TEEN: Pokèmon Spectrum (An Original Journey Fic) - Weekly Short Story "Movie Time", June 8th 2017

[Jaypom]

Jacob and his partner, Aipom, are traveling across the Accelia region with high hopes to become Top Coordinator! With their friends Russo, a tough and emotionally closed off boy aiming to complete the regions gym battle challenge, Aries, a spunky and impulsive girl running from something she doesn't enjoy discussing, and Kyoko, an intuitive and reluctant boy heading off on a journey after his aunt forces him out of town, they head off on a journey filled with people and Pokemon!

Chapters and Volumes:
The story will be split up into 20 chapter volumes that are each named after a Pokemon type. Some Volumes have set ending events, but some storylines can span multiple volumes. Currently, there are eight volumes planned with much more still in the progress of being planned.

Weekly Responses:
Starting on 3/28/2017, I decided to do weekly interviews with the characters in response to LightningTopaz's Weekly Prompt Thread. The posts are written in script form and a new one will be uploaded each week with every new prompt. Each one is hosted by Hareta from the Kimpier City arc.
Starting on 4/17/2017, I decided that some weekly responses will be short story formats instead. I felt that some of the topics weren't fit to go into interview format, so I've added these to alternate between the two.


AWARDS:
Fic Of The Month, June 2017



CLICK THE CHAPTER TITLE TO GO TO THE POST WITH IT
Story Arcs:
Chapters 1-4: Journey to Kimpier City
Chapters 5-7: Kimpier City Arc
Chapters 8-10: Journey to Iridale Town
Chapters 11-14: Iridale Town Arc
Chapters 15-17: Journey to Seavaille Town Arc
Chapters 18-23: Seavaille Town Arc
Chapters 24-27: Journey to Breezeville City Arc
Chapters 28-37: Breezeville City Arc
Chapters 38-??: Power Plant Arc
Chapters ??-??: New Girl Arc

(Latest Chapter Released: 29)
(Current Chapters in Progress: 30 and 13v2)
Chapter List:
Volume One: Normal
Opening Theme: Gintama Opening 12
Ending Theme: An Evil Angel and Righteous Devil by Megami33 *Aipom-centric*
1- Time to Reach the Top! (Version 2 Released 7/30/2016)
2- Family Matters! (Version 2 Released 8/2/2016)
3- That Girl is Poison! (Version 2 Released 8/7/2016)
4- A Pied Pelipper! (Version 2 Released 1/11/2017)
5- A Dashing Dose of Dile! (Version 2 Released 1/14/2017)
6- The Blaze Badge of Fiery Courage! (Version 2 Released 1/23/2017)
7- The Element of Surprise! (Version 2 Released 1/26/2017)
8- Rattling the Ralts! (Version 2 Released 1/27/2017)
9- Coordinating a Contest Debut! (Version 2 Released 2/1/2017)
10- A Scare at Hillshire Inn! (Version 2 Released 2/25/2017)
11- A Mother's Surprise! (Version 2 Released 3/2/2017)
12- Shine Your Way to Stardom! (Part 1) (Version 2 Released 3/9/2017)
13- Shine Your Way to Stardom! (Part 2)
14- To the Victor Goes a Spoiled Dinner!
15- A Farfetch'd Find!
16- For Whom the Beldum Tolls!
17- Crisscross Cavern Chaos!
18- Mareep is on the Lamb!
19- A Frontier of Possibilities!
20- The Rowlet Outlet!

Volume Two: Flying
Opening Theme: Pokemon Advanced Generation Opening 4
Ending Theme: My Hero Academia Ending 1 *Russo-centric*
21- The Battle Diner of Eats and Greets!
22- Babying a Baby Coordinator!
23- Sights Set on the Seavaille Ribbon!
24- The Inevitable Beach Chapter!
25- Lost in the Forest of Champions!
26- A Joltik a Day Keeps the Doctor Away!
27- Hoppip Along the Migration Trail!
28- Breezeville City, the Wind Capital of Accelia!
29- Winning Is No Breezeville!
30- A City In Darkness!
31- Aries vs. Voltaire!
32- Grinding It Out With the Grunt Force!
33- Demon's Lore!
34-
35-
36-
37-
38-
39-
40-

Volume Three: Fire


Weekly Responses
03/28/17- On The Road *Interview*
04/03/17- Team Skull vs. Team Element *Interview*
04/10/17- What Remains to be Seen *Interview*
04/17/17- Now Loading... *Short Story*
04/24/17- School Days *Short Story*
06/08-17- Movie Time *Short Story*

Current Stats (as of Chapter 30):

Spoiler: OPEN IF YOU WANNA GET SPOILED

MAIN CHARACTERS
-Jacob:

-----Ribbons: Iridale (1/5)
-----Pokemon On Hand: Aipom, Ralts, Salamence, Rowlet
Aipom:
Debuts in: Chapter 1
Caught in: Prior to Chapter 1
Nature: Playful
Gender: ???
-Swift, Double Team, Iron Tail, Shock Wave

Ralts:
Debuts in: Chapter 8
Caught in: Chapter 8
Nature: Gentle
Gender: Male
-Confusion, Magical Leaf, Disarming Voice, Teleport
-Ability: Synchronize

Salamence:
Debuts in: Chapter 14
Caught in: Chapter 14
Nature: Stubborn
Gender: ???
-Dragon Breath, Dragon Rage, Flamethrower

Rowlet:
Debuts in: Chapter 20
Caught in: Chapter 20
Nature: Timid
Gender: ???
-Leafage, Peck, Ominous Wind,


-Russo:

-----Badges: Blaze (1/8)
-----Pokemon On Hand: Metang, Larvesta, Totodile
Metang:
Debuts in: Chapter 1
Caught in: Prior to Chapter 1
Evolves in: Chapter 16
Nature: Loyal
Gender: Non-binary
-Iron Head, Metal Claw, Confusion, Zen Headbutt

Larvesta:
Debuts in: Chapter 2
Caught in: Prior to Chapter 1
Nature: Mild
Gender: ???
-Ember, String Shot, Hidden Power,

Totodile:
Debuts in: Chapter 5
Caught in: Chapter 5
Nature: Energetic
Gender: ???
-Bite, Water Gun, Aqua Tail, Ice Fang
-Ability: Torrent (unnamed in Chapter 6)

Hoppip:
Debuts in: Chapter 27
Caught in: Chapter 27
Nature: Bipolar
Gender: ???
-Fairy Wind, Tackle, Bullet Seed


-Aries:

-----Pokemon On Hand: Flaaffy, Sylveon, Joltik
Flaaffy:
Debuts in: Chapter 2
Caught in: Prior to Chapter 1
Evolves in: Chapter 18
Nature: Shy
Gender: ???
-Tackle, Thunderbolt, Cotton Spore, Electroball

Sylveon:
Debuts in: Chapter 7
Caught in: Prior to Chapter 1
Nature: Caring
Gender: ???
-Moonblast, Quick Attack, Disarming Voice

Joltik:
Debuts in: Chapter 18
Caught in: Chapter 18
Nature: Unknown
Gender: ???
-Thunderbolt, String Shot


-Kyoko:

-----Symbols: (0/5)
-----Pokemon On Hand: Wingull, Farfetch'd
Wingull:
Debuts in: Chapter 4
Caught in: Prior to Chapter 1
Nature: Jolly
Gender: ???
-Water Gun, Icy Wind, Wing Attack, Water Pulse

Farfetch'd:
Debuts in: Chapter 15
Caught in: Chapter 15
Nature: Jolly
Gender:???
-Air Cutter, Quick Attack, Air Slash, Leaf Blade

Slowpoke:
Debuts in: Chapter 24
Caught in: Chapter 24
Nature: Dopey
Gender: ???
-Water Gun, Tackle, Yawn


*OTHER*
-Arya:

-----Pokemon on hand: Absol
Absol:
Debuts in: Chapter 25
Caught in: Prior to Chapter 1
Nature: Protective
Gender: ???
-Me First, Razor Wind, Bite, ???



Others:
Ribbons- 1 unknown

Ribbons- 1 unknown

Ribbons- Seavaille,

Badges- Blaze,

Badges- Blaze, Breeze,

Symbols-

 

[Beth Pavell]

Re: Pokèmon Excell, The Story About The Accelia Region

Ok, well it's about time I caught up with some activity here! You get first comments, aren't you lucky?

Anyway, you'll probably find that you'll need to post your first chapter here pretty sharpish. Going for loads of original content is brave - if you like that sort of thing I can recommend Storm Island on this site for that. One thing I will say by way of advice is try not to get carried away with supplementary world-building. Build the world in the story first and foremost

 

[Jaypom]

Re: Pokèmon Excell, The Story About The Accelia Region

Hmm, so what you're trying to say is that I should stop the world building I am at and continue building it by writing the story?... If that's right then I'll totally do that ^_^ Thanks for the advice, I should have the first Chapter done pretty soon too.

 

[Beth Pavell]

Re: Pokèmon Excell, The Story About The Accelia Region

Depends how well developed the region is. Original regions require a lot more work in the world-building, it's true. My point is that the world-building should serve the story. I'd actually shelve the wiki and concentrate on the story itself. Oh and I'm not sure if you actually need any of this, but these articles might be useful:

http://bmgf.bulbagarden.net/f455/lesson-one-description-worldbuilding-133779/

http://bmgf.bulbagarden.net/f455/lesson-14-creating-your-own-region-flaze-159230/

http://bmgf.bulbagarden.net/f455/lesson-17-description-world-building-pavell-164217/

 

[Jaypom]

Chapter 1 ​

Time to Reach the Top
Updated July 30th, 2016​

Hello there! Welcome to the Accelia Region! My name is Professor Oswald and I'm Accelia region's top professor, and responsible for giving Pokedexes to the new trainers. We thank you so much for contacting us about your Pokedex and hope you enjoy it. Again, welcome to Accelia! You're sure to learn much more as you set out on your travels. If you have any questions, Please call me at my lab in Zilonia City.
Yours truly,
Professor Oswald

Jacob set down the letter he had received in the mail. It had been attached to a package about the size of a Wii. He slowly opened the box and gazed down at the surprise.

Inside, was a purple device tightly wrapped in bubble wrap.

Jacob reached in and held it up to the light, with the device glistening against the sun shining in through his bedroom window. He rubbed his thumb over the outer casing and flipped it open.

Inside of the device was two screens, one on the top flap and one on the bottom. It resembled that of an old Nintendo DS. The device beeped twice and a small female silhouette appeared on the top screen. “Hello, my name is Dex. How may I be of assistance?” the device asked.

Jacob looked at it puzzled, “Cool… they must have added in a voice command system” Jacob said amazed at the region’s developing technology.

The device beeped, “Yes, I am your personal Pokèdex A.I., you can set a nickname for me if you would like?” Dex asked politely.

Jacob shook his head, “No, Dex is a cool name. You can keep it.”

A woman called to Jacob from downstairs. “Jacob!” she said in a calm, serene tone, “It’s time to leave now! You can play with your Pokèdex later”.

Jacob looked down at his floor, “ALRIGHT MOM!" Jacob screamed from above down towards his mother. He stood and proceed to slip on his converse but lot balance tumbled to the ground.

Dex beeped, "Smooth move".

Jacob huffed and blew a strand of hair from out of his eyes, "I don’t even need to be in a hurry, why does she have to rush me,” he mumbled as he arose and placed Dex in his backpack.

Dex beeped twice, “Perhaps she just wants you to be on time... or she wants you out because you are a messy clutz.” Dex suggested as it lay crammed in between a sketchpad and laptop.

Jacob glared at his bag, “I don’t need any sass right now, Dex,” Jacob replied, and slid his bag over his shoulder. He gazed around his room, remember all the fond memories he had and giddy with all the new ones to be made. He slipped on his red jacket and tightened his laces. He then turned and stared into the mirror. He was dressed in a red jacket and a green t-shirt with dark blue skinny jeans. His hair was a curly mix of blond and brown hair. He closed his eyes confidently, "today's the day..." he muttered to himself. He made his way out of his room with Dex in hand. Once he reached the bottom of the stairs, he was tackled by his mother.

“OH, JACOB! I CAN’T BELIEVE YOU’RE LEAVING!” she sobbed, occasionally stopping to fake blow her nose into a tissue.

Jacob pushed her off. “You don’t need to tackle me!” he hissed back.

His mother fumbled back and readjusted herself. She had long, wavy, brown hair drooping over her shoulders to slightly above the chest lining of her white, flower-patterned blouse. She had forest green eyes and a petite nose, opposite of Jacob's light green eyes and obtrusive nose. Her feet were cloaked in hideous yet comfortable brown crocks.

The front door flew open and Jacob was suddenly tackled once again, this time by his Pokemon. “Aipa!” his Aipom screamed, wrapping its arms around Jacob excitedly.

“Glad I found you, Aipom! I was getting worried that you'd make me late” Jacob said as he helped Aipom adjust itself on Jacob's shoulder.

Aipom nodded and climbed up on top of Jacob's head, then raised itself on its tail and smiled.

Jacob’s mother brushed her hair out of her face. “I just…. I just can’t believe my baby is all grown up…” she choked out. She blew her nose into a tissue once again.

Jacob rolled his eyes and smirked, “Oh Mom, you’re never like this.” Jacob replied, thinking back to a week ago when she planned to turn his room into a yoga studio.

Aipom began to tussle Jacob’s hair as if enthralled by its curly texture, but also from it's boredom from waiting to leave.

Jacob’s Mother closed her eyes and hugged Jacob tightly, “It's alright dear! I won't turn your room into a studio until you've officially move out,"she reassured. She leaned away and muttered to herself, "that way you can't come back..."

Jacob backed away, “Right... So I'll just be going then...” Jacob replied and backed away.

Jacob’s mother stopped him, "You packed your stuff neatly, right dear? If you didn't..." she peered at him and glared ominously.

Jacob sunk backwards and scratched his head with an awkward smile, "Of course Mom... heh heh..." He slipped his bag off his shoulder and opened it wide. He noted 5 Pokèballs, a watch, a can of Pokèmon food, a laptop, a sketchpad, Dex, and his cell phone.

Jacob’s mom ambushed hugged him from behind once again, this time because she knew her child was entering a dangerous world. “I'll miss you... I will deeply miss you..." She sobbed, rubbing his hair.

Jacob pushed her off once again and nodded, “I'll miss you, Mom," he replied and smiled confidently to reassure her that her baby would stay safe. "If I travel at the right pace I should be in Iridale town for the contest.” he announced. He took Aipom off his head and grasped it tightly in his arms.

Jacob and his mother both exited their large home, with Jacob snatching a hat off of their hat rack, and entered an intense wave of heat.

Jacob’s Mother fanned herself, “It’s so hot, You’d think a Sunny Day was used.”

Jacob placed his cap over his curly hair and straightened it, “Alright, I’ve wasted enough time Mom. I better get going.”

His Aipom looked towards Jacob's Mom and waved, “Aipa!” it called.

Jacob’s mother leaned over and rubbed Aipom’s head. “You both take care, and Aipom watch over Jacob.”

Aipom stuck it's tongue out and smiled. “Aipa! Aipaa!” it said excitedly.

Jacob looked at his mother and suddenly hugged her, one last time. “I owe you one… I’m sorry for being a brat all these years.” he whispered.

Jacob’s mom hugged him back, “You weren’t a brat, you were yourself” she replied. She sniffled and pushed him away, “Now go, you have all sorts of adventures waiting for you out there” she replied hopefully, but her voice sounded as though she was unsure. Who wouldn’t be? Her son was leaving on his own.

Jacob stepped down the porch steps and made his way down the driveway. He looked back and gazed upon his house.

The roof had begun turning a muddy red and the windows were hazing over. The paneling was still intact, and the trees and grass looked flawless and colorful, making him wonder why his father never fixed up the house. He closed his eyes and shook the thought from his head. He opened his eyes wide and nodded, "Alright, Aipom, time for our adventure to begin!" he shouted and took off running down the path leading away from his house.










Jacob stopped out of breath as he reached the entrance to Route 1002. He was panting now, sweat had begun to form on his forehead. “I really should have walked but I need to get to Iridale Town, don’t you agree Aipom?” Jacob asked, looking back along the trail where Aipom had passed out. Jacob chuckled and walked back towards Aipom and fell to his knees. He poked at Aipom’s stomach, but Aipom just stayed on the ground, passed out. Jacob leaned over and put his face in front of it, then screamed “AIPOM!”

Aipom’s eyes shot open and smacked Jacob across the face with it's tail.

Jacob stumbled backwards and tumbled down a hill on the side of the trail.

Aipom looked around hazily in the intense heat and realized Jacob wasn’t nearby! It stood up on its tail and called out, “Aipa!! Aipa!!” but received no response. It leaned backwards and fell to the ground, worried. It had never been without Jacob for too long. It got down on all fours and ran to the sides of the trail to look for Jacob.

Jacob tumbled down the hill in multiple cartwheels but landed by slamming into the base of a tree head on. He backed away dizzily, “Aipom what’d you do that for?” he mumbled before falling onto his back from the dizziness. He stared up at the branches of the tree. The intense sun was shining down through the leaves and creating little spotlights on the soft, green grass around him. He smiled at the beautiful sight and sat up, looking around for Aipom.

“Are you okay down there?” a voice called out.

Jacob looked around but saw nobody. He stood up slowly and looked around once again, “Hello?” he called out.

“Up here!” called a boy.

Jacob looked up at him, but the boy was surrounded by intense sunlight to where it was almost impossible to see his face. Jacob squinted but immediately shut them and began rubbing his eyes from the bright light burning his corneas. “Dang sun. I’m sorry but I’m fine!” he called out as he opened his eyes, but stumbled backwards when the boy had appeared in front of him. Jacob shook his head, "AH, you need a bell dude!” Jacob replied out of fright.

The boy looked at him, and rolled his eyes.

Jacob looked at the boy and analyzed his features.

The boy was just a few inches taller than Jacob. His skin was slightly tan and his hair was jet black and greasy. He wore a soft, black jacket with it's sleeves rolled up in response to the heat. He had a white undershirt on as well, and acid washed jeans that were paired with shiny, black combat boots.

Jacob thought he looked rebellious but assumed he was harmless. “I’m Jacob, nice to meet you” he said, trying to be polite.

The boy nodded, “I’m Russo." His voice was deeper than Jacob's, but, then again, a six year old girl had a deeper voice than Jacob. "I just started on my journey a few days ago, I’m going to become Champion of the Pokémon League.”

Jacob looked away, suddenly uninterested.

Russo clenched a fist and ran to look Jacob in the eyes, “Uh… aren’t we having a conversation here?”

Jacob put his hands behind his head and walked away, “I’m suddenly busy”.

Russo ran in front of him again, “Um, most people who meet exchange goals in life don’t they? What’s yours?” Russo waited for Jacob to respond but Jacob turned away and ignored him once again.

Russo grew annoyed, "Listen, kid," he shouted and ran back in front of Jacob, then poked his chest in the slightest to piss him off as well.

Jacob looked at him and sighed, crossed his arms and announced, “I’m going to be a top coordinator”.

Russo stopped, “Wow…” he replied in astonishment.

Jacob puffed up his cheeks, “Is something wrong?”

Russo chuckled, “No, I’ve just never met a guy who wanted to be a coordinator. Usually a guy who can’t win in a battle grows up to be a coordinator is what I’ve heard!” Russo said, laughing his head off. He fell to the ground and began cackling like a maniac.

Jacob could feel his face burn a bright red color. He debated punching Russo, but decided a kick was much easier to accomplish with him on the ground. “You’re such a boy!” Jacob shouted, and kicked Russo in the stomach.

Russo wheezed and sat up, "What was that for?”

Jacob glared at him, “For your information I could easily beat you in a battle!”

Russo leaned over slightly, reaching Jacob's eye level, “Is that right?” he said smirking.

Jacob glared back at him, “Yes... It is right” Jacob replied and reached to his shoulder to pat Aipom, realizing it wasn't with him.

Russo walked towards Jacob with his hands inside his jacket pockets. “What Pokémon would you use?”

Jacob tried to act natural, “None of your business…. What would you use?”

Russo laughed, “Well if you tell me then I’ll tell you!” he replied.

Suddenly, the two boys heard a loud squeal. “EEEEEEEKKKKK! IT’S SOOOOOO CUTE!”

Jacob and Russo stumbled in their place, shocked by the sudden noise.

Jacob lowered his head, knowing what the shout was over. "Looks like I have somewhere to be. We should chat some other time! Gotta blast," he replied and ran towards the noise, leaving Russo behind to watch Jacob kick up dust.

Jacob entered a small clearing and gasped as he saw Aipom in the arms of a small, petite girl.

Aipom struggled to get out of her arms, but was held onto tightly.

“It’s so cute!!” the girl squealed, “I’m totes keeping you!” she announced and held Aipom up to her face.

Jacob noticed her look and despite her childish action and personality, he could tell she was a year younger than he was. He noted that she had long, blonde hair tied into two large pony tails and that she was wearing a pink dress with black, fishnet leggings and bright pink heels. Jacob glared at her, “Get your hands off my Aipom!” he shouted.

Aipom looked over and smiled. It squirmed out of the girls grip and ran over to Jacob, crying out with joy as the two embraced after reuniting.

Jacob looked at Aipom, “You can't just go be meeting strange women in the woods, that isn't healthy” he lectured.

Aipom nodded its head and looked back at the girl, then pointed at her. “Aipa!!” it said in a more terrified tone.

Jacob looked at the girl. “Who are you?” he asked.

The girl grew angry quite quickly, "YOU JERK! GIVE ME BACK THAT AIPOM!"

Jacob backed away, “You freak, this is MY Aipom, not yours!” Jacob replied.

Suddenly, loud footsteps were heard and small girl snickered, "You've done it now," she sneered.

The girl smirked and looked back behind her, towards the footsteps' origin. “Hilda!! That boy just took that Aipom from me!” she called out.

Suddenly, a large woman punched a large log and sent it flying past Jacob and Aipom, slamming behind the two and shattering into splinters. She stomped into the clearing, shaking the earth with every step. Her orange hair was styled into a mullet and she had a red plaid shirt, tucked into overalls. “Excuse me young lady, what did ya say now?” the woman asked, speaking in a country accent, “Who did what now?”

The girl scoffed, “That boy took that cute Aipom from me!” she said in a pouting voice.

The woman turned and looked at Jacob with fire blazing from her eyes, "Youngin, give that dear Aipom back before I turn your brain into cornbread!" she threatened.

Jacob could tell this woman was not much older than him, so it made no sense why she called him "youngin". “Hold on!” Jacob replied, trying to ease the scary woman.

The woman slammed her foot into the grassy earth, denting it and stared straight into Jacob's soul, “state your name, youngin” the woman commanded.

Jacob gulped, “I’m Jacob…. And this is my Aipom….” He said, pointing at his Aipom who had already burrowed itself into Jacob’s jacket. Jacob felt his arm shaking, he was actually scared of these people. He knew there were bad people in this world, but he thought it would take days to meet them, not an hour! "Wh-what are your names?" he managed to speak.

The girl stepped forward and puckered her lips, “I’m Villa, and this is my girlfriend, Hilda!” she answered.

Jacob was surprised that they were dating. Hilda was so... large, and Villa was so... small.

Villa glared at him, “Just give me back that Aipom before Hilda crushes you!” she threatened, pointing at Hilda who cracked her knuckles.

Jacob stood his ground, “No way! This Aipom is my friend, not yours!” he replied. Aipom stuck its head out of Jacob's jacket, “Aipa!” it shouted in agreement.

Villa grew angry and began to throw a tantrum, “No, no, no, nooooo! I want it! I want it!” she cried.

Jacob looked at her and clutched Aipom tightly in his jacket. “I don’t care what you want, Aipom is my partner and you’re not taking it!”

Villa stopped her tantrum and glared. “Heh heh, well then…” she smirked and pulled out a Pokeball from her purse, “I’ll just take it from you by force!” She tossed the Pokeball into the air.

It shot open and a white light flooded from it. The light landed on the ground and formed a cat like Pokémon that began hypnotically purring.

Jacob pulled out his Pokedex and scanned it.

Dex beeped and began feeding information, “Glameow, the Catty Pokémon. When a Glameow sees its prey, it lures them in with its sweet purring noise, then slashes them with its hidden claws.”

Jacob looked at the Glameow, “A lot of girls like to catch them, so it doesn't surprise me that she owns one. On the other hand, this girl seems different than most women I've encountered, almost as though she’s completely insane….” He muttered.

Villa laughed wickedly, “Glameow, use Shadow Ball"!

“Meow!” Glameow shouted. It fell backwards onto its spring-like tail and jumped into the air. It opened its mouth and formed a ball of purple energy. Glameow hissed and shot the ball with a large pulse echoing from behind it.

“Beldum, use Iron Head!” Russo shouted, throwing a Pokeball. It shot open and out popped another Pokemon.

“Beldum!” the Pokemon shouted and surrounded itself in a gray aura, then smashed into the Shadow ball. A large cloud of dust clouded the collision, shocking everyone. Beldum shot through the dust and collided with Glameow, sending it flying onto the ground and fainting it.

Jacob turned and watched Beldum return to Russo, who managed to rush onto the scene in the nick of time. Jacob then looked over at Villa who recalled her Glameow with disappointment.

Villa grit her teeth, frustrated with the day's events. “Hilda show them what you can do!” Villa shouted.

Hilda shook her head, “I’m all for helping you catch a Pokemon, missy, but I’m not in the business to steal them”. She paused and looked over at Jacob and Russo, “However…. if either of you attack her dear sweet Glameow like that again, I will destroy you… got it?!” she yelled, her veins protruding from her neck.

Villa grew angry and stomped off, “Fine! Let’s go! I gotta train for the Iridale contest anyways!”

Hilda nodded and escorted Villa out of the clearing.

As they left, Villa turned and looked back at Jacob and stuck her tongue out playfully.

The girls departed from the area and Jacob released Aipom from his jacket, knowing it was safe.

Jacob looked at Russo and smiled, “Thanks for coming dude, that was quite a save” he said, embarrassed that he didn't even defend himself. He looked over at Russo's Beldum and scanned it with Dex.

Dex beeped and began feeding information. “Beldum, the Iron Ball Pokémon. Beldum are capable of sensing magnetic waves using the three horns on its back. Beldum are also able to see 360 degrees using it’s one eye.”

Jacob nodded and returned Dex to his bag. “Thank you too Beldum” Jacob thanked and pat Beldum on it's eye.

“Bel, Beldum” it replied, nodding and squinting its eye as though it were smiling.

Russo smirked, “So, now you’re going to talk to me?”

“Well, you did save me and Aipom, I owe you that. Are you that good in all your battles?” Jacob asked.

Russo scratched his head, “I don’t wanna brag, but I’m pretty well trained with Beldum. We used to run the streets back in Zilonia City.”

Jacob narrowed his eyes, he totally just bragged. “So… if you’re actually going to become Champion, you need eight badges right? Where’s the first gym you are headed to?”

Russo took out a map he had inside of his bag. He pointed at a dot just south of Ichigo Town, Jacob’s home. “It’s called Kimpier City, I heard the guy there uses Fire types and is quite the opponent.”

Jacob smiled and thought of a plan. “Well, Iridale Town is right on the way. You can tag along with me if you want? I want to see if you’re that good in battle… a real battle” he offered.

Russo thought to himself for a moment but then gave in. “Ehh, why not. Oh wait, what’s in Iridale Town?”

Jacob smiled and picked Aipom back up, “my first ribbon".

Spoiler: CHAPTER 2 PREVIEW

Jacob: You know Aipom, I'm super excited that we're traveling with Russo!
Aipom: Aipa!
Jacob: He's a little scary though... and I know nothing about him...
Aipom: Ai-Aipa!
???: I NEED YOUR HELP!
Jacob: What?!
???: You're coming with me!
Jacob: Aipom?! Russo?! SOMEONE?!
Russo: Next Time, Family Matters !
Jacob: *chokes out* WHY AREN'T YOU HELPING ME!
Russo: Maybe don't talk badly about me next time.
Beldum: Bel!

 

[AetherX]

Re: Pokèmon Excell, Chapter 1 Is up!

Welcome to the Fiction Fairground! First off, there's some stuff I'm obligated to tell you as a mod:

The Fairground is meant for posting stories on a chapter by chapter basis. You're welcome to post art and worldbuilding notes and whatever else you want, but the primary purpose of the thread must be the story itself. If you want to post a lot of that stuff, I would suggest a blog post. As part of this, you're supposed to post your first chapter or prologue as the first post in the thread. Since you've already posted your first chapter at this point I'm not going to bite your head off, but just keep that in mind. If it bothers you, you could edit the first chapter into the first post, or create a whole new thread and delete this one, but I'm not going to force you to do anything. At the very least I would suggest linking to the first chapter in your table of contents (click on the post number in the top right of a post to get the URL of a specific post).

But before you do anything else, be sure to thoroughly read the rules (which can be found here) and ask myself or another Fairground moderator if you have any questions.

Now for usual reviewer stuff:

Unfortunately this forum doesn't support indents (frustrated me when I first started posting as well), but I can see you've caught on to the commonly accepted format of double spacing before new paragraphs. Just be sure you're actually doing it every time! The main one I caught was this:

Jacob looked at Russo and smiled, “Thanks…. A…. Again…” he said, embarrassed. He looked over at his Beldum and scanned it with Dex. “Beldum, the Iron Ball Pokémon. Beldum are capable of sensing magnetic waves using the three horns on its back. Beldum are also able to see 360 degrees using it’s one eye.” Jacob nodded and returned Dex to his bag. “Thank you too Beldum”
“Bel, Beldum” it replied, nodding and squinting its eye as though it were smiling.

