Riding the high of his first catch and Zorua's first official win, the duo ran back to town with huge smiles on their faces. Exiting the forest, they ran into Cynthia and her Gible getting ready to make their run. Torian Rushed to Cynthia who squealed in surprise when Torian wrapped her in a hug, picked her up and started twirling her around cheering
"WE did it! We did it!" Torian Laughed in joy as Zorua danced around Gible who soon joined in his friend's revelry.
"Torian put me down!" Cynthia laughed as she hugged him back. Once on the ground beamed at their Pokémon playing around them. "What happened to bring this on?"
In response, Torian held up a Pokeball. "Zorua just won her first real battle and I caught my first wild Pokémon."
Cynthia's eyes turned to saucers as she looked at the pokeball. Now it was Torian's turn to be picked up and spun around. Both friends laughing and celebrating brought smiles to the few townsfolk walking around them.
When Cynthia put him down, she grabbed his shoulders. "We must get to the Pokémon center and get your new friend checked out and patched up." She sent Zorua a knowing look. "I know how fierce this little lady can get." Zorua looked very pleased by Cynthia's comment.
Torian always marveled at the size of Pokémon centers. They were so much more than the games showed. They were like mini motels for trainers to rest and stay while in a city or town. Of course, Cynthia had said that the size of the center varied from town to town. It all came down to how many trainers passed through.
Another thing that differed from the games and Anime was that trainer battles didn't always end in an exchange of money. That was all voluntary and no trainer was obligated to battle another. Trainers made their money by winning gym battles, small local tournaments and the occasional odd jobs in cities and towns.
Gyms, granted a stipend to those participating in the Gym Challenge sponsored by the local League. Of course, to sign up for the Gym challenge a trainer would need to be sponsored by someone in the league, whether a gym leader, elite 4 member or the regions Pokémon Professor.
This kept the gyms from getting clogged by young children constantly looking to battle and allowed for local wild Pokémon to maintain their populations without fear of trainers catching too many and hurting the ecosystem.
The local tournaments, Cynthia mentioned mostly took place in cities and were mostly used like a circus for entertainment and not sponsored by the league. Cynthia had also warned her that they required an entrance fee and if you lost then there was no way to get your money back. Torian made a note to only enter those once he became a more experienced trainer.
When Torian had expressed concern about trainers running out of money Cynthia had told him that usually the trainers sponsor would send a small stipend so that they could eat and drink. That was apparently what Professor Rowan was paying them all this time.
As the duo entered the center, Torian couldn't help but feel giddy. Living a childhood dream just never got old. At least it hadn't gotten old yet. Walking up to the counter Torian put Zorua back in her ball before placing her and Skorupi on the counter. "Hey Nurse Joy, got a new team member today. Was hoping you could give them and Zorua a checkup. Make sure both are alright." Nurse Joy beamed at him before collecting the Pokeballs.
"Congrats Torian." Her pink hair swished as she turned around and placed them in a special container before putting that container on a cart. "I'll be right back once these two have been checked out." With a final wave, she pushed the cart into the back rooms where all the medical equipment was.
Cynthia chuckled a bit, drawing Torians attention back to the beautiful blonde. "You know, I'm gonna need to catch my own Pokémon before we head out otherwise you might surpass me." Torian smiled at her teasing and nudged her shoulder.
"Don't fret too much Cindy." Cynthia scowled at the nickname. "I'm always gonna need you." Her scowl turned into an embarrassed blush before she knocked him over the head.
"I told you not to call me that. Tori." She growled while turning away, trying to hide her blush."
Torian laughed as he rubbed his head. "Sorry Cynthia, I won't call you that any more so long as Tori stays out of your vocabulary." Cynthia finally regained control over her blush and graced him with a small smile.
"Very well." She shook her head and turned to the exit. "I'll meet up with you later at the lab. I have to go catch a Pokémon with Gible!" She raced outside a determined look crossing her face.
"You two seem to be getting close." Nurse joys voice rang out behind me, startling me.
I Blushed and rubbed the back of my head, avoiding eye contact. I was so embarrassed; girls just never really gave me the time of day back in my original world and here everyone kept teasing me about Cynthia. I just though she was being nice since she is my only friend. Human friend at least.
