I stood behind the pokecenter, the setting sun tinging the view with a nice shade of purple. Nike took her spot, helping me to calm my nerves. This time we were ready in case he decided to attack again. I took one last breath and asked Nike to be ready. I could not delay this any longer.
With a steady heartbeat, I check the pokeball in air. I soared in a lazy arc before it popped open mid-flight, sending the now empty ball to hand while the white light coalesced. Its initial blobby shape soon stood straight and after what seemed and eternity, the light dissipated, revealing the Riolu.
Its blue and clack fur seemed to meld together under the low light while his deceptively diminutive stature made him look like a child. Though no child could ever hope to split boulders effortlessly. Nike raised her guard as we watched the Pokémon that had its eyes closed.
I was expecting him to fly off his handles when he saw us, and I was prepared to knock him out if I had to, to release him safely. Yet what I saw when his eyes opened and met mine took me off guard. It was not the expected anger. It was not his gaze full of rage that I witnessed when I first met him. Hell, I’ll even take a gaze of defiance or even sadness over… this.
What I saw in his eyes was nothing.
There was no light in his eyes, as if I was watching an inanimate puppet. This was not the look I wanted on a Pokémon no matter whose and certainly not mine! I wanted to free him now but at the same time the same connection I felt previously urged me to do otherwise. Would it be selfish of me to keep him? I mean, the majority of trainers simply caught the Pokémon and then worked the bond slowly why couldn’t I do the same?
I watched the now dull and empty eyes of the Pokémon in front of mee and if felt as if my very soul shook from it. This was no life. They might be animals in some ways, but they had intelligence and could make their own choices. This was the only compromise I would make. I can’t bring myself to release him right now, that’s true. But I also don’t want to force him to join me. The solution? Let him choose.
“Hey little guy, can you understand me?” I walked past the still somewhat tense Nike and her in my arm before waiting for the Riolu to answer and sitting at a safe distance.
After he nodded, I continued. “I am sorry we got off the wrong foot earlier. I don’t know why you attacked but I am guessing it had to do with the fact that I wanted to catch a Riolu?’’
This time he did not respond but that was fine by me since I wasn’t done. Two vibrations drew my attention and looking down I saw two notifications. One was for a transfer I received and the other was a link to an article that read.
[COORDINATOR FINED AFTER AUTHORITIES DISCOVER THEY FORCED THEIR POKEMON TO COMPETE AND MISTREATED THEM! The Pokémon ranger returned the Pokémon to its pack if Floccesy after psychical (…)]
I hissed under my breath, and I was forced to grit my teeth to stop myself from reacting more. Nike was already puzzled by my reaction and the posture of the Riolu also shifted to a tenser one. I let out a slow breath and continued talking.
“I see, so that’s why you don’t like humans… you were forced to participate in demonstrations against your will… I can’t make up for that.”
The silence hung in the air as I tried to figure out my next step but in the end nothing really changes.
“You know I really wanted to capture a Riolu because they are quite frankly one of my favorite lines. The reason I caught was to treat you but that is only part of the reason. I also felt a connection when I met you, I know you felt it too.’’ I stopped again locking eyes the wolfish pokemon and let a reluctant smile reach my face. “But I don’t want to force you to join me.”
Before I fall back to my greed, I take out the pokeball that hung on my waste and drop it to the floor in front of me. My words and action seemed to have broken the Riolu, stupor as, light slowly return to his eyes, looking between me and the pokeball to the ground.
“Before you make your choice, I want you to hear me out.” After making sure his attention was back on me, I continued. “As I said, I really want you to join my team. I’ll tell you the same thing I said to my partner. I don’t know where I am going, I am mainly travelling to find what I want to do and get stronger. But whatever I end up doing, I want my team to have the same ambition as me. Its sounds cheesy and cliché to be honest but I feel like a bond between pokemon and trainer is the most precious and sacred thing in existence. More valuable than any legendary. That’s it I’m done. The choice is yours. If you want to join my team you are more than welcome. If not, you can just destroy the pokeball on the ground.”
After I was done pouring my heart to the pokemon in front of me, I got up and slowly backed up so he can destroy the pokeball. I really hope I managed to convince but if not, I will find another way.
