FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Pokémon or anything related to it, although it was pretty awesome if I did. However, characters and plot are mine. You can use them but let me know first and credit me for them OK?

Everyone went back to Leon's campsite, the hunter being forced to walk tied up and in between Scythe and Pierce. Their breakfast was ruined by now but Leon didn't care. He tried questioning Pierce about being a Pokéspeaker but the mysterious Trainer didn't give any answers, saying that they would talk after they had taken care of Dratini and the hunter. After tying the disgruntled hunter to a tree on the edge of the clearing and covering his mouth with a rag, Pierce checked the Dratini, helping Leon to tend to her wounds. She had several injuries, most of them scratches and cuts, no doubt caused by the hunter's Scyther. A few Potions and Band-Aids later, the Dratini rested on top of Leon's sleeping bag. Now, with everything under control, Leon, Pierce, Kairi, Miles and Scythe all sat around the fireplace, gray with the ashes of five days worth of wood.

'So.' Said Leon as they sat. 'First things first. Who are you, why are you here and how did you knew I am a Pokéspeaker?'

'And what's with the weapons?' Miles added.

Pierce smiled. 'As I said, my name is Pierce Sharpe. I'm from Lilycove City in the Hoenn region. Left home when I was ten after meeting Scythe here.' He said, signaling the Zangoose who was fiddling around with her metal rod. 'And I've been a wandering Trainer ever since. The katanas,' He turned to Miles. 'are for self-protection. You never know when a wild Pokémon, or someone else' He added, signaling the bound hunter. 'will attack your camp. I've trained with both the Fuchsia City's ninja and the samurai from Ecruteak City in Johto and I must say, it has proven useful quite a few times. That's actually why I'm here, I'm on my way to visit my old sensei in Fuchsia.'

'What about your pistol?' Kairi asked, pointing at the shiny metal peeking from his hip.

'I've had it since I was six. My mother wanted me to do something with my free time so I chose to start shooting.' He answered, lightly caressing the grip of the weapon.

They all stood silent for a while. Then, 'And the Pokéspeach?' Leon asked.

Pierce took his glasses off again, his yellow eye piercing them with its gaze. 'Is it that hard to figure out?'

'I guess not.' Leon answered, his own yellow eye greeting Pierce's like an old friend. He got up, offering his hand to Pierce. 'Thanks for saving our rear ends back there. I would be dead if it weren't for you.'

Pierce also got up and shook Leon's hand, smiling. 'My pleasure.' They both sat down. 'So, what are your plans now?' Pierce asked.

'Well, today we were supposed to sleep at the northern Viridian Forest Pokémon Center and watch the Season Opening Ceremony. But for that we should have dismounted camp and be on our way by now.' Leon answered. 'This kinda ruins our plans of reaching Pewter in time to be Brock's first challenger.'

'Oh, you're taking on the League challenge are you? Personally I never bothered collecting the Badges but I watch the battles on TV every now and then.' Pierce commented. 'Anyway, I know a shortcut through the Forest. I can guide you to Pewter, probably all the way to Cerulean, since I'm heading that way.' He told them.

Leon's eyes widened. 'That would be awesome.' It would be extremely helpful to have someone as knowledgeable about the paths through Kanto as Pierce on their group. Plus, if they ever were in a pickle he would be a valuable asset. 'Thank you very much.'

'Any time.' Pierce answered. 'Well, if we want to reach the Pokémon Center by nightfall we should get going.' He said, getting up.

Leon also got up. 'Right. We'll be ready in ten minutes.'

Eleven minutes later, everything was re-packed on Leon's bag. They set out for the Pokémon Center. They decided to leave the hunter tied up there and break his weapon. He would no doubt be dealt with by the Bug-types that inhabited the forest. He frantically tried to break loose but to no avail. As Leon said, no punishment was too harsh for those who hurt others. They did, however, treat his gunshot wound on his hand. Pierce was carrying the Dratini. She would need medical attention and Nurse Joy was the indicated person to do it. After a while of walking, Leon found himself beside Scythe, who was still absorbed with her metal rod.

