Volt had been the first out of the group of six to wake up and he was the first dressed and raring to go. He may have gotten up a little to early though for the rest of them, considering the sun hadn't even started to rise in the sky. He carefully left the room he shared with Raihan, closing the door as softly as he could. He walked through the dim lit hallway of the inn and over to the elevator. He yawned and covered his mouth while he waited for the door to open.
When it finally did open he stepped in and let out a small sigh. Once he was in the secure box of metal he leaned against the wall and his eyes fell to the floor. His thoughts flashed back to last night, how Kalo and Piers got into a friendly argument as they all watched the telly. Or how Sonia started lecturing them on pokémon types and abilities, and Leon falling asleep have way through. A small smile slipped onto his lips and he could help the giggle that escaped him.
It didn't take long for the elevator to reach the bottom floor and open, he stepped out and immediately noticed some of the league members talking to one of the gym leaders. Skylar if he was right.
The man, more like teen, looked to be fifteen at most. He wore the flying type uniform, a long white scarf, and blue goggles sat atop alabaster hair. Predatory magenta eyes sparkled with intensity, yet still held a gentleness Volt wasn't used to. The teens voice carried over to him and the smooth sound was melodic in quality.
"I look forward to this years challenge, I sense a lot of budding flowers this year," Skylar told the league officials and reporters Volt hadn't noticed at first.
"And what about your own acting and songwriting carrier, Master Skylar?" A reporter asked after writing something down. Skylar pouted and put his hands on his hips.
"Currently delayed until I get a break from the challenge," Skylar told them. Magenta eyes suddenly shot over and met Volts own golden orbs, and intrigue appeared in the flying experts eyes. "If you'd please excuse me," Skylar said politely and walked over to Volt.
"And what of your supposed scandal with the King?" The reporter asked desperately, following slightly, only to freeze when Skylar turned to glare at her.
"No comment," he said sharply and continued to walk over to Volt. "Heir Saturus," Skylar said with a polite bow of his head. Volt blushed.
"Does everyone know who I was?" He asked more to himself than to Skylar.
Skylar just chuckled and fiddled with his goggles, "nah, I just know things." That slightly made the boy feel better. "Would you like to get coffee with me?" Skylar asked, gesturing outside. Volt thought about it and after a few moments nodded.
The duo made their way to the battle café and were quickly seated due to the early morning silence. "So what can I get you?" The owner asked, his Milcery spinning in excitment.
"Can I get a strawberry sweet coffee?" Skylar asked with a stunning smirk. The man chuckled and nodded, and looked over at Volt.
"Can I get clover sweet coffee with whipped dream?" He asked with a slight blush, not enjoying being put on the spot.
The café master merely nodded and left, Milcery following soon after. Skylar chuckled at the boys shyness. "Ya'know if we battle him we could get it free," Skylar said with a mischievous grin. Volt sent him a look and turned his gaze down to avoid the mans magenta gaze.
Volt fiddled with his fingers and thought about what he knew of Skylar. Honestly not much. He knew he was an actor, that he was a pop idol, and that he was the flying type gym leader in Galar. That was stuff everyone knew.
Skylar seemed to sense his train of thought and tapped his foot against the other boys, "you know you're allowed to ask questions." Volt nodded and thought for a moment.
"Where are you from?" He asked after a moment. Skylar hummed.
"I moved here when I was eleven after I competed in the Kalos gym challenge," he told him.
"You're from Kalos?" Volt asked in surprise. Skylar nodded and winked.
"My beauty not give it away?" He teased. Volt rolled his eyes at that. The café master returned and gave then their drinks, a smile on his face. Skylar grinned at the man, "how about a battle for the drinks?" The man rolled his eyes and nodded, his Milcery crying out for battle.
Skylar blew Volt a kiss and got up to walk over to the stage where the battle would take place. One of the employees stepped up and got in the center of the two trainers.
"The double battle between master Mike and gym leader Skylar will now begin!" The man called out with a flourish of his hands.
"Milcery, Swirlix let's go!" Mike called out as he threw a pokéball to call on Swirlix. The two fairies called out in excitment and looked at Skylar expectantly. The boy smirked and pulled two loveballs from his belt and tossed them in the air.
"Corviknight, Talonflame spotlight," he said with a grin. In flashes of light two proud looking bird pokémon appeared. One was red with a grey underside and black tipped wings and tail. The other was a light grey with black fur around its neck and shimmered with stars. "I'll let you have the first move," Skylar said with a tilt of his head and a smirk.
