Okay guys, first time I am actually talking to you all directly BUT I would like to stat by thanking you all your patience and support. I don't know what I would do without you guys. XD
Second, I would like to make one thing clear: Yes, I know that most of you use "..." for speech. However, some British authors, namely JK Rowling, use '...' instead. Having learnt most of my English by reading the HP books, I have grown used to do likewise. So here you go. XD
And now, enjoy the chapter! :3
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Pokémon or anything related to it, although it was pretty awesome if I did. However, characters and plot are mine. You can use them but let me know first and credit me for them OK?
Leon woke up, feeling well rested for the first time in quite a while. He hadn't dreamt of the white something that night either. He gently nudged Kairi awake. 'Wake up. We're beating Brock today.' He said with a smile. The prospect of soon battling for his first Gym Badge put him in a very good mood. The previous day they had walked all the way to Pewter. The Dratini they had rescued from the hunter in the forest stayed with Nurse Joy, since she wasn't fully healed yet. Nurse Joy had told them that she was on the verge of starvation when they had found her and she had to stay there for a while. So they packed and left for Pewter just before lunch. Since the Gym wouldn't open until the following day they just rested, strolling through the town and visiting the famous Pewter Museum. That night Leon had phoned Brock to arrange a time for their battle. Brock was looking forward to battle him, since they had known each other for a few years. They had agreed on getting it over with as soon as they could and so their battle was scheduled first thing in the morning.
Kairi yawned and opened her eyes as Leon went to wake up Miles 'How much time do we still have before the Gym?' She asked sleepily.
'Just a couple of hours. I want to go through our training one more time. Just as a warm up.' Leon replied, poking Miles on the side. Miles once again shot upwards with an indignant squawk.
'I thought I told you not to do that?' He said angrily.
Leon shrugged with a cheeky smile. 'Sorry. I completely forgot.' He said cheerfully as he put on a fresh white t-shirt.
'Yeah right.' Miles yawned. 'Seriously, please don't do that.' He asked.
Leon nodded. 'Okay, okay. I'm sorry. I will never do it again.' He promised, crossing his fingers behind his back.
Miles looked at him suspiciously but flew down to roost on his shoulder. 'Are we ready to go now? I'm hungry.' He said.
Kairi climbed to Leon's other shoulder. 'Me too.'
Leon nodded, exiting the room. They met up with Pierce and Scythe on the restaurant. After loading a mountain of pancakes on a tray, they all sat on the same booth they had sat on the night before for dinner.
'You ready?' Pierce asked with a smile.
Leon shrugged. 'As ready as I'll ever be. We won't know if it's enough until we try.' He replied.
Pierce pointed at him with his fork, a strip of bacon mercilessly skewered on it. 'Good answer.'
'You've been around for a while. Think we can beat Brock?' Leon asked.
Pierce thought for a while, chewing the poor bacon strip. 'Well, he is supposed to be the easiest Gym Leader. But then again, you are a newbie with a Pokémon with a type disadvantage and another with a type advantage. It'll be a close match.' He finally replied.
Leon nodded with a sigh. 'With all that thing with the Dratini we didn't have time to find a Grass-type.' He complained. They ate the rest of their meal in silence, each of them deep in thought. Once they were finished and had put their trays in the cart, Leon and his team went outside to go through their strategy. Pierce left, saying he had stuff to do around town and that he would meet them at the Gym. Half an hour later, Leon stopped the training. 'There's no point in tiring you guys out. Let's head out.' He said, returning them both to their Pokéballs and heading out for the Gym.
The Pewter Gym looked like someone had simply dumped a small mountain of boulders on a plot of land and called it a building. There were small square indents on the walls that signaled windows but other than that and the door, the structure seemed completely closed off to the outside world. Leon walked up to the door and was about to bang on it when it opened to the inside and the tall figure of Brock blocked it.
'Ah, Leon! Nice to see you again.' He greeted with a smile, offering him his hand.
'Nice to see you too Brock.' Leon shook his hand. 'How are things around here?' He asked as they entered the dark Gym. The arena was made out of gravel, with small boulders here and there and the center was marked by a larger boulder.
Brock's smile faltered a bit. 'Could be better. I assume you saw what happened at the Ceremony?' He asked.
Leon nodded. 'Did Ash and the other Champions meet yet?' He asked.
Brock nodded. 'They are talking between themselves and the International Police. I heard they have sent their very best to handle this.' He shook his head. 'But you are not here to talk about issues like these. You came for the Badge.' He said with a smile. 'Are you ready?' He asked.
