Kanto Chapter 7 - Cerulean City
The sun was high in the sky, casting shows across route 10. We join our heroine sat on a rock just outside the mouth of a large cave. Holding her pokégear, she looks down at it with a pensive look.
I got to check in. But what do I say? … Team Rocket. I must have really pissed them off when I stopped them at Vermillion Gym, they must be after revenge for the zap plate. Amber looked at her pokéballs. If Mom and Dad find out I'm mixed up in trouble, they'll make me go home for sure … it was a miracle Surge talked them around last time. I can't let my adventure end here. I just can't. She looked up at the sky. If I run from Team Rocket now, then I don't have what it takes to become a champion.
What they don't know … can't hurt them. She proceeded to dial out and put on her cheeriest voice.
"Hey! … … … yep, yep all good here! Sun is shining, loving life, travelling is the best! … … nope no troubles so far … … I've been through Lavender Town and now I'm outside the rock tunnel … yes I promise I'll call when I'm nearer Cerulean City … ok … ok … no I have not seen Cole's latest exposé … ... BECAUSE I'M IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WILDERNESS! … Ok … ok … I will … love you too … byeeeeee."
Amber put her gear away and looked at the cave. "Right rest times over! Out you come guys"
With flashes of red light Pichu and Magnemite emerged. "Ready to help me through the rock tunnel?"
"Piiiiiiiiiiiii!" Pichu jumped up and down excitedly, Magnemite simply bobbed, not expressing the same confidence as it's small furry counterpart.
"We'll get in some great training. Ok, lets do this!" The trio made their way inside the cave.
A few meters away two heads emerged out of thick bushes, twigs and leaves adorned their heads.
"Perfect! She'll be a sitting duck in that deep dark tunnel!" Shane grinned, rubbing his hands together menacingly.
Thea looked to her partner in crime. "Ok steady there Dick Dastardly. Think about this a moment. She has a head start. Her Pokémon know flash. We do not have that, we only have Zubat. She's got the advantage in there."
"You can't seriously think we'd lose to her in there?!"
"I'm not leaving anything to chance, this is what we do." Thea pointed up to the cliff side. "We climb up and go over the tunnel, straight as the corviknight flies and head her off at route 10. She'll be tired and disorientated coming out from the winding darkness. We will be fresh and ready and that is when we strike! We can't lose this time."
"You know we could use ..."
"FOR THE LAST TIME SHANE, A HOT AIR BALLOON IS A STUPID METHOD OF TRANSPORTATION! Now let's move."
The Rockets crawled off.
The sun was starting to set as a very tired and grubby redheaded teenager emerged from what had been a long and taxing trek through a very dark cave. On her shoulder was an equally tired and grubby Pichu and bobbing along behind just about levitating was Magnemite. "I don't know about you guys, but I do not want to see another Zubat or Geodude for a long, long time."
"Piiiiiiiiiiiii" Pichu nodded in agreement.
Amber looked across the terrain. "There's a river up ahead we'll get cleaned up and rest there."
Behind a nearby rockery, Shane and Thea were watching Amber with bated breath.
*** Flash Back ***
"A pit." Shane couldn't hide the disdain in his voice.
"It's genius!" Thea retorted handing him a shovel.
"A pit?"
"Yes! Don't you see? She'll be exiting out here" Thea pointed to the tunnel entrance "Her vision will be getting used to the new light level, she walks out a few steps, totally off guard and boom! She falls into the pit and we got her!"
"I still don't see why we can't just jump her."
"Because that has worked so well for us so far hasn't it?! No, this time we go all in. Now get digging! We have to get this done before she makes her way through that maze."
The pair started to dig down into the earth.
*** End Flash Back ***
Alright here they come …
Magnemite bobbed over the recently disturbed earth.
Just a few more steps …
Amber & Pichu walked across, not noticing the difference in stability.
This is it!
and they carried on.
"Huh?!" Thea and Shane were dumbfounded. They looked at each other and back at the 16yearold and her Pokémon, making their way further away from the pit, completely oblivious to the impending danger they were in.
"What the … wha happened?!" Thea exclaimed. "Did she walk around it?"
They made their way over to their unsuccessful trap, feet gingerly testing the terrain.
