Shikon Champion by see03

Chapter 1

A/N: So it begins.

I'm a bit at the end of my rope with this sucker - its gonna be hella long, and I'm running out of steam, so help me out and review! Tell me your ideas and theories - some of them may make their way into the story. Just know that I already know which characters are gym leaders and members of the elite four XD

*Please Note: Pokemon is copyrighted to Nintendo. In no way do I claim any ownership of the characters of Pokemon.*

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"Kagome. Kagome, wake up, sweetie."

"Nngh, five more minutes Mama," she groaned, rolling over in bed, cuddling her favourite plush closer to her chest.

"In five more minutes you'll be ten minutes late for your first day as a pokémon trainer," her mother's voice teased. She held back a laugh when Kagome's body stiffened under the covers.

Rolling her eyes, Mama Higurashi took a step back, counting backwards in her head for the explosion that she knew was about to come.

Three…two…one…

"…WHAT?!"

Right on time. Smiling indulgently, Mama turned away, her daughter's pre-packed knapsack in hand. "Breakfast is ready when you are."

"Why didn't Grandpa wake me up when he left?" Kagome shrieked, hurriedly changing. "Even Souta is awake already!" she pointed out, glancing at her brother's made bed. "Did no one think to wake me up on time?!"

"Really, Kagome," Mama reprimanded as the girl practically flew down the stairs. "You're fifteen years old now. Old enough to go on your pokémon adventure, but not old enough to set your alarm clock?"

Properly chastised, Kagome walked up to where her mom was standing in front of the kitchen sink and hugged her around the waist. "Sorry, it's just…I'm nervous. I know it's only me and Sesshoumaru getting pokémon this year, so I'll definitely get a pokémon, but…what if I'm not good?"

She hid her face in the back of Mama's shirt.

Sighing softly, Mama turned around, holding her daughter close. "If you have doubts, Kagome, you do not have to go. Grandpa will understand."

"But I don't want to disappoint him," Kagome murmured. "Since Papa died, Grandpa has only talked about when it will be mine and Souta's turns to travel. Papa never became Shikon Champion, and he always felt like he'd let Grandpa down—"

"Now you listen to me," Mama said firmly, kneeling down to come eye-to-eye with Kagome. "Your grandpa's dream to become a Pokémon Champion does not have to be your dream, and he understands that. Your father didn't want to be a trainer, but Grandpa convinced him to go anyway. When he couldn't succeed, he blamed himself, but your grandpa knows now that he shouldn't have made Papa go. Your grandpa loves you more than anything else, and he wouldn't want you to go if it wasn't what you wanted, so don't feel like you'll disappoint him if you do not do well."

"I really want to go," Kagome confessed. "I want to travel the world and catch pokémon, and I do want to be the next Shikon Champion."

"Then you should go out there and do your best," Mama advised. "That is all Grandpa expects of you."

Kagome grinned, hugging her mother tightly. "Thanks Mama."

"You're welcome, dear. Now grab your pack and hurry up! I'm sure the Taisho boy was there on time, but Grandpa said he'd wait for you."

The eldest Higurashi child gasped, racing towards the door. "Why didn't you say so?" Kagome asked eagerly, throwing on her pack and slipping into her boots.

"Bye, Mama!" Kagome exclaimed, waving. "I'll call you when I've reached the first check point!"

"Be sure that you do!" Mama Higurashi shouted back, waving as her daughter disappeared down the road. Smiling sadly, Mama heaved a soft sigh and went back inside to do some housework and wait patiently for her daughter's call.

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"Oh man, oh man, oh man!" Kagome shouted, startling some of her neighbours as she raced down the street. "Pokémon adventure, here I come!"

"Kagome!" a high voice called out. "Kagome, wait for me!"

Slowing to a light jog, Kagome glanced behind her, surprised to see Sesshoumaru's brother poke his head out from their backyard, his little mouth twisted into a petulant pout.

"Take me with you," he begged, struggling to climb over the fence. "Sesshou said he wouldn't take me with him, but you'll take me, won't you Kagome?"

"I dunno, Inuyasha," she contemplated, walking up to the fence nonchalantly. "If Sesshoumaru said no, then it really isn't my place to contradict him."

