The math was simple. Jow wasn't about to catch a pokemon today. It would only divert his attention from training with Riolu. He didn't need that, especially now that Bullet Punch was finally ready, and could be utilised in battle to its full extent. They managed to develop Vacuum Wave further as well, with Riolu finally being able to fire off one-handed attacks. Joe just couldn't wait to try it all out. Furthermore, the little battle they had with Vinnie proved one thing - the boy was capable of holding his ground. Unlike that time Riolu attacked Ves because it caught on to Joe's fear in the moment, that last battle, the boy had managed to remain in full control. Therefore, he had no need of capturing another pokemon.
He was in Canalave though, and he wasn't an idiot. If he ran into a strong pokemon, of course he would catch it. Especially if it was a dark type. Although he was confident in Riolu, he wasn't about to pass up on an opportunity to get something that would help him deal with ghost and psychic types. Especially since they seemed to be so unfortunately popular. He already knew of two people with ghost types, and one with a psychic type.
Joe had expected a few things as well. City pokemon were not prefered. Growing up in Alola, he knew well enough that pokemon that had lived in relation to humans were rather tame. No, if he were to have anything good happen to him on this trip, he wouldn't be staying in Canalave.
As soon as the lecture was over, he darted outside, checking the city map on his pokedex. The ocean encased the city to the east. That's why he ventured to the west, aiming to reach the outskirts. There should be the exit leading to Route 218 there. As far as he could tell, the space housed mostly water type pokemon, as the river was close by, so the likelihood of finding a good dark type was low. That did not bother him much, as catching a pokemon wasn't his primary objective. What he really wanted to do was train against some wild pokemon. He didn't have many chances to do that on the island, and that sort of training had its benefits. It was definitely riskier, since there was no telling what wild pokemon would do, and no way to limit their number, but that's exactly what had made it a good training.
The boy paid no attention to the greyness around him, and Riolu didn't seem to care too much about it either. The only thing he noticed was that there were too many Bidoof out in the city. For a second he considered getting rid of them, but decided against it. Regardless, he was quick to reach the exit of the town.
As he faced the iron bridge, standing tall over the river's rift, there was only one problem. The thing was under construction, and using it was prohibited. The map didn't show that. The next nearest bridge would require another 30 minutes of walking, and Joe hated to waste time.
The space around the bridge seemed to be deserted anyways, Joe thought. The yellow tape of warning was there, but workers were not. Or anyone else. And the bridge seemed stable enough. Quickly raising the tape up, he stepped onto the construction space. It's not like one person walking over the bridge would cause it to collapse. The consreuction was probably done for cargo trucks anyways, Joe figured. And he wasn't a cargo truck, therefore, he could pass. Riolu followed after him without hesitation.
Still, anyone seeing him was a concern, so the boy made another quick scan of his surrounding, and made a run for the bridge. Just as he had assumed, the construction was sturdy, and people could safely walk over to the other side. The giant iron strings split the horizon in multiple small parts as Joe strolled forwards. It wasn't his first time veturing into the wild. Team Skull used to do it all the time back home, and Joe had often accompanied them. This was, however, the first time he's doing it all alone and with a pokemon of his own. Admittedly, he felt the slightest of fear, clinging to the Skull bandana he had in his pocket. Riolu was there at least, he remembered. He looked at hid partner, realising the fighting type looks as unbothered as always. He appreciated it, the fact Riolu was always ready to follow along. Perhaps the pokemon believed in his vision. Was Riolu ever scared? On a whim, Joe decided to take out the bandana out of his pocket.
Gesturing for his partner to come closer, the boy crouched in front of him. "Here, Rio, I want you to have this", he says as he carefully ties the fabric around pokemon's neck. It feels like the right thing in the moment. The Team Skull guys would probably live Riolu, Joe thinks, so they wouldn't mind him. And he can always get a new bandana for himself, he'll be back home tomorrow anyways. Riolu just looks at him with barren eyes, and Joe's not sure if the pokemon understands the way this is weighing on him. Then he remembers, Riolu can read emotions. He probably does understand. There is no sign of that. Maybe his teammates were right, it crosses Joe's mind. Maybe Riolu's not picking up on anything, because there's nothing to be picked up on. Maybe he's just convinced himself he has emotions when, in fact, he has none. He's not even sure what the emotions really are. So what if he's just acting?
"Dressing up your pokemon?", Marc's voice snaps him back to reality. Raising his head, Joe sees both Marc and Henry standing above him. When did they even get there? Not that he minds it, he knows they won't rat him out. "And doing that on the bridge, why are you even here?", Marc continues, his eyebrows raised.
