I'm back with another chapter, this one finally marks the end of the 41 days period I've decided to use as prologue for this story. From now on, chapters will take place mostly at the boarding school.

When I planned this first arc, I estimated it lasting 10-15 chapters, but this number will probably go up, as Chapters 2,3 and 4 were meant to be just a single one.

Regarding beta readers I don't plan on using one for the moment as I understand that my writing will progressively get better; and hopefully faster.

"Talent hits a target no one else can hit. Genius hits a target no one else can see." - Arthur Schopenhauer

Chapter Four: Higher than Ever

9 days until the deadline

As soon as I got home from work, I took some pieces of paper, father's laptop, a pen and my mobile phone and sat at the (still) crumbled office. Getting Braviary was a gamble, one with moderate risks; but with amazing payoff should it works. The first priority is to 'tame' or, at least, reach an understanding with Braviary. Several articles and studies show that Braviary is amongst the hardest pokémon to train due to its proud nature, which only adds to the difficult of this task.

A pokémon-trainer bond is a chain of command, with a clear hierarchy, if the trainer sets itself under, or as equal as the pokémon, it will not work. Of course, this is a subjective opinion; in the future I might reconsider that, should I see things working the other way. But, for now, my reasoning is that a bond based on hierarchy is harder to be severed than a bond based on friendship or feelings alone, as (in this time due to my own personal experiences) those are fickle and unstable.

For Braviary to relinquish, or put aside, even if partially, his own pridefulness I'd have to prove my worth. A good way to do so is to convince it that, under my tutelage, he'd grown stronger and able to take down mightier foes. Obviously, I also must be able to back up that claim which would require even more work as I have almost zero understanding of flying type pokémon training.

I glanced at the several articles and books I've obtained, all pertaining the behaviour and characteristics of Braviary. Stat wise Braviary is a solid pokémon in each aspect; but truly excelling in endurance and physical attacks. His defences aren't bad per se, but aren't exceptional either, and wouldn't hold a candle for Umbreon's after the evolution. His speed was slightly above average, but not a speedster by any means. His only 'weak' stat would be special attacks, this works rather well for me as Braviary's learnset contains very few ranged attacks.

When it comes to type matchups, Braviary has three weaknesses, two resistances and two immunities. Offensively, it can counter grass, fighting and bug types, the last two which also happen to threaten Umbreon, creating a bit of synergy. Only two types can resist both normal and flying type attacks: steel and rock, those two will have to be countered specifically.

As I finish drafting the project, I couldn't help but feel a swell of pride at my handiwork:

Braviary – Tactical Analysis / Training Plan

Braviary works well as a 'brawler' or 'fighter' pokémon, a group of species that can make themselves present on the battlefield for a long time due to a combination of stamina, endurance and available offensive repertory. Training should be focused on working to further develop the offensive moveset, increase manoeuvrability and most importantly establishing mutual trust and hierarchy.

In order to make Braviary as effective as possible on the battlefield, his moveset should be built in order to fight as many different types of pokémon possible, with a secondary focus on healing due to its prolonged stay on the field.

A six moves sample set should be as follows:

1 – Flying type attack – main attacking choice, several choices can be made here

2 – Fighting type attack – moves of this typing are super effective against rock, steel and ice attacks, all threatening to Braviary in some way

3 – Roost – provides healing for Braviary and if used correctly can negate the flying type weaknesses for a small window of time.

4 – Crush Claw – only reliable normal type attack, can potentially cripple physical defenders

5 – Situational

6 – Situational

I should approach battles with a fully offensive mentality. Braviary must exert offensive pressure from early on, ruthlessly attacking the opponent, forcing errors and crippling its morale. Must proceed with caution against electric types, as there's no effective counter for them.

7 days until the deadline

"You look different. For the better." My father commented as I emerged from at the living room, ready to head out.

I did indeed. The most noticeable change was in hairstyle, the unkept hair which kept falling into my face and covering my eyes was mostly tied into a manbun, with some few strands that weren't long enough for be tied back framing my face, and slightly covering my eyes. I changed my clothes into a black muscle long-sleeved shirt with navy blue jeans and red trainers.

I'd always try to look good back in Galar, even more so after I started dating Nessa. Now I had no girl to impress, but the was still a bit of narcissism involved, if I could look good why I shouldn't? Most importantly is that in most of the important social circles I probably would not be taken seriously if I showed up looking like a hobo.

