Author's Note: So here we have a Part 2 and also I like to give thanks to one of my readers, Twinstar Dragon for their help and also hope they like this piece. Also, please give me thoughts and feedback on how you feel about this whole story, Read and Review
Disclaimer: Blue Kitsune does not own Fairy Tail or Pokemon
Chapter 2 - A Journey that Starts With A Spark Part 2
"Hey sis, how much further until we reach Viridian City?" Toshi asked impatiently for the fifth time in two hours, his voice tinged with a groan. Ashi glanced at her brother, sighing as she tried to maintain her composure in the face of his restlessness. She understood his eagerness to become the world's greatest Pokemon Master, but she also knew it would require time and dedication.
"As I mentioned before, it should take us a couple of days if we follow this trail," she replied calmly, adding under her breath, "and that's assuming we also take the time to train our Pokemon."
Toshi rolled his eyes, seemingly oblivious to the importance of honing their skills and developing strategies before rushing into battles. Ashi worried that his impulsive nature might lead him into trouble, as he often failed to consider the consequences of his actions.
"Remember, it took Mom and Dad four days to reach Viridian City when they first started their journey," she reminded him, hoping to temper his impatience.
"Yeah, yeah," Toshi muttered, kicking a rock along the path in frustration. "But I thought I'd be battling at the Gym by now!" Ashi looked at her brother earnestly and asked, "Didn't you say you wanted to relive the experiences Mom and Dad shared in their stories?"
She knew Toshi had always loved hearing about their parents' adventures as children, and they had agreed it would be wonderful to follow in their footsteps, even if much had changed over the years.
Toshi sighed heavily, realizing that using his powers to expedite their journey would only result in further admonishment from Ashi. Despite being alone on this adventure, she had made it clear that they were not to use any of their Dragonslayer abilities unless absolutely necessary.
As they trudged along the long, empty Route One, Toshi couldn't help but feel envious of Ashi's confident strides and nimble movements as she led the way. The scorching sun beat down on them relentlessly, causing Toshi to sweat profusely and yearn for a patch of shade. He scanned the horizon, hoping to spot any signs of civilization or Pokemon, but all he could see were never-ending fields of tall grass swaying in the gentle breeze.
"I thought you said this route was teeming with Pokemon," Toshi grumbled in frustration. In a fit of impatience, he darted out into the tall grass, hoping to catch a glimpse of any movement or hear a rustling sound. "Hey, Pokemon! Come out and play!" he called out loudly, but received no response from the elusive creatures.
Meanwhile, Ashi stood calmly by the side, knowing that Toshi's loud outburst would only serve to scare off any nearby Pokemon. As Toshi returned dejectedly, covered in dry brush from his rampage through the grass, she resisted the urge to roll her eyes at his impulsive actions. "Maybe we should have surveyed the area before charging in like a raging Tauros," she suggested placatingly.
But Sora, perched on Ashi's shoulder, had had enough of Toshi's complaints. "Oh quit your bellyaching already!" he snapped at him irritably. "Maybe the Pokemon ran away because they heard you stomping around like an angry Snorlax!"
Ashi quickly scolded Sora for his rude comment, but it was too late. Toshi winced at the Litten's words, knowing that there was some truth to them. Ashi knew that Sora's bad mood stemmed from that incident between him and Toshi earlier that morning, but she hoped they could move past it soon.
"Let's just keep going," Ashi suggested, trying to diffuse the tension. "We'll eventually come across some Pokemon." Yet as they continued their journey along Route One, Toshi couldn't shake off his frustration and discouragement. He was tired of walking and not finding any Pokemon, and he couldn't help but wonder if this route was really as inhabited as they initially thought.
Ashi shot a pleading look at Sora, silently begging him to ease up on her brother. But the stubborn Pokemon wouldn't budge. He had been giving Toshi the cold shoulder for the past few hours, either glaring or ignoring him whenever Toshi tried to talk to him.
Ashi knew it was childish and petty, but Sora couldn't handle someone else stealing his spotlight. It stung his pride to be pushed aside for a Pikachu, of all Pokemon, as Ashi's starter. Toshi had no idea that the Pokeball he grabbed was meant for Ashi's starter when they caught it earlier. And while it may have been an honest mistake, there was no use crying over spilled milk. Ashi hoped that Sora would come around and see that he was overreacting.
However, with tensions rising between her two companions, Ashi knew she needed to intervene before things got ugly. "Hey guys," she spoke up in a calm tone, "let's take a break and have some lunch while we think about our next move."
It was nearly 2 o'clock and they had walked quite a distance. Ashi could tell everyone's energy levels were running low and thought it would be a good time to rest and refuel with some home-cooked food from their mom. Toshi's stomach grumbled at the mention of food and even Sora seemed interested in taking a break. "Fine," he grunted in agreement.
Ashi led them to a nearby tree where she set down her bag and pulled out several Tupperware containers filled with goodies from their mom. In addition to sandwiches, there were protein-packed kebabs that could easily be heated up with the portable grill, a charcuterie platter, and some baked salmon for Sora with a touch of Pokenip for flavor.
As her brother and Sora sat on the ground ignoring each other, Ashi racked her brain for a solution. "Toshi, why don't you take Charmander for a walk to get some fresh air and work on training with him?" she suggested. Toshi's face lit up at the idea, eager to blow off some steam and maybe even encounter a wild Pokemon to battle.
"Great idea sis, hold on!" he exclaimed, reaching for his Pokeball and releasing Charmander with an excited 'Char'.
"Charmander!" the fire-type pokemon let out a happy cry as he came out of his ball. "Hey buddy, want to help me look for some Pokemon and train your moves?" Toshi asked eagerly.
"Charmander!" Charmander responded enthusiastically, ready to go searching and battling with his trainer. "We'll be back soon, keep the food warm for us okay?" Toshi called out to Ashi before setting off with Charmander by his side.
"Be careful!" Ashi shouted after them, but felt reassured. She was sure they would be fine and hopefully they'd come across some easy-to-catch Pidgeys and Rattatas to help Charmander gain battle experience. She turned her attention to Litten, who was grooming himself before sensing Ashi's gaze on him.
"Sora, I know you wanted to be my first Pokémon, but can you let it go? Toshi didn't mean to cause any trouble." Ashi pleaded with her feline companion. Litten remained silent, but Ashi continued to reason with him. "He didn't know any better. Can't you forgive him, for my sake?"
The Pokémon reluctantly opened one eye and saw that Ashi was genuinely asking for his forgiveness. He hated to admit it, but she was right. Toshi had apologized and meant it.
"Fine," Litten grumbled, "But you owe me for this." Ashi knew that Sora wouldn't do anything without getting something in return. She took out a pack of Bonito flakes that her mom had prepared especially for Litten and offered it to him. "I'll give you half a cup of these flakes and an hour of belly rubs. Does that sound fair?"
Sora considered the offer before making a counteroffer, "Make it a whole bowl and ninety minutes of belly rubs, then we have a deal." Ashi nodded in agreement. She knew that bribing Litten with food was one way to keep him happy. She set the bowl of Bonito flakes in front of him and watched as he devoured them eagerly.
"Delicious! Now if you'll excuse me, I need to use the 'little kitty's room'. Be back in a tick!" Sora announced before disappearing into the bushes.
Alone again, Ashi took a moment to retrieve the Pokéball containing her newly caught Pokémon from her belt. She hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to handle this particular Pokémon. Thankfully, the lab had a medical bay where both Sora and Pikachu were able to fully recover from their earlier altercation. Ashi decided not to release the other Pokémon back then, as she didn't want any more conflicts among the team.
