A/N: Good evening. Hope everyone is feeling great. Another relaxing chapter before we get into more action. Originally, I wanted Saul to adopt a Pokemon from Mr. Fuji but that didn't happen. Don't worry. Saul will be the next one to catch a Pokemon. I'm finally getting a desktop, so I can start writing on a PC again. Enjoy this chapter!
Pokemon Journey: Indigo League
Chapter 29: Scrappy
"There it is," Saul says, pointing to the growing buildings in the distance. "Lavender Town."
"Finally!" Ava huffs, trying to wipe away the water on her clothes. "A nice shower sounds good right about now."
"Oh come on. It's not that bad," Brandon says, also wiping away some water. He gulps as Ava rounds on him.
"Not that bad?" Ava repeats his words, narrowing her eyes. "If someone didn't chase Fearow through the swamp, we wouldn't be soaking wet."
"Well, you didn't have to follow," Brandon points out with a grin. His grin evaporated seeing Ava's look.
"We're almost there," Saul interrupts them, trying to avoid an argument. "The sooner we get there, the sooner we can get into dry clothes."
"Fine," Ava sighs, agreeing with Saul. "Don't think this is over Brandon Adams!"
"Oof. She used your full name. You are in trouble," Saul whispers to Brandon as Ava picks up her walking speed.
"Tell me about it," Brandon sighs. He adjusts his bag. "Is it just me or is there a lot of purple?"
"Nope. Not just you," Saul answers, looking around as they are nearing Lavender Town.
Walking through the gates of Lavender Town, the first thing they noticed was the absurd amount of purple everywhere. Signs, flowers, roofs. Even the Pokemon Center's roof is purple. The next thing they realized is the sombre feeling this town has. It could be because of the Hall of Memories, a place where the departed Pokemon are laid to rest, according to the sign Brandon is reading.
"Wow. This feels," Brandon says, not sure what word to use.
"Completely," Saul responds, nodding his head. "Maybe we should just keep going?"
"We need to change," Ava says. She points to the Pokemon Center. "Let's just stay the night and be gone in the morning."
"Fine with me," Brandon says, shrugging his shoulders.
"Fine," Saul replies. He follows Ava into the Pokemon Center.
"Hello Nurse Joy," Ava says, walking up to the counter. "We would like two rooms please."
"Of course," Nurse Joy says warmly, looking at their wet and muddy clothes. She squinted her eyes, trying to remember if it rained. Ava, notices her look, points to Brandon. "He decided to follow a Fearow through a swamp area."
"Oh dear," Nurse Joy says, her hand covering her mouth. "Hope everyone is OK."
"We are," Brandon hastily replies.
"For now," Ava mutters, glaring at Brandon. She grabs her key card before storming towards her room.
"Sorry about that," Brandon says apologetically.
"Must have been some chase," Nurse Joy remarks, handing both guys their key cards.
"Something like that," Brandon says, pocketing his card. "Would you know of any places to visit while in Lavender Town?"
"Normally, I would say the Radio Tower but that is closed today due to a VIP guest," Nurse Joy says. "You can also visit the Hall of Memories to pay respects to those fallen Pokemon but you would have to get the permission of Mr. Fuji, who also runs a sanctuary near Lavender Pond. Every Tuesday, they do a Power Plant tour but you missed this week's tour. If you are into exploring caves, we have the Rock Tunnel up north."
"Thank you," Brandon says gratefully. He pulls out his Pokeballs and places them on a tray. Saul does the same with his. "While we settle into our room, can you check over our Pokemon please?"
"Of course," Nurse Joy says, signaling for a nearby Chansey to take the trays to the examination room. "Should take us about twenty minutes."
"Thank you," Brandon says, before leading the way up to their room.
Unsurprisingly, the room is painted a purple color, with a picture of a Gengar above their beds. Other than the color, it's the standard room with a bunk bed against the far wall, a desk with a PC on it, a small bathroom and a closet.
Putting his bag on the top bunk, Brandon stretches and takes out a dry pair of clothes. He quickly jumps in for a quick shower. He dried off quickly before Saul changed places with him. In the meantime, Brandon did a quick load of laundry. Once Saul was done in the shower, and doing a quick load as well, they went to Ava's room to see if she wanted to go for a late lunch. They knocked on the door but got no answer. Getting the hint, the two boys left, heading down to the trainer's lounge.
