Authors Note: Hey there! As promised, here's a new chapter because I received a review, simple, but still a review. This chapter will focus heavily on world building and character developments, and in turn will likely be one of the longest Chapters for a VERY long time for the story; This should be an interesting one, though. I hope everyone here has a good day. And a reminder that if I get another review I'll make a new chapter as soon as possible! -Bahamut
I probably got really lucky for once, since I didn't have any embarrassing trouble while in the tent with Amber. The rain had started to up it's anty, and was really starting to rain heavy on us; but we should be fine for now since I personally think Amber and I did a magnificent job securing the Tent.
Anyway, both Amber and I weren't sleepy, so I suppose it was a good time to get to know each other. "Hey Amber, what was life like before you decided to come with me?" She froze for a moment, pursing her lips similar to when she decided to come with me, before replying.
"It was, not great. When I was 8, my mom passed away and my Father had too much on his plate to deal with me too, so he sent me to live with relatives here in Woodrow town (So that's the name of the town we were in..) which is right next to The Elder Forest, which is where you came from. Besides that, I had first came here confused and not used to the quiet life, because I initially came from a major city in the region. As much as I was picked on, I found comfort in the Poke center's nurse; or rather her daughter, also called Joy.
We used to have a lot of fun as kids and became best friends, but when my relatives disappeared and Joy had to take the position as Nurse, we started to separate. Sure, I visited, but we never were the same like before. It was really rough without her though, because now I had no comfort in someone else, and found myself being hassled by the other townsfolk, who were surprisingly mean-spirited despite us being in the middle of nowhere." She sighed after finishing her statement, there sure was a lot to take in from it so I understood that much.
I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her into a hug, which she returned somberly. "Wow, that was rough. I'm glad you've broken away from all of it though; are you alright?" She wiped her tears from her face and smiled awkwardly, returning to her normal happy self. "Yeah I should be good now, thanks for listening though". I smiled and replied with a "no problem, it was my pleasure, but I still have some more questions, if you mind?" She giggled before replying back "You sure are curious, but sure, what's up?" I shifted in the tent, the rain had seemingly drowned out the outside world, so it felt like we were just the only things to exist in this current moment; As weird as that sounded, however, I enjoyed it.
"So I guess my next question is what happened exactly with your relatives?" She thought for a while, thinking how to answer that herself. "Well, I don't quite know myself. They were there one minute and just gone the next, they disappeared when I was roughly 14, so for 2 years now I've been finding jobs to keep myself steady and hold my own. They were okay people, never really acknowledged me as someone special, similar to the townsfolk. But, they were still family, and I'd like to find them again and make sure they're okay; Which is one of the reasons I joined you."
I nodded, simply saying "That makes sense, I'll be happy to help out in the search too and thank them for taking care of you" "Thanks" Amber said, turning her face away to hide from my gaze.. odd, did I see her blushing just then? "Anyway.. my next question, how were you able to heal me up and take care of me, and on top of that, move me from the street to your house? I mean sure, I don't doubt you're strength, but I'm not exactly the lightest person around, so it must have been at least a little difficult..."
I waited for a response from her, before she suddenly started laughing pretty hard, eventually calming down and able to talk again. "You sure have a lot of questions to ask." She said happily. I simply replied with a yeah "yeah well, I'm a curious guy" to which Amber smiled and continued to answer. "Well, for one I used to work at the poke center as an intern, so I had medical experience with people and pokemon.
When I first came across you though, I initially tried to get you to the poke center but the rooms where booked and Joy told me that I'd have to take care of you myself (I guess that explains why Joy was teasing Amber so much when I first visited, Joy was playing dumb.. clever girl) ,so I was able to figure out how to heal you by myself; as for how I moved you around, I had a little help" As soon as she said that, she pulled out a poke ball and dropped it to the floor, releasing a pokemon with a satisfying noise.