'What is that exactly?' Leon asked, pointing at it.

'Laser guitar.' She answered shortly. 'Beams come from this end,' She pointed to a small rectangular steel box on one end. 'and are read on that end.' She pointed to another steel box on the other end of the rod. 'When the beams are broken there's a chip inside that tells it which cord is strummed and this amplifier here,' She pointed to a small two-inch wide diaphragm on the lower end. 'emits the sound. There is a pressure plate on this side that makes it possible to change chords and these knobs make it so I can tune it.' She finished, strumming every laser, producing a pleasing sound. 'It is also hard enough to serve as a weapon should the need arise.' And she started playing a happy, pleasant tune. 'Pierce made it himself.' She commented, looking ahead at her Trainer.

Leon stared at the guitar, impressed. 'That is one advanced piece of technology.'

They walked for the rest of the day, pausing only for a quick lunch. Pierce led them through the Forest as if he had lived there all his life. He could apparently find paths that only he saw because there were no distinctive landmarks around and the thick foliage from the trees tinged everything of the same emerald-green. Leon thought it weird that Pierce didn't ask anything about his life. 'I guess he just doesn't care.' Leon shrugged.

As it started to become darker, they finally broke through the tree line to find the Viridian Forest's northern Pokémon Center.

'Heck yes!' Leon exclaimed, fist pumping into the air as they approached the Center's main doors. Pierce just smirked.

After leaving the Dratini to Nurse Joy's care, Leon and Pierce each got a room (Nurse Joy giving Pierce an odd look, probably due to his weapons). After leaving their stuff on their respective rooms the group trooped to the Center's restaurant. Leon checked Sigma's clock, noticing that the Ceremony would start soon. Thankfully, the Center fitted the restaurant with a large flatscreen mounted on the wall. They all sat on a booth from where they could watch the television and ordered their food. While they were waiting, the Ceremony Started.

A panoramic view of the Indigo Plateau Stadium was displayed. The Stadium was filled to the brim with people, the combined voices of all of them contributing to the sense of excitement welling up inside Leon. Suddenly, the lights dimmed. The crowd went silent, everyone waiting for what was about to happen. A single spotlight flared in the dark, lighting up a small stage set on the side of the arena lines. Old Mr. Goodshow was there, supporting himself with a walking stick. He had been the League's Chairman for the last 43 years and he was still going strong. His form, despite small and wrinkled, still radiated the same energy it always did.

'Welcome ladies and gentleman! Trainers of all ages! Welcome to the 312th Season of the Kanto Pokémon League!' He proffered into the microphone that stood in front of him. His voice boomed through the whole Stadium. The crowd went wild. 'It has been a while since we last had a new Champion.' He continued when the crowd had settled down somewhat. 'The last Champion, Lance, the Dragon Master, reigned for a period of twenty-eight years, three months, fifteen days, six hours and twenty three minutes.' He paused. 'Now, a new Champion has been found.' The crowd let loose another roar. The camera focused on Lance, who was up in the presidential box seats, the red-haired man looking slightly unhappy but smiling a pleasant smile nonetheless. The commentator made some stupid remark about how Lance's streak had ended in a dominating victory by the challenger. Mr. Goodshow raised his hands, asking for silence. When the noise died down he continued. 'However, before we can announce the new Champion, we have to welcome the returning League members. I give you,' He gestured the entrance to the arena in front of him. 'the Gym Leaders.'

The Stadium was filled with the sounds of cheering and whooping. Eight spotlights lit up, illuminating a single spot in the middle of the entrance. The TV commentator reminded that the Gym Leaders would enter by the order they should be defeated. This order was not mandatory, although it would prove difficult to defeat the stronger Gym Leaders without defeating the previous ones.

The food came at that moment, the waiter taking some time to place their meal on the table because his attention was fixed on the Ceremony too.

