A/N: I hope this story is somewhat relatable when it comes to its school activities and teen life shenanigans.
Chapter 9: The Love Guru
Chloe stood at the front of the class, positioned behind a white foldable plastic table. On top of the table were wooden carved figures, each painted with the same colors as their real-life counterparts. "…Blastoise can take the role of a leader in large groups of Squirtle and Wartortle. Its preferred habitat is freshwater ponds and lakes." She extended her hands, showing off the Pokémon scale models her group had worked on: two Squirtles, two Wartortles, and one Blastoise.
"The powerful cannons on their backs can fire water blasts that can pierce steel and concrete. These blasts can also be used for high-speed charges. Some Blastoises even make themselves heavier to withstand their own blasts and crush opponents." Chloe gave a small bow to both the class and the teacher before returning to her seat. A few members of her group quickly picked up the models from the table, making space to be used by the next group.
"Very creative, Group 4," the teacher praised, visibly impressed by their presentation, especially the scale models. Of all the classes, only Chloe's group had gone the extra mile to make multiple models. What's more, they used the most difficult method: wood carving. While the quality wasn't entirely consistent—some models looked close to their references, especially the Blastoise—others, like the Squirtles, were just good enough to be recognizable. Still, they deserved commendation. "Next, Group 5."
"I carved that Blastoise," Gary smirked, turning to Misty. "I'm sure my group will get the highest score, so you might as well pay up now."
"I wouldn't be so sure," Misty retorted, glancing at Ash as he helped a male classmate with reddish-brown hair set their project on the table. To be fair, Misty had to admit that Gary's group had done quite well with their project.
"You've got this, Richie," Ash said, passing a paper mache model to his classmate. It was a bipedal, orange Pokémon with a cream-colored underside, small blue eyes, and two horn-like structures on its head. Its large wings were blue-green on the underside, and the tip of its long tail burned with a flame.
"Thanks, Ash," Richie nodded, revealing another model—a sleeker version of the same species. This one had three horns on its head, and the arms and tail had blades and horns. The rest of the class was impressed when they saw the second model.
The amazement doubled when Ash pulled out a third one. This model had a different coloration—it was mostly black, with a sky-blue underside and soles. Its body, legs, and claws were larger, and spikes lined them. Flames shot out of its mouth, the same blue as the flame on its tail. Ash returned to his seat, giving the class a better view of their group's paper mache scale models as Ritchie began his presentation.
"Charizard and its Mega Evolutions, X and Y," Gary said, his jaw slightly dropped. Richie's presentation faded into the background as he marveled at the models.
"Do you still think your score is higher than ours?" Misty smirked, enjoying the moment.
"Those are easily the best models I've seen, even compared to others in section 1," their teacher commented after Richie's rather average presentation. While the models weren't perfect—there were minor inaccuracies here and there—they still looked impressive. "Very well done, Group 5," she added as some group members cleared the table and folded it up.
"The scores are in," she continued. "Group 1, Venusaur: 80. Group 2, Fearow: 85. Group 3, Raticate: 75. Group 4, Blastoise…" She paused, teasing the class. "…100." Gary pumped his fist, while Misty let her head drop.
"And Group 5, Charizard… also 100. Very well done. Group 4's presentation was a little better written and delivered, but Group 5's models were slightly more impressive. So, they tied for the highest score." The teacher didn't need to explain further, but she knew a few students might ask.
"We technically have the highest score, so you still owe me," Gary whispered to Misty, leaning forward in his chair.
"The bet was about who gets the highest score, not if your group gets the highest score," Misty whispered back, not looking at him. She suddenly swung her head backward, hitting Gary in the face and sending him back into his chair.
After class, a small group of students gathered around Ash's table, admiring the Charizard X and Charizard Y scale models.
"Who came up with this idea, Ash?" Goh asked, clearly impressed by the models.
Ash scratched his cheek awkwardly. "It was a group effort."
"It was Ash's idea. He did most of the molding. The rest of us painted them." Serena smiled, clearly proud of the work they'd all put in. "I painted this cutie." She gently petted the head of the Y variant.
