Chapter 6: Common Ground
As Happy and Charles woke up the next morning, Master Zamenza was not present in the house, which was strange to them. It was also pretty early and there was no breakfast on the table, leading them to assume that he might have forgotten about them, or at least according to Charles.
Charles: Man, this blows! I'm hungry!
Happy: Maybe Master Zamenza went out to buy food?
Charles: Probably playing a trick on us. Whatever he's doing, I'm gonna give him a piece of my mind.
As Charles walked through the back door, a bucket over the door tipped over and landed water on Charles, causing him to let out a short, yet loud yelp.
Charles: What the…?!
Happy: *laughs* You got wet!
Charles: Very funny!
He began shivering, which was something that Happy never saw him do before, prompting curiosity. His tail fire was shrinking upon the response.
Happy: Are you dancing?
Answering in a teeth-chattering voice, Charles said…
Charles: N-N-No! T-That b-b-bucket of water nearly landed o-on my t-t-tail! M-My body heat...i-is escaping...my b-b-body!
Happy: Do you need a match?
Charles: S-Sure. A-Anything to w-warm me up…
Happy went into the kitchen to look for a match, but couldn't find one. However, he did notice the stove was on, although it was very low but gave off some heat.
Happy: Hey Charles! The stove's on!
Charles: R-Really?
Charles slowly walked to the kitchen while shivering to recover some body heat. As he got closer to the stove, he felt a little warmer and turned up the heat, increasing the intensity to maximum heat. It worked as he was no longer shivering, and his tail fire was burning bigger.
Charles: Ahh...Much better. You know, I bet Master Zamenza purposefully set that there to kill me. If that was his so-called "training", then I want to fry his lungs for a change.
Happy: So you get better if you're around heat?
Charles: Yeah. Say, if you got hit by that water, you wouldn't feel a thing, would you?
Happy: ...Maybe?
Charles: *sighs* Never mind…
Unknowingly to Charles, Happy was sweating profusely, which he himself didn't understand why it was happening.
Happy: Charles?
Charles: Yeah?
Happy: I'm sweating! Is that good?
Charles: Sweating? Yeah, that's good...Wait a minute! The stove!
Happy: Huh?
Charles panicked and turned the knobs on the stove to off, which confused Happy. He was unaware of what he did that prompted him to turn the stove off.
Charles: Uh, let's go outside.
Happy: Why?
Charles: Listen...Happy...You're a Water type Pokemon, so heat could cause a Pokemon like you to sweat.
Happy: Is that good?
Charles: ...No.
Happy: But I thought I could handle the heat.
Charles: Yeah...If you were a Fire type Pokemon like me, which you aren't. Hey, I know! Maybe you could cool down by splashing some of that water on the floor on yourself.
Happy: Sure.
He went over to where the puddle of water was and took small amounts in his hand, splashing water on himself each time, even rolling in it. He was laughing as he did it, which earned a chuckle out of Charles. Soon, the puddle was nothing more than small splotches of water on the floor, and Happy was fully wet, yet energized. Charles then noticed something about what they were experiencing.
Charles: Hey, I noticed something.
Happy: What's that?
Charles: We were both suffering. I suffered from being cold due to getting a load full of water on me, while you were sweating like you were about to melt when I turned the stove on.
Happy: So, that means?
Charles: I think the old geezer was testing us to see if we understood our strengths and weaknesses.
?: Right on the dot.
Master Zamenza came in through the other door with a smile on his face.
Zamenza: You two make quite the team, although I was worried that you both would set my house on fire.
Charles: W-Well...H-Hey! I almost forgot! Where's breakfast?! I'm starving!
Zamenza: Sorry, but the early bird gets the worm. If you'd like, you could run some errands for me.
Charles: Aw, no! I hate chores!
Happy: What are chores?
Zamenza: Never mind that, Happy. I do need some things from the market. I'd like for you two to get them for me.
Charles: Hold on a second! You're making us do your errands?! I'm no slave!
Zamenza: *pulls out paper* Here's the list. Remember, the market down at the village. Oh, and before I forget, here's 5 speci. Good luck.
As Happy received the list and money from Zamenza, he eagerly ran out the door, only to be stopped by Charles as he grabbed him by his tail.
Charles: Hold on a moment, Happy. Hey old man, you weren't very specific about where we should go.
Zamenza: Ah, keen sense of ears, huh?
Charles: ...Yeah…
Zamenza: I almost forgot.
He went into the next room for a moment and pulled out some gear for them to wear.
Zamenza: You'll need these. Try them on, but don't take them off.
Charles: Huh?
As Charles put on the bands, he suddenly felt as if his arms now weighed like rocks.
Charles: *grunts* W-What the?!
Happy also noticed how heavy they felt as he put the bands on his arms.
