It's been a while since I updated this story. Here is one lol.

Chapter 33

Duke's POV

Why am I here? This place is so far away from everything else. It's off course, but for some reason, I have a calling. When I reached the Pokemon Center near the cave entrance, I had this inkling to leave and surf around. Fearow did a scan, and there's nothing here. Well, besides for the Power Plant, but I'm not allowed in there. Apparently, it's pretty much abandoned except when there's a problem. Then, some mechanic gets sent over because this power plant powers the Pokemon Center north of it.

Now, I'm standing in front of the old dirty door. There have been rumors of a legendary Pokemon residing in the Power Plant, though that's not my reason for being here. I'd rather go back. However, every time I have these thoughts of returning, something tells me to keep going. Therefore, I enter the power plant, cautious of any wild Pokemon.

Did Aurora come here last year? I doubt it. She was already behind as it was. This place is such a detour, and I'm pretty sure I'm way more behind than Aurora was at this point. And here goes my self doubt again. It's hard to get my head out of this. Can't really blame me, but I do try my best every day. I try to change the way I think, and I try to follow my heart. Growing up a poor orphan, we were often looked down upon. We were seen as scum to the community.

Since Aurora and I had to be the strong ones for our siblings, to give them any hope and happiness, we took on the brunt of these hurtful words. Dillon is the reason Aurora is out of her shell. She is lucky to have made a friend like him. Me, on the other hand, I'm alone. After spending my life with so many siblings, I have never been this alone. Sure, I have my Pokemon, though it still gets lonely. Maybe if I had a friend, it'd make me a much better trainer, like Aurora and Dillon?

It's also difficult not comparing myself to my great sister. Bred and born the same as me. Coming up exactly the same in our terrible environment, but she's now a notable young trainer who is our city's new gym leader. How can I compare to that? I'm proud of her. Don't get me wrong. It just still sucks having all this pressure. Okay. I don't have pressure. I place pressure on myself. No one really cares about me except for my family who just wants me to have fun. I can't have fun. I want to contribute, like Aurora has. I want to keep providing for my family. I don't wanna be a failure!

I'm pretty sure this is how Amy feels. We occasionally talk, but according to her, she's a lot more optimistic. Amy has always been the overly optimistic one. I wish I was traveling with her. Nevertheless, I didn't want to intrude on her and Dillon. Had I known they'd allow a new person to join them, I would've asked Amy. I do like being in Kanto so I can be near my family. I don't know. I'm just a little depressed. Being the one who always held others together, I often forget to hold myself together. And no one really checks in on me except Aurora, but she's too busy now. I don't blame any of them. I'm just feeling sorry for myself.

"Sand?"

Smiling down at one of my recent captures, I pat his head. "Thanks, Sandshrew." Since we're in the power plant with countless wild electric Pokemon, I figured having Sandshrew out for protection is smart. Also, we can use this opportunity to train! Although I constantly feel sorry about myself, especially every time I run into Connor, I try not to dwell on it. I hate feeling sorry for myself. That's not a Duke Lightfield thing. Fortunately, my Pokemon can always sense my mood and cheer me up.

I'm gonna prove to myself that I'm better than I think I am. That I'm not living in Aurora's shadow. That I don't need other people to succeed. This is the only way I can dig myself out of this hole of self pity. Besides, I have 4 younger siblings who look up to me along with Aurora. I need to hold my head up high for them. Plus, I know Aurora will always be there to make sure I'm okay. It's the reason I visit whenever I can, though I try not to come around too much. I don't want her thinking I'm lonely, which I am.

After battling some more, I'm still not sure what I'm doing in here. I'm also a bit lost, heh. Sandshrew is getting really strong, but I won't make him evolve. I think he likes being a small Sandshrew because it allows him to ride on my head like this. Once I spot the exit, we'll leave. Maybe this calling I had earlier was just to train? To get me to stop feeling sorry for myself. Sometimes, I feel like this power inside of my talks to me.

