TEEN: Pokemon Special ~ The Next Chapter [CHAPTER FOUR POSTED]

nicolem_animefan · May 10, 2013

Pokemon Special: The Next Chapter

(Aidan and Lydia, whose carefree journeys take an unexpected turn!)

Summary: This story takes place sixteen years after the events in RGB/Y/GSC/RS/FRLG/E saga, centering on the children of the original seven Pokedex trainers. Lydia, the 16-year old daughter of Daisy Oak, dreams of becoming a pokemon trainer, but is diagnosed with a mysterious illness at birth. Due to fear of losing his daughter, her father locks her up and shelters her from the traveling life of a pokemon trainer; she knows nothing about Pokemon and dreams of seeing the world beyond her home in Saffron City. After meeting a mysterious youth one day, she is given the chance to follow her dreams. And, so, the adventures begins…

Rating: Teen (Mild language, bloodless violence, suggestive themes)

Table of Contents
Act I: The Adventure Begins
(-o-) Chapter 1
(-o-) Chapter 2
(-o-) Chapter 3
(-o-) Chapter 4
(-o-) Chapter 5

*IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to the wonderful constructive feedback I have received here, I have gone and re-edited several chapters of the story that needed work. Ignore this message if you are new to reading this story. But for those who have, several important plot elements have changed, the biggest one being

Aidan hiding is true identity

in order to build up proper suspense and story structure.

Thank you. Enjoy chapter one.

- - - - -

Chapter One: VS Lapras

Everyone has a dream that fulfills their heart. A journey they must take. A destiny to fulfill. Through that journey, many trials come to pass. And while each journey is new, exciting, and prosperous, eventually, it will come to an end. But with that end exists something even greater: the start of a whole new adventure. In the world of Pokemon, magical creatures inhibit a land where bonds between humans and Pokemon grow. Through friendship, love, loyalty, and trust, for many life becomes a wondrous adventure, full of exciting mysteries that strengthen the ability to experience its blessings. Through this never-ending cycle of capture and battle, humans train their Pokemon to become the best they can be. In turn, a love that defies all is born between trainer and Pokemon, and that trainer becomes a pokemon master.

This dream burns brightly for many, but none more so than Lydia Oak.

It was another crazy afternoon in the heart of Saffron City. Streets were crowded with pedestrians while cars honked at the busy traffic. The city was especially hectic in preparation for the new openings of a contest hall, movie theater, and an enormous department store, courtesy of the Sliph Cooperation. Over the past sixteen years a lot had changed: many signs advertising new gadgets were everywhere; technology continued to grow with the expansion of the Pokegear into the Xtransceiver. The magnet train had expanded to provide access to all regions. With Sliph Cooperation becoming the largest company in Pokearth, international goods from other regions flowed to Kanto continuously. They were literally in charge of everything, from schools, to markets, to contest halls, buying out franchises left and right. The economy was bustling. And thanks to Axel Oak, President and CEO of Sliph Cooperation, everything was running as smoothly as possible.

Darting from an alley behind Sliph Cooperation was a young girl with a yellow knapsack slung over her shoulders. Her long, wavy brunette hair fluttered in the wind as she ran, half tied up in buns. As she dashed through a puddle of water, droplets of sewage splashed onto her white blouse and matching knee-highs. Stopping at a corner to catch her breath, she brushed the liquid from her red skirt. If she knew she was going to running she would have never worn one. But, drastic times called for drastic messages. She finally managed to sneak out alone. She had to escape her pursuers.

"Lady Lydia, please wait! LADY LYDIA!"

But Lydia didn't have time to wait. If she had lingered any longer, she would have been caught by her father's bothersome attendants. Which, as usual, were being a a complete and utter nuisance. This time they had been waiting for her to finish her daily shift working at the local Saffron City Pokemart so they could 'safely escort her home' as father put it. Ever since her father caught her sneaking out early in the mornings, he ordered that she would be kept under tight surveillance by his servants; each time she wanted to leave the house or head to work she had to have at least two people go with her. Today they were keeping an extra special her, much to her annoyance. Yeaaah, so maybe her health wasn't exactly the best out there. It certainly limited her from traveling far. Even so, whenever she traveled she made sure to carefully conceal her lucky charm securely hidden in her skirt pocket. Her father had yet to find out about her little secret.

Dashing past the guards at the Saffron Gates Lydia found herself facing an open terrain. Now reaching the top of her destination, Lydia panted heavily as she rested her hands on her knees. She had made it out of the city. The sun shone brightly over the vast fields of Route 6, the warm spring air embracing her senses. There was something she loved about the outskirts beyond the city. Pidgeys soared the skies gaily and Poliwags danced on the riverbank, same as always. Over the past sixteen years she was glad that her father hadn't ordered anything to be built in the area, because it was wonderful to be surrounded by nature. The sight of travelers peacefully occupying the tall grass and the road made Lydia smile. Days like today were perfect. Perfect for Pokemon training. If only she could enjoy them freely without being caught.

"Lady Lydia, where are you? We must head home at once! Lady Lydia!"

Panic-stricken, Lydia dived for the nearest hiding spot she could find. There was no way she was going to get caught. Not after making it this far. Lucky for her a tree was conveniently placed in the direction she was running. Making a mad dash for the tree, she dove behind it and slammed to the ground with a crash. Ouch. However, her landing seemed…softer than she imagined.

"OWWWWW!"

Lydia blinked. This grass seemed pretty warm. And firm, for that matter. Peering down, she gazed into the bulging blue eyes of a young gentlemen, who was moaning immensely in pain. His red and white pokemon cap covered his spiky black locks of hair. Before she had time to react, Lydia heard the sound of stomping footsteps. Crap. Without warning she shoved her hands in his face, beckoning him to be silent.

"Shhhhhhh," Lydia coaxed as he stifled a cry. She was so focused on peering around the tree that she didn't notice the slight blush spread across his face. As soon as the sound of the footsteps completely faded, Lydia sighed loudly. However, the youth began to gag hoarsely.

"Thank god…oh, I'm so sorry!" Lydia quickly snatched her hands away from the boy's lips, bowing her head. "I didn't see you there. I was trying hide. Sorry!"

"N-no, it's okay..." The boy wheezed. "Just a little out of breath."

"Okay, good," Lydia coughed. "Didn't want to get into trouble on my first day as a Pokemon trainer."

"First day, huh? Then you should go back to Saffron City. The Pokemon aren't as tough there."

"I can't go there. Not when I'm desperately on the run," Lydia huffed. She too was out of breath.

"Okaaaay," he muttered under his breath.

"Huh?"

The boy shook his head. "Never mind. Either way, you look pretty frazzled. What's the big hurry?"

"I told you, I'm hiding."

"From who?"

Eyeing the three pokeballs secured around his belt, Lydia hesitated. Her father had always warned her never get too friendly with random people on the road, especially if they were pokemon trainers. Just thinking about what they looked like made her shudder - he had enlightened her on so many horror stories of what would happen if she were to run into one. Apparently they were brusque, ruthless, and cunning, stopping at nothing to use their pokemon to rob the valuables from any naive soul unlucky enough to cross their path. But, taking a good look at the youth sitting before her, Lydia's muscles relaxed. He didn't look scary at all. His cap complemented his red and black sweatshirt, with slightly torn jeans falling below his ankles. A chipped fire pendant hung swiftly around his neck. As she caught him observing her curiously, Lydia's tight face broke into a loud giggle.

"Hey, what's so funny?" The trainer's once curious expression had scrunched into a frown.

Lydia couldn't contain her laughter. "Nothing, nothing!" She took a moment to wipe a tear from her eyelid. "Well, it's just…you don't look as scary as I thought you'd be. A pokemon trainer, I mean."

Now he was even more confused. "Now who would go and give you a crazy idea like that? Pokemon trainers aren't scary at all. We train pokemon. That's it."

"Um…My dad did." Lydia sheepishly twirled a strand of her long, brunette hair. "He said that I should stay away from pokemon trainers."

"Your old man?"

"Yeah."

"Well I don't know where he got that ridiculous idea." The boy jumped on his feet. "But don't you know? Pokemon is what makes a man a man! Soaring through the skies, braving the seas, together we will create a everlasting bond that reaches the heavens! Pokemon are meant to be our partners. They're like family!"

