Chapter 8: New Friends
"Come on! You've all battled Gardevoir's before? How are you all struggling against a newbies Gardevoir?" Said Gabrielle upset.
I can tell already that Moon is visibly angry for assumingly being called weak. I wouldn't blame her for being upset I mean a winning streak of 41 in a row is very impressive for a pokemon that is not competitive. Although she still struggles to interact with others resulting in her hiding behind my back.
"Ma'am that Gardevoir is a monster! Its movements are more swift than a Ninjask's." Said one of the trainees.
I can already see her potential starting to bloom very well. Illuminate is defiantly putting in twice the amount of effort he normally did when practicing against Moon going on a winning streak of 10. The rest of the team on the other hand are still struggling with keeping up with those two. Crescendo is still struggling in tanking blows from other pokemon and dishing back power in exchange. Canon is learning how to control moves she has recently learned. Sunlight is learning some moves relating to increasing her defense. Gabrielle's words must have gotten to her when she heard about her weakness. Winter is trying to adapt to her evolution completely seeing how she is severely taller than she use to be.
"If it becomes a monster then you must strategize to overcome it or else you won't get stronger. Little miss, over there is already thinking of new ways to bypass its own weaknesses." Said Gabrielle smirking.
She caught on that fast. Her eyes are very sharp if she can recognize her patterns and changes every training session. I can say though this training so far has given me opportunities to look more into my pokemon's style of engaging situations and chemistry with each other with Raihan's double battle sparring matches. It's a good sign now that they are becoming closer to each other with the training.
"Test Subject. Let your pokemon take a breather for a while. I need to talk to the trainees here." Said Gabrielle as she continues her rant towards her trainees.
She's harsher than Kabu. No wonder she's training pupils to the bone to be on her level. I kept thinking about that masked man recently and how close I was to losing my pokemon for good just by how ruthless his pokemon were. Now, I get swept up in this situation to go find 7 trainers with pokemon that multiple trainers would possess and figure out which ones are the correct ones. Ugh, this is so stressful.
"Hey Liam… you up for a chat quickly?" Said Raihan with Aurea and Luna beside him.
"What's up Raihan?" I said as Moon sits to relax.
"We heard of the Elder about that crazy dream you had. You said that the 7 pokemon belonged to trainers in Galar right?" Asked Raihan.
"Yes, the voice mentioned that 7 trainers with the particular pokemon will unite together to stop an incoming threat. It gave me no clues on what trainers they were specifically." I spoke.
What could these people be? I do not even know where to start looking to begin with. I should possibly look in Hammerlocke library to find information relating to this carving and legend perhaps.
"If it has Flygon on the carving I could be that trainer you were looking for. I had my Flygon as a Trapinch before I began my pokemon journey." Said Raihan as his Flygon summons itself out of its pokeball.
Wow, he had a pokemon even before he started his Journey. That is pretty touching to hear from a guy who seems to be free-spirited or aggressive most of the time.
"Now that you think about it. Gordie has a Coalossal that serves as his ace pokemon and he's the most well-known Trainer with one." Said Aurea.
I've heard rumors of Gordie being a very talented trainer. His fangirls can get obnoxious though if you criticize him though… I ran into some problems because of it. He seems like a cool person to hang around when you get to know them.
"Could you be one too Liam? You do own a Gardevoir and it has been doing extremely well so far in the training." Said Luna speculating.
"Not a chance. Even the voice told me that I wasn't one of them." I responded.
"Oh? Live in Spirit today. We have a special visitor today. Please do polite to her." Said the old man.
Special visitor out in the middle of the ocean? Don't care much for it since I need to focus on the team more than anything. I forgot to mention earlier that Chikorita is currently in the care of Saki since it wouldn't be healthy for a Sun-based pokemon to be wandering around with someone who studies pokemon inhabitants as a job. Either way, this could probably get dicey knowing Gabrielle.
"Right Sir." Said all the Galar trainers.
I am completely confused.
"Of course, though she has no Pokemon and as requested by her majesty she shall not be granted one." Said the old man.
Suddenly, I see a giant black blob covering the once bright light of the sun and looking upwards to a helicopter descending on the training grounds. Upon the helicopter engines turning off the door opened to a fair young girl with orange hair, brown eyes, and a rather petite build leaping off the helicopter like she was performing acrobatics. People of Galar are really into theatrics it seems.
"Your highness. Please don't do such a dangerous action like that." Said a masculine voice.
Highness? Is she a queen or a princess? Surprise to hear a person of age not having a pokemon one way or another. Gotta be honest Galar girls are pretty cute.
"Thank you, Mister Aeon, for inviting me here today." Said the royal girl taking a polite bow.
"With pleasure." Said the old man.
There is no way that this girl hasn't received a pokemon before. That must be a joke.
"Hey… is it true that you actually don't own a pokemon?" I asked.
I can already see her looking back at me with a slight pout. Holy crap it's actually true. I can however see her eyeing my resting Gardevoir and napping Sylveon as her eyes light up. Ah damn it, I can see where this is going.
