A Monarch's Journey
Chapter 1: The Inevitable
"The winner of this round of the World Coordination Series Twenty-Six is… Cynthia!" The referee announced, holding a hand out towards the champion of Sinnoh, the crowd in the stands cheering loudly, as the elegant woman waved with a hearty chuckle. Sparing a glance across the torn arena, she let a small flicker of pity cross her eyes, before snuffing it out with a falsetto of a smile.
Across from her, a younger woman, barely reaching adulthood, collapsed to the ground in defeat, a hand holding onto a rather plain, worn looking Premier ball. Immediately dropping the ball to her side, she took a deep breath in, and let out a shuddering breath. Hearing a cheering echo around the stadium, she lifted her hands to her chest, and shakily fell against the wall of her booth. Staring down at her shaking fingers, The girl gasped and slid down the cold podium wall. Shutting her eyes tightly, she grabbed her head tightly, and shook in fear. 'No no no… It's fine… I-I can fix this… I can… I have time to try again… It's fine. It's fine… I didn't just lose the second round of the biggest event this decade… I totally didn't just screw everything up…' She mentally mulled over, before the second wave of cheering echoed, sending the woman to jolt and abruptly stand up. Grabbing her Premier ball, she turned from the stage, and ran out the door before she could scream.
Rushing into the locker room, and collapsing into a heap, the woman slid down the lockers, and fell to the floor. Confusion, fear, and panic filled her mind again as she felt her heart beating rapidly. Arceus, she was shaking… Her breathing sounded ragged, yet she couldn't focus as she squeezed her eyes shut, avoiding staring at the walls around her. 'Damnit Tizeriz… you couldn't just teach Rikku a damn fire type move!? Or taught Shade some decent poison or ghost moves?! WHY DIDN'T YOU LEARN ANYTHING FROM THE OTHER IDIOTS?!' She berated herself before smacking her head with her hands, wincing at nails digging into her scalp. Slamming her head against the locker, she closed her eyes and sighed. "...Fuck." She hissed before slowly standing up, stumbling forward, before grabbing the locker handle beside her. Forcing herself to a standstill, Tizeriz took another shuddering breath, and slumped slightly.
"... Better deal with the aftermath back home now than later…" Tizeriz figured before looking down at her pink belt, and sighed as her four poke balls came into view. "... Ugh I can't leave them hanging though… Fine you louts… I'll getcha healed, then I'll deal with the family."
"Can't wait to see how mad they are for this…" She grumbled before stumbling out of the locker room, and towards the medical ward, silently willing her feet to move, as every step down the tunnel grew heavier with doubt.
Once she entered the main medical waiting room, she took a step towards the counter, and handed over her collection of pokeballs, before taking a seat. Alone in the room, she folded her hands together, and shuddered from worry. "... Dad… you better help me, or by Arceus himself… I'll…" She paused and sighed as she looked away from the wall she was burning a hole into, before closing her eyes.
Snapping them open, Tizeriz clenched a fist before staring up at the ceiling, a determined look glinting behind her pink eyes, veiled in blue. "... I will become the best trainer…"
"... no matter what." A young boy stated firmly, standing proud in his bedroom. Only to stumble from his bedroom door slamming open. Nearly falling over, he failed to notice as the TV continued announcing the World Coordination Series matches, moving from Cynthia's second match, onto Alder, against Steven Stone. Yet, as the boy stared at the imposing figure, known as his mother, he flinched when she started shouting at him.
Dressed in a rather fluffy pink bathrobe, the boy's mother held the bedroom door open with an irate glare across her face. "Ash Ketchum! It's way past your bedtime mister!" His mother shouted, her face, while covered in a light layer of cream, smelling oddly like cheri berries, was just accenting her ire. "I know you have a wonderful start on your journey coming up, but if you stay up any longer… Tomorrow will be today!" She finished, as her child simply looked at her sheepishly.
"S-sorry mom… But I can't sleep. I'm too excited for my journey through Kanto! I'm aiming to become the best, like no one else!" Ash retorted as he gestured to the TV showcasing the tournament, before his Mother huffed, and walked into the room.
"Well then sweetie, if you can't sleep… Please keep it down, and perhaps, try watching the tournament at a lower volume. I'm trying to sleep, and so is Sleepy." She countered, gesturing to a moving mass of pink, slowly walking by the open door with a tired look on its dopey looking face.
"Slooow…" The pokemon whined, before walking further down the hall, out of sight. Followed by it repeating itself, echoing further away.
"Okay mom… I'll probably just head to bed then… Try and get some sleep right?" Ash relinquished as he turned the TV off without a second thought. Sure he was missing the quarter finals of the World Coordination Series, but he was going to become a Pokemon Master himself, starting tomorrow! "Or at least try." He tacked on, shrugging as his mother stepped back, and smiled softly.
"Just like your father… Always so excited to head out, and explore the world…" His mother whispered, smiling at Ash with a soft gaze as she turned towards the door. "Even if you can't sleep, set your alarm."
