Okay, well I've been meaning to upload this for the past few days slash last week *oops*, but life got in the way. As in its finals week at my school and I sorta had to study. Junior year is tough. Don't worry though, my 4.0 is still intact. For now at least...
Oh yeah, the disclaimer. Sorry I didn't do it last chapter. I knew I was forgetting something too...
black angel's wing does not have anything to do with owning the pokémon franchise. All she does is play the games. And watch the show. And write this story. Cora's mine though!
Chapter Two
The walk turned out to be a bit longer than I had anticipated, but the distance seemed like nothing once my companions started talking to kill the silence.
"Wow Brock," Dawn was saying, "you're an actual pokémon breeder? That's so cool! You're definitely the first one I've ever met!"
The boy shrugged, scratching the back of his head. "Thanks Dawn. Once we get back to the lab I can whip up some pokémon food that's just perfect for water types like your Piplup," he offered with a smile.
"Pip-lup, pip-lup!" The little blue penguin was cheering, jumping up and down as it did.
Giggling, Dawn bent down and took her pokémon in her arms. She stroked his head as she told him how lucky he was, and he nodded enthusiastically in reply.
I chuckled to myself. I was leading the way, walking just a bit in front of Brock and Dawn, with Ash by my side. His Pikachu was on his shoulder, looking around with curiosity at trees and the flowers that lined the road. Ralts was on my own shoulder, humming softly to himself.
I was about to make an attempt at starting a conversation with the boy from Pallet Town when we heard the sound of a vehicle approaching. I smiled as soon as I recognized the white and blue motorcycle, as well as the woman riding it.
"I heard the news!" she called out once we were within earshot. By the way Ash stood up a bit straighter, I guessed that she was speaking to him.
"Hi there, Officer Jenny." He smiled as he spoke, reaching up to rub the spot between his pokémon's ears.
The policewoman came to a stop a few feet in front of us. "It's great that you were able to get Pikachu back! How's it doing?"
Ash nodded, his smile not disappearing from his face. "Pikachu's doing just fine. Thanks for all your help."
"And your beauty!"
Tuning with a start at the sudden outburst, I was shocked when something ran into me from behind. Ralts jumped gracefully from my shoulder as I flailed my arms, trying desperately to not fall over. Once I regained my balance, I glanced around me, more confused than I had been just moments before. Ralts had a hand on the back of my leg, offering what little stability he could.
Dawn and I locked eyes, and she gestured over to the boys and Officer Jenny with a strange look on her face.
I followed her direction, and found Brock kneeling on the ground and holding one of Jenny's hand in both of his. Wait, wasn't he just behind me?
"Now I'm asking you for your help in my hour of need!" Brock was gushing. Jenny only raised an eyebrow and leaned her head farther from the boy. "I need you Jenny, like the plants need the sun, like the desert needs rain!"
"Did I miss something?" I wondered aloud. Blinking, I swung my gaze at Ash, who had backed away slowly to where Dawn and I stood. "What's wrong with him?"
Ash only shook his head. "Nothing." At Dawn's puzzled features, he elaborated with a shrug. "Not for him at least."
We were finally able to pry a lovestruck Brock away from Officer Jenny after I told him about the different pokémon Professor Rowan had at his lab, and a promise that I would show him all of them if we got back before dark. I was still a bit miffed that he had almost knocked me over trying to get to Officer Jenny, but I wanted to get back to the lab as soon as possible to... Wait...
I stopped walking. Once the others noticed my lack of progress, they turned to face me with curious glances.
"Why'd you stop, Cora?" Ash asked.
I rubbed the tip of my nose with my pointer finger and closed my eyes. "Well for starters, we just passed someone who could've helped us with the robot problem," I explained slowly, opening my eyes and turning my head to stare down the road we had just traveled. "But she's long gone by now."
"Oh yeah," exclaimed Dawn. "Officer Jenny would have been able to help clear that up."
"Well it's too late for that now. The best we can do is continue on to Professor Rowan's lab and see what he can do." Brock's logic was sound, and we all agreed to his plan.
Soon enough, we reached the outskirts of Sandgem Town, and I could see the familiar windmill that was attached to the laboratory, and sped up. Everything looked just as it had a week previously, which meant that the other assistants hadn't actually destroyed anything important.
"Of course, we haven't seen the inside yet, have we?" I said quietly to myself. Ralts shook his head with a wry smile.
