10/28 edit: Hi, and welcome to Blazing Courage! If you're a new reader, I just want to warn you that the first three or four chapters have many grammar errors (heck even the newer chapters still do lol) and I know I should revise them but...ugh it's a lot of work getting the next chapter up as it is lol. One day I'll revise them...

This story is based off another fic I read many years ago on AGNPH (TERRIBLETIMESOHGOD) and I can no longer fic. But the majority of it is my own work so... yeah :P Enjoy! :D

Disclaimer: I don't own Pokemon


Hello, my name is Cobalt, a Riolu, 8 years old. I live in Miner's Town, a small, rural town with the majority of the population consisting of workers and miners. It's located in the mountains of the Iron nation, which is mostly consisted of steel and fighting types. My father, a Lucario, is the mayor and leader here. He's strong, kind, and everyone loves him. I strive to be like him one day. As our leader he works with the bigger cities in the nation by providing them ores and other materials in the mountains and caves. The Iron nation actually provides many ores and materials for the other nations of the world, so our little town is a vital resource for everyone! My mother, also a Lucario, is the only teacher here. She teaches both kids and teens, which actually isn't very much work since this is a town of workers. Not many families live here, and even the workers don't live her permanently. In fact, the only other kid here is my best friend Plum, a female Mienfoo.

It was another peaceful day. Class just ended for me and Plum, and it was time for the teens to have their class. Class was split into two different lectures since there aren't many children in this town: one for the kids, and one for the teens. However since the classes are so small, there's more contact between the teacher and students so we all learn at a really fast pace! Mother says we're just as smart as the other kids around the nation even though our classes are half as long.

"Times like this make me glad that we live in a small town, we only have school for a few hours and we get the rest of the day to ourselves!" I said as I stretched out as we walked out of the small school. As much as I loved learning, I loved relaxing and playing even more.

"Yeah I like the less school part, but I wonder what it's like to live in a bigger place. Wouldn't it be great if there were more kids around here? I'd love to have more friends!" Plum said with a smile on her face.

"Are you saying that I'm not enough for you?" I teased, just wanting to get a reaction out of her.

"W-what?! Of course not! I just think it'd be a lot more fun if there were other kids around here to play with. We could play so many more games with other kids around!" she yelled. Plum always overreacted at even the littlest things.

I laughed. "Haha, I'm just kidding! Of course I'd love to have other kids to play with, but as long as I have you, I'm happy. You're my best friend after all and I don't need anyone else!" I said with a huge smile on my face. I purposely tried to embarrass her.

Plum had a shocked look and her face started to turn red. "H-hey ! Don't say embarrassing things like that!" she shouted and jabbed my face.

"Ow! That was uncalled for!" I said with my hand on my cheek. It didn't really hurt but, I guess I deserved that for teasing her like that.

"I know you're teasing me on purpose! And I also know that didn't really hurt!" she said glaring at me. I guess after being friends for so long she'd eventually catch on that I do it on purpose.

"But you do have a point. As long as we have each other, we don't need other kids to play with! It's never boring hanging out with you! Anyway, I'm starving so let's hurry to my place!" she said while as she started to sprint towards her house, leaving me behind.

"H-hey! Wait for me!" I said while I chase after her.

We would always go to Plum's after school for lunch, since my parents were always busy with their work. Plum's mother, a Mienshao, makes crafts for a living, which she does at home, so she would always watch over me and Plum during the weekdays.

"I'm home!" Plum shouts as she rushes into the house. I follow her shortly in, trying to catch my breath.

"Geeze Plum, nothing ever slows you down when it comes to food…"

Plum's mother comes out of the kitchen and greets us, "Welcome back! And just in time like always, lunch is ready!"

"Yes! I'm starving!" Plum says as she rushes to the kitchen.

"Thank you ma'am," I say while nodding my head.

Plum's mother gives a small chuckle, "Polite like always, Cobalt. Plum could really learn a thing or two from you." I give her a smile and join Plum in the kitchen with her mother.

"Plum, did you wash your hands?"

"Ob course I ded!" Plum says, with her mouth full of food.