But Pikachu was now a part of their dynamic and Ashi knew she needed to establish some ground rules to keep things peaceful.
She sighed, hoping that Pikachu would be willing to understand and not cause any trouble. Otherwise, Sora might retaliate, and Ashi wanted to avoid that at all costs.
"Okay, here we go." She pressed the button on the Pokéball, enlarging it before releasing Pikachu into the open. The new Pokémon looked confused and immediately tried to make a run for it, thinking this was its chance to escape.
But something stopped Pikachu in its tracks - a strange tingling sensation that ran down its back. Ashi explained, "I'm sorry Pikachu, but that's just the microchip implanted in you when you were captured. It's warning you not to try and escape because I have your Pokéball with me. Eventually, you'll have more freedom, but for now, we need to establish a bond so we can get along."
The Pikachu glared at Ashi, its eyes flickering with a mixture of anger and defiance. Having never been caught or confined in a Pokeball before, the idea of being under someone else's control was unsettling. Ashi remained still, understanding that a newly-caught Pokemon would feel on edge, and tried to show that she meant no harm.
The electric mouse growled, its cheeks sparking as it let out a sharp "PIKA!" Ashi interpreted this as a declaration that it would never submit. The Pikachu then rushed to a nearby tree, perching on an open branch to distance itself from its new trainer.
Ashi had anticipated this reaction, having encountered similar situations with other Pokemon who initially resisted capture but eventually came around. She decided to give the Pikachu some space for the time being. The young teen sat down and pulled out her notebook from her bag, jotting down a few notes while keeping an eye on her brother, who was training not far from their spot.
Perched on the branch, the Pikachu scowled, realizing that something was preventing him from leaving the vicinity of these humans. He was frustrated with himself for getting caught so easily, but his hunger had driven him to seek out the electricity from a nearby building, leading to his current predicament.
From his vantage point, he observed the two humans, noticing the female below him, engrossed in her book, and the male child in the distance, clumsily attempting to take down a Pidgey with his Charmander.
"Pi-ka-chu!" (Pa-the-tic!) The Pikachu thought, finding the domesticated Charmander's performance disappointing compared to his own wild upbringing, where survival and quick thinking were paramount. His thoughts then turned to the mangy feline he had encountered earlier, his cheeks buzzing with electricity at the idea of delivering a close-range thunderbolt the next time they met.
Glancing back down at the female trainer sitting calmly beneath the tree, the Pikachu sensed something different about these humans. Though he had encountered many before, there was an ethereal presence about them that piqued his interest. Pikachu couldn't quite understand why, but the girl radiated a sense of determination and kindness that made him hesitate in his usual defiance.
As Ashi glanced up from her notebook, their eyes met briefly before Pikachu quickly looked away. She felt a pang of sympathy for the little Pokémon perched above her. Despite his tough exterior and aloof demeanor, Ashi sensed a flicker of curiosity and perhaps even loneliness in his expressive eyes.
She stood up slowly and approached the tree where Pikachu sat, maintaining a calm and non-threatening presence. "Hey there, Pikachu," Ashi said softly, offering a gentle smile. "I know we didn't start off on the best foot, but I want to be your friend and partner on this journey. We can learn a lot from each other."
Pikachu regarded her with uncertainty, but his stomach began to growl loudly, much to his growing embarrassment. Ashi pretended not to notice, but she guessed that the Pokémon hadn't eaten much, which probably explained why it had come near the Professor's lab. Upon closer inspection, she noticed that Pikachu looked a bit thin.
Ashi turned to where she had laid out the food their mom had packed for them, including some apples. She grabbed a few from the lot and used a small paring knife to cut one in half before slicing it into smaller pieces. As she focused on cutting the fruit in her hand, she left the other half just a few inches away from her, right underneath the tree Pikachu was on.
The Pokémon watched intently as Ashi brought out the shiny red fruit and cut it into thirds, then carved an unusual design that captured her full attention. Pikachu thought it was the perfect opportunity to crawl down and carefully approach the unguarded fruit without catching her eye. He knew it could be a trap, but he was incredibly hungry.
Pikachu quickly swiped the apple piece and gobbled it down until only the seed and core remained. He patted his belly and let out a small burp, savoring the delicious taste and wishing he had more. Suddenly, he noticed something being held out to him—an apple slice cut to resemble his long ears.
"Pika?" The human simply stayed still, and Pikachu hesitated before taking the offered piece and quickly stuffing it into his mouth, making his cheeks puff out like a Skwovet.
Ashi couldn't help but smile fondly at the Pikachu's adorable antics, struggling to stifle a laugh as the Pokémon finished the bits of fruit. With its hunger sated, the Pikachu perked up and rubbed its belly, letting out a contented "cha..."
Ashi took a deep breath and began to speak, knowing the Pikachu might not fully understand her words but hoping her sincerity would shine through. "I have a dream, just like Toshi does. I want to be by his side, keeping him safe through the perils we'll face on this journey. To do that, I need a partner I can rely on, someone who will be there for me as I would be for them, without hesitation."
The Pikachu's twitching ears indicated it was listening intently, and the expression on Ashi's face conveyed the depth of her message. She moved closer, determined to make her point clear and forge an understanding between them. "I know we just met, and this might seem sudden, but if you're willing, I'd like to extend my hand in friendship. I hope we can work together as a team, maybe even more than that."
Pikachu blinked in surprise, a warmth spreading through him that had nothing to do with the electricity in his cheeks. He never expected such compassion and understanding from a human, especially one who had just captured him. The sincerity in Ashi's tone struck a chord within Pikachu, resonating with his own desire to become the very best and push himself to the limit. Maybe, just maybe, this human was different.
Their moment was interrupted by a loud noise, and both trainer and Pokémon turned to see Toshi returning with his Charmander, both looking worse for wear. The Charmander was covered in scratches, a bruise visible on its stomach. "No luck, I see?" Ashi asked, noting Toshi's unsuccessful attempts and Charmander's scuffed appearance.
Toshi sighed and shook his head. "We tried. There were a couple of Pidgey, but the one we were fighting used Whirlwind and knocked Charmander away before taking off. We were so close to catching it, too!" Charmander looked at the ground, feeling embarrassed and disappointed. It had wanted to prove itself by taking down a Pokémon, but instead, it had been beaten by a small bird. "Char..."
Ashi and the Pikachu remained silent as the teen reached into her bag, pulling out a Potion bottle. She handed it to Toshi to use on the Pokémon's wound. Then, she grabbed one of the extra Oran berries her mom had plucked that morning, thinking they would be useful for this situation. After Toshi finished treating Charmander's injuries, Ashi gave the berry to the Pokémon to help replenish its energy with the fresh fruit.
"Don't worry, all you need to do is think and come up with a better strategy. Remember, you have to adapt and think on your feet," she advised both the trainer and Pokémon, who took her sage words to heart. Even Pikachu thought it was sensible advice, having had his fair share of losses yet never giving up, even when things looked bad.
"Right, got it," Toshi replied, acknowledging the fair point Ashi had made. She knew best, and all that chasing around had worked up an appetite. Luckily, their mom had packed enough food, and they could recharge before trying again.
Sora eventually returned and paused for a moment, noticing the Pikachu. Deciding to ignore it, the Litten moved to Ashi and made itself comfortable in her lap, but not before letting the mouse know who was in charge. "Listen, this is my spot, mine, so don't get any ideas, you hear?!" Despite Sora's earlier promise to try for Ashi's sake, the Pikachu still got under his fur. Although Pikachu had come to terms with the female human, he still had a bone to pick with the other Pokémon.
