Pokémon Johto Journey VOL. 1

(I do not own Pokémon.)

Chapter 1: The Johto Region! A Starter Problem?

Trudging across the forest, Ash, Isamu, Misty, Brock, and Luna were making their way across the forest in order to head for New Bark Town in the Johto region, where Isamu, Ash, and Luna would be able to register for the Johto League.

After the Ketchum brothers had won in the Orange Islands Championships separately, and with Ash's defeat against Gary, the younger Ketchum brother became determined to surpass his rival by entering the Johto League so that he would be able to do better than he did during the Indigo League.

But while the group was traveling in the forest, they soon realized that the forest was getting much deeper than it was as they continued to make their way. That was, until both Pikachu and Eevee seemed to have noticed something.

"Pika Pi!"

"Eevee! Vee!"

Both Ash and Isamu stopped, causing the others to stop and look up at their starters, with the younger brother was the first to question them.

"What, Pikachu...?" Ash asked as Isamu caught on what the two were seeing before he questioned the others.

"Hold on a second... That branch... Didn't we pass by it before?" Isamu asked, causing Misty to widen her eyes before she crumpled down on the ground, with Togepi remaining in her arms.

"Ash... Isamu... You mean...!? UGH! NO! We've been walking around in circles all day! Ash, you said you knew where you were going and we're totally lost now! Where do we go!?" Misty demanded in frustration.

"Misty, calm down. Just because we're lost again doesn't mean you have to be so short-tempered about it. This isn't the first time we got lost, and we were able to get through those bitter times, remember?" Luna asked.

"Well, you're right, but still...!" Misty protested until the younger brother glared back at her.

"Well, if you're so smart, then why don't you be the one to decide?" Ash asked sharply, causing the Cerulean Trainer to narrow her eyes before she got up from her crumpled state, with Luna helping her up.

"That's a good idea! I'll find a way out of here!" Misty assured as she looked around. The others awaited for her words as the Water Type user continued to look around in the woods to see where they could make an exit out of the forest.

"Well, Misty? You have any ideas on how to get out of here? We can't stand here forever." Isamu asked, as he folded his arms with a frown. Deep down, he knew that even Misty was clueless on which way that they needed to go.

"Don't rush me, Isamu! I just have to think!" Misty explained, much to the younger brother's amusement as he taunted Misty about it.

"Well! This is gonna be a brand new experience for you!" Ash teased, much to the Water Type user's annoyance as she glared at the younger brother at his taunt.

"WE'RE NOT LOST BECAUSE OF ME!" Misty snapped, only to be shoved back by Brock as the Kanto Breeder pried both Ash and Misty apart.

"HEY! Yelling never solves anything! So, just calm down! You two have to be more mature like the rest of us are!" Brock yelled out, causing Isamu to scratch the back of his head in annoyance, with no hint of a smile appearing on the elder brother's face.

"Well then, what do you suggest we should do? So far, we've been walking around in circles, so there's no way for us to know which way could be the right path or not." Isamu asked, causing Brock to think.

But before the Kanto Breeder could think of an option, Togepi blinked several times before she squealed happily as she jumped out of Misty's arms! The group all watched as the newborn Pokémon began to walk off!

Both Pikachu and Eevee quickly went after the newborn Pokémon, as did the others as they watched the little Pokémon trio leave.

"Pikachu!"

"Eevee!"

The Ketchum brothers rushed after their starters to see where they were going. But just as they caught up with the three Pokémon, they both widened their eyes in surprise to see what they were seeing with their eyes.

"Ah..." Ash breathed out, with Isamu widening his eyes in disbelief.

"What is that...?" asked the elder brother as the two laid their eyes on a mysterious Pokémon that seemed to be covered in blue aura. It was standing on a rock that seemed to be in the middle of a lake.

It didn't take notice of the Ketchum brothers and their young Pokémon friends, but it was quite a sight for the boys to see right now...

[Pokémon: OK! Opening (English Subbed)]

OK!

(The opening title appears)

OK! Let's move on

(Ash and Isamu appear together and run together)

OK! If we're together, we'll be all right

(Pikachu and Eevee joins the two brothers)

OK! The winds are changing

(Misty and Luna appear together and joins)

OK! But that dream won't!

(Brock and Lorcan appear together and joins)

(Ho-Oh and Lugia clash with each other in the sky)

We'll go through it all for that thrill
And through we won't notice

(The group runs together, passing through many wild Pokémon)

The key to the door to the new world is
Getting something unknown

(The group jumps over rocks to get past the river, while seeing many Water Types!)

(The group slides down on a grassy hill, with each of them riding on a leaf)

(Gary appears with his Eevee jumping onto his shoulder)

Golden sun & silver moon
The lady sun and the lord moon

(The group are sitting together, getting ready for lunch together along with their Pokémon)

Are always changing faces
And protecting everyone

(Chikorita, Cyndaquil, and Totodile gets close to Ash as he smiles)

(Delia, Mr. Mime, Prof. Oak, Yellow, Tracey, Nurse Joy, Officer Jenny appear altogether)

(Mewtwo floats with Mew floating playfully)

And, then, so...

(A shadow of Suicune stands in a forest near the river)

OK! Let's swallow our fear!

(A red-headed Trainer appears with a Pokéball and a smirk)

OK! A prideful move, "Bravado"

(Eevee, Pikachu, and Togepi all ride on Hoothoot, Heracross, and Ledyba)

OK! Though I don't know their names or voices

(Ash prepares a Pokéball and faces Isamu in battle, who gets ready in return)

They are waiting for me!
I want to meet them!

(Chikorita, Totodile, and Cyndaquil all launch their attacks separately)

(Ash and Isamu command Pikachu and Eevee to use Thunderbolt and Shadow Ball)

OK!

(The group runs and stops at a cliff together with many Kanto and Johto Pokémon)

[Opening Ends]

The Ketchum brothers still had their eyes on the Pokémon that was standing on the rock that was in the middle of a lake. While they were gazing at it, Misty, Brock, and Luna had arrived to see what the boys were seeing.

"A Pokémon?" Brock questioned, with Misty noticing its beauty of the blue aura.

"It's beautiful..." Misty commented as Luna just watched with a smile of agreement.

Just as the two former Gym Leaders spoke their words, the mysterious Pokémon turned to where the group was, causing both Ash and Isamu to tense at the eyes staring at them and their friends.

