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Cherish the Moments [PG-13]

Raine Caulwell

Calm Gardevoir
Well, I thought it progressed too fast. At first I thought, "wait. I thought this was a rejection fic. But then, it became clearer that Stephen doesn't know exactly what he wants, leaning towards, "I don't think I want this." Then again, maybe it was all just her emotions washing over him. The morning after the confession drove this home to me, even if he still doesn't understand it himself.

Personally, I wouldn't mind how the relationship ends up either way. However, I would prefer rejection. One, it doesn't seem out of character for Stephen. Two, it would be interesting to watch Jessica's emotional fallout. Three, no one ever does rejection that stays permanent in these fics (talk about originality). Now, I'm not you; and I don't pretend to know where you're going with this exactly. Don't change your story for my sake (assuming that it's well thought out in your notes). I just saw this and thought it to be unique and original in some way... I just hope I was right the first time.
 

TPJerematic

All I need is a hug!
Ok so no chapter 8, but i do have another one of those Character Bio's i have been planning to write.


Character Biography

Jessica

Gender: Female
Age: 20 (Received by Stephen aged 2)
Hair: Green, shoulder length and straight.
Eyes: Red
Home town: N/A, adopted Janham Town.

About:
Jessica is a very successful Pokémon trainer and the joint leader of the Möbius Gym in Redux City.

Jessica was hatched in Professor Aspen’s lab as part of the Professor’s study on Pokémon breeding. However unlike the other Pokémon in the study who were contempt with their lives as they were able to spend most of their time out in the huge grounds of the Lab and just accepted the hour of poking and prodding every day, Jessica wanted to get out of that Lab and see the rest of the world. As a result she became a little bit of a hell-raiser, regularly she would tear through the Lab smashing equipment and squeaking loudly before hiding in the air vents and throwing small things at the Lab technicians. However despite her unruly nature is was extremely shy around the Professor and would refuse to let the Professor touch her or do anything, she would simply run away and hide.

After a year and a half she was dropped from the study and was absorbed into the starter Pokémon aspect of the Lab. Every week several new trainers would come to the Lab to receive their first Pokémon. And every week Jessica would stand in the holding pen the non-standard starter Pokémon were corralled into. Jessica would stand in the corner which allowed a view of the entrance to the Lab where she would count the number of trainers against the number of standard starter Pokémon the Lab had available. Whenever there were more trainers than standard starters she would grow hopeful that one of the trainers in the group would be the right one to get her out and show her the world. Every now and again one of the trainers would choose her, however Jessica would have none of it and refused to even let the trainers touch her. It was at times like those Jessica was glad she was a psychic Pokémon who could sense emotions. She didn't want to be used for someone else’s glory. Too many of the trainers she saw wanted to use Pokémon for selfish gain.

This continued for 6 months, every trainer that was interested in Jessica only wanted her because they only wanted to battle, they didn't care about bonding or discovering things about Pokémon. Jessica started to become jaded to the situation. Eventually one day she decided the next trainer who chose her she would stick with, even if it was only to get out of the Lab.

One day she was in her spot counting the number of trainers, she was in luck there were too many trainers so she could be in with a chance to get out. Jessica scanned the crowd but only found the usual thoughts among the trainers. She waited for most of the day but to no avail, none of the trainers were interested in having a Ralts as their starter. As she sat in the pen she felt a jolt of emotion, looking up she saw another trainer desperately running towards the Lab. This one however was different, unlike the others the only thing he wanted was a Pokémon friend. Jessica sat watching the lab hoping for one of the lab technicians to come out with her Pokéball. However to her surprise it was Professor Aspen and he had a devious smile on his face as he beamed her back into the Pokéball. The next thing Jessica knew she was out on a desk with a young male trainer staring at her. She felt an explosion of emotion deep in her heart as she felt the purity of the boy, whose eyes were gleaming at the sight of the Ralts. This was the trainer she had been waiting for so long, all he wanted from her was a friend who he would only battle with if she wanted it. Jessica leapt at the boy grabbing onto his shirt and tried to hug him.

After leaving the Lab her new trainer, who was apparently called Stephen, held Jessica in his arms trying to think of a name for his new Pokémon. Eventually, with enough psychic prodding, Stephen was able to pick the name she had called herself for a long time. As they were about to leave Jessica saw Stephen holding up the Pokéball she was connected to however he didn't return her to it. Instead asking her if she want to stay out of the ball and ride on his shoulder. Jessica couldn’t refuse the offer and plonked herself on the new friends shoulder to watch the world with him.

For ten years Jessica faithfully served as one of the two mainstays of Stephen’s team, along with a certain Togekiss. After helping him to victories in Actopon, Sinnoh and Kanto, she couldn’t wait to explore the next region with him. However the Actopon League asked him to become a Gym Leader, and after 10 years Stephen didn’t want to make Jessica battle for him anymore so he accepted with her in mind.

While waiting for the Gym to be built Stephen took Jessica to one of the primary schools in Redux City. After explaining to the Head Teacher that he was the new Gym Leader and thought it would be an idea to show the younger children a fully developed Pokémon so that they could learn about them as a way of getting Jessica into a class with 5 year-olds who were learning how to speak, read and write. Jessica quickly picked up on the skills of language and would practice with Stephen at every possible moment. After a few months she had learnt more than enough to pass for a 10 year-old.

While Stephen was filling out some forms for the gym Jessica joked about becoming a trainer. Stephen decided to take the joke a little further and got her an application from. Jessica filled the form out and sent it off, thankfully it didn't require a photo for ID, fully expecting for it to be denied. However to her shock a couple of weeks later Jessica received her trainer’s licence.

After choosing a Piplup from the very lab she had spent the first two years of her life Jessica went on her own Journey covering the same ground she had done over the last 10 years with Stephen. After defeating the Glassacre and Davenport Gym’s she finally had the chance to battle her own trainer. After a ferocious battle Stephen finally yielded and accepted the defeat at the hands of Jessica. Jessica continued with her training and challenged the Actopon League. However she was unable to get past the last 16. Not giving up Jessica left to go Sinnoh and Kanto, where she was able to emulate her trainer and best friend and get her name on the champion’s trophy in both Sinnoh and Kanto. On returning from Kanto Stephen offered her a place next to him as the joint gym leader, a position she gladly accepted.


///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Ok sorry about the filler, chapter 8 is killing me at the moment.

I promice i will get it done by next week.


Edit: This post is this thread's meaning of life.
 

Raine Caulwell

Calm Gardevoir
Oh god, so sappy. Haha.

Oh well. What are you to do, no?
 

TPJerematic

All I need is a hug!
Oh god, so sappy. Haha.

Oh well. What are you to do, no?


Yeah there's some sap, but it is good sap nonetheless. heracross would eat that sap.

I thought you might like this bit


As a result she became a little bit of a hell-raiser, regularly she would tear through the Lab smashing equipment and squeaking loudly before hiding in the air vents and throwing small things at the Lab technicians.



/////////////////////////////////////////////

Chapter 8 update.

I'm going to shoot this chapter soon.

It's vital to character development of Sam and Kei.
and they both catch pokemon

But i just want to get back on with the main focus of the story: Baby Legendaries
 

#Chimecho#

Truth[N]Love
Sorry I haven't reviewed in a while. I was only a chapter behind, but I didn't review chapter six. So here is my generally overview review lolz.

Good thing the Baby Legendaries are coming back, for a while it felt like nothing much was happening.

I would say this has been getting better, but for me a little weird. I cannot bring myself to like the whole Pokemon/Human love relationship however, though it doesn't make me detest your story. I just want to see how it all works out in the end.

One thing I do want to bring up is still the lack of emotion from any character. I understand you are telling us what things are but you aren't letting us feel or mentally and physically showing us.

Example:

The next morning Jessica woke to a pleasant breeze wafting through the camp.

This is only one example (there were many, but at some points you had it going pretty decently).

Instead of saying Jessica awoke to a pleasant breeze, let us feel it, show us the breeze.

"The next morning, Jessica woke up and felt a breeze cooly brushing by her face."

Or even take out "the next morning" and make it more sensory active, by saying something like "the sun rose over the trees" or slowly rose in the sky or something.

This way, the reader is getting sensory information instead of factual. The feeling makes us remember more, and it is more pleasant to read.

I hope you understand what I mean

><> Truth
 

TPJerematic

All I need is a hug!
Sorry I haven't reviewed in a while. I was only a chapter behind, but I didn't review chapter six. So here is my generally overview review lolz.

Hey it doesn;t matter. so long as you read it i don;t mind when you review it

Good thing the Baby Legendaries are coming back, for a while it felt like nothing much was happening.

Yeah, the last few chapters have been more about Sam and Jessica. Sort of a little segway. Chapter 8 will deal with Sam and Kei before the next 3 having the Babies come back into the story.

I would say this has been getting better, but for me a little weird. I cannot bring myself to like the whole Pokemon/Human love relationship however, though it doesn't make me detest your story. I just want to see how it all works out in the end.

Hmmmmm, the story between Jessica and Stephen is tertiary to the plot of the fic.

The love between the two will be more one of companionship rather than sexual. If you think about, if you are with someone for 18 years you would get closer to than person. and considering what stephen did for jessica, in terms of teaching her to read write talk ect, it would make sence that Jessica would become "close" to stephen.


i will say now that there will be no direct showing of lemony goodness. It may be implied in passing later on, or may not, i have yet to decide. And even if i do it won't be discriptive in anyway shape or form.

thing I do want to bring up is still the lack of emotion from any character. I understand you are telling us what things are but you aren't letting us feel or mentally and physically showing us.

This is only one example (there were many, but at some points you had it going pretty decently).

Instead of saying Jessica awoke to a pleasant breeze, let us feel it, show us the breeze.

"The next morning, Jessica woke up and felt a breeze cooly brushing by her face."

Or even take out "the next morning" and make it more sensory active, by saying something like "the sun rose over the trees" or slowly rose in the sky or something.

This way, the reader is getting sensory information instead of factual. The feeling makes us remember more, and it is more pleasant to read.

I hope you understand what I mean

><> Truth


Grrrrrrr i keep seeing things like that when i'm proofing and not realise how little discription is there.

I do get it though. i will focus a little more on getting the emotive side of the discriptions into the story.


Thanks for reviewing.
 

TPJerematic

All I need is a hug!
YAY I FINALLY FINISHED WRITING THE FAIRMOSS ****ING FOREST ARC

OK back to business

Here is Chapter 8, it concerns itself with what happen to Kei and Sam after getting seperated from Stephen, Jessica and Alvin.

For reference it starts halfway through Chapter 7 i.e. Alvin just given Kei some painkillers and sent her to get away from the beedrill swarm that was chasing the group while he Stephen and Jessica will fight them away.

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Chapter 8

***
(Story Split. Arc 2: Kei and Sam.)
***

Kei wheezed as she forced herself onwards, leaving Alvin, Stephen and Jessica to hold back the Beedrill. She winced as she heard the three shouting commands to their Pokémon and pedalled harder, despite the pain, to get further away from the angry swarm. Got to find Sam and the river. Kei tired to occupy her mind with anything as to avoid thinking about the pain in her legs.

Several minutes later she saw Sam in the distance standing next to his bicycle at a fork in the road. Kei caught up and drooped over the handlebars of her bicycle gasping for air. “Kei what’s going on?” Sam tried to keep the fear out of his voice as he spoke. Kei took a deep breath and looked up at Sam.

“We have to get to the river up ahead.” Kei gradually returned to a normal breathing pattern. She looked around and saw the two paths. “What way do you think we should go?” Kei asked Sam who mused for a second before pointing at the right path.

“We’ll go down the right path.” Sam stated as he mounted his bicycle. “But we need to leave a marker so that the other three will know which way we went.” Kei nodded, pulled her bag around and rummaged around inside it. After a few moments she pulled out a pink scarf and tied it to a nearby tree. “Good choice.” Sam glanced down the route they had come from “They should be able to see THAT.”

Kei nodded as she checked the knot. “They should. Anyway let’s get going.” Kei cycled off down the route with Sam following.

Moments after they left however, a small pink Igglybuff bounced at the bottom of the tree where Kei’s scarf was tied. It took a moment to size up the distance before leaping at the scarf. After landing in it and getting tangled up, the scarf and Pokémon fell to the ground.


***


After a couple of hours of cycling down the winding path Kei and Sam found themselves at the Fairmoss River. However the old rickety wooden bridge the spanned the river was is a desperate state with its rotten planks soft and cracked, even missing in places.

“Damn.” Sam got off his bicycle letting it fall to the ground. He edged towards the bridge while looking for a possible route across. Kei watched on nervously as Sam slowly transferred his weight onto the first plank. It creaked and groaned as Sam put more of his weight onto it. However the plank held and Sam breathed a sigh of relief. “Looks like the bridge will hold Kei.” Sam took another step forward, however this time the plank broke away immediately. Sam cried out as he fell towards the crumbling planks. He crossed his arms across his face as he waited for the impact with the rotten wood. He hit the bridge with a thunderous thud followed by a loud cracking as the planks he was laying on started to give way. Kei hurriedly got off her bicycle and ran to the edge of the bridge, she looked around for something which she could use to help rescue Sam. “Kei get a long stick or something.” Sam looked back to see that his foot was trapped in the plank it had fallen though. After a couple of minutes of looking in the undergrowth of the area near the bridge Kei returned empty handed.

“Sorry Sam I couldn’t find anything.” Kei called out to Sam as he desperately tried to free his leg from the hole it created in the bridge. However as he struggled the rest of the planks started to crumble away. Sam managed to pull his leg free but as he tried to stand up the planks underneath him finally gave up and broke up, he cried out as he began to fall.

Kei was about to run out to try and grab Sam as he fell she saw a green blur leap across the bridge from the forest on the other side. The blur slammed into Sam throwing him towards Kei before flying up and landing behind her. Kei stopped following the blur long enough to see Sam flying towards her and with a quick side step, dodged out of the way leaving Sam to plough into the ground and come to a stunned stop.

“Ow.” Sam’s voice was rather calm and steady given what had just happened. Kei hurried over and knelt down next to him. “What just happened?” Sam remained unmoving as he tried to piece together why he was now face-down on the ground when seconds earlier he was falling down from the middle of a bridge. Kei looked up to see a large green insect like Pokémon standing over Sam; she tapped Sam on the shoulder and pointed at the Pokémon. Sam winced as he looked up; gasping as he saw what had just saved him. “That Scyther saved me?” Sam almost shouted as she spoke causing the Scyther to step back. Sam slowly picked himself up off the ground.

“SHHHHH!” Kei sharply brought a finger up to her pursed lips, “Don’t shout at her.” Kei helped Sam to stand up.

“How do you know that it’s a girl?” Sam asked whilst looking at the Scyther, who was now nervously scanning the surrounding area.

“I’ve had to put up with Alvin for a long time,” Kei moaned as she pointed at the Scyther’s abdomen. “But I have learnt a few things and the size of this Scyther’s abdomen means it’s a female.” Kei looked up to see that the Scyther was seeming waiting for Sam to do something. Kei leant over to Sam’s ear. “I think she wants to battle you.” Kei whispered.

“If she wants a battle she’ll get one.” Sam pulled a Pokéball from his belt and released the Pokémon within. “Pikachu go.” The small yellow mouse growled and sparked electricity from its cheeks. The Scyther narrowed its eyes and shot a mean look and brought its scythes up to a readying position.

“Pikachu use Thunderbolt.” Sam commanded with Pikachu responding in kind letting loose a stream of electricity towards the Scyther who tried to jump out of the way. However the electric stream caught its foot causing it to flip onto its front and slam into the ground. But the Scyther wasn’t going to let the Pikachu off that easily and from its prone position lunged at Pikachu its twin scythes glowing. Pikachu tried to move out of the way but was unable as the scythes cut across in an “X” motion. Pikachu cried out as it was thrown backwards with the Scyther, who was now next to Sam, smirking at the sight. She turned her head and made a ‘Bring it on’ gesture with it scythes.

Sam shot a glance back to see Pikachu struggling back to its feet. “Volt Tackle.” Sam shouted. Pikachu charged towards the Scyther, as it passed a specific speed it was able to unleash the stored electricity all over its body. The Scyther jumped back and crossed its scythes in front of its chest in an attempt to protect itself. The glowing Pikachu leapt at the Scyther slamming into its crossed scythes, however they weren’t enough and the Pikachu forced its way through and smashed into the Scyther sending it up into the sky. Pikachu landed on the ground and immediately collapsed in exhaustion. Sam held up its Pokéball and returned the Pikachu. “Thanks buddy.” Sam was grateful for his Pokémon’s efforts. He replaced the Pokéball and took another from his belt as well as an empty one from his bag. “Go Drifblim use Hypnosis.” Sam threw Drifblim’s Pokéball forward releasing the Blimp Pokémon who promptly blasted waves of psychic energy at the Scyther who became weary as more of the waves were absorbed. Eventually the Scyther fell asleep and dropped to the floor, upon which Sam threw the empty Pokéball. The Pokéball bounced off the Scyther’s sleeping body, dissolved it into red light and sucked it into the Pokéball before closing. The Pokéball rattled violently and burst sending broken pieces of plastic and metal to scatter and the Scyther to return to the ground where it had fallen asleep. Sam hurriedly rummaged in his bag of another empty Pokéball. After a quick search he found an Ultra Ball. Without a second thought he threw the Ultra ball at the still sleeping Scyther. Unlike the Pokéball when the Ultra Ball closed there was very little movement and the ball clicked with no problems.

“Awesome well done Sam.” Kei cheered, “So what are you going to call her?” Sam picked up the ultra ball and minimized it before placing it in his belt. “’Cause you know Jessica will have your head if you don’t.” Sam sighed and shrugged his shoulders.

“I’ll call her Meryl.” Sam patted the Ultra ball on his belt and Kei nodded in agreement.

“Nice name.” Kei replied as she walked over to the bicycles. “Now we had better find a place to camp for the night.” Kei picked up Sam’s Bicycle and pushed it to him. “I’m thinking that we go west along the river.” Sam took his bicycle off Kei as she went to get her own. “If we are lucky we should find Alvin, Jessica and Stephen. Failing that we should find a nice place to make our camp.” Sam nodded and gestured for Kei to lead the way. With that the two walked along a small lightly trodden path along the river. The going was tough on the narrow path with a hedgerow bordering the forest.


***


After 5 minutes Kei and Sam found a break in the hedge. A quick inspection revealed that a tree had fallen years ago leaving nothing but the rotten remains of its stump. However the hedge was pushed back leaving a small clearing. Kei and Sam dropped their bicycles next to the hedge and locked them together. After spending a few minutes sorting through their bags and setting up their tents, the two sat on the tree stump looking across the river bank.

“I wonder why Alvin didn’t catch us up.” Kei spoke in a whisper, “We weren’t going THAT fast and he should have seen the marker we left.” Kei shivered and brought her knees up to her chest. The sun was beginning to set and the clearing they were in was quickly filling with shade. “I hope nothing bad happened.” Kei buried her head between her knees and clamped her eyes shut so that she wouldn’t cry. Sam rubbed her shoulder sympathetically.

“He’s fine.” Sam kept a cheery tone to his voice in order to lighten the mood. “He has two amazingly strong trainers to keep him safe. Anyway look on the bright side; you get to spend a night out in the woods camping.” Kei gave a wry smile and lifted her head from between her knees. “So, let’s get Torkoal out, it’s starting to get cold.” Kei nodded and pulled a Pokéball from her belt and released Torkoal from it. Sam and Kei basked in the warmth from the fiery tortoise. “I have an idea.” Sam pulled a Pokéball from his belt. “Let’s assume Alvin, Stephen and Jessica went down another path.” Kei looked across at Sam. “Well we always took the right path so there is a chance they wouldn’t have. Therefore if they kept going and made it to the river they are upstream of us.” Kei thought for a second before nodding in agreement. “So, if I send Drifblim up the river, with a note and a pen, to try and find the other three then get them to tell us what do via the note.” Kei excited nodded and searched her bag for some paper and a pen while Sam released Drifblim for its Pokéball. Kei passed a notepad and pen to Sam. “All we got to do now is work out what to write.” Sam thought for a moment then wrote on the paper and showed it to Kei.

This is Sam. Kei is Okay. We are safe at the river. Please tell us what to do. “Sounds good.” Kei remarked whilst nodding. Sam then took the paper and put it against one of Drifblim’s tails.

“Drifblim I need you to do something vital for us.” Sam slowly instructed the Drifblim who listened intently. “I need you to take this note and find Stephen, Alvin and Jessica.” Drifblim bobbed and grasped the note in its tail. Sam put the pen against another of the tails. “Take this pen too please.” Again Drifblim grasped the item with its tail. “Now the odds are that they are upstream of the river and should be near the water’s edge. But don’t go too far, I don’t need to lose you.” Drifblim slowly bobbed and floated away heading up the river.

Kei clutched her stomach as it gurgled, “Sam, what do we have to eat?” Kei asked as Sam walked back to the clearing. He opened his bag and spilled a few small boxes out onto the ground. He opened one of the boxes to reveal 3 sandwiches.

“Stephen made me take a few sandwiches with me in case I wanted to split from the group for a while.” Sam explained as he offered the box to Kei. “Of course I have no idea what he put in them.” Kei took one of the sandwiches, slowly opened it and peered inside.

“Seems to just be butter and cheese in this one.” Kei closed the sandwich and took a bite out of it. After a few seconds chewing Kei swallowed the bite. “Tastes like Miltank cheese to me.” Sam smiled, took one of the sandwiches and started to eat.

After eating Kei and Sam sat on the river bank looking upstream waiting for Drifblim to return. The two talked aimlessly for an hour, with the subject ranging from ‘what it is like inside a Pokéball?’ to ‘how does a Ranger’s Capture Styler work?’ to ‘who is the hardest Gym Leader?’

Eventually Kei and Sam started to feel sleepy and left the river bank to return to the clearing. After a quick tidy up so that they would be able to leave quickly in the morning Kei looked around the camp.

“We had better leave a couple of Pokémon out of guard tonight.” Kei said as she finished putting the last few things away. Sam nodded and took a Pokéball from his belt. “I’m assuming that’s Diglett.” Sam nodded and released the mole Pokémon from its Pokéball. The light dispersed and Chase was already half buried in the ground. “I’ll release Sudowoodo.” Kei took one of her Pokéballs and released the tree like Pokémon. She then explained to them to keep guard during the night, Sam however was growing a little despondent.

“I hope Drifblim hasn't gotten into any trouble.” Sam looked out across the river with a slightly worried look on his face. “And I hope he was able to find them.” He looked at Kei and smiled to himself as she sat in front of her tent gradually nodding off to sleep. “Goodnight Kei.” He spoke with a hushed tone. Kei was barely conscious enough to smile and wave before letting loose a big yawn. She flopped back into her tent before pulling herself into it and zipping up the entrance.

“’Night Sam.” Kei called thought the canvas of the tent.

Sam sat on the tree stump and watched Sudowoodo and Diglett talk to each other. After a few minutes he crawled into his tent but left the front unzipped. I’d better leave this open for when Drifblim gets back. He’ll try to get in here to wake me. Sam got into his sleeping bag and relaxed the best he could, before closing his eyes and drifting off to sleep.


***


Drifblim floated down the river enjoying the air currents buffeting him. He looked along the bank trying to find the clearing Sam and Kei were waiting. (Where is that camp?) Drifblim thought to himself. (Master will be waiting for me to get back. He seemed to be a little scared so I’m assuming this thing I’m holding is important.) Drifblim looked at the note it was holding in its tail. (But it is nice to be out of that stuffy ball and free to float around.) Drifblim noticed the gap in the trees and saw two small tents with a couple of Pokémon patrolling around. (Who’s down there then?) Drifblim wandered as he started to descend.

After getting to the ground Drifblim saw Sudowoodo and Chase looking up at him as he landed at the campsite. (I found one of Master friends, Chase. Where is Master?) Drifblim asked.

(Our Trainer is sleeping in his den.) Chase replied, (We were asked to keep watch to protect Our Trainer and Sudowoodo’s Trainer from being attacked in the night.) Drifblim bobbed and floated over to Sam’s tent. After swaying a little to build up some momentum, Drifblim flicked the tail holding the note into the tent and released it. Drifblim then returned to the tree stump where Sudowoodo was sitting with Chase in front of it.

(It has been a quiet night so far.) Sudowoodo explained to Drifblim. (But is has been nice to spend a little time out of the ball.) Drifblim and Chase bobbed in agreement. (Don’t get me wrong, it’s a nice place to be. But it is nice to spend a night out in nature.)

The conversation carried on for a few hours. The topic aimlessly moved from, ‘why do Humans wear clothing?’ to ‘who would win in a fight: Rayquaza or Giratina?’ to ‘why are there so many Magikarp?’ Before long the sun was starting to rise and the three Pokémon started to feel very tired despite not really doing anything that night.


***


Sam’s eyes opened as he stirred from his sleep. He could feel the cool morning breeze softly blowing against his tent causing ripples the spread along the fabric. With a yawn he shuffled up to a sitting position and let his head droop and looked down at the sleeping bag. Sam noticed a piece of paper lying on the sleeping bag and picked it up. He immediately recognised it as the note Drifblim had been carrying in search of Stephen, Jessica and Alvin. Sam turned the note over to see what the reply was.

