Chapter 36- Reparation and Shopping Spree.
Nexon’s Journal: Dewott
The different information on Dewott and its line is surprisingly lacking compared to other Pokemon. I don’t mean to say that the line is less understood, but rather that the amount of literature on them is limited. It was a weird contradiction given that it was the designated starter of the Unova region. That wasn’t to say that there weren’t any interesting tidbits in the Dex entry.
[Dewott: The Discipline Pokemon.
Dewott is the evolved form of Oshawott. Instead of using a single scalchops they now wield two of them in a style unique to every Dewott. It is said that no two Dewotts have the same style. Their styles are refined over years spent training on a daily basis. The flowing use of their natural weapon is enough to send even masters of the blade fleeing. Records found suggest that humans learned to dual-wield by observing and mimicking Dewott.]
I don’t know how much trust I should put on the individual style for every individual but at the very least it seems like the variety of fighting styles is staggering. I was also curious about the making of the scalchops and how they attach themselves to them.
The scalchops themselves seemed to be made of a substance similar to the keratin in our nails. It allows the shells to regenerate when scratched or even completely broken. It was noted however that when the shell is broken the Pokemon is not comfortable and will abstain from battles until it grows back.
That also brought me to the rabbit Bunnelby hole about how they attach to their belly/hips. It’s a specialized gland that grows the shells and also secures them in place. Even when detached the shell is still part of the Pokemon. Also, the fact that they grow continuously explains part of the excessive care the lines give to their shell. Are Dewott just different cats that constantly need to file down their claws? This needs to be looked into.
NB: Need to get something for Tyr to care for his scalchops. (Hard Stone? Maybe.)
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The same night Tyr joined the team, I was grilled by Sera and Mathew over what happened earlier in the day. We all agreed that the guys were most likely poachers who got wind that there was a Dewott in the area and had been tracking him before I stumbled upon him. which inevitably earned me a lot of comments like, “Do you love poachers?” or “Nexon poacher-bane”…
I went to sleep early.
The next morning I was woken up by Pops.
“Get up kiddo. We are going to the station.”
That was all the explanation I got. Apparently, they themselves didn’t know much and were just asked to come down at our earliest convenience. So we did. When we got to the station, we were greeted by the same officer who asked me the questions the day before, although with a far more displeased expression.
That can’t be good.
“Good morning officer. Although, I must say it doesn’t seem like it”
A grunt was the only answer to the statement. “Please follow me. the two people you brought yesterday called for someone to mediate in their stead. They have been waiting for you since yesterday but we couldn’t contact you at the time.”
That was an odd statement to make. Also, the displeased look on his face made me suspect that there was more to it. he brought us to a room and opened the door revealing a young man sitting inside. He was the perfect definition of sitting straight, so much so that I suspected there was a metal rod under his shirt. When the door opened he turned his head of slicked-back blond hair to face us.
“A wonderful day wouldn’t you say?” he asked with a gentle smile. “Allow me to introduce myself. You can call me Claude. I was asked to settle the… matter that arose yesterday. Some of our men seemed to have gotten a bit too eager and I came to apologize on behalf of my client and hopefully reach a peaceful resolution.”
“You mean how they attacked the boy unprovoked? That hardly seemed like something that we could reach an understanding in.” Pops answered before I could while smiling. Or… at least his mouth was.
“Ah yes, a misunderstanding that I would also like to clear up. Please take a seat.” He invited us and after exchanging glances with Pops we did.
The officer also stayed with us after the blond fellow insisted. Something about having an official witness. For my part, the smile that seemed fixed on his face creeped me out more than anything. I didn’t want to judge a book by its cover, but he reminded me of slimy people who could smile genuinely with you while stabbing you in the back.
“Again I would first like to extend our apologies. You see my client was looking for a Dewott and dispatched the two of them when we heard that one was located in the woods. Unfortunately, they took independent action when they saw the young man here trying to catch their target of interest and for that, you have our deepest apologies.”
“Independent action?” I asked.
“Yes. We asked them to catch the Dewott but they took it to the extreme when you were about to catch it yourself. Be assured that we will seriously reprimand them. That also brings me to my next point. My client would like to settle it in a more private manner and hope you would consider an amicable resolution where we would pay you recompense and forget about the matter.”
