Pokemon Quest
Start: Friday November 16
League Challenge begins: Sunday July 3rd (33 weeks total)

by Adrimiz7

-Begin Week Eight-

'Lunch time, finally... A break.'

"You look horrible, did you sleep well last night?"

"Caitlin, hey. No, I didn't get into bed until about two thirty."

"Dang, you got back late. You must have enjoyed your break then?"

"It was amazing, you?"

"It was fun, I'll fill you in on the details when we have more time."

"Awesome."

Adrian excuses himself and leaves to feed his pokemon.

…..

Adrian leaves his pokemon after lunch to attend a special class.

'Team Growth, what the heck could this be?' Adrian questions the usefulness of the class.

Entering the classroom, Adrian spots Caitlin, Sam, Jarod, and various other students. He also sees professor Hibiki, his homeroom professor, sitting behind the desk.

"Welcome everyone to our first team growth exercise." professor Hibiki gathers everyone's attention. "Look around you and say hello, these will be your teammates in all further team growth exercises. Our purpose here is to share stories about our adventures, learn about ourselves, and help each other grow. Now, Jarod, why don't you go first?"

'This... could be a useful class. But, it's... going fail.' Adrian passes his judgment.

"Oh, I didn't do anything special." Jarod begins, "After the family reunion, Sam and I got together to do some special training in Victory Road. Isn't it funny how we call it a road when it's really a cave? Anyway, we spent the rest of our holiday there. I'll tell you my half so Sam can talk when his turn comes. So first..."

'And it's already failed.' Adrian mentally declares. 'Students with pokemon are going to use the opportunity to brag...'

"Thank you Jarod. Caitlin, why don't you go next?"

"Of course, professor. Well, after my family reunion, I met up with my friend Nahtan. He doesn't attend an academy, he's a trainer. Together we went around Kanto and challenged trainers. At one point we even had a tag battle on route 15. We lost, but it was a lot of fun..."

"Thank you Caitlin. Now why don't…"

'This is going to be a while.' Adrian tunes out, 'Maybe I should tell them the truth when my turn comes up. No one will believe it anyway. But, it'll take too long to-'

"Adrian, please tell us your story." professor Hibiki asks.

"Well, similar to some others, my family was also away during the break. Regardless, I still had an adventure. I helped stop the poachers in the Safari Zone with-"

The whole class erupts with laughter.

"Wow, do you really think we would believe that!"

"Man Adrian, that's too much!"

"Hahahahaha!"

Even the professor finds it amusing. "That's ok Adrian, you can tell the truth. No one would mind if told us about your trip home."

'She said it with such a straight face too...'

"Come now Adrian, tell us what happened." professor Hibiki asks.

'I knew they would laugh, but I didn't think it would bother me this much...' Adrian's spirit falls.

Disheartened, Adrian continues, "Afterwards, I-"

"Ok, Sam, why don't you start now." professor Hibiki interjects.

Many of the students snicker and laugh at how Adrian is cut off.

'Professor Hibiki must have thought I was going to 'continue' lying... But, she could of at least let me finish. Even though I knew his would happen, it still ticks me off!' Adrian frustrates.

Adrian miserably listens to the rest of his classmates' stories.

"Gladly professor. As Jarod mentioned earlier, we went training in Victory Road. While there, my Machop evolved into a Machoke."

Many students gasp at the news.

"It happened..."

…..

The next day Adrian losses another practice match.

"And my record continues to plummet..."

"Seriously, why don't you just drop out from the battling section?" the opponent snickers.

"If I did that, I wouldn't be able to log my progress."

"What progress!"

"Diglett, return. I'm going to go watch Caitlin's match, later." Adrian leaves not bothering to respond.

'Diglett didn't even pretend to acknowledge me. It's like professor Oak said, I hate this place and the sensitive pokemon pick up on my negativity. But, one reason for that is because the pokemon here don't listen to me. Doesn't that mean the problem is self perpetuating? I'll ask professor Oak for his opinion next time I see him. Actually, I still need to report him about what happened at the Safari Zone. I'll do that after class.'

…..

Still a bit tired, Adrian enters homeroom. Looking around, he sees the students doing crossword puzzles in their magazines.

'The new issue of the popular Po-Mo monthly is out.'

"Adrian where's your issue of Po-Mo?" a random classmate asks.