"It is..." Ash breathed out while Isamu remained silent. But just as the younger brother spoke a word, the mysterious Pokémon narrowed its eyes before it jumped out of the lake and disappeared out of sight!

Ash gasped at this while Luna sighed in disappointment to see it gone so soon.

"It's gone... And it was so beautiful, too..." Luna added with a sigh before Ash tried to chase after the disappeared Pokémon.

"Ah! Wait! Come back- AH!" Ash started to yell until he slipped on the hill!

"Ash, no!" Isamu yelled as he tried to go after him, only for him to slip as well! Eevee, Pikachu, and Togepi fell along as Luna was the next one to fall, which caused her to shriek in surprise.

Misty and Brock ran after their three friends before they slipped on the hill too, causing the five Trainers and the three young Pokémon to crash all the way down at the bottom of the hill!

No one noticed that a familiar Jigglypuff had somehow followed them, before the Normal Type cheered happily as it jumped down to slide down the hill, heading to where the group had fallen to.

Later...

After recovering from the fall the group had to take, the five Trainers were trudging once again to get out of the forest, with all of them feeling weary from all the walking they had to, especially Ash, who had to use his knees to walk all the way out.

"I don't think I can go much further..." Misty panted in exhaustion.

"Me neither..." Brock groaned, with Isamu feeling a bit annoyed about it.

"Nothing much we can do though, until... Huh? A sign?" Isamu started to say before he stopped at a sign, which the others noticed before they looked to see a large town up ahead.

"Look! That must be New Bark Town up ahead! We're finally here!" Luna exclaimed, causing the group to feel in ease as they had finally reached the destination that they all wanted to get to while arriving at the Johto region.

"ALRIGHT!" Ash exclaimed before Isamu reminded his brother of the Pokémon they could see at Johto.

"Hey, Ash... You think we might be able to see more Pokémon like the one we saw back at the lake? The one that disappeared, I mean..." Isamu asked, causing the younger brother to blink before he understood what his brother meant.

"Yeah..." Ash breathed out as he recalled the mysterious Pokémon that ran off when it took a good look at the five Trainers.

"But who was that Pokémon? Is it a Pokémon that lives in the Johto region? Because I don't ever recall seeing or hearing about a Pokémon like that back at the Kanto region..." Luna asked, causing Isamu to shrug in response.

"Could be... Who knows. But still... The important thing right now, is that we're finally here at New Bark Town that's just up ahead!" Isamu reminded before he pointed at the town up ahead.

Ash smiled before he noticed to see the Kanto Breeder reading the words from the sign that they just arrived to.

"'New Bark Town... This way to the town where new beginnings blow.'" Brock read before he smirked at the realization.

"YES! Our new adventure starts right here!" Brock exclaimed, causing the group to watch the town that was ahead of them, which would be the town where they start their journey at the Johto region.

"Where winds of new beginnings blow... I can almost hear the crowd of my first Johto League match..." Ash thought with a smile before Isamu stepped up besides him, having the same smile that Ash had on his face.

"I can feel the wind now... It looks like this is where it really starts, huh?" Isamu asked, causing Ash to nod at his brother, before he realized the new tone that his brother was speaking in.

"Right... And big bro? About your voice, I..." Ash started to say, only to get a small glare from the elder brother.

"Don't say it, Ash. I know that you're sorry... I understand that. It was to save our Pokémon, right? That matters the most than what happened to me." Isamu reassured his younger brother, despite of Ash's look of protest.

"But I..." Ash started to say before he bit his lips. Despite of Isamu's continuous reassurance that he was fine, the younger brother couldn't help but feel that Isamu's new voice because of his throat being damaged from one of their battles against Team Rocket.

The younger brother felt responsible, as his reckless action ended up making Isamu talk more differently. To that point, Ash had began to believe that he might hurt Isamu more because of his possible actions later in the future, but he didn't remain distant of his elder brother.

Thanks to Luna and Isamu both reassuring him, the younger brother remained close to his brother.

"Yeah... Thanks, big bro." Ash spoke back, earning a nod and smile from his elder brother.

"Hah... YAH! I'm ready!" Ash exclaimed, surprising both Misty and Luna a little, as the Water Type user was the one to ask.

"What do you think he's ready for, Brock?" Misty asked, allowing the Kanto Breeder to explain.

"He's ready to overcome every obstacle to achieve his ultimate destiny." Brock explained calmly, causing Luna to make a sheepish smile while Misty sweat dropped at the blunt response.

"Oh... that." Misty spoke in disbelief as both Eevee and Pikachu jumped onto their Trainers' shoulders to side with them all the way.

"Pika Pi!"

"Eevee!" The two cried out with Ash getting ready to prepare for the Johto challenge.

"The journey starts right now, Pikachu! Look out, Johto League! We're on our way!" Ash exclaimed, with Pikachu crying out his agreement. But before the younger brother could make a dash to where the place would be, Isamu was the one to stop him on his tracks.

"Not so fast there, little bro. Did you forget? We came to New Bark Town to get yourself, Luna, and me registered for the upcoming Johto League." Isamu reminded, causing Ash to stop before he blinked.

"Oh yeah... That's right. Well then... Look out, Johto League! We're gonna register!" Ash exclaimed by pumping his fist in the air.

"Pika Pika!" Pikachu agreed before Ash asked for some change for the registration.

"Do you guys have any cash in case they charge a fee?" Ash asked, causing the others to fall over, with Isamu and Luna both sweat dropping at the younger brother's stupidity for how the registration is done.

"There's no fee! You just sign up at the Pokémon Center! Come on!" Brock snapped before he began to lead the way, allowing the others to follow after him.

"I bet there's a Nurse Joy in charge of this Pokémon Center, too..." Misty spoke, causing Luna to sigh before she elbowed Misty a little, causing the Water Type user to wince before Luna spoke in reminder.

"You just had to remind Brock of that, did you...?" Luna asked, causing Misty to blink before she realized what she had just said as she noticed the Kanto breeder looking all flushed while having a silly grin on his face.

Later...

Brock was the one to rush into the Pokémon Center to greet the nurse as he called out to her in the front desk.

"Ah! Nurse Joy..." Brock started to say before Chansey rose from the counter to greet the newcomers! The Kanto Breeder frowned at seeing the nurse's assistant, before informing her of who they were looking for.