Sensing the impending problem, Ashi intervened, "Hey now, Sora, that's no way to talk to your teammate. You have to understand he's part of the group, so no in-house fighting, okay?"
Sora scoffed, "Whatever," and moved to lie down, belly exposed, waiting for his rubs. Seeing his demand for her to follow through with their deal, Ashi obliged, making the Fire-type purr happily as she worked her magic fingers to keep him content for the time being. Unsure of what else to do, she glanced back at Pikachu, who had been observing the interaction with a mix of curiosity and amusement. The tension between the two Pokémon was palpable, but Ashi was determined to foster a sense of unity within her team.
Meanwhile, Toshi was on his fifth kebab, the spicy seasoning and Firestone really packing a wallop to his taste buds. As he moved to grab more from the portable grill, something out of the corner of his eye caught his attention. "Hey, sis, you said this route is supposed to have only Pidgeys and Rattatas, right?"
"Yes, and Sandshrews and Mankeys sometimes linger in this area," Ashi replied, observing Pikachu and Charmander interacting while nibbling on the Pokéfood she had provided. The two seemed to be getting along well.
"So, what are those?" He pointed to four Pokémon rummaging through their belongings. Upon being discovered, they froze and attempted to escape, but Sora, who was high alert, quickly jump in and blocked their path. "Drop that sandwich, you food thieves!" The Pokémon tried to flee in the other direction but found Pikachu and Charmander, now satiated and ready for action, also rushing to block them. Ashi took a moment to examine the cornered Pokémon and recognized that there were two each of Litleo and Shinx.
The Litleo had a leonine appearance with mostly dark brown fur, pale brown paws, ears, tail tips, and faces. Their short, rounded muzzles had reddish-orange noses, and their round ears had darker interiors. Circular, black eyes with white pupils peered back at them. A reddish-orange tuft of mane sat between each Litleo's ears, and their paws had three toes with dark brown paw pads. Their tails ended in pointed, teardrop shapes.
The Shinx resembled lynx kittens, with light blue front halves and black rear halves. Short tufts of fur adorned their heads, with smaller tufts on each cheek. The top tuft was smaller on the female Shinx. Large, oval ears with yellow, star-shaped markings on the insides framed their yellow eyes and tiny, red noses. When their mouths opened, small fangs could be seen in their upper jaws. A black marking encircled each Shinx's neck like a collar, and yellow bands marked the fur above their forepaws. Spiked fur surrounded the bases of their long tails, which were tipped with yellow star shapes.
All four Pokémon were covered in dirt, with one Shinx particularly caked in mud and leaves, suggesting they had been in the wild for some time. (That explains why I didn't sense them until now.)
Despite being outnumbered, the four Pokémon huddled together, quivering in fear, clearly intimidated by the fully energized trio. Recognizing their distress, Ashi whistled to Sora to back down, prompting the others to follow suit. Approaching the frightened group slowly, Ashi crouched down to their level, offering a reassuring smile. "Hey there, it's okay. We're not here to hurt you," she said gently, trying to calm the trembling Pokémon. The Litleo and Shinx eyed her warily, still cautious but seeming to relax slightly at her soothing words.
Noticing their skinny appearance and thinking why they were so interest in the human food, she went back to grab the leftover sandwiches, pulling a few slices and tossed them within reach. The foursome looked surprised by her gesture, but Ashi gave them a reassuring glance, indicating it was fine.
"Go ahead, it's really good," she said, watching as they devoured the food. Each Pokémon grabbed a piece and gobbled it down within seconds. A Shinx and Litleo engaged in a tug-of-war, with the Shinx claiming the larger share. As they finished, they looked back at Ashi, asking for more. The Dragonslayer siblings exchanged a subtle glance and decided to let the Pokémon partake their impromptu picnic. The four happily joined them, perhaps feeling a connection with the group. Ashi smiled, realizing that this unexpected encounter could be the start of something special.
Sora, after conversing with the Pokémon, reported back to Ashi, "They said they hatched a few days ago and have been wandering these areas since. They didn't know what to do until they smelled the food and came this way."
"I see," Ashi mused, considering that while certain species typically lived in specific areas, Pokémon migration sometimes led to intermingling outside their usual terrain. In other cases, some were abandoned in unfamiliar territory and left to fend for themselves. She wondered if these four's parents had been living independently and either got captured or left the eggs to find food for when the little ones hatched. However, Sora mentioned they were born recently, which led Ashi to consider that their parents might have met an unfortunate fate.
(The poor things must've been so scared and frighten yet at least had one another at the time. I can only imagine how they must've felt being without their parents to be at their side.)
"Leo?" Ashi blinked, noticing one of the Litleo, the female, on her lap. The Pokémon watched her curiously, and Ashi reached out to scratch underneath her chin, finding it to be a good spot, much like with Sora. The Litleo purred loudly under her touch. When she finished, Ashi found her nails full of dirt and wiped them on a nearby cloth, chuckling at the mess they had gotten into. The Shinx, its fur covered in mud, approached her tentatively, nudging her hand with its head as if asking for attention. Ashi obliged, careful not to get too dirty herself, and scratched behind the Shinx's ears, eliciting a pleased rumble from the Electric-type. She had some wet wipes in her pack, which she could use to give them a quick clean until they found a nearby water source for a better wash.
As Ashi observed the four young Pokémon, she marveled at their resilience and ability to thrive despite their tender age. The other Shinx eagerly devoured the Pokéfood with a gusto, while Litleo playfully engaged with Charmander, both clearly enjoying each other's company. The diverse group's camaraderie was heartwarming, a testament to the power of friendship transcending species.
Ashi noticed the female Litleo's curiosity as it pawed at the Pokéballs on her belt, particularly those belonging to Sora and the Pikachu. "Those are Pokéballs," she explained, reaching into her waist pouch to retrieve an enlarged one for closer examination. "They're special devices we use for capturing—" Before she could finish, the Litleo's tiny brown paw playfully swatted the Pokéball's center, triggering it to open and release a burst of red light. The light engulfed the Litleo, drawing it into the Pokéball, which fell to the ground and rocked back and forth as it attempted to capture the young lion Pokémon. "Pokemon…"
Surprised by the unexpected development, Ashi quickly retrieved the Pokéball, watching it tremble in her hands with anticipation. After a few seconds, the shaking subsided, and the red light faded. Ashi cautiously pressed the center button, releasing the Litleo, who emerged unharmed and unfazed, blinking in confusion before letting out a soft yawn. As Ashi processed the situation, she had fail to see that the Shinx's curiosity had led it to grab an unused Pokéball from her pack while she was distracted. The Shinx playfully batted the ball around, chasing it as if it were a ball of yarn. Ashi's panic escalated as the Shinx bopped the ball in the air with its feet.
"Ah, wait, don't!" Ashi cried out, but it was too late. The Shinx's paw pressed the Pokéball's button, and in a flash of light, it was pulled inside the capsule, which fell to the ground and began shaking. After what seemed like an eternity, the shaking ceased, and the red light faded. Ashi hesitantly approached the Pokéball and released the Shinx, who emerged slightly bewildered but unharmed. It shook itself off and chirped in relief, seemingly unfazed by its brief confinement. Ashi and Toshi were stunned by the unusual turn of events, with Ashi having caught not one, but two new Pokémon, three if one counted the Pikachu.