"No, she definitely walked over it … huh guess she's a lot lighter than you." Shane grinned at his partner.
Thea's eyes lit up like hells' fire and she bared her teeth. Belting her unsuspecting partner round the back of the head with full force, the impact caused Shane to lose his balance. Stepping backwards he felt the ground giving way below his feet.
"OH SHHHIIIIII!" On instinct he reached out and grabbed at something to save his fall, unfortunately the only thing close by happened to be Thea. Unable to support his falling weight, both Rockets went tumbling into the pit.
Amber paused, hearing a noise looked behind her, but saw nothing. Huh weird must of imagined it. She then carried on.
"Ooof!" Shane landed flat on his back hard, soon followed by Thea who had the poor young man to break her fall. "AARGH! You really are heavy!" Shane blurted out, earning him another punch to the head and death glare.
"I TOLD YOU WE SHOULD HAVE JUST JUMPED HER!" Shane wailed.
"OH, DO NOT EVEN!" The blonde retorted back.
The pair argued and began wrestling, as their intended target continued to the nearby river. Unaware of the commotion going on just a few meters behind her Amber sat down at the rivers edge.
Amber splashed the cool water onto her face, it felt good. Pichu was paddling on the riverbank, playfully splashing at Magnemite who wasn't enjoying the game quite as much. Amber looked down the river and saw the roof of a large building, her eyes lit up. It's the power plant!
"Guys look! It's the power plant! You know that that means? Electric pokèmon!" She then stared at the wide river. "Oh … but how do we get down the river … there's no boats round here. We're in the wilds."
Looking at the distance between her current position and where she wanted to be, the teen put her hand into the water and turned it. Hmm this current is too dangerous to swim in by myself. I need a Pokémon. Watching her Pokémon happily splashing, she gave a small ponder to Magnemite acting as a buoyancy aid, but quickly decided against it. If something happened it could be too much for the little Pokémon to pull her out the river. Giving one last sad look to where she wanted to be, Amber recalled her friends and made her way down the path. If we make good time we can reach Cerulean City by nightfall.
The journey down to her Mother's hometown went relatively smoothly. Amber encountered a few trainers and wild Pokémon but nothing Pichu couldn't handle. The sun had set and night had set in but wasn't long before the familiar city skyline all lit up against the night sky came into view. Cerulean City. I best get down to the Pokémon centre quick.
Running along the paths she was well acquainted with, Amber jumped a ledge and was face to face with the Cerulean Pokémon Centre. Entering the doors, she was greeted by Nurse Joy.
"Hi there how can I help you?" The nurse smiled pleasantly.
"Hi Nurse Joy, if it's not too late would you be able to rest up my Pokémon?"
Nurse Joy looked at the clock on the wall and smiled "Of course no problem, I'll take a look. Please give me your Pokémon and wait here." Amber handed over two pokéballs, as Nurse Joy took them she paused and took in the girl before her.
"You look awfully familiar, have we met before?"
"Umm maybe? My family own the gym next door."
"Oh that's it! Oh my you must be Master Ketchum's and Mistress Misty's daughter? Ah look at you, you are the picture of your father."
Amber winced even in Cerulean City they think I look like my Dad?
"That light up there will signal when your Pokémon are at full health." The nurse bowed and took the Pokémon into the back room.
Amber got herself a drink and some snacks. She looked at the clock. I hope my aunties don't mind me showing up too late, nah of course they wont I'm family. It wasn't long before the ding sound rang out and Nurse Joy appeared with two pokéballs on a tray. "Here are your Pokémon, back to fighting fit."
"Thank You Nurse Joy"
"My pleasure, please pass on my regards to your family."
"I will, so long then." Amber collected her Pokémon and made her way to the doors.
"Take care now" Nurse Joy waved the girl off as she exited the building.
Walking round to the giant building next door, Amber buzzed the intercom, waiting for a reply.
"WHO THE HELL IS CALLING AT THIS TIME?! DON'T YOU KNOW BEAUTIES NEED THEIR BEAUTY SLEEP?!"
Cringing at her Aunt Lily's screeching Amber pressed the intercom and replied. "Um sorry to get here so late Aunt Lily, I had to get through the rock tunnel and then down route 9 and then there were trainers to battle, so then I had to go to the Pokémon Centre.."