"Plum! Don't talk with your mouth full!" her mother scolded. Plum takes a huge gulp and smiles with her eyes closed in happiness and replies, "Ah, it's so good!" she then opens her eyes and is greeted by a death glare from her mother, causing her to jump out of her seat. "Eek! S-sorry mom!"

"Goodness, Plum! Try to be more mindful with your manners! Why can you be more polite like Cobalt here?" she says while smiling at me. I awkwardly smile back, "Ma'am, you give me too much credit…"

"And he's modest and humble too!" she added, making me blush with embarrassment.

"I said I was sorry mom! And unlike Cobalt, I'm not gonna be the future mayor of this town. I don't need to be polite 24/7! Plus I'm home, is it really a big deal?" Plum retorted.

I flinched slightly at her comment. It's true that I'm to be the future mayor of this town. Being the leader has been a family tradition since this town was first established. I suppose it's kinda like being royalty with royal blood, except it's just being the mayor of a small town. It's a lot of pressure though, and I honestly don't know if I'm up for it. But I do love this town and I idolize my father, I've always wanted to be just like him.

"Yes it is! It's important to always have manners and be polite! Understand?"

"Yes mom…" Plum said, sounding a bit defeated. I join Plum at the table and sit next to her. "C'mon Plum, don't be so down! There's delicious food here! And your mother made it for us, so you have to be polite, thankful, and respectful to her!" She looked at me and gave me a smile. "You're right, I'm sorry mom!"

"It's okay honey, I'm glad you understand! Now, I have a present for you two! It should be done really soon s-" Plum cuts her off and looks up at her with her eyes gleaming…and mouth full of food.

"Ooo! Iz et th-"

*AHEM* Plum is instantly cut off, and she quickly swallows her food, "S-sorry mom…"

"Oh Plum…" I chuckle at her.

After we finished our food and washed our dishes, we went out to play in Plum's backyard. Her backyard was very spacious and full of green. It had a huge tree which was perfect for relaxing under whenever it was scorching hot in the summer. We would often climb it, and from the top you can get an entire view of the town. A small garden of flowers was located near the entrance to the backyard. Plum's mother tends the garden herself, and sells the flowers in the baskets and pots she makes. There was also a small playground and swing set that me and Plum have spent many days off playing on.

"So what do you think it is that your mother is giving us?" I asked Plum as I pushed her on the swing.

"Hmm, I have an idea of what it might be. She hasn't told me what it is, but I've seen her working on something secretly…" she said as she started to swing up high in the sky.

"So what is it?" I ask eagerly, pushing her with all the force I have.

Plum jumps off the swing and does several front flips and lands perfectly on her feet. She looks back at me and winks, "Hehe, it's a secret!"

I groan at her for not telling me. "You're such a show off."

"Hehe, don't be jealous! You just gotta train more!" She says as she pats me on the head.

"Stop that, you don't have to treat me like a little kid! I'm only a couple inches shorter and a few weeks younger! And I do train! Even more than you do!" I said a bit annoyed.

"Haha I know, I'm just kidding! Who's getting teased now?" she replied. I roll my eyes at her sassy remark.

Plum has always been the stronger and more athletic one. Because of that she would tease me about it, which I'm especially sensitive about since I work and train way harder than she does. And it's with my father too! He's the strongest Pokémon here, so I'm training with the best! I have to train and become strong if I'm to become the future mayor and protect everyone.

"I guess I'm just naturally stronger than you? C'mon I have to be better than you at something! You're more polite, smarter, kinder, more responsible…the list goes on!"

"That's not true…er, well maybe it is, but it's like you said. I have to be this way if I'm going to be a leader when I grow up…" I sighed and looked down.

"Aw c'mon don't look so depressed! It's not like you! I know you're worried that you think you're not up for it, but there's still a lot of time before you actually become our leader! We're still kids! I know I use your future status as an excuse for a lot of things like during lunch, and I'm sorry. But I honestly think you're gonna be a great leader, so you really have nothing to worry about! And besides, I'll be there for you if you ever really get into trouble. We always have each other's backs!" Plum said with a smile, trying to cheer me up. She really does always have my back.

"Hehe, thanks Plum! And it's okay, don't be sorry. I really shouldn't let it bother me. And you're right; there still is a lot of time. I don't need to worry about it right now, but when the time does come I know I'll be just fine!" I replied with determination.

