Disclaimer: I don't own Pokemon.

Who else is excited for Harry Potter! :D Haha, excuse the outburst. Anyway, thanks so much for your reviews! I am so glad that everyone is enjoying this, and am so overwhelmed by the responses! I've had more fun writing this than I have with writing anything else in a long time. Sooo, here's the new chapter. Hope everyone enjoys!

Spotlight
Chapter Four: Every Battle Starts Somewhere

Okay, so, to say this was completely expected would be a lie.

For a moment I just stared at the Bidoof; the little beaver looked completely oblivious and unaware as did all Bidoof I had encountered. Well, okay, I've only encountered one in my time, and that was because I tripped over a particularly loopy one on the way to the pond one evening (back during my Drifloon-chasing days). But I digress. I assumed at least, that this must be a trait that Bidoof share. Either that or this was the same Bidoof from so long ago, which I doubted.

Again, I digress.

"Doooooof," Terrance the Bidoof drawled, looking at me with beady black eyes. I felt a smile come across my face.

"Well! Do you have Pokemon or don't you?" I heard Lauren scream, not bothered by the few straggling people gathering around us. Floaroma had always been a small town, not many trainers stopped here, so it was to be expected.

"Yes," I bit out through gritted teeth, though the Bidoof standing in front of me gave me a bit of hope. Maybe I could beat the little guy. Maybe not. I sure hoped it was the former.

"Let's go, Zeke!" I said, throwing the ball out to the middle of the clearing. A crack, a flash, and there my Houndour appeared, grinning, at the small little Bidoof.

Zeke turned his head toward me, looking at me as if asking if this was the real deal. I nodded, giving him a reassuring smile, and then inhaled somewhat shakily.

"Oh, my! What a tiny little Houndour!" Lauren said in a suddenly haughty voice. "It must be only a level three!"

"Oh, my! Who cares!" I bit back, "Zeke, Tackle it!"

I thought he wasn't going to listen to me for the length of time it took him to respond, but suddenly, sure enough, he launched himself at the Bidoof. The beaver-like Pokemon squeaked and was shoved on its side, Zeke growling at it. I grinned at him.

"Terrance," Lauren's voice was shrill and commanding as she watched the Bidoof struggle to get up, "Defense Curl."

The Bidoof curled into a ball, heightening his defensive capabilities.

"Rollout!" she shouted.

"Dodge it, Zeke!"

Zeke jumped as high in the air as he could manage, completely clearing the rolling ball of Bidoof. I sighed with relief. If the Bidoof was at a high enough level to know Rollout, then I didn't know how good of a position we were in.

He landed gracefully on his feet, but I could see that even that was tiring him out. I knew he was at a lower level, but didn't know how it would effect him as he was battling.

"Try tackling it again!" I called out.

Zeke listened, but then he was met head-on with Terrance's Rollout.

"Zeke!" I cried out, watching as my Houndour was flung to the grass. I heard him murmur, stir around a bit, before finally getting up. He looked like he couldn't take much more, though, and that worried me.

The Rollout attack seemed to take out just as much from the Bidoof as it did from Zeke. Terrance was stumbling around, looking about ready to faint. I found that I had clasped my hands together in worry, and quickly pried them from one another, taking a more offensive stance. "Finish it off!"

Zeke threw himself forward, sending the Bidoof flying - I had to admit, for a low level, Zeke certainly knew how to fight. Must have been a result of being such a wild Pokemon when I found him.

And then, to my shock, Terrance the Bidoof fainted.

I felt so elated that I started dancing in place, "Yeah! That's awesome, Zeke! Way to go - "

"Charlotte, Water Sport!"

I didn't have time to react, because the little Piplup had flung herself from the shoulder of her trainer, twirled in the air as if she were some obnoxious ballerina, and shot several jets of water in Zeke's direction.

He didn't have a chance.

Zeke was blasted with the water. Unable to take it, he fell over. Fainted.

