Notes- I'm free of the nightmare that is Calc 2! I'll be diving in to Calculus 3 here in a few days though haha. This chapter seemed a little tougher to write than I expected. It is a very dialogue heavy piece. That's probably the main culprit. Huge plot advancement in this chapter! (No questions on how far the plot had come to this point haha). Chris catches up with his fellow trainer and meets some special folk as well! I hope you enjoy! Please Review and Subscribe!
Chapter 9
"Come to check out a good battle, eh?" Chris smiled, nodding to the opposing trainer.
"I came to check out the competition," the trainer grinned, "if that's what you're asking."
Motion above Chris' head caught the trainer's eye and he glanced up towards the rafters. Falkner's Pidgeot swooped down towards Luke and landed beside the trainer.
"You've come to the right place if you're looking for competition!" Falkner approached the two trainers. "Even though I just battled, I have another team of Pokémon if this is your first time challenging a Gym."
"It will be my first." Luke replied, admiring the powerful Bird Pokémon beside him. "Would it be cool if we started immediately?"
"I was just about to suggest the same thing!" Falkner enthusiastically responded. He pointed towards his fully evolved Pokémon, "Just hop on Pidgeot and it will bring you over to the battlefield."
"Awesome!" The trainer leapt onto the Bird Pokémon as it glided over to Chris' side of the battlefield.
Falkner's Pokémon landed gracefully, allowing Luke to ease off the large bird. He approached Chris and extended a hand.
"Didn't expect to see you again so soon!" Luke officially greeted.
"I'm surprised I managed to beat you to the Gym!" Chris replied, shaking hands with the trainer. "As many detours as I've taken, I thought everyone else would be ahead of me!"
"I've had my fair share of detours as well," Luke chuckled, "if you could call them that."
"I seem to recall having an appointment coming up soon," Falkner interrupted, scratching his head. "If you don't mind to catch up later, we can go ahead and begin."
"Absolutely," Luke answered, withdrawing a Pokéball from the golden satchel on his back. "I don't plan on keeping you very long."
"Quite a bit of confidence," Falkner raised an eyebrow towards Chris, "reminds me of the last trainer I battled."
"Guess it's my turn to provide an audience!" Chris announced as he approached Pidgeot.
"Isn't there something else you think you should take care of first?!"
Chris thought on the Gym Leader's words for a moment before finally understanding. "My Pokémon!" The trainer felt embarrassed at the sudden dismissal of his team. "Once I have my Pokémon with Nurse Joy, I'll head straight back here to check up on the battle!"
"Sounds good!" Luke replied. "Just make sure you hurry back before the battle ends."
"Pidgeot can take you back to the entrance if you don't feel like riding the platform," Falkner informed the trainer.
"That would be great!" Chris agreed, now relieved to not have to fear for his life.
The trainer from Cherrygrove let Cyndaquil leap onto his shoulder and then took his place on the back of the Bird Pokémon. The evolved bird lifted its wings and rose into the air. After it was sure Chris had a tight hold, the Bird Pokémon shot over the side of the battlefield and sped towards the floor below.
"Never thought I'd trust my life to a Pidgeot again!" Chris couldn't hold back a yell as the Bird Pokémon dove towards the metallic ground below.
Just as the trio looked as though they were going to smash into the ground, Pidgeot spread its massive wings and brought itself to a quick halt.
"Thanks for the ride!" Chris leapt off the Bird Pokémon, making sure Cyndaquil was still on his shoulder.
Chris and his starter made their way back to the entrance of the gym and took the elevator back down to the office level. As the elevator descended, Chris withdrew the Zephyr Badge and presented it to Cyndaquil.
"We're one step closer to reaching our goal!" Chris could feel all of his pent up excitement suddenly release. He was happy to see even a grin appear on his starter's visage. "Let's try and keep some consistency with this! It would be great to make a name for ourselves with each of the Gym Leaders in this region." He patted his starter's head as the elevator door opened before them. "Who knows? We might end up needing their support before our journey is complete."
