Chapter 14
"What?" Shalla blinked, unable... *unwilling* to believe what she had just heard. "Do you mean to say that you want to give up? *now*?"
Tom glanced up, thoroughly confused, and then smiled.
"I meant the way I trained. I have less than eight pokemon. Hardly enough for the diversity I *need* for the championships... assuming I can get that far with those whom I have. I trust them, but the league isn't just a training ground."
"So... What exactly are you saying?"
"I'm going to catch more. Take a break from badge collecting; get all the pokemon I can... Within reason."
Tom rose, and hugged Shalla. "And I have to do this... alone."
Shalla's head jerked up, her eyes wide. "WHAT?!!
"I think... that I need to be more concentrated..."
"And you feel that by sending *me* off somewhere or going off by *yourself*, you can do that? Huh! Do you?"
"I didn't..." Tom started.
Without waiting for an answer Shalla stormed off.
"...mean it that way." He completed the sentence, and sighed.
***
"Is it done?"
"Yes." Mr Muromasa stepped aside, revealing two pokemon.
Shadow... and another one... shadow.
"Huh?"
"I told you before, shadow had a split personality; you should have seen some sign of it before. All I did as to force them apart, creating two separate pokemon -- the two personalities that developed in the original shadow."
"Oh yes, forgive me; I didn't sleep well last night." Indeed, Tom looked like he had just awakened... from the grave, with dark circles around his eyes, and a pale complexion. He thought back to some battles. Shadow -- fighting impulsively with Shalla's pokemon, as compared to it delivering surgical blows against the gengar and alakazam."
As his train of thought led him to the *ex*-gym leader, Tom felt a stab in his heart. *Forgive me.*
"Thank you Mr Muromasa. I suppose I will give you the more... *impulsive* shadow; I couldn't control it anyway."
"*Her*, Tom. *Her*."
Tom blinked, totally lost.
"It appears the split personality actually created two halves, each of a different gender..."
"So the one I'm er... receiving is a he?"
"Yes."
"I see."
Tom looked at the two, but could discern any differences between them.
"How do I..."
"Look at their skin..."
Tom stared. Whereas the original shadow's had tiny star-like dots twinkling, now only one of them had it. The other was just the light-absorbing skin. However, the one with the stars didn't seem to suck up light, instead just appearing as a dark blanket.
"So which one is which?"
One of the shadow interrupted Mr. Muromasa's reply.
{I am.}
"Okay..."
{Shall we leave?}
"Why are you in such a hurry?"
{The reason, Tom, that we became one in the first place is because we were mating, or what could pass for it. This is just a ritual to ensure that another will be born after we fade away. If we stay near each other for too long, there is a minute chance that we may fuse again.}
"Does permanent fusing always take place?"
{No... There was an accident... We were captured, at our moment of weakness -- just after fusing.}
"So that's how you were *weakened* enough to be caught?"
{Yes.}
"You don't chat much, do you?"
{No.}
"Alright then. See ya in the league, Mr. Muromasa!"
Tom waved, and walked on... and whipped around.
*Is that... who I think it is?*
{Yes.}
Tom grinned; maybe he wouldn't have to chase after her, after all.
***
The pokemon and his trainer strolled to the woods, their image fading in the twilight. A figure, clothed in a lavender robe, silently followed, barely noticed.
Another silhouette materialised, and darted towards the original figure in a running tackle, and a brief yet fierce struggle broke out, illuminated for a couple of seconds by an azure glow.
The forest regained its tranquillity as tussle ended.
Tom, locking his still-struggling quarry in place, spoke first.
"I'm sorry."
The figure stilled, lying on the blanket of leaves, head turned to one side, seemingly avoiding Tom's unfaltering gaze.
A split second later, the person broke out, dashing away.
No movement was seen, save for a blinding flash, but Tom appeared behind the runner, and grabbed her at her waist. Shalla paused, out of breath, shivering in his grasp. Astonishment rode freely on her beautiful face, lingering there until Tom spoke again, his warm breath on her ear.
"I'm sorry", he repeated. Gently twisting her around, facing to resistance, their lips met. All doubts that Shalla harboured about his feelings towards her abruptly vanished, replaced by a throbbing need.
