Like most dreams, the ones I have are weird.
Like some dreams, the one I'm having right now I have had a number of times before.
Like few dreams, it's one I remember clear as day.
Like even fewer, I'm aware it is a dream, and while I can't change it... I can walk about it.
That's something right?
Looking around, I recognise my surroundings. A city... or rather a mishmash of what should be a city.
Buildings of clearly different cultures stitched to one another. Paths leading nowhere. Doors standing without a building. Random deep pools of water dotted about without rhyme or reason. Patches of grass, too. Heck, there's even a cave entrance in one building.
This dream is always the same. But at the same time, although it's the same, the position of these features always changes each and every time I have the dream.
Listening, I hear nothing. I look at the sky, seeing only blue nothing. I wait a while and still nothing happens.
Good, that thing ain't about.
Every time I dream about this place, there's a chance that thing will come straight for me. Whatever it is.
Wandering about, I see a number of doors largely wide open. Taking a peek through one, I'm greeted by a memory of my childhood.
"Hey Mum, do you know when Dad will be back?"
"Oh, well..." My mother looks away. Her light purple hair hides her kind eyes from view. "I don't know... maybe- how about we visit grandma next week, up at the clan compound? You and Reggie would like that, right Paul."
That's not what I asked, though. I was going to ask again, but paused as my heart leapt. "Yeah, let's visit grandma." Mumbling downwards, I turned away from her wet eyes.
Quickly pulling myself away so as not to be dragged in. "Yeah, that takes me back." I can't help but frown. Wasn't I about 5 years old?"
Moving further ahead, I see inside another door.
"No, not like that. Like this!" Maylene punches forward as an example. "Let your punch carry all the way when you hit the target."
I did as she asks. Taking stance again, I threw my fist into the bag. Not pulling it away, I noticed that my fist hit harder and the bag swung further. "Huh."
"See! Doing that puts in all your weight into the attack, and you get more force." The older girl smiles, and I feel a familial sort of warmth break out in my chest.
Looking away, I feel more inclined to smile. That had been around when I was 6, I'm sure. Since I started helping out part-time in the Pokémon Gym around then. And Maylene looked about 12.
I really owe her a lot for teaching me martial arts and Pokémon battling. Apparently, Gym Leader Breface thought it would help Maylene's own training in both martial arts and Pokémon.
But you want to know the real reason?
Maylene used to be too eager to learn martial arts, and coupled with the fact she's a genius at it, you can guess that old man Breface was looking for an out whenever he could.
Heck, when I asked him before leaving, he confessed that he originally let me work part-time as a distraction!
I mean, the old guy said he was proud I had done so well as a member of the Gym. And then gave me a Take Down TM as a leaving gift.
Who would complain? I got more benefits than he did out from that deal. It gave me something else to do to distract me from... stuff...
A sudden sensation alerts me. I know it well. Looking about, each of the open doors closes. The broken city shudders.
Guess it's time, as always.
An early knock at my room's door woke me up. What time is it? Looking to my alarm clock, I see the small hand of time cruelly click to 6 a.m.
I hear another knock. Who disturbs a person at this time?
They knock again. Kicking my sheets over Turtwig, I jump from the soft mattress, stomping over to the door.
I open it.
"..."
For no one to be there. I look outside.
"..."
Left, clear.
"..."
Right, nothing.
Scowling, I shut the door.
Standing still a moment, I take a heavy breath. Contemplating briefly, any means by which I could have vengeance. Before just dropping the problem entirely to go trudge back to bed.
Sitting on the bedside, the quilt is thrown into me. Looking side-long, a grumpy turtle looks back. "Turrr, twig. Twig, twig, tur!"
Narrowing my eye in response to Turtwig's tone, I relax. "Yeah, sorry. Someone knocked at the door and I got angry." I look away. "Sorry for waking you, pal."
I hear a sniff, and much to my suprise, Turtwig hops to the floor. "Turtwig!"
May as well get up now? Huh. This guy's looking motivated for the day. Getting some early morning training and exercise in is always good, regardless of how early it is. "Alright. May as well."
Having a shower and getting dressed. Stepping out the room, a very grumpy but motivated Turtwig follows.
Admittedly, yesterday, I had only taken him out the Poké Ball in my room and for the Battle Raffle. It was for a more strategic element of surprise than anything else. But I guess Janine was better at that.
I think he's also itching for another fight.
