Cherrygrove Streets

Serena and Marina were making their way to a nearby park when they noticed an Officer Jenny next to a notice board. Her posture was haggard, and her eyes had massive bags as she removed wanted posters warning people about pokemon poachers in the area.

"Excuse me, Officer Jenny." Serena approached uncertain how the officer might take being interrupted. "I was just wondering if the fact you're taking down that wanted poster means the poachers have been caught."

"Yeah, we finally managed to bag this group." Officer Jenny sounded as tired as she looked; however, there was a semblance of relief in her tone. "They're a slippery gang that caused no end of trouble across Johto.

With recent reports of Team Rocket becoming active, headquarters ordered us to focus on catching them here." She sighed. "It was such an important order we've had to ignore a lot of people coming in with reports of other incidents.

Some of them sounded rather dire, but other stations have made the choice to divide their attentions from this order. In the end, these poachers always escaped. Even then, we were too late in stopping them from striking just outside the city one week prior."

"What is going on with Johto?" Serena thought concerned. "Team Rocket operating out here is bad enough, but to then hear about all these poachers as well. I mean, at least people seem to be on top of these issues, but still…"

"Are the pokemon they took alright?" Marina asked worriedly.

"They are, thank goodness." Officer Jenny voiced. "The poachers attacked a Stantler herd, but not a one they had confined were harmed." She started to walk away. "Which reminds me, we're expecting Pokemon Rangers soon, so I should get back to the station."

As the girls watched Jenny leave, they began to suspect she hadn't been taking down posters because she had to. Given what they heard, the pair inferred she'd done it likely out of relief. With this new information, they continued onto the park in silence.

Cherrygrove Park

By the time Serena and Marina made it to Cherrygrove Park, they weren't so contemplative over the news they had received. Of course, they weren't happy with what the poachers had done, but the group had been apprehended.

As they entered the park, the pair found a large tent being placed, and a nearby board signified that this is where the Pokeathlon would be held tomorrow. Luckily the park was big, so there was plenty of room to train here.

Serena and Marina found a good spot before releasing their teams of: Sylveon, Metapod, Rhyhorn, Poliwag, Chikorita, and Sentret. Knowing she wouldn't always be traveling with the group, Marina decided to practice a little self-sufficient training.

She paired off Chikorita and Sentret before putting into practice what she's learned from her time with the Kanto natives. This left Serena to work with her own team solo. As such, she found a good spot, a fair distance away, before pairing off pokemon.

Serena set Sylveon to work with Poliwag. The water type was the newest member, so Sylveon was perfect to start training with. Despite her being the strongest on hand, Sylveon was gentle and had plenty of experience training others by proxy of being here since the beginning.

This left Rhyhorn to work with Metapod, which was rather perfect all things considered. Metapod was rather determined to evolve into Butterfree quickly, and her now known iron defense made her more capable of taking blows from the rock/ground type in training.

It wasn't long into training that Sylveon noticed some movement in a nearby brush. It didn't seem like anything threatening. In fact, the way the bush moved portrayed something shaking out of fear. The fairy type wanted to help whatever was over there.

"Sylveon, is something over there?" Serena asked.

"Syl!" Sylveon responded.

After giving her answer, the shrub rustled once more before two large things, resembling some sort of eyes, poked out of the top. Seeing this, as well as the way whatever pokemon was behind it seemed to be trembling, Serena scanned the hidden pokemon with her pokedex:

Stantler, the Big Horn Pokémon. Its large, curved horns subtly bend the flow of air around them, which creates a mysterious warp in reality.

"It's a Stantler." Serena mused. "It seems to be rather timid, and the fact that they live in mountainous terrain might mean they avoid humanity. Poor dear must have been part of the herd those poachers were after and ended up escaping into the city."

By this point, the normal type slowly peered her head out of the brush and looked towards the Pallet native. While all Serena had was a picture in her pokedex, this Stantler still seemed young, but James would likely be able to tell her for certain.

Upon closer inspection, recalling her training with Melony back in Kanto, she noticed a sort of wound on the normal type's leg as she took a small stumble out of the brush. Taking the initiative, Serena attempted to approach slowly.

Upon seeing the human approach, Stantler took a few steps back clearly scared. While Sylveon wanted to tell the normal type Serena was nice, she knew the normal type's fear was probably induced by past experiences with people.

