A story I am working on. It takes place in an alternate dimension in the Pokemon universe. It stars an older Ethan from Gold/Silver.
Ethan blinked hard, his head spinning as the familiar wooden floor of his bedroom in New Bark Town vanished in a swirl of golden light. One moment he’d been sorting through old Poké Balls from his Johto journey, the next a shimmering rift had yanked him forward like a magnet. He tumbled through darkness, heart hammering, until he crashed onto soft grass under a sky the color of ripe apricots.
“Ow… what the—?” Ethan sat up, rubbing his eyes. He was still eighteen, still wearing his red-and-white jacket and black cap, but the air smelled different—sweet, like wild berries and something faintly electric. Tall, whispering trees surrounded a sunlit clearing. No sign of Totodile or any of his old team. Just… silence.
A warm voice called out from the edge of the trees. “Easy there, new arrival! First-time dimensional hop always leaves a guy dizzy.”
Ethan turned. A tall, athletic man in his mid-twenties jogged toward him, lab coat flapping over a simple black tank top and shorts. Messy brown hair, bright hazel eyes, and a grin that looked like it had seen a thousand surprises. A small leather satchel bounced at his hip.
“Professor Redwood, at your service,” the man said, offering a hand. “Welcome to Howler Region, kid. You’re Ethan, right? The one from the Gold and Silver timelines. The rift scanner picked you up the second you crossed over. You’re eighteen now—perfect timing.”
Ethan took the hand and stood, still wobbly. “Howler? Professor? I… I was in Johto. What is this place? Where’s my Pokémon?”
Redwood chuckled, warm and easy. “No Pokémon here, my friend. Different dimension, different rules. We’ve got Gargamon. Same catch-and-train spirit, but they don’t battle with claws or fire. They tickle. And trust me, they’re really, really good at it.”
Ethan laughed nervously. “Tickle? You’re kidding, right?”
“Not even a little.” Redwood’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “To earn a Gargamon’s respect—and catch it—you let it tickle you until it decides you’re worthy. No shortcuts. And since you’re the new Champion hopeful around here… we should get you introduced properly.”
Before Ethan could ask what that meant, Redwood reached into his satchel and pulled out a small, glowing orb. It cracked open with a soft pop, releasing a burst of sparkling pink energy. A creature materialized in front of them: a fluffy, fox-like Gargamon about the size of a Growlithe, with soft lavender fur, big curious eyes, and dozens of feathery antennae sprouting from its paws and tail like living tickle brushes.
“This is Ticklefox,” Redwood said proudly. “My first partner. Level-headed, but he loves breaking in new trainers.”
Ticklefox tilted its head, then let out a happy chirp. Its antennae wiggled excitedly.
Ethan took a step back, cheeks already flushing. “Wait, hold on—I’m… I’m super ticklish, Professor. Like, ridiculously—”
Ticklefox sprang forward with a playful yip. Its feathery antennae danced across Ethan’s sides before he could even flinch. The sensation was immediate and overwhelming—light, rapid strokes that zeroed in on every sensitive spot along his ribs.
“Pff—hahAHA!” Ethan yelped, doubling over. His laughter exploded out of him, bright and helpless. “N-nohoho! W-wait—ahAHAHAHA!”
Redwood grinned, stepping closer. “That’s the spirit! See? Gargamon don’t hurt. They test your endurance and your joy. The more you laugh and keep your cool, the more they respect you. Here—let me show you how it’s done.”
The professor dropped to one knee beside Ethan, who was already collapsing onto the grass in giggles. Redwood’s fingers joined the fray without hesitation—skittering along Ethan’s exposed midriff where his jacket had ridden up, then darting under his arms with quick, knowing scribbles.
“See? You’ve gotta breathe through it!” Redwood laughed, his own voice warm and encouraging even as he attacked Ethan’s most ticklish spots. “In through the nose, out through the laughs—HA! Come on, kid, you’re doing great!”
Ethan thrashed on the soft grass, tears of laughter already pricking his eyes. Ticklefox’s antennae swirled around his neck and behind his knees while Redwood’s hands danced across his stomach and sides, finding every weak point with practiced ease.
“PROHOHOFESSOR! I c-can’t—HAHAHAHA! It tihihickles so muhuhuch!” Ethan squealed, rolling side to side, but never trying to push them away. The sensation was maddening, electric, and strangely… fun? His whole body shook with uncontrollable laughter, cheeks burning red.
