Volt sat in the dojo, watching Raihan and Leon face off. The trio were almost done their training, Mustard deeming that they were ready for their gym challenge. His face contorted into a frown, he could hardly imagine what would happen when they left. Would he go back to what he was all those months ago? Scared, hopeless, and pathetic? He clenched his fists, his eyes darting between Charmander and Trapinch as they battled.
"Dragon tail," Leon called out, the little fire lizard rushing at the ground type.
"Sand tomb Trapinch," Raihan countered. The small orange pokémon dug its legs into the ground and sand exploded out from around it to protect it from the attack. Only for Charmander to jump into the air and shoot a flamethrower down into the sand tomb, and cause the small pokémon to faint.
Raihan growled and bit his lip, his eyes shadowed for a moment before a smile spread over his face, he returned Trapinch and sighed.
"Seems you still need to get stronger, Rai," Leon teased as he patted Charmander, who preened under the attention.
Raihan laughed and put his hands behind his head, "seems like it." His words weren't as spry as usual, his smile not quite reaching his eyes.
Mustard clapped his hands and smiled, "you have come so far, I believe you are finally ready." Volt closed his eyes and sighed. They were leaving tomorrow, this was it. He couldn't help but shake his head to clear his mind and put on a brave face.
"You guys must be tired of us by now," Volt teased, his eyes focused on their feet. He heard the snort from Leon, before he felt the boy wrap his arms around him and lift him into the air.
"I could never get tired of you lightning bug," Leon cooed as he held the boy up. Volt laughed and grabbed the boys shoulders to keep himself steady.
"Leon put him down," Sonia scolded, her eyes blazing. Leon pouted at her and obeyed, carefully putting Volt on his feet.
The electric enthusiast smiled and glanced over at Raihan, who was looking at his feet, a frown on his face. Volt felt his heart ache for the boy, he had been training so hard, yet Leon had a natural talent that none of them could beat. Volt, Sonia, and Raihan had all lost to the purple haired trainer at least once. Raihan must have felt his eyes on him because he looked up and met his gaze. The dragon type trainer smiled softly and waved his concern off, Volt didn't buy it, but let it go.
"The three of you will be leaving tomorrow, so take the rest of the evening to pack and relax," Mustard said to them, his arms behind his back. Volt flinched at that and looked away from all of them, his face falling.
"Sure, let's go so we can have fun!" Leon said as he left toward the door, the other two quick to follow
He had to be strong, he couldn't let his emotions show. His face became carefully blank as he watched them leave to go follow their orders, Sonia glanced back at him with a frown. Mustard looked at the boy with his own frown, he couldn't place the boys feelings, but he knew they couldn't be good.
"Volt," Mustard said carefully. The young royal glanced over at the man with amber eyes and weakly smiled, before he turned and left out the opposite door. The master sighed and closed his eyes, not knowing what to do.
Volt walled to the river in front of the dojo and looked at his reflection. The water twisted his visage, a dark smirk on his face and eyes glowing red. Volt sucked in a breath and closed his eyes to avoid looking at it. Selfish wasn't he. They had their own lives, but all he wanted was to stay like this forever with them. He could picture it, staying on the island with them, never being alone, never going back to the life he once had.
He felt a paw grab his hand and opened his eyes to see his Flaaffy looking up at him. The pokémon cuddled against his leg, the pink wool soft on his skin. He smiled and sat down to pet the pokémon, enjoying the sunset.
"They're going to be gone tomorrow," he whispered to the pokémon. Flaaffy made a sad sound and held its trainer close. "There wasn't enough time," he whispered as he looked at his reflection, the perverted version of him still staring back at him.
He started to hum softly, trying to distract himself, but he couldn't quite shake the dread that was wrapped around his neck like a thick rope.
"Volt, we're going to play cards, wanna join?" Leon called from the dojo. Volt looked behind him at the boy and put on a smile
"Sure," he called back. Time to put on the best show of his life.