"Milcery helping hand, Swirlix dazzling gleam," Mike called out. Which was a very smart move, boosting Swirlix power. The small pokémon let out a cry and a blast of light flew toward the two birds.
"Corviknight tank in," Skylar called quickly. The silver bird appeared in front of Talonflame and a green force field blocked the move, "Talonflame, flame charge!" The other bird soared into the air and caught on fir, dive bombing Swirlix.
"Dodge it both of you," the café master called, both pokémon jumping into the air to avoid the low sweep. Skylar smirked and put a hand to his chest and bowed.
"Corviknight, steel wing," the taxi pokémon was a blur as it flew forward and slammed both its wings into the fairy types, the super effective move sending them to the ground. "Talonflame, fire blast," Skylar called with a flourish. The fire bird puffed up and let out a blast of fire that caused parts of the arena to explode.
Skylar grinned and put a hand on his hip as the smoke cleared and revealed the two fairy type pokémon had fainted. Mike sighed, having expected this outcome, and Skylar returned his pokémon and walked back over, a grin on his face.
"And just like that, drinks on him," the gym leader said cheekily. Volt smiled and laughed at the leaders antics, endeared by his dazzling grin and eyes. Skylar hummed and took a sip of his drink, "so when are you going to Turfield?"
Volt paused and looked out the window at the sun. "Probably soon, the others have probably woken up," Volt said as he determined the time. Skylar nodded and looked down at his Dynamax band in thought.
"Well how about I get the Corviknight taxis to take you guys there?" Skylar asked with a grin.
Volt's eyes widened and he smiled, "Really?" Skylar's grin grew wider and he nodded. "Well then let's go get them!" Volt exclaimed, standing up quickly and moving for the door. Skylar chuckled and followed quickly after, not wanting to get left behind.
As Volt ran the wind made him feel alive, much better than yesterday. He reached the Bedew Inn, and Volt saw his friends waiting for him. Skylar jumped over him and landed in front of him, a victorious grin on his face. Volt wasn't able to stop and ran into the gym leader, but the older boy was able to hold his ground, only back pedaling a little bit.
"Volt?" Leon asked hesitantly, not wanting to break up the boys chime like laughter. The blonde looked over at his friends and smiled.
"Goodmorning slowpokes," he teased, "I got us a ride to Turfield." Skylar bowed slightly and smiled.
"Nice to make your acquaintance, I already informed the Corviknight taxis and they should be here soon," the gym leader said with a blinding grin. Raihan and Leon narrowed their eyes at the older boy, and Piers rolled his eyes. Kalo looked at Volt and frowned slightly and sighed.
"You guys have fun, but I have an errand to run in the city before i can go to Turfield," Kalo said with a shrug.
Piers nodded and stepped up beside him, "same." Volt frowned and looked at his feet as they walked away, quick goodbyes on their lips.
Skylar glanced up and grinned, "right on time." With his words they all looked up to see two Corviknight taxis descending down to them and landing beside Skyalr. The man on the Corviknight nodded at Skylar and smiled at the kids.
"Next stop, Turfield," the man said with a thumbs up. Sonia and Leon jumped into one of the taxis and Raihan got in the other. Volt smiled at Skylar.
"Thank you, and see you soon?" He asked. Skylar nodded and helped Volt into the taxi. Skylar let loose a high pitch whistle and the two metal birds took off into the sky.
"Volt, next time please take one of us with you," Raihan begged with puppy Yamper eyes. Volt frowned but understood the boys concern.
"I don't think Skylar was going to hurt me," Volt said softly, trying to comfort the other boy.
Raihan frowned and looked at his lap, "maybe, but your uncle was still in town." Those words made Volt freeze and his eyes dart around. He hadn't thought of that, why hadn't he thought of that?
"I... didn't even remember he was here," Volt softly, his eyes downcast. Raihan gently took the boys hand.
"You're stressed, excited, afraid," Raihan started gently, "of course you might loose yourself, pushing aside your problems." The words were true, Volt had let himself get carried away, and he could have paid the price. "Rest until we get to Turfield," Raihan urged gently.
Volt nodded and leaned against the boiler that was Raihan, feeling scolded and cared for all at the same time. Raihan always knew what to say to him, be it good or bad, and he couldn't be more thankful for such a friend. It didn't take long for him to drift off into the land of dreams, Raihan's warmth and arms lulling him down.
Volt jerked awake when the Taxi slowly came to a stop in Turfield, and he looked around with a dazed look on his face and drool on his chin. "We here already?" He yawned out.