There were a couple other typos, but nothing that really jerked me out of it. I find that reading my chapters aloud helps to catch most of those.

If I might clarify what Beth Pavell said, he means you should avoid leaving all of your description and worldbuilding to posted notes or art or a wiki. It's great to have that stuff, since planning ahead will put you far ahead of most first timers. It's even great to have that stuff available for readers to look at, but don't rely on it to tell your story for you. Explore your characters and setting through your writing. You can plan on your own, but then use that plan to build a world within your writing. Does that make sense?

There's some other stuff I could get picky about, but I'll leave that for later. Keep on writing and I'll keep on reviewing. This was a good solid start, and I like the ambition of creating a whole new region. There's some great originality here, and the writing is pretty good.

Be sure to check out The Written Word and take full advantage of what a kickass writing community we have here. Once again, welcome to the Fairground and let me know if you have any questions. Keep up the good work!

 

[Jaypom]

Re: Pokèmon Excell, Chapter 1 Is up!

Welcome to the Fiction Fairground! First off, there's some stuff I'm obligated to tell you as a mod:

The Fairground is meant for posting stories on a chapter by chapter basis. You're welcome to post art and worldbuilding notes and whatever else you want, but the primary purpose of the thread must be the story itself. If you want to post a lot of that stuff, I would suggest a blog post. As part of this, you're supposed to post your first chapter or prologue as the first post in the thread. Since you've already posted your first chapter at this point I'm not going to bite your head off, but just keep that in mind. If it bothers you, you could edit the first chapter into the first post, or create a whole new thread and delete this one, but I'm not going to force you to do anything. At the very least I would suggest linking to the first chapter in your table of contents (click on the post number in the top right of a post to get the URL of a specific post).

But before you do anything else, be sure to thoroughly read the rules (which can be found here) and ask myself or another Fairground moderator if you have any questions.

Now for usual reviewer stuff:

Unfortunately this forum doesn't support indents (frustrated me when I first started posting as well), but I can see you've caught on to the commonly accepted format of double spacing before new paragraphs. Just be sure you're actually doing it every time! The main one I caught was this:

Jacob looked at Russo and smiled, “Thanks…. A…. Again…” he said, embarrassed. He looked over at his Beldum and scanned it with Dex. “Beldum, the Iron Ball Pokémon. Beldum are capable of sensing magnetic waves using the three horns on its back. Beldum are also able to see 360 degrees using it’s one eye.” Jacob nodded and returned Dex to his bag. “Thank you too Beldum”
“Bel, Beldum” it replied, nodding and squinting its eye as though it were smiling.

There were a couple other typos, but nothing that really jerked me out of it. I find that reading my chapters aloud helps to catch most of those.

If I might clarify what Beth Pavell said, he means you should avoid leaving all of your description and worldbuilding to posted notes or art or a wiki. It's great to have that stuff, since planning ahead will put you far ahead of most first timers. It's even great to have that stuff available for readers to look at, but don't rely on it to tell your story for you. Explore your characters and setting through your writing. You can plan on your own, but then use that plan to build a world within your writing. Does that make sense?

There's some other stuff I could get picky about, but I'll leave that for later. Keep on writing and I'll keep on reviewing. This was a good solid start, and I like the ambition of creating a whole new region. There's some great originality here, and the writing is pretty good.

Be sure to check out The Written Word and take full advantage of what a kickass writing community we have here. Once again, welcome to the Fairground and let me know if you have any questions. Keep up the good work!

Thanks for those tips I was hoping to find out how to link the chapters to the first post since I had the table of contents therehew:

I do see now that It'd probably be better of me to write the world as of the story's current state than to draw it. I'd feel like I'm just spewing out what is coming instead of just writing it into the story to keep it going (Which is what frustrates me on the other forum I'm in for story telling where one of the people there copied me entirely and just keeps saying whats coming and never follows up on it)
Thanks for the feedback though <3

 

[Jaypom]

Chapter 2​

Family Matters​

Version 2 Released August 2nd, 2016​

​

Having met Russo, Jacob and Aipom are making their way to their first contest in Iridale Town. Having taken interest in Russo after his help dealing with Villa and Hilda, Jacob felt the need to see more of Russo's techniques. Now, they are about to meet a new face in the grand scheme of their adventure...


The sun beat down on the hot pavement as Jacob and Russo walked alongside each other. It was noon, and the sweltering heat of mid-summer was proving itself as quite an unbeatable opponent.

Jacob occasionally glanced over at Russo, but would look away if their eyes met.

Russo stopped and shot his hand out, pointing. “Look! It’s the Pokemon Center!” he shouted happily, and ran off towards a small building with a red roof and a Pokeball painted on the center and on the sliding doors it used as an entrance.

Jacob stared at him, “Well have fun! I’ll walk!” he yelled back sarcastically. He sighed and looked at Aipom, “It’s so hot out here, yet he has the energy to run,” he muttered and slowly trudged towards the center. As he entered, he was whisked away by a strong blast of cold air. He looked over and saw Russo sticking his shirt out to collect cold air from a floor air vent.

The Pokemon Center was quite small. It was in the direct middle of Route 1002 and serviced as a rest stop to travelers. The back of the center possessed an indoor, standard battlefield for those who hoped to hone their skills. The back, outside of the center was a small picnic area where trainers could sit and have lunch with their Pokemon. The building was a standard model for all centers located on Routes or Trails instead of major cities like Kimpier City.

“Hello there, Can I help you with anything?” a woman asked politely.

Jacob took his embarrassed glare off of Russo to view the source of the medicinal tone the woman produced.

She was standing behind a tall counter with two Pokeball lamps on the sides. A Tangela hair plant sat beside her computer and a photo of multiple women with her same appearance sat opposite the plant. Her hair was tied into two pigtails which curled as they sloped down towards her breasts. Her face was flawless and pure white. Her eyes, covered by a pair of thin glasses, were bright blue, as though they were two pools of Suicune purified water.

Jacob was stunned! He had never seen such a beautiful woman. “Um... Hello! Are you, like, a secretary or something," he asked.

Russo released his shirt from his grip and waltzed over to Jacob. He elbowed him teasingly, “What’s the matter man? That’s just Nurse Joy. Haven’t you met her sister in Ichigo Town?”

Jacob shook his head. “No… I’ve never been to a Pokemon Center before,” he helped Aipom off of his shoulder and let it run up to the counter where the nurse resided.

Nurse Joy lowered her glasses and examined Aipom. “It seems to be doing just fine, but I can go run a quick check-up if you need me to? We have chips, candy, and soda over in the vending machines around the corner," she informed.

Jacob nodded his head and clutched the strap of his backpack as Aipom was placed on a cart and wheeled into a backroom. He looked around at the other trainers inside of the center. There were two couples, one looked like two teen lovers out of a vampire flick, and the other was an old man and woman. Jacob guessed they had left for a trip to Zilonia City since there was a large retirement community there. He walked over and sat on a bench next to the vending machines. “So have you been to these before?”

Russo walked over towards one of the vending machines which housed the candy and chips, “Oh yeah, loads of times.” He elbowed one of the vending machines in three random spots and two candy bars fell out. He grabbed one and handed it to Jacob, “They have the best candy. I hear it’s imported from the Johto region".

Jacob hesitated when he held the bar in his hands. It read, “Rage Bar” on it. “Is this stealing,” he asked, looking at Russo who had chocolate smeared on his face. Jacob constantly felt as though Russo was part Pokemon, perhaps a Mankey given his manners.

Russo burped loudly and rubbed his stomach, “These are the best! I met this guy who showed me how to get all the candy for free. I usually leave a tip for Nurse Joy when I leave since she is such a hard worker. She runs this place all by herself you know,” he informed.

Jacob gasped, “All by herself?"

Russo stood up and headed for the bathrooms. “Well, I’m gonna go take a leak. By the time I get back we can check into a room,” he decided, and left without letting Jacob respond.

Jacob sighed. Russo was so distant towards him, and they spent zero time chatting about their pasts. It's like Russo had no past, or at least... didn't like to think he did. Jacob dropped the thought as soon as his stomach rumbled. He peered down as the small, rectangular bar. He sighed and unwrapped the stolen candy.

The Rage Bar had little ridges on the top that appeared to be berries. A thin layer of sugar coated each ridge as though they were small mountaintops covered in a blanket of snow. It was smothered in Milk Chocolate which resembled the rocky terrain of a mountain.

Jacob opened his mouth and took a quick bite, fully committing to his crime. He opened his eyes and nearly burst into tears. “THIS IS SO AMAZING!” he cried out, falling to his knees and holding the candy bar up to the light as though he had pulled the sword from the stone. His taste buds were racing with the sweet taste of chocolate mixed with Oran Berries.

The old couple looked over and shook their heads at Jacob as he shoved the rest of the bar down his throat.

Jacob burped loudly and wiped his face, feeling satisfied with his felony. He stood up and looked around once more, but ultimately decided to examine the picture on Nurse Joy's desk. He walked walked over and gasped when he saw the photo's composition.

It was in a black and white filter, probably 20 years old, and it was composed of dozens of laughing little girls who all looked very similar.

Jacob was amazed and noticed they all looked exactly like Nurse Joy at an approximate age of 10.

“Those are all my relatives from when we were young,” Nurse Joy informed, surprising Jacob.

He turned around and saw her standing with Aipom sitting happily on a cart.

Beside Nurse Joy, stood another Pokemon. It was large, and had a white fur scarf with a long tail.

Jacob slipped out Dex and scanned it.

Dex flicked on and began feeding information. “Cinccino, The scarf Pokemon. Cinccino use a special oil inside of their body to coat their skin and keep themselves clean.”

Jacob smiled and picked up Aipom happily, “That’s a really cool Pokemon, Nurse Joy,” Jacob replied, smiling. “Thank you for taking a look at Aipom for me.”

Nurse Joy curtsied, “It is my pleasure. All Nurse Joys in the Accelia region own a Cinccino too. They help with making the center look neat and tidy, which is a hard task considering the amount of traffic this one recieves.”

Jacob looked back at the picture, “You said all those are your relatives?” he asked curiously.

Nurse Joy grew a small grin and nodded, “Indeed. All Nurse Joys are related. My sisters are located in Ichigo Town and Zilonia City. Have you met them?” she asked, “I’ve been meaning to call them, but I never find the time” Nurse Joy continued, then blushed as a rush of nostalgia filled her eyes.

Jacob shook his head, “Why don’t you go call her now? I can stay here and watch the front desk for you,” he offered.

Nurse Joy was surprised, “A-are you sure?” she inquired. “You aren’t trained in the field of medicine… much less Pokemon medicine.”

Jacob brushed it off, “Pshaw, I can come get you if there is trouble. I meant that I could, like, answer the front desk phone and take messages. You should always get to talk to your siblings every once and a while.”

Nurse Joy grinned with happiness, “That’s so kind of you. I think I will then! I shouldn’t be long. If you need me, I'll be right in my office behind the front desk” she said, entering the backroom.

Jacob walked over and sat down at the front desk. He giggled and started to type on the computer, acting as though he was sending an important message. "Hello, Mr. Barkley. I have important information to tell you... Yo momma so fat she sat on a rainbow and made skittles!" he joked and burst out laughing at his own pitiful sense of humor.

Russo walked back by and noticed Jacob cracking up. He thought of a nasty plan and snickered to himself. He crept up behind him and shoved him onto the desk with what was meant to be a tiny shove. “OH CRAP! MY BAD DUDE” he shouted, not expecting Jacob to be as light as carboard.

Jacob sat up and flailed around. “You jerk! What’s with you shoving me!” he screamed.

Aipom sat and shook its head, watching as the two boys proceeded to argue.

"I didn't mean to! You're like one of those lame trees they plant of the side of a highway when they want to try new decorating crap. You know? The ones they have to tie down with ropes because they'd fall over if a Prius drove past," Russo claimed.

"At least I don't go around bashing faces into desks!" Jacob responded, attracting attention to their little quarrel.

"I bet if we were in the Olympics, you'd be the javelin because you are so freaking light," Russo joked, ignoring the fact that he seriously could have injured Jacob. He then proceeded to act like he was tossing a javelin, angering Jacob even more.

Jacob was about to respond, but stopped when he noticed a small dot out of the corner of his eye. He looked over and saw a figure darting towards the entrance to the center!

Russo rolled his eyes and looked over at the front doors. He noticed the figure as well. He squinted his eyes and noticed the shadow was actually a girl. “Hey look, someone’s running towards the center,” he said, pointing.

The girl shot through the sliding doors and looked around quickly, sweat dripping from her face. She was wearing a bright pink tank top and short jean shorts with white threads dangling as the shorts ended at her mid-thigh. She was also wearing dusty, pitch black, high top converse and had beautiful maroon hair jutting out from under a baseball cap. She was gripping her shoulder bag tightly, making sure not to have let it go during her dash.

Jacob and Russo stared at her and jumped back when she made eye contact with them.

She was panting now, “Do you two know where Nurse Joy is?” she asked through deep breaths. Her voice was a little deeper than what one would assume by the way she dressed. Jacob guessed she was 16.

Jacob was about to point towards the backroom, “She left me in charge, bu-”

The girl interrupted him by grabbing his shirt and darting from the center with him in her grip. “If you’re in charge, then I need your help. ASAP!!” she shouted, picking up dust as she ran along a dirt trail leading away from the center

Russo blinked and looked around, “Uh…. What just happened,” He asked Aipom.

Aipom looked at him and shrugged.

Russo hammered one of his hands with a fist, a light bulb had gone off in his head. “Oh… She stole him!” he told himself and laughed. He nodded to himself for a few minutes before realizing the situation, “OH MY GOD! JACOB!”






OFF IN THE FOREST...


The girl continued dragging Jacob along, but he managed to stop her by catching his shoe on a root in the ground. They both tumbled and fell onto the hot, dusty trail. She looked back at him, “Yo! What’d you do that for? Aren’t you gonna help me?!” she asked while screaming.

Jacob glared at her, “I'M RECONSIDERING IT AFTER YOU DRAGGED ME FOR HALF A MILE!"

The girl shrugged, "Not my fault that you weigh as much as a Joltik," she used as her defense. "Now, quit wasting time and help me out here, pal!"

Jacob felt the sting of the weight insult, but he set the thought aside. He stood up, "I was answering the phone for Nurse Joy, so if you want a doctor then we need to go back!” he yelled at her, his eyes squinting from the intense sunlight.

The girl lowered her face, “Oh, so you’re not a doctor? I thought so. I mean you look a little young” she said, then burst out laughing.

Jacob continued to squint at her, “What heck is your problem anyway? Who are you?” he asked his kidnapper.

The girl brushed herself off with her hands and stood up. “My name is Aries, and I needed someone to help me with a Teddiursa that’s in danger.”

Jacob raised his eyebrows, “A Teddiursa?” he asked. He took out Dex and searched for it.

Dex beeped twice and showed the picture of a Pokemon on the top screen. “Teddiura, the Little Bear Pokemon. Teddiura are rarely found in the wild alone. They always have their hand in their mouth to stimulates its growth and is usually covered in sweet honey”.

Jacob decided to let the fact that she kidnapped him for the greater good of an innocent looking Pokemon. “Nice to meet you, I’m Jacob," he responded and stuck his hand out to handshake. "So, what’s the deal with the Teddiura?” he asked curiously.

Aries grabbed his hand and led him through a thick bundle of bushes. They came to a clearing where a large cliff jutted into the sky. Aries pointed to a ledge on the cliff, “Up there!” she said.

Jacob squinted and saw a tiny Teddiusa huddled on a ledge. “What happened!” he screamed in panic and felt his innate skills as a parent kicking in.

Aries put one of her hands on her hips and wiped a bead of sweat off her forehead with the other. “I think it was on the top of that cliff and must have fallen off. The poor thing is gonna die from heat stroke up there,” she said worriedly.

Jacob cracked his knuckles and nodded to Aipom, only to realize Aipom was at the center! "Well, we are screwed. You left the perfect help at the center! I have an Aipom that could easily scale that wall."

Aries looked over at him and sighed, "You don't have anything else? What, did you just start your journey today?"

Jacob squinted his eyes and grew annoyed with her, "No, I started yesterday."

Aries chuckled, "Pfft, and you only have one Pokemon?"

"I STARTED YESTERDAY?! YOU DON'T HAVE ANY?" Jacob asked furiously, already feeling the heat shifting his emotions.

"Listen pal! I have Pokemon, but none of them can climb so, obviously, I went for help. Is that so hard to understand? Now, go get to climbing" Aries commanded, ignoring the fact that Jacob was annoyed with her.

"Why do I have to climb?" he pondered, knowing she was going to have a ridiculous reason.

"Because I brought you here to help me. So," she stopped and clapped her hands, "chop, chop."

Jacob crossed his arms, "Yeah, I'm not go-"

Suddenly, the ledge cracked and crumbled.

Teddiursa's weight made the ledge give out and resulted in the death drop of the Little Bear Pokemon!

Aries turned and gasped. She darted over and dove to catch Teddiursa just before it splattered like a pancake, skinning her knees as she landed.

Teddiursa looked around confused at what had unfolded.

Aries released Teddiursa and sat up. She felt a sharp twang on her kneecaps, having been scraped from the belly-slide to catch Teddiursa.

Jacob saw the cuts and immediately felt bad. He shuffled his feet and watched as she fidgeted with her injuries. He sighed and slipped off his backpack. He unzipped a small flap that contained and inhaler an some band-aids with mixed-in antibiotic ointment on the cotton pads. He then walked over and knelt in front of her.

Aries looked at him, surprised to see him helping after the fact they were just bickering.

Jacob poked his lips out, almost like he was pouting. "Sorry. I didn't realize that it was about to fall," he said, trying to make up with her. He unwrapped the bandage and placed one on one scrape.

Aries winced at the pain. When the sting went down, she shook her head and smiled, "No it's cool, pal! I didn't know the ledge was cracked. I'm just glad I was around to save it."

As soon as Jacob placed the second bandage on her other scrape, he wiped his hands and stood up. "Well, you should be all good."

Aries nodded and stood up to meet eye-level with Jacob. "Let's restart the introductions then. Hi Jacob, I'm Aries," she said politely and stuck out her hand for a handshake.

Jacob nodded, "I'm Jacob, nice to meet you," he responded and shook her hand firmly. "Let's head back to the Pokemon Center. Ok?" he suggested.

Aries nodded and began walking, but stopped and remembered what the Pokedex informed. “Wait, Jacob.”

Jacob stopped walking and looked back, “What is it?”

Aries recalled the Pokedex entry, “The Pokedex said that Teddiursa are rarely ever found alone. So, what are they normally with?” she asked. Suddenly, Aries’ eyes were flooded with fear as two large bright orange-purple beams blasted the ground around them.

Dust surrounded Aries and Jacob, filling their lungs and causing them to cough.

“What the heck is happening?!” Jacob asked worriedly, trying not to cough.

“I-I think we have company, thanks to Teddiursa,” Aries answered, looking down at the worried Teddiursa.

Suddenly, three large bear Pokemon crashed through the bushes. “UR-URING!!” they all shouted.

“Who are those Pokémon?” Jacob shouted, quickly scanning them with his Pokedex.

Dex flicked on and began feeding information. “Ursaring, The Hibernate Pokemon. Though it evolves from the cute Teddiursa, Ursaring is able to chop down trees and branches with one swipe of its claws.”

Jacob and Aries gulped, “It seems these Ursaring are friends with Teddiursa,” Aries whispered. She fanned away some of the dust, “We don’t mean any harm! Your friend was in danger and we need to get it to the Pokemon Center!” Aries called out, trying to calm them down.

One of the Ursaring lowered its arms having noticed the Teddiursa, but the other two charged up more orange-purple beams at Jacob and Aries.

Suddenly, Aipom shot onto the scene and created multiple copies of itself, distracting the Ursaring and halting the attack.

"Aipom?" Jacob exclaimed, realizing help had arrived.

“Beldum, use Zen Headbutt, and Larvesta, use Ember!” shouted a voice from beyond the bushes.

Jacob and Aries looked over and saw Russo make his way through the brush with his Beldum and another Pokemon.

The unknown Pokemon jumped into the air and spat out little bits of flame that collided with one Ursaring.

Beldum coated itself in a bright, blue aura and smashed into the other one.

Jacob and Aries cheered and looked over at Russo.

“Are you both okay? Hyper Beams can be quite powerful.” Russo asked, standing confidently as his Pokemon returned to him.

Jacob looked down at the unknown Pokemon he hadn't realized Russo owned. He took out his Pokedex and scanned it.

Dex clicked on and began feeding information. “Larvesta, the Torch Pokemon. Larvesta uses the little fire shoots around its neck to hover itself in the air like a jet-pack.”

Jacob returned his Pokedex to his bag and nodded with Aries.

Sadly, the reunion soon faded as the two attacking Ursarings grew angrier and returned into attack stance.

"We'll have to fend them off!" Russo informed. "Nurse Joy warned me about the Ursaring here. They are very protective of their children and that Teddiursa is one of them. You'll have to incapacitate them to calm them down!"

"LEAVE THEIR HEADS ALONE!" Jacob screamed, horrified.

Aries looked at him, amazed at the comment. "He means disable them. You're thinking of decapitation...".

Jacob realized how foolish he sounded and played it off. "Ah, right. I knew that."

Dex beeped from inside Jacob's bag, "Nope."

Jacob gripped his bag, "SHUSH!"

Aries returned her attention to the current situation. She didn't like the idea of attacking the Ursaring, considering it was all a big misunderstanding. She worriedly grabbed one of her Pokeballs from her bag and tossed it high into the air. “Mareep, let’s shock them!” she shouted.

Aries’ Pokeball shot open and sent out a bright light with little sparks of electricity. The light collided together and formed a small, yellow Pokemon beside her.

Jacob groaned, "Ugh, another one?"

Dex beeped from inside Jacob's bag, "Mareep, the Wool Pokemon. Mareep stores electricity inside of its wool,. The can then expand the wool to release it," Dex informed.

Jacob nodded, "Good old Dex, always there for me," Jacob commented sarcastically.

Aries leaned forward and commanded nervously, “Use Thundershock!"

Her Pokemon nodded and charged itself with electricity.

The two raging Ursaring shot their claws out and filled them with intense energy, running forward to attack the sheep.

“Mare-Mareeeeeep!!” Mareep shouted, sending forth a thin strip of electricity that shocked the two Ursaring and stunned them. Mareep landed besides Aries and looked around, happy to be out for a battle.

“Beldum, use Take Down and Larvesta, use Stringshot!” Russo commanded.

Beldum blinked its eye and shot forwards, surrounding itself with bright orange energy. It collided with the first Ursaring and sent it flying onto the ground beside the worried, third Ursaring.

Jacob forgot the third Ursaring was around. He noticed it was watching the Teddiursa worriedly.

Larvesta shot a thick, sticky string from one of the shoots on its neck and tied up the second Ursaring.

Aries didn't want to hurt the Ursaring, so she decided it'd be best to make them fall asleep. Hoping her Mareep could put them to sleep instant, she commanded "Mareep, use Cotton Spore!"

Aries’ Mareep blew its wool up into an immense orb of softness. Mareep then made orb burst, sending out little specks of cotton at the group of Ursaring.

The Ursaring began to grow drowsy and slowed down.

Mareep, Larvesta, and Beldum looked to be exhausted from battling, but their trainers could feel something strange happening.

"You guys feel that?" Aries noted.

Russo looked around, "It feels like the energy in this place is... being sucked away."

Jacob pointed at the third Ursaring, the passive one. "Look!"

The Ursaring's eyes had glossed over and an ominous red aura had enveloped its body.

Teddiursa grew scared and ran behind Aries' legs, shielding itself.

Mareep narrowed its eyes and darted to the side as the Ursaring jumped and swiped at it with lightning speed.

Ursaring missed and created a large gash in the ground from the force of the swipe.

Jacob felt Aipom climb onto his shoulder for safety. "What's happening?" he asked.

Dex beeped on once again, "Ursaring's ability is Guts. Whenever afflicted with a status condition, Ursaring gains a massive increase in Attack and Defense."

Aries pat the timid Teddiursa on its head. "Don't worry, it'll be okay."

Teddiursa looked up worriedly, it's eyes filled with the terror of watching its parents fight to get it back.

The Guts Ursaring charged up another Hyper Beam.

Russo looked over at Aries, "Hey, girl! Can you stop that thing, my pokemon are wiped!" he asked.

Aries nodded and clutched a second Pokeball in her hand, but Jacob stopped her. She looked over and watched as Jacob stepped forward.

Jacob clenched his fist, ready for battle. "Don't worry, it's our turn!"

"Ai-pa!" Aipom shouted in agreement.

Russo and Aries shrugged, accepting that maybe Jacob could do something about the situation.

“Aipom, use Double Team!” Jacob commanded as Aipom propelled itself forward with its tail.

Ursaring fired off its Hyper Beam but Aipom dodged by creating it's double team copies at the last second, surrounding Ursaring with dozens of fake Aipoms.

Jacob felt the rush of the battle, "We have this in the bag! Aipom, use Iron Tail!"

Aipom nodded and propelled its copies forward, coating its tail in a shiny, metallic coat and swinging for a final hit.

Ursaring quickly countered by raising and smashing both its hands into the ground with immense force, getting lucky and hitting Aipom straight down into the ground and creating a poof of dust.

As the dust settled, Aipom was revealed to be laying on the ground, knocked out by a single Hammer Arm.

Jacob felt his face go numb, "Aipom!!" he shouted in horror and ran straight towards Ursaring.

Aries and Russo gasped, "Jacob!" they shouted in unison, trying to get him to stop.

Suddenly, two figures darted in and out of the scene, stopping as they arrived between Aries and Russo.

The group looked back and smiled as they found their savior!

"Halt! In the name of the Pokemon Center Association," Nurse Joy began, cocking her glasses and holding a KO'd Aipom in her hands, "I will cure you!"

"Cincinno!" Cincinno called out alongside its trainer.

"Nurse Joy!" the group exclaimed happily.

Nurse Joy adjusted her labcoat after it slid off her shoulder, "It's alright everyone, I can take it from here. Cincinno, use Secret Power!"

Cincinno quickly leaped forward and sent out a pink pulse across the terrain. Small pink tentacles rose from the ground and tapped each Ursaring on the nose, instantly sending them to sleep.

Teddiursa cried out happily, running forward toward its mother. It stopped and bopped her on the nose, but received no response.

Nurse Joy walked towards the unconscious Ursarings, handing Aipom off to Jacob, and then proceeded to give each Ursaring a Chesto Berry.

Suddenly, all of the Ursaring woke and looked around, noticing Teddiursa instantly. The Ursaring became overjoyed to have their baby Teddiursa back!




LATER THAT DAY...


Nurse Joy exited her exam room with all the Pokemon that Jacob, Aries, and Russo had used in battle, plus the Teddiursa and Ursaring. “I’m proud to say all of these Pokemon are going to be just fine!” Nurse Joy announced cheerfully.

Jacob smiled and hugged Aipom happily, “Awesome!”

Russo and Aries returned theirs to their Pokeballs, ignoring that Jacob kept Aipom out.

The Teddiursa yawned and began to fall asleep, exhausted from the long day it had experience.

The mother Ursaring picked it up and began cradling her child, happy that it was now safe and sound.

“It’s amazing what you all told me. How those Ursaring risked everything to save their little Teddiursa. The power of family is a wonderful thing,” Nurse Joy remarked.

The Ursaring family then departed the center and made their way back towards the forest, with the mother Ursaring turning back to wave at the trainers.

Jacob continued smiling as the group watched them disappear into the dark green brush and moonlight. He turned around and looked at Nurse Joy, “How were your sisters?” he asked.

Nurse Joy smiled, “They missed me it seems. I missed them too,” she chuckled and blushed, “I’m glad I could just hear they were okay though. It's nice to hear that even though you aren't with your family anymore, they are still able to live.”

Jacob smiled and looked over at Aries who was beginning to depart the center as well. He ran over and stopped her from leaving.

Her eyes widened, “Hey, What are you doing?” she asked. Her arm was clutching her pack tightly.

Jacob could see her knees had true bandages wrapping them. Jacob looked her in the eyes, “Where are you going? It's dark out, you can't except to just wander around outside and not run into some scary ghost Pokemon.”

She stuttered, “I... I have a journey.”

Russo walked up from behind her and stood next to Jacob. “Well, that's cool and all, but it's kinda stupid to go out at night. What's your goal then, since it's so important that you feel the need to leave right this second,” he asked.

She looked at the two boys, “What? My goal?" she looked at them and thought to herself. She never really had a goal. She looked around and saw all the pictures of Nurse Joy with healed Pokemon decorating the entrance of the Pokemon Center. "I... suppose... I'm a breeder! Yeah, I'm going to become a professional Pokemon Breeder person."

Jacob and Russo smiled and looked at each other. They could tell she made it up but they decided to roll with it. “Alright little miss bre-” Jacob began.

Aries quickly smacked Jacob across the face, "DON'T CALL ME LITTLE MISS, PAL!" she interrupted but stopped and covered her mouth in shock.

Jacob and Russo stood there in silence.

Jacob looked at Russo and whispered, "Well now I don't wanna ask her!"

