So I'm going off of a small leg for this story. I got the idea from talking to my close friend, and dance teacher. We were just shooting the breeze when the discussion came up about Pokemon. Apparently outside of school she loves Pokemon just as I do. So she said in a past life she was a Pokemon trainer and that her soul came here. (jokingly of course) I laughed and said I was an Owl, because they are awesome, really... anyway. So then she told me her first name was Yvonne. Now being French illiterate, I pronounced it like this:
You-vone. When it is really like -Eve-von... or something. My way of sounding things out in words. So for some reason, i loved that name. So i indirectly did research on the name, that is what i do. Then i get the bright idea of naming OC's in a story after her. Also... i was slightly creeped out by the fact there is another me in the world... same name... same age... damn. So with those ideas in my head, I bring you the newest story of my head: One Life to the Next. I hope this isn't TOO confusing... Btw, this takes place in a real city. Thanks!
*ding*
…*ding ding*
…The foe's Charmander fainted.
"…ha… damn right he did…"
"Excuse me Mr. Yvonne?" A stern teacher appeared behind him. "You know, I don't mind electronic devices out in class, but this is an exam for the first and last time."
"Of course, sorry Mr. Kutz." The college student put his DS into his pocket and folded his hands quietly while staring at his finished test. This was the hardest part of the test… turning it in. He always freaked out whenever he finished a test. Even if he knew he aced it, something held him back from turning it in.
"…you have that look on your face again." The teacher commented. "Are you… feeling okay Yvonne? Do you need to step out? I can let you do what you need to." Yvonne wasn't exactly… mentally healthy. At times like these he sees things and sees false predictions of the end of the world or his life ending in failure. He has some issues in his head. Mr. Kutz knew, and he was fine with it. In fact, Mr. Kutz admired him in a strange way only a teacher could… he just had a nice… vibe to his presence.
"…" Mr. Kutz sat down next to him and whispered to keep attention away.
"…its okay son, what are you feeling right now?"
…tragic… the world will be transformed.
"…I hear… something about tragedy… and the world being changed… soon." Mr. Kutz was lost, but knew he legally couldn't do what he wanted to, council him.
"You want Lexi to take you to the office?" Lexi was Yvonne's long-time girlfriend since high school. The oddest thing people couldn't believe was that ironically, they already had identical last names. Her last name was also Yvonne, but a totally, non-related family. While those are common in a country, it isn't so common in the same state, or city, or school.
"…I just need to speak to her… that would be fine." He nodded and stood up.
"Alright James, just take easy breaths." He walked over to Lexi's desk and stood for a minute before realizing she wasn't done with her test yet. He cleared his throat and would make an exception, this was a good reason. "…Lexi." The girl looked up with kind blue eyes.
"Yes sir?" Lexi brushed her cloud-like blonde hair out of her face and it fell down past her shoulders. Although there was no dress-code, she still took her appearance seriously. She wore a short sleeve shirt and had a skirt that stopped just above the knees. She also wore leggings that stopped below the knee to give her un-restrained movement. He wore black military boots with a dog tag on the right foot, from her deceased father.
"James needs… your help." Lexi's face turned to a concerned look and she pointed at her test.
"I want to… but my test?"
"I got that covered… you two are close. He requested you specifically." Mr. Kutz took her test and brought it to his desk. Lexi got up quietly and made her way over to James, still staring at his test. She whispered in his ear.
"Come with me." He got up and followed her outside the classroom into the hallway. They closed the door and Lexi sighed and gave James a smile accompanied with a warming hug. "Hey James…"
"Hey." He sighed and rubbed his forehead.
"I can feel your worry… and some sadness." James chuckled. "What?"
"Did I not just compare you to a Gardevoir the other day?" He put his arm around her in a friendly manner. "Ohhh… I can feel your hunger… ohhh I can feel your embarrassment…" He imitated her and got a giggle back.
"Really? I SO do NOT sound like that."
"Okay fair enough…" He digressed and recalled his visions. "…but comparing you to a Gardevoir, totally random, but now I believe it." Lexi frowned and titled her head.
"Talk to me James, I'm listening." He took a deep breath. "What did you see?" James hesitated for a moment and spoke.
