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BloodyKitsune: Well that's all for this chapter, but what do you all think? I hope you enjoyed it!

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Chapter 38

After the conference was over, it seemed like Blaine had a Beedrill stinging his ass since Vali suddenly wasn't given a moments rest between training and studying training techniques. The other gym trainers were also feeling the pressure by being being more tasks than normal for this time of year and were being thrown through the ringer by Blaine's team as well. No one could figure out what was going on, but Vali knew it had to do with that girl from the Conference though she wasn't sure how. Whatever the reason he was pushing them so damn hard, she was couldn't focus too hard on finding out why as Blaine was thoroughly exhausting her most of the time.

Vali practically stumbled into the cafeteria after Jackson with a groan and slumped into one of the available seats after releasing her pokemon. She let her head fall onto the table and didn't move until food had been set in front of her. Even then it was a struggle to bring up the urge to eat despite the hunger clawing at her stomach, it felt like every single bone in her body was tired. She looked up slowly as Jackson said, "Eat. You won't have a chance to until dinner if you don't."

"I know, but it's so hard to get up the energy to do anything right now. I'm so tired," Vali told him as she slowly picked up her spoon.

"Trust me, everyone feels the same. I wish the boss would tell us what's going on," Jackson muttered softly as he began to eat his own lunch.

They were the only ones in the cafeteria right now as the rest were all doing their assigned duties. It was likely they wouldn't see anyone else until dinner at the latest. Vali carefully took a bite of her soup before slowly beginning to devour it with a slightly sullen expression. She hated this even if everyone was getting much stronger from the constant training and studying. She finished her bowl after a couple minutes and set down her spoon though didn't get up. She leaned against the table and took the moment to simply breath. Elrond joined her a the table with Thorin slowly following. Jackson noticed them settling down beside her and the empty bowl on the table and went to speak. Vali cut him off, "I'll head back out in a moment. I just need to actually sit down and not think about anything for a moment. Besides the rest of my pokemon are eating their food, I want them to enjoy it."

Jackson shook his head lightly, "Fine. I won't say a word. Have you heard anything from Surge about those two pokemon your rescued?"

"They're doing okay," Vali revealed with a small shrug, "Not the best, it'll take time for them to recover. Physically they'll be fine in a couple months with the cub taking a little bit longer than the mom. Mentally, it'll be longer still and maybe never fully. Thankfully, the mother's calming somewhat thanks to them ensuring that the cub will not be removed from her and his care is done under her supervision,"

"That's good," Jackson smiled lightly, "It's amazing that you saved them,"

"Yeah. I still have no idea what will end up happening though. Maybe they'll stay with my family as their pokemon," Vali shook her head with a sigh, "I can't say, but that's for the future to decide,"

Vali stood up slowly with a sigh, "C'mon guys, we can't keep Blaine's team waiting too long. We've got training to do."

Groans and sighs echoed through the air as they all stood up again, it was going to be another pain in the ass couple of hours.

Blaine pulled Vali into his office just before they were going to give out starter pokemon. Vali entered the room and looked around at the paperwork that practically dominated it. Blaine spoke as she closed the door behind her, "Brat, we've got two things to discuss. One, the starters that are going to be given out and your role this year. Two, the League mission you're being drafted into participating in."

Vali blinked slowly at the fact Blaine had pretty much gone straight for the heart and mentally shook her head. Something had definitely stung his ass if he wasn't beating around the bush, she narrowed her eyes a little at him. Walking further into the room, she took a seat on the chair in front of his desk while Thorin laid at her side. She took in his serious expression while asking, "So let's start with the first and work our way to the second. I assume I'll be helping to hand out starters like last year."

"Yes," Blaine nodded with a small snort, "But you'll be dealing with a larger group of ten kids. Think you can handle that?"

"I think I can do that if Elrond can help me," Vali told him earning a nod, "Then sure, I can do that,"

Good," Blaine wrote something down then frowned at her, "Now the mission, we'll both be going, but no one can know about. Not even your godfather,"

Vali's eyes widened at that. It meant the mission was of the upmost secret and definitely had to do with something serious. She swallowed heavily, "What are the details and when is it happening?"

