esquidma

[esquidma]

Who's it gonna be?

Isaac’s Burning Adventure! - Chapter 3 <First Catch>

A week passed by in a whirlwind while Isaac explored Mantra City. He spent most of his time training and sightseeing with Soldier, and he would join in at the MAF junior classes whenever he could. He also spent a lot of time with Winston, who was quickly becoming someone close to him. The two had many shared interests, the biggest being their obsession with playing Pummel Dojo, the biggest fighting game on the Ultra Station. The duo spent hours at night playing against each other in Winston’s dorm room. Winston was leading the score at 30 wins to Isaac’s 27 wins. Isaac vowed to take the lead one day, which his new friend always rebutted.

“Fat chance, hothead. Keep training and maybe you can beat a three-year old.” Winston always couples the comment with a middle finger or two to hammer in the point, which Isaac always mirrored with his own fingers.

The morning of his seventh day in town, Isaac was approached by Suit Jacob while he and Winston were eating breakfast together at the Pokemon Center. “Mr. Isaac, I hope your time in Mantra City has been well. However, your stay here, on our company’s dime, does come with the caveat of completing the gym within a certain time limit. That limit happens to expire in a week. Should we arrange for you to have your battle soon?”

Isaac wasn’t surprised that he had to get the gym battle done, it was why he was here after all, but he had gotten swept up in the fun of being in a city for the first time and having the time of his life with his friend, he had totally lost track of time. He also started to panic remembering his mom’s words that he had to prove his worth as a trainer in a month if he wanted to stay on this journey. Maybe if he earned his badge that would finally ease her doubts about him being ready.

“Yeah, go ahead and set something up, Mr. Jacob. Maybe for tomorrow? I think I’ve trained enough, right?” He looked at Winston, who was shoving pancakes into his mouth. He stopped midchew to give a half-baked thumbs up before going back to his food. “Well, there ya’ go, I’m all good. Thanks, Mr. Jacob.”

Suit Jacob gave a nod and walked away as he pulled out his phone to call the gym. Isaac went back to his food. When he had his fill, he leaned back and thought over what he was going to do about the battle.

“Y’know, I literally have no clue who the gym leader is or anything about them.”

Winston dropped his fork and stared at Isaac bewildered. “Wait, you came here, came here specifically to do the gym challenge, and you know nothing about the gym here? This is why I always win at PD. You never think about things.” He gave a sly smirk at the dig towards Isaac’s record and sipped his juice. Isaac kicked his shin under the table, causing him to spill on himself. “Shut it, because you know that I’ve beaten you almost as many times. And yes I came here clueless. I had, like, maybe 12 hours of prep time before Mr. Oliver brought me here? Wasn’t exactly a priority at the time to look into the actual thing I was supposed to do. Now tell me what you know, you Garbodor. You obviously know everything, so spill it.”

Winston wiped up the mess and tossed the wet napkins at Isaac’s face. “Yeah, yeah, you hillbilly jerk. Ugh, I’m gonna be all sticky now. Our gym focuses on fighting-types and the gym leader, Dr. Clarence, is the program leader for the MAF. Great guy, too. He handles the rehabilitation and physical therapy programs at the university’s med school. We could go find him if you wanna. I’m pretty close to him since he scouted me a few years ago for the junior training program.”

Isaac was standing the second Winston mentioned meeting the gym leader. “Let’s go. Where is this guy? On campus? The MAF? Hurry up, Win, we got people to see and battles to have.” He was racing down the road towards the university a moment later, with Winston hurriedly chasing him as they weaved through the morning crowds on the sidewalk. The normal twenty-minute walk was narrowed down to a ten-minute sprint that left the two heaving on the ground when they got to the gates of Belmorre University. Students walking by skirted around them with mild looks of concern.

Winston crawled back to his feet and clasped Isaac on his shoulders tightly. “Y-You-u…I’m gonna kill you, got it? Never. Do that. Again. Arceus, my sides hurt now. You wanna see Dr. C that badly, fine.” Winston dragged Isaac, who was still on the ground, across the cobblestone path through the quad of the university, making sure to hit as many bumps as possible. Isaac didn’t even fight it, he was too tired to resist even if he wanted to. He accepted that he might lose a tooth from his face banging into the ground and distracted himself with the excitement of his first gym battle.

When Winston freed Isaac, the duo were outside the campus hospital, a large collection of buildings that took up an entire quarter of the campus. It had everything from a functional ER to a suite of classrooms and labs built to properly educate the next generation of medical specialists. It was the pride and joy of the Belmorre region, a region that boasted about its advancements in medicine.

“Doc is probably in a session right now, but he can usually spare a quick chat while he works. Let’s see…I’m guessing he would be around this way.” Winston started down a hallway lined with double doors. He gave casual nods and waves to some students, staff, and even patients. Isaac took note of how this place was inhabited by Pokemon just as much as people, each filling the same role a person might. He shyly followed Winston like a shadow, wiping his face of dirt and blood from getting dragged around. He felt weird in this sort of place. He was no stranger to the medical world, he grew up around some of the best Pokemon doctors on the ranch. But the difference in atmosphere was stark. Isaac preferred the natural feel of a barn floor covered in hay to the otherworldly linoleum abyss he was walking through.

Before Isaac could settle his unease with hospitals, Winston stopped at a set of doors, peaked through the window, and waved Isaac over. Isaac followed his friend through them into a large room with a competitive swimming pool in it. Various Pokemon and people were exercising with the assistance from nurses. A Poliwrath sat on a lifeguard tower like a guard on vigil. Winston scanned the room and called out to a scrawny man in a lab coat and scrubs watching a Magikarp swim back and forth. “Dr. C! Got a sec?”

The man turned and gave a kind smile and wave in return. “Winston! What can I do for you, my boy? Who is- My stars, this young man is covered in blood! Let me get a look at him. Did something happen during training?” The man was in his early 30s, with shaggy hair and rectangular glasses. He was thin and short compared to most guys Isaac had met, but wasn’t unhealthy by any means. In fact, he seemed eerily healthy with clear signs of a person that has taken care of their body everyday for most of their life. Isaac thought about how sugary of a breakfast he had and thought that maybe improving his diet should be part of his journey. The doctor inspected Isaac and his injuries, applied a quick dressing and cleared up the drying blood. He finished his treatment with a tender smile. The good doctor radiated with an aura of light that could put the sun to shame. Isaac couldn’t imagine a guy like this being much of a challenge in a fight.

Winston pushed Isaac forward, which Isaac fought as he neared the pool’s edge. “My friend here plans on challenging your gym tomorrow and knows nothing about you. So, I figured I would introduce you two so his first gym challenge goes smoother…And he didn’t give me a choice. He ran here. Fast. Please kick his ass tomorrow.” Isaac elbowed his friend at that last part, which almost sent him into the pool for real since Winston was much sturdier than him.

Dr. Clarence pushed up his glasses with a chuckle. “Well, now isn’t that something. And Winston, language. There are kids around. Friend of Winston, it is a pleasure. I look forward to our battle. I’m Dr. Clarence Brawn. And you?” He offered a hand to shake.

Isaac took the hand and shook it a little harder than he meant to. “Isaac Mavis, sir. I’m a bit nervous for tomorrow but more excited than anything. It’s going to be my first major battle.” Dr. Clarence tensed up and pulled back. “You said “Mavis?’ You wouldn’t happen to be related to Moira Mavis, would you?” Isaac nodded agreement before he could stop himself. “Yeah, she’s my mom. You know her?”

Dr. Clarence took an imposing stance that didn’t fit him. “Yeah, I know your mom well. And she sent me a message the other day telling me her kid would be coming through to challenge me and that I was to go all in during the battle. So, let’s give it our all with our teams tomorrow, Isaac, my boy.”

“Yeah, Charcadet and I are gonna give you a run for your money. Mom is gonna regret underestimating me.” The deadline his mom set came to mind again. She needed Isaac to prove his ability by a set time, so she was doing what she could to make it difficult for him. “Seeing as this is your first gym you are challenging, you will need more than your Charcadet. Pokemon League standards are that each first gym battle for a trainer is held as a two-on-two battle. It is why our training program helps pair up students with rehabilitated Pokemon from here at the hospital. Right, Winston?”

Winston chimed, “Yeah, that is how me and my Mienfoo came to be buds. Dr. C helped treat it after it got injured in the mountains and then paired us up when I was starting my intensive training for competition. Been supporting each other ever since. You don’t have any other Pokemon, though, right?” Isaac just shook his head silently. His plan of challenging the gym was starting to fizzle out before he really had the chance to enjoy it. Why had no one mentioned this to him? Mr. Oliver really was no help, he thought. And Suit Jacob was mostly just a fancy driver. He helped Isaac get settled and escorted him, but outside of that he was following a simple script that worked for trainers other than Isaac. Ones that had more experience already, and more Pokemon. Isaac started to panic. 

“Hold on, I can fix this. I just need to catch a Pokemon by the battle tomorrow, right? Easy. There are plenty of Pokemon around the city, and I can get a ride outside of town if I can’t find anything soon. Let’s go, Winston. I’m gonna need your help.” Isaac whirled around and started to head back towards the door that they had entered from. He was yanked from his feverish rush by a loud splashing sound and a woman calling out for someone to stop. He turned just in time to see a small orange blob plopping its way out a side door by one of the smaller pools in the room, leaving a trail of water and confused people. Isaac felt like he had a vague memory of seeing something similar before.