Currently, the Pokémon Center's pretty quiet. I must not be the only one who preferred waking up at 7 a.m. over 6 a.m.
It's weird though. I feel like I'm being watched... er, probably just Turtwig.
Nurse Joy, covering her morning yawn, saw me from behind her desk. "Oh, good morning, Paul. I suppose you're here for Spinarak?"
I nod. "I am."
"Just a moment, then." Yawning again, she leaves and returns with a tray holding a single Poké Ball. "Here is your Pokémon!"
Despite her smile, there's a slight bit less of Nurse Joy's usual... well... joy. Considering it's the early morning and she was busy after the matches yesterday, I'm not surprised.
"Thank you." I take my newest partner Pokémon and turn to leave, only to pause. Looking back as the nurse coughs into her hand.
"I thought you should know there were signs Spinarak had ingested saltwater, and there were similar remains dried on its outside." Nurse Joy smiles. Despite how happy she looks, I can only feel chills up and down my spine! "Paul, I advise you never to leave before I or any other Nurse Joy has finished talking to you."
She wasn't wrong. Her attitude reminds of the Nurse Joy in Veilstone.
Keeping composure, I bow my head, closing my eyes so as not to show the shame and, admittedly, fear she had just instilled in me. "My apologies. I'm... a little eager is all."
Staring for a while, Nurse Joy relents, sighing. "Oh, so long as you understand. But I am concerned your Spinarak may have fallen off from a boat at the docks and had its Poké Ball broken." Her face becomes pleading. "I know you only caught it yesterday, Paul. But I would like you to go ask around at the docks if anyone's missing a Spinarak."
I guess... I mean, I haven't exactly invested any training yet. Looking down at Turtwig, the Small Leaf Pokémon looks back. Another thought occurs. "Why don't we just ask Spinarak?"
Popping open the Poké Ball, the String Spit Pokémon materialises. "Kwee!"
Glancing about, it looks at Nurse Joy, me, Turtwig, and then at the entire room before dropping its head down sadly. "Kewww..."
Nurse Joy shares a look with me. Nodding, I crouch down to roughly Spinarak's level. "Hey."
The Poison/Bug-type looks up at me, slightly wet around his eyes. "I know you're a little confused right now. But did you have a Trainer before me?"
"Kwwek..." The little fella shook his head side to side.
I see Nurse Joy's visible relief. "Well, I'll leave you to it then. The other Pokémon Trainers will be getting up soon, so I suggest you make the most of your quiet time."
Picking up Spinarak, the spider didn't bother fighting me as we went and sat at the restaurant. Placing him on the table, the bug remained largely depressed.
Turtwig hopped onto another chair as I sat with my bag. Staring at the sad spider, I felt inclined to ask, "Do you want to tell us why you're sad?"
"Kwe, kwekweee...?" He looks at Turtwig, tilting his small head. Spinarak's eyes ask for help.
Turtwig nods approvingly. "Turr, turr, twig!" His tone is proud.
Spinarak lifts a front leg to his head, appearing to think. Then the spider's mind seems made up, and both front legs wave –or rather, flail– at me. "Kweee, kewk, kweee! Kwe!"
"Wait." I raised my hand to stop Spinarak's panicked explanation. "I'm going to need some context here. Can you use your thread to explain?"
Spinarak nods, and I stand up again. "Alright. Let's go outside so we don't make a mess."
Ritchie, yawning as he stepped outside, had to look twice at Paul. The other Trainer and his Turtwig stared in concentration at... something on the floor.
He didn't quite get the chance to speak to the Sinnoh Trainer after yesterday's matches as he had initially wanted; nor did he know how to feel about Paul after the Trainer's match. And Ritchie would be damned if he didn't try to actually get to know him now.
"Hey Paul! How'd you sleep last night?" The blue-hatted Trainer smiles.
"Fine. You?" Only to receive a terse response as Paul closed his eyes.
"Oh, pretty good." Apart from Ritchie's weird nightmare about being chased by a giant Rhydon doll. He looks at what Paul was focused on before. "So, what's this?" Was it supposed to be a drawing? It looks like a squiggly mess!
"Well, Ritchie..." The Sinnoh Trainer grew even more serious, and Ritchie paid his utmost attention. "I have no idea."
Ritchie nearly fell over.
"Sorry about that." Paul said, sounding genuinely somber about it.