First came Brock, the tall bulky young man with brown spiky hair wearing a black shirt, blue jeans, black shoes and a white tie. His eyes looked completely closed as always but Leon knew better. Brock was a very observant person, especially if the observed object in question was a pretty girl. He waved and smiled at the crowd. Slithering by his side was his huge Onix; tall enough to peek into the first row seats. One of the spotlights detached from the group and followed them until they stood to the left in front of the platform where Mr. Goodshow was.

'That's Brock.' Leon told his team. 'And that's his Onix.'

'I'll have to fight that!?' Kairi asked incredulously.

'Yep.'

After Brock came a pretty woman with a flowing blue dress, her red hair falling in waves around her face, blue earrings and blue high-heels. Her right arm hugged a Togepi against her and her left arm waved at the crowd. Misty, the Cerulean City Gym Leader. Another spotlight followed her until she stood on Brock's right side. They exchanged a smile then looked back at Mr. Goodshow.

'Misty looks nice and kind here but if you make her mad you'll unleash hell upon you.' Pierce commented. 'I heard that once she got so mad at a challenger that she made her Gyarados blast him and his Pokémon out of the Gym once she beat them.'

'Ouch.' Miles said. He remembered with a shudder when one of the Magikarp on the stream near his home evolved.

The next Gym Leader was Lt. Surge, hailing from Vermilion City and Kanto's Military first in command. The army man was dressed in a ceremonial army uniform, his many medals proudly pinned on his chest. At his left side walked his Raichu, the big mouse Pokémon looking around, happy at the crowd's cheering. Surge mostly ignored the crowd, his eyes set on Mr. Goodshow. A spotlight shone on them until they stopped on Misty's right side. Surge saluted Mr. Goodshow and nodded at his colleagues.

'Lt. Surge, as uptight in a ceremony as ever.' Pierce mocked.

When Surge stopped in his place, a fourth person appeared on the arena. A woman wearing a green flowery kimono and wooden sandals, a green headband catching her black hair and a Vileplume strolling alongside her. Erika of Celadon City. Another spotlight illuminated her. She stopped to the right of Lt. Surge, bowing to Mr. Goodshow and her fellow Gym Leaders.

'She's pretty.' Kairi simply said.

After Erika came a tall woman dressed in a lavender dress cut on the side. Her head was a purple waterfall and her eyes were fiery red. On her wrists rested two weighty black bracelets with green lines that seemed to glow. By her side, an Alakazam levitated cross-legged, apparently oblivious to the noise around him. Sabrina of Saffron City walked to stand next to Erika, ignoring everything around her. A lone spotlight lighted up her figure from above.

'That's one odd person we got here.' Pierce commented.

Leon looked at him, raising an eyebrow. 'Why do you say that?' 'Sabrina doesn't exactly like battling. Yet she's a Gym Leader. Why?' He asked.

Leon thought for a bit then shrugged. 'Beats me.'

Just after Sabrina stopped, a smoke bomb went off at the entrance of the arena. The Gym Leaders exchanged knowing and, on Surge's case, annoyed looks between themselves. Sabrina kept staring forward. A swift shadow shot from the smoke, jumping and doing a front flip near the platform, landing on one knee next to Sabrina, who didn't even react. A spotlight hastily caught up with the figure, revealing a teenager with a mane of purple hair tied up in a bun, a dark-pink muffler around her neck and clad in black cloth. A Crobat busily fluttered near her. Janine, the Fuchsia City Gym Leader. She stood up and bowed to Mr. Goodshow.

Kairi snorted. 'Showoff.' Leon chuckled, scratching her head.

'Don't get on her bad side though. I trained with her. She's a tough Trainer and a tougher ninja.' Pierce advised.

After the smoke cleared, a bald old man with an impressive snowy moustache appeared, wearing a white hat with a red stripe across it, an elegant red shirt, a white vest and khaki pants. His impeccably shiny moccasin shoes were also red. On his hand was an ornate cane. Red frameless glasses with round lenses obscured his eyes. A Magmar walked next to him. Blaine, Cinnabar Island's Gym Leader and Mayor. He didn't go directly to his spot next to Janine. Instead, he went to Brock, shook his hand, walked to Misty, bowed and kissed her hand, walked to Surge and saluted him, Surge saluting him back, and walked to the next three female Gym Leaders, giving them the same treatment as Misty. Finally, he nodded to Mr. Goodshow, who nodded back and went to his place.

