4 - Friends and Foes

Xander POV

"We leave for five minutes Ash, five minutes… and this happens?!" I glare at the boy in front of me, who is looking down in disappointment and shame. "Not only did you anger about 75% of the forest's Spearows, and multiple Fearows, the cause of their rage was because somebody threw a rock at a Pokemon!"

"Pikachu wouldn't listen… he just laughed at me…" Ash explained in a sorrowful tone. "I… I wanted to prove myself to him… but all I did was get him hurt when he rescued me." He sighed sadly. "Was Gary right…?"

I clenched my fist. Gary Oak. Oh when I ever see him, I am destroying him. His little ego boosting has taken away all of the self confidence from the boy in front of me. I sigh, I've already let my anger slip at Ash's stupidity. He's only ten, after all, I shouldn't be so hard on him… but he does need a firm hand teaching him. I subtly reach into my breast pocket to hold the slip of paper before I lose my cool.

"Ash, Pikachu refused to listen to you?"

He nodded. I frown internally. PIkachu reneged on his promise, and I don't care much for those who do that. Pokemon or not, they still broke trust, and while Ash has a nigh infinite amount of it, I have next to none.

I sigh. "I'll speak with him when he's better…" I felt a buzzing from one of my coat pockets, and pulled out my Pokedex. Mine was a tad different from the usual one. Okay, a lot different. For one, it's colored silver, and was the Kalos Pokedex version. This was actually a somewhat secret project between Professor Sycamore and I. Only the other Professors have Pokedexes like this one. I turn away from Ash, who is looking sadly at Nurse Joy's empty desk, and open my Pokedex, which I also call the "Hyperdex".

Instead of the screen expanding a couple of inches like it normally would, it expands about half a foot, and widens about a third of one. The screen within then reveals multiple icons, each with multiple properties stored within. In essence, the Hyperdex is a shrinking tablet. I tap the icon that resembles a phone, and Daniel's face fills about half the screen.

"About time you picked up!" his annoyed voice came through. "Why did you send me to deal with the Spearows?! Isn't Java able to clear away these things?!"

"I needed to get Ash and Pikachu to safety," I explain bluntly. "They were both collapsed in a ditch with a devastated bike and were on the verge of passing out. Java was out and ready to defend, so that leaves you to keep them back."

Daniel sighed. "Fine. But be warned, I saw a certain annoying redhead heading right out of the woods. Anyways, I called because all the Spearow are flying back. Abra's Psybeam was able to beat most of them, though she had to use Confusion after about three quarters were down…"

"I'm still confused as to how Abra is even learning moves…" I comment with a frown. I wanted to analyze her, but Daniel was quite adamant that that would never happen. As much as he trusted me, he didn't want knowledge about a way that an unevolved Pokemon could learn moves only its evolved form could learn. After asking if my paranoia rubbed off on him, I agreed to not look into it. Somethings are best left unknown, after all… for knowing may be worse than not knowing.

"Anyways… I should be able to get there in about half an hour, see ya."

With that, Daniel hung up, and I collapsed my Hyperdex. Just in time too.

"HEY! KID!"

Enter Misty. Greeeaaaat. I never really liked her, just can't stand her personality about 90% of the time.

The angry redhead was standing at the entrance, holding the broken bike.

"S-Sorry-!" Ash tried to apologize, but the angry redhead was not having it.

"You broke my bike! You're gonna pay for it you little-"

"Ahem!" I clear my throat. The angered redhead swiveled towards me, bringer her ire along with her.

"And just who are you?" she asked bossily. "Some friend of this brat?!"

Ash winced at the term.

Ash POV

Today is not my day. First I'm late for the Pokemon selection, then Pikachu refused to listen, despite saying he'd give me a chance, then I anger a huge flock a Spearow, then Pikachu hurts himself trying to save me, then Xander got mad at me (which was really scary), and then this redhead is shouting at me for ruining her bike and ignoring me when I tried to say sorry.

"Ahem!" Xander suddenly clears his throat. The angered redhead swiveled towards him, bringer her ire along with her.

"And just who are you?" she asked him bossily. "Some friend of this brat?!" I wince at the term. Gary called me that whenever he went on what Daniel called 'an ego trip'. A worthless trainer brat, the bratty useless lump… I don't even know why he bullies me, we were friends before…

"Who am I?"