"Chansey, you're not Nurse Joy..." Brock pointed out, only to get a kick on the leg from Luna, who glared at him for his harsh words.

"Don't be so harsh, Brock. Chansey does the hard work of looking after the Center when Nurse Joy isn't around. Speaking of, where is Nurse Joy, Chansey?" Luna asked, only for Chansey to press on the button on the front desk!

A screen lowered down for the group to see as Nurse Joy's face popped up on the screen!

"Welcome, all Trainers! I'm Nurse Joy!" Nurse Joy spoke out in the screen, much to Brock's ecstasy as he grinned at the sight of her.

"Ah... There she is." Brock sighed before the others questioned of why a message was done.

"That's funny..." Misty commented, with Ash asking the obvious question.

"Why is she on TV?" Ash asked, before the group listened to what the nurse needed to say.

"I'm over at the Elm Laboratory right now, and I'm sorry I'm not here to help you! But I'll be back at the Pokémon Center no later than 2'o clock this afternoon!" Nurse Joy assured, causing the group to now understand of her current absence.

"Guess we've got to wait..." Ash suggested before the group turned to the clock.

"Didn't she say at 2?" Misty asked before Isamu noticed something wrong as he frowned.

"It's already 3:30... She's awfully late." Isamu commented before Luna tilted her head in both confusion and worry.

"Do you think something happened over at the Elm Laboratory?" Luna asked, before Brock ran over to snap at his young companions for their aloofness.

"WE CAN'T JUST SIT OR STAND HERE AND THINK EVERYTHING'S OKAY! DON'T YOU UNDERSTAND THAT NURSE JOY MIGHT BE IN SOME KIND OF TERRIBLE DANGER!? LET'S GO FIND HER!" Brock yelled out loud.

WHACK!

Brock found himself twitching on the ground with Luna's face being darkened as she sighed in annoyance.

"First, you need to cool down. Otherwise, you might overheat when we come to face Nurse Joy." Luna reminded, causing Ash and Misty to pale while Isamu gave a sheepish smile for the rough action Luna had done just now.

"If Arcanine was seeing this instead of being inside of his Pokéball, then he would be smirking proudly for her..." Isamu thought before the group began to take their leave to where the Elm Laboratory could be.

It wasn't much later when the group arrived at a building where it seemed to be surrounded by the police force.

"Wonder what's going on here...?" Misty asked, with Isamu folding his arms.

"Not good, obviously. Why else would the police and Officer Jenny be here? Look. She's over there." Isamu pointed out, causing the Kanto Breeder to immediately dash for the officer with a bouquet behind his back.

"I can't believe it's her!" Brock exclaimed, causing the others to watch in bewilderment as he greeted Officer Jenny formally.

"Hello, Officer Jenny! I'm Brock! And I'd like to present you with a small token of my admiration!" Brock explained, catching the officer by surprise as both she and Growlithe turned to see the Kanto Breeder offering a bouquet.

"Perhaps you'd like to get together this evening for a nice, quiet... AUGH!" Brock started to say before he was dragged away forcefully by Misty, who held him on the back of his vest. She grumbled at another embarrassing moment Brock had got himself into.

"I better haul you off before she does! And just when Luna told you to cool down!" Misty grunted angrily as the others approached the officer to know where they were right now.

"Excuse me, Officer Jenny. Could you please tell me where we could find the lab of Prof. Elm?" Ash asked, only to get a smile from the officer as she turned to the building that was behind her.

"We happen to be standing right in front of it!" Officer Jenny responded, much to the younger brother's surprise as Isamu took a better look at the lab. There seemed to be some sort of stage up ahead where an event could be held.

"It looks a bit similar to Prof. Oak's laboratory, huh..." Isamu commented, with Eevee giving a silent nod of agreement.

"Looks like trouble! Don't worry, Officer Jenny! Just leave this one to me!" Brock exclaimed as he dashed ahead to where the lab entrance was! The others watched in surprise as Luna glared at the Kanto Breeder for his rush.

"Ugh! Brock, you get back here! Nothing good is going to happen if you just rush in! Hey!" Luna exclaimed as she made chase after him.

"Geez..." was all Isamu grumbled out before he ran after his two companions, causing Ash and Misty to run in after them.

"Guys! Wait a second!"

"Hey!" The two called out as they all ran inside the laboratory, much to the officer's surprise as she called after them.

"You can't go in there!" Officer Jenny exclaimed as she ran after the five Trainers.

Meanwhile...

Nurse Joy was glaring at the man with a lab coat. The man held his head, seemingly with shame as he began to blame himself for what happened to his lab just now.

"It's all my fault... I should've been paying attention." The man groaned, only to get a lecture from the nurse.

"Well, maybe if you got out of this lab once in a while, you'd start to notice what's going on around you! Now what are you gonna tell that new Trainer when she comes here to pick up her Totodile!?" Nurse Joy snapped.

The man scratched the back of his head apologetically before he tried to explain of why he wasn't able to know what was going on earlier.

"I'm so sorry... But I was observing a very unusual cell division..." The man tried to explain, only to be snapped at by the nurse once again.

"Stop making excuses for yourself, Professor!" Nurse Joy snapped before Brock rushed over to greet the nurse.

"Have no fear! Brock is here!" Brock exclaimed, catching both the nurse and the professor by surprise before the Kanto Breeder grinned sheepishly at catching the nurse's attention.

"And may I say you're looking lovely...?" Brock started to ask, before he was knocked down onto the ground by Luna!

"Stop it, Brock! We don't have time for you to be making lovely advances towards both Officer Jenny and Nurse Joy when they have their own jobs to do!" Luna snapped, catching both the nurse and professor by surprise.

"Could someone tell me what's going on here?" Nurse Joy asked, as Isamu, Ash, and Misty soon arrived with the elder brother trying to explain.

"Well, you see..." Isamu started to say before Officer Jenny interrupted with a stern tone and expression.

"You kids can't come barging in here in the middle of a police investigation!" Officer Jenny snapped, much to Ash's confusion as he tried to ask.

"Investigation?" Ash repeated in confusion, before Nurse Joy explained with a sad expression.

"I'm afraid someone has stolen a Pokémon!" Nurse Joy explained, much to the group's surprise.

"Stolen a Pokémon!?" The five Trainers all exclaimed in unison.

