The sun's almost all the way down, Ves notices. Faces of his opponents slowly start getting covered in shadows. Feeling every drop of blood chaotically rush through his body, the boy grips on his pokeball. Having Joe as his partner for the double battle is the best thing he could ask for. Of course, this situation was what he was going for from the beginning. Their opponents have a psychic and a ghost type, that much he knew. He had an advantage over both. Joe, on the other hand, was at a disatvantage in both cases. He was looking forward to seeing how his teammate handles the situation.
Riolu stepped forward, and Ves readily followed, letting his Houndour hit the field. The black dog turned on the Riolu almost immediately, remains of their previous encounters. "Riolu's on our side this time around", Ves says firmly, "stand down, Houndour". Unwillingly, Houndour took the note, diverting his attention from Riolu, and facing the opposing pair of boys.
"Rio, be ready", Joe said calmly, paying no attention to the rivarly between the two pokemon.
"Hey, Houndour, maybe I should give you a nickname as well", Ves calls out to his partner. Houndour turns around to face the boy, his sharp eyes burning with rage. "How about I call you Doom from now on", Ves says, "you like it". Houndour turns around, lowering his stance, which Ves takes as a form of an agreement.
"Alright, hope you're done with nicknames and stuff", Lesley says as he let's Spoink join in on the field.
"And I hope this will all be done soon as well", Andrei voices out sending out his partner. A small ghostly dragon comes out, looking just a little bit lost. Dreepy, Ves recognises. He finds it a bit dissapointing. Going uo against a Spoink and this small thing would be way too easy. Especially with a dark type. Still, he's not goimg easy on them.
"Alright, are all of you ready?", Dean, who has taken over as a referee, asks.
"I'm ready to go back to our room", Andrei says, while the other three boys readily nod.
With a sigh, Dean announces: "Battle, start".
"Go for Snarl, Doom", Ves is the first one to react. He's taking them both out before Joe gets to do anything.
"Dodge it", Lesley yells out readily.
"Protect", Andrei says in a tired voice.
"Rio, Vacuum Wave at Spoink", Joe says flatly.
The wave of dark energy rushes straight into the Protect, while Spoink manages to jump his way out of both attacks.
"Confuse Ray, hit Houndour", Lesley and Andrei order at the same time.
"Dodge it", Ves says through gritted teeth. They were already teaming-up against him. Houndour manages to get out of the way of the first one easily, but the second one is impossible to dodge.
"Rio, take the attack", Joe orders. Rio is quick to position himself in front of Houndour, letting the Confuse Ray hit.
"Snarl, now", Ves orders quickly.
"Protect", Andrei says, and Dreepy envelops himslef in the force field immediately. Spoink does well to jump out of the way of the attack as well.
"Hey Ves", Joe says quietly beside him, "I'm letting you take over for now".
"How come?", Ves whispers back at him, "you scared?".
"Not really, but you're better equipped to handle these two", Joe shrugs, "so I'll play support for now".
"Snarl, go again Doom", Ves orders quickly. If Joe's going to stand back and watch, he's taking these two down. They'll have to give in eventually. The attack hits into protect again, and Spoink gets out of the way once more. Ves orders another one. That jumping pig is bound to run out of steam sooner or later. All he had to do was keep the pressure on.
"Confuse Ray, Spoink", Lesley orders, as his partner dodges another one of Ves's attacks.
"Dodge it", Ves orders.
"Astonish", Andrei says in a low voice. Dreepy rushes in at Houndour.
"Metal Claw", Joe orders, but Riolu can't seem to figure out where to go. Dreppy slams into the black dog, his body enveloped in ghostly gas. Houndour leans back, his body growing stiff for a moment.
"Now, Snarl Spoink", Lesley's quick to cash in on the flinch.
"Vacuum Wave, Rio, cut him off", Joe attempts. Riolu manages to shoot a blast of energy, hitting the ground instead of his target, but it's enough to stop the attack.
"Astonish", Andrei decides to go for it again.
"Goddamn, dodge it, Doom", Ves says in panic. These two have managed to take over the flow of the battle. He was the one under pressure now.
"Confusion at Riolu", Lesley decides to take a crack at Joe.
"Detect, Rio", Joe commands quickly. As Riolu's eye flash blue, and Houndour manages to avoid the incoming attack, Ves can hear Joe whisper sharply next to him: "Go for Nasty Plot now, and be ready".
"But they'll", Ves tries to protest.
"Just do it Ves", Joe scoffs at him.
"Nasty Plot, Doom", Ves makes a split second decision to go along with whatever Joe had planned.
"Astonish", Andrei says.
"Snarl", Lesley decides to double the attack.
As both attacks come Houndour's way, Ves considers just stopping the Nasty Plot and trying to dodge. "Rio, get in there and use Endure", Joe says beside him. Riolu is quick to jump in front of Houndour, and Ves realises what Joe's plan was.
Nasty Plot lands, and Riolu envelops himself in white glow, as both attacks land right into him. "Jump, now, then use Snarl", Ves yells out. Leaping into the air, Houndour flies over his teammate's head, aiming a wave of dark energy at their opponents. Andrei tries going for another Protect, while Lesley orders a desperate dodge, but it's too late. Nasty Plot boosted Snarl hits both targets, effectively knocking them out. Rush of adrenaline mixed with anger rushes through Ves's body.
"Well, I'm glad this is over", the boy can faintly hear Andrei's voice, seeing him recall Dreepy from the corner of his eye.
"That was rather unfortunate", Lesley's voice sounds distant as well.
Ves just wants to keep going. He won this because of Joe. That bastard just couldn't leave him alone. "Hey", without even realising it, he grabbed at his teammate's arm, "we're both still standing". He saw as Sam approached them, probably on his way to congratulate them. Ves didn't care.
"Rio's all beaten up though", Joe says calmly, "we can battle some other time".
"Cmon, what are you, scared", Ves lets go of Joe, taking a few steps backwards, "let's do it while we're warmed up".
"No way, Rio just took two attacks head on", Joe persisted.
"Oh, that small machine can still fight, and we both know it", Ves scoffs, "watch, Doom, use Ember".
