The schooltrip to Canalave city turned out to be highly educational for Ace. Truly, the boy was learning one lesson after the next as he scavanged the grey landscape. Catching pokemon was one of the most challenging aspects of being a trainer, he always knew that. Only now had he came to understand the gravity of that statement to its full extent.
Finding a suitable capture was the first step, and perhaps that was the hardest part himself. Especially in the middle of a city, it was a challenge. Although Canalave was bustling with wild pokemon, virtually none of the species that inhabited the streets were battle-alligned. Bidoofs were numerous, but useless. Glameows were a similar story. Rattatas would cross his path often, but had failed to excite him.
Even the pokemon that showed some sort of a promise, like numerous Starlies, that could someday become Starraptors, weren't as good of an opportunity as they seemed at first glanced. Ace watched as the birds clumsily slammed themselves into windows of buildings. Those things wouldn't make it on a battlefield, he concluded. Really the problem was that all of the pokemon in the cities were always some kind of domesticated. They were used to having people feed them, or they ate the scraps from the dumpsters. There wasn't any necessity for a food chain to exist here, no predators, no prey.
The other issue was Ace's particular taste in pokemon. The boy was sure other trainers had a similar problem. Even when he would run across a pokemon that showed some promise, it wasn't necessarily something he wanted to catch. On his quest he ran into a Falinx, which, as a fighting type, was naturally inclined towards battling. However, it wasn't a pokemon that fit Ace's style. Definitely too head on. In addition, the small solider-centipede didn't look cool at all, in fact, it creeped Ace out. He had seen this pokemon in a bunch of Tarantino's movies, and he had a misfortune of knowing exactly why it was included.
Other finds Ace had made included a Sawk, which was, again, too head on for the boy. He had no idea why that thing was on the streets of Canalave anyways, and had no intentions of finding out. Munchlax, a pokemon that could become a Snorlax, but that was too defensive for Ace's liking. Besides, Snorlax wasn't cool looking either. He saw a group of Spoink as well, ironically, hanging around a fast-food restaurant. They reminded him of Lesley, so it was another pass.
Walking past a row of small workshops, he noticed a Scorupi, skilfully opening one of the trash cans to look for the food. The pokemon's tail looked strong, its claws sharp, and Ace concluded it would be a good catch. Trying his best not to get noticed, he readied his pokeball. Besides showing signs of strengt, the pokemon looked rather young, so maybe there was no need to battle. He chucked the ball at it, aiming to the best of his abilities. Scorupi turned its head slightly, and in a single motion, hit the ball back to Ace with its tail. The pokemon proceeded to dig through the trash carelessly.
Catching the pokeball, Ace quikcly hurled it at the small scorpion again, thinking he could surprise him. Scorupi repeated the process of deflecting the device and went back to searching for lunch.
"Cmon, just let me catch you", Ace whispered in desperation, as he threw the ball yet again. The Scorupi apparently didn't care to hear him out, as it simply deflected the ball again.
"Alright, that's it", Ace firmly planted his foot on the sidewalk. "I'll get you", the boy latches onto his partner's pokeball, "Rocky, Accelerock".
As the dog pokemon comes out in a rush, Scorupi reacts by jumping down to the ground and setting up a Protect, that Accelerock promptly hits into. The scorpion looks annoyed more than anything else, as it points its stinger at Ace, showering the boy with poison darts.
Ace falls back to the ground, as he feels the attack tearing into his skin. Rockruff wails in pain as he's hit with an attack as well. Catching wild pokemon is life threatening, Ace realises, his head feeling light all of a sudden. It's just fear, he knows, but he also knows the poison will start working for real soon enough. His heart pounding, he picks himslef up. His legs are tremblimg, he realises, as he recalls Rockruff with shaky hands. Dammit, he's been hit with poison. As he carefully steps away from the Scorupi, who's still pointing its stinger at him he tries to remember how pokemon poison affects humans. Not good, he's certain. How fast does it spread?
