NSO Chapter 2

I don't own Pokemon.

Once in the hallways of Kingdra High, bag safely stored in his locker, Zenith kept his head down, trying to get into the safe haven that was his classroom as quickly as he could.

Pleasedon'tbenoticedpleasedon'tbenoticed…

I don't know. With the way you're acting, you're bound to get noticed. Did I mention that you're also wearing a bright red jacket?

There was that voice again. The same voice he had been hearing in his head for over three years. Zenith was suspected to be suffering from schizophrenia and was diagnosed with the condition after several costly examinations by doctors, along with a steady stream of bottled pills sent to his house. He had tried the medicine, but since it tasted bad and did nothing to cure him, he stopped taking them and cancelled the supply. He counted himself lucky though, since he only had one voice that didn't speak much, leaving him mostly normal, unlike others whose lives had been ruined because of schizophrenia. Another unusual thing was that Zenith could converse with the voice through his thoughts, something he couldn't find any other schizophrenia patient do, even with extensive research.

I don't care about how I look, as long as I get to class without being-

A figure suddenly leapt out in front of Zenith, the ground shaking as the Pokemon landed on the floor, halting Zenith in his tracks as he froze up in fear, his heart sinking as he realised who it was. It was Kurt, a Nidoking. Bullies were no rare occurrence in Kingdra High, constantly terrorising students throughout school hours. However, Kurt was the worst of them all, especially with his reputation for being the top bully in this school.

-noticed…

You just had to jinx it, didn't you?

Zenith often wondered about how he had caught the attention of the majority of the bullies in school. It was most likely his Timid nature, which made him prefer to skulk in the shadows, to be introverted rather than being outgoing and extroverted, which got in the way of making new friends. This resulted in him being always alone, and an easy target for bullies to pick on.

Or maybe it's because they can sense that you're weak.

Shut it, you.

Zenith cowered in Kurt's shadow as he towered over the Umbreon, the Nidoking easily being twice his height, possibly even taller. Zenith tried to flee, but fear rooted him to the ground, accompanied by an odd sort of curiosity towards what Kurt wanted from him.

"Give me all your money, NOW!" Kurt roared. His voice was so loud that it blew Zenith's hoodie off his head, Zenith grimaced as the wave of warm air slammed into his face, enduring the bad-smelling breath and spittle that accompanied it. Kurt's order surprised Zenith though. Not many bullies asked him for his money since there were better students to shake down for funds, and those who did only did so once, seemly disappointed after Zenith showed them an empty wallet. Kurt must have been feeling desperate today.

If it had been any other student in Zenith's place, they would have quailed under Kurt's menacing glare, obeying the Nidoking's orders instantly. Even though Zenith wanted to take the easy way out, to hand over his pocket money to avoid any trouble, but he felt compelled to defend the single five-dollar note that he had. Sure, it was a small sum, but it was a small sum that his mom had worked hard to earn, and Zenith was not going to willingly hand it over.

"No." Zenith's voice, although barely a whisper, rang out clearly throughout the suddenly empty hallway.

"What did you just say, shrimp?" Kurt's eyes narrowed in anger. "Hand over your money now, before you get a Poison Jab up your ass!"

You go, Zenith! Stand up to him!

"No!" Zenith's voice was louder now, the Umbreon crouching to the ground to hide the utility pocket that held his wallet. However, Zenith's defensive posture was mistaken for an offensive one by Kurt, the Nidoking taking a step back in surprise. He wasn't used to Pokemon talking back to him, much less challenging him to a fight. But if it was a fight that that puny Umbreon wanted…

"No?" An evil smirk appeared on Kurt's face as he regained his composure, getting into an attacking stance.

"Then it looks like I'll have to go with plan B: I'll beat you to a pulp, THEN extract whatever money's left from your battered remains."