"You can't help them Mr Allen." A short man stared up at a half-naked prisoner handcuffed to a ceiling rail. His body was battered and bruised with blood dripping from his swollen face and broken nose. A team of large, suited men were also present in the room, stood imposingly behind the prisoner. They stood as wardens to a pony-tailed woman in a lab coat held up by their bulky arms like a rag doll. Her eyes were sore from crying in despair down her cloth gag.
Facing the prisoner, stood a confident male figure dressed in old-fashioned regal-style robes. He tapped the enormous muscled being stood next to him, a matte black collar attached around its neck. It's red veined hands each gripping at obsidian pillars bigger than itself. Beside them was a silver briefcase with 5 red and white spheres with similar black chains encasing them.
"Cronk and the rest of your team will be our assurance of your cooperation. What happens next is all up to you. Do not disappoint me." He turned around to snap the case sealing Richard's companions away. The latches snapped shut. The guards dragged the broken researcher by her coat collar out of the room, scuffing her legs as they dragged uselessly behind her.
The room faded out to black again...
"No! Bring her back! NOOO!"
Richard woke with a start, sweat dripping and bed sheets thrown astray from the couch in the living room. The sun was barely peaking its head through the curtains over his head. A few deep breaths as he took hold of a photo frame to his side on a small cupboard and slid out a photo hidden behind the one displayed.
"12 years. I hope...no."
*Remember but focus. Remember but focus. Remember but focus.* He chanted to himself. He turned the photo frame over, showing Richard and his wife Rose with his arms wrapped around all three of their children. The date in the top corner faded and tainted with water damage.
"Another day, for them." His mental reinforcement complete, Richard took a deep breath.
"BLAKE, GET YOUR ASS UP!"
Behind the single bedroom door in the house lay a teenager underneath the covers of a triple bunkbed. The room was a snug fit for the bunkbed, TV, wardrobe and bookshelf. Underneath the covers, Blake stuffed an empty glass bottle down the wall side corner of the bed. A pink residue on his fingertips and tearstains in his eyes as he made a fake groaning sound; as if he had just woken up.
…
"Hurry up! Come on Slowking!" Richard shouted. Blake, donned in a green t shirt and camo bottoms, eventually caught up to the park bench where Richard was sat down and breathing heavily with a smug grin on his face. Nearby a runner came past with a little brown cub across the park paths; small licks of flame left the cubs mouth on each exhale. Large Chubby Squovets emerged from the trees surrounding the park path to bask in the dawn light.
"You know *Pant* I have the "P.L.E.s" *Pant* tomorrow, right? Shouldn't I be *Pant* studying?" Blake looked up, using his baggy t-shirt to wipe his forehead.
"If I didn't wake you up, you'd be fast asleep. Did you study much last night? Because I heard your TV, Jensen winning must've been infuriating...." Richard commented Coyly.
"Jensen didn't deserve that wi...Oooh... Shit." Blake looked down to the floor in shame as he sat down.
"Yeah, that's what I thought, I don't know why you keep watching those League matches. The league in Vudas has only been going for a couple of years; there isn't that much to watch! Richard commented, lamenting internally.
"Because that's just how I learn battle strategies, I guess? *Pant* It's my own way of revising!" Blake gave a cheeky smile in response and leaning back in the bench with his hands crossed behind his head.
"Yes, but why not look over the older league matches from other regions? Hell, even if you watched the first Kanto Championship, you'd still learn more. This region is still a bit behind! Samuel Oak would beat these kids up and down Challenger's Road! But against that Nidoking, I still went out swingin’!" Richard's words gradually grew slightly louder as he was minorly lost in his memories and gritting his teeth when he returned to reality.
"Yes dad, we all remembered you battled Samuel Oak; but can we get back on topic? My P.L.E.s? Shouldn't I be studying rather than running?" Blake rolled his eyes.
"I thought you were revising last night!" Richard looked Blake in the eye with the same cheeky grin back before slowly turning serious again.
"I'll help you in your last studies if you need it. You can't be scouted by the league if you can't get the basic grant by passing, eh? But truthfully, I don't think you'll need it." Richard held his son's shoulder in reassurance, Blake’s expression loosened. "You'll do great." He reassured. He looked down at his son, stood at shoulder height, brown hair, and athletically built just like him. Richard hoped he had prepared Blake for everything he could, but he was truly proud. Even if Blake was slightly sneaky and hiding his thoughts sometimes.
