Chapter 36

After Dillon left Amy and Romeo, he went off to train somewhere private. It's just his luck that he found a secluded cave behind the gym. There's no way anyone will find him here. It's not like he's avoiding his friends. He likes his friends a lot. However, his mind is clouded, and Dillon just needs a break to himself. Training always helps him, except for today. Well, lately, training hasn't helped him as much as it once did. His mind still wanders.

When Dillon commands Pika to attack Quagsire, the mouse instantly freezes. Pika darts his attention behind Dillon at the new arrival, and Dillon follows his Pokemon's gaze. Before Dillon can warn whoever it is to go away, the person speaks, "This cave is prohibited to the public."

"There wasn't a sign." Dillon responds in annoyance at the shadowy figure who now steps out to the light. Mentally cursing himself for his rudeness, he now politely mutters, "I didn't know it was you, Leader Clair."

Clair nods while looking around at Dillon's curious Pokemon. Usually, a guard is at the cave entrance, but the guard must've stepped aside and Dillon didn't know. Plus, Clair knows the Ketchums. She trusts their children won't be doing anything they're not supposed to be doing. "This is the Dragon's Den. Female dragon Pokemon come here to lay eggs and raise their young ones because it's protected by humans."

"I haven't battled any Pokemon. I'm just training my own." Dillon states.

"I trust you." Clair walks up to the water's edge. "I heard you caused quite the commotion in my city this week."

Awkwardly rubbing the back of his head, Dillon returns his Pokemon. He knows he's in the wrong for getting into all these fights, but he doesn't need to hear it from anyone else, even if Clair is a gym leader. "I'll get going. Sorry for being in here. I didn't know."

"You're angry." comments the gym leader, causing Dillon to shake his head in annoyance. She needs to just let him leave.

The boy continues walking away. "You don't know me." Gym leader or not, he doesn't allow anyone to judge him or instruct his life.

"You've gotten into two fights this week. You're lucky the city doesn't throw you out."

Now, Dillon turns back around to be glaring at her. "Is that a threat?"

Clair keeps looking over the clear water. "I don't threaten anyone. As a gym leader, I advise."

"Psh." Dillon scoffs. "I don't need your advice or anyone's for that matter."

"I know all about you, Dillon Ashton Ketchum-"

"Again, you don't know me." Repeats the boy. "Because my mom is a gym leader, I'm doing my best to hold my tongue, so I suggest you stop provoking me."

"Will you hit me too if I don't?" Clair challenges, her blue eyes meet his.

Furrowing his brows, Dillon takes in a deep breath to calm down. Pika worriedly watches his trainer. "I don't hit people unless they deserve it."

"Do I deserve it?"

"I don't hit women."

"Regardless of that, do you think I deserve to be hit by you?" Clair presses.

Dillon rolls his eyes. "Just leave me alone. I'll come battle you later." This is fueling him to defeat her even more.

"Battle me now."

"What?" The boy tries to hide his surprise, but Clair finally faces her body towards him.

Pulling out a pokeball, she replies, "I challenge you to battle me now, Dillon Ketchum of Cerulean City." When Dillon doesn't respond, Clair adds, "Unless you're not ready?"

No way will he let her think that. While Dillon normally likes to train until he's sure he's got an absolute victory, Clair is irking him right now. "I'm always ready." He can't wait to shut her up.

"Very well. But when I win, I expect you to finally listen to my words."

"Whatever." Dillon won't entertain her any longer. "Let's finish this, Pika!"

Kanto

"Cacturne, needle arm!" the Sinnoh native frantically commands. Just what is going on? One moment, he's on his way to his 6th badge, and the next, he's getting bombarded by Team Rocket. It's been almost an hour now, and Connor's Pokemon are exhausted. He should've called the police by now, but it's too late. Maybe he can fly away on Swellow? Wait. Swellow fainted a few minutes ago.

"Hahaha you will join us soon, Connor Shinji!" the Admin cackles.

Connor knows Team Rocket is hunting him. They've made that very clear. Why? Because he's a strong trainer they want on their side? Because his family is famous? Whatever. That's none of his concern. He's been able to dodge them this whole time, so this shouldn't be different, right? However, it is different because there are a lot more higher level admins here. Connor can barely hang on with the remaining Pokemon he has.

