A/N: Good afternoon :) Hope you all had a great weekend. This chapter, I wanted to expand on why Nidoran wanted that moonstone. This was a plot point I wanted to do before they leave the city. I know you guys/girls want to know more about Misty's life, and you will get some answers :) Might not be next chapter but I do have a chapter coming up that I think it will fit in great with :)
Now, I do have a question: How are you finding the pacing of the story? I don't want to move to fast from badge to badge but at the same time, I don't want to move too slow either.
Well, next chapter is Brandon's second gym battle. Will he flourish or flounder? Keep reading. Enjoy this chapter :)
Pokemon Journey: Indigo League
Chapter 14: The Protector
The smell of bacon hits Brandon's nose as he slowly wakes up. The curtains in the living room were open, allowing the sunshine to light up the room. Stretching, Brandon sits up on the couch, noticing that Ava is still asleep. He heard footsteps in the kitchen, and the sound of bacon sizzling on the stovetop. Grinning, he joins Bill in the kitchen.
"Bill, thank you again for letting us crash here," Brandon says.
"No worries Brandon," Bill responds, filling a big bowl with scrambled eggs. "Storms around this place tend to get a little much."
"Anything I can do to help?" Brandon offers.
"I'm good. You might want to wake up Ava," Bill suggests, as he bends down and takes out the buns he had in the oven. "Breakfast is almost ready. I do have to leave here shortly."
"Of course," Brandon says, walking into the living room. Walks over to Ava and wakes her. "Ava, breakfast is almost ready, and Bill does need to leave shortly. We need to get ready."
"Fine," Ava says, yawning. She got up and went to use the washroom as Brandon began tidying up the living room. He grabs the sheets, folding them all and placing them in the middle of the couch. He quickly grabs his now dry clothes and places them in a small bag.
Once Ava was done in the bathroom, Brandon enters. Ava quickly grabs her clothes and places them into a bag as well before looking over the living room, making sure she (or Brandon) forgot anything. Satisfied, Ava joins Bill in the kitchen. Shortly afterwards, Brandon also joins.
"Sorry I have to kick you out so soon," Bill says, filling up his plate with eggs, bacon, a bun and some fruit. "But I need to head down to Cerulean City to help fix their system."
"That's fine," Ava says, also filling her plate. "We should head back as well. Brandon should be ready for Misty."
"Oh. You're collecting gym badges?" Bill asks, turning his attention to Brandon.
"Yeah," Brandon answers, swallowing his food. "Misty will be my second gym battle."
"Well, good luck," Bill says. "Misty is pretty tough."
"So I've heard," Brandon says, chuckling. He takes a sip of his orange juice. "But my team is ready."
"It's been a while since I've seen Misty battle. Would it be alright if I come watch?" Bill asks.
"Sure," Brandon answers him.
"Great," Bill responds, finishing his plate. He places the plate in the sick as he begins to tidying up the kitchen table, putting away any leftovers in containers. He then offered them to Ava and Brandon, who got the hint and finished their breakfast. "Odds are, I won't have time to eat these. After finishing in Cerulean City, I'm heading towards Lavendar Town. I'm sure you two can make sure these don't go to waste."
Brandon and Ava graciously accept before grabbing their bags. They head to the door, waving goodbye to Bill. "Thanks for everything again Bill."
"Don't mention it," Bill says. "I would drive you down but I need to make a pit stop somewhere first."
"Don't worry about it," Ava says. "It shouldn't take us that long to get back to the city."
With that, Brandon and Ava begin the trek towards Cerulean City, underneath the bright, warm sun. The dirt path leading towards the city was mostly dry, though some parts were still muddy from the storm the night before. For a while, the duo walks in silence. They both brought out their Pokemon to enjoy the walk. Finally, Brandon speaks up.
"Everything alright Ava?" Brandon asks, as they quickly stop for a break.
"Yeah, why?" Ava asks, sitting on a rock.
"You just seemed so quiet last night," Brandon points out, also sitting on a rock, watching his Pokemon run around and play.
"Hearing you guys talk about your parents, well it's kinda hard sometimes," Ava admits. Eevee, sensing her trainer's mood, came over and jumps into her lap. Ava smiles and starts petting her.
