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

by Adrimiz7

-Begin Week Eleven-

Adrian leans back on a seat and closes his eyes.

The window behind Adrian shows a station slowly moving away.

"Hello everyone and welcome to the Royal Blue's maiden departure." An intercom announces, "In two hours we will be arriving at Goldenrod City. Please enjoy your ride and feel free to order refreshments. Catalogs are located beneath your seats. Thank you, and enjoy your day."

Sighing, Adrian opens his eyes.

'Ok, I've already contacted Duck and he say's he'll meet me in Ecruteak city. From there, we'll both go see professor Elm. After that, I'll deliver the package to professor Oak, but...'

Adrian grins, 'I don't have to return right away. I can't take too long so... the twenty third sounds pretty good. With today being the twentieth, that gives me three to four days.'

"This is gonna be so wicked, some Johto badges will be perfect!" The excitement causes Adrian's stomach to flutter.

As the excitement fades, Adrian finds growing difficulty in keeping his eyes open.

"Little, widdle Adrian lost in the woods." A voice sings, "With no pokemon to protect himself, he get's lost and dies."

Laughter follows the end of the song.

"Who's out there?" Adrian demands to know.

"Shut up, you waste of space." A figure wrapped in shadows replies. "You're not even good enough to be a shadow!"

Adrian steps forward to confront the person, but the level of the ground changes.

The floor beneath the shadowed person's feet grows like a mountain.

'No,' Adrian realizes, 'I'm falling.'

In panic, Adrian reaches for his pokemon only to find nothing.

"Sorry, but pokemon are only for trainers!" The shadowed figure tosses six pokeballs into the air.

Adrian's eyes burst open and he breaths shallowly. Feeling his stomach sink far below the ground, he takes out his pokeballs and helplessly watches the pokemon within. The pokemon, from within the pokeballs, stare back at Adrian in understanding.

'Just a dream.' Adrian tells himself, 'Just like the others, it's only a dream. My team isn't going anywhere.'

…..

"Ladies and gentlemen, the royal blue has arrived in Goldenrod city. Thank you for traveling with us and enjoy the rest of your day."

Adrian leaves the train and pulls out his pokegear map.

"Let's see..." Adrian mumbles, "I need to go nor-uff."

"Uahh."

Adrian looks over and sees a pink haired girl seated on the ground rubbing her lower back.

"Sorry, I wasn't paying attention." Adrian apologizes putting his pokegear away and offers the girl his hand.

"No, no." The girl refutes taking Adrian's hand, "I was the one who bumped into you."

After getting up, the girl looks at her pokegear and gasps. "Sorry, but I've got to get going."

The girl runs off in panic, complaining about being late.

…..

Adrian reaches the Ecruteak pokemon center where he and his friend plan to meet.

"Guess I beat him here." Adrian says checking the time. "There's still an hour left."

'I wonder what if there's anything exciting to do in this city?' Adrian wonders pulling out his pokegear's map.

"They have a gym!" Adrian gasps.

"I don't know much about this gym, but who cares!" Adrian laughs walking away. "Blind gym challenges might be a good way to train for the unexpected!"

…..

"So, you want my Fog badge?" a strange man asks Adrian, "Very well then, but first answer your phone."

'What the- who is this purple, scarf guy? My pho-'

Bring, Adrian's pokegear rings interrupting his thoughts.

Adrian takes out his pokegear and stares in utter shock.

'A psychic?' Adrian questions, 'How did he...?'

"Aren't you going to answer that?" The man asks between rings.

"Ri-right, thank you." Adrian replies, "Hello? Adrian speaking."

"Dude, it's me." Adrian hears Duck respond, "Don't tell me I'm not on your caller I.D.?"

"No, no, sorry man." Adrian apologizes, "I'm just a bit distracted. What's up?"

"Nothing much, just I'm gonna be a little late by an hour. I'll call you again once I'm near the city."

"Ok man, thanks. But, what happened, did you run into trouble?"

"No, no. It's just that finding this dojo master took more time than I thought it would. Well, I'll see you soon. C'ya."

"Cool, later man." Adrian hangs up the pokegear and turns to the mystery man. "How did you know?"

