Disclaimer: I do not own Pokémon. And I've given up on my PDA after it crashed and got my in-progress chapter deleted.
Well. Today, half an hour before the end of the First of September, I start writing again. This is just because it's the holidays, though I really do have a lot of work to catch up on… exams just over, and here they are beginning again. I don't know how long I'll take to complete this chapter, but I'll try continuing from where I left off.
Sorry for missing the birthdays and all, but if this is going to be more than a year in its coming, I think I'll wait till the beginning of the year before I start any birthday things. I've decided I won't update it daily now, but once or twice a week shouldn't be too hard for me.
I know I haven't written anything in a long time, but the break has given me time to think about where I want to go with this. If it's going to be a large effort, I can't have the ten-or-so Gym Battles over as quick as that; there'll be a lot more in between. The battles I'll keep at though; they really are a lot of the story, aren't they?
Should I try fluff? I have no idea. I can't pair any of your OCs up, for fear of getting it wrong, so that part's a bit tough. The only ones I've been able to try anything with are the two OCs of my own, so I guess this'll be more on battles and adventures than straight-down relationship building.
In my spare time, I've been busy with homework and all (obviously), but also, I've gotten started on a new, non-fan-related project. February the 29th is a story about an experiment; a single being with the ability to still the flow of time. I was just wondering if people born on February the 29th should live four times longer…
But anyways, sorry for the really-long-author's-note… and I really should continue where I left off. So… Chapter 37 of Pokémon Go! begin!
Morning dawned on Aluminate slowly. The sun seemed almost lazy to rise, but when it did, its rays streaming down the slope from whence they had descended, the display eliciting a gasp of surprise from a certain purple-haired individual.
The morning dew had formed a thin mist lying just above the quaint tiled roofs of the town; it was a mist made enchanting by the sun's rays, which bathed the town in a soft, golden light, undulating as the mist swirled and eddied in the fresh morning breeze.
The soft light touched the statue through the mist, but only just; through the mist, the iridescent sparkle of colours complemented the silver-gold hue of the sunlight. The soft twitter of Tyranitar shattered the morning air.
It was at this point that the author discovered there were no twittering birds in the world of Pokémon! Erasing Tyranitar from the drawing board, he decided instead on a Pokémon of his own creation. Cowardly, yes; uninspired… well yes to that as well.
The soft twitter of Chirubs rang in the morning air, like so many tinkling bells. Pidgeys flew across the air, their silhouettes tiny specks in the sunlight. The fresh smell of the many plants which dotted Aluminate wafted through the open windows, rousing even the heaviest sleepers from their beds.
Ash rose, yawning as he stretched. Despite his bleary state, even he was unable to ignore the beauty of the early morning.
"I've been in the city for too long," he said, shaking his head slowly.
The rooms were spacious; made in the style of log cabins; the windows were cut into the logs; perfectly-cut square openings decorated with a soft, light fabric which served as a set of curtains.
It was interesting to note how much money the Organization actually allotted to these Pokémon Centers; the furniture in each of the many identical rooms must have cost a lot. It just displayed the lengths to which the government actually went to encourage the Elem Pokémon League.
It was at that point that Espeon leapt through the window, startling Ash. She had made no sound even as she slipped over the sill and into the room; a minute later, Dave walked in by the door.
"So, you're up at last," he noted, with just the faintest hint of amusement.
Ash knew from the tone of his voice that everyone else was probably wide awake already.
"Just… give me a moment or two; I'll just get myself ready…"
He grabbed a few articles of clothing and stepped out of the room. Dave watched him leave, then sighed and sat down on his own bed. Espeon leapt up next to him, unexpectedly docile. He looked out of the window as he contemplated the statue.
Erynn looked away from the window as Michelle entered their room again, dressed in a set of fresh clothing, which looked remarkably similar to her outfit the day before. At this, the author dwelled on the possibility of Pokémon Trainers having their clothing beamed down to them by communist aliens. Before losing his mind.
But back to the story.
"It's time, isn't it?"
Michelle nodded.
"The breakfast buffet's closing in less than an hour."
Erynn shrugged resignedly. If they were going to be at the top of their game, they needed first of all to fill their stomachs.
