Okay I've made the decision that unless I feel something is important during the travels between cities, they will be omitted from the story. So this chapter will have a brief part about Route 1 before jumping to Aldham City. I should also apologise this one is a bit worse than the last, I actually wrote Chapter 1 a few months back when I was writing more often, and I am since out of practice. So please offer me constructive criticism it does really help me and helps keep me alert on things to watch out for!
Last Time: Ash and May arrived in the Jiolt Region. They gazed upon the world renowned Heaven Reaching Slopes and Mt Ysp before visiting Gary Oak at his new laboratory where they are studying the mountains to try and find Legendary Pokemon. After a short encounter Gary introduced them to Cedric who after a short battle with Ash will now be travelling with Ash and May.
Chapter 2: Route 1 and Aldham City
The embers of the fire slowly died out, the crystal clear skies above drew eyes of wonder across the region. Ash, May and Cedric were full from a hearty meal of chicken noodle soup, and joined the eyes and looked above waiting for it.
"Hey it's starting!" May proclaimed.
As if in an instant a bright green and blue aurora appeared overhead dancing through the skies. Ash and May fell silent soaking in each and every movement of the heavenly show above them. Cedric had eventually turned away from the stars, a small tear forming in his eye. This had not gone unnoticed from May.
"Cedric? Are you okay?" May sounded like a caring mother comforting their child, a thought that had crossed Cedric's mind.
"Yeah, it's just this is my first ever night away from home. It's just a bit overwhelming, I really couldn't be happier." Cedric's voice wobbled but a smile defied his tears. May placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder as did Ash. They were going to make sure he had the adventure of a lifetime.
The group sat up late into the night, talking about Ash and May's adventures. They assured him that he would be in for a treat travelling with them, partially because they always attracted some form of trouble. Let's also not forget the amount of legendary Pokemon they have all seen. On that note the trio called it a night as the morning would herald Ash and Cedric's first gym challenge.
The following morning…
"Cedric! Wake up!"
And with a jolt from Pikachu Cedric was awoken. "What is it?" He enquired.
"It's a Litleo! You should go catch it!" Ash proclaimed.
He did have a point and Cedric duly obliged. "Go Shinx! Use thundershock!" Shinx let out a short burst of electricity that hit Litleo directly causing it to flinch. Litleo responded with a flamethrower which took Cedric by surprise as Litleo didn't tend to learn flamethrower until they evolved. "Dodge it Shinx!" Shinx managed but by the skin of its teeth.
Cedric quickly tried to piece together a strategy, obviously this was no ordinary Litleo. He looked up at Litleo who was giving him a smirk and raised its paw motioning a "Bring it on" gesture. Cedric let out a small laugh, this one was very feisty. "Shinx use thunder wave!" He was taking a chance, Shinx had worked on it as they trained during a break yesterday but was yet to master the move. Luckily for Cedric though it worked this time.
"Go Pokeball!" Cedric called. The ball flew through the air hitting Litleo before opening to encapsulate the Pokemon as a red beam of energy. The ball rocked back and forth, this continued on and on. A sweat appeared on Cedric's Brow before the small ping rung out.
"Yes! I caught a Litleo!" Cedric released the Pokemon who stretched out its paw to introduce itself to Cedric.
"Hi Litleo! I'm Cedric! My goal is to become a Pokemon master! This is my friends Ash and May, would you like to join me?" Litleo responded with just a shrug and a smile. Cedric liked its character, it seemed to be a very cool but arrogant character. For some trainers this could be a problem, but for Cedric he enjoyed the challenge and knew that with mutual respect this partnership could be incredibly powerful.
"Congrats Cedric!" Ash and May gave him a pat on the shoulder. It was almost hollow from Ash from Cedric's perspective. After all the two were pretty much rivals, albeit Cedric had a huge way to go before meeting Ash's level. Hopefully the gym challenge would help his progress. "Now let's go to Aldham City!" Ash proclaimed with a thumbs up.
5 hours and a brief lunch stop later
"Here we are! Aldham City!" Cedric announced, proud to be unveiling the capital city of Jiolt to his new friends.