"Three days after we give out pokemon," Blaine informed her, "You'll be permitted to go home for the time before we leave. I'll be picking you up before we leave,"

Vali did the mental calculations and her heartbeat faltered, "My birthday...It'll be my birthday the day before."

"I know," Blaine's expression was hard, "I'm sorry, Brat, but this mission is important. I'll be on the same level as your first one actually was and you'll be expected to participate,"

Vali froze a bit as she realized what Blaine had been doing, "All that pushing, it's been for this."

"The champion pulled me aside before I came to get you from the pokemon center, Brat," It'd been that long and he was only now telling Vali about this mission, "He warned me this mission was probably going to come up if that trainer was what we guessed. But it isn't only that, Brat,"

"Then what? What could possibly have made you wait almost a month to tell me that an important and possibly life-threatening mission was coming up?" Vali asked with a frown.

"I think you're about ready to finish my your apprenticeship," Blaine replied earning a confused look as all her hurt screeched to a halt, "And I only got the news this morning, so don't be hurt, brat,"

"Finish my apprenticeship?" Vali's voice was a hoarse whisper.

Blaine nodded with a slow smile, "This last month has been all about pushing you to your limits while under observation, I can say without a doubt that I've got very little left to teach you outside of maybe a few specific techniques that can be gained outside of being a gym trainer. But to prove it, you're going to be battling my true team. If your team can take them down especially Magmar, you can say your apprenticeship is over."

Vali continued to stare at him for a few moments before his words fully registered. She felt a mixture of elation and trepidation, "But I thought I'd need another year under you."

"Brat, your team is one of the fastest growing I've ever seen," Blaine let out a soft sigh, "I know that you might feel the need for more training even if I say you've got enough under me kid, so go to Surge after you beat my team. He'll welcome you in a heartbeat and beat you into the ground until whatever time you feel the need to go. Just please, Vali, listen to me on this,"

Vali looked at him sharply as he said her name. It was the first time outside of their gym battle he'd said it. She eyed him in concern and realized that something deeper might be going on behind the scenes. With a nod, she said, "Alright, Blaine. We'll battle after the mission and once we get healed up if we need it."

"Good," Blaine nodded and sent her out with a wave.

"So you'll be done your apprenticeship soon?" Steven asked as Vali sat down in her room finally able to take a breather for a moment.

"Yeah though it still feels rushed," Vali leaned back against the wall, "I can't believe it,"

"You did start it a year ago after all, so it probably would feel rushed," Steven tells her and Vali can see that he's in an office somewhere, "But if he says you're ready, you are. He is the expert after all,"

Vali sighed softly as she rubbed her face, "I know, but still, it just feels weird. Somethings going on. I don't know what, but it just is. I wish I could find out."

"You'll find out at some point, but for now, you should enjoy the knowledge that all your hard work is going to pay off. Next time we meet up, we'll have to battle if only to see how strong you are compared to my team," Steven told her earning a laugh, "I really want to see how strong my soon not to be an apprentice friend,"

"Definitely," Vali agreed with a laugh, "Any leads on the Smeargle?"

"A few, but none that like pictures. I'm actually headed to see the breeder hall where I'd been putting out some leads, so hopefully it'll work out," Steven replied with a weak smile, "You weren't kidding about these creatures being difficult to find,"

"Told you," Vali grinned at him, "Why do you think I didn't really want to go looking for one myself?"

Steven snorted softly, "Alright, alright, I get it. Well, I'm off to see if my luck has changed and hopefully you get some rest. You do have some busy days ahead of you."