Russo shook his head dude, "Dude. She hit you. So what? I punched you last night to the point that you were knocked out and you're chill with it?" he replied.

Jacob stood there silently, "You what?"

Aries cut into their conversation, "You boys were going to ask me something?"

Russo ran around her, “We both talked it over while you were getting bandaged up” he said.

Jacob let Aipom climb onto his shoulder, “And we WERE thinking that, if you wanted to, you could travel with us,” he offered.

Aries’ expression went blank, “Y-You want me to travel with you? But I barely know you guys.”

Jacob and Russo looked at each other and laughed. “We barely know each other either, but we’re traveling together! You smacked me though, so I'm seriously reconsidering,” Jacob replied.

Aries looked at Jacob, trying to understand what he was. She then did the same with Russo. Finally, she smiled, “Alright… But you gotta listen to me and my directions!” she said. She walked over and passed the two boys, heading to check into a room for the night. As she reached the desk, she lowered her head and smiled, glad she was no longer alone.

Spoiler: CHAPTER 3 PREVIEW

Aries: Nice of you both to let me travel with you.
Jacob: The more the merrier I say!
Aipom: Aipa!
Russo: Do you guys smell something?
Jacob: No, but I see a really pretty girl!
Aries: She isn't that pretty...
Russo: Hah, well she might be prettier than you.
Aries: EXCUSE ME?!
Jacob: Next time, That Girl is Poison !
Aries: Watch what you say to teenage girls about their appearance, Russo.
Russo: Yeah, whatever.

 

[Jaypom]

Re: Pokèmon Excell, Chapter 2 Is Posted <3

I began writing on Chapter 3 and should be able to release it soon, I'm just trying really hard to get down a characters personality and attitude that I think will develop her into an awesome character (Not Aries though )

 

[Jaypom]

Chapter 3:​

That Girl Is Poison
Version 2 Released August 7th, 2016
​

After yesterday's encounter with Aries, Jacob and Russo have gained a new traveling partner. So far, things have been going smoothly with the group, but let's not rule out the possibility!

Jacob breathed in slowly as he, Aries, Aipom, and Russo made their way down a path leading towards a Pokemon Center. He and the group had been traveling for almost a day and sunset would be upon them in a few minutes. He looked around and smiled at all the beautiful greenery, wishing all of Accelia could be as beautiful as where he was now.

Aipom suddenly leaped off of his shoulder and landed on the ground. It knelt over and looked at the ground then ran off towards the Pokemon Center.

Everyone looked at each other and followed Aipom. Once they reached the center, a flock of teenage girls were seen surrounding a taller and more sophisticated looking girl.

“What are they looking at?” Russo asked curiously.

“I think they’re looking at some girl, perhaps she’s someone famous to them?” Jacob asked. He then looked at Aries, “Do you know her?”

Aries’ face turned hot read and she gave Jacob a savage death glare. “Just because I’m a girl, you think I know who the popular ones are around here!” She turned and stomped into the circle, shoving aside two drooling girls, “What the hell are all you girls looking a-” she screamed and stopped to stare like the other girls. She suddenly felt her body go numb as even she was in awe of the girl's beauty.

Jacob and Russo walked up only to stop dead in their tracks as well!

“Wow…. She’s really pretty” Jacob swooned.

Russo’s eyes were like spotlights as he stared at her, “She’s way prettier than Aries” he replied wiping a bit of drool from the corner of his mouth.

Aries slowly moved next to Russo and lightly punched Russo on his arm, “I’m too distracted to make you pay for insulting me” she responded as she continued watching the girl.

The girl had long, bright blonde hair and the most beautiful purple eyes. She had on what looked like a school uniform from a fancy prep school that only the richest of the rich kids would get into. She was a little taller than Aries, but not as tall as Russo. She was holding onto the strap of an expensive, designer brand purse.

Aipom crawled over and touched the girl’s leg, trying to see if she was real.

Suddenly, the girl glared downward and screamed at the top of her lungs as she spotted Aipom. “That thing, it touched me!” she screamed, as though she had been infected by a plagued peasant.

Jacob snapped out of his haze and ran over to pick-up Aipom. As he held Aipom to his chet, the girl stuck her finger in his face.

“I’ll have you know my father would gladly have you two locked away for touching me like that!” she threatened.

Jacob backed away and could feel a bead of sweat forming on his forehead, not enjoying where this conversation was going. “I’m sorry, Aipom just thought you were really pretty and probably meant to touch your leg and see if it was dreaming.” He clutched Aipom in his hands, “Is that right?”

Aipom had a blank stare on its face, scared by the harsh words the girl had said.

Jacob looked back at her and smiled, “I’m Jacob. Nice to meet you”.

The girl rolled her eyes and began filing her finger nails. “Whatever, I don’t like to associate with commoners like you,” she replied, "Let's go ladies. I'm sure you would all LOVE to hear about my amazing contest techniques." She snapped her fingers and led the swooning girls away from Jacob, Aries, and Russo. As she made her way off, she sneered back at Jacob before returning her attention to her swooning fans.

Russo and Aries immediately snapped out of their trance as the girl entered the Pokemon Center.

“Who was that girl?” Russo asked.

“I dunno, do you think she was using a Pokemon? I doubt she was really that pretty” Aries muttered, feeling defeated by her beauty.

Jacob held Aipom in his arms “Are you okay, Aipom?” Jacob asked.

Aipom blinked and looked around. It then let out a high pitched “Aipa!” and climbed up onto Jacob’s head.

Jacob looked off towards where the girl had lead her groupies. "She said she wanted to show those girls her contest techniques. I think she must be a coordinator," Jacob informed.

Russo crossed his arms, "No use worrying over it. Let's just get a room and something to eat, I'm starving!" he moaned and rubbed his stomach.



INSIDE THE CENTER,



Aries breathed a sigh of relief as she fell backwards onto the Pokemon Center Room's bed. “I’m glad we found this place, I don’t think I could survive if I had to stay outside overnight. I can’t deal with Zubats right now.”

Jacob sat a desk where he had set up his laptop. "I gotta see if I can find some information on this girl, Aipom. She's a coordinator," he began, but stopped and gulped from fear, "like Villa..."

Aipom was standing on the desk next to Jacob's laptop. It covered its eyes, remembering its encounter on the first day of Jacob's journey.

Russo sat up from his bed after taking a light nap. He rubbed his eyes and looked at Jacob, “Hey, What are you doing? Aren’t you tired?”

Jacob shook he head no. “I’m not tired,” he replied soullessly as he typed away.

Russo stood up and yawned, “Well, I’m gonna go grab a snack… you two want anything?”

Aries rolled over and analyzed her fingernails, “Nah, I’m fine!”

Jacob stood up quickly, "FOUND HER!" he announced. He turned his laptop towards a stunned Russo and Aries to show them a clip he found online.

The video narrator talked over a clip of the girl performing in a contest with her Pokemon.“As you all can see, this young and talented beauty is definitely a force to be reckoned with! She may have lost the contest from Furidella town, but Olivielle and her Roselia are rising stars!" the narator announced and transitioned the clip to a video of Olivielle and Roselia waving at the camera with the victor of the contest.

Jacob glared and shut his laptop, “I knew it!” he screamed. "I'm gonna go find her," he announced and darted from the room.

“Wait!” Aries shouted after him and ran, gripping her bag and Russo, following in his wake.




OUTSIDE THE CENTER ON THE TRAINING FIELD,

It had already reached midnight, with the only light source being the peaking light from behind the Pokemon Center's window's blinds and the moon.

Olivielle stood with a Pokeball in her hand. “I’ll be competing in the Iridale town contest, so I might as well train while the moonlight it this great,” she whispered and peered up at the night sky.

“Hey!” shouted Jacob in the distance.

Olivielle looked back startled, and glared as she saw Jacob fast approaching her.

Jacob skidded to a stop and began catching his breath, “I know who you are!” he announced, feeling his heart pounding against his chest.

Olivielle made a disgusted look, “Is that right?” she giggled and flipped back her long, shiny blonde hair.

Aries and Russo caught up to him and saw he had found Olivielle.

Jacob reached into his pocket and quickly took a puff from his inhaler. He had asthma and could feel it starting to take effect. “I knew something was up when you had all those girls wrapped around your finger earlier. Your Roselia knows Sweet Scent doesn’t it…” He could tell it was Sweet Scent from the background of the video of her performing.

Olivielle’s raised her head so she could look as though she were looking down at Jacob. “What’s it to you?”

Jacob shook his head, “Nothing. I just wanted you to know that I don’t get attracted as easily as some might think. I find it amusing you’d use your Pokemon like that for popularity.”

Olivielle flipped her her hair once again, “Life is like a high school. There are those who are flaunted over, and those who do the flaunting. My name is Olivielle, and I’m one who’s flaunted over.”

Jacob grinned with excitement, feeling invigorated by Olivielle's attempt to insult him. “My name’s Jacob, and I’m one of your kind.”

Aries rolled her eyes and looked up at Russo, "They're a bunch of snobs if you ask me."

Olivielle smirked, recognizing Jacob as a challenge. “Your stance. Your words. I'm guessing you’re a coordinator then?"

Jacob nodded as he picked up Aipom.

Olivielle crossed her arms and shifted her stance, "I've never seen you compete."

“I just started my journey recently, but I’ve seen you lose plenty of times.” Jacob replied.

Aries groaned, "he didn't even watch her for ten seconds," she whispered to Russo.

Olivielle raised her nose at him, “Oh really? Well do you think you can take me on in a battle then?”

Jacob gripped Aipom in his hands, having been challenged to his first official battle.

“Aipa!” Aipom shouted, answering for Jacob.

Olivielle stepped backwards towards the edge of the battlefield with a determined grin on her face. “Then, let’s battle, right here and now. I need the practice.”

Jacob stepped back as well, “Fine with me.”

“Guys, it’s pretty late. Maybe we shouldn’t,” Aries said sleepily, but gave up fighting when she knew she was getting ignored.

“Ready when you are!” Jacob shouted as he arrived to his side of the battlefield. “Aipom, center stage!” Jacob called, sending Aipom to battle by tossing it high and onto the battlefield.

Aipom landed on its tail and crossed its arms confidently, "Aipa!" it shouted.

Olivielle felt a gust of wind blow through her hair as she chose her Pokemon, “Roselia, dazzle!” she shouted, then tossed out her Pokeball.

It shot open with a bright flash of light, sending out a tiny Roselia onto the field. It looked around blankly and cocked it head to the side. “Rose?” it said curiously.

Jacob looked around for his bag only to realize it was up in his room! Jacob looked up towards the second story of the Pokemon Center. "DEX! DEX, CAN YOU HEAR ME!" Jacob shouted.

Aries, Russo, and Olivielle covered their ears.

"REALLY DUDE?!" Russo shouted back at him.

From up in the room, Jacob's Pokedex was lying on the desk next to Jacob's laptop. It beeped and went into speaker mode.“ROSELIA, THE ROSE POKEMON. ROSELIA HIDE THORNS WITHIN THE ROSES THEY USE AS HANDS TO PROTECT THEMSELVES WHEN THEY FEEL THEY ARE IN DANGER.” Dex shouted from its resting place.

Jacob shouted back at Dex, "THANK YOU!" He then shook away the shennanigans, it was time to get serious! He leaned forward to get into a prime, command position.

Aries and Russo stood on the sidelines, waiting for the battle to unfold.

Aries turned and looked up at Russo again, "Have you ever seen Jacob battle other trainers?" she asked curiously.

Russo shook his head. "No, only that Ursaring from yesterday. I think this is his first trainer battle, "he replied.

Jacob pointed towards Roselia, making the first move. "Aipom, use Swift!" he commanded.

Aipom nodded. It leaned back on it’s tail and jumped into the air! Its tail clenched into a fist to create a bright white energy and swung it in a U-shape, shooting out a series of spinning yellow stars at Roselia.

Roselia cowered as the stars rained upon the helpless creature.

Olvielle watched as Roselia took the attack. She waited for the move to clear away and responded with a command of her own. “Use Magical Leaf!”

Roselia jumped into the air and shot out a beam of glowing, neon green leaves that slashed against Aipom.

“Aipom!” Jacob shouted worriedly and watched as Aipom fell to the ground.

Roselia glided gently back down onto the dirt battlefield.

“Looks like your Aipom needs to work on dodging! Roselia, use Sunny Day!” Olivielle commanded

“Rose!” Roselia shouted and shot two glowing white orbs into the midnight sky, illuminating the darkness and creating a temporary sun.

Jacob and Aipom watched in awe as specs of light rained onto the battlfield.

Olivielle shot her arm out, “Quite a performance, I know! Fun fact, we've worked quite hard to pull off this combo. Roselia, now use Solarbeam!”

Roselia charged its roses with large amounts of solar energy provided by the Sunny Day. It pointed its roses towards Aipom and fired, sending a beam of solar energy towards Aipom.

Jacob quickly tried to counter, "Aipom, use Double Team!"

Aipom stood up shakily, still injured by the Magical Leaf. It hunched over and quickly created multiple copies of itself around the battlefield as the Solarbeam made contact with a fake Aipom copy.

Roselia looked around for the real Aipom as it awaited a command from its trainer.

Olivielle decided she should wrap up the battle with Aipom already badly injured. "Magical Leaf!"

Roselia leaped high into the air and fired off another Magical Leaf, sending a storm of leaves onto the Aipom copies and the real Aipom.

Aipom tried to withstand the attack, but ultimately gave up and fainted.

Jacob gasped and ran over to pick up his badly bruised Aipom, “Are you okay?” he asked worriedly.

Aipom peaked open it eyes and looked at him. “Aipa,” it replied confidently, even though it was exhausted from it's first battle.

Jacob smiled back and hugged Aipom, “I’m glad!”

Olivielle returned her Roselia to its Pokeball. “Well, that’s it to our battle I guess. It's clear I am superior to you. I’m positive we will be meeting again too, since I’m entering the Iridale contest after all.” She replied to Jacob snarkily and left the battlefield to return to her room for the night.

Russo and Aries tiptoed over and looked at Jacob and Aipom.

“Two attacks from her Roselia was enough to knock out Aipom that badly?" Russo asked.

“She’s formidable, so that means Aipom and I will just have to train even harder. Tomorrow, I want you both to teach me and Aipom how to battle!” Jacob begged.

Aries and Russo looked at each other and then back at Jacob, nodding.

"Of course dude!" Russo responded, happy to be asked.

Aries elbowed Jacob, "I'm not much of a battler, but I'll help as much as I can. I'm sure Russo would be of a lot more help."

Russo scratched the back of his head, "We'll give it a shot. I will make you a better battler though, Jacob. I can tell you that," Russo replied, ready for tomorrow's arrival!

Spoiler: CHAPTER 4 PREVIEW

Jacob: Thanks for teaching me how to battle, Russo!
Russo: No prob.
Aries: What's that in the sky?
???: PEL!!
Jacob: I don't know, but it doesn't look all that friendly!
???: That would be a Pelliper, the Water Bird Pokemon.
Aries: Who's this guy?!
Russo: Next time, The Pied Pelliper !
???: My name is Kyoko, I live in a small village nearby.
Jacob: Can you do anything about my face?

 

[Jaypom]

Re: Pokèmon Accel, Chapter 3 Is FINALLY Posted (Sorry for the break)

Sorry for this major break in postage! My schoolwork ended up overwhelming me and I knew I wanted to do better this semester (Ended up doing really well in all my classes with only one C and one B and FIVE A's )

Anywho, I had gotten caught up in school and totes forgot to write this! Luckily, I got back in the Pokemon craze when my friend challenged me to battle during Chemistry and I fell in love with the games and show once again ^_^ So, I got back into rewriting and just finished Chapter 3. Onto Chapter 4 that I hope to release within the next few days.

On with the planning. I stored away the original story plan and began replanning where the story will go but it does go with the same direction I had originally planned but I realized not enough character development took place so Im slowing it down a lot once it gets past chapter 20ish since by Chapter 100 we were nearly 3/4s done with the region and there was so much i wanna do with it.

So, you guys can expect a lot more from me hopefully! Cya guys soon! If ya got any comments or questions or tips, be sure to leave them in the thread ^-^ I love feedback <3

 

[Jaypom]

Chapter 4:
The Pied Pelipper
(Updated on January 11th, 2017)​

Still on route to Kimpier City, our heroes have taken a break on the edge of a river for Russo to have a sparring battle with Jacob.


Jacob and Aipom stood confidently in the trainer’s box of a makeshift battlefield.

Russo had drawn out a practice battlefield in the dirt beside a rushing, clear watered river where the group had decided to take a break.

Jacob pointed at Russo, “Alright Russo, you promised me a battle and I fully expect to lose but teach me all the ins and outs!” Jacob ordered happily.

Aipom mimicked Jacob and shouted an agreeing “Aipa!”.

Russo rolled his eyes and tossed out his Pokeball, sending out his Larvesta.

Larvesta appeared from a beam of white light and looked at Jacob. It puffed out little bits of flames from its torch-mane to show it was ready for battle.

Jacob looked down at Aipom and nodded, informing Aipom to head into battle.

Aipom quickly ran forward on all fours and entered the battle field. It stuck its tail up to appear taller and looked directly at Larvesta.

Aries was standing in the referee’s box waiting to start the battle. She was standing cross-armed and starting to sweat from being directly in the sun while both Jacob and Russo were lucky enough to be in the range of two trees’ shade. “Couldn’t you have made the referee’s box on the other side, Russo?!” she panted uncomfortably.

Russo didn’t bother to respond to her and instead called out to Jacob. “So, you know the basics of battles, but this is for you to put your prior knowledge of battling to work! If you need to pause the battle at any time, shout at either me or Aries!” he shouted and held his hands deep in his pockets.

Aries scoffed and shot her hand to the sky, “Whatever. Battle begin!” she shouted, and let the match ensue.

Russo shouted to Jacob, “You can move first!”

Jacob nodded and got to work with Aipom. “Aipom, use Double Team!”

Aipom stood up on its tail and quickly created copies of itself that placed themselves in various locations around Larvesta and the battlefield.

Russo stood in his spot, not caring for the use of Double Team.

Jacob grew impatient as Russo didn’t bother to attack, “Now, use Iron Tail!”

Aipom and its copies hopped off their tails and held them high. It charged steel energy into its tail and gave off a gray, metallic shimmer. It darted forward and swung at Larvesta.

Russo then jumped into action, “Use Ember and lift yourself off the ground!”

Larvesta turned it’s torches downward and puffed out a quick flame that shot it out of the way from Aipom’s Iron Tail. It flew into the air and looked down at a stunned Aipom.

Jacob was impressed, “That was an amazing combination!” he called.

Russo nodded, “Larvesta, use String Shot!”

Larvesta began its decent and spit out a sticky string from its mouth that wrapped Aipom’s feet and kept it from moving.

Aipom struggled to move but couldn’t stand with its feet tied together.

“Now use Ember on Aipom!” Russo ordered.

Larvesta turned its torches towards Aipom and puffed out a ball of flames at a struggling Aipom.

Jacob wanted to mimic what Russo did and jumped into action, “Aipom, use your tail to stand you up and turn your feet towards the Ember!”

Aipom struggled but managed to stand itself up with its tail and turned its tied feet towards the Ember, resulting in the flames burning off the String Shot.

Jacob clapped excitedly, “It worked!”

Russo was impressed at Jacob picking up battling, considering he was going easy on him.

Jacob began to call out his next attack but stopped when a large, bird Pokemon flew overhead. He looked up and tried to make it out but the sun blocked his eyesight.

“Pell!” it shouted.

Jacob reached into his backpack and took out his Pokedex to scan the Pokemon.

The Pokedex beeped and scanned the Pokemon, then began feeding information. “Pelipper, the Water Bird Pokemon. Pelipper can store large amounts of water and items in its mouth to carry long distances.”

Pelipper looked down at Jacob and shot a beam of steaming water down on Jacob’s face.

Jacob fell to the ground and covered his face, burning his hands from the scalding hot water and also causing his face to be burned. “Ack! THAT HURTS!”

Pelipper chuckled and immediately flew off into the forest beside the river.

Aries and Russo ran over to check on Jacob only to find his face and hands a deep, cherry red.

Jacob felt as though his face had been dipped in a pot of fire and the fire was also on fire so he was extremely burned.

“Is everything alright?” asked a low voice from behind a thicket of shrubs.

Aries and Russo turned to look for the voice while Jacob cringed in pain on the ground.

From a small group of bushes, a humble boy emerged. He looked like he was in his late teens. His hair was a latte brown and he had a pair of black, cola-bottle glasses to see. He wore a black, leather jacket with a white and green striped t-shirt underneath and a pair of fading blue jeans. His shoes were a dim white, having been covered in mud many times but obviously washed to look nicer. The boy cocked his glasses and looked at the group, “I heard a scream and that boy over there is on the ground. Are you all okay?” he asked.

Russo didn’t know if he should respond, considering this guy was wondering around in the woods and they didn’t even hear him approach.

Aries shoved past Russo and walked towards the boy, “Our friend got attacked by a Pelipper’s Scald and needs some help with the burn. Do you have a Burn Heal?” she replied.

The boy scratched his chin, “I’m afraid not… but I have an idea.” He responded and quickly tossed out a Pokeball that released a small, white and blue seagull Pokemon.

“Wingull!” the tiny Pokemon chirped.

The boy squatted down and looked at his Pokemon, “Wingull, can you use your Icy Wind on that boy’s face to cool his burn?” he asked nicely.

His Pokemon nodded and waddled over, coming face to face with a cringing Jacob on the verge of tears. The Pokemon opened its mouth and let out a gust of wind, sprinkled with bits of cold snow onto Jacob’s face that immediately alleviated Jacob’s issue.

Jacob shot his eyes wide opened and sat up, feeling his face and then his hands. “I’m…. I’m okay?!” he shouted happily.

Aipom smiled and ran over to hug Jacob, happy its trainer was alright.

Jacob embraced with Aipom and then looked at the boy and his Pokemon. “Thank you! Your Pokemon saved me!”

The boy nodded and then cocked his glasses, “You’re welcome.” He responded blankly.

Jacob stood up with Aipom in one arm and his Pokedex in the other. He leaned forward and scanned the boy’s Pokemon.

The Pokedex clicked on and began feeding information. “Wingull, the Seagull Pokemon. Wingull are the pre-evolved form of Pelipper. Wingull utilize their light body weight to carry themselves on gusts of wind to help them fly farther distances than most flying Pokemon.”

Jacob closed his Pokedex and smiled at Wingull, “Your Icy Wind was very gentle and soothing, thank you!”

Wingull blushed, happy to be receiving a compliment. It turned and waddled back to its trainer.

The boy turned and led himself and Wingull away from the group, without saying goodbye.

Jacob stepped forward, “Wait!”

The boy turned around again to look at Jacob and then cocked his glasses, “Is there a problem?” he asked.

“You never told us your name?” Jacob answered. “I’m Jacob,” he waved and held up Aipom, “and this is my partner Aipom. We’re on a journey to become Top Coordinator of Accelia!”

Aipom waved and let out a happy screech.

Russo sighed, not really wanting to deal with new people. “I’m Russo…”

Jacob glared at Russo and elbowed him, trying to make him be more sociable.

Russo rolled his eyes and restarted, “I’m Russo, and I’m on a journey for gym battles.”

The boy nodded blankly and then looked at Aries, “and your name?” he asked.

Aries smiled awkwardly, “I’m Aries… just… tagging along…” she replied, avoiding the answer.

The boy was curious as to why she didn’t answer but decided not to pry. “My name is Kyoko, I live in a small village nearby,” He informed the group. He hesitated for a moment, “Would you… all like to see it?”

Jacob, Russo, and Aries looked at each other and shrugged. They gathered their items and followed Kyoko into the forest, towards his village.

They walked for about five minutes before reaching a clearing that revealed a massive area decorated with small cottages and farms.

Kyoko turned back to the group and presented his village, “This place is Kimpier Village. We were the original settlement for Kimpier City before it moved down south for a flatter area.”

Jacob looked around at the beautiful sight of small, stone and clay cottages. Various bird Pokemon flew in the skies over the village, arriving and departing with various items.

Kyoko pointed at the bird Pokemon, “We have a mail center that serves as our Village’s income aside from Pokemon Ranching. If you will all follow me, I can show you to our Elder’s house where I live.” Kyoko informed and began walking towards a hill, north of the village.

Russo kept his hands in his pockets, “How many people live here?” he asked.

Kyoko cocked his glasses and thought to himself. His Wingull flew upwards and landed on Kyoko’s shoulder, “27” he answered.

Jacob held Aipom in his arms, “Not very many people. Is there a reason?”

Kyoko thought to himself if there were any blatant reasons for the low population. “I suppose, there is not a high population growth since more people leave town over coming to live here. We do not possess any advanced technology that major cities like Kimpier City have. Our only real attraction is our mail center.”

Aries held her hands behind her back and looked around, noticing an enclosed ranch containing a flock of Ducklett and Swanna resting beside a small pond.

Jacob smiled and ran to the fence to check out the Pokemon. He quickly took out his Pokedex and scanned them.

The Pokedex clicked on and began feeding information, “Ducklett, the Water Bird Pokemon. Ducklett are excellent divers in order to find their favorite moss at the bottom of various bodies of water. Swanna, the White Bird Pokemon and the evolved form of Ducklett. Swanna use their long necks for defense against foes. They also despise dirty bodies of water.”

Jacob nodded and returned his Pokedex to his bag. He then let Aipom out of his grip to greet the Ducklett and Swanna.

Kyoko’s brow lowered, “I would not do that…” he suggested.

Jacob looked at him and then at Aipom.

Aipom stopped in front of a resting Swanna and shouted a loud “Aipa!” to greet it.

Swanna’s eyes shot open, stunned from Aipom’s loud greeting. It glared at Aipom and flapped its wings, then let out a nasty “SWA!” before smacking Aipom backwards with its wing.

Aipom sat up dizzily and scurried back to Jacob out of fear, not enjoying Swanna’s attitude.

Kyoko cocked his glasses, “Our Swanna and Ducklett are very snobbish. They do not like being around or surprised by other Pokemon, especially during their resting hour.

Jacob picked up his Aipom and returned it to his shoulder, “Well excuse us for trying to be friendly!” Jacob shouted at the Swanna.

“What is all the ruckus?” asked a sweet, elderly voice.

Kyoko made his first facial expression, a small smile, as a short, elderly woman approached the group with a younger, taller girl at her side. Kyoko looked back at Jacob and the other and presented the woman, “This is our town elder, and my aunt. She is addressed as Elder Ava.”

The woman smiled at the group politely. She wore a fading, grey kimono with white socks and sandals. Her hair was minorly curly and fell to her shoulders from a tight French braid. She had faint wrinkles on her cheeks and cracking skin on her frail hands. She gripped a wooden staff, taller than herself that held a perched, multicolored bird Pokemon.

Jacob took out his Pokedex and quickly scanned it.

The Pokedex clicked on once again but did not feed any information.

Jacob glared at his device and hit the side of it, “Did… did it break?”

Dex made a grunting sound, “Can you scan your Pokemon all at once. I’m going to throw up if you keep swinging me around. Now then… Chatot, the Music Note Pokemon. Chatot mimic the sounds of people and other Pokemon and can change the frequency to confuse its foes.”

Jacob rolled his eyes at his Pokedex and gently returned it to his bag, deciding not to bring it back out if possible.

Elder Ava smiled kindly at the group, “Greetings children, welcome to Kimpier Village. I see Kyoko has taken it upon himself to help you?”

Aries stepped forward, “Thank you for having us but I have a concern regarding one of your Pokemon.”

Jacob shuddered, knowing what Aries was bringing up. He wondered why she’d be the one to bring up the incident with Pelipper.

Elder Ava nodded, “One of our Pokemon gave you trouble? I saw our Swanna was not pleased with your friend’s Aipom running up and disturbing its rest.”

Aries shook her head, “No, one of your Pelipper attacked my friend earlier while we were training.”

“Oh no, not again…” murmured the younger woman who had accompanied Elder Ava. She looked to be about the same age as Kyoko and had stringy, orange hair that reached down to her shoulders. She wore a green halter top and boot-cut jeans with brown, leather cowgirl boots underneath. “That Pelipper is still causing problems, Elder.” She sadly informed.

Russo crossed his arms, “Still?” he asked.

The girl pointed off towards the forest where the group were training. “A Pelipper that evolved from one of our Wingulls is going through a rebellious phase and attacking travelers. We’ve been having problems nonstop for a month!” she answered in a slightly country accent, looking exhausted.

“Aren’t you in charge of that Pelipper, Izzy?” Kyoko asked.

The girl glared at Kyoko annoyed, “Well, Kyoko, I’m not exactly focused on our Pelipper problem since I’m preoccupied with something else at the moment.”

Elder Ava waved her staff around to keep Kyoko and Izzy from fighting. “You two are either always bickering or having a happy friendship. You’re making me, a bumbling old woman, tired of listening. Isabella, you were in charge of Pelipper, but have yet to give me any concrete results. Kyoko, you haven’t done a single thing for our village with you always secluding yourself in the forest to read your novels. I suggest you two work together on this.”

Izzy looked at her, shocked, “But… Elder-“

“No buts! I expect this problem to be resolved before my imminent death you children,” Elder Ava cut in angrily. She recomposed herself and nodded at Jacob, Russo, and Aries. “Now, I’m sorry you all had to see me like that, but it is not exactly easy to be in charge of a village with a million problems only I seem to be capable of solving. Enjoy your stay.” Elder Ava wished and went about her own way, leaving behind a stunned Izzy and blank Kyoko.