As Tom withdrew, they were both left breathless, although Shalla had tears in her eyes.
Tersely, Shalla snapped. "I want a commitment."
Tom chuckled softly, took her hand, and pressed something into it.
Surprised, Shalla glanced at it.
A sapphire rested in her palm, and even in the darkness, Shalla could make out the details.
It was oval, perfectly smooth as far as she could tell. its shade was that of the cobalt sky; of the serene seas -- and of Tom's eyes. As the last realisation set in, Shalla smiled, and then looked up at Tom, a twinkle in her eye. "What's this?"
"I fashioned it last night -- something mewtwo taught me. The jewel is real, of course, although it took a bit of effort to find something that large. I imbued some of my psychic potential inside."
Tom took the necklace, the silvery platinum chains seeming very delicate, and with both hands, placed it on Shalla's neck, pushing back her curtain of hair.
Even as he did so, Tom declared, "This is my pledge to you, that no matter what happens, I will be at your side. Even for the brief moments that I am not there, a part of me will always remain with you."
As the statement ended, the jewel rested on Shalla's chest, an inner flame burning in it. The radiance spread, enveloping the lady.
"Tom? What's happening!" Shalla's voice had more than a tint of fear in it.
"Don't worry, that's just part of the bonding. To prevent anyone but you from wearing or touching it -- anyone who does will weld an awful amount of power -- I placed a trigger on it. The first to wear it will be its only owner -- although I can still touch it."
Shalla relaxed, and let the flame rippled over her, shimmering and illuminating the area for a while before subsiding.
Shalla laughed, and hugged Tom. *Thank you...*
"Uh... I think we need to work on that... Try not to use telepathy too much. It really draws unwanted attention, something that you definitely don't need -- trust me."
"I will."
***
They were in charisific valley, Tom and Shalla, trying to capture some of the more exotic and rare species of pokemon that dwelled near the area. Yet as the day dragged on, their aims dwindled, shrinking down to locating even the slightest sign of a pokemon.
"Look!"
Tom did, and saw, much to his horror, observed a dog fight -- between dragons -- five of them.
Four were charizards, and one was a dragonite... at least, it looked like one. Tom did not really recognise the pokemon, especially since its overall shape was that of a dragonite, yet instead of two "feelers", there were three horn-like protrusions located on a bony plate on the head. The "hands" were much like a charizard's claws, its tail forked out into three at the end, each tip dangerously sharp, was now dripping with blood. There was no fixed colour scheme for the pokemon -- the shade changed ever-so-often, following a pattern that Tom knew existed, yet could not figure out at the moment.
The fight had obviously been in progress for quite some time. The unknown pokemon was showing some signs of fatigue, extreme weariness marking each and every movement.
The deadly dance above continued, the four charizards throwing huge fiery projectiles at their opponent, who returned more than his fair share of the damage.
"Try your pokedex."
Reluctantly, Tom activated the device, more than a little unwilling to use a machine more popularly known as a beginner's guide.
Pokedex display:
Name: Terranite
Gender: Female
Evolution: Dratini, Dragonair, Dragonite/Terranite
Type: Dragon/Flying
Resistance: Fire, Water, Grass, Fighting, Bug
Immunities: Ground
Weaknesses: Ice, Rock, Dragon
Further Information: This evolution of dragonair has only recently been discovered, primarily because it only evolves under the influence of all four elemental stones at the moment of evolution into a dragonite, and even then the chances of it happening is very minute. The factors involved have not been fully discovered. This pokemon has the ability to change its type temporarily. its colour changes along with its type, and it gains the properties of that particular element. However, only the flying type can be changed, for example, Dragon/???.
NOTE: If found, please notify relevant authorities, namely Professors Ivy, Oak or Elm.
***PROCEED WITH CAUTION***
Exasperated, Tom glanced up again, noting that now only one charizard was left -- one that was bleeding from a dozen different places. That...*thing* sure is strong... It took down three or more charizards, and is still taking on another.
Yet, this was not the case; it became more obvious with each passing moment. The terranite was faltering, making mistakes, and more importantly, its type changing was getting slower and slower.
