(Poke) Ball is Life
Chapter 1 – Beginnings and Endings
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Shouyou had always thought he had been a blessed kid. He grew up in a cheery home and was constantly sounded by family: his dad, mum, sister Natsu and their parents' clans of Pokémon they had journeyed with eons before.
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Today was Shouyou's fourteenth birthday. There had never been a lot of excess money in the Hinata household but the parents had found some money and pulled a few strings so both children could have an interesting combined birthday. The two were happy to share; especially since their present was so special and exciting.
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The Hinata family ran a berry farm on the southern outskirts of Twinleaf Town and Shoyo and Natsu attended the combined primary to intermediate school in town but it didn't cover Pokémon related courses. It was Shouyou's dream to attend Jubilife's Pokémon Trainers' School but it hadn't been feasible for multiple reasons. Shouyou was happy to attend Twinleaf but he still dreamed.
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'Now kids, be good to your teachers.' Mother Hinata said as she straightened Shouyou's collar and pecked Natsu's forehead.
'We will,' they chorused.
'It took a lot of convincing but the teacher at Jubilife was happy to take you in for the day so make the most of it.' Father Hinata added.
'We love you and are so proud.' The parents were gushing like it was the children's first time to ever attend high school.
'We know.' Shouyou blushed.
'And take good care of Pelly.' their father said as he gave his son a PokeBall.
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Shouyou grasped the spherical object firmly. 'And keep Natsu safe too. Air travel can be dangerous; even with trusted companions.' their mother worried.'
'Understood.' Shouyou said.
'I'll be fine. I'm brave.' Natsu piped up.
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Their parents took their children outside. They said their goodbyes and couldn't be happier. It mightn't be a permanent arrangement but it was going to be memorable and enriching. Today was going to be the rest of Shouyou and Natsu's lives.
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Shouyou turned away and let Pelly the Pelipper out of his Ball. In a crimson flash, the huge waterbird materialised with a whinnying cry. 'Sorry if we're heavy.' Shouyou joked and Pelly cried again. Shouyou helped his sister onto the Pelipper's back and then he got onto Pelly's back as well.
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'Bring them home safe, Pelly.' their father said and Pelly began to flap its wings powerfully. It took to the air and soared with long, strident strokes.
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It was amazing, being up in the air. The wind lashed their faces; the kids couldn't keep their eyes open. But when they could, the scenery was phenomenal. It was exquisite and beautiful; completely unparalleled. The blue swirled about cerulean swirls and pirouettes. Clouds swam through the sky; parting only for Pelly and the Hinata siblings.
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They flew over town and winding, sandy routes that were blooming with lush, evergreen trees. Soon, countryside thick with trees and foliage morphed into the sculpture of the city; grey but speckled with thrilling lights and signs.
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Pelly swooped down and the kids' stomachs plummeted. They grinned like it was a roller coaster and then landed. Pelly let them dismount and Natsu ruffled Pelly's feathers affectionately. 'Thanking you.' she chirped.
'Yeah, thanks.' Shouyou agreed. He dug into his pocket and retrieved Pelly's PokeBall. 'But school's going to start soon so we gotta go. C'mon.' Pelly whinnied and returned to he scratched and faded PokeBall it called second home.
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Shouyou turned to his little sister and took her hand protectively. 'Ah, the Hinata siblings?' a lilting voice asked from behind. The two kids turned around and were greeted by the escort their parents had organised: Jubilife's one and only Nurse Joy.
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She was a tall woman in a cutesy, white uniform. She spoke sweetly and came across as gentle with a compassionate and kind disposition. Natsu took to the nurse quickly. The little girl was star-struck as was Shouyou.
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Nurse Joy strolled with the children and dropped them off at the school. She farewelled the children with tender sentiments.
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'Were we are, Natsu. Can you believe it?' Shouyou asked.