Houndour, standing just few steps away from Riolu, is more than happy to attack his rival, quickly forming a wall of cinders. Ves sees Riolu's eyes turn blue. Someone screams. Somebody's yelling out his name. Somebody's yelling out for Joe as well. He sees a black blur fly past him. Instinctiy taking a step back to reach for his knocked out partner, he feels the ground at his feet shake, he hears a blast. The next thing he knows he's falling down. His hands dig into the sand. Looking up, he sees Riolu, his hands in attack position. He rolls away but the Vacuum Wave never comes.
The first person Ves sees when he looks up again is Teo. He's gripping to his pokeball. Ace is yelling. Sitting up in the sand, he can see Sam, holding on to a pokeball as well. His hand is shaking. Right next to him, Joe's sitting in the sand, staring at his own hand, a blank espression on his face. "Dude, you could've killed him", Ace's scolds finally come through to him.
"What... what happened?", Ves says still not fully aware of his surroundings.
"Your fucking attack hit into Joe, that's what happened", Teo scoffs, grabbing Ves by the collar of his shirt. Marc and Henry are quick to run up to them, holding Teo down.
"How dumb do you have to be to attack from that small of a distance", Ace is still yelling, "and with a fucking fire attack". Ves is not listening.
Getting up from the ground, he makes his way over to Joe and Sam. He can hear Ace walking behind him, probably Teo as well. Walking closer, he sees Joe's right hand has been burned, and the boy has been staring at it quietly. Exoression on his face neutral, his eyes as distant as ever. "Hey, sorry, I didn't mean it, I didn't want that to happen", Ves struggled to speak. Joe still just sat, staring at his own hand. "Are you alright?", Ves continues, "I'm sorry, I really didn't mean it".
"It's fine", Joe's voice somehow comes out calm, "just go away Ves".
"Look, dude, I'm sorry", Ves tries again. He's not a person like this. "I'm sorry, I just get carried away sometimes, I wasn't thinking".
"I said it's fine", Joe says using his left hand to get up. Sam has to help him keep his balance. He hands him the pokeball he was holding on to, and Ves realises Sam was the one who recalled Riolu. Not knowing what else to say, Ves remembers his own partner pokemon, turning around and recalling him as well.
"That was definitely out of line", Marc is fuming behind him.
"I know", Ves does his best to keep his voice even, but he feels as if his heart will break through his chest.
"Really fucked up", Lesley agrees with his teammate.
"I know", Ves repeats.
"Did you not listen to the word our professor's have been saying ever since we came here?", Ace takes it upon himslef to berate Ves further, "all that talk about pokemon being dangerous, you know, did you catch any of that, or is your skull just too thick".
"I said I know", Ves bursts out, his face burning red, "and I said I'm sorry, and I said I didn't mean it, what more do you want for me".
"Stop yelling you moron", Teo shoves him away.
"Oh, and what are you know, his little bodyguard?", Ves regains his balance, walking up to Teo, trying to stare him down.
"Calm down", Joe's voice sounds a bit more shaky now, but the calm quickly returns, "it happened, everything's fine now, so let's just go now, it's late already, and I have a burn to tend to".
"Dude, Joe, I'm really sorry", Ves takes another step towards him.
"I told you to leave me alone, Ves", Joe cuts him off, turning around and heading off of the beach with Sam. Teo walks past Ves, scoffing at him, before joining the two. Ves makes sure to keep his distance from the three as he follow them. Ace, though, is adamant on sticking right next to him and serving him judgy looks. Drained of his excitment, the boy walks towards the dormitory.
As it happens, both Teo and Joe turn out to be good at dealing with injuries. He's got a bunch of younger kids in his family, Joe states. Teo calls his medical abilities none of their bussines. Through the open window, a cold breeze fills up their room. Hand wrapped in gaze, Joe quickly heals up his Riolu, just to recall him back to his pokeball the very next second. He's already running low on potions, he notes, as he gives out a few to his three teammates. Ves tries rejecting, quietly proposing he just makes a quick trip to the pokemon center instead, but Joe pays him no mind, basically shoving a potion into his hands. Ves thanks him, promising he'd take care of re-stocking the medicince in the morning, a promise Joe ignores as well.
"Okay, so, this whole thing was a hot mess", Ace is the first one to break through the long standing uncomfortable silence. "I mean, I hate to say it, but I knew something like this would happen", he states, his voice coming out surprisingly even.
"Oh, I think you love it", Teo rolls his eyes, but it's obvious he's not willing to get into it right now.
"Yeah, maybe I do, but the point is, I was right", Ace remarks calmly, "and you know what, I think the smartest thing to do would be to keep our distance from now on".
"Hey, Ace don't go overboard", Sam says in a low voice, "it was an accident, and Ves already said he was sorry".
"Yeah, I am, I am sorry", Ves looks around the room, but the only one willing to look at him seems to be Sam.
"Well, either way, I would like all of you not to make me a part of your plans anymore", Ace says simply. Staring at Joe he adds: "which includes blackmail and digging through my personal bussines as well".
"I'm fine with that", Joe says simply, "just don't expect me to fix your little messes any longer".
"You do know you create most of those", Ace points out.
"Whatever", Joe replies, "you're all free from me, as far as I'm concerned, we can just leave each other alone".
"That would be for the best", Ace nods.
"Cmon, guys", Sam urges, "you're saying all of that because you're stressed out".
"No, Sam, I'm not", Ace says coldly. "Ves is a walking time bomb, Joe has control issue, both you and Joe have no clue about personal boundaries, and Teo, well, I'm not quite sure what his deal is just yet, but I don't like it".
"Thanks, Ace, I appreciate that", Teo says sarcastically.
"Either way, I truly don't want any of you entangled in my life", Ace concludes.
"Cmon Ace", Sam tries again.
"Well, I'm not getting into personality diagnosis", Teo says, "but I agree, I don't want any of you in my personal bussines".
"Teo, come on not you as well", Sam looks at him as if he could change his mind with his eyes.
"Hey, I'm cool for cooperation if it's necessary", Teo raises his arms, "but I'm not about to lie, I don't want any of you as my friends, and believe me, you wouldn't want me either".
"You're right about that", Ace rolls his eyes, "what's your deal anyways?".
"I though you'd rather not know", Teo reminds him.
"True", Ace nods.
"Cmon, guys, don't be like that", Sam says, "I mean, it's been like four days since we came here, let's not judge each other so soon".
"Sam, just stop with the nice guy antics already", Teo scoffs, "you're acting like an overtly-friendly 7 year old and it's annoying".
