Well, I'm back. This chapter is all about developing the story and taking risks, I know that the way I portrayed things here won't be fully accepted but those were needed to make the story flow. I don't know anything about acting and how a movie production works, so it may have become a bit unrealistic at time and I ask you to bear with me here.

Also, I'm pretty tired as I finished writing the chapter, and despite proofreading the work, I think that there's a chance of some basic errors, if that's the case please point those out so I can fix them.

Regarding the review pointing out how unrelated football (or soccer) was to the overall pokémon theme I'm the first one to admit that you're right. And being fully honest, football is only here because I'm a huge fan. That being said, when planning this fic, I hoped people would have this reaction, as some of the characters of the fic will have it. Calling the protagonist out for not deciding whether he's a pokémon trainer or a football player. I'd never call the inclusion of football an abomination though. I have several ways of merging the storylines in a way they complement themselves, and I feel it adds a new layer of distinction and personality to an OC who's a blank page at first.

The fact that being a pokémon trainer in this story is somewhat harder would only encourage people to look further than pokémon as a mean to make a living. Also, I don't feel that I should just ignore the other characters backstories just because the game or anime doesn't develop them further, I want this story to be different, and a great part of this starts by having unique, well fleshed characters.

I thank you a lot for taking your time reviewing my story and I hope to continue seeing your reviews here though, as I enjoy discussing my work.

"Never throughout history has a man who lived a life of ease left a name worth remembering." - Theodore Roosevelt

Chapter Eight: Making Headlines

As soon as I disembarked the ship, Virbank City's most know feature made itself known. Whether caused by a natural geographic propensity, or by the towering industrial complex presence south of the city; my guess going to the latter, the fog was here. The main city in southwestern Unova is the region's leading industrial producer, mostly likely due to the industrial complex and the reasonably cheap labour.

The graffiti, lack of natural illumination and overall punk vibe reminded me greatly of the city of Spikemuth in Galar. The urban landscape was filled with hangars, storehouses and some cranes, the mark of quickly, and most likely irresponsibly, developing city.

Since I decided to visit early the streets were relatively empty. I glanced at the giant Koffing graffiti at the northern part of town. Mr. Stu mentioned it when I asked for directions over the phone.

The Pokéstar Studios definitively stood out when compared to the rest of the city. The worn out, low-key buildings were a far cry from the fancy, if not over-the-top compound. The Studios were guarded by an enormous gate, and the insides were as ample as it. Billboards, giant warehouses where props were kept, a giant set and even a fancy movie theatre only added to the sumptuousness of the place.

Waiting by the gate is the man itself, Mr. Stu Deeoh. I previously encountered him twice, once helping him retrieve his movie script and once evaluating said script. To be honest I didn't think he would contact me again, after all my words, albeit honest, could have been interpreted as a personal attack to him.

It seems I'm wrong though.

After exchanging pleasantries, the director guided me through the giant studio.

"How do you like our infrastructure?" he asked

I glanced back at the lavish components and nodded back at him. "I'm not well versed in moviemaking, but I'd say it looks like premier tier stuff."

"It is." The balding blonde confirmed. "Extremely expensive to set up, but I'm seeing this as an investment rather than an expenditure."

I could understand his reasoning. "It often takes money to make more money." I offered politely.

He hummed as we reached a huge building, apparently the set. "You must be wondering why I asked you to come here."

"I am, yes."

"Well, I'd like to cast you at my movie."

….

….

….

I was really speechless. "What?!" I managed to blurt out at least.

"I took my time to rewrite the script, and made some key changes, some even were based on the feedback I've received from you. What I am offering you is a role as one of the protagonists, and all of the benefits that may come with it." The studio owner explained.

"Uhhhh….I really don't know what to say." I really didn't, I came here expecting him to offer something in the lines of another script reading or to do some pokémon related work, but not this.

"It may seem sudden, but I feel you would be the perfect fit for the role. I'm asking you as a friend, please try out, I must know if it works."

I didn't consider the man to be my friend even in the slightest. Nothing personal against him, but I simply didn't feel like a guy who I met twice would be friend material. Still, I relented, I've came all the way here of course.

"I can try. But let me warn you that this is probably a bad, bad idea."

After accepting the man's offer, I was led to a dressing room, and soon enough I was wearing a superhero costume. I glanced at the mirror, the outfit consisted of black boots that reached my calf, skin tight dark blue plants held by a black belt, a black shirt with blue details on the sleeves, black gloves that rode up to my forearms and finally a black domino mask covering my eyes.