The Kanto Trainer scratched his cheek, unsure why he was being apologised to. "Er, that's okay-" But Ritchie paused, seeing Paul crouch down to... a crying Spinarak.
"I know the feeling." Paul consoles the String Spit Pokémon, patting its head. "With me, sometimes, it can be too little. With you, right now, it's too much. So go on. Start again, but one step at a time and simpler."
Spinarak's tears stopped; the Bug-type looked at Paul, eyes glimmering.
Ritchie heard from stories that Pokémon understood the meanings of words through the intents behind them. Some stories saying it was two-way.
While Ritchie didn't understand the meaning behind Paul's words, it became obvious to him that the Spinarak did. The Pokémon giving a firm nod. "Kwe!"
The mess of webbing dissolves, and Spinarak begins weaving again. This time the image is more comprehensive, albeit primitive, depicting two Spinaraks.
Pointing to one, Spinarak points back to itself. "That's you." Paul nods. Ritchie watches, holding his chin in thought.
Pointing a leg at the other, Spinarak points a leg at Turtwig, moving it between the Pokémon and its Trainer. "Your... friend?"
"Kwee, kwee!" Spinarak hops, nodding excitedly at Paul's question.
It weaves again, this scene includes two stick figures with... a Houndour and an Ekans? One of the Spinarak, the friend, is now depicted in a net.
Yet, the drawer looks at the depicted net a little unassuredly. As if the Pokémon didn't quite know how to explain the detail. At least, that's how it looked to Ritchie.
"Pokémon Hunters?" The Trainer from Sinnoh hums. "Okay, so your friend was captured. And I'm going to guess you chased after?"
The Spinarak nods, changing the scene to a large fishing boat with the uncaptured Spinarak stuck to the back.
"Well, if that had been all the way from Johto, that would explain your condition..." Paul's eyes moved sideways in a look of contemplation.
"So, is this your Spinarak, Paul?" Ritchie felt like he needed some answers now.
"Yeah. Caught him yesterday." The other boy pauses, glancing from the image to a wristwatch. Nodding, Paul crouched down to offer a hand to his Spinarak. "Do you want to go to the docks with me and see if you can recognise this boat?"
"Kwee!" Paul's Spinarak nods happily. Crawling up the Trainer's arm, the Pokémon happily sat on his left shoulder.
To this, Turtwig gave a disgruntled grunt, and Paul sighs. "Alright, jump on the other."
Turtwig, however, thrusts its head up in the other direction. "Tur!"
"Stubborn as ever." Smirking lightly, the Sinnoh Trainer returned the Tiny Leaf Pokémon and stands, raising a hand in farewell to Ritchie. "Later."
Ritchie stared at Paul's back for a while with annoyance, before sighing and made his decision. Regardless of whether or not it was solely Paul's business; when there's a Pokémon in need, –which clearly right now there is,– it becomes Ritchie's business as well!
A firm resolve overcame him, and Ritchie followed! "Wait! I'm coming with you!"
Paul pauses, staring wide-eyed briefly at the other Trainer before shrugging and continuied walking. "Alright, why not."
Ritchie let a smile settle over his face.
Huh, weird. Why does it feel like someone's watching me. Probably just my imagination.
Or so Ritchie thought.
Dammit!
Janine missed her chance again!
Why does she keep chickening out!?
On her first try, it was a little understandable. Janine had knocked on his room's door repeatedly this morning. She, however, re-evaluated that decision; realising that perhaps waking someone up at 6am wasn't the wisest choice and promptly hopped into a nearby vent.
But this time, there had been little excuse. She didn't know what happened. One moment Janine had been about to go ask for Paul's assistance, and the next Ritchie appeared and the konoichi immediately dived into the Pokémon Center's shrubbery.
Why!?
Where did this anxiety suddenly come from!?
Never mind! Janine would just follow until the right moment presented itself.
Arriving at Vermilion City's port, Turtwig, Spinarak, and I begin our search. Ritchie decided to tag along too; don't entirely understand why.
But he seems like a genuine enough sort of guy. And his resolute expression made it hard turn him down; because honestly, Ritchie looked like he'd follow me regardless.
So, why not?
He wanted to know my Spinarak's business, so I told him the details as we walked.
Originally, I didn't want to go out of my way to do this. Yet here we are anyway. Guess I'm a bleeding heart.
