Silently Broken
Chapter One
An Ordinary Day
Nothing could sooth him. Every sip of booze, every word blaring from the fuzzy outdated television set, every drop of rain that crashed against the Pokémon Center's roof... Some say the rain is one of the most tranquil sounds Mother Nature could offer... but it wasn't to this bleeding soul. It was haunting, chilling, agonizing... It was only a reminder of what took away the life he was accustomed to, loved so much. No. It was only... maddening.
Maybe at one time, the puddles and the rhythmic noise of water droplets were perceived as calming, romantic...
His love had a special gift of predicting when a storm was on the rise. She always said one could tell how close the bluster was approaching by which direction it was closing in and how far away the dark looming thunders clouds were, as well as the blinding strikes of light. She would know in mere minutes when it would reach their quarters. Too bad she couldn't see the storm that tore them apart coming.
The thudding of small quick footsteps ascended down the upstairs hall. Inside the master bedroom, Mr. and Mrs. Ketchum lay fast asleep; Delia's head and hand were strapped tenderly to her husband's bare chest, while one of his arms was stretched out, holding her in a gentle grasp as he snored softly. Their peaceful slumber however, did not last as long as they liked, due to their six-year-old son barging through the door and pouncing them awake, greeting his parents for the sunny day ahead.
"Mommy, Daddy! Wake up! Wake up!"
Jayce Ketchum rolled over on his stomach, his ruffled midnight black hair stuck out every which way. With his face submersed in his pillow, he released a low groan of exhaustion. Reacting in a different manner, his wife awoke with wide eyes, but soon relaxed with warmth as she watched her child bounce up and down excitedly.
With a subtle yawn, Delia spoke. "I'm up, honey. Just give Mommy a minute to get dressed." She arched her eyebrows in suspicion. "I'm guessing you want breakfast?"
"Hmhm!" Ash nodded as his bouncing ceased. Then he glanced over at his stiff father and nudge d him. "C'mon Daddy, wake up!" he ordered, though his shakes didn't move a single muscle within the man's body.
Jay simply moved his head to look off to the side, his blurry left eye peaking underneath his bangs in a half-awake glare. He adored how much Ash was willing to tackle the day and wished he could be exhilarated with the same kind of spunk, though his lack of sleep could not provide him with such energy.
Ash continued to pursue his efforts without a response and soon he realized his demands did no good, for Jay shoved his face further in the soft exterior mumbling something intelligible.
Delia produced a soft smile, shaking her head lightly. "Ash leave Daddy be," she commanded, sweeping him off the bed playfully, followed by her fingers softly tickling his stomach, erupting Ash in a fit of laughter. Delia then planted a soft kiss on his forehead. "He's not a morning person like us," she whispered loudly, intentionally wanting her spouse to hear every word as they exited the room.
Jay only returned his wife's sly comment with another moan. Groggily, he slipped into a light slumber, listening faintly to the murmured words of his wife instructing their son to go and make his bed. Then from there, Delia strutted back in their bedroom and finally noticed what time the clock read by her nightstand. She soon gasped and hurriedly shook her grouchy Ursaring of a husband awake. The gentle, but firm back rub was quite pleasant to his sore muscles, though the words Delia uttered made him resist all the more to depart from his warm blankets.
"Rise and shine, sleepy head," she said sweetly, patting his back before racing off to her closet to get dressed.
It was time to do the same old, same old.
After waking up with a few splashes of cold water on his face, Jay did his everyday ritual. From making the bed, to shaving the tiny bristles of hair that skimmed across his complexion, to getting dressed, and to diving in one of the drawers of the bathroom cabinet, pulling out a tube of toothpaste and his toothbrush from one of the colorful glasses Delia displayed by the sink.
His dreary eyes seemed to make a statement about his overall temper that morning as well as the slow movement of his hand slowly brushing his teeth. Going to work five times a week and on some days, taking extremely long night-shifts, plus an hour long -maybe two- drive home, left Jay wiped out. They needed the money, there was no doubt about that and he was very fortunate and grateful for his job, though sometimes he wished things could be simpler.
Working for Element Endurance was never in the plan. Right before they got hitched, Jay was in the midst of finding a solid job to support their income, instead of earning minimum wage pay at the local grocery store. He had used all his funds his parents had saved originally for college and bought a house soon after he got his diploma, as well as paid for all the expenses on his motorcycle, and of course, Delia's engagement ring.
Plus, with the added pressure of finals and graduation, Jay was tempted to throw in the towel and wait a few months before purposing to his girlfriend. That however wouldn't do. Jay would have to get married and provide a stable income fast if he didn't want to be sent off to medical school and say goodbye to his sweetheart forever.
So he pushed through it all, struggling to keep his head above water, and right about when he thought he was going to drown, his longtime friend Chad Oak gave him a breath of air. He informed Jay about a job he earned with Element Endurance, an all organic Pokémon food company that was known for making various foods for all types, distributing throughout Kanto. At first, Jay thought the job Chad acquired was a shoe-in, not only because his buddy was working in the mail-room, but because their logo was on the borderline of overly commercialized. 'It's in it to win it!' Literally. What was in the food, was supposed to give Pokémon proper nutrients and offer them the stamina to withstand anything.
Jay couldn't help but chuckle at how ridiculous the whole thing sounded, till Chad convinced him to go down to the company on a visit, which ended up being one the best things that ever happened to him. He too started work in the mail-room and from the little time he spent down there, the young man managed to reorganize the entire mail system, and got everyone on track with shifts and all. The head-honcho of the company, Steve Hoke, was immensely impressed by the young man's business skills, offering Jay a position as a manager- a lower ranked manager- but still, it was something, and the pay increase was too good of a deal to turn down.
In mere months, Jayce felt like he was on top of the world. He and his wife had enough money to get by on essentials and start a family, but the every now and again payment they owed Delia's folks was not practical. It was time for a raise... and a vacation.
As Jay continued brushing away, Ash strayed in the bathroom and hopped on a Laparas shaped step-stool, bought just for him, and reached across the bathroom counter. From there, the boy eagerly crinkled the tube and slapped a thick wad of toothpaste on his Horsea decorated tooth-brush, scrubbing his mouth with large suds seeping from it, just like his old man.
Jay eyed him slightly and gave a small huff, a tiny grin buried beneath his toothbrush and the bubbles of paste. His little shadow sure admired him.
The swish back and forth movement along their teeth soon ended however, as they spotted Delia in the mirror above the sink, peaking through the door.