"I'm training to be the strongest." The man replies, "During my training, I developed the ability to see. I saw that you would be coming to challenge me the same way I saw that your pokegear would ring."

'Challenge you...' Adrian's mind wraps itself around those worlds.

"Then, you're the gym leader...?" Adrian questions.

"That is correct, I am Morty, leader of the Ecruteak gym."

A grin grows on Adrian's face. 'Excellent.' he thinks.

"My name is Adrian, I'm from Kanto."

"Very well Adrian, I, Morty, accept your challenge. I hope you'll give me a worthy match so that I may test my abilities. But first let's reach my gym, it's just down the street."

'This man is strange.' Adrian mentally admits. 'But, behind his poker face, I feel this relentlessness. How odd... What is this sensation?'

…..

"I hope you're ready." Morty declares from across the arena. "Because I won't hold back."

"Just watch, we're going to win!"

"Very well, then I, Morty, accept your challenge. This will be a one on one match. Choose your pokemon."

'He can predict the future...' Adrian considers.

"In that case, come on, Haunter!"

"A ghost pokemon, huh?" Morty comments, "In truth, when I first developed my ability, I could only see places and objects, but as I continued to train, I gained the ability to see into the future. However, don't be misled, my specialty isn't psychic pokemon, it's ghost! Go Misdreavus!"

"Tch" Adrian clicks his tongue. "No matter, Haunter, hypnosis!"

"Fade into the ground Misdreavus!"

"Wait for her, Haunter!"

Adrian stares Morty down. Morty replies with a gentle smile.

Adrian swallows. 'Again, that feeling is back. It's like my surroundings are slowly suffocating me...'

"Haun~!" Haunter's cry of pain returns Adrian's attention to the battle.

"Haunter!" Adrian cries out shaking his head. "Shadow ball!"

Haunter blindly tosses a dark sphere to which Misdreavus side steps.

"Misdreavus, spite!"

"Haunter!" Adrian cries as the attack hits.

"Now, show him a real shadow ball!"

"Dodge it, Haunter!" Adrian commands, sweat dripping down his face.

The attack successfully strikes Haunter and raises a dust cloud. Misdreavus repositions herself back in front of Morty.

Adrian swallows, waiting for the cloud to dissipate. Slowly, the dust settles and reveals Haunter levitating.

"Haunter!" Adrian calls.

"Haun Haunter!" The pokemon forces a laugh.

'Haunter...'

"So, your pokemon survived. I'll admit, he's pretty tough." Morty calls out. "But that won't be enough. Misdreavus, confuse ray!"

"The floor, Haunter!" Adrian haggardly calls out mimicking Morty's earlier tactic.

'What's going on...' Adrian wonders. 'This suffocation, is it coming from him?'

Adrian stares at Morty and feels himself shrinking.

'No, he's getting bigger.'

"What's wrong, the pressure too much for you?" Morty calls out.

Suddenly, Adrian feels the air around him lessen.

"Wh-what?" Adrian asks , his voice showing relief.

"I see." Morty responds. "Go home, this match is over."

"Wait, what do you mean go home? We can still fight!"

"Haunter Haun!" Haunter replies re-materializing beside his trainer.

"Really?" Morty asks glaring.

Adrian's breath traps itself within his through. Sweat begins to form along his face as he falls onto his knees.

Slowly, the pressure eases and Adrian, on all fours, haggardly begins breathing.

"Until you can with stand that sort of pressure, don't come back."

Slowly, Adrian forces himself back onto is feet.

"What... was that?"

Morty watches Adrian fighting to stay on his feet.

"That feeling of suffocation is my spirit."

"Spirit?" Adrian questions.

"How many badges do you have?"

"Four."

"I see... Be thankful, you were quite lucky."

"What? How was I lucky?" Adrian asks in confusion.

"Because." Morty responds drowning Adrian in spirit.

Adrian grits his teeth refusing to fall down.

"All gym leaders are comfortable with this amount of spirit." Morty continues, "If you haven't faced this type sensation before, then those gym leaders were either holding back, or unable to exert their spirit."

Adrian growls as he fights of the feeling.

