Shadow Lucario
Lone Vanguard
Hello there! Shadow Lucario here with another fan fiction. If you've been here a while you may know me from my first work The Sinnoh Adventure. After working on it for a while I grew tired of it and decided to cancel it. I am probably most well known for my work Pokemon Academy: Dedication through Light and Darkness, a fic that I completed. I have attempted two fics since then and both have flopped. Now I am returning to my roots and starting a journey fic. I know that these are the most common and deemed the most unoriginal, but you can't judge a book by its cover, well in this case a fic by its genre. Enough blabbing! Here is the first chapter to Hero's Bond! Please review so that I can correct my mistakes and make the next chapter better. Now enjoy!
Chapter list
First Journey Arc
Chapter 1: Distance 9 February 2012
Chapter 2: Escort 27 February 2012
Chapter 3: Drive 29 February 2012
Chapter 4: Light 1 March 2012
Chapter 5: Dark 3 March 2012
Chapter 6: Clash 4 March 2012
Chapter 7: Test 6 March 2012
Team Lustrous Arc
Chapter 8: Team Lustrous Revived 7 March 2012
Chapter 9: Blinding Light 12 March 2012
Chapter 10: Lost Luster 17 March 2012
Chapter 11: Illuminated Glory 20 March 2012
Chapter 12: Radiant Pride 22 March 2012
Chapter 13: Fading Light 26 March 2012
The Black Organization Arc
Chapter 14: Encounter with the Darkness 30 March 2012
Chapter 15: The Midnight Sun 4 April 2012
Chapter 16: Nightfall Part 1 6 April 2012
Chapter 17: Nightfall Part 2 2 May 2012
Third Faction Arc
Chapter 18: Burning Passion 7 July 2012
Chapter 19: Broken 20 September 2012
Chapter 20: Dedication through Light and Darkness 19 November 2012
Chapter 21: The Nine 30 November 2012
Chapter 22: City of Lights 19 December 2012
Chapter 23: The Dark Day 7 January 2013
Chapter 24: Parting the Clouds 7 March 2013
Silver Conference Arc
Chapter 25: Translucence 4 April 2013
Chapter 26: Raging Storm 10 June 2013
Chapter 27: Guiding Light 9 August 2013
Chapter 28: Fist of Fury 21 August 2013
Chapter 29: Legend 4 September 2013
Restoration Arc
Chapter 30: Return to Unity City 10 December 2013
Chapter 31: The New Path 28 January 2014
Chapter 32: In the Distance
Chapter 33: Loss
Chapter 34: A Blank Slate
Hero’s Bond
Chapter 1: Distance
“What do you want to do? That’s what everyone asks me. Do you want to challenge the gyms or dazzle people in contests? Are you made to become a Ranger and protect Pokémon or are you meant to have a Pokémon at all?”
“Sounds like your friends give you a hard time.”
“I don’t see why I have to have everything figured out right now. I’m only fourteen years old!”
“Well when I was a kid we had to make that decision by the time we were ten. Consider yourself lucky now that the laws have changed.”
A young boy and his father had been conversing as they approached their small house in a quiet town located somewhere in the Johto region. The town didn’t have many residents so just about everyone knew everyone. A sign indicated that the town was named New Bark, the town where winds of a new beginning blow.
“Burton tells me I should participate in contests like him. He even said that Marshall was going the same route,” the boy told his father.
“Listen Jayden, no matter what you choose I’ll be proud of you.” The man placed his hand on Jayden’s head, ruffling his black hair. “When is your appointment with the Professor?”
“It’s in half an hour. I’ve never been so nervous Dad! I have to tell the Professor what I’m going to choose right? I still don’t know!”
The man now put his hands on the boy’s shoulders, kneeling so they were at eye level. “You’ll be fine. Just go with whatever your heart tells you.”
Jayden bit his bottom lip, looking down at the ground. “What did you do Dad?”
“I just traveled. Originally I thought I was going to be a contest master, but I failed miserably in my first contest. That’s when I decided I just wanted to travel and see as many Pokémon as I could. Now go. You don’t want to be late.”
Jayden turned away from his father, letting out a sigh, fixing his red jacket and wiping dust off his black jeans. With a wave the boy began walking towards a large building. The building had a smoke stack on the roof, smoke emitting from it and rising in the midday sky. A few people greeted Jayden as he passed them. Once he reached the building he knocked on the large wooden door, a loud gulp coming from his throat as he swallowed. The door swung inwards to reveal a fairly young man with tousled sand colored hair.
“Jayden,” the man exclaimed, pulling his lab coat back onto his shoulder. “You’re about ten minutes early. Seems like you and your friends have a lot in common.”