In any case, this morning the docks were busy as you would think. Different ships came in, various fishing boats, and a few ferries preparing to leave.
"Hm, which one..." Ritchie looks at the various fishing boats.
"Dunno. Do you recognise any, Spinarak?" The Bug/Poison-type looks about with a conentrated eye. As we walk a short while more, he points suddenly, squeaking. "Kwekke!"
Staring where Spinarak points, there is a fishing boat unloading the catch of the day in crates; sardines, I think. In sync with a few other other boats.
I would think it a normal fishing boat, honestly. Except for the fact they had an Ekans and Houndour standing guard. Whereas the other boats have the likes of Machop or Poliwirl helping out.
"We should ask about Spinarak's friend." Before he went any further, I gripped Ritchie's shoulder.
"Don't." He looks to me, and I explain my caution. "If they know anything, why would they tell you?"
Ritchie's brows pinched. "Because it's right."
"Wrong." My head shakes. "Official League Pokémon Hunters wear the name like a badge of honour. But if they are Hunter's, why are these guys acting like fisherman?"
"Em, a hobby." His answer's more unsure than the last.
Jeez, how can I not sigh? "Probably. Or they're doing something not so League-approved."
"Smart kid..." My own brows pinch together this time. Ritchie and I both turn our heads, looking at a man in a trench coat sitting on a nearby bench reading today's newspaper. The man coughs. "Sorry. Don't pay me any mind..."
"Alright." I look away. Obviously a cop.
Ritchie turns back to me, blinking. "Where's Spinarak gone?"
Frowning, I peer at my shoulder, seeing Spinarak gone and looking back at the boat to see the Pokémon in question madly dashing to get nearer. Too far out of reach to be returned to his Poké Ball. "Crap."
Rushing and catching up after my renegade, the Houndour's ears perk. Lifting its head, the Dark Pokémon bares its teeth. "Grrrrr..."
"KWE!" Unnerved, Spinarak pauses long enough for me to catch up and return him.
But Houndour jumps in front of me, snarling. "Grohrara!"
I take a step back and the dog steps forwards. "Grrrr!..."
"That's enough, Houndour!" The Pokémon visibly flinched at the tone, stopping all aggression. One of the 'fishermen', a man wearing a flat cap, looked apologetic. "Sorry about her, kid. But you should get going."
I steady my breath. "R-Right."
Houndour's stomach rumbles, drawing my eyes to the Pokémon once more. It became clear to me it doesn't look the best cared for.
Taking off my bag, I quickly rummage through it. Finding the cylindrical container I was looking for, and opening it with a pop.
The smell clearly interests the Dark-type; if the watering mouth is any indication. Tipping it slightly, Pokémon food gently falls out.
I close and stuff the cylinder back into my bag, turning around to leave, I hear the Houndour begin eating.
"Groh." It gave a much lighter bark this time. Whether it was in 'thanks' remains in the air.
It didn't take long to reach Ritchie again. "Are you alright, Paul?" He asks me concerned.
"Yeah." A little taken off-guard, but he didn't need to know that. "Would have thought you'd come along." I feel my lips pull up at the edges. "Proved me wrong."
He chuckled embarrassedly, rubbing the back of his head. "I was! But I tripped over the guy with the newspaper's foot..." Looking at the bench, the man had gone. "Hey! Where'd he go!?"
"He'll probably be back if you want an apology, maybe you should call the police." I hum.
"No, it's alright. He apologised and gave me an Oran Berry. But I was sitting with him just now on the bench..." Looking around, the man had disappeared completely. "That's weird."
Glancing at my watch, I note the time. "It's 9 a.m."
"Ah, we should get back if we want to get ready for the next matches." Ritchie glances uncertainly at me. "Do you wanna grab a snack or something?"
I'm not really a breakfast guy, yet I shrugged anyway. "Sure."
Not really sure what to do with Spinarak though.
"What about the boat." The Kanto Trainer tilts his head at me.
I shook my head. "Leave it."
For a moment, Ritchie looked like he wanted to argue before folding. "Fine."
This is not really my field of expertise...
I don't know the whole deal with whatever criminal activity is going on at the harbour. Heck, why would potential poachers want a Spinarak?
No offence to Spinarak's friend, but the Spinarak line isn't exactly considerably rare now, is it?
"Well, that could've gone better." The man in a trench coat adjusted his hat, scratching at his brow.
