A/N: Sorry for the delay. A couple of small spoilers about gen 9. If you don't want to read it, I completely understand.
Ever since Pokemon Violet and Scarlet were announced, I knew I wanted to make a reference and figured Celadon City would be the perfect place to do it. At the beginning of the month, we got information and I started to write the Paldea stuff but then, I figured I would wait because Pokemon Worlds was a few weeks after and I anticipated more info, and sure enough, Cyclizar was introduced. Glad I waited lol. Pokemon Violet will be my game.
Pokemon Journey: Indigo League
Chapter 33: Celadon City
"Chansey, can you help set the table please?" Saul asks his new Pokemon. "Gumshoos, can you help put the food on the table?"
"Chansey," Chansey nods, grabbing three plates and placing them on the picnic table.
"Gum," Gumshoos says, grabbing the sandwich plate and placing it in the middle of the table.
"Thank you both," Saul says, smiling at his Pokemon.
The trio have been trucking along the grassland Route Eight with breathtaking wide open grass areas, at least according to Saul. At times, they came across multiple Pokemon but the group was content to just watch. They decided to stop for a lunch break with clouds rolling in, something Saul was looking forward to. His head perks up as Ava and Brandon are training.
"Blastoise, use flash cannon!" Brandon commands, pointing towards Umbreon.
"Umbreon, use snarl!" Ava shouts back.
Blastoise tries to fire off a flash cannon but has difficulty controlling it. Blastoise fires it but instead of aiming it at Umbreon, Blastoise aims it at Chansey.
Chansey immediately reacted, growing smaller in size momentarily as the move sailed over her head and smashed the picnic table into pieces. Gumshoos, not liking that, sprints at Blastoise and bites him, dealing a decent amount of damage.
"Gumshoos!" Saul shouts, rushing forward, trying to control Gumshoos.
"Blastoise, don'..." Brandon starts to say but falls on deaf ears as Blastoise uses ice punch on Gumshoos.
Brandon looks at Saul, who starts to shrug but then smiles. "I mean, if they want to fight, it'll be rude to stop them."
Umbreon, at that moment, sends out a snarl, catching everyone's attention. Chansey also rushes forward to hold Gumshoos back.
"Umbreon!" Umbreon shouts, looking between Blastoise and Gumshoos.
"Blast," Blastoise says, apologizing to Chansey, scratching his head.
"Chansey," Chansey says, accepting his apology.
"Umb?" Umbreon asks, looking at Gumshoos.
Gumshoos took a moment, looking between Blastoise and Chansey before nodding and following Chansey away from the group.
"Umbreon!" Umbreon says contently, laying down. Her job was done.
"Sorry about that Saul," Brandon says, coming over to help clean up. "Guess we need to work on controlling flash cannon."
"No sweat," Saul says, bending down to pick up the table pieces. "Flash cannon is hard to master."
"Oh really?" Brandon asks, now worried,
"My cousin is doing the Island Challenge right now. Her Starmie is having trouble learning it," Saul says, disposing of the wood chips.
"That's pretty cool," Brandon replies. They finally cleaned up the area and soon, they were making a new batch of sandwiches. "We never asked you before. Do you have any siblings?"
"Older brother and sister," Saul replies, handing a plate to Ava and Brandon.
"What's it like living in Aloha?" Ava asks, taking a bite of her sandwich.
"Incredible," Saul replies happily. "I might have mentioned this before but my family owns a ranch just north of Hau'oli City. Nights spent under the stars, sitting around fires with family and friends."
"Sounds like a great time," Ava replies, sitting down on the grass. Beside her, Umbreon, Growlithe and Omanyte sit down as well and begin to eat their meal.
"I do miss it at times," Saul admits, serving Ava and Brandon their plates. "We must be getting close to Celadon City right?"
"Let's see," Brandon says, looking at his Poketch, pulling up the map app. "Looks like another day or so."
"You must be nervous," Saul says, eating his sandwich. "You came off your most intense match yet and looks like you are battling again very quickly."
"Not going to lie, it is nerve wrecking, but I imagine that's what the Pokemon League matches are," Brandon replies, putting his sandwich down. "From what I remember of watching Kelly's matches, they were in quick sessions, especially if you make it far enough. Was that same for you Ava?"
"It was." Ava nods. "Challenging gyms taught you things but nothing prepares a trainer for that mental fatigue of going through that."