Lydia blinked. Clearly this boy was extremely fired up, for crazy reasons she didn't understand. She had never met a person this passionate before. Definitely the opposite of her cold, ruthless father. Making the connection, Lydia's eyes sparkled with joyous content. What a mysterious person! Maybe, just maybe…this could be her first friend!

"Wow, your the nicest person I've ever met!" Lydia giggled. "I don't really get it, but your not weird at all!"

"Thanks," he chuckled heartily, offering a hand. "Most people think I'm nuts. But everybody's got dreams."

"Yeah. Your so lucky you can travel wherever you want. I can't."

"Why not?"

"Well, um…it's complicated." Lydia figured if she were to tell him about her illness, she might scare him off. It was better to change the subject.

"Fair enough. So, where are you from?"

"Well, I'm-"

"THERE SHE IS!"

"-Lady Lydia, there you are!" A rough hand coming from a second voice firmly grasped her arm. Lydia gasped.

"We've been looking for you everywhere. How many times have we told you not to wander off aimlessly in the wild? You could have gotten hurt! Your father will be worried sick! Now that we've found you, we are going to march right home and tell him exactly what you've been up to. You are not to leave work without us again!"

"But-"

"And who is this?" Lydia's attendant scowled. "You shouldn't be bothering this young man. What did we say about-"

"She's not a bother, ma'am," the boy quickly interjected. "And I'm in no hurry."

"Well, otherwise, we must be on our way. Lydia, say goodbye to your friend. Most likely you won't see him again," she retorted as she began to lead her back towards the road to Saffron City.

Panic-stricken, Lydia tried to run away, but the unrelenting woman stood her ground. Lydia struggled vigorously as the two attendants began dragging her away. What horrible timing…Lately she had been pretty good about not getting caught. Out of all the times she had to get busted, why now? This was the first time she actually talked to someone that long. The customers at work didn't count and her co-workers never gave her the time of day. To her delight, this boy was a pokemon trainer. A nice one at that. But as his face got smaller and smaller from view, Lydia let out a slight cry. Her lids closed. With her father strictly locking her away, it was just hopeless…
But she didn't expect what would happen next.

"...Hey."

Lydia's fingers trembled at the cool touch of the firm hand wrapping around her empty arm. Opening her eyes, she gasped in amazement. The mysterious boy had followed her.

"What do you think you morons are doing? Clearly, she doesn't want to go with you."

Lydia couldn't agree more.

"I think we're going to have a problem," he continued. "So...let her go."

"How dare you...Do you know who you are addressing?" The first attendant spat. "This is the daughter of Axel Oak, president of Sliph Cooperation! She is a fragile girl and must remain under her father's strict care. Keep up that insolent talk and I'll call the police for harassment!"

"I don't know, and I don't care. But...I was having a nice conversation with her." Without warning the youth swiped three pokeballs from his belt and quickly shoved them in the attendants' faces.

"If you don't let her go, then I guess I'll have to call my pokemon. So, what it's going to be?"

The attendants gulped.

"Now beat it."

Shrieking in terror, the attendants released their grips and scurried away as fast as they could in the direction they came. Lydia sighed in relish the moment they were completely out of sight. Turning to face her savior, she slipped her hands in his abruptly and happily shook them up and down.

"Thank you, thank you!" She was so happy she might as well be already dead. "I don't know what would have happened if they took me back! How can I ever repay you?"

The boy's face relaxed. "Hey, don't worry about it," he smiled nonchalantly. "I can relate. If you want to be a pokemon trainer, then you should just go and do it. No one should stop you."

Lydia could tell this person was extremely trustworthy. Not only did he train pokemon, but he saved her to boot. And he seemed like he had a good head on his shoulders. Pokemon trainers were so cool. She didn't understand why her father hated them so much. It only made sense that trainers were generally good, because most pokemon already were. Her mother told her so. Suddenly, Lydia's heart began to race. How she had always dreamed for a traveling companion to pop into her life, to someday waltz in and show her the ropes. This guy was starting to look like a great candidate. And then, finally, she could fulfill her deepest and most hidden desire...to become a pokemon trainer before she got sicker. Making friends would be nice too.

Lydia was so absorbed in her thoughts that she didn't notice the boy scanning the horizon. It was already dusk.

"Hey, it's getting late. I have to go. Uhhhhh, I've got a...job. Yeah, that's it."

"Oh," her face fell.

"Well, it was really nice to meet you...er...what was your name again?"

"Lydia."

"Lydia," he exclaimed hurriedly. "Got it." Taking note of Lydia's damp expression, the youth grinned before taking off. "Maybe we'll meet again someday!"

The day had certainly gone by quicker than Lydia had thought. Nonetheless, she was sure that it was the best one she had in months. Watching the boy slowly disappear from view, she could only wish the moment would never end.

"Aidan…" Lydia thought. She could have sworn that 'Aidan' meant 'fiery.' His name had a nice ring to it.

She was going to see this boy again.

(\__/)
(o'.'o)
(___)()
(-o-)(-o-)(-o-)

"…Lydia."

"Y-Yes?"

"You should be ashamed of yourself. You just don't listen, don't you? No matter how many times I tell you not to go outside unescorted, you continue to disobey my orders. And what's worse, your attendants had to call me at work!"

Lydia was in big trouble now. Not only had her father discovered that she was secretly was going out to the fields after work, but when she eventually arrived home later that evening her attendants immediately called him while he was in the middle of a business meeting to alert him of the situation. Whenever her father was in the middle of an important conference, he was not to be disturbed, or else he would throw a horrible tantrum. And he meant business. Lydia was sitting in a chair in his home-office, fidgeting nervously.

"I don't know what's the matter with you. Honestly. Your the most disobedient child I've ever come across. I'm only doing this for your benefit."

"But father, why can't I outside and travel like the other kids my age?" Lydia replied. "Even if it's just to the next town, like Cerulean City or something. It's so boring sitting indoors and reading all the time."

Her father sighed. "We've been over this, Lydia. What happened if you get sicker? Traveling requires strenuous activity that would only put your health in jeopardy. You know how dangerous Pokerus can be."

Lydia had been diagnosed with Pokerus ever since she was born. Not much was known about the disease expect that it was composed of microscopic life-forms that attached to pokemon, doubling their power in battle as time went on. For humans, it had an opposite effect: Pokerus slowly deteriorated a person's organs; the more a person used their body the weaker it would become. Her mother, Daisy Oak, was the first to acquire the illness after multiple exposure to pokemon who contracted it. No cure had been invented, and, unfortunately, her mother died attempting to find it.

"But that didn't stop mother."

"Your mother was different. She was born and raised in Pallet Town, where she worked under Professor Oak as an assistant. Her body was strong because she had plenty of traveling experience. And as his granddaughter, Professor Oak made sure to take good care of her. She became his successor. It was unfortunate that she happened to get sick, but at least her body was trained to endure pain. You don't have that luxury. We live in Saffron City now."

"That's not fair."

"Life's not fair, Lydia. We all have to deal with it."

"What if asked a couple attendants to walk with me to the next town? I've always wanted to see the surrounding cities."

"No."

"Why not?"

"Pokemon trainers may stop and battle you. You and your attendants don't have any pokemon of their own. Owning pokemon in this household is forbidden."

"Damn." Even so, Lydia was determined to get her way. There was no way she was going to spend the rest of her life cooped up indoors, especially if it meant she would eventually join her mother. Like Aidan had said, everybody had dreams. Just thinking of their meeting earlier in the day made Lydia smiled brightly. No matter what her dream was to become a pokemon trainer like her mother, and she would stop at nothing to get it. Discreetly she slid her hand in the back of skirt pocket and felt around for the special tool that always calmed her nerves. Still there. Thankfully her father hadn't found out about it.

"But I'm sure if someone came with me maybe I'd be alright," she inquired. "Besides, today I met this really nice pokemon trainer and-"

"You WHAT?"

Realizing what she had said, Lydia slapped her fingers over her lips. She was screwed.

"Lydia, I forbid you from ever seeing this person again! Do you understand me? Pokemon trainers are dangerous. They only use Pokemon with the sole purpose of robbing and harming others. Look at Team Rocket. Scoundrels like them have caused so much trouble, especially for my company. Fortunately I wasn't president at the time the previous incident occurred, but, for that reason, I must take caution. All Pokemon trainers cannot be trusted!"

