Martyn : Most Pokemon Trainers don't get fat, since they walk, cycle or run everywhere they go, which means across a whole region (country/state?). Though the anime has shown that all bets are off with Pokemon.

H : Your idea is noted and honestly it's pretty good.

il2swim57 :Ideas are great, but honestly I'm used to just relying on types rather than all the complicated stuff. I'm probably going to use some of what you suggested though, because it's pretty sound advice.

I do not own Pokemon, and its a good thing too since the Pokedex makes them all sound like nightmares.

(ROUTE 32)

The two Pokemon, a Growlithe and a Hoothoot (Jerry), glared at each other as they collided, the Growlithe's Bite skimming Jerry's wing as the Tackle knocked him back.

The two Trainers waited until they were sure their Pokemon were okay. It took three seconds.

"Growlithe Roar!" shouted the one in the black hoodie.

The Mareep jumped as the Growlithe shook it's head and roared, the sound echoing around them.

"Now Bite!" shouted the Trainer.

When the Growlithe was too close to dodge Nick shouted, "Jerry Hypnosis!"

Jerry's Hypnosis hit the Growlithe square in the face. Its momentum carried it forward as it rolled, fast asleep as it's Trainer looked on in shock.

"I'll admit, I didn't see that coming," said the Trainer.

"Most people don't. But by all means, beat yourself up over it."

The hooded Trainer looked towards Nick and scowled. "Just because I underestimated you once doesn't mean I'll do it again."

Nick smirked. "Glad to hear it. Jerry Tackle."

Jerry hit Growlithe, which both knocked it away and knocked it awake. It stood up and growled at Jerry, who blew a raspberry at it and flew up.

"How are you so calm about this?" asked the Trainer.

"I used to get chased by wild Pokemon who were mad I 'invaded' their territory," said Nick, making air quotes. "If I panicked and curled into a ball I usually got my butt kicked. I can get mad," he said reassuringly, "it's just that I learned to keep my cool under pressure. That or think fast."

"Think fast?"

"Jerry, fly into the sunlight!" Nick suddenly shouted.

Jerry shot up, flying higher until they lost him in the sun's glare. Growlithe followed with his eyes, up to and until he was in the sun. Growlithe was promptly blinded by the bright glare. Never look directly into the sun.

"Growlithe, shake it off!"

"Jerry, TACKLE!"

Jerry shot towards the Growlithe, which was shaking it's head to clear any spots. It looked towards one spot that seemed to be getting bigger, and was promptly hit by a flying Tackle.

"That does it! Growlithe, Ember taht thing until it's down!"

The Growlithe shook itself, then opened it's mouth and released dozens of little balls.

"Jerry dodge!" A second passed as something occurred to Nick. "Why do I need to tell you to dodge?!"

Jerry flew around the Growlithe, forcing it to let up every few seconds to turn. He winced as pain shot through his wing like lightning every time he was forced to swerve. Neither of them noticed the other Pokemon in the area running, fearful of the Ember attack's that almost hit them. Nick noticed though and swore.

"Mewdammit. Jerry, we need to end this now! When he lets up, use Hypnosis!"

Jerry fired a Hypnosis at the Growlithe just as he turned, sending him to sleep and stopping the Embers from flying everywhere.

Nick glared at Hood-dude. "Jerry, fly up, then drop down with a Tackle."

Jerry flew up until he was high enough to see Sprout Tower over the treetops.

"Growlithe wake up!" The sound of his Trainer's voice woke Growlithe, and it shook itself awake, looking around for it's opponent. "No Growlithe, move!"

Jerry didn't give it the chance, dropping as fast as he could onto the Growlithe before it could register what was going on. It screamed in pain as it was hit, then dropped down, unconscious.

The Trainer rushed over to his Growlithe, then glared at Nick as he lifted and cradled it. "I hope getting that Mareep was worth it."

Nick glared back, more mad than he'd thought he'd be. "I'm sorry, but did you not see what those Embers were doing? Look around if you can't see through that hood."

The hooded Trainer finally looked around and noticed the scorch marks on the trees and grass. He saw the Bellsprout watching them from a safe distance or from behind trees and the various other Pokemon peeking from their hiding spots.

"I-I didn't..."

