A week later found the Harry preparing for a farewell party thrown for him by the Rockets and Delila. He had just finished packing up his back pack with all the clothes Giovanni bought for him, as well as all the Potions, Status Healers, extra Pokeballs, and whatever else the man felt he needed. Harry was also pleased to see his new clothes fit him perfectly. He was wearing a short sleeve black shirt with an emerald green stripe, blue jeans, and sneakers, perfect for traveling. His Pokeballs were strapped to a dull gold belt Persian picked out for him when he wasn't looking.
Finally ready, Harry took one last look around his room, grabbed the backpack and headed downstairs. Placing his burden by the front door, he walked to the living room where everyone was waiting for him, all already chowing down under a sign that said 'Good Luck!' besides a table piled with going away gifts for him
"Hey kiddo!" Meowth said, waving a paw. The others all said their own greetings, pulling him into a hug.
"I'll miss you Harry, hopefully you'll see Ash sometime on your journey, I've told him all about you and he's eager to meet you." Delila said, trying not to cry.
James clapped him on the back, sending forward slightly, "He'll do great. Jesse, Meowth and I will be keeping an eye out for you; maybe we'll get to see one of your battles."
Harry grinned, "I'm sure we'll bump into each other, even if you guys only want me to make you a meal." The three Rockets blushed. Ever since having a meal made by Harry, they had come over every day for another one. Delila didn't mind, she thought it was cute. Harry just wasn't used to having so many people love his cooking, but was growing used to it.
"Here Harry." Jesse said, holding out a small gift. "We three pitched in to get it for you." Inside was a slim bracelet made of silver and green 'R's'; it was the type of bracelet that charms could be added to as well. Harry snapped it on, admiring it in the light.
"Thanks!" He hugged her tightly, and then the other two. Persian pushed a gift towards him.
"This is from me and Gio cub." This one was a necklace with a fang. Persian opened her mouth, near the back a tooth was missing. "So you'll always have me with you cub.." She purred, nuzzling him.
Mr. Mime and Delila both made him a book of all their recipes, easy to make on the road and able to feed a lot of people.
"It was a lot of fun doing this without being able to talk to each other." The woman grinned, hugging her Pokémon.
Professor Oak stepped up next, holding the largest present.
"All of us at the lab felt that this would do best with you, Harry." Curious, Harry opened it, revealing the Egg he had found. He looked up at the old man, surprised. "We think it'll be a Fire-type Pokémon, with how the Egg is warmer to the touch than any other Egg would be, and we also think it'll hatch soon." Persian came back with Harry's back pack and together they arranged Harry's clothes into a safe 'nest' for the Egg. He also handed Harry a Pokeball to be used on the baby when it hatches.
"Thanks Professor I'll let you know as soon as I can what comes out." Harry promised.
Giovanni stood up, a small more natural smile on his face as he looked at the boy.
"My gift is a little different. I'm going to put into use your suggestions for Team Rocket, effective immediately. You had some really good ideas and I know they'll help us in the long run." He turned to the trio, "You three are to help him in any way you can when he needs it. Is that clear?"
"Yes sir!" The three chorused. The serious mood was changed back to the party mood, everyone having a great time with all the food, laughing and just enjoying them. They quieted down when Oak's cell phone rang.
"Yes? Ah…alright, and thanks for doing this." He ended the call and turned to Harry. "Your ride's here. An old friend is going to take you to Flamma Coast on the edge of Flamma Forest. On the other side are Ignis Town and the first of the Gyms."
"I guess I better get down to the docks then." Harry said with a grin. The group made their way down to the docks, where a speed boat was waiting.
An elderly man with a happy grin waved at them, looking every inch a Captain. "Ahoy! I'm here to take young Harry to Omnera region. Name's Captain Teal."
"Hey Teal!" Oak greeted his old friend with a hug, and then gestured to Harry, who was hugging everyone goodbye. "That's him there, could you come back and tell us you dropped him off? All of us will be worried sick unless we know for sure."
