Big thanks to everyone for the warm reception to Throne of Mud so far! Favorite and follower count has more than doubled between this chapter and the last. It's awesome to see, couldn't be more excited! Hope you all enjoy this next chapter too!
Chapter 4: Graduation
The day of my departure for Kanto approaches swiftly, with the time until then spent mixed between paperwork, training with Ogrim, and studying.
There's a lot I need to do to make sure I'll be able to take Koga's test when I arrive in Kanto, and the distance means I need to work fast to ensure I get a spot. Submit my application to the Fuchsia Gym, arrange transport, and make sure I have all the identification I need for travel between regions. That last point actually proves refreshingly simple, with the Pokémon League allowing trainers to train freely within all their affiliated regions with just a Trainer's License. Meaning I'm clear for travel to every region from the games but Alola, Galar, and Orre.
Ogrim works hard himself while I'm dealing with all of this, mostly on training his ability to manipulate ground type energy. His mud slap is getting more accurate by the day, and he's starting to get very into working with his modelling clay. At times it seems almost trancelike, the way he focuses as he molds it in his hands, humming softly to himself while I sort through papers at one of the Pokémon Center's tables. I don't think he's ready to try patching himself up yet, but there are some other things I've been trying with him that could come in handy.
My studying is going well too, as I catch myself up on the gaps in my Pokémon knowledge. Most of that involves biology, diet, and habitat. All important stuff, and all things that the game doesn't handle with nearly the level of detail required to really get by in a world unrestricted by code. Thankfully much of my knowledge from my own world transfers, or at least has easily drawn parallels. All the time I spent watching nature documentaries back home gives me some ideas to draw from when looking at how and where different Pokémon live here. At the very least, I think I'm almost at the point where I can hand wave any gaps in my knowledge as mere rustiness from the time since I 'acquired my license'.
I also learn a lot about what events from Pokémon media actually happened. It actually turns out to be more mixed than I thought, with games, anime, and even a few things I recognize from the manga. Red Satoshi is the Kanto Champion, just like in the games, but Ash Ketchum exists as well, as a high placing trainer in multiple Pokémon Leagues. It proves a bit confusing, since it's a well-documented fact that Red destroyed Team Rocket, and that world-renowned Pokémon Breeder Ethan Gold stomped them out when they tried resurfacing in Johto, and yet Team Rocket was always alive and well in the anime.
Well, I'll just not go poking around behind any posters while I'm in Kanto, just to be safe. And if I see a kid with a Pikachu… Well logic says run, but logic also says there's going to be a lot of kids running around with Pikachu, since Kanto keeps pumping out well known trainers that have some kind of clinical aversion to thunderstones.
"Hey Ben, reading again, huh?" A voice calls out from behind me.
"Morning Bianca," I reply distractedly, still skimming over the article I've been reading. "Looking up more info about famous Kanto trainers."
"Anything about Koga?" Bianca asks, leaning on the back of my seat so she can read over my shoulder.
"No, but now that you mention it I should probably be prioritizing him." I reply sheepishly, finally turning to face the girl now that she's practically looming over me. "So, did you need something?"
"You're leaving in two more days, right?"
"Yup. Plane's leaving at six thirty in the morning though, so tomorrow's basically it."
"Right, I thought so…" Bianca nods thoughtfully, "So… tomorrow is your exam day then."
"Uhh, what?" I blink bemusedly. "No, that's in a week Bianca. Can't take the test before I've landed in Kanto."
"Not that test." She grins at me, "My test. Tomorrow will be the day you graduate from training."
"Ah, gotcha." I reply. Then her words properly sink in, and the smile on my face becomes less happy and more anticipatory. "Ahh…" I grin over at Ogrim. "You hear that, little dude? Sounds like Bianca isn't letting us go without a fight!"
"Go?" Golett looks up from his modelling clay in bewilderment, having completely missed most of the conversation. If he was capable of blinking in confusion I'm sure his eyes would be damn near fluttering right about now. After a moment he catches my meaning though, and turns to Bianca, his inner light glowing a little brighter as he clenches his fists. "Golett!"
"That's the spirit!" Bianca's smile broadens, "I've already booked a battleground at the front desk for tomorrow morning, just before lunch time. We'll battle, and then all of us will have all afternoon to send you off properly!"
"All of us, huh?" I frown as I mull that over, "You sure that'll work out? Hilda's been busy lately with all that League Business."
"Oh, she'll be ready!" Bianca's grin becomes predatory. "I made her promise to take tomorrow off from all that junk. And if she doesn't, I'll kick her butt and drag her along myself! I don't care how much better at training she is, I'll do it!"
"I don't doubt it." I reply, chuckling at her enthusiasm.
"Better not!" Bianca grins, before becoming more forlorn. "Besides… she hates all that Plasma stuff. She's going along with it, because the Gym Leaders and the Rangers are asking her to, and because that N person has everyone scared now. And I get it, Hilda's strong. Really strong. She might be the only person in all of Unova who can stop him. But… it's not fair to her."