As soon as I finished, one of the assistant producers appeared, followed closely by a small blue pokémon.

"The outfit suited you well." He complimented, then pointing to the pokémon who looked guarded. "This is Riolu, you'll be shooting the scene alongside him."

Said pokémon is a small canine pokémon, with black torso and legs, blue thighs, arms, face and tail; with red eyes. It also has black feelers at its head, attached to a black mask surrounding his eyes.

It was the first time I ever saw a Riolu. As a kid I'd once or twice hear stories about Lucario, its evolution and the Aura Guardians, although I'd question the veracity of those tales. Still it was an interesting pokémon, who glanced at me warily, keenly reminding me of Eevee when I first met him.

I knelt by him, doing my best to vanish my ever-present glare and frown as I made eye contact. The pokémon seemed impassive, so I took the initiative.

"My name is Peter, let's do our best together." I said offering the pokémon a fist bump.

The black and blue pokémon seemed hesitant, but gave me almost unperceptive nod.

Good enough for starters.

"Go, my Pokémon! Unleash your power! Destroy everything in this amusement park!" the actor, who also happened to be the captain of the ferry I took earlier exclaimed. The man was wearing a purple and green outfit and held a cane with one of his hands. He sent out a Pawniard a small, but intimidating looking pokémon with black and red body surrounded by circular blades.

"Hold on right here." I called out, appearing in the scene.

"W-Who are you?" he asked shakily.

"He who brings the truth and strives for the ideals, the Riolu Mask. I cannot allow your mischief." I said out calling Riolu out.

"The amusement park…It is merely a moment of dream…It has the shape people's ideals have taken…I have no use for such ideals…" the 'villain' said in a vague monologue.

"Go, Pawniard, use Aerial Ace!"

The razor arms on Pawniard glowed blue as he dashed forward.

"You won't!" I called out. "Riolu, use Force Palm."

Riolu moved to intercept the opponent and palmed it, after a few seconds a bright yellow beam was visible, sending the opposing pokémon crashing backwards. The whole scene of course was overly exaggerated, but overall worked well.

"A single hit to KO my pokémon…You're pretty good Riolu Mask." The man praised. "Despite that however…You will get down on your knees before me when I end you with my dark, secret arts! Prepare to be finished!" he boasted

Looking resolute, I uttered my line. "Bring it on!"

"Well said! My dark, secret arts enter! Take them and be gone!"

As said on the script, his next pokémon, a Vullaby was sent out and attacked Riolu with Air Slash.

As soon as the attack connected, I smirked. "Ice Punch, Riolu!"

Riolu's fists then were instantly covered by ice; before directly punching Vullaby, sending it crashing back, unconscious.

"Aargh." The man groaned, glaring at me. "Braving my secret arts to take out my pokémon with one hit…"

"Don't you get it?" I asked rhetorically. "This is an amusement park filled with ideals of people. Be on your best behaviour and go home."

"Very well. I shall pull back today. You may be the Messenger of Truths and Ideals. But I'm the bringer of reality and phantasms. Mark my words."

The sound of the clapperboard marked the end of the scene, I turned to Riolu.

"You did well." I praised, earning a nod from the pokémon.

I overheard the approaching footsteps and turned to see Mr. Deeoh approaching me.

"How it was?"

"There were some things which can be improved but it was a good effort. You can take a break now; I'll be meeting with some of the staff to evaluate your acting."

I nodded; such was to be expected. "May I take Riolu with me? I think some fresh air will be good for him."

"You can, that is a good idea." The director said, turning out to leave.

The calm atmosphere of the Route 20 was further enhanced by the soothing sound of crushing leaves as me and Riolu strolled in silence. I've been always one for the rush and excitement of big cities, but I could definitively understand why so many people would prefer to live in the country.

For instance, take this route's example. It was quiet and calm, the temperatures have taken a small drop due to autumn but not to the point of being cold. Add this to the sound of the water running though the river and then to a waterfall and it would become the place where a movie's happy ending would take place.

I glanced at the pokémon by my side, who looked around happily but never making any sort of sound. I can relate to Riolu, I'm a quiet person by nature; except during football matches, but overall quiet. I abided by a principle that one who doesn't have anything insightful to say shouldn't open his mouth after all. I truly believe that the world would be a better place if there were more people who think like me in that regard.

