It Starts

It Starts

Part One of Ivory: The Opal League

By E_Eevee aka EeveeFFwriter

Disclaimer: I don’t own pokemon in general, however, a few of them do belong to me. If you wish to use them ask. And credit goes to Topaz for the use of her pokemon Fireline and Mew_ryuu for the idea of the zebra Ponyta.

Terry stared up at the dull, white ceiling in boredom. Ever since her friend Ellen had left on her pokemon journey, Terry had nothing to do. Things like the movies weren't the same without a best friend to share them with. Posters of pokemon decorated her walls and dolls her shelves, but she wasn't all that into them. She found it uninteresting pitting them against one another for profit or fame.

"Terry!" Her mother called from downstairs. Her mother was understanding of her choice even if her father wasn't. He had been a great pokemon trainer in his day and expected her to do the same. Except this wasn't the Johto League and she wasn't Gary Oak.

Heaving herself up, she stomped down stairs secretly glad for the break. Staring at the wall was much harder than it seemed and her eyes ached with the strain. She turned the corner and held out her hand for the phone. That was the only reason her mother really called her for anything. She had no chores and never got in trouble unlike her oldest brother, Jerry.

"Mark's on the phone darling. Would you like to speak with him?" Her mother asked brushing aside a gray streak of her hair. It seemed to Terry that her mother was looking more her age than feeling it. She completed her activities with the same vigor and enthusiasm as she had done in her youth.

"Yeah, yeah." Terry grumbled taking the phone.

Mark was on his journey (vacation from Dad) in the Orange Islands. He had already mastered the Opal League as well as Johto. He had been out on the road for two years now and loving every minute of it. Unfortunately, for any gym leader that was in his way, his enthusiasm was difficult to contain and it led to many easy victories. Terry wouldn't be surprised if her brother treated his pocket monsters with more respect than he treated most people with. And that was what made him so good it seemed.

"Hey sis. I wanted to talk to you." Mark said as a greeting. His hair was jet black and spiky with his eyes a deep, steadfast brown. Like Terry, he had always been the model child, doing as he was told and staying out of trouble for the most part. He was a cheerful guy and generous too.

"Really?" Terry replied arching an eyebrow perfectly. Her tone took on a devious quality and the family trademark smirk hovered on her lightly glossed lips. She brushed a hank of short brown hair back out of her face, "Well, what is it? You know that all favors come at a price. I could always use the extra income."

"Spare me. You know I'm broke...constantly." Mark replied joking then he returned to seriousness. Shuffling around out of sight of the screen he emerged with a pokeball in his hand. Holding it up to the screen carefully he asked, "See this?"

"It's a lure ball. So what? Kurt makes tons of those things. Nothing special there."

"Not the ball you dope, the pokemon inside."

"Well, I can't see through it." Terry snipped wondering where this was leading. She fiddled with the cord and waited impatiently.

Her brother looked thoughtfully at that and the smirk appeared on his handsome face. He proceeded to put the ball back where he had fished it out of with a perfectly straight face.

Terry panicked her curiosity getting the better of her and hastily apologized, "Wait! I'm sorry, very sorry. Now what is it?"

Her brother smiled and tossed the ball down on the tiled floor of the Poke center. The customary light flashed then added to reveal an odd little creature. It was mostly paws and frill. She was dark as midnight until it moved. Then it shimmered with all shades of green, blue, and purple. The frills were a bright, shiny turquoise that darkened then flickered light in the florescent lights. The frills made up the ears, which folded down at the back of the rounded skull and rippled down the back. Deep pools of royal purple stared up with intelligence.

"I found her when fishing around in search of a good water pokemon." When he said around his hand flipped in a gesture. He caressed the tiny creature and it licked his hand with a tiny pink tongue. "I think she's a new species and just a baby. My pokedex said she was only level five although it couldn't put a name to her."

"And?" Terry encouraged sensing more held back. She was fascinated with the little beastie and couldn't take her eyes off of the pup. Her fingers itched to run across the soft, pudgy body and her tongue to click soothingly.

"Well, around here, this island I mean, these guys are a legend. Apparently there is more than this one, a whole colony if you will. Finding one is almost equivalent to that of a legendary. Impossible. I really lucked out finding her. In fact, I wonder if she wandered away for a reason."

Terry was entranced now. She had always dreamed of discovering a new type or species of pokemon. When her father discovered the first pokemon of the Wind element she was barely five. That was ten years ago and the thrill still hadn't worn off completely. Now her brother had beaten her to it, which was slightly irritating.

"So what are you going to do?" Terry asked hoping he wouldn't just shove the little cub in the PC even if that meant it came her under the care of her father. She knew Mark was going for a big challenge and his team needed to be the best. No babies would suffice no matter how rare they were. Still, he was the creature's trainer and she knew he wouldn't do that.

"Well, that's what I wanted to talk to you about." Mark said and Terry felt hope soar in her. She had never imagined that he would even consider giving away such a rare prize. She had never really had a pokemon of her own, or really wanted one, until now anyway, "But you have to promise me something."

Her hopes died and she asked suspiciously her hazel eyes narrowed, "Within reason, I'll do anything you ask."