I watched the small pokemon as he eyed me from a distance before stepping toward the pokeball. My heart dropped when I saw his claws extend and the metallic sheen covering them. Then hope surged as I saw him freeze in place. His face went through a range on emotion, frowning at time and relaxing at others. In the end, he takes a deep breath and closes his eyes, still in striking position.
As he opened his eyes, light fully returned to them. He undid the metal claw, but I quickly squashed the joy. Maybe he became a sadistic bastard toward humans? I was not until he picked the pokeball that I realized that had been holding my breath all this time. The Riolu looked at me once more, this time really looking at me. His gaze held determination in it I instinctively knew that his goal was a simple one. To grow stronger.
He picked up the ball and brought it back to me. As he handed me the ball I got to his level and talked once more. “Thank you for giving me a chance and welcome to the team!” as I talked Nike seemed to also welcome the newcomer with a short cry.
Soon she found her way to the ground and the two pokemon started to converse between them. At time like these I wished I had the ability of N to understand poke speech but hopefully soon I will be able to understand what they are saying even if only through Nike. On this note it seemed that Nike was reprimanding him for attacking me and the Riolu turned away? I don’t know what is going on but hopefully they will get along.
While the two pokemon talked, I decide to look at the mysterious transfer I received. It was just a letter with the transfer’s receipt telling me I received 500 poke dollars which puzzled me until I read the name of the sender, pokemon league. I quickly opened the letter, and the content left me with mixed feelings.
From: Pokemon league
Subject: quest reward: Rambunctious Riolu.
Dear Nexon,
The pokemon center would like to thank you for your assistance in maintaining the peace of the town of Flocessy by repelling the Riolu that has been causing troubles in the area. The reward for the completion of the quest has been transferred to your account. Attached is a receipt of the transfer.
The league thanks you for your assistance and wishes you a fruitful venture.
[See Attachment]
Well, it seemed that the Riolu had been noticed by the league and I was sure that if I did not catch him the league might have probably relocated it. I guess this is a silver lining after blowing most of my savings with the distress signal. But now, it was time to think about my gym challenge, or rather possible battle for the gym challenge. After all, I never actually fought a trainer.
I looked around but most of the trainers I saw previously were absent. That will be a question for tomorrow or worst-case scenario the day after. For now, we’ll get to know the Riolu and then register him as an official member, I guess.
Come to think of it. “Riolu, do you also want a name like Nike?” I decided to ask him. To be honest I was reluctant to name every team member due to my lack of imagination. So, if one of them decline all the better. The fighting type just shrugged his shoulders indicating that he did not care.
But I would feel bad if I did not give him a name. grrr! Fine! I sat down to actually think about it. My two companions just watched me from the corner. Forget it just focus. A fighter and he seemed to want to be strong… I hated to admit it but I drew a blank on that one. Then I changed approaches. They were wolf-like in appearance and thankfully stayed like this even mega evolved.
When I think of wolf, one immediately came to mind which is Fenrir and then I thought of his sons in some myths. Skoll and Hati. One was said to chase the sun and the other the moon, but honestly could t remember which was which.
“I can think three names how about you chose from them after I explain the origin?” he nodded.
After I explained to him the names and the origin, he selected Skoll which was fine with me. We made our way back inside the center and registered him as an official member of my party. After that was the call to introduce Skoll to Nana and Pops. Once done we went back to our room to spend time together.
Skoll started doing push-ups as soon as we got in, while I flicked forums on my phone with Nike on my leg. We saw a post about a character that is vaguely knew but forgotten the name, Lisia. She was singing a song on scene with her Altaria and Nike seemed to have taken a liking to it given that she started to hum the song for a while.
*
The next day I was once again woken up but by Skoll this time. Looking up, I saw that barely any light came through the curtains. However, that seemed to be irrelevant for the new tame member. So after tossing around- until Nike joined him- I decided to get up and get some training. The first order of business was the moves of Skoll.
Species: Riolu
Ability; Steadfast
Currently known moves: Endure, Quick Attack, Feint, Metal Claw, Counter.
He has good coverage if not lacking in long range attack, but Riolu are more physical anyway. Looking around the training ground, it was empty as most trainers were asleep. I glared at Skoll who at least had the decency to look away.
