Chapter 2: Beginning of the Journey and Misty
Before long, Lyra, Pichu, Pikachu, and Infernape entered a small forest. "Well Pichu, Pikachu, and Infernape, this is the first step of our journey," Lyra said. "Are you all ready?"
"Pichu!" "Pika!" "Infernape!" they replied.
"Right, let's go," she said. "Oh, I almost forgot." Lyra reached out and took out a Poké Ball. "Infernape, can you go in for a second? That way, I've officially caught you." She asked, and Infernape nodded, tapping the middle of the Poké Ball. It clicked open and closed; it wriggled and then dinged, meaning she had caught it. "Alright! Come back out, Infernape!" she called out, and in a flash, Infernape appeared. "Do you want to stay in?" Infernape shook her head. "Okay, you can stay out for a while."
As Lyra and her Pokémon were walking down the road leading to Viridian City, she saw a Pidgey perched upon the branch of a tree. Lyra gasped in shock when she saw that the Pidgey was nearly twice the size of a normal Pidgey, indicating it was truly one of a kind.
Pidgey was a small, plump-bodied avian Pokémon. It was primarily brown with a cream-colored face, underside, and flight feathers. Both its feet and beak were a pinkish-gray color. It had black, angular markings around its eyes and a small crest of brown and cream feathers above its head.
"Alright, let's get a new friend," she said excitedly. "And an unusual-sized Pidgey! Nice!"
"Pikachu, you're up!" she called out. Pikachu jumped off her shoulder and stood in front of the wild Pidgey. "Pikachu, Thunder Shock!" Pikachu used Thunder Shock and knocked out the Pidgey easily. Lyra threw a Poké Ball at it, and it was caught. "Yes! We caught a Pidgey!" she shouted.
"Alright guys," she started as Pichu and Infernape stood next to Pikachu, "this is our first step in making new friends. Let's catch ourselves some more."
"Pi!" "Infernape!" "Pika!" They all nodded happily.
"Now let's meet our new friend. Come on out, Pidgey!" Lyra called out, and Pidgey emerged from its Poké Ball.
"Pidgey?!" it cried out.
"Hi Pidgey. I'm Lyra, your new trainer. My dream is to become a Pokémon Master," Lyra said. Pidgey tilted its head a bit. "I hope that you will help me achieve it one day." Pidgey looked at her and the rest of her Pokémon; they all seemed happy to be with her. Pidgey nodded and flapped its wings happily in response.
"Great! Let's see your data," she said as she rolled up her left sleeve, showing her X-Dex. "You guys too." She called out to them. "Now, first, Pidgey."
Pidgey, the Tiny Bird Pokémon.
If attacked, it will often kick up sand to protect itself rather than fight back.
Type: Normal/Flying
Gender: Male
Attacks: Gust, Sand Attack, Quick Attack, Steel Wing, Air Slash, Slam, Peck, Scratch, and Tackle.
Egg Move: Sky Attack
Ability: Keen Eye
This Pidgey is significantly larger than the normal Pidgey size.
"Wow," Lyra whistled. "That's quite a number of attacks. Okay, next is Pikachu." She moved her X-Dex toward Pikachu.
Pikachu, the Electric Mouse Pokémon.
It can generate electric attacks from the electric pouches located in both of its cheeks.
Type: Electric
Gender: Male
Moves: Tackle, Thunder Shock, Thunder, Thunderbolt, Volt Tackle, Tail Whip, Quick Attack, Thunder Wave, and Slam.
Egg Move: Volt Switch
Ability: Static
Hidden Ability: Lightning Rod
"Oh, another wow!" Lyra shouted. "You two are already high level. Okay, next, Infernape." She pointed the X-Dex toward Infernape, and it began to scan.
Infernape, the Flame Pokémon.
The evolved form of Monferno. Infernape's fiery crown reflects its fiery nature, and its speed is unmatched.
