AN: I don't own Pokemon; any characters in this story that are recognisable/affiliated with the Pokemon franchise are not in any way my property.
Walking into the air conditioned Pokemart, Willow headed towards the back of the store where a display of Pokefood was located, looking at the different kinds on offer before looking down at Riolu.
"I'm not sure what kind to get, I know what you like but I'm going to try and get another member for our team before we get to Jubilife so we should get something plain as a filler." Willow mused, looking at her Pokemon before turning back to the kibble.
"Riolu lu" Riolu barked, pointing at the basic mixer kibble that contained a mixture of dried Oran berries, Lepa berries and ground nuts.
"Good choice, but what about meat?" Both Pokemon and trainer looked sceptically towards the prepacked meat, before shuddering and shaking their heads.
"Lu!" Levi replied, snapping his jaws together.
Willow snorted, patting her Pokémon's head trying to imagine the baby Pokemon being able to take anything down at his current level.
"Charizard isn't here to catch them for you anymore you know" Willow responded, smirking at the blush that took over Levi's face, the pink a stark colour against the cobalt blue. Levi huffed, before snatching the box of kibble they decided on and marching away, his tail twitching in embarrassment at his master's muffled laugh.
Ignoring her Pokemon for the moment, Willow took out the Pokedex and checked the Pokemon available to catch in the area. Upon spotting the low level native bird Pokemon, Starly and the electric type Pokemon readily available to be caught, Willow sighed in relief at figuring out how to feed herself and her future Pokemon easily without having to rely on the pre-packaged goods. A paw on her leg attracted her attention away from the Pokedex, and a sigh escaped her upon looking down at her partner who held a bar of chocolate nearly the size of him in his paws, a pleading look on his face.
"Fine, but you can share it with our new partner later on."
A happy yip was the answer she received, before she moved over to the range of bags on offer, grabbing a top of the line Castform Industries back pack, which advertised to be impervious against all weathers and Pokemon attacks, luckily it was also large enough to place her egg inside, a fact Willow was glad about as she liked to keep her hands free. Willow quickly made her way around the shop once the main reason for her visit was sorted, grabbing a Pokeball belt and balls, a plethora of potions and status healing berries, and a few cans of repel before heading towards the checkout.
"Is there anything else I can help you with today?" The perky saleswoman asked, watching the younger girl pack her bag with the recently purchased items, flashing a quick smile.
"Yes, I noticed you don't sell any sleeping bags or tents?" Willow inquired, sending a stern look towards the Riolu who was slowly creeping towards the chocolate display.
"We don't stock them in such small towns as Sandgem, mainly because the journey towards Jubilife is short enough to complete in a matter of hours. However, the Jubilife branch of Pokemart will definitely have them in stock."
Willow hummed slightly in response, before thanking the woman and walking out of the store, Levi hurrying after her. Willow looked up at the sky, sighing when seeing the color beginning to darken, despite this the duo continued to head towards route 202.
A grassy field that spread into the distance laid in front of her, encompassed by tall trees on both sides and the slight outline of tall structures in the distance. Upon spotting the taller grass that was spread sporadically Levi moved in front of his trainer, positioning her behind him, a move that might've looked humorous to those watching the baby Pokemon, although Willow knew him to be a capable protector no matter his size. Bending down next to her Pokemon, Willow once again took out her Pokedex and brought up the information regarding the electric type Pokemon, Shinx and showed the picture to the Pokemon at her side.
"We need to find one of these it's an electric type, they're readily available on this route but you know what I'm looking for."
Levi barked in response before closing his eyes with a focused look on his face, an iridescent sheen taking over his small body as he set his mind to the task of finding the aura of an electric type Pokemon, feeling the slightly static presence pop up in multiple places around him before settling on a particular presence a mile away. Despite how many times Willow had witnessed her partner use his ability to sense another's aura, she was still enraptured by it, and the power that emanated from his small figure seeming to indicate just how strong of a partner she'd have upon his evolution. The black extensions either side of his head wiggled slightly, before his eyes snapped open and a bark escaped his maw. Turning towards the tall trees that enclosed the route, Levi trotted towards the shadows, looking back to make sure his master was following before continuing forwards. Together the duo entered the shadows of the trees, walking for nearly an half an hour, stopping intermittently for Levi to re-evaluate where their target was, before stopping just outside of a clearing, hidden in the shadows.
