Six: Trial By Legend - Rated T

[the_eevee_breeder]

Hi. I only recently joined Bulbagarden. I published this on Fanficton.net, but I wanted it to see more of the world.

I hope you enjoy this.

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Disclaimer:
I don't own pokemon, but I created the six OCs in this story and the new Gym Leader. You can't have 'em, they're mine. If I was making money off this, believe me, you'd know. I'd probably have taken over the world.

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To: legendresearcher
From: pokemonpoet
Re: Six Students

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To Rowan-

Hope all is well on your end. Remember those six students I told you about a while ago, the ones I selected after Team Rocket collapsed? They've completed their five years of extra training and are ready to finally begin journeying.

We've been having a few problems here. Elm has written me successively about an unnatural decline of wild pokemon in Johto. In Kanto, on the other hand, we've been facing sudden, unnatural migrations of pokemon, which puzzle me extensively.

On a lighter note, the new Viridian City gym leader is coping nicely. She seems happy with her position as the strongest before the Elites, and fits well with the rest of the Gym Leaders.

Again, hope all is well in Sinnoh.

-Oak


Six: Trial by Legend
Chapter One: We Nearly Witness A Murder

“TAKE IT BACK, IDIOT!”

Inside Oak's lab, a peculiar battle was beginning to unfold. The shouter, a girl of about fifteen with black-and- red streaked hair, was being restrained by a boy and a girl of about the same age. The boy wore an orange sport jacket and jeans, and was struggling to hang on to the punk girl's arm. Spiky brown hair framed his face, with a few steaks of orange scattered through it. The second girl wore a yellow top with white capris, glasses precariously perched on her nose, short brown hair pinned down with a white hat. She held a heavy hardcover book in one hand. The other hand was employed in keeping the other girl from killing the blonde boy in front of her.

The boy had one streak of navy blue in his hair, a blue tshirt proclaiming the number “1” and jeans being his attire. He smirked. Damn, it's fun watching her explode.

“Come on, Ryu!” A brunette boy pulled himself between the two parties, his short ponytail waving. “Can you just stop ragging her for one second of the day?”

“....I agree.” An unnoticed blonde hopped off her chair in the back of the room. She wore a violet shirt and white shorts. “If you quit annoying Reln, she'll stop trying to kill you.”

“We all know it'd be HILLARIOUS to watch you getting your butt kicked by her.” The boy in the orange jacket tightened his grip on Reln's black jacketed arm. “But we're not going to let that happen. Just listen to Hikaru and Viola and leave her alone already.”

Reln struggled.

“Not...planning...on..killing..him..yet... Going..to...maim..him..first..”

Ryu laughed, still smirking.

“Want I should knock her out with this, Nick?” The girl in yellow asked the boy in orange, holding up her book.

Nick shook his head. “Nah. Only if it comes down to that or killing Ryu, Mari.”

“Think it's safe to turn her loose? When should we?” Reln appeared to have calmed down a fraction.

The doorknob rattled, signifying the Professor's approach. Nick gulped. “Now might be a good time.”

They “turned Reln loose” and all six students rushed to their seats.

Professor Oak entered, walking to the front of the room. He set six pokeballs and pokedexes on the table facing the group of students. “As you all know, today is the day of your graduation from my Pokemon researcher training. As for your starters....” He gestured to the six pokeballs. “Thanks to a good friend of mine from the Johto region, I have here not only the three Kanto regional starters, but the Johto starters as well.”

The six students buzzed with excitement. Reln straightened, in her seat, all thoughts of destroying Ryu forgotten, or at least shoved to the back of her mind. Johto starters, ay? This makes things more interesting... I supposed that the professor would simply bring two of each of the Kanto starters.

“So that no hard feelings occur, I am allowing you to choose in alphabetical order.” Nick groaned. Damn, I'm going to be last.....again. Professor Oak continued. “Don't worry, all six of the pokemon on this table become very powerful.”

“Akagi, Reln!” Reln stood, straightening her black jean jacket. She stalked up to the table and examined the six pokemon closely. I want something interesting.... She lifted the second from last pokeball from the table, taking with it one of the pokedexes, a red one. Reln turned and walked to the back of the room.

“Blume, Viola!” The blonde neatly got out of her chair. Viola immediately selected the first pokeball from the table, as well as a violet pokedex.

“Jackson, Ryu!” Ryu, the boy who had teased Reln before, stood with an air of superiority, and walked to the table. He, too, examined the last four pokeballs before choosing the remaining fire starter and a blue pokedex.

“Leyden, Hikaru!” The ponytailed boy from before leapt out of his seat, grinning. When he reached the three last pokemon, he hesitated for a moment. Big sis is right, this is the best day of my life. He looked at the remaining three pokemon, finally picking the Chikorita, which provoked a laugh from Ryu, who was busy scanning his Charmander with his pokedex. Hikaru ignored Ryu, selecting the emerald pokedex and heading to the back of the room.

“Roxas, Mari!” The last girl, Mari stood excitedly. From the back of the room,Viola flashed a thumbs up at her. She neared the table and admired both of the last two starters, both of which were water types. She smiled, and selected the pokeball on the right and a yellow pokedex.

