Yell'o
How's everyone been doing?
I've not been away that long... P_p
I'm sorry I have many excuses but if I'd made a list it would look like this...
1. Procrastination.
2. ...
If you really want to know more read the end note as well...
Anyway I'm back now! I've done some more editing on previous chapters as well. This chapter took a while to write, I'm not gonna lie. I couldn't figure out where to go and started, and restarted this chapter like three times...
Anyway here it is for your viewing pleasure...
Disclaimer: I've been TCG collecting...
--&&@@&&--
Clapping interrupted the quiet study period at school. All of the children were pretty focused on there worksheets causing some of them to start in surprise.
This class was pretty easy for me, so I was helping some of my other classmates with working out their answers. I had finished mine pretty quickly after all. Secondary education for the win!
"Alright class," the teacher spoke up after drawing the attention of everyone in the room. "-we're going on a field-trip tomorrow! Doesn't that sound exciting? I've already sent and received permission forms from each of your parents so I hope you're all ready."
"Eh? Teach say what now?" I blurt out.
'We're going on a trip? Since when? And where to?'
I look at the other kids and see they're just as confused as me.
I raise my hand.
"Yes, Elizabeth dear?"
"Where are we going?"
"That's a suprise." She gives me a cheeky smile and wags her finger.
"Okay..." next question then. "Then... how long is the trip?"
"Oh yes! An exciting two full days! Food, transport and accommodation have already been sorted out and approved of, so you guys just have to enjoy yourselves."
"Why are you only telling us now? I was gonna play with mum's Pokémon tomorrow." Another child asks.
'Excellent question! I had plans too.'
Everyone looks at the teacher expectantly.
"... Well..." A drop of sweat drips down her forehead, and her grin strains across her face. "Er... I forgot it was this week."
'Oh... yeah... she's bad with dates.' The class gained their own collective sweat drop.
"Anyway... If you like you can bring Pokét money and you're trustee if it's available." The bell rang when she finish her sentence. "Okay students just know, the bus will be here in the morning at normal school time. If you're late for any reason, call or go to the office and they will know where we are at anytime. Someone from the school will help you meet up with the group. Make sure to have a good night class."
I packed up my stuff, taking everything I didn't want to leave behind, and made my way over to James. He was on a different table to me during this class.
"How'd you do on your worksheet James?"
"Fine." He answered wistfully.
He had been a bit down for the last couple of days, I assume it's because he'd met his fiancée. If you asked me I think that gem needs a little more polishing.
"Ok... Come on, I'll escort you to your car."
He packed his desk with a lacklustre attitude, and was soon following me out the door.
His float down the hallway was very reminiscent of a ghost.
"Soo... nice weather for our trip tomorrow?" My conversation skills were failing me again.
"Hmm."
'Ugh I might as well get this over with, I was never one to peel a bandage off slowly. I might as well stop trying to avoid the shiny Phanpy in the room.'
"So... you met her? How'd it go?"
"Meet who...?"
I gave him a sideways glance.
"That fiancée you mentioned? Weren't you gonna meet her this week?"
He seemed a bit startled by the turn of the conversation. "Oh yeah... No turns out I'll meet her some time next month. They changed the date for some reason."
Huh? I wonder why they did that? So... then why was he dragging his feet now?
"What's bothering you then? You seemed a little out of it the last couple of days..."
"It's the test..."
My head snapped around in panic. "TEST! What test?! Miss Chér didn't say there was a test did she? Dammit I must have missed it!"
'Shit I didn't hear anything about a test! Well truthfully I was probably zoned out... I really, really need to work on that...'
He looked at me funny before snorting, with a grin. "Not a test in class Iz, the owners test, remember? The one you said we were gonna do together..."
"Oh Er... yeah I was just joking." I look away embarrassed.
'Oh. Derp.' Truthfully that test had taken a backseat in my mind. After reading those books my confidence has come back and I didn't feel stressed about it at all. The only thing I really thought about that test now, was how far away it was.
"Right..." he grins. I look back in time to see it faltering. I guess it's harder for someone who is actually the same age on the inside as they are on the outside.
"What about it? Do you not understand something? Do you need some more help?" I thought he was doing alright... the books would take longer for someone younger to understand, but they were still easy to read.
"Maybe a little. But that's not all of it. As I was studying on my own, my dad found out and he wasn't happy. Dad said 'If I have time to be studying this I have time to devote to other studies'. So not only have I not seen Growlie in a couple of days, I've been forced to learn more about dads work than the licence test questions..."