Happy: Whoa, these things feel like stones.
Zamenza: That's right. They're training bands. They help strengthen the arms. Now I'll be putting those leg braces on.
As he did, both Charles and Happy felt like their legs were like jelly, struggling to stand up.
Charles: *grunts* Agh...! What the heck...old man?! Are you trying...to kill us?!
Zamenza: Quite the contrary, actually. They seem heavy at first, but over time, you'll get used to them and sooner or later, you'll be walking like normal.
Charles: *grunts* That's...if we'll be walking like normal…!
Happy: *grunts* If...this is the way...we get stronger...I...accept the challenge…!
Zamenza: Now remember, the place downtown in the village. Happy, I assume you're familiar with that place. After all, your grandfather showed you around.
Happy: Yeah.
Charles: *sweat drop* (...At least someone's having fun…)
...
Four hours later, Happy and Charles managed to reach Landmark Village's Shopping Market, a place Happy was familiar with. They appeared to be tired from the extra weight they were carrying. Charles was the first to lie down exhausted, with Happy doing the same.
Charles: *panting* ...Yep...I'm...I'm gonna fry his lungs...by the end of this…
Happy: *panting* ...At least...we'll be stronger…
Charles: ...If our legs don't break...any sooner…
They got some stares from some of the village folk, mostly just worried looks but continued as usual. One Pokemon, a Golduck carrying bags of vegetables, approached the two boys.
Golduck: Um, excuse me. Are you two alright?
Sarcastically, Charles answered…
Charles: ...Yeah. Nothing like two children trying to kill themselves to get to the store…
Happy: ...We're training…!
Golduck: T-Training…? Do I even want to know how that works?
Charles: ...Look, you should go. You're an adult, right? Don't you have something that you should be doing? Besides, we've got chores to do…
Golduck: O-Of course. I won't pressure you two. Goodbye.
The Golduck left with his bags, leaving Happy and Charles to themselves.
Charles: *grunts* I...I can't...get up…! *grunts*
Happy: *grunts* Me...either…!
Charles struggled as much as he could on the ground until he managed to get up on his feet, although he wobbled a bit before maintaining his balance.
Charles: *pants* ...Well, at least I managed to get up…
Happy was struggling far worse than he was. Since he was on his shell, it was almost impossible for him to regain footing.
Charles: I'll help you buddy.
He struggled to pull Happy up for a moment until he was able to get him on his feet, but almost fell back to the ground himself.
Happy: *pants* ...T...Thanks...Charles...
Charles: ...You're...welcome...Now...the list...Happy…
Happy pulled out the list, attempting to read it. However, he couldn't make a lick out of it, as he was never taught to read words regarding food.
Happy: U-Um, Charles…? I can't read.
Charles: *sweat drop* Oh, brother...Give me that.
He took the paper from Happy's hands, understanding the words far better than he could.
Charles: Let's see...We need some…"Milk"? And…"Eggs"?
Happy: Is that it?
Charles: I'm afraid so. This is the worst meal plan I've ever heard of.
Happy: Maybe we can pick them up?
Charles: I hope so.
Five minutes later, they asked around the market for the two ingredients needed. They were pointed to the poultry section. A Miltank and Tauros couple had just finished selling a customer their product and were greeted by Happy and Charles. The Miltank had a white and black coat pattern with her udders being pink, while the Tauros had an orange coat with dark brown fur around his neck.
Miltank: Hellooooo! Welcome to Moomoo and Talabert's Dairy Shop. How can we help you two adorable children today?
Happy: We'd like some eggs and milk, please!
Talabert: Sure. Have speci for that?
Charles: Sure.
He gave them five gold coins (speci), and in exchange, received two cartons of eggs and a box containing three cartons of milk. When they both reached out to get it, they struggled to even stretch their arms out, which confused the couple until Talabert noticed the bands they were wearing.
Talabert: Oh, I see. You two are wearing heavy bands, aren't you?
Happy: Yep!
Moomoo: Do you boys need some help with that?
Charles: Uh, no thanks. We're good.
Talabert: Leave them be, sweetheart. They're at work. *laughs*
As they received their items, they went on their way.
Moomoo: Come back again!
Talabert: Good luck on your training, boys!
Happy: We will!
...
At Moody's house, he was boiling some tea for himself and Baye, his new pupil. He was expecting her to show up, which wasn't really surprising as he was going to teach her the way of botany. He heard a knock on the door, which he automatically knew that Baye had arrived.
Moody: Door's open, Baye.
She let herself in, but was confused as to why he easily let her in.
Baye: Um, Mr. Moody...How did you know it was me? What if it was a stranger?
Moody: Hm… *smiles* That's actually a secret…!
Baye: *sweat drop* (...I wonder what he's hiding under those vines…)
Moody: Anyway, are you ready for today?