"Awwww, so much feeels! So wholesome! I love it!" A short girl with a black ponytail in school uniform sauntered up to the father-son duo. In her hands was a varying stack of buckets and a tiny chair. A small green monkey was sat on her backpack yawning lazily.
"Groooo," it cooed sleepily.
"Damn it Shona, why are you here this early as well. Is everyone suddenly allergic to sleep!?" Blake looked away in embarrassment.
Shona looked at Blake innocently, "Why sleep when I can nap in the day?" She shrugged her shoulders, "besides I need to practice as well. The basic League grant isn't enough, so when we're on our journey, you can bet I will be busking my butt off! I want that culture grant money to raise my Troupe!"
"What could you need the extra money for? Our journey isn't going to be luxury camping y'know!"
"Maaan, do you know how expensive it is raising a full team? Plus, my Troupe deserve only the finest after we become famous!" Shona pouted as she spoke, placing her hands on her hips. She laid the buckets out upside down and sat Grooky in front of them.
Richard watched on as his embarrassed teenage son bantered with his friend - a flash of a smile crossed his face. He checked his Poke-watch as he heard a few repeated beeps, the time showing 07:00. *Stupid name for a watch, it doesn’t do much else!* He thought.
"Blake let's move it, we've got to get back and clean up." Richard called out to his exasperated son.
"Ok dad, Bruce! We gotta go!" He called out to a nearby batch of trees and hedges in the park. He stretched his arm out catching the incoming small multi-brown bird. In the Pidgey's beak was a couple of small blue round berries. he placed them in Blake's palm casually, looking proud; his crown feather shimmering a dark purple in the morning sun.
"Pidg" he raised his chin and closed his eyes in a proud *praise me* fashion.
"Well done Buddy, have you eaten too?", Blake cooed and stroked his crown feathers; proud of his friend. He popped one of the berries into his mouth, handing another to Richard.
"Gey" Bruce nodded affirmatively Blake gave his beak a look over and a quick sniff, *smells like he found his favourite again* Blake winked at Bruce cheekily.
"Did you save any others for me?" Blake raised his eyebrow and asked in an *I know* manner. Bruce looked down shyly, glanced at Richard before reaching inside his feathers with his beak, revealing a chunkier blue and green berry that looked like an acorn.
"Clever boy, just think; only two more days until our journey starts!" Blake cooed at his partner. Students weren't eligible for real Poke-balls; but with a parent or guardian as a guarantor; they could adopt a Pokémon for their household and upon qualification, could have it as their starter Pokémon.
He looked up from Bruce and watched as Shona's Grookey picked out two branches from the floor and began drumming the buckets gently as Shona started singing into the peaceful morning.
"I wanted to be the very best..." Her voice harmonising with the morning breeze and Grookey's impeccable beat to create a Sombre melody that ran through the park. Her voice bringing a standstill to the nearby early birds and local Pokémon.
....
"Now as your soul link grows with your time and experience, you will come to realise that less and less verbal communication will be necessary. It has been known that senior and national level trainers can conduct entire battles non-verbally. However, the strain that has to the trainer's mind is formidable, hence only being used in professional matches. Pokémon with Telepathy as a core ability can take some of this strain off the trainer, but still requires mutual experience and trust to build this link...."
A shrill bell rang out with the sound of freedom to the students in the classroom. The young but suited teacher roared out before his students ran out:
"Please note this will not be on the exam. I expect everyone to do their best on the P.L.E.s tomorrow; and if you need further incentive; remember the prize for the highest scoring team!" Eager celebrations broke out at the mention of the prize in the classroom.
"Settle down! Finally, please remember when you're on your journey that you started out in Vudasol Polytech. Your remaining time for the day should be used to revise." The lecturer's stern voice ended with a small hint of pride at the end.
Blake packed his notebook away into his bag and stood up ready to leave. He turned towards his friend sat nearby. "Hey Sonny, how confident are you? Do we need to revise more this evening?"
The taller brown-haired boy took his glasses off to clean for the umpteenth time that lesson, "I'm confident with our advanced battle, geography, poke-care and core Pokémon Classes...." He responded confidently
If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.