Within reason meant that he didn't ask her to become a trainer. Gary had attempted over the years to lure her into training with that same trick and she had become resentful of such subtleties.

"No, I'm not asking that." Mark said shocked that she would even think that of him. They were the closest out of the five siblings and very sensitive to each other's wishes. "I was going to ask that you never give her away, or let someone take her from you. Whoever raises her will be her mother and she won't want to leave them ever. This is a lifelong commitment. Do you understand? I don't know how long she'll live either."

Terry felt tears pool in her hazel eyes and she sniffed happily. As if she would ever let the precious little buddle go. Those terms were easy to agree to and she would go her absolute best to adhere.

"I promise." She swore. This would be her very first pokemon and she already felt responsible for the unmet pocket monster. Finally, she could have one without taking the bait of her father or bribes of her mother.

They were good parents, but unsure how to deal with her odd quirks. She was too quiet and reserved. More so than anyone they had ever met and to them that meant that she just needed to get out more. Meet people and be social. Except that Terry didn't want to go out and make nice. She was quite content to curl up with a good book or play with the family Growlithe Mac.

Mark nodded solemnly and engaged the transfer machine. Her own end hummed with electrical energy. Static formed roughly and a sphere materialized then solidified. Joyful and slightly nervous Terry's hand ventured over and hovered before snatching it up. She held it close before looking up shiny eyed at her brother. A caring smile covered his face and he was pleased.

"Go ahead. Let her out. I've not nicknamed her yet since I thought you might like her. The species is called Draciwulfe, or Dragawulf locally. As good a name as any I suppose, but I know how you love to name everything." Mark smirked and she knew it was true. She even had all the little Ratattas that got into the garden named.

Terry scooped the tiny dog- like creature up wonderingly. The moist tongue traveled up her face covering it rapidly making her giggle. She tried to shield herself with her hands, which only served to encourage the puppy to try harder.

"She's such a wispy thing." Her mother commented from the doorway startling her. The pup scrambled out of her arms and growled in a ridicules puppy voice. Her tiny tail with ridged and her ears flat.

"That'll be her name, Wisp." Terry cooed delighted. She snapped her fingers and the puppy trotted over satisfied that the woman was not a threat. Jumping into the girl's lap unmindful of the muddy paw prints she had tracked all over she curled up and went to sleep. Soft snores issued from her nose.

"Glad you like her. Remember your promise. I'm sorry to leave so abruptly, but I have a gym match in ten minutes. I'll call back later to make sure everything's okay." Mark said looking anxious to be off. He was fingering the pokeball around his neck, which held his prized pokemon Jolteon. The electric eeveelution was the son of Gary's Umbreon. Unfortunately, the great Dark pokemon had past away the last year leaving Gary heart broken and troubled. Gary had taken up one of the three daughters and she was his constraint companion. Jolteon was her brother.

"Good bye son. Win your match." Their mother cheered and her eyes glittered with pride.

"Bye. Thank you." Terry said paying him only half a mind her concentration taken up by the new arrival. She was running her hands down the dorsal of the puppy and trying hard not to wiggle.

"Good luck." Mark replied before the screen went black leaving the Oak's living room surprisingly empty feeling.

Their mother sighed almost sadly. She was proud of her children, but missed them terribly. Jerry, the oldest and a living terror to his father, was currently lurking up at Mount Silver. He was somewhat of a rebel and heavy handed with his pokemon preferring the Fighting and Rock types. He was about twenty-one and fully independent only coming calling twice a year at major holidays, if that. Her next child was Emily. The eager, vivid young woman was now an established Eevee breeder owning a moderate estate and engaged to a nice young man at the age of nineteen. Then there was Brent her middle child. He was strong willed and gentle. He worked in a daycare with his girlfriend. Then there was Mark. Lastly, there was Terry.

Her youngest was a real mystery. The girl had a passing affection for every pokemon that roamed their extensive home and lands, but never an attachment. She showed no interest in training, breeding, or really anything related.

"That's not fair!" Terry burst out in a temper at the point of tears. Her brown hair was loose and drifting in her face. Wisp growled at her side ready to do whatever her beloved trainer commanded. She stared violently up from the girl's side.

"Don't you raise your voice and keep that dog under control." Gary replied almost coldly. His Umbreon sat quietly unnerved by the fighting. She pasted back her ears and her gold eyes shined with anxiety. She wasn't as brave as her father had been, taking more after the gentle Flareon that was his mate and her mother.

"You can't make me go." Terry snapped wrathfully raising her head obstinately to look him in the eyes. See the look on her father's face was enough to make her whirl and stomp out of the house in a fury. She fled to the stables and saddled up her favorite Rapidash mare Sierra. Leaping astride she rode hard with Wisp racing along side for her secret place.

Once at the secluded glade she released the mare to graze and sat down on a protruding tree root of a Weeping Willow. The long, trailing leaves swished oblivious to the pains of the human seated on its roots. Tears of helpless rage rolled down her cheeks and she held her head in her hands.

"Why? He knows I don't want to go! I never had." She sobbed and continued blithely, "He's a bitter old man, that's all. He's no longer the champ so he feels he has to prove it through his children. Well, I'm not his pawn. Not now and not ever."

