"Wakey wakey spicy boy." Blaire shrugged me to wake up.

"Hmm? Huh?" I sat up and yawned. "What did you call me?"

"Spicy boy?"

"Ah. I haven't heard that name in years."

"You were called that before? Is it the same reason I'm thinking?"

"My last name is Curry and people always called me 'Spicy' throughout school. Whenever the school cafeteria in elementary school made curry, it was always very spicy and everyone made the connection so my nickname was Spicy. Damn I miss that curry."

"My reason is because of curry powder, but that is the same I guess."

I started to remember the previous night, the most interesting one of my life. I couldn't get over how… much of an experience it was.

"Last night was… something."

"I'm glad you liked it." Blaire patted my forehead.

"But why?"

"Why what?"

"As soon as I confessed, you just went for it. Why?"

"If it wasn't obvious, I wanted you for quite a while. My first attempt when we got stuck here should've been enough of a hint."

"Heh, I guess I'm a bit oblivious."

"You now realize that?"

"Looking back on it, it felt dumb to just ask and how I asked wasn't any better. In any normal situation, I would most likely be smacked or walked away from. But… that didn't happen." I said with a surprised look.

"Well remember I'm not a normal situation. I was actually planning on asking you, thinking you would do almost the same thing if I asked. When you asked, I was taking no risks." Blaire kissed me on the forehead.

"Then I guess a weight has been lifted off our shoulders."

"I guess so."

"So do you actually… like me? I mean… like like me?" I asked shyly.

"Yeah… except it's more of… I like like like like you."

"R-really? I-I'm flattered!" I blushed.

"Heehee, you're so adorable when your face turns red!"

"T-thanks… What time is it?" I asked while rubbing my face, basking in the embarrassment..

"It's 8:30." Blaire looked at the clock for me.

"Crap. Isn't there gonna be a… competition at 9:00?"

"That's why I woke you up. You need to plan on who to use. It's a 2 on 2 battle, which Pokemon are you going to bring?" Blaire asked while I stretched my arms.

"I never gave it any thought. I shouldn't use Toxtricity because he just won't listen. He should watch so maybe he will learn to listen to my commands." I stood and got dressed. "I should use Lucario though, she is really good at dealing with potential weaknesses. I am also going to use Talonflame, he has amazing speed and the charcoal he's holding makes his Flamethrower attack almost unbeatable."

"You just came up with that out of nowhere, are you sure it will work?"

