Title: The New Leader
Alt Title: The work doesn't stop
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Amex: I intend to make this a bit of a romantic drama. I'll reveal the other girls later on.
Fernizer: I'm glad to know people are enjoying the Pokémon list at the end. And as for Acerola, I'm shaking things up a bit. It'll still be sweet. But not the teeth achingly sweet the Missy x Kitsu is.
As for the fight with Drugal, there's no reason for it drag on. Blake is champion level, has been traveling his whole life, competed in three leagues. Though he only ranked top five in one of them.
Meanwhile Drugal is twenty two and has never left the surrounding area of Opelucid. Blake simply has far more experience.
It was a bit anticlimactic. But I strive for realism. This was essentially Paul vs. The battle pyramid from the Battle Brain's perspective.
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I put periods in the empty spots where the spaces are because if I don't then FFN squishes all my paragraphs together.
I've tried everything. The sites formatting just hates me.
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Disclaimer: I don't own Pokémon or any other characters in this work, other than my OC. All other characters belong to their respective properties.
-Date, Time-
'Thoughts'
"Speech"
[Telepathy]
(Text)
*Sounds/Actions*
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-Two days later-
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Blake POV
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Sandra is sitting across from me. I already talked to Herman. Now I've just got to break the news to Sandra.
"My decision was based on several things." I tell the girl who's hiding her anxiety with a smile. "The primary one being that, unlike Herman. You have no contingencies set up. Whether this was a lack of foresight or lack of opportunities. It's still telling that you have no other plans lined up."
"Well, it's just that with everything that's been going on in my life in the last few years." She stutters.
I know. She's been very cagey anytime her family is mentioned. And when I called her parents, they hung up once I asked about her.
"I know." I say. "And it's for that reason I called you in to personally inform you that you've been selected for the sponsorship."
"Sir I swear if you just, wait what?" She panics before stopping. My words catching up to her.
"Herman has options. You don't." I say with a mischievous grin. "This is all you have going for you. So, you'll be needing this."
I pull out a parcel from under the desk. And slide it over to her.
She tentatively opens it. Revealing the standard league sponsor kit.
"In there you'll find a check list of recommended items provided by the league. Your league card. A journal, phone, and a prepaid card. You'll use that to purchase the items on the checklist." I tell her as she goes through it all. "In addition to that, you'll also find your Pokédex. It's yours to keep from this day forward. If you lose it or break it you will not get a new one. Instead, you'll need to take it to the regional professor to fix."
"I, I, I got the sponsorship?" She says in disbelief.
"Yes, after you get everything you need from the nearby Pokémart. Meet me at the entrance of the gym." I tell her.
"R-Right!" She says and takes the box. "I'll be as fast as I can!"
"Take your time." I tell her.
She's already gone.
A few minutes later, Draden comes in. I move to get up from his desk when he puts a hand up. Stopping me.
"It'd not do for me to make you stand in your own office." He says.
"So does that mean I passed?" I ask.
"You passed when you chose Sandra." He says.
"I was supposed to pick her?" I ask.
"No." He says. "But you looked into the people I assigned to you. You took the task seriously. That's how you passed."
"So it didn't matter which one I picked, so long as I put effort into choosing?" I ask.
"Too many leaders overlook the sponsorship." He says. "They'll either choose a family member, someone with the same type specialty, or just choose a generalist. And will rarely look for anything else. Merely seeing it as a convenience for whoever they choose. And a way to earn some extra cash."
Why did I immediately think of Iono?
"So I passed, because I didn't wave the assignment off?"
"Most would've seen Herman's record and the fact he's a generalist and choose him." He says. "Not call their parents and interview his friends to figure out that he was being pressured into applying."
"I just figured that since they're both equally good trainers. I'd just give it to who wanted it more."
"But you went above and beyond to find out who that was." He says. "This is your office now. The next three months will be me teaching you the ins and outs."
He then turns around and walks out. Pausing at the door as he stares at the plate.
Before grabbing it and ripping it off the door with a crack. That was screwed into the wood.
For some reason I'm reminded of when he first interviewed me. And he said he was retiring early. Before he hit eighty.
You know, thinking back on it. It really says something about who he is as a person when he considers that as him retiring early.
"Well, I guess that's it." I say out loud.
Feels, anticlimactic.
"Draaaa!" Dream says in congratulations from my shadow.
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-2 Hours Later, Front of the Opelucid Gym-
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"I can't thank you enough for this sir!" Sandra says, now dressed in travel attire. Light brown jacket, blue shirt underneath, jeans with a Pokéball belt, brown hikers' boots. "I'll make you proud! I promise!"
