defeat me you are weak. I am elite I will defeat you and get a promotion from my master.
Ace got up from his knees. "No way, I will beat you and prove to the others that I can fight on my own."
Raptor chuckled. "Good luck, HURRICANE SLASH." He yelled. Ace grabbed his fallen staff and sent a wind gust towards the fast moving storm. To his opponent's surprise the wind was nullified.
"WHAT!?" Raptor Wing yelled as he was forced back from the force of Ace's attacks. Ace quickly scanned a card.
EMBER
He fired multiple Ember balls at Raptor Wing and forced him to fly away.
"Oh no, you don't." Ace called out as he scanned a card with Drew's Manectric.
SPARK
He pulled out his Sais which became electrified and threw them hitting one in his wing and causing him to be paralyzed. He crashed to the ground as Ace scanned another card this time powering it up.
METEOR MASH MAXIMUM ENERGY
Raptor was still paralyzed as Max walked up to him.
"How…how could a brat beat me?"
"Simple." Ace said standing above him. "I am the Wild Card." Max said punching straight through the monster. He walked away as he let out a death cry and blew up.
"Great job Max." Drew called out. Max powered down and saw Swampert had the leader thrown over his shoulder.
"Thanks. What are we going to do with him?"
Drew smirked. "We wait for him to wake up. The cops are on the way but let's give them a taste of their own medicine."
A few minutes later most of the poachers were either tied or shoved into cages. It was at this point that the leader woke up. Upon looking at his surrounding he realized saw his comrades in the cage that he kept their captures in.
"What the hell?" He looked and saw Drew who looked furious. "Let me go you punks I will kill you!"
"Now then what kind of people are we to let people kill us out of their cages. Let's call this preparation for your new homes at the prison.
The leader went silent at that realizing he was right."
"I've got questions for you. Ash send out Starly the cops said fifteen minutes I want to know when they are two miles out." Drew said
Ash nodded and sent out his flying type.
"Now then, why are you operating in this area? This is supposed to have weak pokémon I thought you would go after valuable stuff."
The leader scoffed. "What better ways to throw off the police then operate in an area where there aren't valuable pokémon? Still we managed to get some descent crops."
Tori was about to charge in but Gabby held her back. She turned to the man. "Who is this Hunter J?"
"She was our employer. She is pokémon catcher by trade. A client contacts her with a request. She and her team catch their specified target for money. She is really good at her job. We are one of her low ranked teams.
Drew shook his head. "Why do you do this?"
The man shook his head. "You are naïve boy. Pokémon are tools they can be easily bought and sold. You and your kindness in the end will make them weak, though by looking at some of yours J can surely make a profit-OOMPH!"
Ash had enough and ran up to him and decked him across the face. "Pokémon aren't tools. They are our partners and in some cases our best friends. You have to stoop pretty low to think they are possessions to be bought and sold like cattle."
"You beat be to the punch Ash. But you are 100% right they are living beings. You lost your right as pokémon trainer." Drew said as he cracked his knuckles. Before he could get a shot in, Starly swooped in and pointing in the direction it came from. Drew and Ash groaned.
"Alright change of plans. Brock, help us move him. Anabel wipe their memories. Everyone else grab your gear let's move."
Anabel nodded and held out her hands. Her eyes glowed briefly and so did the prisoners before the slumped unconscious.
"Wait, shouldn't we wait for the police?" Dawn called out as they started rushing around.
"No. We are called Kamen Riders meaning no one in the government knows us. We work in the shadows. We lose that advantage our families are in danger." Gabby said. Dawn looked at Gabby and nodded knowing she was right and followed after everyone else into the trees.
The three boys loaded up the leader to the camp. They turned to leave when Shinx called out. They turned to see Shinx running up to Drew.
"You want to come with me?" Drew asked. Shinx nodded. Drew pulled out an empty ball and tapped it to Shinx sucking it in. After three beeps it sealed.
"I Got her." Drew said.
"Save your celebrating for later let's go." Brock said. Drew nodded and they picked up their stuff and fled just as the first wave of officers came.
Officer Jenny was in the first wave of officers. "My god what is this?"
"Officer Jenny, look." Her partner said pointing at the cages. Her eyes widened as she saw multiple pokémon in front of cages which were filled with armored men. She saw papers indicating that they were poaching for the mysterious Hunter J.
"It's J again? That woman needs to be taken down. Based on whoever sent that transmission they were the ones who stopped them. Whoever did this did a great service to this region." Jenny said growling. She turned to men being pulled out the cages. "These men are going away for a long time."
At the same time as Jenny's musings, the heroes were running through the woods to head back to the main path. Ash was thinking about what the leader said. 'Hunter J, she is a new threat to this region. I hope we can beat her and Team Galactic.'
"What are you thinking about?" Drew said over his shoulder. Ash looked up.
"It's about this Hunter J. Do you think we can stop her?" Ash asked.
Drew smirked. "We can and we will. If even half of what we found is true then she is a true menace."
Ash nodded and they continued to run towards the main path.
A new threat, a new friend and more plotting are occurring in Sinnoh. What will happen at Dawn's first contest? Find out on Journeys of the Dreamer.
END OF CHAPTER
UO: Thank God this is over. It fought me tooth and nail.
Preview: As Dawn's debut appearance and May's first contest in Sinnoh approaches, a cute addition joins our newest hero. But with a big city comes big threats and it will take a new rider to win the day. Who is it? Find out.
Next time: Dancing in the Light
Please Review constructively. Next update is Bleach Grand Prix. Check out all of my pals, Lalapie203, Kage Bijuu, Code-Emperor07, Spartan719, Giratina Zero and Vanishing Raptor. I consult with many of them.
With that
OSPREY SWOOOOSH