A/N: Welcome to a new fic idea that had been swirling in my head when I was deciding to write Ash On Fire. I chose Ash On Fire because I wanted something dark and edgy to write whereas this idea while still a good one was well a little over the top korny for me. I still planned on writing it but due to the very busy wedding summer I have had this was very much a back of the mind thought. While not every plot point has been mapped I didn't want to wait and started writing this while working on the last few chapters of I Want To Be The Greatest Master Of Them All. Please let me know what you think of this opening chapter through either a review or a favorite once again thank you to all my readers for their support.
The sun was shining brightly in Pallet Town, its rays casting a warm golden hue on Professor Gary Oak's sprawling summer campgrounds. The large wooden sign, etched with "Professor Gary Oak's Pokémon Summer Camp," creaked gently in the breeze, welcoming hordes of excited young trainers.
Amid the buzzing crowd, Marina Ketchum stood out, her violet-pink hair shimmering under the sun. It cascaded down to her shoulders in playful waves. Her viridian eyes sparkled with unbridled enthusiasm, contrasting beautifully with her pale skin. Wearing a white T-shirt adorned with a Pikachu emblem, teamed with denim shorts and a pair of sturdy red sneakers, she looked every bit the budding trainer ready for an unforgettable summer. A silver necklace with a miniature Pokéball pendant hung around her neck, a gift for her upcoming 10th birthday.
Marina's eyes widened in shock as she watched her beloved duffle bag, embroidered with her initials "M.K.," being tossed unceremoniously onto a towering heap of luggage. Before she could even utter a protest, more bags rained down, burying her belongings.
"Oh no! My bag!" she exclaimed, trying to wiggle her way through the throng of children to retrieve it, but it was too late. Her duffle was lost in the sea of assorted bags.
A chuckle from her side caught her attention. Turning, Marina was met with the amused gaze of a girl, roughly her age. The stranger had honey-blonde hair tied in two loose pigtails, freckles dancing across her button nose, and eyes the color of fresh hazelnuts. "First time here, huh?" she remarked, her voice dripping with playful mockery. "Any camp regular would've known better than to let their bag stay in the pile for more than a second."
Marina's cheeks flushed a soft shade of pink, "Yeah, first time. I... I didn't think they'd just throw the bags like that."
The honey-blonde girl grinned, "Well, welcome to the chaos! Name's Lexie, by the way."
Marina and Lexie teamed up, each grabbing one end of the duffle's visible strap, and pulling with all their might. They leaned back, their feet digging into the ground for leverage. But no matter how much they tugged and strained, the duffle didn't budge an inch.
"Ugh! It's like it's wedged between a Snorlax and an Onix!" Lexie exclaimed, wiping the sweat from her forehead.
Just then, a girl in a vibrant tie-dye shirt passed by, effortlessly pulling her bag from the very bottom of the pile without disturbing the mountain of luggage on top. The tie-dye shirt seemed to ripple with colors, from deep purples to sunny yellows. Her raven-black hair was braided in a single long plait that reached her waist, and she wore a pair of teal-colored shorts and white sneakers. A pair of round sunglasses sat atop her head, and her dark skin glowed under the Pallet Town sun.
"Hey, Rainbow!" Lexie called out, gesturing to the girl.
Rainbow, or so Marina assumed was her name given Lexie's call, turned around, her deep amber eyes sparkling with curiosity. "What's up, Lexie?"
Marina stepped forward, feeling slightly shy but desperate. "Hi, I'm Marina. I saw you pull out your bag just now. It was amazing! Do you think you could help us with mine? It's kinda... stuck."
Rainbow raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a confident smirk. "Of course, I've got the magic touch." She approached the luggage mountain and studied it for a moment. Then, positioning herself strategically, she took hold of Marina's duffle strap and, with one swift and calculated pull, managed to free it.
Marina's eyes widened in amazement. "Wow! Thanks, Rainbow. That was impressive!"
Rainbow chuckled, pushing her sunglasses down onto her eyes. "No problem. And it's just a knack. See you girls around camp." Rainbow's eyes caught the emblem on Marina's bag.
Marina looked down, realizing the emblem Rainbow was referring to – a silver embroidered symbol representing the Pokémon League's elite. "Oh, yeah," Marina replied, a bit surprised.