"Thanks." I said nodding. "I'll be off now."

It was a bit past five when I've reached the bus terminal, just in time to purchase a ticket and board the bus. The bus itself wasn't very packed, with plenty of empty seats, I took one of the back ones and put on my headphones. Compared to Galar, Unova has a greater selection of music from different genres; I found out I particularly enjoyed Unovan hip-hop and rap. The bus won't be reaching Mistralton City any time soon, so I took the laptop I borrowed from my father and set on writing down the training plan for Eevee's evolution to Umbreon in the same format than Braviary's. I already knew most of the info; I just needed to write it down.

Eevee - Umbreon – Tactical Analysis / Training Plan

Umbreon has potential to be the team's defensive centrepiece. His endurance is well above average; his physical defences are top tier; and his special defences are off the charters. Battling as Eevee should prepare him for a different style, where defence becomes the primary focus; with offense coming from well-planned counterattacks. The training should focus in improving his already stellar defensive stats and into developing a reliable special attack. Another point of interest is to try to increase the capability of using different moves, expanding the available gamma of selection, as they would greatly benefit Umbreon.

The moveset for him is extremely ample; and it could be adapted for the team's needs should need arise. At the moment, the six moves I plan to use are as follows:

1 – Moonlight – A excellent of option for healing, works even better at night

2 – Toxic – Alternative way to cripple opponents through escalating damage. Must be taught by a move tutor

3 – Iron Tail – Should be used sparingly, most to catch fairy types off the guard and parrying

4 – Dark Pulse – Main ranged attack, has the dark typing and can even flinch opponents

5 – Foul Play – Creative way of dealing with physical attacks, as it uses their attack against them. Must be taught by a tutor.

6 – Situational – Depending of the team's composition can be Psychic or Shadow Ball for more attacking power, or Protect for stalling.

The mindset should be full shithousery. Taking opponents down by unconventional, and even dirty and dishonourable tactics. Stalling, foul play, all that matters in the end is wining. Umbreon's weaknesses are Fairy, Fighting and Bug types. It should have enough bulk to resist them, but those opponents require extra caution. Fast fighting types can be extra troublesome, as they can outmanoeuvre Umbreon easily and exploit the type matchup with a series of fast super effective physical attacks.

As soon as I finished writing, the bus stopped, signalling that I've reached my destination.

Mistralton City was famed for both its cargo airport, the largest in Unova, and the nearby Celestial Tower, a large building that also served as a graveyard for pokémon. At night both were visible: the airport due to the red lights that served as an indicator for the planes, and the Celestial Tower due to the bluish illumination it possessed, rising in front of the Twist Mountain. It was a small city, but its wine-coloured residential buildings had their charm.

A good perk of being in a small city such as Mistralton is that it impossible to get lost; the Gym was just right next to the airport and the greenhouses; fittingly it was a redesigned hangar. After presenting my ticked to one of the bouncers at the entrance, I was admitted into the building.

The insides were fairly big; which made sense, the place was designed to hold airplanes after all. The elevated walkway that encircled the hangar served as a standing area. The trainers stood into the lower battlefield, but everyone here knows that the real battle would take place in the air. The announcer took centre stage and spoke on his microphone.

"Welcome to the Mistralton City Gym. Today we are proud to host the Flying Type Exhibition Match between the flying type gyms of Mistralton City" a loud cheer followed the announcement "and Violet City." As in a cue, the hangar's roof opened, revealing the vast starry sky above.

The first battles pitted apprentices in those gyms, as preliminary matches for the main event. Instead of cheering for any of them, I approached the matches with an analytical approach, I was here to learn after all. Flying types stood out for their speed and overall mobility; all clashes between those pokémon were often faster paced than other matchups. Another aspect that was to be noted is the importance of the secondary typing flying pokémon had; with exception of Rookidee and Corvisquire, both only present in Galar; all flying pokémon had another type, which greatly affected their usage and moveset.

Yet the battle most of the people were interested was the one starting now. Miles against Walker; gym leader versus gym leader; Mistralton versus Violet.

Miles, the Mistralton City Gym Leader, an elderly man with short stature and grey hair tied in ponytail called out Sigilyph. Sigilyph, a dual psychic/flying type has a cylindrical white body, with green, black and blue details covering most of it, its arrow-shaped head and feelers attached to the cylinder are black, finally its wings and tail are mostly yellow with blue and red details.

