Chapter Three: Dreamer
"So yeah, I think they went pretty well," Aaron said as he slipped on the gym shirt. The bag was already prepared, and he always kept a fresh set of clothes and shower supplies inside it. "I might be a bit late – or early. Never know with the buses."
"Or I could just drive over there and pick you up," Nathan suggested.
"But it'll take you half an hour to get here, then probably another with traffic."
"I mean I'm coming that way anyways. It won't be much of a bother. And here I was thinking you'd jump at the chance to get out of public transport…"
"Alright," he said with a laugh, "fine. So you'll be here in thirty?"
"Maybe forty-five. I tend to gun it on the highway, but Adira isn't too much a fan of that. Got a little policewoman in the front seat with me, you know?" His voice became a bit more distant from the phone. "Yeah, I'm talking about you!" Nathan returned his focus to their conversation. "Anyways, I was thinking last night – since we'll have most of the day and all – why don't we both bring our pokémon?"
"Well, the gym is suited for most species. I'm down," Aaron stated. "Plus, it'll do Aster some good to get out of the house."
"Good, good. And while we're at it, I don't think it'd hurt for them to stretch their muscles a bit, too." Aaron paused for a second. Was he asking what he thought?
"Are you challenging me to a battle?"
"Of course. I was making dinner last night, and I thought to myself, 'it's kinda weird how we've known each other for two years and haven't once battled.' So I figured we could today." Maybe that was right, but still… Aaron had no idea what Nathan's pokémon were capable of – or even how many and which ones he had.
"Well… alright then. I know Pierce and Marcus have both kept themselves in shape. Aster… well, I'm sure he'll do fine… for the most part."
"So I take it a three versus three match, then? Krista won't be joining?" Nathan asked.
"Well she might – I dunno. I'll ask her in a minute. Do you have four?"
"I actually have a full team," he replied, "But only three with me for the time being. Valerie and Kiel are out and about today." Aaron nodded. "But I'd say bring all four. We can sort all that stuff out later. Three should suffice for me, anyway."
"Oh? Confident, are we?"
Nathan laughed, before replying, "Maybe a bit. Wake your team up. I'll be there within the hour." With that, he hung up the phone, leaving Aaron to contemplate what was said. He knew for a fact that Aiden and Trina – his charizard and espeon – would likely be making an appearance, and Nathan also had a milotic that had been present during several of their meetings who Aster sported a not-so-secret crush on. If he brought those three, then Aaron had what he needed to win the fight. But what if he brought one of the others? Eh, I can figure this stuff out later. For now, it was time to make sure everyone was up. Marcus without a doubt was awake; that lucario tended to wake up in the most ungodly hours of the morning.
It didn't take long for Aaron to convince the others to tag along. "Hell yeah I'm game," Pierce stated.
"I'm in, too," Marcus added. "I'd like to see what Nathan's team is capable of. Plus a bit of activity wouldn't hurt – especially for you, Aster."
"Shut up," Aster hissed. "You two seem to forget that I can take you both."
"A few years ago, maybe – when you had the motivation. Nowadays you barely have enough to slither outside for your midday nap!" the krookodile snapped. Aaron knew they were only picking at one another, but it could occasionally get heated.
"Alright you guys – save it for the battle." The trainer looked at his audino. "Speaking of which, are you down?"
"Mmm, I don't think so," she said. "I mean, these three have gotcha covered, right? Especially if Nathan brings out Naomi…" She said the female's name with a jaunting tone, clearly aimed at Aster. The serpent made no attempt to hide his excitement.
"Wait… Naomi will be there?"
"I don't know," Aaron replied, "he said he's bringing three. Could be her or someone else. Guess I'll learn on the way there."
"Meh, don't get yourself worked up," Pierce said with a shrug of his shoulder. "That milotic's a bit outta your league, pal." The grass serpent cut him a harsh glare and was about to respond before Aaron stepped in.
"Damn, I know y'all love each other and all, but you guys really need to ease up. I'm sure a proud serperior such as himself has just as much a chance as anyone else – if she's single, that is. Stop bullying poor Aster."
"Oh he's poor alright," Pierce said with a nod. "…In poor shape!" The krookodile released a bellowing laugh, and before Aster could react, he touched the button on his own pokéball, confining himself within it.
"Release him!" Aster said. "I'll show him exactly what physical condition I'm in!" Rolling his eyes, Aaron activated both Marcus' and Krista's balls before placing a reassuring hand on the serperior.
"Don't worry yourself over him – you know he's only kidding. And besides, it'd be better to put that energy towards the upcoming battle. Wouldn't want to make a bad impression, would we?" Aster silently shook his head. The same snivy from years ago was still present. Calm and collected – most of the time – and always eager to please. With a smile, Aaron recalled him to his own pokéball.
It wasn't long before the silver pickup truck pulled to a stop at the side of the street. Aaron grabbed his gym bag and locked the door behind him. The first thing he noticed was Aiden happily sitting in the bed of the truck, and upon noticing him, the charizard smiled and gave a short wave. With a laugh, the trainer responded in kind. Seeing that Adira was in the front, he set his bag in the back before sliding into the middle of the back seat.
The truck rolled out of the apartment complex. Aaron shielded his eyes from the morning sun. He tended to work out after classes rather than at this time, but now that classes were done prior to Fall Break, he looked forward to this particular Friday. After all, the trainer would be visiting his parents over the weeklong break, and this would be his last day before his father came and picked him up.
"Put your seatbelt on," Nathan said nonchalantly.
"Why? The busses don't have 'em," Aaron replied.
"And that's a stupid decision by the city. Now put your seatbelt on." Rolling his eyes, he did as he was told. It wouldn't surprise him if Nathan decided to give a surprise break check had he not complied. Then again, with Aiden in the back, grinning widely as he felt the wind course along his skin, maybe not. Nathan turned onto the freeway in order to save a few minutes on the way to the university.
