Hey, everyone reading this latest chapter! Just wanted to let you know there's a new chapter coming this Thursday.
Honestly, you guys have given me tons of inspiration since I released the story – way more than I expected in such a short time! I'm working on knocking down the backlog so you can get your hands on more chapters ASAP. Stay tuned for updates!
The chapter title is based on the song from Blue Stahli.
To all of you who read, follow, favorite, and review this story, thank you all! Your interest in this story fuels my motivation. I hope you enjoy this chapter.
Akari stared at Chimchar, her loyal fire-type companion, as she pondered the strange abilities that had begun to manifest within her. Seven months had flown by since she'd embarked on her Pokémon Trainer journey, her adventures confined to the familiar Jubilife City and its surrounding areas. While some might scoff at the lack of grand expeditions, Akari knew that experience could be found anywhere, even within her limits.
But these weren't ordinary experiences. These were... Well, she wasn't entirely sure. Were they new skills awakening within her, or something she'd always possessed without realising? The answer seemed to lie in three distinct abilities that seemed to work in perfect harmony.
The first, a strange talent she dubbed the "Move Tutor," allowed her to teach her Pokémon new moves with remarkable ease, surpassing the limitations of traditional training methods. It was as if she could intuit the most efficient way to unlock a hidden potential within her companions.
The second ability, the "Move Reminder," functioned in a more straightforward way. It allowed her to refresh a Pokémon's memory, reminding them of forgotten moves that had been pushed aside to make room for newer techniques. After all, Pokémon could only hold onto four moves at a time, forcing some valuable knowledge into storage that she could recover.
The most intriguing ability, however, was the "Move Scanner." By simply focusing on a Pokémon, Akari could gain a complete picture of its moveset: the moves it currently knew, the forgotten ones waiting to be relearned, the moves it could potentially master with her tutelage, and even glimpses of future moves that were currently beyond their reach.
The key to unlocking these abilities lay in gaining a bond with Pokémon. It seemed she needed a personal connection to activate the Move Scanner. Since her time at the lab primarily involved short interactions with various Pokémon, this unique skill set had possibly remained hidden. Now, with her own team by her side, these abilities were finally coming into focus.
Akari concentrated, visualising the move "Power-Up Punch" within her mind. This ability to directly teach moves was still a novelty, yet it felt strangely intuitive. She focused her energy on Chimchar, the loyal fire-type Pokémon by her side. Chimchar, sensing her trainer's intent, mirrored Akari's focus, her eyes gleaming with determination.
With a battle cry, Chimchar unleashed a powerful punch, her fist imbued with a surge of fighting-type energy. The force of the attack slammed into a nearby rock, leaving a network of spiderweb cracks in her wake. A second, even more powerful punch followed, shattering the rock into a pile of rubble.
A satisfied smile touched Akari's lips as a mental image of Power-up Punch flickered within her mind, replacing Scratch in Chimchar's moveset. It seemed her abilities were truly awakening.
Suddenly, a voice broke the silence, startling Akari. "So this is where you were, huh?" Akari whirled around, eyes widening in surprise. A young man with spiky brown hair, his lab coat flapping in the wind, stood behind her. A familiar smirk danced on his lips.
"Gary! You're back from your investigation? How'd it go?" Akari blurted out, excitement bubbling in her voice. She recalled Chimchar back into her Poké Ball as she spoke.
Gary sighed dramatically, running a hand through his hair. "Nope, nothing new this time. Turns out the person who reported the unusual evolution just stumbled upon a method we already know about." He explained, a hint of disappointment in his tone. It made sense; Sandgem Town's lab was renowned as the world's leading authority on Pokémon evolution. Ordinary folks wouldn't have access to the same cutting-edge knowledge.
"That's a bummer," Akari said, her curiosity piqued. "What exactly happened?"
As they began walking back towards the lab, Gary launched into his story. "There was a hiker with a Probopass. He swore his Nosepass evolved outside of battle, tripping on some rubble and transforming instantly. But considering he was north of Oreburgh City, that means he was near Mount Coronet, so Nosepass evolving there due to the electrical field makes perfect sense."
Akari listened intently, a thoughtful frown creasing her brow. In "The Dream", she encountered alternative evolution methods. She'd even assisted in some evolution experiments at the lab, suggesting specific items or moves for untested scenarios. But sometimes, her ideas mirrored existing knowledge, like the case where creating a Linking Cord became unnecessary due to the ability to trade Pokémon making it redundant. In hindsight, she should have spoken up even if these ideas seemed unnecessary.