Jayden looked at him confused, but when he walked into the lab he saw what he meant. In the next room were three people; two boys and a girl. The boys had been wearing similar clothing to Jayden, the colors being the only difference. The girl had sported a pink tank top and a white skirt.
“Jayden you made it!” one of the boys shouted.
“We’re all here early and we’re wearing the same style of clothing. We’ve been friends for way too long!” the other boy said with a grin.
“Then it’s a good thing we won’t be getting the same Pokémon,” the girl said crossing her arms. “That would be too many similarities in one day.”
“Speaking of Pokémon, come into the next room and make your pick,” the Professor said, pushing Jayden into the room where the other three were. “Now that we’re all here we can get you guys your first Pokémon ahead of schedule!”
“Ladies first,” said the girl, stepping up to a table that had four orbs placed on it. The top half was red while the bottom half was white. A silver strip with a white button separated them at the middle. After carefully looking over the Poké Balls, the girl picked one up and held it in the air. “Totodile is mine!”
“Come on Kaylie!” the boy in the green jacket groaned. “You know I was going to pick Totodile!”
“Too bad Marshall; it’s mine.” The girl stuck her tongue out at him.
“I guess I’ll choose next,” Jayden said, stepping up. Placing his hand over one of the balls, Jayden’s heart began to beat really fast. Oh crap! he thought. I forgot which Pokémon were being offered! Do I ask the Professor? No. That will make me look stupid. Damn! Guess I’ll have to choose randomly!
Closing his eyes, Jayden moved his hand over the balls three times before throwing his hand on one. Another groan came from Marshall as Jayden picked the ball up. “Cyndaquil was my second choice!”
“My turn,” shouted the boy in the blue jacket. He carefully looked at the two balls remaining before turning back to the Professor. “Could you tell me the last two Pokémon remaining? The only one I remembered was Cyndaquil and it was taken.”
“In past years this lab had only offered three Pokémon,” the Professor explained. “Those three were Totodile, Cyndaquil, and Chikorita. Over time there had been more and more instances of four people becoming trainers instead of three. So to make sure that no one had to wait for their Pokémon the labs decided to offer four Pokémon as opposed to three.”
“That was a nice history lesson, but that doesn’t answer my question,” the boy said, turning back to the Poké Balls.
“Well, by process of elimination one of the Pokémon left has to be Chikorita,” the Professor told him with a chuckle. “The other tends to change and this year it is an Abra, a Psychic Pokémon known for its tendency to teleport away in battle.”
“How did you catch it then?” Marshall asked.
“This Abra is different from normal Abras. Instead of running away it attacked me,” said the Professor.
“Then I’ll pick the aggressive Abra!” the boy said, swiping the ball and rubbing it against his face.
“Thank you Burton!” Marshall said as he approached the table. “I wanted Chikorita just as much as Cyndaquil!”
“Now that we have that settled it’s time I gave you the tools you need for your journey,” the Professor told them, leading them into the next room. Scrambling around the room searching through different drawers, he finally came back with four different small boxes. “In these boxes are five Poké Balls. You use these to catch different Pokémon. Also there are registration slips for either the Pokémon League, where you would collect all eight badges in the region, or the contest circuit where you would go to the many contest halls to try and collect five ribbons to enter the Grand Festival.”
Each of the kids took a box, smiles on all their faces. “I can’t wait to get to training!” Burton exclaimed, placing all the Poké Balls in his jacket pocket.
“You and me both,” Jayden said, placing them on his belt.
“So then you’ve decided on what you want to do?” Marshall asked.
Jayden chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his head. “Of course; I’m going to-” Come on Jayden think! What is it that you want to do?! Maybe I should tell them one thing and decide later. “I’ll be in the contest circuit like you!”
“Awesome!” Marshall and Burton cheered.
“While you guys have fun with your little dancing and what not I’m going to be taking on the gyms and making my Pokémon the best battlers there are,” Kaylie told them, flipping her brown hair.
“Just because we’re going to be Coordinators doesn’t mean we won’t be able to beat you!” Burton told her. “My Pokémon are going to be both strong and elegant!”
“Now to do that you’ll have to start your journey first,” the Professor said with a chuckle.
The kids all started to laugh as they headed towards the exit. Marshall turned around and shouted, “Thanks a ton Professor Michael!”
“Please call me Professor Elm,” he shouted back. “I took my great grandfather’s name.”
“I’m going to say goodbye to my folks,” Burton said, running off.
“My grandma told me to stop by before I left,” said Kaylie, running off as well.
“Are you going to say goodbye to your dad?” Marshall asked Jayden.
