The Start of a Long Journey
Goodbye's were long enough and "See you later"s were just the same at the Goldenrod City Gym, where fighters from all around the city had come to board the Charter Bus that would take them to the start of the Challenge Round journey. Moments earlier, Kevin and his team stopped by Lesley's hospital room to give her a PokéGear that most of them chipped in for so she could keep in contact with them during their road to success. It was another way for them to show how much they cared for her and wanted her to know she was still a part of their group, a gesture she would always treasure. Even though she was not there to add to the fond farewells, her friends received plenty of them from their parents and other relatives who just couldn't seem to let go without giving sage advice.
"I put your Chibi Ninja Bunny PJs in your gym bag, because they wouldn't fit in your travel case," May's mother said as she went over their list of supplies for the umpteenth time. "Don't forget to brush your teeth at least twice a day. I also put an extra Chibi Ninja Bunny toothbrush in your bag, so you don't have to worry about losing the other one, okay?"
"Mom," was all the Pichu could whine as she tried to hide her face from giggling onlookers. That sort of care was fine when they were in the privacy of their own home but out in public amongst professional combatants, it was more than embarrassing for her.
Kevin had it no differently, though. While his sister was being babied, he received a rather manly lecture from his father. "Son," Mr. Yaffa began, "you're undergoing one of the many miles on the road of life that will lead you to adulthood. I don't have to tell you how important it is for you to watch over your sister, do I?"
"No, dad," the Pikachu grumbled.
"Good. Make sure the two of you eat right, and don't leave each other's sides unless during a match. You're no longer a little boy, Kevin, but only if you come back with yourself and your sister in tact will you then be a man."
A fine speech, indeed, accented with a touch of building pressure. Not only did his parents seem to lack faith in him as a fighter but also in keeping his sister from being lost during the Challenge Round. With what little of his pride he had left, Kevin picked up his bags and headed for the nearest Charter Bus, hoping to grab some close seats for himself and his teammates.
Nearby, Genkimono's mother struggled to finish stuffing a few items into his travel bag while balancing two squirming Sentret babies on her shoulders, holding onto a wandering Sentret toddler with her tail, and trying not to fall over while three more Sentret youths tugged at her legs. One couldn't help but feel sorry for the poor woman and what she had to put up with, but don't discount her husband; he was standing close by, trying to keep an armload of quintuplets from crying anymore than they had to. It was in a Furret's nature to have a big family, or so the biology teacher would say. "Don't forget, your pills are in the small outside pocket," Genki's mother called over the loud wail of screaming babies. "I love you, Genki, take care!" How nice it would be to have one less speed demon to worry about for a few weeks though with all the Hell his parents were already facing, it would be hard to notice.
"Seeyoumom, seeyoupop," the Sentret called as he gathered up his things. "SeeyouKouki, Yoryoku, Souryoku, Zenryoku, Yuuyaku, Hanshin, Shishi, Eiki, Kesshi, andOtokogi! Havefunathomeyouguys!" He waved to his family, then scampered onto the bus. By the tired expressions on the face of his parents, it seemed that the only person who would be receiving any sort of break at that moment was Genki.
Next to the doors of the same Charter Bus, Jimoku stood in silent prayer with his grandmother. His family had always been solid worshipers of the Legendary Bird, Lugia, and had always prayed to Her for wisdom and guidance whenever a family member went off to show their skill during any challenge. Even in a match governed by the great overseers of the World Team Fighting Circuit, there were many dangers that could not be avoided. It was for these dangers that the two prayed with hopes that Lugia would give Her protective blessing to all--if not most--of the fighters present.
"May the wisdom of Lugia, the strength of Houou, the calm of Articuno, the energy of Zapdos, and the warmth of Moltres enshroud you during your journey," Konsetsu Tsuneni said to her grandchild.
"Their light is always with me, as well as your love," he answered with a smile.
"If you happen to see your parents, share my love with them."
"I will." As he felt May take him by the hand Jimoku waved to his grandmother, then turned to join the others on the bus.
Seeing the crowd of people diminish, Sibban gave a quick hug to her mother and father, then rushed to grab a hold of Samuel.
"We know you will do your best," the Sandshrew's father said to him. "Put your all into your victory. Hold nothing back."
A small kiss was planted on his forehead by his mother. "Make us proud, Sam. Come home a winner."
Before he could say anything to his parents, Samuel felt the pull of Sibban on his right arm. "Shake it, San Andreas! The bus is leaving soon!"
His father shook his head as he watched them leave. "We have got to find him a less energetic mate," he muttered, then flinched as his wife struck him in the arm with one of her heavy claws.
