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The diary had the records of Roark's last two years. I discovered Cranidos had been revived only a year ago. It was dated around the time he became the gym leader officially. After a detailed list of Cranidos' features and scientific information, there was a whole page expressing his joy and anticipation for future partnership. I also found that part where he cooked something and made everyone sick. He must have felt really bad about it - he filled over three pages or so on just apologizing to everyone in the hospital (he wrote that he even delivered every one of them a vase of flowers). I could see that he had the sincere heart of a child and was easily affected by emotional events.
I was surprised not to find anything much about fossils. He had gone far enough have conversations with rocks in the anime, yet he didn't write anything about it in his diary. I searched the second drawer and found that he wrote about the fossils there with details that were so intriguing that I could not help but feel a little awed. Moving on, I looked for other stuff that might actually help me find him.
He said he liked Iron Island a lot because the place had a lot of natural resources. I'll have to pay Riley a visit sometime later... There was also a note about exploring Mt. Coronet and searching for rare rocks. I'm going to be there later after Cranidos evolves, so that would have to wait. Speaking of rare rocks, he also mentioned Steven Stone of Hoenn, and expressed how much he admired him and would be more than glad to just sit and talk about rocks all day. My heart fluttered at the thought - I had played the 3rd generation games at least 20 times just because of him. It might not be so bad, having a nice conversation with the heir to the Devon Corporation. Well, maybe I could actually meet him if I'm lucky. Right now, I've got to focus on other things.
I picked up a pencil and opened a fresh page. If I ever find the real-Roark and return to my world, this guy was going to be left in chaos since there would be a lot of changes because of me. I'd better leave a note.
'Hey, Roark!
Don't be surprised - I'm someone from another world. I've been brought here for some unknown reason, and people think I'm you. It was impossible to explain my situation, so I was sort of forced to impersonate you. Sorry if it hurts your feelings, but it's necessary for the time being.
I'll keep you updated through this diary. Oh, you don't have to worry - I won't tell anyone what you've been writing. I'll be staying at your house and train Cranidos for you. If I ever get anymore pokemon, I'll train them for you, too. I'm trying to get your job as a gym leader. I'll do my best!
Hopefully, I'll be able to find you and return to my real world before this notebook is done.
By, your imposter.'
I re-read what I just wrote. Yes, it looked alright. However, I wrote 'imposter' at the end after failing to recall my name. I still have memories of my life before I got warped in here, but why can't I remember who I was?
I must have fallen asleep on the bed with the diary in my hand. When I awoke, it was 7:30 A.M. I didn't feel like getting up, but Volkner was going to kill me if I showed up late.
After a quick breakfast, I changed into the mining clothes and took Cranidos with me. My feet were already partially healed, so I didn't need much bandages. I left the house at 8:20 A.M. I was sure I would be there first.
However, Volkner was already waiting at Oreburgh Gate, sprinkling some white powder on the ground. His pikachu was carrying a bag of it. My jaw dropped open.
"Finally, you're here." He muttered.
"Finally? What time did you get here?" I asked dubiously.
"Around 7:00." He answered without hesitation. I tried to calculate the time it would take to get to Oreburgh from his house.
"Then you'd have to leave Sunyshore at..."
"6:00 or so."
What an early bird. I sighed and brought out Cranidos. He yawned hugely before rubbing his eyes. It was awkward moving about in silence, so I decided to talk a little while popping my bones back in place.
"Um, Volkner? I'm wondering why you're so eager to train with me. Are you actually enjoying this?"
"I'm not eager, I'm not enjoying this, and this isn't exactly what I'd put on my to-do list. However, I just think it's better coming here than sitting in the gym waiting for trainers that are weaker than even you. The last thrilling battle I had was with Aaron before he challenged the League and joined the Elite Four. All the trainers after him were a total waste of time." He said, shaking his head. "Besides, this whole thing got troublesome - Cynthia knows I'm helping you and she said she was going to expect good results."
"Oh dear... So I guess we'll have to do our best. What are we going to do today?"
"A quick battle first - don't worry, no one's going to faint this time. I'll stop when I think Cranidos' HP is running low. After that, we're going to go see Cheryl in Floaroma Town - "
"Why?"
"Because she said she wanted to talk to you." He said, irritated.
"So we're going to walk to Floaroma Town?"
"Technically, Luxray is going to do the walk." I nodded and did a few more stretches.
"After that?"
"We'll go over to The Valley Windworks and have another battle there - "
"Hey - that place has electricity everywhere! You're going to win, no matter what!" I said angrily.