Aaron's fingers caressed the four balls latched to his belt. He was admittedly excited about the upcoming battle; despite the fact that Nathan didn't have a single badge to his name, something told him he was in for quite a fight. Hopefully, he was adequately prepared. He didn't know what any of his friend's pokémon were capable of doing, and while the charizard behind him certainly wasn't aggressive in the slightest, the fire-type did seem to lack any form of fear. Speaking of which…
The back of the truck quickly lowered, and Aaron turned around to look. Aiden had leapt off of it onto the side of the freeway, and after falling back a bit, began flying back towards them. Aaron looked in confusion until Nathan clarified. "He just can't seem to help himself, can he?" The older trainer nodded towards a school bus, and by the time Aaron had put two and two together, the charizard was already drifting alongside it, doing his best to interact with the children on board whose faces were pressed against the windows in excitement.
Everywhere he went, Aiden was always happy, seemingly immune to all the negativity going on in the world around him. In a way, Aaron envied that – but he didn't envy what tended to come it. That is, if that even was the case for Aiden. He'd wanted to ask a time or two, but he did not want to risk offending Nathan. But then again… he'd be completely rational about me asking that. Just as long as he wasn't rude about it.
"Nathan?" Aaron asked. "Do you mind if I ask you something about Aiden?"
"Go ahead."
"Is he… well…" He didn't know how to word the question. In hindsight, that should have been something he had planned out beforehand. "Is he… special in any way?" As soon as the words left his mouth, he wanted to facepalm. Great going, you dumbass! That was really smooth! While his tone gave no sense of malice or inconsideration, he cringed upon realizing his choice of wording. Nathan said nothing for a moment, but eventually looked at him through the rearview mirror.
"No," he replied. "I can understand why you would ask such a thing, but he does not have any intellectual disabilities such as Down's."
"I… didn't mean for that to come out the way it did," Aaron said. "I was just curious."
"No offense was taken. Aiden has simply always been this way, and if I'm being honest, I wish more people were like him." Nathan once again made eye contact through the mirror before focusing his attention on the road. They were getting ready to exit the freeway, and with a final wave to the kids, the charizard drifted back towards the truck and landed softly. "He knows that the world can be a very dark place – he isn't ignorant to what all is going on. Aiden simply chooses to be happy and to love everyone he comes across. If more people had his temperament, the world would be a much better place." Aaron nodded, sneaking a glimpse at the fire-type behind him. Before long, he would see just how competent the charizard really was.
After they had set their bags in the locker room, the two trainers headed downstairs. Under the weight room was three parallel, league-official battlefields. A thick moat surrounded each one, which was required for some water-types, and the sediment beneath the fields consisted of a thick clay – perfect for many ground and rock-type attacks. A thin layer of grass grew atop the perimeter as well. There was something there for all species so that no individuals got a particular advantage. Each field was roughly the size of a tennis court; though those at league conferences and tournaments tended to be significantly larger, something along this size was more than sufficient for most gym matches, let alone private.
They weren't the only ones down here, either. Two other trainers were battling in one of the three fields. A jolteon was currently facing off against a mienshao. A few onlookers were casually perched in the bleachers overlooking the arena. "That one over there should be good," Aaron said, pointing to the field towards the opposite end. They headed there without a word. Adira squeezed her husband's hand before taking a seat on the bleachers in front of their designated field.
"I'd say it's 'bout time to let everyone out," Nathan stated. He looked at Aaron, who was quiet and uncertain. "You seem to be a bit nervous. And here you are with ten badges…"
"It's been a while," Aaron admitted. "Lately I've been studying more about battling than actually doing it. I've got all these theories, but… I just hope I'm as quick witted as I was before."
"Bud, it's a friendly match. Not like you're competing in a tournament or something." Aaron watched as he took two balls from his pocket – all of them luxury balls – and released the other two pokémon. A sigh of relief came from Aaron. Alright, he thought, at least I know what I'm up against. His four pokémon were swiftly released. Pierce looked at the scene with nothing short of glee, cracking his neck as he readied for a fight. Aster was doing his best to play things cool, though Aaron had to stifle a laugh as he snuck occasional glances at the milotic, who wasted no time in jumping into the water. Both trainers inserted the small translators into their ear.
"Looks like we've got ourselves a bit of an audience," Pierce stated, tapping his claw against his side. "So, how's this gonna go down?"
"I was thinking about kicking things off with Aiden," Nathan replied. Aaron folded his arms. Usually, trainers flipped a coin to decide who would send out their first pokémon. If someone ever volunteered – especially in plain sight of a type advantage – it was usually because they were hiding something. Of course – Aiden probably knows solar beam. He's trying to bait me into using Pierce now. But then again, the more he thought about it, the more that might be his only choice. Both Marcus and Aster were not ideal matchups.
"I don't suppose I could convince you to join the fun," Aaron asked Krista. Truth be told, she would be his best counter, especially given her bulk and the fact that she knew multiple special attacks – including thunderbolt. Granted, she was a tier two support, but she had taken down more than a few threes and fours from their campaigning days.
"Hmm…" the audino pondered, stepping forth a little bit, "I guess I could…"
"If you don't want to, don't feel pressured," Aaron replied, earning a smile from the normal-type.
"It could be fun. He wouldn't be the first dragon I've knocked out of the sky." Aiden stuck his tongue out at her.
With the first two competitors selected, both trainers took opposite sides of the field. Aaron could feel his heart pumping – just the same as it was years ago. Nathan nodded, and Aiden, getting himself in a readied stance, prepared for her to make the first move. His wings flared out; a playful growl sounded from his throat as his tail drifted back and forth.
"Alright," Aaron said, crossing his arms. "Let's go."
Krista nodded to her opponent. "Don't take it personally when I take you down, alright?" she teased.
"Whatever you say," Aiden replied in jest. She awaited the command from her trainer. Krista had a few ideas of how to proceed, but she trusted that Aaron had better strategies in mind. After all, they had been quite an effective team years ago. She fiddled with the feelers dangling from her ears, ready to act as soon as the word came. Krista didn't have to wait long.
