A/N: Filler again lol

Chapter 3 - Strong Will and Confidence

Blackthorn City - Dragon Tamer Training Grounds - June 19th, 2000

Daylight

Months have passed since Logan's mother died, and he began his awaited training with the other aspiring Dragon Tamers. Day in and day out, Logan learned about Pokémon battles first-hand and was able to get hands-on experience in battling. Him and Chika battled other trainees and their young Dragon Pokémon, trained eight hours everyday, while being able to get breaks every once in awhile, but regardless training was a serious matter. He, as well as the other trainees, that they would begin by battling on a difficulty system, from beginner battles with low leveled Dragons like Dratini and Bagon, to Expert where the veteran Tamers come and teach those that reached that far in their training and battle their more experienced, high-leveled Dragon Pokémon, like Dragonite and Salamence.

He vowed that he would make his mother proud of him, and over the course of one year, Logan has made it up through his training. He studied on his down time, learning and planning different battle strategies that he and Chika can use, and likely use later when he finally leaves to go on his journey in the following year.

His prowess has made a name for himself, as he was filled with determination and not backing down. So much so, word got to Lance about the boy's achievements during his training, to the point the Dragon Master and Champion came to watch Logan's battle style, and he was impressed for a boy this young, having this level of confidence and competence.

"Hmm..." Lance was deep in thought, as he watched the boy battling against one of the advanced leveled Tamers.

"Something on your mind, Master Lance?" One of the elders asked as they were also intrigued by Logan's style.

"...He reminds me of myself. Could you remember Elder?" Lance chuckles as he looks to the elderly man, as the latter nods, with a light smile.

"Ah, I do my boy... Then again, it seems like most of our bloodline followed with this sort of vigor. But this child...I feel as though he is bound to do...something greater..." The elder mused.

"The fact that he still has a Chikorita, and is battling against a mid leveled Dragonair, I am bound to believe that..." Lance replied.

Soon, the battle ended with Logan, though did very well, lost after Dragonair used Ice Beam on Chika, who while was capable of holding out on her own, was still a Chikorita. Logan though about having her evolve a few months back, but something told him that Chika wanted to do as much as she could at base leveled, before evolving. Plus, it seemed Chika was still childish, and just liked to be held by Logan.

Lance then began walking away, as the Elder looks to him, "Where are you going, Master Lance?"

Lance just smiled and looked back, "I need to go make a call to somebody. I'll be back shortly."

Lance took out his phone as he speed dials and then waits for it to answer.

"Hello? Professor? This is Lance. I actually have a request for you..."

The spectators cheered for both the rookie and veteran and they shook hands.

"Well young one, you certainly know what you are doing. I'd never think I would fight a trainee that had the skill of an expert Trainer. And with a Chikorita no less." The older Tamer said, with a light chuckle.

"Thank you. And congratulations. It was a really fun battle. I know Chika had fun. Did you Chika?" Logan said as he looks at the Leaf Pokémon who was exhausted, but still filled with peppy and happiness.

"Chiiko...~" She said tiredly.

"I'm glad. You just rest now okay?" Logan said as returns her to her Poké Ball for the time being.

"Well, I wish you luck in your future endeavors child. Farewell." The Tamer gave him a salute that is known by every Tamer there was. They were taught this early on in training, as it was a sign of gratitude and to be strong, no matter what life throws at you. Logan simply salutes back before they both walk off the opposite direction.

After that was all done, the day was done and all the trainees returned home. As Logan was getting ready to head to the Pokémon Center, he was approached by a young man.

"I must say Logan, you really are exceeding everyone's expectations." The man said, as Logan turned to look at him, with his eyes widen.

"Oh! Master Lance!" Logan said in a surprised tone.

"Aha ha, no need to be so formal Logan. I maybe a Dragon Master, but I am still a Trainer at heart so you can address me as 'Lance'." He said laughing softly.

"Oh, r-right." Logan grinned sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head.

"Anyway, that was impressive battling for someone your age. I guess Clair really has been teaching you, huh?" Lance asked.