“Yeah” he replied. “I’ll meet up with you sometime though.”
Marshall nodded with a grin. With their goodbyes said, Jayden began to walk back towards his house, Poké Ball in hand. During the entire ten minute walk he had been staring at the ball, not even noticing when people would say hello. When he opened the door to his house streamers and a loud popping noise greeted him. His dad had been waiting by the door with the party popper. A woman behind him blew into a kazoo, playing a made up melody.
“Dad, Aunt Kacie,” he said surprised.
“Your aunt had come over from Cherrygrove to see you off,” his dad told him.
“I couldn’t let my only nephew start his journey without seeing me first,” Kacie said, giving him a big kiss on the cheek.
“So what Pokémon did you get?” his father asked.
“I ended up choosing Cyndaquil,” Jayden answered, holding up the Poké Ball.
“Have you said hello to it yet?” Kacie asked.
Jayden shook his head. “I’m going to wait until we’re on the road. I better leave now if I want to reach Cherrygrove by dark. Will you go with me Aunt Kacie?”
“I’ll be staying here. Dan has offered to let me take the extra room. My old bones can only take so much walking in one day.”
Dan pulled his son into an embrace, smiling at him.”Your mother would be proud of you.”
Jayden’s eyes suddenly began to water. He turned, wiping the tears away with his sleeve. “I’ll see you later okay Dad?” Even though the tears had been wiped away the sadness was still present in his voice.
“Sure thing son. Make me proud.”
Once he left the house, he let a single tear slide down his face. After taking a deep breath, Jayden looked at the Poké Ball again, excitement returning. Looking down the street he saw the path that exited New Bark Town, a smile appearing on his face.
“Let’s do this Cyndaquil,” he said to the ball before placing it on his belt and running towards the exit, towards the start of his journey.
Name: Jayden Sector
Date of Birth: 23 March
Height: 5’ 9”
Weight: 150 lbs
Biography: Jayden was born and raised in New Bark Town by his father, Daniel Sector. His aunt, Kacie, who lived in Cherrygrove City, visited often. When Jayden was a child his father told him that his mother had left a few months after Jayden was born, not saying where she was going or if she would return. Jayden lives to make his father proud, scared that whatever he chose for his career would make his father disappointed. After his first gym battle, Jayden figured out that he loved to battle Pokémon and decided to try for the Silver Conference.
Badges: Zephyr Badge, Plain Badge, Fog Badge
Pokémon:
Cyndaquil (obtained in Distance) – Being Jayden’s started, Jayden is closest to Cyndaquil. On their walk to Cherrygrove they bonded instantly. Cyndaquil is Jayden’s last resort, being his strongest teammate. She has shown that she is willing to battle any Pokémon for Jayden when she faced off against Falkner’s Pidgeotto, a Pokémon that was much stronger and faster. Cyndaquil knows a variety of attacks such as Ember and Smokescreen, able to use all of them effectively.
Beedrill (evolved prior to City of Lights) – Jayden captured Beedrill as a Weedle just outside of Cherrygrove City. Despite being a small Pokémon, Beedrill showed his strength as a Weedle by easily defeating Kaylie’s Ledyba. During Jayden’s battle against Falkner, Weedle evolved into a Kakuna after defeating Pidgeotto. After looking into Kakuna’s eyes Jayden could tell that Weedle’s confident personality was retained. Through training, Kakuna eventually evolved into Beedrill sometime before Jayden met back up with Kaylie and co.
Pidgeotto (evolved prior to The Dark Day) – The third Pokémon Jayden caught was Pidgeotto as a Pidgey. Pidgey proved capable of holding his own against other Flying type Pokémon, matching Falkner’s Hoothoot in strength and outrunning Pidgeotto. Since evolving, Pidgeotto has become much stronger and faster, holding out against Doris’ Umbreon, an executive of Team Lustrous.
Gastly (obtained in Nightfall Part 1) – Gastly was found in an old house en route to Goldenrod City. Much to Jayden’s surprise, the house and Gastly was once his father’s. Deciding to reunite him with his long lost Pokémon, Jayden accepted Gastly as a part of his team, utilizing his skill in both Ghost and Dark type attacks.
Date of Birth: 23 March
Height: 5’ 9”
Weight: 150 lbs
Biography: Jayden was born and raised in New Bark Town by his father, Daniel Sector. His aunt, Kacie, who lived in Cherrygrove City, visited often. When Jayden was a child his father told him that his mother had left a few months after Jayden was born, not saying where she was going or if she would return. Jayden lives to make his father proud, scared that whatever he chose for his career would make his father disappointed. After his first gym battle, Jayden figured out that he loved to battle Pokémon and decided to try for the Silver Conference.
