Johto Chapter 1 - New beginnings. Old acquaintances


The months had flown by since 17year old Amber Ketchum started her Johto Journey.

The teenaged daughter of Ash Ketchum and Misty Waterflower still sported her unruly mop of natural fiery red hair like her mother's. She styled it in a large ponytail with her bangs still flying out in gravity defying angles, with long tendrils of hair framing her face.

Switching out her old wardrobe for a new style in the new region, she wore black cycling shorts trimmed with yellow down the sides and along the bottom, and a billowing loose yellow sleeveless high neck top. Black fingerless gloves with a yellow streak and white sneakers with yellow and black accents with rucksack and pokébelt to match.

Fresh off the back of her Kanto adventure battling Team Rocket and partnering with the legendary pokémon Zapdos, her travels through the adjoining region had been fairly straight forwards and uneventful in comparison.

Strengthening her electric pokémon team, Amber caught a Mareep on her way to Violet City, which had evolved into Flaaffy and then again to an Ampharos. Helping the owners of the breeding centre located just outside Goldenrod City, she was gifted an egg which hatched into a Golden Pichu, that had since evolved into a shiny Pikachu. Her latest Johto Pokémon, Elekid, she inherited from Jasmine at the Olivine City after aiding the gym leader by getting pokémon medicine from Cianwood City. Battling many strong trainers along the way and overcoming all 8 gym leaders of the Johto region, Amber once again found herself at the Indigo Plateau ready to face the Silver Conference League.

"Here we are Raichu."

"Rai"

The duo looked up the stairs leading to the stadium.

"A lot has happened since our last time here … but this time were stronger and ready for anything!"

"Raichu!"

"This time we're going all the way!" "Raichu Rai" The two clenched fists in declaration and made their way to lobby to register for the tournament.

After having her badges and ID registered, the red headed teenager made her way over to the video phone. She punched in the number she knew off by heart and waited for the receiver.

"Surge!"

"Oh hey Kid! What's shakin'?"

"I've made it to the Indigo Plateau ready for the Silver Conference! My battles start in two days. Will you be able to make it?"

"Ahh I'd love to Ambs, ya know I would, but da Kanto League is still mid-season and I'm upta my neck in challengars. Since everyone found out ya trained here, we've been busier dan eva! I can't leave."

"Oh …" Amber couldn't hide her disappointment that her mentor Surge from the Vermillion City Gym wouldn't be there to watch her matches.

"But me 'n the guys, we'll all be watchin ya right here live on da TV, 'n rooting for ya!"

Surge's pokémon, notably his Raichu, and gym trainers Baily, Dwayne and Tucker all appeared in the video screen background holding a massive hand painted "Go Amber" banner across with streamers and spinning rattles at the ready.

Amber beamed at seeing her friends from the gym.

"Give it everything ya got kid! Ya going all da way!"

"Thanks Master. We will. Won't we Raichu"

"Rai Chu!" Raichu pumped his fist in victory.

Surge gave her a wink and thumbs up as the screen went black. Ending the call, Amber dialled her next number.

"Mom!"

"Sweetie! It's so great to hear from you! Hi Raichu! How are you doing?"

"Rai rai raichu." Amber's pokémon climbed up at the screen to happily greet Misty.

"Have you made it to the Silver Conference, okay?"

"Yeah! We just got here today. My matches will start in two days' time, when will you get here?"

Misty's face visibly changed from happy to sad. "Oh, Amber, I want to be there … but … I'm swamped here at the Cerulean Gym … … but I promise I'll be there for the start of the top 8."

"Oh … so that means Aunt Daisy, Violet and Lily wont be coming either ... what about Dad?! ... and Cole?" The girl really was getting desperate seeing if even her attention hogging elder brother would be coming along …

"Your brother is on a modelling shoot in Galar, and your father is currently away on League business. There's been reports on some weird activity lately so he's getting a jump on it. Don't want a repeat of what happened at the Indigo tournament with Team Rocket."

Amber shook her head and smiled softly at her mother. "No way. Will Dad be coming with you for the top 8 at least?"

"Oh honey … I really don't know … but I guarantee he'll be there for the final match."

"… Then I'll just have to make to the finals!" The teenager replied confidently, masking her disappointment.

"That's my girl." Misty winked at her daughter and grinned. "Good luck sweetie! I know you'll be amazing! See you in a few days! Love you."

"You too Mom … Bye."

Hanging up the phone the teenager walked away pouting. I can't believe no one will be there to see my matches …

Claiming a locker, Amber recalled Raichu for a rest, ready to take her pokémon to the pokémon centre to be in tip top shape for up-coming tournament in a few days.

"Hey! It's you!"

Amber turned around hearing the familiar voice. She found herself face to face with a teenage boy around her age. Dark brown hair styled messy and wild, deep burning burgundy eyes.


