Volt sat on the balcony of his room, gently petting his Marrep's head as it slept, amber eyes focused on the stars. He had been on the Isle for just over a year now, and he had turned nine in that time, he had gotten used to his new routine in the dojo. He would get up with the sun and would train with his pokémon, usally just battling between themselves. Around lunch one of the little rascals would do something that would turn training into rolling on the ground and playing, not that Volt minded, he had never had friends before.
He frowned and his hands started to shake, his chest rising just that little bit faster. The dark night sky flashed red and he screwed his eyes shut shaking his head, a shallow breath escaping his lips. Mareep bleated in confusion and moved to nuzzle under his chin. Volt grabbed onto the pokémon tightly and fought to catch his breath, feeling like a Boltund had runaway with it. Slowly he calmed down and looked at the pokémon in his arms.
"Thanks Mareep," he said softly. The pokémon sleepily smiled and fell back into dreamland. He giggled and pet it again, the stars twinkling and lighting his eyes like the sun. His face turned soft and his eyes held warmth as he looked at the small sheep in his lap.
Usally they would eat dinner and go to bed after more training, but Volt had trouble sleeping, which is why he was sitting out on the balcony. He never had the chance to sleep a full night back home, and he hadn't quite yet broke the habit of staying awake, waiting. He sucked in a breath and tried to stay away from that train of thought.
Master Mustard had been so helpful to him, giving him a safe space and a mentor. Volt smiled, he remembered how long it had taken him to fully warm up to the man. It had been during a battle between his Kubfu and one of Mustard's Urushifu. The younger duo had lost, and both were downtrodden, but the man had laughed and given them advice.
"You may have lost this battle, but use that to fuel your drive to get stronger, you can only go further from here," the man had said it with such confidence, and both had taken it to heart.
Volt wanted to be stronger, he didn't want to be weak anymore. He could still feel the hands on him, like brands holding him back, chains he hadn't been able to break. The stains on his soul and body, marks that would never leave, a story of who he was and still is. Amber eyes became alight with determination as he looked at the moon.
"I can only go further from here," he whispered to himself, letting the words wash over him. He sighed and looked back into his room, he knew he needed his sleep, Master Mustard was getting three new students, and he wanted Volt to meet them. "Come on lazy bum, into bed we go," he said to his Mareep as he picked him up, bringing him into the room and to the bed to sleep. The sheep merely snored and ignored him, which made Volt roll his eyes.
He sat on the bed and laid back, knowing tomorrow he would need to be up bright and early. He reluctantly closed his eyes and drifted into a dark sleep, his body restless.
Volt stared into the swirling darkness that surround him, red lightning flowing through the black clouds. He looked down and saw crimson blood was raising higher and covering him in thick waist deep liquid. He gasped and tried to move but hands shot up from the blood and grabbed his wrists, burning his arms like hot manacles. He tried to fight, but a skeletal hand grabbed his head and pulled his skull back.
His eyes widened as a dragon made of bone and blood hovered above him, salivating. He went to scream, but the dragon moved faster, diving down and swallowing him whole, the insides cold and constricting.
Volt jerked awake with a silent gasp, his own hands having moved. One was clasping over his mouth, the other had clamped around his neck tightly. He shakily removed his hands and took slow breaths. He looked to his side and saw Mareep was still asleep, and that the sun had slowly started to rise. He knew he wouldn't be able to get back to sleep so he carefully got out of bed.
After putting on his uniform he snuck out of the dojo and made his way toward the bridge that led into the forest. He needed a breather and just wanted to be alone. As he walked in the forest he couldn't help but admire the light that refracted off the dew of the morning. He finally found a good place to sit, a small river with a few berry trees scattered around.
He sat at the edge of the river, pulling his knees up to his chin, his eyes dull, dark circles weighing them down. The wind gently blew through the trees, the cool breeze bringing down his skins temperature, letting him relax a bit. How long had it been since he was able to truly relax? He had been forced to grow up beyond his years, as is the life of royalty. Yet, he didn't want this.
He clawed at the skin on his forearm, crescent marks appearing from his sharp nails. A fire burned in his heart, cold like the lower rings of hell. The face of his uncle and others appeared in his vision and he growled, his fangs barred. He wanted nothing more than to escape from the memories, the nightmares that plagued his every waking moment. He was spiraling out of control, his eyes full of lightning and his hands rough with scales.
Snap!
He froze when a shadow appeared above him and a sinking sensation dropped into his stomach, like a rock throw to the heart. He slowly looked up to see a giant pink bear head looking down at him, its face twisted in a smile that shouldn't belong there. A Bewear had cornered him, he was toast, his rage quickly flipping into terror.
