Scholar's Mate

Prologue: Reflectors

The intensity of the late night settled on frostbitten landscape.

Yellow lightning lashed ferociously down onto the ground, cutting into the earth – moving through it at a vicious pace. This was a familiar sight for the flying Pokémon ducking for cover above, and the grass Pokémon that huddle at night together for warm on the ground. Blue lightning began to climb from the ground as scorched rock rained down.

At this altitude the weather was wildly erratic, and the elements were harsh and unforgiving. A paradise for a man wanting to isolate himself.

A Dragonite growled – her laboured breath revealing an icy mist. Taking in air, calming herself she twisted her body to the left and gathered her strength. She rushed toward the large cliff face, her movements to fast to follow with the naked eye. She balled her left fist and coated it in her own searing yellow glow. The glow grew in power and lightning erupted from around her fist, growing to such heat that it turned from warm yellow to a cold blue. Screeching bolts damaged the surrounding area as her fist opened the earth. Powerful streams of blue lightning cut through the rock tearing it away.

Dragonite stopped. She looked to her trainer – earning a nod.

The young man brushed his long blond hair back, scanning the destroyed surroundings with his calculating red eyes. A stingily cold wind blew like a torrent through the mountainous clearing. He fixed his blue coat, zipping it up underneath his collar bone as the temperature began to rapidly drop. Placing his cold hands into his black pant pockets he looked upward to the sky he eyed the storm making its way toward them at a rapid pace.

"That's enough for tonight." The pair walked across the frost covered field to a small cave opposite their training. His brown boots began leaving more noticeable footprints as the snow began to fall. The ground was littered with burnt scars from their long stint in the mountains.

Inside the cave the blonde's sleeping bag and camping equipment were collected around several small white burnt logs. Sitting down against the cave wall he reached for some more kindling, his fire starter inside his back, and a large log. Creating his fire, he proceeded to set up a tea pot with a stand over the newly lit flames. After a few minutes he proceeded to feed Dragonite a tasty batch of homemade Pokémon food. She stationed herself across from the blonde, fixing the bright pink bow on her forehead as she handled her food.

Outside the storm started to form in a more violent torrent as the snow was joined by a harsh wind. The kettle began to whistle – pouring himself a small cup of tea he leaned back against the stone behind him – letting a deep sigh escape his lips. Dragonite spoke to her trainer, taking a few bites of her meal. Taking his eyes off his tea for a second, she made a gesture signalling that she was cold. Reaching into his bag, he dug out a large pink thermal blanket. She gently took it from him and draped it over her shoulders – her regular jolly nature returning.

"We'll head down the mountain soon. We're used to a bit of a warmer climate, aren't we?" He spoke with his red eyes scanning the snow fall outside.

Dragonite continued to munch on her food happily, grabbing the smallest pieces and daintily putting them in her mouth. Taking out a book from his side pocket and a small pencil he began to recount his day. He made several sketches of the wild Pokémon that he saw, the weather, the different moves he and Dragonite had practised that day. Reflecting on their failures, shortcomings, battle strategies – going over every possibility.

A peaceful silence – typical of this area feel on him for a few moments. Taking the moment in he closed his eyes, feeling the day's rigour catch up to him. Time began to pass as he relaxed, shutting his senses down. The sound of rapid footsteps hitting the ground broke him out of his mindfulness. Placing his journal down he reached into his back pocket – unsheathing a small pocketknife.

"Come on Umbreon there's a cave up a head." The voice of another man reached them in the cave. Dragonite placed her food to the side readying herself for a fight.

Moments later a young man and his Umbreon burst into the cave, both were soaked from the snow. Brown haired gentlemen brushed the snow off himself as it had gathered in several places. His nose and ears red from the cold and his eyes watering from the wind. The Umbreon furiously shook himself, trying to get the cold snow from his fur, mimicking his owner.

