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.. And only one, probably. >_>
Prologue – Part One
A shrill beeping filled the quiet silence of the darkened room, loud enough to cause the sleeping girl to stir in her slumber, shifting to a more comfortable position upon her side. Only when the alarm ceased to stop, did her eyes slowly open to the sight of the flashing red light which irritated her through her eyelids. Slowly, she sat up.
The small room around the bed where the girl lay was what you could call a “mess”. It was nothing impressive; there was nothing in the room which would even be considered of as precious to its occupant. Wooden shelves hung lopsided from the walls, and scattered about the wooden floor were soft toys of various shapes and sizes. The light from the window was blocked by thick curtains of a dark material, preventing even the slightest thought that it could be daytime outside. The only way that one could tell was from the alarm clock upon the bedside table of the girl, which continued to emit its wake-up call about the bedroom.
Groaning in displease at being woken from her dreams, the girl ran one hand through the mess of silver, shoulder-length hair, whilst the other sought out the source of the noise. Quickly, she switched the alarm off, and pulled herself about until her legs hung over the edge of the bed, partially covered by her pyjamas. Then, she pushed herself up to stand, taking a few staggering steps to where the curtains swayed with a gentle breeze that had managed to sneak into her room. Lazily, the girl drew back the curtains, her eyes tightly squinting against the light which poured through into her room, lighting it with life. When her eyes re-opened, she frowned at the sight of the layer of snow which covered the small back garden below. Then, turning from the sight, the girl returned to her thoughts and began to get changed.
Part Two
“And from the looks of it, Celadon, alongside Saffron City, will be facing severe blizzard warning for the next couple of days. Drivers are warned that long journeys could be hazardous in this weather, and should not be attempted. However, elsewhere in Kanto, we’ll be see-..”
Click.
The screen returned to its previous black state as it was turned off, the silver-haired girl dropping the remote onto the kitchen table, and falling back into a seat.
“Don’t worry, sweetie, I’m sure you’ll be able to go in a couple of days... Why not have some breakfast?”
The girl’s mother glanced across from where she stood at the sink, still garbed in a dressing gown and slippers. She had momentarily paused in the middle of buttering some toast for the same reason as her daughter: to see the weather report.
“.. You know it won’t, mum. You spoke to him yourself...” Was the short, quiet reply.
“Don’t be like that, have some toast.”
A plate was placed in front of the girl, who simply sighed and continued to gaze out the window, which had frosted over from the cold outside. She didn’t move from her seat, but simply grip the piece of paper in her palm a little tighter. She refused to cry, but simply look on. Nevertheless, the same thought passed through her mind again and again.
‘Maybe next year... Maybe next year...’
Chapter One: A Billiant Meeting!
Once again, the shrill beeping of an alarm rang out into the bedroom of the very same girl, who responded by sitting up automatically. Fixed into a routine after two years of repetitive actions, Xiao was soon repeating what she had done countless times for the last few years, since the day she awoke to the snow. It took her less time to be dressed than one would expect, and now stood in front of the mirror in her freshly furbished bedroom.
It looked much different to how it had been before. Shelves that hung from walls now remained fixed, and the toys that had been scattered around sat upon these shelves, not forgotten, but neither remembered. The heavy curtains which had once blocked all light now were replaced with a net covering, perfect for giving the room the light it needed. More furniture had been placed in Xiao’s room too: a bookshelf stood at the foot of the bed, and a small desk, accompanied by a chair, rested beside the mirror at which she now stood before, admiring her appearance. This, too, had changed. Her hair now cascaded down to about her waist, and a forelock naturally covered her left eye. Her expression was unreadable, but there were still faint traces of a smile about her lips.
Today... Today was the day...
“Morning, Xi’! I hope you got enough sleep…” Came a man’s voice from across the kitchen table, accompanied by the sizzling of bacon in the background, its owner lowering the morning papers to look up at his daughter, who now took a seat beside him. “Morning, Dad.” Xiao replied curtly, glancing to the window. Ever since the first time she had been let down, she had taken to looking outside everyday, just to see what the weather was going to be. Today was as cold as any other winter day, but it was mild enough to prevent any snow.
“Got your things ready, sweetie?” Rang out her mother’s soothing tone, who had now emerged from the kitchen, a plate in hand.
“Yes, I double-checked last night, and I did after I got up...”
“Are you su-…”
“Yes, I’m sure.”
“Well, alright…” Her mother finally sat down opposite Xiao, turning her attention onto the usual plate of toast that was served in the morning. As she busied herself with the butter, the man at the table turned to Xiao.
“We’d better be off, before it starts raining..”