"Kids, I finished them!" Plum's mother called out from the back door.

"C'mon let's go!" Plum said, rushing off like always. I follow her back inside the house.

"Look! Aren't they adorable?" Plum's mother said, holding a Riolu and Mienfoo doll. They looked extremely well made and high quality! I gazed at them with amazement and excitement. "Wow! Are these supposed to be us?" I asked her.

"Yup! Do you like them? I made the Riolu for you Plum and Cobalt you can have the Mienfoo one. Now you guys will always be together even if you're far apart!" Plum's mother said proudly.

"Oh wow mom, thanks! These have to be your best work yet! This Riolu is so cute! It looks just like you Cobalt!" Plum squealed with happiness.

"And this one looks just like you Plum! …Hey wait, are you calling me cute?!" I said with a blush of embarrassment.

"Hehe, of course you're adorable! You both are such cute children!" Plum's mother said with a huge smile on her face.

"M-mom! I was just teasing him, you don't have to be so embarrassing! But, thanks for the doll. I love it!"

"I love it too! Thank you so much ma'am!" I agreed with Plum, both of us with slight blushes of embarrassment from her mother's comments.

"You're both very welcome! Seeing your happiness was totally worth the hard work I put into them! And you guys are even more adorable when you're embarrassed!"

"Mom! You can stop with that now!" Plum said irritated, her face was even redder

"Oh hush dear, there's nothing to be embarrassed about! Now then Cobalt, it's starting to get late. Your parents should be home by now, so I think it's time to go home!"

"Oh! I suppose we lost track of time playing outside. I guess I better head home now. Thank you for having me like always! And thank you so much for the present! I'll keep it with me at all times! I'll see you tomorrow at school Plum!" I bowed and left for home, with Plum and her mother waving good bye back at me.

Plum lives at the opposite side of town from me, so it takes some time to get home. All sorts of buildings and stores stand between our homes, and as I walk home I pass by the town hall where my father works. I stop in front of it and look at the building, which happens to be the biggest building in the town.

"Am I really gonna be working here when I grow up? It's still a little hard for me to believe that I'll be leading this town in the future…" I whispered to myself. I hold onto my Mienfoo doll tighter.

As I stand there lost in my thoughts, my parents walk out of the building.

"Oh! Mother! Father!" I say cheerfully as I approach them.

"Hello Cobalt! We were worried that you were already going to be home and we wouldn't be there since it's already so late!" Mother said. After her work at school she comes here to help my father out with his work.

"Hey there son! Great timing! We were actually deciding to eat out today! We hit jackpot at the mines today and are to going to make some good money for the town, so we're going out to celebrate!" Father said with a huge smile on his face.

"Wow! You really are amazing Father!" my eyes gleaming with amazement. My father really is the greatest. He does so much for the sake of not just this town but the whole nation. It's no wonder everyone looks up to him!

"Yup, I know!" Father said proudly with his eyes closed and his chest sticking out. He always liked to joke around about how great he was with me. We all laugh at his silly response. "By the way, what's that you're holding there?" he said, referring to the Mienfoo doll I was holding.

Mother leaned in to get a better look at it. "Is that Mienfoo doll? It's adorable! Did Plum's mother make that for you?" she said with a look of amazement in her eyes.

"Yeah! She also made a Riolu for Plum! She said it's so that we can always be together even if we're far apart!" I said while admiring the doll. It really does look exactly like Plum.

"Well, isn't that just cute and sweet? She does so much for us, and yet insists in not taking any payment! We ought to do something to thank her in the near future." Mother replied with her arms crossed and eyes closed, thinking on how to thank her.

"Anyway, shall we get going? I'm starving after a long day of work!"

"Yes!" Mother and I replied at the same time.

The three of us head towards our favorite restaurant in town, Miner's Inn. Father is really good friends with the owner, so we come here every couple weeks or if we're celebrating something.