“And last but not least,. Taurus, Nicholas!” Nick almost ran to the front of the room. Please don't be girly, please don't be girly... Nick skidded to a stop in front of the table. When he saw the last pokemon he visibly relaxed. The last pokedex, an orange model still lay on the table, and he picked it up with a flourish.

Professor Oak turned to his desk, lifting a small package. “One of my colleagues sent these for you.” He opened the box, revealing six new Poketches. “These all have the newest apps, including a special email/IM app.” He looked at all six teens seriously. “You see, Kanto has been facing a sudden influx of pokemon, many of which are no longer in their natural habitats.”

“You mean, this could lead to more extinct pokemon species, like Aerodactl?” Mari asked.

“That's one of the possible consequences, yes.” the professor replied. “If you six see anything out of the ordinary, I want you to contact me as soon as possible.”

All six nodded. They all knew what could happen because of extensive migrations. After all, most of their studying had been about the cause and effect of it. Each one took one of the brightly colored poketches and put it on.



“Anyone up for a battle, then?”

The other five turned to Hikaru. They had just left the lab, new pokemon in hand.

“Still....How are we going to make it fair? We can't have grass against water, fire against grass. Wouldn't be really even.” Mari said.

“We could have fire versus fire and the like.” The group turned to look at Reln, who had spoken.

The others, still a little unnerved by Reln speaking to them, agreed.

“That means.....first Viola versus Hikaru, then Mari versus me, and.....Reln versus Ryu.” Nick commented after working it out.

“It's settled, then” said Viola.

And the others agreed.

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To: pokemonpoet
From: legendresearcher
Re: Six Students

To Oak-

Hopefully you received my package for the graduates.

I regret to inform you that unfortunately Sinnoh has some problems of its own. Some blue-haired people who call themselves Team Galactic have been turning up here, stealing pokemon, taking over businesses and the like.

On the lighter side, I'm glad that your new Gym Leader is coping well. You mentioned that she uses the Ground type in one of our earlier correspondences, did you not?

My regards to you and your graduates.

-Rowan

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Please be kind to me.

- The eevee breeder

 

[Blackjack Gabbiani]

Since the Galactics are apparently going to be involved, I'm wondering if that's any connection with the usage of the name Akagi.

 

[the_eevee_breeder]

Since the Galactics are apparently going to be involved, I'm wondering if that's any connection with the usage of the name Akagi.

Afraid not. The Galactics are only to be mentioned in passing, Kanto's got its own set of problems. And I just thought Akagi would be good for Reln's last name. I never thought of working the Galactics into this....

 

[the_eevee_breeder]

Disclaimer:
If I've said it once I've said it a million times, I DON'T OWN POKEMON!!!


To: in_a_tree
From: downtoearth
Re: Good Luck

To Hikaru:

Congrats on graduating, little brother. What starter did you choose? Bulbasaur is my guess, 'cause you always liked grass types.

Things are good where I'm at. I'm usually busy around here, but Terra and the rest are getting plenty of exercise.

Have fun on your journey!

-Your big sis

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Six: Trial By Legend
Chapter Two: Does Ryu Have a Death Wish?

“And the first battle of the day is between Hikaru Leyden of Viridian and Viola Blume of Pallet....owch!” Nick yelped as Mari quietly twisted and tugged a strand of his hair.

“Can you cut out the announcer voice? I'm not sure whether to laugh at it or be disturbed.” Mari released Nick's hair.

Wincing, Nick pulled his head out of Mari's reach. “Dang easily annoyed females....”

Both Hikaru and Viola had their pokeballs in hand. Hikaru fingered his, waiting for Nick's signal.

After absolutely making sure that Mari was not withing tugging range, Nick leapt back into his self-appointed role as announcer. “And....begin!”

Hikaru's Chikorita and Viola's Bulbasaur took their places on the field, eying each other.

Kirika watched the Bulbasaur closely. Turning to her owner, she spoke. Ready to fight, Hikaru.

Hikaru scanned his Chikorita with his pokedex, finding that it knew the moves Tackle and Growl. He put it aside. “Kirika, Growl!” The female grass type growled in a cute manner, causing the opponent Bulbasaur to slightly relax and become less willing to attack it.

Viola, too, had scanned her pokedex. “Leaf, shake it off and attack with Tackle!” The male Bulbasaur charged the other grass type, putting on a surprising burst of speed.

Minutes from impact, Hikaru instructed Kirika to do the same. The Chikorita charged the Bulbasaur, both grass types hitting midway. Both took a fair amount of damage, but Kirika had taken less thanks to her Growl the previous turn.

To even the ground, Viola had Leaf use Growl, making both of their attack stats about equal. Even so, Kirika's next Tackle took nearly all of Leaf's health, leaving him in what experienced trainers called the red zone.

Two Tackle attacks later, the match was finished, Hikaru being the lucky victor. He lifted Kirika into his arms, hugging the grass type. After returning the defeated Leaf to his pokeball, Viola shook Hikaru's hand. “That was a good match... Kirika was awesome... Leaf and I will train and get better, and we'll battle again.”

“Leaf was really good, though. If that Tackle had hit me straight on you might have beaten me.” Viola slightly blushed, straightened her glasses, and both grass type trainers left the field.

The next two competitors, Mari and Nick, took the field. About to start with the “announcer voice” Nick was silenced by a don't-even-think-about-it glare from Mari.