Looking at my hand that is still in the fingerless glove Allie gave me, I blush. Why am I blushing? She said she was going to throw it away anyway, and it's not like we really hung out. Well, we did agree to travel together when she can. Stop it, Duke! Arg! Let me just get out of here. It's dark and scary, and I'd rather not be here when night falls. Who knows what sinister forces probably lie in here. There must be a reason no one comes here unless they have to.

"Sand sandshrew!" Sandshrew points ahead.

There, glowing in the dim hallway, we spot an exit sign. "Yes! Great job, Sandshrew!" So close to freedom. I really need to learn to not always listen to this voice in my head. It's not really a voice. More of a feeling, but same thing. It makes me do things I don't understand myself.

As we near the exit, my hand starts tingling more than it has been. Granted, I knew it'd tingle because we're in a highly electrical place. However, this is a little much. "Sand?"

"I'm fine." I wince, but this pain isn't too bad. I've been through worse. Moreover, we're so close to the exit!

"Sandshrew!" Sandshrew jumps off my head just as a sharp pain seers through my body, starting from my hand. Doubling over, I scream out in agony. What is this? It's never been this unbearable before. "Shrew!" Sandshrew protectively stands in front of me, and through my barely opened eyes, I see a large yellow bird with its wings outstretched.

"Sandshrew, watch out!" Zapdos! There's no way Sandshrew can battle Zapdos by himself. Is this why my hand is going crazy? Zapdos seems to sense it too. It's as if our pain is in sync. "Sandshrew, return!" I can't let Sandshrew get hurt.

"Brzzz!" Zapdos sends a thunder attack that luckily doesn't affect Sandshrew. He is shaken and slightly paralyzed, but no damage is done. Why won't he return? It's not safe for him!

Zapdos seems like it has a headache since it keeps thrashing around throwing off lightning. Sandshrew is protecting me with his electric resistance body, though when Zapdos resorts to a drill peck, I know Sandshrew won't last. "Leave us alone!" I scream, causing my hand to emit a large electric forcefield. This forces Zapdos back, crashing into the wall, and I black out.

Johto

After spending the night resting in Blackthorn City once they arrived yesterday afternoon, the group finally wakes up refreshed for once. They're currently eating breakfast. "When's the last time we had a gym battle?" Amy inquires. It feels like ages since she's last earned a badge.

"Months." mutters the boy.

"Even though we just came from Cherrygrove, I feel like I haven't had a contest in forever too." That walk from Cherrygrove to Blackthorn City is really long. It took them a few weeks. If they had walked from Route 38 to New Bark Town, they'd most likely have just arrived at Jane's home by now. Suicune, they've traveled far these past few months.

The three friends are anxious to get back to their scenes. They've all been training relentlessly, so they're excited to see how all of their training has fared. "You'll lose this one though." Comes a familiarly playful voice.

Everyone turns their head at the new boy. Dillon frowns, Amy grins, and Jane smiles as the green haired boy sits down beside them. "Romeo!" Amy hugs her older cousin who chuckles.

"Hey, Amy!" Romeo then frowns and nods at Dillon. "Hey." Dillon nods back. Both the girls notice the tension but this is better than when Romeo wouldn't even acknowledge Dillon. Romeo then smirks at Jane. "So you just came from Cherrygrove?"

Jane excitedly brings out her contest case to show him her two ribbons. "Yup! And I'm gonna get my third one here in Blackthorn City!"

Romeo scoffs. "Sure. You'll have a better shot after I leave." He plans to win this week and then that's his last ribbon. He'll have plenty of time to train for his next contest.

Rolling her eyes, Jane challenges, "I'm gonna beat you this time, Romeo." He's her rival, and she's been fueled to beat him since they separated from Goldenrod City.

"Sorry to burst your bubble, Jane, but I'm beating you again." Despite his banter, Romeo is happy that this is how he'll be earning his last ribbon. He's been itching to run into Jane again since leaving Goldenrod City. Even though he considers himself a much better coordinator than her, just competing with her motivates him immensely.

"How many ribbons do you have, Romeo?" Amy cuts in.

Romeo genuinely smiles at her. It amazes Jane at how quickly Romeo's demeanor can change for certain people. He is a child celebrity, so it makes sense. "Four. I just got here late last night."

