Chapter 1
The slightly damaged indoor battle field remains silent. I stand on one end of the field, gazing sternly ahead of me. My eyes are locked with the trainer at the opposite end of the battle field. His bright blue eyes stare straight into mine with a stern gaze as he grits his teeth.
"Your demeanor is quite great," I say to the young trainer. "I like the sense of confidence and spirit I get from you." I take my Poké ball from my belt on my right side and click the round white button to make it expand. "However, you're down to your last Pokémon."
I toss my Poké ball up into the air. It pops open with a streak of white light hitting the battleground, revealing a Mightyena. It stands on its four legs in a battle stance, flattening its body a bit as it growls deeply. A picture of Mightyena appears on the large screen on the wall next to the field with the bar of its health points.
"Give it your best shot," I say as I gaze sternly at the trainer after catching my Poké ball.
"Alright!" the young man says as he takes his Poké ball and tosses it into the air. "Go, Spinda!"
His Poké ball pops open with a streak of light hitting the battleground, revealing a Spinda. It gazes at Mightyena and its ears lower a bit in intimidation.
"Go, Spinda! Use Faint Attack!" the young man commands.
Spinda listens and charges and strikes at Mightyena. Despite all the force Spinda seems to have used, Mightyena is not affected or damaged. Spinda looks up at Mightyena with a sweat drop in surprise. Mightyena gazes down at Spinda with its red eyes as it growls deeply.
"Use Crunch, Mightyena!" I call out.
Mightyena opens its mouth widely, lunges at Spinda, and begins to bite it numerous times. Spinda winces in pain as it struggles to escape Mightyena's strong bite. After a few attempts, Spinda manages to pull itself away, landing a few feet on the ground, still wincing at the damage it took. Spinda's health bar goes down more than halfway. The young man stares at Spinda in surprise for a moment, not knowing what to do.
"Now, finish this with Strength!" I say to Mightyena.
Mightyena flattens its body a bit and then lunges itself at Spinda in quick speed. Spinda is struck and is sent flying back numerous feet from the momentum. It lands on its side a few feet in front of the young man, not able to move. Spinda's health bar is now completely empty, prompting Mightyena as the winner. The young man kneels down to the fainted Spinda and holds it in his arms.
"You did your best, Spinda," the young man says as he holds his Poké ball out and has Spinda return inside it.
"You battled well, Mark," I say as I walk up to the young man with Mightyena on my right side. "You posed a lot of good strategies, and I can tell you work well with your Pokémon."
"I challenged all six of your Pokémon, and I didn't beat a single one!" Mark says with an admiring smile as he stands upright. "But I don't get why my Spinda's attack didn't work on your Mightyena…"
"It has to do with the type of the attack your Spinda made," I begin to explain.
Mark looks up at me with a confused look.
"Faint Attack is a Dark-type attack," I continue to explain. "Mightyena is resistant to Dark-type attacks, so they have no effect," I say as I pet Mightyena on the head. "As a Pokémon trainer, you should learn to be more aware of information like that; it can improve your strategizing."
"Ahh, okay! That makes total sense!" Mark exclaims. "That'll be helpful advice when I challenge my next gym leader!"
"Before you do, you may want to polish up some of your training," I advise with a smile.
"Yeah, no doubt," Mark says with a sweat drop as he rubs the back of his head as he smiles. "I really appreciate you taking the time to train me, Denise! You and Jason are really skillful trainers."
"Aw, I'm flattered to hear that," we hear someone say.
We turn and see a tall man with messy brunette hair. He is wearing a dark-green shirt under a thin black jacket and dark-brown jeans. He walks up to us with a friendly smile while gazing at us with his auburn eyes. I notice he's carrying a Poké ball case.
"I didn't expect to meet both famed Blaze siblings in one day!" Mark exclaims in excitement.
Jason and I chuckle. Mark looks up at us with an admirable smile and then quickly looks at his wristwatch.
"Yikes! I'm almost late for lunch! My mom will kill me if I miss it," Mark says in surprise. "I will keep the advice you gave me in mind, Denise! I won't let you down!"
"I'm sure you'll do great, Mark!" I say as I use my right hand to mess with his light brown hair.
Mark then gives us a nod and heads out through the battlefield sliding doors.