In the filtered sunlight that creeped down through the branches stood a small blue quadruped Pokemon, obviously feline in its visage. It was stood watching a small brown bird Pokemon on a branch high above it, the feral gleam associated with a hunt in its eyes as it stalked slowly towards the tree where the bird rested, its underbelly grazing the floor in a crouch. Willow turned to her partner, a look of fierce wanting in her eye as she pointed towards the Shinx, who was still currently distracted with the prospect of food.
"Levi, it can't be too high level for this area, use quick attack to throw it into the tree it's heading towards." Willow commanded, flexing her hands slightly in anticipation at adding a new member to her team.
Levi dashed towards the Shinx a white streak appearing behind it, closing in on the unsuspecting Pokemon, slamming it head first into the tree, sending the bird Pokemon fleeing with a squawk. Darting away from the enraged feline, Levi moved in front of his master who had emerged from the shadows, sweat dropping slightly at the animated look on her normally stoic face. A hiss brought his attention back to the Shinx, who stood up wobbling slightly before setting his gaze upon Levi, a blue gleam beginning to take over its mouth.
"Don't let it try anything Levi! Quick attack and restrain!" Willow shouted, a grin taking over her face.
Levi yipped, speeding towards the Shinx faster than it could anticipate before pinning it to the ground a paw against the back of its neck, using his advantage of height and weight against the smaller Pokemon. Upon realising it was pinned the Shinx yowled and spat, lashing out with it hind legs trying to score a hit on the larger Pokemon, its fur beginning to shine. Growling Levi slammed the feline's head against the ground, the light fading away as it mewled pitifully knowing it was caught, a feral look remaining in its eye. A gleeful chuckled caught the ears of both Pokemon, attracting their attention as Willow came towards them, a Pokeball in her hand. Kneeling down in front of the two Pokemon, she patted Levi's head, receiving a pleased growl in return, although he didn't let up the pressure on the feline Pokemon in its grasp.
"I guess you just weren't strong enough little kitty," Willow chuckled, reaching towards the scowling head of the feline, snatching her hand away from its face as it snapped towards her. Smiling, she called Levi off as he lifted the Shinx's head up again, getting ready to slam it to the ground once more. "I like that the fight still hasn't left you, despite your dismal situation. But that fight means nothing without the power to back it up. Join me and become stronger."
The Shinx looked at the human in front of it, she didn't look like much, older than most of the humans he saw in this area, but not taller or physically stronger, although he could tell that by joining her he'd become stronger, if the Riolu's power was representative of her as a master. Hearing a growl the feline looked up, meeting the narrowed eyes of the Pokemon that held him to the ground. Looking away from the jackal, the Shinx hissed an affirmative and looked away as the Pokeball tapped his forehead before he was enveloped in a beam of red light. Levi sweat dropped at the uncharacteristic squeal that came from his master, who now held the ball above her head as if it were a prize.
"Nice job Levi!" Willow praised, receiving a happy bark in return. "Let's see what our new partner is like."
The Shinx reappeared in flash of red light, and looked up at his new master. She once again kneeled in front of him, and reached towards his head slowly, this time reaching the destination instead of being stopped by his sharp fangs. A pleased rumble escaped the Shinx as his master rubbed behind his ears, blushing as he leant into her hand.
"Aww, see it's not so bad." Willow chucked, sending a wink to Levi who stood looking at the Shinx in jealousy. Willow took out the Pokedex, scanning the blue feline. "Hmm you're level 4, so you'll need quite a bit of training before we even consider moving out of this area. And you only know tackle and ice fang?" Willow looked at the Shinx in astonishment, whilst the feline looked back smugly.
"Shin Shinx" The Shinx hummed, smirking at the jackal next to his master, who narrowed his eyes in response.