The little boy's lip quivered even as his eyebrows drew together angrily. "I want to go on a pokémon journey too!" he shouted.

"Okay, okay, jeez!" Kagome griped, reaching up to grab the boy under his arms and pull him the rest of the way over the fence. "How about you come with me to see Grandpa?"

Inuyasha's eyes lit up at the prospect of seeing Professor Higurashi. "Will he let me have a pokémon too?"

Kagome shook her head. "You know you aren't old enough, Inuyasha. But you can stay at the lab and play with the pokémon there."

The kid frowned, scuffing his shoe on the ground. "But I wanna go with Sesshou on his journey…"

Sighing, Kagome crouched down, cupping her knees for balance. "How about we get Sesshoumaru to agree to call you every day, hmm? Then he can tell you all about what we're seeing and doing."

Sniffling slightly, Inuyasha's shoulder slumped resignedly. "Okay."

Taking his hand in hers, Kagome stood up and began walking towards the lab, Inuyasha in tow. "I know you feel like you're being left behind, but Souta is still here, and you guys can play video games all day long."

His eyes lit up at the mention of his best friend, and Inuyasha's steps became more cheerful. "Yeah, we'll play all day together, and some day, we'll go on our pokémon journey together!"

"That's the spirit!" Kagome laughed. "C'mon, I'll race you to the lab!"

Inuyasha grinned, and, letting go of her hand, took off down the road, voice bright as he shouted back, "Last one there is a Slowpoke!"

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"Really, Professor," Sesshoumaru intoned, leaning impatiently against the wall. "Can we not start without Kagome? She's always late, and I want to begin my journey before the sun sets."

"Have patience, Sesshoumaru," Grandpa Higurashi chided, tapping busily at his computer. "You and Kagome are to journey together, so it makes sense that we wait so that you might choose your pokémon together."

"I still don't see why we have to travel together," he muttered, frowning.

"It is tradition, Sesshoumaru," Grandpa reminded him, smiling. "Besides, even with the checkpoints, the roads can be dangerous. Having someone out there with you can be a comfort on cold nights."

Sesshoumaru scoffed, looking away. "I can take care of myself."

"I did not say you could not," the older man agreed. "Only that loneliness is not uncommon among trainers who choose to travel alone."

Sesshoumaru didn't answer, only turned away to lean on his side, his back facing the professor.

"You did not have a problem with this a week ago," Grandpa observed thoughtfully, standing up. His lips pulled up into a knowing smile when Sesshoumaru's shoulders stiffened up. "Did something happen between you and my granddaughter?"

The teenager spun around, his cheeks flushed and his eyes wide. "No, of course not! Why should you think anything happened? I just want to prove myself to my father, and I can't do that with some nattering girl hanging around me!"

Grandpa Higurashi frowned. "I know you do not mean that, Sesshoumaru. Do not let Kagome hear you speak that way, or you may just get your wish."

"Professor," one of the lab aides interrupted, "Kagome is here. She's also brought Inuyasha with her."

"Somehow, I'm not surprised Inuyasha managed to weasel his way into coming here with Kagome," the professor chuckled dryly. "Let them both in. I'm sure Inuyasha just wants to say goodbye to his big brother," he surmised, glancing to the uncomfortable youth beside him.

"I told him not to come," Sesshoumaru apologized. "I'm sorry if he bothers you."

"Do not be absurd," Grandpa said dismissively. "Inuyasha is a good boy, and he loves you dearly. It will be hard for him to see you go."

Sesshoumaru scowled, glaring at his shoes.

"Grandpa!" Kagome shouted as she and Inuyasha burst into the room. "Sorry I'm late!"

The old man chuckled, holding his granddaughter close when she flung herself into his arms. "Don't be silly, you foolish child. Did Mama have to wake you up?"

Kagome blushed, embarrassed. "Yes."

"And it seems you couldn't help bringing someone with you," he observed, crouching down to be level with Inuyasha, who was grinning, unrepentant.

"Are you ready to go on your adventure, young man?" Grandpa Higurashi asked seriously.

"Well, I am, but…I'm gonna wait a bit longer, so Souta and I can go together!" Inuyasha answered cheerfully, gaps showing in his teeth when he smiled.

"A wise and thoughtful choice," the professor approved, standing back up with a groan. "Well then, Kagome, now that you are here, who would like to choose their pokémon first?"