"I'm certain."

~~~2 hours later~~~

"Let the final battle begin!" The referee called out.

I was up against a girl who was training here in Kalos. Her Chesnaught looked menacing but that didn't stop me. Even though she won all the fights on her side of the bracket with a bit of a struggle, I wasn't letting my guard down.

"Talonflame, Steel Wing!" I directed Talonflame at Chesnaught.

"Turn and use Spiky Shield!" The other trainer commanded Chesnaught.

Chesnaught turned around and spikes grew from it's back. Talonflame luckily flew up before making contact.

"Fly up!"

Talonflame flew up higher where we almost couldn't see him. I had a plan that I never put to use, but we practiced it a lot.

"Watch out Chesnaught, Talonflame is fast!" The opposing trainer says and Chesnaught prepared itself.

"You're gonna have to do better than watch out. Brave Bird!" I look to the sky and yell.

Talonflame swoops down from the air in a nosedive extremely fast. He had the new ability Quick Turn, which allows the wielder to stop mid-flight and turn while having all kinetic energy in reserve. Talonflame returns to the ground in under 5 seconds, he paused and turned to Chesnaught. He launched himself with unfathomable speed and hit directly. Chesnaught gets flown back into a brick wall and was instantly KO'd. Talonflame returned in front of me while the other trainer recalled her Pokemon. I walked out a few steps and stroked Talonflame's head.

"Good job buddy, you did great!" I cheered his victory.

"Flame!" He responded gleefully.

"Ok, I'll admit. You caught me by surprise! But you won't anymore. Go Krookodile!"

My opponent threw out a Krookodile, Talonflame would probably not stand a chance.

"Talonflame, that Brave Bird took a big chunk of energy out of you. You can take a break no-" I held out his Pokeball as I stepped off the field, but he held out his wing telling me he wanted to keep going.

"Tal…" He screeches with determination.

"Alright then. Talonflame, you got the limelight."

"Krookodile, Stone Edge!" Her Krookodile punches the ground and a wave of rocks start to fly out.

"Talonflame, avoid the rocks!"

He fluttered up out of reach of the rocks, but one grew higher than the others and struck Talonflame's left wing. He tried to stay in the air but ultimately couldn't. Talonflame fell to the ground and got up slowly.

"Flamethrower!"

"Talon…" He charged up his power. "Flame!" A giant beam of fire quickly beamed towards Krookodile.

Krookodile moved out of the way just in time. It growled intensely and scratched the ground with its claws in preparation.

"Stone Edge again!"

Krookodile quickly struck the ground and once again, and stones shot out of the ground. Talonflame tried to avoid them but couldn't. He tried hopping out the way, but one stone hit him from under him and knocked him out.

"Talonflame is unable to battle, Krookodile is the winner!"

"You did great Talonflame, return." I recalled him and looked at the Pokeball. "I told you you should've taken a break… Lucario will take over."

"Ash, wasn't it? I'm interested in that Lucario of yours. No one else managed to get a good hit on it . I'll make sure that changes." My opponent says with a sure fire tone.

"We'll just see, won't we?! Lucario, I choose you!"

The energy that encased Lucario gleamed brightly as the Pokeball broke open. Lucario and Krookodile had a stare down for a good 10 seconds, they were both determined to win.

"Power Up Punch on some of the rocks!"

I could use the rocks from the Stone Edge to have Lucario boost her attack, while leaving some cover for protection. She broke the rocks furthest from the enemy and each time she broke a rock, the next became easier for her to break.

"Now use Bite!"

Krookodile launched forward and through a rock Lucario was hiding behind. Lucario was caught off guard and the rock smashed, knocking her down.

"Block it with Bone Rush!" I shout as the Krookodile lowers its jaws over Lucario.

She blocked the bite with the bone in her grasp. Lucario kicked the Krookodile over and behind her.

"Now attack!"

Lucario rolled over and smacked Krookodile directly in the face with the bone.

"Lucario!" She roared and continued to wack Krookodile with the Bone Rush.

Krookodile threw an arm in front of an oncoming hit and grabbed the bone.

"Krookodile, get rid of it!" Its trainer shouted with urgency.

Krookodile snatched the bone and tossed it away so Lucario couldn't attack.

"Back away!" I yelled and Lucario instantly reacted.

She jumped back as Krookodile attempted to grab her with its powerful jaw.

"Aura Sphere!"