I couldn't help but shiver at the sudden iciness of Xander's tone. I look over to see not the Xander who I called a friend, nor Professor Hawthorn who worked diligently with a calm expression… this Xander had a thunderous expression on his face, his hazel eyes, filled with a cold anger, were glaring holes into the girl.

"Y-yeah! Who are you!?" the redhead repeated, scared of the dangerous expression aimed at her.

Xander sneered. "I am Professor Hawthorn, co-creator of the Leveling and Statistics System, as well as the youngest Professor in over a century. Now, you tell me, who are you, to shout at a boy who is clearly distressed for his Pokemon, which currently lies in critical condition?"

The redhead paled, and the broken bike fell from her grasp.

"I-I…"

Xander scoffed. "That is why I hate people. Always so selfish and quick to assume, never even asking- no, never even thinking about what someone might be going through. Instead, you hurl insults at a clearly distraught boy who is worried over his companion's very life. And what are these insults about? A bike. A bike."

"B-but-"

"Don't even try to make excuses," Xander snapped, cutting her off. "A bike is a simple fix. Throw a little money around and boom, easy fix. A life? Not so much. Life is far more valuable than a simple bike, and this boy's companion is about to lose it."

"I… I…" she couldn't form a sentence.

Xander glared. "Still trying to make excuses?"

"N-no…"

"Then I hope you understand what you should be doing," Xander huffed. He tightened his grey lab coat and walked off to the medical bay. The redhead, who was actually shaking, turned to me and lowered her head.

"I-I… I am so sorry…" she apologized, her voice slightly shaky, "I… I have no excuses for my actions. C-can you please forgive me?"

I sigh. "You didn't know. While I don't like how you shouted out me, I'm sure that if you knew what was going on, you wouldn't have done that."

"Of course!" she agreed quickly. "I'm not heartless!"

"Mr. Ketchum?" Nurse Joy's voice suddenly called out. "Your Pikachu seems to be pulling through well, he should be fine within a few minutes." At these words I sigh with relief.

BOOOM!

"Prepare for trouble!"

"And make it double!"

The redhead and I blink in confusion as these strange people wearing white clothes with a giant R on their chest sing this weird motto.

"Ash! Girl!" Xander suddenly shouts as he bursts back into the lobby, "Guard the medical bay! These people are Pokemon thieves!"

"Thieves!?" we shout in surprise. There were Pokemon thieves? Why? Couldn't they just catch wild Pokemon and train them? And why are they here- wait, are they going to take Pikachu?!

"Don't worry about them, Java and I will handle this," he stated firmly. "Daniel should be here soon as well." I ease at that. Xander may be a Professor, but he is really good at battling! Daniel's just as good as him, maybe even better!

"Oh?" the red haired person questioned mockingly, "We have a hero wannabe?"

I nudge the girl and point to the medical bay. "Xander told us to guard it, and I'm not letting him down anymore!" The girl nodded and we moved over to block the entrance, though I made sure I got a good view of the battle.

Xander reached into his coat and quickly let out two Pokemon. The first was his trusty Porygon2, who he told me was the evolved form of Porygon. Porygon was already pretty good at battling, and I was curious to see how Java (Porygon2's nickname) would do. The second was one I just met when we entered Route 1, the grass starter, Bulbasaur, who Xander nicknamed 'Nightshade', though I have no clue why.

"What's that weird Pokemon?" the girl asked, pointing at Java.

"That's Java, Xander's Porygon2," I tell her.

The blue haired person laughed. "Why, thank you for displaying such rare Pokemon!"

Then, to my immense shock, the Meowth laughed. "But now we gotta swipe 'em!"

"A talking Pokemon!?" the girl and I exclaim in surprise.

Xander smirked as the two white clothed people tossed out a Pokemon each. The red haired person, a woman, let out a snake-like Pokemon. An Ekans, if I recall Xander's lectures correctly. The blue haired person, a guy, let out a purplish ball shaped pokemon that spewed a little gas out of several holes in its rough body. A Koffing, I think.

When Xander didn't even react to the sudden challenge, the two thieves looked a little worried.

Then, to everyone's surprise, Nightshade suddenly whipped out his vines and wrapped up the two Pokemon. Java then went up to them, cackling with electricity, before unleashing a vicious blast of lightning at the two Pokemon.

BOOM!

The force of the attack sent both the Pokemon and their trainers flying high into the night sky. As they flew away, I could hear them shout, "Team Rocket's blasting off agaaaaaaiiin!"