Jacob scratched the back of his head awkwardly, “Well… she seems like a nice woman?” Jacob offered.

Izzy crossed her arms and looked at Kyoko, “Well… I suppose we should get to work on this. The sooner we wrap this up, the sooner I can get back to my life and the sooner you get back to… whatever it is you do in your spare time, Kyoko,” she suggested.

Kyoko stared at Izzy blankly, “Why do I need to assist?” he asked.

Aries cut in to keep the two from bickering, “Look, if it seems to be such a problem, we can help you both out?”

Jacob nodded, “Yeah! If we all work on this, you both can return to the village and go about your business, plus I can get my rightful revenge on that birdbrain!” Jacob announced while clenching his fist.

Russo sighed, “I guess. We’re so close to Kimpier City but this doesn’t seem like it’ll be all that much of a problem if we get there tomorrow instead.”

Izzy made a slight smile, “Alrighty, sounds like a plan. Y’all follow me, I have an idea of where Pelipper’s nest is.”



In the forest, east of Kimpier Village…

Izzy peaked her head through a clump of shrubs and peered up at a tall tree sitting next to a drainage pond. She pointed to a thick branch that contained an entrance into the tree. “Up there. Pelipper is asleep. We just need to bring it back to the village and then Elder Ava can solve the problem. Y’all wait here.” Izzy ordered, and snuck off to begin climbing the tree towards Pelipper’s nest.

Aries looked at Kyoko and tried to make conversation while the group had to wait for Izzy. “So… are you and Izzy friends then?” she asked.

Kyoko cocked his glasses, “I suppose. We grew up together. My aunt says Izzy was dropped off at the village by a passing trainer and the village took her in. My Aunt raised both me and Izzy after my parents passed away while I was still young.”

Aries patted Kyoko’s back, “I’m sorry… that must be rough not getting to know your parents,”

Russo was sitting against a tree trunk with his arms crossed and eyes closed. He scoffed and inserted himself into the conversation, “Yada yada, quit with all the emotions. Who cares about all this parents crap.”

Aries glared at Russo after his rude comment. “Are you even capable of being anything other than passive or aggressive?”

Russo lowered his head and ignored her.

Jacob crawled over and put himself between Aries and Russo to keep them from bickering like Izzy towards Kyoko. “Easy guys, Izzy is almost at the Pelipper’s nest. We need to get ready!”

Aipom nodded and got ready to attack, “Aipa!”

Izzy reached the branch where Pelipper’s nest entrance was located and looked inside. She looked down at the group and shook her head, “It isn’t here!” she shouted down.

Suddenly, a large shadow swooped past Izzy and landed on the branch beside her. It was the Pelipper! “Pell!” it shouted and smacked Izzy off the branch with its wing.

Izzy tumbled down but managed to catch herself on a lower branch before crashing to the ground. She clutched a Pokeball in her hand, “We’ll need to weaken it and return it to its Pokeball, y’all!”

Jacob, Aries, Russo, and Kyoko stood and ran out of the bushes, ready to assist Izzy in her battle.

Izzy threw her Pokeball into the air, sending out her Pokemon from a bright, white beam.

Her Pokemon was a small, blue humanoid Pokemon. “Rio!” it shouted and stood next to Izzy, awaiting her command.

Jacob nudged his backpack to wake up Dex, taking into account how many times it’s been used today.

Dex beeped and began feeding information on Izzy’s Pokemon. “Riolu, the Emanation Pokemon. Riolu cannot control its aura powers until it evolves, so it instead reads aura waves produced by others to read emotions.”

Aries and Russo both sent out their Pokemon, Mareep and Beldum.

Aipom ran forward with Kyoko’s Wingull and joined in on the battle.

Pelipper flew downwards at the trainers and Pokemon in a bright, sky blue aura and slammed the Pokemon down into the dusty terrain.

As the dust cleared, the trainers’ Pokemon stood injured slightly.

Jacob took the lead, “Aipom, use Swift!”

Aipom jumped into the air and fired off an arc of spinning, yellow stars that collided with Pelipper.

Pelipper angrily shook off the attack and countered with a steaming hot Scald that sent Aipom back onto the ground.

Russo was next. “Beldum, use Iron Head!”

Beldum shot forward at Pelipper in a metallic, grainy grey aura and smashed into Pelipper with great force.

Pelipper squawked angrily at Beldum and used Scald on it as well, burning Beldum and stunning it in place.

Russo scoffed and returned Beldum to its Pokeball, not wanting it to get burned any further.

Aries decided to attack Pelliper next, seeing it as being at half its total health. “Mareep, use Thundershock!”

Mareep timidly stepped forward and raised its tail into the air. It gathered electricity from around its body and let loose a thin stream of electricity from its wool that shocked Pelipper and paralyzed it.

Pelipper smirked and coated itself in a shiny, orange aura.

Izzy turned to Aries, “Get Mareep out of there!”

Aries was confused as to why Mareep was in danger.

Pelipper shot forward quickly and slammed into Mareep, sending its flying into the air and onto a nearby tree branch, knocked out.

As Aries returned Mareep to its Pokeball, Kyoko informed Aries as to what happened. “Pelipper used a move called Façade, which greatly increases in power when the user is afflicted with a status condition like Paralysis or Poison.

Izzy and Kyoko were all that were left to face Pelipper. They decided to attack Pelipper together to knock it out in one swoop.

Pelipper opened its mouth and released another steaming hot Scald at Wingull and Riolu.

“Dodge please,” Kyoko asked his Wingull.

“Use Copycat!” Izzy commanded.

Wingull darted into the air and landed on a high tree branch to watch the battle while Riolu countered Pelipper’s Scald with a steaming hot scald of its own!

“Why did Riolu use Scald instead of Copycat?” Jacob asked as he picked up his exhausted Aipom.

Kyoko cocked his glasses as Izzy commanded her Riolu to use Quick Attack. “Copycat is a move that mimics an opponent’s move. In Riolu’s case, it used Scald because Pelipper used Scald. It can be pretty impactful if used correctly.” He informed.

Izzy chuckled as Riolu grew a bright, white light and slammed into Pelipper. “Thanks for calling my Riolu impactful.”

Kyoko cocked his glasses as he watched Pelipper stumble backwards, “I never said you were impactful. I did say that it CAN be, Izzy.” He informed, causing Izzy to roll her eyes.

Pelipper let out a loud “Pell!!” that nearly shattered the trainers’ eardrums. It surrounded itself in its shiny orange aura once again and slammed into Riolu, knocking it down and out of the battle.

Izzy ran forward and helped Riolu back into its Pokeball. She sighed, “Well were doomed…” she muttered.

“We still have Kyoko?” Aries replied to Izzy.

Izzy laughed sarcastically, “The guy has never, ever, won a battle against me. I doubt he can defeat that Pelipper, which has single-handedly knocked out four of our Pokemon,” she informed, making a great point.

Kyoko sighed, knowing he was not much use as a battler.

Aries looked at Izzy disgustedly, “That’s pretty rude to say to your own friend,” she replied to Izzy.

Kyoko looked at Aries, shocked to see her standing up to Izzy for him.

Aries crossed her arms, “You can’t just say he’s not going to win if he hasn’t even tried. Just because he lost one or two or ten million battles doesn’t mean he can’t win this one,” she said, putting Izzy in her place. She turned and grabbed Kyoko by the arms, shocking him, “Go fight! You seem like a smart guy, and your aunt said you’re always reading your books instead of working. Use your knowledge to defeat that Pelipper and prove to Izzy that she is wrong about you!” she ordered.

Kyoko stood in his place, stunned at Aries. He did not understand why she stood up for him. He knew he was never good at battling, but he knew he sometimes enjoyed participating. His true passion was learning, and he knew many different strategies to use for battles… only never how to implement them into his own. He nodded and cocked his glasses. He released himself from Aries’ grip and walked forward towards Pelipper. “Wingull, are you ready?” he asked his Wingull calmly.

Wingull flew down from its branch and landed on Kyoko’s shoulder. It nodded and flew into battle.

“Use Water Gun, please,” Kyoko asked.

Wingull opened its mouth and sprayed a stream of clear, blue water at Pelipper.

Pelipper countered by using Scald, spitting a hot stream of water that collided with Water Gun and created a thin mist across the area. Pelipper then surrounded itself in its shiny orange aura and flew at Wingull, now at a slower speed than it had been.

Izzy was surprised, seeing that Pelipper had indeed been weakened from all its fighting.

“Use Wing Attack to counter,” Kyoko ordered.

Wingull’s wings turned white and it flew forward, slamming into Pelipper. It kept Pelipper in its place. By pushing back on Pelipper’s Façade, it appeared to be evenly matched. After a few seconds of struggling, Wingull flew past Pelipper and inflicted damage from a minor strike.

Pelipper stumbled forward and onto the ground. It struggled to stand up, but could feel the paralysis taking effect.

“Chatot, use Sing my dear,” asked Elder Ava.

Suddenly, Elder Ava’s Chatot flew forward and over to Pelipper. It let out a few sweet-sounding chirps that calmed down Pelipper and put the Water Bird Pokemon to sleep.

The group turned and were surprised to see Elder Ava standing behind them, having watched the whole fight go down without their knowledge.

Elder Ava smiled sweetly at the group and held a Pokeball forward. She pressed the center button and returned Pelipper to its Pokeball in a dark red beam. Elder Ava waddled over as her Chatot returned to its perch on her staff. “In your rush to complete your task, Izzy and Kyoko, neither of you brought the necessary item, which was Pelipper’s Pokeball.”

Izzy’s face grew red with embarrassment, “Oh crap! I’m so sorry Elder!” she replied with an apologetic bow.

Kyoko remained emotionless, “Then, it was fortunate you came here, Elder.” Kyoko answered.

Elder Ava chuckled as she reached the group. “I watched you all battling together. Our Pelipper’s power was very impressive. With a little bit of training, all of your Pokemon can get on the same level as our little deviant.”



Back in the village…

Jacob, Aries, and Russo stood at the entrance to the village that faced Kimpier City.

The sun was in the 3PM position and would set in a few hours.

Jacob held Aipom in his arms, “Thank you for having us in your village, and also healing our Pokemon.”

Elder Ava nodded at the group, “Of course dears. It’s not every day we get outside help with our problems.”

Kyoko and Izzy stood by Elder Ava’s side, waiting to say goodbye to their friends.

Izzy leaned over to Kyoko, “Sorry for snapping at ya earlier. You did good fighting that Pelipper,” she whispered.

Kyoko didn’t respond, but he was happy that she apologized even though he didn’t show it.

Jacob, Aries, and Russo all bowed thankfully and began departing the village for Kimpier City, hoping to reach the place by sunset.

Elder Ava watched the group leave and peered at Izzy and Kyoko standing there. She huffed, “Get out of here, Kyoko” she muttered.

Jacob, Aries, and Russo stopped and turned around, shocked by what Elder Ava said.

Kyoko turned and looked at her, “Excuse me, Elder?”

Elder Ava nudged her head at Jacob and the others. “Go, get out. Go on a journey with them,” she ordered. She cleared her throat, “I HOPE YOU CHILDREN DON’T MIND! TAKE HIM WITH YOU!” she shouted.

Kyoko looked at Elder Ava and then at Izzy, “I do not understand…” he asked, confused for almost the first time in his life.

Elder Ava sighed, “Isabella has already told me about her planned journey, so that leaves you here alone. You don’t expect me to just let you sit around for the rest of your life in that forest reading books and what not. Put all that knowledge to use, Kyoko. And I know you’re asking, why not go with Isabella? Because you will just bicker half the time and won’t have any sort of fun. These children seem right enough to you, especially that girl who stood up to Isabella for you,” Elder Ava stated with a sly wink at Kyoko.

Kyoko’s cheeks grew a faint red but instantly returned to normal. He nodded at his aunt, “If that is what you want, Elder.” He turned and walked over to Jacob and the others and blinked, then stared at them blankly.

Aries pushed Jacob and Russo aside, “Welcome to the family!” she announced happily.

Elder Ava and Izzy watched as Kyoko departed with Jacob, Russo, and Aries for Kimpier City.

Elder Ava cleared her throat and looked at Izzy, noticing a faint, jealous red, blush in her cheeks. “Now, now, don’t get upset. You’ll see him again, Isabella. Now come, we have more to discuss about the Battle Frontier.” She informed and led Izzy by the hand back to her cottage.

Izzy did not look at Elder Ava as she was led away, instead at her childhood friend being taken away on his own journey. She knew he would end up going on a journey of his own eventually, but she just hoped it was with her.

Spoiler: CHAPTER 5 PREVIEW

Jacob: You psyched for your Gym Battle, Russo?
Russo: Hell yeah!
Aries: You got three Pokemon, Russo?
Russo: Hell no!
Jacob: If you need a third Pokemon, you can borrow my Aipom.
Russo: That's not happening.
Jacob: Next time, A Dashing Dose of Dile !
Aries: Russo, something's biting your head!
Russo: Huh?

 

[Jaypom]

Chapter 5:​

A Dashing Dose Of Dile
Version 2 Released 1/14/2017​

Now accompanied by Kyoko, the group has arrived in Kimpier City, ready for Russo to challenge the gym and obtain his first gym badge!

Russo stood at the town entrance and gazed at the shining city with his friends.

Kimpier City was about 10 square miles of land. It was lined with massive, glass skyscrapers and cement sidewalks. Down the main entrance street, a large volcanic-looking structure stood high above a set of trees that formed a central park. Above the entrance to the structure, read a sign labeled “Gym”.

Jacob pointed at the building, “There it is Russo! It didn’t take us long to walk here from Kyoko’s village so you should still have time to challenge the place before closing… if it does close for the night?”

Russo shook his head, “Most gyms close down at random times, depending on the mood of the leader,” he replied as he led the group off towards the gym, “Kyoko, are you planning to challenge the gym too?”

Kyoko cocked his glasses and thought to himself for a moment, “I do not think I will. I am not interested in participating in gym battles at the present moment so you go right on ahead.”

Aries leaned forward to look at Jacob, who was standing between Russo and Kyoko, “Are ya sure you don’t want to challenge the gym?” she asked.

Jacob scratched Aipom’s chin, “I’m sure. I want to be a Top Coordinator, so no reason to fight a gym leader. That also reminds me,” he replied to Aries and looked at Russo, “How do gym battles work in the Accelia Region?” he asked.

Russo remained focused on his destination but answered Jacob’s question, “It depends on the gym. The leaders decide the rules, but basically, battle the leader in a trainer battle and if you win, you get a badge. Eight badges and you can enter the Accelia Conference next summer.”

Jacob thought to himself how the Grand Festival will be held around the same time.

It was currently August in Accelia. The Grand Festival tends to be held at the end of June before the Pokemon League in July.

The group stopped in front of the gym and looked at the large building.

The gym had a basic, square frame layout. In the center, an obviously fake, large volcano stood above the roof that was billowing white smoke, most likely steam.

Jacob looked at the entrance and read a sign aloud, “If the smoke billows, the gym is accepting challengers. Alright Russo, looks like you can go in!” he announced excitedly.

The doors suddenly slid open and out popped a man dressed in a red button down shirt. He had nicely combed, ruby-colored hair and sleek amber eyes. He worse nicely pressed, black slacks and shiny black dress shoes. His tie was also a red and black argyle print. He straightened the tie and spoke to the group in a serious yet polite voice, “Can I help you all?”

Russo stepped forward, “My name is Russo of Zilonia City. I’m here to challenge the gym.”

The man nodded, “My name is Solarus, I’m the gym leader. Tell me, Russo, how many Pokemon do you possess?”

Jacob glanced down and noticed Russo had clenched his fist behind his back.

Russo sighed, slightly nervous. “Two?” he replied.

Solarus chuckled, “Then I’m afraid I can’t help you. Perhaps your friends would like a battle?”

Kyoko cocked his glasses, “We do not possess three Pokemon either,” he answered blankly.

Russo got up into Solarus’ face, angrily. “Why can’t I challenge the gym!”

Jacob and Aries reached forward and pulled Russo back to keep him from assaulting the gym leader and losing any chance at a battle.

Solarus ignored Russo’s outburst, “I make the rules here. If you do not agree, go somewhere else.” He answered and retreated into his gym.

Russo scoffed and turned around, heading off towards the Pokemon Center.

Jacob, Aries, and Kyoko stood watching, trying to decide how to pursue the situation.

Kyoko cocked his glasses, “Is he normally like that?” he asked.

Aries crossed her arms, “I’ve never even seen him act angry before, he’s normally so passive.”

Jacob took Aipom off his shoulders and held it in his arms. “I’ll go talk with Russo. I’m sure I can calm him down.”

Aries nodded and looked at Kyoko, “Would you like to explore the town while we wait for Russo to calm down?” she asked as Jacob departed.

Kyoko immediately took off to look around without giving Aries an answer, leaving her standing alone awkwardly.

Jacob continued after Russo with Aipom in his arms. He sighed and looked down at Aipom. “In the short time, we’ve known Russo, I don’t remember him ever getting this worked up,” he said to Aipom.

Aipom gave an agreeing “Aipa…” before releasing itself from Jacob’s grip to climb up and sit on Jacob’s head.

Jacob managed to catch up to Russo as he paced back and forth in front of Kimpier City’s Pokemon Center. He walked over and tried to block Russo’s path but was met with an angry grunt as Russo had to stop short of his hopeful destination once again. “Russo, can you calm down for a minute?” Jacob asked shyly, not wanting to get his head ripped off.

Russo grit his teeth and looked at Jacob, “This is unbelievable! I’ve been on my journey for a month and I can’t even battle the damn gym!” he replied angrily, ranting mainly to himself but accepted Jacob and Aipom as an audience.

Jacob crossed his arms, “Well if you need a third Pokemon badly, why don’t you just borrow Aipom? I don’t mind and I think Aipom would think of it as fun!” Jacob suggested before looking up at Aipom.

Aipom smiled and nodded, excited at the thought to be in a gym battle. “Aipa!” it agreed.

Russo scoffed, “Gym Battles are serious! You don’t go in thinking of it as fun, that’s just going to make you lose!” he replied angrily and continued his pacing.

Jacob sighed, thinking of it as futile to try and calm Russo down. He noticed a small café table with chairs placed outside the Pokemon Center for trainers wanting to relax outside. Jacob walked over and plopped himself down in a chair and continued to watch Russo pace back and forth.

After what felt like an hour of Russo angrily stomping around, Russo stopped in his tracks and turned to Jacob.

Jacob sat up excitedly, waiting for Russo’s next action. “So?” he asked.

Russo began to answer but was interrupted by a crashing from a food cart down the street.

Jacob and Russo looked and ran over to see what the problem was.

Solarus was standing angrily in a puddle of squished Oran berries, “Just look at this!” he shouted angrily at a small, blue, crocodile Pokemon.

Jacob took out his Pokedex and quickly scanned it as Solarus continued yelling obscenities at the poor thing.

The Pokedex clicked on and began feeding information. “Totodile, the Big Jaw Pokemon. Totodile’s teeth grow sore easily, so it enjoys gnawing on hard items to soothe its pain.”

The Totodile ran in place and made a motion of punching a punching bag at Solarus. It had desired a Pokemon Battle.

Solarus clenched his fist and kicked the Pokemon backwards into an already destroyed cart of fruit.

“What happened here?” asked a woman dressed in a trench coat. She was standing behind Jacob and Russo, coming up behind them by surprise. She noticed the Totodile and put her hand over her mouth, “Oh no… not again…” she muttered.

Jacob and Russo looked back at her. “Again?” they both asked.

Solarus stomped out of the puddle of smashed Oran berries and proceeded to scrape his shoes on the road’s asphalt. “This stupid Totodile won’t leave me alone! I swear the damn thing wants a battle but a gentleman only participates in Trainer Battles.” Solarus informed.

“Nothing was gentlemanly about you kicking Totodile for wanting to battle you,” Jacob shouted at him angrily.

Aipom shook its head in agreement with Jacob. It jumped off his head and ran over to greet the Totodile politely.

Totodile looked at Aipom for a moment and then proceeded to clamp down on Aipom’s head playfully.

Aipom screeched in shock and ran around in circles out of panic.

“Hey, get off my Aipom!” Jacob shouted and ran over to pull Totodile off of Aipom. Jacob grabbed it by the feet and quickly yanked it loose, but slipped as he pulled it away, resulting in Totodile flying backwards and onto Russo’s head.

Totodile proceeded to clamp down on Russo’s head playfully as well.

Jacob picked up his terrified Aipom and gasped at Russo, “CRAP! I’m sorry Russo!” he apologized.

Russo stood in his place unfazed by Totodile’s gnawing. Russo’s hair was too greased and thick for Totodile to inflict any pain. He stared up at the Totodile playfully biting his head and then looked at Solarus, “You said this Totodile has been begging you for a battle?” he asked.

Solarus stood in his place and straightened his tie. “That’s… correct,” he answered hesitantly.

Russo nodded, “Then it’s settled. I’ll be at your gym tomorrow for a match with this Totodile!” he shouted, challenging Solarus once again.

Solarus tried not to act out of his gentleman-like persona and fidgeted in place, breathing heavily through his nose. “Fair enough… Come to my gym at four o’clock tomorrow for your battle. I have challengers in the morning so you’ll need to wait till then.” He informed.

Russo walked over and stuck his hand out to Solarus, hoping for a handshake. “It’s settled then,”

Solarus looked at Russo’s hand and then back at Russo himself, then at the gnawing Totodile. He looked away and ignored Russo’s handshake, frustrated with the thought of dealing with the Totodile, and departed from the scene angrily.

“What’s the deal with him?” Jacob asked, not knowing if he’d even receive an answer from Russo.

The trench coat woman chimed in, “Solarus is a very calm man, but few things turn him into a hot head. That Totodile has been harassing him for a match for nearly a week now.”

Jacob and Russo turned back to look at her, not realizing she was still there.

The woman continued, “Solarus specializes in fire-types, and also has a deep hatred for water-types for no apparent reason other than their advantage over fire-types. I’ve never interacted in depth with the man myself, but it’s all that I’ve gathered from the citizens of Kimpier City. Oh, that reminds me! My name is Hareta, I’m a reporter. Pleasure to meet you both,” she informed and bowed before them politely.

Jacob smiled at her politely, “Nice to meet you as well! My name is Jacob and this is my partner, Aipom,” he replied and held Aipom up for her to view.

Russo had already returned his hands to his pockets, “My name is Russo,” he replied as well.

Hareta nodded and then pointed at Russo’s head awkwardly, “So, are you going to do anything about that?” she asked.

Russo looked back up at Totodile, having forgotten it was still gnawing on his head. He reached up and slid it off his scalp and held it in his arms. He looked it in the eyes and spoke to it, “Totodile, I told Solarus that we would battle him together in a gym match. Would you like to become one of my Pokemon so we can get a badge from him and tons more to enter the Pokemon League?”

Totodile looked at Russo blankly, wondering if it wanted to commit to a trainer.

Hareta and Jacob stood anxiously, waiting for Totodile’s answer along with Russo.

Totodile hesitated and then nodded before releasing itself from Russo’s grip to return to its gnawing on Russo’s head.

“Well that’s great to see a trainer finally taking that Totodile under their wing. Would you two be willing to have a chat with me? I’m creating an article on the various trainers in Accelia.” Hareta asked.

“There you both are!” Aries shouted as she ran over to Jacob and Russo with Kyoko locked in her grasp.

Kyoko was gasping for air, not used to being dragged or running for long distances. He adjusted his glasses and spoke softly, “We were looking for you both since there’s not very many sights to see here, aside from the fake volcano at the gym.”

Aries released Kyoko from her clutches when she noticed Totodile gnawing on Russo’s head. She chuckled and pointed at it, “Um, Russo? You got a little something on your head?”

Russo rolled his eyes and reached around his back for his backpack. He held it in front of him and reached in to search for a Pokeball. “This Totodile is joining my team. It really wants to battle Solarus for whatever reason and Solarus won’t battle it unless a trainer owns it,” he responded as he pulled out a normal Pokeball. He reached up and tapped Totodile on the side of its head with the center of the Pokeball and sucked it inside. Russo pulled the ball backdown to his eye level and gazed at it.

The Pokeball shook three times and beeped once, then spurt out tiny white sparkles to signal the capture was complete.

Russo smirked to himself and shrunk the Pokeball to return it to his pocket. “Looks like I caught a Totodile,” he announced.

Hareta cleared her throat, hoping she could still have a conversation with the trainers.

The group turned back to look at her.

“Oh yeah!” Jacob replied and held his hand out to Hareta and introduced her to Aries and Kyoko. “This is Hareta. She’s a reporter who told us about Totodile. She was also hoping to have a quick chat with us since she is doing an article about the various trainers in Accelia.

Hareta waved politely, “Nice to meet you both!”

Aries waved back, “Nice to meet you as well. I’m Aries.”

Kyoko cocked his glasses, “and I’m Kyoko.”

Jacob replied to Hareta excitedly, “I would love to be part of your article!”

Russo turned his gaze towards the gym down the street. He stared at the now smokeless volcano and thought about a strategy for dealing with the fire-types. “I’m going to go train. I’ll see you guys later,” he announced and walked off from the group.

Hareta watched him leave, hoping she didn’t do something to offend him.

“Ignore Russo, Ms. Hareta. I’d love to be a part of your interview as well,” Aries replied, nudging Kyoko to make him agree.

Kyoko rubbed his ribs where Aries had elbowed him, “Um yes… so would I,” he answered. He whispered to Aries, “I was going to accept anyways. Why did you nudge me?”

Aries whispered back to him, “Because I wasn’t sure. Plus, I received a Wingull letter from Elder Ava, while you were in the bathroom, that asked me to make sure you got involved.”

Kyoko sighed, wishing his aunt would let him live his life how he desired.

Hareta clapped her hands together, “Alright then! You all follow me inside and we can grab some drinks and get this chat started!”

Jacob, Aries, and Kyoko nodded and followed her inside, with Jacob looking back and watching Russo walk off into the city streets as the sun set.




Hareta managed to find a spot inside and plopped herself on a couch in a small café portion of the Pokemon Center.

The center in Kimpier City had a more modern feel compared to the past center that Jacob had visited with Aries and Russo. It had steel walls with grey and white paint stripes. There were black cotton curtains over the windows and strips of white lights along pillars running across the ceiling. The floor was marbled tile and matched the counter were a Nurse Joy sat with her Cinccino, reading a book and sipping a small cup of tea.

Hareta took out a small notepad from her trench coat and began writing some notes before diving into her question.

Jacob managed to get a good look and notice her features now that he was in better lighting.

Hareta wore a grey trench coat with red stiletto heels. Her hair was an ash brown and was tied into a tall, neatly tied bun. She had on cherry red lipstick with matching blush on her cheeks. She also wore golden triangle earrings that dangled almost down to her shoulders. She had sea blue eyes and a small mole on the top of her right cheek. She appeared to be in her late twenties and an average body type, not thick but not thin. She cleared her throat and got down to business, “Now, Jacob. Tell me exactly what it is you do as a trainer?” she began.

Jacob held Aipom on his lap but slightly tightened his grip on it when asked the question. He did not want to mess up or make a fool of himself, fearing it would ruin his reputation in the contest world. “Well, my goal is to become a contest coordinator! My mom managed to win the grand festival back in her day but failed to win the Top Coordinator Carnival the same year to obtain the status as the Top, Top Coordinator. I want to surpass her, but first I need to win the Grand Festival here in Accelia!”

Hareta nodded and wrote down his answer, “well that is definitely a fascinating goal!” she replied and then turned to Aries. “And you?”

Aries avoided looking her in the eyes, “Um… well… I don’t exactly have a set plan at the present moment,” she answered. She noticed Hareta was writing her answer and panicked, “Actually, can you not include my answers.” She asked politely.

Hareta looked up at her and nodded, “Oh alright. That’s fine,” she responded and erased her notes on Aries. She then turned to Kyoko, “And you?”

Kyoko sat in his place blankly. He cocked his glasses and looked directly at Hareta, “I have no idea what I will do because my aunt forced me out of my home to make friends.”

Hareta sat in her place, stunned with Kyoko’s answer. She slightly nodded and scribbled something into her notepad. “That is… certainly interesting,” she replied. She cleared her throat and returned her questioning back towards Jacob, “Have you made any progress towards your goal?”

Jacob shrugged his shoulders. “I’ve been training at my house for years with Aipom, so the only progress I’ve made is my preparation for my first contest. I still need to catch another Pokemon as well, but I’ll wait till I find the right one.” He replied, looking at Aipom gleefully.


Outside, the moon had risen in the short half-hour Russo was away from the group. He managed to find a small park where he could practice with his Pokemon. Russo reached into his pocket and released his party of Pokemon into the deserted park.

Beldum and Larvesta were both shocked to see the newcomer, Totodile, alongside them. After brief hellos between the Pokemon, they quickly became friends.

Russo stood before them, silent. He thought to himself about how far he had to travel to reach the gym. He remembered receiving Beldum and catching Larvesta on his travels, and running into Jacob, Aries, and Kyoko. He clenched his fist in his pocket and spoke mildly to his Pokemon, “I’ve waited my whole life to set on a journey and get away from everyone. For some reason, I’m traveling with people when I’d much rather be alone.”