This is Alvin. Also at river. We are Okay. Continue down route. Get to cross roads outside of Forest. Will meet you there tomorrow. Tell Kei I’m sorry.

Sam breathed a sigh of relief. At least we know what to do. He thought as he struggled out of his sleeping bag. Sam let out a yawn before crawling out off his tent; he flinched as the sunlight hurt his eyes bringing up a hand to cover them. After a couple of seconds of letting his eyes adjust to the light Sam stood up and stretched, groaning as his muscles dully ached. Sam looked around the small camp, Kei’s tent was still firmly zipped up tight, the fire was out and the Pokémon that were left out were huddled together and fast asleep. Sam reached into his bag and pulled out Drifblim and Chase’s Pokéballs and returned the two Pokémon.

Now how am I going to wake Kei up? Sam mused to himself as he walked over to Kei’s tent, I can’t just open the zip and stick my head in. What if she’s undressed or something? I don’t want to either: see a ten year old naked or have her run off crying and tell Alvin, ‘cause he’ll kill me. Sam paced around in front of the tent whilst tapping the side of his head. I’ll just have to wait for her to wake up. I know I’ll make breakfast for us that will be nice.

Sam walked back to his bag and pulled out the box of food. After a quick look through he gave a disappointed sigh. Of course I don’t have anything but sandwiches. Sam shook his head and left the box on the tree stump and pulled a box of Poké-Rations out of his bag. I don’t have many of these either. Sam gave a quick count of the amount of Poké-Rations left in the box. Good there are nine, just enough. Sam removed 5 bags of Poké-Rations, leaving the remaining 4 in the box on the tree stump next to the box of sandwiches. He then pulled all the Pokéballs off his belt and released the Pokémon out.

After the light died down Sam opened the Poké-Ration bags and places them in front of the five Pokémon. Pikachu and Snorlax quickly started to eat the food while Drifblim slowly came to its senses and slowly munched on the food; taking its time so that it wouldn’t get indigestion. Chase tried to eat but was stopped by his height meaning that it couldn’t actually get at the food in the bag. Sam smiled and tipped the bag up pouring the food onto the ground, Chase grabbed a piece of food and ducked underground before popping back up to do the same again. Meryl simply stared at the bag not realizing what it was; Sam picked the bag up and offered some of the food to the Scyther. Meryl nervously nibbled at the food in Sam’s hand, after a quick taste Meryl dove head first into the bag cleaning it out in a matter of seconds.

Nice to see you like it. Sam laughed as Meryl pulled her head out of the bag; he stroked her head which caused her to purr. Sam stopped when he heard the zip on Kei’s tent opening. He spun round and walked over to Kei and helped her stand up.

“Good morning Kei.” Sam was a little eager to get started and was oblivious to Kei’s sleepy state. “Right first things first, I got a reply from Alvin.” Sam gave Kei the note which she attempted to read through blurry eyes, “He says to continue until we get out of the forest.” Kei looked up from the note and vaguely nodded. “Secondly you have some sandwiches for breakfast and there are four bags of Poké-Rations for you Pokémon to eat.” Kei looked at the tree stump and saw the boxes of food. “And thirdly I want to get out of the forest as soon as possible.” Kei nodded and walked over to the sandwich box. She promptly opened the box and started to devour the food contained within.

After eating the two set about clearing the camp up; stuffing the tents back into their bags, cleaning up any littler they had dropped over the night, feeding and healing the Pokémon and giving their bicycles a check. Sam and Kei then set off back along the river bank towards the path.

Getting back to the path Sam and Kei found themselves in the same predicament as yesterday. The bridge was out and there seemed to be no other safe way to cross the river. Sam contemplated wading across the river but was immediately put off by the fast flowing current, evidenced by the Magikarp that streamed past at a shocking speed.

“So what do we do now?” Sam asked perplexed by the same problem he faced yesterday. “As I proved that bridge is screwed.” As he finished the Ultra Ball on his belt opened releasing Meryl. “Oh, Meryl, what do you want?” The Scyther pointed at the bridge with one of her scythes and walked towards it. Sam and Kei watched as Meryl carefully walked across the bridge avoiding the rotten planks whilst leaving a groove with her scythes for Sam and Kei to follow. Sam gingerly followed the path marked by Meryl talking care not to stray out of the lines. Meryl made it to the other side and waited for Sam to cross. After a couple of wobbly moments Sam made it across the bridge and beckoned Kei to follow.

“It’s perfectly safe Kei. Meryl knew what she was doing.” Sam cheerfully called across the river to a slightly scared Kei.

“Well you seemed to be able to cross.” Kei slowly edged her way to the bridge, her mind kept showing flashbacks of what happened yesterday. After closing her eyes and taking a deep breath Kei plucked up the courage to cross the bridge. Kei winced at the creaking planks as she slowly made her way across, as she made it to the half way point the creaking became much louder. A scared Kei shuddered before sprinting the rest of the distance across the bridge her bicycle bouncing along next to her. Kei made it to the other side of the bridge in one piece and dropped to the floor panting heavily from the fear and adrenaline. The bridge however fared much worse, Kei’s sprinting had broken many of the mouldy planks and they broke away from the supports of the bridge. As the planks crashed into the river the bridge lost its structural support and began to buckle. The thundering river coupled with some of the broken planks slamming into the supporting pillars caused them to crack and shatter. With the support missing the rest of the bridge finally gave up the ghost and collapsed into the river and was swept downstream.

“Well, that’s ...” Sam tried to think of a witty thing to say in reply to what had just happened, but he drew a blank. Kei was glad Sam didn't have anything to say as she stood up and dusted herself off. She silently got on her bicycle and waited for Sam to get on his, after thanking Meryl for showing the two the safest path across the bridge, Sam returned the Scyther, got on his bicycle and lead off continuing down the route with Kei following.


***


Sam and Kei rode along the winding forest path for about an hour, paying little attention to the forest that whizzed by them. Kei took the lead, enjoying the open path before her. However her pleasure at the open road was short lived.

Kei’s focus drifted from the road as she scanned the forest; unfortunately for her this meant that she didn’t notice the series of holes in the road. Kei careened across the holes, which quickly crumbled away leaving a large gap in the road. Kei’s attention snapped back to the road as her bicycle started to shake violently, using some adrenaline boosted control she managed to stop the bicycle from falling to the ground. After stopping the bicycle Kei turned around to see what she had just run over. To her surprise there was a small white insect with brown claws and tiny thin veined green wings crawling out of the remains of the hole. The insect shook off the mud that was covering it and glared up at Kei who had unwittingly destroyed its nest. Kei backed away slowly with her hands outstretched making a ‘shushing’ sound in an attempt to calm the insect down.

“Easy now. Nice Nincada.” Kei looked up to see Sam finally join her. Sam stood back to avoid angering the Nincada further, he didn’t want a repeat of what happened with the Beedrill yesterday. The Nincada was having none of it; all it could see was rouge at the creature that had destroyed its home. Kei saw that her attempts to calm the Nincada were failing; she reached around her belt and took one of her Pokéballs, activating it as she brought it around. The Nincada hissed as Kei and tensed up, as if preparing to attack Kei. Without a moment’s hesitation Kei threw the Pokéball forward releasing Sudowoodo. “I need some help here Sudowoodo.” Kei called to the tree-like Pokémon who brought one of its tree branch-esque arms up to its head while turning to face Kei and cheerfully calling back to his trainer.

“Sudowoodo use Rock Slide in Nincada.” Kei was hesitant in giving her command, Sudowoodo picked up on this. He hit the ground with a lot of force breaking the surrounding area into small rocks; Sudowoodo scooped these up with its club arms and hurled them into the air. The rocks streamed down at the Nincada who leapt around as it tried to dodge the falling rocks. A few of the rocks met their target causing the Nincada to cry out as it stopped and quivered. Kei saw this and felt pity towards the Pokémon. “Sorry.” Kei closed her eyes as she ordered Sudowoodo to use Rock Slide again. When Kei opened her eyes she was shocked to see Sudowoodo on the floor with a very, very angry Nincada perched on his belly slashing away at Sudowoodo with dull gray metallic but fierce claws. It too Kei a moment to recognise the sound of Sudowoodo’s painful cries, she held his Pokéball and returned the Imitation Pokémon. She quickly switched Pokéballs and released Torkoal; who snorted causing plumes of black smoke to billow from both its nostrils and the gaps in its shell.

“Torkoal use Flamethrower.” Kei was getting more annoyed that the Nincada was talking so long to be defeated. The fiery tortoise reared its head back while forming flames in its mouth; it then brought its head down sending a scorching pillar of flame towards the hapless Nincada who was engulfed by the flame. “Good shot Torkoal you showed that Nincada who’s boss.” Kei punched the air with her fist and Torkoal roared pumping a plume of black smoke from its shell high into the air. Kei then looked towards the Nincada looking to see how badly she had damaged it. To her surprise the Nincada was gone with nothing but a small hole in its place.

Before Kei got a chance to say anything Torkoal suddenly stopped roaring and smoking, quickly looked down as the earth around him started to shake. Moments later the Coal Pokémon was punted into the air followed by the Nincada that leapt out the ground following it up.

“Holy ...” Kei followed Torkoal’s flight with her eyes. As Torkoal plummeted back to earth Kei pointed it’s Pokéball up at it and return the Pokémon before it slammed into the ground. Kei then re-released Torkoal back out of its Pokéball. Meanwhile the Nincada had turned in the air and was hurtling back towards the Torkoal its claws once again coated in dull grey metal. “Torkoal Flamethrower FULL POWER!” Torkoal, like before, reared its head back and filled its mouth with flame. Torkoal allowed the intensity of the flames to build to as high a level it felt safe with Nincada still plummeting to earth, its claws brought back ready to strike. Torkoal held back as long as he could, just as the Nincada was about to connect the Torkoal fired its Flamethrower. The Nincada was engulfed with fire and launched back up into the sky, followed by a star shape of flame. Kei looked on with amazement, “Torkoal what was that?” she shouted at Torkoal. Kei ran up and gave Torkoal a quick hug; she looked across to where Nincada had been just in time to see the Pokémon hit the ground with a crunching thud. She ran over to the Pokémon with an empty Pokéball activated and threw it at the dazed Nincada. The Pokéball hit and immediately captured the Nincada without a hint of shaking. Kei picked up the Pokéball and placed on her belt. “Super. I have a new Pokémon to train.” Kei was less than enthusiastic about having to deal with another Pokémon on her team.

“Nice capture Kei.” Sam applauded as he rode over to Kei, “that Nincada doesn’t know what hit it.” Kei smiled at the comment, “Now what name are you going to give ... her?” Sam asked to which Kei tilted her head back and looked to the sky.

“Yeah it’s a her.” Kei replied as she thought about names. “Hmmmmmmm. How about Mira?” Sam nodded, “Well that’s that. My new Nincada is called Mira.” With that Kei returned Torkoal while thanking him for defeating Mira, got back on her bike and continued down the route with Sam in close pursuit.


***


Sam and Kei continued to ride along the path for another hour. Eventually the trees began to thin out as they approached the northern edge of Fairmoss Forest. The path took a turn to the left joining a major path. The path continued in parallel with the edge of the forest with many other small paths joining it. Eventually Sam and Kei found themselves on proper roads which lead them to a large crossroads.

Sam and Kei stopped at the cross roads and Sam pulled the map out of his bag and found their location. “So this is the Birchwick-Yellowcake-Lightvale Connection.” Sam stated whilst looking around. The crossroads was a dull place with a couple of bland buildings, a Pokémon Centre and a Poké Mart. Sam and Kei rode over to the Pokémon centre and stood outside, waiting for Stephen, Jessica and Alvin to arrive.


***


Alvin panted as he forced his bicycle onwards towards the two figures, who were leaning against the wall of the Pokémon Centre. As Alvin got closer and closer the more he recognised the two people who were waiting at the Pokémon Centre. His heart leapt with joy as he saw is little sister safe and sound. Ignoring the searing pain in his legs Alvin pushed on arriving at the Pokémon Centre a couple of minutes later. Without speaking a word he jumped off his bicycle and gave his sister big hug, pulling her close. Kei started to play choke from the tightness of Alvin’s hug and pushed her big brother away a beaming smile on her face.

“What took you so long?” Kei playfully mocked, “We’ve been here HOURS.” Alvin rolled his eyes and shook his head, a small smile forming on his face.

“I’m sorry we didn't find you in the forest.” Alvin felt a tear form in his eye. “We lost your trail, probably at the first fork in the road knowing my luck.” Kei pulled back a little shocked.

“How? I left my pink scarf as a marker to show you which way we went?” Kei explain to Alvin who looked up at Kei with a blank look.

“What scarf?” Was all Alvin could muster.

“What do you mean ‘What scarf’? The scarf you got me for my birthday, it was the only thing I had that you would recognise so I tied it to a tree to show you which way we went.” Kei was slightly annoyed that her brother seemed to forget his present to her.

Alvin replied with the same blank look. “Kei, there was no scarf?” Kei froze with an ‘Oh ****’ look to her face. Alvin saw the fear in his sister’s eyes and relaxed his expression. “It doesn’t matter Kei. It’s ok. The scarf is replaceable, you being safe isn’t.” Kei took a deep breath and sighed.

“Hey, what about me? Don’t I get any love?” Sam jokingly interjected, “I was the one taking care of Kei.”

“Yes I know; I was getting to that.” Alvin turned to face Sam, “Thank you.” Alvin patted Sam on the shoulder. “By the way; using Drifblim to get a note to me. Excellent idea.”

Stephen and Jessica finally caught up with Alvin and both were relieved to see Sam and Kei still in one piece. “So you survived your little excursion in the forest then.” Stephen’s had a slight sarcastic tone to it. “You had us worried. But it doesn’t matter now ‘cause you are here safe.”

“Yeah, didn’t leave us a clue as to which way you went either.” Jessica put her hands on her hips and glared at Sam and Kei. Alvin spun round and grabbed Jessica’s shoulder.

“It’s ok. Kei said she left us a marker; it must have fallen off or was taken by a Pokémon.” Alvin explained what happened and Jessica relaxed.

“That makes some sense I suppose.” Jessica rolled her eyes. “Anyway, did anything interesting happen?”

“OH OH YES!!” Kei jumped up all excited. “We both caught a new Pokémon.” Kei hurriedly pulled a Pokéball of her belt and threw it forward. “Come and meet my friends Mira.” The Pokéball split open revealing Kei’s Nincada.

“Hey that’s a Nincada,” Alvin pulled his Pokédex out of his bag. “We didn’t think there were any left in Fairmoss Forest.” Alvin pointed the Pokédex at the Nincada and scanned it.

“Nincada, the Trainee Pokémon.” The Pokédex’s usually flat metallic voice seemed to be excited as it read the entry. “Nincada lives underground for many years in complete darkness. Using its whisker-like antennae, it probes its surroundings instead of its virtually blind eyes.”

“Let’s see what moves it knows.” Alvin scrolled through the pages of information. “Here we go: Metal Claw, Dig, Night Slash and X-Scissor ... interesting.” Alvin scratched his head.

“Looks like your theory is busted.” Stephen interjected, “No way this Nincada is wild. X-Scissor has to be taught to it by a trainer.”

“Yeah but,” Jessica cut in, “if a male Nincada knowing those moves breed with a female then the child Nincada would know those moves.” Jessica walked up to Mira, who had dug a small pit and was relaxing whilst half buried, and held her hand over Mira. Jessica closed her eyes and psychicly scanned the Nincada who paid no heed to the Gardevoir looming over her. Jessica finished and stood up looking towards Alvin. “No it’s defiantly wild and follows my theory. It is the child of a Nincada that knew the moves it does.”

“How can you be so sure Jess?” Stephen asked with a confused look on his face.

“Mira here has not battled enough to have the experience to know how to use Dig as an attack.” Jessica explained. “It’s the same as Chase, Sam’s Diglett.” Stephen mimed ‘Oh yeah’ whilst rolling his head. “Talking about you Sam. Kei said you caught a Pokémon.”

“I sure did,” Sam proudly took an Ultra Ball from his belt and opened it in his hand. “Meet Meryl.” The light dissipated revealing Sam’s Scyther who brought its scythes up ready to parry.

“Oh cool a Scyther.” Alvin excitedly pointed the Pokédex at Meryl, who leered at Alvin. “Nice to know the population of these in the forest is up to scratch.”

“Scyther, the Mantis Pokémon. Scyther is blindingly fast, the movement looks like that of a ninja. This Pokémon's scythes are so effective; they can slice through thick logs in one wicked stroke.”

“And the winning moves are: X-Scissor, Double Team, Focus Energy and Pursuit.” Alvin closed the Pokédex and stuffed it back into his bag. “Wait a second,” Alvin quickly pulled the Pokédex back out of his bag and checked something concerning Meryl. “And she has the ability to boost weaker attacks.”

“OOOOOOOH a Technician Scyther.” Jessica’s eyes lit up as she heard the news. “Sam you are very lucky to get that.” Sam looked confused but took the compliment anyway. “I might copy that when you’re not looking.” Stephen rolled his eyes and looked at Jessica's Pokétch.

“Hey guys, seeing as there is a Pokémon Centre here and all three towns are quite a-ways off let’s stay here for the night and continue tomorrow.” Stephen suggested to the group, “That way we can plan the order we visit the towns and get our Pokémon healed.” The other four agreed and after locked their bicycles up walked into the Pokémon Centre.


***


Several hours later Stephen and Jessica were sitting in the lobby of the Pokémon Centre looking at the map for the north east area of the Actopon Region.

“Well Jessica, Birchwick is the closest town.” Stephen explained to Jessica who sighed and pointed at Yellowcake Town.

“But Yellowcake has a lot less ghosts. I hate ghosts. They are all creepy.” Jessica moaned, “Plus I don’t like the Tower of Souls. I feel so many memories whilst there. It’s a bit of overload on my psychic mind.” Jessica rubbed her temples. “I haven’t been training my psychic skills for a while so it will be even worse that the last time.”

“Oh come on you can’t still be blaming me for that.” Stephen threw his arms into the air, “How was I to know it was the Gastly, Haunter, Gengar, mating season.” Jessica smiled and shook her head.

“Actually the look on your face was pretty funny when you saw what was going on.” Jessica giggled a little and reached across the table for a sip of her drink. “FINE we’ll go to Birchwick first. At least it gets the forsaken place out of the way.”

“Good, then we’ll go to Yellowcake, then go and give David a visit.” Jessica giggled at the mention of the Lightvale City Gym Leader’s name. “NO Jess. You are not bringing that **** up again.” Stephen shook his head. “Don’t make me take the comics away from you like last time.”

“They’re called Dōjinshi,” Jessica muttered under hear breath, “Yaoi Dōjinshi at that.”

“What was that?” Stephen asked whilst rolling his eyes.

“Nothing.” Jessica sweetly replied before yawning. “Jeez I’m tired, I'm off to bed.” Jessica stood up and leant towards Stephen giving his a quick kiss on the cheek, which caused his face to turn bright pink. “Sweet dreams.” Jessica walked off and seemingly clenched her fist while whispering ‘Yes’ to herself.

Stephen leant back on his chair covering his eyes with his hands. “You have got to stop her from doing that.” He spoke aloud to himself. Stephen yawned and started to pack the map away while finishing both his and Jessica’s drink. So you have a problem with her putting her lips on you, but when it come to putting yours against where hers have been its all good? Stephen’s mind seemed to be taunting him. Stephen simply shrugged it off and finished packing up.

While walking to the room Stephen rubbed the cheek where Jessica had kissed him. He simply sighed as he got to the room and opened the door; upon looking around the room he was glad to see five beds. Stephen silently closed the door behind him and walked over to his bed, he gave a quick glance to the sleeping figure of Jessica. What am I going to do with you Jess? Stephen smiled and shook his head; he quickly got out of his clothes and slid into the warm inviting bed and closing his eyes. I need some more time to think after what happened last night. I don’t love her. Do I?


///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

That without a shadow of a doubt was the hardest chapter to write.

Mostly because very little happens yet i wanted to show Sam and Kei independent of Stephen, Jessica and Alvin.

Anyway the plot for the next 3 chapters will return to the main plot of the fic so stay tuned.
 

Raine Caulwell

Calm Gardevoir
Sorry for responding so late. I finally found a potential parter/lover/mate/companion (whatever you want to call it) and was spending time with him.

Anyways, down to business.

I didn't like this one as much. It had nothing to do with the characters, nor with what they did. Just... the first half seemed to be missing a flow. The entire thing felt listed, broken; it was hard to read. I found that if I treated parts of the paragraph as individual ones, everything seemed to fit together well. Suddenly, the awkwardness of the situation was brought forth and time drug out as Sam and Kei sat there at the edge of the clearing bored out of their minds, their idle talk broken, a by product of their desire for stimulus.

Think of it like the awkward scenes in EVA. The long, wide camera shots that seem to hold forever. Subject off to one side as they stand there, the rest of the screen filled with the environment. Sounds of nature causing the situation to sink in much more effectively.

Make those long, boring, awkward moments intentional instead of a product of unsure writing.

You did start picking up a flow mid way towards the end. But by then, it was too late. The flavor of the ending segments was ruined by its forerunners' bungles.
 

TPJerematic

All I need is a hug!
Wow. That was a lot more negative than i was expecting.

Like i said it was a very hard chapter to write. But i felt it needed to be written to show what happens. Considering that the main part of the Fairmoss Forest happened in Ch7 with Stephen and Jessica This chapter felt lacking in substance.

Not that i'm making excuses. It's just that it wasn't the best chapter in the fic so far.


Sorry for responding so late. I finally found a potential parter/lover/mate/companion (whatever you want to call it) and was spending time with him.

RL is always more important than my silly fic.

I didn't like this one as much. It had nothing to do with the characters, nor with what they did. Just... the first half seemed to be missing a flow. The entire thing felt listed, broken; it was hard to read.

Well that certianly was not intented. the flow was supposed to be quite slow to show Sam and Kei almost enjoying the time away from A St and J.

I found that if I treated parts of the paragraph as individual ones, everything seemed to fit together well. Suddenly, the awkwardness of the situation was brought forth and time drug out as Sam and Kei sat there at the edge of the clearing bored out of their minds, their idle talk broken, a by product of their desire for stimulus.

I think this is a good thing. Right? I was intending for Sam and Kei to be a bored and feel slightly alone.


Think of it like the awkward scenes in EVA. The long, wide camera shots that seem to hold forever. Subject off to one side as they stand there, the rest of the screen filled with the environment. Sounds of nature causing the situation to sink in much more effectively.

What's an EVA?

Make those long, boring, awkward moments intentional instead of a product of unsure writing.

Will do.


You did start picking up a flow mid way towards the end. But by then, it was too late. The flavor of the ending segments was ruined by its forerunners' bungles.

Hmmmmm. Well if i ever find i have time i will probably re-beta this chapter and correct the mistakes. However at the moment i want to try and focus on Chapters 9, 10 and 11.


Thanks for taking the time to read it anyway. and good luck your your boytoy. :p
 

TPJerematic

All I need is a hug!
So here it is the really quite long Chapter 9.



Chapter 9

Stephen opened his eyes to see nothing but black. “Good Morning Mister Warren.” A flat toned and bland voice spoke in the blackness; it seemed neither male nor female. The voice spoke slowly and carefully, making sure each word was properly formed, almost as if it was uncomfortable with speaking. Stephen looked around wondering who was talking to him and why they had addressed him using his surname. “Do not fret Mister Warren. You are sleeping safe and sound. I am speaking to you in your dreams.” Stephen still looked around trying to source the voice. “You cannot see me Mister Warren. Unfortunately I lack the ability to produce an image of myself in your mind.”

“Okay fine. But who or what are you?” Stephen asked indignantly. “And why are you invading my sleep?”

“All will be revealed in due course,” The voice explained, “I am unable to reveal much to you in here however.” Stephen rolled his eyes and shook his head. “I will tell you all you need to know for now. You must head toward The Tower of Souls. You, I and the Girl are vital for the sake of The Tower of Souls.” Stephen tightened up and once again started to look around for the voice.

“The Girl?” Stephen asked the blackness before thinking. “Jessica?” Stephen waited as the blackness seemed to mull over the question.

“So that is her name.” The voice seemed pleased. “That is the name of that sweet Gardevoir.” Stephen felt a very slight prang of jealously as the voice described Jessica as sweet. The voice seemed to pick up on this. “Oh I am very sorry Mister Warren. I did not mean to insinuate that I had a romantic interest in her. It is very obvious that she has her heart set on someone else. No, I meant that she is a sweet and caring Pokémon; at least that is my impression of her.”

“It’s okay,” Stephen stuttered as he spoke, “I knew what you meant. But back to what I asked, who are you?”

“I cannot tell you yet.” The voice seemed to err as it tried to not reveal its identity. “However I am feeling a need to tell you something about who I am, or I fear you will not believe what I have told you.” Stephen gave a wry smile and nodded agreeing. “Let’s just say I am adept at interfering with the dreams of Pokémon and people.”

