Estimated Reading Time: 20 Minutes

Leafstorm

The two Pokemon stared each other down. Lucky leaped in the air and used swift. Squirtle destroyed the stars using water gun. He then used his recovery on the fox cat Pokemon. Lucky took the hit and fell on the floor breathing heavily. He struggled to get up and was about to use swift again, but Ness stood in between them.

Ness: "Guys, stop!"

Squirtle tried to use his nair on him, but Ness dodged and grabbed a hold of Squirtle's tail. He pulled the Pokemon closer and locked him in a hug.

Ness: "Squirtle, no! No fighting!"

He had a good grip on the blue turtle, until Todd headbutted Ness's back causing him to drop Squirtle.

Todd: "CLEFFA!"

Ness: "Are you kidding me?!"

Todd ran at him and reeled his arm for a punch. However, Leaf blew her whistle. The loud piercing sound caused everyone to stop and wince.

Leaf: "What's going on here?"

Ness: "Ow, my ears."

Leaf: "Hey!" *Snaps* "What happened?"

Ness: "Your Squirtle attacked me."

Leaf: "Squirtle, don't hurt the new guy. That goes for you too, Todd."

Todd: "CLEFFA!"

Leaf: "Both of you apologize right now."

The two Pokemon gave her a mean look and turned their heads away.

Leaf: "Apologize."

Squirtle: "Squirt." (No way.)

Todd: "CLEFFA!" (NO!)

Leaf gave them the glare. They both looked at her nervously and gave in.

Squirtle: "Squirtle…" (Sorry… Or whatever.)

Todd: "CLEFFA. CLEFFA." (SORRY, WEAK BOY.)

Ness: "Did they apologize?"

Leaf: "Given their body language, I think so."

Ness: "You can't understand them?"

Leaf: "No."

Ness: "Oh, I thought you could."

Leaf: "No remember? I told you this. Humans can't understand what they're saying unless they speak human speech like Lucario for example."

Ness: "You mean the one that died?"

Leaf gave him a disgusted look.

Leaf: "Yes, that one…"

Ness: "Oh, sorry! I didn't mean to-

Leaf: "It's whatever. Today you get to be in the gym department."

Ness: "Where's that at?"

Leaf: "Next door."

Ness: "Ok, I'll be going then."

Leaf rolled her eyes and went to the baby section to take care of them. He returned Lucky back inside the ball. He opened the door that said gym and he was greeted with a bunch of sweaty buff Pokemon.

They all stopped working out to stare at him. He nervously waved his hand at them. The Machoke was the first to get up.

Machoke: "Macho!"

Ness: "Um, hi. I'm the new guy. Nice to meet you."

Machoke: "Ma…"

The Machoke motioned for the other buff ass Pokemon to head over. Ness got nervous. Are they going to attack him too?

A Buzzwole swung a punch at him, but since Ness was already on edge, he predicted it and countered the attack. The other Pokemon gasped.

The Buzzwole took a couple steps back. The Machoke went in for an attack and Ness unfortunately took the hit because he was still focusing on the Buzzwole. The rest of the gang started ganging up on him.

He knows he's not supposed to use his canon powers, but right now there's a mob of buff Pokemon beating him. He shielded himself. When they broke his shield, he hopped out of the mob and kicked the door open. He immediately shut it and started breathing heavily.

Leaf and the other baby Pokemon turned their attention to him. She gave him an annoyed look.

Leaf: "What is it this time?"

Ness: "They *huffs* attack me."

Leaf: "Again?"

Ness: "Yes!"

She rolled her eyes.

Leaf: "They don't usually attack people."

Ness: "Yeah, well, for some reason, they love attacking me."

Leaf: "They only attack people who they think are bad."

Ness: "..."

Leaf: "Says a lot actually."

Ness: (I hate this.) "Bad or not, I'm TRYING to do my job."

Leaf: "You should expect this. Pokemon are unpredictable."

Ness: "No shit, Sherlock! I'm simply taking a breather. Obviously I'm going back there."

Leaf's heart skipped a beat, but not in the he's hot way. She felt threatened and insecure suddenly. He snapped at her. She's not used to that from him.

Leaf: "Don't talk to me like that!"

