Notes- Edited as of June 3rd, 2018.

So... I think I managed to get this out in time haha. With college kicking back in to gear, I'm having to work my butt off. Thankfully, I managed to secure a job that'll get me some good money without flooding me with hours. But enough about that stuff! I absolutely adore writing Pokémon battles. They are my favorite part of Pokémon fics. I understand other events and themes are important, but the sheer, competitive nature of Pokémon battles just makes them awesome. I have another story I may publish with MULTIPLE battles in them. I began writing it back in the seventh grade so I'm sure the writing in the beginning is absolute trash. We'll see! For now, kick back... relax... and continue to enjoy Chris' journey as he meets the first trainer on his journey.


Chapter 3

When Chris and Cyndaquil stepped outside, they were momentarily blinded by the high hanging sun.

"Cynda'."

"Yeah," Chris replied, rubbing his eyes, "it is bright out here." He blinked away white patches of light obscuring his vision and checked his PokéGear. "Guess that makes sense considering it is about noon."

"'Quil?"

"We'll need to get some supplies before we get this show on the road."

The duo slowly made their way into the heart of the community, examining the quaint town where "winds of a new beginning blow." It was a truthful statement that embodied the feelings Chris was experiencing. He finally had an opportunity to begin his dream career and work toward some goals that had been impossible until today. But despite the new opportunities the day had brought him, Chris understood how much work lay ahead. He and his team would need to be strong enough to defeat Johto's eight Gym Leaders. That would provide him with a shot at the Silver Conference. And then...

"I'm thinking we'll travel to Cherrygrove City on foot," Chris announced. "That alright with you?"

The Fire-type slowly nodded, but the trainer could already sense some confusion in his partner's expression.

"There's a bus that runs between Cherrygrove and New Bark," Chris elaborated. "Being from Cherrygrove, I meant to take the bus here, but... plans changed. The point being that a lot of starting trainers from my city like to take the bus back so they can introduce their new teammate to friends and family. But we're not like them." Walking to Cherrygrove City might put them behind some of the other local trainers, but the extra experience would most likely prove to be invaluable. Chris brought an arm up and flexed what muscle he had.

Cyndaquil glanced down at his trainer's arm, then back at his face. "Cynda'," he replied with a flex of his own.

Chris felt a grin slip on to his face. "That's what I'm talking about."

New Bark Town's shop sat beside the entry point to Route 29. A quick scan of the interior showed Chris that they'd have all the supplies his team would need. The trainer purchased five Poké Balls as well as a couple of potions. After snagging some Pokémon food, he made sure to grab himself a handful of protein and granola bars. The young man had heard too many stories of trainers nearly dying in the wilderness due to a lack of food for their Pokémon and themselves.

As Chris went to check out, Cyndaquil pointed toward several containers lining a wall nearby. Chris ran a hand over the Fire Mouse Pokémon's head as he stepped over to examine the different vitamins.

"You want to grow strong, don't ya buddy?" Chris considered what kind would work best for his partner. "I'd say we need to start out by building those muscles, so a couple of proteins should work." The beginning trainer had studied up on the different types of vitamins. His brother had also given him more than one lecture about them. Even from a young age, Chris had tried to take those studies and his brother's word to heart. He'd been taught that training Pokémon was an enormous responsibility, not unlike raising a family. "We'll also want to make sure you stay light on your feet and can move quickly in battle," Chris explained as he grabbed three of the small containers of Carbos. Looking near the top, he spotted the final vitamin Cyndaquil could take. "You won't need these till a little bit later on in our training, but Calcium will ensure your Special Attacks pack a punch."

The trainer quickly purchased and organized the goods into his pack before heading back out into the sun. "It's time we hit the road, Cyndaquil!"

"'Quil', came the starter's confident reply. The Fire-type leapt from Chris' shoulder to walk beside his trainer.