Baye: Oh, y-yes! I'm ready for anything!
Moody: *chuckles* Good. Let's get started.
He grabbed a green book off a shelf and placed it on the table for Baye to read before tending to the tea. It contained the word "Plantopedia" on the cover with a plant that she could barely recognize. Moody then placed the cups of tea at the table where they were and poured it into their cups, giving Baye hers before setting it aside.
Moody: I've had this book ever since I was a growing lad myself. Always my favorite.
Baye: Hey Mr. Moody, what's this plant here?
Moody: Oh, that? That's a plant we'll see later on in the book.
Baye: *sweat drop* (...Not the epitome of a Pokemon with knowledge, are you…?)
Moody: Why not start with the first plant? It'll be a soothing cleanser.
He opened the book five pages past until it landed on the first plant shown on it, which had a spiral shape to it. The flower itself was also weird, as it was also a spiral and the branches it had contained some pink berries that Baye was familiar with.
Baye: Hey, I know what kind of Berries they are! They're Persim Berries!
Moody: Ah, very keen for you to notice. Yes, they are indeed part of the Spyros Plant.
Baye: Just like what it says here! And you can grow these even in the fall!
Moody: Exactly. Now, what do Persim Berries do?
Baye: They cure a Pokemon of confusion.
She began jotting notes on the Spyros Plant, hoping to use them for the next time she would be tested.
Moody: Very good. Now, onto the next one.
He turned to the next page that showed a different plant. This one was unfamiliar to Baye, as it had tear-drop shaped petals that drooped towards the ground but otherwise looked healthy.
Baye: …"Deprezzo Plant". Huh. It says that it helps cheer those up and can be brewed in tea as a part of bringing joy to one's spirits.
Moody: Mm. Good. But they can only be grown in rain or damp places.
Baye: How come's that, Mr. Moody?
Moody: Hmm...I guess it's name doesn't fall far from the skies…
Baye: You mean...like "depression"...?
Moody: Yes. Quite a sad tale to give it such a name, but at least it brings some positive effects.
Baye: Okay, jotting that down.
She took some notes on it and flipped it to the next page. Despite learning about plants, she did have some thoughts about something else.
Baye: Say, is everything alright with Happy?
Moody: Of course. He and Charles are at my old friend's house becoming fighters.
Baye: Oh. Wait…"Charles"...? You never mentioned another kid to me.
Moody: Oh, that's because he was welcomed here yesterday by Happy. He's a Charmander with a...strange horn on his head.
Baye: ...Strange?
Moody: Yes. You see...Other Chamander don't have that, and as a result...he was made fun of…
Baye: How awful…
Moody: Mm. At least Happy as a new playmate.
Baye: Yeah… (...I wonder what they're doing now…?)
...
Back at Zamenza's house, Happy and Charles barely made it back before sunset, looking hungry and exhausted as ever. It was understandable, as they didn't even eat anything at all today. Growling stomachs were heard along the way, and it didn't help that wherever they went, anything looked edible, even a rock. Zamenza was waiting for them outside, wondering what took them so long.
Zamenza: Ah, there you boys are! I was wondering if you were eaten by wild Oddixes. *chuckles*
Charles: *panting, frustration mark* Very funny, old man! I'm still wanting to fry your lungs for putting us through this ordeal! Not to mention the bucket incident you did this morning! Were you trying to kill me?!
Zamenza: I meant nothing of the sort. Besides, all of that was part of your training. Sometimes, even doing chores is part of training.
Happy: *panting* My legs...feel like jelly…
Charles: Some "training"! Even Happy here can't hold himself up for long! You might as well prepare our graves on solid ground, you know!
Zamenza: I'm sorry boys, but you'll have to wear those until you're able to walk normally with them. Tomorrow's gonna be a different type of training, so be prepared.
Happy: *stomach growling* C...Can we...eat now? I'd like something to eat…
Charles: *stomach growling* Y...Yeah...Me too…
Zamenza: Alright. I'll make something to eat. You boys do deserve it after the training I've put you through today.
He took both boxes from their hands using his psychic energy and lifted them into the house, relieving them of usage of their arms and legs again.
Charles: Phew! Much better.
Zamenza: Come inside, you two. We have a big day tomorrow. Rest your body and soul, for I'll give you a little lesson to learn.
Happy: Oh boy, I can't wait to eat!
As they went inside, they chowed down to eat as Zamenza had made a full course meal for them. They still wore the braces, as it was enough for them to at least handle themselves at the table.
Zamenza: *chuckles* (...Yes...That's right, boys...Eat and rest whilst you still can...Your training will be different by tomorrow...A test of strength and skill...It'll take months to master before you're truly ready for the Pokken Arts Tournament…)
...