Pokémon Academy: Ch 2a: Dragons [IC]

[Commander]

Henry sighed seeing the boy's interest was more into this "Team Rocket" situation. "You can't tell me you honestly believe that stuff. Team Rocket's work was how should I put it, sloppy that went on half-ass plans. Whoever is behind this actually has a brain, something you'd realize if you used yours. Do you think the Rockets would be smart enough to not only figure the layout of the area, but perfectly time a Donphan stampede to attack students, especially without their leader Giovanni? Is that all or are you going to bombard me with questions I don't know the answers to?" Henry decided to hold his tongue after that. He actually knew more than what he was telling, but he didn't want this loudmouth to blab everything to the whole academy. "And here's some advice: I wouldn't go blabbing this to everyone. You wouldn't want them to hear we're on to them. Dammit." Another slip. Henry was getting pissed at himself for being so careless. "I'm just gonna shut up now."

[Jory]

Jacob sighed, shaking his head gently as he took Arete back. The Togepi giggled and waved her stubby arms at her Trainer, eliciting a smile from the pensive young man. "I don't know, Danielle. It all seems a bit fishy to me. Didn't Team Rocket disband a long time ago? And more importantly, why would they recruit Slade of all people? You know he's a good friend of mine, but boy does he have a mouth on him! I'm not sure if he's the best pick for clandestine operations. Now that Alvin kid is a different story entirely, but I doubt he'd risk his academic career for thugs like that." He then paused, trying to fit Danielle and Slade's feelings into all of it. "Look, if you want my advice then I think you need to apologize to Slade. I know you weren't wrong, but maybe he just wasn't in the right place for that. Maybe he wanted your support instead of being teased about it," Jacob said gently. "I'm sure you'll both be the better for this."

[Zephyrus the Priestess]

Everyone else had come back to camp and Henry was up and strollin'. Before she could call him over, he'd already gotten too far, talking to Slade. Raiza shrugged; he was probably fine, if he could walk that far. And anyway, where was Lana? "Lucifer, would you be a dear and find Lana for me, pon?" the Trainer said. Immediately the Ghost-Fire type shot off with a "Wick, wick", in search of that particular soul. Now, where-- there. With the... Oh, wow, another new character to sample! The Litwick peeped from behind Lana, staring at the long-haired boy with the Scyther and Porygon curiously. "Wick, wick," he murmured.

[Aurorix]

Slade peaked up at the thought of the 'Team Rocket' he saw was a fake, which brought his mood up a tab bit. "Well thanks Henry anyways," Slade said a little a happier then before, "Even if you didn't mean to give me that information it is still appreciated, and don't worry about me telling people. If you should be worried about anyone right now it should be yourself." Slade chuckled while giving Henry a faint smile, "Now, if you'll excuse me there's someone who I need to say sorry to. See ya whenever Henry." He turned around and raised his right hand to the height of his head as a way to wave good-bye as he walked towards Danielle and Jacob.

[DarkLight]

"So you think there is more to it than that too..." Danielle replied, her hand rubbing her chin. She chuckled a little at the mention of Alvin being a Team Rocket member, or any gang member actually; in her mind, Alvin could probably make any gang disband once he starts pestering everyone with his bug speeches. Once Jacob recommended her to apologize, however, Danielle was about to snap back until she heard his reasoning. She took several deep breaths and reconsidered what her friend mentioned. After turning the events over and over in head, Danielle finally acquiesced and slowly nodded. "I guess I did overreact as well, now that I could think about it... Alright, Jacob, I'll go apologize and get Slade back here. There is actually something I think you two should know about. It concerns Ryan..." she said solemnly. She began to walk towards Slade when a sudden thought made her turn back. "And Jacob, there is something I always wanted to ask... Umm, is it... Really okay that Slade and I are... you know, together? If not, we could always cool off and... Yeah..."

Zared nodded as he began to piece together his master's life. It's no wonder to him now why that Murkrow and Larvesta had stuck around with her. Danielle could go overboard with her playfulness, but she is also considerate and sensitive towards others. And she is making an effort to get through her troubles. It looks like he chose a good human to be with after all.

[Commander]

"I doubt it," Henry muttered under his breath. He didn't trust the kid one bit. Maybe that's why he never talked to him. "I swear those two are so much alike. It seems every time I'm around either of them they seem to screw with my head. At least I didn't tell him anything important." Henry continued his way, but this time away from the Danielle and Slade group.