Fear gets better of him, hastily turning, he runs. Making a quick turn around the corner, he dissaperas from the pokemon's sight. Ace is certain the goddamn scorpion has gone back to dumpster diving already. But his vision starts whitening already, and this time, he's not sure if it's just his fear or has the poison started working. He's been hit in the head though, he can only imagine the concequences. The sweat blooms on his forehead as he does his best to remember where the pokemon center is. He's sure he passed it at least three times. Calming down would be beneficial, Ace knows, but the thing is, he can't do that. The boy wishes to curse the author for even including a storyline like this, as it most definitely has no point. Wasn't this supposed to be a chapter where he catches a pokemon and take some time for himself, away from those other morons?
Ace turns around another corner and spots the pokemon center. It wasn't far, thankfully. He had no idea how much running he could do in that state. Bursting through the doors like a madman, he heads for the counter immediately. A young nurse behind it looks at him with a mixture of fear and disproval.
"I've been hit", he says with a heavy breath, watching as worry takes over the woman's expression.
"What, where?", she steps away from the counter and starts to make her way to him.
"Two streets down from here", Ace explains.
"That's not what I meant", the woman shakes her head, "who hit you and where did the hit land".
"Oh, a Scorupi, into my face", Ace blushes. "With a Toxic Spike", he adds.
"When?", the woman asks.
"I'm not sure, 3 minutes ago?", Ace says, "5 at best".
"Alright, then calm down", the nurse says, "it takes much longer for Scorupi's poison to start working, you came in with time to spare, that's good".
"But I've been hit in the face", Ace complains.
"Does it hurt? Feels irritating?", the woman inquiers.
"Yeah, yes", Ace says shrotly, realising just how itchy his face feels. He probably shouldn't scratch it.
"That's due to the stings themselves, it's not posion, it's just your skin reacting to the needling", the woman reassures him, "it's not from poison".
"You sure?", Ace feels the slightest of relief.
"Positive, Scorupi's poison isn't the strongest", the nurse nods, "you did the right thing by coming here immediately".
"Oh", Ace remembers, "my Rockruff's been hit as well". He takes the pokeball from his pocket, handing it over to the woman. "Could you take care of him as well please?".
"It's alright, I will", she takes the pokeball, "you sit down, and I'll bring an antidote, everything will be alright".
She dissapears again, and Ace goes and takes a seat on one of the sofa's. He notices a few trainers hanging around. Right, Canalave has a gym, there are many trainers there looking for a challenge. They are probably surprised to see a kid like him with a pokemon. Maybe they think he stole it? At least, that's how they are looking at him.
The nurse comes back around, carrying a small dose of antidote. "Um, I'm a student at Old King's", Ace explains to her, makimg sure he talks as loud as he can, "that's why I have a pokemon, just so you know, I can even show you my student permit if its needed".
"It's alright, I believe you", the woman says calmly, handing him the cure, "now, just drink this, it should work quickly".
He takes the small bottle, downing it immediately. It tastes sour. Ace tries not to make a grimace. At least the other trainers there are not looking at him suspiciously any longer. He wonders if any of them are beginners. What was the most popular starter in Canalave, he wonders, in an attempt to get his mind off of the poisoning.
"We've had problems with Scorupis for a bit", the woman starts talking as she wraps a pulse-checker around his arm, "everything's concrete and metal here, so they can get a lots of sun, thiugh, they get a bit nasty during fall and winter".
"Oh, right, this one was nasty for sure", Ace says, remembering that he could've caught himself a Scorupi if he were just a bit smarter.
"Well, either way, you shouldn't worry about the posion, we've basically made an art of crafting antidotes to Scorupi's poison", the woman says, "however, a young kid like you shouldn't be walking around the city alone, especially since you're a tourist, where are your friends?".
Ace is not sure if he should say that he doesn't have any, or that they are all bastards. "They went their own way, I guess", the boy says simply.
"You kids should stick together, it's much safer like that", the woman says as she operates the machine. Ace is pretty sure she wouldn't be saying that if she knew his teammates. They were walking safety hazards, each in their own right. He thought about what they could possibly be doing right now. Ves is probably out fistfighting someone. Sam is out there somewhere, probably getting tricked into some dumb shit. Teo, he had no idea what he was doing, but he was sure it wasn't safe. Same thing went for Joe. Hopefully, the two of them weren't together.