A young Trainer chasing after a runaway Pokémon is one thing. But the two together may have raised his suspects alertness level. Especially if one began asking questions.
And after paying a brief moment of attention to the two Trainers in question, he'd say one saw a crime and knew when to be quiet; and the other was well-hearted but liked to ask questions.
Neither of those traits were bad. But given he'd let one accidentally slip by, it had been better the quiet Trainer over the other.
Tripping kids up wasn't what he wanted on his lookout duties. It was more panic and reaction than anything else.
Sorry kid...
It wasn't something an Oran Berry couldn't fix, he knew that. Yet, even if the man did apologise, he couldn't help but feel bad about it.
Now... it's about time to switch out...
Clearing his throat, he speaks quietly into a walkie-talkie pulled from inside his coat. "This is 100kr requesting a switch. Do you read me? Over."
In the following pause, he could only imagine his colleague sighing. The walkie-talkie buzzed. "...This is 000. Reading you loud and clear. I'll take look out. L022 is currently on break. And since I sympathise with her on that, I'm going to ask: why request the early swap out? Over."
"There was an incident that may have drawn attention to me from two passing Trainers. Nothing drastic. Over." Codename 100kr kept his own sigh at the blunder to himself, because 000 wouldn't.
"...Leave it in the report. Just vacate the area, Looker. Out." Ah. Yeah, he's angry.
"Welcome back, babies and children!" Surge is boisterous as always.
And me? I'm back sitting on the bench with Ritchie. We don't exactly have the element of surprise anymore, so I let Turtwig sit by my feet, my other reason being for him to gauge how others fight.
Surge appears not to mind, and Ritchie, seeing this, brought out his Charmander, Zippo, and a Caterpie he calls Happy.
The nickname is oddly fitting for the latter, considering its happy little bobble, but contradictory for the former's chatty attitude, as evidenced by the little fire spitter's one-sided conversation with my annoyed silent Turtwig. I feel you, buddy, I feel you.
Spinarak, on the other hand... He was off sulking in his Poké Ball because I stopped his reckless stunt earlier. I'll figure out what to do with him later; it's future Paul's problem.
"Morning, you two!" Of course. Out the blue again sat next to me Neesha. "How'd you both sleep?"
"Just fine." Clipped, as my responses may often be. I don't often bother talking unnecessarily. Preferably, I try getting the point across. Otherwise, it's just a waste, to me.
"Oh, hey Neesha!" Ritchie smiles. "Yeah, I slept alright. You?" Hm, I thought he said that he slept pretty good earlier? Probably woke up in the middle of the night or something...
"Yeah, slept like a log." From the corner of my eye, I see Neesha smile as I look at raffle Poké Ball number: 3 in my hand. Surge got rid of the stickers in favour of using a black marker pen.
"Eh... Hey Paul, can I ask you something?" I was going to say no, but she asked before I got the chance, disregarding what I might have to say; like every living thing on earth does! "Are you related to someone called Reggie Hale? He's a Trainer from Veilstone, and you both have the same last name, so I'm just sort of curious..."
Blinking upwards, I turn my head to her. Wait, she knows Reggie? I've seen him battle other Trainers on TV, so it kinda made sense someone else would. "Sure, he's my brother. Why?"
Neesha lights up. The older Trainer looks as if she were on the precipice of regurgitating words, like a- like a- like a-!
Gossip girl!
I suddenly don't feel so comfortable now... Dear Arceus, is this one of my brother's fans!? Palkia! I buseech thee!
However, before she could get another word in. "Numbers: 3!" Surge called the first number he drew.
"That's me." I stand and walk to the field. Turtwig is relieved to follow, all the while Zippo giving a happy little wave.
Thank you, Palkia, for giving me this brief space of peace. For however long this battle lasts...
I'm going to go with the raffle again this first battle. Mainly because my opponent this time, the educated Giselle, does the very same thing.
I could go with Turtwig like I had originally planned on doing with Janine. The thing is, despite Type-advantage, the battle can go differently when our Pokémon get tired.
Better to test our luck and knowledge in the first round and duke it out full swing in the second. Besides, I can just switch out when she does; we both only get one each, after all.
We both took our positions. "Release your Pokémon."
And we threw.
"Go!" On Giselle's side appears a Pikachu. "Pika!"
"Stand by for battle!" On mine a Magnemite does. "MAGNEMITE." Interesting. Pikachu have good hearing, right?
