Chapter 15

The start of the next morning was just like the time spent at the gym with the exception of the scenery. Fara got up, changed into something for exercise, and dragged her pokemon out of the cool room to start her morning run. Her pokemon grumbled but soon shook off the sleep and started out with her.

The sun was just peeking out the horizon by the time Fara and her pokemon were two miles into their five mile run. Fara, despite the humidity, was enjoying the steady rhythm of the waves crashing against the beach. Running has gotten easier for the trainer in recent weeks. Her other exercises were making a difference as well. Stamina was at an all time high and her weight was starting to go up. The protein heavy diet Surge had put her on had helped her gain 5 pounds. It was a small weight to others but for Fara it was awesome. Her small figure and weight had always presented a problem to her. Smiling, Fara looked over to her pokemon to see how they were doing.

Warin was doing a series of barrel rolls over the nearby beach. It was beautiful and graceful how he flew the air now. Constant training had smoothed out all the rough edges and now his focus was increasing agility and strength. His attack pool had increased slightly as well. Besides tackle, peck, gust, and tail wind he had picked up two new attacks. The first had been quick attack. This versatile move was still a work in progress. Warin was able to land the attack when just attacking in a straight line but Fara was trying to get him to use it while performing aerial maneuvers. A tactic that would be essential in preventing counterattacks to the predictable linear movement. His progress was steady and at this point a matter of practice. Fara felt he would master the basics of the move within a few more weeks. His other attack was double team. So far the high speed illusion was slow to master.

Occasionally there would glimpses of one illusion but Warin still needed a lot of work. It was frustrating for the pokemon but Fara had been quick to point out that it wasn't his fault it was failing. Surge had told them both that the attack needed a certain amount of speed to create the illusion. This was something Warin would need to gain to get success with the technique. Time and practice was what the young pokemon needed. In this instance his young age and still developing body was working against him.

Shred, on the other hand was growing quickly. As the oldest, his development with his current evolutionary stage was mostly complete. He was larger than the average Pichu and starting to gain a control of his random electrical jolts. It was a sign he was close to evolving. The hard work he was putting towards his speed and agility as well as his close bond with Fara was jumpstarting the process according to Surge. By working his physical capabilities to the limit his body was being tricked into thinking it needed to evolve in order to survive a harsher environment. His friendship with Fara was the other factor. Pichu needed a close bond with packmates to evolve. Fara was his replacement for the family he left behind.

Shreds move pool was getting larger with his body. He currently knew thunder shock, charm, and tail whip. He was in the process increasing his speed and stamina to learn quick attack. He got the attack down 3 out of 5 times but needed more work. That was why he was running with specialised weights developed by Surge. Looking down at her friend Fara could but feel proud of the determined face.

Dirk was running on her opposite side. The puppy was still small and developing but like her other pokemon, improving. His stamina was beyond her and the other pokemon. These morning runs were often not enough so she was forced to get him specially designed resistance weights to challenge him further. In addition, his skill with odor sleuth was increasing daily. The tracking practice had gone from basic retrieval to adding levels of difficulties such as water, distance, and age of trail to make it harder. Soon she would be upping the difficulty again at the rate he was progressing.

As far as attacks went he had learned tackle and bite. Surge had warned her he would be stuck with bite as his only dark attack for another month or two. Reason being his body was developing the naturally occurring dark type energy. Pushing him too early to use dark attacks would damage his energy channels so he was stuck on the basics. So instead Fara was going to focus on teaching him quick attack and agility. Both attacks would be useful and easier to teach the pup because his natural physical capabilities.

Overall, Fara was pleased with the progress they were all making. Looking ahead she pushed herself faster. Progress was great but she needed to keep pushing herself. The next year, if she choose to continue this path, would be the start of a punishing career path.