With arms, tails and tentacles waving out their partially-opened windows, the parade of Charter Buses pulled away from the back lot of Goldenrod's Gym, taking with them the many hopefuls of the city. Their destination was the distant Cherrygrove City, which would take more than two days to reach by their current method of travel. Although the journey would be long, none would sit listless, for all now had plenty of people to meet, PokéGear numbers to exchange and pictures to take of the many sights along the way. Excitement filled the air and left the mouth of every participant, even when the night prevailed and the inner lights were dimmed for slumber.
When the Charter Buses finally arrived in Cherrygrove City, all the passengers were more than eager to leave them. The vehicles pulled into the parking lot of the Cherry Blossom Civic Center which stood in the center of the city, then opened their doors so the restless teams could step out and stretch their legs. Just like a few other team leaders who talked the entire bus ride, Kevin had to be woken up by a few of his teammates then practically dragged into the parking lot. As the warm sunshine greeted him with the cool climate breeze, the Pikachu rubbed his eyes and wiped the sticky patches of drool from his muzzle, then looked down a his PokéGear as it sounded the little chime that let him know he was being called. Similar chimes rang out from PokéGears all around the area which meant that the call was from the Johto League Automated Messaging Service.
"My first official message call..." Kevin's eyes sparkled as he held up the ringing device, then he managed to snap out of his daze and press the call pickup button.
"Welcome, Team Leaders, to Cherrygrove City. The start of your journey to Victory Road takes place here. Please, take a moment to assemble your teammates, then enter the Cherry Blossom Civic Center and take a seat in the Cotton Spore Theater Hall. Orientation begins at o'twelve-hundred hours. The Civic Center opens up its rest rooms and concession stands for your personal use. Please respect their generosity by cleaning up after yourselves before departing. Thank you."
"So what did the Gear say," Sibban asked as she watched him fiddle with it.
The Pikachu glanced at the time function of his PokéGear then stuffed it away in the pocket of his tan cargo shorts. "We got sixteen minutes to freshen up, then they begin the introduction. I say we go find the bathrooms, then head for the auditorium."
"We're not going to hit the snack bar," May asked, her ears flopping on her head. "I'm all out of Pikacrunch Candy Bars."
"They're going to have a huge celebration after the assembly, May. There will be plenty of food there."
"Okay..."
Kevin turned to look up at the civic center. What a building. This hallowed facility, painted in blending reds, pinks and whites, held in it the next step to his dream coming true. A part of him was saddened by the fact that his best friend wasn't standing beside him to see this but that only made the rest of him determined to succeed. Lesley was counting on him and he wasn't going to let her down. Taking a deep breath, the Pikachu turned to his teammates, gave them a nod of reassurance, then led them in through the sliding doors of the center.
The spacious auditorium dipped down in a half-bowl shape whose hundreds of chairs arranged in sections that stopped right at the edge of the stage. There were two more levels of balconies that more teams had to shuffled into, though certain team members had to be separated from their groups when it was discovered that their weight would be too much for the suspended seats. Luckily for Emphatic Esteem, all of their members were of a nice, healthy weight, therefore they were allowed to stay next to each other in six front balcony chairs.
It took little time for the anxious teams of fighters to shuffle into the Cotton Spore Theater Hall since everyone wanted to hear what the illustrious representatives of the World Team Fighting Circuit would have to say. Chattering commenced for several minutes before a young Parasect hammered his left claw repeatedly against a hollow podium that stood centered in the front of the stage. "Hello? Can everyone hear me?" Feedback from the podium microphone helped grab everyone's attention with a loud whine. "Ow! Well, that wasn't very pleasant, heheh." The man cleared his throat. "Welcome to the start of The Annual Johto Challenge Round! My name is Carnell Greis, son of Cherrygrove City's Mayor, Jamel Greis, and your Master of Ceremonies for the day. I hope you enjoy our fair metropolis, which is at your disposal for the time being."
A moment of pause was given as the audience clapped. "With us today are three speakers from The Council for Higher Development in Society and Technology. First, Professor Maple, the leading Researcher and Historian of Kanto will come and give a welcome speech for all participants. Then, Professor Pine, Johto's leading Researcher and Historian will go over the rules and procedures that each team should remember. The Professor asks that all Team Leaders have a pen and paper ready to take notes with during that time.
"Lastly, we will have some words of encouragement from Mister Pokemorph, a representative of The Council of The World Team Fighting Circuit." Carnell turned aside and motioned to a distant set of stairs leading up to the stage. "Now, let us all give a warm welcome to a Pidgeot who needs no introduction, Professor Silas Maple!"