"Use light screen!" Aaron shouted. She nodded; immediately upon hearing his command, she closed her eyes, shrouding herself within the barrier. It was a good choice against the charizard.
"Earthquake," Nathan simply commented. Her eyes went wide as she tried to dodge to the side. Aiden huffed, and with a powerful stomp, a jagged wave shot along the ground, spreading far wider than she could dodge.
"Protect!" As if she needed to be told. The audino quickly guarded herself, the fragile barrier protecting her from the swiftly rising debris. A thin film of dust had clung to her, though, and as she shook her head, she barely managed to make sense of her trainer's words. "Get back!" With a startled yelp, she jumped back, narrowly dodging the dragon as he slammed into the spot where she just had been. But a smirk appeared on her face nonetheless; she knew what to do, thrusting her paws out before her trainer even said the word. "Thunderbolt!"
It took a second to charge, but wicked jolt of electricity coursed along her fur and jumped to the charizard, who winced in pain as she increased the voltage. It was one of the moves opponents never expected from her, and it made getting close all the more dangerous. But a second later her smile fell.
"Aiden, use iron tail." The fire-type pivoted around and slammed his tail into her smaller frame, launching her back. The world became a spinning blur before it enveloped her. Krista opened her eyes; an instinctive moan would have come had she not felt a suffocating pressure around her. She was in the water. He… managed to knock me back that far?! The audino was quickly helped onto land by Naomi, who quickly swam back to her side, and she stumbled forth.
"Are you alright?" Aiden asked in legitimate concern.
"Oh it'll take more than that," she said through grit teeth. Aaron was on the same page, though he was now far more worried. Aiden shouldn't have been able to take a direct hit that strong.
"Krista! Snap outta it and use surf!" She felt a surge of energy through her body as she forced the water around her into the air.
"Oh…" Aiden said, taking a step back before taking off. She took aim and launched the water towards him. The dragon dodged and weaved through the air, avoiding blast after blast before one finally contacted his stomach. He released a startled growl before approaching her once more.
Aaron had only a split second to decide on her next attack. She needed to use something far faster. "Hidden power!"
"Flamethrower." The scorching flame that bellowed from his mouth and contacted her as she released her own attack. Krista shrieked as she felt the pain shoot across her body. While the fire had not contacted her long enough to cause any serious physical harm, and the light screen had protected her from the blunt of it, she still smelled the horrid stench of hairs burning and flinched backwards.
And then he was gone. She quickly looked all around, but he wasn't there. "He's above you!" Aaron shouted, causing her to roll to the side and aim another hidden power upwards. But he was already right in front of her, and as another one of her attacks contacted him, barely making him flinch, she froze in fear.
"Steel wing," Nathan said. Her opponent slowed down somewhat before contact was made.
Krista nearly folded over as the edge of the charizard's wing impacted her midsection, sending her to the ground again. Every muscle in her body flared in pain as she tried to push herself up but stumbled. Air was only coming in strained breaths. But as she accepted the fact that she had lost, one single thought was stuck in her head. He slowed down… he lightened the blow. A red beam contacted her, and she closed her eyes, eager to accept the rest that came with it.
Aaron was stumped. He had his doubts as to whether Krista would manage to take down Aiden, but she had hardly hurt him at all.
"C'mon," Pierce said, flashing a toothy grin. "I want this one." The krookodile was pumped and ready for action and seeing as to how he was the current best shot at taking Aiden down, Aaron nodded, unwilling to deny Pierce this fight. The same fire in his eyes that had been present during gym battles had returned.
"Aiden, use fire spin!" Oh no you don't! Nathan was trying to keep them pinned down, and that would almost certainly be disastrous for Pierce.
"Get out of there and use rock throw!" Pierce felt the swirling heat closing in before recklessly running through – only a split second before he would have been trapped within the rising vortex. His mind stretched out; feeling the particles throughout the ground, he raised a clawed hand, forming dozens of clusters from the field into somewhat compact projectiles. Aiden didn't need to stick around and wait for instruction. He flew back, intent on dodging the incoming barrage. A wolfish grin appeared on Pierce's face as he launched them all. Like tryin' to dodge a shotgun!
"Hurricane!" Aiden spun around, a knowing smirk, and Pierce immediately regretted his attack. A violent wind whipped up, taking his feet from underneath him, and the krookodile could only watch as his own projectiles were sent back in his direction with far more speed.
"Get outta there!" Yeah, no shit! Pierce lunged to the side, feeling the harsh sting of one of the rocks against his tail. Dirt shot up all around him. Not even finding enough time to get back on his feet, he found himself rolling in the opposite direction to avoid another.
His heart was racing. A worthy opponent! It had been so long – so many matches won without any real challenge. But now, Pierce was on his toes, and he longed for nothing more than to release a victorious roar over this charizard's defeated body.
His eyes narrowed. Aiden was closing in, and he was focusing intently. Waiting for the inevitable opening. There it is. Time seemed to crawl as Aiden flared his wings, harshly slowing his descent, his foot swinging around to impact Pierce's side. He knew what the command would be.
"Close combat!" Pierce ducked underneath the kick and thrust his left hand into Aiden's side. The charizard growled in pain, but he wasn't about to give him the time to regain his bearings. He put all his might into each strike. A second, then a third, contacted the fire-type's side as he hissed. He brought his right into a sharp hook, aimed at Aiden's jaw.
It never landed.
Aiden's left claws were a blur, striking the arm and blocking it from hitting him right as he thrust the opposite hand into Pierce's chest. The krookodile growled out in pain before making another attempt for Aiden's head. This time it was blocked by a wing as the dragon moved with all the grace of a martial artist, blocking and dodging nearly every strike that Pierce launched. But there was one way to slow this opponent down for sure.
Without hearing the command, Pierce planted his left foot onto the ground and pivoted his whole body, sending a roundhouse kick straight into Aiden's thigh. A violent smack sounded as he landed his target, feeling the muscle compact from the force of his shin. Aiden released a startled roar. Pierce grinned.