Lucario charged up a ball of aura just before Krookodile managed to get up. The Bone Rush managed to be surprisingly effective, so it was not in the best condition. Lucario shot the Aura Sphere directly at Krookodile and knocked it back on the ground as it stood up. Dust was spewing from the ground with the Aura Sphere flying across the battlefield. When the dust settled, Krookodile weakly got up, staring with anger.

"You good Krookodile?" Its trainer asked concerned.

"Dile…" Krookodile responded faintly.

"Use Stone Edge!"

"Krook...dile…" Krookodile collapsed to the ground as it readied to attack.

"Krookodile is unable to battle!" The referee held up two flags and aimed one at me. "Lucario is the winner, and the match goes to Ash!"

"Great job Lucario!" I ran out onto the field gleefully.

"Lucario!" Lucario turned around and ran into my arms.

"I knew I could count on you." I praised her as I stroked her head.

The spectators of the match started to clap as the Krookodile's trainer shrugged with defeat in her movements. We both returned our Pokemon to their Pokeballs and walked up for a handshake.

"Thanks for the great battle!" My opponent said with satisfaction.

"Same at you! I got scared when you actually got Lucario on the ground, and it's because your Krookodile is amazing."

"Thanks!"

I turned to the sidelines to see my Toxtricity with an uninterested expression. He always gives his full attention to when Lucario battles, but he doesn't let me see that.

"We have our winner! *cough*" Mr. Francis walked to a podium for the microphone. "Will you please come up here boy?"

I walked next to him and accepted his handshake. He was shorter than me by almost two feet so it felt kind of awkward. His bushy eyebrows almost made his eyes completely hidden, but the reflection from the sun gave their location.

"What was your name again, young man?" He gripped my hand with both hands.

"Ash, sir." I respond happily.

"Last name?"

I never liked to say my last name to strangers, it never blended with my first name. But in a scenario like this with so many people around, I felt obligated to be polite.

"Ash Curry." I stated proudly.

"Galar origins eh?"

He was about to bring up my childhood turmoil. Great. Actually, he wasn't exactly wrong saying I'm from Galar. My family descends from Europe.

"Mmm yes, a staple meal of Galar. Exquisite indefinitely."

"Sure is!..." I awkwardly agree.

"Now, your prizes." Mr. Francis turned around and grabbed a box.

It was a small treasure chest covered in many jewels, lined with gold. He opened the box to reveal two prizes, one which owned my attention.

"A… Master Ball?" I reached for the ball and noticed the other treasure.

"Yes. And some very special stones."

The stones looked like ancient treasure, something you'd dig up in Egypt.

"What are they sir?" I picked one of the two stones up to inspect it.

"Pneuma stones." He stated.

"Pneuma stones?"

"These stones let the holder transform into the Pokemon that identifies with their soul at any given moment."

This was a concept foreign to me, it was never in a past game before. The closest idea being fusion, which is different from this. It must've been a new feature, one which I was not aware of existing. The pewter colored stone looked like something you see in a gift shop.

"Wow, these are cool."

"But be careful, we know not how to control these stones. You may transform and be unable to turn back in 5 hours or 5 days. It's mainly just a treasure I'd like to give without it ever being used."

"I'll be cautious sir."

Great, I was beyond curious of what Pokemon I'd be. But transforming into whatever it is could be a huge problem. I thought of what I could transform into; Perhaps a Pikachu… I would say I got a lot of energy… and people make a big deal of me for no reason. Or something a bit more fierce… an Arcanine! I've been called an idealist before… so maybe even something as cool as a Zekrom!

After I was given the prizes, we all left and were on our own for Christmas day. We left and went to discover the city. Lumiose city is a very beautiful place. Damon wanted to separate for a while, so we decided to look around and meet up at Prism Tower later. Blaire and I went shopping and tried many types of food. Although we don't need to eat, it's amazing how close it is to real food when it comes to taste. Close to dark, we went to go shopping for warmer clothes, since it was very cold here already.

"Do you think the red, or pink jacket is better Ash?" Blaire held up 2 different jackets

"With the pants you're wearing now, I prefer the pink one." I pointed to the pink jacket.

"I was thinking of that one too. Just wanted your opinion."

She looked adorable putting it on, I zoned out as she examined the sleeves. It was the first time I spent Christmas with her for real. Well… it was close to real. Eh, not really. I knew she missed her family, and she was really good at hiding it. It must be hard for her to not be with them, especially on Christmas. The sun started to set and we went to Prism Tower in the middle of the city to meet up with Damon. There was a huge festival type event happening in the area. Lights were hung everywhere with many different activities and food around for people to try.