<Ever? Darling, he just wants what's best for you.> Wisp interjected.

She had done quite a bit of growing in the last two years and now was full-grown as well as very mature. Her body was now slender with no trace of excess fat and she had the look of a greyhound dog. She was almost waist high on her trainer and very sensitive to the girl who raised her.

"No, he thinks he wants what's best for me. What if it's not? He's just being selfish that's all." Terry sniffed spoiling for a fight.

Wisp had no reply. The dog had well formed opinions about everything, much in the way a human being would, but she didn't always share them. Being part Dragon had given her an almost human mind and she was very good about using it. Too good sometimes.

"Well, I'll show him." Terry snarled still angry. She dug through her backpack making an account in her mind of what she had with her. Potions, drinks, a bit of food, and a few TMs were crammed in there. Counting her money she sighed wishing there was more, but all of her savings were at the house and she had no intention of going back for it. She'd show them how good a trainer she could be, oh yes. Then when she matched home with all eight badges he'd shut up and get off her case. She'd finish high school and go on to some non- pokemon profession.

Whistling sharply she called Sierra over. The patient Rapidash moseyed up and nuzzled her in hopes of a treat. Instead the girl pushed her nose away and shoved the note she had just scrawled into the saddlebag, but still showing. Slapping the horse on the rump she encouraged the mare to race home. That way she wouldn't turn back.

Shouldering her bag she strolled towards the road. Wisp ran to join her and looked up questioningly. Her frills were up and her whip-like tail wagging sensing her owner's plan. She was ready for any adventure as long as it was with Terry. They had traveled a little ways down the path and stopped to decide just exactly where they planned to go.

"Hey you!" A nasty voice called out. It belonged to a stocky, athletic girl roughly about the same height and age as Terry. The girl's jet-black hair shone dully in the bright afternoon sunlight and her aqua eyes had a hard quality to them.

She strode up standing squarely in Terry's way and planted her feet looking belligerently like a Tauros ready to charge. A strange pokemon stood silently at her side watching almost dispassionately. It was similar to a Persian except larger and with beautiful spot patterns whirling across it's flanks. A silver diamond coveted the wide forehead and jade eyes stared out with cat pupils.

"What do you want?" Terry shot back not feeling like humoring the nasty girl. She started to go around and the girl moved to intercept her. Wisp growled and the cat eyed her measuring as a threat.

"Are you Gary Oak's daughter?"

"If I am?" Terry growled upset even more at the mention of her father. She pushed past the girl with her thin shoulder and started to continue walking in the opposite direction.

"I, Diana Ketchum, challenge you to a pokemon battle!" The girl yipped like an overly excited Houndour. Her tough, careless demeanor gone out the window replaced with perkiness. Her cat pokemon flicked his tail lazily and stared at his trainer unchanged.

"God, if you must." Terry sighed no longer feeling like battling or fighting. The last thing she needed was to run into Ash Ketchum's daughter. The last thing she needed was an annoying rival to hinder her journey. Why couldn't the little annoyances like that never ever happen?

"I choose Panthra!" The teen jumped around like a little Pichu before a game. She pointed and bounced with so much excess energy it was tiring just to look at her. Panthra evidently thought so to because he glanced up and yawned widely. Padding forward he took up a stance in front of his trainer.

"Go Wisp." Terry said softly and the dog trotted onto the makeshift field expectantly. Her pink tongue lolled and she leaned forward eagerly. Terry occasionally battled her at the park or sometimes against a guest trainer, but she was always ready for more training.

At the unspoken command the sleek Dark type slid forward straight at the cat. She opened her mouth and before the opposing pokemon could react she slid her fangs into his shoulder. Hissing in pain he lashed out with a needle paw tearing her across the muzzle. She jumped back surprised that he wasn't more badly hurt. Crunch was her best Dark move and it should have inflicted far more damage than it did.

"Hah! Your Dark attacks aren't very effective on my Light pokemon." Diana crowed happily and danced around. Dislike for the annoyance was growing stronger with every passing second.

The Panthra was equally smug about the whole affair and he paced forward in no hurry at all. His diamond glowed and suddenly a beam constructed of a solid orange interlaced with shots of yellow blasted forth. Wisp was taken by complete surprise and was flattened. Faithfully she forced herself up and ready swaying slightly on her paws.

No command was spoken yet she knew what Terry wanted of her. They had been together long enough for that to be possible and it was a very effective weapon.

Rushing forward the slender pokemon whipped up a whirling mass of energy. The swirling mass tore into the smug feline tossing him high in the air. He fell was the heavy thump on all fours and a pained expression across his face. Not to mention shock. He had just realized how badly he had underestimated his opponent. He growled and looked to his bouncy trainer. She noted his look, however, and sighed. It was obvious that Terry and Wisp weren't the only ones who had a deep bond of understanding.

"I guess I lost."

"No friggin' kidding." A deep voice spat unhappily. "We were pounded. Talk 'bout a mismatch."

"Who was that?" Terry yelped looking around for the intruder.

<The cat.> Wisp replied eyeing her defeated opponent with disfavor clearly expecting more respect from the cream colored feline.