The large gathering clapped vigorously as a tall, stoic Pidgeot made his way to the podium. His crest of cinnamon brown feathers flexed up and down as he adjusted the flaps of his long labcoat, then he cleared his throat in front of the microphone as a sign for all noise to cease. "Good afternoon. Today you begin a great journey. Some of you may be traversing this road for the second time; to you I say, welcome back. Young or old, are all an important part of a proud tradition passed on for generations. Even before the majority of us could walk on two legs or even considered wearing clothing, our ancestors carried on noble bouts to display their pride in the mystic gifts bestowed upon them by the Legendaries. These battles were mostly over land, food, and other primitive supplies...."
As the speech droned on, May rubbed her grumbling belly with a frown. "I still say we should've went to the snack bar," she mumbled to her brother.
"This guy probably has this speech memorized from years past," Samuel muttered, folding his arms across his chest. "He's saying practically the same thing in that brochure of yours, Yaffa."
Kevin barely heard a word of their complaints, though. He was too busy hanging off every word of the obviously bored Professor Maple, soaking in all the information as though it would never be spoken again. Every syllable, every phrase--all was taken in by the boy. He had read the majority of what was being spoken from those brochures in his travel pack, but at that moment it was all coming from the mouth of a legend. In his day, Professor Silas Maple was the youngest person to complete grade school and college, and the only person to debate the Board of Education into giving him a scholarship that funded three trips through the University of his choosing. He was a master in the art of arguing, paraphrased many times in the talk circles of high school debate teams.
"...But those rewards you reap from putting your best foot forward in this sport will be far greater than any other you will receive in life. Thank you." A flurry of applause rose up from the audience as Professor Maple left the stage, though it was uncertain as to wether they were clapping for his well-memorized words of wisdom or the fact that it was over.
As the Pidgeot left the stage, Carnell Greis stood behind the podium once again. "Thank you, Professor Maple. Now we will hear the rules from Professor Julius Pine."
While the routine claps were given, a tall Noctowl made his way up to the podium then gave the audience a rather dissenting glare which caused everyone to quiet down. "All Team Leaders are advised to take notes during this part of orientation, newcomers especially." His voice boomed even though he stood away from the microphone. "Those who have been here before may wish to go over their previous notes to ensure they do not miss anything. I will start with the general rules of the Challenge Round, then move on to the individual rules of each town and Gym.
Each Gym will open its doors for a solid twenty-four hour period to allow all teams to issue challenges to their members. The Team Leader must present the challenge to the Gym Leader, as well as who they wish to meet it. You are only allowed to issue two challenges per team: one fighter per challenge. If the first challenge is successfully won by your team, then the challenged Gym will reward your team with an Official Team Fighting Circuit Badge and you will not be allowed to issue another to that Gym. However, in the event that you fail your first challenge, you will be allowed to try again. Failing the second challenge will end your attempts at that particular Gym and your team will have to wait until the next Annual Challenge Round to try again. If, after the twenty-four hour period is over, your team has yet to make a challenge to that Gym, then you will still have to wait until the next year. Teams who have never made challenges before are always allowed to go first."
"Did you hear that," Kevin whispered to his team. "This means we won't have to worry about whether or not we'll get in the gyms."
"Yeah, if there isn't a long line of other newly formed teams," Samuel added, taking unconscious pride in being a killjoy.
"Each gym represents a different slot on the Type Chart, with the exception of Type: Ghost. These gyms also have restrictions in the way of Types and Techniques. If your species happens to have a particular Type under the gym's list, then you cannot make a challenge there. This goes for individual fighters, not whole teams, unless you made the foolish mistake of having your entire team made up of one Type." Professor Pine stood silent for a moment as several howls and whines of disappointment rose up from various parts of the audience where unwise teams had been formed. "Indeed. Now I will list off all the gyms, the badges they offer, and their restrictions. Pay attention, please."
This riveting piece of trivia went on for a good twenty minutes before it was over and barely any fighters stayed awake during it. The only person from Emphatic Esteem who sat up through the whole thing was Kevin, who was determined to know every rule and regulation like a good leader would. Not even Jimoku, who prided himself on knowing things, or Genki, whose energy seemed never-ending, could keep from nodding off after ten minutes of the oration.
"Failure is something many of you will face. I expect no more, and will show no surprise when a team ends up turning home with nothing to show for their foolish endeavor. Win or lose, I only hope that you all learn what happens when you strive for something completely out of your reach. Good luck, you'll need it." Those that were still awake gave half-hearted hand claps to the end of the speech. Professor Pine stood away from the podium and left the stage without another word, his grim expression never lifting.
"Man, that guy is about as cheerful as a block of stone," May whispered to her teammates.
