Chapter 1: To Reach Your Potential
This first chapter occurs in the real world, and has more to do with Football/soccer than pokémon. Feel free to skip this chapter, as the rest of the story will focus on Pokémon
End of 2018-2019 season
"I will not let you quit school! You are only 16!"
"But Mum, all the other kids in the academy team have, and the coaches have said that it shows a lack of commitment. I have too!"
"Daniel, you've read the article haven't you? Only 1/7 of the boys in those academy teams at 16 years old end up making a living from football!
The rest of them, the other 6, they all need to get real careers, and if you don't even finish school you have nothing to fall back on!"
"…that's not what Dad thinks. He says he's proud of what I've done so far… but he would be disappointed if I don't do everything I can to make it."
"Oh? Your father's stopped ignoring us has he? And when did he contact you?"
"About six weeks ago?"
"So right after you got your first u16 international cap. Interesting that he's only coming out of the woodwork now…
"Hey Dan?"
"Yeah?"
"It probably feels like I'm always nagging you, but I just want you to be happy. I don't care if you play in the premier league or Sunday football for fun, I'll always be proud of you, you are hard-working, kind, and loyal - perhaps too loyal… and I'll always love you, whatever decisions you make."
- break -
21:07
Daniel: I reckon I'll stay in school.
21:07
Elizabeth: Yayyyyy!
21:08
Elizabeth: That's cool! But that's not what you were saying at class today?
21:10
Daniel: Yeah. I talked with Mum with what the guys at Manchester said, and while Mum said she would rather I stay in school, she said it is ultimately my decision, but I think for now I'll stay
21:11
Elizabeth: Good, you should always listen to the women in your life Dan, they are usually right. And Bruce?
21:13
Daniel: Dad says he disappointed in me, but he understands
21:13
Elizabeth: The audacity of that *****!
21:13
Elizabeth: **** him! **** censorship too!
21:14
Elizabeth: He can earn the right to call you a disappointment when he STOPS being a disappointment, not just to you but to fathers everywhere! He doesn't deserve to get called 'Dad'!
21:16
Elizabeth: Sorry.
21:17
Daniel: Nah. It's fair
21:17
Daniel: it just sucks
21:17
Daniel: See you tomorrow Liz! Lucky to have you as a friend
- break -
3 years later.
End of 2021-2022 season
"Football Manager is better than FIFA, but it still sucks!"
I was at my computer, busy complaining about Football simulation games to a (not so) rapt audience of one who was playing Pokémon on their Nintendo switch on the bed. But the truth needed to be spoken.
"In FIFA you can turn any decent young player into the next Messi which is stupid, but at least players can improve! In Football Manager it's like 'You have a 19 years old and you've hit your PA. You can never get faster, or stronger, or more skilful. BTW, you still suck.' It's absolutely rubbish!"
"What does PA mean? And why should I care? Maybe put it in Pokémon terms, because that's what I'm playing right now."
"Uh, alright, so. PA stand for Potential Ability, so like how the maximum strength they can have, or like how strong they are at level 100." I explained, before continuing
"So while some players are like a legendary Pokémon, like Ronaldo is Moltres, and Messi is Mew, meaning they can be pretty much the best in the world, most players are just designated to be a caterpie or a weedle at birth. Now, I understand that some players should have less potential than others BUT - if your player is a level 100 weedle at age 19, how does that make sense? The game forces them to stop improving, and it's frustrating! And players can't evolve! It's such a stupid game."
Instead of empathising with me, she decided to annoy me by agreeing with me, probably to shut me up.
"Yeah, you said it yourself. FIFA Manager is just a stupid game. Chill out and have fun bro. Games are supposed to be fun."
"But- like - it's Football Manager, not FIFA Manager!" I spluttered. "Pokémon's stupid too! The game makes no sense and is inconsistent and-"
"Yeah, well duh, it's a game." She interrupted without pausing her playing. "It's supposed to be fun, which it is."
Furious, I went for her sore-spot.
"The anime and worldbuilding is stupid too! How come Ash's Pikachu can defeat legendary creatures? Even if it's level 100, which it shouldn't be, it still doesn't explain its strength!"
Elizabeth paused the game, adjusted the Pokémon cap, and sat up on the bed.
"I will forgive your ignorance this once youngster. What I'm about to tell you isn't just cannon, it's something even more important - Head Cannon.
