Welcome everyone to my new chapter for my Pokémon story: A Human and his Gardevoir. Thank you all for the support from the last chapters and since putting the story back. I appreciate the support guys and glad I was able to get all my stuff back. I'm looking forward to seeing how things are going to go for this chapter.

Also, Happy New Year to all! I hope everyone is ready for the new year. I know 2024 was not great, especially near the end. But let's try to make it through this year together. And ensure it all goes well without anymore shit…hopefully.

Anyways, last time we saw May and Ryan meet their new friend Piper, the ghost-girl trainer. The three are now traveling together towards Ryan's first gym battle. How will things go for them as they navigate through the woods together? And will Ryan be ready for his first gym?

Tune in to the chapter to find out. I want to thank everyone for supporting my story and my friend for his help as well. I appreciate the support and feedback. I don't own anything from the Pokémon universe, except my OCs. So, without any further delays, enjoy the chapter everyone.

Chapter V: Preparations

Petalburg Woods

Ryan, May, and their new friend Piper are seen walking through the forest. Looking to make it out and get to their first city, Rustboro. It's the location of Ryan's first gym and where he hopes to snag a win. Ryan knows it won't be easy, considering the gym leader was chosen to help put young beginners to the test.

Ryan though felt a little confident. He managed to catch himself six Pokémon, well five since he sent Piper, his Poochyena, to Professor Birch. Still, five is still a good team to have. He knew the first gym had Rock-type Pokémon. So, if he's going to win, then he'll need to use his Grass-type Pokémon.

Still, it doesn't mean he can't toughen up the rest of his team. And what better way to do that than with a battle.

"All right! Are we ready to begin?!" Piper exclaimed as she stood by with her Phantump, who imitates what she's doing with her arms. "To my right, we have Ryan and his Torchic going head-to-head with to my left, May and her Torchic. Are you both ready?"

Ryan nods in response as he stood ready for May. "I hope you're ready for your first battle, May. I promise to go a little easy on you."

"No way!" May replied as she stood with confidence in herself. "I want the full battle experience. If I'm going to become a top coordinator, then I'm going to need to be ready for anything."

"If you're serious, then all right," said Ryan who decided to give May what she wants. "All right, Blaze. Are you ready?"

Blaze the Torchic chirped in response and had a look of confidence in his eyes. While May's Torchic had the same look. Both were the same type, so using any fire moves won't work. In this case, they'll need to try other ways to win.

Rachel the Ralts stood behind Ryan's leg as she watched the battle about to begin. She wasn't a big fan of fighting, but she was curious to see how this will go. Ever since Ryan's fight with those Poochyena, she wanted to see what a real Pokémon battle looked like. Between the trainers and their Pokémon.

"If you're both ready, then…let's…get it…on!" Piper exclaimed as her Phantump exclaimed loudly too.

"Torchic, use Scratch!" May ordered as her Pokémon made the first move.

"Torchic, dodge and use Growl!" Ryan ordered as his Blaze managed to move out of the way and begins letting out a growl…well, more of a chirp growl, but it seemed to work.

May's Torchic felt the effect of the attack and staggered back.

"Shake it off, Torchic! Now, use Peck!" May ordered as her Pokémon leaps in and begins pecking the other.

"Blaze, push her off and use Growl again!" Ryan ordered while Rachel looked confused.

Ryan, why aren't you having Blaze attack? His chirp growl isn't doing anything to her. Rachel asked, wondering why Ryan is just having Blaze use something that seems unaffected.

"Trust me, it's all part of the plan," said Ryan who knew he wouldn't be doing this unless there was a reason.

Blaze repeats the move again. Using Growl again and then a third time, which again, didn't seem to do any damage. But it wasn't meant to do any real harm to Pokémon itself. But it was doing something that May and her Torchic didn't realize it was doing.

"Torchic, use Peck again!" May ordered hoping to win this fight, but to her surprise, when her Torchic went in for the attack, it didn't seem to do much damage. "What the? It didn't work?"

"Blaze, go for Growl one more time!" Ryan ordered as he saw his chance and made his move.

Blaze uses Growl again and Torchic backed off. Not enough to submit but just enough to give Blaze a chance to back off and gain some distance.

