It's time for the first Johto Gym battle for the twins! Just like in the Kanto Saga, I will only write Ashley's Gym battles because Ash's battles are basically the same as in the anime.
The chapter begins in Ashley's point of view.
Disclaimer: I do not own any Pokémon characters! I only own my OCs!
Chapter 9: Fighting Flyer With Fire
After saying goodbye to Zackie and the students and teachers at the Pokémon Academy, my friends, brother and I ventured to the downtown of Violet City after Priscilla told us the way to the Violet Gym's location. The sun was still up in the afternoon, so Ash decided he would challenge the Gym before it could close for the day.
Oh yeah, Ash and I decided on who should go first by rock-paper-scissors. He won the game, so he would go first for this Gym, but I would go first for the next Gym and the circle would repeat itself. Also, I did have some advantage about going second because I could study the Gym Leader's Pokémon and their strategy to counteract with my Pokémon.
Right now, we were standing outside of the tall building of the Gym. It looked like the Tower of Babel I had read about in some storybooks that were from another region.
"We're finally here!" Ash said determinedly. "We're going to beat the Gym and get our first Johto badge, Pikachu!"
"Pikachu!" Pikachu nodded in determination.
Brock checked something in his guidebook. "It says here that the Violet Gym specializes in flying-type Pokémon", he informed us. "So Pikachu, Hikaru and even Cedric have the type advantage for this."
"Yeah", I nodded. "And if the Gym Leader has a very powerful flying-type Pokémon, we can use Firered and Charizard."
"Great idea!" Ash smiled. "I'm so excited I can't stay still! Let's go inside and see if the Gym Leader's here!"
"This is going to be an interesting Gym", Misty commented as we walked to the entrance.
"Togiprii!"
The automatic doors opened and allowed us inside the lobby. A man in his twenties sat by the front desk and looked up from the computer when he heard the door chime. "Welcome to the Violet City Gym", he called. "How can I help you?"
"Hi! I'd like to challenge the Gym Leader, please!" Ash said excitedly.
"Pika pika!"
"Ah, so you're a Pokémon Trainer?" the receptionist smiled before he walked around the desk. "Follow me and I'll show you the way to the battlefield."
We followed him to an elevator which we stepped inside and went to the top floor. As soon as the door opened, we were greeted by a wind blow. It turned out we were on the roof of the Gym. A man around the receptionist's age stood in the middle of the battlefield with a Hoothoot on his arm. He was wearing a blue outfit and had dark blue hair.
"Gym Leader Falkner, you have a challenger!" the receptionist called out.
The blue-haired man turned around and walked over to us. He looked quite nice in his Johtonian-themed outfit. "Welcome to my Gym", Falkner told us. "I'm the Gym Leader, Falkner. Who of you want to challenge me?"
"That's me!" Ash answered as he pointed his thumb at himself. "My name's Ash Ketchum and I'm from Pallet Town. My twin sister and I aim to participate in the Johto League."
I waved shyly at Falkner when he looked at me and our friends behind my brother to see who Ash was referring to. "Hello…", I mumbled softly.
"I see", Falkner smiled. "I gladly challenge both of you, but I'm afraid I can only accept one last challenger for today."
"It's okay", I shook my head. "I can come back tomorrow."
"Then it's settled", Falkner nodded. "Hoothoot, are you ready for one more match for today?"
"Hooohooot!" Hoothoot hooted with determined eyes.
"Alright! Let's get started!" Ash cheered excitedly.
"Pika!"
XXXXXXXXXX
After some trial and errors, Ash actually won against Falkner's Pokémon thanks to Charizard. I got a little worried when I saw Falkner's powerful Pokémon, so I trained the trio I planned to use for my Gym battle in the evening before bedtime just to be safe.
I was the first challenger of the next day and Falkner was expecting me with open arms. We went to the roof for the battlefield and took our stands while the referee went to his section. Ash and our friends stood to the side to watch the battle and cheer for me.
"The Gym battle between Gym Leader Falkner and challenger Ashley Ketchum is about to begin!" the referee called. "Each will use three Pokémon and the battle ends when one's Pokémon are unable to battle! Only the challenger may substitute Pokémon!"
