Hello all Storm here with a new chapter! Here we'll be seeing Naruto and May heading down Route 102, where we'll see things really begin to change, as well as Naruto catching a familiar Pokmon that's also been changed a little. So, without further ado.
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After leaving Oldale Town, Naruto, May, and their Starters made their way down Route 102 towards Petalburg City. With them eventually stopping to set up camp to have lunch and get some training done, though neither of the two were eager to talk due to them still thinking of what happened at the Pokémon Center.
"…While I…don't want to think about it, who do you think would attack a Pokémon Center? And why?" May asked, looking at Naruto while they were eating lunch, unable to help but think of why anyone would attack a Pokémon Center like that.
Though the most obvious answer is to steal the Pokémon being kept there, but that clearly wasn't the goal of this group. Which only made it more concerning at what they could have considered important enough to disregard the lives of innocent Pokémon and people.
"Who knows why they'd do something like that. It clearly wasn't to steal the Pokémon, meaning they were after the something else. The best guess I have is that someone staying at the Pokémon Center had something these people wanted or knew something they wanted to know. Whatever the reason or why, it's no excuse for what they did nor what they probably will do." Replied Naruto, with the brunette nodding in agreement, hoping someone will be able to find and stop that group.
"So…are you going to try challenging the Petalburg Gym Leader once we get there?" Questioned May, knowing if Naruto planned to challenge the Petalburg Gym, he'll also find out that he's her father, which she hoped to hold off that for a while.
"I don't think so, since I still want to train with Zorua some more and catch more Pokémon before I challenge the Gym Leader." Naruto said, knowing he wouldn't be able to beat a Gym Leader with just Zorua, especially this early into his Journey.
"That's good, I've heard the Petalburg Gym Leader is also really strong too, so it would be a good idea to train and prepare before challenging him." May said, glad that she didn't have to tell him who her father was too soon.
The two soon finished their lunch, with Zorua and Torchic finishing theirs as well, before they began packing up their campsite to continue on their way.
"Hey May, you came down this Route on your way to Littleroot Town, right? Did you see any Pokémon on the way?" Naruto asked, curious to know what Pokémon were located on Route 102, while May thought about her trip to Littleroot Town and any Pokémon she saw.
"Hmm, I saw a couple on my way. But I didn't really recognize any of them, except for Poochyena for obvious reasons, so I wouldn't be able to tell you their names. Sorry." May said sheepishly, with her tone gaining a hint of annoyance at the mentioning of "Poochyena", still somewhat sore about what happened when she first met up with Professor Birch on her way to his lab.
"It's fine. You could just describe what they looked like and I'll see if I can figure out which ones they are." Said Naruto, with the brunette nodding in response.
"Okay. One of them I saw looked like a really big acorn with eyes and feet, another that looked like a red worm with a horn on its forehead, as well as a few with brown and tan colored zigzagging fur." May said as she remembered the Pokémon she saw and what they looked like.
"The one that looks like an acorn is called Seedot, the worm one is Wurmple, and the last one I'm sure are Zigzagoon." Naruto said, having learned about those Pokémon and seen them a few times in Fortree City, as well as the routes nearby it.
"You really know a lot about Pokémon, don't you." May stated with a small smile, with Naruto shrugging.
"Just the ones I've seen before or have heard about. I didn't even know what Starters new Trainers in Hoenn could get from Professor Birch." Said Naruto, with May nodding at this, before she began thinking again.
"Oh, I did see one other Pokémon, too. Though I didn't really get a good look at it, since it kind of seemed like it was hiding behind a tree, so I couldn't get a good look at it. I do remember it looked really small and had like a…helmet with a horn on it." Said May, trying to remember the last Pokémon she saw, but wasn't able to get a good look at it, while the Uzumaki tried thinking of any Pokémon that it could be.
"R-Ralts."
Though Naruto and May were both pulled from their thoughts at hearing a Pokémon, making them look around for where the sound came from. Only to see the Pokémon come walking out of the bushes, ahead of them.
It was a humanoid Pokémon with a light purple body. It has thin arms and legs that widen toward the feet. There is a wispy extension trailing off the back of its feet, creating the overall impression of a nightgown or oversized dress. Most of its face is covered by blue hair that resembles a bowl cut, but a pair of orangish-red eyes could be seen a little as it looked around. And there are two flat, orange horns on top of its head: a large one toward the front and a smaller one at the back.
"That's it! That's the Pokémon, I saw! Aaaahhh, it's so cute too." May said, cooing at the cute Pokémon, while Naruto looked at it in amazement.
"Woah! That's a Ralts!" Said Naruto as he began smiling at the sight of the Ralts, which also got the Pokémon's attention.
"Ralts?" Ralts looked towards the two Trainers, backing away slightly at the sight of them.
"Ralts?" Asked May while looking at Naruto, the whiskered Trainer nodding in response.
"Yeah, while it may not look powerful, but it can grow to be a really strong Pokémon. Along with being pretty rare." Naruto said, pulling out his Pokédex and scanning Ralts, with May doing the same.
"Ralts, the Feeling Pokémon. Ralts is the pre-evolved form of Kirlia. It can use the horns on its head to read human emotions. Ralts rarely shows itself to humans, but may occasionally approach when it senses positive or happy feelings."
"Wow, it can sense emotions." Said May, amazed a Pokémon could sense a person's emotions like that.
"Yeah. It can evolve into two really powerful Pokémon, Gardevoir and Gallade. Ralts is a Pokémon I've wanted to catch since hearing about it, and now I've got my chance!" Naruto said, happy and eager at the chance to catch a Ralts.