"Hey you two, breakfast is almost ready."
The word breakfast forced Ash to dive his head down towards the sink, spitting out the contents from his mouth. He then smeared off any remaining suds with the back of his hands and swiftly jumped off the stool. "Yay, breakfast!" he cried, exiting from the bathroom.
Jay remained staring at his reflection, wads of toothpaste still resting in his cheeks. It was also almost time for him to go to work.
The man eventually joined his family in the kitchen, though the constant fidgeting with his tie as he walked down the stairs slowed his pace. Delia however, was bustling along at a fast pace, placing a healthy serving of food in front of her child, as well as trying to munch on her own.
Clearing the counters and throwing some dishes in the dishwasher, she glanced back at her son nervously, watching him cut large slices of his breakfast. Besides the size he was dicing his pancakes into, the way Ash was holding his butter knife made her cringe too. "Ash, sweetie?" she called out, catching his attention before the food journeyed into his mouth. "Take small bites, okay? And please, be careful with the knife."
Ash nodded without a complaint, three chunks of the pancake stabbed in his fork. "Kay, Mommy."
Delia prolonged her stare, making sure he followed through with her orders, but before she could go back to what she was originally doing she fixated on Jay, who entered in the kitchen with the same sleepy glare on his face. Though now he had a wrinkled unfixed tie to accompany his sour expression.
"You look awfully tired," she observed, the heavy bags underneath his eyes startling her.
Usually he was up before anyone, showering if he hadn't the night before and attending to his own breakfast so Delia could get some rest. It was clear the pressure of both work and home were wearing on him.
Jay grunted in return, fussing with his tie again. "What else is new?"
Delia frowned, unable to watch him fight with the piece of cloth any longer. As she approached him, the man released his grip from the tie, letting her have the reigns and swiftly, she began to loop it through. Her eyebrows lowered in concern. "You going to be okay?"
Jay huffed. "As good as I'll ever be."
His wife sighed at his remark, straightening the tie and smoothing it out. "Try not to be so cranky at work."
Delia was also beginning to feel the fatigue her husband was enduring, and truly did not blame him for being so irritable. Still, they had to march on with a chipper disposition and have a tolerable day if they wanted to have clothes on their back and food on the table.
Jay's blue eyes lit up as he watched his wife's expression showcase the same feebleness and promptly, released a small smile of reassurance.
He hated to make her worry.
"I'll be fine, Delia."
Ever so tenderly, Jay planted a quick kiss on her lips and afterwards, accepted an apple she offered since he was moving too slow to be able to indulge in the mouth-watering pancakes she so kindly made.
Then without a second to spare, Ash's feet collided with the floor, abandoning his half-eaten meal in a rush. "Daddy, we have to go!" exclaimed the boy suddenly, struggling to zip his backpack with all the crammed school supplies tucked in so tightly.
The man quickly flashed down at his watch, thankful his son was keeping track of the time. "Shoot!" he whispered harshly underneath his breath, then looked up at his ready-to-go child. "I'm coming Ash." Making sure his keys and wallet were securely in his pant pocket, Jay looked back up at his wife and pressed his lips one more time on her cheek. "Bye Del, love you."
The feel of his lips against her skin made her smile grow. "Love you too."
Swinging his small backpack over his shoulder, Ash raced to the front door and proceeded to wave to his mom. "Bye, Mamma!"
Delia waved back and blew a kiss in his direction too. "Bye, sweetie!"
In most instances, she would of given him a bear hug and a peck on the forehead, but with Jay struggling to put his jacket on as well as him making sure e very document was safely tucked away in his briefcase, and Ash impatiently waiting for his father to start the motor of the truck, she wasn't going to delay their departure.
Once Jay had his jacket slipped on and closed his brief case shut with the assurance that everything was in order, Ash took hold of his dad's cuff, attempting to pull him out the door. His father however, paused, looking back at his wife as he adjusted his collar. "Hey, you're picking up Ash right?"
"Yes." She nodded. "I'll borrow Mom's car so there's no need to worry. Just work as long as you need to."
"Thanks, hon!" he replied with a wave as he turned the door knob with his other hand.
Watching the door creak open slowly, Ash took charge and bolted out first, dragging his father along. "C'mon, Daddy!"
"Have a good day, you two!"
With a tug, Jay almost lost his footing as Ash jerk ed him down the outside step. He knew how much his son loved school with all the arts and crafts, the scurrying around on the playground, and the many books read aloud, but Jay was not so anxious to reach his destination.
Delia giggled quietly as she watched Ash drag his dad out the door and to the truck, then she gave her head one final shake before attending to the messy plate and empty milk glass her son left behind. It wouldn't be too long before she would head off to work as well.
With Ash belted safely in the back of the truck, Jay swerved away from the house and out of Pallet altogether. Sharing a car was never in the plan either. Owning a second car was another unattainable luxury they wanted to fit in the budget, though they did make it work. On the days Delia took Ash to school, Jay would ride his motorcycle to work. He only wished now he thought about his seventeenth birthday present more thoroughly before asking for a one person ride, two if you were careful, than getting stuck with a used, rundown truck Delia's parents gave her. Then again, he wasn't thinking about marriage and kids when he decided.
The ride down was like any other, and as usual, once they arrived at the entrance of the Viridian Elementary school, Jay got Ash out of the jammed back seat, and took him to his classroom. The sound of screaming and laughing children filled the halls and classrooms, piercing Jay's ears as they drew closer to Ash's homeroom. He would never be so tolerant and patient to teach a large mass of boisterous kindergartners. One rowdy, but loveable child was already a handful.
In the midst of their walk, Ash abruptly dug his feet in the floor, giving him a glance from Jay in return, wondering what the holdup was. Once he knew he caught his dad's attention, Ash pointed up at the bulletin resting on the wall in front of them, which had many scribbled and abstract drawings done by his classmates pinned up for all to see.
Jay's eyes lingered around the massive sea of crayon sketches, finally coming across Ash's for his name was printed in the upper right corner. Apparently, the child was satisfied with the picture's outcome to put his signature on it. Skimming through each and every picture helped a great deal, for Ash's little index finger could barely point out his drawing.
So after catching a glimpse of the poorly written name in blue crayon, the man took a closer look at the masterpiece, trying to recognize who or what his son drew. Seeing the boy was only six, his artistic skills weren't sharp which made it difficult for Jay to comprehend what Ash had exactly drawn. He had an idea in mind though.