Larvesta and Beldum looked at Russo anxiously, not sure what to think about Russo becoming somewhat emotional in front of them.

Totodile waddled over and patted Russo’s leg reassuringly.

From under his greasy bangs of hair, Russo looked down with a small tear from his eye. He quickly wiped it away, hating the thought of actually crying tears of relief. “Forget what you saw. I will never cry! Real men don’t cry!” he shouted at his Pokemon, trying to prove himself to some imaginary.

Beldum and Larvesta crowded in front of Russo with Totodile and looked up at him acceptingly. They all loved their trainer, even Totodile for only knowing Russo a short time.

Russo looked up at the large moon staring down at him. He clenched his fist and spoke to it, “I’ll win my match! I’ll prove to them I’m the strongest trainer there is!” he shouted, determined to prove himself.

Beldum nudged itself against Russo’s neck while Larvesta rubbed its torches along Russo’s leg. Totodile joined in and clamped down on Russo’s head once again, gnawing down out of friendliness.

Russo smiled slightly and began laughing to himself at the feeling of his Pokemon showing that they care and believe in him. He shook the laughs away and spoke again to his Pokemon, “Okay, we have a lot of work to do. We need to think of a strategy against Solarus. Let’s get to work!”



Back at the Pokemon Center, Hareta closed her notepad. She was satisfied with her notes and felt her article would be worth reading. She bowed before Jacob, Aries, and Kyoko. “Thank you for your responses. I’ll be sure to call you all once I release the article.”

Jacob stood up and shook her hand, “Thank you for interviewing us as well!”

Hareta smiled and began leaving when Jacob cut her off. She raised her eyebrows, “Is there a problem?”

Jacob grinned at her hopefully, “Well you never got any answers from Russo. Why don’t you stay and watch his gym battle? He’s a strong battler and I’m sure you’ll enjoy watching!” Jacob pleaded.

Aipom leaned off Jacob’s shoulder into Hareta’s face and squealed an agreeing, “Aipa!”

Hareta chuckled, “Alright, I suppose I can.”

Jacob nodded and immediately darted for the Pokemon Center entrance, “Great! I’ll go tell Russo! I’ll see you tomorrow, Hareta! The battle is at four o’clock!” Jacob replied and ran off to find Russo.

Hareta smiled to herself and left the lobby as well, leaving Aries and Kyoko alone once again. She walked off to her room and closed the door behind her, locking it. She placed her notebook on a desk in the room and pulled out a small Bluetooth calling device. She pressed the “Call” button and made contact with an unknown person. “This is Hareta,” she spoke, “I’ve met some interesting trainers that I think will be of use to us. I’ll have more information tomorrow, but here is what I have so far…” she informed and proceeded to read off her notes from the interview.

Spoiler: CHAPTER 6 PREVIEW

Solarus: You may have three Pokemon, but don't expect to win a badge because of it.
Jacob: Geez, he's kind of a hothead.
Kyoko: Perhaps that is why he specializes in fire types.
Aries: Nice joke, Kyoko. I didn't know you could be funny.
Kyoko: Would you like me to tell another?
Russo: Hey, this Chapter is all about me, not Kyoko!
Jacob: Looks like Russo's a hothead too.
Russo: Next time, The Blaze Badge of Fiery Courage !
Hareta: This is quite an interesting match.
Jacob: So, who where you talking to last night?

 

[Jaypom]

Chapter 6:
The Blaze Badge of Fiery Courage!
(Version 2- January 23rd, 2017)
​

Having trained all through the night and morning, Russo is now ready to challenge the gym leader of Kimpier City to a match!


Russo gazed up at the Kimpier Gym. He stood in front of it, ready to challenge Solarus to a battle and obtain his first gym badge.

Jacob stood beside him, clutching Aipom in his arms, and looked at Russo confidently. “You’ve been training all night and all of this morning Russo. I know you can win!” he cheered, hoping to boost Russo’s confidence.

Aipom stuck its hand out to Russo, “Aipa!” it squeaked in agreement.

Aries patted Russo on the back, “We’ll be cheering you on from the stands,” she assured him.

Kyoko cocked his glasses, “I looked up Solarus on the Pokemon Center computers and it seems he has a 70% win-rate against his challengers. It will be somewhat difficult, but not impossible.” Kyoko informed.

“Thanks for that piece of info,” Russo muttered at Kyoko.

The group entered the gym and made their way into the center of the building, finding a large dirt battlefield. The room was very warm, being heated by a pool of lava flowing over a glass dome that served as a roof to the field.

Solarus stood at the far end of the battlefield, in his trainer’s box. He looked at Russo and rolled his eyes, not at all pleased he showed up for his challenge. “I suppose you get an A for punctuality, but don’t expect to get your badge as easily as showing up on time,” he called out to him.

Russo glared at Solarus. There was something about him that Russo didn’t like. Perhaps it was the way Solarus treated Totodile yesterday, or the way Solarus spoke to Russo, or how reluctant Solarus was at doing his job when it came to Russo’s challenge.

Hareta was already in the gym, seated on a set of stands to the side of the battlefield for viewers to watch battles at their leisure. She was alone, as nobody else was aware Russo would be challenging Solarus so late in the day. She waved at the group, excited to watch Russo and Totodile challenge Solarus to a tough gym match.

Jacob, Aries, and Kyoko all nodded at Russo and joined Hareta in the stands while Russo made his way to his trainer box. They sat down beside her and prepared to watch Russo.

Hareta was lying back in her seat with her legs crossed, “I’ve been here all day.” She spoke, as though it were an accomplishment. “I’ve watched challengers battle Solarus for about six hours, and not one of them has won. He’s quite a tough opponent,” She informed, wanting to see how Russo’s friends would react.

Jacob looked at Hareta, “Don’t assume Russo will lose. I watched him train for hours and not sleep one bit. He’s got much more of a shot than all the challengers combined.”

Hareta nodded and turned her attention back to the battlefield.

Russo stood in his trainer’s box with his hands in his pockets. His palms had begun to sweat, but he wasn’t sure if it were nerves or the heat of the lava dome.

A referee made his way to the center of the battlefield to officially conduct the battle. He held two flags, one red and one green, each designated to one side of the field. He held them both in the air and announced, “This gym match between Russo of Zilonia City and the gym leader Solarus will now begin. Each side is allotted three Pokemon. The battle will end when all of one side’s Pokemon can no longer continue. Furthermore, only the challenge can substitute Pokemon at will. Let the match begin!”

Solarus quickly tossed out his first Pokeball, releasing a small slug with a body of lava onto the battlefield.

Jacob took out his Pokedex and scanned Solarus’ Pokemon.

The Pokedex beeped and began feeding information. “Slugma, the Lava Pokemon. Slugma have to constantly keep warm in order to stop their body from cooling and breaking apart.”

“Well that’s concerning,” Jacob muttered and shut his Pokedex, placing it on the bench beside him.

Russo responded by tossing out his first choice, sending Beldum onto the battlefield.

Solarus crossed his arms, “You may make the first attack,” he offered to Russo.

Russo quickly got to work commanding Beldum, “Use Zen Headbutt!”

Beldum darted forward, coating its head in a bright blue aura, and slammed into Slugma, knocking it slightly backwards.

Slugma shook off the attack and looked back at Beldum determinedly.

Beldum hovered back over to its side of the battlefield calmly. It wondered why Slugma had not bothered to retaliate.

Russo waited for a command from Solarus but grew impatient an attacked again, “Use Zen Headbutt, again!”

Beldum darted forward once more, coating its head in a thicker, bright blue aura, and slammed into Slugma, knocking it backwards even farther. It returned to its side of the battlefield and noticed Slugma appeared to be unfazed. Suddenly, Beldum felt its body erupt in flames. “Bel-Bel!” it cried out as it was cooked before Russo’s very eyes.

Solarus smirked, “And it seems we are already off to a good start.”

Russo peered at Solarus, not surprised by the outcome of Beldum getting physical with Slugma.

Jacob gazed down at the battlefield, confused with what had occurred.

Kyoko cocked his glasses, “Slugma has the ability Flame Body, it seems. Flame Body has a chance to burn an opponent when they make contact with the Pokemon possessing said ability. It is also quite useful for hatching Pokemon Eggs,” he informed.

Beldum felt the flames cease, taking a bit of damage from its burn. It looked back at Russo and nodded slightly, signaling it was ready to attack again.

Russo quickly returned to his attacking, “Use Take Down!” he commanded.

Beldum turned back and sped forward towards Slugma, surrounding itself in an orange aura, and slammed into Slugma once more, knocking it backwards and onto its back.

Solarus batted an eye, a little shocked that Slugma had been moved more vigorously with that last attack.

Beldum returned to its side of the field and felt itself take another round of burn damage as it was engulfed in flames for a second time.

Russo was shocked, but he didn’t show it. He was surprised at how Solarus had not called one attack from his Slugma. It had to have taken lots of damage, and Russo could not quite figure out why Solarus was letting it get beat up. He knew Beldum could only attack with physical attacks and reluctantly commanded another Zen Headbutt.

Beldum felt the burns around its body cease once again and returned to its attacking. It coated its head in an even thicker blue aura than last time and sped forwards at Slugma at a high speed.

Solarus took advantage of Beldum’s increased momentum. He snapped his finger and quickly commanded Slugma, “Use Flame Burst!”

Slugma shook its head in a slingshot motion and spat out a thin slice of flames at Beldum that smacked its lower body and threw it off track.

Beldum spun out of control and crashed onto the ground, then took another round of its burn which proceeded to knock out Beldum.

The referee raised his red flag in the direction of Solarus, “Beldum is unable to battle. Slugma is the winner!” he announced.

Russo sighed and returned his Beldum to its Pokeball.

“Such a shame he fell for Solarus’ trick,” she said to Jacob and the others.

“What trick?” Aries asked.

“Solarus has been sending out his Slugma first in every battle. It sits around and waits for its opponent to make contact with it and inflict a burn with Flame Body. It lets the burn weaken the opponent’s attacks and stamina before unleashing a clean sweep that knocks it out fully. It may not look it, but that Slugma has incredible defensive stats,” Hareta replied.

Russo threw out his second Pokeball, releasing Larvesta onto the field. “I may be down to two Pokemon,” he called out to Solarus, “but I’m definitely not done fighting!”

Solarus smirked and let Russo proceed with his attacking.

“Larvesta, use Hidden Power!” Russo ordered.

Larvesta quickly gathered a spiky orb of white and blue light and fired it at Slugma, sending it flying backwards and having inflicted massive damage.

Solarus gasped, not expecting Hidden Power to have done so much damage. “H- How did it do so much…” he stuttered.

Russo scratched the back of his head, “There was this lady I met this morning that told me what type of Hidden Power my Larvesta can use. Apparently, it’s a ground type.”

Solarus glared at Russo, annoyed with Russo’s luck of Hidden Power. As his Slugma slowly sat up, he ordered his Slugma to use another move. “Light Screen!”

Slugma’s eyes glowed yellow and a yellow cube encased Slugma’s body.

“What’s Light Screen?” Jacob asked Kyoko.

Kyoko cocked his glasses, “It’s a move that lowers the power of ranged attacks on the user and its teammates.” He replied informatively.

Russo ordered his Larvesta to use Hidden Power once again, which resulted in the attack smashing into Slugma at half its normal power; however, it still managing to knock it out, much to Solarus’ surprise.

“Are you serious?!” he shouted angrily, “You are just completely lucky!” he shouted and stomped his foot in an ungentlemanly manner.

The referee sighed in response to Solarus’ minor tantrum and raised his green flag towards Russo, “Slugma is unable to battle, Larvesta is the winner!” he announced.

Jacob and Aipom both clapped, “Well done, Russo!” Jacob shouted from the stands.

Solarus returned Slugma to its Pokeball, surprised that Hidden Power still managed to knock it out. He thought about how he wanted to proceed.

Hareta scratched her chin, “Well now that is interesting,” she whispered to the group. “He hasn’t hesitated in Pokemon choice during any of his battles. Looks like Russo is giving him a good match.”

Solarus tossed out his second Pokeball.

It popped open and sent out a black and white, dog-like Pokemon onto the field.

“Hound, doo!” it howled and growled at Larvesta, which stood its ground.

Jacob raised his Pokedex and scanned Solarus’ second Pokemon.

The Pokedex beeped and began feeding information. “Houndour, the Dark Pokemon. Houndour hunt their pray in packs and communicate through various forms of barking.”

Russo wondered what Solarus’ next plan was, so he proceeded with caution with his next attack. “Larvesta, use Ember!” he commanded.

Larvesta pointed its torches at Houndour and spit out bits of flame that flew at Houndour.

The Ember collided with a sudden appearance of Light Screen that lowered the power of the attack. As the Ember hit Houndour’s skin, it coated Houndour in a dim, orange light.

Russo crossed his arms, understanding Solarus’ strategy now. He sat back and waited to see how he would respond.

Solarus quickly ordered his Houndour to counter attack, “Houndour, use Fire Fang!”

Houndour shook off the Ember and ran forward, gathering flames throughout its mouth and opened wide to bite down on Larvesta.

Russo smirked as Houndour clamped down on Larvesta and coated the Torch Pokemon in a ball of flames.

Larvesta quickly shook Houndour off and crawled backwards slightly, getting a safe distance away. It winced from the powered-up Fire Fang but stood confidently in front of Russo, not wanting to disappoint him.

Kyoko nodded, “I see. That Houndour has the ability Flash Fire, which causes any fire type move that is used on it to cause no damage while also simultaneously raises the power of its own fire type moves,” He informed to the group.

Aries leaned forward to better her view of the battle, “But why didn’t Russo try to get Larvesta to dodge it?” she asked.

Suddenly, Houndour’s body became engulfed in flames and lit the Dark Pokemon ablaze!

The group gasped in union excitedly, realizing Russo’s plan.

Russo chuckled, “What do you know? My Larvesta has Flame Body as well,” he joked as Solarus watched his Houndour burn in horror.

Solarus grit his teeth and scoffed, “Perhaps I was underestimating how much trouble you would be, Russo. No matter, Houndour, use Howl and then Feint Attack!” he ordered.

Houndour shook off the flames around its body and howled up towards the sky, causing its body to become enveloped in a flowing, red aura, increasing its attack power. Houndour then turned towards Larvesta and darted forwards.

Russo knew Feint Attack would always hit its target, so he began to set a trap. “Larvesta, use String Shot on the ground around you!”

Larvesta quickly spun around and set a sticky ring of string around itself on the ground. It turned back to Houndour and noticed it had disappeared.

Houndour suddenly leapt out of nowhere and smacked into Larvesta, causing the two to roll around on the ground and into the String Shot trap.

Russo went in for the final hit, “Use Hidden Power!”

Larvesta stood up and gathered another orb of blue and white energy into a spiked ball, then shot it at Houndour.

Houndour tried to move out of the way but found itself stuck to the ground, unable to escape its path. It collided with the Hidden Power and was sent flying backwards. Houndour rolled and slid on the ground. It stopped at the feet of its trainer, having been knocked out.

The Referee held up his green flag at Russo, “Houndour is unable to battle, Larvesta is the winner!” he declared.

Jacob pumped a fist upwards, “Awesome shot, Larvesta! You’ve got this, Russo!” he cheered.

Russo his confidence boost immensely after knocking out two of Solarus’ Pokemon with only a few hits. He smiled slightly and looked at Larvesta, who had begun to breath heavily as it had taken quite a bit of damage. “Are you okay?” he asked his Larvesta.

Larvesta winced and looked back at Russo, then nodded determinedly. “Lar! Larvesta!” it hissed, reassuring its trainer, even though they both knew Larvesta wasn’t going to win the next battle.

Solarus recalled his Houndour to its Pokeball, silently. He stood in his spot, shocked that the battle was not at all going how he had planned it to go. He quickly ripped off his dress shirt and threw it to the ground, revealing a white tank top with a picture of a blazing fire in the center.

Aries covered her eyes, “Please don’t tell me that he’s going to strip!” she cried in horror.

Solarus ran his hands through his neatly styled hair, stripping it of its sleekness, and spiked it upwards as though it were a crackling bonfire. He clenched his fist at Russo, “You’ve sparked this fire in me, kid. It’s something not very many battlers are capable of! As the leader of the Kimpier Gym, it is my duty to test you of your skill and deem if you would even be eligible for the Pokemon League come next July. Prove it to me right here and now as I bring out my ultimate powerhouse!” Solarus commanded and vigorously chucked his final Pokeball into the air, releasing a flaming, red and yellow humanoid Pokemon onto the battlefield.

“Mag! Mag-MAR!” it puffed through its duckface lips, sending out a small cloud of smoke.

Jacob raised his Pokedex and scanned Solarus’ final Pokemon.

The Pokedex beeped once and began feeding information. “Magmar, the Spitfire Pokemon. Magmar live near active volcanoes. They enjoy swimming in lava, which helps to heal its wounds,” the Pokedex informed and immediately shut off.

Jacob returned his Pokedex to his bag and resumed watching the battle with Aipom and the others.

Russo wasn’t sure how he’d like to proceed against Magmar. He knew Larvesta was at its limits and would surely be knocked out with one or two hits. He leaned forward and went for broke, “Larvesta, use Hidden Power!”

Larvesta huffed and gathered up another spiky orb of blue and white energy, then shot it forward at Magmar.

Solarus smirked as Magmar held its arms out and took the Hidden Power head on as it slammed into the previously set Light Screen.

“It’s still going?” Jacob asked, shocked at how long Slugma’s attack managed to stay up.

Kyoko cocked his glasses, “Light Screen can stay up for various amounts of time. Considering it did not take effect during the Hidden Power that knocked out Houndour, I would say it can only last a few more attacks. On the other hand, that Magmar has magnificent defenses like Slugma. I wonder if Solarus plans to wear out Russo’s Pokemon again and finish it in one hit,” Kyoko replied.

Hareta took out her notepad from her pocket, scribbling down a set of notes. “I haven’t seen his Magmar in action today, so this is definitely interesting.”

Aries crossed her arms and rolled her eyes, “Him stripping was more surprising than that Magmar’s appearance,” she muttered.

Solarus grinned confidently Russo, he had a plan up his sleeve for Totodile, but needed Larvesta to be switched out to implement it. “Magmar, use Dynamic Punch!” he quickly commanded.

Magmar ran forward and clenched its fist, gathering a deep red aura around its hand. It jumped and sucker punched Larvesta.

Larvesta felt all the wind in its body get sucked out as it soared backwards and into Russo’s arms, knocked out from the power of the Dynamic Punch.

Magmar puffed out a cloud of smoke, “Mar!” it yelled and returned to its side of the battlefield.

The Referee nodded, “Larvesta is unable to battle. Magmar is the winner!” he declared and held up a red flag towards the smugly standing Solarus.

Russo smiled slightly at Larvesta and its amazing job at knocking out two of Solarus’ Pokemon. He returned Larvesta to its Pokeball and looked at Solarus, who looked at Russo as though he were in for a huge surprise. “Why are you looking at me like that?” he shouted at Solarus from his side of the field.

Solarus continued smirking, not bothering to respond to Russo’s question, as he would soon find out.

Russo brushed a bit of his shaggy hair from his eyes, noticing he had begun to sweat again. He still didn’t know if it were nerves or the heat of the gym. He took a deep breath and entered the final fray, tossing out Totodile’s Pokeball.

Totodile entered the battlefield and landed at Russo’s feet. It looked around, smiling excitedly when it realized it was in the gym. It looked up at Russo and joyously chomped down on Russo’s head.

Russo chuckled and pulled Totodile off his scalp, placing it back down on the field. He kneeled down and patted Totodile on the snout and whispered, “This is it, Totodile. We both are battling Solarus, and we both will get that badge. I know you can defeat Magmar.”

Totodile nodded and ran onto the field. It stopped and pumped its chest at Magmar, trying to appear tougher, even though Magmar was twice Totodile’s size.

Jacob stood up and cheered for Totodile, “You can do it Totodile!” he shouted.

“Aipa!” Aipom squeaked in agreement.

Solarus didn’t wait for Russo to attack first, “Magmar, use Smog!”

Magmar shot out its arms to its side and puffed out a thick cloud of smoke from its mouth that surrounded Totodile.

Totodile looked around and felt its body getting sapped of power as the smoke closed in on it and filled Totodile’s lungs.

“Use Aqua Tail!” Russo commanded, hoping the spinning water from Totodile’s attack would clear the Smog.

Totodile held its tail into the air and began forming a whirlpool of water from the base of its tail. It ran forward and slammed its tail into Magmar, who had blocked by covering its face with crossed arms.

Solarus laughed devilishly and took his chance to knock out Totodile, “Magmar, use Thunder Punch!”

Magmar quickly uncrossed its arms and clenched another fist, gathering a surge of electricity across its hand and punched Totodile into the air.

Russo gasped as Totodile flew into the air, “Totodile!” he called worriedly.

Totodile fell to the ground and winced, having taken massive damage from the previous Smog and Thunder Punch trap. It turned back to Russo, not wanting to worry him too much. “Toto!” it hissed and looked back at the barely damaged Magmar.

Russo knew he should keep his distance from Magmar at this point, but Aqua Tail was Totodile’s strongest move. He sighed and kept Totodile’s distance, “Use Water Gun!”

Totodile jumped into the air and shot a guzzling stream of water at Magmar, colliding with Magmar’s once again crossed arms and released a cloud of steam across the battlefield.

Russo watched as the steam surrounded the Pokemon and eventually cleared after a few seconds. He nodded and knew what he wanted to do. “Okay Totodile, use Water Gun once again!”

Solarus’ eye flicked. “What is he up to…” he wondered.

Totodile stood in place and shot another stream of water from its mouth at Magmar, sizzling as it hit Magmar’s arms again and released another cloud of steam across the field.

Russo shot his open hand forward, “Keep it going!” he ordered.

Totodile breathed in through its nose as it kept billowing water from its mouth at Magmar, creating more and more steam to the point it was impossible to see anything.

Solarus looked around, not sure with what Russo was planning to do. He heard Russo mutter something to Totodile but couldn’t quite make it out. He didn’t want to take any chances, “Magmar, use Flamethrower straight forward!”

Magmar puckered its slip and spit a beam of flames straight in front of its body, clearing the steam away and revealing the field.

As the steam cleared, Totodile stood at the feet of Magmar with a primed Aqua Tail ready to strike.

“Go for it!” Russo cheered.

Totodile gathered all of its strength and slammed the Aqua Tail into Magmar’s ankle, knocking it off its feet.

Magmar cowered and fell to the ground in pain, having taken major damage from such a critical hit!

“No way!” Solarus screamed, shocked by how well Russo’s plan worked.

“Amazing strategy!” Hareta commented and scribbled down the technique in her notes.

Russo quickly wrapped up the battle, “Totodile, use Water Gun at max power!”

Totodile felt its body become enveloped in a bright, ocean blue aura. It gathered all the power it could and spit a gushing stream of water that collided with Magmar and sent it flying into the air as though it were riding a geyser.

As the powered-up Water Gun ceased, Magmar fell to the ground. It attempted to stand up, but ultimately fell over with all of its energy depleted.

The referee walked over to assess the situation and nodded. He held up a green flag towards Russo, “Magmar is unable to battle and Totodile is the winner, meaning victory goes to the challenger, Russo!” he announced.

Jacob and Aipom jumped into the air excitedly, “Awesome! Russo won!” Jacob cheered, hugging Aipom tightly.

Russo felt his whole-body twitch as he heard the word “victory” ring through his ears.

Totodile grinned happily and ran over, then chomped down on Russo’s head once again.

Russo snapped out of his trance and smiled excitedly, laughing as Totodile gnawed on his head. “We… We won!” he cried out happily.

Solarus stood in his spot glumly. The fire that powered his determination had been doused. He sighed and returned Magmar to its Pokeball, disappointed that he hadn’t managed to pull off a full day of wins. He looked up and watched Russo’s friends run over and surround him, congratulating him on his win.

Hareta stood behind, casually, and watched as Russo celebrated with his friends. She looked at Solarus and watched as he stood glumly by himself. She wondered why he gave everyone such a hard time, and also how he managed to beat so many challengers, but didn’t appear to accept the defeat.

Solarus walked over silently and stood before Russo.

Russo stopped celebrating with his friends and looked at Solarus, who wouldn’t look Russo in the eye. Russo stuck his hand out to shake Solarus’ hand, “Thank you for an amazing first gym battle,” he spoke.

Solarus continued to not look Russo in the eye as he shook Russo’s hand. He slipped his hand away, grunted, and walked off silently.

As Solarus slipped his hand away from Russo’s, Russo felt a small, cold item slip into his palm. He looked down at it and smiled slightly, having been given his first Accelia gym badge.

Spoiler: CHAPTER 7 PREVIEW

Russo: Nice, I got my first badge!
Aries: Do you guys smell smoke?
Kyoko: That's from Russo's burning ambition.
Jacob: You don't have to keep tryharding jokes, Kyoko.
Kyoko: My humor is top notch.
Aries: Guys, there's a fire at the gym!
Kyoko: Well it is a fire-type gym.
Hareta: Next time, The Element of Surprise !
Aries: We've gotta stop it!
Kyoko: I don't think I'll be of much help.

 

[Jaypom]

Chapter 7:
The Element Of Surprise
Version 2 Released January 26th, 2017​

Having completed his first gym battle, Russo and his friends, plus Hareta, have returned to the Pokemon Center for the night before a departure tomorrow morning.

Jacob, Aipom, Russo, Aries, Kyoko, and Hareta all sat patiently in the Pokemon Center’s main lobby.

Russo sat with his palm open, gazing down at his first badge!

The badge was known as the Blaze Badge. It was in the shape of a volcano with lava drizzling out the top portion. The volcano was a dark brown color and the lava was colored red and orange.

Russo assumed the badge was representative of the volcano sitting atop the gym. He reached into his bag and pulled out a sleek, black rectangular case about the size of a Pokedex. He flipped the case open and revealed a small, velvet pillow with eight slots inside. Russo placed the badge in and got one last look as Nurse Joy rolled a cart over to the group.

Totodile, Larvesta, and Beldum all sat on the cart. They were fully healed, thanks to Nurse Joy. As Russo sat up and approached them, the Pokemon smiled and cheered happily, hoping their trainer was proud.

Russo managed to make a weak smile at his Pokemon before returning them to their separate Pokeballs. He stared down at the capsules as he held them in his hands, thinking about the hard work he put into the challenge.

Hareta let out a loud yawn before standing to her feet and stretching. “Well, I am just pooped. A full day of watching battles and writing down the tactics of trainers is really draining. I think I’ll head to- “she began before a large explosion echoed through the street and into the Pokemon Center.

The group gasped before they all ran into the street to see the problem.

Jacob peered into the darkness of the night and managed to make out a bright light coming from the gym. “Let’s check it out,” he suggested and led the group over.

They stopped in their tracks as they found the gym set ablaze! It was billowing thick clouds of smoke from all exits and windows, covering up the stars with a pitch-black haze.

There was a group of four trainers standing in front of the gym. They had on matching, multicolored suits and had their hair pinned up inside ruby-red top hats. They looked over at the trainers and revealed themselves to be holding an unconscious and badly beaten-up Solarus. “Leave now!” one of them warned the trainers as he clutched a Pokeball.

Another one stepped forward, a girl. “You need not get involved with the matters of Team Element!” she insisted viciously, also clutching a Pokeball of her own.

“What is Team Element?” Jacob asked, having never heard of the trainers.

The fabulously fashioned people gasped in unison!

As one of them nearly fainted, another spoke up. “Team Element is only the most amazing organization in all of Accelia! You’d be better off knowing our names! As grunts, we’re tasked with enforcing our vision on people we deem worthy. It seems that this guy,” he answered, paused, and kicked the unconscious Solarus, “didn’t want to listen to what we had to say.”

“It still doesn’t change the fact that we haven’t heard of you…” Aries called out.

Jacob held Aipom tight in his hands, not enjoying how freaky yet minorly terrifying they were. He looked at Solarus and felt bad. He knew that Solarus was a jerk to just about all living creatures, and as much as he needed to get beaten to a pulp, it shouldn’t have been done by a group of grunts from some shadowy organization.

Hareta stepped forward and cluthed a Pokeball, “Please release Solarus as once. We don’t need this to get ugly,” she insisted.

One of the grunts chuckled and threw out a Pokeball, sending out a small, red humanoid Pokemon.

“Magby!” the Pokemon tooted.

Jacob took out his Pokedex and quickly scanned the grunt’s Pokemon.

The Pokedex clicked on and began feeding information on the Pokemon. “Magby, the Live Coal Pokemon, and the pre-evolved form of Magmar. The color of the flames a Magby produces determines its health.”

Hareta quickly responded by throwing out her Pokeball, sending out a white and grey orb-shaped Pokemon.

Jacob turned his Pokedex towards Hareta’s choice.

The Pokedex beeped once and switched to giving information on Hareta’s Pokemon. “Castform, the Weather Pokemon. Castform’s body changes to suit the current weather.”

Hareta looked back at the group, “You all need to act fast and help save Solarus,” she ordered, hoping they would join in.

Russo crossed his arms, “He deserves what he’s getting,” he replied.

Jacob nudged Russo, trying to make him do the right thing, as he sent out Aipom to join Castform.

The other three grunts released Magby of their own to create a full-on posy of Magby!

Russo rolled his eyes, “Fine then. Beldum, let’s go!” he called and sent out Beldum.

