Chapter 7: Start
Sitting on the floor in the middle of my temporary room, I grab Nikko in two hands and flip her head over heels into the air.
"Veeeeeeee!"
Twisting her body midair, she tucks and twirls until she lands on the bed on all fours.
I beam at her as she hops off the bed and runs back to my lap for another go at it. The little adrenaline junkie can't get enough.
"One, two, flipamaroo!"
"Eeeeeeeee!"
She's gotten so much better in only an hour or so. The first handful of attempts were less than stellar, her body control not up to the challenge. Watching her awkwardly face plant was both hilarious and heart breaking.
I'm not even really sure how or why this started, but hell if it isn't some of the most fun we've had in days.
"Eeeee-eeee!"
Her happiness is simply infectious. I wonder if –
A gentle knock on the door interrupts my musings. There's only one person it could be. I suppose it could be Blissey (technically), but her arms are a bit stubby to knock like that.
"Hey Auntie Joy, come in." I shout towards the door.
Is it lunch already?
I try to get up but a furry missile to the chest says otherwise and knocks me back down. With an exaggerated groan of pain, I slowly topple over until I thump against the floor, eyes closed and arms spread wide.
I do my best to stay still, but a curious nose snuffles all over my face and I can't help but giggle.
"Looks like someone is having fun." Joy notes with a happy smile.
I grin and suddenly grab at the rambunctious Eevee. She's been learning, however, and hops out of my reach with a playful bounce. It seems there will be no tickle attack today. A shame really. The noises she makes when tickled are a treasure.
I get into a sitting position and turn towards Joy.
"Anything I can do for you?"
The retired nurse has been overwhelmingly kind since she took me in three days ago. A room to sleep in, three hearty meals, and a litany of information and advice to help me in my travels. I'm not usually one to go out of my way to help others, but with everything she's done for me, I make it a point to offer my assistance as much as I can in return.
"Miss Lanley came by earlier looking to buy some Pecha Berries."
I perk up at the information. The number of customers in Auburn has been steadily rising each and every day. I'm tempted to stick around until the demand dwindles back down. It's not as if I'll ever have any issues with supply.
"When does she want them?"
"She's not in a particular rush, but the sooner the better. A couple of wild Ekans have been causing trouble at her ranch for the past week - bothering her Farfetch'd and Doduo nearly every night."
Damn. Imagine letting your Pokemon get played by Ekans of all things. So embarrassing. All the more reason to make sure Nikko grows up to be an absolute unit.
"Shouldn't be an issue. I'll head over soon." I rub my chin thoughtfully, ignoring Nikko as she slips under an arm and into my lap.
"It's about a mile past the general store, right? Down near the river bend?" I'm still getting a handle on the village layout. There's not a whole lot, but it's spread out over a decent area.
"Exactly. I'm sure she'll be relieved to know her Pokemon are safe."
With a smirk, I latch onto Nikko and toss her over my head in the direction of what I hope is my bed. A squeal of delight followed by a soft thump confirms my throw.
Heh. Still got it.
"Well, no rest for the wicked. I'll get on that now. Anything you want me to pick up on the way"
Joy gets a thoughtful expression, twirling a finger through a pink and gray lock of hair.
"Now that you mention it…"
As I walk by the Juniper Street Cafe, I jerk to a stop for a split second before continuing on, noticeably faster this time.
God damnit. I'm really not in the mood.
Nikko, oblivious to my thoughts, scampers up beside me, matching my quicker pace.
I make a point not to turn around or move too fast - anything that might draw attention to myself really. Hands in pockets. Breathing steady. One foot in front of the other and repeat. Just a normal guy doing normal guy things.
"It seems fate has graced us with her touch on this fine day my rival." A smarmy voice speaks out from behind me.
Tch.
I scoop up Nikko and start [Running] - I refuse to waste any more time over this idiot's delusions.
"So shy!" The human shaped menace exclaims at the top of his lungs. People around us look at the scene in quiet bemusement.
A flash of light in front of me drags a tortured groan from the blackest depths of my soul and I slow down to a stop with a scowl on my face. There's no getting away once spotted - the attempt was out of sheer principle.
I really hate Teleport.