Walker, the Violet City Gym leader, a man in his early forties and with pale cyan blue hair combed in a cool bangs style covering most of his forehead, called out Skarmory. Skarmory, a steel/flying dual type, has grey metallic body with yellow eyes, pointed beak, triangular shaped head, blue neck, tail and legs; and red feathers covered by the metallic sheet.

Walker, galvanized by the type advantage he had, quickly took the initiative. Skarmory, although slower than Sigilyph seemed more prepared, quickly spamming steel type attacks, which also were used as a way to boost its defence, with Steel Wing, and its attack, with Metal Claw. Sigilyph seemed unable to properly damage Skarmory as both its psychic and flying type attacks were bounced off by its opponent metallic body. For the next minutes Skarmory relentlessly attacked, and Sigilyph settled for a defensive approach, connecting ineffective counter attacks.

"I'm telling you, there's no way dad is losing this one now." A loud male voice claimed.

"Shut up!" an equally loud voice, only this time feminine replied. "Grandpa still has fight in him."

I proceeded to watch the battle, attempting to block out the noise and understand the trainer's strategy.

"Shut up!" the female voice yelled out again. Well, easier said than done.

"Hey, you, with the manbun." The male voice called out. I turned around, attempting to not show my annoyance.

The two figures, a male and female as I've identified earlier glanced at me.

The male, probably around my age appears to have a special fondness for blue, as its eyes, clothes, which consisted of vest and calf length pants, and even hair; styled in a side swept bang that covered almost his entire face's right side. He also wears black arm warmers…for some reason.

The female, also around my age is a pretty girl. I've given up romance but I have to state facts. She has tanned skin, blue eyes and reddish-brown hair. Her hair is a unique one as it features a propeller like blue tie holding off a bun, whilst the rest of the hair flowing freely, with two long stands framing both sides of her face. Her clothing also was mainly blue, with a long-sleeved sky-blue crop to, leaving her belly bare, blue shorts and even blue boots.

"Yes?" I asked trying to not sound annoyed.

"Who's the better trainer?" the male ask-demanded

I frowned. "The one who wins obviously."

He still looked impatient for an answer. "And who's going to win? My dad or Skyla's grandad?"

"If I knew I wouldn't be here." Okay maybe this was overly aggressive, but I never was exactly poster boy for diplomatically resolving social conflicts.

"That was rude" the boy said angrily.

Before he could go on a rant our attention was turned back into the battle, after a particularly harsh hit, it seemed that Sigilyph was going down, instead it surprised everyone by unleashing a strong Heat Wave attack, who surprised Skarmory and sent it crashing into the ground. When smoke cleared, Skarmory was unconscious and Sigilyph was declared the winner.

"What the fuck happened?" arm warmer boy voiced everyone's thoughts.

"I have no idea." The girl commented, before cheering loudly. "Yay, gramps won."

I also was surprised by the battle's result, knocking out the opponent in one hit was almost unheard off in those kinds of battles. Sigilyph, did land those Psychic attacks, but Skarmory waved them off like they were nothing. Heat Wave is a strong fire attack, super effective against steel types, but even so it shouldn't deal that much of a damage to a leader's pokémon, even if already suffered damage from Psychic.

Wait…Psychic?

I then facepalmed, not believing I didn't saw it before.

The slap probably made a sound a bit too loud, as the girl turned to me in concern.

"Are you okay?"

I waved her off. "I'm fine" frowning once again I looked at the trainers below, Walker probably coming to the same realization I had. "I'm just annoyed I didn't realize before."

"What do you mean?" the boy asked this time. "Do you know what happened?"

I nodded. "Psychic."

"But Psychic isn't effective against Skarmory." The girl interjected

I looked at her, raising my eyebrows, she looked pensive, before the look of realization appeared on her face. I just nodded, confirming her suspicions.

The girl then also facepalmed, causing me to chuckle.

"What?" the boy still unaware demanded in desperation.

The girl and I exchanged amused looks, before I decided to put him out of his misery.

"Psychic's side effect reduces special defences. All those counterattacks Miles ordered weren't meant to damage Skarmory, but to damage its defences."

The boy also facepalmed. "No."

"Yes." I said with a smirk.

"No."

"Yes."

"It can't be."

"Wait" the girl then said with a frown "but Skarmory's Metal Claw also raises its stats, shouldn't that make his attacks stronger?"

"That's… a great question actually." I admitted, causing the girl to beam at me.

