New Region, New Friends, and A New Rival

Ashlyn and Brock were now on a boat, heading towards the Sinnoh Region. They were all excited and couldn't wait to see what the region had to offer.

"So where are we going after we port?" Brock asked.

"Sandgem Town which is where Professor Rowan's lab is." Ashlyn replied, "It's been a while since I've seen him."

"So what kind of person is Prof. Rowan?" Brock asked.

"Even though he has a serious expression, he cares about Pokémon very much." Ashlyn replied.

"Can't wait to meet him." Brock said.

==============

Soon the boat had arrived at the dock and the gang walked down the steps and stood on the dock. Then they headed towards Sandgem Town.

==============

They decided to walk along the road, Ashlyn came across a Pokémon. There was a shiny Buneary.

"Wow, a shiny Buneary." Ashlyn took out her Rotom phone:

[Buneary, the Rabbit Pokémon. By quickly extending its rolled-up ears, it can launch a powerful attack against its enemies. Note: This different coloration indicates that this Pokémon is a shiny Pokémon.]

Tesla battled the Buneary which soon fainted. Ashlyn threw her Pokéball towards the shiny Buneary who soon got sucked inside. The Pokéball wiggled for a moment and then 'ding' which meant a successful capture.

"Hey, how about we use our flying type Pokémon to get to Prof. Rowan's lab?" Ashlyn suggested.

"Sounds like a good idea." Brock agreed.

Ashlyn let out Alta (Altaria) and Brock let out his Flygon. They mounted onto their respective Pokémon and headed towards Sandgem Town.

=====================

They soon arrived at Sandgem town. As they were arriving, Ashlyn caught sight of Prof. Rowan and a girl with long blue hair and eyes, in which she is recognized as Dawn, heading towards the lab.

"Professor Rowan!" Ashlyn called out.

Prof. Rowan and Dawn stopped and looked up at the sound of Ashlyn's voice. Flygon and Alta landed in front of the two. Ashlyn dismounted off the Alta. Brock dismounted his Flygon.

"Ashlyn, good to see you again." Prof. Rowan greeted.

"Likewise, Prof. Rowan." Ashlyn greeted him back.

"Prof. Rowan, this is my friend, Brock. He's studying to be a Pokémon breeder and doctor." Ashlyn introduced.

Rowan held his hand out to Brock, "Pleasure to meet you, Brock."

Brock held onto his hand and shook hands, "Pleasure to meet you as well, Professor Rowan."

"You're Ashlyn Ketchum, right?" Dawn asked.

"That's me." Ashlyn confirmed, "You must be a new trainer, right?"

"Yup, I'm Dawn and I'm going on a journey to become Top Coordinator!" Dawn declared.

Ashlyn giggled, "Well it looks like I have a new rival." She said.

"Well then, Dawn will need her starter if she wants to start her journey. Come along now." Rowan gestured for the gang and Dawn to follow him to his lab.

============================

They arrived at the Lab and the door opened revealing four scientists.

"He's back!" two of the scientists exclaimed with their hands on their faces.

The other two stood behind, mouths agape.

"Of course I am. This is my lab, is it not?" Professor Rowan said.

"Of course it is sir!" the four scientists saluted.

"Oh my. . ." Ashlyn trailed off looking at the Lab. It was a mess. Papers were strewn on the floor, ripped and crumpled. One of the windows was shattered completely. On the table, eating, was one of the starters, Turtwig.

"You see, there was a problem with Piplup and Chimchar and they ran off into the forest. Our other two Pokémon for evolution research also got away. Fortunately, we still have Turtwig." one of the scientists explained.

"Turtwig huh?" Ashlyn took out her Rotom phone and scanned Turtwig:

[Turtwig, the Tiny Leaf Pokémon. Its shell is made of earth and when it absorbs water, it becomes harder.]

Turtwig looked up from its bowl of food.

Professor Rowan stared at Turtwig, "Indeed." The Turtwig flinched from the hard gaze and started eating again to avoid it.

"I'd like to look for them." Dawn offered, looking earnestly at Professor Rowan.

"You would?" Professor Rowan asked her.

"Yes, we're talking about my future partner." Dawn stated.

Professor Rowan gazed down at the three for a bit before saying, "Ok, when you find them, bend down so your eye level with them. I wish you good luck."

"Thank you." Dawn said.

"Brock and I will stay here and help out." Ashlyn decided.

"Thank you." Rowan thanked the two of them.