"Ash is the chosen one, and a descendant of the Hero. Due to fate, his pikachu is naturally also the strongest pikachu. Levels don't exist obviously."
"Yeah, and how does that make the anime not stupid? How come water types just float in the air like that's normal!" I jabbed.
"Easy. Pikachu has the strength of a pseudo-legendary, and water types can manipulate the moisture in their bodies to levitate in the air. It takes a lot of energy and weakens them, but it's possible for short periods"
I snorted.
"If Ash had a Pseudo-Legendary Pokémon, then surely it would be obvious. Also, wouldn't he be a bigger deal in the Pokémon world? And if he was the chosen one wouldn't he be nurtured more?"
"The is reinforced by the fact the he has a criminal organisation following him from the very start of his journey, as it's clear his Pikachu already at an astronomical strength level to begin with and it is recognised by other parties.
It's not a coincidence that two potential gym leaders, or future gym leaders, leave their roles to follow Ash. It's for both his development and his protection.
And the anime is obviously a propaganda campaign. It's not like the world is actually like that, it's idealised so they can convince every kid that they too can come from humble beginnings and help save the world... I'm sure the real Pokémon world is much more harshCan you imagine a world with Pokémon? Sheesh, the world would be a mess if common animals had lethal power.
And being nurtured? Why do you think his neighbour and mentor is former league champion Samuel Oak? Are you seriously that stupid?"
My face went slack at the tirade, but as I processed it I managed a retort. "So you agree that the anime is stupid and unrealistic?"
"No! Are you even listening to what I say!? When you look at the anime through the lens of it being a propaganda campaign used to motivate and inspire the impressionable youth to become the Pokémon equivalent of child soldiers, it's amazing! I'm sure the gym battles are somewhat sincere, because they would be recorded for the masses, but if there aren't witnesses than I'm sure the narrative has been completely twisted for the Government's purposes."
I opened my mouth to respond, but my phone rang. I quickly answered it to hide the fact that Liz had left me speechless.
"Hello, Daniel here?"
"Hi Dan, it's Robbo… I've got some bad news mate."
Robbo was a good bloke and easy to talk to, if you could get past his Australian accent. Even if luck hadn't gone my way while I'd been playing for him, he'd always respected my work ethic and been honest with me if I needed to work on something.
So, when he said there was bad news, I tried to think of what it could be. Maybe my recent MRI scans were bad? But my Physio would have probably told me first, and I'd also spent enough time researching myself to be pretty confident my scans were good, and I felt like I was recovering well.
"Is it about my knee?"
"Huh? No mate, not that. Look, I'll rip the bandaid off. The club has decided to cancel your contract."
"What!?" I shouted before I could help myself. I took a deep breath and consciously tried to relax before continuing. "Don't I have a year left on my contract?"
"You do mate, and don't stress about that, Manchester will pay it out. The issue is that you are coming out of u19s and into u21s, and we have too much depth in your position. We wouldn't be able to play you, and that doesn't help us or you.
Big clubs like ours have an obligation to fund your further education if you decide to do so… You're studying aren't you?
"Yeah, Sports Science… I wasn't planning to, but after I did my knee towards the end of High School I decided to change my plans to keep myself busy..." I realised I was rambling, so I shut up.
There was a short pause as Robbo made sure I had finished speaking.
"Good to hear. Now, I have some mates in lower divisions that I made towards the end of my career that might be interested in you. I think you are a good lad, and I'm willing to put my name next to yours, but it's not going to be the 1500 quid a week you are on now. I've pumped you up so you shouldn't need to accept less than 500 quid a week, but don't be too greedy. This should give you a year to prove yourself. Stockport County are the team that I reckon will be best for you. They won promotion to League 2, and even though you could maybe get a bit more cash with other clubs, they are a bit weaker in the midfield which means you should get more of a run. A year of solid performance in league 2 and your career should be positioned to rebound."
He paused for a moment, and I realised I should say something.
"Thanks Robbo… um, what should I do?" I asked, trying to hold my composure.
"Look Dan, just keep working hard and I know you'll get there. Back 25 years ago doing the unhappy triad would end your career… but these days with arthroscopes and stem cells and shit they make it look almost routine. Honestly, I would love to keep you, because I love your professionalism and I can tell you understand the game… but it would be cruel mate, because this is a business and I can't justify playing you, because while you might help us win in the under 21s, as an investment you are a risk, and other players aren't. I'm really sorry mate, but I honestly think this is for the best."
