Hi, readers! Welcome to the last chapter of Kanto: The Start of the Journey! Stay tuned for upcoming stories and special thanks at the end of the chapter :)

After her loss, Summer started to recover, thanks to her Pokémon. Meanwhile, Stanley became suspended from official and League battles thanks to Red's input. Weldon then decided to help Summer to make up for his actions during their battle. Will he be able to help Summer, and what will Summer do next?

Chapter 56: Recovery

"There you go, Summer," Nurse Iris said as she unwrapped my bandaged ankle. "Your ankle has fully healed, so you should be able to walk again."

I cautiously stood up from the bench in the emergency room's waiting area. To my surprise and relief, she was right. "Thank you, Nurse Iris. Because of you and your team, my Pokémon and I were able to fully recover."

She beamed. "It was my pleasure." She then looked at the clock on top of the door. "It's time for the junior division championship match. Are you going to watch?"

I nervously looked at the ground. "Not at the stadium. I'm scared they're going to boo me again…"

Nurse Iris comforted me with side hug. "Why don't you watch from the Pokémon Center television instead?"

"Thanks again, Nurse Iris."

I walked out into the lobby where Ariel and Samir were waiting for me. "I'm going to stay here and watch the battle. You two should go on ahead."

"I can stay with you, Summer," Ariel offered. "I'd prefer to watch it with you."

"Me too," Samir added. "Besides, Cappy wanted to see Lightning again. He's been worried about her."

"Thanks, you guys," I said with appreciation.

After we let our Pikachu out to play, we sat down on the couch and watched the unfolding battle between Weldon and Enoch. It was extremely intense, with all of the rounds being close matches. After an hour, it came down to Weldon's Venusaur and Enoch's Alakazam to determine the winner.

As I watched them, I noted, Weldon's battling harder than usual. Almost as if he needed to win I rolled my eyes. Must be that legacy he needs to uphold.

Suddenly, the alarm on my Pokégear went off. I looked at the time. "Oh no! I have to go see Red."

Ariel and Samir nodded. "Okay," she said. "Let me know when you're done!"

"Bye, Summer," Samir waved.

I got up, and Lightning followed me as we headed towards the Indigo League headquarters. Luckily, someone was at the front desk and guided me to the Champion's office. After I thanked her, I knocked on the door and he came to answer it.

He invited me into the room, and I walked inside. Pika was sitting on the carpet, eagerly awaiting me. He was sitting in front of a medium-sized flat screen television sitting on a trolley at the west side. Two chairs were placed in front of it, with a small table separating the seats. Lightning made her way to her brother and sat next to him. As I approached the chairs, I saw the screen was showing the ongoing battle. Red sat in the chair farther from the door, then I sat next to him.

"What'd you think of the battle so far, Summer?" Red curiously asked.

As Venusaur and Alakazam were still battling, I simply replied, "It's a good battle. A lot of strategy and powerful moves."

"Anything else?"

"Well…" I thought aloud as Venusaur landed a Vine Whip on his opponent's chest. "Weldon's battling with more focus. It might be because of that special ability of his."

"It might. And it might not," the Champion slyly responded.

"What do you mean?"

Red smiled. "Why don't we wait for the end of the match?"

I was a little curious, but continued to watch the battle. It came down to Venusaur and Alakazam's final moves, which would determine the winner. The Grass type charged up a Solarbeam while the Psychic type shot several Psychic blasts to stop him. Venusaur was hit by the super effective attacks and started to fall over. But Weldon shouted some encouraging words, causing his starter to glow light green.

"So, Venusaur activated Overgrow," Red analyzed. "This should be interesting."

The Seed Pokémon recovered his balance and the sunlight building up in his flower became bigger. Weldon shouted, and Venusaur launched a Solarbeam much larger than the one I saw in my battle. Alakazam tried to redirect it, but it was much stronger than he could handle and felt the impact of the sun hitting his body. He then collapsed, unable to move.

The camera panned to the referee, who shouted, Alakazam is unable to battle! Which means, the first Junior Division Champion of the Indigo League is Weldon Leland, from Pallet Town!