"Your brother battled well with his Pokémon, especially Charizard, so I expect the same from you, Ashley", Falkner called.
"I'll do my best", I nodded. "Just…don't expect too much from me."
"A bit modest, but I know you'll shine when the battle begins", Falkner smiled before he threw his Poké Ball. "Hoothoot, I choose you!"
"Hoohoot!" Hoothoot hooted as it got called out.
Hoothoot, huh… So he was clearly going to use the same Pokémon he had yesterday against me. I quickly made my decision and snatched the chosen Poké Ball from my belt. "I choose you, Hikaru!"
"Mareeep!" Hikaru bleated as his tail sparkled, eager to battle.
"An electric-type…", Falkner smirked softly. "You may have the type advantage, but you shouldn't underestimate flying-type Pokémon."
"Begin battle!" the referee called.
"Hikaru, use Growl!" I shouted.
"Mareep…!" Hikaru growled at Hoothoot with a soft glare that caught the owl Pokémon off guard.
"Hoothoot, use Hypnosis and put Mareep to sleep!" Falkner shouted.
"Hoohoooot!" Hoothoot's eyes glowed before it fired hypnotic waves toward Hikaru.
"Dodge it, Hikaru!" I shouted quickly.
"Mareeep!" Hikaru bleated before he jumped to the side, the hypnotic waves barely missing him.
"Now, use Thunder Shock!" I yelled.
"MareEEEP!" Hikaru's wool sparkled before he unleashed the electric move at Falkner's Pokémon.
"Dodge it, Hoothoot!" Falkner yelled.
"Hoohooot!" Hoothoot flew up to the sky as the lightning hit the ground where it had just stood.
"Attack with Tackle!" Falkner continued.
That could actually work to our advantage!
Hoothoot hooted before it dived toward Hikaru and prepared itself to tackle him. "Hikaru, stay still and use Growl again!" I shouted.
"Mareeep!" Hikaru growled loudly at Hoothoot before the owl Pokémon tackled him. The funny thing was Hoothoot's attack had barely done any damage because it tackled Hikaru on the wool that was very soft and its attack had been lowered twice by Growl.
And now that Hoothoot was close to the ground… "Hikaru, use Thunder Shock!" I yelled.
"MareEEEP!" Hikaru unleashed a new Thunder Shock that struck Hoothoot.
"HOOHOOO!" Hoothoot shrieked in pain as it got electrocuted.
"Hoothoot!" Falkner yelled worriedly before his Pokémon crashed onto the ground.
Hoothoot was still awake as it forced itself up on its feet. "H-Hooo…"
"Hoothoot, are you okay?" Falkner asked.
"Hooo…"
"Try using Hypnosis!" Falkner shouted.
"Hooo-", Hoothoot's eyes began glowing before it had to stop because of sparkles that appeared on its body.
"Hoothoot?!" Falkner called out worriedly.
"Success! Hoothoot is paralyzed!" I smiled. "Hikaru, finish this with Thunder Shock!"
"Maree! MareEEEP!" Hikaru nodded before he fired another Thunder Shock, the blue lightning crawling toward the weak flying-type Pokémon.
"Quick! Use Reflect!" Falkner panicked.
Reflect? Oh no! If he successfully managed to set up Reflect, it would last for some time and weaken physical attacks against his other Pokémon!
"H-Hoohooot!" Hoothoot raised its wings with its eyes glowing before a transparent wall appeared in front of it. However, it vanished when Thunder Shock struck the owl Pokémon since that move was of the special type.
Hoothoot got electrocuted again and collapsed on the ground as soon as the attack was over. The referee inspected Hoothoot and raised his arm. "Hoothoot is unable to battle! Mareep wins!"
"Alright!" I cheered happily. "Great job, Hikaru!"
"Mareeep!" Hikaru bleated happily.
"Hoothoot, return", Falkner called as he recalled his Pokémon. "You did well, my friend. You set up the field for your comrades, so take a good rest." He put away the Poké Ball and grabbed another one. "You performed well with your Mareep, Ashley. You took advantage of Mareep's Static ability to paralyze Hoothoot."
"That's right", I nodded. "And Hikaru's wool is so soft it can be used as a cushion."
