---Author's Note---

Here's Chapter 14. I would've posted it yesterday, but I was a bit occupied. I decided to not go to the hospital since there's an outbreak of the swine flu on campus. It would be ironic as hell if I ended up catching it by going to the hospital lol _.

Hope you enjoy this one. Read and review!

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Chapter XIV: The Smart One

Combusken is a Pokémon that trains so that when it evolves, it has all the power and strength it needs. It has a feather crest on top of its head with three points. It also seems that it wears a long-sleeved jacket. It has bulging thighs that seem big compared to its body ratio. Their legs are capable of devastating kicks and it has three razor-sharp claws that can cut down trees in a single slash.

Because it trains, this Pokémon has an aggressive nature. However, it doesn't attack humans or weaker Pokémon unless provoked. However, it will challenge other Combusken, Blaziken, and other Fighting types.

...

Combusken is named for its ability to combust air particles at certain distances. Because its internal flame is enlarged upon evolution, Combusken must release the heat or else it itself will overcome 1500 Fahrenheit and combust. The energy is released through its beak and hands and is popularly used by Trainers. The ability for a Combusken to combust air particles is fully controlled by the Combusken itself, and it tends to use this ability when agitated.

As with all Fire-types, Combusken passively absorb heat. Thus, releasing energy is a form of circulation. When it becomes a Blaziken, its body will be able to control the internal flame and the rate it absorbs heat directly.

-Oak's Pocket Monster Index; 35th International Edition

~*~*~*

The following morning, Rob decided it would be funny to pull me out of my tent by my feet. The sand getting caught in my nose woke me up.

"Rise and shine," he cheekily announced. "Today, I get you into Goldenrod without nobody getting arrested."

Charizard was at the edge of the beach, holding the flaming tip of his tail in hand and snapping at fish in the water. Rob grandly pointed over to him. "And we'll be riding this forever hungry guy!"

I stood up and put my clothes on. "Ride him to avoid getting arrested? What are you talking about?"

"I'm just going to take care of that Zero Ball you have," he answered. "If we fly, there's less of a chance that a Metagross will sense it. We gotta make it to the Apartment District, and getting there on foot's too risky."

"You've been in Goldenrod?" I asked, starting to fold up my tent.

"While you were in Azalea," he replied, "I was going back and forth between the city and Ecruteak helping my brother out with a few things."

After stuffing my tent in my backpack, Rob called Charizard over to us. He hopped on the dragon's orange back and tossed it his bag. Charizard's jaws caught it by the straps.

"Climb on," he said. "Hold on to me tight. I really don't want to have my Charizard make a loop-de-loop to catch you. I get dizzy easy and the last time I threw up on him, he gave up flying for a week."

The thought of flying on a Pokémon was both scary and awesome. Back when I was in Violet, I envied the trainers who rode their bird Pokémon. Yet, the only time I ever flew at all was on an airliner to Hoenn as a kid.

Now, I was going to fly because of the Zero Ball.

Rob gave me hand and I pulled myself up. Making sure my arms were tightly wrapped around him, I put my legs over his. Then I remembered my hat and immediately put it in my backpack.

"Good," he said. "I would've been pissed if you lost it. It cost me too much money." He gripped the base of Charizard's neck. "You ready?"

From where we stood, the skyscrapers were as tall as my hand. ""Sure," I muttered, staring at the skyline. "I'm not afraid of heights, but how long will we be flying?"

Rob sighed. "I dunno, but it'll be fun. So, you have anything you want to whine about before we leave the ground?"

His snide comment completely blindsided me. I wanted to ask what he was implying, but now wasn't the time for us to get angry at each other again.

He chuckled. "I'm just kidding. No need to look so confused. We're cool, man. I just like to burst your bubble sometimes, so you can know how you make others see you."

Having it pushed in my face like that was irritating. But as much as I didn't want to admit it, he did pinpoint an issue. "Let's just go."

Rob nodded with a smirk. With two kicks, Charizard jumped into the air and gave his wings a mighty flap. Rob had to snatch my arm to stop me from falling too far back.

"Grab my vest and hold tighter," he said. Charizard's powerful wings beat against the air. We rose. When we got high enough that the beach below looked like a beige strip of paper, Charizard lurched toward the city. The air hitting my face forced me to look to the side, down at a large freeway that led straight to Goldenrod.

"They wish they could catch air like us," shouted Rob from the air pressure. "When we get into the city, the wind won't be so bad cause of the buildings!"

He gave Charizard another kick, causing his wings to narrow. We shot through the air. I held onto Rob for dear life as his hair kept slapping my face.