"Z...Zeke!" I shouted, racing over to my fallen Pokemon. I didn't even think to return him. I picked him up, cradling him in my arms like I had done just days ago when he was attacked by the Seviper, and rushed to the Pokemon Center. I knew that the local Nurse Joy was probably thinking on calling Pokemon Services on me for Pokemon abuse, but I didn't care. I just had to get him to the Center, and fast.

Lauren scolded me about prize money, so I just threw some at her so she'd shut up.

I wasn't aware of the people following me. The only thing I was aware of was the sinking feeling in my chest and the image of seeing my Houndour's pained face over and over again as he was attacked with his weakness...

"N-Nurse Joy!" I begged frantically, "Please, heal my Houndour!"

Word travels fast in small towns like Floaroma. Because she looked as if she understood I had just lost a battle. My first battle.

She told me to return Zeke to his Pokeball, which I did, and then took him to the healing machine in the back.

I just stood in front of the desk, wringing my hands in my nervousness. I hadn't noticed that I had tears in my eyes until now. I felt like such a bad trainer, allowing him to be hurt like that. Certainly there could have been something I could have done. Jumped in front of the spray of water, perhaps. I should have done that. Awful, awful trainer.

I forced the tears from my eyes. I hated crying. Didn't do it often. In fact, now was the first time I'd teared up in a while. I growled at myself.

"The first loss is always the hardest."

I turned around to find Amelia staring at me with kind eyes, "I've lost more times than I can count. Lauren makes sure of that."

"Where is the lady of the hour, anyway?"

"Outside. Bragging to Benji. She likes to appear tough."

"Psh," I scoffed, running a hand through my hair. "There was no appearing. Even her Bidoof was a handful for Zeke and me."

"They're well trained," Amelia said, sitting down and motioning for me to do the same, "We've been training for two weeks, remember. Even then, Lauren has this obsession with being the best. Anyway, you've just gone out today, so don't be too down about it."

"How did you - "

"I figured when I saw you," she said, bringing Tully onto her lap. "New trainers have that look to them."

"What look?"

"As if they don't have a clue."

"Hey!"

"Just joking, Corrine." She smiled at me, stroking Tully's shell absentmindedly. "After all, I had that look just two weeks ago."

I laughed lightly, wanting to touch Tully's cute little head, but not wanting to risk injury for once. After our defeat, I thought that the both Zeke and I had too many injuries between us. Definitely starting out with bad luck. I groaned and leaned back in the surprisingly soft chairs of the Center, folded my hands behind my head, and then heaved a great sigh.

"Does it get easier?" I asked her. She looked puzzled for a moment before I elaborated, "Seeing your Pokemon like that?"

"That was your first time...it must have been a shock for you." Amelia said gently, "But soon the shock wears off. I still worry about Tully and Zep, but...we'll get stronger..." She stared at me, "Oh, I must be no help for you..."

"No, no, it's fine," I replied, "It makes sense to me, Amelia."

She gave me an encouraging smile. I added, curiously, "Who's Zep?"

Amelia smiled brightly then, "My Starly."

I brightened at that, "Awesome!"

Suddenly, two things happened at once. The doors swung open, and the kid named Benji, said, "There you are!" while Nurse Joy popped up from behind the counter, chiming, "Your Houndour is ready, Corrine!"

I hurried up to the desk, taking the Pokeball in my hands and fervently thanked Nurse Joy. She just smiled at me, almost like a mother would, and said, "Glad to see the Houndour agreed to be your parter - have you named him?"

Taken aback by her interest, I ended up blurting out, "Zeke."

She continued smiling, and wished me good luck. I grinned at her and turned to leave.

And, again, ran smack into a girl and her Piplup.

"Can you at least learn how to carry yourself?" Lauren snarled at me, "I know I just kicked the snot out of you in battling, but seriously."

I hadn't fallen this time, so that was good - it most likely would have resulted in me getting a concussion from falling back against the desk. I shrugged and said, "I know perfectly well how to carry myself, thank you."