"Well, next time the League gets pushy, you be sure to give 'em hell for that." I suggest, not sure what else to say. "Cheren's been all up in arms lately trying to make sure he's strong enough to back Hilda up, but I think what you're doing is more important. She wants to be a normal trainer, right? So… keep doing everything you can to help her feel normal."
"I-I will!" Bianca nods fiercely, eyes blazing with determination. "With you helping me I can't fail!"
I blink in surprise at that. "Uh, happy to help, I guess?" Don't really see what I've been doing to help, I'm mostly focusing on my own shit at the moment. But I guess if Bianca thinks I'm helping, that can only be a good thing.
"Golett!" Ogrim chimes in, flexing his arms heroically, "Golett let go Golett!"
Bianca grins and pats him on the head. "Of course I'll be counting on you most of all Ogrim. So you have to make sure to work really hard tomorrow, okay?"
"Golett!" My partner babbles excitedly. He's happy to be relied upon, even if I don't think he really understands what's going on. His view of the world is very innocent and childlike; I'm sure all the political crap Hilda's struggling with is well beyond him. It's still largely beyond me, even as I work hard to understand it better.
So, with the understanding that I'm out of my depth clear in my mind, I endeavor to change the subject. "Well, since my schedule tomorrow is booked up now, I guess I'd better get my last bit of shopping done now."
"You still don't have everything you need?"
"Nah, need a new bag. Storage tech isn't allowed with carry-on bags; too much of a security risk. So I need to find something safe for airplanes. Also need some motion sickness tablets, my stomach really doesn't like vehicles if I'm not the one driving."
Bianca eagerly grabs my hand, pulling me to my feet. "Oh! I know the perfect place to get that stuff!"
It's not something I really need help with. But Bianca clearly needs to feel like she's contributing. She's scared shitless, out of her depth, and wants to help solve any problem she can, even if it's not the big one weighing on her right now. So rather than tell her I'll be fine on my own, I return Ogrim to his ball and let myself be led out with a chuckle, "I had a feeling you might."
The next day sees Ogrim and I standing resolutely in one of the small dirt arenas behind the Pokémon Center. Across from me stands Bianca, looking nearly ready to burst with excitement. Li stands calmly at her side, though the gleam in her eyes betrays that she's looking forward to this fight as well. Cheren stands in the referee position, looking as stern and dignified as he can. At the benches Hilda sits with everyone's teams. The Pokémon have apparently become somewhat invested in seeing what the two rookie Pokémon they've been spending time with can do.
"It's time to see how far you've come in the past ten days!" Bianca says, affecting an air of mocking pride. "We'll see if you've truly got what it takes to make it as a trainer!"
"I think you'll find me more than up to the challenge." I reply, placing my hands on my hips confidently, "On this day the student shall become the master!"
"If you two are quite finished posturing?" Cheren cuts in with a roll of his eyes.
"Never!" Bianca cries out immediately.
"I can do this all day." I say only a moment later, "But yeah, go ahead and do your thing, man."
"Thank you." Cheren says with an air of sarcasm. "Right then. This battle will be one against one. No prize. Best of three. First to score a knockdown wins the round. Trainers, send out your Pokémon!"
"Show them what we can do, Li!" Bianca cheers, gesturing her Mienfoo out excitedly. Li yips in affirmative, bounding forward to take up a stance on the battlefield proper.
"Let's do this, Ogrim." I say, feeling my competitive side start to take over. Ogrim waddles forward as fast as he can, practically vibrating with excitement.
The two Pokémon move to the exact center of their respective sides of the battlefield. Li bows respectfully to her opponent, and smiles in appreciation as Ogrim awkwardly returns the gesture.
"Ready?" Cheren looks between the two of us for a tense moment, then sharply raises his arm, "Begin!"
"Brace!" I call out, as Li explodes into motion. Ogrim starts to move, but can't curl his arms up in time to stop the speedy little fighting type from hitting him in the face with a fake-out that manages to be even quicker than last time. He stumbles back, but manages to carry on and get his guard up before the double slap that follows can finish the fight on the spot. He swings back with an astonish attack; one which Li narrowly weaves under.
And then Li hits the inside of Ogrim's leg with a force palm, and suddenly the little dude is struggling to balance on one leg, trying not to overbalance after being hit mid attack. From there Li elegantly slides past Ogrim's panicked flailing, grabs the leg she just hit, and coolly tips him over.
"First point, Bianca and Li!" Cheren calls out. The benches become a cacophony of Pokémon cries, as everyone calls out congratulations and encouragement.
"Shit." I mutter under my breath. I was afraid of this. Ogrim and Li started at similar levels, but the time has taken the gap between the two and blown it wide open. Between the difference in training experience Bianca and I have, and the fact that Golett just don't benefit from training to the same extent that other Pokémon do, there's little that can be done to remedy this. Li's grown stronger far faster than Ogrim could hope to match.