“Okay. Let’s just say I do believe you.” Stephen racked his brain trying to think of what could interfere with dreams. “Why do Jessica, myself and a so far unidentified voice, have to go to The Tower of Souls? What is so important that we have to go there as soon as possible?”

“I am sorry cannot tell you now.” Stephen rolled his eyes again at the voice’s apparent unwillingness to actually tell him what is going on. “You will just have to trust me and find out when you get to The Tower of Souls.” Before Stephen could even think the blackness seemed to dissolve.


***


Stephen opened his eyes for the second time today. However unlike before he awoke to see the room he had fallen asleep in the night before. Stephen sat up in the bed and rubbed his eyes with the back of his hands. What the hell sort of dream was that. Last time I had one of those Jessica was testing her psychic abilities. But that was ages ago and she swore never to do it again. Stephen looked across to see Jessica softly sleeping in her bed. He looked up at the clock to check the time, 6:37 am, before getting out of bed.

Stephen took one step forward before tripping up and falling flat on his face with a loud thud. Everyone else in the room immediately woke up and stared at Stephen who looked over his shoulder to see what he had tripped over. To everyone’s surprise Razgriz was slumped against Stephen’s bed. Slowly the Darkrai stirred from his sleep and floated up balanced on his slender legs.

“Razgriz why are you out of your Cherish Ball?” Stephen asked Razgriz who turned to Jessica and seemed to focus on her. After a couple of seconds Jessica nodded.

“He just wanted to spend some time out of his ball.” Jessica explained, “He tried to get back into the ball but couldn’t so he fall asleep next to your bed.” Stephen walked over and brushed of the fluff that had accumulated in Razgriz’s hair after spending the night sleeping on the floor.

“Oh well that’s okay.” Stephen took Razgriz’s Cherish Ball from the table. “Do you want to go back into the ball now?” The Darkrai nodded so Stephen activated the Cherish Ball which shot a red beam at Razgriz, who dissolved back into the ball. Stephen gave a quick look around the room. “Well seeing as we are all awake I suggest that we get ready and leave as soon as possible. I want to make Birchwick before dark.” The other three reluctantly nodded and fell back against their beds. Kei and Jessica went to the bathroom to get changed leaving the three guys to get changed in the room.

Whilst Sam was otherwise occupied, Stephen sidled up to Alvin. “Hey I had this weird dream last night.” He whispered into Alvin’s ear. “There was nothing but a black void and all I could hear was this voice talking to me.” Alvin nodded sagely as Stephen told him about the dream. “It kept going on about me, Jessica and itself. And the Tower of Souls.” Alvin quizzically looked at Stephen. “I told you it was weird. The voice was reluctant to reveal itself but it must have come from something close. It knew about Jessica but not her name. And that it can manipulate dreams.” Alvin’s expression turned from enquiry to disbelief. “I cannot work out for the life of me what it was.”

“You are kidding right.” Alvin almost shouted his disbelief causing Sam to spin around and Jessica and Kei to pop their heads out of the bathroom using the door to conceal themselves. “You have a dream where you were in a dark void. You heard a voice that knew about you and Jessica but not her name. It said that it could manipulate dreams. AND” Alvin’s eyes opened wide and he shook his head slightly, “AND Razgriz, a damn Darkrai, was sleeping next to your bed.” Stephen had a blank look to his face. Alvin buried his in his hands. “You really are an idiot.”

“You’re telling me Razgriz, a baby Darkrai, was able to get into my head and say that it was important for the Tower of Souls.” Stephen shook his head.

“He has a point.” Jessica called from behind the door. “He has been with me for eighteen years. I have given him a degree of psychic training, so that he could both communicate better with his Pokémon and stop some psychic Pokémon being able to read his thoughts.”

“Even so,” Alvin quickly figured out a solution to the problem, “Darkrai as a species are adept at affecting dreams. Not to mention that Razgriz is a dark type Pokémon and the dark types have strength against psychic types.”

“I think we are missing the bigger picture here.” Stephen cradled the Darkrai’s Cherish Ball in his hand, “We might have found the home of our little friend here.” Stephen put the Cherish Ball back on his belt, “So let’s get ready, have breakfast and get going to Birchwick Town.”


***


The group went to one of the small cafés at the crossroads for their breakfast. Jessica, Alvin, Sam and Kei all sat at one table quietly talking about Birchwick Town. Stephen however was a few tables behind sitting alone next to the window, ignoring his breakfast. Instead he was staring out of the window with one of his hands propping up his head and the other holding Darkrai’s Cherish Ball.

If Razgriz is from The Tower of Souls, that means I will have to release him there. Stephen mused as he looked out of the window. But is it really fair on you, Stephen shot a glance at the Cherish Ball, I mean, according to the Pokédex you think of me as your parent. Stephen sighed as his gaze returned to the world outside of the café window. But what if your Darkrai parents are at The Tower waiting for you. Wait, maybe that’s why you want me to get to The Tower as quickly as possible, Stephen once again looked at the Cherish Ball a tear in his eye. Well it is the reason I am here. To release you back into the wild. Stephen felt the tear roll down his cheek, he quickly brushed it away. No, I mustn’t get emotional. Jessica will pick it up straight away. Stephen put the Cherish Ball back on his belt. After giving the, now cold, breakfast a quick nibble, he left the café and walked round to the back of the Pokémon Centre to prepare the bicycles for the trip the Birchwick Town.

Meanwhile back inside the Café, Jessica was explaining to Alvin, Sam and Kei what the plan for the next week or so was.

“So that’s the basic plan. We go to Birchwick for a few days, then across to Yellowcake for a few more. Then go up to Lightvale City for Sam’s next gym challenge.” Jessica finished summarising the plans and took a sip of her orange juice.

“Okay, sounds good.” Alvin replied before looking at Sam and Kei, “why don’t you two go and make sure all of the Pokémon at the Pokémon Centre are healed up and ready to go.” Sam and Kei nodded in reply before scurrying out of the café. Alvin waited until they were out of sight before beckoning Jessica over and leaning across to her. “How are things with Stephen?” He asked in a hushed whisper.

“Not brilliant.” Jessica looked around to see if anyone was listening. Unfortunately there were many other trainers in the café. Jessica looked back at Alvin and tapped the side of her head.

Alvin gasped as he felt something aching in his mind. Sorry for the pain. I just didn’t want anyone else to hear this yet. Jessica telepathically explained. It hurts because I am going very deep into your mind so that no other psychic Pokémon can hear me. Alvin nodded as he rubbed his head with his hand. Anyway like I was saying, last night before Stephen went to sleep I had a little look into his mind. Sort of role-playing his sub-conscious, to ask him questions about me and love. Jessica took a deep breath before continuing. And he seemed to be resistant to the idea, if only on grounds of uncertainty. Alvin tried to make a gesture to show some form of response but the dull ache in his head was too much for him to focus on anything else. I’m beginning to think it was a mistake telling Stephen how I feel about him. Jessica released the connection between herself and Alvin, much to the latter’s relief.

“Jessica,” Alvin groaned slightly as he tried to shake off the now receding pain, “You need to give him time.”

“But he’s had eighteen years.” Jessica exclaimed, “How much time could he possibly need.”

“No Jess,” Alvin relaxed as the pain finally drifted away, “Stephen has had two nights.” Alvin stood up from the table, “Look, don’t dwell on it for now. Just put it to the back of your mind and try to relax.” Jessica glared at Alvin as she got up and started to walk towards the door. “Don’t give me that look,” Alvin sighed as he tried to reason with Jessica. “I know it will be hard to not focus on it but you’re just going to have to.

“Fine,” Jessica replied in a muted tone, “Let’s just try and get to Birchwick Town before nightfall.” Jessica and Alvin fell silent as they made the short journey towards the Pokémon Centre.

Upon arriving at the front door, Jessica and Alvin found Stephen and Kei mindlessly waiting, the bicycles ready.

“Good you’re back.” Stephen had a rather cheerful tone of voice as he sat on his bicycle, “If you two are ok with it I would like to get going soon.” Stephen pulled his PokéNav out of his bag and quickly glanced at the screen, “It’s coming up to nine now. So,” Stephen looked up as he thought, “we should make it to Birchwick by seven-seven thirty ish.” The group let out a collective sigh. “It may seem like a long time...”

“It is.” Sam interrupted.

“...But,” Stephen continued paying no heed to Sam’s remark, “we will make it to the town long before nightfall.” Jessica and Alvin nodded before mounting their bicycles. “The land on this side of the mountain is generally flat so it should be easy going.” Stephen explained as he started to ride off, with the other four following close behind.


***


After four hours of near continuous cycling, broken only by the odd roaming trainer wanting a battle and the occasional glint of a dropped or hidden item. The group stopped at a clearing at the side of the road. After quickly securing the bicycles together, Jessica and Kei sorted out the preparations for lunch, Alvin wondered off into the grass at the side of the route, Pokédex in hand, to scan for Pokémon and Sam and Stephen were standing at the side of the clearing looking at the Pokémon Sam had brought with him.

“So as you can see I changed the team around a little. I left Pikachu, Drifblim and Snorlax back at Oak’s Lab and brought Heracross, Ampharos, Cloyster and Smeargle.” Sam pointed out as Stephen looked on. “What do you think?”

Stephen stood with his hand on his chin whilst muttering to himself. After several minutes of this Stephen finally spoke up. “Looks good.” Sam breathed a sigh of relief. “I’ve seen much worse succeed so you’re not doing badly at all.” Stephen concluded. “Once Alvin gets back I’ll be able to take a closer look at the move sets and training these four have.”

“Okay,” Sam nodded with a smile on his face, “well I can only hope its good from there.” Sam pointed one of the balls from which his Pokémon had come from. However Stephen pushed his arm down.

“Leave them out,” Stephen explained, “There is no need to trap them in their balls.” He gave a quick glance over to Jessica and Kei who had finished getting the food out of their bags and were just about ready to eat. Jessica noticed this and waved Stephen and Sam over. “Just let them roam about for a while.” Stephen added as he and Sam walked over to the picnic that lay on the ground before them.

“Come on you two,” Kei called to Stephen and Sam as they reached the blanket, “and have you seen moron?”

“You mean Alvin?” Stephen replied as he sat down next to Jessica. “Isn’t he out in the grass looking for Pokémon?” As if on cue Alvin stumbled out of the tall grass that surrounded the picnic. He looked like he hadn’t so much walked though the grass as charged through it with his head down thanks to all the grass that had collected in it. He was however holding something green in his hands.

“Hey guys.” Alvin brushed the grass out of his hair before hold the green object aloft, “Look what I rescued.” Alvin had a rather joyous look to his face.

“Nice Metapod, where did you find it.” Jessica replied as she pulled two sandwiches out of one of the plastic boxes, handing one to Stephen.

“Some Staravia was attacking it,” Alvin explained as he walked over to the blanket sitting down next to his sister, who took the Cocoon Pokémon from him to have a look. “So I shooed and chased it away with Shinx and grabbed the Metapod.”

“Impressive,” Stephen nodded as he replied, “So are you going to keep it?”

“Well,” Alvin took the Metapod from Kei and looked at its blank staring face, “It would be nice to have a Butterfree I suppose. Apparently they have very good eyesight, could help in finding Pokémon.”

“Couldn’t hurt to keep it anyway.” Sam joked. “It’s not like you battle much anyway. Plus you did save it; I’m more than sure it is very thankful.”

“How can you tell?” Kei inquired, “It looks like it did when Alvin got here.”

“I’ve seen quite a few in Viridian Forest.” Sam explained to Kei, “I can tell when Cocoon Pokémon are thankful. After all I did have a Kakuna at one point.” Sam looked at Alvin and motioned at the Metapod. “Have you scanned it with the Pokédex to see how far along it is.”
“No.” Alvin bluntly replied, “No I haven’t.” Alvin placed the Metapod on the blanket in front of him, pulled his Pokédex out and scanned the Pokémon.

“Metapod, the Cocoon Pokémon.” The electronic voice of the Pokédex seemed to be a little bored, “A steel-hard shell protects its tender body. At this stage, it can only harden, so it remains motionless to avoid attack.” Alvin quickly flicked through the pages of information on the Metapod. After a minute the electronic voice of the Pokédex resumed speaking. “This Metapod is currently in the later stages of its metamorphosis. It will most likely evolve in one week.” Alvin put the Pokédex back in his bag and took an empty Pokéball from it. With a quick flick of the wrist he tapped the side of the Metapod with the Pokéball. The Pokémon quickly dissolved into the Pokéball, which barely wriggled before clicking to confirm the capture.

“Well that was easier than I was expecting.” Alvin commented as he rolled the ball forward releasing the Metapod from it. “So what am I going to name you?”

“What about Flutter?” Kei suggested. “For when it evolves into a Butterfree.”

“That’ll do.” Alvin looked down at the Metapod whose expression remained unchanged. “You don’t seem to mind so that’s your name.”

“Glad that’s sorted,” Sam leaned over and grabbed one of the boxes. “Now eat.” The other four nodded in agreement and started to eat.

While Sam, Alvin and Kei were distracted looking at the Metapod, Jessica silently slid over to Stephen turning so that her back was resting against his left arm, with her head resting on his shoulder. Without saying a word Stephen looked at the top of Jessica’s head and smiled. She can be annoyingly cute at times. I’m going to regret this later but... Stephen gave a slight sigh as he lent over slightly and lightly kissed the top of Jessica’s head, causing her to emit a quiet squeak followed by a long slow sigh. ... She is annoyingly cute.

After a few minutes Sam looked over, seeing Stephen and Jessica close together. Looks like they’re having a personal moment. I shouldn’t interrupt them but I really want to ask them about the Actopon League. Sam watched on as Stephen brought his hand up to Jessica’s ear giving it a flick. Almost immediately Jessica responded with a swift jab to the ribs with her elbow, causing Stephen to cry out in pain.

“Told you not to do it.” Jessica jokingly shouted at Stephen, who was curled into a ball clutching his chest. “I told you but you didn’t listen.”

“Argh. Okay I get it now.” Stephen straightened out and sat up. He looked across to see Sam gawping at them. “You know if your mouth was open any wider you would be perfect for catching bug Pokémon.” Stephen joked causing Sam to close his mouth.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to stare.” Sam apologised as he stood up. “It’s just I wanted to talk to you about some things.”

“Oh sure,” Stephen stood up before helping Jessica to get up. “What did you want to ask?”

“Just some things about the Actopon League,” Sam stuttered nervously as he spoke. Jessica picked up on this. “And about my Pokémon.”

“Sam why are you stuttering.” Jessica smiled as she walked over to Alvin’s bag, taking his Pokédex. “Don’t be nervous about asking questions.” Jessica looked as Alvin. “Just borrowing this.” Alvin simply waved a hand in response.

“So what did you want to ask?” Stephen enquired as the three walked away from the blanket, heading to where Sam’s Pokémon were playing.

“Well I would like to know about the remaining three gym leaders, the elite four and champion of Actopon and how the league is structured.” Sam replied.

“Well,” Stephen looked across at Jessica, who was tapping away on the Pokédex, then turned back to Sam. “We’ll do the Pokémon first, as they are out. Then while we are back on the road we can talk about the league.” Sam nodded and called over the four Pokémon he had received from his storage.

“I would like to start with Ampharos please.” As Sam brought the sheep-like Pokémon forward, Jessica gave it a quick scan with the Pokédex.

“Ampharos, the Light Pokémon. The tail's tip shines brightly and can be seen from far away. People in the past used its light to send signals back and forth with others far away.” Jessica gave a quick scroll though the moves that Sam had taught it.

“Hmm Amphy here has, Charge, Thunderbolt, Cotton Spore and Focus Blast.” Stephen screwed up his face slightly as Jessica read off the list of moves. Sam saw this and nervously rubbed his arm.

“Well, T-bolt is ok, Focus Blast is a very good choice but ...” Stephen turned to Sam with a quizzical look on his face. “Cotton Spore?”

“It’s just that Ampharos is kind of slow.” Sam explained his choice of moves with the stutter returning to his voice. “I thought I would be a good idea to try and slow the opponent.”

“That is a good idea but it’s not necessary.” Jessica replied. “What you could do is focus training up Ampharos’ defences. That way you’ll be able to take a hit and then strike back. Rather than wasting time trying to slow an opponent and training in speed, then failing and your Ampharos gets knocked out before it can attack.”

“I would suggest you replace Cotton Spore with Signal Beam.” Stephen continued on from Jessica, “That will help then” Stephen looked across at the Pokédex screen, “well according to the Pokédex Ampharos has Hidden Power Grass; which is pretty handy. So I would teach it that.”

“Yeah, that’s pretty much it.” Jessica shrugged her shoulders as she thought. “If you don’t want to use Hidden Power, Power Gem is an option.” Sam nodded as he intently listened to the invaluable advice.

“So Heracross next please.” Sam returned Ampharos to its Great Ball, before bringing Heracross over. Jessica scanned the Heracross who glared menacingly at her.

“Heracross, the Single Horn Pokémon. They gather in forests seeking the sweet sap of trees. To keep all the tree sap to itself, it hurls rivals away with its prized horn.” Jessica slowly scrolled through the pages of information, occasionally glancing up to make sure the Heracross wasn’t going to make any rash moves.

“The moves are: Megahorn; Double Team; Swords Dance and Brick Break.” Jessica took a couple of steps back as she read the moves, looking up at Heracross as it rolled its head showing its large menacing horn.

“Well, Megahorn and Brick Break are ok.” Stephen explained while pulling Raiden’s Great Ball of his belt and passing it to Jessica, “But Swords Dance isn’t really necessary on something that powerful. You could replace it with another attack. Also Double Team is for trainers who think their Pokémon are weak. It shows a lack of trust in their Pokémon’s abilities.” Sam looked down as he heard the words ‘weak’ and ‘lack of trust’.

“But the other two are fine. I would personally lose Double Team for Night Slash and Swords Dance for Aerial Ace.” Stephen looked across at Jessica to see her glaring back at the Heracross whilst clutching the Great Ball. “And unless you want a fight I would return him now.” Sam nodded, holding up a Nest Ball and promptly returning the Heracross to it; Much to Jessica’s relief.

“Thank goodness that’s gone.” Jessica shuddered as she thought about the Heracross. “So what’s next?”

“Cloyster.” Sam had seemed to relax as the discussion went on. “This guy could do with some serious improvement.” As Sam spoke the Cloyster ‘bounced’ its way towards the group, resting on its spikes once it arrived.

“Cloyster, the Bivalve Pokémon. Its shell is extremely hard for protection and can shoot spikes from within the shell. It swims in the sea by swallowing water, then jetting it out toward the rear.”

“The moves are: Brine; Ice Beam; Protect; Spike Cannon.” Jessica smirked as she read the move set. “That’s not all. This Cloyster is really slow too and has been trained in Special Defence and Endurance.”

“What’s wrong with that?” Sam was rather annoyed at Jessica apparent insulting of his Pokémon.

“You’ve trained it well.” Stephen explained, “But the move set is special based not physically based, which would be better for Cloyster.” Stephen took the Pokédex off Jessica, had a quick look at the training strengths before returning it to her. “The Special Defence and Endurance are perfectly fine; you should focus the rest of your training on Physical Attack.” Sam thought for a moment, he was about to interrupt when Stephen continued, “And change the entire move set to Avalanche; Ice Shard; Payback and Explosion.” Sam looked confused.

“Why would you put two ice type attacks on the move set?” He asked puzzled by the apparent lack of sense.

“Because,” Jessica explained, “Your Cloyster is very slow. Avalanche and Payback benefit from this lack of speed, however it costs you some attacking ability. And because of Ice Shard being a move that can be launched quickly it means that Cloyster will be able to attack before the opponent can make their move.”

“Oh okay,” Sam nodded as he replied, “I get it now.” He returned Cloyster to its Pokéball.

Stephen looked at his PokéNav, “We had better get going.” Sam gave a slight stammer and pointed at Smeargle who was painting an intricate pattern on the grass around him. “Later. I could talk about Smeargle move sets until I’m blue in the face. And even then I would have only given you a mere selection of the possible move sets.”

“Yeah.” Jessica smiled as she closed the Pokédex, “I’ll help you with it later. Mostly because I will need Magik.”

“Your Breloom?” Sam had a confused look as he tried to figure out why Jessica would need her Pokémon to help his.

“Yes, unless your Smeargle already knows Spore.” Jessica asked to which Sam shook his head, “Then I’ll need Magik. Pretty much all Smeargle move sets use Spore.”

“Excellent.” Stephen was now trying to hurry the conversation up. “We really have to get going soon.” With that Stephen walked back to the blanket with a hastened pace. Sam looked up at Jessica who was slowly shaking her head. Jessica gave a glance down at Sam before sighing and following Stephen, beckoning Sam to follow.

After five minutes of hurried packing up the group were back on their bicycles and getting ready to continue along the route.

“Right that stop took a little longer that I was expecting.” Stephen explained to the other four. “We need to push on if we want to make Birchwick before nightfall.” Stephen looked up and down the route to see if there was any traffic. “The route looks pretty quiet, so it should be smooth riding all the way there. The ground around here is pretty flat anyway so it should be easy going.” That perked the group up a little. “It’s 3pm now, I want to get to Birchwick before 7pm. Any questions or problems?” The group collectively shook their heads. “Good.” Stephen smiled and pushed forward on the ground before pedalling away with the other four in close pursuit.


***


Four Hours later and the sun was beginning to set, gradually dipping towards Rock Mountain. The weary travellers didn’t care for the natural beauty of the sunset; they were more interested in complaining that the low sun was shining in their eyes. They pushed on hoping that the sun would disappear behind the mountain as soon as possible. Unexpectedly relief came a few minutes later as the road dipped down bathing the group in pleasant shadow.

As the group continued along the road the very nature of the shadow started to change. Rather than being a release from the eye stinging pain of the sun, the shadows started to close around the group, as if they were solid walls closing in to crush them. The shadows seemed to be stopping the noises of the world around the group from reaching them, they continued along the route in an eerie silence.

“Damn!” Stephen muttered under his breath. “It’s getting late and we are still on the road.” Stephen looked over his shoulder to see Jessica nervously scanning the area around her. He slowed down so that he could pull alongside her. “Jessica.” Stephen’s voice was little more than a whisper causing Jessica to jump.

“DON’T DO THAT!” Jessica yelled at Stephen forcing him to swerve away to protect his ears.

“Sorry.” Stephen spoke with his normal volume of voice, “I didn’t mean to scare you it’s just I didn’t want to make too much noise.”

“I know,” Jessica gave a slight shudder, “We are getting very close to Birchwick Town.” She looked across to see Alvin, Kei and Sam looking over. “Don’t worry guys. It just that the spirits of The Tower spill out of Birchwick Town during the night. That’s why we were trying to get there before nightfall.” The group continued along the route in silence trying to ignore the seemingly growing shadows.

Half an hour later Birchwick Town finally came into view. The entire town seemed to be bathed in a black shadowy light. The group slowed as they approached the outer limits of the town, as they did a large ancient tower loomed into view. The tower was like nothing else in the area, a monolithic crumbling structure, built out of what from a distance seemed to be small rocks. The tower had rows upon rows of small windows, in the shape of small tight arches. At the top there were the remains of an intricate parapet and the shattered remains of a spire from which a dark smoke plumed. However it was no ordinary smoke, it seemed to twist and fall at will, as if not wanting to obey the laws of nature.

As the group entered the town they saw that it looked just as old as the tower that loomed over it. The streets were cobbled and the houses made of the same stone as the tower. As they rode through the town the people smiled and waved, seemingly paying no heed to the tower.

Kei joined in on the oddly relaxed mood of the town figuring that if the people who live there didn’t care about what was going on she shouldn’t either and smiled and waved back. Sam and Alvin on the other hand were a lot more cautious spending every chance they got to look up at the tower, nervously glancing around trying to work out what was going on. Jessica just focused on where she was going and made a beeline for the Pokémon Centre.

“Hey guys.” Stephen called to the group causing them all to stop. “You lot can head off to the Pokémon Centre. I’ll catch up, I’ve got to go and sort something out.” Kei, Alvin and Sam nodded and rode off; Jessica however looked back at Stephen.

“What do you need to check out?” She asked a little nervous of the response.

“I just want to see if the guy who knows the most about The Tower of Souls is here.” Stephen replied, “You know, see if he knows anything about Razgriz.” Jessica sighed.

“Okay. Just don’t take too long about it.” Jessica waved before turning and riding off in the direction of the Pokémon Centre. Stephen gave a quick look around to get his bearings before riding off in the general direction of the tower.


***


A few minutes later Stephen pulled up in front of a large building, designed to look like a castle. Over the door was a large lit Pokéball sign with the words Birchwick Gym below it written in a gothic style font. A small sign to the side of the door caught Stephen’s eye.

The Birchwick Town Pokémon Gym. Leader Jordan. The spirit medium Pokémon warrior. The sign was written in the same elegant gothic style font as the lettering above the door. However below the sign was a piece of laminated paper which was nailed to the wood of the sign. Closed to all challengers. NOT AN OFFICAL GYM OF THE ACTOPON POKÉMON LEAGUE! Stephen smiled and shook his head before pushing open the door and walking in, pushing his bike in with him.


