Chapter 2
Irving Awoke the next morning with a most uncomfortable neck cramp. Okay, then; next time, don't fall asleep against a ship's walls. And despite his wishes, yesterday was not a dream he had just woken up from. Either way, Irving thought he should locate his sister oh wait there was a warm weight upon his lap when did she get there.
Sophia was still snoozing, head resting on Irving's legs. Given how much she had gone through the previous day it was only natural that she would be so tired. Irving attempted to remove her head from his lap without waking her.
"Irving?" said a drowsy voice. Attempt failed.
"Don't get up, Sophia. I'm just going to get some food." Irving said in a quiet reassuring voice.
"Oh, okay." Sophia mumbled before falling back asleep. Not wanting to leave her alone in such a vulnerable state, Irving released Mudkip.
"Kip." it cried in a confident voice.
"Mudkip, I want you to watch Sophia while I'm gone. Okay?" Irving whispered to his Pokémon while gesturing to his sister.
"Mud-Kip!" It replied, acknowledging the order.
Irving walked out, moving carefully so not to disturb the room's other occupants. It was a short walk from there to the mess hall, but the long lines for the food dole would no doubt compensate for the brief travelling time. Irving got in line once again and waited.
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Like Togepi, Mudkip had been a Birthday gift for Irving, this time for his 12th birthday. Unlike Togepi, Mudkip came to Irving pre-hatched, although just by days. Mudkip was practically a newborn when Irving got him. Irving received Mudkip much more positively than he had Togepi, happy that he now had a Pokémon that would been a great fighter, given some time investment.
Also, unlike Togepi, Mudkip was an excitable youth. Whereas Togepi was slow and quiet, Mudkip was rowdy and rambunctious. Mudkip would run all over the house at top speed and crash into objects and oh shit that's the family vase you'll be skinned alive. After that incident, Irving learned to only let Mudkip out of its Pokéball outside. Not that that ended Irving's headaches.
Mudkip must have fashioned itself some sort of hero on a quest because he explored everywhere whenever Irving let him out. If Irving released him in the park, he'd bolt from bush to tree to pond to bush to tree ad nauseum. And, of course, Mudkip wouldn't come back when called, leaving Irving to run the span of the land back and forth yelling Mudkip come here Mudkip MUDKIP come now!
Oh, and each time Irving found Mudkip, he would no doubt be in some confrontation with some wild Pokémon he found. Mudkip loved Brawling more than an obnoxious bar drunk, and usually Irving would have no problem with this given his love of battling, but...
...he sucked. Like, really badly. Mudkip was an infant when Irving got him, so even the weak normal wild Pokémon could serve Mudkip's ass on a platter. And of course, Arceus forbid if he ever picked a fight with an evolved Pokémon; as it turns out, a gang of Raticates could flatten a baby Mudkip in mere seconds. Go figure.
Irving invested in a leash after that.
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Irving walked back to the room his sister was in with two plates of warm delicious home-cooking and some equally scrumptious looking cuisine for the Pokémon. At least that's what he told himself, hoping it might make that wish true.
Irving entered the room, which was mostly empty because of the morning breakfast scramble.
"Mudkiiip!" Irving's Pokémon cheerfully cried as he ran up to his returning master.
"Good boy, Mudkip. Here's some food." Irving greeted him as he put down one of the plates.
An awake Sophia was playing with her Psyduck, turning her head when Irving approached.
"Morning, brother!" Sophia cheerily said. At least the sleep seemed to have a good effect on her.
"Good morning, Sophia." Irving replied with a slight smile. "Did you sleep well?"
"Yeah." Sophia replied. If the pain in his neck was any indicator, Irving sure as hell didn't.
"Hey, I got you breakfast." Irving said as he passed one of the plates to his sister.
"What is it?" Sophia asked, staring at the plate with a disgusted look.
"You're better off not knowing."
Sighing, Sophia started to eat the mystery slop in front of her. Irving released Togepi, who greeted him with a cheerful "Priiiii" as Irving passed him and Psyduck bowls of pokefood. Only after everyone else had been given food did Irving dig in to his own plate.