"I am friendly", Sam furrows his brows, "besides, why do you hate me, I literally didn't do anything".
"Exactly, you don't do anything", Ace points out, "other than going around and bothering people, you know, maybe you should focus on studying and training instead of trying so desperately to make friends".
"Why can't I do both", Sam's voice raises up, "and what's wrong with you, what's wrong with making friends?".
"Sam, friendships are not real, sorry to spoil it for you", Teo says flatly.
"Cmon, why do you say that?", Sam retorts.
"Look, friends are nothing, and that's the truth", Teo shrugs, "they are just people you are forced to interact with because they are close by, and that's all".
"How can you think like that?", Sam says in diabelief.
"Cmon, I'm not about to lie to myself, or to you", Teo says simply, "somebody looked over 300 dumb personality tests and decided to put us on the same team, that does not make us friends".
"Agreed, it's statistically improbable to match personalities that way, especially from such a small, and limited sample", Ace says looking around the room, "and I'd say this group is definitely a miss".
"Wow, that's such a nerd way of saying it", Teo notes.
"The two of you are such machiavelists", Sam decides.
"And what does that even mean?", Teo says.
"It means we're mistrustful", Joe says, "but I wouldn't blame us for it, honestly, I don't find any of you relieable".
"And just what is that supposed to mean?", Ace retorts, "you think you're too good for us?".
"I think none of you think logically", Joe notes.
"I think trying to stay out of trouble is pretty logical", Ace rolls his eyes, "if anyone here is not utilising logical thinking, it would be you". Thinking better of it, he adds: "well, and these other three fools as well".
"Please, Ace, just because I take some risks doesn't mean they are not calculated", Joe says leaning back to lay on his bad.
"Well, your calculations led to your hand being burned just know", Ace reminds him.
"I did not count on Ves being a maniac", Joe admits.
"Dude, I said it was an accident", Ves says, "I wasn't thinking, again, I'm sorry".
"You should keep quiet, literally no one likes you", Ace serves him a freezing glare.
"Cmon, I do one thing wrong and you all hate me now?", Ves tries to keep his voice from shaking.
"It's not just one thing", Ace says, "you've been a nuisance from the get go, you attack Sam and me constantly, and this was not the first time you had Houndour attack someone on a whim, you're not the most pleasant person, you know".
"Right, so you all just hate me", Ves nods weakly.
"Hey, as I said, I don't want none of you around me, that's all, so just leave me alone", Ace raises his hands up in defense.
"Right, same goes for me", Teo confirms, "don't bother me unless it's necessary".
"Alright, so the two of you want to be lone wolfs or something", Ves says.
"I'm fine with that", Joe says flatly, "and you can start avoiding me as well from now on".
"Gladly", Ace scoffs.
"Right, so we're all just avoiding each other from now on, is that how you want it to be?", Ves asks in a low tone.
"Exactly", Teo nods.
"Hey, Joe", Sam says taking a seat next to the brown-haired boy, "you and I are still friends, right?".
"We're teammates", Joe says after a second of thinking.
"Oh, well, that's cool too", Sam says sounding a bit dissapointed.
"Look Sam", Joe says with a sigh, "I'm not really great with people".
"Yeah, we've noticed", Ace laughs, "you're like a robot, dude".
"I just wanted to be a good teammate, that's all", Joe ignores him, "these three obviously don't want that".
"Right, I get it", Sam nods, "but you're cool with me?".
"I mean yeah, I'm cool with you", Joe says, "obviously, if you need my help with anything, I'm more than willing to help you, it benefits the whole team if one us tries to improve".
"So we're friends then?", Sam tries again.
"We're teammates", Joe repeats.
"Right, for now", Sam says hopefully.
"For now", Joe's voice comes off distant.
"You need help with showering, I mean can you do it alone with your hand like that?", Sam switches the course of conversation, "I can come along with you".
"Um, I'm pretty sure I can handle myself", Joe says a bit taken back, "but you're free to come along if you want to, as I said, I don't really have a problem with it".
"Right, so we can go together, then?", Sam scratches his head, "I mean, honestly, I'd just rather... not be here right now".
"Right", Joe says sitting up, "we can go now, just don't forget to bring your stuff".
"The two of you taking showers together now?", Teo laughs as the two head of to the bathroom, "when did that happen?".
"This morning", Joe answers shutting the doors behind him.
"Okay, so, the two of them are... something", Ves says when the three boys are left alone, trying to salvage whatever he could. Silence is the last thing he wants now. Unfortunately for him, that's the fortune Ace and Teo have sentenced him to. "Look, I said I'm sorry a hundred times already", he attempts hesitantly, but the two boys keep ignoring him. "I just do things sometimes, I don't think", Ves keeps talking to no one in particular, "and I know I go overboard sometimes".
"Well, you got that one right", Ace says flatly.
"Really, we're just not going to talk anymore at all?", Ves says, "how's that going to work? We're stuck together for four years, you know".
"We're aware, unfortunately", Teo snorts.
"Well, do you really want it to be like this for four years?", Ves's voice rises.
"Prefereably", Ace says, "and why do you care, don't tell me you wanted to be friends as well".
"Well, no", Ves says, a stinging pain in his stomach.
"Well, then I don't see why this is a problem for you", Ace says, "you stay out of our way, we stay out of yours, that's all".
"I just want to know if you all hate me now?", Ves says, his voice weakening again.
"Kind of", Teo admits.
"Right, that's all I wanted to hear", Ves says laying back in his bed. Maybe that was not what he wanted to hear. Truth be told, he had no idea what he wanted to hear. He wasn't exactly wishing to be friends with these guys. He didn't want them to hate him either. He wished they could all just be normal.