I haven't given up, but my options are very limited. I've got a grand total of two tricks that can possibly turn these rounds around. Hopefully they'll prove enough.
Round two starts in much the same way as the first, with Li going for a swift rush down strategy. Ogrim is slightly more ready for it this time though. He gets his guard up faster, weathers Li's fake-out better, and rather than swing wildly, pushes back with his night shade instead. The attack doesn't hit as hard as an astonish might have, but it's not something that can simply be ducked under. Li is instead forced to disengage, putting some distance between herself and the wave of ghost energy.
"Good job, Ogrim!" I encourage, "Now slow her down with rapid fire!"
"Golett!" Ogrim calls, pulling his legs in so he can pelt Li with dirt. "Gogogogogogo!"
The dirt that hits Li is only enough to sting, but she's clearly not a fan of it. She doesn't cry out, being far too disciplined, but she still winces as the clods of dirt hit her.
"Hang in there Li! Use detect!" Bianca calls worriedly.
The change is immediate. Rather than weathering the blows, Li starts to weave between them. The fluidity of her motions is impressive to see, though as I understand it the incredible reflexes needed to move like that are pretty taxing on the mind. Detect is not a move that can be used lightly.
"Great, now circle him to get out of his line of fire, and you can take him down!"
Ogrim does turn to try and keep hitting the speedy Mienfoo. But with his legs retracted he can't turn fast enough to keep up. "Stop firing Ogrim, just try not to let her get behind you!"
"Now's your chance Li, topple him!"
The command is well timed. Ogrim stops spinning his arms, extending his legs back to regular length, but lacks the dexterity to turn while shifting. I realize too late that I should have had him keep spinning his arms, as now that he's stopped his side is wide open. Li capitalizes appropriately, rushing in and leaping into the air.
Ogrim cries in alarm as Li clotheslines him in midair. For a Pokémon as top-heavy and unbalanced as Golett are, it's a devastating move. But despite my expectations, it doesn't knock Ogrim over. The hit sends him reeling, but he stays on his feet. Li falters, her momentum having been cut shorter than she expected. She dangles from Ogrim's shoulders for a moment, looking rather lost.
"Wait, what?" Bianca yelps in surprise.
"Ogrim, burst!" I call out, capitalizing on their confusion.
Burst is the first of the two tricks I've been working on. It's nothing fancy, just a very short ranged night shade attack that explodes from Ogrim's body. Like a bubble of ghost energy. In current circumstances though, it proves effective enough to throw Li back. She yelps, in surprise more than actual pain, rolls on the ground, and smoothly bounces back to her feet, ready to spring into her next attack.
Only for Cheren to cut in, "Point for Ben and Ogrim!"
Oh, I guess that counted as a knockdown. She recovered so quickly that it didn't even register as a fall to me.
Oh, shit, that's a round in our favor! "Good job Ogrim!" I call out enthusiastically. "You were awesome!"
"Golett!" Ogrim replies, pumping his arms in the air with excitement as everyone cheers. "Go! Go! Golett!"
He's right to be excited, too. I wasn't really expecting to take any rounds against Bianca, so this win is a big deal. But more important than the win itself is how it happened. Because that move should have toppled Ogrim, and the fact that it didn't can only mean one thing. Ogrim used ground type energy to weather the blow. I doubt it was anything more than a fluke this time around, but if he can channel that power consistently, it'll remove the biggest weakness the little guy is struggling with right now. He'll go from having bad balance to becoming impossible to topple.
This little play-battle just gave me a glimpse into the heights Ogrim could reach if I can go the distance as a trainer. And now I'm excited to see how far that bit of growth can go. "Alright Ogrim, one more round, let's bring it home!"
"Golett!" Ogrim calls enthusiastically, moving back into position.
"Not bad, you two!" Bianca says, once again affecting her cocky persona now that she's over her surprise, "But we won't be caught off guard like that a second time! It'll take more than a little night shade to beat Li!"
"Mien!" Li barks in determination, looking somehow even more serious than before.
"Final round!" Cheren calls out, no doubt looking to put a stop to any more smack talk before it can really get started. "Begin!"
"Right Li, one more Fake out!" Bianca cheers.
"Ogrim, burst!" I call out in response as Li explodes into movement. I'm not letting you pull that a third time!
"Golett!" Ogrim calls out in determination. He lets loose another bubble of ghost energy as the speedy Mienfoo approaches, ready to punish her for opening her battles all the same way.
Which is why it shocks both of us when Li's blurring figure rushes past Ogrim's left side, coming to a stop out of range of his attack. "What!?" I blink in shock at the unexpected change to my opponent's pattern, and curse as she starts battering Ogrim before he can fully turn to face her. "Crap!"
"Can't go letting you get too comfortable!" Bianca exclaims with a cheeky grin, "Keep it up Li!"
Damnit, did they plan this in advance or something? I didn't hear any sort of signal to capitalize on… need to worry about that later, Ogrim's struggling. "Uhh, pound attack, Ogrim! Maximum speed!"
