Pokemon Quest
Start: Friday, October 16
League Challenge begins: Sunday July 3rd (33 weeks total)

by Adrimiz7

-Begin Week Nine-

"Before a trainer can effectively battle with a pokemon, the trainer must be as familiar as possible with the chosen pokemon." professor Sen explains to his class. "By knowing your pokemon, you will be able to strive for the best possible outcome in any situation you find yourself in."

'Battle tactics is starting to get interesting...' Adrian notes remembering earlier lesson covering basic and common trainer strategies.

"Take a gloom for example. This pokemon has a grass poison type combination and is well known for the fowl stench it produces. Even though it is a grass type pokemon, gloom cannot naturally learn razor leaf or vine whip. However, it can learn some powder attacks as well as acid, mega drain, petal dance, and solar beam. You must also take into consideration gloom's physical ability as well. With this info-"

The phone rings cutting off professor Sen.

"Just a moment class." He says answering the phone.

"Adrian, you are wanted in the head office." professor Sen announces hanging up the phone.

Some students snicker one saying, "That's what you get for skipping."

Adrian leaves the classroom clicking his tongue.

'Class was getting good for once too.'

…..

'This can't be good.' Adrian thinks standing outside the main office.

Adrian walks in and a secretary directs him to the principle's office.

Taking a deep breath, Adrian knocks on the door.

"Enter." the principle responds.

Adrian opens the door stepping into the room, but stops within the door frame.

"Erika..."

Adrian steps inside and shuts the door.

"Thank you for taking care of me." Adrian says turning to Erika.

"It was my pleasure. But, did you rest properly last night. You aren't cured yet." Erika gives a small smile.

"Ye~s, I rested." Adrian replies dragging his voice.

Adrian sits on a chair beside Erika and faces the principle.

A silence falls upon the room.

"You're taking the situation quite calmly." the principle states. "Were you expecting Miss Erika?"

"Not at all, I didn't expect anything like this." Adrian responds nonchalantly.

"You don't look surprised." The principle responds.

"I'm not."

"..." The principle remains silent.

'I get the feeling she's thinking I'm odd.'

"Adri-ku- Adrian-san, your reactions never cease to amaze me." Erika giggles.

Adrian smiles, 'She almost called me Adri-kun.'

Erika blushes in embarrassment from her mishap.

"How did you know? Adrian asks shyly. "I don't recall saying anything."

"Se~cret." Erika teases.

'My sleep talk!' Adrian's eyes widen. 'What else does she know!'

"A-hem" the principle clears his throat. "Then, this is the student you were talking about?"

"Yes." Erika quickly replies remembering the situation.

"My apologies Adrian, but Miss Erika here came describing a sick student she found but couldn't give me the full name. I received a report earlier describing your situation yesterday, so I called you for confirmation. You may return to your class now."

"If that's everything," Adrian says rising. "Erika, thank you again."

As Adrian steps outside the office, he takes a final glance at Erika.

'He could at least explain why she's dressed in our school uniform!'

As Adrian leaves the office, he fails to notice the suspicious smiles on the secretaries.

…..

"Adrian, pay attention!" professor Sen scolds Adrian moments after he returns from the principle's office.

Adrian gives the professor his attention for a few moments and drifts off again.

'I don't get it. Why the uniform...'

…..

Alone, Adrian stares out a window eating lunch in the cafeteria.

'I can't believe they kicked me out.' Adrian recalls the behavior of his pokemon as he sips his orange juice. 'I mentioned Erika is on campus and they went crazy.'

Adrian looks at neighboring table and sees Caitlin enjoying lunch with a guy.

'And that's why I have no one to eat lunch with.'

Adrian sighs.

"Excuse me, but would you mind if I sit here?" a voice interrupts Adrian's thoughts.

"Sure, don't mind me." Adrian dully replies gazing at the sky.

"Here, are you sure?" another voice asks.

"Yes, the view of the forest makes this table perfect."

Adrian frowns recognizing the voice and manner of speaking. He turns to greet the person.

"Good afternoon, I am Erika-"

"The nature loving princess!" Samuel cuts in.

