A New Beginning: Chp 2
Just as dawn broke the next morning, Ash and Riolu got up. He rolled out of his sleeping bag and groggily stood up. He wrapped up the sleeping bags while Riolu undid the tent. Ash stepped in to the crisp morning air and threw out Storm's Poke ball.
"Pidgeotto!" the giant bird Pokémon cried. Ash smiled at its enthusiasm.
"Come on you guys, it's time for breakfast." Ash said.
Ash unpacked his backpack again. He had gone low on food rations. Storm ate a LOT. Ash sighed, he would have to restock on the next Pokemart. Good thing he brought along 200,000 Poke dollars. Ash grabbed the bag of Poke-Chow and emptied it into the 2 oddly colored bowls. He grabbed a cold burger for himself and started eating. Riolu and Storm both ravenously attacked the food. Ash smiled. The feeling of taking care and training Pokémon was amazing.
"Guys, after we finish eating, we are going to get some training done. I want us to be ready for our next Pokémon gym battle. When we are not training, you can goof off all you want. But I expect you to work twice as hard when you train."
Storm nodded. Riolu kept eating but listened to Ash.
After a couple moments of silence, Ash threw his burger wrapper into a trash bag and helped his two Pokémon clean up their bowls. He put the trash bag and the bowls in two different pockets.
"Alright guys, lets train." Ash said, determined.
Riolu hopped on Ash's shoulder while Storm climbed in the sky. She followed them in the air. The trio walked along route one, until they saw the entrance to the Veridian Forest. It was huge, a great opening that looked like it lead to the void.
"You guys ready?" Ash asked.
The determined scowl on Riolu's face and the screech that came from Storm answered him.
"I'll take that as a yes."
The trio's first impression of Veridian Forest was: green. Dense jungles covered the land. The faint sound of a stream resounded faintly. And a single path was laid out right in front of them, showing the way out. Suddenly, Storm cawed.
"What is it Storm?""
Storm used her wings to point in a certain direction. Ash started sprinting that way. Every step sunk into the mud. He must've run for at least ¼ of a mile before entering a large clearing. A Pokémon lay in the center, not moving. It was a Charmander. A crushed Poke ball lay beside it. Ash gasped. Its trainer must've abandoned it. As he got closer, he realized the poor Pokémon was littered with cuts and bruises. Ash hurried over. A sticker lay on the ground. It was a sticker with an ember on it. This Pokémon was one of Professor Oak's starters. The poor Pokémon's trainer must've not wanted it because it lost a battle with something else. Ash scooped up the unconscious Pokemon with his hands. "Riolu, grab a super potion out of my backpack, quick!"
Riolu nodded, and a moment later, a super potion was dropped into his lap. Riolu sat dutifully beside him.
"Storm, take watch! Please!" Ash said, fearing something was going to attack. He sprayed the potion onto the Pokémon's body. It grimaced and whimpered for a second. Until finally, its ruby eyes opened, recognition showed in those brilliant orbs. Here was the trainer that was inspecting it on the first day.
"Rest easy Charmander, no one will hurt you. I'm going to put some more potions on you. It's going to sting a bit, alright?" Ash said soothingly.
The Charmander closed its eyes, and relaxed. Ash sprayed his potion until all the cuts were gone. Only then did Charmander open its eyes. It jumped off Ash's lap.
"Chaaar!" It said, back to full health again.
"Did your trainer abandon you Charmander?" Ash asked slowly.
"Chaar…" Charmander nodded its head softly. But its head popped right back up. It pointed it at Ash's belt. "Charmander! Charrr!"
"You want me to train you?" Ash asked, not believing his luck.
Charmander nodded. This boy cared for it and when he saw Riolu nod. he knew it was the right choice.
'Okay then. Just tap the button when you're ready." Ash said, hurriedly pulling out a spare Poke ball. Without hesitation, Charmander tapped the button and was sucked in. It was immediately captured.
Ash let Charmander back out. "Alright then Charmander, welcome to the family!" Charmander ran up and hugged Ash's legs. Ash chuckled, bemused by its antics.