Joe feels some blood rush to his cheeks. "Hey, I just thought I'd do some training with wild pokemon", he keeps his voice even.
"You could've done that in the city", Marc points out, taking a small step back.
"It's not the same", Joe says, still firmly planted in his place.
"Well, you could've asked Hen and I to come along then", Marc continues.
"Didn't want to bother you", Joe says simply.
"It's not a bother", Marc notes, "we're friends, right?".
"Right", Joe nods, avoiding a flinch.
"Really?", Marc steps towaeds him, "cause I'm not sure about it sometimes, you know".
"I mean, I think we are", Joe steps back.
"Marc", Henry places his hand on the boy's shoulder, "let it be".
"Right", Marc clears his throat, "sorry, I don't want to argue here, I just want to know".
"What do you want to know?", Joe avoids meeting his eyes.
"I mean, if we are friends, really?", Marc shoots out, "we're together pretty much all the time, but you never really talk to us about anything other than school and stuff".
"Guess it just didn't come up", Joe shrugs, his throat going sore. All he knows is, he doesn't like this. His body feels strange, as if its not his. Every movement feels unnatural. Riolu shuffles uncomfortably, moving closer to his trainer.
"Well, I get it, you're not great with stuff like that", Marc scratches his head, "but you know, you could've told me and Henry you wanted to go and train, we would've went along".
"Right, I just don't really do that", Joe admits. Besides, he really didn't want Henry to know about the new Vacuum Wave variant he wanted to test out. But he didn't want Marc to take all of this personally. Truth be told, Marc felt comfortable to him. He was easy-going, accent on the 'going'. There wasn't too many people in the school who were always ready to jump into stuff. Joe appreciated it, really. Maybe he could word it? But he wouldn't say it in front of the Henry, how much Marc reminded him of his friends back home.
"Right, you don't", Marc steps back again. "I just wanted to know, I guess, sometimes I feel like you don't even like us".
"I mean, I do, I guess, the two of you are the best guys I met in this school", Joe's not sure how to approach this. He doesn't want to say the wrong thing. Apparently, he's great at saying the wrong thing. "It's not like I'm trying to avoid you, or anything, really", he adds.
"We know", Henry cuts them off, "Marc's just a little bit agitated by your behaviour, that's all". Truly, Joe appreciated Henry as well, for always saying it like it is.
"Yeah, well, Henry and you are the best guys I've met here as well", Marc admits, his face turning red, "I mean, you two are the only ones who want to battle with me constantly, and push me further, I guess, but to be fair, sometimes I wonder if I'm just a bother to you".
"You're not", Joe reaches for him, but thinks better and stops himself.
"Really? I mean, I hate to do the whole insecure thing, cause I'm not, but", Marc throws his head back, "I guess the two of you are the strongest guys that I've met here, so you know, maybe I'm just slowing you down, and I know you don't really like talking about yourselves too much, and that's just the way you are, but sometimes, I just think you would prefer if I weren't there".
"Nonsense, Marc", Henry reassures him, "we prefer it when you are there, and it's not like you are a weakling either".
"Compared to you two, I am", Marc states.
"That's cause you have a quadruple weeknes against both of us", Joe tries.
"You know that's not the whole reason", Marc sighs.
"Look, the point is, you'll get stronger", Henry says, "all three of us will".
"Yeah, and no one is slowing anyone down", Joe's happy that Henry has put this into words for him.
"Well, technically, we are slowimg you down right now", Marc laughs a little, "sorry".
"I mean, you can come along if you want to", Joe adds quickly, "really, I just didn't know you'd be interested".
"Actually", Henry steps in before Marc can agree, "I had a different kind of training in mind, if you would agree".
"What sort of training?", Joe asks in surprise.
"I am ready to face you now", Henry clears his throat, "so I would like to have my rematch right now, if you are up for it".
Joe thinks about it for a second. He was looking forward to battling Henry again, but the boy had stayed adamant about not doing that up until now. On the other hand, now was a weird time to do that. "I mean, I really wanted to do some wild pokemon training right now", Joe looks over at Marc. "Can't that wait just a little bit longer?".
"It can", Henry nods, "however, think about it, you're going back home for the weekend, right?".
"I am", Joe confirms.
"Well, you'll be able to train with wild pokemon during the weekend then", Henry points out, "on the other hand, you won't be able to battle me at least until Monday".
"I guess you have a point there", Joe nods.