"Oh my God, An actual Sylveon! I didn't know they could be colored blue!" Said the girl knocking me out of the way and already hugging my napping Sunlight.
Immediately, Sunlight wakes up confused but, receptive to the hug. Well, if it doesn't bother Sunlight much then I have no problem with it.
"It's so fluffy and warm to hug. Sylveon is such a beauty." Said the girl.
"Lady Helena, please be respectful to other trainers pokemon." Said Aeon as he lands the helicopter.
"If I could buy you off I would love you for all of time." Said Helena hugging my Sylveon a little too tight.
Now I can see the discomfort in Sunlight.
"Could you please lighten up on Sunlight please." I spoke.
She pouts again as she lets go of Sunlight and regaining her breath from the harsh hug of Helena. I have a few questions.
"How old are you and why are you not allowed to carry pokemon?" I asked.
"15. Mum keeps saying that I don't need pokemon to learn how to handle royal duties. She firmly believes that pokemon would distract me from my studies when it feels lonely." Said Helena tearing up.
I immediately toss her a spare empty luxury ball I have on my belt which she caught Immediately.
"You want a pokemon badly right? Here's you're chance to do so then. Sunlight, help her out in case wild pokemon attack her." I responded to her emotions.
Sunlight complies with the orders I gave as she stays beside Helena. Helena looks genuinely surprised about holding a pokeball in her hands.
"Oi, what are you doing? Didn't you hear what Gabriella and the old man said?" Said Aurea angry.
"I don't care. Everyone deserves a chance to carry a pokemon whether be children who grew up with one at home, a lowly criminal, or even individuals crushed by loneliness." I said.
"You got guts kid. I could report this instantly to Chairman Rose and end your rehabilitation." Said Gabriella.
"Do it then. We'll fight it every step of the way." I said as Moon stands up.
The old man smiles as Gabrielle remains stoic from my statement. Challenging the resolve of me is something you will both regret. The willpower and path of a trainer are not held down by anything!
"Are you sure you will risk even the partners you have been developing bonds with? Just for some royal snot to have a pokemon? How stupid can you be?" Said Gabrielle.
"Stupid enough to risk my life for pokemon that were supposed to protect me from harm. Stupid enough to challenge people way stronger than me to let a dragon sleep in peace. The biggest idiot that will not let another dream be crushed for my own gain. If you get in my way here and now, my party will step in and prevent you from crushing that girls dreams." I said as Moon prepares to fight.
Gabrielle starts smirking as she holds an ultra ball in her hands. Aw crap, it really is going to come down to a brawl between us two after all. I can hear Sunlight already crying out to stop talking… sorry buddy this might be rough.
"Th… Thank you but, I don't want to catch a pokemon if it was the cost of hurting your pokemons bonds completely." Said Helena with tears in her eyes.
"No. We all knew that the minute we formed a team that everyone would become someone we would have to defeat down the line. If this is how it ends, we will go down either victorious or as the team of misfits who will push beyond the limits we carry." I Yelled.
"Alright then accept your punishment then, Test Subject." Said Gabrielle throwing the Ultra ball at my head.
Ow, what the hell man? Wait a minute… no pokemon came out from the ultra ball which means… it was empty this whole time. I'm confused at this point.
"Go for it then Test subject. Pray to the God's that her mother doesn't have your head on a platter for this decision." Said Gabrielle.
"…Liam you idiot. Stupid! Stupid! Stupid!" Said Aurea as she runs towards me and slaps me in the face.
"Ow… what the hell Aurea!" I said agitated as Sunlight starts laughing.
"Heh, man you are gutsy. Galar just attracts the eccentric of personalities don't it." Said Raihan joining the group.
So, the Old man was laughing because he knew this would happen? Damn, he is sly. Ah, my cheek… I am going to be feeling this for a while.
After a couple of minutes of calming down after what felt to be a tense event, I, Aurea, Raihan, Luna, and Helena set out in another area of the temple grounds to help Helena catch her first pokemon.
"I'm saying she should have a Fairy type. Royalty goes very well with Fairy type pokemon." Said Aurea.
"She fits Flying types well for her. A person like her who likes gymnastics fits well with the agile flying types." Suggested Luna.
"Sun-based pokemon. She just screams weather team." Suggest Raihan.
Why not just let her pick her own pokemon? Oh well, I ain't going to fight about it since it's her decision on what she catches. As mentioned earlier, we went to a different area of the temple grounds that carries a rather big garden that produces food for not only the two who live here but, for the baby pokemon who lives in the temple grounds. Sunlight is seemingly fine with our new friend over here and happy to help her out with this little detour.
"Wow, this is such a pretty garden!" Said Helena surprised.
A variety of pokemon seemingly inhabits this area of the temple grounds. A healthy variety that can be recommended as well for new trainers to no less. I wonder what option Helena will pick. I can see Helena already interacting with the pokemon in the garden with them giving surprisingly friendly responses. I guess the pokemon here are more domesticated than I thought.
"Hehehe. They are all so cute. It's so hard to choose one." Said Helena.
"Think carefully. This is your first friend you will be bonding with." I spoke.