Right before they began, Hikaru noticed that Reln was missing and that Ryu was smirking in a self satisfied way. Definitely a bad combination. He strode up to the blonde boy. “Where's Reln?”

“She took off during your battle.” Ryu replied, refusing to meet Hikaru's eyes.

Hikaru stepped closer. “Ryu. What. Did. You. DO!?!”

Slightly intimidated by the green-eyed boy's stare, Ryu stepped backward. “Fine! I said she'd be an easy win, and she took off! Happy?”

Hikaru turned. “Which way did she go?”

Ryu pointed, and Hikaru took off in the direction. Arrogant idiot...

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Fifteen or so minutes later, Hikaru had found no trace of Reln. Where is she? We shouldn't go off on our own... Unexpectedly, he heard laughter coming from nearby. Either that's Reln laughing, or I'm hallucinating. He ran both choices through his head, and settled on the more logical one. I'm definitely hallucinating. Hikaru decided to approach the clearing anyway, simply out of curiosity. Climbing a nearby tree to get a better view, he peered into the clearing. Whoa.

It was Reln he has heard. Her own chosen pokemon, a Cyndaquil, and another pokemon which Hikaru recognized as an Oddish were romping around her. She smiled, patting both, and laughed again when the Cyndaquil climbed to the top of her head. She checked the time on her poketch, and stood, placing the Cyndaquil back on the ground alongside the Oddish. “Return, Loa, Niva!” Clipping both pokeballs back to her belt, she lifted her bag, and, thankfully not seeing Hikaru, headed back to the others.

As soon as Reln was gone, Hikaru slipped out of his tree, trying to comprehend what he had just seen. He headed back to the others as well, but made sure to take a separate route. Didn't see that coming.

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“Return, Cobalt!” Mari returned her Totodile quickly, while Nick did the same with his Squirtle. Their first match had ended in a tie, both pokemon fainting simultaneously. Hikaru entered the clearing unnoticed, silently thanking Arceus that Reln hadn't found him. Ryu and Reln stepped onto the battle field, the latter having two pokeballs clipped to her belt. Each of the rivals selected their pokemon, neither speaking or meeting the other's eyes.

After making getting himself out of Mari's reach, Nick resumed his self-appointed role as announcer. “And the last battle of the day is between Reln Akagi of Cinnabar and Ryu Jackson of Pallet!”

Two hand simultaneously reached for the pokeballs on their belts, two hands poised themselves to throw on Nick's mark.

“Begin!”

Ryu flung his pokeball first. “Zar, attack!” The Charmander came out swiftly, the fire lizard ready to fight. Ready when you are, Master.

“Loa.” The Cyndaquil emerged from her pokeball. Sighting her opponent, she fixed her gaze on it. Ready, my lady.

The Charmander chortled at the other fire type. A fire mouse? This shouldn't be too hard.

Not amused in the least, the Cyndaquil retorted to her rival. Oh, it's on, fire boy.

Bring it, then, fire mouse.

With pleasure, lizard.

As the faster of the two, Ryu attacked first. “Zar, Scratch!” The Charmander charged the Cyndaquil, claws out.

Reln, however, wasn't going to simply sit and be hit. “Loa, Leer, quickly!” The Cyndaquil fixed a death glare on the Charmander, unnerving him. The fire lizard's claws struck her soon after, taking away a good portion of her health.

“Zar, Growl!” The fire type growled cutely, causing Loa to slightly relax.

“Loa, shake it off and use Smokescreen!” The Cyndaquil spat a small cloud of smoke at the Charmander, temporarily obscuring Zar's vision. Reln stood behind her fire type, watching it closely.

“Zar, Scratch, now!” Ryu was slightly unnerved by how the battle was heading. Reln is not the sort of person to just sit and be attacked....She's planning something. Zar charged the Cyndaquil again, but missed and ended up hitting a tree.

“Loa, Leer once more!” Loa fixed another death glare on the Charmander, even stronger than the previous.

“Growl, Zar!” The Charmander growled again, but Loa managed to avoid the attack.

“Loa! Tackle!” The Cyndaquil charged the blinded Charmander, hitting him straight on and knocking him against a tree.

Ryu was seriously getting worried now. If I don't do something fast, I'll lose... “Zar, Scratch, and quickly!” The Charmander focused and struck the Cyndaquil, taking a lot of its health.

“Loa, Tackle!” The Cyndaquil used all of her strength, and struck the Charmander. Thanks to two previous Leer attacks, her Tackle was stronger than usual. Scoring a Critical Hit, Loa's attack flung the Charmander backwards, knocking him out.

“Return.” Ryu called back his fainted Charmander. How did I lose this.... Ever since I've been little I've been good at everything I've tried. What could I have done wrong? Reln did the same with Loa, then, she turned and headed back to their campsite. The others followed suit, Ryu bringing up the rear for the first time in his fifteen years.

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To: downtoearth
From: in_a_tree
Re: Good Luck

Big sis-

Thanks for the luck. Actually, I picked Chikorita as my starter. Professor Oak brought in the Johto starters to choose from as well. Her name's Kirika. You'll like her.

Glad you're doing well anyway. Just remember that I'll get to battle you someday. Professor Oak told us that Johto is having problems right now. If we find out anything else, don't worry, I'll tell you.

