Plot-Scorbunny 6: Welcome to Unova
It had been a long flight but the plane that had been carrying its passengers for the past eight hours finally touched down on the runway to Mistralton City, home to one of eight Gyms in this particular region. The plane's wheels came into contact with the asphalt of the runway and the huge vehicle slowed to a crawl as it approached the airport terminal up ahead. The plane had been travelling all the way from Galar and after what seemed like forever, it had arrived. The plane reached the terminal and came to a complete stop. The passengers filed off the plane in single file and they entered the airport. Two of those passengers were Sapphire Silverlock and her girlfriend Ashley Benson. Sapphire had been napping for the past hour to restore some of her strength after feeling drained from the long flight and she now felt re-energized as a tingle of excitement rushed through her belly. For the first time in her life, she was visiting a whole new region! And not just any region at that for it was…
"I've been dying ta say this for ages! Sapphire Silverlock…welcome to Unova!" Ashley declared enthusiastically.
"I can't believe I'm actually here! I'm in a whole new region!" Sapphire cried excitedly, "I never thought I'd see the world outside of Galar but here I am!"
"And yer gonna love every minute of your time here, sweetie!" Ashley insisted, "Come on, let's grab our bags so we can get started. There's SO much to do!"
Sapphire held tight to her girlfriend's hand as they ran through the airport together. Sapphire couldn't help but giggle like an excited schoolgirl as they ran. Unova was the home region of Ashley Benson. Despite coming from there, Sapphire had never had a chance to see it yet while Ashley had managed to come to Galar and had even decided to move there to be closer to her. Despite Galar being her new home, Ashley occasionally made return trips to Unova to see her family and friends again and she'd decided to bring Sapphire with her. They both agreed it was time for her to meet Ashley's family and friends in person and that it would be a lovely holiday for Sapphire too. She'd treated Ashley to much of Galar so it was time to return the favour. They'd booked two weeks away in Unova and had made plans on what they would do on their time away. Ruby and Emerald wished their sister a good trip and hoped she would enjoy her time in Unova. The girls reached the conveyer belts carrying suitcases from the planet into the airport and waited for their suitcases to arrive.
"I can't tell you how excited I am to be bringing you here with me!" Ashley babbled frantically, "Ohmigosh this is gonna be so awesome! There's so much we can do together! I can show you all the Gyms, I can give ya a tour of Castelia City, I can show you where the Pokémon League is," she stopped for a moment to catch her breath, "Ah, and I INSIST that I take ya ta my old home in Nuvema Town! Mom will be so happy to meet ya at last, and don't be too surprised if she insists ya stay for dinner either. She's such a pain for doing that and she's always cooking enough ta feed an army so…"
"Alright, alright, slow down please! You're gonna pass out if you get any more hyped up!" Sapphire laughed, "Just chill and remember to breathe for a second!"
"Geez, since when did you become my mom?" Ashley teased.
"I'm your girlfriend. It's my job to take care of you." Sapphire teased back.
"Just as I've taken much care of you in the past." Ashley said impishly.
She then put an arm around her love and pulled her close. Sapphire put an arm around her back.
"I just want this visit to be great for you, sweetie." the Unovan teen said softly, "And I have so much to show and tell ya about. So forgive me if I'm a little over-enthusiastic. But still, I know yer gonna love it here."
"I'm sure I will, especially as I'm here with you my love." Sapphire said kindly.
"Oh you say the sweetest things, hon." Ashley said graciously.
"I say them because they're true, baby." the Galarian girl replied.
They shared a quick kiss before turning back to the conveyer belt to see if their suitcases had arrived. It didn't take long for them to arrive and shortly after, the girls had gotten their cases and were making their way out of the airport until a voice suddenly called out to them.
"Hey Ashley! Is that you? I was worried I'd missed you!"
Ashley smiled with glee.
"I was wondering when Bianca would show up…" she said with a sly grin on her face.
She and Sapphire turned around to see a blonde teenage girl running up to them. Sapphire remembered Ashley mentioning she had two friends named Cheren and Bianca and it seemed Bianca had arrived to greet them at least. Cheren was nowhere to be seen. Bianca was a very sweet and energetic girl who also came from Nuvema town like Ashley did. Bianca wore an orange hoodie over a white t-shirt, green trousers that left her calves bare, orange shoes, a green hat and red glasses. Bianca was one of Ashley's closest friends and had started life as a Pokémon trainer alongside her, but nowadays she worked as an assistant for Professor Juniper. It almost seemed hard to believe with how much of a klutz she could be at times…as Sapphire soon found out.
As Bianca charged towards the couple, she suddenly stepped on a discarded soda cane and began staggering wildly towards them. Ashley saw the danger immediately and waved her hands frantically in fright.
"Whoa, watch out Bianca! Yer gonna…"
CRASH!
