Continuing my tradition of late, late updates... here's the next chapter! Woo! So the plot is starting to shape up which I'm excited about. So enjoy!
(Pokemon doesn't belong to me. It's Nintendo's/Game Freak's.)
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"Are you sure this is a good idea?" Jeremy asked as he brushed his dark brown bangs out of his face.
"No, I have no idea if this is a good idea." Eric responded nervously holding onto his Zangoose's Pokeball. Last night was still with him despite how he acted around his friends and family. He recalled late last night, staring at his ceiling, picturing the massive Rampardos and that trainer. If only I had known when I saw him at the Market! He thought. It wasn't until he finally dozed off did his mind rest. Of course he was tied to secrecy about the entire ordeal. Something which he begrudgingly agreed to.
"So you want to expose a Zangoose and a Se-" Jeremy went on.
"Yes! Dammit Jeremy, yes! Is it really that big of a deal!?" As Jeremy leaned back at the dining room table his frown shifted to a large smile instantaneously. Eric having noticed raised an annoyed eyebrow at his older brother. "Why are you smiling?" he asked.
"Because. I always find it funny when my little brother gets pissed!" He pushed away from the table and walked toward Eric. In passing he rustled his hair and went up the stairs. If it wasn't for the attack at the Pokemon Center he'd be in a great mood. He'd been making headway in his training, he was pretty sure Trish was into him and his best friend was untouchable since the news of Electivire. In fact in the short 24 hours in which the discovery was made already television broadcasts, magazine covers all raved about the discovery. His mother had been watching the news when the familiar face of Professor Oak appeared and began going on and on about it. I bet Alex taped the damn thing...
After he poured himself a drink and began making something for breakfast Jeremy came down dressed for the day with a Pokeball in hand. He kept tossing it up and down and finally attached it to the holster on his belt. Without saying another word Jeremy swung open the doors to the Gym and flicked all the lights on. Out of sheer boredom, and slight worry, Eric followed along eating a bowl of cereal the entire way. After selecting some random rock music and stretching Jeremy released all six of the Pokeballs at his waist.
Within seconds the Gym was filled with the bright light and the cries of the Pokemon rung loud all-throughout their household. He'd seen them plenty of times before and each of them in their worst state but it was hard not to be awed by the Pokemon on display.
From left to right all of them did their own callisthenics. On the far left was the ever impressive Rhydon that roared loudly and was stretching every part of it's body. Next to that was the loner Tyranitar who simply crossed it's scaled arms and closed it's eyes. Without a doubt Eric knew that Tyranitar was the one Pokemon he ever knew that didn't warm-up but still demolished it's foes. While the brothers were watching Miltank and Donphan roll around the gym, racing each other, they were caught off guard by a white blur that zoomed inches away from their faces. Standing high atop a large boulder was Jeremy's prize Pokemon; Marowak. He was tossing his club-like bone around in circles effortlessly catching it each time. It wasn't until the boulder moved did Eric notice that Marowak wasn't standing on top of the decorations. It was Golem. The Rock Pokemon stood with it's tongue hanging out and was seated comfortably. Jeremy sighed and chuckled under his breath.
"It's funny. I never recall Golem being this damn lazy when he was a Geodude or a Graveler." It was true. Golem had evolved and it's personality switched with it. It still was a capable fighter and could easily withstand some of the strongest Pokemon in the world but the on-going joke was that he lost his I.Q. after the evolution took place.
"I wouldn't change a thing about him though." Eric laughed as he finished off the last of his cereal and drank the milk. "Besides, who else can use Earthquake and nearly destroy the Gym?" Jeremy laughed as he fell to the ground and instantly began doing push-ups.
Eric returned to the house and dumped his dishes in the drain. He too had his own training to do. He marched himself upstairs, showered, dressed and was out the door in a flash. It wasn't everyday that he could do whatever he wanted and dedicate all of his time to training his Pokemon. I'd be a fool to waste this time. It's our last vacation this year until the summer. Better make it count! A smile crept across his face as he walked toward his usual training grounds.