Type: Fire/Fighting
Gender: Female
Moves: Tackle, Scratch, Leer, Ember, Taunt, Flare Blitz, Mach Punch, Fury Swipes, Flame Wheel, Close Combat, Fire Spin, Roar, Flamethrower, Hyper Beam, Strength, Solar Beam, Earthquake, Dig, Toxic, Fire Blast, Rest, Rock Slide, Substitute, Protect, Sleep Talk, Hidden Power, Sunny Day, Rock Smash, Will-O-Wisp, Brick Break, Rock Tomb, Overheat, Aerial Ace, Focus Blast, Giga Impact, Shadow Claw, Flame Charge, Fire Punch, Thunder Punch, Fire Pledge, Grass Knot, Poison Jab, and Cut.
Egg Move: Ice Punch
Ability: Blaze
Hidden Ability: Iron Fist
Infernape are normally located in the Sinnoh Region.
This Infernape is unusual and rare for its ability to use Ice Punch.
Lyra sweat-dropped at the move information; she was shocked by it. "Well, I knew I had been training Infernape and Pichu since I met you," she pointed out. "I never knew how much effort I put into it. You've basically learned all your moves, Infernape." She looked at her. "Maybe you can teach Pidgey Aerial Ace." Infernape and Pidgey nodded happily. "Okay, last is Pichu. I hope I'm ready for it." She pointed her X-Dex at Pichu.
Pichu, the Tiny Mouse Pokémon.
The pre-evolved form of Pikachu. Despite their size, Pichu release bursts of electricity that can shock even humans. However, Pichu are unskilled at controlling their electricity and sometimes release it by accident when surprised or laughing, shocking themselves.
Type: Electric
Gender: Female
Moves: Tackle, Quick Attack, Tail Whip, Thunder Wave, Thunder Shock, Thunderbolt, Thunder, Charm, Double Team, Toxic, Light Screen, Flash, Rest, Substitute, Protect, Sleep Talk, Hidden Power, Rain Dance, Grass Knot, Charge Beam, Volt Switch, Iron Tail, Thunder Punch, Electro Ball, Slam, Agility, Hyper Beam, Brick Break, Rock Smash, Focus Punch, Ice Punch, and Fire Punch.
Egg Move: Giga Impact
Ability: Static
Hidden Ability: Lightning Rod
This Pichu is unusual and rare for being able to learn high-level moves in its current form and for controlling its electric moves accurately.
"Wow, to be honest, even I'm shocked by how many moves and how much power they have," she replied. "Well, Pichu can teach Pikachu all of its moves," she looked at the electric duo, "but first, Pichu has to teach him Iron Tail." They nodded. "Hey, there's a river nearby. Let's stop there first and train." She checked the Xtransceiver.
The Pokémon nodded.
"Pidgey, do you want to stay out here for a while?" she asked. Pidgey nodded. "Okay. Hop on, Pichu and Pikachu. Let's go, everyone!" Lyra called out.
Lyra and her Pokémon walked for ten minutes following the map and reached a beautiful stream. "Alright, we made it! Now, can you guys do me a favor?" she asked Infernape and the electric duo. "Infernape, can you please go gather some sticks for firewood? And you two, I need you to fill this pot with some water. Please be careful!" she told them, and they left to do their jobs.
Lyra looked at Pidgey. "Pidgey, can you go and find a long, thin stick? We'll use it for your Aerial Ace training later," she said, and Pidgey took off into the woods. Lyra set up bowls for Pokémon food and gathered ingredients for her own cooking.
Infernape, Pichu, Pikachu, and Pidgey all returned from their tasks. "Thanks, guys!" She happily grabbed everything and set up. "Here is some Pokémon food." They all dug in while Lyra boiled the water and added some seasoning to give it a nice flavor. Afterward, Lyra happily bit into the sandwiches her mother had made.
After eating, she checked the water and tasted it. She nodded in satisfaction and poured it into her cup. The Pokémon looked at her, and she faced them. "Want to try some?" Lyra asked. She gave them each a cup of flavored water; they all took a sip and gulped it down in one go, crying out happily. She sweat-dropped. "Alright, are you guys ready for some training?"