Ness: "So, it's fair for you to talk to me the way you do?"

Leaf: "What do you mean?"

Ness: "Your attitude towards me is rude. Especially your tone. I don't like that."

Leaf: "It's because… You know what, leave me alone."

Ness: "There you go, running away again."

Leaf: "Leave. Me. Alone."

Ness gave her a dirty look and went back inside the gym. What a fucking bitch. He tried being friends with her, but noooo. She wants to act like a complete cunt towards him. He wasn't the one who fucking fucked her! Does she not understand what a fucking clone is? For fuck's sake!

The buff Pokemon approached him once again. It looks like they want a fight. He's already in a bad mood, so he was more than happy to take it out on them if they really wanted to push it.

The Hitmonlee tried to kick him, but Ness grabbed his leg and swung him against the wall. The other Pokemon flinched.

Ness: "I'm not here to fight. I don't want to hurt any of you."

The Pokemon growled at him.

Ness: "Don't push me."

Each Pokemon tried to attack him, but Ness was too fast. This time he was serious. He didn't want to hurt them, but he didn't want to be their personal punching bag either. He had no choice but to beat them up. He made sure not to hit too hard, but enough to rough them up a bit.

The Pokemon lied on the ground in defeat. They thought they could take him because of his scrawny build, but this guy was no joke. They all decided that he was now their pack leader. They bowed to him.

Ness: "Uh… W-what's up with you, guys?"

The Machamp, who seems to be the leader, grabbed his hand and gave Ness a tour. They showed him their work out machines and wanted him to try it out.

Ness: "You guys want me to work out using this?"

It was an arm curl machine. The Machamp with stars in his eyes, nodded. He had a good look at each Pokemon's face and they really wanted him to do it.

Ness let out a sigh and got on the machine. He went to the heaviest weight and lifted it no problem. The Pokemon's jaws dropped. From this day going forward, the buff Pokemon respected the psychic.

For once, he ended up having a good time at work. The buff Pokemon kept cheering every time Ness worked out. This pumped them up and they started working out with him.

It was a bunch of Pokemon, but Ness still felt proud of himself. These Pokemon look up to him. He can't let them down. He kept pushing until he eventually got too tired. The Machoke gave him a bottle of water and Ness happily drank.

Everyone's stomach growled and they all started laughing. Ness got up and fed them a bunch of food.

As the Pokemon were eating, he noticed they started having an eating contest. Whoever finishes first, is the winner. Man, these buff Pokemon are highly competitive. He can relate.

Watching them eat made him hungry. He got up and decided to take his break. He exited the gym and locked eyes with Leaf. They both quickly looked away and he left without saying a word to her.

He went to the nearest Cafe and ordered a sandwich. He took out his phone and saw that Lucas messaged him.

[- Lucas

Messages App

Lucas: Hey how's work going so far

Ness: Just got on break.

Ness: There's so much I want to tell you.

Lucas: Lemme hear it

Ness: Leaf is a complete bitch.

Lucas: How so

Ness: It's the way she talks to me. She's rude!

Lucas: Yeaaaaah

Lucas: It's becaus of Nate

Ness: I know but SHE KNOWS I'M NOT NATE!

Lucas: It's becaus you look like him

Ness: I know, but treating me like I'm a monster is immature.

Lucas: It is

Ness: We got into an argument today.

Lucas: No way. What exactly happened

Ness: She kept being rude and I got tired of it. I called her out.

Lucas: Whaaaaaat

Ness: I did. She got mad of course and told me to leave her alone.

Lucas: Man I never imagined Leaf acting like this. She used to be sweet

Ness: I know right! I'm glad I never became her friend because she's showing her true side and it's disgusting.

Lucas: I mean I get where she's coming from

Ness: What?

Lucas: Nate did her really dirty

Ness: He did you dirty too, but you're not acting like a dick.

Lucas: People take it differently

Ness: The fact that you're taking it as a mature adult says a lot about her.

Lucas: It could also be because she's pregnant

Ness: I… Didn't take that into account.

Lucas: It doesn't excuse her actions but it does explain it

Ness: You're right.

Lucas: It is weird seeing her like this though

Ness: I never thought I would have a problem with her.

