A/N: Finally, I got another chapter done. I know it's a little late, but it's done none the less. Now, I've got some news for you readers.
DK: is it good news?
...I'll just keep it at news, but now it's time for response.
SuperHoundoom: Thanks for the compliment. I've never read any of the stories that use the premise because, I've been a fan of realism and being sucked into a game didn't catch my eye... not that dying and being resurrected in another world is a real thing. That and I couldn't handle writing dialogue where the main character is being talked at.
UchihaLord15: Thanks for that. I first read the concept in the story 'Twisted Fate, Shattered State,' by SneakyDevil. the premise was pretty gritty, so I tried the concept and put a more light-hearted spin on it.
So, rambling over on with the show
Disclaimer: I do not and will not own Pokemon.
Unfortunately, my nap didn't last as long as I would have liked it to. Before I passed out, the next song starting on my phone was 'Hurricane' by Theory of a Dusknoir, formally Theory of a Deadman on Earth 0. When I jolted awake, 'When Darkness Falls' by Killswitch Engage was starting. Normally, that wouldn't have bothered me, but the intro scream seemed louder than usual. It had more power to it; power only seen in black metal. I opened my eyes and freaked out for a second, before I remembered my whole situation of dying and being brought back by Arceus. I felt a weight on my leg, so I looked down to see that the Riolu was taking a nap and was using my leg as a pillow.
I jumped a little when I heard a car door slam shut. This in turn, woke up the Riolu, who gave me a groggy look. I turned my head to my left and saw and old jeep parked in the middle of the road. On the driver's side, I saw a figure of what I assumed was a man. I couldn't tell because one of the things I didn't have on me was my glasses and my near-sightedness was besting me. However, my assumption was proven correct as the figure move towards me.
"Are you alright young man?" the man asked. He was now standing a good two feet away from and I could get a good look at him. He looked to be in his early sixties, with wrinkle on his face looking like rivers parallel to each other. He had gray hair, but I could tell, once upon a time that it was brown. His eyes were the same color his hair used to be and they looked like they had seen a lot in his life. If I had to compare him to someone from Earth 0, I'd say he looked like Harrison Ford. His attire consisted of a black button-up shirt, Khaki slacks held up with a black leather belt and brown loafers.
"I'm a little worse for wear," I started. "But, I think I'll live." He gave me a look that I could tell he was thinking I hit my head. "Any chance you're heading to Viridian City? 'Cause, by the way I feel, I've deduced that I have a broken right arm, and something wrong with my ribs. I can still breath pretty easily, so I'm praying it's only bruising." The old man nodded and tried to help me up... by grabbing my broken arm. "Argh! Other one."
"Sorry," The old man said. He grabbed my unbroken arm and pulled me up to my feet. As soon as I was standing,the Riolu clutched my pant leg "Mind If I ask how you got in this state?" I turned my head the direction his jeep was facing and saw the punk from earlier still lying unconscious.
"That sorry excuse of a trainer," I said. He looked at the man and them back at me, as if seeking more into the story. "I'll tell ya what happened after I'm not in pain." The old man nodded and helped me into the jeep. Before he could close the door, the Riolu jumped into my lap. I noticed the old man smile at the scene, before closing the door. He quickly ran to the driver's side of the jeep and got in. in a split second, the engine turned over and roared to life. The man then turned his head back and began driving in reverse. After a moment, he passed a turn-off and stopped. He then put it in drive and turned into the turn-off, stopped and reversed and pulled out, turning the vehicle towards the direction he was originally driving towards. As soon as we were going straight, I decided to take my phone out.
"Ah, what the hell?" I yelled. In my hand, my phone was sitting with a completely shattered screen. I hit the power button and found it still worked. 'Great. Now, I gotta add new phone to my ever expanding list of things I need for this world,' I thought.
"There a problem, son?" the old man asked. I raised my phone to his attention.
"My phone's shattered," I said. "I can probably save the SD card, but it would be more money than it's worth to get the phone repaired." The man nodded, but kept his eyes on the road.
"Well, I'm sorry you've lost your phone," the man said. "But I'm sure you can get another model like that for about $20." I let that information sink in. 'So, this universe uses the same currency format as the U.S. On Earth 0,' I thought. "But, I think you would be better off getting a new model." I nodded and put the phone back in my pocket.
"Mind if I crank up some tunes?" I asked him. He nodded. I turned the dial on the radio and all that was on was oldies. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy some oldies from time to time, but I wasn't in the mood. After fiddling with the tuning dial, I settled on a classic rock station.