Dr. Clarence adjusted his coat and glasses. “There he goes again. Just can’t seem to sit still. What an energetic little guy.” Isaac was curious and on a time limit, a deadly combination for someone as fiery as him to be. He was in Dr. Clarence’s face in seconds asking every possible question.

“What was that? A Pokemon? Is it a trainer’s or could I catch it? If I catch it does that mean that I can still battle you tomorrow? Why can’t it sit still? And why do I feel like I’ve seen it already? Well, say something!” Isaac had gotten so into Dr. Clarence’s face that the poor man had bent himself backwards against a wall with his hands up as a buffer.

“Easy there, my boy. That’s just Clobbopus, you’re welcome to catch him…. “

Winston interrupts after looking at something on his phone. He turned it to show Isaac the Pokedex page for Clobbopus. “Oh, I remember this little guy. He’s been spotted near our classroom at the MAF by other students recently. Somebody said he runs off before our class lets out and gets found hiding behind trash cans or the welcome desk or whatever. Cute fella, if you ask me.”

Isaac made up his mind, and not just because of the time crunch. A cute little guy that was shy but also full of energy? That was just like Soldier. He burned the image of Clobbopus into his memory and sprinted out the other door after the Pokemon, Winston hot on his heels once again.

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Clobbopus arrived at the hidden collection of picnic tables he had made his secret base after running away from the rehab pool. This area was an older part of the BU campus that had been left behind during renovations over time, so not many people found themselves here nowadays. It was the perfect place to play or hangout for Clobbopus.

The Tantrum Pokemon plopped its tiny body on a bench and stared up through the canopy of trees above, admiring the shimmering sunlight that filtered through to calm itself. He hadn’t expected to see those trainers while at the pool, and in his panic had jetted away. But can anyone blame Clobbopus? He couldn’t keep the image of their intense battle out of his head, his squishy head smashed against the window glass of the training room looking down at Charcadet and Chespin exchanging blows. It was a marvel to see such strong people. Clobbopus couldn’t help but follow them around and observe them. But this time was unintentional! How was he supposed to handle the embarrassment?

An applecore being flung into the back of Clobbopus’ bulbous head pulled him from his train of thought. He fell off the bench and went splat on the ground.

“Hey kid, what are youz doin’ in ma’ territory? Youz lookin’ to get roughed up?” Clobbopus peeled itself from the concrete and looked up to see a small yellow reptilian humanoid Pokemon swaggering up to it, leering down menacingly.

“Oh, uh, I’m sorry. I didn’t think anyone came around here. I haven’t seen you before. I’m Clobbopus, nice to meet ‘cha.” He offered a round tentacle hand in greeting. The other Pokemon pulled up its baggy pants-like skin and leaned back before launching forward with a devastating headbutt that sent Clobbopus flying backwards. Clobbopus rolled until it crashed into a trash can. He rubbed the back of his head to soothe the pain. The ruffian Pokemon sauntered over like a hardened thug.

“Yo, check it, punk. I’m Scraggy, youz hear? Now, get outta here or youz gonna face my Headbutt again and again, youz see?” Scraggy stood over Clobbopus and continued to look down with a venomous look. Clobbopus’ tentacle legs started to tremble, flashbacks of memories kept buried deep down. He wanted to run and hide again.

“Um…I-I’m sorry, Scraggy. I didn’t mean to intrude. I just need to, um…clear my head. I’ll-” Scraggy landed another smack with a Headbutt to Clobbopus’ forehead.

“I don’t care about youz and your excuses. Skedaddle, kid! Adios, punk! Hiyah!” Scraggy winded up another strong Headbutt but was knocked away by a swarm of embers flying into it. Clobbopus looked over to see the Charcadet from before gearing up to release another Ember attack if needed, the two humans he was always with behind him. The Charcadet called out a challenge to Scraggy.

“Hey, don’t go picking on others! If you want to fight, I will gladly kick your butt! I don’t need my trainer’s permission to burn your backside, so don’t try me.” Clobbopus’ eyes sparkled. A hero had descended to rescue him. A pang shocked him in his core that quickly turned into a warm feeling. The human partnered with Charcadet stepped forward.

“Clobbopus, are you okay?” Isaac looked at the injured Pokemon with genuine concern. Isaac was used to taking care of Pokemon, so seeing them injured was always alarming. He clenched his teeth until they felt like they might crack. 

Winston sent out his Mienfoo and readied himself to fend off the Scraggy. The Shedding Pokemon collected itself and, sensing it was going to lose if it stuck around, grumpily swaggered away. With the danger gone, Isaac ran over to inspect Clobbopus. No major injuries, nothing a trip to a Pokemon Center couldn’t solve. What a relief. Clobbopus was looking at Isaac and Charcadet like they were stars in the sky. Isaac thought that maybe he had some sort of head trauma.

“Well, I don’t think you’re too hurt, so we can get you checked out soon. But first, I have something to ask you, little buddy.” Isaac placed Clobbopus back down and got serious. “So, I hear that you are in need of a trainer to take care of you. And I just so happen to be in need of another partner for my gym battle tomorrow. So…” Isaac pulled out a pokeball from his overall’s pocket and offered it out. “What do you say? I promise to take good care of you.”

Clobbopus stared at the ball in Isaac’s hand for longer than Isaac could stomach, but he didn’t want to pressure him into joining his team. Clobbopus eventually waddled up and plopped a tentacle on the button on the center of the ball. In a flash of red, it was sucked into the ball. It shook once, then twice, then a third time before it clicked in a successful capture.

Isaac’s Rotom phone vibrated in his pocket, indicating that Clobbopus had been registered to his trainer ID.

Capture Registered: Clobbopus

Isaac held back tears that welled in his eyes as Soldier jumped on his back in celebration. Winston congratulated him on his new Pokemon as Dr. Clarence walked over just in time to hear the good news, a Medicham by his side.

“So, you were able to convince Clobbopus to join you, huh? I’m glad. Please raise him well. He’s a recent patient of mine that is at the end of recovery. He was found by some sailors up north all beat up. The little guy seems to have some lingering trauma that makes it skittish and shy, so be kind to it. You have a duty of care, now. And that also means I will have the pleasure of battling you tomorrow. I look forward to it, and just know that I won’t be going easy on you. Until tomorrow, my boy.” 

As the good doctor began to walk away with his Medicham, he turned around with a mischievous grin. “Winston, make sure you come watch tomorrow, too. No excuses. I am sure you will find something valuable in doing so.” With that, the gym leader was gone, and the Butterfree were starting to appear in Isaac’s stomach like they did in situations like this. But this time, he felt them fluttering with excitement instead of nerves.

Isaac looked at Winston and shrugged. “Guess you’re coming to watch my battle tomorrow. You better cheer for me. I also have, like, a favor to ask for…All-night training session?”Winston’s lips curled up in the smile of a trickster. “You’re on. I’m gonna put you through the wringer until you are ready to beat Dr. C.” After a pitstop to the Pokemon Center to heal Clobbopus, the boys raced back to the MAF to use one of the training rooms for battle practice. In the morning, Isaac would take his first major step toward a life of adventure.

[esquidma]

New Chapter!

Isaac’s Burning Adventure! - Chapter 2 <Versus the Monk>

It was a marvelous sight. Towering buildings that touched the clouds were lined-up like dominoes. Isaac could easily see it from the back of the Salamence he rode through the sky. There was a variety of smaller buildings filling the gaps between the towering buildings with roads and flowerbeds and parks and more. Isaac could even see a monorail system and Flying Taxi stations. It was an entrancing network of sites that Isaac couldn’t wait to experience. As Salamence descended, Isaac could hear the sounds of the people below noticing them. He went to look down and wave, but started to slide off from the weight of his backpack. He panicked, but was saved by an arm from the man in front of him wrapping back around to catch him.

“Woah woah, Isaac! You need to stay still, or you’re going to have a really rough landing, haha! Then I will have to answer to your mom only a day after leaving! And, frankly, she scares me.” Mr. Oliver turned to shoot a quick smile at Isaac before helping guide his Pokemon to a landing spot. It was hard to hear him speak over the wind rushing by Isaac’s ears. Flying was a new experience, but it was thrilling.

“Sorry about that, Mr. Oliver.” 

Isaac tightened his grip around Salamence’s body with his legs, bracing for the impact of the landing. They were getting close to a Flying Taxi landing pad on the ground outside one of the many skyscrapers. People in dark suits and sunglasses were clearing the area for Salamence to land, forming a circle around the target. Salamence gave a few good flaps of its wings while approaching the ground, landing with a powerful thud as a gale whipped around everyone. It let out a roar of arrival. Mr. Oliver slid off its back and patted his Pokemon’s neck in appreciation.

“Thank you, boy. I think that is a record time.” Mr. Oliver offered Isaac a helping hand as he slid down from the back of Salamence. Once Isaac was off, Mr. Oliver pulled out a pokeball from his coat pocket and returned the mighty dragon to it. “Get some rest, Salamence.”

One of the suits walked over and saluted Mr. Oliver. “Mr. Atmos, welcome back. I hope your business trip went well.”