"Don't worry mom! I will." Ash promised, leaning over to his alarm clock. Popping open the poke ball designed clock, he moved the alarm hand towards seven am. Smiling to himself, he set the clock at the shelf near the foot of his bed. Yet after he set the clock down, he quickly moved to shift his clothes around. "Gotta get ready. Bag's been packed," since last week, "and the alarm has been set. Night mom!"
With a smile back, Ash's mom nodded, and gently walked out of the door, shutting it behind her. With it, Ash closed his eyes, and smiled as he turned under the covers, and drifted off rather quickly, into dreamland.
"... My starter… wonder what it could be…" He mumbled, twisting in the sheets as he pondered his choice. "Bulbasaur are easy to raise… Fastest of the Kanto starters to evolve, but…"
"THE BLOODY HELL, YOU MEAN YOU'RE SORRY?!"
Home was supposed to be a safe haven, especially after failing in such a pathetic way, at the most elite tournament in the world. Yet here stood Tizeriz, shrunken under the ire of her mother.
Dressed in a rather expensive looking suit, Tizeriz's mom slammed her palms against the rather expensive, marble dining table. "I-I'm sorry for losing… I just… I wasn't home for so long, a-and you all got comfortable here but… I just need time to try again next time."
"Well." Her mother huffed, as the dining room lights flickered, and a second set of eyes came into view around the doorway of the dining room. "I hope you're happy about losing this badly! You didn't even make it to the semi-finales!" She berated, slapping the back of her hand against her palm. Each clad in a silk only coveted by the champions around the region for being soft, firm, and tough.
"You really did screw up. Both of you." The new voice huffed, before stepping into the room fully. Clad in a rather plain, purple dress, the figure stood shorter than Tizeriz's mother, yet the lines under her eyes, and the slightly grey fringes of her green hair, left Tizeriz breathless as she took a step back. "You promised us a safe home. Now without a title missy, you're a disgrace." The Gardevoir growled, her tone while soft, hit Tizeriz hard, while her mother nodded curtly alongside her partner pokemon.
"I didn't mean to lose!" Tizeriz shouted back, before feeling her body slam into the wall opposite to the duo berating her. "Hey! I gave you this home to live in! This is MY house!" She demanded, just to feel her body crushing into the wood panel behind her, grunting as her own eyes lit up blue weakly.
"Doesn't Matter. Both you, and my daughter kept failing too often enough to even warrant a welcome home." The snarl felt closer, as the green haired being's eyes lit up in a dark magenta aura around her form. Yet as the three pronged hand lowered, green like her hair, the Gardevoir scoffed.
"You've gotten lazy, and I don't want that out of my daughter. You two had an easy fight ahead of you. It was Cynthia. Cynthia. The damn woman who barely changes her team beat you once, why didn't you two even think to try a bit harder then?" She asked, her glowing fading as Tizeriz immediately collapsed to the floor, coughing.
"Well? Where's the compensation prize for being a failure of a trainer, and daughter?" Tizeriz's mother demanded, holding a hand out, while her Gardevoir narrowed her eyes, and lit up a hand in an icy blue glow.
"Compensa… What the actual bloody hell mum?! After everything I did to make sure you, dad and Alissa's parents live comfortably since I left home…" Tizeriz started after getting over initial confusion, "This is how you bloody well treat me?!" Tizeriz demanded back as she stood up, growling and clenching her hands. "DON'T YOU FUCKING BELITTLE ME, ARCEUS DAMNIT!" She shouted, slamming a fist into the wall behind her, splintering the wood panel as her eyes glinted, a deep blue surrounding a sea of pink.
"Squirtle is the most versatile in Kanto, since a few of the well known gyms here are weak against its typing… And it can learn a few moves that the others can't later on…" Ash mumbled again, twisting over as the sun started peaking up and over the mountains and hills surrounding Pallet Town. "Squirtle can evolve… and carry its trainers on its back… But Squirtles are strong in their own right… Fast, heavy hi… hitters."
Yet once the light bled through the blinds, Ash winced in his sleep as the sun hit his face, and he turned again, before grunting as his foot slammed into his wooden shelf, clattering a few books across its shelving below. Along with knocking his alarm clock slightly off of its pedestal.
Yet as he settled back down, Ash rolled over, and mumbled in his sleep once more. "It's a good pokemon but… is it right for me?"
"You know what? Fuck this." Tizeriz growled as she walked past her mother, and her Gardevoir. "I'll see myself out, and I'm not coming back." She added before walking down her hallway into the foyer of the house. Shoving over everything along her path, Tizeriz scowled as every vase, cabinet and painting tore apart, and laid behind her in a display of destruction.
"Thanks for the help dad." the young woman scoffed as she turned back in the foyer, staring up at her leasuring father higher up on the staircase, leaning against the railing. "Could'a used you to keep mum off my case, but neither of you seem fit to keep that daft cunt in line." She added before turning away again.
"So thanks for nothing. I can tell that I ain't wanted 'round here any more." She added before slamming the front door open, before slamming it shut. Closing herself from the place she was supposed to find comfort in.