"I heard someone say that something like a… tragedy is going to happen… and that the world would be changed forever… and it just makes he think it will happen to me…" He shivered and was quickly embraced by Lexi.
"I don't blame you for feeling scared… hearing something like that would scare anyone."
"…but is it true?"
"…I hope nothing happens to you, that is all I hope for." She hugged him tighter.
"…aww Lex." They hugged for a while. "…thanks Lex… I always needed you."
"And so do I. We are here for each other. No matter who or what is against us, we are together." She let go of James who had a smile on his face.
"I made the right choice… I never doubted I loved you since the day we met." Lexi blushed.
"Oh you just how to talk to a girl."
"More like a life-long partner." He said with a quick smooch on her cheek. "Just one more year after this one and we can start our lives together."
"Like we promised seven years ago… remember over the lake? The shooting star?"
"I do sweetheart. And I intend to keep that promise I made." He said putting up a fist facing Lexi. She bumped it with hers.
"And so do I." They looked around silently and sighed. "We should probably get back to class."
"Yeah… thanks again."
"Anytime you need me, never hesitate to ask." They ended their nice conversation and reentered the room quietly. A few heads turned and smiled at them but quickly went back to focusing on their tests. James sat down and looked out the window at the skyline of Chicago. While the city usually reeks of pollution, at night and evening, it was the place to be in Illinois. Life felt so good when you could easily forget all your troubles by listening to the relaxing waters of Lake Michigan and silently watch the skyline, yes James did love this city, and Lexi was no different.
When the bell rang James and Lexi remained in the room for next period, since Mr. Kutz also tought Video Game history and both Lexi and James were in the same classes, ironically. Lexi moved to the seat next to James.
"Did you finish the project?" She asked as she searched for papers.
"…what?"
"I knew you would forget!" She held back laughing. "I'd figure you love this project since it's about Pokémon!"
"…what did we need to do?" He totally forgot it was due today.
"Well, we got assigned a number from 1 to 649 and depending on the number you received that number represents a Pokémon you were assigned." Mr. Kutz was trying not to laugh at himself by moving James to the front of the presentation line.
"…this should be interesting…" he whispered to himself.
"What number did you get?"
"I got number 38, Ninetails." She held a plush Ninetails. "I guess it was easy considering I have Japanese mythology, sort of unfair. What number did you get?" James forgot and Mr. Kutz figured he would act as if he was helping Lexi.
"Lexi, he got number 282."
"…number 282… what Pokémon is that?" Lexi frowned. "Ugh… I can't remember but it is right there in my head." She tapped her head.
"…hmm… well hang on." He flipped open his DS and went to the pokedex. He looked down to 282 and saw Gardevoir next to the number. He kept his information quiet. "No idea."
"That is strange… we can't remember 282 when we can remember all other 648?" Lexi sighed. "Well not much I can do to help… sorry."
"What where you supposed to present on?"
"Oh general stuff really. The purpose of the Pokémon, its features, appearance, powers, relations to myths, stuff like that. Well, good luck James. Mr. Kutz might get a little mad at you."
"Well let's just hope I'm not presenting first." The rest of the class filled in and everyone took their seats. Mr. Kutz stood up and walked to the front of the room.
"Good afternoon class. As all of you are aware, today was the deadline for your projects. You had a week to work on them and I am expecting them to all be complete. And just to make sure you did your work, there is another hidden part to this project." Everyone turned dead silent in the room. "You must create a story on the spot about this Pokémon. It can be about anything that is school friendly, you know what I mean when I say that. So." He paused and looked at James. "Without any more delays, we will begin with Mr. James Yvonne and his presentation on the Embrace Pokémon, Gardevoir." A few snickers were heard in the class, but nobody thought that was a joke more than James. Lexi's eyes were full of surprise when she heard the name. James quietly got up and walked to the front of the room.
"…so when do I start?" He asked.
"Whenever you are ready." James sighed and recalled anything he could. Then he felt someone say something again.
"Listen to me, and listen well. Say everything that I say."
"So… the Embrace Pokémon, Gardevoir is currently classified as a Psychic type. The origins of this Pokémon lie in the French language. "Garde de voir" translates to "Guardian Woman of sight" and it is assumed why the designers gave it such a feminine appearance, referring to that translation." Mr. Kutz was speechless. How could someone who didn't do ANY research know that?