Kyoko sent out his Wingull as Aries sent out her Mareep to create the five on four tag battle to save Solarus.

“Use Ember!” the grunts commanded in unison.

The four Magby joined hands and began spitting bits of tiny flames towards Aipom, Beldum, Mareep, Wingull, and Castform.

“Mareep, use Cotton Guard!” Aries quickly ordered.

Mareep looked around cautiously before puffing its fur out just enough to absorb the quartet of Embers.

“Castform, use Water Pulse!” Hareta commanded.

Castform darted out from Mareep’s Cotton Guard protection and formed an orb of water in front of its mouth. It then shot it onto the ground and created a tidal wave that gushed forward and knocked down the Magby, inflicting massive damage!

The grunts grew worried and looked at each other. They nodded and split up their separate ways with their Pokemon, leaving Solarus on the ground.

“What do we do now?” asked Aries.

“You all follow them, I’ll stay with Solarus,” Hareta answered as she ran over to see what the full extent of Solarus’ injuries were.

Jacob, Russo and Aries ran their separate ways with their respective Pokemon while Kyoko stood still with his Wingull perched on his shoulder.

Aries turned back and rolled her eyes before pushing him off towards one of the grunts. “Get involved!”

Kyoko sighed and slowly jogged off in the direction of a grunt while Aries turned back to her original route.



Jacob managed to catch up to his grunt in a nearby alleyway and immediately got Aipom to work. “Aipom, use Swift!”

Aipom climbed along the walls of the alley. It gathered a white energy in its tail and then swung it in an arch, sending out a crescent of spinning, yellow stars.

The grunt turned back to counter attack but cowered as the Swift rained down upon her.

“Gotcha!” Jacob announced and pushed her to the ground and held her by the wrist.



Russo managed to cut off his grunt at the local park where Russo had trained all through the previous night. “Beldum, use Zen Headbutt!” he ordered.

Beldum gathered a bright blue energy in its skull and darted forward, knocking the grunt off his feet and onto the ground.

The grunt tried to sit up but stopped as Russo stood over him, giving a deadly glare that paralyzed the grunt.


Aries stopped her grunt in front of the Pokemon Center, and ordered her Mareep to use Thundershock.

Mareep squinted its eyes and gathered electricity throughout its wool. It stuck its tail into the air and shot a thin streak of lightning at the female grunt, but missed.

The female grunt turned around and retaliated with her Magby. “Use Ember!”

The Magby ran forward and shot out tiny bits of flames from its beak that crashed into Mareep’s fur, sizzling as Mareep became inflicted with a burn.

Jacob led his grunt out of the alley and found Aries still at work with her grunt.

Aries grit her teeth worriedly, “Dammit, okay Mareep return for now,” she said and returned Mareep to its Pokeball. Aries shrunk and returned Mareep’s Pokeball back on her belt and grabbed a second one. She expanded it to its full size and tossed it out, “Sylveon, let’s go!” she yelled.

Aries’ Pokeball spun into the air and popped open, releasing a brightly, colored quadruped Pokemon with two dazzling ribbon feelers.

Jacob smiled and quickly took out his Pokedex again to scan Aries new Pokemon. “I didn’t know Aries had another Pokemon,” he said to himself.

The Pokedex clicked on and began feeding information. “Sylveon, the Intertwining Pokemon, and an evolved form of Eevee. Sylveon wrap their ribbon feelers around their trainer to read and connect their emotions.”

Sylveon stood gracefully in front of Aries. It had a much different nature than Aries’ timid Mareep. It glared at the grunt protectively. “Syl!” it shouted and pointed its feelers at Magby as though it were an Arbok about to pounce on a Rattata.

The grunt shuddered, but went back to attacking, “Magby, use Smog!” she ordered.

The Magby quickly began blowing out a purple cloud of smoke that sped towards Sylveon.

“Use Moonblast!” Aries countered.

Sylveon raised its feelers up towards the moon and gathered a glowing orb of pink and white energy that glistened in the dark street. Sylveon grabbed the orb with its feelers and slingshot it forward, through the Smog and into Magby, sending Magby flying back into its trainers arms.

The grunt stood in her spot awkwardly as she looked down at her knocked out Magby. She looked up and saw Jacob standing with a captive grunt and noticed Russo walking up with another.

Aries turned to them and waved, “Great work guys!” she exclaimed but paused when she noticed Kyoko hadn’t yet shown up. She looked around and saw Kyoko was standing blankly against the walls of a building. “Kyoko?! Where is your grunt?” she asked angrily.

Kyoko cocked his glasses and shrugged.

Suddenly, a helicopter flew in overhead and hovered in place.

The grunts snickered and pushed off their captors, running to the center of the street where the helicopter had lowered a rope ladder. They quickly made their way up to the aircraft, greeting the fourth grunt whom Kyoko was in charge of capturing.

Jacob, Russo, and Aries stood in shock, unable to grasp how quickly the grunts managed to escape.

A male grunt peaked out the entrance of the helicopter and clenched a fist at the group. “You haven’t seen the last of us, guaranteed!” he announced and quickly fell back inside as the helicopter flew off into the night.

Kyoko walked over slowly and joined Jacob, Russo, and Aries.

Aries looked at him angrily and latched onto his shoulders, then shook him. “You idiot! Why didn’t you chase him like I told you to?” she asked, frustrated with his actions.

Kyoko looked at her but couldn’t find a response that would ease her anger.

Jacob jut between them and pushed them apart. “Calm down Aries, we’re all safe and that’s what matters.”

Aipom was hanging off Jacob’s shoulder. It nodded its head and let out an agreeing “Aipa!”

Russo had his hands in his pockets, “That was really strange though. What could they have wanted with Solarus?” he wondered aloud.

Hareta joined them with Solarus hanging off the side of her by a wrapped arm. He hadn’t yet grasped what was happening so he leaned dizzily beside Hareta with his arm around her neck. “It’s not all that important,” she informed them, surprising them with her presence. “Team Element has been asking strong trainers to join their organization for years now. Nobody is sure why they do so. The real question is what they plan to do with all the trainers at their disposal,” she informed.

Russo, Aries, and Kyoko returned their Pokemon to their Pokeballs as Jacob took Aipom from his shoulders and held it in his arms, still looking up in the direction where Team Element had flown off.

Hareta looked down at Solarus. “I’m going to take him to a hospital and take off from there,” she informed the group and turned away, “I’m sure we will all meet again in time,” she continued and then departed, leading Solarus to safety.

Jacob looked back at her, wondering why she had left in such a hurry, and why she bothered helping Solarus.

Russo crossed his arms behind his head, “Well, it’s getting late and I haven’t slept in two days so I’m gonna hit the sack. Let’s leave for Iridale Town in the morning,” he suggested and walked into the Pokemon Center with Kyoko directly behind him.

Aries walked over to Jacob and placed a hand on his shoulder, “C’mon, let’s get to bed,” she said and led Jacob inside as he continued to watch Hareta lead Solarus away.

Spoiler: CHAPTER 8 PREVIEW

Jacob: I wish I could have another Pokemon.
Russo: Must suck to have only one.
???: Excuse me, would you be able to assist us?
Aries: A talking Pokemon?!
Kyoko: It's telepathy. Fear not, Aries.
Jacob: Next time, Rattling the Ralts !
Jacob: We'll help you out.
???: How kind!
???: Ra-ra!

 

[Jaypom]

Chapter 8:​

Rattling The Ralts​

Now on their way to Iridale Town, the group has chosen a path leading them through a nice forest.

The dirt from the forest path stirred as a small gust of wind blew through the area.

Aries looked up at the sky, scanning it for signs of rain. “I think it could drizzle, but I’m not so sure. Is there anywhere close by we could run to if it does?”

Kyoko turned his map upside down and cringed, “I don’t see any obvious stops on the map. The nearest center or hotel is in the next town down in the valley, but it’s a few hours of walking.”

Jacob reached in his bag for his water bottle to take a sip. “It’s so hot though, are ya sure it might be a downpour?”

Aries smirked, “I’m not one to be wrong.”

Jacob chugged down a gulp of his water and then offered a sip to his Aipom.



The group soon reached an open field of grass that was surrounded by trees. Everyone smiled at the magnificent sight of luscious green grass billowing in the breeze.

Russo placed his bag down, “Let’s go ahead and rest here. I’m sure we all can use some lunch!”

Everyone quickly tossed out their Pokeballs, summing their friends!

Aipom ran down and greeted all of them excitedly!

As Kyoko set up a foldable table, Aries took out a table cloth and began unfolding it with Jacob. She looked over at him curiously, “You know… I don’t think you ever told us about why Aipom hates it’s Pokeball?”

Jacob looked back at Kyoko as Aipom jumped on his shoulder happily. He smiled and fed Aipom a slice of dried banana from his pocket. “Well, Aipom was born from its egg shortly after I turned 5. A little while after it hatched, we got trapped in a cave during a flash storm and later a flood. The cave began filling up with water and Aipom wanted to escape really badly, only it was too tight a cave to rush out of without swimming… something we both didn’t know how to do. Ever since then, Aipom has been claustrophobic. It’s always loved being up in high spaces with infinite directions to go, so I let it travel on my shoulder.”

Russo glanced over as he placed down bowls of food for the Pokemon. “But for contests, don’t your Pokemon have to make entrances from their Pokeballs?”

Jacob fed Aipom another slice, “Aipom is fine staying in its Pokeball for a short amount of time. We’ve been working on its fear since, when it evolves, Aipom wouldn’t be able to fit on my shoulder” Jacob replied with a small chuckle.

Aipom nodded and ran over to the bowls, then offered Aries’ Mareep a piece of food.

Kyoko cocked his glasses and leaned back in his chair, “If I’m correct, Aipom evolves when it knows Double Hit. What will you do if it learns Double Hit and evolves?”

Jacob shook his head, “I’m pretty sure Aipom won’t learn Double Hit unless it overcomes its fear… which I don’t mind at all. I think we’re at a maximum of 5 minutes in a Pokeball so far before Aipom gives into its fear and pops out.” Jacob replied and patted Aipom on the head when it returned to his side. “Aipom can take its time. I’m not going to beg Aipom to get over its fear so I can rise to fame. If I have to wait for my number one buddy to overcome an uncontrollable fear, then fine. I’m sure Aipom would do the same.” Jacob finished with a light smile.

Suddenly, the bushes next to the group rustled and everyone looked over curiously.

Two small, green and white Pokemon walked out cautiously. One was a smaller humanoid with a green bowl-like covering for a head, and the other one was a taller version of the small one standing on the tips of its toes.

Jacob reached for his Pokedex and scanned them.

The Pokedex clicked on and began feeding information on the smaller Pokemon. "Ralts, the Feeling Pokemon. Ralts use the horn on their head to read emotions, as well as match them." The Pokedex paused and then beeped, switching to the larger Pokemon. "Kirlia, the Emotion Pokemon, and the evolved form of Ralts. Kirlia dance when they become happy, usually mimicking its trainer."

The Kirlia bowed before everyone and emitted a mysterious green light from its head. “Greetings humans,” it said in an elegant, female voice.

The Ralts shuffled its feet, “Ra…Ralts…” it said.

Kirlia looked down at Ralts, “My younger brother says hello.”

Everyone looked at the Pokemon in shock!

“IT-IT TALKS?!?!” Aries screamed, shocked by the power of the Kirlia.

Kyoko lowered his glasses, “its ability is Telepathy. I’ve heard very few Kirlia can possess the ability. As a bonus, it allows the user to communicate with people and other Pokemon through psychic waves.”

Kirlia smiled and nodded, “Quite right sir. I’m here to ask for your help…”

Jacob squatted down, “Is there a problem?” he asked the Ralts who shivered and cowered behind his sister the Kirlia.

Kirlia held her arm out and blocked off her brother from Jacob, “I’m afraid my brother has never met a human before, I hope he doesn’t offend any of you. I’m here to ask for any medicine that cure poison.”

Aries rummaged through her bag, “Nope… I’m afraid we didn’t find any antidote at the Pokemart when we left Kimpier City. It’s about a day’s travel from here if you’d like to go there.”

Kirlia cringed, “Drat! That’s too long… Please, can any of you help us?!” she asked worriedly. She wasn’t as calm as she had been when she greeted them.

Ralts held his sisters waist tightly. “Ral… Ral….” He said to her, trying to calm her down.

Jacob walked up to them an nodded, "We'd be happy to. Lead the way!"




Close to the camp, in a nearby tree hut…

Two taller versions of the Kirlia and Ralts lay on a straw floor in agony. They both cringed in pain and unconscious with small purple static creeping across their bodies.

Kirlia knelt down and placed her hands on the two Pokemon. She emitted a pink wave of energy from her hands, trying to soothe the Pokemon.

Kyoko cocked his glasses, “She’s using Heal Pulse to regain the Gardevoir and Gallade’s Health…”

Jacob took out his Pokedex and scanned the two, “So then, those must be evolved forms of Kirlia?”

Jacob’s Pokedex clicked on and began feeding information once again. “Gardevoir, the Embrace Pokemon and an evolved form of Kirlia. A Gardevoir is said to be more powerful when it has a stronger bond with a trainer. Some have given their life to protect said trainer.” The Pokedex beeped once and then switched to the Gallade. “Gallade, the Blade Pokemon and an evolved form of a male Kirlia. Gallade are master sword fighters, and will not use cheating to obtain victory.”

Kirlia looked back at the others weakly. “We were finding our afternoon meal of berries when a group of Pokemon attacked us! We didn’t do anything wrong, but before we knew it… my mother, Gardevoir, and father, Gallade, were poisoned by a sludge bomb! Me and my younger brother tried to get a Pecha Berry from the berry tree grove, but the Pokemon keep blocking us… Please help!”

Ralts nodded its head and fell to its knees nearly crying. “Ra… Ral-Ral!” it managed to speak before lowering its head.

Jacob looked at the Ralts and smiled. “Well tell ya what… I’ll head to the berry grove and check it out.”

Russo stepped forward, “I’ll go to!”

Jacob stuck his hand out, rejecting his offer. “No… you’ll attract too much attention. Aipom and I used to play games like this all the time with my Mom. We know how to be quiet.”

Kirlia pushed her brother forward, “Take my brother. He’ll lead you to the berries.”

Ralts shakily walked forward and looked up at Jacob.

Jacob looked down at the Ralts. Compared to Ralts, Jacob was about five times as tall as him. “Don’t worry Ralts, you don’t have to come…”

Ralts slapped his cheeks to snap out of his cowardliness. “Ral! Ral-Ral!” he replied.

Kirlia smiled, “He says he’s fine. He can sense you aren’t a threat.”

Ralts smiled determinedly and jumped on Jacob’s other shoulder, causing Aipom to glare out of jealousy.








Nearby, Jacob peered out of a bush with Aipom and Ralts on his shoulders.

Ralts pointed at a large tree with many pink triangle-shaped berries growing on it.

Jacob looked around and noticed the area was empty. “Its… clear?” He stood up but stopped when he felt a presence behind him. He turned and gasped as a group of tiny rat Pokemon stared at him.

They had brown fur and had a resemblance to raccoons! “Pa-Patrat!!” one shouted at him.

Jacob took out his Pokedex and scanned them.

His Pokedex groaned and began feeding information, annoyed at how often it was getting used again. “Patrat, the Scout Pokemon. Patrat use their excellent vision to scout for their favorite foods. They often travel in packs.”

Jacob looked down at them and put his hands up defensively, “Hey there! I’m not here to cause trouble…”

The Patrat got down on all fours and prepared to attack him, but quickly hesitated. Their noses twitched before they all ran off at the sound of a small click in the trees above them.

Jacob looked up and peered into the branches.

Suddenly, a large pink spider Pokemon jumped down in front of him and hissed. “Ari!! Aria!!” it shouted.

Ralts screamed and cowered behind Jacob, hiding in the hood of his jacket.

Jacob raised his Pokedex again and quickly scanned the Pokemon, “Ralts is afraid of it… so that must be what attacked its parents?”

His Pokedex scoffed, “Ariados, the Long Leg Pokemon. Ariados uses its sticky thread to slow down its prey and apply poison.”

Jacob backed away fearfully, “So… you are the one that poisoned Gardevoir and Gallade then?”

Ariados glared and shot a glob of black poison at Jacob that exploded on a tree nearby.

Jacob ran away towards the Patrat, “That’s quite a sludge bomb!” he shouted as he escaped the Ariados. He managed to find a tall oak tree, climbing up into the thicket of branches as the Ariados crept down the path below him. He breathed a sigh of relief and looked over, noticing the Patrat were crowded around him glumly.

He checked his bag and pulled out a couple more slices of dried banana and offered it to each of them, including Ralts and Aipom. “So then, Patrat, is that berry tree area your home?”

The leader Patrat nodded, “Pa! Patrat-Patrat-Trat” it replied.

“I’m assuming that Ariados showed up out of nowhere and claims it as its own territory then?” Jacob asked.

The group of Patrat nodded in unison.

The leader stood up and mumbled something to Ralts, suggesting the two knew each other.

Jacob clenched his fist, “Well let’s get those berries back!” he shouted excitedly, almost losing balance on the tree. “We need those Pecha Berries and if we help ya out, would you mind giving us some?” he asked.

The Patrat slumped over, suggesting they didn’t have faith they could defeat the Long Leg Pokemon.

Jacob looked down at Ralts, “Please Ralts? If you can convince them to work together with us, we can get those Pecha berries for your parents.”

Ralts looked up at Jacob worriedly and shakily nodded. It walked over to the leader Patrat and begged it, convincing it to change its mind.

All the Patrat stood up and cheered in confidence, putting a smile on Jacob’s face.

“Alright… here’s the plan…” Jacob began.








Down on the ground…

Jacob peered out of a bush below the tree and once again looked around. He noticed on the Pecha Berry tree was the Ariados from before… but it looked like two others had joined it and were eating the berries for a snack. He tossed out a handful of leaves that flew on a gust of wind, signaling the start of the attack.

Two brave Patrat scurried up to and Oran Berry tree, beside the Pecha Berry tree, and began to pick off a couple of the dotted blue berries.

The two new Ariados looked down and noticed them. They hissed and jumped off, slamming into the ground and surrounding the Patrat.

Jacob nodded to another group of Patrat.

They got down on all fours and began charging white energy around their bodies, then launching themselves from the bush with Quick Attack. They smashed into one of the Ariados and sent it flying into the tree, temporarily knocking it out.

The other grew angrier and shot off a sticky thread of string that tied up the group.

Jacob ran out and let Aipom run towards the Pecha berry tree to grab a couple while the Ariados were distracted.

However, the third Ariados noticed and shot a thread of string at Aipom. The thread wrapped around Aipom and stuck it to the ground.

Another group of Patrat launched another series of Quick Attacks at the Ariados on the ground, distracting it from the helpless Aipom.

Jacob placed down a basket of grass for Ralts. “Please Ralts, can you use Confusion and gather berries while I help Aipom since part of the plan wasn’t getting trapped?”

Ralts nodded cautiously and began using its psychic power to pick the berries off the tree.

Jacob skidded in the dirt and began untying Aipom. “Don’t worry buddy, I got your back!”

The second group of Patrat grew their teeth twice the normal size and took bites out of the Ariados on the ground with Super Fang.

Jacob suddenly stopped and grabbed Aipom, running from an explosive Sludge Bomb that exploded on the ground where he and Aipom once were. He looked up and saw the leader Ariados closing in on him.

The leader hissed at him and shot another String Shot, only for Jacob to roll out of the way and scrape his knee.

Aipom looked at him worriedly, “Aipa!” it squeaked out before another Sludge Bomb knocked it from Jacob’s grip!

Jacob fell to the ground and watched as Aipom flew helplessly through the air!

Aipom shut its eyes and prepared to smash into the ground. It suddenly felt itself stop moving and opened its eyes, noticing a light blue aura surrounding it and lowering Aipom to the ground!

Ralts walked out of the bushes, its eyes glowing the same color of the aura.

Jacob smiled and ran over to catch the slowly falling Aipom. He undid the Sticky String thread and ran over behind Ralts. “So… you finished getting the berries?”

Ralts smiled and nodded. “Ra! Ra-Ra!” it replied, then glared back at the Ariados.

Ariados jumped into the air and shot multiple Sludge Bombs that rained down on Ralts.

Ralts’ eyes emitted an even stronger blue aura that surrounded the Sludge Bombs and sent them flying back at Ariados, knocking it out of the sky.

Jacob was impressed, “Great way of using Confusion!”

Ralts smiled smugly. It was impressed at how well it could battle.

Ariados struggled to stand, but it was determined to regain the berry tree!

Ralts stomped its foot on the ground and it let loose a pink sound wave from its mouth that sent the Ariados flying far away from the group. Ralts snickered and crossed its arms confidently. "Ra!" it shouted confidently.

Jacob clapped for Ralts, “Awesome Disarming Voice!”

But the battle wasn’t over, another Sludge Bomb made contact with their feet and sent everyone flying once again.

Jacob and the others looked over and noticed the second Ariados had tied up all the Patrat as was looking to finish off Ralts for defeating its friend.

Jacob helped Aipom and Ralts to their feet, “You two ready to finish this off?”

Aipom and Ralts nodded confidently and then both jumped into the air to launch a final duo attack!

“Use Swift, Aipom!” Jacob commanded.

Aipom gathered a white aura around its tail, then swung it in an arc that sent dozens of yellow stars towards Ariados.

Ralts started spinning in the air and sent out rainbow-colored leaves at Ariados alongside Aipom.

The leaves and the Swift combined together to create one large attack that collided with Ariados’ and pushed it off into the distance towards its leader!

Jacob smiled and jumped up excitedly, “That was so amazing you two!” he cheered happily.

Ralts smiled proudly, but suddenly fell to its knees weakly. Its vision suddenly went blurry and kept it from regaining its footing. The Sludge Bomb had poisoned Ralts!

Jacob looked down and gasped at the sight. He quickly picked Ralts up in his arms and ran over to the basket of Pecha berries.

Luckily, Ralts had picked three berries.

Jacob picked one up and fed it to Ralts, instantly curing it of its ailment.

Ralts blinked twice and smiled at Jacob, then wrapped its arms around Jacob to hug him tight.

The Patrat all ran over and smiled at Jacob, then bowed and thanked him for his service.

Jacob nodded, “Now you guys can have your berry orchard in peace… if you ever need help, just ask the Ralts family okay?” Jacob announced happily before he gathered the Pecha Berry basket and his Pokemon up for their return to Russo, Aries, and Kyoko.




Gardevoir and Gallade quickly stood up the instant the Pecha Berries made contact with their mouths.

Kirlia and Ralts both ran over happily and cried as they embraced their now healthy parents.

Aries placed her hands on her hips, “I was wondering when you might come back… although I didn’t think you’d get all bruised from picking berries?”

Jacob scratched the back of his head, “Apparently the berry picking world is highly competitive.”

Ralts and its family walked over, all bowing before the group.

Kirlia nodded, “Thank you all for your help, especially you,” she said, referencing Jacob and his help.

Jacob shook his head, “It wasn’t a problem. Glad I could help.”

Ralts peeked out from behind Gallade’s legs and looked at Jacob.

Jacob noticed Ralts and smiled at it, “You should definitely thank Ralts. He did a lot of the work.”

Ralts blushed and ran out from behind Gallade’s legs and towards Jacob. “Ralts! Ral-Ral!!” it called.

Kirlia, Gardevoir, and Gallade all gasped.

Jacob and the others all looked down at Ralts. “What… did it say?” Jacob asked curiously.

Kirlia blinked, stunned by Ralts' announcement. “He… He wants to go with you.”

Jacob looked down at Ralts, stunned for a moment, and then smiled. “Is that true?”

Ralts nodded quickly, “Ral!” it replied.

Jacob looked up and held Ralts in his arms as Aipom sat on Jacob’s shoulder. “Would it be alright if Ralts came with me then, Gallade and Gardevoir?”

Gallade and Gardevoir whispered to each other, occasionally looking at Jacob. They eventually stopped discussing and turned, both smiling at Jacob before both nodded.

Kirlia grinned, “They said yes… only if you bring Ralts back for a visit one day!”

Ralts grinned as well and jumped out of Jacob’s arms. “Ral-Ral!!” it called at Jacob.

Jacob nodded, “Right!” he replied and reached into his bag. He pulled out a Pokeball and looked down at it, thrilled at the fact he was capturing his first Pokemon! He looked down at Ralts and nodded before throwing the Pokeball.

The ball spun in the air and smacked Ralts on the head. The ball bounced back and clicked open, surrounding Ralts in a red light and sucking it inside. The ball closed and dropped to the ground, then shook three times, beeped, and sent out tiny white stars. The capture was complete!

Jacob ran over and grabbed the ball. He grinned excitedly and held it high into the air, “Awesome! I caught my first Pokemon, a Ralts!!”

Aipom held itself up on its tail, “Aipa! Ai-Aipa!” it copied.

Jacob quickly tossed the ball into the air.

The ball opened and Ralts popped out excitedly. It looked at its parents and ran over to give its family one last hug before departure.

Russo smirked at Jacob, “Congrats on your first catch man.”

Jacob looked back and blushed, “Thanks… I know me and Ralts will be awesome partners!” Jacob replied and Ralts jumped in Jacob’s arms for another hug.

Spoiler: CHAPTER 9 PREVIEW

Jacob: Okay you guys, it's time to train for the Iridale Contest!
Aipom: Ai-Aipa!
Ralts: Ra-Ra!
Aries: Do you know what combinations you want to put on?
Russo: How do contests work?
Jacob: Guys, I'm trying to focus!
Jacob: Next time, Coordinating a Contest Debut !
Russo: Well you don't have to be so harsh about it.
Aries: We were only wondering.

 

[Jaypom]

Chapter 9:
Coordinating a Contest Debut!
(Version 2 Released February 1st, 2017)​

With only a few more days till Jacob’s first contest in Iridale Town, he eagerly attempts training with Ralts and Aipom to perfect their performances!

Jacob stood atop a large boulder at the center of a large field where the group set up camp for the day.

The Route from Kimpier City to Iridale Town was a very lush forest area that had multiple clearings scattered about where trainers and Pokemon could stop, play, or train at their leisure.

Aipom stood below Jacob, eagerly awaiting to begin their training. “Aipa!” it squeaked.

Russo, Aries, and Kyoko were sitting a little farther away from the boulder. They were planning to serve as Jacob’s practice audience for his final rounds of training.

“I’ll be needing to practice with Ralts for the contest now that its joined my team,” Jacob announced. He took a deep breath and delved straight into a performance attempt. “Ralts, center stage!” he commanded and excitedly threw Ralts’ Pokeball into the air.

Ralts’ Pokeball spun upwards and popped open, releasing a flurry of light pink flower petals as Ralts spun around and appeared before Russo, Aries, and Kyoko. It bowed politely, mimicking its older sister from the previous day.

“Ralts, use Disarming Voice!” Jacob quickly ordered.

Ralts returned to its performance. It looked upwards towards the flower petals that its Pokeball produced. It opened its mouth and began releasing multiple pink sound-waves that pulsed the petals upwards, scattering them on the wind gusts that had begun to blow through the field.

“Now, use Magical Leaf!”

Ralts then jumped upwards and began spinning like a top, releasing multiple spinning, rainbow colored leaves into the air that flew onto the wind gusts as well, creating a mystical atmosphere around Ralts.

Jacob began to call another move, but shook his head and sat down on the boulder. He crossed his legs and rested his chin on his open palm, sighing. “No, no, that won’t work.”

Ralts looked up at Jacob and lowered its head, thinking it did something wrong.

Jacob gasped and waved his hands to negate Ralts’ sadness, “No Ralts it wasn’t you, it was me! Maybe I can use you for the battle round instead?” Jacob suggested.

Ralts immediately went back to its happier state and nodded before it began to wander around the field, picking up the various wildflowers.

“Ralts is a pretty gentle Pokemon it seems.” Kyoko informed as he, Russo, and Aries stood-up and joined Jacob.

“For what it was worth, Ralts’ entrance was pretty nice?” Aries offered, “It just seemed to go off-track when you when into the Magical Leaf.”

“Which is why I’m training…” Jacob replied glumly, trying to think of a performance technique. He had so many planned out during his childhood with Aipom, but was drawing a blank all of a sudden.

“You’re nervous dude, nothing to be that ashamed of.” Russo scoffed before he gazed down at Ralts, who had returned and offered Jacob a bouquet of wildflowers.

Jacob smiled slightly and gladly accepted the flowers, “Thank you, Ralts, these are beautiful.”

Ralts blushed and plopped down in the grass, mimicking Jacob and Aipom sitting atop the boulder.

Jacob cried out, “Agh! This is so frustrating!” and fell onto his back, looking up at the sky.

Aries wondered if she could help ease Jacob’s stress, “So Jacob, now that I think about it, how do contests in Accelia work?” she asked, already knowing the answer, but hoping to take Jacob’s mind away from worrying about a combination.

Jacob sat up and ran his hand through his frizzy, curly hair, attempting to calm down the frizzing. “Well, there are three rounds over all. The first round, Pokemon and Coordinator perform and are rated by the audience and judges. After the performances conclude and the points are tallied, 4 coordinators move onto the second round for a set of performance battling. The winner of the second and third round matches earns a contest ribbon. They’re similar to the Hoenn Region’s contests, except you can switch Pokemon between the first and second round,” he informed. He then took another deep breath and got to his feet. “There are various kinds of contests out there that arrange from the most common, a single performance, then a fair amount of double performances, and a select few triple performances.”