"You should really consider being one of my challenger trainers here at the Tower," Jason says turning to me.
"I think trainers have enough trouble facing one Blaze sibling, let alone two," I joke. "Besides, Blaze Tower is yours – I wouldn't want to steal your spotlight. Having this battle tower has been your dream since you were a kid."
"Well, at least you train Pokémon trainers here occasionally," Jason says as he places a hand on his hip. "But you should consider starting your own establishment like I have. Dad's got the corporation and I have this battle tower. You should establish your own dream, too."
"Oh, I will," I say as I kneel down to Mightyena and begin to caress its dark fur. "I just haven't come up with a clear plan of what it is I want to do…I know I want to continue my strong passion for Pokémon…Like mom had, you know?"
Jason gazes at me with a warm smile and nods.
"What are you doing with that, by the way?" I ask as I turn my attention to the Poké ball case he's carrying.
"Oh, yeah. I almost forgot," Jason says. "Dad wanted me to tell you that he needs to see you. He said he needs a favor and for you to meet him at 3p.m. in his office."
"A favor?" I wonder as I continue to pet Mightyena as it happily rubs its head against me. "I wonder what it could be…"
"That's why I brought you your main Pokémon. I know you use your less skilled Pokémon when training Pokémon trainers," Jason says as he opens the case.
"Thanks," I say as I take the five Poké balls from the case and switch them with the ones I have on my belt. "I have Mightyena with me already since I used him in the battle. I wanted to use at least one of my strongest Pokémon to spice things up in my battle with Mark."
I take Mightyena's Poké ball from my belt and return him inside it. After placing all of my Poké balls on my belt holsters, I glance at the clock on the wall nearby.
"Well, I guess I better head out to meet dad, then," I say with a sigh. "It's 2:45a.m. I think I'll just fly there. I'll catch ya later!" I wave to Jason as I quickly make my way through the sliding doors.
I run through the Tower's lobby and out the front entrance. The sun's bright light shines outside with little wind. I take one of my Poké balls from my belt and release Charizard from it.
"Beautiful weather to fly around Mauville City," I say to Charizard as I climb on its back. "To my father's office!"
Charizard nods and quickly takes off with a flap of its large wings. A little girl looks up in amazement at Charizard and me as we fly off.
"My dad is going to ask me for a favor," I say aloud to Charizard. "I wonder what it could be."
The breeze blows through my messy, long black hair. My red shirt flutters a bit with the wind over my black jeans. I gaze down at the city. The streets are occupied by some cars and people walk about on sidewalks. Charizard begins to fly toward a large black ten story building near the center of the city. A large sign on top of it reads Blaze Corporation with a fireball as its logo.
"Let's head for the balcony of my dad's office on the tenth floor," I tell Charizard as I pat him gently on the neck.
Charizard slightly tilts to the right to fly toward the balcony. The large sliding glass door is open, and Charizard flies in. The gusts of wind from Charizard's flapping wings cause the plants nearby to flutter as we stay flying in midair. I look toward the end of the room and see my father sitting at his desk, covering his face from the gusts of wind. Another man with a white beard is standing in front of his desk, covering his face as well.
"You don't fancy doors, do you?" my father exclaims aloud to me.
I jump down from Charizard's back after he lands on the floor.
"You know me; I love making good entrances," I say with a smile as I return Charizard back into his Poké ball.
"You and your brother take a lot after your father," the man with the white beard says with a chuckle. "Your father was quite the show stealer back when we were younger."
"Makes sense as to why you and my father are childhood best friends, Wattson," I say as I walk up to them.
"Sometimes I wish they'd taken after their mother's calm nature," my father warmly jokes.
I smile sheepishly.
"Sorry if I interrupted anything," I say while rubbing the back of my head. "Jason told me you wanted to meet me at ., so I didn't expect you to have anyone here at this time."
"No, Wattson and I were just catching up," my dad says.
"I've got to run anyway," Wattson adds. "The gym isn't going to run itself, ya know."
"When are you and Jason going at it in a battle again? You guys haven't in a long time," I say to Wattson as I take a seat on one of the couches in front of my dad's desk.
"Well, he's been awfully busy running Blaze Tower," Wattson explains. "I respect that he has the responsibility of running it like he respects the responsibility I have running my gym."
"That, and you know he'd also cream your Electric-type Pokémon with his Rock-type," I tease.