The sun was shining brightly and the sky was a crystal clear blue. Big, fluffy white clouds were crawling across the skyline and were making the day even more spectacular. Which only served to tick off Eric. He wished he had done something to stop that trainer from hurting William Lawkins. How a human got up from a such a massive attack he'd never know nor did he care to. Mr. Lawkins left a sour taste in his mouth after last night and he was going to make it his mission to avoid the PokeCenter at all costs for a little while. Still. Never had he felt so pitiful and useless before in his life.
Shaking himself out of the aggravation it wasn't until Eric re-opened his eyes did he realize he could hear his name being called. Balling his fist and clenching his teeth Eric turned on his heel ready to fight, and not just in a Pokemon Battle. But, all of this was diffused when he noticed the pudgy kid running toward him. It was a boy from school who tended to get picked on but was nonetheless a talented trainer. If Eric remembered correctly he swore the boy wished to become a breeder of some sorts in his life.
Eric stood straight, and kindly waved hello. The boy stopped in front of Eric and was clearly out of breath. "Man, Air! You must have been in your own world or something!" the boy was nearly doubled over trying to catch his breath.
"Yeah, Stan. Something like that." Eric said not really paying attention.
"So how's your vacation goin'?" His name was Stanley Auburn and was in Alex's grade, a year below Eric and Trish. He had dirty blonde hair that was always in his eyes and a round face. A tan polo shirt barely hid his gut and the khaki's did nothing for him. Eh, maybe I'm being bitter... Eric thought as he decided to throw a smile on.
"It's alright so far. It's only been, you know, a day or two." Eric said shaking his head wishing that he'd chosen somewhere else to train.
"Yeah I hear you. So hey! I was wondering..." Here we go. He's going to be asking about last night. "...would you battle me?"
"HUH!?" Eric said visibly taken aback by the request.
"Yeah! You know, just a quick little thing. I've been trying really hard to get my first victory and I figured it wouldn't hurt to ask." With that Eric felt sorry for him and decided that a Trainer Battle couldn't hurt for his Electrike. The experience he'd receive was more then reason enough.
"Yes. Of course Stan. You don't have to ask me, man!" Eric playfully punched him in the arm and strolled a decent distance for the battle to commence. What the hell's wrong with me today? He shook his head and nabbed the correct Pokeball.
"Alright! Here comes the thunda' Air!" Oh good god...Eric bit the inside of his cheek and nonchalantly lobbed the Pokeball in the center. Electrike appeared in a flash, it's fur on edge and it's teeth bared.
"Oooh! Nice one!" Stan whipped his Ball in the center and the light revealed the equally goofy, equally pudgy Delivery Pokemon. Delibird.
It cawed loudly and hopped from one talon to the other. Eric had never seen one before and couldn't help but chuckle at the bird's cheerful attitude.
"I've got to tell you Stan. I didn't expect a Delibird. That's a rare find man." Eric said still watching it's bizarre dance.
"Thanks! He's been my pal since I caught him!" With that, Eric remembered the little knowledge he had on Delibird. It only knew one move. Present. Knowing that he only had to keep his offense up Eric became disappointed and had hoped for a decent competition. "So let's get this going! DELI, USE ICE BEAM!"
BIIIIRDDD! He squawked.
"Wait what?" Before the words left his mouth a blue, frigid beam shot out of the bird's beak and smacked Electrike in the face. Due to it's small stature Electrike was propelled many feet away and already had trouble standing afterward. "What the hell was that!?" Eric shouted. He scrambled to his Pokemon's side and brushed off the tiny ice particles that froze it's green fur.
"Is it alright? Is the battle still going?" Stan asked as the Delibird was placing random rocks and mushrooms into it's giant bag. Eric cradled the tiny Pokemon in his arm' s and saw that it was hurt badly. He only had once choice left. Come on old buddy, don't let me down. Electrike was returned and was quickly followed by it's mentor and friend, Zangoose.