I think of all the education that I've missed
But then my homework was never quite like this!Ow! Got it bad,
Got it bad,
Got it bad,
I'm hot for teacher!
"I've got it bad, so bad. I'm hot for teacher," I sang along. "Man, I can't remember the last time I head this song." I looked down at the Riolu, who was bobbing his head to the rhythm. I head the man chuckle.
"Ah yes, no one can ever resist the music of Van Halen," The man said. "In fact, I hear this song twice a day at the lab. Though, my assistant doesn't have a voice like David Lee Roth or in this case, you."
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"Well, I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one to notice that little talent of yours." The man said. I sunk into my seat. Normally, I wouldn't sing around people, unless I was with my family. But, I guess the pain of my injuries was inhibiting my normal habits. "By the way, do you have a name?"
"Oh! Sorry about that," I started. "I guess my brain is a little more messed up than I thought it was. I'm Daniel Kellen, but I usually have everyone refer to me as DK. And what may I call you?"
"Well, most recognize me because of my profession," he started. "But for now, you can call me Samuel." I looked at him with an investigator's eye, but could not for the life of me figure it out. From my perspective, he didn't look like anyone from the Pokemon world.
"Well, thanks for ride to the hospital, Samuel," I said. "I can't pay you for the gas, but as soon as I find a job, I will try my best to pay you back." Samuel shook his head.
"No need to pay me back Daniel," Samuel said. "What kind of person would I be if I made you pay for a trip to the hospital?" I would have given a thoughtful opinion, but my brain-mouth barrier was shut down.
"As of now, you seem like the good Samaritan type, since most others would call for an ambulance, wait for it to arrive and then leave me to my own devices." I said. "But thanks anyway." Samuel nodded and then there was silence. Seeing as we weren't talking, I decided to take a nap. The last thing I remembered before falling into REM sleep, was the soothing guitar of 'Stairway to Heaven' starting on the radio.
I don't know how long I was asleep, but I was awoken by a sharp jerk of the vehicle making an abrupt stop. My eyes shot open to see what happened when I saw the we were out of the forest and in a city and parked in front of a building that I believed at the moment was the hospital. Samuel cut the engine and exited the vehicle, only to open the passenger side door and let me out. Slowly, I dragged myself out of my seat and felt my feet plant on pavement. As soon as the door was closed, we made our way to the emergency room. As soon as we stepped in, we greeted by one of the resident MD's on staff.
"Another aide get assaulted while feeding the Pokemon?" he asked. Samuel shook his head.
"I found him out on Route 1 in this condition," Samuel said. "He's no doctor, but he knows he has a broken arm and he thinks there may be something wrong with his ribs." The doctor nodded and gave me a quick once over. He started prodding at my torso, only for me to hiss in pain.
"There's definitely something damaged there," The doctor started. "but we won't know more until we get him up to radiology. Can I get your name?" I nodded.
"Daniel Kellen," I said. He nodded and gestured for us to follow.
"It's nice to meet you Daniel," the doctor said. "My name is Dr. Foley. I'm gonna ask you a few questions for your medical records." I nodded in understanding. "Okay, first one: how old are you?"
"Twenty sir." I said. He jotted it down on a computer tablet in his hands.
"two: have you ever, or are currently taking any recreational drugs, stimulants or alcohol?" he asked.
"Never touched the stuff, never will," I said. He nodded and jotted my answer down.
"Three: Are you or were you ever a Pokemon Trainer?" he continued. I shook my head.
"No, sir." I said.
"Do you have any allergies or medical conditions we need to know about?" he asked.
"Does FUBAR count?" I asked. Foley shook his head. "just the usual seasonal allergies." he nodded. He spouted off about ten other questions, but I wasn't really paying attention. I looked down at the Riolu clutching to my pant leg and thought back to the doctor's earlier question about being a trainer. In truth, I thought being a trainer would be beneficial to being here on Earth P, which is what I call this world. We reached radiology and I was set on a table with a lead apron on. Dr. Foley was about to leave to start the X-Ray, but he saw the Riolu sitting next to me.
"Son, I thought you said you weren't a trainer." Foley said. I looked down at Riolu and chuckled.
"I'm not," I replied. "He kinda grew attached to me." I said.
"Well, we can't get a clear X-Ray with him in here." I nodded and got down to eye level with Riolu.