Nick's glare softened slightly as the Trainer stuttered. "Next time, be a little more considerate."

The Trainer's back stiffened and he took a deep breath, releasing it slowly. "Yes. Sorry about ... this. I let my anger get to me."

Nick smirked again. "That's why I keep my cool."

"Whatever. See you." The Trainer rushed towards Violet City's Pokemon Center.

Nick turned towards the Mareep, who was watching them with wide eyes.

"So, think I'd make a good Trainer?"

The Mareep, awed and a little scared, nodded.

"Great. Now, since my hands hurt, I need you to knock your head on this ball," he said, gingerly removing a Pokeball from his pocket. "Nothing too hard and, if you don't, I'll try to catch you again. You might actually win this time, though Jerry might not pull his puches."

The Mareep shook it's head and knocked the Pokeball. It was promptly swallowed up in a flash of red light and caught a few seconds later.

Nick bent to retrieve the Pokeball and released Mareep. It stared at him with a puzzled expression.

"My hands hurt too much for me to struggle with this belt all the time, so to make this easier you get to walk everywhere," Nick explained. "Unless you want to be in the ball..."

Mareep shook its head furiously.

"Okay. So, this is Jerry. You met him before."

Jerry nodded towards Mareep and Mareep shyly waved one of it's forelegs at him.

"Let's get going. You can fill me in on the way."

As they walked back Nick asked Mareep a few questions to put her at ease.

"Are you a boy?"

Shake of her head.

"Know any good Electric attacks?"

Another shake of her head.

Nick sighed. "Do you have hair?"

Mareep paused for a second to process the question, then nodded.

"Sorry, I just wanted to check if you had yes in your vocabulary. Come on, relax, I'm not gonna eat you," said Nick encouragingly.

Jerry walked next to Mareep, occasionally glancing at her out of the corner of his eye. She edged away from him each time he looked at her. Finally he broke the tension and asked, "You're not scared of me, are you?"

Mareep blushed and looked away. "Not scared per se, just...wary."

Jerry nodded. "You'll get over it. Sorry if I hurt you. Nothing's broken?"

Mareep shook her head and cracked a small smile. "No, but I'm more tired than I thought I'd be."

Jerry looked at Nick, walking ahead of them to let them talk, and nodded. "Hang on. Oh, and look tired."

Jerry flew over to Nick and landed on his shoulder, disturbing his balance and almost making him fall over. Nick yelped as he righted himself and Jerry landed next to him.

"Okay Jerry, what's the deal? You almost knocked me over," asked Nick.

Jerry inclined his head towards Mareep and Nick looked at her. She was walking behind them, looking at them cautiously and dragging her feet, lethargy clear her face.

"Oh right. You're still a little banged up from fighting Jerry," said Nick, rubbing the back of his neck shyly.

Nick stopped walking and Mareep bumped into him. She looked up at him blearily and shook her head to shake off any tiredness, then winced when her neck protested.

"Here," said Nick, kneeling down and opening his arms. Mareep looked at them and then at him, eyes wide. Nick sighed. "Walk onto my arms. I'll carry you." When she continued looking at him he smiled and said, "Come on. I could do with the exercise. You don't need to be scared."

Mareep smiled gratefully and climed onto Nick's arms. He grunted as he lifted her, shifting slightly so she wasn't on his hands, then continued trudging to the Pokemon Center.

I wonder what Amy'll think of our new teammate, thought Nick.

(VIOLET CITY POKEMON CENTER)

Amy stared at the new Pokemon (a 'Mareep' Nick called it) appraisingly as she lay on a pillow. Jerry was sitting with them on the bed. Nick was at the front desk asking the Nurse if there was somewhere nearby they could use for training.

"So, you're an Electric-type?" asked Amy, one eyebrow raised.

"Ye-yes," answered Mareep, stuttering slightly. Amy's gaze was hard and probing, which did nothing but make Mareep nervous.

Jerry tsked from where he was sitting. "Amy be nice. She's not going to try anything sneaky. If anything you're freaking her out."

Amy's gaze softened slightly and she nodded at Mareep. "Right Jerry. Sorry Mareep."