Leon nodded. 'As ready as I will ever be.' He answered.
Brock nodded again and clapped twice. At once, the Gym flooded with light as the big lamps above illuminated the arena. A referee came out of a door on the side of the arena, looking a bit sleepy. Outside, a bell could be heard. 'The bell is to tell the people of Pewter that I am taking a challenge, in case they want to come and watch.' He explained. 'Our match will be in fifteen minutes. If you want to do anything with your Pokémon, now is the time.' He said, walking to the other side of the arena.
Leon gulped. It would be not only his first Gym Battle, but he would also perform for a crowd. He was starting to get them butterflies flitting around. He walked to his spot on the challenger's side as people started to fill the stands, talking excitedly amongst them. He could see Pierce and Scythe to his right side, sitting on the front row. He nodded at them and Pierce smiled, giving him a two-finger salute.
Soon, the Gym was almost full and the referee stood to the left side of the arena. 'This is a Gym Battle between Gym Leader Brock from Pewter and challenger Leon Jefferson from Pallet for the Boulder Badge and the TM 39 Rock Tomb.' He said, his voice echoing through the Gym. 'The Gym Leader will use two Pokémon with no substitutions. The challenger may use up to six Pokémon and switch Pokémon whenever desired. Is the challenger ready?' He asked, looking at Leon.
He nodded. 'Yes.'
The ref nodded back. 'Is the Gym Leader ready?' He asked Brock.
Brock nodded. 'Yes.'
'Then let the battle begin!'
Brock took a Pokéball from his belt and threw it. 'Let's start with you, Geodude!' He said. From the Pokéball came a Pokémon that looked more like a lump of rock with two arms and a scowling face, floating a couple of feet above the ground.
Leon chuckled nervously. 'Let's do this Miles!' He shouted, letting the Pidgey out.
When he appeared, people started to laugh. How could this newbie think he was going to defeat a Rock-type Gym Leader with a Flying-type!? Miles puffed up his chest. 'They won't laugh for much longer.' He muttered, focusing on the Geodude.
Brock was smiling. 'A bit unorthodox. Are you sure you wanna use a Pidgey?' He asked.
Leon didn't smile back. 'Steel Wing.' He simply said.
Brock looked slightly surprised as Miles' wing shone silver and he shot at Geodude. 'Geodude, Defense Curl!' He called out. Geodude wrapped his arms around him right before Miles slammed him into the ground, absorbing the brunt of the impact with a grunt. The crowd let out a collective "ooh". Miles quickly flew away from him before Geodude could react. Brock clapped twice, slowly. 'Impressive. Not enough. Rollout!' Geodude, still curled up in a ball, started spinning madly and propelled himself against Miles.
'Miles get outta there!' Leon shouted but it was too late. Geodude clipped Miles' wing as he tried to get out of his way. Miles started to spiral out of control but eventually managed to stabilize his course and remain airborne.
Geodude continued to roll in the same place, aiming himself at Miles. He sped up slightly, gravel flying everywhere, and shot at him again. This time Miles was prepared and Geodude flew in an arch, missing him by a couple of feet and crashing against one of the rocks that littered the arena.
'Steel Wing him again before he recovers!' Leon told him, looking warily at the still spinning Geodude. Miles swooped down at Geodude and slammed his wing on him, burying him a bit further into the rock. Geodude let out a grunt of pain but sped up a bit further and slammed into Miles back. Miles went flying and landed with a pained yelp, skidding to a halt at Leon's feet. 'Miles are you okay!?' He asked, worriedly, kneeling to take a look at him.
Miles got up, dusting himself off. 'Yeah, but I am at my limit here.' He grunted. 'One more hit and I am down. But I don't think he is gonna last much longer either.' He said, taking off again.
'Make it count then.' Leon said, getting up to his feet.
'Come on Leon! From what Ash told me I thought you were better than this!' Brock said with a smile.
Leon gritted his teeth but smiled back. 'We're not out of the game yet! One more time! Steel Wing!'
Miles shot at Geodude at the same time Geodude flung himself at Miles. They both collided in mid-air and fell straight to the ground, kicking up a cloud of dust. Once it set, Leon saw that both Miles and Geodude were out.
The referee raised both his arms. 'Both Pokémon are unable to battle! It's a draw!' He proclaimed.
Leon sighed and withdrew Miles. 'Thanks. Just leave it to Kairi now.' He said to his Poké Ball with a smile.
Brock withdrew Geodude. 'That was impressive. Your Pidgey is very well trained.' He complimented, taking another Poké Ball from his belt. 'But it's over Leon. I win.' He said, throwing the Poké Ball. 'Onix, finish this.'