"Still, with Taillow looking like she's starting to listen to you, you might stand a chance," Saul says, pulling out a pamphlet and beginning to read up on Celadon City.. "Lets see. Looks like Celadon City is the most populated city in Kanto, which is surprising. I would have thought Vermillion City was but that's neither here nor there. Besides the gym, Celadon City hosts the largest department store in Kanto, which attracts many shoppers. It also houses a game corner, though it looks like they upped the age to enter it. Not to mention the many flower gardens all across the city."
"Kelly mentioned that Celadon City was her favourite during her travels across Kanto," Brandon replies, finishing his sandwich. "Looking forward to seeing the city."
"Based on gardens, I would wager that Celadon City is a grass type gym," Ava says, swallowing her bite. "You have a good type match up, provided Taillow will start listening."
"True," Brandon says, looking at Taillow sitting on a branch. Taillow is preening her feathers but she's paying attention to the conversation, evident by her lifting her head and staring at Brandon. "It was a gamble to use her against Sabrina but I think it paid off."
"It did," Saul responds.
"Taillow is actually one of my fastest, if not the fastest, Pokemon on my team," Brandon says, replaying his match in his head. "Kadabra really surprised me at its speed. Actually, it seems like speedy Pokemon give me the most trouble."
"That's why you used Taillow," Ava says, finally realizing the reason. "You tried to fight speed with speed."
"It worked right?" Saul asks. "He secured the knockout against Mr. Mime."
"Yes but it also cost Taillow to be knocked out as well," Ava responds. "Trading is good in some cases but with a double knockout in a gym match, it puts a lot of pressure on your other Pokemon."
Taillow glides down from the branch, landing near Brandon. She begins to eat her food, much to everyone's surprise.
"Thinking back to my match with Zoe, her Pikachu gave me trouble with its speed," Brandon tells them. "I just don't know how to deal with them."
"Honestly, Speedy Pokemon tend to trip a lot of trainers up. Both veteran and new trainers alike," Ava responds, thinking. "There are ways to deal with them directly and indirectly."
"Really?" Brandon asks, leaning forward. "I'm listening."
"Of course you are," Ava chuckles. "Directly, you can teach your Pokemon speed-reducing moves. For instance, Tangrowth knows stun spore. Another option would be your Joltik, using string shot. Indirectly, you can use the environment to create obstacles, which you seem to be a fan of. Sure, speedy Pokemon can be fast but they still have to dodge random rocks, pitfalls, water puddles etc on the battlefield."
"I see," Brandon says, taking in the information.
"Just be mindful though. Speed is only one attribute. Don't hyperfocus on it," Ava cautions him, seeing the wheels turning in his brain. "You just need experience, that's all."
"Thanks," Brandon says gratefully.
"Have to admit, you aren't doing too bad," Ava replies honestly. "So far, you have only had one rematch, which many new trainers would have at least two by now."
"Mind you, I've only battled in three gym matches," Brandon chuckles. "There's still time for me to fall into that category."
Taillow lifts her head suddenly, her head turned towards the distance. Curious at her actions, Brandon, Ava and Saul look that way, waiting to see what will appear. A few short moments later, a middle aged man in a purple blazer with a small grape crest on the top right, white pants, white gloves and short hair steps through. He blinks, looking around before seeing the trio. He promptly comes over to them.
"Hello you three," he says, in an unfamiliar accent. "I'm looking for Celadon City. Do you know the way?"
"Actually, we are heading there ourselves," Brandon replies. "Looks like we are about a day away from it."
"Thank you kindly," the man says, pulling out a water bottle. "I got lost reading the map."
"If I may ask, where are you from?" Saul asks, trying to pinpoint the accent.
"Oh, right. Forgive me," he says, bowing slightly. "I'm recruiter Mateo from Mesagoza."
"Sorry, where?" Brandon asks.
"Mesagoza, from the Paldea Region," Mateo replies. He cocks an eyebrow when the name doesn't seem recognizable. He begins to explain with a proud voice. "Paldea Region is very close to the Kalos Region. I work at the Uva Academy, the oldest academy in the Paldea Region. We have people from all over the globe attending the school. Uva Academy is located in Mesagoza, the most populated place in Paldea."
"So is it like a prestigious school then?" Saul asks.
"Not really," Mateo responds. "If we have potential students, I'm sent to tell them about the academy. That's why I'm heading to Celadon City, to meet up with one."