"I didn't say I was going to battle with my pokemon. I'll catch one there and battle with it - fair enough?" Well, maybe. Though, if I lose, he's going to make fun of me for losing to a freshly caught pokemon that is clearly weaker than Cranidos. I guess he's probably confident enough to battle with a pokemon that has been under his ownership for less than five minutes.
"Deal." I said, not looking at him. "So, is that all?"
"That's it, but it might take longer than it sounds. Cheryl might talk forever."
"I wonder what she wants to talk about?"
"You'll find out later. Position yourself and prepare to battle."
It wasn't a battle at all. I spent the whole morning having Cranidos chase after Volkner's pikachu, who kept running away after a Thunderbolt attack. Stealth Rock didn't work this time and the rocks were useless. Poor Cranidos wasn't able to keep up with Pikachu, and soon got so frustrated that he stopped taking orders from me and just sat flat on the ground, pouting. I had to pat and stroke his head a lot of times just to make him calm down.
"You're so mean. This isn't a proper battle."
"It's part of training Cranidos' speed. You're never going to put up a good fight if he's not fast - "
"Yes, yes I know what you're talking about but we've got to be realistic here. There's no way Cranidos can have the same speed as Pikachu. You can't just make him run around and try attack someone who is a million times faster than him." I said defensively.
"Would you rather not train, then?" Volkner asked. I caught his dangerous tone and realized at once I shouldn't have complained.
"No, but - " Cranidos seemed to notice that this was getting pretty uncomfortable. He clutched my boots.
"Then quit the whining and get him back on his feet! I told you yesterday that you're going to have to stick to my training plans, and what, you're tired already?" I winced at his sudden outburst.
"No, but - " I heard my own voice get smaller. Boy, he was scary.
"If you don't want to train with me - fine. I don't have anything to lose. However, you know what your problems are, and you should take responsibility to overcome it. I suggest you make your decision now and let me know." I thought about it quickly - but it wasn't as if there was another option. After all, he was willing to train someone who he disliked. That itself was something to respect. I took a deep breath.
"Okay - we'll do it your way." I crouched down and talked to Cranidos in a firm voice. "Let's show him what you've got." Cranidos stared straight into my eyes before standing and giving a loud roar to show he was fired up.
"Alright! Let's go with Take Down!" Of course, the attack missed but this time it was so close. I need another idea this time... Pikachu used another Thunderbolt on Cranidos.
"Use Stealth Rock until I say stop!" Rocks kept flying around and soon a lot gathered to form a small wall. I didn't expect that to happen, but then I realized it might be quite useful.
"Now! Use Take Down on the rocks!" Cranidos slammed into the wall of rocks very hard, and sent the fragments flying. However much Pikachu was fast, he couldn't avoid all of them and a few gashes appeared on his skin. It was a small damage, but I felt great using a new strategy. Volkner's expression changed and I noticed he looked rather impressed.
"So you thought of a new way to use Stealth Rock... I guess this won't get old." He said after calling his pikachu back in the ball. "Though this battle was for Cranidos to get faster..."
"Still, the whole point was to get Cranidos to attack Pikachu, right?" I said, beaming. Cranidos seemed pretty proud of himself. I crouched down so we could high-five, though Cranidos had to stand on his tip-toes to reach my palm. Volkner checked his wristwatch and brought out Luxray.
"Is it time to see Cheryl already? That battle took a lot of time..." After I zapped in Cranidos, I waited as Volkner got on his luxray. Didn't he have another luxray for me? Or would I have to find some other way to get to Floaroma Town?
"What are you waiting for? Get on." He broke the silence. It took me a few moments to realize he only had one luxray, and we were going to have to ride together. I hesitated for a moment before climbing on behind him.
"He won't be as fast as a rapidash, but he's still quick so try not to fall off or else you're going to waste time in the hospital." I nodded and clutched his waist.
Cheryl was waiting for us in front of the expensive cafe we had once been. I half-expected Mira to pop out of nowhere and squeal "Hello!". No one else was there, though. I jumped off Luxray and went to shake her hand.
"Ah, good to see you again! Shall we have lunch while we're talking?" She smiled and pushed open the door.
"You're going to have lunch here?" It was hard not to laugh at his response - Volkner had paid nearly a fortune for three cups of tea and a glass of juice last time. I guess he wouldn't want to get inside.
"Don't worry - the bill's on someone else." We didn't have to wait long to find out who that someone was.
"Good afternoon." A man in the blue suit was waiting for us in a private booth, and politely greeted us when we appeared.