That is, until he realized that he was stuck. Aiden had taken the blow in order to catch his leg, pinning it to his side as his hand shot out and grabbed him underneath the left arm. "Seismic toss!" Nathan yelled, making the ground-type's eyes go wide. I've gotta get out NOW!
"Pierce! Use—"
Aaron never got to finish as the charizard took off. The krookodile's world spun out of control, and as he tried to hold on, his grasp failed as the charizard hurled him back to the ground.
Everything ached. Pierce opened his eyes with a pained groan before rolling over, determined to push himself up. That… hurt… he thought as he stood up once more. He had taken a far harder hit than he had anticipated, but he wasn't about to let his opponent win so easily. The flapping sound behind him was steadily approaching. He smiled, knowing what move he and his trainer liked to use in this scenario.
"Payback!" He spun around, without missing a beat, and planted his clawed hand into the charizard's jaw. The force made Aiden lose his balance, toppling to the ground and rolling.
"Ahhh…" he groaned, before pushing himself onto all fours, clearly struggling to regain his balance. "That one hurt…" Pierce didn't know what to say. Hadn't this charizard taken enough? Apparently not as he stumbled back onto his feet, slightly limping with his left leg. One thing was certain: Aiden was in no position for quick movement, and Pierce wasn't about to let go of that advantage.
"Stone edge!" Just what I wanted to hear, Pierce thought, in sync with his trainer for the first time in years. He charged forth, raising the sediment around the charizard into several large, jagged projectiles. Pierce sprinted as fast as he could, staying low and intending to ram into his foe; Aiden would either get hit by the rocks or by his body slam.
The dragon looked calm – almost accepting the situation as his head snaked to the side, avoiding a rock whizzing by – and as Pierce lurched forward, knowing that he himself could be hit by his own attack, he was willing to do anything he could to take his opponent down with him.
Aiden snorted, pivoted on his right foot, and hooked his left hand upwards, slamming into Pierce's midsection. The punch knocked him back. The krookodile sputtered, losing control of the rocks which harmlessly fell to the ground. He could barely make out the sight of Aiden walking forward. He coughed. The metallic taste of blood was distinguishable on his tongue; a result of biting his lip. Air came to his lungs in pained wheezes. And yet…
He laughed. Pierce was finished, but he laughed. "I h-haven't been… hit that hard… in years…" the ground-type said between coughs.
"You did very well," Aiden said, giving him a nod of respect. The last thing Pierce saw before being returned was the onlookers – more of which had entered the room – riled up from such an intense fight. Just like old times… he happily thought.
Aaron was stumped. What the hell is this charizard? After all those hits, he's still standing?! Granted, Aiden could not hide the signs of injury or exhaustion, but he still looked as determined as the moment he had stepped onto the field. This was a problem. Even if Marcus could take him down without taking a single hit, things didn't look good for his team. If Trina or Naomi were even remotely this skilled, then any chance of winning this battle was gone.
Marcus was the next best option. The only option at this point. He would significantly outspeed Aiden by now, but Aaron wasn't so sure that would make much of a difference. Ever since the battle had started, Nathan had been setting the pace, calmly maintaining control. He needed to break that if he wanted any chance of making a comeback.
The lucario stepped onto the field. The battle between the other two trainers had come to a halt. Whether it was from one side winning or out of interest for their own was unbeknownst to him. Phones were up in the audience. Videos were being taken of this insane dragon before him.
A dragon he was about to take down.
Marcus reached his paws out, closing his eyes, and materialized the bone staff that he had become so comfortable with in combat. Aiden tilted his head before flapping his large wings once more. He was trying to hide it but the lucario could see right through that act. He could sense the charizard's fatigue as clearly as he could see him in person.
He took a deep breath, ignoring the bright lights and all the commotion. There was only him and this dragon. Marcus got into his fighting stance and opened his eyes. He had watched his friends fight – and fail – and he was determined not to follow suit. Krista hadn't been vicious enough; Pierce had forsaken precision and intellect in his onslaught. Aiden's heavy, labored breaths were evidence that they had each taken their toll, but two fallen opponents made it clear that it hadn't been enough. It was now up to him to even this match. The fighting-type held his left paw outward, ready to move at the word.
"Aura sphere!" No sooner had the command left Aaron's mouth was a small, blue blast launched at the charizard at blinding speed. Aiden dipped below it as it harmlessly flew into the ceiling and glided towards him.
"Flamethrower," Nathan ordered. Marcus sprinted towards his opponent, ducking and dodging each quick spout of flames, and leapt into the air, flinging the staff construct towards Aiden.
"Good, now follow it up with another aura sphere!" Aiden managed to duck the bone rush attack, but the second managed to contact his chest. As he tried to regain his bearings, Marcus telekinetically pulled the staff back.
"Behind you!" Nathan shouted, but it was too late. The dragon swiftly turned his head only to feel it slam into the joint of his wing. Marcus readied himself for a follow up, intent on not letting Aiden get off the ground, but he quickly found himself on guard as the charizard readied a downwards strike.
He tightened his paw and slammed it into Aiden's stomach. He barely winced. Marcus had to duck a quick swipe, then took a boxing stance. He weaved in and out, landing a punch where he could. His tail! The lucario planted a relatively harmless kick against Aiden's side and flipped back. A split second later and his legs would have been swept out. He thrust his paw out and formed another bone, then gripped it like a baseball bat, running forward and swinging it with all his might.
Aiden responded with a heavy flap, putting a few feet between himself and the lucario. Marcus closed the distance just as quick. The bone connected, but not with its intended target – Aiden's arm – being blocked by an equally powerful wing. The fighting-type side-stepped a front kick. As soon as he did, though, Aiden grabbed the bone, yanking it up and throwing him off balance before punching Marcus straight in the stomach.
He lurched forward, releasing a pained gasp, and that was all his opponent needed. With a heavy huff, the charizard swept Marcus' leg. The ground felt hard and unforgiving, but the pain he felt paled in comparison to his wounded pride.
