Author's Note:
Here it is, the main introduction to our new cast member. As shown in the last chapter, we've got a new travel member, and this is our chance to really get to know him. As you can probably tell by the title, this also introduces a new capture. It's based on the episode by the same title and includes one of my favourite Unovan Pokémon. I know a lot of people dislike it, but I never got its hate. There are far worst designed Pokémon out there and in the first stage, it's really cute. I do want to say, I'm changing the goal of this companion because his original goal was vague and unpredictable. My goal is to give him an actual arc and role while keeping his core character the same. We also get some growth for the group as a whole. Expect the next chapter on 01.02.24. Not much else to say, just remember to vote in the poll and with that, let's begin
Chapter seven: Here comes the Trubbish Squad
He opened wide and dragged his lump of... food? into his mouth. Swallowing it whole, he felt the familiar bubble from his stomach as it sizzled away. A cool shiver travelled over his body as he walked away. He smiled at the small leafling sprouted where he just stood. Leaning down to examine it closer, an idea popped into his heady. Using his stubby arm to scope it out with a pile of dirt, he turned and quickly began running back home.
Several of his brothers and sisters were around enjoying their own meals. Climbing over the stacks of garbage left by the humans who drop off in this location as his dad's trainer overwatched with his other Pokémon floating beside him. Using her psychic powers, she picked up the dirt beneath the fellow Trubbish.
However, his moments distraction caused trouble. Feeling something block his foot, he fell forward. Sending the plant flying, he landed flat on his face.
Pushing himself up, he took notice of the psychic type floating in from of him. His eyes darted down to the destroyed sprout in the dirt.
"You sure seemed in a rush." She smiled softly. Using her long hands to help pick him back up.
"Thanks, Reuniclus." He sighed. "It's just... I did have a sprout."
"I can see that... but you know this isn't a place for plants," she replied, "what were you thinking?"
"I found this cool plant pot early which is mostly in tact-" He explained, "so I thought..."
"You was going to use it for storing the sprout?" she asked, to which he nodded. "You're a sweet soul... but it wouldn't have lasted."
"Why not?" he asked. "Who decided this is where-"
"It comes down to who you are," she replied, "you're a Trubbish and Trubbish are capable of digesting... pretty much anything. What you leave behind is called fertilizer and that's what I collect. You might not realise it but what your doing is helping grow plants... just not here."
"And what if I don't want to do that?" he asked.
"Then you should speak to your farther about leaving," she replied, "you wouldn't be the first... but I'd like to know what you do want to do?"
"I want to explore the world... see its beauty... all the greenery-" He sighed. "I want to experience the world."
"And how do you expect to do that?" she asked. "How will you travel? Will you go with anyone? It can get pretty lonely. What about eating?"
"I erm... I don't know-" he admitted. "It's a working progress. Maybe I could get a trainer?"
"A trainer?" she asked.
"Dad has one-" he shrugged. "And it would be a good way to get around."
"Yes... our trainer set up this place to provide your kind a place to live in peace... get all the food you could ever want-" She sighed. "I don't mean to sound so mean but you live in a dump... literally. Not all humans are kind or nice. You can't just go through them one by one until you get one you want."
"But I could still find one-" he argued.
"And what will you do until then?" she asked. "This place has everything you could ever want. Why not go and eat something... maybe it'll clear your head."
He let out a low sigh and turned around. Tears stung his eyes as he forced himself along. A lump forced in his throat as he crossed the ground. Despite hearing the cheers from his siblings playing around, he couldn't bring himself to look. Finding a pile of trash far from the others. He picked up the first item and opened his mouth... but couldn't bring himself to eat it. This place has shelter and unlimited food... but nothing for what he actually wants.
His mind flashed with memories of his older brother. He was always something of a battle nut and would sneak out every opportunity he got. Challenging trainers on the way past, he finally found one who bested him and with father's permission he joined the boys team. He still brings him back to visit from time to time. He even got to see him compete in some battles on the tele but it's not the same... living his freedom from seeing his brother.
Sighing as he looked at the pile of grub in front him... he closed his eyes.
The thought of some of the Pokémon flying overhead like the Pidove and Tranquill flock who live nearby entered his mind. His vision transversed from their perspective, what the green-fields or bustling cities must look like from there. Soon the crystal blue oceans or icy cool mountains entered his mind as several other Pokémon living in those different environments filled his head. As his eyes opened, an empty feeling surrounded his body.