Reply soon,
-Hikaru

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And there's Chapter 2! We've learned a bit more about our six now, haven't we? BTW, Nick was from Celadon City and Mari was from Pallet Town. Yes, they're all from different cities, Pallet is kind of small. Questions?


OUR SIX:

Reln Akagi
-”Loa” Cyndaquil, female, lv. 6
-”Niva”, Oddish, female, lv. 5

Hikaru Leyden
-”Kirika” Chikorita, lv. 6

Ryu Jackson
-”Zar” Charmander, male, lv. 5

Viola Blume
-”Leaf”, Bulbasaur, male, lv. 5

Nick Taurus
-”Jai”, Squirtle, male, lv. 5

Mari Roxas
-”Cobalt”, Totodile, male, lv. 5

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Read!

 

[the_eevee_breeder]

I'm lonely.....

http://bmgf.bulbagarden.net/images/smilies/bawling.gif

But I shall not give up!

http://bmgf.bulbagarden.net/images/smilies/XD2.gif

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Disclaimer:
YOU SHOULD KNOW BY NOW!
Just to let you know: This is not you Red/Blue fans' Kanto. As I put it, this is “Kanto with all the trimmings”. This has Contests, new battle styles, Poketches, Poffin, Berry Plants, Sinnoh evos..... This is just a really modern Kanto. This is, after all, five years after the player would take down the Rockets in the game.


To: darkestbeforedawn
From: bella_akagi
Re: Contests

Honeybunch,

Hello Relny, how are you? I do hope you're training that Oddish we gave you for contests. After all, your sister started with one, and look where she is now! Aerin Akagi, best coordinator in the Kanto and Johto regions.

Your father and I do hope that you'll tire of this training thing soon enough and become a coordinator like your sister. After all, think about your future, sweetie!

Make sure to call us, dear.

-Mum


Six: Trial By Legend
Chapter Three: Increasing Doubts

“Well, this is Viridian City!”

Hikaru's hometown was in fact not much bigger than Pallet, but it had an air of being larger, perhaps because of the Pokemon Gym, the PokeMart, and the Pokemon Center.

Most of the Pallet Town students had never left before, so Viola, Mari, and even Ryu were impressed. Nick seemed to be only slightly such, coming from one of the largest cities in the region, Celadon. Reln had come from Cinnabar Island, and didn't seem to care either way, heading towards the PokeMart.

“We'll all meet outside the Viridian Forest, okay?” Hikaru asked the others.

“Fine by me.” Ryu replied, and the others also agreed.

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At the end of the day, the six teens reunited, each having accomplished what they needed. After healing Zar, his Charmander, he had headed to the PokeMart to buy items (after, of course, Reln had left). Viola and Mari had explored the town, healing their pokemon before they did so. Reln's item bag looked considerably heavier. Nick didn't seem to have done much besides heal Jai, his Squirtle, and goof off. Hikaru, meanwhile, had bought, items, healed Kirika, and visited his parents before heading out.

“The entrance to the Viridian Forest is just through this tall grass. It's easy to get lost in there, so we shouldn't split up unless we really need to.” Hikaru said. “Believe me, I've gotten lost before just playing there as a kid.”

“Let's go, then.” Reln spoke up again, surprising the others. She started through the grass.

“Tcha!” A violet mouse pokemon flew out of the bushes, its large teeth gleaming, ready to strike.

The others fumbled for their pokedexes in their bags, but Mari recited from memory, “Rattata, the Mouse Pokemon. Abilitys: Guts and Run Away. Their prominent fangs grow continuously throughout their lifetime, giving them the need to-”

“That's all we need to know! Thank you, but that's kind of creepy. Interesting, but creepy.” Nick interrupted quickly, saving hours of boredom.

Mari shot a death glare in Nick's direction.

Not fazed in the least, Reln took the second pokeball from her belt. “Niva.” The Oddish emerged in a flash of light. Ready, my lady.

The faster pokemon, the wild Rattata, attacked first, charging the grass type, its enormous fangs bared.

“Niva, Bullet Seed.” The Oddish shot a row of hard, round seeds from its mouth at the mouse, knocking it off its feet. It stood up shakily but was hit by another barrage of seeds, several knocking against its teeth.

The Rattata tried a feeble Tail Whip, waving it's tail in a disconcerting way, over three-quarters of its health being gone.

“Absorb, Niva, and finish it.” The Oddish used a vine to draw the last of the Rattata's heath away, neatly knocking it out and healing the Oddish.

Reln returned the Oddish to its pokeball, and continued through the grass as though nothing had happened. The others, still slightly stunned by the random encounter, picked their way through more gradually.


The forest was dark and dense, with an abundance of tall grass, Bug pokemon, and novice Bug Catchers. The trees blocked out all but the strongest of the sun's rays, and strange sounds floated out of the undergrowth.

“So this is the Viridian Forest.” Ryu said, taking a look around.

Mari replied. “Exactly such. The Viridian Forest is home to nearly all species of Bug Pokemon native to Kanto, with the exception of Paras, Venonat, and-”

“Again, thanks, but no thanks.” Nick interrupted again, this time dodging Mari's death glare.

The group of six headed deeper into the woods, picking their way through.


Hikaru couldn't see the sun's position, but he sensed that it was evening, or, as Nick called it, dinner. Hearing a grumbling noise, he decided that they might as well eat something. He turned to the others. “Guys, if you want to eat, now's the time.”