"We'll see if your Mareep can stand a match against my next Pokémon", Falkner smirked as he prepared himself to throw his second Poké Ball.
"I'm actually going to switch", I called as I grabbed Hikaru's Poké Ball." Hikaru, return for now."
"Maareeep", Hikaru bleated as he returned to his Poké Ball.
"Interesting…", Falkner said as he waited for me to finish switching my Pokémon.
I strapped Hikaru's Poké Ball on my belt before I grabbed another and threw it. "I choose you, Firered!"
"Raaawr!" Firered roared as he settled down on the field.
"So you have a Charizard too", Falkner commented with a smirk before he threw his Poké Ball. "But it's still no match against my Dodrio!"
"Riooo!" Dodrio shrieked with its three heads.
"You may have the first move", Falkner told me.
"Okay", I nodded. "Firered, use Flamethrower!"
"RAAAWR!" Firered roared before he breathed fire at Dodrio.
"Jump up while using Agility, Dodrio!" Falkner shouted.
"Riooo!" Dodrio shrieked before it jumped up while flapping its legs to increase its speed.
"Now, Dodrio, use Fury Attack!" Falkner yelled.
"Riooo!" the three heads of Dodrio screeched before they aimed their beaks at him while falling toward the ground.
"Firered, use Smokescreen!" I shouted.
"Raaawr!" Firered roared before he breathed a thick cloud of smoke at Dodrio. The bird Pokémon panicked in second before it engulfed by the smoke. I could hear it cough inside the black cloud. It obviously got distracted by the smoke and missed Firered with that Fury Attack who was also engulfed by the smoke.
"Dodrio, run around to clear up the smoke!" Falkner yelled from the other side of the field.
"Firered, stop Dodrio with Metal Claw!" I shouted.
"Rawr!" Firered roared from the smoke in response.
I couldn't see what was happening, but I could hear the Pokémon's cries and noise so I assumed they were chasing each other around. The next thing I knew, Dodrio jumped up from the smoke, or it looked more like it got launched. The smoke cleared up and revealed Firered standing on the ground with his claws glowing. He must have slashed Dodrio so hard that it got thrown up in the air.
"Dodrio, recover and use Tri Attack!" Falkner shouted.
"Rio!" Dodrio made a flip in the air and opened its beak in preparation for the Tri Attack. The middle beak fired an ice beam while the right head fired a lightning bolt and the left head breathed fire. The attacks combined into a triangle that sparkled in the three elements and headed toward Firered.
"Dodge it, Firered!" I shouted.
Firered jumped up and flew to the air while barely dodging the Tri Attack. One of the sharp edges actually hit him on his right wing, but it didn't do that much of damage. However, I now noticed something sparkled on his wing.
"Ice…", I bit my bottom lip as I saw the ice shards. Firered couldn't even fly properly with that little ice on his wing. I had to hurry and finish the battle with Dodrio so he could rest and the ice would melt before he had to battle again.
"Firered, let's finish this with your new move!" I shouted, feeling determined than ever. "Use Fire Blast!"
"RAAAWR!" Firered roared before he breathed a massive amount of fire that shaped itself into a large kanji of dai. The fire kanji headed toward Dodrio who stood ready to counterattack.
"Destroy that Fire Blast with Drill Peck!" Falkner shouted.
"Riooo!" Dodrio shrieked and took control of the wind so it blew around its three beaks. It dashed toward the Fire Blast and pierced it with the beaks, causing the remnants of the fire move to fly around the battlefield.
"Now! Use Flamethrower!" I shouted.
"RAWR!" Firered flew right above Dodrio and breathed more fire that hit the bird Pokémon. Dodrio shrieked as its body got burned by the attack. Firered even pounced onto Dodrio and forced it down on its stomach.
That impact was actually enough to knock Dodrio out as its three heads rested on the ground. The referee inspected Falkner's Pokémon and raised his arm up once again. "Dodrio is unable to battle! Charizard wins!"
"Alright! Way to go, Ashley, Firered!" Ash cheered from the side.
"Thank you, Ash!" I waved to my brother before turning to Firered. "You were awesome, Firered!"
"Rawr!" Firered growled happily as he stepped off Dodrio.