Dawn ran out of the building, through the Lab doors, and went around to the back field going towards the woods.

=======================

Dawn returned with Piplup in her arms along with Staraptor who had Chimchar in its claws.

"Wow, you think so?" Dawn asked Professor Rowan.

Dawn told the professor what they saw, and he replied with what he thought had happened.

"It's a possibility. Well you three certainly had an interesting day. Now it's time for you, Dawn to start your official journey. You'll be receiving Pokéballs, your Pokédex, and your starter Pokémon," Professor Rowan informed.

"Here you go," one of the scientists said. He was holding a tray with five Pokéballs and a pink Pokédex.

"Wow," Dawn smiled, "Thank you."

Professor Rowan then turned around to the three Pokémon on the desk, "Now it's time to choose your starter Pokémon. These are the three starters her in the Sinnoh Region. There's the fire-type, Chimchar."

"Chimchar!" The fire monkey exclaimed.

"The water-type, Piplup."

"Piplup!" The little penguin chimed.

"And the grass-type, Turtwig."

"Turtwig!" Turtwig smiled.

"Do you know which Pokémon you're going to pick?" Professor Rowan asked Dawn.

"Yes sir I do! Piplup!" Dawn replied, happily.

"Piplup!" Piplup chirped.

"Good. You'll need Piplup's Pokéball." Rowan handed the Pokéball to Dawn.

"Thank you." Dawn accepted the Pokéball and walked up to Piplup, "Piplup, you and I have already been through an awful lot. We're really a team."

"Piplup!" Piplup chirped happily.

"Okay, let's go!" Dawn returned Piplup to its Pokéball.

Dawn smiled as she held Piplup's Pokéball in her hands.

"By the way, Ashlyn. If you don't mind, I would like to hear about your adventures." Rowan requested.

"Okay." Ashlyn accepted.

=============================

For the past hour and a half, Ashlyn told Prof. Rowan and Dawn about her adventures. Rowan was very fascinated when the gang said that they've seen the Sea Temple. Dawn was more interested in the contests that Ashlyn had won. Ashlyn had also shown her psychic abilities which amazed both Rowan and Dawn.

"Wow, you've been to that many regions so far." Dawn said, awed.

"I'm amazed that you're a psychic, Ashlyn. We don't really encounter many." Rowan commented.

"Yeah. Well, I was shocked when I first found out. Luckily I had Sabrina for a teacher." Ember stated.

"Ashlyn, we should get going if we want to get to Jubilife City." Brock reminded Ashlyn.

"That's right. Sorry, Professor Rowan, but we really have to get going." Ashlyn said as she stood up from the couch.

"I understand. I'll walk you all out." Prof. Rowan offered.

==================================

The gang was outside of Prof. Rowan's lab, ready to head out.

"Hey guys, can I come with you all?" Dawn asked.

"What?" Brock asked.

"I figured that I could learn a lot from you all. Not to mention, I think it would be fun to travel with you." Dawn explained.

Ashlyn and Brock glanced at each other for a moment and nodded.

"Sure, the more the merrier." Ashlyn smiled.

"Thank you!" Dawn beamed.

"I wish you luck on your journeys." Rowan prayed.

"Thank you, Professor." Brock thanked him.

"See you later, Professor." Ashlyn waved goodbye along with everyone as they left the lab and headed towards Jubilife City.

===============================

The gang was on their way to the Pokémon Center so that Ashlyn could register for the Sinnoh League.

"I can't wait to enter the Jubilife City contest!" Dawn beamed.

"Well you'll be going against me when you do, Dawn." Ashlyn reminded her.

"No need worry. I know I'll do great!" Dawn assured her.

"For some reason that makes me worry." Ashlyn sweat dropped.

Then they saw a Pokémon nearby. Ashlyn recognized them as Starly. Starly is an avian Pokémon with primarily grayish-brown plumage. There is a white marking on its face, resembling a mask, and a white spot on its chest. The top portion of the mask marking is smaller on the female. The rest of its head and the lower half of its wings are black. Starly has a long, orange beak with a black tip and oval, black eyes with white pupils. A small tuft of feathers curls over the back and its head, and a small, pointed ruff surrounds its neck. It has two black tail feathers with a white feather between them. Its feet are orange with three toes in the front and one in the back.

Ashlyn took out her Rotom phone:

[Starly, the Starling Pokémon. They flock in great numbers. Though small, they flap their wings with great power.]