"Hey buddy," I started. "You know I'm a little banged up, right?" He nodded. "Well, that guy over there," I pointed at Dr. Foley, "wants to help me get better. To do that, they need to take pictures of my insides to determine if anything is broken. Unfortunately it's not a group picture, so I'm gonna need you with Samuel while I get fixed up." Riolu then let go of my leg and ran to Samuel. I looked at Dr. Foley and Samuel and saw their faces in shock.
"My boy," Samuel started. "I've never seen a bond that strong between a human and a wild Pokemon before." I chuckled, which actually hurt.
"Well, we've got a bit of a mutual understanding," I said. "Now, can we get wrapped up? I'd actually like to get some substantial sleep." Foley and Samuel laughed and left the room.
After about twenty minutes dealing with X-Rays, I was moved to an examination room, where I waited for the results. In the room with me were Samuel and Riolu. Using my unbroken arm, I started playing with Riolu, using only a tongue depressor and a rubber glove, rigged into a type of dangling contraption. With the tongue depressor in my hand, I began shaking it around, making the glove dance, which entertained the the child-like Pokemon.
"Are you going to tell me how you got your injuries?" I head Samuel asked. I turned my attention from Riolu to Samuel.
"Can I not and say I did?" I asked. Samuel shook his head. I sighed and thought for a moment. "Where do you want me to start?" Samuel shifted his stance from standing straight to leaning against the wall.
"How about why you were out in the middle of Route 1 without a trainer escorting you?" he asked.
"I honestly don't know," I replied. "The last thing I remember is waking up a good half mile away from where you found me. When I woke up, I found my back pack sitting under a tree with a change of clothes and my laptop, my now broken cellphone and wallet in my pocket. At the moment my brain was being logical and said not to panic and to find civilization.
After walking towards Viridian City for a good hour, This little squirt," I gestured to Riolu, who was now trying to grab the glove, "ran out of the tree line. Not three minutes after, this ass hat walked out of the same tree line spouting off about how he had been tracking Riolu for the past three days. He saw me near it and told me to back off. I looked down at the Pokemon and saw him shaking his head in fear. I told him what I interpreted from Riolu's reaction and I saw how some trainers can be so uncaring. Hell, I bet his Mankey was probably defiant before he broke it."
"Was this trainer that bad?" Samuel asked. I nodded.
"He wasn't any Vic the Butcher," I said. "But the words, 'I don't care what it wants, only what I want' isn't going to make him any friends if his care towards Pokemon is anything to compare is human social skills against." Samuel nodded
"You said something about a Mankey?" he asked. I smirked.
"What ever damage on my ribs is courtesy of the trainer," I started. "But my broken arm is all on his Mankey. The ass had the thing karate chop me until it got a cheap shot at my jaw." Samuel stared at me with his eyes like saucers.
"You mean to tell me that the trainer who wanted that Riolu," He started while pointing at Riolu. "had a Pokemon assault you?" I nodded. "By Arceus, you know that thing could have killed you?"
"Just goes to show you what he was willing to do," I said. "I'm gonna guess that not all trainers act like this." Samuel shook his head.
"No boy, they don't," He said. "he must have been from one of the outer regions. Any trainers who get their license for the main six regions are also put through a psychological screening before their application is sent through." I nodded at his explanation.
There was a thick silence as we waited yet again for my scans to come back. Finally, after an hour of waiting, Dr. Foley came in with a folder and a clipboard. He pulled the X-Ray scans out of the folder and clipped them on the display screen.
"Young man, it seems you have a knack for medicine." Foley said as he turned to face me. "There's bruising on three of your left-side ribs, and two of the ribs on you right side are cracked. Nothing a few weeks of rest can't fix. Your arm, on the other hand is my main concern." I raised an eyebrow at him.
"Why is that?" I asked.
"To put it bluntly, it's broken." Foley said. "But the way it was set suggests that it was assault."
"Good show, Holmes," I said with a British accent. "You've solved the case." I was amused with myself, but my little escapade earned me a swat upside the head by Samuel. "But, yes I was assaulted." Foley nodded.
"Did you happen to get the name of your assailant?" Foley asked. I shook my head.
"I was kinda busy getting wailed on by his Mankey." I said. Foley nodded again.
"Well, there's a hairline fracture on you right ulna and radius." Foley continued. "You'll need a to have it in a cast for at least eight weeks. You think you can deal with that?" I nodded. "Okay then. Let's get you set up."