Logan nods, "Yep! Clair is an awesome teacher. But I also study on my down time, so I really want to be ready for when I begin my journey next year."

"Ah, so you are choosing to travel around Johto?" Lance asked, while crossing his arms.

"Well, actually I plan on traveling around the world..." Logan corrected him. "You see, I don't aim to be the best Trainer in the world or desire to be a Pokémon Master, like the other Trainers out there. I actually have one desire that's been sitting in my head for the past couple years." He added.

Lance was interested. He knew it was common for most Trainers to desire to be a Pokémon Master, but this was a goal in which Logan didn't desire.

He then asked, "So, what is it that you desire to do out there in the world."

"Heh that's simple..." He looks up toward the setting sun that was going over the mountaintop.

"...I want to meet the Legendary Pokémon of the world." Logan answered.

Lance blinked, and chuckles. He knew that Legendary Pokémon were a sight to behold, given how powerful they were, and why most Trainers sought after them. However judging by the way Logan answered, it sounded as though he had a different reason for wanting to find them.

"I see, that is a rather interesting goal in one's life. Meeting a Legendary is something that most Trainers dream of, but you seem to have a different reason." Lance replied.

Logan nods, "I want to...meet them and well...might seem rather silly if you think about it, but I want to seek them and befriend them."

He would have expected Lance to just laugh at that concept, but he was silent as he listened.

"...You really are something special, Logan." Was all Lance said.

"Huh?" Logan asked confused. "I am?"

"Logan, you are going for a dream that others would likely find impossible. Befriending a Legendary is only possible if that person has a righteous heart and a strong bond for those he cares for. The way you battle, your bond with your Chikorita, and the fact that you have a strong will and determination, I feel as though the world has something big, waiting for you." Lance responds as he too looks up at the sunset.

Logan took what he said in. Was he that special? Was the world really waiting for something special to happen? Sure, he was a gifted trainee, but he wouldn't think he was that special.

After a few minutes the sun was gone. Lance then looks at the boy.

"Your staying with Clair right?" Lance asked.

"Yeah, she took me in after mom died. Why?" Logan asked back.

"I want you to meet me at the Pokémon Center tomorrow afternoon. Clair was informed, as she wishes to be there." Lance replied as he began to walk away.

"Is it a surprise?" Logan asked, a bit excited. While he maybe a gifted trainee, he was still a child at heart. Lance just chuckles. "You'll see. Have a good night Logan."

"Yeah Lance...good night!" Logan said as he watched him go. Soon he made his way to Clair's house. He wondered what was going to happen tomorrow.

Blackthorn City Pokémon Center – June 20th, 2000

Afternoon

Logan arrived at the Pokémon Center a bit after 1PM. He walks in and sees business as usual, seeing passing Trainers or residents of the town there healing their Pokémon. Logan waves at Nurse Joy, as she smiles softly at the boy.

"Hello Logan. How are you doing today?" The nurse asked cheerily.

"Hi Nurse Joy! I'm doing fine. I'm just here waiting for Lance." He replied.

"Ah well I got a call from him to tell you to head upstairs to where the old Cable Club was located. It would be more private and quieter, as he put it." She said, pointing to the steps that led up the second floor. The Pokémon Centers all had a second floor that contained a Cable Club, but after the building of the Global Trade Service , G.T.S., in Goldenrod City, and the invention of the PSS from Kalos, the Cable Club was rendered redundant and shut down. Now the second floors had space for more rooms for Trainers staying overnight.

"Oh, okay. Thanks Nurse Joy!" He said as he waves and heads upstairs. Nurse Joy giggles.

"Still a sweetheart as ever, that child." She mused before returning to work.

Logan waited up there for a ten minutes, as Lance came up the steps and saw the boy.

"Ah! Logan, thanks for coming. And sorry it took so long. Clair is on her way up too." Lance said as he approached him.

And sure enough, Clair arrives as well. But she was not alone, as another individual came up behind her. It was a older man, wearing a lab coat, and wearing purple shirt underneath. He had a stern look, but he was smiling brightly.

"Is that...?" Logan eyes widen when he saw who it was.