"My kind of Pokémon." Ashlyn put her phone away, "Tesla, Quick Attack!"

Tesla rammed the Starling Pokémon. Then the Pokémon fainted. Ashlyn threw their Pokéballs towards the Starly.

"Another new capture." Ashlyn beamed.

==============================

They soon arrived at a Pokémon Center. The gang walked up to the front desk.

"Good afternoon. Welcome to the Pokémon Center." Nurse Joy greeted, approaching the group.

Suddenly Brock held Nurse Joy's hands in his, "It's always a pleasure to meet a beauty such as yourself, Nurse Joy!" He blushed.

"Ashlyn, is something wrong with Brock?" Dawn questioned.

"Nothing, not for him at least." Ashlyn answered sheepishly.

"Raichu." Tesla agreed.

Then Psyduck came out his Pokéball and bashed Brock to the side.

"Excuse me, I'm here to register for the Sinnoh league." Ashlyn said, changing the subject.

"Of course, just hand me your Pokédex." Nurse Joy requested.

Ashlyn handed over her Rotom phone.

Nurse Joy took Ashlyn's Rotom Phone and entered into the slot in the computer, she typed something on the type.

"[Ashlyn Ketchum of Pallet Town.]" The male computer voice said, analyzing her Rotom Phone information, 'OK' "[Welcome to the Sinnoh League.]"

Ashlyn's phone was ejected out of the computer, Nurse Joy it and handed it back to Ashlyn, "Congratulations, Ashlyn. You are now fully qualified and approved to become an official participant in the Sinnoh League." She informed.

Ashlyn took back her phone, "Thank you Nurse Joy." She thanked her.

"Nurse Joy, can I register for the Pokémon Contest here? I'm a coordinator." Dawn spoke up.

"You need to do that at the Contest arena. You can get passes there as well." Nurse Joy explained.

"Great, thank you." Dawn thanked.

Suddenly they heard a loud noise coming from outside. Nurse Joy and the gang quickly ran outside and saw a giant robot with an "R" on it. The robot was holding a container that had a few Pokémon in it.

"What is that?" Nurse Joy asked.

"Team Rocket." Ashlyn and Brock groaned in unison.

"Team who?" Dawn asked.

"A criminal organization who steals Pokémon and uses them for evil deeds." Brock replied.

"How awful!" Dawn gasped.

"Unfortunately, this particular yet highly annoying trio has been following us for a while now." Ashlyn stated.

"WHAT DO YOU TWERPS MEAN BY 'HIGHLY ANNOYING'?!" Jessie exclaimed angrily through the speakers.

Ashlyn shrugged, "Well it's true."

"Yeah." Brock agreed.

"Raichu." Tesla agreed as well.

"Anyways, Tesla and Raji, use Iron Tail on that container!" Ashlyn ordered as she released Raji along with Triton and Hana.

Tesla and Raji's tail glowed a metallic color as they ran towards the robot. Team Rocket tried to grab the two Pokémon, but Tsuki and Raji easily dodged the hands. Then they slammed their tails against the container, breaking the glass and releasing the Pokémon inside. The Pokémon went back to their trainers.

"OH NO!" Team Rocket exclaimed in panic.

"Tesla, Raij, Thunder Shock! Hana, Energy Ball! Triton, Hydro Pump!" Ashlyn commanded.

The four Pokémon launched their attacks at the robot which caused it to explode and sent Team Rocket flying.

"No matter what scheme we do we always end up in the air!" Jessie complained.

"Well I was hoping for a change, but I'm starting to think that it's wishful thinking." James added.

"You ask the writers for a request!" Meowth shouted.

"Wobbaffet!" Wobbuffet agreed.

"Mime mime!" Mime Jr. copied.

"WE'RE BLASTING OFF AGAIN!" Team Rocket screamed before they disappeared into the sky.

DING!

"They still don't change." Brock commented.

"Nope." Ashlyn agreed.

===================

"For real?! These guys have been after you since you started your journey?!" Dawn exclaimed.

The gang was back inside the Pokémon Center. It was evening now. They were telling Dawn about Team Rocket and the many times that they encountered the trio.

"As I said before, they're annoying." Ashlyn said.

"Very determined is another word for them." Brock commented.

"Is it going to be a regular thing of Team Rocket showing up expectedly?" Dawn asked.

"Definitely." Ashlyn and Brock replied.

Dawn sweat-dropped at their answer.