"That can't be true!" Lydia cried. "Mother was a Pokemon trainer! My great-great grandfather Professor Oak was Pokemon trainer too! So is uncle Green. Their pokemon are kind to everyone!"

"Your Uncle uses pokemon for his profession, that is all. There is a difference between using pokemon for work and traveling around with them for selfish reasons."

"I want pokemon to be my friends, and I want to make friends too. I want to be a pokemon trainer like mother!"

"I FORBID IT."

"But father-"

"Don't talk back to me!" He bellowed. "From now on, I am doubling the attendants that go with you. Which, by the way, will now be working at the Pokemart with you. You are not to leave this house under any circumstances unless your going to work! As the President of Sliph Cooperation and the manager of the Saffron City pokemart, I will see this through. Further-"

An abrupt knock on the door cut him off from finishing his sentence. The door slowly opened to reveal the face of a quivering maid. No one liked answering the door when Axel was on one of his rampages.

"E-excuse me, P-President Axel, but you have a phone c-call…"

"Tell them I'll be right there," Axel's sighed, his face redder than a tomato. Bowing profusely, the attendant awkwardly closed the door.

"Lydia, that is all for today. I want you to stay in this room and think about what you've done. I expect you to see you at dinner." Axel swiftly rose from his desk and paraded towards the door.

Lydia bit her lip. She couldn't stand how her father was so cold, ruthless, and demanding all the time.

"And Lydia?"

"Yes?"

"Don't ever say you want to be a Pokemon Trainer again."

With that, her father slammed the door.

On the brink of despair, Lydia slid to the floor. There was nothing she could do to escape the power of her father. She sniffled and sobbed in attempt to keep the tears in, but soon she couldn't help the hot liquid from sliding down her cheeks. Why? Why didn't he understand? How could he expect her to live her live trapped in a mansion, with no friends? She barely even saw her father because he was working all the time at Sliph. The attendants paid her no attention other than to bark orders at her. The closest relative she had was her Uncle Green, but ever since her mother's death her father rarely let her see him. The more she voiced her dreams, the more her father seemed to push her away. And for the rest of her life, it would probably remain that way. She was completely alone.

…Or she would be, if it weren't for the hidden item kept in her pocket. Tears clouding her vision, Lydia fished through her skirt until she pulled out the tiny red and white pokeball she had been hiding from her father. Staring at it closely, it was so beautiful. Inside was the forbidden fruit she so desperately wanted to have. Slowly bringing it to her chest, she shivered slightly as the cool metal made contact with her skin. Her heart leaped with joy. Lydia recalled her tenth birthday when she went to visit Blue and Green, her aunt and uncle.

"Uncle Green! Uncle Green! Auntie Blue!"

"Hey squirt!"

Green held out his arms to the vivacious toddler running towards him. Scooping Lydia up in a warm embrace, he twirled her in the air round and round while she continued to giggle loudly. Finally, he set her down. Blue stepped forward and gave her niece a tight squeeze. Green raised an eyebrow. Usually when his mischievous wife got into close contact with people it meant she had a trick up her sleeve.

"And how is the birthday girl doing today, Lydia?" Blue asked.

"Great, Aunite!" she gurgled happily. "When daddy said we were coming to visit, I was so excited! Your house is very pretty."

The pair of lovers chucked in unison. "Glad you feel that way," Green chimed. Afterwards, he ventured to the end of the hallway and pulled out a small black box from the cabinet. Walking over to the over-excited toddler, who was now jumping up and down, he handed it to Lydia. She eyed the box curiously.

"What's this?"

"Today is a special day, squirt. Your ten years old now. To celebrate your birthday, your Aunt and I wanted to give you something special. It belonged to your mom."

"This was mommy's?"

"Yes."

"Yaaaaaaaaaaaaay!" Lydia squealed, thrashing the box excitedly through the air. "What is it? What is it? A necklace? A tiny poke doll?"

"Even better. Open it and see," he replied.

Her smile grew wider and wider as she opened the box. However, Lydia's face fell. Green frowned at her niece's sullen expression.

"What's wrong? You don't like it?"

"Uncle Green, the box is empty."

Green shot a glare at his wife, who was snickering at the gawking expression of her niece. Her mirthful gaze met the eyes of her frustrated husband. Blue grinned. "Aww, can't you take a little joke? It's so much more fun waiting for her to guess what it is!"

"Your so obnoxious," Green muttered.

"But you still married me."

Green paused. Turning away, his face was face flushed. She got him there. Lydia continued to look at them with no clue as to what was going on. She sneezed.

"Uncle Green? Auntie Blue?"

They both turned to face their bewildered niece. Blue grinned knowing she accomplished a job well done. "Sorry, Lydia. Look in the back pocket of your skirt."

Lydia dug through her back pocket and pulled out a red and white pokeball. The rays of the sun radiated off its smooth and polished surface. Whatever was inside this pokeball was going to be her first Pokemon. No matter how much she asked her dad he wouldn't give one to her. But, here and now, her uncle and aunt had given her the stepping stone for her dream. Her eyes glittered in excitement.

"Woooooow…a Pokemon!" she beamed. "What kind of pokemon is it?"

"Want to guess what it is, sweetie? You have 151 chances."

Green stared at her wife as if to say 'Don't ruin this moment.' Blue huffed and turned away. Clearly her husband had no patience for her antics.

"Fine, fine. You never knew how to take a joke."

"It's a Lapras. Green was pleased that for once his wife was actually giving him control of the situation. "Your mom gave it to me before she passed."

"Thank you so much! Now I can get to train Pokemon like mommy did!"

"Don't tell your father we gave it to you, okay?" Green added. "This will be our little secret…between you, your aunt, and me."

"I'll be the greatest Pokemon trainer there ever was! " Lydia challenged. "Just watch me!"

Green smirked. "As long as you promise us to be careful, take good care of it, alright?"

"I will!"

"So, what will you name him, Lydia?" Blue giggled.

"Ummmmmm….oh that's an easy one!" Lydia twirled in a circle. "I'm call him…Noel! He's like a celebration!"

"Just remember…Pokemon are the product of his or her trainer. If you take care of them with a kind and gentle heart, then they'll always be your friends. A good friend of mine told me this, and now I am telling you. Do you understand?"

"Yes! I'll do my best!"

Lydia sniffled. How far those days seemed to be.

But it was thanks to her aunt and uncle that Lydia still carried with her a remainder of her mother; a chance to believe that love between human and Pokemon was still possible for her. So, from that day on, she had been sneaking out in the mornings and after work to play with Noel. Laughing with him and making memories was what Lydia loved about Pokemon: together, there was nothing they couldn't do. How wonderful it must be to work hand and hand with Pokemon on a daily basis. When she was older her Uncle Green had told her that Noel was the Pokemon her mother had captured just before she died. Lydia couldn't have asked for a better partner.

"Oh, Noel…." she whimpered. "If only we could travel together, you and I…if only I could show you to my mother. She would be so proud."

Lydia gently stroked the pokeball with her fingers. For some reason, it made her think of Aidan. How lucky for him to be able to be free. He could love and train his pokemon as much as he wanted. To travel the land as far and wide as pleased, even all the way to Johto if he felt like it. She wondered what kind of pokemon he had. Maybe if she were to catch up with him he could teach her how to catch some.

There was only one way to find out.

- - - - -

Review and shoot me your thoughts!

Dedicated to Charlie, who inspired me to write, create, and learn.