"Here I thought you were the only tight-faced jerk for miles around, Sam," Kevin added with a smirk.
"Glad to disappoint you," the Sandshrew muttered with a sneer. If there weren't such a large conglomeration of professionals surrounding him, he would have reached across the seats to smack the Pikachu upside his head.
Carnell Gries gave everyone a moment to awaken before continuing with the orientation. "Lastly, we have the world-renown expert on The World Fighting Team Circuit; a representative of The Council of The World Fighting Team Circuit, Artemis Steinberg, a.k.a. Mister Pokemorph!"
A gasp arose from the crowd as Mr. Pokemorph shimmered into existence next to the podium. Unlike Pine, he was a wise and unperturbed old Alakazam who appeared wearing a black Bowie oilskin hat with matching three-piece suit, leaning on a silver-handled cane. Even before Carnell left the stage, Mr. Pokemorph took his place at the podium and began to speak. "Hello, everyone," he began with a smile. "I'm sure you're all very hungry, so I think I'll make this brief. You are all winners. No matter what happens these next few weeks, every last one of you has made a decision that makes you a winner. You decided to do something with your lives; to get up, and be a part of the world! If but for a moment, you will have held in your hands independence, as well as friendship and teamwork."
As he moved to walk around the stage, the Alakazam's voice never lost volume. "Not only are you winners, but you are also torch-bearers, passing the flames that have held so dear to our culture for centuries. As Professor Maple so neatly pointed out, it is a part of who we are as creatures to fight. Fighting is unavoidable, but through these tournaments we help maintain the balance of peace and war without unnecessary death and bloodshed. There are no continental disputes to be won; no pieces of land to be fought over. Yet if we do not conduct the traditions that we are about to continue, then we might as well go back to the days of mass murdering for the greater good." The last two words are spoken with great disdain, followed by a mild chuckle. "No, we don't want that. We are above that, we of the Pokemorph Society. We are above fighting for no reason at all. This... this fighting you do now, it is for a reason. Let no one tell you different.
"Let no one tell you that what you are doing by participating in this competition is wrong. Quite possibly you are undergoing the most noble venture of any profession. Keeping that in mind, do not let yourself be discouraged by any loss, whether it be of a match, a badge, or a member of your team. Losses are not to be sorrowfully cherished by our people; they are to be studied so they never happen again, then put in the back of our minds like amusing memories." Mr. Pokemorph offered another smile to the audience, gazing at them as though he were standing before a room full of his own grandchildren. "You are all so special. I wish you the wisdom of Lugia, the strength of Houou, the calm spirit of Articuno, the energetic spirit of Zapdos, and the warm spirit of Moltres. May the Goddesses guide you on your journey, and keep you from serious harm. Thank you."
The standing ovation for Mr. Pokemorph was quite genuine. Everyone loved the man because he showed respect to you no matter what the situation. He also didn't present himself as a doomsayer like Professor Pine. Once the Alakazam left the stage and Carnell took his place, things quieted down quickly so the orientation could come to an end. "We thank our speakers for their enlightenment, and all of our fighters for participating. Now, if you will all please rise, we will sing the World Team Fighting Circuit's Global Anthem, This Challenge That We Must Face."
As instructed, everyone in the audience came to a stand and some held up a piece of paper that was given to them upon entry of the theater hall. It had the lyrics to the anthem printed on it, something all fighters were expected to memorize. No professional who had been in the circuit for more than a year would even pretend that they didn't know the words to that hallowed piece. Created over two centuries ago by an unknown Lapras, the anthem's heartfelt poetry rung true for every 'morph that ever signed the necessary documents to become an official fighter.
From every voice, in tune or out, the anthem echoed throughout the theater. Some audience members took time to wipe tears from their eyes but not once did they stop bellowing the words to their beloved song. When it was all over, Carnell Greis dismissed the gathering and everyone rushed out to the decorated streets of Cherrygrove. The entire central portion of the city had been made into a scrupulous festival in honor of the journey ahead, catering to every warrior who had come to show their strength. It was all for them, and for some, the last bit of fun they would have for a long time.
On the way to the buffet section of the giant block party, Kevin paused as he heard familiar voices speaking from nearby.
"Ow! Lemme go you jerk!"
"Hold still ya little mutt, or I'll chisel my name across yer skull plate!"
Feeling bold, the Pikachu broke away from his team and snuck a peek into a shaded alleyway. His hears perked and eyes widened as he caught sight of Justin Judge holding onto his little brother by the back of his jacket. By the way Butch was struggling to get free, you could tell he was in for some sort of punishment. Justin gripped one hand around his sibling's head and stuck two fingers into the eyesockets of his skull plate, lifting him as though he were holding a bowling ball by one hand. "Now listen up, you slippery weasel," the Hound said with a growl. "Mom told me I had t' play chaperone for your group, an' she wants me to make sure you don't pull any of your crap while this Challenge Round goes on! So no cheatin', Bernard!"