Bianca collided directly into Sapphire and Ashley and sent them both flying backwards into a nearby fountain! They landed in the fountain whilst crying out at the top of their voices with a tremendous splash! Water splashed everywhere and the poor girls were soaked. Their hair was drenched and plastered to their faces while their clothes were soaked through and clung tightly to their bodies. Many people looked up and wondered what had happened while some giggled at Sapphire and Ashley's misfortune. Ashley spat water out and sighed in embarrassment while Sapphire sat up and wailed in dismay.
"Oh no, I'm all wet!" she complained.
"Way ta set a great first impression Bianca." Ashley muttered sarcastically.
Bianca felt terrible about her clumsiness causing this to happen and she bowed her head repeatedly in shame.
"Sorrysorrysorrysorrysorrysorrysorrysorrysorrysorrysorrysorry!" she babbled, "I really didn't mean for that ta happen! Honest!"
"It's fine hon, don't sweat it." Ashley said dismissively, "It's just you being you as usual. Besides, a little water never hurt anyone, right?"
"Right!" Bianca agreed.
She grabbed Ashley and Sapphire's hands and pulled them out of the fountain.
"I can't apologize enough for this! I'm such a clumsy fool I swear!" Bianca insisted, turning to Sapphire, "Please don't hate me for this!"
"It's OK mate, really. I know you didn't mean it." Sapphire said understandingly, wiping her hair out of her eyes, "Let's just get dried off and then we can start over, OK?"
They went into the girl's toilets and Bianca gave them some towels to dry themselves off with. Soon they were back to normal and looked as if they whole thing had never happened. After exiting the toilets, Ashley started over for everyone.
"OK, now that's settled, Sapphire," she turned to her girlfriend, "This is one of my two best buddies, Bianca. Bianca, this is my girlfriend, Sapphire Silverlock." she introduced, "She's been very keen ta meet you."
"Pleasure's all mine!" Bianca said cheerfully, shaking Sapphire's hand, "And I swear I don't make knocking people into fountains a regular habit!"
"Good thing too cause that would be embarrassing!" Sapphire joked, "That aside, it's lovely to meet you Bianca. You know, Ashley never told me you looked this cute." she complimented, "I like your hair and that hat makes you look adorable."
"Aww, you think so?" Bianca said graciously, "Thank you! And your accent's pretty adorable too. I've always thought the Galarian accent was pretty attractive." she complimented.
"Oh, r-really? Gosh, I dunno what to say to that." Sapphire said timidly.
"Do I need to remind you who's yer girlfriend here, Sapph?" Ashley retorted playfully.
"Oh ease up, you know I only have eyes for you, love." Sapphire insisted.
"As I only have eyes for Cheren." Bianca put in, "Speaking of, he's sorry he couldn't be here to see you Ashley. He wanted to greet you and Sapph but his Gym Leader duties held him up. Maybe we can go to his Gym first and meet him there."
"Oh, Cheren's a Gym Leader?" Sapphire inquired, "You never told me that."
"Huh…I'm amazed I haven't." Ashley said sheepishly, "Well, ya know now! He specializes in Normal types but outside of Gym battles, he has other types he uses. OK, that's settled. We'll go ta his Gym first. We'll catch a taxi and ride over to Aspertia City, that's where he'll be."
"Sure thing. It'll be great to see one of Unova's Gyms as well as your other mate." Sapphire said eagerly.
After leaving the airport, the girls flagged down the first taxi they saw and paid to be driven to Aspertia City. It was quite a drive away from Mistralton City so Sapphire was able to lay back and relax for an hour or so. She could already feel the tiredness of the flight threatening to eclipse her and the gentle pace of the taxi's drive along the road made her feel sleepy. She tried to stay awake for some of the journey so she could get some sight of Unova as the taxi drove to Aspertia City. The most she was able to see was Nimbasa City and its trademark fairground in the distance and she was able to catch sight of the Castelia City skyline before eventually succumbing to her tiredness. Ashley respectfully kept quiet and let her girlfriend rest. She smiled tenderly at how cute she looked when sleeping. A good night's rest at her mother's house in Nuvema Town would do Sapphire good, then she'd be re-energized and ready to see what Unova had to offer for the next few days. They had two weeks of his holiday together so they had plenty of time to make the most of it.
Eventually, the taxi reached Aspertia City and Ashley gently shook Sapphire awake. The black girl mumbled groggily and rubbed her eyes. The taxi parked up and the girls left, thanking the driver for the journey. Sapphire took her first look at Aspertia City. Despite being a city, it wasn't the largest metropolis that she'd ever seen. It was relatively small for a city but it had everything that Pokémon trainers could ever need such as a Pokémon Centre. It was connected to a gate that led to Route 19 and those that took that route would end up in the nearby town of Floccesy. That town was notorious for being the home of former Champion Alder, the very man whom Ashley had succeeded as Champion before later being dethroned by Iris. Ashley hoped to take Sapphire there later in the week but for now, they were focused on only one place in Aspertia City. Bianca pointed it out to Sapphire. The local Trainer's School was in the centre of the city. It had sloped roofs, a large window and a Pokéball emblem just above it. This was where Cheren worked as a Gym Leader with the Gym being located in the school's backyard. The girls entered the school and made their way out into the backyard to see the Gym.