"Wait, why does Ralts look different compared to the one on the Pokédex?" May asked seeing that Ralts had a different color scheme than what was shown on the Pokédex.
"That must mean it's a Shiny Ralts! Making it even better and stronger!" Said Naruto in excitement that not only will he get the chance to catch a Ralts, but it'll also be a Shiny one as well.
"Okay, let's go Zorua!" Said Naruto, with Zorua jumping off of Naruto's shoulder and landed in front of Ralts,
"Zor!" Zorua narrowed his eyes at the Feeling Pokémon, with Ralts stumbling back at the sight of Zorua.
"R-Ralts!" Ralts looked at Zorua nervously, feeling the dark, malicious emotions coming off of the Normal/Ghost-type Pokémon.
"Zorua, use Snarl!" Naruto said.
"Rua!" Zorua let out a loud cry and several black and purple rings at Ralts, with Ralts letting out a shrieking cry of its own and a beam of purple hearts.
With the two attacks colliding against each other, creating an explosion and cloud of smoke, which soon cleared only to reveal multiple Ralts in place of just one.
'It must've used Double Team.' Thought Naruto, looking at them all and trying to figure out which was the real one, with Zorua doing the same and trying to find the real Ralts.
Though suddenly, all the Ralts' looked at Zorua while their eyes glowed a light blue beneath their hair as it surrounded Zorua, throwing him back towards a nearby tree.
"Quick Zorua, right yourself in the air, now!" Said Naruto, the Spiteful Fox Pokémon managing to do so once Ralts released its psychic grip on him and began floating in the air, surprising the Ralts' at the sight.
"Now spin around and use Swift!" Naruto said, knowing if they can't find the real Ralts, they can take out all of its copies until only the real one was left.
"Zor-ua!" Zorua quickly began spinning in the air, releasing several waves of yellow stars at all the Ralts', causing them to quickly try running to dodge the attack.
Only for the stars to home in on all of them, dispersing the copies until soon only the real Ralts was left, who cried out as all the stars homed in on it, sending it flying across the road.
"Okay, dive back to the ground and use Shadow Sneak!" Said Naruto, with Zorua nodding before diving back to the ground and into his shadow.
"Ralts!" Ralts let out a loud piercing cry towards Zorua's moving shadow, causing it to flinch but continued on towards the Feeling Pokémon before rising up to strike Ralts.
With Ralts not having to dodge or attack, crying out again as Zorua struck it repeatedly, sending Ralts slamming into a tree, much to Naruto's concern.
"Zorua, could you please try to hold back!" Naruto exclaimed, not wanting Zorua to seriously injure every Pokémon they battle or end up terrifying the Pokémon he catches.
"Zor." Zorua rolled his eyes, only for them to widen when he suddenly found himself glowing light blue and lifted into the air.
Before seeing that Ralts had managed to get back up with its eyes glowing light blue and holding its arms up in the air.
"Ralts!" Ralts then let out a loud shriek and beam of purple hearts that slammed into Zorua, sending him crashing back into the ground, letting out a grunt of pain at the impact before getting up and glaring at Ralts.
"Now, use Swift!" Naruto said, with Zorua immediately floating into the air and began swinging his tail at Ralts.
"Zor-Zor-Zor-Zor-Zor-Zorua!" Zorua swung his tail, releasing waves of stars, before flipping in the air and giving a final swing and wave, sending all the stars speeding right at Ralts.
"Ra-Ralts!" Ralts quickly surrounded the stars in a blue psychic aura, before launching them back at Zorua, only find that he was unaffected by rebounded Normal-type Attack.
"Now use Bitter Malice, Zorua!" Said Naruto, the Spiteful Fox Pokémon grinning eagerly as his eyes glowed a dark blue while black, purple, and dark blue energy began emitting off his body.
"Zor…" Zorua prepared himself as the energy began swirling around his body, before dived straight towards the ground.
"…RUA!" Zorua smashed into the ground, causing the energy to explode off him in a swirling mass of malice and spite, with the attack spreading out and destroying all of Ralts copies, before also hitting Ralts.
"R-R-R-Ralts!" Ralts couldn't stop itself from crying out in pain as the attack hit it, combined with the pure malice, spite, and negativity within the attack, sending it flying through the air before crashing into a tree and falling back to the ground.
"Zorua." Zorua looked at the downed Feeling Pokémon with a pleased expression at taking it down, while Naruto looked at Ralts in concern at the damage inflicted on it, before quickly pulling out a Heal Ball.
"Go Pokéball!" Said Naruto throwing the Heal Ball at Ralts, bouncing off its head before opening up and sucking Ralts inside it.
The button flashed red before falling to the ground and began shaking a few times, the Uzumaki watching to see if it'd be a successful capture. Smiling when the Heal Ball stopped shaking and let out a ping sound.
"Yes! I caught a Ralts!" Naruto cheered, happy at having caught Ralts, only to frown when he turned to Zorua.
"Zorua, you can't keep doing that. I know you don't like other Pokémon and people, but you can't keep seriously injuring them, otherwise it could get us both in trouble. Not to mention you'll have to learn to be nice with the other Pokémon I'm going to catch, since I don't want them to be scared of you. I want all of you to be able to work together and get along. So, from now on, you will start learning to hold back and go easy, only going all out if it's needed. Understand." Scolded Naruto, with Zorua grumbling to itself.
"Zor-Zor-ua-Zorua-Zor-Zorua." Zorua reluctantly nodded, not liking the idea of going easy on anyone, but guessed it's something he needed to learn if he wanted to keep battling.
