Johto

"Sachi, you should reconsider. It's too dangerous, we don't know anything about--"

"It'll be fine, Papa! I'm not a little girl anymore." Sachi Kirigaya brushed aside the strand of dark hair that had slipped in front of her eyes. "Papa, I'm going anyways--whether you said 'no' or 'yes'. I just wanted to keep you informed." The ebony skinned girl stared at the screen of her watch-like X-tranceiver as her father furrowed his black brows and squint his blue eyes--the typical face he made before becoming seriously upset. Sachi felt her resolve stiffen and she held her breath, just like she felt every time she had to argue with her father. Then, she heard another voice in the background. It was her mother. Kazuto Kirigaya turned from the screen and had an exchange with his wife. After a few moments, his expression softened and he sighed.

Sachi felt like exhaling too, when Asuna Kirigaya's beautiful face appeared on the screen. Sachi could see her mother's long chestnut-colored hair flowing in the soft Blackthorn wind as she spoke, "Your Papa is being a little too stubborn as always." Sachi could feel herself pout a bit and nod. "But, now you are entitled to your own life and your own adventure--just like your Papa and I were when we were your age. But, whatever you do, please be careful Sachi and remember that you will always have us at home, waiting for you!"

The dark haired girl smiled, "Yes, I will Mama! I'll make you both proud!" Her mother beamed at her and Sachi could see her father smiling slightly in the background. Then, the screen darkened.

"Alright!" Sachi sighed. She stretched and turned to the clock. "Crap! Haruyuki! Why didn't you tell me that I was late?!" The white Pokémon floating by her side chimed apologetically. "Oh never mind," she said and the Togetic floated off. She quickly grabbed her black bag--filled with all the things she would need on a journey including her other Pokémon--and the opened letter that she had read earlier that morning. The black haired girl sped to the door and stopped abruptly by the mirror. Sachi was wearing a small black dress that reached to top of her knees, it matched perfectly with her pale skin and did a pretty good job defining her shape. But... there was still something missing. Haruyuki fluttered back to her side, this time placing a large white hat on her head. Perfect. "Thank you, Haruyuki. But," she opened the door of her apartment, "we'd better hurry or else Bell will be mad! We wouldn't want that, would we?"

The Togetic seemed to shiver at the thought and shook it's head.

With that, the two rushed out of the apartment.

Kael looked up toward the Diner's clock as he finished his meal. It was about time to head toward the harbor and board his boat. The letter he received a few days prior materialized again as he pulled it out of his coat again. The letter was nothing special, but he still wondered who this 'R' was. Kael had wanted something like this to happen for years now, and it was all he could do to contain his excitement as the time was finally upon him to travel to this Island and meet some of the greatest trainers the world knew. Unfortunately, he wasn't getting any closer inside the diner. He dropped his due on the table and left a healthy tip before stashing the letter away and stepping out of the diner with Carracosta plodding along behind.

He could never resist the urge to let his turtle-like friend out as he walked through Olivine. With the sea so close and the smell of the salty water filling the air, Carracosta always seemed to enjoy himself as they did whatever errand or task they had. Kael walked close to the sea wall and flicked his head toward the edge to allow his Pokemon to dive in with a quick "Hm," of appreciation and swim as Kael walked. He couldn't have timed his visit to the city any better either. Not only was it an amazing day out, but he had been able to check up on the Olivine Gym and relay what he needed back to the Pokemon League with plenty of time to spare before he had to board.

As he walked along, Kael heard a few kids pipe up as he got closer. "Him too?" One said. "Huh?" Another voice came, "He's famous too? Who is he?" A quick thump came and Kael stole a glance to see one of the kid's rubbing his head. The first voice spoke up again, "You idiot! That's the Pokemon League Champion!"

It made Kael smile as he passed them by. Not from the fame, but the sheer awe that came from the young trainers made him feel like he was actually having an influence in the Pokemon community. It was a comforting thought as Carracosta jumped back up behind Kael as the seawall ended and they stepped toward their boat.

Typhlosion ruining ahead forcing Ken to try and keep up, the two try their best to go through rout 39 and into Olivine city to reach the boat in time or get there early. "Inferno! Slow down I think we've got plenty of time! No need to rush!" Ken yells at his fire companion. Typhlosion takes an immediate stop with Ken exhausted right behind. Trying to take a breath looking down, Ken raises his head looking onto the city known as Oviline. Ken smiles and looks at Typhlosion saying "See, we made it in time. We didn't have to do all that running." Typhlosion just gives Ken confused look. If they didn't run they would still be closer to the farm than the city.