Tom grimaced, and rushed up, hurling a wad of hastily gathering psychic energy at the charizard. It missed, but the distraction for the charizard gave the terranite an opening for an attack. And attack she did.
Now a brilliant aqua shade, the terranite gushed a huge volume of water at the charizard, following up with a golden bolt of lightning. The charizard fell from the sky, writhing and twitching involuntarily.
Tom gaped, as the huge dragon crashed -- its size was apparently larger than Tom thought; and the terranite was even larger.
Trice the bulk of the average dragonite (although nobody ever calls a dragonite "average"), the terranite drooped, showing none of the grace and agility that it had possessed before. Moments later, it followed the footsteps of its adversary, dropping like deadweight.
*Damn.*
As if by reflex, Tom flung an ultra ball, propelling it at insane speeds through telekinesis. A crimson flash, and the ball fell to the ground, bursting open as it did.
The massive pokemon emerged, and glared at Tom, although she was obvious far too weak to fight.
Tom treaded carefully, holding his hands out in a universally non-threatening gesture. "I won't hurt you..."
The dragon back away, shrinking away from his touch.
**DON'T YOU DARE TOUCH ME!**
"Argh!" Tom clutched his head with both hands, and collapsed in a heap, shaken by the overwhelming telepathic voice.
Shivering, he looked up weakly at the terranite, wincing as she continued, although in a slightly softer tone.
**If you filthy humans think you can perform all those DISGUSTING experiments on me, then think again!**
In a rage, she lashed out, and the landscape exploded in flames.
*Damn...* Tom created a shield, absorbing the brunt of the attack. He tried to calm his nerves. *Shalla will be all right... She has the sapphire... Shalla will be all right... She has the sapphire...*
**DAMN YOU ALL!!!**
The elements seemed to agree with the dragon's mood, and the scene erupted into devastation. Tom prayed, that when and if the maelstrom settled, something would be left of charisific valley.
*No... I have to stop this.* The clarity of the thought surprised himself, but Tom ignored the origin of the burst of determination, seeking only to achieve his goal. Harnessing his abilities, Tom raced forward, fighting against the raging storm, striving to get there -- before it was too late, and nothing was left to save.
On the way, Tom glimpsed a flash of orange, and paused.
It was a charizard, the last one to fall, if Tom remembered correctly. Zipping there, Tom pressed a pokeball to her scaly skin, and found, in accordance with his observation, that nothing more was needed -- the fire type went in without a struggle.
Hurrying, Tom once again fought against the currents, finding the challenge to be similar to battling the elements themselves. He paused, as the full import of the idea struck him. *The elements... fighting against them...*
Reaching his goal at last, Tom fished around his backpack for the device, and firmly held the gigaball in place, forcefully squeezing it shut as the ruby energy disappeared. Psychically reinforcing the ball's lock, Tom breathed a sigh of relief as the weather became more peaceful.
However, the gigaball seemed to be shuddering, nearly breaking past Tom's vice-like telekinetic grip on it. The inevitable happened, and the cherry indicator light stopped flashing. Tom heaved for breath, as he slumped to the ground, exhausted.
***
"May I help you?"
"Yes; I would like to have these two pokemon healed please."
"Of course. Take a seat over there, and they will be ready shortly."
"Thanks."
Tom returned to the row of seats, and looped his arm around Shalla, collapsing. He had teleported both of them all the way to Goldenrod City, hoping to find something in the Bug-catching tournament.
Of course, the priority was to heal Tom's new charizard and terranite.
A few minutes later, Tom arose to the nurse's wave, and went up to the counter, retrieving the two capture balls with a smile.
Sighing, Tom picked up his backpack, and headed to a more isolated area. He uttered a prayer, and released the charizard. It emerged, and gazed coolly at Tom, studying him as a predator does a prey. Tom shuddered under the penetrating glare, but stood his ground, starting off with a light tone, explaining how he had "captured" the pokemon.
In reply, the fire dragon grunted softly, forcing Tom to call alakazam for a translation.
"Is the rest of my family... gone?"