"That is right Logan. This was the reason why I wanted you to meet us up here." Lance said as he steps to the side as the older man approaches him.

"Well, hello there Logan! It is finally great to meet you. As you know, I am Professor Oak." The older professor greeted by holding his hand out.

"Woah, hi Professor!" Logan said excitedly as he shook his hand. This was his surprise? To meet the renowned Pokémon researcher in the world, even more of Kanto and Johto? This WAS a surprise.

"Now then, from what I heard from Lance, I was told you seem to have a knack of becoming an excellent Pokémon Trainer. Never in my day I would have met someone as young as you, capable of taking on veteran Trainers of Blackthorn City, with just the starter you received from Prof. Elm a year ago." Oak said.

Logan grinned sheepishly, blushing lightly that he was getting praise from the professor.

"Thanks Prof. Oak. I'm really flattered...heh."

Oak chuckles, "Ahaha, no problem my boy. When I was told about your potential as a Trainer, at this age, I had to make a trip out here to meet you myself. And I can tell, you do have the eyes and determination to be excellent!"

"Well, I don't think I'm THAT special professor. I just study hard and watch and learn hands on in battle." Logan replied.

"Ah, but you are quite special my boy. The fact you manage to get up through the ranks of training within a matter of a year, is quite astounding. And by the looks of your Chikorita, I'd say you did an excellent job raising her." Oak said as he pats the small Chikorita that rested on the boy's shoulder, giving a soft coo.

"And because of that, after talking with Lance and hearing his recommendation. I hearby make you an official Pokémon Trainer. Everything for registering a license was done, as trainees were given an ID card. I made it so your would be recognized as an official Trainer. Congratulations Logan." Oak said as he smiled brightly, as he takes out of his pocket, a small red device.

"Here. This is your own Pokédex. As you know, it automatically records the data of Pokémon seen or caught. This one also allows you to check the status of your Pokémon in your party that are registered. This model was upgraded to the National Dex, as you know Pokémon outside of Johto have migrated here so it should help you out in learning information on out of region Pokémon." He hands the boy the small device, as the latter was just...speechless. He was a Trainer made this early? He could go on a journey now if he wanted too.

Lance just chuckles, "I know its a lot to take in Logan, but like I said yesterday. Something out there is calling for you, and your skills as a Trainer is unquestionable. You have earned the right to be made into a Trainer officially. This hasn't been done since I began my journey so many years ago."

Oak nods, "I remember that. I guess this happens within those destined for greater things."

"Prof. Oak, Lance, Clair...thank you. I...I don't know what to say..." Logan was just overjoyed, as was Chika.

"Its nothing Logan. You been at it for a year, and you already made far. If your mom was here...she would be proud of you..." Clair said, with a soft smile as he strokes the boy's head.

Logan nods. He felt it. Even from beyond, his mom was looking down, smiling that her son was finally going to live out his dream.

"Well my boy, I have to be on my way now. I have to go meet my friend Mr. Pokémon on Route 30. He made an excellent discovery and since I was in the neighborhood, I'd go visit my friend, before heading to Goldenrod. You take care Logan. Whether you fill the Pokédex up is up to you, but whatever you do out there in the world, good luck!" Oak said as he pats the boy's shoulder.

"Thank you Prof. Oak. I promise I won't let you or everyone down!" Logan proclaimed.

With that the professor nods and heads down the steps to leave. Lance and Clair look to Logan.

"Congratulations Logan, I feel you will do great things for the world. For now, I have to return to the Pokémon League to continue duties as Champion. Best of luck to you, on your goals. I hope we can battle one day should you feel the need to take on the Elite." Lance said as he ruffles the boy's hair before turning to Clair as the two did the salute before Lance leaves.

Clair looks to Logan, "Well Logan, since you are officially a Pokémon Trainer, you are free to leave and begin your journey."

Logan gave it some thought, "Actually Clair...I was hoping to finish my training here first."

Clair blinked, "Really? But you are free to go out and challenge other strong willed Trainers and see the world. You have already exceeded our expectations."