"Thank you. You still did a good job." Naruto said, patting Zorua on the head, making the Normal/Ghost-type feel better at doing good and helping his Trainer catch a new Pokémon.
"Way to go Naruto! You both did amazing, and from the looks of it, that Ralts is really strong too." Said May, smiling at Naruto and Zorua.
"Torchic!" Torchic nodded in agreement with her Trainer, seeing how strong Ralts was, and relieved to not be on the receiving end of Zorua's attack this time.
"Thanks and yeah, Ralts definitely seems pretty strong. Now let's see what else it can do." Said Naruto, while pulling out his Pokédex and scanning the Heal Ball to check Ralts' stats.
Ralts:
Gender: Female
Ability: Telepathy
Moves: Growl, Disarming Voice, Double Team, Confusion, Hypnosis
Egg Moves (Locked): Misty Terrain, Confuse Ray, Destiny Bond, Disable, Mean Look, Shadow Sneak
'Ralts is definitely a strong one.' Naruto thought upon seeing the moves Ralts knew and had inherited, impressed and intrigued at the Ghost-type moves she has as Egg Moves.
"You know with how you found Zorua, who might as well be a one-of-a-kind Pokémon right now, and now with finding a Shiny Ralts, which is already a rare Pokémon on its own. You must have really good luck Naruto." May stated seeing how he's now got two really rare and strong Pokémon.
"Everyone thinks so." Replied Naruto with a grin, having heard he has amazing luck when it comes to things like gambling and finding Pokémon.
Naruto then went to let Ralts out to get to know her better, as well as apologize for how brutal Zorua was to her in their battle. Only for him, Zorua, May and Torchic to be lifted in the air, much to their shock, before crying out as they were sent crashing through the forest. Hitting a few trees as they flew through the air, before falling back to the ground.
"M-Ma-May?! Zorua?! Torchic?! Are…are you guys alright?" Naruto asked, wincing as he stood up, with Zorua standing up as well and was instantly on guard for who attacked them.
"Y-ye-yeah. We-we're…we're fine. Right, Torchic?" Replied May as she shakily stood up and looked at her Starter, having tried shielding the Chick Pokémon from the impact.
"T-Tor-Torchic." Torchic shook her head before jumping out of the May's arms, standing beside Zorua and searching for who attacked them.
"Good. Though I'm not sure if we shou-MOVE!" Said Naruto, only to shout and tackle May out of the way.
With Zorua and Torchic jumping out of the way as well when a black and purple ball of energy came flying at them. The groups eyes widening when the balls crashed right through a tree, along with four other trees before finally exploding.
"Dusknoir."
"Gardevoir."
Hearing the two cries, Naruto, May, and their Pokémon looked up, only for the Trainers to pale when they saw two Pokémon standing not too far from them.
The first is a primarily black Pokémon that somewhat resembles a cyclops. Its cylindrical head is light gray with a single eye that has a yellow iris and a red pupil. Its eyelid resembles a smiling mouth, with its red eye being a tongue. There is a yellow band near the top of its head, and a short, yellow antenna with a disc-shaped tip extends from on top. Six flat projections extend from the base of its neck and surround its head, resembling an upturned collar. It has well-developed arms with two yellow bands near its wrists and large, gray hands. On the front of its torso are two almond-shaped markings, and on its back are two circular markings. Both sets of markings resemble eyes. A yellow band encircles its body, zigzagging along the front and forming a long curve around the back. It has a wispy tail in place of feet.
And the second is a bipedal, humanoid Pokémon whose body resembles a flowing gown. Most of its body is white, but its hair, arms, and the underside of its gown are green. Its hair curls over its face and down the sides of its head. Behind its red eyes are short spikes, resembling a masquerade mask. It has long arms with three fingers on each hand and slender white legs. A red, fin-like horn extends from its chest, and a shorter, more rounded horn extends from the back. A band of green on its chest extends to the center of the front horn and connects to its sleeve-like arms.
"Wh-wh-wha-what P-Po-Pokémon a-a-are those?" May asked nervously at the sight of the two Pokémon, neither of who looked very happy.
"Th-th-that's a-a-a Du-Dusknoir and th-th-that's a Gardevoir." Replied Naruto, also nervous upon seeing that two powerful Pokémon had been the ones who attacked them.
Before either of them could do anything, Gardevoir's body was covered in a rainbow-colored shine, while Dusknoir's shadow suddenly extended towards them. The sight making Naruto's and May's eyes widened before quickly getting up and ran over to Zorua and Torchic. Grabbing their Pokémon, the two took off running, just in time as Dusknoir's shadow rose up to strike them, smashing into a tree instead. And the light around Gardevoir expanded out towards them in rainbow-colored rays that blasted through the forest.
"Okay…now why are they attacking?!" May shouted, terrified at two very strong Pokémon suddenly attacking them.
"I don't know! They shouldn't be attacking us like that, unless we had either accidentally intruded on their territory or-" Naruto said, only for his eyes to widen in realization.
"Or what?! AH!" Said May, only to yelp and duck when Gardevoir fired a multicolored beam at them, with Naruto moving out of the way it.
"…I think Ralts might've been their daughter!" Naruto exclaimed, realizing why they were attacking.
"WHAT?!" May yelled in disbelief.
"They're attacking because Ralts is their daughter! Which would explain why Ralts has so many Ghost-type Egg Moves! They saw me catch their daughter, right after you kept brutally hurting her!" Naruto said, directing the latter part at Zorua in annoyance.
"Dusk-noir!" Dusknoir put its hands together and formed a small black ball of energy, before it then separated its hands and fired a beam of black and purple rings of energy at the Trainers.