Ken stretches yawning out loud saying "Lets take a break, maybe even na-" interrupted with a loud growl. They both look around it came from a pokemon or something. But Ken notice he was just hungery. Ken pats his stomech and chuckles saying "I guest we could go into the city and grab a quick snack. I could always sleep on the boat." Typhlosion nods a Ken smiling with joy. The two started to walk more to the city in hopes to find food.

Almost no time later Ken and Typhlosion were walking through the streets for food. Typhlosion put his face up against glass windows looking at the food with in a restaurant. Typhlosion looks back at Ken yelling out "Ty, Ty!" Gaining the attention of Ken. "What is it Inferno? Found a place to eat?" Ken says as he walks to Typhlosion. He looks into the window and sees all kind of food watering his mouth. He reaches into his pocket pulling out his wallet to show he doesn't have much money. Sadden by ths known fact the two frown for a moment but turns them into smiles and look at each other. Ken says "I hope this guy is an elite four fan Inferno."

Belladonna walked down the dusty road her Misdreavus floating by her side. If she knew anything about Sachi it was that her friend was probably reassuring her parents of her safety... Belladonna had no such luxury... With her and her father at a disagreement that meant she went no where near the man or even touched any of his scientific research into the usefulness of Pokemon in industry's... And with her mother dead really the only thing she had to worry about was her Pokemon and her current study on how Pokemon's habitats are being affected by the growing industry's around Johto and everywhere else.

Belladonna was lost in her own thoughts when she walked into a tree. She blinked and came back into focus. She rubbed her nose and frowned as her Misdreavus laughed at her. She rubbed her nose a little more and adjusted her backpack on her shoulders before she continued walking. Sachi had been late coming over to her house so feeling impatient and nervous Bell had set off. A few day's ago upon receiving the letter she'd confided her intend on going to her only friend Sachi. Much to her relief the top coordinator had received one as well so they had agreed to set off. And a few weeks later here she was in her best pair of skinny jeans and her most comfortable sweater... The really big one that nearly reached her knees. She also had her best hiking boots. To be honest the only reason Bell was going was to observe the interactions different trainers had with there Pokemon... Also it would be nice to see what sort of Pokemon inhabited the island and do some research on there life styles compared to the ones of Pokemon native to the regions.

Belladonna stopped for a moment and smiled. In the distance she could smell the sea. She smiled and looked over at her Misdreavus. The mischievous ghost Pokemon was resting on her shoulder and seemed to make various content noises upon smelling the salt filled air that seemed to drift up a little ways. The smell wasn't all that strong because she wasn't all that close just yet but even the faint and distant aroma of ocean was enough to put one's mind at ease. Bell smiled pulled her hood up over her short white wild hair and continued walking a little slower. There was no more need to rush... She hoped.

Sachi and Togepi sped through the Goldenrod streets, passing by and greeting several people along the way. "Good morning Sachi!" "Morning Mr..." "It's that girl from the Radio Tower" "You're off in a rush today" "Yes, I have to go somewhere Mrs..." "Burritooooos, come get some warm Buurrrriiiiiitoos!" "Hey Miss, watch out for that car!"

That last comment caught Sachi's attention--and just in time. A red car was coming at her at about 35 mph--Sachi hadn't checked the roads before running through. There wasn't enough time to stop and let the car pass nor enough time to run past the car. A loud HONK filled the air along with several screams. But, the dark haired girl thought, there is enough to time to evade. The thin girl leaped into the air, curling her body as she did so. For a moment, she was upside down and she reached out touching and pushing off of the hood of the car that was now directly under her. The screams were replaced with sounds of awe as Sachi landed lightly on the ground next to the red car. She corrected the position of her hat and was about to continue walking when she slipped. Fortunately, she was caught by Haruyuki who dropped her--gently--on the other side of the street.

The girl smiled at all the staring people before turning to her Togetic. "Thanks, Haruyuki." Then, she grabbed the Pokemon's hand and ran off again.
---------------------------------------------------------------A few minutes later----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sachi found Bell walking relatively slowly towards the entrance to Goldenrod City. The white haired girl had her hood on and her Misdreavus was floating over her shoulder. The jet-black haired girl smiled at her friend and waved. "Sorry, I'm late!" she called out.