Badges: Zephyr Badge, Plain Badge, Fog Badge
Pokémon:
Cyndaquil (obtained in Distance) – Being Jayden’s started, Jayden is closest to Cyndaquil. On their walk to Cherrygrove they bonded instantly. Cyndaquil is Jayden’s last resort, being his strongest teammate. She has shown that she is willing to battle any Pokémon for Jayden when she faced off against Falkner’s Pidgeotto, a Pokémon that was much stronger and faster. Cyndaquil knows a variety of attacks such as Ember and Smokescreen, able to use all of them effectively.
Beedrill (evolved prior to City of Lights) – Jayden captured Beedrill as a Weedle just outside of Cherrygrove City. Despite being a small Pokémon, Beedrill showed his strength as a Weedle by easily defeating Kaylie’s Ledyba. During Jayden’s battle against Falkner, Weedle evolved into a Kakuna after defeating Pidgeotto. After looking into Kakuna’s eyes Jayden could tell that Weedle’s confident personality was retained. Through training, Kakuna eventually evolved into Beedrill sometime before Jayden met back up with Kaylie and co.
Pidgeotto (evolved prior to The Dark Day) – The third Pokémon Jayden caught was Pidgeotto as a Pidgey. Pidgey proved capable of holding his own against other Flying type Pokémon, matching Falkner’s Hoothoot in strength and outrunning Pidgeotto. Since evolving, Pidgeotto has become much stronger and faster, holding out against Doris’ Umbreon, an executive of Team Lustrous.
Gastly (obtained in Nightfall Part 1) – Gastly was found in an old house en route to Goldenrod City. Much to Jayden’s surprise, the house and Gastly was once his father’s. Deciding to reunite him with his long lost Pokémon, Jayden accepted Gastly as a part of his team, utilizing his skill in both Ghost and Dark type attacks.
Name: Kaylie Janson
Date of Birth: 4 August
Height: 5’ 0”
Weight: 103 lbs
Biography: Born in New Bark Town, Kaylie never knew her parents. Instead, she was raised by her grandmother. As a child, she would play with Marshall, Burton, and (by default) Jayden. Slowly over the course of their childhood up until they started their Pokémon journeys, Kaylie had developed feelings for Jayden, unsure of where they came from. Not knowing a parent’s love, Kaylie had always felt isolated, not sure of why other people were complaining about their parents. Ever since she was a small girl Kaylie has known that she would challenge eight gyms in the Johto region and eventually make it to the Silver Conference, not in the slightest unsure of her dream.
Badges: Zephyr Badge, Plain Badge, Fog Badge
Pokémon:
Croconaw (evolved prior to Dedication through Light and Darkness) – Croconaw was Kaylie’s starter as a Totodile because of which the two share a close bond. When in a pinch, Kaylie tends to rely on Croconaw and his powerful Water type attacks. Croconaw appears to love being the center of attention, not above taking bows in the middle of a battle.
Ledian (evolved prior to Nightfall Part 2) – Ledian was captured before Kaylie met up with Jayden again. Even as a Ledyba, Ledian has proven to be very strong, defeating Jayden’s Cyndaquil despite the type disadvantage. To compete with the Goldenrod Gym Leader, Whitney, Kaylie called up Ledian’s newly obtained strength to win the battle.
Aipom (obtained in Clash) – Kaylie captured Aipom when she was training for her gym battle. Aipom is both quick and nimble, almost outmaneuvering her Totodile. Despite Aipom’s speed and power, she was soon captured. Not much is known about Kaylie’s Aipom. She is able to utilize Iron Tail, a strong steel type attack.
Date of Birth: 4 August
Height: 5’ 0”
Weight: 103 lbs
Biography: Born in New Bark Town, Kaylie never knew her parents. Instead, she was raised by her grandmother. As a child, she would play with Marshall, Burton, and (by default) Jayden. Slowly over the course of their childhood up until they started their Pokémon journeys, Kaylie had developed feelings for Jayden, unsure of where they came from. Not knowing a parent’s love, Kaylie had always felt isolated, not sure of why other people were complaining about their parents. Ever since she was a small girl Kaylie has known that she would challenge eight gyms in the Johto region and eventually make it to the Silver Conference, not in the slightest unsure of her dream.
Badges: Zephyr Badge, Plain Badge, Fog Badge
Pokémon:
Croconaw (evolved prior to Dedication through Light and Darkness) – Croconaw was Kaylie’s starter as a Totodile because of which the two share a close bond. When in a pinch, Kaylie tends to rely on Croconaw and his powerful Water type attacks. Croconaw appears to love being the center of attention, not above taking bows in the middle of a battle.
