Kai frowned.
Alabastor, the brown reptilian Pokemon who consistently wore an ivory mask, was breaking a tree.... in a very unconventional manner. With reckless, directionless, and surprisingly powerful thrusts, Cubone hacked away at the bark of the tree, swallowed together in a volley of emotions Kai recognized. It only came with defeat. However, in Cubone’s case, it came in six different defeats, each more emotionally damaging than the last. Kai understood somewhat, eyes darting away from the ground type’s wailing to glare at the sun out of respect for his Pokemon. After all, he had already tried comforting (“Hey, the Pidgey was pretty tough. Don’t worry, you’ll get him next time!”) Cubone to no avail.
“The sun’s starting to set,” Kai muttered, watching the stanza of the light orb slowly arc downwards. He hadn’t realized the amount of time wasted waiting for Cubone to sober up, even though he had been staring at his own moving shadow (following the moving position of the sun.) Gazing at Cubone and the sun, Kai tightened his jaw in indecision. On one hand, he only had a handful hour’s left and a good chance of less to train, depending on how fast those hound nurses were from the hospitals, and on the other… Kai glanced at Cubone, hiking his eyebrows at how obvious the choice seemed. “Sorry Alabastor,” Kai whispered shortly before returning Cubone into his pokeball. He gently whispered an apology to the Pokemon before sprinting down the forests, running a decent amount of distance between the tree of Cubone’s frustration.
+++++
“Great Impulse, great!” Kai complimented, clapping for the rugged Rukushio as the aqua mouse towered over two slightly charcoaled Taillows and a single Poocheyena with his head held high. Kai had first spotted the Poocheyena running after the Taillows, before deciding to target all three of them with Rukushio. The electric Pokemon was growing increasingly powerful each day, gaining more experience with every win.
And than, when the rat was toppled over by a blur of gray muscles and black fur, Kai realized it made Impulse cocky. He’d forgotten why he had named him Impulse: as a warning to himself more than anything else. But he shouldn’t worry about that…
Towering over Rukushio was a huge Mightyena with rippling muscles and ragged black fur. His crimson eyes were flashing with complete anger, foam dribbling from his mouth in a grotesque manner. The canine barked, growled, and hissed many phrases to Rukushio that Kai didn’t understand at all- minus that note of utter anger evident in his tone. As if the snarling hadn’t been enough clue? The boy frowned as the day just seemed to get worse, eyes of yellow and red illuminating the shadow of not so distinct trees. A pack of Poocheyenas crowded under the shades of the trees, only their eyes giving away their location in an intimidating fashion.
Lord, Was the only pray that ran across his head as Mightyena bit into Rukushio’s skin, a sick purple liquid lining his teeth, hands instantly fastening around another pokeball on his belt. Kai could only swallow the lump that developed in his throat heavily, unfastening Nitro’s and Alabastor’s pokeball achingly slow. Impulse looked to be in anguish, tensing spontaneously and spasming around the floor, facial expressions crossed in pain. He made his decision quick and swiftly.
“Nitro! Alabastor! Come on out!” Kai ordered, sending the two pokeball flying. Nitro, the enigmatic Growlithe, made his appearance with a smile, Alabastor hunched near the canine. He gave the two of them little time to access the situation, watching as Mightyena glared at the newcomers and began lifting his muzzle, preparing to give a commanding howl of attack. “Nitro, watch the Poocheyenas! Cover Alabastor! Alabastor,” Kai turned to the Cubone, eyes fierce with meaning, “Get that Mightyena AWAY from Impulse! Bonemerang!” The shivering ground-type blanched, gazing at the intimidating Mightyena. The canine was laxly lying on top of Rukushio’s spasming body, with this half-lidded look and a yawn.
“CUBONE! STOP STARING! BONEMERANG!” Kai hissed, watching as three Growlithe’s decided to crowd against the fire-type’s powerful flames, some getting smart and going around the fire. There were just too many to defend against.