I may be like that due to my somewhat lonesome upbringing, an only child with a father who worked most of the time and a mother he could never really relate to would be inclined to be used to the silence. I liked it, though. Alone and with nothing filling my ears I could think, and when I think I get dangerous. But none of that for the moment, today revenge is taking a day off.

Eventually we came near the route's end, a sign marking the entrance to Floccesy Town.

"Let's head back. They might be finished." I said to Riolu.

Before I could however, I was stopped by a familiar voice which called my name.

The confusion in my face soon turned into recognition as the tall figure approached.

"Alder." I said in surprise.

"Peter, it has been a long time."

Another tall man appeared besides Alder. This one has dark skin, blonde hair in a buzzcut, and wore sporting clothes alongside a black belt.

"This is Marshal, one of my Elite Four." Alder introduced. "Marshal, this is Peter, a student at the Institute."

"A pleasure." I said between gritted teeth, trying not to wince at the man's strong handshake.

"So, Peter" Alder began "I heard lots of good things about you from the teachers at the academy."

I nodded. "I have to thank you for giving me this chance; I doubt many would."

The champion waved his hand dismissively, turning to Marshal. "He reminds me a bit of you."

The tall Elite looked me over raising an eyebrow. "How so?"

"Peter, what you feel is most important in a pokémon trainer?"

I frowned. "Many things, but the most important one is the lack of weakness that can be exploited."

"See?" he asked with a grin to Marshal, who nodded approvingly at me.

"My answer was strength, but those two go hand in hand." The tall man then glanced at the pokémon who was staring quietly at the two from besides me. "Is that Riolu yours?"

I shook my head negatively. "It belongs to the Pokéstar Studios, I'm taking him on a walk as a thank you for his hard work today."

Marshal frowned a bit but said nothing, instead it was Alder who voiced his question. "You are working for them?" at my nod he grew even more interested. "Why?"

"I helped Me. Deeoh a bit, he then asked me to come and make an audition, it'll probably end up in nothing though."

"I always disliked those movies." Marshal commented. "Too unrealistic, and the fight scenes are total rubbish."

I agreed with the man. "I understand completely, they say good trainers make good actors for those scenes but I can't see why; it's so different."

"I like you, kid." Marshal decided, but immediately frowned. "But I'm afraid we must go." He signalled talking to Alder. "They are waiting for us at Aspertia City."

Alder nodded, but then turned to me. "Would you like to join us?"

"For what?"

"We are visiting a trainer's school that opened recently in Aspertia City. I think you should join us."

"I appreciate the offer, but I must be going, I have to return Riolu to the Studios too."

Marshal interjected. "Don't worry about that, I can go back there and explain the situation. I'm sure whoever that Mr. Deeoh is he'll understand that it was the Champion's request. Besides I feel like the kids there would probably relate more to you than me."

I did owe a lot to Alder, and Marshal himself made the offer to go there, so why not?

When Marshal said kids, I was expecting to meet the usual run of the mill snotty nosed brats. Apparently, his definition is a bit vaguer. I glanced at the teenagers in front of me, if none of them repeated a year they would be two years younger than my sixteen birthdays.

"And with me is Peter Thornham, who just recently moved from Galar but already is making impact at his class." Alder proclaimed signalling me.

Well, moved is not what exactly happened, I'd rather say forcibly exiled; but I obviously didn't say that aloud. "Hello." I greeted the students. "Umm…" I really needed to work on my speeches. I glanced to my side, but Riolu just gave me a smirk. The little fucker was enjoying this.

Alder stepped in, most likely sensing my discomfort. "Do you have any advice to give them?"

"I may be only two years older than you, but as a personal advice I'd say for all of you to keep pursuing your goals alongside with your pokémon." I attempted to force a smile. "Good things usually happen when we work together."

Alder nodded in approval before answering a student's question.

"And this is our practice fields." The school's headmaster said, motioning towards two empty clay fields with white lines drawn into a pokéball field marking them. It obviously was a downgrade from what I was used to in the Institute, but they were still the best they had to offer.

After my quick speech, Alder went on to speak about his journey to become a champion and interacted with several of the students. It was a noble thing of him, making time to speak about pokémon in an area that was somewhat forgotten; being honest I can't say I see myself going out of my way to do this if I was in his position. I guess he's just a better person than me after all.

As the class finished, the headmaster offered to give us a tour of the school facilities. Alder, as magnanimous as ever accepted, and I tagged in, some of the students back there were giving me some odd looks.