Rainbow's eyebrows raised in intrigue. "You part of the League's inner circle or something?"
Lexie, equally curious, chimed in, "Yeah, are you related to someone high up in the Pokémon League? That's a pretty fancy emblem to have."
Feeling a tad overwhelmed but also proud, Marina responded, "My dad has been involved with the Pokémon League for generations. But I'm here to make my own mark."
"No worries," Rainbow replied with a wink. "With that emblem, I bet there's a story waiting to be told. Can't wait to hear it. See you around camp."
With that, the enigmatic girl in tie-dye sauntered off, leaving Marina and Lexie to ponder the summer's exciting potential.
As Marina and Lexie headed towards the designated gathering spot, their chatter was momentarily interrupted by the rumbling sound of a powerful engine. A sleek black limousine pulled up the driveway, contrasting sharply with the rustic setting of the camp.
"Wow, look at that!" Lexie exclaimed, nudging Marina. "Someone here definitely thinks they're the cream of the crop."
Marina smirked, "Yeah, or maybe they just wanted to make an entrance."
Without paying much more attention to the limo, the two girls joined the crowd of campers congregating around Professor Gary Oak and his team of counselors. They were all eager to know their cabin assignments and get the summer started.
Behind them, the limousine's door opened, revealing a distinguished Tracey Sketchit. No longer the young, carefree artist from years gone by, Tracey had matured into a refined gentleman in his late 30s. His black hair, once wild and carefree, was now neatly styled, with subtle silver streaks at the temples. Instead of his trusty sketchbook, a sleek tablet was tucked under his arm. He wore a sharp navy blue suit, which was complemented by a maroon tie.
After a momentary pause, Tracey extended a helping hand to assist his niece, Coral Waterflower, out of the vehicle. The young girl's long, violet-pink hair, almost a mirror image of Marina's, cascaded down to the small of her back. Coral's attire was distinctly unique: a breezy aqua-blue sundress decorated with patterns of cascading water and water Pokémon. White gladiator sandals adorned her feet, and a silver bracelet with water droplet charms shimmered on her wrist. Her backpack, decorated with patches from various Water-type Pokémon Gyms, swung gently as she stepped onto the campgrounds.
As the limousine settled and the murmurs of the campers continued in the background, Tracey took a moment to survey the surroundings with a nostalgic glint in his eyes.
"Well, here we are, Coral," he began, taking a deep breath of the fresh Pallet Town air, "Professor Oak's Summer Camp. We've traveled a long way from Porto Marinada in the Paldea region to get here."
Coral looked around with wide, curious eyes, taking in every detail. "It looks exactly like the brochures," she commented, a hint of excitement in her voice. "You used to work here, didn't you, Uncle Tracey?"
Tracey chuckled, "That's right. Feels like a lifetime ago. It's where I met many of my lifelong friends and, of course, your Aunt Daisy."
Coral smiled, "I remember Aunt Daisy's stories about this place. I can't wait to make some memories of my own here."
Tracey patted her on the back, "You will, kiddo. Just like I did." And with that, the duo confidently approached the gathering, ready to embark on a new adventure in a place filled with old memories.
Standing beside the black limousine, Tracey unfolded a neatly penned checklist, ensuring they hadn't missed any essential items for Coral's stay. He briskly ran down the list, ticking off items one by one.
"Sleeping bag? Check. Toothbrush and other toiletries? Check. Poké Balls and the essential gear? Check," he recited. When he came to a particular item on the list, his voice softened, "Pictures of your mom, your aunts, and... your favorite uncle?"
Coral chuckled, reaching into her bag to pull out a small photo album. The cover displayed a beautiful family picture, with Coral, her mother, and her aunts, Daisy, Violet, and Lily, all smiling brightly. A separate photo tucked into the album cover showcased a younger Tracey, cheekily sticking out his tongue.
"All set," Coral assured with a warm smile.
Tracey took a deep breath, "Coral, are you sure about flying home on your own once summer ends? It's quite a journey back to Porto Marinada."
Coral nodded confidently, "I've got this, Uncle Tracey. I'm not a little kid anymore."
Tracey gave her a concerned look, "Remember, if you ever change your mind or feel uncertain about anything, I'm just a phone call away. I'll fly over and come get you in a heartbeat."