"Oh! I'm sorry..." That sucks.
"That alright it's not your fault I should have hid my work a bit better... but this also means I might not be able to take Growlie tomorrow either..."
"Wait you were gonna take him?"
"Well, like the rest of the class I didn't know about this trip until now,-" He flashed another grin toward me, referencing our teacher's air-headedness, which I returned. "-but you heard Mrs. Chér 'Pokét money and trustee's if available'."
"Oh yeah! She did say that."
Trustee was the title for the Pokémon that were lent to kids when starting their journeys. They were often the guide for the first few weeks while the beginner finds his or her feet. Usually they were bestowed by a parent or guardian. The ownership of the Trustee Pokémon was left under the giver's name, but could be transferred to the recipient anytime.
"Yeah but I don't think I'll be able to bring him now, not with how my father has been acting..." James let out a loud sigh.
"Can't hurt to ask... oh I know! Just mention that I'm gonna have mine, but say it like 'but daaad, Delaney's Daughter is gonna have her Trustee. Pleeease.' And make sure you really emphasise 'Delaney's Daughter' and bring out the big eyes too ok?"
"What...?" His eyes widened.
"Yeah just like that!"
"...what?" He tilts his head. Wow... he does that really well.
"What, what?... It works! Tried and true my friend." I say, patting him on the back.
He gives a little grin again. "You're a little weird Izzy."
"Pshh please I'm a genius. You just have to be as genius as me to see it." I state with a large grin.
His smile grew and he huffed a laugh. "Ok whatever you say."
"I am. And to prove it I'll also help you with your studying at lunch from now on ok? Bring those books Mrs Chér suggested back and I can help you. Can't let you fall too far behind after all."
"Ok thanks Iz."
"No problem."
We restarted our walk out of the school having stopped at some point in our conversation. James seems to have cheered up a little but he was still dragging his feet a bit.
"Sorry I can't help you out at home though." I say, and my face twists. I hadn't meant to say that out loud, or at least not in such a direct way.
"It's alright, I'll work it out myself eventually."
Silence permeated our conversation for the rest of the walk, but it was a comfortable one. When we reached the car park both of our rides were already there and waiting.
"I'll see you tomorrow James. Good luck."
"Thanks Izzy, see ya." Waving he got into the back of his vehicle.
'Now I just gotta ask if I can take my pup with me tomorrow too.'
——&@&@&——
Permission granted.
It was easier than I thought. Mother was the one to give permission this time. I figure it's because it means that my Pokémon won't be in the house with her, no matter if it was in a Pokéball and on the other side of the house or not.
When I mentioned needing Pokét money too, my parents granted me a card 'to buy things' with. I assume it's like a credit card, but they didn't mention a limit or anything so I assume that means limitless~.
One side of the card was black with a golden circle right in the centre. The circle was embossed with both a Pokéball and a large capital letter 'P'. On the opposite side of the card was my name, written black on white. It even has the full thing on there... I was quite surprised that they could even fit it all... either way it looked very clean.
I was now in my room sorting through my things a bit and deciding on some essentials for the trip. I don't know if anyone else in class had to sort their own stuff, but nobody had come in to help me yet so... whatever.
It was easy enough deciding on a couple of sets of clothes. Just avoid dresses and then that packing was sorted. I added an extra jumper, pair of socks and a set of bathers, just in case... I still wasn't sure exactly where we were going after all.
Hmm what else? A notebook/ sketchbook, some pens and pencils...
Maybe some snacks? Man this is kinda difficult... I hadn't had to pack a bag for a school trip in ages. Previously for entertainment on trips I usually had quite a few bits of electronics on hand. Phone, game boy, iPod, switch etc... that's a no go here though... sigh... man do I miss it...
"Do you think I need anything else Val?" I say checking my improvised list again.
He grumbles from his corner of the room.
"What's up with you?" I question looking over.
He's not looking in my direction, obviously trying to ignore me.
'Now why is he doing that? Oh... wait? Did I not tell him yet...? Oops...'
"You know your coming too right?"
Val's ears perk up immediately, and he swivels his head on a pivot.
"That's why I was a bit more enthusiastic to go to dinner with my parents before, y'know. I'm sorry I didn't tell you yet, but I had to make sure you could come first."