***


Jessica, Kei, Alvin and Sam cycled towards the Pokémon Centre, the modern building with its clean line and modern structure, stood out against the old buildings that surrounded it.

“Wow, I never thought a Pokémon Centre could be ugly but now ...” Alvin stuck out his tongue a little, “... Eugh! That is completely out of place.”

“It is but their hands are tied. They have to build them to look like this, it’s part of the branding” Jessica commented as she pushed her bicycle around the back of the Pokémon Centre, followed closely by Sam, Kei and Alvin. Jessica rested her bicycle on one of the many empty anchor points, with the others putting their bicycles near to hers. Jessica then turned to leave.

“Wait. What are we going to do about locking them?” Kei asked whilst looking around.

“Well Stephen has the keys so we can’t do anything until he gets here.” Jessica sighed, “I don’t really want to stay out here and watch them. And unless any of you want to we’ll have to hope he gets here soon.” The three looked at each other hoping one of the others would offer to stay with the bicycles. Jessica smiled as she watched. “Didn’t think so. They’ll be fine here, it’s a secure bike shed anyway.”

“Ok fine, we’ll have to trust that no-one will steal them.” Sam moaned, “But if they do I’m blaming Stephen.” Sam looked back at Alvin and Kei. “Agreed?” Alvin and Kei gave a slight nod.

“Fine.” Jessica turned and walked out of the bike shed. “Anyway I’m hungry, let’s find somewhere to eat.”


***


The door closed behind Stephen leaving him in a cavernous dimly lit hall.

“Helloooooooooooo.” Stephen’s voice echoed as he called into the darkness. “Jordan Mann, Pretender of the Universe. Are you in here?” As soon as Stephen finished speaking a ball of shadowy gloop sped out of the darkness landing on the ground directly in front of Stephen causing him to jump back. Stephen immediately reacted and pulled Raiden’s Great Ball from his belt throwing it forward releasing the Zangoose.

“I told you not to call me that.” An angry, yet oddly soothing and sweet voice called from the shadows.

“Which: Jordan Mann or Pretender of the Universe?” Stephen gave a slight chuckle, which was short lived as another Shadow Ball shot from the darkness. This time Stephen was ready for it, as soon as he saw where the ball came from he pointed to the source. “Raiden use Shadow Claw on whatever is firing those Shadow Balls.” The Zangoose leapt up at the darkness his claws covered in a rippling purple gaseous haze and slashed at the source of the attacks. As soon as Raiden had finished and landed on the ground the lights of the lit up flooding the battlefield with a blindingly bright light.

“Both.” Despite the bright lights the voice still came from a darkened figure, who was standing on the edge of the viewing gallery above the battlefield where Stephen was standing. “Call me Champion.” The figure jumped from the gallery onto the battlefield, landing in a crouched position.

“Yeah, that’s never going to happen.” Stephen held up the Great Ball and returned Raiden. “Now stop being a jerk.” Jordan slowly stood up, he was wearing a dark purple pinstripe suit, under the suit jacket he wore a white shirt with a filled collar. His dark blond hair accented with a thin bright purple streak running from above his right eye, leading over his head.

“Aww please.” Jordan’s voice was no longer angry and much friendlier. Stephen just shook his head. “Okay fine. So why are you here then?”

“This is why.” Stephen pulled a Cherish Ball from his belt and threw it forward releasing Razgriz.

“HOLY GIRATINA!” Jordan was in shock, “Where the hell did you get that?” Jordan slowly edged towards the Darkrai who floated next to Stephen as he explained to Jordan about what the league had told him to do.

“So that’s where I got Razgriz here.” Stephen finished explain the story to Jordan. “But there is another reason I have come to see you.” Jordan looked up from Darkrai. “Have there ever been stories of a Darkrai in The Tower of Souls?”

Jordan thought of a moment before shaking his head. “Nothing worth noting. The only stories involving Darkrai and the tower have been tenuous at best. There is no evidence that a Darkrai has visited the tower at any point for the last couple of hundred years. Anything longer that that is pure speculation with no evidence to back it up. Why?”

“Razgriz can you tell him what you told me.” Stephen asked the Pokémon next to him, “He has spent most of his life studying The Tower of Souls.” Razgriz slowly nodded before focusing on Jordan.

“The Tower is in danger.” The voice that spoke to Stephen in his dream last night echoed in his head, a lot weaker than it was but still strong enough to be heard. Jordan quizzically looked at Razgriz.

“What do you mean danger?” Jordan asked.

“I do not truly know.” The voice continued. “I know only what I have sensed. But there is a cancer within The Tower of Souls. It threatens the very stability of The Tower of Souls and its surrounding town ... I forget the name.”

“Birchwick.” Jordan replied.

“Yes.” The voice continued. “I am sorry I cannot be of much more help.”

“Wait.” Stephen interrupted, “last night you said that Jessica and Myself were important.”

“Yes,” the voice seemed to be annoyed with something. “I forgot about that. I do not know why but Stephen and Jessica are important for the survival of The Tower of Souls.”

“Interesting.” Jordan tapped his foot and stroked his chin. “Very interesting. Razgriz, what is your connection to the tower.” He asked.

“It is ... important to me.” The voice continued, “But I cannot remember why.”

“It’s okay.” Jordan replied. “Thank you.” Razgriz nodded and turned to Stephen lifting his Cherish Ball up.

“You want to go back in?” Stephen asked to which the Darkrai nodded before being dissolved into red light and pulled back into the Cherish Ball. Stephen turned to Jordan. “What do you make of it?”

“You know I said that there were no stories worth noting.” Jordan asked to which Stephen nodded. “Well I was wrong. Look, meet me at the tower tomorrow morning.” Jordan rubbed the sides of his head. “And if I were you I would only bring Darkrai, leave the other three for the day. You will need a full team of strong Pokémon.”

“Okay.” Stephen replied. “I’m guessing that we are going all the way in.”

“Oh yes, right to the top.” Jordan seemed excited at the idea. “See you tomorrow around 10 am.”

“Sure thing.” Stephen waved goodbye as Jordan ran to the back of the battlefield and though one of the doors to the gyms back rooms.


***


Stephen quickly cycled to the Pokémon Centre. After locking all the bicycles up he headed into the main building. It was getting late so Kei and Sam had already go off to the overnight room to go to sleep leaving Jessica and Alvin to sit in the front room of the Pokémon Centre chatting and watching some random rubbish on the TV. Stephen walked in through the front doors and flopped onto one of the empty seats next to them.

“So I have some news.” Stephen interrupted Jessica and Alvin’s conversation. “Jordan is in Birchwick and is going to help up find out why Razgriz is interested in the tower.” Stephen explained to which Jessica and Alvin listened intently. “So we’re going in tomorrow at 10 am. I’m sending Loki, Borealis and Usain back to the house for the day so I can bring some more powerful Pokémon. Just in case anything happens.”

“Sure thing.” Jessica cheerfully replied. “Are the kids coming too?”

“I see no reason why not.” Alvin gave a slight yawn as he spoke. “Kei will be fine and Sam was talking about how this tower compares to the one in Lavender Town.”

“Ok cool.” Stephen wandered over to the phone booths. “I’m sorting out my Pokémon then I’m going to bed I would suggest you do the same.”


***


After ten or so minutes the three were walking towards the overnight room.

“So what Pokémon did you two get?” Alvin asked. “Because I can’t get any more than the ones I already have on me.”

“Well I put Magik and Blobby back and got Sparky, my Rotom and Demon Lord, my Houndoom.” Jessica replied.

“Two good choices, I put the other three babies away and got Laura, Gary and Powergrid. My Froslass, Dragonite and Electivire. I also swapped Raiden for Arkbird.” Stephen smiled before letting out a long yawn.

“Sounds good.” Alvin opened the door to the overnight room letting Stephen and Jessica in first before following and quietly closing the door behind him.

The three quickly got changed and got into bed. Stephen was just about to fall asleep when he felt a hand run up his chest and a warm body snuggle up against him. He looked over his shoulder to see Jessica lying next to him.

“Jessica,” Stephen kept his voice to a whisper. “Your bed is over there.”

“But I want to sleep with you.” Jessica replied in a whisper using a puppy dog style of tone to her voice.

“Tough,” Stephen was getting a little annoyed. “I told you I need some time before I will be comfortable sharing a bed with you, like this.”

“So why did you kiss me earlier today?” Jessica still used that tone of voice to try and convince Stephen to let her stay with him.

“Because I ...” Stephen stammered for a moment, “thought you were annoyingly cute.”

“Annoyingly?” Jessica’s tone of voice changed drastically. “You find me annoying.”

“I didn’t say that I meant that ...” Stephen started to reply.

“No I get it.” Jessica got out of the bed with a huff.

“You’re being irrational.” Stephen rolled his eyes as Jessica seemed to deliberately be obtuse about the whole problem. “Just let me think about it for a while longer.”

“Fine, whatever.” Jessica slunk into her own bed and quickly fell asleep.

“Okay fine be that way.” Stephen pulled the bed covers over himself and relaxed. “I just want some sleep.”
 

TPJerematic

All I need is a hug!
Stephen awoke to the sensation of his nose being lightly rubbed. He cautiously opened his eyes, feeling a slight prang of worry. The worry was quickly replaced by an odd feeling of joy and sadness as he found himself gazing into a pair of scarlet red eyes.

“Jessica I ...” Stephen didn’t even get a chance to complain before he felt Jessica’s lips press against his. Stephen tried to move his arms so he could push Jessica way but found himself barely able to move his fingers let alone his arms.

After what felt like an eternity, the kiss was finally broken. Jessica pulled away with a flick of her green hair.

“Now that is far better than the alarm clock, don’t ya think?” Jessica sweetly smiled. With a quick spin, that caused her gown to billow out, Jessica walked towards the door of the overnight room. She then threw a look back at Stephen. “It’s ten past nine; Jordan is in the entrance hall of the Pokémon Centre. Come down ASAP.” Jessica gave Stephen a quick wink before leaving him alone in the empty room.

“Yes,” Stephen didn’t move from the position we had woken in as he spoke to the empty room. “Yes it was much better than an alarm clock.” Stephen finally gathered the strength to sit up. “She is relentless.” Stephen rubbed his eyes with the back of his hands and gave a slight sigh. “I can’t worry about that now. I have Razgriz to attend to.” He quickly threw on some clothes, grabbed his Pokéballs and ran down to the waiting hall.

Stephen walked with hurried steps along the corridors of the Pokémon Centre. As he approached the door leading to the entrance hall of the Pokémon Centre he heard an all too familiar voice talking. Stephen quietly pushed through the door to see Jordan standing on a table surrounded by the trainers who had gathered in Birchwick town.

“... So you see why the balance between focusing on a specific type and training your Pokémon to be able to handle threats from all types is so important. It allows you to focus on your preferred type while still being able to effectively battle.” Jordan finished answering one of the questions that a trainer from within the group had asked. He gave a quick look at the large clock. “Right I have time for one more question.” Numerous trainers in the group stabbed the air with their hands desperate to get their question answered by the elite champion of the Actopon Pokémon League. Jordan mulled the choice over for a few seconds before pointing at a small young boy who was hopping up and down trying to get above all the other hands surrounding his.

“Yes the excited boy.” Jordan smiled as the boy stopped jumping around and looked around receiving a couple of pats on the shoulder.

“Erm ... What Pokémon do you fear that a trainer might switch in on you?” The boy voice was very quiet as he spoke nervously.

“Wow, that’s a wide topic.” Jordan tapped the various Pokéballs on his belt. “There are a lot of Pokémon I don’t like to see switch in on me. Buts lets’ focus on one.” Jordan pulled a Dusk Ball of his belt and threw it forward releasing a Gengar. The Gengar cheekily grinned and laughed as it flew around the Pokémon Centre. “See Gengar here has quite a few weaknesses. He doesn’t like to see Psychic, Dark or other Ghost type Pokémon. However he can deal with these easily, Shadow Ball stops Psychics and Ghosts, while Focus Blast stops Dark types.” Jordan beckoned Gengar over. “However only using those moves gives Gengar a problem stopping any Normal/Flying typed Pokémon. Does anyone have one of those?” The crowd fell silent as a few of the trainers in the crowd jostled as they tried to get at their Pokéballs. However they were all beaten by a Cherish Ball being thrown over their heads and opening releasing a Togekiss. “That Togekiss will do fine. Whose is it?” Jordan asked the crowd.

“Mine.” Stephen chuckled from the side of the room.

“Ah it’s Arkbird of the Möbius Gym.” Jordan announced to the crowd eliciting a small round of applause. “This is defiantly in my list of Pokémon I don’t want to see in a battle. However I am not worried because I have two options. I can either: use Hypnosis and put Arkbird to sleep or I can use Gengar’s Thunderbolt and fry that Togekiss.” Stephen was about to interrupt but Jordan cut him off. “However, Togekiss have very strong Special Defence, so I would not be assured that Gengar will KO the Togekiss. Also I know Stephen’s strategy and the berry he usually attaches to Arkbird is a Lum Berry. Allowing him to cure Arkbird of ANY status it is afflicted with once.” Jordan returned Gengar, quickly followed by Arkbird being returned to its Cherish Ball. “So there is your answer. One of the Pokémon I do not like seeing in battle is a Togekiss.” Jordan looked over the crowd gathered below him. “Well it has been very nice to see you all but unfortunately time is up so I will have to say my goodbyes.” The crowd gave Jordan a generous round of applause before filtering out of the Pokémon Centre.

A few minutes later only Jordan, Stephen, Jessica, Sam, Kei and Alvin, along with a few trainers were left in the entrance hall of the Pokémon Centre.

“So are you ready to go to the tower and see what’s what with Darkrai?” Jordan asked Stephen who nodded. “And are all four of you coming as well.” Jessica, Sam, Kei and Alvin all nodded, with Sam and Kei is reverent silence of the elite champion. “Good let’s get going to The Tower of Souls.” The group left the Pokémon Centre and walked the short distance to the tower. Along the way Jordan explained that he was able to get the tower sealed off for the day, which would allow them uninterrupted access to the tower. Unfortunately it would mean that the ghost Pokémon that live in the tower would be more likely to attack. Jordan was about to push open the large heavy wooden door to the tower when he stopped and turned to Jessica.

“Do you feel that?” He has a slightly uneasy tone to his voice.

“Feel what?” Jessica replied, “I can’t sense anything.”

“Can’t be anything important then.” Jordan cheerfully commented and pushed against the door which opened with a loud groan.

Once all six trainers were inside the door slammed shut with an almighty bang that seemed to shake the whole tower. As the group stood at the entrance to the tower, surrounded by nothing by sheer darkness despite the time of day, there was an ominous presence in the air.

“Anyone got a fire type?” Jordan asked to which Kei threw a Pokéball forward releasing Torkoal. She immediately regretted it. As soon as the fiery tortoise was released the light coming from the flames in its shell illuminated the room. As well as the tens of ghost Pokémon who were surrounding them.

“That can’t be good.” Stephen quipped.

“Silence human.” Jessica boomed. Shocked the group turned to look at the Gardevoir. However nearly everything was wrong. One of Jessica’s arms was being held above her head with her wrist hanging limply. From around her wrist came a very fine silvery thread that went up into the dark ceiling. All of a sudden Jessica’s other arm jerked to the side, a fine silvery thread looped around the wrist, before being dragged up like the other arm. Stephen’s eyes followed the line of the strings to see a Banette manically staring down at the group.

“Leave this place.” Jessica spoke with a voice not of her own. “You do not belong here.”

“Wha ... What is that thing?” Kei’s voice stuttered and shook as she grabbed a-hold of Alvin hiding her face in his side.

Alvin already had his Pokédex out but had been frozen with fear so he hadn’t used it. He quickly scanned the maniacal looking ghost Pokémon. “Banette, the Marionette Pokémon.” Even the Pokédex’s electronic voice seemed to be scared. “An abandoned plush doll became this Pokémon. If it opens its mouth, its cursed energy escapes. It seeks the child that disowned it.”

Stephen yanked a Safari Ball from his belt and threw it forward. Immediately the room was filled by the Dragonite that had been contained within the ball.

“GARY USE OUTRAGE ON THAT ****ING BANETTE!” Stephen’s eyes were filled with rage and his voice barely recognisable. The large orange dragon started to glow a deep purple-blue when Jordan shouted up.

“NO STOP!” Gary and Stephen glared across at Jordan as he shouted up to the Dragonite. “If, you do that the whole building will come down.” Stephen reluctantly held up the Dragonite’s Safari Ball and returned the Pokémon. The Banette and the other ghost Pokémon laughed at the group and started to pull away.

“We are giving you one chance to leave.” Jessica once again spoke, her voice corrupted and deep, as she was pulled away from the group by the strings attached to her arms. “If you are lucky we might even give this Gardevoir back.” Jessica’s eyes seemed to scream as the Banette continued to use her to speak. “Once we are finished with her of course.” Jessica’s head twitched as she fought the control Banette had over her.

Stephen simply glared up at the Banette, silent in his reply. The other four followed suit silently glaring up at the ghost Pokémon as they drifted up into the ceiling, With Jessica being pulled up the stairs. As soon as Jessica’s body was no longer in sight the clothes she had been wearing along with her Pokéballs were dropped down the stairs, landing in a pile at Stephen’s feet.

Stephen scooped the clothes up, along with the Pokéballs and kicked open the door. With a quick flick of the wrist Stephen dumped the clothes outside of the door, kept the Pokéballs to hand and threw his Safari Ball, along with a Cherish Ball, out into the clear air once again releasing his Dragonite and Togekiss.

“Gary. Arkbird.” Stephen barked his commands up to the two Pokémon as they flew above him. “Stay outside of the tower and keep watch. Don’t let a single damn ghost leave.” Gary and Arkbird nodded and flew up the tower spiralling around it. Stephen returned inside the tower then threw Jessica’s five Pokéballs forward along with two of his releasing all the Pokémon contained within.

Seconds later the room was once again filled with Pokémon. Only this time all of them were able to sense the building rage within Stephen, along with the four humans.

“What’s the plan?” Jordan looked across to Stephen who was clenching and unclenching his fists. “I hope you don’t plan to storm the tower.” Stephen shot a look at Jordan which filled him with dread. “That’s insane.” Jordan stammered slightly. “I have no idea what is going on but trust me. This is not normal. That Banette shouldn’t have been able to kidnap Jessica.” Sam, Kei and Alvin turned to Jordan as he explained the situation. “There is a ... society, within the tower. The ghost Pokémon work together for the common good. Banette is not doing that.” Jordan looked at Stephen who was barely paying attention. “It might be the ... cancer, Darkrai was talking about.” Jordan took a couple of deep breaths in an attempted to calm his flustered nerves.

“Get all of your Pokémon out. All of you.” Stephen’s voice was unnervingly calm. “We attack now.” Jordan moved to interrupt but stop as Stephen stared at him. “I am not leaving without Jessica. Not ever.” Stephen pointed at Jessica’s Houndoom. “Demon Lord, you’re going up the stairs first. As soon as you are in the room use Dark Pulse then follow it up with Flamethrower.” Stephen then shifted to Jessica’s Empoleon. “Ray you follow and use Hydro Pump to douse any fires that have been started.”

Stephen then turned to Alvin. “Alvin, come with me and keep your Pokédex handy. I’ll need you to tell me what Pokémon are left of the floor so that we don’t leave any behind us.” Alvin nodded and swiftly grabbed his Pokédex. Stephen then beckoned to Sam and Kei, “You two stay a floor below us and make sure any of the ghosts that try and flee are stopped.” Sam and Kei nodded releasing their Pokémon. Stephen then looked up at Jordan. “You try and find out what is going on.” Jordan nodded releasing his Dusknoir.



***


Banette chucked as he dragged Jessica up the tower. (We are going to have a lot of fun with you. And your friends are not going to be able to stop us.) Jessica tried to fight the lack of control she had over her body, but to no avail. She drifted off to sleep as she was effortlessly dragged up the tower.

Jessica opened her eyes to an almost beautiful sight. Where it not for the Banette and other ghost Pokémon surrounding her. Jessica found herself on the top floor of The Tower of Souls looking out over Birchwick Town and the surrounding countryside. However her hands were tied above her head.

(Let go of her. She is secure enough.) Banette barked his orders at the ghost Pokémon that were restraining Jessica. (How do you like the view?) Banette spoke to Jessica with an obscene tone to his voice. (If you are lucky it won’t be the last time you get to see the outside world.) Banette laughed as he taunted Jessica.

Jessica finally came to her senses and felt her body loosen up. She immediately started to struggle against her bindings, to no avail.

(It is pointless my dear.) Banette continued his taunting of Jessica. (So unless you want to be trapped in here forever I suggest you co-operate and give me what I want.)

“I’ll give you what you deserve.” Jessica defiantly glared up at the Banette who laughed back at her.

(Oh Yeah, and how do you plan to do that.) Banette laughed at Jessica whose expression remained deadpan.

“Like this.” Jessica laughed back as she fired a pulse of psychic energy from her mind, blasting all the Pokémon at the top of the tower away. Banette grimaced as he took the brunt of the attack.

***


The ghosts on the first floor attempted to scatter as a pulse of black twisted energy ripped through the room. Many were unable to move in time and were battered by the pulse that left many of the ghost Pokémon cowering in fear, with some weakened and unable to leave the room with the rest flying out of the room in all directions. Those that were unfortunate enough to be left in the tower were quickly scorched by a series of powerful bolts of fire. The few that escaped by flying through the walls of the tower were met by a mixture of Air Slashes and Dragon Pulses as Arkbird and Gary pummelled them. Those that fell through the floor seeking refuge were met by the attacks of the various Pokémon assembled in the room.

Once the room was deemed to be clear Stephen and Alvin moved up bringing their Pokémon with them. Sam and Kei stayed on the ground floor waiting for the order to move up onto the next floor. Jordan however didn’t follow the group up the tower. Instead he went behind the stairs opening a trapdoor through which he descended.


***


Stephen and Alvin continued moving up each floor clearing the ghost Pokémon from the floor, with Sam and Kei, along with Dragonite and Togekiss, mopping up the ghosts that tried to flee.

While they were keeping the ghosts occupied Jordan went through the numerous dark, dank tunnels and caverns that made up the bowels of the Tower. The only noise was the soft echoing clack of his shoes against the hard stone floor.

“Sense anything Dusknoir?” Jordan asked the Pokémon floating next to him. Dusknoir replied with a shake of his head. “Well keep looking.” Jordan stopped as he reached a T-Junction within the tunnels. He peered around the corner looking up and down the tunnels. “Doesn’t look like there are any Pokémon down here.” Jordan mused aloud to which Dusknoir solemnly nodded.

Jordan turned left and continued to walk down the tunnel, with Dusknoir following closely. “Think. If you were going to try and take over the tower, where would you keep the leaders of the tower?” Jordan asked himself, once again vocalising his thoughts. Dusknoir suddenly stopped and stared at the wall of the tunnel. “See something?” Jordan asked to which the Dusknoir nodded before slamming a glowing fist into the wall of the tunnel.


***


“HOW MANY FLOORS DOES THIS DAMN TOWER HAVE?!” Stephen screamed as he finished climbing what left like the fiftieth flight of stairs. Alvin silently followed, he had heard enough complaining from Stephen to last him a life time. The Pokémon were starting to tire with several being forced to return to their Pokéballs. Stephen’s Electivire, Powergrid, was the only Pokémon he had left in the tower. Arkbird and Gary were still outside but Stephen didn’t know how well they were coping.

Alvin, aside from his useless Metapod and Magikarp, had Shinx, who was knocked out almost immediately by a not very scary Duskull, and Hades. His Spiritomb was surprisingly gleeful at the chance to pummel other ghost Pokémon.

Stephen walked over to one of the windows and tried to look outside. “Damn things are too narrow.” Stephen’s complaining had become a quiet mutter, much to Alvin’s relief. Stephen looked at Alvin and sighed. “We had better keep climbing. We must be nearing the top now.” Alvin nodded and led the way, carrying Hades’ keystone.


***


Kei and Sam stood around waiting for the order to climb up. Kei wandered over to the stairs and looked up waiting for the thumbs up to continue. While Kei was waiting Sam looked around the room spotting a doorway in the corner. He moved around a little so that he could see into the room. As he moved round he caught sight of an object standing just out of sight of the rest of the room. Sam walked towards the door way and peered into the room. In the inky darkness he could barely make out the figure of a person standing in front of him. Sam opened his mouth to speak but no words came. A shaft of light appeared in the room, seemingly out of nowhere. The figure took a step into the light revealing itself.

It was a boy, around 15 years old. His brilliant white hair stood out against the inky blackness. His glasses caught the shaft of light and seemed to emit sparks of light that rapidly dropped to the floor. He was wearing a black turtle neck jumper along with a pair of urban camouflage combat trousers and a pair of black combat boots.

Sam tried to take a step towards the boy but found himself rooted to the spot unable to move. He once again opened his mouth to speak but still no words came. The boy opposite simply smiled.