"If you take this route, you should hit Celadon City within a day," Brandon says, pointing down the path.
"Thank you," Mateo says. He bows before leaving the area.
"That was… unexpected," Brandon mutters. "Still, the Paldea Region? I wonder if Kelly has heard about it."
"Come on, we can't be thinking about another region right now," Ava says, standing up. She proceeds to clean up before returning her party. "Let's head out."
"Right behind you!" Saul and Brandon say in unison before also returning their respective parties. Soon they are on the way towards Celadon.
The trio resumes their trek towards Celadon, underneath the shade of trees. Nothing noteworthy happens as they walk in comfortable silence, each with thoughts running through their heads.
Soon, the walking path gradually opened into a sidewalk, which connected to the Celadon Highway, heading into Celadon, the most populated city of Kanto.
Entering the city, the first thing they notice are the many different flower gardens spread throughout the city, giving it a nice, calming feeling. Families and travelers are seen sitting on benches, enjoying the nice breeze blowing through. Kids are heard and seen running around, playing with their friends, Pokemon and other kids, laughing. Brandon also heard the distinct sound of a battle farther ahead.
"This is nice," Saul replies, walking through the crowded sidewalk.
"It is," Brandon agrees, feeling at peace. He spots a building in the background with the sign " Celadon Department Store." "Guess we know where the store is located."
"Come on," Ava says, leading them to a red roof building. "Hopefully there are rooms left."
They step into the busy Pokemon Center and head right to the front desk. Brandon spied alot of trainers in the trainer's lounge, which caused him to momentarily panic. Surely they all aren't here to battle the gym right? He blinks when Ava pokes him.
"Here's your room key," she says, handing over the key card.
"Oh thanks," Brandon says, taking it. He nods towards the phones in the corner. "I'm going to call Professor Oak, just to give him an update. It has been awhile."
"I've never met Professor Oak," Saul says. "But I have met his cousin Samson Oak."
"Samson Oak?" Brandon asks, leading the party to the phones.
"Yeah. He's the principal at the Pokemon School just outside of Hau'oli City," Saul explains. "He also does research on regional variants."
"That's pretty awesome," Ava replies, standing behind Brandon. "I've seen a few regional variants. They are cool to see."
"Apparently Galar Region also has some," Brandon points out, dialing Professor Oak's lab. "Maybe we can ask Kyle about them the next time we see him."
Professor Oak appears on screen, wearing his white lab coat. On his shoulder is a random Pidgey. Professor Oak smiles widely at whoever is calling.
"Hello Brandon. Nice to finally hear from you," Professor Oak says, rubbing Pidgey's head. "Hope your journey is going well so far."
"Principal Oak?" Saul asks, wide eyed. "I thought you were in Aloha?"
"Princ… OH. I see you know my cousin, Samson Oak," Professor Oak laughs heartily. "Some people say we look alike, but I just don't see it. I'm clearly the better looking one. But the fact that you know my cousin must mean you are from the Aloha Region?"
"I'm Saul, from just outside Hau'oli City the Aloha Region," Saul introduces himself.
"Saul Raymond, the mantine surfer?" Professor Oak asks, as Pidgey flies away.
"How did you know?" Saul asks, surprised that Professor Oak would know him.
"I saw your match on TV," Oak replies. "Samson is always talking about mantine surfing, so I was able to watch a match. Very interesting stuff."
"I don't know what to say," Saul says, completely stumped.
"HI Professor, I'm Ava," Ava says warmly.
"Nice to meet you Ava," Professor Oak says. "mHope you are enjoying Kanto."
"I am," Ava says, nodding her head.
"That's great to hear," Professor Oak replies with a smile. He turns his attention towards Brandon. "Your parents have been keeping me updated on your journey so far. Sounds like you have had quite the experiences so far. Oh and congratulations on beating Sabrina. That was a nailbiter."
"You watched the match?" Brandon asks, shocked.
"I did. And you beat Sabrina in one try. Kelly had to rematch her twice," Professor Oak says, chuckling.
"She never mentioned that part," Brandon chuckles.
"Oh, Brandon, may I ask you something?" Professor Oak asks, shifting some papers on his desk.
"Sure," Brandon says, nodding his head.
"Where did you catch Talliow?" Professor Oak asks, slightly leaning forward.
"In Lavendar Town. Why?" Brandon asks, his curiosity piqued.