"Oh, I'm sorry," Brandon says, apologizing though no idea why.
"It's not your fault," Ava replies, still petting Eevee, who was enjoying it. "You see, my parents disowned me last year."
"Woah. What?" Brandon asks, completely caught off guard. He picked up on that Ava and her parents wasn't close but he never expected that.
"Yeah. You see, my family are big competitors," Ava explains. "Doesn't matter what league you enter. The expectation is that you place high or win it."
"But you didn't want to compete?" Brandon asks.
"Correct," Ava confirms with a nod. At this point, her team has crowded around her, offering her support. "I told them I wanted to join the Big Town Police Department. They tried to convince me to compete in leagues but I was dead set on my dream."
"I see," Brandon says empathically.
"Instead of accepting my choice, they disowned me," Ava goes on, tears forming in the corner of her eyes. "That's when I decided to give up on my dream and join the Silver League. But that didn't matter. They still won't talk to me."
"That's rough," Brandon says before closing his mouth. It now makes sense.
"That's the real reason why I came to Kanto," Ava replies, wiping her eyes. "I just needed space and time to think."
"I'm sorry you are going through that," Brandon replies. "If you ever need a place, you are always welcomed at our place."
"Thanks, Brandon," Ava says quietly. She takes out her Pokeballs and recalls her team. "I really do appreciate that. For now, this is something I need to work out on my own."
"Of course," Brandon nods. He also recalls his team. "Whatever you need, let me know alright?"
"I will," Ava replies, standing up and stretching. "Well, we should head back right?"
Brandon gets up as well. "Let's go."
They decide to walk through a marshland the way back, something they immediately regret, stepping into puddles, soaking their socks and runners. Without asking, they both silently agreed to no breaks so they can get back to the Pokemon Center quicker and into dry clothes. Finally, the red roof of the Pokemon Center comes into view just as the sun was setting. The city lights are just coming on as the street were empty. Brandon decides to head to the gym first, to book a time for his battle.
Walking towards the building, there was a path lined with trees and plants on either side. The building itself was a nice light blue color in a dome-like shape. There were stairs that led into a double door. Pushing open the door, Brandon notices that the lobby was a simple white colored room with the receptionist desk to the far left. Across from that desk was an entrance for only the media.
"Good evening," Lily, the receptionist, greets Brandon and Ava. "Are you both here to register for a battle?"
"Hello," Brandon greets Lily back. "And no. Just me."
"This is an interesting time to challenge Misty but if you want, you can just go through," Lily says.
"Really? I would have thought there was a break, so the gym leaders can sleep," Brandon exclaims.
"Misty doesn't mind," Lily smiles.
"I wasn't expecting that but no. I was wondering if I can book a time for tomorrow," Brandon says.
"Just a moment please," Lily says, looking at something on her PC. "We only have 3 slots open for tomorrow. We have 2pm, 4pm or a 5pm slot, if any of those interest you."
"2 pm sounds good," Brandon says, pulling out his trainer card. He hands over the card.
"Perfect. Give me a few seconds to input this," Lily replies, typing away on the keyboard. Finally, with a smile, she looks up and hands Brandon his trainer card. "All set. Your battle will be at 2pm. Keep in mind that CTV will be in the gym, broadcasting your match."
"CTV?" Brandon asks, taking back his trainer card and putting back in his pocket.
"Cerulean TV," Lily explains. "This is our local station, which broadcasts a lot of the matches."
"That's cool," Brandon replies with a smile. 'Well, I should head back to the Pokemon Center. Thank you."
"Good luck tomorrow Brandon," Lily replies.
Brandon and Ava return to the Pokemon Center, freshens up, and soon heads to bed, exhausted from the day.
Sleeping on the chair, Nidoran opens his eye and sees that Brandon is asleep. She gets up and walks over to his bag, looking for something. Takes her a couple of moments but finally, she spots the moonstone. With a guilty look at Brandon, she takes the moonstone and jumps out the window, accidentally waking Tangela.
"Tang?" Tangela asks sleepily, seeing Nidoran running off. Tangela gets up and wakes Brandon, pointing to the window and Nidoran's spot. It took Brandon a couple of minutes to realize what the vine Pokemon was saying. He was suddenly wide awake, throwing on his shirt and pants before rushing out with Squirtle and Tangela. He knocks on Ava's door, waiting a few moments, before leaving after getting no response.