To my utter lack of surprise, the flash of light fades to reveal the bane of my existence.
Allister Storm.
Such an utter waste of an otherwise awesome name.
Nikko jumps out of my arms and threads her way between my legs, a low growl rumbling from her chest. She likes the guy just as much as I do. I'm fairly certain it's half a genuine dislike and half solidarity.
Such a good girl.
A fingerless gloved hand rest over the idiot's face in what I'm sure he thinks is a cool pose.
I would look away, but his outfit is especially off putting today. Like a car crash you can't help but peer at in morbid fascination.
Loose black pants that end well above the ankle and a black, skin-tight shirt aren't an issue. Practically normal all things told. More troubling however is the billowy outer layer, halfway between a jacket and a kimono, it's satiny purple on the inside and bone white on the out. It flairs out dramatically at the neck and waist, an ostentatious purple sash tying the garment together.
Oh, and a black domino mask for some unknowable reason. I'm just happy he decided to skip the cape today.
"Not your rival." I sigh.
Allister removes the hand from his face before gesticulating up at the sky with a twist of his wrist.
"My dear Grey, as if that were something either of us could decide."
I'm not sure if his sincerity is a good thing or not, because if nothing else he is sincere. I might actually respect him more if he were just a giant troll. It would be something I might be able to relate to on some level - if not appreciate directed my way.
My eyes slide off his cry for attention to the Pokemon by his slipper clad feet. The Abra is still as a statue, staring off into the distance as always. What a creepy little Pokemon.
Makes me glad I ended up with Nikko. She just fits me.
"Indeed my fated friend, indeed."
I roll my eyes in exasperation - what is he blathering about now?
A smug black eyebrow arches in my direction.
"Never underestimate a psychic Grey. The world won't always play by the rules you expect." He delivers the line with a contemplative look, staring off in the same direction as his Abra.
I squint at the pretentious peacock. I honestly don't know if he's actually a psychic or if he just vomits up vague axioms in the hope something sticks.
I almost wish he could read my mind - I'm pretty ruthless to him in my head. Maybe it would make him give the whole thing up and leave me alone.
"Fear not." He begins after the silence stretches on too long for his liking. "For Saturn is ascendant today. An auspicious sigh for our first battle, wouldn't you say?"
I trade a look with Nikko and rub my eyes in defeat.
"One week, okay? We can battle in a week."
I stop him with a raised hand before he can begin yet another ostentatious monologue.
"Just… leave me alone for now."
I'm pretty sure I'll be gone by then anyway.
The wind whips through my hair as I run between two crop covered fields, Nikko bounding along besides me.
I may not be a fan of running, but [Running] is an entirely different beast. It's by far my easiest skill to grind. And I've been getting some good work in on my trips to and from the neighboring forest.
[Running] has leveled up! (13/100)
[Running] has leveled up! (14/100)
[Running] has leveled up! (15/100)
[Running] has leveled up! (16/100)
[Running] has leveled up! (17/100)
[Running] has leveled up! (18/100)
[Running] has leveled up! (19/100)
It's gotten to the point where I'm actually starting to feel the benefit - a near 20% increase to my running speed is nothing to scoff at. And that tangible benefit has pushed me to work the skill whenever I can.
Right now it may not be a game breaker, but the faster I get, the greater an increase that bonus will represent.
That being said…
A brief frown mars my face.
[Running] (19/100) [-]
Increases speed by 19% while running
Modified by STR
Despite my wishes, I can't justify keeping STR as a dump stat. Doing so only undercuts any progress I may make in [Running]. I'll need to give it some love next level - probably along with INT. Might as well lift the floor of my two lowest attributes at the same time.
I fall into a steady pace for a while, content to let my thoughts drift away with each new stride, until I suddenly lose my footing on a patch of mud. I nearly tumble to the ground before twisting on one foot and regaining my balance - continuing my stride with barely an interruption.
God I love DEX.
With that over, I turn to Nikko and watch her frolicking to the side as the tree line approaches.
Ding!
[Running] has leveled up! (20/100)
I couldn't have timed it better if I tried.
I begin making my way into the woods, checking behind my back every few minutes to make sure I'm alone. Even engaging [Sneak] at the end to really throw off any potential busybodies.