[Jory]

Jacob smiled at Danielle, shaking his head. "Look, it's like I said in the woods the other day. I can't force you to feel that way about me, and if you and Slade like each other then I'd be a horrible friend for saying no to that." He tickled his Togepi's stomach again, triggering another fit of giggles followed by a tiny pout. "I just want you guys to be happy. I've managed to at least figure out my feelings about this, and with that knowledge I'm able to move forward with my life. So why ask you and Slade to move in reverse, you know?" He then chuckled. "Now get the hell over there and apologize already. Slade looks like he's about to punch a Skitty over this."

[Chim]

Stratos and Zephyr

Lana was utterly shocked at the revelation of Team Rocket members trying to recruit students. She stared at the tent Evan was in and was lost in thoughts. Only when she heard Raiza’s Litwick she snapped out of it. The young breeder turned her attention back to Mareek while vacantly patting Lucifer. “I don’t think he would, but, you know, he’s… distant. I doubt he would admit it or tell anyone.” She bit her lip, not wanting to suspect Evan. “He did tell me once that he feels like he’s out of place. It happened after Colin, his roommate, left to take care of personal stuff. He told me Colin was the only person he considered a friend and that nothing would keep him here if he hadn’t paid the entrance fee.”

Everyone

In the meantime every student except Evan received medical treatment. One of the nurses went to inform the teachers and started a whispered conversation. Devin nodded and a few minutes later a part of the equipment was loaded into an ambulance. Three of the vehicles left indicating that everything was taken care off.

[Zephyrus the Priestess]

For a while, Lucifer contentedly sat in Lana's arms to be petted. But ehhhh... he should probably get going and get Raiza. But... It felt comfortable here, and he could try a bite of that new soul in front of him. Spicy and sweet mushrooms? What a strange combination of flavors... but, food was food, and he was enjoying being pampered by Lana.

[DarkLight]

Avis watched Henry go about his way from her post, tilting her head all the while to try and make sense of his actions. She didn't move any other muscle in her body, though. She just hoped Slade would inform them on what just happened; after all, who would hold secrets from their other half? That would just be plain rude.

------

Danielle was relieved to have Jacob's blessing over their relationship. It seemed that the trip, as well his new teammates, had put his mind at ease. And, reluctantly, Danielle decided to give some credit to Kristen as well, although she will not admit it. Taking a look back at a nervous Slade, Danielle laughed and gave a nod towards Jacob. "Okay, okay! I'll get over there now. We definitely don't want him to hurt an innocent Skitty after all. I'll be right back!"

After giving a signal for her Pokemon to stay put, Danielle met Slade half way and gave a soft smile. Trying not to provoke him any further, she decided to start off with some small talk. "Hey there. Feeling better?"

[Chim]

Suddenly things got lively back at the last medical tent. Evan was awake and refused to go to the hospital. He stumbled out the tent and almost ran into the Skarmory. The boy looked completely battered up. His head was completely wrapped with bandages. His arms, legs and rest of his upper body were covered with Band-Aid’s. He wasn’t wearing a shirt since the one they found him in was completely ripped. A nurse was following him, desperate to convince him to go to the hospital.

“You have a slight concussion and a head wound. We want to observe you for at least one night, Evan!” she said.

“No, I’m fine,” the boy answered. He experienced firsthand how much they would charge him for it. His mother worked double shifts for weeks to be able to pay his brother’s medical bills and he wouldn’t add his own to it. No matter what the nurse said Evan was too stubborn to listen.

The scene caught Devin’s attention as he walked over. Evan, with Skarmory tailing him, tried to sneak off while the Elite Four member talked to the nurse. The nurse made wide gestures with her hand and tried to convince Devin to force Evan. The dragon tamer sighed. “I’ll see what I can do,” he said before pursuing Evan.

[Sutoratosu]

Looks like I might have a reason to start keeping a few tabs on him then... Mareek thought to himself. Erce meanwhile kept her own eye on the Litwick that had mossied over to Lana, suspicious about the thing just out of natural instinct. It just didn't feel right to her, the ghost types presence... It didn't have anything to do with the fire typing though, she looked at them and she would almost always feel the immediate desire to try to curb stomp em in battle to prove her strength. No, there was something about this Living Candle's presence... something that the Mantis simply couldn't place right now.

"Alright, thanks for the help," Mareek said. "I just want to start keeping a bit of an eye on him from now on though... just in case, ya know? I just think the last thing this world honestly needs is more individuals following Radical Ideologies like Rocket's..."