"Peter Thornham!" A voice called out, drawing our attention.

The boy who approached me was one of the students back in the classroom, He wears red high-collar tracksuit with white details, blue pants and red sneakers. His eyes are red and his unkept hair dark blue.

I turned as he was flanked by other two students: a girl with long brown hair, tied into two sock buns above her ears and other two long strains flowing through her back; and a boy with long spiky dark hair, which managed to be even messier than the one belonging to the other boy.

"I challenge you to a battle!" the boy proclaimed, despite some attempts by his friends to dissuade him of the idea.

"Hugh!" the headmaster exclaimed. "What's the meaning of this!?"

"The best way to get stronger is to face stronger opponents." He then turned to me. "You're strong right?"

"Still, you're being extremely disrespectful to our guest." The headmaster admonished.

I glanced at the boy and then at the principal. "I'd like to accept his challenge." I said surprising the others.

The headmaster relented then.

Alder stepped forward. "I'll referee the battle."

I turned to Hugh. "Let's make this a one on one." The way I said it left no place for discussion, it was he who challenged me after all.

"Oshawott, it's battle time." Hugh called out his pokémon.

The sea-otter like pokémon has light blue body and nose and white head. The scalchop, a yellow sharp seashell at its belly was its most prized possession.

"Eevee, I choose…" at this point I was interrupted by a tug at my pants and looked down to see Riolu looking back at me expectantly. The puppy eyes were clear indicator of what he wanted.

I sighed as my opponent stared at me impatiently. The decision was supposed to be an easy one, Riolu was not my pokémon, I didn't know his moves and Mr. Stu could be rightfully angry if he was injured. Still, it was the only time the entire day the pokémon asked for something.

My green eyes met his red ones. "You'll follow my orders to the letter alright?"

The pokémon nodded enthusiastically.

"Well, let's go then." I turned to Alder and then to Hugh. "I'll be using Riolu."

"This will be a one-on-one battle between Hugh of Aspertia City and Peter from Motostoke City. Ready?" we both nodded. "Start."

I soon realized that allowing Riolu on the battlefield may not have been my brightest idea, after all I only know two of his moves.

"Hey, Riolu what else can you do?"

"Oshawott, use Aqua Jet."

The opposing pokémon became surrounded by water and quickly propelled itself forward, targeting Riolu. The fighting type pokémon let his paws glow white and after a second small claws extended from the paws, the pokémon attempted to cross them but was surprised by the speed of the sea otter pokémon, being knocked down.

"You know Metal Claw, anything else?" I asked, delving deep into my mind in an attempt to formulate a new strategy.

My opponent however was having none of it, already calling out his next move. "Oshawott, use Fury Cutter." The water type drew his scalchop, and ran towards Riolu who assumed a defensive instance, standing in a lateral base with plenty of leeway for a counterattack.

I recognized it because of the MMA training I underwent back on my first month at school. My suspicions were proven to be correct when Riolu sidestepped Oshawott's attack in the last second and was covered by orange energy bore landing a hook at the wide-open opponent, who was sent tumbling down.

I nodded in approval seeing the pokémon's display, an idea already forming into my mind. "Riolu," I called out, drawing his attention "can you use Quick Attack?"

He nodded. "Then do it, don't let it recover."

The fighting type then dashed forward, leaving a white trail of energy behind it, slamming straight at Oshawott, who was still recovering from the previous attack.

"Oshawott!" Hugh yelled in concern. The water type got up with a groan and temporarily became surrounded by a bluish hue. I recognized that as its ability, Torrent being triggered.

"Let's turn this match around!" Hugh yelled. "Oshawott, use Water Gun."

The water type shot out a powered stream of water from his mouth towards Riolu.

"You're quicker, Riolu, keep evading."

The speed advantage was strongly employed in our favor here, as Riolu dashed through the field as Oshawott spent his energy.

"Stop!" Hugh called out, seeing that his strategy wasn't working. He then surprised everyone with his next call. "Use Water Sport."

I frowned; Water Sport was usually employed to reduce the damage caused by fire type attacks. It then hit me as the water sprays that were shot upwards by Oshawott hit the ground.

"Clever bastard." I muttered. By making the field wet, he would hinder Riolu's movements as the fighting type will have to slow down or risk slipping, either way becoming an easier target for Oshawott to hit.

"Riolu, watch your step, avoid the puddles."