Knowing that moving with her trainer was likely to scare the pokemon more, the Eeveelution stayed back to let Serena prove herself. As she approached, Serena did her best to look as nonthreatening as possible before stopping at a close enough distance to simply talk.

"I know what you must feel, Stantler." Despite her injury back then not being the result of a malicious group, Serena could relate this back to when she was younger and hurt her own leg. "I know what it's like to be in a strange place with a hurt knee.

You must feel scared and alone." Stantler could hear in this human just how much she did understand. "Considering what you went through, it must be hard to trust me, but I promise all I want is to help you how someone I care for once helped me."

This made Stantler relax, and she began taking steps towards Serena. Upon running into Cherrygrove, every inch of it held people. The park was her only solace, yet the way this person carried themselves made Stantler feel as though she could trust them.

Upon reaching Serena, Stantler collapsed, clearly exhausted from being on guard all the time. Serena began the process of inspecting the injury on Stantler's leg. Fortunately, it wasn't too serious. The trainer tended to the normal type with a super potion and gauze.

Stantler winced, since the spray stung against its injury, prompting Serena to speak up. "I know it stings Stantler, but you'll soon feel a lot better in just a few moments."

Stantler went wide eyed as the stinging sensation passed and her leg, while not fully healed, certainly did feel better. Even though what Serena did was small, she'd built up enough trust to the point she could now guide Stantler.

Pokemon Center

It wasn't long before Serena was able to bring Stantler to Marina and fill her in on things as they walked to the pokemon center. There, Nurse Joy gave Stantler a check up on the injured leg. She approved of how Serena treated the pokemon.

After Stantler was returned to her, both girls ended up sitting on the ground. Serena was there due to the big horn pokemon wanting to stick close while Marina joined them, at a respectable distance, due to not wanting to look down on them from a chair.

Stantler had since fallen asleep and was resting her head atop Serena's lap. A different officer came around to get information before happily leaving the pokemon in the Kanto native's care. After all, it was comfortable around Serena, so he wouldn't break that up.

"It seems like Stantler is rather fond of you, Serena." Marina pointed out.

"Yeah." Serna smiled as she looked at the sleeping normal type. "I've been as gentle as possible with her because on some level I can relate. Granted, I've never weathered a poacher attack, but I know what it feels like to be in a strange place with a hurt leg."

"When you were relatively new to Pallet Town, right?" Marina recalled her telling that story.

"That's right." Serena responded.

"Well, no wonder Stantler became attached you." Marina smiled. "Are you tempted to keep her?"

"I'm certain Stantler would be an amazing pokemon, but she should return to her family." Serena lightly stroked the normal type in a comforting manner. "She's a young one, so being with them is likely what's best for her."

Marina seemed uncertain when she heard that, but the Johto native decided to hold her tongue.

Outside Cherrygrove: Evening…

Once Stantler awoke, Serena and Marina made their way outside the city with her. As they walked through the populated area, many were looking at Stantler since one of those without a pokeball was rare. A particular set of eyes were focused on Stantler for a different reason.

They were brown eyes which belonged to an old man with hair all around his head and a displeased look on his face. He was supporting himself with a gray cane. His attire consisted of a brown shirt, a white scarf, a long blue jacket with azure buttons, beige pants, and brown shoes.

No matter the eyes, the young pokemon attempted to hide behind Serena. Eventually, the group ended up outside the city and were walking through a forest to the north. Stantler took the lead, she recognized this area, but it wasn't long before they moved in circles.

The pair continued to look for about 30 minutes before they got suspicious about what was going on. Although Marina didn't suspect foul play, she had a different theory about why they hadn't run into Stantler's family yet.

"Okay Stantler, I think this is where we should say goodbye." Marina declared drawing a shocked look from the Pallet native. "Serena, Stantler are known for avoiding humans. That means they aren't likely to show up if we are with this Stantler."

"You think we should just leave her?" Serena asked concerned.

Stantler heard this and got a panicked expression on her face. She doesn't want this girl to leave. Maybe she could convince her to stay. The normal type made her way over to Serena and began to nuzzle against her leg.

The Pallet trainer looked down at her with a sad expression before kneeling. "Stantler, I know you've grown attached to me, but we both know you'd be better off going to find your parents. Can't you smell their scent yet?"