“Fine! Since we are awake, we might as well get in some training. Line up well talk strategy.”
“First Nike. I know you are training for mystical fire, but I think we should shift focus for now. We are lacking offensive moves, so I want you to try mastering Disarming Voice. It’s a fairy type move that you can use while singing. According to miss Opal, you should have an easier time figuring it out due to you fairy factor.”
The small Pokémon is giddy with excitement after hearing she could sing and attack at the same time and sauntered away while singing its name. I turn to look at Skoll who is watching me expectantly.
“For you Skoll, let me see first how fast you can use your moves. Let’s focus on Quick Attack and Metal Claw since the other moves need partners.”
After a few minutes we found out that he pretty much mastered Quick Attack with minimum time needed to charge the move. Metal claw however needed a couple of seconds to channel so we decided to work on that. Seeing Skoll giving his all made me think of what potential members for my team I might want. I did not know for sure, but I knew I wanted to explore this world. And for that I needed my 8 badges.
This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.
I understand the need for caution, but I still could not understand why the league mandated the 8 badges minimum. Maybe I should ask pops when I-
“Hi there! Sorry if I bother you but I saw you training do you want to have a battle?”
I jumped at the sudden voice and turned to see girl that looked to be around the same age as me- maybe younger- with shoulder length silver hair. She wore a black shirt with a flame design and a pair of jeans. Her amethyst eyes reminded me of Nana’s, only deeper, looked at me expectantly, waiting for an answer and I was reminded of how colorful people naturally are in this world.
“Hello, yes, I was actually waiting for trainers to battle. My name is Nexon by the way.”
She shook the hand I extended and smiled. “Seraphina. So, what rule do we use?”
“How about a 1 on 1, 2 Pokémons and no switch?” I asked.
She nodded and took out 2 pokeballs calling out a Shinx and a Litleo.
“I already saw your Pokémons, so it is only fair.”
I turned around and saw my Pokémon exited face. Battle nuts. The both of them.
I nodded and we each took our place in our battle box. At the count of three we both sent our Pokémons at the same time.
“Skoll, you are up”. The Riolu excitedly jumped forward. Nike pouted by hitting me with her pseudo limbs, but I told her that she will get her chance.
Turning I saw Litleo on the field. At least I have the type advantage… or not Skoll doesn’t know fighting move…at least if counter works like in the game.
The battlefield was silent for a second before two orders were sent out.
“Skoll, Quick Attack!”
“Litleo, charge!”
Both pokemons shone with a white coat before dashing forward but Skoll was faster, managing to hit the small fire type before he could hit back.
“Use ember.” Seraphina ordered.
“Metal claw.”
Skol started to run, his claws extending and getting covered in metallic luster, taking care to avoid the glowing embers coming out of Litleo. However, by moving closer, the widow of evasion got shorter, and he was hit with several ‘pop’ noises.
With the hit having disrupted his focus, Skoll was forced to start the move once again but that was a naïve thought.
“Push harder! Use headbutt”
“Counter”
As the Litleo charged forward aiming use his move against Skoll, the later stepped to the side and use its momentum to kick Litleo, causing him to gasp for breath.
“Don’t let up. Use Metal Claw”
“Get it together Litleo! use headbutt once again” Seraphina shouted in agitation.
This time the difference in familiarity with the move as Litleo used the time that Skoll need to hit him in the chest, flinching him as pushing him away. Then without waiting for my next order, Skoll moved back in- faster than usual- and sent the Metal that he readied during the run up, leaving gashes on Litleo despite the move being not very effective.
I blinked seeing the improved speed before it clicked. Steadfast makes him faster when flinched!
“Skoll finish it up with quick attack!”
“Dodge!”
With improved speed, Skoll did not give him the opportunity to and landed a punch that rendered the small lion unconscious. He let out and excited “Rioo!” amidst pant and I could not myself from smiling.
However, seeing his condition, I took the opportunity of Seraphina recalling the prone pokemon to recall Skoll as well. Seraphina raised an eyebrow and I decided to explain to her.