I commanded, earning a nod from the pokémon. The opposition soon resumed their onslaught, firing from range using several Water Guns, whilst my mind worked in a way to counter Hugh's strategy.

But to no avail, soon enough, Riolu missed his stem and slipped, and, by doing so, becoming an easy target for the opposing water type.

I frowned considering my options, Hugh was actually a clever trainer. With the waterlogged field I'd risk slipping or losing lots of speed to attack. And, considering that his pokémon was the only one capable of using ranged attacks, he created a good defence whilst strengthening his offense.

Then a game changing idea came to my mind as I glanced at the wet field.

"Oshawott, keep the offense going, use Water Gun once again."

"Riolu, use Ice Punch into the pond right in front of you." The pokémon seemed puzzled by my commands, but did so.

As the attack came into contact with the water I smirked and soon Hugh's smirk turned into horror as the water spread through the field froze.

I glanced to see Oshawott attempting his best to melt his frozen feet, but to no avail.

"Riolu, Force Palm."

Riolu smirked as his palm shone brightly.

With all time to properly focus the energy on his attack, the fighting type delivered a strong blow, which resonated though the field from point blank range at the opponent's, sending Oshawott crashing into the wall unconscious.

"Oshawott is unable to battle, winner is Peter from Motostoke City."

I glanced at Riolu and nodded at him, a gesture that was returned by the pokémon.

Hugh appeared in front of me. "You only won because you had the better education, my pokémon will be stronger next time though." He said, shocking everyone else.

I just nodded, deciding not to reply to him. "If you say so."

He left the field with a sneer.

I can't deny I felt nervousness hit as I sat down at a meeting room, waiting for my talk with Mr. Deeoh. Whilst I won't feel sorry for obviously not landing the job, I would definitively miss Riolu. It was somewhat bittersweet that I had to go after I just bonded with him. It may sound like bullshit but I really felt a connection between us.

"Before I give my verdict" Mr. Stu said as he entered the room. "I want to ask how you felt about acting."

"It was bad… usually I'd do well on almost everything I set my sights into. But with acting, I did put in effort, but it truly sucked. I'm… really not used to it." I admitted, earning a nod from the Studio owner.

"Why do you feel you, as in your own words, sucked?"

"I think I don't have the natural talent for it. Heck, being honest, I don't have any talent for it."

The man nodded, and kept silent for a bit, which was really unsettling me. He probably wanted me to express my feeling further but after a few minutes he took out a file from his suitcase and handled it to me.

I felt my eyes widen as I read the paper.

Casting Report: Peter Thornham

He was evaluated specifically due to the Director Stu's request. Said process was done in an extremely short notice, thus consisting only of a scene of the movie.

Positives:

Shows uncanny ability to retain the script, as he easily memorized the scene after studying it for less than twenty minutes.

His battle scene was of great quality and during it his acting improved exponentially.

Negatives:

Despite how easily he learns the script, Peter often misses the timing of his lines.

Overall acting is below average at best; shows no emotion whatsoever into his lines, making him appear as an extremely bland and blank character.

Has very a downright guarded body language, which is translated into tense acting onscreen.

May lack commitment with the production, as he showed on previous interest in acting.

Obviously falls short when compared to the other casted actors.

Can bring negative publicity if signed, as he was recently involved into a doping incident in Galar.

Different way of life can affect chemistry with the rest of the cast.

Overall Grade: D

"Ouch." I winced as I finished reading. "Looks pretty bad."

"It is." Deeoh confirmed.

I glanced at the man. "I did my best; unfortunately, it seems that you were wrong this time. But I want to wholeheartedly thank you for the opportunity."

Instead of accepting it, he handled me another file. It was a contract.

Actor's Contract

This is a formal contract, signed between Peter Axel Thornham and Pokéstar Studios Incorporated. The agreement runs for six months after its signing, with an option for to Pokéstar Studios Incorporated to void it at will, and to renew it for another three months.

The terms are as follows:

1 - Peter Axel Thornham agrees to participate into the Pokéstar Studios Incorporated movie, named Vigilantes.

2- The Pokéstar Studios Incorporated agrees to pay Peter Axel Thornham a monthly salary of 200.000 Pokémon Dollars.

3 - Peter Axel Thornham agrees to transfer his image rights to Pokéstar Studios Incorporated for divulgation and marketing purposes. Also, Peter Axel Thornham relinquishes the rights or claims to any character portrayed by him in the movie.