Ledian (evolved prior to Nightfall Part 2) – Ledian was captured before Kaylie met up with Jayden again. Even as a Ledyba, Ledian has proven to be very strong, defeating Jayden’s Cyndaquil despite the type disadvantage. To compete with the Goldenrod Gym Leader, Whitney, Kaylie called up Ledian’s newly obtained strength to win the battle.
Aipom (obtained in Clash) – Kaylie captured Aipom when she was training for her gym battle. Aipom is both quick and nimble, almost outmaneuvering her Totodile. Despite Aipom’s speed and power, she was soon captured. Not much is known about Kaylie’s Aipom. She is able to utilize Iron Tail, a strong steel type attack.
Name: Hope Prescott
Date of Birth: 31 January
Height: 5’05”
Weight: 112
Biography: Hope was born in a small town in western Johto to two explorers. After she was born, she was left in the care of her family’s closest friend along with her brother. Growing up, they were extremely close. Once Sam had learned about Pokémon he had devoted all his time studying instead of playing with Hope. Feeling left out, Hope aspired to become a Pokémon trainer so that her brother would play with her again. Taking her guardian’s Poké Balls, she went out and caught a Hoothoot after many failed attempts and injuries on behalf of the owl. When she was only eleven years old, her brother disappeared one night without so much as a note. The only clue that Hope had about who had taken him was ball of light in a box.
Badges: Plain Badge
Pokémon:
Noctowl (evolved prior to Team Lustrous Revived) – Evolving from the Hoothoot she caught as a child, Noctowl was Hope’s first Pokémon. It is the one she relies most on in battle. Noctowl is capable of using many strong attacks such as Air Slash and Hypnosis.
Empoleon (obtained prior to City of Lights) – Empoleon was Hope’s true starter Pokémon, having obtained him as a Piplup as a child. Her parents left the small Water Pokémon with Hope so that she would have a friend to play with. Over time, Empoleon became protective of Hope, evolving to gain the strength necessary to defend her.
Date of Birth: 31 January
Height: 5’05”
Weight: 112
Biography: Hope was born in a small town in western Johto to two explorers. After she was born, she was left in the care of her family’s closest friend along with her brother. Growing up, they were extremely close. Once Sam had learned about Pokémon he had devoted all his time studying instead of playing with Hope. Feeling left out, Hope aspired to become a Pokémon trainer so that her brother would play with her again. Taking her guardian’s Poké Balls, she went out and caught a Hoothoot after many failed attempts and injuries on behalf of the owl. When she was only eleven years old, her brother disappeared one night without so much as a note. The only clue that Hope had about who had taken him was ball of light in a box.
Badges: Plain Badge
Pokémon:
Noctowl (evolved prior to Team Lustrous Revived) – Evolving from the Hoothoot she caught as a child, Noctowl was Hope’s first Pokémon. It is the one she relies most on in battle. Noctowl is capable of using many strong attacks such as Air Slash and Hypnosis.
Empoleon (obtained prior to City of Lights) – Empoleon was Hope’s true starter Pokémon, having obtained him as a Piplup as a child. Her parents left the small Water Pokémon with Hope so that she would have a friend to play with. Over time, Empoleon became protective of Hope, evolving to gain the strength necessary to defend her.
Name: Alexander Janson
Date of Birth: 31 December
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 189 lbs
Biography: Alexander is the older brother of Kaylie, hailing from New Bark Town. Sometime after he started his journey, Alexander joined Team Lustrous. Over the years he worked his way up through the ranks to commander. His battling skills are above average as he is able to completely able to control his Tyranitar without any resistance. Even though he is the commander of Team Lustrous, Alexander still cares for his sister. Not much is known about his past.
Pokémon:
Tyranitar (obtained prior to Blinding Light) – Tyranitar is the only Pokémon that Alexander has shown under his control. He is able to fully utilize his rock type and take many attacks such as fire and flying. Tyranitar has a somewhat elitist attitude, showing boredom when Alexander decides to battle against Pokémon weaker than him. Even so he completely listens to Alexander. Tyranitar is able to utilize strong attacks such as Slash and Stone Edge.
Chikorita (obtained prior to Before the Bond) – Chikorita was Alexander’s starter Pokémon that he received from Elm the day he left New Bark Town. Against a type advantage, Chikorita helped Alexander defeat Falkner. Sometime after his win against Falkner, Alexander ran into The Black Organization. To defend her trainer and best friend, Chikorita sacrificed herself.