Later...

Officer Jenny led everyone outside to where the stage was set up for some sort of event as the officer explained as to what the case was.

"A new Trainer's very first Pokémon is gone! That poor girl... That poor Totodile..." Officer Jenny explained, causing the group to question as to what Pokémon the officer was referring to.

"Totodile?" The group all asked in unison before the Professor, now known as Prof. Elm explained with another Pokémon in his hands.

"You see, I was supposed to give this Totodile and this Cyndaquil to two new Pokémon Trainers tomorrow!" Prof. Elm explained, allowing the group to take notice of one of the Johto starter Pokémon.

"Hey, look at that!" Ash exclaimed, with Brock recognizing the Pokémon immediately.

"It's a Cyndaquil!" Brock stated as the Pokémon, now known as Cyndaquil gave a soft cry at seeing the new humans and Pokémon before it.

"It's so cute!" Misty commented before the Cyndaquil sneezed! Flames erupted on its back, causing everyone to yelp in surprise until the Professor explained as to why this happened.

"Don't be alarmed! This is normal behavior!" Prof. Elm assured, with Pikachu, Eevee, and Togepi greeting the young Fire Type.

"Pika Pika!"

"Eevee Vee!"

"Togepi!" The three cried out, causing the Fire Type to squirm a little, as if it was feeling a little timid of meeting the new Pokémon it hasn't seen before.

"Maybe I should explain things more fully... New Bark Trainers get to choose one of three! A Chikorita! A new Trainer just picked this one up just the other day! It's a Grass Type!" Prof. Elm explained as he revealed the Johto Grass Type starter with a photo.

"Or, they could pick Cyndaquil, which is a Fire Type!" Prof. Elm continued, with the Cyndaquil giving a happy cry in response at hearing its name.

"Or... they could pick a Totodile, which is a Water Type!" Prof. Elm concluded, before he showed another photo with a Water Type in the picture this time.

"A Water Type! I'd pick that one!" Misty giggled, with her favoritism towards Water Type being more active than ever.

"So those are the three starters here for the Trainers that begin their journey in the Johto region, huh..." Isamu commented, with Eevee in awe at seeing the new Pokémon for the first time.

"It would be a difficult choice to make, huh..." Luna added, as she too, was awed by the choices allowed.

"Yeah... New Pokémon Trainers back home get to pick a Charmander! Or a Squirtle! Or a Bulbasaur! But I got Pikachu!" Ash stated, as he remembered the time when he got to pick his Electric Type partner from Prof. Oak's laboratory.

At hearing the starters' names from the younger brother, the Johto Professor widened his eyes in surprise.

"Well, if those are the ones you had to choose from, I'd say you must come from Pallet Town!" Prof. Elm guessed, with the Ketchum brothers confirming of where they came from.

"Yeah! That's right! And big bro and I are here to register for the Johto League! The same goes for Luna, too!" Ash explained, earning affirmative nods from both the elder brother and Luna before the Johto Professor questioned the group about the Kanto Professor.

"So I suppose you all know Professor Samuel Oak?" Prof. Elm asked, with the elder brother explaining this time.

"Yes, that's right. Ash and I started our journey together back at Pallet Town, where Prof. Oak was able to help us begin our first journey together. He's a nice and intelligent man to have around when it comes to Pokémon." Isamu explained.

"If you're asking this, Professor Elm... Does this mean you know Prof. Oak more than we do?" Luna asked, only to get a determined glare from the Johto Professor as he explained loudly on how well he knew the Kanto Professor.

"Of course I know Professor Oak! I was his top student! I remember the first paper I submitted to him at the university! A brilliant analysis of the hybridized communicative faculties of Pokémon! A truly groundbreaking work!" Prof. Elm explained, with Brock nodding in understanding.

As the Johto Professor went on with his rambling, Nurse Joy had already taken Cyndaquil from his arms as Misty and Luna cooed at the cuteness the little Fire Type had as the Water Type user tickled the Fire Type's tummy.

"Coochi-coochi coo! Coochi-coochi coo!" Misty cooed happily before she giggled at seeing how cute the Fire Mouse Pokémon was reacting to her tickling.

"That tickles, huh?" Misty giggled as Isamu folded his arms with a sheepish smile. Luna just giggled along, understanding what the Water Type user meant as the nurse kept the Fire Type cradled in her arms.

"I know that sometimes Prof. Elm may sound like a hothead, but he's really very sweet... and he raises wonderful Pokémon!" Nurse Joy explained, with Ash understanding as he gave a nod to the nurse.

"And what about his ego, Nurse Joy?" Isamu asked, as he pointed to where the Johto Professor was still going on about how he believed to be much better than the Kanto Professor, with Brock having to listen all the way.

"...And ALTHOUGH I respect and admire Professor Oak's scientific achievements, I am forced to consider him my personal enemy!" Prof. Elm declared loudly, keeping the determined expression on his face.

"Wow, Professor Elm sure can talk." Misty observed.

"You got that right... Don't know if whether that is because he acknowledges the Professor as his actual enemy or a true rival..." Isamu agreed, before he and the others turned to hear the Professor continuing his rambling.

"As you can see from my published work, I focus my studies on unusual Pokémon abilities... which I find infinitely more interesting than Professor Oak's research, which concentrates on Pokémon and their human relationships, because I see…" Prof. Elm went on, causing Nurse Joy to make a sheepish smile.

"Sometimes I wish Professor Elm would be a little MORE like Professor Oak and do some research on the area of HUMAN relationships too." Nurse Joy said.

Ash turned around to face the nurse, reminded of why they came to the lab in the first place.

"Nurse Joy, the reason we came looking for you was because big bro, Luna, and I all wanted to sign up for the Johto League." Ash explained, causing the nurse to blink in realization before she apologized to the three Trainers.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I was supposed to be back at the Pokémon Center by two, but when I got to the lab I lost track of time." Nurse Joy apologized, feeling a bit sheepish for her tardiness of her promised time to return.

Misty looked down in worry, feeling worried for the girl that would lose her chance of getting a Totodile for her starter Pokémon, especially since the Water Type was taken away by the thief or thieves that snuck into the research lab.

"We just feel bad for the new trainer who's supposed to get that Totodile tomorrow." Misty said with her head low.