A huge flash of light erupted from the sphere. When it died down, Leon's mouth hung open. Seeing Brock's Onix on TV was one thing. But seeing him live and ready to fight you… That was another completely different and way more awe-inspiring. The huge rock snake looked down at the puny human that dared to challenge him and roared. The crowd cheered loudly for seeing the Gym Leader's prized Pokémon.
Leon gulped. He took Kairi's Poké Ball and squeezed it. 'Good luck.' He whispered. 'Let's go Kairi!' He yelled in challenge, throwing her Poké Ball.
She appeared in a battle stance, defiantly staring the Onix down like he was a Caterpie.
Brock raised his eyebrows in surprise. 'A Riolu? When did Professor Oak get one?' He wondered out loud. 'Doesn't matter. Onix, use Rock Tomb!' He ordered. Onix roared and slammed his tail against the center boulder, sending huge chunks of rock hurtling against Kairi.
'Quick Attack!' Leon quickly told her but she already started slaloming between the shrapnel, only getting hit once in her left arm. 'Close in for a Force Palm!'
Kairi smiled and used another Quick Attack to get close. Using the momentum, she focused her Aura on her paw and struck a blow on Onix's mid-section. Onix roared loudly and snapped at her. Kairi jumped and slammed another Force Palm on Onix's head. The great stone snake roared again, louder.
'Oh, you will pay for that!' Brock yelled. 'Onix, use Dig!' Onix suddenly dove into the ground, leaving a huge hole in the arena.
'Awww, is the big Caterpie scawed of the tiny wittle Riolu is he?' Kairi mocked with a toothy grin.
'Careful.' Leon warned. 'Brock is not one to be trifled with.'
She nodded, closing her eyes, focusing on her Aura Sight. She couldn't see Onix anywhere then realized her breathing was too fast. She couldn't focus properly. She tried her best to calm down when suddenly the ground started shaking. Kairi tried to roll away but Onix suddenly erupted from underneath her, sending her flying sideways across the arena, stopping barely a foot away from the outside line.
Leon groaned as Kairi tried to shakily get back on her feet. 'You okay?' He shouted. She coughed a bit, waving at him and turning to face Onix.
Brock smiled wider. 'I'm impressed. Not many new Trainers get this far. But I guess I do have the type disadvantage.'
'Force Palm again!' Leon called out, ignoring Brock.
'Bide!' Brock ordered Onix.
Leon's eyes widened in panic. 'Kairi cut it off!' He yelled but it was too late. Onix coiled himself in a defensive stance, just as Kairi's glowing palm smashed into his head. Onix barely moved as Kairi bounced off, backflipping and landing on one knee.
'What? What happened?' She asked, not taking her eyes off Onix.
'That's Bide. He'll absorb any damage you inflict and dish it out back in double.' He explained, gritting his teeth.
She cursed mentally. 'So what now?'
He shook his head, trying to think of something.
Onix suddenly roared and shot headfirst at Kairi, a faint red glow emanating from him.
'Use Endure!' Leon called out in desperation but Onix hit his target and the arena was obscured by a cloud of dust. The crowd held its collective breath. Leon tried to see something, anything, through the dust. Please be okay…
The dust settled and the crowd ooh'd and aah'd. Kairi was still standing, her arms crossed defensively in front of her as Onix's head tried to put her down. She was panting hard and looked ready to keel over but she stared defiantly into Onix's eyes.
Brock looked surprised. 'That…' He started but he shook his head. 'Onix! Use-'
'Counter!' Leon called out faster.
Kairi smiled evilly and let go of Onix, rolling to the side as Onix sailed over the ground in Leon's direction. Kairi ran forward, glowing fiercely in orange, and grabbed hold of Onix's tail, yanking hard just before he hit a beyond scared Leon. She pulled him up in an arch and slammed him hard against the ground, narrowly missing Brock. Onix roared in pain and fainted. Brock's mouth hung slightly open as the crowd cheered around them.
The referee raised an arm pointing towards Leon. 'Onix is unable to battle! Victory goes to Leon Jefferson and Kairi the Riolu!' He said.
Leon quickly ran at Kairi, who had fallen to her knees, panting hard, and hugged her tightly. 'Are you okay?' He murmured.
She nodded tiredly, hugging him back. 'We did it.' She said with a smile.
He smiled as well. 'Yes we did.' He said, closing his eyes, resting his forehead on the top of her head. 'I'm so proud of you Kairi.' He murmured.