"Then again, that might have been your own ability as a trainer." Morty states, easing his spirit.

Adrian looks to the ground as he breaths heavily.

"Spirit isn't a gift given to a select few. All people are capable of exerting their spirit." Morty explains, "Some do so naturally while others learn to control it. Everyone can feel and develop it. But unless you have a strong spirit, you'll never succeed."

Morty turns and begins walking away. Misdreavus reappears and follows her trainer.

"Remember, don't give up and face your challenges with an indomitable will."

Adrian stares after Morty, takes a deep breath, and leaves.

"Let's go Haunter. We need to train."

"Haun."

Aimlessly, Adrian drifts away from the Ecruteak gym.

…..

"Burnt Tower, keep out." Adrian reads on a sign.

Adrian looks up and sees a large burnt tower before him. Slowly, he makes his way to the door.

'Don't give up and face your challenges with an indomitable will.' Adrian reflects on Morty's words. "What, was that a hint?"

Adrian finishes his step into the building and feels his skin crawl.

'Just like before...' Adrian hesitates.

'Go home.' The phrase echos within Adrian's mind.

Adrian grits his teeth in frustration and forces his legs forward.

'Not.. A... Chance!' Adrian forces himself deeper into the tower.

"I don't... know what... Morty meant, but... he called... me weak!" Adrian rages between breaths as he delves deeper into the tower.

'Still, just being around this... this pressure is exhausting.'

"Clefa~" Adrian hears a pokemon cry in fear.

Instinctively, Adrian rushes towards the sound, the suffocating pressure no longer affecting him.

"Haunter!" Adrian calls out his pokemon, "Sucker punch!"

Haunter flies from his pokeball and attacks a magmar closing in on a clefairy.

"Mar!" The pokemon cries falling to the side.

"Haunter, night shade!" Adrian commands jumping in front of the clefairy.

Magmar dodges the attack and counters with a flame thrower.

"Shadow ball!"

The two attacks crash and negate each other raising a cloud of dust.

"Urghh!" Adrian groans falling onto a knee. 'Again, that suffocation...'

On the side, Haunter also falls to the pressure.

"Clefa~..." The clefairy cries, seeking safety behind Adrian's back.

Eyes wide open, Adrian forces himself to his feet with a roar.

"Just like... Morty!" Adrian pants glaring at the magmar.

"Haunter!" Adrian cries encouraging his pokemon. "Shadow punch!"

Magmar's fist ignites and the pokemon charges directly towards Haunter. The two punches collide and repel the pokemon away from each other.

"Finish it, dark pulse!"

Immediately, Haunter recovers his balance and attacks. Darkness wraps around the magmar bringing the pokemon to its knees. With magmar down, the pressure fades.

In relief, Adrian collapses onto the ground. Sitting back, legs spread, he laughs comfortably.

"Hua!" Adrian gasps clutching his throat.

"""Mar...""" various magmar say stepping out from the shadows.

'Shoot, can't... move.' Adrian panics, tears welling up in his eyes.

On the side, Haunter and Clefairy too, lie immobile.

Slowly, the magmar approach raising their flaming fists.

"Enough!" a voice calls out.

The pressure lifts and Adrian coughs as air re-enters his lungs.

In fear, the magmar scatter leaving Adrian, his Haunter, the Clefairy, and the mysterious person alone.

The man steps forward revealing himself to be Morty.

"Morty?" Adrian asks in puzzlement. "Why are you here?"

"I should be asking that to you." Morty replies helping Adrian to his feet. "A trainer came to me asking if I could help her locate her lost Clefairy. Using my sight, I tracked the pokemon here. Imagine my surprise finding you here."

"I'm not sure. After you told me to leave, I just drifted and ended up here."

"Hmmm, you came here completely by instinct." Morty muses picking up the clefairy. "You're lucky, this tower is off limits without my permission. The pokemon here are all very dangerous and relentless."

"I noticed..." Adrian replies sarcastic.

"But still, you being here isn't a coincidence."

Adrian stares at Morty in confusion.

"Haha," Morty laughs. "Just keep training, but don't let anger and hatred be your motivation."

