Track 5 - Prelude No. 5

"Well, today was exciting," Asa said as the three walked the night streets of Aspertia City. "I feel like we did so much on day one. Who knows what's to come?"

"Gym battles," Braedon muttered.

Asa stretched his hands out and then placed them on the back of his head. "You got that right. I'm gonna go catch myself a second Pokémon and then battle Cheren tomorrow. What about you two?"

"Same here!" Mariella exclaimed.

Braedon balled his fists. He couldn't fall any more behind the two of them. Asa won his first battle. Braedon didn't. "I think I'm gonna challenge Cheren first thing in the morning."

Asa and Mariella stopped. It was Mariella that spoke first. "Um, without catching a second Pokémon? You do know that Cheren's battle is two-on-two, right?"

"I'm aware. But, I've seen Cheren battle a hundred times. I know his every technique. We've even helped raise a few of his Patrat, Pidove, and Lillipup from the moments they hatched. Oshawott should be more than enough to get the job done. Having two Pokémon ain't a requirement. It's only a suggestion," Braedon explained.

Asa couldn't help but laugh. "You're a fool, dude. You're gonna fall behind if you lose. Take the time and catch something! I'm gonna get a Lillipup tomorrow. Why don't you do so as well?"

"Maybe I don't want the same Pokémon as you?" Braedon snapped back.

Mariella stepped in between the two boys. "It's good that you're challenging yourself, Braedon. But, don't push Oshawott too hard. Pokémon are amazing, but they are our partners. You should treat them how you want to be treated."

"Oshawott went toe-to-toe with a champion's Pokémon and almost won. We'll be fine," Braedon said as he turned away from the two. "I guess, this is goodbye for now. Next time we see, I'd like to battle with the both of you."

Asa smiled. "As long as you don't fall behind. I need my rival to be strong. That's why I push you so hard. You know it's all fun, right?"

For Braedon, it was not all fun. He had something to prove. Braedon had done better than Asa on all of the exams, which led to them becoming Pokémon trainers. Braedon was closer with Cheren than either Asa or Mariella. But something about how the three started their journeys left a sour taste in Braedon's mouth.

And the worst part was that what Asa and Mariella said made sense. Braedon knew that he needed a second Pokémon for the gym battle. He knew that he'd be pushing his Oshawott if he sent him in alone. But, something kept him from admitting that. He already said he was going to challenge Cheren. He needed to stick to his word. A boy needed to stick to his word.

"I won't fall behind. Next time we meet, you won't be able to run away from me," Braedon said. And with that, he left the two alone. He and Asa lived on opposite sides of town. Mariella lived between them, so it was fitting that she often served as a barrier to their arguments.

The cool autumn air would have normally made Braedon shiver, but his anger and racing thoughts distracted him, and within thirty minutes, he was home. His mom was working a night shift at the hospital, but she left the door unlocked for him.

He quickly went upstairs, set his Poké Ball down on his desk, and fell into bed. It didn't take long before he was fast asleep.

The next morning, Braedon woke up early. Although he was only ten, he had made a habit of brewing coffee for his mother and drinking some himself. He was scrawny, so he liked to put some of his mother's protein powder into his coffee. He wasn't sure if it did anything, but he liked the reassurance that he was doing his best to get stronger.

His mother slept in her chair, as usual. Braedon was sure that the smell of coffee would wake her up. He didn't wait for her though. Instead, he prepared himself for the battle. He looked back at his mother as she slept in the chair. He knew that he'd see her afterward. He just hoped that she'd be proud of him.

Cheren's gym was located next door to the Aspertia City Trainer School. While Cheren was not officially affiliated with the school, he would often make appearances. He enjoyed guest teaching newer trainers, and ones that he perceived as particularly gifted, he made them assistants at his gym. Braedon, Asa, and Mariella were all chosen. Because of this, the three had grown very familiar with Cheren's battling style.

"He's gonna finish the battle with Lillipup," Braedon murmured to himself as he walked to the gym. "But, who is he gonna start with? Patrat shouldn't be too much of a problem, but Pidove is weak to moves like Water Gun. They both have their strengths though."

Had Braedon not been around the gym for years, he would not have known what to look for. Cheren was a fan of the basics, which meant his gym was about as plain as it could be. Braedon could have easily confused it for some sort of municipal office. But, he knew better.