"Careful now children." A voice drew his attention. Over the metal fence, he noticed the long brown hair of some human as many other voices and footsteps became too entangled to make out. Looking back over the scrap-yard, the sounds of the kids got further away as he turned back.
Narrowing his eyes, he turned and made his way over to the fence. Finding the corner where the local Patrat enter and exit from, he picked up the loose metal sheet and stepped out. Landing on the concrete path, he turned back to his home and family.
He didn't want to leave like this but every time he brings up his dreams, Reuniclus or his dad dismiss it outright. They try to make it sound like it's in his best interest but if that's the case, why does he get this longing feeling for the outside world. Even if he can't find a trainer today, just getting to see past the fences will be enough... what's the worst that could happen?
He took a deep breath of the fresh field air as he walked along. Unfortunately, a particular smell passed by at that exact moment and his face recoiled in disgust as the aroma transformed into a sickening taste on the back of his throat. Causing him to cough on the thick stench.
"I'm betting there's a garbage dump or scrap yard nearby," Drake explained, "once we've passed by the wind should protect from the smell."
"So, Drake, I've been wondering-" He engaged. "You're from Kanto, correct?"
"Yeah-" he sighed. "What of it?"
"Cradled and rocked in the eastern seas, The lands of Kitakami, Beneath me lie; o'er lake and plain-" he was cut off.
"Just ask your question before I hit you with my shoe." He growled, rubbing the side of his head.
"Oh?"
"Don't take it personally Cilan," Iris interjected. "He acts like that with everyone. Except for his Pokémon."
"I hate everyone equally." He shrugged. "Better than pretend that we're friends and snicker behind your back."
"I've always been intrigued by that country... regions like Johto, Sinnoh and Kanto, of course-" he explained, "I just wanted to know what it was like. To live and breathe the lands of tradition and technological breakthrough."
"It's... normal-" he shrugged.
"That's it?!" He asked. "Normal?!"
"Well, we can teach people to look left and right... so jaywalking isn't a thing," he explained, "we don't allow the risk to life by allowing people to openly carry dangerous weapons meant to kill... and we provide actual healthcare so an unlucky turn can't bankrupt and ruin a person's life."
"That sounds more like issues you have with Unova than praise for Kanto-" He smiled.
"Yeah-" He shrugged. "What's your point?"
Opening his mouth to reply, something caught his eye and he turned to fully look. A Pokémon which resembled a dark green garbage bag with a knot on the top, which resembled ears stood on the opposite side of the road. Oval-shaped eyes and large triangular teeth that resembled broken glass made up the face of the creature. Two stubby arms without distinguished fingers spilled out of the sides of the body, like tears. Made up of brownish-grey substance with blue and pink objects protruding out of them. With two dark-green and stubbed feet underneath, visible when they raised an arm to wave out him.
"What is that Pokémon?" Iris asked.
"It's a Trubbish-" he replied, cut off by Drake Pokédex:
Trubbish, The trash bag Pokémon. It's believed that a combination of garbage bags and industrial waste caused the chemical reaction that created this species. They are often found in garbage dumps, consuming the waste leaves behind a fertilizer used in growing organic crops. With their stomachs able to digest nearly anything. While they are known to smell, this is a defence mechanism and disappears when in a trusting and welcoming environment
"Guess my theory about a garbage dump was right," he uttered, putting the device away. "It can't be much further so let's keep moving."
"What if Trubbish needs our help?" Cilan asked. "The wave might be one of help or emergency."
"Ah yes, a wide smile and slow wave screams help and not just a friendly hello-" Drake sighed. "Look, if you want to play in a dump then be my guest. I won't try to stop you. Just don't expect me to join in or wait around for that matter. Nice meeting you and have a good life... in the dump."
Seeing the two travelling companions walk ahead, he found his eyes drawn back to the pure poison type. Only when the two younger trainers were about to pass over the slight hill did he turn to run after them. While he'd have liked to learn more of the little guy, he couldn't hold up his new friends. As he came up behind them, he couldn't help but listen in on their conversation.
"Why did you invite Cilan if you were just gonna walk off on the first chance?" Iris asked.
"I'm a masochist-" he replied, "why else would I travel with either of you? Of course, I enjoy causing myself pain."
"Har har, mister sarcastic-" Iris laughed in an exaggerated manner.
"It was really my choice to join." Cilan offered. "And I believe it was more Marowak who accepted."
"Maro-" the ground type nodded.
"So, you catch it?" Drake asked. "That Trubbish, I mean."