Suddenly the tent lit up with a reddish color that wrapped around the silhouette of a pokemon that looked kinda like a tiny ballerina.. wait, is that a Kirlia? To my surprise, it was. The tiny psychic/fairy pokemon spun around, trying to show off, while shouting "Kirlia!" out loud. I chuckled, this kirlia sure had attitude. "I received this Kirlia as a ralts from my mom before she passed away, she loved cute pokemon, and thought me and Kirlia would get along, which we do. I had Kirlia use psychic on you to lift you up and around the place, although I did help out myself, since I feel like I had no reason not to."
Amber beamed with excitement, clearly proud of her pokemon. It would also explain how we had so much supplies too, she was clearly a pokemon trainer herself. As if she was reading my thoughts, Amber responded "Well I'm not a pokemon trainer per say, rather I'm a trainer exclusively for contest, or rather a Pokemon Coordinator. I enjoyed watching the big spectacular shows that my home city would often have, so I guess it left an impression on me" She blushed, but quickly added on "But that doesn't mean I'm a pushover in pokemon battles, I'm always ready for a pokemon battle, both my Kirlia and I!" The Kirlia agreed by bobbing her head and spinning in a circle to show off her skills.
"Kirlia and I haven't actually done a show yet though, so for now we're just rookies" I chuckled, clearly Amber had a goal of her own, which I was happy for. There's no point in an adventure without the people having some sort of goal set in mind. But wait a minute, how did she know what I was thinking... before I could think even more about it, a voice echoed through my head 'Sorry about that, I had peaked into your mind to see what you were thinking, I just wanted to make sure you weren't thinking anything perverted for my master' I looked to the Kirlia and saw it smirk, so... I suppose it's true that psychic pokemon CAN speak telepathically.
I thought in my head 'Well, glad to know I now have nowhere else to go to think, not even my head. anyway, I assume you told her what I was thinking for her to reply like that?' I questioned. 'Correct' said the kirlia through my head. Only now did I realize I really did have no privacy anymore... oh well. I turned to Amber to talk to her again before realizing she was blushing.
"Oh please don't tell me kirlia spied on you telepathically? I told Serenity (Guess that's the kirlia's nickname) to stop doing that to people, I didn't realize what she was telling me was what you were thinking, I'm sorry for spying on you" Said Amber, bowing her head apologetically. I replied instantly with "No no it's alright, I don't mind really. I always find pokemon fascinating so I don't mind being a test subject to learn more about them, and besides, it DID help clear up some things" Amber relaxed, and sighed.
"Anyway", I continued saying "I suppose Kirlia should meet Riolu while we're here? Couldn't hurt, and I'm eager to see how they get along." Amber nodded saying "Yeah that sounds like fun!". I took out my own Poke ball and placed it on the tent ground, it being opened automatically with a reddish light similar to before but this time with the silhouette of a puppy, but if they were standing on like 2 legs or something.
Riolu popped out of the pokeball eagerly and looked around, seeing the Kirlia and, in response, jumping back in alarm and landing on me. I chuckled, "Relax Leonidas, this is Serenity, Amber's pokemon" I calmly told him, before seeing him relax himself and get off me, before walking towards the Kirlia and investigating her. Serenity, however, had an interesting reaction upon seeing Riolu. When he first appeared, she started blushing madly, much to Amber's delight. Amber, at the time, had been the only one to notice the quick but major blush, but kept it to herself.
Serenity, in turn, seemed VERY eager herself to get to know Leonidas. Both pokemon were still hesitant, but soon began to warm up to each other and playing around in the tent. While they were messing around on the other side of the still small tent, Amber and I had gotten back to our conversation, except this time I was the one being questioned.
"So, where are you from, and how did you end up in the forest"? Question one and I already have no idea how to respond, but I keep my composure and attempt to say it as I go. I'm not going to lie to her and tell her something different, but I don't exactly want to tell her the truth either. I looked around, noticing I still had bandages on, before calming down and replying.
