Chapter Thirteen – Things That Go Bump in the Night OR The Night is Dark and Full of Terrors
Something feels different. Heidi was walking down a small path in the woods unsure where she was going. She reached down to her belt, but only Naga's ball was on her belt. She released the small seahorse desperately needing something familiar to calm her nerves. As the Seahorse began to flutter alongside the young trainer, Heidi began to hear a voice she wasn't familiar with.
Heidi searched the area again, completely empty of another living soul. What was going on? "I think its time we talked, and this is the only way I can properly communicate with you currently." Who the hell was that? Heidi was freaking out. "Who are you? Where am I?" Riley looked at her Horsea, vacant eyes stared back at her.
"All of that will be answered, please take a moment and talk with me. I know you've spoken with your Honedge, and he told you something that shouldn't have been shared about you. Heidi, you are an Affinity. Have you ever wondered why people gravitate towards a certain type of Pokemon? I don't mean, hey that's a cute Pokemon, I'll catch it. I mean truly pulled towards a Pokemon." The possessed Horsea continued.
"Every trainer has a certain affinity for Pokemon. Some stick to psychics, other to ghosts, fire type trainers are everywhere, as are water. Have you ever wondered why this happens? Clearly a team comprised of the same type is a competitive disadvantage, why would they do this?" She hadn't put any real thought into it, but it was a good question.
"Most trainers begin their journey by being confronted with a choice. Who will they choose for your starter? The choice typically says a lot about a trainer, but it isn't the only thing. You weren't given that option, your Mareep was a gift, yes? Your Honedge was an accident, a moment of fear captured your most trusted defender. You happened upon a Shroomish in distress, captured a small Horsea not native to the area, and just so happened upon an incredibly strong Starmie in a cave. Do you think this is random?"
"Every trainer has a type they mesh best with, though there are a select few that have a different type of affinity. You have what we like to call the Alpha affinity. You aren't drawn to a specific type, you are drawn to a very specific trait in Pokemon. We Pokemon call it the Alpha gene. Certain Pokemon have potential beyond their specific breeds normal capabilities."
"The Alpha gene is past along genetically in Pokemon, just as it is in humans. Your companion Riley has an Affinity as well, although hers is a bit more difficult to explain. The reason I'm telling you this is there is going to be some big changes in the world, and I'd wager you'll be involved in some form. You have a kind heart and trust in Pokemon and people. We will be depending on you to look out for Pokemon as things change."
"Lastly, and this is probably the most important portion to you moving forward. Affinity's may garner certain traits from their preferred Pokemon/element. You've heard of the people who can perform telepathy, correct? People training fire Pokemon that can resist high temperatures? You too will develop an affinity, although its quite difficult to guess what an Alpha's will be. Just know, you may see more substantial changes, depending on how your bond grows."
"I'm sure you have many questions, unfortunately I do not have time to get into the finer details. Think on what I've said, work hard to improve yourself and your team. You will need to not only be powerful, but able to put others before yourself. Soon, an event will happen that will split you from your friend, and it is unknown when you'll be reunited. Cherish the time you two have together, you can learn a lot from each other. I must go now, we will be speaking again soon."
The Horsea's eyes flashed, and Heidi awoke in a cold sweat in her Poke Center bed. She frantically searched the room for whatever was infiltrating her dreams, but the only creature "awake" was Crixus, and he was deep in meditation. The rest of the evening was a lost cause trying to sleep, so Heidi did the only thing she could. She searched the internet for clues referencing Affinity.
As sunlight finally broke the pitch black sky, Riley began to stir. As the girls slowly got ready for their day, and trip back to the mainland, Heidi solicited some advice. "Riley, I know you are planning on having Crixus train Pokemon for you, and I wouldn't dare impose on that partnership. I've got a few Pokemon that I would rather sell or trade and was considering pursuing a similar path."
"I know a Gallade, especially one of Crixus' caliber will be impossible to find, but I have a feeling there will be things in the future we'll need to be prepared for. Since I won't be pursuing badges or the League Challenge, I think I'm going to take a slower approach to traveling. I'll still hit all the major towns, and tag along with you for as long as I can, but I think I may have a different path."
