X Chapter One X
It was the last period of the last day of school. Ever. I only had forty minutes left in the Pokémon Academy for the rest of my life, and the last thing I wanted to do was sit in class listening to Ms. Hanson drone on about important life lessons. Yet here I was, sliding through the door with my best friend Flynn Rotherham, seconds before the bell for the last time. Bitter nostalgia. We took our seats at opposite sides of the room. Flynn and I weren't allowed to sit by each other anymore.
"Children," Ms. Hanson began. I wish she would stop calling us children. We're seventeen, not seven. "It has been such a great pleasure to be your teacher this year." Most of the class groaned and slumped back in their desks. Ms. Hanson was not known for brevity, and we could tell we were in for a long speech. Asher Williams made his hand into a gun and pretended to shoot himself in the temple, his eyes rolling back for added effect. Lydia Jones and Marcy Adams passed notes and giggled, blatantly ignoring the teacher.
For a while, I tried to be considerate and attentive, but I ended up just looking around the room. Most of the things on the wall had been taken down, but a couple of motivational posters remained. "Hang in There, Skitty," "Turn in Homework!" Lame. I laid my head down on the desk.
"Marlena Williams, I know you are not sleeping on your last day of school," Ms. Hanson said semi-sternly. I say "semi" because she's been harsher and more direct throughout the year, even going as far as to hit me on the head with her yard stick. Plus, this was a special day. I looked up without raising my head and noticed the class' eyes on me, waiting for my clever response.
"Oh, no, not at all, ma'am. I was just noticing the way your sound waves carried through my desk. And then I was just trying to commit everything in this room to memory. You know, the smell, the feel, and most importantly, Ms. Hanson, your voice," I sat up and folded my hands on the desk, portraying a good and attentive student. The class laughed and Ms. Hanson even smiled a bit. The truth was, though, I hadn't even realized I'd fallen asleep. The clock said I had about thirty seconds left before the bell.
"Marlena, my dear, I'm going to miss your wit," she shook her head with a chuckle.
The bell rang and everyone bustled out the door, cheering. Flynn caught my eye and smirked, shaking his head as well. Flynn tells me I shouldn't sleep in class. Too late to change now, I guess.
"Sound waves and memorization? Really?" he said when we were in the hall. Somebody had ripped up their notebook and thrown the pieces in the air like confetti.
"Hey, it was pretty clever for just waking up, I'd say," I punched him lightly in the shoulder.
"Marlena!" I heard a voice call behind me. It was Lexi Ross, a cutesy little blonde cheerleader. She was nice, but annoying. I stopped walking to let her catch up. "Marlena, wanna go shopping for a graduation outfit? There's this new little boutique in Agate that's super cute. You can come, too, Flynn." Of course Flynn could come. It was widely known that Lexi had a thing for Flynn.
"Oh, I'd just love to, Lexi-kins, but my parents are taking me out for a celebratory dinner. Sorry," I pretended like this troubled me, but I knew she only invited me so that Flynn would come along.
"Okay, well how about you, then? Wanna go?" she addressed Flynn now, her blue eyes hopeful.
"Can't, sorry. I've got work, and you know how it is." Luckily, he had that excuse to use at his disposal whenever she came around.
"Oh, alright. Well, I'll see you guys tomorrow, then," she smiled brightly (she was an avid teeth bleacher since her dad was a dentist) and picked up her pace so she wouldn't have to walk by us.
"You don't really have work, do you?" I eyed him.
"You don't really have a dinner, do you?"
"Touché."
X X X X
I really did need a graduation outfit, so when I got home, Mom took me out the Phenac City's mall. The trip from home in Gateon to Phenac is long. Mom kept going on about how old she felt and how she still remembered the day I was born "like it was yesterday" for the entire two-hour-long trip. I didn't say much, just stared out the window at the passing desert.
She bought me a cute blue sundress with small yellow flowers on it for the graduation ceremony and a purple one for the second ceremony on Monday.
The second ceremony was a big deal – a massive, no colossal deal. The top three students of the graduating class would be announced to the whole region. It would even be broadcasted on TV. Anyway, those three are then sent on a world-wide adventure to help our very own Professor Willow in her research of Pokémon evolution. Most of us already knew who would be picked, but it was still suspenseful.
The next day was graduation. It was pretty boring. Well, the speeches were at least. The principal and the dean of students talked, and then Willow reminded us all about tomorrow, as if we needed reminding. But then we were called up to get our diplomas and trainer cards, et vióla! We were certified trainers. I felt no different, but others acted as if they'd just been blessed with super powers.