"Begin!"
"Metal Sound!" I start things off.
"MAGNE_!" Ugh... I think by the Giselle's visible grimace she felt just as ill as I did hearing it.
But looking at Pikachu, the little guy was toughing it out with grit teeth.
What else? Ah, yeah, it might know that. "Sonic Boom!"
"Dodge! Following with Thunder Shock!" My opponent orders.
"Magnemite!" A shock wave explodes from the Magnet Pokémon's front, slamming the Electric Mouse as it nearly dodged.
"Pika!" Regardless, the Pikachu chose to continue with its orders and released an electric surge. "Chuuuu!"
There is no time to dodge. I gotta grasp whatever straw I can. "Defend yourself!"
Thankfully, a screen made of light materialises between the incoming attack and Magnemite.
Light Screen, though a weak one considering it was single-layered, did a good job of defending against Thunder Shock.
"Quick Attack." It appears my opponent wants to get in close. Pikachu shot forwards, white energy trailing behind.
Now then, let's lean into what we know. "Sonic Boom, rapid-fire!"
Multiple shock waves of force burst at Pikachu in quick succession of the other. Each wave pushed Magnemite slightly back from recoil.
"Pikachu, Dodge!" And the Electric-type did. At least, the first two.
Because as Pikachu was about to strike- "MAGNEMITE!" The Electric/Steel-type releases a Sonic Boom mightier than the last!
"Pika-!" Hitting the ground with a loud smack. Dust rises and clears, revealing a recovering Pikachu.
"Tackle, now!" My raffle Pokémon carries out the order brilliantly. Propelling itself forward so fast that it crashes into the dazed mouse with a sickening crunch.
Giselle wouldn't get a last order in now.
"Pikachu is unable to battle. The victor of the first round is Magnemite!" At Surge's announcement, some spectators clap. Magnemite, in particular, adored the attention, waving its magnets happily at the audience.
I was about to return it when it suddenly flew over to me happily. "MAGNEMITE! MAGNEMITE! MAGNEMITE!"
Staring at the raffle Pokémon, it did very much the same with expectation. Realising it wanted praise, I sigh, raising the Poké Ball. "Not bad, I'm sure you can do better."
Magnemite looks somewhat downcast as I return it. Harsh, sure. But here's the thing: over bloating a Pokémon's ego isn't a good idea. There have been cases where it had led to disobedience after they Evolved.
Turtwig? He's just angry and stubborn. If the Grass-type ever shows the signs, I'll sort something out to deal with the issue.
"Both of you, select your next Pokémon!"
At the prompt, I look down at my side to Turtwig. "Stand by for battle."
"Tur!" He ran to stand against the opposition.
The student looks at her Poké Ball worriedly for a brief moment, before throwing. "Cubone, go!"
"Cu, cu!" The little skull-wearer appeared in a flash.
Surge hums, taking another note. "Ready?" And we nod. "Good. Begin!"
"Bonemerang!" Giselle shouts her order. Cubone, hefting the club back, throws it, sending the bone spinning.
"Dodge and Razor Leaf!" Hopping to the side, out from the spinning calcium stick's way. Turtwig whips his head as he did, sending a set of sharpened leaves spinning towards the Ground-type.
"Dodge!" And Cubone did, being clipped by two leaves. But an odd glint entered Giselle's eyes. "Attract!"
Through a slightly teary eye, Cubone gave a wink. "Cu~ Cubone~" A heart-shaped pink energy shot like a bolt.
Oh no. "Dodge, quickly!" However, regardless of my order, the move struck.
"Tur~ Turtwig~" His swaying, love-struck calls, and eyes were all just so...
"Gross..." Giselle was smug as anything at my words. That highty attitude bugs the heck out of me! I had to talk some sense into him. "Are you really going to fall over in love just like that! You look pathetic!" Turtwig seemed visibly struck by my words!
Cubone's bone returns. "Bone Club!" And it rushed towards Turtwig.
The Grass-type remains still from my words. And as he is struck by the club- "Tur!" Turtwig snaps back to himself! His love struck expression sinking below an emerging mixture of shame and rage.
That's my boy...
I smirk cruelly. "Bite that club, gone!"
"Twig!!!" Turtwig took the order in stride. Reacting quicker than normal, his jaw gripped hold of the retreating weapon. "TURRRRTWIGGGGGG!!!" And shattered the bone into fragments!