Naruto and May were barely able to move out of the way of the attack, only to be thrown forward when it exploded after hitting the ground. Only to be shocked when light blue lightning bolts suddenly came crashing down from the sky above them. With the Uzumaki grabbing May's hand and pulling her out of the way, just as the lightning bolts crashed down where they once were.
"That was a Future Sight attack!" Naruto exclaimed in shock at the power behind the attack, before looking at Zorua in annoyance.
"See?! This is why we don't be unnecessarily brutal to other Pokémon! Because sometimes those Pokémon will have pissed off parents coming after us!" Naruto said, with Zorua rapidly shaking his head.
"Zor! Zorua-Zor-Zor-ua-ua-Zorua-Zor!" Zorua desperately tried defending himself, having no idea that this would happen or that Ralts' parents would actually see their battle, let alone that they'd be this powerful.
"Oh, don't even think about trying to get out this, Zorua! If we survive this, you better start being nicer to other Pokémon!" Said May, narrowing her eyes at the Spiteful Fox Pokémon, also annoyed and scared at what's happening.
"Torchic! Torchic-Tor-Tor-Tor-Torchic-chic-Torchic!" Torchic nodded in agreement with her Trainer, swearing if they survived then she's going to peck Zorua mercilessly for this.
Though suddenly they saw a light blue mist appear around them, making Naruto and May risk looking back to see Gardevoir was releasing a large amount of blue mist from its body.
"What kind of attack is this?!" May asked nervously, as it was starting to get difficult to see through the mist.
"Who cares, just keep running!" Said Naruto, only for his eyes to widen when he saw Dusknoir preparing another attack.
"Noir!" Dusknoir immediately fired a black beam of energy with a pink outline right at the group, with the whiskered Trainer pulling May out of the way as the beam hit the ground.
Only for it to prove more powerful than they expected as the beam exploded, sending Naruto and May flying back, grunting in pain when they hit the ground. Naruto's eyes widening again when he saw a Heal Ball fly out of his backpack.
"Run!" Naruto exclaimed as he and May quickly grabbed their Pokémon, as well as each other so they wouldn't get separated in the mist, before they started running again.
While he hated how him catching Ralts will now be for nothing, he knew that Gardevoir and Dusknoir will no longer have a reason to keep attacking them, now that they have their daughter back. Only to soon find themselves frozen in place, showing that they weren't done with them, yet. Bracing themselves as Gardevoir began releasing a multicolored glow, the group immediately found themselves surrounded by a light blue glow. Not a moment later, Naruto, May, and their Pokémon vanished from sight as Gardevoir teleported them away.
Seeing the humans were now gone, the mist vanished, revealing the Heal Ball Naruto had dropped, with Dusknoir and Gardevoir going over to it. Recognizing it as the ball the human had trapped their daughter inside, the Heal Ball rose up into the air in front of them. With Gardevoir not hesitating to smash it into pieces to release Ralts from it.
Only for the two Pokémon to be shocked when Ralts didn't appear, showing the Heal Ball was empty. Which only worried and angered them, as it meant that Ralts was still with the humans.
*With Naruto, May, Zorua, and Torchic*
Meanwhile, Naruto and May cried out as they appeared in the air, grunting in pain when they hit the ground, relieved the fall hadn't been that far.
"…At…at least…we're still alive…ow…" May muttered, relieved they were still alive and away from Gardevoir and Dusknoir.
"T-To-Torchic." Torchic rolled onto the ground, feeling relieved as well and now wanting a chance to rest from nearly being blown up.
"Yeah…I…I think that…Gardevoir must've teleported us away, somewhere." Said Naruto, grunting at how sore he felt.
Though when Naruto's and May's vision began focusing, the two blushed brightly at seeing the position they landed in. With the brunette having landed on top of the Uzumaki and was now straddling him, much to their embarrassment.
"S-So-Sorry! I-I-I-I d-di-di-di-didn't-eep!" May said as she tried getting off of Naruto, only to stumble forward due to still feeling dizzy, causing Naruto to try and steady her.
Only to end up accidently grabbing May's butt as he felt her breasts pressed against chest, much to their growing embarrassment.
"Sorry!" Said Naruto while quickly moving his hands, while May simply rolled off of him.
"It-i-it-it-i-it's f-fi-fi-fi-f-fine!" Stuttered May as they just laid next to each other and looking anywhere, but at each other.
"So…um…we were…teleported? Teleported where?" Questioned May in worry, as well as being desperate to change the subject, given that means they could be practically anywhere in the world.
"We seem to still be in the Hoenn Region, and close to Mauville City from the looks of it." Naruto said as he looked around before spotting the massive indoor city not too far from where they were, much to May's relief.
"Thank goodness, we're still in Hoenn, even if we're now way off course from our previous destination. But why would Gardevoir teleport us away?" May said, not wanting to complain about escaping the angry Pokémon parents, but was still confused at why Gardevoir teleported them away.
Only to wince as Naruto's head fell with a downcast expression, remembering the Heal Ball that flew out of his backpack.
"I…guess that while they got what they wanted, they were still bitter and wanted to get back at us, somehow. Even if they no longer intended to actually hurt us, now that they got Ralts back. " Said Naruto, disappointed that his first capture was all for nothing.
"O-o-o-oh…right. I'm really sorry Naruto." May said, feeling bad that he managed to catch his first Pokémon, only to immediately lose it.
"Zor…Zorua-Zor…" Zorua lowered his head in sadness, feeling guilty at the situation he put himself, his Trainer, and their companions.