"Gogogogogogo!" Ogrim yells, spinning his arms. The sudden move catches Li off guard enough for several hits to land, before the speedy little fighting type manages to withdraw.
"Alright, now mud slap! Aim low, let's trip her up!" I call eagerly. Ogrim responds to the call immediately, retracting his legs so that he can start hurling dirt from a distance.
"Now's your chance, Li! Go high, get in close, and use force palm!" Bianca calls.
The dirt is completely useless now. Li clears it easily as she leaps for Ogrim. And that was exactly what I was hoping for. "Ogrim, finish it!"
Ogrim stops spinning his arms, instead digging them as deep into the ground as he can reach. "Gooo-LETT!" He yells, tossing a mass of dirt larger than he is into the air all at once. My other trick in all its glory: a really fucking big mud slap. I'm workshopping names for this one, but nothing's really stuck yet. I can worry about that some other time though. All that matters right now is that this move is perfect for knocking that Mienfoo down to earth.
"Blow it away, Li!"
Wait, what?
There's a sharp cry from beyond the wall of dirt, and suddenly I'm looking on in horror as Ogrim's move is torn apart by a burst of energy. Ogrim cries out in alarm, cowering at the hail of dirt sent flying back at him. And Li, while certainly looking dirtier than she was at the start of this round, flips backwards out of the air, palms still glowing from whatever move she used to destroy our trap.
"Focus up Ogrim, it's not over yet!" I call out, mind racing to come up with a new plan.
"Don't give him the chance Li!" Bianca urges, pumping a fist in the air, "One last force palm!"
Unfortunately Li proves far faster on the draw. Ogrim was even more shocked to see his big attack get blown apart than I was, and the little dude still does not deal well with surprises. Despite my shouted encouragement, he's barely even begun to recollect himself by the time Li reaches him. The force palm he takes to the chest proves more than enough to topple him, with no unexpected surprises to keep him in the fight this time.
"Final round goes to Bianca and Li." Cheren calls out. "Bianca and Li are the winners!"
'No shit.' I think sarcastically, walking over to help Ogrim back onto his feet. It's a process I'm feeling entirely too familiar with as of late. The little dude is a lot heavier than he looks, and doesn't have the mobility needed to get up on his own. Before I can reach him though, I find myself beaten to the punch by a veritable mob of Pokémon.
Sunny is the first one on the scene, the large Emboar easily picking Ogrim up off the ground with an enthusiastic grunt. Lola's at his side a moment later, the kind-hearted Scolipede swiftly brushing him off with her antenna. She rushes over to give Li the same treatment as everyone else starts to join in. The small dirt arena suddenly becomes packed as three teams worth of Pokémon crowd around, chattering with each other excitedly.
"I guess they liked the show." I comment bemusedly, watching as Ogrim looks around happily at all the attention he's receiving. He's waving his arms excitedly as he chatters about the battle to the others.
A rough hand pats me on the arm, and I turn to see… nothing? It takes a moment before I realize Cole the Simisear is standing next to me, his short stature putting him out of my field of vision. He grins up at me as I notice him, giving me a thumbs up before sauntering over to the others.
"I think he didn't want you to feel left out." Hilda comments, amusement in her face as she approaches. I nod in acknowledgement, wondering to myself what she thought of the battle. But before I can ask Bianca has practically jumped on me. If I wanted to be accurate I'd call it a glomp, but I refuse to apply that word to reality.
"Oh my gosh Ben, that was awesome!" The blonde babbles excitedly, shaking me by the shoulders. "You two did so great!"
"Thanks Bianca." I reply, weathering her manhandling as best as I can. "Ogrim really made me proud out there."
"It was a good match." Cheren says coolly. "I honestly thought you might win for a moment."
"So did I…" I shrug, looking to Bianca. "Until you shut my biggest attack down like that. How'd you manage that, anyways?"
"Oh, I've been training Li to use her force palm attack to stop ranged moves. She's not very good at fighting at a distance, so I've been working with her to try to figure out ways to help with that. So far that move is the best I've come up with, but it only works on solid stuff like dirt or snow." Bianca shrugs.
"And it's not particularly useful in midair." Cheren notes, giving Bianca a sharp look. "That move nearly launched Li back to where she started. If Ogrim had been more prepared for his attack to fail, he could have hit you again easily."
Bianca wilts at the criticism, before a booming laugh cuts through the conversation from right behind me. "I see you're as sharp-tongued as ever, Cheren!" A shadow falls over me. Cheren goes wide eyed. Hilda goes pale.
I start to turn, trying to see who just walked up, but before I can move a massive set of hands claps the shoulders of both myself and Bianca. We both jump at the sudden contact, and I whirl around in alarm to see an older man with fiery hair towering over me. When he sees my alarmed reaction though, he steps back hastily, hands in the air. "Whoops! Didn't mean to startle you."
"I can't begin to imagine what you thought would happen." Cheren mutters.