Jay peered back down at him, his son's small hand still resting in his. "You made that?"
The boy nodded with a proud smile. "Hmhm."
His father gave another quick look at it, then back at him again. "Well it's very nice."
"It's you Daddy..." Ash's voice became faint as he muttered the last part. "... and me."
Jay could barely hear the words his son muttered between the cries of children and shuffling of feet running up and down the hall, though the illustration confirmed his suspicions, even if it was obscure. With his lips curving up slowly and a heartwarming sensation filling in his chest, Jay beamed down at his son again, only to be interrupted by a friendly voice.
"Good morning, Ash."
Ash swiveled his head to find his teacher, Ms. Town, crouched down slightly to meet his eyesight. Ms. Town was a fairly petite woman with long, extremely heavy, but curly black locks and had a rich shade of tan as her pigmentation. She was quite the instructor, being both nurturing as well as providing structure, leaving both Delia and Jay pleased with the woman's teaching techniques.
Ash was a naturally a social butterfly and the instructor's superb skills with children only furthered is growth, blossoming in class each day. He was having one of the best school years out of the few years he had attended. But as much fun as their child was having, Ash's parents were relieved the demand of driving back and forth was drawing to a close. Summer was right around the corner.
The boy's eyes brightened as he tore away from his father's grip, waddling towards her. "Hi, Ms. Town!" he replied cheerfully, his hands resting comfortably on the straps of his backpack.
Her warm smile broadened. "How are you this morning?"
"Good. I woke up Daddy this morning so he wouldn't be late for work!"
Ms. Town chuckled softly at Ash's little achievement, cocking her head to the side with an arch of an eyebrow. "Is that so? Well that's very sweet of you. Why don't you go ahead and put your backpack in your cubby?" she suggested, gesturing towards the classroom door, a little ways down the hall. "We'll start class shortly."
"Okay!"
The roars of lively voices grew dramatically as Ash set foot in the classroom, joining his peers in greets and giggles. The party that consisted of building blocks, the alphabet, and numbers had only gotten started.
Ms. Town watched him till he vanished through the entrance, and immediately rose to her feet. She smiled at Jay. "Hi, Mr. Ketchum."
"Hey, Ms. Town," he waved casually in return, then adjusted his throat. "Listen, my wife's supposed to pick Ash up today, but I don't know how late she'll be working, so could you make sure the little guy doesn't wander off too far? I'm sure she'll pick him up right on the dot, but I just don't want-"
"I will keep my eyes peeled," she reassured calmly.
The last thing Jay wanted was for Ash to tag along with one of his friends after school, and leave him and Delia in state of fear and worry. He could count on Ms. Town to keep him contained in the building till one of his guardians dropped by, and that she was a staff member of the school that the couple felt would keep their son safe and away from harm.
A smile of gratitude took over his face. "Thanks, I appreciate it."
It wasn't too long after their short conversation wrapped up that a dark-haired boy peaked around Ms. Town's door, and immediately, Jay was certain who the kid belonged too. He wasn't going anywhere just yet.
"Daddy, come look at the Butterfree I made!" Ash shouted happily and then speedily shot down the hall to pull Jay's arm, practically begging. "Pleeease, Daddy?"
Watching Ash's face glow with such brilliance made Jay's heart sink. As much as he preferred to let his son drag him all over the colorful classroom and present to him his scribble drawings and crafts, Jay needed to attended to his duties at work and bring home money for Ash to continue making those wonderfully vivid creations. He hated having to be the one to let him down.
Ash's dad knelt with a sigh. "Maybe later buddy. I've gotta go to work, but you have a good day." That part he emphasized. "Mommy will you pick you up."
Ash's lips dipped down into a cheerless frown as he heard his father's decline from the grand tour. The boy was still too young to fully grasp the burden of being a working parent, the constant battle of wanting to give a child one-on-one time and the commitment of living in the world of business.
Jay smashed Ash's hair with the palm of his hand, ruffling the already untamed strands. "I love you, squirt."
Giggles leaped from the boy's throat as his dad did so, the tender touch springing his expression back to life. Ash's rich brown eyes glistened up at his father, as Jay moved his hand away. "I love you too, Daddy."
Jay's smile gradually shrank as he continued firmly yet kindly, poking Ash playfully in the gut. "Be good to Ms. Town, and don't give her any trouble."
With his order came an affirmative nod, letting Jay rise back up without a struggle to pursue Ash to behave otherwise. The man threw out a wave in his son's direction as he began to stroll off , the boy now standing next to his clement teacher till his dad exited the building.
Surprisingly though, Jay swiftly maneuvered his upper body to the back, adding another act to brighten Ash's spirits. "And bring home another gold star too!" he winked.
His enthusiasm made Ash's little hand wave even more fervently, and the boy's overall reply brought relief to his father's ears. "I will! Bye!"
If Ash had to stay cooped up in a classroom and learn basic math and readings skills till mid-afternoon, then Jay could withstand a full day of work. It wasn't fair that Ash had playtime, but then again, when was the world ever fair?
The company's building was rather large compared to most, and the view from Jay's office was quite spectacular, giving him a glimpse of the bustling city of Viridian. Though it was nothing like waking up in Pallet and seeing rolling hills and never-ending country side. He was glad neither he no r Delia made their home in such a place where the idea of their possible youngsters drawing with chalk and riding bikes on the street next to speeding cars would occur.
It was however, a great city when it came to having a steady job. Overall, Jay was contented with his partnership in the company, and couldn't be more proud than to be working in such an establishment where they highly valued the concept of providing Pokémon with proper nutrition. He himself had bought the brand for his own Pokémon, and they were satisfied with the product as much as he was. Yep, as stressful as work was, Jayce Ketchum couldn't ask for a better life. After all, he and Delia could have been off a lot worse.
Keeping that all in mind made going to work a little less aggravating.
Traveling down one of the many halls that consisted of phones ringing and people scurrying, Jay was bombarded with many good mornings.
"Hey, Jay."
"Hey, Rob."
Then another one.
"Good morning, Jay."
"Morning, Chelsea."
He was courteous to every individual who passed him by, even those select few who gave him grief on a daily basis. One in particular however gave him the sort of grief only family or close friends could look over.
Inching closer and closer to the elevator down the long busy hallway, Jay was brought to halt by none another than that specific worker. This person managed to slip the corner of Jay's eye, not giving him a chance to properly prepare for the words that were about to spill out of the worker's mouth. It truly sent a jolt up his spine. And not a good one. He was in no mood for childishness.
