Author Notes — I really wanted to publish this story a long time ago, but I never had the chance to because I'm caught between doing it or not. But finally I chose to do it! Also, since it's almost Platinum's birthday, I let her start the story off. And if you guys know it or not, I am going to write her as Platinum instead of Platina. Because I think that sounds better (in my opinion) but if you prefer Platina, I will change it if you PM or review your opinion to me. I don't mind writing either one.
Disclaimer: I do not own Pokespe or any of it's characters. I do not own the cover either.
Extra info about the format of my story:
[..] Someone talking through the game.
".." Talking through the microphone from the character's perspective.
{..} The game system.
".." Italics will be thoughts/flashbacks.
Chapter One — Online and Offline
Platinum opened her black laptop and typed a familiar website. Her computer spoke out loud as she loaded the website screen.
{Welcome to Pokérune. Please enter your username and password.}
Her fingers slammed against the keyboard quickly, showing she was eager to go on. She reached out to the side to grab her headphone set, then adjusted the microphone near her mouth.
Username: Quartz101
Password: ********
Hitting the final key ENTER, the screen changed.
{Please have a fun time in Pokérune. Enjoy the game!}
Immediately, the computer screen transitioned into a forest scenery that was all in pixels. Her avatar appeared on the screen, surrounded by other players that just logged on as well. The avatar she chose looked similar to herself in real life on her screen, but to others, she looked different. Unless you were 'allies' with her, you couldn't see what her character really looked like. Of course, being from a rich family and hiding the fact she even plays the game doesn't let her consider anyone as an ally. There was no way she was going to trust the internet, and letting strangers know what she really looks like. For now, she was seen as the Pokérune character, Piplup. It was one of her favorites, look wise and stat wise. In addition, she chose the Summoner class since it was one of the strongest according to her guidebook, so her piplup avatar was cutely dressed in a purple witch outfit with a matching wand.
[Quartz!] Upon hearing the voice, Platinum's eyes flickered to the side of the screen, spotting a familiar thief-class jigglypuff. This jigglypuff happens to be one of her online friends she made, Aoineko— Aoi for short.
"Hello," Platinum greeted, speaking into the microphone softly. Because of the game program, it was altered, and she probably sounded like a guy. She didn't like that feature, but she didn't mind either.
[You're finally on!] Aoi chirped in a peppy tone. Her voice modifier sounded like a little girl, which matched her image.
"Yes, my father allowed me to take a short break," Platinum replied.
Being a violin prodigy and attending the prestigious "Prodigy Program" at her high school took up a lot of her time. The students in the program had harder classes than regular students, and they competed in higher competitions and tournaments to showcase their talents. This allowed students to gain scholarships to the best colleges and pursue different opportunities, so of course, she had to be in it.
The jigglypuff tilted it's head in a cute manner. [Take a break of what?]
"Take a break from doing my homework," Platinum lied smoothly, not wanting to give a stranger any hints about her life.
[Oh. Well, you wanna go to The Lab? I heard one of our group members rented it from the Professor.]
"The Lab" was a popular open common place for high leveled players. "The Professor" was the mod that let players in and out, but sometimes high ranking players are able to 'rent' it for a couple hours to keep others out. It was a regular hangout spot for the group she played with often because they consisted all of high ranking players.
Platinum tapped a key to make her avatar shake its head. "Yes, I would love to. Let's go."
Platinum's avatar and Aoi entered the place they discussed earlier, only to find four other people already in there, talking among themselves. She recognized them as LeafGreen the samurai-class scizor, Awesome the paladin-class aipom, Sparkles the summoner-class ralts, and Kotone the siren-class marill. When she entered alongside Aoi, they were talking about some upcoming tournament.
Aoi showed a look of displeasure as her avatar frowned, and interrupted their conversation. [Why isn't Healer here?]
Healer was a healing-class pikachu who was known for being Aoi's special battle partners. Sometimes, the game lets you create teams when battling players or other Pokémon mod bosses. Many times, Aoi and Healer will always team up or talk the most in the group to each other.
[She said that she was working on a project before leaving a couple minutes ago.] LeafGreen answered, his voice deep. Platinum wondered if that was his real voice, or whether there was a girl behind the screen.
[That sucks! There's a lot of players in line for battle, so I was hoping we could've taken care of it now since I have to do work later...] Aoi whined, showing another look of being displeased with the news.