He walked through the sliding doors and turned to the reception counter. A girl who was two years younger than Braedon sat at the desk. She chewed on gum and upon seeing Braedon, she smiled, revealing a couple of missing teeth.

"Are you here for your battle, Braedon? So fast! I knew that you'd do it!" she exclaimed excitedly.

Braedon nodded. "Is Cheren here? Can I challenge him?"

"Yes you can," a voice called. Braedon turned to look at the large double doors that led to the battlefield. In front of them stood a teenager. He was tall and his blue suit fit his lanky body snuggly. He adjusted his brown tie and smiled at Braedon. "Welcome. Are you ready?"

Braedon simply nodded. He was nervous that if he spoke, Cheren would immediately be able to tell that he was nervous.

Cheren waved him over, and the two walked through the doors. Braedon had done a multitude of test battles on Cheren's battlefield. It was a plain field made of dirt with lines drawn with chalk. Braedon was far too familiar with the chalk, as he had drawn the lines roughly a thousand times.

Cheren examined Braedon, and he quickly walked to his side of the field. A referee was already on stand by.

"The following battle will be between the challenger, Braedon Scott, and the gym leader, Cheren Griffith. It will be a two-on-two battle, and a winner will be decided when one trainer has lost both of their Pokémon. Trainers, are you ready?" the referee asked while holding up a black and white flag.

Braedon clenched his fist and held out his Poké Ball. "I'm ready."

Cheren eyed him. "Don't be nervous. Just do what you know."

"We will. Go, Oshawott!"

"Pidove, you're up!"

Both Pokémon materialized on the battlefield. Oshawott stood up as high as his small body would allow him while Pidove immediately took to the air.

"Begin!"

"Quick Attack!" Cheren commanded.

"We'll be fine! Use Focus Energy!"

Pidove immediately dashed down the field, fueled by a white energy that blasted from her wings. Oshawott waited as orange chi encircled his body. He closed his eyes while he focused and prepared himself for what was next. Pidove collided with him, slightly knocking him off balance.

"Now, Water Gun!" Braedon ordered.

Oshawott only needed to shift his body slightly. He breathed in, took aim, and unleashed a violent stream of water from his mouth. The water struck Pidove, knocking the wind out of her body. She was launched backward and forced to the ground momentarily. She immediately caught herself and returned to the air.

Cheren looked at Pidove. The Pokémon struggled to stay in the air, but she did her best. He was proud of his pupil, but he couldn't let those feelings overwhelm his duty as a gym leader. "Work Up!"

"His signature strategy," Braedon thought. "Tail Whip!"

Pidove began to chirp and cheer. Red orbs surrounded her body, giving her a slight red glow. Meanwhile, Oshawott whipped around his body. He bent over, showing off his backside. He moved from side to side, wiggling his tiny tail like a rattle. The red aura around Pidove's body slowly became weaker.

"Now, Oshawott, use Tackle!"

"Show them the power of Work Up! Quick Attack! Let's go!"

Oshawott spun around, lowered his large head, and began a headlong charge. Pidove breathed heavily, collected herself, and then rocketed forward. The two collided on Braedon's half of the field, and they struggled for power. Oshawott loudly cried out as he pushed forth, slightly overpowering Pidove.

"That's how we do it!" Braedon cheered.

"Growl!" Cheren instructed.

Pidove flapped her wings once, giving herself enough distance. She landed on the battlefield and began to make a low growling noise with her chest. Oshawott appeared taken aback, and his shoulders slightly fell.

"Now, Quick Attack!"

"I don't think so," Braedon thought. "Water Gun!"

Pidove took into the air and the white light formed around her wings. Oshawott reeled back. As soon as the Flying-type darted downward, Oshawott unleashed the violent stream of water. It connected with Pidove in the middle of the air, sending her spiraling downward. She smacked into the ground with a light thud, and her body became still.

"Pidove is unable to battle! Oshawott is the winner!" the referee announced while holding up his white flag.

Cheren couldn't help but smile while he withdrew Pidove. "Well, you didn't fall for it. Had you fought back with Tackle, I'm sure that Pidove would have won that fight. I'm proud that you didn't take the bait. That said, you don't know all of my tricks."