Storm saw the commotion and came to check out the scene.
"Pidge? Otto! Otto!" Storm exclaimed.
"Riolu! Rio! Riooolu!" Riolu cut in quickly.
"Chaaaar!" Charmander replied.
Ash turned serious again. "Alright guys, we are done talking, let's get to work. Let me explain something off the bat. Steel types and fire types are strong against Earth moves. So I want Charmander to practice its…wait."
Ash pulled out his PokeDex and scanned Charmander.
"Charmander, the lizard fire Pokémon. As this Pokemon evolves, its temper makes it hard to control. This Charmander is level 10 and knows the moves; Scratch Ember, Leer and Smokescreen. It is male."
"Well Charmander, you won't need to worry about catching up to Riolu and Storm now." Ash said, impressed again.
"Charrrrmander!" It was pleased with its trainer's comments.
"Very well, as I was saying, in order for you to have a chance against Brock's Pokémon, you need to practice your Ember. Keep using it against that big rock over there. I want you to break that thing." Ash pointed to a large rock with at least 4 feet tall and 5 feet wide.
"Storm, I need you to help Riolu with his air weakness. Keep bombarding him with air attacks. Riolu, if you need healing, tell me through our link."
Riolu and Storm went off to work. Storm started using Wing Attack on Riolu.
"Alright Riolu, embrace it! You need to work on your stamina."
Riolu took the impact and immediately sat down at the quick loss of energy. Ash hurried over with the super potion and healed him.
"Keep it up guys!"
Riolu started bracing itself for another attack.
Meanwhile, Charmander was sending its best Ember at the rock. The rock refused to budge, or break. Charmander was getting extremely frustrated. It wanted to please Ash but that stupid rock would not budge. Charmander charged at the rock and felt something stirring inside of him. Without knowing how, it flicked its wrist and its glowing claws clanged on the rock. A few moments passed, and the rock split into 3 separate pieces.
"Chaarrrr!" Charmander chirped happily, getting Ash's attention.
"What's going on?" Ash asked, worried.
Without replying, it tossed up a nearby rock and used Metal Claw on it. The rock split in half and clanged on the ground. Ash's jaw dropped lower than his shin.
"You used Metal Claw Charmander! For you to use that you have to be level 13! Wow, you're leveling up really quickly!" Ash said, contemplating. This was going to move his plan up a whole other step.
A sharp whistle from Storm caught his attention. Riolu was lying on the ground, not moving. Ash rushed over and immediately pulled out a super potion. He sprayed it on Riolu's bruises. His companion's iridescent red eyes opened.
"Are you alright?" Ash asked.
"Of course. Watch." Riolu replied.
"Riolu!"
A word from Riolu brought Ash back to reality. Storm nodded and circled back up in the air. Ash put his hand out but Charmander grabbed his arm and gently put it down. As Storm swooped in, Riolu braced itself. BOOOM! A large explosion kicked up sand and dirt.
When the smoke cleared, Riolu was standing and Storm was in the air again. Ash couldn't' help, but smile.
"Alright guys, enough of today. I'm incredibly proud of you guys. I know, I'll use the Dexter's level scanner on you." Ash said, hoping for good results.
"Riolu : level 15, Pidgeotto : level 15, Charmander: level 15"
"Wow, I can't believe you guys are this powerful. We will beat Brock in no time. Let's go grab some lunch, seeing it's only 11 in the morning. We can get all the way to Viridian City by 12."
Everyone agreed. Ash returned the 2 Pokémon to their respective Poke balls. Riolu hopped on his shoulder. Ash started walking along the path.
"You know Riolu, Storm and Charmander are really coming along. So are you. You guys will always be my best friends. Especially you." Ash said through their link.
"Thank you Ash. That gladdens my heart." Riolu replied.
"I wasn't like this before you know."
"What?"
"I used to be a very private person. I didn't talk to anyone, barely said anything and always was seen with a book on Pokémon. You guys changed me. I will be serious and hard on you a times. But know that you are always my friends."
Riolu nodded and didn't say anything. His trainer was something indeed.