“I am retiring him because he is too tired to continue. He is a new capture, and I would rather not push him too hard for the first exercise”. Skoll grumbled a bit but clearly, he realized that I was right and walked back to my side. I would at least have him spectate.
She nodded and Shinx that was practically vibrating by now bounded forward. Nike for her part simply floated down from her position onto the field looking excited. The next moment she shrank back as what I assumed to be Intimidate took a hold of her.
Shinx for her part was sparking in excitement. As in sparks coming off her body.
“Alright baby girl, set up first” Seraphina shouted.
I watched as a baleful white light seemed to enter the eyes of Shinx while at the same sparks started to jump in and out of her body as she used charge. She was interrupted before being able to fully charge as the Leer she used was reflected back and she shivered a little.
“Nike, attack now” I simply said.
Understanding what I meant, she used her only offensive move, confusion, and bubbles of psychic energy shot out and impacted with Shinx before she could react.
“Get in close and use tackle!”
Shinx shook herself and started to dash at Nike. For her part she continued to use confusion, but her opponent darted from side to side before and managing to get close.
Unfortunately, Nike was not yet able to focus her psychic power while in movement and with a burst of speed. Shinx tackled her. Nike was weak physically and took some damage from the impact, but there was something we could do to fix
“Play nice” I called. But before she could Shinx shut it down.
“Don’t let her get close. Thunder shock.”
Sparks flew from the fur from Shinx’s fur before flying toward Nike. With the speed of lightning, the thin bolt shocked Nike and managed to singe some part of the soft fur cover her body. Once again, her lack of offensive move showed as we resorted to the only option.
“Use confusion once again! Don’t let up!”
This time, Nike actually took time to prepare the confusion and, of course, Seraphina will not let that go for free.
“Use thunder shock again. give it everything!”
The two pokemon stood still as they charged their attack into what would probably be the last exchange of this fight. I held my breath as I watched them focusing. Then as if planned, they both unleashed their moves.
The highest number of Psychic bubbles as of yet shot toward Shinx and smacked into her. Nike for herself was struck by the thunder shock at the same time. Both pokemons cry rang out until they finally stopped.
The field stood still and silent while the two pokemons gathered everything they had just to stand still while panting. After what seemed like an eternity, they both smiled before wavering. In the end, Shinx’s legs gave out and at the same time Nike fell back.
Both pokemons were on the ground unconscious. It took us a second to understand what just happened and we both returned our respective partners to their balls.
To think my first battle ended with a double knock out.
Seraphina and I met in the center of the field for a handshake.
“That was a nice battle Nexon!”
“Thank you. You too. We will have to break the tie another time.”
She paused.
“What are you talking about?”
“Well we both got knocked out…”
“Yeah but… you still have your Riolu.”
I blinked. Next to me stood Skoll as he watched me.
“Ah. Uh… Sorry Skoll” I laughed the best I could before talking to Seraphina. “Yeah, sorry about that. I was used to have only Nike until now. Anyway, let’s go heal them, right?”
I walked toward the Pokémon center after returning Riolu and promised him to be better.
I talked with Seraphina as our Pokémon were healed. As it turned out she was from Verbank which is the next city to the east and home of a poison type gym. She started her journey and after failing her first gym badge, was advised to start with the normal type gym.
“I can’t believe you beat me with a newly hatched and newly caught pokemon” she sighed. “But still, this will be the last time I lose against you!”
“I’d like to see you try. So, are you going to Aspertia right now?”
She nodded.
“I stopped here yesterday and intended to leave in the morning but now…” she stopped for a moment and them looked at me. “do you mind if we travel together to Aspertia?”
Hmm...that is an interesting proposal. If we travel together, it will be safer and at the same time it will help both of us to train as well. I have nothing to lose and will instead get something out of it.
“I am fine with it. But I have to tell you I was planning to leave tomorrow. Is that fine with you.”
“that’s fine. One more day is no problem for me.”
“Then I will be glad to travel with you”.
We shook hand and the conversation died down. After a while I asked her another question.
“By the way can I ask you why you started your travel?” I asked.
As soon as she heard the question, a glint immediately entered her eyes.
“I want to be an archaeologist and learn about the past! I know you probably won’t believe me but I actually met the champion of Sinnoh when I was younger.” She sounded smug as she said that.