It reached for him and he ducked under its arms to try running, only for it to spin so fast, and knock him into the air and into a tree. His breath left him in a gasp and he fell onto his side, his side pulsing at the rough treatment. He looked up and saw it was slowly approaching him, its eyes shadowed. He tried to back up, but his side pulsed and he fell back, he had no pokémon and he couldn't move. He was dead, this was it... maybe this was for the best. He closed his eyes and waited for release.
"Trapinch, sand attack,"
"Charmander, ember,"
Volt's eyes snapped open at the voices and watched as sand was shot into the Bewear's eyes, and blasts of fire hit the normal type in the face. He was suddenly pulled up and he yelped as he was carried bridal style away from the enraged and confused pokémon. He didn't have a chance to see who his saviours were, his heart beating to fast and his ears full of cotton.
He felt himself be put down, not noticing that a third member had joined the group. He looked at the dojo, not moving, even as Mareep ran toward him and jumped at him. Instinctively he grabbed the sheep and buried his face in his wool.
"You alright mate?" A gentle voice asked. He heard a female voice scoff and a slap, which made him flinch.
"Don't be daft Leon, he's in shock!" The female voice crowed. He heard a whine from the voice now dubbed Leon, and looked up from Mareep to finally look at the trio.
They were his age, two boys one girl. One had purple hair, a black snap back and honey gold eyes. He wore a basic t-shirt, jeans, a blue furred jacket, and a backpack over both shoulders. The other boy wad the tallest of the four, his hair dark blue and eyes blue enough to put a sunny sky to shame. He wore a big hoodie and shorts, and a cute little Trapinch hat on his head. The girl had red hair and real eyes, and a white sundress covered her pale skin.
The girl smiled at him, "ignore him, I'm Sonia." Her voice had turned soft and he shifted his feet a bit.
"Volt," he mumbled into his Mareep's wool, they obviously heard him as they smiled.
"Name's Raihan," the tall boy said, before pointing at the purple hairs boy, "and that's Leon."
"Nice to meet ya Volt," Leon said with a pearly white grin. Volt smiled shyly at him and waved, Mareep giving them all a glare that looked odd on the cute pokémon's face.
"Ah Volt, seems you met our new students," Mustard said from behind him, causing the boy to squeak and jump around to face the man, his hands shaking slightly.
The master noticed immediately the boys posture, curled in, eyes downcast, and neck barred. His eyes turned icy as he turned to the other children, seeing them shiver under his eyes.
"Can someone explain what happened?" He asked, knowing that something had to have caused Volt to react this way.
"Well we were on the way here when Leon got lost," Raihan started, ignoring Leon's protests, "and we found Volt about to be really hurt by a Bewear so we helped and managed to bring him here."
Mustard hummed and looked at Volt, the boy nodded his head in agreement. He let our a quiet sigh, part of him relived that Volt hadn't been hurt more than he already was. The boy was holding his side, and he could see the wince on his face.
"Volt, why don't you go inside and find Blissey, and your pokémon, they were worried about you," the Master said.
Volt nodded and made his way back inside the dojo to do as he was told. His legs were shaky as he closed the door behind him. He held a hand up to his mouth and took deep breaths, that was so embarrassing. Not only was he caught so off guard by the Bewaer, he hadn't even been able to speak more than one word. Mareep bleated in encouragement.
He petted the pokémon and made way toward his room, deciding to avoid Blissey, he didn't need to be coddled, his face darkend. It would remind him to get stronger, for his family. He stepped into his room and grabbed his pokéballs, putting them in his belt and returning Mareep. He didn't look at the mirror as he left, his body stiff as he made his way to the main room in the dojo.
When he entered he saw Mustard standing with the three new students, each now wearing a dojo uniform, each keeping something from their personal attire. Leon his cap, Raihan his Trapinch hat, and Sonia her heart shaped hair clips. Interesting, all things on their heads. The boy also noticed each had a pokémon beside them, Leon's Charmander stood proud beside its trainer, Trapinch lazily beside Raihan, and a Yamper was with Sonia.
His eyes lit up and he crouched down near the little electric dog and gently reached his hand out, ignoring the eyes on him. The Yanper sniffed his hand before nuzzling his hand, the shocks of electricity not even fazing Volt. Mustard coughed after a moment, enjoying the carefree look on Volt's face as he played with the Yamper.
The blonde blushed and quickly stood up in embarrassment. "Sorry Master," he whispered. The man merely laughed.
