The morning light illuminated the room, waking me up from my slumber. I yawned, stretching my arms and legs. It was time to wake up. The first thing I noticed was the unusual high temperature of the room.
"What the hell happened last night?" I muttered, opening my eyes.
I turned my head, and saw Typhlosion sleeping beside me, still snoring loudly. I sighed before getting out of bed. Today was Saturday, sso I had all day to relax. As Typhlosion was still sleeping, I decided to play on my laptop in the living room to avoid disturbing him.
After playing 'Among Them' for quite a long time, I heard a knock at the door. I went to open it, and saw Typlosion standing there.
"Hello Typhlosion! Good morning!" I greeted him.
"Hi Oliver! Can I come in?" He asked.
"Sure." I opened the door wider.
"Thank you. I hope you didn't mind that I slept here." He apologized, entering the house.
"No problem. It's fine." I reassured him. "What are you doing today?"
"Well, I'm going back home to continue my training. But since it's Saturday, I thought I might take a break and go for a walk with you before." He suggested.
"Are you sure? You probably should rest. I mean, it's been a long week for you." I told him.
"I'm okay. And besides, I feel like walking. I've been cooped up inside all this time, and I'm bored."
"Alright! Let's get going then." I agreed.
We started walking down the street. Typlosion was walking very slowly, and seemed to be looking around. I remembered what happened yesterday, and I was worried.
"Typhlosion? Are you alright?" I asked, trying to make conversation.
"Yes Oliver. I'm just a little... overwhelmed." He answered.
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"I mean... I'm not used to being surrounded by people like you."
I interpreted it as a 'nerd' joke again, and I felt a bit annoyed.
"What do you mean?" I asked again.
"Well, I'm just saying... I don't usually go further from small talk." He explained.
"Ahh... Yeah... Well, don't worry. You're a good friend, and I trust you." I tried to reassure him.
"Thanks Oliver." He smiled.
Then, we arrived at a park, where we sat down.
"I wish I could be a Pokémon sometimes" I said.
"Why?" He asked.
"Because then I would be able to use my powers to make everyone's life easier!" I said.
"But... Don't you have very strong Pokémon?" Typhlosion said confused. That was what you said the day we met.
Fuck! Now I remember! I lied about that!
"Yeah... I do. I just... I don't like to use violence, you know..." I stuttered, trying to convince him.
"So you want to be a Pokémon yourself because you don't want to help people using your own Pokémon?"
"Well, yeah! Exactly that!" I said.
"Oliver, why are you being so defensive?" He asked.
"I am not!" I said.
"Come on... What's wrong?" He insisted.
"Nothing, nothing! I'm just not used to talking about such issues." I answered, lying through my teeth.
"You're not used to talking about battling?!" He asked, sounding doubtful. If you have tens of books about that!
"Well... Yes! I mean... No! I mean... I'm not into fighting! I just like Pokémon!" I said with frustration.
"What about your Pokémon? Where are they? I haven't seen anyone around your house."
"They're... volunteering!" I said, trying to give a valid reason.
"Volunteering? Doing what?" He asked.
"Around the town. I don't exactly know." I lied.
"You mean they are helping out at the hospital?" He guessed.
"Maybe... Maybe not..." I said, trying to think of something else to say.
"So, if they are around the town... We can go meet them!" He proposed as he let out a smile.
"Well... that is diff-"
"Hey! I just remembered! We made a bet the day we met, remember? Five grand for each Pokémon of yours I beat!" He stopped me with excitement, remembering.
"Oh yeah... I think I forgot about that." Shitshitshitshit! He remembered that!
"Wait, you're serious?" He said, surprised.
"Yeah, but... thanks for remembering me..." I said in a barely audible tone.
"No problem! I wanted to see how strong you are since we met! So, when do we battle?" He asked.
I looked around the place, trying to think of something to solve the situation. "30th February, okay? It's just two weeks ahead." I said, hoping he didn't notice the trick.
"Great! I'll be waiting." He said, happy.
"Great!" I said, feeling relieved.
"See you then!" He said, waving goodbye.
"Bye!" I said, waving back. I felt satisfied as I managed to avoid telling him about my truth.
But as I was walking away...
"Oliver…" He shouted, grabbing my shirt.
"What is it?" I said, turning around.