"You're fine", the nurse says decisively, removing the device from his arm. "Now sit there and relax until I take care of your Rockruff".
"Alright, thank you", Ace nods. This might not turn out so bad he thinks, he could maybe ask the trainers here for tips and pointers on catching pokemon. He could even set up a battle if there were any beginners amongst them. All the training he did with Rockruff should be tested out sooner than later. Besides, he would be heading home for the weekend, and he wanted to battle it out with Greg as soon as he could. Last that he heard, his cousin had caught himself a Pidgey and tried challenging the city's gym. He, unsurprisingly, lost. That's what happens when you go into the electric gym with a water and a flying type.
Ace's best plans get wrecked immediately, as the sliding doors open and two people walk in. The boy does his best not to look at them, but it's no use. Lesley heads for him immediately, and Andrei leisurely walks over to the counter.
"Hey, Acey, what's going on, you look like hell", Lesley says cheerfully.
"Thanks, I just got back", Ace rolls his eyes.
"Huh, I just knew you couldn't help the reference", Lesley says victoriously, "but anyways, for real, why are you here, you look paler then usual".
"None of your business Lesley", Ace scoffs, "but I got into a scuffle with a wild Scorupi, if you really have to know".
"Oh, we ran into one of those as well, I wanted to catch it, you know", Lesley takes the liberty of sitting down besides Ace, "well, I decided against it though, I mean, Drapion is great, but I can't really go with two pokemon that need to evolve".
"Right, I bet it", Ace says, uninterested.
"And Andrei didn't want it either, you know, I'm trying to give him a little push to catch something new since that Dreepy of his is not exactly a battler of right now, but he's just so unmotivated", Lesley sounds like an aunt.
"Not surprised", Ace says, "that you're being pushy, that is".
"I mean, he wanted to catch a Cottonee, we thought it would be easy, but the thing Razor Leafed us like crazy", Lesley points out, "that' s why we're here".
"Huh, that's neat", Ace really doesn't care to know how they got here.
"Well, anyways, at least Andrei seemed excited to try and catch that thing, I think he has a very weird taste when it comes to pokemon, but hey", Lesley just keeps talking.
"Well, good for him, what can I say", Ace says. Out of curiosity he adds: "did you find anything?".
"Nada", Lesley wails, "just a bunch of Starlys, but nothing that can compensate for Spoink's current lack of power or agility".
"Yeah, that Scorupi's pretty much the only thing I tried catching anyways", Ace agrees. He surprises himself. Never in his wildest dreams did he think he'd say one casual thing to Lesley.
"Hey there", Andrei cuts them off, promtly sitting himself next to Lesley. "The nurse said Dreepy would take a few minutes, then we're good to go". The boy looks as dishelved as always.
"Good, then we can be out of here", Lesley nods, "we need to catch something, otherwise, this trip was a waste".
"Don't spout nonsense Lesley", Andrei rolls his eyes, "I mean, we had a lecture and immersed ourselves in a different culture".
"He bought some rock-camdy from a street vendor", Lesley notes.
"And they were delicious", Andrei points out, "and Dreepy liked them as well".
"Indeed they were", Lesley nods defeatedly, "but we should still making a catch, it's not like we're going to spend all of our free time leading up to a tournament on school trips, we need to train".
"Oh, no, not again", Andrei says semi-dramatically. Turning to Ace he adds: "he's been making me train like he's a maniac, I have no idea why, we already have both him and Henry, we'll pass".
"Yes, we will, but we are a team and I want all of us to do well on our own", Lesley states. Ace kind of wants to throw up from that kind of rhetoric. "Oh, wait up", Lesley says, checking his phone that went off. "Um, Dean says he's just recieved an Aaron from the gym leader", the boy's voice is a mix of surprise and excitement, "damn, if I knew they were giving away free pokemon I would've stayed".
"Well, good for him", Andrei leans backwards.
"No, it's good for us", Lesley points out, "you know he doesn't really want pushing Petilil too far".