"And the third exam?" Blake asked cautiously.
"Physically I should be fine; I'm no Slow-bro!" He grinned and bumped his fist to Blake's.
"Nicee." Blake grinned back, feeling slightly more relaxed, their stale in-joke bringing a shred of warmth to the cold exam anxiety. Whilst both had been doing their best to prepare, the P.L.E.'s were far too important; neither wanted to have to wait for potential retakes and have their journeys delayed behind their other classmates.
"But you know me, If I'm left alone, I’ll start wondering off the grassy path, get distracted and end up being scratched by a mound of Nincada. And that's assuming I don't starve or die of dehydration." Sonny raised his arms in defeat.
"Or getting your ass bit by a Sewaddle?" Blake asked grinning.
"Frickin' Sewaddles." Sonny cursed.
"Waddle waddle."
"Fuck off." he jabbed Blake lightly but still laughing.
They both stood up and walked through the halls slowly glancing around with some nostalgia. They had been attending Vudasol Polytech since they were 10. They were 16 now and finishing their final year before they were qualified to be new Trainers. Once they were fully qualified, they could receive their stipend of beginner Poke-balls and funding for their journey.
"Sorry, couldn't resist. Well thankfully we’re together on the physical exam right? Do you mind helping me with World Geography? I know you just the weather in Vudas, but me and Shona are really not great with all the habitats and environments." Blake asked looking a touch defeated.
"Yeah of course, but you do know that you'll oversee food on our practical exam. You're the only one who can make those survival rations not taste like ass! I don't even want to know how you and Bruce can find all that stuff by foraging."
"Because my dad's a hard-ass ex-trainer who likes to drag me with him." Blake interjected sarcastically.
"Regardless..."Sonny continued non-plussed, "you're looking after supplies!"
Also, can Caster play with Bruce? He needs to practice his gust and tailwind before we leave. If we can take it in turns for tailwind, it should make a difference on our travelling speed."
"Sure thing, Bruce loves flying practice. Drop by mine after you pick up Caster and bring your notes. I've been helping Shona with Survival tips and she helps with Poke-care So she'll be there with us - speak of the devil."
They arrived at the exterior front gates of the school; Shona stood at the corner of the entrance, a taller mis-fit type teenager stood with his hand against the wall over her shoulder. The other students walked by quietly, choosing to ignore the situation.
"Ready to fuck up Dean's day?" Blake asked with a cruel grin, looking over at Shona's uncomfortable expression.
"Oh absolutely. I think Victor's on duty as well." Sonny waved at a patrolling student council member from the grounds nearby. He wore a clear red sash on top of his blue shirt and beige chinos. A golden Growlithe followed him to the heel, eyes watching vigilantly through the students leaving the school. Upon knowing that Victor had seen them, Sonny pointed at Shona and then pointed two fingers to eyes back and forth - eliciting a nod from Victor.
"Any idea why he's a bit protective of her?" Sonny whispered to Blake as they started to walk over towards the unhappy couple.
"I believe they knew each other as little kids; but no idea really." Blake replied as he walked in front of Sonny and began flexing his fingers and arms.
They both picked up their pace towards the two. Shona looking more and more annoyed with the other teenage boy.
"Dean I've told you; I've already got my team for the P.L.E. Physical. I don't want to join yours!" Shona stood indignantly.
"Come on Shona, it'll be an easy pass for us. We've got a couple of ideas prepped to make it easier. It’s a sure pass. Dakim's already found the area and scouted it out. And you know Angie's with us already..."
Dean still maintained a hopeful look.
"Dean, I am not cheating on my P.L.E.. Sounds like you want me to stop you third wheeling with Naskour and Angie already... We've been over this and it ain't happening!" She exclaimed in frustration.
Dean grabbed her arm gently, Shona tried shaking it off, but couldn't. "Come on Shona, you know we'd be great together. Am I really such a bad guy?"
"Dean, let go, now. You're making this worse." Shona replied sternly, looking him in the eye.
A tense second passed as they stared at each other in vicious silence. Just as Dean was about to let go of her wrist.
"SHONA! Babe, you ready to head out, back to mine?" Blake came up to the pair's side, Sonny stood behind him keeping a sharp eye on the group. "Oh, hi Dean," Blake glanced at him for less than a second before dismissing his existence with his eyes. "Shall we?"