"Quil." The fire started nodded.
After maneuvering the all too familiar streets, Chris quickly found himself back at the city's Pokémon Center.
"By the look in your eyes," Nurse Joy quickly noticed Chris enter, "I'd say you've been in a Gym Battle."
"Safe to say I'm not the first trainer who's come back here after battling Falkner?" Chris smiled, revealing his newly acquired badge. He placed Cyndaquil onto the counter, much to the starter's dismay, along with the rest of his Pokémon. "Care to heal up my team while I go watch another Gym Battle?"
"It would be a pleasure!" The nurse replied, but found no one standing before her. "That boy is on a mission."
Chris slashed through the early afternoon sidewalk traffic. He retraced his steps back to the gym and was frustrated to find that twenty minutes had already passed. Once inside the elevator, he paced anxiously and thought back on his own match for the first time. For the duration of the battle, Chris could not remember ever feeling so tense and focused. Seven more of these Gym Battles might just cause him heart failure.
Despite their relative inexperience, Chris was proud of his Pokémon's determination and composure. If his trials at Sprout Tower had taught him anything, it was that humans and Pokémon were connected far deeper than he ever imagined. If he and his team put in the effort and remained mentally focused, Chris wasn't sure where their limits lied.
The elevator doors opened up and Chris raced back into the cylindrical arena. He immediately glanced up to the stadium high above and thought he could make out a bird Pokémon's loud chirp. Glancing around, he noticed the two bird trainers from earlier and dashed over to them.
"How do I get up to the stadium seats?!" Chris blurted the words out as he quick as he could.
"There is a hallway by the elevators that leads to a staircase," One of the trainers informed him. "It will lead you to them."
"Thanks!"
Chris turned and sprinted back to the elevators. He quickly found the hallway and had reached the stairs in a short period of time. As he climbed the steps, Chris was surprised by the amount before him. The sweat that had dried from his battle with Falkner was now being replicated by this sudden additional exercise.
The trainer was relieved to see the steps come to an end, presenting the trainer with an extraordinary view of the battlefield. Chris was excited to see that the battle was still raging on, and the young man quickly found a seat to watch from.
"Hit it with your Thundershock!" Luke directed his power plug looking Pokémon.
"Ele!"
Chris watched as the Electric Pokémon, who Chris now recognized as Elekid, began to quickly swing its arms in a circle.
"Show no fear Pidgeotto!" Falkner commanded, much to Chris' surprise. "Strike with your Aerial Ace!"
The Bird Pokémon shot towards Luke's Pokémon which appeared to be channeling electrical energy into the prongs atop its head.
"Don't let them get close!" Luke informed Elekid. "Take it down!"
A small bolt of lightning leapt from the Electric Pokémon. The electrical energy found its mark, striking the charging Pidgeotto. Chris was shocked to see Falkner's Pokémon never waiver as it continued its approach. Luke most also have been surprised because he did not attempt to issue another command.
The Bird Pokémon collided into Elekid, driving its beak into the Electric Pokémon's chest. The attack put Luke's Pokémon on its back, but it quickly leapt back to its feet as Pidgeotto circled around for a follow up attack.
"Trainers love to tell me that electricity can clip a flying type Pokémon's wings!" Falkner's voice was filled with passion as he continued, "I will not allow such insults to bird Pokémon! "Knock it down again with Gust!"
"Prepare a Thunderpunch!" Luke seemed to be focusing his attention on Pidgeotto's attack. The trainer watched the Bird Pokémon clap its wings, creating a powerful gust of a wind.
Elekid spun its right arm in a similar motion as before, charging up electrical energy into its fist this time. Its trainer continued to study Pidgeotto up until its attack was upon Elekid. Chris saw Falkner say something to his Pokémon, and almost immediately Luke took action.
"Drop to the floor and roll left!" Luke directed quickly.