"Congratulations, sis! And you didn't even have to fight for it," Toshi said, a hint of jealousy in his voice. He had gone through so much trouble to catch a single Pidgey, while his sister had effortlessly captured two Pokémon just by touching their Poké Balls. Ashi noticed her brother's disappointment but had an idea that was sure to buck him up. She turned to her Litten, Sora, who was surprised by the turn of events but not complaining. After all, the new additions were fellow feline Pokémon, and having another fire-type on the team was a huge bonus.
"Sora, could you talk to the other two and see if they're willing to join Toshi's team?" Ashi asked. This caught everyone's attention, and Sora saw no issue in speaking with the other two Pokémon. It didn't take long for them to make up their minds, nodding in agreement to join her brother as his Pokemon. Toshi's spirits lifted as he tapped both felines with Poké Balls, watching as they were sucked inside. The balls barely shook before he reached out to hold them, one in each hand, and yelled proudly, "YAHOO! MY FIRST CAUGHT POKÉMON! EAT THAT, GARY!"
Unable to contain his excitement, Toshi began dancing around, with Charmander joining in the celebration. Eventually, Toshi released his new Pokémon, and Ashi watched as they all shared in the festivities. The joy was contagious, and her own Pokémon got into the swing of things while she stood with Sora and Pikachu by her side.
"See? We can all get along. I know this was a tough start, but surely you can try for the sake of our newest teammates," Ashi said, putting Sora and Pikachu on the spot. They knew they didn't want to bring discord to the group and turned to each other. "I don't like you, but for Ashi and our new friends, I'm willing to let it slide for the team's sake," Sora said.
"Pika pi!" Pikachu agreed, and the two shook hands. Ashi was glad to see that issue resolved. Toshi stopped his happy dance and rushed towards her with a big grin on his face. "Isn't this great? Our first day out, and we've already caught our first Pokémon!"
"Yes, but now we need to let our Pokédex scan them and save the data to its database. Then, it'll be sent virtually to the Professor," Ashi reminded him. "Right, of course! I knew that!" Toshi blushed, having not thought about it. They both aimed their Pokédexes at the Pokémon, letting the devices scan them.
However, an "ERROR" message appeared on the screen. "Huh? What's wrong with it? It was working fine just a while ago."
Ashi pondered for a moment before responding, "I think I know why. It's because our Pokedexes are the standard types, containing information only on the Pokemon native to this region. Since Shinx and Litleo are typically found in Sinnoh and Kalos, their data wouldn't be registered in the Kanto Pokedex. Unless we obtain a National Dex, we can only access data on the Pokemon from this region."
"Seriously? Couldn't the Professor have given us that instead?" Toshi complained. Ashi shook her head. "You have to gain recognition by collecting enough data from the region you're in before you're allowed one of the upgraded versions, unless the Professor decides otherwise. For now, we'll inform him about this later. We'll likely encounter more Pokemon not native to this region, and we'll have to let the data accumulate until we have enough for the National Dex."
Toshi nodded, comprehending the explanation. He looked at his two new Pokemon, feeling a surge of pride at having captured them. He reached down to pat the Litleo before doing the same with the Shinx. "Well, I guess we'll just have to keep collecting more Pokemon then! And maybe one day we'll get that National Dex too."
Ashi smiled at her brother's enthusiasm. "That's the spirit! But for now, let's focus on training our new teammates and building strong bonds with them. It's important to establish trust." She thought that after a hearty meal, nothing beats a game to give them a better chance of succeeding in the battles they were bound to face sooner or later.
Ashi decided that a light team-building exercise would be the best course of action, and what better way than a modified game of stickball? She grabbed a large fallen branch to use as a makeshift bat while Toshi threw wadded paper with a rock inside to give it weight. The goal was to help the Pokemon learn how to hit a moving target on command, as well as chase and retrieve it to increase their stamina. Progress was slow but steady, and they were getting the hang of it. It was a good experience for everyone, and even Sora and Pikachu were really getting into it.
Though the two had come to a sort of agreement, that didn't stop their competitiveness as they each went to chase and strike the flying projectile first, scoring about five points each. They saw the incoming ball and aimed their strongest attacks at it. Ashi and Toshi watched as the Flamethrower and Thunderbolt struck the airborne ball. Instead of incinerating it, the ball continued flying, now a blazing electric orb that seemed to gain momentum from the intense power of their combined attack.
Toshi whistled softly as he watched the object fly off into the distance. "Oh well, looks like a flying meteor..." Meanwhile, Ashi glared at the two embarrassed Pokemon before sighing and deciding to investigate the landing site.
Although the object might have been destroyed, Ashi froze upon discovering the scene. On the ground lay a group of unconscious Spearows, covered in electric burns and with smoking feathers, twitching from the paralysis caused by the impact. "Oh Magikarp, this is..." Ashi knew the situation was dire, but she couldn't leave them in their current condition. After checking the vicinity for any lurking Spearows, Ashi began healing the injured ones on the ground. She concentrated her magic to form a protective barrier and started the healing process.
So focused on her task, Ashi failed to notice an incoming Pokemon until her Draconion instincts warned her of impending danger. She narrowly dodged the attack, feeling its talons graze her cheek. Ashi's pupils narrowed into slits as she avoided a second strike from another Spearow that had joined the fray. The two Spearows had noticed Ashi tending to their fallen comrades and immediately attacked her. Ashi knew this reaction was expected, but she didn't want to harm the newly healed Spearows or allow the assailants to continue their assault. Ashi barely evaded the second peck, but the Spearow managed to grab some of her hair. As she struggled to free herself, the other Spearow charged straight at her, talons extended, ready to strike.
"HEY LEAVE ASHI ALONE YOU BIRDBRAINS! PIKA PI!" A Thundershock and Ember shot directly at the attacking Spearow, shocking it. The Spearow turned to see Sora and Pikachu entering the scene. "Hey, come on over here!" Sora taunted, shaking his tail at the bird. "Nyah Nyah, can't get me!" Provoked, the Spearow shifted its attention to the Litten, allowing Pikachu to deal with the other one still grasping Ashi's hair. "PIKACHU!" Pikachu used Quick Attack to knock the Spearow off the teen, who was grateful for their help but realized they were not out of danger yet. Sora kept the Spearow's attention until he found an opening and used Fire Fang to singe its feathers, causing both birds to fly away.
"Yeah, that's right! Keep flapping and don't you dare come back! PIKA PI!" Sora and Pikachu yelled in unison as they watched the Spearows retreat. Despite their temporary victory, Ashi knew they couldn't stay put in case the Spearows returned with reinforcements.
"We need to get Toshi and the others now!" Ashi urged, wasting no time as they ran back to the waiting group. Upon seeing his sister's disheveled appearance, Toshi opened his mouth to ask what had happened, but Ashi quickly began gathering their belongings and recalling her two other Pokemon. "We need to leave immediately; there are Spearows on their way here!" she explained hurriedly.
Toshi's eyes widened in understanding, and he mimicked his sister's actions, recalling his own Pokemon and Charmander, leaving only Pikachu and Sora outside their capsules. The two Pokemon yelled, signaling they were ready to go.
"Magikarp, why did it have to be Spearows of all things?" Toshi groaned as the group hastily collected their things and began their retreat. The cawing of the approaching birds echoed through the air, spurring them to hurry down the trail towards the woods. Branches and leaves crunched beneath their feet as Ashi's heart pounded in her chest. She glanced back occasionally to ensure they weren't being followed, but the persistent cries of the Spearows reminded her that they would be upon them if they stopped.