"OMIGOSH AMBER! Oh like don't be so silly, why didn't ya like just come in? You don't have to announce yourself silly baby"
"I would but the door is sort of locked."
"Oh right duh! Silly me ok just push the door when it buzzes and come on in!"
The door buzzed and Amber entered, to be immediately set upon by 3 now middle aged women. Daisy, Lily and Violet the Three Sensational Sisters, world famous beauties and owners of the Cerulean Gym.
Amber's mother Misty was the youngest of the sisters and unofficial fourth Sensational Sister. Misty had lead the gym herself for many years and was easily the most skilful and talented with Pokémon of the siblings, she could of made Elite Four and probably even Water Master but gave up her titles when she settled down in Pallet Town to have a family with the love of her life Ash Ketchum.
Despite their advancing ages the Waterflowers had not changed a bit over the years, still very much in love with their appearances and yet to settle down with a Mr Right of their own. The Sisters would still often tease their youngest sibling about her differing path to theirs, but it was only the type of teasing siblings could do, deep down they were incredibly proud of how beautiful and strong their baby sister had become and were nothing but overjoyed for Misty marrying her "Prince Charming and living happily ever after."
Not having families of their own Daisy, Lily and Violet doted on their Nephew and Niece. From getting the best agents for Cole and offering their most valued and treasured advice to Amber (mainly about conditioning her unruly locks and using skin toner, even if Amber didn't particularly ask). In short there was nothing the three wouldn't do for their family.
"Amber like it's so good to see you" Daisy cooed enveloping her in a big hug.
"Oh my days look how much your hair has grown, it's so long now, beautiful … hmm little dry though, bangs still a little wild …" Violet ran her fingers through her nieces locks.
"Oooh little bit dirty, but like you know how they say a little mud is good for the skin." Lily held the teens arm at length inspecting the mud stains splattering the teenagers skin.
"Like lets run you a bath!" "Ya totally!"
"Oh you don't have to go through all that trouble for me …" Amber started to feel a little overwhelmed by the attention..
"Nonsense babe! You're like our guest. Lily you run a hot bubble bath, Violet you get the hair treatment, I'll make you some hot tea." Daisy grinned.
"You really don't have to, it's already late and … and … you're already gone … and I'm talking to myself." Amber sighed and followed the sound of running water.
Amber had to admit it, it felt good, soaking in a massive tub, bubbles piled up as high as her head, a hot tea perched in the side. She had almost forgotten about these kinds of luxuries. Just as she sank down and started to relax, the door banged open and her aunties came sauntering in, hands full of products. Amber squeaked and splashed down under the suds, her head poking above the water.
"Ok we got argan oil shampoo, pomegranate extract to make that gorgeous natural hair colour pop, some warm olive oil for your scalp, some coconut oil blended deep conditioner and last but not least dechlorinated water to keep the build up at bay..."
Ambers head spun as her Aunties got to work scrubbing, pulling and threading her hair and scalp. After much pampering and preening, Amber was out the tub and in a fluffy dressing gown and slippers having her hair brushed, dried and styled.
"Now for just a touch of sea salt spray to add some texture and hold in the look andddd we are done! Amber looked in the mirror, her eyes widened. Wow! It looks amazing, my hair is so long and smooth and in place! I look like a real lady!
Amber beamed.
"Ohmyarceus ladies I think we've finally cracked it!" Violet clasped her hands together in triumph, but her beaming smile of joy soon turned to one of confusion and then dread as Ambers hair started to shake uncontrollably and her bangs popped out in every unruly direction as they naturally did.
The sisters all fell to the floor.
"Ugh we'll crack it next time kid." Lily sighed.
Calling it a night on their "work in progress" the Waterflowers set their niece up in the spare room - which was big enough to fit a Queen sized bed and hundreds of fluffy pillows - they all said goodnight and Amber settled down to sleep in the giant soft bed. Ok I've really missed this. The teen smiled to herself and closed her eyes.
Amber woke up early the next morning to be greeted by her three aunties sitting around a wonderful buffet style breakfast downstairs. There was juices, fruit, yoghurt, a selection of natural muesli and granola, pastries, honey and jams.
"Morning baby girl, did you sleep well?" Daisy pulled a chair out inviting the teen to sit with them.