The crowd enthusiastically roared as the camera turned to Weldon, who happily returned his final Pokémon. He then shook hands with Enoch, who bore no ill will towards Stanley's half-brother.

He's a lot more subdued than I'd thought. I wonder what's going on.

A female interviewer in a yellow blouse and black skirt ran into the field. The camera zoomed onto her and Weldon.

She held up her black microphone and put her long red hair behind her right ear. She waited for her cue, then started, I'm here with Weldon Leland, the first Champion of the Indigo League Junior Division. Weldon, how do you feel about your amazing achievement?

She turned to her right and placed the microphone under Weldon's mouth. He responded, I feel great. I'm happy I could be a part of this tournament.

What are your plans now?

I'm thinking about challenging the Elite Four and the Champion, once I'm ready.

Everyone in the stadium cheered.

Now, final question. What is your opinion on the controversy with Summer Scorcher forfeiting your Top 8 match?

The cheers immediately turned to jeers. I uncomfortably shifted in my chair as Lightning jumped onto my lap to comfort me. As I petted her, Red continued looking at the new winner. The crowd grew silent as Weldon, irritated by the sudden change in emotion, took the microphone from the interviewer's hands.

Look everyone. I know you must think Summer's a bad Trainer because of that. But she wouldn't have to forfeit if my half-brother didn't injure her and Blaze. Besides, Summer battled despite her injuries, so you should actually be praising her and Blaze's perseverance. And if you're still mad at her, then you should be mad at me too. I should've stopped the match, but I didn't. My family pride got in the way. So don't hate her for something she had no control over.

He briskly handed the microphone back and left the stadium. It was silent, then slowly, the audience began to clap and cheer for both Weldon and me.

I was stunned. He really had nothing to do with it. And he said it on TV. I'm an idiot, aren't I?

"You're not an idiot, Summer. It's a natural reaction."

I blushed. "Did I say my thoughts out loud again? Sorry about that, Red…"

He smiled. "Don't apologize. I'm just glad he kept his promise." He then realized what he said and tilted his cap to cover his own embarrassed face.

"Was that why you invited me here, Red?"

He revealed his face. "Well, one of them. I didn't want anyone to harass you at the stadium."

He then stood up and grabbed a wooden box sitting on his desk. He sat down and showed me its contents, a light green stone with a yellow lightning bolt in the center.

"A Thunderstone?" I asked. This immediately perked up Lightning and Pika's ears.

The Champion chuckled. "Yeah. It was just sitting on my shelf, collecting dust. Then I realized you could use it when Lightning promised to evolve after the tournament. So now that's the case…"

I was surprised. "Really? I can have it?"

He nodded. I carefully took the box and got up. Lightning climbed onto my shoulder and excitedly asked, "Are we going to do it now?"

I giggled. "Not yet. I want everyone else to see you evolve."

"You truly care about your Pokémon," Red complimented. "Can we join you? We can go to the training battlefield."

"Of course!"

We headed there, and I let out of my Pokémon. I then opened the box and explained to them, "Red gave me this Thunderstone."

"So you mean Lightning can finally evolve?" Flower asked.

I nodded and they cheered.

"At last!" Errol shouted with relief. "I cannot believe how long that took."

"Hey!" Lightning shouted, slightly offended.

But Swirls appeased her. "You know he's teasing, right?"

Rocky nudged her with his left cheek. "I can't wait to see what you look like, Lightning."

After she petted him, Blaze approached her. "Your dream's finally coming true, Lightning. I'm happy for you."

She blushed, making her brother tilt his head curiously. "Thanks, Blaze. I'll work harder as a Raichu!"

He chuckled. "I look forward to it."

Everyone then looked at me as I took the stone out of its long holding place. A slight tingling sensation coursed through me, but it was very pleasant.

I knelt down and showed it to my Electric type. "Are you ready, Lightning?"

Despite her earlier eagerness, she was scared to touch it. Pika saw this and encouraged, "Go on, sister."

She looked at her older brother and smiled. She then lightly touched the Thunderstone and small sparks immediately transferred from the rock into her body. She began to glow yellow as the stone slowly shrunk. Once the Thunderstone disappeared, so did the light. Instead of a Pikachu, a Raichu appeared in Lightning's place. She curiously looked at her new body and tail.