Harry joined up with them as Teal answered, "Of course Samuel. Hello lad, let's get you aboard. We're shoving off."
The black-haired youth jumped onto the boat as Teal started backing out, waving good bye to everyone as the dock got smaller and smaller, eventually falling out of sight all together. He turned to Teal.
"When will we get there?"
"Omnera's closer than you think lad, we'll get there before noon I assure you."
True to his word, the mountainous region soon came into sight.
"What's Omnera shaped like anyway? And where's the League?" Harry asked curiously.
"Well the League is in the center of those mountains lad." Teal began, pointing at the towering mountains. "The cities and towns are shaped in a donut like circle, with every other city having an access through the mountains to the League. The way only opens when you have all eight badges. Omnera itself has many climates, some of which is why the cities are named as such. Take Ignis for example, it has very bright sunshine and is warm here, with hardly ever any snow, even in the middle of winter. That's why it's called 'Fire'. Now, Glacies on the other hand is nick named the Frozen City, because of all the ice and snow. The funny thing is, is that the two towns are right next to each other." The old man laughed. Teal pulled the boat closer to the small dock while Harry gathered his things.
"Each Gym Leader's Pokémon is based on a specific type. So Ignis' Leader's Pokémon is Fire-type, while Glacies has Ice. Good to know for preparation. I suggest battling the Glacies Gym last, heard the Leader was the strongest of the lot."
"Thanks Captain Teal." Harry said, hopping onto the dock. He watched as Teal nodded and began to pull away. A few minutes later he was a speck on the ocean. The raven turned his back to the ocean towards the looming green forest in front of him. Exploring the edge for a few minutes, he found a dirt path, slightly overgrown. Feeling that this was the best option to get to Ignis, Harry set off along the path. For half an hour he walked, enjoying the beauty around him, listening to the various Pokémon in the forest going about their lives, though he didn't stop to talk to any of them.
His peace was broken when a girl about his age burst through the underbrush, panting slightly. As she regained her breath he took in her appearance; she had midnight black hair (darker than his own, surprisingly), with light blue-purple highlights flowing in gentle waves to her waist. Going around her head she had a skinny silver circlet almost like a headband. She wore a lavender colored, sleeveless shirt that hugged her neck, black jeans that flared slightly with a silver belt that had her pokeballs and slender black shoes. On her back was a silver back-pack, much like his own, with black tribal dragons.
"Hey, are you alright?" Harry asked concerned, helping her stand up straight. He saw her eyes were a light lavender.
"Yeah…just had a run in with…" She started to explain, still panting but stopped when she heard a noise behind her. Turning around, the two saw multiple Beedrill, Scizor and Scyther, all looked angry as hell.
"Oh…did you mean them?" Harry asked, weakly but calmly.
"….Yeah…." She replied, gulping. "Shall we run for our lives?"
"Let's." And the two took off like a bat out of hell, angry Bug-Types chasing them through the forest. Weaving in and out of the trees, the duo managed to finally lose the Pokémon. They collapsed to the ground, panting harshly.
"Do I even want to know what you did to them?" Harry asked, eyebrow raised as he sat and looked at her.
"I think I invaded their territory accidently." She replied, lying on her back. She looked over at him. "I'm Iriana, what's your name?"
"Harry." He shook her hand with a grin. "Where you headed? I'm off to Ignis to challenge the Gym Leader."
Iriana grinned back, "Same here, I wanna see the world and be the best Trainer I can be, as well as try to get a Dragon Mastery, I love Dragon-type Pokémon but there are also other ones I love as well." She stood up and helped Harry back to his feet.
"Same here Iriana, why don't we travel together? It'd be nice to travel with a friend." Harry said and he started down the path, Iriana at his side.
"Sounds like a plan Harry. Have you gotten your first Pokémon yet?" She asked curiously.
Harry nodded, "Yeah. I actually got two, well, three if you count the Egg in my pack."