Zangoose appeared sporting his signature stance. It smirked and was ready for the fight. "Alright, STAN, you're not going to take this guy down so easily. ZANGOOSE SLASH ATTACK!" It responded and leapt into action. It sped toward the bird and leapt in the air. It landed behind Delibird and hacked once with it's sharp claws. Delibird fell forward but rolled itself forward and faced it's opponent.
"Delibird use Present!" Zangoose bared it's teeth and prepared for it's next command. Eric too was anxious to see what happened next. He glanced quickly at Stan who looked like he was in the fight for his life.
B-b-b-b-b-bi-biiiird! The Delivery Pokemon reached it's hand into it's sack and pulled out a small box that was neatly wrapped. Without a second thought it jammed it, down it's own throat and spun around quite a few times. Within seconds it looked healthier then ever. Oh brother...Eric rolled his eyes.
"Zangoose use Fury Cutter!" Zangoose put one foot behind it and stiffly swiped downward. Delibird spun out of the way and mocked the Cat-Ferret. Goose... it cried through it's sharp teeth. "Crap!" Eric shouted. His hands were tight and his fingernails began to stab at his palm. His teeth, like his Pokemon's, was clamped shut.
"Follow up with an Ice Beam dude!" Delibird fluttered up in the air for a few seconds before the frigid blast hit the ground, causing icicles to form on the tree's and bushes. Where Zangoose was standing seconds ago nothing but a large sheet of ice was to be found. Eric had taught his Pokemon well. It took Stan and Delibird a few seconds before they noticed Zangoose standing on a branch. It smirked and leapt directly toward the bird.
"Zangoose! FALSE SWIPE!" Eric shouted and he could feel his voice strain under the pressure. With that, Zangoose brought it's left paw in a stabbing motion toward Delibird, within inches away it quickly landed, and swung it's claws horizontally across Delibird's body. The white and red Pokemon backed up a few feet and took stance once again.
"B-buddy!" Stan looked devastated and had no idea where to go from there. Come on man. Just call the battle. Your Delibird is in no condition to continue on! Eric thought to himself, his body still rigid. "You win dude..." Stan hung his head and returned the Pokemon. He waved goodbye to Eric and slowly made his way back into town. Feeling his conscience weighing in heavy Eric sighed and returned Zangoose.
"Hey, Stan. Stick around man. If you want to train a bit with me that'd be pretty cool." Eric saw Stanley stop in his tracks. He turned around with a large grin on his face. "Seriously." Stan nodded his head and caught up to Eric who ventured deeper into the forest.
Trish laid on her bed half-dressed, hair in every direction and eyes barely open. White ear-bud headphones were playing a pop song that she enjoyed. They traced back to an mp3 player that was sitting on her nightstand. She closed her eyes and turned the music off. She glanced at the time and groaned. "I can't believe it's already 1 o'clock..." she tossed her legs off the side of her bed and they hit something rough. She looked downward and saw the intricate black and yellow markings that could only belong to one thing. Her beloved Seviper.
It's body was coiled neatly on top of itself and it's tongue flickered in and out of it's mouth with every breath. It's eyes were tightly shut and it didn't even acknowledge it's Trainer's foot bump it's head. She laughed and glanced upward at the curtain rod above her windows. Wrapped in a cocoon of it's own wings was the happy-go-lucky Gligar that always made her smile. Of course she had a new reason to smile but she wasn't willing to think about that quite yet.
Quietly tiptoeing through the room she made her way to her dresser and grabbed her outfit for the day. Her stomach started to ache when she recalled William being put through a large bookcase. It took her a bit to shake herself out of her stupor and head out of her bedroom. As the door clicked behind her, she was relieved not to hear the television on. Her father had still been away and she was enjoying the time she had to herself. For example; her father never would have allowed her to hang out with friends that late at night before. She was proud that she proved him wrong by taking care of everything that had to be done around the house especially all while beating her ex-boyfriend's ass! You're damn skippy!