Trevor McAdams threw a party at his house in Phenac. Nothing spectacular happened, except almost everyone got drunk and Lexi fell into the hot tub while trying to flirt with Flynn. Everyone rushed to her aid with towels, and that's when we ducked out. Luckily, Flynn had driven us there on his motorcycle, so we just rode on out to Agate. Compared to Phenac, Pyrite, and Gateon, Agate Village is practically silent. The only things there are a giant tree, a waterfall, a bunch of retired, elderly folks, and a handful of outdoorsy people.
It was late at night, and though we couldn't see all the stars, we could see a lot more than we could at Gateon or Pyrite. We sat on the bridge in silence, our legs dangling over the edge. I could see various species of water Pokémon swimming through the clear water.
"Marlena, I hope we stay friends forever," Flynn said quietly after a while.
I smiled, "Well, of course we will."
"We need to go on our own adventure."
I agreed by resting my head on his shoulder.
Flynn's a good kid.
X X X X
On Sunday, Flynn and I went down to Pyrite's flea market. The selection this time around was mostly junk, but I did find a sweet leather jacket that was broken in to perfection for only $10.
Lydia and Marcy were also in town, but not for the flea market. They, along with most of the town, were admiring the Pokémon of past years' Chosen Ones. Though Flynn was my best friend, Lydia and Marcy were my best girlfriends. We hung out for a while, but around lunchtime, Flynn and I headed out to the Outskirt Stand.
It took us three hours to get there, due to traffic, so it was a late lunch. When we finished, we caught a movie in Phenac, just forty minutes away. By the time that was finished, it was 5:46. Flynn invited me over to his house for dinner. His mom made lasagna. His sister Mona's Buizel was excited to see me, and insisted I held it on my hip like a child. I just hope it doesn't expect the same treatment when it's a Floatzel.
X X X X
Then it was Monday. The day everyone had been waiting for since we started the Pokémon Academy. I had an hour to get ready before I left for the ceremony at 11:45. I wore the new purple dress that looked nice on my pale skin.
When I got there, Lydia and Marcy weren't there yet. I thought that was really odd, but sure enough, they came in with two minutes to spare, looking flustered, though Lydia's hair looked good. I'm sure her mother's prize-winning Cinccino did it for her.
Professor Willow made her speech, though I didn't listen very well, and then started to call the Chosen Ones up.
"And so, without further ado, I'd like to congratulate the three members of the 2012 squad. In alphabetical order…" she opened an envelope as if she didn't know whose names were about to be called, "Marcy Adams."
Cheers erupted as Marcy jumped up from her seat. She shook the hands of the older squads, then took her seat up on the platform, beaming the widest smile I've ever seen. Willow held up the next envelope to silence the crowd.
"Lydia Jones." More cheers. Lydia was either humble or nervous, but she didn't look at the crowd at all. She just took her seat and squeezed Marcy's hand.
"And, last but certainly not least… Asher Williams." Even more cheers. He was ecstatic; I could tell. A couple of his buddies screamed and cheered extra loud for him. Lydia looked up then, smiling extra wide. She looked happier when he was called than when she was.
Lydia has a crush on Asher. This is a fact. She told us at Noelle's sleepover last year. We were playing Truth or Dare, and Lydia picked truth.
"Who do you have the biggest crush on?" Olive asked. Lydia blushed ferociously and giggled nervously, but didn't answer right away.
"Is is it Liev O'Bryan?" Mandy asked defensively. That was her crush.
"Um, no, it's uhh…" she looked over to Marcy, then to me, "Asher Williams," she squeaked out. Lorelai vowed that she'd get them together eventually. Lydia never picked truth again for the rest of the night.
When Willow stepped down from the podium, the crowd swarmed around them. I snuck in to give Marcy and Lydia big hugs and congratulate them because they were real friends, not fake friends like Karina or Lilah. I also hugged Asher because we're cousins and that's what cousins do.
They were about to set off on a wonderful adventure and be the talk of the town until next year's pick.
And I'd be left in Orre to fulfill a destiny of bussing tables and refilling drink orders.
At least I had Flynn.
My and Asher's parents played catch up with each other, so Flynn and I left early to catch the first bus back to Gateon. Flynn noticed I was a little somber and pulled out his iPod, selecting the playlist created just for me. Marlena's Tune-age. He's always been able to find little ways to make me smile.