"I'm not subscribed." Adrian responds.

"Still? Po-Mo is a valuable tool for any up coming trainer. Besides this crossword, it has trainer tips, pokemon shops, locations where lost items are commonly found, upcoming pokemon stars, gym information, and other things. Why do you think the academy sets aside two periods for its discussion and provides each professor an issue to supplement their lessons with?" the classmate continues.

"Oh leave Adrian alone." another student interrupts. "It just shows his passion as trainer."

Adrian feels daggers pierce his body by those words.

'That magazine is stupid and pointless! Most of those articles are just useless garbage! It's a waste of effort searching the magazine for the useful information!' Adrian mentally rants as he sits behind his seat.

"I think it's sankin?" Adrian over hears.

"No, that doesn't fit, third letter is an n though"

"Hmmm, favorite restaurant…"

Adrian breaths deeply trying to ignore the conversation.

"Well, it probably has something to do with flowers."

"Ok, so it's a flower restaurant, eight letters, and the third letter is N."

"Urghh, this one is hard."

Unable to ignore the situation, Adrian asks, "What's the question?"

"Pff, like you would know the answer Adrian."

"Bahh, whatever, it's 'what is Erika's favorite restaurant?' And before you ask, Erika as in the gym leader."

"...Zan-chini." Adrian says after a moments silence.

"Yeah rig-"

"It fits!" A new student cries.

"…."

"Lucky guess."

"Very lucky."

"Think he can do it again?"

"Ok Adrian, question thirteen down, 'What is Erika's eye color?'"

"Eye color…" Adrian trails off. 'Those deep, green eyes, they just captivate you and draw you right in…'

"Green." Adrian says softly.

"How do you know this?"

"Are you a closet fan?"

"No." Adrian replies. "Just..."

"Just what?"

"Just..." Adrian struggles to say a response he wants to tell the truth.

"Just a guess." Adrian finally manages to lie.

"Lucky guess."

"Very lucky, ask him another one."

'I should just get this wrong be done with it, but... I'm tired of this. I hate that they underestimate me. Why am I getting so frustrated? I was fine up till now!'

"Hey, Adrian, do you know it or not?"

"Sorry." Adrian responds in shame. As to who Adrian apologized to, even he wasn't sure.

"Hahahaha, so your luck did run out!"

"Whatever," Adrian places his head on his desk feeling a weight growing on him.

…..

Friday arrives and Adrian sets off with is team for the weekend. This time, their objective is training.

"Ok guy's, for now let's just jog east by north-east until we're in the forest between Celadon and Cerulean city."

Adrian swallows, 'Ughh, my throat. It felt weird yesterday, and now it hurts. Some exercise will help me feel better and this run might clear my head too. Everything just keeps spinning.'

Adrian and his pokemon run and reach a stream.

"Ok guys, let's… stop for…. a break." Adrian suggests.

'Having trouble sta….'

…..

"Who are you calling hopeless?"

"Give up Adrian, you know you you'll never beat us."

"I have my team with me, we'll never lose to you."

"Team? You're the worst trainer ever. We all know the only reason you're attending this academy is because of your pedigree."

"You're wrong! Each and every single one of you, I'll defeat you."

"What, with those failures?"

"We are strong!"

"You're pathetic, Skye has all the talent, you're just worthless! Hahahaha."

"My team and I… We will… We will be the strongest yielded from Kanto Regional Academy for Pokemon Excellence. You'll see."

"Hahahahaha, of course. Magmar, fire spin."

"Dratini, protect!"

"Tauros, takedown!"

"Bellsprout, stop him with grass knot!"

"Hahaha, everyone, hyper beam! You'll never overcome us, so just give up. Hahahahah."

…..

Adrian sits up breathing heavily. Drenched in sweat, he looks around.

"Muuuh" Adrian moans while wondering, "Where am I?'

"Gloom? Glooooooom! Gloom gloom gloom!"

'A Gloom? Was it watching over me, if so, were'd it go and who'd it go get?'

Adrian keeps watching the door and I hears footsteps rushing down the hall. The door opens and Erika emerges into the room exclaiming, "You're finally awake!"

"Erika?" Adrian asks noticing how weak and raspy his voice is.

"Don't speak, you're still feverish. What where you doing out there? You're pokemon are worried!"