“Sweet!” Nick dropped his bag and started rummaging through it, eventually reemerging with a cheese sandwich. “I'm starved!” He let Jai out of his pokeball and offered the Squirtle half the sandwich, which he took quickly.

Hikaru sent out Kirika, the small grass type looking around curiously, surprised by the lack of sunlight. Her stomach grumbled. Remembering that most grass types used the sun's energy to make food, Hikaru looked around and eventually found a moderately sunny spot, which the Chikorita lay down in, soaking in light.

“.....” Viola gently tapped Hikaru's shoulder.

He turned. “Is everything okay?”

“Yes....I was just wondering if Leaf could share that sunny spot......” She nodded toward Kirika while holding her Bulbasaur.

“Is that okay with you, Kirika?” Hikaru asked. The Chikorita raised it's head, nodded, and yawned, clearly enjoying herself. Viola gently set Leaf down next to the other grass type, the Bulbasaur making itself comfortable. She pulled a few berries out of her bag which she had found in the forest and set them down nearby for the two grass types.

Meanwhile, Ryu was testing his Charmander's accuracy by throwing peanuts for it to catch. Zar seemed to be doing well as a pile of smoldering peanut shells lay nearby. Mari had a book open on her lap and was enjoying an apple, while her Totodile, Cobalt, had several apple cores nearby and a whole apple in its claws.

Noticing once again that Reln was gone, Hikaru presumed that she had gone off on her own again with Niva and Loa to eat. He leaned against a tree, relaxing. So far, my journey's off to a good start.

-------------------------

That night, the six set up a campsite. Loa and Zar reluctantly teamed up to light a fire, the Cyndaquil, in the end, ended up biting the Charmander and both pokemon were being pulled away by two equally annoyed trainers.

The six teens sat around the campfire, Nick passing around marshmallows. After taking two, Hikaru sat up. “Anyway.....What do you guys think about the pokemon migrations the professor told us about?”

A short silence followed, which, as usual, Nick interrupted. “Meh, I don't think it's much to worry about. All we gotta do is find some small, obvious bit of information, give it to Oak, and we're off scot free for the rest of our journeys.”

“Nick!” Mari shoved her book aside. “How can you just say that?!? All of these migrations.....They're not seasonal or even natural. Something, somewhere, has to be causing this. And I want to find out!”

“Why am I not surprised? You can't stand not knowing something. No wonder you were the only one of us who wanted to spend an extra five years studying for Arceus knows what!”

“Guys!” Hikaru decided it was time to intervene. “Cut it out, okay? I know that some of you don't agree with what the other has to say, but drop it, already!”

Mari, who was about to retort, clamped her mouth shut. Immature idiot.....

On the other side of the campfire, Nick was also seething. Annoying know-it-all....

“Anyway......” Hikaru straightened slightly and turned to the blonde boy.. “Ryu, what do you think?”

“I'm kind of with Nick on this one.....But I think we should at least learn a little about it, at least.”

Hikaru turned to Viola, who had been silent throughout the entire discussion. “What about you?”

“.....I can't say for sure...not until we find out more about it.” Viola quietly replied before turning back to the fire.

Hikaru turned, guessing that, as usual, Reln would have left. However, he was soon proven wrong when he saw her sitting by the fire, albeit farther away from the others. As though she could feel his eyes on her, she looked up. She spoke, surprising Hikaru. “I'm getting the vibe that these migrations are being triggered by something, something greater than nature. Pokemon have always been more perceptive than humans, I'm guessing that they sense whatever is happening and are trying to get away.”

This being the longest group of sentences they had ever heard Reln speak, the others were surprised by not only that but by the slightly apocalyptic tone of what she had said. The discussion ended, and all retired to their tents.

-----------------

The nest morning, Ryu awoke earlier than the rest, and decided to take Zar and try to find something worthwhile to capture. Pokeballs clipped to his belt, he decided to leave his bag at the campsite. He tacked a note to it, saying where he had gone.

Setting off into the deepest part of the wood, he let out Zar, the Charmander still a little woozy. “Come on, Zar...We need to train.” Boy and pokemon marched further into the forest.

------------------

“Ryu headed out for training, then?” Nick's spiky hair looked even messier than usual, several strands of black and orange at unnatural angles.

The remaining five trainers had all awakened (or woken up, in Nick's case) about an hour after Ryu had left. Mari and Viola sat by the now extinguished campfire, Mari braiding Viola's long blonde hair. Reln, meanwhile, was feeding her Cyndaquil and Oddish berries, still sitting far from the others.

“Yes, he'll be back by ten or so.” Hikaru straightened, Ryu's note in hand. “Anyway, I'm going to train. Anyone else leaving?” He looked around, noticing that, as usual, Reln had already left.

The others nodded, and set off into the wood.

------------------

After a few hours, Zar had leveled up nicely. However, Ryu wanted to try to make him even stronger. He heard noises coming from deeper in the woods, and decided to investigate. Maybe it's a worthwhile capture....

Ryu had almost reached the area the sound had come from when he was stopped by the sound of a human voice. Quietly returning Zar, he ducked behind the nearest tree, a silent instinct telling him to be wary. He listened with bated breath, hanging on to the bickering group's every word.

“Now, how many have we got?” A clearly male voice spoke.