Newbie trainers that had just managed to pass the test poured into the gym ready to gain their new pokemon. Vali was rolling her eyes while inwardly flinching at every squeal and giggle that filled that air. She stood in one of the larger rooms compared to last year and the box behind her had ten pokeballs within it polished to perfection. She had interacted with each pokemon and gotten a good gauge on their personalities. She watched as ten kids were led into the room and marveled at the fact each one was just a bit smaller than her. She leaned against Balto who looked at them all with a careful eye while Elrond floated beside him. All her other pokemon save for the newest members were currently out and wandering the room. Once the last newbie was in the room, the light over her clicked on and she heard gasps earning a small laugh as she said, "Settle down, guys. I'll be the one handing out your pokemon, so I'd like for you to sit down while we get started."

They did so while one of the male ten year old's with pale green hair raised a hand. She gestured at him and he asked, "You're Vali, right? Valkyrie Potter-Black? From the contest last year."

"I am," Vali replied with a light smile, "I'm Blaine's current apprentice though with any luck I'll be finishing up my apprenticeship soon," She grinned at them, "First off, I want to congratulate you on passing those really hard tests. Now unfortunately that was the easy part, you've come to the hard part. Each pokemon within the box behind me has the potential to become great in someone's hands, but only if they're the right person to bring it out. It'll be up to you," Vali gestures to them, "To find out if you're the right fit for them. Meet their eyes as I introduce them and try to make a connection with them, it's how you'll find the partner that will be beside you through this journey that will be your life,"

Someone raised their hand and Vali gestured to them, "If we're only allowed to pick one, what happens if the fit isn't correct?"

"You'll know it isn't," Vali replied earning confused looks, "You'll get time with each pokemon, so during this time tell them about what you want through this journey. Be truthful and honest, you're meeting a lifelong partner after all. If you show them everything you've got to offer, they'll do the same," She could see that most of them understood, "Now you were told before entering this room that you wouldn't be getting any regional starters which includes Charmander," She gestures to Smaug who snorted at them, "Only Professor Oak has the ability to hand those out as each one is on the endangered species list save for the Charmander-line. Charmander can't be handed out by anyone save for him due to their dragon heritage and the fact that they just got off the endangered species list within the last five years,"

"So what pokemon are we getting?" A girl asked earning a laugh from Vali.

"Good question," Elrond handed Vali a pokeball from the box and she released the creature inside revealing it to be a Houndour, "Houndour. Wonderful for a beginner pokemon, they're pack based and fire-type,"

Vali continued on and released each pokemon giving the new trainers a small amount of information about each pokemon. Blaine had gathered two Houndour, a Pidgey, three Pikachu, a Meowth, a Ponyta, a Oddish, and a Vulpix. Each were very careful of the new trainers though they were eager to find someone among them that they could possible bond with. The Vulpix surprised her until Elrond told that it had been one that had arrived at the gym early that morning begging to be caught and wishing for a human. It seemed to immediately go to one of the girl trainers and stuck with her. It wouldn't leave the girl. With a small smile on her face, she walked over to the girl and spoke as the other got to know the other pokemon in the room, "Come on, you've got your pokemon."

"Huh?" The girl looked at her with wide amber eyes.

"That Vulpix there has been waiting here for you since this morning," Vali informed her with a chuckle, "She won't pick anyone else. Vulpix are just like that,"

The girl looked at Vulpix as the fox looked back at her with adoration on her face, "You really want me, Vulpix?" Vulpix let out a soft soft and nuzzled into her, "Okay, I guess that settles it then. How did you-"

"Elrond told me. It's useful to have a psychic around," Vali said with a laugh as she began leading the girl out while snagging Vulpix's pokeball from Elrond, "C'mon,"

Eventually everyone else got their own pokemon though one in her group was put on a watch list to ensure that if his pokemon ended up abandoned they could find it again, Vali found her way to the Cafeteria and began to make some food after cleaning everything in her area up. She was joined by Zavian who admitted two kids in his group had been added to the watch list, but otherwise everything had gone wonderfully. By the time everyone was finished for the day, a total of eight kids had been put on a watch list that the gym leaders had every year for trainers that might abandon pokemon. It'd been started after more than half the starter pokemon in a year had been abandoned by their trainers along with quite a few others. With any hope, they wouldn't need the list that year, but the League always needed it.