Erika notices Adrian's confusion and begins explaining, "I was giving a lecture when…

"...as we all know different pokemon can be found in different habitats. Therefore, by knowing the general area, you are able to predict what kind of pokemon you will be able to find. Consider a power plant. Electricity…"

"Hey, some pokemon just entered the room!"

"That's a Fearow!"

"Is that a weepingbell and pikachu on its back?"

"What could they want?"

'That Pikachu seems familiar...Oh no!' Erika freezes as a shiver runs up her spine.

"Pikachu, what's wrong? Did something happen to Adrian? Class dismissed for today. Lead the way you three!"

"I followed them into the woods and found you soaking wet. Dratini was wrapped around you trying to keep you warm. What happened? Did you fall into the river? No, what were you doing out there in your condition?"

"Training."

"Training, are you trying to kill yourself!"

"No, I thought I was fine."

"…..What! How… Don't you…. What is…. Why?" Erika lowers her voice, "There is no need to rush, getting stronger takes time. Being reckless like that will only get you hurt. Just rest for now, I'll bring up some food in a bit."

…..

Adrian hears noise from the hallway. Looking to the door, he sees his pokemon enter.

"Hey everyone, you saved me, thanks."

"Pika!"

"Rowww!"

"Draaaa!"

"Bell!"

"Haun haun haun!"

"But Weepingbell, you evolved. Thank you."

"Bell!"

Ten minutes pass and Erika returns carrying a bowl of soup.

"Ok everyone, that's enough. Adri-kun needs to eat and rest."

'Adri-kun…' The name embarrasses Adrian, yet fills him with happiness at the same time.

"Here, I brought you some soup."

"Thank you. What kind?"

"Just some miso soup with scallions. How's it taste?"

"It's different. I normally don't eat soup so I've nothing to compare it with. But, it's… good."

"You can be honest." Erika says catch Adrian's pause.

"No, the soup, it's... strange. But, I like it."

"When I was younger, every time I got sick my mother would make this for me."

"My mom was a bit different. Whenever I got sick, she would give me some chamomile tea."

"Heh, that reminds me of a college of mine. Whenever she got sick, her mother would give her chamomile tea as well. She still does. Oh, you're finished. One second."

'A college, I wonder...' Adrian's thought trails off.

"Here's a change of clothing and a towel. You've probably noticed that my servants changed you into dry clothes, bu-"

"Really?" Adrian looks at himself and sees he's in shorts and a white shirt. "Actually, I didn't realize these weren't my clothes."

"You're in that bad shape and you went off training… As I was saying, you need to clean yourself up and get into clean clothes. Place the dirty laundry into the basket so we can wash it."

"Fine…"

…..

'Dang...' Adrian pants standing under a shower feeling he'll fall over any moment.. Finishing, he turns off the shower.

With a feeling of re-freshness, Adrian dries himself and steps out of the shower.

'A yukata and obi...' Adrian stares at the clothes Erika had provided him him. 'She realizes most people wouldn't even know what this even is, let alone wear it...'

…..

Adrian looks himself over in the mirror to see if the yukata is on correctly.

'It's been a while since I last wore one.' Adrian remembers. 'Not since I enrolled...'

Finding his appearance presentable, Adrian proceeds for the door and reenters the bedroom.

"Gloom glooooom gloom!" Gloom cries jumping off Adrian's bed and runs down the hall.

Adrian sits down on his bed and realizes the the bed sheets are fresh.

"Oh, you're familiar with yukatas." Erika says in slight disappointment.

"Back when I took kendo, the class occasionally visited a hot spring."

"Why did you stop practicing?"

"I learned kendo to help focus my mind and learn how to battle. If I don't know how to fight, how can I expect to command pokemon in their battles..." Adrian allows his sentence to drift.

"Now at the a-" Adrian stops himself, "With what I learned, I try and train my pokemon. At least, that's the reason my parents gave to me, but practicing kendo... I enjoy it. Occasionally, I get the chance to swing my shinai."

"My parents had me learn archery for a similar reason." Erika smiles, "I still practice it."

'It's so different...' Adrian compares academy life against actual experience. 'They focus on battling but can't fight themselves. That's so... stupid. How can they expect to command a pokemon in battle unless they know how to fight...'

