Ves's suitecase is red. There's a picture burried at the bottom of it. It sits in a wooden frame, under a pile of not-so neatly packed t-shirts. Thinking about it, Ves was twelve in that picture. He doesn't ever pay attention to the twelve year old boy. He remembers the eighteen year old boy next to him.
Sitting in art class isn't Ves's favourite activity. Drawing was not his strongest point. They had PE before it, and it only made things worse. He felt the sweat running down his side. It kept distracting him from trying to draw the Cyndaquill tea pot placed on the table in front of the room. Not that he could see it too well from the back of the room. His sweaty palms left smudges all over the paper as he absentmindedly traced the shape of the pot. Glancing over Sam's shoulder, he found some satisfaction in the fact his teammate was doing as poorly as he was. He didn't hate Sam. He didn't hate any of his teammates. True, Ves had found the other boys slightly annoying, but he didn't hate them. All he had wanted was for them to stay at the bay. Crakc some jokes, bicker for a while, talk when you have to, but getting to know them was not a part of the deal. At least they all seemed to be on the same page when it came to that. Just in case, he left that pucture sitting at the bottom of his suitcase. Answering questions counted towards fraternising. Not what he came here for.
The day was already winding down by the time they were done with the art class. It took three periods. This is the only year they have to take art, so the board decided to really give it to them. Ves's creation barely resembled a tea pot, it looked more like a vaguely rat-shaped blob. Sam didn't do muh better. Joe's drawing was a shapeless mess hidden behind a curtain of smudges. "I'm left handed", the boy excuses himself calmly upon noticing Ves eyeing his artwork.
"Huh, so that's it", Ves chuckled, "I thiught you were just trying to be abstract".
"Good to know you're bad at this", Ace joins in on the conversation. Proudly holding his paper out, Ves sees a neatly drawn tea pot.
He turns to Teo, whose paper is covered in doodles, and not a good ones. One of them was supposed to be a motor bike, Ves was pretty sure. "Stop staring", the boy with a buzz cut said flatly, "I'm not the fan of art class, if you couldn't tell".
"Not a fan of PE class either", Ace chimmes in, "where were you".
"None of your bussines", Teo responds shortly.
"You shouldn't be skipping classes", Sam says, "it's just the first day".
"What does it matter to you", Teo raises an eyebrow, "PE is not a part of the finals anyways, it's not like it affects any of you".
"Yeah, well we were one person short for dodge ball", Ves retorts, "so you see it affects us very much, they smoked us".
"Wish I was there to see it", Teo laughs, "is there a video".
"No, there is not", Ves rolls his eyes.
"Don't start", Joe says calmly, "PE doesn't matter, we have bigger problems right now, you know".
"And what would those be, if you care to inform us?", Ves says sarcastically, supposing Joe is more then eager to do the talking.
"We basically have no means of training", Joe says matter-of-factly as he leaves his drawing on top of the pile at the professor's table.
"What do you mean?", Ves follows the suite.
"I mean, we can't battle", Joe clarifies, "we can use the training center, but we can't battle".
"Cmon, you're being overdramatic", Ace groans, "did Nolan's little talk scare you that much?".
"No", Joe says shortly, "but I did go around asking other professor's if they are willing to referee".
"And what did they say?", Ves asks.
"They're basically all the same as Nolan", Joe shrugs, "all of them have their own research on their days off".
"That sucks, but we can still catch them when they have some time", Ves shrugs, "it's not like we need to battle constantly".
"Most of the first year professors are mentors as well", Joe notes as they leave the classroom, "they want to focus on their own classes you know".
"Well, that sounds like a problem", Sam scratches his chin, trying to wiggle his way into the conversation.
"Oh, you and Ace are not in trouble, you know", Joe tells him, "Nolan's willing to referee your battles, as far as I can tell".
"Right, he only has a problem with the three of you", Ace nods, "but what about the other professors, those who are not mentors".
"Well, turns out, those professors are not trainers, just like Nolan", Joe explains calmly, "and they are not willing to referee a battle that has Pokemon they find troublesome neither".
"And I take it they find the three of us troublesome", Teo points out.
"Right", Joe nods, "I mean I get it for the two of you, but Riolu's really not that dangerous".
Ves looked over at Joe's partner, who was, yet again, freely roaming the hallway. "Don't know, I don't exactly feel safe around it", the boy points out, "why do you insist on keeping him out of the pokeball anyways".
"He doesn't like being inside it", Joe shrugs simply.
"And you know that because?", Ves eyes him suspiciously.
"It's an aura Pokemon, I can tell", Joe shrugs it off.
Ace stops in track. "Dude, I don't think that's how it works", the blond boy manages to keep his voice from cracking.
"What do you mean?", Joe stares at him, slightly confused.
"I mean, Riolu can sense the emotions of others", Ace points out, "so, unless you can read aura as well, it makes no sense you can tell how Riolu's feeling".
"I can't read aura", Joe says simply.
"Well, then, I think you're tripping buddy", Ace says firmly.
"I can just tell Riolu feels good when he's out of the pokeball", Joe says, "it's not that hard to get".
"Yeah, I think maybe you feel more comfortable when you have your murder dog beside you", Teo states, "can't say it's the same for the rest of us".
"Why, you feel uncomfortable when Riolu's out of the pokeball?", Joe sounds a bit surprised.
"Obviously", Teo states.
"Could you just keep him in the pokeball when we sleep?", Sam adds sheepishly.
"Um, right", Joe scratches his head, "though I don't see the need".
"Of course you don't", Ace rolls his eyes.
"Hey, hey", Ves says loudly, "back to the battle blacklist, so, you were saying the three of us are all on it?".
"Yeah, pretty much", Joe's voice remains emotionless, "no professor is willing to oversee us battling".
"That sounds unfair", Ves grips his hands.
"Yeah, it is", Joe says, "and we're not the only ones, I've asked the other students as well, most of the year is on the blacklist, apparently, the school board assigned many partners this year that our professors find unacceptable".
"Well, I'm good", Ace notes snarkily, "so that sounds like a you problem".
"Hey, Ace, maybe you should tone it down a bit", Ves scoffs at him, "you know you aren't exactly a battle prodigy, as far as I could tell".
"Well, I don't think you're an authority on the topic, buddy", Ace retorts.
"You lost to a motherfucking Spoink", Teo gives the blond boy a small shove, "I don't think one needs to be an expert to see how much you suck".
"Could you stop acting like a jerk and pushing people", Ace yells, "you know, I'm still better than you, you can't even control your partner, and I doubt you can fistfight opponents in the tournament".