Instrutilus · May 10, 2013

Re: Pokemon Special ~ The Next Chapter (Chapter 1)

Hmm, I like this story. The Characters are well written and their actions chronicled well. My only problem is the lack of description: I try to involve myself in the world you're portraying, but the lack of descriptions don't let me. I don't know what colour Lydia's eyes are, despite them being mentioned several times. And the world is a bit flat: the only time we see mention of a tree is when she's making for it. A bit more description to your world and characters and this would be one of the best quality fics on here. But otherwise, this is still rather high quality, I recommend people give it a read :L

nicolem_animefan · May 11, 2013

Re: Pokemon Special ~ The Next Chapter (Chapter 1)

Instrutilus said:
Hmm, I like this story. The Characters are well written and their actions chronicled well. My only problem is the lack of description: I try to involve myself in the world you're portraying, but the lack of descriptions don't let me. I don't know what colour Lydia's eyes are, despite them being mentioned several times. And the world is a bit flat: the only time we see mention of a tree is when she's making for it. A bit more description to your world and characters and this would be one of the best quality fics on here. But otherwise, this is still rather high quality, I recommend people give it a read :L

Thank you so much, that means a lot! >////< I really want to improve and make this story perfect, so I'm glad you pointed those things out. Maybe here and there I could edit it and provide more descriptions of the characters. Now that you mentioned it I didn't even mention what Lydia looks like! I feel like a dummy xD; The world itself is Kanto, one most know, so I'll try to recreate it the best way I can. Again, thank you so much!

Instrutilus · May 11, 2013

Re: Pokemon Special ~ The Next Chapter (Chapter 1)

nicolem_animefan said:
Instrutilus said:

Hmm, I like this story. The Characters are well written and their actions chronicled well. My only problem is the lack of description: I try to involve myself in the world you're portraying, but the lack of descriptions don't let me. I don't know what colour Lydia's eyes are, despite them being mentioned several times. And the world is a bit flat: the only time we see mention of a tree is when she's making for it. A bit more description to your world and characters and this would be one of the best quality fics on here. But otherwise, this is still rather high quality, I recommend people give it a read :L

Click to expand...

Thank you so much, that means a lot! >////< I really want to improve and make this story perfect, so I'm glad you pointed those things out. Maybe here and there I could edit it and provide more descriptions of the characters. Now that you mentioned it I didn't even mention what Lydia looks like! I feel like a dummy xD; The world itself is Kanto, one most know, so I'll try to recreate it the best way I can. Again, thank you so much!

Eh, don't worry about it, it's an easy mistake to make :L We get such a vivid image of our own characters in our heads we fail to remember that others won't have the same idea and thus we forget to describe them. And do remember, GSC/HGSS show that a lot can change in 3 years, imagine at least 17 years later in Kanto: there could be new villages and towns that grew as time went by (perhaps you can throw in references to spinoff games: Mintale Town from Pokémon Channel could be just South-East of Pewter, for an example from my Fanverse). Do be sure to describe the setting even if you think everyone would have the picture already, just incase something HAS changed =P

nicolem_animefan · May 13, 2013

Re: Pokemon Special ~ The Next Chapter (Chapter 2)

Pokemon Special: The Next Chapter

The Adventure Continues...
Lydia Oak, daughter of the president of Sliph Cooperation, has strict orders not to leave her house without an escort due to a strange medical illness that originally killed her mother. After successfully sneaking out one afternoon, Lydia bumps into a traveling Pokemon trainer, Aidan, whose friendly demeanor gives her the incentive to try venturing out into the world on her own. Unfortunately, she is caught by her father and put under strict house arrest. With Aidan being the only human-contact she has made outside her sheltered house life, Lydia decides it's time to make a change in her life.

Rating: Teen (Mild language, bloodless violence, suggestive themes)
Enjoy Chapter Two.

- - - - -

Chapter Two: VS Rapidash

The long awaited day had finally come.

At last, today was the day Lydia would set forth on her Pokemon journey. Today, which would have been an ordinary afternoon of reading, daydreaming, and imaginary planning, would be the day she made history.

Why, after all this time, did the thought never occur for her to just take off on her own? It was simple, really. Besides, if anything happened, she had Noel to look out for her. Either way, Lydia couldn't believe she was actually going through with this. Just thinking about the very moment when she'd take her first step outside her uncomfortable house and onto the cool, rough pavement in Saffron City made her insides shiver with pleasure. It would be the greatest moment of her young life. Her mother's spirit was practically screaming at her to go. As for her illness...no, she didn't want to think about it. It didn't stop her mother and it didn't stop her. Years ago she never felt like she possessed the courage to take the lead in regards to what she wanted. It seems that Aidan had given her the spark of hope she so desperately needed to pursue her dreams. She wondered if she could see him again.

Pacing furiously in a circle, Lydia scanned her room. Dirty laundry and other accessories from her childhood were scattered everywhere. So many thoughts were swirling in her mind. She grabbed the straps of her yellow backpack and plopped it on her bed. She didn't want to forget anything before she took off. The one good thing about working at a Pokemart was that it was extremely easy for her to stock up on supplies she needed for her adventure. She carefully unzipped the bag and scrutinized its contents. Everything seemed to be in order. Potions? Check. Empty Pokeballs? Check. Repels? Check. Town Map? Check. Content, Lydia nodded. She was good to go. Before leaving she took one last look at her monstrosity of a bedroom. She was sorely going to miss the feel of her warm, comfy bed, but she knew in the end she would return to Saffron City as a changed women.

Taking a deep breath, she swung her legs over her windowsill, threw down the ladder she had taken from her father's toolshed when he was in the middle of a conference call, and carefully climbed down.

As soon as her feet made contact with the pavement, Lydia dashed for the nearest side-street she could find. Her house was located next door to the main Sliph Company building and it would be a problem if someone saw her. It wouldn't be long before her attendants knew she had escaped and would probably come looking for her. But this time, no one was going to stop her. She was going to become a Pokemon Trainer and that was that. Every moment spent outside she was closer and closer to starting her journey. She wondered if Aidan would let her join him on his Pokemon journey if she asked. Surely someone as knowledgeable as him could teach her everything she needed to know about Pokemon. Minus that one moment when he had roughly challenged her attendants, Aidan's demeanor seemed friendly and trustworthy.

If she could find him, that is.

What Route had she met Aidan again? She was so focused on running away from her attendants that she wasn't watching where she was going. Was it Route 6? Route 7? Lydia wracked her brain to remember. Rummaging through her backpack she pulled out her Town Map. Taking a closer look, she squinted to make out the pathways and scribbles brightly decorated on the map. Lydia had once read in a textbook that Saffron City was known as "the tenth largest city in the Pokearth." The large Sliph Co. building stood firm as the city's centerpiece, while two Pokemon gyms dominated northern district. Not only was it the central business district of Kanto, it also held the region's largest infrastructure, including the Magnet Train Station, which allowed easy access between the five regions of Pokearth. They didn't call Saffron City the largest city in the region for nothing. Out of all her sixteen years of life not even Lydia had seen it all. Tracing a single finger through the pathways on the Town Map, Lydia carefully made her way to the Eastern District. Before she had time to react, a swift wind blowing from the northern direction snatched the map from her hands. Flying gently through the air, it stopped briefly before landing in an open pothole planted in the center of the street.

Lydia stood frozen, mouth agape. She was screwed. It was too risky to stop at the Pokemart to buy another one. By now her father probably knew she had left and was sending his attendants to take her home right this second. She was so used to being escorted everywhere she wanted to go that she never remembered where anything was. Her sense of direction was horrible. Even so, Lydia shook her head. This wasn't going to stop her.

"Think Lydia, think. Where was a place she could find information about traveling?" Lydia smiled brightly as the answer clicked in her head. "The Pokemon Center, of course!" The Pokemon Center was loaded with trainers who had tons of information about where to go in Kanto. She even remembered one time when a group of Nurse Joys were giving out free Town Maps. When Lydia was a little girl her attendants and her had walked by it more times than she could count. But no matter how many times she wanted to go in they would never let her. Thankfully, all of it was history. Now she was finally going to enter one for the first time.

So all she had to do was find the Pokemon Center. Taking the opportunity, Lydia surveyed the streets. Unfortunately there weren't many people walking around. Quietly she watched as a young women rounded the corner with a Vulpix. Lucky for her she also happened to be walking towards her direction. As the women approached Lydia ran up to meet her.

"Um, excuse me, miss," Lydia panted. "Do you know where the Pokemon Center is around here? I'm a little lost."

"The Pokemon Center?" The women pondered. "Oh, I just came from there. It's located in the Southern District of the city. See that corner? Walk in the opposite direction and take a left. It'll be eight buildings down on the right."

"Thanks!" Lydia bowed her head.