"If we battle now, we both gain new insights that we can put to use immediately", Henry continues, "so I think it's better to do this now".
Joe nods along. Henry's probably right. If they battle now, then he can incorporate anything he learns during their battle into his weekend training. Besides, he's confident in his new moves, and testing them out in a real battle has its benefits. There's just one thing wrong.
"Marc, is it alright if Henry and I battle now?", Joe looks over at the blond boy.
"Um", Marc stutters, "yeah, yeah, it's cool, I mean, honestly, I've been waiting to see it, so it's alright".
"Really?", Henry raises his eyebrow, "you won't end up feeling left out?".
"No, no, really, it's fine", Marc nods along, "I mean, both of you battle me all the time, I guess it's cool if I sit back and watch for once".
"Alright then, Henry", Joe nods, "I'll take you on, where do you want to do this?".
"Right here", Henry says simply.
"Wait, the bridge is under construction", Marc points out.
"It's safe enough", Joe says calmly, taking a few steps back to create some space, "a battle won't collapse it".
"Right, it won't", Henry complies, stepping back as well.
"Alright, if you say so", Marc sighs, "then I'll referee".
"That would be highly appreciated", Henry says, sending out his Mienfoo.
"Just so you know", Marc says looking between them, "I'm actually excited to see how this goes".
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"Thanks buddy, we'll do our best", Henry says with a small smile.
"Yeah, we will", Joe nods. His eyes keep darting between them. He's not sure if Marc has fully gotten over this whole ordeal, or is he just hiding it well for Henry's and his sake. And Henry being Henry isn't helping him feel much better. He remembers their first battle. It was a double battle, and it went in his favour. There was no sand to use as a cover this time around though. And he saw Henry battle against Vinnie as well, so Joe was sure his friend has grown stronger. He had some new tricks as well, however.
"Alright then, if both of you are ready", Marc clears his throat, "battle, begin".
"Trailblaze", Henry says immdiately, and Minefoo rushes in quickly.
"Dodge it, Rio", Joe can guess what comes after, he's aware of the Mach Punch, he's not letting Henry bait out a Detect right at the start.
As Mienfoo's arm envelops with grassy energy, Riolu easily avoids the attack.
"Mach Pucnh", Henry orders readily, and the weasel pokemon shoots a fast puch towards Riolu.
"Detect", Joe counters, allowing his pokemon to easily dodge the second consecutive attack.
"Trailblaze, now", Henry orders.
"Dodge", Joe says, Mienfoo's already tied two attacks together. One of his arms is on the side, and he had used the second one to shoot out a Mach Punch just now. He couldn't reposition fast enough for another Trailblaze to hit. Riolu would have more than enough time to avoid it.
Turning in its place, swinging both of its arms backwards, Mienfoo hits a swift Trailblaze with his leg, sending Riolu flying back.
"And that's a trick we came up with specifically for you", Henry would sound triumphant if his voice wasn't flat.
Joe quickly recovers from the surprise. Henry's definitley improved. "Bullet Punch", he goes for a quick counter.
"Detect", Henry commands, realising Riolu's fast to get back on his feet and launch an attack. "Get away". Flashing his eyes, Mienfoo avoids the incoming Bullet Punch, starting to jump backwards.
"Vacuum Wave", Joe has no intention of giving Henry any room to breathe. Not now that he had gotten the speed boost. The boy feels his heart pounding in his chest as the Vacuum Wave doesn't reach its target in time. "Bullet Punch, Rio", Joe decides he needs to get into it.
"Detect", Henry says confidently, as his Mienfoo gets out of the way yet again.
"Vacuum Wave, double it", Joe is ready to try his new trick.
"Get out of the way", Henry orders up. Riolu quickly shoots his arm forward, sending a balst Mienfoo's way, which the weasel promptly avoids. The small dog swiftly does the same with his second arm, managing to land a hit this time. It's weak, but more than enough to throw his opponent off balance.
"Bullet Punch, now", Joe says immediately, and Riolu rushes in again. He won't let Henry regain his rhythm, he's not losing this one. However much the other boy has improved, it didn't matter, Joe has improved as well.
"Detect", Henry doesn't seem bothered, and get Mienfoo to avoide another attack.
"Vacuum Wave", Joe says readily, and rhis time, there's no escape, Riolu manages to hit, blasting the weasel pokemon backwards.
"Bullet Punch", Joe doesn't let up. He sees well enough, he can't let Henry get an attack off.
"Detect", Henry says again, and as Mienfoo avoid the incoming attack he adds, "Mach Punch".