'Blaine, always the charmer.' Scythe commented.

After Blaine finally came Gary. When he appeared, a huge army of fangirls erupted in cheers, drowning the rest of the crowd. Gary stopped, smiling smugly at the crowd and opening his arms.

Leon sighed, shaking his head. 'That's classic Gary.' He said as Kairi and Miles burst out laughing.

Gary wore his usual attire, brown cargo pants, white undershirt, dark leather zipper coat, his blue stone necklace shining brightly under the spotlight. He strutted all the way to his spot next to Blaine, his Arcanine regally walking next to him, and made a two-finger salute to Mr. Goodshow. Then, he exchanged a look with both Misty and Brock, Misty just sighing and shaking her head like Leon did.

'Well, that's all the Kanto Gym Leaders.' Pierce said. 'Apparently the new Champion deemed the previous Gym Leaders to be acceptable.' 'I wonder if there are any Elite Four Changes.' Leon said.

At that moment, Mr. Goodshow raised his arms once more to ask for silence. 'My fellow Trainers. It is with great pleasure that I welcome you back to our grand arena.' He said, addressing the Gym Leaders. 'Now it is time to see who shall be part of our Elite Four.'

Another four spotlights lit up the entrance to the arena. Three people came at the same time. To the right was Lorelei, the Ice-type Elite four. She wore an icy blue dress, her fiery red hair heavily contrasting with it and her glasses reflecting the light. By her side was her trusty Lapras flopping around.

In the middle was Bruno, the big, hulking Fighting-type Elite Four trodding his way to the platform barefoot. He was also barechested, his bulging muscles showing clear by the spotlight. Four heavy looking weights circled his wrists and ankles and his frayed and ripped training pants were only secured by an old-looking black belt. At his side, as tall as he was, walked his Machamp, his four arms crossed.

To the left was Agatha, the frail looking but terrifyingly strong Ghost-type Elite Four holding on to her cane. She wore an old-fashioned purple dress and dark blue slip shoes. Her graying blonde, almost white hair gave testimony to her position as the oldest Elite Four in the world. Her shadow looked slightly weird and, when Leon took a closer look, a pair of red evil-looking eyes suddenly opened in the shadow, making him jump in surprise. The eyes rose slightly, the body of a Gengar forming in mid-air and floating around Agatha, who smiled at him.

They all stopped in front of the platform, Lorelei in front of Surge, Bruno in front of Erika and Agatha in front of Sabrina.

'Well, you got your answer.' Said Pierce. 'Whoever the new guy is, he or she is even stronger than Agatha is. And that is saying something.'

A shocked silence ensued as the crowd realized that the fourth Elite Four was a newcomer. Usually, new Elite Four were previous Gym Leaders who are promoted to the position. To bypass the Gym Leader post directly to Elite Four was unheard of. A lone spotlight shone on the entrance of the arena.

A figure appeared on the edge of the spotlight. The crowd drew their collective breaths. Then the figure walked into the light. The crowd stood silent. The person that appeared looked almost like Ash in terms of clothing style and the fact that he also had a Pikachu on his shoulder. However, he was slightly shorter, his hair was auburn and he dressed in yellow and green instead of blue and red. He looked around the Stadium with a smile on his mouth, the Pikachu looking as happy as he did. The crowd started to mutter between themselves, wondering who was he. He walked all the way to the platform, greeting Brock, Misty and Gary on the way, and took Mr. Goodshow's left side, shaking his hand.

Mr. Goodshow turned to the microphone. 'Let me introduce you to our new Elite Four!' He told the crowd, smiling. 'This is Elite Four Ritchie, the multi-type specialist. Our new Champion handpicked him so you can be certain that he is strong enough for the role.' He turned to Ritchie. 'Now, if you would like to say a few words.' He said, taking a step back and signaling the microphone.