Adrian blinks and responds, "My name is Adrian, student of this school. Please, have a seat."

As Erika and Samuel seat themselves, Adrian wonders, 'Is Sam her guide? What has he told her!'

"What brings you to this academy?" Adrian asks noticing a commotion building.

"I have come to give lectures and observe the growth of the students. Please take care of me while I accomplish this task." Erika responds adding fuel to the commotion.

"Then, will you be staying in one of the guest rooms?"

"Yes."

"And the uniform... ?" Adrian trails off.

"This, it's to help me fit into the academy atmosphere and raise the moral of the students." Erika hushes her voice whispering, "Also, I've always wanted to wear a high school uniform."

'Being a young gym leader must be difficult.' Adrian concludes.

"It suits you quite well, you look just like a student."

The commotion stops at Adrian's comment. All students shift their attention onto Adrian.

"Adrian, what are you saying!" Samuel cries.

"We're very sorry about this Miss Erika." Jarod apologizes suddenly appearing.

"Ah yes," Erika ignores Samuel's out burst, "You most likely know this student, but this is Samuel. Since I don't know this academy very well, he was appointed as my guide. I was impressed to discover he was the top of his class."

'Something about her smile seems off...' Adrian feels. 'I think... she stressed the word top.'

"That's right," Samuel changes his tone. "But, the main reason they appointed me as Miss Erika's guide was so that I could learn from her. The school officials have high expectations for me."

"Show them you're the man, Sam." Jarod cheers slapping Samuel on the back. "Show them that trainers are made, not born."

The two students give Adrian a slight glare hidden from Erika's view.

Adrian accepts the glare and rises, "I'm sorry, but I must get to class. It was a pleasure meeting you, Erika."

"Yes, maybe we'll speak again. I hope you'll enjoy my lectures."

'I'm being paranoid.' Adrian musses walking away, 'There's nothing wrong with her smile.'

During the rest of the day's classes, many student approach Adrian asking why Erika sat with him during lunch.

"Must be a charity case from the school." many of the students conclude.

'Well, I do hold the record for most losses since the academy's foundation.' Adrian dirges.

…..

"Do you guys mind if we end practice early today? I want to hear Erika's lecture." Adrian asks his pokemon.

Immediately, the pokemon return themselves to their pokeballs.

"That... answers that..." Adrian states in shock.

…..

"Dang! That line is long." Adrian states in dumb-foundation as he stares at the auditorium.

Emerging from the auditorium is a line over three blocks longs.

'What, has everyone in this school shown up? There's no way the auditorium will be able to fit everyone inside.'

Adrian takes a last look at the line

"Pff" Adrian puffs.

'Most of the guys are in the first half and the girls are in the back.'

Adrian walks away.

'The lecture starts at seven.' Adrian recalls looking up the time on his pokegear. 'That leaves me thirty minutes to find another way in.'

Adrian circles the auditorium in search of another entrance. Suspecting the doors would be watch, he looks for an obscure window.

'That one will do.'

"Come out Haunter. Haunter, can you go inside and unlock that window for me?"

"Haun Haunter."

"Thank you~."

Haunter opens the window, and Adrian climbs in.

Adrian returns Haunter to his pokeball, shuts the window, and discovers he is in a storage room.

Adrian finds the door and presses his ear against it. Failing to hear anything, he opens the door a little and continues to listen. Confident the hall is empty, Adrian exits the room and finds a side door to the auditorium. Quietly, he opens the door and sneaks inside.

'The side doors are designed for discreet entrances, so no one should see me enter.'

Adrian enters and takes a seat on the ground.

'Best of all, no one can see me thanks to this wall blocking the light from when the door opens.'

Adrian pulls out his pokegear.

'Six, fifty-seven, just made it.'

"Greetings, I am Erika of the Celadon City Gym." Adrian hears the lecture begin.

"Gloom!" a gloom announces from the stage.

A loud roar emerges from the students.

"We love you Erika!" "Erika, marry me!" "How long are you staying?" "Erika!" were some of the cries Adrian hears.

The commotion dies down and Erika continues with her speech.