"I mean, he's been training him on defenses as far as I know, and he's been pretty into it", Andrei thinks about it, "but it's true, he really doesn't like letting it battle".
"Great, so as soon as we get back to the island, we're helping Dean train Aaron up", Lesley decides, "and you and I have to catch new pokemon as well".
"Why don't you ever bother Henry and Marc like this?", Andrei pretends to roll away from his teammate.
"They train on their own, with that Jow guy", Lesley looks at Ace, "by the way, your teammate owes me a rematch".
"Yeah, he owes the whole school a rematch", Ace rolls his eyes, "myself included".
"You battled?", Lesley raises his eyebrow, "how did it go?".
"Ves interrupted us", Ace says, "so I lost".
If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.
"Naturally", Lesley offers.
"Shut up", Ace snarks, "I did some training, I'm almost ready to go up against him again, besides, I held my own".
"Oh, for real?", Lesley questions.
"Yeah, I mean, I lasted pretty long", Ace admits.
"Um, did you battle him or fuck him?", Andrei inquiers.
"Dude", Ace sighs.
"Dude", Andrei responds, "chose your words".
"Not my fault everyone in this school is dirty-minded", Ace states.
"Screw that", Lesley interrupts, "has he grown stronger?".
"Definitely faster", Ace thinks about it.
"Uh, right, Spoink and I really can't deal with speed", Lesley sighs.
"Well, not that it matters", Ace shrugs it all away, "he's not the only person to beat".
"Right, he's not", Lesley agrees, "Henry's pretty good as well, you know".
"Marc's a no pushover either", Andrei scratches his head, "guess it's just the three of us lagging behind then".
"Hey, don't lump me in with you", Lesley says loudly, "I've been doing the best that I can, and you know, not too many people beat me".
"Henry beat you", Andrei points out, "Marc a few times as well, Joe beat you that Natasha girl as well".
"Alright, but no one else", Lesley crosses his arms, "besides, I've beaten Henry a few times".
"Three times", Andrei says simply, "barely".
"That's it, I've had enough", Lesley jumps up unceremoniously, "do you have any idea how hard battling with Spoink is? I'm going out there and catching myself a new pokemon, then you'll all see what I'm made from".
"You can't blame it all on Spoink", Andrei reminds him.
"I am not", Lesley says firmly, "all I'm saying, Spoink is not exactly a battling prodigy, not before evolution anyways, so you don't even know how good I actually am".
"Great, now he's fired up", Andrei sighs, "well, guess we can go anyways, the nurse is calling for me, I think".
Ace looks over at the counter. The nurse gives him a small nod, gesturing with her hand for him to come. "Guess I'm good to go as well", he says, standing up. His head still feels a bit light, but much clearer since the Scorupi incident.
Andrei and him proceed to walk over to the counter, with Lesley trailing behind him. The nurse hands Andrei's pokeball over, promising that Dreepy's doing well now.
"Oh, so you've found your friends", she says as she hands Rockruff's pokeball to Ace, "please, don't wander off alone again".
"Well, they are not exactly my friends", Ace says a bit nervously.
"Oh, what are you saying, of course we are friends", Lesley chimmes in, "and you'll be coming with us". Before Ace can object, Lesley turns to the nurse: "We'll watch over him, I mean, we would leave him to his teammates, but they are a bit... you know...".
"Socially challenged", Andrei offers.
"Right, thank you very much boys", the nurse laughs, visibly confused by all of this.
"No, thank you madam, for being such a caring person", Lesley gives her a small bow before he turns to leave. Andrei whispers a weak thank you before he follows after Lesley. Ace just nods, deciding he should go with the two after all. Hanging out with Lesley didn't excite him, but he needed help with catching a pokemon. The two of them could use some help as well. That's why, Ace followed the pair out of the pokemon center.
As soon as they walked out, Ace decided to let Rockruff out of his pokeball. His partner deserved to get some fresh air. Besides, this was, he wouldn't have to waste any time releasing him if they ran into a pokemon he wanted to catch.
"So, where do we go now?", Andrei asks uninterested.
"I think there's a park near", Lesley points out, "I could use some colour, all of this grey is starting to drive me insane".
