Today our heroes arrived in Petalburg City which got Turquoise excited.

“Ah, the feeling of visiting a new city in a new region,” Turquoise said.

“To you maybe but to me it's just home,” April said.

“That’s right, you came from Petalburg City,” Turquoise said.

“Well in any case let's go to my house, my mom will want to see my Mudkip,” April said. The girls arrived in front of an average looking house before April knocked on the door. Less than a minute later a woman with blonde hair styled in twirls wearing a simple red dress opened the door.

“April welcome home, how was your trip to Littleroot Town?” The woman asked.

“It was fine mom,” April said before her mom invited both her and Turquoise inside.

“I see you have already made a friend, What’s your name dear?” Mom asked.

“I’m Turquoise,” Turquoise said.

“Nice to meet you Turquoise, i’m April’s mom but you can call me Fiona,” Fiona said.

“Let me show you my partner pokemon,” April said before calling out her Mudkip. Fiona looked at Mudkip before saying something.

“Tell me April what made you choose Mudkip?” Fiona asked.

“Because his charm won me over,” April said before heading upstairs to get something from her room.

“I see,” Fiona said. “Turquoise what pokemon do you have?

“Right now just my partner,” Turquoise said before calling out Espeon.

“I can see the bond you two share, tell me how long have you two been together?” Fiona asked.

“We've been traveling for about a year and a half now but we've been together since I was seven when she was still an Eevee,” Turquoise said.

“Fascinating, what do you feed her?” Fiona asked.

“A mixture of Oran, Pecha, and Bluk berries, the recipe came from a friend of mine who strives to become a pokemon breeder,” Turquoise said.

“Impressive, the oran berries give a balanced flavor, the Pecha berries provide antioxidants, and the Bluk berries make her coat shiny,” Fiona said. “I was a breeder myself back in my traveling days.

“That’s so cool,” Turquoise said.

“Ok, as interesting as seeing the two of you chat is, it's time we got going,” April said while coming down the stairs with a medium-sized backpack.

“Are you sure you got everything? “Fiona asked.

“I’m sure,” April said.

“Where are you girls off to now?” Fiona asked.

“The gym,” April said.

“Are you sure you want to challenge Max right off the bat?” Fiona asked.

“It’s not for me it's for Turquoise,” April said. The girls left and soon they were in front of the gym. As soon as they entered they saw Max.

“Turquoise? Is that you?” Max asked.

“Yes, it's me,” Turquoise said.

“You two know each other?” April asked.

“We met during the raid to take back Saffron City from Team Supernova,” Max explained.

“How is May doing by the way?” Turquoise asked.

“Knowing her she is probably competing in contests in some far away region, " Max said before changing the subject. “But anyway, what brings you here?

“I came for a gym battle,” Turquoise said.

“So you're entering the Hoenn league, that’s nice but I'm afraid I cannot accept your challenge quite yet,” Max said.

“And why not?” Turquoise asked.

“To challenge my gym you need at least four gym badges to show how strong you've gotten,” Max said before continuing. “You may have won the Kanto and Johto leagues but things here are much different.

“So where do you suggest I go to get my first badge?” Turquoise asked.

“I recommend the Rustboro City gym in Rustboro City, “Max said.

“Where is Rustboro City?” April asked.

“Follow route 104 to the Petalburg Woods and it should be on the other side,” Max said.

“Thanks Max,” Turquoise said.

“I look forward to seeing you again, “Max shouted as the girls headed off. While they were walking, April decided to ask Turquoise something.

“Max said you won the Kanto and Johto leagues already. So why are you still traveling, aren't you the champion?” April asked.

“It does not work that way, to become champion two criteria must be met,” Turquoise said before explaining. “First you must win your home league and second you must challenge and defeat the Elite Four that reside in that region.

“So which region are you from?” April asked as they were getting close to the city limits.

“I’m from Pallet Town in the Kanto Region,” Turquoise said.

“And did you beat the Elite four that you mentioned?” April asked.

“Unfortunately no, I challenged them twice already, the first time I did not make it past Prima and the second time I did not make it past Bruno,” Turquoise said before adding something. “However, I did learn some things from them.

“Such as?” April asked.

“Prima told me about my weakness and how I had to overcome it and Bruno told me I lack focus,” Turquoise said.

“What does that mean?” April asked.

“He meant I jumped into the challenge not knowing who my opponents would be and what they might have up their sleeve,” Turquoise explained with the memory of Bruno having an Onix still fresh in her mind. After several more minutes of walking the girls were now in Petalburg Woods.

“Hey Turquoise, how much further do we need to go?” April asked, feeling tired already.

“Heck if I know,” Turquoise said clearly not knowing where to go since her Pokegear does not include a map of Hoenn.

“Well can we at least stop for lunch? I'm tired and hungry,” April said with her stomach growling along with Turquoise’s.

“Your right let's take a break,” Turquoise said before the two of them sat on a couple of stumps. Turquoise pulled out the special bento her mom made for her but was shocked to see it was ruined. “I can’t eat this now.

“I don’t have anything either, “April said to both of their dismay.

“I wish I brought Fluttershy along,” Turquoise said.

“Fluttershy?” April asked.

“She is one of my close friends and an amazing cook, she is currently training to become a pokemon breeder,” Turquoise said as memories of her filled her mind. They decided to keep going despite being hungry and less than a minute later they found apples in the trees. “We are saved.

“Not much but I guess it's better than nothing,” April said. Before the girls could grab some, a whole flock of bird-like pokemon swooped in and took all the apples off the trees and ate them, leaving only the cores behind. “What are those?