"Pika!" "Pi!" "Pid!" "Infer!" they all cried in response.
Lyra grinned. "Alright, Pichu and Pikachu, your training ground will be those rocks you see." She pointed to an area with various sizes of rocks. "Pichu can show you how to learn Iron Tail," she finished. "Remember Pichu, show Pikachu first, then explain it." Pichu nodded and took Pikachu to the rocky area.
"Now Pidgey, Infernape is going to show you how to learn Aerial Ace, okay?" she said as she walked to a tree with the long stick and tied it with string on both sides. "This should help you learn; Infernape had to learn it this way as well." She looked at them. "Okay, Infernape, time to teach Pidgey Aerial Ace. Good luck!" Lyra finished and went back to the camp area, took out a fishing rod, and started to fish.
"I might as well take pictures for Professor Oak." Lyra pointed the Xtransceiver toward Pidgey and pushed a button. Click. The picture was taken and saved. She went back to fishing in the stream. After seven minutes, the rod began to move. "Oh! I got a bite!" she yelled, catching the attention of her Pokémon, who all ran to her.
"Yikes! Must be a big one! Pichu and Pikachu, please get ready. Pidgey, be careful and take to the sky. And Infernape, please be extra careful because of the water—I know it doesn't affect you much, but still be careful!" Lyra called out quickly.
She pulled the rod harder, revealing a Gyarados, but the color was different from both a shiny and a normal one.
Gyarados was a serpentine, Chinese dragon-like Pokémon. It was mostly aqua-blue with a white underbelly and white spots along its body. It had a three-pointed blue crest on its head and four white fins down its back. Its mouth was very large and gaping, bearing four canine teeth. It had one barbel on each side of its face.
"Wow!" she yelled out. The Gyarados looked at her with interest. "I've never seen an aqua-blue colored Gyarados before. You're beautiful!" Lyra said happily.
Gyarados stared at her, wondering why a human wasn't afraid. She looked around, seeing her Pokémon carefully watching in case the wild Pokémon attacked. Lyra carefully reached out an arm to pet it; Gyarados flinched a bit before letting her.
Lyra smiled. "Wow! This is awesome! Hey guys, come and meet Gyarados!" she called out to her Pokémon as they got closer. "Pretty, isn't she?" They all nodded, agreeing she was the most beautiful Gyarados they had ever seen. "Say, Gyarados, do you want to come with me on my journey to become a Pokémon Master?" she asked. Gyarados happily swung her tail and nodded.
Lyra grinned, took out a Poké Ball, and gently tapped Gyarados with it. The Poké Ball dinged, and she caught the uniquely colored Gyarados.
"Alright, come on out, Gyarados!" she called. "Alright, Gyarados, I'm going to scan you, I hope you don't mind." Gyarados shook her head, letting Lyra know it was fine. Lyra then pointed the Dexter toward Gyarados.
Gyarados, the Sea Serpentine Pokémon (or Atrocious Pokémon).
This Pokémon has a vicious temperament; use extreme caution. Its fangs can crush stones and its scales are harder than steel.
Type: Water/Flying
Gender: Female
Moves: Water Gun, Bite, Tackle, Thunderbolt, Dragon Rage, Leer, Twister, Rain Dance, Ice Fang, Aqua Tail, Hydro Pump, Dragon Dance, Hyper Beam, Roar, Blizzard, Flamethrower, Iron Tail, and Thunder Fang.
Egg Move: Draco Meteor
Ability: Intimidate
Hidden Ability: Moxie
This Gyarados is rare with an unusual color. It is neither a shiny nor a normal Gyarados.
"Awesome! You're really strong, Mystic," Lyra said. The aqua-blue Gyarados blinked at the name. "Oh, you're wondering why? It's because your color is really beautiful and mythical. Do you like it?"
"Grr," Mystic nodded.
Lyra was about to say something when she heard a scream. "What was that?!" she gasped. Lyra and her Pokémon ran toward the source of the scream while Mystic swam through the stream.