"Well, if it isn't Mr. Mayor and his lovely family! You guys were just here a couple of days ago! Celebrating the recent success in the mines?" The owner, an Emboar, greets us as we walk into the restaurant. The restaurant was a rather simple building, with a couple of booths and tables. The walls were covered in photos of the mines and workers; I could spot my father in some of them. There were a few decorations, including some plants in pots and baskets that I could tell that Plum's mother made; they were the same plants that she has growing in her backyard. Though it was nothing fancy, it felt very homey and humble inside. A radio was playing the some very relaxing music on the counter. The place had a good amount of customers inside. I could tell they were all miners from the accessories they were wearing, like the belts and helmets. This would explain why the owner already knew about the jackpot Father hit today.

"You got that right!" Father replied.

"Haha, I actually expected to see you guys here tonight after hearing the news. So, the usual order for everyone?" The Emboar replied. We're pretty much regulars here, so he already has our orders memorized. A lot of people are actually regulars here due to the size of the town; it's quite the popular restaurant.

"Right again!" Father said, taking a seat at one of the tables. Mother and I followed.

"Great, coming right up!" The owner said as he headed into the kitchen.

As we took our seats the music on the radio was interrupted, which caught everyone's attention. All eyes were instantly directed to the radio.

"We interrupt this program for an important message. Another rural town in the mountains, Ore Town in the Iron nation, has been attacked and destroyed again by the gang, Demon's Fang. There were no survivors. The gang, mostly consisted of dark types and hails from no particular nation, has been on the loose lately and attack many mountain towns in hopes of stealing their materials. Their motive is currently unknown. If you see any suspicious contact, please alert your local police immediately."

Well, there goes everyone's happy mood. The atmosphere immediately turned intense and heavy. Everyone was speechless. I couldn't believe what I just heard. I took a quick glace around the room and saw that everyone had a look of sadness and fear. My mother had her hands covering her mouth, and I could almost see tears forming in her eyes. My father had a very grim look on his face. I could tell he was very worried for this town, as we are a potential target.

Finally someone spoke up.

"O-ore Town?! That's practically right next to us! W-we're definitely next! We're all gonna die!" one of the miners panicked. Everyone then started freaking out, shouting about how we're next and that we're all going to die. It was so frightening. I've never seen anyone so panicked before.

It was too much for me. I felt my body trembling and tears started forming in my eyes. I tried my best to fight back my tears. "Fa-father is t-that true? Are…are we really going to be next? Y-y-our're going to protect us r-right?" I tried to speak. I've never stuttered like that or felt so much fear before in my life.

The moment my father saw me, I could see in his eyes that his heart dropped. I've never seen him look so sad before. He instantly stood up and slammed his hands on the table. Everyone's attention was directed to him.

"Everyone calm down! We are not going to die! It's true that we are very likely to be targeted soon, but do not let that get to you! It's unlikely they will be attacking us anytime soon since they just attacked today. Plus this town has many powerful Pokémon here, and if we do get attacked, I will protect everyone with my life. We cannot let fear overpower us! I will let the capital know of our situation at once and request extra protection!" he said confidently. He face was very stern and he had a strong look of determination in his eyes. The entire restaurant was speechless, but they had looks of relief and confidence after hearing his mini speech. I looked up at him with amazement and admiration. "Wow…he's just so amazing! Will I be able to do that one day? I hope so!" I thought to myself.

"Y-yeah! We have nothing to worry about! We're all strong, and this town has many fighting types! That stupid gang is filled with dark types, so we definitely have the advantage!" one of the miners finally spoke up after that short moment of silence. Everyone agreed with him and started talking again, mostly about how we have nothing to fear. And just like that the atmosphere is back to normal. My father fixed it so quickly and easily, he's the best leader ever!

"Father, you're so cool!" I said

He had his usual joking reaction, trying to look cool and cheer me up. "Heh, yeah I know! I can basically do anything!" Then his face turned serious. "I need to go back to the office and make arrangements. This is a serious matter and I need to let the capital know immediately. Hopefully they can send us backup as soon as possible." He then sighed. "Looks like I'll be working even more overtime, I don't know when I'll be home."

"Yes, I understand dear. Don't worry about it, I'll watch over Cobalt. We'll bring over your food later." Mother replied.

"Thank you," he said, giving my mother a kiss. "Cobalt, don't you worry about a thing! I'll get us some extra protection and beat up those stupid thieves!" my father said reassuringly.

"Yes, I know Father! We'll all be safe with you around!" I said with a nod.