"The reason for my visit is to address a problem inherent among young trainers, and academy students. I myself have only recently discovered how serious of a problem this is. During the past weekend-"

'Wait, she doesn't mean-?' Adrian wonders.

"I came across a trainer who failed to properly care for himself. He could have died had he not been rescued. I wish to address this problem to prevent any such cases from emerging again. Furthermore, I shall remain on this academy until Sunday night to watch over the progress being made and aid your journey as future trainers-"

'Yep, she does.' Adrian sighs.

"Before I continue with my lecture, are there any questions? Yes, the man in back."

"I don't understand, didn't this person realize his own condition. Can anyone really be so foolish as to risk their own life?"

'Yeah, me.'

"I was also surprised by this person's stupidity-"

'I'm sorry for being stupid...'

"However, as I learned more about the person, I discovered that his desire for strength stemmed from a constant pressure to not fall behind.

'I never told her any of this...'

"Sounds like an inferiority complex." some students joke. Snickering occurs in response.

"This brings me to a key issue. Everyone please, when you see a classmate or student struggling, whether to maintain their position or advance forward, help them by not placing unneeded pressure on them. Offer them your support, but don't drown them in your expectations. Remember, everyone walks a different path to become full fledged trainers. Sometimes those paths greatly differ from the one you are walking. As long as they love pokemon, then there is no need to expect anything else from the trainer."

Erika continues her lecture addressing issues of proper body care, health management, nutrition, and pokemon care. She concludes the lecture by informing everyone of her schedule while at the academy.

"I will now answer any open questions."

"Yes, the lady in blue."

"Hi, I'm wondering, can we expect any promising trainers with all eight gym badges at this year's League?"

"I have faced many strong trainers this past year, only about a dozen have left an impression on me. Information from the other gym leaders suggest that less than a hand full of them are succeeding in defeating the gym leaders."

'One of them has got to be Duck.' Adrian proudly believes in his friend.

"Yes, in the front right."

"Do you train pokemon from the other regions?"

"Very observant. The pokemon league has declared that during gym battles, gym leaders can only use pokemon native to their region. Outside of sanctioned gym battles, gym leaders can train any pokemon they desire. In my case, all my pokemon are native to Kanto due to my inability to travel to another region..." Towards the end of her response, Erika's tone saddens ever so slightly.

The questions continue until Erika dismisses everyone.

"Everyone, thank you for coming today and please remember what we've gone over. I hope to see you through out this week and work along side of each of you."

The assembly ends and the students rise and begin returning to their dorms. Adrian uses the commotion to mix in with the students and leave from the front door. Making it back to his room, he calls Erika.

"Hello, this is Erika speaking."

"I'm sorry for being stupid."

"...Fufuahahahahaha." she laughs. "Adri-kun, I didn't see you at the lecture. But, I'm glad you could make it."

"Is that chanting common?"

"Unfortunately yes, I find it quiet embarrassing."

"How do you like the academy after one day?"

"About that, would you mind meeting me in front of the school gate."

"Yeah, I'll see you there."

Adrian hangs up and takes a look at the time.

'Eight forty-seven, It's still early!'

…..

"It's been some week." Adrian reminisces with his pokemon. "Erika showing up really changed the atmosphere. I've never seen the other students so motivated."

Adrian falls back landing on his bed.

"It's been crazy." Adrian sighs, "Does everyone go crazy when a celebrity shows up? But, this was the most fun I've ever had at the academy."

Adrian rises and changes into his uniform. His pokemon look at him curiously.

"Guys, I explained it to you yesterday. Whenever the academy has visitors, students are required to wear their uniforms at all times, even on weekends. With today being Erika's last day here, the expectations are even higher."

…..

Adrian enters homeroom and sits at his desk.

"I wish Hibiki would show up already!" A student exclaims.

"Yeah, the only reason we have homeroom on the weekend is to know the schedule."

"What's there to know? Since Thursday, the upper classes have been hosting matches before Erika."

"I've heard that the top students get to challenge her for a gym badge."

"Really! Has anyone told Sam?"

…..