At that, Stantler looked down with a sad expression. The normal type knew she couldn't keep this facade up forever. The truth is, she couldn't smell her parents' scent. She couldn't smell any of her herd's scent. In a quiet voice, Stantler let out a small cry.

"Stantler?" Serena questioned worried.

Marina sighed. "I was afraid of this being the case."

"What do you mean?" Serena asked.

"While a herd likely wouldn't come around this Stantler with us around, nothing could keep their parents away…with just one exception." Marina informed. "Given this Stantler isn't displaying signs of loss, I can only assume she can no longer smell her herd."

"You mean…" Serena turned back to Stantler as tears came to her eyes. "Stantler, I'm so sorry."

She now knew the herd moved on because they likely assumed those captured or separated were gone. With no incentive to stay in an area where you were attacked, it was best to leave. This meant Stantler was alone.

Stantler couldn't take it anymore. She buried her head in Serena's stomach and broke down in tears. Up until this point, the normal type had been able to fool herself into thinking her herd would still be here. A small part of her knew the truth.

After so long apart, the herd would have moved on without her. Who could blame her for holding out hope? Stantler was still so young. What kind of child wouldn't hold out such a hope that their family hadn't left them?

"Stantler, I am so sorry." Serna wiped her eyes. "I never imagined your parents wouldn't be waiting for you."

She engulfed the big horn pokemon in a hug.

"What will we do now, Serena?" Marina asked.

"I can only think of one thing." Serna declared as the normal type stopped crying, yet she hadn't removed her face from Serena's stomach. "Stantler, you're a young pokemon who clearly isn't ready to be on their own yet.

I know I could never replace one of your parents, but you could come along with me as one of my pokemon. I have a great team and friends who I know would love to have you along. I think you could become a great pokemon."

Stantler smiled and nuzzled her head into Serena even more, letting out a happy cry.

"I think you'll be a great trainer for Stantler, Serena." Marina declared.

"I'll certainly do my best." Serena declared while taking out a pokeball. "You really up for this?"

Without hesitation, Stantler bopped her head against the pokeball letting it suck her in. There was an immediate ding signifying no struggle. With that, Serena grabbed out her pokedex to scan her new capture:

Stantler, the Big Horn Pokémon. Its large curved horns subtly bend the flow of air around them, which creates a mysterious warp in reality.

Type: Normal

Ability: Sap Sipper

Sex: Female

Current Moves: Psysheild Bash, Leer, Stomp, Double Kick, Astonish, Hypnosis

Upon the completion of this capture, the old man who had watched them strolled out of the brush with no less a displeased look on his face. "Did you just capture that Stantler?"

Both girls were taken aback by the sudden appearance, as far as they knew, of this man.

"Uh, yes." Serna replied.

"What a waste." The man commented. "Stantler would rather avoid danger. A weakness that is unnatural and sees their species unfit to thrive in this world. People like you go out of your way to ignore natural selection which sees to prevent true evolution for the strong."

"Any pokemon can be strong if you train them properly." Serena retorted.

"The words of a child who could not know better." The old man stated before taking his leave.

"You can't disregard someone because they've said something you don't like." Marina spoke up in defense of Serena. "You're the one who approached and spoke to us. If you weren't going to like what you heard, then you shouldn't have spoken up in the first place."

"Hm, I suppose I did speak." The old man stopped before nodding. "Keep the strength you have just displayed for it will serve you well."

With his piece said, the old man continued into the brush.

"Dad always said Pryce was a cold person, but I never imagined he'd be that cold." Marina commented.

"His name is Pryce?" Serena questioned.

"Yeah, he's the oldest gym leader in all of Johto." Marina nodded. "Jimmy and I never met him before, but you can imagine our dad had a lot of experience with him. He'd always say Pryce was a 'cold' person without going into much detail. I can see why now."

"He makes Silver seem like the happiest person in Johto." Serena commented, as she thought back to the crimson haired trainer before looking at her new pokeball. "I'm just glad you weren't out to hear that Stantler because Pryce is wrong. I just know you'll be great."

Cherrygrove

The girls were on their way back to the pokemon center when a trainer stopped them. "I just lost a battle to a wild pokemon, so I'm trying to find more." He was focused on Marina specifically. "You look weak, so let's battle! When the eyes of two trainers meet, we are meant to battle."

"How dare you." Marina declared offended. "I'm not weak."