Blaine ensure Vali had her go bag packed and hidden among her things when she headed home. She got a stern reminder that no one was allowed to know that she'd be going on a secret mission. She felt a sense of nervousness at having to keep such a secret, but knowing that she'd be an Elite for Lance meant that missions like these would probably be something she'd have to deal with. She headed home trying to push back her nervousness in favor of the break that she'd finally be able to enjoy. Elrond was a comfortable presence coiling around her thoughts and helping to ease the nervousness a bit. When she finally got home, it felt like a breath of fresh air.

Vali spotted the kids running around the front area of the lab and shook her head softly while turning towards home. It didn't take too long for her to arrive as most people were at the lab today. She opened the door and made her way inside as Ash's voice shouted, "Mom! Where did I put those box tops?"

"In your dresser drawer!" Delia called out in reply as Vali closed the door quietly behind her.

Vali carefully set her things down with a smile and made her way towards the kitchen. She paused in the doorway to watch Delia move around making what looked to be a soup. She spoke as Ash let out a happy shout, "Looks like things are normal here, huh? I guess Ash is saving up for that League cap they're advertising in preparation for Lance's battle with both Champions though that won't be happening for another three months what with his final set of battles happening next month."

"Vali!" Delia squealed loudly dropping the spoon she was using and rushing over to hug her, "You're home! When did you get in?"

"Just now, it's good to be back," Vali hugged Delia back, "Missed you too. I'm only going to be back for a bit and Blaine's going to be picking me up at a random time,"

"But you'll be here for your birthday, right?" Delia asked earning a nod, "Good, I have plans to make then. Go get unpacked and settled,"

Vali nodded with a laugh, "Sure thing, I can do that. Just do me a favor and try not to plan anything too big, it's been busy lately."

"I'll try," Delia laughed softly as she turned back to her soup, "Lunch will be ready in a few minutes,"

"Good, I'm starved and so is everyone else. We've been wanting a good homecooked meal for awhile," Vali grinned at her before turning and headed back to grab her bag.

Vali tugged her scarf from the area it'd been lodged in her bag. She snorted as Ash flopped on her bed, "Vali, it's been so boring lately. I'm almost sad school's over."

Vali rolled her eyes, "Gary hasn't been around?"

"He's been busy at the ranch," Ash fidgeted with Aragorn's paws a little, "Professor Oak wanted both of us to help out with everything, but Mom wanted me here for some extra chores since I got grounded,"

Vali let out a soft laugh as she set her scarf down and looked at Ash, "So you basically deserve to be bored out of your mind for a little bit? Okay. When's the grounding over?"

"Tomorrow," Ash answered with a groan.

"So we'll head to the ranch and you'll get some things to do," Vali told him, "I need to talk with Professor Oak, so you two can go do something together maybe work with some of the new pokemon that might be popping up during the next few days since some of those kids will not hold back when it comes to catching a whole bunch of pokemon right off the bat,"

"Oaky," Ash smiled slightly though it turned into a small frown, "Why do they catch so many pokemon? They're never going to actually use most of them,"

Vali sighed deeply and took a seat beside Ash. Settling down, she immediately found Aragorn jumping into her lap, "It's one part of the pokemon trainer mentality that's a lot more prevalent in society than the one I and others like me subscribe to. They catch as many as possible to find the best and strongest pokemon. Some do it in order to find shiny pokemon or something truly unique. I hate that mentality, but there's not a lot that can be done to change it. Not right now at least."

Vali's words last words were said in a bitter mutter. Ash looked surprised either at her tone or the words she said. Ash spoke after a few moments, "Why not? Why can't it change?"

"Because the League for all that it tries to say that all pokemon are equal, it can't force everyone to see it that way," Vali said as she scratched behind Aragorn's ears, "The champion keeps jumping around between wanting harsher laws and laxer. The League is torn though all agree that pokemon need to be protected. Right now, it won't change until a new champion takes over and that will be Lance,"

"Lance?" Ash looked slightly surprised, "I know he's strong and he has been battling both Elite Fours. But is he really going to become the Champion of Kanto?"