Ash smiled sheepishly, not wanting to take all the credit. "Your group's models were really good too, Goh. I liked the idea of including all the evolution stages of Blastoise."
Before Goh could reply, Chloe interjected, "The only good ones were the Blastoise and Dawn's Wartortle. The rest were barely recognizable." She deliberately left out who had made the Blastoise, not wanting him to come over and brag about it for the umpteenth time.
Dawn proudly displayed her model. "Here, Serena. What do you think?"
Serena's eyes widened. "That's really cute!" she squealed. "It looks so real that it might just run away if you let it."
Goh, slightly irritated by Chloe's earlier comment, puffed out his chest. "Criticisms aside, if we're talking about realism, I think nobody can beat this." He stretched out his hand, showcasing the model he'd contributed to his group.
Ash tilted his head in confusion. "Is its head hidden inside its shell?"
The group froze, staring at the model, before bursting into laughter as they realized what had happened. Goh frantically searched his pocket for the missing head.
Meanwhile, across the room, Gary and Misty were still arguing over their bet.
:･ﾟ(ꈍᴗꈍ)･ﾟ:
A woman with sharp, dark red eyes and short violet hair entered a spacious office fitting for high-profile meetings. Her dark red skirt suit only added to the serious, no-nonsense aura that surrounded her. "Sir Giovanni," she addressed the man standing by the window, his back turned to her as he gazed out at the city below.
Giovanni took a slow sip from the whisky glass in his hand before responding, his voice cold. "What is it, Matori?"
Matori stepped forward, maintaining her composure. "Dr. Sebastian's team encountered the subject in Cerulean Cave. Attila, Hun, and the first company engaged it, but they were defeated." Her words lingered in the tense air, and she noticed Giovanni's shoulder twitch in frustration. Still, she pressed on. "The subject escaped again."
Giovanni threw the glass to the floor, the sharp sound of it shattering echoing in the room. His black eyes were now locked on the cityscape outside, but his anger was palpable. "The first company has four platoons, more than a hundred men, each with a full team of Pokémon! How were they defeated?!" His voice was low, and controlled, but the fury beneath it was undeniable. He turned to face Matori, his jaw clenched. "That's a quarter of our forces in Kanto! How did they fail?"
Matori didn't flinch. "Apparently, their vehicles were damaged, and most of our men were injured in the battle. The explosions alerted the Cerulean Police, who arrested most of our personnel, including Dr. Sebastian, Attila, and Hun. Over 500 competitive Pokémon were confiscated in the process."
Giovanni's fists clenched at his sides. He sank into his ergonomic chair, trying to regain his composure, but it was a battle he wasn't winning. Images of recent failures and defeats, the mistakes of his subordinates, flashed through his mind. With a growl of frustration, he slammed his fist down on the table, startling his Persian, who had been lounging lazily on the sofa nearby.
"Authorize Dr. Namba to take command of the second company," Giovanni ordered through gritted teeth, his voice steely. "Have him take over the mission to retrieve my ultimate weapon. And tell our roaming squads across the region to double their efforts in capturing or stealing Pokémon to replace the ones we've lost. I want them recruiting new members as well, if possible."
Matori saluted sharply. "Yes, sir."
:･ﾟ(ꈍᴗꈍ)･ﾟ:
Ash watched closely as a brown-haired man, treated a small orange rodent-like Pokémon, carefully tending to a wound on its leg. "You're really good at this, sir Brock! You're doing so much for these school Pokémon."
Brock chuckled, his dark eyes still focused as he bandaged the injury. "I should be. I'm a Pokémon breeder after all. And besides, you're a big help too. Sometimes, I think the Pokémon Research Club was doing me a favor by denying your late application when they reached their member capacity. If they hadn't, you wouldn't be here with me in the Pokémon Breeder's Club."