"Gary," she began cautiously, searching for the right words. "There might be another way for Nosepass to evolve. I remember an instance where it evolved upon contact with a Thunder Stone."
Gary stopped in his tracks, surprise flashing across his face. "Really? Why didn't you mention that before? It could be a valuable lead. You should definitely bring it up with Professor Rowan later. But speaking of things I didn't know about," his voice shifted back to its usual teasing tone, "happy birthday, birthday girl!"
Akari couldn't help but roll her eyes. True, she hadn't mentioned her impending birthday, but she also hadn't anticipated his return so soon from his latest expedition. Gary had touched down in Sinnoh just before she'd started crafting her tools from The Dream. While his primary focus was exploring the region's vast landscapes, he'd also lent a hand with specific evolution experiments, most notably the successful evolution of his own Electivire.
"So, who spilled the beans? It was Lucas, wasn't it?" Akari playfully accused her cousin, earning a noncommittal shrug from Gary.
"Unfortunately, that means I couldn't prepare a birthday present for you this year," Gary said with a mock sigh, his shoulders rising and falling in a theatrical display. He threw his arms wide in a grandiose gesture as they approached the lab entrance. "But fear not! Because I, Gary Oak, am the greatest gift anyone could ask for!"
Akari rolled her eyes for the second time, a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips. With a playful shove, she nudged him through the automatic doors that whooshed open.
"Alright, alright, you win," she conceded, following close behind. "We've got cake for a celebration tonight, and you're most definitely invited."
Stepping into the main room, they found Professor Rowan deep in conversation with a young boy. The kid, a walking stereotype of a nerd, sported a button-up white shirt, a red bowtie perched proudly beneath his chin, and round glasses perched on his freckled nose. Plaid pants held up by suspenders completed the ensemble, his neatly combed hair highlighting a prominent set of buck teeth. Despite his appearance, the two Pokéballs clipped to his belt marked him as a fellow Trainer.
Professor Rowan was the first to notice their arrival. The boy followed his gaze and turned towards them with a curious tilt of his head.
"Ah, welcome back you two," Professor Rowan greeted them with a warm smile. "This young man here is Dennis. He's come all the way from Kalos to participate in the Sinnoh League. Dennis, meet Gary Oak from Kanto and Akari, who's a local here in Sandgem Town."
"Bonjour!" Dennis greeted them with a cheerful wave, his accent thick with Kalos charm. "Ah, Akari, was it? I've actually heard about you from the Lumiose City Lab! They recommended I seek you out if Professor Rowan was busy and I needed some assistance."
Akari suppressed a surprised smile. Dennis was likely referring to her parents, but she kept that detail to herself for now. "Welcome to Sinnoh, Dennis!" she replied kindly.
Gary, ever the competitive one, piped up before she could continue. "Are you a rookie trainer, Dennis? You only have two Pokéballs, so I'm guessing one is your starter. Did you catch your second Pokémon recently?"
"Oui!" Dennis confirmed, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. "I actually caught a Patrat while I was waiting for my flight to Sinnoh. We haven't had much chance to train though, as I only just caught it after receiving my starter."
"So, one battle under your belt, then?" Gary mused, a playful glint in his eyes. "How about you test your skills against Akari here? See how well you've been picking things up."
Akari shot Gary a side-eyed glance, silently questioning his impulsive suggestion to throw her into a battle. Before she could voice her reservations, however, Dennis' eyes lit up with excitement. "Oui! A battle would be fantastic!" he exclaimed. "It would be an honour to have my first official Pokémon battle with you, Akari!"
Since Gary had already volunteered her, and Dennis seemed genuinely eager, Akari decided not to argue. With a small nod of agreement, she joined Gary and Dennis as they exited the lab. Professor Rowan offered them a parting wave at the exit before disappearing back into the building to leave them to the thrill of the upcoming match. Leaving the familiar comfort of the lab behind, the trio made their way back to the training field, anticipation for the upcoming battle buzzing in the air.
Reaching the designated area, Akari surveyed the battlefield. While Chimchar would be an overwhelming opponent for a newcomer, and Magikarp's aquatic limitations left him out of the picture for this fight, Budew seemed like a perfect choice. He had been training steadily for the past month, reaching a level that should provide a fair challenge for a rookie trainer like Dennis.
Reaching for her Luxury Ball, Akari gave it a gentle squeeze. With a burst of light, Budew materialised onto the field. The small, spherical Pokémon blinked with curious eyes, taking in his surroundings. A soft, melodic chirp escaped his tiny mouth as he bounced lightly on his stubby legs.