"Maybe I can", Teo shoves him again, "I'd probably still do a better job than you".
"Well, just informing you here, tough guy", Ace makes a grimace, "you're the biggest burden right now, even Sam is more useful than you, so unless you have a plan to get things in order you should shut up".
"Well, I do have a plan", Teo scoffs, "I just need some Soothing Berries, so if any of you run into any of those".
Joe's eyes seem to perk up for a split second. "I should've thought of that", the boy states.
"What even are Soothing Berries?", Sam chimmes in.
"Friendship Berries, they also call them Acid Berries", Joe explains.
"Acid?", Teo seems confused.
"Right, they grow only in the soil with acidic properties", Joe explains.
"Why do you even know that?", Ves gives him a surprised look.
"My family farms berries", Joe shrugs.
"Wait really?", Ves almost yells, "I thought you were raised in some Kalosian castle or something, by the way you fucking behave".
"Well, you were wrong", Joe says simply, "I was raised on an Alolan berry farm".
"Wait up", Ace stops again, "Alola? Why are you in a school for Pokemon Trainers then?"
"Hey shut up", Teo says firmly, "I have no fucks to give about Joe's life, I just need the berries".
"Well, I don't have any", Joe scartches his head, "the season has just started, we only planted them a few days ago, besides even if I had any, I couldn't bring them outside of the region, Alola has pretty strict agriculture laws, being an island nation and all".
"Yeah, yeah", Teo waves his hand, "so basically, you're useless, and therefore, I don't care".
"I did bring some pots and soil though", the tanned boy points out, "we could grow them ourselves".
"Hey, can we not talk about farming right now", Ves interrupts, "I think we have bigger problems right now".
"Well, the pots are no use without the berries", Teo ignores Ves, "so unless you know have a way of getting them, we can forget about it".
"The Old King's island is just off the shore of Lilicove city, you know", Joe shrugs, "I'm pretty sure we can find some Acid Berries there, and I was planning on making a trip soon anyways".
"Right, and you plan on getting there how exactly?", Teo's interest peaks.
"Boats", Joe explains, "some older students mentioned they have boats hidden in the caves around islands, and they use them to leave the island in secret".
"Oh, so there is a way to leave the island", Teo scratches his chin, "great, then we're making that trip as soon as possible".
"Thursday morning", Joe nods, "we'll need to go early in the morning though, so no one notices us".
"Hey, you two stop plotting", Ace's voice comes cracking, "you're not going anywhere".
Teo turns towards him in surprise, bursting with laughter: "and I'm guessing you are going to stop us Ace?".
"Right, I will", Ace crosses his hands, "leaving an island like that is prohibited, you will get us all expelled if you're caught".
"We won't be caught", Joe states calmly, "as I said, we're going early in the morning, and we'll return late at night, no one will be around to see us".
"You know, you can't just do whatever the hell you want to", Ace's voice craks, "just cause the two of you are on a power trip, doesn't mean you can ignore the rest of us, unfortunately we are a team, so your behaviour affects the rest of us as well".
"I don't think it's the smartest idea either", Sam decides to take Ace's side.
"Right, I'm with Ace on this one as well", Ves says firmly, "I'm not getting expelled cause the two of you want to go on a shopping date".
"Hey, Ves, I thought you had some balls", Teo hovers over him.
"I do, but I'm not stupid", Ves pushes him away. The two of them were getting on his nerves. Joe acting as if he was god-given and Teo with his bad boy act. He could ignore it most of the time. But he was not letting them ruin his chances at graduating.
"And what are the three of you going to do then", Teo laughs, "go and rat us out?".
"I don't know", Ves admits, "but you know what, it's about time the two of you figured some things out".
"And what exactly are we supposed to figure out", Teo raises an eyebrow at him threateningly.
"That you're not as important as you think", Ves retorts, "neither of you".
"Really?", Teo gives him a grin.
"Really, you're just a little aggresive maniac who puts on a tough act, Teo", Ves rolls his eyes, "and unlike Ace and Sam, I'm not a cowardly enough to let you get your way".
"You're not", Teo shoves him away. Stumbling a few steps back, Ves quickly regains balance, pushing back at the taller boy.
"You two should stop", Joe cuts them off, "this is not a place to have a fight".
"And you should stop talking sometimes, you know", Ves gives him a cold glare, "you're no one's boss".
"I know that", Joe says flatly.
"Do you, really?", Ves says dryly, "cause you've been a little overbearing piece of shit ever since we came here, always meddling and trying to tell everyone what to do".
"I just try to keep things in order", Joe shrugs, "it's not my fault the four of you lack discipline".
"I mean, I get that you're trying to do good", Sam tries to calm the things down, "but you've been kind of bossy".
"Bossy? He's been trying to herd us like we're sheep ever since we came here", Ace scoffs, "and you can't claim that you want to keep things in order when you're the one who's recommending breaking the rules, you know".
"Well, what does it matter", Joe points out, "it will be useful for all of us if we make a trip, and we're not going to get caught, even if we do, you can just act like you didn't know about it, Teo and I will lie as well, and they won't expell you".
"You can't be sure about that", Ves sighs, "just stop acting like you know everything".
"I'm aware it's a risk", Joe claims, "but it's a pretty good risk as far as I'm concerned, the berries could help Teo with Absol, and we can get some other useful stuff as well that can benefit all of us, so I'm very much going to take my chances".
"Oh, no, you're not", Ves pushes the boy away. Riolu is quick to get in his way, preventing any further attacks. "You can't do whatever you want, not when it puts all of us at risk, let Teo handle his own bullshit", Ves says stepping back, "besides we have other issues, you know".
"Look Ves", Joe ignores him, recovering his ground, "I've already decided, and none of you can stop me, so let's not turn this into an unnecessary fight".
"Why do you think we can't stop you", Ves scoffs, "you're not as good as you think you are buddy, you think the three of us can't stop one of you".
Joe eyes them carefully, before making his decision. "Yeah, I think I can take the three of you on", he says calmly, "let's do it".
"What the actual fuck are you trying to say", Ves laughs.
"Let's have a battle", Joe says, "I take three of you on, if I win, then Teo and I go to Lilicove on Thursday, and you don't give us any shit".
"And how do you suppose we arrange the battle?", Ves questions, "I remember you saying no professor would oversee the battle that has the two of us in it".
"We go to the beach", Joe says simply, "it's pretty late already, no one will see us anyways".
"Are you seriously recommending we break the rules again", Ace tries keeping his voice down, "dude that's what has caused this whole argument in the first place".
"Right, I think you didn't really think this through", Ves points out.