"Well then," I spoke up, my hand on the front door, "we're here. Welcome to the professor's lab!"
Pushing, I led the small group into the front hall of the facility. As they looked around with awestruck eyes, I left them in the hands of Professor Rowan before I made my way to my own lab station. Ralts hopped off of my shoulder, and plopped down on the desk with a sigh.
I scratched his head absentmindedly as I shuffled papers around. Different reports had been left for me while I was gone, and I wanted to look over them as soon as I could.
Glancing back to where I left Ash and the others, I saw Professor Rowan handing a box to the boy from Pallet Town with an almost undetectable smile, and then pointing Dawn in the direction of the nearest phone. Brock was talking to a few of the other assistants before allowing himself to be led away. He probably wanted to see some of our pokémon. I did promise, after all.
"Ral?"
I blinked and looked down and the light blue folder Ralts was holding. Taking it gently from him, I opened it and scanned the title.
"'Manaphy: Legend or Truth?'" I murmured. The picture paper clipped to the article showed a small blue pokémon with wide, smiling eyes, and antennae on its rounded head. A red gem was on its chest, a small yellow dot beneath it. I cocked my head to the side and lifted the top page.
It told of the legend of Manaphy, one of the guardians of the seas. I skimmed through the pages, the introduction being something was very familiar with. Manaphy was a pokémon that people knew very little about, and that made me want to study it even more. So naturally, I would know the legend like the back of my hand.
"I trust you will find that an interesting read, Cora," came a voice from behind me.
I grinned, closing the folder and placing it on a small stack of other unread papers. Brushing my bangs out of my eyes and flicking my braid back behind my shoulder, I turned to face the professor.
"I'm sure I will, sir. I'll start it as soon as Jericho and I finish up our report." I was referring to a project that another assistant and I were working on before I was sent on vacation.
Professor Rowan sighed. "Yes, well, that's what I wanted to talk to you about." He faltered, stroking his mustache before starting again with determination. "As I told you, Ash is just starting out on his journey here in Sinnoh, as is Dawn. Brock seems like a levelheaded lad, but it doesn't change he fact that they are young and inexperienced in traveling in the Sinnoh region. I believe that they could learn a lot from you, and you could learn a few things from them as well.
"Of course, there will always be a place for you here in my lab. My other assistants and I have grown quite fond of you during your time here, and it would be a shame for us to lose a bright young mind like yours. However, I feel that everyone should have their own adventure, and that they should forge their own path, not follow the one others force upon them."
"What are you trying to say, professor?" I questioned softly once he paused to take a breath.
He placed a heavy hand on my shoulder. "I'm saying that you should go with them. Start your own journey." He held up his other hand to stop my immediate protests. "This will do you good, Coraline. You can't learn everything in a lab. Some things are meant to be experienced in person, not through a book or research papers. Think of all the pokémon you could meet if you took this chance."
He paused again an glanced at the papers on my desk. "You may even meet a few of the pokémon of legend."
I refused to look him in the eye, and instead touched the blue folder that held the article on Manaphy. He had me hooked, and he knew it.
With a satisfied grunt and a nod, he removed his hand from my shoulder and started walking back to the front hall. Ralts soon settled onto the space his hand had left, and he hugged the side of my face tightly.
Laughing, I rubbed his head. "Well Ralts? It looks like we're going on an adventure, doesn't it?"
"Ral, ralts!" he cheered, pumping a fist as he did.
Rolling my eyes, I shook my head. "Yeah, well, it'll be interesting, that's for sure."
As we walked in the direction the professor had gone, we found him on the phone with Professor Oak from the Kanto region. I waved to the pair as I passed before reaching the front hall.
Brock had returned from his tour of the facility, and was talking to Ash and Dawn when I arrived.
"Yeah, those two must go way back," the boy from Pallet Town said with a grin. I noticed he had on a new vest, along with a brand new green backpack, most likely from the package that the professor had given him.
I assumed they were talking about Professor Oak and Professor Rowan, and nodded. They worked in the same field after all, and the community of pokémon researchers was an incredibly friendly one.
"So Ash," I started with a sly grin. "You're here to challenge the Sinnoh Leauge, right?"
He nodded once, a wide smile falling into place. "Yeah, I plan on winning the whole thing too!"