His Pokémon followed the command, dropping to its stomach as the wind raced over its head. The Electric Pokémon spun leftward along the ground, rolling free of the heavy winds. As it rose back to its feet, Pidgeotto was before it, bringing one of its wings forward to strike.
"Throw the haymaker!" Luke roared.
Elekid leapt between Pidgeotto's outspread wings and launched a punch with its still electrified right hand. The move caught Pidgeotto under its chin, instantly stopping the Bird Pokémon's attack. An electrical shock ripped through Falkner's Pokémon, causing the bird to collapse almost instantly.
"Solid strike," Falkner breathed, looking over his now fainted Pokémon.
"Pidgeotto is unable to battle!" The judge's charisma had not wavered. "Therefore, the winner of this match is the challenger, Luke from Tohjo Falls!"
"Tohjo Falls." Chris repeated, intrigued by the trainer's origin.
"Excellent work," Falkner withdrew the badge container from before as he approached Luke. "Even though you only saw the end of my battle with Chris, I can tell you really understood my style. You demonstrated excellent patience and really broke down my technique." The Gym Leader handed a Zephyr Badge to the trainer from Tohjo Falls and shook his hand, "That's an excellent sign in a beginning trainer. Continue to train and never doubt the rewards that await the diligent!"
Chris stood up and jokingly shouted, "You never gave me an awesome, congratulatory-"
Before the trainer could finish, a powerful roar filled the arena. To Chris it sounded like a snarl whose origin lay below the stadium.
"No," the young man was subconsciously walking towards the stadium before him, "that's more than one voice."
Several figures suddenly shot by Chris from somewhere below the high hanging stadium. The wind from their passing knocked Chris into one of the seats behind him. The trainer and the two men on the stadium all turned their gazes to the three beings now circling over their heads.
"I didn't expect you guys for another hour or so!" A wolf-like grin crossed Falkner's face as he addressed the group above them. "Come on down here and stop showing off!"
"You talk big for a guy who just got whipped!" A confident, but soft voice replied back.
Chris could see now that the three winged creatures above him appeared to be Dragon-type Pokémon. Each of the dragons began to slowly descend, revealing to Chris that each possessed a rider atop their backs.
"Just get down here Lance!" Falkner laughed, motioning for the beasts to hurry. "You've already interrupted my inspirational speech! Now who are your friends and why did you need to schedule this meeting on such short notice?"
Each dragon touched down onto the center of the stadium floor, allowing each of their riders to dismount. Chris instantly recognized the name and appearance of the man named Lance. He had read countless articles on the trainer growing up and had looked up to the man's mastery of battle.
"You're speaking pretty boldly to the current Champion of the Indigo Plateau!" The red haired Dragon Tamer chuckled. He patted the Pokémon beside him which Chris now recognized as a Dragonite and continued, "Especially after our last battle to determine your entrance into the Elite Four."
"I am getting better each and every day!" Falkner's voice was filled with a sudden confidence, "Battling these trainers only strengthens my focus and appreciation for battle. One day I will prove that I have become an even stronger trainer than my father!"
"I know you will," Lance approached Falkner and placed a reassuring hand upon his shoulder.
Chris rose back to his feet and exchanged shocked looks with Luke. The two trainers could not believe how close they were to a master trainer.
"We are here on business," Lance motioned for the two men with him to step forward, "I assure you."
"Is that Drake from Hoenn?" Falkner brushed a strand of hair out of his eyes, examining a man who appeared to be in his early fifties.
"There shouldn't be a doubt in your mind, boy!" The older man growled, tilting his sailor's cap further back. He lifted back his captain's coat, revealing a belt beneath his shirtless torso covered in Pokéballs. "I can always prove it if you would like…"
"I don't believe that will be necessary," Lance mediated, tossing back his cape. "The real reason we are here," the Master Dragon-type trainer pointed toward the third, silent man in the group, "is to uncover the truth."
"That's a very subjective word," the third man's voice was very deep, and slightly muffled by the snowy white beard that covered most of his lower visage. He was dressed very formal, but had a backpack on his back. "Truth and ideals are what got us into this potential mess in the first place."