"How do you feel, Lightning?"

She excitedly looked at me and exclaimed in a slightly deep feminine voice, "My tail's so long now!"

We all laughed, then she approached her brother. She crossed her arms and teased, "Does this mean I'm the older sibling now?"

"Ha! In your dreams, Lightning!"

The two laughed and hugged each other.

"Thanks, Red," I softly said.

He just grinned and continued to watch the joyful celebration.

"Wow! This festival's so huge!" I exclaimed in awe. Lightning nodded eagerly, excited for her first experience as a Raichu.

About fifty white tents were aligned in ten rows, each selling food, toys, or Kanto merchandise. Lanterns lined the tops, illuminating the happy chaotic scene below.

"You can say that again," Ariel replied. "They said they'll be at the rice ball tent. Let's go!"

We snaked through several rows until we found them standing near some benches by that tent.

"Ah, ahí está ella!" Carlos exclaimed.

"Hi everyone," I greeted. "Thanks for understanding about everything since my battle."

"No sweat, Summer," Rai cheerfully acknowledged. He then noticed my new Pokémon and happily gasped. "Is that Lightning?"

"Oh yeah! She just evolved earlier today."

She waved to everyone and Candy playfully whispered, "Welcome to the Evolution Stone Club, Summer."

I giggled. "Thanks Candy. Where's Samir?"

Ariel shrugged. "I called him, but he said he had to do something important."

I sighed disappointed, but cheered myself up. "I'm sure we'll see him somewhere. Why don't we go explore?"

Rai punched his fist in the air. "All right!"

We all laughed and spent the night celebrating all our accomplishments late into the night.

"I hope he didn't forget about our meeting," Samir wondered as he looked at his Pokégear. It was almost 10pm, one hour remaining for the closing festival.

He and Weldon were supposed to hang out, but his friend had to attend a meeting and fill out paperwork to confirm his Elite Four challenge.

Suddenly, loud footsteps approached the intern. Samir looked behind him and saw the person he was expecting. Weldon bent over and huffed, "S-Sorry I'm...late…"

Samir smiled. "I'm just glad you can enjoy the festival. Or, whatever's left of it anyways."

After the tournament winner recovered, he glanced around the few people remaining amongst the tents. "Is she still here?"

"Summer? She and everyone else left a few minutes ago. I was able to see her earlier, though."

"Oh!" Weldon's heart skipped a beat. "How is she?"

His friend's grin put the boy at ease. "She's fine. Lightning also evolved into Raichu so Cappy enjoyed playing with her for a little while."

"That's good… Did she say anything about me?"

Samir mused over the question. "I don't think so. Why do you ask?"

Weldon became disappointed. "Maybe she's still angry with me…"

"I doubt it. She was a lot happier compared to when I saw her earlier today. I think she was able to fully recover because of you. I'm sure you'll talk to each other soon, despite what she told you."

"Yeah… Anyway, let's enjoy whatever's left of the festival!"

Samir laughed. "Sure, let's go!"

Despite Ariel and me waking up later than usual, we were able to pack and check out of the hotel on time. Lightning decided to take a break from adjusting to her new life as a Raichu, so she stayed in her Pokéball. All of us decided to see each other at the Pokémon Center before we went our separate ways.

When we got there, Samir, Carlos, Candy, and Rai were already waiting.

"So did you guys decide what you're going to do next?" I asked.

"That's easy!" Rai eagerly took out a brochure from his backpack. "I'm going to volunteer at the Random Egg Program's facility on Floe Island!"

"That's pretty impresionante," Carlos analyzed. "That's the breeding house for the Kanto Region."

"What about you, Carlos?" Rai inquired.

The Ace Trainer smirked with his right index finger on his chin. "I will be aiding the fellow Ace Trainers in my association."

"That's close to what I'm doing!" Candy gasped, slightly blushing. "But I'm going to be a substitute teacher for the spring and summer courses at Celadon University."

"Maybe I'll see you guys at the Pewter City Museum!" Samir cheerfully replied. "I have another six months in my internship."

Wow...they all know what they're going to do…

"What about you, Summer?" Samir asked.

I nervously played with my fingers. "I...I don't know yet."