Unlike with these three friends, Romeo hasn't had much interfering with his journey. Sure, he helps people and Pokemon along the way, but he didn't have to fly across the country for various reasons. He's been able to stay on his same route, which is why he's so far ahead compared to these three.

"I don't know who would give you three ribbons." cackles a nearby voice, making them all look to see a teenage boy with white hair. Romeo turns his gaze back to the table, and the new boy notices. "Not gonna introduce me to your friends, Romeo?"

"Who are you?" Amy narrows her eyes at him. She doesn't like the way Romeo has his head down.

Smirking, the new boy answers, "Name is Felix Granger from Petalburg City." Felix ruffles Romeo's head. "This guy's best friend and rival."

Jane smiles brightly. Romeo must be strong to have so many rivals. She figures Felix must be Romeo's rival from Hoenn when he traveled around it last year. "You're his rival too!"

"He's not." Romeo curtly says and tries to shove off Felix's arm.

Felix feigns hurt. "Aw. C'mon, Roro. Don't be so hard on yourself. You may not be my rival, but we both know I'm yours."

"Leave." although the girls don't understand the situation yet, Dillon does.

Felix looks at the new voice and his smirk grows. "Hey. Aren't you the former Kanto champion?"

"Leave." repeats Dillon with a growl.

Felix raises his hands up defensively and away from Romeo. "I get it, Mr. Ex Champion." The white haired boy then ruffles Romeo's hair roughly. "See ya when I knock you outta this contest too, Roro."

When Felix is gone, Jane asks Dillon, "Why'd you do that?" She knows Dillon doesn't like being in public, but this was Romeo's friend. Although Romeo was too shy to introduce Felix, the two seem close.

For once, Amy seems to grasp a situation before Jane, though this is because she knows Romeo well enough to know when something isn't right with him. "Felix isn't his friend."

"You're a wuss." Dillon spats at Romeo. The older boy then stands up with his tray of food and leaves.

"Dil-" Jane sighs. She thought Dillon and Romeo were getting along now. Everything is going backwards again.

Romeo abruptly standing up makes both girls look at him. "I'm gonna uh go train. See ya."

With Romeo now gone too, Jane whispers, "What's going on?"

"Felix isn't his friend." Amy repeats angrily as she stabs her breakfast. "He's a bully."

"But he seemed so friendly."

"Did you see Romeo? Romeo never shuts up."

Jane glances at the doors Romeo just disappeared through. How had she not noticed? She was too excited about another potential rival that she didn't take into consideration how Romeo was feeling. Thinking back on the situation, Jane now recalls the timidness from Romeo, and that look of defeat. Coming from her overly confident rival, Jane never thought Romeo even had a side like this.

"Are you gonna go check on him?" Jane asks, but Amy shakes her head.

"The boys in my family are all the same. They like being alone when they're mad."

"No one likes being alone." Jane recalls Dillon's words to her, which makes her blush slightly.

Shrugging, Amy replies, "Dillon and I have a training session soon. Romeo always bounces back, but I'll talk to him at dinner." She figures she'll be seeing Romeo a lot this week. Plus, Amy has her own worries. She knows Clair is the strongest gym leader, and Amy doesn't feel completely ready to beat her.

Jane nods. "I'll talk to him."

"I advise you to leave him alone."

"I'll see for myself." Janes smiles warmly. "Focus on training and beating Clair. Leave contests and Romeo to me."

"I'm glad you guys are friends." Amy remembers the many arguments between Jane and Romeo last time they were together. The younger girl always wants her friends to get along. With Dillon and Romeo already mad at each other, Amy couldn't handle Jane's dislike of Romeo too.

"We're not friends." Jane giggles because she knows Romeo doesn't like assumed titles. They've never talked about being friends. "We're rivals. And I need my rival to have his head in this." Really, Jane is worried about Romeo.