“Sad. So sad.” The boy’s voice was little more than a whisper. As soon as he had finished speaking the boy levitated into the air and floated back into the darkness.

Sam gasped as he felt something let go of his body. With a quick shake of his head he left the room; only to be confronted by a very angry Stephen.

“Where did you go?” Stephen tried to keep the anger out of his voice, “Come on we don’t have any time to waste.” Sam silently nodded and followed the group up the stairs, trying to put what he had just seen out of his mind.



***


Banette panted as he glared at Jessica. (Why can’t I get her to submit to me?!) He shouted to his sub-ordinates who tried to hide themselves. Banette brought himself up to Jessica’s face (How are you still fighting me.) Jessica simply grinned as she spat in the Banette’s face.

“**** you.” Jessica defiantly spoke using English over her Pokémon voice. “You weak ****.” Banette wiped the spit from his face before leaping back and forming a Shadow Ball between his hands.

(I’ve tried to be nice. I’ve tried beating the crap out of you. I’ve tried being nice again.) Banette focused the energy between his hands into and every growing ball of gloop. (But I think I’ll try beating the crap out of you again.)

“Oh THAT’S what you were doing.” Jessica laughed at the Banette. “I thought you were just trying to tickle me.” Jessica winced in pain as the huge Shadow Ball slammed into her chest and exploded sending a spray of swirling gloop everywhere. “Jeez ...” Jessica spluttered as the wind was knocked out of her. “... You suck. Untie me and I’ll show you how to form a proper ****ing Shadow Ball.”


***


Jordan stood back as his Dusknoir repeatedly battered and pounded the stone wall of the tunnel. Eventually it started to crumble and gave way. Dusknoir dropped to the floor, exhausted with the physical effort of punching through a wall. Jordan returned Dusknoir to his ball while waiting for the dust generated by the collapsed wall to clear. He entered the cavern that had been revealed to see several ghost Pokémon huddled together. He instantly recognised the Pokémon.

“Why are you lot down here when some Banette is running riot in your tower?” Jordan asked the Pokémon who looked up at him embarrassed.

“Because he overpowered us with his cronies.” One of the Pokémon replied in English. Jordan simply shook his head.

“So what happened?” Jordan asked, “How did you, the oldest and most powerful ghosts here, get over powered?”

“That Banette manipulated them.” The ghost spoke as it stood forward, despite the lack of light the eyes of the Pokémon sparkled. “He then used them to overthrow us. We are vulnerable to a mass attack like that.”

“But why?” Jordan shook his head slightly, “Why has Banette taken over. Does it have anything to do with the tower or any event involving a Gardevoir?” The Sableye recoiled with a confused look on its face.

“What are you talking about ... Did that Banette kidnap a Gardevoir.” Jordan nodded. “Damn pervert.” The Sableye spat that the ground, however due to the fact that it’s diet consists solely of rock all that came out were chewed up bits of stone. “Is that ALL he can think of. He tried to take control of the entire tower JUST to get with a Gardevoir.”

“Wait ... so this is all just a Coup d'état.” Jordan was disgusted by the idea, the pettiness of some of humanity nature were present in the world of Pokémon.

“Yes. That is the human word for it.” The Sableye walked towards Jordan. “Please help up take back the tower Jordan. My old friend.” Jordan nodded and turned to lead the ghost Pokémon out of the tunnels. After two steps he turned around to see the hind quarters of the numerous Gengar, Mismagius and Dusknoir floating through the ceiling.

“Why didn’t you do that in the first place?” Jordan was visibly annoyed at the development.

“Because.” The Sableye replied while motioning for Jordan to keep walking. “Banette had ordered a few of the cronies to keep a shield around us to stop us from leaving.” Sableye quickly walked through the tunnels leading straight to the exit. “It was broken by either: Your Dusknoir smashing the wall and breaking the seal or ...”

“Or what?” Jordan stopped with a look of fear on his face. The Sableye stopped and turned to face him.

“He is directly under attack.”


***


“YOU!” Stephen leapt up from the final flight of stairs behind his Electivire who was busying itself throwing a series of Thunder Punches around. Banette glared at the human who had managed to penetrate to the top of ‘his’ tower.

“Now.” Stephen’s voice froze, the words coming forth encased in ice, “You have one chance. LET. JESSICA. GO.” Banette laughed uproariously in reply.

(Why the hell should I?) Banette spoke with a hiss in his voice. He pointed at Stephen. (My Shedinja ... Kill him.) Suddenly from the corner of the room the empty husks of Pokémon rose from the ground and began to charge at Stephen.


***


Jordan huffed and puffed as he ran up the near endless flight of stairs, with Sableye shouting at him to hurry along

Alvin stayed on the edge of the staircase taking care to stay behind Hades who was blocking any attempts of the ghost Pokémon of attacking Alvin.

Sam and Kei were on the floor below forcing any ghost Pokémon that tried to free the top floor back up. They were soon joined by the ghosts that were trapped in the bowels of the tower, who joined the fight to keep Banette’s minions on the top floor.

Arkbird and Gary were flying above the top of the tower occasionally diving down to stop a fleeing ghost.


***


Stephen brought up is arms in a hopeless attempt to cover himself from the nine Shedinja that were heading towards him, their stubby arms glowing an odd shade of green. Electivire was too busy surrounded by various ghosts to be able to help his stricken trainer. Jessica was still restrained and couldn’t gather the strength to help him.

Stephen braced for the impact. An impact that never came. He looked up to see a familiar figure before him. A figure that fired of a devastating dark pulse that smashed into the Shedinja, knocking them flying. A figure with a pitch black body, a crimson red collar and beautiful elegant white hair. Razgriz.

“YOU.” the Darkrai’s voice boomed through the heads of every human and Pokémon in the tower. “GET OUT OF MY TOWER.” Banette scoffed.

(Your tower, no, no, no.) Banette shook his head, (This is my tower.)

“Then I will fight you.” Razgriz continued to speak to everyone within, “For my home.” Stephen took a step back more than a little shocked.

“Razgriz ...” Stephen’s voice trailed off. The Darkrai turned to face Stephen, everything in Stephen’s mind went silent as Razgriz focused on him.

“This is my home. That is why it means so much to me.” Razgriz turned to face the Banette but kept focus on Stephen long enough to give him one last message. “Now stay down.” Stephen didn’t even bother to reply, he simply dove to the floor. He looked up to see Razgriz gathering a ball of black energy between its hands. The ball was then hurled at the ground, as it hit a wave of blackness rippled across the floor pulling everything down into it. All of the ghost Pokémon, Stephen’s Electivire; even Jessica.

Seconds later the void shattered leaving nearly all the Pokémon asleep, only Banette and Jessica awake. The other Pokémon writhed on the floor in pain, suffering from the effects of Darkrai’s Bad Dreams. Banette took this moment to taunt Darkrai.

“You better have more attacks than tha ...” Banette was cut off as a series of pulses of dark energy pounded into the Banette. Stephen took this chance to sprint up to Jessica. He quickly untied Jessica from her restraints.

“LET ME AT THAT ****ER!” Jessica pushed Stephen away and leapt at the flailing Banette. She grabbed him by the leg and held him at arm’s length away from her body. “Remember when I told you I’d show you a REAL Shadow Ball.” Jessica pulled the Banette’s face close to hers and whispered. “Guess what time it is.” With her free hand Jessica formed a small ball of goop. However unlike the Banette’s the ball was a lot darker, the gloop was swirling faster. Jessica extended the arm holding the Banette and brought the Shadow ball up to its face. Jessica gave a smile as she released the Shadow Ball directly into Banette’s face while releasing her grip on him. Everyone who was still awake followed the Banette for as long as possible as it was shot off the roof of the tower tumbling towards the mountains.

Jessica gave a long sigh before collapsing onto the floor with an almighty bang. Stephen and Razgriz rushed over to her side, and helped Jessica to her feet. Stephen then crouched down and beckoned for Razgriz to rest Jessica on his back. Stephen took the weight and stood up carrying Jessica.

Alvin, Sam and Kei slowly walked up the stairs followed by a panting Jordan. Stephen simply looked across at them and smiled, his face filled with relief and tears streaming down his face.


***


Back on the ground in front of the tower, with the help of Alvin, Stephen returned Gary and Arkbird; the Dragonite and Togekiss, who were relieved for the chance to get some rest. Stephen then turned to Razgriz.

“So that is your home.” Stephen felt a hot flush across his cheeks and tears form in his eyes. “Well, I was supposed to release you at your home Razgriz.” Stephen tried to hide his face from the Darkrai. “So, here you are. You can leave now.”

“Do I have to?” Razgriz replied in Stephen’s head.

Stephen looked at the Darkrai with tears streaming down his cheeks. “I’m not forcing you to.”

“Then I’m staying.” Razgriz floated over to Stephen and hugged him. “You are mean more to me than this place.” Stephen was barely able to stop himself from collapsing into a mushy puddle of tears.

“Then I guess you are staying with us.” Stephen’s voice was barely distinguishable through his tears.
 

TPJerematic

All I need is a hug!
Ok so i'm REALLY late with this chapter having only finished it late saturday night and beta-ing today.

However i have a message to anyone reading this page.

If you have read this chapter and the fic in general could you please PLEASE give me a reply or something. Just to say hi and tell me what you think.

It would just be nice to see who is still (if anyone is) reading this little fic.

Anyone on to Chapter 10

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////


Chapter 10

Stephen walked towards the Birchwick Pokémon Centre, Jessica on his back, feeling an odd mixture of euphoria and fear. He was elated that Razgriz had decided to stay with him rather than return to his home in The Tower of Souls, where he had been captured. However, he was worried about Jessica.

Those worries were short lived as Jessica began to stir. Stephen tried to look at her face, only to find that she had buried it in his neck and was lapping at it with her silky smooth tongue. Stephen giggled slightly as Jessica’s tongue tickled his neck.

“You okay?” Jordan smiled as he watched Stephen try and nudge Jessica’s head away. Stephen simply smiled in reply and continued to walk stifling his giggles.

“It tickles.” Stephen jogged Jessica causing her to bump away from his neck.

“I bet it does.” Alvin let out a slight laugh as he watched on. “She’s just being affectionate to her saviour.”

“So why isn’t she doing this to the Pokémon.” Stephen sighed as Jessica yawned and promptly nuzzled his neck. “They did all the work.” Stephen yelped as Jessica bit down on his neck, before licking the bite mark. All the time making a variety of squeaks and coos.


***


When the group arrived at the Pokémon Centre it was starting to get late. After leaving the rest of his Pokémon with the nurse Stephen carried Jessica to their overnight room. Once he got to the door Stephen kicked it open and staggered into the room. Despite her slight form Jessica was starting to get heavy. He quickly got to one of the beds and gave a sigh of relief. Stephen turned around and knelt down sitting Jessica on the edge of the bed; after pulling her hands apart Jessica flopped back and curled up, tangling herself in the bed covers.

Stephen smiled as Jessica fell asleep, the red horn on her chest solely rising and falling with every breath. Still smiling Stephen stood up and turned to leave, as he took a step forward Stephen felt something grab his arm and pull him back down to the bed. Stephen looked over his shoulder Jessica still fast asleep her arms wrapped around herself. Stephen was confused as he tried to pull his arm away; it was useless, something, or someone, was holding on tightly. Jessica gave a slight squeak as she slept before rolling over leaving most of the bed open.

No, Stephen sighed, I can’t.

“Why not?” Jessica replied her voice sweet as honey.

“Because ...” Stephen trailed off before blushing and looking down.

“I just want you to stay with me tonight.” Jessica’s voice wavered for a second, “After everything that happened today I just want some company.” Stephen sighed and clambered into the bed. Jessica rolled over and smiled, her red eyes gleaming. Jessica slipped her arms around Stephen and pulled him close. The two lay together for a moment staring into each other’s eyes.

“Thank you.” Jessica lent forward and gave Stephen a light kiss on the cheek.

“No problem, just try and get some sleep.” Stephen was nervous. Jessica smiled and pulled one of Stephen’s arms around her and snuggled up against him and quickly fell back asleep. Stephen sighed and slowly closed his eyes.


***


Two hours later and Alvin, Kei and Sam were just about ready to go to bed. None of them had paid much attention to Stephen and Jessica’s absence. As the three were walking along the corridor that lead to the overnight room a shadow appeared before them. Kei was the only one of the three to have any Pokémon on her so she quickly reached for the Pokéball on her belt. The shadow rose up from the floor revealing a Misdreavus.

Alvin quickly grabbed the Pokédex from his bag and scanned the ghost Pokémon. “Misdreavus, the Screech Pokémon.” The Pokédex’s electronic voice sounded tired after the events in the tower. “Misdreavus frightens people with a creepy, sobbing cry. It gathers fear as its energy.”

Alvin and Sam took a step back allowing Kei full view of the Misdreavus. Kei slowly took the Pokéball from her belt; the Misdreavus just floated in front of her its face seemingly expressionless. As Kei activated the Pokéball Sam took another step back, only to bump into something behind him. As he turned around to see what it was, Sam caught a glimpse of Alvin’s face, his eyes wide open and his mouth ajar. Sam continued his turn, only to find himself face to face with another ghost Pokémon. Only this one was a lot bigger than the Misdreavus facing Kei.

“Mismagius, the Magical Pokémon.” Alvin’s Pokédex burst into life as he stood frozen in fear. “Its cries sound like incantations. While they usually torment targets, cry may rarely be imbued with happiness-giving power.”

Alvin and Sam stood in fear, even though that had spend most of the day in a tower full of ghost Pokémon, this was completely different. They were caught off guard with no Pokémon to protect them. They were about to run when both Pokémon started laughing.

Please do not be scared. A voice rang in the heads of the three humans. While your fear nourishes us it is not the reason we are here. Kei slowly put the Pokéball back on her belt and Alvin and Sam breathed a sigh of relief. You are the humans who helped save our tower. Sam, Alvin and Kei nodded, I am, what you would call, Mismagius. Our true names are beyond human language. I wanted to thank you for your actions within our scared Tower of Souls. My son was one of the Pokémon who were tricked by the Banette. He wished to join the strong trainers who were so easily able to defeat the many Pokémon of The Tower of Souls, in order to prove to me that he is truly sorry for his actions.

Alvin, Sam and Kei stammered as they heard the offer. Kei eventually spoke up. “If your son wants to he can come with me.” Kei asked with a slight tone of fear to her voice.

What is your name young one? The Mismagius asked.

“Kei,” Kei tried to speak with some form of sturdy tone of voice. “Kei O’Brien.”

Kei, Kei, Kei. That’s a pretty name. I like that name. I want to go with the girl with the pretty name. The Misdreavus flew in tight circles around Kei’s head.

Then it is settled, my child shall go with you. The Mismagius nodded and started to fade. Take care of my child Kei O’Brien. The Mismagius faded from view.

“So,” Kei dropped her bag to the floor and rummaged for an empty Pokéball, “I need to capture you Misdreavus.”

Call me ... Erm ... Archer. The Misdreavus floating next to Kei struggled to find a name he could actually tell her.

“Okay Archer it is.” Kei pulled a Pokéball from her bag and brought it up to the Misdreavus; however he was reluctant. “What’s wrong?” Kei asked as Archer dove into Kei’s bag and spilled all of her empty Pokéballs out. After a quick look he found one of her empty Dusk Balls, and nudged the ball. “You want to go in there? Okay.” Kei picked up the Dusk Ball and brought it against the Misdreavus, catching it instantly.

“Remarkable.” Alvin stood dumbfounded. “I have never heard of a Pokémon refusing to go on one kind of Pokéball in favour of another type of ball.” Alvin grabbed his Pokédex and scanned the Dusk Ball. Kei and Sam simply yawned in reply. “You two are right; I can care about that tomorrow.” Alvin stifled a yawn as he opened the door to the overnight room.

All three were surprised to see Stephen and Jessica, not only sleeping in the same bed but snuggled up closely wrapped in each other’s arms. The two were, however, fast asleep. Kei, Sam and Alvin silently slipped into the room making sure not to wake them. After quickly and quietly getting changed the three clambered into their own beds and fell asleep.


***


Stephen awoke to the sensation of a hard floor beneath him and having his side kicked rhythmically. With a groan Stephen looked up to see Jessica sitting on the bed above him gleefully kicking away.

“Nice to see you up.” Jessica chirped and stopped kicking. Jessica turned, grabbing some items on the bed next to her and dropped them next to Stephen. “I’ve got your clothes. I also put Laura, Gary and Powergrid back into storage, and got Latias, Suicune and Deoxys back.” As if on cue one of the Cherish Balls opened releasing Loki, who floated above Stephen cooing as she rubbed her cheek against Stephen’s.

“Kawaii! Anyway, Alvin, Kei and Sam are in the lobby waiting for you to wake up and get ready to go.” Stephen gave a slight grumble as he sat up, giving Loki a quick scratch behind the ear. “We are expecting a two day long trip to get to Yellowcake, so we’ll be stopping at the Pokémon Centre at the crossroads tonight.” Jessica looked up at the clock as Stephen pulled on a t-shirt. “It’s 9:30 now so ... we should arrive at the Pokémon Centre at seven-ish.”

“Yeah, sounds good.” Stephen sighed as he slow got dressed, “Are you going to leave me alone? Or are you going to perv on me as I get dressed?” Jessica gave a sweet smile and kept her gaze focused on Stephen. “Fine, turn around then.” Jessica reluctantly nodded and turned her head away as Stephen finished getting dressed.

Stephen quickly stood up tidying the bedcovers that lay on the floor; he quickly gathered the rest of his gear and left the room, with Jessica in close pursuit. The two got to the lobby of the Pokémon Centre to find Kei, Alvin and Sam ready and waiting. After a quick review of the items and equipment the group had on them, the five left the Pokémon Centre and got to their bicycles. After a few quick checks the group rode out of Birchwick Town.


***


It’s was around 5 in the afternoon the next day that the group arrived at the outskirts of Yellowcake Town. The previous day and a half were rather boring, mile after mile of cycling dispersed with the occasional battle or chance to capture another Pokémon. However, much to Stephen’s bizarre humour, none of the group were able to add to their teams.

The group were relieved to see the quiet town and relaxed as they approached. After turning one of the many corners on the route a magnificent sight came into view. What lay before the group was a huge shimmering lake, the icy blue water sparkled in the afternoon sun. The wind picked up, blowing a nice stream of cool refreshing air at the five weary travellers. Invigorated by the freshness of the breeze the group continued along the route.

Ten minutes later the five reached one of the gateways to the town. The route into the town was decorated by an ornate wooden arch, carved into which were many electric type Pokémon. As the group passed underneath the arch they were showered with sparks. Looking up they saw several Pichu and Elekid playing on the small ledge behind arch, each playful contact causing sparks to rain down.

Stephen stopped riding and signalled for the others to stop. “Okay guys we have two options, we can either: go to the lake now and spend some time relaxing before going to the Pokémon Centre or go to the centre first. What do you want to do?” Stephen waited while the other four thought.

“LAKE!!!” Jessica, Alvin, Sam and Kei shouted in unison.

“Okay.” Stephen turned his bicycle to the left and started riding towards the lake, with the other four close behind.

Upon arriving at the lake front the group hopped off their bicycles, locking them against one of the many railings that bordered the coast of the lake. With Kei and Sam running towards the cool inviting waters of the lake. Alvin ran off after his sister to make sure she didn’t just leap into the lake and get all her clothes wet. Stephen and Jessica simply strolled towards the lake enjoying the beautiful view.

After arriving at the shore of the lake, Stephen sat on the slightly sandy beach looking over the lake with Jessica sitting next to him also enjoying the beautiful view. Alvin sat on the other side of Stephen keeping an eye on Kei, who was busy running around with her Nincada and Eevee. Just as Stephen was getting comfortable one of the Cherish Balls on his belt burst open with a bright white light. The light faded revealing Borealis, the Suicune.

“Cune, Suicune cune.” Suicune spoke to Stephen whilst bowing its head.

“Thank you Stephen.” Jessica translated for the Pokémon. And with that Suicune turned and ran towards the water, leaping in as soon as he reached the edge of the lake. Within seconds the Suicune was gone, disappeared from view. Stephen sat dumbfounded blinking repeatedly while staring at the lake.

“Err.... err.......... Erm........... Okay.” Stephen was trying to say something coherent. A wave of misery washed over him, finally giving Stephen enough strength to speak. “Wha.....Why did Borealis just up and leave?”

“This must have been his home.” Alvin tried to think of a reason why the Suicune would leave so suddenly. “The Pokédex did say that it cleans water. Maybe it was here keeping the lake clean and called it home.” Stephen turned away pulling his knees up to his chest and hugging his legs.

“That still doesn’t explain why he just left so suddenly.” Stephen’s voice wavered, as if he was about to start crying. Jessica shook her head.

“Stephen why don’t you go off to the Pokémon Centre and get us a room.” Jessica patted Stephen’s shoulder in an attempt to make him feel a little better. Stephen nodded and got up to leave, slowly plodding away from the lake with tears forming in his eyes. As soon as he was out of earshot Jessica turned to Alvin. “I knew this would happen. He became emotionally attached to Suicune.” Jessica shook her head. “What the hell are we going to do with him?”

Alvin shrugged his shoulders. “No idea. How about you go and talk to him. I’ll stay here and keep an eye on the kids for a little longer before coming to the Pokémon Centre. That should give you enough time to calm him down.” Jessica reluctantly nodded and got up to follow Stephen.


***

Arriving at the Pokémon Centre, Stephen took his bicycle around the back and locked it up. He had spent most of the ride over with tears running down his face, leaving his eyes red and his cheeks flustered. He felt a failure for Suicune not choosing to stay with him. Was I not good enough for Borealis? Stephen’s mind seemed to taunt him. He silently walked around to the front of the Pokémon Centre, seeing Jessica riding up as he got to the doors. His hand dived into his trouser pocket and pulled out the keys to her bicycle lock, flashing them to Jessica and leaving them on the bench next to the door.

Stephen entered the Pokémon Centre and got a room for the group. He hurriedly walked to the room opening the door and taking all the keys in with him and closing the door behind him locking everyone else out. Stephen slumped onto one of the beds and let the dark thoughts in his head take over his conscious mind. YOU’RE AN AWFUL TRAINER THAT’S WHY SUICUNE LEFT YOU. One voice shouted in his head, He couldn’t stand a weak trainer like you. Another directly whispered to his brain. YOU didn’t show him enough affection so he left. Yet another voice joined in on the gang torture of Stephen’s mind. He shuddered as the dark thoughts wracked his mind.

Jessica stood outside the room; she was nearly overwhelmed by the bad vibes being given off by Stephen. She knelt down to take a look at the lock; however it had been designed to be strong against psychic manipulation. Damn it, Jessica moaned to herself as she stared at the door. Before banging at it with her fist.

Stephen leapt out of the bed as Jessica banged on the door. He sheepishly walked up to the door, opening it slowly. Jessica sighed as she saw Stephen’s tear stained face.

“We need to talk.” Jessica spoke with a soft tone to her voice, “Can I come in?” Stephen nodded and opened the door letting Jessica into the room. Jessica walked over to the bed and sat down patting the empty space next to her. Stephen sat down next to Jessica and buried his head in his hands.

“Am I a bad trainer?” Stephen asked Jessica, she was more than a little surprised. “I mean, Borealis just left without asking if it would be okay, or without letting me offer for him to say with me.” Jessica put one of her slim arms around Stephen’s shoulders.

“You are a good person and a good trainer, don’t you ever forget that.” Jessica tried to console Stephen, “Maybe Suicune just wanted to go home, he could be just as sad, he just didn't want to drag out his leaving.” Stephen sniffed and wiped his eye as yet another tear formed.

“I just can’t believe I made that mistake.” Stephen turned away. “I forgot that I wasn’t supposed to bond with them.” One of his hands left his face and traced around Darkrai’s Cherish Ball. “Maybe I was so caught up with what happened with Razgriz; He didn’t want to leave and I didn’t want him to either.” Stephen leant his head on Jessica’s shoulder, “Maybe Borealis did hate me.” Jessica sighed at Stephen. His change of mood was somehow pleasing to Jessica, not due to his misery, but rather due to the fact that the trainer she had known her whole life was still at heart, the nervous emotional trainer she had met all those years ago.

Jessica took a deep breath. He needs something to take his mind off things, Jessica mused, Maybe giving him a kiss might make him think about me and make him a little happier. She placed a couple of fingers underneath Stephen’s chin and lifted his face up and turned it to face her. He’s so cute when he’s like this. Jessica’s emotional sensory abilities were picking up on everything Stephen was feeling, from the pain and sadness of losing a Pokémon that he hoped would be his friend to the joy of having a shoulder to cry on. But more importantly to Jessica were the feelings of love for his friend that Stephen was experiencing.

“Here, hopefully this will make it feel better.” Jessica closed her eyes letting her sense of Stephen’s love for his friend, guide her. She leant forward and pressed her lips against his, quickly turning the contact into a full on kiss. As she continued to kiss Stephen, Jessica expected the view of Stephen’s troubled emotions to clear up into the singularity of love for her. She was greatly mistaken.