Wattson and my father let out a chuckle.
"She has your humor," Wattson tells my father.
"And her mother's intellect," my father adds.
"Indeed, both Blaze siblings do," Wattson says. "Well, I won't further postpone your meeting. I'll catch you later!"
Wattson waves us goodbye as he walks out of the office. I reach over to the basket on the coffee table in front of me and take an apple.
"So what's the favor you wanna ask?" I say before taking a bite out of the apple.
"I need you to deliver some documents for me," my father begins to explain. "I've signed a contract to partner with Devon Corporation."
"Congratulations! I know how much you've wanted that to happen."
"Thank you, dear. The documents I need you to deliver include the signed contracts Mr. Stone sent. He's the president of Devon Corporation."
"When do you need me to deliver the documents?"
"I was hoping you could head out today. I know your brother is busy running Blaze Tower, so you're my only trusted option."
"That's no problem at all," I say as I toss the finished apple into the garbage bin next to his desk. "Devon Corporation is located in Rustboro, correct?"
"Yes, west of Mauville past Verdanturf City," my father says as he walks over to me with a portfolio envelope in his hands. "Mr. Stone has told me that he has been facing trouble with people attempting to steal his devices and work. That is why I am entrusting you with this delivery; I know you're a highly skilled trainer and can handle your own."
I stand up and face my father as he holds out the filled portfolio envelope. He looks me firmly in the eyes as I place my hand on the large, brown portfolio envelope.
"I want you to be extremely careful, Denise," my father cautions. "These people that Mr. Stone has mentioned are said to be dangerous. They've also taken an interest in Blaze Corporation. I need you to understand that this is serious and that I want you to be safe."
I am a bit taken aback at my father's precaution but give him a firm gaze.
"Don't worry, dad. I'll be careful," I reassure him.
My father stares at me for a moment with a warm but worried gaze.
"I just can't afford to lose you or Jason…I promised your mother that I wouldn't let anything happen to either of you…"
I stare at my father and then take the portfolio from him.
"I'll grab something to eat first with Mireha before I head out," I say.
"Oh, and don't tell Jason where you're going and any details," my father says. "If he finds out about the people Mr. Stone mentioned, he's going to try to stop you from going. You know how much of a big brother he is."
I laugh at his remark. I walk over to the large open window and send out my Charizard. After tucking the portfolio securely under my right arm, I stand in thought for a moment.
"You did well raising us these past eight years since mom died," I turn to say to my father with a warm smile. "I'm sure mom would say the same."
My father returns the warm smile and gives me a thanking nod. With that, I climb onto Charizard's back and fly out of his office.
"We'll head to Mireha's first before we leave for Rustboro," I say to Charizard. "I'm gonna need some stuff from her for the trip."
Charizard nods and flies in the direction toward Mireha's place.
We arrive at Mireha's house. Charizard lands in front of the light-blue painted two story house, and I return him inside the Poké ball. I walk up the wooden porch steps and ring the doorbell next to the red front door.
"Coming!" I hear a familiar voice call out from inside.
After a moment of waiting, the door opens. A young woman, same age as me, with brown hair in a pixie-style haircut peers out from behind the door. She peers at me with her light brown eyes and a smile spreads across her face.
"Denise! How nice of you to come!" she exclaims as she fully opens the door.
"Hey, Mireha," I greet as I return the smile. "You got time for lunch?"
"Yeah, my mother just finished making some soup and sandwiches, actually," Mireha says as she motions for me to come in. "I'm sure she won't mind you dropping by unexpectedly. We're all used to it, anyway."
I chuckle at her remark as I make my way in. Mireha closes the door. Suddenly, a Raichu runs toward me and leaps into my arms.
"Hey there, Raichu," I say with a smile as it snuggles itself happily against me. "Can we eat somewhere private? We need to talk…" I say to Mireha in a low voice as Raichu climbs to the top of my head.
"Yeah, we can eat outside on the bench tables," Mireha responds, a bit concerned about my secrecy. "Is everything okay?"
"I'll tell ya once we're outside…" I whisper as we make our way into the kitchen.
"Denise!" an older woman says excitedly as she places bowls of soup on the table.
"Mildred!" I humorously exclaim in the same manner.