"So this is where we'll be battling." Adrian over hears a student rejoice.

"Well, what did you expect?" Another student responds, "Is there anywhere better than the Colosseum?"

"Time to show Erika my good side!"

Adrian looks to bleachers and sees Erika sitting under a small tent. Sitting beside her is Gloom.

"Attention students," Principe calls out emerging next to Erika, "we will now begin the battles. When I call out your names, please approach the ring here below the stands. We will then provide you with a pokemon and you may start battling. Personal owners will be allowed to use their own pokemon, however, the opposing trainer will be given the type advantage. First up-"

Adrian sighs, 'This is going to be a long morning.'

…..

"Adrian Kapa and Kyle Olice." Principe calls.

Adrian easily hears the comments of his fellow students as he enters the rings and is given his pokemon.

"Easy win."

"I kinda feel bad for Adrian. Getting humiliated like this."

"Really, I think it'll be funny."

"Mehh."

Adrian takes a side peek at Erika who seems confused at the student's reactions. He then sees Hibiki and Principe explain his circumstances to her.

"Really!" Adrian can hear her say.

"Hauuu..." Adrian sighs over the laughter among the students.

"Match start!" Principe declares.

"Come on out!" Adrian calls revealing a bulbasaur.

"Bring it on!" Kyle cries summoning a squirtle.

"Bite, Squirtle!" Kyle commands.

"Vine whip, don't let him get close!" Adrian counters.

Instead, Bulbasaur counters with a powder.

"Block it with bubble!"

Bubbles come out of Squirtle's mouth preventing any powder from reaching the pokemon.

"Bulbasaur, razor leaf!"

Instead, Bulbasaur unleashes vine whip.

"Skull bash!"

Squirtle charges past the vines and rams into Bulbasaur.

"Bulbasaur is unable to battle! The winner is Kyle!" Principe announces.

"Wow, even with the type advantage, he lost." Adrian hears an upperclassman muttering.

"How embarrassing." Another one says.

Adrian sighs irritatedly, 'That's right. I'm weak and pathetic. I'm just going to loose the next four matches so why even bother having me battle.'

"Next is-"

…..

Not having anyone to eat lunch with, Adrian sits off on the side. Lonely, he looks around for Caitlin. Adrian finds Caitlin chatting with a lunch date and decides not to approach her. He then looks to Erika and sees her and Samuel enjoying lunch with the professors.

"Gehhh!" Adrian growls looking off to the side.

'Just a few more hours and then the badge battles.'

Adrian imagines the top ten students battling against Erika and gets even angrier.

"Tch" he clicks his tongue.

'Just three more battles.'

…..

"Now for the final match before the gym challenge." Principe announces.

"Last one." Adrian whispers to himself walking to the arena.

"Jim Slovak and Rachel Noeafle."

Adrian glares, 'Final match! I've only had four battles!'

…..

"Winner, Erika!" Principe declares, "Now for the final match. Samuel Roberts, please come forth."

"If possible, I would like to make this into a double battle." Erika suddenly announces.

"Would you care to explain what you have in mind, Miss Erika?" Principe asks.

"Samuel and I will both select someone as a partner and then do battle. If they win, I'll give them both the rainbow badge."

"And if your team wins?"

"I shall allow that person a battle for the rainbow badge as well."

"Samuel, do you accept Erika's proposition?" Principe asks.

"Of course," Sam grins, "and I want Jarod to be my partner."

The students cheer in excitement.

"Then who would you like to battle with, Miss Erika? Has anyone in particular stood out?" Principe asks.

"There was one person who stood out to me." Erika announces, "Although, not because of his victories. Instead, because of his determination to continue despite knowing the results of his four matches, I would like the honor to fight along side Adrian Kapa."

'Did she... I think she... stressed the number four.'

Immediately, the students begin to gossip.

"Adrian! Him of all people!"

"Well, I suppose if I never knew Adrian and saw him battle, it'd leave an impression on me too."

"But she said four times, did Adrian only battle four times."

"Better question, she counted?"

"I refuse." Adrian interjects.

'She's being nosy.'