Mareep relaxed onto the bed and looked at Amy. "It's alright." She fidgeted for a second before she asked her question. "So..are you guys, you know, happy? With the boy I mean. Um, Nick?"

Amy nodded. "So far it's been a good adventure. I'm wondering what comes next."

Jerry thought for a moment. "I actively tried to get captured so I could become stronger. It's been a lot more work than I expected, but honestly it's been fun." He chuckled and looked at Amy out of the corner of his eye. "Of course, there are those here who journey for untold reasons."

"Untold?" asked Mareep curiously.

Amy sighed. "My reasons are the same as Nick's. I want to explore the world and see all the amazing things it has to offer." She grew somber. "I lost my first two chances. I refuse to waste this one."

Jerry smiled and looked through one of Nick's old journals. "Yeah well, no chance of you wasting this chance, is there?" When Mareep looked puzzled, Jerry elaborated. "Amy rarely holds back, though I distinctly remember my ribs wishing she would." Then he chuckled and said, "Bet that Pikachu wishes she'd pull her punches."

Amy blushed while Mareep looked on curiously. "Okay, maybe Pikachu didn't deserve it, but the alternative was letting his Trainer get away with what she said."

"I get it," said Jerry. "I'm just a little sad that she might start mistreating her Pokemon."

"I'm sorry," asked Mareep, "but what are you two talking about?"

Amy explained what happened earlier that day as Mareep listened.

"Wow," said Mareep once Amy finished explaining.

Just then Nick came into the room. "Hey guys." They greeted him with various levels of joy. Amy tried to jump on him when he got close to the bed, but failed when her foot got caught in the blanket. Nick caught her and lifted her back onto the bed.

"So get this, there's a field out back that we can use, but first I need to use some potions on all of you. Yes," he said when Amy started to speak, "we can use potions for your back, it's not that bad. Then we need to nickname Mareep, because it'd probably be like if you called me human all the time."

Nick led them out of the room and, while Amy and Jerry walked ahead, started asking Mareep about what name she'd want.

"Dolly?"

Mareep shook her head.

"Woolly?"

Mareep shook her head harder.

"Mary?"

A furious shake of her head.

"Lightning?"

Thsi time she just raised an eyebrow and Nick sighed. This wasn't going well at all.

"Well, we gotta think of something," said Nick. Mareep nodded as Jerry flew up and opened the door to the field.

Amy and Jerry stopped dead in their tracks and looked out at the field. Nick almost bumped into Jerry, but stopped just a step away. Mareep did bump into Amy, sending both of them down the stairs and rolling. They came to a stop at a pair of sandals.

Nick took one look at the Trainer and groaned. "You have got to be kidding me," he said, his tone dripping exasperation. He sighed and rubbed his temples. "Hello, Maya."

Maya looked at Nick and sneered. "Maya Superior, if you please."

"I really don't," Nick said, deadpan.

Maya huffed and looked down at Mareep and Amy, the former shaking a little and the latter glaring. "So, you've added an Electric-type to your team. It changes nothing."

"You're right," said Nick, smirking. "My team can still beat yours any day of the week."

Maya's face turned red as she fumed. "Okay. I don't have time to waste on you anyway." With that she turned away and started walking to one side of the field.

Nick thought for a second. "Well, don't waste time. Battle me."

Maya stumbled, righted herself, then turned to Nick with shock written across her face. "So you can beat me again? I think I'd rather train for now."

Nick shrugged as his Pokemon stared at him with expressions of surprise and confusion. "And you will. Battles are one of the fastest ways Pokemon and Trainers gain experience, Trainer battles more so . We'd get more out of our training by fighting each other than we would if we just battled within our teams. Plus, it should be cathartic." He thought for a second. "For me at least."

Maya thought of a way to dismiss his statement, then thought about it. "Fine, we'll do things your way. But be warned that I'll use this opportunity to learn your secrets."

Nick smirked at her. "As long as you learn something. Our last match lasted five minutes, so try to make this one more interesting."

Nick and his team walked to one side of the field while Maya and her team walked to the other. They turned to face each other once they reached battle positions.

"Alright," said Maya, raising three Pokeballs, "come on out!"

Light flashed, fading to reveal a Pikachu, Caterpie and Pidgey. Nick took one look at the Pidgey and smirked.