"Wow, this looks nice!" Blaire said, awestruck.

"It really does. Though I was expecting something a bit more… French." I responded with a hint of disappointment.

"Yeah, it seems a bit southern American...y." Blaire said with equal disappointment.

"Blaire?" I asked as we got to a bench at the base of the Tower.

"Yeah? What's up."

"I'm sorry… that you have to spend Christmas here. I know you must hate it and want to stay with your family."

"It's fine, really. This is an interesting way to spend it. Besides, it would be the first Christmas I fully spend with you. You're great to be around."

"But I…" I grabbed her hands. "I will try my hardest to make this the best Christmas you ever will have! I will do anything you want tonight to make up for it!" I said with an apologetic tone.

"Anything?..."

"Anything!"

Blaire stroked her chin thinking of what to ask for. She looked up and smiled.

"What?" I asked as I adjusted my hat.

She pointed up without giving up her gaze. I looked up to see a mistletoe above us, perfectly above us. I blushed and looked back at Blaire, who was also blushing.

"Well ain't this someth-" I spoke out until Blaire interrupted me by throwing her lips onto mine.

She knocked me on the bench and sat on my lap. We looked into each other's eyes and we both smiled with red faces.

"I got what I really wanted from you last night. But I think I know what would make this an even better Christmas." She said while stroking her finger across my chest.

"O- Oh! You do?! What would that be?!" I responded with a nervous tone.

"We're at a Christmas festival in what is basically Paris! Lumiose City is my favorite place in Pokemon!" Blaire said happily. "We need to try everything this place has to offer, please please pleeeeease!"

That was sure a sudden change in tone. Damn, if this wasn't a game, I'd be a quarter mile away in a trashcan cowering in fear right now. Or would I? After what happened last night, I should be feeling like I could conquer the world. It was so spectacularly adorable seeing Blaire going from being seductive to childish in an instant like that. So adorable that I couldn't help myself.

"Sure we can." I pulled her closer to me. "If…"

"If?" Blaire repeated with confusion.

"If you kiss me again." I gave a slight smug grin, telling her I wasn't serious but that just wanted to kiss her again.

"Hehe, I would've done that anyway."

I reached my hand behind her head and slowly pulled her head towards mine. It was gentle, yet passionate. Although it only lasted a few seconds, it had the feeling that years of buildup was tingling on our lips. Once we stopped, Blaire nuzzled her nose against mine and giggled.

"Looks like someone isn't as nervous as they used to be. If only other girls from high school could see me now."

"Oh they wish they could be as beautiful as you, and I'm still nervous. Incredibly in fact."

That was true, too true. My heart was racing but the moment just called for it. I saw the opportunity, and I took it.

"Hey lovebirds, be careful what you do with all these people around." Damon walked up to the bench and leaned on it.

"Shit. You're right." Blaire got off my lap and stood up.

"Hey Damon. Did you find cool things around the city?" I asked as I stretched my arms.

"Yeah, I got some gifts for everyone. Hope you guys like them!" Damon revealed two boxes from behind his back.

"Damon, you didn't have to. If I knew you would've gotten gifts, I would have done the same." I said as he handed me and Blaire the boxes.

"Too bad! So sad! Now suck it up and accept it!" Damon smacked my back.

Damon sat next to me and gave me a noogie across my head. I laughed as Blaire opened her box and gasped.

"Damon! This is so cool!"

"What is it?" I asked while she gazed into the box.

"Look at these gloves! Me and Blaziken will look like we're matching. The material is amazing!"

"Good thing you got what I was going for. I wasn't sure which Pokemon of yours that would look good matched. I almost decided on your Lopunny.

"Their perfect!" Blaire wasn't listening at all, probably because she was too distracted by the gloves.

"You should try contests! I think you'd do good." I said with excitement.

"Hell no! That crap would be a waste of time. I like battles, even though I'm not very good."

"Now your gift Ash." Damon shrugged me and pointed to the box.

"Ok ok."

I pulled off the ribbon and lifted the box lid. My eyes widened when I saw what it was.

"A keystone?..." I slowly lifted the small orb from the box and held it to the sky. "You didn't need to do this."