"Okay, what's the big deal? Why are you just using that move? It isn't working on my Torchic," said May who wondered what Ryan is doing. "Don't tell me that's his only move."

"Nope but is a good move to help reduce our opponent's power behind their moves," said Ryan as he revealed what he was doing.

"W-What? What are you talking about?" May asked who seemed confused on what Ryan meant by that.

Piper began to chuckle as she sat on the grassy ground with her Phantump on her lap. "Really? You don't know what Growl does? It reduces an opponent's attack strength. Making it weaker each time they get hit by that move. And since Ryan's Torchic hit yours four time, it means her attack is now four times weaker."

"What?! No way! I didn't know that," said May who didn't expect a move like that to actually be effective.

Rachel looked surprised as she now understood Ryan's reason for what he did. That's amazing. I didn't know a move like that could work. You're really smart, Ryan.

"Nah. I just like to plan ahead," said Ryan who knew with their Pokémon being the same, using the same moves would lead them nowhere. So, why not use a move that will weaken his opponent's moves and give him time to finish the fight. "All right, Blaze. Use Peck!"

Blaze nods and charges in. Pecking Torchic, who was now running away as she gets pecked by her opponent.

"Torchic!" May didn't like this at all and knew if her Pokémon's attacks have weakened, then there's no way she can win. "I give up! I give up! Just leave her alone!"

"You heard her, Blaze! Stop!" Ryan ordered.

Blaze stops chasing Torchic, who runs to May as she picks her up and checks on her. "I'm so sorry, Torchic," May apologized. "I guess I still need more work on these battles, huh?"

"It's okay, May. You'll get the hang of it," said Ryan who knew with May never being in battle before, it was expected this would happen. "Still, you did well for your first battle. Just remember, no move, no matter how weak it seems, isn't a useless move to use."

"Except for Splash," said Piper who knew that was a weak move.

"Okay, um yeah, except that one. But still, at least Torchic did well in her first battle against another trainer," said Ryan as he pets Blaze's head who looked on proud, he won. "However, even when we win, we still should show some humility to our opponents, right, Blaze?"

Blaze got what Ryan is saying and approached May, before apologizing to Torchic for going a little hard on her. Torchic was still a little mad about what he did, but she did peck him earlier in their battle. So, she forgave him.

Rachel is stunned by how easily Torchic forgave Blaze. But she knew it was a battle and there is no hard feelings between the two sides. Maybe battling isn't all that bad? It still looks scary, but it didn't mean it was such a bad thing, right?

"Thank you, Ryan. I appreciate the battle and just glad I got some experience," said May as she looked up at the forest to see the sun being blocked out by the branches. "I just hope when we get to my first contest, I'll be ready."

"You will May. You just need to practice a little bit more and have more battles," said Ryan who knew May won't be able to improve unless she has more battles.

"I guess you're right," said May who knew as much as she wants to be a coordinator, she needs to get more experience in battles.

"You know, the best way to gain more experience is facing off against strong trainers," said Piper who feels any trainer who seeks to get stronger, needs to have many Pokémon battles. "Maybe after Ryan wins his first badge, you can challenge the gym leader too."

"Me? Really?" May asked who wasn't so sure about competing in gym battles, since she made up her mind what she wanted to do.

"Piper's got a point. You don't have to try winning the badges, but if you gain experience, it might help. And who knows, you might pick up a few tricks for future contests," said Ryan who feels Piper is on to something with what she's suggesting.

"I haven't thought about it that way. And it would help my team get stronger too," said May who feels this might be the best course of action for her. Plus, if she calls her parents and her dad asks her about her gym battles, then she can show she did well show any badges she wins. "All right. I'll do it. I just need to do a few more battles before I can do that."

"Same," said Ryan who feels he still needs to train a bit more with his team before they're ready. "Want to have some more battles? This time, three-on-three."

"Yes! That will help get my team ready for the gym battle," said May as she took out her two other Pokéballs. "Just um take it easy with my team, okay?"

"I promise they'll be gentle. And if any do get hurt, we got plenty of Potions," said Ryan who's thankful his mom left him with a whole supply of Potions, Full Heal, and Revive medicine. "Now, are you ready?"