Date of Birth: 31 December
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 189 lbs
Biography: Alexander is the older brother of Kaylie, hailing from New Bark Town. Sometime after he started his journey, Alexander joined Team Lustrous. Over the years he worked his way up through the ranks to commander. His battling skills are above average as he is able to completely able to control his Tyranitar without any resistance. Even though he is the commander of Team Lustrous, Alexander still cares for his sister. Not much is known about his past.
Pokémon:
Tyranitar (obtained prior to Blinding Light) – Tyranitar is the only Pokémon that Alexander has shown under his control. He is able to fully utilize his rock type and take many attacks such as fire and flying. Tyranitar has a somewhat elitist attitude, showing boredom when Alexander decides to battle against Pokémon weaker than him. Even so he completely listens to Alexander. Tyranitar is able to utilize strong attacks such as Slash and Stone Edge.
Chikorita (obtained prior to Before the Bond) – Chikorita was Alexander’s starter Pokémon that he received from Elm the day he left New Bark Town. Against a type advantage, Chikorita helped Alexander defeat Falkner. Sometime after his win against Falkner, Alexander ran into The Black Organization. To defend her trainer and best friend, Chikorita sacrificed herself.
Name: Burton Avery
Date of Birth: 9 July
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 112 lbs
Biography: Being friends with Marshall, Jayden, and Kaylie, Burton was born in New Bark Town. For the most part he had a normal childhood. At one point he and Marshall had been exposed to contests and decided that it was their calling. When they finally reached the appropriate age, he chose his first Pokémon with his three friends.
Pokémon: Burton has used two Pokémon thus far.
Abra (obtained in Distance) – Because of four trainers beginning their journey, Professor Elm had caught another Pokémon to be chosen, in this case an Abra. Despite being a lazy species, that usually teleports away at the first sign of battle, Burton’s Abra is aggressive, having attacked Professor Elm. He can utilize such attacks as Energy Ball and Shadow Ball. He has a unique trait where he can use Teleport on his attacks, making for deadly combos.
Poliwag (obtained prior to Illuminated Glory) – Poliwag is the second Pokémon that obtained. She battles as if the battle was a contest, her attacks always sparkling. Poliwag was able to hold her own against Jayden’s Pidgey, but eventually fell to the flying type. Poliwag is able to use the attacks Bubblebeam and Water Gun, using both to their limits.
Date of Birth: 9 July
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 112 lbs
Biography: Being friends with Marshall, Jayden, and Kaylie, Burton was born in New Bark Town. For the most part he had a normal childhood. At one point he and Marshall had been exposed to contests and decided that it was their calling. When they finally reached the appropriate age, he chose his first Pokémon with his three friends.
Pokémon: Burton has used two Pokémon thus far.
Abra (obtained in Distance) – Because of four trainers beginning their journey, Professor Elm had caught another Pokémon to be chosen, in this case an Abra. Despite being a lazy species, that usually teleports away at the first sign of battle, Burton’s Abra is aggressive, having attacked Professor Elm. He can utilize such attacks as Energy Ball and Shadow Ball. He has a unique trait where he can use Teleport on his attacks, making for deadly combos.
Poliwag (obtained prior to Illuminated Glory) – Poliwag is the second Pokémon that obtained. She battles as if the battle was a contest, her attacks always sparkling. Poliwag was able to hold her own against Jayden’s Pidgey, but eventually fell to the flying type. Poliwag is able to use the attacks Bubblebeam and Water Gun, using both to their limits.
Chapter list
First Journey Arc
Chapter 1: Distance 9 February 2012
Chapter 2: Escort 27 February 2012
Chapter 3: Drive 29 February 2012
Chapter 4: Light 1 March 2012
Chapter 5: Dark 3 March 2012
Chapter 6: Clash 4 March 2012
Chapter 7: Test 6 March 2012
Team Lustrous Arc
Chapter 8: Team Lustrous Revived 7 March 2012
Chapter 9: Blinding Light 12 March 2012
Chapter 10: Lost Luster 17 March 2012
Chapter 11: Illuminated Glory 20 March 2012
Chapter 12: Radiant Pride 22 March 2012
Chapter 13: Fading Light 26 March 2012
The Black Organization Arc
Chapter 14: Encounter with the Darkness 30 March 2012
Chapter 15: The Midnight Sun 4 April 2012
Chapter 16: Nightfall Part 1 6 April 2012
Chapter 17: Nightfall Part 2 2 May 2012
Third Faction Arc
Chapter 18: Burning Passion 7 July 2012
Chapter 19: Broken 20 September 2012
Chapter 20: Dedication through Light and Darkness 19 November 2012
Chapter 21: The Nine 30 November 2012
Chapter 22: City of Lights 19 December 2012
Chapter 23: The Dark Day 7 January 2013
Chapter 24: Parting the Clouds 7 March 2013
Silver Conference Arc
Chapter 25: Translucence 4 April 2013
Chapter 26: Raging Storm 10 June 2013
Chapter 27: Guiding Light 9 August 2013
Chapter 28: Fist of Fury 21 August 2013
Chapter 29: Legend 4 September 2013
Restoration Arc
Chapter 30: Return to Unity City 10 December 2013
Chapter 31: The New Path 28 January 2014
Chapter 32: In the Distance
Chapter 33: Loss
Chapter 34: A Blank Slate
Hero’s Bond
Chapter 1: Distance
“What do you want to do? That’s what everyone asks me. Do you want to challenge the gyms or dazzle people in contests? Are you made to become a Ranger and protect Pokémon or are you meant to have a Pokémon at all?”