Later that day, the three friends are eating. They don't see Romeo at all, though they do notice Felix laughing across the dining hall. Dillon doesn't care. He's just focused on getting Clair's badge, so he's been training with Amy all day. Amy is worriedly looking for her cousin, though she's also been focused on her upcoming gym challenge. She knows Romeo likes to stick to himself, especially when he's upset. Jane didn't train today. She spent the day searching for Romeo. Not finding him at all in or around the city, she figures he may have hid in his room.

"I'm thinking of evolving Eevee with a water stone." Amy pipes up to change the mood of searching for Romeo.

"Why?" Dillon grumbles. He's not a fan of making Pokemon evolve, so he hates stones.

Amy shrugs. "Eevee wants to evolve, but we're not sure what type she wants to be. I love water Pokemon, and I need one for when we surf around."

"I have a Vaporeon." Dillon reminds his sister. "We can have her help you train yours."

"You have a Vaporeon?" Jane curiously asks.

Dillon nods, and Amy excitedly explains, "Yeah! He has a really strong team back in Kanto! Right, Pika?"

"Pi!" Pika flexes, making Dillon roll his eyes.

"You're right about needing a water type, but make sure you and Eevee talk before you do anything. This is an irreversible decision." Dillon gets up to grab more water.

"Nala wants to evolve too." Jane smiles thinking of her Eevee. "We haven't talked too much about it, but I know she wants to."

"Wow! We should evolve them together! Mother and daughter!"

Loud obnoxious laughter makes the girls look over at Felix. They don't like him because he's a bully. Fortunately, Romeo isn't here, though what could get Felix and his cronies all worked up like this? "He's a pansy! All that money and fame, but he ain't shit! I told y'all."

Jane angrily glares at Felix. He better not be talking about Romeo. When Amy walks past her, Jane curiously raises an eyebrow at her. Amy approaches Felix and exclaims, "Shut up! Some of us are trying to eat!"

"Did I offend the Ketchum disappointment?" Felix smirks.

Now, Jane heads over. It's one thing to laugh about someone they're not sure who the subject is about, and it's another thing to come after Amy. Jane is sure Felix was talking about Romeo too. "You're just a bully! Don't you have anything better to do?"

"Romeo is better than you in every way!" Amy says. She doesn't care about Felix's words over her because she knows better. Amy and Dillon have had enough talks to boost her confidence and get her to forget about being a Kethcum. However, Amy will not tolerate Felix talking about Romeo.

Felix looks over at his friends who soon laugh with him. Standing up, he closes in on Amy and Jane. "I always beat him in contests. Watch me embarrass him again this year. Mommy and daddy's money isn't gonna help him."

"You don't know him!" Amy fires back. "Romeo is his own person! He never uses his parents' money or influence!"

"But he still gets it." Felix boredly responds. "All of you famous kids are the same. You're given everything. You don't work hard for anything, and then you cry and run away when some no name kid like me continuously shows you you're worth nothing."

Amy clenches her fist angrily. Jane growls, "Our family history means nothing. It's who we are that matters. And we're not assholes, like you!" Amy is surprised to hear Jane curse because Jane never swears.

Felix and his friends laugh some more, very amused with the situation. "Alright, little miss 'I can't compare to my top trainer parents so I'll be a coordinator.'" Whispering, he adds, "You're all nothing without your parents."

"Are you done?"

Felix looks past the girls to spot Dillon and Pika watching them. Dillon's hands are in his pocket boredly while Pika is sparking his cheeks angrily at Felix and his friends. Seeing as how they're in a very public place, and Felix already gauged Dillon earlier, Felix's smirk grows. "Ah. What are you even doing in Johto? Didn't you only compete in Kanto to beat your dad? He's back to being a champion, so that was a waste."

"Keep our dad out of this!" Amy snaps, but Dillon puts a hand on her shoulder.

"Bullies only bully because they get bullied worse somewhere else." Dillon knows this all too well because he was once a bully. He only bullied because he felt neglected by Ash. All bullies have some deep pain that causes them to inflict it on others.

Furrowing his brows in slight shock, Felix exclaims, "You don't know me! I'm only telling you the truth! You're all built by your parents' fame, and you're not worthy of having Pokemon!"

"Leave them alone, Felix." The new arrival in the dining area walks over, standing next to Jane. He looks like nothing happened today. Compared to this morning, Romeo looks a lot stronger and more confident.