"Drayden is right," Drake nodded towards him, "searching for solutions will get us nowhere. Right now we must simply address the issue at hand."
"And what exactly is the issue?" Falkner asked as he crossed his arms.
"I think it would be best if Drayden explained," Lance answered, stepping aside to allow the bearded man to stand before Falkner.
"You are still a relatively young trainer," Drayden extended a hand to the bird trainer, "but you have my trust. We still don't have many concrete answers, but I'll tell you what we do know."
"Thank you sir." Falkner gazed at the man for several seconds before recognition crossed his face. "Now that I think about it, I believe I've seen you're picture somewhere. Are you a Gym Leader in the Unova region?"
"Yes," Drayden acknowledged passively, "that is why I was brought here. Our problem may hail from my region."
Chris had heard of the Unova region, but knew very little about the distant land. Growing up he had seen very few of the region's unique Pokémon on television. The trainer was still stunned by the appearance of the three expert trainers before him.
"Just stick to the disappearances," Drake's gruffly voice interrupted.
"Disappearances?" Falkner seemed stunned by the severity.
Chris' mind instantly shot back to the T.V. report he had seen the day before.
"Fair enough," Drayden sighed, turning back to Falkner. "I'm sure you heard about Mr. Pokémon vanishing from his home a couple of days ago. The reports have no answers, but we believe we may know the cause."
"Before we begin to hypothesize," Lance began, "let's address the second disappearance. It is the reason we're in Violet City after all." Lance stepped forward. "I'm sure you know Earl Dervish of the Pokémon Academy. He also vanished yesterday. That is why we are here today."
"No way!" Chris finally spoke out, upon hearing of the instructor's absence. Upon seeing Luke and the expert trainers give him a questioning look, the trainer clarified. "I met the man yesterday morning on the outskirts of the city. He let me borrow his fishing rod, but when I went to return it to him at the school no one knew where he was."
"You may in fact be the last person who has seen him," Lance mused. He touched Dragonite's shoulder and mumbled something to it.
The Dragon Pokémon took off from the stadium and reached Chris almost instantly. The dragon gripped beneath the trainer's armpits and carried Chris, much to his shock, over to stand beside its trainer. Luke also approached the group and stopped beside Drayden.
"Did you notice anything strange about your meeting with Mr. Dervish?" Drayden inquired. "Did he act nervous or frightened?"
"He paced quite a bit," Chris struggled to recall the odd man's behavior, "and he did seem in a hurry to get back to the academy."
"Mr. Dervish is a very charismatic individual," Falkner laughed, "but what does this have to do with Unova?"
"I guess it doesn't matter if these two trainers listen in," Drayden looked over Chris and Luke, "so here is where the speculation begins." He took a deep breath before beginning. "Two years ago, as I'm sure you saw on the news, a syndicate known as Team Plasma attempted to swarm Unova. They were led by a maniacal sage named Ghetsis, whose sole purpose was to freeze the entire region and take command of it."
Chris remembered hearing about the freezing phenomenon, but had never really thought about the implications of the event. Chris' naivety was understandable considering his young age, but apparently the event could have crucial importance to the Johto region.
"He was defeated and snuck out of our land disgraced," Drayden continued, anger pulsing through his voice. "Later that year he was sighted at Veilstone City in Sinnoh. He managed to remain under the radar for the rest of the year." The man turned to Drake before continuing. "That next year he was spotted again, this time at Lilycove City in Hoenn."
"Sources say he stayed there about a year as well," Drake growled, scratching the tuff of hair beneath his nose, "Until we scared him out of there!"
"We received information about a month ago that he was seen at the port in Olivine City," Lance explained, tilting his head back as if to remember something. "We can't say for sure, but Ghetsis may be involved in these disappearances."
"Do you believe he's planning something for Johto?" Falkner's eyes narrowed toward Lance, but they flashed over to the beginning trainers.