Irving took a first bite of whatever was on his plate oh, Arceus that was wretched tasting. Irving adopted a new strategy, shovel everything into his mouth as quickly as possible. It might not taste better, but it sure as hell won't last as long.
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Irving was starting to get the hang of dealing with Mudkip. And thankfully, Mudkip was starting to grow up finally. Though still rambunctious, Mudkip started to learn not to pick a fight with everything he saw. Mudkip had grown up, if only a little.
Of course, this meant that Irving could start training him. Irving had raised Mudkip with the hope that at the end, he'd have a mighty Swampert. Now a bit more in control of his Pokémon, Irving started to battle wild Pokémon in the fields of Vermillion City's outskirts. The wild Rattatas and Pidgeys would be excellent fodder for Mudkip's climb to the top.
And what a climb it would be. Mudkip started from the bottom of the ladder; he couldn't even properly use the most basic water attacks yet, so most battles devolved into stamina matches between Mudkip and his opponent, usually ending not in Mudkip's favor. At this level, Mudkip couldn't hope to outlast his stronger opponents like Togepi could.
Yeah, sure, Sophia.
Togepi in some ways was much easier to battle with than Mudkip. While Togepi was slow and physically weak, he was a tank when it came to soaking up damage. Togepi take repeated tackles with ease and dish them back. Togepi's shell was a great boon, as the impact against such a hard surface wore out many a wild Rattata. Togepi's repeated incinerate and toxic attacks, which he learned through TMs Irving saved up for, proved to be the bane of many a Pokémon, as Togepi's ranged power decimated them before they could perform any strong attacks.
Mudkip, on the other hand, was strong, but didn't have the bulk necessary to take more than a couple attacks. Even after some training, Mudkip still relied on mud-slap and water gun to keep his opponents from hitting him. Mudkip couldn't exactly take much abuse, but he sure as hell could dish it out. After repeated practice against some tin cans and once against Irving no Mudkip no no no Arceus STOP, Mudkip produce a powerful water gun which knocked out most of his opponents in two to three shots. After enough battles, Mudkip could shoot moving Pidgeys out of the air and battle with the local wildlife become more akin to target practice.
It was time to move on to bigger prey.
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Irving was finishing his breakfast when he noticed that Sophia wasn't sitting next to him anymore. Startled by her disappearance, Irving quickly scanned the room; there were a few passengers hanging out, but no sign of Sophia. He turned his head to the Pokémon. Togepi was still there which meant that she was either out for a little bit or something happened to her. Crap how long has it been-
"Hey, Irving, I'm back."
Irving cocked his head towards the door. Sophia was in the doorway, the area around her eyes red from irritation. Oh, there she is.
"Sophia, where were you?" Irving asked, both concerned and relieved.
"I was in the bathroom. Like I said I would be." Sophia responded with one eyebrow raised "Remember?"
Irving racked his brain. Loading...Loading...EURIKA!
"Oh, right. I must have spaced out."
"Clearly."
"Anyway, since we're done eating, you wanna go outside?"
"Fine. Whatever." Sophia responded curtly and returned her Psyduck to its Pokéball.
Sophia was never this curt.
"You okay, Sophia?" Irving asked as he returned both of his Pokémon back to their containers.
"I'm perfectly alright, Irving!" she snapped and walked out of the room.
Irving collected the Styrofoam plates they had eaten off of and chucked them in the neared garbage can and then followed Sophia, who barely kept line of sight with him.
By the time Irving reached the deck, Sophia was already playing with Psyduck by the ship's bow. Irving ambled his way over to an empty set of deck chairs where she was. He sat down and released Togepi, holding the small creature in his lap.
Irving watched his sister playing with Psyduck against the background of a late morning sea. She was playing the only game she could on this ship, tag. Sophia and Psyduck ran back and forth trying to tag each other. As the game ran on, Sophia started giggling and laughing. Irving smiled at the scene, at peace with Togepi in his arms.