4 - Pokéstar Studios Incorporated agrees to pay Peter Axel Thornham 0.02% of the production's gross income as a performance bonus

6 - Peter Axel Thornham can trigger a purchase clause by halving his bonus above by the end of the production. By doing so, Peter Axel Thornham acquires ownership of the pokémon he acted alongside with. Said clause can only be triggered at the end of production, as means of safeguarding the pokémon from possible injuries.

"To keep your interest piqued." The man stated.

I frowned. "I'm sensing a huge if in here."

"There is." Mr. Deeoh confirmed. "We will run you through an intensive training, and then redo the casting scene."

I frowned at that. "What do you mean by intensive?"

"You'll be having acting lesson for at least 12 hours a day, for an entire week."

I whistled at the statement. "I have school."

"Then you can walk out from the contract, but I don't think you want to."

I shook my head. The money would be great, and the bonus clause could increase it further. But the prospect of acquiring the Riolu I spent my day with it.

"I'll do it." I said with newfound determination.

After yet another strenuous session I found myself, alongside Riolu, once again at Route 20. In order to do the intensive course, I obviously had to take a week off at school, but the professors were surprisingly agreeable with my request, probably in part due to how well I performed in the first exams.

If I were to describe the acting lessons, I'd say they are definitively different from anything I've done. I had different teachers, each focusing on different techniques and points. The main focus was portraying emotions accordingly. Apparently, the main reason I did so bad at the auditions was my inability to portray any kind of emotion, which was somewhat to be expected due to my upbringing and the very circumstances that led me to Unova. Always someone who believed showing any kind of emotion, regardless of the type, would provide the enemies more points to hurt you; I was now having to express those emotions, ironic to say the least.

Other than that, I had improvisation, body acting and vocal classes. I actually am good in improvisation, mainly due to how good of a liar I am. Body acting and vocal went hand in hand with portraying emotions, so still a work in progress.

Still, I felt extremely drained, I may regret saying this but I'd take Hammer's workouts above this anytime. I leaned my back into a big tree, Riolu by my side, and closed my eyes. When I didn't jump off that bridge, I vowed to avenge myself and punish those who wronged me. From that point onwards, all I did was rush. My revenge still was out of my reach, but I remembered Elesa's words, and decided that sometimes it was okay to relax and do nothing, just enjoy. And I did that, probably having the most comfortable nap of my life under the tree with falling leaves.

"Ummmm…Mister Thornham?"

I was awake by a soft feminine voice. Due to the voice lessons I was taking, I've improved my 'reading' of other people voices, and indeed I felt like now I could sense different emotions in them. This voice belonged to someone with a good heart, I decided. It felt devoid of any ill will. I opened up my eyes to see a somewhat familiar face, one which I quickly associated to the girl who accompanied Hugh when I battled him.

The girl had the distinct two sock buns long brown hair, light skin and dark blue eyes. She wears a pokéball print top and yellow frilly shorts above a black legging.

I glanced at the girl. "You called me?"

The girl nodded. "It is that you were sleeping in the open…you could catch a flu."

I nodded, that was indeed true. "Thanks for waking me up then, I really appreciate it."

"Umm… Mister?" the girl asked shily, but I interrupted her.

"Look, I must be two years older than you at most, it feels strange being called mister. Just call me Peter."

The girl nodded meekly. She took a deep breath and glanced me straight in the eyes. "I'd like to apologize in behalf of Hugh."

I raised my eyebrow at this, before I could voice out my thoughts, the girl continued. "A year ago…Hugh's sister's pokémon was stolen by a Team Plasma grunt."

"I never heard of them." I admitted

"They preach for the liberation of pokémon."

"And if don't 'liberate'" I said making air quotes at the last words "they do so for you."

The girl shook her head and grimaced. "They do even worse, they use those pokémon to attack others."

I nodded in understanding. "Standard bad guys attempting to justify their actions through noble means."

"Hugh attempted to stop them but he was too inexperienced to prevent it. After that… he started to prioritize power and strength over everything else. So, please take that in consideration and forgive him."

I shook my head, glancing at the teen. "I can't accept that for two reasons. First one is that you should never apologize on behalf of the others. You weren't the one who said I only won because I had better teachers."

"Even so…" the girl attempted to say, but was cut off once again.

"And the second reason is that while he said some things that weren't true, I do understand his motivations, I too pursue strength and revenge, although mine is less noble in its motives."