Lucas: Same! This is a shocker for me too

Lucas: I don't think she likes me either

Ness: Why do you say that?

Lucas: It's complicated

Ness: Tell me.

Lucas: It's just a bunch of Nate drama

Ness: I wanna know. What did he do to you guys?

Lucas: I'd rather not say in txt

Ness: But I want to know now.

Lucas: I wanna tell you in person

Ness: Why not now?

Lucas: Because it's important to me and I wanna talk to you about it in person

Ness: Alright, fine. You win this time. But only because I have to go back to work soon.

Lucas: Oh Ness

Ness: What?

Lucas: Nuthin. Go to work you dumbass

Ness: Dumbass, huh?

Lucas: Yep!

Ness: You're the dumbass!

Lucas: Ness

Ness: What is it, dumbass?

Lucas: Go to work

Ness: Fine, but just so you know, you're the dumbass.

Lucas: We'll see about that when I kick your ass in street fighter

Ness: I'll kick your ass in real life.

Lucas: Go to work!

Ness: Oh shit. You're right haha!

Lucas: Dumbass

…

Ness threw away his trash and went back to the daycare. He went back to the gym department and hung out with them until his shift was over.

Meanwhile in Onett…

The Clone

Nate saw that he was inside Mario's bunker again. His eyes were drawn to the brainwashing corner. The recliner chair was facing a small tv. He saw Mario standing next to the chair. He turned the chair to face Nate.

Nate widened his eyes in shock when he saw Lucas strapped in. Mario was laughing and the blonde was crying. The clone tried to fight back, but he was being held back by Luigi.

Lucas: "Why…" *Sobbs*

Nate was going to say something, but Luigi covered his mouth.

Luigi: "Lucas doesn't love you anymore. But don't worry, I still do."

Nate: "MMMMFF!"

Luigi breathed down on Nate's ear sending chills down his spine.

Luigi: "Let's have fun tonight in front of your ex~"

Nate woke up screaming. It was just a nightmare. Oh thank god, it was a nightmare. He put his hand on his forehead and wiped the sweat off.

He got up and went to the bathroom to wash his face. He left and was about to head back to his room, but Tracy stopped him.

Tracy: "Ness, are you ok?"

Nate: "!"

The sudden voice scared him. He turned around and realized it was just Ness's little sister.

Tracy: "Ness? Oh! S-sorry, I meant to say Nate."

Nate: "It's fine. I'm fine."

Tracy: "You sure? You seem jumpy."

Nate: "Maybe a little."

Tracy: "Why?"

Nate: "It's not important."

Tracy followed Nate back to his abode.

Nate: "Uh, last time I checked this was my room."

Tracy: "Technically not yours."

Nate: "Ok, but this one definitely isn't yours that's for sure."

Tracy: "Haha very funny. Now tell me what's wrong."

Nate: "Is that why you're here? I already told you I'm fine~"

He gave her a cheeky grin trying to convince her that he's confident and silly Nate.

Tracy: "Hmm, ok. Well, I wanted to talk to you about my drama anyway."

Nate: "Can it wait until tomorrow? It's late."

Tracy: "No, I'm excited now."

Nate: "You're like your brother. Also wanting answers at the moment."

Tracy: "That's what mom says too."

Nate: "Tracy, I need to sleep."

Tracy: "Noooo. I'm too excited and awake!"

Nate: "Fiiine. Make it quick."

Tracy: "I did what you said, and I tried out for the cheerleading team."

Nate: "How did it go?"

Tracy: "I passed!"

Nate: "Nice! I knew you had it in ya."

Tracy: "I can't thank you enough."

Tracy gave him a hug.

Nate: "Oh! You're welcome."

Tracy: "I'm hoping this'll get my crush to like me."

Nate: "Yeah! Make sure to dance with confidence."

Tracy: "I'll sure try."

Nate: "Confidence is sexy. Remember that."

Tracy: "Is that why Ness can't get any girls?"

Nate: *Snickers* "Yeah."

Tracy and Nate shared a laugh.

Nate: "Alright, well, I need to sleep."

Tracy: "Ok, I just wanted to tell you the good news."

Nate: "I appreciate the update."

Tracy: "Goodnight."

Nate: "Night."

