Chapter 5: The Sage
After meeting a new friend named Charles, Happy's grandfather took them to see an old friend of his, who was known as Master Zamenza. According to him, he is the wisest sage Pokemon ever to be known.
Zamenza: Moody! It's been quite a long while, hasn't it?
Moody: Of course it has, Zamenza.
Zamenza: I see that you've brought two Pokemon with you. Is this the Happy you mentioned over the phone?
Moody: *nods* Mhmm.
Zamenza: Ah, so you wish to be the strongest Pokemon in the world, huh?
Happy: Yeah!
Zamenza: That may take a lifetime, but perhaps I can show you some of the ropes, at least for a beginner. And, this Charmander is…?
Charles: Charles.
Happy: He's my friend!
Charles: *to himself* F-Friend…?
Zamenza: Hmm? Charles, you say? It can't be…
Charles: Huh?
Moody and Happy were also surprised as well, but didn't know what made him say something like that.
Zamenza: ...Never mind. But since both of you are here, I guess I could start training you two.
Happy: Awesome! *laughs*
Charles: Uh...hey, Mr. Zamenza sir...I don't know if I'll do anything right…
Zamenza: ...You're afraid of failing, aren't you? Your previous teacher didn't seem to care about your wellbeing, did he?
Charles: Huh? But how did-
Zamenza: I'm quite the Psychic.
Moody began chuckling, which didn't catch on to Charles.
Zamenza: It's nothing you need to worry about.
Moody: He's capable of reading minds at times, but don't worry. It's not all the time he'll do it.
Charles: *sweat drop* (...Gee...I don't know if I should feel relieved or scared…)
Moody: Well, I'd better get going. You boys have fun, hear?
Happy: We will, Grandpa!
Charles: Uh, see ya, Mr. Moody!
He then walked away until he was no longer seen in view, leaving his boys to his old friend. The boys turned around to Master Zamenza, who still had a smile on his face.
Zamenza: Alright, now let's begin, shall we?
Charles: Sure!
Happy: Uh, Master Zamenza? What's a "Psychic"?
Zamenza: Well, I'm what you consider a "Psychic type Pokemon".
Happy: Psychic type…?
Charles: Yeah, like me being a Fire type Pokemon.
Happy was confused, which surprised Charles, but didn't affect Master Zamenza.
Charles: Sheesh, and you wanted to be the strongest Pokemon in the world…
Zamenza: Now, now, Charles. He probably doesn't know about Pokemon types, so I should explain about it.
Charles: *crosses arms, closes eyes* Hmm...I guess I could use some briefing on the subject as well, since I don't know too many Pokemon types as well…
Zamenza: *nods* Let's begin.
...
Several minutes elsewhere, Baye walked to Mr. Moody's cabin again, only for knowledge on plants. When she arrived, she knocked on the door, with Moody greeting her.
Baye: Hey Mr. Moody!
Moody: Ah, Miss Baye. What brings you here today?
Baye: I came here to see you. By the way, where's Happy?
Moody: Ah, I took him and his friend to see an old acquaintance of mine.
Baye: Oh. Wait…"Friend"?
Moody: I'll explain later. I'm guessing that you came to learn more about plants, right?
Baye: Yes sir.
Moody: Hmm...Well, I'll be glad to teach you about plants. Come into the backyard. I have several new plants that I'm growing.
Baye: Sure!
The two went into the backyard, where Baye was astounded by what she saw. The backyard looked more like a greenhouse, which would never be seen from the front. It housed many different plants, which brightened her eyes. To her, it was like a botanist haven.
Baye: *gasps* Oh my Arceus! Mr. Moody, you have a lot of plants here! If I had known that, I'd have come here sooner!
Moody: *chuckles* To be honest, you never asked.
Baye: Well, let's get started!
Moody: Wow, you're really eager to learn, aren't you?
She darted towards a plant that had blue leaves and a white four squared flower with blue tracing patterns on it.
Baye: What's this one?
Moody: That is a Sprinkleflower. See by the hole itself?
Baye: Yeah. It's really cool!
Moody: Good. It grows in shade with little sunlight, hence why I left it right here.
Baye: That's amazing!
She then noticed a different type of plant resembling a small tree that had white berries on them, which intrigued her to ask…
Baye: Mr. Moody, what kind of plant is this?
Moody: Oh, that? It's a Linka Berry Tree. It is said that these types of berries are eaten by certain Pokemon to achieve evolution that is otherwise impossible.
Baye: Oh?
