Pokémon Academy Chapter 4: Abduction

[Jory]

{Jacob and Mareek}

Forfeiting so he doesn't get swept up in the moment? Jacob thought to himself. That's exactly why I battle. And it's why I don't lose, he added. He looked understandingly at Mareek, though. "I can't say I know entirely what you're talking about, but I think I have an idea. I didn't see Kristen for almost a week while I was training for this. Hell, I barely slept. So maybe you have a point," he said thoughtfully. "But the difference between us is that for me, the Winter Cup isn't just about competition against others. It's never been about that for me. I just want to know that I'm doing the best I can. You think I don't know that I'm the favorite to win? Still, I couldn't care less about that. I know in my heart that my Pokemon and me are stronger than just about anyone else. It's the conviction I hold closest to me, and it hasn't led me astray yet."

He then sighed, putting a hand on Mareek's shoulder. "Look, Mareek, I totally support your decision. I can't say it's something I'd do, but we're different people, so that's okay. I just want you to know that the level of epicness that's going to be involved in the final round isn't going to even come close to what I'd hoped." While he was busy talking about himself, he completely missed Java's nod. "At least come and watch. After all, I'm going to be battling my roommate. It should be a good one," he said hopefully.

[Sutoratosu]

{Jacob and Mareek}

"Yeah, well, I'll see about it, I guess..." Mareek said, still obviously preoccupied with the sense of foreboding about the whole thing he could feel even now. He tried to shake it off though, backing away and heading towards the counter. "Though... if you just ask after this whole thing with the cup is over, you'll probably get the fight you want. But I'm not doing it like this. Not in this type of setting and atmosphere. Anyways, I've got a cripple to tend to, so... see ya."

[Jory]

{Jacob and Mareek}

Jacob nodded, grinning lightly. "Don't be so dour, Mareek. You'll scare off all the ladies," he said with a chuckle as he walked back toward the waiting room for lack of anything else to do.

[Commander]

"I already have," griped Henry as Danielle left. "Still, that's not going to be much help at all. Considering the way he acted, it'd just lead to a wild goose chase." The coordinator then looked over to Lana. "Since he's a Cassanova, I doubt anyone but a girl is going to get anything out of him. Where is Citrine when you need her?" Suddenly, Techie dove into the Pokedex. Henry pulled out the device trying to read the scribbles his Rotom. "Absolutely not!" he yelled. "The last time I wore a dress, it didn't end so well."

Henry was blinded by his anger he forgot Lana was there for a minute. His face turned red when looking at the girl after what had been said. "...It's a long story. Anyways, I may as well head back to training. Zuko still needs a bit of tuning since our last session."

[TurboAura]

"A totally separate level of battles... That's nothing further from the truth." He muttered that more so to himself, speaking regularly after that. "That does make a whole lot of sense. For being the Winter Cup... Having it be any even bigger experience than most only fits from the hype."

[Ojama Yellow]

A new student arrived at the school gates. Marius let out an overly loud sigh when he saw that no one was around. "We have come at a bad time, I fear, my friend," he said looking at his Psyduck, Marisa, who walked next to him.

"Psy?" The yellow duck looked back. Most people didn't like the goofy look a Psyduck had, but Marius adored it.

"You know that you are adorable, do you not?" he said as he picked up his Water-type and nuzzled it. "But for now, we should try to find out what to do." The Psyduck landed back on the ground. "You know what that means, do you not?" He looked at Marisa expectantly, but the Psyduck didn't give an answer. "It is time to fulfill our destiny! To become the most gracious and compassionate coordinator ever! Come with me, Marisa!" The young boy immediately ran off through the gates, his cape waving behind his back. He was fully pumped about what would happen now that he had finally reached Ymora's Pokémon Academy to become a coordinator. Marisa struggled to keep up with him. Running around the school building like a headless chicken, he narrowly avoided people, both students and teachers, who he would have bumped into. He was only paying attention to his surroundings, after all, while still running at top speed.

[Jory]

{Hosts- Brand, Marco, and Robert}

Brand was about to continue the interview when Marco interjected. "Ladies and gentlemen, that's all the time we have for this interview!" he said quickly, pulling Robert out of his chair while glaring at Brand. How dare he steal my spotlight! the host thought, mildly peeved. How childish. He then proceeded to open the door, lightly shoving Robert out and slamming the door behind him. The next thing the teenager felt and saw was another student in front of him, who he accidentally knocked over!

"We'll be right back after a quick word from our sponsor. Today's programming is brought to you by Ymora Eats. Hungry for more? Eat Ymora!"