By early afternoon, the pair had set out west on Route 29. To commemorate the start of their journey, Chris had decided to leave Cyndaquil out of his Poké Ball. The duo worked their way along the upward, winding path. Their walking trail consisted of knee high grass, and was bordered on each side by large trees. As they walked, Cyndaquil kept his eyes peeled for any potential opponents. The trainer tried to do the same, but he still had a tough time taking his eyes off his very first Pokémon. The hill finally plateaued and Chris turned back to admire the valley below. The late afternoon sun sparkled off the distant lake and revealed the green paradise they had just passed through.

"It's beautiful," Chris breathed. When he turned to gauge his starter's reaction, the trainer found no one there. Looking toward the path ahead, Chris found Cyndaquil marching forward despite his trainer's absence. "Hold it, buddy!"

The Fire Mouse Pokémon came to a halt. He twisted around to face his trainer, and even from twenty plus feet away, Chris could see the determination in the Fire-type's eyes. The creature was ready to move on from the spot he had called home without so much as a backward glance.

"Swing back here for a sec."

Cyndaquil plodded back to Chris' side, his gaze never leaving the trainer's. The young man from Cherrygrove waited until his teammate had come to a stop. "Look back into that valley," he said.

The Fire Mouse tore his eyes from his trainer's and examined the radiant land below. The creature's intense stare darted around the landscape, searching for signs of something meaningful.

"Get a good look," Chris told his starter. "Next time we see this place, we'll have all eight Johto Gym Badges. We won't come back here until that mission is complete, right?"

The air around the fire starter warmed. Heat lines shimmered in the air around the Fire Mouse Pokémon's back. Looking back toward his trainer, the Fire-type nodded. "'Quil."

"Perfect," Chris replied. "Then let's put some distance between us and—"

"Cynda'!"

The trainer managed to duck just in time to avoid being struck by a pink blur. "Get ready for battle!" Chris exclaimed, snatching the Pokédex from his jacket. "Looks like our challenger will be a Nidoran."

The trainer pointed his device toward the wild Pokémon, immediately drawing a response from it. "It may be small, but its horn is filled with poison. It charges then stabs with the horn to inject the poison."

"Sounds like this little guy might be dangerous," Chris muttered, taking an extra step back. Cyndaquil would need the extra space to better maneuver anyway. "Start things off with Ember!"

The Fire Mouse Pokémon leaned back to charge the attack, and then opened his mouth to fire. To Chris' horror, Cyndaquil produced no flame.

"Not a spark from his back either…" Chris stared on in confusion at his Pokémon's inability to produce any fire. Before he had a chance to call out another command, their horned enemy was upon Cyndaquil.

"Look out!" Chris grimaced as his Pokémon was drilled by a powerful Horn Attack. The blow knocked the fire starter off his feet, but he managed to roughly land stationary. "Stay strong, Cyndaquil!" Chris turned his Pokédex on his starter. "So you have Tackle, Leer, and Smokescreen. Looks like you haven't learned any Fire-type moves."

"Cynda'!" The Fire Mouse Pokémon didn't seem overjoyed to hear that. He just managed to roll out of the way of another Horn Attack.

"Time to go on the offensive," Chris said with a wave. "Let's rattle them with Leer!"

"'Quil!" The fire starter mustered a loud roar as he locked eyes with the charging Poison-type, instantly halting his attacker's progress. Cyndaquil kept up the attack, forcing Nidoran back with his frightening gaze.

"Now, let's really immobilize him with smokescreen," Chris commanded.

Cyndaquil opened his mouth and released a plume of dark smoke which surrounded and engulfed the Poison Pin Pokémon. Cyndaquil seemed satisfied with his attack and looked back at his trainer for the next move.

"Uh," Chris muttered, realizing just how foolish his previous command had been. How was he supposed to strike the stunned Pokémon if he couldn't see it? He had effectively given Nidoran time to recover. Don't overthink it, Chris reminded himself. In that pause, a thought gave way to a new plan; one that would take advantage of the wild Pokémon's aggressive behavior. "Get ready to jump, but wait for my signal."