Sapphire had never seen anything like this before. A school with a Gym in place of a playground was completely new to her for Galar didn't have anything like this. It wasn't much to look at with just two marked areas for Pokémon battles to take place in but it was still cool to see that a school would have something like this. She, Ashley and Bianca had arrived just in time to see a battle taking place. A young boy was using a Pidove to battle against the Gym Leader. The Gym Leader was using a Lillipup and he was clearly winning. The boy's Pidove was barely able to do much as the Lillipup used Work Up to boost its attacking stats and then Tackle and Bite it over and over. The Pidove tried to fight back using Peck but Lillipup was clearly too strong for it and eventually, the small dog-like Pokémon bit Pidove one last time and knocked it out. The boy returned his Pokémon and sighed in disappointment.
"Aw man, I lost." he muttered, "Me and Pidove trained so hard for this but we just couldn't win!"
"You fought well. Don't put yourself down." the Gym Leader said softly, "There is room for improvement yes, and if you work on ironing out those creases, you'll return much stronger and earn yourself a Basic Badge."
"Thanks Cheren! I'll certainly try again after more training!" the boy declared, "See you later!"
He left the Gym so he could take his Pidove to a Pokémon Centre. Sapphire knew straight away that she was going to like Cheren. Not only did he seem like a tough Gym Leader but he was also nice and encouraging to challengers even if they lost to him. Cheren was about the same age as Ashley and liked to dress smartly. He wore a white shirt and red tie that he was always adjusting, smart blue jeans and brown pointed shoes. His hair was black and he sported a studious, blunt expression on his face that made him look as if he may not show much emotion but Sapphire could see straight away he was much friendlier than he may seem. Bianca skipped over to him with a bright smile on her face.
"Oh Cheren sweetie, look who's here!" she cooed.
Cheren turned to greet his girlfriend. He gave her a quick hug and turned to see Ashley and Sapphire.
"Glad you're well Bianca." he said kindly, "And Ashley, you've made it at last. I only wish I could've met you at the airport." he said apologetically, "But duty calls as you can see. Nevertheless, I am thrilled to see you again old friend."
"Likewise Cheren!" Ashley said happily, "You're looking great and I see yer battle skills haven't faltered!"
The two friends embraced each other warmly. Bianca joined in with the hug. For the three of them, they were like a power trio that had finally reunited after so long away. Sapphire smiled with awe. It was easy to see that these three were best friends. Once the hug broke up, Ashley ushered Sapphire to come over.
"And while we're at it, here's my girlfriend." she introduced, "Sapphire Silverlock, this is Cheren. He may talk and act like a know-it-all but trust me, he's a real cool guy and you'll like him."
"I already do." Sapphire commented, "The way you talked to that challenger after you beat him was nice. I like it when Gym Leaders are encouraging."
"What Gym Leader would I be if I cause challengers to fall into such despair that they just have up and never improved?" Cheren said casually, "It'd be simply illogical of me to beat them when they're down. Anyway, it's nice to meet you at last Sapphire." he said politely, offering his hand for her to sake.
"Likewise!" Sapphire said gleefully, shaking Cheren's hand, "I've always wanted to meet Ashley's best mates. So what was it like for you two on your Pokémon journeys? What lead to you two becoming a couple?"
Cheren adjusted his tie awkwardly.
"It's a long story." he said bluntly.
"We don't mind telling her!" Bianca insisted, "Me, Cheren and Ashley all started our journeys simultaneously when Ashley was given a starter Pokémon for her birthday. Professor Juniper dropped off a gift box containing all the starters and we each picked one. After that, we started on our journeys and needless to say, had the adventure of a life time!"
"That's one way to describe it." Ashley agreed, "Conquering the Gyms, beating the Elite Four, foiling Team Plasma's schemes, saving the world from Ghetsis and meeting the Legendary Pokémon Reshiram and Zekrom! I look back on that and still have to remind myself we really did all that!"
"At the conclusion of our journeys, we all settled on what we wanted to do." Cheren added, "I decided to forgo becoming Champion as I had no real plan for what to do afterwards. So now I'm a Gym Leader and dedicate my life to educating future trainers here in my Gym. I feel like I have more of a purpose than I ever would've as Champion. Me and Bianca confessed our love and we've remained together since." he added, putting an arm around the blonde girl.
"And I became an assistant to Professor Juniper." Bianca added, putting a hand to Cheren's chest, "I decided I wanted to dedicate my life to studying Pokémon and making the world a better place for both people and Pokémon!"
"And ya know what became of me already." Ashley concluded.
"It's amazing to hear all that!" Sapphire piped, "Your journeys together helped you all decide on your path in life, just like with me and my sisters!"