"I did", Joe retorts, "Ves, you do realise breaking the rules is the only way for the two of us to get any training?".
"Alright, calm down a bit there", Ves raises his hands, "we're not sure about that yet, we can probably get at least one professor to referee for us, let's not jump the gun".
"Sound like you're scared, Ves", Teo pokes at him, but Ves is not stupid enough to fall for a provocation like that.
"Sure Ves, maybe we could, but how long will that take", Joe argues, "and how many opportunities to battle we can squeeze out like that?".
"And how many opportunities to get expelled will we have if we follow your little plans?", Ace interrupts.
Joe ignores him. "Ves, we have just a little more than a month until the tag team tournament", the boy's voice remains monotonous, "just think for a second and you'll realise what I'm proposing is objectively the best path".
"I don't know", Sam raises a finger as if he's asking questions, "this sounds too risky, and it's not like there's no other way".
"Just look at our chances for the tournament", Joe retorts, "we'll basically go into it one member short if Teo doesn't fix his issues with Absol, we need those berries, and we need them soon, cause he needs to get some training as well, otherwise, he'll be useless". The brown haired boy looks knowingly at Ves.
"Well, that's his problem", Ves counters, even though he sees where Joe is coming from, "breaking rules just to help him out, and putting all of us in jeopardy in the process, is still not the smartest decision".
"You'd rather us go into the tournamnet like this then?", Joe questions flatly, "let's be realistic here, as of right now, we have Teo, who's useless".
"Hey, we're on the same side right now, you dipshit", Teo retorts.
"You saw how Ace battles for yourself", Joe ignores him.
"And just what's that supposed to mean?", Ace raises his eyebrows questioningly.
"It means you're mid", Ves clarifies.
"And then, to be fair, we don't know how well Sam and you will do", Joe wraps up his overview, "but unless both of you turn out to be battling prodigies, we are pretty much done for in the tag team tournament, you do know that?".
"I thought you didn't care", Ves feels a sting in his stomach, "didn't you say you'll pass on your own? Isn't that how it works anyways? So we should all go scoring points for ourselves?".
"Right, that's true", Joe nods, "but if we get eliminated in the first round, then I get only 100 points for winning my match, and the same goes for you, all I'm saying is we should take some measures, just to make sure we get through the first few rounds".
"Dude, maybe you should stop complicating it so much", Ace scoffs, "there are other ways to train than just battling, we're can't just go around breaking the rules, we're not freaking Harry Potter characters, you know".
"Stop being so uptight all the time Ace", Teo rolls his eyes, "we can break a few rules you know".
"We can get expelled", Ace's voice crack.
"Ace, the battle is even easier to cover up than getting off of the island", Joe shrugs, "if anyone does happen to see us, we just say we were on a bonding walk, and our pokemon started fighting amongst themselves".
"Right, I like the way you think", Teo nods assuringly.
"I mean, it seems that most of the professor's hate the partners we've gotten", Joe shrugs, "so they won't find it hard to believe they have gotten aggressive with each other".
"And we can all just play dumb and say we were trying to get them to get along", Teo confirms.
"You are a surprisingly good liar", Ace stares daggers at Joe, "I'm still not going along with your bullshit, though".
"Ves, just think about it", Joe ignores the blond boy, "you know I'm right about this, at least agree to the battle, you know we'll have to do it this way anyways".
Thinking about it, Ves can't help feeling that his teammate is right. Their position was not too bright. Breaking the rules would be fine with him in theory, if it didn't bring the risk of getting expelled. Awareness that he could inadvertently lose his chance to become a pokemon trainer was weighing heavily in his mind. Still, Teo's and Joe's excuse had sounded plausable enough. "Alright", Ves sighed, "I'll take you on".
"Great, and what about the two of you", the brown haired boy turned his attention to Ace and Sam.
"Hey, I'm not done speaking", Ves reminds him. Staring him straight in the eye, he adds: "just so we're clear, if I do beat you, you're not leaving this island, that was the deal, right?".
"Right", Joe nods.
"And", Ves interrupts him, "if I win, you'll stop acting as if you're our manager".
"Hey, I can stop with that right now", Joe shrugs, "I just did it to be helpful".
"Yeah, you should stop, you should really stop", Ace says almost beggingly.
"Alright", Joe takes a step back his eyes turning a shade colder. "But if I win, then I can do whatever I want".
"Not if it involves risking expulsion for all of us", Ace says firmly.
Joe scoffs. Taking another step back. "Well then Ace, you're free to try and stop me", he says firmly, "if that's a kind of relationship you guys want to have with me, I'm alright with it".
"I don't want any kind of relationship with you", Ace wrinkles his eyes in disgust, "I'm not gay".
"Me neither", Sam adds confused, "I mean, I'm chill if you like dudes and all, but I like girls".
"You know well enough that's not what I'm saying", Joe says, "look, if you want this group to function by the laws of the jungle, you should know that I'm the strongest one here".
"You're sounding overconfident", Ace rolls his eyes.
"Hey, I'm the one who's open to cooperation here", Joe notes.
"Doesn't seem like it to me, buddy", Ves interrupts, "seems like you just want to be able to do whatever the hell you want".
"This is what's best for all of us", Joe remains adamnt.
"Getting us expelled doesn't exactly sound like the greatest outcome", Ace scoffs, "besides, Sam and I don't even have to worry about it, we can just set up the battles by the book".
"Yeah, easy for you to act like a prick", Ves rolls his eyes.
"Hey, you should pick a side to be on", Ace grins at him.
"I'm not on any sides", Ves raises his arms defensively.
"Well, you agreed to the battle, so you're on his side, I guess", Ace says.
This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
"Look, he's right about one thing, we need to train, it's not that I like doing it this way either", Ves sighs.
"But you're going to do it, right?", Ace raises his eyebrow judgingly.
"Look, Ace", Ves says, "think about it this way, if we don't stop these two from going off of the island, they'll just end up doing whatever they want in the future, right?". Ace shifts in his place uneasily. "So it's better if we put a stop to it right now", Ves keeps going, "and we have some battle training as a bonus as well, which can't hurt".
"Right, but who's to say you won't just end up getting accustomed to breaking the rules like this all the time?", Ace question, "I don't exactly trust you, you know".
"I won't", Ves responds quickly, "if I don't have to, I won't".
"If you don't have to, huh?", Ace stares at him accusingly.
"Look, you've heard it, professors probably won't referee my battles", Ves does his best to sound convincing, "and you know, Joe is right about one thing, we all need to train before the tournament".
"What I'm hearing is, you're up to risking expulsion as well", Ace sighs.