"""What!""" everyone in the stadium cries in shock.

"A-Adrian, what are you saying. Do you have a reason for this?" Principe demands to know.

"I believe I understand." Erika calmly interrupts, "As we all saw, no pokemon would listen to him and no trainer can exist without loyal pokemon. Therefore, for this match I shall allow you to fight with my ever loyal Gloom."

"Gloo~m!" The pokemon agrees.

'She sounds... angry' Adrian notices a subtle change in her voice and smile.

"I accept." Adrian sighs.

'I really rather not...'

"This'll be good." the students agree among themselves.

Adrian meets with Erika on the arena and Gloom walks up to him.

"Is something bothering you?" Adrian whispers. "You seem angry."

"Oh no, I'm perfectly fine, Adrian." Erika whispers back keeping her smile.

Adrian chills, 'This is worse than those gyarados...'

"Besides it's not like I ever lie." She says turning her attention to the arena. "Or keep secrets."

Instinctively, Adrian reaches out and grabs her arm. "I'm... sorry." He apologizes.

"If you'll... let me," Adrian struggles to find words, "I'll tell you the truth... about everything."

"You better, Adri-kun." Erika replies refacing him. "Tonight."

'Tonight...' the word repeats itself in Adrian's mind.

"If both sides are ready, we shall begin the match." Principe announces.

Erika and Adrian remember themselves and face their opponents.

'They're really angry...' Adrian notes his opponents.

"Who does he think he is, being so familiar with Erika?"

"I think he deserves to die."

"The creep, he just reached out and grabbed her."

Adrian feels his skin crawl from all the hostility and sighs.

"Kill him, Sam!"

"Crush Adrian!"

"Jarod, show no mercy!"

'That's not fair Erika,' Adrian sighs, 'I can't get angry at you for this if you pout like that...'

"Then please send out your pokemon now!" Principe begins the match.

"Go, Beedrill!" Samuel calls.

"Get ready, Magmar!" Jarod calls.

"Gloom!" Adrian announces.

"Bulbasaur!" Erika announces.

"Both Sam and Jarod have the type advantage here." Principe narrates, "What will Erika and Adrian do?"

"Gloom, double team!" Adrian cries out.

Gloom's afterimage protects her from Beedrill's surprise blitzkrieg.

"Gloom, mega drain!" Adrian calls a retort.

"Bulbasaur, razor leaf Magmar!" Erika commands taking advantage of Jarod's shock to Adrian's quick battle sense.

Magmar getting hit brings Jarod's attention to the battle field. "Magmar, fire punch!"

"Gloom, grass knot Magmar!" Adrian calls ignoring Beedrill.

Magmar trips falling onto his face.

"Beedrill, brick break on Gloom!" Samuel roars angry at Adrian ignoring him.

"Bulbasuar, razor leaf Beedrill!"

Leaves shoot out cutting into Beedrill's side.

"Gloom, mega drain, both of them!" Adrian commands.

"Both Erika and Adrian are off to an amazing start thanks to their team work! This is quiet an upstart, who knew Adrian was such a capable battler?" Principe continues narrating. "Although, for some reason, Adrian has yet to use Gloom's other attacks. Could he be planning to surprise us with something?"

'Attacks, what can Gloom do?' Adrian racks his mind for information about Gloom. 'There was a lesson on Gloom earlier this week, but I can't remember it!'

Beedrill and Magmar both rise from the ground. Anger and frustration is evident on Samuels and Jarods' faces.

"Beedrill!"

"Magmar!"

"Twin needle!"

"Fire spin!"

""Substitute!"" Erika and Adrian call out in unison.

The attacks destroy the substitutes..

"Mega drain!"

"Leech seed!"

Adrian and Erika use the opening to restore their health.

"Sunny day!" Jarod calls losing himself to rage. "Now flamethrower Magmar! Defeat that worm!"

"Beedrill, giga impact!" Samuel roars, "Crush him, crush him into the ground!"

"Gloom, double team!" Adrian calls

'Did Gloom get... faster?' Adrian notes at Gloom's increase of speed.

"Bulbasaur, protect!" Erika calls.