My mind screeched to a stop at that I had to ask. “You met Cynthia?”
“yes! She is soooo cool. We had a trip to Undella town a few years back and I had the chance to meet her there.” She closed her eyes as if reliving the moment and continued. “I was exploring the beach and I literally bumped into her. Turns out running with an ice cream is really a bad idea.”
“Any way, her glasses fell, and I recognized her. She was apparently exploring some underwater ruins in the area and when I asked her, she started telling me of all this research she did about the past. I didn’t know she was an archeologist before that. But yeah, the way she talked about it, I knew got me interested.”
By the end of her story my mouth was still hanging open and just looked at her. I couldn’t stop myself from thinking that she had a protagonist background. Meeting the champion of Sinnoh, aka Cynthia, aka a trainer with a team of monsters and casually talking to her?
And in Unova at that? I mean, sure I knew she had a house in Undella town but damn. As for how I knew that let’s just say that entering a random house while trying to hatch some eggs was not a good idea. It gives you a particular form of PTSD…
It seemed that she realized how shocking her story sounded because she stood there grinning at me. I shook my head unable to say anything else.
“So? What about you?” she asked.
“I… don’t know to be honest. If I had to say I would probably say explore the different region? I am not sure but I intend to take on the gym challenge of Unova at the very least.”
There was silence as she took in my answer.
“I think that is also a good goal honestly. The journey is about discovering after all.”
I smiled at that, and we continued to wait for our Pokémons to be done, which did not take long. The balls were opened and all three of them rushed out. Skoll for his part simply opted to return to his ball as soon I brought him out. I smiled and resolved myself to work with him more.
While Nike got to know Shinx and Litleo, Seraphina and I looked challenges for the Aspertia to try and come up with a strategy against Cheren. Thankfully it seemed that just like in the games, he is a relatively new leader.
However, he was thankfully not new enough that we had no data. For all intent and purposes, he was a fan of setting up using Work Up for battles. The move allowed the user to bring out more power out of their moves by stimulating their energy. And it worked for physical and ranged attacks.
In games term, it raised the attack and special attack of the pokemon.
Although the reality is a bit more complicated since there is no set amount like the ‘stage’ in the game and the increase depend on the mastery.
After a few more videos, Seraphina spoke up.
“I think the easiest way to go about it will be to go hard and fast before he can set up otherwise, he will sweep our teams.”
“That’s true. Unfortunately, none of our ‘mons knows Taunt otherwise we would have gained a lot from it.” I added.
In the game I don’t think I ever used Taunt due to being limited to four moves and preferring to use offensive ones. Here, however, I could see it being an almost necessary move.
We continued the discussion but could not find a better solution than the one suggested by Seraphina and went to train. Both of our teams could gain from using our moves faster.
As we released them, Skoll sticking around since we were training, Seraphina pulled me aside to do exercises of our own. I questioned her and got a quote from Cynthia (Apparently.)
“You need to be in shape to be a good trainer and therefore a good archeologist!”
I wasn’t really interested in the archeology bit, but I could see why stamina would be important for trainers after I got chased around by Skoll the day before, so I complied.
30 minutes later I was wheezing my lungs out while Seraphina just shook her head. Sure, I was not the most athletic, but this was just insulting. I resolved myself to work more on my body …starting tomorrow for now I need rest. Some muscles I was not even aware of hurt.
My breathing stabilized and when I lifted my head finding Nike running toward me with her hair flopping and a smile on her face.
She stopped in front of me and after a bit of jumping around stopped and stood still in focused. I watched curiously as she did and soon something happened. The air in front of her antenna started to get distorted similar to how it appeared when its hot outside.
Wait hot?
I did not need to finish the thought as a small spart of flame manifested before being snuffed out.
“Nike! You are making progress Mystical Fire? But I thought you were training Disarming Voice?” I questioned her split between elation and confusion.
My answer was a puffed-out chest (or body really) and a smug grin. She turned around toward a tree and started to sing. Soon pink waves started to travel along with song and the wood started to creek.
“Hold on stop!” I scooped her up in a hurry.