The Fire-type looked confused by his trainer's direction, but nodded. The pair continued to watch the slowly dissipating column of smoke. After a few seconds, they noticed something approaching through the cloud.

"Now!"

Chris watched as his Pokémon leaped twice his trainer's height, pushing himself closer to the smoke. Nidoran emerged a half second later, his entire body charging forward with a purpose. Chris was thrilled to see him come to a stop as he searched for his opponent. "Tackle attack!"

"Cynda'," the fire starter growled, diving toward his unsuspecting foe.

The wild Pokémon didn't find Cyndaquil until he was much too close. With a brutal crack, the Fire Mouse Pokémon drove his body head first into the back of his opponent, dropping Nidoran almost instantly. Cyndaquil spun off the injured Pokémon and landed in front of him, flexing his front legs.

"No need to show off, buddy," Chris chided, grabbing a Poké Ball from his jacket pocket. The beginning trainer maximized the device before launching it. "Let's see if we can capture this little guy!"

The Cherrygrove native immediately realized he overshot his toss, but was relieved to see the Poké Ball bounce off the end of Nidoran's horn. Almost instantly, the capturing mechanism triggered, opening the ball, and dematerializing the Pokémon into a particle of crimson light. The Poké Ball pulled in the red matter, finishing the transfer by sealing it inside. The young trainer waited on edge as he watched the Poké Ball rock back and forth—the wild Pokémon attempting to prolong their battle.

"Yes!" Chris exclaimed, as the capturing device went still. He brought a fist into the air. "Our first capture!" Rushing over to the Poké Ball, he gently scooped it into his hand. The trainer could feel his whole body shaking, an entirely foreign jubilation rushing through him. So this was the rush of battling and capturing Pokémon. Chris looked down at the device in his trembling hand and realized how important a step he had just taken.

"This is amazing," Chris breathed, as Cyndaquil pounced onto his shoulder to examine the ball. "We've added a new member to the team, buddy!"

"'Quil," the Fire Mouse Pokémon replied with forced calmness. Despite his efforts, the Fire-type couldn't completely contain the energy pulsing just beneath his facade.

"Is that your first capture?" a male voice asked from nearby.

Chris spun around and locked eyes with a boy who looked to be about his age. "It is," Chris slowly replied. Upon further examination, the new visitor wore a navy striped jacket and appeared to be Chris' height. Despite the day's higher temperature, the young man wore jeans. As they eyed one another, the visitor pulled a Poké Ball from one of the pockets.

"So, you're a trainer too?" Chris nearly stuttered as he posed the question. The thought of his first official trainer battle sent his adrenaline fueled body into overdrive.

"I am," the boy replied. He continued to study Chris with his dark brown eyes.

The young man from Cherrygrove nodded at the trainer's hand. "Looks like you've got a Poké Ball there. Planning on using it?"

"It wouldn't take much to persuade me."

"Alright," Chris said. He pointed at his starter, and then the device in his own hand. "Then how about a battle? Both of my team members could use it." Chris chuckled at the annoyed expression on Cyndaquil's face. "It's true, buddy. I need the experience too!"

"Then before we get this show on the road," the boy interrupted, "how about I get your name."

"Chris," the beginning trainer replied, as Cyndaquil jumped from his shoulder. Seeing the fire starter take the initiative only served to further energize his trainer. Despite feeling like he might shake through his skin, Chris tried to appear calm before his potential dark haired adversary. "How about yours?" "

"Luke." The young man brushed a strand of his dark hair out of his face. "I've had a bit of bad luck recently, but I plan on changing that today."

"May have to wait till after this battle," Chris suggested, a sly smile sliding on to his lips. "But I can appreciate the positivity. How many Pokémon do you have?"

"I've got two," Luke answered. "So a two-on-two battle should be perfect." He held up his capture device and nodded at Chris. "You ready?"

As Cyndaquil went to step forward, his trainer held out a hand. "I want to save you for last."

"Cynda'?"

"You're my ace," Chris said with a wink. That brought a small smile to the starter's face—the first Chris had seen since partnering with the Fire-type. He looked back up at Luke. "Let's go!"