The Pokémon, now bandaged, tested its leg by giving it a few quick shakes. It waved its tail in thanks and scampered back to join the other Pokémon in the fenced clearing. Brock straightened up, dusting off his brown jeans, before returning the small spray bottle to his pocket. His lime green cargo vest, worn over an orange shirt, made him look every bit the professional.
Ash beamed with enthusiasm, hands on his waist. "This club is awesome! I get to study Pokémon while learning how to take care of them!"
The Raichu, its tail still swishing happily, gave a cheerful "Rai Raichu!" as it disappeared back into the group.
Before Ash and Brock could return to their tasks, they were interrupted by a woman with crimson hair waving at them from behind a fence. Brock's features sharpened as he spoke. "Ash, you take care of the Pokémon with the fever. I'll go serve the woman of my dreams."
Brock sprinted off, leaving Ash coughing in a cloud of dust as he made his way to the newcomer.
"Hello!" the woman called as she approached. "I'm Jessie from Pokémon Monthly. I'm writing an article on how this wonderful school maintains the health of its Pokémon." She flashed her company ID in one hand and her school visitor's ID in the other. Her blue eyes fluttered as she swayed slightly, accentuating the curves of her yellow skirt suit. She tilted her head and smiled, clearly hoping for Brock's approval. "Would you mind if I interviewed you for a moment?"
Brock's eyes widened, then softened into two large pink hearts. A dreamy grin spread across his face, and a trail of drool began to slide down the side of his chin. With a swift motion, he opened the gate, almost tearing it from its hinges. "Of course, my dear! I'm all yours, from now until the end of time! Come inside, and let's talk about our future together!" He grasped her hand and led her into the shelter of the school's Pokémon ranch.
Jessie, taken aback but recovering quickly, smiled awkwardly. She regretted her attempt at seduction and reminded herself that she could have just acted professionally.
"Have a seat!" Brock exclaimed, pulling out a chair for her. He then knelt beside her, taking her hand in one of his while placing the other over his chest. "I'm Brock Harrison, 17 years old, single, and ready to mingle. I'm a Pokémon breeder and the teacher advisor for this club, in charge of taking care of all the school's Pokémon. But don't worry, I'll always make you my top priority. Enough about me, though—tell me more about yourself!"
Jessie's eye twitched slightly as she sweatdropped but maintained her composure. "Well, again, I'm Jessie, and I'm a year older than you, so…" She paused awkwardly, then quickly redirected the conversation. "Anyway, I came here to learn how you take care of all the Pokémon here."
Brock, his eyes still locked on hers, leaned back in his chair. "Age is just a number! I'd be happy to tell you everything you need to know… so you can be fully prepared for our life together!"
:･ﾟ(ꈍᴗꈍ)･ﾟ:
A purple-haired teenager with green eyes strolled through the park, a bright smile on his face as he took in the peaceful scene around him. People sat on benches, chatting or reading, while others enjoyed a leisurely picnic on the grass. A park—where people come to enjoy life and share moments with their loved ones. It's a beautiful sight, he thought as a gentle breeze rustled the nearby flowers. Of course, some people come here to escape their problems, even if just for a moment. Some might be looking for solace, or perhaps seeking revenge on the world itself.
His gaze landed on a boy sitting alone on a bench, his dark auburn hair falling loosely over his shoulders. The boy's black eyes, tinged with redness and framed by dark bags, betrayed a deep sadness.
Approaching him with a friendly smile, the teenager asked, "Hey, what's with the long face, kid? Mind if I sit with you?"
The boy looked up, his eyes heavy, but he gave a small nod, allowing the stranger to sit beside him.
The teenager extended his hand in greeting. "I'm James. What's your name?"
:･ﾟ(ꈍᴗꈍ)･
Ash squeezed a cloth, letting the water drip into a basin before folding it neatly and placing it gently on the forehead of the black-and-blue, dog-like Pokémon lying on a small bed made specifically for such situations. He placed a hand over one of its forepaws, petting the small, white bump on it.
"Your temperature is steadily returning to normal, Riolu," Ash murmured, offering a warm smile. "I'm sure you'll be strong again by tomorrow."