"Detect into Vacuum Wave", Joe reacts quickly, managing to avoid the immediate hit. But he realises it, Henry manages to throw him off his rhythm with this.
"Detect the Vacuum Wave", Henry orders readily, and Joe knows he has to find a way out of this. If Henry keeps Detecting his long range attacks, he'll be forced to get in close, but he'd be in danger of a counter. There was one way out of this, but it's risky.
"Mach Punch", Henry goes onto the offensive.
"Detect", Joe reacts, "get back Rio". He has to create some space, he realises. Riolu easily moves away from the incoming attack, and starts to move backwards.
"Trailblaze, keep the pressure up", Henry orders, adamant on not letting Riolu escape.
"Dodge it", Joe says confidently. Now that Riolu's managed to move back just a little bit, it should be easy to stay out of the reach, even if Mienfoo used his legs for the attack.
"Mach Punch", Henry presses on.
"Detect", Joe says, figuring out he won't be getting a chance to catch his breath. As Riolu avoids the punch, Henry orders another Trailblaze, which Riolu promptly avoids.
Thinking swiftly, Joe realises Bullet Punch would be avoided easily now, sonce Riolu's moving backwards. It wouldn't suceed in bringing back the advantage to him. Not on its own, at least. But it could be a decoy.
"Bullet Punch", Joe orders, ready to take over the fight again.
"Dodge it", Henry says. Exactly what Joe had expected, his opponent is saving Detect for the Vacuum Wave. It takes Riolu a moment to switch the direction of his movements, and Mienfoo has just enough time to dodge the attack.
Knowing the Detect is coming, Joe orders: Vaccum Wave, double it, Rio". The first one will be avoided, the second one will sway the tempo back in Joe's favour.
"Aerial Ace", Henry says instead.
"Rio, get back", Joe watches as Mienfoo lets the firs blast hit him, just to swiftly fly his arm upwards, cutting through the air and sending Riolu backwards in the process.
Flinching, Joe finds his head's gone blank for a second. His plan has failed, and all he knows is his heart is pounding even faster now.
"Mach Punch", Henry is first to realise Riolu is still standing, barely hanging on.
"Detect", Joe says hastily. He has to counter this. Riolu's eyes flash in blue, as the pokemon escapes the attack. Bullet Punch or Vacuum Wave, Joe tries to think what would be better now. Before he can decide, Riolu's up in the air, his eyes still blue, his hands flashing in gray. The pokemon shoots a fast Bullet Punch at Mienfoo, making it stop for a second.
Joe's not sure what's going on, but he orders a Vacuum Wave instictively. Riolu's hands flash in grey again, as the pokemon darts across the field aiming at Henry with a Metal Claw. "Rio, no", Joe yells out, as he desperately tries to fish out his pokeball.
"Mienfoo, Mach Punch", Henry is much faster to react, and his partner catches up just in time to hit Riolu at his back, sendimg him to the ground.
Joe's sure his partner's fainted already, but, as he finally takes hold of the pokeball, he is fast to recall him. Just in case. His heart is still beating, he feels it everywhere. It feels as if any movement could make his head burst open. Did battling always feel like this? No, it didn't. He remembers to breathe. He can only look at Henry, who's staring back at him. Is he mad?
Looking over at Marc, he sees the boy staring at him, wide eyed. "Um", the boy stutters, "Henry wins, I guess".
"Sorry", Joe says. His voice is shaking, he realises. "I don't know why Rio did that".
Henry walks over to him with firm steps, placing his hand on Joe's shoulder. "Calm down", the boy says, "everything's fine".
"Yeah, cause you reacted in time", Joe pants, "Rio could've hurt you".
"He didn't", Henry says simply.
"It would be my fault", Joe says shakily, "I lost control, but I didn't mean to, I mean, I don't even know how it happened, it's not like I wanted to hurt you, I promise".
"Riolu catches onto your emotions, not your thoughts", Henry says simply.
"I", Joe starts, realising he's at loss for words, "I really didn't meant to do that, I'm sorry".
"It's fine", Henry nods, "though, I'll keep in mind that you really don't like losing".
Right. He lost, Joe realises. That was the first battle he lost since becoming a trainer. From the moment that Aerial Ace hit, he knew he'd lose. Was that enough to get his emotions off balance. And what were those emotions anyways?
"Dude, are you alright?", Marc walks up to them, "both of you?".
"I'm good", Henry nods slowly, "I reacted in time, nothing happened, Joe seems a bit shaken up though".
