(A/N: Sorry for the long update. I realize contrary to what people say summer is a busy time for me. By the way, I just got Platinum for my new DSi and I LOVE IT!)
Chapter 2: Summer Is Here
Six years later...
After hitting the snooze button for the third that morning, Matt woke up and looked up to the clock which read: 7:30. "Aw shit," he groaned. He then looked to his closest companion. "Raiden, we woke up late again. We need to be at school in forty-five minutes."
Raiden, who in the last six years had evolved into a Raichu, just groaned and turned over in his sleep. Matt sighed. "Never been a morning person. Well, I'm going to take a quick shower and hopefully Mom's making breakfast."
While Matt was taking a shower, Raiden finally found the strength to wake up and get out of bed. He was feeling rather hungry, so he decided to head to the kitchen. However, he did not see Matt's mother, but he did see his other friends. One was Empoleon, who had evolved from Piplup and Prinplup awhile back. Of course, he had not changed at all as he still had hunger issues and still loved Fig Newtons.
The other friend he saw was Lucario. About two years ago, Matt, along with him and Empoleon, who was still Prinplup at the time, came across a lost Riolu in the forest. Of course, he was a little defensive towards Matt at first, but he soon warmed up to him and soon became a part of Matt's team. As it soon turned out, Riolu would evolve into a Lucario three weeks afterwards. As always, Lucario was watching the news, or possibly cartoons. He seemed to have a thing for television, not something common in Pokemon.
"So, what are you watching?" Raiden said to him.
"Only good thing on now is the news," Lucario said. "Damn cartoons are reruns today."
All of a sudden, a special news report came onto the screen. "This just in," the reporter said. "Police have recently reported that the growing activity of Team Galactic in Sinnoh is starting to pose a threat against the people in the area."
"Team Galactic?" Raiden said. "Why does that name sound so familiar all of a sudden...?"
"Team Galactic is the organization known for stealing Pokemon and running illegal tests against them," the reporter said, answering his question. "Unfortunately, police are not sure of the whereabouts of their main headquarters although they say they are keeping up the search and are determined to find this organization of criminals."
"Guess nowhere in Sinnoh is safe now," Lucario said.
Matt had finally come out of the shower, and went downstairs. "Empoleon!" he then said, seeing Empoleon going through the box of Fig Newtons. "It's been six years now and you still have a problem with eating these!" He then tugged the box out of Empoleon's flippers.
"Pol," Empoleon said sadly.
Matt sighed. "I'm sorry," he said, patting Empoleon on the head. "Look, if we have time after school, I'm going to see if they have anything a bit more healthy that just tastes just like them. Sound good? That way, you can have as many as you want."
"Empoleon!" Empoleon said happily.
Matt laughed, realizing the part of Piplup had never left him. "Hmm, I guess Mom had to leave for work early," he said. "Oh well, I'll just get something on the way." He then looked to Raiden and Lucario. "Alright, you two, it's time for us to get going." He then got out Lucario's and Empoleon's Pokeballs, calling them back. He looked to Raiden and smiled. "Ready to go?"
"Rai, rai," Raiden said.
Hopping on his shoulder, Matt and Raiden made their way to the garage where Matt had his car. "I still wonder how Mom managed to get me this car," he said, looking to his Lexus LFA Roadster. He then got in while Raiden took the passenger seat. He then started the engine and pulled out from the back. Once switching into drive, he looked at his iPod he had hooked up to the stereo and picked "Fuel" from Metallica.
He then pulled out two pairs of sunglasses. "Better hang on tight, buddy," he said, slipping on his shades. He then looked to Raiden, who had his shades on as well. "We got twenty minutes to get to school, so expect a fast ride." He then hit the gas and the two sped off towards Sinnoh High.
If words could express who Kari truly was, the list would be endless. Don't get her wrong, she may be pretty and always one whose looks must be perfect, but she was one not to be taken lightly. In other words, you did not want to get on her bad side.