Coral hugged her uncle, "Thanks for always looking out for me, but I promise I'll be fine."
Tracey, trying to hold back the forming tears, gave a soft kiss atop Coral's head. "I'm going to miss you so much, Coral."
"Me too, Uncle Tracey," Coral murmured, her voice choked with emotion.
Trying to lighten the mood, Coral held out her hand, initiating their signature extended secret handshake. They began with a firm grip, transitioning into a series of elaborate hand movements. Their fingers intertwined in a complex dance, then they tapped each other's knuckles, followed by a playful salute, a quick fist bump, and finally, ending with both hands forming a heart shape.
Their shared laughter filled the air, echoing the deep bond between them. Even as Coral was about to embark on a new journey, the memory of that special handshake ensured that home was never too far away.
After the initial hustle and bustle of the first day, Marina found herself settling into a cabin along with Lexie and Rainbow. Their cabin was cozily nestled amidst a grove of trees, and the trio quickly bonded over shared stories and giggles. On the other side of the camp, away from the gentle rustling of the trees, Coral found her own cabin. It was close to a serene lake, its calm waters reflecting the morning sun.
The first day was filled with activities, introductions, and exploration, leaving Marina and Coral too preoccupied to cross paths.
On the second day, the sun shone brightly, casting a golden hue across the camp. Campers eagerly lined up at the buffet for breakfast, the delightful aroma of freshly made pancakes and sizzling bacon filling the air.
Marina was busy filling her plate when she heard someone talking animatedly about strawberries. Turning her head, she saw a cheerful female counselor with brown hair and a vibrant green cap. It was Leaf, known for her infectious enthusiasm and love for fresh berries.
Leaf, holding a bowl full of luscious red strawberries, asked, "Hey, would you like some strawberries? They're incredibly fresh!"
Marina, eyeing the bowl hesitantly, replied, "No thanks, I'm allergic." With that, she swiftly moved away from the buffet line, leaving Leaf slightly taken aback.
Coral, who was a few people behind in line, soon reached the strawberry-laden counselor. Without lifting her gaze from the bowl, Leaf offered, "Strawberries? Would you like some?"
"No thanks, I'm allergic," echoed Coral's voice.
Leaf's head shot up, her eyes meeting Coral's. Confused, she remarked, "Didn't you just have shorter hair?"
Coral, oblivious to the previous interaction and slightly puzzled by the question, just chuckled, "Uh, nope. This has always been my hair length." She then proceeded to fill her plate, leaving Leaf scratching her head, wondering about the uncanny coincidence.
The camp's sprawling grounds gave way to a dedicated paintball course, a maze of barricades, and natural hideouts which turned the landscape into a battleground of colors. Excited chatters and the sound of paintball guns firing filled the air as kids darted between barriers, trying to outsmart their opponents.
Amidst the melee, Marina had quickly emerged as a force to be reckoned with. She navigated the course with agility and precision, her marksmanship catching many by surprise. Just moments ago, she had artfully maneuvered around a barricade and tagged a slightly older boy on his arm, a splat of paint marking his defeat. Panting, he removed his mask, revealing a look of astonishment. "I didn't expect you to be this good!" he admitted.
Marina grinned, her mask lifted, revealing a confident gleam in her eyes. "Never underestimate a determined trainer, or in this case, paintball player."
Near the entrance of the course, Leaf, acting as the referee, blew a whistle. "Alright! Marina's undefeated through five rounds today! Who's next to challenge our reigning champion?"
As murmurs spread and campers hesitated, Coral, flanked by two of her cabinmates, approached the challenge area. They had watched Marina's display of skill from a distance, impressed by her dominance in the game.
Seeing the open challenge, Coral's eyes sparkled with determination. "I think I'll take a whack at it," she announced confidently, adjusting her paintball helmet.
Leaf, recognizing the girl from the earlier breakfast strawberry encounter, smirked. "Round six of the day, huh? Let's see how you fare in this arena."
Marina, cleaning her paintball gun, lifted her gaze and met Coral's. For a fleeting second, there was a moment of curious recognition, but then the competitive spirit took over.