{Jacob}

I wonder what they're doing in there, Jacob thought to himself as he walked past the announcers' booth, having decided to take the scenic route back to the waiting room. Suddenly, the door opened and another student came tumbling out and landed on him! The teenager scrambled to his feet, looking down at the ground. "Robert?" he asked, quite surprised that his usually-quiet classmate had come flying out of the door in such a manner. "What are you doing here? And you should really watch where you're going!"

{Marius and Loretta}

After a long day of work, Loretta was tired. Just plain tired. Even while the Winter Cup had been going on, she'd been asked to come in early and finish filing all the students' grades and report cards. One would think that with all the high-tech gadgets and computers, you wouldn't need paper files anymore. Idiots... she was thinking to herself. And finally, finally after working all day doing tedious things that no one who enjoys his or her job has to do ever, she had finished up and was about to leave to go watch the Winter Cup matches. She had just opened the door and taken her first breath of freedom in hours when a student ran headlong into her. He was sent flying backward onto his behind, but Loretta stood still.

The new student was faced with a tall, slightly overweight woman. She had dark skin and darker hair, and she wore an expression that seemed more bemused than angry. "Child, I know you were not just running in my hallways!" she said sternly. "Just where are you off to in such a hurry, huh?"

[Aurorix]

{Slade and Avis}

Slade couldn't help but smile at Avis's suggestion. He gave her a pet on the head and grew a new confident look on his face. "Yea, your right Avis. All I've been thinking recently is about myself and how many bad choices I've made thus far. Though now it's time to stop mopping around, I'll use those mistakes to learn and help protect everyone! Like you, Danielle and Jacob!" With that his new goal was set, to become stronger. Not for himself but to protect everyone he cares for.

[TurboAura]

While a bit suprised by how it ended suddenly, he was perfectly fine since he hadn't expected this in the first place. Before he could get back up from the toss and even think of where he'd go now, he noticed just who he was tossed into. "Jacob? Oh, sorry!" Robert got up as quick as he could from the situation, feeling a bit awkward for that happening.

"Uh, yeah sorry about that. As for why I'm here, I was apparently chosen for an interview in the announcers booth. I don't really know why, but I had just been grabbed and taken in. Long story short, it just ended rather suddenly and I was... Well, pretty much shoved out right here." He had an awkward smile to fit the situation, not really sure how much of it made sense in retrospect.

Edited May 13, 2015 by TurboAura

[Ojama Yellow]

He had to bump into someone eventually, with his running around. Marius made a 360-degree spin, before landing on his backside. Marisa was finally able to catch up with her coordinator. What she looked at wasn't Marius himself, though. She looked at the woman he had bumped into, her dozy look disappearing. Marius followed his Pokémon's gaze.

Wow. he thought to himself. The woman was tall. She must have been really strong as well, since she was able to remain standing while Marius had fallen flat on his backside. He recovered from the shock, but not quickly enough. The woman should have seen his look of shock and awe. Jumping back on his feet, he started: "You are right, I have a purpose for running around like this! My trip to this academy has been...hm, delayed, I shall say, but now I have finally arrived! My name is Marius Sawyer, a new student of the coordinator program!" He made a little bow. "But, right now I am lost... I have no idea of where I should go! Could I ask for your help on this matter?"

[Jory]

{Jacob and Robert}

Jacob laughed off the collision, not overly bothered by it. "Not a problem, Robert. I was actually about to head down to the waiting rooms and look for Danielle. Care to join me?"

{Marius and Loretta}

The secretary gave Marius a look of appraisal before sighing. Guess the Winter Cup will have to wait, she thought forlornly. "I'll get you all squared away. Come on in," she said sadly, re-opening the door to the main office.

[Chim]

Raiza

Raiza's mother awaited her daughter after she couldn't keep a clear head in her battle. “See? That's why you should be a breeder! But since you obviously can't be trusted, we're taking you home. You can get your Breeder's License if you follow a special program by one of the many recognized Breeding Facilities. Luckily for us we own one and so do the Everharts.”

Wander and Murdoc

While Raiza was preparing to leave the next battle was announced. Brand and Marco somehow managed to call both Mareek and Kage to the field despite trying to gain advantage over the microphone.

[Ojama Yellow]

The young boy smiled. "I thank you kindly," he answered. Marisa pulled at his cape, obviously wanting some attention. The boy sighed, but not really out of annoyance, more out of playfulness. "Come here then, little one." He picked up the yellow duck, and walked after the woman.