Ace doesn't complain. A park could house some interesting pokemon, if they were lucky. As they walked down the street, Andrei decided to let Dreepy out as well. The small dragon immediately nested itslef on the boy's shoulder. Leasley went along and released Spoink as well. The pokemon proceeded to merrily jump in front of them. Rockruff found it amusing, and started running in circles around him. "How cute, they get along", Andrei comments dryly. Like that, they make their way to the park. It's surprisingly barren, only a few trees, and not many more people. However, encased in the concrete jungle, it's an oasis of green. Starlys fly around, landimg on reddening branches, causing leaves to fall down. Ace sees a pair of Bidoof's happily throwing themselves in piles of leaves. A trio of Kricketots catches his attention, as they dance around a berry tree, rooting for the 4th Kricketot that has climbed it and is actively trying to pick a Sitrus Berry.
"Hey, Rocky", Ace crouches down by his partner, showing him the tree, "can you use Accelerock on that berry, get it to fall to the ground, and don't squish it, so I need you to aim well". He stands back and watch Rockruff get ready. As the small dog focuses on the attack, Ace is curious to see if his training has paid off. Accuracy and control are pretty important. Rockruff shoots a single rock at the tree, managing to hit right at the branch, making the berry fall to the ground. Ace feels a sense of satisfaction, and Kricketunes start excitedly running around their snack.
"Oh, how cool you are Ace, and how kind", Lesley stands besides him. "Hey, Spoink", the boy points towards the same tree, showing a branch above the one Rockruff's just hit, that carries 3 more berries, "use Confusion to get those down to the ground". Spoink wastes no time in jumping up. Within seconds, the piglet pokemon has floated all three berries down to the ground, causing Kricetots to become even merrier. "What'ya think of that", Lesley says confidently, to no one in particular.
"I think I'm not into this dick-measuring contest", Andrei says simply, "and I think I see a cotton candy stand over there, so I will go and get some". Before anyone can say anything, the boy darts off.
"Whatever", Ace scoffs. It's easy doing something like that with a psychic move. What Rockruff did was much harder, it required precision and concentration.
Looking around, a blur catches Ace's attention. "Is that...", Ace thinks he recognises the pokemon that has just jumped from behind the tree.
"A Pancham", Lesley says immediately.
Ace watches for a moment, as the small bear-like pokemon uses trunks of trees as jumping platforms.
"But what is it doing?", Ace says, as he notices the pokemon gaining speed.
"I think it's training", Lesley says.
"I'm catching it", both boys say at the same time. "No", they look at each other, "I am". Ace makes a grimace. "I saw it first", they say at the same time again, and Ace absolutely hates it.
"Wait", Lesley raises his hand, "I'll make you a deal".
"No deal", Ace scoffs, "I saw it first".
"It was my idea to come to the park", Lesley argues.
"Fine, I'll hear you out", Ace rolls his eyes.
"We catch it, then we battle for it", Lesley offers, "that's only fair".
"Alright, that's a deal", Ace nods, tuening around, "but this thing is fast, so let's be quick".
"Roger that", Lesley says, "Spoink, let's go".
Ace watches as the Pancham throws itself off of another tree. "Rocky, get ready to cut it off with an Accelerock, hit it with full power". Rockruff barks in agreement, preparing another attack.
"Spoink, you hit it with Confusion as soon as it stops", Lesley says shortly. Rockruff fires off the attack, but Pancham has gained too much speed and dodges it easily. Confusion can't land eaither, and Ace watches as the Pancham projectiles itself into them. Great, they made it angry.
"Protect, Spoink", Lesley reacts in time, and an attack that looks like an Arm Thrust slams into the protective field at an incredible speed.
"Now, Accelerock, fast", Ace takes the opportunity, and Rockruff manages to hit this time.
"Confuse Ray, now, don't let it rest", Lesley yells out. Ace notices a few people in the park give them curious looks, but he focuses on the battle in front of him.
"Accelerock again", the boy decides that's the best chance he has.
