Hikari's Sinnoh Adventures

Author's Note: After posting the last chapter, I realized it was a lot longer than I expected it to be, haha.

Thanks for your reviews; I really appreciate it! And Cadmium Kheri, yeah, I know about the number thing, but sometimes I feel that the number written out is just less easily read than the digits. I'm just a slacker, lol. I know it's wrong unless it's over a hundred, but I guess I just have some quirks with writing. I'll try to stick to being more grammatically correct though from now on, haha.

And as far as chapter one goes, the idea was for it to seem like a ten year old was talking at the time. I guess I sort of thought of it like a 'dear journal' introduction towards the reader, so it directly addressed the reader. I just sort of wanted a little introduction like that for fun, like a pre-get-to-know the character, haha. But if I have the time to look over the first chapter a little more closely, I'll see what I can do about re-adjusting it to make it fit a little more with the rest of the story.

And thanks again for your comments! ^_^


Chapter 6: The Journey Really Begins

It was early in the morning when I awoke, around 6. I rolled over from my side onto my back, forgetting that Piplup was also there. It got caught under my blanket and legs, causing him to wake up with a squeal.

"Oh! Sorry about that, Piplup. I'm not used to sharing my bed," I laughed as I pulled her up and set her beside me. Seeing Piplup reminded me that today was when I'd actually set off for my journey. I jumped out of bed, got dressed, and dashed down the stairs, with Piplup following closely behind.

My mother was in her favorite place as usual, the kitchen. "Good morning, Hikari! I'm surprised you're up this early on your own! Here! I made you some breakfast before you go off on your big journey!" Bubbly as usual, she gently ushered me to the kitchen table, where there lay a feast of breakfast foods. Piles of pancakes, waffles, sided with eggs, bacon, and toast, topped off with fruit galore, were scattered across the table.

"Wow." That was all that I could think of to express my thoughts on all of this food. Wow. "Mom, you shouldn't have gone to all this trouble. I'm only 10."

"I know that! You're a growing girl! So you need to eat a lot! And there's also milk, and juice, – apple and orange – and chocolate for your milk." She turned around and went to the refrigerator, pulling out several pitchers at once. "There you go!" she said in a sing-song voice, even continuing on by humming a cheerful tune.

Shaking my head at my mother in disbelief, I sat down at the table to eat something. I wasn't that hungry, since I was preoccupied about this upcoming journey of mine. But Piplup didn't appear to feel the same way as I did, for he had already found the syrup and begun digging into the pancakes. Laughing, I picked up my fork and reached for the waffles.

Suddenly, someone burst through the door; it was Kenji's mom, Shiori. Apparently she hadn't learned about knocking, which was a common custom among people with homes. Not that I actually minded though; she was a nice woman, and was pretty much like an aunt to me.

Flustered, she quickly spoke, "Excuse me. Is my little Kenji here?"

'Little? That lanky boy who lives near me? I wouldn't call him little.'

My mother was the first one to respond, since I was caught up in my own thoughts. "Oh? No, he's not…"

"Oh… Then he must have let already…" Shiori sighed dejectedly. "What to do… That boy shouted about going on an adventure, then he bolted. He's so headstrong and reckless… I at least wanted him to take this…" She pulled out some sort of package.

"Not to worry, Hikari will deliver that to him. Won't you, Hikari?"

"Huh?" 'Oh, thanks a lot, Mom. Just volunteer me for everything.'

Shiori's eyes lit up. "Oh, really? You'd do that for me?"

"Oh, yeah. Sure, sure." I figured it wasn't a big deal. I'd find him along the way at some point in the future.

"Hikari, please take this to Kenji for me." Then she handed me the parcel she held so dearly. "Let me think… Knowing my boy, he would probably head straight to Jubilife City… Okay, please take that to my Kenji."

"Sure thing, I'll have to go through Jubilife City myself."

"Thank you so much, dear! I really appreciate it!" Then she gave me a death grip of a hug for what seemed like forever. I thought she'd crush my lungs before she'd let go.

"It's no problem, I'm glad to do it for you," I choked out, managing to wiggle my way out of her arms.

All of her emotional drama and near-death embraces were getting me hungry. I finally started to chow down on the food my mother made me. And by golly, was it delicious!

"Bless you, dear. And good luck on your journey, and tell Kenji that I love him! Goodbye!" She about faced and practically skipped out the door.

"Oh, that Shiori. She always gets so worked up over things and overreacts," my mother giggled.

'Yeah, speak for yourself, Mother, dearest.' I decided to change the subject. Thinking any more about Kenji or Kenji-related things gave me a headache. "Wow, Mom, this food's really amazing! Thanks for making it. I think Piplup really enjoyed it, too." We both turned to the side to see Piplup lying on his back at the end of the table, full up with food. He let out a little burp, and that got us laughing for a good five minutes.

*

I was all packed and ready to go. Piplup was recovering from the huge meal he ate. "Alright, I think we're all set, Piplup. Are you ready to go?" With much effort, Piplup pushed himself up and waddled over.

"Oh, are you leaving now, Hikari?" my mom asked as she came in from the kitchen. Of course, she had been washing the dishes. (I'm pretty sure she actually just sleeps in the kitchen, too.)

"Yeah, it's almost 8 now, so I think I better get going. Besides, Kenji might have gone even farther, too. The sooner I leave, the sooner I might catch him."

"Are you sure you have everything?"

"Yeah."

"Everything's packed in your bag? Pokémon supplies? Food? All of your necessary items and toiletries?" She leaned closer to me as she interrogated me.

"Yes, Mother…" I rolled my eyes at her. "I've got everything I need."

Leaning back up, she sighed, "Well, alright, dear. If you're sure…" She had a worried look on her face, as mothers do, but she took my word for it and dropped the subject.

Piplup stayed by my side as my mother walked us to the door and onto the front porch. I had decided that I would keep Piplup out of its Pokéball and with me along the journey. One reason was that I figured I'd get lonely going across the region. The second reason was that each time I tried to put him in his Pokéball that morning, he kept finding his way back out. After about five minutes of the same routine, I finally gave in, defeated.

"I'm going to miss you! Come back and visit, okay?" my mother requested as she hugged me tightly. Then she gave Piplup a kiss on his head and pulled out a Poffin to give to him.

"I will, Mom, as much as I can. I promise." She was a good woman, despite her many quirks. I stepped down off the porch as Piplup followed behind, chewing on his treat.

"Bye-bye, Hikari!" She stood on the porch, waving goodbye to us. "Enjoy your adventure!" With one last wave goodbye from me, I headed out to begin my journey.


Author's Note: Okay, I know that the starter Pokémon in the game isn't capable of being outside of its Pokéball with the player (except for Pokémon Yellow), but I thought it'd help make the story more interesting with Piplup out and about more often.

Also, I'm debating about going back and changing Lucas' name to Kōki, as it is his name in Japanese. It was a question by someone before about why aren't they all Japanese names. The reason Hikari's name was changed from Dawn was because I hated that name. The least they could have done was made it start with an "M", like all the others, haha (like Melanie!). And I do like Japanese names a lot, but if anyone has any objections or comments, please let me know.

And I now know that Barry's (or Kenji in my story) name in Japanese is actually Jun. But I don't like that as much as Kenji, so I'm keeping it the same.