"Wait!" Adrian calls chasing after Morty, "I don't get what your saying!"

Morty continues laughing.

'Darn it, he really isn't going to tell me anything.' Adrian laments as he and Morty exit the tower.

"Here." Morty says holding out his hand.

Adrian takes the gift an freezes. "T-the fog badge, but I lost. I can't take this."

"No, as a gym leader, I acknowledge your abilities a trainer. Take it and continue training."

"But-" Adrian begins to argue, but falters as Morty attacks him with spirit.

"If you really can't accept it, then get stronger and make me take it back." Morty laughs walking away. "I look forward to seeing you then."

'What a difficult person.' Adrian concludes watching Morty walk away with the clefairy. "If I can make you take it back then-"

Bring, Adrian's pokegear goes off.

"I forgot about Duck!" Adrian realizes grabbing his pokegear.

"He-hey man, sorry. I'm by a burned down tower."

"No, it's cool." Duck responds. "I'm just calling to let you know I'll be there soon."

"Cool," Adrian replies, "later."

Hanging up, Adrian sprints off.

…..

Groggy, Adrian opens his eyes.

"Wha d'ya want?" he asks the person shaking his shoulder.

"Dude, wake up. We just spoke half an hour ago, what are you doing sleeping on a bench?"

"Oh, hey man," Adrian weakly grins recognizing Duck's voice. "you finally here?"

"I've been here and ready for ten minutes now. You're the one sleeping." Duck snaps.

"Well, sorry for being tired. It's been a long day!" Adrian retorts, standing to stretch.

"Come on, let's go." Duck sighs, "We should be able to make it to Violet city by night fall. Then we can start again in the morning."

"Yes, yes." Adrian happily chirps.

Adrian begins after his friend, but stops.

"Wait!" Adrian calls, his tone serious.

"Yeah?" Duck asks in confusion.

"I have to apologize for lying first."

"About?"

"I haven't told you, but the trainer you're looking for, Skye, she's my older sister." Adrian takes a deep breath and continues, "I'm sorry for not telling you."

Adrian lowers his head ending the apology.

"That... wait! So you know where she is?" Duck asks excitedly.

"Not a clue." Adrian flatly replies. "She off on some league business doing who knows what."

"Tch, so nothing changes." Duck clicks his tongue. "O-well, if you know where she is, you'll still tell me, right?"

"Well yeah."

"Great." Duck ends the conversation and begins walking again.

'He isn't... mad?' Adrian questions following after his friend.

…..

Adrian and Duck emerge from a pokemon center. Outside, they stretch and prepare themselves for the day.

"Let's go get that package from professor Elm before anything else." Adrian suggests.

"Yeah, might as well get that out of the way, but if we meet any trainers, we're battling."

"Naturally."

…..

"Espeon, physic!" Duck commands.

"Dodge it, Pidgy." A young trainer shouts. "Now, use gust!"

"Espeon, reflect!" Duck counters. "Now, shadow ball!"

"Pidgy!" The trainer shouts as his pokemon faints.

…..

"You're Eevee evolved? Nice!" Adrian congratulates his friend as they continue to Elm's laboratory.

"Yeah, but hey, you have a new pokemon too." Duck points out.

"Yeah, the lure ball you gave me came in handy."

"But a fossil pokemon, that's pretty rare."

"I know, not many trainers know how to battle against them."

"They don't know how to battle with them either." Duck teases.

"Hey, we're still bonding! I don't know everything she's capable of yet." Adrian retorts.

"I'll give you that, but skull bash? Kabuto can't even learn that attack."

"I noticed..." Adrian grumbles, "But, I had every reason to believe they could."

"No wonder you're failing trainer school."

"...That's low man..."

"Sorry." Duck immediately apologizes realizing his mistake.

"Whatever," Adrian responds. Changing the topic, he asks, "how far are we?"

"Not far. Over there's Cherrygrove city. New Bark town is a few miles east of it."

"Great." Adrian replies, his voice void of enthusiasm.

…..

A door opens and a man with thinning hair and glasses appears.

"Can I help you?" he asks.

"Hello, I'm here to see professor Elm." Adrian replies.