On the opposite side of the field, a flash turned green materialised as Dennis threw his Pokéball. A Chespin, the spiny nut Pokémon, emerged, looking around the field with a cautious curiosity. Its small, button nose twitched as it sniffed the air, its ears twitching in alert.
"Alright, this will be a one-on-one battle between Chespin and Budew. The first trainer to render their opponent unable to battle will be declared the winner. Are you both ready?" Gary announced, his voice carrying a hint of amusement as he relished the opportunity to witness a rookie trainer's first official match.
"Oui, let's do this!" Dennis exclaimed, a wide grin splitting his face. He pumped his fist in the air, his enthusiasm infectious as Akari grinned while she nodded.
"Chespin, attack with Vine Whip!" Dennis commanded, his voice filled with determination. Two long vines erupted from Chespin's shoulders, propelled forward with surprising speed to lash at Budew.
"Take the hit, Budew, and use Growth!" Akari countered calmly. She knew the grass-type move wouldn't be very effective against Budew's dual typing of grass and poison. Her prediction rang true – the vines struck Budew with a light thwack, barely leaving a mark on the resilient Pokémon while he glowed in his growth.
"Hein? How did Budew take so little damage?" Dennis exclaimed, his brow furrowed in confusion. It seemed his initial strategy needed a swift adjustment.
"It's because Budew's dual typing gives him a resistance to grass-type moves," Akari explained patiently. "While Grass is resistant to other grass-type attacks, Budew's poison typing helps him endure them much better than a pure grass-type Pokémon like Chespin. Now, let's show him what Budew can really do! Use Absorb!"
With Akari's command, a vibrant red beam of energy shot forth from Budew's bud, striking Chespin squarely. The Chespin yelped in surprise as the energy engulfed it, momentarily draining its strength. But the effect didn't end there. The red energy then flowed back towards Budew, visibly revitalising the little Pokémon. The effect was clear – any minor damage inflicted by Vine Whip had been completely negated.
"Then let's switch things up, Chespin! Use Rollout!" Dennis commanded with renewed determination. In response, Chespin curled into a tight ball, its spiky shell offering some protection. With a burst of speed, it propelled itself towards Budew, aiming for a direct hit.
Caught off guard by the unexpectedly fast manoeuvre, Budew wasn't able to dodge in time. Chespin's rolling body clipped him squarely on the side, sending the little Pokémon tumbling to the ground with a surprised yelp.
"Get up quickly, Budew! Hit it hard with Extrasensory!" Akari called out, her voice laced with hurry as she tried to stop Rollout from getting too strong. Budew, seemingly unfazed by the impact, quickly righted himself and focused his energy as his eyes glowed green. An aura surrounded Chespin as it was just turning around for its next attack, its senses momentarily overloaded by the Psychic Energy. The unexpected energy field disoriented the little Chespin, causing it to lose momentum and crash in a heap, its Rollout abruptly halted.
When she checked Budew's Pokédex after she caught him, she was surprised to find Extrasensory listed amongst his known moves. Extrasensory had confused her in how he knew it - it was far more powerful than any other move in Budew's current repertoire, and it wasn't a grass or poison-type move typically associated with its species.
"A good effort, Dennis," Akari praised, a hint of respect in her voice. "Rollout is a powerful move that can be very effective against many Pokémon, especially those strong against grass-type Pokémon. However, it does have its drawbacks. As you saw, it takes some time for Chespin to build up momentum, leaving it vulnerable during the initial charge."
"Merci, Akari! I'll definitely keep that in mind," Dennis replied, a grateful smile breaking through his earlier confusion. "Alright, Chespin, let's get back on our feet and recover a bit. Use Leech Seed!"
Following Dennis's command, Chespin's head spikes launched forward, flying towards Budew with surprising speed. The spikes erupted, transforming into a network of tiny vines that wrap themselves around Budew, attempting to syphon its energy. But after a few seconds, the vines seemed to lose their grip, withering away harmlessly.
"Que se passe-t-il? Why isn't Leech Seed working?" Dennis questioned, his brow furrowed in concern. This was clearly something he hadn't encountered before.
Akari, acting as the helpful battle partner, decided to offer some guidance. "There are many unique traits that different Pokémon types possess," she explained patiently. "For example, Fire-type Pokémon are completely immune to Burn, while Electric-types are immune to Paralysis."
"Grass-type Pokémon, on the other hand, have a special immunity to certain moves," she continued. "Leech Seed, Spore, and other powder-based attacks have no effect on them. This is because Grass-types are naturally resilient to such attacks."