"Setting the bar high, I see," I hummed, moving a hand to cup my chin. "So which gym are you planning on challenging first?"
I bit back a laugh when I saw his determination melt into embarrassment. He scratched the back of his head sheepishly and turned to Brock.
"Any idea where the nearest gym is, Brock?" he asked hopefully.
The older boy only shook his head and held up his hands.
"I'm sorry, Ash. But you and I haven't been here that long, and I haven't picked up a decent map yet."
Ash hung his head in disappointment. "How am I gonna become a Pokémon Master if we can't find our way to the first gym?" Pikachu was patting his head, trying to cheer him up.
Out of the corner of my eye I could see Ralts cross his arms and tilt his head to the side. Placing a hand on my hip, I chimed in with a small grin.
"Well asking for directions never hurt anybody. I happen to know my way around this region pretty well, and I'd be glad to help."
Both Brock and Ash's faces lit up. "Would you mind, Cora?" Brock asked politely. "It'd be really great if you could help us out."
"It's no problem," I replied easily, waving my hand. I paused, the gears in my head turning, forming an idea. "I just have one condition."
At their expectant looks, I linked arms with a surprised Dawn and held her close. "You have to take me and Dawn with you."
"Me?" Dawn squeaked. "Why me?"
I released her arm, but nudged her with my hip as I grinned.
"You want to be a Coordinator, right? Well, there's a contest coming up in Jubilife City real soon, and I think it'd be a great place for your debut!"
Remembering the various posters and signs I had seen this morning while in the city, as well as Professor Rowan's words on Dawn's goal, it made sense for the girl to travel with us.
I turned to face the boys again. "Besides, Orebrugh City has the closest gym, and to Jubilife City is on the way. It works out perfectly!"
"Alright!" cheered Ash. "When it comes to traveling, the more the merrier!"
Dawn nodded with determination. "Yeah, let's do it!"
"Then it looks like everybody agrees," Brock chuckled.
Dawn then recalled Piplup to its pokéball, and questioned both my decision as well as Ash's to leave our pokémon out of their own pokéballs.
"Pikachu hates traveling that way." Ash was explaining. "Besides, my shoulder is a lot more fun!"
"Pika pika!" the mouse pokémon agreed.
"I usually travel alone, and Ralts likes to keep me company," I told her when she swung her gaze at me.
Professor Rowan came up behind Brock, and further explained to Dawn the different types of personalities that pokémon displayed.
"Pokémon are very much like us humans in that way," he was saying. "You'll learn that there are as many different pokémon personalities as there are pokémon. Each is unique, and it is your responsibility as a trainer to cooperate with the individual personality of your pokémon."
"Thank you for all you've done for us professor," Ash bowed as he spoke, "but we have to get going now."
"Yes, of course," he nodded. "However, I think Cora is forgetting something."
I felt my eyes widen. Glancing over my shoulder, I saw my familiar light blue backpack. I had only just returned from traveling, and the only new additions to it were the folder with the Manaphy article and some other supplies that I thought would come in handy. I was confident that I had everything that I needed.
"Professor, I don't understand," I admitted. "What did I forget?"
He led me away from the others to a small meeting room. With a twinkle in his eye, he gestured to the table behind him.
"All trainers beginning their first pokémon journey are given their own starter pokémon unique to the Sinnoh region," he explained calmly. "If I'm not mistaken, you are about to begin your own adventure, are you not?"
I was speechless. Did this mean..?
"Are you saying that I," I pointed to myself, "get to pick one of them?" I pointed back to the table that held the three starter pokémon.
"But of course," the professor scoffed lightly.
"But I already have a pokémon," I protested weakly. I would love to have any of these pokémon travel with me. "Wouldn't it be better for you to give them to a brand new trainer instead?"
"Young lady, it is my duty to give trainers one of these three pokémon. I suggest you allow me to do my job." He paused, and shook his head. "Now then, choose wisely, Cora. You already know their names and types and whatnot. After all, you have helped care for them up until this now."
I smiled softly before closing the gap between myself and the pokémon.
"Chimchar," I greeted the fire type with a nod. It grinned as I stroked the soft fur on its head, and nuzzled my hand affectionately. Patting it gently, I moved to the next one.
"Hello there Piplup." Although Dawn had chosen a Piplup as her partner, at this lab, we raised multiple of each starter pokémon. What kind of people would we be if more than one trainer came in on the same day, asking for the same pokémon?