In the heart of the bustling camp, a netted arena stood tall, keeping the intensity of the paintball battle within and ensuring the safety of onlookers outside. It was here that the two rising stars, Marina and Coral, were about to face off.
"Alright, players!" Leaf shouted, motioning for them to step inside the enclosed space. "Once inside, get set and wait for my whistle. Remember, aim for the body, no headshots, and let's have a clean match."
Both girls, armed with their paintball guns, took their positions on opposing sides of the arena. A tense silence filled the air as each competitor mentally prepared, their fingers poised on the triggers.
"Ready?" Leaf yelled, receiving determined nods from both players. With a deep breath, she blew her whistle, signaling the start of the match.
What followed was a blur of swift movements, quick slides, and precise shots. Paintballs whizzed past, narrowly missing their intended targets. The agility of both girls was unparalleled, each dodging and weaving, trying to outmaneuver the other.
Amidst the rapid movements, Coral took a risky gambit, sliding from her cover in an attempt to reach a more strategic position. However, as she landed, a misjudged shot from her gun fired directly towards Marina, landing a direct headshot. The force knocked Marina back, her goggles covered in paint.
Coral's eyes widened in horror, realizing her unintended move. Without a second thought, she sprinted towards Marina, shouting apologies. "I'm so sorry! That wasn't intentional!"
But as Coral approached, Marina, ever the strategist, seized the opportunity. With a swift move, she shot a paintball straight at Coral's mask, splattering paint across her goggles, rendering her visionless.
Leaf's whistle pierced the air immediately, signaling for them to halt. Other campers rushed into the arena, ensuring the safety of the two players.
With her back turned Marina hastily removed her mask, not wanting to face Coral. There was a mix of embarrassment and frustration on her face. Similarly, Coral, feeling upset about the turn of events, removed her own mask, avoiding Marina's gaze.
The atmosphere was thick with tension. Both girls, though unbeaten in many battles, had met their match in each other – not just in skill but in the unpredictability of the game.
As the tension hung thick in the air, Leaf stepped between the two girls, attempting to dissipate the evident animosity. "Alright, enough is enough. Yes, Coral won the match, but remember what we're taught as Pokémon trainers? Whether win or lose, we shake hands, showing respect to our opponent. I expect the same from both of you now."
Both girls, their backs still turned to each other, sighed heavily. With reluctant movements, they began to turn, preparing for the obligatory gesture. However, as they finally faced each other without the obstruction of paint-splattered masks, their expressions shifted from irritation to surprise.
The striking resemblance was undeniable. The same shade of violet-pink hair, similar viridian eyes, and a shared set of facial features. It was as if they were looking into a mirror.
Whispers erupted among the gathered campers. "Do you see that? They could be twins!" one camper murmured. "How did we not notice this before?" another wondered aloud.
The surprise wasn't limited to just the onlookers; Marina and Coral themselves seemed equally, if not more, taken aback. The earlier competitiveness and anger were momentarily forgotten as they stared at each other, mutual astonishment reflecting in their eyes.
Marina's smirk played across her lips, her earlier embarrassment forgotten. "What's everyone so surprised about?" she asked, feigning ignorance.
Coral, still recovering from the initial shock, responded, "Don't you see it? We look... well, almost identical."
"Really?" Marina raised an eyebrow, teasingly. "Show me your right side."
Coral, obliging, turned, presenting her right profile. "See?"
"Now the left," Marina commanded. As Coral showed her left profile, Marina pretended to study her closely before cheekily retorting, "Well, I guess you do have hair somewhat like mine and eyes that are close enough. But your nose is definitely a tad bigger, and are those teeth a bit... crooked?"
Rainbow and Lexie couldn't help but burst into giggles at the audacious comparison. Coral's hand subconsciously rose to her mouth, touching her teeth as a wave of self-consciousness washed over her.
Marina leaned in, her smirk more playful now. "Don't worry, girl. All of that can be fixed," she winked.
At this, one of Coral's cabinmates, protective and fiercely loyal, stepped forward, fire in her eyes. "You want me to deck her for you, Coral?" she offered, her voice dripping with challenge.
Marina raised her hands, signaling the protective cabinmate to stand down. "Hold on, I'm not quite finished yet," she said with a challenging gleam in her eyes. "You want to know the real difference between us?"