"Yeah, when I was a new Trainer, I got so excited about getting my first Pokemon, I couldn't even SLEEP the night before!" Ash said, having been brought to memory lane.

The elder brother raised an eyebrow at remembering how late Ash got up when the alarm clock broke during the younger brother's sleep. Misty on the other hand, grinned coyly at Ash, seeing the perfect time for some teasing.

"So you slept til four the next day while Isamu was all ready to leave..." Misty stated with a smirk, causing Ash to flinch, having been reminded of how he seriously overslept that day. Even Pikachu looked astonished by how Misty brought that up.

But despite the bitter memory the younger brother had to take on his first day, Ash quickly shook that off before he turned to the two adults.

"Anyway, I'm just saying that I know what it's like to look forward to the day when you finally get your first Pokémon." Ash explained, with the Electric Type crying out in agreement.

"Same here... That's why we want to do everything that we can in order to help track down the thieves that stole Totodile from Prof. Elm so that we can get it back." Isamu explained, with Eevee giving a growl of agreement, before she showed her determined expression.

"Vee!" Eevee cried out, with Luna speaking her decision as well.

"Me, too! I want to help in any way that I can!" Luna declared, with Misty joining in.

The two women closed their eyes and nodded with smiles on their faces. But just as they did, another officer rushed over to them, getting a clue of who and where the thieves might be heading to.

"Officer Jenny! We didn't find any fingerprints, but we made a plaster casing of some suspicious footprints we found behind the lab." The officer reported, before he revealed the footprints that seemed to be all different.

As the officer looked, the group took a close look as well, before Luna frowned.

"Hey... Now that I look at those prints, I think I know who the thieves might be..." Luna replied, causing the officer to turn to her.

"You do?" Officer Jenny asked, earning a nod from Luna.

Later...

Soon, Growlithe, Eevee, and Pikachu were now running side by side with everyone else trailing close behind.

"Where's Growlithe taking us?" Ash asked.

"To the Pokémon thieves, I hope. Growlithe's following the scent it picked up from those footprints to find that stolen Totodile." Officer Jenny explained as the search and chase went on.

"Growlithe! Growlithe!" Growlithe barked, causing Isamu to realize what the Fire Type must've found.

"Looks like he found something up ahead!" Isamu grunted as everyone picked up the pace.

But just as they were making their way to where the thieves might be...

BOOM!

Everyone stopped in their tracks to see a small explosion coming from not too far up ahead! There were familiar shrieks and a familiar trio flying up high into the air!

"Wait, isn't that...!?" Luna started to ask, with Ash recognizing the trio.

"It's Team Rocket!" Ash exclaimed as they all watched the evil trio disappearing into the blue sky.

"TEAM ROCKET'S MESSED UP AGAIN!" The evil trio screamed as they disappeared out of sight.

"What just... happened?" Luna asked, causing Isamu to give a guess on what might've happened.

"Looks like someone beat us to the punch and sent them flying before we could... That could only mean..." Isamu started to say, with Ash realizing what this could mean for the stolen Pokémon.

"Someone must've saved Totodile from those creeps!" Ash exclaimed as he dashed ahead, with the others following not too far behind. But as they all arrived at the scene, there was the Totodile that was stolen from Team Rocket.

But right next to the Totodile, was a red-haired boy! At first look, he didn't look nice or pleasant at all. In truth, he looked more dark and unpleasant, even more than the Team Rocket trio that was sent flying just now.

He had a high-collared navy coat with red trim, dark violet pants, a black belt around his waist, and navy shoes with red trim that match the colors of his coat. Cautious at first, the younger brother approached the boy with a few steps before he questioned him.

"Hey, uh... Are you the one, that sent Team Rocket flying?" Ash asked, causing the boy to raise an eyebrow at him before he scoffed.

"So what if I did? Those idiots from Team Rocket seriously need to learn that being in a group is what's making them weak as they are right now." The boy scoffed, causing the group to widen their eyes at the harsh tone the boy was giving off.

"If you did, then we appreciate your cooperation for defeating the thieves. Now, if you'll let us take back the Totodile that was stolen from Prof. Elm's lab..." Officer Jenny started to say before the boy glared at her.

"No chance, Officer... This Pokémon is staying with me, since I've taken it into my 'custody'." The boy declared, much to the group and the officer's surprise. Totodile didn't seem too bothered by it, despite of the wary glance it gave to the boy...

"Hold on, what are you talking about? That Totodile is supposed to go with the girl that's starting her Pokémon journey tomorrow! You can't just say that it's yours when it actually belongs to her!" Misty protested.

"Then that girl will just have to wait for another one, because a good Pokémon going to a new Trainer like her... would be a complete waste." The boy retorted, causing the surprised looks to turn into glares as Luna stepped up.

"You can't be serious! A complete waste!? What do you mean by that!?" Luna snapped, as the boy narrowed his eyes.

"So you all don't get what I'm saying? In that case, I'll show you what I mean! Totodile, prepare for battle." The boy ordered, causing the Johto Water Type starter to give an affirmative nod before he got in front of the boy!

"That Totodile is understanding his order..." Brock pointed out as Isamu clenched his fists.

But before he could respond, a small fireball was shot towards Totodile! The Water Type jumped back, surprising everyone except the boy as they all turned to see who had shot the Fire Type attack.

And to their surprise, it was a Cyndaquil!

"It's Cyndaquil!" Ash exclaimed, with Officer Jenny questioning its sudden appearance.

"But wait, is it the same one from Prof. Elm's lab? What is it doing here...?" Officer Jenny asked as they watched Cyndaquil call out to Totodile, who smirked back in amusement as the boy raised an eyebrow before he chuckled in amusement.

"So... another good Pokémon wants to fight my new one, eh? Fine... This should be interesting, and short if it's weak." The boy smirked before he turned his eyes on the five Trainers and the officer before the boy took notice of the elder brother.

"You're..." The boy started to say, catching Isamu's attention before the boy's stare turned into a glare.

"I know you... You. You'll be fighting me and Totodile here. Right here and right now." The boy demanded as Isamu blinked in surprise. Eevee growled at the demand that Isamu was being given while Ash snapped at hm.

"What!? Why can't I battle with you!? Why are you dragging big bro to fight?" Ash demanded, only to be ignored as he kept his glare on the elder Ketchum brother. But before he could respond, the Fire Type squeaked at him.

