Author's Note:

Greetings and salutations my esteemed readers! I am happy to announce the arrival of chapter two! It is basically a follow up on Lauren actually starting her journey. The length is about the same as chapter one, but fear not! Chapter three will begin an era of bigger word counts, fuller content, and that adventurous spirit we all cherish. (Disclaimer; I am not to be held accountable for future cliff-hangers, plot twists, or any other outrageous spin I decided to throw in. Reader discretion is advised. Your results may vary.)

One last thing before you entertain your imagination.

I'd just like to be a humble writer and give a shout-out form of a thank you to my first reviewer! That's right, I'm talking about you! Yes you! No, not you, sit back down. I meant her, the awesome one.

Jenificent3007.

(But seriously, I really do appreciate the comment! Glad you're enjoying what little there is!)

So, ladies and gentlemen we come to the close. I thank you all for your participation. And if you want a frivolous shout out like Jenificent3007 got all you have to do is review! And now, I bid you all...

Adieu!

Ninja

Chapter Two: Two Steps Forward and One Step to the Right

The first morning beams of sunlight peeked over the horizon, rousing the creatures of the earth from their slumber. Flocks of Pidgey were busy shaking the sleep from their feathers as the first minutes of a new day greeted them. Rattata of all sizes stretched their legs, Oddish and Bellsprout alike unfurled their leaves, and Caterpie were scooting along the branches of trees in search of breakfast. In those brief moments the sun had risen it had seemingly brought the earth back to life. Pokemon of every kind had already begun their day in innocent anticipation of what adventures were in store.

Much like the wild Pokemon, the many people of the world had also begun to bustle about. Streets were filled patrons on their way to work and sidewalks were crowded with people of every shape and sort hustling towards their intended destinations. Many had cell phones plastered to the side of their heads, others spoke into virtually invisible headsets, and the majority were texting as they walked. As the world surged to life one couple hadn't even left home yet. Instead they standing in the doorway of their youngest daughter's room. They had been standing there for almost fifteen minutes watching her sleep.

Lauren Ketchum was currently sleeping soundly on the floor. One of her legs was still propped up on the bed and her soft snoring could be heard from beneath the blanket the covered the rest of her body. Her alarm clock was still buzzing from her bedside table as it had been for almost an hour. Today was the day she would be getting her Trainer's license and her starter Pokemon.

"How much longer should we let her sleep?" Ash whispered to Misty.

Misty shrugged. "I suppose we should wake her up. I'm sure she'd be angry with us if we let her sleep through the day."

Ash nodded, a mischievous grin appearing on his face. "Alright, I'll get her up then."

Without a second thought, Misty merely nodded and walked away. She took ten steps before she second guessed her decision and turned back to tell her husband. As she turned around however; the hall filled with a bright yellow light and flickering beams of lightning. It took only milliseconds for Misty to realize what had transpired.

Her husband, Ash Ketchum, had used Pikachu to shock their daughter awake. Both trainer and Pokemon were now roaring with laughter as Misty stormed back down the hall. As she peered through the doorway, she spotted her youngest daughter still on the floor; Lauren was now twitching a little bit as sparks danced around her body. After a few seconds she finally sat up and rubbed her face, grumbling many incoherent swears. The fact that the electric shock didn't affect her much indicated how often she had been awakened in this manner.

Misty sighed and then shot a sharp glance towards Ash. His laughter immediately subsided as he realized the trouble he was in.

"I should have known better," Misty growled at him, "Couldn't you have woken her up more gently!?"

"Sorry Mist," he whispered back, "It was all in good fun."

Ash offered an innocent smile, but Misty merely narrowed her eyes at him. If it had been any other day she would have overlooked it, but today was special. She wanted everything to be perfect-even though it already wasn't.

Misty glared for a few more seconds before turning to look back at Lauren. "Hurry and get dressed Lauren, you're already late."

Lauren's eyes grew wide as she tried to jump up. Unfortunately her blanket had ensnared her legs and she immediately fell over with a loud yelp. Despite the previous disagree, her parents shared a chuckle as they left Lauren to get prepared. Even as her parents left Lauren continued to fight off her blanket.

