UPDATE AND SUCH: I just wanted to say thank you to everyone sticking to my story. I realize I haven't uploaded in a while, that was due to my laptop needing to be checked over and getting repairs. Also, I realize that these first beginning chapters are probably really boring, but I assure that this is mostly due to character development, and the story WILL progress and become better - I PROMISE :') So thank you everyone again (for the third time.. I'm a desperate girl.), and I'd really appreciate reviews :) so... that's it, enjoy your new chapter!
I took a warm shower and changed into pajamas (which really was just an old tank top and soffe shorts). Then I grabbed some blankets and pillows from Nurse Joy and headed for the couch farthest away from anyone. I sat down, situated where I wanted everything to go, and laid on my new bed. To be completely honest, laying on the Pokemon Center's couch wasn't too bad. A bit harder than my regular mattress back home, but it worked nonetheless.
I almost fell asleep when I remembered something else. I dug into my backpack and pulled out a pokeball. Before I could release her, I felt a thud against the couch. Nurse Joy had already called lights out so it was pitch black and I couldn't see who slid up next to my- the- couch. I pulled out my trusty Pokedex and flashed the brightness on whatever was next to me.
"Gahh-h! Turn that light off! Please! I'm being blinded!" I instantly recognized the person as none other than *drumroll* … Ginger! I threw my Pokedex into my backpack and squinted at the newcomer.
"Why do you keep following me?" I deadpanned.
"Why am I attracted to your beauty? Well, let's see…" he countered. I snorted, grabbed an extra pillow, and whacked Ginger dead center in the face.
Was I annoyed that he was trying to hit on me? Partly.
Was I mad he was attracted to me? No so much.
Did I think he was a bit cute? Yes, definitely. I rolled around, facing away from him. I didn't need to get caught up with boys. Ain't nobody got time for that.
"Okay, okay. Sorry, but I just can't help but feel like your different," he sighed.
"Umm… thanks….?"
"No! Not what you're thinking. I'm just wondering why an Elitist is not talking to me… it's kinda weird to be honest. I'm used to people coming up to me wanting to say hi or strike a convo or something."
"So are you trying to call me a fangirl? Or are you just being an egotistical jerk?"
"Ahh, no! I guess I don't know how to say this without being a loser… I really didn't mean to be an egotistical jerk, promise."
"So I'm apparently supposed to know you? Sorry Gingey, but I don't." I muttered. Then I slapped my hands over my mouth because I realized I'd just called him 'Gingey' out loud. Crap, not a good thing to do Ari. I heard him laugh for a bit. I winced and tried to claw my way to become one with my sofa.
"Haha, that's the funniest nickname anyone has ever given me!" he choked out, "Sorry to burst your bubble Elitist, but I'm not the Gingerbread guy from that ogre movie!" He burst into a another fit of laughter. I frowned some more and tried to sleep over his obnoxious - but cute and warming - laugh. But why did he think I was an Elitist?
"I'll let it slide, okay? Sorry, it's just, that's a new one…. Gingey. I might now ask people to call me that!" He laughed a bit more. "Okay, okay, sorry… Hey, what's your name again?"
"I never told you," I said icily, "But if you must know, it's Ari."
"Short for Arianna?"
"You catch on fast." My eyes adjusted to the darkness and I saw him give me a genuine grin. "So what's your name, oh popular one?"
"You don't now my name?" he asked, truthfully surprised.
"Yeah, I don't… We just met." I muttered. Did he think I was psychic or something? He gave me another once over with his eyes and said, "I guess you really don't know… The name's Oliver Stiles, y'know, youngest guy who might become the Hoenn Champion…? Doesn't ring a bell?"
"Huh? Champion? You? Really?" I questioned, dumbfounded. He gave me a wide-eyed stare.
"You really didn't know? I've only challenged Champion Steven, like, five times already."
"Hmm, sorry. LittleRoot Town doesn't really have its fair share of TVs…. And whenever I turn on the radio it's usually to listen to music… and LittleRoot is just such a small place." But this was fairly interesting. The almost Champ-to-be actually wanted to talk to me, and I'm a Nobody!
"But out on your journeys… you must have heard of me?"
"Oh, right, I'm not an Elitist, this is my first day on the job."
"What? But you look older than ten…"
"Yea, I'm fourteen. Started late cuz my neighbor Professor Birch and my dad always needed my help in the lab. I wasn't able to start on my journey until today." I sat up, propping my feet on the ottoman two feet away. I patted a new spot next to me on the couch for him to sit. He took the invitation and sat next to me, propping his feet up too.