We waved goodbye to him as he left the restaurant. Everything is going to be fine! That Demon's Fang gang or whatever will be sorry if they ever decide to try and steal our ores! …At least, that's what I want to believe.

After finishing our dinner and dropping of Father's dinner, Mother and I headed home. Father was extremely busy back at the office; he had a phone in one hand and a pen in the other, constantly scribbling down on his notebook. He was able to take a little break from all the chaos, which he took to speak to Mother privately. "This is getting really serious…" I thought to myself. Father thanked us for the food and again reassured us that everything will be alright, though I can see that he looked slightly worried. I tried to shrug that glimpse of worry I saw in him, but I couldn't and I felt all the fear slowing come back to me.

Back at home I lie down on my bed with my Mienfoo doll close by, just staring aimlessly at my ceiling, lost in my thoughts. "What's going to happen to us? Are we really going to be targeted? Can it really happen anytime? Is the extra protection going to arrive on time, if they even come? Why is the Demon's Fang even attacking towns? What do they want?" My thoughts are disrupted when I suddenly hear a knock on my bedroom door.

"Come in."

"Hello dear, how are you doing?" Mother comes in, holding a rather large backpack.

"I'm…fine I guess…" I try to hide my fear, but not doing a good job at it. I mean, besides being scared for my life, I am fine…I think.

Mother frowns to my response. I've never been good at lying. That's a good trait for a leader right?

"Cobalt, I know that you're scared. We're all scared. But the Demon's Fang just attacked today, they most likely won't attack again for a while. And there's no guarantee that we're next or even targeted. But it's better to be prepared." She then holds up the backpack and shows me the contents of the inside: several cans of food and bottles of water, a map and compass, a first aid kit, a blanket, and…our photo album?

"Wh-what is this?"

"I've prepared this emergency backpack for you. As you can see, it's filled with supplies that should last you several days should you have to retreat."

"Retreat…? W-why would I need to retreat…?" I stutter; scared for where this conversation is going.

"Because…if we do get attacked, I want you to run. Your father and I have already discussed this beforehand. You must run to the nearest town, or find shelter in the wild. Try to keep yourself safe and away from here, and try to find out what has happened to the town. If it's safe then come back home." Mother said, looking straight in my eyes. I've never seen her with such a serious expression before. It was actually kind of frightening to see her like this. I'm in complete shock that this conversation is even happening.

"Wh-what do you mean if it's safe?! It's definitely going to be safe right?! Everyone here is so strong and we even have a type advantage against them! P-plus we'll have that extra protection r-right?!" I tried saying with a straight face, which obviously didn't work. I could feel the tears starting to build up.

"Dear, there are no guarantees we'll be safe. We must be prepared for anything. Your father and I want nothing more than your safety, so you need to do as we say in case something happens to us or th-" she couldn't finish her sentence. She was cut off by my sudden outburst.

"What do you mean if something happens to you?! You guys aren't going to d-die on me! Right?! If we get attacked, we're a-all gonna survive! Us, Plum, and everyone! Don't t-talk like you're already prepared to die!" That was the tipping point. I could fight it back anymore. I broke down in tears, sobbing loudly.

"Shh, it'll be alright dear. W-we just need to take every precaution possible. We're not going to die; we're not going anywhere…" My mother said, hugging me tightly. I buried my face on her, my tears flowing onto her fur. She started rubbing my head, saying things like "It's going to be okay" and "we're not going anywhere."

"*sniff*I…I'm sorry Mother. I know that we must be prepared for anything *sniff*, and that anything could happen…it's just too much for me to handle…*sniff*" I struggled to say, trying to get rid of the tears. "But yes, I understand. I'll do as you say if you and Father think it's for the best."

Mother smiled at me, relieved at my response. She embraces me even harder. "I'm glad you understand dear. I love you so much. It's going to be okay. You have nothing to wo-"

Before she can finish her sentence, a loud explosion goes off outside. Mother and I rush to the window, only to see that our worst nightmare is about to come true.

It…it's happening!


You made it through chapter one! YAY! Hopefully it wasn't too cringeworthy :P (it's honestly why I still haven't revised it yet. I'm too scared to re-read it haha) I hope you continue on and enjoy the rest~

See you in the next chapter! (pls) *explodes*