Nodding, Xiao rose in an instant from the table, scooping a black backpack from beneath the table, and swinging it over her shoulder. She leant down, placing a kiss to her mother’s cheek, before hurrying after her father, who’d already, picked up his briefcase, and was heading to the front door.
“Bye, mum! Wish me luck!” Xiao called as she left the house, running up the garden path towards the driveway, where the family car was parked.
A ten minute drive from their estate, and already they had reached Saffron City. The traffic was mild, and another ten minutes had them heading north from the city and along the road towards Cerulean. Xiao was anxious. What if they were late? She glanced outside nervously to the countryside passing by, and the occasional bird Pokemon which took flight in alarm to the car driving past.
A further twenty minute drive and the car was passing Cerulean City. Xiao glanced across and outside to the various buildings as they passed, noting the assorted classes of people wandering through the streets. She was equally as excited as nervous by now and even more so when she saw various trainers standing outside a large building.
“That’s Cerulean Gym, Xi’… The leader’s a water-type trainer.” Her father explained as they passed, Xiao’s gaze never wandering from the sight. A slight pang of guilt filled her heart as she noticed that they were all younger than her... Much younger. She tried to ignore this, and instead she looked ahead instead to the road which led over a river, and towards the cottage based there.
“Here we are, Xi’… Bill’s house. You go on ahead and meet him, whilst I drive back down into the city. I’ll be working at the Pokemon Centre by the time you get back, alright?” Her father reached into the pocket of his blazer with one hand, the other still holding onto the wheel. He scooped out a handful of assorted coins and notes and pooled them into his daughter’s hands. “If you need to make a phone call, here’s some money. The rest’s to buy lunch and anything else you need...” He finished off, letting the car come to a halt in front of the house. Xiao pushed the door open, and climbed out, pulling her rucksack out of the compartment around where her feet had been. Swinging it over her shoulder and tucking the money into the pocket of her jeans, she grinned at her father.
“Thanks, Dad! See you later!” She called, slamming the door shut and scurrying to the door of the cottage. Grinning at his daughter’s eagerness, her father reversed the car back onto the path, then accelerated back towards the city.
Xiao had already knocked at the door, and it only took a few moments for a short-haired man to answer. “Hey, Xiao! Been a long time, hasn’t it, bud’?”
Chapter Two: The Special Delivery
Facing Xiao was a man with short and rather fluffy hair in different tones of brown, slightly taller than her. He wore a basic blue-grey shirt and matching black trousers, all casual enough for a working day. Upon his wrist he wore a watch shaped as a Pokeball, which the man glanced to rather hastily. “You got here early! I’m still waiting for the Professor to send ‘em!”. He glanced up with a grin, shoving his hand back inside his pocket, and beckoning for Xiao to follow him inside.
“So, how’ve you been keeping, Xi’?” the man asked as he lead Xiao along into the half-furnished cottage. He headed towards a computer rested on a desk, which was connected to a strange cylinder case made of class. Wires connected on either end as it stood vertically, waiting for use.
“I’ve been better, I suppose... How’re you doing, Bill?” Xiao replied, drawing her attention away from the assorted machinery, and back to the man.
“Good! I discovered a new theory on Pokemon evolution, and I’ve been keeping in contact with Professor Oak in Pallet Town. This could be something important!” Bill clapped his hands, rubbing them together as he stopped beside the computer. Xiao followed nervously, stopping beside him as the black screen loomed in front of them. Silently, they waited, both of them having their attention fixed mostly upon a flashing blue light at the side of the monitor, until finally... It flashed red. “Finally!” Bill exclaimed, rubbing his hands together then pointing at the cylinder.
Within a few minutes, three pokeballs dropped into the bottom of the receiver, as if appearing from nothing but the wires which were positioned above. They fell one atop the other, until three were stacked inside the tube. Xiao watched with interest at the machinery, and even more so at the sight of the balls. Bill knew what she was waiting for. He took all three in both hands, and hurried around to the main wooden table centred in the room. There, he placed each one next to another, before standing back and letting Xiao move forwards to get a closer look.
Each of the pokeballs looked the same, with a total white cover, and a little red symbol printed on the front. Nothing about them told what Pokemon lay in wait for her choosing. “Go on then!” laughed Bill, clapping her lightly on the back, almost reading her thoughts, “You’re not gonna know until you find out!”. Then, standing back once more, he waited for Xiao to inspect and finally make her choice.