Stephen’s eyes were wide open in shock as Jessica pulled him into the kiss she had initiated. His mind went blank as he tried to comprehend what was going on. It was then the he noticed that Jessica was probing around in his mind focusing on an apparent love for her. Stephen was immediately annoyed that Jessica had not asked him first, but more over that she was so very, very wrong. Stephen brought his hands up to Jessica’s shoulders and began to push.

Within seconds Jessica realised something was wrong. Rather than filling up with emotions of love and happiness, Stephen’s mind was filled with confusion, annoyance and ... rage. Jessica opened her eyes and gasped. The break of contact was enough for Stephen to forcibly shove Jessica away, causing her to bang the back of her head against the wall. Jessica clutched the back of her head and growled.

“WHAT THE **** IS WRONG WITH YOU?” Jessica was overcome with rage; her head was smarting from the smack against the wall.

“I COULD ASK YOU THE SAME THING.” Stephen was equally angry at Jessica, “WHY THE **** DID YOU DO THAT?”

“BECAUSE I LOVE YOU.” Jessica shouted back, she was breathing heavily and her crimson eyes are glaring at Stephen.

“I don’t call forcing yourself on me love.” Stephen’s voice waivered and his body started to shake. “Idiot.” Stephen whispered.

Unfortunately Jessica heard. Without thinking Jessica swung a fist at Stephen, connecting with his jaw and sending him sprawling across the floor. “*******.” Jessica continued to yell at the top of her voice. Stephen grabbed his jaw and groaned in pain.

Jessica stood up and stormed out of the room. Stephen quickly gathered himself together and got off the floor and followed Jessica. “Wait I ...” Stephen tried to talk to Jessica but was met with another punch to the face. This time he was knocked the floor of the corridor. He looked up to see Jessica glaring down at him with tears in her eyes. “I didn’t mean it. Sorry.” Stephen desperately tried to make amends.

“No. Shut up.” Jessica’s voice quivered as she tried to choose between crying and shouting. “Why don’t you love me? We’ve been together for EIGHTEEN YEARS!” Jessica screamed down at Stephen who winced, both in pain from his jaw from where Jessica had punched him and in his ears from the shouting.

“I ... I told you I needed time to think about it.” Stephen franticly tried to reason with Jessica, however it was hopeless her emotions were running riot and no amount of reason was going to get through to her.

“HOW MUCH TIME COULD YOU POSSIBLY NEED?” A slight whine entered Jessica’s voice. “Isn’t eighteen years enough.” The argument had started to draw a crowd. “I was trying to comfort you, trying to make you feel a little better and what do you do?” Jessica dropped to her knees next to Stephen. “YOU SMASH MY HEAD AGAINST A WALL AND CALL ME AN IDIOT.” Jessica’s mind flashed white with rage and she unleashed an extremely powerful Psychic against Stephen, throwing him down the corridor. Stephen’s body tumbled as it hit the ground, his limbs flailing.

Stephen’s head was swimming, he couldn’t tell which way was up and could no longer hear anything with all the blood pouring out of his ears, thanks to the psychic pressure Jessica had put on his brain.

Jessica walked up to Stephen’s limp body. She was about to attack again when he coughed, a little blood came up and splattered on the floor. Jessica’s mind changed from white rage to remorse; she dropped to the floor next to Stephen and started to sob. Stephen tried to reach out and touch Jessica’s hand; however she slapped his hand and ran away towards the exit of the Pokémon Centre.


***


Alvin, Kei and Sam were walking towards the door of the Pokémon Centre when Jessica burst out of it. Immediately the three knew something was up; Alvin was about to run after Jessica when he heard the commotion within the Pokémon Centre. The three ducked into the Pokémon Centre to find Stephen on a stretcher, surrounded by Chansey who were frantically administering first aid. Alvin turned to see Kei and Sam’s worry stricken faces.

“You two go over there and sit down.” Alvin pointed to one of the sofas against a far wall. Alvin walked over to get a better look of Stephen. So soon as Stephen caught sight of Alvin he tried to sit up, however the pain from his injuries caused him to crash back down to the stretcher snarling. With his right hand he beckoned Alvin over. Alvin carefully made his way to Stephen’s side, finding a gap between the Chansey.

“Find Jessica ... tell her I’m sorry.” Stephen’s voice was raspy and his breathing laboured.

“What happened?” Alvin couldn’t help the scared tone to his voice.

“It’s complicated,” Stephen gasped as one of the Chansey injected him with painkillers. “Just find Jessica.”

Alvin started to respond but one of the Chansey shoved him out of the way as the paramedics from the hospital arrived. Stephen was wheeled out of the Pokémon Centre and loaded onto an ambulance, which screeched off towards the centre of town.


***


Jessica panted as she ran along the shore of the lake, tears still streaming down her face, her hands still splattered with Stephen’s blood. Jessica turned around to see that she was several miles away from the town. After a quick look around to see if she was alone, Jessica dropped to her knees and wailed, fresh tears running down her face.

After a few minutes of crying Jessica turned towards the lake, staring at her reflection in the lakes water. Why am I crying? Stephen is the one who should be crying. Jessica dipped her hands into the cool lake water and washed her face. After washing away the dry tears from her face Jessica sat up, looked across the lake. Wow I didn't realise I was on the other side of the lake. Jessica sighed, At least no-one will be able to see or hear me. I need to be alone.

After half an hour of sitting in silence Jessica felt a wave of tiredness wash over her as the sun began to dip towards the horizon. Jessica stifled a yawn as she stood up. Where am I going to sleep tonight, I don’t want to have to go back into town. Jessica looked around seeing nothing but open plains. But there is nowhere safe enough around here for me to sleep alone. Jessica sighed, she was about to walk back to town when something in the water caught her eye. Jessica slowed turned her head and gasped when she saw what was in the lakes water.


***


After finding out what had happened from the Nurse Joy and a few of the other trainers who had watched and heard the whole ordeal, Sam, Kei and Alvin were sitting on their beds in the overnight room trying to figure out what to do next.

“I’m going to see Stephen at the hospital.” Alvin declared after sitting in the stifling silence, “You two can explore the town. If you see Jessica try and talk to her but be careful. Okay?” Sam and Kei nodded grabbing their things, Alvin did the same and the three left the Pokémon Centre, Alvin heading towards the hospital and Sam and Kei walking towards the town centre.

Alvin arrived at the hospital and found Stephen; he had recovered from most of his wounds and had not major injuries.

“You look a lot better.” Alvin commented as he walked up to Stephen’s bedside.

“I feel it too. Thankfully all the blood was from superficial wounds.” Stephen looked around Alvin to see if anyone else was with him. “You alone?”

“Yeah, Sam and Kei are off looking around town.” Alvin replied, “And no, I don’t know where Jessica is I didn’t bother looking.” Stephen glared at Alvin and opened his mouth to interrupt. “No, don’t even bother speaking.” Stephen closed his mouth and motioned for Alvin to continue. “Firstly, I don’t want to have to deal with Jessica when she is clearly annoyed at you and secondly, you can find her yourself tomorrow and apologise.” Stephen blushed slightly and stared down at the blanket. “What is your problem anyway? She’s madly in love with you and you keep shrugging her off and hurting her.” Alvin shook his head.

“You don’t think I know that.” Stephen didn’t bother to raise his voice. “I just want to tell Jessica that I’m sorry for being an *** when she was trying to comfort me.”

“That would be a start,” Alvin sighed and looked up at the clock, “But you will need to do it tomorrow, it’s getting late and you need to rest.” Stephen sighed as he got himself comfortable on the bed. “I will be here tomorrow to get you. Then we will have a talk.” Alvin left the hospital room and returned to the Pokémon Centre.


***


Jessica stood dumbfounded as the figure slowly rode from the lake water. She recognised, the large blue hexagonal crest, the long flowing purple mane, the soft sleek blue body accented with white diamond markings and two streaming white tails and deep staring red eyes.

(Jessica, it is nice to see you, and good fortune that I have found you.) The Suicune spoke in a different tone it had used earlier on.

(Borealis ...) Jessica couldn’t think of what to say, she felt a mixture of anger and relief. Anger at the Suicune of causing the problems with Stephen and relief that he had decided to try and find her.

(We need to talk but first you need a place to sleep tonight, follow me.) Suicune turned and started walking along the lake.

(Where are we going?) Jessica asked.

(To my family’s den.) Borealis simply explained.

(Oh, okay.) Jessica couldn’t help but smile, after all she was walking along the bank of the lake with a cute young Suicune. (What do you need to talk to me about?)

(It is about our futures.) Borealis replied without looking back. After a couple of minutes he stopped in front of a circle of large thick bushes. (We are here.) Suicune nudged at the bushes forcing a gap between two of the bushes to open and walked in the resulting gap. Jessica tentatively followed closing the gap between the bushes behind her.

Jessica was amazed at what she was. Behind the bushes was a huge cavern, Borealis lay to the side of the cavern and patted the ground next to him. Jessica walked over and sat down next to the Aurora Pokémon. (So what do you want to talk about concerning our futures?)

(I’ll explain.) Borealis took a deep breath, (I spent around three years living here with my family. We were the guardians of the Lake. And had been for many centuries and many generations. Even after the humans found that odd yellow rock and built their power building we still sought to protect our lake. We would occasionally appear to the humans to ensure that the lake would stay protected.) Borealis sighed and looked around the empty den. (However by showing our presence we had unwittingly attracted many humans to the lake, and a large number of those sought to capture my family for their own selfish gain. Despite the effort of both ourselves and many people of the town my family lost many members until only my parents and myself were left.)

Jessica looked away from Borealis lost in thought, yet hanging on the Suicune’s every word. Borealis continued his story, (My parents were very protective of me, not allowing me to leave this den without both of them. They would only leave one at a time to ensure that the lake was still clean and pure.) Tears started to form in Borealis’ eyes, (One day, not too long ago my Mother was out guarding the lake. However she never returned. My father too left the den in search of my mother and like her, never returned.) A tear ran down both Suicune’s and Jessica’s faces. (After a few days alone in the den I eventually plucked up the courage to leave on my own. As soon as I had left the den I was surrounded by terrifyingly huge Pokémon all under the command of a single human. I was unable to fight and tried to run, however I has attacked by all the Pokémon. Weakened I was caught and lost all sense of my surroundings.)

Jessica wiped the tears from hers and Suicune’s cheeks. (That’s an awful story.) Jessica felt her heart sink. (What do you remember happening next?)

(Seeing the eyes of a kind hearted human ... whose face was covered in the saliva of a Latias.) Borealis gave a slight laugh. (As well and a very strong and caring Gardevoir.) Jessica sighed and ran her fingers through her green hair.

(So what are you going to do now?) Jessica asked Borealis; the Suicune looked around the den as he thought.

(There is nothing left for me here.) Borealis said wistfully. Several minutes passed with nothing being said, the only sounds being the soft lapping of the lake against the bank and the chirps and whistles of the bird Pokémon coming in to roost for the night. Jessica looked down at her Pokétch; the time was 8:57 pm.

(It’s getting late,) Jessica stood up and stretched, (I need some sleep.)

(I ask that you stay here tonight.) Borealis motioned towards a small pile of leaves, (I wish to sleep here, just not alone.) The Suicune dipped his head down, relaxing on his pile of leaves. (Goodnight Jessica.) Borealis closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep.

(‘Night Borealis.) Jessica sighed and walked over to a small pile of leaves. I ... shouldn’t have been so quick to snap. Jessica sat down on the leaves with a bump, wincing a little. Ooof, the ground is harder than I thought. Jessica flopped onto her side and curled up, closing her eyes.

So Borealis has given us some clues. He was caught around here, probably by a poacher but that doesn’t make sense. Why would a poacher dump a Cherish Ball with a rare baby legendary Pokémon at the league. I can’t think of anything else that would make sense though. Jessica shook her head slightly as she got herself comfortable on the leaves. And what about me and Stephen. What am I going to do about that? Maybe if Borealis decides to join us permanently Stephen might be happy again. Jessica shook her head a little more vigorously. No, we need to have a talk about our situation. I need to tell him how much I love him. And how I just want to kiss and cuddle him all day. Jessica sighed and closed her eyes. I just want to be closer to him now than we have ever been.


***


Alvin’s eyes shot open as the overnight room filled with an incessant buzzing. With a lazy swing of his arm Alvin hit the alarm clock shutting the noise off. With groan he sat up and looked across at Sam and Kei who were also moaning and groaning as they got up.

“Hey you two.” Alvin coughed as his dry throat caused his voice to croak. He threw the bed covers open and clambered out of the bed. With a stretch Alvin grabbed his clothes and walked into the bathroom to get dressed. As he walked in Alvin turned his head to the two kids who were sitting on their beds yawning. “What are you two going to be doing today while, I’m sorting out Stephen?”

“Well apparently the electric Elite Four lives here so we are going to see if we can meet him.” Sam happily replied, “Maybe he can give me some advice on training my Pikachu ... and if I ask really nicely he might be able to give me a Thunderstone.”

“Wait doesn’t Eevee have an electric evolution?” Kei asked as she grabbed her clothes.

“Yep, Jolteon.” Sam quickly replied. “Maybe that would be a good choice for your Eevee.”

“Well you two have fun with that.” Alvin came out of the bathroom dressed in his usual gear. “I’m going to be with Stephen most of the day so have fun without me. Make sure you both do a lot of training.” Kei and Sam nodded and turned to get dressed. Alvin gave a slight smile and left the room.


***


Jessica opened her eyes and stared up at the leafy roof of Suicune’s den. The chirps of the Starly and Taillow filtered through the leaves filling the den with soft soothing sound. Jessica sat up rubbing her eyes. As she yawned, giving a stretch, a cooling breeze, scented with the freshness of the lake, wafted through the air. Jessica looked around to see that she was alone in the den and the entrance was wide open. A sense of panic streaked through Jessica, she quickly stumbled to the entrance of the den. Jessica peeked out to see Borealis proudly sitting at the entrance, looking over the lake like a guard dog. With a sigh Jessica crawled out of the den and stood up, taking a deep breath of the crisp morning air.

“Hey Borealis.” Jessica scratched the top of the Suicune’s head as she stood next to him looking across the lake towards Yellowcake Town. “It’s a beautiful morning.” Jessica looked down at the Suicune who was now affectionately rubbing his cheek against her hand. “I hope Stephen is okay ......” Jessica voice trailed off and her cheeks became slightly flushed.

(You care for that human deeply.) Borealis spoke softly, (Much more than normal for a Pokémon.)

(I love him.) Jessica replied, using her Pokémon voice. (I ... love him.) Once again Jessica’s voice trailed off, her cheeks become even more flushed.

[]i(He has deep feelings for you too.) Borealis pointed at the town with one of his paws. (From the short time I have known him I can feel that he is a kind hearted human. And even with my very limited powers, compared to your species, I know that he is over in that town worried about you.) Jessica simply nodded in reply.


***


Alvin walked into Stephen’s hospital room to find him out of bed, fully dressed and leaning against the window frame, wistfully looking at the lake from the window.

“Shouldn’t you still be in bed?” Alvin asked as he entered the room.

“No ... well yes but ... I want to get out of here.” Stephen didn’t move from his position, “I was waiting for you to get here before I walked out. Seeing as you would be worried about me if you got here and I was gone.”

“Aww, I’m touched.” A faux appreciative tone highlighted Alvin’s voice. “Anyway, I’m assuming that now I’m here you just want to leave.”

“Yeah.” Stephen still didn’t move from the window. “I can see the whole of Yellowcake Lake from here. I wonder if Jessica is anywhere near the lake.” Stephen sighed, “Even if she was I wouldn’t be able to see her ... she has the binoculars.” Alvin gave a slight laugh; Stephen turned his head around with a smile creeping across his face. “I thought you would like that.”

“So,” Alvin swirled his hands around before pointing at the door with both index fingers. “Are we going now?”

“Yes.” Stephen rolled his eyes and shook his head as he left the hospital room. Alvin quickly followed. Stephen simply strolled past the nurse’s station, ignoring all the voices emanating from it. Alvin turned to look at the nurses; he simply shrugged his shoulders before turning back around a following Stephen out of the hospital.

Outside the hospital Stephen lead Alvin to one of the near-by parks, the two walked along one of the side roads with the park ahead of them.

“What you did at the hospital took some balls.” Alvin jokingly said as the two continued walking towards the park. “I think it may have been your Pokéballs though.” Stephen snorted a laugh as the two got to the park.

“Right, what do you want to do first?” Stephen looked around for a bench for the two to sit on. “Moan at me about Jessica or have a look at Usain?” Alvin pointed out a bench a way a-ways from the path through the park and lead Stephen towards it.

“I had better talk to you about Jessica first.” Alvin gave a slight moan as he replied. The two got to the beach and both flopped down onto it.

“Well I’m going to shut up and let you talk to me.” Stephen relaxed, putting his hands behind his head.

“Right,” Alvin took a deep breath, “You need to admit that you love Jessica.” Stephen opened his mouth to reply but was stopped by Alvin. “I don’t mean romantically ... yet ... What I mean is you love her, as your best friend, as one of your battling partners and as one of your Pokémon.” Stephen closed his mouth and nodded in reply.

“Good.” Alvin sighed and took another deep breath. “I now need you to realise why you love her romantically.” Stephen sat in silence and waited for Alvin to explain. “After you were offered the position as gym leader you refused to use Jessica in gym battles. Am I correct?”

“Yes.” Stephen didn’t really want to speak but felt obliged.

“While you were waiting for your new gym to be built you took Jessica to a school so that she could learn how to read, write and talk English, so that you two could communicate better. Correct?”

“Yes.”

“After a couple of months a gym leader when Jessica talked, jokingly, about becoming a trainer herself what did you do?”

“I got her application forms and helped her fill them out and send them off.” Stephen reply was barely more than a whisper.

“And why did you do that?”

“Because I wanted to do what I could to make her happy.”

“Why?” Alvin leaned forward looking into Stephen’s eyes.

“Because Jessica’s happiness means more to me than my own.” Stephen sighed and leant forward resting his head in his hands and looking across at Alvin. “Because I wanted Jessica to be more than just another Pokémon.” Stephen sighed and looked down at the ground his face flushing red. “Because I secretly wish she would be a human so that I could love her.”

“Why would that make any difference?” Alvin put his arm around Stephen’s shoulder.

“It wouldn’t.” Stephen’s face flushed hotter. “It would just make the feelings of love seem normal.”

Alvin rolled his eyes and sighed. “They are normal as they are; there is nothing wrong with being in love with Jessica, even if she is a Gardevoir.” Stephen looked up at Alvin, his cheeks a hot shade of pink.

“I ... was just scared when she told me back in Fairmoss Forest.” Stephen sighed, “I tried to dodge it hoping it was just part of her natural ‘cycle’.” Stephen motioned inverted commas; Alvin just gave a short laugh. “Of course I knew that was rubbish as she had never done anything like that before.” Stephen laughed and shook his head, “I don’t know why I was so scared about it, I mean she was approaching me about mutual feelings. I just wimped out.” Alvin nodded and gave a slight smile.

“I want you to admit something to me here ... in ... preparation.” Alvin giggled to himself as he thought of his clever little plan.

“What is it?”

“I want you to admit to me here and now that you are in love with Jessica.” Alvin couldn’t help but smirk as Stephen’s cheeks became so pink they were almost glowing.

“I ... I ...” Stephen took a massively deep breath, exhaling noisily. “I love Jessica, with all my heart.”

“Excellent.” Alvin pulled his Pokédex from his bag along with his testing kit and tapped Deoxys’ Cherish Ball. “Now we do Deoxys.”


***


Sam and Kei wondered through with streets of Yellowcake town centre, stopping in the occasional shop to see if they had anything interesting to purchase. While strolling through the town a sign caught Sam’s eye. Sinnoh Importers, The finest goods straight from Canalave City. Sam wandered over to the store with Kei silently following.

The two entered the shop, a bell shaped like a Bronzong dinging above them. The walls were covered in shelves filled with items made in the Sinnoh Region.

“Are you looking for anything particular?” The man behind the counter asked to which Kei and Sam shook their heads and continued to look around the shop. Kei walked over to a barrel in the middle of the shop filled with plush toys.

“Aww how cute.” Sam turned around to see Kei holding a plush Buizel doll. Sam simply shook his head and turned to look at the battle items.

The Bronzong bell above the door ran as another person walked into the store. He was in his late forties with slightly greying brown hair, blue eyes hiding behind thin framed glasses, his skin lightly tanned. He was wearing a long, loose-fitting, flowing white coat, despite the bright sunny weather, and matching shirt and trousers.

“Oh hey Hal, nice to see you here.” The cashier gave a slight wave and smile.

“Hey,” Hal replied as he walked over to the register, his coat flowing behind him.

“Kei is that...” Sam whispered as he spoke. Kei nodded in reply

“Yeah,” Kei whispered staring at Hal. “That’s Hal of the Actopon Elite Four.” The two stood and stared.

“Did you get any Charge Beam techs in yet?” Hal asked the cashier, who stood back and looked underneath the counter.

“Erm ... no.” The cashier stood up and scratched his head. “Give me a second I’ll just check in the back room. See if any lurking in there.” His eyes caught Sam and Kei staring at Hal as he walked into the backroom. “Looks like you’ve got yourself a couple of fans.” Sam and Kei quickly averted their gaze as Hal turned around.

“Hi you two.” Hal’s calming voice filled the room. “Are you both trainers?”

“Yes mister Hal sir.” Kei looked down at the ground and Sam just stood in stunned silence. “I’m Kei and this is Sam.” Sam gave a slight wave.

“Well it’s nice to meet you Kei and Sam.” Hal gave a smile to try and ease the tense mood in the shop. “And you don’t have to be super polite around me. I’m just a trainer like you.” Kei and Sam relaxed a little. “So what brought you to Yellowcake Town? The gym is no longer officially able to give out league badges so not many trainers come here.”

“We are here with Stephen and Jessica.” Sam finally spoke, albeit in a quiet tone thanks to being caught off guard by a member of the Elite Four.

“Wait, Stephen and Jessica of The Möbius Gym?” Hal asked with a look of surprise on his face; Kei and Sam nodded in reply. “Wow, I’ll see if I can catch them later.” Hal looked at the door the cashier had walked through. “What is taking him so long ... I bet he can’t find any Charge Beam techs ... and he calls himself a Sinnoh Importer.”

“What’s a tech?” Kei asked, looking up at the ceiling as she though.

“A Technical Machine.” Hal replied causing Kei to face-palm and Sam to laugh. Hal sat on the counter as he waited for the cashier to return. “Is there anything else you want to ask me?”

“Actually ...” Kei and Sam looked at each other with a smile on their faces, “We were looking to see if you were around giving lessons or something like that.”

“Oh really.” Hal gave a smile. “Well I’m not doing anything now, and I’m only going to be training later so I can give you a little advice. It is part of my job as an Elite Four member to help other trainers. So what do you need help with?” Sam stood forward and released his Pikachu from is Pokéball and Kei released her Eevee. “Lemme guess ...” Hal pointed at Sam, “You want to know which is better Light Ball Pikachu or Raichu.” Sam blushed a little and nodded, Hal then pointed at Kei, “And you want to know what Jolteon is like.” Kei nodded.

The cashier seemingly choose that moment to come back into the store; he was holding a yellow CD box in his hands. “Here is your Charge Beam Hal.” The cashier was slightly out of breath as he gave Hal the box. “Sorry that took so long.” Hal shook his head.

“No problem, my Minun will love it.” Hal put the box in one of his many coat pockets. “Do you have any Thunderstones in today?” The cashier nodded and pulled a couple from a shelf behind the counter.

“Is that everything?” Hal nodded as he put the thunderstones in another coat pocket. “Then it’s 11400 to pay then.” Hal took an Actopon League Credit Card and passed it to the cashier who rung the transaction up.

“Right, do you two want to head over to my Gym and talk?” Hal asked; Kei nodded but Sam hesitated.

“I just need to buy some things first I’ll catch up.” Sam replied; Hal and Kei left the store leaving Sam to buy what he needed.


***


Jessica and Borealis walked along the shore of the lake, enjoying the attention that it brought upon them.

(So what is going to happen to the lake if you decide to leave?) Jessica asked Borealis who shook his head.

(I do not know.) The Suicune looked across the lake, (I can only hope that humans and Pokémon can work together to keep it clean.) Borealis turned to look up at Jessica. (And if they fail to protect nature then it will be on their heads.)

(Fair enough.) Jessica replied and continued to walk towards the town.

A while later the two made it to the Pokémon Centre and much to Jessica’s annoyance none of her friends were there.

Eugh, I’m going to need a flying Pokémon to find Stephen. Jessica moaned to herself as she stood in the lobby of the Pokémon Centre. Totem should be good enough. Jessica walked over to one of the phone booths and called the house in Redux City.

Minutes later Jessica and Borealis were back outside of the Pokémon Centre with a Xatu flying in the air above them.

“Totem, find Stephen please.” Jessica called up to the Xatu above her; the Mystic Pokémon slowly nodded and flew off, with Jessica and Borealis following.
 