"Do you have a job?" Platinum asked her, wondering if she was an adult.
[You have it wrong. I meant paperwork for school.] Aoi clarified, shooting down Platinum's assumption of being an adult.
"Oh," Platinum mouthed curtly. She was about to say something else until she heard something ring beside her. Averting her eyes from the screen and onto her phone alarm, she frowned. Time's up already. After pressing the SNOOZE button to stop the noise and vibration, she returned her attention to the screen.
"I must apologize, but I have to go now," Platinum announced, feeling a bit disappointed in how fast her break went.
[What? You just arrived, though!] Aoi whined.
[Yeah, what's up with that short entrance? I wanted to talk some more with you!] Kotone piped up, having the same whiny tone as Aoi.
"I need to go to sleep early for tomorrow. I have plans in the morning," Platinum explained.
[Okay, but you better come on more!] Aoi scolded.
Platinum pressed a few keys to make her character nod its head.
"I will try next time."
That was the last thing she said before moving her mouse to the LOG OFF button. Clicking the button, her computer spoke out loud to her again.
{Are you sure you want to LOG OFF?}
She moved her mouse to the options, and clicked YES.
{Thank you for playing. Please come on again soon!}
Platinum closed her laptop after shutting it down. She laid back onto her chair and reached her arms out, stretching. She wondered why every time she had extra time to play, it went too fast before she can actually enjoy the game.
Maybe I'll get more time to play after my competition ends, she thought, trying to think optimistically.
Everyone isn't on right now because they're busy, but during Summer time or Christmas, they tend to have more breaks and the whole group is there. Maybe, she hoped, that she can play with the whole group soon. It was very entertaining to get along with them and talk to them about things they had in common.
Platinum took a deep breath and closed her eyes peacefully. I hope that time comes along soon.
Yellow pushed the door open and entered slowly, making sure not to make any loud noises. It was early in the morning, so the school was very peaceful. Personally, she'd like to keep it like that in the art room.
However, when she walked in, she felt a cold hand touch her neck. Tensing up, she lost her balance and scrambled onto the floor in front of her, dropping all her art supplies. Sitting up, she saw who the attacker was, and upon recognizing them, she frowned. It was none other than her best friend, Blue.
After getting close to her online, Yellow and Blue became super close to the point they met in real life. Turns out, they happen to go to the same school, which made them even closer. The both of them were a part of the Prodigy Program, which gave them more opportunities to hang out. Yellow was in the art division, while Blue performed in the gymnastics category.
The brunette tuck a strand of her long hair behind her ear as she giggled at the scene of Yellow's fall. She held out a hand for her to get up, which Yellow accepted hesitantly.
"Sorry Yellow, I couldn't resist," Blue apologized playfully, winking. "I had to get you back for ditching me last night."
"I was working on an art project for the upcoming competition," Yellow grumbled, picking up the supplies she had dropped earlier.
Looking up at Blue, she tilted her head and arched an eyebrow at her. "So, what are you doing here?"
"I wanted to visit you since we never ever talk," Blue answered, pouting like a child.
"We literally have seven out of eight class periods together, P.E., and lunch together," Yellow pointed out.
Literally the only thing they didn't have with each other is the "Prodigy Program Period", which is the one period set aside for students in the program to practice their talents. Since they had entirely different talents, of course they didn't share it.
"Ugh still! I'm so lonely and bored! Entertain me with your artistic talents, Yellow! I'll watch," Blue announced, planting her butts in one of the stools in the room.
Yellow opened her mouth to retaliate, but before she could say anything, a large shattering sound interrupted their conversation. Without realizing it, she saw a black shadow pass her and shards of glass all over the room. The room fell silent as Blue and Yellow turned their heads towards the mess. Yellow glanced at the floor, noticing that the shadow she spotted earlier was actually a football.
"I'm sorry!" a gruff voice called out from the other side of the window.
A brunette with a blue bandanna dressed in a football jersey popped her head into the room. She hoisted herself up through the window and went over to retrieve the football that flew into the room.
"Sorry 'bout that," she apologized again, a Kansai accent visible in her tone.
Looking at them with a hint of guilt and sheepishness, she asked, "Are ya two alright? Did any of the glass hit y'all? I was practicing throwing the ball, but it looks like I threw it way too hard and it got out of my reach!"