"Well would you look at that?" the familiar voice said. "It's the man of the hour! How you doing Jay, my amigo?"
It wasn't even lunch yet and he already ran into him. Leaning against a wall stood Chad Oak with a silly grin, his hands shoved deep in his trouser pockets. Stopping the middle of the hall Jay rolled his eyes. It was bad enough being his friend since childhood, but to also be his brother-in-law was another. It baffled him to no end how his sister, so into the latest fashion and trends, could see something in a guy who pretended to be on the football team and took delight in the timeless snack of potato-chips and the arcade graphics of PAC-Man.
Jay kept on walking without giving him a single glance. "I'm not ready to listen to your horrible Spanish so early in the morning."
"Dude, Spanish wasn't my forte in high school." His friend followed, only a few steps behind the tired man. "I would have been such a natural at French. Ya know," he elbowed him lightheartedly with a smirk, "swooning the women?"
Jay finally cocked an eye at Chad, stopping in his tracks. "How about you try swooning women in a language you already know?"
He didn't understand why he bothered making Chad see reason or give him any kind of advice whatsoever. His friend had always been a jokester, a carefree sort of soul. He was never much of a diligent worker in his teenage years and even up through young adulthood, the guy still tended to mess around. One would think being the only son of the infamous Prof. Oak would make him wise, influential, book-smart, diverse. Nope. Chad was just an average Joe with a high school diploma, working two jobs to keep the income flowing.
But even with his silly antics and his caveman talk of women, the guy had a good heart deep down. He was never mean nor conniving, knew when to draw the line eventually, and because of that, Jay was able to look past his behavior and see the true friend that lay beneath all that newly formed tub. And if Jay was as good of a friend as he, he probably should get around to telling him how his sturdy stature was getting a little out of shape before it got way out of hand. It was a helpful reminder to bring up the occasional jog they should instill every Saturday or so.
However there was a roadblock. Chad's immaturity always prevented their friendship to grow, and at times, seeing eye-to-eye was almost impossible. They had different values; they were brought up in two completely opposite households. Jay had a lot of structure when he was a child, a bit overbearing at times, while Chad's was too relaxed, for his father was focused solely on his research and unintentionally forgot to provide the needs for his child.
Chad was just the product of a child deprived of attention.
The brunette-haired man's mouth fell open with an ingenuous comeback, though it soon closed as he and Jay's gazes fell upon three people who strutted past them.
They appeared to be a bit overwhelmed.
"What are our current stats?"
"We're about sixty percent done with Project-"
"Monica, this is the third time I've asked you to get this done," the man said (who appeared to be in charge of the operation), his patience wearing thin. He looked like he had received a peaceful slumber compared to Monica, and his energy to nag and direct orders were another dead giveaway. "It's not just going to magically happen overnight, so you gotta work for it. It's already taken our team over a month to settle on the damn flavor. Now, I'm counting on you to get the label and send it off."
She returned his lashing with a nod and a roll of her eyes soon followed as she stormed towards the elevator, leaving the two men behind. Chad and Jay's gaze watched her tread on till they heard the main man pipe up again, this time to a younger gentleman with glasses standing beside him.
"Remind me to talk to Steve about firing her, this afternoon?"
The younger man nodded as they resumed their strides. "Of course, sir."
It wasn't even lunch yet and drama was already starting to brew. The man behind the production however, was not surprising.
"Geez," snorted Chad, still watching the men as they moved further away, "looks like someone's being a tyrant as usual."
"Yeah well, you know Brad," Jay reminded. "The moment he hears about a promotion, he starts to sacrifice any employees that might be competition. And of course his habit of blaming the world for his bad time management. "
That rumor had circulated around the company building for weeks on end. When Jay first came to the company, he was one of the many who got eager over the possibility of earning some extra cash. Though now with knowledge of what the world of business was really like, he didn't hold his breath. Too many let downs.
He looked back at the dark-haired man with an answer to Brad's delirium, as if he could read him with one look into his eyes. "I think he just needs to get laid."
His friend was disgusted with the comment.
With his eyes looking back down the hall, Jay caught glimpse of Brad himself, giving a quick pat on the behind to one of the women lingering by slowly, and her faint giggles provided him with the correct answer.
Jay shuddered silently to himself in repulsion as he looked back at Chad, filling him in on the dirt discreetly. All he could think of though, was how he wished people had the decency to keep that kind of behavior at home. And leave it there.
"I'm sure he already gets that enough."
A look of confusion took over his face for he was curious to know how Jay arrived at such a claim. Though before Chad dared to ask him to give the details, a bald clean-shaved man approached them, all decked out in a nicely tailored suit with bright eyes and a subtle smile.
It was the big man himself. Steve Hoke, the head executive of Elemental Endurance and the one man no one dared to step in dangerous waters with. If one wanted to work his or her way up the pyramid and stay on the man's good side, then they'd have to do everything and anything in their power to prove they were cut out for the job. Prove they were an honored worker of the establishment. Even though Steve had the trait of being absent minded, it was wise to not mess with him. After all, he determined whether one could afford basic groceries.
"Ah Jayce, good morning... and uh... who are you again?"
His pause and continual befuddled stare at Chad left him equally as lost. He couldn't believe it. After all those years, the man still couldn't put a name with the face.
"Chad," he blinked, waiting for Steve to make an indication of knowing who he was. "Chad Oak?"
Sadly, all he got was the same blank stare, so, he pursued. "You hired me when I was eighteen to work in the mail-room which I am still doing, and I was the one who brought in my good buddy Jay, who miraculously ended up being one of the youngest managers of this fine establishment in mere months."
There was another pause and a large lump rested in Chad's throat. It slid down gradually with disappointment though.
"... Still don't remember," Steve admitted, his expression not changing. Chad lowered his eyebrows in a slight glare and the pat on the shoulder his boss gave didn't seem to lighten his furrowed eyes much. "Sorry pal, though I suppose I can thank you for bringing in this stupendous businessman."
Even with that kind of recognition, Chad was sure he'd forget him again in the next few minutes.
Jay smiled bashfully at the man's kind words. "I don't know about that, sir."
"Oh don't be so modest, you're an excellent manager! You've got a lot going for you, kid." Turning on his heels, he glanced back over at the two men. "Give my best regards to the wife and son will ya?"
Seeing he had no clue who Chad was, it was obvious who he was referring to.
Jay nodded demurely. "Of course."