[Jory]

{Marius and Loretta}

Loretta walked back into the office and sat down at her desk, gesturing for the student to take a seat. She powered up her PC and put on her reading glasses. After hitting a few keys, she turned to Marius. "Okay, honey, first things first: Are you a boy or a girl?"

[Ojama Yellow]

Marius sat down on the chair, just as the woman invited him to do. Marisa immediately jumped on his lap. When he heard the first question, he cocked an eyebrow. He wasn't really sure whether to feel insulted or not. It wasn't the first time that someone mistook him for a girl, but still. And should he even feel insulted even if the woman thought he was a girl? Girls were often more glamourous and elegant on the stage. All these thoughts were going through his mind when he was asked the question. "I am a boy," he stated.

[TurboAura]

It didn't take long at for Robert to think over Jacob's offer. His plan for time alone with his Pokemon could easily wait, especially when someone else was offering him to come along. "Well, if you're offering, then sure. Not like I have anywhere I gotta be."

Before starting to head off, a thought hit. "Oh, one thing first." Robert grabbed one of his Pokeballs off his belt and released Nikki, who was about as happy as expected for being back with her trainer today. He picked her up in his arm before turning his attention back to Jacob. "Okay then, ready to go."

[Sutoratosu]

Mareek, Beginning of a fiasco

"And so the die has been cast..." He whispered to himself, looking up at the latest announcement. The same nurse who he spoken with at length just last night looked up from the Riolu sitting on the counter, still wrapped in the large cloth. Mareek forced his eyes off the screen, already taking out Nemo's ball... though it was the last thing in the world he wanted to do right now. "I'm sorry about this, but... would you mind if I left her with you? Just until after this is done?"

The nurse thought it over for a while, her eyes scanning the young fighting type, being met with a set of blank, scarlet eyes that unsettled her. "Could there have been more wounds than just her body?" "I...suppose..." She nodded, though obviously troubled. She could join the freaking club for all Mareek cared though.

"Thank you then, mam..." he said before walking off. Java was recalled in a flash of red as he entered the corridor, shaking his head and letting out a sigh of frustration. "I shouldn't have done this... I really, really shouldn't have... but nope, here I am, because I was stupid... let's just get this whole thing done with so that I can move on..." He said nothing as he made his way into the arena and onto the field. Just stood there, waiting for Kage... and staring at his reflection in the glossy surface of Nemo's capsule "I already know he can't win this thing... but if I say anything, I'll suddenly be the bad guy for destroying whatever self-confidence he's managed to build so far...go figure, it's either sit here and watch him suffer physical pain, or watch him suffer psychologically...Damn it, I fucking hate this feeling! It's like I'm powerless...like there's nothing I can do..."

He looked up and let his hand drop to his side though, despite the shit storm brewing in his mind. "No...no... keep it together, now isn't the time or the place to show anything. Keep it looking neutral, keep it apathetic... less people ask questions that way...I won't have to deal with them that way..." And so the mask of cold detachedness he had used so well up against Lana came back on... his face completely devoid of anything. But his eyes still did the talking.

And for the first time, he was actually happy his next opponent was blind.

[Jory]

{Jacob and Robert}

The young man chuckled as Robert picked up the gooey Dragon-type. "She's pretty cute, I gotta admit. But I'm not sure she has anything on Arete," he noted. Hearing her name, the Fairy-type fluttered down into her Trainer's arms. "I'd send out my newest partner to show you, but I don't want to risk her attacking anyone. I haven't even gotten a chance to let her out yet," he added, a twinge of regret in his voice. I need to give her some attention. Otherwise she'll stay just as wild as she was when I caught her. "On second thought, let's go down to the food stalls first. I need to feed her."

{Marius and Loretta}

The secretary caught the insulted tone. "Don't worry about it. It's just the first thing on the form, and we're required to ask you all the questions. Now, what's your name?"

[Ojama Yellow]

The young boy wanted to facepalm, but he managed to contain himself. Had I not given all this information before? Was my blitzy entrance not enough to have her remember my name? he thought. "My name is Marius Sawyer," he answered, narrowly containing a sigh.

[TurboAura]

"Haha, yeah I'll admit that Arete is cute too, but I'll happily admit I'm a trainer who favor's his own." As he said that, he rubbed the Goomy's head comfortingly with his currently free hand, getting a happy 'goom' in return. "Oh, and it's no problem. Feel free to let her out if you change your mind though."

Just as he turned to start walking to the waiting room, he heard the later comment about getting food first. Before he even could reply, Nikki let out agreeing cries as she shook her head, well whole body for her case, happily, earning a laugh from him. "Okay, okay, yes Nikki you'll get some. And that sounds fine by me. Let's go." He began walking off with the stands in mind, joking in his head about being able to grab some stall food other than Ramen today.