Despite everything below looking like toy models, I found flying quite exciting. Rob was lucky to have Charizard. I wondered if I'd be lucky to catch my own flying Pokémon that was large enough to carry me.

We were in the city limits before long and Charizard slowed down to a glide. Skyscrapers gleamed off the golden sunlight with millions of windows down an avenue. Though the sight was postcard-worthy, the windows gave a terrifying, yet exciting estimate on how high up we were.

"This place's nice. I wish I could live here," Rob admired.

I figured since he was making small talk, now was the best time to mention what he said earlier. "So I come across as whiny?" I asked.

"Sometimes," he answered. "Or, you used to. Now, you're actually pretty fun."

His light view of my predicament irked me. "Well, how else do you expect someone to act when they're kicked out their home?"

Rob had Charizard slowly ascend to the rooftops. "I'm not saying you shouldn't have reacted the way you did. Yeah, anyone else would've. But it's just something that gets to me."

"What gets to you?"

"People changing. Improvement. I believe if you could go back in time…wait…" He paused, thinking over his words. "I believe if you could go back in time, you wouldn't."

I expected him to say something about me going back in time to change things. "What makes you say that?"

He lightly snickered. "Because, you care about June and Shox. And I bet you're gonna care about that Scyther once you let him out. I just think that you like Pokémon. I think that you like Pokémon so much that your reason for getting eight badges will change as much as you've changed."

Rob's forwardness forced me to acknowledge that some of what he said was right. I did care about June and Shox, and chances were that I'd care about my Scyther too. Pokémon did somewhat interest me because of how varied the creatures were.

As for the eight badges, my goal was to get them so I wouldn't be forced to stay a trainer. I didn't see that goal changing any time soon.

"Well, you're actually right about some of the stuff you said," I told him, "but I don't see other reasons why I'd want to get badges."

"To see how gym leaders train their Pokémon," Rob replied. "To see what kind of Pokémon they have. Hell, probably become a Champion. But then, you and I would have some beef."

I chuckled at the idea of me being like Alfred. "I doubt that's going to happen. They seem way too stuck up."

Rob nodded. "I agree. My brother's an asshole. He follows and enforces the laws as if he'll die if he doesn't."

The giant skyscrapers had changed into a mix of smaller buildings that were more spread apart with concrete lots, wooded parks, and playgrounds. Rob dived and landed Charizard in front of an apartment building in the middle of a complex. People walking around stopped what they were doing and watched us before shrugging us off.

"You know someone who lives here?" I asked Rob.

"A good friend. She'll give us somewhere to stay and take care of our Slowpoke problem," he said, looking over his shoulder at all the people.

We climbed up the concrete stairs to the door. Next to it was a list of last names with numbers next to them. Underneath were a number pad and a speaker. Rob plugged in 306 and hit the pound key.

A few seconds later, somebody answered.

"Hello?" A meek, young female voice spoke.

"Miss me Nina?" shouted Rob into the machine. "Me and my...err…" he looked back at me, and mouthed 'protégé?' I shrugged and he continued. "Protégé. Me and my protégé need some help with something I know you'd love to handle, and we also need somewhere to spend some nights. I told you I'd be back."

Her voice picked up and she chuckled. "Rob, you honestly crack me up. Come on in."

The door buzzed and Rob opened it. "Get ready to meet one of the coolest people ever."

As he led me through the lobby and we waited in the elevator, he explained he met Nina Marke when venturing around Kanto. He ambiguously mentioned that they had something between them, but he didn't stick to the subject. Instead, he talked about how she was the smartest person he had ever known.

We got off the elevator and Rob knocked on door 306. The sound of a latch being undone clicked and a teenage girl wearing black-rimmed glasses with wiry brown hair opened the door, wearing a wide smile across her peach face and rosy lips. A small mole was next to her lips on the left.

"You caught me right before I started studying," she said. Her voice had a slightly apathetic tone, but her face showed plenty of joy from seeing Rob.

"Nice," Rob remarked, "we wouldn't want you nerding out too fast. Would we, Ed?"

Rob addressing me caught me off guard. I forced good humor. "Yeah. But I don't see anything wrong with that though. If she has to study, then study." I shrugged.

She giggled. "Enforcing someone to further their education? You're already more of a humanitarian than Rob is."

Nina held out her hand. "I'm Nina."

I shook it. "Ed, but you already knew that."

"Awesome," Rob interjected. "You two know each other. Now, can we come in? I rode my Charizard here and my crotch is literally aching. Can we all sit down?"