The city was eerily quiet at night and with the moon bright, Brandon finds himself on Route 5 with Squirtle and Tangela by his side. Brandon looks around, hoping to find any sign of Nidoran before hearing a scuffle. Curious, Brandon and his Pokemon sneak towards the scene, trying to be quiet. They poke their heads out of the bushes, trying to see what was happening. Brandon's eyes widen in shock.
Nidoran was giving the moonstone to a light-blue Pokemon with dark-blue patches. In front of them is a Pidgeotto, threatening them. Behind the Nidoran and, what Brandon suspects, the evolved form of Nidoran are three baby Pokemon. One looks like a younger version of Pikachu, one is a round, blue mouse Pokemon with a black, zigzagging tail that has a large blue ball at the end of it, and pink balloon Pokemon. Brandon takes out his Pokedex and scans them all.
"Nidorina, the Poison Pin Pokemon and the evolved form of Nidoran(F). Poison type. If the group is threatened, these Pokémon will band together to assault enemies with a chorus of ultrasonic waves."
"Pidgeotto, The Bird Pokemon. The evolved form of Pidgey. Normal/flying type. This Pokémon is full of vitality. It constantly flies around its large territory in search of prey."
"Pichu, the Tiny Mouse Pokemon. Electric-type. The electric sacs in its cheeks are small. If even a little electricity leaks, it becomes shocked."
" Azurill, The Polka Dot Pokemon. Normal/Fairy type. The ball on Azurill's tail bounces like a rubber ball, and it's full of the nutrients the Pokémon needs to grow."
"Igglybuff, The Balloon Pokemon. Normal/Fairy Type. Taking advantage of the softness of its body, Igglybuff moves as if bouncing. Its body turns a deep pink when its temperature rises."
"They are cute," Brandon murmurs, putting his dex back into his pocket. He watches as Nidoran is trying to get Nidorina to use the stone. Something clicks in Brandon's mind. "So Nidoran didn't want the stone for herself. It was for her friend?"
"Sister, actually," a voice whispers beside Brandon, who whips his head around at the sudden voice, placing a hand on his heart."Sorry I didn't mean to scare you. I'm Melanie."
Melanie has short blue hair, with a red hairband. She was wearing red overalls with a pink shirt. She was kneeling beside Brandon, watching the scene in front of her.
"Hey Melanie," Brandon says, after catching his breath. "I'm Brandon."
"Might I ask why we are watching through a bush?" Melanie whispers. In front of them, Pidgeotto opens his eyes, preparing an attack.
"We followed my Nidoran, who took my moonstone," Brandon quickly explains.
"So you're the one who caught her," Melanie says with a smile. "Glad to see she has a trainer."
"Wait. You know her?" Brandon asks before their attention shifts to Pidgeotto, who begins to flap his wings, kicking up a strong gust attack. Brandon came busting out of the bush, towards his Pokemon, Melanie following suit. "Nidoran, you alright?"
"Ran," Nidoran nods, kinda surprised he was there. She turns back to Nidorina, pleading for her to use the stone. Nidorina, can barely stand up before looking at the stone and at Nidoran and the three baby Pokemon.
"It's alright. Use it, if you need," Brandon tells her, just as Pidgeotto came flying right at Nidorina. Nidoran, instead, jumps in and takes the hit, sending her flying back, smashing into the ground. "Nidoran!"
Nidoran stands up on shaky legs, glaring at the Pidgeotto. Brandon admires her spirit before looking at Pidgeotto. "Lets fight him together. Now, use poison sting!"
Nidoran nods and began to fire off a purple projectile, hitting Pidgeotto though it didn't do much damage. Pidgeotto comes in with a quick attack, causing alot of damage but Nidoran still got up, facing Pidgeotto.
Brandon isn't sure if he should recall her or not but before he can make that decision, a white light envelopes the area. Nidorina touches the stone, growing in size. First off, instead of standing on four paws, she's now standing on two feet, with two arms. Brandon takes out his Pokedex again to scan this new Pokemon.