"Ah yes, you're Ruby's sister aren't you?" Cheren acknowledged, "I thought I recognized the name "Silverlock". I often watch Ruby's battles in my spare time. It's easy to see how she became Champion with her knowledge on Pokémon and intelligent battle strategies."
"That's Ruby for you. She earned that title and really worked for it." Sapphire said brightly, "Me and Emerald give it a shot but I fell in the semi-finals and Em fought Ruby to a draw. Afterwards, Em chose to be a Pokémon Coordinator and I'm currently in-training to take over from Mustard as the Dojo Master on the Isle of Armour. So I guess I'm like you in that sense Cheren: a trainer who gave it a shot at being Champion but will now be using their skills to educate future trainers."
That's interesting to hear." Cheren said with a thoughtful smile, "So tell me, what's the Isle of Armour and what do you teach at this Master Dojo?"
Soon enough, the four teens were all talking together about many things. To Sapphire, it was like she'd already been made a part of the group despite meeting them for the first time. Bianca and Cheren were every bit as friendly and nice as Ashley had described and she couldn't be any happier.
"Say, why don't we show off our Pokémon?" Bianca suggested, "I'd love to see what you have Sapphire!"
"Sure thing." Sapphire said agreeably, "I'll even show you one of Galar's natives if you want."
"Please do. I'd be fascinated to see one." Cheren said eagerly.
Sapphire sent out her faithful Inteleon that she'd nicknamed James Pond. The water chameleon stood up straight with his arms folded and flashed a smile to Cheren and Bianca as if to say "Gaze upon me, you know you think I'm cool". The two admired him with keen interest.
"I've never seen this before! What is it?" Bianca asked, readjusting her glasses for a clearer look.
"He's an Inteleon." Sapphire explained, "They're the Water-type starter for Galarian trainers and believe me when I say they're quite good shots. James Pond has never let me down in a battle and he's always a slick and skilled fighter on the battlefield."
"How extraordinary." Cheren murmured with interest, "That slinky build suggests great speed and manoeuvrability and I see he even sports a membrane on his back that I presume he can glide with. Certainly nothing like what we Unovans get."
"Yep. Inteleon's one of a kind." Sapphire said brightly, "I'm so glad I picked him as my starter. I can't imagine my Pokémon team without him."
James smiled gratefully and patted Sapphire on the head.
"I know, I love you too." she giggled.
"I'd sure love to learn more about that Pokémon." Bianca said keenly, "But first, let's show you what me and Cheren have too."
Both she and Cheren sent out their starter Pokémon too. Bianca had a Serperior and Cheren had a Samurott. Sapphire knew from Ashley that they were the Grass and Water-type starters respectively and they along with Emboar were the starter Pokémon for many Unovans.
Serperior resembled a snake with its long green body and lack of limbs. It had narrow red eyes, a pointed face and long coiled extensions on either side of its head that made it somewhat look as if it had a collar like what would be seen on a cape or a fancy coat. Sapphire thought it looked quite elegant with its slender body and somewhat regal appearance.
Samurott bore a resemblance to a sea lion with a samurai theme going on with its design. They were dark blue in colour with a large white moustache and seemed to have body armour resembling seashells on its forelimbs and head. The armour on its head sported a sharp, wicked looking horn that Sapphire knew she never wanted to be on the receiving end of. Samurott also carried their own swords called seamitars in their forelimb armour that they could use to fight with.
"Bloody hell, these are awesome looking Pokémon!" Sapphire gasped, "I've already seen Emboar thanks to Ashley but I've never seen a Serperior or a Samurott in person before! So this is what you Unovans get to pick from for your starters? I'm not sure if I'd ever be able to pick between a fire pig, a grass snake or a samurai otter if I was living here."
"It was a tough choice for all of us but I'm glad I picked my darling Rose!" Bianca said excitedly, hugging her Serperior affectionately, "She's always been there for me and I couldn't ever imagine life without her!"
"And my Samurott was always there to pick me up when I was down." Cheren said kindly as he patted his Pokémon on the head, "He certainly helped out when we fought Team Plasma too. Samurott's been a very reliable partner for me no matter what we've been through."
"Aww." Sapphire said softly, "That's so sweet. That's like me with James Pond here. I don't know where I'd be without him or anyone else in my team."
She approached Rose and Samurott and smiled gently to them.
"Hi! I'm Sapphire. This is the first time I've seen Pokémon like you before and I think you look great." she complimented.
Samurott gave a haughty huff as if to say "I know I'm awesome, no need to tell me!". Rose let out a hiss of delight and then slithered towards Sapphire. To the Galarian girl's confusion and worry, Rose started to wrap her long, snaky body around her. James Pond recoiled and glared at Rose.
"Um…w-what are you d-doing?" Sapphire stammered, "P-please don't do that. W-what's going on? B-Bianca?! Is she trying to eat me? HELP!" she whimpered as Rose began to coil around her.