Slowly, Xiao reached out to the first Pokeball on the left. Her fingers clasped around the cool surface as she lifted it into her hand, trembling nervously as she stared, wondering what Pokemon lay inside. Curving her index finger over the surface, she pressed the small round button that lay at the opening of the device, and she almost jumped in shock as the Pokeball fell open, the red light shooting from inside to materialise into a form on the table. Slowly, it took shape into a small form, with long ears and a long nose, stubby legs and a stubby tail. The colour seeped into it’s form, and the small baby Pokemon shook it’s baby blue hide, before lifting it’s trunk and managing a squeaky trumpet to Xiao, who giggled in delight. A Phanphy! Despite it’s adorable appearance, she knew it could pack a punch if it were to be annoyed. Bill said nothing but simply looked on, just as curious as she moved on to the next pokeball. Once again, Xiao released the Pokemon inside, only to see a much more different type appear. This time, the light formed into the shape of another small Pokemon, with a pair of wings on it’s blue body. Two sharp barbs protruded from it’s back, and Xiao was surprised to see that the Pokemon had no visible eyes. Instead, a set of large ears extended above it’s head. A Zubat. Bill laughed as he saw Xiao jump back in alarm as the young Pokemon chirruped in a high-pitched chatter.
“Prof. Oak does like his variety, dun’ he?” He chuckled as he nodded towards the final Pokeball. “Guess you better get it over and done with.. You might like the last one.” Xiao nodded in agreement, moving her hand to the last Pokeball. Before she had even let her fingertips touch it though, it burst open before her face, the Pokemon inside landing upon her chest, and causing her to topple backwards with a cry. A small cry responded as she felt a furry coat brushing against her cheek, and she giggled, lifting the Pokemon away from her chest to get a better look. She found herself staring at the squirming bundle in her hands, and listening to Bill’s laughter as he approached. “Well!” He clapped once more. “Rather than you finding your Pokemon, looks like that Eevee wants you!”
Chapter Three: Preparation for Education!
It had been no more than two weeks since Xiao departed from Bill’s cottage with a young female Eevee perched upon her shoulder. She had yet to give her new companion a nickname, but she was in no rush. After she found out her Pokemon’s personality and got to know her better, there’d be plenty of time to choose a name.
Meanwhile, there had been a lot of post recently, and the majority of it was written to Xiao. Each one held the same information: a position at a nearby trainer school. This was vital to any new trainer’s education, because learning about Pokemon was one of the essentials that helped trainers to battle, trade and catch others. The nearest one to where Xiao lived was called Zepyrton High, and it cost a lot in yearly fees to attend. Still, Xiao was determined, and she spent a lot of her time doing small favours for neighbours in order to start building up some savings. Term would start in five months, and it meant that she would need at least the deposit, whilst her parents offered to pay the rest.
Sure enough, a week before the start of her new education, she was reading through a handbook the school had sent to her in the mail. It contained pictures of many Pokemon she had never seen before, and it also mentioned a battle court in the school.
‘During each term, a competition will be held to see which trainer has performed the best during their time at Zephyrton High. They will be awarded with a special prize, and a trip to a holiday resort! Judges this year will include Earl from the Pokemon Academy in Johto and our own local Gym leader, Erika!’
Xiao read through the paragraph with interest, before letting her mind wander to the scene of her standing upon a podium, holding a cup high into the air to the sounds of fans cheering and cameras flashing. She had become so lost in thought that the booklet slipped from her hands, hitting the floor with a cry. A cry? Xiao opened her eyes and looked down, realising what she had done in horror. “Oh! I’m sorry!” She leant down and scooped the leaflet off the now-flattened Eevee. She tossed the book onto the cushion before cradling her companion into her arms. “I didn’t mean to do that..” She ruffled her fingers through the Pokemon’s brown fur, and two big brown eyes blinked back at her. Xiao squealed in delight and cuddled the furry creature against her form, earning her a fluffy face nuzzling against hers. “Alright, alright!” she was soon giggling as the nuzzling grew more urgent, “we’ll go out and train now, okay?”
Five minutes later, and Xiao was standing in her back garden, her Eevee wagging her own tail in excitement and eagerness to get started. Looking around the small area with some doubt, the girl pondered for a moment on how they would train. She didn’t have to think for long, as a Spearow landed in the garden not too far from the pair, totally ignoring them. Xiao didn’t hesitate as she pointed towards the flying Pokemon.
“Go, Eevee!”
The small furry Pokemon bounded towards the Spearow with a cry, which caught its attention. It stretched it’s small wings, flapping up a mass of dirt towards it’s attacker, and Xiao saw her Eevee pause in it’s tracks. “Come on!” She cried, pointing to the sight of feathers emerging to the left of the dirt. “There it is! Use tackle!” And within a second, her Eevee had strafed sideways to block the Spearow’s escape, and pounced onto it head-first. The bird Pokemon cried out in frustration, and retaliated with a series of pecks in it’s Fury Attack. Xiao watched in horror as her companion fell back from the incoming beak, but to Xiao’s relief, her Pokemon stood again, waiting for her next command.
