The Unknown Trainer

Chapter 4

Make it Double

Connor and Braixen were making their way back to his house, the events from earlier still running through his mind. He couldn't believe how strong Braixen really was, she had faced some tough looking Pokemon, including a fully evolved one and took each of them out in one shot. There was also one more thing he was thinking about, May had talked about trying to become the champion. While he agreed with her then, he was once again lying. The idea of this becoming his actual job never was a real thought, but he couldn't deny that Braixen's power could be an unstoppable force. But he needed to acquire more Pokemon, and he still didn't have a lot of knowledge like some of the other skilled trainers. He needed to talk to someone about this "Hey Braixen. Should we make battling our occupation?" Braixen turned to look at her master with confusion. "I thought that was the plan from the start? Plus you told that girl that is what you were planning to do." Connor sweat dropped at her response, it seemed that he needed to teach his Pokemon how to lie. "Not really, it was more of a side hobby to earn some money for now. Plus there's a lot that goes into being a trainer." "Like what?" The fox Pokemon questioned her master's concerns. "There's a couple of things, like I would need to catch more Pokemon, and you could tell from your battles that I don't have a lot of skills as a battle trainer." Now Braixen was growing more confused by Connor's insecurities "But you captured me? So you must have some skills?"

This comment froze Connor, Braixen still had no idea that she was originally a human like himself. All she knew was that she was captured, that's when it all clicked. All he had to do to get Braixen was create his own pokeball and capture a human, if he made more of his own pokeballs, he could create his team like that. "You're right Braixen, but that means we're going to have to go to the store tomorrow to buy some equipment." The next day, Connor would go to the store in the morning and grab all the equipment he needed to build more pokeballs. Once he made it back, he went to the basement to start working. Since he had done it before, it took him less time to create them. However, Connor wasn't just going to create one, if he was to go on a journey he would need more than that. In total he ended up making 10 more human pokeballs, all within two weeks. Once he resurfaced from the basement, he found Braixen was sleeping on the couch, waiting for her master. Connor walked over to her and gave her a quick smooch on the nose to slowly wake her up. "Time to wake up Braixen, we're all set to start our journey."

The pair were once again making their way through the trail they were at a few weeks prior. The reason for this was because they needed to acquire some necessary equipment like food, water, kitchen utensils, and camping things. However, what the two didn't know was that a trio of dastardly foes were closely following them, waiting for the perfect time to strike. After reaching the halfway point, Connor stopped walking after he heard the sound of a bush. Even though he had a reliable Pokemon like Braixen who has shown her superiority, those past rumors of powerful Pokemon were still in the back of his head. While Connor was looking the other way, a net was quickly shot out towards them, capturing Braixen. "What the hell, who did this?!" Connor yelled after seeing his Pokemon trapped. That's when a voice answered from out of nowhere "Don't worry about that sweetie, we're just here to capture our prize." Out of the bushes came two trainers that were wearing matching uniforms with a big red R in the middle, as well as a Meowth. Connor knew who these people were, they were part of Team Rocket, an organization that steals other trainers Pokemon and sells them for a profit. "Team Rocket! What are you planning on doing?!" The two grunts just laughed at the silly question. "What do you think we're doing you big dumbo. We're stealing your Pokemon, we saw how powerful it is and that type of ability will go for a lot on the market. So…" The two of which began to make poses "Prepare for trouble! And make it double! To protect the world from devastation! To unite all peoples within our nation! To denounce the evils of truth and love! To extend our reach to the stars above! Jessie! James! Team Rocket blasts off at the speed of light! Surrender now or prepare to fight! Meowth That's right!" Connor was shocked by everything going on, but what really stood out was the fact that the Meowth had just talked. "Wait a minute, you guys have a talking Pokemon?" The Meowth didn't wait to respond "Yea, what's it to ya. You shouldn't be too shocked since we know yours can talk as well." Connor turned white after the comment, he had been trying to keep it a secret but was already caught. The only one that looked happy about all of this was Braixen.