Ash and May were taken aback by the metropolis in site. The streets of towering buildings that dwarfed them was the perfect embodiment of the phrase "concrete jungle". However, despite it being a metropolis and hub for all that happens in Jiolt, it maintained its original character, and many of the buildings were dated back to the mid-1800s and the lack of "modern architecture" seemed to give the place a unique character.
However, this was lost on Ash. There was only one thing on his mind as they wandered around the city with Cedric acting as the tour guide. Ash had stopped listening long ago, May had remained interested, but Ash was scouting the area for the gym.
"There it is!" Ash screamed at the top of his voice. May slapped him on the shoulder for the fright he had caused her! "What? I'm excited let's go! Cedric do you want to go first or shall I? After we've been to the Pokemon Centre of course though." Ash felt a bit sad about the last part, he had almost forgotten. He knew that Pikachu and Charizard had barely been put to any test but he preferred to be cautious and keep checking up on them with Nurse Joy.
"Actually Ash the gyms here have the Pokemon Centre's attached!" Ash's eyes had stars in their eyes grabbing May by the hand and dragging them to the gym. May had a small blush develop on her cheeks, Ash had never held her hand like that before. Cedric was left to chase after them, breathing heavily as he made it to the entrance.
Around 10 minutes passed between handing their Pokemon to Nurse Joy and receiving them back. They thanked her for her assistance before turning their attention to the challenge ahead.
"So Cedric would you like to go first?" Ash asked.
"I'd like you to go first Ash if you don't mind. This way I can see how the leader battles." Cedric responded, he did not want to let on that it was predominately down to nerves.
"Sure! Then let's go." They wandered through a corridor just passed Nurse Joy's desk which had a sign marked "Gym". Ash's pulse began to race, as the adrenaline levels increased. This was what he lived for, this was what he considered the true beginning to his Jiolt journey. The first of many steps culminating in his win at the Jiolt League.
The group stepped in to a pitch black hall. A single light glimmered down onto a shadowy figure on the opposite side of the hall.
"Welcome." The man said. "Can the first challenger step forward?"
"That would be me! Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town!" Ash clenched his fist, somehow this was much more intimidating than other gyms.
"Nice to meet you Ash, are you ready for this?" The man seemed tremendously calm. But his voice was not soothing, it was haunting.
"Yes." Ash tried to sound as calm as possible but his nerves were steadily increasing as his heart rate got faster and faster.
"Then let's begin." The lights cut out. For a few moments the group stood in total darkness, in complete silence. Suddenly the whole room was illuminated, bursts of fire erupted from the four corners of the battlefield. Cedric and May spotted the stand at the side of the battlefield and took their places.
The figure spoke once more. "The battle will be 3v3, I may not substitute my Pokemon but you may."
"Hey isn't their meant to be a referee?" Ash enquired. He couldn't think of a gym that didn't use them.
"There is, he is at the top of the stands looking at live video feeds from many angles, this way he can ensure that neither Pokemon can suffer serious injury. Oh and my name is Laurence James by the way. I shall release my first Pokemon. Go Blaziken." A relatively powerful looking Blaziken burst forth from its ball looking pumped up.
"A fire type huh? Well I'd like to introduce you to Charizard!" Charizard exploded onto the scene letting out a huge roar, almost deafening all in the room. Even Blaziken looked a tad nervous now.
"Blaziken use Sky Uppercut!"
"Charizard wait for it!"
Just before Blaziken made it to Charizard, Ash called out "NOW! Seismic Toss!"
Charizard grabbed hold of Blaziken and flew into the air before spinning round and launching Blaziken into the ground, knocking it unconscious.
Laurence was lost for words, Blaziken was his strongest Pokemon yet Ash had wiped the floor with him. "Ash how did you get so strong?" Laurence was confused, he had never been beaten that badly. Not even people who went on to become champions had beaten him like this.
A pained expression shot across Ash's face.
Flashback
Charizard had just unleashed a powerful flamethrower and eliminated the man's last Pokemon. He had remained silent throughout the whole battle, which puzzled Ash. But after 3 months atop Mt Silver, he had learned not to question people's idiosyncrasies. The shadowy figure recalled his beaten Snorlax turned and walked away.