[Jory]

Jacob, happy to see Danielle going to apologize to Slade, sighed in relief and squeezed Arete tightly. "Thanks for the help, Arete. You've become one of my best friends the past day or so, you know that?" he asked the small Pokemon. She gave a "Piiii!" of approval and hugged her Trainer tightly. The young man chuckled and looked around. However, when he saw the battered Evan making his way away from the medical tent a frown and a look of concern came over his features. He looked down at his Togepi. "Well, that's no good." Holding onto his Pokemon, he began to jog after Evan, not noticing that Devin had already begun to do so.

"Hey, Evan, wait up!" he said loudly, hoping to get the other student's attention.

[Chim]

Stratos and Zephyr

“You don’t really think he would join an organization like that? Even though he’s closed he seems so friendly when he plays with his Pokémon. I don’t see him using them for bad purposes,” Lana said. She was still patting Lucifer.

Jory

Evan tried to reach the cottage to get a new shirt when he heard someone calling for him. He turned around and saw one of Danielle’s friends coming over. If he remembered correctly his name was Jacob. Evan couldn’t remember he ever talked to the guy and assumed Danielle probably said something about him. He wasn’t really in the mood but kept his tone civil. “What? I already said I’m not going to the hospital.”

The Skarmory still hopped behind him and just stared at Jacob.

[Sutoratosu]

"No..." Mareek said. "I honestly don't want to believe it... but a few years ago, I also didn't think or want to believe that my own brother would join that organization, and I was in for a nasty surpris-" He stopped suddenly, realizing what the hell he had just told her. And he stayed like that, not knowing how to go on to possibly steer the conversation away from it. The one thing he did whatever he could to make sure no one ever finds out, and he goes just blurting it out like that... God! how he felt like a fucking idiot right now...

"Um... please..." He asked, eyes pleading with the girl in a last ditch effort to keep his secret. "Don't tell anyone I said that just now, ok? It's not... not something I want circulating around. I just want to be sure that Evan's not involved with them. Though I guess that you can probably tell after... well, that, that I have personal reasons for it too..."

[Jory]

Jacob shook his head and put his hands up defensively, suppressing a grin. "Look, Evan, I'm not here to tell you how to live your life. But I didn't go out searching for you and wrap up that ugly cut on your head so that you could come back to camp and pass out from whatever head injury it is you've got there." He sighed and leaned against the wall of the cottage, looking over at Evan. "I know you've had a rough day today. And hell, that may even go beyond getting pushed down a rock face by a herd of Donphan. I'm not going to say that I've had worse days than you because I don't know you that well. You just gotta remind yourself that it gets better. And if you ever need someone to talk to, I'm here for you. Alright buddy?" Jacob asked, starting to step away. He then stopped and turned around. "One more thing, Evan. They don't want you to go the hospital to control you, or to bankrupt you if that's where your concern comes from. A fall like the one you took is nothing to take lightly, and I'm sure your family would rather have you around than not have a hospital bill." With that said, Jacob walked away in search of something to eat.

[Chim]

Stratos and Zephyr

Lana was speechless. The news about Mareek’s brother dropped like a bomb and she had no idea how to respond to that. She didn’t respond immediately and the awkward silence felt like it lasted way longer but eventually she managed to find some words. “Uhm of-of course I won’t tell anyone.” She felt a little awkward and started to do her old habit again; shifting her feet uncomfortably.

Jory

Evan had no idea how to respond to that. Apparently Jacob joined the search parties and sacrificed a shirt even though they didn’t know each other, but was worried Evan the most were the bill remarks. Did Jacob figure out he came from a poor family? But how? Or maybe he just looked like some poor kid…

Everyone

Evan was saved by the bell. Or by the Pizzaboy’s tune to be exactly. Devin groaned. He completely forgot about the order he made earlier that day. He and the other teachers thought pizza would be the ideal food to do the announcements, but considering the recent events it completely slipped his mind. He looked at Evan for a second and sighed. “If you’re absolutely sure I can’t force you. However if I see any indication that you’re suffering from a concussion or anything else I will take you to the hospital myself.”

After that being said he nodded to the other teachers and walked over to the delivery boy. He pointed to the table and the boy and his colleague started to pile pizza after pizza on the tables. In the meantime Devin talked to the remaining doctor and nurse, who glared at Evan, and assured them to keep an eye on the student. With nothing else to do the remaining ambulances left after they packed the last medical equipment.

Immediately a herd of hungry students lined up to grab some slices. The teachers tried, and failed, to keep it civil. Animalistic instincts seemed to kick in whenever a student was confronted with his favorite pizza.