Toshi stayed close to his sister, eyes wide with fear and adrenaline. Pikachu and Sora remained alert, prepared to defend their trainers at a moment's notice. Tension hung thick in the air as they pushed through the dense foliage, desperate to put distance between themselves and the pursuing Spearows. After what seemed like an eternity of running, they finally emerged from the forest onto an open path, only to skid to a halt at the edge of a steep cliff. Ashi grabbed the back of Toshi's shirt, preventing him from tumbling over the edge. They were now trapped between the direction they had come from and the churning rapids below. The situation looked grim.
The group scanned their surroundings, realizing they were cornered with no escape route other than the treacherous drop. The Spearows' menacing caws grew louder as they closed in on the cliff's edge. Ashi felt a surge of protectiveness over her brother and Pokemon, knowing she had to devise a plan quickly to get them out of this dangerous predicament. Seeing no other alternative and glancing at the exhausted Sora and Pikachu, strained from their frantic escape, Ashi realized what they might have to do. She quickly picked up both Pokemon, handing Pikachu to her confused brother, and dragged them towards the cliff's edge.
"I want you to take a deep breath and hold it in!" Ashi's command stunned Toshi and the Pokémon. Before he could question her intentions, Ashi leaped off the cliff, clutching Sora, as Toshi followed with Pikachu. The wind whipped past their faces as they plummeted towards the churning rapids below, hearts racing as the ground rushed up to meet them. The cold, rushing water engulfed them, stealing their breath as they plunged into its depths. The current threatened to pull them under, but Ashi and Toshi held tight to their Pokémon, determined to keep them safe. The powerful river carried them downstream, the roar of the water drowning out all other sounds.
Ashi blinked to keep sight of her brother, who was being dragged further away. The relentless current swept them along, and Ashi's mind raced with thoughts of survival. She kicked her legs and fought against the pull of the water, struggling to stay afloat alongside Litten. The current was strong, pulling them under a few times, but they pushed themselves to stay above water. Water entered Ashi's mouth as she tried not to panic, kicking and pushing towards the surface. Toshi emerged beside her, sputtering and gasping for air as he battled the swift current.
The river seemed endless, twisting and turning through the rugged terrain. Ashi scanned the banks for a safe place to swim ashore but saw only steep cliffs and dense vegetation. The Spearows' angry cries faded into the distance, replaced by the roar of the rapids. Exhaustion set in, and Ashi's muscles ached from fighting the relentless pull of the river. Just as she thought they might be swept away to an unknown fate, a glimmer of hope appeared ahead.
(Please if someone is up there,) Ashi thought, (don't let this be how things end for us... Papa...)
A glimmer caught Ashi's eye, but as water splashed her face and her strength waned, her vision blurred. Reaching for the shining object, darkness consumed her.
Downstream, where the river meets route one near Viridian City, two young men in their early twenties lounged, fishing leisurely. "What a perfect day!" exclaimed the violet-haired man, his long locks pulled back in a messy ponytail. Shirtless, he basked in the sun's warmth on his bronzed skin. The Kanto weather was different from back home, but fairly pleasant. Their chosen spot offered ample shade as they waited, rods within reach, lures bobbing lazily in the water. While he relished the moment, his friend and occasional rival fiddled with his device, boredom setting in.
"This is quite relaxing. A guy could get used to this," he mused, lying back with his arms behind his head, cap half-covering his face. He ignored his companion's loud grumbling nearby, tilting his bill to reveal amber eyes. "Rai Rai, give it a rest. No matter how many times you try, you won't get Rotom services. Keep making noise, and catching our lunch will take longer. Chill and smell the Rosade."
Instead of heeding the wise words, his companion shot him a look that spoke volumes. He, too, had forgone his jacket and jersey to catch some sun, but fishing? So boring! "Seriously, Leon, only you would find this fun. Why fish for grub when we could've grabbed sandwiches from the last town or ordered Snubull Eats? I can't believe you talked me into this. What's wrong with a hotel? 'Hey Rai Rai, let's sleep under the stars,' you said, but the forecast predicts rain tonight! Why do I ever listen to you?"
Raihan's phone had a weak signal, and his Rotom was struggling to find a better connection for him to upload his pictures. He was accustomed to lightning-fast speeds, but this was as slow as a Slowpoke. Leon watched as Raihan made futile attempts to seek out service, mentally shaking his head at the effort.
(Here we go again,) Leon thought. (I should've brought some extra cheese for all that whining he's doing.) Leon was used to Raihan's incessant complaining, but his rival was far from finished. Raihan hated having to rough it out instead of relaxing at a hotel pool, taking selfies, and getting numbers from attractive women in bikinis.
"Leon, don't get me wrong, but of all places, why here?" Raihan asked. "When I heard the word 'vacay,' I thought we were talking about the Alola region, you know? White sandy beaches, tropical drinks with little umbrellas, and scoring cute hotties. But no, you randomly decided to come out to the boonies!"
Raihan was doing his best not to grab his headband and throw it up in the air in frustration. If he had known the itinerary beforehand, he never would have agreed to come along. Rival or not, he had better things to do in his spare time. He would've probably stuck to training with his colleagues instead. Better yet, if Leon wanted company, he should've asked Sonia or Piers to tag along!
Raihan plopped onto his back with his arms behind his head, bemoaning, "I wouldn't mind if we met some cute hiker lost in these woods, but this area is so dead. I swear, I wish something would come along and mix things up a bit."
Leon saw Raihan fall onto his back, griping, while the Champion shook his head at his friend. He then felt movement and turned to find his Charizard waking up from its nap, irritation written across its face. It must've been bothered by Raihan's complaining and had come down to join them. Leon reached out to stroke his Pokémon, trying to soothe the temperamental fire type.
"Don't listen to him, bud," Leon said. "He's just upset because he's not getting a bite, but don't worry, we'll get some food real soon." The Charizard said nothing but moved to the edge of the water to get a quick drink. It stopped, looking out over the rippling surface with narrowed eyes. Raihan was the first to notice the change in Charizard's demeanor, sitting up quickly and following the line of its gaze.
"Hey, Leo, is it just me, or do I see something coming our way?" A peculiar yellow object bobbed up and down in the water, gradually making its way towards Leon and Raihan. Despite shading his eyes, Leon struggled to discern the creature's identity from a distance. "It's hard to tell what it is from here," he admitted.
Raihan squinted, pondering, "It might be a shiny Magikarp. I've heard their scales have a yellow hue, but I can't be certain. Perhaps we should take a closer look." Encountering a shiny Pokémon was a rare occurrence, but they couldn't confirm their suspicions from afar.
"Good idea," Leon agreed. He dispatched Charizard to retrieve the approaching entity. The fire-type Pokémon returned, gently laying the mysterious creature before them.
"A Pikachu?" they exclaimed in unison. The waterlogged Pokémon's belly was distended from the water it had ingested. Charizard gently pressed down, causing water to spout from the Pikachu's mouth like a miniature geyser until its system was clear. The Pikachu remained unconscious, leaving the two trainers puzzled about its presence in the river.
Leon ventured a guess while rubbing his chin as he pondered out loud, "Maybe it was taking a swim or something?" Before he could elaborate, he noticed Raihan's fishing pole twitching, indicating a bite. "Hey, you've got a bite!" Leon's line also began shaking, prompting both men to grab their poles and attempt to reel in their catch. They could tell they had hooked something substantial, as they strained against the resistance.
"Charizard, give us a hand!" Leon called out. The Pokémon moved to support the two humans, using its wings to push them back as the creature on their lines fought against being reeled in. The water churned wildly as the friends and Charizard struggled to bring their catch closer to shore. With a final, mighty heave, they managed to pull it out of the water, briefly suspending it in the air before they all came crashing down onto the shore.