After all, bonding with pokemon can lead to incredible results. Sally mentioned this when achieving a form that was considered an ancient myth for eons now. I wonder if it was ever true or not? I see Helena looking carefully at one of the pokemon among them. A lonesome-looking Budew tearing up. Judging by the subtext and body language it's depressed from the process relating to growth.
"Hey there cutie, Why so sad?" Asked Helena.
The Budew looks at Helena confused about her statement.
"Yes, you little bean. Why are you so upset?" Asked Helena.
Budew tears continue to shed as it likely cannot tell normally without the guidance of another. That is sad to see honestly.
"You don't need to be upset. I'm sure you will grow into a healthy Roserade." Said Helena.
The Budew carefully bounces towards Helena. Budew is still hesitant to take Helena's words seriously. Helena returns a glare to me.
"Do you have any poke food on you?" She asked.
I reach into my backpack to pull out a bag of baby formula pokemon food.
"I have this if that's fine with you." I said leaving the bag next to Helena.
Helena took the bag and put some poke food on her left hands to fed Budew. Budew hops towards Helena and starts munching on the food. Based on a closer look Budew here seems to be malnourished with their leaves looking bleaker than I thought.
"Oi, that Budew isn't lookin too healthy. Them leaves are kind of bleak. We should get it some water and fertilizer." Said Raihan.
The hell, he knows about grass-type pokemon care?
"Liam do you mind if…" Asked Luna and Aurea.
"No need to ask. Go for it." I said as we head back with the Budew.
Upon reaching my tent, we set up a basic UV set up to help Budew out while giving the little one some water to hydrate and keep its body healthy. Thankfully Illuminate and Kanon make it possible to create a variation of UV's to heal up Budew's skin. Thankfully, it will be able to make a recovery with a lot of support and careful fertilization. Surprisingly, Helena has been giving her all to try to support the little one. I honestly believe her being capable of taking care of pokemon well with the mindset she carried.
"Thank you so much for helping out the Budew. You seem to be nice people." Said Helena.
"It's cool. Name's Raihan by the way." Said Raihan introducing himself.
"Luna." Said Luna.
"Er… Aurea." Said Aurea.
"I'd suggest you not being associated with me kid. I'm a criminal according to Unova." I said.
Helena takes a quick look at my face and laughs.
"The boy and the Reshiram incident correct? I remember it quite well when the trials were live on the broadcast. Sounded rubbish that an 11-year boy was capable of such an act. Well, you have a second chance to do it from the looks of it with the pokemon you carry." Said Helena.
I take one deep breath.
"No. I'm basically barred from entering pokemon center's due to the ban slapped on me for that false criminal record, I can't go to Hotel's what so ever, I am monitored 24/7 literally just so they can wait for me to make a mistake and find any excuse so separate me from my pokemon, and the worse of all is the matter that if any of my pokemon get sick I can't get them the treatment needed due to the unfair restrictions." I explained.
"No wonder why I don't see you anywhere outside of the wild area. That sounds harsh… how do you heal your pokemon then?" Asked Raihan.
I point to my bag. That bag contains at least 15 hyper potions, 10 full heals, and a bunch of effect berries picked while on the job to usually bait pokemon to get some info. Raihan nods as if he understood that I had such items.
"I see. That does sound rough. I'm sure the love you have for your pokemon will change the minds of the Unovan folks?" Said Helena.
"Back to the topic on hand. If you do wish to take Budew into your care, I wrote down the recommended treatment needed for Budew based on what Raihan has stated." I said giving Helena the list.
Helena looks back at the Budew and the Luxury ball she possesses in her hand. She takes a deep breath. She kneels to the Budew presenting to the pokemon the Luxury ball.
"Would you like to come along with me Budew? I'll make sure the life you have will be filled with joy." Asked Helena.
Budew seemingly hesitates once more. The Budew looks at all of us in a rotation before seemingly bonking its head on the Luxury ball. 1…2…3… done. Helena caught Budew.
"I have a pokemon now… a lifelong friend." Said Helena.
"Congratulations on your capture. Take good care of it now that it trusts you with its life." Said Luna.
"Indeed. Budew when it reaches the final stage of evolution is quite an elegant pokemon. This however can only be achieved if you put a great amount of effort in taking care of Budew to reach that final stage." I spoke.
I should know this well since, I use to have a whole team based around sunny day weather which included a lot of different grass-type pokemon. After a bit of quick banter about the care of a Budew Helena summons her newly caught Budew.
"Budew, I've made up my resolve for you. I will do my best to raise, love, and care for you to become the pokemon you truly want to be." Said Helena.
Helena's Budew gives a weak smile as it is lifted and nuzzled by Helena. It's quite a humble sight to see compared to the harsh attitudes of Gabrielle and Raihan. Either way, based on the facial expression Budew is wearing it seems receptive to the nuzzle. It may take a while for the Budew to get use to its trainer on the other hand. Reminds me of the old days…
"Good luck on your resolve Helena. Let's battle in the future when Budew has grown up." I said.
"It's a deal. I'll wait for that day to happen." Said Helena smiling.
This training camp was something alright… something I needed to go through.