Tom looked down, not knowing how to phrase his answer. "Yes, and most of charisific valley as well. But you have to understand what the terranite is going through -- I don't, and I won't pretend to, but I do promise you this. I will tell you everything once I know the reason."
"You want to become my trainer." It was not a question, but rather, a statement, echoing sentiments of hurt and pain. "Very well, but you have to defeat me in battle."
As Tom moved to withdraw a pokeball, the charizard violently shook her head. "No. Not your pokemon. *You.*"
"Huh?"
"Without pokemon, the trainers themselves always fight the pokemon to weaken it. To respect you, I have to be defeated by you, and not your pokemon."
Tom paused. *Is it worth it?* The answer came to him moments later, and he accepted the challenge.
*Tom, no....* The telepathic voice came from both Shalla and alakazam in synch, but Tom just smiled, and waved his hand.
Readying himself, Tom nodded, a signal for the match to begin.
Tom charged, having no other option. His zigzag trail reduced accuracy for any projectile, but the charizard just looked on, curiously studying his approach.
The reptile lifted off when Tom was a few metres away, obviously thinking that that was that, knowing that there was no way a human could have a ranged attack -- or rather, no ordinary human.
Tom screeched to a halt, and grinned, immobilising his opponent with a glare. Both exuding indigo shades, Tom gathered his concentration, and levitated up, orientating himself to face the charizard.
His body language clearly read: do I need to continue?
The charizard frowned, and replied. "Perhaps, I was too hasty in my judgement. I will continue to train, and remain to serve you. But you must promise to rebuild my former home, or help in doing it."
Tom grinned, and thanked the gods for the lack of bloodshed. However even as he expressed his gratitude, he knew the real trial was still to come.
The gigaball was experimental, originally designed to have a far stronger lock than any other pokeball; yet it was horribly expensive and inaccurate, and there were very few in production. He had gotten this one from the Silph Co. just after the save-the-world thingy, in which many people grossly over played his part.
Tom's muscles knotted up, but he nevertheless took the gigaball containing terranite, and threw it, hoping for everything to go smoothly.
To his horror, when the ball was released from his hand, he saw, in a moment of clarity that the charizard was still out.
"What?" Shalla blinked, unable... *unwilling* to believe what she had just heard. "Do you mean to say that you want to give up? *now*?"
Tom glanced up, thoroughly confused, and then smiled.
"I meant the way I trained. I have less than eight pokemon. Hardly enough for the diversity I *need* for the championships... assuming I can get that far with those whom I have. I trust them, but the league isn't just a training ground."
"So... What exactly are you saying?"
"I'm going to catch more. Take a break from badge collecting; get all the pokemon I can... Within reason."
Tom rose, and hugged Shalla. "And I have to do this... alone."
Shalla's head jerked up, her eyes wide. "WHAT?!!
"I think... that I need to be more concentrated..."
"And you feel that by sending *me* off somewhere or going off by *yourself*, you can do that? Huh! Do you?"
"I didn't..." Tom started.
Without waiting for an answer Shalla stormed off.
"...mean it that way." He completed the sentence, and sighed.
***
"Is it done?"
"Yes." Mr Muromasa stepped aside, revealing two pokemon.
Shadow... and another one... shadow.
"Huh?"
"I told you before, shadow had a split personality; you should have seen some sign of it before. All I did as to force them apart, creating two separate pokemon -- the two personalities that developed in the original shadow."
"Oh yes, forgive me; I didn't sleep well last night." Indeed, Tom looked like he had just awakened... from the grave, with dark circles around his eyes, and a pale complexion. He thought back to some battles. Shadow -- fighting impulsively with Shalla's pokemon, as compared to it delivering surgical blows against the gengar and alakazam."
As his train of thought led him to the *ex*-gym leader, Tom felt a stab in his heart. *Forgive me.*
"Thank you Mr Muromasa. I suppose I will give you the more... *impulsive* shadow; I couldn't control it anyway."
"*Her*, Tom. *Her*."
Tom blinked, totally lost.
"It appears the split personality actually created two halves, each of a different gender..."
"So the one I'm er... receiving is a he?"
"Yes."
"I see."
Tom looked at the two, but could discern any differences between them.
"How do I..."