“Sounds like your friends give you a hard time.”
“I don’t see why I have to have everything figured out right now. I’m only fourteen years old!”
“Well when I was a kid we had to make that decision by the time we were ten. Consider yourself lucky now that the laws have changed.”
A young boy and his father had been conversing as they approached their small house in a quiet town located somewhere in the Johto region. The town didn’t have many residents so just about everyone knew everyone. A sign indicated that the town was named New Bark, the town where winds of a new beginning blow.
“Burton tells me I should participate in contests like him. He even said that Marshall was going the same route,” the boy told his father.
“Listen Jayden, no matter what you choose I’ll be proud of you.” The man placed his hand on Jayden’s head, ruffling his black hair. “When is your appointment with the Professor?”
“It’s in half an hour. I’ve never been so nervous Dad! I have to tell the Professor what I’m going to choose right? I still don’t know!”
The man now put his hands on the boy’s shoulders, kneeling so they were at eye level. “You’ll be fine. Just go with whatever your heart tells you.”
Jayden bit his bottom lip, looking down at the ground. “What did you do Dad?”
“I just traveled. Originally I thought I was going to be a contest master, but I failed miserably in my first contest. That’s when I decided I just wanted to travel and see as many Pokémon as I could. Now go. You don’t want to be late.”
Jayden turned away from his father, letting out a sigh, fixing his red jacket and wiping dust off his black jeans. With a wave the boy began walking towards a large building. The building had a smoke stack on the roof, smoke emitting from it and rising in the midday sky. A few people greeted Jayden as he passed them. Once he reached the building he knocked on the large wooden door, a loud gulp coming from his throat as he swallowed. The door swung inwards to reveal a fairly young man with tousled sand colored hair.
“Jayden,” the man exclaimed, pulling his lab coat back onto his shoulder. “You’re about ten minutes early. Seems like you and your friends have a lot in common.”
Jayden looked at him confused, but when he walked into the lab he saw what he meant. In the next room were three people; two boys and a girl. The boys had been wearing similar clothing to Jayden, the colors being the only difference. The girl had sported a pink tank top and a white skirt.
“Jayden you made it!” one of the boys shouted.
“We’re all here early and we’re wearing the same style of clothing. We’ve been friends for way too long!” the other boy said with a grin.
“Then it’s a good thing we won’t be getting the same Pokémon,” the girl said crossing her arms. “That would be too many similarities in one day.”
“Speaking of Pokémon, come into the next room and make your pick,” the Professor said, pushing Jayden into the room where the other three were. “Now that we’re all here we can get you guys your first Pokémon ahead of schedule!”
“Ladies first,” said the girl, stepping up to a table that had four orbs placed on it. The top half was red while the bottom half was white. A silver strip with a white button separated them at the middle. After carefully looking over the Poké Balls, the girl picked one up and held it in the air. “Totodile is mine!”
“Come on Kaylie!” the boy in the green jacket groaned. “You know I was going to pick Totodile!”
“Too bad Marshall; it’s mine.” The girl stuck her tongue out at him.
“I guess I’ll choose next,” Jayden said, stepping up. Placing his hand over one of the balls, Jayden’s heart began to beat really fast. Oh crap! he thought. I forgot which Pokémon were being offered! Do I ask the Professor? No. That will make me look stupid. Damn! Guess I’ll have to choose randomly!
Closing his eyes, Jayden moved his hand over the balls three times before throwing his hand on one. Another groan came from Marshall as Jayden picked the ball up. “Cyndaquil was my second choice!”
“My turn,” shouted the boy in the blue jacket. He carefully looked at the two balls remaining before turning back to the Professor. “Could you tell me the last two Pokémon remaining? The only one I remembered was Cyndaquil and it was taken.”