The Pokémon blinked its eyes open, looking up at Ash with a faint smile. "…luu…"
"That's the spirit!" Ash said, his voice encouraging. "Just focus on getting better. I'll leave some food here, just in case you get hungry." He set a small container of Pokémon food and a bottle of water beside the bed. Riolu's eyes fluttered closed again as it drifted back to sleep.
Ash dimmed the light and quietly exited the room, only to spot Brock walking toward him with Jessie, the woman from earlier.
"This is where we let sick Pokémon rest," Brock began, gesturing to the room. "If their illness is minor, we take care of them here. But if it's more serious, we send them to the center. Riolu here just has a fever, so we expect it to be fine by tomorrow." He paused and smiled at Jessie. "Oh, and this is Ash, a member of our club. Ash, this is Jessie. She's writing an article about the school's Pokémon care program."
Ash offered a polite smile. "Hi, Miss Jessie. Nice to meet you."
"Nice to meet you too," Jessie said, her smile sincere as she relaxed, happy to talk to someone normal again. She raised her notes and pen to chest level and asked the student, "So, do you let the Pokémon stay outside, or do you keep them in their Pokéballs overnight and bring them somewhere safe?"
Ash hesitated, unsure about sharing certain details regarding their security protocols. He exchanged a glance with Brock, who understood the unspoken cue and decided to answer.
"We can't share all the specifics, but I assure you, we make sure they're safe from any unexpected weather conditions, like rain," Brock said thoughtfully.
Jessie bit her lip but nodded in understanding. It was enough for her for now. She tucked her notes and pen into her bag and pulled out her phone. "Would you mind if I take a few pictures? For the article, of course."
Brock's grin widened, practically splitting his face in half. "Pictures of me? Of course! I'm happy to help."
Jessie blinked, slightly thrown off by his enthusiasm. "I meant of the place… I want to take pictures of the facilities." She paused, glancing at the time. "Actually, I just remembered I have to head downtown. Thank you for your time, though!"
Brock looked crestfallen but quickly regained his usual charm. "Aww, okay. Wait, don't forget to give me your number!" He pulled out his phone, eager to continue the conversation.
Jessie fought the urge to roll her eyes, but her smile stayed polite. "I really do have to go, but I'll drop by some other time, okay? Bye!" With that, she hurried away.
Brock, ever the gentleman, yelled after her. "I'll walk you out!" He dashed after Jessie, with Ash following closely behind, wanting to ask something about the club.
"See you again soon, Jessie!" Brock called as Jessie hurried out without a reply. "Man, she's so shy," he muttered to himself, turning back to Ash. The younger boy had closed the mini gate behind him.
"So, how's Riolu doing?" Brock asked, shifting the conversation back to the Pokémon care.
"It's getting better, sir," Ash replied, watching as the other Pokémon in the clearing played around. "Should we return it to its Pokéball before we leave, like the others?"
Brock glanced over at the resting Riolu and shook his head. "Let it stay on the bed for now. I'll leave my Geodude nearby to help it with eating if needed. The school Pokemon Guards, Houndours and Houndooms, should be back from training, so they can help guard the area as well."
Ash nodded, satisfied with the plan.
:･ﾟ(ꈍᴗꈍ)･ﾟ:
In the depths of a nearby forest, a gray bipedal Pokémon with a long, purple tail crouched quietly in the shadows, blending seamlessly with its surroundings. Its sharp eyes flicked toward a rustling noise in the distance, and in the blink of an eye, it vanished into thin air, its form dissolving into the forest's depths. Moments later, it reappeared elsewhere, its movements fluid and swift.
The Pokémon paused, its gaze scanning the area with a cautious air, as if aware of an unseen presence tailing its every move. It waited for what seemed like an eternity, its senses alert, before finally finding a small, hidden cave nestled within the trees. With a low, deliberate step, it made its way inside, settling in for a much-needed rest, secure in the quiet solitude it had found.
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A/N: Last update for this year! I hope you like it. Stay safe!
-Areyem Meyera