"Dodrio, return!" Falkner recalled his Pokémon and stared at the Poké Ball. "You did well, Dodrio. Take a good rest too." He minimized the capture device and switched to his third and final Poké Ball. "Your Charizard put up a good fight against Dodrio. I'm very impressed."
"Thank you", I nodded softly. "My Pokémon and I always do our best to improve ourselves."
"As should every Trainer and their Pokémon do", Falkner nodded. "Are you switching Pokémon?"
"I am", I replied before I held up Firered's Poké Ball. "Firered, return!"
"Grrr…", Firered rumbled as he got recalled to his Poké Ball.
I knew Falkner's final Pokémon was certainly going to be Pidgeot, but I had to improvise in case Falkner expected me to use the same trick with Firered that Ash and Charizard used yesterday. Just like what Falkner's Hoothoot did, my other Pokémon had to set up the stage for Firered.
"It's your turn again, Hikaru!" I shouted as I threw his Poké Ball.
"Mareep!" Hikaru bleated as he got out of the capture device.
"Pidgeot, everything is up to you!" Falkner shouted as he threw his Poké Ball.
"Pidgeooot!" Pidgeot shrieked as it got out, eager to battle.
"Hikaru, use Thunder Wave!" I shouted.
"Mareeep!" Hikaru bleated as he fired an electric shockwave toward Pidgeot.
"Dodge it with Agility, Pidgeot!" Falkner shouted.
"Oooot!" Pidgeot shrieked as it flew up to the sky, dodging the Thunder Wave.
"Quick, use Growl, Hikaru!" I shouted.
"Mareeep!" Hikaru growled at the large bird Pokémon, which barely flinched by the intimidating attack.
"Pidgeot, use Whirlwind!" Falkner yelled.
"Pidgeooot!" Pidgeot began flapping its wings so hard the wind blew around Hikaru. He tried to stay on the ground, but the wind kicked him up into the air. It only took seconds before his body glowed in red energy and he got sent back to his Poké Ball.
I growled to myself for being forced to switch Pokémon. I still needed to set up the field for Firered, so I couldn't call him out yet. "I choose you, Cedric!" I yelled as I threw his Poké Ball.
"Taaar!" Cedric shrieked determinedly before he took his place on the field.
"A Larvitar…", Falkner commented nonchalantly. "Now that you called it out, you can no longer choose other Pokémon for the battle."
"I'm aware of the rules", I responded. "Cedric, distract Pidgeot with Screech!"
"LarvitAAAAAR!" Cedric screamed so loudly that it even hurt my ears. I covered them while I watched the soundwaves fly up to the sky toward Pidgeot. They actually hit the bird Pokémon. Pidgeot shrieked in pain as it tried enduring the screech attack.
"Don't lose focus, Pidgeot!" Falkner shouted. "Use Agility again!"
"Pidgeoot!" Pidgeot cawed before it flew around the sky and increased its speed again.
I gritted my teeth as I tried coming up with a new plan. There was one move that Cedric could use to get some sort of advantage, but it could end up affecting my other Pokémon. However, the priority was to slow down Pidgeot so Cedric could inflict some amount of damage.
"Cedric, use Sandstorm!" I shouted.
"Tar! Larvi…TAAR!" Cedric gathered all his power before his body began glowing. He then screamed as he summoned a tornado of sand that engulfed the entire roof. Sand and dirt blew around us and the view got bad even for me. I had to shield both my eyes and mouth with my hands in order to see and talk.
"Pidgeot…!" Falkner coughed by the sand. "Use Steel Wing!"
Steel Wing?! When did Pidgeot learn that? Yesterday, it only knew Wing Attack! Unless…Falkner actually trained a little bit as well yesterday evening in preparations for this Gym battle?
I could barely see the silhouette of Pidgeot, but I heard it shriek as it flew around in the sandstorm. I recalled one of Pidgeot's abilities was Keen Eye, which made it impossible to lower its accuracy.
"Cedric, use Screech!" I panicked.
"Larvi…TAAAR!" Cedric screamed again with the hopes it could stop Pidgeot.
"Dodge it, Pidgeot!" Falkner shouted.