"Finally I'm able to speak out here, it gets really annoying trying to be quiet all the time." Braixen casted her fire move and burned down the net that was holding her captive. The Team Rocket trio were aghast as Braixen easily set herself free. Connor laughed at their reactions "Probably not the smartest move to use something that can burn on a fire Pokemon." Team Rocket recovered quickly from the mistake and were ready to launch plan B, Jessie responded "Well there's more than one way to take your Pokemon. Come out Arbok!" James reached out for his pokeball "good luck facing the both of us with just one, Wheezing!" Meowth started to walk forward "How about we make thi instead." Connor was now concerned about the situation, while he did trust Braixen, a number advantage like this would be hard for any Pokemon. Luckily, he wouldn't have to stress for long, because out of nowhere, a Hydro Pump collided with Meowth. As Meowth was sent into a tree, the rest looked at the direction of the attack to see it came from a Swampert, and behind him was May. "Looks like you're in a pickle here Connor, mind if I help even it out?" Connor smiled at his former opponent, knowing this would turn the tides. Jessie and James quickly recovered and prepared their Pokemon for the fight.

It didn't take long for Braixen and Swampert to take out Team Rocket's Pokemon, even when Meowth returned, they were no use for Connor's and May's might. Jessie and James knew they were done for, they tried to escape but were stopped by Braixen psychic powers. "I think it's time to send you guys packing." Braixen agreed with her master and sent the group flying into the air. "Team Rocket is blasting off again!" Connor and May watched them in amazement at the distance they traveled, Connor then turned to face May "Thank you so much for the backup, I don't know what I would have done without you." Braixen only rolled her eyes at the comment, knowing she would have destroyed them by herself. May smiled and acknowledged the appraisal "It's not a problem, just helping out a friend. Plus, take it as an apology for me storming off a few weeks back." The two continued to talk for a little about what they have done for the last couple of weeks. This eventually led to May talking about how she has been training non stop to get stronger after her defeat. Connor acknowledged this strength "I could definitely tell from the battle, your Pokemon have definitely gotten better." May's smile turned into a smirk of cockiness "I bet I could even beat you now." Connor wasn't ready for this response, but now he was determined, knowing what he wanted to do now. "If you're challenging me then I accept, as long as you make one agreement with me." May was now confused and curious what he could possibly be talking about "And what exactly is this agreement?" Connor looked over at Braixen, who knew exactly what Connor was planning. "If I win this battle, then you must travel with me."

May had once again thought too strong about herself again. While it was obvious that her Swampert had progressed, it was still no match for Braixen abilities. The only positive was that it took a couple of shots to take down Swampert. While May was disappointed about the outcome, she couldn't deny that she was happy to be traveling with Connor now. Throughout their interactions and battles, she had grown a little crush for the friend/competitor. "Well Connor, a bet is a bet, I guess we're now traveling partners. I can't wait to learn all the things you did to get Braixen as strong as she is." Connor could only laugh at May's excitement, the longer he laughed, the more sinister he sounded. "Oh May, if only you knew how serious this situation is right now, but I guess you'll never know." May was now creeped out and tried to back away from the situation, only to find herself stuck in the same spot. That was when she noticed that Braixen was using her psychic powers to trap her. "What's going on Connor, what are you doing?!" Connor's face didn't change, he only walked closer to her "I'm just making right on the bet. Like I said, you'll now be traveling with me, as a Pokemon!" May was panicking now, trying and failing to escape from Braixen grasps. Connor tried to reassure her "Hey now, everything is going to be fine. Trust me, you'll enjoy being my little plaything. If you don't trust me, just ask Serena. Or who used to be." May's eyes were widened in shock, she had heard stories of a missing girl named Serena a week ago, no information was found on her possible whereabouts. Now May knew where she went, the Braixen that had destroyed her was Serena, and now she was going to be the next victim. May tried to make one last plea to Connor "Why?... Why are you doing this? Why me?" Connor took a second to think about his answer, before pulling out a pokeball May had never seen before "To be honest, it's not your fault, you're just in the wrong spot at the wrong time. I'm just trying to get back at those who didn't believe in me." And with that, Connor threw the ball, connecting with May who was quickly sucked inside. A second later, the ball clicked, confirming the capture. Connor walked over and picked up the ball, "Welcome to the team May."

Seems like our protagonist has found a new direction to take with his life, along with a new companion. Now the only question is who will come out of the ball, find out next time.