"I know, but... I want to finish what I started here first. Its better to get two years of experience than one. I really want to be ready for when I do head out there in the world."

Clair thinks over his words and nods, smiling, "Alright then Logan. If that is what you wish to do, then its fine. Since you have been doing so well, I do believe you have earned the right to go into the Shrine and train under the Expert leveled Tamers, and the Elders. You have cleared out the other levels of difficulty, so starting tomorrow, you will begin your year in the Shrine."

Logan nods, "Understood Clair." He gives the salute as she smiles and returns it, before hugging him.

"Really, I am proud of you, and so is your mom...never forget that..." She said quietly.

With that, the two Trainers leave the Center, after he showed Nurse Joy his Pokédex and congratulating him. With that, Logan decided to head back home after Clair allowed him to rest for the day, while she returns to the Gym to continue her day as Leader.

Clair's House – June 20th, 2000

Evening

After looking over the Pokédex, Logan finally decides to register his ID into the device.

Hello, I am Dexter. I am a Pokédex programmed by Professor Oak for Pokémon Trainer Logan Ryuko of the city of Blackthorn. My primary function is to provide Logan with information and advice regarding Pokémon and their training. If I am lost or stolen, I cannot be replaced.

Logan just blinked as he got the blurb for the device, "This is so cool...!" He then looks to Chika.

"Let me register you in this Chika. Can finally see if I was correct in what your Nature was last year." He said as he held the device over the Chikorita.

"Chiko!" She said excited.

The device beeped and then dinged.

Registration Complete!

#152

Chikorita

The Leaf Pokémon

Ht: 2'11''/0.9m

Wt: 14.1lbs/6.4kg

Description: In battle, Chikorita waves its leaf around to keep the foe at bay. However, a sweet fragrance also wafts from the leaf, becalming the battling Pokémon and creating a cozy, friendly atmosphere all around.

"Well that seems about right for you Chika." He chuckles, upon hearing the entry.

"Chiko~" Chika proudly said.

"Well let's see your status info." He said as he pushes the keys and selected Chika from his list of available Pokémon, this case his only one.

==Status==

Chika/Chikorita

Gender: Female

OT: Logan Ryoko

ID: 10176

Ability: Overgrow

Raises the power of Grass-type moves when in a pinch.

Moves Known:

Tackle, Magical Leaf, Reflect, Synthesis, Razor Leaf, Vine Whip, Poison Powder

Nature: Relaxed

(Defense + / Speed -)

"Sweet, you do have a good nature. Your speed would take a hit, but you would be pretty bulky against physical attacks. I think with that in mind, we can try to work up on your speed a bit so you can get a little better at striking enemies a bit quicker, but most we are gonna focus on your defense and special defense. Doing that, you can stand to be hit from super-effective attacks better and be able to strike back." Logan said as he switched the Pokédex off.

"Chiko chi." She nods.

"Well I guess we can just relax for the day, tomorrow we are going to be hard at work in the Shrine, mentally and physically." Logan said as he laid back on his bed as Chika laid on his stomach, nodding in agreement.

"And just think...we can finally go on our journey at anytime too...even if I chose to continue training here for another year, we can finally do what we wanted to do..." Logan said quietly. After awhile, he closed his eyes and fell asleep.

"Yes, in due time child. Your time will come..." A soft mysterious voice said aloud to no one in particular, but Logan and Chika didn't hear.

Hall of Origins – June 20th, 2000

Night

Arceus mused to herself, after watching Logan fall asleep and turning her attention up to the stars.

"In due time, Chosen Guardian...in due time..." She closed her eyes, with a soft smile.

She didn't expect these turns of events, and the boy is able to go on his journey, but chose to finish his training before he does so. She knew, that his bloodline, were always the modest types. That is why she finds the child precious to the world, as he is the first Guardian to appear for 500 years, even if he wasn't aware that he is the Guardian, or the fact he is still too young to carry up the mantle of the title Eon Guardian, but she was confident that he will do good for the world, do good for humans and Pokémon alike.

One year later...