"Well, that's one way to challenge someone." Serena commented. "Are you going to battle him Marina?"

"You bet." Marina moved across from him. "My name is Marina Gold, and I am aiming to be a Pro-Pokeathlete."

"Cool, I'm Joey." The trainer declared. "Though, everyone calls me youngster Joey. How does a one-on-one battle sound?"

"Fine by me." Marina threw out her choice. "Let's run, Chikorita."

The grass starter appeared ready to battle.

"I will choose, Rattata!" Joey declared as he threw out his normal type. "Be warned Marina, my Rattata is in the top percentage of Rattata."

The girls sweat dropped at that statement before Marina pulled out her pokedex:

Rattata, the Mouse Pokémon. A Normal type. Rattata can live in any environment.

"You haven't seen a Rattata?" Joey laughed arrogantly. "Man, this will be easier than I thought."

That only proceeded to steam Marina more.

"This will be a one-on-one battle between Joey and Marina." Serena decided to take up the role of ref. "Each side is allowed the use of one pokemon and there will be no time limit. The winner will be whoever is left standing while the other is unable to battle. Now…Begin!"

Marina vs Youngster Joey

"Chikorita, use razor leaf." Marina ordered, excited to have her first battle outside of training.

"Rattata, intercept with quick attack." Joey commanded.

Before Chikorita could start flinging leaves, Rattata sped in and slammed into the grass type.

"Chikorita, use growl." Marina commanded.

"Now, utilize bite." Joey ordered.

Chikorita growled lowering Rattata's attack before he bit into the grass type dishing out more damage.

"Now that he's in close, show off poison powder." Marina ordered.

"Oh no." Joey realized Rattata wouldn't be able to get out of this quick enough, so he decided on a different approach. "Rattata, use focus energy."

As Chikorita sent out the purple powder, Rattata focused in preparation for a critical hit. Then, he took on some damage from being poisoned.

"Now, end this with quick attack!" Joey commanded.

Declaring that was more of a hope in this instance. As Rattata collided into Chikorita, pushing her back with a heavy blow, she stumbled slightly while the normal type was once against inflicted with damage from poison.

"Chikorita, hang on!" Marina cheered. "I know you can do this!"

Chikorita heard her trainer and firmed up, planting her feet on the ground. "Chik!"

In that moment, she was cloaked by a green aura which Marina recognized as her pokemon's ability, overgrow, activating. Her grass type attacks would be seriously boosted; however, she was close to fainting. This meant they had to wrap this up fast.

"Rattata, use bite!" Joey shouted.

"Chikorita, end this with razor leaf!" Marina yelled.

As Rattata attempted to charge forward, he was suddenly barraged by larger than normal leaves. Once the leaves ceased, Rattata fell to the ground with swirls in his eyes.

"Rattata is unable to battle, meaning the winners are Marina and Chikorita!" Serena declared.

Cherrygrove

"We won…" Marina broke into a grin before running out and picking up her starter. "We won!" She hugged the grass type. "Oh, thank you Chikorita!"

Chikorita smiled. "Rita!"

"That was well done, Marina." Serena congratulated.

"Yeah, that was a great battle." Joey had approached the pair, after returning his pokemon, and rubbed the back of his head. "Sorry I called you weak. Sometimes, I get a little overzealous."

"Eh, it's fine." Marina smiled. "Just make sure you work on it because the next person you say that to might not be so forgiving."

Now that the battle was over, the pair said goodbye to Joey before making their way into Cherrygrove proper. It was time to meet with everyone else at the pokemon center.

The trio's on hand pokemon-

Ash's Pokemon

1. Pikachu

2. Wimpod

3. Teddiursa

4. Larvitar

Serena's Pokemon

1. Sylveon

2. Rhyhorn *Pink

3. Metapod *Pink

4. Poliwag

5. Stantler

James' Pokemon

1. Croagunk

2. Togepi

3. Spheal

4. Heracross

Nightshadegirl: He could be. As for Team Snagem, they are in league with Team Rocket here.

Vital Info: Don't worry, every chapter will be mostly dedicated to each pair. As for the officers getting involved, you make a good point, but they were dealing with another issue. Considering word's coming down on Team Rocket, they got to work to take in these poachers. Don't worry, the Serena will start making cooler captures. As for James, Heracross is fairly rare and cool. It was a headbutt tree pokemon prior with a low chance encounter rate.