Redwood kept going, gentle but relentless. “That’s exactly how you catch one! Endure it, enjoy it, earn their trust. Howler’s full of male trainers and gym leaders who live for this. Battles here? Expect the other guy to jump in and tickle you too—keeps things fair and hilarious. But you’ll learn that part soon enough.”
Ticklefox trilled happily, its antennae slowing as it sensed Ethan’s laughter shifting from panic to pure, breathless delight. The little Gargamon nuzzled against his chest, antennae giving one last affectionate flurry under his chin.
Ethan gasped for air, still giggling wildly even as the tickling eased. “O-okay… okay… heh… hehehe… I get it now… that was insane!”
Redwood sat back on his heels, grinning ear to ear. “See? You lasted longer than most first-timers. Ticklefox likes you already.” He scratched the Gargamon behind its ears. “Ready for your very first Poké—er, Gargé Ball?”
Ethan pushed himself up on his elbows, face flushed, hair messed up, but eyes shining with the same fire he’d had when he took on the Pokémon League back home. “Yeah… yeah, I am. Let’s do this.”
Redwood tossed him an empty red-and-white ball that shimmered with the same apricot light as the sky. “Welcome to Howler, Champion-to-be. The road to the Howler League is paved with laughter—and a whole lot of tickles. You in?”
Ethan caught the ball, still chuckling softly. “I’m in. Let’s go catch some Gargamon.”
Ticklefox bounced around them both, antennae waving like victory flags, as the two trainers—old world and new—laughed together under the strange, colorful sky of a region that was only just beginning.
Ethan waved goodbye to Professor Redwood, who stood at the edge of the clearing with a knowing grin and a wave. “Route 1 is just past those berry trees, kid! First wild Gargamon are usually playful but relentless—good luck!”
Ethan adjusted the small satchel Redwood had given him—five shimmering Gargé Balls, a few berry snacks, and a lightweight Pokédex-like scanner—and stepped onto the sun-dappled path. The Howler Region stretched out before him: rolling golden hills, whispering groves, and distant mountains that looked like they were laughing. His heart raced with the same thrill he’d felt starting his Johto journey, but this time mixed with nervous butterflies in his stomach.
“I can do this,” he muttered, cheeks already warming at the memory of Ticklefox’s antennae. “Just… endure and laugh. No big deal.”
He hadn’t gone more than ten minutes when the tall grass rustled. A small, energetic shape burst out—a fluffy orange-and-white Gargamon that looked like a mix between a Pikachu and a mischievous feather duster. Big round ears, a lightning-bolt tail made of soft, swishing plumes, and dozens of tiny feathery tendrils sprouting from its paws.
“Gargaa!” it chirped excitedly, eyes locking onto Ethan.
The scanner in his pocket beeped:
Sparkyfluff – Electric/Fairy type. Known for rapid tickle barrages and endless energy. Loves targeting sides and underarms.
Ethan swallowed. “Hey there, little guy… I’m Ethan. Want to be part of my team?”
Sparkyfluff answered by leaping straight at him.
“W-whoa—!” Ethan stumbled back as the Gargamon landed on his chest, its feather-tail immediately whipping across his stomach in lightning-fast strokes. The sensation was pure chaos—dozens of soft, electric tingles that made every nerve light up at once.
“PFFFT—HAHAHAHA!” Ethan collapsed to his knees in the grass, arms flailing. “Nohohoho! Not so fahahast!”
Sparkyfluff trilled with delight and doubled down. Its paw-tendrils skittered under his jacket, zeroing in on his ribs with quick, fluttering scratches while the tail flicked mercilessly along his sides. Ethan rolled onto his back, kicking his legs helplessly as bright, boyish laughter poured out of him.
“AH AHAHAHA! It tihihickles—oh man it tihihickles so baaaad!” His face flushed deep red, tears already forming at the corners of his eyes. He could feel every single feather-like tendril dancing across his hypersensitive skin, finding the spots that made him squeal and arch.
But he didn’t push it away. He remembered Redwood’s words—endure, enjoy, earn respect.
Sparkyfluff seemed to sense his determination. It chirped happily and escalated the attack, climbing onto his chest and scribbling all ten tendril-paws across his underarms and collarbone at once.