Moody: Don't worry. You don't qualify for it.
Baye: Oh.
She then looked down, remembering what happened last night.
Baye: ...Mr. Moody, can I say something?
Moody: Sure.
Baye: ...What happened last night...You had a heart attack, didn't you?
Moody: Hmm? Oh, that! Nah, not really. I faked it.
Baye: Huh?!
Moody: *chuckles* That reminds me...I get the feeling that it's going to be more useful in life right now…
Baye: Eh?!
Moody: Hm?
Baye: *growls, frustration mark* I was worried! I thought that you died! Next time, give me a heads up when you pull that!
Moody: *chuckles* Sure. But that was the only way I could catch that thief off-guard.
Baye: *sighs* ...Good point...But don't do that to me next time, or there won't be one.
Moody: *sweat drop* Don't worry, I won't. (...She acted like a mother towards me suddenly…!)
Baye: *shakes head* ...Let's move on.
...
Back at Master Zamenza's place, he was teaching Happy and Charles the basic knowledge of Pokemon types.
Zamenza: ...So, do you two understand it now?
Happy: Let's see...Water beats Fire, Fire beats Grass, and Grass beats Water…
Zamenza: Good.
Charles: Hmm...Electric is weak to Ground, Ice hates Fire and Rock, and Dragon types have Ice and Fairy…
Zamenza: Good. Now you're understanding it.
Happy: So, what type does that make me?
Zamenza: Happy, can you release Water attacks, like bubbles?
Happy: Yeah!
Zamenza: Well, that makes you a Water type Pokemon.
Happy: Oh, okay! So what is Charles then?
Charles: I thought I said I was a Fire type Pokemon earlier.
Happy: Oh.
Charles: Well, I think I understand it now.
Zamenza: Well, if you're still lost, Happy, Charles can clarify that for you.
Happy: Alright!
Zamenza: Meanwhile, I'll get dinner started.
He went back into his house, leaving the boys on their own.
Charles: Hey, Happy…
Happy: Yeah, Charles?
Charles: ...Did you really mean it? That I'm your friend…?
Happy: Yeah! You're my friend, aren't you?
Charles: *smiles* Sure!
Happy: Well, you can be my best friend in the world!
Charles: Gee, uh...thanks! I've...never had someone like you as a friend.
Happy: Your welcome.
Charles: Well, let's get started.
...
Somewhere else in the world of a hideout, a Pokemon came in through the door of a dark office that had a desk and bookshelves. The Pokemon standing behind it wore a dark cloak, concealing its large appearance. The other Pokemon wore a light-blue cloak and was smaller than the large figure. The small one bowed as it was greeted by a deep, male voice.
Male: …You have returned.
The other voice that responded was female and somewhat soft-spoken.
Female: That I have, sir.
Male: Why?
Female: Sir, I have news. Apparently, Klepto has been arrested.
Male: ...What?
Female: Last night, some of our units witnessed him being beaten by a Tangela.
Male: A...Tangela…?
Female: He was much older in appearance, sir. If you were to see him in action, you would be surprised.
Male: ...Hmm...This is not good...Klepto being out of the picture puts a wrench in our plans. Did you catch the name of this "Tangela"?
Female: ...I believe he was called… "Moody"...
Male: ...An odd name. The older generation is getting more pesky than before. We, the new youth generation, will be nothing more than punching bags if this keeps up…
Female: ...What shall I do in the meantime, sir?
Male: Keep an eye on him. For now, he is no threat. It's Klepto's fault for getting captured by the police.
Female: ...Will do, sir.
The small figure then left the room through the door, leaving the other Pokemon alone.
Male: ...The time for the old generation will be no more. No more of us being reduced to mere punks. This place shall know, and we will rise. To be free without rules.
...
Two hours later, it was sunset. Master Zamenza had finished making dinner, which was an appropriate meal for both Happy and Charles. For Happy, he had a Jumbo Berry Salad alone while Charles had some pieces of meat in his. Zamenza himself had the same as Happy's, only with some sauce on his. He placed them on the table and called the boys in to eat.
Zamenza: Boys! Dinnertime!
Charles: Oh boy, I'm starving!
Happy: Let's eat!
They rushed into the house as they were greeted by a table with food. However, only Charles stopped in his tracks to realize what he was eating.
Charles: ...What the heck is this?
Zamenza: Jumbo Berry Salad. Yours has pieces of meat in it.
Charles: ...I dunno. I'd imagine a giant steak for me.
Zamenza: Sorry, but I can't do that. My rule is to eat a balanced diet.
