Newbark Town

Author note:

Age of some characters:

Aoki: almost 19 (he was almost 17 at the start of his journey )

Misty: 19

Sabrina: 20

Cynthia: 20

********************

Johto region:

Riding atop the mighty Charizard, Aoki, and Misty reveled in the breathtaking expanse of the Johto region that stretched beneath them. The wind carried whispers of adventure, and with each beat of Charizard's powerful wings, their spirits soared.

"It's been far too long since we last savored the thrill of flying together like this. Even though Sabrina often accompanies me, there's a certain emptiness without your presence," Aoki mused, his eyes reflecting a touch of nostalgia.

Misty's gaze matched his, filled with a blend of fondness and longing.

"Yes, I've missed these flights too. Agatha's a bit stingy with vacations, so this week of freedom is like a treasure. Finally, a chance to enjoy life to the fullest," she chimed in, a joyful lilt in her voice.

Aoki turned to her with a grin. "Where shall our journey commence?"

Misty's eyes twinkled as she thought about their options. "I've explored around Blackthorn City, but the realms near Violet City and Goldenrod City remain untamed by my curiosity. Let's delve into those territories first."

Aoki nodded in agreement. "How about we start in New Bark Town? Sabrina mentioned a mission in Violet City, so we can rendezvous with her later."

"Sounds like a plan. Let's make it happen," Misty replied eagerly.

In contrast to the more developed Kanto region, Johto's landscape painted a tapestry of lush greens and diverse pockets of advancement.

Goldenrod City stood as a beacon of modernity, with its radiance reflecting onto the surrounding cities and villages, each with its unique charm.

As Charizard glided down, Aoki chose a spot on the outskirts of New Bark Town to land. Beneath them, Professor Elm and his assistants awaited their arrival. Elm, a figure of knowledge and innovation, sported glasses that hinted at sleepless nights spent deep in research.

The assistants gazed at Aoki with starry-eyed wonder.

Although Misty was not that famous as compared to Aoki, she was quite well known due to her being in youth cup tournaments and performance in the Pokemon league.

"Hope you are doing well Professor Elm," Aoki said shaking his hand.

"I am doing great Professor Gunhildr, it feels as if a new world opened to me after your discovery of fairy types," Elm replied.

"That's good to know Professor.

Since we are new to Johto, we will rely on you as our guide" Aoki said.

Elm responded warmly, "Consider it done. I'm dedicated to ensuring your Johto experience is unparalleled. What would you like to begin with?"

"Let's make a visit to your laboratory first. I'm genuinely intrigued by your research," Aoki suggested.

Misty decided to explore the town while leaving the academic pursuits to Aoki. "I'll be out and about, discovering the area. I'll catch up with you later."

A quick glance at his watch sent a jolt of realization through Professor Elm. "I nearly forgot! I need to distribute starter Pokemon and Pokedexes to new trainers. Professor Gunhildr, we must hurry!"

**************

The door of a house in New Bark Town swung open, revealing two girls and a boy, all around fifteen years old. Lyra, Ethan, and Kris, the top students of the area, had been chosen to receive the royal starters from Professor Elm.

Kris, with her green hair and yellow cap, and Lyra, boasting a large hat atop her brown hair, were brimming with excitement. Ethan, his black hair matching his black-yellow cap, voiced his concerns over being pulled along by the girls.

"Slow down! The starters aren't going anywhere!" Ethan exclaimed, fearing his limbs might be torn asunder.

Kris, her enthusiasm barely containable, retorted, "Ethan, it's finally here! I can't contain my excitement any longer."

Lyra chimed in, echoing Kris's sentiment, "You know how long I've waited for this moment? I'm practically bursting!"

The trio entered Professor Elm's lab and froze in awe. There stood the reigning champion of Kanto, the legendary Professor Aoki Gunhildr himself.

Aoki was surprised to see them too especially Ethan and Lyra.

In the Pokemon games, these two were the protagonists of the Johto game series.