“About five – or six, if you count that one.” A second voice, also male, answered.

Ryu heard the faint but distinct sound of a pokeball being used.

“Find a couple more. Boss will have our necks if these aren't decent.”

They resumed arguing, Ryu still pressed to the tree. When he heard footsteps, he turned around frantically.

Hikaru emerged from the nearby trees, the brown-haired boy beginning to speak. “Hey, Ry-mmph!” Ryu had clapped his hand over Hikaru's mouth before he could say anything more, but the damage was done, a twig snapping beneath their feet.

The bickering in the clearing stopped abruptly.

“Someone's here, let's go!” Footsteps crunched fallen leaves as the two speakers fled the clearing, two teens still crouched behind a tree.

Releasing his grip on Hikaru, Ryu sank down, still wondering what he had just overheard. Hikaru collected himself quickly. “What in bloody hell was that for?!?” The normally passive boy was none too happy about the earlier incident.

Ryu turned away, not speaking. Hearing footsteps, he leapt to his feet, his hand on Zar's pokeball.

Reln stepped into the area the boys were in. The look on her face clearly said that Ryu wasn't the only listener. She turned to the clearing, red eyes flashing. “Something's still in there.”

All three went in unison toward the area they had head voices coming from. Hikaru eventually took the lead, all three seeing nothing at first.

Help....me.... The teens turned at the sound, all (except maybe Reln) looking wary.

The pikachu dragged itself out of the bushes. One look told the three that it was in bad shape, its tail at an unnatural angle and the massive cut across its face being the most prominent injuries. The shape of its tail revealed it to be female.

Hikaru ran to the spark mouse, kneeling next to it. “It's hurt...really hurt.”

Ryu couldn't hide his shock. “What could do this?”

“They could, or their pokemon could.” Reln said gesturing in the direction the bickerers had took.

Hikaru seized a pokeball from his bag, pressing it to the pikachu's forehead and capturing it. “She needs a pokemon center....and fast.” He clipped the pokeball to his belt.

“The exit's that way.” Both boys turned to Reln. “You two head to a pokemon center once you get out, I'll get the others.”

The group split up, each going in different directions, one with the life of a pokemon on the line.


To: bella_akagi
From: darkestbeforedawn
Re: Contests

Mum,

First, NEVER call me Relny. Or sweetheart. Or honeybunch. You know I hate it.

Second, you and Dad should know by now that I hate contests. And there is NO WAY that I am going to train Niva for contests. And I will NOT “tire of this training thing.” I LIKE it. I am not going to be the next Aerin.

Please quit bothering me about this, because my answer's not about to change.

-Reln

P.S. As to the dress you snuck into my bag, forget it. It's not going to happen.


Whew, this chapter was the hardest yet. Anyway, hope this chapter was enlightening.

Oh, just to clear something up, bold is translated pokemon speech. Of course, our characters will not hear them speaking normally, but I translated to make it easier for you to understand the feelings of the pokemon.

Everyone's personality is starting to unfold in this chapter, and everyone' s flaws are appearing as well...It seems the fire users (Reln and Ryu) aren't the only ones who rub each other the wrong way.... Although we didn't see much of Viola, Nick, and Mari in this chapter, they have leveled up their teams and in some cases gained new team members.

OUR SIX:

Reln Akagi
-”Loa” Cyndaquil, female, lv. 9
-”Niva”, Oddish, female, lv. 7

Hikaru Leyden
-”Kirika” Chikorita, lv. 8
-Unnamed Pikachu, lv. 7

Ryu Jackson
-”Zar” Charmander, male, lv. 10

Viola Blume
-”Leaf”, Bulbasaur, male, lv. 7

Nick Taurus
-”Jai”, Squirtle, male, lv. 8
- ?????

Mari Roxas
-”Cobalt”, Totodile, male, lv. 8

Like it?

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Well then, REVIEW IT!

 

[the_eevee_breeder]

I've been forgotten...

Here is Chapter 4, anyway.



-INSTANT MESSAGE-

flower-chan has entered

jackson890 has entered

flower-chan: where r u?

jackson890: pewter city, in pkmn centr.

pure_intelligence has entered

pure_intelligence: We're on our way now.

jackson890: hikaru's with the pikachu with a pokevet or something

darkestbeforedawn has entered

darkestbeforedawn: how's the pikachu doing?

jackson890: not sure

darkestbeforedawn has left the chatroom.

pure_intelligence: Signing off, we've reached Pewter.

pure_intelligence has left the chatroom

flower-chan: bye

flower-chan has left the chatroom

jackson890 has left the chatroom

-INSTANT MESSAGE ENDED-

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Six: Trial by Legend
Chapter Four: In the Nick of Time​

“Mr. Leyden?”

Hikaru turned at the unfamiliar name, getting up out of his chair in the waiting room. “Yes, sir?”

“Would you come with me for a moment? I need to discuss your pikachu with you.” Dr. Juniper ran one hand trough his sandy hair. He was a pokevet, taking care of pokemon kept as pets and dealing with sicknesses overlooked by most pokemon centers.

Inside the healing room, the pikachu slept, her cheek bandaged and her tail straightened out. So...warm.. Wrapped in a blanket, she dozed on a nearby table.

Juniper gestured to the dozing spark mouse. “We've healed almost all of her. Most of her injuries weren't as severe as we thought. The cut on her face, however......It will leave a scar, and some unforeseen consequences.”