Charles: Huh? But you have Tamato Sauce on yours!
Zamenza: Like I said, a balanced diet.
Charles: Man, that makes no sense.
Happy: Try it, Charles! It might be good!
Charles: *sighs* Oh, alright…
He picked up a fork and took some in his mouth, which invited him to eat more. Happy had already eaten some of his food, which meant that it was good.
Charles: *munches* Mmm! This is good! I never thought that meat in a salad would be good!
Zamenza: ...At least I still have my touch.
Charles: ...Huh?
Zamenza: Oh, nothing. So, did you two learn more about Pokemon types?
Happy: We sure did! There are so many types! Pokemon must be lucky to be them!
Zamenza: But there are Pokemon out there with type combinations as well.
Happy: There are?
Zamenza: That's right. Like a Pokemon with both an Ice & Flying type. Now, Fire type attacks can do damage, but what type can do more damage to both of them?
Charles: Ooh! Me!
Happy: No, me!
Zamenza: ...Happy?
Happy: Umm, a Steel type?
Zamenza: *shakes head* Nope.
Charles: Is it a Rock type?
Zamenza: Correct.
Charles: *fist pump* Yes!
Happy: Wow, Charles. You sure know your Pokemon types.
Charles: Thanks, buddy!
Zamenza: Well, at least you're learning Pokemon types for now. To be strong Pokemon, you both must fight other Pokemon.
Happy: Fight other Pokemon? Sounds fun!
Zamenza: Now, now. I have decided that a year from now, we will enter a Pokken Arts Tournament. Which means that you'll have to be training starting tomorrow morning.
Charles: Aw, man! Do we have to?
Zamenza: I'm afraid so. But don't worry. I will be there with you all the way. Right now, you're both beginners and don't understand yourselves yet, but with my methods, you'll be better prepared than ever.
Happy: Come on, Charles! Think of this as fun!
Charles: You look at it like it's fun, but I think it's work!
Zamenza: It might be work, but it's fun work, nonetheless. Like I said, I will be with you both all the way.
Happy: Alright!
Charles: *sighs* How did I get into this mess…?
A few hours later, they finished eating and went to bed, which were two pairs of sleeping mats that Zamenza had prepared for them in the next room. The lights in the house were off, allowing darkness to seep in. Crickets could be heard chirping outside, although the windows were closed, blocking out any sound. Zamenza walked by his bathroom, relieved by his own worries of something.
Zamenza: Phew! I'm glad they didn't smell my toilet! I was afraid that they would see me as another smelly old fart! *chuckles*
He then went to their room and pulled the covers on them to ensure that they were comfy. Although Happy was deep in his sleep, Charles himself was awake, but pretended to sleep as Zamenza was in the room. When he left the room, Charles opened one eye and whispered to Happy, not wanting Zamenza to hear him.
Charles: *whispers* Psst! Happy!
Happy was mumbling in his sleep, which irritated Charles.
Happy: *mumbles* ...No more snacking, Grandpa… *snores*
Charles was forced to get out of his sleeping bag and gently shook Happy.
Charles: *sighs* Happy, wake up.
Happy: *mumbles* ...Huh? Oh-
Charles: *covers Happy's mouth* Shh! Keep your voice down.
Happy: *whispers* What is it, Charles?
Charles: Happy...Are you sure you want to go along with this?
Happy: Of course!
Charles: I dunno. Seems like he's blowing off some hot air to me. There's no way I'll be training under him. He's a weirdo!
Happy: How is he weird?
Charles: Well, what kind of Pokemon puts Tamato Sauce on a salad?
Happy: Anyone.
Charles: ...You're weird.
Happy: You're weirder!
Charles: ...Whatever. I just don't know what we'll be doing tomorrow. I hope we're not doing those thousand push-ups like they do in those olden times. I'd die from that!
Happy: You worry too much. We'll be discovering ourselves.
Charles: Whatever. But, I've heard that the Pokken Arts Tournament is supposed to be filled with tough Pokemon. Some are even big and scary.
Happy: I can't wait to be in it!
Charles: Me too. Let's get some rest for the night so we can concentrate on tomorrow.
Happy: Alright! This is gonna be so much fun! *laughs quietly* Goodnight, Charles.
Charles: Goodnight, Happy.
As Happy quickly went to sleep, Charles had a few thoughts to himself as he stared at the ceiling fan before he dozed off.
Charles: (...Dad...I wish I could see you…I want to know what happened to you...)
...