"Riley? I thought you were busy with trainers on Iron Island?" I was thrilled to see him, but at the same time I wish he didn't see me like this. I wanted to rush back home and put on some clean clothes, maybe wear a little makeup before returning... On second thoughts, I should just stay cool and be Roark. Cheryl sat next to me while Volkner plopped down beside Riley.
"It doesn't mean I don't have free time. Byron called and told me about you, so I thought I'd pay a visit. Plus, Cynthia entrusted me and Cheryl to fill you in on an important matter. Before we do anything, take a look at this menu - you're probably hungry after your morning training." I wish I could see my reflection... I felt my face get warm just looking at his kind smile. Please don't tell me I'm blushing...
"I bet Volkner's spamming all his stress on you." Ignoring the blond's snort, I faced Riley. Wow, just look at his perfect features - I'm positively sure that he'll be a successful model if he existed in real-life.
"We haven't done much yet." I replied. The sandwich here was really good. I wonder what ingredients they use...
"She's been too lazy to get up early in the morning." Volkner said in an expressionless voice. I glared at him, but Riley just laughed.
"Don't take it personally - Everyone here knows what an early bird he is. People say he's a humanoid sunflora - getting up with the sun and setting with the sun. If there's no sun, he'll use electric lights." Feeling better, I looked at Cheryl.
"So, what did you want to talk about?" Cheryl took a sip of another expensive tea before speaking.
"I got word from Cynthia to ask if you can hurry and prepare a battle for the League members to see within five days." Volkner frowned.
"Five days? Why?" Cheryl spooned some sugar in her tea while answering.
"The reporters have been bugging everyone about Roark. They're wondering why someone else is giving out badges when she's back. We couldn't just go and say she lost her memory, so we're going to have to watch her battle and see if she's fit for the job and announce it the moment we make the decision."
"Why does it have to be five days, though?" I asked. Riley took out a piece of paper from his suit pocket and handed it to me. It featured all eight gym badges of Sinnoh forming a circle around the words, 'Gym Leaders on Stage'.
"Because of this. Do you remember about Contests?" I nodded - I had a conversation with Dawn about it two days ago.
"Fantina had been performing in Contests herself, and she's saying there had been a noticable decline in the number of audiences and participants during the past months. The usual way of pokemon dress-up, dance competitions, and move appeals aren't popular anymore. Another major problem is that the gender ratio of people interested in Contests has become rather unbalanced. Almost 99% is done by females. The performance, the voting, everything. It all turned too - how do you say it - girly for males to enter. Even the pokemons are getting smaller in size and much more feminine."
"So in short, if it keeps up like this, Contests will lose its popularity entirely - even the girls are starting to think it's lame. What's worse is that it's starting to affect Hearthome City's economic growth. Fantina had to close the Contest Hall temporarily because it hasn't been able to pay taxes." Cheryl added.
"In order to save the Contests and Hearthome City," Riley continued. "she thought of new Appeals. She hasn't spilled the beans yet, but there are going to be three competitions like last time. The judges insisted that the grand re-opening should be done by the gym leaders' performance and demonstration of the new methods."
"Cynthia knows how much Contests are important, so she agreed to that idea. Plus, everyone in the region knows about gym leaders and would be interested to see how they can perform on stage - how they would differ from their usual images on the battlefield." I silently agreed to that. Dawn had said something similar to me. Cheryl poured a new cup of tea before continuing.
"This is only the advertisement paper, and the real posters are going to be released after the gym leader photos are taken. The Contest is going to be held ten days from now, and the posters have to be printed no less than three days before the big day."
"Does anyone else know about it?" I asked.
"We got the message only last night. Byron knows since Riley told him. We're going to visit the other gym leaders, but we came to you first because of the position preparation. If you get your job back, then you're going to participate. If you don't become the gym leader... They're going to do the Contest without Oreburgh's gym leader." Cheryl said.
"Either way it would make the reporters shut up." She giggled at my words.
"That brings us back to the subject that you've got to show us a battle in five days, no matter what." Volkner said thoughtfully. "Well, change of plans - I thought we should take this slow, but obviously we shouldn't."
He got up from his seat and started to leave.
"Meet me in front of the pokemon center after you're done with your lunch. The sooner the better."
Author's note: Thank you everyone who gave me reviews up until now! I really appreciate it. All those comments are fueling me with the energy to keep writing.
As usual, any kind of reviews except flames are welcome.
I changed some minor mistakes and grammar errors of the previous chapters. Nothing new is added. If there are more that I need to fix, please let me know.