"Rose! Down girl! No wrapping around others!" Bianca scolded, "Not everybody likes being hugged by a giant grass snake! I've told you this before!"
But Rose ignored Bianca and began to give Sapphire a gentle squeeze. Sapphire gulped. What was this crazy Pokémon going to do to her?! She was sure it was about to eat her! But Rose didn't do anything of the sort. To Sapphire's relief, the Serperior nuzzled against her face and hissed graciously. James relaxed himself, glad to see his trainer wasn't actually in danger.
"Hee, hee, easy that tickles!" Sapphire giggled.
"I see Rose still loves to hug people Bianca." Ashley sighed, smiling sheepishly at her friend, Ya really need ta learn ta control that darn thing! She's way too affectionate for her own good!"
"I know…but she still never listens!" Bianca sighed in exasperation, "Even Professor Juniper can't get her to calm down."
"I'm just glad she's not trying to eat me!" Sapphire said with relief, "Seriously, don't scare me like that Rose. You really freaked me out for a minute." she said, her voice firm but calm so she wouldn't frighten the Serperior.
Rose gazed at her apologetically and let Sapphire go. She slithered back to Bianca.
"It's OK Rose. You were just being friendly, we know." the blonde girl said softly.
"I guess she does this a lot?" Sapphire asked.
"Ever since becoming a Serperior, she's like that with anyone she likes." Ashley explained, "Me, Bianca and Cheren have all gotten a Serperior squeeze at least once in our lives. She's harmless really but we could do without her wrapping around us like that."
"Aw well, she didn't hurt me so no harm, no foul." the blue-haired teen said casually, "It's still been great to meet these new Pokémon."
"Same for your Inteleon." Cheren concurred as he returned Samurott to his Pokéball, "If I ever get a break from my Gym duties, I'd be happy to see him battle against my Samurott."
"I'm here for two weeks so I'm sure we can fit in a friendly battle somewhere." Sapphire said agreeably, "For now, I guess we should leave you be Cheren. I wouldn't want to hold you up any further."
"We're going ta my old house back in Nuvema Town so maybe ya can swing by tonight?" Ashley suggested.
"Sounds doable to me." Cheren said brightly, "I'll see you all there after work."
"Great! We'll see you then Cheren. Bye for now." Ashley said with a wave.
She, Sapphire and Bianca left Cheren to continue his Gym duties. After leaving Aspertia Gym, they flagged down another taxi and paid to be driven to Nuvema Town next. That would be where Ashley and Sapphire would be staying for the next two weeks. Bianca was only tagging along so she could get back to Professor Juniper's lab, which was located in the town. Sapphire was looking forward to this visit. She was about to see where her girlfriend was born and raised and where her Pokémon journey all began. Ashley had gotten to see her home in Postwick Town, now it was her turn.
The drive from Aspertia City to Nuvema Town wasn't as long as the last ride and soon enough the taxi pulled up outside of Ashley's old home. Nuvema Town was a quaint little town with not too many people there, no tall buildings, its own harbour and as Bianca was keen to point out, Professor Juniper's laboratory. It was a wide two-storey building with orange roofs, its own radio tower, large windows and an automatic door. The blonde teen waved goodbye to Ashley and Sapphire and promised to meet up with them again by dinner time. Once Bianca was gone, Ashley took Sapphire to her original house. It was two storeys high with a blue sloped roof and a mailbox just by the front door. Sapphire could see that much like herself and her sisters, Ashley was a Pokémon trainer whom had humble beginnings. Who'd have believed that one of Unova's previous Champions lived in such an ordinary looking house originally? Ashley patted her girlfriend on the back.
"There ya have it Sapph, my old stomping ground so to speak." she joked, "Before moving to live with you in Galar, this was where I lived."
"It's lovely." Sapphire complimented, "Such a quaint little house to live in. I bet during your days as Champion, nobody would think to look for you there."
"Heh, that's true." Ashley chuckled, "Ya wouldn't think Unova's Champion would live somewhere so basic, huh? I liked it that way as it gave me somewhere to escape from the crowd and just enjoy a quiet moment to myself."
She knocked on the door and waited for someone to answer it. A minute later, the door opened and someone stepped outside to greet the girls. It was Ashley's mum, Samantha Benson. Sapphire could see instantly that the two bore a heavy resemblance to each other. Samantha had the same blue eyes and brown hair as her daughter but it was styled with a different kind of ponytail and she wore a blue headband in it. She dressed very casually in a white/grey t-shirt with a v-shaped neck hole, a red sash around her waist, a blue dress and blue flats. Ashley had told Sapphire much about her mother and how she'd been the only parent raising her up over the years. Sadly, Ashley's father had left the family when she was still a baby for he'd come to believe he wasn't ready for a family and thus Samantha had been left to raise Ashley by herself with her grandparents helping her. Samantha pulled Ashley into a tight hug of delight.