I chose Sandra because she has nothing else. No support, no back up, no other prospects. Not only that. She doesn't even have a Pokémon. She had a Sandile. But it was her parents, and they took it back.
And Herman didn't want this. His parents were circuiters and were pushing him into this. With my rejection he got signed on as a static trainer under Cheren. Where he'll learn to be an instructor as well.
Herman is truly a prodigy. But he's a prodigy in a field he has little interest in. He wants to be a teacher.
"It's quite all right." I say. "But, there is one final order of business. Your starter."
Her face brightens and I hand her a Pokéball.
"Unfortunately, Unova has stricter migration policies than most regions. So, an out of region starter was out of the question." I apologize.
The ball opens with a bright light. Revealing the small Pokémon inside.
"Zooooooo!" The little black and red fox roars.
"A Zorua!" She gushes and picks it up.
"Treat him well." I say. "You'll find your registration has already been taken care of. Your journey starts today. I recommend heading to Striaton City as your first stop."
"Will do! And when I get my seventh badge, I'll be back to claim my eighth from you!" She says proudly.
"And I'll look forward to teaching you some humility." I say with a smirk. "Call me when you get to Striaton."
She sets her new Zorua down and looks to me. Tugging the straps of her backpack as she bounces on her heels.
Then she runs up and hugs me. Before letting go and taking off. Her Zorua just staring at her go.
"Go on." I say and motion to the fox. "Keep her out of trouble, will ya?"
The Zorua then runs after his new trainer.
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-3 Days Later, Blake's office-
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"Santella is our liaison to the league." Drayden says. "She vets all requests to the league and any league requests to us."
"Just us?" I ask.
"Every city has a different Liaison" He confirms. "If she's ever unavailable we can contact an Elite Four or the Champion personally. Do not, abuse that."
"Only do that if it's an issue that requires immediate action." I say. "Got it."
"Correct." He says. "Aside from that. There's the matter of Drugal's replacement."
"Wait, he actually did stuff here?" I ask.
"I do not quarter freeloaders." Drayden says simply. "He usually catalogued the storage room. Without him you'll need to personally train someone on how to do it."
"Great." I say and run a hand through my hair.
Inventory duty was never fun. You'd have to make record of every item. And if the daily intake and output didn't match? Recount! Still doesn't match? You now get to explain to one of your coworkers that they need to double check your work. By doing it themselves.
Still doesn't match? Well then we got something wrong. And a full audit and security check takes place.
"I'd suggest you start now." He says and opens the drawer with all the Gym Trainer files. "Everyday inventory isn't done, brings you closer to an audit from the league."
"Yeah I know."
I hate this job already.
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Bonus
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Acerola POV
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"Hmm, hm, hmmmm." I hum as I finish packing my things.
Ash gave me a full month liaison for diplomatic reasons. Seeing as Blake is going to be the new Gym Leader of Opelucid. He gave me the go ahead to build better relations in Unova! So I have a month and a week with Blakey! Well, before I bring him back.
"Hey! Acerola!" I hear as finish.
That's Mallow!
"Up here!" I shout.
In a few minutes Mallow makes her way up the steps. Mallow is a taller girl with tan skin and an athletic body. Which makes her tower over me.
"Hey Acerola, I heard you were heading out to Unova?" She asks.
"Mhm!" I nod enthusiastically. "Blake's being instated as the new Gym Leader in Opelucid!"
"Oh, I'm, so are you leaving leaving?" She asks awkwardly.
Mallow knows about my crush on Blake. She's actually the one who pointed out that Blake and me aren't really related! At least, not by blood. In familial terms. He'd be my cousin five times removed.
Legal in every region by every measure!
"Nope!" I say. "I'm bringing Blakey back with me!"
"Oh!" She says. "That makes more sense for you."
"Mhmm!" I nod.
I'll bring him back. We can date. And in three years we can marry! And have seven kids! I want fourteen but Blake is Sinnoan. And they have a tendency to only have one or two kids. So a compromise of meeting halfway seems appropriate.
"Well, I wish you luck!" She says excitedly. "Who's keeping the library in your absence?"
"About that." I say and scratch my cheek. "I was maybe, kinda, possibly hoping you could do it?"
"You called me from an island over. To tell me that you'll be gallivanting in another region getting a hubby. And you want me to be stuck in a library the whole time?"
"Yes?" I say with an apologetic smile.
She stares at me with an unimpressed look as she leans on her hip.
"You owe me, all of the details when you get back." She says.
"Deal!"