'Nup!' Natsu yelped and the two went through the steely gates. The school was huge: three storeys high and the courtyard looked bigger than the entire perimeter of their house. Children swarmed in smart uniforms. They looked curiously towards the out of place newcomers.
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Natsu was quickly accepted by the tribes of children around her age. Shouyou found it a bit harder. The teenagers his age were wary. They didn't have any gaps in their cliques. It didn't matter as the bell rang soon after they arrived. Shouyou hoped Natsu was in good company as they were separated by age group.
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Shouyou was pulled aside by a teacher who assured him that his sister would be fine. She took him to a classroom with was filled with polished-looking middle schoolers. 'Hello class.' the teacher greeted them.'
'Hello Misses Kagami.' they chanted back.
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Ah, so that's her name, Shouyou thought to himself. He was standing in the doorframe. He peered inside. He bounced up and down. He breathed deeply. It smelt like clean like fresh chemicals. He couldn't believe he was here. It felt empowering to be here. His heart pounded and he'd never worn a larger grin before.
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Mrs Kagami stepped aside and gestured Shouyou. 'Today class, we have a special student. He's only here for the day and he's here to experience specialised education. He's from Twinleaf Town.' Mrs Kagami said and Shouyou stepped into the limelight. He became sheepish. 'Introduce yourself to the class.' Mrs Kagami encouraged.
'I'm Hinata Shouyou. I am fourteen. I like Pokémon and volleyball. My goal is to beat the Elite Four and Champion.'
'A good goal to have,' Mrs Kagami smiled.
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She scanned the room for an empty seat. 'Hinata, why do you got sit there?' She pointed to an empty seat that was close to the door and slightly away from the middle of the classroom. It was one away from a black haired kid; he was bored with piercing eyes.
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Shouyou took the empty seat gladly. 'Good to meet you.' Shouyou said to the boy who looked away. People snickered behind them but Shouyou ignored them. Though, it seemed to have riled up the boy who sat next to him.
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He might be shy, Shouyou rationalised. He studiously took down the notes in a special note book he had bought specifically for today. It seemed like revision because it was basic stuff. It was detailing how to treat certain ailments like paralysis, burn, poison; among others. It was still exciting stuff though. Unfortunately, the flip side still remained though as Shoyo already had experience in the growth of cure ingredients.
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Note taking took them to recess and Mrs Kagami dismissed the students except for Shoyo. He was embarrassed to be singled out. 'So, how do you like it?' She had a cheeky smile.
'It's great.' Shouyou animatedly replied.
'Sorry about Kageyama. He's a little…intense. A great student, for the most part, but he can be quite standoffish.'
'Oh, that's fine.' Shouyou wasn't sure what to do with this information, although he did take it as "persistence will help break down barriers". 'Well, I shouldn't keep you for much longer.'
'Right.' Shouyou rocketed off soon after.
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He found a group of students who were fine with him sitting with them. Shouyou thought they all seemed a bit meek. They must breed them different in the city, he figured. They made light conversation and sports and suchlike. The city kids were pretty fascinated by Shouyou's hometown. They found it awesome that he could see the stars from his homestead. Shouyou found it shocking that they didn't get beautiful views from their ninth storey apartments.
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At the moment, everyone seemed closed off by Shouyou remained certain that by the end of the day, he would have made a few long distance friends to keep in touch with.
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Recess ended and they all trotted off back into class. Shoyo thought he was going to get swallowed by the rush. This school was a world away from the one he attended back home. He couldn't begin to articulate the seemingly infinite number of differences.
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This time they took notes of types and abilities. Shouyou never realised there were so many of them. It was overwhelming to think that all the best trainers knew them all off by heart. Shouyou tried to pay close attention and took notes furiously.
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Mrs Kagami clasped her hands excitedly. It was getting on toward the end of the period before lunch. She was quickly covering up her phone in her mess of a handbag. 'I apologise for my inappropriate use of technology, I know, I know, but I needed it so I could get approval for an idea I proposed. This afternoon, after lunch, rather than the usual maintenance course we do, I thought we could have some practice battles. I thought Hinata would appreciate that, considering his disadvantaged background. And I just got a hold of a court we can use. Isn't that great?'