To their astonishment, two humans and an Alolan Pokémon emerged from the river, flying straight towards the dumbstruck Galarian trainers and Charizard. "OMPH!" Raihan fell backwards, the kid landing on top of him. The Litten also came flying in, hitting Charizard in the face with a wet splash. Leon found himself landing hard, with the last person on top of him.
"Aiii..." the Galarian monarch groaned, not expecting such an outcome. As he opened his eyes to see who had landed on him, he couldn't help but stare in disbelief.
Surprisingly, the person Leon had fished out was a girl a couple of years younger than him. She had long, dark reddish ombré hair that fell silkily around her heart-shaped face. Thick lashes lay over her flushed cheeks, and the wet, clingy garments revealed the full outlines of her body. Momentarily speechless, as he hadn't expected this to happen, Leon's brain fizzled out. He thought, (Did I just fish out a mermaid or something?) while staring at her.
She definitely fit that sort of imagery. Though his eyes were mainly focused on her plump, cherry-colored lips, halfway parted and so close, Leon tried to keep his composure. Oh Arceus, he attempted to prevent the blood from pooling between his legs, but felt her slender hips pressed into his pelvic region in a manner that would make any hot-blooded male feel that tightness in the crotch, slowly rising to front and center.
(Leon, get a grip, man. Now's not the time to get all riled up like some horny teen,' he chided himself. 'You are the Galar Monarch Champion, so don't go blowing it like you're about to Dynamax here. Oh jeez, why did I have to think that?)
"Well, that was certainly unexpected," Raihan groaned as he moved to lift himself with the boy still on top of him. "Hey, you okay, kid? Yoo-hoo!" He noticed the boy was unconscious and guessed the other might be too. Charizard plucked the unconscious Litten from its face, holding it just within reach. The sopping wet Pokémon's damp fur made it appear skinny. The fire-type snorted, letting its hot breath quickly dry the Litten, turning it into a large white cotton ball before setting it down on the ground by the still out cold Pikachu.
Raihan then saw Leon with the other person and was surprised that it was a good-looking chick Leon had reeled in. "Hey Leo, what are you doing? Snap out of it!" Leon blinked before turning to the other trainer at his side, who came to check on them, bending close to see if she was alright. "Dude, is she breathing?" Raihan couldn't see her chest rise and fall, wondering if she might've...
Oh yeah, Leon hadn't realized that. He reached to check her pulse, finding nothing, yet wondering what he should do in this situation until he remembered the time he and Sonia took a trip to the Pokémon Center and were taught first aid in case someone fainted or something. Leon took a deep breath to steady his nerves as he carefully unzipped the girl's jacket, ensuring nothing constricted her while he positioned his hands on her chest.
(I apologize for this, but it might be the only reliable way to save her,) he thought to himself.
With a flushed face, Leon began performing chest compressions in a rapid, rhythmic manner. He could feel her soft curves beneath his palms, but he remained focused on the critical task of restarting her heart. Tilting her head back gently, he pinched her nose and delivered two quick rescue breaths.
"C'mon breath," Leon whispered, alternating between compressions and breaths. Raihan and Charizard watched anxiously, hoping for any sign of life. Suddenly, the girl coughed up water, and Leon quickly turned her to the side to help clear her lungs. "That's it, take it slow," he encouraged, rubbing small circles on her back until her coughing subsided. She looked at him through half-closed eyes, her voice raspy as she mumbled, "To-tos..."
Raihan raised an eyebrow. "Is she asking for toast?" Leon leaned in closer, barely making out her words. "No, I think she asking about the kid with her. They're safe, right over there with yours," he reassured her. Upon hearing this, the girl's eyes rolled back, and she lost consciousness once more. Leon seeing they move the girl next to the other person before sharing a look with his friend who was also wondering what should they do about this.
"So what's our next move, Leo?" Raihan asked, realizing they had two people to care for. Leon considered their options before saying, "Rai, I want you to gather as much firewood as you can while Charizard, will use a low Ember to keep them warm until we get a fire going."
"All right got it!" Both quickly set off to their tasks leaving the Monarch with one job that he saw was going to be a bit much yet knew had to be done. Leon was aware they needed to prevent hypothermia on those two, and the wet clothes clinging to the trainers' skin posed a risk. He felt his face burn at the mere thought that was being posed to him.
"Now I really wish Sonia had come along on this trip," he muttered, steeling himself to handle the delicate situation. He started with the boy, carefully removing his damp clothing and covering him with a blanket before moving on to the girl.
When Raihan returned with an armful of branches, he found the unconscious trainers nestled near Charizard, blankets pulled up to their necks. Leon was busy wringing out the boy's jeans, and Raihan noticed the other clothes hanging on a nearby branch and put two and two together. He turned to face Leon, his face beet red, and it certainly wasn't from the heat. "Leon—"
"Don't even ask!" Leon interrupted, still trying not to think about how he had undressed the two strangers. His mind refused to let go of the memory of removing the girl's jacket and top, revealing her well-endowed figure. He had closed his eyes while undoing her jeans and managed to shuck them off before throwing a blanket on top for modesty's sake. Raihan guessed he had missed out on all the fun, imagining the almighty champion blushing as he undressed a girl. However, Leon was more of the noble type, trying to ensure that the two didn't catch a cold, even if it meant helping to remove their clothes himself. Thankfully Raihan had brought plenty of firewood and see that it should help warm those two faster.
"Awesome let's get it going then!" Leon announced, happy to have something to do and hopefully keep his mind distracted as they built the fire. They placed the two unconscious trainers close to it, checking on them every now and then, but they still showed no signs of coming around.
"So, what do we do now?" Raihan asked, admitting that this situation wasn't part of their plan. Leon, being the one to think about what was best to do, ran a nervous hand through his hair before coming to a decision. If those two were in seriously bad shape, they might have to take them to the nearest clinic.
"It's best we get them checked out if they've been in the water that long. We should also see if they have any information in case we need to inform their families," Leon suggested. Raihan nodded, thinking that made sense. "So, any ideas where a clinic is? Because I, for sure, don't know this area so well."
"Can you try looking it up on your phone?" Leon asked. Raihan held it up, showing that the signal was still not great. "Maybe if we were at a better vantage point, it might work."
"Yeah, you can try that while I keep tabs on these two then!" Leon blurted without thinking. Before he could retract his statement, Raihan said, "Okay, if you're sure about that." Taking Leon's moment of silence as a yes, Raihan decided to summon his Flygon and fly off into the air, thinking that being in the sky might work better in the long run. Leon sighed, thinking about how the day had turned out. He looked at the two they had rescued, noticing the boy's cheeks had color from the fire and the young woman also seemed to be getting warmer, which was a good sign so far.
Leon noticed her furrowed brow, indicating she was having a bad dream. "Mmm Papa…no don't…" she mumbled. Without waking her, Leon moved to console her as best he could. Gently placing a hand on her forehead, he whispered softly, "It's okay, you're safe now. Just rest."
The girl's features relaxed slightly, responding to his comforting words. Leon felt a pang of empathy, wondering what kind of dreams troubled her even in unconsciousness.
As he reached out to touch her cheek, he gently brushed back the longer fringes from her face, his gaze settling on the jagged scar. Despite its presence, it did not diminish her beauty. The light blue markings contrasted beautifully with her warm complexion, forming an intricate design down her body that he found captivating. Entranced, Leon was lost in thought until his Charizard, noticing his trainer's distraction, nudged him with its snout, snapping Leon out of his reverie. Blushing furiously, he quickly averted his gaze and moved to check on the other person, trying not to dwell on his thoughts. After a while, nature called, and Leon left to take care of it, leaving Charizard to keep watch until his return.