"It's no problem Volt," he said, "I was hoping you'd show up." Volt titled his head in question.
"Why?" He asked softly. Mustard smiled gently.
"I'd like you to battle Leon here, you will be his first lesson," the man told him. Volt jolted and looked down at his own feet. He was going to battle? He wasn't used to battling anyone outside of Mustard.
"Ok," he whispered. Leon started to vibrate in excitement.
"Hehe this is going to be real fun, I won't hold back!" Leon said, golden eyes ablaze with determination. Volt felt something bubble inside of him, but couldn't quite pinpoint it, he walked over to one side of the training room and Leon went to the other.
Volt hovered his hands over his pokéballs and thought for a moment. He grabbed one and tossed it into the air.
"Kubfu, lights up," he called as the pokémon appeared in a blaze of light, black eyes shinning like stars as it took in Leon and Charmander. Volt swallowed and sweat beaded on his forehead. Kubfu glanced back at him and gave him a thumbs up. Volt smiled at the pokémon and took a shaky breath.
Mustard looked between the two trainers, Raihan and Sonia by his side. "Wehn I give the word you may begin," he told them. The air became thick with tension. Kubfu was breathing deeply, absorbing energy, and Charmander was blowing little bits of fire into the air. Mustard decided to start with a loud, "begin!" Volt flinched.
"Ember," Leon called immediately, Charmander reacting just as fast, a blasts of flame shooting from its open mae.
Volt shook himself out of his stupor and called out, "vaccum wave!" Kubfu crossed glowing white arms and spread them out quickly, a blast of air leaving it and repelling the ember. "Now, power up punch!" Volt cried .
Kubfu was off and went to strike Charmander, which dodged at Leon's comamnd. A red light blazed around Kubfu indicating it got stronger.
"Dragon breath, Charmander!" Leon called out with excitement. The dragon charged up the attack and Kubfu back flipped back toward its trainer as the purple attack shot under it. "Now slash at it," Leon commanded, the Charmander quick to persure Kubfu with glowing white claws.
"Counter with comet punch," Volt called out. White energy covered Kubfu's fists and the two pokémon start to attack each other, neither able to get a hit in.
"Dragon tail!" Leon cried suddenly, Volt's eyes widening in shock as a blue glow covered Charmander's tail and swung at Kubfu, catching it off guard and sending it flying. The wushu pokémon flipped and landed on one knee in front of Volt.
"How?" Volt asked with a frown. Leon smirked and rubbed under his nose.
"Surprised ya huh?" He chuckled, "this is so much fun, but I'm going to win." Leon smacked his cheecks and his grin grew. Volt felt electricity flow through him and his lips quirked into a smirk and his eyes became alight.
"Prove it," Volt shot back, "Kubfu, vaccum wave!" The bear shot out blasts of air at the lizard.
"Dodge it and use ember," Leon called, Charmader jumped into the air and fire left its mouth toward Kubfu.
"Get under it and use thunder punch," Volt commanded, Kubfu quick to obey, dodging the ember and jumping up at Charmander, fist coated in lightning.
Leon grinned and pointed at Charmander, "counter with dragon tail." The two attacks collided and made a small explosion. Kubfu landed on the ground, its footing off, panic appearing in its eyes as well as Volt's. "Again Charmander," Leon called. The fire pokémon struck Kubfu with its tail and the wushu pokémon flew back, out of energy.
Volt gasped and ran to Kubfu, who was lying on the floor. "Kubfu, are you ok?" He asked the pokémon, that gave him a reassuring smile. He heard cheers and looked up as Leon and Charmander danced around, Raihan and Sonia having joined him in their own excitment.
"Now settle down," Mustard said with a chuckle. The trio calmed down and looked at the man. "You both did spectacularly," he congratulated with a smile.
"Yeah, Volt you did really good!" Sonia gushed, Volt blushing at the praise. Raihan nodded and had a fire in his eyes.
"You almost had me a few times there Volt," Leon said with an easy grin, his cheeks slightly pink from the effort. Volt rubbed his arm as Kubfu puffed up its chest, its eyes closed and smile wide.
"We still lost," Volt said, his lips pulling down in a frown.
"Yes, but remember what I always say," Mustard said with a small smile.
"I can only go further from here," Volt recited, a small smile on his face. Mustard nodded and laughed.
"That's the spirit," he said, "now let's continue your training." The three new students all got very excited and Volt just smiled and nodded.