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The class whirred animatedly. It was an incredible idea. Shouyou hollered the most, unabashedly, over it and to the mocking of other students. Kageyama was silent and static. It was as though he couldn't care less.
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Shouyou could hardly sit still through lunch. City middle schoolers were weird as none of them wanted to get up and play a game. Back home, everyone – regardless of their age – would band together and play a game. Sometimes it was volleyball, at Shoyo's request and other time it was skipping at Natsu's preference. Other times they played rugby or tag. It really depended on that day's activity leader. It rotated around the school's twenty-two students.
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Then the bell rang again to signal that class was to begin. To Shouyou, the ringing chimes were a godsend. Mrs Kagami organised everyone into two groups that she called "Team North" and "Team South". Shouyou was part of Team North, as were the trio of boys he had befriended. Shouyou saw that Kageyama was sorted into Team South.
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'I realise this may be a tad unfair but I think Hinata should represent Team North first.' Mrs Kagami said. She was met with some mumbled agreement.
'This'll be my first battle ever!' Shouyou shouted. He was absolutely hyperactive, again to the disdain of his fellow students.
'We'll pick Pokémon and sparring partners by luck. I have a random number generator app on my phone we can use.' Mrs Kagami said.
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She gave out a number to everyone. Shouyou also got a number, he was ten. 'Okay, it will be Hinata Shouyou versus…'She paused and tapped on her phone's screen. 'South Nine. Would you please come forward?'
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Team South murmured and snickered. Shoyo couldn't quite make out what they were saying. It was Kageyama who came forward. 'The hick's screwed. He's got to face the "King of the Court".' Shouyou heard that one loud and clear. He was offended by being called "hick" but he was more honoured by the fact that he was going to have a battle with someone with such a prestigious nickname. It was going to be a tough battle and Shouyou couldn't be more excited.
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'Aoshima! We do not use that sort of language around here. Please respect the learning of others and keep foul language to yourself. If you do not, you will face the consequences of a detention tomorrow lunch time.' Mrs Kagami reprimanded. 'Back to the battle though.' She took a deep breath and the boys took to their ends of the court.
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Kageyama stood regally and Shouyou was genuinely nervous. He was almost worried he would upset his stomach over it. He tried to visualise he was somewhere else, upon a mountain and the victory was the summit. He wondered what the view would be.
A teacher's aide appeared and carried a tray of pristine PokeBalls. Kageyama selected his partner Pokémon first. Shouyou then chose his. He would feel more comfortable with Pelly but using his father's Pokémon in a practice battle would be unfair, even if his opponent had the privilege of being known as the "King of the Court".
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Shouyou liked how the PokeBall felt in his hand. He smiled to himself. 'I am going to decide who gets to go first. If the number is high, it will go to Team North but if it is low, it will go to Team South.' Mrs Kagami announced; not just to the battlers but to the whole class.
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The number was drawn and Kageyama was allowed to go first. He tossed his PokeBall and a Bidoof popped out. A few of Kageyama's classmates snickered. Shouyou supposed it was an unbecoming Pokémon for a king. The buck-toothed creature chuffed and raked its paws against the stiff, ruddy dirt underfoot.
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Shouyou tossed his PokeBall out. He didn't know what to expect. From an intangible, scarlet light, Duskull burst through with a haunting whine. Shouyou had never seen a Duskull in real life before. It looked eerie and made him feel unsettled.
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'Let the match begin.' Mrs Kagami announced.
'Bidoof, use Water Gun.' Kageyama barked. He became fierce looking. His eyes were calculative. Bidoof plodded forward and out of its slack-jawed snout, a weak water spurt sprung forward. Duskull was doused by it and shivered uncomfortably.