"But I want you to know that Hugh isn't like it, the damn theft changed him." The girl argued.

"Life changes us all the time, I don't know you, and I don't know Hugh, but if you're hoping that he'll simply stop acting like he is now you're mistaken." I pointed out

"He's my friend, I won't give up on him."

I smiled at her display. Maybe if I had friends like her in Galar things would have happened differently. "I'm not saying that you should. I'm just pointing out that you shouldn't hope that he changes back into what he was overnight."

The girl seemed satisfied with my explanation.

"Now I must be off" I walked a few steps before stopping and turning at the girl. "What's your name?"

"Rosa."

I nodded. "Thanks for waking me up, Rosa from Aspertia City."

I glanced at the signed contract in front of me. For a long time, I thought that my first contract would be as a football player. After I took upon pokémon training I also envisioned myself signing a sponsorship contract. But not even in my wildest dreams I'd think that my first contract will be signed as an actor.

"That'll be all." Mr. Deeoh said, clearly satisfied.

After the one-week period I redid my casting, and this time, by putting my newly acquired acting skills on display I managed to make a much better impression on the others. Even so I knew that I was here simply by his request, there were several better choices.

"Why me?" I asked in curiosity. "Why you went out of your own way to give all of this for me?"

Mr. Deeoh turned to me. "What you said to me in the restaurant?"

"About innovating?"

He shook his head. "About taking risks."

I frowned. "So that's what I am." Despite knowing that already, I didn't appreciate the fact nonetheless.

"I trust in your abilities if that's what you're worried about, but I've decided to do more. If you fail, I'll take the fall, but if you succeed not only the movie will be a success, but I will also be recognized as someone who managed to transform a nameless someone without any experience in acting into a star."

I nodded in understanding of the man's words. "Well, I'm trusting into your work myself; if it fails, I'll have failed too…so I'll make sure it doesn't fail"

As I sat down at one of the benches of the Castelia Park waiting for the contact to show up, I frowned looking at the newsstand. I approached the owner, careful to lower my cap so my features wouldn't be that noticeable and purchased the newspaper, after flipping through some pages, I stopped as I found what I was looking for.

Pokéstar Studios signs convicted pokémon abuser

The Pokéstar Studios, a recently founded film studio backed by generous financing had already made into the news earlier this month by signing the teenage pair of idols Nancy and Christoph. Today they make into the news once again, by signing the at-first unknown Peter Thornham. But it only takes a quick search to find out that back in his home region, Galar the now-named Peter Thornham went by Peter Axel, a name well known to the Galarian fans of pokémon battles.

Peter Axel, formerly regarded as one of Galar's most exciting young trainers, was convicted for usage of doping in his own pokémon; a move that not only saw his trainer's license revoked and a lifetime ban from amateur competitions in Galar, but also saw the team from his school, the traditional Royal Academy of Galar, eliminated from the competition.

According to several reports, Peter is a master manipulator who was described as ruthless, ambitious and selfish by his own former teammates.

"He's not good news. I don't know what that Unovan studio was thinking when they signed him." A former classmate of his told us.

The Pokémon Protection Agency released a note in which they admonish the studio's board for signing someone who clearly shouldn't be around pokémon, and promises to keep a watchful eye on developments happening in Virbank as the movie production continues.

This particular one was considered extremely light as they mostly kept things as factual as possible. Even so there were other newspapers in which they made some rather absurd claims, such as linking me to drug addiction and to match fixing.

"You're here early." The female voice noted, as I looked up from the newspaper. The woman has fair skin, green eyes and well combed brown hair, with only an unruly curly tuft. She was wearing professional looking clothes, with grey pants and black and red shirt. She also spoke with a different accent, which I'd guess that comes from either Kalos or Fiore.

"Alexa from The Castelia Press?" I asked, earning a hum of confirmation from the woman.

"Before we start, I must ask you if there's anything or any subject you don't want to talk about? It's a written interview, but it's standard procedure, in case something offends you."

I shook my head. "I'll answer everything."

She took a notepad and sat down besides me. "Now let's hear your story."

Peter Thornham – Unchained

If probably know him by now. His name was all over the news and gossip sites when news of his deal with the Pokéstar Studios came to public. Now, Peter is ready to tell us everything in this exclusive interview.

Q: Peter, thanks for agreeing with the interview, can you enlighten us of why you accepted our offer and decided to come talk with us?