"Well, I'll try to convince professors to set up matches for me", Ves promises, "but if they won't then I'll do what I have to do, you know, if we don't do well in these tournaments, we're all going to fail". Ace thinks about it for a moment, rubbing at his temples as if he's trying to concentrate. "Ace, just look at it this way", Ves tries to put everything into place, "we battle Joe right now to prevent the two of them from doing stupid shit in the future".
"Right, we break a rule to stop them from breaking the rules", Ace rolls his eyes, still not convinced.
"We break one rule, and we have an easy out if we get caught", Ves reminds him, "but if we win, then these two won't go and cause bigger issues for us, right?".
"You keep saying 'we', and something tells me you're trying to drag me into this", Ace glints at him, "just battle him on your own, if that's what you want to do".
"It's not about that", Ves says firmly, "we have a better chance at beating him if we take him on three on one, that's what he had recommended".
Ace lets out a defeated sigh. "God, you're all full of shit", he says, "I wish they teammed me up with four houseplants, at least they don't talk shit and smell nice".
"Look, I don't care about your reasons", Joe interrupts them.
"Well, obviously you don't", Ves retorts, "you care exclusively about your own ass".
"Can we stop with the insults already", Joe keeps his calm, "what I'm saying is, if you don't want to function as a proper team, then it's a law of the jungle".
"Oh, oh", Ace starts yelling, "proper team, your idea of a proper team is a fucking dictatorship buddy, stop acting like you're so innocent, you're hovering above our head and telling us what to do all the time".
"I do not", Joe retorts, "you've literally known me for three days".
"Yeah, but those three days you've been control issues galore", Ace point out.
"You're exaggerating a bit", Joe says calmly.
"You literally howered over us this morning until we got ready and went down to breakfast", Teo points out.
"And you kept bugging us about the schedule while we were eating", Ace adds.
"And you won't let me exit the bathroom after I shower unless I dry myself and get dressed", Sam adds.
"Alright, I think that one's on all of us, buddy", Ace interrupts him, "no one wants to see you walking around fully naked".
"Well then just don't watch", Sam says innocently.
"Alright", Joe says coldly, "as I said, I'll stop with all of that".
"That would be great", Ace exhales sharply.
"Still, if we're all going to act independently, and assert ourselves as individuals", the brown haired boy ignores him, "then I'm doing my own thing as well, I'm just warning you about it".
"Right, that's how it goes with dictators", Ace smiles dryly, "they lose control and the threats start rolling in, who do you think you are?".
"I'm the strongest one here", Joe shrugs, "and if you're all going to push your own agenda, then I'm doing it as well".
"So, you're saying, if we don't do what you tell us, then you'll just go doing whatever the hell you want", Ace retorts.
"No, Ace, I'm saying we can either function like a team, or we can each try and do whatever the hell we want", Joe steps up, his voice growing colder with every word, "but if our interests clash, then what do you think will happen?". Ves watches as Riolu tenses up, stepping one foot forward. Ace glares back at him instead of answering. "The one who's stronger gets his way", Joe continues, "so I am just letting you know right now, if that's how you want things to be, than the rest of you will have a tough time stopping me from getting what I want".
"You know, you're such a dick", Ace's voice turns low, "you keep acting like you want what's best for everyone, but really, you just want all of us to listen to you".
"This reeks of sexual tension", Ves notes.
"This is what's best for everyone", Joe claims, "even if you don't see it, this is the best thing we can do right now".
"Whatever, man", Ace looks away from him, "I'm with you on this one Ves, we're taking this asshole down".
"Great", Ves nods in understanding, turning around to face Sam, "and what about you?".
"I guess, if the two of you are in", Sam scrathes his head insecurely, "then I'm in as well".
"Great, this will be fun", Teo laughs.
"You should really keep quiet", Ves snaps at him, "you can't even take part in this, you know".
"How about we just head for the beach before we murder each other", Joe murmurs.
"Oh, well we can do that on the beach as well", Ace points out.
Leaving the main building, the five head east, aiming for the beach. With each step, Ves can feel the smell of salt growing stronger. Sundown well on its way burned the sky orange. Chill in the air was surprising, the boy thought, the autumn has started rolling in. His teammates had finally stopped talking, and he enjoyed the silence. If anyone were to see them right now, they'd conclude the five of them were friends. Eyes flying over the other four boys, Ves couldn't help giving in to the void in his stomach. This moment had felt so normal. And he never had any intention of making friends in this place, he didn't want these guys to be his friends either, but he wished they could be normal more often. Like this. Against the silent tension, this felt strangely nice. Ves's arms felt numb, his head felt ligter. After all, this was a summer night. One of those that ended up seeming to last forever. He remembered those, through some kind of a haze, even though he wasn't that far removed from them. Ves didn't take himself to be a very sentimental guy. Heading for the beach, he felt fourteen. So painfully fourteen. Just a few days ago, he was home, living through the remaints of his life, the one he knew. Out and about, walking in parks with his friends, staying on playgrounds just a bit to late, trying to play basketball, not that he was ever good at it. It's been three days here, and it felt like a different life. Disorienting. The four boys walking beside him were entirely foreign, yet they were his present and future. The pain of everything else becoming just a past echoed through his bones. He wished they were normal more often.
He could see the ocean in front of them. The dying sun was turning the water pink, but the tide was already strong, the waves leaping onto the shore, crushing into the sand as if they were trying to swallow the earth. It was a dissonance. The way the ocean looked and the way it behaved. He couldn't help wondering if his teammates saw it the same way. Their faces seemed cold, painted in gold, they looked like statues. Far away and secretive, and bigger than him. But they all looked fourteen, Ves realised. Even Teo, whose height had made him seem older, whose behaviour made always made his face seem more rugged than it was, looked like a kid. He was just a kid. He has a small scar on his left temple, Ves noticed. Two scars. Joe also has two, one on his chin, one on his hand. He never noticed until now. What was up with those two? Ace's green eyes were fixed on the horizon, somehow Ves got a sense that the blonde boy was somewhere else, perhaps in many other places, living many different of his own lives. Sam had a soft smile on his face as he stared at the water, he probably enjoyed this. Ves wasn't sure why he was looking at them like this. Were they looking at him as well? Who did they see?
"Hey, maybe let's not battle", Sam says in a low voice, "we could just go for the swim".
"No way", Joe cuts the idea immediately, "it's a wild beach, and the tides are starting to come in, unless you were raised by the ocean, you're not going in there".
"And there he goes, telling us what we can and cannot do", Ace says, his voice sounding distant.