Ritchie nodded and took Mr. Goodshow's place. He bowed slightly to reach the microphone. 'Thank you Mr. Goodshow.' He said into the microphone. He turned to the Gym Leaders and the Elite Four. 'And thank you all for welcoming me into the elite group of people that is the Kanto Pokémon League roster. As Mr. Goodshow said, I will try and prove myself to be the biggest challenge before the Champion that any Trainer will find. Me and Sparky here' He said, signaling the Pikachu on his shoulder. 'will do our best to stop you. Until we meet, I wish good luck to all challengers and their Pokémon!' He finished with a confident smile. People started to clap and soon enough the whole Stadium erupted in cheers. The commentator said something about Ritchie being from a small city in the deep north of Kanto called Frodomar. After a while, the cheers died down and Ritchie went to his spot next to Agatha and in front of Janine.

Mr. Goodshow took the microphone again. 'Again, welcome to the Kanto Pokémon League, Ritchie. We are all looking forward to what you have to show.' He paused. 'We've met our Gym Leaders. We've met our Elite Four.' He paused again, smiling wide. 'Now all that it is left is to meet one more person. The 312th Kanto League Champion!' He said, pointing with his cane at the entrance of the arena. A single lone spotlight showered the area in a bright white light. The crowd drew its collective breath. For a few seconds nothing happened. The silence was thick as honey.

Then, a roar of something large filled the Stadium. Everyone looked around for the source of the roar, alarmed. Then, chuckling, Mr. Goodshow pointed upwards. The spotlight at the entrance of the arena followed his hand and settled on an orange dragon with a flame on the tip of its tail. A Charizard, flying around the arena. On its back was a person. A certain black-haired person with a certain Pikachu on his shoulder. The Charizard swooped down at the platform and Ash Ketchum dropped out of the sky in a black suit and white shirt, a black tie with Pokéballs, Pikachu with a black bow tie, landing on the platform with one knee. Practically everyone facepalmed except for Blaine and Mr. Goodshow, who laughed, Sabrina, who kept staring emotionless in front and Surge who shook his head and looked to the heavens, no doubt asking Arceus why did he had to be there.

Charizard landed next to Ash, letting out a Flamethrower into the sky. The crowd roared like it hadn't before, many people standing up and cheering. Ash waved all around, smiling widely. He took the microphone. 'Hello Indigo Plateau!' He said. He covered the microphone and turned to Ritchie. 'I always wanted to say that.' The sound was badly muffled by his hand, and his remark was heard throughout the Stadium. The crowd laughed. Misty was seen facepalming again while Brock sighed and shook his head, smiling.

Leon laughed. 'I guess somethings never change.'

After the crowd had settled down somewhat, Mr. Goodshow took the mike back from Ash, who stood straight in front of him.

'Welcome, Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town!' He told him. 'You have competed against countless Trainers and won countless battles! You managed to defeat every Gym Leader this region has to challenge! You have successfully beaten the Elite Four and ultimately bested the previous Champion, Lance the Dragon Master!' He paused. 'Now, it is time for you to answer a single question. Will you, Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town, take your place as the Kanto Region's 312th Pokémon League Champion?'

'I will.' Ash answered without a moment of hesitation.

'Very good then.' Mr. Goodshow said, smiling. 'Now, repeat the Champion Pledge after me.' He said, putting his right hand over his heart. Ash did the same. 'I, Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town...'

'I, Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town...' Ash repeated.

'...swear before you here and now to always uphold the maxims of Pokémon battling.'

'...swear before you here and now to always uphold the maxims of Pokémon battling.'

'I will always treat my challengers with courtesy and respect.'

'I will always treat my challengers with courtesy and respect.'

'I will win and, should the time come, lose graciously and battle with fair play.'

'I will win and, should the time come, lose graciously and battle with fair play.'

'I will also become an example of shining values and always pursue the truth as the Champion of Kanto before the Pokémon Trainers of this region.' Mr. Goodshow finished.

'I will also become an example of shining values and always pursue the truth as the Champion of Kanto before the Pokémon Trainers of this region!' Ash repeated with a wide grin.