His brother whimpered. "B-b-b-b-but, I've got so many planned out! They make up the majority of my strategy!"
"So change the damn strategy! Mom don't want you cheatin' an' you know it! You wouldn't be such a freakin' loser anyway if you practiced fightin' instead of cheatin'!"
Grasping his brother's wrist, Butch kicked his feet up and latched onto Justin's arm, then managed to pry his head out of his grip before hopping down. With a sneer he rubbed his skull plate and straightened his jacket. "I got all the fightin' skill I need," he said in a huff. "Fine. Mah wants no cheatin'? I won't cheat. I was tryin' to go easy on people, yeah."
"Whatever," his brother chuffed. "Oh, and one more thing. Mom has so fondly informed me that for every badge we don't earn, she's gonna hold back a month of our allowance. She also says that even though I only need two badges, she'll still hold back on my allowance for however many badges you miss!"
Butch snickered. "Awww, what'sa mattah, big bro? Scared yer pocket-pickin' gal is gonna leave ya if you stop greetin' her with a hundred credits a day?"
A deep growl rose from Justin's throat. "Shaddup, pint! You just make sure you don't screw up, or I'll put you right beside that Middleton rat!"
Kevin could stand back and listen no longer. "I knew it was you who did that to Les, you jerk," he called out as he entered the alley, shaking a fist.
Both Hounds stopped their bickering and focused a toothy grin on the Pikachu. "Look who's here, brother," the youngest said as he turned to fully face the intruder.
"The yellow rat who can't keep his mouth shut," the oldest replied, folding his arms across his chest. "What do you want, Yaffa?"
Despite his inner fear, Kevin stood his ground. "You hurt my best friend, Justin, and I won't let you get away with it!"
"What're you gonna do, beat me in a match?" The Hound sneered. "You wouldn't last five seconds, mouse. Go find a trap and lean yer head into it!"
"I'll show you what kind of a mouse I am!"
"Hey!" The shout came from a few yards behind Kevin, where a female Jolteon stood glancing into the alley. She was quite tall and beautiful, wearing a white blouson with dolman sleeves and a matching beret that covered one of her ears. Her black-gloved hands rested upon a pair of capri pants of the same color and she took one barefooted step forward, narrowing her maroon-colored eyes. "Need I remind you three that it is against Challenge Round rules to conduct a match outside of an arena, as well as within the city limits of Cherrygrove? Throw a punch if you want, but you'll all be disqualified."
The Judge brothers did an equal amount of growling before moving to leave the alleyway. "See you latah, rat," Justin muttered, purposely bumping into the Pikachu while he wandered past.
"Yeah-yeah, much latah," Butch cackled as he followed his older sibling.
Once the two Hounds disappeared in the nearby crowd of Pokemorphs, the Jolteon approached Kevin with a pleasant smirk. "You know, it's not smart to threaten a guy who's been to jail and considered it a vacation."
"You know Justin?" He was rightfully surprised; after all, anyone who knew that particular Houndoom and wasn't the least bit afraid of him usually worked with him in some way. Then again, she did save him from being pummeled to a pulp and missing his first Challenge Round.
"Kinda-sorta. His girlfriend's in my gossip circle, so I hear things here and there." The girl offered a hand. "Name's Alexan Mitchell, leader of Team Eevee Nation."
Kevin seemed to relax greatly as he took a moment to shake her hand. Well, at least she didn't mention she was a member of Team Rocket, which most members of The Team do proudly. "Kevin Yaffa, leader of Emphatic Esteem."
"Unique name." Alexan motioned towards the nearby street, then together they walked out to join the rest of the celebration. "Usually people come up with something stupid like 'Team Winner,' or 'The Unbeatable Six.'" She chuckled. "Some people just have no clue what it means to have a good name on your team.
The Pikachu chuckled with her. "Yeah, I know what you mean. Of course, you should've heard some of the names we came up with before settling on that one."
She smirked. "I bet they were some wild ones, but hey, we all have trouble sometime." The Jolteon checked a black watch that was strapped around her wrist. "Guess our teams are missing us by now. Come on, let's see if we can go find them."
"You got it!" With his tail unconsciously wagging, Kevin eagerly followed Alexan through the crowd of warriors that covered the streets. He also made a mental note to himself to get her PokéGear number before parting ways. Nothing like teenage hormones to lead a young Pikachu in and out of odd situations.