"Oh no," he shook his head.
"Of course, he didn't." Iris boasted. "Cilan's a grass trainer. Trubbish is a poison type."
"Really? I thought it was a flying psychic type-" Drake exaggerated. "And Cilan never claimed to be a type specialist."
"He's right... I mean, I might only have Pansage right now, but I never wanted to limit myself like that-" Cilan offered. "But no, I didn't catch Trubbish... it's just... I've never really thought about expanding my team outside of Pansage."
"It's not that hard... you battle, throw Pokémon and then training-" Drake commented. "They'll really let anyone be a gym leader here."
"You know the situation with the league thanks to Plasma-" Iris argued.
"Yeah, yeah, you really do need people to hold your hands with every little problem-" Drake sighed.
A voice drew their attention to a women running towards them. She couldn't be older than twenty-five with long brown hair tied up in a ponytail. Striking sapphire blue eyes sparkled as she was dressed in a light-green apron with a short-sleeved orange shirt underneath and long blue jean trousers.
"I'm so sorry to bother you-" She panted, stopping in front of them while trying to catch her breath. "You three wouldn't happened to be trainers, would you?"
"Noooo-" Drake shook his head. "Totally not. Sorry we can't help you. Have a nice life-OW!"
He couldn't help but chuckle as the ground type checked on his bone, having whacked his trainer's shin. "Maro-Marowak."
"Yes, we are trainers." Iris insisted. "How can we help you?"
"I run a kindergarten class just down this street for the child from Striaton and Nacrene-" she explained. "And I wanted to have some trainers bring out their Pokémon to interact with the kids. Get them use to the different varieties but everyone I arranged ended up cancelling because Plasma caught them on the way. I was hoping, if it's not too much trouble, could you help us out and allow the children to play with your Pokémon?"
"Marowak!" The skull-head Pokémon nodded before anyone could answer.
"Seriously?" Drake asked his partner, to which he nodded without hesitation. Causing him to groan in response. "Fine... you can babysit but the rest of the team will be training. If we're not moving, I'm not wasting the day completely."
"This could be fun!" Iris added. "Count me and Axew in too."
"Helping the seed of youth sprout is truly one of life's wonders." Cilan smiled. "Pansage and I would be honoured to join in."
"Oh, thank you!" The teacher thanked, placing her hands over her heart. "I'm Daniela, by the way."
"Iris." "Cilan." "Marowak." "Drake."
"It's nice to meet you all." She bowed, leading the way down the path. "My family sent over some Pokémon to help but hearing from trainers is a big part."
Following the teacher down the path, he glanced down to the ground type beside the younger boy. Biting down onto his inner cheek, he couldn't help but wonder why the boy never challenged
"Placing a school so close to a dump..." Drake muttered. "I really don't know why I'm surprised at this point. This is Unova after all."
He smiled at the sight of the simple building with several children running around in the playground, some other adults standing guard. Walking onto the premisses, it took only a couple seconds before the swarm of young people surrounded them, a series of questions echoing out of the crowd.
"Hey Daniela, you said you had some other Pokémon from family?" Drake asked.
"Yes-" She flicked an eyebrow up. "Why?"
"How about we show the kids a battle?" he asked. "I've got a Pokémon who could use the experience. They get some entertainment."
"Alright... I'm not much of a battler but my brother is," she replied, "I'll use the Pokémon he sent over."
He watched as the young trainer walked over to one side of the makeshift field and the teacher over to the other, pushing the kids back to create a watching area. Following Iris' lead, they walked over to the viewing area as both trainers took out a Pokéball.
"Hey Cilan, you gonna do the honours." Drake insisted.
"Um... sure-" He shrugged, stepping into the middle edge of the makeshift field. "This'll be a one-on-one battle between Drake and Daniela. Neither side can substitute and there's no time limit. It'll be over when one side is unable to continue. Now reveal your Pokémon!"
"You're up, Tepig!" "Deering, come help me!"
In a flash of light, the two Pokémon materialised on the field. While he was used to the fire-type thanks to many new trainers stopping by his gym, he hadn't seen the second one in person. A small quadrupedal fawn stood over the typical starter but only to about the waist of himself. The upper side of her body was pink with a yellow floral tuft on the top of her head. Small antlers barely visible from underneath. The pink edge had a pollen-yellow rim with golden seeds sprinkled on the sides of her rear. Her bottom half was a cream-peach colour with only black hooves standing out. He caught Drake's Pokédex scanning it:
Deerling, the season Pokémon. Spring form. Deerling have different scents depending on the season. In early spring, these Pokémon give off a delicate, sweet, and calming scent. Despite Deerling's adorable appearance, farmers consider it a nuisance since it loves plant shoots and will eat them all up
"Tepig verses Deerling!" Cilan announced, holding both arms up to the side. "Let the battle begin!"