"Ah, you must be Adrian. I've been expecting you. Come in, come in." Professor Elm ushers the two trainers inside. "And you are?"

"I'm Duck, trainer, but also a tour guide on the side."

"Perfect!" Elm rejoices. "But first, the package."

"Yes," Adrian replies stepping forward.

Duck suddenly grabs Adrian's arm, preventing the trainer from approaching the professor. "How do we know you're really professor Elm?"

Immediately, Adrian takes a few steps back, lifting his arm defensively.

"You think he's an imposter?" Adrian asks.

"It's possible considering everything that's been going on."

"I- I am professor Elm." The professor flusters a response.

"Prove it!" Duck demands.

"How do you expect me to do that!?"

"I don't know, maybe tell us something only professor Elm would know!"

"No," Adrian interjects, "that wouldn't work either."

"Really?" Duck asks thinking over his words. "Yeah, your right. Ok then..."

"Well?" The professor asks.

"I'm thinking! This is hard, ok!"

"Let's ask the pokemon!" Adrian interjects.

"Yeah..." Duck considers the idea, "That could work."

"Great, this way." The professor gestures to the two trainers.

"Not so fast." Duck commands, "I'll lead the way. Adrian, you bring the rear."

"This isn't a trap!" The professor exasperates.

"Would anyone admit it was?" Adrian asks.

"No..." The professor sighs. "Lead the way."

…..

"There, see!" Professor Elm demands as his pokemon respond to his call.

"Sorry." Adrian sheepishly apologizes.

"Guess I was wrong, my bad." Duck admits, "But hey, can you blame a guy for being cautious?"

"No, and I'm glad you are." Professor Elm admits, "Follow me."

…..

"Where is it?" Professor Elm asks fumbling around a desk within his lab.

"You said your name is Duck, correct?" Elm asks garbing an object.

"Yeah."

"Someone like you would be a real help out in the field. Would you be willing to become one of my field assistants?"

"What do you mean?"

"Nothing too different from what you're already doing. A traveler of sorts, someone going here and there for me."

"Hmm, yeah ok. Sounds like fun."

"Excellent," Elm rejoices holding out a pokedex, "then take this pokedex. It should be very helpful for your journey."

"It looks different from mine." Adrian comments taking out his pokedex.

"That's because of the specialization." Elm quickly replies. "Also, could I entrust these pokemon to both of you."

Professor Elm holds out two pokeballs.

"Did something happen?" Adrian asks finding the situation strange.

"Not long ago some thieves broke into my lab and stole my cyndaquil. If possible, could the two of you take Tododile and Chikorita and keep them safe?"

"Of course!" Duck responds taking a pokeball, "I'll watch over Totodile."

"My team is full, but I know someone who would be delighted to train Chikorita." Adrian responds taking the remaining pokeball.

"Excellent!" Elm explains. "Now, as I mentioned, your pokedexs are specialized for different regions. Adrian, your pokedex is specialized for Kanto. Duck, yours is specialized for Johto. Now, neither of those pokedexs will do much good against pokemon not native to your regions. So, both of you should go and see Mr. Pokemon, he may be able to help you."

"Great, let's go!" Duck excitedly gets up.

"Wait!" Adrian calls, "Do you know how to get there?"

…..

Adrian closes his eyes sighing, and leans back on his seat.

"Welcome, the Royal Blue will be departing in just a moment. Please remain seated until the train departs. Thank you and enjoy your trip." The announcement broadcasts throughout the train.

'These past few days...' Adrian reminisces, 'they were amazing. Getting the Zepher badge doesn't even begin to cover it.'

"Fuahaha." Adrian randomly laughs drawing strange looks from other passengers. "...can't believe we forgot the package, had to double back for it..."

'Haunter really got Arcanine with that prank. He's such a naughty pokemon, always playing tricks on others.'

"Not even his own comrades are safe from him." Adrian whispers.

'Although, Kabuto could lighten up a bit. She's too serious and focused, never messing around and only dedicated to training.'

"Well, that's not bad compared to Pikachu."

'He's always goofing off enjoying life to the fullest. There isn't anything he won't explore.'