A girl with orange hair, who looked about a year older than Lyra, was there. She wore a yellow crop top and jean shorts held up with red suspenders, revealing her midriff. She had red, yellow, and white sneakers and carried a red drawstring backpack. Her red hair was tied into a side ponytail. She had been fishing by the stream but had hooked a different Gyarados.
The wild Gyarados was about to attack the orange-haired girl. "Oh no!" Lyra yelled. "Mystic, help me out here!" Mystic emerged from the water, glaring at the other Gyarados. "Alright, Thunderbolt!" she ordered. Mystic released an electric attack, making the wild Gyarados flinch and escape back into the stream.
"Thanks, Mystic," Lyra said, petting her before walking toward the girl. "Are you alright?" she asked in concern.
"No, I'm petrified," the orange-haired girl replied. "But thank you very much for helping me." She bowed in thanks.
"No worries, you should be thanking Mystic, my Gyarados, for helping you." Pikachu and Pichu hopped onto Mystic's head while Infernape stood beside Lyra and Pidgey perched on her arm.
The girl froze when she saw the aqua-blue Gyarados, then she calmed down. "I'm sorry," she apologized. "It's just that I'm really scared of Gyarados. I get petrified just looking at them."
Lyra nodded, sensing something must have happened when she was little. "But your Gyarados is such an unusual and pretty color," the girl added. Lyra smiled at her. "I'm Misty, by the way. Misty Waterflower."
Lyra bowed her head slightly. "I'm Lyra Mew Nova. It's nice to meet you, Misty. And these are my Pokémon: Pidgey, Infernape, Mystic, Pichu, and Pikachu." She pointed to each of them.
"So, what were you doing, Misty?"
"Well, I love Water-type Pokémon and I specialize in them," Misty began. "I came from Cerulean City to Route 1 to fish, but then my rod caught a Gyarados... and you know the rest."
"I see," Lyra said as she scratched Pidgey's feathers. "You have the same idea as me! I started my journey today and wanted to catch Water Pokémon... I ended up catching Mystic, as you can see. It was a great catch!" she cheered, and Misty giggled.
"Where are you headed on your journey, Lyra?" Misty asked.
"Me? I'm entering the Indigo League."
"I see. Good luck with that! It's quite tough; you have to win eight Gym Badges to enter."
"I know. I'll try my best," Lyra stated. She called back Infernape, Gyarados, and Pidgey into their Poké Balls. "Well, it was nice meeting you, Misty! I've got to go and get to the Pokémon Center. Bye!" Lyra waved as she headed toward Viridian City, and Misty waved back.
Lyra and her Pokémon arrived at the top of a hill overlooking Viridian City. Just as Lyra was about to continue, she saw a Pokémon flying in the sky.
It was an avian Pokémon resembling a phoenix and a peacock. Its feathers were predominantly gold and red, with yellow tail feathers, a white underside, and green feathers at the tips of its wings. It had a green stripe on its neck, a yellow beak, black rings around its red eyes, and a feathered yellow crest. Its wings were prismatic, trailing a rainbow behind it.
Her eyes widened. "No way... it's Ho-Oh!" She called out her Pokémon and pointed at the sky, allowing them all to see the Legendary Pokémon from the Johto Region. Lyra pulled up her sleeve and pointed her X-Dexter at the bird.
Ho-Oh, the Rainbow Pokémon.
It is said that Ho-Oh's huge wings create bright, colorful rainbows. It is rare to bear witness to it, and those who do are promised eternal happiness. It flies through the world in search of a trainer with a pure heart.
Lyra quickly snapped a photo of the legendary bird. "Nice photo. I have to show this to the Professor!" she said, continuing toward the Viridian City Pokémon Center.
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Thank you for reading this chapter! I hope you enjoyed Lyra's journey so far.
Questions for Readers
1. What was your favorite moment in this chapter?
2. What do you think is special about Mystic's unusual aqua-blue color?
3. Which Pokémon in Lyra's team is your favorite so far?
"See you in the next episode of Pika Ball Z!" ⚡