She looked shocked, "Wow, already? What are they? I only have one." She reached behind her and pulled out a Pokeball. "Come on out Ralts." Out of the Pokeball came a Pokémon with a white body with its legs giving it the appearance it was wearing a dress. It had a green helmet looking thing with a red horn on the front and back, it fully covered its eyes. "Isn't she just the cutest thing? I found her just after I started this journey. Walked right up to me and let me catch her."
"Ralts!"~"Hi!"
Harry smiled at the tiny Pokémon, holding out his Pokedex. Ralts, the Feeling Pokémon. Ralts is the pre-evolved form of Kirlia. It can use the horns on its head to read human emotions. Ralts rarely shows itself to humans, but may occasionally approach when it senses positive or happy feelings. Harry kneeled down and shook the little Pokémon's hand.
"Very cool Pokémon. Hello Ralts, I'm Harry."
"Hello Harry. You're nice! Just like Miss Iriana." Harry chuckled
"I'm glad you think I'm nice Ralts." He stood up and saw Iriana with a surprised look on her face. Remembering just what he did, Harry chuckled weakly, "Heh heh….yeah…I can understand Pokémon…special ability."
Sensing that she was making Harry nervous, Iriana grinned, "That is freaking awesome! Can you understand all Pokémon?"
"Yeah, so far all the Pokémon I've met I can understand." Harry answered, feeling more at ease. "Oh and here are my Pokémon." He threw Eevee's and Absol's Pokeballs.
The midnight-haired girl's eyes grew wide seeing the Pokémon, "Sweet! I love Absol; they're one of my favorite Pokémon, so mysterious and I love her coloring. And Eevee are just adorable!"
"I like this human. What is her name?" Absol asked, preening at the praise the girl gave. Eevee jumped into her arms and now was being cuddled.
"Her name is Iriana. She'll be travelling with us." Harry answered, laughing at the Normal-Type, who was now purring with contentment.
"You have incredible Pokémon Harry. You said you had an Egg, do you know what will hatch?" Iriana asked, handing Eevee back to Harry. The two returned their Pokémon and started walking again.
"No, I found it in the forest outside of Viridian, abandoned under some tree roots. Professor Oak from Pallet Town examined the Egg, but couldn't figure out what will come out, though he thinks it'll be a Fire-type."
The duo continued to talk about anything and everything as they walked through the forest, eventually leaving the trees and into the bright sunshine. Up ahead they saw Ignis Town, slightly larger than Viridian Harry guessed.
"Wow, first time I've been here. I'm gonna go explore and pick up some supplies for us." Iriana said.
Harry nodded, "I'm gonna take my Pokémon to the Pokémon Center, I haven't done that yet. Let's meet up at the park." He pointed to the one about thirty feet in front of them. "We'll head to the Gym together."
"Alright." And she walked off towards the shopping center while Harry went to the Pokémon Center.
"Hello, I'm Nurse Joy. How can I help you?" A pretty lady with pink hair done in loops and wearing a nurse's outfit asked, smiling. At her side was a pink, egg-shaped Pokémon, with hair-like outgrowths on the side of its head, stubby limbs, and a short tail. On its belly was a pouch holding an egg. "This is my Pokémon partner, Chansey."
Harry smiled at them both and then handed Joy his Pokeballs and carefully brought out the Egg.
"My name's Harry. I wanted to have my Pokémon checked as they haven't had one yet, plus I wanted to see how the Egg is doing." Joy smiled and took them all, disappearing into the back room. Harry turned to Chansey, "Do you mind? I've never met a Chansey before." Chansey shook her head, smiling at the youth who brought out his Pokedex: Chansey, the Egg Pokémon. It is said to deliver happiness. Being compassionate, it shares its eggs with injured people. Chansey adore children, both human and Pokémon. "Nice to meet you Chansey."
"Hello Harry. Would you like something to drink while you wait for Joy to come back?" Chansey asked, gesturing to the cafeteria, figuring that Harry wouldn't understand her.