The last was Turtwig. As I scratched it's neck just under its shell, I thought about the little grass type. This Turtwig was incredibly calm, and very levelheaded. Of course, most beginning trainers wanted the raw power of a fire type like Chimchar, or a cool and collected water type like Piplup, so this particular Turtwig had been around for a few weeks. It made a wonderful companion, and was surprisingly agile as well.
I knelt down to look Turtwig in the eye. We studied one another for a moment before Ralts hopped off of my shoulder and onto the table. He walked slowly around the tiny turtle, nodding every now and again. Finally, he raised his hands above his head and cheered. I guess that settled it.
"Hey Turtwig," I said softly. "How would you like to come on an adventure with me?"
It's eyes opened a bit wider, and I smiled back. Gently, I cupped my hand around its face, stroking the area under its eye with my thumb.
"I would really love it if you were to come with me. Together, I know we can do a lot of great things."
"Tur... Twig?" It was still shocked, but soon shook itself and smiled brightly. "Tur-twig, tur-twig!" it exclaimed happily as it jumped up and down.
Chuckling, I took it's pokéball in my hand. "I hope you're ready then! Alright, Turtwig! Return!"
A red light came from the pokéball, encasing the beaming grass pokémon before pulling it into the capsule. I held it up to my face with a grin.
"Well Ralts," I said as he took his place on my shoulder, "it's actually happening. We're actually going to do this."
"Ralts, Ralts!" Was his happy reply.
Still smiling, I placed Turtwig's pokéball in the side pouch of my bag where it was easily within reach.
"Chimchar, Piplup, don't worry," I addressed the two pokémon. They were obviously upset about my choice, and Piplup was on the verge of tears. "You'll get your own trainers one day, and you'll grow into big and strong pokémon, I just know it!"
That seemed to pacify them, and I sighed. I hated to make them upset, but I had to make a decision.
"A wise choice, Cora." The professor, all but forgotten in the corner of the room, interrupted my thoughts. "The two of you will be wonderful together."
I bowed to the man who had been my mentor for the past several months. "Thank you, sir. Thank you for everything."
He waved his hand and led me back to the main hall where the others were waiting for us.
"Then I guess we're all set to go!" Dawn sang with a grin.
"Yeah, thanks for your help, Professor Rowan," Brock said with a slight bow. "We'll be sure to contact you if we have any questions."
He led us to the front doors, where he would be seeing us off. However, as soon as we stepped out onto the sidewalk, Ash stopped with a noise of surprise.
"It's you!" His eyes were narrowed, and his fists were clenched and trembling. I followed his gaze, curious.
A boy was leaning against a tree near the path, his arms crossed. A light breeze blew his flint colored hair out of his harsh eyes as he pushed himself into a standing position. He strode forward with confidence, his hands moving to his pockets.
"Yes, who are you?" the professor questioned.
The boy gave him a dry stare. "The name's Paul," he answered shortly. "And you must be Professor Rowan."
I saw the question form on the professor's lips, but before he could ask, Paul held up a hand.
"I'm here for him." He nodded sharply at Ash, whose eyebrows furrowed.
"For me?" he repeated. "But why?"
Paul scoffed. "You've got three pokémon now. Wanna battle?" There was a wolfish grin on his face when he issued the challenge, and I immediately knew that Ash wouldn't back down. He wasn't the surrendering type, I could tell.
I was proved right with his response.
"Sure thing, Paul! I'm gonna be a Pokémon Master, and that means beating challengers like you!"
"Pika pi!" Pikachu's cheeks were sparking. He was ready too.
"Alright then, to the field out back," instructed the professor.
"So much for leaving as soon as possible," I commented drily to Dawn. The sun was sinking fast, streaking the sky with oranges and reds and it descended.
"But we get to see Ash battle! I've never seen a real pokémon battle before!" Her excitement was contagious.
I found myself looking forward to watching the boy from Kanto battle. Maybe there was a thing or two I could learn from his style. Or maybe Paul would surprise me with his own technique.
I sighed. "Well Dawn, hold on to that thought. I have a feeling that this battle is going to be the first of many on this journey."
Alrighty, I guess that's it for now! I will follow the episodes pretty closely, but with my own little touches here and there. So if you watch the Diamond and Pearl series, you'll have a pretty good grasp on what's going on.
Lots of love! -black angel's wing