Erynn picked her backpack up as Michelle slung her bag over her shoulder. Locking the door behind them, the two girls stepped out of the room, locking it behind them. Erynn looked at Michelle seriously for a second.
"Why do I get the feeling there's something I'm forgetting…?"
At that moment, there was a muffled thump against the door, and then a soft squelch. In another second Ditto was with them.
"Oh; I forgot. Good morning, Ditto."
Ditto, a little put out at being forgotten, nevertheless returned the greeting, albeit in its own native Pokémon form.
"Good morning… I just hope breakfast is an all-you-can-eat."
The four (Erynn, Michelle, Leon and Ditto) went down the corridor until they reached the boys' room. Michelle was on the point of knocking when she stopped, turning to look at Erynn strangely.
"Why is it that Ditto doesn't sleep with Ash instead…?"
At that question, Erynn looked confused for a bit, and then shrugged it off with a smile.
"I'm not exactly sure; I guess it just likes me better, that's all."
She hurriedly stepped in front of Michelle and knocked on the door. Dave's voice rang out from within.
"Espeon, can you get that?"
There was a soft humming noise, and then the door sprang open.
Dave had just buckled the upper flap of his backpack closed when the two girls stepped into the room. He turned, pulling the backpack up onto his back. There was Espeon, there was Dave. But there was no sign of Ash, Ralts, Hoppip, or Ditto. Oh, wait. Ditto was right there.
Erynn took a few steps forward, as though to ascertain he wasn't hiding on the ceiling or lying under the bed. Mercifully, he wasn't.
"Where's Ash?"
Dave waved his hand in the general direction of the in-center buffet.
"I'd expect he's gone off in the general direction of the foodstuffs," he commented, straightening as Espeon made her way to his side.
Michelle put on a pair of dark glasses.
"Figures," she intoned, "and by the way, Erynn, your shades really are pretty nice to wear."
Dave smiled amusedly as Erynn reached under her jacket and into her breast pocket, but found nothing but empty air. She sighed as she motioned for Michelle to give them back.
She'd forgotten two things already; she could only hope breakfast was still a possibility.
Stepping out of the Pokémon Centre, the four trainers checked their belongings one more time. Ditto was with Ash again; after checking their belts for their Pokéballs, they headed for the Aluminate Gym.
They stepped through the town square with more than a little awe; the place looked different, yet again, in the morning light. The fountains gushed merrily, the Aggron statue standing tall, and remarkably beautiful, in the cool air. Dave reached out a hand to touch the statue, but stopped short; unwilling, or perhaps unable, to disturb its peace.
It was Dave who found the Gym first. He had, after all, already scouted it out when he'd left the PokéCentre that morning. Surprisingly enough, the Gym was hardly noticeable among the many other quaint houses which lined the streets, different only in the fact that a gold crest hung over its door – one engraved with the image of an Aggron.
"They must be really popular among these townsfolk," Michelle observed.
Even as they approached, a boy about their age stepped out of the Gym, badge in hand. He wasn't anyone they knew, but the significance of a trainer beating the Gym Leader they hadn't yet faced was obvious.
None of them wanted to lose to him in any way. He didn't even seem to have broken into a sweat.
Ash stepped forward.
"I'll go in first."
Dave stared at him, askance. Erynn rolled her eyes. Michelle spoke.
"Why don't we all go in, and then have our battles one at a time…?"
At this, Ash shrugged.
"Fine by me…"
The four of them stepped through the double doors of the building. It seemed like an old-world residence, with hints of Oriental and Western culture evident in its design. It seemed like the Organization had at least gotten its way; between two great wooden pillars, there was a single state-of-the-art sliding door.
Ash blanched. There wasn't much difference between any normal sliding door and this State-of-the-Art one; a sliding door was simply that. That, being a mechanical disaster.
But the others were already through. He watched Michelle, Leon in tow, walk calmly through the door which was set up a series of steps. Dave was half a step behind, Espeon dancing effortlessly through. Erynn was waiting for him, halfway up.
"Oh, come on… it's not that bad…"
Ash reluctantly followed her up the steps, his mind dwelling for a long time on the singular love of sliding doors the Elem region seemed to have; a love he did not share in the least.