She smiled wider, also closing her eyes. She felt waves of pure joy emanating from him, showering her in a soft golden light. She hummed in happiness and suddenly something clicked. The golden light turned bright white and she felt herself change, getting taller, faster, stronger, the metal plates on the back of her hand growing into spikes, her Aura feelers growing along with a second pair, her body becoming more feminine. Leon opened his eyes in surprise as the tiny Riolu he held in his arms started growing. When the light died down, on her place was a beautiful Lucario.
'Kairi you… You evolved!' He gasped in shock.
Kairi beamed at him and hugged him tightly, her head now reaching his chest. The crowd cheered him harder. Leon could see Pierce smiling at them, nodding his appreciation. Brock withdrew Onix and walked up to them with a broad smile so Kairi let go of Leon, leaning slightly on him.
'That was one of the best battles I've had in a while.' He told him. 'Here. These are yours.' He said, handing Leon the Boulder Badge and a brown disc with 39 in bold white characters. 'Congratulations. One down, seven to go.' He added. He turned to the crowd, raising Leon's hand high in the air. 'Here is your victor!' He told them, pointing with his other hand at Leon. The crowd continued to cheer. Leon just stood there, not knowing what to do. Some people were getting up and leaving. 'Thank you very much for attending this battle! I hope you enjoyed it! Have a nice day!' Brock continued, waving the crowd off and taking Leon through one of the doors on the side of the arena. Kairi was almost dragging herself onwards so Leon wrapped her arm around his shoulders and his arm around her waist, helping her out. She nodded at him, thankful. Brock took them to his office, signaling a black couch resting against the wall.
Leon nodded and helped Kairi to lie down on it. 'You need some rest. You look like you're about to pass out.' He told her, sitting on the edge of the couch.
She chuckled, closing her eyes. 'More than you imagine. Tell Brock his Onix is badass for me please.' She asked.
He laughed, turning to look at Brock. 'She asked me to tell you that your Onix is badass.' He said with a smile.
Brock laughed as well. 'Thank you. I take great pride on him.' He said, sitting on an armchair next to the couch. 'So you are truly a Pokéspeaker huh?'
Leon nodded. 'Born and raised.'
'That's an ability I would trade everything I have in my possession to have. You are an extremely lucky guy.' He said.
'So I have been told.' Leon answered. 'Why did you bring us here?' He asked.
'We're waiting for the people of Pewter to clear out. If we tried to leave now we'd be assaulted by people wanting pictures and autographs. I am a Gym Leader and you are my first challenger of this season after all.' Brock answered.
Leon nodded. Made sense.
A knock on the door was heard and Pierce came in, followed by Scythe. 'Congratulations Leon.' He said with a smile. 'That was a brilliant battle for a first-timer.' He turned to Brock, offering him his hand. 'Pierce Sharpe. I'm travelling with Leon until Fuchsia.' He said, presenting himself.
'Pleased to meet you.' Brock said with a smile, shaking his hand.
Before Pierce could say anything else, the referee poked his head inside the office. 'Sir? Everyone has left. You're free to go.'
He nodded. 'Thanks Jarvis.' He said, getting up. 'Well then. To the Pokémon Center we go.' He said.
Leon squeezed Kairi's paw, being careful about the spike. 'I'll see you soon.' He said with a smile, taking her Pokéball out.
She nodded tiredly at that before disappearing in a flash of red light. Leon and Pierce got up, following Brock out of the Gym.
'So how did you guys meet?' Brock asked as they entered the Center.
'Let's just say that Leon was in a tight spot and I saved his life back in Viridian Forest.' Pierce answered as Leon handed Miles and Kairi's Pokéballs to Nurse Joy.
Speaking of Nurse Joy… 'Nurse Joy!' Brock exclaimed happily, running to the counter and holding both her hands. 'Ah, the sweet kindness with which you take care of sick and injured Pokémon day after day is an inspiration to me!' He said.
'Oh… Thank you Brock.' Nurse Joy said with an awkward smile.
'Not at all! It is I who has to thank you for being so- ARGH!' With a dull clunk, Scythe had hit him in the back of the head with her rod, knocking him out.
'That's enough from you.' She grumbled as she dragged him away, Pierce facepalming while Nurse Joy and Leon looked slightly alarmed at Brock.
'Is this normal?' Leon asked Nurse Joy.
She nodded with a giggle. 'Brock is sweet but he sometimes overdoes it.' She said. 'I'll be back soon.' She said, leaving through a door behind the counter with Leon's Pokémon. She suddenly stopped. 'Oh right, Leon, my sister in the North Viridian Pokémon Center wanted to talk to you.' She said.