"Thankfully, Dratini is always there looking out for everyone."

'He tries to hide it and act uninterested at times. But deep down, he really does care for all of us.'

"Dratini is just too gentle. Where as..." Adrian sighs.

'Fearow is too hasty and Bellsprout is too relaxed. Those two and Pikachu might be able to learn from Dratini and Kabuto.'

"Well..." Adrian yawns. "maybe. Who knows?"

Slowly, Adrian feels the train beginning to rock as it departs from the station.

…..

Nervously, Adrian walks threw the snow covered Celadon city. Carefully, he proceeds forward, keeping his head down, and avoiding any action that would attract needless attention to himself

'Why does there have to be a festival now of all times?' Adrian laments to himself walking past a fish catching booth. 'Whatever, I'm almost there.'

From a pocket, Adrian pulls out a white pokeball with a red bow engraved on it.

"Don't worry," Adrian speaks to the pokemon inside. "you wouldn't be able to ask for a better trainer."

As Adrian reaches the gym, he swallows and proceeds up the steps. At the door, Adrian takes a deep breath and knocks.

The door slides open and a young maid greets Adrian.

"Why, hello there Adrian."

"Kagome, he-hello," Adrian responds nervously. "is Erika here?"

"Yes, please come inside." Kagome invites Adrian inside.

"This way please." Kagome guides Adrian threw the building. "I'm so happy you came."

"You are?" Adrian asks.

"Yes, you see, we maids had a bet amongst ourselves on what day you'd come visit. Most picked the twenty-third, and others picked the traditional twenty-fifth. But, I was one of the few people who picked the twenty-fourth." Kagome explains. "Now, they have to treat me to chocolate cake."

'What, it was expected that I would come?'

"Wait right here please. I'll go inform Miss. Erika that you've arrived."

Adrian watches Kagome walk away up the stair case and suddenly finds himself very self-conscious of himself.

"Ah, Adrian." A voice speaks out.

Adrian jumps in shock. Quickly, he turns around and greets an older maid.

"Ye-yes?" Adrian flusters to the Head Maid.

"As expected from someone who didn't even recognize the mistress, you've come in nothing but rags. You could have at least made yourself presentable for this."

Adrian blinks. 'What is she talking about?'

"No matter, come this way." Head Maid commands taking Adrian by the arm.

The maid leads Adrian into a side room and gestures to a deep blue kimono with leaf embroideries on a table.

"Quickly, change into that. I'll try and keep Mistress Erika occupied for you."

Adrian watches the maid leave before turning to the kimono.

"Seriously, do they just assume people know how to wear these?" Adrian sighs changing his clothes.

'On second though,' Adrian pauses. 'why am I even putting this on? No, forget it. In situations like these, it's better to just go with the flow.'

Adrian shakes his head and finishes dressing. Upon finishing, he takes his pokemon and belongings from his belt and pockets and places them inside the kimono. Now ready, Adrian steps out of the room and proceeds back to the waiting room.

"Adrian," Kagome calls upon Adrian's return. "I'm really sorry, but Erika will be just a moment. It seems she wasn't expecting you."

"That's probably cause she wasn't."

"Oh?" Kagome raises an eyebrow. "You mean to say you didn't notify Miss Erika you'd be coming today? We all thought Erika just didn't want to tell us. But I must say, that's quite presumptuous of you. Especially showing up dressed the way you were."

Unsure of how to respond, Adrian merely blinks and continues listening to the prattling maid.

"Well, no need to worry. As long as we're here, everything will be alright."

A sound is heard from above and the two immediately turn their heads.

"Well then," Kagome whispers, "I'll be going now. But I must say, Head Maid has excellent taste in clothes."

Giggling, the young maid walks away.

Alone, Adrian looks to the staircase while desperately trying to understand his situation.

'Ok, I came to give Erika her present. But to them, from what I understand, it seems like I need to be dressed up for gift giving. What? Is there some sort of cultural difference? What the heck's going on here?'

"Adri-kun." A voice calls out.

"Erika!" Adrian returns from his thoughts.

Erika elegantly walks down the stairs in a beautiful white kimono.