It had been a few months since the trio had arrived on the isle and they had all been training hard, Volt's Mareep even evolved into Flafy! Today the blonde sat atop the dojo, enjoying the sun on his face, Dreepy sleeping soundly in his lap. He looked at the letter held firmly in his hand, his mother's handwriting clear. He letter was his mother telling him she missed him, and that she hoped she had a good birthday.
His birthday was today... he tightened his fists, crumpling the paper slightly. What a joke. He didn't deserve to be born, he was a stain on his families name. His uncle had made that clear, he had no purpose, which is why he was here, wasn't it. To prove his worth, to show them he had use. He had to do that becoming stronger, no matter what it took. He looked down at Dreepy and he fizzled out, the small pokémon looked so innocent on his lap.
He clenched his eyes shut and growled softly. He couldn't deny that he was useless, but now he was fighting for his pokémon too, they needed a trainer. He didn't want to take that away from them, no matter how many times the thought plagued him, slithering in the shadows and poisoning his heart and mind.
"Hey Volt!" A voice called up to him. Volt jumped and looked down to see Raihan standing down on the ground, a goofy sharp toothed grin on his face. "Come down for a sec," the dragon enthusiast said his eyes shinning bright.
Volt sighed and slowly got up, putting away the letter. Dreepy reacted quick to his movement and floated up to rest on his head, not happy at being awoken. He laughed at the small dragon, and jumped off the roof, landing silently on the ground. He looked up at the other boy, stopping when his eyes met his chest.
"What's up?" Volt asked after a moment. Raihan raised his hand and rubbed the back of his neck and chuckled.
"Wanna go for a walk?" He asked timidly. Volt frowned, tilting his head. The tone was not something he had heard from Raihan before, nervous and shaky. He nodded his head in agreement and followed after. His Dreepy deciding it wanted to sleep in Raihan's hood, the blue eyes boy making a noise at the sudden weight, but just smiled at the small pokémon.
Volt blushed on behalf of his pokémon, unsure what this was all about. Raihan was an enigma to him honestly, in a good way. The older boy was kikd and caring, but still intense in battles, almost animalistic. His fangs would be on display, his nails like claws, and his eyes slitted and predatory, like a dragon. It felt familiar to himself. Just Volt didn't let his instincts control him in battle, to meek to truly let go. He felt a connection, although that wasn't saying much now was it?
"We're family little Volt. We're connected by blood and soul, you're mine," his uncles voice hissed in his ears, black satin sound coating his ears like thick chocolate mousse, sickly sweet and dangerous.
He growled softly and clenched his fists, feeling his skin strain under the pressure. Soft hands gently grabbed his and got in between his claws and palms. Amber eyes shot up and for the first time met with electric blue. Time seemed to freeze, both of their eyes seeming glowing in the shade of the tree they had stopped under. If one were to look close they would claim sparks left Volt's hands and steam came from Raihan's nose with his breath.
"You shouldn't do that," Raihan gently scolded, his face closer than Volt was comfortable with. The boys height gave him the ability to tower over Volt, the boys small structure betraying him. He felt caged in and he didn't know what to do. Raihan seemed to read him as he backed off, letting go of his hands. Volt's eyes immediately snapped back to the ground and his lip quivered.
Raihan waited a moment before he kept walking, Volt following automatically. They entered a small cave that led to the cove of the Isle, and Volt carefully stepped, not wanting to be in sight of Raihan. Raihan stopped just in front of the water and stretched his arms over his head, sighing contentedly as he sat down to take off his shoes. Raihan dipped his bare feet in the water, and a positively melted look came on his face, the content a beacon that made Volt giggle, and quickly slap a hand over his burning face.
"Come on, sit, relax," Raihan said, patting the spot beside him. Volt hesitated before reluctantly taking off his shoes and sitting down beside him, his toes just reaching the water. Raihan smiled and looked up at the sky. "You know, I never thought I'd meet someone like you," Raihan suddenly said.
Volt froze and looked at their reflections, seeing the dragon boys eyes on his own in the water. "What do you mean?" Volt asked, his words choked and unsure.
Raihan hummed, "you're so shy, hardly talk too." The boy chuckled at the look on Volt's face after that. "But once something sparks your interest you get this look in your eye and you become someone else," he said and looked to be hesitating. After a moment Raihan reached out a hand and grabbed Volt's.
Volt again instinctively snapped his eyes up to meet Raihan's, the liquid pools of cerulean held something that made Volt feel weak. He swallowed thickly unsure what to do or say.
"I-"
"I know you're hurting," Raihan interrupted, "there are points where you look so... destroyed." Raihan looked down at their hands and squeezed gently. "But you're not alone, not anymore," he told the boy. Raihan pulled something out from his pocket and put it around the boys wrist.