"So, you've added a Flying-type to your team. It changes nothing."

Maya snorted. "Very funny. I assume the Pokemon behind you are your only ones?"

Nick gestured them over and they all stood in front of him, looking directly at Maya's team. Except for Mareep, who looked at them for a minute or so before becoming fascinated with her feet.

"Well," said Nick, "this is my team. You've already met Amy and Jerry." The Pokemon in question nodded. "The Mareep is...Elaine?"

Mareep thought it over for a second, then looked at him and nodded. "Oh, and Ellie?" She looked at him. "Stand up straight."

"Are you just naming your Pokemon so they're names rhyme?" asked Maya.

Nick shook his head. "No, that's purely coincidental, I assure you."

Maya sighed. "Okay. You've met my Pikachu." Pikachu bowed. "I caught the Pidgey and the Caterpie while you went spelunking in Sprout Tower."

Nick sighed. "Okay, I'm pretty sure spelunking only applies to exploring caves and technically I was taking a challenge."

"Call it what you want. So, who should we start with?"

Nick considered the question for a moment. "How about, we start off with Jerry versus your Pidgey?"

"Seems fair. Okay Pidgey, get in there." Pidgey stepped forward while Pikachu and Caterpie stepped back. Jerry did the same while Amy and Ellie walked under a tree to chat.

"Pidgey, Tackle!" ordered Maya. Her Pidgey took off aimed directly at Jerry.

When the Pidgey got close Nick said, "Jerry, fly up." Jerry flew up, Pidgey missing him by inches.

It shouted in surprise and swerved around to try again.

"Jerry, Tackle!" Jerry abruptly turned in the air and, flying downwards, hit the Pidgey with a Tackle. Pidgey shouted again, this time in pain, and dropped like a stone before righting itself, barely avoiding a collision with the ground. Jerry landed and watched his opponent.

"Remember Maya," shouted Nick across the field, "this is supposed to help us learn. Tell me what you gathered from that."

"You're a douchebag," Maya replied without hesitation.

"Yes, very good," Nick said, nodding. "What else?"

"You keep waiting for me to attack first." Realization dawned on her face. "You're trying to see how I battle."

"No, I just want to see how I can make you look stupid." Nick turned to Amy and Ellie. "You guys watch this too."

"Tell me that when you've been beaten up and just recovered," Amy grumbled. Ellie turned to watch the fight. She noticed how Jerry had landed and turned to Amy.

"Why is he on the ground?" she asked.

Amy looked over and shrugged. "Not sure."

Ellie shifted and looked down. "I didn't... hurt him, did I?"

Amy thought for a moment. "Not badly enough that you'd need to worry about it," she decided. "From what you told me he did most of the hitting, and most of those were Hypnosis attacks."

They both turned to the battle and settled down to watch. Pidgey shot towards Jerry with what looked like another Tackle, then hit the ground in front of him and kicked sand into his eyes. Jerry staggered back and shook his head to clear the sand.

"Sand-Attack, huh? Not bad Maya."

"Now Pidgey, Tackle!" commanded Maya. Pidgey shot towards Jerry again, more confident now.

"Jerry Hypnosis!" commanded Nick as soon as Pidgey was close. Pidgey kept going, flying right into the Hypnosis and falling asleep.

Maya stared uncomprehendingly, her mind struggling to process what happened. Jerry began shaking his head to get the sand out of his feathers. "What was that?!"

Nick rubbed the back of his head nervously. "Yeah well, I was kind of hoping that Jerry's ability was Keen Eye. Turns out, it was."

Maya just stared at him. "And if it wasn't?" she asked.

Nick thought about that for a second. "Well then, that would have really hurt." Jerry glared at him and he raised his hands. "Hey, it worked right?" Jerry muttered something rude under his breath.

Nick cleared his throat. "With that, I learnt about Jerry. Since it'd take valuable time to beat up your sleeping Pokemon, can we move on?"

Maya sighed. "Sure, why not? Pidgey, return." The Pidgey was sucked up and Maya motioned her Pikachu over. "So, my Pikachu against your Mareep?"

Nick thought for a second. "Nah, let Amy battle Pikachu. As a matter of fact, when'd you catch your Caterpie?"