"It's not my fault you guys have the worst ideas", Joe says but Ves can see him stand back a bit, "you know, if you started thinking things through, maybe I wouldn't have to nag you all the time".
"Hey, so you admit you nag us all the time", Ace gives him a challenging glance.
"Okay, go in if you want to", Joe gives in, "I said I'm going to stop telling you what to do, so you can do what you want".
"No way I'm going in", Ace throws his arms in the air half-victorious, "I hate water".
"Why do you hate the water?", Sam questions, "water is nice".
"Yeah, well, I fell off the docs when I was like 7, almost drowned, so I'm not the biggest fan", Ace rolls his eyes.
"I wouldn't worry if I were you", Joe rolls his eyes, "the ocean wouldn't take you anyways, it already has enough salt in it, you know".
"Wow, calm down Moana, you're not really good at insults", Ace snarks.
"Wait, Ace, you live by the beach?", Sam wonders, "that's cool".
"No, not by the beach", Ace's demeanor turns cynical, "by the docs, I'm from Vermilion city, it's all industrialised, not exactly a tourist kind of place".
"Oh, so I take it your behaviour is due to radioactivity then", Teo laughs.
"Oh, so you're from Kanto then, Ace", Sam scratches his head, "huh, we've known each other for three days and I still don't know where you guys are from".
"Well, not that it matters much", Ace rolls his eyes.
"Well, I'm from Twin Leaf town in sinnoh", Sam states expectantly.
"I'm from Malie city", Joe follows up, "of the Ula'ula Alolan island"
"Yeah, you're an islander, we figured that out", Ace chuckles, "but why do you talk like that".
"Like what?", Joe says confused.
"Of the Ula'ula island, you sound archaic dude", Ace points out.
"That's...that's how we talk", Joe scratches his head. Ves is surprised to hear the boy's voice come out as anything other than completely flat.
"Ves, Teo, where are you from?", Sam stays adamant.
"I'm from Nimbasa", Ves says simply, "it's in Unova".
"Dude, you're basically from Vegas then", Ace says surprised.
"What is Las Vegas?", Sam scratches his head.
"That city from the Elvis movie", Ace explains, "you know, the one with the lights and casinos, and stuff".
"Ace, Vegas in not real", Joe points out.
"And neither is Elvis", Teo adds.
"Yeah, you should really stop watching movies, dude", Ves nods along.
"Hey, well, that's a big city then, right, Nimbasa?", Sam says excitedly.
"Yeah, it is", Ves agrees, "I live in the outskirts though, thankfully, so I'm not surrounded by constant noise".
"And Teo, where are you from?", Sam turns to the last boy.
"Why does this matter?", Teo rolls his eyes.
"Cmon dude, we're doing a little bonding exercise", Ves says sarcastically, "just tell us".
"Hey, who said I wanted to bond with any of you", Teo laughs.
"Cmon, just tell us", Ace scoffs, "it's not like it's a big deal".
"And what if I won't?", Teo retorts.
"Then you're a little prick", Ace points out.
"Whatever, I'm cool with that", Teo rolls his eyes, "besides, I thought this we came here to have a battle, not a bonding experiance".
"Oh, you came to battle?", Ves asks dryly, "I thought you can't control your partner".
"Shut up", Teo sighs.
"Just tell us where you come from, and then we can do what we came here for", Ves notes, "we all said it, it's only fair you do it as well".
"Fine, Galar", Teo says shortly.
"Galar where?", Ves presses.
"Oh, he was clearly raised in some mine by a bunch of wild Mankey", Ace laughs.
"Mankey live in forests", Joe points out.
"Hey, island boy, stop ruining my jokes", Ace says, "and you tea-drinker, just tell us what town you're from".
"Spikemuth", Teo says shortly, "hope that satisfies your curiousity".
"It does", Ves nods, "now was that so hard to say".
"Yes, yes it was", Teo looks away, "not sure why you had to know, but now that you do, can we just get over with this battle, Joe and I have a trip to plan".
"A date you mean", Ves laughs, "the two of you are quite a pair, island boy and rock city punk, I'm sure that one will go well"
"Yeah, well, we'll never find out, since that date is going to get cancelled right now", Ace says, making his way down to the beach.
"It's not a date", Joe says following after him, "it's a shopping trip that's very much happening, since there's no way the three of you can win against me".
"Yeah, maybe you're a bit too confident buddy", Ves goes with them, "you really think you can beat three of us".
"Positive", Joe says simply.
"Okay, just pointing out, this is my first battle", Sam says sheepishly as he takes his place next to Ves.
"Well, I'm still going all out", Joe says loudly enough for them to hear. Gesturing for Riolu to come closer, he starts whispering something to his partner.
"Hey, dude, whatever you're telling that dog of yours is not going to save you", Ace yells over at him, "it's three against one, you're going down".
"Hey, Ace, we're kind of breaking the rules here, remember", Ves reminds him, "maybe don't yell".
"Right, sorry", Ace clears his tgroat, quickly realeasing his Rockruff onto the field. Ves notices Riolu has taken his spot as well, sticking rather close to Joe.
"Hey, I think he'll try keeping his distance", Ves says. Remembering Riolu knows Vacuum Wave he added: "he knows he's outnumbered, he'll stick to the long-range attacks, I think".
"That's probably what he instructed Riolu to do, right?", Ace says in a low voice, "he'll most likely stay on the defensive".
"I think he'll attack", Sam points out, "remember what he said during Sam's battle with Lesley?".
"Right, he's definitely attacking", Ves nods, "we just don't know who he will target".
"Probably you, Ves", Sam scratches his head.
"You think?", Ves raises his eyebrow.
"He probably sees you as the biggest threat", Sam notes, "but I'm not sure".
"Hey, let's not try and get into his head", Ace says, "there's three of us and one of him, we can overwhelm him, let's not comolicate it".
"Um, just one thing", Ves says, "I'm kind of not sure if Houndour will listen to me".
"What?", Ace says through gritted teeth, "couldn't you have told us that before we've gotten into this".
"Well, it's not like I'm Teo, you know, Houndour is fine, he lets me feed him and stuff, doesn't try to kill me", Ves raises his arms defensively, "but I don't think it likes me too much either, and I never actually battled with him, so I'm not sure if it will listen to me".
"Well, too late to think about it now", Ace groans, "just release him and we'll see how this goes, and Sam, you release Yamper as well".
"Alright", Sam says, and Yamper quickly appears on the battlefield, "what's the plan?".
"You two attack him in tandem, and I Sand Attack him just in case", Ace decides.
"You sure that will work?", Ves raises his eyebrow, "he has Detect, if I remember".