And as I walked away, I tripped over a chair leg.

Amelia was there to help me up. I heard Lauren's haughty laughter and felt my hands clench around my Pokeball. I knew it was foolish, but I wished with everything I had that I could beat this chick one day. Beat everyone one day. I would make sure of it.

"Yeah, yeah," I said, "laugh it up."

"Oh, I will."

I felt my eyes narrow and tried to stride out of the door. I hadn't noticed that I had been followed by the two siblings until I heard their footsteps on the grass behind me. I spun around and saw them, looking rather sheepish.

"S-Sorry about her," the boy named Benji said. "Er...she's kind of lively."

"'s okay." I shrugged. His Chimchar was moving from shoulder to shoulder, looking quite interested.

"I'm Benji," he formally introduced himself before gesturing to the Chimchar, "and this is Lupin."

"Charrr!" Lupin hooted, waving at me. I waved back with what I know must have been a goofy grin on my face.

"Corrine." I told him in response, "Nice to meet you."

"Ya know," Amelia looked to be contemplating something, "you can totally travel with us if you want to."

I smiled at her, "Uh, I'm not so sure that would be good for the...chemistry of your group."

Then, Lauren decided to make her presence known. She strode out of the Pokemon Center, placing one of her Pokeballs back onto her belt - I'm guessing she had healed her Bidoof - and her Piplup was chirping brightly in her ear. To my surprise, she was giving it a slight smile, but when she saw that I was still with her group, she narrowed her eyes and stopped dead in her tracks.

"She's still here?"

"Yeah." Amelia spoke up, as if her question was completely stupid.

"Right." Lauren said, running a hand through her dark hair. She looked toward the direction of Valley Windworks, before setting off in that direction.

"Er - the Drifloon don't come until Friday!"

"And how do I know you're not lying!"

I sighed, feeling deflated, and turned on my heel in the opposite direction.

"Where are you going?" I heard Benji say.

I turned around to find the identical-looking Benji and Amelia staring at me. "Uh...I was leaving you two alone..."

"Without saying goodbye?"

"Oh. Right." I scratched the back of my head sheepishly, "Um, see you later, then."

"Wait!" Amelia shot forward, "I might need a break from these crazy people sooner or later. Here," she handed me a piece of paper with a number scribbled on it, "you have a cell right?"

"Um. Cell phone?"

I heard Benji snicker, and I sighed. Right. All the happenings today must have rattled my brain. I ran a hand through my hair and then took the paper from Amelia. She smiled at me, and I confirmed, "Yeah. I have a cell phone."

"Where are you going to go?"

I looked over at Benji, "Oreburgh."

"Oh," he said, sounding slightly interested. "We just came from here. Got our badges."

"Ah..." I replied, blinking. Okay. So I really needed to get badges soon. It seemed very imperative that I do that.

"It's a rock-type gym, so you might want to add another Pokemon to your team," Benji said, looking at my belt. "Fire types don't do well against rock." Lupin cooed in agreement.

I glared at him, feeling suddenly aggravated by him even though he seemed good-natured in his attempt to help me out a bit. I held my tongue as best I could, however, and said, "I figured."

"So, yeah," Amelia continued, sensing the route this might be taking. "If you ever want company feel free to call. I don't think it'll be too much trouble to desert Lauren and big bro. Lauren would probably prefer it."

I saw Benji turn a lovely shade of red that caused me to laugh, dispelling the tension from earlier.

"Right. Of course!" I said cheerfully, though I felt anything but that. "Sure, if it won't bother you."

Amelia had a look on her face that told me she'd prefer it. I wasn't surprised. I wouldn't want to travel with Lauren either, considering that I saw their temperments were on two different extremes.

"Well, we'd better go catch up with Lauren," Amelia said grudgingly, "I'll see you around!"

"Yeah, see you two!"