One that nearly got them killed, lost Naruto his first capture, and now probably sent them halfway across Hoenn.
"It's fine, and don't blame yourself, Zorua. I guess none of us could have expected that to happen, and even if you weren't so brutal, they probably still would have attacked for me catching their daughter, alone. And…at least Ralts is back with her family, so that's good I suppose." Naruto said, now that he had time to cool down, while patting Zorua on the head, disappointed at losing Ralts, but knew there's no use being upset about it.
"Let's just get to Mauville, and see about-" Said Naruto standing up, only for a Heal Ball to fall out of it again, enlarging as it bounced across the ground until it hit a rock, which also pushed the button on it.
With the group being shocked when it opened up and Ralts came out of it, with her being fully healed due to the Heal Ball. The sight of her shocking the group, as well as making them a bit fearful to see she's still with them, knowing what that would mean.
"M-Maybe w-w-we should…avoid Route 102…for a while, a really long while." May stated, having no interest in encountering Dusknoir and Gardevoir again when they learn they still had their daughter.
"Torchic-Torchic!" Torchic immediately nodded in agreement with her Trainer.
"Zor!" Zorua nodded as well, not wanting to tempt fate again.
"Agreed, avoiding that Route seems like the safest option." Said Naruto, knowing Gardevoir likely won't just teleport them away a second time.
'But at least it wasn't all for nothing.' Naruto mentally added, part of him unable to help but feel glad he still had Ralts, only to see the way Ralts was looking at them.
"R-Ra-Ralts…" Ralts looked at the human warily, feeling scared at being alone with them, as well as the completely different location.
The sight making Naruto frown, knowing Ralts likely must be scared with everything that happened and likely wasn't feeling very trusting or safe. With the Uzumaki slowly approaching Ralts and knelt down in front of her, smiling reassuringly at the Psychic/Fairy-type Pokémon.
"Hi Ralts. I'm Naruto Uzumaki, you're new Trainer. And…I want to apologize for how rough Zorua was during our battle, it's something we're still working on. But I promise I didn't mean for you to get hurt, and I'm really sorry about capturing you like that, and taking you from your family." Said Naruto, wincing when Ralts looked down at the mention of her parents.
"R-Ra…" Ralts was saddened at having been separated from her parents, knowing it's unlikely she'd see them again, only to look up when she started feeling warmth from the emotions she sensed from Naruto, and saw he was smiling at her again.
"Though I am happy to have found you and get you on my team, since from what I saw, you're already really strong. And I'd like the chance to help you grow even stronger, if you'd let me. I know you probably don't trust us right now, but I don't see my Pokémon as just tools to be used or tossed aside if they aren't strong. I see them as friends and companions, ones that I train alongside and help grow stronger, and work together. And if you'd be willing to give it a chance, I'd like to be your friend Ralts, I promise that you'll have nothing to worry about or be afraid of as long as you're with us. Or…if you want, should we ever end up close to where we were, I'll let you go so you can go back to your family. The choice will be completely yours. I won't even put you back in the Pokéball if you want to leave." Naruto said, willing to release Ralts back to her family, if that's what she wanted, even if he didn't like the idea of losing a Pokémon, but he also wasn't going to force any of them to stay if they didn't want to.
All while Ralts was surprised at his words, sensing that he was being completely honest in letting her go, if she wanted to be released. As well as how he wanted to be her friend rather than just use her for battling.
"R-Ralts." Ralts slowly approached Naruto and leaned into him, surprising the whiskered Trainer before he smiled and hugged Ralts.
"Does that mean you want to stay?" Questioned Naruto, with Ralts nodding with a small smile, feeling the warm emotions coming from her new Trainer, making her feel warm as well.
With May smiling at the sight, seeing how much Naruto cared about his Pokémon, even ones he just caught.
"Zor…" Zorua looked at his Trainer and Ralts before approaching them, getting the Feeling Pokémon's attention, causing Ralts to stiffen in fear at the sight of Zorua.
"It's okay Ralts, really. Zorua's not going to hurt you and he's learning to hold back, so he doesn't seriously hurt any Pokémon again. You don't have to worry or be afraid of him." Naruto assured, with Ralts shaking slightly, still feeling afraid and wary of Zorua.
But she can at least tell her new Trainer is really nice and didn't mean for her to get hurt like that, though she'd need time to get used to Zorua. With the Spiteful Fox Pokémon sensing this and kept his distance, now starting to understand what his Trainer meant in not wanting his other Pokémon to be scared of him.
"Alright then, let's get to Mauville City." Naruto stated, while returning Ralts to her Pokéball, with May nodding in agreement as they began making their way to Mauville City.
*Later*
It didn't take long for them to reach Mauville City and head inside, with Naruto and May being amazed at the sight of the indoor city, before heading to the Pokémon Center. Finding it within an outdoor plaza in the center of the city. The two having their Pokémon looked over, as well as themselves, to see if they had any serious injuries from Dusknoir and Gardevoir chasing them.
Luckily, there wasn't anything too serious outside of some scrapes, bruises, and soreness, as well as being left tired and drained from the encounter. Once that was done, the two had gone over to the video phones, with May wanting to call her parents and check in. With it not being long before it was answered, with the brunette seeing her mother, Caroline.
"Hello? Oh May! I'm so glad to see you, even if it's just on a screen! Norman, come here, May's calling!" Caroline called out to her husband, with Norman soon coming into view smiling at his daughter.
"May! Glad to see you! But why're you calling us? Weren't you going to come back to Petalburg after getting you're Starter Pokémon?" Norman asked, curious as to why May's calling them, when she was going to come back home after visiting Professor Birch.