An empty home, with skeletons hiding everywhere. Worthless to dwell upon, or even remember about.
"But everyone can't stop talking about how awesome Chamander is for the middle duration of the region… Everyone wants one, especially because of… because of…" Ash mumbled again, trailing off as sleep started taking a deeper hold.
Only to jolt lightly, as his alarm clock sprang open, chirping loudly, before a sudden shattering, forced him to scramble in his covered, to the floor. "I'M AWAKE!" He shouted, before hissing as his arm slammed into the shelf behind his bed, knocking a few books over.
Yet after groaning in pain, he curled onto himself and huffed lightly as he rolled towards the edge of the bed. Collapsing into a heap on the floor, Ash grabbed the side of his bed, and hauled to his feet, groaning. "Dang clock…" He grumbled before shaking his head rapidly.
"Ash! You better be awake! I heard you screaming!" He immediately heard his mother shout up the stairs. "If you're not down in ten minutes for breakfast, I'm going to have Slow here drag you down!" She threatened before Ash grumbled and sighed in annoyance as he turned towards the noise, and sighed.
"I'll be down soon! I hit my elbow against my shelf! And I fell right afterwards!" Ash called back as he stood in pain, groaning as he rolled his shoulder lightly. "Fudge…" He grumbled before looking for his packed bag. "Alright… Get dressed, and head down."
Tugging on his black shirt, blue vest, and a set of dark blue jeans, Ash smiled as he pulled on a pair of socks, his black and green shoes, and tugged on his fingerless gloves with a smirk. "Time to become a Pokemon Master!" He declared with a shout, before scooping his bag up, and rushing down the stairs.
"Alright I'm here!" Ash announced as he slid to a halt at the bottom of the steps, stumbling slightly as he slung his bag over his shoulders. "And I won't be late today!" He declared, to his mom's delight as she turned from the pan in front of her, and gestured to the table with a wooden spoon.
"Sit down Ash, those pokemon aren't going anywhere right now. In fact, I don't think Professor Oak even has them yet…" She aver to him, smiling as Ash sat down at the table, and blinked when a plate was set down before him. Sitting before Ash, was a simple plate of rice, some slices of cleaned calamari rings, and a few servings of sliced berries. "Besides Ash, you should check and make sure everything you need is in your bag mister." His mother firmly stated as Ash quietly, and with care, quickly ate the food before him, pausing to take a sip of orange juice.
"I know mom, I checked last night, so I know I have everything besides my sleeping bag, and a tent. But considering the travelling path I'm taking around Kanto… I doubt that I'll need it." Ash assuaged his mother, waving a hand as he downed the last of the rice and berries, before standing back up.
"But I'll double check before I head out for real. I just can't wait mom!" He declared before scooping his bag off of the ground next to him. Tugging the strap on, Ash turned around from his mother, and walked towards the door. "I'll be back before you know it!"
Rushing out the door Ash ran down the beaten path of Pallet Town, smiling brightly as he ran by neighbours, many of whom were shocked to see Ash outside this early. 'I didn't survive through Professor Oak's summer camp all those years back just to show that I'm a late bloomer! I am Ash Ketchum, and I will become the greatest trainer in the world!' He thought proudly, coming to a halt before Oak's closed gate, panting lightly as he leaned against a brick pillar.
"I hope… I'm not too early…" He huffed before looking up at the lab upon the hill. Looking around the path, Ash stared at the bridge briefly, noticing a few people walking around the town, before nodding at the gate, and pushed it open. Walking up the stone steps, Ash turned his gaze back to the lab, and smiled as he saw a figure walking by a lit window. "Oh good, there's someone there. Maybe they can help me get started."
Walking to the door, Ash knocked on it lightly, before it opened, and the boy stepped inside, talking. "I'm here for my starter pokemon, and my pokedex if possible… Oh, I thought you were someone else, Professor!" He began, to the smile of a familiar face, one he perked up at, losing the slight stumble he had, at rambling at Professor Oak.
"Well Ash, I'm glad to see that you're excited to start your journey. More so than I think Gary is." The man chuckled as Ash grinned back with a nod. "Well then Ash… let's go see if we have anything that'll match you. If not, I might have another option for you to test out afterwards." He promised, before walking into a side room, where a monitor was set up between several machines, a transfer system, and a single glass domed machine in the centre of the room.
"Now, since it's still early, I'm afraid that I might only have a couple to choose from… Especially since Gary called dibs on one of the starters, So let's see if Bulbasaur or Charmander will be a good match for you Ash." The professor thought aloud, as he opened the dome, and stared at the rising pokeballs from the holders below. Two balls came into view, and with a smile, Professor Oak pulled out the first of the two. A standard pokeball adorned with a leaf sticker on the red dome, Professor Oak handed the ball over to Ash, and backed away.
"Just release the pokemon onto the table, and try to talk to it. After the way Samson had mentioned how Alolan Starter pokemon also chose their trainers, he felt that most pokemon did the same elsewhere, especially starter pokemon. So when Ash called out Bulbasaur, he wasn't surprised when Ash backed away from the slightly leery grass type.