To further illustrate her point, Akari decided to demonstrate. "Budew, use Stun Spore!" she commanded. A puff of glittering green spores erupted from Budew, drifting towards Chespin. Dennis, having witnessed Akari's explanation and trusting her knowledge, made no attempt to dodge the attack. The spores harmlessly enveloped Chespin, proving Akari's words correct. The Chespin remained completely unaffected, its leafy body seemingly shrugging off the spores with a rustle.
"Another example of these type-specific resistances, then," Dennis mused, thoughtfully pushing up his glasses as he absorbed Akari's explanation. "Merci beaucoup, Akari. That's very helpful information to know! Okay, Chespin, since Leech Seed won't work, let's try a more direct approach. Use Bite!"
With a determined grunt, Chespin's face contorted momentarily as a set of phantasmal teeth materialised in front of its mouth. It then launched itself towards Budew in a swift leap, jaws agape and ready to clamp down.
"Get out of the way, Budew! Finish them with another Extrasensory!" Akari warned, her voice laced with urgency. Budew, having grown accustomed to Chespin's surprising speed from their previous encounter, reacted with impressive agility. With a nimble leap to the side, he narrowly avoided Chespin's snapping jaws. Where Budew once stood, a gouge in the earth marked the spot where its powerful bite attack had connected with the hard-packed dirt.
Seizing this golden opportunity, Budew unleashed another burst of psychic energy. The swirling green field of Extrasensory surrounded Chespin's head, who had left its back exposed during the missed attack. Chespin, caught off guard, let out a cry of pain as the psychic energy engulfed its head. Its small body convulsed briefly before it slumped to the ground, its eyes swirling in defeat.
"The match is over!" Gary declared, his voice booming across the field as he raised his hand towards Akari. "Akari and Budew are the winners! That was a great fight, you guys!" A genuine smile spread across Gary's face as he congratulated both trainers on a well-fought battle.
With the battle concluded, Akari and Dennis recalled their Pokémon back to their Poké Balls. The three of them gathered in the centre of the training field, ready to discuss the match and what they had learned from each other.
"You handled yourself very well out there, Dennis," she complimented, a genuine smile gracing her lips as she secured her Luxury Ball back on her belt. "You clearly have a natural talent for training Pokémon. With a little more experience, I wouldn't be surprised if you became an Expert Trainer in no time."
Dennis chuckled sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck. "Non, Akari, you flatter me," he replied, his voice laced with humility. "This match has shown me just how much I still have to learn. I'm a Rookie Trainer, through and through, but thanks to you, I feel like I've already learned a great deal today."
"Well, consider today a crash course in learning," Gary chimed in, a hint of amusement lingering in his voice. He then turned to Akari, his gaze turning more serious. "Speaking of growth, you're getting remarkably skilled, Akari. Have you ever considered starting your official Pokémon journey? Why not challenge the Sinnoh League?"
Akari's expression faltered. A wave of conflicting emotions washed over her, making it difficult to articulate her reservations. Part of it stemmed from the lack of a burning desire to travel; unlike the vivid journey she experienced within The Dream, there was no clear pull towards a specific path. Another part of it, the more unsettling one, was Arceus' final words: "From this moment forward, your path is your own to forge." There was no map, no predetermined route. It felt daunting, and she wasn't sure she was entirely ready. She has made herself busy helping out in the Lab and documented as much as she could about The Dream.
Dennis, oblivious to Akari's internal struggle, gaped at her in astonishment. "A-Akari," he stammered, "you haven't embarked on your Pokémon journey yet, and you're already this strong? You're doing yourself a disservice by not travelling the world and honing your remarkable skills!"
Akari flushed a light crimson at the unexpected compliment. "It's not that I'm not interested," she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. "I just... I don't feel completely ready to leave yet. I know I'll participate in the upcoming Sinnoh Conference, but I feel like I need more time to prepare for a full-fledged journey."
With a silent concession to Akari's reasoning, Gary simply rolled his eyes. While not one for coddling, he couldn't deny Akari's unwavering determination. They decided to walk Dennis to the edge of Sandgem Town, where Route 202 stretched out before him, beckoning him towards his next adventure.
"Au revoir Dennis!" Akari called out, waving enthusiastically. "I hope to see you battle at the Sinnoh Conference!" Dennis returned the wave, a grin splitting his face. "Until then!" he replied, his voice filled with newfound confidence. With a final wave, he disappeared down the path, the thrill of the competition slowly fading into a comfortable camaraderie that settled between Akari and Gary.