"It's three against one, he can use Detect to dodge one of our attacks", Ace says steadily, "even if he dodges another one somehow, the third one will land for sure, we can wear him down, no trouble".
"Sounds good enough", Ves says, gripping onto Houndour's pokeball. When the black dog sets foot on the field, his eyes are looking sharply forward. Rough looking fur quickly gets filled with specks of sand, as the pokemon lowers his body downwards, fixating on Riolu. He probably wants revenge, Ves realises, which turns out to be good for him. If he's ready to listen to Ves's instructions, the boy will have to find out.
"Alright, then, if you're all ready", Teo says dramatically, "let the battle begin!".
"Rockruff", Ace starts off strong, but Riolu's already flying across the field, wielding its greyish claw towards the rock type, and sending him up into the air. With few quick movements, Riolu twists his body, sending a blast of energy into the airborne Rockruff, knocking it few feet backwards, behind the boys. Vacuum Wave.
"Ember", is the only thing Ves manages to say. Houndour is quick to react, turning his head towards Riolu, he conjures a wave of cinders, sending them into the fighting type.
"Detect, get back, Riolu", Joe reacts quickly. Eyes flashing blue, the blue-furred dog makes his way back to his trainer in few jumps, standing tall in the sand without taking any hits.
"What was that about?", Ace curses out. Ves can see Rockruff's been knocked out already, and Ace is quick to recall him.
"Those were my little instructions to Riolu", Joe says simply, "I'm not in the mood to deal with evasion strategies".
"That was a dirty move", Ace scoffs.
"Vacuum Wave, now", comes Joe's answer. Before anyone else can react, Yamper is sent flying backwards as well.
"Hey, that's not fair", Sam yells, "I was not ready".
"Riolu", Joe says, and the fighting type attacks again.
"Ember", Ves reacts this time around. Houndour creates a wave of cinders. Colliding in the middle of the field, the two attacks create a curtain of sand and smoke.
"Metal Claw", Joe's voice sounds distant, but Ves hears it. He can't see where the attack is comimg from, he doesn't know who it's aimed at. He has a hunch though.
"Dodge it", Ves commands, as Riolu breaks through the smoke, heading straight for Houndour. The black dog manages to get out of the way, but Riolu makes a quick turn on his feet, blasting him away with a Vacuum Wave. It was almost as if Riolu was fighting on his own, and Ves had no idea what to do. He thought the 3 against 1 would mean an advantage, but it just meant he didn't know who Joe's aimimg at. He either instructed Riolu on who to attack beforehand or the Pokemon was making the decision on his own.
"Metal Claw at Yamper", Joe instructed again.
"What, wait", Sam yelled, "dodge it, Yamper". Riolu was too close to miss, quickly closing the gap between himself and Yamper, using the attack to raise the electrick dog up in the air, before rapidly firing off another Vacuum Wave into him.
"Fire Spin, Houndour", Ves took the only opportunity he had to attack. Barely standing, but with anger in his eyes, Houndour shot a focused stream of fire at Riolu.
"Detect", Joe said simply. Ves knew well enougj what was coming. Riolu's eyes flashed blue, avoiding Fire Spin, the fighting type twisted his body mid air, extending his arms and sending yet another blast at Houndour. The dark type went flying sideways, hitting the ground, unable to get up. "Well, I think that would be all", Joe said, slowly approaching his partner, "you did great Riolu, hey, how about I call you Rio from now on?". Riolu just looked up at him, as if to give the boy a silent approval of his new nickname.
Swallowing air, Ves recalled his Houndour. He had lost. They had lost. This strange feeling ran through his body, a mix of anger and adrenaline. He loved it. He absolutely loved it. This was Pokemon battling. Sure, he had just suffered an overwhelming loss, but this was pokemon battling. Fast-paced. Fun. He loved it. Only if it lasted a little bit longer. He did good. He knew he did good. Not good enough. But he had managed to react, unlike his teammates.
"Well, I think this means two things", Teo approaches them, smiling, "Joe and I get to go on our shopping trip, which is good, and we're pretty much screwed for the tournament, which is not so good".
"You're the one to talk", Ves grips his fist, "you can't even take a part in the battles, you know".
"Well, I'm working on that", Teo reminds him, "in the meantime, I just watched Joe trash the three of you in like a minute, so perhaps we should start to worry".
"Hey, he was playing dirty", Ace scoffs.
"Rigjt, he just kept attacking", Sam agrees.
"Well, sorry for not stopping to have a chat with you while we were mid-battle", Joe says, "unfortunately for you, I'm not your average action movie villain".
"Right, well, telling Riolu to go after me before the battle even began is kind of unfair", Ace points out.
"I wouldn't call it unfair", Joe shrugs, "I call it communicating with your partner".
"Right, well, I call it a snake move", Ace rolls his eyes.
"Hey Ace, shut up", Ves shoves him a bit, "he won fair and square, your fault for not reacting in time".
"How could anyone react to that?", Ace pushes back.
"Well, I did", Ves says, "and if I had better partners, I would've beaten him".
"Hey, guys, it was our first battle", Sam chimes in, "we did good, let's not fight again, we'll do well in the tournament".
"Oh, you, you should really stop being a fool", Ves says coldly, "you literally did nothing but take hits".
"Dude, I didn't know what to do", Sam raises his hands defensively, "he was too fast and it was my first battle...".
"Oh, it was your first battle right", Ves laughs, "why are you even here dude, maybe you should go home". Glaring at Ace he adds: "and you as well, just pack up and go, both of you".
"Why are you acting like a dipshit?", Ace growls at him.
"Cause Teo's right", Ves yells, "we're screwed, we're absolutely fucked, the two of you are actually useless".
"I didn't even get a chance to do anything", Ace yells back, "if he didn't go for me immediately, we'd win, you know, he knocked me out first cause I was the biggest threat".
"Not true", Joe states, "I knocked you out cause you're the most annoying".
"Ves, calm down, we lost", Sam tries again, "Joe is good, and he has a priority attack, it's hard to counter".
"I told you to keep quiet", Ves pushes him down to the ground, "Ace has priority moves as well, he could've countered him, but he was trying to get sand in his eyes, cause he's a little coward".
"Dude, just stop", Sam wails, trying to get up.
"Why, why would I stop", Ves hovers over him, "God, if it was one on one I would've stood a better chance, you know, at least I'd know he's attacking me, the two of you are nothing but burdens".