The attacks ignore Bulbasaur and instead focus on Gloom's clones.

""Solar beam!"" Erika and Adrian call out.

""Rock smash!"" Samuel and Jarod command their pokemon to counter.

The beams collide with the rocks and creating an explosion.

As the dust settles, Gloom begins to glow. Everyone gasps and Gloom's shape begins to change. Slowly, she begins to shrink and flowers grow on her head. The light fades, and a petal skirt reveals itself over her legs.

"Bel-lossom!" the new pokemon announces.

"Amazing!" Principe cries out, "The combination of sunny day and solar beams reflecting off of the rocks from rock smash has created a situation where a sun stone's radiation being emitted was copied! Because of this, Gloom has evolved into a beautiful Bellossom!"

"Bellossom... Bell-awesome." Adrian jokes to himself on the side.

Many who hear the joke make a face in complaint. Erika, also hearing the joke, giggles. Many students, including Adrian, give a look of dumb-foundation.

'It wasn't even funny...' Adrian tells himself.

Many students begin commenting on Adrian causing Gloom evolve.

"He forced the evolution."

"What a despicable person."

"Gloom is Erika's favorite pokemon too."

"Her first pokemon if I recall correctly."

"He better take responsibility for this."

"The creep."

"Can't be forgiven."

Adrian panics, 'I got the feeling the she and Gloom were close, but I didn't know any of that. Now I"m expected to take responsibility? How am I suppose to do that? It was an accident, I didn't make her evolve!'

Adrian glances at Erika who merely smiles back.

'She doesn't... seem upset.'

"And the battle resumes!" Principe announces bring back everyone's attention to the battle at hand.

"Bulbasaur, razor leaf!" Erika calls.

"Magmar, flame burst!"

Magmar's flames burn threw the leaves.

"Beedrill, poison jab!" Beedrill zips threw the opening strait for Bellossom.

"Bellossom, leaf storm!"

The sudden attack disrupts Beedrill causing it crash into the ground.

"Magmar!" Jarod cries at his defeat to Erika's Bulbasaur.

"Beedrill! Get up!" Samuel calls.

Beedrill slowly begins to rise feeding of his trainer's anger. With each movement, the pokemon regains energy.

"Bellossom! Hyp-stun spore!" Adrian changes his attack.

Beedrill's movements slow.

"Beedrill, hyper beam!" Samuel calls for a point blank shot.

The beam fires. When the light clears, Bellossom is no longer there.

'Just made it.' Adrian breaths in relief.

"Adrian has forfeited the match!" Principe judges, "The act of recalling a pokemon to dodge an attack is a violation of battling rules!"

Adrian tosses a pokeball revealing Bellossom who is perfectly fine.

'Better then letting Bellossom get hurt.'

"However, Beedrill is no longer able to battle. Therefore, the winner is Erika."

Bellossom returns to Adrian's side.

Picking her up, Adrian comments, "You know, I don't recall you smelling as a gloom."

"She was trained to control the strength of her aroma. I received complaints from my maids and visitors who would admire the garden." Erika whispers.

"Thank you for allowing me to fight with Bellossom." Adrian says in a voice everyone can hear.

"It was no problem Adrian-san. Fighting along side you was a pleasure. Good luck with the rest of your studies."

Adrian returns Bellossom and steps to the side.

'Since I lost, I don't have to battle her afterwords.' Adrian smiles to himself.

"He only won because of Gloom."

"He clearly followed Erika's lead."

"Gloom did all the work."

"Give him any other pokemon, and he'll lose."

"He can't train pokemon to save his life."

"Still a loser."

Hearing those remarks, Adrian's smile stiffens.

'Typical...' Adrian laments feeling anger welling up inside of him.

…..

Adrian paces around his room preparing to visit Erika as he promised. The lights were turned off, all that was left was for him to leave. Although Adrian has a plan on how to sneak out, he was feeling nervous about attempting it.

Adrian takes a deep breath, "Ok Fearow, you know what to do right?"

"Row."

"Good." Adrian breaths, and opens his window.