Back in Sandgem Town, the Akari's home bustled with activity as preparations for Akari's birthday celebration were in full swing. The day itself was a whirlwind of laughter. Colourful streamers and balloons adorned the hall, and delicious aromas filled the air as Akari's friends and family treated her to a feast. As the party reached its joyous conclusion, guests began to trickle out, their bellies full and spirits high. Akari, the guest of honour, found herself chatting with Gary, the last remaining guest. Exhaustion, a pleasant kind brought on by laughter and good company, tugged at his eyelids.
"Well, I think it's time for me to head back to Kanto soon," Gary announced as he stretched, a hint of fatigue in his voice. "Got a friend there I need to catch up with – a guy named Ash Ketchum."
••• ••• •••
Two weeks later, the crisp morning air of February found Akari and Gary waiting by the docks for the ferry that would take Gary back to Kanto. The salty breeze whipped at their hair, carrying the distant cries of Wingulls and the rhythmic groan of the approaching ferry.
As they stood shoulder-to-shoulder, Gary seemed to pick up on a loose thread from their earlier conversation. "You know, Akari," he began, a glint of amusement in his eyes, "I plan to convince my friend Ash to participate in the Sinnoh Conference. I have a feeling that when he arrives, you'll find yourself quite motivated to hit the road. He's that kind of guy, a motivator. If I can't convince you, maybe he can."
Akari listened intently as Gary spoke of his friend, but his final sentence snagged on her attention. "Convince me?" she echoed, a hint of confusion lacing her voice. "You haven't exactly been trying very hard."
A sly grin spread across Gary's face. "Oh, I'm about to start right now, Akari." With a flourish, he produced a Poké Ball, holding it aloft in a playful challenge. "I challenge you to a Pokémon battle! One-on-one, give me your best shot."
The suddenness of the challenge left Akari momentarily stunned, but her competitive spirit quickly flared. A resolute nod replaced her surprise, her eyes hardening with determination. Gary might be an Expert Trainer, having participated in conferences before, but Akari wouldn't back down from a challenge. This unexpected battle could be the test she craved, a way to gauge her own progress and perhaps, a nudge in the right direction. With a firm nod, she accepted the challenge.
They retreated a few paces, creating a makeshift arena amidst the salty breeze and cries of Wingulls echoing from the docks. Gary, with a confident smirk, wound up his arm that held the Poké Ball he challenged her with. "Umbreon, I choose you," he declared, tossing the ball forward. A flash of light erupted, revealing the sleek form of the dark-type Umbreon.
Umbreon stood poised and watchful, its black fur gleaming with a healthy sheen. Rings of faint yellow circled its slender legs and forehead, glowing faintly in the morning sun. Its crimson eyes scanned the environment, radiating an aura of quiet power and unwavering loyalty to its trainer.
Akari, meeting Gary's gaze with unyielding determination, reached for her own Poké Ball. Taking a deep breath, she called out, "Your turn, Chimchar!" With a burst of fiery energy, her loyal companion emerged from hers Poké Ball, landing lightly on the ground before her. The energetic chimp Pokémon let out a battle cry, her fiery tail flaring with anticipation.
Akari's mind raced, recalling everything she knew about Umbreon. They boasted incredible defence, shrugging off attacks that would cripple lesser Pokémon. However, their offensive capabilities were much weaker in comparison. With this knowledge in hand, Akari formulated a plan. She needed to overwhelm Umbreon's defences with a swift and decisive attack before the dark-type could retaliate.
"Chimchar, use Ember!" she commanded, her voice ringing with determination. Chimchar, sensing the urgency, unleashed a torrent of flame towards Umbreon.
Gary, ever the confident trainer, scoffed at the predictable move. "Dodge it, Umbreon," he ordered, "then use Sand Attack!"
Umbreon, with its nimble agility, effortlessly weaved away from the fiery barrage. It retaliated with a swift flick of its paw, sending a plume of sand flying towards Chimchar. The sand struck true, stinging the fiery chimp's eyes and blurring its vision.
Akari saw the discomfort clouding Chimchar's movements but remained undeterred. "We don't need perfect vision for this, Chimchar!" she called out, her voice firm. "Use Swift!"
Responding to Akari's command, Chimchar unleashed a flurry of star-shaped projectiles towards the dark form of Umbreon.
A playful grin spread across Gary's face. "No point dodging this one," he declared. "Brace yourself, Umbreon!"
Umbreon stood firm as the Swift attack rained down, its dark fur momentarily obscured by the smoke and explosions that erupted from the impact.
Taking advantage of the smoke, Gary seized the opportunity. "Quick, use Confuse Ray!" he shouted.
A purple orb shot out from the cloud, striking Chimchar head-on. Although her caused no immediate damage, a crimson aura flared around the fire-type Pokémon, and a dizzying array of chirping birds materialised above her head, signifying the confusion taking hold.