“EEEEEEK—HAHAHAHAHA! N-not thehehehe underarms! I’m wahahahay too ticklish thehehehere!” Ethan’s laughter hit a new pitch, loud and uncontrollable, echoing across the route. His whole body shook, legs drumming the ground, but a wild grin stayed plastered on his face even through the torment.
Minutes felt like hours of ticklish bliss. Just when Ethan thought he might pass out from laughing, Sparkyfluff slowed its assault. The Gargamon tilted its head, ears perked, studying the panting, giggling trainer beneath it.
“G-Gargaa?” it asked, one paw still lazily tracing circles on his belly.
Ethan gasped for air between leftover giggles, sweat mixing with laugh-tears on his cheeks. “Hah… hahaha… okay… I’m still here… You’re really good at that, buddy…”
Sparkyfluff’s eyes sparkled. It gave one final affectionate flurry under his chin—making Ethan squeak and curl up—then hopped off his chest and sat patiently in front of him, tail wagging.
Ethan sat up slowly, still chuckling and rubbing his tingling sides. “You… you respect me now?”
The scanner beeped again: Respect level: High. Ready for capture.
Grinning ear to ear, Ethan pulled out his first Gargé Ball. It glowed warmly in his palm. “Alright, Sparkyfluff… let’s do this the Howler way.”
He tapped the ball gently against the Gargamon’s head. In a swirl of sparkling apricot light, Sparkyfluff disappeared inside. The ball shook once… twice… three times… then clicked shut with a cheerful ding.
Ethan stared at the ball in his hands, then burst into fresh laughter—this time pure joy. “I did it! My first Gargamon!”
He clipped the ball to his belt, feeling the familiar weight and a new rush of excitement. Sparkyfluff’s playful energy already felt like it belonged with him.
Ethan stood up, brushed the grass off his clothes, and looked down the path toward the first town. His ribs and stomach still buzzed pleasantly from the tickle session, a reminder of what every future catch—and every future battle—would feel like.
“Next stop… more Gargamon,” he said with a determined, slightly breathless smile. “And probably a whole lot more laughing.”
With Sparkyfluff now at his side (ready to be released whenever he wanted), Ethan continued down Route 1, the sounds of his own lingering giggles mixing with the cheerful chirps of wild Gargamon hiding in the grass ahead. The road to the Howler Champion title had officially begun—and it was going to be one ticklish adventure.
Ethan continued down Route 1, Sparkyfluff bouncing happily at his side after being released from its Gargé Ball. The little Electric/Fairy Gargamon kept playfully flicking its feather-tail against Ethan’s leg, making him twitch and giggle every few steps.
“Cut it out, you fluffball,” Ethan laughed, gently nudging it away. “Save some energy for—hey!”
Up ahead, a young man around twenty-one sat on a fallen log, scrolling through his Pokédex-equivalent scanner. He had messy black hair under a backwards college cap, a loose blue hoodie, athletic shorts, and the easy confidence of someone who’d been through a few routes already. A couple of Gargé Balls hung from his belt.
The guy looked up and grinned. “Yo! You the new kid Professor Redwood was talking about? Name’s Trey. Just finished my second year at Howler University. You up for a quick battle? First one’s always a riot.”
Ethan’s stomach flipped with excitement and nerves. “Uh, sure! I only have Sparkyfluff so far, but I’m ready.”
Trey hopped to his feet, cracking his knuckles with a playful smirk. “Sweet. One-on-one, no items. Let’s see what you’ve got, freshman.”
Both trainers stepped back, creating a grassy clearing between them. Ethan’s heart raced—he still didn’t know the full rules.
“Go, Sparkyfluff!” Ethan tossed the ball. The fluffy orange Gargamon appeared with an energetic “Gargaa!”
Trey grinned wider. “Alright, let’s do this. Come on out, Featherblast!”
A bigger Gargamon materialized— a sturdy, teal-colored bird-like creature with massive, ultra-soft wing feathers and long, swirling tendril-tails. It looked like a tougher evolution of something between a Pidgey and a living tickle machine.
Featherblast – Flying/Tickle type. Specializes in sweeping aerial barrages and coordinated trainer-assisted attacks.
Sparkyfluff immediately dashed forward, its lightning-bolt plume tail whipping rapid tickles across Featherblast’s belly. Featherblast retaliated by flapping its huge wings, sending waves of silky feathers cascading over Sparkyfluff’s sides and back. Both Gargamon squeaked and chirped with laughter-like trills, rolling and tumbling across the grass in a whirlwind of fluff and feathers.
