Journey Through Kanto | ✅

Chapter 52: Bad to the Badge

Around a month and a half has passed since that day at Xanadu Nursery, and Zia has trained her Pokemon every single day. KC and his Pokemon have helped as well, allowing her to have mock battles with him and see where she needs to work on with each of her 14 Pokemon, excluding Kaida.

Now, it's time for them to leave if they want to make it in time to compete for the Pokemon League. And today, that's what they are doing.

Zia, Sky, Emmy, Kaida, KC, and Kirlia all stood outside of Ari and Zia's house as they said goodbye. Professor Oak had also came by as well. "Here's your bag, Zia. I've already packed everything for you." Ark said as she handed her daughter the black knapsack she always has. "I was wondering where it went. Thanks, mom." Zia said with a smile.

"Yes, and I'm sure you'll do great at the Pokemon League. You've trained hard for over a month now." Her mother encouraged. "Yes, I'm sure you'll make it far, Zia." Oak added in as well. "Thanks for the support, mom, Professor." Zia said. "Thanks for letting my Pokemon and I stay as well." KC thanked Ari.

"Oh, it was no problem. Any friend of Zia's is welcome here." Ari told him. Then she leaned down to whisper to Zia. "Although, I'm sure he won't be just a friend for much longer. Am I right?" She asked quietly. Zia blushed in embarrassment. "It's not like that! Mom, come on!" Zia yelled at her. "Alright, alright, I'm just teasing. I'll stop." Ari laughed.

"And how could I forget? Good luck to you two as well, I'll miss you just as much as I'll miss Zia." She continued as she looked at Emmy and Sky. They nuzzled her, telling her they thought the same. "Goodbye to you as well, Kaida, Kirlia." She then turned to the Dratini in Zia's arms and the Kirlia in KC's.

Kirlia's eyes crinkled as she smiled. Kaida made a noise of happiness. "Then let's go." Zia said as she began to walk away, followed by her two Pokemon and KC. Ari and Oak didn't stop waving until they were out of sight.

~~~

"Hm, this looks like a shortcut to the Indigo Plateau." KC mumbled as he looked at the map. That shortcut has led them through a field covered with large grass that came up to their stomachs. Kirlia was on Sky's back so KC could hold the map right.

A figure suddenly sped past them to their left, but was too fast for them to catch. "What was that?" Kirlia asked. The figure then appeared in front of and above them as they turned to look. They all jumped out of the way with a shout of surprise as the figure came down with a weapon, narrowly missing the group.

Now that the person was visible, they all got a look at them. It was a male with long, purple hair in a ponytail. He wore traditional Japense clothing and the weapon was a long wooden stick. He had sandals on, and some bandages could be seen wrapped around his chest.

"What was that for?!" KC asked him. "Forgive me. I was simply testing you. You appear to be traveling to the Pokemon League Competition. Am I correct in saying so?" The man asked. "What if we are?" Zia asked in confusion, holding Kaida close to herself.

"Well, then, I, Otoshi, challenge you. I've trained for a long time all alone here in the mountains, but I seek one last battle to test my strength before the Pokemon League. Do you accept my challenge?" Otoshi asked again. Zia shurgged and stepped closer, handing Kaida to Emmy.

"Sure, I'll battle you." She agreed. "And whoever loses this battle must turn over all their Pokemon badges to the one who triumphs." He suddenly added, making her jump back. "What?! Are you insane? Why would I do that? Don't you have your own?" She asked him. "You know what, let's just go guys." She said and started to walk past Otoshi.