Dragon's Den - May 11th, 2001

Noon

Another year has passed, and it was the last day of the two year training in the Den. All the rookies were now experienced Tamers, and Logan, who spent the last dozen months in the Shrine, training under the Elders and Expert Tamers, was finally ready to officially begin his journey. All the recruits that have trained for the last two years gathered outside the Shrine, with the Elders, Clair, and Lance who came back to see how much the rookies improved, and he was impressed.

"All of you, have endured two long years...training day and night, to become the best Dragon-type Trainer. You all made it through training, and I want to say I am very proud of you all. You all continue the tradition that has been going on in our clan for centuries, since the founding of Blackthorn, and your bloodlines shall help continue the tradition for generations to come. You have earned the rank of being experienced Tamers, but the road to becoming a Dragon Master, like myself, takes hard work and dedication, as well as the love and care you share with your Pokémon. They have been with you from the beginning, and they are your allies, your partners, your friends, and maybe even a part of your family..." Lance annouced out to the crowd.

"I would like to say now, as of this moment, you have officially completed your training. You are now all free to pursuit your goals. Whether be continuing to train here to become a Dragon Master or..." He says as she looks to Logan, with a light smile, seeing how far the youth has come over the past two years.

"...journey out there, and discover what your place in the world is... Regardless of your choice, we are all Pokémon Trainers, and we wish to grow alongside our Pokémon. As long as we share a close bond, nothing will come between us!"

The recruits all cheered, feeling empowered by Lance's speech, and just happy that their two years of training is completed. Logan just smiles, having grown another foot taller, and now more experienced than he was a year ago.

"And, I want to give one recognition to one recruit, who has exceeded so much in the past two years, and was able to train with the Elders and Expert Tamers in the Shrine. Logan Ryuko." Lance said as he waved toward him, while Logan rubs the back of his head, having the spotlight shine on him.

"He was given the option to start his journey early, after receiving a Pokédex and being made into a Trainer, by the esteemed Prof. Oak, one year ago. But he chose to remain and finish his training with you all. It goes to show, how modest one such as this young man here, would do, to help prepare him for the world out there. We should follow his example, if we wish to achieve those we desire, then we should never back down and go in with strong confidence and determination. With that, thank you Logan, and job well done, dear Dragon Tamer." Lance said as he saluted, along with everyone else as he looks around surprised. He wasn't the sort to be used to all the recognition, but Logan chuckles and smiles softly, as he salutes them back.

"Thank you...everyone." Was all he said.

Outside Blackthorn City – May 11th, 2001

Afternoon

After the ceremony in the Den, all the recruits, now full-fledged Tamers, ran home as some were eager to continue training there, or begin their own Pokémon Journey. Logan, wearing a black jacket with dark gray pants and brown boots, with a large side pack around his belt. He was at the south entrance of the town that lead down the mountain toward Route 29, with Clair.

"Well this is it huh. Guess I won't be around for awhile..." Logan said looking up to his mentor.

"Yeah, but I know you'll always come back. If your beginning your journey here, you will likely wind up back here. Hopefully you accomplish what you set out to do. Finding the Legendaries won't be an easy task, but I'm sure with your compassionate heart, they will appear before you." Clair said with her hand over her hip, smiling softly at the now 10 year old boy.

"Yeah, but I am going to need to get stronger, so I think I will take on the Gyms around Johto, and likely expand out to the other regions..." Logan looks down the path.

"Its gonna be a long journey..." He mused. Clair looked down the road too.

"It will be..." She said softly.

"Well...I better get moving. I plan on visiting Prof. Elm before I set out to Violet City for the first Gym." Logan explained.

"I can see why you want to go in order. I do look forward to when you come back, and we see how strong you gotten." Clair smirked.

"Believe me, I'm gonna show you how tough a real Tamer can be." He retorted back, before both of them laughed.

Clair then goes and hugs him, "You take care of yourself, alright?"

Logan nods as he hugs back, "Don't worry, I will."

He begins to walk down the road as he looks back and waves, as Chika rode on his shoulder and waved cutely back at Clair, saying good-bye.

Logan's journey...has just begun...