May nod as she uses one of the Potions for her Torchic, before she released her other two Pokémon. "Come on out! Wurmple and Shroomish!" she called out as out of the Pokéballs, came her two Pokémon.

"My turn," said Ryan as he prepared to take out his team, when he felt Rachel tugging on his pants. "Hmm? Is something wrong?"

Ryan, do you think um…do you think I can try battling too? Rachel asked as she sheepishly asked her human trainer to let her battle.

"Oh? Really? Are you sure?" Ryan asked who had no trouble with Rachel wanting to battle, but only if she's sure she's up for it.

I'm sure. I-I want to give it a try and grow strong too. Rachel in truth only wanted to do this so she wouldn't feel like a burden for Ryan.

"Well, if you're sure, then okay," said Ryan as he decides to pull out one of his Pokéballs instead of two. "Okay, come on out, Dotty!" he soon released his Seedot from his Pokéball, as the Pokémon lets out its cry. "You ready, May?!"

"Ready," said May as her team stood ready for battle.

Piper stood up with her Phantump and raised their arms. "All right! This will be a three-on-three and it will be a two-out-of-three falls battle! One Pokémon will battle at a time until one side has gotten two wins or in the event of a tie we got for a third and final fall. Or unless the trainer surrenders. If both sides are ready, then bring out your first Pokémon and let's begin!"

Ryan decides to go with his Seedot and see how he does. May decides to go with Wurmple, feeling they're effective against Plant-type.

"Very good. Now, let the battle…" Piper and Phantump moved their arms down, indicating the start of the fight. "Begin!"

"Dotty, use Quick Attack!" Ryan ordered to know his Pokémon is weak to Bug-types, so he needs to try knocking her out first.

"Wurmple, use String Shot!" May ordered as she tried to counterattack, but the Seedot was faster and ended up hitting his Pokémon. "Wurmple!"

Wurmple is knocked back, but she managed to recover. Just in time as Seedot came running at her again. Wurmple managed to move out of the way and Seedot begins to slow down to avoid hitting the tree.

"Now's my chance," said May as she saw an opening. "Use Poison Sting!"

Wurmple charges in as Ryan tries to get his Pokémon to move out of the way, but it was too late. Seedot couldn't move fast enough to dodge the attack and got stung. Seedot suddenly felt woozy as the poison began taking effect.

"Damn it. That's not good," said Ryan who knew he'll need to do something soon to end this fight.

"Wurmple, use Bug Bite!" May ordered as her Pokémon charges in to bite Seedot.

"Dotty! Use Headbutt!" Ryan ordered as Seedot saw the incoming attack, so it pulled itself back and launched itself towards the Pokémon, hitting her in the head.

Wurmple is sent flying before hitting a nearby tree. It left her disoriented as she tried to shake off the attack. Ryan saw his moment and decided to end this, before his Seedot passes out from the poison.

"All right, time to finish this. Dotty, use Headbutt again!" Ryan ordered as his Seedot charges in again for another attack.

"Wurmple, use String Shot! Hurry!" May ordered as she hopes to try this attack again.

Wurmple managed to recover in time to see Seedot charging at her. So, it begins spitting its String Shot, hitting Seedot in the face. She then fires one to a tree branch and lifts herself up. Just before Seedot hit the tree hard then fell to the ground on her back. Ryan rushes over to check on his Pokémon and finds she knocked herself out.

"Aww man. Poor Dotty, you hit yourself a little too hard," said Ryan as he scoops up his Pokémon and turns to Piper. "This round goes to May."

"You heard him! The winner is May and her Wurmple for the first round!" said Piper as she and Phantump declared May and her Pokémon the winner.

"Yes! All right! Awesome work, Wurmple!" said May as she rushed over to congratulate her Pokémon, who chirps at her, before suddenly she begins to glow. "Wurmple? What's going on?"

"Oh wow, May. She's evolving," said Ryan as he looked surprised that Wurmple is evolving after one battle.

Rachel looked in awe as if she had never seen Pokémon evolve before. So, seeing one happening before her is a huge surprise. Soon the light begins to die down and the Wurmple's form had changed. Transforming into its second evolution, Silcoon.

"This is amazing! She looks so beautiful," said May as she looked at her Pokédex and the information on her new Pokémon.