"Okay so I think that's gonna be a no Professor…" Ash answered Oak's unasked question, as the Bulbasaur raised a few vines from within their bulb. "Bulbasaur, return!" Ash called, as the leery pokemon vanished back into their pokeball, and set it back down in the display case. Picking up the other ball with a fire sticker on the top, Ash released the pokemon from their ball, and waited with baited breath.
"Oh dear…" Professor Oak called as the Charmander appeared on the table, only to turn away, and curl on the table, ready for a nap. "I think Charmander is dismissing you Ash…" He declared after Ash reached out to the Charmander, only to wince slightly as they waved a claw dismissively.
"Aw man… I hope this idea of yours is better then, Professor… I can't leave here without a pokemon." Ash sighed as he recalled Charmander, and sat the pokeball back into the display. Only to blink in surprise as the centre of the display opened, and a third ball entered the centre of the other three. Adorned with a lightning bolt, Professor Oak picked the ball up gently, and turned towards Ash with a serious look.
"Now, before I give you this pokemon, I must warn you. This pokemon is temperamental, and has been caught wild, instead of raised like these traditional starters were." Oak started with a firm gaze towards Ash, who gulped at the idea of owning a freshly caught, wild pokemon. "So you must treat this pokemon with extreme caution, and after gaining hi-their trust, you'll come to find that this one will become your best friend."
Oak finished as he held the ball higher, hiding his smirk at Ash's determined gaze. A gaze that reminded him of an adventure he had, far back in his own life. With a very familiar looking boy, standing beside him, ready to tackle the world, while the glow of the campfire accented his passion. "Give Pikachu here some time, Ash. And I can promise you that they'll understand your dream perfectly."
Oak handed the ball to Ash, and gestured to the table, as Ash called out Pikachu. And while backing away from the boy, Oak watched as Ash walked toward the Pikachu, and lowered his head to the electric pokemon, who sniffed him cautiously.
"Hello there Pikachu, my name is Ash Ketchum." Ash introduced himself to the Pikachu, raising a palm to the pokemon, who looked at the hand warily, before looking at the young trainer's eyes. Narrowing their own eyes, the Pikachu's nose twitched as they tilted their head back, and released a weak, but still considerable jolt, to Ash's hand. Who merely grunted, and pulled away slowly, shaking his hand from the sudden numbness. "Okay… I can see why Professor."
"Just be glad you didn't pick him up." Oak advised, staring at Pikachu's tail. Seeing the sudden flat end, had basically confirmed the pokemon's gender, and with a smile, Oak turned away from Ash. "But enough about that, I'm certain you'll get along swimmingly, and so… begins the next part."
"A-hem!" Oak cleared his throat as he turned back around, only to jump slightly, as Ash's form became cloaked in a large field of electricity, all spilling from the Pikachu standing on the table, his form hovering between Ash's hands, and chest. "A-Ash! I just said that… Oh never mind…"
"... That hurts, but I think I can take it…" Ash groaned as he turned from the table, holding Pikachu loosely in his arms, letting the annoyed electric type sit against Ash, huffing at the failure of critically harming the boy.
"Okay Ash." Oak began again, Ash's head tilting upwards as Oak held out a simple red machine, and a few pokeballs in his other hand.
"Today marks the first day that many others your age will embark on. Ash, it's been my pleasure to teach you, and all of the fine children of Pallet Town, everything I could about Pokemon. But now marks the first day that you put that knowledge to a true effort. Now as a Licensed Pokemon Trainer, you will get a Pokedex. This acts as your automatic transfer system, as long as you're near a Pokemon Center, and as your ID. If you get caught up by an officer on duty, it's important to show them this." Oak explained, as Ash nodded, and absently began petting Pikachu's head, causing the electric mouse to sway in his arms, and relax slightly, letting out a soft cry, and few sparks. "But as for these, these are your own Pokeballs to use as you see fit. But remember Ash, going on a journey will require a lot of funds, and while starting out gives you a good chunk, you should add whatever you can, and work on getting more yourself. A Pokemon Journey isn't cheap, nor will it be easy."
Ash nodded, before setting Pikachu down on the floor, as the electric mouse shook his head, and stood near Ash's feet. "I understand professor, I've been saving up since my eleventh birthday, so I'll have plenty of money to get what I need, to truly be prepared." He explained before saluting the professor.
"But I gotta head out now Professor. Tell Gary I said hi, and to be prepared for our first fight soon!" He shouted over his shoulder walking out the door quietly, with Pikachu running after him. Yet after walking out of the lab, Ash held a hand up and smirked as he clenched a fist.
"Today marks my first day as a pokemon trainer. And in a year, I'll be heading to the indigo league!" He shouted, jumping from a jolt coming from Pikachu, who's cheeks sparked with a chuckle in his voice as Ash collapsed and rolled down the stone steps, groaning in pain.