'Oh?' Leon raised an eyebrow, surprised.
'Here, I'll give you the number.' She said, going back and writing a phone number in a piece of paper for him.
He took the paper from her and went to the videophones. After dialing the number and letting it ring for a while, Nurse Joy appeared on the screen. 'Oh hello Leon.'
'Hello Nurse Joy. What can I do for you?' He asked.
'Remember that Dratini you brought in?'
He nodded. 'Yeah, how is she?'
'She's fine, thanks to you.' She answered with a smile. 'She was severely malnourished and weak. She was lucky you found her.'
'I'm relieved to hear that. But you were saying?' Leon asked.
'Oh right. Well, I think it would be good for her if you took her in and let her travel with you.' She answered.
Leon smiled. 'If she is okay with it I would love it.' He said.
She smiled back. 'I told her about it and she certainly seemed interested about it. I have to warn you though, she is kind of a scaredy cat. You should slowly ease her into living with humans.'
'No worries about that.' Leon answered. 'We're going to Cerulean next through Mt. Moon. There shouldn't be many people travelling with us.' He said.
'That's good. I'll send her over now then.' She said, tapping something into the computer. A quick teleportation later, a Pokéball appeared on the dais next to the computer.
Leon picked it up with a smile. 'Got her.' He said, lifting it up for Nurse Joy to see.
Nurse Joy nodded. 'Good. Thank you very much Leon.' She said. 'Now if you'll excuse me, I have to attend to something.' She said before hanging up.
Leon hung up as well and went back to Pierce.
'So? What did she want?' He asked.
Leon showed him the Pokéball. 'The Dratini wants to come with us.' He said.
Brock nodded appreciatively. 'Dragonite are brutal when well trained. She'll be a powerful addition to your team.'
Leon yelped. 'Where the heck did you come from!?' He exclaimed.
Brock shrugged. 'I'm used to this.'
Leon smiled, shaking his head and let the Dratini out. After the usual flash of white light, she appeared curled up with her eyes closed, trembling slightly. Leon saw she had a huge scar over her left eye, no doubt caused by the hunter's Scyther. He knelt down in front of her. 'Hey there.' He murmured softly so as not to spook her.
The Dratini opened an eye and quickly closed it with a whimper, coiling tighter.
'It's me. I saved you.' Leon said, slowly reaching with his hand to pet her head. When he made contact the Dratini flinched for a second. Leon kept petting her, marveled at how smooth her scaly skin was.
The Dratini slowly relaxed, opening her eyes. She slowly got closer and closer until she rested her head against his chest, starting to wrap her serpentine body around his middle.
Leon smiled warmly at her. 'That's it, no one's gonna hurt you.' He said. 'What's your name?'
'G-Grace.' She answered shyly.
'Grace.' Leon repeated. 'That's a beautiful name.' He said, still petting her. 'So I heard you would like to come with us?'
She blushed and nodded slightly. 'Y-Yes… If that is okay with you of course.' She answered. 'I-I wasn't sure of what to do after you saved me… Then that nice woman at the Center told me maybe you would take me in…'
He smiled, clipping her Pokéball to his belt and getting up, Grace still wrapped around him tightly. 'Let's just wait for Nurse Joy to come back. I need the others back and we also have to register you to my name.' He said, still petting her.
As if on cue, the automatic door behind the counter dinged, making Grace flinch in surprise, and Nurse Joy came out carrying a tray with two Pokéballs on it. 'Here you are Leon.' She said with a smile, placing the tray on the counter. Then she looked at Grace. 'Oh, hello there!' She greeted her with a smile. She turned to Leon again. 'They are completely fine, they might be just a little tired though so give them plenty of rest.' She said. 'Now if you'll excuse me, I'll take care of Brock's Pokémon.' She said, going back inside.
Leon took the Pokéballs from the tray. 'Time to meet your new teammate, guys.' He said, letting them out. Kairi smiled at him while Miles yawned and stretched. 'Guys, this is Grace. Grace, this is Kairi the Ri… I mean, the Lucario' He corrected himself with a shrug and a smile. 'and Miles the Pidgey.' He said presenting them to each other.
Kairi smiled and held out her paw to Grace. 'Nice to meet you Grace. Welcome to the team.' Grace smiled nervously back and touched the tip of her tail to her paw.
Miles approached as well and held out his wing as well. 'Yeah, nice of you to join us.' He said. Grace, still smiling nervously, did the same she did to Kairi.
Leon smiled, happy they were all getting along. 'Alright guys. Today we rest, tomorrow we head out to Mt. Moon.'