Edited May 13, 2015 by TurboAura

[Jory]

{Marius and Loretta}

"Excellent. I have all your files pulled up right here. It says you're a coordinator, which is pretty obvious from the way you're dressed, so you're all set to go!" she said with a forced grin. "Oh, and one more thing." She reached into the desk and pulled out a red PokeDex. "Sorry. Usually we'd give you a choice of colors, but since you're a last-minute transfer you're stuck with the leftovers." The secretary handed him the device. "Anything else?"

{Jacob and Robert- The Food Stands}

As they approached the food stands, Jacob turned to Robert. "Grab some food and meet me over by that bench," Jacob said as he pointed to the bench he was talking about. With that, he walked off in search of something for his newest partner to eat while Robert took care of his Pokemon.

[Ojama Yellow]

Marius accepted the PokéDex and spinned it around in his hand. Not bad, although it could be decorated a little bit more. Maybe a sticker of a golden star on the back. Or blue dots. He wasn't sure yet, but Marius knew that he would decorate his new tool later. This bland thing just didn't suit his style. "Actually, yes," he said in response to the question the secretary had asked him, "Are there any classes going on right now? I picked something up about a certain 'cup' from one of the students I almost bum- I mean, I passed. What is this cup they are speaking of?"

[TurboAura]

Robert nodded as he went off to search the food stalls. After a bit of searching, he finally settled on a sweet stall, being brought in by the sweet scents. Once he payed for all of it, he headed to the bench Jacob had pointed out with a bag of Swirlix-brand Cotton Candy in his arm and a plate order of Takoyaki and an empty plate under it in his one hand.

Getting to the bench, he set Nikki down to the side of it and put a big clump of the Cotton Candy from the bag onto the empty plate infront of her, which she dug into happily as soon as she could. Chuckling at her eagerness, he started digging into his own food, keeping an eye open for whenever Jacob got back.

[Jory]

{Marius and Loretta}

Loretta blinked. For someone who seems to pride himself on being all hip and modern, this kid lives under a rock. She looked at him in utter disbelief. "You're kidding, right? The Winter Cup is one of the most widely televised events in all of Ymora! It's a tournament for the first-year students to compete and prove themselves against one another in the hopes of becoming the Winter Cup Champion. Loretta sighed dreamily, thinking about the matches. "This year, there are two rivals named Jacob and Mareek who are the favorites to win among the Trainers. The Breeders and Coordinators also have competitors, but it's usually the Trainers who take the victory in this event. If you hurry over to the Arena, you should be able to catch today's matches."

She thought for a moment before looking back at the screen and then rustled around in her desk. She found a small envelope that contained a key. "This is the key to your room. You'll be in Room 026. Your roommate's name is Henry. His old roommate left early this term, so we're filing the room." She then looked eagerly at the clock, standing up and showing Marius out of the office before locking the room behind her. "Enjoy your first day, Marius." With that, Loretta walked off toward the Arena.

{Jacob and Robert}

Jacob arrived at the bench by himself, having returned Arete to her ball. In his hand he held what appeared to be an extremely large Blue Poffin. He grinned and took the fifth Poke Ball off his belt, then looked to Robert. "Be careful. She wasn't exactly friendly when I caught her." He threw the Ball. In a flash of light, a Seviper appeared in front of Jacob. The serpent glowered around her, angrily searching for the Buneary that had escaped from her earlier before realizing she was no longer in the forest. The Seviper hissed angrily at Jacob before spotting the Poffin in his hand. She rose up imperiously. Jacob tossed the Poffin to her, but the Seviper simply let it fall to the ground.

"What, you want me to feed you?" Jacob asked sarcastically. The Seviper, to his surprise, nodded curtly. It was then that Jacob realized the Seviper was standing with remarkably good posture. Then, he understood. "You're not angry. You're just used to getting what you want. No one challenged you except for Sawsbuck in that forest, right?" The Seviper nodded again.

"Alright, princess, I guess I'll feed you just this once." Jacob picked up the Poffin and stroked the Poison-type's scaly head as she ate. "I guess I can name you that," he thought aloud. "Princess."

The venomous serpent nodded, content with the name and the Poffin as she ate.

[Chevaleresse]

Kage hurried to the battlefield. Lucas seemed concerned about something, and he let Kage know by leaving a psychic impression of his feelings. Doesn't matter right now. I've got to deal with what's in front of me, and that's winning this tournament.