"I'd love something to drink Chansey." Harry smiled at the Pokémon, who was pleasantly surprised and helped Harry find something.
The two chatted while Harry waited, about his abilities and the Pokémon world in general. It was interesting to hear about it from a Pokémon's view. Nurse Joy finally came back, holding the two Pokeballs and the Egg.
She listened to the two for a few minutes and then asked, "Can you understand her Harry?" The emerald eyed youth blushed at being caught.
"Yes Nurse Joy. It's just a gift I have, and so far I've been able to understand every Pokémon I've met."
Nurse Joy smiled gently, "There's no reason to be shy about it, Harry, that's an amazing ability. Do you mind if I tell the other Joys around Omnera about you? I believe it would be a good idea, plus if there's any problem Pokémon you could maybe help with it." Harry nodded eagerly. "Your Pokémon and Egg are doing just fine by the way."
"Go right ahead and tell them." He clipped back on the Pokeballs and carefully placed the Egg in his backpack. "I need to go and meet up with my friend; we're going to battle the Gym Leader here."
"Just follow this road and you'll run into the Gym, can't miss it." Joy said as Harry walked out the door, waving good-bye. "What a nice young man…well I've got a few calls to make…"
"Harry! There you are, is everything alright?" Iriana asked, standing up as the youth approached. The raven haired teen nodded.
"Yeah, Nurse Joy caught me talking to her Chansey; she thought it was cool and asked if she could tell the other Joys about me, just in case they need my help with a Pokémon. I said it was alright."
"That was nice, now any idea where the Gym is? I forgot to ask the clerk when I was shopping."
"Joy said to follow this road, we can't miss it." Harry answered, already walking down the road. Iriana hurried up to catch him. "So any idea on how to battle?"
Iriana shrugged, "I say go with our instincts, they can't lead us wrong." Harry laughed at her joke while she smirked.
The good mood was ruined when they got to the Gym. Outside its doors were two groups standing off. In front of the two was a man in his twenties with red hair wearing black clothes with flame designs, glaring the group opposite him. Beside him was a red lizard looking Pokémon, its tail having a flame burning on the end. Harry flipped out his Pokedex: Charmeleon, the Flame Pokémon. It has razor sharp claws and its tail is exceptionally strong.
The group opposite gave Harry and Iriana chills. A group of three people wearing nearly the same type of uniform, a dull grey with yellow and red lines that looked like they were crackling stared down the red headed man. The thug in the middle had the only difference as his uniform had some sort of official decoration on the shoulder. Beside them were two kinds of Pokémon. The first had a human-like stance that has traits of a duck and a mythical salamander. It had a red body with a yellow flame design on it, and a yellow tail that also had a flame on it. It also had yellow thighs, black legs and red feet with two toes each. Its arms are covered in red, rigid scales and it has red hands with five fingers. It has a row of red spikes running down its back. Finally it had two lumps on its forehead with a flame on top of each one, and a yellow beak. Again, Harry brought out the Pokedex: Magmar, the Spitfire Pokémon. Its body is like a furnace, making Magmar a living inferno. It has been discovered only near active volcanoes.
The other Pokémon reminded Harry of a like a young lion. It had a black mane around its face, which was a bluish color and bright yellow eyes. It also has two yellow rings around each of its front legs which were the same blue as its face. Its paws were also a blue color, but its hind legs were black which followed to its tale that was ended with a yellow star like tuff of fur. For a third time, Harry checked the Pokedex: Luxio, the Spark Pokémon. By touching friends with its front paws, Luxio is able to communicate through the sparks it emits. The two crept closer behind the uniformed guys, trying to hear what they were saying.
"Why won't you just give in Pyro? You're outnumbered and outmatched." The one with the fancy decoration said.
Pyro just stood straighter, glaring even harder at the bad guys but also watching Harry and Iriana. "You want me to give you every Pokémon in Ignis for your own purposes as well as give you all control over the city? Not in your wildest dreams."
The thug from before sneered, "Have it your way. With you out of the way, this town will be easy pickings for us!"