"That's pretty cool, you live next door to one of the greatest Pokemon researchers! And I knew you weren't ten." Oliver gave a smirk. I smiled and pulled the blanket over to cover myself better. I felt awkward just sitting there next to him, but I just asked the stupidest question that came out, mostly because it was all I could think of.
"… So what's it like to almost be the Champion?" I asked Oliver. He looked down a bit, trying to find the right words.
"Well it feels awesome first off. And don't get me wrong, it'll be amazing becoming Champion… but I can't help but feel scared… y'know? Being Champion has a lot of pressure, especially when you're gonna be the youngest. But I'm sure everything will work out," Oliver looked at me and gave another one of his delightful grins (I swear I heard a girl swoon in the background).
"So if you're almost the Champion, why are you here in the middle of nowhere?" I questioned. Oliver chuckled.
"Well," he replied, "Now that you ask, I'm here to see my dad. He needed to talk to me and came all the way from Kanto to see me."
"Kanto…?"
"Oh, it's another region, northeast of here. It's really beautiful there, I love it. I think I might visit there again soon," he took a pause, "So first day, huh? What Pokemon have you caught so far?"
"Uhh, I only have my starter for now," I said sheepishly, "Haven't caught anything yet." Oliver looked utterly stunned.
"Are you serious? Only one Pokemon?! How are you gonna survive?"
"On food…?"
Oliver face palmed. "You know that's not what I meant. Well what's your starter? I heard Nurse Joy say it, but I forgot the name… Something that starts with an 'F'?" I nodded and took out my pokeball.
"Well here she is, meet Flare." The pokeball popped open in my hand and Flare appeared on my lap.
"Flarrrre," she purred, nuzzling into my stomach. I smiled and patted her head.
"Wow," Oliver whispered, "That is one special Flareon. Where'd you find one? A breeder? How much did you guys pay for her?" I tilted my head. I knew Flare was the coolest Pokemon ever (like EVAR), but that didn't explain why everyone was just all over her… its didn't make any sense. Flare was just a regular Flareon. Scratch that, she's the most special Flareon.
"Umm, my dad didn't buy her. He found her abandoned on Route 101. She was sitting in a cardboard box, crying. She was the only one saved in the litter." I murmured.
"That's so horrible. I'm sorry about your siblings, Flare. I don't know why someone would just leave them alone…" Oliver had a weird expression on his face for a split second that I couldn't place, almost a darker expression, but it was there for a second before being replaced by a puzzled look. "But at least nice people like you and your dad found her." Flare put her paw on my heart, trying to get my attention.
"What is it Flare?" I asked. She murmured into my stomach, but because she wasn't exactly human, I couldn't understand her.
"Flare I have no idea what you're talking about… Maybe you're just tired." Flare decided to murmur again. "Oh, I guess she just wants to see Talon. Almost forgot about him."
"I thought you only had one Pokemon, Ari." Oliver said.
"Oh, Talon is my dad's Pokemon. He wanted me to take him in case anything happened. My dad is really over protective." I explained. I held out Talon's great ball, and out he popped in a little flash of white.
"Whhooo?" he inquired. He decided to perch on the left arm of couch next to me.
"Nothing's the matter Talon, we just wanted you out when we go to sleep." I patted him on the head. I turned my head quick enough just to see Oliver give a quick glare at Talon. I heard Talon give a bird-growl behind my head. That was weird.
"…" I had no idea what was wrong with these two. Why were they acting so weird? Talon was usually a sweet Pokemon who loved everyone.
"Well," Oliver started, "I'm really glad to have met you Ari. You're a really cool person. Don't forget that, okay? And if you don't mind, I see my friend Connell over there waving to me. Don't worry, if he asks, I never kissed you." Before I could ask what the heck he was talking about, Oliver gave a peck on my cheek. At that point I didn't know who was redder - my cheeks or Flare. He gave another delightful grin, picked up his sleeping bag, and made his way over to another cute guy with shaggy dirty blonde hair.
Flare gave a small giggle and I heard Talon give another growl. What was his deal? I situated myself once more, a dumb smile plastered on my face, Talon on my legs and Flare on my stomach, and I fell soundly asleep. I felt proud. Way to get those cute guys, Ari!
I almost slapped my own face. I didn't have time for him, I had to get a kick-start on my training! I mean, I was 4 years late wasn't I? My regimen consisted of just beating the gyms and becoming the best. I thought for a moment. But who said I couldn't have any fun? Why should I have to be alone?
But I had Flare. And Talon. And whatever future Pokemon I was going to get. I didn't necessarily need others with me... right?