AN: What's up? This is the first part of an ongoing series. There's two halves to this story, and this is only one of them. If you like what you read, be sure to check out Tides of Change on my joint account! It's written by my co-author, Alex, from a different point of view. Thanks for reading!

This is the story of how I ended up in jail for what seemed like the 100th time.

Well, it might have actually been the 100th time, if I was being honest with myself.

I end up in jail a lot.

It's not my fault, though. More often than not, I'm the hero of the story, not the villain. I try to stop crime, help people, but I just get called a vigilante and end up in jail. The cops don't particularly like me, or my Houndour, who helps me in my line of work.

Anyway, this time I was busting a group of thugs terrorizing a young guy.

"C'mon, pretty boy. Just give us a few bucks and a smile, and we'll leave you and your shitty Raticate alone, okay?"

The poor guy was shaking like a leaf. "Uh, um, how much do you want?"

The leader of the group, a large, intimidating guy with a shaven head and a tatted-up body, grinned. "The 'tard doesn't get it. We want all of your money."

"But- I don't have much-"

"Too bad. I'd hate to be you right now. Isn't that right, boys?"

The other thugs laughed.

"Nah. I'd hate to be you scum, actually."

The thugs turned around.

"What's this? Another pretty boy, come to save his boyfriend?"

I strolled forward. "Nah. I'm just here to kick your slimy little ass."

The thug cracked a grin. "Oh, really?"

I gave a wide smile back. "Of course." I reached into my pocket and flicked out a Pokeball. "Show them a lesson, Houndour."

Out of the light came my partner, growling and snapping at the air.

"Flamethrower."

The thugs grin disappeared. "This isn't a battle- I don't even have my Pokemon out- what are you-"

As the flames licked over his body, he screamed.

Looking back, I guess I can understand why I ended up in jail again. I have nothing but good intentions, honestly, but sometimes I get a little carried away, y'know?

I absently played with my necklace, a long chain with a golden phoenix charm on it. It was supposed to be a prayer charm to Ho-oh, but I'm not very religious. Even so, I'd had it since I was a kid, and it brought me comfort, so I wore it wherever I went.

I looked up at the sound of the cell door opening. One of the cops- the one who hated me the most- stood there glaring at me.

"I don't know how you do it, Raymond."

"I'm free to go?" I grinned at the cop.

"Yeah. You have it in with the chief, or something?"

I shook my head. "Nah. I think he just feels bad for me."

His glare intensified. "Right. He feels bad for a stupid little shit who thinks he can be a hero."

My grin disappeared. "Don't test me."

"Are you threatening a cop?"

I smiled again. "Of course not." I strolled out of the cell. "Where's the shit I need to sign?"

He frowned. "Over here."

"Then what are you waiting for? Let's get me out of here!"

"Yeah. That's exactly what I want to do." The sarcasm was palpable.

Soon enough, I was out on the streets again.

I never stayed in jail for long.

Perhaps the chief felt bad for me.

Perhaps it was my promise to stop fucking his son.

Which I still did, sometimes, behind the chief's back.

Anyway.

I slipped on my headphones and strolled out into the Goldenrod crowds, and, without looking back, disappeared without a trace, only to emerge when I would be needed again.

Despite what the cops think of me, I will be a hero.

No matter what.

AN: If you enjoyed this story and want to read more, check out the other half of the series, Tides of Change! You can find it at s/11773086/1/Tides-of-Change