Like Ash said, at 12, the trio arrived in Viridian City. As they were walking to the nearest Pokemon center, a women in a police jacket stopped them.
"ID please?" she asked politely.
"Oh yes officer. Here is my PokeDex." Ash replied.
"My name is Dexter. I was made in Pallet Town, given to Ash Ketchum. My job is to provide Ash with information about Pokémon. if lost, I cannot be replaced or exchanged."
The officer smiled. "That'll do nicely. I'm sorry I was suspicious about you. I thought you were stealing that Riolu. As you know, shiny Pokemon are quite rare. You best put it back into its Poke ball."
"I'm sorry officer, but what's your name. And my Riolu dosen't like Poke balls."
"Oh I'm sorry I didn't introduce myself. My name is Jenny. Officer Jenny. And its fines, some Pokemon have different personalities then the rest of its species. It's not a bad thing. Just keep it safe."
"I will." Ash said.
"Great. Now, will you allow me to give you a ride to where ever you are going? I need to make up for my mistake."
"Oh thank you Officer. Can I go to the Pokemart and then the Pokémon Center?"
"Sure thing young man. Hop on."
After a dozen crazy loops, a few jumps and a whoop from Officer Jenny. They arrived at the Pokemart.
Ash walked in and grabbed 5 super potions, 4 more bowls, 2 extra large packs of Poke-Chow that conveniently shrinks when in contact with any kind of Poke ball, 5 more Poke balls, and a new messenger pack for him. He paid the price and walked out.
"TOOO THE POKEMON CENTER!" Officer Jenny yelled. Ash and Riolu both sighed.
Officer Jenny drove like a mad-woman. She didn't even use the driveway and instead drove her bike straight into the Pokémon Center.
"You know we have a driveway." A pink haired lady said, crossing her arms.
Officer Jenny looked embarrassed. As she drove away, she cried out"Sorry Nurse Joy!"
Nurse Joy sighed and shook her head. "Now what can I do to help young man?"
"Well Nurse Joy, can you please heal my Pokémon. My Riolu doesn't like being in a Poke ball. Please treat them nicely."
"Of course, I need your name young sir."
"Ash Ketchum, from Pallet Town."
"Very well, please wait here."
Ash sat down at a table and thought, "How you doing buddy?"
"Very well Ash. These Chanseys are nice to Storm, Charmander and I."
"That's good to here." Ash thought as he cut off their link.
"Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town, please retrieve your Pokémon." the announcer boomed out.
Ash walked up and let Riolu hop on his shoulder while he buckled the 2 Poke balls to his belt.
Ring Ring Ring.
"Oh!" A surprised Nurse Joy said. "You have a call from a certain Professor Oak."
Ash walked to the Video Chat area of the Pokémon Center. He sat down and clicked the ACCEPT button. The back of Professor Oak's head showed on the screen.
"Hello Ash! Glad to see you!" Professor Oak said, cheerful as always.
"Hello, professor. Can you please turn the camera around?" Ash said with a smirk on his face.
"Eh? Oh!" The screen fizzed out and the front of Oaks head showed on the screen. "Much better."
Ash nodded, smiling.
Professor Oak looked surprised. "I see meeting Pokémon changed you a lot Ash!"
Ash turned grim again. "That it did professor. So why did you call me?"
"I just wanted to check up on you. How's Riolu?"
Riolu jumped on Ash's head. "RIOLU!"
"Well that's good!" The professor exclaimed.
"I just wanted to tell you that you are behind everyone else. The other trainers were inViridian City a day ago. I think they went back to route 1 to train though... Why did you stay late?"
Ash smirked. "What was the highest level of the Pokémon on Gary's team?"
"10, and that was his Squirtle." The professor replied. It's only natural Ash asked for his childhood rival.
Ash smirked, "Well my Pokémon are all level 15."
The professor's jaw dropped. "You caught more than one? Leaf and Gary and Tom all caught only 1 Pokémon!"
Ash's expression darkened. "So that's his name. 'Tom' abandoned his Charmander when it lost a battle. I rescued it. You might want to check on him. You should revoke his license or something."