Bell blinked at Sachi and nodded with a small "hm." She looked attempted a small smile. "I'm guessing your father was tentative about letting you go?" She continued walking slowly while Misdreavus followed along side before tackling her head playfully and clinging there. Bell smiled a little at her Pokemon before looking at Sachi. "Oh... are we late yet??? I forgot my watch..." She blushed faintly at her embarrassing forgetfulness. Most would expect Johto's scientist to be quick and precise but really Bell was clumsy and forgetful half the time.

"Yeah, Papa was giving me a little trouble..." Sachi's voice trailed off a bit. A conversation about father's was kind of awkward, considering Bell's poor relationship with her father.

Then the light haired girl spoke, a little embarrassment was in her tone. "Oh... are we late yet? I forgot my watch..."

"I don't think so," Sachi said, her tone of voice not to reassuringly. "But," the raven haired girl smiled at Bell, "We should probably get going. To Olivine City! We do have enough time to walk, but would you rather Fly?"

Bell could tell her friend felt awkward talking about anything family related around her. Bell only smiled crookedly. Sure she and her father would probably never speak again... and her mom was dead. But Bell tried to remember the good times with her mother and to simply move on. At the mention of flying Bell stiffened. "I don't fly... remember?" Bell frowned as her gut twisted. Flying made her nervous. "If you want you can fly... Il hitch a ride on Absol... I'm small enough for him to carry..."

Bell reached into her bag and pulled out her pokeball. She threw it up and watched it come down and open just in time as it always did with that strange pop like noise. Bell's Absol stretched out and looked at Bell. Bell smiled and moved closer scratching under the Pokemon's chin. Absol was one of her more mysterious Pokemon but one of the easier to manage one's. He was loyal and could carry her with ease at great speed. Bell turned to Sachi. "Let's get going then?" Without much wait she sat on Absol who acted like she weight even less then a feather. Misdreavus clung to Bell's head knowing once they were off Absol would consider it a race of sorts to get Olivine before Sachi and her Pokemon did.

Initially, Sachi hadn't noticed Olivine City in the distance. The feeling of the wind flowing through her hair, the idea of soaring high above the ground--it was all exhilarating. Sachi loved Flying. She had been simply enjoying the feeling of bliss when Haruyuki called out from behind her. The dark haired girl blinked and could see a small white figure on the ground up ahead. Bell and Absol had stopped. The city was splayed out about a quarter of a mile off.

The Togetic slowly drifted to the ground and dropped Sachi off, just next to her friend. She smiled at her Pokemon, "Thank you, Haruyuki." Then, turning to her friend, "Ready to head to 'R's Island, Bell?"

(( OCC: Time for an approved time skip to the ship LALALA~ ))

Bell blinked at the ship. She'd been on a ship plenty of times... But never one that was taking her somewhere she did not really know much about. Sachi and Bell had walked through the city at a fairly quick pace so that if they were late they weren't too late... and if they were early... well they were early. Bell looked over at Sachi. "I feel almost like were being kidnapped... but... we know about it..." She raised an eyebrow at her own words before turning back to the ship and walking closer. To be honest she had no idea if this tub... was the right one... Was there a captain or someone she could talk too in order to make sure. "hmm..." She huffed and sighed and pondered and paced about the dock feeling nervous and uncertain. After awhile Misdreavus feeling annoyed tackled Bell's face and clung there so the small ghostly girl had to stop and pry the Pokemon off her face. "Sachi... are you sure this is the right boat... the right time? the right anything???"

The other customers and workers gaze with aww at Ken and his Typhlosion guttling acts of all their food making a huge mess. Ken looks at Typhlosion saying with a chuckle "Isn't this great!?" Typhlosion nods and smiles in approval until something dawned on him widening his eyes and changing his expression. Ken looks at Typhlosion confused saying "What's wrong Inferno...?" Taking him a moment to think. His expression changes to the as Typhlosion yelling "The boat!"

The two ran out as fast as they can with all their stuff zooming through the streets. "I've not ran this long in years." Thinking to him self. He reaches the docks looking at the boat wile still running. Both looked at the ship smiling happy they're not to late where they're going. Before they knew it they rammed into two little girls, Typhlosion ramming into one with white hair, and Ken into one with black hair.

(Attack of the double post.)

The ship was a nice one. It wasn't quite as large as a cruise liner, like the S.S. Anne, nor did it look as fast as some of the other ships she had seen, but Sachi still liked it. It was a red and white yacht, a sleek ship with the appearance of a miniature cruiser without the massive size. Looking at the ship's many windows brought a smile to the dark haired girl's lips.