"Feraligatr, hydro pump!" Connor exclaims to his loyal starter.

"That won't save you. Sludgebomb!" Another admin yells.

Connor watches in frustration as the onslaught of poison hurls past his Pokemon's attacks. What should he do? Sacrifice himself so his Pokemon can flee? There's no way his Pokemon will abandon him, but there's no way Connor will allow his Pokemon to keep getting hurt. Arceus. Connor shuts his eyes in defeat. This can't be it. He hasn't become a champion yet. He hasn't made his family proud yet. He regrets not allowing Allie to travel with him, though that'd mean she'd be subjected to this same fate too.

"Blastoise, hydro cannon!" Why does that voice sound familiar? Connor is sure none of the admins have a Blastoise. It's all poison, fire, and dark types.

When Connor opens his eyes to see where this Blastoise came from, he's blinded by a very intense light. Bringing his arms up to shield his eyes, Connor squints through the light. Nevertheless, he can't make out anything but white and yellow. Eventually, the light disappears, and to Connor's surprise, most of the grunts and admins are out cold, including their Pokemon. The few still standing are visibly weakened. What just happened?

Connor then spots the Blastoise, and right beside Blastoise is a blonde boy barely standing. That intense spark on the boy's right arm indicates to Connor exactly who this is. Arceus. Would Connor rather be kidnapped by Team Rocket or rescued by this weakling? This is so embarrassing. "What are you doing, Duke?" growls the older boy.

Duke now turns his attention to Connor where Duke smiles warmly. What is it with this weak kid always being so happy? It's annoying. Connor figures this is how his father felt about Uncle Ash all those years ago. "Making it an even fight! Blastoise and I are ready for more. Are you, Connor?"

Connor almost can't recognize Duke. The last time they saw each other, Connor utterly obliterated Duke, and Duke still tried to be his friend. Duke was such a weakling. A sorry excuse for a trainer, especially after his sister made it to the finals and is now a gym leader. Nonetheless, this Duke looks very confident. His Wartortle evolved into a Blastoise who somehow knows Hydrocannon. It's been months since Connor last saw Duke. What changed Duke? And that bright light from earlier. There's no way Blastoise knows flash, so was that Duke? Was that Duke's electric hand? It'd explain why the glove is off and why Duke's hand is still sparking uncontrollably.

Despite the intense sparks, Duke seems unbothered by it. Maybe Duke's tolerance has increased? Or Duke learned how to control it? Or is it something else? Why is Connor so interested in this pipsqueak? Quickly shaking his head, Connor yells to his Pokemon, "Let's end this!"

And in a matter of minutes, Team Rocket is fleeing. Of course, they now know where Duke is. All of Team Rocket knows Duke is their successful science experiment from the summer, meaning Duke has an even larger target on his back now. Nevertheless, Duke is glad he could use his power to save a friend. Well, an acquaintance.

After thanking his Pokemon, Duke walks over to Connor. "Are you okay?"

Connor returns his Pokemon and gives Duke an unamused look. "I would've been fine on my own."

"I know." Duke grins. "But I figured you can't have all the fun."

This punk. Instead of calling Connor out on his bluff, Duke goes along with it. Just what is his game? Connor glances down at Duke's still ungloved hand. "You should put your glove on before you hurt someone."

And now, Duke's smile falls a bit. Reaching into his pocket, he pulls out the navy blue glove Connor's sister had given him this summer. "I can control it." mutters Duke. He hates it when people look at him like a liability. That's why he's spent so much time learning how to control his powers.

After waking up alone at the Power Plant weeks ago, Duke felt a lot better. He figures Zapdos must've helped him relieve some pent up energy. It made controlling his hand a lot easier. While Duke isn't the best trainer, and he only has 3 badges, he spends most of his time training his hand and his Pokemon. He happened to run into someone willing to teach his Blastoise Hydro Cannon. Duke hasn't felt so guided until after the whole Zapdos incident. Until he found his purpose of using his hand for good. His control isn't perfect, but it's a lot better than when he feared it.

Nodding, Connor isn't sure what to say next. He isn't one for conversation. "How many badges do you have?"

"Three."