Not like there'll be any details. That's for a third date at least!
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Bonus
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I'm keeping this here. Mostly for my convenience when writing.
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Current Main Team
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Solis the Ceruledge
Male
Type: Fire/Ghost
Ability: Flash Fire
Item: Muscle Band
Moves:
Swords Dance
Shadow Claw
Bitter Blade
Psycho Cut
How they met
Solis was given to Blake by his parents for his tenth birthday to train and keep him company at Naranja Academy. The idea being that Blake would take after either his mother or father in type specialty. When he was in his third year he managed to get his hands on a set of malicious armor and evolved Solis.
Strategies
Solis is a speed fighter. Relying on quick movements to stay out of range and set up for devastating hits.
Solis was a member of Blake's Sinnoh League team.
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Glitter the Gholdengo
Type: Steel/Ghost
Ability: Good as Gold
Item: Shell Bell
Moves:
Reflect
Dazzling Gleam
Make It Rain
Light Screen
How they met
Glitter was a box standard Gimmighoul that Blake found collecting coins near a fountain in Mesagoza. When he set out on his Treasure Hunt, a yearly tradition of Naranja Academy students go on starting at age fifteen, Blake made it his hunt to evolve Glitter. Scouring the highs and lows of Paldea to find enough golden coins.
Strategies
Glitter is bulky. With decent speed and high bulk, it's not a matter of Glitter taking down the opponent. It's a matter of outlasting them and getting in opportunity hits to whittle them down.
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Bork the Annihilape
Male
Type: Fighting/Ghost
Ability: Defiant
Item: Punching Glove
Moves:
Rage Fist
Drain Punch
Bulk Up
Poison Jab
How they met
In his second year at Naranja, Blake thought he was ready to venture into the wilds of Paldea despite all warnings he was not. Self assured in his own natural talent he took Solis and Glitter out to explore. It was not long before he got lost and ran into a territorial Bisharp. Solis fell to the Bisharp along with Glitter. That's when a miracle occurred and a Primeape showed up. After the Primeape beat the Bisharp, Blake took it back to be healed. And got detention for two weeks. It was this instance that gave Blake a reality check and showed him that talent is nothing without hard work.
Strategies
Bork is Blakes answer to dark and normal types. With Bork being unusually calm for an Annihilape, on the surface. Bork waits and cages his rage. Until the right opportunity to inflict the most pain arises. Blake has to be careful with this, if he lets Bork store too much rage he becomes feral.
Bork was a member of Blake's Sinnoh League team.
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Autumn the Shiny Decidueye
Female
Type: Grass/Ghost
Ability: Long Reach
Item: Scope
Moves:
Spirit Shackle
Phantom Force
Brave Bird
Seed Bomb
How they met
In a yearly trip to Alola, Acerola and Blake ventured out into the woods to play. There was a shiny Rowlette and they made a competition of catching it. Blake won.
Strategies
A long to mid range fighter. Autumn specializes in antagonizing opponents with physical attacks whilestaying just out of reach.
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Dream the Dragapult
Female
Type: Dragon/Ghost
Ability: Infiltrator
Item: King's Rock
Moves
Dragon Dance
Lock-On
Dragon Rush
Phantom Force
How they met
Dream had actually followed Blake back to Naranja after he was attacked by the Bisharp back when they were a Dreepy. Blake found Dream hiding in his shadow during detention.
Strategies
Dream is the powerhouse ace of Blakes official circuit team. Fast and powerful. Dream stays out of range and dizzies the opponent before setting up for devastating attacks. Sweeping entire elite teams.
Dream was a member of Blake's Sinnoh League team.
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Dyme the Houndstone
Type: Ghost
Male
Ability: Fluffy
Item: Life Orb
Last Respects
Dig
Phantom Force
Rest
How they met
When Blake was seventeen he applied for the Gym Trainer position at Montenevera. As a probationary task he was given a Greavard to take care of. He named him Dyme as a joke towards Ryme.
Strategies
Dyme is Blake's last resort. When all else fails, Dyme comes in clutch and usually sweeps other teams with the previous set ups. Allowing Dyme to take advantage of Last Respects.
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Other Pokémon
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Hook the Dhelmise
Type: Ghost/Grass
Ability: Steelworker
Item: Iron Ball
Moves:
Anchor Shot
Heavy Slam
Sunny Day
Solar Blade
How they met
On a yearly trip to Alola, Blake caught Hook while Mantine surfing.
Strategies
Hook is all bulk. And uses that weight to crush opponents. Literally.