"Down boy!" Lauren yelled triumphantly as she threw blanket aside. She turned back to Pikachu, who was still standing in her room even though Ash had already left. "Since you woke me up so rudely, I'll need a favor from you..."

The yellow mouse Pokemon suddenly looked nervous as Lauren approached him. The ten year old merely smiled and crouched down in front of Pikachu, resting a hand on his head. She gently began scratching behind his ears, making him smile and relax.

"No worries Pikachu," reassured Lauren, "I just need you to go and get something for me. It's very important-to me at least. Think you can help me out?"

Pikachu nodded. "Pika!" the electric Pokemon answered enthusiastically.

Lauren smiled. "Good, here's what I need you to get..."

Nearly thirty minutes after Ash's rude wake up call, Lauren was completely dressed and quickly eating her breakfast. At the current time though her breakfast could now be considered lunch-or brunch; whichever of the two you preferred. Her drawstring bag she had chosen to carry with her was thoroughly packed and now resting by her feet as she ate. Once Lauren had begun getting ready and realized how late she was, she had sped up her routine. Normally she ate at a normal pace, but due to her running behind she was now inhaling her plate of food.

Misty frowned as she watched Lauren inhale her meal. Only Ash and Dillon ate like that. With a sigh, Misty sat across from Lauren and shook her head.

"Lauren, honey, slow down. You'll choke," said Misty, "Besides, your father has a surprise for you before you go to the lab."

The mention of a 'surprise' stopped Lauren in mid-bite. "He does, really?"

Misty chuckled and nodded. "Yes, now eat at a normal pace if you want it. I'm sure the lab won't run out of Pokemon, okay?"

Lauren sighed, nodding reluctantly. "Yes Mom, sorry..."

She began eating slower, but you could sense the excitement radiating from her. Misty could see that Lauren was holding it all in as she took each bite of food. Even though she restrained herself, the anticipation showed brightly through her eyes. Misty wanted to just sit and watch Lauren, but she knew that would be too suspicious. She decided on a different angle instead.

"Once you're finished eating, just leave your dish there and go out back. Your father is waiting on you," said Misty, "I'll clean your place. Don't worry about your bag either."

Lauren's eyes widened as she sat still for a moment. It seemed she may have begun choking, but she suddenly began moving again. Ignoring her mother's instruction to eat 'at a normal pace', Lauren inhaled the remainder of her food and then bolted out to the backyard. Misty smiled and shook her head. As soon as she was certain Lauren was outside with her father, she walked around the table and grabbed her drawstring bag.

It was the exact style Misty had used when traveling with Ash and Brock, but with different colors. It was made of weather-proof material with a nylon drawstring. The bag itself was mostly purple with teal and aqua circles abstractly placed all around on it. It had two small zipper pouches on it; there was one on the side that faced her back and one that faced outward. The one that faced her back was a little bigger than the one that faced outward.

Misty opened the biggest part, knowing she'd open that part most frequently. She held up the letter she had written to Lauren and smiled as she slipped it into Lauren's bag. As she did, she noticed a few things that hadn't been on Lauren's 'travel item' list. Misty pulled out a hat and a pair of gloves, biting her lip to fight off the emotions. The hat and gloves belonged to Ash; these were the ones he used during his travels in Hoenn region. Misty sighed, putting them back in the bag. Lauren hadn't said anything about taking those items-not even to Ash. Misty closed the bag and set it on the table and began clearing Lauren's dishes. It made her a little happy knowing Lauren would be carrying a piece of both her and Ash on her journey-Ash's hat and gloves and Misty's letter. Even with her emotions in turmoil, Misty was excited for what Lauren would experience on her journey.

Lauren rushed out into the backyard. She was still chewing the final bites of her food as she shut the door behind her and rushed to meet her father who was waiting for her near the rear of the backyard. He was chatting with Pikachu about things unknown as Lauren approached him with the biggest smile he had ever witnessed. Ash had seen Lauren smile many, many times before, but never as broadly as she was now. He also knew exactly why she was smiling so big as well; Lauren knew he had a surprise for her.

"Hey Daddy!" she greeted happily, "Mom, said you had something for me."