That same morning, Kari was in her room, brushing her long brown hair. "To think, my senior year finally over," she said. "Definitely a big moment, don't you think Glameow?"
Glameow nodded. Kari has had her for about four years now. She wasn't really a fighter, though Glameow wanted to be able to defend her family if something bad happened. Also, Kari didn't really want her to evolve. She liked Glameow the way she was.
"Another three months and I'll be enrolled into the Academy," Kari said. "It's been my dream to go there. I always wanted to be a doctor, helping out fellow Pokemon." She then laughed slightly. "And then there's Matt, who's not as willing to have a career. He's planning on becoming what a lot of people strive for: a Pokemon Master."
"Meow, meow," Glameow said.
"Oh I know," Kari said. "Don't get me wrong, I respect his decision. It's just..." She then looked at her watch. "Better get leaving soon. Glameow, make sure the others behave and I'll be home in the afternoon." She then got her backpack, left her room and headed downstairs and went out the door towards her car. Soon, she headed off to school as well.
Matt soon got to the high school and parked into his spot while "Low Rider" was blaring out of the speakers.
"Finally, last day here," Matt said. He then looked to Raiden. "Then we'll finally be able to start our adventure."
"Rai rai!" Raiden said happily.
"Yep, you, Empoleon, and Lucario," Matt said. "Of course, I'm sure to find and capture other Pokemon, but the four of us can't be defeated." He then sighed. "Well, I hate to do this, but Raiden, you're going to have to get back into your ball."
"Chu," Raiden said sadly.
"Hey, I don't like it either," Matt said. "But they say no Pokemon are to be present. Still don't understand that rule. But don't worry, the day will go by quick, trust me." After calling Raiden back, he then hopped out of his car and headed towards the inside of the building.
Once he headed towards his locker, he saw Kari at hers. "Hey Kari," Matt said. "Looking beautiful as always."
"Matt, you have yet to go a day without saying that," Kari said, smiling, obviously amused.
"Well it is true," Matt said, laughing.
"So, last day of school and then finals," Kari mentioned.
"Great, that'll be a fun week," Matt said sarcastically.
"Well, you spent as much time studying as you did training, it wouldn't seem like such a grievance," Kari said.
"Very funny," Matt said. "It's no big deal, my grades are fine enough as is. So, you're still planning on attending the Academy?"
"Yeah," Kari said. "I'm just not that into battling so much. I mean, yeah I did it when I was younger, but then again that was then."
"Yeah, well once this is all over, my journey begins," Matt said. "Traveling all over Sinnoh."
"Wait a minute, don't tell me you..." She then saw his belt. "Matt! You know we're not supposed to have Pokemon here."
"Oh come on, what are they going to do, confiscate my Pokeballs?" Matt said. "Please, as long as they're not out and about, there's no problem."
At that moment came Kevin, one of the school jocks and a ladies man. Pretty much, he was an asshole but somehow he was able to woo women to him, mostly because of his looks. Of course, there was always the occasional "fuck off" response, but it didn't bother him.
He then walked over to Kari. "Hey there, Kari."
"Hi Kevin," Kari almost muttered.
"So, I was thinking," he said, putting an arm around her. "Saturday night would be a great night for the two of us. We could have some dinner, I can get reservations, and then maybe see a movie."
"Uh, thanks Kevin, but I don't think I'm all that interested," Kari said.
"Oh come on," Kevin said. "It'll be fun."
"I believe she said no, Kevin," Matt said, feeling rather annoyed.
"Whoa, take it easy Romeo," Kevin said. "Doesn't hurt a person to ask."
"You've been asking her for three weeks straight!" Matt said. "So maybe you should just back off and leave her alone!" Kari looked at him in surprise, while also blushing.
Kevin now became annoyed. "I'll tell you what," he said. "We'll settle this like regulars. We'll have a Pokemon battle after school. If you win, she's yours, but if I win, she's going to have to spend Saturday night with me."
"Deal," Matt said almost automatically. Kevin gave him a nod and then walked off to his first class.