I tried to respond, but all that escaped was a choked sound. I was crying. I tried clearing my throat and went to respond, but failed again.
How fucking embarrassing.
"Take your time mate, take your time."
I wiped the tears out of my eyes and went to stand to grab a tissue, but Elizabeth was already holding one out for me.
A while later I was set to join a lower league club, maybe Stockport but nothing was certain until a contract was signed, and he gave me a few pieces of advice going forward.
Keep up the effort, as while it doesn't guarantee results, nothing will happen without it
Do Coaching Badges, and coach the junior teams if I get the chance. It will mean I will have a career in Football after my playing career, and also give me a better tactical perspective.
I looked at my screen, where I was looking at my player profile in Football Manager. I had good technical stats, good mental stats, but pretty bad physical stats.
PA:85/200
CA:33/91
It also has the following modifier
-Injury Prone
It summed up pretty well the football world's opinion of me. If my ability was really that low, then even if I reached my potential, I would be one of the weakest players in League 1, let alone in the Championship or Premier League.
Obviously Manchester agreed.
I felt a hand on my shoulder, and I turned to Elizabeth.
"Hey, don't worry about it." She told me firmy. "I'm studying physiotherapy so I can get your body right, ok? You'll be 100% for the start of next season, and both your strength and mobility are progressing well above benchmarks."
I started smiling despite myself, which she took as encouragement to continue.
"I'll support you now, so that when your earning millions I can go full WAG, yeah?"
"Yeah boss, you'll deserve it by then."
My mood improved, I shot a text to Mum letting her know the situation with Manchester, but knew she wouldn't get a chance to respond until she finished her nursing shift. Then I went to tell Dad, but paused just before hitting send.
Since my knee had been snapped like a twig in that malicious tackle a year ago, Dad had been talking to me less and less, and was almost back to ignoring me like he used to. If I told him I was delisted… he might never talk to me again.
I pressed send.
- break -
5 years later
End of 2026-2027
We were driving to the airport at 4am in the morning to go on our flight, and though we were one of the only cars on the road due to the early hour, it did little to improve Liz's mood.
"Those fucking twats! How dare Bolton do this to us?" Liz exclaimed.
"I know! I'm still not over it! I fucking gave them everything, got them promoted to championship, and they loan me!"
It had been a few weeks now, so I was nearly over it, so I said it in mostly mock outrage. Mostly.
"To Fr*nce!" She said furiously.
"To Fr*nce." I confirmed.
"Why not Spain, or Italy?" She pleaded tearfully.
She turned to me, distraught with a sudden realisation. "If we have a baby in Fr*nce… do you think he will be Fr*nch?"
"Sacre Bleu! Perish the thought! I'm sure our proud Irish and English and Scottish and Welsh heritage will breed true!"
"I'm sorry Dan, but we are going to have to practise abstinence. The risk is too great."
"I understand Wifey."
Liz shivered, dropping the act instantly. "That's so ick. I refuse to be touched by a man that calls their spouse… that."
"Oui, mon amour."
"Please stop."
"But it's a romantic language?"
"It's romantic because of Rome, not romance."
"I've been learning Fr*nch, I want to practise it."
"Are you planning to sleep with your Manager? It'd be hot, but I don't condone cheating."
Like all good Football Managers, she knew that the best defence was a good offence.
"…let's change the topic."
In the end the conversation went to the safe topic of Pokémon. It consisted of me attacking inconsistencies in the world of Pokémon, and Elizabeth defending it. It was mostly stupid, but I had ended up researching a fair bit to try and stump her.
"Why are Pokémon so region locked? It makes no sense for even the insect Pokémon to not be able to travel over land."
"It's because during the last big Pokémon war where the different regions broke apart, there was a planet wide phenomenon. Due to the stressful and chaotic environment, genes from previous paternal lines that had previously been dormant were activated, where the parents of an egg had less bearing on the Pokémon than the egg group. This is because Pokémon were too divided and so as a survival instinct batches of the same type of Pokémon were hatching in different areas, depending on egg group, environment, and genetic history of the animals, similar to epigenetics in real life. Over time the diverse older generation of Pokémon perished and were replaced by the younger generation of more monoculture Pokémon."
I raised an eyebrow, impressed.
"That actually sounds plausible. Next - why doesn't Ash evolve his pikachu?"