Mr. Oliver gave a courteous wave. “Yes, yes, the trip was quick and easy. I need to talk to Jack about the next shipment for Moira, so notify him that I want to meet in an hour. In the meantime,” Mr. Oliver pulled in Isaac, “take care of my young friend here. He is Moira’s kid, and my newest recruit for the gym challenge. Have someone show him around and get him settled. Isaac, here is my business card. Contact me if you need anything, and I will be checking in on you from time to time. Now, if you will excuse me, I have some business to attend to. Ciao,” Mr. Oliver spun with a flourish.

The suits saluted Mr. Oliver as he strutted off. He was met by a beautiful woman in what Isaac assumed was her mid-twenties. She had blonde and pink hair cut in a curled bob, and wore a pink and silver pinstriped pantsuit. Isaac couldn’t help but think she was a former pageant girl, maybe coordinator. She covered any visible skin with chunky jewelry. She gave a dossier to Mr. Oliver and started debriefing him about something as they disappeared into the building. Like that, Isaac was left alone in an unknown city six hours after leaving home.

One of the suits that was talking on the phone hung up and ushered Isaac over to a car, telling him to climb in. “This way, Mr. Isaac. We will take you on a tour of the city for today. Tomorrow, we will arrange for you to participate in a training program. Once you are ready, we can arrange your gym battle. Oh, and welcome to Mantra City, sir. We hope you enjoy your stay. Please contact Atmos Technologies for anything you need.” They practically shoved Isaac into the backseat while he was stunned by a sudden revelation. He looked down at the business card Mr. Oliver handed him, and his eyes almost exploded from his face.

Oliver AtmosCEO of Atmos Technologies, LLC

Wait wait wait! Mr. Oliver was the CEO of Atmos Tech? The biggest tech company in the region and basically the reason for half the infrastructure in place? Isaac loved their Ultra Station gaming system. They made everything from gaming systems to appliances to Rotom phones to even hightech battle stadiums. That meant Mr. Oliver was, like, really important. And even better, really rich. Isaac was seeing money signs. Maybe he could ask for an infinite number of pokeballs, or the latest gaming console with every game. The ideas were endless, but then he remembered something that was even bigger, if that was even possible.

You see, the champion, the strongest trainer and head of the Trainer’s Association, was a woman named Jeanne Atmos. She was the granddaughter of the late founder of Atmos Technologies. Isaac had met her once when he was younger, and she was a kind and mysterious woman, but her power when battling was unreal. Isaac watched every match of hers on repeat until she had her next one. Did that mean Mr. Oliver was related to champion Jeanne? What Mr. Oliver said last night came back to him. He said that Isaac could maybe one day rival his sister. Sister…Jeanne Atmos is his sister!? 

Isaac’s mind raced his heart to see which would explode first. He laid across the backseat of the car to collect himself, the thrumming of the motor providing him comfort. He didn’t know how much time had passed, but he was startled back to reality by the door to the car opening. The suit from before peeped in.

“Are you okay, sir? We’ve arrived at our first destination.” Isaac pulled himself together and stepped out of the car, indicating he was okay and took in surroundings that amazed him. He was standing on the edge of a majorly busy sidewalk outside the gates to a university campus. A sign above the gate read “Belmorre University” in metal letters as big as Isaac. Peering in, Isaac could see statues, fountains, and large buildings filled with classrooms or libraries. Students and staff filled every inch of the place, and where there weren’t people there were Pokemon or plants. No corner of the campus wasn’t bursting with life. A tingle shot down Isaac’s spine from excitement. He couldn’t help but think that someday, somehow, he would love to be one of the students walking around campus, hanging out with friends and studying for exams.

He pulled out a pokeball from his bag and tossed it into the air. “Soldier, you gotta see this.” Out popped his Charcadet partner, who cheered at being freed from his ball, then was instantly entranced by the overstimulating surroundings. Isaac scooped him up and set the fiery Pokemon on his shoulders. “Feast your eyes on that, bud. We made it. We made it! Woo~!” He pranced around with Soldier riding his shoulders as people walking by stared at him like he was a weirdo. But Isaac didn’t care. He had only a few chances to leave the Golden Expanse in his life, and he never visited any place like this city. He never thought that school of all things would bring his excitement this high.

“Mr. Isaac, if you would please follow me. I will take you on a tour of the campus. If there is anywhere that you would like to stop at, please let me know.” The suit yanked him out of his parading around to take him to… a library. Was it impressive? Totally, it was huge and very well stocked. But did Isaac care? No. He rode on the back of a Salamence and was in a city for the first time ever. How was a library going to be anywhere near as interesting as the best place to battle or a mall or an arcade? 

Luckily, the next stop was the Pokemon department, focusing on various elements of Pokemon and human relationships from breeding to battling to conservation and more. At least with that stuff, Isaac was very acquainted through his time on the ranch. He got to talk to the dean of the college, too, who was a friend of his mom’s and gave him a few good stories from their student days. He couldn’t wait to use that against her next time she brought up something he did as a baby. One of the professors for the breeding program gave Soldier a check-up and praised Isaac for how well he had been raised. That made Isaac feel like maybe he was ready for this journey. He didn’t realize that his mom’s doubts had started to creep into his own mind, but now they were beginning to fade.

The rest of the tour was a bit of a snoozefest, but he did get some free food, which Isaac strongly believes you shouldn’t pass on. As they were heading back to the car to head to the Pokemon Center Isaac would be staying at, they passed by a large dome building that shined amber in the setting sun. Through the big windows, Isaac could see a bunch of training rooms with different students working out with their Pokemon or having battles with a captive audience. He called out to the suit, “Hey, what about this place? Why didn’t we stop here?”

“Oh, right, this is the Mantra Athletics Facility. The premiere training facility for all trainers in the region. BU is a university that focuses on the medical field, as you saw today, but it also has a heavy focus on athletics. The MAF was built in conjunction with the university and the Mantra City Gym to nurture trainers and their Pokemon. This happens to be where we will take you tomorrow. They have a program for high schoolers that show promise and allow them to train here. Our company has connections to get our scouted trainers in for a limited time.”

Isaac looked down through the window at a trainer and his Machoke having a bench press contest, imagining himself and Soldier doing that with dumbbells. That thought brought a smile to his face. As he was walking away, something caught his attention in one of the smaller rooms he could see into. There was a guy, not much older than him, dressed in a gi like he was some sort of karate master, the folds of the white robes hiding the muscles that peaked through the blank spaces. Next to him was what Isaac recognized as a Mienfoo, with a Chespin napping against a backpack off to the side. The guy and his Mienfoo were punching the air in front of them in unison. Isaac couldn’t help staring. The guy had such focus, and even from this distance appeared to be releasing an aura of power. Something about that drew him in and wouldn’t let go. He snapped out of it when Soldier shook his leg. The suit was down the sidewalk waiting for him to walk over. Isaac patted Soldier’s head lightly.

“Oh, sorry buddy. I bet you’re feeling tired. Let’s get to the Center and rest up. Guess we have a busy training day tomorrow.” He picked up Charcadet and sat him on his hip. He took one last glance at the guy through the window. He was taking a break from his practice to drink, and the two happened to lock eyes. Isaac froze, as did the guy, and before it could get more awkward, Isaac power-walked away with Soldier in his arms. He cursed himself for being such a weirdo and tried to shove down the anxiety around what the guy thought of him. I mean, what kinda creep watches people training? he thought to himself.

Isaac arrived at the Center, got settled into a room, had a shower and a hot meal, and was out like a light before he knew it. Soldier was restless in his sleep, kicking Isaac all through the night, but Issac didn’t even notice. Okay, he noticed. But he was preoccupied as he slept. All night, he dreamt of the sights of BU. But one thing stood out the most. The boy with strong focus. His eyes were vacant and emotionless but it felt like there was a hidden fire burning deep down.

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Isaac walked through the doors of the Mantra Athletics Facility early the next morning, flanked by Soldier and the suit that had become Isaac’s best friend since yesterday. Not that he had many friends to begin with. Anyway, the building was cool, he guessed. It had walls of workout equipment, trainers walking around with their Pokemon, lockers…it was basically a fancy gym, and Isaac really didn’t care about that part. He was hyped to meet new Pokemon, maybe a few people, and finally get to battle someone. Well, he hoped he got to battle. The most he and Soldier had ever battled together was a dead tree used for target practice. And the trauma from that Arbok was something he was doing his best to block out.

“Now, Mr. Isaac, we have arranged for you to join the junior class’ training for the day. It shouldn’t be difficult. A bit of basic working out alongside a chosen Pokemon, in this case your Charcadet, and then usually a joint exercise with another student. This is a perfect opportunity for a new trainer like you to develop a good relationship with both your Pokemon and other trainers. So, let me just…” The suit ushered over a guy in a tracksuit with the facility’s logo on it. “Excuse me. I’m with Atmos Tech. We contacted you about a new trainer we scouted coming in for a special training day? This is him, Isaac Mavis. If you could show him to the junior class he will be participating in, that would be appreciated. Mr. Isaac, I will come collect you this afternoon, but contact me if something happens before then. Best of luck to you.” The suit handed Isaac a business card and walked out the facility. Isaac looked at the name on it, realizing he never bothered to learn the suit’s name. Jacob Downey. Isaac mentally thanked Jacob before following the staff member.