"Well done Nightshade, excellent timing!" Xander praised. The grass type happily said its name in thanks. He turned to Java. "And you, my good friend, did a superb job on that Zap Cannon!" The Programming Pokemon spun its blue feet (?) as it chirped 'Pory!' in pride.

At that moment, I saw and annoyed Daniel walk in to the Pokemon Center

Xander POV

"Couldn't even let me get a lick in?" Daniel huffed as he walked in. I frown at him as I return my Pokemon.

"Hey, you're the one who took their time getting here," I reply. "Besides, their Pokemon only took on hit to beat."

"You used Zap Cannon," he deadpanned, "the strongest non-exclusive electric special attack, with a moderately high level Pokemon that has an above average special attack stat, at point blank range."

"I never said the move wasn't powerful," I shrug. "And I also telepathically told them to attack, so they didn't even have a chance to not get hit."

Daniel groaned. "I forgot you can do that."

"H-How did you…" Misty suddenly interrupted, "h-how… you didn't… but there was no… how…" She breathed deeply in order to speak coherently. "How did your Pokemon attack without orders?"

"None of your business," I reply coldly. "Now, its late, I'm tired, so I'm going to bed. Night."

Daniel POV

"Why is he so rude?" Misty frowned, watching as my friend quickly rented a room, tossed me key, and went back to the room he rented. "Hmph. 'Professor', yeah right. I bet he was lying."

"He wasn't," I say, a hard edge in my voice. "He is Professor Xander Hawthorn, recently inducted as the Professor of Abilities. He is the apprentice to Professor Oak himself, and is the youngest Professor at the age of 16. He is known by all the Professors, and is considered to be a prodigy."

"With an attitude like that?" Misty rebuked.

"He's actually pretty nice most of the time," Ash suddenly stated. "I've known him for six months, but that was the first time I've seen him so… cold."

I sigh. "Xander doesn't like people very much, preferring the company of Pokemon."

"Still say he shouldn't be a Professor," Misty harrumphed.

I glare at her. "Your say doesn't matter. The other Professors, as well as the Board of Research, has declared and officially recognizes him as a Professor."

"He's really smart," Ash insisted. "He knows so much about Pokemon, and Daniel knows a lot too! Though he knows more about the moves than Xander, I think." I nod and give the younger boy a smile in thanks. Xander specialized in the stats and personal features of Pokemon in the games, while I focused more on how to mix up the moves. That's not to say we don't pay attention to the other things, we just don't put as much time into it.

"I'm actually Xander's assistant," I tell her, "though I do give some help to Kukui sometimes. He's the Alolan Professor, and he specializes in moves."

"Hmph," she sniffed. She then turned to Ash. "I still want you to pay back for the bike you destroyed."

"But I don't have any money!" Ash exclaimed.

I sigh and began to walk towards the room Xander rented for us. "You kids argue, I'm tired from having to put up with a huge flock of Spearow."

"GAH!"

Xander's sudden cry of pain woke me up violently, and through the bright moonlight coming into the room, I could see my friend clutching his chest, and his eyes wide with fear.

"Xander?" I say tentatively.

"Who's there!?" he cries in a panic. "Stay back! Please!"

"Xander! Calm down!"

"Daniel? No, no not you too!" he begins to shake, as he backs away into his bed. "Stay back! I won't let you hurt her or me!"

"XANDER!" I shout, "this isn't a dream anymore!"

My friend freezes, and slumps against the wall he was backed against. "How can I be sure?" he says shakily. "I…"

I sigh sadly. This was why I was never jealous of Xander anymore. He has horrendous nightmares, often involving death, and he has lost the ability to discern whether or not he's still dreaming, constantly scared he is about to be killed again. What's worse, is he can feel everything. In very morbid detail, he described how it felt to die in several ways. Xander used to love sleeping, now he's terrified of it.

"Xander, I promise you are awake," I say as sincerely as possible.

"...alright," he sighs shakily. "What… what time is it?"

I look at my watch. "Half past two."

Xander sighed, his breathing becoming less erratic. "Thanks… I'm going out. I need some fresh air." I just nod as my friend dons his grey lab coat and heads out. As he left, I couldn't help but frown as I remember how he said 'her or me'. Who is this 'her'?

Xander never got along with anyone but me, and the only female in his life I knew about was his mother, who I knew had a strained relationship with him. As I turn to lie down on my bed, I notice a strange glimpse of faded white on his bed.