It seemed that while I was dying, she had the time she needed to learn the move and started back up with Mystical fire. Miss Opal was not joking when she said it would come quickly to her.
“Baby girl you are a genius!” I nuzzled against her, and she was happy to return the affection.
I took the time to look around. It seemed that Shinx and Litleo had also stopped training and were currently lying in the shade. Seraphina walked a bit off and was doing stretches. Skoll was … standing and looking toward the forest.
He was so lost that he did not notice us approaching until I sat next to him. That was a bad sign since he could in theory sense my aura. That meant he was very much lost in thought.
“Hey Skoll. Are you ok?” I asked after he turned to me.
He looked at me and just turned around. I frowned at the lack of response but realized that I would not have understood it either way. It took me longer than I wanted to admit to realize what was going on and my throat refused to let the words out.
“Do you miss your group?” I questioned.
He turned his head to look at me. I remembered that they lived in packs so that it would make sense that they had close bonds. But to my surprise, he simply shook his head and frowned.
Nike chimed in from on top my head and they started talking between them which sounded to me like they were just saying their names. Then I felt emotions coming from starter. Love, sadness and… Regret? Or frustration?
After a few more exchange I managed to understand that he wanted to properly said goodbye to his pack.
“Then how about this? After lunch we’ll go together so you can say your goodbyes. I admit you can probably go alone but I also want to let them know that we’ll take care of each other.” I smiled down at him.
He was hesitant, obviously wary of leading me to his pack but ultimately accepted.
So it is that I found myself trudging to the forest once more but with Skoll opening the way. Seraphina decided to stay at the center to train again with the other trainers. Nike was humming happily on her seat of power.
With a guide, it did not take us long to reach to pack. This also meant that I actually overshot it by a long way when I was looking for one leaving me with mixed feelings. As we reached a clearing, Skoll stopped us and went ahead first.
He stood in the clearing and, I assumed, sent a pulse of aura because seconds later, a group of about a dozen of Riolu jumped into the clearing. They started animatedly saying their name. I could see some of them watching me warily but waited for Skoll.
When he turned, I took some hesitant steps, and some took steps back. Skoll continued to talk to them and soon they relaxed.
I don’t know what he said to them but at least it relaxed them.
I stood there awkwardly an unable to do anything since every move I made was observed. IT seemed the dislike of humans from Skoll was just the extreme reflection of the groups idea of humans.
Nike did not have this problem and was happily moving from Riolu to Riolu. As we were about to leave a small, and I mean small Riolu made her way toward me. She looked me up and down for an instant and after a while held her paw toward me.
I was surprised and took the paw absentmindedly and she closed her eyes focusing on me. I soon felt her presence and at the edge of my awareness and she withdrew, any wariness in her eyes disappeared and she even gave me a smile and a nod.
The other Riolu that seemed to have watch the scene made way as she moved back and soon followed her.
“Rio! Lu lu riolu!”
I turned noticing Skoll bowing his head to her. Out of respect I did the same and the pack of small fighting type disappeared behind the trees.
“It seemed I passed the test?” I asked.
He looked at me and nodded briskly before walking back. But I had to stop him.
“Wait before we go I want to stop somewhere.”
We made our way toward the Watchog and it seemed Skoll recognized the place because he became more subdued as we got close. Soon the opening came into view with the trio of Pattrat playing at the entrance.
As they saw us, they scurried back quickly, and their mother came out immediately. She eyed us carefully, her weird eyes lingering on Skoll.
“Hey! Sorry to bother you but I wanted to thank you for your help yesterday.” I announced.
I made slow movements to show that I meant no harm and took out pouch of citrus berry I prepared for the occasion. Unwilling to get too close given that she had her young ones, I let Nike grab a hold of the bag and slowly floated it to her.
She eyed the bag and once she saw what was inside, snatched it out of the air. She seemed happy judging by her tail, and we quickly excused ourselves. Skoll did get closer and talked to her, but Nike refused to provide me with an impression of what was said.
It’s okay I think I have a good I idea of what transpired. With that we trekked our way home and Skoll seemed much happier now. As we got home, we ate and went to bed after agreeing on a meeting point with Seraphina.
Tomorrow, we leave for Aspertia and the first gym battle.