"I'm fine", Joe reassures them. It was the truth as far as he knew, his head was clear, and he knew both Henry and Marc didn't blame him. The guilt still remained, along with that pounding heart. He felt in his head still, his throat, and legs, everywhere.
"Well, that was a close call", a voice comes above them, proping all three boys to look up in urgency. "This was not a smart idea at all", the tall dark haired boy said, his voice low and raspy.
Flinching, Joe realised he had no idea when the boy had appeared, how could he sneak up on them like that? To make matters worse, he knew exactly who the boy was. He had recognised Dominic instantly, even though he never formally met him. It was enough seeing him on the plane, sat together with Vinnie and that otger blond guy he assumes was Mikey.
"It was a good battle though, both of you are strong", Dominic goes on, not waiting for anyone else to speak. He saw the battle, Joe thought. Could he get them into trouble? No, battles were allowed during the school trip. Technically. They could battle wild pokemon. He could lie his way out of that one. "Too bad it ended like that, Riolu went berserker, what's up with that?", Dominic is still talking. They are on the bridge, Joe rememberes, the one that's out of order. This guy could have them all expelled, it dawned on Joe. Ace will murder him.
"Relax, I won't rat you out", Dominic must've notice the way the three were looking at him, "I gain nothing from it, besides, I'm not a snitch".
"Not sure if I trust you, buddy", Marc says through gritted teeth. Henry quickly stops him.
"Why are you even here?", Henry questions.
"I saw you walk up here, and I decided to follow you", Dominic say bluntly, "you're really easy to sneak up on, actually".
"Thanks, I guess", Marc scoffs.
"Anyways, I won't mention this, honest to God", the boy raises his hands in the air, "well, under one condition".
"Oh, great", Joe sighs. This guy is about to blackmail them.
"I want to battle the two of you", Dominic says simply. "Well, not right now, obviously", he adds quickly, "but when we get back to school, I want a match".
"Dominic, right?", Joe questions, still trying to calm himself down.
"Yeah, and you're Joe I suppose, the guy with a Riolu", Dominic nods. "Henry?", he turns towards the other boy giving him a questioning look. Henry just nods in conformation. "And you would be?", Dominic points at Marc, waiting for an answer.
"I'm Marc", the blond boy says, crossing his arms.
"Right, Vinnie didn't remember your name", Dominic notes shortly, "well, either way, glad to meet you all, so, about that battle...".
"Maybe recollect yourself a bit", Joe manages to recover a bit, "we don't even know you, and we don't even like you or your teammates".
"Well, if you don't know me, how can you say you don't like me?", Dominic questions.
"By the virtue of your teammate setting up one of mine", Joe keeps his voice flat. All he wants to do is dart off of that bridge.
"Well, I'm not Bo, you know", Dominic says, "so that kind of thinking is kind of unfair".
"Why would we trust you anyways", Henry cuts him off, "maybe you just want to set us up as well".
"No, I do not want to do that", Dominic responds.
"And we should trust you because...", Marc raises his eyebrow.
"Look, the only two people I have fun battling with in this school are Mikey and Vinne, and that gets kind of boring", Dominic sighs, "you two seem strong, I just want to battle someone new, that's all". He looks over at Marc adding: "you can join as well, we'll make it a 3v1, that should be fun".
"Wow, you remind me of someone", Marc laughs, looking between Joe and Henry.
"Sneaking up on us just to ask for a battle?", Joe says flatly, "that doesn't sit right with me". Truly, he just wants to go away, heal Riolu, and try to figure out why the hell his partner acted out this time around.
"Hey, it was a good battle, I got excited", Dominic admits, "and honestly, given the history between our teams, I doubt you'd look kindly at my offer even if I asked you under different circumstances".
"Dude, I think the three of are like long lost brothers or something", Marc laughs. At least he is feeling a bit better, Joe thinks.
"Once again, I won't rat you out, that's not my style", Dominic reaffirms, "so you three think about my offer on our way to the pokemon center".
"Sorry to inform you, we're not going to the pokemon center with you", Joe says.
"Well, Riolu's fainted, and Mienfoo is in need of healing as well, so I suppose that's where you guys will be going", Dominic shrugs, "and I'll be accompanying you".
"Alright", Marc decides for them, "let's go". Henry tries shooting him a stern glance, but the blond boy waves him off. "I like this guy, Hen, he seems cool, and my gut is never wrong", the boy says, "and I think you should accept his challenge as well".