Both trainers launched their Poké Balls onto the makeshift battlefield. Nidoran burst from his capture device before it had even hit the ground. As he landed, the Poison Pin Pokémon came face to face with an orange lizard. The bipedal creature's figure seemed to glow in the warm light of his tail flame.

"A Charmander," Chris mumbled. The species was virtually non-existent in Johto. The only time he'd ever seen a member of the species had come when his brother's Jolteon had defeated a Charizard in the Silver Conference. He spoke up so Luke could hear him, "Can't say I was expecting a Kanto starter. Most trainers who visit Pallet Town choose to take on the Indigo League. Are you from Kanto?"

"Close enough," Luke replied. "How about your Nidoran gets this battle started?"

"Nido!" The Poison Pin Pokémon roared. He stomped his front paws into the ground, clearly eager to get another shot at battling. He glanced back at his new trainer and nodded.

With his newest capture's allegiance confirmed, Chris wasted no time in beginning the battle. "Tackle attack!"

The horned Pokémon charged forward, lowering his horn as he reached a sprint. Charmander remained still as he awaited his trainer's direction. Luke's eyes were intently focused on Nidoran's movement. As the Poison-type Pokémon swung his horn forward to strike, Luke finally responded.

"Slam him into the dirt with Metal Claw!"

"Nidoran!"

Chris grimaced as his newly captured Pokémon's face was smashed into the ground by Charmander's downward swipe.

"Again," came Luke's command.

Chris quickly took note of how close the two Pokémon were. "Bounce back up and nail it with Tackle!"

"Block it, Charmander!"

The Lizard Pokémon managed to catch the attack with his glowing claws, but the force of the move knocked the Fire-type to the ground. Chris was quick to take advantage of the swing in momentum. "Pin him down with Horn Attack," he directed.

The Poison Pin Pokémon followed along, jabbing his horn into Charmander's chest. The impact pressed the Luke's teammate into the grass covered earth, and drew a cry of pain from him.

"Remember our battle with Spearow!" Luke reminded his starter, drawing a look of intrigue from Chris. He continued to coach, "An enemy above you is still susceptible to a wide spread attack. Blast him with Ember!"

"Get out of there!"

As Nidoran leaped back, Charmander opened his mouth, unleashing a barrage of fire bolts. The roar, which accompanied the flames, prevented Nidoran from hearing any more of his trainer's commands. With no where to go, Nidoran was peppered by the flaming onslaught.

Chris' mind was drawing a blank as his Pokémon remained trapped in the fiery downpour. It was his first official battle, but even a rookie shouldn't freeze up like this. If this was his current level, he had a long way to go before becoming a master. The trainer remained lost in his thoughts as the attack finished, and the Poison type collapsed.

"Nidoran!" Chris saw no movement from his Pokémon. He let out a heavy sigh. "You showed some great effort!" the Cherrygrove native said, before returning his Pokémon to his Poké Ball. The trainer put away the capture device and eyed Cyndaquil. He may have failed Nidoran, but the next battle would be different. He looked back up at Luke. "I haven't been a trainer for long, but I can tell that your Charmander already packs a punch."

"Appreciate it," Luke replied quickly. "While we're at it, I gotta give you props for that last battle. Even though you just caught that Nidoran, you battled very well with him. That shows me that you have some versatility."

"I guess you could say it runs in the family…" the mental image of his brother brought a bittersweet smile across Chris' face. His brother Matt had always been a great strategist. He'd designed his team to handle any situation he might face in battle. Cyndaquil's growl brought him back to the presence. The Fire Mouse Pokémon was standing beside his trainer, awaiting a command.

"You ready to win your first battle against a trainer?" Chris was pleased to see his Pokémon dash onto the battlefield.

"Don't think it'll be that easy," Luke said, returning his own starter, much to Chris' surprise. The boy ran a hand through his medium length hair as he brought out another Poké Ball. "Let's see what you can do!"