"Look at their skin..."
Tom stared. Whereas the original shadow's had tiny star-like dots twinkling, now only one of them had it. The other was just the light-absorbing skin. However, the one with the stars didn't seem to suck up light, instead just appearing as a dark blanket.
"So which one is which?"
One of the shadow interrupted Mr. Muromasa's reply.
{I am.}
"Okay..."
{Shall we leave?}
"Why are you in such a hurry?"
{The reason, Tom, that we became one in the first place is because we were mating, or what could pass for it. This is just a ritual to ensure that another will be born after we fade away. If we stay near each other for too long, there is a minute chance that we may fuse again.}
"Does permanent fusing always take place?"
{No... There was an accident... We were captured, at our moment of weakness -- just after fusing.}
"So that's how you were *weakened* enough to be caught?"
{Yes.}
"You don't chat much, do you?"
{No.}
"Alright then. See ya in the league, Mr. Muromasa!"
Tom waved, and walked on... and whipped around.
*Is that... who I think it is?*
{Yes.}
Tom grinned; maybe he wouldn't have to chase after her, after all.
***
The pokemon and his trainer strolled to the woods, their image fading in the twilight. A figure, clothed in a lavender robe, silently followed, barely noticed.
Another silhouette materialised, and darted towards the original figure in a running tackle, and a brief yet fierce struggle broke out, illuminated for a couple of seconds by an azure glow.
The forest regained its tranquillity as tussle ended.
Tom, locking his still-struggling quarry in place, spoke first.
"I'm sorry."
The figure stilled, lying on the blanket of leaves, head turned to one side, seemingly avoiding Tom's unfaltering gaze.
A split second later, the person broke out, dashing away.
No movement was seen, save for a blinding flash, but Tom appeared behind the runner, and grabbed her at her waist. Shalla paused, out of breath, shivering in his grasp. Astonishment rode freely on her beautiful face, lingering there until Tom spoke again, his warm breath on her ear.
"I'm sorry", he repeated. Gently twisting her around, facing to resistance, their lips met. All doubts that Shalla harboured about his feelings towards her abruptly vanished, replaced by a throbbing need.
As Tom withdrew, they were both left breathless, although Shalla had tears in her eyes.
Tersely, Shalla snapped. "I want a commitment."
Tom chuckled softly, took her hand, and pressed something into it.
Surprised, Shalla glanced at it.
A sapphire rested in her palm, and even in the darkness, Shalla could make out the details.
It was oval, perfectly smooth as far as she could tell. its shade was that of the cobalt sky; of the serene seas -- and of Tom's eyes. As the last realisation set in, Shalla smiled, and then looked up at Tom, a twinkle in her eye. "What's this?"
"I fashioned it last night -- something mewtwo taught me. The jewel is real, of course, although it took a bit of effort to find something that large. I imbued some of my psychic potential inside."
Tom took the necklace, the silvery platinum chains seeming very delicate, and with both hands, placed it on Shalla's neck, pushing back her curtain of hair.
Even as he did so, Tom declared, "This is my pledge to you, that no matter what happens, I will be at your side. Even for the brief moments that I am not there, a part of me will always remain with you."
As the statement ended, the jewel rested on Shalla's chest, an inner flame burning in it. The radiance spread, enveloping the lady.
"Tom? What's happening!" Shalla's voice had more than a tint of fear in it.
"Don't worry, that's just part of the bonding. To prevent anyone but you from wearing or touching it -- anyone who does will weld an awful amount of power -- I placed a trigger on it. The first to wear it will be its only owner -- although I can still touch it."
Shalla relaxed, and let the flame rippled over her, shimmering and illuminating the area for a while before subsiding.
Shalla laughed, and hugged Tom. *Thank you...*
"Uh... I think we need to work on that... Try not to use telepathy too much. It really draws unwanted attention, something that you definitely don't need -- trust me."
"I will."
***
They were in charisific valley, Tom and Shalla, trying to capture some of the more exotic and rare species of pokemon that dwelled near the area. Yet as the day dragged on, their aims dwindled, shrinking down to locating even the slightest sign of a pokemon.
"Look!"