Ethan cheered, “Keep it up, Sparkyfluff! Target the under-wings!”
But Trey wasn’t just standing there. With a mischievous laugh, the college guy suddenly sprinted forward, closing the distance between trainers.
“Wait, what are you—?!” Ethan barely got the words out before Trey was on him.
Trey’s hands dove straight under Ethan’s red jacket, fingers scribbling wildly across his bare stomach and sides with expert precision. “Surprise rule, dude! In Howler battles, we join the fun!”
“WHA—HAHAHAHAHA!” Ethan exploded into helpless laughter, knees buckling instantly. “Nohohoho! Trey, whahat the—AH AHAHAHA!”
Trey grinned, not letting up for a second. “Gotta keep you distracted while our Gargamon fight! You didn’t know? That’s adorable.” His fingers danced higher, skittering under Ethan’s arms through the thin fabric of his shirt while one hand stayed on the hypersensitive midriff, poking and fluttering nonstop.
Ethan thrashed and squealed, his own attempts to command Sparkyfluff dissolving into pure giggles. “Tihihickles too muhuhuch! I’m wahay too tihihicklish—EEEEK! N-not thehehe ribs!”
Sparkyfluff, seeing its trainer under attack, fought harder—zapping Featherblast with playful electric-tickle pulses from its antennae. Featherblast countered with a big wing sweep that sent Sparkyfluff tumbling in a fit of chirping laughter.
Trey took full advantage, dropping to his knees with Ethan and pulling the younger trainer into a tickle pin. He straddled Ethan’s waist lightly and attacked with both hands: one scribbling mercilessly between his ribs, the other spidering across his neck and ears.
“HAHAHAHAHA! Trey, you jeheherk! I c-can’t even—pffft AHAHAHA!” Ethan’s face was bright red, tears streaming as he squirmed wildly beneath the older college guy. His laughter echoed across the route, loud and boyish, completely uncontrollable.
But Ethan wasn’t done. Between gasping laughs, he managed to shout, “Sparkyfluff—use Fluff Storm!”
Sparkyfluff spun like a top, unleashing a barrage of electrified feathers right into Featherblast’s most sensitive spots. The bigger Gargamon let out a high-pitched trill and flopped onto its back, kicking its legs in defeat.
Trey paused his tickling just long enough to look over, surprised. “Whoa—nice! You actually pulled it off while getting wrecked!”
He gave Ethan one last quick flurry under the arms for good measure, making him shriek and curl up, then stood up and recalled Featherblast.
Ethan lay on the grass panting and giggling, arms wrapped protectively around his tingling torso. “Th-that… was insane… You guys really… tickle each other during battles here?”
Trey offered a hand and pulled him up, laughing. “Welcome to Howler, man. Makes every match unforgettable. You did great for your first one—most new guys tap out way faster. Here, take this as a winner’s prize.”
He handed Ethan a small pouch of berry snacks and a shiny TM disc labeled “Tickle Wave.”
Ethan clipped Sparkyfluff’s ball back to his belt, still flushed and breathless but grinning ear to ear. “Thanks, Trey. That was… a lot. But kinda fun.”
Trey winked. “Next time I won’t go so easy on those death spots of yours. Good luck out there, Ethan. The Howler League’s gonna love breaking you in.”
With a final friendly wave, Trey headed off toward the last town. Ethan stood there for a moment, rubbing his still-buzzing sides, Sparkyfluff nuzzling against his leg with proud little chirps.
One battle down. Countless tickles to go.
He took a deep breath, adjusted his cap, and continued down the path toward the first gym, laughter still bubbling in his chest. The Champion’s road in Howler was going to be one long, hilarious test of endurance.
Ethan pushed onward along Route 1, the afternoon sun warming his shoulders. Sparkyfluff trotted beside him, occasionally brushing its feather-tail against his leg just to hear him yelp and giggle. His sides still tingled pleasantly from the battle with Trey.
“Alright, buddy, let’s find someone else for the team,” Ethan said, scanning the tall grass. “I need backup before we hit the first gym.”
The grass rustled again, louder this time. Out popped a new Gargamon—sleek and midnight-blue with silver star patterns across its fur, long ribbon-like antennae that shimmered, and soft, velvet paw pads perfect for slow, teasing strokes. It looked elegant yet mischievous, like a mix between an Umbreon and a living feather boa.