Russo leaned backwards onto the grass and looked up at the sky, already bored with the day. “What’s the difference between the performances?” he asked, not actually caring but hoping the day would just end.

Jacob could tell his friends didn’t actually care about the information, and most likely already knew all of this, but proceeded to tell them anyways. “Single Performances are one Pokemon while double is two and triple is three. The Grand Festival next June is two rounds of performance where one is a double and one is a triple, with the concluding performance battles being randomly selected single, double, or triple.”

Kyoko cocked his glasses, actually intrigued by Jacob’s information. “It seems that the Grand Festival is a true test of skill, having to perform with three Pokemon at once while simultaneously battling. You’ll have your work cut out for you.”

Jacob nodded and turned his attention back to Aipom and Ralts, ready to resume their training. “It’ll be tough, but I’ll raise a team of amazing Pokemon. I’m sure of it. Now then, let’s get back to training.” He replied to Kyoko and then Ralts and Aipom.

Aries placed a finger to her cheek and thought to herself, thinking of an idea. She quickly pulled out her laptop and brought out the Accelia Region’s Pokemon Contest website. She searched around for saved videos of past performances, “Hey, I know! Why don’t you look at these? I’m sure they’ll help you to figure out a performance.” She suggested, turning the laptop towards Jacob.

Jacob hopped off the boulder and crawled over to look down at the video Aries had randomly selected.

The Pokemon Contest Host for the region, Maxim Rhapsody, was recapping the video. “Now trainers, get ready to view the winner of the Pradea Town Pokemon Contest’s performance given yesterday. Give it up for Felix!” Maxim announced as a small clip took over the screen.

A boy with gelled brown hair stood at the center of a large stage in the middle of a shining spotlight, clutching a purple Pokeball.

Jacob pointed at the screen and noted the boy’s appearance and Pokeball. “See how he’s dressed nicely? All the contests in the region require the performers to dress up. The Pokeball is also a slightly different color due to the ball capsule, also a requirement. It’s what I used to spice up Ralts’ entrance earlier.”

The boy quickly began his performance and called forward his Pokemon, sending out an extremely twig-thin Pokemon with a bell-shaped head.

Jacob took out his Pokedex and scanned the boy’s Pokemon.

“Bellsprout, the Flower Pokemon. Bellsprout’s thin body allows it to dodge attacks more easily, but it can have trouble when it loses balance due to its large head,” the Pokedex informed.

“Bellsprout, use Ingrain!” the boy ordered.

Bellsprout’s body became enveloped in a bright green aura, taking time to charge up its attack.

“See how he cloaks Bellsprout in that really nice light? It’s all about making your Pokemon the center of the performance while also being extremely eye-catching.” Jacob announced, interrupting the video again.

Bellsprout then released the green aura from its body in a large pulse, causing grassy roots to grow from under the stage and lift Bellsprout and its trainer into the air, creating a lush jungle scene, reminiscent of a typical habitat for Bellsprout.

“Now use Vine Whip!” its trainer commanded.

The Bellsprout sent forward two vines from its neck, wrapping them around an Ingrain tree, and creating a make-shift swing for it to swing around the stage. As the Bellsprout flew around the stage in a Tarzan-like manner, the audience applauded and cheered. Bellsprout then dispersed the vine and Ingrain terrain into a gust of sparkles, cleaning up the stage and allowing it to return to its trainers’ side, enveloped in a grassy-green glimmer.

Jacob immediately closed out the video, having seen enough. “I think I know what performance to do now!” he announced excited and returned to his spot on the boulder.

Russo, Aries, and Kyoko then plopped back in their spots as the audience.

Jacob knelt down to look Aipom in the face at an eye-level. “Aipom, I know you don’t like being in your Pokeball as much, but we need to practice your entrance okay?”

Aipom shuddered and frowned, not wanting to go into its ball.

Jacob whispered something to his Ralts, who ran to Jacob’s bag to grab a small treat and return it to Jacob. Jacob then broke the treat in half, giving one to Ralts and managing to bribe Aipom with the other.

Aipom happily munched on the food and got into its ball at Jacob’s order.

Jacob then placed a ball-capsule onto Aipom’s Pokeball and prepared to send it out for a performance. “Alright Aipom,” Jacob announced and tossed Aipom’s Pokeball into the air, “center stage!”

Aipom’s Pokeball spun into the air and popped open, releasing a string of glowing, white lines that formed into Aipom.

Aipom spun in the air and landed on its tail, then posed for its audience. “Aipa!” it called and winked at them cutely.

“Now use Swift!” Jacob began.

Aipom jumped onto its feet and began charging a white energy in its tail.

Jacob paused for a moment, remembering the boy’s performance from the computer. He smirked and spoke to Aipom, “Okay, keep charging Swift, but don’t fire till I say to.”

Aipom looked back, confused at what Jacob’s plan was. It nodded and held the energy in its tail.

After a few moments had passed, Jacob allowed Aipom to fire off the Swift.

Aipom jumped into the air and swung its tail in an arc shape, firing off an array of large, spinning, yellow stars into the air.

Russo, Aries, and Kyoko all watched in awe as the Swift stars were much larger than usual.

Jacob smiled, amazed that his plan had worked. He figured if he had Aipom charge the Swift in its tail for a longer amount of time, the stars would come out larger in size, just like the boy’s Bellsprout.

The Swift stars spun in the air in a vortex fashion.

Jacob quickly grabbed Aipom and hopped up onto the stars, but crashed through the center as he stepped on the first one, face-planting onto the ground.

The Swift stars began to slow down and fell to the ground, disappearing into bits of sparkles and creating a nice glimmer around the wiped-out Jacob.

Jacob sat up and sighed, then scratched his head. “Well that didn’t work as I had hoped!” he shouted and fell onto his back depressingly.

“What exactly were you planning on doing?” Aries asked, still sitting with Russo and Kyoko.

Jacob gazed up at the sky sadly, “I was hoping to ride on the stars with Aipom. I came up with this combination idea a few years ago, but never practiced it. I suppose we can try a different one…” he replied.

Aries stood up and clenched her fist determinedly, “No way, that sounds like it’d be amazing to watch! You can’t just give up on your first try.”

Jacob sat up and looked at her, then smiled and nodded. “Right!” he replied and stood up. “Let’s try it again, Aipom.”

Aipom nodded and ran back to its starting position for the performance.

“Now, use Swift!” Jacob began once again.

Aipom nodded and began charging the Swift energy in its tail for a second time, then began counting in its head. Once it counted from 1 to 5, it swung its tail in an arc, sending out a flurry of large, spinning, yellow stars.

Jacob ran forward, running past Aipom to allow it to jump on Jacob’s shoulders for easier access to the Swift. He then leaped into the air and shakily landed onto one of the stars, managing to stay on top of one for a few seconds before it collapsed under Jacob and Aipom’s combined weight, sending them back onto the ground.

The duo repeated their routine a good dozen times before the stars began to stay solid long enough for Jacob to stay atop one, while Aipom mimicked its trainer on another. The two rode around the air on their makeshift aircrafts before returning back to the ground for a finishing pose.

Aries clapped excitedly, glad she helped motivate them to finish. “That was amazing. You should definitely use that performance for the contest.”

Jacob smiled and picked Aipom back up off the ground, “Thanks Aries. Without your words of encouragement, I don’t think I’d have been able to complete this performance.”

Aries stood valiantly, as though she were a super-heroin who had just completed a good deed. She began to respond but stopped as a small raindrop fell onto her nose.

The group looked up and saw that large, gray clouds were beginning to form overhead.

Russo raised his hand up to cover his face, “We better find shelter,” he suggested has he stood to his feet.

Kyoko reached into his backpack and pulled out a Town Map for Accelia. “There is a building listed on here that we can get to pretty quickly if we leave now,” he suggested as he returned the map to his backpack.

Jacob returned Ralts to its Pokeball and gathered his things with his friends.

They all then began a light sprint towards Kyoko’s suggested shelter, as lightning crackled overhead.

Spoiler: CHAPTER 10 PREVIEW

Aries: Where did all this rain come from?
Kyoko: It came so fast, I'm almost sure it was Rain Dance.
Jacob: Why would a Pokemon use Rain Dance?
Aipom: AIPA!
Jacob: WHAT ARE YOU SCARED OFF?
Kyoko: Next time, A Scare at Hillshire Inn !
Russo: We almost died from this chandelier!
Kyoko: Emphasis on 'almost'.

 

[Jaypom]

Chapter 10:
A Scare at Hillshire Inn!​

(Version 2 Released: February 25th, 2017)
​

While continuing towards Iridale Town, a storm rolled in during Jacob’s training session for his contest…

The group quickly picked up their pace as they rushed along a dirt forest path.

The clouds above had begun to swirl into a whirlpool of fluffy darkness. Raindrops had begun to drip to their deaths along the still heated dirt from the freshly murdered afternoon sun.

“If we keep going on this path, we’ll reach the structure in a few minutes,” Kyoko informed, holding out his Town Map.

“Where did all of these clouds come from?!” Aries shouted, jumping to the side as a large glop of water splashed at her feet.

“Accelia’s summer weather loves throwing us for a loop,” Jacob shouted back, leading the pack towards their sanctuary.

Russo managed to run surprisingly fast for a person with their hands in their pockets. “I think I see something,” he called out, second in line.

The group noticed a large, gloomily painted structure nestled in the trees.

It was a large mansion, most likely abandoned based on the large Spinarak webs covering the windows and shaded crevices. It looked to be about a century old, and served as an inn based upon the words “Havenshire Inn” painted on a sign plopped against the entrance.

The group made it onto the front porch of the inn just as a strike of lightning signaled the rain to begin its full descent, minorly flooding the floor of the dirt path.

“There isn’t much information on the Town Map, aside from the notice that there is a building here,” Kyoko informed, shutting down the map and returning it to his backpack.

“Havenshire Inn?” Aries wondered aloud as she read the sign.

“If I remember correctly, Iridale Town was once called Havenshire. I guess we are closer than we thought if this is the old inn for the town,” Jacob replied, allowing Aipom to jump off his shoulder.

Aries knocked on the rotting wooden door, wondering if anyone actually still lived inside.

The door creaked open, having been unlocked, and unveiled a pitch black interior.

Aries gulped and trudged her way inside, leaving the boys outside. She turned back and saw Jacob cowering in his place, Russo minorly shaking while trying to not show his fear, and Kyoko standing still as he stared blankly back at Aries. She sighed, “Are you boys coming in or not?”

Jacob began to feel a bead of sweat form along his forehead, “Well… who’s to say we need to go inside this place. I mean, nobody answered the door and all the lights are off so-“

A crash of lightning interrupted Jacob and blinded the group. As the light died down, Jacob appeared inside next to Aries.

“I suppose coming inside wouldn’t hurt,” he finished.

Aipom crawled inside and shut the door as Russo and Kyoko followed it inside.

The dark grey sky managed to emit enough light to create visible silhouettes for everyone and everything inside.

A shadow floated below the groups feet and looked directly into Aipom’s eyes.

Aipom blinked, noticing something had moved and tried to make out what the shadow was.

Suddenly, a large, red eye formed in front of Aipom and scared it!

Aipom screeched and jumped onto Jacob’s shoulder, then pointed down at the shadow.

As the group peered down, it had disappeared.

Aipom looked down and blinked twice, confused by what it had seen and its sudden disappearance.

Lightning sizzled outside, striking a nearby tree with almost instantaneous thunder echoing through the empty building.

Russo released Larvesta out into the room and asked it to use Ember, allowing a faint glow to reveal the inside of the house to the trainers.

The walls were covered in Spinarak webs, and the wooden floor had begun to rot and fall apart from the years of existence.

Russo noticed a candelabra sitting atop a shelf hanging from the wall. He grabbed it and lit the candles to help create more light.

The group made their way to a living room area and sat down on the soft, faded white couches.

Above them, hung a large, glass chandelier.

The small shadow crept along their feet and snickered as Aipom crawled from Jacob’s shoulder onto the couch.

Kyoko and Aries sat across from Jacob and Aipom while Russo stood at a nearby window, gazing out into the storm.

Kyoko was searching through his phone to see how long the rain would keep up, while Aries was sitting quietly and taking in the surroundings.

Jacob sighed, “We’re just going to sit here in silence then?”

Lightning and thunder filled the room once again, giving Jacob his answer.

The shadow gazed up at Aipom. It slowly climbed up the couch and pulled on Aipom’s tail, then sunk into the couch as Aipom turned to look.

Aipom felt a bead of sweat slide down the side of its head. “Aipa…” it murmured and turned to Jacob.

Jacob rested his hand on and open palm and leaned forward, “This is gonna be so boring just sitting here.”

Russo looked back at him and then down at Larvesta. He took out its Pokeball and returned it, then replied to Jacob, “Well if you want to travel through the storm, I’m all for it.”

Aries scoffed, “No way. There’s too much lightning, so it wouldn’t be safe to walk out there right now,” she replied as another crash of lightning followed her words.

Kyoko returned his phone to his bag and cocked his glasses, “The rain should end in about an hour. We can leave once it dies down.”

Jacob crossed his arms and leaned back against the couch, with Aipom mimicking him, and gazed up at the chandelier.

The shadow snuck to the side of the room and towards a rope attached to the wall. It knew the trainers wouldn’t be hurt if it had a little fun, so it quickly sliced the rope, releasing the chandelier from the ceiling!

The chandelier quickly crashed down and broke into a million shards, with each piece of glass flying outward and narrowly missing the trainers.

The group, minus Kyoko, screamed in terror!

“This place isn’t safe!” Jacob shouted, standing up and gripping Aipom tightly.

Kyoko cocked his glasses, still in his spot on the couch, “That’s odd.”

Aries had jumped to her feet in unison with Jacob. “What do you mean?”

Kyoko looked at Jacob, then at Aries, and finally at Russo. “None of you were cut?”

“THAT’S WHAT YOU’RE WORRIED ABOUT?!” Jacob shouted.

Russo looked at his bare arm, “Wait, he’s right…”

Aries looked down at her arms too, with them being the only ones wearing short sleeves. “Yeah? There had to be millions of pieces and yet none of them hit us…”

Jacob blinked and looked down at Aipom, noticing it hadn’t been cut either considering it wasn’t wearing anything protective.

The shadow looked up at the trainers, slinking along the wall and out of the room.

Aries stepped forward and crushed a piece of glass even further, “Let’s not stay in here then, just because this glass is dangerous.”

Aries, Jacob, and Kyoko led the way out of the room.

Russo reached for the candelabra to bring the light with them, but noticed the force of the flying glass over the flames had blown it out. He tossed it aside, allowing it to clank onto the floor and caught up with the others. As he joined them in the hall, he found them staring at a large suit of armor. “What’s the deal?”

Aries pointed up at the suit, “Th-This wasn’t here when we came in…”

Aipom’s ears pricked up as it heard a faint snicker that had gone unnoticed by the trainers.

Kyoko walked up to the armor and cocked his head, “How strange. It moved on its own.”

The armor was made of rusted metal, and looked to be a knight’s suit.

Kyoko reached out and touched it with the palm of his hand, “Fascinating events are happening.”

“More like this place is haunted!” Jacob shouted fearfully.

Kyoko cocked his glasses, “Haunted?” he asked and turned back to look at Jacob.

As Kyoko looked away, the knight raised its hands and revealed itself to be clutching a sword. It then swung the sword down, just barely missing Kyoko’s arm, and stuck it into the floor.

Kyoko looked down and cocked his glasses. “Oh my,” he said blankly.

Jacob, Aipom, Aries, and Russo stared at him with dropped mouths, surprised that he wasn’t even shocked by almost getting sliced up.

The knight pulled the sword from the floor and held it with one hand while stretching the other one out towards the trainers.

Kyoko turned and backed up slightly. “Interesting that you didn’t hurt me, given how close you were.”

The knight stuttered in place. It shook its head and swung its sword through the air, creating a small gust that blew through Kyoko’s short, light brown hair.

Russo clutched one of his Pokeballs, “You guys aren’t forgetting we are trainers, are you? If that thing wants to hurt us we can just fight back!”

Jacob clenched a fist, “He’s right! Aipom, let’s save Kyoko!”

Aipom nodded and hopped to the ground as Russo tossed out Beldum from a Pokeball in unison with Aries, who tossed out Mareep.

Mareep stood timidly behind Aipom and Beldum.

Kyoko stared at the knight, then raised his eyebrows when he noticed something inside the helmet. “If you are going to attack the knight,” he spoke back to his friends, “aim for its helmet.”

The group nodded and gave their commands.

“Aipom, use Swift!”

“Beldum, use Take Down!”

“Mareep, use Thundershock!”

Aipom jumped into the air as Beldum shot forward. It swung its tail in an arc and released a stream of yellow stars at the knight as Beldum slammed into the knight’s chest.

The knight fell over from the force of two attacks, causing its armor to disperse during its decent.

With the armor broken to pieces, a small shadow crawled out from the helmet.

Mareep gulped sent out a thin streak of lightning from its tail that shocked the shadow and stopped it from crawling away.

The group walked over and looked down, with everyone but Kyoko gasping at their discovery!

A small Duskull looked up at them and chuckled. It was embarrassed that it had been discovered.

Kyoko cocked his glasses, “If I had to guess, this Duskull was trying to play a trick on us. It was controlling the armor with Psychic. It must also be responsible for the chandelier fall and scaring Aipom when we walked inside.”

The Duskull got to its feet and hovered upwards as Jacob took out his Pokedex and scanned it.

The Pokedex beeped and began feeding information on their trickster. “Duskull, the Requiem Pokemon. Duskull can make themselves disappear and reappear at will. It loves pranks and scaring children.”

Jacob poked out his lips, “But we aren’t kids…” he muttered and returned his Pokedex to his bag.

The Duskull hovered forward and looked Kyoko in the eye.

Kyoko stared back, blankly.

“What’s with the staring contest?” Russo asked, shoving his hands into his pockets.

The Duskull backed away after a few moments and disappeared.

As soon as it faded away, the rain cleared and an orange sunset shone into the rotting inn.

Kyoko cocked his glasses and silently exited the inn, leaving Jacob and the others to watch him leave without answering why he and Duskull were looking at each other.

Outside, Jacob and the others joined Kyoko on the dirt path.

Aries and Russo had returned Mareep and Beldum to their respectful Pokeballs upon exiting the house.

“It seems Duskull was in charge of the rain as well. It must have sensed we were near and wanted to play,” Kyoko spoke softly.

Jacob walked forward on the dirt path and squinted through the trees, “Guys… I can see Iridale Town!” he announced excitedly and took off in a sprint.

Russo and Aries chuckled as Kyoko looked back at the inn. Russo walked off in Jacob’s direction as Aries turned and walked to Kyoko’s side.

“Something up Kyoko?” she asked.

Kyoko cocked his glasses, “I don’t think that Duskull meant us any harm. It could have easily hurt us, but didn’t. I feel…” he began, but couldn’t seem to find what he was going to say.

Aries smirked and looked back at Jacob sprinting off towards Iridale town. “You feel sad because you allowed us to attack it. Don’t worry, I’m sure its fine,” she answered.

Kyoko turned and left the grounds of the inn with Aries silently. He continued thinking about harming the Duskull when it seemed as though it only wanted to play and was acting naturally.

As they left, Duskull peeked through a small slit through the wood in the wall and watched as the first visitors to the Hillshire Inn in quite a long time, departed on their own journey, wishing that it too could leave and explore Accelia.

Spoiler: CHAPTER 11 PREVIEW

Jacob's Mom: Hi Sweetie!
Jacob: Mom?!
Professor Oswald: Hello there!
Jacob: Professor?!
Aipom: Aipa!
Jacob: Oh, hey Aipom. Not really surprised to see you here.
Aipom: Ai-Papa!
Jacob: Next time, A Mother's Surprise !
Jacob's Mom: Aren't you happy to see me?
Jacob: Of course I am... just surprised is all.

 

[Jaypom]

Chapter 11:
A Mother's Surprise!
Version 2 Released March 2nd, 2017​

With the odd rain finally cleared, Jacob and the others have discovered they were much closer to Iridale Town than they had thought! Now, the group heads to the Pokemon Center to check in for Jacob’s upcoming contest!

Russo, Aries, and Kyoko all caught up to Jacob who awaited them eagerly outside the entrance to Iridale Town. They gathered around him and entered the town in unison.

Kyoko held up a finger and spoke softly, “Iridale Town. The name comes from irrigation, in reference to the sewage plant downhill of town,” he informed.

Aries grit her teeth and looked away disgustedly, “Did not need to know that, Kyoko.”

Kyoko lowered his hand, “I just thought I would inform you. I know all about the history of Accelia since my aunt supplied me with various books.”

Russo and Jacob were walking a little further ahead of Kyoko and Aries due to their longer legs taking larger steps. Russo looked back, “That’s great Kyoko, but you don’t need to tell us things like that all the time.”

Jacob poked his lips out, “Well I thought it was interesting,” he defended.

Aipom nodded in agreement.

Before they had realized it, the group had arrived at the Pokemon Center! They entered and were greeted by an overwhelmed Nurse Joy.

“Hello! Welcome to my center. If you would all be so kind as to wait while I take care of a bit of work and I’ll be right with you,” she shouted as she ran into a backroom with her Cinccino in hot pursuit.

“Wonder what’s the problem?” Aries asked.

Jacob looked around the center, taking in the details of his minor home for the next few days. It wasn’t anything like his house in Ichigo Town, but it would do for the time being.

Aries slid her backpack off and slumped down on a couch in the lobby of the center. “We might as well relax if Nurse Joy is busy.”

Aipom looked over and jumped off Jacob’s shoulder. It crawled over and sat down next to Aries, taking her advice.

Kyoko took a seat next to her and began looking around on his Town Map while Russo and Jacob continued looking around the lobby.

Nurse Joy quickly came out to her desk to grab a file and noticed the trainers once more. She squinted and recognized Jacob’s curly hair, having been asked to look for someone with his description. “Excuse me, are you by any chance named Jacob and from Ichigo Town?” she called out, slightly out of breath.

Jacob looked over, “Yeah, that’s me. Is there a problem?” he asked worriedly.

Nurse Joy shook her head, “No, no. I just have a message asking you to call someone… actually a few people,” she replied and quickly ran over to hand him a note before returning to the back room.

Jacob looked down at the note and recognized one of the numbers immediately… his mother! He quickly ran over to a nearby video phone booth and punched in his recipient’s phone number.

The video phone booth was a medium-sized, green kiosk that allowed people to make video calls on a larger screen than their phones.

The monitor of the kiosk made a ringing sound and showed a turning Pokeball as the call rang for the other side. The monitor turned white and loaded a live video feed to an orange background, where his mother stood and smiled at him through her camera. “Jacob, you got my message! How are you sweetie, I was hoping to hear from you soon?” she asked.

Russo leaned over Jacob’s shoulder and looked into the camera, “Who’s that?” he asked.

Jacob’s mother looked at Russo, “Oh hello, are you one of Jacob’s friends? I’m his mother, Barbara, but you are welcome to call me Babs,” she replied to Russo and bowed slightly.

Aries and Kyoko both joined them, with Aipom crawling up Jacob’s pants and up onto his shoulder.

“So that’s your mom?” Aries asked, pushing Jacob and Russo away from the camera.

“Nice to meet you,” Kyoko said as he cocked his glasses and waved blankly.

Jacob pushed them to the side a little and regained his position in front of the camera. “These are my friends, Russo, Aries, and Kyoko. We’re traveling together through Accelia. We met on my way here and just seemed to click I guess,” he announced. He leaned in and noticed the background had begun to move and his mother’s camera slightly wobble. “Uh… mom? Why is your camera shaking?”

His mother chuckled slightly as she turned off her phone.

Jacob gasped and leaned in towards the camera. “Mom?! Mom!” he shouted.

Russo elbowed him and pointed towards the door.

Jacob turned around and was shocked to see his mother standing in the lobby of the center with a Pokemon at her side.

The group walked over and Jacob greeted his mother with a big hug, having not seen her in about a week.

Babs stood before Jacob’s friends and smiled kindly. She was a mildly aged woman in her late fifties. She had short, straight, thin blond hair that was opposite of Jacob’s medium length, curly, brown hair. She was average height and weight and had a motherly glow. She was dressed in a white, knitted, sweater, that she had made herself, and had on dark, blue denim jeans with dark maroon flats that matched a stripe that ran across the center of her sweater. “It’s so nice that you made friends, Jacob” she replied.

The Pokemon at her side nodded, “Furret” it murmured gracefully.

Jacob grinned happily and ran over to hug his mother’s Pokemon with Aipom. He looked back at his friends, “This Furret is actually my Aipom’s father!” he announced and smiled at Furret once again.

Furret rubbed its head against Jacob and then nuzzled Aipom’s head.

Aipom blushed and then crawled back onto Jacob’s shoulder as he stood up.

Babs walked over and shook Jacob’s friends’ hands. “It’s nice that you are all traveling together. I remember when I went on my journey with Jacob’s father. Enough about him though, I want to hear about all that you have experienced!” she said and gripped Jacob’s hands, glad to see her child was safe.

“So, his father didn’t come?” Aries asked, wondering about his absence.

Babs smiled slightly, “Well… he’s not really into the whole contest scene. I came alone because my baby is competing in his first contest!” she shouted excitedly and pinched Jacob’s cheeks.

Jacob pulled her hands away from his cheeks and rubbed them, feeling a slight twang from her pulling.

“It’s nice to meet you,” Russo said, scratching the back of his head. He didn’t really enjoy talking to many adults far older than him.

“Pardon me asking ma’am, but if Furret is Aipom’s father, where is its mother?” Kyoko asked.

“My Mother, Jacob’s Grandmother, owns an Ambipom which is Aipom’s mother. They live together on the Southern Accelia Coast. I actually wanted to bring Janna, my mother, along but she’s going to watch from her TV instead. She hopes you come visit her soon though,” she answered to Russo and then spoke to Jacob.

“Well this is all great, Jacob. We get to learn so much about you. Tell me, Babs, do you have any baby pictures?” Aries teased.

Jacob’s face turned red, “Aries!” he whined.

“Of course,” Babs replied and immediately took out her phone to show his friends.

Jacob shoved his mother’s phone back into her purse, “Please don’t!” he begged.

“Oh, Jacob, don’t you have another call?” Kyoko asked as he cocked his glasses.

Jacob quickly looked down at Nurse Joy’s note and remembered the second person he had to call. He didn’t recognize the number and showed it to his mother.

“That’s Professor Oswald’s number. He called me a few days ago, to see how your journey was going, but I haven’t heard from you since you left. So, I told him to call the center since who knows when you answer your darn phone,” Babs replied.

Russo’s eyes narrowed, “Professor…” he murmured to himself.

Jacob nodded at his mother’s response and walked over to the kiosk to make his call. He punched in Professor Oswald’s number and awaited the call to connect.

The kiosk immediately returned the call and Jacob was met with a large eye staring at him through the video monitor!

Jacob and his friends, minus Kyoko and Babs, jumped back.

“Gah! Professor?” Jacob asked, slightly frightened from not expecting to see a large eye staring at him.

The eye shrunk back into an elderly man’s face. He was about the same age as Babs, but had severely white hair that was brought on from years of stress in the science community. He was tall, thin, and quite frail looking. He wore thick, coke-bottle glasses and a mismatched outfit under his lab coat with clashing stripes going all sorts of ways. He cocked his head, “You must be Jacob?” he asked, “My, my, you are so much older than I remember!”

“That’s because you haven’t seen him in over 15 years Oswald!” Babs teased from the background.

“That would make sense,” Professor Oswald replied, going along with Babs’ response. “I see you’re visiting your son then?” he shouted through the monitor, making sure Babs could hear him.

“Shhh, quite down,” she yelled back. Her attitude with him was much different than how she was with her son and his friends.

As she and Oswald briefly chatted, Aries whispered to Jacob. “She acts a lot differently with him than she was with us. Are they old friends?”

Jacob nodded, “When she said she went on a journey with my father, she went with Professor Oswald as well. I suppose she hasn’t talked with him in quite a while.”

Professor Oswald cleared his throat, “Now then, Jacob?”

Jacob scooted his way back to the video monitor, “Yes Professor?” he asked. He had never met Oswald, at least not that he could remember.

“I was just calling to see how well my Pokedex was working for you? Your model has an A.I. unit installed that is my own creation and I was hoping to get some feedback and a review of your journey so far, if you wouldn’t mind.” he asked in the name of science.

“Well, I guess the Pokedex A.I. certainly has character,” Jacob began. “As for my journey, I’ve already caught one Pokemon and have just arrived in Iridale Town for my first contest! I’ve even met some traveling companions,” he added and pointed to Russo, Aries, and Kyoko.

Professor Oswald blinked and lowered his glasses, “Russo?” he asked.

Russo sighed and looked away.

“Russo…” Professor Oswald spoke again.

Russo rolled his eyes and looked into the camera, “Hey… Professor,” he murmured.

“Wait, wait, is this the boy you’ve told me about?” Babs asked from behind Aries and Kyoko.

Russo sighed and turned away, “Look, I’m traveling with people like you wanted. Get off my back okay?” he groaned.

“I’m so lost…” Jacob whispered to Aipom.

“I’ve known Russo since he was a young boy, and I practically raised him. My lab is here in Zilonia City, which I’m sure you know is Russo’s hometown,” Oswald informed. “I raised him to be a fine young man if I do say so myself.”