After discussing my injuries, Dr. Foley got me set up with a cast on my arm and a mild painkiller for my ribs. When we were leaving, Foley said that "The first visit is free, but you wanna get some insurance for next time." I chuckled, thinking that there wasn't going to be a next time. But with my luck, who knows. Samuel, Riolu and I were on Route 1 southbound when a news cast popped up on the radio.
"In other news, Interpol has announced that Team Rocket has been disbanded.
According to Interpol agent Pilot, they received an anonymous tip that the notorious gang's leader was hiding away in the casino in Celadon City. When the city SWAT team descended on the scene, they found a hidden staircase, leading to a facility under the local gaming center. As SWAT canvassed the area, they found several Rocket Grunts knocked out and two executives barely alive.
When the team found an office, they found former Viridian City gym leader, Anton Giovanni tied to an office chair in the same state as the executives found, but slightly less. On the desk in front of him was evidence that linked him to the crimes that had been committed by Team Rocket, including the siege of Silph Co. 10 years ago. A trial has been set for two months from now, though law enforcement is predicting multiple life sentences."
"Well, I guess that nightmare's over," Samuel said. I looked at him with a questioning eye.
"Problem?" I asked. He raised an eyebrow at me. His lack of response was starting to make me uneasy. "What?"
"You've never heard of Team Rocket before?" He asked. "Where have you been living, under a rock?"
"No, I just don't watch the news," I said. "So, bad news?" Samuel nodded.
"Team Rocket has been a parasite in the Kanto an Johto Regions for about twenty years now." Samuel said. "Regional Police has been trying to track them down for the past ten years, only calling Interpol three years ago."
"Wait a minute," I said. "If Team Rocket has been rooted itself into both the Kanto and Johto Regions, then shouldn't have been an Interpol case from the start?" Samuel nodded. "Then what the hell took so long?"
"Who knows." Samuel said. "Some say that the regions refused to call upon Interpol over a matter of pride." I shook my head.
"To hell with pride!" I exclaimed. "If you're not willing to ask for help in a situation like that," I couldn't finish my sentence without blasting the regions. "Forget it. Let's talk about something else."
"What do you want to talk about?" Samuel asked.
"How about information for obtaining a trainer's license." I said. He stopped the jeep.
"So you're going to take the Riolu in?" He asked. I looked down at the Riolu and then answered the question Samuel asked.
"I don't like the idea of him out there alone and ending up running into that trainer again." I explained. "That and he's become attached to me." I said the last part while looking down at Riolu with a smile.
"I don't know what it is," Samuel started, as he continue driving, "But I've got a good feeling about you." I looked at him with a bit of a smile. I took one last glance at him before I started mentally slapping myself for not recognizing him.
"I'll do my best not to disappoint, Professor." I said. I was about to say something else, but he brought his hand up to stop me.
"Please just call me my by my name." he said. "Whenever people see me, most just see me as the great 'Professor Oak,' but it's been a very long time since anyone's seen me as just Samuel." I smirked.
"That's what happens when people hold you up on a pedestal." I said. "But if you look beyond the labels, you can see the real person buried within. I bet at the end of the day, you kick back with an old friend and crack open a couple of beers." He nodded at my explanation.
After that, I took a nap for the duration of the trip. After about thirty minutes in, Riolu woke me up.
"What is it, buddy?" I asked in a groggy state. When I opened my eyes, I was greeted with a sight to behold. Samuel had stopped at the top of a hill and in front of me was a view that put even the greatest oil paintings to shame. It was the view of quaint little town, only twenty or more houses. To the east was a plateau where cattle Pokemon were grazing without a care in the world. To the south was a coast, most likely where the citizens get their import goods. And to the west was a large building that looked like it was a ranch.
"A beautiful sight, isn't it?" Samuel asked. I just nodded, still in awe of it all.
"I wish I had my camera." I said. "Maybe even my Dad's." after a few minutes, the jeep started its descent of the hill and towards the town line. Just before we crossed the line, I saw a sign that made me smile. 'Pallet Town, where every trainer gets their start,' I thought.
A/N: So here's my chapter. if you like the story, Favorite it, Follow it or both. if you got something to say, leave it in a review, or PM me if you don't want your comment public.
Now, for my news. It's come to my attention that I can't focus on this story and give it the attention it needs. Right now, my focus is on Unfinished and for now it will stay that way until I run out of ideas for it, or until DK's story begins to unfold on it's own. So, as of this update, Carry On will be on indefinite hiatus. I apologized to my readers in advance for halting the story. I hope you'll understand my reasons and will try to get back to it when I can.
Until next Round... Whenever that is,
Phant0m