"Hi mom, hi dad, it's great seeing you guys too. And um…I'm actually calling because…I don't think I'm gonna be able to make it back home for a while now." May said, with Norman and Caroline now looking worried.
"Are you alright, sweetheart? Did something happen?" Said Caroline, with May shaking her head.
"No, nothing bad happened. Everything went great, I got my Starter from Professor Birch, I chose a Torchic. I also made a new friend, this is Naruto Uzumaki." Said May, moving so Naruto could step into view, the Uzumaki waving at Norman and Caroline.
"Hello, it's nice to meet you both. I'm Naruto Uzumaki from Fortree City." Naruto introduced, with Caroline smiling at the whiskered Trainer, while Norman narrowed his eyes suspiciously at his daughter traveling with a boy.
"It's wonderful to meet you, Naruto, and it's nice seeing May has made a new friend." Caroline replied.
"So where are you two? Do you need help with anything, May?" Questioned Norman, making May bite her lip nervously.
"Well, you see, we were on our down Route 102, but…we accidentally wandered into the territory of some of the stronger wild Pokémon, there. And one of them…kind of teleported us to Mauville City. We're perfectly fine, though, and we're at the Pokémon Center right now!" Said May, adding the last part quickly, while omitting what exactly had happened to them, not doubting that her father would immediately come running with his Pokémon to bring her home.
"You're all the way in Mauville City?!" Norman said in shock.
"You were teleported there?! Are you both alright?!" Caroline asked in worry and concern, with May nodding in response.
"Yeah, we're perfectly fine, just a little disoriented from being teleported and how far off we are from our original location. I just wanted to call and let you both know why I wouldn't be able to see you guys before I set off on my Pokémon Journey." May said, relieved when they calmed down.
"Well…it's a little disappointing that we won't get to see you off on your journey in person, May. But we're glad to hear you're safe and everything's fine." Said Caroline, with Norman nodding in agreement.
"Your mother's right, we're just glad you're safe, May. We'll have something mailed to you, that should help you on your Journey. Just make sure to be careful and stay safe." Norman said, with May nodding in response.
"We will, thank you. Love you and hopefully see you when we're closer to Petalburg. And tell Max I said hi!" May said, exchanging goodbyes with her parents before hanging up.
"Good idea, not telling them about what happened. Your dad seemed ready to run the entire way here, after learning you were in Mauville." Stated Naruto, with the brunette nodding in agreement.
"Yeah, he can be pretty overprotective with me and my brother." Replied May, having no doubt that her father would personally come to take her home if he learned the truth.
"Oh, did you want to call your parents, Naruto?" May asked, only for Naruto to flinch slightly and shake his head.
"Uh…no, I…can't really do that. I'm…actually an orphan." Naruto revealed, with May's eyes widening before wincing at this knowledge.
"Have you heard about the fire that nearly devastated Fortree City and Route 120?" Questioned Naruto, the brunette nodding in response.
"Y-yeah, it happened nearly ten years ago, right." Said May, with Naruto nodding at this.
"Yeah, it wasn't a natural fire. It was caused by a large group of Pokémon Poachers, who heard rumors of a rare and powerful Pokémon residing on Route 120. They all seemed to be pretty organized and working together under someone, from what little I saw of them. They also had a leader from the looks of it, I didn't get a clear look but they were…much, much worse than any regular poacher." Naruto said while gulping, remembering the glimpse he had of the poachers' leader.
Having been unable to get a good look at them due to the flames, only seeing that they were standing on the back of a dragon-like Pokémon in the sky. All of that combined with how the poacher didn't hesitate to have their Pokémon attack anyone in their way, had made for a very intimidating image.
"But Winona had managed to drive them off with some back-up from the Pokémon League and some nearby Pokémon Rangers, as well as some experienced Trainers that either lived in Fortree or were just in the area. But not without there having been a few casualties, my parents being among those that didn't make it." Said Naruto, making the brunette wince again.
"O-oh…I'm so sorry that happened Naruto, and making you relive it." May said, feeling bad at making Naruto relive such memories.
"It's fine, May, really. You couldn't have known and I was really young when it happened." Naruto said, waving it off, only for May to tell from his body language and tone that he wasn't fine, making her feel even more guilty.
"Besides, I wasn't completely alone, I was able to stay with my godmother and her family, afterwards. I also have a godfather that pops in every now and then, but he's usually always traveling around due to his work requiring him to almost constantly be on the move." Added Naruto, making May smile slightly, glad to hear he still had family to look after him growing up.
Before Naruto sat down and dialed the number for his godmother, with it being answered after the first ring, showing a woman with long, blue-tinted black hair.
'Wow, she's beautiful.' May thought, surprised at the woman's beauty.
"Naruto! Ooooh, I'm so happy to see you, again!" The woman said with a bright smile, only to instantly narrow her eyes.
"Where have you been?! It's been over three weeks and I haven't heard a single thing from you! Are you okay?! Do you need help?! Where are you right now?!" The woman said as she began switching between being stern and worried.
"Uh, sorry for not calling sooner, Aunt Mikoto. A lot's just been happening after I arrived in Littleroot Town, and then everything just…kept getting more and more hectic." Said Naruto, making Mikoto's gaze soften.
"Okay, tell me everything that happened." Mikoto said, with the Uzumaki nodding before he began telling Mikoto everything.
From finding Zorua in the forest, learning about him and his appearance, staying to look after Zorua and gain his trust, as well as Zorua becoming his Starter. All while omitting how he got into a fight with a poacher and his Tyranitar, who were pursuing Zorua. Along with telling her of how he traveled to Oldale Town and then down Route 102.