After everyone found a place to sit, Devin stood up. The few people that were talking immediately stopped and turned their attention to the Elite Four member. “Professor Redwood asked me to make three announcements. I wish I could tell it after better circumstances but I’m sure you’ll all be excited about this news!” Curiosity quickly filled the air as people shifted forward to hear what he had to say.

“The first announcement is good news for our Coordinators. I’m pleased to say that Madame Plumeau will be joining us soon. Since the beginning of the year she’s been at her home in the Kalos Region recovering from an accident. In the meantime she took great care of herself and she’s ready to take you all under her wing. She will join us at the start of the Winter Cup! And that brings me to the second announcement.” Devin paused and sipped from his water before clearing his throat.

“Many of you know that the Winter Cup is our Academy’s biggest event that we hold every year. This year is no different. For those that don’t know, the Cup is a festival open to anyone and lasts for a week. People from all over the Region, and some from other Regions, come over to visit our Academy. All of your friends and family are of course invited. Now, a festival needs entertainment and booths. Every student is allowed to make their own booth to make money. Your rewards are Battle Points equal to the amount you made minus the expenses. There are also outsiders that will set up their boots so if you’re interested go visit the laboratory when we’re back and Rebecca or Brendan will give you all the necessary information. We will foresee the equipment you need which counts as your expenses.” Devin paused again. He looked through the young crowd and continued.

“Of course a festival has a grand opening and closure. Our Coordinators from every year can participate to make it a spectacle. Normally Madame Plumeau is in charge of both events but she didn’t have time this year so a group of third years, with her permission, took over. They decided the first years and half the second years will do the opening event. The third years and the other second years will take care of the closure. Those of you that are interested in participating can sign up at the laboratory. From there on out the third years in charge will contact you.” This time he paused longer to build up the curiosity.

“Now that the general idea is out of the way I guess I’ll tell you the best part. The main event is of course a tournament that’s considered our very own Student Pokémon League. People from all over the world are coming here to see your skills! This is your time to shine and show what you’re made of as a trainer! On day two and three the remaining 32 first years, who survived the preliminaries, will battle each other in our very own stadium.” Devin smirked. He could already see the excitement on some faces.

“There are a few catches; to sign up you must pay 25 Battle Points. The total amount will be divided amongst the top 4. But most importantly is that there are multiple arenas available. If you make the top 32 a randomizer will pick the arena you will be battling in. I’m not going to tell you which themes we have prepared. To top it off we decided to make it a real test. Once you use a Pokémon in any Cup-related battle you must use that Pokémon for the duration of the Cup. You can’t switch out and are only allowed to enter 3 Pokémon. That means the top 32 will know every single Pokémon their opponent is using. There are no secrets, no tricks left the further you go. This is the real challenge!”

Students everywhere started to talk to each other. Devin let them be for a minute, taking a sip of water, and calmed everyone down again. “I’m not done yet. Day 4 and 5 will be the same for the second years and the third years are going at it the last two days. However, like I said, it’s a festival. That means 2 things; there will be a formal closing party and a surprise. I won’t tell you what the surprise is, but only the two students amongst you that reach the finals can enjoy it to the fullest. And believe me when I say you want to win this surprise!”

Devin had to wait for the students to calm down. “I suggest you all try to get some sleep as tomorrow will be a big day. Before we return to the Academy all of you will have the chance to battle with your new partners.”

******************

The next day

After breakfast the students were gathered around the open space between the cottages and the road. Devin and Alastair stood in front of them with the latter holding a paper. Alastair smiled at the crowd while Devin spoke up. “Alright before we head back we, the teachers, want to test you all a little. During this trip many of you caught new Pokémon and we want to see how well you can handle them already. The space behind us is divided into the small battlefields.” The Elite Four member pointed behind him and the students could see a red tape marking the borders of each battlefield. “The rules are simple. You must use at least one new Pokémon and you have to stay in your own field. If you influence the battle next to yours; your Pokémon loses. Each trainer can only use two Pokémon. I made the match-ups so when Alastair calls your name step over to the field.”

With that said Devin walked over to the left field while Phoebe took her place at the right. Alastair cleared his throat. “Alright, first battle on the left field will be Jacob Robertson versus Mareek Sisto. Go to the field and take your places.” The breeder waited until both students left to their battlefield and continued.

“The first battle on the right field will be between Henry Baldwin and Ryan Johnson. You two can also take your place and start your battle.” The rest of the students had to wait for their turn.