Kagome and Sesshoumaru looked at each other. As time passed Sesshoumaru's cheeks acquired a pink tinge and he looked away. "Kagome may choose first," he offered gruffly.

"Really?" Kagome gasped, hands clasping together. "Thanks Sesshoumaru!"

Giving Sesshoumaru an approving look, Grandpa gestured Kagome forward. "All right, Kagome, follow me please."

Together they walked past Sesshoumaru, who was now busy dealing with his brother as the boy attempted to climb up his leg, and entered another room. This was the professor's personal lab.

It was decorated as eccentrically as her grandfather occasionally proved himself to be, with mats of clashing colours and posters on the walls. Framed photographs also had their place on the wall, and without looking Kagome knew there was a picture of every trainer who had chosen their starter at her grandpa's lab.

Her eyes were drawn to the picture of her father, from so many years ago. He looked happy in the picture, excited to be getting a pokémon. Beside him was the familiar face of Sesshoumaru's father, Touga Taisho, and that of a woman she didn't recognize. Touga, unlike her father, had completed his pokémon journey, and was a member of the Elite Four. If she and Sesshoumaru wished to gain the title of Shikon Champion, they would have to defeat him in battle.

I wonder how Sesshoumaru feels about battling his dad, Kagome mused, her eyes tracing Touga's face. He and his son looked much alike – the same white hair, golden eyes, and slightly pointed ears. She didn't know much about Mr. Taisho, because he was away so often working with the League, but from talking to Sesshoumaru's stepmom, Izayoi, Mr. Taisho was a good man.

A slight hiss drew her attention away from the pictures, and she felt her heart beat speed up as a pedestal slowly rose from the floor. There were three concave impressions spaced equally apart on top, and as the platform clicked into place the bowl-shaped grooves lit up one at a time with red, blue, and green.

"Are you ready to choose your first pokémon, Kagome?"

"Yes," she answered, swallowing her nerves and stepping forward. "I've thought about this for a long time, and the pokémon I choose is…Charmander."

"Then select the pokéball, and begin your journey," Professor Higurashi recited, smiling fondly as his granddaughter slowly approached the dais and reached into the glowing red impression.

Her fingers curled around the pokéball resting within, and pulling it out, simply stared at the little orb, her fingers tracing its shape and markings.

"If you are ready, Kagome, release Charmander and assign him a name."

"Oh, right!" Pressing lightly on the locking mechanism that held the ball closed, Kagome let it fall to the floor. The pokéball opened with a click, and in a burst of red light her pokémon appeared, its eyes blinking slowly as if emerging from sleep.

"Wow," she breathed, grinning widely as Charmander blinked up at her. Instantly the pokémon's face lit up.

"Char char!" He raced over to her, and Kagome crouched down, taking him easily into her embrace.

"You're so warm!" she enthused, nuzzling Charmander gently.

"Kagome, if you would like to name him, now is the time," Grandpa reminded her. "He will only respond to whatever you call him now."

Flopping backwards onto her butt, Kagome looked down at her Charmander, who was nestled close to her chest. "I spent so long trying to decide which pokémon I wanted, that I didn't even think about names."

"Well, do not dwell on it too long. Sesshoumaru must still choose his pokémon."

As if to remind her to make haste, Charmander suddenly grew warmer, and Kagome sighed blissfully at the heat, which reminded her of the hot baths she always loved to take. Giggling suddenly, Kagome drew back to hold Charmander up in front of her. "I know what your name shall be! I'm going to call you Onsen, because you're like a hot bath when I hold you in my arms!"

"Char!"

Grandpa chuckled dryly. "Now that you have named your Charmander, please return him to his pokéball and we will return to Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha."

"Okay." Gently putting Onsen down, Kagome stood up, holding the open pokéball in her hand. "I'll let you out again soon, Onsen!" Clicking the locking mechanism again, her Charmander returned to the pokéball in a streak of red light before it clicked closed and shrunk. She placed the miniature pokéball in the first spot on her custom-made belt, before following her grandfather back out.

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"I wonder which pokémon Sesshou will choose," Inuyasha mumbled tiredly, leaning against Kagome's side as he rested.