"Confusion", Lesley declares. Both attacks slam into the Pancham in succession, instantly knocking it out. Fighting wild pokemon was apparently much easier in tandem, Ace realised. Another lesson learned. Lesley is faster to produce an empty pokeball and chuck it at Pancham. Three shakes later, the rim lights up, and Ace lets out a breath of relief. Swiftly, that feeling is exchanged for a stare-off with Lesley.
"You two really couldn't stand still for a moment", Andrei's flat voice catches their attention. Ace turns to see the boy chowing down on cotton candy, holding one up for Dreepy as well. "Everybody's watching us, you know".
"Well, let them watch", Lesley shrugs with a smile, finally picking up the pokeball.
"Lesley's always liked attention", Ace points out.
"Yes I did", the boy says shamelessly, "now, Acey, is there any chance you'll just give me this Pancham?".
"No way in hell", Ace replies, "we're battling for it, that's the deal".
"But I'd hate to send you back to the pokemon center immediately", Lesley says annoyingly, "besides, a fighting type would fit me much better than it would fit you". Lesley wips out his pokedex, quickly scanning the pokeball.
"Do not dare to register that as your catch", Ace takes a hold of Pancham's pokeball.
"G, I was not about to do that", Lesley sighs, "just wanted to check what we have caught".
"And?", Ace peeks over at the screen.
"It has Iron Fist as its ability, oh, his ability", Lesley says with curiosity, "and his moves aren't half bad either".
"Good, then give it to Andrei until we settle this", Ace decides.
"Hey, but for real, you know, a fighting type fits my battlestyle much better", Lesley tries again, "besides, I need a dark type counter, since those are trouble for me, so how about you do a nice thing?".
"No way", Ace scoffs at him, "we're battling".
"Alright", Lesley sighs, handing over Pancham's pokeball to Andrei. "I'll get this over with quickly".
"Oh, it will be over quickly", Ace says, stepping away, gesturing for Rockruff to come along. As he takes his position, he notices a few kids curiously looking their way. Holdong on to their parents legs, they've created a small audience for them. Great, he'll have to be careful not to hit anyone on accident.
Perhaps moving this battle to a place without people would be smarter, but Ace really just wants to get this over with. Then he can get the Pancham and leave. Lesley plants firmly across from him, and Spoink readily jumps in place.
"I guess I'm a referee", Andrei says, still chowing down the cotton candy.
Ace already has a plan, he knows well enough where he went wrong last time he battled Lesley. With Snarl, Spoink could blast an attack across the most of the field, which was very effective in getting rid of Double Team clones. So he's going the other route this time.
"Alright, if you're both ready", Andrei sighs as Rockruff gets ready to burst into action, "battle, start".
"Sand Attack", Ace decides immediately. Just one should be enough.
"Nasty Plot", Lesley counters readily. The piglet pokemon gathers power as the sand hits into him.
"Alright, Accelerock, now Rocky", Ace wastes no time.
"Protect", Lesley says flatly, and the projectiling rocks end up crushing into the protective force field.
"Now, Bite", Ace says readily. No way for Lesley to Protect now.
"Dodge it, then use Confusion", Lesley says decisively. With a jump, Spoink gets out of the way of Rockruff's jaws, and gets off an attack. Rockruff's body goes grey and limp for a moment, before the small pokemon collapses to the ground.
Seeing it has managed to barely hang on, Ace directs: "Accelerock". That's the only way now.
"Confusion, again", Lesley says. Spoink lets the rocks slam into him this time, tanking the attack, before getting of the second Confusion, effectively knocking Rockruff out.
Ace stands there, mixture of rage and discomfort rising. He sees one of the kids pointing his way. He hates it. How did he lose to Lesley again? And this fast.
"You know", Lesley says, recalling Spoink, "for Confusion to hit, Spoink needs to have a solid sense of his target's position, once he does missing is very hard".
"Fine, stop boasting", Ace scoffs, recalling Rockruff.
"I'm not, I'm just talking to you", Lesley sighs, "you know, Sand Attack doesn't give you much advantage when I have an attack like that, it's much better if you had Rockruff moving around, the way Pancham did, that way Spoink can't concentrate on him as easily".