"Yes thank you Aunty Daisy"
"Ugh don't call me Aunty, makes me feel like an old lady" Daisy rolled her eyes at thought.
Amber giggled.
"Coffee babe?" Violet brought over the freshly brewed pot and a mug.
Amber nodded and gratefully accepted the hot beverage.
The four ladies conversed and caught up on their latest news. Amber mainly just trying to speak as she could barely finish anything she started to tell them, with the barrage of questions from her aunties which then lead them to speak off topic about this and that and so and so. But it was lovely to catch up with them all the same, Amber was enjoying the morning with them.
"So where are you heading next?" Daisy asked her niece whilst sipping her coffee, able to finally get a word in, Amber responded. "I was aiming to go to the old Power Plant off route 10, but the water is too dangerous to swim in, I need a Pokémon to surf there."
"Oh what? Like you don't you have one?" Daisy asked in surprise.
"No, I"
"Like OhMyArceus have you seen your brothers latest exposé?! like you totally have to see this!" Violet butted in, shoving the latest copy of popular magazine KantoShipping into Ambers face, her brother's face beaming on the cover. Amber deadpanned.
"It's totally rumoured he's dating a famous model!" Lily clasped her hands with excitement.
"... that's great …" Amber droned. She really didn't care. We were talking about me ... She thought to herself bitterly.
The conversation carried on about who Cole might or might not be secretly dating, and why he hadn't told them if he was dating and so on until breakfast was nearly over.
"So as this is like obviously a very special occasion, we have decided to shut the gym for the day especially for you. So you can battle for your first gym badge when ever you feel ready." Daisy said looking to Amber
"Oh Aun" Daisy shot her a death glare, Amber gulped and changed her wording "Daisy, you really don't have to give any special treatment. I'm just like every other starter trainer."
"Nonsense. Now finish your breakfast at your own pace and get ready, We'll be waiting at the pool whenever you're ready babe." With that the three Sensational Sisters, tidied up their plates and left the breakfast table to get prepared. Amber gulped down the rest of her food. This was going to be great!
After filling up on as much food as possible, Amber rushed to the guest room to get ready. Tying her hair back and putting on her fingerless gloves, Amber grabbed her utility belt and rushed down to the pool. Excitement running through her veins, she burst through the doors and saw her aunties all sat pool side, in there swim dresses lounging around with a seel. Fire in her eyes Amber couldn't contain herself "Ok so which of you am I battling? Or do I battle all three of you? I'm ready!"
"Oh Amber, you're like ready already?" Lily commented, fanning herself casually and looking over her large sunglasses.
Amber made her way over to them, they didn't really look like they were ready for a Pokémon battle…
"Yeah, so yeah, no, you're like not battling us today." Daisy said casually.
Ambers stomach dropped to the floor. "... But Daisy you said today was the day I was battling for my badge …"
"Oh for sure, yeah your battling today babe, just not against us ... READY?!" Violet cupped a hand to her mouth and shouted out. Amber stood in utter confusion, a spotlight highlighted one of the diving boards on the far side of the pool.
"You will be battling me" a beautiful red headed woman in a one piece swimming costume and sports jacket appeared from the show door.
"MOM?!" Amber's eyes bugged out and her jaw dropped.
"You really didn't think I'd miss this did you?" Misty winked at her daughter. "Now my sweet daughter, time to prove to me you're ready to take on the League Gym Challenge. My adorable Pokémon are ready to take you on! The ultimate offense of Water-type Pokémon! We will have a two on two battle, no time limit. We begin now."
Amber took her place at the other diving board and pulled out a pokéball. "I'm more than ready. I choose you Magnemite"
Magnemite came out and looked around the unfamiliar place, bobbing with unease a top a float placed into the pool as a platform.
"You're Magnemite looks a little nervous." Misty commented, looking at the little Pokémon thoughtfully as she studied it's movements.
"Just you wait, this magnemite is full of surprises!"
"Ok, I choose you Staryu." Misty released the Pokémon onto the platform float, cautious not to allow her Pokémon to be sitting ducks in the pool of water against her daughter's electric types. "Bubble attack Staryu"
"Magnemite, use sonic boom! Show Staryu how strong you're attack is!"