Pidgeot's figure appeared in the midst of the sandstorm as it dodged the shockwaves of the Screech. Before I could yell my next command, Cedric got slashed by Pidgeot's Steel Wing which was super-effective against rock-type Pokémon.
"Cedric!" I screamed worriedly as he crashed onto the ground. "Cedric, you okay?!"
"L-Lar…", Cedric grunted in pain as he forced himself up on his feet again.
"Finish Larvitar with another Steel Wing!" Falkner commanded.
"Geooot!" Pidgeot shrieked as it flew back into the sandstorm to prepare itself for another surprise attack.
I immediately got an idea and grabbed both Cedric's and Hikaru's Poké Balls. "Cedric, return!" I quickly recalled him and threw Hikaru's Poké Ball. "Get ready, Hikaru!"
"Maree-ep!" Hikaru bleated before he coughed by the sand that blew into his mouth.
It was enough distraction for him to get hit by Pidgeot's Steel Wing. He got thrown up into the air, but I knew that steel move hadn't done too much damage because of the Growl from earlier and Hikaru's wool protected him.
"Hikaru, use your power to unleash a big Thunder Wave on the whole field!" I shouted.
The orb on the tip of Hikaru's tail began sparkling as he gathered all his energy to unleash a large Thunder Wave that looked like an electric net. Lightning bolts struck the ground and forced Pidgeot to stop in its tracks to dodge the move. The next thing I knew, it finally got hit by the Thunder Wave just as Hikaru fell toward the ground while his body shone in a white light. The sandstorm was slowly subsiding now, so the view cleared up to reveal Hikaru had landed safely on the ground and he had evolved into a Flaaffy!
"Flaaffyy!" Hikaru bleated.
"Look! Hikaru evolved into a Flaaffy!" Brock exclaimed in surprise.
"And Pidgeot is paralyzed!" Misty yelled. "Ashley's got a chance now!"
"P-Pidgeo…", Pidgeot chirped weakly as it now stood on the ground and tried moving its body, fighting against the paralysis.
"Pidgeot, fight against the paralysis!" Falkner encouraged his partner.
"You did great, Hikaru. The stage is set for Firered", I said as I recalled him to his Poké Ball before calling out my first Pokémon partner ever. "Firered, let's finish the battle!"
"Raaawr!" Firered roared as he entered the battlefield once again.
"Pidgeot, fly up with Agility!" Falkner called.
"P-Pidgeoot…!" Pidgeot opened its wings and flew up to the sky while picking up its speed, despite its weakened condition.
"Fly after Pidgeot, Firered!" I shouted.
"Raawr!" Firered roared before he flew up to give chase after Pidgeot. The ice he had on his wing before was now gone, so he flew without any problems.
"Pidgeot, use Agility and attack with Steel Wing!" Falkner commanded.
I knew immediately what strategy he was going for. It was the same he used yesterday against Ash's Charizard. Pidgeot vanished in front of Firered and flew around him so fast that he appeared out of nowhere behind him.
"Turn around and catch Pidgeot with Metal Claw, Firered!" I shouted.
Firered turned around with his claws glowing just as Pidgeot's wings glowed in a metallic light. The bird Pokémon flew toward my Pokémon, but Firered caught it by its wings before it could strike him. I knew Firered didn't get too much damage thanks to his Metal Claw.
But now that Firered had caught Pidgeot, he could strike with full force up close!
"Firered, hold Pidgeot tight and use Fire Blast!" I shouted.
Firered opened his mouth with flames coming out of it, preparing himself to use the chosen fire-type move.
"Pidgeot, peck Charizard on the head to get free!" Falkner yelled desperately.
"Pidgeo- Pidgeo!" Pidgeot attempted to peck Firered on the head, but its body sparkled by the paralysis condition, which stopped it in its movement.
Firered threw Pidgeot back and breathed the Fire Blast that engulfed Pidgeot whole. Pidgeot shrieked in pain while it got burned by the powerful move. It soon fell down to the ground like a rock and crashed onto the battlefield with its feathers scorched.
"Pidgeot!" Falkner yelled worriedly at the sight of his fallen Pokémon.