"I'm glad you're not leaving, Flynn-stone," I sighed, resting my head on his shoulder.
"I'm glad I'm not either." I punched him lightly in the arm. He play-shoved me back. A bitter, old cat Pokémon lady and her Purrloin glared at us until we settled down.
We got off at our stop and made our way to Flynn's backyard to the tree house we and his dad built in the fourth grade. His dad is an electrician and helped us make it the most high-tech tree house in Orre. We hung out there playing videogames until my mom came calling for me to come home for dinner.
X X X X
On Tuesdays, Flynn works at his and Marcy's dad's parts shop. It was a partnership. Mr. Adams was a mechanic, and Mr. Rotherham was, like I said, an electrician, but was once an inventor. While Flynn was busy, I took my family's Growlithe on a walk. Once at the park, I let him loose to chase Pachirisus and Emolgas. I laughed at his frustration when his make-believe prey climbed up the trees, out of his reach. I mostly just watched the passers-by go about their business.
I was swinging my legs under the bench when I felt my heel make contact with something. I leaned over to check what I'd hit. A large blue and yellow egg was laying on its side.
"Holy shh—" I started. An elderly passerby looked over, concerned yet annoyed and displeased that I almost cussed.
"Sorry, I just uh… stubbed my toe…" She continued walking. I called Growlithe back. The loyal creature immediately stopped stalking his 'prey' and rushed over to me. Without a second thought, I scooped up the egg and sprinted home. In my rush, I accidently slammed the front door.
"HEY! Don't slam the door!" Dad called from his recliner.
"Sorry!" I replied, not stopping. I sprinted up the rest of the stairs to my room, Growlithe at my heels. I stashed the egg in a shoe box under my bed, then ran back outside. I was set to run, but I noticed my bike lying on the porch. I quickly mounted it and pedaled off as fast as I could to the parts shop. Growlithe was still chasing me, running right next to my back wheel. He loved to run; his face was pulled back into a grin, his tongue flopping out of his mouth.
I jumped off the bike before it stopped, which sent it careening into the brick wall, but I didn't care.
"FLYNN!" I shouted as I yanked open the door, startling all the customers. I was out of breath, my face was flushed, and my hair was windblown.
"Marlena, what's wrong?" he hurried over to me, abandoning the person at the cash register. I couldn't breathe right yet, let alone respond. I just shook my head. "I'll be off in an hour. Meet me at the tree house?" I nodded and turned back out the door. Growlithe had been guarding my bike and started to wag his tail when I came out. I placed my hands over my head to help control my breathing for a while. When I could finally breathe again, I picked up my bike from its heap against the wall. Surprisingly, nothing was bent or broken except for the one cracked reflector.
I pedaled home much slower; Growlithe only had to trot beside me. The next hour passed at glacial speeds. I couldn't sit still, and eventually ended up pacing. Growlithe lost interest and left, probably to go play outside again. As soon as the hour was up, I grabbed the shoebox and lifted its lid, still amazed by the egg inside. I walked to Flynn's house and made my way up the tree house's ladder. He still wasn't back from work yet, so I placed the shoebox on the table and scanned the bookshelves, trying to stay calm. The Catcher in the Rye, The Great Gatsby, The Fountainhead, To Kill a Mockingbird. I enjoyed reading as much as the next person, but Flynn loved it. I had just pulled out a book to read its back cover when I heard Flynn climbing up the ladder. I turned around, smiling.
"What?" he said. He was obviously confused. The last time he had seen me I was a mess, and now here I was, smiling like a fool. I didn't respond, just kept smiling. "What's in the box?" His work shirt was halfway unbuttoned.
"Open it," I said. He did. His eyes widened.
"Is – is that an egg?"
"It seems to be."
He was frozen in front of it, and for good reason. Eggs don't just show up in Orre.
"Where'd you get it?"
"I found it in the park under a bench. No one would just have left it there, so technically I didn't steal it," I explained quickly.
"What do we do now?"
I shrugged, "Hatch it."
X X X X
The next day, the SS Virgo cruise ship docked in Gateon. Marcy, Lydia, and Asher were leaving. I said a quick goodbye to them again. I should have stayed for longer because I probably wouldn't see them again until next year, but I ran off to the tree house as soon as they got on board.
I didn't know why I was running. We had hidden it out of plain sight, and it's not like it could sprout legs and walk away. But I ran.
Flynn and I had bought a hot water bottle to keep it warm. Over the next few days, we spent all day up in the tree house with it. All my thoughts were centered on it.