Not to mention, Cynthia was gorgeous. She always had a good-looking character model but again, the games and anime don't hold a candle to reality. How could I, an average at best looking guy has any chance beyond friendship.
"We're just good friends Nurse Joy." She looked at him like he was a child who didn't understand what the adults were saying. "How are my teammates?" Torian asked hoping to steer the conversation to safer ground.
Nurse joy gave me another look before sighing. "Your Pokémon are the pinnacle of health. I would however recommend you acquaint yourself with your new Pokémon as soon as possible to make sure it is willing to cooperate. Nothing more dangerous than an unhappy partner." Nurse Joy holds out a tray holding two Pokeballs.
Torian grabs the offered Pokeballs and attaches them to his belt. "Don't worry Nurse, I plan on doing just that right now. If you see Cynthia before me, tell her I'll meet her at the lab for dinner!" Waving as he ran from the building Torian failed to hear Nurse Joys laughter.
The one thing the games got right that Torian was forever thankful for, was the beach at the bottom of Sandgem town. He had spent some time down here but not as much as he would have liked. Now he would be training Zorua and Skorupi here. At least until it was time to start their journey.
That was something Torian was confused by. Why Cynthia said they had to wait before starting their journey. Her explanation was that they needed to get an ok from the league about their request to participate of the gym challenge. Torian thought it was something else but wasn't willing to press the only friend he had in this new world so sat back and accepted it.
Shaking his thoughts from his head, Torian grabbed his two Pokeballs and release his Pokémon. Zorua jumped in joy at seeing her trainer while Skorupi looked around confused. When it saw Torian and Zorua it tensed.
Torian held up his hands. "Hey, your ok buddy. Just wanted to welcome you to the team. I mean, if that's what you want. I won't force you to stay." Skorupi looked at him confused. It had seen many trainers capture other Pokémon and none of them had released those they took. Glancing at Zorua, it saw hopeful playfulness in her gaze.
"Zor!" Zorua yipped at him before jumping into Torians arms. The young man caught her and laughed, showering her in affection before placing her down and looking at Skorupi.
"So, what do you say? Partners?" Torian knelt and held out his hand.
Skorupi stared into his eyes, then Zoruas. His light blue eyes soften a bit before it scuttles over puts one of its little claws in Torians hands. "Skor." Skorupi mutters causing Zorua to jump and flip in joy.
Torian smiled and stood, pulling out his Pokédex. "Alright then Skorupi, lets see what you can do." Turning the dex towards his Pokémon Torian turned on the scanner.
'Skorupi: the scorpion Pokémon. It grips prey with its tail slaws and injects poison. It tenaciously hangs on until the poison takes. It lives in arid lands and buries itself in sand, lying in wait for unsuspecting prey.' The dex rang out before showing the specific information on this Skorupi.
"Male, and you know leer, poison sting, sand attack and Poison tail." Torian mutters after reading the dex. "Interesting move set. Can definitely work with that for now." Torian mumbled thinking over what he wanted to work on. Moving to Zorua and scanned her as well just to make sure she wasn't hiding anything special. "Ok Zorua, you know growl, bite, and takedown. We are definitely gonna have to expand your move set if we want you to be a power house." Zorua looked a bit niffed by that but stood up in determination.
Clapping his hands Torian put his dex away. "For now, let's focus on your speed and maneuverability. I wise man used to say, 'If you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball.' As I don't have any wrenches or balls." A kid passing nearby laughed causing Torian to close his eyes at his unintentional joke. "For the next hour, Skorupi, you will fire poison sting at Zorua while she runs. Zorua, your task is to dodge all of his attacks while maintaining your speed. Then, we're gonna have a little break before Skorupi runs and Zorua tries to attack him. Any questions?" Neither Pokémon voices any and Torian clapped his hands. "Alright, Begin!"
For the next three hours, that's what we do. Alternating until both Pokémon are exhausted with 5-minute breaks in between. It has to be one of the more rigorous training sessions Zorua and I have done since her hatching, but Torian can tell she is very happy. Especially once He starts dealing out praise and affection to both of them.
The Sun was setting by the time they made their way back to the lab. Walking in, Torian noticed Cynthia sitting at a couch towards the back in the common area. She was reading a book and behind her, Gible was playing with the grass-poison type Pokémon, Budew. Zorua noticed her friend and yipped in excitement before rushing over. Skorupi who was also still out of his ball hesitated. Noticing this Zorua turned back and barked "Zorua!" The little scorpion Pokémon rushed forward chittering at her and the new Pokémon.