The telltale signs became clear. Chimchar's movements became erratic, her body swaying uncontrollably. Akari recognized the symptoms instantly.
"Chimchar!" she called out, hoping to penetrate the confusion. "Use Swift in every direction!"
Chimchar, clearly disoriented, spun around, launching a desperate barrage of Swift attacks. Unfortunately, due to her confused state, the attacks careened wildly, striking the surrounding pavement, even clipping Chimchar herself at the same time as finding their intended target.
"Get down, Umbreon!" Gary yelled, not expecting the wild barrage. The sleek dark-type Pokémon crouched low, minimising its profile and avoiding the worst of the attack.
As the smoke slowly cleared, both trainers were finally able to get a clear view of their Pokémon. Both Chimchar and Umbreon bore the marks of the battle. Chimchar, though seemingly free from the confusion, sported a few singed patches of fur thanks to her own misguided Swift attacks. Umbreon, while relatively unscathed, bore similar faint singed patches from Chimchar's barrage.
"No more cheap tricks, Gary!" Akari called out, her voice laced with determination. "Chimchar, use Taunt!"
Chimchar, seemingly revitalised by the clearing of her confusion, puffed out her chest and stuck a fiery raspberry at Umbreon. The dark-type Pokémon responded instantly, a furious red aura flaring around its body.
Gary sighed, a hint of annoyance flickering across his face. "Looks like it's gloves off now, then," he muttered. "Umbreon, use Snarl!"
Umbreon, fueled by its anger, unleashed a powerful Snarl. The attack wasn't just a ferocious bark; it was a shockwave of dark-type energy that ripped through the air towards Chimchar. The fire-type Pokémon, caught off guard by the sudden shift in tactics, didn't have time to react. she was struck squarely by the attack, sent flying back with a pained cry. As Chimchar stumbled back to her feet, a blue aura surrounded her, a sign of her diminished strength.
Not to be deterred, Chimchar wobbled back to her feet, her fiery spirit burning brighter than ever. Akari, sensing her partner's determination, issued a command. "Alright, Chimchar, let's get that fire back in you! Charge in with a Power-Up Punch!"
Chimchar, her heart pounding in agreement, launched herself forward. A white glow emanated from her fist as she drew her arm back, preparing to unleash the attack.
"Move with the impact!" Gary countered swiftly. Just as the attack connected with Umbreon, the dark-type Pokémon executed a graceful leap backward, creating distance and minimising the damage it received from the punch. However, the blow served its purpose – Chimchar's strength seemed to be returning.
"Let's make some space, Umbreon!" Gary declared. "Use Psychic!"
Umbreon's eyes flared a brilliant purple as a wave of psychic energy surged forth, enveloping Chimchar. The fire-type Pokémon yelped in surprise as she was lifted off her feet and flung backwards, skidding harshly across the pavement.
Despite the impact, Chimchar was a fighter. She rose once more, her tail erupting in a fiery inferno. The telltale sign – Blaze, Chimchar's ability, had been activated, further bolstering her fighting spirit.
Akari, assessing the situation with a critical eye, knew there was only one course of action. "Go, Chimchar! Forward, use Ember!"
Fueled by Blaze's empowering heat, Chimchar darted forward, unleashing a torrent of flames towards the dark-type Pokémon. This time, Gary's strategy shifted.
"Intercept the attack with Psychic, then redirect it!" he commanded.
Umbreon's eyes glowed once more, and a swirling vortex of psychic energy materialised around the incoming embers. It couldn't contain the entire attack – a few stray embers managed to slip through the defence and singe Umbreon's sides. However, with a powerful heave, Umbreon managed to hold the bulk of the flames, sending them hurtling back towards the charging Chimchar.
"Break through it! Use Power-Up Punch!" Akari yelled, mirroring Chimchar's fighting spirit.
Chimchar, completely immersed in the heat of battle, her fists now glowing white with fighting energy, launched a flurry of punches. She managed to deflect most of the embers, but a few rogue flames grazed her fur before she could completely shatter the fiery barrier. Nevertheless, Chimchar persevered, breaking through the wall of embers and landing a solid punch on Umbreon's cheek. The dark-type Pokémon staggered back under the force of the impact, but remained standing, its eyes gleaming with a newfound respect for its fiery opponent.
"Let's finish this, Umbreon!" Gary seized the opportunity. Seeing Chimchar over-extending their attack, he knew this was his chance to end the battle. "Use Psychic, slam it down!"