"He has a collar that translates pokemon speech into English. Nifty huh? Professor Sketchit gave it to me." Diana said enthusiastically her aqua eyes full of eagerness and pride. Terry found herself wondering if she ever ran out of energy.

"That's nice." Terry said vaguely remembering the man named Tracy who had taken over her great grandfather's laboratory after he passed away. She had only been about nine at the time and really not interested in some old guy she'd never met before. She also vaguely remembered Diana too now that she thought about it. The next sentence jerked her completely out of her thoughts.

"So do you want to travel together?"

"What!" Terry screeched making Panthra jump and Wisp start. This would not do! She couldn't stand the girl and she'd only met her for a minute. Not to mention that their fathers had been bitter rivals ever since childhood.

Then she changed her mind. It would really gall her father that she was traveling with his enemy's kid. And she could use the companionship on the long road ahead... and the funds. No, that would be too easy.

"I just thought..." Diana trailed off uncertainly looking hurt as if they were best friends already, not just met strangers. She scuffled a tennis shoe raising a puff of fine powdery dust that coated her white shoes turning them tan.

"Fine."

"Yah!"

<Joy.> Wisp remarked drolly at shot a side glance at the cat. She wasn't happy about traveling with the Panthra. He was nonplussed at the change of plans and nodding off.

"There will be some rules." Terry cautioned the bouncing trainer beside her. The girl didn't even pause, but she was listening, "What's mine is mine and what's yours is yours. If you choose to share then okay, but no taking."

The young trainer's eyes widened at the thought that she would ever steal. She waited to see what else there was still standing on her toes.

"That includes battles and pokemon. If I call it first it's mine. Got that okay?" Terry continued glancing shrewdly over to make sure all of it was going through. Thankfully the other girl had calmed down and she seemed smart enough. Sighing Terry forced in the last rule to remind herself to play nicely with the other kiddies, "Lastly, let's try to get along."

"Sure, of course, no problems here."

<Or here.> Wisp added although without enthusiasm sneaking a look at the cat out of the corner of her eye.

So they set off again, this time as a group. The wind was in their hair, the sun on their backs, and a set of feet in their way. Classy shoes by the looks of it.

"Hey losers."

A tall guy lounged in the middle of the road as if he owned it. His dark, spiky hair stood up rigidly in little spikes and his dark rust colored eyes sized them up in a predator fashion. His body was well conditioned and muscular, but his attitude was ugly.

"Loser?" Diana yelped indignantly. She balled her fists and gritted her teeth. She had every intention of pounding this guy into a bloody pulp. Terry's touch on the shoulder stopped her just in time. She was spunky and courageous, but clearly the guy could scrunch her in a little ball if he wanted to.

"Let me guess," Terry said unimpressed and slightly annoyed, "You've just started out on your journey recently and you're looking for some newbies to beat, right? Well, go harass some other trainers buddy."

He cocked an eyebrow skeptically and took a second look. Obviously he approved of what he saw because he reached forward for a little pat on the rear. In a flash Wisp's strong jaws were clamped on to his thick wrist.

"Ow! Snikes, fudge." He swore batting at the Dark type's narrow muzzle. She let go making a sound that sounded suspiciously like laughter.

"Snikes?"

"Fudge?" Diana scoffed petting Panthra who had woken up from his roadside doze. He hissed at the boy and watched his with slit eyes.

"What?" He growled ineffectively giving a death glare all around while massaging his wrist. It was turning a lovely shade of eggplant purple. Then his face flooded and his glare was directed downward.

"Right. Scoot along now." Terry said making an ushering motion with her hands. Her father's attitude had not completely passed her by and this kid needed to be put in place.

Unfortunately, rather than shamed he was enraged. His deep rust eyes narrowed menacingly and he stepped forward with his head lowered. His hand plucked off a minimized pokeball from his belt and he expanded it. Holding the sphere loosely he squared off for a battle anticipating Terry’s acceptance automatically.

"I challenge you to a pokemon battle. You need to use that mutt there."

Before Terry could react he had tossed down his ball releasing his pocket monster. The flash faded leaving a sleepy looking pokemon in its wake. The creature was obviously a starter pokemon. In fact, Terry recognized it as one of the ones her father gave out every year. This one was the plant type called Cotton. It was a hare species and quite the fighter... usually. This one looked like it was going to snore and drool right in the middle of the battle. His olive eyes blinked in the bright afternoon sun and his white cotton ball tail wiggled slightly in contentment.

"I accept. Wisp, you heard him. You're up."

<Up? That rabbit doesn't look like he's planning to get up. Should I battle sitting down?> Wisp inquired snootily. She received a glare from her trainer and sighed dramatically, <Right. Going.>

The two squared off with Wisp circling tensely and the hare sitting stupidly in the road watching every move with his beady, dark eyes. His leaf shaped ears flicked in the slight breeze and his tiny nose wiggled rapidly.

Suddenly Wisp dashed forward slamming into him with her head. The heavy ridge on her skull connected solidly with the small creature's fat side and he was tossed high in the air with all for legs going different directions. Shockingly he righted himself in mid air and landed lightly on his feet undamaged for the most part. Looking stupid as ever he settled himself down for the next assault.