"Ves, calm down", Joe stands between the two, placing the hand on the black haired boy's chest. Ves wants to send him down to the ground as well, but Riolu's standing close by, so the boy stands back. "Look, Teo and I are going to Lilicove on Thursday, we'll get some training equipment as well, and we'll start training more", he says calmly, "there's still a month and a half until the tournament".
"You're... you don't know what you're talking about", Ves scoffs, "cmon, Joe, I thought you were realistic, we're screwed, literally, the only thing we can hope for is that Teo can get his shit in order and he turns out to be a a great fighter, and that's pretty much impossible".
"Right, we're in a tough position", Joe says as he helps Sam get up, "but they'll improve, we'll all improve".
"And others will improve too", Ves says firmly, "everyone here is training, do you actually think those two can catch up in time".
"I don't know", Joe admits, "but look, Ves, in the tag team tournament, 14 teams, and probably 15th team as well, get 0 points".
"Right", Teo is hit with realisation, "we only need to win the first round, score some points, and we'll be placed at least 16th place, which means we won't fail".
"Right, and we can work our way up from that", Joe nods.
"And how do you suppose we do that?", Ves questions, "we need three wins, you know, so which one of us is winning the third one exactly? Maybe Teo, oh, right he can't even let his partner out of the pokeball". Staring daggers at Ace he adds: "and you're joking if you think these two are winning against anyone".
"We'll train", Joe says simply, "if you just start listening to me...".
"Oh, again with listening to you", Ace scoffs, "I thought the deal was you'll stop bossing us around".
"Shut up Ace, let's not go back to that", Ves scoffs.
"Oh, and you're on his side now?", Ace yells.
"I'm not on anyone's side", Ves retorts, "he's a sociopath, but he's a sociopath who can fight, at least, which is what we actually need in this school".
"Right, well, his battling won't do us any good if he gets us fucking expelled", Ace grits his teeth, his face burning red, voice cracking.
"Oh, stop being so uptight, Ace", Teo inserts himself.
"You stay out of this", Ves hisses at him, "you're the definition of useless, so maybe keep quiet until you start being an actual addition to this team".
"For your information, my addition to this team is hotness, and I think that's good enough", Teo crosses his arms.
"Ves, stop acting all mighty just cause you've lasted few seconds longer than us", Ace rolls his eyes, "you lost as well, you're not that good".
Ves goes to push him, but Joe grabs his arm, his grip surprisingly stop. "Just calm down already", the boy says flatly, "what has gotten into you?".
"What's gotten into me? I'll tell you, I'm stuck with fucking useless teammates", Ves yells in his face, "and I have no idea why you are defending them right now, they are weak, and we both now it".
"Getting violent doesn't solve anything", Joe explains, "if it were possible to punch some skill into them, I'd be joining you, but it's not, so let's not let this team erode any further".
"I've wanted this for so long", Ves says weakly, eyes flying between his teammates, "I don't want to fail".
"You won't", Joe assures him, "you did fine, at least you could react".
"Thanks for the pat on the shoulder, but I don't want it", Ves says firmly, "look, we've been fighting about this ever since we came here, but it's all been just taking guesses, well, now it's real, there's nothing left to second guess here".
"Let's wait and see", Joe keeps his voice leveled still, and it's irking Ves beyond comprehension.
"Yeah, right, what are we going to see exactly?", the boy responds, "what happens first, do we make it until the end of the year and fail because of these three, or we luck out and get expelled cause Teo and you think you can do whatever you want".
"Oh, and you're the only one who's perfect Ves", Ace snarks, "you've just lost as well, and didn't land a single hit".
"Hey, at least I did something", Ves responds, "the two of you didn't make a single attack".
"He targeted me first", Ace sticks to his gun.
"Oh, cmon, you've lost to a Vinnie the Pooh character with a trampoline this morning Ace", Ves rolls his eyes. Taking a deep breath, he realises he's tired of this conversation. And Joe was right, no amount of fighting will fix this. There was only one way. "I'll pass on my own", Ves announced out loud, "I don't care what any of you do from now on, I'll pass on my own". He could do it. He just needed to train more.
"Alright, then we should head to the dorm room soon, it's already late", he says, "I have a few potions and stuff, so we can heal your Pokemon there". He's just trying to end this whole situation quickly.
"Hey, Joe", Ves grabs his arm as the boy turns to leave. Stopping him mid-track, Ves makes sure he gives him the coldest glare he has. "You're strong, which will come in handy for this team when it comes to scoring points", his voice gains a serious note, "but don't think for a moment you can do whatever you want, not without me trying to stop you".
"Well, I think it's pretty clear none of you can stop me", Joe replies, as calm as ever.
"For now, maybe", Ves nods, "but just cause you're strong doesn't make you untouchable, you know, I'll beat you, and that's a promise". Letting go of his teammate's arm, he adds: "I'm not just gunning for a passing grade, you know, I'm looking at that number 1 spot, and if I have to go through you to get there, then that's what I'll do".
"Well, good luck with that", Teo chuckles.
"No need to threaten me", Joe looks away from him, starting to leave, "I'm up for the challenge".
"I'm just making it clear to you that I'm not scared", Ves shrugs, walking after him, "I'm not letting anyone else ruin my chance, and that goes for you as well, I'm not getting expelled because of your bullshit".
"Well, the deal was, if I beat you, Teo and I get to go our way without any of you interfereing", Joe points out.
"Right, I'll honor that deal", Ves says, "but after that, don't think I'll just stand back and let you do whatever you please".
"And I'll help him out", Ace says firmly.
"Alright, then it's the rule of the jungle from now on I guess", Joe says simply, "I'm fine with that".
"Yeah, me as well", Teo whistles along to their argument.
"Like you can do anything", Ace takes a dig at him.
"I can beat you up Acey", Teo says mockingly, "both you and your dog".
"Guy, let's just not", Sam says, his voice growing tired, "can we just act normal for a second".
Ves wished they could be normal as well. But they couldn't. Truth is, each of them, save for Sam, wanted to do things their own way. Nobody needed to say it anymore, the boy had seen it clearly. It was every man for himself. He could fight his way out of this. In his bones, he knew it. Remains of adrenaline pulsed through his hand, his hands buzzing with excitment still. Battling was so much fun. So much fun. Battling Joe was so much fun, he decided. Cause he was good, he was insanely good, and Ves knew all he wanted to do was battle him again. And again. Now that he had gotten a taste, suffered an overwhelming loss, he was itching to return the favour. He was happy Joe was on his team, luck might've given him four terrible teammates, but it has also given him a great opponent. He'll crush him, Ves decided, by the end of the school year, he'll crush Joe into the ground. It wouldn't be easy. He'll definitely need to get some more practice in. Much more practice. Some rules will probably have to be broken, he thought, regretting the fact he had given a speech about stopping Joe from breaking rules just a second ago, but only ever so slightly. That one could be explained away, and he wouldn't even do it if he managed to convince professors to oversee the battle. Thinking about the picture hidden at the bottom of his suitecase, Ves knew his brother would understand him.