"Everyone knows February doesn't have 30 days. Good try." He said laughing.
"Oh... shit..." I cursed.
"I knew it from the start..." He smiled. "What about next Friday evening?" He asked.
"Friday? I can't..." I started to show a terrible fear in my tone.
"Don't be afraid. I'm your friend, right?" He said confidently.
"Yeah... I guess..." I said, hesitating.
"That's settled then! I'll be at your door by then, as always! Bye!" He said as he gave me a playful pat on the back, even though it hurted a bit for me!
"Bye!" I replied, waving goodbye.
"See ya!" He called me.
I walked away, and left the place. Now, I had a REAL problem. Where was I going to get a Pokémon and 5K?
"Damn it..." I cursed under my breath. I will have to improvise something...
—
Back at home, I started thinking.
My next step was obvious: I needed to get a Pokémon. But I've been trying to do so for years... How did I manage to fail every single time?
And what about money? I can barely survive with what I have at the moment! This time, I really needed to find an answer. I thought hard on it, and I came up with an idea.
The plan was simple: I'd spend many hours at the university's library to avoid going home. Given that it was open from 7 AM to 8 PM, it would be a good way to avoid Typhlosion.
The library wasn't busy, which was a blessing. The best thing about it was that it allowed to use the internet, allowing me to spend the day there without boring myself too much.
And so, I got ready to spend as much time as I could for all the week.
—
Soon, Friday came, and with it, Typhlosion's challenge.
I was nervous, thinking how long would I have to wait here to get Typhlosion tired of waiting. Even though it was a very important matter, I couldn't help but laugh at the thought of Typhlosion knocking on my door over and over again.
After a rather fun evening, the library closed at 8 PM, and I was forced to leave. But still, I couldn't go back home, as it was still early, so I decided to have dinner at 'Kanto Fabulous Charmander' to make time.
The restaurant was nearby, and I liked the food there. The fried Pidgey was delicious! Maybe I should have dinner there more often...
When I finished, it was already 10 PM. He should be gone by now! So, I decided to go back home. I smiled all the way back, thinking about how successful I was avoiding him.
When I arrived, I saw he wasn't there. Great! I thought.
I closed the door behind me and went to my room, and started to stream a new gameplay video about 'Scream of Duty' on 'Twist', when I heard someone knocking at the door.
Who could it be at those hours?! Midnight was playing time, not visiting time! I headed downstairs and opened the door.
"WHAAAAAAH!" I screamed as I saw who was outside.
Typhlosion stood there still as a statue. The snowy night in contrast with his slightly burning fur made him look fierce and intimidating.
"Shit..." I muttered as I stepped aside.
"I told you I wouldn't forget!" He laughed.
"What are you doing here, anyway? It's not evening anymore!" I asked, annoyed.
"I came to surprise you! And to play our bet, of course!" He said, making an OK sign.
"But... How much time have you been waiting?"
"I've came several times at different hours!" He answered. "But it'll be worth the wait! I can feel it!"
Fffffffuck! Emphasis on the 'F'. That's what I was thinking right now.
"Fine! Fine! Just come inside!" I said, motioning him to come inside.
"Thank you!" He said as he started to enter the house. "It's freezing out there!"
"Yes, well... Welcome!" I said sarcastically.
"Hmmm... Oliver, I don't see my opponents here. Where are they?" He asked.
"They are probably about to come!" I said, pointing at some nearby buildings.
"Really?" He asked, looking around.
"Sure!" I said, shrugging.
"Well, I'll be waiting!" He said as he sat on the sofa, giving me time to think about how to proceed.
Now, I had the choice: either to tell him the truth, or to keep lying.
I took the second option. He overcame me physically, of course, but I wouldn't let him humiliate me mentally! This was my last chance to prove to him I was stronger than he thought.
"Okay, fine, I'll call them back in my room!" I said, showing him my phone.
"Good! So, where are we going to battle?" He asked, sitting on the bed.
"Huh?" I said, confused.
"Where are we going to battle? I think you won't be keen on me fireblasting your home, after all..." He said in a joking manner.
"Outside, at the little park around the corner." I said. "You can get there, I'll be there in a few minutes." Maybe I can get him to leave!
"Perfect!" He said, smiling. "But I'd rather wait for you here."