Frowning, she thought back to Kahua and his story. Now that some time had passed she was more objective about the tale. Jason's end was a reminder of the danger she was facing. It was chilling to think that she might have to face situations like that. It wasn't the first example of pokemon training gone wrong she'd seen or heard. On the other hand Scavenging seemed like a rewarding opportunity that might give Fara what she had always craved; a place to belong.

As an orphan Fara had been always filled with the feeling of being unwanted. Unlike most orphans sent to her former Group home, Fara had been given away at a later age of four. She always felt like she had done something wrong to be abandoned by her mother.

Hands clenched, Fara picked up speed. Darla Knight had not given a reason when she dropped Fara off at a Fire Department. The memories of her mother leaving her had faded with time but the impact of the abandonment hadn't.

Fara had been filled with constant anxiety and abandonment issues that required years of therapy. She had been clingy of Mrs. Packard and often violent if those who took attention away from her. Dennis, the councilor, and Mrs. Packard had been patient though. They had given her a new outlook on life but still Fara felt out of place.

Traveling was an escape from that feeling. By finding her own place in the world she felt that she wouldn't feel out of place or unwanted anymore. Fara sighed and shook herself from the melancholic thoughts. She needed to focus and finish her morning routine.

/

Two hours later Fara dragged herself to the rented room in the hotel. She and her pokemon were drenched in sweat and breathing roughly. The combination of beach running and tropical humidity had almost killed Fara and her land based pokemon. It was vastly different from running on flat ground. Sighing, Fara shed her damp clothes and climbed into a cool shower to clean up. Dirk and Shred joined her and relaxed under the cool spray.

Washing her hair quickly Fara considered her schedule today. First up would be a hearty breakfast that Kahua would be joining her for. After that they would be going on a tour. Fara needed to rent her climbing gear for the Vulpix hunt. Kahua had also mentioned visiting a breeding center to look at different transport pokemon.

Finishing her shower, Fara quickly dried and dressed herself before leaving for the main lobby. It was nearing seven, the time Kahua had said to expect her.

Her pokemon were returned to their balls as she reached the lobby. Waiting in a chair was the mountaineer. He was quick to notice Fara's arrival and got up waving at her in greeting. After a short conversation they were off to a cafe for a hearty breakfast. Discussion over the day's events took place over fresh island fruit and protein heavy meats.

Kahua told her that they would wait on the gear rental for a few more days at least. A snow storm had hit the peaks the previous evening and it would take until tomorrow for the storm to dissipate. After that they would need to wait another day or two to get the all clear from the authorities. Kahua was adamant they wait. There were more than a few stories about stupid people being trapped and dying by bad weather or avalanches because they ignored the government's warnings.

Seeing as that activity was canceled Fara mentioned the Berry order that she needed to make. Fara had gotten her updated license and merchant authorization paperwork the night before and would need to visit berry farms to make purchases. Kahua was happy to help her with that as well.

After finishing breakfast the duo left the cafe for the west side of the island. A comfortable silence was disturbed by the sound wind created by the jeeps rapid speed. Kahua had been professional and made no mention of the previous afternoon's discussion. Still, Fara could see the faint color beneath Kahua's eyes, making obvious the lack of sleep he'd had.

Having taken his avoidance of the topic and physical condition into consideration Fara decided to focus on talking about the island in hopes of getting more understanding of the local pokemon species.

Wresting her gaze from the bewitching scenery, Fara began her inquiry. 'So I understand that many Kanto species are native but do you have any recommendations on other foreign and domestic species?' she asked.

Kahua looked at her from the corner of his eye with a soft smile.

'That would depend. I know we will be getting you companions suited for transport and you have that allergy so psychic varieties will be off the table. However I need to know any personal preferences from you first.' He stated.

Fara's brow furrowed in thought. Outside of Pidgey her recent pokemon captures were due to circumstance. Class studies hadn't given her a particular type desire and outside of psychic pokemon her preferences were open. Thinking back to one of Mrs. Packard's tricks she decided to make choices on necessity. She'd been taught to look at what she had, what she needed, and what means she had to afford things she needed. Even with the Thunder Stone giving her a monetary boost she had to be careful. Within a couple of years she'd be on her own in an apartment, going to school, training for her future career, and working at least part time. Time, money, and space were definetly going to be an issue.