"…" Lexi sat quietly with an amazed look on her face.
"While they appear feminine, both male and female Gardevoir exist, but there is no appearance difference between them. Gardevoir are the final evolution line for Ralts. This is not the only option; however, male Kirlia if given a dawn stone can go down a different path and become Gallade. No female Gallade exists. That said, it is likely the idea for Gardevoir's looks where derived from the following: Humans, Elves, Fairies and maybe pixies, but most agree it has more of a human feel rather than any previously mentioned." He took a pause and listened to what his head told him.
"Now, give the story about Lexi and your comparison to Gardevoirs."
He looked down at his feet and looked up at the class, oddly staring at him. He sighed and began.
"In my heart, Gardevoirs have a special place." Everyone looked around in confusion. "Because Gardevoirs can sense what others think and would die protecting the people they love." Lexi's face turned red and she hid her face from everyone. "The reason I care so much about them is because I make comparisons to Lexi and how she relates to a Gardevoir." Everyone looked at Lexi who was slowly revealing her flushed face. "She might kill me after this though." That was met with amused laughter.
"…" Lexi just gave a smile and waited for his story.
"People know I'm different up here." He pointed to his head. "And nobody knows that better than her. She knows how I feel at every time, she understands everything I do and say… look, I'm getting off topic, but the more I realize it…" He paused. "I too am like a Gardevoir."
"Oh?" The teacher asked.
"I say that because I would… I would do what they do."
"And what is that?"
"Keep going."
"I would… die for her. I don't have a shred of doubt in my mind." The class smiled with watery eyes.
"Aww…"
"…man, they weren't kidding when they said they love each other…" the class murmured.
"I find it amazing man. How he can say that in front of everyone. I respect him."
"Enough. Continue, please."
"I feel as if I'm getting too personal with my presentation, but that is my comparison. We are both like Gardevoirs in nature because of what we do for each other and who we are as people." One kid started clapping and everyone else, including the teacher joined in. Lexi was just sitting there with her head on her hands just listening to James say something so meaningful to them both. He had a very strong sense of justice and a good passion for her. She admired him so much for what he said.
"End the presentation, and please, survive the night. I will see you soon."
A chill went down his spine at the voice's words… survive the night?
"That… that is all I have on this Pokémon. It just fits our characters in a way few other Pokémon could. Um… thanks?" The class erupted in applause in admiration of his interesting words. He sat down and Lexi tapped his arm. When he looked she blew him a kiss and winked. He smiled back and listened to the other people present.
When class finally ended the two left and ended their classes for the day. James was hungry and so was Lexi. Lexi had an idea of going out, but she wanted it to be… nice.
"So… that stuff you said… during your presentation… you meant all of it?"
"Of course sweetheart. I made that promise long ago and I'll make sure to keep it."
"I hope you know that I would do that too…" She laid her head against his shoulder. "…we go through everything together."
"…so, want to go out tonight?" He asked running his fingers through his hair.
"Sure! Where?"
"Navy pier?"
"Alright, I'll go get changed, meet me here in an hour okay?"
"I'll look forward to it."
"'Kay! By sweetie!" She walked in the direction of the girl's dorms and James went toward the men's. He had a room to himself since the campus was spacious at the time. Also, the board knew it would be beneficial if he was left alone. He opened the door to his room and closed it. He stood against the door, just listening to the silence. He took a quick shower and still had about an hour left until he was supposed to meet with Lexi.
"What is the worth of your thoughts?"
He sat on his bed and he could swear he heard a car horn.
"Shhhcrew you man… I'll jusht go shtop by the bar."
The horn sound like it was in the distance, but getting closer. Then it sounded like a car was about to pass him when he heard his phone ringing. He tilted his head as he looked at the phone.
"Answer it."
"Hello this is dorm 325n this is James Yvonne speaking."
"James! Oh thank goodness you answered." It was Lexi's father. "Is Lex there?"
"Oh hello Mr. Yvonne, no we were going to meet in about an hour, is something wrong?"
"Yes! Something is wrong with her!"