Almost instantly, a spew of brown seeds erupted out of the flower on Deerlings head. Covering the sky as they sore towards the fire type.
"Flame charge!" Drake instructed.
Stomping his feet around, a cloud of dust surrounded the fire type. Bursting out of the cover, he was surrounded in flames. The leech seeds either burnt to ash upon contact as he ran straight down the makeshift field or hit the ground, erupting into vines on the floor.
Turning on her heel, the grass normal type kicked her hind-legs into the dirt. Sending heaps of dirt raining over the fire pig.
Tripping in his motion from the sand attack, he rolled over. The flames dispersed from around him as he ended up in a sitting position.
"Follow up with double kick!" Daniela beamed.
"Defence curl!" Drake countered. Curling up into a ball, a shimmer covered his fur as two back hooves kicked him. "Now use the momentum and start rollout!"
Rolling back, the ball turned and began skidding across the makeshift field. Taking a wide berth, he ended up charging straight towards the opponent.
"Dodge it!" Daniela shouted.
Jumping to the side, she narrowly avoided the fire pig. Turning on a heel, she turned and launched out a barrage of golden seeds from her mouth.
Striking the ground where Tepig rolled, he wobbled before uncurling. Landing flat on his stomach, a puff of dust blew up around him.
"Now charge in!" She hollered.
Stomping her feet down, Deerling entered a gallop across the makeshift field. A power barrier formed around her as she picked up momentum.
"Flame charge!" Drake instructed.
Repeating his opening actions, he shot out of the dust close surrounded in flames. Using his impressive speed, he charged straight in. It looked like a head on collision was inevitable... when Tepig shot to the side before impact. Landing on his hooves, he spun and shot into Deerling's side.
Both Pokémon went flying across the ground with dust throwing up around them. Landing with Tepig on top of the downed normal grass type.
"Deerling is unable to battle!" Cilan announced. "Making the winners Drake and Tepig."
"Come on teach, let's go with another-" Drake instructed as his fire type walked towards him. "See if the others can handle Tepig here."
"I'm afraid that's enough battling for one day." She smiled softly, recalling the season Pokémon. "If Deerling couldn't win, neither can the others."
"But this would've been a good chance to test his endurance." He sighed. "I'm sure you could've worn him down eventually."
"I'm no battler." She insisted. "This was just meant to be fun for the kids."
"Maybe now would be a good time to introduce our Pokémon." Cilan suggested, taking out his own Pokéball. "Say hello to Pansage!"
In a flash of light, his grass partner appeared in the air and summersaulted down before landing on his two legs. Holding both hands up into the air, he let out a cheerful smile as some of the kids came running up, surrounding him from sight.
"Don't forget about Axew too!" Iris added, as he dragon lept out of her hair. Almost instantly disappearing amongst the sea of children too.
His eyes caught sight of Marowak, he seemed to set a distance between himself and the kids but performed some sort of skilful dance by spinning his bone around in his hand as some sort of show. Having seen the strength of the ground type, first hand, it was difficult to believe he was the same Pokémon.
"Show off." Drake growled as he stepped away from the group. The fire type gives the kids a longing look before trotted over to his trainer with ears hanging low. His could almost see the wish to enjoy the playtime with the fellow Pokémon coming off the fire type as he looked back. "We've got work to do."
"You can't be serious about just training again while the kids-"
"I'm deadly serious." He cut him off. "And besides... my other Pokémon aren't exactly child friendly. If you know what I mean."
"You think they'd attack the kids even if you told them not to?" he asked.
"Rapidash... if untrusting, will burn whoever touches her. Its biology and not a choice-" he explained. "And if threatened then I've taught my Pokémon to defend themselves. Regardless of who the source of that threat is. Whether its Plasma protesters, wild Pokémon, another trainer, or annoying brats who-"
His face scrunched up as his travelling companions voice turned into a cough. Jutting his tongue out to try and expel the sickening odour which passed through, he looked around to see the students, Iris and even the school staff were reacting just the same.
"It doesn't make sense; the dump shouldn't be-"
"Not the dump." Drake corrected. "Look who came for a visit."