I mean... I was expecting him to throw it aside, not shatter the damn thing! Wait, that was stronger than it should've been! Was that move, Crunch!?
"Cu- Cu-!" Cubone looks taken aback. "CUBONE!!!!" And busts into tears with a cry.
"Retreat back, Cubone!" Yet the Lonely Pokémon doesn't listen.
Screw it, there's an opportunity here! "Headbutt!"
Slamming his head into Cubone's own, Turtwig sent the other Pokémon tumbling back.
And- "CUUU!!! CUU!!!" Cubone began flailing about. Its tantrum worsening.
Giselle sighs and raises her Poké Ball. "Cubone, return... I concede..."
Surge nods, raising his hand my way. "Cubone is unable to battle. The victors are Turtwig and Paul!"
Turtwig walks back to me. Looking awkwardly away as he did. Staring down at him I nod. "You did a good job."
"Turr..." He still looks embarrassed. Raising his Poké Ball, I return him. I don't think Turtwig is in the mood to be out anymore.
Walking over to the Gym Leader like Giselle did, I handed the raffle Pokémon back over to Surge.
Raising my hand to my former opponent, confusion riddles her expression. I found myself needing to explain. "Good game."
"Eh, of course it was." Giselle's highty attitude seemed to restore itself as her hand shook mine.
Looking to Surge after we finished, I asked, "Can I go?"
"Sure." Raising his brow, the man gave an inquiring look. "Not going to stay for your results?"
"I got things to do. So I'll just ask at the Pokémon Center after I'm done." Turning around, I left raising a hand in farewell to Ritchie as I did.
For a moment, I caught a glimpse of someone hanging from a tree branch. Turning to look, however, there was no one.
Shrugging, I went on my way.
Neesha sighs in disappointment as Paul left. Oh well... "That little jerk..."
Ritchie, on the other hand, unaware of Neesha's inner turmoil. Hearing the older Trainer's mumbled complaint, shook his head in misunderstanding. "No. I just think he's a little more personal than most you'd meet, is all."
But hey, that just meant putting in the effort to be friends, right?
At least that's how he viewed it. Speaking of that... "Hey, Neesha? You know Paul's brother?"
The girl nods. "Yeah, we travelled a little while together." And here I thought I could finally get Reggie's number...
Sitting on the mattress, I tapped my fingers on the motorbike helmet resting on my knee. Surprisingly cheap all in all. I bought it on my way back to the Pokémon Center.
As for why? Well...
I glance at Spinarak's Poké Ball.
Ah, this is stupid... I shouldn't bother... But regardless of what I might want, my actions will betray me.
A knock at my door made me rise. I placed the helmet gently on the bed and made my way to the door.
Opening the door. Beyond it, to my surprise, stood somebody rather unexpected. "Janine?"
"My greetings!" To my further surprise, the girl bows. "I would like to request your aid!"
Looking awkwardly down both sides of the hallway, I see no one else around. "Can you talk normally?"
A flicker of confusion shimmers in Janine's eyes. "I am speaking normally."
Sighing, I realise that wording matters with this person. "Can you act more... casually?"
Her shoulders, formerly stiff, relaxed. "If you wish, I shall..." The other Trainer's demeanor became a little more shy as she didn't meet my eyes. "I should warn I am not the greatest at informal conversation."
Not the greatest at formal either... But I'll keep that to myself...
"Ok... So what do you want help with?" Admittedly, I was a little curious about what she'd need my help with.
"My father has... confiscated my Crobat. And told me to seek your help finding a new Pokémon." She looks to the side. "If you would please..."
"..." I didn't exactly feel obliged to consider helping. "Look, I..."
...Ninja...
Then I remember she's supposed to be a ninja, so made to clarify directly. "Are you a ninja?"
"I am a konoichi." She puffed out in pride, her awkward attitude slipping.
"Is that a ninja?" I wasn't exactly savvy with the term.
"It is!" Proudly, Janine nods.
Looking back into my room from the helmet I bought, to Spinarak's Poké Ball and back to Janine again. A plan takes form in my head. "I'll help you..."
"Really!?" Covering up her excitement by clearing her throat, Janine smiles slightly. "I am appreciative."
"But you'll have to help me with something."
Curiosity riddles itself ever so slightly upon her expression. "And what would that be?"
I stepped aside. "Come in, and I'll explain."