"OKAY!" I said, going to my room frustrated. He was turning out to be hard to deal with.
I went to my room, and closed the lock. It won't save me from him, but, at least, I could invent a last minute drama.
I spent ten minutes thinking about something that could work. Then, after a couple more minutes, Typhlosion knocked on my room's door.
"Oliver! Are you calling your Pokémon or your granny? Come on, hang up already!" He shouted.
"That can't be!" I said, pretending to be struggling with someone on the phone. "Gimme a sec, Typhlosion!" I said before continuing to talk to my actually shutted down phone. "I told you I needed them today! No buts! You know how much I need them!" I shouted.
After waiting some seconds, imitating to hear an answer, I talked again.
"Hey! Did you hear what I just said?" I asked, pretending to be irritated. "I'm losing my patience! Give me my Pokémon back, now!"
I went silent again for some seconds.
"Foreclosed? It can't be! You must have made a mistake!" I continued talking, then stopped and tried to continue the imaginary conversation.
"No, no, I can't go to Barkina Fiso in three hours! Are you crazy? It's impossible!" I shouted, pretending to be in a panic. Then, I waited a bit again
"There's no solution then, right? Well, thank you. Bye!" I finished.
Then, Typhlosion knocked again. That confirmed to me that he had heard everything. "Come on! What the heck are you doing there!" He shouted through the door.
Then, I opened the door and came out. I even brought an onion with myself to cut and make the sad look more realistic.
"Oliver, I've waited enough! I'm bored here, move your ass!" He pressured me again with an impatient tone.
"I'm sorry, but I can't do that. My Pokémon have been retained!" I lied.
"Retained?" He asked with a surprised look.
"Yeah! I'm in debt!" I said, looking for any excuse.
"In debt? With who?" He asked curiously.
"With a loan company!" I said, making a face like I was trying to remember the name.
"Ohhh, right. Well, and... Where are your Pokémon then? I might 'convince' them to release them for you?" He said, making another OK sign.
"There's no point in doing that. Because they are in..."
Typhlosion looked at me in confusion.
"... the Arabian desert!" I finished.
"What? But why?" He asked.
"Because I lost the money I borrowed, and if I don't pay it, they're gonna take my Pokémon away!" I explained.
"Oliver, do you know it's illegal to keep your Pokémon hostage in such a way?" He said, frowning.
"And do you know you are asking many questions?" I snapped. I was left with no story! "Go back home, It's late, goodnight!" I said pushing him out of the house.
"Oliver, I don't know what the fuck you are saying, but you better stop bluffing! I am not leaving here until I battle your Pokémon!" He said with determination.
"You really want to?" I asked with a fake smile.
"Of course!" He answered.
"I'll get the pokeballs in my room. I'll come down in a sec."
"I'm going with you!" He said. I didn't like this idea, but I couldn't say no, since he seemed determined.
We opened the front door, and we entered my room. I started to do like if I was searching for something. While I did that, he remained standing in the doorway. After a while, I exited the room without anything.
But as I started to walk through the corridor, Typhlosion blocked my path.
"What happens now?" I said, as I was trapped between a wall behind me and Typhlosion.
"Show me your pokeballs..." He said, as he leaned forward and put one arm on the wall at my left side, blocking my way.
Then, I started to move to the right, but he blocked me with his other arm, 'trapping me' against the wall.
"Oliver, I'm warning you that this won't end well..." He said, as he leaned closer, forcing me to stand still.
"What exactly do you want from me?" I asked, looking at him in terror.
"I want to end this thing as soon as possible, you know. But you are the one refusing to cooperate." He said. He was so close that I could feel his hot breath against me.
"DO YOU KNOW WHAT! YOU...FUCKING...WIN! I DON'T HAVE ANY Pokémon! SATISFIED?!"
He quickly backed off a step, getting away from me. Then, he nodded.
"I knew it! I knew it!" He said. "You don't have any Pokémon to battle with!"
I didn't respond, because I was truly hurt by his words. But that didn't quit the fact they were true. However, I would get something out of this. I won't be left as the (totally) dumb guy!
"True, I don't have any Pokémon! You won the bet!" I said as I clapped. "Very good!"
He then smiled slightly, probably laughing at me more than with me.