"Can I help you friend?" The newcomer gathered his wits. Taking in his new surroundings Umbreon's posture turned defensive as Dragonite narrowed her eyes leaning toward him.

"You'll get no trouble from me, friend." Chuckling to himself he coughed. "We're just looking to – not freeze honestly." He was fair skinned and blue-coloured eyes. His cheery disposition juxtaposed to the tension between the two Pokémon close to him.

"Easy Umbreon – we're not here to fight anybody." He calmed his friend. He wore a white top with a grey thermal overcoat and gloves, black pants, and snow boots. On his back was a large brown backpack with a sleeping bag fastened at the top.

"My name is Blue Oak – nice to meet you." Taking a moment, he held his hand toward the blonde.

Placing his knife back into his pocket he stood, examining Dragonite's features. A several seconds of inner debate the blonde shook his hand.

"Naruto Namikaze." He pursed his lips. "You're very lucky to find us – friend." Naruto squeezed his hand and shook it. He gestured to the spot opposite him and the pair sat down.

"I don't mean to intrude." He spoke apologetically. Naruto smiled kindly at him, knowing full well that he had just averted a serious situation. "We didn't really have much of an option." He rubbed the back of his head embarrassed.

"Fair enough. You're welcome to share our campfire for the night, it's not looking to good out there." Umbreon seemed cautious of Dragonite, cautious enough to inch a few inches away from her.

The man unclipped her backpack and took off her gloves and boots – opting to change into a warmer pair of socks as he dried himself. Crossing his legs she sat by the fire, rubbing his hands together trying to generate some heat. His Pokémon completed a full circle and laid down next to him – his eyes firmly fixed on Dragonite whom seemed too busy with her food to notice.

"What are you doing up here if you don't mind me asking? This really isn't some place you'd expect to find people, or anything for that matter." He let out a sigh of relief as the warmth began to return to his frame. Shrugging Naruto unzipped a side pocket from his bag and took a spare cup. He poured him a cup of tea – taking the steaming cup from him Blue bought it to his face examining it. The aromatic smell of the tea beans reached his nostrils, invading them with their sweet scent.

"It's tea, I've been trying to get better at making." Taking another sip, he sighed.

"To answer your question Blue, we're travelling." Naruto clarified. Blue nodded with a confused look on his face.

"Not really sure how training would involve destroying the environment – or training sorry." Countered Blue with a cheeky smile.

"I didn't think you were just popping by for a friendly visit either." Pursing his lips Naruto shuffled in his spot.

"Kanto is a very small place, Naruto. Not much happens without someone hearing about it." He took a sip of his tea. "When someone with such high-level Pokémon causes trouble, the league calls me or Red." Naruto let out a small chuckle of his own.

"Blue and Red?" Another chuckle escaped his lips as Blue retained his relaxed attitude.

"You're not from here, are you?" Asked Blue in an amused voice. "I haven't had anyone make fun of my name in a long time." Blue placed his cup on the ground and crossed his arms.

"I'm used to a much warmer climate myself. Hoenn is a lot more tropical – people are a lot more spread out." Explaining he sat his cup next to him, making direct eye contact.

"That explains it. The police were wondering what all the havoc was about." Naruto sipped his tea with and smiled.

"A lot of people worried about a man travelling alone in the middle of nowhere." Said Naruto with a hum.

"Figures you're from the countryside - not a single person from Kanto would come all the way up here unless they got lost." He chuckled softly to himself. "You're actually in a nature preserve – humans aren't supposed to be up here. Our surveyors said that the weather seemed much more strange than usual." Humming to himself Naruto shrugged.

"You came all the way up here for that and you end up getting stuck up here with me?" Asked Naruto. Blue shrugged and after a few minutes broke out into laughter. "I must have missed the signs." Naruto finished.

"I don't think you're as simple as you say." Rubbing the back of his neck Blue rested his hands in his lap.