"This is enough for now. You need your rest Adri-kun. If you need anything, I won't be far and Gloom will stay here with you. Good night."

"Thanks...good night."

Erika excuses herself and leaves the door ajar as she turns off the lights.

'She does a lot: archery, flower arranging, lectures, tea ceremonies, and her pokemon league duties all while training her pokemon.' Adrian considers as he lays in bed, 'I'm lazy.'

Adrian sighs,' Hopefully, I'll be better by tomorrow.'

"Goodnight Gloom."

"Gloom gloom."

…..

"Mmahhhhh, dang, my body hurts." Adrian mumbles as he sits up.

"Gloom?"

"Oh, morning Gloom. No, don't worry about it, I'm fine. Just a bit tired." Adrian plops back down on the bed.

"Gloom." Gloom responds leaving to find Erika.

Adrian soon hears a knock on his door, and a voice called out, "Adri-kun?"

"Erika, come in, morning."

Erika enters carrying a bowl of soup. "Good morning Adri-kun. How are you feeling?"

"I'm just great. The agony caused by any slight movement doesn't bother me at all."

She giggles, "Are you hungry?"

"Starving, is that more scallion soup?"

"Yes, enjoy." Erika responds leaving him with the bowl to go about her duties.

…..

Adrian finishes eating and rises. The sudden movement makes him dizzy, but he ignores it and begins stretching.

Erika returns to collect the bowl and scolds Adrian for not resting.

Adrian returns to his bed and quickly falls asleep.

…..

"La la la la"

'Someones humming?' Adrian questions as opens his eyes.

On his left, Adrian sees Erika sitting on a chair pealing bunny eared apples. He doesn't understand why, but the sight makes him smile.

"Hey." is all he finds himself able to say.

"Finally awake I see. Here, have some." Erika smiles passing Adrian the plate.

"Thanks. What time is it?" Adrian asks between bites.

"Four thirty, you slept most of the afternoon away."

"Doesn't feel like it." he grumbles.

Erika laughes and says, "Gloom, if you don't mind."

"Gloom." the plant responds as she leaves the room.

In puzzlement, Adrian looks at Erika who only smiles.

Gloom quickly returns with Adrian's team in tow.

In delight, Adrian greets and thanks each pokemon.

"Really everyone," Adrian repeats himself, "Thank you."

"But Weepingbell, did you evolve to catch me?"

"Weep Weeping."

"Thank you."

Erika, who unbeknownst to Adrian had left the room, reenters saying, "Really Adri-kun, if you keep getting yourself excited like this, you'll never get better. Right now, you need to relax and rest."

"Fine." Adrian mumbles and looks around, "Where's my violin? It didn't fall in the river, did it?"

"No, no, it's right here?" Erika gestures.

…..

Adrian reminisces about the previous day while doing push ups.

"Gloom gloom gloom!" Adrian hears Gloom running down the hall.

Ignoring the situation, Adrian continues doing push ups.

Adrian hears foot steps rushing down the hall. The door flings open.

"Again!" Erika scolds in exasperation. "Look, you have to get your rest! Don't you understand!"

Adrian quickly gets up as Erika approaches him. Defensively, he lifts up his arms and takes a few steps back.

"Erika, look. I'm better now, really." Adrian encounters the bed and is no longer able to retreat. Erika continues closing the distance between the two.

"No! This is only the second day. You still need to rest!" She cries trying to force a resisting Adrian onto the bed.

Adrian looks into her eyes and relents easily falling down. The sudden action causes Erika to stumble and fall over him.

"Why can't you understand that you need to rest?" she asks not bothering to get up. "You were like this yesterday too..."

She trails off remembering the multiple occasions Adrian tried to get out of bed.

Adrian then realizes her eye's are starting to get damp. He was completely unsure of himself, never before had he made a girl cry.

"I promise to stop." Adrian sighs.

"Really?"

"Yes."

"Good, now wait here while I get your breakfast." Erika excuses herself.

Gloom jumps onto the bed and intently watches Adrian.

"Hey, I'm just sitting here. There's no need to use sleep powder on me again."

Pikachu, having heard the commotion, enters the room and jumps onto the foot of the bed.

Erika returns and Adrian asks, "How much longer until I am able to move about doctor?"

"At least two more days, Thursday at the latest."

Adrian freezes, 'Tuesday at best. No that too long, class starts tomorrow.'