They turned in the direction of Valley Windworks. I watched them go, hesitant for a moment before walking in a completely different direction from the way Oreburgh was supposed to be. I walked through town, through the fragrant array of flowers that gave my town its name. I kept walking, unaware of what possessed me, and I ended up walking through the trail through the trees at the northern edge of town. It only took a few minutes, but I arrived at Floaroma Meadow.

The air was crisp and fresh, and I inhaled deeply, closing my eyes and trying to escape for just a moment. It was deserted, not a person in sight. Peaceful.

I made my way through the soft grass and the budding flowers, swaying in the slight breeze. Nostalgia reeled me in, bringing me back to my childhood once again. Funny, how that happens. I remembered running around this meadow, playing with Alec when we were kids, bothering Caterpie. That was before my parents needed me to help out with the business and all. Back when I hadn't a care in the world.

I found myself walking to the edge of the meadow, where a slight drop off occured. I lowered myself to the ground, dangling my legs along the side of the small, dirt-ridden cliff, and looked out at the sun, bright and brilliant in the sky. It was so strange, that such a short time ago, I had left my house, lost my first battle, and made a friend.

And, quite possibly, I have lost what little trust my starter had in me.

Completely uprooted by that thought, I unhooked Zeke's Pokeball from my belt and tossed it to the ground beside me. He appeared, looking healthy and content, but not overtly pleased. He barked at me once, looking around for any Pokemon to battle, but I shook my head. He sat down, alert, and gazing over the edge of the drop off.

"Are you okay?"

Zeke looked at me with wondering eyes - I swear I heard him scoff - and laid down, pillowing his head with his paws.

I took that as a no.

"I'm sorry." I told him. And I meant it. I had felt so bad for letting Zeke get taken out by that water attack. Lauren and Charlotte were a team to be reckoned with, and I hated to admit that. Especially now.

Zeke turned his head toward me, and I could see that he was slightly shocked by my admission. He kept his eyes on me, looking like he was wondering what I was going to say next.

"We'll get stronger," I told him, feeling a sudden burst of confidence swell within me. "We will - hey! You did beat that Bidoof today! Showed him what was what, didn't you, Zeke!"

Zeke kept the shocked look on his face, but then I saw a look of satisfaction cross his expressive features, "Dour."

I felt like that probably translated into, "You know it."

I reached over and scratched Zeke behind the ears. He tensed for a moment as my fingers touched his fur, but he relaxed somewhat. I could see why he'd be wary. My fingers smoothed over the skull cap on his head before I moved down to pat his neck with a kind of finality.

"Our first challenge is a rock-type gym," I admitted. I saw him look at me with skeptical eyes. Pokemon were smart, of course, they figured their weaknesses and compensated for them in the wild, but sending my starter into a gym filled with Pokemon that catered to his weakness was overtly cruel. I watched as his eyes darkened, as if he thought I was headed down the road that involved him getting the crap beaten out of him again. I shook my head, anticipating it.

"Dour, Houn-dour."

"So, I figure, that we need to get another teammate."

As much as I'd love to have been able to take down the Oreburgh Gym Leader with just Zeke and nothing else, I knew that was wishful thinking. Gym leaders were very different from regular trainers.

Zeke looked like he understood, but still, he nudged me with his skull cap. "Houn..."

I smiled at him reassuringly, thinking I knew where that was going, "Well, duh, I'm still going to train you. You're my starter. We're both in this for the long hall, bud."

Zeke nipped at my arm, drawing only the faintest amount of blood, as if to tell me never to call him 'bud' again.

I didn't yelp at the pain like I thought I would, only pressed my fingers to stem the little flow of blood, and looked out at the horizon. A flock of Starly were darting across the sky, lead by a massive Staraptor. I smiled.

Sitting here by Zeke, I felt a curl of anticipation. For the day to end, to get started with the tough training of my starter, for the oncoming Gym challenge I was sure to face, and for the anticipation of the fact that I might soon own a new Pokemon.

The problem was, which one?

End Chapter Four.