"It's fine if you don't know," Ariel reassured. "I'm sure something will come up."

"Are you going back to Fuchsia City?"

She nodded. "Yup. Then I might volunteer afterwards."

Carlos then looked at his Pokégear. "It appears I must leave." He hoisted his backpack over his shoulder. "Adiós, amigos."

After he walked out, Candy and Rai got their bags as well.

"I look forward to another match against you, Summer," Candy softly said with a small smirk.

"Bye, Summer!" Rai enthusiastically shouted, waving his right arm.

Samir, Ariel and I waved goodbye, then they disappeared out the door.

The intern was about to leave as well when I interrupted, "Samir...how's Weldon?"

"Oh!" He was shocked that I asked him such a question. "He's fine. He just left for Mt. Battle in the Orre Region to start his training."

"Oh…" I replied, disappointed.

"Did you want to tell him something?"

I looked at my friend and smiled, "I'll tell him the next time I see him in person...hopefully."

Samir chuckled, then waved goodbye to us. After he left the building, Nurse Iris came over.

"Summer, you have a call from Professor Oak," she informed.

The professor wants to talk to me? "Thanks, Nurse Iris. I'll answer it in a bit."

She bowed, acknowledging my request and returned to her counter.

"I guess I better get going, Ariel." We embraced, and I said, "Thanks for coming to support me."

"Of course, Summer!" She happily replied after we separated. "If you have time, come visit me in Fuchsia City for some fishing!"

"Okay!"

I ran to the nearest available videophone and held the receiver to my ear. The Kanto professor's face and his lab appeared on the screen.

"Hi Professor Oak."

Hello Summer! he enthusiastically greeted. It's nice to see you again. I wanted to congratulate you for making the Top 8 in the Indigo League. That's quite an accomplishment.

"Thanks, professor."

He then made a solemn face. I'm sorry you got injured like that. I didn't expect Stanley was capable of such things.

"You know Stanley?"

Of course. I gave him his Charmander after all. Anyway, that's not the only reason why I called you. Are you doing another League soon?

I softly smiled. "No, not yet. Why, Professor?"

He grinned. I want to see if you can help me finish the Pokédex translation data I received from you and Josh. I think in less than a year, we can give it to new Kanto and Johto Trainers. You can stay at the lab while you help me.

I was excited at the new prospect. "That sounds really cool! What do I have to do?"

Spell checking for the text version, revising data for the scanning process, those kinds of tasks. And you can help me take care of the Pokémon at the lab. I'm sure you're interested on how I take care of the Pokémon there.

I laughed. "I am. Sounds good to me. I'll come as soon as I can."

Great! I'll see you soon! We waved goodbye, then hung up.

But before I even left my seat, the videophone rang again. "It's your parents, Summer," Nurse Iris shouted from the counter.

Mommy and Daddy? I wonder what's going on.

I answered for a second time. Their faces appeared on the screen, but to my confusion, they were in a hospital.

I waved to my parents. "Hi Mommy and Daddy!"

They waved back. Hi Summer! my dad greeted. Then in a panicked tone, he asked, We heard what happened to you. Are you okay?

I sheepishly replied, "Yeah, I'm feeling better."

See, dear? My mom reassured him as he took several deep breaths. I told you she's fine. And she made it to the Top 8! Everyone here's been supporting you, and we want to give you a party when you come back.

I sadly smiled. "That's great and all, but I'm going to be helping Professor Oak for a while."

That's perfectly fine, Summer, my dad respectfully replied. We'll celebrate when you decide to do the Hoenn League.

Suddenly, a wailing pierced the speaker. "Is everything okay?"

My parents gleefully looked at each other. Should we tell her, Bill? my mom excitedly asked her husband.

"Tell me what?" I curiously asked. I felt this was something really special.

My dad cleared his throat and began his explanation speech. Summer. After you left, we thought about doing something for quite some time. But when you left and told us about your journey, we made our decision. If you have the courage to venture to another region by yourself, we had to be strong as well and have something we always wanted.

My mom held up a little baby wrapped in a red and white blanket. The baby was lightly pale with soft black hair and bright brown eyes. Her voice trembled, but she was able to say, Summer...meet your new brother...Raymond.