Raihan chuckled and patted the boys head, "yup." With that the dragon enthusiast jumped out of the car and helped Volt out too. Leon was suddenly at their side and was pulling Volt along.
The amber eyed boy grumbled at being pulled along, but didn't bother fighting. When Leon set his mind to something, he didn't rest until he got his way. At least Sonia was leading then, Leon was pants with directions. That's when they for the first view of Turfield stadium and the rolling fields around it.
Volt's eyes widened as he took in the giant structure. The green accents glowed like the grass around it, the majestic air was like a calming balm that lef the rown feeling sleepy and warm. The heards of Wooloo bahed softly and rolled around, giving the atmosphere a sense of carefree freedom. Volt felt his shoulders loosen and a smile pull at his cheeks.
"It's beautiful," he whispered as they walked. Leon and Sonia merely shrugged, both of them used to the sights of Turfield. Raihan nodded along with Volt and took in the scenes. It was a beautiful town.
"I want to get the gym done," Leon cried, speeding up toward the gym, pulling Volt with him. The electric trainer let out a breath as he once again was pulled after his friend. Of course Lson's energy was contagious and Volt was bouncing after him.
Entering the gym was a new feeling, the smell of crisp mint and grass soothing his palate. He felt at ease in the giant foyer. The group made their way up to the desk and signed in, getting instructions on where to go. Volt entered the locker rooms and his eyebrows lifted slightly. The gym had a cubical system with their respective numbers on it for changing. That was new, and quick work on the Gym Leauge.
Volt stepped into his little cubbyhole and closed the curtain. He let out a sigh and looked at himself in the mirror. Amber eyes stared back, the bags underneath lighter than they used to be. His lightning shaped scar over his eye was still a mean pink colour, and his blonde hair was a mess. He took a breath and reached for the hem of his shirt, knowing each and every scar that marred his body.
It all told a tale, the tale of his life and what it was supposed to be. Each cut, each whip, each bite mark, was a page in the life he led at Hammerlocke. The son of a Duchess and a Knight, fair in skin, and a beauty one so young shouldn't have. He clenched his fists, eyes turning a dark swirl of gold. The court had paraded him around like an expensive toy, given off to the highest bidder. The clothing had been silk on his skin, the jewels like anchors, and when it was disrobed off him in the night the scalding brand of hands left their mark.
He finished putting on the contestants uniform and looked at the mirror again. If they didn't already know he had taken the gym challenge they would after today, and he bet they would stop at nothing to get him back under control. He grinded his fangs and sparks flew off his clenched fists. He wasn't their doll, not anymore.
Or was he.
All energy sapped out of Volt and he crumbled to the floor. Each mark was proof of where he belonged, who owned him. He was owned by the King of Galar, and the court were his overseers. No matter how bitter he was, no matter how much he longed to escape, he would never be out of their reach, would he?
"Contestant Volt, please make your way to the lobby," an overhead announcement called out from above him. Volt closed his eyes and let out a sigh. Rotom flew out of his pocket and buzzed in concern. He looked up at the pink pokémon and smiled, taking it in hand gently and leaving the cubicle, a brave face set on.
When he stepped into the Lobby he saw a League worker waiting for him. The woman smiled and beckoned him over, and Volt quickly followed the direction.
"Ok, so in order to battle Herde you need to get through the gym test, which is hearding Wooloo to the end of the field," she told him with a grin, "you're allowed to use any means you dream necessary, as long as the Wooloo are safely brought to the end."
Volt nodded and stepped up to the door, he knew once he got through he would have to battle the grass gym leader. He was ready... he hoped. The door opened and he stepped out onto a long stretch of field with a heard of Wooloo in the center. When the ten second count down started Volt took a breath and grabbed a pokéball.
3
2
1
Go!
"Yamper, you're up," Volt called, throwing the pokéball and summoning the small electric corgi. The dog barked and sparked when it saw the Wooloo. "Ok buddy, let's get the to the end," he said. The pokémon yipped in agreement and took off barking at the sheep pokémon.
The sheep looked up, startled, and immediately started to roll away from Yamper and Volt. Volt ran after his pokémon, his eyes narrowed, it couldn't be this simple.
"Gossifleur, leafage," a voice called out from above. Volt's eyes widened and his eyes caught the attack heading for Yamper.
Volt acted quickly and called out, "Yamper, dodge it." The electric dog was just as speedy, jumping to the side to avoid the hit. "Fire fang," Volt called with a snap of his fingers. Yamper jumped into the air and flames sprouted from its maw, and he bit the grass type for super effective damage.