By now Lydia could hardly contain her excitement. Turning the corner into the southern district Lydia's eyes lit up at the wondrous sights before her. It was a beautiful afternoon in Saffron City. Vendors crowded the vicinity as people walked up and down the pleasant sidewalks. Pokemon of all shapes and sizes paraded through the streets. Lines to enter certain department stores were bustling with customers. The buildings seemed to sparkle as the sun's rays radiated off the building's architecture. There was something to love about the city in the afternoon. Lydia took a deep breath, taking it all in. After all the years of being trapped indoors she was drinking from the cup bearing the sweet taste of freedom. And it was so, so sweet.

"HELP! SOMEBODY HELP!"

The sound of a frightened voice quickly pierced Lydia from her pleasant state of mind. Clearly it sounded like someone was in trouble. She spun around. Scanning the sidewalks there didn't seem to be anything wrong near where she was standing. Lydia strained her ears to listen for the voice.

"HELP ME! Oh, please..."

Listening harder the cries seemed to be coming from an alleyway. Lydia slinked to the nearest side-street she could find. Peering around the corner, she gasped in shock at what she saw. Two men in black suits with a Golbat and a Raticate were apprehending a poor old man with an Abra. The Abra, frightened out of its wits, was quivering behind his frazzled trainer. The frail gentlemen was barely able to stand. Lydia watched in horror as the band of thieves slowly lured him to further and further from the view of the public eye. If someone didn't do something quick he would be severely injured.

Lydia panicked. She needed to act fast. If she had a Pokegear she would call the police, but her father never let her own one. Either way, she couldn't let this injustice slide. She watched as a couple with a Nidoran boy and a Nidoran girl leisurely paced in her direction. Judging by the fancy coats and accessories they were wearing they looked as if they lived in a rich neighborhood. As they walked past Lydia she sprang after them, out of breath.

"Please! You've got to help me," Lydia grabbed the arm of the middle-aged man. "There's a group of men who are terrorizing an old man! If we don't do something soon he could be really hurt...I'm begging you, please help!"

The couple exchanged unconcerned glances. Evidently they didn't want to be bothered.

"Now slow down there, kid," The man began. "Petty theft like that happens all the time in Saffron City. What did the men look like?"

Lydia shoved her fist towards the alleyway, struggling for breath. "Over there. Two men. They were wearing strange black clothing, with matching boots, caps, and suits. And they were carrying whips, too. In the center of their uniforms was a big, red R and-"

"-A RED R?!" The women shrieked. "Did you say a red R?!"

Lydia blinked. "Yeah. Why?"

"It can't be...TEAM ROCKET?! Oh, Jerry, the rumors were true! Team Rocket has returned! We've got to get out of here!"

"Don't worry, darling. Tonight we'll pack our bags and I'll buy some tickets for the S.S. Anne. We'll be on the next ferry to Johto by morning. Everything will be fine, you'll see..."

"That's too late!" She was sobbing uncontrollably. "It's not safe living here anymore! Even if it's one night, we're all doomed! DOOMED!"

Now Lydia was confused. "Who's Team Rocket?"

"You've never heard of them?" The women sniffled. "Bless your soul, child...Team Rocket is a group of thugs who use Pokemon to destroy and steal. They tried to take over Sliph Cooperation twenty-four years ago, but some trainers in Pallet Town warded them off. And then they attacked the eleventh league Pokemon tournament four years after...and who could forget about the Sevii Islands incident? Oh, the horror! When will they leave humankind alone?!"

Team Rocket? Huh. Lydia could have sworn she heard that name before. Her father might have mentioned them once or twice when he was referring to the past of his company, but she couldn't quite remember. Either way, whoever this 'Team Rocket' group was apparently they were pretty tough. Lydia watched as the older man desperately tried to comfort his wife, who was now screaming, with no avail. She shuddered. The fact that their name alone had caused the couple to react so strongly was clear they meant business. Even the couple's Pokemon looked terrified. No matter how many times she ignored them in the past, it seemed that her father's warnings about evil Pokemon trainers were not to be ignored.

The older man placed a firm hand on Lydia's shoulder. His face was now as white as a Ghastly.

"Listen, kid. You better go home and tell your folks to pack your bags. If Team Rocket is around then we're all in big trouble. And not just Saffron City. You said they were over there, right? Well, my wife and I ought to be going. NOW."

Before Lydia had time to react the couple went running and screaming in the opposite direction they had come from. Lydia gritted her teeth. No matter how strong Team Rocket was it didn't matter; if she didn't do something quick the old man would be in grave danger. He could already badly harmed, or worse. Lydia whirled around. She could hear the gentlemen's cries getting fainter and fainter. Surveying the streets she looked for someone else she could ask for help. A man in a business suit walked past her. She grabbed his shoulder in panic.

"Please, I need your help-"

"Hands off of me, you brat!" The man swatted her hand away.

Frantically waving her arms in the air, the force caused Lydia to lose her balance and crash into a puddle of water. She coughed slightly as the frigid sewage prickled her skin. She was soaked to the bone. Shaking off the droplets of liquid, Lydia quickly jumped to her feet.

"Fine." If no one was going to help her save the old man then she was going to do it herself. How horrible that nobody wanted to help a fellow senior in danger. Lydia didn't remember the residents of Saffron City to be so cowardly and mean.

Glancing at the alley, she gulped. It was now or never. Taking a deep breath, Lydia dove into the shadows. She crept as quietly as she could through the path before her until she could slightly make out the backs of the two terrorists in the distance. Feeling through her left pocket she firmly grasped her fingers over Noel's pokeball. Her heart was pounding faster than a Ponyta on a racetrack. At this point Lydia could faintly hear the words of the two members of Team Rocket. They seemed to be barking orders at the elderly citizen. Ducking behind a trashcan, Lydia leaned in to listen closer.

"Your being awfully stubborn, old man," The first grunt snickered at his companion. "All we're asking for is simply a few minutes of your time. We're looking for some information on the whereabouts of a legendary item our boss is searching for. Any ideas on where it could be?"

"I...I don't know what your talking about."

"Don't try to fool us," the second grunt spat. "We know all about your ability to tell the future. You have the exact skill our former ex-commander, Sabrina, possessed. And such an ability would be a wonderful asset to Team Rocket. Isn't that right, Mr. Psychic?"

Lydia's head was spinning. Legendary item? Psychic powers? Not exactly how she planned to spend her first day out on the road.

"Yes, it's true that I am able to predict the future," Mr. Psychic replied solemnly. "But such knowledge does no good in the hands of the impure. Even if I were to possess the information you seek, I would never indulge its secrets to the likes of you."

"Tsk. Not going to talk, eh? Well, I guess we're going to have to teach that puny Abra a lesson," the grunt with the Golbat retorted. Sensing its new pray, Golbat cackled in pleasure.

"Oh, no...not my Abra…my Abra is my closest companion," Mr. Psychic pleaded. "You can do anything you want with me, but please, I beg you, don't harm him..."

"Heh. We'll do as we please."

Lydia gasped as the terrorist kicked Mr. Psychic roughly in the chest. Letting out a slight cry, he briefly exhaled before crumpling to the ground with a thud. Abra squealed at the sight of its injured trainer. Trembling, it quickly scurried in front of Mr. Psychic and held out its arms. As Golbat and Raticate closed in Abra began to shake harder. Clearly it didn't have enough power to defend itself and Mr. Psychic. Lydia clenched her teeth. How disgusting. These thugs gave all Pokemon trainers a bad name. She was squeezing Noel's Pokeball so hard that it would have broken if it weren't made of metal.

"Golbat! Time for dinner!" The first Rocket commanded. "Use Leech Life!"

"You too, Raticate! Super Fang those weaklings!"

Lydia couldn't watch the scene play before her any longer. It felt as if a bomb was about to go off in her heart. She was unaware of how well she would do in battle, but either way she was about to find out. Readying Noel's pokeball, Lydia jumped from the security of her hiding spot and ran into the fray.

"S-STOP!"

Golbat and Raticate screeched. Team Rocket whipped around. They were certain that no one had followed them. But they were wrong. Making her way from the shadows, the determined face of Lydia slowly came into view. The sight of Mr. Psychic passed out on the floor made her stomach flip. Facing the ferocity of her attackers, Lydia stood as firm as she could. Team Rocket was going to pay.

"Well well well, look at what we have here. A little mouse is trying to interfere with the plans of Team Rocket," Golbat's trainer sneered.