Moments after Leon's departure, the young woman began to stir, taking in her surroundings. Ashi groaned as she gradually awoke, the crackling of the nearby fire filling her ears. Opening her eyes, she saw her brother and Pokemon next to her, also unconscious.
"Toshi," she said, moving to get up. As the blanket slid down, revealing she was only wearing her bra and underwear, Ashi was shocked. However, realizing someone had taken the trouble to warm them while drying their clothes nearby, she looked around the camp for their savior but found no one else present.
The Dragonslayer reached up to touch her head, hissing as she felt a throbbing pain. Memories came flooding back—running to escape the Spearows, jumping into the river, and then…blank. As her fingers moved towards her lips, they felt tingly. It was peculiar, but she didn't dwell on it too long as she looked to find their belongings. Spotting their clothes hanging on a nearby tree, she quickly rushed to grab them, feeling much better as she put them on, now that they were no longer drenched.
After slipping on her boots, she went to check on her brother and Pokemon who were also sleeping near the fire and shook his shoulder to wake him. "Hey Toshi, Toshi wake up."
"Mmm, ah, my head," her brother mumbled as he and Pikachu came around. Sora, upon seeing his fur all fluffed out, began grooming excessively to fix it. "I had the strangest dream. I dreamt I was traveling with Pikachu and then got caught by some Spearows before jumping in the river…" Toshi rubbed his eyes before seeing his sister next to him. "So, it wasn't a dream then?" She shook her head. "But if we jumped, then how did we… when…"
"I'm not entirely sure myself, but it looks like someone took the liberty of rescuing us," she said, letting the boy take a moment to process this. Feeling the wind against his bare skin, Toshi shivered, rubbing his bare arms. "Hey, where are my clothes?! Did you undress me, sis?"
Ashi shook her head. "No, but I think whoever fished us out wanted to ensure we didn't catch our death of cold. Here," she said, passing his clothes to him before turning around to give him privacy to change. As she surveyed the campgrounds, she wondered about their rescuer(s) but felt grateful they had made it out in one piece.
"Sora, do you want to take a quick look and see where we are?" she asked. The Litten nodded, summoning his wings to take to the sky and survey their immediate surroundings after finishing grooming his fur.
Turning back, Ashi noticed Toshi had finished getting dressed. Pikachu, meanwhile, gaped at the sky, mouth open and eyes wide like a Magikarp. She had forgotten that her Pokemon were unaware of Sora's unique abilities.
"Well, Pikachu, I probably should have given you a heads up, but Sora is no ordinary Pokemon, just as we are. I hope this doesn't change anything between us," she explained. Pikachu considered Ashi's actions in ensuring their safety from the Spearow, but now with the feline airborne, he wondered what other surprises they might face on their journey.
As Ashi surveyed the abandoned campsite, she wondered who had come to their aid and wished to express her gratitude in person. Just then, Sora returned with urgent news. "Alright, I've done a quick reconnaissance of the area, and I have good, bad, and worse news. Which would you like to hear first?" Sora inquired.
"Let's start with the bad," Toshi suggested, steeling himself for Sora's report. "I spotted some Spearow circling nearby, apparently searching for someone," Sora revealed. The group groaned, realizing that the grudge-holding birds were not about to let go of their vendetta.
"On the bright side, the path to Viridian City is not far. We could reach it within two hours, or even an hour if we use Dragon Force," Sora added. Toshi exclaimed, "That's fantastic news!" However, Ashi, remembering Litten's question, asked, "So we have the good and the bad. What's the worst news?"
Sora hesitated before responding, "Well, those Spearow might have spotted me on my way back, and, uh…" As the Pokémon and the two humans turned to look behind them, they saw the sky darkening with what appeared to be a cloud approaching. Upon closer inspection, they realized it was an entire flock of furious Spearow heading their way!
"Oh, Magikarp, they brought a whole cavalry!" Toshi exclaimed, never imagining their adventure would begin with such a challenge. He doubted that the Pokémon they had on hand would be a match for an entire army. Ashi, sensing her brother's unease, considered using their Dragonslaying abilities but worried about the potential aftermath and the risk of involving innocent bystanders.
Desperately searching for a solution, Ashi's eyes landed on two folding road bikes leaning against a tree, built for speed. Despite the guilt and impending motion sickness, she grabbed her brother's hand and dragged him towards the bikes.
With a look of determination, Ashi quickly handed a bike to her shocked brother Toshi, urging him, "No time to waste! Get on and pedal!" She grabbed the other bike as Sora, the Pikachu perched on her shoulder, climbed onto her handlebars. They took off towards the open path that Sora had mentioned, narrowly avoiding a Charizard returning from a berry feast. The large Pokemon watched in bewilderment as the small group raced away on their bikes, leaving behind a trail of dust and leaves.
As they pedaled furiously through the forest, branches whipped past them and the wind stung their faces. Angry squawks of Spearow echoed behind them, adding to the sense of urgency and danger. But they pushed forward towards Viridian City, with Ashi's heart pounding in her chest and adrenaline surging through her veins. Toshi pedaled with determination, fear flickering in his eyes as he tried to keep pace with his sister. Pikachu clung tightly to his back, cheeks sparking with electricity ready to defend them if necessary. Sora's fur rippled in the wind as he guided Ashi expertly through the trees, his keen eyes constantly scanning for any potential dangers ahead.
As they burst out of the forest onto an open path, a massive Fearow swooped down towards them, its sharp beak aimed directly at their heads. Ashi let out a cry of alarm and urged Toshi to pedal even faster. Rain began pouring down, making the ground muddy and causing their wheels to slip, but they persevered. Despite the water blurring her vision, Ashi checked on her brother and saw that he was lagging behind. The Spearow and their leader were closing in fast, squawking loudly as they flew through the air.
"Toshi, keep going! I'll distract them!" Ashi shouted over the sound of rain and beating wings. She made a commotion to draw their attention, and it worked - the birds quickly changed course and flew towards her, including their leader. (Good, now I just need to lead them as far away as possible. Hopefully, Toshi and Pikachu will be safe,) she thought with determination.
But her plans were quickly derailed when a root snagged her bike, ruining the wheel and causing her to lose control. Ashi wiped mud from her face as Sora regained his footing, but her heart sank as she realized that the Spearow had stopped chasing them. A blood-curdling scream pierced the air, and Ashi's heart plummeted. "Toshi!" She saw her brother knocked off his bike and pinned to the ground by the vicious birds, their sharp beaks pecking at him relentlessly. Panic and terror gripped her as she cried out for him, knowing that she had to act fast to save him.
Ashi's desperate plea rang out, "Sora, help him!" The Litten appeared by her side, eyes alight with fierce determination. "I'm on it," Sora replied, summoning his wings and diving at the Spearow, claws extended. Sensing the imminent threat, the birds released Toshi and scattered, leaving him crumpled on the damp earth, Pikachu sheltered in his arms. Propelled by the strong desire to protect her kin, Ashi raced to her brother's side, heart hammering with fear.
"Toshi, can you hear me?" she asked, gently touching his arm. He groaned, battered and bloodied from the assault. Ashi's mind went blank, then filled with a consuming rage. She turned to the Spearow, lips pulled back in a snarl, "You'll pay for hurting my brother!"