"Quil! Cyndaquil!" Cyndaquil cried out, catching Isamu's attention.

The Fire Mouse Pokémon made a determined expression, with its back erupting with flames as the elder brother blinked before he closed his eyes. Sighing, he came to an understanding of what the Johto Fire Type starter wanted to do.

"Alright then... It's a deal. I'll be battling with Cyndaquil here! How does that sound to you?" Isamu asked, surprising the others and the officer while the boy just smirked in amusement, before he accepted the challenge.

"That's fine. Let's begin, shall we?" The boy asked as Luna tried to question the elder brother's motives.

"Isamu, what are you doing?! This boy is currently the new thief that has taken Totodile! If we don't get it back now, then-" Luna started to protest until Isamu narrowed his eyes, before knowing what the consequences would be.

"You think I don't know? I know what will happen if he gets away with that Totodile. Just watch... I know what I'm doing." Isamu assured, silencing Luna from making any more complaints before she slowly nodded in reluctance.

Ash seemed to have gotten the message as he took a step back, as did Misty and Brock. Officer Jenny was more hesitant, but stepped back as well, as she knew that there was a chance that they could retrieve Totodile should Isamu be the victor of this battle.

Isamu: Cyndaquil VS Boy: Totodile

"Let's go... The first strike will lead to victory! Totodile, start things off with Water Gun!" The boy shouted out, causing the Water Type to shoot the super effective attack at Cyndaquil, as Isamu commanded for an evasive maneuver.

"Dodge it, Cyndaquil!" Isamu exclaimed, causing the Fire Mouse Pokémon to evade the super effective attack! But the boy wasn't done as he continued with more attacks, aimed straight at the Fire Mouse Pokémon.

"Lucky dodge... Now, use Scratch! Back to back!" The boy exclaimed, causing Totodile to charge and lash at Cyndaquil, only for the elder brother to call for another dodge to prevent any damage from being done.

"Dodge those attacks, Cyndaquil!" Isamu called out, causing the Fire Mouse Pokémon to dodge up and down, left and right from the attacks that were coming to its way! Annoyed, the boy called out more attacks.

"If you think you can win by just dodging like a coward, then you're dead wrong! Hit it this time with Water Gun! And make sure it hits this time!" The boy exclaimed, allowing the Big Jaw Pokémon to shoot another Water Type attack!

This time however, the elder brother countered the incoming attack with a defensive attack!

"Dodge with Quick Attack and strike!" Isamu exclaimed, causing Cyndaquil to get out of the way before it slammed into Totodile! The Big Jaw Pokémon yelped as it tumbled back, much to the boy's annoyance.

"Tch! You little... Get up! And then use Bite!" The boy snapped, causing Totodile to lung at Cyndaquil after it recovered from the small blow it had taken from the Fire Mouse Pokémon's Quick Attack.

"This guy sure seems to know about all of Totodile's attacks and on how to battle okay..." Misty pointed out, with Brock folding his arms.

"You're right, but it sure doesn't seem like he's patient for his Pokémon to recover or of letting his opponents try to get the better of him. Just look how he's battling! It's like he's battling against a tough opponent, which is why he seems to be in a rush to win..." Brock explained.

"Well, he is battling against a tough opponent! Big bro will win this one... I'm sure of it! That guy obviously doesn't care about Totodile while Isamu cares about Cyndaquil!" Ash assured confidently, with Pikachu crying out his agreement. Luna could only watch, feeling hopeful for Isamu's success.

For the elder brother, he remained calm as Cyndaquil managed to dodge the multiple Water Gun attacks thrown at it! At the moment when Totodile finished shooting its next Water Gun, the elder Ketchum brother took his chance to strike back.

"Now's the time! Use Smokescreen, Cyndaquil!" Isamu cried out. Shooting smoke in the area, the boy and Totodile were both blinded by the surprise attack as the boy whipped his head around to see where his opponent could be.

"Tch... Cheap tricks... Totodile, get out there and use Rage!" The boy exclaimed, causing the Big Jaw Pokémon to stomp around and yell out loud, shouting its battle cry as the elder brother continued his assault.

"Rage is going to make Totodile's attacks even more brutal... In that case, Cyndaquil! Fire Ember!" Isamu called out. Leaping in the air, the Fire Mouse Pokémon shot fireballs at the Smokescreen!

Before the boy could react, the flames knocked Totodile away, despite of Rage in effect!

"No! Get back up, Totodile! Or else you'll face harsh consequences!" The boy threatened angrily, much to both Isamu and Luna's disgust, as they knew that by doing that, the boy wasn't supporting his Pokémon to push his limits...

"One more Ember attack, Cyndaquil!" Isamu shouted out, allowing more fireballs to be blasted at Totodile! Once again, the Big Jaw Pokémon was knocked away, before it struggled to get up and face its Fire Type opponent!

"Now you're really gonna get it, weakling! Use Water Gun!" The boy exclaimed, causing Totodile to blast water at Cyndaquil, only for Isamu to make one more attempt at wrapping the battle up.

"Don't count on it! Dodge, Cyndaquil! Then, use Tackle!" Isamu yelled, causing the Fire Mouse Pokémon to evade the water once more, before it tackled onto the Johto Water Type starter!

Totodile yelled in pain before it tumbled back, becoming unconscious from the hard blow it had taken just now.

"What!?" The boy exclaimed as he clenched his fists to see Totodile get defeated by a Pokémon that it was strong against!

"He did it! Big bro won!" Ash exclaimed in joy, with both Pikachu and Eevee crying out happily for the elder Ketchum brother's victory.

Winner: Isamu

Cyndaquil let out a cry of triumph, while Isamu gave a sigh before he watched to see the boy scoffing angrily before he recalled Totodile back to its Pokéball, as he glared to where the elder Ketchum brother stood.

"So... this is what it's like to face someone who defeated my father in battle..." The boy growled inaudibly, before he snapped at the elder brother, making a promise that he would try to accomplish with everything that he had in him.

"Hear me now, Isamu Ketchum! You may have won this pointless battle, but I will triumph against you the next time we meet! My name is Silver, and I'm going to become the world's greatest Pokémon Trainer." Silver declared.

At those words, the boy now known as Silver took out another Pokéball, possibly to make a quick escape, despite of Officer Jenny's warnings for him to stop.