"What's the matter, little one? You scared?" The second Team Rocket member teased. "You don't look so well."

Lydia clenched her teeth. No matter how hard she tried to control her muscles she couldn't stop her entire body from shaking. She certainly wasn't expecting her first opponents to be so...fearsome. Noel's pokeball remained firmly in her grasp. Lydia shook her head. Now wasn't the time to be afraid. Regardless, her arms and legs trembled as she took a step closer.

"S-stay back! I'm...I'm a Pokemon trainer, and I won't let you get away with this!"

"Hahahaha! You? A threat to the all-powerful Team Rocket? Don't make me laugh," the first grunt with the Golbat stepped forward. His eyes gleamed with malcontent. "I'm sure you know by now that Team Rocket takes its business very seriously. Most importantly, we generally like to keep our matters...private. It was a shame that you happened to follow us here, because now we can't let you live."

"Don't take it personally," Raticate's trainer added.

"Golbat! Obliterate them!"

"You too, Raticate! Crush this insolent worm!"

Golbat and Raticate immediately took positions for battle. Lydia gulped. She had never been in a Pokemon battle before. The odds of her winning at this point seemed slim. She recalled reading in a book called Pokemon Training For Dummies that a Pokemon match only allowed one on one battles. She sighed. Like Team Rocket would care anyway. But then again, it didn't matter how many Pokemon were used in the end. Losing wasn't an option if she wanted to get out of here alive. Lydia readied Noel's pokeball. Now was the moment she would shine as a new Pokemon trainer. Taking a deep breath before changing her mind, she tossed in in the air.

"NOEL! I choose you!"

The pokeball opened with a click. A flash of light exploded in the air. Sparkles emitted from the blast glittered left and right as the mysterious figure released began to form into an entity. Slowly the image took the shape of a sea creature with large, circular ears. The fading glow revealed the body of a Lapras, its gentle flippers squiggling on the ground. It was only a little taller than Lydia. At last, the true form of Noel had been revealed. Noel let out a gentle cry.

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHA!" The two terrorists snickered in unison. Clutching their stomachs they were practically rolling on the floor with laughter. Even Golbat and Raticate seemed to be cackling along with their trainers.

The first grunt wiped a tear from his eyelids. "This is hysterical! I've never seen a Pokemon as pitiful as yours. Your only making this easy for Team Rocket!"

"Raticate! Let's crush that puny runt!" The second grunt shouted. "Use Hyper Fang!"

"Golbat! Confuse Ray!"

Lydia was completely taken off guard as Golbat and Raticate lunged for Noel. She didn't think Pokemon battles were meant to be so fast. Before she knew it Golbat began shrieking horribly, its wings flapping vigorously in the air. The visible waves of confusion flooded Noel's ears and soon it began to teeter in dizziness. The attack even affected Lydia slightly, causing her to clamp her hands over her ears. The hideous sound was too much. At the same time, Raticate dove for Noel. Due to the confusion his neck was left completely vulnerable. As the sharp fangs swiftly made contact Noel howled in pain. Noel was now rendered completely defenseless.

Shoot. She had better come up with something fast. She had watched so many Pokemon battles on TV and she remembered that each trainer took turns and shouted battle commands at their Pokemon. Which, to say the least, seemed awkward. But now wasn't the time to contemplate. She had to act fast. Thinking hard, she recalled her uncle Green teaching her that Lapras knew three attacks: Sing, Growl, and Water Gun. She didn't know what any of the attacks did, but anything at this point was worth a shot.

"Lapras! Use Sing!" she hollered.

"Haha! Too Easy. Golbat, dodge it!" the grunt sniggered.

"Raticate! Fury Swipes!"

Noel moaned softly. Opening its mouth, little musical notes began to solidify in the air. The gentle melody swirled in the breeze, traveling slowly towards Golbat and Raticate. However, before it took impact, Golbat swooped in front of Noel. Beating its wings the music bounced off and traveled backwards towards the direction it came from. As Noel listened to the soothing sound, his eyes began to droop heavily. Struggling to keep his lids open he had no time to fight Raticate's advances; Raticate's claws ferociously dug into Noel's fragile, slippery skin. Noel wailed.

"N-Noel! Hang in there. Try a Water Gun!

But it was no use. Lapras was too immobilized to attack. Lydia cringed. She was losing. No; she was losing horribly. It was her fault Noel was getting hurt. It seemed there was some truth to her father's harsh words after all. Lydia wanted to whack herself on the head. Maybe it wasn't a good idea she left home after all. All she did was cause problems for her father, her attendants, and now her best friend. If she couldn't battle properly, then what use would she be as a Pokemon trainer? She might as well just pack her bags and go home. Funny thing was she probably wouldn't make it back alive. Now it was hopeless.

"RAPIDASH! FIRE SPIN!"

Suddenly out of nowhere a Pokemon sped past Lydia. Clopping rapidly on the pavement the fire erupted on its back as it sped towards its target. It was going so fast she couldn't make it out. Leaping between Noel and his attackers a burst of flame shot briskly out of its open mouth. Golbat and Raticate shrieked in misery. Within seconds they were lying on the ground, skin burnt. Team Rocket bawled in disgust. Whipping their heads around they inspected the area, searching for the secret enemy who had defeated their Pokemon. They were sure no one had followed them. Getting a closer view Lydia saw that the mystery Pokemon was a Rapidash. Whinnying in delight Rapidash stood proud, knowing it had successfully triumphed in battle. Lydia's eyes sparkled. What a beautiful, graceful Pokemon. But where had it come from?

"Good job Rapidash," A voice called. The sound of footsteps got closer and closer to reveal the concerned face of Aidan. Hastily he approached Rapidash. "We finally found where this man was hiding."

Lydia's face lit up. What good fortune Aidan happened to be passing through this way. It seemed odd that he was walking through an alley, but nonetheless she was excited.

"Aidan! It's me!" she waved her arms.

Aidan's eyes widened in surprise. He wasn't expecting to see Lydia.

"Lydia?! What are you doing here? Wha..."

The member of Team Rocket with the Golbat walked forward. He inched towards Lydia's face. "Hah! So the little runt had a helper. Very clever. I bet you think your hot stuff because your boyfriend came to your puny little rescue, eh, princess? Well think again. Next time, you won't get away unscathed."

"Hey." Aidan stepped between the grunt and Lydia, holding out his right arm. "She has nothing to do with this."

"Partner..." the second evildoer began. "The boss was talking about a kid who keeps interfering with the plans of Team Rocket. Could this guy be..."

Making the connection the first member of Team Rocket's face broke into a twisted grin. "Ah. So you've finally surfaced from the rotten hole you came from, boy. A trainer of your caliber has some nerve showing your face in front of Team Rocket."

Aidan clenched his teeth. After taking a quick glance at Lydia he dashed towards the terrorist, firmly snatching the collar on his neck.

"Watch your mouth," he uttered. "Don't think I'll ever let you get away with what your trying to do."

Lydia winced. Aidan had the same look in his eyes he did when he scared off her attendants yesterday. It seemed there was more to Aidan that met the eye. She shook the thoughts of the coldness of his voice away.

Amused, the grunt put his hands behind his head. "Alright, alright. I give. Mighty touchy, aren't we? Such a valiant little detective we have here. Well, oh well. It's a shame our time is running short."

Now the fire in Aidan's eyes was burning out of control. "Get out of my sight before I break your neck."

"Heh. A runt like you has no power over us. Team Rocket is always keeping its eyes on you," he smirked. Nodding towards his partner, the two began to creep towards the entrance of the alley. "If you're ever interested in joining our noble cause, we'll be waiting. The boss will welcome you with open arms. So sorry we don't have time to make the proper negotiations, but we must be on our way."

Before Aidan could pulverize them the second grunt tossed a smoke bomb towards the ground. Coughing and choking, the two trainers failed to pinpoint Team Rocket's location. Within seconds they had vanished. As soon as the smoke cleared, Aidan punched his fists. Everything happened so fast that it was all a blur to Lydia. Staring at Aidan, she sensed his uneasiness. He looked so different from the calm, happy-go-lucky youth she had met yesterday. Lydia wanted to ask what was wrong, but she decided not to pry. Lydia had a hunch Aidan was a good person. Not only did he help her twice, but he saved Mr. Psychic. Mr. Psychic...