"You should have let me known you were coming." Erika pouts. "Did you really need the maids to keep your visit a secret?"

"No," Adrian waves his hands. "I didn't tell them I was coming."

"Really?" Erika cutey furrows her eyebrows.

"But, Kagome insisted I get changed..." Erika softy trails off, "No, nothing. I'm glad you came."

'Ok, it's time.' Adrian prepares himself.

"Close your eyes for a moment."

Erika tilts her head in confusion, but none the less agrees to Adrian's request.

On the side, Adrian hears voices being muffled and sees some curtains move.

'No, that's not important right now.' Adrian reminds himself and looks to Erika.

Slowly, Adrian takes Erika's hands and clasps them together. Then from within his kimono, he takes the white pokeball and places it within Erika's hands.

"There, you can... open them now." Adrian nervously says.

Slowly, Erika opens her eyes and smiles.

"A Chikorita!" Erika exclaims looking into the pokeball. "Adri-kun, thank you!"

Smiling, Adrian slowly responds, "It was... nothing."

"Chika!" Chikorita cries as Erika releases the pokemon.

Immediately, the pokemon affectionately rubs against Erika's legs.

'No wonder Erika is a master of the grass type.' Adrian muses. 'When I first let Chikorita out, she bit me.'

"Excuse me." The Head Maid's voice calls out. "But perhaps Chikorita would like to acquaint herself with the garden?"

Turning, Adrian sees Head Maid accompanied by two younger maids making their presence known.

'Where did they come form?'

"Yes, an excellent idea." Erika agrees.

As the Head Maid leads the way, Adrian over hears whispers.

"That was so suspenseful."

"I know."

"Yeah, I really though he was go..." A third maid joins the conversation.

Once unable to hear anything more, Adrian wonders, 'What are they talking about? I'm only here to give Erika her Christmas gift. No, where did the third maid come form?'

…..

"We're here, Chikorita." Erika introduces Chikorita to the garden.

"Chika!" The pokemon bounces away exploring her new home.

"Adrian, perhaps your pokemon would like to enjoy the garden as well?" The Head Maid suggests. "They must be tired from your journey."

"Yes, after walking here, they must be quite cold too. You should let them rest for a bit." Erika agrees.

"Ok everyone, you heard them!" Adrian releases his pokemon. "Have some fun."

"A kabuto?" Erika asks upon see the new pokemon.

"Yeah, our newest friend and comrade." Adrian grins.

"Let the pokemon relax in the garden now." The Head Maid interjects leading the pair from the room. "If you need nothing else, I shall take my leave."

Bowing, the Head Maid leaves the room.

"Let's go out to the festival." Erika suddenly suggests.

"The festival?"

"Yes, today is the last day and I have not had the opportunity to visit it this year."

At the door, the two are seen off by various maids. Along the way, Adrian hears the various snippets of whispering.

"is amazing."

"I know..."

"The kimonos..."

"...very busy..."

"...exciting..."

"...Head Maid..."

"..all month..."

…..

"Do any of the booths sell mask?" Adrian asks.

"Masks? Erika asks.

"Yeah, I don't want a repeat from a few weeks ago..."

"Oh..." Erika blushes. "Yes, there should be a stall down this road here and another down this road."

"Great, I'll meet you here in just a moment then." Adrian looks into Erika's eyes before walking away.

At the stall, Adrian examines the various masks available.

"Yes, I'd like the Dragonair mask, please."

Adrian puts the mask on and returns to where he last saw Erika. Crunching over soft snow, he greets a Ninetails wearing a white kimono.

…..

"What's this?" Adrian asks stopping by a fish tank.

"Oh this?" Erika notes. "It's a fishing game."

"Fishing?" Adrian questions picking up a paddle. "No, they're tissues."

"The game is pretty simple." The stall owner mentions. "You use the nets to catch a fish and place it into a bag before the net breaks."

"Really?" Adrian asks in disbelief.

"Here, I'll show you." The stall owner says catching a fish.

"Adri-kun, do you want to try it?"

"Yeah, sorry." Adrian apologizes causing Erika to giggle.