"Well, If I'm completely honest, I don't know myself. I know things here and there from where I was originally, such as my customs; but genuinely I've forgotten where I came from. All I know is that yesterday I found myself in the forest, after having fallen from the sky. I rescued Leonidas here and you know the rest." I hated being not entirely honest here, but I couldn't risk it since I have no idea what I'm up against.
She pondered for a moment before saying "Okay, so you basically have Amnesia of sorts, but besides that, what is your goal now?" I smiled, happy to get an easy question for once. "That's simple, I'm gonna become the best Pokemon trainer there ever was. I came from a place that didn't really have pokemon to an extent, and yet I feel like I know so much about the world. I know that you can become a trainer and grow with partners, I want to do that.
My goal isn't just to be the best though, it's to become a better person. As much as I don't know my past self, I can tell from where I am right now that I didn't take my chances where I once was. But being here, with a pokemon by my side, I feel like I can have courage to become a stronger person. I'll work on my mind, my body, and my spirit. I won't stop until everyone I meet knows my name!" I hadn't realized I was rambling on, but I finally got a grip and stopped myself.
"S-sorry. I hadn't realized I was rambling" I had said out loud, expecting a snarky reply. Instead, what I heard surprised me. "That's.. that's incredible" Replied Amber... but wait, did a tear just stream down her face? She continued. "Your goal is amazing, and I can tell you have the determination to do it. I'm glad I went along with you Bahamut, because I feel like as long as I have you, we can accomplish anything" She giggled, but I didn't really notice; because as this point I was the one finding myself with a few tears.. how lovely.
I noticed our Partner's had stopped playing to listen to the conversation, and Serenity was crying too. But.. Leo? I turned to Leo and saw that he had a look in his eyes, a gleam. I had feeling both him and me had the same mindset, and goals here. I felt like I didn't just have Amber along with me, but that Leo would follow me into the end of the universe too. I smiled before we all eventually called it a night and went to bed.
Sleep that night was tranquil, no not the pokemon, but the feeling. It felt like everyone in the party got to know each other, and I was relieved to find that we all had learned more about ourselves than what met the eye. I awoke in the middle of the night, having a need to get fresh air, I wanted some time to listen to the world, so while everyone was peacefully sleeping, I sneaked out into the open wilderness. The forest, to but it lightly, was beautiful at night.
Unlike Earth, the stars out here shined ever so brightly, with such an everlasting feeling that I started to understand why they called their world 'Te aeternum', and not Earth. The stars weren't the only thing fascinating though. Similar to the Pokemon games, activity during the night was still high. The path from which we came could still be heard as though someone was walking on it.
Most likely trainers who were specifically hunting for Pokemon at night, or something. The snores of common day pokemon could be heard, and just looking around you could see some nocturnal pokemon likes Hoothoot perching on a tree, or a group of zubat flying around the night sky; hell, even the kricketot's sang their lovely tunes in the blissful sky, with the occasional 'delelelwhoop!' echoing through the forest.
I chuckled, clearly pokemon had more personality than I was used to through just a 3D screen. I kept walking through the forest until I spotted a small lake and sat near it's edge on the grassy terrain. Sitting there, watching the Wooper walk around and play with one another was.. interesting. Somehow I had yet to get annoyed by them and their constant 'Woops!' I guess they were just too cute for that.. I laid down on the grass, thinking to myself.
I still have so many questions, not to just Amber, but this world, and even myself. How come I was so calm when I first arrived here? That had been in the back of my head for a while, but shook it off as it wasn't too important. Although, deducing it, I came to the conclusion that I had simply just got too shocked to react weirdly. I was known for that, back home my reactions weren't over the top, but realistic to the scenario. If I thought something was funny, I would laugh. If something was sad, I wouldn't cry but just FEEL sad; I rarely ever cried anyway.
It's not like I don't cry because I believe in being all manly man, but just because I reserve crying to truly sad things. Things I know will never have genuine resolution, or even things that I just feel passionate about; which makes me kinda wonder why I was tearing up during my conversation with Amber earlier... Anyway, besides that I was mostly surprised how I didn't get too hurt on my fall. I guess instincts just kicked in and Adrenaline really saved me, but I'm sure that fall should have been more fatal regardless, so that one is still an unsolved mystery.