"You never cease to surprise me with your random drop-ins!" she says as she walks over to give me a hug, causing Raichu to jump from my head onto Mireha's shoulder.
"Yeah, well, it would be boring if I came on a set schedule," I joke as I give her a hug. "Gotta keep things spontaneous, ya know?"
"Denise!" two girls simultaneously yelp in joy from behind.
I turn and am embraced by four arms belonging to two girls. They peer up at me with their identical light brown eyes and dark brown, semi-long hair.
"Hey there, Kiara and Jazline," I say with a smile as I hug back. "How are my twin girls today?"
"Good!" they answer in unison.
"All right, time to eat lunch!" Mildred announces.
Kiara and Jazline quickly make their way to the kitchen table and sit in their chairs.
"You're dad at work?" I ask Mireha.
"Yeah, you know the deal," she replies. "Mom, Denise and I are going to eat lunch outside."
"Okay, make sure you take all the food and drinks you need," Mildred says as she takes a seat at the kitchen table.
Mireha grabs two rectangular trays from the top cabinets above the counter and hands one to me. We both place our bowls of soup, a sandwich, a rice ball, and ice cold lemonade on the tray to carry outside. Raichu manages to grab a rice ball, too, while still on Mireha's shoulder. We walk through the screen door that leads to the backyard and walk over to the bench table. I glance around at all the small Pokémon in the large, fenced backyard wandering about. Some are playing with one another while others are sleeping or simply laying in the rich green grass or garden.
"So, what's going on?" Mireha asks as we place our trays on the bench table and take a seat.
Raichu leaps off of Mireha's shoulder and sits on the table to begin munching on the rice ball.
"I'm leaving for Rustboro," I say as I place my spoon in my soup.
"You're what?" Mireha asks in surprise. "Better do some explaining, missy!"
"I'm going to deliver some documents to the president of Devon Corporation for my father," I begin to explain. "My father has signed a partnership contract with Devon Corp. and wants me to head over to Rustboro to deliver it to the president."
"Why you? Why not one of his assistants?" Mireha says before eating a spoonful of soup.
"He needs someone he can trust and someone who can protect him or herself," I say as I slurp up my soup from my spoon.
"What do you mean protect?" Mireha asks as she eyes me suspiciously.
"According to Mr. Stone, the president of Devon Corporation, there are some people who are trying to steal his work and devices," I continue while munching on a bite of my sandwich. "These same people have started to take interest in Blaze Corporation and may give my father and his company some trouble…My father has entrusted me with these documents to deliver to Mr. Stone," I say as I hold up the brown portfolio.
"Are you serious? You don't know how dangerous it can be!" Mireha says in concern.
"I know…" I say after swallowing some of my sandwich. "But I have to do it in order to help my father. I'm doing it for him. This means so much to him…Besides, I'm a highly skillful trainer. I know how to handle my own with my strong Pokémon."
"I know you're skilled," Mireha says. "You and Jason are known for your skills in Mauville and even outside of the city…But things can still happen, Denise. You can still get hurt."
"Yeah…" I say gazing down at my food. "Just please don't tell Jason. My father didn't tell him in fear that Jason would try to stop me from going."
"Uh, I can't make any promises…" Mireha replies nervously with a sweat drop.
I let out a small laugh. Raichu lays on the table flat on his back after finishing the rice ball.
"It's okay…Rustboro is just some three hours from Mauville," I say before finishing my soup. "I should arrive there before he even finds out."
"Doesn't mean he can't kill you when you come back…" Mireha mutters before taking a sip from her lemonade.
I let out a chuckle.
"I'll need some supplies from you," I say as I take a bite out of my rice ball.
"Like what?"
"Just some Poké blocks and berries for my Pokémon. You know which ones they like and I trust how you make them. You're the best Pokémon breeder in Mauville."
"I gotchu," Mireha replies after taking a bite out of her rice ball.
"Thanks," I say as I smile warmly at Mireha. "I'll stop by my place and gather up the rest of my supplies."
I take the last bite of my rice ball and then take a sip from my lemonade. Mireha finishes her rice ball and takes a bite out of her sandwich.
"You sure you're going to be all right?" Mireha asks in concern as Raichu leaps on to her lap.
"Yeah. I'll only be gone for no more than a day, and I'll be back in no time!" I reply with a sheepish smile.