'Yeah... that sounds better than I forgot to mention it to you until now.'
His tail started wagging, and he proceeded to bark excitedly.
"Yeah its awesome! You get to come with me and meet all my classmates and their trustees too. So you better behave ok?" I say sternly, pointing my finger in a no nonsense way.
His whole body was wagging now, excitement permeated all the way through. He still nodded clearly, indicating he heard me.
"Good. So do you think you'll need anything?"
He barks in agreement. Thinking a moment before racing around picking up multiple toys and a cushion from his pile.
"Hold on, hold on, the cushion is fine but you can take only one toy. Also I'll grab you some berries from the kitchen when I nip down there later for snacks. They should be providing food for you as well so I shouldn't have to worry about that. Hmm what else..." looking at the hyper pup trying to decide on one of his toys I noticed his coat was a little ruffled.
"Before we go you'll need a good brushin- a Brush! Hair brush! Toothbrush! I can't believe I almost for got those!" I said racing out of the room to collect the aforementioned items.
I packed up everything I needed, including a ruffed-up Rattata squeaky toy that Val had selected. I checked everything one last time before zipping up the luggage case. "Right that's everything then?"
Barking turned my attention to the dark dog. He jumped up onto the side of the table before nosing his Pokéball, that was sitting there.
"Don't worry I'll make sure to take that with me, it doesn't need to go in the bag. I'll make sure it's in reach the whole time. In fact that reminds me..." -I walk over and pick up the red and white ball- "This needs a redesign."
I had been thinking about this for a while now. Everyone on the trip (and everyone everywhere else) would have the classic red and white ball. While very iconic and ultimately a symbol of the Pokémon world (and symbolic of Pokémon as a whole) it was very... plain. Don't get me wrong I love it, but I know it won't be very unique. Also the idea that Richie was the only one to think of putting stickers on them, to easily differentiate his, makes me question some things. Mainly the collective level of this culture's commonsense.
I sit down and sketch out a few ideas in one of my other sketchbooks, colouring in a couple of my favourites. When I've finish a couple of designs I turn the book toward the curious puppy trying to look over my shoulder. "What do you think Val? Like any of these?"
He studies the sketches and eventually barks his approval. He points to one with his nose. It was one of the ones I liked as well. "You like that one?"
Another affirmative bark decides the design.
I bring out some paint, some brushes, a palette and some stained cloth to avoid getting paint on everything else. With the area is set up I start the project. I coat the ball with black paint first. When that dries, with a little help from the part-fire type by my side, I set up red, white and silver colours on my palette.
I paint a large red circle on the bottom of the ball, big enough that it takes up about one quarter of the total surface. Next, I paint on four stretched silver ovals, that overlap the red circle's edges, before almost meeting at the top of the ball. Finally I add a stylised white skull above and merging with the release button, being careful not to press it. When that's all dried, I add a final coat of gloss and... "Perfect! What do you think Val?"
A satisfied "Houndour!" was my answer.
"Sweet! I'm thinking of doing this for everyone on our future tee-." A yawn interrupts my sentence.
I look at the clock, rubbing my eyes and realise it's almost midnight. "Wow that took a lot longer than I thought it would, come on let's go to bed, it's gonna be a big day tomorrow."
By the time my head hits the pillow a little time later, I was out like a light.
——@&@&@&——
Breakfast with my parents had been about as active usual. My tiredness from staying up late last night not effecting much. I said a quick, stiff goodbye to my parents and was out the door, pretty quickly, stopping only to direct one of the butlers to grab my bag while I grabbed my pup.
"Return Val." The red light flickered, streaming back into the Pokéball, sealing the Houndour in for now.
I returned DeVil for the trip there. I don't know yet if he was allowed out on the bus or not. I shrunk the Val's ball and connected It to a cord that I hung around my neck. I don't yet have a proper Pokébelt, and I didn't really want to take a purse or carry the ball around in my hand. So this solution only took me a couple of minutes to make.
A bit of super glue, a magnet (decently strong) and a bit of neck related jewellery.
Done and done.
Hopefully the magnet doesn't mess with the ball's mechanics.
...
Eh... It should be fine.
Anyway...
James was waiting with most of our class when I arrived. He was standing there a bit awkwardly, but I could see a small grin on his face as I closed in. The ball he was clutching tightly by his side was obviously a big part of that.
"Hey James! How'd it go?"
"Hey Izzy." His smile grew. "I get to take Growlie with me." He says happily, holding out the ball on display.