"Woah," Blue said, completely ignoring the girl's concern. She stared at the girl with intrigued eyes. "I didn't know there was a girl on the football team!"
"B-Blue! That's not what you should say! W-What do we do about the window?!" Yellow spluttered, panicking over the mess.
The girl looked at the window, and with a chill tone, she shrugged the mess off. "Don't worry 'bout that! My papa will take care of that! I'll just tell the school principal ta send the bill to Professor Birch. He's my papa!"
The pair widened their eyes when they found out the information.
"No way!" they exclaimed at the same time.
Professor Birch was one of the top students from the program when they first implemented it a long time ago. He was known for being very gifted in knowledge and science, and the one who created the foundation for the program. Because of him, students were able to excel more and showcase their talents. Even though Yellow and Blue weren't in the academic section of the program, they at least know his name.
"Yeah way," The girl replied to them casually, popping out a toothy grin. "My name's Sapphire Birch! I'm his daughter!"
"Wow, first I met a girl football player, and now the daughter of Professor Birch. How interesting!" Blue commented, holding her hand out to her. "I'm Blue! I'm also the student council president! Nice to meet you!"
"I'm Yellow!" Yellow chirped from behind Blue.
Sapphire took the hand gratefully. "I know! I see Gold and Silver hang with y'all often!"
Gold was Yellow's cousin, and Silver was Blue's adopted brother. The two were on the football team as a part of the athletic section of the Prodigy Program, and very close friends. Seeing that the school is very competitive about being the best, it's no surprise that they implemented sports into the program. Blue and Yellow assumed Sapphire was a part of the same team as their brother and cousin since she wore the football uniform.
Before the two best friends could question her relationship with them, a shout came from outside. "SAPPHIRE! ARE YOU DONE GETTING IT?!"
"Oops. I gotta go before Gold gets mad. See ya!"
Sapphire waved goodbye before jumping out the window she came from. Blue and Yellow looked through the window, watching her run towards the field.
"Well," Yellow spoke up, glancing at the mess. "Should we go call a teacher?"
Blue looked at the mess as well. "Nah, let's just leave. Hopefully someone will come and clean up the glass. I'm hungry too, so let's go get breakfast."
Yellow rolled her eyes. "Blue!" she chided.
Knowing Yellow wouldn't let it go, Blue groaned. "Ugh, fine! Let's go tell a teacher then go get breakfast! I'm not waiting for you to finish drawing though! We're going to hang for the rest of the morning, and that's that!"
The blonde nodded, satisfied she got her way.
A girl with brown hair tied into pigtails sat against the wall, a laptop sitting comfortably on her lap. She glanced over to her identical twin, who was occupied doing other things. Her twin sister was dressed in a karate gee and punching through the air, practicing. When watching her in silence, she quickly became bored.
"Crys! Let's play! Let's play!" Soul whined at her sister, kicking her legs.
Her twin sister, Crystal, ignored her. After punching through the air, she raised her leg and began slamming it down the stack of bricks in front of her, successfully smashing them into pieces. Looking satisfied, she tightened the black belt around her waist and began to get more bricks for her practice.
Crystal was a prodigy for the karate athlete's section, while Soul was a prodigy in writing and literature. The two might be twins, but they couldn't be more different.
After a brief silence, Crystal finally answered her, "I don't have time for that game. I have to keep up with my studies, and I can't afford to get rusty in karate either. Who's going to protect us if something happens?"
"My prince charming will come and save us," Soul answered dreamily, clasping her hands together.
Crystal rolled her eyes at her reply, something she does very often around Soul. "Sometimes, I wonder what you think. It's okay to play that game, but you better not fall behind in your studies!" she chided.
Soul leaned back and groaned. "Ugh, never mind!" she told her, wanting to stop her before a scolding came. "I'll just play by myself then. Hmph!"
Crystal glanced at her sister before focusing on breaking the next set of bricks she gathered.
On her laptop, Soul pulled up her favorite online game website.
{Welcome to Pokérune. Please enter your username and password.}
She typed in her information.
Username: Kotone24
Password: *******
"And... enter," Soul mumbled to herself, pressing the ENTER button. She reached over to her school backpack and pulled out a pair of headphones that she placed over her head.