*****
Wednesday goes by slow. Way too slow. Ves wastes the dragging hours by focusing his eyes on the single spot. Most of the time. Those other times, he looks at people around him. His teammates are still ignoring him. Ace is ignoring everyone, or at least trying to. Lesley doesn't seem keen on allowing the blond boy that pleasure. Teo's attempt is more successful. Joe talks mostly to Sam, but Ves caught him exchanging a few words with Henry and Marc as well. As for Ves himslef, no one really approached him. Tapping his pen on the table, he realised just how much he hated silence. He's never been the friendliest, but he's never been isolated from other people either. Most of the kids here were talking to their owm teammates exclusively, he noticed, and no one seemed to be interested in meeting anyone outside of their group. Other than Lesley, whose willingness to irritate Ace and the fact he was somewhat enamoured with Joe pushed him into branching out. Unsurprisingly, the only other person in their class who had made any attempts at socialising outside of their team was Sam. The brown haired boy seemed to be significantly more successful with talking to girls, than his teammates. He wasn't kidding about liking girls, Ves noticed, and they seemed to like him back. Teo joined in on Sam's attempts, and had seemed unusually eager to talk. Ves had branded him a jackass. Not that he wouldn't like to join them, but they'd most likely kill him if he tried. Joe ended up being roped into the conversation as well. From what Ves had managed to overhear, he didn't seem to have much interest in conversing, but had rather expectedly steered the conversation towards battling. One of the girls they were talking to was ranked 7th. Lesley had manifested right next to them as soon as that information started being flaunted around. The small group chattered quietly.
You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.
"Hey, Ace, can you come over here", Teo yelled their teammate over. Unwillingly, Ace stood up from his chair. Ves, feeling like a spy, inched his chair closer so he could listen in.
"What do you want from me?", Ace said loudly, "I thought we had a deal?".
"Oh Ace, cmon", Lesley waved at him to calm down, "you'll like this".
"Right, we wanted to see if you are up for another battle", Joe said calmly.
"Maybe you actually win this one", Lesley added.
"Oh, no, no battles", Ace almost yelled, turning on his heel right next to Ves's table, "I'm never going along with your bullshit, and the two of you should really stop teamimg up against me".
"Calm down, Ace", Teo snarked at him, "just hear us out first".
"Right, our friends here wanted to set up an official battle, officiated by a professor, of course", Lesley knows exactly what spot to strike to get Ace's interest.
"Huh, these guys want to do something by the book, who'd guess", the blond boy whisperd over to Ves. The boy knows the only reason his teammate is saying anything to him is cause he doesn't want to mention them breaking the rules in front of the whole class. "By the way, keep listening in, 007", Ace winks at him knowingly, "don't think I didn't notice".
"Thanks for paying attention", Ves dryly says to Ace's back.
"Right, so the thing is, since we have all just met, and we have a free period soon", Lesley says dramatically, "we have thought setting up a battle would be a fun way to get to know each other better, while also doing some training".
"Yeah, that would be cool", a tall girl with curly hair, the one that asks a lots of questions, says, "and I'm pretty sure professor Nolan has a free period the same way we do, so that works out great".
"However, as you may now, most of us have pokemon not to professor Nolan's liking, and therefore, we most likely won't be able to take part", Lesley continues.
"We will, however, give it a fucking try", Marc says, mocking his teammates pattern of speech.
"They thought you may be willing to take part in the battle", the girl says, ready to skip to the point, "so, would you be interested".
"Well, since you ask so nicely, I will be glad to", a smile spreads across Ace's face. Another roomate who's too easily influenced by women, Ves thinks. For a second, he thinks it would be much better if they were all gay. He's quick to reconsider his wish, though, having all four of his roomates be gay would be a terrible experiance.
"Alright, then, that makes for how many of you guys?", one of the girls asks. She's on a shorter end, with wild black hair and even wilder black eyes. She's wearing a red-and black flannel button down over a faded black t-shirt. A lesbian, Ves assesses.
"Four of us", Lesley notes.
"It's three actually", Sam points out, "you, Ace, and me, professor Nolan probably won't let anyone else here battle".
"Dean will battle as well", Lesley gives a shrug before waving his teammate over. The boy quickly arrives, wearing a smile on his face, and is quick to make a deal. "There, that makes the four of us", Lesley says with a smile.
"Alright, anyone else you had in mind?", the curly haired girl asks, "since there's five of us, you know?".
"Well, I think we've ran out of teammates", Lesley says apologetically.
"It's fine, I can sit this one out", a short black haired girl notes.
"Nonsense, Tammy, let's try and find someone", the girl says, clearing her throat. "Hey, does anyone want to battle, we need one more person", she yells out, her voice quickly shutting up everyone else around them, causing Ves to flinch as well. The rest of their classmates looked away from the group, clearly weired out by the girl's demeanor.
"Inside voice, Natasha", the flannel-wearer of the group coughs up.
"God, Leah, I just wanted everyone to hear me", the curly haired girl sighs.
"Hey, love, I find your energy adorable", Leah says defensively, "but it might be a bit too much for other people".
"Okay, you two, stop", the short girl, Tammy says, "it's already been done".
"Right", Natasha clears her throat, "well, sorry T, I think we can't find anyone else, you really okay with sitting this one out?".
"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine, no worries", Tammy calms her down, "Budew doesn't really like battling that much anyways".
"That's no good", Joe points out, "you should think about evolving it as soon as you can if that's the case". Ves hopes giving unsolicited advice is not Joe's way of flirting. Most likely, it's just the boy's lack of ability to read social cues.
"I'm doing my best", Tammy runs her fingers through her hair nervously, "it's not that easy".
"Oh, well, we can help with that", Teo inserts himself, "soothing berries would help it evolve right".
"What are soothing berries?", the girl looks at him confused.
"Friendship berries", Teo reiterates, "they help raise friendship, at least in simulations, and Budew evolves over friendship, right?".
"Right, you think that could help?", Tammy jumps up with excitment.
"Well, that's not exactly how evolution works, but yeah, they could help", Joe half-confirms.
"Right, and we've planted some of those berries", Teo straight up lies, "and we are more willing to share, isn't that right, Joe?".
"Right", Joe glances at Teo, letting him know he doesn't like his way of gaining affection from the opposite gender.
"That's great, thanks a lot", Tam says.
"Anyways, back to the battle", Lesley reminds everyone, "so, it's four against four then?".
"Um, could we maybe work in a double battle", Sam scratches his head, "I wanted to try that one again". The rest of the boys look at him sharply, as if they are trying to let him know not to give any clues that they had battled before.
"That's cool", Natasha says, not catching on to them, "who's going to do it? I'm down for being paired up with someone".
"Actually, I thought you and I should have do a single battle", Lesley notes, "with both of us being ranked in top 20, I think that would be for the best".
"Alright, I'm down for that as well", Natasha shrugs.
"I'd like to do a single battle as well", Ace notes shortly.
"Alright, then Sam and I can do a double", Dean offers.
"That's great, thanks buddy", Sam smiles.