"I'm as simple as they come. I'm from a small town. Littleroot town, on the south coast of the Hoenn region. Only two things there are boats and tea." Dragonite gave a happy coo as she finished her large bowl of food.

"I see. Well, if you're not knowingly acting against Kanto, I'll let you go – just this once." Blue shifted in his seat. "My hometown is like that to, not that far from here. Pallet town, not a whole lot going on down there either. Although, there are a good crop of new trainer's this year, along with my brother – my grandfather tells me so anyway." A few moments of momentary silence erupted between them. The fire shook in the calm atmosphere of the cave as the Pokémon began to doze off.

"Your grandfather is Samuel Oak." Said Naruto breaking the silence and earning a whistle from Blue.

"Boy you are perceptive." Blue shuffled in his spot drinking his tea. "You must have won a few spelling bees in your time – or badges?" Shaking his head Blue continued to drink.

"Tea any good?" Asked Naruto ignoring his question.

"I'm not much of a tea drinker but it's going down a treat, thank you." Naruto smiled at the compliment.

"Not many other grandfathers with the name Oak would know about a group of new trainers from Pallet town. Expect maybe the ones that give out the Pokémon and study them." Naruto finished his tea and poured himself another cup.

Blue looked outside and pursed his lips together in frustration as the wind howled outside.

"We'd need a drastic weather change to get off this mountain tonight." Commented Blue with an exasperated sigh.

"I know you probably had other plans. But I have some food and some warm rocks to share if you'd like." He offered reaching into his bag and pulling out some fruit and canned goods. "It's not much but I plan on leaving tomorrow – save causing you anymore trouble." Explained Naruto.

"No thank you – I'll be alright. Say, do you like games Naruto?" Asked Blue earning a slow nod from the blonde. "Would you like to play a game of chess?" Raising an eyebrow, he watched Blue pull out a small chess board from his bag. It was made from plastic and slightly worn from overuse.

"Seems you've answered for me." Blue began setting up the pieces for them. "You carry a chess board with you?" Asked Naruto.

"It seems odd, but you can really tell how good of a trainer someone is. An added bonus, we might build up some trust – who knows? It'll be a long sleepless night for me if I don't do my mental gymnastics." Blue set up the white pieces for Naruto as the blonde shifted to face the board.

Naruto paused for a second eying the pieces. He moved his pawn to the centre of the board to e4.

"A strong first move – controlling the middle." Commented Blue as he moved his own pawn to oppose Naruto's.

"I'd say you start off with a physical sweeper – like a Machamp." Naruto moved his Knight f3. "That's pretty textbook – you seem to have a plan you probably have a staller or maybe a special attacker waiting – Toxapex is also in your team - maybe?" Blue responded by moving his bishop to c4.

"No, I've built my team from just the native 151." Naruto nodded. "A request made by your grandfather at the beginning of season. He gave me a Pokédex and some research notes, and he requested that I only use native Kanto Pokémon. He wanted me to assess his region's battling potential from the perspective of a foreigner. Strangest birthday I've had to be honest." Naruto moved another pawn up and offered an exchange with Blue.

"Well happy birthday from - 10 or so months ago. You're 24 I'm guessing?" He asked.

"No, I'm 22." Corrected Naruto.

"See – you're being more honest with me now." Remarked Blue.

The Pair went back and forth, making small talk until with the chess game in the background, breaking up their conversation. They learnt all manner of things about one another, past loves, hobbies, their homes, families and guilty pleasure. Once the reached the middle game however, they fell into complete silence. Naruto constantly went out of his way to press the Blue's pieces, setting protection behind every possible combatant, and counter measures behind those. Blue rubbed his chin, looking some moves that Naruto had made – he had seemingly given up a few chances to advance.

This perplexed Blue. "What are you doing there?" He asked.

