Chapter Two: Friends in the Cold


Halfway across town, Dusk stopped to ask someone directions to Scott's house.

"Oh, Scott?" the old woman wondered excitedly, "You look like a strong trainer. You want to fight him don't you? Scott's house is the one with the green roof, right next to the trees."

"Thank you ma'am," Dusk said as he continued on his way. He walked with a slight spring in his step, happy to be recognized as 'a strong trainer'. He hoped that one day people all over would know him by name and challenge him to battles to prove themselves. When he reached Scott's house, he knocked on the door and waited.

After a few seconds, it opened to reveal a young woman, who looked like she was around twenty. She had long blue hair that fell past her waist and amber-colored eyes. She was wearing a purple turtleneck sweater, and white jeans.

"Hello, my name is Dusk. Is this wear Scott lives?"

"Um, yes, are you a trainer?" the woman asked.

"Yes, I was wondering if maybe I could talk to Scott and his sister and challenge them to a battle. I was told they're very strong, and I'd like to see if I can beat them."

"Well, I'm Scott's sister, Mirabelle, but you can call me Mira." she held out her hand and Dusk shook it, "C'mon in. I'll get my little brother so we can see about this battle of yours." Mira grinned and climbed a set of stairs across the house from the front door. Dusk stepped inside and waited for her to return.

He looked around at the roomy home. It was large, apparently with two floors. He assumed that the bedrooms were upstairs, and he could see a kitchen off to his left. On the mantle of the fireplace in the living room, where Dusk was standing, he saw picture frames. Stepping over to them, Dusk could see Mira and Scott at younger ages.

Scott looked much like his sister, with the same blue hair and amber eyes, but he was shorter, probably a little younger than Dusk himself. The siblings seemed close, judging by the big grins and physical affection in the photos.

Dusk turned around when he heard footsteps on the stairs. First he saw Mira, then Scott came behind her, clad in a navy blue t-shirt and grey pants.

"Hey Dusk!" Scott greeted, "My sis tells me you want a fight!"

"That's right. I want to become the strongest trainer ever, and I hear you two are worth fighting."

"Sounds like a plan to me. You wanna do it now?"

"No, I was thinking we could battle later tonight. I'm staying at the Pokemon Center right now, and I wanted to rest after my hike through the mountains yesterday."

"How 'bout we come with you then?" Scott suggested.

"Yeah, I've been wanting to visit Kioku anyway," Mira agreed.

"That sounds great. Let's go."

The group headed out about a half an hour later, after Mira and Scott got their Pokemon ready. On the way, Mira commented on how strong Dusk's Mightyena looked.

"I mean, his battle scars kinda make him seem tough and impressive, y'know?" she was saying.

"Yeah, a lot of people say that. He's my oldest friend and we've been through a lot together. He's had more wounds than I can count, but I always take care of my buddy." Dusk patted Meiun's head, and the Pokemon bumped its head against his leg.

"'S he got a name?" Scott asked curiously, gently patting the Pokemon.

"His name's Meiun." Dusk answered simply.

"That's ominous." Mira muttered.

Dusk smirked. He knew well that his Pokemon's name meant 'doom', but it just served toward his intimidating character.

They soon reached the Pokemon Center, and saw Kioku outside, a Sneasel standing in front of her. She looked up when she heard their footsteps in the snow and waved. Dusk jogged up to her with Meiun, Scott, and Mira right behind him.

"Hey guys," Kioku greeted them, "So I take it Dusk convinced you to battle him did he?"

"Yeah, I'm ready for a good challenge from you kid," Mira told Dusk, "If you beat my brother, you'll have me to answer to."

"Well come in and settle down until your battle. I wanted to talk to Dusk and hear about his travels. It sounds like you could tell some interesting stories boy."

Dusk blushed and laughed nervously.

"Yeah, I've had some pretty interesting battles, not to mention the dangers of some of these roads and mountains," Dusk muttered, thinking back on several near-death experiences.

The five of them sat in the lounge area of the center, drinking cocoa to ward off the cold weather.

"So I was wondering Dusk," Kioku began, "Could you show us the rest of your Pokemon? Pretty please?" She pouted adorably, and Dusk couldn't resist her ocean blue gaze.

"Um, y-yeah I guess, if Scott and Mira promise not to cheat in our battle."

"Cross our hearts and hope to die," Mira assured him,

"What she said," Scott laughed.

"Alright, well, here ya go!" Dusk pulled five of the Pokeballs off his waist, because Meiun was already out as always, "Go everybody!" Five bright bursts later, and his Pokemon were all out, standing around and stretching.

"Oh! A Jolteon!" Kioku squealed excitedly. Zephyr, the subject of her squeal, perked his ears and tilted his head at her. Soul sat next to Dusk and crossed his arms, nodding to the others in the room.

"Man, you have a Lucario?" Scott exclaimed, "That's awesome!"

"And your Gallade," Mira said, "He's so… so polite." Rei had grasped her hand and was bowing as if to kiss it, but he had no mouth and therefore just touched his forehead to the back of her hand. Dusk's Arcanine, Kiba, merely looked on from the sidelines, scoffing at the foolishness of his comrades. He was proud, he was strong, he... was being cuddle by a girl! Mira was stroking his fur and smelling it. Kiba snorted and lay down in embarrassment.

Hunter, Dusk's Flygon, eyed the siblings critically. Deciding he liked them, he scooped them both up and hugged them.

"Ooph!" Scott exclaimed.

"Oh myyy-" Mira laughed.

"Yeah their really friendly to people I like, and trust me, they can tell." Dusk left his Pokemon out to give them a break from their Pokeballs, and he and his new friends enjoyed talking and laughing about things they had done in the past. It was a nice change from the usual lonely road, and Meiun glanced sidelong at his master, noticing the difference in his attitude.

He saw the way Dusk looked at the nurse-girl, and he approved, resting his head on her lap and going to sleep.


Alright, so Dusk's battle'll be next chapter, so sue me. Maybe I shouldn't plan ahead. Anyway, review please!