Hikaru watched the sleeping pokemon. “What will happen to her?”

“You see the cut ion her face?” Hikaru nodded. “It's lucky that it missed her eye, but it messed up her cheek. You known how pikachu store electricity in their cheeks?” Again, Hikaru nodded. “She'll only be able to store half of the electricity, thereby cutting off half of her power.”

“Is there any way to fix it?” Hikaru asked.

“There is the off chance that if she evolves she will gain more power, or if you find a Light Ball, but they are very rare. Were you planning to put her back in the wild or keep her?”

“I wasn't sure, sir. I wanted to learn more about her injuries before I decided.”

“You could still train her in battle, but it would be more difficult than usual, as the spark mice pokemon mainly depend on electricity to fight. As for releasing her, she would be inhibited by her lack of strength. She would also be good as a pet.”

Leaning against the wall, Hikaru took another look at the sleeping pikachu. He thought hard, weighing all of the options. He looked up. “I'll keep her if she doesn't mind.”

As if on cue, the pikachu's eyes opened. She sat up, and shook the bandage off, pulling away from the blankets. A fine specimen of her species, she was only marred by the prominent scar across her cheek. Hikaru neared her, his hand outstretched. Instead of waiting to be petted, she leapt onto his arm and scampered up to his head.

Hikaru laughed. “Hello to you, too.”

----------------


When he left the pokemon center later, Hikaru still had the pikachu perched on his head. Ryu followed at a slower pace, still wondering about what he had heard back in the clearing. Whoever those guys were....Did they do that to Hikaru's pikachu? Hikaru stroked the pikachu's head, trying to decide what to name his newest team member. Although both boys were lost in thought, they soon caught sight of the others.

Viola reached them first. “Are you..all right?” Her green eyes looked at the boys worriedly.

Hikaru made a sudden start as the pikachu's weight disappeared from his head. He turned to see Reln, of all people, holding the smiling electric type, stroking its ears. She returned the pikachu to the stunned Hikaru, the barest trace of a smile on her lips. “Take good care of this little golden one.”

“That's it!” Reln nearly dropped the spark mouse as Hikaru spoke. “I'll call her Kin!” He snatched the equally surprised pikachu. “How does that sound to you?” The pikachu nodded.

Meanwhile, Nick and Mari were still bickering as they came up to the others. Nick stepped forward. “Hey, there's a gym here!” He ran to the sign outside the Gym. “So Brock's the gym leader here!”

After they all had healed their pokemon, the group made their way inside the Gym apprehensively. The Rock-type Gym was littered with boulders of all sizes, stalactites and stalagmites sprouting from both the ceiling and floor.

“So....” Ryu said, looking at the others. “Who's going to go first? The first few Gym Leaders don't offer multi battles.” The others exchanged looks. Obviously none of them wanted to go first. Except one.

“I'll do it.” Nick stepped forward with a cocky smile on his face. “Bring it on.”

-----------------

“And the double battle between Gym Leader Brock of Pewter and challenger Nick Taurus of Celadon is now under way!” The referee called.

On one side of the rock-laden field, the Gym Leader, Brock stood, two pokeballs in hand. On the other side, Nick smoothed his unruly hair with one hand, while holding two pokeballs in the other.

Brock threw first. “Go, Geodude and Onix!”

Mari immediately began to spout information. “Geodude, a rock and ground type pokemon. It's arms are so strong that it can climb mountains. Onix, also a rock and ground type pokemon, is of the rock snake variety-”

“QUIET!” Nick shouted. He lifted his own two pokeballs, throwing them in an arc. “Show them what you're made of, Lai and Jai!”

The Squirtle, Jai, emerged first, the blue turtle pokemon puffing out it's chest. I won't fail you, Master!

However, the second pokemon was more of a surprise to the other five. As the oval-shaped tan pokemon appeared, it let out a battle cry. DIE, ENEMIES!

Before Mari had a chance to describe the bug type, Viola quietly replied. “He caught it in Viridian, earlier..”
Now that both the Squirtle and the Kakuna, Kai, were on the field, the battle began in earnest.

“Onix, Rock Throw! Geodude, Defense Curl!” While the Geodude maintained a blocking position to raise its defense, Brock's Onix started whacking boulders at Kai with his tail. The swift Squirtle managed to avoid all of the rocks except a basketball-sized one, which it it on the head, making the Squirtle slightly dizzy. However, it shook its head swiftly, preparing for Nick's orders.

“Jai, use Bubble on the Geodude!” While the Squirtle fired bubbles from its mouth at the smaller rock type, Nick relayed his next orders to Kai. “Kai, Poison Sting on the Onix!” The Kakuna fired violet-colored poison needles at the huge Rock type, but they all but bounced off, giving nearly no damage. Jai's move was much more effective, scoring a critical hit and a 1-hit KO.

“Wow...” Hikaru said as he watched from the sidelines. “Nick's actually doing pretty well.”

“He's not out of the fire yet.” Said Reln grimly. “That Onix has a higher level, and Brock has more battling experience than Nick, no matter how you look at it.”

Brock roared his next orders,as he returned his fallen Geodude. “Onix, Rock Tomb!” The Onix reared its head and roared deafeningly, causing four stalactites to fall around Jai, enclosing the Squirtle and resulting in the loss of a lot of his hit points.