Following the boys pointed finger, he noticed the same Trubbish from before stood at the fence but on the inside. His eyes flicked down as he briefly wondered how he got in until he noticed the corrosive hole in the fence, clearly a result of some sort of toxic substance.
"Oh no, how did one of the Trubbish get out of the dump?" Daniela asked.
"I'm gonna take a wild guess and say walked. " Drake sneered, stepping forward. "Looks like we've got that second opponent, after all. Get going Tepig."
"Shouldn't we see what Trubbish wants-" The fire type charged forward surrounded by a burst of flames. "Guess not."
Taking a deep breath, a thick purple cloud exhaled out of his mouth. Hiding the pure poison type from everyone's sight.
Unable to stop or turn off his course. Tepig charged straight into the toxic cloud which burned bright orange. Erupting like a bomb, black smoke covered the playground as a shockwave blew back, knocking some of the people over. Marowak moved forward and stomped his bone into the ground, creating a wall of earth between the pending battle and the children. Turning back to the fight, Tepig was lying on his side, looking beaten and battered.
"Get up!" Drake commanded.
"Drake..." He muttered. "He's hurt-"
"And?" he asked. "I know that he's tough enough to take it. He can either have someone who'd coddle him while growing weaker from every trip and scrape or he can have someone who'll teach him to get up and push the ones who put him down even harder! Now I won't tell you again, Tepig! Get! Up!"
With wobbling legs, the fire pig shaking got up. Shaking his body, a weak cry tried to show his strength... but only made him feel sorry for the poor Pokémon.
"Find it with odour sleuth then use ember but keep your distance." Drake instructed.
Closing his eyes, he sniffed the ground. Taking some steps closer to the toxic-smoke-cloud. His eyes burst open, and he tightened his stance.
Taking a deep breath. A series of fire balls shot out of his mouth. Shooting into the cloud, another mini-explosion took place, throwing the poison type out.
"Now rollout!" He instructed.
Entering a run... he seemed to be much slower than before. With a leap, his body turned into a ball as he shot towards the downed trash bag Pokémon.
"This isn't good..." Drake muttered. "Tepig should be faster. Something is limited the flame charges."
"He got blown up?" he asked. "You might have missed it."
The pure fire type crashed into the pure poison type and both Pokémon went rolling in the dirt. Drake's first Unovan Pokémon was panting heavily as a purple mark covered his snout. While his opponent pushed himself up and shook his body, a mystic glow covered his body.
"Don't talk." He growled. "When you do, you lower the IQ of the entire street."
"Tell me how you really feel-" He took a deep breath.
"Clear smog... it's the only way he could've nullified his speed buffs-" He pulled out another Pokéball. "Which means I might've underestimated Trubbish."
"Enough!"
He put his foot down, stepping in front of the Kanto native before he could toss his next Pokéball. Hold his arms out, he forced the boy to lock eyes with him as his fists tightened, whitening his knuckles. Taking long, deep, breaths. He felt the anger bubbling within his stomach.
"Oooh, did I touch a nerve?" He chuckled with a smirk. "Did the quiet kid finally snap?"
"Trubbish hasn't done anything to us!" He raised his voice. "You jumped so quick into saving people that you forgot to ask if it was even needed!"
"So that's what it takes?" He smirked.
"That's what?" He asked. "What're you talking about?"
"I did the same thing to Iris but she's quicker to anger-" he shrugged. "I wanted to see what your breaking point is."
"Th-this was a test?" He gasped. "You attacked Trubbish... for what? For a game?!"
"Pokémon battle-" he turned to the side. "And I needed to what I was dealing with in letting you travel with me."
"It's attitudes like that which make Plasma think they're right." He turned and walked over to poison type lying on the ground. Sitting next to him, he locked eyes with the trash bag Pokémon. Tears welling up within his large eyes as he returned to a standing position. "I-I'm sorry about that Trubbish."
"Trub?" He tilted his head to the side. Poking the side of his mouth with one of his stubbed-arms.
"We shouldn't have attacked you like that-" He slide his backpack off and placed it to his side. Flipping the top open, he pulled out a purple potion and held it out. "If you'd let me, I'd like to heal up your injuries... it's the least I could do... may I?"
"Trubbish?" He nodded.
"Okay, this might sting a bit-" He shook the bottle and held it out. Pressing the trigger down, the medical substance sprayed out over the poison type. He trembled as it sprinkled over him. Stopping the treatment, he waited a few moments until the trash bag Pokémon shook, shaking the droplets off. "Better?"