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Squire the Aegislash
Male
Type: Ghost/Steel
Ability: Stance Change
Item: Rocky Helmet
King's Shield
Swords Dance
Night Slash
Air Slash
How they met
While on his Treasure Hunt, Blake encountered a group of Honege in a ruined fort while looking for gold coins. Blake simply caught one.
Strategies
Blake does not use Squire often. Not because Squire is bad at battling. But because Blake prefers trickery and strategy in battle. And Squire is a head on fighter.
Squire was a member of Blake's Sinnoh League team.
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Mimi the Gengar Mimikyu
Female
Type: Fairy/Ghost
Ability: Disguise
Item: Soothe Bell
Moves:
Play Rough
Thunder Wave
Phantom Force
Draining Kiss
How they met
Mimi was a gift given to Blake from Acerola along with an ornate gold and purple ring that Blake wears on his right hand.
Strategies
Mimi is one of, if not the trickiest of Blake's Pokémon. Zipping around the battlefield, laughing and angering opponents by not taking them seriously. Then debilitating them and taking them down with ease.
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Yuki the Froslass
Female
Type: Ice/Ghost
Ability: Snow Cloak
Item: Nevermelt ice
Moves:
Snowscape
Blizzard
Confuse Ray
Shadow Ball
How they met
During Blake's tenure as one of Ryme's Gym Trainers. Blake and three others were sent out to deal with a Froslass that was attacking travelers. After a battle that killed one of the other Gym Trainers in the chaos. Blake finally took down the territorial Froslass. And found its wounded Snorunt child. Yuki is that child.
Strategies
Yuki is another of Blake's trickier Pokémon. If she can manage to set up the terrain. It's over. She hides in the snowstorms and attacks out of sight. Confusing the opponent and setting the stage for a clean victory.
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Bones the Alolan Marowak
Male
Type: Fire/Ghost
Ability: Cursed Body
Item: Thick Club
Moves:
Shadow Bone
Flame Wheel
Bonemerang
Bone Rush
How they met
On the same yearly trip Blake caught Hook. Blake caught a Cubone. The next year he returned to train it and evolve it into an Alolan Marowak.
Strategies
Bones does not like battling. So Blake doesn't make him. Instead Bones likes dancing.
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Skips the Rotom
Type: Ghost/Electric
Ability: Levitate
Item: Electrifier
Moves:
Charge
Thunder Wave
Discharge
Shadow Ball
How they met
Skips is Blake's original Rotom phone. After the phone broke he kept the Rotom and just got an empty Rotom phone Skips could swap into.
Strategies
Skips does not battle.
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Wisp the Basculegion
Male
Type: Water/Ghost
Ability: Adaptability
Item: King's Rock
Moves:
Phantom Force
Wave Crash
Scale Shot
Aqua Jet
How they met
When venturing near the great crater of Paldea on his Treasure Hunt. Blake ran into a school of oddly colored Basculin's. Believing them to be a rare, undiscovered regional variant. He caught the school and sent them home for Professor Rowan to study. Only for Rowan to find the method to evolving them. Something the red and blue Basculins are entirely incapable of. Blake requested one of the Basculins back and trained it himself and went through the arduous task of evolving it.
Fun Fact: Due to not being able to find any more schools of White-Striped Basculins. They were not given the regional variant moniker.
Strategies
Wisp is another of Blake's powerhouses. Wisp is deceptively calm, waiting and moving slowly, even allowing itself to be hit before catching opponents off guard with massive bursts of speed.
Wisp was a member of Blake's Sinnoh League Team.
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Lake the Gengar
Male
Type: Ghost/Poison
Ability: Cursed Body
Item: Gengarite
Moves:
Hypnosis
Dream Eater
Toxic
Venoshock
How they met
On a trip to Lake Acuity with his mother on Gym Leader business. Blake unknowingly upset a Gengar. After weeks of his things going missing, his food being eaten, and his furniture being rearranged. Blake finally caught the culprit. After a laugh and a friendly exchange, Lake chose to stay with Blake.
Strategies
Lake is prankster down to his core. Using status move to debilitate and then using moves that work off of those.
Lake was a part of Blake's Sinnoh League team.
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A/N
I have another fic based on the Worm series by Wildbow.
It's over 350k+ words.
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I imagine Acerola to sound like her Pokémon Masters voice as opposed to her Pokémon Series voice.
Christine Marie Cubanos is perfect for Acerola in my opinion.
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QUESTIONS!
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QUESTIONS FOR NEWB!
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QUESTIONS FOR BLAKE!
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Leave a comment and tell me what you think. I'm motivated by positive comments and constructive criticism.