Volt looked at the black wool string braclet, the weight comforting and the small Flygon head charm making him smile slightly. He looked up at Raihan, meeting his eyes and smiled.
"Thanks Raihan," he whispered. The dragon boy grinned and pulled him into a gentle hug.
"Happy birthday," he whispered in his ear. Volt blushed and closed his eyes. He hadn't been expecting what happened next. His nose was booped! He yelped and opened his eyes to see Dreepy right in front of his face, its eyes playful and tail wagging.
"You little bugger," Volt hissed as the dragon flopped onto his face and he fell onto his back. Raihan burst out laughing at the scene.
"I think he wants to play, mate," Raihan teased as the baby dragon flew at the tall boy and nuzzled his cheek. Volt couldn't keep the scoff that resounded out of his throat.
"Little guys a menace," he pouted, Dreepy whimpered and gave him Yamper eyes. Volt softened and hugged the dragon, "yes, I still adore you." The lingering pokémon did a few backflips in excitment, before it shot back toward the dojo.
"It's a race!" Raihan yelled, grabbing his shoes and bolting after Dreepy. Volt spluttered and quickly got up to run after them.
"You two got a headstart," he called out, trying to breath over his laughter. Volt smiled wide as Raihan's laughter reached him and his heart picked up speed, his muscles singing.
It didn't take long for Volt pass Raihan, a shit eating grin in his face, Raihan struggling to keep up. As they approached the bridge to the dojo, Volt spotted Leon, Sonia, and master Mustard watching them. As he crossed the bridge the ten year old grabbed Dreepy from the air, giving it a big hug and he spun.
Raihan finally reached them and was breathing deeply, "how do you move so fast!" Volt grinned and stuck his tongue out at the other boy, Dreepy secure in his arms.
"That was awesome Volt!" Leon gushed as he jumped up beside him. Volt jumped slightly and his eyes fell with his energy. Raihan frowned at Leon and glared, the oblivious boy not noticing.
"That boy," Sonia hissed to herself, holding tight to the box they had gotten to hold Volt's present.
"Come open your present," Leon begged, dragging him over to Sonia, who was twitching slightly. "It's from all three of us," Leon bragged as he put Volt in front of Sonia.
Sonia gave him a gentle look and handed the box over, "happy birthday, Volt."
Volt took the box and realised it was heavier than he had first thought. He gently lowered to the ground and placed it down. Dreepy flew up to rest in Raihan's hoodie in the meantime. He slowly opened it and his eyes widened when he saw the incubating egg inside.
"Oh Arceus," Volt breathed out, shakily taking the egg in hand and placing it against his chest protectively. "Where did you guys even get this?" He asked them, the trio standing together, wide grins on heir faces.
"My Gran," sonia said, "sent it when I asked." Sonia smiled at the look of awe on the boys face. Volt felt his lips wobble and he held the egg as close as he dared, afraid it would disappear or be taken.
"Thank you," he choked out, his cheeks red, and eyes yet. He gently put the egg down and jumped to hug the three, knowing they'd easily catch him. As he rested in their arms, his body was coated in warmth, and he felt his shoulders droop form their tight position.
"I'm glad you like it, lightning bug," Leon said, a blush exploding on his face when the they all looked at him with varying levels of shock.
"Lightning bug?" Volt asked, realizing he was looking into honey gold eyes, that were darting around to avoid contact.
"I-I'm sorry it slipped out," Leon hastily said, pulling his hat down to hide his face.
Raihan and Somia burst out laughing, clutching their sides. Leon groaned and refused to look up. Volt smiled and reached his hand over and squeezed Leon's hand in reassurance. The other boy looked up and locked eyes with him, a spark zinging through Volt as they finally made eye contact. He blushed and looked down.
"I like it," he said to them. Raihan and Sonia laughed harder at that.
"That's adorable!" Sonia giggled teasingly. Raihan was weazing on the ground as tears streamed down his face.
"Oh come off it!" Leon shouted, his face still bright red. Volt rolled his eyes and laughed, the sound probably not his most attractive one, loud and full of snorts. They all looked at him before they all burst into a new fit of laughter, Volt having the egg held tightly in his arms again.
Mustard watched from the side, a grin on his face as he watched the children, Volt especially was acting as a proper child. He was nervous however, Leon, Raihan, and Sonia would be leaving soon for their gym challenge. He was worried how Volt would react and continue after they left. He watched the small blonde laugh, and knew he would help the boy however he could.