As they approached the door, he stopped. This was a State-of-the-Art door, for crying out loud; he wouldn't only be knocked unconscious by the door, he'd be knocked into an unconscious state, artfully.
But then Erynn grabbed his arm.
"Oh, come on…"
Which really was a fatal error. Even as she stepped through the door, Ash tripped over the single, last, solitary step. The door began to slide closed; his head just cleared the threshold… with a swish like a guillotine…
The censors at slammed the M-rating down upon this story. The loud screams of the author's anguish remained unheard in the confines of his tiny dark room and his tiny dark laptop.
"What do you think you're doing?" he demanded.
"If you're going to do any bloody decapitation via sliding door…" the censor replied.
"Well I wasn't; you can put that down in your records, you dirty –"
"Swearing will get your rating raised as likely as not," the sing-song voice of the censor rang out.
"Why in heaven's name would I get my main character killed in a sliding-door incident!" he screamed.
"Actually, for a variety of reasons. Comic humour, for one."
"It's not even funny!" he pointed out, a tad hysterically.
The censor appraised him for a moment.
"Fine. There's no need to get hysterical over it. We'll change the rating if you get rid of the last few sentences."
"Done deal," he agreed.
And in a magical poof, the censor disappeared.
Erynn grabbed his arm, pulling him laughingly across the door. And for the first time, he wasn't knocked unconscious. Ditto was.
The pink Pokémon hadn't even noticed the state-of-the-art glass which hung from its state-of-the-art frame. Luckily, Ditto's states of random unconsciousness rarely lasted long. Even as Ralts teleported the Pokémon through to safety, the pink creature woke again.
And then they were in.
The hall was remarkably spacious, but singularly empty. There wasn't a single rookie trainer for them to battle. Wooden pillars held the large chamber up; these were large, imposing affairs. Lanterns hung in brackets on each side, but the chamber itself was too long for any of them to see the end of. The ground under them was covered with mats of tatami; the old-world oriental designs clearly evident.
Cautiously the four trainers walked forward, unsure of what to expect. The mats rustled under their feet, but that, apart the occasional guttering of a torch flame, was the only sound they heard. Metal gargoyles, Aggrons and Lairons alike, stared down at them, as though questioning their right to be in this hall.
When at last the end of the passage was in sight, they were surprised to find themselves faced with a young girl.
"This… can't be right…?"
The girl, who looked to be about eight years old, glanced up at them as they approached. She was sitting behind a wooden table, on which were placed several black and white stones. Not that she had any interest in that, though. She was playing with a Pokédoll: an Aron one, to be exact.
Tentatively Ash stepped up.
"Do you have any idea where the Gym Leader might be…?"
The little girl looked up at him, with more interest this time. She opened her mouth as though to say something, and then shut it again. After a moment of deliberation, she opened her mouth and spoke.
"If you want a Gym Battle, you can battle me for the badge."
Looking around for a bit, she managed to dig up three Pokéballs from a small bag that lay at her side. The four trainers watched as she reached into another drawer and pulled out a stack of badges.
"The trainer before was pretty strong, but I think I can take you four on!" she stated confidently.
Erynn watched as she closed the drawer, her hands fumbling as she removed a badge from the stack. Stealthily she crept over to Michelle, and whispered in her ear.
"Do you think she really should be doing this…?"
The other girl shrugged.
"She might have no idea what she's doing, but then again, she might really be the Gym Leader of this Gym. There's no telling with Gym Leaders, why, one of them might even turn out to be the boss of a secret underground organization hell-bent on destroying the world."
Erynn dismissed that with a small laugh.
"That would never happen…"
Dave and Espeon stepped back as the girl stood up, a Pokéball belt firmly clipped around her waist.
"I think we should give them some room to battle."
Ash seemed to have come to a decision as well. Stepping up front, he looked around him before staring straight at the girl curiously.
"Where's the umpire…?"
The girl eyed him curiously.
"What?"
"You know… the one who holds those two weird flags and states the rules for the battle…?"
At that, the girl just shrugged it off.
"Oh… that's just for those other gyms… we don't really need one, do we?"