Umbreon responded with a surge of psychic energy, once more enveloping Chimchar. This time, however, the dark-type Pokémon used its telekinetic hold to lift Chimchar high into the air before slamming her down with tremendous force onto the ground. The impact knocked the wind out of Chimchar, leaving her fainted on the rough pavement of the docks.
Quickly recalling Chimchar to her Poké Ball to give her some much-needed rest, Akari returned the ball to her belt with a sigh. Her gaze drifted towards the docks, where a large ferry was preparing to dock. As she approached Gary, a low whistle escaped his lips.
"Impressive," Gary commented, his eyes lingering on Umbreon. He gave the dark-type Pokémon a quick once-over, inspecting the faint scorch marks and scratches marring its otherwise sleek fur. "You and Chimchar held up well against Umbreon. They took quite a beating." A thoughtful expression crossed his face. "Honestly, I doubt Umbreon would stand a chance against Chimchar once it evolves into Infernape, maybe even as a Monferno."
Akari offered a hesitant smile, though a slight frown lingered on her face. "Thank you, I appreciate the compliment," she said. "But I understand the importance of my work at the lab, and there's a lot to be done. Chimchar will evolve eventually, and travelling the region will certainly help her grow, but now isn't the time."
Gary let out a noncommittal hum in response. "Not yet, huh?" he mused. "Just try not to drag your feet for too long. It will be a real pain if you do." With that parting words, Gary shouldered his backpack and turned towards the docked ferry. With a final wave goodbye, he boarded the vessel and disappeared into the hull as it prepared to depart for Kanto.
••• ••• •••
Waving goodbye to Gary, Akari had no idea how soon her own journey would begin. Just a few days later, a flurry of activity gripped the lab as they prepared starter Pokémon for a new trainer.
Professor Rowan was absent, leaving the assistants bustling about their duties. Akari, engrossed in data entry on the PC, caught snippets of conversation between Yuzo, the black-haired assistant, and Eiji, the redhead. They were in the Pokémon nursery, offering encouraging words to the starter Pokémon – pep talks designed to lift spirits and energise them for their upcoming introduction to their new trainer.
As the assistants continued their motivational speeches, Shun, the brown-haired assistant, entered the lab pushing a trolley. Following close behind was Makato, the other female assistant. Unlike how meticulous Akari is, Makato's black hair, though constantly combed, defied attempts at perfect order, forming a messy crown that seemed to perpetually hover just above her glasses, ensuring nothing obstructed her view. Atop it stood a Starly, its small frame a stark contrast to the majestic Staraptor beside it, its feathers gleaming with an air of seasoned experience. Yuzo greeted them, his curiosity piqued. "What brings you two and these Pokémon here, Shun?"
Shun, slowing the trolley to a stop, offered a friendly grin. "Just getting a head start, Yuzo," he explained. "Figured we'd examine Starly and Staraptor before Professor Rowan returns. That way, we'll have some data ready to present to him upon his arrival."
Makato, her pragmatism showing, chimed in with a confident nod. "This is a routine examination," she assured them. "No need to wait for the Professor. It'll be a breeze."
Yuzo nodded in understanding. "I see," he said, a touch of nostalgia creeping into his voice as his gaze drifted to the Starly perched on the trolley. "Starly brings back some fond memories. Actually, my very first Pokémon, way back when I started my journey, was a Starly."
"Really? How interesting!" Eiji chimed in, his voice tinged with surprise. "My journey began with a Bidoof."
A chuckle escaped Yuzo's lips. "Bidoof, huh? What are the odds? My little brother actually chose a Bidoof as his starter too." The two assistants reminisced about their early days as trainers, their voices sharing a tale of their experiences.
Akari, still diligently entering data but unable to completely block out the conversation, couldn't help but let her thoughts drift. Gary's visit had sparked something within her, a yearning for adventure that had been simmering beneath the surface. Since then, she'd been meticulously recording everything she could remember – details about the Legendaries or anything else that might be of use before she starts her journey. Only she and Professor Rowan were privy to this information, and with each passing day, the file size of the notes grew bigger. It wouldn't be long, maybe before the week was out, that she'd be ready to embark on her own Pokémon adventure. A nervous excitement bubbled in her chest, a stark contrast to the carefree banter filling the room.
This playful banter was abruptly interrupted by a sudden squabble erupting between two of the starter Pokémon, Piplup and Chimchar. Before anyone could react, Piplup launched a Bubble Beam attack at Chimchar. The nimble fire-type Pokémon dodged the attack with ease, its agile form propelling it up the nearest lab cabinet.