"Poison Powder." The boy commanded in a harsh bark. The rabbit wiggled his two ears around roughly shaking a fine powder all over poor Wisp. His nose twitched and if he wasn't so dull, the Dark type could have sworn he was smiling in self-satisfaction at a job well done.

The brave Dragawulf attempted to paw the stuff out of her eyes where it was stinging like mad and to shake it from her frill folds where the particles had lodged. She lunged forward in a rage at the tiny leaf pokemon sinking her Dark poisoned teeth deep into his stringy shoulder. Crunch was hardly the most effective move she could have made, however, she was blinded by her anger.

Terry saw that and sighed figuring she would just have to pay up. She could just use the money Diana owed her for the battle, "Wisp, return."

<Never!> The half Dragon replied resorting to her only ice attack. Shards of sharp crystals flew pasted in every which direction embedding themselves in trees, the ground, and the poor rabbit. A few even hit the humans drawing blood and some yelps. Panthra was the only one unharmed by it all because a human shield protected him.

"Stop it!" Terry shouted starting to panic. She wasn't sure if it was the Dark or the Dragon in her pokemon, but once the greyhound sized pokemon got started it was dangerous. Luckily it happened very rarely. The only problem was getting her to stop once she began. This situation was already out of control and it could turn extremely dangerous in seconds.

"Call her off." The boy yelled desperately trying to shield his face and still return his whipped pokemon. The red beam wavered at the attempts as a new shard hit the kid on his upraised arms. Gashes were torn in his skin, but he continued trying to return his pokemon.

The small Grass type was crying out in pain as each bit of frost stung his frail plant body killing flesh with the cold. His beady eyes were filled with unfathomed terror and he had hunkered down with his ears folded hoping that if he stood still the storm of fury would pass him by. Unfortunately, his instincts were instructing him the worst option and he wasn’t in control enough to question them.

"You don't get, I can't!"

"What?" Diana shouted in a panic, her aqua eyes dark with the realization of what Terry had just admitted. She was forced to the ground protecting her face and eyes. A layer of ice had covered her dark hair and sleeve. A small pile of slush that had half melted off her sat at her feet turning the dusty ground to mud.

Then it stopped. The ice died down and melted in the warm sunshine. Wisp dropped to the ground severely exhausted. Her breathing had slowed down to a harsh rasp and her coat had lost its sparkle. She had put everything she had into that attack and it showed. Her energy was drained and if she didn’t recover soon the effects could be deadly.

"Hell, what was that?" The kid yelped forgetting his language manners completely. He was cradling his poor Grass creature to his chest to warm it up. Luckily for it, most of the ice had missed its mark leaving the bunny scared out of its mind, but for the most part unharmed. It quivered with a mixture of fear and cold snuggling into the boy’s coat.

"We have to get her to a pokemon center quick." Diana said looking worried.

Terry's eye widened and she scooped up the light, slender pokemon in her arms. There were no pokemon centers within ten miles of where they stood and there was no way that she could reach one in time. Plus she hadn't even registered as a competitor in the league and by the rules she shouldn't even had a battle with either of the other two.

"We have to go to my house." Terry said with a sinking feeling. This would mean facing her father and his disapproval, but Wisp's life was on the line and it was worth far more than Terry's pride.

"Where is it?"

"Two miles from here. Wait a second though."

It was a long shot, but Terry hadn't strayed off much and time that passed was short. Pursing her lips she let out a strong, sharp whistle. The sound bounced off the trees and then there was silence. Terry tried two more times.

"What was that for?" Diana asked curious and worried all at the same time. She thought they were wasting time.

"Hmmm." Terry replied not really listening. Her heart had sunk in her chest for she had thought for sure that Sierra would come running as she always did. Surely she hadn't gone straight home. Every time the horse got loose home was the last place she'd go and that was always at suppertime.

"I asked you something." Diana said shaking her gently. Unlike her father she was very sensitive to others' feelings and moods.

Then it happened. A pounding of hooves could be heard and the mare burst out of the woods onto the road. She raced up to Terry stopping at the very last second and nuzzled the inert form of the little black pokemon. Her tail drooped in concern and she tossed her horned head causing the flames running down her back to dance in agitation.

"Sierra, can you carry me and Wisp back home? And my friends too if possible."

The gentle mare eyed the other two teenagers before nodding her head. Her eyes rolled nervously over the large Panthra and she snorted uneasily.

"Diana, could you return Panthra? Sorry to ask, but he's making her nervous and the last thing we need is a spooked horse at a full gallop." Terry said swinging aboard with well practiced easy. She held a hand down to help the younger girl mount up.

"Gallop?" Diana stuttered in a small voice. Her face was quite pale and her hands were clutching Panthra's ball convulsively. As soon as her butt hit the saddle her arms wrapped tightly around Terry’s waist.

"Don't worry. Sierra won't let you fall." Terry assured her trying to wiggle the other girl loose. Then her attention shifted, "Hey kid. Are you coming or are you going to let your Grass pokemon faint?"

The boy hopped on ending up on the mare's bony rump. He clung to Diana who clung to Terry. Terry was holding the reins lightly with one hand and Wisp with the other. She clicked her tongue and they shot forward at a breath taking speed.