'As will I!' Said Pikachu although only the Pokémon, Pierce and Leon could understand him.

The crowd started to cheer and shout as Ash finished the Pledge. Mr. Goodshow nodded, satisfied with how he did. 'Now, if you would like to say a few words.' He said, motioning to the microphone.

Ash nodded and took it. 'I don't really have much to say except thank you to those who accompanied me on my journey through the five regions: Misty, Brock, Tracey, May, Max, Dawn, Cilan and Iris. Without you guys, my life would be tough and, let's face it, as boring as a battle between a Magikarp and a Metapod.' He finished with a chuckle. The crowd laughed. Misty and Brock exchanged smiles. 'I would also like to thank all my Pokémon for putting up with me, my mom for even letting me go on my own when I was 10 years old, and Professor Oak for giving me Pikachu and taking care of all of the Pokémon I caught. Oh, and also Leon Jefferson for helping him.' He added with a smile to the camera directed straight at Leon.

Leon gasped in surprise for being directly addressed by Ash on his thanks speech. Pierce and Scythe looked at him, raising an eyebrow. 'I uh, used to work with Professor Oak before I started my journey.' He explained.

Pierce nodded, understanding.

Back on Indigo Plateau, Ash was speaking again. 'Now, there is one thing that I have postponed until now because I promised myself I'd be the Champion before anything else. Now, I can finally do this thing.' He paused, taking a deep breath. 'Misty, could you please come up here?' The redhead looked at him in confusion but, after a moment of hesitation, she climbed up the stairs to the platform. Ash took another deep breath and took a one-knee stance, taking a tiny box from his pocket.

Leon spluttered his drink, staring at the box, his eyes widening. 'Oh no he isn't.'

Scythe let out a short laugh. 'I think he is.'

'Misty, will you marry me?' Ash asked, opening the tiny black box, revealing a beautiful golden ring with a single marine blue diamond, his request ringing out in the warm air of the night. The silence that suddenly fell on the Stadium was palpable.

For a few seconds, Misty didn't answer, her face obscured by her hair. Suddenly, her hand struck, snapping the microphone from Ash's hand. 'ASH KETCHUM!' She barked. Ash flinched, suddenly worried. 'What the hell took you so long!?' She yelled. And then she threw herself onto his arms, closing her eyes and kissing him full on the lips.

Ash's eyes widened in surprise but eventually he hugged her back and returned the kiss. If the crowd was wild before, it was a tea party at a retirement home compared to the noise they were making now. They went insane, chanting both their names as loud as they could. The half a dozen other patrons of the Center's restaurant cheered and applauded with the crowd. Charizard shot Flamethrowers into the air, Pikachu and Sparky let loose Thunderbolts way up high and the Gym Leader's Pokémon launched their owns attacks, colliding with each other in mid-air and creating beautiful fireworks. Brock was seen gaping at his two best friends, completely shocked, his eyes actually open in surprise for a nanosecond. Then he went back to normal and started clapping and cheering with the crowd. The commentator for once was speechless.

'Well shoot. Never thought Ash would get married!' Leon said, laughing. 'And to Misty of all people!'

'I guess when you travel with someone you get really close.' Pierce said, smiling at the scene displayed before him.

Misty and Ash finally broke the kiss, Ash laughing and Misty shedding tears of happiness. Mr. Goodshow good-naturedly clapped Ash's back, taking back his microphone.

'Well, that escalated quickly.' He commented, laughing. 'Good luck and happiness to both of you!' He said to the happy couple. He turned to the Stadium. 'With the new Champion installed and the League roster announced, there is little more to do other than ask you to stand up and remove your hats for the Kanto Region anthem!'

Immediately the crowd stands as one, removing hats and placing their right hands over their hearts. Blaine took his hat and held it against his chest. The music starts to play. Although there are no lyrics, the music touches everyone just with its beauty, speaking of the glory of battling and peace in Kanto between humans and Pokémon. Everyone was enthralled by it.

That was when the first smoke bomb went off.