Naruto smiled and continued to play – trying to open some lines for his queen to get into Blue's back row. Several more turns passed, and Naruto's strategy began to become clearer, although they were still playing to a stalemate. Blue saw an opening – giving him a clear line. He could use his bishop to damage Naruto's pawn structure.

"I'm assuming you have all eight badges." Said Blue. "And I'm assuming that you're entering the Indigo Plateau in a week's time – I think you'll do great." Looking into Naruto's red eyes Blue look softened.

"The former champion giving me encouragement – a day I should have an anniversary for." Naruto rubbed the back of his neck. "Actually though – I was on my way to see your grandfather to report my findings to him." Nodding Blue rubbed his chin again.

"Great! I'd be happy to show you around town." Naruto gave him a confused look.

"No, it's quite alright I like to travel alo-

"It's getting late – we should get some sleep." He held his hand out. "You're a great player – we should play again sometime." Naruto's perplexed look remained as he shook hands.

"You're a strange fellow, Blue." Naruto placed Dragonite back into her Pokéball as she slept against the wall.

"There are many more strange people where we're going tomorrow." Blue unfurled a blanket from his bag close enough to the fire to feel its warmth. "Goodnight." Laying down in a comfortable position next to Umbreon Blue closed his eyes.

"Goodnight." Settling against the rock Naruto's red eyes began to close on the image of the fire.

Viridian Forest was ancient forest. It reeked of time. Its woody scent was from snapping branches falling to the forest's floor. The clear blue sky cleared the way for the pleasantly warm sun to fall on the greenery.

"That's just precious Squirtle!" A pair of gloved hands adjusted the bowtie around Squirtle's neck. He seemed less than impressed by the new addition. The composting, organic smell rose toward the tops of the trees like a haze. Every sprawling tree housed small families of bug and grass Pokémon.

"What do you think Pidegot?" She turned to ask the flying type Pokémon. The large predator shook her head, opting to continue to clean her feathers.

"Well, I think you're looking so handsome – surely you think it'll get our cool points up." Squirtle looked up at his trainer with a displeased look. The water Pokémon sat with its arms crossed on a downed tree. Above a flock of Pidgey flew together in formation.

Squirtle protested earning a chuckle from the young woman. She adjusted her glasses above her freckled nose, showing her dark blue eyes. Her long brown hair was clipped to the side with a small pin and her hair tied up in a low hanging bun against her back. She wore a red sundress with flower adjourning it. Her brown sandals fastened tightly around her ankles.

"C'mon Squirtle, the contest is only in 1 hour and we need to brush up on some combinations. I know you're not a fan of costumes, but I think that it's pretty neat." She asserted earning her cheeky head shake from her Pokémon. "You don't have to be that way you know." She mumbled as Squirtle took off the bowtie and threw it on the ground.

Sighing she shook her head, returning him to his Pokéball.

"Fancy seeing you out here four-eyes!" A voice from behind her caught her attention. Turning around she spotted another coordinator making his way toward her.

He stuffed his hands in his pockets. Walking toward her he exited the man made entrance to the forest – fenced off to protect the Pokémon that called this place home. Stepping through the long grass his confident smile caught her eye.

"Hey, Drew fancy seeing you here." She chirped. Drew was a mid-sized man, who has green eyes and green hair. He wore a black long-sleeved shirt, a purple jacket, a pair of teal trousers and black shoes.

"I take it you're here for the contest May." He remarked stopping a few steps away from her. A light gust of wind blew through the area. "A lot of trainers around the place – all gearing up for the Indigo Plateau, I suppose." Shrugging at his comment she remained silent.

"I take it you're here for the same reason?" Asked May.

"Actually – no. I'm just here to study the competition." She crossed her arms. Pidegot eyed Drew with her keen eyes.

"Lucky me. Well if you have any tips I'm sure you'll give them to me without me asking." May joked poking him in the chest playfully.

"Naturally." He batted her hand away.

Chapter End

We'll call it a day.

I hope you enjoyed the prologue.