Fearow jumps outside and Adrian leans out the window. Fearow grabs onto Adrian's shoulders and flies off into the night sky.

"To Celadon city Fearow!" Adrian voice quivers.

…..

"Don't worry Fearow" Adrian reassures his pokemon, his voice still shaking. "I trust you and know you won't drop me. It's just, I've never done this before."

"Once I get use to this, I'll be fine. Just give me few minutes." Adrian says looking down at the tree tops below him.

'Am I reassuring Fearow, or myself?' Adrian questions himself.

…..

Fearow arrives at Celadon city and lands in front of Erika's gym.

Adrian knocks and immediately the door slides open.

'Was Erika waiting for me?' Adrian wonders.

"Adri-kun wel- Adri-kun are you well? You seem shaken and pale." Erika voices concern.

"I'm fine." Adrian forces himself to say.

"Just our first time flying." Adrian gestures to Fearow.

"Come in, please, and have a seat." Erika tries to comfort her guest.

The two enter and seat themselves.

"Well?" Erika demands.

Breathing, Adrian begins. "Might as well start at the beginning. You probably know by now, the Kapa professors are my parents and Skye is my older sister."

"Yes, the principle informed me. I was a bit surprised. I waited, but you didn't say anything all week."

'I was suppose to tell her!' The information confuses Adrian.

"I don't like telling people. They tend to assume I'm some super amazing trainer." Adrian recalls the high expectations held of him when he first enrolled at the academy. "A lot of the professors are pretty disappointed that I'm not her. Instead, I'm one of the failing students."

"I was very surprised to learn that as well. When you came to challenge me, I thought you were one of you academy's best students since you had your own pokemon. Then when you got sick, something seemed off. I thought you were trying to match everyone's expectations."

"I mentioned the academy... Anyway, no. I decided to venture out and learn on my own how to be trainer. I had trouble understanding the academy's method. Since then, I've been understanding the world of pokemon much better. I've also made my own friends and irreplaceable partners. Thanks for not saying anything to the academy."

"How are.. your parents taking this?" Erika asks.

"Haha," Adrian laughs dryly, "Haven't told them. They'd flip. They think I'm some superstar too."

"And just like mine, you don't see them on holidays either so they can't ask?"

"Yep."

"Then, what are you planning to do, Adri-kun?"

"Continue traveling and training with my pokemon. Then we'll challenge the pokemon league after collecting the eight gym badges."

"And the academy?"

"I live there." Adrian's voice full of contempt.

"You don't mind how they treat you? The way everyone acts, it is very appealing." Erika lowers her voice. "When everyone was eating lunch earlier, I looked over, the face you were making... It scared me. Also..."

"Also?" Adrian asks.

"When you were sick. In your nightmares, you spoke about the academy. Your voice.. it was full hatred and anger. You shouldn't... hold such anger inside yourself." Erika sadly whispers.

"If I want to continue traveling with my pokemon, I have to endure it." Adrian resigns himself, "For them, anything is worth it."

"Anything..." Adrian repeats clenching his fists while losing himself in his own thoughts.

"Adri-kun..." Erika says sadly, her eyes glowing.

…..

Adrian lays on his bed. Erika had offered him the use of a guest room, but he had classes to attend the next day.

'Erika wasn't mad, just upset I hadn't trusted her with the truth." Adrian thinks over the conversation. 'I should... apologize to Duck too. These are my friends, I should... trust them like a friend.'

"I have friends." Adrian whispers to himself rejoicing.

Adrian recalled his childhood. Due to his parents being professors, he didn't get the chance to make any deep friendships. Then, because of his sister, other would begin see him as someone he wasn't. But now, Adrian felt that the situation was finally starting to change.

With that thought, Adrian drifts to sleep.


A/N: Finally, the chapter is done. We now know a bit more about Adrian's background. Although there some repeat from the first chapter, now that I think about it, this could have been a good place to put some of the information from the first chapter and made the first chapter more action oriented. Well, this is a learning process. But, there is a bit of a dilemma, Adrian can't travel on weekends anymore. What will he do now? Then again, if you've been paying attention to the calendar date, you may already have an idea.