Coral, her patience thinning, retorted sharply, "Let me think... Is it that I actually know how to shoot? Or maybe it's that I possess class and you... well, don't? Take your pick."
Marina's face reddened with anger, her hands curling into fists as she took a step toward Coral, ready to confront her. But just as quickly, Rainbow jumped in, wrapping her arms around Marina to hold her back. "Easy, easy," she whispered into Marina's ear, trying to keep the peace.
Leaf, seeing the situation escalating, quickly stepped in. "Alright, that's enough! Ladies, we're going to break this up now." She shot them both with a stern look that left no room for argument.
The two girls, still glaring at each other, were separated by their respective friends and cabinmates. The tension remained palpable, but for the moment, an outright confrontation was avoided. It was clear, however, that the animosity between Marina and Coral was far from over.
Under the glow of camp lanterns, campers gathered around a large wooden table as Coral, with unmatched skill, played her Pokémon cards with finesse, dominating opponent after opponent in the Pokémon Trading Card Game. The murmurs of impressed campers filled the night air, as each of her challengers walked away defeated.
Just as the crowd began to think no one else would dare challenge Coral, a familiar voice pierced the hushed whispers, "I've got the next match." Marina stepped forward confidently, her gaze fixed on Coral.
Coral simply raised an eyebrow and began shuffling her deck. "Take a seat, Ketchum," she quipped.
The atmosphere grew electric as the two rivals squared off. The campers watched with bated breath, sensing that this was more than just a simple card game – it was a clash of wills.
Coral started strong, playing her water-type Pokémon cards strategically, quickly cornering Marina and setting up her board for what seemed like an inevitable victory. The murmurs grew louder as Coral prepared her game-winning move, confidence evident in her every gesture.
But Marina was undeterred. With a sly smile, she played a surprise combo, setting up her fire-type Pokémon in a rapid succession. Each play was precise, and it became clear that she had been lulling Coral into a false sense of security.
As Coral readied her final move, sure of her victory in the next turn, Marina unveiled her trump card – a rare Charizard card with a devastating attack. The table gasped. With just the right amount of energy cards and a combo that boosted Charizard's attack, Marina delivered a finishing blow that knocked out Coral's last active Pokémon.
Stunned silence enveloped the onlookers. In a dramatic turnaround, Marina had snatched victory from the jaws of defeat, just one turn before Coral could claim her win.
Marina leaned back in her chair, smirking triumphantly. "Guess you underestimated me, Waterflower."
Coral, though visibly taken aback, maintained her composure. "Well played, Ketchum."
The chatter around Professor Gary Oak's summer camp was often filled with whispers and murmurs about the various talents of the campers. One topic that gained traction was the comparative artistic abilities of Coral and Marina.
Coral, having been under the wing of her uncle Tracey Sketchit, had quickly gained a reputation around the camp for her detailed and emotive Pokémon sketches. Word spread of how she could bring a Pokémon to life on paper with just a few strokes, capturing not just their form but their very essence. Campers would often gather around her during free time, watching in awe as she effortlessly sketched their favorite Pokémon, each drawing a testament to the hours spent under her uncle's guidance.
Marina, in contrast, was known for her battling skills more than her artistic ones. Those who had seen her sketches often chuckled, pointing out the uncanny resemblance to her father Ash's infamous drawing style. Her Pikachu often appeared slightly misshapen, her Bulbasaur's vines slightly too long, and her Charizard... well, more like a lovable dragon from a children's book than the fierce Pokémon it was meant to be.
However, what Marina's sketches lacked in technical skill, they made up for in character and spirit. They had a certain charm to them, a playful spirit that showed a different perspective on the Pokémon world. They might not have been accurate, but they were undeniably Marina - full of energy, quirks, and a touch of humor.
While there wasn't an official competition, it was clear from the campers' chatter that most considered Coral the superior artist. Yet, Marina's unique drawings had their own loyal set of admirers, especially among those who appreciated the heart and personality in art. Through their sketches, the contrasting styles of the two girls were evident, offering a deeper insight into their characters and backgrounds.
The sun was high and the water clear at the serene stream not far from Professor Gary Oak's lab. It was a place known to be teeming with Water-type Pokémon, making it the perfect location for the camp's fishing competition.