"Recently, why?"

"I caught Ellie recently. It must be fate. Hey, Ellie!" Ellie looked over at him and he gestured to Caterpie. "Lets you and him fight." Ellie nodded shyly and walked over, Jerry walking over to take her place next to Amy.

"Alright," said Maya. "Caterpie you're up." Pikachu hopped onto Maya's shoulder while Caterpie walked onto the battlefield.

Ellie shuffled over and took her place, regarding Caterpie with a look of wariness as Jerry and Amy shouted encouragement.

"Caterpie, Tackle!" Caterpie ran towards Ellie, faster than Nick had given it credit for, but still too slow.

"Ellie, Tackle!" Ellie ran at Caterpie and their attacks collided.

There was a brief struggle as they pushed at each other, then Caterpie knocked Ellie back. She cried out as she fell, then got back up slowly as Caterpie waited.

"Caterpie hurry, do another Tackle!"

"Ellie dodge!" Ellie froze as Caterpie rushed her, taking the full brunt of the Tackle this time.

"What's wrong with your Pokemon?" asked Maya. "She doesn't seem to be fighting well."

She's not fighting at all, thought Nick as Ellie slowly got to her feet.

"Caterpie, String Shot!"

Caterpie raised his head and shot a white sticky substance at Ellie. Nick briefly wondered if it was a metaphor for something less child friendly, then refocused on the battle.

"Ellie, dodge!"

This time Ellie showed enough sense to move, though her left leg and some of her wool was hit. She struggled with it for a second, then toppled over.

"Caterpie, Tackle!" Caterpie hit Ellie with another Tackle, sending her rolling. "String Shot!" More strings hit Ellie, almost completely cutting off any movement.

"Yes," said Maya, smirking. "Caterpie, Tackle, and keep it up."

The Caterpie landed three Tackles before Nick relented. "Ellie return!" Ellie was sucked into the ball and away from Caterpie, then promptly released next to her Trainer. Nick looked down at her and smiled sadly.

"Giving up Nick?" Maya asked.

"Yeah, I give up."

"I'm not surprised. I have become stronger and gotten more Pokemon. After this morning it makes sense that you would underestimate me. But that is the mistake you made, because in my family we don't just let anyone get away with beating us, especially not commoners like you. And now, with my new team I'll-"

"Oh my Mew, send your Pikachu to battle already! Seriously, Amy's already in place!" Maya looked and saw that Amy was indeed waiting and ready.

"Pikachu," she said as the Electric-type jumped off her shoulder and onto the battlefield, "destroy that Chikorita!"

Nick scoffed and Amy rolled her eyes. "Oh please."

Maya scowled. "You'll see. Pikachu, Thundershock!" A bolt of electricity burst from the Pikachu and hit Amy. She shook her head, looked at herself and looked back at Nick. He shrugged, just as confused as she was.

"What is she doing?" asked Maya.

"I don't think Electric-type attacks work well on Grass-types," replied Nick.

"Yeah, but my Pikachu is now strong enough to know Tail Whip."

"Amy, Tackle," said Nick, deadpan.

"Pikachu dodge." Pikachu ducked around Amy as she Tackled, it's fur barely ruffled. "See, while we were training, I noticed Pikachu's speed and knew that if I could teach it to use that speed, we'd easily beat you," said Maya, her Pikachu still bobbing and weaving around Amy's Tackles.

"Amy, Razor Leaf! Wide shot!" Amy began waving the leaf on her head from left to right, right to left, repeating the motions as dozens of sharp leaves went flying. Pikachu shouted as he was bombarded, Amy concentrating fire on him when he fell.

"Pikachu, Thundershock!" shouted Maya, panicking slightly. Pikachu released the electricity in what it guessed was Amy's direction, burning the leaves and stunning Amy. It stumbled as it got up, bruised and tired as Amy shook her head clear.

"Amy, Tackle!" Amy threw herself at Pikachu, knocking it onto the ground. It stayed down and Maya looked at it, concern clear on her face.

"Give up?" Nick asked.

Maya gritted her teeth. "Yes, okay. Pikachu return. In fact, everyone return."