They raced over the fairly flat landscape with blurring speed. The wind whipped in their faces stinging their bare cheeks and stealing the fluid from their half shut eyes. Clearly the mare carrying them was giving it her all. The great heart pumped strongly and her breaths were large and even. It was like that all the way until Sierra slowed to jump a fence. It was almost six foot, however, she and Terry had jumped it before. Except that had been with only one skilled passenger. The other two made things far more difficult.

Gauging the distance she bunched her hindquarters and leapt over with room to spare. Gaining her feet she continued her headlong flight until they reached the house. Sliding and skidding to a stop she allowed them to disembark.

Terry slid off the slick back and hit the ground scrambling with the medium sized pokemon clutched to her chest. She bust through the door startling their house Growlithe, Mac. He leapt to his feet bellowing a challenge until he saw who it was. Rushing up his tongue handing out of his big mouth happily he jumped up. When he saw Wisp though he knew what to do. His plumy tail waved and he raced ahead of her proclaiming his joy that she had returned home.

"What's all this noise about?" Terry's mother began then gasped. She had known her daughter had gone for a ride and had not expected her back so soon. She took the Dragawulf from her daughter and the two made it all the way to the back of the house where Gary had his indoor laboratory.

Umbreon greeted them at the door spitting in surprise at Mac who had followed them yapping the whole way. Her cylinder shaped tail puffed up in surprise and her crimson eyes widened. He skidded past her on the slippery floor scrabbling madly and crashed into Gary's chair.

The man had been absorbed in his research, so much so that all the noise didn't even make him look up. When the Growlithe slammed into the bottom of his chair his head shot up with a glare. He swatted irritated at the dog until seeing his daughter then his wife he jumped up saying nothing.

Taking Wisp out of Terry's mother's arms he rushed his burden to the emergence care. Once she was safely in the equipment he turned expectantly for an answer. By that time Diana and the kid had caught up and were standing uneasily in the doorway. Both looked distinctly uncomfortable.

"What is going on here?" Gary Oak said in a cool, calm voice, but his eyebrows were twitching like mad. This was going to be a challenge, that much was obvious. Terry just hoped that she could pull it off without too much damage.

"I..." Terry trailed off uncertainly. How did she explain this without self-incrimination? Blaming him would be the easiest way out, but not the most honest. Plus it would reveal too much of their love- hate relationship to the two other trainer. That was the sort of stuff you kept in the family.

"She did it again, that much is obvious. Now my question is what did you do to put her in the position that she'd have to do that? You know what usually sets her off so I assume it was something new."

"I was battling. When I tried to return her she went berserk."

"That is a new one. I thought you didn't like to battle. Anyway she should be fine now. Do either of your new friends have pokemon that need healing? I assume you were battling against them." Gary sighed knowing very well that to get more information he would have to drag it out.

"My name is Diana K..." Diana began happily oblivious to the cut motions Terry was making across her throat. Terry tackled her covering her mouth with a hand. She hissed in the younger girl's ear, "Don't mention your last name. Dad isn't too found of your father. In fact, if he realized whose kid you are…"

"Diana, sir." The girl blanched looking worriedly to her new friend. She had no idea what Gary would do, but her father had always ranted about the man.

"And this is... well, I don't know. What IS your name kid?" Terry said even more embarrassed than Diana. She wondered why things always turned awkward when parents were involved. She should have asked the boy’s name before they battled. Now she had to ask in front of them all.

"Granite, but you can call me Grant." The boy grinned enjoying her discomfort. He shot her a million dollar smile mockingly and gave thumbs up.

"Jerk." Terry muttered fuming. She briefly considered making a gesture of her own. No doubt to the shock of her parents.

"Well, I'm pleased that you finally have friends of the trainer variety, but why were you out by the road in the first place? Assuming that they weren't trespassing."

Just then a buzzer went off in the back of the lab. Snatching Panthra's and Cotton's balls from their trainers, Terry rushed off neatly avoiding the question.

"So, uh, how long have you been training?" Gary asked unsure of his daughter's new friends and the funny situation that was happening now. She was hiding something, but he didn’t know how to get it out of her. Once she clammed up it was like trying to pry open a Shellder with your bare hands.

"This will be my second month sir. I was just on my way to get my first badge from the gym leader in Topaz Town." Diana replied cheerfully her hands deep in her pockets.

"I started yesterday." Grant admitted mildly, "My father wanted me to be a breeder rather than a trainer. I took that long to convince him."

"Quite the opposite here. Terry is the one who required convincing. You should have been my son. Here, I have a gift for you."

Gary led the two young trainers out a back door and into a wide field fenced by sturdy wooden poles of the rustic sort. Grazing on the lush grass in the enclosure was a trio of strange looking horses. Stripes of deep purple or bright gold covered their bodies branching out from the thick stripe on their backs and up their strong legs. The mane of flames, were considerably shorter than that of a normal Ponyta or Rapidash. The tail was long and bare with a blazing tuft of flames on the end.

The two were obviously older than the third one. He was capering about kicking up his heels in high spirits. He spotted the humans and raced over braking at the last minute. Pushing his head over the top bar in the fence he waited expectantly. Gary pulled a piece of apple out of his coat pocket and fed it to the young adult. He munched happily slobbering all over Grant's arm apple crumbs.