In a panic, Cubone squeaked and jumped, throwing the bone club in a completely reckless manner. It embedded itself a pathetic foot away from its target, the force of the velocity driving it a good inch into the dirt. If the marrow had hit Mightyena, that would’ve definitely hurt and possibly cracked with something, Kai noted in a panic. A flurry of thoughts overwhelmed him as he realized, faintly, with Alabastor unarmed, only Nitro was left to defend against the pack of Poocheyenas and a dominating Mightyena.
And the takeover began.
The Poocheyenas quickly overtook Nitro’s little flame barrier, the numbers charred outnumbering the amount of bleeding cuts Nitro was receiving. Alabastor attempted to receive his bone, but had failed when three Poocheyenas jumped atop the Cubone, one mockingly sitting on the ground type’s head. Even a few were around Kai’s legs, despite his kicking, clawing at his jeans and opening wounds throughout his ankles. Still, Kai tried. “Nitro! One last try! FLAME WHEEL!” The boy watched the taxed orange canine nod with a vigor and step back to glare at the gray furred Poocheyena. A bubbly of flame soon surrounded Growlithe, the heat distorting the image of the pup inside, though a distinct grin could still be discerned from the blur that Kai could perceive.
“Grrooooooooowww!” The pup howled loudly, charging at the Poocheyena near him and knocking it away in a forceful tackle, the bubble of fire around him burning away fur to only leave black marks of a flame. The grin never faltered from Growlithe’s lips as the canine continued to burn and knock away a multitude of Poocheyenas, truly acting as Kai’s last line of defense. A dependable, loyal Pokemon, Kai honored in his mind, knocking Poocheyenas off his legs with sweeping motions. He gasped when the canine’s grin suddenly faltered, the bubble of flame exhausting suddenly. “Grow,” Growlithe uttered in a tired voice, somewhat apologetically as the canine toppled over.
****.
Kai watched as Poocheyenas swarmed Growlithe, his last hope, and everything seemed empty to him. His heart pounded with the very thought as he saw Growlithe’s distinct orange and cream color fur completely being eclipsed by the gray of Poocheyenas, his inside twisting at the thought of what was happening to the poor canine and Cubone. Would they suffer injuries from this loss? From his stupid mistake? If he’d had been more alert, could he have prevented this event? Kai wondered in a panicked tone to his own head. Than he began to list things he hadn’t achieved as the Poocheyenas again focused on him.
This was going to hurt.
“HAAAAAAAAH!” An exclamation stopped the Poocheyenas advances, Kai noticed thankfully. His head pivoted to the commotion, watching as Mightyena jumped backwards, one leg bleeding from a noticeable wound. The boy turned to see Rukushio spitting crimson between his teeth, electricity lightly sparking around his teeth. Thunder Fang, the boy noted, remembering the remnants. He was at a loss for words as the rat stood up shakingly, appearing strong as a pillar of strength for Kai’s hope.
Mightyena, on the other hand, looked completely outraged, barking what could be obscurity in canine language to the mouse. Kai was glad since, by the looks of things, the Poocheyenas had stopped their assaults and were watching their leader carefully, eyes trained on what would happen next. They followed the Mightyena, the boy deduced, so the outcome of this battle would probably decide the fate of Impulse, Alabastor, Nitro, and Kai himself.
Rukushio silently used Charge as he watched Mightyena, red irises meeting red. Am I suppose to give an order? Kai questioned of himself, watching Impulse ram into Mightyena with a forceful, lightning charged tackle; a makeshift combination of Charge and Tackle. Does Impulse need me? Kai tightened his jaw, gripping his fists as he watched Rukushio take a bite to the shoulder. The mouse winced, showing his teeth, and swiftly used another Thunder Fang onto Mightyena’s shoulders, returning the favor.
He wouldn’t last, Kai noted, watching distressly as Impulse continued to battle, but he didn’t know how he could help. The boy had tried with Alabastor and Nitro and failed. His insides twisted as he realized he could’ve gotten both Nitro and Alabastor killed because of his bad decision-making. He dropped to his knees, seeing the battle through confused eyes. Suddenly, his role as a trainer seemed… useless- specifically harmful to his Pokemon. And suddenly, he didn’t feel like ordering Impulse would at all help the battle.