"Of Kanto and Johto," Vali replied with conviction, "Uniting them and ensuring that the laws put in place will change for the better," She would ensure it if Lance really wanted her as one of his Elites, "I'm going to help him do that,"

"That's amazing," Ash breathed with a grin, "Is there a way for me to help?"

"Just be a good student and make sure when it's you're time to become a trainer, you're the best one you can possibly be," Vali replied as she reached over and patted him on the shoulder, "You're already proving you're better than most by training Pidgeotto so well,"

Ash smiled as he stood up from the bed, "I know, it's been so much fun training her. There's been some difficult times, I've learned to go with the flow though."

"That's good," Vali was glad he'd learned that lesson early, "Jest keep that in mind during the rest of your training career,"

"I will," Ash looked determined.

"So Blaine is releasing you from your apprenticeship soon?" Professor Oak asked as Vali sat looking over the fangs that Lance had sent her, "Are you excited?"

"Nervous," Vali made notes on the various sizes, shapes, and rings that each tooth had, "I...don't exactly know what to think about it," She ran a hand through her hair, "It'll give me more training training with my pokemon before I get called on,"

"What are you planning to do?" Professor Oak asked curiously.

Vali looked at the tooth in her hands. It was one of Smaug's teeth from back when he was a Charmander. She smiled softly at the memories of Smaug's cute little face even as he bashed in the face of a Caterpie. Running her fingers over the small fang that only had a few small groves that were slightly pitted, she said, "I think we'll head over to Vermillion like Blaine suggested. Surge called me this morning and we talked about the possibility. It'll be more training, but with different scenery. I think we need it."

"Are you sure about that?" Professor Oak asked her curiously.

Vali nodded as she put down Smaug's tooth, "Yeah. We'll also head out towards where we got Arwen. She's a lot stronger and if I'm right, she'll be evolving soon," Professor Oak made a 'go on' motion, "She's getting a lot bigger and the area on her face where the horn usually grows in is showing signs of bone growth according to Nurse Joy. She thinks that it'll be another month or so before she evolves."

Professor Oak grinned at her, "That's amazing, Vali. I can't wait to see her evolve."

"Me neither," Vali would be lying if she said her Ponyta evolving wouldn't be somewhat saddening since she'd be losing out on the ability to curl up with her against in a pokemon center as easily, "I've trained her in all the moves a Ponyta can learn naturally. She's as eager as I am to see what she'll be able to do as a Rapidash,"

Professor Oak chuckled softly, "It'll be wonderful to study her. Make sure to take pictures of that herd, alright?"

"Sure thing," Vali agreed as she turned her eyes towards the fangs again and began making notes again.

Vali yawned softly as she left her room and scrubbed at her eyes. Aragorn and Thorin beside her yawning as well looking just as sleepy. Elrond was the only one remotely awake between them. She walked past the living room and headed into the kitchen only to pause at the sight of Lance sitting at the table with Steven leaning against the counter looking sleepy. Blinking sleepily at the two of them as the sight slowly sank into her minds, she spoke softly, "Lance, Steven? Y-you're here?"

"Hey, Vali," Lance raised his cup of coffee, "Morning and happy birthday,"

"Morning," Steven smiled at her, "Happy birthday,"

Vali smiled at them both and quickly moved to hug Steven then Lance, "Hey! What are you doing here?"

"Delia had us come here for your birthday," Lance replied as Vali went to go get her breakfast and grab some for the two pokemon that had decided to follow her out of the nest her bedroom had become, "So small birthday gathering?"

"Just family and a few close friends," Vali sat down after giving Thorin and Aragorn their food, "Everyone at the gym gave me their happy birthdays already," She looked at Steven, "Do you want your Cufant now or later?"

"Later is fine. I do have a Smeargle for you that can take photographs, so we'll be able to do the trade properly," Steven replied earning a light grin.