"Oooooh if it isn't my big grown up girl again!" she squealed excitedly, "It's so good to see you sweetheart! How are you keeping? Are you being treated well over in Galar? Is their food alright for you?"
"Mom! Mom! Ease up a minute will ya? I just arrived here!" Ashley cried with a half-chuckle, "Sheesh, are ya gonna smother me every time I come home now?"
"I'm your mother. I'm allowed to smother my daughter as much as I want." Samantha retorted, "Welcome home anyway. Well, to your original home I should say. I know we talk over our Rotom Phones but it doesn't stop me missing my baby girl while you're living in Galar."
"I miss you too mom." Ashley said kindly, embracing her mother warmly, "I'm always happy ta come back and see ya whenever I can."
Sapphire respectfully kept back to let the two enjoy their moment together. Eventually, they broke up the hug and Ashley ushered her girlfriend forward.
"And as promised mom, I brought Sapph with me." the brunette teen declared, "I'm so glad I can introduce you two in person. Sapph, this is my mom. And mom, this is my girlfriend, Sapphire Silverlock."
"H-hello Miss Benson." Sapphire said shyly.
"Ah, so you're the girl my daughter's run away to Galar to live with?" Samantha joked, "Well let me tell you young lady, you better be taking care of my Ashley or I'll show you what Unovan Rage feels like!" she said sharply.
"What? Of course I'm taking care of her!" Sapphire protested, "I wouldn't dream of…"
Samantha broke down laughing at Sapphire's response.
"Oh chill out darling, I was just teasing!" she snickered, "Ashley's always telling me how nice you are and how she thinks you're cool so I know she's fine with you. It's an absolute pleasure to meet you at last, Sapphire."
The Galarian girl sighed with relief. She felt a little silly for not seeing it was a joke at first but she didn't let it bother her. She and Samantha shook hands.
"It's lovely to meet you too, Miss Benson." Sapphire said politely, "I've been looking forward to visiting Unova for a long time now."
"I do hope you enjoy your stay here." Samantha said happily, "You'll be quite comfortable staying here for two weeks. Don't worry about space, there's room for you as well. So what can I make for you? Any preferences for dinner?"
"Oh you don't have to fuss about me already." Sapphire said hastily, "I'm just up for a rest after spending so much time travelling lately."
"Of course. You and Ashley can spend some time together up in her room until dinnertime." Samantha offered, "Come on in, don't let me leave you standing outside like this."
She ushered the two girls inside. Once they were inside the house, Sapphire and Ashley went straight up to what had once been Ashley's bedroom when she was living here. After moving out, Samantha now used it as a spare room for anyone staying over for the night but as promised, she never let anyone change the room and left it the way Ashley had left it so it would feel more like home for her whenever she dropped by. The room itself was as cosy and inviting as a bedroom was expected to feel. There was a single bed in the corner with purple sheets, a purple rug, a TV and games console, a white desk with a PC sitting on top of it and a bookshelf. Ashley had said that Sapphire would be sleeping with her in this room with a sleeping bag for her to use while Ashley had the bed. They both sat down together, relieved to have the chance to just chill back and sit on something soft and comfortable after being sat in plane or taxi chairs for much of the day.
"So this was once your room. I like it." Sapphire said with admiration, "It definitely has everything you could ask for in here."
"Why else do you think I spent so much time up here before my Pokémon journey began?" Ashley noted, "This is the one place I look forward ta seeing the most whenever I come back ta Unova. This room has so many memories for me, especially those involving me, Bianca and Cheren. I've lost count how many long, precious hours we'd spend playing together up here with our toys or video-games. And then my journey started when Professor Juniper dropped off that gift box for us with our very first Pokémon. It stood right there when we came up to see it." she added, pointing to a chest of drawers.
"I can't imagine how exciting that was for you three." Sapphire mused as she imagined the whole scene playing out before her, "For you, it must've been your best birthday ever."
"The very best!" Ashley agreed, "It changed my life forever and lead me on the adventure of a lifetime. And of course…it lead me to meeting you." she added, putting an arm around her girlfriend.
"No doubt you consider that the best thing that ever happened to you." Sapphire joked.
"What else would I consider?" Ashley joked back.
She took her arm away and reached over to the drawers to pick up a picture frame. She sat back down beside Sapphire and the ex-Champion handed it to her.
"See that? That's my grandpa." Ashley explained, "The very man who ignited my love for Pokémon. His name was Alan and he may look a little stern, but believe me, that face is nothing but a mask for the true kind-hearted man he was. I swear he was more like my dad than my actual dad! At least he cared to raise me and help mom look after me whereas dad just ran off and never came back…" she said bitterly.
Sapphire winced. She couldn't even begin to imagine how hard that must've been for her and Samantha. The black teen looked back to the photograph. Alan Benson looked to be about sixty in this picture with his wrinkled features, bushy eyebrows and a neat white moustache perched over his upper lip. He still had his hair but he evidently looked thin on the top. As Ashley said, he had a rather stern expression on his face as if he was in the army rather than posing for a photograph. She almost found it hard to believe that her girlfriend was related to this man as he looked like he came from an entirely different family.