I put a finger on my chin, thinking deeply, before it came to me. "Psychic is more likely to cause a side effect than Metal Claw. I don't know the exact probabilities each attack has of triggering a side effect, but my guess is that the decrease rate of Skarmory's special defence was faster than the increase in its attack."

The girl smiled. "Wow, you really know your stuff."

The boy also complimented me. "I must admit that I wouldn't have thought of that." He extended his hand. "My name is Falkner Vance, I'm the son of Walker, the Violet City Gym Leader."

I shook the boy's hand as the girl introduced herself. "My name is Skyla Levan." She said with a wink. "I'm the granddaughter of Mistralton's Gym Leader."

I nodded. "Peter Thornham. A pleasure to make your acquaintance."

I found myself enjoying the company of the duo, despite the rough start the two were fun people to have around. The main reason I came here was to learn more of flying types, and who better to learn that from than two teenagers that were raised in that environment? Now I felt confident enough to use Braviary in battle, I only needed his trust.

As our trio walked aimlessly through the streets of Mistralton City, I glanced at my mobile phone: it was already past midnight. I turned to Skyla and Falkner.

"This was a very productive conversation, but now I must be off."

The duo seemed disappointed, but as soon as I turned away from them, Falkner's voice stopped me.

"Hey, Thornham. Battle me." He demanded.

I stopped in my tracks. I always caried my pokéballs with me. A battle against a trainer would definitively be a different experience than fighting the wild pokémon at Route 4.

"Do you know any place where we can have a battle?" I asked Skyla

The redhaired girl frowned for a few seconds before nodding. "I know one, it's not too far from here."

A few minutes later, we found ourselves inside an empty street basketball court. I glanced around taking note of the surroundings; ever since the battle against Braviary in the desert I started taking an active approach in using the battlefield in my favour. The only noteworthy feature were the two hoops at each end of the court, but unless either Eevee or Braviary wanted to Be Like Mike, I couldn't see them making that much of a difference.

"Let's make this a three on three battle." Falkner suggested.

I shook my head. "Can't do. I only have two pokémon."

"I can let you borrow my pokémon." Skyla suggested

I turned to the girl clearly surprised by her selflessness, before shaking my head in denial once again. "I really appreciate that, but I can't accept." The Mistralton native pouted. "It would be great to see you pokémon." I said, in an attempt to placate her. "But I have to make this battle brief. So, what you say Falkner? Two pokémon each?"

The boy hmphed but nodded nonetheless.

"Skyla. Can you referee the battle?" I asked

"Sure." She said beaming.

The bubbly girl took centre stage, before loudly calling out. "This will be a two on two battle between Falkner Wayne from Violet City and Peter Thornham from….hummm…hey, Peter, where you're from?"

"Motostoke City, Galar, but I'm living in Castelia City."

"And Peter Thornham from Castelia City." The girl decided. "Trainers, send out your first pokémon."

"Eevee, stand ready for battle." I announced, calling up my first pokémon

"Pidgey, lend me your strength."

Pidgey, a small bird pokémon with normal/flying typing appeared. Its plumes are mainly brown and cream coloured, with pinkish claws and beak.

"The battle may start." Skyla announced.

"Pidgey, take the skies and use Twister." Falkner called out.

The small bird quickly flew up and flapped its wings, creating a small tornado that was towards Eevee.

"Dodge it with Quick Attack." I instructed Eevee, who quickly dodged the attack, which quickly dissipated. "Now use your speed to leap towards it and use Bite."

The increased speed, gave my pokémon an extra lift and for an instant it seemed that the attack was going to connect. Unfortunately, Falkner wasn't having any of it. "Oh no, you won't. Pidgey, use Pluck."

The small bird's beak glowed pale blue and slammed at the leaping rabbit, sending it crashing at the ground. Eevee quickly recovered, shaking its head and glaring at Pidgey.

"It's no good, the air advantage makes physical attacks harder to land." I thought, frowning.

Sensing our indecision, Falkner quickly capitalized, ordering another attack. "Pidgey, let's keep this show going on: use Gust."

The opponent flapped his wings with great speed, creating a strong gust of wind that was sent towards Eevee.

Fortunately, I found a new strategy. "Eevee, trust me. Charge through the Gust as fast as possible, using Quick Attack."

The evolution pokémon followed my instructions to the letter, quickly building up speed, before charging head on towards the attack. I let out a breath of relief as Eevee's speed propelled him through the gust, slamming into Pidgey, who was sent crashing into the ground.