Do I actually think any one is following me?
No. Not really.
But I don't mind a dollop of paranoid caution to prevent unnecessary stress in the future.
I end up in a small clearing around 50 feet from the river. With a stretch and a sigh, I sit down next to Nikko and get out the Miracle Seed.
I smile down at the unassuming seed and give it a quick pat on it's shell.
Time to make some money.
I play with Nikko's paws, making her wave at me while I wait for Miss Lanley to finish thinking things through.
In her thirties with two small children, the blonde has has a nice enough house - comfortable looking furniture and walls cluttered with photographs and art. There's an abstract painting I spend a few minutes admiring that vaguely reminds me of Ho-Oh.
For the moment, I'm content to let her take her time. The key to [Persuasion] I've found is strategically placed bouts of brevity. Few people like to hear a stranger drone on and on no matter how persuasive they are. So I made my case, appealing to her more rational side before gently leaning on her anxiety and worries.
The skill in question hasn't grown nearly as much as [Running], but I'm pleased with the results nonetheless.
[Persuasion] has leveled up! (14/100)
[Persuasion] has leveled up! (15/100)
[Persuasion] has leveled up! (16/100)
There's something about successfully talking people around to an idea that appeals to me on a visceral level. It's a skill I'm usually pretty darn awful at, so the difference as [Persuasion] levels up is a wonder to behold. Word choice, cadence, even knowing when to let the other person talk - it all comes to me in a way that makes me feel like I could sell a cat owner dog food.
Switching to giving Nikko a belly rub, I pass an eye over the array of berries on the living room table.
In addition to the pile of pink, heart-shaped Pecha Berries, I also brought along a few others I've collected the last few days.
Oran Berries of course - an old staple of mine. The dark blue berry is a favorite for a reason.
I also have a decent amount of yellow and blue Chesto Berries left over from a deal I made yesterday. Shaped vaguely like an acorn, they work to cure Sleep. And as I found out this morning, they're like a cup of coffee in bite sized form.
I absolutely adore them and doubt I'll ever go back to coffee again.
And lastly Sitrus Berries. Yellow and Pear shaped with orange polka dots, I'm a little embarrassed for not remembering they existed seeing as they're more or less better Oran Berries. Yet another thing to thank Joy for.
Finally, it seems Miss Lanley has come to a decision. She leans forward and sends a smile my way.
"I believe 25 Pecha Berries should last me a right while. And while you're here, I'd be a fool not to stock up on some Oran - I think 10 seems about right. Now they're not the best quality I've ever seen…"
The blonde mother trails off pointedly and I narrow my eyes.
Oh? It seems we've got a bit of a haggler here. Sly little minx. And here I thought I was done with [Persuasion] for the day.
Well, I could always do with another level or three.
Name: Grey
Race: Human
Age: 13
Class: Thief [+]
Title: Pokemon Trainer [+]
Level: 5
Exp: 0/1600
Money: p 3120
–––
HP: 150/150
MP: 70/100
–––
STR: 10
VIT: 15
DEX: 40
INT: 10
PER: 25
CHA: 20
LUK: 10
Available points: 0
–––
[Skills] (6/6) [-]
[Thief's Eye] (4/100) [+]
[Persuasion] (16/100) [+]
[Sneak] (18/100) [+]
[Lockpicking] (4/100) [+]
[Running] (20/100) [+]
[Rest] (6/100) [+]
–––
[Traits] (1) [+]
[Perks] (0) [+]
–––
[Key Items] (2) [+]
–––
[Pokemon] (1) [+]
Took a couple days off and I'm back. I did it partially to get my creative juices flowing again. 6 chapters in 6 days is the type of schedule that would have me burning out and dropping the story before long so the break was very much needed.
Mostly though, I got really sucked into another story on this site. For Love of Magic, A Discordant Note and Metagaming by Noodlehammer. It's a series (with Metagaming in progress) of Harry Potter stories with the last two being cross-overs in ASOIAF and Warcraft.
They're not perfect by any means, but the fact that I read well over a million words in a handful of days should say enough.
Coming back to A Gamer Tries His Best after immersing myself so deeply into another story was a bit difficult, but I think I have things rolling again.
Hope you enjoyed the chapter.