"I am a big fan of yours !! please give me an autograph "All three trainers were instantly ready with notebooks for Aoki's autograph.

By now this had become an everyday occurrence for Aoki.

"Professor Gunhildr came to visit Kanto so I thought of asking him to meet some new trainers and give them advice, "Professor Elm said.

"You three are going to start a journey that will change your destiny…..

You will be coming across various challenges that at times might seem overwhelming but remember there is always a solution as long as you believe in your Pokemon and companions.

In the wild, there would be many life-threatening situations, if such a case arises, prioritize safety over anything.

If you want to become strong, you must train your Pokemon regularly and become a leader whom your Pokemon can respect.

Speaking from personal experience, training your Pokemon can be tiring and repetitive but only after doing something repeatedly can you see results " Aoki said to them.

"How can I become a trainer like you ?" Ethen asked excitedly.

"As I said earlier, you need to train regularly.

When I started, I trained my Pokemon in new techniques till they couldn't stand up anymore.

To make it fair, I trained my body with them.

I provided them with nutritious food and body massages to keep them in perfect shape.

I went through videos and articles of different Pokemon battles and incorporated them into my styles.

Finally fought a lot of battles for experience and to create a perfect sync between my commands and the performance of my Pokemon.

After every match, whether I lost or won, I noted the instances where my Pokemon could have done something better and spent some time working with them to do it perfectly next time.

I spent time with all my Pokemon and understood their personality and likings to create individual battle styles for each of them.

Everything I said might sound very exhausting but when you start having fun, time passes like nothing. "

All three trainers furiously took note of everything Aoki said in their notebooks.

Advice from a trainer like Aoki is very rare to get, they would make full use of the opportunity.

While Aoki was giving them advice, Professor Elm took out three Pokeballs and released the Pokemon in them.

Fire- Type: Cyndaquil

Water-Type: Totodile

Grass-Type: Chikorita

"Kids! I brought your starter Pokemon " Professor Elm said attracting the attention of three of them.

"Go on, this is a big decision for your journey, " Aoki said asking the trainer to pick their starters.

Ethan was the first to approach the starters and picked up Cyndaquil.

"You will be my buddy from now on and burn every obstacle in our path!"

Lyra picked Chikorita while Kris picked Totodile.

Professor Elm gives them the Pokeball of their starters and their Pokedex.

"Professor Gunhildr! I challenge you to a battle!" Ethan said with the two asking the same thing.

"Confident are we?

Don't lose confidence if you lose to me " Aoki said with a smile releasing a junior rank Mareep.

***************

Outside the lab, a red-haired boy, around the same age as the trio, observed the battle through a window. Misty's voice broke his reverie.

"Fascinating battle, isn't it?" she whispered, causing the boy to stumble.

His cheeks aflame, he retorted, "What's your deal, lady?"

"I've been watching you watching the battle. You're getting a starter today, right?" Misty inquired.

"None of your business. Leave me be," the boy huffed, but his facade wavered.

"Don't be so aloof. I noticed you ogling the Totodile. Are water types your preference?" Misty's perceptive gaze met his.

He confessed, "Yeah, water types are my favorite. But it doesn't matter. My ranking won't earn me a water starter."

Misty detected the echoes of her own past in his words. "What's your name?"

"Silver," he responded.

Misty took out a Pokeball and released a Corphish.

"I recently caught two of them but don't need one, you can have one"

Misty's empathy surged. "You remind me of my younger self. I tried to act cool too.

You're starting your journey, and let me offer some advice.

Seize every opportunity to grow stronger. The path ahead is ruthless, punishing the smallest misstep."

Undeterred, Silver maintained a tough exterior. "I don't need your pity. I'll earn my own way."

Misty was unfazed. "Your determination mirrors my past. Here, take this Corphish. It's a gift, not a favor. Embrace it, for a harsh world awaits."

Throwing the Pokeball at Silver to catch, Misty strode into Elm's lab, leaving a pensive Silver behind.