“Well… that’s one way of putting it,” Aries chuckled, noting that Russo’s grumpy nature doesn’t bode well for Professor Oswald’s makeshift parenting.

“Anywho, I’m glad you are enjoying your journey and the Pokedex. I’m always here with information if you need anything. I must be going though, I have a burrito in the oven that I can’t miss out on. Ciao!” Oswald concluded and quickly hung up.

Aries slyly slid up to Russo, “Soooo… you didn’t tell us the famous Professor Oswald was your dad?”

Russo looked at her angrily, “He’s not my dad!” he shouted and left the group to explore the town.

Aries watched him head for the door, “I didn’t mean to make him angry,” she murmurred to her friends.

As Russo reached the door, the lights in the center quickly flicked off.

Everyone looked around worriedly, not understanding why the power had gone out.

The sun had already set while everyone was conversing, so the Pokemon Center was quite dark.

“Oh my, this is not good,” Babs said as she covered her mouth with her hand worriedly.

Suddenly, a blood curdling scream filled the dead silent Pokemon Center.

Everyone looked towards the origin of the scream, which was the back room where Nurse Joy had gone to do her work! They walked over and slowly peaked inside the room, hoping not to break some sort of protocol. As the door creaked open slightly, they gasped in horror!

A large, purple glob was slugging about the room and trashing all things in its path. It vigorously punched a shelf and threw a chair into a wall. “Muuuuuuuukkkk!” it roared angrily.

“What the heck is that?” Jacob asked as he took out his Pokedex to scan it.

The Pokedex beeped once and began feeding information. “Muk, the Sludge Pokemon. Muk live in the pollution produced by sewage. They creep through drain pipes in order to absorb more waste.”

Jacob put his Pokedex away as Babs pointed up at a pipe hanging from the ceiling.

“Up there!” she called.

Nurse Joy came running from behind a desk with her Cinccino behind her, “I was working at my desk when the pipe broke! That Muk slide out and suddenly began attacking everything in sight. It even knocked out the power during the fall when one of the pipes fell and crashed into the power box,” she informed the group.

Muk turned and looked at them angrily. It slugged forward and prepared to attack them.

“I just thought I should inform- “Kyoko began.

“Not now!” Russo shouted angrily, cutting him off. He quickly tossed out his Beldum from its Pokeball and ordered it to attack.

Beldum sped forward and slammed into Muk, but got stuck inside the goop that was Muk’s body.

Russo held another Pokeball to assist Beldum but was stopped by Kyoko.

Kyoko cocked his glasses and asserted himself, “Muk’s body is made out of a sludge that absorbs things it runs over as well as resists water. It lives near sewage facilities like the one south of Iridale Town. It most likely was going through the pipes when it fell through and became frightened and confused.”

“So, we shouldn’t be attacking it when its scared,” Aries finished, smiling at Kyoko.

Kyoko nodded, “Precisely. We are best off lifting it out of the center and into a body of water to make its way back home.”

Jacob stepped forward, “Then leave that to me! Ralts, Center Stage!” Jacob announced and tossed Ralts’ Pokeball into the air.

Ralts spun around elegantly and landed on the ground, ready for Jacob’s strategy.

“How cute! You caught yourself a Ralts,” Babs swooned as she knelt down and pat Ralts on the head.

Ralts grinned up at Babs, liking her gentle nature.

“Ok Ralts, use Confusion and lift Muk up into the air,” Jacob asked.

Ralts turned and looked at Muk. Its eye turned a light blue and suddenly surrounded Muk in a blue aura. Ralts raised its hands and lifted Muk off the ground with its psychic energy, allowing Beldum to slide out of Muk’s sludgy body and back to Russo.

Muk looked around worriedly, not sure about what was happening. “Muk?” it grunted.

Aipom jumped off Jacob’s shoulder and crawled over to Muk. It looked up and began speaking to it, “Aipa! Ai-Ai-Pom-Ah, Pom-Ai-Pom!”

Muk nodded, understanding that Aipom was telling it that the trainers are only helping it.

Ralts lifted Muk higher and higher into the air, finally letting it make contact with the broken pipe that served as Muk’s entrance.

“Good idea Ralts, it can go back the way it came in and find its home more easily,” Jacob cheered.

Muk gazed into the pipe and immediately slid inside, with its sludge body allowing it to thin itself out to fit into the small tube. And just like that, Muk had exited the building.

Nurse Joy stood up straight, “Oh wow, thank you for your help. That Muk really took me by surprise,” she thanked and walked to the power box to flip the power back on, filling the room and Pokemon Center with light once again.

Everyone, minus Kyoko and Russo, clapped with the excitement of the returning power.

“Now then, would you all like a room? I’ve finished up my work for the day and would be glad to check you all in,” Nurse Joy asked.

After a few moments, Jacob and the others were checked into their rooms.

Babs had already booked a fancy hotel room for her and Furret to stay in for the night, planning to leave after Jacob’s contest the day after tomorrow. She waved goodbye, giving one last hug to her son, and exited the center for the night as Jacob and the others made their way to their room. As she left, she thought to herself, “I’m so proud that he’s found himself a nice group of friends.” She patted her Furret on the head and made her way to her hotel as the stars watched over the town that was about to come alive with coordinators.

Spoiler: CHAPTER 12 PREVIEW

Jacob: Wow, it's finally time for my first contest!
Babs: Best of luck, sweetie!
Aries: Yeah, good luck, Jacob!
Villa: You'll have to go through me first.
Olivielle: And me!
Jacob: Oh great, you're both here...
Jacob: Next time, Chapter 12 - Shine Your Way to Stardom, Part One!
Babs: Oh are these your friends?
Jacob: Not in the slightest...
Villa: Now that's just cold.
Olivielle: What have we ever done to you?

 

[Jaypom]

Chapter 12:​

Shine Your Way To Stardom! (Part 1)
Version 2 Released March 9th, 2017​

Less than 24 hours remain until the Iridale Contest begins. Jacob still has to enter his contest, but not before he is greeted by more people of the past.


Jacob stood his ground as he waited in line to enter the Iridale Contest. It had already been twenty hours, and he had been up for hours to put the finishing touches on his performance. He gnawed away at his nails as he stressfully imagined not being able to register.

Aipom was hanging eagerly above Jacob on the structure bars for the tent possessing the entrance line. It swung from side to side, wanting to play with Jacob.

Jacob didn’t look up at it. Instead, he stared at the feet of the person in front of him, waiting for them to inch ever so slightly closer to his destination.

The person at the front of the line finally finished their registration and left with a big grin on their face.

Jacob sighed as Aipom slipped off the bars and fell onto Jacob. He held Aipom in his arms and looked around, his face turning minorly red out of embarrassment. “Chill out, Aipom, we don’t want to embarrass ourselves,” he whispered.

Aipom nodded and hopped out of his grip. It crawled along the ground and plopped down in a ray of sunlight peeking through a hole in the roof of the tent.

The line began to move slightly faster, and after another half hour of waiting, Jacob finally made it to the registration desk!

“I’d like to enter the contest, please,” Jacob asked, sliding his trainer ID and Pokedex onto the counter.

The receptionist popped her gum and slid Jacob’s ID through a slot on her computer, entering his information into the contest registry. “I see you know what we need even though you’re a noob,” she teased. She returned his ID and then inserted his Pokedex into a slot below her computer, completing the registration. “Most people don’t know what we need so thank god that was much quicker than the bimbo from earlier,” she muttered and returned his Pokedex. “You’ll need to arrive tomorrow at 11AM to receive your performance timeslot and the rest you’ll learn if you make it through. Best of luck,” she spoke and called for the next person in line.

Jacob quickly shuffled away and smiled to himself, “Thank god that’s done!” he announced, attracting attention to himself. He looked for Aipom and noticed it had disappeared from where it decided to nap! He glanced from side to side and crept forward, hoping it hadn’t gone far.

“So…. CUTE!” squealed a high-pitched voice.

Jacob turned towards the squealing and shuddered at the sight of Villa rubbing her cheek against an extremely uncomfortable Aipom. He walked over and yanked it away from Villa, rightfully returning Aipom to its place on Jacob’s shoulder. “What’s your problem?” he groaned.

Villa blinked and look Jacob up and down, not recognizing him from their prior encounter. “Who are you?” she asked, confused.

Jacob rolled his eyes and turned to leave but ran straight into Hilda, Villa’s massive body guard! Jacob backed away and scratched his head as Hilda glared down at him silently. “Oh wow, hi again…” he managed to choke out, fearing for his life.

Hilda walked, stomping for any regular person, over to Villa’s side and crossed her arms. “This is the Aipom’s trainer, named Jacob. Don’t you remember?” she grunted to Villa.

Villa tapped her chin, “I… suppose I do. I definitely remember that adorable Aipom though!” she chirped and stepped forward to snatch it away from Jacob before he backed away slightly farther.

“Well, it was great catching up but I have somewhere to be…” Jacob replied and quickly ran off before she could attempt any felonies. He rounded a corner and hid in the shadows of an alleyway.

Aipom leaned forward and looked at Jacob, “Aipa?” it asked.

Jacob smiled and scratched Aipom behind it’s ears. “It’s alright. I just haven’t forgiven her for trying to take you the last time we met her… and apparently this time as well…” he replied and exited the alley with his recomposed self. He stepped forward again but ran into another familiar face heading for the registration line! He looked at the girl and gasped, “I’m sorry!”

The girl brushed off her cardigan and flipped her hand through her long blond hair, then glared at Jacob with her deep purple eyes. “Watch where you are go-” she began before she stopped and recognized Jacob.

Jacob looked her up and down and remembered it was Olivielle!

Olivielle lowered her hand and silently walked away, continuing on towards the registration line.

Jacob was hoping to at least talk to her, since she was somewhat friendlier than Villa, and was slightly offended when she took off without a simple hello. He sighed and headed for his mother’s hotel now that the sun was beginning to set. He reached the small, three-story building and headed up to her room.

Babs immediately opened the door before Jacob could even knock, expecting him at that moment to arrive. “Come in sweetie!” she directed kindly.

Jacob walked in and took a seat on her bed, staring out the window towards the setting orange sun.

Babs’ Furret scurried up to them and curled up in Jacob’s lap as Aipom crawled down and took a spot next to Jacob for it to rest as well.

Babs scrambled through her drawer in search of something for Jacob, but refused to tell him what it was. She finally managed to find her treasure and walked over to Jacob with her hands clasped around it. “Sweetie, this is for you. I meant to give it to you before you left, but I completely forgot,” she spoke and held her hands forward, revealing a small, homemade necklace.

The necklace was made from a metallic wire that encased a glistening, Aipom purple crystal. It shined as the sunset’s light made contact and created little specs of light on the walls of the hotel room.

Babs handed the necklace to Jacob and kissed him on the head, “I really am proud of you Jacob. I found this jewel in a cave outside of Ichigo Town and immediately thought of you and Aipom with the beautiful purple coloring.”

Jacob held the necklace in his hand and smiled, touched by his mother’s kind gift. He jumped up and hugged her tightly, “Thank you, Mom,” he replied.



The next day, Aries shook Jacob’s bed, trying to wake him up with him oversleeping once again! “Wake up, you’re going to be late!” she cried worriedly.

Jacob didn’t respond.

She angrily ripped the sheets off the bed and found that what she thought was Jacob, was actually a clump of pillows! “He… he’s awake?” she wondered and looked around.

Kyoko sat in a corner and silently pointed towards the bathroom, where Jacob emerged from the doorway in his contest outfit.

It greatly resembled a top coordinator’s outfit from the Hoenn region. It was a red leather jacket with multiple zippers coating it that served no purpose other than appeal. He wore slightly rolled up, black denim jeans that were shredded up towards his mid-thigh. His shoes were matching, red converse and his hair was gelled to help bring out the curls in greater detail. He spun in place and posed for his friends, “What do you both think?” he asked.

Aries crossed her arms and leaned to the side, smirking. “I’m just surprised you got up without anyone knowing. Great outfit!”

Aipom was sitting on the floor beside Jacob. It nodded in agreement with Aries and climbed up onto Jacob’s shoulder.

Jacob turned around once again, with his mother’s gift clanking against one of the zippers. He held it forwards to show it off, “My mom gave me this last night for good luck,” he bragged. He looked around, noticing there was a slightly less amount of grumpiness in the room. “Where’s Russo?” he asked.

Kyoko cocked his glasses and stood up, “He went to the contest arena to save us some seats. Your mother came by as well and went with him, so you technically are still late…” he replied.

Jacob sighed and darted for the door, “Then, we should get going!” he announced and immediately took off for the arena with Aries and Kyoko following behind.



In the arena, Russo sat leaning back in his chair and looking up at the ceiling.

Babs sat quietly next to him and was taking in the sights of the crowd. “More people seem to be into contests nowadays.”

Russo glanced an eye at her and then returned to his staring.

Babs leaned backwards as well, allowing her Furret to crawl up on her lap. “So… you’re the boy who Oswald took in?” she asked.

Russo tsked, giving her the answer to her question.

Babs smirked, “Well aren’t you the silent bad boy then,” she chuckled. “You know, Oswald is quite a caring man despite getting absent minded every so often. I’m sure he was the best parent he co-”

“He’s not my parent,” Russo interrupted.

Babs paused and stared at him. “You know, when I was with Jacob yesterday, he spoke an awful lot about you. You put on this ‘bad boy’ exterior, but you are actually quite nice. Your friends Aries and Kyoko have said the same thing, so why are you acting like this?”

Russo stayed silent, looking away from her. He didn’t enjoy getting analyzed like this when it was already annoying enough dealing with Kyoko’s personality.

Babs smirked again, “Well, as long as you don’t disrespect my child I have no issue with you,” she finished as Aries and Kyoko came down and joined them.

Aries sat down next to Babs and Kyoko took a seat next to Aries, leaving Russo on the end to sulk. “Jacob was going to come down and say hello, but he got taken away as soon as he walked in the door. I guess they were waiting for him,” Aries informed.

Back behind the stage was a large dressing room area where coordinators could rest between their performances.

Jacob was pushed through the doors and left to wait for his turn to perform. He looked around at his competition, noting a few people that he recognized from previous contests he saw on television. Suddenly, Villa’s laugh filled his eardrums and sent a shiver down his spine. He looked over and saw her sitting in front of a vanity applying her make-up.

Villa’s contest outfit was a long, bubblegum pink evening gown that faded into white towards the bottom quarter. Her hair was done up into one ponytail, different from her normal two pigtails, but still retained their twister-like curves. She also had pat a faint amount of glitter on her cheeks, to match the subtle sparkle of her dress, as well as a pair of white gloves going from the middle of her upper arm to her fingertips.

Jacob debated speaking to her, but figured she would notice him at some point. He took a seat on a bench near the entrance, having a great view of a large TV-monitor that showed a live feed of the contest stage.

The lights in the arena dimmed and the crowd silenced as a snazzy dressed man took the stage. He was middle-aged, like Jacob’s mother, and has slightly greyed hair bunched into a black top-hat. He wore a sleek, black suit and bow tie with a matching black and white wand a magician would use. His shoes were a pitch-black leather and clicked as he took to the center of the stage and bowed before the crowd with a spotlight shining down on him. “Ladies, gentlemen, and all those in-between” he roared, “welcome to the Iridale Pokemon Contest! I’m your host, Maxim Rhapsody!”

“Ching!” chimed a small, yellow ball Pokemon that appeared from behind him.

Jacob took out his Pokedex from his pocket and scanned it.

The Pokedex beeped once and began feeding information. “Chingling, the Bell Pokemon. Chingling have a tiny bell in the back of their throat that rings as it bounces around, creating different melodies with each movement.”

Jacob lowered his Pokedex and returned to listening to Maxim.

“Now then, I’ll be explaining how the contests work for our new guests. Currently, there are 12 competitors for the contest today. Each one will perform for you today where you will all then cast your votes for your favorite performance. The top four scorers will move onto the semi-final battle stages. The winners of that stage will battle in the finals where the ultimate winner will take home this,” he explained and held up a glistening, coffee-brown ribbon with a silver pentagon crest at the center.

The audience cheered as Maxim headed to the side of the stage for their first performer.

Maxim held up his hand and pointed towards the slowly opening curtains, “First up is Performer #1, Olivielle of Putria City!” he announced.

The curtains slide open and Olivielle darted out onto the stage, dressed in a purple and black, gothic-styled corset dress with matching black lace-boots that went up to her mid-thigh. Her hair was fishtail-braided and hanging off her shoulder.

The crowd clapped and awaited for what Olivielle had in store for them.

Olivielle held a Pokeball into the air and spun it upwards, “Dustox, it’s show time!”

The Pokeball popped open and released a flurry of purple, cherry blossom petals and a purple and green moth-like Pokemon onto the stage.

Jacob’s Pokedex beeped once again and began giving him information, not waiting for Jacob’s asking. “Dustox, the Poison Moth Pokemon, and an evolved form of Wurmple. Dustox are attracted to sources of light, but have problems seeking it with being a nocturnal Pokemon.”

Dustox flapped its wings and fluttered about the stage, releasing sparkles with every flap.

“Dustox, use Poison Sting and then Light Screen!” Olivielle ordered, moving to the center of the stage.

Dustox flew above Olivielle and shot out neon-purple needles into the air that arched and began falling towards Olivielle. Dustox then quickly flew below the falling Poison Sting and created a thin, yellow barrier that caused the Poison Sting to disperse into sparkles as the attacks collided.

Olivielle ran her hair along her braid and orders the final combination. “Use Silver Wind and then Moonlight!”

Dustox gave a large flap from its wings that created a hurricane of sparkling, gray wind that created a vortex around it and Olivielle. It’s body then grew as white as a full moon and emitted a pulse of light that disperse the vortex and created a beautiful cloud of glistening dust around it and its trainer, sending the crowd into an uproar!

Olivielle bowed and lifted her hand for Dustox to land for a rest before returning behind the stage.

Maxim headed back out and allowed the crowd to finish cheering. “What an amazingly mysterious performance from Olivielle, showing the beauty of a Poison Type Pokemon, but I expected nothing less from a resident of the Poison-Type capital of the Pokemon World!”

Jacob leaned back in his seat as Aipom looked around the room with the performers shuffling around and mingling. “She was pretty good, especially with that Dustox pulling off those amazing combinations. I hope we can do the same…” he spoke to Aipom.

Aipom looked up at Jacob and smiled, then climbed up onto the bench and took a seat as Villa noticed them.

Villa glided over and leaned down to look the two up and down, “I see you both got here. You’re not talking to anyone?” she asked slyly.

“Maybe I prefer sitting here alone?” Jacob replied.

Villa cackled, “Whatever, everyone knows that the winners of contests are partly based on popularity. If you aren’t talking to people and getting attention, you won’t get a good score. The audience decides if you should even be considered for the ribbon at stake, and if you don’t start socializing, you won’t get very far.”

Jacob crossed his arms and looked away, “Like I’m taking advice from you.”

Villa tsked, “Now that was just plain rude, I was trying to be helpful but you’re just no fun if you won’t even talk to me.”

Jacob stood up and allowed Aipom to crawl up onto his shoulder, “It’s because I don’t trust you. After you tried to forcefully take my Aipom, that pretty much assured me you are someone I can’t get along with.” He attempted to pass her but she stopped him with her hand.

“Don’t cross me kid, I always get what I want,” she replied before leaving to mingle with other coordinators.

Jacob watched her as she left, wondering what exactly she wanted in the long run. He sighed and moved to a new seat to watch as the second performer finished their act.

Olivielle entered the backstage area and noticed Jacob.

Jacob noticed her as well and wondered how she would treat him. She was snobby, but not as much as Villa seemed to be.

Olivielle looked away and stuck her nose in the air, confirming she was going to be a snob after all. She walked over and put her hands on her hips, then cleared her throat.

Jacob and Aipom sat waiting for her to say something, but as a few minutes passed they realized she was fishing for a compliment. He sighed and scratched the back of his head, “I… I guess I liked your performance? You did a really nice job of showing off your Dustox with the eerie atmosphere.”

Olivielle smirked, satisfied with Jacob’s kind words. “Thank you, since I’ve grown up around Poison Types I know the right way to show them off. I’ve raised it from a Wurmple actually.”

Villa watched bitterly as Jacob seemed to have a much kinder chat with Olivielle than her. She clenched her fist and exited the backstage area with her performance slot coming up now that the third performer was done.



The fourth, fifth and sixth performers fumbled through their acts. Jacob’s fan club of Russo, Aries, Kyoko, and his Mother watched as a seventh performer entered with a floating, blue Pokemon.

“This is a pretty great show, I wish I had gone to more as a kid,” Aries said to Babs.

“I’ve taken Jacob to so many, but I still enjoy watching the new trainers every new contest year. There weren’t this many back when I was a girl,” she replied, slowly petting her Furret’s head.

Kyoko cocked his glasses, “It seems to take a lot of skill to properly show off a Pokemon the way a coordinator does. Not something suited for someone like Russo,” he informed as Russo scoffed.

Aries stood up and grabbed Russo by the wrist, “We’ll be right back,” she informed the group and dragged Russo out of the rows of seats out onto the outer halls of the arena as the 7th performer wrapped up their performance. She slammed him into a wall, not even phasing him, “What is with you?” she shouted.

Russo was shocked at her assertion, but didn’t show it. “What are you talking about?”

Aries stood back and crossed her arms, “You’ve been pouty ever since that talk with Professor Oswald. We’ve known you to be emo like this before, but not this much. So, spill the beans because we are missing the performances.”

Russo kept his hands in his pockets and sighed. “I don’t like talking about it, but if you’re going to be like this… When I was younger, my parents left me in Zilonia City. I was under my uncle’s care for a while, but then he left me too. My family just kept leaving me, and I never knew why. The Professor took me in… and yeah, I’m greatful… but I can’t get over the fact not even my own family wanted me…”

Aries grew saddened, understanding how he felt about a family not wanting their child. She heard Maxim end the 8th performer’s act and introduce the 9th. “Do you know why they left?” she asked.

Russo lowered his head, “No… nobody does…” he replied. He then took out a small locket from his jacket pocket, where he always had his right hand. He popped it open to reveal a picture of a toddler-Russo smiling with a Caterpie and a man and woman trying to hold him still for the picture. “This is all I have…” he replied, then quickly realized what he was saying and went back to his silent nature.

Aries felt bad for calling him out for his sulking. She nudged him on the arm, “Listen, I won’t tell anyone. Let’s head back and get ready for Jacob’s performance.”

Russo nodded and the two returned to their seats as the 9th performer finished their act, with Kyoko and Babs unaware of the newfound information on Russo.



Backstage, Jacob stood with Olivielle as they watched Villa enter the stage for her performance.

Maxim held his hand up to introduce Villa, “Now we have Performer #10, Villa of Port City!”

Villa curtsied for her audience and laughed, “Yes, yes, tis I! Now Yamask, let’s dazzle!” she announced and spun around in her dress as she tossed a Pokeball into the air.

The Pokeball popped open and released a thick, black fog onto the stage.

As the fog cleared, a small, black, spirit-like Pokemon appeared and stuck its tongue out cutely toward the audience.

Jacob felt his Pokedex turn on in his pocket to save itself the time of getting pulled out. “Yamask, the Spirit Pokemon. Yamask hold a mask of the body it once had,” the Pokedex informed.

Jacob stumbled back, “IT ONCE HAD? THAT THING WAS ONCE DEAD?” he shouted, surprised with Yamask’s dark history.

Yamask twirled in place and awaited Villa’s commands.

Villa stuck out a gloved finger, “Yamask, use Wil-O-Wisp and then Psychic!”

Yamask clasped its hands together and created a blue orb of fire, then tossed it into the air. It repeated this motion to create seven total wisps that were then controlled by Yamask’s mind via Psychic, causing Yamask’s eyes to glow pink.

The Wil-O-Wisps danced across the stage and out over the audience, representing playful spirits risen from the dead.

The crowd was in awe, while Jacob was definitely creeped out.

“She’s… basically doing some ghost summoning ritual and I don’t get how people can like it?” he whispered to Olivielle.

Olivielle ran her hand along her braid and flipped it slightly. “She’s showing off the control of Yamask’s Psychic, as well as the brilliant color combination of Psychic’s pink aura and Wil-O-Wisp’s blue flames. It’s actually pretty astounding.”

Jacob couldn’t believe someone was complimenting her, but he did have to agree once he understood why the audience was impressed by the act.

Yamask returned the Wil-O-Wisps into a straight line in the air above the front of the stage.

“Finish with Nightmare,” Villa commanded as she held a hand over her face overdramatically.

Yamask closed its eyes and gathered all the dark energy it could. Suddenly, black and red tentacles grew from out of Yamask, amazing the audience and sending them into a small cheer. Yamask sent the tentacles upwards and through the Wil-O-Wisps, dispersing the flames and creating tiny blue embers that gently rained onto the audience without damaging any of them.

Maxim returned to the stage clapping, “An amazing Hex ceremony by Villa, thank you very much!”

Villa blushed and twirled for the audience once again, “Why, thank you! I adore all my fans,” she replied gracefully.

“Adore?” Jacob muttered, amazed by her change in personality. He noted that she was getting a lot of attention from the watchers, making him think about what she had mentioned earlier. He realized he was almost up to perform and turned to leave as Olivielle watched slyly. He looked back at her.

Olivielle smirked, “You know, if you do well enough, I’m sure we can settle the match we had before. The only difference will be that I’ll win.”

Jacob felt invigorated by her challenge, knowing she intended to be snobby. He smiled back at her brightly, “Thanks for the words of encouragement!” he replied and then ran off excitedly to take his place on the side of the stage as the 13th performer took their spot.

As he left the backstage and headed down a small hallway to where the performers would enter the stage, Villa approached him. She was smiling as though she knew something she didn’t.

Jacob stopped and Aipom hopped off his shoulder. “Your performance was pretty cool… aside from the fact your theme was a little scary.”

Villa ignored him and proceeded past him.

Jacob thought she was going to say something, so it came as a surprise she decided to ignore him.

As he left, she called out to him. “You better make it through, because I’m determined to show you my strength in battle.”

Jacob looked back at her and wanted to respond, but she had disappeared. He smiled, touched that he seemed to have rivals wanting to challenge him in contests. He continued on and reached the side entrance to the main stage as the 11th contestant wrapped up their performance. He took a deep breath and looked down at Aipom and smiled nervously.

Aipom held its hands up as though it were clenching fists. “Aipa!” it encourage.

Jacob knelt down and rubbed Aipom on the head, “Thanks for wishing me luck, but we are both in this together. Let’s put on a good show okay?” he asked.

Aipom nodded and then shuddered as Jacob took out its Pokeball.

Jacob laughed, “It’ll only be for a little bit. Less than 30 seconds, okay?”

Aipom nodded worriedly and hit its head on the center button of the Pokeball, heading inside much to its dismay.

Jacob quickly put on the ball capsule and awaited Maxim to announce his entrance.

Maxim pointed to the side of the stage towards Jacob, “And now… our final contestant of the day. Let’s welcome Performer #12, Jacob of Ichigo Town!”

Jacob hustled onto the stage and stared out into the crowd. He could only make out a few people with the spotlight beaming directly into his eyes. He noted the crowd was silent, wishing he got a standing ovation. He gulped, turned around, and made of pose where one hand was on his hip and one hand created a V from two of his fingers and were held in front of his eyes. He felt like Sailor Moon, but it seemed to do the trick when the audience started applauding. He smiled brightly and tossed Aipom’s Pokeball into the air. “Aipom, center stage!”

The Pokeball spun upwards and popped open, releasing a flurry of rainbow colored stars.

Aipom appeared from the flurry as it rode on one down to the stage floor where it landed and posed with Jacob.

“Okay Aipom, use Swift!” he began.

Aipom held its tail into the air and began charging energy into its tail, building suspense as the audience awaited its movements. After a few moments, it jumped onto its hands and did a handstand as it flicked its tail like a slingshot, creating a storm of large yellow stars.

Jacob quickly picked up Aipom and tossed it onto a star as he did the same, and began riding on top of a star around the stage as Aipom did so as well. He twirled around and created a sprinkle of sparkles over the audience with him daring enough to head over his watchers.

The crowd’s jaws dropped as Jacob rode around like an alien on a ship and Aipom racing around like a comet.

Jacob’s star maneuvered its way back to the stage as he jumped off and landed with his hands both held up in the air to catch Aipom. “Now, use Iron Tail!”

Aipom hopped off its star and charged its tail with steel energy, coating it in a metallic glow, and then slammed one of the stars into another. The hit created a domino effect that knocked each star into another, dispersing them into yellow sparkles that rained over the crowd in a gentle blizzard.

Aipom summersaulted downward and landed on Jacob’s held up hand, then posed alongside him to finish their performance as a silent audience gazed up at them.

Spoiler: CHAPTER 13 PREVIEW

Jacob: I'm terrified of the results. What if we didn't make it on?
Aries: Well, I suppose if you failed you can always become homeless and amount to nothing.
Jacob: That wasn't at all encouraging!
Russo: You had faith in me during my gym match, so we'll have faith in you.
Aries: Whoa... that was pretty deep of you Russo.
Russo: Gah, shut up!
Jacob: Next time, Shine Your Way to Stardom, Part Two!
Kyoko: Any sane viewer could figure out you made it on to the next round.
Aries: You can't just reference the audience, Kyoko!
Kyoko: I was talking about the ones here in the contest hall.
Aries: Oh... right...