"Well I thought you'd put it to great use. You are the one with a real battling spirit of the three of us. Sceptile and Lucario will be a force to be reckoned with."

I slowly placed the stone back in the box and started to cry. I felt obligated to win the Pokemon League, in order to free us.

"Damon… Blaire…" I said while tensing my hands on the box.

"Hmm?" They respond in unison.

"I won't let you guys down. I'll win the Pokemon League and get us out of here. If I see that bastard again… I'll… I'll make him pay..."

"Palm?" Damon leaned forward and looked at my face.

"He trapped 25 million people here, and 120,000 have already died. In the game… and in real life. Will anyone stop him? He can't keep so many people as his hostage like this."

"He said we had to meet those requirements though, and I'm not sure if I have what it takes to be a big battler." Damon stated with disappointment.

"And that's why I intend to win. Even if it kills me."

"Ash… it's ok. We don't want to push you to do something dangerous." Blaire sat beside me and hugged me.

"I'll try."

"Like father, like son…" Damon said with a hopeless tone.

"What do you mean?" Blaire faced Damon.

"That's right, you never met Ash's dad. They both share the same spirit. Can't stay still when things go wrong."

I chuckled. "I really am like my old man. It might be the death of me though." I looked at my hands.

I hear that a lot from people, how I am just like Dad. At first when he got sick, I got angry from how reckless he was when he ran out on that bridge in San Francisco. I knew exactly why he did it, and it was because of the same reason my name is Ash. Well, technically my actual name is Asher, but that's only what the papers say. I go by Ash in every circumstance except those that require legality. My dad named me Ash because of Ash Ketchum. He named me that because he was absolutely in love with Pokemon as a child, teenager, and till the moment he drew his final breath. Ash Ketchum was his top fictional role model, and I really couldn't blame him! I love Ash Ketchum as much as him, and I can't help it. I myself do otherwise dumb stuff all the time. When I was 17, I dressed up as him and sang the original Pokemon theme song at our spring choir concert in high school. In front of so many people, I had no fear of doing it. I got the mentality to help anyone and everyone from Ash Ketchum. I'm CPR certified and I know how to perform the Heimlich maneuver, and it pains me to say I'm happy I got to actually use it. Our Principle junior year had a heart attack during an announcement at lunch, and that certain lunch period had the least amount of people so there was a smaller chance of someone present knowing CPR. I actually saved his life. At least, that's what I kept being told.

"I guess it's time for me to give you a gift Ash." Blaire revealed a very small box.

"You too?! Now I really feel bad."

"Don't. You gave me this pretty necklace last night, that was more than enough."

"Thank you Blaire." I took the box from her hand.

I was shocked to see two mega stones inside the box. I knew exactly who they were for.

"A Sceptilite… and Lucarionite. Did you guys plan this?"

"Correct! They were surprisingly easy to find. I got those from a man outside of Fallarbor Town. Kinda emptied my wallet, but it's worth it now. I kept them until your Sceptile was fully evolved and when we got a keystone."

"Thank you…" I reached out and hugged them both.

"It was all Damon's idea! Great outcome I'd say!"

"Don't feel the urge to repay us. It's just friends being friends." Damon said as we all embraced ourselves into each other's arms.

"Merry Christmas." We all said together and had a long hug.

We stayed at the festival until people started to leave. We had lots of fun. Carnival style games, but unlike carnival games, the prizes aren't crap. Damon won himself a bunch of flutes from a ring toss for having such good aim. There was even a little karaoke event where it felt like everyone participated. I picked a song that was familiar to everyone. You hear the first note and instantly it turns from karaoke to a full on concert. My voice had its time in high school, it got me in the top of my choir class. But after I graduated, I just couldn't hit the high notes anymore. After a sickness I got, it must've ruined my vocal cords. Good thing the game cuts some slack, or I would have embarrassed my ass off. Actually, we all kinda did. All three of us did sing on stage and it was Everyone was entertained to hear others sing, getting too much into the music to the point it turned into a rave. After all that, when people started leaving, all three of us headed to a nearby Pokemon Center to stay the night. Nurse Joy was nice as usual, and led us to a vacant room to stay in.