"Bish." He smiled widely, jumping up and landing on his lap.
"Haha, you're a pretty friendly little guy." He chuckled. "So, what're you-"
A shadow cast down over them, turning to the source he found Drake standing over them. An icy cold stare straight through him. Observing his expressionless face, he felt a dreading pit in his stomach as any thought that he was remorseful... or even joking washed away, leaving a horrid after taste.
"I take it you're going to try the talking method-" He turned to the side. "Good luck."
"Good luck?" he asked. "You're not going to apologise?"
"No." He turned to look down at Tepig, despite fighting the poison he struggled to walk to his side. "Seriously. What part of sociopath don't you guys get?"
"You attacked Trubbish and nearly blew up a school-" He sighed.
"Nearly... key word." He turned to his fire type. "Now we can get some endurance training in. If pushed whilst ill, it'll force you to improve."
Seeing the boy walk away across the playground, he couldn't help but notice wall of earth crumbling down. His ground type was quick to run over to the boy as he took out an array of Pokéball's, releasing the rest of his team, although he couldn't bring himself to studying the unseen species as he contemplate the boys actions one day after joining him. Closing his eyes, a slight rustle of feet drew his attention. Stood beside him was none other than Pansage.
Letting a soft smile rest upon his lips. "Pansage... meet Trubbish. Trubbish, this is my partner Pansage."
Standing with the crowd of children, he held the poison type as they watched his starter perform a juggling act. Smiling at the attention from the students with a series of 'ooooh's' and 'awws', he always knew Pansage was a show off. Whether it was dominating during a gym battle or performing for others entertainment. Just like himself, his starter took several interests and really expanded his skillset... although his true passion has aloofed him.
Closing his eyes, he ran through the list of hobbies he's already explored: battling; fishing; ferroequinologist; woodworking; gardening... he even dabbled in more artistic activities like poetry and painting although the latter wasn't exactly his strong suit. It's not like he's never going to do them again but none of them truly grasped his heart like he imagined. He'd also like to partake in a contest one day given Pansage's performance mentality but over the years with Plasma, the PLA cancelled all but the league and even the gym challenge have been on their last legs. It seems sooner or later Plasma will achieve their goals.
Opening them once more, he turned to entered a small walk. Offering the poison type chance to go down and join the festivities, it was quickly denied. Not that he's surprised, Daniela was pretty disgusted that a Pokémon like Trubbish was on her school grounds.
"What is wrong with you!" Drake's voice raged. Unlike his previous snarky response, this one felt filled with anger.
"What do you mean what's wrong-" Iris seathed. "What is an ice type doing here? Get that Pokémon away from me!"
He ran over to find his two travelling companions to find them in a stand-off as Iris held a Pokéball in her hand. His eyebrow flicked down for a moment before he turned to see her Axew still playing with some children. Turning back, she was taking tentative steps back as her eyes locked down towards Drake's legs.
Following her gaze, he found a big, brown, fuzzy Pokémon with an impressive hump on its back. Two small-ish tusks which upon further inspection seemed to be made of ice stuck out from the fur near the floor. Between them sat around pink snout, not to different to a Tepig nose. Tufts of fur on the side of the presumed head were where the ears should be as the eyes were presumably covered by other tufts of fur.
A series of snorts came from the Pokémon as it also stepped back. The guilt-ridden movements evident despite the lack of expression.
"Piloswine..." Drake whispered with a deep breath. His white-knuckled fist shook in anger. "Go find Marowak... work on ancient power."
He watched the plump Pokémon walk away as Iris relaxed in her stance. Panting heavily, sweat shimmered off her forehead as she put the device back into her pocket. Her chest raised and lowered as she attempted to regain her composure. Before any words could be spoken, he saw the Kanto-native move over in a threatening manner. Running to stop him, he stepped into the middle of the two as she stumbled backwards.
"Whoa, lets calm down everyone-" He insisted. "We're all friends here."
"He isn't the monster you need to worry-" the boy growled. Standing up and fixing his jacket, he took a deep breath. "Next time even think of speaking to another of my Pokémon like that, I'll have Rapidash burn you... that should protect from the cold."
Seeing the boy storm off towards Piloswine, as he seemed to be talking with Marowak. He felt a lump in his throat. While he wanted to believe it was a threat made in anger, he couldn't deny that he felt a certain honest when he made it. Although it certainly matched the persona he's tried to put up, one thing didn't quiet sit right... why would a sociopath take an insult to his Pokémon so personally? Shaking his head, he turned to Iris.