"Nidoqueen, the Drill Pokemon. The evolved from of Nidorina. Poison and ground type. Nidoqueen is better at defense than offense. With scales like armor, this Pokémon will shield its children from any kind of attack."
Nidoqueen jumps in front of Nidoran and fiercely roars at Pidgeotto. Pidgeotto, frightened at the sight, flys away. Nidoqueen bends down towards the injured Nidoran before picking her up, to hug her.
Melanie steps beside Brandon. "I know them both."
"I can see they are really close," Brandon remarks, looking down at her Pokeball.
"I run a Pokemon Village close to here," Melanie explains, as Nidoqueen picks up the three baby Pokemon. "Someone earlier managed to befriend the earlier protector, so Nidorina took up that mantle."
"So that Pidgeotto has been around before?" Brandon asks.
"Yeah. He likes to cause trouble but I doubt he will bother this place again," Melanie responds. "How did you manage to catch Nidoran?"
"She tackled me in Cerulean City, looking for that moonstone," Brandon chuckles, thinking back. "I made a deal with her. If she won, she can have the moonstone. If I won, she can travel me with as I compete in the Kanto League."
"The last person who befriended a Pokemon from here also was in the Kanto League," Melanie replies.
Brandon and Melanie watch as the group of Pokemon are staying close and talking with each other. Brandon wanted nothing more than to train Nidoran but seeing them like that, it felt wrong for him to take her away from it. So with a heavy heart, Brandon turns towards Melanie, handing her Nidoran's Pokeball. "I can't break them apart. Just, please, take really good care of her."
Brandon then leaves the area, going back to Cerulean's Pokemon Center. He trudges up to his room, flops on his bed, and drifts away in a restless slumber.
Brandon slowly wakes up, as sunshine rays beam into his room. He sits up in his bed, his mind still on Nidoran. He will miss having her around but he knows what he did was the right thing to do. With that thought in mind, he quickly gets ready before meeting with Ava downstairs.
"You alright?" Ava asks, noticing something was off with him.
"I will be," Brandon replies.
"What happened?" Ava wonders.
Brandon quickly recaps last night's adventure, telling her how Nidoran left with his moonstone, how she didn't want to use the stone for herself but for her sister and lastly, how he decided to leave Nidoran with Melanie. Ava nods sympathetically.
"Sorry to hear that Brandon," Ava says softly. "Sounds like you did the right thing for Nidoran."
"I just hope she will be happy," Brandon says, swallowing his food. He looks at the time. "I think I can get in a little more training before my match today."
Together, Brandon and Ava leave the Pokemon Center. Before they take five steps, Brandon is tackled by something, knocking him down. Blinking, he saw a light blue Pokemon sitting on his chest, staring at him. Cocking his head to the side, Brandon notices that Melanie and Nidoqueen are standing there, with Nidoran sitting on his chest.
"I think she decided to travel with you," Melanie says, stepping forward to help him up and handing him Nidoran's Pokeball. "Make sure you take really good care of her."
"Are you sure?" Brandon asks Nidoran.
"Nidoran," Nidoran nods, standing beside him.
Nidoqueen steps forward and hugs Nidoran before stepping back with Melanie. Brandon couldn't help but smile, leaning down to pet Nidoran, who jumps away from his head with a glare.
"Yep. That is Nidoran for sure," Melanie chuckles. "Brandon, would it be alright if we stay to watch your gym battle?"
"What do you say Nidoran?" Brandon asks her.
"Nidoran!" Nidoran nods fiercely, ready to take on Misty.
"Time for our second gym match," Brandon exclaims, leading them towards the gym.
Team Listings:
Brandon Adams:
Squirtle - Male, Torrent ability. Knows Water Gun, tackle, Withdraw, Rapid Spin
Tangela - Male, Leaf Guard ability. Knows Bind, Stun Spore, Mega Drain, Growth
Nidoran – Female – Unknown ability. Knows Growl, Poison Sting, Double Kick
Ava Mcarthur:
Eevee - Female. Run Away ability. Knows growl , Quick Attack, Double Kick,
Omanyte - Male. Weak Armor ability. Knows: Withdraw, Constrict
Growlithe – Female. Flash Fire. Knows: Ember.