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It was the first day back to school. Irving walked the halls, a little more confident than usual. With Mudkip on his side, Irving could stand actually stand a chance against his classmates. He looked forward to his first free period. Various returning classmates greeted him Hey Irving how's it goin' buddy sup Irving. During this time, some classes passed. Couldn't tell you which ones; it was all a blur to Irving.
Soon enough that lovely bell rang, symbolizing the beginning of Irving's free period. Irving bolted out of whatever classroom he was in and made his way outside. On the School's property, there was a certain field that, when not populated by kids smoking, was used to hold Pokémon battles. And sometimes it had both. Sure enough, there were a couple of kids from Irving's own class that shooting the shit there. Thankfully, it was only the first day back, so the only grass that the spot smelled of was the freshly cut kind. Seeing Irving approaching, Pokéball in hand, one of the teens that Irving recognized smirked.
"Hey, Irving, you actually have a Pokémon that can fight worth a shit?"
"I got a new one for my B-day, so I'm good to go." Irving responded.
"Oh, really? Let's see it."
"Come on out, Mudkip!" Irving summoned. Mudkip arrived on the field, raring to go.
"Cool mon, bro. Too bad my Fearow's gunna kick its ass." the boy whose name Irving couldn't remember said. His Fearow burst forth from the light with a vicious look in its eye and squawked menacingly at Mudkip.
Ho-boy.
"Hey James, ref for us." the teen asked his friend.
"Fine. Whatevs." James responded, lighting up a cigarette as he walked over.
"Trainers, ready?" He asked in the most lax manner possible. Irving and his opponent both nodded.
"Cool. Then Start, already."
"Fearow! Fuck 'im up with drill peck!" That teen confidently ordered. His Fearow flew up into the air and then charged Mudkip with a large, vibrating beak.
"Mudkip, Dodge and use water gun !" Irving Commanded.
As Fearow barreled down toward him, Mudkip jumped to the side and shot a powerful water-jet into Fearow's side, knocking him off target. Despite the shot's strength, Fearow looked more started than hurt as it flew back to its trainer's side.
"Fearow! Drill peck again! And don't miss this time!" The trainer ordered. Fearow once again charged Mudkip, this time angrier, but yet more focused.
"Mudkip, water gun dodge!" Irving Ordered. Mudkip prepared himself for Irving's custom technique. Just before Fearow could hit him, Mudkip shot the ground next to him the strongest water gun he could manage. The blast force flung Mudkip out of Fearow's trajectory, causing Fearow to break out of his dive attack, and fly around.
"What the fuck was that?" the dumbstruck teen asked. What it was was a special technique to take advantage of Mudkip's strengths to minimize his weaknesses. Mudkip may not have been able to take a hit well, but his light weight meant his strong water guns had more than enough force to act as an emergency "eject" skill.
"Fuck this. Fearow, use fury attack!" The teen that Irving was vaguely acquainted with ordered.
"Mudkip, Water Pulse!" Irving ordered.
As Irving predicted, Fearow flew towards Mudkip in a slower, more controlled method, leaving him open Mudkip's sharpshooter skills. Mudkip fired a powerful aquatic pulse towards Fearow, nailing it directly.
"Shake it off, Fearow!" The trainer ordered. Fearow, though hurt, pressed through with the attack. Using its size to overwhelm Mudkip, Fearow landed and pummeled the small blue Pokémon with its beak.
"Get out of there, Mudkip!" Irving yelled at the endangered Mudkip. Mudkip once again shot the ground with water, propelling him backwards and spraying mud into Fearow's face. Despite Mudkip's movement to another location, Fearow continued to attack the same patch of dirt.
"What the hell are you doing, Fearow!" The unnamed teen asked.
Alright, water pulse confused Fearow, time for a counterattack! Mudkip should probably- oh wait, he's exhausted. The repeated water attacks war out Mudkip, especially combined with Fearow's repeated attacks. No matter!
"Mudkip, use water pulse!" Mudkip summoned up its remaining strength and shot another powerful water discharge. Too confused to comprehend its surroundings, Fearow took the attack directly, knocking it on to the ground.