"Darn it… Pikachu, that's not… funny." Ash grumbled as he slowly climbed to his feet, groaning as he popped his neck from the tumble. "Okay… Let's go home first, before we head out. Okay Pikachu?" Ash called up the steps, smiling as the electric mouse jumped down the steps from the top, to Ash's shadow. The day was short, and with a journey ahead, Ash was quickly taking the time to quietly walk down the path home.
Once the day rolled towards noon, Ash stepped back inside his home, with a smile and quick shout. "I'm back mom!" He called, getting a response from upstairs.
"Oh that was quick Ash. I was expecting you to get hung up by something else first… I haven't even had the chance to gather our neighbours." His mother avowed, stopping at the top of the steps. With his sleeping bag rolled up, and a soft smile on her face, Ash's mom tossed the bag over to Ash, and sighed.
"My baby boy is all grown up, and ready to tackle his first adventure…" she gushed slightly, causing Ash to chuckle weakly, before blushing as his mother came closer, stopping beside him. "Oh but dear… can I see your pokemon, just this once before you leave?" She then asked.
"Oh right!" Ash jumped slightly as he swung his bag over his shoulders quickly. "Pikachu! There's someone here I want you to meet!"
"...Pika?" His pokemon asked, walking out of his shadow, and stared up at the woman crouching on the final step of the wooden staircase behind her. "Chu…"
"Oh a Pikachu? That is an interesting pokemon there Ash." His mother gushed as she held a hand out to wave at the small electric pokemon.
"I can tell that your Pikachu here is strong. I hope you take care of each other." She smiled before standing up, just as Ash slung his backpack back over his shoulders.
"So this is our final time together for now." Ash nodded at her words, his smile growing strained as his Mother pulled out a small envelope. "So here. It's something I've been saving for the past few years. Just for today."
Ash took the envelope with a surprised expression while his mother rubbed a tear free from her eyes. "Is this…? Mom…" he blinked in surprise at the amount of money tucked away in the envelope.
"Y-yes… some of it came from your father, but the rest from what I managed to gather." She answered before closing her arms around Ash. "So… don't worry dear. Take care, and I'll be rooting for you. Okay sweetie?"
Ash stood there stunned, before regaining his wits, just to hug his mother back tightly. "Okay. I'll be safe mom. That's a guarantee."
"Good. Now go before I keep you both here any longer. Okay?"
Ash nodded as he pulled away, and shoved the envelope deep into his backpack, nodding to Pikachu, who walked around to stand behind his trainer. With a smile over his shoulders, Ash nodded to his mother, and ran out the door. Finally ready to begin, Ash jumped out the door with a shout.
"Look out Kanto! Ash is finally ready to tackle everything you got!"
'... I think I'm gonna throw up…' Tizeriz thought to herself, sitting against the backrest of her aeroplane seat. Sure, despite losing the World Coronation Series had left her emotionally hurt, and now verbally scarred from her… from the people who birthed her, again… Tizeriz sighed as she looked towards her left, out the window and over the seat where a sleeping Gardevoir sat.
Tizeriz noted that her green hair covering her pink eyes, and pale skin seemed to glow softly in the darkened cabin lighting. Yet as she focused out the window again, Tizeriz couldn't help but sigh.
Kalos looked nice, bright and peaceful from way up above the clouds. The sea spanking between her home region, and this one was… beautiful. Even if she was a failure as a trainer, and daughter. She knew that she shouldn't have even bothered entering the moment her family didn't seem to support her actions.
'Stupid idea. Mum was right.' Tizeriz bitterly thought. Remembering the way her mother and father seemed to pause the last time she had dinner with them… Nearly two months ago.
"Screw them." Tizeriz scoffed again as she reached over, her black fingerless gloves covering her dark skin. Skin that simply showed how different she was from everyone else in Galar. Except for the jackass who she knew, was sinking in advertisements.
"... Bloody Leon and his damned Charizard… fuck 'em, fuck 'is Charizard… fuck Galar." She growled, eyes tinging blue, before a soft cry of concern, snapped her out of her funk.
"... Sis… you're losing control again." The Gardevoir beside her urged, causing Tizeriz to close her eyes, pause, then let out a shuddering breath. A breath releasing a black cloud of mist from her lips. "... Careful with that. Last time you froze your tongue."
The Gardevoir's teasing caused Tizeriz to roll her eyes as she turned her head, the blackness dissipating into the vents above. "Can't help it Alissa. I'm too Work Up-ed to even attempt any Calm Minds." Tizeriz joked back, causing the Gardevoir, Alissa, to roll her pink eyes and close them slowly.
"If you're making puns now, then I can trust that you're feeling better now. I told you distance helped." Alissa retorted, causing Tizeriz to let out a tired, strangled laugh back. Just to then sigh deeply as she returned to staring at her hands on the tray table under her.
"I know. I'm just….very pissed that they were willing to abandon us, disown us, for failure. I told them that I wasn't going to win that easily… but to be knocked out then? It scared me." Tizeriz sighed as she flopped back into her seat. "Hence why we're going to Kanto. Gotta start anew with our teammates, and see who wants to join us this go through."