'I don't want giant pokemon like Onix. I need to focus on small to moderate sized young pokemon. I don't have a lot experience as a trainer and more experienced pokemon might not be as forgiving for my fumbles in training.' She paused before continuing.

'That's not to say I will turn down an older partner but I really need to start with more easy going personalities. Especially with the heavy training, school, and work schedule I have to look forward to these next few years. I have experience with canine and avian types so those kinds are welcome.'

Fara shifted in her seat before continuing. 'I'll need a strong water type or two, preferably one that has deep sea capabilities. I've been through enough information on Scavengers to know that I want to focus on rare item recovery. A lot of rare water type items require deep water diving.'

Kahua gently interrupted. 'Have you ever considered an Octillery? They are found throughout the waters around here. They are deceptively strong and have no problems with deep sea environmental factors. They are also within your size range and adapt fairly well to land when needed.'

Fara grinned. 'That sounds perfect. Is there any special place or way to capture them?'

The man shook his head. 'No in fact the fishermen on the island often have to drive them away from their nets and baskets. They are an opportunistic hunter so all you would need to do is go on a fishing trip. The fisherman here would gladly take you abroad so you can capture one. You might even get the chance to see other pokemon that might catch your attention.' He stated with an impish grin.

Giggling lightly Fara nodded her head. 'I'll do that then. What about canine types? Dirk, my Poochyena, is training to be my main tracker but I need a couple more so he doesn't have all the responsibility.'

'Well, we have several canine types on the island. In fact my neighbor had a litter of Houndour pups a few months ago. Most have gone to homes but he still has two females. It is a small community and not many people wanted a pup. That species isn't as popular the native Rockruff's.'

Fara pulled out her pokedex and looked up Houndour. Quickly she was presented with a brief description and stats of the species. Being a dark/fire type they would probably get along with Dirk well. It would give her a fire type to add to the pool and they were known to be nocturnal. A plus if she was to have security at night.

'I'd have to meet them and their owner but they sound promising. What are Rockruff's?' She asked.

Kahua slowed the jeep, they were approaching a turn that led into thick jungle vegetation, then spoke.

'They are a Rock type canine species native to the islands. They are unusual like other several other Alola species in that they have two types of evolutions. A day and night form. They are a friendly, loyal, and highly active pokemon. There is always several pups ready to go to new homes and even a few at the adoption center.'

Fara interrupted him. 'There's an adoption center?' Her tone was excited. Why wouldn't it be. Adoption centers were important pokemon rehabilitation and rehoming centers. Abandoned, injured, and trouble pokemon were often sent there so they could be rehabilitated and adopted out to trainers and families.

Fara's class had done a working field trip to the Lavender City's small center. It hadn't had many pokemon but the work the center had been inspiring. Especially to Fara, whose own circumstances from her mother's abandonment gave her a more emotional insight to how those pokemon might feel.

Fara had made plans to revisit Lavender City so she might find a partner for her future career later but the news one was close by excited her. Adoption center sometimes had unusual species not native to the Region they were at. It might prove a very worthwhile visit if she went.

'The Adoption Center sounds great… I was going to visit one located in Lavender City. This is better though. I only have so much time to get the pokemon I require and with the additional time I need to spend here a place like this will help.'

Looking up to the man she continued. 'I would love to visit there sometime soon. Do they have potential adopters make appointments to visit like in Kanto? Do I need to fill out application for pre-approval?' Kahua smiled and shook his head. 'No, the islands are relatively small so the Center is not as formal. With the lack of pokemon league here trainers are usually in the area for vacation not pokemon acquisition. You will have to go through a basic background check and fill out an application if you plan to adopt but visiting can be done whenever they are open.'

'Good, can we plan a visit for tomorrow?' she asked.