Were they trying to bribe us so that we would stay silent? It was true that having a supposedly important person have their name dragged in the mud for attacking a trainer only because they were trying to catch the same Pokemon. I also shot a glance to the officer to the side but his face was a stone mask.
“And what would that recompense be?” I asked.
I couldn’t deny that I was curious, especially given the fact that aside from that the entire situation would have probably ended with nothing more. In the end, I was asleep for a couple of minutes at best and was uninjured.
“My client would ask you to drop the current charges and sign this document. In return, we will transfer you a sum of 150 thousand in reparation.” He stated while opening a briefcase that was previously out of sight.
I grabbed the paper and quickly skimmed through it before the amount stated registered in my brain. The document was basically a Nondisclosure agreement and a waiver to sue all in one. I will not talk about the incident with everyone who wasn’t already aware of it or directly involved in it and renounced my right to sue them in the process. While I was reading through it the conversation continued with Pops.
“That hardly seems like an acceptable amount. Your men attacked a teenager not only unprovoked but only for the reason of him trying to catch a Pokemon.” His voice was cold as he spoke.
“I assure you, it is more than acceptable. No dangerous moves were used from what I understood and his life was never endangered.” The man rebutted.
“You call using a spore attack on a boy and leaving him asleep in the forest not dangerous? If that is the case I don’t want to see something you consider dangerous. If you think you can con my boy you are sorely mistaken.” Pops argued.
“Please. Our men had every intention to take him back to town. There is no way they would have abandoned him in the wild. However, I do admit that the competency of our men left to be desired. We can increase the reparation to 200 thousand but you need to sign the document. Also, need I remind you that you used a ghost to drain their vitality?” this time Claude dropped all pretenses.
“Only in self-defense!” I finally interjected.
He shook his head. “ Like the officer here could explain to you, self-defense is only applicable when the reaction is proportional to the threat. I do not believe that draining someone of their vitality is proportional to a sleep-inducing move. The worst you could have suffered is to wake up refreshed while the ghost could have killed our man. Our offer is more than generous.”
“And what would have happened to my Pokemon with a rampaging Druddigon set on them?” I shouted.
The tension was rising and at this point, it wasn’t even about the money. not to be mistaken, the money was still very welcome, but now he just started to piss me off. He was essentially arguing that we used excessive force, downplaying their actions and dramatizing ours. Matter of fact, if Missy wasn’t in my shadow at the time who knows what would have happened? Their claim that they would bring me back was likely bogus, too.
At the mention of the Druddigon, the man's eyebrow twitched.
“I understand that the situation was dangerous, but my client only allowed me to give you so much.” He started with faux disappointment.
At that statement, I could not stop my anger anymore. He was making it sound like this entire conversation was us begging them for money or trying to take advantage of the situation.
“We don’t-” Before I could finish the sentence I felt a presence in my mind.
“Calm down. I understand you are frustrated but we have nothing to lose by accepting. It's probably a rich asshole that thinks that money can buy anything. Even if the charges are pressed I can guarantee you that they would go nowhere. I know the type, trust me.” Pops interjected through Jeanne’s telepathic link. “By accepting instead you not only get rid of an annoyance but also get a substantial amount. I want to advise you to take it and just see how much we can push for your sake. But in the end, the decision is yours.”
Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.
Once he said what he wanted he kept silent but we were still connected. I honestly didn’t feel good about the entire situation. But Pops had a point. It’s not like I knew who the so-called client was and I was about to start shouting what happened in the street. By accepting instead they would basically be giving me money for doing something I already intended on doing from the start.
After thinking about it more I decided to simply take my time and read what was written in the contract to be aware of what I was signing. After making sure that nothing was amiss and having Pops double-checked, I signed the original and a copy that I kept for myself.
“Good. Now there is only one more order of business. My client wants to know if you will be open to selling the Dewott for-”
“No.” I didn’t let him finish and simply shot down the request with finality.
“Very well then. Officer, I believe with that you are able to release our men?” he moved on.
The officer who had remained silent until now simply nodded before they both exited the room.
“I hope we meet again in more pleasant circumstances.” He said one last time with a smile.
Pops and I stayed silent for a while and simply looked at the door. It was only when the notification of the transfer arrived on my phone that stood up. Walking toward the exit, I briefly caught sight of the two who attacked me in the corner of my eyes. And they were pale with their eyes fixed to the ground. Meanwhile, Claude was simply signing the release forms and even waved at us when we walked by.