I was happily shocked. "Was...Was this the surprise you told me about?"

My dad nodded and wiped away a tear. Yes, are you okay with this?

"Why wouldn't I be? I have another sibling!" I internally screamed for joy. "I can't wait to meet him in person."

Me too, my dad replied, eager to have another child in their life. We can always do calls until you come back. Now, you should go see Professor Oak.

"Oh, right! I'll call later tonight." We tearfully said goodbye and hung up.

As I put my backpack over my shoulders, I confidently stepped out of the Pokémon Center, ready for the next step of my journey.

Meanwhile, in a far away region…

A teenager wearing a black shirt and blue pants casually sipped his white teacup in a small café. It was located on the outskirts of the city. Once he finished his hot drink, he smiled and put the cup down.

Nothing like a café au lait to start out the day…

He brushed his spiky orange hair with his hands, then noticed a blond-haired waitress handing him a small slice of white chiffon cake with white icing strawberries on a white china plate.

He chuckled. "You still remember, huh Giselle?"

She closed her eyes and beamed. "Of course, Bo. Happy birthday!"

He nodded softly. "Thank you."

She politely asked, "Are you going to do anything fun today?"

The boy smirked. "Not really. Maybe wander around the city. Have a battle or two."

"Speaking of battles," Giselle hinted. "I heard the Indigo League ended recently."

Bo leaned back in his chair. "Yeah, the new tournament divisions were better than I expected. Though that controversy made quite a stir."

Giselle placed her right index finger on her chin. "You mean that girl in the junior division? Too bad that happened. At least the Champion was able to expose it before that kid could do any more damage."

Bo deeply sighed. Yeah...the Champion…

Suddenly, the television on the northwest corner of the room flashed a breaking news bulletin.

"Oh!" Giselle gasped. "It must be about the announcement of the new Gym Leader candidate in the Kanto Region." She then saw her friend's unemotional face. "Aren't you excited, Bo?"

He casually shrugged. "Not really. It doesn't concern me."

A female announcer appeared on screen and spoke in a French accent. This is Daisy May with News Around the World. We bring you breaking news from the Kanto Region. As you may have heard, the Kanto Pokémon League Association has started the consideration process for the new Gym Leader position in Viridian City three months ago. This process includes input from the Chairman of the regional association, the region's Elite Four, and the region's Champion. After much deliberation, they have chosen a candidate. He or she will meet at the Indigo Plateau headquarters for the interview process.

Someone off-screen handed her an envelope. She carefully tore it open and announced, "The candidate chosen is…" She then gasped in shock, then revealed, "I don't believe it...but it's Blue Oak of Pallet Town."

"Blue Oak?" Giselle shouted, having the same reaction as the announcer. "The person who lost to Red in the Indigo League?"

Bo didn't respond but instead stared at the image of a ten-year boy with short spiky orange hair and a big smirk on his face.

The announcer recovered. "I apologize for my reaction. Blue Oak has not been seen since the Indigo League six years ago, but the PLA is certain he will return to the Kanto Region for the interview. From the newsroom, this is Daisy May, signing off."

"Hey Giselle," Bo asked, slightly startling the girl. "Can I take this cake to go?"

"O-Of course…" She hurriedly got him a small brown takeout box. As he gently placed the dessert inside, she asked, "Where are you going?"

He sighed. "Somewhere I haven't been in a long time." He got up and bowed. "Thank you for taking care of me since I came here six years ago. But you should actually know my real name."

"Y-Your real name?" she stuttered in surprise.

He walked to the glass door and saw the famous Prism Tower in the background. He then looked back and smiled. "My name's Blue. Blue Oak."

And…that's it! Summer's first journey is now complete. I want to thank everyone who's read and reviewed my story, especially Gokukrish and Fancyyy! I also want to thank my editor (a.k.a. my sister) for editing my chapters since Chapter 15. I am planning to revise the first fourteen chapters when I have time.

The Hall of Fame for this story will no longer be updated, but this feature will return for the next main story, which will be posted in May. In the meantime, the first side story will be released next week. I look forward to you reading it!

Thanks again for reading my first story, and I look forward to the next story! :)