They arrived at a large, wooden sliding door. The staff member pulled it back to reveal a more traditional dojo style room, with tatami for flooring and various mats laid out across it. A large incense stick burned in a tall vase decorated in geometric Pokemon figures, filling the air with an energizing yet somehow soothing scent. There were various trainers stretching and talking amongst themselves and their Pokemon in the morning light that shined through the large window. Isaac realized that this was a larger version of the room he saw the guy training in yesterday, the guy with the intense but blank eyes he couldn’t stop thinking about. The guy that he blamed for the fatigue that racked his body due to lack of sleep. Though, that was really to blame on Soldier and his dream fighting. That ruffian might need to start sleeping in his pokeball, Isaac thought.

Not counting the instructor that the staff member was talking to, Isaac counted six people each with a Pokemon of various kinds. One girl had an Aipom, another guy had a Mime Jr. The instructor seemed to be partnered with a Wobbuffet. Such a wonderful assortment of Pokemon, many of which Isaac hadn’t met in person yet. Soldier was already starstruck by a Pignite that a guy dressed like a wannabe sumo wrestler had next to him, joining in on the arm thrusting the trainer and Pokemon were doing.

The instructor, a fit woman in her maybe mid-thirties dressed in a gi, walked over to talk to Isaac. “Hello, Isaac. It is a pleasure to have you join us today. Welcome to my class. You can call me Sensei Angel. Don’t worry about pushing yourself too hard today, try to focus on doing your best and getting your blood pumping. And most of all, have fun! Go ahead and take your place with your little friend on any open mat you like. We’re going to start in a moment.”

He took his place next to the girl with the Aipom and waited for the class to begin. He tried to give a polite wave to the girl, but she was engrossed in her conversation with another girl with a Lotad about the best place to buy organic Pokemon food. Isaac sort of played with his fingers while Soldier kept playing with the Pignite from before. He couldn’t help but feel Butterfree fluttering in his stomach. Nerves on my first day around other kids. What a loser. Soldier can make friends so easily, yet I can’t even look the other students in the eyes, he thought to himself. Isaac was starting to understand the meaning of homesick. He missed his mom and the ranchers and all the Pokemon. Even that one Tauros that always tried to trample him when he brought the herd hay.

A few minutes passed before Sensei Angel clapped her hands together and everyone took their places. “Good morning, class!” Everyone around Isaac startled him with their shouts of “Good morning, Sensei Angel” in unison. He could’ve sworn one guy stifled a laugh at how Isaac jumped, which didn’t help with his anxiety. Sensei Angel continued, “Today, as I am sure you all noticed, we have a special guest student. This is Isaac, a new trainer scouted by Atmos Tech, so please do your best to be kind and helpful to him.” Sensei Angel looked at the empty set of mats next to Isaac and dropped her perky expression. “I see we are missing one of our training partners. That is disappointing, but Isaac, you can partner with me for any exercises that require it, okay? Now-”

The sliding door opened slowly. A Chespin waddled in and took its place on one of the empty mats next to Isaac. It wore a very serious and furrowed expression, even bowing to Sensei Angel once in place, which she curtly copied. Following Chespin was a boy, his short cropped hair sticking up everywhere from bedhead. His gi was messily thrown on and bunched together on one hip. He slid the door closed and dropped his gym bag on the wall with the others before turning around. When he did, he realized that the whole room was staring at him and some people were giggling to each other. Sensei Angel and him locked eyes and had a psychic conversation through thoughts and expressions that ended in her gesturing to the last mat available. He speedily took his place and gave a deep bow like his Chespin, almost tipping over from the momentum. More giggles erupted from the peanut gallery.

“Good of you to join us, Winston. You were about to miss the starting stretch.” Winston straightened himself out and looked at the ground with embarrassment. “Now, let us begin.” 

Sensei Angel began with a stretching routine to loosen everybody up, then started walking the class through a simple set of mock martial arts moves. They each made their best attempts to reproduce the moves, person and Pokemon alike, all to different degrees of success. By now, since Isaac wasn’t feeling the sinking pit in his stomach as intensely, he was enjoying punching and kicking the air. Soldier wasn’t really paying attention, though, and kept doing the sumo moves he learned from Pignite.

Isaac laughed to himself before getting self-conscious and looking around to see if one of the girls that had laughed at him before was looking at him. Luckily, they were too busy trying to do the perfect spinning kick. Thank Arceus. But something did catch Isaac’s eye. Winston, the awkward kid maybe a little older than him, was recreating the moves perfectly in rapid succession, sometimes not even waiting to see what the move was but matching Sensei Angel’s moves with perfect synchrony. Something was different about him from when he came in. His energy was more intense, more uniform. He was nothing like the late and messy kid that had failed to sneak in unnoticed. Him and Chespin were both practicing with a fierceness that could catch fire. Winston’s green eyes had a glow to their dullness that intrigued Isaac.

Wait…

It was him! Winston was the guy from yesterday, the one with the Chespin and Mienfoo. He was unrecognizable when he wasn’t throwing a punch or kicking the air. He lacked any semblance of power, confidence, or ability when he was standing next to Isaac. How could someone who came off as a background character give off this kind of aura? Winston caught Isaac’s gaze and came out of his focus. “Do you need something, or do you plan to keep staring at me every time you see me? It is starting to creep me out.”

Isaac turned away at the speed of light. “Sorry, sorry! I, uh, just realized that, um, you were the guy from yesterday. You’re, like, really good at this. Haha…” Winston looked at the ground and walked over to his bag to grab his water bottle. He chugged a good bit before walking back over. “I would hope I would be good at this. I’ve been in this class for four years. Sensei doesn’t change up the routine often, and I do more difficult stuff in competition. Well, I used to…Um, but anyway, I came in late, so I didn’t get your name. I’m Winston. Winston Noble.” His hand extended to Isaac, which was taken a little too eagerly. Isaac thought how sweaty both of their palms were, from the workout, and maybe Isaac’s nerves. 

“Isaac. Uh, Isaac Mavis. Isaac Mavis. Yep, that’s me. Oh and, uh, this is Soldier.” Soldier gave a little salute of greetings before walking up to Chespin to exchange a handshake like their trainers had. Chespin met the greeting with a bit too powerful of a shake. “That’s Chespin. I’m sorry for his, uh, forcefulness. Trust me, he is much less energized at the end of a training day. Or lunch. Or really anytime before or after about an hour of doing anything.” The two boys chuckled together at the thought of the serious-acting Chespin actually being quite lazy. Isaac felt his anxiety leave him. Maybe he had finally made a friend. What a relief that was.

Sensei Angel clapped to regain everyone’s attention. “Okay, everyone. I see that we have all finished up with our individual practices, so how about we take our break now and continue with the partnered exercises after lunch? Today is battle practice, so partner up and be ready to have a one on one battle in about an hour. See you all then. Oh, and Isaac please stay behind for a second, will you?” The class divided until there were three pairs of two. Isaac and Winston looked at each other, the two last standing, and shrugged. “Guess that means we’re partnered,” Isaac sighed. Winston sighed back, “How unlucky. We’re too popular for our own good.” They chuckled at the thought. 

Winston walked to the door and grabbed his bag, Chespin hopping after him. “Be ready to lose in an hour, newbie. Chespin doesn’t like to lose, and neither do I.” Isaac made a gesture that would normally get him scolded by his mom, all in good fun, before going over to Sensei Angel. “What did you need to talk to me about? Am I doing okay? I’m not that used to this sorta thing, so sorry if I’m messing things up.”

“No, no, no. You are doing fine. Actually better than I expected considering a lot of the scouted trainers like you aren’t usually in shape when they get here. No, what I wanted to talk to you about is Winston.”

Isaac scrunched up his face in confusion. “Winston? What about him?”

“Nothing bad, I just…How do I say this politely? I appreciate you and him hitting it off. He doesn’t have that many friends in class and his behavior has been worrying.”

Isaac didn’t understand what she was getting at. Winston might’ve been late to class, and awkward at first, but the two of them became instant friends the second they had a conversation, and he was full of personality and life from what Isaac could tell. And was it even appropriate to be talking about Winston like this to their teacher? The puzzled look on his face must’ve tipped off Sensei Angel. “Don’t get me wrong, Winston is my best student. And he is a great kid. He’s been… plateauing the last month or so. And then his only friend in the program left to travel, so he has been a bit lonely I think. I’ve noticed he spends most of the day in the student training rooms and shows up late sometimes looking like he just woke up. As his instructor for the last few years, that is very unusual for him. He used to be the first one here, even before me most days. I say all this to mean, please continue to talk to him while you are here. I am sure you can learn a lot from him, and he could benefit from having someone that treats him with kindness around him as a peer.”

He was a bit confused why Sensei was telling him all this, but Isaac wasn’t against the idea. He was desperate for someone to talk to. He left the only place he had ever called home yesterday and had no one but business people around him to talk to. He was starting to consider some random handler in a suit his best friend because he had known him for a day. Isaac planned on being Winston’s friend anyway. Winston was someone he wanted to get to know, so what was the harm? “Okay, Sensei Angel...I’m gonna go grab lunch now. See you in an hour.” He scooped up Soldier and was down the hall before she could respond. If Isaac was good at one thing, it was bolting from uncomfortable situations.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The class reconvened after lunch with an explosive gauntlet of battles between students as Sensei Angel refereed the matches. The third match ended in Pignite guy’s victory over Lotad girl, which meant that it was time for Isaac and Winston’s match. Winston had come back from lunch all sweaty and exhausted. Isaac could guess that he hadn’t actually stopped working out to eat and was in another room practicing. He wondered if Winston would have enough energy to concentrate on the battle at this rate, but there was no point in worrying over that now. 