"Wanna tell me what happened?" he asked.
"I came over to see if he or one of his Pokémon wanted to play since the school day is almost over-" She sighed. "That... Pokémon was charging through rocks and training Tepig, who was attempting the same thing. A-and as I got closer..."
"You noticed he was an ice type?" he asked to which she nodded solemnly. "So, what's wrong with-"
"I-I don't-" She shivered before sighing. "When I was younger... a blizzard hit the village. I was out in the forest when it hit a-and ended up following the wild Pokémon into a cave. It was freezing and cold and... it's also where I met... never mind. Our elder mentioned it being the "
"So, I get not liking the cold but-" He pinched the bridge of his nose. "I don't get why you freaked out when you got close."
"Th-the tusks! They were made out of ice!" She yelled. "I panicked! I-I-"
"Okay, I get it. Fear came over-" He placed a supportive hand on her shoulder. "Fear makes us do stupid things. And I can understand how scary being stuck in a blizzard... and at such a young age... can be. I guess what I'm asking is, did Piloswine do anything other than the ice tusks?"
"Well..." Her eyes looked up, as if searching for the words for an uncomfortably long time. "...no."
"Would it be fair to say." He continued. "That if myself or Drake shouted like that about Axew... you'd also be angry?"
"Well... yeah-" she uttered in a meke voice.
"So would it be fair to say-" He took a deep breath. "That you'd want an apology for Axew... had we done that to him?"
"Of course-" She pouted, biting on her inner cheek. "But what Drake said-"
"I'll talk to him too, but we should deal with the issues one at a time." He assured her.
"Fine-" she groaned.
Leading the way across the field, he noticed her hanging back slightly. Getting closer, he noticed the ice type vibrating and piles of earth shot up around him.
"You need to separate the ground and rock type-" Drake informed. "Being the two most similar types, you should-"
"Are we interrupting?" He cut the boy off.
"Yes." He hissed.
"Maro Marowak." The pure ground type turned from his trainer to himself. "Wak-Maro."
The ice type shuffled up beside him. Tilting his head to the side, he seemed to be looking up to them.
"Look... okay..." She took a deep breath. "I'm sorry Piloswine... I-I had some bad experience with the cold, and you startled me... with the ice tusks."
"Swine... Piloswine."
The grunts sounded happier this time as he moved forward, as if going for an embrace but Iris quickly jumped back with a squeal. Sighing, he kneeled down to pet the Pokémon the top of his head as he lowered back down.
"I know it's tough, but she does have a legitimate phobia..." he explained, "it's not your fault but maybe we could work on it together. With your help, I bet she'll really open up to the ice type. What do you say... can we count on your help?"
"Pilo." He nodded. Offering the Pokémon, a smile, he reached down and stroked his head. Standing back up, he locked eyes with the Kanto native.
"You think all is forgiven?" he asked.
"She apologised." He clarified.
"Powerful things those apologises. She says two words and that makes it all alright?" he asked. "Hardly seems fair."
"I didn't say that." He shook his head. "But the apology is the first step. And we're going to work on the underlining issue. Then we'll move past it, together."
"We'll see-" He sneered.
"You can't just go around as a pessimist." He sighed. "That's no way to live."
"I'm a realist." He clarified. "You need to accept that the world doesn't work that way just because you want it too."
"So, you're not going to help us?" he asked. "Stop this incident from happening again?"
"Now whose putting words in other's mouths?" he asked. "Since Piloswine agreed... I'll support him, not either of you two."
"That's fine-" He smiled. "But it does mean you making the first step too."
"You want me to apologise?" he asked. "For what?"
"The threat you made-"
"I didn't make a threat; I made a promise-" He took a deep breath. "But if it'll get you off my back-" He turned to the young dragon trainer. "Sorry."
"Could at least sound like you meant it," Iris whispered, earning a sharp glare from the boy.
Before another word could be said, a bell went off and the staff ushered the children inside. Checking his wrist watch, he noticed they must be going in for the last part of the day before parents arrived to take them home. The rest of their Pokémon took this as a cue to join them and Drake took the time to return all but Marowak as Axew took the normal spot in Iris' hair. He took the opportunity to recall his Pansage before Daniela escorted them off the playground.
"Well... thank you for stopping by." Daniela stood on one side of the gate. "The children loved the chance to see so many Pokémon."
"It was our pleasure." He bowed, catching sight of Trubbish by his feet.