Torian smiled fondly as his team met with Cynthias. Speaking of the young woman Torian watched her watch their Pokémon and noticed how content she seemed watching their Pokémon play and bond. Walking over and taking a seat he spoke. "New teammate?" Motioning towards the Budew.
Cynthia graced him with a smile before reaching for a steaming cup. "I told you I wouldn't let you surpass me so soon." She took a sip and hummed. "She is my newest partner." Cynthia beamed. She really shone when talking about her Pokémon. "I caught her about an hour ago. She almost gave my poor Gible a heart attack with how she jumped out at us." We laughed together as she told the story.
After the story Torian glanced at their Pokémon and asked. "Cynthia, when are we gonna start our journey?" She made to answer but he held up his hand. "I know its not because we need league permission Cynthia. I did my own research. Gyms are open year-round. So, I'm asking as your friend, why haven't we started?"
Cynthia bit her bottom lip and looked away. As if sensing the topic of conversation turning serious, their Pokémon came over and nuzzled them for attention. Zorua hopped into Torian's lap while Skorupi laid across his feet. Gible similarly jumped into Cynthia's lap while her new Budew, stood next to her.
"I'm…" Cynthia fidgeted looking uncomfortable and more importantly, embarrassed. "Idon'twanttoleavetheicecreamshop!" She yelled averting her eyes and blushing furiously.
"What?" Torian had to hold back his laughter as Cynthia turned as red as a tomato.
Her cheeks puffed up and she turned away from him. "I don't want o leave my favorite Ice cream shop, ok?" She deflated as Torian burst out laughing. "It's not funny Torian!" Cynthia groaned out, huffing in embarrassment.
Torian tried to stifle his laughter and giggled out, "It kind of is, a little bit." Cynthia huffed before squeezing Gible closer to her. "I'm sorry for laughing. Truly. I just thought it was something else, something more serious."
"I'm sorry for holding us back." Cynthia grumbled. "I'm just gonna miss this place."
Torian smiled. "So will I. But we will be back. We will be champions and the strongest trainers in the world." Torian smiled before ruffling Zorua's fur and scratching Skorupi's head. "With the best teams of Pokémon any trainer could ask for." Cynthia looked down to her Pokémon giving them a small smile and loving pats.
"Yeah, the best team ever." She muttered quietly. Taking a deep breath, she took on a determined look. "We leave tomorrow at first light!" Cynthia proclaimed as she stood with her Gible. "Tomorrow, we head for our first stop, Jubilife city!"
"Don't we still need to get the proper supplies for the journey first?" Torian deadpanned. "And tell the professor we are leaving?" Cynthia face planted on nothing and rushed to regain her composure.
"We leave as soon as our final preparations are done!" She proclaimed proudly hoping to preserve her dignity.
*3 days later*
Standing at the start of route 202 was a surreal experience. After all this time he would finally begin his journey. With two Pokémon to boot. Glancing to his left Torian beamed at Cynthia who was having a heartfelt goodbye with the owner of the local ice cream shop. Torian chuckled at the scene. Zorua, who had taken to sitting on his head, smacked his head with her paw, telling him to leave them alone.
Looking behind him, route 202 seemed to be rather peaceful, heck in the distance, you could even see the city. It was early morning and the sun was shining with not a cloud in the sky. Perfect weather for the start, or so Cynthia had said. Apparently, it would only take them a few hours to reach the city and from there, they could plan their trip to the first gym.
'Ok, Torian, are you ready to officially begin our journeys?" Cynthia broke him form his thoughts as she came up next to him. Her Gible waddling alone beside her.
Torian smiled ecstatic. "I was born ready."
The two friends shared a smile and headed off, first stop, Jubilife City.
So, that is chap2. Question, would you like to see Pokémon from other regions join the team or stay region exclusive? I can go either way so it's up to you. Please share your thoughts and concerns I love reading reviews. Also, I have uploaded this story to Archive. Same name and author. If you prefer that site then you can use that. I know fanfiction is giving people problems. Heck, I still don't get any notifications from them and apparently according to the site, this story has no traffic. Anyway hope you enjoyed and have a great day!