"If I don't see you two later, have a good day gentlemen."
Chad tightened his fists and puffed his cheeks as their boss strolled away without a care in the world. Jay could see the tension in the man's face, catching sight of him cursing Steve through his hardening green eyes.
He knew what was coming. "Let it go," Jay commanded, taking flight once more.
"How can, I?!" Chad exploded, baffled how easily Jay was able to shrug it off. If only he knew what it felt like to be forgotten about. Steve wasn't the first to forget Chad's existence. "He doesn't even remember me!"
Their boss was a busy man and it wasn't likely he took the time to memorize everyone's name the building. Especially anyone who admitted they worked in the mail-room. Shooting letters down their proper slots wasn't exactly mind-boggling work, and unlike Jay, Chad was much lower on the payroll. He wasn't one of the top men, that Steve had to remember. If anything, Jay was just another name the executive had to keep installed without looking like an utter moron.
Jay was looking at it from a completely different perspective. Not some childhood recollection of abandonment he carried over the years like his unfortunate friend.
"And this shocks you because?"
"Because I brought you in!" Chad pointed at his chest. He believed he deserved some kind acknowledgement. Then again, would he so pathetically plea to be noticed for bringing Jay along if he turned out to be just as low of a businessman as he? If anything, Chad would point the finger at a stranger for letting Jay join. "Without me, this company would probably be in the toilet and you would still be working at Greta's store!"
Working at Greta's store in Pallet was more of a side job to earn extra cash in high school. It was never a career Jay planned on sticking with.
The man shook his head. No- he wouldn't have kept his boring and easily attainable job of restocking shelves and ringing the register. "I don't think either of those things would have happened."
Chad suddenly clasped his hand on Jay's shoulder, slowing their pace down to a halt. Demanding for his attention his expression turned stern, one he never cared to wear himself. The prankster Jay was accustomed to was fading, and his rant wasn't like the many before. For once, Chad Oak had something to say. Something that mattered.
"Admit it man, you're one of the few guys here who holds this place together! I mean, you helped think of new ways to make our products more exciting, more marketable. People are just starting to want organic food and you actually make it sound appealing."
Chad did acknowledge a valuable strength in the company. Jay had spent plenty of hours in making a well-rounded and cooperative team, brainstorming many ways in improving products both with labels and the actual quality and taste. He wasn't bashful about admitting all the blood, sweat, and tears he had put into his job, but gloating about it and taking all the credit was something he couldn't do. There were other factors Chad was overlooking.
"I worked in a team, Chad," Jay clarified sharply, moving his hands off his shoulder. "It isn't just all me."
He wasn't through, there were a couple of details Jay managed to leave out and with a jab of his finger against the man's chest, Chad reminded him of those details. "Yeah, but you call the shots. You tell the people in marketing what to do."
"I oversee the operation. That's it."
"Yeah well, it's too bad you aren't overseeing big projects," Chad said, folding his arms. "Brad's in charge of that new launch of food specifically for fire types. You'd nail that sale since you have a fire type and know what she likes."
It was frustrating. Everyone had to be tough and assertive to last in the company and make a stand if they didn't want to dwell at the bottom of the food chain. Chad was just looking out for his old pal, and since he cared, he hated to see him settle with some lame, minuet deal and watch overly competitive bastards like Brad be bold, take risks, and go to great lengths to make himself noticeable. To get his name on anything big.
But what infuriated him the most, was the fact that the guy didn't have a clue what he was doing half of the time and instead took credit for ideas his teammates thought of. He was aware of Jay's natural knack at business that had been passed down to him through his father, and found it idiotic for him to not be handling major operations. Operations like Project F.
"That's how the world works, Chad," Jay stated dryly. "The idiots rule the world of business and the workers are the ones that make the world itself, turn. Think of it this way," he said, making light of the situation. "Without us, they'd be nothing."
"Funny you say that." He was startled he got a chuckle out of his frustrated friend. "In our case, I don't think Brad will be the ruler for too much longer. Word is, Steve's getting pretty fed up with him."
Jay arched a brow. "Really?"
"Yeah. Rumor has it, the guy tried applying for his position. How do you even do that?"
He didn't have the time of day to figure out what made Brad the manager tick nor cared to get in the psyche of that money-mooching cavalier businessman. He had his own job to worry about.
The man shrugged with a heavy sigh. "I dunno, but I've gotta get going. Grace's probably waiting, and you know what she does when she gets bored."
"Goes on the stapler spree, I know. Damn, why does she always gotta refill those staplers?" Chad started to walk off to his own position, mumbling underneath his breath, his hands shoved back in his pockets again. "She's so annoying..."
Jay's secretary wasn't the only one who was annoying.
Surprisingly, Grace was nowhere in sight. Not on the elevator or in the hall.
Their office door was stationed on one of the upper levels, in the middle of a string of many other manager offices. Bounding out of the elevator, Jay came to the conclusion that she was off bothering one of the other managers, maybe refilling those staplers like Chad suggested. As he scampered down the hall though, he didn't pick up a trace of her distinct voice and was what even more disturbing, the door to their office was locked.
Jay reached in his pocket and produced his many keys, selecting the gold vital one that could help uncover the strange happening. As he slowly pushed the door open, the lights in the room were off too. Jay frowned as he blindingly stretched his arm off to the side, flicking on many sets of switches. The instant they flickered on, Jay shut the door and peered at his lifeless surrounding.
He was a little irritated Grace was late, considering he preferred to get his schedule the second he stepped foot in the office and lay out a plan with her as to how to tackle the day with great strides, but seeing that was not the case, he had to wait ideally by. And impatiently.
Maybe she was stuck in traffic, after all she lived in Viridian and he usually overheard her complain about how the side of town she inhabited had so many hustling cars, one couldn't use the sidewalk if they dared.
If Grace didn't show up in the next half hour he'd give her a call, and if that didn't work, he'd report to Mr. Hoke himself. Jay figured she'd show up though, in due-time that is.
After stripping off his jacket and settling in his workspace, fifteen minutes had passed, fifteen very quiet minutes, and soon he heard the door prop open.
There was no need to call the cops now. Not that Jay was that worried to begin with.
He could feel the rumble of her footsteps approach his desk, his eyes not lifting from the manila folder he was busy skimming through. Then the treading ceased. A shadow overcast him.
"Coffee, Mr. Ketchum?"