There's also the question of how I got here in the first place.. is someone after me? or did someone CHOOSE me? Who knows really. But I have a sneaking suspicion that whatever happened it has to do with the weird app and the highlights it produced. Were my friends okay, was I the only one infected.. and, more importantly, am I stuck here?
I looked around, noticing that I still had on my clothing from when I first decided to leave the house. I suppose sewing is just another ability Amber is good at, and probably learned in some job or even just from self practice; whatever the case, it was pretty good stitching, I'll have to thank her someday by making her food. I chuckled, I'm glad I can still cook. I guess that's one of the few things I kept that will be useful in this world, since I'm not entirely sure how her cooking skills are like, but I'll be more then happy to provide, cooking is quite fun.
'Relax Bahamut, you're overthinking things' I said to no one in particular. But seriously, who knew I would be in an entirely different world in a matter of a day. I wondered, most importantly, how my mom was doing. She was my only care taker and was very kind to me, as mothers are. I just hope she's taking things well if time is the same here as it there.
I shook my head... I had too much on my mind, I think I need to find a bigger forest or something... Before I could think of anything more plot inducing, the ground rumbled slightly around me. I looked all around me and stood up, investigating the noise. Before I even started investigating, the noise came to me instead. There, standing in a ferocious stance, stood a Mightyena. Now usually, I don't try to discriminate pokemon based on their species, but I could clearly tell this guy was more then willing to rip me up to pieces.
I backed off, the back of my shoe touching the edge of the pond, before I put myself into a fighting stance. I don't think I can take this pokemon, certainly not if it's in a pack as Mightyena and Poochyena usually are, but I'll have to take my chances since I don't have Riolu anywhere. The Mightyena roared with a mighty "RAWRRRRRRRRRRRR!" Before picking up speed and running towards me in a blaze of speed, which looked like it may be quick attack, I tried to block the attack but it maneuvered around my fists and threw it's claws over to my hoodie nearly hitting me but I instinctively backed away, closer to the pond, before ultimately getting my Legs scratched anyway, since they weren't entirely covered by my Cargo Shorts.
However, as damaged as I had just gotten, I found myself quickly react and grab his paw that he was still in a scratching motion with, I then proceeded to tightly grasp it by both hands and swing him to my side and into the pond, creating a major splash and him shrieking "EEEEENA!' As it fell downwards into the pool, shaking up the morning water types and forcing the Wooper who were originally there to scatter away in fear. Sorry little guys, guess this isn't your day, either.
The Mightyena quickly got up from the pond, soaking wet, before growling in intimidation and lunging at me again. I was unprepared this time however and barely had time to defend myself. The black and gray dark type wolf pinned me down and barred it's teeth, ready to bite. I struggled to get out of his grasp and he took the opportunity to strike.
He opened his mouth and moved his head closer to my body, ready to tear me to shreds before suddenly a crack could be heard echoing the forest. I looked up, and could see that the Mightyena was no longer on me, but now it was crumpled to my left as A new pokemon stood to my right. There, in all his awesomeness, stood Riolu. He was panting, clearly running after seeing me get attacked. I quickly got up and ran to Leo, hugging him in a tight embrace to which he happily said 'Riolu!'.
"I'm glad to see you too buddy, you came just at the right time. We've got to take this guy down so he can't harm anyone else" Leo nodded, before hopping down from my hug and onto the wet grass, back in his fighting stance. Both of us smirked, ready to take down the beast. Finally, the Mightyena got up, clearly angered at the two of us, so it howled and suddenly, two Poochyena were standing by its side, ready to fight.
Clearly this beast wasn't messing around, but I suppose now would be a good time as any to learn to fight with Leo. The Mightyena barked, and one of the Poochyena lunged at Leo, But Leonidas had been ready for that. As the pooch lunged at him, Leo jumped over him and mid-air threw his hands in the air, turning the claws into metal, before slashing the pooch's back and landing behind him.