"Doctor, I can't stay that long." Adrian panics.

"Because class starts Monday?" she laughs.

"Yeah, how did you know?" Adrian wonders unsure if he ever mentioned that he attends the academy.

"You talk in your sleep." she smiles.

'What did I say!' Adrian pales.

"Depending on how you are doing, I'll let you go tomorrow. But, you need to promise to rest once you get back and take better care of yourself. I'll have Gloom follow you back if you don't."

"Then would you mind if we had her battle along side us?" Adrian asks not considering the possibility of resting.

"Pika!" Pikachu hopes.

Erika bursts with laughter.

"If Gloom wishes to do so, then that would be fine." Erika responds regaining her breath.

"Gloom!" the pokemon happily states.

…..

"Not again!" Adrian hears Erika shout, "Gloom, do you think he escaped?"

"I'm here." Adrian announces standing in front of bathroom.

"Adri-kun! You weren't..." her voice trails off.

"I keep my promises." Adrian replies smiling gently.

"Yes, I'm glad to hear that." Erika gazes.

"So doctor, will I survive?" Adrian asks returning to bed.

"Well, let's see. You don't feel warm." Erika announces feeling the teens forehead. "But, just to be sure, you're going to need to eat my special diet."

"More miso soup?" he asks hopefully.

"Exactly." Erika says as Gloom walks in carrying a tray with the soup.

"Gloom gloom gloom."

"Why thank you nurse Gloom." the two say.

"Gloooo~m"

…..

Night falls and Adrian bids farewell to Erika.

"Don't forget your promise!" She calls out as he waves.

…..

'I've been bothering Erika too much.' guilt washes over Adrian as he reaches the gym gate.

Upon reaching the gate, Adrian pauses and peers around the corners. Confirming the area to be clear, Adrian continues back to the academy while trying to avoid others from noticing him.

'… Not that she can't handle herself.' Adrian chills recalling how Erika easily defeated a cloyster, charmeleon, and beedrill.

…..

Adrian escapes Celadon and continues for the academy.

'I'm in so much trouble... Well, maybe not, I am a failing student. Although, mom finds out, she's going to blow a fuse. I know, I'll tell them the truth. Now, how can I twist it?' Adrian's mind simulates various scenarios.

…..

"Adrian, where have you been?" Principe, the freshman principle demands to know.

'Wow, Principe caught me before I could even reach my dorm.' Adrian recalls being dragged away as he sits in Principe's office.

Standing behind Principle, Adrian see his homeroom teacher, Professor Hibiki.

'Must have been the security guard.' Adrian concludes.

""Well?"" the professors press.

Adrian sighs and says, "The past weekend I went out so that I could observe pokemon in their natural habitat and understand them better. However, I got sick. I was found and cared for until I recovered enough to come back. I'm very sorry for worrying you."

"Why didn't you contact the school?"

"The thought never occurred..."

"Adrian, there are clubs and remedial classes that let you do what you did. Why did you feel a need to do this alone?"

"...pride" Adrian lies. "Besides, I doubt anyone would want me go with them."

"How foolish. You do have friends in this academy. Get dinner and go to your room. As punishment, for the rest of the semester, you will no longer be allowed to travel on weekends."

Adrian excuses himself and leaves.

As Adrian walks down a hall, he wonders, 'Was that really a lie? I refuse to ask for help and want to show everyone that I'm just as good as they are. I want to make them regret doubting me. Even if I have to do it alone with my pokemon. That sounds a lot like pride and arrogance to me. Maybe, I am prideful...'

Adrian enters his room.

'Went I first started, that was how I felt, but now, it's different. Now, it doesn't feel like I'm alone anymore. I have... I have friends now.'

Adrian smiles as he remembers everyone he met on his journey.

As Adrian begins unpacking, he pulls out his phone. He then dials a number and waits for an answer.

"Hey, Erika? I made it back fine." Adrian says fulfilling his promise.

A/N: I'm not sure how to feel about this chapter. I like it, but it doesn't say much about Adrian training his pokemon. It was suppose to be about him learning a lesson on how to better care for himself, but I get the feeling it turned into something. I'm a bit embarrassed on posting this. Over all, I think my chapters are starting to get a bit longer too. Well, until next time everyone. Let me know what you think.

Ja ne