Jay shifted his eyes up and raised an eyebrow. His secretary stood before him with a hot to-go cup of coffee in one hand, and the other carried a small stack of papers. The woman was old enough to be his mother, plump and stout she was, her dark brown hair reached her mid neck, with full heavy bangs gracing her forehead. She also wore a white blouse underneath a pink button-up sweater as well as a blue pencil skirt for her bottoms.
Stricken with shock to discover why his secretary was late, Jay took it upon himself to investigate what forced her to make a stop at the one place she detested going to. Something was out of character.
"That's funny," Jay started, sitting up in his chair, folding his hands on the oak desk, "usually I have to remind you about bringing your boss a nice hot beverage in the morning."
Grace shrugged innocently, bearing a sheepish grin. "Guess today was a good day for me."
The smile she bared hinted a slight of mischievousness and Jay could see through it the second she walked in. So he cut to the chase. "Grace, what's up? I know you tend to not pick up my double mocha cappuccino because you're too lazy to stop at my favorite coffee shop, and you think the guy at the counter is a snob, so please inform me what has changed your tune?"
She giddily tightened her lips shut for a moment, then released the wonderful news in a blissful tone. "My husband remembered our anniversary."
"Isn't that sweet?" he sneered.
"One week late, but at least that's something!"
Grace was sure over the moon, and Jay's sarcasm as usual was dismissed. He could honestly care less to hear about her deadbeat of a husband, taking into account the man had to also endure her jabber and deprecate daily about his inconsistency to please her. On the rare occasions he did fall through with his duties as a devoted husband, Jay wasn't much willing to listen to them either. To him it was all inanity Grace had to come to grips with.
"I'd say so," he replied balancing a pen in his hand, then slapped it on his desk with a deep exhale. "So, what's on the agenda for today?"
"There's a meeting in less than thirty minutes-"
Even with her running behind, Grace did manage to collect their daily report, yet the update was not as thrilling as she made them sound.
"Oh, what a great way to start the morning!" Jay declared, rambling on sarcastically. "All of us crammed together in a room that has poor air conditioning!"
Grace picked up in his manners as well. "Bad start this morning?"
Jay finally accepted the hot brewed cup of coffee as she handed it with care, silently informing him of its hot touch. "No," he responded, his expression turning dreary again. "Just the fatigue of doing the same routine every day. Thanks." When his lips met the edge of the cup, the warm steamy liquid seeped down his throat and the taste it left in his mouth hardly had any imperfections. "Hmmm…" He swallowed, "the coffee's not that bad."
"I have experienced the same feeling, but after working here so long it starts to wear off," the woman stated, referring to the enervation her boss was feeling.
His eyebrows arched in curiosity. Finally, something she uttered was worthwhile. "Does it?"
"Oh, yes!" her eyes suddenly darted around; as if others could see them through the dinky window in the front and overhear their conversation, having her lower her voice to a loud whisper. "Sometimes, I like to snag some 'me time' and use my sick days as trips to get my toes done."
Jay grew a facetious grin after another sip. "You are one wild woman, Grace."
"Well, I enjoy living on the edge of my seat now and then." Her lips were pursed as she contained soft chuckles, a hint of crimson glowing from her cheeks as well.
The man played along nonchalantly. "Uh-huh. I'm just gonna drink my coffee before the meeting."
Realizing how fast the time was flying by, Grace needed a few moments too. Attending those meetings weren't her cup of tea either. "Oh, sorry! Drink away, but not too much!" the woman snickered with a wave of her finger as she ventured over to her desk.
If only Jay could have a few sips of liquor before attending the impending monotonous meeting.
The man simply joined in on the jokingly banter, sardonically. "Ha ha, right!" he rolled his eyes with a huff once her back was turned.
They had such different senses of humor.
"Rates are low people. There's a problem. A big problem that- I don't mean to point fingers but, Brad has neglected to correct."
"Me?"
"Yes you, and tuck in your shirt, where's your pride?"
This meeting was unlike any other. Steve was baked in a sticky sweat, the words " rates" and "low" put together never occurred, and the mention of someone needing to tuck their shirt in was very concerning. Clearly, something smelled rotten in Element Endurance.
Jay and Grace were seated towards the head of the long filled table in the conference room, pressing their back against black leather chairs. Though they weren't nearly as comfortable as the one Steve possessed. They watched their boss rise from his seat, throwing his hands about, pointing at a diagram with high and low points scattered across it. Rates had gone down, everyone knew that, and the anticipating dismay of them hitting rock bottom was spreading throughout the room.
All thanks to a hotheaded manager.
Brad behaved as if his demise was an unforeseen act. That he was not the person to be held responsible for not launching the new line of food for fire type Pokémon sooner. Other brands already put one out for that specific type, and since they carried additional kinds, varieties for all, more and more customers were switching over to new companies entirely. They were slowly losing in all products. The anti-byproducts gimmick wasn't going to hold on its own.
Grace watched Brad with suspicion as he looked down at the bottom of his shirt. It did need to be tucked in.
From there, she leaned over to Jay without attracting any eyes, whispering faintly between her teeth, "obviously he's seeing Caren from marketing."
"Please do not push further on the subject with vulgarities," Jay replied as quietly, his eyes not shifting away from Steve. "My stomach's already churning."
Not to mention, he already knew of Brad's public affairs.
Grace winced a little, afraid she had been the cause of his discomfort. She knew that snooty guy at the front counter couldn't make a proper drink. He was too busy checking his 'perfect' hair in the reflection of the pastry glass. "Is it the coffee?"
Jay shook his head and exhaled heavily. He wanted to go home.
Brad's eyes had widened a great deal as he stepped into defense mode. He was not taking the fall for this. "It is not completely my fault!"
Steve crinkled his forehead. He didn't buy it for one second. "Oh, how so? Enlighten me please, because the numbers tell otherwise!" he bellowed, his voice booming twice as loud as he pointed at the chart once more. "Celadon is crushing us with their byproducts and corn-gluten, Brad! We need that new line out now! You were supposed to have this project wrapped up a month ago and sent down for testing!"
"I have people working under me!" Brad reminded, equally as passionately. "They should be held accountable too! I can't watch them twenty-four-seven like I'm their babysitter!"
Grace was appalled. For as long as she worked with Element Endurance, she had never seen such idiocy displayed before her.
With their bantering continuing like a married couple in counseling, she veered over to Jay again. She couldn't defy the urge to speak. "It's absolutely ludicrous how he passes the blame on to his team. He is supposed to support them, show them the ropes."