"Just quit it Lesley, I don't need a lesson from you", Ace sighs.
"Well, you got one regardless", the curly haired boy says firmly, "and I guess this means I get Pancham in the end".
"Right", Ace's spirit sinks. Not that he cares that much about that. He hates how he lost to Lesley, it was as if the other boy didn't even have to think about it. Was his strategy that easy to read and counter? Besides, shouldn't Rockruff be much better at battling than Spoink? And now Lesley was spouting the very same bullshit he always gets from Joe.
"Right, then if this is done", Andrei hands Pancham's pokeball to Lesley, "can we take some time off".
"No way", Lesley says, happy to take the ball, "both you and Ace still need to catch something, and Ace needs to go to the pokemon center again".
"I can go on my own, no need for you to waste your time, you got what you wanted from me", Ace scoffs.
"I didn't want anything from you", Lesley says, whipping out his phone, "now wait a moment, I need to send this to the group chat".
"The group chat is where Lesley and Marc talk, and the rest of us basically just read through their conversations", Andrei informs Ace, "it's called 'Apple Pie Gang' and I hate it sincerely".
"The name's there cause Dean baked us an apple pie on the first day, and it was delicious", Lesley clarifies as he takes a photo of Pancham's pokeball.
"And Lesley and Marc have been forcing him to bake for them ever since", Andrei notes.
"Bake for all of us", Lesley corrects him, "now Andrei, go in and like my photo, hype me up".
"No way, let's go", Andrei rolls his eyes.
"Alright, you can do that later", Lesley returns his phone to his pocket, "now, where are we going next? Well, the pokemon center, but after that...".
"I'm going on my own", Ace says flatl, stepping away.
"Oh, cmon, Acey, don't be bitter about this", Lesley grabs his arm, "we'll help you catch something as well".
"I don't need your help, Lesley", Ace shakes free from his grasp, "I can do this alone, so you can stop acting".
"Who's acting?", Lesley says behind him, "you're the only one who's putting up an act here".
"Oh, stop it already", Ace turns around, showing the boy away. "You've been acting like we are some sort of friends ever since we came to this school".
"Hey, calm down, Ace" Lesley's face twists, but he doesn't try to get closer again, "we are friends, I mean, we knew each other since we were kids".
"Oh, right, and you were ever so famously great to me while we were in elementary school", Ace can't help yelling at him.
"You're causing a scene", Andrei says quietly.
"I don't give a fuck", Ace says loudly, "say, Lesley, do you even remember how you were to me while we were kids".
"Cmon, Ace, don't be like that, we're not in middle school anymore", Lesley sighs, "I know I wasn't always perfect, but I was a kid".
"Well, so was I", Ace insches in closer, grabbing the other boy by the collar of his shirt.
"Screw that", Lesley shoves him away.
"No, screw you", Ace shouts.
"Hey, it's not my fault you were always like that", Lesley retorts.
"Like what?", Ace pushes him away again, "you were at my neck all the time, and you had other kids at my neck as well".
"Dammit, Ace, I was trying to get through to you", Lesley pushes back on him, "and I was the only one who tried, you know, you weren't exactly likeable".
"Oh, so you took pity on me and that's why you went along making me a butt of the joke all the time?", Ace scoffs.
"I've tried to include you somehow", Lesley retorts, "but you were always just so... touchy".
"Well, maybe you should've left me alone, I would've appreciated it", Ace rolls his eyes.
"Yeah, I guess you would", Lesley says quietly, "you have it pretty good now then, with your teammates, they just love to leave you alone".
"At least they're not like you", Ace says.
"God dude", Lesley wails, "I mean, I'm sorry I didn't know how to quell your fucking attitude back when we were 11, are you going to hate me about it for the rest of our lives?".
"Yes", Ace can't help his voice cracking. "You made my life a living hell".
"Really?", Lesley says coldly, "cause, as far as I can remember, I was the only person who actually ever talked to you, Ace".
"Well, I never asked you to", Ace says, "just leave me alone".
"Fine", Lealey crosses his arms, "if that's what you want".
"That's what I want", Ace nods, turning around and leaving.