*** Flashback to the Indigo League Semi Finals ***

"Next in the arena, we welcome Freddie from Goldenrod City. A familiar presence on the Johto circuit, this promising young trainer has placed highly over the past few years in the Silver Conference. This is his first time competing in the Indigo League Competition and so far has delivered us some amazing performances. This shows promise of being a most thrilling match!"

"Don't think I'm intimidated just because everyone knows your name Amber Ketchum! I'm not so green to these things!" With that he readied his pokéball. Burning burgundy eyes lit up his determined face.

Amber smirked with confidence. "I wouldn't want you to be!"

"Strap yourselves in ladies and gentlemen as this semi-final match is about to get underway!"

Ambers Raichu stood panting hard, opposite him Freddies Typhlosion also stood slumped catching his breath. Both pokémon's coats roughed up and dirtied from the hard-wearing battle.

"Raichu, one last Electroball! Give it everything you have!" Amber cried out in desperation, she knew this was all Raichu had left to give, it had to count! It had to win!

Freddie in the exact same position called out to his fire type. "Ty, one last Lava Plume! Go!"

The pokémon launched their last desperate attacks with everything they had, a rampaging ball of electricity hurtled across the area, to be countered against a plume of molten lava. The attacks collided and battled against each other for dominance resulting in an explosion, knocking back both pokémon in the aftershock. Smoke and debris clouded the battlefield.

Both trainers stood with bated breath. As did the crowds.

As the dust settled, Typhlosion was shown to be down on the ground, unmoving from the last attack. Raichu, battered from the last attack, slowly but very unsteadily rose to his feet, but he couldn't stay up. He hit the floor hard and didn't get back up.

The referee raised his arm. "Raichu is also unable to battle. This match ends in a draw."

The two trainers stared at each other dumfounded. A draw?

Still clapping for her friend Elaine on winning the Indigo Pokémon League competition, something caught Amber's eye. Freddie had stepped off the second-place podium and left. She spotted the boy leaving the Indigo Plateau in the distance. Recalling Raichu, she bowed down off the third-place podium leaving the spotlight to Elaine and ran after him.

"Freddie." Amber caught up to the fire trainer at the exit steps and caught her breath.

Freddie turned around and looked the girl up and down with surprise. "Oh it's you. What do you want?"

"I just wanted to tell you, I've battled alongside Elaine before, I know her pretty well. She's an amazing trainer with a lot of experience. It doesn't take anything away from you as a trainer. Your pokémon are awesome and every bit as deserving."

"Are you trying to make me feel better or yourself?"

Amber looked up, puzzled. "What do you mean by that?"

"You lost to me in the semi's. Remember that. I don't need a pity talk from you."

Amber clenched her jaw. This boy could be a real jerk.

"Well. I'm outta here. See ya." With that Freddie turned away and walked off.

"Wait. Where are you going?"

"Back home to Johto."

Johto …

*** End ***


It was her rival from the Indigo League. Freddie. The fire type specialist trainer from Goldenrod City, here in Johto. He'd grown taller since their last encounter, now easily a few inches taller than her. He wore an outfit very similar to the last time she saw him, a black long sleeve tee-shirt under a sleeve-less dark red hoodie top. Dark baggy cargo jeans and black and white sneakers with red accents on the tongue and sides.

"Freddie!"

The fire type trainer half smiled. "I'm glad to see you here, I hoped you would be."

"Oh?" Amber shut her locker as Freddie began walking with her.

"That battle of ours last time was just awesome. I haven't been able to stop thinking about it. I haven't had a challenge like it since … The way it went to down to the wire like that! Man, I hope it's me vs you in the finals this year. I can't wait to see how far we've both come."

Amber stood a little dumbfounded, caught off guard by Freddie's friendliness.

Oblivious to Amber's reservations the brunette carried on the conversation. "Where are you staying? In the village?"

"Oh! Erm …" Amber paused and rummaged around pockets before pulling out a crumpled piece of paper. "Here." She pointed to the address listed.

"That's just down from me. Cool! I'll walk you there."

"… Okay."

As they walked away Amber looked the teen boy up and down. Wow Freddie is like a different person to the boy I met last year … way less of a jerk … he's actually … nice?

The two continued walking and talking, the conversation not letting up. Making their way to the accommodation cabins, they paused outside Amber's block.

"Well guess this is me." Amber looked at the address on her confirmation and up at the block numbers double checking she was in the right place.

"I'm staying a little ways further up the road." Freddie pointed up the road. "What are your plans after you drop off your pokémon at the centre? Do you want to meet up for dinner later?"

Amber paused for a moment. A genuine smile came across her face. "Yeah that sounds good."

"Cool, I'll come call for you on my way in. Catch ya later Amber!"

"Yeah … catch ya … later." The girl found herself a little dumbstruck at the boy's confident forwardness. Making new friends was still a little alien to her.