Heidi was clearly taking the dream to heart, and after some self reflection, came to the decision she'd need to learn to think for herself. To Heidi's surprise, Riley just smiled. "Of course I think that's a good idea. If I was you, I'd find a psychic or fighting type you can truly trust and bond with. Maybe call around to breeders and find an offspring of a Pokemon of higher stock. From there, train it the way you'd like all Pokemon to be trained, and set it to its purpose."
"As far as us splitting up, I knew it'd happen at some point. And I'm guessing you are planning on parting ways sooner than later, but with the time we have together, I think we should take a boat to Slateport, and head out into the wilderness for a while. We'll be away from any potential problems and distractions where we can just spend some time together and train our teams." Riley was surprisingly understanding, even offering to slow herself down to ensure they got to hang out a bit longer.
"We interrupt our normal broadcasting for this special news alert. We are receiving reports that Pokemon not native to Hoenn are being found in the wild around the region. The following footage was captured by a trainer outside of Slateport late last night. Please be advised, the following content is graphic, viewer discretion is advised."
The girls watched in growing horror as a Wartortle wildly attacked a trainer and his team. The man tried to subdue the wild water type native of Kanto, but he was unable to. As the Wartortle unleashed a strong blast of water towards the trainer, the screen went black. The man began to scream, and then the feed ended. "The man was found deceased at the scene, the video was recovered from his Pokedex and relayed to us. Again, reports of Pokemon..."
"This is how it starts.." Heidi mindlessly commented, not realizing she'd even spoke out loud.
"How what starts? Is there something you know that I don't? Did you talk to Nick or my dad?" Riley wanted answers, the wild Pokemon attack took place exactly where they'd just discussed going.
"I don't know how much I can share with you, but last night I had a 'dream' of sorts. I think a psychic or ghost infiltrated my dream to communicate with me. He told me some things about myself nobody else knew. That I can't share with you, at least not yet. What I can tell you is I was warned that there would soon come a point where people like us would need to fight for the good in this world."
"What does that even mean? What Pokemon told you this?" Riley wasn't satisfied with what she'd been told, and needed answers. "Honestly, I don't know what it means yet, and I have no idea what it was communicating with me. What currently concerns me is the seemingly random appearance of Pokemon from my home country all the way across the world, and showing up where we are headed to next. I was warned we would be a part of something bigger, but whoever it was made it sound like that was further in the future." Heidi didn't like the way this all sat with her, but there was nothing she could currently do about it.
"Well I still think Slateport is our best destination. There's a coordinator hall for you to check out and lots of wild Pokemon for us to go after. Before we go, I think you should probably sell/trade those Pokemon from the cave and meet me back here when you are ready to head out." Riley had already finished up everything for her to do in Dewford, she was going back to sleep for a bit.
Heidi made her way to the Trader's Guild and quickly posted her Starmie and two Makuhita for sale. She didn't know what she was going to do with the Aron or Sableye yet, but she just couldn't part with them for some reason. After she finished that up, she asked the woman working the counter a question that would change her life.
"If I wanted to acquire a battle hardened and experienced Pokemon, but had no intention of using it for battle, how would I do that?" She really didn't expect a good answer, but she figured it was worth a shot.
"Oh that's easy Hun, contact the League HQ. Pokemon that have had their trainer's die, have been turned over for league use or are grievously injured but not killed are held there until they can either find a new job for them or are deemed safe enough to release. They adopt out Pokemon to people that are looking to give Pokemon a second chance." The woman at the Trader's Guild really did know her stuff, that was for sure.
Heidi quickly thanked the woman for her time, and slowly walked back to the Poke Center. As she made it to the lobby, she pulled out her Pokedex and made the fated call. "So here's what I'm really looking for. A psychic or fighting type that for whatever reason can no longer battle. I am looking for a companion to travel and bond with, but I don't want to use it for fighting purposes. The path of a trainer is lonely, and having an experienced Pokemon to help me out would be great." Heidi continued on the call for another twenty minutes before finally hanging up.