TPJerematic

All I need is a hug!
Continued from above


***


“So Usain how are you feeling?” Alvin asked the speed-Deoxys who made an odd gurgling reply and stretched its thin arms. “Is that a good thing?” Alvin asked to which Usain patted Alvin on the shoulder with his blue arm.

“I’m guessing yes.” Stephen joking replied before turned to look at Usain. Stephen reach forward bringing his hand up to the green crystalline organ on the middle of Deoxys chest. Usain took a step back just as Stephen was about to touch it, Stephen slowly with drew his hand.

“I wouldn’t touch that if I were you.” Alvin commented as he looked through the few scant pages of information the Pokédex had to offer. “There is not a lot of research on this species of Pokémon but what is known is that the crystalline organ is Deoxys brain.” Alvin put the Pokédex down and opened up his testing kit. “I’m going to need to take samples of pretty much anything, from blood to ... urine.” Alvin gave a slight shudder causing Stephen to giggle and Usain and stare at Alvin with a humoured look.

“Even he thinks you are being a big wimp, right Usain.” Stephen laughed and looked up at the Deoxys who nodded in agreement.

“Very funny.” Alvin pulled out a syringe, a piece of cotton wool and two small bottles, one of which was filled with alcohol and the other empty with a blank label. Alvin got Usain’s attention, “Now Usain I need to take a teeny tiny bit of blood, ok?” Usain nodded and stuck out its red tentacle-like arm. Alvin cleaned a small area with the alcohol and dried it, before plunging the syringe into Deoxys arm. Usain flinched as Alvin began to draw blood into the syringe. Stephen began to stroke Deoxys other arm, the DNA Pokémon turned its head and relaxed, focusing on Stephen’s hand and the tingling sensation that the stroking gave.

Half an hour passed with Alvin poking and prodding Usain, taking as many samples as he could fit in his case. Eventually he was finished and Usain was returned to its Cherish Ball. Alvin and Stephen, however, stayed in the park enjoying the time alone. The two were looking up into the sky when a Pokémon came into view. Alvin pointed the Pokédex up at it and scanned the Pokémon.

“Xatu, the Mystic Pokémon.” The electronic voice of the Pokémon was bland. “Xatu are known to stand motionless while staring at the sun all day long; seeing both the past and the future. It is said that its right eye sees the future and its left eye views the past.”

“That’s really interesting.” Stephen commented, “You know Jessica has a Xatu, she called it Totem, It usually spends the day in the roof of the house looking at the sun.” Stephen and Alvin watched as the Xatu slowly descended. “It keeps telling Jessica what it has seen of the future during the day. The last thing I remember her saying Totem had told her was that I would be meeting a child from a faraway land.” Alvin sat up and looked at Stephen with an interested look on his face causing Stephen to laugh. “No it wasn’t referring to Sam. I had a gym battle with a ten year old from Hoenn the next day.” Moments later the Xatu had landed in front of Alvin and Stephen staring up at the two. Stephen sat up and leaned forward looking closely at the Xatu. “In fact ... you’re Totem.” The Xatu nodded, “Then that means ...” Stephen sat up and felt a small green hand grasp his shoulder.


***


Sam, Kei and Hal stood outside the old Yellowcake gym, an impressive steel building, with two Van de Graaff generator shaped towers on opposite sides of the building.

“Thank you for helping me and Pikachu Hal.” Sam smiled as he looked down at one of the Pokéballs on his belt.

“And thank you for helping me with Eevee, Hal I’ll have a good think about using Jolteon.” Kei chipped in.

“No problem.” Hal waved to Sam and Kei, “I hope to see you at the league.”

As Sam and Kei began to walk away from the gym something moved in the corner of Sam’s eye, he looked around to see a familiar face.

“Sad ... So sad.” The young boy spoke in a ghostly voice as he levitated in the air. Like in Birchwick Town, despite the heat of the day, he was wearing a black turtle neck jumper along with a pair of urban camouflage combat trousers and a pair of black combat boots. His glasses reflected the Yellowcake Gym hiding his eyes. A small breeze blew his silky white hair around.

“Who are you?” Sam asked his hand reaching for his Pokéballs.

“A host of sorrows. And you are one of them.” The boy replied his ghostly voice oddly calming.

“You didn’t answer my question.” Sam glared at the boy opposite anger burning in his eyes.

“I am ... The Sorrow.” The boy stared back at Sam; unlike Sam he was smiling.

“What sort of name is that?” Sam wrapped his fingers around a Pokéball.

“This place is one of sadness.” The boy continued regardless of Sam’s actions. “Pokémon bring battles. Battles bring loss. Loss brings sorrow.” Sam took a step back and got into a stance to battle. The boy’s persona suddenly changed, he glared at Sam and brought a weird looking Pokéball out of his pocket, with an orange top half and white bottom half and with a blue divide. “You will know the sorrow of those you have defeated in battle.” The boy threw the Pokéball forward releasing a Spiritomb. Sam quickly grabbed his Poké Ball and threw it forward releasing his newly evolved Raichu.

“The Sorrow use Will-o-Wisp.” The boy thrust his arm out to the side as his Spiritomb focused orbs of purple glowing fire in front of him.

“Raichu use Volt Tackle.” Sam called to his Pokémon. Raichu dropped to all-fours and charged at the Spiritomb, his body covered in crackling electricity. As Raichu approached the Spiritomb brought the balls of purple fire up into the path of the speeding Raichu. The glowing Raichu slammed into the Spiritomb with tremendous force, knocking the Keystone over, before recoiling back to stand facing his opponent. The Spiritomb bounced back stretching over its toppled keystone. Raichu grimaced as the burns caused by the Will-o-Wisp took affected him.

“The Sorrow use Dark Pulse.” The boy slowly drifted from side to side, keeping his gaze focused on Sam.

Grrr, that burn means Raichu can’t use Volt Tackle effectively. Sam mused to himself, but I can still use Thunderbolt. Sam looked down at Raichu who was hopping from foot to foot waiting his next command. “Raichu use Thunderbolt.” The mouse Pokémon shot a glance up at Sam with a cheeky smile and electricity sparking from his yellow cheek pouches. Raichu turned back to face the Spiritomb and fired a stream of electricity at the ghostly Pokémon. The Spiritomb recoiled as the electricity coursed through its phantom body, it face twisted in pain, before firing a wave of black energy at Raichu who clutched at his head as the wave hit and grimaced as the burns hurt him.

“The Sorrow use Shadow Ball.” The boy’s voice started to waiver as his Pokémon became weaker.

“Raichu finish it off with another Thunderbolt.” Sam shouted out to his Pokémon who leapt forward before blasting the hapless Spiritomb with another powerful Thunderbolt. The Spiritomb struggled, pulling against its Keystone, before retreating inside it. Sam punched the air in excitement.

“Sad ... So sad.” The boy returned Spiritomb to its odd Pokéball; he looked up at Sam with a soft look in his eyes. “We will meet again.” The boy simply faded from view in front of a stunned Sam, Kei and Hal, as well as the small crowd that had gathered.


/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

he he he cliff hanger.

Chapter 11 will be up some time early september .... the 5th if i'm lucky :-(

If of course anyone is Actually reading here.
 

Raine Caulwell

Calm Gardevoir
Sorry. I was reading, but then life caught up with me. I still need to read from chapter 9 on, and I'll message you when I do get to it. Been kinda busy as of late, seeing how I'm homeless and all.
 

TPJerematic

All I need is a hug!
Sorry. I was reading, but then life caught up with me. I still need to read from chapter 9 on, and I'll message you when I do get to it. Been kinda busy as of late, seeing how I'm homeless and all.

That just sucks. I hope everything gets better for you.

Also i will update the thread with a new chapter soon
 

asperger1981

good reader
Is it me or pretty much way too many people is getting involved in the relationship between Jessica and Stephen, and pushing the romantic factor way too much:

“Good.” Alvin sighed and took another deep breath. “I now need you to realise why you love her romantically.”

The previous sentence sounded way too much forced, like a lawyer or a reporter guiding a question, don't you think?

On the other hand, the concept of 'the sorrow' sounds highly promising, and you have proved to be very competent at preparing surprises, so read you later, man!

;123;
 

TPJerematic

All I need is a hug!
Well when in doubt add a chapter.

I must be honest and forgot about this thread in favour of the one on BMGf which has a much higher readership.


However as there are still people here reading i present chapter 11


Chapter 11

Stephen stared at the green hand on his shoulder; he slowly brought his own hand up letting his fingers trace along the fingers on his shoulder. For a few seconds no one moved, allowing the peaceful atmosphere of the park to synchronize with the warm, fuzzy feeling within Stephen and the Pokémon behind him. Until Alvin’s Pokédex ruined the moment.

“Gardevoir, the Embrace Pokémon.” The Pokédex’s voice seemed to be embarrassed for its user’s clumsiness. “Gardevoir has the psychokinetic power to distort dimensions and create a small black hole. It will try to guard its Trainer with its life.” Alvin hastily tried to shut the Pokédex off. “The bond between this Gardevoir and its trainer is at a previously unrecorded level, outside of the wild. A bond of this strength is usually seen only in mating pairs.” Alvin blushed as he yanked the batteries out of the Pokédex.

“Jessica.” Stephen gulped as he continued to stare at the hand on his shoulder. “I’m sorry.” Stephen closed his eyes and waited for Jessica’s response, fearing another punch. However all Stephen received was a soft kiss to the top of his head, followed by a soft tug on his hair pulling his head back.

Jessica looked down into Stephen’s deep pale blue eyes, with her own vibrant scarlet gemstone eyes. “I know.” Jessica’s voice was soft and sweet; Stephen couldn’t help but relax with a beaming smile. “I hope I didn’t hurt you too much.”

“No, I’m fine.” Stephen continued to stare into Jessica’s eyes. “I hope you feel better.” Jessica slowly nodded not breaking the locked gaze between the two.

“This is all nice and cute and fluffy but,” Alvin interrupted indignantly, “I think Stephen also needs to know about the Suicune who is sitting next to you.”

“Hey, you were the one who made me admit my feelings for Jessica and .... Wait what?” Stephen sat up and looked behind the bench to see a familiar Pokémon sitting next to Jessica its twin tails flapping on some unseen zephyr. “BOREALIS!!!!!!” Stephen cried out and leapt at the Suicune like a small child; the Suicune growled as Stephen tackled it before relaxing as Stephen stroked his side. “It’s good to see you as well.”

“Ah hem.” Jessica stood with a smile on her face and her hands on her hips. “Why don’t I get such a welcome?” Stephen blushed and looked up at Jessica. “Not that I mind ... that tackle looked pretty rough.” Jessica held up a Pokéball and returned her Xatu. “So what are we going to do now?”

“Well I would like to find Kei.” Alvin replied as Stephen picked himself up off the ground. “Then arrange transport to Lightvale.”

“And I want to see if Hal is in town.” Stephen added. “It would be nice to catch up with him.”

“Yeah that would be nice.” Jessica mused, “We’ll head into town then. If Hal’s anywhere it would be either at his gym or in the town centre.” Stephen nodded in reply, Alvin simply shrugged his shoulders.

“You know him so I’ll go with that,” Alvin thought of a moment, “Kei would probably try and find him.”

“Well let’s go then.” Stephen pulled Borealis’ Cherish Ball from his belt. “You want to go in Borealis?” The Suicune looked up at Stephen and gave a slow nod; a beam of red light hit the side of the Suicune pulling back into the Cherish Ball.


***


“Where did that boy go?” Sam stared into the space that was occupied by his opponent.

“Maybe he had another Pokémon who used Teleport?” Kei offered with a shrug.

“I have never seen Teleport work like that.” Hal replied. “It’s usually a flash of light, not a slow fade. It is an escape mechanism used by psychic Pokémon. It’s not for dramatic effect like that.”

“That kid’s a ghost demon weirdo.” Sam shuddered. “I saw him in the Birchwick Tower thingy, he had some weird hold on me back then.” Sam gave another shudder. “I swear that kid’s not human.” Kei just shook her head.

“Well it doesn’t matter now, he’s gone.” Kei gave Sam a push in the direction of the Pokémon Centre. “I want to find my idiot, so we are going back to the Pokémon Centre.” Kei turned to face Hal and gave him a quick wave. “Bye Mr. Hal, I’ll say hi to Stephen and Jessica and tell them you want to talk.” Hal gave a small wave back and smiled as Kei continued to shove Sam along.


***


Half an hour later Stephen, Jessica and Alvin arrived at the southern edge of Yellowcake Town Centre, with only the old Yellowcake Gym in front of them.

“Well that sucked.” Alvin moaned. “We haven’t found either: Kei, Hal or Sam.” Jessica sighed before turning to look at the Yellowcake Gym and closed her eyes, a faint blue shining through.

“Hal’s in the gym.” Jessica stated opening her eyes, the faintest shimmer of blue emanating from them.

“Cool.” Stephen gave a slight sigh. “Alvin you go back to the Pokémon Centre. Sam and Kei are trainers nonetheless and will probably have been battling. Odds are they are at the PC resting their Pokémon.” Stephen looked across at Jessica. “We’ll go and give Hal a visit.” Jessica nodded and turned to face Alvin who was already walking off; he gave a sort of salute back to Stephen and Jessica as he walked away.

Stephen and Jessica made their way to the front of the Yellowcake Gym. Over the door was a large lit Pokéball sign with the words Yellowcake Gym below it written in a jagged font. A small sign to the side of the door caught Jessica’s eye.

The Yellowcake Town Pokémon Gym. Leader Hal. The fast thinking powerhouse. The sign was written in the same bold jagged style font as the lettering above the door. However below the sign was a piece of laminated paper which was nailed to the wood of the sign. Closed to all challengers. NOT AN OFFICIAL GYM OF THE ACTOPON POKÉMON LEAGUE!

“Just like the sign at Birchwick.” Stephen commented as he pushed the door open. He entered the gym with Jessica following closely behind.

The gym was dark, a few shafts of light shone from underneath doors leading off from the main battlefield area. Stephen and Jessica walked onto the battlefield side by side looking around for any hint of Hal. Jessica suddenly stopped and closed her eyes, her ears twitching very slightly. Moments later she leapt into the air as a stream of electricity tore across the battlefield, harmlessly dissipating against the wall of the gym. Jessica landed and turned to face the source of the Thunderbolt, her eyes glowing blue behind their lids.

A low pitched growl filled the room, followed by the crackling of electricity. The blue glow in Jessica’s eye intensified as she focused. The growl was quickly replaced with a long howl followed by the rushing of footsteps. Stephen watched on as a Manectric charged at Jessica, its fur crackling and sparking with electricity. Jessica remained perfectly still as the Discharge Pokémon continued to hurtle towards her, rapidly closing the distance. Seconds later the Manectric leapt up at Jessica. The Gardevoir simply opened her eyes and silently stared at the dog-like Pokémon, an intense blue light glowing in her eyes. The Manectric was stopped in mid-air with a yelp, before being flung across the length of the gym, slamming heavily against the wall of the gym. The glow instantly faded from Jessica’s eyes.

Stephen flinched as Jessica launched the Manectric taking a moment to ensure she had stopped attacking. He looked up to see Jessica give a short shallow sigh, before brushing a stray hair off her face.

“Remind me never to piss you off.” Two voices rang out simultaneously. Stephen shook his head and looked around the still darkened room.

“Hal,” Stephen called out. “You here?” A red beam of light shot out of a hidden Pokéball dissolving the Manectric back into it. There was a sound of footsteps rapping against the floor of the gym as the owner of the Manectric walked towards Stephen and Jessica

“Depends on who’s asking?” A familiar voice drifted across the gym as Hal stepped into the little light that illuminated Stephen and Jessica. “Nice to see you Jessica and Stephen.” Hal extended her free hand, greeting his friends.

“How have you been keeping?” Jessica asked to which Hal shrugged.

“Well, no major problems to speak off.” Hal motioned towards one of the side rooms. “Let’s go in there; it has a nice couch to sit on.” The three walked into the lounge-like room, Stephen and Hal sat on opposite ends of the couch facing each other with Jessica choosing to sit on an adjacent armchair.

“So what brings you to Yellowcake?” Hal asked, “I heard from two children who claimed to be travelling with you.”

“So Sam and Kei where here.” Stephen nodded as he thought. “Do you know where they went?”

“Back to the PC.” Hal replied, “The Sam child had an invigorating battle with one of those stalker type of trainers outside of my gym earlier, he showed some skill, I could tell he has some ability that is still to fully develop.” Hal clapped his hands against his thighs and sat up. “Anyway, like I said what brings you to my fair town?”

“Oh yeah,” Stephen fumbled four Cherish Balls from his belt causing Hal to take notice. “I’m assuming Jordan hasn’t spoken about our visit to him a few days ago.” Hal gave a shake of his head in reply. Stephen activated the Cherish Balls and opened them filling the room with brilliant white light before filling the room with Pokémon. Hal stared in awe at the Pokémon.

“Where did you get these then?” Hal sat, mouth ajar, scanning the Pokémon with his eyes. Stephen and Jessica explained what had happened with the league and what they knew so far. Several minutes passed as Hal took in what he was told.

“Fascinating.” Was Hal’s reply, he was completely incapable of any other thought. Another couple of minutes passed with no-one in the room talking. The only sound coming from the Latias as she cooed and rubbed her cheek against Stephen’s.

“This Suicune,” Hal pointed out Borealis, “I know about him.” Stephen looked up in shock and Jessica slapped herself on the head, causing all in the room to look at her.

“CRAP!” Jessica blushed a hot shade of pink. “I forgot about that.”

“The story of the Suicune who guarded and protected Yellowcake Lake.” Hal added, to which Jessica rapidly nodded. “I had heard they were all gone. Poached.” Hal looked away from Borealis. “We did all we could to stop them. The poachers. But it was useless, they were relentless. The scent of money Pokémon as rare as Suicune give off to those people was too alluring. And we didn’t have enough to stop them.” Hal looked up. “Although it doesn’t look it here in Yellowcake, the entire north-east sector of Actopon is being ravaged. Ever since the environmental protection laws caused ninety percent of the factories in Lightvale to close, money around here has being getting harder and harder to find.” Hal sighed and slumped against the couch, staring at the ceiling. “Birchwick is surviving on trainers/tourists visiting the Tower of Souls. We have been surviving on tourism, using our pathetic docks to try and entice people to come here for a holiday. As for Lightvale ............” Hal trailed off leaving the room in silence, tears forming in his eyes. “Put it this way. If it wasn’t for David and his gym ... there would be no Lightvale.”

“Does the league know about this?” Jessica asked, pulling a tissue out of her bag and passing it to Hal, who dabbed at his eyes.

“Oh they know all too well about it.” Hal scoffed. “But Davenport’s monopoly is too alluring to them.” Hall threw the soiled tissue at the bin in the corner of the room, using it as a vector for his rising anger. “All they need to do is relax those damn laws, just a little, just enough to allow some of the factories of restart, and pump some money back into Lightvale.” Hal sighed and shook his head. “But no, that would make sense. We can’t have that.”

“How bad has Lightvale got?” Stephen asked a slight tinge of worry in his voice.

“Bad.” Came the simple reply from Hal. “Really bad. The Green Zone is at something like thirty square miles now. They lost three or four in the last month due to arson attacks on some of the outer buildings as an attempt to capture the territory. I’m surprised the League hasn’t ordered the gym to be moved.”

“That would be game over for the city though. That’s why.” Jessica commented. “How are trainers getting into the city?”

“A shuttle runs them from a stop halfway along the route to the city, direct to the gym.” Hal replied, his voice low. “Even then they have had problems with some of the gangs attacking the shuttles. Robbing the trainers on board for everything. And the route before the stop isn’t perfectly safe either.” Hal stopped for a moment to think. “How are you guys moving around?”

“Bicycles.” Stephen replied, returning the Pokémon back to their Cherish Balls.

“Leave them here.” Hal stood up and stretched. “I wouldn’t trust the Pokémon Centre at the cross roads; mostly because there is nothing to defend it.”

“But it will take us 4 times longer to get back there.” Stephen’s voice had a slight whine to it. “Plus we don’t want to be camping on those routes.” Hal shook his head.

“Not going to be a problem. The route from here to the cross roads is very safe, it’s the route up to Lightvale that’s the problem.”

“I would have to agree with Stephen though.” Jessica cut in. “We don’t want to waste time and energy walking from here to the shuttle stop. It would take us about a week to walk there, when we could be there in three days if we cycle from here then walk.”

Hal brought both his hands up and shrugged. “Well that’s your decision.” He led Stephen and Jessica back to the battlefield. “It’s been nice to see you like this but I have things to do today.” He shook both Stephen’s and Jessica’s hand.

“Yeah see ya at the league.” Stephen casually replied before walking out of the door.

“I hope you keep well. Goodbye Hal.” Jessica politely said before following Stephen out of the Gym.


***


Alvin brought three cans of drink to the table where Sam and Kei were sitting. Sam grabbed one and slumped against his chair.

“So Lightvale is a really scary place then.” Sam whispered while rubbing the side of his can.

“It can be yeah.” Alvin tried to improve the mood at the table, but to no avail. “It can’t be too bad at the moment; otherwise the league would have ordered the gym to be moved.”

“What do they call ‘too bad’?” Sam asked, making inverted commas with his fingers.

“I don’t know.”

Alvin lied. He knew full well what the requirement was; he just didn’t want to tell the young Sam or his sister that it involved a trainer being killed. Alvin gave a slight shudder as the thought of his sister having to go into the horrible city.

The three sat in silence, slowly drinking from the cans. Looking up only when the door to the Pokémon Centre was opened by a trainer entering the centre.


***


Half an hour later Stephen and Jessica strode into the building, walking straight to the Nurse Joy behind the desk, dropping off their Pokéballs before walking over to the table where Alvin, Kei and Sam were sitting.

“Why so glum?” Jessica asked her cheery face eliciting a faint smile from Kei.

“Oh we’ve been hearing about this Lightvale City.” Sam replied staring down into his empty can. “And how it’s full of crime and stuff.” He looked up at Stephen and Jessica. “Do we have to go there?”

“If you want to enter the Actopon League then yeah, you do.” Stephen replied, “And it’s nowhere near as bad as some people like to tell. You just have to be careful.” Stephen looked across the table as Alvin shot him a glare. “And it’s not as if you will be going alone. Six hundred other trainers will make their way up to Lightvale during the training season.” Stephen crouched down so he was at the same level as Sam. “And besides ... You have me and Jessica.” Stephen stood back and stretched. “I’ll be leaving Loki and Usain back home. So I can carry a couple of my more powerful Pokémon.”

“Why do you only carry five Pokémon?” Kei asked in a quiet voice. “I’ve only ever seen you carrying five Pokémon.”

“Erm ... I err ... I just do.” Stephen was slightly flustered by the question. “It’s just how I prefer to train.”

“I would advise you get some of your stronger Pokémon out too Sam.” Jessica returned the conversation to the topic at hand. “I’ll be doing the same.” Sam looked up and nodded at Jessica. “Good, now we will be leaving tomorrow to cycle back to the crossroad. We will then have to walk to a shuttle stop halfway along the route to Lightvale. From there we will get transported directly to the gym.”

The three at the table nodded and stood up to prepare for the journey.

***

After a phone call to their house in Redux City, Stephen and Jessica walked around to the bike shed behind the Pokémon Centre to check the bicycles.

“So who have you now got on you?” Jessica asked as she and Stephen got to their bicycles.

“Forseti, Gary and Premier.” Stephen replied as he dropped into a crouch to take a look at Jessica’s bicycle.

“Not bad. Lucario, Dragonite and Mothim.” Jessica stood back and let Stephen inspect the bicycle. “I put everyone but Ray and Hakha back and brought: Magik, Nova, Lokoko and Deep-Blue.” Stephen pulled back with a quizzical look on his face.

“I understand the Breloom and even Flygon but Ninetales and Metagross?” Stephen shook his head and looked back at Jessica’s bicycle, checking the brake cables. “I wouldn’t take Metagross to Lightvale. Or Ninetales for that matter.”

“Why not?” Jessica stood with her arms folded across her chest. “Ninetales is perceived to be a psychic Pokémon but isn’t meaning any dark type attacks will only be normally effective and Metagross’ steel typing does the same thing.” Stephen looked up at Jessica and smiled. “Ya dope.” Jessica ruffled Stephen's hair.

“I knew that.” Stephen blushed slightly as he finished his checks. “I just ... forgot at that moment.” Stephen stood up and stretched before moving along to his bicycle. “Anyway Lightvale won’t be too bad. There hasn’t been a trainer death for three years.”

“ONLY three years!” Jessica threw her arms into the air as she shouted. “Those bureaucrats at Davenport won’t do anything to improve the city. All it needs is those ridiculous laws relaxed.”

“And what let Lightvale go back to the smoggy poison infested slum it was?” Stephen rubbed his temples as stifled a yawn. “Those laws will never be relaxed. What they need to do is improve the docks at Yellowcake and Lightvale and encourage cleaner industry to use the miles and miles of available space. Rather than cramping Davenport, Glassacre and home.”

“That would work if they could find the money.” Jessica sighed and walked over to Stephen. “Davenport bureaucrats would still be a problem though.” Jessica wrapped her arms around Stephen's chest pulling him into a hug. “Sorry for shouting at you.”