"His track record would support that," Lance replied coolly. "Both of the men who have disappeared are world renowned experts on Pokémon. Mr. Pokémon did not live very far from Violet City and both men vanished a day apart from each other. We are not willing to accept this as coincidence."
"As the head trainer over this district," Falkner responded after several seconds, "and as a councilman on the City board…" The Gym Leader approached Lance and extended a hand, "you have my full cooperation in any investigation involving this precinct."
"That's what I like to hear!" Lance responded enthusiastically, giving the Gym Leader's hand a firm shake.
"Each of you three are dragon experts," Luke suddenly piped up, "I'm guessing that's not a coincidence either.
"Both of Ghetsis' schemes have involved Legendary Dragon Pokémon," Drayden turned to face Luke, "and the three of us, along with Clair of Blackthorn, are considered the greatest Dragon Tamers in the world. Lance figured we would be the right people for the job."
"The level of skill it takes to command a dragon type is unfathomable," Luke replied, a strong level of awe in his voice, "or so I've heard."
"Battling with a dragon Pokémon is all about trust," The Unova Gym Leader informed, "they do not allow others to have dominion over them."
"It must've taken decades to develop the level of trust you have with your Pokémon," Luke examined Drayden's Pokémon, which growled towards him in acknowledgment.
"And we are strengthening our bond daily!" The Unova Dragon Tamer responded. A grin appeared beneath the Gym Leader's beard as he took off his backpack. "We waited for your battle to finish with Falkner before we approached him. Your voice remained confident and you showed a strong level of experience for a beginning trainer in their first Gym Battle." Drayden unzipped the pack and added, "You remind me of one of my ambitious apprentices. Here is a reward for defeating your first Gym Leader and for showing respect to me and my Pokémon."
The Unova Gym Leader reached into his bag and slowly extracted an item. Chris was stunned to see Drayden place a small, brown oval shaped object into Luke's hands. The trainer from Tohjo Falls gently cradled the gift, which Chris now recognized as a Pokémon egg, completely shocked by the object he now held.
"Th-thank you sir!" Luke managed to sputter.
"I also defeated Falkner moments ago!" Chris added, hopeful that he may also receive a prize.
"That's fantastic son!" Drayden chuckled, waving to the trainer. "Congratulations to you as well!
Chris felt all the excitement rush from his body immediately.
"Let us know if you find anything," Lance nodded to Falkner as the three Dragon Tamers mounted their Pokémon, "and we'll keep in touch as well."
"Will do!" Falkner waved as each dragon rose over the stadium.
"Best of luck to you fellas in the Johto League Challenge!" The Champion shouted as the group shot over the side of the stadium, back towards the ground floor. "Hope to see you again one day!"
"I hope you both understand that none of what you heard is to be repeated to anyone." Falkner stated sharply. "In fact, it would be best if this encounter never happened as far as anyone else is concerned. Seeing three powerful trainers, including a Champion, is quite a special occasion, especially for trainers as young as you two. It might bring up some unwanted questions."
"Yes sir!" Both trainers replied in unison.
"As for your next Gym battle…" Falkner withdrew a map from a pocket inside his robe, "I usually suggest that trainers head for Azalea Town. It's a nice retreat from the hectic city environment and the Gym Leader specializes in Bug Types. With your fire starters, I don't foresee incredible difficulty in collecting that badge."
"Thank you for your guidance!" Chris responded, pinpointing Azalea Town on his PokéGear map.
"It was a joy to battle you both!" Falkner motioned for his Pidgeot to drop down between the young trainers. "Only one person can take the platform back down. Which one of you would like to ride Pidgeot down?"
"He can ride!" Chris immediately answered, sprinting over to the soon-to-be descending platform.
The trainer from Cherrygrove did his best to stay calm as the device shot him towards the ground at an impressive speed. As he reached the bottom, Pidgeot landed on the floor beside him and ushered Luke off its back.
"Pidgeo!" The Bird Pokémon blasted off into the sky once more, slashing towards Falkner's location.