"With her?" James confirmed? "Did she call you?"
"Yes, she was crying about hearing voices and seeing things." James stayed silent. "Listen… I hate to abuse your issue… but can you maybe help her calm down, she was crying really hard." James nodded to himself.
"I'll find her immediately. I'll do it, don't worry." James said with conviction.
"Oh THANK YOU James! I knew I could trust you to watch after my little girl."
"Don't worry, I got it." He hung up and sighed. "Never that simple." He went to leave and was halted by his head.
"She heard me, people don't react kindly… except you."
He took a notebook and opened it to a blank page.
"Oh, I was going to tell you to do that. Anyway, write this."
He did as it suggested and pulled out a pen.
"Date: 6.22.13 Chicago IL, This night will change the world. Things will change forever. We will not exist, and nothing will be the same. –James Yvonne
"…why am I writing this?"
"Just let it happen."
Without another thought he left the room and made his way back to the main lobby. Sure enough, there she was in the same clothes, silently sitting alone with her legs hiding her face. She was sitting in a balled up position and wasn't moving. James steeled himself and sat beside her.
"…is that you?" A frightened voice called out. It was hard to see Lexi like this.
"It's me sweetheart. Come on." He pulled her closer and felt her relax. "Your parents called…"
"…I did."
"They were concerned about…" He digressed. "…what did you hear?" She sniffed and wiped away her tears.
"I heard someone tell me that I was going to die tonight…"
"Well, I can see why you are scared, but I assure you, I will not let anything happen to you. Okay?" She nodded. "Come on, let's go." The two left but both of them could not stop worrying. James was scared because Lexi heard voices too; Lexi was scared because of what she heard. They were almost at the pier when they passed a bar. Someone stumbled by them and fell on the ground. James and Lexi stopped to make sure he was okay and walked away the second he got up. "…it's only 8:00p.m."
"There is a Blackhawks game tonight."
"Oh, that explains it." Then Lexi felt a hand on her shoulder. She whipped around to see the drunk man almost falling over.
"Ecushh me… can I sheee your pockets?"
"…uhh pockets?" She said nervously.
"I losht my car…"
"Oh I don't know where your car is, I'm sorry." She clung to James' arm.
"Ohh shcrew you guyshh I'm going to the bar…" And like that, he stumbled into the bar.
"He scared you?"
"Are you kidding?!" Lexi poked James playfully. "I sure hope he doesn't find his car." James recalled seeing him somewhere.
"I don't think he is drinking for the game… I think he is just… well… drinking?"
"Whatever the case, I hope he has someone driving him."
"Yeah." They continued walking for sometime without interruption until both of them heard the voice.
"Any last words?"
"…James…"
"You hear something?" She nodded and knew he heard it too. Then a pair of headlights whipped around the corner and headed straight for them. "Lexi move!" James tackled both him and Lexi out of the direct path, but the car smashed into a gas pipe that was on the outside of the building. Then what followed was a huge explosion that sent both James and Lexi flying together. Both of them landed in the street as other cars screeched to a halt and attempted to save the victims involved.
"Hm… much cleaner I guess that way? Relax… and just let go…"
…
"This is an ABC 7 Newsflash with Jose Sanders."
"Good evening I'm Jose Sanders, a stunning, to say the least crash has left two young college dead near Navy Pier. Police say that the victims where the accidental fatality of a drunk driver. They say the teens were able to dodge the car, but a nearby gas pipe caused an explosion resulting in their injuries. They were rushed to the hospital where they were later pronounced dead. We go live to one of our reporters on the scene."
"Jose, normally something like this is seen in a movie, but it happened here tonight, and unfortunately, the people involved were not actors."
"Twenty one your old James Yvonne and Twenty year old Alexis Yvonne were pronounced dead an hour ago. They are yet another victim of drunk driving fatalities adding to the massive total already. But perhaps the thing that shatters all of our hearts… is that these two were in love."
"Witnesses say that only minutes before this happened they had confronted a drunk man who left them alone. They continued walking and that is when the trouble started."
"What did you see?" A reported asked.
"I saw a pair of headlights moving erratically so I looked and saw the boy tackle the girl away from the car. Initially I thought both of them were safe, but then, that is when the car exploded."