"You sure about that?" Braedon asked with a cocky grin.

"I'm sure. Lillipup, let's go!"

Just as Braedon had thought, Lillipup was Cheren's second Pokémon. The fluffy Pokémon emerged and playfully pounced forward. Once it caught eyes with Oshawott, it lowered its body, prepared to strike.

"So, another Work Up and then what?" Braedon thought, trying to form a strategy.

"Retaliate!" Cheren shouted.

"What?"

Lillipup began to glow with red energy. He suddenly bounded forward, and when he passed by Oshawott, there was a sudden flash of light so bright it made the natural lighting from the sun appear dark.

Oshawott paused, almost not realizing just how hard he had been hit. Then, he stumbled forward, finding it hard to keep balance. He held at his stomach as he slowly felt the pain of the attack surge through his body.

"Oshawott, are you okay?" Braedon asked. He observed the situation, realizing that Lillipup now stalked his Pokémon from behind. "Blast it away with Water Gun!"

Oshawott turned his body and fell over as he released his attack once again. Lillipup was blasted in the face, forcing him back a few meters.

"One more Focus Energy!"

"Bite!"

Oshawott slowly pushed himself back to his feet, and he closed his eyes. Orange chi started to surround his body, but it was quickly interrupted. Lillipup latched his jaws around Oshawott's small arm, forcing the Water-type to let out a terrible shriek.

"He's not letting up," Braedon thought. "Tackle!"

"Use your own Tackle!"

Oshawott ripped his tiny arm away from Lillipup and then attempted to lunge. Lillipup immediately met his attack with his own, and the two struggled. However, it was Oshawott that lost out this time. The Water-type's legs trembled, and he was pushed into a backward roll.

"Let's begin preparations! Work Up!" Cheren commanded.

Lillipup barked, and red orbs encircled him. The red orbs slowly dispersed, creating a veil around the Normal-type.

"And now, Tackle!"

"Water Gun! Get into the air!" Braedon yelled, desperation making his voice crack.

Lillipup dashed forward, but Oshawott was surprisingly quick. He grunted while looking at the ground and blasted water from his mouth. He rocketed into the air, narrowly avoiding Lillipup's potential onslaught.

"Smart," Cheren commenter.

"Falling Tackle! Let's go!" Braedon ordered.

Oshawott stopped blasting the water from his mouth. He tucked in his head and jutted out his shoulders. He fell back to the battlefield, landing directly on Lillipup. The Normal-type yelped as his body was thrown to the side.

Oshawott slowly stood back up. He rocked forward but stuck out his arms, begging for Lillipup to continue their fight.

"We only have a little bit left to go! Focus Energy!" Braedon commanded.

Cheren observed Braedon. His once proud smile had slowly turned into a stern expression of concern.

"Osha!" the Pokémon cried out as chi surrounded his body. It blasted outward once before Oshawott found control of it. The chi circled him, giving him power.

"Tackle!" the two trainers yelled in unison.

The two Pokémon growled and then dove toward one another. They collided violently, separated momentarily, and then collided once again. They both took a few steps backward, eyed one another, and charged, hitting each other as hard as they could, resulting in both of them sprawled out on the ground.

The referee eyed both of the Pokémon. Had neither one of them showed signs of being able to continue, he'd call the match a draw and reward the victory to Braedon. However, Lillipup began to stir, and a thin blue aura appeared around Oshawott. The Water-type shouted and then stood back up as he surged with energy.

"There we go! Torrent! This battle is as good as ours!" Braedon exclaimed.

"Torrent also means that Oshawott is on his final legs. Don't be so sure of yourself. Use Work Up!"

"Focus Energy!"

The two Pokémon began to charge for their next attack. A mix of red orbs and an orange aura made the field shake. Cheren was taken by surprise by the amount of energy that the two Pokémon managed to exude.

"Tackle! End this!" Cheren commanded.

"Water Gun!" Braedon shouted.

Lillipup barked and started to run down the field. He kicked up dirt and rocks with every violent step. However, before he could get in too close, Oshawott unleashed his powerful blast. Lillipup's attack was put to an immediate stop, and he was thrown across the field, landing directly in front of Cheren's feet.