"After that, I came across some wild Pokémon and ended up being teleported all the way to Mauville City." Naruto said as he finished telling Mikoto what happened.
"Well…at least you're safe and alright. But I have to say, you certainly have begun your journey in an exciting way." Mikoto said with a smile, only to gain a solemn expression.
"Kushina would probably have already headed towards Littleroot Town after the first week of no word from you, but would be proud of the reason for it. Along with being happy at your choice in a Starter by choosing such a one-of-a-kind Pokémon. Minato would be too, though he'd probably be disappointed you didn't find an Electric-type Starter." Mikoto said in sadness and happiness at thinking about Naruto's parents, with Naruto nodding in response.
"Yeah…I'm sure mom would have liked Zorua, they both can definitely hold a grudge, but also would do anything to protect those they care about. And dad probably would have wanted me to have a Fighting-type instead, probably an Electric/Fighting-type if there are any." Replied Naruto, the ravenette nodding in agreement.
"Yeah. They'd be so proud of you Naruto, already starting your journey and helping a Pokémon in need." Mikoto stated with a smile.
"I know. So, what's happened in Fortree? Anything interesting going on?" Naruto asked, wondering if anything's happened since he left.
"Nothing much, everything's been pretty peaceful. Preparations have already begun for the Feather Carnival and with where you are now, I'm sure you'll have plenty of time to make it here. Oh, and if you see Sasuke or Itachi on your Journey, give them my regards and tell them to call more often!" Mikoto said, wanting to make sure her other sons were alright on their own Pokémon Journeys, with Naruto nodding in response.
"If I ever come across them, I'll make sure to do that. If they haven't already headed off to another region." Said Naruto, thinking of his adoptive brothers, Itachi having already gone out on his journey a few years ago, and Sasuke who'd left on his own just last year
With the whiskered Trainer remembering when Sasuke had left on his own Pokémon Journey.
*Flashback*
"Why can't I go too?!" Naruto demanded in annoyance as Sasuke packed his things to head out on his journey.
"You still need to wait a year until you can get your Starter." Sasuke immediately replied, having been asked the same thing multiple times already, though knew no answer would satisfy the Uzumaki.
"That's bullshit! You and Itachi both got your first Pokémon before you left! Why do I have to wait?! Just give me a Pokéball and I'll go catch a Pokémon, myself!" Said Naruto, while hiding the slight bitterness and sadness that Sasuke and Itachi received their first Pokémon already, while he didn't have one.
"No thanks, I enjoy living, thank you." Sasuke said, knowing what his mother would do if something happened to Naruto because of him.
Being attacked by wild Pokémon would be a mercy compared to the punishment Mikoto would have in store.
"It's still not fair. I'm around Pokémon all the time, I could just choose one of them to be my Starter." Naruto muttered, only to yelp when Sasuke flicked his forehead.
"It's not about just choosing any random Pokémon you want as a Starter, a Pokémon that you'll always have with you, no matter how many others you catch. It's a Pokémon you'll feel…a bond with before you even know it. Would you really want to just choose any random Pokémon and call it your Starter? Or would you want to find one that you know is meant for you?" Said Sasuke with a raised brow, with Naruto frowning at this.
"…The latter I guess, but I still don't see why I have to wait. If I go with you, then I'll just be more experienced for when I do get my Starter." Said Naruto, not wanting to be the last one to go out on a journey and prove that he's ready now.
"The answer's still no, you'll just have to wait until you can go. Besides, at least this way I'll have something to look forward to when you're actually a Trainer, rather than dealing with a bunch of losers that think they could beat me." Sasuke said, making the Uzumaki smirk.
"Does that mean you're admitting I'll be a better Trainer than you?" Naruto said, only to be flicked again.
"As if. But I suppose you'll make for a decent challenge, even if you'd still lose, it'll make for a nice workout for my team. As long as you don't fall behind more than you already are." Said Sasuke with a smirk, as Naruto sticking his tongue out at him in response.
*End Flashback*
"And who is this, Naruto?" Mikoto asked, pulling Naruto from his thoughts, looking to see his godmother had spotted May.
"Oh, Aunt Mikoto, this is May from Petalburg City. She's another new Trainer I met at Professor Birch's Lab and we decided to travel together. May, this is my godmother, Mikoto Uchiha." Said Naruto, with the brunette smiling at Mikoto.
"It's nice to meet you, ma'am." Said May, making Mikoto smile.
"Oh my, pretty and polite. Do I need to be worried about you two traveling all alone together?" Mikoto asked teasingly, causing Naruto and May to blush brightly, not helped at remembering the position they landed in, when they were teleported.
"Wh-wh-wh-what?! N-n-no-no! We-w-w-we're ju-j-ju-just f-fr-f-friends!" May stuttered, while shaking her head.
"That's what they always say, sweetheart. First friends, then comes the light flirting, then a few touches here and there. Before you know it, clothes are being thrown away and-" Mikoto said, much to their mortification and embarrassment.
"Aunt Mikoto!" Naruto exclaimed, not wanting her to say anything else, with the ravenette looking at them innocently.
"What? I thought you'd want to make sure you knew what to do when you're both ready. Or is it you want to learn firsthand? That's fine too, just don't be too shy and don't be afraid to take charge, May. If he's anything like his father, then you'll need to be very upfront and forward. I suggest getting some nice swimsuits, preferably bikinis, unless you can find some one-piece swimsuits that really show off what you have. And for you Naruto, make sure to use protection!" Mikoto said with a cheeky smile, with Naruto and May looking completely red.