"Silcoon, it prepares for evolution using the energy it stored while it was a Wurmple. It keeps looking over the surroundings with its two eyes. There, this Pokémon will wait quietly while it awaits evolution."

"Its next evolution huh? I can't wait for her to evolve to her next form," said May who wasn't sure what kind of Pokémon it will evolve into due to the two different evolutions Wurmple's final evolution goes to.

"That's the amazing thing about Pokémon. The more battles they go through, the stronger they'll become when they evolve," said Ryan who's happy with May getting her Pokémon to evolve.

So, that's evolution then…my mom used to tell me stories about Pokémon evolving to reach a stronger form. Rachel knew eventually she would become a Gardevoir like her mom, but when she lost her, she wasn't sure if she'd get there on her own. Ryan, do you think…do you think I'll evolve soon like Silcoon?"

"Eh I think it might take a little longer since I heard Wurmple evolve faster than normal Pokémon," said Ryan who knew it takes time for Ralts to get to their next form. "But don't worry, Rachel. We'll make sure you'll get there."

Rachel gave a small smile and nodded to her trainer. Thank you, Ryan…so um shall I go next?

"Hmm not yet. Let's give Blaze another shot," said Ryan before he turned to his Blaze. "You ready, buddy?"

Torchic nods and looked ready to begin fighting again. May turned to her Torchic, who looks ready too.

"All right, time for round two," said May as she turned to Piper. "We're ready now."

"Good to hear. All right. Time for round two to begin!" said Piper as she moved her hands out as Phantump does the same, copying her trainer. "Pokémon…fight!"

"Torchic! Use Ember!" May ordered as her Torchic fires a small fireball towards the Pokémon.

"Blaze, dodge and use Quick Attack!" Ryan ordered as his Torchic charges in and hits his opponent.

"Just as I planned it," said May who knew Ryan would dodge it and makes her move. "Torchic! Use Scratch!"

Torchic begins scratching the other more directly, causing her opponent to be unable to block the attack. Ryan didn't expect this from May, but it seems she's starting to get the hang of these battles and form strategies.

"Blaze, use Growl!" Ryan ordered as his Pokémon lets out a loud chirp roar on the other, causing Torchic to back away. "Now, use Slash!" Blaze soon goes to attack Torchic with a Slash move.

"Torchic, use Detect!" May ordered as her Pokémon used a Fighting-type move, which can block any attack from the other. "Now, use Ember!"

Torchic fires another Ember attack, but more directly. This time it hit, but it wasn't causing too much damage. But it was enough to at least give May an opening to finish this.

"Torchic, finish this with Peck!" May ordered as her Pokémon goes for the finishing blow.

Ryan knew there's one move he can use to help him get the opening he needs to finish this. "Blaze, use Sand Attack!" his Pokémon unleashes a puff of sand towards the eye of Torchic, blinding her. "Now, use Flame Charge!"

Blaze's body is soon engulfed in flames and charges in. Forming a flaming wheel and connecting. Hitting her opponent and sending her flying till she hit the ground. Passing out as the poor Pokémon lost.

"Torchic!" May rushed to her Pokémon and found she was out of it. "Oh, it's okay. You did your best and I'm proud of you."

"Awesome work, Blaze," said Ryan as he pets the head of his Pokémon. "You did well and I'm glad you're okay," said Ryan as he uses a Potion medication to heal his Pokémon. "Feel better now?"

Torchic nods and chirps for his trainer happily, before being engulfed in a bright light. Ryan stood back and looked shocked that it was his turn for his Pokémon to evolve.

"Two evolutions on the same day? That's amazing!" said Piper who didn't expect to see this happen. Even Phantump looked in awe at another evolution.

Soon Ryan's Blaze evolved into its second evolution, Combusken. His Pokémon let out a loud cry and looked around at its new evolution form.

"Now this is amazing," said Ryan who didn't expect his Pokémon to evolve already, but then again, with the many battles they've had yesterday, it makes sense he'd evolve. "Let's see what the Pokédex has to say."

Ryan took out the Pokédex and began letting them know Combusken's data. "Combusken, it lashes out with 10 kicks per second. Its strong fighting instinct compels it to keep up its offensive until the opponent gives up. This Pokémon's legs possess both speed and power, enabling it to dole out ten kicks in one second."