Piplup, enraged by its missed attack, let out a series of frustrated squawks. Yuzo, sensing the escalating tension, quickly scooped Piplup up in an attempt to calm them down. However, Piplup's temper remained undeterred. Confined in Yuzo's grasp, it continued firing Bubble Beams in Chimchar's direction laced with anger.
Chimchar, perched precariously atop a lab cabinet, watched the scene unfold with a mischievous glint in its eyes. Seeing Piplup's frustration only fueled its own playful spirit. With a burst of movement, Chimchar launched itself towards the trolley holding the Starly and Staraptor. It landed with a light thud, narrowly avoiding the bewildered Starly and sending a tremor through the trolley.
Piplup heaved inside Yuzo's grip, forcing him to turn around to face the fire-type. Unfortunately, Piplup's anger remained misdirected. Still confined, it unleashed another volley of Bubble Beam, this time drenching the nearby Starly and Staraptor.
The once-majestic Staraptor, its feathers plastered with soapy bubbles, let out a startled squawk. The indignity proved too much. With a powerful flap of its wings, Staraptor unleashed a fierce whirlwind attack that ripped through the lab. Papers and lab equipment went flying, creating a scene of utter chaos. The force of the attack even shattered a second-floor window, sending shards of glass raining down.
Amidst the pandemonium, Piplup seized the opportunity. With a final indignant squawk, it wriggled free from Yuzo's grasp. Staraptor and Starly, no longer content to be mere bystanders, took flight through the opening. Chimchar, continuing to instigate, followed them out the window, not forgetting to taunt Piplup with a final gesture before its escape. As if compelled by Chimchar's mocking, Piplup scrambled after the other Pokémon, finally disappearing out the window as well.
The five assistants stood frozen in stunned silence as the five Pokémon vanished. The weight of the situation settled on Yuzo's shoulders. "Just perfect!" he exclaimed, running a hand through his already ruffled hair. "Professor Rowan's away, a new trainer's arriving any minute, and the starter Pokémon decided to stage a jailbreak! We need to act fast. Everyone, let's get to work and clean up this mess!"
Responding with a flurry of activity, the assistants sprang into action, scrambling to clear the debris and formulate a plan to recapture the escaped Pokémon. However, just as they started moving, the lab door creaked open, revealing a sight that left them speechless. Professor Rowan stood in the doorway, a hint of surprise on his face.
"He's back!" Yuzo and Eiji exclaimed in unison, lamenting the unfortunate timing of their predicament. Meanwhile, Akari, frozen beside the computer terminal, could only stare wide-eyed at the girl standing beside the Professor. This young newcomer, with her bright eyes and an uncanny resemblance to a younger Akari, stood there curiously at the pandemonium that had just unfolded.
I hope the French don't murder me for butchering their language, but for the people who don't know French, here are all the phrases I used in order.
Bonjour - Good Morning/ Good Day/ Hello
Oui - Yes
Merci - Thank You
Hein - huh
Que se passe-t-il? - What is going on?
Merci beaucoup - Thank you very much
Non - No
Au revoir - Goodbye
Since we've reached Akari's birthday, it feels like a good time to introduce some basic stats to the main characters.
Akari: Age 16, Height 160cm (5ft 3in)
Lucas: Age 10, Height 151cm (4ft 11in)
Barry: Age 10, Height 152cm (5ft)
Dawn: Age 10, Height 142cm (4ft 8in)
Gary: Age 14, Height 157cm (5ft 2in)
Ash: Age 13 (almost 14), Height 149cm (4ft 10in)
Paul: Age 13, Height 155cm (5ft 1in)
Brock: Age 19, Height 171cm (5ft 8in)
In case it was difficult to keep track of what happened since I didn't give exact dates, here is the order of events so far:
Year 0
In February, Akari fell into a coma.
Akari wakes up from her coma in late March, coinciding with Ash's loss at the Hoenn Conference.
Throughout spring and summer, Akari recovers from her coma, explores the abilities she gained from The Dream, and crafts tools based on her newfound knowledge.
On July 7th, Akari completes her Proto Ball, catches Mew, and celebrates the Tanabata Festival.
The following day, July 8th, Akari receives Chimchar as her starter Pokémon.
On September 13th, Akari catches Magikarp
Barry and Lucas receive Piplup and Turtwig as their starter Pokémon on November 19th.
For Christmas on December 25th, Akari receives the Arc Belt.
Year 1
On January 3rd, Akari catches Budew.
Akari celebrates her 16th birthday on January 28th.
Gary departs for Kanto on February 11th.
February 13th marks the beginning of Dawn's Pokémon trainer journey, and Ash arrives in the Sinnoh region.
Tune in next time for Dreams Never End: Chapter 5 - Let the Sparks Fly