"Well, I chose Charmander, so that only leaves Squirtle and Bulbasaur," Kagome reminded him.

"When it's my turn, I'm gonna choose Charmander too," he sighed, eyes falling closed.

"And what will you name him?" she asked, smiling down at the dozing child.

"I'll name…I'll name him…Hotman, or…Fireman," Inuyasha answered between yawns.

Kagome giggled, petting Inuyasha's pale hair. "Fine names for a Charmander," she murmured to him.

Leaning back against the wall, Kagome stared up at the ceiling contemplatively. If she had to guess, she would say that Sesshoumaru would pick Squirtle. Because on the surface, he's calm and serene, like a still lake, but beneath the surface, Kagome knows there is a strong undertow of emotion that can sweep you away if you aren't careful.

Not to mention she knew that Squirtle would give him the type advantage when they faced the first gym leader in Gorintou.

The heavy shifting of doors alerted her to the return of Sesshoumaru and her grandfather. Lightly shaking Inuyasha to wake him, Kagome stood up, smiling as the pair came into view.

"Sesshoumaru!" she shouted, leaping forward to embrace him. "Which one did you pick, and what did you name them?"

The teenager froze in her embrace, his eyes widening to stare at Professor Higurashi helplessly. The professor lifted a hand to muffle his laughter, looking away.

"I…I chose Squirtle, and named her Mizu," he stuttered.

"Oh, I just knew you'd choose Squirtle!" Kagome bragged, stepping back to gush. "Well? Show her to me! I'll show you my Charmander in return!"

"Now, now, children," Grandpa interrupted, stepping between them. "First let me give you your pokédexes, and then we'll go outside for a picture. There'll be no roughhousing in the lab."

"Aww, okay," Kagome acquiesced, slumping slightly. She perked up when her pokédex was placed in her hand, and immediately flipped it open. The screen lit up to show a picture and description of her, making her smile.

"Grandpa, you didn't have to set it up for me, I could've done it myself," she said, hugging him. "But thanks."

"It was not a problem," he told her, lightly patting her back. "Now run along outside. You'll want to let the pokédex scan your Charmander, so it registers as your starter."

"Okay! Thanks again, Grandpa," she said gratefully. "C'mon, Inuyasha, I'll show you my Charmander!"

"Yay!"

Looking over her shoulder, Kagome smiled at Sesshoumaru, who was inputting the last of his data into his pokédex. "You coming, Sesshoumaru?"

"Yes," he answered shortly. Nodding curtly to Professor Higurashi, he murmured a stiff thanks before following Kagome and his brother out of the lab.

Once they were outside Kagome took out her pokéball, and it grew to full size in her grasp as she pressed the release. "Hey, since we're showing them too each other, let's battle after our picture!" she suggested.

Sesshoumaru sniffed disdainfully. "That would be a waste of our time."

Kagome smirked. "Scared you're gonna lose?"

Her childhood friend glared. "No."

"Then show me what you've got, Sesshoumaru!"

He scowled. "Fine."

At the same time they released their pokémon, and Inuyasha couldn't contain his excited yip when Onsen and Mizu stretched slightly before racing over to their respective trainers.

At her hip Kagome's pokédex buzzed, and she took it out, squealing when Charmander appeared in the screen.

"Bzzt. Charmander, the mountain lizard pokémon. The flame that burns at the tip of its tail is an indication of its emotions. The flame wavers when Charmander is enjoying itself. If the pokémon becomes enraged, the flame burns fiercely."

"Wow," Inuyasha breathed, standing on tiptoe to watch the screen. He yelped when the pokédex buzzed again.

"Bzzt. Squirtle, the lake turtle pokémon. Squirtle's shell is not merely used for protection. The shell's rounded shape and the groves on its surface help minimize resistance in water, enabling this pokémon to swim at high speeds."

"Your pokémon are amazing!" Inuyasha exclaimed, hopping up and down.

Kagome smiled proudly. "Yep!" She looked up to see Sesshoumaru putting his pokédex away, and so pocketed hers as well. Just then one of her grandfather's aides came outside, a camera in his hand and smile on his face.

"Are you ready for the picture?" he asked.

"Yes!" Kagome cheered. She raced to the side of the building, Charmander toddling after her. "C'mon Sesshoumaru, its custom!" she cheerfully encouraged the recalcitrant youth.