Nina let us in. Computer equipment was littered all around the apartment, making it seem smaller than what it was. Her tiny kitchen had modem cases stacked on the counter and dinner table. A pile of documents sat in front of a sleek, large flat screen TV. A laptop sat on a couch along with several thick textbooks. In a corner, a few beanbag chairs were bunched up. Nina pulled out the biggest one and plopped down on it.

She pointed to the couch. "You can put all that stuff on the floor. And while you're doing that, you can tell me what you need help with."

Rob and I cleaned off her couch and took a seat. Rob handled the talking. "Yeah. Ed happened to run into some Team Zero recruits and they gave him a Zero Ball. I was wondering if you could get rid of it for us."

What? Get rid of it? Dispose of it? Was this his plan all along? I sat up straight. "I used it already. There's Slowpoke I promised to move. What do you mean by 'get rid of it'?"

Rob shot a hand up to his mouth. "Oh, damn! Sorry. I didn't mean to word it like that." He chuckled nervously and glared at Nina for a saving grace.

"You've never used your Box, Ed?" Nina asked, unfazed.

I blinked, taking a few seconds to remember what she was talking about. Rob had mentioned something about Boxes before I left Violet. "No. I don't have a reason to."

"Well," she started, "Rob is just asking me to put them in a Box. A trainer saying they're going to 'get rid of' one or some of their Pokémon, it's safe to assume they're putting them in a Box."

Rob nodded. "Yeah, I do it all the time. My Pokémon eat a lot. Six of them would be too much."

Them mentioning the number six was curious. Gavin told me about it once upon a time ago. "There's a certain number of Pokémon someone can carry at once right? They . . . teleport or something, right? Once you have more than six on you?"

"Yeah," Nina said. "It's a program called the PTN. Pokémon Transfer Network. Once your Trainer ID is registered with it, the Network keeps track of what Pokémon you have on your person. Six is considered the highest amount of Pokémon a person can have in their possession to feed and take care for efficiently. Also, six is considered the maximum amount before the person is considered a substantial threat."

Her words woke something up in me. From time after time, people would say that I was oblivious to things happening in the word. With what she explained, Nina made me want to figure out what those things were. And she definitely seemed to know her stuff. I ended up asking her more questions about what went on in the world and she was more than willing to answer. We were really hitting it off.

After being silent for a while, Rob gave a loud fake snore. Nina and I stopped our conversation.

"Goddamn, you two," he said. "You guys are talking about the most boring shit. Nina, don't you have studying to do? Classes tomorrow?"

"Shut up Rob," Nina shot back. "I'm sorry you never learned how to learn but that doesn't mean you have to be a rude immature bitch when there are people who like to learn." She gave me a brief smile.

Her words stunned me. I couldn't tell if she was serious or not about Rob or me.

Rob hollered in laughter. "Yeah well, I know enough. I get around." He got up and headed to the door.

Nina rolled her eyes. "So you're going to leave for whatever reason and vaguely explain yourself, like you usually do?"

He nodded with a wide grin. Now I couldn't even tell if he was serious or not until he started unlatching the door. "Yep. See ya!"

"Where are you going?" I piped.

"Somewhere," he answered. "Was that vague enough?"

"Sure was," Nina said.

"Good. Nina, make sure you have your Honchkrow out while you have that ball," Rob said, opening the door and stepping out.

"Oh wait! One more thing," he sang, stopping himself. He turned around and ran back into the room, and then shocked Nina by pulling her up to her feet. Before she could say anything, he planted a deep kiss on her lips. Nina's face became redder than a Cherubi's and her brown eyes were wide open from how sudden Rob was.

He broke it off, gave her a wink, gave me a cheesy smile as if to say "That's how you do it" and ran out the apartment, slamming the door behind him.

Nina was petrified and her face stayed red, staring at the door.

"You OK?" I asked, genuinely worried about her.

My voice snapped her back into reality. She seemed to have forgotten I was in the apartment. She sulked. "Yeah, I'm fine. Come with me to the Library. It's near the city's Pokémon Gym. I'm sure you'll be interested."

With the way she spoke, it was like she was ashamed. Perhaps Rob fooled around with her too. But I will admit, the way he pulled her up and kissed her made me admire him slightly.

The first thing she did was go into her bedroom and come back with a Poké Ball. She let out a fat black bird that hopped onto the couch. The feathers on its head looked strangely like a fancy hat, and the tuft of white underneath its large orange beak gave the impression of an undershirt.

I took out my PokéDex and scanned it.

"Honchkrow. If one utters a deep cry, many Murkrow gather quickly. For this, it is called "Summoner of Night," the Dex explained.