A: I accepted the offer because I wanted to tell my version of the story; an opportunity that wasn't given to me by the other media.

Q: You think that there was foul play in how you were portrayed in the other articles?

A: Yes and no. I don't think that there was someone behind the scenes pulling the strings so I'm portrayed badly. But at this point I'm assured that 90% of the media is more interested in profits rather than effectively portraying the truth; it's how society works nowadays, they want to judge someone, even if he's innocent. Public opinion is the new law.

Q: Now, let's go back into your time in Galar, as you were accused, and later convicted guilty of using illegal performance enhancing drugs on your pokémon. Your comments on that?

A: I made lots of mistakes in Galar, but never committed any crime. Those claims are untruthful.

Q: So, you're saying you never fed your pokémon with any type of illegal drug?

A: Yes, I personally oversaw my pokémon diet and the only kind of supplementation I ever employed were Carbos, which were allowed by the laws.

Q: You think that there was foul play involved into your conviction?

A: Yes, the tests don't lie though, my pokémon was fed with illegal substances, but the point I've tried to make, and that pretty much everyone dismissed instantly, was that I wasn't the one who fed my pokémon these drugs nor I had knowledge that they were feeding him.

Q: You have evidence of that?

A: No. Not yet.

Q: Care to make any additional statements about that claim?

A: The 1.7 Carboprotein is an expensive product, I read enough news of apprehensions to know that. If people really look through my record, they will see that I come from a relatively humble background and had no income at the time. It makes no sense for me to use that. Furthermore, several other tests made on my pokémon before accused no use of the drug. If it was an only time thing why would I do it now? There was no significant event that would justify me suddenly resorting to doping.

Q: Do you plan to contest the ruling to prove your innocence?

A: No, as I've said before the public opinion already decided that I'm guilty, no matter what I do now that won't change. I know I'm innocent and that's enough for me.

Q: You kept in touch with your teammates back in Galar?

A: No, and I don't plan to. We were teammates, just that,

Q: Now, moving into a lighter subject, how do you feel on signing with the Pokéstar Studios and participating into their movie?

A: It was a big surprise, but a welcomed one, of course. I'm excited and committed to the production. I hope to deliver.

Q: You will have the opportunity to act alongside Unovan top teen idols Nancy and Christoph, how do you feel about that?

A: I know I have lots to prove, even more when the cast has lots of previous experience onstage. But I hope to get along well with them.

Q: You already spoke with them?

A: No, I'll meet them during rehearsals.

Q: Moving into yet another subject, and talking about your life at school and at Unova overall, how did you settle?

A: It is never easy to leave your home, and I'd lying if I told that I don't miss Galar. But I know that I needed a restart and I couldn't see myself doing it in any other place than Unova and the Institute of Unova.

Q: You became the captain of the soccer team there. Can you tell us more about your relationship with the sport?

A: For a very long-time football meant everything to me, even now it means. Becoming captain was something I wasn't expecting but I'm doing my best to become a better leader for the team and hopefully keep winning.

Q: Is your dream to become a professional player in the future?

A: It is one of my dreams. But not the only one, I also can definitively see myself challenging the Pokémon Leagues around the world.

Q: Which dream takes precedence?

A: For me there's no such thing as precedence, I going for both at the same time.

Q: Don't you feel that it is unrealistic to covet two things so different?

A: It is hard, but not unrealistic; several Gym Leaders and even some of the Champions focus on more than just pokémon battling, I think I'm capable of it.

Q: After a rocky start of the season, the Institute of Unova's battling team is currently out of a playoff spot. Some of the influent members claim that you should be offered a spot at the team. What are your views on that?

A: I don't feel like it's my place to comment on those rumours as it would be disrespectful to both the coach and the team members. But I don't think much of it, if I get offered a spot great, if I don't… well life goes on.

Q: As we reach the end of the interview, would you like to send any message to our readers?

A: You may have heard lots of things about me, but probably never heard what I have to say about myself. I'm just a guy who wants to achieve his dreams, just like you. I made mistakes, I trusted wrong people, I fell and I got back up. This is the real Peter Thornham.

I truly hope the newspaper format I employed at the last scene was satisfactory. At this point I'm still working some things out and figuring the best ways to write some scenes.

The next updates will probably take longer than the usual as I have some things coming up at my personal life, I do promise to make my best to keep writing.

Next chapter will most likely feature another POV change and will introduce Caitlin.

Please leave a review and follow/fav the story