The Pooch, clearly no match to both Leo and the Mightyena, collapsed with just one blow. The other pooch, clearly enraged, tried to intercept Leo landing. However, what he didn't account for was that Leo could sense the emotions of the other pooch and knew he was going to attack soon (At least, that's what I thought probably happened, I was watching it, after all) so Leo sidestepped the second he touched the ground. The pooch, having trying to rush my Riolu, kept running were he was originally was, and before he even could stop himself, Leo charged up another metal claw to attack the pooch, lunging at him himself.
Unfortunately, Leo missed and fell into the pond by us, by at this point was vacant. The pooch laughed similar to that of a hyena before turning towards the pond and jumping on the splashing Riolu. He pounced and landed, attacking Leo. I screamed out "LEO NO!" but before I even knew it, Leo somehow countered the Pooch after he got hit and threw him off himself and the pooch having been thrown against a tree trunk, landing there and not moving.
I blinked, all these events only happening within a minute or so of each other; Leo sure was full of surprises. I guess he's still young so he only knows metal claw and counter, but that's just what he needed. The Mightyena, clearly pissed, finally decided to bring himself back into the fight. He lunged with crazy speed, so I assumed he must be using Quick Attack. Before both Leo or I knew it, Mightyena had thrown Riolu back onto land and injured him badly, I went to check if Leo was okay, who to my delight slowly got up determined to still win.
He was injured, and most likely wouldn't be able to take another hit. But as I was contemplating our next course of action, I looked over and saw that the Mightyena had blood running down its side. I guess Leo had really damaged him when he got him off me. Looks like both pokemon won't be able to take another hit before going down. The Mightyena was slowly pulling itself out of the water, but then I had an idea. I turned to Leo and said "Come here for a moment" he did and I whispered close to him what to do. If my plan worked, we should win this.
The Mightyena finally got itself together and howled, charging Leo for the finishing blow. This time I could see his mouth wide open, so he was either going for a crunch or bite, which would both be fatal to this battle. Just as he was about to get to Leo, I said "LEO, NOW'S YOUR CHANCE, USE ENDURE!" Leo instantly held himself together and prepared to get hit, to which he did. Leo got knocked back down and besides me as the Mightyena bite him, and figuring he already won, let go early.
I sighed, we still had a chance. I thought about the time I found Leo in the forest after the big explosion, most likely the fire blast from turtonator. I only now realized that the only way Leo first lived that major blast was a last ditch effort to use Endure, so I figured he still had the move. The Mightyena, at this point filled with pure hatred, howled "AWOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Before getting ready to quick attack Leo. Leo, on the other hand, had already gotten up and was running at the Mightyena.
Both Pokemon were bolting it towards one another, claws out and teeth ready. They both used their quick attacks (After me having assumed Leo knew Quick attack due to how he saved me earlier) and charged one another in a blazing speed. Both pokemon finally met in the middle and clashed, the noise echoing across the forest and rumbling the pond's surface. Both pokemon, having sped past their opponent stood there for a moment in a pant, before the Mightyena began to slowly stumble, and then crash to the ground with a large 'thunk!".
Leo, barely standing, stood towards me and ran back hugging me. "Thank you Leo, you really saved me there. I promise you that we'll both work harder together to become strong enough to save anyone." Leo, nodded before slowly losing consciousness. I could tell he was fine and not going to die, but he certainly needed some medical attention and rest.
I looked around, noticing all the critter's slowly returning to their spots, and looked down on the pack of wolves. "This world is great... but also harsh. I Need to be more careful next time" And with that I turned and limped away, holding my injured Riolu, back to the tent...
Authors note: Whoo, again, what a doozy. But here you go, chapter 11! This one really made me start thinking about the progression of the story, so expect some plot development next chapter. Until then I hope you all have a wonderful day! -Bahamut