"Sweet! It worked then?"
"Yeah, it was great, dads face turned red and everything. Thanks Izzy."
"No problem. Just don't use it all the time, K? You need to learn to know when it's necessary and when it's a lost cause. It's a dangerous weapon after all, and it can lose its destructive power with too much exposure."
"Okay Izzy I'll be sure to remember."
"Good. So... Did you find out where we're going yet?" I ask looking around to see that there's only a couple of kids from our class still missing. I can't remember names or dates for the life of me but numbers, places and faces stick. There're two other class groups around too, with their own teachers rounding them up.
"No I only got here a little while before you did. My parents didn't say anything either, so sorry, I've go no clue."
"Meh, doesn't matter we'll find out when we get there then." All the luggage from the students is getting packed into multiple large containers not far away. I assume it's only going to sit there until the bus arrives.
"Shoot, I should have taken a book out of my bag before it was packed in." James notices the lack of anything in my hands, and glances over to where I was looking.
"It's alright I'm going to guess that they'll have entertainment for us. Or did you want to go grab something now?"
"Nah I'm alright, this is what I get for wanting to keep my hands free so much. At least I was smart enough to keep Val with me."
"Huh? Where?"
"Hmm? Right here." I lift up the necklace, proudly showing the custom Pokéball at the end of the cord. In its shrunken state the ball is quite a bit smaller than usual.
Just like in the anime clicking the button on the front of the ball shrinks and un-shrinks it. It's really neat. It goes from about the size of a tennis ball to that of a ping pong ball and back again.
I click the button to enlarge it. Showing the redesign in better detail.
"What do you think?"
"It looks really cool Iz! Did you do that?"
"Yeah it took a couple of hours after school yesterday, but I think it's worth it! Did you want to meet my partner? You haven't had a chance to yet." I ask, detaching the ball from the magnet.
"Sure-"
"Alright class! Attention please! The bus will be arriving soon so we will need a quick role call." We turn towards Mrs. Chér when she calls. It seems all of our classmates are here now.
"Ahh later I guess then..."
"Yeh. Hey do you think you could do something for Growlie's Pokéball too?"
"Sure! I'll sketch out a couple of ideas when I get my bag back."
The students quieted down listening for their names to be called. When the list neared the end a loud noise slowly built from the background. I couldn't pinpoint where it was from but it didn't stop the teachers from finishing the list.
The noise continued to grow, almost sounding like a large beating heart. I couldn't figure out what it was until I saw it.
A large helicopter appeared in the sky, flying in from over the trees, before landing as gently as a thing that large could. 'What the fu-nk?'
"Alright everyone!" Mrs. Chér shouted over the noise of the slowing propellers. "I'll now assign you a buddy for this trip so make sure you stick with them. After your buddy is assigned we can board the bus."
'There still calling it a bus? Bloody rich people...' I think seeing the large tubs of luggage being taken over to be boarded.
"Also everyone, Trustees that are human-like and mouse-sized are allowed on the plane, others must be kept in there Pokéballs for this part of the trip."
"Damn looks like we're out of luck, our doggo's are going to have to wait." I sighed and clicked the button on DeVil's ball once again, and reattaching it to the necklace.
Mouse-sized was considered a size standard in the Pokémon world, essentially it was a Pokémon that would fit comfortably in your lap. Emphasis on the comfortably. It's not completely about the size. This included Pokémon weight as well. You didn't want a Geodude or Larvitar sitting on you're lap for long periods after all.
Human-like was also a measurement. But it was pretty vague. It just meant a Pokémon that could fit into a seat the same as a human could. Again cautioning weight and this time including type into the equation. An example? Froslass and Electabuzz come to mind. The chill off the ghost or the storm attracting electric type, not really something you want to worry about on the journey.
Either way, doggos a'no goes...
We were paired up quickly, I got put with James, which wasn't much of a surprise as I had attached myself to his arm. I noticed a couple of the other kids had released their standard-meeting Pokémon.
A couple of Rattatas, a Pikachu or two and a smart looking Kadabra. Only Kanto native Pokémon from our class group. Kanto, woo!!
From the other classes I saw a couple of Johto natives. A Sentret, a Maril and a Sunkern. But again there was mostly a Kantonian mix. The only real stand out I saw was a Medicham, but I think it might have been one of the teachers Pokémon.