Magnemite shivered at the incoming attack and clammed up, allowing the bubble to hit. It wasn't particularly effective or powerful but it was enough to shake up Magnemite and slow it down.
"Magnemite?" What's up? I know it can handle Staryu … "Magnemite use your sonic boom!" Amber called out again.
Magnemite released it's attack.
"Staryu counter it with swift."
The attack from the star Pokémon cut through the sound waves like butter, taking little damage from the oncoming attack itself and hit it's intended target square on. Magnemite passed out.
"Magnemite is unable to battle." Daisy ruled from the side-lines. Amber returned her pokémon and looked at the ball speechless. How could Magnemite, the pokémon that KO'd a wild raticate in one hit and took out that giant magikarp be KO'd so easily by Staryu? Is Mom using over levelled Pokémon for this match? Does she want me to fail? To give up on my dream and go back to Pallet Town? No, no way! I can't let that happen! I won't let that happen! We have to win this.
"Wow like doesn't Amber remind you of Ash? Like remember when he first battled Misty here?" Lily whispered to Violet who nodded in agreement.
"You're Magnemite has no confidence in itself, it needs more battle experience." Misty called out.
Amber growled softly and released her final Pokémon "Pichu you're up"
"Owww he's so cute!" All the Waterflowers swooned over the baby mouse Pokémon, who lapped up the praise and struck an adorable pose.
Amber wasted no time, frustrated being on the back foot. "Pichu, use Thunder Wave."
Misty quickly came out of her cuteness coma and commanded her Pokémon. "Staryu counter with Psywave."
The two attacks collided, with Pichu taking a small hit, but not much damage and Staryu suffering from paralysis.
"Staryu use Swift Attack!" The Pokémon shivered and didn't respond. It was paralysed.
"Ok whilst it's paralysed, Pichu hit it with a Thunder Shock!"
The attack hit head on knocking out the little star Pokémon.
"Staryu is unable to battle" Daisy called out.
Misty recalled her Pokémon. "You were awesome Staryu, thank you. Ok now for my next Pokémon. I choose you Poliwag."
Poliwag? "Alright Pichu, lets lead off with another Thunder Wave."
"Poliwag use Mud Shot."
Oh no, Poliwag knows ground moves! That why she saved him till last.
Both attacks hit, Poliwag had little sparks across his body but was still able to move, Pichu took the shot hard but was still able to battle. I can't afford to get hit with that move again … or … I could use … it's risky in water battle, but it's a risk I'm going to take "Pichu use Raindance!"
Raindance? In a water battle? Doesn't she realise that's completely to my advantage? Misty mused as a rain cloud formed above the pool and splashed down rain on the field and Pokémon. The ex Gym Leader carried on her with her offense "You know this match is mine right? Water Pokémon always have the edge in a water field! Poliwag one more hit with mud shot and we've got this - Mud Shot at Pichu now!"
The little tadpole launched another mud ball at Pichu but with the intense rain pelting down on the projectile of mud, it only hit with half the force as before, doing little damage, Pichu was still in this.
Misty was shocked I thought it was only fire moves that couldn't stand up to the rain ... Ambers voice rang out breaking Misty out of her trail of thought "Pichu! Poliwag and the platform he's on is soaked through with the rain! Thunder Shock!"
Pichu launched it's attack, Misty cried out "Poliwag dodge it!" The little tadpole dived into the pool. The entire platform sizzled with electricity.
Misty gasped oh no! But responded quickly. "Poliwag, quick attack from the water and launch a water gun, use that Raindance to our advantage now, we just need one more hit!"
"Pichu light up the attack! Thunder shock!"
"Pi Chuuuuuuuuuuuuu" The lightning attack connected with the water blast and travelled down it frying the tadpole. "Pichu dodge!" Pichu dived into the pool narrowly missing the lightning infused water projectile. Poliwag bobbed up to the surface of the water, eyes swirling.
"Poliwag is unable to battle. This match goes to Amber." Daisy shouted out raising her arm to Ambers side of the pool.
Violet and Lily cheered and Seel clapped along "seel, seel."
"Oh my Arceus, like doesn't she just like remind you of Mist when she was Gym Leader at that age!" Lily squealed, Violet agreed, jumping up and down clapping. Daisy sweat dropped at the fickle pair.