The older boy furrows his brows. Isn't that how many Duke had last time they met? "Are you even trying to battle at the Indigo Plateau this year?"

"I am." Duke understands where Connor is coming from by this statement. "I was, uh, just a little lost for some time. I spent the past few months getting my mind and Pokemon back in shape." The blonde gives Connor a big grin. "I'm sure I'll be at the Indigo Plateau this year, and then we'll battle again! I guarantee it!"

Well, Duke did manage to control his hand and learn Hydro Cannon. Connor can't take this boy too lightly. "I went to challenge your sister, but apparently she's on a business trip in Johto. I had to battle Surge instead." Connor doesn't mind battling Surge because Surge has more experience. However, part of Connor wanted to beat Aurora because Aurora is Dillon's rival. Aurora can hold her own against Dillon. If Connor can beat her, then Connor feels like he's closer to defeating Dillon.

"Oh yeah. She called me about it last month. I wanna challenge her for her badge, so I guess I'll wait until she's back." Duke recalls his monthly calls home.

"See ya." Connor awkwardly ends the conversation and walks off.

Waving after him, Duke yells, "Bye, Connor! We should train together some day!"

Yeah right. Just because Duke helped Connor today does not mean Connor wants to associate himself anymore with this blonde. Connor sticks to himself. He's a lone wolf. Though, he feels like he owes Duke something now. Arg. This is so frustrating! Turning his head back to face the blonde boy who is now leaning against a nearby tree, Connor sees how drained Duke looks. Was Duke just putting up a front? Is Duke stronger than he lets on?

Duke is holding onto his gloved hand, as if it's in pain. Maybe he's learned how to control his hand, but there are still intense repercussions. Sighing, Connor knows he's going to regret the words coming out of his mouth. However, he hates owing others, and Team Rocket knows where they are. It won't take long for Team Rocket to send reinforcements. Duke is a much weaker trainer than Connor. If Connor could barely hang onto Team Rocket's attacks, there's no way Duke will.

Whatever. Connor was raised to pay his dues. "Duke!" Duke snaps his head up, surprised that Connor is still here. Duke thought the Sinnoh native was long gone by now, like Connor usually is. "We should stick together until we get to Fuschia City. Team Rocket is still looking for us, and our Pokemon are tired."

Duke's eyes light up. He's been eager to travel with someone. His journey was lonely without others to talk to. Plus, Duke couldn't be sure if people wanted to travel with him for him or for his association with the Ketchums and his sister. Even though Connor is only willing to travel for a few days until Fuschia City, Duke will take it. The younger boy hurries over before Connor can change his mind. "That sounds like a good idea!"

"One condition." Connor grumbles, already regretting this choice. "Don't talk to me."

Duke does a zipping motion in front of his lips. "I've traveled alone this whole time. I'm used to silence!" Nonetheless, after a few minutes, Duke starts asking Connor lots of questions about training. Despite Connor shutting Duke down a few times, Duke continues to ask questions as time goes on. So much that Connor just ends up answering Duke in hopes that Duke shuts up eventually.

Johto

Back in the Dragon's Den, Dillon is down to his last Pokemon: Teddiursa. His Pokemon put up a good fight, but Clair still has another Pokemon after her Dragonair. "Teddiursa, ice punch!"

"Freeze them with dragon breath!" Clair commands.

Dillon's timing has been off this whole battle. So much that this current attack fails as Teddiursa hits the wall hard from the dragon breath attack. Dillon clicks his tongue in annoyance. He knew Clair is strong, but he didn't realize just how one-sided this match would be. If not for Pika knocking out two of Clair's Pokemon when he did, Dillon would be in much better shape now. Pika performed a lot better acting on his own accord than when Dillon commanded him. Teddiursa, despite being rebellious, has been a lot more obedient towards Dillon lately.

"You're angry." Clair repeats, causing Dillon to glare at her again.

"You don't know me."

"I don't need to know you to see you're furious. You can't do anything when you're upset. Anger makes you have narrow sight."

"I don't need to listen to you. Teddiursa, focus punch!" Growls Dillon.

Clair shakes her head in disappointment. He's just abusing his Pokemon at this point. "Let's put them out of their misery, Dragonair. Use aurora beam!"