"I think I messed up," Brandon replies softly. He had a sandwich in front of him.
"Just give it time," Saul says, eating his soup. "She will come around eventually."
"Uh oh," a voice says. Colin plops down beside them, eating a carrot. "What did you do?"
"Well, we ran into a Fearow, and so I tried to catch it," Brandon replies.
"OK," Colin says, waiting for the problem.
"Fearow decided to fly away, and so I gave chase," Brandon explains in between bites of his sandwich. "Of course, following Fearow, we got lost. Fearow decided to turn around and attack us, and so we hid in a swamp."
"Uh no. Not Lavender Swamp," Colin says, shuddering. "I went through that myself a little while back and it took me days to wash the mud off my clothes."
"Great," Brandon sighs. He finishes his sandwich. "So, we waited until Fearow grew tired of chasing us. But of course, we are lost. I tried to lead us out but we ran into a Beedrill nest."
"Yeah, I ran into that nest myself," Colin replies. "I didn't know that Beedrill likes swamp areas."
"Same," Brandon says. "That's why Ava is mad at me."
"Oh, that's not too bad," Colin says. "You guys know her better but I say give it a day and she will be back to herself."
"Hopefully," Brandon says. "So what brings you to Lavender Town?"
"Well, I was on my way to battle Lt. Surge, but it appears that gym is closed for a bit," Colin says, leaning back in his chair. "So I may just head towards Fuschia City and battle Janine."
"So are you heading out now?" Saul asks, stacking their dishes.
"I'll wait until the morning," Colin replies. "In the meantime, I'm going to check out the sanctuary. Do you guys want to come with me?"
Brandon looks at Saul who nods. "Sure. I will go tell Ava where we are going."
"Sounds good," Colin says.
Brandon goes upstairs, knocks on Ava's door and lets her know where they are going. Still not getting an answer, Brandon heads back downstairs and joins Saul and Colin.
The Pokemon Sanctuary is really just a small fenced in cabin with a huge backyard that leads into the nearby forest. Brandon looks around in awe at the different Pokemon he sees as Colin leads them inside the cabin.
"Oh hello youngsters," an elderly bald man says with a friendly smile. "What can I do for you guys?"
"Mr. Fuji?" Colin asks respectfully.
"That's right," Mr. Fuji says, bowing slightly. A Pichu is beside him, hugging his leg.
"My name is Colin and these are my friends Brandon and Saul," Colin introduces them. "Brandon and I are competing in the Indigo League. I was told you have a sanctuary here to help Pokemon. I was wondering if we can look around the place."
"I would be more than happy to show you around," Mr. Fuji says with a smile. He leads them outside, with Pichu climbing onto his shoulder. "I started this sanctuary, oh about 25 years ago I think. I can't quite remember though. When I first started this place, it was mainly used for helping injured Pokemon that had trust issues with humans."
"That's sad to hear that there are some people who would abuse Pokemon," Brandon remarks. By this point, they had left the house and entered the backyard. Numerous Pokemon are scattered throughout the yard. Most scatter when Brandon and Saul walk by, having mistrust in their eyes.
"I agree," Mr. Fuji says sadly, scratching Pichu's tail, who cooes softly. They walk towards a pond that is located at the south east of the property. "These Pokemon have been abandoned by their trainers or are wild Pokemon that came here for help but chose to remain here instead of going back into the wild. Actually, there has been a time or two that trainers competing in the Indigo League have caught a wild Pokemon or that a family will adopt a Pokemon."
"That's what I was hoping for," Colin admits, looking around the yard. He seems to be searching for one in particular.
"I see," Mr. Fuji says thoughtfully. "I take it you already have one in mind."
"That's right," Colin nods, looking around still. "I saw on your website that there is a Kangaskhan recovering somewhere around here."
"There is," Mr. Fuji replies slowly. "Be aware that I have no say in if a Pokemon decides to go with a trainer. It's completely up to the Pokemon."
"That's fine," Colin says, finally spotting the Pokemon being wanted. "I'm willing to wait as long as it takes to gain Kangaskhan's trust."
"That might take a while," Mr. Fuji says softly. In the distance, Kangaskhan eyes the group, weary of their presence. "This Pokemon was left to defend herself from a Machoke. That is all I can get. Kangaskhan doesn't trust humans, including me."