He felt incompetent, hopeless, useless, and confused. The boy began to question the use of train-
Until a howl interrupted his thoughts. He blinked, surprised, as he watched the tails of Poocheyenas retreating through a bush.
“Alabastor! Nitro! Impulse!” Kai shouted, running to check the condition of the three bleeding forms…
+++++
“Kai Atarashi?”
The addressed gently lifted his blonde head, azure irises trained on the one who had called him. The addresser was a stout old man with gray hair lining his cranium, inquiring hazel eyes focused on Kai. The man followed a regal air with a straight-ironed, dark business suit (even in this desert weather!), though wrinkles along his forehead proved that such dignity was gained through hardships. What Kai didn’t like about the man was his mysterious, set, and unreadable expression on his business, hardened better than a poker players. The man seemed dangerous in the way that he was unreadable. Kai immediately decided he wouldn’t like the man.
Still, he responded. “Who are you?” He questioned carefully, alert as he watched the man.
“Ah, the one boy I haven’t met who actually attended our cruise! Why, Kai, nice to meet you,” The old man stretched a hand, though his lips didn’t really stretch into a smile or thin with disgust, “I am Mr. Richly.”
Realization hit Kai as he gripped Mr. Richly’s hand, one brow raised. “Mr. Richly? Oh, you’re the sponsor of this tournament and the owner of Battle Island,” Kai said, somewhat monotonous.
“And you, my boy, are the one who continuously troubles my fine medical staffs with your untimely escapees,” The man chuckled slightly, “They’ve been complaining to me an awful lot.” Kai shrugged at the man’s words, not really feeling anything. His insides were numb and his mind blank.
“Oh.” After that tiny expression from Kai, the two simply stared at each other, examining one another and receiving first impressions. Kai still felt the man untrustworthy and dangerous, though light-hearted by the view of things. If Kai had talked to the man on a phone, he might’ve actually tolerated him. Only his set, blank, and unmoving poker expression was unnerving and very quickly reminding him how much of a guarded person Mr. Richly was- had to be.
“How would you like it if I escorted you to the cafeteria so we can talk a little and eat? You’re injured and I’m sure it’s better than having Ms. Robinson attended with you.” Mr. Richly questioned, glancing at his watch, “The current time is… nearing dinner. So, how does it sound, Kai?” He tested dangerous water, using the boy’s first name. Kai blankly looked up, blinking at the man. “Oh…kay.” He answered, one eyebrow raised.
The cafeteria was surprisingly bare for the dinner period, the clock nearing six, tables left open while the vicious scent of food assaulted Kai’s senses. He was savagely eating the food (despite those deadly rumors he’d heard roaming the cafeteria. Patroleum cheese and other legends… he could write a book about such abominations of creativity), cleaning off the fat of a cheese pizza the cafeteria workers had given him. After all, he hadn’t eaten since this morning and even than, it was some bread with healthy nuts embedded inside and some orange juice; hardly filling in his opinion. Mr. Richly, on the other hand, politely waited as Kai wolfed the food down, watching him with an amused twinkle.
Suddenly, there was a shift in color in Mr. Richly’s chocolate eyes. Kai couldn’t explain what he saw, but… he knew he wouldn’t like it.
“Kai,” This time, when his name left Mr. Richly’s mouth, Kai suppressed a shiver at the hidden villainous in the tone, “You’ve been injured since you’ve come to Battle Island.” Kai stopped chewing at his pizza for a second, watching Mr. Richly as he pointed to the boy’s bandaged scraps on his right cheek.
“Yeah,” Kai answered, lifting his right arm.
“And you’ve been traumatized, by the looks of things.”
Kai didn’t respond. He didn’t want to admit that what happened with the Mightyena had left a barren, hurtful wound on the boy’s psych and had done no good for his health. He simply adverted his eyes the ground and shrugged, hoping to brush off the question.