Velvytendril – Dark/Psychic type. Specializes in hypnotic tickle patterns and precision targeting. Loves belly buttons and inner thighs.
“Gaaaraa~” it purred, eyes glowing faintly as it sized Ethan up.
Ethan grinned. “You look strong. Let’s see if we click!”
Velvytendril didn’t waste time. It flowed forward like liquid shadow and wrapped two silky antennae around Ethan’s waist, pulling him gently into the grass. The velvet paws immediately went to work—slow, circling scribbles across his stomach that quickly zeroed in on his belly button.
“W-whoa—pffftHAHAHAHA!” Ethan dropped to his knees instantly, arms hugging himself. “Not thehehehe belly button! I’m super tihihicklish thehehehere—AH AHAHAHA!”
The Gargamon trilled softly, its antennae dancing in hypnotic spirals while its paws fluttered lower, teasing just above his waistband and along his inner thighs through his pants. The sensations were maddeningly light and precise, sending electric jolts through every nerve. Ethan rolled onto his back, legs kicking wildly as helpless, high-pitched laughter burst out of him.
“EEEEHEHEHE! Okay okay—HAHAHAHA! You’re gohohood—really gohohood!” Tears of laughter streamed down his flushed cheeks. He squirmed and arched, but never fought back hard. Velvytendril seemed to enjoy his reactions, purring louder as it layered on more tendrils: one tracing his ribs, another skittering under his arms whenever he tried to protect his belly.
Ethan’s laughter turned squeaky and breathless. “C-can’t… breathe… but I’m nahahat giving up—pffft AHAHAHA!”
After several long, torturous minutes of pure ticklish bliss, Velvytendril finally slowed. It nuzzled against Ethan’s heaving chest, antennae giving one last affectionate swirl under his chin that made him curl up giggling.
The scanner beeped: Respect level: Very High. Capture opportunity excellent.
Still panting and wiping his eyes, Ethan sat up with a huge grin. “You’re incredible… Welcome to the team, Velvytendril.”
He tapped an empty Gargé Ball to the Gargamon’s head. It shook three times and clicked shut with a starry flash. Ethan clipped the new ball beside Sparkyfluff’s, feeling a rush of pride.
“Two partners already. This is happening.”
Back in a quiet shady spot near the route’s end, Ethan pulled out his Howler Scanner (the region’s version of a Pokédex) and flopped down against a tree. Time to research the first gym.
He typed “Howler Region – First Gym” into the device. A cheerful female voice read out the results while holographic images floated above the screen:
Violet Vale Gym – Leader: Kai Evergreen, Age 27
Specialty: Grass/Tickle types
Signature Gargamon: Vinewhisper (Grass/Fairy) – Expert at binding opponents in soft, endlessly stroking vines while the trainer assists.
Gym Badge: The Tickleleaf Badge
Gym Challenge Style: Double battle format. Trainer + Gargamon vs. Trainer + Gargamon. Expect heavy hands-on tickling from Kai himself—he’s known for being playful, relentless, and strangely good at finding death spots within the first thirty seconds.
Pro Tip: Bring partners with high endurance. Laughing too hard too early usually leads to quick defeat. Gym is located in Violet Vale Town, just ahead. Current win rate for new trainers: 38%.
Ethan stared at the holo-image of Kai: tall, tanned, with messy green-tipped hair, a sleeveless vest, and a confident smirk that screamed “I’m going to tickle you senseless.”
“Oh man…” Ethan muttered, already feeling phantom tingles across his ribs. “He looks like he’d enjoy this way too much.”
Sparkyfluff and Velvytendril (both released again) chirped encouragingly, nuzzling against him. Velvytendril even gave his side a gentle, teasing poke that made Ethan jump and giggle.
“Yeah, yeah… we’ve got this,” he said, trying to sound confident despite the nervous-excited flush on his face. “Let’s train a little more, stock up on berries in the next town, and then… face the first Gym Leader of Howler.”
He stood up, stretched his still-sensitive torso, and continued down the path toward Violet Vale Town. The sun was setting in apricot hues, and the distant sounds of wild Gargamon chirping and trainers laughing echoed across the hills.
The real test was coming—and Ethan couldn’t wait.