Day came to quickly in Volt's opinion, and the weather matched his mood. Grey clouds over casting the island in shadow, but Volt had to stay strong until they left. The boy cuddled his egg close, trying to keep it comfy. He had been so attached to the egg, waiting for it to hatch. The trio wouldn't tell him what was inside, and the uncertainty was driving him mad. He knew it would be worth it though to see the baby pokémon he would get to care for.
He heard a knock at his door and jumped. "Come in," he called. Mustard opened the door and looked at him sadly.
"It's time," the old man said. Volt frowned and got up slowly to follow the master, his head down. They exited the dojo and there they were. The most important people in his life.
They stood in front of the dojo, the trio back in their normal clothes and bags beside them. This was it. Mustard was congratulating them and wishing them luck, but Volt felt like his heart was going to explode.
"Leon," he rasped, coughing to clear his throat. They all glanced at him in curiosity. "One last battle?" He asked, eyes sad. Leon looked at him before smiling.
"Sure," the boy said, carefree as always. Volt smiled and grabbed a pokéball, Leon doing the same. The other three made their way to the side to watch, Sonia complaining about boys being boys.
"Flaaffy you're up," Volt called as he threw the pokéball and Leon falled out Charmander.
"Dragon rage," Leon called out. The purple blast of energy was much faster than when they last battled.
"Thunderbolt," Volt countered, watching as the attacks collided and exploded.
"Hit it with dragon tail," Leon called, Charmander appearing in a blur of speed, its tail alight with blue energy.
Volt smiled and snapped his fingers, "thunderwave." Flaaffy was able to get the paralysis with a wave of electric energy, but still took the hit. "Charge," Volt called out. Flasffy was surrounded by energy and powered up.
"Charmander don't let them use it, flamethrower!" Leon called with a grin.
"Dodge and use thunderbolt," Volt commanded. The wool pokémon jumped over the stream of flame and shot a powerful bolt of lightning at Charmander.
"Use his tactic, get under it and use dragon tail," Leon said. Charmander ran under the thunderbolt, just narrowly avoiding it, and jumped up to strike Flaaffy with its powerful move.
Volt frowned, Leon had used his own move against him. That's what he had Kubfu do to Charmander in their last battle. Flaaffy slowly got up and Volt felt fire flow through his veins, a smirk on his lips.
"Not bad, but I'm not done," Volt said with confidence.
"I'd hope not," Leon teased, Charmader puffing out a bit of flame in challenge.
"Flaaffy take down," Volt called. The wool pokémon took off at Charmader, using its speed and the paralysis to try and get a hit.
"Spin and use flamethrower," Leon commanded, which was quickly obeyed. Volt's eyes widened as the ground was scorched and hit Flaaffy, the sheep unable to dodge as it charged.
Flaaffy's attack was canceled and Leon used it to his advantage to use a dragon tail and knock Flaaffy out of the battle. Volt sighed and returned Flaaffy, giving the pokéball a soft smile.
"You're going to go far Leon," Volt said with a smile. Leon chuckled and put his hands behind his neck, his grin intoxicating.
"Leon we're going to miss the train if we don't hurry," Sonia called suddenly, breaking the moment between the duo. Leon looked shocked for a moment.
"Darn I forgot," he exclaimed. Running over to Volt he put something in his hand, "for luck." Those were the last words Leon said before he bolted toward the bridge, Raihan quick on his heels. Sonia quickly ran over and put something un his other hand.
"See you later Volt," the girl said before running after her friends. Volt watched them go, his hands shaking as he opened them, revealing small charms like the one on his bracelet. One a Charizard head, the other a Boltund. He whimpered and looked back up, but they were well out of sight. Gone.
He carefully attached the charms to his braclet, and felt his eyes get misty. He couldn't stay here. Before Mustard could react Volt bolted faster than he had ever seen the boy move. He didn't even have time to open his mouth before the boy was out of sight. The dojo master sighed sadly and shook his head. The boy needed to find his own path, this was the fork in the journey.
Volt wasn't sure how far he ran or where he was going, all he knew is that he had to get away. The sky rumbled and started to cry, rain softly falling on him and hiding his own tears. His skin was turning cold in the rain, his body shivering to keep him warm. Or maybe it wad the sobs that wracked his body. He eventually couldn't keep it up and he fell to the ground with a thud, the rock under him scraping his hands and knees.