"So how has everything been, Vali?" Lance asked as she began eating her breakfast, "What's been happening?"

Vali swallowed the cereal in her mouth, "Blaine said my apprenticeship is almost over. I'll need to take down his true team especially his Magmar. So long as we manage that, we'll be just fine. Once that's done, we'll be headed over to Vermillion city."

"Vermillion City?" Steven looked at her in confusion, "Why Vermillion?"

"Surge has offered to train us a bit and Arwen's going to evolve soon," Vali revealed earning surprised looks, "Arwen wants to see her former herd and show them what she knows. I hope she'll evolve when that happens,"

Lance grinned at her, "That'll be awesome, Vali. Will you send us pictures if it does?"

"Sure thing, I'm doing the same thing for Professor Oak," Vali replied as she made a mental note and saw Elrond nod to her.

"So birthday girl, what are you planning to do today?" Steven asked as he came over to sit down, "I noticed Delia and Ash aren't around,"

"Delia is probably get ingredients for the dinner tonight," Vali replied as she leaned back slightly, "Ash is probably at the ranch with Gary trying to cobble something together for my birthday like they do every year. Sirius should be by at some point too though it won't be for too long since he's got a mission,"

Steven frowned a little, "Another mission. Kanto seems to have a lot of them lately for their rangers."

"'an idle ranger is a lazy one'," Vali quoted softly, "Rangers always have something going on. With Sirius, he's got a lot to do with wild pokemon and some poachers," She looked at Steven, "I actually thought about being a ranger once. Balto would've been my partner," She smiled softly as her gaze fell to Aragorn and Thorin, "I'm glad things worked out this way. We're better for it," She looked at Steven then Lance, "As for what I plan on doing today, I don't know. I had thought about spending a bit of time at the ranch and maybe go for a run with Balto. Now though since both of you are here, the plan needs to change since I really want to spend time with you both,"

"Well we don't want to take away from your plans-" Steven began only for Vali to raise a hand to stop him.

"The only thing I really want to do is go on that run with Balto. It's pretty much become a tradition for us," Vali told him with a slight grin, "Anything you guys want to do, we can. I don't really have many birthday traditions,"

"Really?" Lance looked at Vali in surprise while Steven nodded in thought.

Vali shrugged lightly, "Growing up, Dudley was the one who Vernon and Petunia celebrated. When we finally got to this place, I finally got at least one tradition," Lance frowned slightly at her as he'd only heard some of the things she'd gone through as a child, "Anyway, What do you guys want to do?"

"We could battle," Lance suggest earning a grimace from Vali and discontented noises from her two pokemon, "What's up?"

"We need a break from battles. Blaine's been running us ragged," Vali rubbed her neck, "Granted he's been trying to ensure we'd be ready to beat him team," Lance and Steven goggled at her, "That's how we'll be ending the apprenticeship,"

Lance shook his head, "I really don't envy you, Vali. Having to face that Magmar just to end your apprenticeship, it seems like a bit much."

"It's the best way to prepare us," Vali replied with a sigh, "He might not know what exactly we're going to face on certain fronts, but be knows the rest,"

That sobered the two males up, Steven spoke after a moment as she took a drink of her Pecha berry juice, "Everything okay, Vali?"

"I'll be fine," Vali really wanted to tell them about her coming mission, "I'm just a little worn out. All of us are and being back here helps. But no battling," She smirked at Lance, "I won't say no to flying with you,"

"Then we'll fly," Lance replied with a grin, "Smaug or Celina?"

"Celina. My girl is itching for a good flight," Vali replied as Steven shook his head in amusement, "So how about after Steven and I do our pokemon trade? I'll get acquainted with my new pokemon then we go for the flight. Then I'll go for a run with Balto, it sounds like I have a nice day planned out," She smiled as Aragorn walked over to settle by her side, "And maybe a bit of grooming for all the pokemon we have with us? huh?" She grinned as Aragorn barked wagging his tails in agreement, "Glad to see you're in agreement, Little King,"