"Oh my gosh," Bianca gasps in recognition, realizing as I do just who's walked in on our conversation, "You're-"
"ALDER!" Hilda snaps, glaring daggers at the man, "I told you I wasn't dealing with any League nonsense today!"
Alder flinches at the venom in her tone, "Easy now Hilda, I'm not here on business."
Hilda looks like she's wants to say something rather rude to that, but manages to restrain herself. Alder, seeing an opportunity to change the subject, turns to me and Bianca and gives the two of us a grin. "Well anyways, sorry again for startling you two. I just wanted to congratulate the two of you on your match."
"And you just happened to be in the area?" Hilda asks skeptically.
"Well no, I heard you mention it." He replies sheepishly, turning to me. "I was interested in meeting you, you see. Oh wait, I should introduce myself, I'm-"
"Champion Alder." I reply, grinning in spite of myself, "I may not have been training for long, but I'd have to be living under a rock to not know Unova's Champion."
"I suppose so!" Alder chuckles, offering a hand for me to shake. "At any rate, I've been interested in meeting the young man who became a Pokémon Trainer in the middle of all that trouble the other day."
"Have you really?" I raise an eyebrow.
"Well sure!" He replies, "It's hardly the most usual of circumstances. I know the Rangers were pretty suspicious about it. I had a heck of a time convincing them to leave you be."
"Wait, you're the reason they never brought me back for questioning?" I blink in surprise.
"Not just me." Alder replies absentmindedly, now looking past me towards the mob of Pokémon. "Hilda worked very hard to help convince them as well."
I blink and look toward Hilda. The girl seems to be taking a leaf from Bianca's book, burying her face in her hat. Though it's not quite enough to hide the embarrassed blush she's trying to cover. "Well, I appreciate that a great deal." I say.
"Think nothing of it." Alder says, still not quite paying attention, "I just didn't like the idea of bothering new trainers with everything going on. The trainers and Pokémon of Unova should be left free to grow and be happy together without people sticking their nose in. Especially in times like these. Ah, and this must be your partner!" He grins excitedly as Sunny shifts to one side and brings Ogrim into view.
"Golett?" Ogrim chirps curiously, noticing the newcomer. After a moment he starts pointing excitedly, gesturing for Sunny to let him down so he can come say hi. Sunny happily obliges, and the conversation continues amongst the Pokémon as Ogrim comes to join us. The only other Pokémon to leave the group is Ronin, the bulky Samurott moving to stand protectively next to Hilda.
Ogrim babbles a mile a minute, waving his arms energetically as he greets Alder. The Champion's grin broadens as he gets on one knee, nodding along to Ogrim's words. "Glad to see you too, little friend. Have you given him a nickname yet?" He asks me.
"Uhh, his name is Ogrim." I reply, looking between the two of them curiously.
"Ogrim eh?" Alder looks Ogrim over appraisingly. "A bit odd, but it has a real strong feeling to it. I like it! Make sure to bear it proudly!"
Ogrim nods with enough force that he nearly falls over, still chatting a mile a minute. I watch him talk with great interest, seeing the way he pats at Alder's arms and waves energetically. Even the glow of his core seems brighter. "Champion Alder, have you and Ogrim met before?" I ask curiously.
"As a matter of fact we have!" Alder says brightly, "Nearly a year ago I came to visit Dragonspiral Tower. It wasn't long after my old partner died, actually. I was having a rough time of it, as I'm sure you can imagine, but meeting Ogrim made things feel a lot better."
"He's very good at that." I reply, smiling warmly.
"He certainly is." Alder gets to his feet, turning to face me. "I'm glad to see he's doing well with you, Ben. I hope the two of you can look after each other for many years to come."
"Thank you, sir."
"No, thank you!" Alder replies. "Now, as I understand it, you're all holding a party today, right? As a way of seeing Ben here off to Kanto for Koga's sponsorship test?"
Bianca blinks in surprise, "Wow, how did you know all that?"
"Hilda's been talking about it for days!" Alder says calmly. I look to the girl in question and see that what little of her face remains visible behind her hat has turned an even more vivid pink. The mischievous glint in Alder's eye tells me he's noticed as well. "Anyways, as an apology for making you all listen to this old man ramble on, how about I help you all celebrate? There's a lovely restaurant not far from here that has a big outside eating space, perfect for letting your Pokémon relax. It'll be my treat. Your teams included!"
He says that last part rather loudly, and in doing so seals our fate. The Pokémon assembled nearby all cheer loudly at the prospect of free food, and crowd around Alder eagerly. I exchange looks with the others, realizing as they do that our hands have been tied. If we try to stick with our original plan there will be a mutiny.
"If that's how it's going to be…" Hilda says, looking irritated at the intrusion. She turns to the Pokémon, a malicious gleam in her eye, "All of you. Go all out."
The uproar of excitement they make is deafening. And even as I clap my hands to my ears and wince back from the noise I see that Alder looks like he has some regrets.