"And Shade wanted to retire too, right?" Alissa asked, the question escaping her lips before the Gardevoir closed a fist before them. "Sorry sis…"
"It's fine Alissa. Granted I'm not happy with it, but Shade's old. Even for a ghost type. So I don't blame him for wanting to go back to where we caught him, at least one more time… then hopefully Oak will be willing to keep an eye on the geezer." Tizeriz waved off as she tugged on her black hoodie sleeve.
"I know, but once he leaves, it'll just be me, Kimono, and Rikku. And as much as I hate to be a broken record sis…" Alissa closed her eyes as she took a deep breath, before lifting her hand to push the Call Attendant button. "Rikku better find out if she wants to evolve, or not. Because if she doesn't… You both have a lot to do, to catch her up to speed."
"Yeah I know sis… I know, but she's still trying to adjust after evolv-"
"SHE EVOLVED TWO YEARS AGO!"
"Shh! Don't wake everyone else up!" Tizeriz shushed her sister with a finger, only to flinch, as the Gardevoir bit the tip of her finger in annoyance. "Ow…"
"Sist-" Alissa huffed before closing her eyes,and leaned back. Tizeriz immediately flinched as a flight attendant tapped her shoulder lightly. Which was then followed by a mental presence forming in her mind, one she was familiar with. 'Honestly sis… she's been a Dragonair for a year. She has to know if she wants to evolve. And you can't keep indulging her.'
"Sorry for shouting, but my Gardevoir here seemed to want something…" Tizeriz hastily apologised, only to glower lightly. 'That is not up to me Alissa. You know that. Now c'mon. Tell me what you want from her.'
'A water cup, and my first meal please. If we're not going to sleep yet… I want to eat.' Tizeriz's face dropped as the young woman turned towards her Gardevoir sister in annoyance.
"Really? Fine…" Tizeriz sighed as she turned to the attendant, and after apologising again, asked for a simple curry plate for herself, and her sister. When the attendant nodded and walked away, Tizeriz turned to Alissa and huffed. "Really? It's one bloody am, and you're starving. Great. Waste a meal now, instead of later. I cannot believe it sis…"
"I am starving. We got healed fast last night, and now… here we are. So I'm hungry." Alissa explained, like it was something to simply say.
"... Hope you choke on it you…" Tizeriz trailed off before shaking her head as she leaned back. Nothing to do for nearly half a day, and then it was immediately off to bed again? Yeah. This trip might've been a bad idea in hindsight.
"Oh well, better now than later…"
"Pikachu, use Thunder Shock!" Ash called out as he held his hand towards the Pidgey he spotted ahead. Sure he was barely a mile out of Pallet Town, but an opportunity ignored, was simply potential wasted.
Yet even though he called out the attack for Pikachu to follow, the electric rodent simply, like he had been doing for the last hour, ignored Ash's attempts to try and connect with his partner.
"Pika… pi." The Pikachu answered back, head turned away. Yet as Ash simply sighed, he turned back to the Pidgey and watched as it fluttered away. "Chaaa…"
"Yeah, yeah… I got what you're saying, Pikachu." Ash scoffed as he shook his head in disbelief at Pikachu's refusal. Only to groan as he watched Pikachu run up one of the many short trees around. Yet as he tried to grab Pikachu to try and talk to the mouse, he got shocked for his trouble. Backing off, shaking his fingers free from paralysis, Ash sighed as he kicked a rock aside a few feet.
"If they don't wanna join, they don't have to be caught. But I pledged to become a Pokemon Master Pikachu. And that means, that even if you don't agree… I am going to need you to listen to me. Okay?"
Pikachu to Ash, and gave the boy a simple confused gaze. "Chapi?" He asked, ears twitching before perking up as he turned towards the shrubbery and trees on the raised side of the path, ears folding back as he narrowed his gaze. "Chuuuu…"
"What is it Pikachu?" Ash asked as he turned towards the foliage, before squinting slightly. Besides the trees and shrubs, there was a network of roots surrounding small potholes that dug into the hillside. Yet above those holes, came a rustling that grew louder towards them. Ash stiffened, before slowly digging a hand into his open jacket. Which is when he lifted out, and pointed his Pokedex at the shrubbery, in precaution.
"Spearow. A pokemon that has a terrible attitude. It is very wild and will sometimes attack other Pokémon and humans." Ash's dex called out, before a sharp cry echoed forth, and the identified Spearow perched on the edge of the bank. Giving the Trainer and Pikachu a simple gaze, the Spearow hopped down the bank, flapping its wings to land softly between Ash and Pikachu, before turning towards Ash.
Hopping closer, it lightly pecked his jeans, before flapping its wings again, and jumped back. Ash didn't visibly react, even if he leg felt weak from the hit, buckling lightly as Ash hid a hiss under his breath.
"Spear… row." The tiny bird called out cautiously, before tilting its head. Shaking it from side to side, the Spearow rushed past the two, causing Ash to let out a sigh of relief, only to freeze, as the Spearow began calling out loudly.