"No problem", Dean gives him a thumbs up.
"Hey, Mai, you and I can pair up for a double battle", Leah says, "I think we'd be a great pair".
"Oh my God, you're absolutely right", a girl with a black bob-cut hair says excitedly, "that would be fun".
"Okay, then I'm up against blondie", a short girl with brown hair plagued with streaks of purple announces. "I'm Tea", she says extending a hand.
"Ace", Ace says shortly, shaking her hand.
"Yeah, right, right", Tea scrathes her head, "honestly, I forgot your name immediately, and it felt stupid to ask again".
"We said his name like ten times", Joe points out, cementing Ves's belief he has absolutely no idea how to talk to women.
"Alright", Natasha cuts them both off, "then we have a deal, we can go and ask professor Nolan to referee us right after this class".
"Alright", Lesley says enthusiastically.
Shortlly after the group disbands, their professor walks in, and Ves is forced to sit through yet another grueling class. Sociology. He only had a faint idea of what that is. Doing his best to allow his mind to get sucked into the lecture proves easier than expected. Their professor, an old and eccentric looking woman, launches herself into giving examples of pokemon who have become role model of sexual deviations throughout the society. The whole topic weirds out Ves just enough to keep his attentnion. By the time the bell rings, he's sure his professor has had sex with a Machapm at least once in her life.
"Hey", somebody's flat voice snaps him from the terryfing daydream that he's been having. Turning around he sees Joe standing above him, still refusing to look Ves's way. "We're going to catch Nolan, you should come along".
"Didn't know you guys wanted me along", Ves says surprised.
"Well, I don't", the boy responds, "but I don't want anyone to be completely isolated either".
"Right", Ves clears his throat, quickly shoving his notebook into the backpack, "how's your hand, does it hurt".
"Still burned", Joe replies unwillingly, "I took some pain killers though".
"Right, again, sorry about that", Ves says sheepishly while standing up, "I was just asking, you know, because of all the note taking today, how did you do".
"I'm left handed", Joe says shortly.
"Wait, really", Ves says in surprise, "dude, me too".
"Yeah, I know", Joe says, "we all are, in case you didn't notice".
"The whole class?", Ves says in disbelief.
"Our team", Joe clarifies.
"Oh, really?", Ves thinks about it for a moment, "I didn't notice, hey, did they put us all on the same team because of that".
"Probably not, that question was not on the personality test", Joe says, turning to leave. Ves follows right after him, as the two join the group in the hallway. Natasha has apparently studied their mentor's schedule, she's calling that her stalker abilities, which has Ves somewhat worried. Still, this allows for the group to catch their history professor right as he's leaving one of his classes. Natasha and Lesley are quick to team up, not allowing the man to take a single breath. In a matter of few minutes, and against Nolan's protests, the battle is set up, and the group heads for the court room.
As soon as they enter, both Lesley and Natsha take spots on the battlefield, assesing they would be first to battle. "Looks like Les has found his match", Dean laughs lightly, "he' s a battle maniac".
"Lucky him, fucking Nolan still won't let me battle", Marc is scoffing around.
"Calm down, Marc, we can have a battle later", Henry says, but his gripped fists and eyes fixed on the field make it clear he'd take his turn right now if he had a chance. Joe's not much different. Neither is Ves. He feels the itch.
"You'll just wash me again", Marc complains, "it's not fair, that Mienfoo of yours has a type advantage over me, you know, I should've gotten a fighting type as well, I don't know what fool gave me an ice type".
"Probably a fool that wanted to let you know you need to chill out", Dean says simply.
"Tell him Dean", Andrei says unenergetically, "you guys are battle maniacs".
"And you, why are you even here?", Marc looks about ready to throw a punch.
"Lesley threatened me", Andrei says simply.
"I don't know why this guy is here", Teo inserts himself, judgingly eyeing Ves.
"I invited him", Joe says simply, causing Teo to stand back in surprise.
"Whatever", Teo scoffs, "just don't burn anyone alive this time". Ves looks away ignoring him.
On the field, the battle has begun. Lesley's Spoink is energetically jumping around, trying to find an opening to set up a Nasty Plot. Natasha's Vulpix proves to be a tough opponent, firing of an attack after attack. Ves finds it hard to concentrate on the battle. The guys around him are too chatty. He tries not to listen in. He notices Ace is on the other side of the room, alone. The other girls are grouped together few feet away from them. Ves is not sure where to direct his attention towards. Spoink is hit with an Ember. Marc is yelling at Lesley to get his shit together. Andrei is happy about it. He can hear Sam asking Joe for advice. Spoink is hit again, and Lesley seems ready to dig his own grave. "Looks like she's ranked 7th for a good reason", he can hear Henry's comment. Ves himslef is not sure how the battle went. No one there wanted to talk to him.
When Ace stepped out on the field, Ves promised he'll pay more attention this time. Since he's here, he might as well watch, maybe he picks up something interesting. Ace, however, sticks to his guns, Sand Attacking Tea's Shroodle into oblivion, so Ves loses focus quickly. Teo's still staring daggers at him. Joe's not even looking his way, talking to Sam and Dean instead. Lesley's there now as well, loudly comimg up with excuses. They all just hate him.
"Hey, he actually won", Teo's yell snaps Ves back, "can't fucking believe it".
"Took him long enough to actually attack", Lesley commented.
"That was a cowardly victory", Marc complains, "evasion strats are the worst". Ves want to crak a joke at Ace's expense as well, but he holds back.
Sam and Dean are the next ones to walk out onto the field, and Marc immediately turns himself into a cheerleader.
"Let's hope Sam actually does something this time around", Teo whispers to Joe, who, in turn gives him a cold stare. "What?", Teo takes a step back.
"Nothing", Joe says calmly, "you should perhaps not say stuff like that before we've gotten a chance to see how you do".
"Hey, I promise, I actually know how to use attacks", Teo says flatly.
"Either way", Joe replies, "let's just watch".