"I guess not…"
The girl reached to her belt and detached her first Pokéball.
"Then let's go! Aron, I choose you!"
The ball hit the ground, red immateria released from its core. In another moment, a Pokémon the size of a Zigzagoon emerged, its steel coat shining in the torch light.
As though triggered by the appearance of a Pokémon, the ground beneath them began to rumble; the torches flared a bright orange as their intensity doubled. Surprisingly, the temperature still remained constant, though it might have been because of the air-conditioning systems which were installed throughout the building.
Beneath their feet, the ground began to glow; the trainers only stepped away just in time, as an arena began to surface from beneath the tatami. The mats slipped away as large metal pillars erupted from the ground; in seconds the arena was ready.
"Alright then… ready, Ditto?"
The pink blob hopped forward, nodding slightly. Aron stepped forward as well, lowering its head as though to begin the attack.
"We'll use three Pokémon each, is that okay?"
Ash nodded slowly; he didn't know anything about the girl, but chances were appearances were deceiving.
Both Pokémon faced each other over a field which was longer than it was wide. Steel columns stood at haphazard angles all around the field; it reminded Ash of the Ruins field back at the Trainer Square.
He flipped his PokéNav open and pointed the receiver at the Aron, allowing the PokéDex program to run automatically.
It's Aron, the Iron Armor Pokémon. Aron is a Rock and Steel type, so physical attacks won't work as well on it. This specimen looks less than experienced, though…
"He… hey! That isn't fair! Aron, begin with a Take Down!"
The attack came suddenly; before Ash had a chance to wonder about the morality of using a PokéDex. Stashing the PokéNav away, he shouted the command to Ditto.
"Ditto...! Use Transform, now!"
Ditto nodded, turning itself into an exact copy of Aron.
"Iron Defense!"
Just in time, Ditto curled into a ball, the steel plates on its body shining a bright gold as the attack impacted. Ditto recovered, shaken but not badly hurt. Aron retreated immediately after the attack.
A hit and run… and Ditto's Iron Defense isn't as powerful as Aron's is…
"Ditto; Agility!"
It was his turn to take the initiative; he knew that he wouldn't be able to survive in a test of brawn. Ditto glowed blue, as it the molecular structure of Azumarill was superimposed on itself. Adrenalin pumped through its veins as its reaction speed was bolstered.
"Now, Triple Kick!"
With a running jump, Ditto launched itself into the air, simultaneously morphing into Hitmontop. Out of the light, a long foot lashed out.
"Aron; Iron Defense!"
The Pokémon curled into itself, steel plates locking as the kick impacted. One, two, and three, and Aron was sent flying back. Yet the steel plates had not even dented.
"Metal Claw and Mud Slap!"
In a flash, Aron had dug its claws into the ground, halting its progress and sending it flying forward. The soft soil underfoot was a perfect ground to execute the manoeuvre. Even as it flew forward, its claws dragged the earth beneath it, sending it flying forward at Hitmontop.
"Rapid Spin! Ditto, block the attack!"
Ditto was still in mid-air, so quick had the attack come. Almost in slow-motion, it began to spin, its limbs flailing in a wild cyclone as the mud was sent flying in all directions.
"Now, Take Down one more time!"
The Aron flew forward, slamming straight into Ditto-Hitmontop. The Pokémon was knocked out of its spin, and also its transformation.
"Ugh… that was a pretty strong attack."
But Aron had also suffered a hit from Hitmontop. The Steel Pokémon was sent flying back, crashing against a metal pillar. As both trainers watched, the Pokémon gathered the energy to stand up again. A single attack wasn't going to finish either Pokémon off.
"Ditto; let's fight back! Ember!"
It was time to use what the Trainer's Square had taught them.
"Okay! Aron, get ready to use –"
"Wait!"
The single, authoritative voice froze everyone in mid-battle. But it was the Gym Leader who seemed the most affected; almost immediately she recalled her Aron.
"What are you doing!"
The screech belonged to a woman who looked to be in her seventies. Even as she stepped forward, the girl ran into a corner.
"I…was just…"
"Don't you 'I was just' me, young lady! How many badges have you lost today?"