The two trainers remained silent as they made their way to the elevators. As soon as the doors had shut, Chris and Luke spilled all the excitement that had accompanied the past couple of hours.
"We talked to Lance!" Chris could still not believe the incredible luck that had befallen him.
"And got to listen in on an important, covert meeting!" Luke's energy matched the trainer's beside him. "And I even got a Pokémon egg to boot!"
"You've got even better luck than me!" Chris smiled, but still wished he could have gotten a Pokémon also. "Hope an awesome Pokémon hatches out of there."
The elevator doors opened, allowing both trainers to walk back through the front offices and out onto the city street.
"I need to take my team back to the Pokémon Center!" Luke was forced to shout over the bustling crowd around them.
"I still have to get my Pokémon from Nurse Joy!" Chris replied. "I'll head there with you!"
Both trainers had minor difficulty reaching the Pokémon Center, mostly due to the pre rush hour traffic. As they entered the facility, Chris headed towards the checkout counter.
"Perfect timing!" Nurse Joy approached Chris and handed back his four Pokéballs. "Your Pokémon look in great shape! Keep up the vitamin and nutrition routine!"
"Thanks Nurse Joy!" Chris was happy to hear his health routine was working. He noticed Luke step up to the checkup counter. "There is another trainer over there that just finished up a Gym Battle as well."
"My Pokémon are in pretty good shape as well," Luke let out a laugh as he shrugged. The trainer handed four Pokéballs to Nurse Joy and took a seat on a nearby bench.
Chris put away his Pokémon and sat down next to his fellow trainer. "Didn't look like you had too much trouble with Falkner." Chris took out a pack of crackers and offered them to Luke. "I barely got back in time to see the end of the battle!"
"No thanks," Luke politely declined the food. He stretched out his back and leaned it against the wall behind him. "I didn't think the Pokémon were too challenging. He was using his weakest set after all."
"My Nidoran managed to take down his Murkrow pretty easily," Chris stated as he thought back on the battle, "and his Hoothoot wasn't very threatening. It's amazing though how well these Gym Leaders can use even the most obscure Pokémon."
"I only saw your battle with Pidgeotto." Luke announced before adding, "Did you only use Nidoran and Cyndaquil?"
"I wish that had been the case," Chris laughed, remembering his third choice, "but I'm actually glad I had to use all three Pokémon."
"Who was your third choice?"
"A Magikarp I caught yesterday."
Luke simply stared at Chris before finally responding, "I'm not surprised you caught a Magikarp, but using it in battle?!" Luke's eyes drifted to the bruise on Chris' forehead. "Speaking of battles, what gave you that blow to the forehead?"
"I'm glad you asked the previous question before addressing this!" Chris shook his head. "I took a Magikarp to the face."
Both trainers burst into laughter, instantly amplifying the quiet waiting center.
One they had begun to regain their composure, Luke replied, "At least the fish turned out to be useful!"
"Well what about you?!" Chris looked to change the subject. "What Pokémon did you use in your battle?"
"My battling style revolves around staying cool and waiting for the right moment to strike," Luke began. He seemed to think on what he had just said before continuing. "I believe it kind of enhances their stamina in battle. I took down Hoothoot with Charmander and swept the rest of the team with Elekid." Luke shrugged, "I guess my style of battle helped Elekid take care of the job."
"That," Chris chuckled, "and having a type advantage!"
Luke cracked a smile. "That too."
Both trainers continued to discuss battling and the days that had passed since they first met. Chris found out that a Sneasel had stolen Luke's map the day before their first battle. The trainer from Tohjo Falls had gotten lost after his battle with Chris and wondered the wilderness for a whole day.
"If I hadn't gotten lost that day I would have arrived in Violet City earlier yesterday!" Luke explained, frustration seeping through his voice. "I did catch Elekid that day though…"
"Are you going to be staying overnight here?" Chris asked, unsure of his own plans for the rest of the day.