"A Fire & Fighting-type…perfect," said Ryan who knew with his new Pokémon being a Fighting-type, it will help him for his upcoming gym battle. "Just exactly what we need. Nice work, Combusken."

May's Torchic regain consciousness in time to see the other Torchic evolve. She looked a little disappointed she hadn't evolved yet, but now knowing what her next form is, she was determined to get there.

"That was amazing, Ryan. I can't wait for Torchic to evolve too," said May as she held her Pokémon and begins giving her some medication to recover. "All right. So, we each got one win. Ready for one more battle?"

Ryan turned to Rachel hoping she's ready for this. Rachel looked up at him and gave him a small nod, reassured him she was ready.

Ryan gave a small smile back and then turned to May. "I guess we are. Let's do it."

As the two trainers prepared for their next battle, Ryan used this chance to speak with Rachel for a moment. "Hey Rachel, I know this is your first battle, but um what kind of moves do you know?"

Moves? Oh, um yes, I know some moves. I know Growl, Double Team, Teleport, Hypnosis, and um…Confusion. Rachel was taught the four moves by her mom for self-defense, while learning Confusion later on, but hasn't mastered it. Although, I haven't really used Confusion in battle before.

"I see…" Ryan turned to May's Shroomish and knew Confusion is the only move that can do any real damage. "I think we'll need to give it a try. But if you're not sure you can use it properly, then we can try putting Shroomish to sleep and win the fight."

That um seems like a cheap way to win. Rachel replied as she felt that wasn't a fair way to win. But if you're sure that it will be better, then I'll do it.

"Thank you," said Ryan before turning to Piper. "We're ready!"

Piper nodded in response before she moved her hands up, as Phantump copies her trainer. "All right! Time for the final battle to begin! If both trainers are ready, let's get this fight started!"

May makes the first move in the hope she can end this fast. "Shroomish, use Tackle!"

Shroomish came charging it towards Rachel, who almost froze when she saw the approaching Pokémon. Until she heard Ryan's voice calling out to her.

"Rachel, use Teleport!" Ryan ordered knowing Shroomish is too fast, so he needed to have Rachel use her Teleport move.

Rachel begins closing her eyes and begins using her move to teleport out of the way. Shroomish missed and Rachel appeared over where May is at.

"Nice move, now Teleport and use Hypnosis!" Ryan ordered hoping to use her move to teleport and catch Shroomish by surprise.

Rachel teleports again, but instead of teleporting in front of Shroomish, she teleported in front of Piper and Phantump. She then accidentally used Hypnosis on them, causing the two to pass out asleep.

"Oh whoops, sorry guys!" Ryan apologized, but Piper and Phantump were deep in the sleep, so they couldn't hear him. "All right, let's try that again."

"Not so fast, Shroomish, use Stun Spore!" May ordered as she looked to stop Rachel from going through with her attack.

Shroomish released the spore, which hit Rachel and paralyzed her. Preventing her from being able to move. Rachel struggled to move, but the spore kept her from being able to move. Giving May an opening.

"Shroomish, use Tackle!" May ordered as her Pokémon launched itself and tackled Rachel, sending her flying.

"Rachel!" Ryan called out as he saw his friend being sent flying until she fell to the ground. "Rachel, hold on. I'll call the fight off and…"

No! Rachel cried out as she struggled to fight through paralysis so she can get to her feet. I-I can do this. I can keep going.

May watched as Rachel slowly got to her feet. "Ryan, we can always stop the battle right now and call it a draw."

"May's right. We don't need to keep going if you can't move," said Ryan who didn't want Rachel to get hurt.

Please, let me continue. I can keep going. I know I can. Rachel replied as she refused to give up and refused to let Ryan down. I can win.

Ryan didn't want to have her continue, but he knew if he can get her to hit one big move, then she'll win it. If she's sure about this, then he'll have her continue.

"All right. Try to break free and when we see an opening, go for it," said Ryan as he gives her to go-ahead. "Let's keep going May!"

May didn't like this, but if they're both in agreement, then she'll finish this. "Okay, let's go for the finish. Shroomish, use Headbutt again!"