Shifting his focus to the field yet again, Ves takes note of the situation. Petilil and Yamper are position on one side of the court, a rather underwhelming pair, in Ves's opinion, a pet and a house plant. On the opposing side, a Snubbull and Ducklett are standing. The pink dog looks ready to fight, while the duck looks a bit confused. Ves decides it's time to analyse. Since he came to watch, and since no one wanted to talk to him, he might as well use this battle to better himself. Trying to think of what he would do, he realised he doesn't know the attacks of any of the pokemon. The girls, he's seeing for the first time. Sam never managed to get a single attack off with Yamper, and he had personally beaten Petilil into the ground before it got a chance to do anything. He vaguely remembered Dean calling for a Stun Spore, but he might've been imagining. Retracing his thoughts, he tried assesing the match-up based purely on the type. Snubbull's fairy typing immediatly set it apart, making it a wild card. Ducklett was in a weird position, working well against the Petilil, but being a terrible match for Yamper. It was a flying type though, giving it the rule over aerial space, he thought. And it was definitely the most agile pokemon on the field right now. Leah and Mai had an edge, Ves decided. A strong and bulky Snubbull worked well with Ducklett's speed, and flying typing. First thing Ves would want to do is get the paralysis off on the duck, then try to get it off the field as soon as possible.
As soon as professor Nolan announces the start of the battle, Leah and Mai are quick to call for attacks. Leah orders a Wing Attack, while Mai, surprisingly, calls for a Fire Fang, both attacks aimed at the Petilil. Even more surprising is the fact that Sam manages to react, calling for a Nuzzle into the Ducklett. Even though Yamper is slow, Petilil is standing close enough for him to make the distance, successfully crushing into the incoming duck projectile, while enveloped in small sparks. Dean reacts as well, calling for the Stun Spore, allowing Snubbull's attack to land, but paralysing it in return. Petilil does look too close to being knocked out thanks to that, though. However, the boys have managed to inflict paralysis on both of their opponents.
"Absorb", Dean calls, and his Petilil sends a small whip of green energy right into Snubbull, draining some of her health.
"Nuzzle", Sam orders in turn, and Yamper makes a run for it. Leah orders a quick Protect, blocking the attack, just to call for another Wing Attack as soon as the coast is clear.
"Snubbull, Fire Fang", Mai gives her order as well, and the pair tries tag-teaming Petilil once again.
"No, get them with Nuzzle, Bolt", Sam orders, but the dog pokemon is not fast enough to close the distance this time. Dean orders a desperate dodge, and Petilil somehow manages to wiggle out of the Fire Fang's path, but Ducklett's glowing wings come in to quickly seal its fate. "Sorry, dude", Dean says as he recalls his partner.
"No worries", Sam tries to reassure him, but he doesn't seem comfortable himself either. "Sand Attack, go Bolt", the boy quickly decides. "Into Snubbull", he adds hesitantly. That was a good call, Ves thinks, it's two against one, and Snubbul's attacks are more powerfull. As the Sand Attack lands, the girls are quick to launch another tag-team attack.
"Just go for it, Sam", Ves can hear Joe yell next to him. He's pretty sure this is the first time he's heard him yell.
"Yeah, kill them both", Marc screams along. This is not the first time anyone has heard Marc yell.
"Nuzzle", Sam orders, flying his hand through the air. As his opponents make their way towards him, Yamper envelops himself in a spark coat, jumping at the Ducklett. Snubbull can't make it in time to land an attack. Instead, Ducklett and Yamper end up meeting, a few inches above the ground, their attacks clashing into each other. It lasts for a second. In the aftermath, both pokemon end up being blown back to the ground. Quickly, it becomes clear that the Duckett has been knocked out.
Mai is quick to react though, her Snubbull still close to the place of collision, she yells out: "Fire Fang".
"Dodge it", Sam tries, but Yamper doesn't have enough time to get back up. The pink dog ends up digging its flaming teeth into him, causing the pokemon to howl out in pain, right before losing consciousness.
"Yamper cannot continue", professor Nolan announces, "Leah and Mai are the winners of this match".
"Lost again", Sam's head hung low as he approached the group.
"Hey, we did our best", Dean smiles, wrapping his arm around the boy in encouragement.
"Hey, just can't believe Sam actually knocked someone out", Teo says with a laugh, "and Ace as well".
"You're gossiping about me?", Ace appears behind Teo's back, causing the boy to jump up. "Just to let you know", the blond boy gives him a sharp look, "Rocky and I are much better".
"Rocky? You giving out nicknames too?", Teo says.
"Ace, don't tell me that's another movie reference", Lesley face palms.
"Yes, well, I can nickname my pokemon", Ace shrugs, "and what if I named him after my favourite movie, you know, Rocky is a rock type, and literally has a word rock in his name, so it works out".
"I have to name Absol then", Teo crosses his arms, "what do I name it?".
"Maybe try getting him to listen to you first", Ace notes.
"Hey, hey", Teo says, "let's go back to that no talking thing, wasn't that a deal".
"Right", Ace says as if he's only now remembering, "well, I just wanted to say I won, so you can all stop talking shit".
"You won against a Shroodle", Lesley reminds him, "not exactly the most threatening opponent".
"And you just lost to a girl", Ace points out disgruntled.
"What's that supposed to mean?", Lesley's voice jumps an octave, "I'll have you know, women can do anything, so maybe stop being a chauvinist".
"I am not a chauvinist", Ace retorts, "I just... I am not a chauvinist".
"You kind of are", Joe notes, "and a homophobe as well".
"I'm not a homophobe", Ace yells out, "I'm just... not exactly comfortable with it".
"Right, that's homophobia buddy", Lesley rolls his eyes.
"Yo, guys, what's going on", Natasha's loud voice cuts them off.
"Not much", Teo responds immediately, "Ace is just hating on women and gays".
"You hate women and gays?", Natasha raises a judging eyebrow at the blond boy.
"God, you're going to love me then", Leah laughs.
"Oh, don't tell me you are...", Ace drowns out.
"A lesbian", Ves yells immediately, "I knew it". The rest of the boys look at him sharply, letting him know he should shut up.
"Good to know you have a working gaydar", Leah doesn't catch on to the group's animosity towards Ves, "you and I should go looking for some bitches then".
"Leah", Tammy softly slaps her shoulder, "behave".
"Oh, you, the homophobe, you'll love Tammy here", Leah laughs, "she's also homophobic".
"I am not", Tammy says, grabbing her chest as if she was just gravely insulted.
"Neither am I", Ace wails.
"Well, I don't care either way", Leah shrugs, "I'm just looking for a wingman, honestly".
"Well, Ves probably shouldn't be your first option", Teo points out, "he might try burning your future to a crisp".
"What's that about", Leah scratches her head.