"Hmmm, it must be one of those egg moves; it's unlikely you've had a trainer. Ah, but don't get cocky, Levi could beat you easily even with your fancy move." Willow chuckled, looking between her two Pokemon who stood scowling at each other. Rolling her eyes Willow stood up, and backed away from the two Pokemon who looked at her in confusion. "Right let's solve this now, I'm not having animosity in this team. Levi feel free to go all out, Shinx you too."
With that Willow walked away from the two Pokemon, and sat at the edge of the clearing, taking the egg out of her backpack and beginning to rub it with a soft cloth she found inside the incubator. The two Pokemon looked at their master, then back to each other, snarls taking over their faces. Making the first move, Shinx ran towards the Riolu, the blue gleam once again taking over his mouth. Levi rolled his eyes, dodging the bite aimed at his face and placed a palm on the back of the felines neck, once again slamming its face towards the floor. The comical look of shock on the Shinx's face almost made the Riolu laugh, but instead he lowered his face to place his teeth against the feline's neck, holding it there until it stopped struggling and mewled in submission. Levi backed off, moving to stand next to his master as the Shinx lay there in defeat, a sad look on its face.
"You did well, he needed to learn that not only is there an order in this team, he'll unable to win just by having a powerful move, he'll need the power and tactics to back it up." Willow stated, rubbing her partners head as she stared at the Shinx who was sullenly walking over to them. "Don't be so down, Levi's at a much higher level than you it was to be expected. You did well also." Willow offered, scratching under the chin of her new Pokemon, smiling at the pleased purrs escaping it.
Willow looked up and tried to catch a glimpse of the sky between the branches, the first signs of twilight taking place in the heavens, a soft purple haze forming behind the puffy clouds. Placing her egg back into her bag, Willow turned back to her Pokemon, smiling softly at the sight of Levi gesturing wildly to the Shinx who looked on in rapture, a happy gleam replacing the sadness that previously occupied his eyes. Turning her back to the two, Willow began walking back in the direction she remembered route 202 to be in, hearing her Pokemon scramble to keep up, Levi quickly taking his place in front of his master, whilst the Shinx stood close to her legs.
"You need a nickname; I can't just keep calling you Shinx. You need to be easily distinguished from any wild Shinx and captured ones." Willow mused, looking at the small electric feline next to her, who stared back in anticipation. "How about Raiden, it means God of thunder? A name that you'll obviously need to grow into. " Willow questioned, smirking at the affirmative hiss from the feline who whipped his tail in pleasure.
The trio continued to walk through the forest in silence, the journey thankfully taking less time than previously as there was no need to stop and recalibrate their direction. The familiar Route 202 greeted Willow in the form of a female trainer running up towards her, stopping a few paces away holding a Pokeball in her hand.
"You're a trainer right? Battle me!" The lass commanded, her red skirt ruffling in the slight breeze, drawing attention to the two pokeballs placed on her belt.
"Sure, but can we make it a double battle? I want to get to Jubilife before midnight." Willow explained, and upon receiving an affirmative response from the lass, backed up a few paces and gestured for her Pokemon to get ready.
"Bidoof, Starly come on out!" The lass shouted, throwing her two pokeballs to reveal a brown bird and a small rodent Pokemon. "Bidoof, Starly use tackle!"
"Let's make this quick, Levi quick attack on the Bidoof, Raiden wait for the right time and then special attack." Willow commanded quickly, a bored look on her face at the battle she knew Levi could win on his own, let alone with Raiden helping him.
Levi quickly intercepted the rodent's attempt at a tackle, slamming into its smaller body and sending it flying, huffing in pleasure at the sight of its spiralled eyes. Turning to his team mate, Levi watched as the Shinx waited patiently for the Starly to come closer, his form low to the ground in a waiting crouch as a blue gleam built up in his mouth. A few centimetres from impact, Shinx pounced at the Starly who released a pained screech at the iced fangs clamping down on his throat, flailing once before fainting.