"You may be aware but Taillow aren't native to Kanto. They are from the Hoenn Region. But this particular Talliow escaped his place. The breeder is looking for her."
"What do you mean, escaped?" Brandon asks, confused.
"Your Talliow was bred specifically for a trainer, who was excited to get her," Professor Oak explains. "From what Professor Birch told me, Taillow escaped when she was to be handed to her trainer."
"Oh man," Brandon exclaims, his face showing conflicted emotions. One on hand, he wants to keep Taillow, as they seem to have started growing a bond but the on the other hand, he doesn't want to take away a Pokemon from someone. "But I can't go to Hoenn right now."
"Don't worry about that," Professor Oak says gently. He knew that look all to well. "Professor Birch and the breeder will meet you in Celadon City. They are on their way to you. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news."
"Not going to lie, I'm a bit disappointed in the news but I understand," Brandon replies softly.
"Well, they should be there shortly," Professor Oak says. He's interrupted when people began shouting excitedly. "What's going on?"
Brandon took a quick look outside when he recognized the person with an unfamiliar Pokemon. Brandon speaks into the phone. "It's a recruiter from Uva Academy in Paldea Region. We met him earlier."
"Ah yes. The Paldea Region. That's a region I would love to explore," Professor Oak replies. "Well, I won't keep you much longer. Best of luck with the rest of your gym battles. Take care!"
Brandon hangs up the phone as Professor Oak disappears from the screen. Brandon, Ava and Saul turns towards the commotion, joining the crowd.
" That Pokemon is so cool," a trainer shouts, pointing at a green and black lizard looking Pokemon.
"Is that a … wheel?" another trainer asks, amazed.
"This clearly isn't a Kanto region Pokemon," another trainer says.
Brandon's eyes are wide, looking at the unfamiliar Pokemon. He brings out his dex to scan it but the dex actually was stumped.
" Unknown Pokemkon. No data available," the dex chimes back.
"Ah, it's you three," Mateo says, spotting them in the crowd. "Thank you for the directions."
"No problem," Brandon says, still looking at the Pokemon.
"This is Raz, a Cyclizar," Mateo says, introducing his companion. "In the Paldea Region, nearly everyone uses one to get around."
"Oh man, he's so cool," Brandon says euthasically. "Man I pet him?"
"Sadly no," Mateo says. "Raz doesn't like strangers touching him. In fact, it took me almost a month to get Raz to trust me."
"Understandable," Ava says, also looking at Raz.
"Ah, there's Chase," Mateo says, spotting the potential student. "If you will excuse me,"
Mateo and Raz approachs Chase, a youngster with his family. Soon, they disappear into the crowd, though a small crowd still followed them.
"Come on," Saul says, leading the group towards a garden.
Soon the group are seated on a bench, enjoying the sunshine. Well, most of them. Brandon's mind is thinking back on what Professor Oak said about Taillow. Taillow is about to return to her trainer, who should be estactic but it's leaving Brandon with a number feeling. They had just started to bond. But he couldn't help but shake the feeling something wasn't completely right. He pulls out his Poketch and looked up the number for Professor Birch's lab.
"Everything alright?" Ava asks, watching Brandon.
"Not sure," Brandon replies uneasily. "I just want to double check something. Ah found it!"
Brandon punches in the number and the phone starts ringing. Just as the phone was answered, two voices speak up.
"You must be Brandon. I've come for my Taillow."
Brandon turns around to see a familiar face. The hunter from the Power Plant is standing in front of him.
Team Listings:
Brandon Adams:
Blastoise- Male, Torrent ability. Knows Water Pulse, Ice Punch, Flash Cannon, Rapid Spin
Tangrowth - Male, Leaf Guard ability. Knows: Stun Spore, Giga Drain, Growth, Ancient Power
Nidorina – Poison Point ability. Knows Growl, Toxic Spikes, Double Kick, Fury Swipes
Joltik – Male, Compound Eyes ability. Knows: Shockwave, Electroweb, String Shot, Bug Bite
Taillow - Female, Guts Ability. Knows: Boomburst, Aerial Ace, Double Team
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:
Gumshoos – Male. Unknown Ability. Knows Tackle, Sand attack, Leer
Pikipek – Female (Shiny). Unknown Ability. Knows Peck, Growl
Mantyke – Female. Water Absorb. Knows: Tailwind, Water Pulse
Chansey - Female. Healer ability. Knows: Minimize