He had just been bested in combat by a charizard. Not another fighting-type – a charizard. A big, bulky dragon that often sported a goofy grin. Marcus pounded the dirt. "I am NOT about to lose this fight!" Aiden's eyes went wide, not knowing if he had upset the lucario in some way.
Marcus rolled onto his feet, launching aura spheres as fast as he could. Aiden's head snaked to the side, narrowly dodging one, before folding his wings in front of himself to guard from the others. Three connected, sending ripples through the orange flesh. That short moment was all he needed.
"Get in there and use thunder punch!" He wasn't about to let Aiden get out of this one. With a last-ditch effort, the charizard thrust himself towards his smaller opponent, intending on taking the fight to the ground – a place, no doubt, the lucario would be in trouble. Marcus felt the static course along his fur, drawing charge from the atmosphere, and connected it with Aiden's collarbone. The dragon growled out in pain as he stumbled, and before he could do anything else, Marcus followed it up with a brutal hook behind Aiden's jaw. The charizard fell backward, his hand instinctively going to the sore spot on his face.
"YES!" Aaron shouted. "Finally!"
"That… really hurt…" Aiden stated, before sighing in defeat. Marcus nodded, not at all content with how the battle had gone. I shouldn't have been that careless! he thought. Now it was still a two versus two match and having all of his strength would have been ideal for the next inevitable matchup. He clutched his stomach. You are in control of the pain, he told himself. Tune it out.
Nathan returned the tired pokémon with a smile. He looked at the espeon and nodded towards the field. Aaron knew this wasn't a good matchup, and if Aiden was anything to go by, then Marcus was screwed. But the lucario was far too proud to admit defeat – especially without even trying – and recalling him would only delay this very fight.
Trina leaped forward, and rather than contacting the ground, she simply drifted onto the field – almost like she was swimming in the air. A smug look appeared on her face, and already Marcus grit his teeth. "You don't seem very happy to see me," Trina said. "What's wrong, Marcus? I thought we were friends." She placed one foot in front of the other, levitating nearly a meter above the ground.
"Friend or not, I'm not going down to the likes of you."
"Mmm, I'm not so sure about that," she taunted. "I guess we'll just have to see." A bright blue glint raced across her violet eyes, and he readied himself.
"Alright Trina," Nathan said, "start off with psychic!"
"Shadow ball!" Aaron replied. Marcus sprinted towards her while charging a crackling, dark orb of energy, not intending to give her much time to react, and launched himself into the air. He flung it towards her with all haste. Trina seemed to carelessly dodge it before speeding towards him and responding with her own attack the second he hit the ground. "Protect!" He swiftly raised a barrier, stopping the rippling wave of energy from contacting him, feeling as the remnants drifted by on either side.
"Dazzling gleam." Marcus immediately closed his eyes, using his sensory capabilities to feel the atmosphere around him. He dodged the blazing particles of energy as they approached him, refusing to stay in one place for long. But he had lost his sense of direction as well as any feeling of where Trina was. That must mean…
"She's overhead!" Aaron called out. He rolled forward, hearing the impact right behind him. He opened his eyes, glaring up at his opponent who seemed to be showing no signs of seriousness. "Fine, she wants to play that way – use swords dance!" Marcus agreed; no chance she would let him use the move without attempting to stop it. He stood still, absorbing energy from the environment as he readied himself for an attack. An attack that never came.
Trina simply stood there and watched him do it, smiling all the while, and waited. He kept absorbing energy, making eye contact and waiting for any movement. Her tail waved back and forth, but that was it. I don't like this… She had to be planning something. The next two words sunk any hopes of him winning the match.
"Power swap," Nathan said with a grin.
"SHIT!" Marcus yelled, trying to escape her grasp. But it was too late. He could only gaze in horror as she drew strength from him, giggling all the while.
"I'd say we need to wash your mouth out," the espeon stated, flinging him to the ground.
"End it with psychic."
"Marcus! Use-." The words died in Aaron's throat as he watched the waters rise from around the field. Marcus shook his head, determined not to go down without a fight, and formed one final bone construct. Tendrils of water shot up from the moat as she lowered herself to the ground. The lucario charged, hurling the bone towards her before charging up a shadow ball. Trina caught the aura construct in flight before dissolving it into nothingness. Marcus found himself sprinting all over the place, avoiding the massive water columns as they cascaded onto the field, turning everything to mud. He panted heavily. His previous attack long forgotten, Marcus just wanted to avoid the tendrils of water at all costs.
"Oh no you don't," Trina said, telekinetically tripping him. He shot up, his front half covered in mud, and before he could say a word, his eyes went wide at the sight of the incoming blast.
Aaron could only watch as Marcus was slammed with the torrential force. The lucario was completely enveloped in the downpour with a force strong enough to kick up mud into a small crater. When she finally let off, he was lying face down.
"You still in there, buddy?" Trina asked. "You aren't looking so hot…"
"Trina. Be nice," Nathan said.
"Screw… you," Marcus muttered. It took all of his strength just to get his muscles to move, trying to push himself up before slipping, falling in the sopping clay once more. Trina burst out laughing at the display, and had he any more energy, he'd have gone off. But right now, rest sounded really nice.
Aaron returned the fallen lucario with a sigh. This battle had not gone how he had planned, and he had serious doubts as to whether Aster would even be able to land a hit on her.
"Trina, how about you take a break? Let Naomi take this one," Nathan said.
"What? But why?" she replied. "I could tie that grass noodle into a knot!" Aster hissed out in response.
"While I'm sure you'd like to, I think it's only fair to give Naomi a chance to have some fun, too." The espeon released a sigh, but then smiled.
"Alright, fine. I'll leave him to Naomi." Trina stepped back to her trainer's side. Aster slithered out onto the field, careful to avoid the muddy sections, and made his way to the grassy border. Each blade grew towards him as if magnetically attracted, and he took a deep breath, reveling in the feeling of serenity that came from being in his element.