"Harry, we have to do something. Pyro is outmatched, there's no way he can take on all of them by himself." Iriana whispered, bringing out Ralts' Pokeball.
"I'm way ahead of you." Harry smirked, holding out Eevee's and Absol's balls. "You help Pyro, you can team up."
"Right, let's go. Go Ralts!" Iriana shouted, startling the thugs and their Pokémon. Pyro smirked when he saw the two moving to help him.
"Ralts!" The Emotion Pokémon called.
"Come on out Absol and Eevee!" While the Evolution Pokémon danced around happily, playing with Ralts, Absol turned a fierce death glare on his Trainers opponents, all of whom took a step back from Disaster Pokémon.
"Who the heck are you brats? Get out of our way!" The leader yelled.
"You were going to battle him while he only had one Pokémon out. If there's one thing I can't stand in this world, it's bullies!" Harry spat, eyes blazing like emerald fire.
"Have it your way, I'll take you on brat. You two, take on the Leader and the other brat." He ordered.
"Yes sir!" The two chorused, taking one Magmar and Luxio each, making the battle for Iriana and Pyro two on four while Harry's was two on two.
"We got this Harry, don't worry. Ralts use Confusion!" The Psychic-type glowed slightly and the two Magmar were lifted into the air and thrown into each other, dazing them. Pyro was already busy with the two Luxio.
"Attention on me brat. Luxio use Thunderbolt! Magmar use Flamethrower!"
"Dodge both of you and use Quick Attack!" Harry ordered. The attacks collided with the ground when Absol and Eevee vanished, appearing as only blurs on the field. As one, they rammed into their opponents, knocking the wind out of them.
"Eevee, Tail-whip while they're both down, Absol use Razor Wind." Eevee started wagging his tail, causing a red light to faintly appear on Magmar and Luxio, lowering their defense. Absol's blade started to glow.
"No! Get up you two; don't let these weaklings beat you!" The thug roared.
"Too late." Harry smirked just as Absol released her attack. Blades of wind hit dead on the two prone Pokémon, knocking them out. Snarling, the thug returned them, backing up as he did so. Looking at the other battle showed Iriana and Pyro having won their own battles, the other two thugs backing up with their leader.
"This isn't over brats." He snarled out and took off surprisingly fast, the other two on his heels.
"Well, that takes care of that. Not bad for our first battles huh guys?" Harry grinned at his Pokémon. Eevee was doing some sort of victory dance with Ralts, while Absol just preened.
"That was your first battle?" Pyro asked impressed. "Very nice kids. You saved my behind, and those of every Pokémon and citizen in Ignis." The teens blushed.
"We just did the right thing, and you were outnumbered," Iriana said.
The red-head laughed. "Maybe so, still thank you. I'm assuming you came here for a battle?" He asked, walking inside.
"Yes sir. We decided to travel and get our badges together." Harry answered, following him along with Iriana.
"Let's give the Pokémon a little break, they've earned it." He led them through the Gym, which had a large dirt field, to a kitchen in the back. Telling them to have a seat, he brought out water for everyone. "Here you go. So why are you kids going on this journey? To be Pokémon Masters?"
"I just wanna be strong for my Pokémon and see what the world has to offer." Harry said grinning.
"Same here, though I do want to get a Dragon Mastery." Iriana said, taking a drink. Pyro smiled.
"Good answer kids." He finished his glass; the two humans copied him while the Pokémon had already finished theirs. "Well, let's get started, first let me track down my referee, ran off somewhere…" He mock-grumbled, causing the other two to laugh.
Ten minutes later Pyro at one end of the Gym, Iriana and Harry at the other.
The referee began, "This will be a two on two battle. The side that has their Pokémon knocked out first loses."
"Come on out Ralts!"
"Let's go Eevee!"
The two Pokémon appeared, battle stance ready. That was until Eevee tipped over and knocked over Ralts. The two just started laughing, causing everyone to laugh with them.