Each of them took their place at opposite ends of the dojo with their partners ready to go. Sensei Angel held up her hand and shouted, “Begin!” The Butterfree were back in Isaac’s stomach.

Winston took a fighting stance that his Chespin mimicked. “Isaac, I’ll give you the first move as a courtesy. Show me what you’ve got. Chespin and I will meet it head-on.”

Isaac didn’t need another invitation. “You’re gonna regret that, Winston. Soldier, use Leer!” Soldier charged up to Chespin, making himself appear bigger and stared down with fiery and dark eyes. Chespin returned the look mockingly. There was no effect.

“Haha, told you so. Chespin, Tackle.” Chespin tucked itself inward before launching itself directly into Soldier. The Charcadet let out a cry of pain as it was flung backwards and landed with a thud on the tatami floor. “Soldier, are you okay?” The fire type managed to get back on its feet and let out a few embers from its head flame. “Alright, guess we will try this. Ember!” Soldier held out its nubby hands and released a small ball of glowing orange and red flecks of fire that raced towards Chespin. “Better choice, but not going to work, Isaac. Chespin, use Pin Missile.” Chespin clenched its body, making sure the spikes on its head faced the direction of the embers coming for it. They glowed a pale green before releasing streaking arrowlike lights that collided with the Ember in the air, causing a small explosion and black smoke to obstruct Isaac’s view.

“Not good. Soldier, stay alert,” he warned, but it was too late. From the black cloud came two green tendrils of plant matter that Isaac recognized as a Vine Whip. They wrapped themselves around Soldier as the smoke cleared. Winston and Chespin had a smug look of victory. He was like a completely different person when he had something to focus on, be it training or battling. Sensei Angel was worrying about the wrong behavior if this was the kind of guy he was under the surface. His emerald eyes still burned behind their dulled exterior, and Isaac wasn’t blind to that fact.

“Chespin, toss him.” Chespin used the vines to send Soldier into the air of the dojo, releasing him a few feet off the ground. He was going to smash into the ceiling at this rate. Isaac had to think fast if he wanted any chance of winning this battle, or at the very least have a better showing than this. He had studied what it meant to be a trainer for so long, but now that he was taking those steps, was he doomed to fail already? No, there had to be something he could do. He had only seconds before Soldier would hit the ceiling. That’s it!

“Soldier, quick, land upside down on the ceiling, then launch an Ember attack straight down!” Soldier took the order and ran with it. He managed to twist his little body to land feet first on the ceiling, using the momentum to compress like a spring. An Ember attack rained down on the battlefield, helping to keep Soldier on the ceiling for a few seconds more. Winston’s confidence was turning into cockiness. “Chespin, Pin Missile again.”

The same arrows of light streaked from Chespin’s head into the embers, but the spread was too much to overcome. Chespin took the remains of the attack directly, knocking it back a bit but not down. But it was all according to plan. The smoke was back, and Soldier was poised to take full advantage of it this time. Isaac shouted out, “Soldier, Astonish, go!”

Launching from the ceiling like a released spring came Soldier, clearing a hole through the smoke until he was right in front Chespin. He let out an eerie shriek and landed with a powerful thud onto the Spiny Nut Pokemon, trapping the grass type beneath him. Winston looked as shocked as his Pokemon. “Chespin, protect yourself with Defense Curl.” It was no use. Chespin was too shocked to act, flinching from the Astonish attack. Isaac was going to use this moment to even the playing field. He was hitting his stride. “Soldier, don’t let up. Give Chespin a good walloping.” The Fire Child Pokemon began using the punches he picked up from the training class earlier today, knocking around Chespin.

Isaac was so excited at the thought of actually winning this battle that he almost failed to recognize the change in Winston. Isaac looked across at his new friend while imagining his victory to find that the confidence and intensity Winston had at the beginning of the battle had faded to reveal the same guy that walked into class late. He seemed so defeated. Isaac could feel the life in the air around Winston diminish as he distanced himself from the moment. Isaac thought back to what Sensei Angel said, about Winston plateauing recently, about him becoming more lonely without his friend around, about how much time and energy he put towards training. He couldn’t deny the ability of Winston, he was getting his butt handed to him at first. But if he was giving up after this one bump in the road then Isaac failed to see how Winston could ever be successful. Isaac shook his head free of the downer thoughts. This guy was someone he decided to make his friend. Even if they didn’t really know each other that well yet, he was taught to support the people he cares about.

“Winston, get your head out of the clouds. Or do you plan on losing to a newbie like me? Chespin needs you, so show me what you can do.” Isaac shot his new friend a flashy smile and a thumbs-up. Winston locked eyes with him, the third time in the past day. It was starting to become their thing. At that moment, they understood each other as people and trainers. This was a fun time between friends, it didn’t have to be about the expectations to do well or the fear of failing. They could do their best to win and accept whatever results came. Winston took a deep breath and gave his next order, calmed down and back in it with intense focus. “Chespin, Vine Whip!”

Chespin flung Soldier off of it with a whirlwind of flicking vines. They weren’t very effective against the fire type, but they packed a decent punch. “Follow it up with a Tackle.” Chespin shot like a green rocket into the stomach of Soldier, sending the Pokemon flying back with a good bit of force. Isaac called out to his Pokemon, who scrambled to his feet shakily. Winston and Isaac looked at each other while their Pokemon heaved from exhaustion. The next move to land could decide it all. It was like a standoff at sundown. Time slowed to a crawl as they both waited for the moment to strike.

“Ember!” “Pin Missile!” The two moves collided in the air. More smoke filled the room as the same explosion occurred again. From each side of the smoke cloud emerged the remnants of the two attacks, a few arrows of light hitting Soldier while a few swarms of embers smacked into Chespin. The two Pokemon were knocked over from the remaining power of the attacks. When the smoke cleared, both of them were sprawled across the floor of the dojo with swirls for eyes, unable to continue the battle.

“Chespin and Charcadet are unable to battle. This match is a draw!” Sensei Angel’s announcement was drowned out by the cheers of the other students and Pokemon that watched the epic battle. The two trainers stood gasping for clarity of mind and air. The other students rushed around them both, offering congratulations despite there being no true victorand talking up how awesome they were in the battle. The two had to pry themselves free to retrieve their Pokemon from the ground that were coming to their senses after being knocked out. They returned them to their balls for the time being and looked at each other. A moment passed before they both broke down in laughter and shook hands, telling each other how fun the battle was.

“Isaac, thanks for getting me out of my head back there. I don’t know what happened, but I almost let it ruin our first battle. And you better believe that next time I plan on winning. So, will you battle me again sometime?” Winston offered his knuckle for a fist bump. Isaac didn’t hesitate to return the gesture. “You’re on, Winston. But you’re wrong. I’m going to win next time.”

The class ended with some words of advice from Sensei Angel based on what she observed during the battles before she dismissed everyone for the day. She also made sure to thank Isaac for his participation and told him he was welcome to join the class anytime he liked while in town. She also gave a sly wink at him, which he took as her supporting his efforts with Winston. He and Winston walked together to the entrance of the MAF, where Suit Jacob was waiting.

“Ah, Mr. Isaac. I hope your training day was enlightening. I can take you to the center if you are ready.” Isaac looked at Winston, not wanting to leave his friend yet. Isaac was enjoying hanging out with him, and feared he would go back to overtraining if he wasn’t around.

“Actually, that would be great. Mind if my friend here rides with us? He needs to get his Pokemon healed up at the center, so I figure why not go together. Is that okay, Jacob?” Suit Jacob gave a quiet smile and nod. “Of course, Mr. Isaac. It is no trouble. Shall we get going?”

The boys exchanged a grin, bumped knuckles, and followed after Suit Jacob to the car. What neither of them noticed was the small figure that peered around the corner behind them, quietly plopping after them as they left class. As they exited the building, the figure turned around and disappeared.

[esquidma]

Isaac’s Burning Adventure! - Chapter 1 <Farm Boy>

The Belmorre region. An island continent full of mountains, grasslands, forests, and more. Nestled into the western center of the region lies the Golden Expanse, a nature preserve used as a ranch and research facility for the region’s top professors and their team of breeders. It is a section of land full of hills covered in tall yellow grasses and streams and ponds and clusters of trees. Under a tree on a hill overlooking the ranch was a boy basking in the light.

“Char! Char-char, charcadet!” A small, fiery red figure ran up the hill towards the boy under the tree, flailing its tiny limbs like a playful child. It leapt onto the boy for a big hug. “Soldier! Ugh, what was that for?. The boy shot up from his napping spot with a start.

The Charcadet known as Soldier gave a hearty laugh as it climbed over its trainer. The boy gave in and began rolling around playfully with his Pokemon, ending with them both sprawling out across the grass exhausted moments later. An alarm went off as a Rotom phone flew out of the boy’s overall pocket to hover in front of his face. “Shoot, I gotta get started on the chores for today before mom has a Miltank! Come on, bud. I’ll race you to the barn.”