"Fearow! You alright?" Irving's concerned opponent asked. Fearow was stunned temporarily, as it had the wind knocked right out of it, but soon enough, Fearow's surprise turned to rage as it regained its senses.
"Mudkip! Don't give Fearow time to recover! Use water gun!" Irving advised, taking advantage of his enemy's opening. However, Mudkip was barely able to stand, let alone attack again. Mudkip staggered in place as Fearow got airborne again.
"Awesome! Use drill peak! Go for the kill!" The teen ordered. Fearow, happy to oblige, charged up, as tired as it was, and slammed into Mudkip, knocking it unconscious.
"Mudkip!" Irving called as he ran to his Pokémon's side. Not that there was much he could do; Mudkip was down for the count and needed rest, so Irving returned him to his Pokéball.
"Good job." He whispered, happy with Mudkip's performance.
"Arceus! That runt gave my Fearow a run for his money. You been feeding him Rare Candies or what?" the teen Irving was somewhat familiar with asked.
"Haha, no I haven't been." Irving responded, half-smiling and scratching the back of his head.
"Shit, man. You must have been trained him a whole bunch." James said "I ain't seen nuthin that small beat up something as big as a Fearow!"
"Man, I thought my Fearow was gunna be hot shit, but if something that small is handing my Pokémon to me on a silver platter, I should probably get to training again."
"ah, um, thanks guys." Irving said, a little embarrassed from the attention and looking at his feet.
"Hey, your name's Irving, right?" James asked, Irving nodding to confirm it. "Name's James, man. Alex oh Alex that's his name and I are usually hang out around during this period if you're interested."
"Yeah, man. You totally should." Alex said "Plus a little extra practice for the city tournament wouldn't hurt."
"Isn't the Tournament only a couple of months from now?" Irving asked.
"Yeah, man. I've been blowing off practicing for it; probably should get around to it." James said.
"Anyway, I should probably get going. Got class soon and such." Irving said, awkwardly looking away and scratching the back of his neck.
"Later, dude." Irving heard one of them call, as he walked back towards school, a little happier than before.
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The sun had rising to the top of the sky, shinning down on Irving as still held a now sleeping Togepi on his lap. Irving yawned a little and checked his watch for the time. Most of the people who were around before had disappeared, no doubt to get their next ration of food from the mess hall. The only person close by was Sophia, who was leaning on the ships railing by herself, staring out into the sea. Might as well, go check up on her. Probably should get some lunch soon.
Irving quietly returned his sleeping companion back to its container and then made his way over to Sophia. Standing a few feet behind her, Irving spoke.
"Sophia. Hey, we should probably get some lunch soon."
Sophia didn't respond, and instead continued to stare out into the sea. Concerned, Irving walked to her side and spoke to her again in a quieter voice.
"Hey, Sophia." Irving said in a more sensitive voice.
"Irving. Do you know which direction Vermillion City is?" Sophia spoke, starting to choke up "I'm pretty sure it's this way, but I've- I- I-"
Sophia's words became incomprehensible as she broke into tears. Not sure what else to do, Irving wrapped his arms around her awkwardly, as Sophia cried into her hands. They stood that way for a few moments as Sophia tried to regain her composure.
"Irving, we're not going to see Vermillion, again." Sophia sobbed.
"Sure, we are-"
"They're taking us somewhere else; somewhere far away. We're not going to see it, anymore."
"Sophia..."
"They're gone, Irving. Mom's gone. Dad's gone. Our house is gone. The city-" Sophia lamented before breaking down into tears again. Irving still, unsure of what to do, continued to do nothing.
"Please, don't go, brother. I'll be all alone. Please, stay. Don't go. Don't go, please." Sophia pleaded.
Irving held Sophia even tighter.
"Don't worry. I'm not going anywhere. We'll be fine, okay."
Irving knew Sophia. She couldn't take much more. The Rocket's had devastated her life, and taken everything precious from her. It's alright, Sophia. Irving will make everything better. He vowed that he would bring back the life that Sophia had lost and remove that which ailed her.
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Sup Bitches?
Spah here again. Hope you liked the new chapter.
Rate & Review, please. I'd sure love some comments.
Seeya!