Edited December 10, 2014 by Chimchain

[Tacos]

Ryan was shocked to see he was among the first battlers. He gave a concerned look to Kage, incredibly nervous. He hadn't battled any other person for quite a while. Henry... Henry... Ah hah! That was the guy who was injured yesterday, and was also the guy who incredibly rude to Kage. Sorry man, I won't be letting that one go. Ryan stepped onto the right battlefield, and shot Jacob a thumbs-up. He looked back to Henry and froze. H-h-he knows I have a Phanpy, and I don't even know a single one of his. There goes a counter-pick strategy. Ryan's face tensed in concentration. Well, looks like a lazily thrown together team will do here. Glacien, my old buddy, and Delilah. She seems obedient enough, and I trust her power for this battle.

Ryan got into a stance in a poor attempt to intimidate his opponent. He reached down grabbing Delilah's Pokeball. "Bet this isn't a surprise for you, Henry." Ryan's voice had a bit of a snarky attitude to it. The Pokeball expanded in his hand and he tossed it out, creating an illuminating white flash that faded away to reveal a confident Delilah. She tooted her horn in an attempt to intimidate Henry.

[Commander]

Really? I just went through hell the past few days and now I have to battle. Henry walked over to his side of the field noticing his opponent trying to intimidate him. He really wasn't in the mood to battle for once in his life. He simply rolled his eyes responding, "I stood in point blank range of a Hydreigon. Do you really think something like that would even faze me? Let's just get this over with. The faster the better. Burrows, you're up." An Drilbur emerged from a red beam of light. He readied himself signaling the Phanpy to charge right at him.

[Felicity]

Claude stood amongst the crowd, watching the start of Ryan and Henry's battle. He was cheering for Ryan, although a little bit to loud, if the space people had vacated around him and the glares from teachers were indicators. Claude was simply excited for everything that was announced last night, he had so many ideas for the festival opening, and his own idea for a stall. Needless to say, the next few days would be frantic for him, so he was energetic in his whoops and cheers.

[Tacos]

"I've learned from previous experience that charging head on never gets you anywhere." Ryan shot a smirk at Kage in the crowd and returned his gaze back to the battlefield. "Delilah, Defense Curl!" Delilah understood the words loud and clear, throwing herself into a wheel shape, bracing for any incoming attacks.

[Aurorix]

"Hey there. Feeling better?"

"Yea, ummm..." Slade said scratching the back of his head, "I just wanted to say I'm sorry for lashing out on you back there. It wasn't right of me to yell at you like that and I'm deeply sorry." Slade said looking down while grabbing his right elbow.

“Alright, first battle on the left field will be Jacob Robertson versus Mareek Sisto. Go to the field and take your places.”

Slade was hyped for the awesome battles coming ahead, though in this battle he didn't know who to root for, one of his best friends or his roommate? Either way Slade and Flare were hyped sitting watching the battle go down.

[Commander]

Henry sighed at his opponent's move. This was only going to make the fight longer, something he didn't want to happen. "Burrows, blind it with Mud Slap and go for a Metal Claw. Hopefully, you'll get a boost or something." The Drilbur hesitated for a mere second. Something was off just by the sound of his voice. Usually he was forceful or aggressive. This Henry seemed like he was giving up already, but he still wasn't going to chance anything and obeyed the orders. He scooped up a piece of mud and flung it at the Phanpy before charging at it with it's glowing claws.

[Sutoratosu]

Mareek stepped up to the field in silence, looking at Jacob on the other end as he reached down to his belt and sent out Nemo. The Cubone stared curiously around the area, knowing that it was time to battle the moment he saw Jacob at the other end.

"Alright, real quick buddie," Mareek said as he knelt down in front of the Orphan. "This is probably gonna be a tough fight up ahead of us. See that guy right there, Jacob?" Nemo cast a glance at him and nodded.

"I'm going to send you out first, make you the lead of the lineup," He continued. "I'm expecting him to counter us with that Lapras of his right off the bat, so be careful out there." Nemo nodded again.

"Good," Mareek said, turning his attention to Jacob. "Ready when you are..."

[Tacos]

"Why so aggravated? You're a coordinator! It's your job to give the crowd a show! At least Claude's doing it for you." Ryan wasn't going to be satisfied with an easy win. But he also wasn't going to make this a difficult win for himself. If that mud hits Delilah, she's going to really struggle if she wants to stack up rollouts against Henry's pokemon. And we can't have that now can we? "Delilah! We don't have much time now. Heavy Slam yourself to safety." Delilah gave a nod to Ryan before throwing herself to the left to avoid the Drilbur's barrage of attacks with incredible amounts of momentum. "Time to chill out. Delilah, Ice Shard!" The Phanpy opened her mouth, releasing an onslaught of crystalized spearheads at the Drilbur.