I wanted to ignore him but in the end, I simply nodded and walked out followed by Pops.
“So, Mr.rich guy. What are going to do with that money?” he elbowed me and released Jeanne from the ball.
“I honestly don’t know. But I don’t intend on spending more than I need to. Or maybe I’ll use it for something for my Pokemon.”
Truth be told, I didn’t need the money for anything other than my Pokemon. I had enough for their food but maybe I could increase the quality of the food I served them. But the smart move would be something that would be useful in the long run. Maybe TMs? But apart from Protect most of my Pokemon would want different moves. Or maybe?
“Maybe I can get some Items for them? I think most tournament allows them.” I muttered aloud.
Pops nodded at my side. “ That is a good idea. And given that Lope would not let you out today we might as well come with you. Let’s let her know.”
He said it and the next instant we were back at the hotel. I really hated when they teleported without notice and I glared at Jeanne who shrugged with a smile. Then we waited for Nana to get down and explained what happened and what our plan was. Nike and Skoll were similarly enthused about the prospect of held items while Tyr was confused and Tia was staring. Well, to be fair Tia was always starting into empty air.
Mathew, who I didn’t see the day before also opted to come by and look for some items. Sera on the other hand already left for her research center and her training. All in all, it took us around an hour before with left. Our destination was the Join Avenue since they had a wide variety of goods. I was against it since it was out of the city but with two rich old people that had psychic types, the point was irrelevant. We were one Teleport away.
At least with the warning, there was no vertigo to get used to. I returned all of my Pokemon and in the blink of an eye, the entrance of the Join Avenue was in front of me. Now there was only the question of how we’ll walk inside. I needed my Pokemon out in case something caught their eyes but I wasn’t sure if it would be fine. As it turned out the answer was simple. With Nike on my head and Tia in my arms, they would take more space. At the same time, Skoll and Tyr would walk in front. Nana and Pops returned Klint and Jeanne so no one would complain. The only surprise was when Mathew released his hisuian Lilligant.
“What? The rest of my team already have their items but she doesn’t.” he justified himself with a smile. It was clear that he was looking forward to it as well.
As we walked in, some gaze focused on us but honestly, there were plenty of reasons why. Between my ‘hat’ greeting everyone we passed by, the Trapinch in my arms, the bandaged form of Tyr, and the unknown Pokemon, we were quite the sight. That didn’t last long after we stopped at the first stand.
“Welcome! How can I help you?” The lady in the front asked us with a smile.
“I am looking for some held item.”
“Certainly! This section over here will have our selection of items.”
Following her instructions, we arrived at the back of the shop with numerous items. There were some I recognized like a Silk Scarf or the elemental Gems, but also some items I didn’t recognize straight away like a metallic card…thingy.
“Sorry, what is this?” I asked while raising the item.
“Ah, this is a Metal Coat. It is used to facilitate the evolution of some Pokemon, but it is also used to empower steel type moves.”
“…”
I eyed the small card, barely palm-sized with skepticism. I knew the Metal Coat, but I wasn’t expecting it to look like this. I was expecting more of a roll but it made sense that you wouldn’t log around something like that.
“What do you say, buddy? Interested?” I asked Skoll. He was the only one who could gain a use out of it after all.
After poking the metallic card, he simply shook his head. I put the item back on the shelf and looked around once more. Nothing caught our attention, and we decided to move to another shop. We walked for a few minutes, passing by stores until we found one that looked promising enough. And that was when we made our first find. Or rather, Nike did.
We were walking past one shop when she pulled on my hair and levitated inside. I rushed after her and found her looking at a pinkish feather.
“Oh my, isn’t this a Fairy Feather!” Nana exclaimed.
“Fairy Feather?” I echoed, unfamiliar with this item.
“You have quite the eye ma’am. It is indeed one of those. It’s an item that increases the power of Fairy type moves when the type energy flows through it.”
I looked at the feather with some amazement. I kind of knew the type of item it was as they weren’t particularly rare. One other example of similar items is the Black Belt which does the same for fighting type. This one was one I was looking for actually, but I didn’t know there existed one for the fairy type.
“How much is it?” I asked while also looking for a price tag.
“These items aren’t typically expensive, but this one comes from Kitakami in the Kanto region, so it is a bit pricier at 20 thousand.” The man explained.