"Well what's the plan from now on?" Blaire asked as she changed into a pajama outfit.

"Hmm… well we're in no rush for the Pokemon league, that won't be for a long while. But if I get the final two Hoenn badges my name will be carved on the bracket. So we can head back there if you guys want. Unless you got some suggestions."

"Maybe you can finish off your dream team in the Galar Wild Area!" Damon attempted to get me hyped.

"Galar..." I said with consideration. "Dream team eh? Come back to me with that when Gritora gets added in the game." I thought it out and realized I needed more Pokemon.

"Gritora? Is that... a Pokemon?" Blaire asked with a puzzled face.

"Yeah. It's a mythical Pokemon a few generations down the line from potentially being added. It's a Pokemon closely related to Zeraora, which is a Pokemon from Sun and Moon." I responded while stretching my arms.

"So… what is that Pokemon exactly?"

"Gritora's name references the English word 'grit' and the Japanese word for tiger, 'tora'. A Fighting and Psychic type Pokemon, that is very strong and was extremely broken in competitive battling. Just like good ol Mewtwo was back in the day."

"Grit as in… dirt?" Blaire said with disgust.

"No, grit as in…" I had to give it a thought. "like determination and stuff. My favorite part about it is that it's ability, which is very similar to Stamina, makes it take attacks better after getting hit. It plays into its character very well. Although I can't recall what it is called. In the Pokemon anime it premiered in, Gritora was shown as a savior to the Hanlo region along with Ash Ketchum after forming a bond questionably stronger than his with Pikachu. They had something close to what the bond phenomenon that Greninja and Ash had in X and Y. That was the best anime arc ever in Pokemon, in my opinion, and the time when Pokemon decided kids suck and decided to make things a bit PG-13."

"Wow! I'll need to give that a watch!" Blaire said ecstatically.

"Gritora is a mythical Pokemon. How would you even get it?" Damon asked with curiosity.

"Probably with the Master Ball I got. To be honest, I have no idea what I can realistically use it on."

The Master Ball is an interesting item to have now. It brings up what my dad always told me when I had the thought of using it against a legendary. "Ash, you're losing the fight. Your team is weak, and the Ultra Balls aren't working." I then told him, "I'll just use the Master Ball." The next thing he said is something that stuck with me for years. "Will you use it because you have to? Or because you need to?" Those words, I still never realized their true meaning. Dad must've implied there is a difference between 'have' and 'need', but I was never able to figure out the meaning. Perhaps 'need' can be subjective, since a need depends on who you ask, or it can at least.

"Speaking of the Master Ball, what else were you given by that guy?" Damon laid back in his bed.

"Oh yeah." I scrolled through a menu on my backpack until I found the stones. "These weird stones. He said it transforms the holder into the Pokemon that identifies with them the most. " I held the box they were placed in for safe keeping.

"Hmm…" Blaire leaned over and looked deep into my eyes. "I got it!"

"Uh… got what?" I was confused.

"You would be that one Pokemon, the one with the long tongue." She gestured a long tongue in front of her face.

"Lickitung?" I asked, confused.

"Nonono… the frog one."

"Greninja?"

"That one! Cool as hell, pretty cute and edgy too." Blaire said as she had a moment of being starstruck.

"Edgy?" I spoke feeling offended.

"Remember high school? You always wore a black leather jacket and dark jeans, and that eyebrow piercing you had made you irresistible to everyone. It was even better because you completely failed at having an edgy attitude." Damon explained nonchalantly.

"Ugh. Don't remind me of that. I made terrible fashion choices back then."

"Oh c'mon, you looked adorable!" Blaire said with a playful tone.

"R-really? Maybe I could give it a try here. I was alway curious what kind of piercings you could get here. I'll think about it." I said with flattery.

"Yay! Can I pick out your clothes? I think I know what would suit you perfectly!"

"Alright, you can. On one condition." I held up a finger.

"What's that?"

"The hat stays." I said as I pointed to my head.

"Sure, I wasn't planning on it." She agreed.

Blaire had good fashion tastes, and fixing people into other tastes works for her expertise very well. It wasn't that I was scared of what she would dress me in, it's that the edgy phase of my life was long gone.

"Interesting…" Damon said while glued to his Rotom phone.

"What is it?" I glanced to see what he was looking at.