The Spearow hesitated, unnerved by the ferocity in Ashi's eyes, but their leader glared, urging them to hold their ground. Ashi felt her magic surging forth, pouring from every cell in her body. Her emotions unfurled, eyes blazing with unmatched fury. These creatures would rue the day they struck at the Dragon King's child!
"This is your last chance to yield," Ashi's voice was rough, her inner beast clawing to the surface, "or I will show no mercy." A growl rumbled up from her core as her dragon instincts emerged. Dark scales crept across her face, fangs elongating in her mouth. Mana swirled around her, forming a shield of energy arrows, protecting Ashi and Toshi. Pikachu wriggled out from under Toshi's prone form, seeing his trainer and Sora standing fearlessly before the flock, poised to strike back with all their might.
"I am Asharia Ketchum, daughter of Acnologia, the Dragon King," Ashi declared, "and I swear by my father's blood, you will not take another step towards us. So long as I draw breath, I will drag you down to Hades myself if you try!"
The lightning crashed down on Ashi, startling both Pikachu and the Spearow. They watched in awe as she seemed to absorb the energy, her body's markings glowing a brilliant blue, the scar over her eye illuminating. She stood tall, a fire burning within her soul. The Fearow, undeterred, charged at her, locking eyes as the rest of the flock followed. Ashi unleashed her strongest artillery, holding nothing back.
"AURA DRAGON ROAR!" she bellowed, expelling the attack at the flock, arrows zooming towards their targets, striking them down. Pikachu stood in awe, witnessing a scene unlike anything anyone had seen before. The deafening roar shook the earth and air, catching the Spearow off guard. Those that survived the onslaught, seeing their fallen comrades scattered in all directions, realized it was better to flee than fight this monstrous human.
The roar echoed across the landscape, even the rain seeming to pause in reverence. Ashi's eyes glowed before reverting to their normal hue, her body shaking as she fell to her knees, composing herself after using half her reserves in that single attack. Once regaining her bearings, Ashi moved to her brother, lifting him into her arms as Sora did with Pikachu, placing him on his back. They walked away from the scene, not minding the extra weight.
Halfway down the trodden path, the rain finally disappeared, and Toshi began to stir. "Mmm Ashi, what happened?" he asked, finding himself carried bridal-style in her arms. Despite the awkward position, he felt no embarrassment, lacking the strength to move as pain coursed through his body, his head spinning from the vicious attack. He saw Pikachu riding on Sora, who walked on all fours to accommodate Ashi's full hands. Toshi asked to be put down, and Ashi obliged, taking great care. She noticed his left leg was sprained, requiring him to lean on her as they walked. "We're almost there, Toshi. We managed to overcome our first obstacle," Ashi reassured him.
Toshi turned to Ashi, his eyes gleaming with a mixture of curiosity and concern. "What about the Spearows?" he asked. Ashi's voice was soft yet resolute as she assured him, "They won't bother us anymore. I made sure of that."
She had unleashed her strongest fury upon the birds, catching them off guard. Ashi wondered if they would take the hint and avoid this spot while the wild magic from her outburst lingered in the area. She had gone all out because no one could hurt her family without incurring a dragon's wrath. Ashi was relieved to see the worst was behind them, and they could continue their journey.
"Hey guys, look! A rainbow!" Sora exclaimed, pointing towards the sky. As the clouds parted, they caught a glimpse of a beautiful, colorful arch. However, what truly captured their attention was the enormous, flying Pokémon passing overhead.
The Pokémon was a stunning blend of gold and red feathers. Its wings created a prismatic effect, trailing a rainbow behind it. The creature had a green neck stripe, yellow beak, black rings around its eyes, and a feathered crest on its head. Its dark feet and legs had four toes and talons. Ashi stood in awe, feeling something flutter near her ear. She reached out to see what it was. In her hands were two radiant, colorful feathers that must have come loose from the Pokémon during its flight. A strange energy emitted from them, urging her to keep them. Carefully, without disturbing her injured companions, Ashi slipped the plumage into her pocket. She then ensured Toshi was okay to walk as they made their way side by side, noticing they were almost to civilization.
"Hey Ashi?" Toshi's voice was soft, and Ashi looked over her shoulder to see him gazing at her with half-lidded eyes. "Yeah, kiddo?"
"Thank you for being with me on this journey. I'm really glad you could come with me." Ashi smiled. "Of course, you know I would be there for you, even to the ends of the earth. Someone has to make sure you don't fall over that ledge, you get me?"
"Don't forget about us! Pika pi?" Ashi glanced down at her two Pokémon, who were looking up at her expectantly. "Of course, I won't forget you two. I always keep my promises," she reassured them with a smile.
Ashi turned her gaze to the clear sky above. The rainbow had long since faded, but a lone cloud drifted lazily overhead, its shape reminiscent of the one she had conjured earlier. Perhaps it was a sign, she mused, that although their journey had not begun as she had hoped, they were now together and would see it through to the end.
No matter what challenges lay ahead, Ashi was determined to persevere. (Just wait and see,) she thought to herself, her resolve unwavering.
Asharia 'Ashi' Ketchum - Age 18, Trainer (Beginner)
Team Ashi -
*Litten (m) - Sora
Pikachu (m)
Litleo (f)
Shinx (f)
Satoshi 'Toshi' Ketchum - Age 10, Trainer (Beginner)
Team Toshi -
Charmander (m)
Litleo (m)
Shinx (m)
Omake:
With Raihan and Leon…
Leon returned to the campsite to find Charizard rushing towards him looking to be in a tizzy. He didn't know what was wrong until he arrived to see that the two were gone, along with their bikes. "Oh my, that's not good," he said, noticing a few Spearow feathers on the ground. A few Spearow can be a bother, but an entire flock is a serious concern. As Leon pondered the situation, Raihan returned, having had no luck getting a signal. Seeing the disarray at the campsite, he asked, "Hey, what happened here?"
"There's no time to explain," Leon replied urgently. "We better find those two stat!" They climbed onto their Pokémon and took to the air, searching for any sign of the missing duo. Navigating through the storm clouds and flashing lightning, they pressed on. Suddenly, Raihan shouted over the roaring wind, "Leon, I see something down below! Let's check it out!" They descended swiftly, landing near a clearing where they found the aftermath of a fierce battle.
"What in the world happened here?" Leon exclaimed, surveying the area with shock and concern. The ground was scorched and littered with unconscious Spearow, their wings singed and bodies battered. Raihan's scream pierced the air as he searched for clues, instantly capturing the attention of Leon and Charizard. "MY BIKE! WHAT HAPPENED TO IT?" he cried out in disbelief. The once-pristine bicycle lay in ruins, seemingly melted by an unknown force beyond repair. Raihan stared at the twisted remnants, his initial shock quickly consumed by a rising tide of rage.
Leon approached cautiously, concern etched on his face. "Rai, are you alright?" he asked, barely managing to keep from flinching as the Hammerlocke Gym Leader unleashed a furious roar towards the sky, sending nearby Pokémon fleeing in terror. "SOMEONE WILL PAY FOR THIS!" Raihan yelled, his voice echoing through the surrounding area, a promise of retribution hanging in the air.
Meanwhile, many miles away from the 'crime' scene, Ashi sneezed, feeling a shiver down her spine. Toshi asked if she was okay, to which she replied, "It's nothing, probably just the sniffles." However, the Dragonslayer couldn't shake the feeling that someone was cursing her, seeking payback for reasons unknown. She just shrugged it off, assuming she was overthinking it and continue her way with her party in tow.
Author's Note: So there you have it I hope everyone enjoy that and the next chapter will be posted sometime later on but please leave a review and thank you all for reading!