"Shit, Pidgey, are you okay?" Falkner asked, earning a pained grunt from his pokémon. He then frowned. "Use Roost to heal up."

The bird pokémon landed in the ground and crossed its wings, its plumes glowing white and recovering health.

I smirked, as I had the perfect counter for that. "Eevee, use Double Kick."

"Fuck." Was the only word Falkner could utter as Eevee dashed towards his pokémon, leaping up and delivering two consecutive super effective strikes, sending it crashing at one of the hoop's supports.

At first it seemed that Pidgey was going to faint, but it groggily took the skies once again.

"Come on Pidgey, we can still win this." Pidgey screeched, glaring at Eevee. Falkner frowned. "Pidgey, let's focus on long range attacks, if Eevee can't get to us he won't hurt us. Use Twister."

The tiny bird pokémon once again flapped its wings, creating a smallish tornado that was hurled at Eevee.

"Shit." I cursed, long range was a no go for us as Shadow Ball, our only ranged attack wasn't able to damage Pidgey due to its normal typing. "Eevee, stall him with Quick Attack to evade the attacks."

The next moves consisted of game of cat and mouse, or rather bird and rabbit. Pidgey would attack from its comfort zone, while Eevee would use his speed to evade. I frowned seeing the scene, if this kept going on, we would tire and become easier targets. A gambit was desperately needed, as the Quick Attack charge strategy we used was predictable, with Pidgey flying at a safe distance, hovering near the hoops. Then I idea came into my mind.

"Pidgey, we're close to landing a strike." Falkner announced. "Use Twister once again."

As the dragon type attack came towards us, I decided to put my plan in motion. "Eevee, use Quick Attack to run towards the hoops."

The normal type pokémon once again fled from Pidgey's onslaught, running at the other hoop, albeit a bit slower than when it started, as the muscular strain caused by the many uses in a row making itself known. As he neared the hoop, I surprised everyone with my next command. "Run horizontally, use the pole."

In a moment of pure magic, Eevee, managed the whole three metres in an incredible burst of speed, as it reached the backboard, everyone else but me starred at the pokémon's feat, their jaws on the ground. "Now use the backboard as a jumping board to propel yourself towards Pidgey."

Eevee, once again displaying admirable athleticism managed to cover the entire small court in a leap, nearing Pidgey, albeit losing height.

"Roll and use Iron Tail."

The evolution pokémon, flipped acrobatically, before using the called attack, his tail glowing a metallic white, nicking the helpless bird pokémon. Due to the fall the attack didn't land entirely, just nicking Pidgey's underbelly; but it was enough. The defenceless dual type was sent crashing at the backboard, ironically falling through the hoop into the ground.

As Eevee landed tiredly and gracefully, and Pidgey displayed swirls in his eyes, I couldn't help but let out a whistle. Full court three pointer, damn!

"That was…SO COOL!" Skyla squealed from the sidelines.

My chuckle and Falkner's glare caused the girl to blush in embarrassment. "I mean…" the bubbly redhead said, attempting to sound serious for once. "… Pidgey is unable to battle. Trainer please send out your next pokémon."

Before Falkner could do that, I recalled Eevee. Feeling the curious glances at me I explained. "Running around like that caused some serious strain on Eevee's legs. I'll let him sit out."

Falkner nodded. "Those were some unconventional tactics, they worked once, but won't work twice." He said as he recalled Pidgey and took another pokéball. "But it ends now, meet my strongest Pokémon. Go Pidgeotto."

Pidgeotto, the evolved form of Pidgey shared its typing and characteristics, but with a more developed body. The biggest difference it had from Pidgey, besides the size was the crest like red and yellow feathers it had atop its head and in the end of its tail.

I took the other pokéball from my belt, taking also a deep breath. Using Braviary at this point is a risky move, but I'm hoping the prospect of defeating another strong flying type can sway he to partner up with me.

"It's your turn now, Braviary." I said whilst calling the valiant pokémon out.

Braviary immediately glared at me, and then at the Pidgeotto in front of him. He then glared at Falkner. And, finally, at Skyla, who had absolutely nothing to do with this.

"Start!" Skyla called out.

"Pidgeotto, let's start with Quick Attack."

The bird pokémon quickly rose up to the skies, before diving in a spiral towards Braviary, causing a wind stream to appear along its trail.

"Braviary, take off and meet him with Wing Attack."