"Nevermind", Joe cuts them off. "Those were some good battles", he adds clearing his throat, and Ves can only be thankful the boy's trying to keep the conversation away from what happened last night. Though he wasn't quite certain why.
"Right" Lesley joins in, "we should probably head for the pokemon center".
"You probably should", Natasha laughs, "I got you good".
"Right, well, as I said, we should go", Lesley uncomfortably looks at Dean.
"I'm definitely coming as well", Sam raises his hand.
"Hey, I was joking", Natasha smiles, "we're all going".
"We're going to do some training", Marc excuses himself clutching onto Henry's and Joe's arms, "this got me fired up".
"We did not agree to this", Henry points out.
"We're going, it's just some light training", Marc says scurrying them towards the exit, "don't tell me these battles didn't fire you up".
"Well, no, not really", Ves can hear Joe's voice, "I mean they weren't that exciting".
"Yeah, then let me show you exciting", Marc says, basically pushing the two out of the doors.
As professor Nolan excuses them, looking exceedingly thankful that the battle was over, the rest of the group leaves as well. "I'm gonna go... somewhere", Ves says to no one in particular, quickly separating from the rest. They don't mention it. Sam's talking to Dean, he notices, both seem a bit uncomfortable. Lesley and Ace are at each other's necks yet again, while the girls are mostly talking amongst themselves. Teo's managed to dissappear somehow.
Walking out into the late afternoon, Ves is not sure where to go or what to do. Walking towards the beach, he just keeps indefinitely checking his phone. He scrolled past the few texts he had with his dad. He still didn't have the numbers of his roomates registered, he realised. And he didn't have them on any socials either. It would be stupid to ask now. Sky turned soft pink, and he could see the ocean now. The salt air felt heavy in his bones. Ves didn't want to get down on the beach, so he decided to just walk along the coast line. He needed his mind cleared, from all of it. Were they all really going to hate him for the rest of times, for that one stupid thing? Half-willingly, he took his pokeball, releasing Houndour. "We're going for a walk", he spoke, with half a heart, to the black dog. His partner, for once, seemed to let go of his usual agression. Maybe he liked the idea of taking a walk, he was a dog after all, Ves thought. Either way, Houndour looked contempt to be on the outside.
"You feeling like this as well?", Ves couldn't help but ask. Houndour had no answer. Ves didn't expect him to, but still found himself dissapointed. Deep inside, he might've hoped the pokemon could bestow some wisdom upon him. Houndour is a dark type, Ves knows what people generally think about them. Why was he given a dark type? Fire he could understand, he knew himslef that much. Snapping in a second, having an outburst, it was nothing new, he knows well enough his tendencies to do things on impulse. Even against that, he saw himself as good. He tried to be good, he hoped he was. Maybe the personality test didn't agree with his personal feelings.
"Maybe you shouldn't listen to me", he says to Houndour as they keep on walking, "not all the time". The black dog's still very much not interested in having a conversation. It doesn't matter to Ves. The night is falling quickly, and the cold is stirring something inside of him. He thinks of his life back home, and there's not much that comes to his mind. None of his friends messaged him since he had left, he realises, feeling a sting of hate towards them. On the other hand, he didn't think to message them either, they have only now crossed his mind. "Maybe I'm not a good person, you know", he says to Houndour, who responds to giving him a short look. "Damn, even you don't want to talk to me", the boy attempts a desparate laugh.
Skipping thoughts, his mind is a mess. He reads the texts with his father again. They're just a series of good mornings, short questions followed by even shorter answers. Ves doesn't remember his father ever talking much. Letting out a deep breath, he decides he needs to talk. "Did I really do something that bad?", he quietly questions Houndour, "I mean it was an accident, and I did apologise". Houndour picks up the pace, as if he's trying to escape. Ves doesn't mind, he wouldn't like to listen to himself right now eaither. "I mean, I don't know what came over me", he admits, "I just wanted a battle, not to hurt anyone".
The waves start sounding like his own thought, retracting back just so they could crush into him once again. "Well, I guess I wasn't that fair to the others either", he scratches his head, "so maybe it's not just that one thing". Wiping the sweat off of his hands, he can feel his pulse picking up. "But I just want to pass this year, that's all, it's not that hard to understand, right?", he's asks his Houndour, "I don't... I don't hate them, I just want to pass the year".
"Seems like something's troubling you, Ves", he hears a sharply sweet voice. If he didn't know better, he'd think Houndoru finally answered him. But he did know better, he knew that voice, and he could hear it coming from behind him. Turning around, he faced the last person he had wanted to see. "Honestly, you look just a bit pathetic right now", the girl behind him says, "not to be mean or anything".
"No, I'm sure that's not your goal at all, Vinnie", he hides the stirring unrest behind the flat voice.
"Hey, well, can you blame me?", she raises her hands defensively, "I mean, you're out here trying to use your pokemon as a therapist".
"At least I'm trying some form of therapy", Ves rolls his eyes, "maybe you should give it an attempt as well".
"Cmon, Ves", Vinnie says, and the boy can see her green eyes glint through the darkness, "that's not a kind of thing you say to your sister".
"Half-sister", Ves reminds her poisonously.
"Right", Vinnie laughs, "either way".
"What do you want?", Ves says sharply.
"Nothing", he can see her shrug, "I was out and about and saw you having an existentional crisis, and it's only right I try talking with my baby brother".
"Huh, why are you out and about?", Ves ignores her remark, "it's not like you're more mentally stable than me, you know?".
"Hey, a girl needs time to herself", she scoffs, "I share a room with four boys, you know, you can't blame me".
"So you're saying you're having trouble with your roomates?", Ves says somewhat victoriously.
"Well, I would like them much more if they were girls", Vinnie admits, "but at least I know my team will pass the year, now I wouldn't say the same thing about you".
"Why would you think I won't pass?", Ves's voice rises.
"Oh, come on, you were just complaining to your little Houndour about passing a year, I heard you, you know", she waves at him, signing that he shouldn't try and lie to her.
"Right, well, how is that about my teammates?", he flicnhes, "and either way it's none of your bussines".
"Oh, I have a hunch?", Vinnie says with a laugh.
"Is it a hunch or are you just good at eavesdropping?", Ves retorts with a dry smile, even though he's certain she can't see it.
"Why can't it be both?", Vinnie says, "besides, you were the one who decided to have a Hamletesque moment by the beach, quite tacky in my opinion, and you weren't exactly silent about it".