The boy and his Pokemon shot down the hill like arrows from a Decidueye until they reached the closest barn to them, a tall, rectangular, red building that ranch hands entered and exited in a hurry. Charcadet managed to reach the entrance first, hopping up and down in victory while his trainer gave a little clap of congratulations, his smile indicating his amusement and covering up his purposeful loss. One of the workers, an older man carrying a clipboard, looked up from his papers and waved the pair over.

“Isaac, morning. I was wondering when you and Soldier would show. I need your help with morning inspections. Come see.” Isaac walked over with Soldier and took out a tiny notepad and pen, flipping to a blank page and waiting for instructions. “Ready when you are, Mr. Daniels.”

In a flash, Mr. Daniels named several assignments for Isaac to inspect by lunch. “Eggs #17, #41, #50, #57, #64, and #79 are all within their week of hatching if the timeline we projected is correct. Oh, and then egg #28 is supposed to hatch tomorrow, so we want to be sure it is showing the usual signs. If you wouldn’t mind adding it to your list. Got all that?”

Isaac nodded as he finished jotting down his notes. “Yup yup. Routine check, fill out the forms, report any issues to you or mom. Got it. Soldier and I will get right on it, Mr. Daniels. Let’s go, bud.” Isaac and Soldier made their way to the back wall of the barn, entering a maze of tall and packed shelves filled to the brim with Pokemon eggs, each with their own clipboards holding stacks of paperwork. The two of them went in the order they were given the eggs, filling out the daily inspection forms on the clipboards after a five-minute observation. There was nothing of note, only that egg #57 would likely be the first of the bunch to hatch at this rate.

Finally, they backtracked to egg #28.The egg was spotted in green geometric patterns, shaking and glowing from time to time. Good, Isaac thought, the egg should be hatched sooner than expected at this rate, likely within the day.

“Good news, Soldier. We might have a new friend by the end of the day. How do you like that?” The two of them shared a smiling moment thinking about the egg hatching. Isaac had seen so many eggs hatch in his life, even took care of his own egg that hatched into his Charcadet, but he never got tired of the magic of Pokemon breaking through the shell to greet the world. 

Crack…crack…crack.

Isaac turned his attention from the forms and his Pokemon to come face to face with egg #28 midway through the hatching process. He blinked, dumbfounded by what he was seeing. He looked down again, then looked back up expecting it to be his imagination.

Crack. Crack. Crack!

Nope, not his imagination. This egg was definitely hatching, and not soon but right now. Bad news! Mom, I have to go get mom! But it was too late. The egg was encased in light by now and fully covered in cracks. With a burst of energy, the shell was broken through and disappeared as the Pokemon within emerged. A spiky brown and tan furry body blinked with large round eyes back at Isaac. “Zigzagoon!” The newborn Pokemon took in its surroundings. Out of nowhere, it let out a shriek and jumped down from the shelf its egg was on, peeling off down the rows in a zigzag formation until it was out of sight. Isaac could hear the startled sounds of workers that must have encountered the baby Zigzagoon during its escape.

“Oh, wait! Little buddy, come back! Dang it, mom is going to kill me. Argh, Arceus save us. Soldier, double time.” With Charcadet on his heels, Isaac followed the path of destruction left by the fleeing Zigzagoon. Some employees of the ranch were on the ground surrounded by scattered papers, others were frazzled and holding onto clipboards or each other. Mr. Daniels was checking on someone nearby. “Isaac, what was that? Was it one of ours or a wild one?”

“Sorry, sorry, Mr. Daniels! It’s one of, um, ours. Well, really it is, uh how do I say this? Um, it is egg #28, and it hatched before I could tell you and then the little guy sorta…bolted. I’m sorry!” Isaac almost was groveling on the ground at this point. Mr. Daniels let out a short sigh and put a hand on Isaac. “Calm down, Isaac. Calm down. It’s okay. Things like this happen sometimes, you know that. So, breathe.” Isaac held his breath to steady himself at Mr. Daniels request and took in slow, deep breaths to regain his composure. “Good. Now, I’m going to gather a search party with the available staff. You go get your mom. She should be with the Mareep.”

Isaac nodded in agreement and left the barn with Soldier in tow. He found his mom shearing the Mareep in their enclosure. Her overalls and red braided hair were covered in clingy, staticy yellow wool. She looked up from her shearing job and grinned at her son. “Sweetie, what are you doing here? Finished your chores already? That was fast. Good j-” This was going to go nowhere if Isaac didn’t step in. “Mom! Egg #28 hatched early, and then the Zigzagoon in it was like, all cute, but hyper, and then they started running. It was crazy. They knocked down a bunch of people. Don’t worry, though, they are okay. But, the Zigzagoon got out and we don’t know where it went, and Mr. Daniels told me to come get you, and I’m really sorry that I let it get away, I blanked when it hatched all of a sudden…I think that’s everything.” Isaac’s mom looked at him with a half-smile and confusion on her face. After processing all the information tossed at her, she lightly put down the shears in her hand, patted the Mareep on her away, and stood up while brushing herself off. “Okay…Let’s go find the baby. And honey, breathe, okay?” “Yes, ma’am.”

The search party was put together in twenty minutes. Isaac’s mom would lead one team and check the western half with her Ninetales tracking the scent. Mr. Daniels would lead the other team with his Stoutland in the east. Isaac, as much as it bothered him, was to remain at the barn. He tried to protest but his mom was in work mode and a lot more stern. 

“Honey, I know you feel responsible and want to help, but the best way you can help is by staying here. If anything happens, Blaziken is at the house. Find her and she can come find me.” His mom turned back to the group and barked her orders. “Okay, people, we have a code 5 runaway and a lot of ground to cover. Get to it!”

The group of workers all saluted like they were in the military. “Yes, Mrs. Mavis!” They filed out to their half of the land and waited for their team lead. Mr. Daniels placed a hand on Mrs. Mavis’ shoulder reassuringly.

“Good luck, Moira. Hopefully we find the little guy fast.” 

Moira patted his hand in response, “I hope so too, Georgie. Good luck.” They both headed out with a wave goodbye to Isaac, who grumpily waved back

He dragged his feet over to a nearby wall and slid down in a slump with Soldier following suit. “This sucks. I mean, we could help find Zigzagoon, right, Soldier?” The Charcadet raised its nubby hands up in a flex and shot out a bit of embers as his eyes burned brighter. Isaac couldn’t help but laugh at his Pokemon’s zeal.

“Haha, that’s the spirit, bud! Ugh, but I don’t actually know how to find Zigzagoon. I mean, based on its forms, its parents are a pair of very fast Linoone. Faster than the wind! Hm, so the little guy could’ve gotten anywhere if they inherited that speed…Ahhh!” He flailed around in frustration and sprawled across the floor, Soldier copying him a moment later and laying next to him.

Hours passed while Isaac sat on the floor of the hatchery barn. He kept checking his Rotom phone for a message saying they found Zigzagoon, but all he got was spam emails about discounts on potions and pokeballs, and a text from his cousin, Odie that he ignored for now. “What’s taking so long? I feel like they should’ve found it by now.” He checked his phone again to be sure, and after confirming it was void of new messages, stumbled onto his feet.

“Come on, Soldier. No use sitting around any longer. We can at least do a lap around the fences while we wait.” Soldier let out a few embers from his head flame in response and followed his trainer out the barn.

The two of them wandered lazily around the outside of the ranch’s fencing in the orange light of the setting sun. Isaac zoned out looking at the Tauros grazing in the fields while Soldier splashed about in muddy spots on the path. Nothing stood out, but at least they weren’t sitting around like a Nosepass. Isaac was living in his head until a loud exhale from large nostrils snapped him back into focus. He looked up to realize they had wandered in front of the paddock for his dad’s Pokemon. Since his dad was away helping Professor Mangrove, the only one in there was his dad’s Rapidash. She was a real beauty with a strong body and dazzling flames. Her legs were well-toned, evidence of her status as the fastest Pokemon on the ranch. She was a champion racer back in her prime, afterall. She stared at Isaac with inquisitive eyes from her trough of oats and berries as if to ask, What’s up, kid? Looking for something?

Isaac placed a hand on her muzzle and used the other to stroke her neck lovingly. “Hey, girl. You haven’t happened to see a Zigzagoon running around in the last few hours, have you? This is starting to get ridiculous.” Rapidash flicked her head around, then craned her neck towards one of the fence lines off in the distance. It was the fence that marked the edge of the ranch’s property, but the land that wasn’t part of the nature preserve. The only things in that direction were a road that connected to a main road between cities and wilderness.

He looked into Rapidash’s eyes, trying to read in her expression more information. She stared back while munching on her food, which Isaac took as her saying, I hate to break it to you, but your little friend went that way.

With a heavy sigh, Isaac walked towards the fence Rapidash pointed out and looked out. Still, nothing stood out. But Rapidash made it seem like it came this way at some point, and the search party probably wouldn’t cover this area since it wasn’t part of the property. Isaac let out an exasperated exhale and turned to Soldier.

“Hey bud, you go tell Blaziken that I think Zigzagoon went outside the property line so she can get mom and the others. I’m gonna take a look around a little ways out and see if I find anything. Got it?” Soldier gave a salute and started racing towards the manor house off to the side of the ranch. Isaac slipped over the fence and started trekking into the woods beyond the border.