He looked up and saw that he was on one of the many cliffs of the isle. He looked down at the dark water an sharp rocks below him, before he arched his back and faced the sky, an inhuman roar leaving blue lips. Thunder rumbled and lightning struck in the sky as if in retaliation of his anger. He fell forward and put his face in his hands.
"I don't want to be alone," he whispered brokenly to the ground. Lightning flashed and struck the ground behind him, causing him to fall toward the water and stones. He screamed in shock before he even noticed what was happening. As he approached the water he closed his eyes and felt his will shrink.
A hand gently touched his cheek, velvet lips kissing his collar bone. Four pairs of glowing eyes stared down at him, an emotion there that the little boy couldn't read. "As long as you're good, we will always be with you, we love you," his uncle hissed gently in his ear, teeth sharp and eyes red.
"I love you too," he had whispered, his heart swelling as they gave him attention.
"Just succumb baby dragon, you're only good for this," the shadows whispered as one
"No!" Volt screamed, his eyes snapping open, wild and glowing. In the split second he chose a path. He felt something in the pit of his stomach grow and explode.
A fast moving bolt of lightning swooped down and grabbed Volt, shocking him and bringing him back up to the cliffside. He rolled on the ground and let out a gasp, trying to catch his breath. He looked up and his eyes widened as he looked at the majestic form of a Galarian Zapdos. Its yellow eyes were glaring into him, seeing his soul. Volt wanted to back away, but couldn't move.
It tilted its head down at him and rubbed its beak agaisnt his cheek. He felt something sting his face and he hissed slightly. The bird cooed at him before it took off running, leaving a confused boy still in the rain. He glanced down at a puddle and his eyes widened, there was a lightning bolt scar over his left eye, a soft pink compared to his tan complexion.
He shook himself out of his stupor and stood up, his eyes firm and heart set. He turned around and made his way back to the dojo, he knew what he needed to do. As he walked he thought about the Zapdos, he had sensed its power coming as he fell, and could feel its curiosity and gentleness.
He saw the dojo as he approached and sighed. He was ready, he had been training for two years. He could do this. He slowly entered the dojo and saw Mustard waiting for him, kneeling on a cushion.
"You've made a choice," Mustard said, his eyes briefly glancing at the new mark on the boy.
"Master Mustard, please endorse me in the gym challenge," Volt asked softly, forcing himself to meet the man's eyes to show his sincerity.
"Do you truly believe you are ready?" The man asked, standing up gracefully. Volt nodded.
"I've been searching for my purpose since I was born, and I found them," Volt said, the reference to the three that had left earlier that day clear. "Please," he begged.
Mustard smiled and pulled out a letter, "very well." Volt's eyes widened and he smiled.
"Thank you so much," the boy whispered, walking forward and gently taking the letter. Mustard just gave him a soft look
"Go pack your bags, you'll be able to catch a last train," Mustard told him, shooing him away. Volt quickly bolted up to his room to grab what he needed.
He put clothes, potions, money, and some pokéballs into the satchel he had been given by his mother two years ago. He threw the bag over his shoulder and smiled. He looked at the egg resting on his dresser and smiled, going over to it and gently picking it up. He took one last look at his room and a melancholy look came onto his face. He was going to miss this place, but it wasn't home. He needed to push forward, move on and don't look back.
Mustard was waiting for him by the dojo's door, his face proud. "It has been an honour to teach you these past years," the old man told him.
Volt smiled at the man, "and it was amazing to be taught by you." Volt looked at his feet, his eyes darting around. He made a choice. He flung his arms over the man and held tight.
Mustard stumbled in surprise, but recovered quickly, wrapping his arms around the boy, holding him close. The two stood in silence for what felt like forever, before Volt finally pulled away, a small smile on his face.
"There is one last thing I have to give you," Mustard said, pulling something from his pocket. A black rotom phone floated up from his palm and flew around Volt.
"Bzzt hello master Volt, I'm your new pokémon Rotom, here to help bzzt," the Rotom said happily, bussing around. Volt smiled and gently offered his hand, the Rotom going into his grip willingly. Volt put the phone in his pocket and smiled at Mustard.