Instead of following my orders, the valiant pokémon glared at me (once again) before taking off and heading towards Pidgeotto, with its beak glowing blue, signalling a Peck attack.

As the attacks were about to meet, Pidgeotto quickly tucked its head, making the Peck miss and the slamming at Braviary's belly.

The Unovan pokémon quickly got up with yet another glare.

"Hey!" I heard Skyla call out "Why it didn't follow Peter's orders?"

Falkner then asked me. "Thornham? What does this mean?"

I frowned, glancing at Braviary. "I caught Braviary recently, two days ago to be exact. Apparently, it still doesn't want to follow my commands."

"So, you want to forfeit?" Falkner inquired

"No, I promised you a two-on-two battle; and I don't go back on my words." I then crossed my arms glaring at my pokémon. "Braviary, if you think you're too good to fight without my commands be welcome to do so. The blame of the loss will be solely yours."

"If you wish to do so." Falkner accepted, before turning towards Pidgeotto. "Pidgeotto, use Air Slash."

Falkner's pokémon flapped its wings, sending a series of spinning disks towards Braviary. The valiant pokémon attempted to do a belly dive and get behind Pidgeotto's back, but the onslaught proved to be too much; some the disks catching up at the disobedient pokémon, sending it slamming towards the ground.

With a loud screech Braviary quickly got up, lightly bruised. It screeched even louder and then charged towards Pidgeotto, this time his beak glowing slightly pale; a move that I recognized at the starting step of his Fury Attack.

"Aerial Ace."

Pidgeotto got enveloped white streaks of light, before vanishing. Startled, Braviary stopped, as soon as he did the opponent reappeared, slamming at him.

"Hey Peter, you really should recall your pokémon." Skyla said concernedly.

I shook my head. "It's his choice to disobey me. It's his choice to once again taste defeat."

I then glanced at the beaten up valiant pokémon. He got up with yet another screech, but this time he was different. It looked shook up, even frightened.

"Let's finish this with Air Slash."

Once again, the spinning disks were hurled at Braviary, who looked more interested in escaping them than attempting to strike back. The (not so much) Valiant pokémon managed to escape, but it knew it was just a question of time until he suffered even more damage.

At this a cackled loudly. Not chuckled, more like laughing like one of those supervillains you see on children's cartoons. "Pathetic." I said, once again shocking everyone. Even Braviary looked shocked.

"Unable to follow commands, being beaten down by a weaker pokémon" at this I stopped looking at Falkner and Pidgeotto, who both had their mouths wide open. "No offence meant."

I didn't even register their reactions, as I looked at Braviary, who (for once) was not glaring at me. "Braviary, is this what you wanted? To lose once again? I must let you know that I haven't forgotten my promise to you." I said, causing the brave pokémon's eyes to widen in shock. "Follow my commands and you'll experience victory; fight alone and you'll end defeated. Decide NOW!" I yelled out. "Please let me help you out." I thought, still maintaining my 'villainous' mask.

Braviary glanced around. Skyla looked disappointed, Falkner and Pidgeotto glared at me. He nodded at me, causing me to smirk. "Let's do this."

I then turned to Falkner. "I apologize for the distraction, now let's continue this battle."

"We will have a serious talk later." Falkner warned, before tuning to his pokémon. "Pidgeotto, use Quick Attack to put them out of their misery."

"Braviary" I called out authoritatively "follow my orders and trust me. Use Wing Attack."

The dual type looked puzzled but relented, flying to meet Pidgeotto into the air, his wings glowing white. "Keep your body straight." I called out, waiting for Pidgeotto's reaction, as soon as it tucked his head I called out. "Braviary, quickly cross your wings."

Apparently understanding my idea, the valiant pokémon made the 'X' pattern with his wings just in time to block Pidgeotto's head. I smirked "Now, unleash."

With a quick motion the Braviary's were open once again, sending Pidgeotto crashing into the ground.

"Let's seize momentum. Wing Attack before he recovers."

"Oh no you won't. Pidgeotto use Feather Dance."

Before I could call out the attack and order an evasion, Pidgeotto still laying on its back, opened its wings, shooting glowing white feathers at Braviary. The feathers seemed to stick at Braviary, causing its body to glow blue and him to slow down.

As I cursed myself for not preparing for a stat reducing attack, Braviary body glowed a bright crimson red, before his attack slammed full force at the surprised Pidgeotto.

"WHAT THE FUCK?" Me, Falkner and even Skyla asked in astonishment.