"What is he?" Diana asked shrinking back when the colt tried to share his treat with her. She shifted down the fence out of his reach.

"It's a strange breed of Ponyta found in a remote region. A friend of mine brought back these two after taking a safari and as you can see there was soon a third. I would love to keep him, but he needs more exercise and adventure. He's been green broke, but with high spirits." Gary explained rubbing the broad forehead with the heel of his hand.

"So you are saying you want me to have him?"

"Exactly. Diana, you may pick a pokemon also if you would like. I know that around these parts it is difficult to catch any rare pokemon."

"Thank you sir. Do you have any Eevees? I love them, but unfortunately was not able to pick one as my pokemon. I got a Meowth instead." Diana asked hope shining in her aqua eyes. It was obvious that she really wanted one.

Another quick trip through the household area brought them to a room. It was filled with Eevees bouncing all over the place. They were curled up on plush pillows or digging in a sandbox. The room was furnished with their needs and wants in mind.

"Take your pick. All of these pokemon are descended of my original starter. He was a great pokemon. I miss him a lot." A sniffle came out and he patted his current Umbreon on the head. She purred and nudged his hand sensing his sadness. He stood up and turned to leave "Excuse me. I assume that you can find your way back to the lab by yourselves? If not Mac will guide you. Just call for him."

"So which of the little rats are you going to pick?" Grant teased leaning against the wall. He accidentally stepped on one of the little Eevees sleeping in a furry ball. The fox- like creature leapt up and sunk her teeth into the boy's leg.

"Pichus are rats, Eevees are not." Diana remarked prying the Eevee off Grant's leg. A scrap of jeans was held firmly in her teeth and her eyes glittered maliciously. "And I like this one."

Grant looked around snatching up a passing by Eevee the color of burnt sierra and holding it aloft with the hind legs dangling. It tried to twist and lick the boy’s face, "Are you sure you don't want this one? A much sweeter temperament."

"What's it matter to you?" Terry asked strolling in the room. She had brushed her medium brown hair and changed clothes into a nice long sleeve shirt and well fitting jeans. It had seemed that she had brushed up a little while they were outside.

"Well...I..." Grant stuttered looking her over. His face turned red. She noted his stare and her eyes narrowed. "I wanted to travel with you guys."

Diana looked up from where she was playing with the young Eevee and grinned. She had no objection to more travel companions under the thought of the more the better. The Eevee pounced on the boy's jeans cuffs and tugged violently tearing at the denim.

"Get it off!"

Both girls fell down with fits of laughter as he danced around. The Eevee let go just as he lost his balance and went crashing into a wall. The other Eevees saw him go down dizzy and raced over to lick his face enthusiastically. By the time he had regained his senses there were two-dozen Eevee pups wriggling and licking all over him. Their weight pinned him down leaving him helpless.

"Help!" He yelled a bit muffled by the amount of fur and bodies covering him. His dark eyes were wide and his hands were shielding his handsome face from the searching tongues.

"You know, I kinda like it this way." Terry teased. After another few minutes of Eevee tickle torture the two girls rescued him plucking the eager little creatures from him.

Helping the boy to his feet they attempted to escape the room without releasing any of the crazy, hyper occupants. Diana managed to slip out with her chosen Eevee tucked under an arm. Terry told Grant to go next. He refused using the old cliché ladies first. She shrugged leaving him to the mob.

Tripping, shuffling, and cursing he almost made it out in one piece. Until Diana's Eevee jumped him from behind. With a cry he went down and the mob spilt out overjoyed to be free. Destruction was the first thing in their minds and they intended to do as much damage as they could before being caught.

"You know. I believe your Eevee doesn't like me." Grant said simply looking upward from his spot on the floor.

"Come here you little bugger. I know you are hiding in this room because we've looked everywhere else." Terry said in her most charming voice. This was the last of the two-dozen escapees and the most trouble of the lot. He had a knack for misbehavior.

Suddenly a blaze of brown fur shot past her to the left. She dived for the fox's hind legs missing completely. The Eevee raced around the corner on his way to some other part of the house. A squeal of protest issued from the small creature and Grant walked around the corner victorious with the Eevee pup dangling by the scruff of his furry neck.

"I'd feel sorry for you except you had it coming you little monster." Terry growled at the squealing critter. She took him from Grant hooking her hand tightly around his collar. Happy to be freed from his capture he tried to lick her face. She turned her face away from him.

"Why do I get the feeling that none of those Eevees like me?"

Returning him to the eevee room they made their way back to the lab. Diana joined them and the three were having a nice time getting to know each other.

"You really want to come with us then? After you've seen my family and all."

"Pah, this is nothing. You should meet my parents." Diana snorted. She brushed back a thick bit of black hair and grinned, "My dad alone is enough to scare you. He's sort of dense and pushy. And he insists of having electric rats all over the place. Pikachu was his original starter."

"At least he's not arrogant and always right." Terry shot back. Turning the last corner they ran smack dab into Gary. He looked down miffed and amused all at the same time.

"And I thought I had gotten over being arrogant." He joked and Terry blushed at her mouth getting ahead of her common sense.

"I didn't..."