Pokémon Champion. A title I've dreamed of in many of my silliest fantasies. The best trainer in the region. The absolute pinnacle of the world. A title only claimed through conquest, striving through blood, sweat, and tears to overcome the holder of the title.
At least, that's how I always imagined it. It turns out that in reality, much like with training itself, things are a lot more… bureaucratic.
In this world, there are champions, and there are Champions. The former is just whoever can win a tournament. But the latter holds much of the prestige I previously imagined. A position of power within the respective region. Becoming a household name. A reputation as the strongest. There's just one key difference.
When the Champion loses a battle, they keep the job.
Because being the region's topmost authority on Pokémon means more than simply being strong. The Pokémon League considers strength as a trainer to be important, but only part of the equation. Influence. Reputation. Marketability. Trustworthiness. Knowledge. All the biggest, most impressive words one can think of to say: Can you be trusted as the biggest role model in the region?
So when somebody who fits the criteria is in the position, the League isn't about to let them slip through their fingers just because somebody else can overtake them in sheer power. The best trainer is not necessarily the best suited for what is ultimately a very political role.
In fact the position of Champion is rarely taken by the absolute best trainer. Trainers like Red or Cynthia, considered the absolute pinnacle in their respective regions, are the exception as far as Champions go. Johto's best trainer is a professional Pokémon breeder. Hoenn's best Pokémon battler is actually a coordinator.
And Unova's best battler, as I've come to understand it, is the puppet King of a terrorist organization.
No, the indomitable might of the Champion is more often a show. Champions are always good trainers, but their track record as unbeatable is more often the result of how little they actually battle, paradoxically enough. When a Champion battles it's typically either against other League employed trainers in mock battles, or against whoever the champion of the Pokémon League Tournament is that year. And the champion rarely, if ever, stands a chance of winning that fight. Because when the champion finally fights the Champion, they'll have already been worn down by the Elite 4, incredible trainers in their own right.
A battle between one fresh trainer with a healthy well rested team, and an exhausted trainer and team who have just battled four of the best trainers in the region in a row. Perfect recipe for a one-sided beatdown. And just like that, the challenger loses, the Champion's reputation as the Big C is secured, and the region carries on safe in the knowledge that their Champion is totally the best trainer for realsies.
On the rare occasions when a challenger can actually run that whole gauntlet and succeed, it tends to cause a huge uproar. And leads to a lot of pressure from the region to take up a position in their Pokémon League. Similar pressure to what Hilda's currently enduring, actually. Hilda seems to be special though, in that her scouting is coming before her first tournament. A sure sign that the League sees a whole lot of potential in her future.
Or that the man sitting across from me at this diner doesn't have a lot of pull for the Unova League anymore. Little wonder why. After losing his starter he disappeared for the better part of a year. There were rumors he was dead for a while, before he started appearing seemingly at random in different regions. A soul-searching journey of sorts, most people assumed. And I imagine when he returned acting as if nothing had happened the other members of the Unova League weren't amused.
Though if he is on the verge of losing his job like I suspect, he seems remarkably unbothered by it. Maybe my game knowledge is causing me to jump to conclusions. Based on my game knowledge he's supposed to lose his position as champion in the next few years to Iris. But he doesn't seem to hold himself like somebody whose career is in jeopardy. Instead he just sits back, picking through a salad, and watching the Pokémon dig into their meals.
"You know, if you wait much longer your sandwich is going to go stale." Alder says, eyes turning to glance at me. "I know it might be a bit overwhelming to be eating with the Champion, but I guarantee the food here beats staring at my tired old mug!"
"Uh- Right, sorry!" I wince, grabbing for my meal. It does taste good, though I'm not sure yet what Unova uses instead of chicken. First thing that comes to mind would be Combusken, but I'm pretty sure they're actually pretty rare Pokémon, especially outside of Hoenn. Unfezant perhaps? Maybe Ducklett?
Honestly, not sure I want to know. The more I learn about which Pokémon are commonly eaten, the more it'll probably drive me crazy. I'm already not sure I can look at Basculin the same after knowingly eating one. Definitely one of those situations in which ignorance is bliss.
"So, you're leaving for Kanto tomorrow morning, isn't that right?" Alder asks after a while. "Can't say I blame you. Koga's sponsorship deals are always a big deal. He's known to draw attention from all over the Pokémon League. People have lost their careers as trainers attempting to earn his sponsorship."
"How does that happen?" Bianca gasps, eyes wide with worry.
"Oh, it's nothing you need to worry about in this case. See, the trainers in question all broke contract with their old sponsors by taking Koga's test. They fail the test, and suddenly they don't have a sponsor. After all, who's going to sponsor somebody who broke their contract looking for a better deal?" Alder frowns thoughtfully, "Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if Koga set those trainers up to fail. Seems like the sort of thing he'd do. Holds loyalty in very high regard, that one."
"Must be an even better deal than I thought for so many people to throw their careers away for a shot with him," Cheren muses.