Ash smiled back at his youngest daughter, unable to contain it. "I sure do Lauren!"

Lauren's smile grew, making Ash's heart flutter with an array of emotions. The moment had arrived in which he would present Lauren with her partner Pokemon. He had caught all of his children's starter Pokemon. Every trainer had a dream partner they started their journey with. Whether it be one of the three basic starters or an unorthodox starter Pokemon such as Eevee, one of the baby Pokemon, or even a wild Pokemon they had befriended. Ash knew that the Pokemon a trainer started out with didn't matter. He himself hadn't started his journey with a traditional starter and he was now a Champion-a Pokemon Master. The Pokemon a trainer started his or her journey with was to be their partner; a companion that held a special bond with them. Sure, trainers caught more Pokemon along their journey, but that first Pokemon-the beginning partner held a special place in its trainer's heart. That starter Pokemon was to be a best friend and partner-loyal and fierce, a Pokemon who had been there from the beginning; a Pokemon like Pikachu.

Ash knew Pikachu was one of kind, but he also knew there were other Pokemon out there like him. Many other trainers had bonds with their Pokemon as he did with Pikachu; it wasn't uncommon. This was the sole reason he sought to find the perfect partner for each of his children. And now it was Lauren's turn; the last of the Ketchum clan. It brought tears to his eyes, but he blinked them back and hid them with a big smile of his own.

"What's my surprise Daddy?" Lauren asked, bubbling over with excitement.

Pushing his emotions aside again, Ash retrieved the minimized Pokeball from his pocket. "Well, Lauren...When Dillon began his journey, I went out and caught him Charmander-

"Yeah, I remember. You also caught Jenny her Azurill and Kelly her Happiny...although Kelly didn't really know what she wanted. Happiny was a good choice for her though..." Lauren rambled.

"Right, so," Ash said loudly so Lauren would fall silent, "Just like your brother and sisters, I caught a very special Pokemon for you to start your journey with..."

Lauren's eyes widened in excitement. She bent her arms at the elbow, raising her hands to chest height and clenched them into tight fists. Ash could see her trembling slightly as she waited for him to present her with her very first Pokemon. He had to fight off the urge to reminisce as he pressed the button on the Pokeball. It expanded, making Lauren gasp softly.

"I searched forever to find this little guy," said Ash, purposefully drawing out the moment, "But as soon as I saw him, I knew he was to be yours..."

Frustration briefly flashed across Lauren's face making Ash bite his lip. She looked just like Misty when she was agitated like that. Lauren open and closed her hands to help maintain her composure. Ash knew that if he continued to agitate her he would regret it.

"So here he is," Ash said, as Lauren visibly relaxed. He smiled and tossed the Pokeball in the air. A white light emanated from it as the Pokemon materialized next to them. "Your very own Cyndaquil!"

The small fire mouse Pokemon shook its head as it came into full view. Lauren gasped as soon as she laid eyes on him. Instead its normal coloring, the Cyndaquil before them was a rich auburn and dark tan. The auburn color along its back was nearly identical to the shade of Lauren's hair. The small Pokemon gazed curiously back at Lauren and Ash as they all stood in silence. After a few moments, Cyndaquil turned its attention to its surroundings.

Lauren turned back to Ash. "Oh Daddy! Thank you so much!" She glanced at Cyndaquil and then looked back at Ash. "He's amazing-and his color is so-where did you find him-oh wow!"

The comments and questions seemed to just tumble out of her mouth, making Ash smile wider and wider. Lauren had always talked about catching a Cyndaquil on her journey-it seemed almost like her favorite Pokemon. There were several other Pokemon she spoke about frequently, but Cyndaquil popped up the most. Ash guessed it was because it was a Johto starter, but he could never be sure. Of all the Pokemon she had spoken about over the years, Cyndaquil seemed like the easiest one to capture. The only other one she spoke about more was Dratini, but those were rare-and dragon type Pokemon to top it off.

"Daddy, this makes me so happy!" Lauren gushed as she scooped up the Cyndaquil and brought Ash out of reverie. "He's just perfect!"