"You defeated a total of zero Pokémon, so you get... zero times five grand, which yields... ZERO POKE! Come out, get out of my house, now!" I said, pointing to the door.
"Actually, you're wrong. I CAN have one battle to fight, and five grand to win..." He added.
"And where will you find an opponent to fight, huh?" I said sarcastically.
Then, he stepped forward to me, and... pointed at me!
"YOU!" he said, narrowing his eyes. No way! This guys is nuts! He's going to kill me!
"Me?" I said, not believing in what I was hearing.
"Yes, you! I'll battle against you... directly" He said.
"WHAT?!" I shouted. He was really nuts!
"I'm serious!" He said. "Get dressed. We're going to the park you said to battle. Come on!"
"But-" I protested.
"Now!" He said, as he grabbed my hand and pulled me towards the door.
"Fine, fine!" I muttered.
I got dressed and followed him through the hallway. As soon as I was ready, we walked out, and he held me tightly all the way there, to restrain me from escaping. When we arrived at the park, he let me loose.
"Now! Let's do it!" He said.
"Wait! Wait! What are you planning to do to me?" I asked, still suspicious.
"You'll see..." He said, before he grabbed me in a lock again and pressed my back against his.
"Where are you doing?!" I asked.
"Now, take ten steps forward, and turn around." He ordered.
"Okay..." I said. "But I need you to release your grip on me."
"Very well." He said. "But don't even think of running away... or... You will pay..."
"I promise..." I whispered, as I took the ten steps required, and turned around. Then, I saw him walking in the opposite direction, before turning around.
"Well... I guess it's time to start..." He said. "One on one battle. You start!"
I was scared to no end! What the hell was he going to do to me?
He seemed to wait for me to do something, So I just faintly stepped to my right. That was all that was needed.
Then, he started to run towards me on all fours. I had never seen someone running so fast! He was coming straight for me.
I just crossed my arms in a frail attempt to block an incoming attack, but I knew it wasn't enough.
When he was about to reach me, he jumped into the air, and his fist suddenly became engulfed in flames! Luckily, he missed by a few inches, and landed on the ground.
"Damn it..." I thought.
But then, he started running again, this time with flames burning all over his back with such intensity that it also lit up the ground under him.
He was running right toward me. I was stuck in place, afraid of being burned alive.
When he was about to reach me, the flames' intensity increased to the point his whole body was on fire! I couldn't believe it!
But, to my disbelief, he didn't crash on me! He seemed to fail again by a close margin.
However, the intense heat made my whole body feel like it was melting.
I quickly turned back, to see it took him a rather long distance to stop his motion. Then, he turned back, and remained still on all fours. Was he finally stopping? It would be good.
But... I was wrong!
Just as I thought that, he threw a flamethrower attack straight at me!
"Shit..." I thought as I saw the immense column of fire approaching me. But, in the end, it missed me again by a couple feet.
"Dammit!" I thought as I felt my skin itching from the strong heat sensation.
Then, before I could even react, he was already next to me, and quickly grabbed me by the shoulders, making me unable to move. Now, I really felt it was the end.
"WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS TO ME?!" I screamed, as I looked at him, hoping he'd answer my question. Instead, he opened his mouth wide open, and a ball of a blinding white energy started to form inside.
I AM GOING TO DIE I AM GOING TO DIE I thought, as I saw my whole life flash before my eyes.
That was when he suddenly pressed my body next to his really tightly, and released the attack, which formed a powerful beam of energy, which illuminated the night sky, before a really strong explosion in the air caused the ground to shake violently.
"GAAAAAAAH!" I yelled, as I was momentarily deafened by the noise.
It took me some seconds to recover from the shock. Then, I felt him release his grip on me, and patted me on the shoulder.
"Good job... Oliver," he murmured.
"WHAT THE FUCK?!" I screamed, unable to process what was happening.
"I'm feeling sleepy, so I'm going back home, as I've obviously won. Let's call it a night. G-nite fella!" He said, as he gave me a little bow, and took his leave.
I was still confused.
Was I dreaming? Is this real?
I looked around, and confirmed the devastation of the attacks were real. Some parts of the ground were in flames, and some trees around me were broken.
"Phew..." I said, as I slowly stood up and walked back to my house. Once I reached it, I went inside and headed straight to bed.
What a hell of a day!