Shroomish nods and begins running towards Ralts to pick up some speed. He then leaps forward and goes for the Headbutt. Rachel saw this and struggled to break free of the paralyzing effect. Just as he got close, Rachel finally felt her body breaking free and could move. She managed to move out of the way as Shroomish missed her by an inch.

Ryan saw their chance and made the move. "Rachel, use Confusion!" he ordered.

Rachel begins drawing on all her power and uses her Confusion. She hits Shroomish with her move and sends him flying towards the tree. Crashing into it hard as the leaves began falling to the ground. May gasped when she saw her Pokémon being sent flying and rushes to check on him.

Ryan also ran to check on Rachel and sees her falling on her butt. "Rachel! Are you okay?"

Rachel looked up towards Ryan and looked exhausted. I-I th-ink so. D-Di-d I-I win?

"I'm not sure," said Ryan before he turned to May and Piper, who went to check on Shroomish. "Hey! Is Shroomish okay?"

May checked on her Pokémon and saw he was completely knocked out, but did seem fine. She sighed in relief before she turned towards Ryan, while holding her Pokémon in her arms.

"He's all right. But he's knocked out, so looks like you guys won," said May who wasn't mad she lost, just as long as everyone is okay.

Ya-y! I-I won. Rachel replied softly before she passed out.

Ryan couldn't help but smile softly before he begins taking out the Paralyze Heal, along with the Potion. Once that was done, he began holding Rachel in his arms, then walked over to the girls.

"You did an amazing job, May. I'm glad you've gotten better and you're getting the hang of this," said Ryan who is impressed from how well May has improved.

May nods in agreement. "I appreciate it. My dad taught me a lot about Pokémon battles, but you've been a good teacher too."

Ryan blushed a little bit and rubbed the back of his head. "I mean, I'm decent at best. Not really considered that good a teacher."

"Don't be so modest, Ryan. You did a better job at teaching May than I would," said Piper as she was a passable trainer at best, but wasn't as good as Ryan and would have given that good of advice like he did with May.

"Thank you. I appreciate it so much," said Ryan who took the compliment and then turned down to Rachel. "Anyways, let's get out of this forest and head to the next city. We'll go to the Pokémon Center and then to the gym."

May nods in agreement knowing they should get there to heal up their team. "Yeah. Let's get out of here. And while we're there, do you mind if we also stay at the Pokémon Center? I really want to take a nice hot shower."

"Oh yes please. I haven't bathed in two days and I'm overdue for one," said Piper before feeling Phantump pulling on her arm and mummers at her. "Oh, right and you too. We both need a bath."

"Too much personal information, but yeah, I agree. Let's get going then," said Ryan as the group grab their things and begin taking off.

Ryan is hoping once they get to the gym, he'll be ready for his first gym battle. If he does end up winning, then he'll be one step closer to competing to the Hoenn League. There, he'll face off against the best trainers in the region, then the Elite Four, and then finally, the champion himself.

That's the end of the chapter and I wanted to throw a little battle or two here since I had realized I hadn't had one since the first chapter. It seems May and Ryan are ready for whatever is thrown at them. Also, yeah, I had May's Pokémon evolved so she can get to her final form before her first contest.

Also, Phantump follows pretty much whatever Piper does. That's how close the two are. Like a little brother and sister. If you read up about Phantump's info, then you'll get it. The dark stuff GameFreak comes up with, I swear.

Anyways, that's it for now. How will things go for our young heroes as they head towards their first gym? Will they succeed in one go? Or think they'll need a few more battles to win?

Tune in next time to find out and thank you, guys, so much for the support of my stories. If you liked it, then please leave some reviews, but if you didn't, then no flame reviews. Also, thank you to my friend for his help as well, you're awesome. See you all next time, take good care, and see you all next time.

Bold- is for thoughts.

Italic- is for Pokémon talking to another Pokémon.

Team so far for Ryan and May:

1. Combusken – Blaze (male)

2. Ralts – Rachel (female)

3. Seedot – Dotty (male)

4. Wurmple – Belle (female)

5. Taillow – Tai (male)

Poochyena – Piper (female) sent to Professor Birch

May

1. Torchic (female)

2. Silcoon (female)

3. Shroomish (female)

Piper:

1. Phantump