"Well are you ready to go Riley? I put my Pokemon up for sale, and have the beginnings of a plan for moving forward. I think it is time we hit open seas and relax for a couple days until we hit Slateport. Who knows when the next time we'll be able to relax will be." With that, she grabbed her bag and turned back to the door, Riley following closely behind.
The next two days consisted of nothing but sunbathing and sleeping, a lot. As crazy as their trip to Dewford had been, the trip to Slateport was quite the opposite. No wild Pokemon attacks, no rough seas, not even a rain cloud. It was two days of pure bliss for the girls that reminded them what being a "normal" sixteen year old was really like.
As the girls departed from their private ocean getaway, one thing became apparently clear. The wild Pokemon reports had scared away a lot of the civilians that would typically frequent the beach, and they'd been replaced by overzealous Pokemon trainers. The girls had to literally battle their way from the docks to the path that led to town. A fifteen minute walk took them almost four hours.
As the girls entered Slateport, they quickly got directions to the Poke Center and headed there straight away. They were tired, their team was tired, and it was time to do something other than battle nonstop. As the girls checked their teams in with Nurse Joy, a familiar voice caught their attention.
"Why didn't you tell me you guys were coming! I have an exhibition in an hour, please be my guests and watch me work!" Aunt Liz bounced her way to the young trainers, ready to overwhelm them with affection. "I'm having a challenge of sorts at the stadium, new coordinators are going to be having a tournament, and the winner gets an exhibition battle with me. If they happen to beat me, they'll receive the Slateport Ribbon and a special prize!" Liz was so excited, she hadn't even let the girls talk yet.
"How would I sign up if I was interested in trying? I've never tried before, but I've been giving it some thought, and I think Coordinating may be my true calling, battling gyms certainly is not." Heidi recounted the brutal battle to earn her first badge.
"I'll make sure you are on the list, we are only allowing 4 trainers total today, we aren't sure what kind of applicants or participation to expect. The only rule you should prepare for is that whatever Pokemon you use must be in its first evolutionary stage. This won't be a classic "beauty' contest, but one more designed for creativity. I've got to get going, but I'll get you on the list and see you in an hour!" Liz hugged the girls one last time before hastily retreating back to the stadium.
"Well there goes relaxing for the day." Riley was mostly being sarcastic, but a nap didn't sound terrible.
"I'm going to head out for a half hour or so, and talk with my team. I need to see who is up for the challenge, and I'll meet you at the stadium in an hour." Before Riley had a chance to respond, Heidi was requesting her balls back from Nurse Joy and on her way out the door.
Riley took her hour of peace and quiet to head to the computer bank. She'd received a message that her Golbat had been sold while she was on the boat, so now she was going to do some browsing with Crixus to identify what potential teammates they could gain.
Pages and pages of Pokemon listed for sale or trade on the international page. Riley had an idea for a Pokemon she'd like to have trained by Crixus, but she wasn't sure how to get one or how much it'd cost. She quickly typed the Pokemon into the search tab and waited for it to load.
Three listings were currently active, and Riley read through each one. Barro – 1 month old – male – tackle, growl, shadow ball – 3,000. Ryu – 9 months old – male – tackle, growl - 8,000. Alala – 3 months old – female – tackle, growl, shadow ball – 4,500. Riley stared at the list for five minutes, running the math in her head. Finally, she made her choice.
After clicking through the pertinent screens, she scanned her Pokedex to complete the transaction. Her Pokedex flashed, her newest friend was at the desk waiting for her. "Here you go Hun, its perfectly healthy and ready to go." Nurse Joy was just so pleasant, how does an entire lineage of women look so similar and act so friendly all the time?
Riley collected the ball, along with what remained of her team. Cole hadn't appeared yet, but she knew it'd be soon. Riley took Crixus and made her way to her room, ready to show him their newest comrade.
Riley knew this Pokemon all to well, she'd fought it's evolved version just a few days ago. Flash.
"Meditite, the fighting and psychic Pokemon. It eats just one berry a day. By enduring hunger, its spirit is tempered and made sharper." What a perfect pupil for her psychic and fighting mentor.