Tom did, and saw, much to his horror, observed a dog fight -- between dragons -- five of them.
Four were charizards, and one was a dragonite... at least, it looked like one. Tom did not really recognise the pokemon, especially since its overall shape was that of a dragonite, yet instead of two "feelers", there were three horn-like protrusions located on a bony plate on the head. The "hands" were much like a charizard's claws, its tail forked out into three at the end, each tip dangerously sharp, was now dripping with blood. There was no fixed colour scheme for the pokemon -- the shade changed ever-so-often, following a pattern that Tom knew existed, yet could not figure out at the moment.
The fight had obviously been in progress for quite some time. The unknown pokemon was showing some signs of fatigue, extreme weariness marking each and every movement.
The deadly dance above continued, the four charizards throwing huge fiery projectiles at their opponent, who returned more than his fair share of the damage.
"Try your pokedex."
Reluctantly, Tom activated the device, more than a little unwilling to use a machine more popularly known as a beginner's guide.
Pokedex display:
Name: Terranite
Gender: Female
Evolution: Dratini, Dragonair, Dragonite/Terranite
Type: Dragon/Flying
Resistance: Fire, Water, Grass, Fighting, Bug
Immunities: Ground
Weaknesses: Ice, Rock, Dragon
Further Information: This evolution of dragonair has only recently been discovered, primarily because it only evolves under the influence of all four elemental stones at the moment of evolution into a dragonite, and even then the chances of it happening is very minute. The factors involved have not been fully discovered. This pokemon has the ability to change its type temporarily. its colour changes along with its type, and it gains the properties of that particular element. However, only the flying type can be changed, for example, Dragon/???.
NOTE: If found, please notify relevant authorities, namely Professors Ivy, Oak or Elm.
***PROCEED WITH CAUTION***
Exasperated, Tom glanced up again, noting that now only one charizard was left -- one that was bleeding from a dozen different places. That...*thing* sure is strong... It took down three or more charizards, and is still taking on another.
Yet, this was not the case; it became more obvious with each passing moment. The terranite was faltering, making mistakes, and more importantly, its type changing was getting slower and slower.
Tom grimaced, and rushed up, hurling a wad of hastily gathering psychic energy at the charizard. It missed, but the distraction for the charizard gave the terranite an opening for an attack. And attack she did.
Now a brilliant aqua shade, the terranite gushed a huge volume of water at the charizard, following up with a golden bolt of lightning. The charizard fell from the sky, writhing and twitching involuntarily.
Tom gaped, as the huge dragon crashed -- its size was apparently larger than Tom thought; and the terranite was even larger.
Trice the bulk of the average dragonite (although nobody ever calls a dragonite "average"), the terranite drooped, showing none of the grace and agility that it had possessed before. Moments later, it followed the footsteps of its adversary, dropping like deadweight.
*Damn.*
As if by reflex, Tom flung an ultra ball, propelling it at insane speeds through telekinesis. A crimson flash, and the ball fell to the ground, bursting open as it did.
The massive pokemon emerged, and glared at Tom, although she was obvious far too weak to fight.
Tom treaded carefully, holding his hands out in a universally non-threatening gesture. "I won't hurt you..."
The dragon back away, shrinking away from his touch.
**DON'T YOU DARE TOUCH ME!**
"Argh!" Tom clutched his head with both hands, and collapsed in a heap, shaken by the overwhelming telepathic voice.
Shivering, he looked up weakly at the terranite, wincing as she continued, although in a slightly softer tone.
**If you filthy humans think you can perform all those DISGUSTING experiments on me, then think again!**
In a rage, she lashed out, and the landscape exploded in flames.
*Damn...* Tom created a shield, absorbing the brunt of the attack. He tried to calm his nerves. *Shalla will be all right... She has the sapphire... Shalla will be all right... She has the sapphire...*
**DAMN YOU ALL!!!**
The elements seemed to agree with the dragon's mood, and the scene erupted into devastation. Tom prayed, that when and if the maelstrom settled, something would be left of charisific valley.
*No... I have to stop this.* The clarity of the thought surprised himself, but Tom ignored the origin of the burst of determination, seeking only to achieve his goal. Harnessing his abilities, Tom raced forward, fighting against the raging storm, striving to get there -- before it was too late, and nothing was left to save.