"Oh he's got a lot more to offer than most sponsorships, that's for sure. Space for thirty Pokémon is far more than most sponsors offer. Only one I can think of in Kanto who offers more is old Professor Oak, and that man is very picky about which trainers he takes under his wing. And let's not forget that sponsors can do a lot more than just provide land. Getting a spot in Fuchsia means potential guidance from not only Koga, but also his daughter, a strong trainer in her own right." Alder says with a grin, "Passing the gym leader qualifications after only a year of training is no small feat, and she's only improved in the years since then."
"I honestly hadn't considered Janine." I frown, taking a thoughtful bite of my unidentified-bird sandwich, "So, any advice?"
Alder thinks deeply on that. "I've only met Koga a few times, so there's only so much I can tell you. Watch the rules he sets carefully, first of all. He's definitely the sort to throw a trick or two into the wording of whatever test he administers. That being said, he's also the sort to leave loopholes for those with the brains to catch them. Chances are if there's a way to slip through his restrictions, he left it there on purpose. He's the kind of man that values diligence and cleverness above talent."
"Sounds like it'll be difficult." Bianca frowns.
"Very difficult, yes." Alder nods gravely, "This year especially."
"What?" I raise an eyebrow, "How's this year special?"
Alder winces, clearly reluctant to speak, "Well, this is just a rumor, mind you. I've heard that Koga's best pupil is applying for one of the positions this time. A trainer easily on par with Koga's own daughter. If that proves true… one of Koga's spots may as well be taken already."
"If that's true… does Ben even have a chance? Do we know how many people Koga's actually going to be sponsoring?" Bianca says, glancing at me nervously.
"It's hard to say." Alder shakes his head. "Koga is notoriously quiet on how many of his allowed sponsorship positions are ever open. Doesn't want people trying to pester him about it, I guess. I won't mince words with you Ben, it's not going to be easy. I'm sure if you're looking for a sponsor you'd have far better chances here in Unova."
"Probably," I reply uneasily, knowing what I have to say on the subject may not be well received. "The problem is, I just… really don't want to train in Unova."
My friends frown, already knowing much of my reasoning. But Alder looks surprised, "You don't want to train in Unova?" He echoes curiously.
"Nope. I really don't want to be anywhere near the place right now." I say unhappily.
"So… taking Koga's test isn't just about the perks he's offering?" Alder asks. I can tell by his sinking face he already has an idea what's going through my head.
"It's not, no. It's… mostly because of Team Plasma." I reply.
The words are visibly crushing to him, but to his credit he rallies quickly. "I see. Ben, I can understand why, with everything going on, training here in Unova might be a bit frightening at the moment. But I assure you, you have nothing to worry about. N is strong, I'll admit, but as champion of Unova I will defeat him. For the sake of every trainer, every person in Unova I swear I won't let him win."
"And I believe you," I lie. "But the problem is, Team Plasma is more than just N. More than those sages, more than those clowns in their stupid outfits, Team Plasma is an ideal. The authenticity of that ideal is suspect, yes, but there are people all over Unova who believe in it all the same. People who have been tricked into thinking that their way of living with Pokémon is wrong. That the very act of training is wrong. And that won't just go away when N loses. It's just… not the sort of environment I want to be forging ahead in. I have so much going against me already."
Alder gazes at me silently, hurt but thoughtful. It's with a weary sigh that he finally responds, "You're right. Unova has a long road ahead of it, no matter what happens next. You have to make the best decision you can for yourself. And for Ogrim."
The rest of the meal passes quietly, and Alder stays true to his word and leaves once we've finished eating. The afternoon goes by quickly, with Bianca packing everyone's schedule full. A bit more shopping, some karaoke, and a small party in her and Hilda's room in the Pokémon Center. Said party mostly involves playing bad movies on her Pokégear and laughing as we try to toss popcorn through the actor's heads on the holoscreen.
It's all very fun, and silly, and ends entirely too soon for everyone's liking. I have to go to bed early so I can wake up in time to catch my ride to the airport, after all. So I wish my new friends good night at nine in the evening, go to my own room, and stare at the ceiling until I can finally fall asleep. It doesn't take as long as it normally might. It's been a very busy day, after all.
I'm honestly surprised to see that the others are waiting for me in the lobby when I come down at 4:30 in the morning. "You didn't have to force yourself to get up this early." I say, looking at their drowsy faces.
"Don't be stupid." Hilda snorts, despite looking ready to pass out on her feet. "Gotta see our friend off properly, right?"
"Yeah! I wouldn't miss this for the world!" Bianca grins, looking by far the most awake of the lot.
"I'd never hear the end of it from these two if I slept through you leaving." Cheren rolls his eyes, a good natured smile on his face.
"Well," I say, looking them all over. "I suppose in that case…" I reach for my belt and release Ogrim from his ball. The little dude is swaying on his feet, his core dim as he tries to stay standing. "Ogrim. Everyone got up nice and early to say goodbye to us. Isn't that nice?"