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Shouyou hesitated. He glanced around. It was then he realised that all day he had been judged and frowned upon for his inexperience and background. There couldn't have been a worse time for a revelation like that. But he couldn't focus on that. He had to remain in control so that he could savour every moment of this match.
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Finally, Shouyou made a decision. 'Will-O-Wisp!' he shouted and Duskull sent forward bluish flames but they dissipated before they could make contact with Bidoof. Shoyo cringed. Why didn't that work?
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'Moves with low accuracy are always a risk to use.' Mrs Kagami annotated. Kageyama shot her a dirty glare.
'Bidoof, use Defence Curl.' Kageyama instructed. The Bidoof curled into a ball and when it unfurled itself, it appeared more willing to take direct contact.
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Shoyo hesitated again. 'Night Shade!' he yelled and this time, not a single thing happened.
'Normal type Pokémon are immune to Ghost Type moves. Inversely, Ghost types are not affected by Normal type moves.' Mrs Kagami explained. Shoyo felt like a huge idiot for not knowing that.
'Rollout!' Kageyama yelled and for a plump and cumbersome-looking Pokémon, Bidoof was fast and agile. It rolled up into a ball and quickly hit Duskull with a bounce then a jump. Bidoof unfurled itself and Duskull cried like a creaky door battered by gales. It floated to the ground with a dried leaf's flutter. Bidoof proudly chuffed.
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Shouyou felt awful. 'Come back, Duskull.' he cried out, shattered. Duskull was recalled and the match was decided. 'Kageyama wins.' Mrs Kagami declared; as though it wasn't obvious. The boys returned their PokeBalls. They walked off the court. Shouyou was heartbroken but his fingertips tingled. He had just participated in his first, proper Pokémon battle. It was unreal. He glanced at Kageyama; he was stony and indifferent.
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Shouyou watched as everyone else got their turn to battle. He didn't mind that he lost and he liked watching the other battles. Some of these other guys were fantastic. He just didn't like the pity party that his friends were throwing him. Shouyou was tough. He didn't need to be consoled. But he appreciated what his friends meant. There was something blocking the view to the summit of victory now but he knew that with training and preparation, Shouyou would be able to see the other side in all its glory.
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Just as the bell ran to signify the end of another school day, the final battle ended. 'Have a good day. Good luck in club activities and cram school. Hope you had fun today. I did.' Mrs Kagami chirped. 'You're all free to go.'
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Shouyou frantically searched for Kageyama. He pounced on the King who glared him down. 'I'll beat you one day.' Shouyou declared to the thunderstruck boy.
'Never. I'll be Champion one day and I'll never let you win.' Kageyama growled but Shoyo grinned. That sounded like a sparkling challenge.
'I'll surpass you and see the view from the summit.' Shouyou promised; he clenched his fists.
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Shouyou heard Natsu call his name. 'We'll meet again.' he said before dashing off. Kageyama stared, confused and mocking.
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'Have fun today, big bro?' Natsu asked.
'Yeah. I even made a rival.' Shouyou said.
'Really? I made tons of friends. And when I grow up, I wanna be a heroic Pokémon doctor!' Natsu declared.
'That sounds great sis.' Shouyou smiled.
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He brought Pelly's PokeBall out of his pocket. They flew home shortly after and soon landed on familiar soft, springy grass and were almost instantly greeted by their parents. Their dad was sweaty and caked with mud from a hard day of harvesting. Their mother was smattered with flour and smelt like freshly baked poffins. These were the smells and sights of home.
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The kids recited their days to their patents loudly and like unrehearsed actors at their first audition. It had been money worth spent and a day well used. Their parents couldn't have been happier for them.
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'I can't wait for Orientation Day. I'll be old enough for my licence next year.' Shouyou chirped.
'We can't afford to donate to Professor Rowan...' their mother said,
'That's fine.' Shouyou said. He had been expecting that since he learned that economic trouble was a thing but that didn't decease any of his excitement for December thirty-first of next year. It was still a long way away but it was closer than it had ever been.