Amber dived into the pool and swam to her Pichu, who jumped into her arms. She span him around whilst in the water, holding him high above her head as he waved his paws gleefully.
Misty watched her daughter celebrating with her Pokémon. She sighed recalling Poliwag and thanking him for the hard battle, but soon smiled lovingly at the sight in the pool. Lt Surge was right, her kid was really something special. Slipping into the pool herself, she swam over to the joyous duo still bouncing around in the water.
Seeing her mother approach, Amber placed Pichu on top of her head and met her half way, both treading water. "That was a brilliant match and a very well deserved win for you sweetie. I've never seen Raindance used to my disadvantage like that before. Well done. You earned this."
Misty clapped as Seel dove into the pool and swam over to them, sticking his tongue out and producing a Cascade badge. Misty took it and handed it to her daughter with pride. Amber accepted it and beamed with delight. She'd earned her first badge. She lifted it up for Pichu to see as well, his eyes sparkled at the sight.
"Well done sweetie, you too Pichu." Misty fussed Pichu's head and brought her daughter into an embrace. The two shared a long hug in the pool.
"I'm really proud of you." The two ended the embrace and swam to the edge to get out of the water.
After hugging all her aunties and accepting their praise, and of course Pichu getting copious amounts of cuddles, Misty came over with a towel for her daughter. "Usually I'd give out a TM, but as I don't think teaching Bubblebeam is particularly high on your priority list I'm going to give you one better."
Misty took her hand hidden behind her back and revealed a red and blue pokéball.
"A lure ball?" Amber took the sphere from her mother and examined it in her hands.
"Release it in the pool" Misty smiled.
Amber stood and let the ball open, a red flashing light coming out into the water and morphing into a blob with antennae.
"Chinchou!" The little water electric type pokémon looked up at her new trainer.
"A Chinchou!" Amber exclaimed with excitement, she then lay down on the pool's edge and put her hand in the pool, gently fussing and playing with her new friend, who lapped up the attention.
"I've wanted you to have Chinchou for a while now, but I had to know you were ready for her, for all of this, and today you proved to me you are. I must admit I was a little crushed to think that you might never train water Pokémon and I'm sorry if you think I've been unsupportive. But now I hope this little Chinchou helps bridge that divide between us. You are a great trainer Amber Ketchum and I want you to follow your dreams, but never forget you're a Waterflower too." Misty winked.
Standing up, Amber gave her mother another big hug "she's perfect Mom. Thank you."
"She knows Surf too, so she'll be able to take you down to the power plant safely." Misty added.
"Huh? How did you know?" Amber looked at her mother in a mixture of surprise and confusion.
"What you think my sisters don't talk?" Misty winked.
Amber looked to the trio, who were all tearing up and sniffing at the sentimental family moment unfolding before them, Lily and Violet hugging each other.
"No, I know they talk, I just didn't think they listened." Amber grinned cheekily.
"Oh! Cheeky child!" Lily pouted. Misty and Amber both grinned and giggled. Wow she really is a mini Misty, Daisy smiled to herself.
After healing her Pokémon, changing into some dry clothes and having lunch with her family; Amber was geared up and ready to go back on the road with her latest addition and first gym badge. After tearful hugs and well wishes from her aunties, Amber hugged her mother one last time.
"You're hair is longer" Misty commented stoking her daughters growing locks, and you've definitely grown taller, your up to my chin now. You're growing into a fine young trainer Amber Ketchum. I love you."
Amber smiled "love you too Mom." She nodded and started to walk away from the gym, waving goodbye to her family.
"Take care out there sweetie." Misty called out waving. "And don't forget to call us every day." Then Misty said quietly to herself, "I miss you..."
Daisy put an arm around her younger sister. "You know she's like totally awesome right?"
"I do." Misty smiled. But as she watched her daughter getting further and further away she couldn't help but feel the knot in her stomach she was desperately trying to ignore getting tighter.
Authors note: Ok I know I took some artistic liberties with how Raindance works. I want to stay truer to the games but when all is said and done this is more based in the anime world. I hope you're happy with my introduction of Chinchou. I was very close to just having Pichu learn surf and bringing in Chinchou later in the story but I think it's a nice Mother Daughter bonding gesture don't you?