"I will wait for as long as it will take," Colin states firmly.
"It sounds like you have a different problem," Saul speaks up. Colin looks at him with a questioning look. "You told us in the Underground Path that you have a Machop."
"Oh crap," Colin says, his eyes widening in recognition. "Well, we will cross that bridge when we get there. The more important issue is getting Kangaskhan to trust me. The question is how."
"Would food work?" Brandon ponders, pulling out a granola bar before something swoops in and takes it. The shadowy figure lands on a branch and in one bite, gulps down its winnings. It looks at Brandon, who calls out. "That wasn't for you!"
A small bird with dark blue feathers glares at Brandon, its wings folded along its body. It begins to chirp, almost like it was taunting Brandon. Mr. Fuji chuckles at the antics.
"That Taillow can be a handful at times but she's harmless," Mr. Fuji says, whistling for Taillow to come to him. Taillow swoops down to land on the old man's shoulder.
"Taillow huh?" Brandon asks, taking out his Pokedex and scanned the new Pokemon.
"Taillow, the Tiny Swallow Pokemon. Normal/Flying type. It has a gutsy spirit that makes it bravely take on tough foes. It flies in search of warm climates," the dex chimes back.
"Sounds like a tough Pokemon," Brandon says, putting away his dex.
"She is," Mr. Fuji says, petting Taillow's head. "Not sure where she originally came from but she loves to battle. She usually sky battles with other flying types but recently, she takes food from trainers who visit. I think she's looking for a trainer she respects."
"If she wants a battle, all she has to do is ask," Brandon says, unclipping a Pokeball. He looks at Taillow. "Would you like to battle?"
Taillow hops off Mr. Fuji's shoulder, nodding her head. She ruffled her feathers, eager to battle. Brandon grins, summoning his partner.
"Wartortle, I need your help!" Brandon shouts. Wartortle materializes on the ground. Out of the corner of his eye, he spots Colin walking slowly towards Kangaskhan.
Taillow chirps, flaps her wings to get elevation and proceeds to dive bomb Wartortle.
"Dodge it Wartortle," Brandon commands. "Follow that dodge with a water pulse!"
Wartortle ducks into his shell as Taillow lands on the shell. Taillow dips her head into the shell and lets out an insane and terrible sound, nearly knocking out Wartortle. It causes everyone in the vicinity to cover their ears. Wartortle's head pokes out from the shell, feeling dazed.
"That is some attack," Brandon states, blinking. He does notice that Taillow is panting, as if that attack took a lot of energy to use. He sees an opening and takes his shot. "Wartortle, use ice punch now!"
Wartortle closes his ice enclosed fist, and swings towards Taillow and smashes into her, dealing a massive amount of damage.
"I thought you said Taillow likes to battle?" Saul asks Mr. Fuji.
"She does," Mr. Fuji nods. "Normally, she doesn't use boomburst right off the bat."
"Umm, interesting," Saul responds. "So she must have felt intimidated by Wartortle."
"That's my thinking as well," Mr. Fuji nods in agreement. Behind him, Colin is sitting down, talking to Kangaskhan.
"Wartortle, use water pulse!" Brandon shouts.
Wartortle fires off three water rings, aimed for Taillow who simply dived through the attack before her beak turned a white color, striking Wartortle.
Wartortle instantly reacted, grabbing a hold of her wing and throwing her onto the ground before using water pulse.
Brandon unclips an empty Pokeball. "Thanks Wartortle. I'll take it from here."
Brandon tosses his Pokeball, watching as the Taillow is sucked inside. For a few seconds, the ball bounces three times before ultimately clicking, signaling that Brandon caught Taillow. Smiling, he walks and picks up Taillow's pokeball and summons out his new Pokemon. However, Taillow doesn't appear to be happy she was caught. She flies up to a branch, her back towards Brandon.
"Don't take it personally," Mr. Fuji says, patting Brandon on the shoulder. "She's not very trusting of people. Give her some time to warm up to you guys."
"I see," Brandon says, staring at his new Pokemon. He looks at Colin, sitting on the ground. Kangaskhan is staring at him near the tree line. Colin just waves his hands, indicating they can go if they wish. Brandon looks at Saul and both nod.