"Ok then," Adrian exchanges some money for three nets from the owner.

With his bag and net ready, Adrian waits for a fish to approach the surface. Immediately, he snaps his wrist bringing his net to the water. Upon colliding with the water, the tissue tears, and the remaining hoop passes around the fish. Adrian removes the net from the water and stares.

'It broke...'

Adrian hears giggling from the side and turns his head.

"Perhaps you should try a softer approach, Adri-kun."

Adrian takes a new net and examines it. He then looks at the net the owner used and confirms they are both made from the same material.

'I saw him do it, so it has to work. Maybe if I try...'

Gently, Adrian lowers the net into the water.

'Perfect,' Adrian grins. 'it didn't break.'

"This time for sure." Adrian declares.

As a fish swims by, Adrian snaps his wrist to scoop the fish out of the water. The net connects with the fish and tears. In his hand, Adrian holds another broken net.

"Try being a little more gentle." The stall owner suggests.

'Last try.' Adrian tells himself lower his final net into the water.

A fish swims by and Adrian slowly brings the net underneath it. Catching the fish, he raises it up and slowly rises it out of the tank towards his bag. The wet tissue breaks from weight of this fish, allowing the fish to fall back into the fish tank.

"Nawwh." Adrian groans.

"So close!" The stall owner quips. "In this case you were too slow."

"Maybe next year, Adri-kun." Erika comforts Adrian, taking a hold of his arm.

…..

Walking beneath the various paper lanterns, Erika and Adrian eventually stumble upon a large, unlit clearing.

The two continue walking over the padded snow and come across a lake. Not seeing anything, Adrian turns to leave. In response, Erika tightly pulls Adrian's arm holding him in place.

Understanding the message, Adrian patiently looks over the lake. From behind, he hears others beginning to gather around as well.

A light flashes and an explosion sounds.

There, beneath the pale moon light, glittering lights shower Erika and Adrian.

The last explosion goes off and Adrian hears the others beginning to disperse.

"The closing ceremony has always been my favorite event."

Adrian feels the squeeze on his arm tighten as Erika continues.

"I'm glad."

Unsure of how to respond, Adrian softly smiles and slowly, very hesitantly, turns and wraps his free arm around Erika.

…..

"Are you sure?" Erika asks Adrian. "You could spend the night instead."

"No, I'd only get in your way." Adrian responds while tying his shoes. "Tomorrow is the gathering of the region's gym leaders, no?"

"Yes, it's the yearly reunion. But that's not until the afternoon, there's plenty of time."

Adrian finishes tying his shoes and stands.

"Yes, but that's only a cover to prevent any panic. I know you're all really meeting to discuss the recent crime waves."

"Ye-yes... How did you know?"

"A few days ago, I met with Mr. Pokemon."

"You met with the Mr. Pokemon?" Erika gasps, "He is one of the highest authorities in the pokemon league."

"That... I didn't know." Adrian responds in shock. "But, he explained the current situation being faced across the regions and the precautions being taken."

"I-I see..." Erika dejectedly sighs.

Erika accompanies Adrian past the door and onto the porch.

Adrian begins turning to face Erika when something warm presses against the side of his face. Hair brushes against his cheek leaving behind the scent of lavender.

Adrian finishes turning with his fingers now lightly hover over his now damp skin. Having lost the ability speak, he gazes at Erika.

Erika, her face red, intently looks at the ground. Tightly squeezing her hands, she says, "Th-thank you for today."

Erika gives a quick bow, and hastily retreats inside her house.

…..

The next morning Adrian sits up on his bed.

"Haau" Adrian sighs as the previous nights events again replay themselves within his mind.

A/N: First, for those of you who are a bit confused, Adrian and Erika have been visiting each other off screen. Hence the familiarity between Adrian and the maids. Now then, thank you all for playing who's that pokemon. The correct answer was missingno/m-block from the original red, blue, yellow games. In the future, there'll be other games as well. People who answer correctly will receive a fabulous prize, like royal blue.

Now, I'll tell you, but this isn't our christmas chapter. I'll post that when it's closer to December 25th.

Merry Christmas Adrian

Now that you've read, review please.