"Spearow-row!" The tiny bird cried, causing Ash to blanch as several dozen Spearow from various treetops, began flapping wings, some clearly stronger flyers than others, as the flock swarmed the duo high above. Hearing a full flock cawing back, the Spearow tilted its head, and flapped its wings rapidly before jumping into the air, hovering above the duo.
"Spear! Spear-row! Row!" The tiny bird called out again, now seemingly worried as it frantically flapped its wings, before darting towards Ash again, calling wildly, as the boy gulped down some of his fear.
Good, the Spearow he encountered wasn't trying to hurt them. Curious? Yes. Trying to off him and Pikachu? Out of the question. Yet as his Pikachu's cheeks sparked to life, Ash glanced up at the Spearow above, and chuckled lightly. "Great. They don't wanna give up a free attack. Pikachu. Let's move!"
Pikachu nodded before jumping from the branch of his tree, and into the air. Landing on a Spearow's back high above, Pikachu's cheeks sparked to life as a Thunder Shock, rang out and hit a passing Spearow dead on, knocking the tiny bird out of the sky. Pikachu took a moment to look around before jumping off his annoyed flyer, and shocked that one to the ground.
Despite not being his pokemon, the Spearow beside them jumped, and turned tail. As Pikachu sent out a larger Thunder Shock at the flock, shocking several in an attempt to down them, Ash turned away and swatted at one too close to comfort. Only to blink as they dipped in height, before gaining it swiftly.
"PIKACHU LET'S GO!" Ash roared over the squawks above, causing Pikachu to nod, and turn tail, avoiding the first several dive bomb Pecks and Plucks raining from the Spearow above.
Yet as Ash, Pikachu and Spearow ran ahead, Ash grunted as he slammed a fist into a Spearow trying to Rage at him, wincing as its beak landed against his arm. Yet after Pikachu shocked another few behind them, and the rogue Spearow beside them flew upward, dove back at their flock, and a Twister formed from their wings, scattering a few more aside, Ash grunted again as he stared ahead, spotting a cliff.
A cliff with a waterfall ahead, meaning it had rapid waters and a long river below. Sure it didn't mean losing the Spearow in the long run, but a headstart was always a good idea. "Spearow I'm sorry for dragging you with us, but we're going to have to go over the cliff, so if you don't want to protect yourself only, get in real quick!" Ash called out, holding out a pokeball to the tiny bird defending him, a total stranger, from its erratic flock.
Barely a beat went by before Ash heard a whoosh of light, a ding, then nothing as Pikachu called towards Ash. "Pika… CHU!" Ash heard before a larger Thunder Shock left Pikachu, and took down several of the Spearow surrounding them. Scattering the rest briefly, Pikachu ran towards the waterfall, and jumped into the river without hesitation.
Landing deep in the water, Ash swam towards Pikachu, who nodded to Ash, and clung to him tightly as the boy let the rapids drag the two of them down the river. Yet as Ash winced from a passing boulder nailing his shoulder, Ash did little more than adjust his hold on Pikachu. Yet as the seconds ticked into a few minutes, Ash looked up at the surface of the water, blinking at how fast the land flowed by.
Only to feel a tug as something yanked Ash and Pikachu up and out of the river. Landing in a wet heap beside an orange haired girl, Ash groaned as the girl seemingly huffed in disappointment. "Oh… Oh great. I caught someone instead of a pokemon…"
Yet as the orange haired girl jumped to their side, she blinked in shock as the Pikachu grumbled, and shook his fur clear of water. Dousing Ash as he yelped in annoyance at being covered in water, Ash shook his hat before placing the wet article on his head. "Pikachu…" He huffed before standing up, only to freeze at the curious glance of the girl next to him.
"Hey… how far along Route One am I?" He asked her, the girl frowning as she turned to him, and held a hand to her chin.
"About an hour from Viridian, why?" She asked before flinching as several loud caws echoed from further down the route. Both trainers turned to the sound, and blanched in unison as a flock of black silhouettes dotted the sky. "Ne-nevermind… I can see that you might've angered the local Spearow…" She muttered before Ash growled at the flock.
"I did no such thing! Pikachu and I were just getting ready to discuss our partnership before a Spearow tried to give us safe passage. Instead, he ended up getting attacked alongside us." Ash explained before turning around and scanned the bank. Spotting the girl's bike, Ash frowned, which only grew as he looked at the sky surrounding the route as a whole. Dark clouds further away were already circling the riverside. Yet as he stared up, and then back at the Bike, Ash snook his head.
Running so far could only cause problems. Besides, shouldn't a Pokemon Master face his troubles head on? "Hey miss… I know this might be asking a lot from you… But mind helping me deter this flock?" Ash asked as he turned to the orange-haired girl who stared in surprise at his request.
"Uh… Sure I guess I could help a rookie like you." She stammered back before shaking her head. "But drop the Miss! I'm the same age as you after all! The name's Misty Waterflower!"