"Mr. Psychic!" Lydia spun around to face the old man, who still was passed out on the ground. For a moment she had almost forgot he was there. At the sight of Mr. Psychic Abra was waving his arms frantically. Clearly Abra was worried for its trainer. Lydia reached down and scooped him in her left arm. Aidan followed and did the same.

"Are you alright?" she asked.

"I'm fine, child...Just fine. Thanks to the both of you," he replied solemnly. "Such kind souls...if this isn't an inconvenience, do you mind walking me to my home? It's just two houses down the block. Abra and I would be so grateful."

"Aidan, do you mind if I came with you?"

He hesitated for a moment.

"Okay. Let's go."

(\__/)
(o'.'o)
(___)()
(-o-)(-o-)(-o-)

Lydia and Aidan rode Rapidash to the quaint house of Mr. Psychic. Along the way he had been healed and all was well. Lydia was happy that he was feeling better, but she couldn't lie to herself that she was more concerned with how Aidan was doing. He hadn't said anything since the battle with Team Rocket, and even then he spoke little of his motives. Now that the two of them were sitting in the kitchen of Mr. Psychic's house it would be hard to get him to talk.

Looking around Lydia could tell Mr. Psychic lived comfortably. The one-story house was a combination of three rooms put together: a living room, a kitchen, and a bedroom. The walls were decorated with many portraits of Pokemon, sprinkled with some pictures of family portraits. A painting of a little girl with a Pokedoll was the main centerpiece of the house. Bookshelves crammed with books about Pokemon filled the lower right hand corner of the room. Tables were decorated with an assortment of random trinkets and accessories. Abra had curled up on Mr. Psychic's bed. In the kitchen area, Mr. Psychic was preparing coffee. The tray he had been assembling contained an assortment of Pikachu and Jigglypuff teacups. Bringing it to Lydia and Aidan, he plopped down in one of the kitchen chairs and handed them their cups. Before speaking, he took a nice, long sip.

"Thank you so much, children. I don't know what Abra and I would have done. Team Rocket has been on my trail for a while, I'm afraid." Mr. Psychic sighed. "I slipped up this morning. Abra and I must take caution from now on."

"If you don't mind me asking, sir, why was Team Rocket targeting you?" Lydia inquired. "I just learned about them earlier from some pedestrians today."

"I have what you call a unique ability. For centuries, people in my family has possessed the powers of Psychokinesis, which allows the user to predict a number of years into the future, create illusions, and much more. My daughter, Sabrina, used to work as the head commander of Team Rocket. As a small child she quickly become obsessed with her psychic abilities, isolating herself from the world and eventually pushed away my wife and I. Naturally, we were concerned for her. I pleaded for her to stop using her powers, but as a result she ran away from home. Eight years later, thanks to a spirited youth, she finally came to her senses and left those horrible thugs. But I have yet to see her since."

Lydia gasped. "That's so sad..."

"Indeed," Mr. Psychic nodded. His eyes looked as if they staring far into the horizon. "Thus, that is the sole reason why Team Rocket seeks information from me. I am the only known blood relative alive besides her who can fulfill their goals. And because her whereabouts are unknown, it gives them reason to ambush our home. As one might imagine, this worries me greatly. I can sense they are planning something horrible, almost more so than the Kanto-Johto crisis."

"Kanto-Johto crisis?"

"There are seven famous trainers in Pokearth history known for warding off Team Rocket and other terrorists over the past two centuries. Starting twenty-seven years ago, Team Rocket formed and attempted to destroy the cities of Kanto by using a device called a badge amplifier," Aidan responded. He crossed his arms, deep in thought. "Their first attack was taking over Sliph Cooperation. But a band of three trainers from Pallet Town were responsible for their defeat. Afterwards, another terrorist group known as the Elite Four attempted to do the same. Feeding off Team Rocket's original idea, they managed to use the badge amplifier destroy four of the major cities of Kanto. A fourth new trainer, with the help of the original three, was able to overcome their might. It took years to rebuild the cities after all the destruction that was caused. It was during that time Team Rocket reformed and began targeting other areas of Pokearth, specifically Johto. Three trainers living in that region, in combination of the previous four, triumphed over them. To this day they live normal lives."

"Correct," Mr. Psychic replied. He seemed pleased that the youth knew so much about Pokearth history. "Those trainers each posses a special power. In my lifetime I have been blessed with the opportunity to be acquainted with three of them: Green, Blue, and Red."

Lydia was baffled. Green? Blue? As in her uncle Green and aunt Blue?! Unless Mr. Psychic had been referring to another Green and Blue. Lydia took a moment to contemplate. She furiously wondered why her treasured relatives never bothered to enlighten her about their achievements. Accomplishing something that huge…gosh, they were practically famous! No, they were celebrities! And Red, she recalled a man by that name visiting her Uncle's house from time to time. Suddenly, little details began falling into place. Odd behaviors she never questioned in her childhood now made sense. In that moment, it felt like the room was spinning.

"I remember Team Rocket mentioning some rare item or something," Lydia took a sip of her coffee, trying her best to calm down. Drumming her fingers on the table she struggled to retain her focus. "What exactly are they looking for?"

"My child, I would gladly answer your question, but it seems your friend here would be better suited to ask. He has been searching for me for quite some time. Isn't that right, young man?"

Aidan remained silent. He stared at Mr. Psychic intently. Confused, Lydia turned to look him in the eyes. Besides the shock of her discovery, all the questions swirling in her mind about Aidan had yet to be answered. After a few more moments of silence, Aidan sighed.

"Yeah, it's true. I came to this region to to ask for your help. I'm searching for a legendary item called the Heaven's Stone. It's said that Pokemon who are exposed to its powers gain invulnerability. Legend has it that when Arceus created the earth he got bored that none of his creations possessed the strength to challenge him in battle. Eventually, he created the stone so that he could face off with an opponent worthy of finding it. Anyway, that's only a myth. But it's crucial that I find the stone and destroy it."

He paused, turning to face Mr. Psychic. "…This may not make sense, and I may seem like some random guy to you asking for dangerous information. As a part of…er, what I mean to say is, somehow I managed to figure out what they're planning to do with the stone once they find it. That's why I have to stop them. Please, sir, for the good of Pokearth, I need to know where it is."

Now everything clicked. Poor Aidan. He must have been through a lot after figuring out everything that Team Rocket was planning to do. Which, in her eyes, didn't seem good. Aidan must have tried to explain what was going on to the authorities many times but nobody had listened to him. That, or didn't posses the courage to take action. The land was peaceful. Lydia recalled the angry businessman and anxious couple she had run into earlier. Now she was more determined to follow Aidan then ever. He must have been lonely traveling by himself.

Mr. Psychic smiled. "There is no need to be so humble, young man. I can tell where the purity of your heart lies. Clearly, you have nothing but good intentions. I will tell you what you wish to know."

"Thank you sir," Aidan bowed his head.

"The Heaven's Stone is located at Mount Silver in the region of Johto. In order to get there you must travel to the center of the mountain. But beware, for many powerful Pokemon tread there. No trainer has ever been able to successfully cross the passage expect for Red. He was the champion of the tenth Pokemon league twenty-seven years ago." The thought of Red made Mr. Psychic nod in satisfaction. "There was never a man as powerful, agile, and pure-hearted as him," he continued on. "A true legend among all Pokemon trainers. But he hasn't been seen since. As for the stone, once you find the it, you must take it to Cinnabar Island, located south of Pallet Town, where you must then throw it into the fire and destroy it."

"Alright then. Seems simple enough," Aidan's eyes were gleaming with excitement. "It doesn't scare me one bit."

Lydia was lost in thought. She remembered vaguely when Red and his Pikachu came to visit her Uncle's house. Tall, energetic...and his wild black hair always covered by a cap. The thing that struck her was that his Pikachu rarely remained in its Pokeball, which was odd for a Pokemon. Images of Red and her Uncle having sparring matches in his backyard came to mind.

"Does Red have a Pikachu?" Lydia said aloud. "If that's him, I think I know him. He's a friend of the current Gym Leader of Viridian City."