Bell looked over at Sachi. "I feel almost like were being kidnapped... but... we know about it..."

At that, her smile was lost. Until then, Sachi had been so excited to be going on a trip with her friend that she hadn't even considered the idea that this was some sort of trap. She turned to her friend and saw a familiar expression of uncertainty and nervousness. "Sachi... are you sure this is the right boat... the right time? The right anything???"

Ack, Sachi thought, Can't let something like this ruin the trip! She put on a grin, "Of course it is! I certainly doubt that this 'R' person would dare to make mistakes when addressing the top trainers and coordinators of the world!"

Haruyuki mewed and the raven-haired girl looked over, just in time to notice two figures appear out of the corner of her amber eyes. They were moving fast. Too fast! Sachi realized a moment too late. The only thing she managed to do was utter, "Bell--Ah!", before the two figures collided into the two girls.

Sachi hit the ground upset. She had caught herself and landed on her bottom--not her face. The dark-haired girl grimace and looked up thinking, What two knuckleheads would--. Seeing who was standing above her, Sachi's thought was interrupted. She flushed. It was Ken, Ken Tsumata, and Inferno, his Typlosion.

For a moment, she just sat there--flustered--with her Togetic floating in front of her with a worried expression on its face. Another figure ran up. He had red hair which fluttered as he ran. Sachi easily recognized this man. Kael Skye, Champion of the Johto Region, fellow resident of GoldenRod City, and a frequent guest on the radio shows that Sachi hosted. He was a nice man and, once again, demonstrated this by helping Sachi and Bell get back up. "Are you two alright?"

"Yeah, I'm fine," the pale girl answered, regaining her balance. Brushing herself off, Sachi turned to Bell, "Are you okay?"

Then, looking at Ken, she felt her anger boil up a bit. She glared at him, "Snorlax. Don't. Run! Didn't you get the notice?!"

Bell turned to her friend just in time to see a Typlosion bulldoze over her. Bell blinked and looked up at the Pokemon in confusion while her own Misdreavus freaked out in the background probably giving the fiery Pokemon heck in her own way. Bell sat up confused and looked at the Typlosion then over at its owner. "Ahh... How very interesting..." She watched her friend Sachi fluster and sputter. Bell smirked at this. Sachi seemed always level headed but watching her loose her cool was allot more entertaining then watching her spinning and dancing about with her Pokemon.

Bell's purple-ish eyes darted over to another new comer and she blinked. She recognized the height and red hair right away. She recognized the other man right away. They were two of Johto's best and were probably here for the same reason Sachi and Bell were. Bell stood up and did not bother to brush herself off... Mainly because Misdreavus was doing it for her as well as worriedly inspecting her trainer. Bell smiled at her Pokemon reassuringly and hugged the ghostly Pokemon. "I'm fine Sachi... Trust me I've handled much rougher things out in the field... A small run in is nothing." Bell knelt down and looked at Ken's Typlosion curiously. One to make sure it was alright... And two because it had been awhile sense she'd had the chance to observe a fire Pokemon this up-close... after the last incident where she burnt her once long hair and nearly got cooked she'd stayed away from there natural habitats...

Upon realizing she was being rude she stood up once more and turned to the man who'd helped her up. "By the way thank's for helping me up... Your Kael Skye if I'm correct.. And I'm guessing you guys are here for the boat same as us?"

There was no real damage done when the two girls had been knocked to the ground. Sachi didn't seem too pleased with the act, but her features had lessened significantly when she saw who had bumped into her. He knew Ken and Sachi had known each other, but it really didn't register right away. None of it really mattered so long as they were all fine. But Kael had to admit, it was fun to watch somebody raise their voice at Ken. Back at the Indigo Plateau, most people would jump at every word from Kael and quite frankly, it kind of made him uncomfortable. It would make sense for them to be the same way with Ken as well, but not here. Where we're going, he thought, all of us are free game. Equals...

Kael was snapped out of his thoughts as the smaller girl addressed him. "By the way thank's for helping me up... Your Kael Skye if I'm correct.. And I'm guessing you guys are here for the boat same as us?"

Kael blinked at that. He had never met the small and wispy girl before. Or had he? Surely he would remember.... He was racking his brain trying to remember anything when Carracosta came to his rescue. The stocky turtle reared back and slammed its' head into Kael's knee. Letting out a yelp, Kael shot a glare down at his Pokemon. Something in the turtle-like face made Kael realize something, You're Johto's Champion, people will recognize you...