The two waved each other off as Amber entered her new digs for the duration of the tournament. She closed the door and took in where she would be staying. The room was spacious and light with modern art on the walls, bright furniture, and a cosy fireplace.

"Not bad!" The teenager beamed before jumping onto the sofa, kicking back and relaxing.


The evening came as did a knock on the door.

Freddie stood waiting. "Ready to go?"

The red head nodded and smiled back.

Freddie and Amber didn't shut up as they made their way into the makeshift village. Finding an all you can eat buffet restaurant, their conversations continued well into the night regarding their time in last year's league, Team Rocket, Silver, and all that had happened to them over this year. How they'd found the competing gym leaders, the towns and cities in Johto. The two found a lot to talk about.

Alas the night couldn't go on forever, the two walked back to their dorms.

Freddie stopped outside Amber's dwelling. He turned to the redhead. "Shall I call for you in the morning? We can check out the line ups together."

"Ok sounds good." Amber gave a signature Ketchum grin.

Freddie waved the girl off and continued his way. Amber watched him leave. She couldn't help the smile on her face. Closing the door to her apartment, she sighed contently. Another day down, another day to go.


The time passed by, and it was finally the start of the Pokémon Silver League Competition. The preliminary matches were starting as Amber and Freddie stood with the other combatants.

"Sure are a lot competing this year." Freddie commented looking around, Amber nodded in agreement.

A small commotion started a ways away in the gathering of trainers. A dominating figure in a cloak cut through the crowd of competitors to awes and gasps.

Freddie and Amber turned to see what was causing the mild disturbance, the latter's face lit up on seeing who the cause was. "Lance! You're here!"

Lance the Dragon Master of the Elite Four, friend and colleague of her father's looked and smiled at Amber. "Of course. As a former Champion of Johto myself, I always feel it fitting to be here for the duration of the tournament and to personally welcome new Champions into the Silver Conference Hall of Fame."

"Then why isn't my Dad here …" Amber couldn't disguise the pout in her voice, which Lance duly noted.

"I won't try to deceive you. Some things have been happening and it's your father's job to investigate, along with other members of the Elite Four. So I am here solo to represent. Rest assured young Amber, he will definitely be here for the final match as is his duty as current reigning Champion."

Amber nodded offering the Dragon Master half a smile. "At least I'll have one person here cheering me on."

"As a member of the Elite Four in this region I can afford no bias … but." The man lowered his voice to a whisper. "I'll be secretly rooting for you to go all the way to the finals this time!"

He gave his friends daughter a cheeky smile and with that looped his cape around and made his way to the spectator's box through the crowds of fans that had gathered around to see him in person.

"I totally heard that." Freddie snidely remarked as Lance was almost out of earshot.

Amber looked at her rival and giggled, sweat dropping.


The preliminary rounds started with several matches taking place on the field at once with small dividing barriers separating each battle. Amber found herself up against a younger male trainer from Johto. He called out a Wobboffet, Amber called out her Jolteon.

The boy started the battle off. "Wobboffet, use Safeguard."

The psychic pokémon stood still looking side to side, doing absolutely nothing in the battle, making the trainer lose his composure. "Um … Wobboffet?" The pokémon clearly wasn't listening to him.

Amber rubbed her nose confidently. "Ha. Too easy. Not sure how you got this far with pokémon that won't even obey you, but you've left yourself wide open and a wins a win! Jolteon use Electroball!"

Jolteon looked from left to right to left again, ignoring her trainer.

" … Jolteon … "

Ambers pokémon continued to just stare up at the sky, sniffing the air. Completely uninterested in what her trainer had to say.

Lance watching the preliminaries from above in the stands, narrowed his eyes at the spectacle below. He stood up from his seat and exited the box stand.

"Amber!"

Amber looked over to the voice shouting her. "Freddie! ... Umm shouldn't you be battling?"

Freddie vaulted over the small diving fence and ran over to the girl. "Happening in your battle too?"

"The pokémon … they just won't listen ..." Amber replied sadly looking out at the battling pokémon, all standing around in states of confusion and disorientation.

"None of them are."

"Huh?" Amber and Freddie turned to see Lance of the Elite Four approach them once again.

"None of the pokémon here are listening to their trainer's commands, not even the most elite trained and focused. I have to find out why this happening and put a stop to it. Fast."

"Do you know something Lance?" Amber asked the Master directly. "Does it have anything to do with why my father isn't here?"

"I don't know for sure, but there's a strong possibility it could. With the other members of the Elite Four tied up, it looks like I'm on my own here till back-up comes. So, I could use the help of a couple of very capable trainers. Care to help me?" Lance looked at the two teenagers a half smile on his face.

Amber and Freddie exchanged looks and then back to the Lance. The pair nodded.

What we're they in for this time?


Authors note: Hi again! Welcome to Johto. Rather than having separate stories, I've combined the lot. So if you've read Electric Tales before have another skim - you might find some new chapters hidden inside you haven't read before :-)