Until she peeked her head above the water surface. Aster found that breath was stolen, like every other time he laid eyes on her, and he could feel the heat rising to his cheeks. He had to do well; he couldn't afford to make a fool of himself.
"Are you ready?" Naomi asked. He nodded swiftly. Water deformed around her, creating a small wave which she smoothly swam up and onto the field. Droplets shimmered along her body and the serperior had to look away. He had a job to do.
Aaron rolled his eyes. Come on man, focus. "Alright, Aster, start off with a leaf tornado!" His serperior nodded, and several slim, green shards of energy formed around him. He spun around in place, pulling the projectiles with him, and hurled the small tornado at Naomi.
"Twister – counterclockwise." Naomi brought up her own vortex, swirling with a dark blue energy, and sent it forward. The two neutralized one another almost immediately. "Good. Now ice beam." Aster knew that was to be expected, but it didn't make it any less daunting. She closed her eyes, forming a bright blue ball in front of her face, then swiftly pulled the energy in front of her towards it. Aster snaked his way to warmer areas, shivering as he felt the negative beam keeping up with him, before coiling and launching himself into the air as a last resort. Huh, Nathan thought, I didn't know you still had that in you…
"Use energy ball!" Aster opened his mouth, charging the powerful green orb as quickly as he could, then pushing all the energy he could muster into it as he fell towards her. Naomi wouldn't have time to dodge.
"Light screen." She brought up the barrier just in time, taking the full impact of Aster's attack without much to show for it. "Now wrap." The serperior had just managed to land before he found himself tackled by his opponent. She swiftly snaked around him, constricting him tightly and forcing the air out of his lungs. He was completely immobilized – not only by pain, but by the embarrassment of the situation.
Aaron tightened his fist. If Aster could get over his infatuation, then he'd have a chance! "Break out of it with aerial ace!"
Aster snapped back to attention and pushed himself off the ground with his tail. His muscles contracted with lightning speed, snapping his body like a whip and flinging Naomi into the ground. She landed on her side, releasing a pained exhale as she rolled upright. "Alright then. Naomi, use dive! Maneuver four!" The serperior hissed out in annoyance as she sprung into the water around the parameter, disappearing over the side. Water rapidly shot up along the side of the field, going behind Nathan before falling still. His eyes scanned over the left side of the field, waiting for her to surface. The water splashed in the opposite corner of the field and he sped towards it, ready to intercept her. But it was when he heard a second splash – this one right where she had first entered – that he understood what had happened.
And it was too late. "Get out of there now!" Aaron's voice called out. She hadn't moved at all; she had simply feigned the appearance of such. And as he stared at the incoming milotic, poised and ready to unleash the dragon pulse, Aster found himself completely captivated.
Aaron shook his head, pulling out Aster's ball and returning him with frustration. He had never lost in such a humiliating manner. He had defeated one of Nathan's pokémon – ONE! Aaron's entire team had fallen to him as if they were nothing more than rookies. The ten badges under his belt seemed not to exist. The discouraged trainer approached Nathan as he gently stroked the milotic, congratulating her on the win.
"What the hell was that?" he asked.
"What do you mean?" Nathan asked, not looking up from Naomi, who was relishing in the contact.
"Everything back there! What was that?!" Aaron had not meant to sound angry, but he was more than a little frustrated with the situation. "I thought you said you didn't have any badges…"
"I don't."
"But—"
"I never said that I didn't know how to battle," Nathan replied, touching his forehead to that of the milotic's. She gave a happy croon in response. "We've been at this for years, Aaron, and that's plenty of time to come up with some unique strategies."
"I've never seen anything like that. Not from someone who never participated in a league. That was…" He sighed, not wanting to say the one word that came to mind. Embarrassing.
"Your team is quite strong. Not many people are able to last that long against us. You should be proud of them."
"I am, I am… I just wish we'd have done better."
"And I'm sure you will if you train as often as we do," Nathan said. "Let's heal 'em up and get on with our own workout." The device in the corner of the room was very similar to that found in pokémon centers, though not as thorough in terms of healing. It couldn't deal with serious injuries, but fortunately those tended to be rare in battles.
After a few minutes, everyone was reenergized – to some extent – and Aaron hesitantly released his team. They seemed to be just as surprised as he was. Aiden shook his head upon materializing, then stretched his wings out. "That was quite a match," the charizard said. Aaron thought there would be hard feelings after suffering such a loss. What he didn't expect was for Pierce to excitedly approach the charizard.
"That was amazing!" he exclaimed, before flooding Aiden with questions. The dragon's tail happily thumped the ground as the two went on about the battle. Aaron smiled at the display.
Nathan and Aaron went upstairs. All the exercise equipment for humans – and for certain species of pokémon – were in a large, multi-story room here, with weight racks and machines on the first floor and treadmills and ellipticals on the second. A carefully measured running track stretched around the second floor.
"Alright everyone. Aaron and I are gonna hit the weights. Y'all feel free to do whatever."
"I want to sleep," Krista said simply. "Aaron, would you mind returning me?" He nodded, recalling the audino. Pierce and Aiden disappeared almost immediately, intent on engaging in another battle on their own after the krookodile practically begged for it.
"I think I'll go for a swim," Naomi said, before making her way to the elevator. The pool was in the room adjacent to the arena. As the two trainers made their way towards the benches, Aaron tried not to laugh at his serperior.
"W-would you mind if I come, too?"
The rest of the day had not been nearly as eventful, and Aaron opted only to perform standard reps instead of trying to max out – something he usually did when he had a spotter. His mind constantly returned to that battle and watching his team get picked off one by one. But his pokémon hadn't failed.
He had.
Perhaps if he'd spent less time studying about the art of training and actually trained his team, then the results would have been different. Maybe they were outmatched from the start; Nathan had, after all, said they'd been at it for years. But there was no doubt that Aaron, as their trainer, had not been keeping them up to par. He wished that he could say otherwise.
Upon being dropped back off at the apartment, Aaron released his team once more. And while he wished that he could just put the battle behind him, it seemed as though Pierce had other ideas in mind. "Guys! I figured out why we got our asses kicked!" Dammit Pierce, you were just waiting to say that, weren't you?