"I remember the story you told me back at Hammerlocke Stadium." Sapphire lamented, "How he inspired you to be a trainer and sadly met his end at Team Plasma's hands. I only wish that he was alive now and I could meet him. Do you think he would've liked me?" she asked.
"He would've LOVED you." Ashley declared, "He not only loved Pokémon, but he loved kids too. Mom would always say he was at his happiest whenever he was watching me and the other children having fun playing together. It always made him nostalgic for his own youth. If he met you, and also knew you were my girlfriend, he'd have accepted you with open arms."
"You really think so?" Sapphire asked.
"I know so, hon." Ashley insisted.
Sapphire beamed. It was a lovely thought for her, being accepted by Alan just as she had with Ashley's mother and friends. She ran a hand over the picture.
"I hope you're at peace wherever you are, Alan." the Galarian girl said softly.
"Knowing that his granddaughter's enjoying life after defeating his killers has already done that, I say." Ashley said with a soft smile on her face.
Sapphire handed the picture back and Ashley placed it back on the drawers. Positioned where it was, it was like Alan was always sitting there waiting to greet his granddaughter whenever she entered the room. She sat back down beside Sapphire.
"So what do you think for yer first day in Unova?" the ex-Champion asked.
"I haven't really had a proper experience yet but from what I've seen, it looks like a nice region to live in." Sapphire replied, "And of course your friends and family have been so welcoming to me. I was honestly worried any of them wouldn't like me but I'm glad they do. It's like I'm really a part of the family and they couldn't be happier with me."
"I knew they'd like you. They would never have turned ya away." Ashley said kindly, "The Benson family never turns away truly nice folk like you. We accept anybody, except evil people but that goes without saying."
"Heh, true." Sapphire chuckled, "Those Team Plasma blokes especially sounded like they needed their heads examining with how messed up they were. Are you sure they're gone for good? I'm definitely not going to get attacked by them?"
"Ever since I kicked Ghetsis's evil butt, he snapped like a twig and was a broken mess of a man." Ashley spat, "Team Plasma was never the same without him. The organization fell to pieces and N went around rounding up what's left of them. He was able to coax some members into joining his side while others were arrested. Yer quite safe hon."
But Ashley was wrong. She had no idea just how wrong she was.
Unknown to anyone, a hooded figure had been watching the house and had seen Ashley and Sapphire go in with Samantha. The figure was dressed in robes that resembled a knight's armour suit with huge gloves, huge boots, a sash around the waist and a white skirt section. On the chest area was a shield bearing a blue P letter…the very symbol of Team Plasma. The Plasma Grunt had walked away from the house so as not to draw attention to herself and once she was sure she was in a safe place where no one could see or hear her, she whipped out a phone and dialled a number. Placing the phone to her ear, she was met with a click sound as the call was accepted.
"Lord Ghetsis? Good news. That insolent brat is back at last." she explained, "We can go ahead with your plan."
"Excellent!" Ghetsis replied on the other side of the phone, "We'll set up an ambush and get the girl tomorrow morning. Find out where they're heading so we may set up the ambush."
"Understood sir." the grunt replied, "She won't escape my sight."
She hung up the phone and went back to her spying duties. Team Plasma would be making its comeback and Ashley's capture was the perfect first step towards it…
The next day, Ashley had started off by taking Sapphire to meet Professor Juniper. Sapphire had slept soundly in her sleeping bag and now she felt she'd finally shaken off the jetlag from her flight to Unova. She was completely recharged and felt ready to face the day no matter what. Professor Juniper had been equally as welcoming as Bianca and Cheren had and while visiting her lab, Ashley took Sapphire to meet her Pokémon from her first journey. Sapphire saw that Ashley's Unovan journey had seen her catch a Zebstrika, a Darmanitan, a Krookodile, a Ferrothorn, an Elektross and many other Pokémon that she'd seen her catch in Galar too such as Carracosta, Conkeldurr, Braviary, Golurk, Galvantula, Gigalith and of course, the legendary Zekrom. She even got to meet her first Emboar, the father of the one she'd taken around Galar. Sapphire had enjoyed meeting them all and they'd been happy to get the chance to see her as well.
After that, Ashley, Sapphire and Bianca caught a taxi to Castelia City. Ashley had insisted upon taking Sapphire there for the day. Cheren was able to join them as well so all four teens could spend the day together. Castelia City was the Unovan equivalent to New York City with its bustling streets, tall skyscrapers, many streets, cafes, restaurants and shops. It made Sapphire feel a little giddy seeing so many tall buildings but she soon got used to them. Castelia was like no city she'd ever seen before. Nothing in Galar could compare to this! While going around the city, Bianca couldn't resist giving Sapphire a chance to try a Casteliacone. She'd seen a stand selling them nearby and she, Ashley, Sapphire and Cheren went over to buy one. Casteliacones were a popular treat in the city. It was a soft-serve ice-cream served in a short wafer cone and was said to be so good that they could heal the status conditions of a Pokémon no matter what it was. Ashley handed one over to Sapphire.