The trainer gasped as Gossifleur went down with the attack. Volt smirked and urged the dog to keep leading the sheep to the end, which didn't take long with no more interruptions. Volt let out a deep sigh when little jingle went off and he was able to go up the stairs, returning Yamper as he went.
He entered the door to the pitch and took a shaky breath when he saw the blinding lights just beyond the wall. When he was ready he stepped out onto the pitch toward the center, Herde walking in the opposite side. She had replaced her dress with the grass type uniform with her shawl wrapped around her shoulders. The two stopped at the center of the arena and stared at each other.
"I'm glad you had the nerve to come to my gym, many see this gym as an easy step in their journey, but I won't make it easy for you," she said. The way she spoke made him frown. Her eyes told him she knew who he used to be, and that she wouldn't give him special treatment. Good. He was more than a name.
"The gym battle between challenger Volt and Gym Leader Herde will now begin!"
"Skiploom, time to shine,"
"Kubfu, you're on,"
In blasts of white light the two pokémon appeared on the field and the music started to pulse through the stadium in time with their hearts. Volt wasn't going to miss a beat, and he wouldn't loose.
"Kubfu, vaccum wave," he called out. The fighting type was quick to respond, arms glowing white as it shot blades of energy at Skiploom.
Skiploom was hit with the attack and was forced into the ground, but was back up quickly. "Skiploom, magical leaf," Herde called out.
Volt was quick to act, "counter with comet punch." Kubfu masterfully hit each leaf with its fists and subtly made it's way towards Skiploom. "Spin into thunder punch," Volt called.
Kubfu spun around the remaining leaves and uppercut Skiploom with a fist full of electricity. Herde looked impressed and smirked, "use vine whip." Skiploom recovered and floated in the air, two vines shooting down at Kubfu.
"Vaccum wave into power up punch," Volt commanded, a glint of fire in his eye. Kubfu waved its arms and blasted the vines away, at the same time jumping high into the air, fist alight with orange energy. With one well placed hit Skiploom fell to the ground, unable to battle.
Kubfu landed beside its trainer with a proud grin on its face. Volt smiled at the small fighting type, but didn't let down his guard. Herde returned her pokémon and pulled out her second pokéball.
"I'm impressed, time to show you the full power of grass types," she told him, the crowd cheering with her words. Volt looked at Kubfu and nodded. He returned the pokémon and they both activated their Dynamax band, and they let out the full power of their pokémon.
Volt could feel the power of Kubfu running through him, a dark river pouring through his veins. He grinned and looked at Herde, sparks leaving his skin, his fangs glistening.
"Max knuckle," Volt called out to Kubfu. The pokémon's fist glowed and it punched the air, a golden fist firing off and hitting the Eldegoss. This boosted Kubfu's attack once again.
"Max overgrowth," Herde called out once Eldegoss recovered. The pokémon started to charge and Volt didn't want to wait.
"Max lightning," Volt commanded, his eyes flashing and snapped his fingers. Both attacks fired and hit their targets, throwing dust and rubble into the air. A pained cry filled the air and Eldegoss Dynamax for exploded. Volt let out a shocked breath ad Kubfu returned to it's normal size, its giddy energy contagious. Volt laughed and hugged his pokémon tight
"And with that the victor is challenger, Volt!" The announcer called out.
Herde smiled and returned her pokémon, walking over to Volt. "I have no doubt you will be an amazing trainer, and I hope to see you go far," she said, offering her hand. Volt took it and shook it. When she let go she gave him the grass badge and Volt took it with a small smile. He clipped it to the ring and shyly made his way off the pitch while waving, Kubfu hopping along beside him.
Once he was off the field he let out a shaky breath and leaned against the wall. That was nerve wracking, yet... his blood sang with the feeling he had felt. The overwhelming power of battle and being two steps ahead, his drive to end the battle in the least amount of turns. His father had been the same as a knight. Seems he picked up that from him.
He looked down at the ring with the badge and grinned. This was proof that he had the power to change his fate. The red strings may still be tightly wound around his soul and limbs, but he could force them to unravel. He put a clawed hand against the wall and sparks left his body, his eyes glowing a vibrant amber and a sharp fanged grin spread on his face. He would show the world he wasn't their toy. Not anymore, he would take down any who tried to make him go back.
Kubfu looked at its master with a small frown. Through their bond it could feel the drive, the pain, the indignation, and it knew its master needed help. The adrenaline high would wear off and this confidence would vanish, and it would be there for when that happened.