"Ju… just one."
The old woman sighed, setting the grocery bags she was holding down on the ground.
"I guess it can't be helped. Let me warn you, though… if you ever pretend to be the Gym Leader again, I'm telling your parents!"
At that, the young girl nodded and ran off, taking the grocery bags off to a side room.
The four trainers stared at the woman askance. Despite her age, she seemed to be fit in every respect.
"Are you… the Gym Leader?" Dave asked tentatively.
The old woman nodded in response.
"That young girl is my apprentice. She also happens to be my granddaughter. I'm sorry if she misled any of you."
Ash blanched.
"But what about the battle…?"
At that, the old woman tapped the Pokébelt she wore.
"You can either come back after having a short rest, or continue from where she left off. We'll count the last round as you having won, and I'll use just two Pokémon against your three."
Ash looked around to the others, who just shrugged in turn. Sighing, he turned back to the woman.
"Fine. I accept your offer."
The woman wagged a finger at him.
"Don't expect to win so easily, though… go, Lairon!"
With a flourish, she released a Pokémon that seemed about twice the size of Aron. It shook itself up, the metal plates which lined its body making a soft ringing noise as they brushed against each other.
"This is it then, Ditto; let's continue this with an Ember!"
Ditto glowed red as it began to transform into a Growlithe; flickers of flame were emitted from its body.
"Now; Water Pulse!"
Before Ditto had even begun its Ember attack, Lairon's attack was through. Streaking toward the Growlithe-morph with intense speed, the attack seemed less like a pulse of water than an arcing arrow, leaving blue-tinged rings of moisture as it sliced through the air.
Before Ash could respond, the attack struck Ditto, sending it flying back and knocking it out of its transformation again.
"Ugh… how can it use Water-Type attacks…?"
He knew to be wary now; until he had figured out what other attacks Lairon could use…
Ditto stood up, but only just. It was just as well Water Pulse wasn't a move Lairon naturally learnt; the proficiency of its attack was not remarkably high. It was, however, fast. Ash didn't want to risk another hit.
"Ditto… Bubblebeam!"
Ditto glowed blue again, releasing a stream of bubbles even as it began its transformation. The attack streamed toward Lairon at a pace remarkable for a bubble; or bubbles, as it was.
"Lairon; counter it with a Metal Sound!"
Not knowing what to expect, Ash wasn't able to take his eyes off the Lairon in front of him. A pity, because Michelle had managed to get everyone else to cover their ears.
A shrilling sound began to emanate from Lairon's steel shell. Its carapace shook as the sound began to grow in intensity. As the bubbles approached, the sound reached an upper limit, causing the bubbles to pop, all at the same time. But the screech didn't stop there. As the intense frequency continued to sound, Ash put his hands to his ears; Ditto shuddered, unable to keep the attack going.
"And now; Water Pulse again!"
Darn it… she's trying to keep us at a distance…
"Ditto; Agility!"
Once more Ditto glowed blue; the adrenalin rushed through its body as it rushed forward.
"Fly!"
In a single leap, Ditto jumped high above the range of the Water Pulse, its body morphing once more. In response, Lairon shot the pulses of water straight into the air, attempting to hit Ditto.
The wings sprouted first.
Right before the attack would have slammed into Ditto, it was gone; away on wings of Farfetch'd.
"Now; let's try a Fire Spin!"
Even as he said that, Ditto swooped down upon Lairon; even as it slowed down, its body glowed red once more; tongues of flame intermittently flickered as it transformed.
Directly above Lairon, a ring of fire began to blossom outward. Flaming tendrils of fire shot straight down into the ground, trapping both Pokémon within.
"Lairon! Water Pulse!"
But the Pokémon was unable to blast through the cage of fire. Ditto-Rapidash hovered just inches above it, its wings still beating as it slowly descended.
"Now; finish it off with a Take Down!"
Within the pillar of fire, the Rapidash aimed its horn downward, galloping along an invisible track even as its wings spread wide.
"Lairon; Iron Defense!"