{Please have a fun time in Pokérune. Enjoy the game!}
Immediately when she logged on, she was sent to The Lab because it was the last place she was in from last night. Because it was the morning, she didn't expect anyone to be there, but to her surprise, Dark Hood was online. Dark Hood was a thief-class feraligatr that was a part of the online group she hung with. She didn't really interact with him as much as the other members of the group because he was quiet and would fight all the time. Thinking about it, she never heard his voice.
"Hey there," her character, Kotone the marill, greeted him. She didn't want to choose a human avatar because she felt like it ruined the aspect of the game and the marill was cuter to look at.
{DarkHood097_ requests a battle with you.}
She furrowed her eyebrows in confusion. Damn, he wants to pick a fight already? She shrugged it off. After accepting the invitation to battle him, the screen changed from a laboratory setting to a forest setting. Their characters stood in the middle of the forest, which happened to be their chosen location.
Looking at the screen, Soul noticed that Dark Hood happened to have a higher level than her, his being 85 and hers being 70. In addition, his character happened to have more power than her cute little marill that she picked for looks. Maybe this wasn't the best idea.
{BATTLE BEGIN.}
DarkHood097_ HP: 100% : +++++++++++++++++
Kotone24 HP: 100% : +++++++
Ugh even the HP is unfair, Soul bitterly thought.
{CHOOSE AN ATTACK.}
She chose a random attack that was decent against another water type: Iron Tail.
DarkHood097_ HP: 92% : ++++++++++++++++
Unfortunately, it did not do much. Dark Hood's turn. The feraligatr walked up to her character and devoured her, most likely using the move Bite. After using that move, it spit her character out and immediately, her sweet marill was knocked out. Soul grimaced at the scene, slamming her computer.
Kotone24 HP: 0%
"WHAT THE HECK?!" Soul exclaimed, watching her marill character get eaten alive and getting spit out. Crystal glanced away from her punching bag, and saw her sister panic.
{Kotone24 LOST. As promised, 1/2 of your money goes to the winner, DarkHood097_.}
Soul slammed the computer again. Ugh, not only did she not look at the level difference, she didn't even remember to check the bets.
"Soul, I'm not buying you a new computer if you break that one," Crystal warned her, noticing the constant slamming she kept doing.
Soul couldn't hear what she said since she was too focused on the game. She typed at lightning speed, trying to chat with him to get it back.
"Give my money back!" she demanded, yelling into the microphone.
[You lost.] She heard a deep voice from him. [I'm not giving it back.]
After saying that, Dark Hood vanished from the screen, which meant he had logged out. Soul's jaw fell. She couldn't believe what happened. Okay, so maybe it was part of her fault, but really? Taking half of her well earned money and then leaving right away? He even ignored her! What the heck!
Rubbing her temples, she let out a loud dissatisfied groan and earned looks from Crystal again.
"Soul! Stop making so much noise!" Crystal scolded.
"Yeah, yeah," she grumbled sulkily, waving her sister off.
Soul slouched her back to mope and began logging off. This ruined her morning mood, and she doesn't even feel like playing more battles right now.
Clicking the LOG OFF button, the screen loaded to the homepage. However, it didn't load fully and instead flashed to a black screen. Confused, Soul tapped the laptop repeatedly, wondering what's going on. The computer then flashed a person's face onto the screen for a split second before showing random static. This made Soul jump in her spot, nearly getting a heart attack. She didn't get a good look at their face, but it surprised her. It quickly passed by though, and she was back at the homepage of the website.
"What the heck..." she muttered to herself.
It was weird. Why did that happen? Did her computer break down because it was too old? Questions filled her mind as she kept thinking from the solution. One last question was on her mind though. Was it the game? She shook her head at the ridiculous thought. It couldn't be. She had played that game for months, and that had never happened.
"Hey Crys," she called out, getting the attention from her black belt sister. "I need a new laptop, I think this one is too old."
Crystal gave her a displeased look. "Soul! I told you not to break it!"
Okay, I know I rushed the plot a bit too much by putting it into the first chapter, but that's just a start. It probably won't appear till later, so don't worry, the plot should stay steady for now, I guess... But for now, I've introduced all the female dex-holders (from Kanto to Sinnoh)!
Anyways, please review! I want to hear your thoughts. Constructive criticism is allowed! I'm a pretty bad writer (especially with grammar) so I probably need some tips on my writing. I will try to improve. Thank you for reading ^-^
EDITED APRIL 8th 2021.