“Jai, Bubble, now! Kai, Harden!” The Kakuna toughened its muscles, raising its defense as the Squirtle fired another round of bubbles at the Onix.

Although the Onix took a severe amount of damage, it still had a good third of HP left, not so for Jai. “Finish it with Tackle, Onix!” The angered rock snake charged the Squirtle, shattering the stalactites as it plunged through it, tossing Jai against a wall, where it slid to the ground and was still.

“Jai!” Nick ran to his fallen starter. The water type looked at him feebly. Sorry....Master.... Nick returned his comrade, eyes burning.

With only a bug type left against the furious Onix, the others began to despair. “Before, he had a chance, but now....He's at an awful disadvantage.” Ryu said.

Nick returned to the field. “Kai, Harden again!” Again the Kakuna tensed its muscles, bracing itself.

“Onix, Wrap!” The rock type looped itself around the bug type, entrapping it.

“Harden one more time, Kai!” The Kakuna braced itself once more, waiting for damage.

Onix was still wrapped around the Kakuna, who was taking small increments of damage. Brock laughed. “Ready to give up? No matter how strong your defense is, we'll get you eventually.”

Nick smiled strangely. “Not just yet.” He turned back to the field, the light of determination in his eyes. “Now, Kai! Poison Sting to its stomach, go!” The Kakuna aimed for the Onix's weakest point, its stomach, causing a critical hit. Although the Onix was down to the last of its HP, it was still up and fighting. Brock laughed again. “Onix! One final Tackle, now!” The Onix charged again, unwinding itself and hurling its form at the bug type, raising a cloud of dust and a crash!

Rocks tumbled from all directions. Hikaru, Mari, Ryu, Reln, and Viola threw themselves clear of the debris. The dust began to clear. Brock's form could now be seen, standing in triumph, but Nick was still invisible. What looked to be a litter of boulders covered the field. Ryu strained his eyes, looking for the pokemon. Where are they....

At first, it looked to be a win on Brock's behalf, or a double KO. Both pokemon were still unseen. Nick pulled himself free of the rubble around him, getting back on his feet. Both pokemon were revealed on the ground, but still unclear in the dust. One thrust upward. Even the viewers believed it to be part of Onix, but all, even Brock were lost for words in the next instant.

The “rock” began to shiver in the dim light. The top began to open, and a brilliant white light poured out, temporarily blinding everyone. The light soon faded, and the pokemon glittered.

The Beedrill flew to Nick's side, her crystalline wings still shining as they fluttered. She raised one needlelike arm in a salute to Nick, the Bug-Poison type acknowledging him as her master. I have won, my Master. I have destroyed the enemy.

Both Nick and Brock were stunned as the prone form of the Onix came into view. Nick turned to his newest pokemon. “How are you still conscious?” Kai revealed part of a blue berry impaled on her other hand, one half eaten. This, my Master. That one....She gestured to the Onix. Was poisoned.

As Brock pressed Nick's prizes into his hands, Mari began to spout information about final evolution bug types.

This time, Nick didn't bother to stop her.

----------------------

-INSTANT MESSAGE-

jackson890 has entered

in_a_tree has entered

flower-chan has entered

in_a_tree: wow....

jackson890: you said it

flower-chan: I can't believe he managed to pull that off and win

pure_intelligence has entered

pure_intelligence: Neither can I. It goes against everything I've studied about type disadvantages.

darkestbeforedawn has entered

darkestbeforedawn: not everything is scientific Mari....

darkestbeforedawn: sometimes its just luck

darkestbeforedawn has left the chatroom.

jackson890: she's actually right this time

flower-chan has left the chatroom

pure_intelligence has left the chatroom

jackson890 has left the chatroom

-INSTANT MESSAGE ENDED-

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I have a few things I'd like to clarify before we continue.

1.Nick caught his Kakuna while Reln was leading Mari, Viola and him out of the woods, and he strengthened it before he met up with the others.
2.Kin technically has a physical disability. Since pikachu store electricity in their cheeks, she can only store energy in her uninjured cheek because of the wound. I wanted to create a pikachu character that was completely different than Ash's pikachu, and I hope I succeeded. Kin is Japanese for “golden”, in case you didn't get Hikaru's inspiration.
3.According to current team standings, all of the six except Ryu have a pokemon good against Brock, and Zar, Ryu's Charmander, is one of the highest leveled pokemon in the group thus far.
4.I am only going to show one or, in rare cases, two of our six battling Gym Leaders because I want to get to “the action parts”.

Hope you aren't disappointed by this chapter, because there's more to come!

OUR SIX:

Reln Akagi
-”Loa” Cyndaquil, female, lv. 9
-”Niva”, Oddish, female, lv. 7

Hikaru Leyden
- ”Kirika” Chikorita, lv. 8
- ”Kin” Pikachu, lv. 7

Ryu Jackson
- ”Zar” Charmander, male, lv. 10

Viola Blume
-”Leaf”, Bulbasaur, male, lv. 8

Nick Taurus
-”Jai”, Squirtle, male, lv. 9
- “Kai” Beedrill, female, lv. 10

Mari Roxas
-”Cobalt”, Totodile, male, lv. 9

Like it?

Hate it?

Well then, REVIEW IT!