The fire around them flickered under the impact; dissipating to reveal Rapidash and Lairon, both locked in what looked to be the final struggle. Lairon's sides were scorched, but it was still strong enough to challenge Ditto-Rapidash's Take Down. They watched, almost in slow motion, as Rapidash's horn pushed through the golden aura which constituted Lairon's Iron Defense.
"Break it off; Lairon!"
But no matter how hard Lairon tried to break the attack, Rapidash continued its assault.
But Take Down… it hurts Ditto as well…
"Darn it… Flamethrower!"
Now it was Ditto's turn to disengage; it pranced to a side and sent a stream of liquid flame flying across at Lairon. The Iron Defense was broken as it shook off its weariness to meet the Flamethrower rushing toward it.
"Water Pulse; one more time!"
Both attacks collided in mid-air; a loud hissing and a gush of rising steam was formed. While Lairon's attack was one learnt via a Technical Machine, Ditto's was one learnt from being a Morph. Both attacks were evenly matched in terms of proficiency. Both were doomed to fail.
"What…?"
The attacks died down as both Pokémon grew too fatigued to continue fighting. Lairon staggered, unable to hold its own any longer; Ditto de-transformed, falling in a heap to the ground. Without any hesitation, the woman recalled her Pokémon.
"You would do well to recall Ditto as well," she added.
Ash nodded, running forward and pulling the exhausted Ditto off the battlefield. Turning to the three trainers behind him, Ash handed the unconscious Pokémon to Erynn, then turned to face her again.
"That was a pretty even match, trainer."
It was at that point that he realized neither of them knew each other's names.
"My name's Ash, and I'm from Palladium. My friends here are Erynn, of Rubidium; Dave, also of Palladium; and Michelle, of Fluoride."
Each of the others bowed or did suchlike as he introduced them. The woman nodded.
"My name's Elizabeth; I'm the Leader of the Aluminate Gym, as you already know. My granddaughter…"
At this, the girl in question walked out of the side room, holding a pair of flags.
"Well, she's my apprentice and the umpire. Her name's—"
"Sera. And I really wish I didn't have to do this…"
At a stern look from her grandmother, though, she desisted.
"This third battle is between the Aluminate Gym Leader Elizabeth and the trainer Ash Vortnes of Palladium. Begin!"
Elizabeth allowed herself a faint smile as she released her last Pokémon.
Aggron.
They all knew the Pokémon from the statues around town; but seeing one in person was a whole different kettle of fish. Its eyes glowed red under its large horns; it was at least a foot taller than Ash, who was in no way short. Its body was covered entirely by solid iron, which gleamed in the light as it roared.
"Your Ditto may have been a strong Pokémon; but I don't think it could've stood up to Aggron, either."
Dave watched the battle with growing interest.
"Espeon; we should be able to take that guy on."
Espeon nodded slowly, watching just as intently.
"I, for one, think this will actually be good for Ash."
Erynn turned to Michelle, unsure of her meaning.
"You mean, getting pummeled into submission will make him more understanding of your theories of destruction?"
Michelle shook her head.
"That too, but I actually meant that he'll have a chance to use his other Pokémon actively. So far, he's only used Hoppip in situations he's had to; and Ralts…"
Erynn nodded slowly. But Ralts was still a problem.
"What happens if Ralts still refuses to battle?"
Michelle shrugged.
"Then he'll be pummeled into submission; yes."
T E N T O R F O G
The training room was a mass of state-of-the-art circuitry. It spanned three storeys, and was perhaps the size of four football fields in length and breadth. It was also entirely barren; apart from the group of five boys which entered through its sliding doors.
Reno stared at the walls with interest as they progressed forward. They seemed to be entirely transparent, revealing a sea of inky black beyond them: another reminder that they would never be able to escape.
Even if they had wanted to.
Translucent wires ran across the length of the room, occasionally lighting up as electricity coursed through it; as it was coursing now. The wiring lit a path of bright blue for the group of them; a path which led to a single console which stood, alone, in the exact center of the room.
The other boys in his group were from pretty diverse walks of life. Not that any of them had told him; he had only met them perhaps a week ago. It was just something he knew; like he knew the boy with the lighter had been in and out of remand homes half his life; like he knew the boy wearing the hoodie had never known the love of a parent.