"What did you learn?" Marcus inquired, though he seemed to be the only one interested. Both Krista and Aster had made their way to the couch.
"Aiden wasn't trained to be an offensive fighter." Aaron shook his head.
"What?"
"That's right – Nathan trained him as a support. That's why he was taking so many of our hits! And all his attacks – they weren't all that hard hitting, but just effective. He specializes in tactics, too!"
"You mean to tell me we just went against a supportive charizard?" Aaron asked, clearly in disbelief. But it would explain some things…
"Yep – supportive and tactical. But yeah, Aiden himself told me."
"It would also explain his fighting style," the lucario commented.
"Yeah. Heard you took a hard landing, bud."
"Well at least I took him out," Marcus replied.
"He's got to be the only person in the entire region who would think to focus on a counterattacking charizard," Aaron said.
"And that's what makes it so effective! Oh man, I'm still flipping out about it!" Pierce said. Aaron smiled; if there was one good thing that had come out of today, it was the fact that he hadn't seen the krookodile this happy in a long time. "Damn I've missed this," he said, still grinning. Aaron's smile, however, disappeared, and he headed into the kitchen. I can tell…
He grabbed two beers from the fridge though it was only three in the afternoon. Well-deserved after all that. Packing could wait until tomorrow morning since his father wasn't likely to arrive before noon. Aaron grabbed his laptop and sat on the recliner as Marcus and Pierce went over the battle. Heh, battle. More like a slaughter.
Aaron checked his email. A few bills, but mostly spam, and then he decided to browse the internet. Anything that he could use to distract himself was welcome. But that didn't make it right.
No, if one thing had become clear, it was that there was another talk that he needed to have. He had felt that not everything was alright after the previous one. Today had proved that suspicion. But if he was scared last time, Aaron could honestly say that he was downright terrified of what needed to be said now. One fact above all others made him sick to his stomach.
Pierce wasn't happy here.
He knew the krookodile inside and out, and it was evident to him that Pierce wouldn't let on about the fact. While he might get a kick out of harassing the others, he deeply cared for each person on the team, and he loved his trainer enough to try and conceal his true feelings. As Aaron watched the ground-type retreat down the hallway, he mentally promised himself that he wouldn't run from this one. He would take care of this tonight.
Even if it broke his very heart.
Aaron used the rest of that afternoon to prepare himself for that night. One phone call was made in that time. He wanted to ask Nathan for advice on the topic, but this subject matter was far more difficult than the last. Aaron had broken down, trying to keep his voice low, as he spoke to his friend. Eventually, Nathan told him that what he was doing was the right thing. Painful, but right, nonetheless. Part of Aaron wished he hadn't said that.
He walked out into the living room. Aster was watching a nature documentary while Krista dozed on the couch. His eyes scanned the room. Pierce was nowhere to be found, and Marcus was sitting at the table, his paw poised up against his cheek as he stared off into space. "Do… you know where—"
'He's out back,' Marcus telepathically replied. Even still, the lucario's mental voice was barely above a whisper. He shifted his gaze towards Aaron. It felt like he was staring through the trainer's soul.
'You know, don't you?' Aaron asked, receiving a slight nod in return.
'I might've been the last one you caught, but… there are certain abilities that come with being a lucario. We may be proud in nature, but most of us tend to be very empathetic. I felt that something was off with you when we came back, and when you shut yourself back in your room… I could feel every one of your emotions. I understand… because I felt your hurt.' Marcus' ears were lowered – something he almost never did.
'Have you said anything to the others?'
'No.'
'Alright,' Aaron said. 'That's good. I guess we should leave that to Pierce. Him or me.' Marcus nodded, then hopped off the chair, heading into the living room with the others. Aaron's hand gripped the doorknob, and with a sigh, he opened it.
Every step was heavy as if he were walking towards his own execution. It sure as hell felt like he was. Unfortunately, he knew exactly where to go. His apartment complex had a resort-style pool, though he never used it, and a small sports-like bar. There were a few televisions hanging from the wall over locked-up beverages. The largest showed various games; two separate football games were occurring along with a single soccer match. At the end of the bar was the krookodile he was looking for.
"Pierce." The ground-type looked over his shoulder. "Everything alright?"
"Yeah, just figured I'd get out a bit since everyone else was doing their own thing." He pointed to one of the football games. "That right there – aside from boxing – is the only human sport that's interesting. At least, as far as I'm concerned. Everything else is just boring. Take these guys, for instance." Pierce nodded towards the soccer match. "Every time they so much as brush one another, it's some big falling out. They're either dramatic or total wimps. I haven't figured out which one yet."
"Me neither," Aaron said with a laugh, though it was forced. "Listen, I wanted to talk with you about something. Mind coming with me?" Pierce hopped off the bar stool and followed Aaron to the edge of the pool. The only people out and about tonight had been around the bar, so their words would only be between them. Aaron took a seat at a table with a large umbrella in the middle, inviting Pierce to do the same.
"So what's up?" he asked. Aaron sighed. He had to do this; he needed to be open. Pierce deserved nothing less.
"I want you to be completely honest with me, alright? No matter what." The typical grin that the krookodile wore dropped.
"…Okay?"
"You… aren't happy here, are you?" For a moment, the only sound was the gentle swishing of the pool and the shouts of people watching the game.
"Why would you ask something like that?"
"I saw everything I needed to today. I haven't seen you that happy in a long time," the trainer replied. Pierce looked at the ground.
"I mean… of course. Aiden fought so hard – it was a real challenge. Not like…"
"Like the trainers you and Marcus face every couple of days in the park?" he asked. "No, I suppose he was a bit tougher than that." Aaron wanted to make eye contact but couldn't. "The reason I shifted my focus to college was because… well, if anyone seriously thinks that they can make a living being a trainer, then they're deluded. You yourself saw what happens. We were really good, then you get into higher competition. The opponents get better, and before you know it, the win-to-loss ratio starts drifting closer to one. At that point, if you're doing it for the money, then you're wasting your time."