She entered the bathroom, turned the shower on and took off her shirt and gym shorts. She stood in her bra and underwear in front of her mirror and smiled. Unlike some of the girls she was sort of friends with, Trish had always been happy with her body and hardly felt insecure. But, unlike most of the girls in town, she had trouble coping with her confidence on a mental level. Finding her place in the world was one thing that always made her nervous and uncomfortable. Even being in the school's student council she hadn't really felt like she belonged there. But it wasn't until she had battled alongside Eric did she start to feel that that was were she belonged. In the few hours that she'd met the two boys and befriended them her life had become ten times more exciting. Realizing how good of a mood she was in, she showered and sung quite loudly.
As she tossed on her favorite jeans and a white blouse she walked back into her room to find Seviper looking outside her window with the curtain hiding half of it's large head. She put her hands on her hips and raised an eyebrow.
"What are you doin' girl?" The snake Pokemon was startled and slithered backward until it faced Trish.
VIPE! It hissed. It gestured it's head toward the window once again and Trish started to feel a little worried. After the random violence she witnessed last night her nerves were slightly jumpy. She reluctantly went to the window and was relieved. Outside she saw Alex who was talking loudly, nearly flailing his arms around and around to Eric who was leaning on her father's fence with his arms crossed. Just like him. Trying to act cool. She giggled and blushed slightly. "Try to get along Seviper. These guys are my friends. They'd never try and hurt you or me got it?" The Snake Pokemon's large sword-like tail was going back and forth wildly. It nodded it's head. Trish padded her on the top of her head and whipped around. "AND YOU!" With that the Gligar screeched and opened it's eyes. It panicked and got caught in the curtain and was desperately trying to get free.
"And then WAM! You one hit KO'd it! That was the most impressive technique I saw you use bud!" Alex said as Eric shyly grinned. It wasn't until they heard screams and crashes from upstairs did the boys look up at Trish's window. Within an instant both Electabuzz and Zangoose were out of their balls ready for action. They both dropped their guard and glanced at each other. They couldn't see anything in front of them that they were to do battle with. Zangoose crossed his arms and turned toward Eric. Electabuzz scratched the top of it's head and followed suite.
Buzz, buzz, buzz!
Zan, goose, goose!
"What do you mean I'm blind!?" Alex shouted at Electabuzz and shook his fist at his Pokemon.
Buzzbuzzbuzz, BUZZbuzzbuzz!
"Quit laughing you!" Alex tackled Electabuzz and they both rolled around attempting to get the upper hand.
Zangoose calmly walked to his Trainer's side and jumped on top of the fence and sat.
Goose?
"I couldn't tell you what's wrong with them." Eric shook his head. "HEY! Remember Trish!? Loud noises!?" Electabuzz and Alex both stopped and looked at Eric who made a 'Dumbasses' experssion.
"It's fine! It's fine! Just a little mishap!" The four of them turned around and saw Trish walking out of her house with Gligar sitting on top of her shoulder. "Guys. I want you to meet someone!" Trish stepped aside and from the shadows from within the house all they saw was red, glowing eyes.
"Oh... crap..." Eric said under his breath. Slowly slithering into the sunlight, revealing herself, Seviper made her way outside and next to Trish. With a slight breeze both Zangoose and Seviper caught the scent of their natural enemy and locked-eyes instantly. "Zangoo-" Zangoose pushed Eric to the ground and darted toward Trish and her Pokemon with it's claws sharp as ever.
Seviper exposed it's foot long, red fangs that dripped with venom and stuck close to the ground and slithered faster then any of them could see toward Zangoose and a fallen Eric.
"GUYS! POKEBALLS NOW!" Alex shrieked. Instinctively Eric tossed Zangoose's Pokeball at him and it returned him. Trish stood in her doorway and used the long-distance mechanism to return her giant snake. Eric and Trish looked at each other and she smirked and mouthed 'Sorry' and Eric nodded as he got back on his feet. Well... so much for that...
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Well, I know this Chapter was a bit shorter then the last but believe me when I tell you that I do it for a reason. I hope you enjoyed this somewhat calmer installment and hopefully I'll see you again for the next one! Until then!