"Peter, what was that?"

"I have no idea." I really didn't.

Before we could continue our debate, Pidgeotto groaned in pain, heavily bruised.

Braviary seemed a bit more energized, but was huffing.

"We will find out what happened later." I promised to Falkner, who nodded.

"It seems that both our pokémon are on their last legs." The Violet City's native noted.

"Next move decides the match." I concluded

"Pidgeotto, use Tailwind."

The bird pokémon flapped its tail, calling a strong gust of wind that blew against us.

Braviary then glowed slightly orange and he made straight eye contact with me, before glancing in Pidgeotto's direction. Understanding what he asked I nodded. "You trusted me; I will trust you."

As my pokémon's body became enveloped by a crimson light, my opponent called its next move. "Use Air Slash."

As the now familiar disks appeared, they spun wildly, powered by the tail winds. Pidgeotto let them go, the disks now approaching Braviary in an alarmingly fast rate.

As they were inches away from making contact, the glow in Braviary's body also gained a yellow colour, he then propelled forwards, the energy in its body repelling the attack and then slamming at a helpless Pidgeotto, who cried in pain.

Skyla didn't even wait for the dust to settle to call out the match, there was no way Pidgeotto would resist that.

"Pidgeotto is unable to battle. As Falkner lost his two pokémon, Peter is the winner."

I approached Braviary and patted its back. "You did exceptionally well, rest now." The pokémon nodded at me as it returned into his pokéball.

"So, Peter, what the fuck!?" Falkner asked as we made our way to the bus terminal.

"I think we deserve some explanations." Skyla butted in; her tone different, not so bubbly anymore.

I sighed. "I didn't mean most of the things I said to Braviary if that's what you guys are concerned about. I also didn't mean what I said about Pidgeotto."

"Then why did you do it?" Falkner demanded aggressively.

I didn't back down, glaring at him. "Because it was needed. Sometimes people, and pokémon alike need to hear what is needed to shake them up."

"Even if you become an asshole?"

"As long as I win."

Before things could escalate even further, Skyla separated us, turning to Falkner. "Hey, we know Peter doesn't really think like that, I don't agree with him either, but, in the end, it worked well, even for Braviary. He even recalled Eevee after seeing he was no fit to fight anymore."

The blue haired trainer let out a sigh. "I guess that's the truth, but at least you could've warned us."

"If I did your reaction may not be as genuine and Braviary wouldn't buy it." I reasoned, earning nods from the flying type trainers.

"That matter put aside, care to explain the last two moves?" Falkner asked.

I put a hand on my chin in thinking. "Let's go by parts. Mist is the only move that could prevent a pokémon stat from dropping, but even so it would make no sense for it to trigger, as Braviary was indeed affected by the Feather Dance. But, for some reason the effect cancelled, maybe even reverted, as Braviary seemed to become stronger after it was hit. My guess is that an ability somehow triggered that."

"But Braviary's ability wasn't supposed to be Keen Eye or Sheer Force?" the blue haired teenager inquired

It was the redhead who responded. "I think this may have been a Hidden Ability."

I hummed. "It probably would explain that; since Hidden Abilities are extremely rare there's not that much available data about them. When I get home, I'll probably have to research this further."

"How can you get such data?" Skyla asked. "If I'm not mistaken those kinds of information are usually available only for pokémon professors and in some highly specific books."

"Internet has everything nowadays, if that fails, I'll still have some places to ask."

The girl looked like pressing the matters further, but was interrupted by Falkner. "The second attack, the one which defeated Pidgeotto, it was Sky Attack right?"

"I have no idea" I admitted "the main reason I came here was exactly to learn about flying types; I never saw anything like that."

"It probably is Sky Attack." The Mistralton City native spoke. "Brave Bird has a similar pattern to it, but has no build up stage as Sky Attack has. However, it deals a huge amount of recoil damage, which would probably knock Braviary out too."

As we reached the terminal, I glanced at the duo who accompanied me. "I had fun today. Thanks for that." I said, offering them a handshake.

Falkner returned the gesture. "You're can be a bit of asshole sometimes but you're cool. Look me up if you ever go to Johto, I'd love to have a rematch."

Instead of shaking my hand Skyla gave a kiss on the cheeks, and turned away quickly, earning raised eyebrows from both of us. Rather than leave the girl hanging I awkwardly patted her head. "It was a pleasure meeting you, Skyla."