They walked into the room quietly, and had managed to stay that way for the entirety of five minutes. Up until Ace, still staring daggers at Joe, requested him and Teo exchange beds. Joe didn't mind, as he patiently helped Ves and Sam heal their partners. Ves was glad Houndour wasn't giving them trouble while they were applying the potion. It did start barking loudly as soon as he got healed, thrasing around the floor and trying to attack Riolu. Ves was quick to recall him, but he was satisfied his partner was blood thirsty as well. Sam stayed quiet, mostly keeping close to Joe. Ves had felt a bit sorry for pushing him to the ground, but opted not to vocalise that. He'll get over it. Apparently, the whole ordeal has resulted in Sam imprinting on Joe, as the boy had basically waited for their resident autocrat to give him directions. Ves was positive Joe was enjoying himself, finally someone who would listen to his every word. Teo went for a shower immediately, being worryingly cheerful. He must've enjoyed their little messy beach trip, or just looking forward to his little exursion with Joe. Ves had so many gay jokes. So many. Ace, meanwhile, was scoffing and fuming, trying to cling to the last bits of his sanity, but constantly spouting nonsense. Little to say, Ves wasn't thrilled with his new bunkmate, but at least he knew he could deal with Ace. Unlike Teo. The blond boy stayed adamant on not needing any help with healing Rockruff. After Teo came out of the shower, their little game called 'Sam Takes a Shower' started up again. It was slowly becoming like a little ritual of theirs, albeit a very strange one. First, Sam announces he's going to take a shower. Quickly, he jolts for the bathroom while Ace yells after him to bring his stuff. When Ace realises Sam had forgotten his stuff, he grabs his head dramatically and starts cursing everything under the sun. That goes on until Sam's done with showering and realises he's forgotten his stuff, again. Then he peeks his head out, just for Ace to yell some more. Joe hands him his stuff, and tells him to dry off. This particular night, Ace had decided to add one of his references just for some adittional fun, telling Sam he's not Shrek and this ain't his swamp. Teo found it funny. Then, comes Ves's personal favourite part of their night routine, called, he takes a shower and doesn't have to look at his roomates for ten minutes.
Hot water running down his body carries away the last bits of adrenaline. Finally calm, he starts seeing things clearly. Maybe he had gotten a little carried away, with pushing people, calling everyone useless, promising Joe he'll get the number one spot, and all of that. He did mean that last one, though. Easing his breaths, eyes closed, Ves conjured up all of those times he spent dreaming of these days. Even when he was a little kid, what he wanted to be was the best Pokemon Trainer in the world. His brother always said that he could, didn't he? Through the steam, in the running water, he could almost hear his voice, like knife through his heart. He'll be the best, he promised himself again, he will. No stepping down. Numbness growing in his limbs, the emptiness swallowed him up.
Laying in his bed, Ves still felt hollow. Staring at the bottom of Ace's bed, he was cursing out the blond boy in his head. The little shit wouldn't stop shifting. In the bed right next to his head, Sam was tossing and turning as well. If he had had enougj strenght to get up, he'd murder them both.
"Hey, would you two stop that already", Teo hit hid hand at the headboard, his voice comming of tired, "some of us would like to sleep here".
"You tell them, Teo", Ces says mid-yawn.
"It's not my fault", Ace's voice is even crackier when he's half-asleep, "this dude won't stop turning around, and I can't relax, so I'm just turning around as well".
"Don't just put it all on me", Sam says sheepishly, "I'm sorry, but I'm stressed, and I can't fall asleep, that's all".
"I can come down and knock you out", Teo offers weakly.
"No thanks", Sam says, "you know, you guys fighting is what stressed me out in the first place".
"Oh, what, you worried that the grown-ups are fighting", Teo mocks, "it will be alright little buddy, we didn't know you get stressed out easily".
"Well, we did, it's actually pretty easy to tell", Ace cracks out.
"What, Sam, you want to snuggle up with someone?", Teo laughs, "I'm sure Joe will let you sleep with him".
"Sure", Joe says weakly, "if it helps you fall asleep, you can come sleep with me".
"You hear that, buddy", Teo chuckles, "go ahead and join our gay friend, you have the invite".
"I will kill you Teo", Joe murmurs. Ves definitely likes him significantly more when he's half asleep.
"I'm... It's fine", Sam says defensively.
"Well, you either go to sleep, or you come over here", Joe says, "or I get up and kill you dead".
"Wow, his inner sociopath really comes out when he's tired", Ace chuckles.
"I wake up at 5 AM", Joe groans, "I need sleep you wankers".
"Oh and he curses as well, this is the best", Teo laughs.
"Why is he talking like he's from Galar though", Ace is laughing as well.
"Fucking colonialism, that's why", Joe wails, "now shut up before I kill you, and I won't even need Riolu, you know, I'm pretty dangerous myself".
"Yeah, I'm sure berry farming has made you quite good at murder", Teo says.
"You don't know the half of it you dimwit", Joe states, "now will you let me sleep".
"But I really can't fall asleep", Sam says almost desperately.
"Well then come over here", Joe snarks.
"I... it's not, it's kind of uncomfortable", Sam says, "nothong against gay people, but...".
"For the love of God, I'm not gay", Joe wails, "I'm asexual, why can't people just grasp that".
"So you won't fuck me", Sam yawns, "if I sleep with you".
"No, asexuals are not exactly known for fucking people, not of their own will at least", Joe groans, "beside, I wouldn't fuck the three of you even if you payed me".
"Hey, why not, don't you think I'm hot?", Teo laughs, "hey, Joe, who's the most fuckable between the four of us".
"I have no idea", Joe retorts, "and I'll kill you if you say just one more word".
"Okay, but who's the gayest, now that's the real qustion", Ves adds.
"Teo", Joe says simply.
"Why me?", Teo questions.
"You literally look like closeted politician's wet dream, so go and figure", the boy explains, "now shut up, and go to sleep".
"Wait, I'm coming over", Sam finally decides, jumping up from his bed.
"Great, the rainbow gang is sleeping together now", Ace says.
"What, I think it's sweet", Ves laughs. In reality, he does find it sweet. He remembers, when he was 6, his brother used to let him sleep with him whenever he was scared. Ves fell asleep missing him that night.