Curious, I get out and look over his bed. On his bed was a faded, but neatly folded piece of paper. Now that I think about it, I've seen him take out this piece of paper every once in a while, look at it for a minute or two. Unable to help myself to a possible clue as to my friend's pain, I unfold the piece of paper.

Ash POV

"Xander, are you alright?" I ask my friend tentatively. The older boy looked haggard, his eyes were dull and there were slight rings under his eyes. This happens every once in a while, but this was probably the worst I've ever seen him. Considering he looked ready to keel over while we were traveling to Pewter City, I was more than a bit worried for him.

"Hmm?" Xander looks up from his silver Pokedex, something he refuses to let me try, and turns to me tiredly. "Yeah, I'm alright, just one of my less than pleasant dreams."

With a sigh, he takes out a piece of paper I think he always has on him, and looks at it. After a moment, he grimaces, sighs sadly, and puts the paper back. I don't say anything about it, I know I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed, but I also know that Xander is a private person, and doesn't like questions being asked.

"Hey! What's that slip of paper?" Misty, she introduced herself earlier, questioned loudly. Both Daniel and I wince. We've both asked about that paper, and it never ended well. Daniel got the short end of the stick, seeing as he got Zap Cannon'd out of the lab. I just got a stern glare and a less than polite suggestion to never ask again.

Xander swiveled around to the girl who persisted we buy her a new bike, even going so far as to follow us. "Stay out of my business," he said coldly, his voice dropping the temperature a few degrees, "don't ask me about it ever again. Got it?"

"Jeez, just curious…" she harrumphed. "You are way too rude."

"Says the girl who rudely poked into his business," Daniel interceded with a glare. "And the girl who insulted him behind his back." I sigh as Professor Hawthorn's assistant and Misty glare at each other. Truthfully, I don't like Misty all that much either, but she refuses to leave, and I'm too poor to buy her a new bike. Xander and Daniel refuse to pay for one, saying it was my fault in the first place, and because they don't want to give in to her.

"Misty, he has a point," I speak up. "Besides, Xander will eventually have to go due to his duties as a Professor."

"That is correct," he nodded. "As a matter of fact, I'll probably have to once we hit Pewter City, Professor Birch said he'd be calling me over in a day or two for some help. I'd have liked to get the Gym Badge, but oh well. Not like I need badges to get into the tournament."

"Wait, what!?" Misty exclaimed.

Xander smirked triumphantly. "According to the Pokemon League Rules, any Professor is allowed to participate in the tournament without collecting Gym Badges. This was originally put in place for Professors to do hands on research with top of the line trainers, without having to take the time to collect badges and instead continue their research. A majority of the time, the Professor in question was only able to record at a maximum, two battles. However, I am not only Professor Hawthorn, I am also quite a skilled trainer, so I expect to do much better than the others before me. Of course, I will be doing research while I battle."

"What about Assistant Professor?" Daniel asked hopefully.

"Nice try…"

"Curses…"

I chuckle at my friend's antics. They often play-argued like this while in the lab, and sometimes the topic was utterly ridiculous. One time they were arguing over the best musical note. That was funny to witness. It's even funnier watching the stoic Professor Hawthorn passionately describing the beauty of a low E.

"EEEEEEEEKKK!"

We all turn to Misty who is frozen in fear, a Caterpie on her leg. "B-b-b-b-bug!" she whimpered. Startled, Pikachu falls off my shoulder, where he had been taking a nap. When he sees Misty in utter terror due to a Caterpie, he begins rolling around laughing.

I hear Xander and Daniel sigh and about to approach, but I take the opportunity and throw an empty Pokeball at the Caterpie. I know I should have weakened it first, but I'd shock Misty too so-

Click.

I smile widely as I hear the sound of Caterpie being successfully captured. Enthusiastic and excited I grab the now occupied Pokeball and thrust in the air. "Alright! I caught a Caterpie!"

Daniel gives me a smile and thumbs up while Xander nods in approval with a slight smile on his face… I think.

"W-Why did you have to capture it?!" Misty whined. "Bugs are disgusting!"

Hurt, I step away. "That's just rude, what did Caterpie ever do to you?"

Xander clicked his tongue derisively. "Tch, this is why I hate people."

"Well said," Daniel nodded in agreement.

On that unpleasant note, we continue on our way to Pewter City.