“In past years this lab had only offered three Pokémon,” the Professor explained. “Those three were Totodile, Cyndaquil, and Chikorita. Over time there had been more and more instances of four people becoming trainers instead of three. So to make sure that no one had to wait for their Pokémon the labs decided to offer four Pokémon as opposed to three.”
“That was a nice history lesson, but that doesn’t answer my question,” the boy said, turning back to the Poké Balls.
“Well, by process of elimination one of the Pokémon left has to be Chikorita,” the Professor told him with a chuckle. “The other tends to change and this year it is an Abra, a Psychic Pokémon known for its tendency to teleport away in battle.”
“How did you catch it then?” Marshall asked.
“This Abra is different from normal Abras. Instead of running away it attacked me,” said the Professor.
“Then I’ll pick the aggressive Abra!” the boy said, swiping the ball and rubbing it against his face.
“Thank you Burton!” Marshall said as he approached the table. “I wanted Chikorita just as much as Cyndaquil!”
“Now that we have that settled it’s time I gave you the tools you need for your journey,” the Professor told them, leading them into the next room. Scrambling around the room searching through different drawers, he finally came back with four different small boxes. “In these boxes are five Poké Balls. You use these to catch different Pokémon. Also there are registration slips for either the Pokémon League, where you would collect all eight badges in the region, or the contest circuit where you would go to the many contest halls to try and collect five ribbons to enter the Grand Festival.”
Each of the kids took a box, smiles on all their faces. “I can’t wait to get to training!” Burton exclaimed, placing all the Poké Balls in his jacket pocket.
“You and me both,” Jayden said, placing them on his belt.
“So then you’ve decided on what you want to do?” Marshall asked.
Jayden chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his head. “Of course; I’m going to-” Come on Jayden think! What is it that you want to do?! Maybe I should tell them one thing and decide later. “I’ll be in the contest circuit like you!”
“Awesome!” Marshall and Burton cheered.
“While you guys have fun with your little dancing and what not I’m going to be taking on the gyms and making my Pokémon the best battlers there are,” Kaylie told them, flipping her brown hair.
“Just because we’re going to be Coordinators doesn’t mean we won’t be able to beat you!” Burton told her. “My Pokémon are going to be both strong and elegant!”
“Now to do that you’ll have to start your journey first,” the Professor said with a chuckle.
The kids all started to laugh as they headed towards the exit. Marshall turned around and shouted, “Thanks a ton Professor Michael!”
“Please call me Professor Elm,” he shouted back. “I took my great grandfather’s name.”
“I’m going to say goodbye to my folks,” Burton said, running off.
“My grandma told me to stop by before I left,” said Kaylie, running off as well.
“Are you going to say goodbye to your dad?” Marshall asked Jayden.
“Yeah” he replied. “I’ll meet up with you sometime though.”
Marshall nodded with a grin. With their goodbyes said, Jayden began to walk back towards his house, Poké Ball in hand. During the entire ten minute walk he had been staring at the ball, not even noticing when people would say hello. When he opened the door to his house streamers and a loud popping noise greeted him. His dad had been waiting by the door with the party popper. A woman behind him blew into a kazoo, playing a made up melody.
“Dad, Aunt Kacie,” he said surprised.
“Your aunt had come over from Cherrygrove to see you off,” his dad told him.
“I couldn’t let my only nephew start his journey without seeing me first,” Kacie said, giving him a big kiss on the cheek.
“So what Pokémon did you get?” his father asked.
“I ended up choosing Cyndaquil,” Jayden answered, holding up the Poké Ball.
“Have you said hello to it yet?” Kacie asked.
Jayden shook his head. “I’m going to wait until we’re on the road. I better leave now if I want to reach Cherrygrove by dark. Will you go with me Aunt Kacie?”
“I’ll be staying here. Dan has offered to let me take the extra room. My old bones can only take so much walking in one day.”
Dan pulled his son into an embrace, smiling at him.”Your mother would be proud of you.”
Jayden’s eyes suddenly began to water. He turned, wiping the tears away with his sleeve. “I’ll see you later okay Dad?” Even though the tears had been wiped away the sadness was still present in his voice.
“Sure thing son. Make me proud.”
Once he left the house, he let a single tear slide down his face. After taking a deep breath, Jayden looked at the Poké Ball again, excitement returning. Looking down the street he saw the path that exited New Bark Town, a smile appearing on his face.
“Let’s do this Cyndaquil,” he said to the ball before placing it on his belt and running towards the exit, towards the start of his journey.
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