"Thank you very much for the tour Mr. Fuji," Brandon says, bowing slightly. "You have a lovely sanctuary."
"Agreed," Saul echoes Brandon's words. They begin to walk towards the door when Mr. Fuji calls them back. He hands them some sandwiches for the road.
"Good luck in the league Brandon," Mr. Fuji says. "We will be rooting for you."
"Thank you," Brandon says again.
The duo finds themselves walking back towards the Pokemon Center, hoping Ava will join them for lunch. They are disappointed that Ava wasn't at the center, though they are lucky that she didn't leave. Sitting down, they are about to eat when Brandon's phone rings. Putting down his sandwich, Brandon answers it, to see Kelly's face. Brandon's face splits into a wide smile.
"Hello Kelly," Brandon cheerfully greets his sister. "This is a pleasant surprise. Normally, I would be calling you."
"Haha, yeah," Kelly says with a hearty laugh. "Just calling to see how everything is going."
"So far, so good," Brandon says. He introduces Saul. "This is my friend Saul. He's traveling with us. He is a surfer. Saul, this is my sister, who is traveling around Kalos right now."
"A pleasure to meet you," Kelly says. "And I'm so sorry that you have to put up with Brandon."
"Likewise," Saul says, grinning. "Brandon is alright I suppose."
"I just can't win with you guys," Brandon says, dramatically rolling his eyes.
"You love us," Kelly says, sticking her tongue out at him. "But there is a reason why I called. I'm on my way towards Snowbelle City, the final gym badge. I want to see if you guys would be willing to come to the Lumiose Conference. I know it might be a little tough but I would really love it if you guys came."
Brandon looked at Saul, who just shrugged. "We will need to ask Ava if she's willing to come."
"Where are we going?" Ava asks, plopping down next to Brandon. "Hello Kelly."
"To Kalos, for the Lumiose Conference," Brandon tells her.
"Fine with me," Ava says, nodding her head. "When is it?"
"Six weeks time," Kelly answers her.
"Six weeks?" Brandon exclaims. "What did you do? Run all across Kalos?"
"Nope, I just want to gather all my badges quickly, so I will have enough time to train my team before a league," Kelly replies. She leans back in her chair. "I know mom and dad are coming a week before, so we can spend some time together but I don't expect you guys to come then. In fact, I don't want you guys to come that early."
"Why not?" Saul asks.
"By coming out here, Brandon will be losing time to gather his badges," Kelly explains. "I don't want to take away too much time."
"Makes sense," Brandon says, thinking. He turns towards Saul and Ava who both nod. "Looks like we have a lot of walking to do."
"Being a gym challenger isn't easy," Ava says.
"No it's not," Kelly says. "Best of luck Brandon."
"Thanks, you as well," Brandon answers her before hanging up. He looks at Ava. "I'm sorry for what happened."
"It's fine," Ava says, waving him off. "It was I who overrated."
"No. It was me who didn't think things through," Brandon says. "We are a group, and so we should decide as a group where to go. I didn't take that into account when I charged after Fearow. For that, I do apologize."
"It's fine," Ava says, before standing up. "I'm going to get some rest. Sounds like the next six weeks will be eventful."
Team Listings:
Brandon Adams:
Wartortle - Male, Torrent ability. Knows Water Pulse, Ice Punch, Withdraw, Rapid Spin
Tangrowth - Male, Leaf Guard ability. Knows: Stun Spore, Mega Drain, Growth, Ancient Power
Nidorina – Poison Point ability. Knows Growl, Poison Sting, Double Kick, Fury Swipes
Joltik – Male, Compound Eyes ability. Knows: Shockwave, Electroweb, String Shot, Bug Bite
Taillow - Female, Unknown Ability. Knows: Boomburst, Aerial Ace.
Ava Mcarthur:
Umbreon - Female. Synchronize ability. Knows growl , Quick Attack, Double Kick, Snarl
Omanyte - Male. Weak Armor ability. Knows: Withdraw, Constrict, Rollout
Growlithe – Female. Flash Fire. Knows: Ember, Bite
Saul Raymond:
Yungoos – Male. Unknown Ability. Knows Tackle, Sand attack, Leer
Pikipek – Female (Shiny). Unknown Ability. Knows Peck, Growl
Mantyke – Female. Water Absorb. Knows: Tailwind, Water Pulse