Marina, determined to win the competition, had chosen a prime spot by the stream. Her eyes focused on the bobber, she patiently waited for a bite. Just as she was settling into the rhythm of the water, she heard the unmistakable voice of her rival.
"Caught anything, Ketchum?" Coral asked, strolling up with a smirk, her fishing rod in hand.
Marina didn't even look up. "Not yet, but I definitely will."
Coral tilted her head, taking in the scene. "Is that so? Well, it's a nice spot you've got here." She then made a show of setting up just a few feet from Marina.
"Bug off, Waterflower! I was at this spot first!" Marina retorted, clearly irritated.
Coral raised an eyebrow, "We'll just have to see how good this spot really is then."
The two glared at each other, the tension palpable. "Ever thought of catching fish instead of just standing around looking smug?" Marina snapped.
"At least when I fish, I don't scare them away with my terrible sketches," Coral shot back, referencing their recent art comparison.
Before Marina could muster a response, both girls felt a sudden tug on their lines. Their eyes widened in surprise, and the snarky remarks were momentarily forgotten.
Simultaneously, both girls yelled, "I've got one!"
Forgetting their rivalry for a split second, Marina and Coral each began battling with their respective catches, trying to reel them in. The stream echoed with their determined grunts and the splashing of Pokémon trying to break free. It seemed the competition had truly begun.
With anticipation, Marina and Coral tugged at their fishing lines. Their determination was palpable, each convinced she had made the bigger catch. But when they finally yanked their lines out of the water, neither was met with the slippery scales of a Water Pokémon. Instead, a rusty, old Pokéball had attached itself to both their hooks.
Marina was the first to speak, eyeing the ball incredulously, "I got a tug on my line first. This is mine!"
"Not a chance, Ketchum! I saw my lure go under before yours did!" Coral countered, her grip tightening on her fishing rod.
As the two began to tug at their ends, they inadvertently started running in opposite directions, each determined to claim the Pokéball for herself. The tension between them was so thick you could almost slice it with a knife.
Neither noticed Counselor Leaf and a few other campers strolling along the bank of the stream. With the girls' focus solely on their prize, the taught line stretched between them swiftly clotheslined Leaf, causing her to topple into the unsuspecting group of campers. A mixture of shock and laughter filled the air as campers attempted to detangle themselves.
The commotion went largely unnoticed by Marina and Coral. They continued to pull and tug, each convinced the Pokéball was rightfully hers. However, the old relic, perhaps rusty and decayed from its long tenure in the water, finally gave way. With a snap, it broke in two. Marina stumbled back with the top half, while Coral was left clutching the bottom half, still attached to their respective fishing lines.
Both girls, panting from the struggle, looked at each other, half-broken Pokéballs in hand, finally realizing the chaos they had inadvertently caused around them.
The scenery changed subtly as Marina and Coral followed Professor Gary Oak. Away from the familiar hustle and bustle of the main camp area, the surrounding environment grew quieter, the path leading to a more isolated section of the lab grounds. The two girls, so engrossed in their bickering, barely noticed the transition.
"I'm telling you, I got the first pull on that line," Marina insisted, her voice echoing slightly in the hushed woods.
"It was me, Ketchum. Why can't you admit it?" Coral snapped back, her fiery temperament evident.
Gary, trying his best to remain patient, sighed deeply. "Both of you, enough!" he interjected, his voice firm yet calm. "Look around. You're not at the main camp anymore."
Marina and Coral finally took in their surroundings. The area was more wooded, the path lined with tall pine trees that seemed to shield this area from the rest of the camp. They arrived at a cabin nestled in a small clearing, its wood weathered from time but still sturdy. Unlike the other cabins, which were close-knit and lively, this one stood isolated, surrounded by nature and exuding an air of tranquility.
"This," Gary began, gesturing to the cabin, "is the Reflection Cabin. It's been here since my grandfather's time. Campers who need a little... perspective come here to reflect on their actions."
Both girls exchanged uneasy glances, sensing the gravity of their situation.
"Both of you will stay here tonight," Gary continued. "Perhaps the solitude will give you a chance to think about your behavior and how it affects those around you."
With that, he turned and began to walk away, leaving the girls with their thoughts and the fading evening light.