"And what happened to the couple then?"
"They went flying into the street. Cars stopped and I ran right to them the second they landed. But when I looked for a pulse." The witness sniffed. "…I didn't get one."
"The families of both are respectfully promised an interview tomorrow, but right now, losses need to be remembered."
…
"Psst! Hey James!"
"…huh?"
"Wake up!" James opened his eyes and he was floating in a white space, totally void of anything it seemed.
"I died."
"Yes you did."
"…did Lexi die?"
"Yes, she did." James looked around for a voice. Then he laid eyes on what he was certain to be an illusion. He was staring directly at a Gardevoir.
"…you aren't real."
"Not to you, yet."
"Yet?"
"Don't worry, I'll tell you more about that when we arrive. So any questions about me?"
"Yeah, who the hell are you?"
"Oh right… I forgot to introduce myself. My name is… well nothing yet, but let me just say I'm really gifted, and so are you. That is why you are where you are now."
"I'm gifted?"
"You hear voices and see things correct?"
"Yes."
"Well you know the voice you heard today?"
"Yeah, it sounded like…"
"Mine." It said.
"I… can't be sure, are you a guy or girl?"
"Ahaha! Why does that matter?"
"So I know who I'm dealing with."
"…oh you are interesting alright. I'll give you a hint… I am a stereotype."
"Uh huh…"
"I'm… looked at by certain people."
"Okay."
"And I'm not a Gallade so?"
"A stereotype? Not Gallade? A female Gardevoir?"
"Ding Ding Ding! That's right Jamie!"
"Please don't call me that."
"Well okay… so, you worried about the other Yvonne? Oh are you two siblings?"
"No, different families, same name."
"Ohh, I thought it was either that or you were married."
"Well… we wanted to be… then we died."
"Oh… that is sad. Well, I hope we can make it up to you."
"We?"
"Oh don't worry, Lexi is coming with you."
"Where?!"
"Oh take a guess man." James stayed silent. "The Pokémon-…
"World?!" Lexi was talking to another voice. "HOW? Does that even exist?"
"Please calm down Lex. It won't be that bad, trust me."
"What about our families?"
"…we…can't respond to that."
"Who are you?"
"I won't play games. I'm a Gallade, and I'm waiting for you to arrive at our world."
"What so we aren't really dead?"
"We?"
"What about James? My friend!?"
"Oh yeah, he is coming with you. He has another Pokémon escorting him, which one I'm not sure, but one that can speak human, for sure. Most likely the voices he has been hearing."
"Wait, so you are the one that talked to me?"
"Yes."
"…"
"…"
"You couldn't be a little more gentle?"
"Well… that isn't my best part. I prefer action to talk, but if it is your personality, I guess I got some self-evaluations to do." Lexi yawned and rubbed her eyes. "You may sleep if you want, taking a soul from a body really makes you tired."
"…are you going to watch me sleep?" He sighed and turned around.
"Okay, go sleep now."
"Please don't do anything."
"Oh come on… what do I look like a torturer?"
"I'm kidding, thanks for listening though."
"Mhmm." Lexi fell asleep, well, at least what sleep was for a soul.
…
"You mind if I sleep?" James asked his partner.
"You're asking me?"
"Well… I can imagine you would get lonely here." The voice remained quiet.
"Hm… no wonder that girl really fell for you. She made a great choice in a gentleman… sure you can sleep. You must be exhausted." James laughed.
"Well dying and then coming to life again makes me want a tiny nap, ya know?"
"I feel you, I'll just sit here for a while, maybe draw some pictures."
"You can draw?"
"In a cool way too, watch me make a pokeball!" She used her arm as a brush and made a beautiful pokeball in front of James. "Okay you need rest, sleep well."
"…thanks… I just hope Lexi is okay."
"She is also being escorted by a Pokémon, don't worry."
"Okay…" James fell asleep.
BAM. The pile of ideas has come out, and my head feels nice. Maybe i can continue? I need more ideas though... maybe i should get a parrot and just take what it says and make an idea out of that... seems legit. Anyway, thanks for taking time to read this, there might be more, there might not, i can't decide. Thanks!
-J