Even with the beaming amber sunlight piercing the branches of trees, the woods were ominous and dark. A warm breeze rustled the foliage and shadows danced upon the ground and tree trunks. Isaac didn’t want to wander too far, especially with the anxiety forming a pit in his stomach. This was the first time in a while he had stepped foot into these woods, and the last time wasn’t exactly a pleasant memory, but he had forgotten all about that until he had actually entered the woods. Flashbacks of a wild Ursaring rampaging as it chased Isaac through these parts a few years ago came rushing back to the forefront of his mind. Hopefully, he thought to himself, it was hibernating right about now. Unlikely given it was still late summer, but one can hope. He was about to turn back to wait for the others after walking for ten or so minutes, but he heard something faint from farther within the woods. He stood still and focused his hearing, hoping above all that he wouldn’t hear the roaring of an Ursaring. “...-agoon…Zi-...oon…ZIGZAGOON!”

Before he could stop himself, Isaac was running full sprint towards the sound. Oh no, oh no, oh no! Please be okay, please be okay! He followed the sound around twists and turns until he arrived at a small clearing in the woods. At its center was a hollow mossy log drowning in a patch of tall grass and wildflowers. Coiled menacingly on top, spotlighted in the setting sun, was a giant purple serpentine Pokemon. An Arbok! They were found near the ranch sometimes, and are extremely dangerous. Isaac was always told to stay away out of worry for his safety. He wanted to creep away, turn tail and run, but that wasn’t an option. Wrapped in the noodly body of the Arbok, struggling against the strength of the big monster and losing badly, was the baby Zigzagoon. Arbok was strangling it as it bared its fangs and prepared to swallow the little Pokemon whole. Now was the time to act.

Scanning his surroundings, Isaac found a decently sturdy-looking branch on the ground and brandished it like a weapon. He would have to be fast if he wanted to save the Zigzagoon without starting a bigger fight. There was only one chance. He steeled himself with his stick in hand. You got this. It’s for Zigzagoon. Okay, one…two…three! 

He leapt from his hiding spot and gave a war cry as he swung the stick in a circle over his head as if winding it up. The Arbok’s attention was drawn to the boy and clearly made an impression, since it tossed the barely conscious Zigzagoon onto the ground with a hard thud and started slithering quickly at him. Isaac was screaming in his head at how stupid he was to be in this mess. In the blink of an eye, Arbok was rearing up above Isaac ready to strike down with a powerful bite. Isaac was still moving but closed his eyes in anticipation of the attack. When nothing came, he slowly opened his eyes to see Arbok being held back by someone he didn’t expect to see.

A stern whinny erupted from Rapidash as she held back the poison type Pokemon. To Isaac, it sounded like she was saying, Back off if you know what is good for you, Scales for Brains. “Rapidash! You followed me? Thank Arceus for that, I owe you so many oats after this.” Rapidash exhaled sharply at the mention of food, tossing away Arbok with her powerful neck. The serpent slid across the tall grass and coiled up in preparation to strike again. 

“Rapidash, it has Zigzagoon, so let’s kick some scaly butt and bring them home, okay? How about a team-up like old times?” Rapidash stomped the ground to show her eagerness to battle. She was quite the hot headed Pokemon, but Isaac loved that about her. Her competitiveness always showed her dedication, whether she was racing or battling. “Alright. Rapidash, use Stomp!”

In a blitz, Rapidash covered the ground between her and Arbok. She reared up on her hind legs and crushed down with all her weight, while Arbok slithered away and around between her legs until it wrapped its body around the barrel torso of Rapidash and began to squeeze. Rapidash struggled against the pain, kicking wildly to try throwing Arbok off.

“Rapidash, stay calm! Use your Flame Wheel attack to force it off.” Rapidash’s mane of fire flared with intensity until the Pokemon were completely engulfed in orange-red flames. She continued to flail about as Arbok attempted to stay on, but the burning from the Flame Wheel was too much. With a long, angry hiss, it let go of its prey and fell to the grass, thrashing about to put out the residual fire on it.

By now, the field had caught fire and was burning strong, causing smoke and walls of flame to block visibility. Isaac tried to position himself where he could keep sight of Rapidash, who waited for Arbok to attack again or Isaac to issue an order. In the confusion and smoke, Arbok was able to slip away undetected.

“Rapidash, stay alert. And, um, maybe we avoid catching the forest on fire anymore than we have?” Rapidash shot a glare at Isaac that read to him as, Shut it, kid. It wasn’t my biggest priority in the moment. The two darted their eyes in every direction looking for the hidden enemy.

Isaac’s eyes landed on where the injured Zigzagoon was unconscious in the grass. Fire was beginning to encroach it. He almost cursed his circumstances but held back as if his mom was around to scold him. “Shiinotic, the baby!” Without a second thought he raced towards Zigzagoon, pushing past the small wall of fire blocking him. His hair singed a bit as he passed through. 

As he reached down, he heard a whistling sound as an array of projectiles flew at him. He turned in time to see glowing purple needles aimed right at his face. Arbok’s Poison Sting attack, he realized too late. He covered Zigzagoon with his body and closed his eyes, bracing for the pierce of the toxic needles.

A pained groan filled the clearing, alerting Isaac to the fact that he had not been hit by the Poison Sting but that something had. A large body landed next to him with a thud. He opened his eyes to find Rapidash heavily injured, with a look of agony and a line of sickly purple hue on her face. She had been poisoned by the attack! 

Arbok slithered forward through the flame baring its fangs as it hissed. Rapidash tried to stand to continue the fight but collapsed. Arbok coiled its body in preparation to strike the finishing blow, one massive Bite attack on what Isaac could only assume was the nape of Rapidash’s neck. It launched itself at high speed, but for Isaac time was frozen. His mind was in overdrive trying to find a way out of this. Rapidash wouldn’t have gotten hurt if it weren’t for him, so he had to save her. But he also had to save Zigzagoon. What should he do? No time to think, just act. He knew that at the very least if Rapidash got hurt anymore because of him he couldn’t live with himself, so it was time to be reckless. He quickly twisted around and used his body to shield Rapidash from the maw of Arbok coming down on them. He waited for the pinch of the fangs as they closed down on him.

“Gengar, use Psychic.” Isaac opened his eyes to see the Arbok frozen in the air, glowing in a light blue aura. It seemed just as confused as him. He looked around to find who had shown up. Standing on the edge of the clearing was a man in his early thirties, dressed in a well-tailored three-piece suit in black and purple. He wore the coolest sunglasses Isaac had ever seen, with purple rectangular lenses set within thin silver frames. His black loafers seemed too expensive to be used for walking through the woods, but the man didn’t appear too bothered by that. His raven hair was neatly trimmed and held in place by a healthy amount of gel. His facial hair was groomed to perfection in the shape of spikes outlining his face, almost like a smiling mouth of sharp teeth. To a fifteen year old like Isaac, this was the coolest person in the world. Floating behind him was a Gengar, rotund and smiling, floating in the air as its eyes glowed the same light blue as the aura around Arbok.

“Gengar, send Arbok away, then put out the flames with Icy Wind.”

Gengar obeyed its commands with precision, using its Psychic attack to send the Arbok flying away deep into the forest. Once it was gone, it spun around the inflamed area as it spewed a cold air filled with icy crystals, extinguishing the ravaging flames. Once complete, Gengar snickered into its hands at a job well done.

The man nodded in satisfaction at his Pokemon’s work and walked over to Isaac and the injured Pokemon. He stroked Rapidash’s neck as he examined her, shushing her gently to keep her calm. “Everything will be okay, girl. Don’t worry. You’ll be good as new by tomorrow.” He stood and addressed Isaac, “Are you okay, kid? Looks like you got yourself into some trouble.” 

Isaac nodded, slightly dumbfounded by his mix of horribly bad and extremely good luck. He was starting to taste smoke from how long his mouth had been hanging open. He shot a glance at Zigzagoon behind him and picked it up, cradling it in his arms. “Uh, yeah, yeah. I’m okay, thanks to you, mister. And you too, Gengar. Thanks for the save. Um…You don’t happen to have any medicine, do you?”

The man turned his pockets inside out. “Sorry to say, but I tend to travel light. But, your ranch will have what you need, so why don’t we get you there? Gengar can carry Rapidash, so you carry that Zigzagoon?” Isaac nodded and the group began heading back to the ranch.

Halfway back, Isaac realized the man seemed to know who he was. “Wait, who are you, anyway? Not that I’m not grateful for the help, just that you seem to know me and I don’t know you.”

The man laughed a bit and looked at Isaac through the top of his glasses. “You’re pretty smart, but slow on the uptake, huh? Ha, but don’t worry, I’m a friend of your mom’s and a business partner of the good professors. I’ve seen pictures of you even if we haven’t met. I was on my way to the ranch to see your mom when I saw the smoke from the fire. If you would rather I didn’t let my curiosity win, then sorry to inconvenience you. Now, if you don’t mind my asking, why were you out here in the first place? You should know how dangerous it can be.”

Isaac held up the Zigzagoon in his arms. “This little one hatched earlier this morning and immediately made a break for it. Half the ranch is out searching for it, but Rapidash, uh…told me, I guess, that it ran off into the woods. The situation sorta went downhill from there. And, well, you know the rest. Oh, and I’m Isaac, by the way. It’s, uh, nice to meet you, mister…?”