"Yeah," he finally answered the girl, "that's me. But I don't believe we've met before." As he said this last part, he heard a horn from the boat behind him. "But perhaps we should finish this conversation on the boat. Wouldn't want them leaving without us!"

Ken rubbed his head in pain looking up hearing Kaels voice. He smiles at him Saying "We'll you know me." We wanted to say more but was in shock to finding out who he ran into. The black hair girl started to yell at him as Typhlosion sneaks behind Ken slowly. He looks at her with his mind scream "It's Sachi! And she's angry! What am I going to do! We've not been with each other for about three years! I need to say!" He laughs a little as if he's trying to mask fear and says to her "I guest I didn't get the notice.... At least it will be like old times. Back when we traveled together."

Starts to remember the years they've spent traveling Johto. He looks to the ground and back up at Sachi saying "Just like how the ways use to be." He laughs a little As Kael tells them they should get in the boat. Ken looks at the boat saying "Oh yeah, almost completely forgot that we need to be on the boat."

Belladonna blinked over at her friend. "Sachi... Let's get a move on." She ran up and grabbed a ladder to the boat and swung herself up with ease. On deck she quickly spotted the captain eying her up with suspicion the type of look of "Could that seriously be a champion of Johto." To which Bell replied out loud. "Not a champion... Frontier brain." She bowed politely before finding a seat in the corner and sitting down. "Are we allowed to have our Pokemon on deck sir?" The captain still getting over her sort-off reading his mind nodded and backed away a little. Bell tried to smile but she could already tell she sorta lost her chances at being labeled anything but weird by the captain.

She pulled her backpack off by her feet and quickly released her other five Pokemon. Spiritomb and Misdreavus immediately went to having a staring competition while Absol and Gallade stayed nearby. Frosslass on the other hand was staring over the deck at Sachi and the others and Litwick was flopped in her lap clearly not enjoying the movement of the ship that was still not in motion waiting for it's other passengers. Bell on the other hand just sat still and watched her ghostly Pokemon with a small smirk on her lips.

"I guess I didn't get the notice... At least it will be like old times. Back when we traveled together."

At Ken's words, all of Sachi's anger faded. Perhaps she had been a little harsh. Her thoughts trailed off to her memories. She had run into Ken six years ago, when she had first started off on her Pokemon journey. The two had been through plenty of things and Ken had been a wonderful friend. But then, four years ago...

Sachi's thoughts were interrupted by bellow of the ship's horn.

"Sachi... Let's get a move on." Bell ran up and grabbed a ladder to the boat.

The raven-haired girl ran her friend, Haruyuki fluttering behind her. She turned back, "Com'on boys, let's go!" Then, to Ken, she grinned and added, "Snorlax can climb, right?" Without waiting for an answer, she climbed the ladder. This trip is going to be fun. Really fun!
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Up on the deck, Bella was walking away from a bewildered looking man who Sachi assumed was the Captain. She smiled politely at the man and bowed, presenting him with her invitation. "Thank you for having us on your boat, sir."

Apparently, the Captain wasn't through being bewildered. "You wouldn't happen to be--"

"Kurohime? From the Golden Rod Radio Tower? Yes. Yes, that would be me." Sachi paused for a moment. "Weren't you told that we were coming?"

"Ah," the Captain thought for a moment. "Yes. I was told that some renown trainers would be coming but, I didn't expect the best trainers and stars of the Johto. This was quite the surprise!" He gave a hearty laugh--slightly scaring Haruyuki, who jumped midair, in the process. Then, another sailor came up behind him and said something that Sachi couldn't make out. The girl quickly turned away as to keep another possible commotion from occuring.

Sachi smiled when she saw that Bell had released her Pokemon onto the deck. Finding a seat, the hazel eyed girl sat down and reached into her own bag. She pulled out five Pokeballs. One by one, she released her Pokemon. Chiyu, her Meganium. Yuuki, her Butterfree. KuroKuro, her new Umbreon. She paused at her last two Pokemon. Barney, her Tyranitar, might be a little too large--he would have to stay inside. Lotus... Lotus wouldn't enjoy this kind of situation, he too would stay inside.

KuroKuro quickly ducked into the shades and dashed between Spiritomb and Misdreavus--hoping to catch their attention and start a competition. He was followed by Yuuki who had taken an interest in the Umbreon's glowing blue stripes. Meanwhile, Chiyu was bathing in the sun with Haruyuki, who was exhausted after the long flight, resting on her back.