"Apparently each region has their own specific items that are exclusive to them alone. In Galar, they have some punk rock looking jackets, jeans, gloves, and the gym challenge uniforms." Damon showed me the phone screen and scrolled slowly.

"Lemme see!" Blaire pushed me aside to see for herself.

"Look at these, they look just the one Ash wore." Damon said while zooming in on the phone screen.

I pulled out my Pokedex, which I got changed to a Rotom phone because it was hard navigating the Kalos dex. I checked news in and out of the game as I do every day. There were events and stuff throughout the game in the different regions. For a reason I don't know why, and thank goodness for being, legendaries haven't been given yet.

"Ooh! Studded…" Blaire said with wonder.

"Ok, I'm officially scared." I turned around with a chuckle.

"Imagine Ash in THIS!" Blaire exclaimed excitedly.

"In what, exactly?"

"It's a surpriiiiiise…" Blaire pushed the phone towards Damon and walked off.

"So are we going to Galar?" Damon asked.

"I guess so! It's almost New Years, so I'm curious what Galar has up for a celebration." I plopped on my bed and looked up at the bunk above me.

"Tomorrow?" Blaire asked while climbing up the bunk above me.

"Yup. We can do some sightseeing before New Years. We'll decide the specifics in the morning. Is that cool with you guys?"

"Yeah." They agreed in unison.

"In that case… good night." I flicked off the light next to my bed.

Galar is probably the best place to go to finish off the last two places on my team. In an article for Pokemon Realm, it was stated that almost 50% of all Pokemon in the game can be captured in the Wild Area. Even some legendaries are able to be caught there, although those are probably dispersed throughout the many mass Pokemon gathered areas in Galar. Speaking of my dream team, it is actually almost like it. My go-to-starter has always been Sceptile. I always had a regional bird, and my favorite is Talonflame. Lucario isn't on my list, but it's pretty far up close to being on it. With how reliable my Lucario has been, even with how weird the start was, I would never replace her. Toxtricity is… how would I put it? A wildcard. Starting from the generation it was introduced, it went in and out from being a good Pokemon. I always liked it for being a punk in character. The first time I saw it I was in my edgy phase. It was tied for my favorite Pokemon with Sceptile for about a year. I was happy when mine evolved into the amped form, but when he did, he stopped listening to me. This game is very complex when it comes to Pokemon training, also realistic. A Pokemon could care less about how many badges you have, they are all able to have preferences. You have to earn their trust, and that takes more than skill.

Speaking of my edgy phase, I went through most of high school like that. It's a common saying that "puberty is a bitch" but a lot of people refused to let me think that. I had turned out to be what is said as very attractive. I never blew my own horn and that just made things better… or worse in my case. I was… how could I put it? Flattered? At first, but it soon became a norm that I expect such behavior from girls from school. Usually, at least in movies, people who were thought as attractive were sometimes complete douches. I never was a jerk in high school, but if I was I would quickly correct myself. Wanting to make a fashion statement was something I for some reason did. A.k.a, leather and piercings. But things started changing when a… certain person entered my life…

CHAPTER 9 END

Author's Note: Is it even called procrastination even if you have no actual priorities? Well, I have been putting this off for sooo long. I enjoy writing this with these characters! But I really just open the file to add a few lines of dialogue and get a little story thoughts out of my head at least every now and then. Since the life we live in now, I should do this more often. I have a layout for the next chapter that will explain the past of the main character, and the connections to others. As for after that, its a bit uncertain for what I actually want to include. Do I go down path A? Path B? Or just skip it since it can get a bit weird? Nonetheless, I'm happy to be putting the story back in the forefront of my daily activities.

P.S. I'm actually very thrilled that there are as many people who read this as they did! Thanks! Seeing the numbers that got to my 8th chapter, gives me flutters in my chest that some actually read to that point, spending that time to read my terrible writing skills. I am working on the next chapter now, and it won't be as long of a gap as this was to the last. Also, making up the future of the Pokemon is a weird thing to think up. I never made up a Pokemon before!