Mew. Dillon knows it's just the name of an attack, but hearing it hurts. Clair can visibly see him stiffen up as Teddiursa falls into the water in pain. As much as Dillon hates to admit it, Clair is right. His mind has been so clouded lately. He doesn't feel like himself and it's affecting those around him. That's the reason he's lost his battling edge.

"When your emotions start hurting those around you, then it's a problem." Clair knowingly tells him while she's on the lookout for his Teddiursa resurfacing.

"Shut up! You're a gym leader! Not my mom!" exclaims the angry teen.

"I'm sure your mother would appreciate my guidance while she's in another region."

The boy shakes his head. "I don't need it. I just need your badge." Dillon's furious blue orbs meet the calm gym leader's eyes. "That's all I need from you. Teddiursa, now!"

Before Clair can react, Teddiursa launches a large block of ice at Dragonair. That's enough to stun the dragon type, allowing Teddiursa's ice punch to hit. Dragon falls to the ground, fainted. Clair can't help but smirk on the inside. Dillon is a natural born battler, which he obviously got from his parents. Even with Dillon's own problems, he isn't a foe to be taken lightly. "Druddigon, let's finish this!" Clair calls out her orange and green dragon Pokemon.

"Druddigon?" Dillon raises a confused eyebrow at the Pokemon. It has sparkles like Coal does when Coal comes out of his Pokeball.

"Druddigon is native to the Unova region."

"Doesn't matter where your Pokemon came from. Teddiursa and I will win this."

"Teddi!" The tired Pokemon exclaims.

"We will see about that. Your mind isn't calm. There's no way you will defeat me with that thinking." Dillon is about to argue back when Teddiursa flies into the wall from an intense flamethrower attack. "Your mind cannot focus because of your anger."

"Again with the anger talk. Just battle. That's all a gym leader is for anyway." Dillon knows these words are incorrect, but he's angry. He's saying whatever is on his mind.

"I wouldn't be talking about it if it wasn't true. Do you realize how your emotions are affecting your Pokemon?" Clair counters are the Pokemon fight.

Fed up with everything, Dillon yells, "Does it even matter? You don't think I've been trying to get over my anger? Do you think I wanna stay angry?" He's been angry his whole life at Ash. The moment Dillon thought he finally found peace, now he's angry again. Maybe he's just destined to be angry?

"It matters when it's harming others around you." Clair knowingly responds. "I've heard about your travels last year. You haven't been in any fights, yet you come to my city, and you're involved in two in one week. Now that I see you, I see that your struggles are coming onto your Pokemon as well."

"I'm not a book for you to read." Growls the boy.

"What's bothering you?"

"Why do you even care?"

Clair shrugs nonchalantly as Teddiursa takes on another attack. This little bear has a lot of resilience. "Your father has always helped me a lot. Besides, this is my city. I don't believe in immediate punishment until I attempt to know someone."

Scoffing, Dillon commands Teddiursa to dodge. "Nothing's wrong."

"Are you going to keep denying it? Once you accept it, your mind will be a lot clearer."

Groaning, Dillon exclaims, "What? Do you wanna hear about why I can't focus? About why Johto sucks? What about why I'm even challenging the gyms? I don't have a reason to. It's not like I'm trying to bring my dad home again."

"Then what is your reason?" Inquires the leader.

Shaking his head, Dillon mutters, "I don't know. Everyone is doing something. I feel like I should too."

"Who's everyone?" Now, they're getting somewhere. After this whole battle of trying to reach Dillon, Clair is getting him to open up.

Sighing, Dillon responds, "My friends. Amy and Jane are passionate first timers. Granite is learning how to be a gym leader, and he's a police officer in Hoenn. And A...Aurora is becoming a successful gym leader too. I don't want anything else, but I feel like I'm so far behind." More so, Aurora is forgetting him. She's so focused on her gym and her city, that Dillon is an afterthought. Dillon keeps remembering her and Braxton back at the Viridian City gym, which aches his heart tremendously.

"So what's your purpose?"

"That's the problem." Dillon defeatedly mutters. "I don't know what I'm even doing anymore."

Clair watches Teddiursa stand from yet another attack. "Then do it for your Pokemon." Her words cause Dillon to raise his head. "Your Pokemon haven't given up on you this whole battle. Don't give up on yourself."