"Good job boys," Willow praised, flashing a smile at her Pokemon who roared in pleasure. Willow walked over to the shocked lass, who had returned both her Pokemon after their defeat. "I'm glad you were our first battle, it was a good experience for my Pokemon. Here take these it'll help your Pokemon until you can get them to a Pokecentre." Reaching in her bag Willow grabbed two Oran berries, placing them in the glum lasses hand before walking away, her two Pokemon scrambling to take their places next to her.
Arriving in Jubilife just before midnight was a relief to both Willow and her team, it had taken three hours to reach the city of joy, and Willow swore if she saw another Bidoof or Starly she'd strangle it. Despite the frustration at the lack of variety in the wild life, the endeavour hadn't been without its advantages as now Shinx had levelled up to a respectable level 10, whilst Levi was now level 15 and very pleased at the addition of the new move force palm to his arsenal. Having already checked the directions to the Pokecentre, the tired trio trudged onwards, looking forward to the soft beds and warm food for weary trainers that the centre offered. The electronic hum of the automatic doors opening was loud in the quiet of the night, quickly attracting the attention of the tired nurse at the front desk.
"Welcome to the Pokecentre, do your Pokemon need healing or do you require lodging for the night?" Nurse Joy asked, flashing a genuine smile despite her obvious tiredness.
"Just a room please, and is there any food still available?" Willow asked, staring at her Pokémon's swollen bellies from the corner of her eye, not everyone could eat raw Starly meat.
"We usually supply sandwiches for late night trainers; they're located in the cafeteria down this hallway." The nurse replied, pointing to a closed door down a hallway. "You'll be staying in room 176, which is up the stairs and on the left hand side. Please enjoy your stay."
Taking her key, Willow headed towards the cafeteria, and grabbed some food before heading up to her room, closing the door behind her Pokemon as they darted towards the bed, flopping down in relief. Placing her bag on the floor, Willow took out her egg, rubbing the shell softly, smiling upon feeling its comforting warmth, it wouldn't hatch for a while yet, but she could tell that it'd be powerful once it did. Setting the incubator on the table next to the bed, Willow toed off her shoes before sitting cross legged next to her dozing Pokemon on the bed, and began to eat the sandwich, the turkey, lettuce and tomato settling heavily into her empty stomach. Having finished her sandwich, Willow headed into the bathroom for a quick shower, before settling down next to her Pokemon, setting an alarm on her Pokegear for 8am, before quickly falling asleep.
The next morning found Willow aimlessly wandering around Jubilife, she'd already completed her task of obtaining a sleeping bag for her journey and had already visited the trainer's school, and found it not to be much help as the information was rudimentary at best; she was stuck on what to do. Levi, stood next to his masters side, staying close her and snarling at anyone who got to close, baring his teeth.
"Whoa I've never seen that Pokemon before!" a young boy with messy black hair under a red cap ran up to Willow, a Pikachu on his shoulder and stopped before getting too close, having taken notice of the sharp look in the jackal Pokémon's eye. He was slightly taller than Willow, however obviously younger due to the roundness of his cheeks, clad in jeans and a white t-shirt under a black vest. Two other people followed behind him, a blue haired younger girl obviously a new trainer holding a blue penguin Pokemon Willow recognised as Piplup, and an older man with darker skin and spiky brown hair.
"It's a Riolu; they're native to Sinnoh, although this particular one was raised in Johto." Willow informed, a blank look on her face in contrast to the boys excited one.
"My names Ash, have a battle with me?" Ash demanded, grabbing a Pokeball of his belt, a grin taking over his face.
Willow nodded absently, gesturing for the trio to follow her to the Pokecentre, preferring not to battle in the middle of the streets. Upon reaching the Pokecentre, Willow, Ash and his friends heading around the back, to the match field placed on the ground for trainers to use for training or battles. The man who had introduced himself as Brock on the walk over, took on the role of referee, standing half way in-between the two trainers, whilst Dawn sat down next to him.
"This will be a one on one battle; the winner will be decided by the Pokemon still standing." Brock declared, looking at both trainers and receiving a nod from each before continuing. "Begin!"