"Hold it! Don't move!" Officer Jenny cried out sternly, only for her words to be ignored as Silver sent out another Pokémon to make his escape!

"Sneasal, let's create our escape with Icy Wind!" Silver called out, causing the new Johto Pokémon to appear and create a cold breeze! Everyone yelled in surprise as they were blinded a little from the harsh wind blowing at their faces!

But by the time they all managed to open their eyes again, Silver was already gone out of their sight, along with the stolen Totodile.

"Damn it... He got away!" Isamu grunted angrily with gritted teeth as the others stared at the spot the boy was in before he disappeared.

While the real thieves were dealt with, everyone knew that with Silver already gone, they had already failed in retrieving the Totodile that Team Rocket had apparently stole from Prof. Elm's lab.

Later...

With Silver's escape, there was no way of knowing where the boy was going to go as he didn't leave any prints of him escaping from the scene. With that in mind, the officer contacted every other officers in town to let her know if they have clues about where the boy could be going.

For all she knew, the boy was trouble to the Totodile if he were to use it in battle, especially since the Water Type was supposed to belong to the girl starting her journey tomorrow.

Meanwhile, the group was back at the Pokémon Center, with Isamu still annoyed at the fact that he had let a thief like Silver get away with one of the Johto Starter Pokémon when it never meant to be his.

"Out of all the things that could've happened today, that guy had to be one that gets on my nerves with his way of battling and the way when he believed everyone else were just weaklings to him..." Isamu scoffed while folding his arms.

"Come on, Isamu... Stop. None of us knew that Silver was going to get away with an underhanded trick like that way. He must've done things like that more times than you think, so it would make sense for him to escape us now." Luna reminded in comfort.

"I guess so, but still... That girl won't be getting her Totodile tomorrow thanks to that guy and my carelessness." Isamu reminded, only to be comforted by Eevee, who nuzzled her Trainer's cheek, enough to make him soften up a little.

While Luna and Eevee comforted the elder Ketchum brother, Ash, Misty, and Brock contacted Professor Oak to let them know that they were at New Bark Town in the Johto region. It took a few seconds of waiting before the Professor's face on the screen popped up.

"Hello, Professor Oak! How are you doing?" Ash asked, causing the Kanto Professor to smile at recognizing the familiar faces.

"I'm doing just fine!" Prof. Oak stated, with the younger brother giving more news.

"We finally made it to New Bark Town!" Ash reported.

"That's excellent news! Are you registered yet along with your brother and Luna, Ash?" Prof. Oak asked.

"Not yet, but I ran into an old student of yours." Ash said as he gestured to someone else that came with them to the Pokémon Center after the incident with Silver.

That's when Professor Elm appeared on the screen. He had a big grin as he held the Cyndaquil that battled with Isamu in his arms.

"Remember me, Professor?" asked Prof. Elm, allowing the Kanto Professor to recognize his student.

"Yes, Professor Elm!" Prof. Oak replied.

"I just want you to know that Isamu and Ash were a tremendous help to me and everyone at my lab today. They've certainly done an outstanding job of training his Pokemon. Of course, I'd expect great things from someone trained by a superb teacher like yourself." Prof. Elm explained.

Ash and Misty looked at each other and merely shrugged. Isamu and Luna had came over by the time at hearing the Johto Professor begin his determination to surpass the Kanto Professor before they sighed.

"Both Isamu and Ash certainly deserves your praise, but I'm afraid you flatter me." Prof. Oak spoke with a small smile.

"Now that I'm responsible for sending new trainers out just like you are, Professor, I'm going to make it my goal to do a better job than you do! I-I mean, just as good a job as you do." Prof. Elm assured as he quickly corrected himself of his mistaken words.

The five Trainers all walked away to let the two professors catch up. After all, old friends tend to ramble when catching up with each other, which could definitely take more than a while to get it done.

"They could be on for hours!" sighed Misty, with Ash giving a small nod of agreement.

"Next time, I'll remember to reverse the charges." Ash said to himself.

While Prof. Elm was talking with Prof. Oak, he failed to notice Cyndaquil walking away from him and towards to where Nurse Joy was! But the group noticed as they watched the Fire Type walk up to the nurse as she picked the young Fire Type up.

"Hey, Nurse Joy." greeted Brock.

"Where did Professor Elm go?" The nurse asked in confusion before Luna responded to the question.

"I think he got a little distracted again, this time while speaking to Prof. Oak himself..." Luna replied, gesturing to where the Johto Professor was now.

Seeing Prof. Elm rambling away on the phone wasn't a new sight for the nurse. She's used to how he is by now before she giggled and smiled in understanding.

"He'll be a while. In the meantime, let's do what you three came here to do and get you all registered and approved for the Johto League!" Nurse Joy suggested, earning nods from the three Trainers.

"Right!" They all spoke in unison. The nurse had their three Johto Pokédex inserted into the computer before she typed on the keyboard to get the computer to recognize the three Trainers and approve of their entry.

"Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town... Isamu Ketchum of Pallet Town... Luna Wright from Pewter City... Welcome to the Johto League!" The computer buzzed in a computerized tone, showing that the three Trainers were accepted into the region's upcoming competition.

With the three Pokédex sent out, the nurse handed back the Trainers their devices before congratulating them for their entry into the League.

"Congratulations, you three! You all are now fully qualified and approved to become official participants in the Johto League!" Nurse Joy exclaimed, allowing the three to thank the nurse for her assistance.

"Great! Thank you, Nurse Joy!" Luna said gratefully, with the brothers nodding in agreement, before the nurse took out a guidebook for the three to use in their travels around the Johto region.

"You kids will also need a copy of the Johto League guide book, so make sure you don't lose it!" Nurse Joy said, allowing Isamu to nod before he was about to take it, only for Brock to take it to his hands!

"I'll hold it close to my heart just as where I hold you!" Brock assured in a goofy tone, only for Luna to glare at him for his tone and expression before she face palmed at the Kanto Breeder's behavior.

Misty walked over, questioning on how many Gym Badges the three might need in order to participate in the Johto League competition.

"How many Badges do they have to win in this League?" Misty asked, with the nurse making an answer.

"Once they earn eight badges, they'll be able to enter and participate in the Johto Championship. I'd say the best place to start is the Violet Gym in Violet City." Nurse Joy replied, allowing the group to understand on where they need to go first for the first Johto Gym Badge.