=============================

A little bit later, Dawn decided to call her mom, Johanna.

"[I certainly appreciate you looking out for my Dawn,]" Johanna said, "[I realize that she can be a handful at times.]"

Dawn let out a confused noise as the three behind her answered in synch, "Oh no."

Dawn waved her hand, "Come on mom, there's nothing to worry about."

"[When you tell me not to worry is when I worry the most.]" Johanna said making Dawn sweat drop.

"[I'm counting on you two to take care of my Dawn.]" Johanna reminded.

"We promise." Ashlyn and Brock promised.

"[Have a great time you four. I wish you lots of luck in your gym battles and contests, Ashlyn.]" Johanna wished before hanging up.

When the call ended, Dawn looked exasperated, "My mom, what a mom."

Soon enough, they picked up their Pokémon and had dinner. After that, they got ready for bed and went to sleep.

================

It was now the next morning, and the gang was heading out. Suddenly someone stood in their path at the door. It was a boy with mid-length purple hair that has one big strand hanging over the middle of his face, small dark eyes. Ashlyn recognized this boy as Paul.

"Can I help you?" Ashlyn asked.

"You're Ashlyn Ketchum, right?" Paul questioned.

"Yes, I am." Ashlyn confirmed, "So who are you?"

"The name's Paul and I want to battle you." Paul declared.

"A battle huh? Alright, I accept." Ashlyn accepted.

======================

Everyone went over to the battlefield that was near the Pokémon Center. Brock offered to be the referee. Ashlyn and Paul stood on the opposite sides of the field. Brock announces that it's a one-on-one battle and the rules to it.

"Battle begin!" Brock announced.

"Elekid, let's go!" Paul released the Electric Pokémon.

"Elekid!" Elekid appeared on the field.

"Tesla, time to battle!" Ashlyn called out.

"Raichu!" Tesla jumped onto the field.

"Elekid, use Focus Punch!" Elekid's fist glowed orange and ran towards Tesla.

"Dodge!" Tesla dodged the attack, "Now Attract!"

Tesla winked at Elekid and its eyes turned heart-shaped and became dopey.

"Elekid!" Paul gawked.

"Mud-Slap!" Tesla turns around and kicks up clumps of mud at Elekid.

Elekid grunted at the attack, but still was in a dopey state.

"Now Swift!" Tesla launched her attack at Elekid who grunts in pain from the impact.

"Lucky shot. Let's see how powerful that Raichu is." Paul declared.

"Tesla, use Dig." Ashlyn ordered.

Tesla dove into the ground, and Elekid stood still to wait for Tesla to come out again. Tesla came out and tackled Elekid.

"Not too shabby." Paul smirked, "Elekid, use Thunderbolt!"

"Tesla, use Protect!" Ashlyn countered.

Tesla projected a green barrier in front of herself, protecting her against the Thunderbolt.

"Now use Iron Tail!" Tesla's tail glowed a metallic color and whacked Elekid hard.

"Elekid, use Thunder Punch!" Paul ordered.

"Tesla, Volt Tackle!" Ashlyn countered.

The two Pokémon collided with each other, creating an explosion. Then Elekid was thrown back, creating a dust cloud. The dust faded away to reveal that Elekid had fainted.

"Ele~" Elekid moaned with swirls in its eyes.

"Elekid is unable to battle! The victory goes to Tesla! The winner of the match is Ashlyn!" Brock announced.

"We did it, Tesla!" Ashlyn cheered as she caught Tesla who jumped into her arms, "That was great."

"Rairai!" Tesla smiled.

Paul returned Elekid, "You're useless." Then he went over to Ashlyn, "I see you're not as shabby as you look." He said.

Ashlyn narrowed her eyes at him.

"Although I have to admit, that was a good battle." Paul admitted.

"I have to agree." Ashlyn agreed.

Paul hummed and then walked away.

"Quite a rival you got there, Ashlyn." Brock commented.

"Yeah, but he doesn't look like a caring trainer though." Ashlyn added.

Dawn nodded, "Yeah."

=========================

After that, it was now time for the gang to leave. Their first destination was Jubilife City for Ashlyn and Dawn's first Sinnoh Pokémon Contest, and then Oreburgh City, where Ashlyn can get her first gym badge.

==========================

Pokémon Caught:

Shiny Piplup (Triton)(M)

Budew (Hana)(F)

Shinx (Raji)(M)

Shiny Buneary (Usagi)(F)

Starly (Sora)(F)