"WHAT? I shall revoke it at once. Next time he calls I'll break the news to him. Thank you for letting me know Ash."
Ash nodded. "I have to go professor. Until next time."
"Until next time then."
KABOOOM! A blinding white light suddenly filled the Pokémon center. When the light faded, three hazy silhouettes were at the door.
"Prepare for trouble." A woman's voice rang in the room.
"Make it double!" A man's voice rang out too.
"To protect the world form devastation."
"To unite all people within our nation."
"To denounce the power of truth and love."
"To reach for the starts above!"
"Jessie!"
"James!"
"Team Rocket blasts off at the speed of light!"
"Surrender now and prepare to fight!"
"Meowth that's right!"
Ash regained control of his head after the weird motto. He saw Nurse Joy hiding behind a counter. he knew he needed to take care of these guys fast.
"Who do you think you are?" Ash asked, determined and exicted.
"We're Team Rocket." Jessie said.
James gasped, "Look at his Pokemon, let's grab it!"
Ash smirked, "If you think you can take Riolu, you're wrong.
Ash threw Storm and Charmander's Pokeballs.
"Chaaarrr!"
"Pidgeotto!"
The two Pokémon glared at the stranger people in the room.
"HA! If you think those two have a chance at our Pokémon, you're wrong! Ekans!"
"Koffing."
Ash glared at them. "Let's show them what we're made of."
"Charrr!"
"Otto!"
"RIOLU!"
"Storm start things off with your Wing Attack! Use it on Ekans. Do not let it bite you! Riolu, Quick Attack at Koffing! Use you Aura to sense it if it uses Smokescreen or a concealing move. Charmander, Ember on both and whoever needs help, you help. Got it?" Ash said, cool and collected.
The different Pokemon went on their different attacks. Storm's Wing Attack hit Ekans and blew him back.
"Use Gust and blow him into Koffing!"
While this was going on, Riolu's Quick Attack blasted Koffing into the ground. Charmander blew its Ember on Koffing and Koffing collided with Ekans in midair. They lay in a heap on the ground. Koffing stayed down while Ekans got up.
"Ekans ,Tackle Attack on Charmander!"
"Charmander dodge!"
Ekans charged towards Charmander. Charmander tried to dodge but it was fascinated by the swirling colors along the snake's body.
"Chaaar!" Charmander gave off a screech of pain as it was tackled.
"CHARMANDER!" Charmander was so mad right now. It couldn't see its trainer and he was probably worried to death about him. It felt a hidden energy release inside of him.
Another ray of light pierced the room as Charmander started to glow. Ash and Team Rocket covered their eyes.
A moment later, in Charmander's place, stood….. Charmeleon!
Ash grinned. "Charmeleon, you OK buddy?"
"Charr!"
"Good. Use Ember and send them packing!"
"CHARRRRRR!"
A torrent of embers blasted Team Rocket toward the other side of Kanto. The heat could be felt after the blast of fire.
"Charmeleon, I'm very proud of you. Good job! And you too, Riolu, Storm."
Nurse Joy stood up and thanked Ash for his good work.
"It was nothing; it was all these guys' work." He gestured to his Pokémon.
"You should rest your Pokémon, here, I'll heal them. Ash returned the 2 Pokémon to their Poke balls and handed them to Nurse Joy, Riolu hopped off Ash's shoulder and onto the tray"
Nurse Joy walked away with the Pokemon.
Ash grinned. This was an awesome day. A new friend, Charmander evolving and finally getting to Viridian City.
I kinda messed up the Route 1, Viridian City, Route 2, Pewter City thing...so ya. Anyway, thank you guys for all your support. 19 reviews and only the first chapter is awesome! I will be updating again tomorrow. Give me some new ideas in the reviews if you like. Spread the word to all your friends about this story. And please...please...please...REVIEW! It's only 20 seconds of your life. A simple "Update" would do. By the way, should Ash meet Misty and Brock? I'm definitely adding Brock but what about Misty? Anyway, thank you. Until next time ppl.
-Orion-