"You gave much thought to that, didn't you?" Kari said sarcastically.
"Oh, I did," Matt said with a smile. "I just have good instincts right now."
Kari sighed. "If you lose, don't expect to talk to me for about a week." She then went to her first class while Matt chuckled softly.
Throughout the day, it was the same old same old, listening to teachers lecture for about forty minutes on stuff that not everybody really cares about. So, Matt decided to use the time he had doing what he does best other than training Pokemon: texting during class.
He had thought about the upcoming battle, and decided to make things a little bit more interesting. He quickly wrote a message to Kari. Her phone vibrated softly, catching her by surprise. She opened her phone and read the message that said:
"Why don't we add a little fun to this challenge?"
Kari looked back at Matt and smiled. She quickly wrote back a note.
"Like what?"
Matt knew this would get one of two responses. He only hoped that it was the positive one.
"Well, I had been thinking. If Kevin wins, he'll want to do his little shindig with you. However, say I win, then I'll end up taking you to one of the most expensive restaurants in the Sinnoh region, and after that, we'll go back to your place and watch The Notebook since you've been dying for me to see it."
Once Kari read that last message, she almost burst out laughing. She happened to be a quick typer so it wasn't long before she answered back.
"Very well, Matt. I guess I could accept those terms. Except, if you do win, we're not just going to watch The Notebook but A Walk To Remember as well."
Matt groaned softly, although it was just to get her amused. Wasn't the fairest of terms, but he knew he could handle two movies.
"Deal."
(A/N: Okay, you know what time it is again. Yep. The song I have here is called "His World" but this is the Crush 40 version.
Once the last bell sounded, everyone rushed to their lockers to get their things. However, it was not because of the fact that school was officiallyover, but the long awaited battle that was about to take place.
Just outside the school, Matt and Kevin stood on opposite sides out in the grass. "So, how about a one-on-one battle?"
"It's your call, Kevin," Matt said. "Just realize you picked one of the wrong trainers to face."
"We'll see about that," Kevin said, taking out a Pokeball. "Alright Golduck, it's show time!" There was a flash of light and Kevin's duck Pokemon appeared.
*"Well this ought to be interesting," Matt said. He then took out a Pokeball as well. "Alright Raiden, let's take care of business!" There was another flash of light and Matt's faithful companion appeared.
Golduck then started off the battle using Fury Swipes, but Raiden was able to dodge it and used Quick Attack and hit Golduck directly, although it didn't do too much damage. Golduck then used Hydro Pump, meaning that this Golduck was trained well, but Raiden fought back using Charge Beam. The two attacks met, causing a small explosion. It obviously meant that Raiden had been trained well as well.
Raiden then emerged out of the smoke with Iron Tail, catching Golduck off guard and hitting him directly. But then Golduck struck back with a Water Pulse, hitting Raiden directly this time. Finally, Raiden then charged towards Golduck using Volt Tackle, while Golduck used Zen Headbutt. The two collided, but Raiden proved to be stronger as Golduck was knocked backwards and was out cold.
Kevin stared in surprise at his fallen Pokemon. "No way," he said. "But no one's ever been able to take out Golduck."
"Well, apparently you haven't met trainers or Pokemon as strong as us," Matt said. "Right Raiden?"
"Rai rai," Raiden said.
Once Kevin moped away in shame, everyone else surrounded Matt and Raiden, admiring them for their skill. However, Matt went over to one particular female. "So," he said. "Are we still planning that "date" for tomorrow?"
"I suppose," Kari said, smiling.
"Pick you up around seven?" Matt asked.
"Sounds good to me."
(A/N: Phew, finally got that done. In case you haven't noticed, Matt and Kari both seem to have a thing for each other, although they're a little shy to admit it, and this "date" is actually meant to be more of a friendship thing... I think. Anyway, sorry for the long wait once again. I guess I should say that expect updates to take a little longer but don't worry, I haven't stopped writing at all.)
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