"No," Luke answered, withdrawing a banner from his golden satchel, "I'm actually on a tight schedule. I need to be in Goldenrod City in three days."
Chris looked over the poster in Luke's hands instantly recognizing the event inscribed on it. "I completely forgot about the Goldenrod Open Tourney!"
"Yep," Luke shot a glance towards the medical machines that held his Pokémon, "I've read it's the only two on two tournament in Johto."
"Three days…" Chris was unsure if it was possible to reach Goldenrod City in three days if he headed to Azalea Town first. "Are you going to head North to save on time?"
"It's an important tournament," Luke paused, "but the Johto League Challenge is even more important. I'm heading to Azalea Town first."
Chris thought for a moment and then decided to make the offer that had been forming in his mind.
"How about we travel together?" Chris threw out the words almost faster than he could say them. Traveling with another trainer could be both a blessing and a curse. He would have to reveal his training methods and his Pokémon's techniques. But the trainer believed it was the best case scenario for both of them. "My PokéGear has a map feature, so you won't be getting lost again."
"Hm…"
Chris noticed Nurse Joy approach the counter with Luke's Pokéballs and both trainers stood up.
"It would make sense from a time standpoint," Luke ran a hand through his combed hair. Both trainers made their way over to the counter where Luke retrieved his Pokémon. "Sure."
"Cool!" Chris shook the trainer's hand. 'When did you want to leave Violet City?"
"I got in late last night and checked into a hotel." Luke smelled the black t shirt he was wearing. "I might head back there, shower, and put on some fresh clothes. I'll meet you at the edge of Route 32."
"Sounds good!" Chris answered as Luke made his way towards the door. "Don't get lost on your way!"
Luke shook his head as he left, waving a quick goodbye.
"A shower doesn't sound like a bad idea," Chris remembered that his room was right down the hall and had a perfectly functioning shower.
Twenty minutes later Chris had cleaned up and was finishing his hygiene routine. He slipped on a clean pair of black athletic shorts as he brushed his teeth. As he threw on a red t-shirt, Chris dug through his back pack and released his starter from its Pokéball.
"We're going to be traveling with some company for these next few days," Chris explained. He held back a round of laughter at the sight of Cyndaquil's annoyed expression. "It'll be Luke and his Charmander if that makes you feel any better." The trainer was relieved to see Cyndaquil perk up at the party's identity. "This will give us a chance to show them how far we've progressed! And you may even get a shot at deciding who the more powerful starter is!"
"Quil!" The Fire Mouse's back erupted in flame as the starter flexed its arms.
"We better get going!" Chris pulled on the backpack as Cyndaquil leapt onto his shoulder.
Chris was relieved to see a change of scenery in the city's south side. The buildings seemed to shrink with every step the trainer took until he found only single floored homes and stores around him. Even though rush hour traffic had begun, it was nothing compared to the chaos Chris had been dealing with. It wasn't long before Chris was standing before a forested path that marked the end of suburbia.
The trainer felt a sudden shot of energy rush through him as the setting sun peaked out behind a cloud. The trainer was ready to travel once more and take in Johto's magnificent scenery. Who knew what beauty and diversity laid ahead?
"Char!"
Chris was startled by a Charmander that suddenly appeared beside him. The trainer turned to look behind him and was not surprised to find Luke close behind the fire lizard.
"Charmander can be a bit of a clown once it feels comfortable around you." Luke patted his starter's head as he came to stand beside Chris. "Barely beat me here."
"Looks like I'm already a couple steps ahead of ya," Chris laughed, throwing a playful punch at Luke. "Guess we'll make as much progress as the sun allows!"
Luke nodded. "Let's get to it!"
Closing- A new partnership has been formed! It remains to be seen how well the trainers truly get along. Will they be able to work together to reach Goldenrod City in three short days!? But before their tournament aspirations can take hold they have to work their way to Azalea Town! Another thrilling Gym Battle awaits the trainers! Hope you continue to stick with Chris' adventures through Johto! I'll see ya in the next installment!