We boarded the 'sky bus' in our groups, and sat down with our newly paired partner. The space was roomy, and had a lot of luxurious decor. It vaguely resembled a bus, in that the seats were in pairs, but had the general feel of an aeroplane.
"Well we won't be bored." I said after looking out the window and around my seat.
"Alright students, this ride will be about an hour. You have some activities in front of you if your get bored. Please make sure to strap on your seatbelts. If you need to leave your seat at anytime call a teacher or an attendant to help you. The bus will take us directly to the hotel where we're going to stay. Still don't leave the bus without the class, and especially don't leave without your buddy. I'll be giving you a summary of our itinerary when we have settled in a bit. Most importantly, let's enjoy ourselves ok everyone?"
The agreement from the kids was prompt and everyone settled into their seats and conversations, preparing for the hour long trip. I pulled out one of the more educational books that was in the selections of entertainment and started to go through it with James, quizzing him now and then about its contents. We stuck it out for a little while but eventually grew bored and moved onto discussing other topics making the trip fly by pretty fast.
--@&@&@--
Mrs Chér gained everyone's attention again as we were nearing the end of the hour. I looked out the window as she was explaining the procedure for our landing.
The town appearing below was very different to anything I had ever seen before.
"Welp... we're not in Kanzas anymore." I murmured to myself.
While the language was similar to Japanese, in this Poké world, the scenery that I had been exposed to so far was still very 'English'. Large brick buildings, old fireplaces, and clear-cut open-plan gardens. Even the trees were very 'old oaky' in appearance.
This town however, was obviously different.
Traditional Japanese styled homes, surrounded and shrouded in green foliage and beautiful flowers. From this height I couldn't make out a lot of details but I knew I had never seen anything like it before. I had taken a few trips in my previous life but never very far, and none where there was a cultural change so apparent.
I was excited for a closer look.
"What's can-zess?" A voice spoke up behind me.
I jolt and turn, knowing James was the one to ask. "What?"
"Can-zess?"
"Wha... Kanzas? Toto? The yellow bricks? A hidden wizard?" My eyebrows crease in confusion, before realisation hits me.
"... what are you talking about? Is Toto that water stater?" He looks at me as if I've lost my mind, which I don't fault him for considering the things I just said in reply.
'What am I talking about? There's no Wizard of Oz story here. I can't believe I just blurted that out!'
"Oh I... It was just something... nothing. Nothing don't worry about it. So have you been here before." I ask abruptly, pointing out the window.
He spent a moment observing me before looking out the window at the scenery, obviously letting the subject drop as fast as I slammed it into the ground.
After observing the scenery flying past for a moment, James leans back into his seat with a reply. "Yes, mother likes to visit a friend or two around here so I've been a couple of times."
"So... where are we?" I ask, re-engaging the green-eyed gaze.
--&&@@&&--
Watch out! Clifff!!!!!
Waaaahhhh... No don't kill me!!
Excuses imminent...
So I've been working... seriously. Shearing is seasonal, so work now is busy.
Also in my mind when I think about writing, I want to have at least three days before I start...? Does that make sense?
Day one is catch-up day. Catch up with chores, people and news.
Day two involves internet. FanFiction, YouTube, Facebook, Manga/Mahwa, etc
Day three. Plot and write.
So yeah I need that time to get my head straight and chill an whatever. But the thing is the last couple of times I got to 'day three', 'day two' spilled over... Sooo sorry peeps I'm working on it...
Mayhaps you're now wondering why I'm back now? Well let me tell you some news (you can decide if it's good or bad...)
So... I broke a bone in my ankle. Damn...
Soooo... yeah I'm out of work for the next couple of weeks... surprise!
Anyway story!
Like? Dislike?
I've been thinking I need to change some of the categories this story is under.
Rating: While I don't swear often, I do sometimes, I am Australian after all mate. Is this rating ok atm? Or should I go harsher and actually write some swears?
Ash: while I do want him to appear in this story, it's dragging out a lot more than I thought it would when I started. Should I remove 'Ash' (and 'Jessie' for that matter) from the category selection until they at least appear? Should I add 'Houndour/Houndoom' as replacement or did you like the mystery at the start?
Also tah-dah! First egg appears! The field trip was mentioned subtlety in chapter 3...
Thanks for reading my rants! Opinions plz.
Hope everyone is doing well.
Until next time... shouldn't be as long of a wait.
A-Bub-bye! :)