I was thrown off by the name the guy said since there was no mention of Kitakami from what I knew, but the price quickly pushed that out of my thoughts. My eyes grew wider as I stared at the item.
I mean, sure I said I would use the 200 thousand for them but I was still hoping to have some leftover. But… it's still under the arbitrary 50 thousand per Pokemon that I decided.
Then I saw Nike’s eyes transfixed on the feather. She looked so hypnotized by it that I am not even sure she heard the entire conversation. Her vaguely heart-shaped pupil seemed perfectly heart-shaped when she looked at the item. Combined with my trying to justify the purchase, I soon found myself with 20 thousand less.
“But how will she keep it on herself now?” I asked
“We can put it on a necklace for you-”
Before he finished talking, Nike who apparently was aware enough of her surroundings made her move. Her hair literally moved. They came alive and after she floated her item closer, they enveloped it. Now it looked like she had the feather tucked to the side of her hair.
“…Or we can do that,” I said trying to lighten the mood.
The wide eyes of the vendor were a funny sight, but I couldn’t blame him. even I, who knew the species could control their hair freely, was taken by surprise. I can imagine his shock then. At the same time, she jumped on my neck and started nuzzling her cheek against mine. It was totally worth it.
“Ahem. Yes, that works too. Please keep the receipt, if you want to …change the attachment method later it is free of charge.” He explained with a strained smile and I nodded. “is there anything else you are interested in?’
Surprisingly, there were once I looked more into the shop. More specifically the ones I had my eyes out for Skoll and Tyr, Black Belt, and Mystic Water.
“What do you guys think about these? They are the same as Nike’s but for Fighting and Water type.” I explained.
Both of them tentatively reach out for the item. Tyr did surprise me when he took his Scalchops out and used Razor Shell. The clerk cried out in surprise but thankfully, my Pokemon simply let the move dissipate and let go of the item. Yet, before I could fully apologize, he used the move once more, although it was visibly smaller.
“I am so sorry!” I said and grabbed the arm that was reaching for the teardrop-shaped item. “he didn’t mean any harm. I think he just got excited.
The clerk let out a nervous laugh and waved me off. “Don’t sweat it, it happens often. Just, I would have liked a warning. Haha”
“I am really sorry.”
To Tyr’s credit after seeing me apologize, he scratched the back of his head awkwardly and bowed his head to the clerk. I smiled when I saw that and I wasn’t the only one.
“Don’t worry little one. Now, how about we move to the side and you can try again?” the clerk proposed.
After moving away from the cramped shelves, Tyr got to try the moves once more. He used Razor Shell several times while holding the Mystic Water and without. Even visually the difference was remarkable. When holding the item his blade grew longer, and I honestly doubted it was the only difference. As he did, he grew more and more excited about keeping the gem. I eventually had to take it back because he wanted to try some movement despite the bandages.
“Well, I guess I will take this one too. What about you, Skoll?”
I turned around to see the little fighting type with his eyes closed while holding the belt. My best guess was that was sensing for the flow of energy through it but I couldn’t be sure. After a few more seconds he opened his eyes but the same excitement as the other two was not present. He shook his head and handed me the belt back. It seemed this one wasn’t what he was looking for, which honestly surprised me.
“I guess we’ll look for something else for you then,” I said.
“Well then, don’t mind if I do!” Mathew cheerfully snatched the Black Belt. I turned, only to see him with the belt in one hand and a yellow, almost crystalline-looking seed in the other hand. “ I will take this Black Belt and the Miracle Seed.”
That… actually made sense given the typing of Lilligant. I was almost sure that there was a more ‘Meta’ item for her but I didn’t know which one. After we both paid for our items we exited the shop with only two more objectives on our list. Skoll and Tiamat.
By the way, the Mystic Water cost me 10 thousand and some changes almost half of what Nike’s cost. Import taxes were a fraud in every world it seemed. She also got a free dark blue scarf to go with, the Mystic Water being sewn on it.
After the two quick purchases came hours of fruitless searching. In every store we entered, we found some items we already bought or some we didn’t need. I was tempted at some point to buy a Choice Scarf just to see how that would work in real life but I discarded the thought. I wasn’t rich enough. Yet.