Joe's only slightly surprised at Marc' s behaviour. He's like that with people. This time, however, he decides to go along, at least for a little bit. Riolu really needs to get to the pokemon center. And he needs to figure this out. Until he does, he's not battling Henry again.
*****
Teo jumped up from the sofa as soon as he saw him, flinching a bit when he noticed Dominic. Without a word, he stood behind him as Joe left Riolu to the nurse.
"Hey, I've been looking for you", the boy whispers almost conspiratively to him, "what's that guy doing with you?". He looks over his shoulder to see Dominic giving him a wave. "Don't tell me you're friends with him now?".
"I'm not", Joe says simply, "what do you want?". He really doesn't want Teo bugging him right now.
"Oh, I have something for you", the boy says, quikcly dragging him away to the corner. Joe lets him do it without complaining. Whatever it is, he just wants to get this over with. Teo produces the pokeball from his pocket, shoving it into Joe's hand. "Here, now we're even", he says.
"What's with this Teo?", Joe says flatly.
"You gave up catching Totodile so I could have a partner that can battle", Teo points out, "so, I wanted to return the favour, and I know how much you wanted a psychic type, plus, this one reminds me of you, so it all works out".
"Teo, I didn't want to catch a pokemon", Joe sighs, "so don't drop this on me".
"Look", Teo says, "I saved this guy from the poachers and I thought you'd like it, so just keep it, alright?".
"Teo, you can't just spring a pokemon onto me", Joe says, the pounding in his chest returning.
"It's an Espurr", Teo notes, "and I thought you'd like a psychic type".
"Really?", Joe says in surprise, "you thought I'd like to have a pokemon weak to ghost types, when I already have one that can't hit them?".
"Cmon, I just wanted to do a nice thing here", Teo sighs, "I couldn't leave this pokemon with those guys".
"Well, you train it then", Joe says simply, "or realease it, don't go springing it onto me".
"Oh my God, why can't you just accept a gift for once", Teo wails, "don't you like psychic types?".
"I do, but I don't need one right now", Joe retorts.
"But just keep it, no one's forcing you to actually use it", Teo yells a bit, turning everyone's attention to them.
"Calm down", Joe whispers.
"No, no", Teo keeps talking, "I don't get this, dude, I get kidnapped, almost thrown into the river, and I try to do something nice for you, and you can't just simply".
"Dude, I don't need a new pokemon", Joe responds, trying and failing to keep his voice low, "especially not an Espurr".
"Well, right, so what, now I'm an asshole who's forcing you into this?", Teo yells, as Marc and Henry manifest next to them. "I just want to return the favour, why can't you just let me do that?".
"It's not about you, Teo. I can't have an Espurr right now. Those things are as unstable as they get, you should know that". Joe realises he's yelling. His body is tense.
"Well, what's that to you", Teo yells back, "you're pretty good with things like that, I mean you already have Riolu".
"Yeah, and Riolu has already attacked both you and Ves, let me remind you", Joe feels the rush of blood on his head, "and it's attacked Henry as well, so do you really want me to have an Espurr?".
"When the hell did it attack Henry?", Teo snaps back, "and why the hell are you crying?".
Joe didn't realise a few tears have rolled off from his eyes. He wipes them, lowering his voice: "just now, we battled, Rio lost control".
"Oh, I had no idea", Teo steps back, as Marc wraps his arm around Joe. "Look, that doesn't matter, I mean, everyone is fine", Teo states carefully.
"Right, because Henry managed to react in time", Joe clears his throat. He hates the way his stomach feels as if it was caving in, and he hates the way Teo is talking to him.
"So, um, you lost to Henry?", Teo asks curiously, "that's why you're like that right now?".
"No, no", Joe says. "I mean, I did, I did lose, but that's not why, I have no idea why I'm like this".
"Well, what else has happened?", Teo questions.
"Nothing", Joe says. "Just stop asking questions, alright", he adds quikcly. Nothing else has happened. And he had no idea why Riolu acted on his own this time. He couldn't explain it to himself, and definitely not to Teo.
"Alright I won't", Teo raises his hands. "However", the boy offers up Espurr's pokeball again, "please, do take this pokemon".
"Teo", Joe starts.
"Wait, no, I don't want to force this onto you really", Teo cuts him off, "but I did catch it for you, so please, just take it".
"Teo, really", Joe says, his throat feeling filled with needles.
"Look, release it if you want to, or give it to someone else", Teo says, "just please, take it".
"Alright, if you will leave me alone", Joe says, taking the pokeball from his teammate.
"I will", Teo says promisingly.