"Why yes, that's absolutely correct," Mr. Psychic replied. "Red carried a Pikachu named Pika. Only met him once. What feisty little rascal it was."

"Lydia, do you know this guy?" Aidan questioned.

Lydia's cheeks were burning. She still hadn't adjusted to the idea she was related to such famous relatives.

"Um…sort of," she mumbled. "He's, um, a friend of my Uncle Green."

"Your UNCLE?"

Lydia slid further down her chair. Hunching her shoulders she immediately started twirling a strand of hair.
Aidan's eyes were bulging. "Woah, hold on…are you actually saying that your related to one of the legendary trainers?!"

"Haha, yeah. Two, actually. Blue is my aunt."

"Man...Green is a legend. Only a handful of trainers have been able to beat him. But I'm going to challenge him someday," Aidan tightened his hands into a fist. "With my friends at my side, no Pokemon trainer will be able to stand against me."

"And more than that," Aidan prayed silently. There was something he wanted that a professional like Green just might be able to help him with. Something that he'd been desperately searching for all his life. But he remained silent, for he swore that he would never speak of it.

What luck that Green and Blue were relatives of Lydia's. That changed things.

Mr. Psychic chuckled. "I know who you are, my boy. You have a fiery spirt. It's very similar to your...well, never mind. I sense that your journey will lead you to what you are looking for. However, be aware that with gain, there is loss. You and your Pokemon are destined to succeed. I guarantee it. But in exchange, you will lose something precious to you. A gift that cannot be seen in the present."

Aidan raised an eyebrow. "What could be more valuable than my Pokemon?"

Mr. Psychic glanced at Lydia. "I cannot say. But in time, everything will become clear. Even you, young lady. You are going to accomplish great things in the future, achieving things you never thought you could do. Both of you, know your weaknesses and take caution. Then you will be fine."

Lydia gulped. Mr. Psychic had the power to tell her anything she wanted to know. Even about the thing she dreaded most...her health. She glanced at Aidan. If he found out he would never acknowledge her as a companion. But if she really was going to follow through with Pokemon training, she needed to know the truth.

"Sir...um, if you can tell the future, then you would probably know the answer to a question of mine. I was just wondering what kind of journey I'll have, or, um, how far it will take me. It's just, I'm not used to traveling, is all."

Mr. Psychic took the hint. "As I said before, your path will be successful. There will be many victories and good fortune. But...also, there will be many trials, and many difficulties. Eventually, there may be a point where you are unsure of your destiny. It will confuse you. Without taking care, you may succumb to your weaknesses...and fall, in a years time."

Lydia froze.

One year.

She had one year to live.

"I...I see," Lydia replied in the calmest way possible. "I take it that there's no way around this."

"I cannot fully predict what lies ahead. But never despair. If you are able to overcome your greatest trial, there may be hope for you yet."

"T-Thank you, sir," Lydia bowed her head.

"Well, it's settled then," Aidan grinned.

Lydia found herself gazing out the window. If only he knew. Mr. Psychic's words swirled in her mind.

"If you are able to overcome your greatest trial, there is hope for you yet."

...If she really only had a year to live, then she couldn't hesitate any longer. She was going to be a Pokemon trainer. And, hopefully, finish what her mother started. Finding a cure to Pokerus.

"No use worrying about it now, though," she thought. Her path was set. Taking a quick glance at the Meowth clock on the wall it had become late very fast. Lydia yawned. Everything had been so overwhelming that it immediately tired her out. Mr. Psychic was very kind, but sooner or later she was going to have to rent a room somewhere. Maybe if she was lucky the Pokemon Center was still open. Lydia didn't notice Aidan eyeing her intently.

He stood up. "Mr. Psychic, I appreciate you aiding me with my quest. Thanks to you I'm one step closer to my goal. But it's awfully late and Lydia and I should really be going."

"Uh, y-yes!" Lydia was taken off guard. She bowed her head. "Thank you very much for your kindness, Mr. Psychic. It was a pleasure meeting you!"

"There is no need for thanks, children. What you have both done today is a noble act, and such compassion will be rewarded. I wish the two of you best of luck on your journeys. Take care."

As Lydia and Aidan made there way for the door, Aidan inched towards Lydia's face.

"Hey Lydia, what was that all about?" he whispered.

"It's nothing," she stammered.

After Lydia and Aidan said their final goodbyes to Mr. Psychic the door closed slowly behind them. It was the middle of the night in Saffron City. Now that she and Aidan were alone, Lydia wanted to ask him if he would let her come with him. It sounded like his quest was dangerous. All the better for her, because she wanted to experience life the best way she possibly could within her limited timeframe. But before she mustered up the courage to speak, Aidan turned away. Putting his hands in his pockets, he remained silent for quite some time. Lydia's heart was pounding a mile a minute. Finally, he spoke.

"So, where should we go from here?"

"Huh?" Lydia blinked.

"Today was long," Aidan sighed. With a yawn he stretched his arms over his head. "Man, I'm exhausted. How about you?"

"Y-yeah!" she fidgeted. She wasn't exactly sure where he was going with this. And she couldn't pretend a part of herself was still scared of Pokemon trainers. Even so, she really wanted to trust Aidan. He was so mysterious…but he was kind, too. Definitely not scary.

"Haha, no need to be so tense," he gently slapped her on the back. "I guess your not the type to get out much, huh?"

"No. Not really."

She paused. This was her chance. "But…well…I was wondering, um, if you were, uh, looking for a traveling companion or something! Er, you know, since you've been traveling alone for a while! I think your really cool, and really nice!"

Aidan was shocked by her sudden outburst. For some reason he felt a prickling sensation spreading throughout his cheeks. It was odd how after they had only met recently Lydia was so willing to trust him that quickly. There was something about her that he couldn't quite place. Judging from her cranky attendants she must have come from a rich family. It would explain the reason why she seemed so sheltered. Recalling their encounter yesterday, Lydia seemed so determined to leave Saffron City and escape her life at home. It seemed they both were in the same boat, running away from the troubles in their lives. He had been traveling alone for as long as he could remember. Maybe it wouldn't hurt to have someone tagging along. And while Aidan couldn't deny that he needed Lydia's connections, nonetheless she intrigued him. His mind was made up.

"You know, your pretty funny," he beamed. "It seems like you really want to leave the city. How about joining me on a little adventure? The fact that we've bumped into each other more than once probably means that we're supposed to work as a team anyway."

Lydia smiled brightly at the sound of Aidan's proposal. By sheer luck she had been given a chance to start her Pokemon journey. For a split second, she bowed and counted her blessings.

"Thank you so much!" Lydia turned to face Aidan. "It's always been my dream to become a Pokemon trainer. But I don't know anything about where I should go or what I should do."

Aidan grinned. "Leave that to me. It's going to be tough, but I'll show you the ropes. If you think you can handle it, that is."

"Gotcha."

"So whaddya say, Lydia? Up for some excitement?"

Aidan had taken the words right out of her mouth.

"Yes!"

"Glad to hear." He offered her his hand. "Let's shake on it."

Lydia couldn't believe this was actually happening. Over the span of the last forty-eight hours she was able to experience so many wonderful things. If only she could tell her mom how everything was going. Finally, after all the long, hard years indoors, the road to becoming a Pokemon Trainer was in her grasp. It was time to set off on her adventure.

Lydia couldn't have asked for a better partner.

~ ~ ~

Dedicated to Charlie, who inspired me to write, create and learn.

Review and shoot me your thoughts!

nicolem_animefan · May 13, 2013

Re: Pokemon Special ~ The Next Chapter [CHAPTER TWO POSTED]

Bump for chapter two! More importantly, to the mods: Is there a way I can move this post so it's next to my first one? I don't want to break the rules x__x;

Instrutilus · May 16, 2013

Re: Pokemon Special ~ The Next Chapter [CHAPTER TWO POSTED]

Y'don't have to put them next to each other, here's fine. Just add a "Contents" at the start and all will be well.

Anyway, I enjoyed this chapter well. Though that rich couple was....well, let's just say they could feed the entire Kalos region with that much cheese. And I can see a romance blooming between these two, though do try and keep it slow: I hate when hints are dropped and 10 chapters in there's a relationship inprogress.

Regardless, I still recommend this. I look forward to future chapters.

nicolem_animefan · May 16, 2013