“Don’t be, you were expressing opinion.” Stephen stroked Jessica’s hair with his clean hand. “Anyway we might want to avoid publicly displaying affection until we choose to reveal our relationship. Otherwise paparazzi will blow it for us.”

“Yeah I suppose.” Jessica sighed as she let go. “It’ll be best if we ‘go public’ after you tell your parents.” Stephen froze and shuddered. “Yeah, you forgot didn’t you?”

“Yeah.” Stephen sheepishly replied. “But it won’t be a problem. Hopefully.” Jessica shook her head and rolled her eyes. “Let’s not dwell on it and just focus on Lightvale for now.” Stephen finished checking the bicycles before heading back to the overnight room.


***


Jessica lay awake on the bunk underneath Kei; the young girl’s breathing trying its hardest to sooth Jessica’s troubled mind. Something very, very bad is going to happen in Lightvale. Jessica thought as she stared at the bed above her. Totem said that he saw a horrific event but could not determine much else. He saw a violent confrontation, but it was clouded by darkness. He couldn’t even tell if it was past or future.

Jessica rolled onto her side and looked across the darkened room, illuminated only by the faint moonlight filtering through the blinds. Even my pre-cognitive abilities are picking something up though. Is it enough of a reason not to go to Lightvale though? Jessica closed her eyes and sighed. No. Lightvale has more than its fair share of problems but it is still more than safe enough. We shouldn’t spend more than one day there though. Well I can worry about it tomorrow. Jessica snuggled into the blanket and fell asleep.


***


Sam opened his eyes with a yawn, the first rays of sunlight were just about to trickle though the curtains giving the room an odd glow; he sat up and looked, bleary eyed, across the room at the small digital clock on the central table.

It’s only 5:30. Sam moaned to himself as he rubbed his sleepy eyes. I just want to curl up and go back to sleep. Sam snuggled down into the blankets and closed his eyes with a contented sigh. Moments later he forced his eyes back open. NO! I need to get up and do something. I need to prove to Stephen that I’m committed to training. Sam kicked the blanket off the bed and quietly clambered out. Jeez it’s cold. Sam shivered as he tip-toed into the bathroom to get dressed.

Right. It’s now 5:45; I had better go and sort out my team for the trip to Lightvale. Sam slowly opened the door wincing as the mechanism creaked. Sam edged out of the room and padded down the hall, taking care not to disturb anyone.

Sam made his way to the lobby of the Pokémon Centre, it was deathly quiet, the only sounds the faint whirring of the computers on the far side of the centre coupled with a distant beeping coming from the wards. Even so there were a couple of trainers in the lobby; one was slumped on one of the couches hidden behind a copy of the Davenport Times; the other was a girl, with jet black hair and slightly tanned skin, at one of the computers.

Looks like I won’t have to worry about getting a computer then. Sam smiled as he walked over to the computers sitting next to the girl already there.

“Hey.” The girl, who appear to be in her late teens, whispered to Sam as he sat down, to his slight surprise. “Nice to see that we’re not the only ones awake at this hour.” The girl pointed to the boy sat on the couch. “I’m Alice and that’s my friend Zia.” The boy, also in his late teens looked up and nodded before looking back down at his newspaper. “Pah, ignore him. He’s just a loner.” Alice smiled at Sam. “So are you from around here?”

“No I’m from Pallet Town in Kanto.” Sam sheepishly replied as he logged onto the computer. “And my name is Sam, nice to meet you Alice.”

“No way you’re from Pallet?” Alice grabbed Sam’s hand a shook it. “Do you know Professor Oak?”

“Yeah, I received a Charmander from him when I started.” Sam mumbled a reply as he connected to his storage system. “I was just about to send a request to his lab for some Pokémon. He stores all of Pallet Town’s trainers Pokémon.” Sam looked over at Alice, “So where did you come from?”

“Pacifidlog Town in Hoenn.” Alice looked down at Sam’s belt. “Hey are you up for a little battle, one on one?” Alice asked a little hope in her eyes. “Zia’s being a jerk and won’t battle me.”

“Sure let me just finish and we’ll go outside.” Sam replied before sorting out the Pokéballs he received.

Outside of the Pokémon Centre, Alice and Sam found an open space where they could battle away from the town. They were overlooking the lake which was glittering with the low morning sun glowing above the horizon. Zia stood with his back to the sun as he took the role of referee.

“This is a one on one battle between Alice and Sam.” Zia yawned as he spoke. “Release your Pokémon.”

“Go Meryl.” Sam threw his Ultra Ball forward releasing his Scyther. “Come on girl, let’s get some practice in.”

“Nice Pokémon Sam. Nicknamed I see.” Alice twirled around as she threw a Great Ball forward. “Go Swalot.” The Great Ball burst open to reveal the large purple blob Pokémon; it had two short yellow strands coming from either side of its mouth.

“Meryl use Focus Energy.” Sam called out to Meryl who flexed her muscles and glared at the Swalot picking out targets on the purple bag Pokémon.

“Swalot use Stockpile.” Alice commanded to her Pokémon who started to gulp the air around itself, inflating its body.

“Meryl use Aerial Ace.” Sam smiled as he congratulated himself on his choice of move. Meryl charged at the Swalot before leaping into the air and diving at the inflated Swalot, slashing with her twin scythes.

“Swalot use Swallow.” Alice’s expression didn’t change as her Pokémon deflated and recovered it the damage. “You’ll need to be careful Sam.” Alice taunted across the battlefield. “Swalot seems to have fully recovered from that attack.”

“Meryl use Aerial Ace again.” Sam commanded and once again Meryl charged at the, now smaller, purple bag Pokémon.

“Swalot, Gunk Shot.” Alice waited until Meryl had leapt into the air to give her command. The Swalot opened its mouth as Meryl dove towards it. Meryl closed her eyes as she sliced into the Swalot, which groaned in pain before gurgling and blasting Meryl with a stream of filth.

“Meryl!” Sam shouted as he ran forward to catch his injured Scyther, the Pokémon fell into Sam’s outstretched arms knocking him to the ground. “You battled well, have a rest.” Sam returned Meryl to her Ultra Ball before seeing Alice’s outstretched hand.

“Well done Sam.” Alice cheerfully said as she helped Sam to his feet. “That was a good battle. See you sometime.” Alice returned her Swalot to its Great Ball and began to walk off.

“I thought for someone with five badges you sucked.” Zia bitterly commented as he followed Alice. Sam sulked and walked back to the Pokémon Centre.


***


It was 6:15 when Sam got back to the Pokémon Centre, which was slowly waking up for the day ahead. A Nurse Joy stood behind the desk talking to a trainer who was dropping off their Pokémon, a couple of worn out trainers were slumped together on a couch, half asleep. A familiar face was sitting at one of the tables with small tan-winged bug flittering around his head.

“Hey Stephen,” Sam said as he sat opposite him. “What the hell is that thing?”

“Hey! This is Premier, my Mothim.” Stephen patted the top of his head, causing the Mothim to land where he patted. “I’m taking him to Lightvale. Speaking of which, what Pokémon do you have on you?”

“Well I still have Raichu, Scyther and Heracross.” Sam yawned; he was starting to regret the early start. “And I got Forretress and Arcanine out.”

“Sounds good.” Stephen replied, he pulled a jar of honey out of his bag and dipped a spoon into it before giving it to the Mothim, who promptly devoured it. “Want to go for a walk down to the lake?” Stephen asked as Premier dropped the spoon on the table.

“Sure,” Sam stood up with a yawn as Stephen put the honey away, with Premier trying to steal it. “Let me just get Meryl healed and we’ll go.” Stephen nodded in reply, causing Premier to fall off his head. Sam walked over to the Nurse Joy and handed over Meryl’s Ultra Ball, he looked back to see Stephen and Premier fighting over the small jar of honey. A fight Stephen eventually won be returning Premier to his Premier Ball.

Sam thanked the Nurse Joy as she gave the Ultra Ball back and caught up to the slightly dishevelled Stephen as he left the Pokémon Centre.

“Damn Mothim.” Stephen moaned to himself as he walked down to the lake. “Smelt that tiny drop that landed on my finger then tried to take the whole damn thing off.” Sam laughed as Stephen nursed his bitten finger. “Don’t you laugh or I’ll empty this jar on you and get your Heracross out.” Sam immediately stopped laughing and motioned zipping his mouth shut.

Stephen and Sam walked along the lake front, enjoying the cool breeze coming off the lake. The two stumbled upon a felled tree trunk that had been worn down by innumerous people and Pokémon into a seat of sorts. The two sat on the log and stared at the sparking Yellowcake Lake. After several minutes of contemplating Sam turned to look at Stephen.

“Stephen can I ask you a question?” Sam asked his gaze falling to the ground between his legs.

“Sure what’s up?” Stephen replied looking at the young trainer next to him.

“Do you think I’m a good Pokémon trainer?” Sam sheepishly asked keeping his eyes focused on the ground.

“I think you have ... limitless potential.” Stephen replied, bending slight to try and catch Sam’s attention. “You have to work and work ... then work some more.” Sam turned and stared into Stephen’s eyes. “I’m impressed that you were out training at this time in the morning.” Stephen broke the gaze between him and Sam, nodding in the direction of the lake. “I’m sure that girl you battled is out there somewhere training.” Sam jumped slightly and turned to hide is slightly blushing face. “Ah don’t worry, I saw your battle; you weren’t as quiet as you thought when you woke up.” Stephen smiled and pointed to some small specks across the lake. “There are six trainers over there battling each other.” Stephen pulled out his PokéNav and checked the time. “It’s coming up to quarter to seven now. I shouldn’t take us more than half an hour to get over there. Do you want to go and battle them?” Stephen stood up off the log and turned to face Sam.

Sam shook his head. “No, not really.” Sam looked up at Stephen who was frowning slightly. Sam sighed. “Fine, I could use the training.” Sam stood up and turned to walk around the lake. However he was barely able to walk a step before he fell flat on his face.

“Poooooooke.” Came a deep, low moan from underneath Sam. Sam quickly scrambled up and looked at what he tripped over.

“Hey a Slowpoke.” Stephen smiled and took a step back while motioning at the Pokémon with his hand. “Go on Sam.” Sam nodded and grabbed a Great Ball from his belt, throwing it forward.

“Forretress I need you.” Sam called out as the Great Ball opened up with a brilliant white light which faded to reveal the steel Bagworm Pokémon. “Use Gyro Ball.” The Forretress retracted its red tube-like spikes and clamped itself shut before beginning to rotate. The Slowpoke slowly opened it mouth, with a stream of water tumbling out and splashing against the spinning Forretress.

“Now Forretress.” Sam shouted his command while pointing at the Slowpoke. Forretress gave off an odd shade of sliver as he charged at the hapless Slowpoke. The spinning Forretress bounced off the Slowpoke who just yawned and shuddered.

“Sam, Gyro Ball will be useless against something as slow as Slowpoke.” Stephen quietly aided from the sideline. “Also consider that water type Pokémon resist Steel type moves.” As Stephen was speaking the Slowpoke began to glow blue. Forretress was lifted into the air, surrounded by a blue aura, before being released and dropped back to the ground with a bump.

“Forretress Payback.” Sam commanded before turning to Stephen. “Dark beats psychic so it should weaken the Slowpoke significantly.”

“And?” Stephen asked hoping Sam would know why he was using the move other than type advantage.

“Payback’s power is double if the opponent moves first. But Forretress is faster so it will be less powerful.” Sam replied as Forretress glowed a dark purple and charged at the Slowpoke knocking it onto its back. Sam grabbed a Pokéball from his bag and threw it at the Slowpoke. The Pokémon was instantly dissolved into the ball. After a few shakes the ball clicked shut.

“Well done Sam.” Stephen clapped his hands as he congratulated Sam. “Slowpoke can be very friendly Pokémon.” Stephen smiled as he thought to himself. “My Slowking will attest to that.” Sam looked up at Stephen before looking back at the Pokéball.

“What’s your Slowking called?” Sam asked as Stephen led the two back to the Pokémon Centre. “And aren’t we going to battle the trainers across the la ...... ” Sam trailed off as he looked across the lake to find the battling specks nowhere to be seen.

“Yeah, they finished while you were battling.” Stephen replied rubbing the back of his head. “And my Slowking is called Stephanos.” Sam looked up at Stephen and rolled his eyes. “Yeah I know it’s the root of my name but it means crown in an ancient language so it fits.”

“I’ll call mine ... something after I find out what gender this Slowpoke is.” Sam mused as he walked back to the Pokémon Centre.


***


It was 7:10 when Stephen and Sam returned to the Pokémon Centre. Sitting at one of the tables was Jessica, Alvin and Kei who waved and beckoned them over.

As soon as Sam got to the table he grabbed Alvin’s bag.

“Hey ask first.” Alvin retorted as he took the bag off Sam. “What did you catch?”

“How did you know?” Sam replied, his face slightly screwed up in confusion.

“Well the only thing in my bag you could possibly want is my Pokédex, so you must have caught a new Pokémon.” Alvin replied as he pulled the Pokédex out of his bag. “So get it out then.” Sam threw a Pokéball into the table releasing his newly captured Slowpoke who yawned and rolled onto its back.

“Hey a Slowpoke.” Jessica reached forward and scratched the Pokémon’s belly. “How cute.”

“Slowpoke, the Dopey Pokémon.” Alvin’s Pokémon chirped in its electronic voice. “Although incredibly slow and dopey, it is always vacantly lost in thought. Slowpoke uses its tail to catch prey by dipping it in water at the side of a river.”

“Interesting,” Alvin murmured as he scrolled through pages of information on Sam’s new Slowpoke. “And it’s a female.”

“What are you going to call her?” Jessica asked, stroking the Slowpoke’s belly.

“How about Ginny?” Sam replied. Jessica shrugged and looked down at the Slowpoke who had fallen asleep.

“I don’t think she minds.” Jessica sighed and stopped stroking the Slowpoke. “Reminds me of my Slowbro.” Sam returned his newly named Slowpoke to its Pokéball.

“What time are we leaving?” Kei piped up. “I want to get back out on the road so I can battle some trainers.”

“Well if we leave in an hour we should be back at the crossroad Pokémon Centre by 6 pm.” Stephen replied with a stretch. “That allows for a few stops for battles and lunch.” The group nodded in agreement. “Right so let’s go get a bite to eat then shoot off.” Alvin, Sam, Jessica and Kei stood up clearing the table of their stuff and heading for the door.


***


20 minutes later the group was at the gateway arch ready to leave. Only Sam was late.

“What is the hold up?” Kei moaned slouching over her handle bars. “I just want to get going.” Moments later Sam appeared around a corner and cycled up to the group. “My moaning has magical powers. COOL!” Kei sat up of her bicycle and turned to leave.

“Sorry I’m late I wanted to put Ginny back.” Sam panted slightly as he caught his breath. “I retrieved Cloyster from storage.” Sam indicated to his belt despite the fact the both his Slowpoke and Cloyster were both held in Pokéballs.

“Okay, cool, going now.” Kei's voice was as rushed as her desire to get going. Sam simply smiled and rode up next to Kei and leant over.

“Race ya.” Sam whispered much to Kei’s delight as she slammed on her pedals and shot off closely followed by Sam.

“Damn kids!” Alvin exclaimed and too slammed on his pedals to give chase. “SAM, KEI GET BACK HERE!” Stephen and Jessica chuckled at the sight of the three racing away. Jessica leant over and gave Stephen a quick kiss on the cheek.

“I think we should go too.” Jessica smiled and slowly pedalled away with Stephen closely following.


***


The sun was beginning to set as the weary group arrived at the Crossroads Pokémon Centre. It had been a long day of travelling, made longer by Sam and Kei challenging every trainer they spotted along the route as well as Alvin demanding to stop every few miles to scan the Pokémon in the area.

Sam and Kei sleepily stumbled into the Pokémon Centre, left their Pokémon with the Nurse Joy and went off to the overnight room. Leaving Stephen, Jessica and Alvin to sort everything out for the trip up to Lightvale City. Stephen and Alvin went round the back of the Pokémon Centre to secure the bicycles while Jessica went to the few nearby Pokémarts to buy supplies for the walk.

After a couple of hours everything as ready and Stephen, Jessica and Alvin sat around one of the tables in the Cross-Road Pokémon Centre lobby, some late night snacks scattered around the table, slowly being eaten.

“I still can’t believe Sam offered a race to Kei.” Alvin moaned as he slumped in his chair. “Stupid boy.”

“Lay off him.” Jessica rolled her eyes as she spoke. “He and Kei are kids, they’re supposed to play around and have fun.” Jessica looked Alvin in the eyes and smiled. “Even if her older brother is too old to keep up.” Alvin playfully pushed Jessica away.

“Whatever.” Alvin yawned and looked up at the ceiling of the Pokémon Centre. “I’m worried about tomorrow guys.”

“Don’t be.” Jessica spoke in a re-assuring voice. “Everything will be fine.”

“Don’t worry.” Stephen replied before taking a sip of his drink. “Lightvale isn’t too bad even if there have been arson attacks.” Stephen sighed and relaxed in his chair

“How can you say that?” Alvin retorted. “And why are you two acting so casual about it?”

“Well, firstly, the Shadow Gym is practically holy ground within the city.” Stephen explained. “Even the gangs and such revere it as one of the shrines to dark type Pokémon. And as a result wouldn’t want to risk the ‘divine retribution’ from attacking it.”

“Secondly, No gym means no trainers coming into the city with their money.” Jessica continued. “There are still a large number of legitimate businesses there and they are the mortar, if crumbling, that holds the city together and give the gangs something worth fighting for.”

“I see what you mean.” Alvin rubbing his tired eyes with the back of his hands. “It’s a disgusting state of affairs but I do understand. But you still haven’t explained why you two are so casual about it?”

“I’m ...” Jessica smirked as she received a killer glare from Stephen. “We’re ... excited ... yeah ... to see David again.” Jessica let forth a burst of giggles.

“Yeah.” Stephen poked Jessica’s shoulder and continued the explanation. “Me and David are friends.”

“Very good friends.” Jessica cut in suppressing around round of giggles.

“Seriously ... shut up.” Stephen folded his arms across his chest and huffed.

“Aww come on. It’s not like Alvin doesn’t know.” Jessica smiled at Stephen while stroking his hair.

“Know what?” Alvin sat up straight and smile returning to his face. Stephen sighed and relaxed, releasing his arms before pulling his chair up to the table and beckoning Alvin to lean in.

“I don’t like telling people this but Jessica is forcing me now.” Stephen whispered to Alvin as Jessica nuzzled up against Stephen, listening intently to his every word. “Me and David have a ... history ... together.”

“A cute history.” Jessica butted in.

“Remember that meteor shower we had sixteen years ago?” Stephen asked.

“Very vaguely.” Alvin looked away as he tried to remember. “All I can think of is hiding in our basement as loud explosions happened.”

“Yeah, well Jessica and me were in Lightvale when the main shower hit Actopon. We were with David at the time as he was showing us around. We were caught out by the abruptness of the shower reaching Actopon so we rushed back to his house to hide in his family’s basement. Only the rest of his family were out of the region, leaving only us in there.” Stephen sighed as the memories came back to him. “We were trapped in there for a few hours as one of the smaller meteors hit the ground about 5 miles from the house.” Alvin stared back in horror. “Yeah it was pretty close.” Stephen closed his eyes and shuddered. “I can still feel the impact now.”

“As a result we decided to sleep there and try to leave come morning.” Jessica continued as Stephen rubbed his eyes. “I had evolved a few months prior but felt completely useless as I was unable to detect any of the incoming meteors. Mostly due to fear.” Jessica sighed and wrapped an arm around Stephen’s shoulder.

“Anyway we were getting ready to sleep when another meteor hit Lightvale.” Stephen sighed as he continued. “I was scared and felt alone so I ...” Stephen trailed off as his cheeks began to go pink.

“What did you do?” Alvin tried to keep the excitement out of his voice as he pressed to know more. “I thought Jessica was sound asleep and didn't want to disturb here so I ...” Jessica sighed and gave Stephen a quick kiss on the cheek.

“You went over to David, got in bed with him and snuggled up didn’t you?” Jessica smiled and stuck her tongue out. Stephen’s face flushed pink as he glared up at Jessica, before looking down at the floor and smiling. Alvin simply sat his mouth ajar, taking in what he just heard; after a few moments he spoke up.

“Was that all?” Alvin whispered trying to avoid further embarrassment to Stephen.

“Well we kind of ...” Stephen didn’t look up as he spoke. “‘Made out’” he weakly made air quotes as he spoke.

Jessica smiled as she ran her slender green fingers through Stephen’s hair. “I wasn’t sleeping so I watched the whole thing ... it was really cute.”

“So that would explain why you and David are so close then.” Alvin covered his mouth and pretended to cough in an attempt to stifle his laughter.

“Yeah pretty much.” Stephen sighed before standing up. “I’m off to bed ... I suggest you two don’t stay up too late. We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow.”

“Wait up.” Alvin yawned as he stood up. “I’m going with you.”

“Yeah I suppose, I should go to sleep too.” Jessica added as she finished tidying away the last remnants of the late night meal. “What time are you going to be waking us up tomorrow?”

“Around seven.” Stephen replied as he turned to leave. “That should give us enough time to get to the shuttle stop before the afternoon.” Jessica and Alvin nodded in reply.

The three quickly and quietly made their way to the overnight room and got ready for bed, taking care not to wake Sam or Kei. Alvin got into the bunk underneath his sister and quickly fell asleep. Stephen and Jessica wordlessly looked at each other and clambered into separate beds.

Maybe some other time. Jessica’s voice rang in Stephen’s head as he settled down to sleep. I don’t want to have to explain it to the kids yet. Stephen smiled and closed his eyes, his mind revelling in the newly formed emotional bond between himself and Jessica as he fell asleep.
 

Raine Caulwell

Calm Gardevoir
Ok, so I just read over everything again. But seeing how I did it all at once, there really isn't many comments I can give at the moment.

However, I noticed that you had a lot of shameless Metal Gear Solid references. Jessica's subconscious presenting itself as a Psycho-Mantis gardevoir was ok, if only for the nonsensical randomness that one's subconscious can bring. However, when Kei and Sam noticed the ghost kid, I instantly thought of the Sorrow... well, I wasn't too far off. In fact, I was dead on. The Psycho-Mantis was excusable as it shows that Jessica has played Metal Gear Solid one too many times. However, when the Sorrow popped up, I thought it was a bit too extreme.

Yeah, ok, you could have gotten away with a ghost that looked like the Sorrow. A ghost that showed up and battled. But to include the name and the exact same lines that the Sorrow used in MGS3 when Naked Snake fell off the dam... that's too far.

Honestly, right now, the thing I would like to see the most would be to give the pokemon a bit more personality. Yes, they're in their pokeballs a lot. Sure, some may be very animalistic. But you've presented it in a way that Jessica can communicate with them. Steffen has a good deal of pokemon, so it's hard to be close with all of them. However, that doesn't mean that they don't act in strange ways or have no personality of themselves. That's all for right now.

The mission stops for no one.

Also, never ever piss of a psychic.

Yugi: "MIND CRUSH!"
 
Last edited:

TPJerematic

All I need is a hug!
Ok, so I just read over everything again. But seeing how I did it all at once, there really isn't many comments I can give at the moment.

However, I noticed that you had a lot of shameless Metal Gear Solid references. Jessica's subconscious presenting itself as a Psycho-Mantis gardevoir was ok, if only for the nonsensical randomness that one's subconscious can bring.
However, when Kei and Sam noticed the ghost kid, I instantly thought of the Sorrow... well, I wasn't too far off. In fact, I was dead on. The Psycho-Mantis was excusable as it shows that Jessica has played Metal Gear Solid one too many times. However, when the Sorrow popped up, I thought it was a bit too extreme.

Yeah, ok, you could have gotten away with a ghost that looked like the Sorrow. A ghost that showed up and battled. But to include the name and the exact same lines that the Sorrow used in MGS3 when Naked Snake fell off the dam... that's too far.

Honestly, right now, the thing I would like to see the most would be to give the pokemon a bit more personality. Yes, they're in their pokeballs a lot. Sure, some may be very animalistic. But you've presented it in a way that Jessica can communicate with them. Steffen has a good deal of pokemon, so it's hard to be close with all of them. However, that doesn't mean that they don't act in strange ways or have no personality of themselves. That's all for right now.

The mission stops for no one.

Also, never ever piss of a psychic.

Yugi: "MIND CRUSH!"


Ok so for part 1

Yeah Jessica's subconscious is practally a free ticket ... it will manifest itself in some crazy ways.


Part 2:

"'The Sorrow"' is actually a 15 year old kid trainer ... a cosplaying trainer. Who gets a little too much into the character. It will develop more as the story goes on.

It doesn't seem clear now but in chapter 13 it will clear up a lot more.

Part 3

Personality is comming along ... Jessica has a pokemon in chapter 12 that will start to show more different personalities for the pokemon..


and yes Stephen has learned not to piss of psychic pokemon .... or jessica
 
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