Firered landed in front of me while the referee inspected Pidgeot. He nodded to himself before raising the arm. "Pidgeot is unable to battle! Charizard wins! The winner of the Gym battle is challenger Ashley!" he announced.
"Alright! You did it, Ashley!" Ash cheered from the side.
"Pika pikaaa!"
"We won…", I mumbled in disbelief at first before my lips erupted into a smile. "We won the Gym battle!" I ran to Firered to give him a big hug. He turned around and opened his arms so I could pounce onto him. "You were amazing, Firered! You, Cedric and Hikaru worked great together!"
"Raaawr!" Firered growled happily.
I called out the two other Pokémon and hugged them tight and gave them lots of praise. "You guys did so well in your first Gym battle. I'm so proud of you", I smiled to them. "And congratulations for evolving, Hikaru."
"Flaaffy flaaf!" Hikaru bleated happily.
"Tar…", Cedric growled softly at Hikaru, probably feeling jealous that somebody else evolved before him.
Falkner cleared his throat to get my attention. I quickly remembered I was about to receive my first Johto Gym badge, so I stood up and clapped the dirt off my hands. "Yes, sir?"
"Just like with your brother, you threw my expectations off the roof", Falkner smiled softly while the referee walked to him with a tray. The Gym Leader grabbed something from the tray and held it out to me. "As the proof for defeating the Violet City Gym, I give you the Zephyr Badge."
The Zephyr Badge looked like a pair of wings, which really fit for the theme of the Gym. I gently took it from Falkner, feeling proud that I had won another Gym battle in another region. The thrill to battle seriously again lifted my spirit up. It reminded me of my goal to become a dragon tamer and I was now one step closer to fulfill my dream.
"Thank you, Falkner", I nodded to him before showing the badge to my Pokémon. "Look, guys. This is the badge we won for working together."
"Larvitaar!"
"Flaaffy!"
"Rawr!"
"Congrats, Ashley!" Ash smiled as he and our friends approached us. "Now we both have one badge each for the Johto League."
"And only seven more to go", I giggled.
"If you plan to participate in the Johto League, I recommend you go to Azalea Town for the next Gym", Falkner informed us. "It's not so far from here, but there's a valley you have to pass through first."
"Thanks for telling us, Falkner", Ash smiled. "We'll go there next."
"I wish you two the best of luck in the Johto League", Falkner said. "I'll do my best to make my flying-type Pokémon even stronger."
"We'll do the same", I nodded before I pinned the badge inside of my bolero. "And good luck with your training."
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My brother, friends and I spent the rest of the day buying supplies for the journey to Azalea Town. Brock checked the map and confirmed there was a valley we needed to cross in order to reach the town, so we had to buy some extra food if we stumbled upon trouble.
We were ready to depart the next morning after a nice breakfast at the Pokémon Center. We checked our backpacks one last time in the reception to make sure we had everything before Brock gave the key of our room to Nurse Joy. Of course, he flirted with her a little until Misty dragged him away by his ear.
"Ready to go, Ash?" I asked after I picked up my backpack.
"I'm as ready as I can be", Ash responded. "Are you ready for the next Gym battle, Pikachu?"
"Pika!" Pikachu nodded determinedly.
Misty and Brock waited outside for us, so we caught up to them after Brock calmed down. We headed toward the south of the city that led to Route 32. Nothing special happened until a geisha in her early twenties came out of nowhere and blocked our path. She was dressed in a black kimono with yellow rings that looked the same as the Umbreon that stood next to her. She carried an egg incubator that contained a Pokémon Egg that looked the same in which Misty's Togepi hatched from months ago.
"Excuse me, Trainers", she spoke with such a soft voice it almost felt as light as feathers. "May I ask you something?"
Brock immediately got active and bounced over to the geisha with hearts popping out of his head. "Oh yes, you may, you beautiful lady!" he barked in delight. "What kind of question do you have for me? If you wish to go out on dinner with me, my answer is an immediate yes!"
"Umbreon…", Umbreon barked unimpressed just like the rest of us.
The geisha giggled softly behind the long sleeve of her kimono. "As much as it sounds delightful, I am afraid my question doesn't concern that", she replied.
"Oh…", Brock's bright smile dropped as he got rejected before he even got to hear the question.