We even had to take a break to eat before continuing. The number of shops here was honestly surprising. I wasn’t expecting to spend hours just looking at them and entering a few. Nana entering every prop shop didn’t help either, but I wasn’t going to be the one pointing this out.
In the end, it was only when we found a shop dedicated to training equipment that Skoll perked up. Since I had to return Tyr because of his injuries Skoll was basically just looking for something to do. Following Skoll, I saw him talking with a Medicham of all Pokemon. After a back and forth, a set of items floated toward Skoll.
“Are these weights?” I asked Pops.
“Hmmmm. They seem to be Macho Braces. I think?” he hesitated.
The Medicham is the one to answer the query with a nod of its head in our direction.
“It’s been a while since I used those but they help in training the Pokemon, especially the physical attributes. But the weight of them also hinders the movement. It is more training tool than a held item.” Nana added to the side.
Somehow, I couldn’t imagine any of Nana’s Pokemon using them, but looking at Klint’s nostalgic expression… I could see it. I did my best to ignore the bags floating behind him.
“Are you sure about that? You won’t be able to use those in battle.” I asked clarifyingly.
“Lu!”
He nodded firmly while hugging the equipment. It looked like four bands, with linked by springs to a vest-like apparatus. It looked extremely uncomfortable so seeing Skoll hugging that was a nightmare fuel, but…
I mean, he likes it…right?
In the end, we bought it for 15 thousand. With the way things were going, it looked like we would have plenty left, so I could get him another item if I needed it. Now, the more problematic element, Tiamat. All this while she was just looking but nothing seemed to catch her interest. The fact that she was always so silent also didn’t help. More hours were spent looking for an item for her until it was time to go home. Not because the place was closing, but because everyone’s legs started to get tired. I also wanted my team to be well rested given that the tournament started tomorrow. It would also be the hardest day with multiple battles back to back.
“Let’s just try one last and then we’ll call it a day.” I sighed.
I spotted one store that at least seemed like it had a wide variety of items. The sign had a Sceptile giving a thumbs up and the name was ‘Junk-O-Yard’. I found it funny too given that Sceptile’s name in French was Junko. Maybe that would be Kalosian actually.
“Welcome to my yard of everything and anything. Tell me mon ami, what can I do for you?” the man at the entrance greeted us with a heavy accent. Yep, Kalos it was.
I took the opportunity to lower Tiamat to the ground because boy she was heavy! I’m actually surprised I held on for this long holding almost 20 kg in my arms. Maybe part of the reinforcement that Caitlin explained? Either way, any rest period was a good one.
While explaining to him that I was looking for items, I let Nike take care of Tiamat, who was already exploring the shop. Then I felt a tug on my mind and Tiamat exited with something in her jaws. When I looked at the mostly purple orb with an orange ring at its center I couldn’t help but point.
“Isn’t this a Life Orb?” Please don’t tell me that picked this one.
“Oui Oui, you got it right.”
“Is this even a good Idea?” I asked Pops since he had more knowledge on things fighting-related. “Isn't it too dangerous?”
“I mean… yes it is dangerous but… she can just not use it, right?” even he sounded unsure. At my gaze, he continued. “I never used one. I know what it does but I never tried.” He clarified.
That was worrying. From what Nana told me he was reckless in his younger days so if he didn’t try it… but then again he was right. it wasn’t like in the game where it was always ‘on’ by default. She could always decide to not use it and avoid the recoil… but.
“I’ll ask you the same questions as the others. Are you sure about this?” I asked the ground type. Surprisingly, she was insistent on it. At least according to Nike’s translation. “Fine, you win. But no using it outside of training for now. We’ll see after the tournament. How much is it?”
I turned to the vendor and was already pulling the league ID.
It shouldn’t be too expensive right? what more I still have more than half of what the guy sent me. It should be-
“It’s 60 thousand, but you can get it for 55.” He said with a beaming smile.
…
My eye twitched at the price. This single orb cost more than everything we bought so far. Excluding Nana. I looked down at the ground type that seemed completely oblivious to the financial pain she was causing.
Star-shaped pupils blinked at me.
I blinked back.
I officially had half of what I got earlier today left. The man happily turned it into an adjustable necklace with the Orb stuck below it and promptly stored it away. No way I was letting her try it here!
Finally, after an entire day of looking through shops, the shopping spree was over. Now the only thing to do was rest before taking on the challenge that the next day promised.