Dean's eyes flashed with anger, "This fucker?! Really? This son of an ExCom piece of shit!
"Dean, he's messing with y..." Shona tried to interject but.
"'’Least I don't assault girls outside school... Or have to get Mommy to bail me out when I bully kids," Blake snarled back. They had been enemies for a while; they both knew where it hurt.
Dean had swung his fist at Blake who had curled his arms to block. A couple of punches rained down, alongside an attempted kick to the unmentionables. Blake knew he could take this much; Richard had quite a history, he had imparted his experience after seeing Blake get himself in trouble…repeatedly.
A large body stepped in between the pair mid-blow, a larger hand catching and closing around Dean's fist. Tightening his grip, Victor's voice boomed out.
"Gentlemen, I think we had all better calm down." A perfectly calm and still voice sounded between the arms, sounding completely uninterested, deterring any further action.
"Stay out of this, assho...."
"Grrrrrr" A growling sound rang out between Dean's legs as Victor's Golden Growlithe looked up with sparks prepped on its fangs, saliva evaporating into steam out her mouth. Dean looked down letting out a low whimper at the snarling guard eyeing up his crotch.
"I'm sure he didn't mean it Goldie; the heat of the moment can make fools of us all. But we can't have these uncouth spectacles after school Dean. You know how hard Elizabeth works to keep you out of trouble." Dean grit his teeth in embarrassment. How ridiculous was it that his classmate addressed his mother as if she was a co-worker? *Damn these families* Dean cursed internally.
Victor smiled as he towered over Dean at 6 foot 3 and a tower of muscle restrained by excellent quality shirt buttons. Immaculately styled golden hair cemented his image as the perfect Ikeman. His hands were easily enclosed around Dean's fist and didn't even seem to be struggling as Dean tried to break free. He tilted his head down to look at Dean in the eyes, asserting his position.
Dean gritted his teeth as Victor slowly dissuaded him by squeezing Dean's fist in his hand, he returned Victor's glare before taking a deep breath and speaking through gritted teeth, "Fine, you win." He backed off after being released and snuck off down the street out of sight.
"Phewww, thanks Vic, I owe you one." Blake rubbed his sore arms once Dean had walked out of eyesight. He may have blocked but they still hurt like hell. The small curious crowd of onlookers slowly dispersed.
"Naturally." Viktor let out a slight grin at Blake - he turned his head to Shona, seeing her shaken and her fist clenched; his eyes flashed in hidden anger – anger that he kept well hidden.
"He can be held accountable for this."
Shona thought for a second before shaking her head lightly, "No, let it go. Once we're on our journey, we won't have to deal with it."
"If he becomes a further...inconvenience; inform me." Viktor requested with a firm tone.
Blake tapped Shona on the arm. "Thanks Vik! Come on, let’s all go get a Cremie; my treat." He looked back at his two friends ushering them to join him.
Shona looked down slightly with a calming deep breath before bringing out her classic cheeky smile; "Damn right it is, calling me babe. I know what you were doing."
"Man, you gotta stop attracting douchebags." Blake commented, shrugging his shoulders, and putting his arms behind his head. "Vik, you want to join us at mine. Studying for P.L.E.s. Goldie is welcome as well!"
"Apologies, I won't be able to attend. I have monitor duties that need to be completed." He nodded at them slightly before walking back towards the school as the trio departed.
Victor watched the trio as they left towards Soloquo Town centre from the windows before walking through the school to the student council's office and entering.
"That Gatspo boy is becoming a problem". A firm rugged voice sounded out from behind the head desk.
"That's not something the head instructor should say." Victor remarked with a slight grin.
The man shrugged, "School's over, they don't pay overtime. This is just a talk between family members... Bruno has arrived in Soloquo City."
"Mhmm," Victor nodded. "Should we let the Gatspos know? If Dean continues down this path, he's going to make a costly mistake. They owe us enough already and we need them on-side ideally."
"I'll let Elizabeth know later. How she got such an idiot for a son I will never know. No, I'm more interested in his teammates right now."
"The new transfers?" Victor asked, rubbing his temple for a shred of memory.
"Correct, I'm told they're...interesting. Be careful."