As I boarded the bus, waving the duo a final goodbye; I immediately rested my head into the comfy bus seat and went to sleep.

The day before the headline

"Son, are you ready?" my father asked through the bathroom door. He had promised to give me a lift to the boarding school.

"I'll be in one minute."

I glanced at the reflection which glared me back through the mirror. I lived for sixteen years, but never I felt so different. My hair, once a buzzcut grew longer and was now tied back. The scar on my upper left arm, proof of the day I almost gave up would forever remain etched on my skin. But even I have to admit the biggest difference lied within my eyes.

Those green eyes were once cautious, but had a small degree of kindness, they would soften when near the ones I loved, would gleam when I laughed, would let tears fall when I'm upset; even if I denied that. Now I could only see anger and hate, green became colder than blue, the only gleam in it became the steel of the revenge's, still lying far away from me.

I thought of what led me to this point.

Nessa, Hop, Leon, Sonia, Professor Magnolia, Chairman Rose, Bruce.

Nessa, the only girl I ever loved. The girl who left me when I needed the most, who doubted my truth even when I begged her not to.

Hop, the innocent friend who always had my back. The one who pretended I never existed as soon as the lies were told.

Leon, one of the few persons I looked up to. He, who promised to help me succeed him, but instead humiliated me even further when he said that I was the one responsible for the team's failure.

Sonia, the older sister I always wished I had. She, who would always be there for me when I needed was not in the moment I needed the most; rather she was swayed by the enemies' lies.

Professor Magnolia, the bitch. She hated my guts ever since I set foot on 'her' academy, being honest her words were the only ones who didn't hurt, it was expected.

Chairman Rose, the greedy man who let this all happen. I was a pawn for him to promote his accomplishments, and later became a pawn for his 'righteousness'.

Bruce, the mastermind behind all. I once called him brother. Now I ought to become a kinslayer.

I realized then that all that would ever matter was my revenge. Not for a sense of justice, not in the hopes of getting those friends back, but only for my selfish whims.

I glared back at the mirror.

I shall embrace this new me, there's no coming back.

"Hey, just because they're letting you live here it doesn't mean that you can't go back home." Father said as we looked at the fancy fencing that separated the emerald coloured grass of the Institute of Unova from the yellow sands of the Relic Desert.

"I know, I'll come back someday. I promise."

As I turned to leave the car, father called me once again.

"Son, I'm sorry."

"Don't be. I was a shitty son…you were even a shittier dad. We can't change the past; we can only move on." I gave him one of my most sincere smiles. "Thanks for taking me in, father. I'll call you after I settled in."

After presenting my ID to the guards at the gate, and waving father a final goodbye, I finally entered the Institute of Unova. Despite not carrying much, I've decided that my first course of action was to drop my small suitcase and the backpack I was carrying.

Unlike last time, the whole school complex was packed with students, teachers and parents alike. Most of them wore everyday clothes, so I felt even more underdressed in my worn-out jeans and plain white t-shirt. I've received a memo about a start of term lecture and festivities, but I've decided not to attend, rather I'd use the remaining of the day to familiarize myself with the building layout and make sure I don't get lost in my first day.

I found myself in front of the boy's dorm room, a large three storey concrete building. According to the leaflet I've received, the bedrooms were on the second and third floors, with the first containing the lobby, some facilities, the washrooms and a common room. The ID card I've received marked my room as Dorm 3F. After a quick stop at the reception I was given a key and made my way to the third floor.

Unlike the main building, the dormitories were more functional than anything; no fancy marble statue or mahogany here. Just carpet, blank walls and a few notice signs and some house plants scattered around.

3F was located in the final floor, along a row of several white doors. Using the key, I opened up the door and glanced around. Like the rest of the dormitories there was no lavishness, just a small desk, a wardrobe, dresser and two single beds.

Wait a minute.

Two single beds?

"Sup" a male voice said from behind me. "I'm your new roommate."

Well fuck.

I'm not usually one for cliffhangers, even minor ones like that, but it just felt like a good time to stop as my attempts to continue from this point weren't up to my standards.

Chapters I write are usually hanging into the 7K words range, this one was slightly smaller, but still acceptable nonetheless.

Next chapter however might exceed that limit as I plan to cover an entire month, so it's likely it will take slightly longer to update.

Please leave a review, any kind will do, they mean the world for me. I f not possible recommend this story to your friends or anyone interested. I'm keen on making this story great, but to do so I might need help from my readers.