*****
Leaving the pokemon center, Ace runs into Teo. The dark haired boy seems to be in a rush to get in, and Ace really doesn't want to know anything about it. He has his own problems to worry about. He had managed to get Lesley out of his head, but the anger was still in his system. He was lagging behind. His strategies didn't work, and he couldn't even catch a pokemon. He had just 2 more hours in Canalave. Something needed to change.
Going out into the street, he barely even noticed the grey. Or rather, the grey had started to feel natural.
Starlys were flying above him still, making circles, as if they had nothing better to do with their lives. He passed by Bidoofs, barely even noticing them. Ace quickly made his way back to that trash can where he found Scorupi. This time, he'd be catching it for sure. He wasn't that pathetic that an unevolved pokemon could escape him twice. Unfortunately for him, Scorupi was no longer there.
Not wanting to waste time, he continued walking, staring at trash cans and dumpsters. He was bound to find another Scorupi sooner or later. The nurse had said they were in town anyways.
The glimpses of his battle with Lesley would come back to him each time he found nothing. It wasn't much of a battle, he knew, yet, he still lost. It was pathetic. He landed one hit, only because Lesley let him. He couldn't be that far bellow him. Bellow everyone else. Another trash can, still no Scorupi in sight. Maybe he was just meant to swim against the current?
Finally, in some darkened allyway, Ace sees a pair of legs dangling over the edge of the dumpster. It's not a Scorupi, Ace knows immediately, but it isn't a Bidoof either. So he sticks around for the moment, just hoping it's something good. When the small pokemon gets out of the dumpster, happily holding a half-eaten sandwich Ace's heart almost stops. Charcadet, he recognises. How has one of those made its way to Sinnoh, he doesn't know and doesn't care. All he knows is, this one is coming with him, and no one will stop him.
"Accelerock, Rocky", Ace orders immediately. As the rocks fly its way the small fire type notices them, quickly jumping upwards and avoiding them, dropping its lunch in the process. "Go on, Rocky, keep it up".
Another round of the rocks is avoided, as Ace readies an empty pokeball. The Charcadet was bound to make a mistake sooner or later. "Again", Ace orders up. This time, after dodging, the wild pokemon retaliates with Ember. Ace can feel the heat of the attack against his face, but he doesn't care. He's already been poisoned, and even worse, he lost to Lesley. Nothing worse could happen to him today. He was not missing out on this catch for any reason.
Before the boy can order the next attack, the Charcadet turns on its heel and starts running. Even that doesn't surprise Ace, as the boy immediately starts chasing it. Running out into the main street, Rockruff right behind him, he has no intentions of losing Charcadet from his sight.
"Attack, Rocky", his voice manages to come out strong mid run. Charcadet jumps against the wall, dodging it again, and the rocks slam themselves into the pavement. There are people in the street, Ace realises, and this is probably not the safest, but that doesn't matter. Absolutely nothing is stopping him. Another attack by Rockruff ends up being dodged again, and Ace realises this Charcadet is incredibly agile, which only makes him want it more.
At the very least, all the running he has been doing last week was coming to fruition, Ace thought, as he had to make another sharp turn to keep up with the fire type. His legs hurt though, and he absolutely hated it. People were looking at him as if he was a madman still. This was like Mad Max, Fast & Furious, Ace thought, immediately thinking of nicknames for Charcadet.
"Rocky, go, hit an Accelerock in front of it", the boy decides, "let's slow him down". Springing ahead the small dog blasts rocks, hitting the ground in front of the fire type. It slows down just enough, and Ace immediately jumps, wrestling the small pokemon to the ground. Yeah, pokemon training isn't always as glamorous as it seems.
As Charcadet trashes around beneath him, trying to get an Ember off, Ace readies a pokeball and bumps it over pokemon's head. With people watching, the boy holds the pokeball tightly, pressing it with his hands as if that could help the catch. It's like a real life equivalent of holding down the B button, Ace thinks. Is it helping? He's not sure, but it certainly isn't making things worse.
When the rims of the pokeball turn blue, Ace had already decided. He'll nickname the Charcadet Private. Only becuase it would be strange to call it Ryan.