Turning around, they started walking towards the next route. While Iris continued to wave whilst walking backwards, he couldn't tear his eyes away from the poison type who trotted along by his side. Pinching his lips together, he tried to think of the correct question.
"Trub?" the trash bag Pokémon turned to look up at him. "Trubbish?"
"Don't you have a home to return to?" he asked.
"Bish." He shrugged.
"Yo Trubbish." Drake interjected. "I'm gonna save the game of twenty questions. You wanna join shrub-head or you heading back to the dump?"
The poison type stared at him before slowly nodding his head. As his eyes glanced up to him, which also revealed some blush-marks over his would-be cheeks.
"I erm... you want to-" He stuttered. "-wait... oh."
"You're a trainer... he's a Pokémon-" Drake sighed, rubbing the lobe of his head. "It's not like he said yes to a date. Just catch him already."
Kneeling down beside the poison type, he decided to ignore the boy and pulled out an empty Pokéball. Staring at the trash bag, he imagined his first capture several times. He thought it might be an egg he ended up hatching... or maybe a rival who Pansage would've defeated in battle and turned into a lifelong friend. After Chili's insistence of being a fire specialist, he considered following through with being a grass trainer once being appointed to the Striaton gym but over the last two years, he grew further and further away from that notion. He just never considered it'll be a Pokémon who lived so close to his home.
The wild Pokémon reached up and slapped the device with his stubbed-arm. Being consumed by a red light, it sucked him inside and it instantly dinged.
Smiling down to the device, he pressed the centre button and his first capture returned to the floor in front of him. Unable to stop his lips from spreading upwards even more, he reached to his belt and pulled out his second Pokéball, letting his starter out next to his second Pokémon.
"Pansage... Trubbish has joined the team-" He smiled. "Make him feel welcome."
"Pan Pansage!"
Reaching out with one hand, it was soon consumed by the two stubbed-arms which tentatively shook it. Letting out a happy cry, he performed a leap, summersaulting in the jump before landing on one hand. Earning a joyful laugh from the trash bag Pokémon.
Watching the two interact, he turned but his eyes widened. Drake was already far down the street with Iris just behind.
"Pansage, can you help him keep up?" he asked. Upon seeing his starter nod in affirmation, he stood and entered a run to catch up.
"How can you just walk off like that?" Iris asked as he closed in on them. "Cilan was just catching Trubbish. You could wait like two minutes."
"By putting one foot in front of the other." He shrugged.
"I'm serious!" She growled, as he slowed having caught up.
"Don't want a stupid answer, then don't ask a stupid question," he replied, in a matter-of-fact tone. "We've wasted enough day light with the school visit, and I want to actually make progress today. If you want to celebrated every little thing, don't expect me to wait up."
"You know, Drake." Cilian drew the boys attention. "I think I've got you figured out-"
"That I'm a high functioning sociopath and this is where you figured you'd be best splitting off on your own?" he asked. "Because if that's the case, I never really tried to hide it. But you could do me a solid and take Tarzan-"
"Hey!"
"-with you." He smiled. "She's a little late to figuring this out."
"Not that." He shook his head. "I think you want to put up that image and scare us off."
"Maro?" the ground type nodded.
"When in reality, you're just a scared kid who wants to live up to the image of your dad." He smiled. "Too scared to let anyone get close because if you are close to someone... then your open to the possibility of being hurt by them... and that's not something you're willing to risk after the pain from your father."
"And how do you figure that?" he asked.
"You've not recalled Marowak once since I joined you... makes me think you value his company. More than your other Pokémon, anyway and given the story you told me off his mother..." He paused to catch his breath. "It makes me think you feel a sort of kinship with him. You're not too shy about your feelings towards your dad. Of course, being bullied can cause trust issues... and with it coming from your own family... I bet you wouldn't want to trust anyone."
"Nice analysis." He smirked. "But guess again. Try this theory. Having an abusing asshole for a dad makes you a little sociopathic. One plus one equals-"
"We'll see." He closed his eyes.
"So, your sticking around then?" he asked.
"If I'm right..." He paused, contemplating his answer. "You need us more than you even know."
"Marowak." The ground type nodded in agreement.
"And if I'm right?" he asked.
"Well, that's a risk I'm willing to take."
Thanks for reading... Please Favourite, Follow and Review. Also, feel free to ask any questions through PM, I will answer them all, although don't expect too big of spoilers. Don't forget to vote in the polls. I really appreciate the support. Thank you and see ya next time...