"Hello Alala, my name is Riley and I've chosen you to join our family. We have a unique situation compared to most, to begin with I will not be training you. Crixus here will be doing your initial training and helping you hone your fighting and psychic capabilities. When he deems you ready, you'll be able to join my squad if and when I need you, and the remainder of the time you'll continue to learn from him."
Crixus stared intently at the small blue and white humanoid, pleased with the choice Riley had made. He considered the potential for having another of his type to assist some day, and who knows, maybe even take over when his time had come.
"I hate to rush the introductions, but we must get going as our friend is getting ready to take part in a coordinator competition. The two of you will be seeing a lot of each other, so rest and think on this while you can." She recalled the Meditite and left the Poke Center.
Riley sat in the front row, anxiously waiting the upcoming show. She knew Heidi was clever, and she knew the girl was stubborn as an ox. With an hour of preparation it would be a tough challenge, but if anyone could pull it off, she was confident in her best friend. As her anxiety heightened, the first duo was introduced, and Heidi was not among them.
Riley sat and watched the first match up, impressed with a teenage boy and his Electrike. Unfortunately, the other trainer was way out of her depth. The young boy won handsomely, and returned back stage to await the victor of the second match up
"And now, I present our second match up Our first trainer is a hometown girl, please welcome Mandy of Slateport City!" Liz enthusiastically introduced the girl, hoping the roar of the crowd would help boost the timid girls confidence. "And now, our final contestant, she made a long journey to make it here. From Kanto, please welcome Heidi!" Liz again clapped and tried to pump up the crowd, and Riley erupted from the first row.
"A quick reminder of the rules, there are three rounds and you must use the same Pokemon for all three rounds. The first round is simple, a two move combination that makes us say WOW! The second round you must display something beautiful. The third round is a trainer and Pokemon combo. Both of you must be involved in the display, whether that's a coordinated attack or dance or whatever else you can think of." Liz quickly nodded to both trainers, signaling it was time to begin.
Mandy was first up, and her first showing was OK. She called out her Petilil and issued her commands. Attract and Growth. As the small flower Pokemon began to absorb the light to strengthen itself, it began to glow. As the Petilil was glowing, she used her attract. Visible shimmering hearts radiated from the Pokemon, swirling around before exploding with a glittery powder. The two bowed and moved to their side of the stage.
It was the moment of truth, Heidi slowly took center stage, trying to keep her calm. She smiled and waved to the crowd and released her Pokemon. Riley was shocked as she saw Edward emerge from his ball.
"OK Edward, just like we'd planned. Use Gyro Ball and Swords Dance!" Heidi stood stoic, suddenly calm and as confident as could be. The ethereal sword began with a swords dance, summoning the dancing swords slowly circling the Honedge. As the swords began to pick up speed, Honedge launched into his gyro ball. Rapidly the Honedge began to spin, faster and faster, with the dancing swords slowly rotating around him. With a flash, the swords shot towards the sky and erupted. A purple and silver explosion took place over the crowd. It reminded Riley of fireworks, and much like a firework show, the crowd went nuts.
As Heidi and Edward bowed and made their way back to their side of the stage, Liz made her way to the center. "What a great first round! Both trainers showed some real creativity, I hope round two is just as good! Mandy, I hope your ready to inspire us, we are ready to see something beautiful!"
Petilil sat oddly still, appearing to have frozen up. After a few moments, the crowd began to worry. Hushed murmurs in the crowd began to get louder, and as they grew the Petilil erupted. A huge cloud of spores filled the air, and as they hit their crest, the Petilil used Sunny Day. The light hit the spores perfectly, creating prisms of light that shot all across the room. As Riley looked on, she remembered playing with a kaleidoscope as a kid. It was impressive, and Mandy and Petilil looked quite pleased with themselves.
Heidi applauded her opponent, beauty was definitely achieved. She and her Honedge took the stage, ready to do their best. Beauty was in the eye of the beholder, and she hoped the crowd held to that belief.