That Saturday, when we went inside for lunch, Mona was suspicious.
"What are you guys doing up there all the time?"
"Nothing," we both answered quickly. It must have been a little too quick because she just frowned like she didn't believe us.
The next day, at around four as we were lounging around, we heard the ladder creak.
"Wow, I haven't been up here since I was in the seventh grade when you guys built this!" Mona commented.
The egg was out in the open in the hutch we had made for it. Even though it was in the corner, Mona had sharp eyes and would spot it immediately.
Her head popped over the ledge. Flynn was about to hide it, but there was nowhere to do that, so he just stood in front of it. Mona was now completely inside. My heart rate quickened. She looked around and scrutinized our guilty faces.
"Well, I'm glad to know you're not having sex up here," she said.
"Ugh, Mona, get out!" Flynn said. We were both blushing.
She didn't move, but tightened her eyes on him. "Come here," she ordered.
"What are you doing up here?" Flynn retorted, remaining rooted to his spot.
"What are you hiding?" she strode across the room. Flynn tensed, but she kept walking towards the mini fridge behind him. She narrowed her eyes at us before yanking the door open, acting as if she'd caught us red-handed.
"You're not hiding alcohol or drugs are you?" she said, scanning the contents of the fridge.
"Yes, we're getting hammered and stoned every day. Care for a spliff or a vodka?" I said from the sofa. She laughed.
"I can never be too sure. If I'd found beer in there, I don't know what I would have do— what is that? An egg?" her already big round eyes were massive. We didn't say anything. What could we do, lie? Oh no, that's just a papier-mâché project shaped like an egg. No.
"Where'd you find it?"
"Park," I said.
"Are you gonna hatch it?"
"Yes," Flynn said.
"Can I help?"
"You're not telling Mom?"
"Why would I? This is amazing. Can I help?"
"Okay."
X X X X
About five days later, as we were sitting and watching TV, an impressive crack filled the room. Flynn and I made eye contact for maybe half a second before we scrambled over to the hutch. Mona joined us a moment later.
Flynn squeezed my hand. I squeezed back harder. Mona was frozen with her hands over her mouth. A tiny blue paw kicked through, followed by a black one on the other side. Finally, the rest of the tiny body worked its way through. A Shinx. Its bright yellow eyes stared up at us as it tried to gain balance on its new legs.
"It's a girl," Mona noted.
I couldn't say anything. I was transfixed on its shining eyes. I put my hand out for it to just sniff, but it leapt into my arms instead. Tears welled up in my eyes for some reason. Its head nuzzled into the space between my chest and shoulder.
"I think it just decided its partner," Mona said with a smile. "I got you a pokéball. You have to put it in now or else it will resist."
I did as I was told. I pressed the center button on the red and white ball, expanding it to normal size. A red beam shot out around the baby Shinx, and suddenly my arms were empty. It rolled on the ground a few times, glowing, but it was soon still.
"How am I going to explain my parents how I caught it?"
"Just say someone's Luxray had a baby and they gave it to you," Flynn suggested.
And that's what I did.
Mom gushed over my new partner and reminisced about the day she got her Growlithe. Dad didn't even smile. Shinx liked to stay in my arms. Growlithe was skeptical at first, but grew to like her once she was deemed unthreatening.
One day, while I was out with Flynn, Willow approached us.
"Marlena, it has come to my attention that you now have a Pokémon," she had a business-like tone.
"Y-yeah, I do."
"May I see it?"
"Uhm, sure, but why?"
"Marlena, I know you hatched it. I'm just wanting to make sure it's healthy," she lowered her voice.
"How do you know?" I whispered back.
"My aide saw you in the ark and placed it there under the bench. You see, you were a very close runner up for third in the class, and we thought it would be unfair for all your work to go unnoticed because you were just .01 GPA points lower than Marcy. We know how hard you worked, and we wanted to reward you. This is the first time we've done this, too, because this was the first time the rankings were that close. We almost sent you with them, but we decided this would be better.
"Anyway, may I see your Pokémon?"
"Oh, yeah, sorry." I released Shinx from its ball. She looked up at Willow.
"Shinx?" she squeaked. Willow marked some things on a clipboard. She lifted its mouth to check its teeth, much to Shinx's displeasure. She checked the ears, eyes, joints, stomach, heart rate, and muscles, too.
"Alright, well that ought to do it. You're a real cutie," and with that she left.