"Awesome, I haven't seen anyone use a PokéDex in a while," Nina said, rubbing underneath the Honchkrow's beak and placing the Zero Ball in the chair. The bird was unnervingly silent, glaring about the room with its eerily human eyes and lifting up its wide wings to clean the red undersides.

Nina got her books and computer in a backpack and we left the apartment, leaving the Honchkrow out in the room. She explained that Dark-type Pokémon are able to mask Zero Balls from Metagross, and that the ball was safe. When I asked her why, our intellectual conversation started over again as we got on the subway. Nina told me about how Poké Balls were made, and then tried to add talk about waves. She giggled when she confused me, saying I'd get it sooner or later.

She said that she went to school and studied these things. When she told me she was only sixteen, I was speechless. Nina had skipped two grades back when she used to live in Kanto. She explained that she worked in various oddjobs to save up enough money to live in Goldenrod and attend an engineering school. And now, she was in the middle of summer school.

When we reached the library, I had to bend my back to see how giant and grand the building was. The columns made it seem like it stepped out of an ancient Human civilization. She handed me her library card and told me to knock myself out while she studied.

"You can do whatever you want like leave the library, but meet me at the entrance at 5," she said. Then playfully grabbed my ears and pulled, speaking with a cutesy voice. "And then Mama's gonna take you back home!"

I poked her soft stomach through her black shirt. "Well, whatever happened to all my brothers and sisters?"

She sharply yanked my ears, chuckling. "You have jokes, Ed, but let's keep the weight ones away until we've known each other for more than a day."

Nina wasn't skinny, but she managed to still look cute and more attractive than a lot of girls I had the hots for and could easily pass for someone who was fit. She didn't flaunt herself though. If anything, she probably had some insecurities since she dressed plainly with a black shirt and jeans with generic faded red sneakers.

However, I could see why Rob called her cool. And to keep my wife from killing me once she reads this book, I'll shut up about her.

We entered the library and she went off upstairs. The library completely killed the one back in New Bark. It seemed like there were miles of aisles of books about everything. Using the catalog computer, I looked up books about being a trainer and set out to find them.

Why Trainers Battle was the only one I couldn't find. Carrying the rest of the books, I parked myself at a large wooden table in an isolated corner of the library and started looking up my own Pokémon in Oak's Pocket Monster Index; 35th International Edition.

"May I see that book when you're done?" whispered a guy beside me. Roughly my own age, his finely brushed dirty blonde hair and his proper Sevii island accent told me he frequented the library a lot. Why Trainers Battle was in front of him.

"I'll trade you this book for that one you have there," I offered. We made the switch.

"I don't see why they only have one copy of Why Trainers Battle," he said. "The book is always gone. They should order more books, or put it online. It's an old book. You can smell the pages, and only old books have that weird smell."

I agreed with everything he said. "This book must have some good info in it then."

He flipped through the pages of the PokéDex. "I found it boring. It talks too much about history and no strategies. The bloke should've written a book called How Trainers Battle."

I snickered at his opinion, though I respected it. Why Trainers Battle immediately hooked me when it talked about the origins of the Trainer. To avoid any awkwardness with him, I introduced myself. "I'm Ed."

"Riley," he huffed. He harshly flipped through the pages. "493 Pokémon, and that's divided into hundreds of thousands of species? And we can't even get like twelve or some off-key number like that because they're considered 'Legendary'. Makes you figure why they even consider them Pokémon."

Riley told me he was training in the City Gym so he could get his fifth badge, but the challenge was difficult.

"There's no Gym Leader there," he explained. "It's just a bunch of run-of-the-mill trainers battling each other with officials at the sidelines. The officials sort you out and whoever wins gets the badge. You can fight the officials, but they only use Normal-type Pokémon. And Normal-type Pokémon are so stupid to fight, unless, well, you have a Fighting-type. Fighting-types own Normal and the only Pokémon I have that can use Fighting moves is sick."

Fighting-type? Felicity mentioned that June would turn to one. A Rotom lit up in my head.

"Riley, could you look up Torchic for me please? What does it evolve to?" I asked.

He flipped toward the middle of the book and scanned for a few seconds. "Torchic evolves to Number Two-Two-Five Combusken, a dual type. Fire and Fighting. Apparently, Combusken are highly aggressive with their physical attacks and…. Wow. They can combust air at will due to the unstable amount of energy they build up when agitated. I really should catch me one of these."

His words came second to my anxiousness. "Can you show me where the Gym is?"

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Hope you liked it. I've started on Chapter 18, so the story's still going. Read and review!