"Thank you for everything," he said to the man, who just nodded and opened the door. With that Volt left the dojo, moving onto the next stage of his journey, a new Rotom in hand.
Volt sat on the train for Wedgehurst petting his egg gently, Rotom and Dreepy fluttering around him. They were passing through the wild area, and Volt was amazed. He remembered what it had been like to fly on Dragapult over the wild area, and he honestly couldn't wait to visit the place himself. Volt glanced at Dreepy showcase holding Rotom and spinning, the electric ghost giggling as they went.
"Come here guys," Volt whispered gently. They immediately floated over, Dreepy cuddling under his chin, and Rotom going to hover above his shoulder. "This is the start of a new chapter of our lives," Volt said a glint in his eyes.
"Bzzt yup!" Rotom buzzed, "isn't it exciting?" Dreepy cooed in agreement and cuddled Volt.
"Yeah, and you know what?" He asked a smirk appearing on his face, "we're going to win." The fire in his eye alighted in his pokémon and they cheered in agreement.
Volt looked out the window as Wedgehurst came into view and his lips lifted into a grin. He was here, and he was free. He gently put the egg back in the incubator and gathered his stuff, returning Dreepy, and grabbing Rotom. He exited the train and took in a deep breath, the smell of fields and Wooloo tickling his senses.
The opening ceremony was two days from now in Motostoke, which required him to get back on the train, but he wouldn't mind. He would stop by the pokémon center, buy some items, and maybe train in the wild area. As he walked he admired the scenery of the small town, but he noticed something. He was getting weird looks from the natives. He guessed his dojo uniform did stick out like a sore thumb, maybe it was time for a makeover.
He stopped at the pokémon center, picking up more potions, revives, and status potions. He put them in his bag and hugged his egg as he tried to find the boutique. He frowned and looked around, not knowing where the boutique was from the pokémon center, he had never been here before.
"Need help?" A soft voice asked. Volt turned and saw a boy watching him, standing a couple feet back. The boy had pale skin, black hair, and soft blue eyes. He wore a pink hoodie, pale blue corduroy pants, and white sneakers. At his sides were two Indeedee, one male one female.
"Oh sure," Volt said, "I'm trying to find the boutique." The boys eyes lit up and he used his finger to gesture for the boy to follow.
Volt followed the boy as they made their way up the hill and to the left of the town. The female Indeedee said something to the ebony haired boy and he gasped.
"Right! My names Kalo," the boy said with a small smile.
"Volt," the blonde said weakly. Kalo nodded and continued his way to the boutique. The male Indeedee fell behind and stood beside Volt, looking up at him.
It stared at him and and tilted its head. He could feel the psychic energy of the pokémon touching his senses, and wasn't sure how to react. It seemed to be satisfied and continued up to its trainers side. Kalo stopped in front of a building and turned to Volt.
"Here we are, Wedgehurst boutique," Kalo said with a flourish of his hands, both Indeedee following his lead. Volt smiled and laughed slightly.
"Thanks Kalo, I appreciate it," he told the dark haird boy. Kalo smiled and nodded.
"See you around?" Kalo asked with a head tilt. Volt nodded his head in agreement. Kalo smiled and a pink Rotom flew out of his sweater pocket, twirling around him. Volt's own Rotom flew up and they beeped at each other, most likely exchanging contact information. "Welp good luck," Kalo said and he ran off with his Indeedee quick to follow.
Volt watched the boy go and laughed, he was a good energy, soft and strong. All though he was a bit strange, but who was he to judge. Volt walked into the boutique and tried to find an outfit he would like.
He ended up buying a purple t-shirt, a black hooded jacket, and dark blue pants. Not to complex, and still holding significance to him, purple being the colour of royalty. Volt looked at himself in the mirror and sighed, he genuinely liked purple, but it felt like he was holding on to the shackles. He rubbed his face and decided he needed to move on.
He forced a smile and left the boutique after buying the clothes. It was time to go to the wild area and train for the gym challenge. He had a whole day and some to get in shape, and he wasn't going to go easy. He was in it to win it.