"Yeah…"
"So I had to make the practical choice. Doing this… I can teach others how to battle. Maybe, if I'm good enough, open a private gym. Figure all that with casual battles – which I'm sure we'd win more times than not – and that's stable income." Pierce nodded.
"Yeah, I get it – it makes sense."
"But… you've always been a dreamer," Aaron said with a slight smile. "I've always admired that about you. Soon after I started, and Aster and I battled you… I could see it then. That little sandile that always aimed high. And you know what? You always gave it your all. You became my ace from the very beginning." The krookodile smiled, remembering the days when they toured the region. "And now… you sit here, tied down because of a life choice that I made."
"Wait a second," Pierce interjected. "You guys are my family, and I'd never leave you."
"I know," Aaron said as his voice croaked. "You wouldn't. Even if it meant losing the entirety of your youth and never being able to see that dream through. You would deny your shot at the champion and wither away out of your love for us." Pierce now understood what this was all about. He looked down. He opened his mouth but no sound came out. "I know you, Pierce. Better than anyone. And I'm not wrong about this one."
"I… I don't…" He swallowed, then shook his head. "What are you getting at?" The ball was in Aaron's court. The trainer had to maintain a straight face. This was about Pierce, not him. Aaron focused on the concrete beneath him. He couldn't bear to look his friend in the eyes. But he had to. Aaron owed him this. So, it was then that Aaron said the hardest words he'd ever said in his life.
"I want you to go with another trainer."
For what felt like an eternity, neither of them said anything. All other sounds had faded out into a deafening silence. Pierce gripped the steel mesh between his claws. "I-I can't…" He shook his head again. "I couldn't. Even if we don't ever…"
"I've seen you press your face against the window, watching the neighbors battle. You found out what times most trainers go to the park just to get a taste of that life again. Don't tell me for one second everything's fine – it's not. Look Pierce… my dream died. I realized that it was all a long shot at best, and only a small handful of people can sustain themselves and their teams. But in my head, if I can make other trainers feel it, then maybe I'll feel it again, too. But you… your dream still lives. It's been shoved to the side, but I saw it again today." Aaron was fighting off the tears with everything in him. Showing vulnerability now would inevitably lead to Pierce denying himself, and Aaron had made him do that enough these past years. So he begged Arceus to give him the strength to fight off his own emotions, if only for a little while longer.
"I can't do that," Pierce said quietly. "I can't leave. It would hurt you. All of you…"
"It would hurt me more for you to abandon your dream out of an obligation to me. So I want you to do this for yourself. I want you to prioritize yourself for once in your life." Aaron saw that his words had impacted the krookodile. Dark, bready eyes had glossed over. The selfish part of the trainer's mind wanted Pierce to come up with further objections, but the part of him that was Pierce's friend knew that this was for the best. "You're a professional athlete," Aaron concluded, "and I took you out of your sport. I'm… sorry, Pierce."
The burgundy reptile closed the distance between the two of them, pulling his trainer in a tight hug. Aaron returned it, feeling the krookodile's hot, frantic breath against his shirt. When they separated, he gave a painful smile. That fire in his eyes – the one that he had seen from today – was back.
"I don't… I don't know what to say…" Pierce stammered. "Do you… have any trainers in mind?"
"A few," Aaron said, "but one in particular. A girl in my class who's already challenged the Elite Four. She lost at the third one this past summer and has been training ever since." Aaron shifted in his seat. His throat felt dry. "Anyways, we've been in the same study group the past year, and I remember her saying that she needs another striker on her team. I don't know of anyone who could fit that role better."
"Wow…" Pierce said. "She must be good to have beaten two of 'em! What's her name?" The excitement in Pierce's voice was like a child in a toy store.
"Sofia Newsome. She's… well, she's had a lot more time and money focused into her training career. She was ready to go before she even started. Got all the badges in a single summer," Aaron said with a laugh, remembering how it had taken him his last two years of high school to accomplish the same feat. "I can guarantee you that if you go with her, you'll be facing Iris one day."
"But… what about the others?" Pierce asked. "Do they know?"
"Marcus does – he put it together – but not the other two. I don't know if you should tell them or me. I guess we'll figure that out as we go."
"I'll tell them," Pierce said. "I just hope they take it well…" Aaron was somewhat relieved to hear this. At least one hard discussion could be avoided. He was surprised when Pierce hugged him once again, close enough that the guttural noises that naturally came from his throat were equally as prominent as the translator's words. "You're the best trainer I could've ever asked for…"
After they returned to their apartment, Pierce excitedly told the others the news while Aaron excused himself to the back. With a heavy hand, he picked up his phone and texted his friend.
Can I call you in the morning? It's really important.
It didn't take Sofia long to answer.
Sure. Something wrong?
No. I'd have called tonight, but I figured it's kinda late. Thanks for fast response.
Ok. Talk to you in the morning.
There was a smiley emote at the end of her sentence, and any other time, he would have laughed. Aaron hooked the phone up to its charger before lying down on the bed. Away from the others – away from Pierce – he stared at the ceiling as it became blurry.
A gentle knock, barely audible, sounded at the door. Aaron sniffed and wiped his eyes. "Come in," he stated, sitting up on the bed. Marcus silently walked to his side and hopped up. The trainer looked at him questioningly before feeling the smaller, furry arms hug him. The façade broke almost immediately. "I'm… going to miss him," Aaron said, his voice cracking. Two streams ran down his cheeks and onto the lucario's shoulder.
"I know," Marcus said, almost in a similar state. "Me too…"
The lucario had been always been his choice of sparring partner and knew him better than the others. He was hurting, too, but nobody could deny that this was for the best. Had Aaron known this was what could come with being a trainer, he might not have ever started. But in the end, this wasn't all about him.
If Aaron truly cared about Pierce, he needed to let him go.
Special thanks to FuryWrites for beta reading as well as support Ra.