"Yes well, this is the same man who has gone through five assistants in the past three months because he fears he is being deemed impertinent compared to them." Jay kept his gaze on the charts, studying them as he responded to Grace's side comments. There was a solution he spotted within those low dots. Things could be fixed. "And besides the rates aren't dramatically low, it's an easy fix-"
"Jayce?"
The man silenced his lips and straightened his posture. Jay sent a gulp down his throat as his boss eyed him, the worry of he and Grace's little commentary being overhead frightened him. "Y-yes sir?" he stuttered.
"I want you to take over this operation."
Jay was dumbfounded. But he wasn't the only one.
Brad was not only half the man Jay was, but also half the worker. Sure Jay had only been working there for six years, however, they were six years he dedicated himself to with every fiber of his being. The lesser amount of experience made him a better worker, a more serious and tactful manager. There was no time for messing around, not when people needed the income as much as he did, and not when he had a family to support, and how about those hungry Pokémon who just want a tasty meal?
Brad thought he got a free ride just because he had been there longer. Thought he could slow down and take a breath. Thought he could make date plans with some of his fellow workers. The word " unprofessional" crossed everyone's mind.
"What?!" Brad sputtered, trying to find some justification as to why he shouldn't lose the projects at some hands of a newbie. "B-but he hasn't worked here or been a manager for as long as I have! H-he's never been fully responsible of such a big task and-"
"Brad another word out of you, and Monica will have your position." Steve threatened, dismissing all his claims. He then turned back to Jay who was still stunned. "Now, like you said yourself Jayce this is an easy but delicate fix, and that's why I want it in your hands. You can get those rates back up. I've seen you do it before."
What was he supposed to say? If Steve wanted him to take over then he should accept the project with grace and honor. Not just anyone caught hold of something this big; it was something they had never tried before, and because of that, Jay was a little apprehensive of taking it on. And it slipped from his mouth. "But I wasn't in charge of the main operation, sir-"
"See? See?!" the desperate man rose from his chair and pointed at Jay like a maniac. Like his comments were backed up. "He's unsure if he's capable of handling the demand-"
"Now hold on buddy," Jay hissed, getting a little ticked off. Denying the request to Steve was one thing, but he didn't care to listen to a fellow worker, who hardly knew of his efforts, judge him on slight trepidation. "I never said I couldn't handle it-"
The outbursts made Steve snap. There were no more excuses, no more screwing around and wasting valuable time. Literally. "That's it!" the executive shouted, mustering all the anger he possessed onto the reluctant worker. "Brad, you're fired! Get out! You're the reason we're in this dilemma and I don't want to see you on the company's ground ever again! It's all just because you couldn't keep your weedle away from marketing!"
Predictable gasps leaped from everyone's throat. At least one rumor was confirmed. Though none thought it'd be validated so vulgarly through Steve Hoke himself.
Grace flew her head towards the ceiling, her eyes widening with great immense, the breath out of her lungs being sucked away after hearing those tainted words. "Oh my goodness," she mumbled in shock, "Jesus repent his soul."
Jay threw a strange glance at the woman. Her response was as if she just heard the dreadful news of someone committing adultery, or a robbery, or accidentally hitting a Ratatta on the road. Revealing the repugnant secret of two people exchanging in sexual affairs wasn't exactly startling. It was however, distasteful, and a part of Jay understood his secretary's extreme behavior. Still, she was taking it a bit too far.
Brad blushed madly at his ex-boss's blow, gaining several looks from the people around. He could feel their mixed feelings on the matter pierce his skin, as if they were stinging him with their disapproval. Trying to avoid their tense gaze led him to fall upon his lover herself, who immediately averted from his eyes. Even she was turning her back on him. With such fury and hate building up inside the cocky man, Brad ultimately decided he wasn't going to take the blame for it all. He didn't want to own up to it.
"You wanna see me gone?" he asked as he rose from his seat, his nostrils flaring wildly. "Fine! Fine, but you'll be sorry! You'll all be sorry!"
Steve kept his ground as he watched the fired worker lose his marbles, staying composed as he gestured towards the door. It was time for Brad to go. "I highly doubt that. Now there's the door."
"I can show myself out," he spat, shoving his crinkled papers in his brief case, "you senseless Infernape of a boss!"
More gasps filled the air and soon everyone was erupting in side conversations.
Now feeling as if she had permission, Grace spoke up again. "Actually, they're supposed to be quite intelligent. I read that in Sinnoh Geographic."
Jay ignored her this time.
With his hand clenched tightly to his briefcase, Brad swiveled around and glowered at his lover, letting everyone know just who exactly kept him off task. Again, he couldn't denounce his severe habit of passing blame. "And by the way Caren, I want my handkerchief back!" Not giving anyone a second to react to that comment, the berserk man suddenly loomed over silent Monica, throwing a mordant remark right in her face. "Hope you enjoy your new promotion, Monica! Ya really deserve it!"
"Goodbye, Brad," Steve stated, no longer being able to watch the harassment.
Brad took his frustration out on the door, swinging it open with a bang as he stormed out of the large conference room. Everyone turned in their seats to watch him stomp out, hearing him mutter curse words down the hall.
Grace adjusted herself in her chair and started in again once her view of Brad was gone. "That man is a lunatic, and that scandal of his was going to reveal itself sooner or later. Did he think he wasn't noticed making continual trips in the supply closet? I caught the two together on my bathroom break several times, or when I had to go use someone's pencil sharpener."
Jay just shook his head. He didn't want to think about it. "This place should be shut down and fumigated."
A puff of air blew out of Steve's lips as he let his palms rest on the table, looking as bewildered as all of his workers. "Glad that's over with. Right? Everyone's happy to see Brad gone?"
They all exchanged looks with one another, shrugging and giving simple responses.
"Sure."
"Yeah."
What were they supposed to say?
"Well I am," the executive announced. "The guy was even trying to take my position- uh anyway," he stopped himself, clearing his throat. He needed to get a hold of his emotions too. "Back to business. Jayce, I would feel most comfortable if this be dealt with in your hands. You have proven yourself to be a hard and tactful worker, and I would only expect progress out of you."
Hearing the executive of Element Endurance praise you in front your peers surely made Jay look like the shining star. It was ironic he'd be getting Project F in his control considering his own knowledge on fire Pokémon, as well as Chad's rant earlier that morning. It was very unexpected and yes, Jay felt proud to be nominated to take on the project, but the pressure itself was a little nerve-wracking.