"Mean it? Of course you did. You wouldn't have said it otherwise."

"Sorry."

He frowned then his face brightened considerably, "All that matters right now is you've decided to go train. Wisp is waiting for you by the way along with a pokedex and the standard stuff given to a new trainer."

"A starter too?" Terry had never wanted to go on a pokemon journey before, but now that she had finally decided to give it a try she wanted everything that went with it. She was not the kind of person who dipped a toe in then backed out. It was a cannonball all the way.

"Fireline as you requested."

"Oh boy. A new way for her to beat me." Grant grumbled. Fireline was the fire starter for the Opal League. He had almost gotten one instead of Cotton.

The feline was a little smaller than a Meowth with tufted ears and a flame bobtail. The coat was a rich orange with copper flecks and the eyes a deep yellow green. The paws were big and deadly. Scientist speculated that their ancestors were that of the Meowths and due to different environments the two species evolved specifically to meet the needs of their home ranges.

The four entered the lab. Wisp practically bowled Terry over with her enthusiastic greeting her whiptail wagging like mad. Panthra and Cotton were a little more reserved about their greeting each keeping a careful eye on the other. One predator and one prey, both ever watchful.

"Fireline go!" Terry shouted tossing the pokeball slightly clumsy with the lack of practice. The ball bounced off the hard linoleum and cracked open spilling white light and energy from the split. The energy formed revealing a kitten with big paws and eyes that were still blue with youth. She cocked her head and blinked curiosity.

Clumsily she tottered over to Panthra. The great white cat leapt back like he'd been stung. Wobbling the kitten followed. It was quite a spectacle to see the older cat retreating for an unsteady kitten. Eventually he made it back to Diana with a lot of slipping and sliding putting himself in the pokeball to nurse his injured dignity.

Cotton on the other hand scared the kit. She scrambled to get away from him when he leaned forward to give her a sniff. Annoyed by her lack of social manners he growled in a strange voice to himself and went to sleep his leaf ears twitching every once in a while as the only indication he was still alive.

<He's so odd.> Wisp remarked licking the kitten who was nestled against her. Her tail thumped the floor happily.

"Well, I'd better start packing I guess." Terry remarked disappearing then emerging again a moment later with a black backpack slung over her shoulder. It was filled with clothing, toiletries, and other needed items. A Discman hung from the mesh pocket and a small pad of paper was stuffed in another.

"That was fast." Diana said in surprise cuddling her Eevee. The little creature was soaking up the attention like a sponge. She rubbed her furry head against the girl’s cheek and made a noise of contentment.

"Put that thing away, will you?" Grant asked giving the foxy pokemon the evil eye.

"But I want to name her. What do you think about Ginger?"

"Gingivitis."

Terry stifled a giggle and Diana gave him her most sever look. The Eevee growled her fluffy mane bristling knowing his outburst for an insult.

"Or Angel?" Diana continued ignoring his wisecrack petting the Eevee's rounded head.

"Demon?" Grant suggested completely serious.

"How about Sugar then?"

"Or Salt? Burns nicely in an open wound."

"Grant, shut up! I'm trying to name my Eevee." Diana snapped getting an enjoyed grin out of the young man. He leaned back against the wall comfortably.

"What do you think Terry?" Diana asked looking for help. Terry shrugged her shoulders holding back a smile. Personally, after growing up in a house full of Eevees she wasn't fond of the little buggers, but she couldn't tell her friend that. Diana continued, "Well, what did you name your Fireline then?"

"Blaze."

"Hmm, something short then. Cherry." Diana said tickling the Eevee's tummy. Cherry squirmed and wiggled attempting to free herself.

Grant opened his mouth to say something, no doubt with sarcastic intent, when Cherry escaped launching straight for his face. Surprised he fell back whacking the back of his head on the floor. Cherry landed gracefully just past him and sniggered evilly.

"Okay, no more Eevee bashing. I promise." Grant said dizzily holding his head in silent pain. His dark eyes watched the sienna colored pokemon for any sign of acceptance of his proposal. In reply she upturned her nose and snorted.

"Come on guys or we'll have to stay the night." Terry sighed picking up Blaze who playfully batted at her hands and waking Wisp. The slender pokemon stretched leisurely and then looked up ready to get going her previous misadventure completely put in the back of her mind.

"And staying the night is bad because?"

"Dad's cooking. If we all want to die of food poison we should stick around. If not then we need to escape now. I don't know it's up to you although, I warned you that his chili will do some cremating in your mouth. And the cornbread isn't all that great either unless you like black." Terry cautioned this time making sure her father wasn't in hearing range.

Once a week her mother had to go to a club meeting in town leaving her father to the cooking. Every week it was the same thing. Chili, it was one of the simplest things to make in the world. One would think he'd get better with practice, but if possible it seemed to get worse every time he attempted it because he kept trying to improve on the recipe.

"I think I'll pass."

"Um, me too. Is it really that bad?" Terry nodded sadly.

Author’s note: So what do you think? Is it cute, good, bad, horrible, torture to read, what? This is my second trainer fic ever (well the firstwasn’t really a trainer fic, just similar in format) and I hope I’m being original enough. Feedback is reassuring and helpful J. Give me.. Thanks for reading.