"Then…what is your question, miss?" Misty asked.
"Togi?"
"Allow me to introduce myself", the geisha bowed her head. "I am one of the five Kimono Sisters from Ecruteak City. My name is Zuki and this Umbreon is my partner."
"Umbreoon!" Umbreon barked before it nodded to us.
"Ecruteak City… That's pretty far from here", Brock pointed out after he recovered from his temporary depression. "How come you're on a journey alone, miss?"
"I am currently looking for a Trainer capable of taking care of this Pokémon Egg", Zuki explained, referring to the Egg she was carrying. "I sensed two of you carry the essence of a heart of gold and a soul of silver emitting from you. Especially you two." She looked at me and Ash with eyes that felt like they could pierce through my soul.
"A heart of gold and a soul of silver?" Ash repeated confusedly.
"Uh…", I was just as confused as my brother. I knew we didn't have literal hearts of gold and souls of silver, but I didn't know what those meant.
Zuki nodded before she held the Egg incubator toward me. "I wish to leave this Egg in your care", she explained. "I can tell you are trustworthy Trainers and you will take good care of the Pokémon that will hatch from it."
I hesitated a little because I was taught to not accept stuff from strangers and yet… There was something about Zuki and the Pokémon Egg, especially the Egg, that made me want to accept the offer. I reached out and gently took the incubator and held it close to my chest, so I wouldn't drop it.
"I entrust this Egg to you, Trainer with the soul of silver", Zuki said. "This Egg is very special, so raise it well."
"Umm… O-kay…?" I mumbled hesitantly before I realized something. "Should I contact you when it hatches?"
Zuki shook her head in response. "There is no need. My sisters and I will know when that time comes", she replied before she bowed deeply. "Have a safe journey, Trainers of the heart of gold and the soul of silver."
"Breon!"
With that said, Zuki and her Umbreon walked away, leaving behind a mysterious aura that gave me the chills. It turned out that was just the cold wind blowing.
"What a mysterious geisha…", Misty commented.
"Togi?"
"Yeah, and what did she mean by that talk about heart of gold and soul of silver?" Ash wondered.
"I don't know… But I don't think this is the last time we'll see Zuki", Brock said while rubbing his chin. "And she did say she's one of the Kimono Sisters, which means…" His face lit up again by his fantasies. "I have another chance to ask her sisters for a date!"
"I have a feeling they'll reject you instantly, Brock", Misty mumbled nonchalantly.
I stared at the Pokémon Egg which I knew for certain it was going to hatch into a Togepi. The white shell and the red and blue patterns were exact the same as Misty's Togepi. I actually felt a little nervous now that I had accepted the Egg. I didn't know if I was capable of taking care of it.
"Can I…really take care of an Egg?" I questioned myself.
"You can do it, sis", Ash assured me and cupped my hands to comfort me. "Besides, you're not alone. You've got us and we've taken care of another Pokémon Egg before." He turned to Togepi and gave her his signature smile with bright teeth. Togepi chirped happily in response, which made Misty giggle.
"He's right", Misty nodded. "We're in this together. And since it looks like that Egg will hatch into a Togepi, my Togepi will become a big sister."
"Priii!"
"So if we end up having two Togepis, then you really need to give it a ribbon so we can tell who is who."
"Yes", I nodded before I stared at the Egg once again. I placed my right hand on the surface of the transparent incubator and rubbed it. "I promise…I'll take good care of you, little one."
Maybe it was my eyes playing tricks on me, but I swore I saw the Egg wiggle like it had reacted to my voice.
XXXXXXXXXX
Ashley's party:
Firered the Charizard (male)
Cedric the Larvitar (male)
Trica the Sentret (female)
Hikaru the Flaaffy (male)
Pokémon Egg
XXXXXXXXXX
Ash's party:
Ivysaur (male)
Pikachu (male)
Charizard (male)
Wartortle (male)
Heracross (male)
Chikorita (female)
XXXXXXXXXX
Misty's party:
Goldeen (female)
Staryu (genderless)
Psyduck (male)
Togepi (female)
Poliwag (male)
XXXXXXXXXX
Brock's party:
Geodude (male)
Onix (male)
Zubat (male)
Vulpix (female)