The Life and Times of Jayce Ketchum

Prologue

My Story

My reflection through the murky puddle beneath my feet quickly faded, as more dark clouds dominated the sky. My dreary expression grew more and more unbearable to wear. I was exhausted and deprived of a good night's rest. I had wandered nearly for a week now, with little to know civilization around. I just hoped I would cross the next town soon. It didn't even take a glance down at her, to know Vulpix was not one of the admirers of rain. I urgently demanded her to return back to her poke ball but of course, she refused.

"Get in I said!" I stated firmly, drips of water sliding down my bangs and forehead.

An immediate shake of the head gave me the sign of her refusal. I let out a low groan at her stubborn nature, gathering her into my arms as I hid her underneath my red jacket. I knew water was already starting to seep through my clothes, having Vulpix's dry warm spot not be the same as it once was before. I was in a real dilemma. There were no caves in sight beyond the lonely road that led into a dark like forest. The wind picking up wasn't a good sign either, having myself become unsure about how I was going to get myself out of this mess.

I travelled a little while longer down the abandon forgotten road. The sight of the road and the experience I had put myself into had only made me regret why I ever left in the first place. Soon though, a faint voice in the distance called out to me. My eyes tried seeing past the hazy mist ahead; I listened carefully.

"Hello! Are you lost?" The voice called out.

It seemed like a friendly tone, though I kept my guard up. The last thing I needed was being ambushed, especially with my Pokémon being at a weak and vulnerable state. A bright light emerged from the mist having it be the owner of the voice, carrying a lantern for guidance. He was an older fellow, old but strong he seemed. He gave a calm chuckle as he stared at my soaked and drenched state.

"You look like you could use a good dry cleaning. Come back to my place so you can dry off."

He appeared to have lived up in these parts for a long time, so I didn't hesitate his hospitality of shelter. The small cabin he inhabited was warm and cozy and from what I could tell, other cabins further down from his were up and running, thanks to the sight of chimney smoke. It must have been an old community. That or a bunch of dwelling hermits. He acted like he was knowledgeable about the area, so I couldn't totally suspect him of being trouble. After all, he did offer me a place to rest up.

"So you're a trainer?" He inquired, pouring me a hot brew of tea.

I had already begun stripping my wet jacket off, placing it on a chair to dry. As for Vulpix well, she had already made herself comfortable by the fire. I figured if she didn't feel threatened by this place, then I shouldn't either.

"We don't get many of them around these parts. The mountains and forests around here are too dangerous to go through with all the wild Pokémon. Here, take this. It'll ease your throat."

I graciously took the hot cup and watched the steam rise up, the heat hitting my shivering face. My icy blue eyes stared at the liquid for a moment, as the man took a seat across from me. I then rose my head staring at the blazing flickering flames of the fire; my tone stoic.

"I appreciate the hospitality but I really shouldn't stay."

I didn't know why I was being obstinate. It wasn't unusual for me to be weary and distant with strangers. That and I didn't want to intrude in his home, even with his invite and Vulpix's acceptance of the place.

The man raised his eyebrows. "You don't honestly intend to go back in that storm do you?" He said astonished. "Besides, if you go back out there your Vulpix might be at risk of getting very sick. There's not another Pokémon center here for miles, so I suggest waiting out till the storms blows over. A head of my cabin is a small herb shop you can go to if you need any supplies. It's not much, but the woman who runs it could give you a little medicine to use till you get to a bigger town."

"Um, thanks."

"Say, why was it out in the middle of the storm anyway?" He asked, after taking a sip of his tea. "Did you lose its poke ball or something?"

"No," I began; surprised he even brought up the topic. "She just hates being locked up. She used to tolerate it more when she was younger, but at- a certain point in my life, she was locked up constantly. Now all she wants to do is be out."

The old man could tell it was a sensitive subject.

"I see. You have any poke chow for it?"

I looked down at my bag on the floor, a sigh followed from my mouth.

"Barely any left."

He made a small wince as he rose from his seat, his old body growing soar. This time he was heading to what looked like a pantry. "I'll see how much I have left. It's just me and my Glaceon so, I'm sure I have some to spare."

As he went off, the sight of a picture frame hanging on one of the nearby walls caused me to rise from seat as well. It was like I was in a trance or something, as if the photograph made me gravitate towards it. It was almost like it was beckoning me to adventure closer.

I could hear him rummage through the pantry, making what sounded like unintelligible grumbles as I remained entranced. My chest then grew a sharp ache as I looked at the photo. The older gentleman was now pouring some food for Vulpix, but he soon caught me staring at the picture. I could feel his footsteps behind me, drawing closer. I finally spoke up not turning my head.

"This is your family I presume?"

"Ah, yes." He was now standing next to me. His voice steady and content, yet I could tell it was a soft spot for him.

"My wife and sons. I haven't seen them in nearly forty years. As you can imagine, the boys are older than in this photo. They probably wouldn't even recognize me if I ran into them. But that's what you get when you become a trainer- and a coward in my case."

A sadden frown swept my face as I lowered my head. The man took a seat back down, leaning back still gazing at me.

"You have a family yourself?"

A lump hit my throat. The question I was afraid to answer.

I raised my head back up staring at the photo, looking at it only made me feel like I was stabbing myself repeatedly in every nook and cranny. My blue eyes had becoming glossy and frozen. My focus didn't leave that photo once, as I imagined the people residing in that photo morphing into what I once knew as my very own. The past self I knew, the younger me, the more vulnerable me, the more cautious me, that became a stubborn, reckless, careless, fool after I discovered the ambition and want I could no longer hold back. The sound of the rain crashing down on the cabin triggered my answer as I had a heart wrenching relapse of past events.

"Yes."