Sesshoumaru heaved a sigh but made his way over to stand beside her, Mizu clasped in his arms. "I do not see why this became a tradition," he muttered as Kagome bent down to pick up Onsen.

"Grandpa likes to do it, and I think it's great," she told him. "For trainers, the picture is proof of the start of their journey, and captures their excitement and enthusiasm. For Grandpa, it shows him that others are as passionate about pokémon as he is, and serves as a reminder of who has come through his lab to start their journey."

"Plus, it's a reminder that all great trainers have to start somewhere," the aide added helpfully, checking the view through the camera. "Even your father, a member of the Elite Four, got his starter here."

Sesshoumaru immediately scowled. "I know."

"Uhh, right," the aide agreed nervously. "Of course you do. Now, if you two could squish together a little more…perfect! Now smile!"

Kagome's face immediately lit with a grin, and after a few minutes of waiting for Sesshoumaru to do the same, the aide took the picture. "I'll just go back inside now," he murmured, and made his escape.

Immediately Kagome bounced away from the wall, lowering Onsen back to the ground.

"You ready to battle, Sesshoumaru?" she shouted as he stepped forward, repeating Kagome's actions with Mizu.

"Always," he replied firmly. "Mizu, use tackle!"

Without delay Mizu leapt forward, wrestling Onsen to the ground and pinning him.

"Char!" Onsen shouted, straining beneath the Squirtle.

"Oh, no! Onsen, use scratch!" Kagome shouted.

Letting go of Mizu, Onsen scratched at her shell, his claws leaving shallow marks but otherwise not doing much damage to the hard exterior.

Sesshoumaru snorted. "Face it, Kagome. I chose the stronger pokémon."

"No way! Don't give up Onsen!"

Encouraged by her voice, Onsen squeezed his legs up under Squirtle and kicked her off him.

"Squirt!" Mizu shouted in surprise as she flew through the air. Landing on her back, Mizu struggled vainly to right herself as Onsen stood up.

"Onsen, use scratch again!"

Running forwards, the lizard pokémon leapt on top of Squirtle, using his claws on the softer underbelly of her shell.

Mizu cried out as his claws gouged deeply into her and wiggled mightily, trying to dislodge him.

Concern flashed across Sesshoumaru's face, and stepping forward he took out his pokéball, calling Mizu back to it. She complied with a grateful sigh, disappearing in a flash of light.

Frowning, Sesshoumaru stared at the pokéball as it shrunk before returning it to its place on the strap of his backpack.

Kagome jogged forward, calling Onsen back to his ball with a spring in her step. "That was so close! If Onsen hadn't managed to get Mizu off him, you'd've won for sure!"

Sesshoumaru continued to scowl, staring at his shoes. "I must train hard if I can't even beat you."

"Hey, don't be like that," Kagome told him firmly. "We just got our pokémon, and it was only a friendly battle."

Sesshoumaru looked pointedly away, but soon sighed and relaxed. "Thank you for saying so, but the point still stands – if we want to succeed in our journey, we must train hard."

"And we will," she promised, happily looping her arm through his. "So let's get going! Did you say goodbye to your stepmom?"

He jerked his head in a nod.

"Right, well then! Let's just—"

"You're going now?" Inuyasha asked in a small voice, and Kagome glanced down at him, surprised and embarrassed, for having forgotten he was there in her excitement.

"I'm afraid we are, Inuyasha," she told him. "But your big brother is going to call you as often as he can, like I promised, right Sesshoumaru?" Kagome looked up at him, daring him to say no.

Sesshoumaru sighed. "Inuyasha, I promise to call at every checkpoint we reach."

The boy perked up instantly. "Okay! I'm gonna tell Mom you said that, so we'll both be expecting it!" Turning away, he ran up the road towards his house before facing them again and waving. "Don't forget, Sesshou! You promised!"

Kagome stood again, her eyes soft as she watched him go. "Seeing him run off makes me realize I'm really going to miss Mama, Souta, and Grandpa. Whenever we find a phone, you have to let me call them, okay?"

"Hn," he grunted, adjusting his pack and starting off down the path towards Route 1, and Musashi beyond.

"Hey, wait up!" Kagome laughed, and chased after him.