"Come on guys, we got a battle to win." Harry said with a grin. The two quickly untangled themselves.
"You're already close with your Pokémon, very good. Come on out Charmeleon and Magcargo!" The red lizard Pokémon waved when he saw Ralts and Eevee, before getting serious again. The other Pokémon reminded Harry of a large snail made out of magma, with a grey shell with cracks that occasionally spit little spouts of fire. Curious, Harry brought out the Pokedex: Magcargo, the Lava Pokémon. Magcargo lives primarily in volcanic regions and occasionally emits the lava from its back that circles its body. Pyro grinned.
"Just because you guys saved us, doesn't mean we'll go easy on you."
"Good, we wouldn't want to have an easy battle now would we?" Iriana shot back, smirking.
"Begin!" The referee called.
"Charmeleon use Flamethrower, Magcargo use Rock Throw!" A huge stream of fire erupted from Charmeleon's mouth, while Magcargo slammed the earth, sending huge rocks at Ralts.
"Eevee dodge and use Bite!" Eevee jumped out of the Fire attacks wave and raced off towards Charmeleon, landing a nice attack on the Fire-type and then jumping away.
"Ralts Teleport and use Double Team!" Just before the rocks hit, Ralts vanished, and then reappeared and then split up into about twenty Ralts. "Now use Confusion!" All the Ralts glowed, lifting Magcargo high into the air before slamming it back into the ground, knocking him out.
"Magcargo return! It's up to you Charmeleon, prepare to use Fire Fang!" Flames coated Charmeleon's fangs, giving him a very scary look. Both Eevee and Ralts took a step back.
"Don't worry you two, you'll be just fine. I know you will." Iriana said soothingly.
"You two can take Charmeleon on together, we're right behind you." Harry added. The two Pokémon shared a glance and nodded. Ralts stood still while Eevee began to do a strange cheer, glowing white and making Ralts glow as well.
"Eevee's using Helping Hand to power up Ralts." Harry realized. "But what's Ralts doing?"
"I'm not sure, I haven't seen her use this attack yet. Ralts, attack when you're ready!"
"Ralts!" "Right!" She nodded, glowing even more.
"Well, I'm not gonna wait around to see what's going to happen. Charmeleon, attack now!" Pyro ordered. Charmeleon nodded and charged forward, but couldn't get there in time. Leaves appeared around Ralts, glowing an ethereal green and red.
"Magical Leaf!" Iriana realized. "That attack is called Magical Leaf. While it doesn't do a lot of damage to Fire-types, it always hits. And combined with Eevee's Helping Hand…"
"We got this battle in the bag." Harry grinned.
"Ralts, Teleport and use Magical Leaf!" Ralts vanished before Chameleon could land a hit, causing it to slam into the ground. While its back was turned, Ralts reappeared and fired its attack, slamming Charmeleon forward, knocking him out.
"The winners are Harry and Iriana!" The referee announced as Pyro called back his Pokémon, smiling at the two teens. They had scooped up their Pokémon and were twirling them around happily.
"Hey you two, come here!" Pyro called. When they came over, their Pokémon on their shoulders, he began again, "With teamwork and belief in your Pokémon you beat me. I'm proud to give you the Fire Badge, along with a case to keep it in along with the other Badges I know you'll win." He handed them each a flame shaped Badge. "Unda is only a few hours from here; you could make it there and get your second Badge in one day if you leave now. But you better promise me we'll see each other again squirt."
"Hey!" Harry said indignantly. "I'm not short!" Iriana laughed.
"Yes you are, I'm taller than you!" The two Pokémon just laughed with her. Harry just huffed, annoyed but smiling slightly.
"Yeah, yeah, let's get going. See ya later Pyro!" He called, walking out the door.
"Wait for me!" Iriana called, running after him. Pyro followed at a more relaxed pace out the door and watched the two run off down the road.
"Those two will go far, but there's something about that Harry that just stands out…" He shook his head with a fond smile on his face. "Things just got more interesting."