"Go?" Ogrim mutters sleepily, before seeming to wake a little. "Golett? Go! Golett go!" He says happily, though his core remains dim. He doesn't have his usual energy, but he still raises his arms eagerly.
"Aww!" Bianca grins, delightedly accepting his offer for a hug and patting him on the back. "I'm going to miss you, Ogrim. I hope we can see you again soon!"
Hilda doesn't stoop to hug him like Bianca did, but she does pat him fondly on the head as he hugs her legs. "Take care little guy. Look after Ben for me, alright?"
"Golett!" Ogrim replies eagerly, before turning to Cheren and patting him on the leg nervously. "Go… Golett."
"Yes, goodbye." Cheren says, a little uncomfortably. "Take care."
I can't help but be amused at the two of them. I don't know if I'll ever understand what makes Ogrim so uneasy around Cheren, but the two of them are just awkward enough about it for it to be kinda hilarious to me.
And then the two girls move on from Ogrim to me and suddenly it's my turn to feel awkward. Because as much as I'd like to act cool when two attractive young women suddenly start hugging me, I am not a particularly cool person. I am just an awkward dweeb who happens to be better at bullshitting than most people.
Though with the way Hilda is smirking at me I don't think she's particularly fooled by my poker face. Thankfully Bianca at least is oblivious to my discomfort, preoccupied as she is with crushing my spine. After a moment though I do manage to get over it enough to return the favor. What can I say; when it comes to hugs Ogrim and I are in full agreement. They're pretty great.
"I'll keep in touch." I promise. "And I'll make you two proud. Just you wait, Koga's going to be begging me to take that position."
"He'd better." Hilda replies imperiously. "You're the first trainer I've ever taught. Can't have you making me look bad."
"Do your best! I know you're going to be great!" Bianca says, tearing up a little.
I feel a weight against my legs and hear Ogrim chime in encouragingly. "Golett go, Golett."
"Thank you Ogrim." I reply bemusedly. Then I look over to the remaining member of our little gathering and raise an eyebrow. "Oi Cheren. Get with it. Don't you know a group hug when you see one?"
"I'll be alright, I think." Cheren replies drily.
His attempt to remain cool and detached is immediately derailed when his Serperior bursts out of her Poké Ball and lightly slaps Cheren into our group with a swipe of her leafy tail. Bianca pulls away from the group for just long enough to absorb him into our little mob. "Way to go Lilium!" Hilda cheers, giving the dignified grass type a thumbs up. Lilium responds with a look that is somehow both aloof and fond at the same time, every bit the classy lady.
"What is the point of this?" Cheren complains, "You realize you pulled me in backwards, right? I couldn't participate like this even if I wanted to!" Despite his protests though he does nothing to attempt to escape, even when Hilda starts mussing up his hair. He's either very resigned to this sort of manhandling, or he's more fond of this than he likes to let on. If I had to guess I'd say it's a little of both.
Our little group doesn't stay clumped up for much longer after that though. My cab arrives soon enough, and with how little luggage I have, I'm on the road almost too soon. Ogrim is in his Poké Ball, my bags are loaded in the trunk, and my new friends are rapidly vanishing in the distance behind me, waving, crying, and wishing me well.
And as I crane my neck backwards, I find myself tearing up as well. I've only known Hilda, Bianca, and Cheren for two weeks. But it feels like I've known them all my life. Maybe because they played such a big part in helping me start to build a life in this world. If not for the three of them my starting weeks as a Pokémon Trainer would have been so much harder. And yeah, a big part of it was probably just them using me as an excuse to avoid the responsibilities that have been heaped on them with all this Team Plasma stuff. But what they did still means a lot to me. I owe them all more than I could ever imagine.
And I'm going to pay them back by taking everything they've taught me and using it to kick some ass when I get to Kanto.
I'm living in the Pokémon world and fighting with the power of friendship. Koga won't know what hit him!
And that's that! You can consider this to be the end of a prologue arc, of sorts. Ben has a long way to go, but now that he's heading for Kanto his adventure is really about to begin. He's got a goal, he's got a partner, he's got new friends, and he's had his first small taste of success. And now his mentors will always have fond memories of that weird homeless guy they adopted that one time.
Expect this sort of wait for future chapters, by the way. The first few chapters of this fic came out relatively quickly, but that's because I had much of it written in advance. Between real life and the Fire Emblem fic I'm working on, it'll probably be a month between chapters from now on. I will continue to endeavor to make sure updates are worth the wait.
If you're looking for something to keep you occupied in the meantime though, you could always check out the Fanfiction Treehouse Discord. I've had several readers join already since the last update, and would love to see more of you! We don't have enough Pokemon writers and readers right now, I'm trying to lure more in, lol. discord .gg/9XG3U7a
That's all for this time! Next chapter, Ben begins Koga's challenge, is introduced to a new team member, and gets his first rival! All in one chapter! Yup, it's gonna be a big one! Stay tuned!