Introduction said, Misty held a hand out with her fishing rod on the side, a lure dangling uselessly at the end. Yet with her yellow tank top, red suspenders attached to her jean shorts, Ash got an impression that she was a water type user. "And my mission is to try and outdo my sisters! I'm aiming to become the Water type Specialist of Kanto!" She continued, pausing to duck as she heard several loud screeches high above.
"Right,I'm Ash Ketchum, and I'm aiming to become a Pokemon Master!" Ash began before pointing towards the flock, Pikachu darting ahead, cheeks sparking with annoyance across his face. "And that means, I won't lose, nor back down!" He shouted, just as Misty chuckled, and tugged a blue pokeball from her bag out.
"Guess that means that I'll have competition for Kanto's title then. Alrighty Ash… Let's do this! Starmie, Let's dazzle these Spearow!" She shouted, tossing the poke ball forward, releasing a large, ten pointed purple starfish, with a gleaming ruby in the centre. Posing with two arms bent, the Starmie floated into the air, and spun in place.
Both teens grinned as the flock descended upon the duo before they opened their mouths to shout out commands on the fly. With the rainstorm approaching, the duo only felt more confident as thunder erupted in the distance, while the first drops of rain descended to the ground.
"Starmie Swift!"
"Pikachu Thunder Shock!"
With lightning booming and blooming around Pikachu, the Spearow had a moment to feel shocked, before a barrage of stars broke their formation, and the sky lit up as Pikachu felt a large power flood hit him. And then explode outward, as several of the Spearow that were too close to him, flash fried to the ground, severe burns dotting feathers and beaks as they hit the trees and dirt around the river.
With a grin, Ash jumped as several Spearow backed off, before others flew in. Pikachu stood on the ground panting as his cheeks sparked irregularly. "Ash don't get cocky, that thunder strike did a lot, but Pikachu's worn out. Don't push him." Misty warned.
"Starmie, Rapid Spin in the river, Wash the rest of those annoying Spearow away!" Misty commanded as her Starmie stopped firing Swift at the closing in Spearow. Letting out a yell in acknowledgement, before spinning faster in the air. Plummeting into the river, a large swirl of water rose, before growing larger into a Typhoon. With the Spearow getting sucked into the large pillar, Pikachu darted over to Ash panting, only to gasp in awe with him, as the Whirlpool disconnected, and launched over the cliff, back down the route. Landing with a solid splash, Starmie returned to Misty's side from the river, spinning with pride.
Now that the Spearow had either fled, or were finally knocked out of the fight, Ash sat down hard on the ground in relief. With the rain washing over him, Ash sighed and shook his head, feeling a weight lift from his shoulder as he turned to Misty, who was smirking at her Starmie, patting one of its arms with appreciation. Recalling Starmie into its poke ball, Misty set the back back into her bag, and turned her eyes up to the storm, a frown forming on her lips.
"We made it… And thanks for the help there Misty… Pikachu, Spearow and I wouldn't have made it far without your help." He thanked, a smile forming as he stood up again. Patting his jeans clear, Ash turned to Misty, and held a hand out.
Misty turned back to Ash, and gently shook his hand as she packed her rod away into her bag. "Much obliged there. Now c'mon! I didn't realise there was going to be a storm this massive so early on!" She shouted, rushing to her bike, before jumping on it.
"Get on the wheel! And grab on tightly!" She demanded, As Ash nodded, and jumped to the bike's rear pegs, and grabbed Misty's shoulders. Watching Pikachu jump into the basket, Ash felt the ground lurching, before Misty sped off down the route with a grin on her face. "Man today was starting out boring, but thanks to you, it won't end that way!"
With a shared laughter between the three, the trio missed the way a large tear across the storm formed behind them. A humongous bird flew behind them, the sun below it, as a rainbow formed from tailfeathers alit with flames. Flying away, the storm vanished as quickly as it formed, before the route became bask in a twilight.
And all, for now, was quiet on the route. Even if a few bumps caused the trio below to shout in alarm, as they righted, and pedalled onward, towards Viridian City.
"Passengers, we are now landing outside of Viridian City. Please keep yourselves seated until the light is off. Have a nice day, and we hope you all enjoyed your flight. Thank you for flying Kantonian Fearow." The intercom dinged before Tizeriz sighed as she stood up, with Alissa beside her. The trainer and pokemon stretched briefly before walking off the plane shortly later, a large duffle bag hung off Tizeriz's shoulders. Yet as the woman stared around Kanto's miniscule airport, she huffed, and trudged ahead.
"Let's go Alissa… I'm tired, and I don't feel like staying in town. Let's go find a camping spot in the forest ahead." Tizeriz suggested, to her partner's eye roll.
"I don't see your appeal for camping. I'd much rather sleep in a bed." Alissa huffed as she turned towards the city, and took a single step towards it, only to back off and sigh. "Fine... But if I wake up to a Weedle or an Aipom... I'll raze the entire place down." Alissa threatened, to Tizeriz delight, as the duo walked towards the forest splitting Viridian and Pewter City from each other.