'Of course, as for the water pokemon we should probably wait until after the expedition. I have a friend going out in a week and a half to do some deep water fishing. You will be able to find some interesting water pokemon in addition to the Octillery.' he stated.

The trainer smiled, 'Sounds good. So what about the Houndour pups? I don't want to wait to long. Depending on their age I will need to do a lot of pre training with them like I did with Dirk.'

Kahua raised a questioning brow, 'Pre-training?' Fara snorted. 'Yes pre-training. Meaning potty training and basic commands. Something I had a hard time doing with Dirk. Puppies are like babies and don't know what you or I know about bathroom etiquette and personal boundaries. Being predator species doesn't help either. Their development is slower than pokemon like Pidgey or Stantler. Dirk is very hyperactive. I had to learn from older trainers how to channel that energy as well as learn patience for myself. I have a bit of a temper so I was taught techniques to control it in general but especially during pokemon training.' Fara quieted and stared at the passing scenery.

'Nurse Jenny was very clear in the dangers of trainers letting their frustrations over rule their judgement. She even have a guest speaker come to one of my classes. His name was Eric Chang.' She paused and swallowed audibly. 'Eric was a strong pokemon trainer about ten years ago. Smart, motivated, and a top League contender. He actually managed to get ranked in the top 36 his first year training.'

Kahua whistled appreciatively, top 36 usually took two to three seasons to reach. Fara nodded in agreement. 'I know, amazing right? He was on the fast track but Eric had a problem. Three guesses what.'

Kahua replied, 'temper huh'?

'Bingo. He was impatient and pushed his pokemon hard. Don't get me wrong, he loved them but sometimes he let his frustrations bleed through during training.' stated Fara.

She shifted in her seat before continuing. 'He got lucky for a while. His team was like him but patient, for the most part. It wasn't until his second year training that his luck ran out. He told us he acquired a Teddiursa through trade. A little boy who had a lot of potential. His former trainer couldn't handle his tenacity and drive to get stronger and Eric had a Oddish he had caught that disliked violence. It seemed like a solid trade. Problem was Teddiursa had a temper too. Eric said Teddiursa was pushy and in response Eric was far more strict with the pokemon. When Teddiursa evolved one day Eric made the mistake of snapping at him for bad behavior.'

The girl smiled sadly. 'The Ursaring ripped his left arm off, took the ear and eye from the same side, and left substation scarring. Eric barely survived thanks to another trainer hearing the commotion and getting help. Eric said his Ursaring ended up being euthanized and he spent two months in a hospital recovering. A lot of that time was spent thinking about what went wrong and feeling guilty about Ursarings fate. He ended up going through counseling and finding his calling in Psychology. Gave up training and except for his Persian, adopting the rest of his team out. '

Kahua whispered a prayer before speaking up. 'A harsh lesson but it seems like he found a positive end.' He focused on the road for a moment to make a turn before continuing. You have good teachers. It saddens me to hear of Mr. Chang's troubles but it seems like they are doing their best to impart hard earned wisdom.' He smiled at the girl. 'The fact you understood and take his advice seriously is a good sign of your character. Lets not let this bring the mood down. I can take you to visit Winslow, the Houndour owner, this afternoon. How does that sound?'

Fara nodded. 'It sounds wonderful.'

'Good, now it looks like we are here.' he stated.

Looking ahead the girl saw a weather beaten wood gate. A sign attached to the fence next to it simply stated Andrea's Berries.

/

AN:

Hello!

It's been awhile since I last updated. I don't really want to go into detail but let's just say life hit me with some whammies and I needed to stop writing. I'm back for now and will try to catch up and get out some more chapters soon.

Thank you to those who have been patient. Just a heads up though. I will be making some editing changes on previous chapters in addition to writing new ones. This WILL NOT change the story. I've just noticed some minor discrepancies that need editing. Again I do not have a Beta so errors of all sorts may pop out. Feel free to PM me if you notice any.

-CGFlare