Lauren and Cyndaquil stared at one another for a few seconds before it decided to snuggle into her chest. Ash was a little surprised at how easily it had already taken to Lauren. She simply giggled and gently stroked its back.

"Yeah, you are perfect. I can tell." she said quietly, "We're going to best friends. No question about it."

Choosing to overlook their immediate bond for now, Ash placed a hand on Lauren's back. "Come on, lets go show your mother."

Lauren nodded eagerly and skipped off towards the house. Ash followed not far behind, smiling broadly at Lauren's happiness.

With her drawstring bag slung over one shoulder, Cyndaquil held securely in her arms, and a smile on her face Lauren stood ready to begin her journey. Despite sleeping in, Lauren felt that her journey couldn't have started off any better. She held her dream starter Pokemon in arms, received her license and Pokedex effortlessly, and had even gotten to sleep in that morning. Lauren felt that those helped to add up to a good start however; she was still worried about one thing. Lauren still didn't know what she wanted to accomplish on this journey. She had spent many nights tossing and turning in her bed as she desperately tried to figure out what she wanted out of life. And now, she was here standing on the front steps of her home. Both of her parents were on the porch smiling at her with hopeful expressions. Misty had taken an abundance of photos, much to Lauren's chagrin. Like a good daughter she humored her mother and posed for each photo.

But now was the time to either speak up or...well, she wasn't really sure of a second option.

"Mom, Dad..." Lauren began, looking down at Cyndaquil. Her words were failing her and she found that irritating.

Misty cast a worried glance at Ash, but then knelt down next Lauren. She offered a tender expression as she rested a hand on Lauren's shoulder.

"What is it sweetie?" she asked.

Pikachu leaped onto Ash's shoulder, nuzzling him briefly before turning his small black eyes to Lauren. He could sense something was troubling the ten year old.

Lauren took a deep breath. It's now or never...she thought.

"I...I'm not ready to leave on my journey yet." Lauren blurted.

Misty and Ash exchanged astonished glances. Neither of them had been expecting this-not from any of their children and especially not Lauren.

"Why not Lauren?" Ash asked, recovering his voice first.

The ten year old's shoulders sagged, her eyes remaining on Cyndaquil. The Pokemon tilted his head as he gazed back at her. A small smile danced on her lips as she looked at Cyndaquil. She could feel a little more courage building as she and Cyndaquil stared at one another. Lauren took a deep breath and looked up at her parents. Suddenly her mouth was dry and she could feel her courage melt away under their curious stares.

"I...I" Lauren stammered, looking back down at Cyndaquil. As she did, she felt her courage rise back up. Somehow the little fire mouse was helping her. "I...well, I just don't know what I want to do...and...until I do, I don't want to leave on my journey yet..."

The silence following her confession was agonizing and if she hadn't been paying attention, she would have squeezed poor Cyndaquil to death. Lauren dared not look at her parents for fear of rejection. She kept her focus on Cyndaquil, drawing from the courage and strength he seemed to provide. After a few moments, Misty finally spoke up.

"It's okay Laurie-loo," she said softly, "You can leave when you feel you're ready."

Lauren didn't look up, fearing that her father was possibly mad at her however; Misty gently placed a finger beneath her chin and lifted her face up so she could look at them. Slowly, Lauren raised her eyes and was relieved to see that her parents weren't mad at her.

"I'm glad you guys aren't mad at me," she whispered, visibly relaxing.

"Oh honey, we could never be mad at you!" said Misty as she pulled Lauren into a hug. She glanced over her shoulder at Ash, jerking her head to indicate he should comfort Lauren too.

"Your mother's right," said Ash, "Your journey is about you and your growth. If you need a little more time before you leave; that's perfectly okay. Everyone is different."

Lauren smiled slightly. Despite their reassurance, she still felt as lost as ever.

Author's Note:

There you go! Lauren started her journey, but not in the way every other trainer. She's dead set on finding her path in life-that's admirable, but will she actually find it? I wonder what's next for her? Guess you'll have to tune in next time to find out! Remember to leave reviews for any reason you see fit; encouragement for me, criticisms (I like to always strive for improvement FYI), or even if you want a frivolous shout out. I welcome any and all kinds of reviews!

Yours invisibly,
Ninja