Tracy left. He felt better after their talk. He secretly didn't want her to leave. The truth is, he hates sleeping alone. Honestly he hated being alone in general, but it's a little weird if Tracy sleeps over in his room. He's not comfortable with the family yet.

He was able to fall asleep for the rest of the night and ignore the nightmare. When he woke up, he was greeted with the smell of fresh pancakes. He got dressed and went downstairs to the dining room.

Rachel, who is Ness's mom, smiled at him. He smiled back and greeted her.

Nate: "Good mornin'."

Rachel: "Good morning. How was your sleep?"

Nate: "I would be lying if I said it was great."

Rachel: "Oh no. Trouble sleeping?"

Nate: "Yeah, I kept waking up in the middle of the night."

The two heard footsteps and saw Tracy walking toward them.

Rachel: "Hi, Sweetie~"

Tracy: ["Ugh, stop."]

Nate: "Someone's cranky."

Tracy: ["Shut up."]

Rachel: "She's been like this every morning since Ness left."

Nate: "Really?"

Rachel: "He was the one that made sure she didn't stay up late."

Nate: "What is he, her dad?"

Rachel: "You're so funny. He's just over protective. Very fatherly."

Nate: "Weirdo."

Ness's mom couldn't help but chuckle to herself. It's so weird seeing her son act like this. Wait, he's not her real son. He's his clone. It's strange, but this is something she'll have to get used to. It's hard since they look exactly alike, so it catches her off guard when he acts nothing like Ness.

The three of them ate breakfast. Tracy went off to go school and Nate helped clean the house for a bit. After the cleaning spree, he went upstairs and started playing League by himself. He kept playing until he had to go to work.

He put on his work clothes and off he went. When he made it to work, he sneaked his way to the kitchen. Trey saw him and they dapped each other up.

Trey: "Wassup, bro. I missed ya."

Nate: "I know, Kimberly has been putting me in service."

Trey: "I can tell."

Nate: "I dunno why. I'm terrible at it. I keep giving people the wrong change."

Trey: "Damn, usually she doesn't put us guys up there."

Nate: "Really? Why?"

Trey: "Girls bring in the customers."

Nate: "You think she thinks I look like a girl?"

Trey looked at Nate up and down and laughed.

Trey: "You do look kinda feminine."

Nate: "No I don't. I look manly."

Trey: "Nah, you a girl."

Nate: "Am I at least a pretty girl?"

Trey: "Hahaha! Love the spongebob reference."

Nate: (Spongebob? What's that?) "Uh, yeah, haha!"

Trey: "Yeah, you're beautiful."

Nate: "Would smash?"

Trey: "The fuck?"

Nate: "I would smash me."

Trey: "What the fuck, bro?"

Nate: "I mean, wouldn't you smash yourself?"

Trey: "Ok, look. If somehow I was able to clone myself, then yeah. I mean, who wouldn't, right? It's a once in a lifetime opportunity."

Nate: "That's what I'm saying! Fuck you, Ness."

Trey: "Who?"

Nate: "A brother of mine. He thinks I'm crazy because I would fuck my clone if given the chance."

Trey: "You kiddin' me? He wouldn't fuck his clone?"

Nate: "Nope."

Trey: "He lyin'."

Nate: "Yeah, I think so too. He just doesn't want to admit it."

Kimberly: "NATE!"

Trey: "Eww, it's the demon."

Nate: "Oh no…"

Trey: "Dude, don't you work in kitchen tonight?"

Nate: "No…"

Trey: "Bro, you tried to sneak in here?"

Nate: "Yeaaah."

Trey: "You love me that much?"

Nate: "Yes, dude. I love you."

Trey: "Bro you gay?"

Nate: "For you, yes."

Trey: "The fuck? Hahaha! Get the fuck outta here~"

Nate: "Hahaha! Well, I'll see you later I guess."

Trey: "Bitch Kimberly taking my true love away from me."

Nate let out a fake exaggerated gasp.

Nate: "Trey, are you coming onto me?"

Trey: "I dunno, hearing you say that you loved me kinda got me feelin' some type of way."

The two boys started laughing like crazy until Kimberly came in the kitchen and stomped her foot. She cleared her throat and glared at them.