"Then that's the first place we'll head to." Isamu declared, with Misty commentating on the name.

"It sounds like a real colorful place!" Misty commented, with Brock snapping out of his loving expression, as he reminded the three of what they could do to catch up to Gary, who had already went ahead.

"Yeah... You three can battle for your next Badge there and start to catch up with Gary Oak! But... I'm betting that kid, Silver will be there too, since he said he wanted to become the strongest Pokémon Trainer in the world." Brock stated.

"Silver... Yeah." Isamu stated simply, before he narrowed his eyes at the name of his new rival who had gotten away with Totodile. But before he could speak or think any more, he felt something nudging onto his leg!

"Cyndaquil!" The Fire Mouse Pokémon cried out, causing the elder Ketchum brother to look down and see the Fire Mouse Pokémon look at him hopefully, with Prof. Elm running over to the Johto Fire Type starter.

"I'm sorry, Isamu! Cyndaquil here... seems to have some times when it wanders away from me when I'm busy with something..." Prof. Elm apologized as he tried to hold up the Fire Type in his arms, only to get blasted on the head with the flames from Cyndaquil's back!

The group and the nurse all watched in surprise before the Fire Mouse Pokémon managed to squirm out of Prof. Elm's arms before it cooed up at the elder Ketchum brother, causing Luna to understand on what it really wanted.

"Hey, Isamu... I think Cyndaquil wants to come with you on your journey!" Luna guessed, much to Isamu's surprise, along with both Nurse Joy and Prof. Elm's surprise.

"Really? With me, Cyndaquil?" Isamu asked, earning an affirmative cry and nod from the Fire Type starter.

"What!? No! No! Cyndaquil, you already have a Trainer coming for you later this week-" Prof. Elm began to protest, only to get burned on the face by another one of Cyndaquil's Ember attacks, much to the Professor's dismay.

"I don't think there's much of a choice here now, Professor... Cyndaquil has already taken a liking to Isamu here, and it would be wrong to just keep it away from him when it already has chosen a Trainer it wants to be with!" Nurse Joy reminded with a smile.

"Ugh... I guess... it would be... wrong..." Prof. Elm groaned, as he was still dazed by the burn he had taken on the face from the Ember attack.

That evening...

Eventually, the Johto Professor accepted that Cyndaquil should go with Isamu, much to the Fire Mouse Pokémon's content, as the Johto Fire Type starter was accepted into Isamu's team, making the elder Ketchum brother transport Seadra to the Kanto Professor.

Soon, the five Trainers were soon about to make their way out of New Bark Town, with the Johto Professor, the officer, and the nurse wishing the five good luck on their journey around the region.

"Good luck in the Johto League!" Officer Jenny called out.

"Remember! You can always stop at a Pokémon Center when you run into any trouble!" Nurse Joy called out.

"And be sure to look after Cyndaquil for me, Isamu!" Prof. Elm added before they all said their goodbyes to the group leaving. But as they left, the Johto Professor blinked in realization before he smiled.

"Ah, that reminds me... Tomorrow is also the day when he turns 10, huh..." Prof. Elm chuckled, causing the two women to look at him in confusion.

"Who are you referring to, Professor?" Nurse Joy asked, before Officer Jenny realized on who he meant.

"Ah... You mean the kid living in the forest with the Ninetales, Professor?" Officer Jenny asked, earning a nod from the Johto Professor.

"Yes. The very same." was all Prof. Elm needed to say before he hurried back into his lab to find a way to contact the group again or the boy he was thinking about just now.

"After all... The kid could use some friends... Human friends to be exact, instead of just staying in the forest for the rest of his life..." The Johto Professor thought before he began to make preparations for another new Trainer.

Meanwhile...

No one has known that a boy had watched the group leave with an Eevee, Pikachu, and a Togepi. The boy had his eyes on the group, his eyes showing how wild he looked and how determined he looked for a goal he possibly had inside him.

"Vul..." Vulpix cooed on the boy's shoulder before it licked his human friend's cheek, causing the boy to smile before he headed back into the forest. The group would remain on his mind, as what he didn't know... was that it was almost time for him to begin his own journey later...

To be continued...

Isamu's Team:

Eevee (F): (Hidden Power, Double Team, Shadow Ball, Return)

Cyndaquil (M): (Tackle, Ember, Smokescreen, Quick Attack)

Ninetales (F): (Fire Spin, Dig, Safeguard, Flamethrower)

Gloom (F): (Moonlight, Acid, Petal Dance, Sleep Powder)

Dragonair (M): (Dragon Rage, Safeguard, Thunder Wave, Outrage)

Lapras (F): (Ice Beam, Mist, Rain Dance, Whirlpool)

With Prof. Oak:

Seadra (M): (Agility, Surf, Twister, Smokescreen)

Nidoking (M): (Mega Punch, Double Kick, Horn Attack, Poison Sting)

Aerodactyl (M): (Fly, Hyper Beam, Ancient Power, Scary Face)

Pidgeot (M): (Whirlwind, Mirror Move, Wing Attack, Sky Attack)

Sandslash (M): (Crush Claw, Dig, Slash, Double Team)

Next chapters:

Chapter 2: Me Vulpix Boy! Me Name Lorcan!

Chapter 3: A Rookie Trainer! Batter Up!

Chapter 4: A Grudge Match! You're Out!

Chapter 5: A Sappy Start! Heracross Appears!

Chapter 6: The Truth to the Sap Issue!

Next chapter preview:

Isamu: This can't be right... Wait, where did the others go? I thought we were with them a minute ago...

Luna: Don't tell me... We've been separated? But, huh...? Was... Was that a boy I just saw just now...?

Boy: W-Who are you...? You're not bad people...? Are you friends with Professor Elm?

Luna: That's what we should be asking! What are you doing in a forest like this? Where are your parents?

Boy: Lorcan's parents are the Ninetales! Are you bad people or good people to Pokémon?

Isamu: We're good people, of course... But, you said that your parents are the Ninetales? That's a surprise...

Events that occurred:

- The group arrives at New Bark Town and meets Prof. Elm

- Isamu meets the thief of Totodile, Silver

- Cyndaquil joins Isamu as his first Johto Pokémon

- Isamu battles Silver and wins, but fails to retrieve Totodile

- Ash, Isamu, and Luna registers for the Johto League