Once her Pokemon were in their Pokeballs Maya looked at Nick and his Pokemon. "That Chikorita..." Here she paused, struggling to find the words. "Was she that strong this morning?"

Nick looked at Amy. "She might actually be a little stronger now."

Maya nodded, eyes downcast. "Well, I'm going to go make Nurse Joy fix up my Pokemon." With that she turned and went to the Center, quieter now than when she started the battle.

Just as she was about to enter she turned and looked back at Nick. "You were right, you know. it was kind of cathartic."

Nick stared at her and, once the door was closd, astared at his feet. Did she just admit I was right? he wondered.

"Chiko!" The sound dragged Nick out of his thoughts and he looked down to find Amy and Jerry struggling to pull the Caterpie's threads off Ellie.

"Oh, right, that happened." Nick slapped his forehead and knelt down. "Hang on, let me help."

(POKEMON CENTER, THAT EVENING)

Nick pulled the last piece of Caterpie string off of Ellie and leaned back into the pillows. She stood up and began inspecting her wool, grinning happily when she was sure none of it was left.

"See I told you oil works," Nick said, Amy rolling her eyes. Jerry had fallen asleep on the floor around halfway through the string removal and neither Nick nor Amy felt inclined to wake him up, though Amy had joined him on the floor.

Amy turned away and nestled deep into the single pillow she'd taken, falling asleep in seconds. Ellie hopped down and moved onto the other side of the pillow, nestling in and falling asleep within a few minutes.

Nick got off the bed and began changing into his pajamas, when there was a knock on his door. He sighed, having just removed his shoes, and called out, "Come in!"

The door creaked open and Nick pulled off his socks as whoever it was came in. He looked up, then blinked, more than a little surprised.

"What are you doing here?"

Maya, dressed in thick pink flannel pajamas, bit her lip and gestured to his Pokemon. "Is it okay to leave them lying around like that?"

Nick stared and said, "It makes me feel safer to have them ready to bolt at a moment's notice. When they get too big, I'll keep them in their Pokeballs." He studied her for a minute before speaking. "You didn't come here just to talk about my Pokemon did you?"

Maya shook her head. "No, but them being asleep makes this much easier." She took a deep breath before she continued. "For what happened this morning, I'm sooooooooooo-" She broke off and tried again. "I'm so-o-o-o..."

"Sorry," Nick suggested.

"Yes, that," Maya said, latching onto the phrase.

"Wow Maya, I had no idea you had it in you to say sorry. Well, sort of." Maya opened her mouth, probably to yell at him, then thought better of it and took another deep breath.

"My parents were the ones who told me to apologise. Apparently, I shouldn't have disregarded your opinion like that and I should have had better control over my temper. So, will you accept my apology?"

"Okay," said Nick.

"Now, don't be so hasty. I'm sure that if you sleep on it you'll-" She stopped and registered what he'd said. "Wait, what?"

"Okay," Nick repeated. "I forgive you, apology accepted, yada yada friendship..." he trailed off as he began pulling his socks off.

"Really?" Maya asked, dubious. "You're forgiving me just like that?"

"Yeah, and do you know why?" When she shook her head he continued. "To throw you off. That and, well, you're entitled to your opinion, while I'm entitled to defeat you in battle for your opinion."

"Well, that's...mature."

"Thank you," said Nick, ignoring the sarcasm.

"Goodnight then," said Maya, turning to leave.

"Goodnight," Nick replied, waiting for her to leave before he removed his clothes, set them next to the bed, and put on his pajamas.

(ROUTE 33)

"Ellie, Tackle." With another Tackle, Ellie knocked down the Caterpie who, tired of the fight, took off, leaving the Electric-type and her teammates smiling.

"Not bad, Ellie," said Nick, a hint of pride in his voice. "All you needed was a little confidence booster and you're unstoppable." Ellie beamed at him, happiness pouring off her. "It's still too late to say sorry." Ellie's face fell.

Nick sighed, walked to her and patted her on the head. "Okay, I'll forgive you. Barely." He muttered that last part under his breath, just in case she got offended.

"Ellie, how about a little spar?" asked Jerry.

"You're on!" Ellie replied, still a little excited about her victory over Caterpie. They'd been training all morning and that was the first Caterpie they'd seen.