“I’m about to find out,” Turquoise said before pulling out her Pokedex.

“Taillow, The Tiny Swallow Pokemon, Taillow courageously stands its ground against foes, however strong they may be. This gutsy Pokémon will remain defiant even after a loss. On the other hand, it cries loudly if it becomes hungry,” The Pokedex said.

“Sorry Taillow but no one gets between us and our next meal, Go Espeon,” Turquoise said as she called out Espeon. “Espeon use swift while spinning. Espeon created her signature swift tornado which dealt a lot of damage to all of the flock of taillow but despite the damage they would not back down.

“The Pokedex was right, these Taillow are tough and resilient,” April said.

“You could have Mudkip help out, you know,” Turquoise said.

“Against a whole flock no way,” April said. Suddenly a mysterious silhouette appeared and tossed a pokeball.

“Cinderace use Pyro Ball,” The figure said as she called out her Cinderace who not only unleashed a Pyro ball but caused it to ricochet off of each of the Taillow which drove them away for now. Turquoise then recognized who it was.

“Fluttershy so glad to see you again,” Turquoise said with excitement.

“Good to see you too Turquoise and I see Espeon is going well too,” Fluttershy said.

“Meet my new friend April from Petalburg City,” Turquoise said.

“Nice to meet you,” Fluttershy said as she recalled Cinderace.

“So how did you find us?” Turquoise asked.

“I followed the flock of Taillow and when I saw the swift tornado I knew it was you and Espeon,” Fluttershy said.

“So is what Turquoise said about you being a good cook true,” April asked while trying not to sound rude.

“Oh, are you girls hungry?” Fluttershy asked.

“Famished, the food I had was ruined and those apples were the only safe things we found to eat until those taillow stole all of them.

“Well luckily for you I always have my cooking gear on me and we just so happened to stock up on ingredients back in Petalburg City,” Fluttershy said before getting to cooking. Turquoise and April looked at her with intrigue. “Um girls you are staring and it is kind of unsettling. Turquoise and April backed off and waited. Fluttershy finished making some sandwiches and after eating the girls were nourished and ready to keep going. Before they could, one of the Taillow from earlier came flying in alone looking ready to attack.

“Come on, what does it want now?” April said. It looked at Espeon with a look that conveyed a burning desire to fight her.

“My guess this taillow wants to battle,” Turquoise said with her Espeon at the ready.

“Of course its pride as a warrior won’t let it rest until a clear winner is decided,” Fluttershy said.

“Then let's do this,” Turquoise said. Suddenly Taillow came in fast with its beak glowing. “Espeon dodge that and use Psybeam. Espeon was able to dodge and fired a Psybeam. Unfortunately Taillow was fast and after dodging was suddenly covered in an orange aura.

“Careful Turquoise that is focus energy Taillow is using,” Fluttershy warned.

“I know,” Turquoise said. Taillow used another Peck and this time not only did it land but it was a critical hit.

“Espeon use Psychic. Espeon used psychic to slam Taillow onto the ground but Taillow refused to give up which resulted in a long battle of will.Taillow was showing signs of exhaustion which had Fluttershy quite concerned.

“You need to end this before Taillow ends up hurting itself,” Fluttershy said.

“How do I do that when Taillow refuses to back down?” Turquoise asked before one of her empty pokeballs fell to her feet which gave her the answer. “Oh I see. Turquoise picked up the Pokeball and prepared to throw it. “Go Pokeball. The Pokeball managed to contain Taillow and after many shakes it clicked which indicated the capture was successful.

“Well done Turquoise,” Fluttershy said.

“Come on out Taillow,” Turquoise before calling out Taillow who was looking quite tired. Fluttershy then sprayed it with a Super potion which stung based on Taillow’s reaction.

“A shot of this and some rest and you will be good as new,” Fluttershy said.

“Now that we have that solved, let's hit the road,” April said.

“Hold it April, we need to pack up first,” Fluttershy said.

“So does this mean you want to travel with us?” Turquoise asked.

“Of course, you girls need me and besides traveling with you was a lot of fun,” Fluttershy said. After packing up the girls plus Fluttershy continued on the path through the Petalburg Woods. After ten more minutes of walking they arrived on the other side safely and found themselves in front of a lake.

“Well we made it through the forest so where is Rustboro City?” April asked.

“Patience April, we will get there, it just takes time,” Turquoise said.

“Besides, do you even know which way to go?” Fluttershy asked.

“If you girls are looking for Rustboro City it's right across the lake,” A nice woman said before pointing them in the right direction.

“Thank you,” Turquoise said.

“Not a problem,” The woman said before taking her leave. With their next destination just a stone’s throw away our heroes are almost at the first goal. What will happen next, stay tuned as the journey continues.

TO BE CONTINUED

Author's Note

Turquoise's team
Espeon ♀ LV: 61 Moves: Psychic/ Swift/ Morning Sun/ Psybeam
Taillow ♀ LV: 7 Moves: peck/ growl/ Focus Energy

April's Team
Mudkip ♂ LV:5 moves: Tackle/ Growl/ Water Gun

Fluttershy's Team
Cinderace ♂ LV: 45 Moves: Flame Charge/ Pyro Ball/ Headbutt/ Double Kick
Ursaring ♂ LV:30 Moves: Hammer Arm/ Focus Blast/Slash/ Metal Claw

Turquoise: Badges:0 Ribbons:0

As promised Fluttershy has joined the adventure. i know this one sounds a lot like the episode where ash cuaght his Taillow in and your right since i drew inspiration from it.