A dog-like Pokémon materialized out of the device, drawing even more surprise from Chris.

"Poochyena, eh?" Chris was shocked to see this species, usually native to the Hoenn region, before him in battle. The Bite Pokémon let out a protective growl when his name was mentioned. "Don't see many of those in Johto."

"Regardless," Luke said, his tone business-like, "here we come. Begin with Tackle!"

The Dark-type Pokémon raced forward. Chris quickly tried to recall Cyndaquil's moves, but his mind momentarily blanked when he found his starter had also charged ahead. His trainer could only grin at the Fire-type's competitive nature. There would be no point in fighting it. "Let's hit 'em right back with our own Tackle attack!"

The two Pokémon collided into one another, but both held their ground. The combatants had their heads pressed together and their feet pressed firmly into the grass. It was a battle of strength, with each Pokémon trying to knock the other off balance.

"Give it all you've got!" Chris edged on.

"Don't back down!" Luke directed.

"Cynda!" The Fire Mouse Pokemon planted hard off his back feet and drove his nose straight into Poochyena's forehead. Luke's Pokémon stumbled back, giving Chris and his partner just the opening they'd needed. "Now, send Poochyena flying!"

The fire starter grabbed hold of one of the off balanced Pokémon's front legs. Spinning around the Dark-type, Cyndaquil kept his grip tight as he lifted the Bite Pokémon off the ground. Swinging low, the Fire-type tossed Poochyena over his shoulder. The Dark-type Pokémon was sent flying toward a line of nearby trees.

"Poochyena," Luke's quick recovery caught Chris off guard, "use the trees to bounce back toward Cyndaquil."

"I don't think so!" Chris wasn't going to give the Bite Pokémon any leeway. "Obscure Poochyena's vision with Smokescreen!"

The Fire Mouse Pokémon bellowed out a large cloud of smoke which quickly surrounded Poochyena. The Bite Pokémon, as well as his trainer, were rendered effectively blind. There was a loud thud, followed by a painful yelp.

"Poochyena!" his trainer hastily called, but received no response.

As the smoke cleared, both trainers discovered why there had been no reply. Poochyena lay still on the ground, below a large oak tree. Chris could make out a significant fracture in the bark where the Dark-type had apparently collided.

"Blinding my Pokémon and using the environment against him," Luke spoke quietly, as he returned his fainted Poochyena. He gave Chris a calculated stare. "You don't battle like a beginning trainer, that's for sure."

Chris held back a smile as the usefulness of observing his brother's battles continued to become more evident. Matt had always thought on his feet, adjusting his strategy to his surroundings, and using swings in momentum to boost his Pokémon's morale during battle. This connection mid-battle had always inspired Chris. Turning the tide in battle could often only occur when trainer and Pokémon remained in sync no matter the odds. It was a bond Chris had longed to form with his own team. The younger brother, however, wanted to go beyond Matt's accomplishments, and discover the bond that linked Pokémon and humanity.

"I've had some great examples to study from," Chris finally replied. He may have learned a ton from his brother's experiences, but he was nowhere close to Matt's level.

Luke grabbed the same Poké Ball he had held just a few minutes prior. In a flash, Charmander appeared on the battlefield once more.

"A battle of starters to decide it." Chris could feel his heart pounding against his chest. One look at his Pokémon revealed Cyndaquil to be feelng much the same way. This would be Chris' chance to scratch his first win into the books. First though, Cyndaquil would have to beat a more experienced starter. The trainer from Cherrygrove clenched both fists as he tried to stay focused and not explode with anticipation. He forced himself to take a measured breath, and then exhale it slowly. Any worry about defeat was pushed to the back of his mind. Words came to him that his father had spoken long ago. Defeat would only come to those who learned nothing. He raised his head, letting the weight of the battle fall from his shoulders. He nodded toward his opponent. "Your move."


I strongly encourage you to review my work, as I aspire to be an exceptional author. I hope to get Chapter 4 out as soon as possible. I'll aim for around the end of January, so hopefully I'll see you then!