Charizard collapsed to the ground just as Ash recalled him. "Take a nice long rest buddy, you were incredible." Ash turned his attention to his opponent who had almost disappeared from sight. Ash ran towards him, but no matter how fast he ran, his opponent grew fainter and fainter before disappearing.
The cliff edge startled Ash who stopped as quickly as he could. He looked over the edge where the trainer must have walked, but he was not to be seen. Turning to his left he saw a red hat and his 6 Pokéballs coupled with a small note on a handkerchief. Ash unfolded the note.
"Congratulations, I have finally lost. And to you. I have remained on this hill for 15 years training in solitude, the ability to speak is fast eluding me. Only my Pokemon keep me as company. Nobody seemed able to reach the top of the hill due to the incredibly strong trainers and Pokemon. I only hope and pray that whoever you are, that you can take care of these 4 Pokemon. My most loyal Pokemon Charizard and Pikachu opted to stay with me as I stop training, the other four wish to continue. They have more than proven themselves to be worthy of any Champions team, please continue forward with them.
Red."
The legend was a familiar one to Ash. The legend of "Red" the "King of the Mountain". Allegedly before television showed Pokemon battles and when you only needed 8 badges to challenge the Elite Four and Champion, a trainer had defeated them all. However, he refused to take up the role of Champion feeling that he was not worthy. His record was added to the Hall Of Fame, however, only two people at any point have access to the Hall Of Fame and none have confirmed or denied any truth to this. Could it really have been him?
Ash picked up the Pokeballs and released the four Pokemon…
"I trained on Mt Silver, I made it all the way to the top defeating many trainers along the way." Ash tried to smile proudly as this was no small accomplishment, but the memories he remembered were of the cold and the extent his Pokemon went to strengthen themselves for Ash. It was painful for him, his Pokemon had always worked hard but were often pushing themselves to breaking point, and it was only ever Ash's insistence that stopped them going too far.
Following reaching the top of the hill once they arrived in Pallet Town Ash spoke to his team of 6. Pikachu, Charizard, Sceptile, Staraptor, Heracross and Frogadier were asked the toughest of questions, did they want a break or travel to Jiolt? Pikachu and Charizard were enthusiastic to continue with Ash, however, the other four were in dire need of a break. So Ash allowed them to stay behind. Ash replaced them on his belt with the four that Red had left him.
However, these would be kept under wraps for now. Ash only aimed to use them when he had a real challenge on his hands.
"Well those are some mighty fine credentials young man. Blaziken is by far my most powerful Pokemon. So I would like to forfeit." Ash looked bitterly disappointed, but he understood. If Blaziken was his strongest he admired that the leader was not willing to risk his Pokemon's wellbeing for something as unimportant as arrogance.
Cedric was in awe of Ash's performance and subsequently stepped up to the challenger's side. Laurence threw Blazikens Pokeball to an assistant so they could go get him healed up. "We shall battl if that is okay with you?"
Cedric was taken aback. "Um can you just change the rules?"
"Yes. I am the leader after all. I like to test my challengers in different ways, keeps it interesting for me!" Laurence let out a small laugh. "Let's see if you are as good as your friend?"
"He has been travelling for years, I only have been for 2 days!"
"2 Days? You are brave challenging the gym so soon!" Laurence was now reluctant, but he had to accept the challenge as that was the league rules.
"Well Ash provided me with a steep learning curve." Cedric grinned, he actually felt quite calm and reassured, not arrogant but he felt that with his knowledge he should devise a winning formula.
"Okay then, go Pyroar!"
Cedric felt a touch of nervousness now though. He felt it was possible to win with Shinx but Litleo facing his evolution could be a step too far for a Pokemon he just had caught. However, as he reached for Shinx's Pokeball, Litleo released itself.
"Litleo are you sure?" Cedric seemed concerned but Litleo launched a powerful flamethrower into the air. Pyroar looked down in admiration of Litleo's determination. "Okay then, let's do this. Use Work Up!"
"Pyroar use flamethrower!" Pyroar erupted in a ball of fire from its mouth engulfing Litleo.
As the flames died down Litleo staggered back onto its feet before glowing red and letting out a huge eruption of fire into the air. "Laurence you see that is my Litleo's hidden ability, Blaze. Litleo use Endeavour!" Cedric was grinning now. The move reduced Pyroar's HP to equal Litleo's, thus severely weakening it to the brink of fainting. "Now use flamethrower!"