The man threw his head back in laughter. “You really did grow up on a farm if you can talk to a Rapidash! Hahaha, that is really something. Nice to meet you, Isaac. You can call me Mr. Oliver. It’s a pleasure, kid.”

The two of them continued silently the rest of the way, arriving at the fence Isaac jumped to see a crowd of Pokemon and workers meeting them with worried faces. Standing at the front of the crowd with a Blaziken and Ninetales next to her was Moira, biting her nails from nerves as she turned to her son. At her feet clung Soldier, who went into a full sprint at the sight of Isaac until he was hanging from his neck. He cheered with glee at seeing his trainer again.

“Okay, okay! I get you were scared, bud, but as you can see I am fine. Now stop choking me! I can’t…breathe, aagh!” The crowd laughed at the sight, until they saw Moira do the same thing, body slamming her son and the Pokemon he carried into a pile of bodies.

“Sweetheart~! I was so worried. I thought I told you to wait in the barn? When will you ever listen to me, I am your mother! Oh, I am so happy you are safe! I saw the smoke as we were getting ready to follow you. What happened? I see you have Zigzagoon, so that’s good. You are so grounded for this.” Her arms were wrapped so tightly around Isaac that he couldn’t breathe. He smacked the ground like he was a wrestler giving up. Soldier thought they were playing and decided to jump around on his stomach. The fact that these two loved him felt like a lie with the damage he was taking.

“M-mo-mom…I can’t be grounded if you kill me…Please, I need air…” She released him from his parental prison and stood up as she dusted herself off. She scooped up Zigzagoon and began barking orders at the crowd of workers watching them.

“You and you, take this baby to the infirmary and treat it. Once it is healed up, do the post-hatching checkup, accounting for the lost time and circumstances of today. Run anything by me or Mr. Daniels that you aren’t sure of. The rest of you, we are going to get Rapidash back to her stable and treat her from there. Oliver, good to see you. I take it I have you to thank for getting these three back from whatever craziness was happening, so you have my gratitude. I apologize for not being able to host you right now, but I have to handle this first.”

Mr. Oliver held up a hand in reassurance. “Please, Moira. I totally understand. I am just glad I arrived in time to help. Your son here was quite brave, so you should be proud. Let me know how I can help in the meantime. If it isn’t an inconvenience, I am not against postponing our business until tomorrow and staying the night.” Moira waved the thought of inconveniencing her away.

“Oh please, Oliver. You know you are welcome to stay anytime. Isaac can help you get situated in the guest room while I tend to the Pokemon.” Moira and Mr. Daniels began working on the injured Pokemon while Isaac led the cool and mysterious Mr. Oliver to the guesthouse off to the side of the main manor the Mavis family called home. He showed Mr. Oliver to the guest room to one side of the house and excused himself to go clean up. By the time he finished and headed to the kitchen to find food for him and Soldier, Mr. Oliver was sitting at the kitchen table talking to Moira. In the kitchen was Moira’s Armarouge stirring a pot of soup. Soldier ran over and hugged her, showing a heaping amount of love for his mother. She picked him up and placed him on the counter, offering a spoonful of the soup to taste which delighted the little guy. Isaac grinned, enjoying seeing his partner happy.

Isaac’s mom and Mr. Oliver finished their business while he helped to finish making dinner. Isaac served them their bowls and sat down to join them. As they ate, Isaac explained the events of the day to his mom, much to her shock and amazement. She updated him on Rapidash’s and Zigzagoon's condition, who were doing ok and receiving continued treatment for their injuries as they spoke. Finally some good news after how today had gone.

As the night wound down, Oliver surprised Isaac and Moira with a major suggestion. “Isaac, have you considered taking on the gym challenge?”

Moira nearly choked on her tea, while Isaac dropped his spoon into his soup. Moira cleared her throat and waved her hands dismissively. “No no no no! Isaac isn’t ready for something like that, Oliver. I mean, he is still a kid, haha. Right? Like, he still needs to mature before doing something like that. He needs to stay here.” She seemed desperate, as if she was trying to reassure herself that she was right in that belief. Isaac couldn’t help but agree, having messed up tremendously today. Mr. Oliver smirked and sipped more of his tea. “Moira, be reasonable. Your boy here is already, what, fifteen? Most trainers start their journeys at ten, traveling around entire regions unsupervised as they work towards their ambitions. Your overbearing parenting is not going to get Isaac anywhere. I saw how brave he is, and he still has room to grow. That bravery borders on recklessness, so he could learn a thing or two about the line that differentiates them. No offense kid, it’s simply facts. With our positions, we both know what value a journey can have for people. If he is going to mature and grow, it won’t happen trapped between these fences.” 

Isaac listened to the words of both adults with hollow expectations. The truth was he had tried going on a journey years ago. He had discussed it with his parents and was told to wait until they felt he was ready. Pushing the idea never amounted to anything, so he had sort of put that dream to rest for now. Isaac looked at his mom with pleading eyes as she stared at her tea lost in thought. “Isaac, sweetie. Can you give Mr. Oliver and I a moment alone to talk?”

He hesitated but did as he was told. “Uh, yeah. I’ll go…check on Soldier in the living room, I guess.” He excused himself from the table and room. Holding himself flat against the hallway wall, taking silent deep breaths to steady his racing heart, Isaac listened. They must have thought he was gone because his mom started with a bit of anger to her voice.

“Oliver, I do not appreciate you talking as if I am a bad parent in front of my kid like that. I have considered letting him go on a journey like his father and I did as kids, but he isn’t ready. He still has a lot to learn from me before he is ready. So, I ask that you please drop the matter before you fill his head with delusional fantasies like you do so many other young and foolish trainers.”

A teacup clinked against its saucer as Mr. Oliver placed it down to give his rebuttal. “Is Isaac the one that isn’t ready, or are you not ready, Moira? I saw your kid step in front of the fangs of an Arbok to protect a Pokemon without a second thought. I’ll admit, not the brightest move, but desperate people make dumb decisions. That is why I suggested the gym challenge. It would give him a chance to grow stronger, gain some experience, learn the best ways to handle situations, and most important of all, the worst ways. You remember how much of an idiot my sister and I were when we first started, and look at us now. Hell, look at you. You were much more hot-headed when you were an up-and-comer yourself. Now you are a calm force leading a team of experts in the field of breeding, not to even mention being one of the region’s Elite Four. Miracles can happen, but you have to let them. So stop smothering and start mothering. Unless you, I don’t know, want your son to resent you for the rest of his life?”

Silence came from the room as Isaac held his breath in the hallway. This argument felt like an unstoppable force colliding with an immovable object. His mom was as stubborn as a Tauros, but Mr. Oliver was like a Wobbuffet using Counter. Every argument was being hit with an even more powerful objection until his mom was too worn down to continue. Isaac was hopeful that this might mean he could travel and be a real trainer like he had thought about since he was little. His mom’s response shocked him back to reality.

“Fine, Oliver. You want to play that card? You handle the consequences. You think Isaac is ready, then I want you to support him. I know all about how you have scouted trainers before, so I know you can do it. But, if he doesn’t prove to me in a month that he has what it takes to do this then he is coming home, whether he likes it or not. Deal?”

“Hmph, you might still be that hothead, Moira. But fine, you have a deal. I planned on offering my services if he needed them as is. However, if we are going to discuss a deal like this, I suggest having little Isaac here, don’t you agree?”

“I do.”

Suddenly, Isaac felt something grab him by his waist from behind. He twisted to see the mischievous face of Mr. Oliver’s Gengar holding onto him as he was lifted into the air and carried back into the dining room. The adults looked at him, one with amusement and the other with a stern expression. Gengar placed him down on the ground next to the dinner table, where he met the gazes of his mom and potential benefactor. “Haha…So, you two knew that I was still here, huh?”

They looked at him with faces unchanging. His mom spoke first. “A mother always knows, sweetie. You know that.” Mr. Oliver nodded and muttered his agreement. He then trained his eyes on Isaac’s with intensity.

“I’ll cut to the chase. Isaac, my daredevil, wannabe trainer, I believe you have the potential to become a great trainer, like your mother. You may even become better than my sister. But, I also think you have a lot of growing to do before you can actually become that great trainer. With my help, I think you can work hard enough to achieve the title of champion if you wanted to. What do you say?”

Isaac looked at his mom. She looked at him still with that stern look, but after a moment seemed to come to a realization, shifting her face to both hold back tears and show encouragement. She was giving her blessing, even if the unspoken part about proving himself still stood. He smiled wide and said with his eyes all the kindest things he could think of to his mom, then looked back at Mr. Oliver. The business man had his hand out waiting, as if he was making a deal for his company. Isaac reached out his hand, pausing a moment before committing fully and shaking the hand so hard he almost threw both of their shoulders out.

Mr. Oliver reeled back from the handshake with a halfhearted chuckle as he tried to put his arm back in the socket. “Alright then, kid. Congratulations. You’re about to become a full-fledged trainer. Pack a bag and be ready by the morning.”

Isaac was paralyzed. His head felt like it was underwater, he was so overwhelmed. A warm feeling filled his chest and his eyes stung with tears that wanted to form. He beamed a bright smile. When the time crunch sunk in, he sprinted out of the room to tell Soldier the news and start packing. In less than twenty-four hours he would be living his dream!