"The stronger the foundation, the higher the end strength. Evolution, in many ways, is similar to puberty. It increases strength multiplicatively, but adaptivity is reduced after evolution. This means that it is optimal to hold off evolution for as long as possible.
"So even though he has had to save the world several times, often by the skin of his teeth with tremendous luck, he still calculated that evolution wasn't necessary?"
"…yes, completely calculated."
"Well, this is less convincing, but I'll let it go… next - How does the food chain work in Pokémon?"
"Ah… give me a minute…"
As she thought about my question, I looked through the comment section of the articles that had notified the public of my loan. I had been a pivotal part of the promotion winning side, but as Manager Colfer said when he was notifying me of my loan, a side that wins promotion into the Championship isn't a side that will win promotion from the Championship into the Prem.
While I believed I could continue improving, the Bolton Wanderers had been bought by some oil prince, and Bolts and the new owners obviously both thought little old me wasn't good enough for their shiny new Championship Team… which may be true given that they were likely happy to pay my replacement much more than the 6k quid a week that I was on. Instead I would be playing for a Ligue 2 team in France, which was still a very good standard, but now Mum wouldn't be able to make all of my games.
I trained hard, ate perfectly from the start of pre-season until the end of the season, studied tactics and discussed how my role as an attacking midfielder should be optimised for the team with the coaches and the manager. Athletically, I was in peak condition. Occasionally against weak opposition I was rested to help manage my dodgy knee, but I made sure I was available for the important matches.
However, those missed games were coming back to haunt me now. As I read the forums, they were saying how the scoring was better in the games I missed, apparently not realising I was only resting against weak sides where obviously we would have more scoring opportunities. In fact, the main people who were aggrieved by my loan were not supporters of the first team, but instead supporters of the u18 team, which I had been managing to some success.
While I had initially coached them to do the required practical work needed for my coaching badges, I soon fell in love with it. It was very fulfilling coaching the kids, watching them grow both as players and as people, and teaching them what was necessary to succeed at the highest levels.
While skills and athleticism were incredibly important to be a good footballer, everyone at the highest level had those (unless you had an almost career ending knee injury). To truly succeed, you needed teamwork. You could do repeat sprints and resistance training to improve a kid's speed or endurance. Slightly harder was the individualised feedback and training to improve a kid's dribbling or shooting skills. However, the most difficult thing was changing a player's decision making or habits was infinitely more difficult… but seeing that it was usually talented players that developed these bad habits due to beating weaker opposition, it was well worth the work if they listened and learned. Of course ambition and good work ethic were even more important, and even more difficult to ingrain, but you wouldn't be in the u18 academy team in the first place if you lacked those attributes.
"... and that is how I think the food chain works. What do you think?"
I stared at the road, nodding as I pretended to think about what she said and hide the fact that I'd been daydreaming.
"It's a good theory, but without being in the pokémon world its really impossible to be certain about anything. There are certain aspects of the world which are completely glossed over in the various forms of Pokémon media, because if they are as sentient as they are portrayed in the media there would be morality issues." I replied non-committedly.
She squinted her eyes at me suspiciously, then shrugged and instead let out a yawn.
"It would be cool to go to the Pokémon world, wouldn't it?" She asked absently after a moment.
"It would be, as long as you are there with me." I replied. "We'd make a good team. I would train the pokémon, and you could battle with them. They can't be any harder to work with than hormonal teenagers."
"You paint a nice picture." Liz said with a smile.
We fell into a comfortable silence, and Liz started playing Pokémon on the console she was carrying in her carry-on luggage. As I drove, I saw something directly ahead of me in the sky, at the start looking just like a star, but it was steadily shining brighter and brighter.
I blinked a few times, but it wasn't going away. Even though I was a bit of an insomniac and didn't get much sleep last night because of the flight, I'd never hallucinated before.
"Hey Liz, you see that in the sky?" I asked, pointing at the 'star' with one hand.
She looked up from her game.
"Is that a shooting star?" She asked curiously, before shrugging. "Might not be, but better make a wish just in case!"
I smiled at her as she looked at the star, already having made mine, but then saw her start to frown.
I looked back towards the star. It was weird, as it wasn't fading at all, and nor was it moving across the sky even a little bit. Instead, it was getting steadily brighter, like it was heading straight towards us.
My last thought as I put my foot on the brake was that I wanted to include my next life in my wish as well.