"Starly, I choose you!" Ash shouted, revealing the familiar brown bird Pokemon, who cried its name upon release before taking to the sky. Willow sighed upon seeing the Pokemon, remembering her thoughts from the night before, and released Raiden who settled down next to her leg, taking on the role of protector upon seeing the unfamiliar faces near its master.
"Levi, show no mercy." Willow demanded, her partner darting from her side and onto the battle field, glaring up at the Starly flying above it, mirroring his masters emotions towards the bird Pokemon.
"Starly, quick attack!" Ash ordered, his Pokemon doing a quick circle to gather speed before rocketing down towards the jackal Pokemon.
"Levi, take the hit."
Dawn gasped on the side lines, glaring at the other female as the Riolu was thrown backwards, having obeyed its master's orders. How cruel of that trainer to purposely let her Pokemon get hit by a super effective move Dawn thought, watching the blue jackal get back up on its feet.
"Let's use quick attack to finish it off Starly!" Ash shouted, a smile taking over his face at the thought of a win after losing so badly to Paul a few days ago. Once again the bird began it's decent to the stationary Riolu, cawing as it left silver streaks behind it due to its velocity.
"Levi, Counter palm." Willow ordered smiling as an iridescent sheen took over her Pokemon as the Starly crashed into it, staying put as the move pushed the bird Pokemon backwards. Levi quickly dashed towards the grounded bird Pokemon, placing its paw on the opponent's forehead with a smirk before a huge blast of light exploded from his paw, sending the avian to land back in front of its master in a cloud of dust.
Ash, Brock and Dawn stared at the trainer and Pokemon in front of them, gaping at the power the Riolu possessed and the strategy employed against Ash's Pokemon. Not only had Willow found a way to ground the flying Pokemon, the swiftness of her Riolu left no time for Ash to have called out a counter to her command. The dust cleared, and Starly was shown to be in a slight crater in the floor, swirls overtaking its eyes.
"The winner is Willow, and her Pokemon Levi!" Brock declared, coming out of his stupor upon seeing the fainted Pokemon.
Levi yipped in pleasure, rushing back to his master who greeted him with a smile and a head pat, and his team mate who nudged him with his tail in approval. Looking back up at the trio of friends who had moved closer to stand a few steps away, Willow's face began to return to its normal blank state, as her Pokemon began to converse with the trios.
"That was amazing! I really thought I was about to win before you used that combo move!" Ash stated, smiling and moving closer towards the girl, but stopped abruptly as Levi darted between the boy and his master, his palm glowing threateningly. Frowning at the aggressive move from the Pokemon, Ash looked towards Willow a questioning look on his face.
"I don't like people close to me." Willow stated emotionlessly, gesturing for Raiden to halt his hissing from his place next to her. Levi backed towards his master, moving closer to her as the light in his palm died down to nothingness.
Ash nodded awkwardly in reply, rubbing the back of his head before smiling.
"No worries I'll make sure to keep my distance," Ash smiled easily back at the girl, receiving a slight one in reply.
"Your Starly is fast," Willow complimented, earning a surprised look from the previously glaring girl staring at her from over Ash's shoulder. "When it evolves, you can enhance its speed by having it carry other Pokemon on its back during training. The extra load will increase the muscles in its wings, therefore making them stronger."
Ash stared back at the female in front of him in shock at her idea, the idea not having crossed his mind before now. A wide grin took over his face at the helpful proposal, thanking the girl for the tip. The trio of friends watched as the girl nodded and walked away from them, her Pokemon following closely, blinking in shock as her Pokemon looked back to glare at Ash before turning the corner and disappearing from sight.
AN: Any move sets the Pokemon in this story are based on the moves those Pokemon can learn as of Gen VI as this will make it easier to fit in any potential sequels or out of region Pokemon. Willow might seem a bit more competent than a beginner trainer normally is, but that's accountable to her age and the fact she's lived with a champion all her life. Also, any ages of characters in the story will not be canon as it annoys me that as has been 10 despite having travelled to six regions now. I'm assuming that it'd take on average a year to travel a region and have sufficiently trained Pokemon to challenge the elite four, so that makes Ash 14, Brock is 19, whilst Dawn is 10 as she has only just started out.