"Here, try this! You'll love it!" she insisted.
"You ain't lived in Unova unless you've tried a Casteliacone!" Bianca hollered.
Sapphire took a moment to admire the sweet dessert in her hand. She enjoyed her ice-cream back home so she may as well see what it was like to have one here. She licked it and let the taste roll over her tongue for a moment. Her face lit up with delight.
"Oh Arceus that's good!" she exclaimed, "You Unovans know how to make a good ice-cream!"
She then proceeded to tuck in greedily to the sweet confection.
"I think she likes it." Cheren said with a wry smile.
"What tipped ya off, Einstein?" Ashley joked back.
The teens took a moment to eat their Casteliacones. But just as they finished eating, it happened. Completely out of nowhere, a bunch of Pokéballs opened up and the group found themselves being seized by a quartet of Drapion! The Ogre Scorpion Pokémon grabbed them all with their powerful pincers and held them firm in place.
"Hey, let go of us this instant!" Ashley screeched.
"Get off me!" Sapphire growled, "Don't make me have to whup your arses!"
"Why are they doing this to us?" Bianca cried worriedly.
"I think I can hazard a guess…" Cheren said bitterly.
He wasn't at all surprised when a horde of Team Plasma Grunts suddenly swarmed the scene. Some had been hiding behind newspapers, some had been hiding in shops nearby and some were even hiding in the sewers. They surrounded the captured trainers and a large van pulled up and opened up its back. Ashley was speechless. Team Plasma were back?! But how?! They'd fallen apart when Ghetsis had gone off the deep end! The grunt that had been spying on her yesterday approached Ashley with a pair of handcuffs in hand. Her Drapion released Ashley so she could slap the cuffs on her. Ashley's hands were forced behind her back and fastened together by the cuffs. She squirmed furiously but she couldn't move.
"Let me go! If you don't let me go right now I'll…"
"You'll what?" the grunt sneered, "I don't see your friends being of any help right now."
She grabbed Ashley's bag and threw it off so she wouldn't be able to get her Pokémon to help her. Then she dragged the still squirming Ashley towards the van. Two male grunts helped her throw the teenager inside and close up. Sapphire, Bianca and Cheren could only watch helplessly as the van drove away with Ashley locked up inside.
"ASHLEY!" Sapphire screamed at the top of her voice.
"Where are you taking her you bothersome Plasma grunts?!" Cheren demanded.
"Never you mind. The Ashley you know will never return anyway." the grunt taunted, "Grunts, we can dispose of the others. Ghetsis has no need of them."
Sapphire's heart missed a beat. The grunts were going to KILL her, Bianca and Cheren?! Ashley was right to say that Team Plasma were messed up! The Drapion holding her moved its claws towards her neck. Sapphire had a grisly image of the Drapion strangling her to death with its pincers. Or it might snap her neck. Desperately, Sapphire threw her head backwards into the Drapion's face. She didn't like hurting Pokémon but in this case, she didn't care. She had to get away and fight back now! The Drapion reeled back in pain and let Sapphire go. Bianca and Cheren copied Sapphire, seeing that it was their best chance of escape. Once they were free, Sapphire, Cheren and Bianca threw their Pokéballs and brought out James Pond, Rose and Samurott to fight off the grunts.
"OK grunts, first you spoil our day out together, then you kidnap my girlfriend and then you try to kill us!" Sapphire snarled, "You're going to be very sorry you messed with us!"
Sapphire's enjoying her time in Unova and Ashley is wasting no time in showing her what life on her home turf's life. ^^ Unfortunately, it seems Team Plasma are back and they're back with a vengeance. Will Sapphire and friends be able to rescue Ashley? What does Ghetsis plan to do with her? Find out next time as our heroines have to foil "Ghetsis's Revenge"...
Trivia: Bianca knocking Sapphire and Ashley into a fountain calls back to a running gag where Bianca would constantly send Ash flying into water of some kind nearly every time she showed up. I dunno about you guys but I found that running gag HILARIOUS and had to bring it in here. XD
Also as you can see, both Black and White and their sequels are canon to this universe and have happened in the past hence Bianca being closer to her Black 2 and White 2 character and Cheren being a Gym Leader. Also in this universe, CherenXBianca is the canon pairing. Hope nobody minds that. ^^
Ashley's "home team "so to speak consists of some of my favourite Unova mons and some I've used in my own playthroughs of the Black and White games. :)
I also made it so the distance from Galar to Unova is eight hours by plane because that's also the distance between the UK and US by plane. Only makes sense to make it the same for the regions based on those countries, am I right?
Before you ask, no, there's no real reason I called Ashley's mum Samantha. It was the first name I picked when deciding a name for her, nothing more, nothing less.