Steve continued, and the last bit was the biggest shock of all. "Also I want the final results in two weeks, so we can get it on the market right away. As you know, Brad and his team did make some progress, but not enough. It is up to you, Jayce, to get this new product, dare I say, fired up. Can I get your word on that?"
Could he get his word on that? Of course he could! Jay would bust his ass to get the product out on the market. Was it another strain he needed? No, but he took it anyway without contemplating for a second.
"Of course, sir." He bit down hard on his tongue. I didn't just seriously agree did I? God, this is gonna be a strain! But do I have a choice?
"Then it's settled," his boss concluded, his expression lightning as if weight had been lifted off his shoulders. "You will take over Project F, and Grace will collect various workers in the building who you deem as suitable for assistance."
Grace promptly nodded as her pen swiveled away, jotting down notes. "I will get on it straight away sir."
As different as the two were from each other, they made a killer combo in getting the job done, not to mention correctly, and Steve was certain he could count on the pair to be finished in two weeks. It was a stretch, but they had always come through with all the other projects. Though none seemed as extreme as this one. This time, they had a mess to clean up before they could even get started.
It seemed a small smile of relief grew from Steve's lips as he slapped his hands against his side. Even with its ugly performance, at the least the matter was taken care of and could move forward. And Steve was satisfied. "Until then, meeting adjured!"
Jay and Grace were caught in a flood of people. The jabbering had not ceased the moment everyone stepped out of the conference room. There was talk of Brad and his acts, Caren being swarm with nosy coworkers on the means of their relationship, how Jay would be able to handle such a large task in so little time, and now, a new rumor blossomed. Jay needed to get away from it all if he wanted to properly wrap his mind around what just went down.
After excusing himself nearly a hundred times and pushing past people carefully, Jay managed to free himself from the overwhelming crowd and strutted towards the elevator before it was taken. He could hear Grace interject a sound of happiness and soon he picked up the faint shuffle of her feet. Someone must have told her something and Jay would have to hear it.
"Can you believe we did it?" she asked in a low whisper, finally keeping up with her boss's pace. "Do you know what this means?"
"We?" Jay repeated, addled. "What do you mean we? Neither one of us approached Steve about the project. And did you hear the timeframe? Two weeks? That's serious crunch time-"
Grace scoffed. "Oh, none of that matters now!" she looked behind her shoulder quickly then back at him, her smile intensifying. "I just got the scoop on the rumored promotion, and the catch of the day is true!"
It was like a junior high girl getting excited over a break up between a girl she despised and boy she had her eye on since the sixth grade.
Jay exhaled a heavy breath, not partaking in the secretary's foolish exuberance. "Yes, and so are all the other hundred rumors that circulate around here. Like poisonous gas." The last part he grumbled was in unison with the pressure his finger put forth on one of the buttons of the elevator, sending them back down to their floor.
As the doors closed Grace persisted, no longer speaking in a whisper. But Jay kept his gaze on the flashing changing numbers the elevator produced. "But this one's true, I'm certain of it! The word on the block is that Steve planned on firing Brad all along, and that who he chose would get the promotion if the project was successful!"
For once, it was intriguing news. With his mouth tightly shut, Jay reflected and soon shot his blue eyes up at Grace who eagerly waited for a response. He had never seen her so tickled pink over a rumor before. The possibility of it being legitimate was starting to make him tingle too.
"Wait." He pondered briefly. "You're telling me if I do everything according to plan, I'll get the promotion?"
"Bingo!" she exclaimed merrily. "And this benefits me because if your pay increases-"
"So will yours, but it won't be a huge difference for you."
"I know that, but think Jayce! You and Delia will have more money! You could give Ash more opportunities!"
Hearing it sounded twice as nice as just imagining it. There was the small chance that this convoluted rumor was true and Jay would certainly take advantage of it and use the money wisely for his family. He and Delia always talked about going on vacation more during the summer, letting Ash see different towns, different sites, different Pokémon, giving him insight on various cultures. And they too would actually like to go on a honeymoon since when they originally got married that desirable vacation never occurred. It wasn't in the budget. But now it could be. Now they could have a romantic getaway, now they would be able to give Ash a real summer trip he could share with his friends, give them a real break from their everyday lives.
Also the couple could put it towards a new car that didn't need repairs every so often or buy a new lawn mower, or have the materials to extend Delia's beautiful garden. The possibilities were endless. But the money wasn't, and the likelihood of him actually getting the promotion was slim. But couldn't the guy dream?
Jay removed his gaze from the bright numbers and focused his attention on his gleeful secretary. What was he supposed to say? What was he supposed to think?
He sighed. "I see where you're going with this Grace and you make an excellent point, but I just..." There was always the fear of a letdown. "I just don't want to get my hopes up."
"But you can!" she consoled. "You know as well as I do that Steve doesn't fire anyone on the spot like that. He must have not wanted Brad to get that promotion. Pardon my language," she said, bracing Jay, "but as cooky as Steve can be-"
"Wow Grace," he interrupted sarcastically, "that's a fowl mouth ya got there-"
"I was putting it delicately," she clarified, believing his jab to be serious. "He sees something in you, Jayce. Just think about it."
Not a moment later did the elevator ding and the doors swung open. Grace proceeded to give him another 'trust me' look before strutting off back to the office. Jay however, still stood within the elevator walls, his breathing growing heavy.
Jay scoffed, shaking his rattled head. Whatever that is, I'll never understand...
He wasn't mister big shot, he wasn't some hero. He just wanted to earn a couple extra bucks to make life easier. He didn't comprehend why everyone saw such potential in him. He just... wanted things to be simple.
Shooting his head back up, Jay realized he better make his escape out of the elevator before the doors closed on him. If he didn't get out in time, he would hate the alternative of fighting with those damns buttons. Half of the time, they sent him to wrong floor.
Author's Note:
So... what do you guys think? Was it what you were expecting for the prequel?
I know the first chapter isn't that lively, but trust me, the action will come in sooner than later. It's just going to take a little time to describe everything that's going on before things start to really unravel. Plus, you'll be seeing some familiar faces!
I should have probably put this disclaimer at the top, but I do not like to put my notes and such up there, so I will list it below.
Disclaimer: Rated T for adult situation, language, mild violence, and mild sexual content (nothing grotesque hence: mild).
Oh, and I don't own Pokémon. If only I did! LOL.
Anyway, I hope you guys are enjoying it (or are at least intrigued) and be on the lookout for more! Thanks for reading and as always, reviews are appreciated. :)