Shaking his head in amusement, Felix responds, "Was wondering when you'd show your face again. You like to hide from your weaknesses."

"You have a problem with me. Not them." Romeo ignores Felix's taunting. Normally, Dillon would've punched Felix long ago, but Dillon's been working on now resorting to violence.

"They came to me, though." Felix raises his hands up innocently. "I was minding my own business here-"

"No, you weren't! You were talking bad about Romeo again!" Amy shouts.

"I was just sharing with these fellow timid coordinators that Roro is nothing to be afraid of."

"Enough!" Romeo narrows his eyes warily at Felix who now grabs his tray.

"Keep acting tough, Roro. I'll show you your proper place again this weekend." Felix then winks at Jane, irking Romeo more. "Train with me any time, Miss Kenta. Feel free to drop this sorry excuse of a coordinator production."

One moment, Felix teases Jane, and the next, he's flirting with her. She is not having it, so she storms over before Dillon can grab her. "Shit!"

"Jane!" Amy is too late. Jane grabs Felix's arm, causing him to drop his tray.

However, before Jane can do or say anything, Romeo manages to grab her wrist holding Felix. "Jane, let him go."

"No! He's a bully!"
"What are you gonna do about it?" Felix laughs. "I'm not denying I'm a bully but I only bully those who need to be humbled. Not sorry, rich kids."

Jane's hold tightens, and Romeo mentally groans. "Jane!"

"How much money would I get if I sued for assault?" teases the white haired boy.

"Find out." And just like that, Felix is laid out on the ground with a very annoyed ex-champion standing over him. Jane had released Felix due to her slightly loose grip. She now has her hands over her mouth as gasps ring out in the cafeteria. Massaging his knuckles, Dillon takes a step back. "You guys should probably go before security gets here." He lowly tells them.

Already having a long rap sheet, Dillon doesn't mind being the one to hit Felix. Felix, like all bullies, needs to learn to shut up. Dillon did his best holding back, but rather than allowing Romeo or Jane to get in trouble, Dillon went in. Pika would normally be disappointed, however he understands Dillon had to do this. And Pika is glad Dillon did, else Pika would've electrocuted Felix to the hospital.

"Dillon!" Amy shouts. She's happy that Felix was taught a physical lesson, but she's not happy seeing flashing lights in the distance. Someone definitely called the police a while ago when the altercation became tense.

"Tell mom and dad I'm not sorry." Dillon sits down nearby the unconscious bully. "And then go train because you're not gonna hold me back!"

"Dillon!" Amy groans, thuouhg she knows he's right. She needs to get out of here to avoid the police.

"Dillon…" Jane worriedly watches the nonchalant boy. He's so cool. Even though he definitely should not have hit anyone, Jane finds Dillon so admirable.

Giving her a reassuring smile, Dillon tells her, "Go. I'll be fine." It's not his first rodeo with the police. He's not even sure how many times he's been arrested.

Jane doesn't want to leave, but with the lights and sirens getting closer, Romeo, who still has his hand on her wrist, pulls her. Amy already ran out to call her parents. "C'mon, Jane!" Although he's somewhat thankful for Dillon's sacrifice, Romeo didn't want anyone getting involved. Whatever is going on between him and Felix should remain between them. Romeo hates looking weak, especially in front of people he knows. He never wanted any of this to happen. He didn't expect Felix to be in Blackthorn City at the same time as Jane and the Ketchums. Well, he never expected Jane and the Ketchums to make a detour and be here right away.

Embarrassed and upset, Romeo just wants to disappear. Plus, he won't tell Dillon or show any gratitude due to his own grudge with his fact that Dillon is making this sacrifice for them peeves Romeo a lot. Why did this have to happen? He isn't sure he has the heart to compete this weekend. Like he'll just wait until everyone leaves or he'll go earn his ribbon elsewhere. Cherrygrove has a new contest hall that is fairly small. Arg! Once again, Dillon Ketchum is the confident admirable hero while Romeo is a second-rate coordinator who hides behind his fake arrogance.