"Right, well, it's none of your bussines either way", Ves repeats.
"Cmon, I'm just trying to help, you know", Vinnie says coming in a bit closer. He can make out her features now, as faded as. They ever were. Under a dim moonlight he can notice her black hair has green streaks dyied in. That would be a novelty. "You know, if you think your team will drag you down, we can work something out, I'm sure", her voice drops in volume, "I'm sure Conan would agree to you being on my team".
"Yeah, cause your father is infamous for being a fan of me", Ves rolls his eyes.
"Hey, he did want to work that out for you, if you have forgotten", she says sharply, "the only reason he didn't is that you didn't want to do it".
"Right, well, I didn't need him pulling any strings for me then, and I don't need it now", Ves hisses at her, "I have nothing to do with that man, remember?".
"And he's still ready to help you out", she shrugs Ves's outburst right off, "maybe be a bit more appreciative".
"Right, I believe that completely", Ves rolls his eyes, "besides, isn't it a bit too late for that right now".
"Not really, we can just have you switch places with Otto", she says simply, "the only reason he's gotten in with us is that you refused anyways, it's not like any of us want him there".
"Right, and I'm sure the rest of your teammates want me", Ves laughs, "especially Mikey".
"Hey, Mikey doesn't hate you", Vinnie points out, "as long as you prove to be good in battles, he's chill with you being on our team". Thinking for a second she adds: "of course, you'll have to improve your test scores as well, but that's a lesser issue".
"Do you even hear yourself right now", Ves yells at her, "you're stooping so low".
"Alright, I don't want to hear a moral lessons, not from you", Vinnie softly shoves him away, but he can see her eyes filling up with rage. "And stop yelling", she adds, "you know mom hates it when we fight".
"As if I care how that gold digger wants me to be", Ves's legs turn numb, getting drained of blood.
"Don't call her that", Vinnie says quietly, "she still loves you, you know, even though I have no idea why".
"Right, she loves me", the boy fights his urge to scream, "that's why she left".
"She fell in love, Ves", Vinnie says those words so simply, Ves can't help but hate it.
"In love with the money", the boy scoffs in reply.
"With Conan", Vinnie retorts.
"Yeah, for sure", Ves says.
"You know your father", Vinnie replies calmly.
"Don't say that", Ves shoves her away, "you don't know how he was before she left".
"You don't either", Vinnie reminds him. Ves can feel a knife twist in his chests.
"She's not my mother, she's not a mother at all", Ves says with venom in his voice, "she didn't even come to Vincent's funeral".
"She couldn't", Vinnie flinches, "she has her reasons, you know".
"He was her son as well", Ves reminds her, "and he was your brother too".
"Half-brother", Vinnie's the one creating the distance, "it's not like I ever knew him that well, you know".
"Right, you didn't", Ves scoffs.
"Look, let's not turn this into a family drama", Vinnie attempts.
"We're not a family, so it can't be a family drama", Ves stays adamant.
"We are, unfortunately", Vinnie sighs.
"As far as I'm concerned, I have only one brother", Ves crosses his arms.
"Had", Vinnie's reminder feels like yet another stab.
"I don't want anything to do with you, your father, your mother, or that brother of yours", Ves states flatly.
"I'm just trying to help you out here", Vinnie says, her voice turning sharp, "and you should stop acting as if Conan and Mikey are the worst people alive, but alright, if you want to go ahead and fail because of your teammates, then do so".
"I'm not going to fail because of my teammates", Ves doesn't even believe it himself, "get it out of your head".
"If that's what you say", Vinnie says, clearly not convinced.
"That is what I'm saying", Ves clears his throat, "even if they fuck up, I'll just pass on my own".
"Well, I did what I could do", Vinnie gives it up, "the offer still stands, in case you change your mind".
"I won't", Ves assures her.
"Alright, then I'll just leave", Vinnie says it as a warning.
"Leave, then", Ves responds.
"Funny how you say it", she says turning away, "as if I'm not the only person alive who can actually stand you".
"Just stop with the act already", Ves hisses.
"It's not an act Ves", she says as she leaves, "you and Mikey are both my brothers, as far as I know".
"Half-brothers", Ves says after her, but she can't hear him, leaving those words to linger in the air. Looking away, he notices Houndour staring at him curiosly. "Oh, so now you're listening", Ves scoffs, "I'll return to your pokeball, you family-drama lover". Houndour simply walks in closer, resting his head against the boy's leg. The touch, as well as the gesture itself, feel surprisingly soft. "Thanks, Doom", Ves's voice is almost a whisper. Clearing his throat, an excuse comes up: "we should go and re-stock on healing items, alright". Houndour gives his blessing ny letting the boy lead the way.
In the well lit plato in front of the main building, Ves sees Vinnie again. Being too busy chatting with some guy, she doesn't notice him. Against his will, Ves takes note of the boy, he seems to be the same age as them, he's probably her teammate. Not that he knew any of her teammates other than Mikey. The way this boy, dressed in a casual button down, his wild brown hair in a messy mullet, had his arms wrapped around Vinnie, gave Ves a sense that the two were definitely more than just friends. Still, he was quick to avert his gaze, he wanted nothing to do with Vinnie. In the market, he was quick to get a few things he thought necessary, a handfull of potions, and a couple of paralyze heals. Thinking better, he picked up a few burn heals right before paying. The purchase drained his funds quite a bit, he noticed, but that was not the main thing on his mind. Surprisingly, his half-sister wasn't on his mind either. It was his teammates. Who were probably going to start ignoring him as soon as he enters their room.
He can hear the scuffle from outside of the doors. He stood there for a moment, too scared to enter, thinking about their "no talking to each other" deal. Apparently, the only person his teammates could uphold that for was him. He heard Teo yelling how he still can't believe both Sam and Ace had managed to actually knock someone out. Ace yelled back at him, saying he can't believe they managed to go a full day without breaking a rule. Joe, surprisingly loudly, noted that there is still time to change that, which lead to Ace cursing him out a few times and Teo laughing. Ves couldn't help but chuckle as well, his hand flying towards the handle. He could hear Sam begging them to stop fighting as he opened the doors.
"Hey", he said, immediately turning the chatter into a gravely silnce. "I...I brought some medicine", he coughed out, drowning in his roomate's cold gazes.