“Than I give you an option. Since it was my own island who has done such injustice to you, I provide for you an escape. By this time tomorrow, maybe earlier, I can order a helicopter here and have it take you to your home region, if you so wish.” Mr. Richly offered in one bout, surprising Kai. The blonde stared at the old man, eyes wide and gaping at the options.
“Can you repeat that?” He asked composedly.
Mr. Richly’s eyes hardened, “Obviously, something has happened to you that has caused you some type of mental stress and that is entirely my fault. So, I’m giving you a chance home.”
“Can I think about it?” Kai implored after a moment of silence.
“… I would like your answer now Kai. It is crucial to the match-ups of the tournament and other such statistics.” Kai felt the slight pressuring from Mr. Richly, but didn’t say anything about it. “And I am also uncertain if you will fare well in this mental status. Perhaps there must be planning to ensure your stability before the cameras makes note of your appearance?” Kai didn’t need the pressure now. He’d had enough of an emotional ride through the day’s event. Kai didn’t take another second to think.
“I’ll take the helicopter home.” He muttered, stuffing his hand in his pocket as he stood up. “Now, if you don’t mind, I think I need my bandages changed.” Kai walked away, not seeing Mr. Richly’s features finally shift as he smiled.
“Perfect.” He announced, victoriously. The old man pulled out his cellphone, dialing a number and toothily saying, “Mr. Marks? You’re the camera man right? Well prepare for tomorrow. I believe there will be a plane crash on the island…”
+++++
Kai trudged through the halls of the hospital, blankly watching open doors pass as he traveled to his own room. He was suddenly stopped as he heard his name being called through one of the doors he’d just passed. “Mr. Atarashi?” That tone and formal accentuation could only belong to one person…
“Ms. Robinson,” He half-groaned, turning to the source of Ms. Robinson’s voice. The prim, straight-dressed women was, not surprisingly, all business, bandaging up a female patient’s small cuts with a serious expression. The young lady had golden-brown hair, two shining hazel eyes, and a purple agenda attire, minus the jeans she wore. Very pretty, Kai blankly noted through all his problems, raising one brow at Ms. Robinson.
“Hello, Mr. Atarashi. I heard Mr. Richly had lunch with you,” She said straight forwardedly, applying another bandage onto the female’s face.
“Errr,” News flies fast, “Yes. Yes I did.”
“Fascinating. Now, Ms. McMahon-“
”It’s Rac-“
”I’ll be back with your injured Mitsuhoney.” Than, Ms. Robinson swept a three-sixty on her feet and left.
“… It’s Rachel!” The girl decided to add as an afterthought, though Ms. Robinson was already well down the hallway.
So that left Kai and Rachel to awkwardly shift on one leg to another. “Errmm… I’m Rachel,” The female introduced, trying to stir up conversation after a long period of silence, where it was quite evident that Kai would not start anything.
“Kai Atarashi, but I guess you know that.” Kai muttered, taking a seat on a desk in Rachel’s hospital room. He flipped his blonde hair awkwardly and smiled slightly, “Nice to meet you?”
… Silence…
“Err, Are you here for Battle Island?” Rachel asked, inquiring gaze watching Kai. The boy simply stared at her for a second, considering how to answer her, before shrugging.
“Yeah… You could say that.” The boy opened his mouth to say another word when suddenly; Ms. Robinson’s voice overshadowed his.
“Here you are, Ms. McMahon-“
“It’s Rachel!”
”Now, I believe I will take Mr. Atarashi-“
”Kai, no-“
“-to his bed. He’s injured you know and apparently, Mr. Richly has much prepared for the boy tomorrow. Good night, Ms. McMahon.” With that, Ms. Robinson briskly walked away from Rachel after dropping a pokeball onto her desk. The last thing Kai managed for Rachel was to mouth ‘Help me!’ in a desperate plead towards the girl, something that went unanswered.
… “It’s Rachel!”
Kai sighed. Tomorrow was going to be a big day. He would be leaving Battle Island, as quickly as he climbed up the boat the first day.