Litleo used flamethrower, coupled with blaze, the power was now staggering fainting Pyroar. Laurence recalled his Pokemon looking a tad dejected. "Well that was unexpected! Although I must say I am not sure I approve of you letting Litleo get hit like that." Cedric felt a little hurt at that comment, he hadn't meant to let Litleo get hurt. Had he? After both trainers were subsequently awarder their badges, Cedric released Litleo from its Pokeball.
"Hey Litleo I am sorry for letting you get hit by that flamethrower, I should have called for you to dodge. I just didn't react quickly enough." Cedric's voice was wobbling now. However, Litleo tackled into him knocking him to the ground before giving him a paw to the face. "Are you telling me to stop being stupid?" Litleo nodded affirmatively. "Thanks for forgiving me Litleo, I'll try to be better for you in future."
The trio left the gym and healed their Pokemon. May finally spoke up. "So Cedric, does Jiolt have contests?" Ash automatically felt bad, he brought May along without considering what she wanted to do.
"We do have them here yes! There is one here tomorrow if you want to enter. I'm sure it'd be quite a treat, being a top co-ordinator I'm sure the fans would love to see you here." Cedric responded.
"Hmm, I don't know. Part of the reason I came out here was to take a break. However, I supposed it couldn't hurt to go see it!" It must have been tough for May. Since she became a top co-ordinator she had become bombarded by paparazzi and invasive press speculating on every aspect of her life. She had hoped to get away from it.
"I wouldn't worry too much here May! Unlike other regions we tend to leave celebrities to their own devices unless they are doing what they are famed for!"
This was a change of tune for May. Cedric seemed adamant that Jiolt did not really have the same amount of trashy journalism as the other regions.
"Okay then! I'll do it!" May proclaimed.
The morning arrived
May walked into the contestants area to sign up whilst Ash and Cedric had left to go find seats in the main arena. Apparently contests were even bigger here than other regions with spectators needing to find seats hours before the contest even began. This was proven by May's arrival in the contestant's area.
The room fell silent and turned to look at May. Whispers between competitors asking "Is that really her?" May uneasily made her way to the desk before a young girl walked up to her who must have only just turned 10 recently.
"Um… Miss Maple… May I have your autograph please?" The young girl asked.
"Of course you can! But please call me May!" She took the program and pen the girl handed her and obliged. "What is your dream?"
"I want to be just like you Miss Map… I mean May. This is my first contest too. I'm really nervous."
"Well if you work hard you and believe in your Pokemon you can accomplish anything! Just be yourself!" May handed the girl a piece of paper who was in awe of May. She embraced May for a short hug.
"Good luck in the contest!"
The room applauded May and soon she was swamped with dozens of people coming over asking for her autograph. A small sweat developed on her brow. She had only really came to compete in the contest. After 20 minutes she made it to the desk.
"Hi May Maple to sign up, here's my contest pass!"
The woman behind the desk looked up "I am sorry Miss Maple but being a Top Co-ordinator you are not eligible to compete!" May looked devastated, throughout the morning she had hyped herself up to perform. "However, I am sure we can organise something for you…" The lady picked up the phone. "Yes please come right away."
Mr Contesta appeared right behind May almost in an instant. "Ah May! Hello again! I hear you wish to perform! Well how about you open with a performance, and then maybe an exhibition against the winner?"
"That sounds perfect Mr Contesta, thank you!" May was giddy with excitement.
"Well you best get ready the preliminaries begin in 30 minutes so you will be doing your performance in 20! Good luck!" Mr Contesta swiftly departed the room just as May began to rush to a dressing room and prepare herself, and a short 18 minutes later she was backstage waiting to go on. She could see the crowd from behind the curtain and hear the announcer.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to the Aldham City Pokemon Contest! With me your host Sarah Diamond! As per usual we are joined here with Mr Sukizo, Mr Contesta and Nurse Joy! But to begin with we have a special treat. Sinnoh's top co-ordinator, the Princess of Hoenn… MAY MAPLE!"
The crowd erupted in a wall of noise, May had goosebumps. She hadn't expected this welcome. She took a deep breath and stepped out into the arena.