Amy and Nick smiled as Jerry and Ellie sparred, neither of their attacks landing as they dodged and maneuvered, though their laughter made it clear neither was taking the fight seriously.

"So, you think we're ready for Falkner?" Nick asked Amy.

Amy thought for a second, then shook her head.

"Yeah, I get it." Nick sighed. "I really should do research on what type of Pokemon he uses, right?"

Amy nodded absentmindedly, then realized what Nick had said and stared at him, shock clear on her face.

"What?" asked Nick.

Amy started ranting at him, too fast for him to pick up what she was saying, but he did catch the tone she used. It was not at all pleasant and seemed to imply some form of harm.

"If you're mad at me for not knowing what type Falkner uses, sorry. Gym Leaders can change Leaders every couple years, and those new Leaders don't always keep the same types. I'll try winging it and seeing what happens."

Amy huffed and turned away from him.

"He uses Flying-types," said a voice from the terminal. They all turned to look and saw Maya, wearing the tracksuit they'd first seen her in.

"Of course it's Flying-types. I love battling Flying-types," said Amy.

"Flying-types, huh? Makes the 'winging it' thing a little funnier." Nick thought about it for a second, then turned to Ellie. "So, Ellie needs to learn a new move fast."

A sharp crack drew his attention to Ellie and Jerry, the latter a little singed and the former constantly repeating 'sorry'.

"I think she just learned an Electric-type attack," said Nick, satisfied.

"Maybe she did, but it's not enough," said Maya. Nick frowned at her and she kept going. "Falkner isn't a Gym Leader for nothing. Going in there relying on power and type won't be enough."

"In case you havent seen me battle, I don't rely on power," Nick replied. "I can get creative and so can my Pokemon."

"Slapping him in the face won't work," Maya said dryly.

Amy smirked at Maya. "Your challenge is accepted."

Maya ignored Amy and focused on Nick. "You should train your Pokemon, make sure they're all well rested, and try to avoid anything that will put them out of commission. You'll need all of them to beat Falkner."

"All of- I thought you could only use a certain number of Pokemon against a Gym Leader!" exclaimed Nick.

Maya shook her head. "Yeah, before the Pokemon League remembered that every Gym Leader is usually the strongest Trainer in their town. Do you really think you could beat them with just a few Pokemon?"

Nick thought that over. "What about the Champion?"

"The Champion?" asked Maya.

"Red."

Maya stared for a second, dumbstruck. "Don't you know? Red left the Pokemon League a few years ago."

Nick stared, mouth agape as he tried to process what Maya told him. Red...left?!

"Nick, why are you challenging the Gym Leaders?" asked Maya. "It can't just be for the thrill, right?"

Nick chuckled a little at that, then stopped when she glared. "No, not for thrills, though it's kinda fun." He trailed off, took a deep breath and resumed. "I wanted to battle Red. He's the one that got me interested in Pokemon journeys in the first place."

Maya pursed her lips. "I see." She turned and began walking back to town. "Well, good luck with your training."

"Thanks." As soon as Maya was gone Nick looked at Jerry. "Alright Jerry, we're going to train!"

Jerry blinked and stared at Nick.

"Look Jerry, Amy and Ellie already have a move each that's associated with their type. You need one too, and fast. So, for the rest of the day, we're going to train."

Jerry, upon hearing that, nodded his head once, his expression determined.

"Alright, let's go!" Nick paused as his stomach grumbled. "Okay first lunch." His Pokemon nodded. "Then, we go!"

(END CHAPTER 6)

Honestly I was going to make this longer, but then I'd leave you on a cliffhanger, and I already did that. So now you know that Red left the Pokemon League, no surprise there, but in this fic I hope to explore why he did. Also I'm hoping to develop Maya's character as well as the unknown Trainer with the Growlithe.

On the next Journey Rarely Told: Nick faces off against Falkner, learns more about Red, learns about the Growlithe Trainer and does more research on the empathy bond. What will happen? What does the empathy bond do? What does the Vulpix say? Find out in next chapter.

If I make any spelling mistakes, let me know so I can fix them, review only if you think it helps and flame only if it's constructive. If I'm being flamed for being unrealistic, please note that Pokemon is in no way realistic (unless I'm too unrealistic).