"You think I wanna give up on myself? I don't have a passion."

"Make your passion to get stronger. To help your Pokemon get stronger. That's all they seem to want from you."

"But how can I do that when I'm always angry? Isn't that what you've been saying this whole time?" grumbles the boy.

"Sometimes, you need to accept what has happened and move on. The past was nice while it lasted, but there is a reason everything happens. If it's meant to be, the past will come back to you."

"You make no sense." Though Dillon does feel slightly better expressing his feelings.

Chuckling slightly, Clair tells him, "You're young. At times, it'll feel like the world is ending. Just take a deep breath and learn to accept. Everything will always work out when you have a calm mind."

"It's easier said than done." Dillon spots Teddiursa struggling. Yes, this conversation was annoying, but he feels a lot better. His head doesn't hurt, and his anger is less. Whie he's been trying to control his emotions by himself, Romeo's hostility provoked Dillon. Dillon knows his problems stem from his broken relationship with Aurora, so any inconvenience irks him. With Romeo gone now, and Dillon slowly accepting the truth he wants to avoid, Dillon's mind is clearer. "Teddiursa, hang on!"

"Finish them with dragon pulse!" Clair commands, glad to have finally reached the boy. Regardless of her sympathy for Dillon, she is still a gym leader who has an honor to uphold.

Unfortunately for her, Dillon's mind is a lot clearer now. He was a tough opponent when he was conflicted. He's a much better trainer now. "Sand attack and ice punch!" Soon, Teddiursa manages to knock out the giant dragon type, much to Clair's surprise. This little bear does have a lot of tenacity.

As soon as Clair returns Druddigon, Teddiursa collapses in exhaustion. She gave her everything for Dillon who is very grateful. He holds the bear tightly and thanks her. Teddiursa could've gone down from Dragonair long ago, but she helped out for Dillon. While Dillon was struggling with his own emotions and arguing with Clair, Teddiursa endured the battles. This fact makes Dillon never want to put his Pokemon through this situation again. Teddiursa shouldn't have to had endure that pain for him.

After returning the bear, Dillon looks up at Clair who is now directly in front of him with her hand outstretched. In the palm of her hand is her badge. "Congrats, Dillon."

Dillon takes the badge as he shakes Clair's hand. "Uh. Thank you, Clair. For reminding me that my world is bigger than just me." Dillon won't let his Pokemon get tortured due to his selfishness anymore. He's doing this for them and for himself. As much as it hurts to move on from his past, Dillon will do just that.

A few hours later, Dillon returns from a shower to see his friends are finally back. When he arrived after his battle with Clair, the room in the Pokemon Center was empty. Jane and Amy are surprised to see him, so Amy asks, "Where were you?"

"Out." Dillon keeps his answers short. He approaches Jane with an outstretched hand. "Congrats on winning your third ribbon, Jane."

"Thanks, Dillon." Blushes the older girl.

Amy rolls her eyes at her brother. "How come you're always so nice to others but mean to me?"

Dillon raises an eyebrow at her in mock annoyance. "Because you spent 13 years tormenting me with Politoed."

Giggling at the remembrance of their childhood, Amy replies, "Worth it." Despite Dillon's usual curt responses towards her, Amy knows her brother loves her a lot. Jane doesn't know how Dillon is, so that explains why Dillon goes out of his way to be nicer to her.

"Are you guys ready to challenge Clair tomorrow?" Jane asks the bickering siblings.

"Yup!" Amy has been pumped the moment she entered Blackthorn. If not for Dillon, Amy would've challenged Clair already. "What about you, Dillon?"

"I challenged her today." The boy responds nonchalantly.

"What?" Amy exclaims in shock.

"You did?" Jane inquires.

Nodding, Dillon shows them the badge. "Sorry, Amy. I ran into Clair, and it just kinda happened."

"Wow." Amy grins excitedly. "Don't apologize, Dillon! That's awesome!"

Amy is always so happy-go-lucky. Dillon barely beat Clair with a clouded mind. He's sure his sister who is always carefree will do just as well. Clair is tough, but Amy is strong. Patting Amy on the head, Dillon chuckles, "Tomorrow is your day, Amy. We'll be rooting for you."