Edward slowly began hovering, straining at the amount of concentration for his combo. Suddenly, the sky began to darken and rain began to fall from the sky. Right as it was about to begin soaking the crowd, he used his metal sound. The sound waves began to ricochet between the drops of water, seemingly levitating them above the crowd. As the sound began to quiet, the initially screechy sound began to take a gentler tone. Seconds later, the stadium was filled with a sound similar to a bamboo wind chime. Soothing tones filled the air, and with a second metal sound the rain drops exploded into a mist before dissipating over the crowd.
Heidi and Edward again bowed to the spectators and made their way back to the side of the stage. "That was fantastic! I would have never thought to use water to make a sound so beautiful! And those light prisms were just gorgeous! We really have a good match on our hands!" Liz smiled and played to the crowd, the cheering and applause drowning out the final words of her speech.
Mandy made her way back to the stage, it was the final test for each of the girls. Petilil summoned a green orb of energy and passed it slowly to her trainer. Mandy began slowly dancing, literally dancing, around the green ball. All of the dances Riley had attended in her life hadn't had anything like this. She couldn't tell if it was cool or awkward, but it definitely involved both of them. Petilil made her way to her trainer, shot the energy ball upwards and let it explode. A green dust coated the stage and the challengers. Mandy grimaced, clearly unhappy with how that had turned out.
Heidi was up, and she was confident if their combo worked, this was over. Edward moved to the far edge of the stage as Heidi patiently stood at the center. Heidi requested the lights to be dimmed, casting shadows across the stage.
Edward began firing shadow balls at his trainer, in total 7 made their way towards Heidi. As they came within three meters, Edwards used his shadow sneak to Heidi's side. She grasped her Honedge by the hilt and began hitting them out over the crowd. As she hit the last orb, Edward launched a fully charged orb at the seven smaller. As it absorbed the smaller orbs, it erupted over the crowd, again showering them with a purple and black glitter. Heidi was beaming with pride, it had worked perfectly. She and Edward turned towards the crowd and made their final bow.
"What a performance! These two ladies definitely have a future in Coordinating! With zero experience these ladies pulled out some high level combinations. After conversing with the judges, they've decided on a victor. Heidi, you will be advancing to the final round. Congratulations!" Liz couldn't have been more proud. That was an impressive showing for an amateur, it would have won her a ribbon in most of the smaller competitions, that she was sure of.
"The final round is not quite as easy, each trainer and their Pokemon will have one minute to wow the crowd, whoever gets the most applause wins!" The idea was simple, but the execution was anything but. Liz knew this would be a difficult challenge, she just hoped Heidi was up for the task.
"The judges have decided that Coordinator Ryan will go first. Ryan, please take your position. When the lights dim, the clock will begin." Liz exited the stage and Heidi found her familiar place at the side, with the best seat in the house.
Ryan and his Electrike began with a barrage of thundershocks, lighting the sky before they arced and struck the Electrike. He absorbed them, essentially recycling his energy as he went along. The crowd was loud, they were loving this powerful and clever display. After twenty seconds of nonstop lightning strikes, the crowd began to die down. The boy had over played his brilliant trick and needed to audible to another display.
Electrike cast a thunderwave that spanned the width of the stage. He held it for a few seconds before recalling it into a tight curtain encompassing the small electric type. Another twenty seconds, the crowd was applauding, but not as loudly as expected.
Electrike readied himself for the grand finale. Electrike summoned a double team. Now on stage there stood 8 Electrikes, all standing perfectly still. With a flash, each were surrounded by a cloak of electricity, as the clock ticked down to zero, they released their discharge and let loose a blinding light. Ryan and Electrike took a final bow to the applause of the crowd.
Heidi was nervous, a minute was a long time, and she hadn't prepared for this. Time to wing it the best way she knew how, blindly. She and Edward had a strong bond, and with the literal bond they'd forged, they were able to communicate mentally. This could work...
Riley removed the scarf from her neck and fashioned a blindfold around her eyes. As the lights began to dim down, Edward let her know it was time to let it rip. Heidi stood at center stage, Edward again to the far left. As the clock began, Edward summoned a strong reflect between the two.