There were five of them; four boys, and the last their Trainer. When he had first arrived, he had soon learnt that Delta Twelve was a group that left no room for mistakes; the other boys, while all around his age, had the best track record of any of the other forty-odd crack teams.
In the short time he'd spent training with them, he'd learnt that the word 'training' did not specifically refer to your Pokémon. In a week's training, he'd been put under every manner of physical torture he could endure. He smiled; he could only come out stronger.
It seemed that the others in his group had taken an especial disliking to him as well. Since the first day, they had never ceased to find a way to pick on him; their methods were singularly discreet, considering the strict code of discipline in the facility.
Yet the trainer seemed to care little, not even when the three of them had deliberately pushed him into an electric barrier during their last training session. Then, it had been declared a case of pure carelessness, and while the whole team had been punished, he had been the one blame had been pinned to.
Skately's words rang in his ears.
"Beware of bullies…"
He wondered if it was more than a simple warning.
His hand clutched the blue-and-grey Pokéball; he had learnt it was empty about four days ago. He wasn't sure why he had been issued an empty one, but today was the day he'd been asked to bring it along.
The Trainer stopped directly in front of the console, and pressed his palm against it. Instantly there was a soft humming noise; in a flash of violet light, the world shifted. There was a burst of bright colour as the world around him seemed to explode; in a moment, the world had righted itself, and Reno found himself lying in the soft mud of a jungle. The other boys, used to the transition, merely watched as he got to his feet.
"The four of you may be wondering why I've got you to bring your SP Pokéballs today…" the trainer began.
"Because of your above-average performance, the Admin has decided to award each of you one of these very special balls…" at this, the Trainer turned his cold gaze on Reno, "even you."
"The SP was created with the intention of allowing each of you to fulfill your full potential; the only limit to the power of this ball is yourself.
"As you would all have found out at some time or another, the ball is, to all appearances, empty. While some of you might have been confused, I can assure you," he looked at each of them in turn, "there was no mistake."
"For you to fully utilize the power of the SP there is a single vital component that has yet to be input into the ball."
He removed a slim knife from his pocket, beckoning the first boy to step up. This one wore glasses, and from experience was an expert strategist; he winced as the blood left his arm, but didn't flinch. As the ball came into contact with the blood, it shone a deep red before returning to its blue-and-grey state. Next came the boy who perpetually played with his lighter, then the one who was singularly obsessed with wolves. The boy in the hoodie was through, then it came to him.
The Trainer's hand was steady as it drew a swift line across his hand in blood. He could feel the burning sensation begin to spread across his palm; feel it even as he brought the SP ball in contact with the red liquid.
And then everything went wrong.
There was a sudden pain as the ball seemed to sear into his flesh; for an instant he watched, dazed, as his arm seemed to melt away; the ball pulsing steadily in tandem to his heart.
Time slowed to a crawl; he felt the agony of a thousand needles rushing through his bloodstream; and then a pair of red eyes…
"For I am yours, your Shadow Partner…"
And then the darkness melted away; sucked into the powerful void which was the SP ball.
When he awoke from his state of unconsciousness, he was lying in his bunk. Looking to his side-table, he noticed his SP ball. It winked innocently at him in the lamplight.
A/N: Hooray for my first new completed chapter, so long after I began! It's the first time I've written five thousand words in a single chapter… whew. Tiring, this is.
The power of an SP ball… it really isn't what anyone would expect, I'd think. If anyone wants to try guessing, you might write it in your reviews. Just note that what Reno experienced is less than ordinary.
I hope you all enjoyed this chapter; I'm not exactly sure when I'll update again, but it'll probably be in a week at most. I hope you'll give me some inspiration though; no need to point out quite where the plot's going, but I do need some other happenings to keep the story coming along! After all, the many many many series of Pokémon (the anime thing) didn't keep going because Ash battled from gym to gym. Of course, there are the untimely interventions by the Rockets, but there's a lot more to it than that.
Either way, please comment if you liked or didn't like this chapter, and explain just why, if you can. I'd be very much obliged to my patient readers who've put up with my hiatus for so long; I can't help if my style might have changed a bit. I kinda hoped it would, anyways.