Satoshi sat In the middle of his room, three of his Pokémon sat around him in a small circle, each eating their respective dinner for the night. The TV across the room was on and displaying the matches from earlier today, a surprising amount of prestigious trainers had lost to people that were unknown, until today. Himself included. They were playing a re run on his earlier match against Drake of the Orange Islands, a strong adversary who was projected to go far within the tournament, unfortunately the clip that was airing was of Satoshi and his Tauros demolishing an Onix and Electabuzz. The media was highlighting all of the 'major losses' of the day throughout the night, wanting to get a buzz around the area for more heated matches by either exaggerating stories or commentating harshly on some trainers. One that caught his eye was a gym v gym leader battle royal between Misty and Wallace. The stands were packed with the excitement of two very powerful water Pokémon trainers, and with her easy victory over Morty the day before she had become a fan favorite for the tournament. Misty had complete control of the battle and won with ease, her water Pokémon being on a top notch level from intense training, each in tune with its trainer and able to capitalize on its opponents weaknesses, two Water Pokémon masters in the making.
Satoshi had wanted to see the battle for himself, but some unforeseen circumstances had crossed his patch which did not allow him to attend. He glanced at his watch and stood up.
"Alright everyone, it's time."
The Pokémon around him stopped what they were doing and stared at their trainer, himself grabbing his pack, placing his cap on his head and the scarf around his neck.
"This time we won't fail." He glanced outside, the weather was picking up and didn't look as if it would be over soon. Now was the perfect time. He returned Riolu to his pokeball and motioned for Pikachu to jump into this pack. The small rodent jumped onto its trainers shoulder and licked his cheek before disappearing into the bag. He adjusted the pack and placed his hands together in front of him, bowing and reciting a small prayer before heading to the door and opening it.
"Zama." He spoke softly to the Alakzam following close behind him, the Pokémon giving his attention instantly, only hearing his nickname on rare occasions.
"I want total focus tonight my friend." The Pokémon nodded its head and gave a low gruff.
Satoshi walked out the room and came face to face with three unexpected individuals. He recognized one of them, but the other two he hadn't met yet.
"Hey Satoshi!" The red head nearly shouted at him, although only being a few feet from him. He flashed a peace sign and gave a head nod to the rest of the group before turned to make his leave
"He - wait up!" Misty grabbed onto his coat and held him in place. "Not even a hello? "
"I'm terribly sorry Misty, I am late for a meeting and didn't want to intrude on your celebration," he glanced at the bottles of wine each person had in their hand. Himself sticking out his and straightening out. "Satoshi. Pleasure to meet both of you."
"Brock, nice to meet you."
"Gary."
Both men shook the strangers hand and eyed him up and down, his blue eyes nearly radiating, the scarf that covered up his face and the hat that was probably an overkill, but there is always somebody who doesn't want their identity shown at a prestigious tournament for a crazy reveal if they make it deep in the tournament.
"Nice battle today by the way, your Leafeon looks like it is well trained."
"Thank you, she is a hard worker and trains often."
"Female? That's rather rare, how did you find her?"
"Another talk for another time friends, now if you'll excuse me.."
"What's with the get up stranger?" Gary muttered, always the one to be blunt and get to the point. Satoshi cocked his head to the side, himself now eyeing Gary up and down before shrugging and turning his head to the side and lifting his scarf a bit to reveal a tremendous scar that looked to run up to his face.
"Oh god, that killed my buzz." Gary said as he averted his eyes, the rest of the group doing the same.
Satoshi straightened himself up and snapped his fingers, disappearing instantly.
"Well. That wasn't weird at all." Gary said as he turned to the group, both of them giving him an eye before shaking their heads and heading into the room. "What? I was just curious!"
"You don't even know him and you light weight asked a personal question! He probably wears all that to hide that scar, it looks real bad." Brock said as he looked through drawers to find a bottle opener.
"But it's to be expected, you are the one and only, Gary oak."
"You can say that again." Gary looked at Misty and flashed a wink, herself giving one back.
"Come on red, just one night, i'll even sleep on the couch!"
"Not a chance Gary, you'll somehow end up in my bed in the middle of the night."
"You say that like its bad."
Misty blushed a little bit, I suppose it wouldn't...
"Alright buddy! You did great, we'll get them next time"
"I'm sorry Gary, I just want to go to bed, i'm beat after the match today."
Gary sighed heavily and grabbed his things, giving misty a hug and peck on the cheek while muttering congratulations, then exiting and making way to his own room.
Misty closed the door and sighed heavily, no matter how many times she gets close to somebody, flashes of Ash will run through her mind, it could be the stupidest memory, but it will always put her in a bad mood. She didn't want to admit that she still has feelings for him, he's gone on an adventure without her, not even bothering to contact her! So why couldn't she commit. She bit her lip and went out the door to call Gary back but stumbled upon an unusual site.
Satoshi was standing at his door, his head against it, muttering to himself.
"Satoshi?" Misty whispered "Are you okay?"
"...yes.."
"...did you lock yourself out?"
"..no." He lifted his head and inhaled deeply and began to chuckle to himself before turning to face Misty.
"It's been a very long night, i'm sorry if i disturbed you." He was no longer wearing the scarf, but a medical mask, ones that people wear when they are sick or for bad weather and his hat was gone. It gave misty a better view of her neighbor, his black hair was mess, a cute one but a mess nonetheless. She couldn't see the scar, but his eyes were more visible now, they were brown? Earlier they were a shade of blue, was she that drunk?
"What happened to your scarf? And your hat?"
"I lost them."
"At your meeting?"
"Correct."
"By the way, i'm sorry for the way my friend acted earlier, he can be rather blunt at times."
"Not a problem."
Without his scarf she could now see more of his tattoos, odd shapes and symbols that meshed together.
Satoshi gathered that she was looking and pulled his shirt down a tad to partially reveal a large chest piece of a Pokémon. It's intriquite design was unique and well done. She blushed as he did it, but was curious and wanted to see more to be honest.
"Not a lot of people see these, so don't go telling everyone now." He said as the door to his room opened
"What is it?" She asked
"That, is a mystery. Are you the one to solve mysteries or leave them be for someone else to discover?" He said over his shoulder as the door shut behind him.
Misty flushed, it's been a while since someone made her feel that way. Her body tingled when he spoke those words, rolling off the tongue smoothly and clearly.
Misty liked mysteries.
Satoshi discarded his shirt and look upon himself in the mirror, his body riddled with ink pertaining long forgotten symbols and Pokémon of lore. The largest one being on his chest. Many of these Pokémon were only spoken in myth and legends that were passed on from generation to generation of trainers, some claiming to have seen or battled these legendary beasts while many said to have seen a quick glimpse, not having another sighting in hundreds of years.
The burden to bear, that's what Satoshi thought. He had met many of these Pokémon, they were real.
And they were dangerous.
"I don't think he's ready, the way he battled was unlike him. He won't make it."
"Patience. Have faith in the young one, for if he fails. We all do."