"We're just friends!/We just met!" Naruto and May shouted in mortification and embarrassment, with Mikoto merely giggling cheekily.
"For now~!" Said Mikoto in a singsong voice.
"Aunt Mikoto! Please, just stop!" Naruto said pleadingly.
"Sorry, no can do, Naruto! It's what Kushina would have wanted and if anything, I'm keeping it surprisingly innocent! If she was here, you both would already be locked in a bedroom together. And besides, I already teased Sasuke about Sakura and Itachi about Izumi. Did you really think you were safe?" Mikoto stated with a smile.
"W-w-w-w-w-we're r-r-r-r-re-re-re-really j-ju-ju-ju-just f-fr-fr-fr-fri-friends m-m-m-m-ma-ma-ma'am!" May stuttered, while mentally thankful Naruto's mother wasn't around, all while mentally apologizing to Naruto for that thought, if she'd actually lock them in a room together.
Unaware that Naruto was having similar thoughts, in complete embarrassment and mortification.
"Please, call me Mikoto, May. Or Auntie, since you're practically family already." Mikoto said teasingly.
"Auntie, please…" Said Naruto, practically begging at this point, with the ravenette giggling.
"Okay, you're both free for the moment. But I better get all the details, the next time you call." Said Mikoto, with both Trainers feeling relieved the teasing was over, only for the ravenette to gain a solemn expression.
"It is really good to see and hear from you, Naruto. It's just…gotten really lonely now with you, Sasuke, and Itachi all out on your own journeys, all of you out on your own. It's…sad, seeing you three growing up and taking care of yourselves, but I'm also proud of the young men you've all become." Mikoto said before smiling at the Uzumaki.
"And here's some advice for both of you, no matter what happens, always do what you both think is the right thing, no matter what it may be. And Naruto, no matter what happens, know that I'll always be proud of you, Sasuke, and Itachi. Even if I'm not there with you, I'll be supporting you three anyway I can." Added Mikoto, making Naruto and May smile and nod in response.
"I know Aunt Mikoto and thank you. I'll make sure to do my best and become a great Trainer. And I'll make sure to visit when I can." Naruto replied, with the ravenette smiling at this.
"I know you will. Take care Naruto and be safe." Mikoto said, the whiskered blonde nodding in response.
"I will, you take care too, Aunt Mikoto. See you soon, hopefully in person next time." Said Naruto before hanging up.
"She seems really nice. But a little…intense." May stated, Naruto nodding in agreement.
"Yeah, she says it's because of my mom. That no one could be friends with her and not end up going a little insane." Naruto replied with a small smile, making May smile as well.
The two then headed over to the counter where their Pokémon were finished being looked over and healed by Nurse Joy.
"So, what're we gonna do now?" May asked, since they didn't exactly plan on appearing in Mauville City, let alone how they appeared.
"I want to get some training done with Zorua and Ralts, to get more in sync with them, and work on Zorua holding back against opponents. After that, maybe see about what Pokémon can be found around here and about catching some more. Then I'll probably check out the Mauville Gym." Replied Naruto, with the brunette nodding at the plan.
"Sounds like a plan and I think I'll join you. It wouldn't hurt to catch some more Pokémon, myself." Said May, getting a nod from Naruto, before the two exited the Pokémon Center to go find a spot to train in.
So, what did you think, good. Yep we see Naruto and May having lunch and discussing some things before continuing on their way, only to then encounter a Ralts, a Shiny one at that, which Naruto intends to catch and sends Zorua to battle it, with Ralts proving to be a strong opponent, only for Zorua to win in the end but not without injuring Ralts more than necessary, leading to Naruto catching Ralts in a Heal Ball along with scolding Zorua. Before we then see Ralts is also a female instead of a male, meaning Naruto will be getting a Gardevoir this time around, only for things to take a turn for the worse when Ralts' parents, a Gardevoir and Dusknoir, show up and attack them to free their daughter, leading to Naruto, May, and their Pokmon making a run for it while avoiding their attacks, only for Naruto to end up losing a Pokéball during the chase, which leads to Gardevoir teleporting them away believing they have their daughter back, only for it to be revealed to be empty. Then we see Naruto, May, Zorua, and Torchic had been teleported to outside of Mauville City, in a rather compromising position in the process much to their embarrassment, with them being relieved to still be in the Hoenn Region, though Naruto's disappointed to lose his first capture, only for them to see they still have Ralts with them, making the group agree to avoid Route 102 for a while. With Naruto then comforting Ralts and assuring her that she'll be safe and is free to be returned to her family if she wants, with Ralts choosing to stay after sensing Naruto was being honest and kind, though is still scared of Zorua from how brutal he was. Then we see them making their way to Mauville City to the Pokémon Center to heal their Pokémon and get looked over themselves, before May calls her parents and lets them know what happened, leaving out the reason why they were teleported, before we learn Naruto's an orphan after his parents were killed when Pokémon Poachers attacked Fortree City and Route 120 in search of a rare Pokémon (Registeel in the Ancient Tomb), and see if anyone can guess who the poachers leader was. Finally Naruto calls his godmother Mikoto and fills her in on what happened, leading to them reminiscing about Naruto's parents, before Mikoto begins teasing Naruto and May, much to their embarrassment and mortification, until they exchange goodbyes. With Naruto and May retrieving their Pokémon and making a plan on what to do next. So, for those that like the story, thanks for your support. For those that don't or at least don't like the direction taken, you're more than welcomed to drop the story. But thanks for giving the story a chance anyway.
Storm out