"Yes uncle."
....
The trio continued walking down the middle of the street following the flow of traffic out of the school and residential area towards the town centre. The rows of homes slowly changed over to convenience stores; one had a balcony on the 2nd floor with a Staravia carrying a large, wrapped parcel.
A lane on one side of the road was saved for rider or working Pokémon; a couple of Rhyhorns were overtaken by a dashing Arcanine ridden by a police officer, both clad in the white glow of Extremespeed. Stantler and Summer Sawsbuck trotted complacently with luggage bags strapped to the side.
Different shops could be seen as they wondered the streets. Varied food stands, groceries, hardware and dedicated Pokemon stores flooded the city centre making up the beginner's paradise that was Soloquo City. The centre piece at the centre of the town being the classic Pokemon Centre facility; taking up a large plot of land with an arena nearby; its red roof and hotel stylings above the first floor made it unmissable. A block or so later held the busiest shop in any city where they existed; the League ran Poke-mart.
The trio finished passing through town with their Cremie cones in hand at the Allen residence, a small bungalow sporting slightly cracked windows and a battered fence outlining a plain garden behind.
...
"Caster, a gentle tailwind please." Sonny nervously commanded.
Castform began glowing with a faint azure light as a gentle breeze began blowing from its back.
"Now try and tag Bruce!"
"Bruce, keep away and use sharp turns! Remember, don't go too high." Blake shouted up at Bruce who was hovering around 8 feet above ground.
It was common knowledge that under 16s couldn't own Poke-balls and weren't considered trainers; because of that they weren't to carry out battles in any serious capacity beyond basic skill training. Without a Poke-ball, you couldn't form a strong enough connection to share your energy with theirs. Pokemon centres would still serve them if there were any accidents, but the parents would pay a fine.
At the side of the garden sat Shona with Grookey holding up her textbook as she studied her notes whilst looking over at Sonny's stack of revision sheets titled "World Geography."
Castform and Bruce chased each other aided by their tailwinds whilst trying to slow the other down with a focused but gentle gust. Bruce new to hold back with his natural advantage. Any Castform would struggle to match a Pidgey's use of flying-type energy without a lot of practice.
As Caster slowly improved in his manipulation of flying-type energy; both him and Bruce improved their Gust output; much to Shona's dismay.
"Guys, please - trying to study here!" She called out in frustration as her pencil case was blown away towards the fence.
"Sorry Shona!" Blake shouted over the whistling wind before winking at Caster and Sonny opposite at the edge of the garden.
"Let's try again Caster, Gust!" Sonny shouted out.
"Caaaast." Castform's voice rang out as his form glowed brighter than he had previously, the wind picked up even more, causing Bruce to flutter his wings as he fought against the oncoming force; behind him Shona's textbook came completely loose from the table and her fingertips as she watched it blow at speed toward the windows of the house. She turned around flustered and barked out "Stop it!"
A strong muscled hand caught the book as Castform stopped his move. Shona turned around expecting to hear shattering glass but finding a black-haired muscled man in a full white Gi.
"Blake, are you still causing trouble?" The dying down winds didn't even cause the man's Gi to move - a perfect figure of stillness. He looked at the trio with a goofy smile as Richard walked out to see the events.
"Of course he bloody is. I can't work that out of him." Richard responded back as the two built men stood side by side with the same posture.
"Uncle Bruno! How long have you been in town? Are you staying over?" Blake had long since abandoned Sonny and Castform and ran to Bruno's front. Richard looked on in amusement as Blake fawned over his brother. *This little brat idolizes him more than me!*
Bruno looked at Blake with a refreshed grin on his face, chuckling at his excitement. "No not for long, I came to drop some things off for your dad, then I've got to get back. I'll be back to training in the Magnis mines."
"HA, you're finally taking my advice and training for Bullet Punch?" Richard laughed in sweet vindication and jabbed at his brother. Bruno looked almost sheepish in shame as he held up his arms.
"Maybe... just fighting energy isn't enough. I'm still sceptical! Still sceptical!" Bruno laughed off his brother's verbal and literal jabs.
"I see..." Blake looked slightly disappointed at Bruno's first response. "Can you at least stay until tomorrow afternoon, our 2nd test for the P.L.E.'s; the Battle Test is on then!"