Lillipup shook from the attack, but he let adrenaline take over. He stood up and began to growl with anger. The red orbs around his body increased in intensity.

"Don't let up! We're so close!" Braedon exclaimed. His eyes darted around as he thought over some sort of strategy. However, his mouth was much faster than his thoughts. "Water Gun! Just use Water Gun!"

"Osha-wott!" his Pokémon cried out. He leaped forward and flexed his tiny arms while unleashing his attack one last time.

The stream hit Lillipup in the face and washed over him violently, and even though the Normal-type had the intention to keep fighting, his body simply gave into the waves. When Oshawott relented, all that remained was Lillipup's limp body.

The referee examined Lillipup from a distance and then raised his white flag once again. "Lillipup is unable to battle! Oshawott is the winner! The victory goes to Braedon Scott!"

Cheren said nothing. His proud smile had now faded. He withdrew Lillipup and slowly started to walk across the field.

"We did it!" Braedon exclaimed excitedly. He ran to his Pokémon, allowing Oshawott to collapse in his arms. He pet the Pokémon on the head softly and then let the red light of his Poké Ball absorb him.

"Part of me wants to say good job, Braedon," Cheren said with a half smile. Braedon could tell that he was upset, but he wasn't sure why.

"Well, I'd like to say thank you to the part of you that wants to say that," Braedon exclaimed while standing up straight. He hoped that making a joke would lighten the mood. At worst, Cheren was upset that he lost, but he knew that his mentor wasn't a sore loser. Braedon knew when he was about to get chewed out.

"You don't really have two Pokémon, do you?" Cheren asked. Braedon wasn't a liar, but he was also not good at telling the truth when it was negative. Instead, he just remained silent. "Braedon, I know that you're better than that. How dare you make Oshawott work so hard. I know that you have the potential to be a good trainer, a great trainer even, but pushing your Pokémon like this is terrible. It's unacceptable."

Braedon's arms slumped to his side. "I'm sorry. I felt like Oshawott could get the job done, and none of the wild Pokémon that I've come across to this point have connected with me. Isn't that important?"

Cheren crossed his arms. "It is important. But, it's also important to not feel the need to rush things. You have eleven months until the conference. That is enough time to earn eight badges, even more, if you wanted to."

"I'm-I'm sorry," Braedon muttered in response.

Cheren sighed, reached into his inner jacket pocket, and then pulled out the rectangular badge that Braedon had seen him give to so many trainers before. It was brown and basic in design, but that was by design. "You've still earned this, technically. But next time, do better. If you're heading to Virbank and gonna fight Roxie, you will definitely need another Pokémon."

Braedon took the badge and held it in his palms. It felt heavy despite its size.

Although Braedon had won the badge, he still returned home with the feeling that he lost. Winning the badge and putting it in his case had the same feeling as losing to Alder. Braedon thought that all he wanted was to be a Pokémon trainer, but after his scolding from Cheren, he was unsure how ready he truly was.

"Unacceptable," he whispered to himself as he examined the badge. He closed the case and sighed.

He eyed Oshawott's Poké Ball as it lay on his desk. With enough time, he stood up, walked to his desk, and looked through his collection of records. He was unsure of what kind of mood he was in, but he knew that he needed music.

He pulled a record at random, slid it out of its cardboard casing, and placed it on his small record player. He carefully dropped the needle on the record. He enjoyed the initial scratching sound the player let out every time he listened to his music. The music began to play a piano piece that Braedon had often practiced himself. He could never play as well as he wanted to though. He could press the keys down with the correct timing, but he always seemingly lacked feeling. At least, that is what his instructor had told him.

As the music played, he looked at Oshawott's Poké Ball once again. He wondered if the Pokémon could hear the music through the Poké Ball. He hoped that Oshawott was getting the proper rest.

"I'm sorry."

AUTHOR'S NOTES:

So, I understand the risk of having Braedon essentially squash Cheren, but I kind of like the direction that I'm going to take Braedon. He is a gifted trainer with good intentions, but I think he is gonna be a very flawed character. This chapter, I think, showed off those qualities.

Recently, my computer died on me, and I had a panic attack. I thought that I was gonna lose writing again. But, I figured out a solution, so I ain't going anywhere (for now).