On the way, Tom glimpsed a flash of orange, and paused.
It was a charizard, the last one to fall, if Tom remembered correctly. Zipping there, Tom pressed a pokeball to her scaly skin, and found, in accordance with his observation, that nothing more was needed -- the fire type went in without a struggle.
Hurrying, Tom once again fought against the currents, finding the challenge to be similar to battling the elements themselves. He paused, as the full import of the idea struck him. *The elements... fighting against them...*
Reaching his goal at last, Tom fished around his backpack for the device, and firmly held the gigaball in place, forcefully squeezing it shut as the ruby energy disappeared. Psychically reinforcing the ball's lock, Tom breathed a sigh of relief as the weather became more peaceful.
However, the gigaball seemed to be shuddering, nearly breaking past Tom's vice-like telekinetic grip on it. The inevitable happened, and the cherry indicator light stopped flashing. Tom heaved for breath, as he slumped to the ground, exhausted.
***
"May I help you?"
"Yes; I would like to have these two pokemon healed please."
"Of course. Take a seat over there, and they will be ready shortly."
"Thanks."
Tom returned to the row of seats, and looped his arm around Shalla, collapsing. He had teleported both of them all the way to Goldenrod City, hoping to find something in the Bug-catching tournament.
Of course, the priority was to heal Tom's new charizard and terranite.
A few minutes later, Tom arose to the nurse's wave, and went up to the counter, retrieving the two capture balls with a smile.
Sighing, Tom picked up his backpack, and headed to a more isolated area. He uttered a prayer, and released the charizard. It emerged, and gazed coolly at Tom, studying him as a predator does a prey. Tom shuddered under the penetrating glare, but stood his ground, starting off with a light tone, explaining how he had "captured" the pokemon.
In reply, the fire dragon grunted softly, forcing Tom to call alakazam for a translation.
"Is the rest of my family... gone?"
Tom looked down, not knowing how to phrase his answer. "Yes, and most of charisific valley as well. But you have to understand what the terranite is going through -- I don't, and I won't pretend to, but I do promise you this. I will tell you everything once I know the reason."
"You want to become my trainer." It was not a question, but rather, a statement, echoing sentiments of hurt and pain. "Very well, but you have to defeat me in battle."
As Tom moved to withdraw a pokeball, the charizard violently shook her head. "No. Not your pokemon. *You.*"
"Huh?"
"Without pokemon, the trainers themselves always fight the pokemon to weaken it. To respect you, I have to be defeated by you, and not your pokemon."
Tom paused. *Is it worth it?* The answer came to him moments later, and he accepted the challenge.
*Tom, no....* The telepathic voice came from both Shalla and alakazam in synch, but Tom just smiled, and waved his hand.
Readying himself, Tom nodded, a signal for the match to begin.
Tom charged, having no other option. His zigzag trail reduced accuracy for any projectile, but the charizard just looked on, curiously studying his approach.
The reptile lifted off when Tom was a few metres away, obviously thinking that that was that, knowing that there was no way a human could have a ranged attack -- or rather, no ordinary human.
Tom screeched to a halt, and grinned, immobilising his opponent with a glare. Both exuding indigo shades, Tom gathered his concentration, and levitated up, orientating himself to face the charizard.
His body language clearly read: do I need to continue?
The charizard frowned, and replied. "Perhaps, I was too hasty in my judgement. I will continue to train, and remain to serve you. But you must promise to rebuild my former home, or help in doing it."
Tom grinned, and thanked the gods for the lack of bloodshed. However even as he expressed his gratitude, he knew the real trial was still to come.
The gigaball was experimental, originally designed to have a far stronger lock than any other pokeball; yet it was horribly expensive and inaccurate, and there were very few in production. He had gotten this one from the Silph Co. just after the save-the-world thingy, in which many people grossly over played his part.
Tom's muscles knotted up, but he nevertheless took the gigaball containing terranite, and threw it, hoping for everything to go smoothly.
To his horror, when the ball was released from his hand, he saw, in a moment of clarity that the charizard was still out.