Heidi internally issued the shadow sneak, and instantly the ghost was again in her hands. She ran towards the reflective screen with Edward's guidance, and as they approached she ordered a brick break, with her still holding the hilt of the sword. With a massive crash, the screen shattered drawing a raucous applause from the crowd. Fifteen seconds off the clock.
Heidi turned back towards center stage and issued a shadow ball. The Honedge fired a large shadowy orb slowly towards the front of the stage. Heidi again ran towards the target, this time issuing the ghost to use his sole dark type attack, pursuit. The two shot through the center of the orb, cutting it in two before it evaporated into the air. Thirty five seconds remained and the crowd hadn't stopped their loud display of approval.
Heidi again silently ordered the barrage of seven shadow balls. Edward shot the seven slow orbs slowly towards the middle of the stage, expertly commanding them into a revolving circle. Heidi threw her Honedge into the air above them and issued the Aerial Ace. With lightning quick slashes, visible blades of wind struck the orbs, removing them from sight. Fifteen seconds left.
Heidi and Edwards prepared for their final set. Heidi ordered the use of swords dance, and as Edward and Heidi were circled by the swords, she issued it again. There were now twenty swords all rotating around the duo. Heidi took a deep breath, this was the moment of truth. She gave Edward the signal, and the two disappeared as the clock expired. As the stage lights concentrated on the dancing swords, nobody could find the trainer and her Honedge.
After a few seconds, Heidi and Edward came into view. In the far back of the arena, standing on the edge of the opera box. With a flourish of the hand, the two again disappeared, reappearing back in the center of the swords. Shadow Sneak worked, even with Heidi holding onto Edward, it worked.
The crowd had lost its collective mind at this point. A deafening cacophony of hooting and hollering filled the air. "I don't mean to come off as insensitive, but I think we clearly have a winner here!" Liz took Heidi's hand, lifting it in the air. "Please help me congratulate our winner, Heidi of Kanto!"
As the applause slowly died down after many minutes, Liz again took to the microphone. "And now I must apologize to all of you. I promised an exhibition with the winner, and I will uphold that promise. Sadly, it will not be today. I've been notified I'm needed in Ever Grande immediately. As such, its only fair that Heidi receive the Slateport Ribbon and the special prize. Heidi, please collect your prize."
Heidi made her way to center stage, first receiving her first coordinator ribbon. As she tucked the ribbon into her Pokedex case, Liz presented her with a pokeball. "This is the special prize. I advise you not release its occupant here, I think it best you meet this special Pokemon in private." Liz took Heidi's hand one last time, raising it to the air and drawing another eruption from the crowd.
As the crowd slowly dispersed from the stadium, Riley made her way to the stage to see her Aunt and Cousin. As she made it onto the stage, she rushed her triumphant friend, wrapping her in a tight hug.
"I'm sorry we are unable to have our exhibition today, but I got a message from Nick, and I'm needed in Evergrande. Let me know when you make your next Coordinator Event, and I'll be sure to pay back my debt. In the mean time, keep practicing. I haven't seen someone with your talent since I was your age. You truly have a gift Heidi, and I'm looking forward to seeing you grow. I hate to cut our reunion short, but I have to leave now. I'll text you guys later." Liz gave the girls one last wave, and then she was gone.
"I can't believe it Heidi, that was incredible! I've never seen someone actually able to hold a Honedge before, I thought grabbing them would burn you, right?" Riley knew that was the case, she'd heard of trainers that had Honedge for years that would be committed to the hospital with severe burns after making contact.
"I guess Edward and I have a special bond. Either way, I'm just glad that shadow sneak trick worked, I was terrified I'd be lost in some shadow realm with demons and ghosts for the rest of time!" Heidi was only half joking, she didn't have time to test the move prior to the competition, it was a huge gamble.
"What do you think my dad and Nick are up to? I hope they are both OK." Riley didn't mean to switch to a more serious subject, but she needed to know.
"Let's grab some food and head back to the Poke Center for the evening, we can keep the news on and wait for a call or text, and see what happens." Heidi was sure everyone was OK, but she knew deep down something important was beginning to take shape. She had no idea how right she was, but the first real transference of power had just begun.