“Alright, Eevee.. Use quick attack!”
Once again, her Pokemon darted forwards. This time, she was going so fast, that Xiao had a hard time trying to see where she had vanished. Her Eevee emerged above the confused Spearow, which had tried to use another Sand-Attack, but it was far too late. The pair collided again and the Eevee’s strength sent the Spearow flying. It hit the ground with a ‘thud’, and remained knocked-out.
Xiao laughed out and clapped as her Eevee came rushing back to her, leaping into her owner’s arms. Xiao cuddled the small bundle tightly, still giggling. “Well done!” She laughed, running a hand through the small Pokemon’s fur again.
“We’ll be winning that competition in no time!”
The Spearow, meanwhile, had soon managed to regain itself. It looked at the trainer and it’s Pokemon with a disgusted look before ruffling its crimson wings. Then, it clumsily took flight, nearly managing to hit a tree on its departure.
Chapter Four: Welcome to Zephyrton High!
After Xiao and her Eevee had trained for the entire week, the new school term was upon them, and both were equally as excited for their first day. Xiao had spent the entire of the night before checking her bag multiple times, ensuring all the equipment she was going to need was there.
On the very first morning of Trainer School, Xiao sprang out of bed and was dressed casually within minutes. She had seized the pokeball with her Eevee in, and she was soon hurrying downstairs to where her mother had already set out the usual toast. Not even stopping to wish her parents a good morning, Xiao clamped a slice of toast into her mouth, waved to her parents, and was soon rushing out the door. Once a little way down the road, Xiao eventually slowed down.
Swallowing the last piece of toast, the girl’s other hand wandered to the pokeball at her belt. A short click was followed by the usual flash of red light as the Eevee appeared before her trainer, calling out in delight. “That’s right, Eevee! We’re ready to go!” Xiao giggled, punching a fist into the air. Her Eevee cried again, and leapt into her trainer’s arm. Laughing and settling the furry bundle onto her shoulder, Xiao continued on her way down the road, admiring the scenery as she went. Various Pidgey glided overhead in swarms, and Xiao let her thoughts wander to the day ahead of her. Would she make any new friends? What other Pokemon would she see? She wasn’t quite as anxious as she thought she would be, but that was all due to the nuzzling brown Pokemon sitting on her shoulder for comfort.
A further five minute walk into Celadon, and the building came into view. It was around two storey’s high, but the length of it was amazing. It stretched far along the field that it rested on, and it was surrounded with a simple wooden fence that was more decorative than serving a purpose. Xiao stared at the masses of teenagers all gathered there, talking and chatting with various people they already knew. Instantly the silver-haired girl felt a pang of guilt. Having missed out on getting a Pokemon at an earlier age, Xiao would need to join an advanced class full of students her age. She only hoped that she would be able to fit in.
Xiao walked on past the gates of the school and into the main courtyard where various groups of waiting students were gathered. Many of them already had their own Pokemon out, and were comparing with friends. Looking around, Xiao faintly wondered where she would need to go, when a voice sounded behind her.
“Hey.”
Whipping around rather quickly, Xiao found herself staring into a pair of hazel eyes, belonging to a boy around the same age as her. Shuffling back out of natural reaction, Xiao examined the teenager before her.
The boy was taller than her, but only by a few inches. His black hair was messy and short, as if he had not bothered to comb it down, and as he tilted his head, a longer part of his fringe moved away to reveal a pierced eyebrow. His clothing was quite average, although frayed and ripped in some places. At his belt he held his own pokeballs, one of which was green in colour to the others.
“Hi..” Xiao replied, holding back her Eevee, which was squirming to investigate the stranger.
“Not seen you around before.”
Xiao nodded, finally letting her Eevee drop to the ground. Her little Pokemon sniffed at the boy’s ankles, before giving a cry and dashing to hide behind her trainer.
The teenager grinned, “Nice Eevee. What’s your name?”
Xiao had been about to answer when a loud clanging bell noise was heard, followed by the padding of shoes as students began to head inside. Xiao glanced around nervously for where to go, but the boy continued to smile.
“If you head inside, there’s a desk with a secretary. Tell her you’re new, and she’ll manage the rest. Hope to see you later.” And taking a step back, he gave a small wave, turning on heel and heading off after a group of boys who had seemingly been waiting for him to catch up.
Soon after, Xiao found herself standing inside the thin corridor, with the old Secretary staring up at her. Explaining her situation to the woman, the secretary had filled out several forms and details for any emergency. Relieved that things were going so smoothly, Xiao’s mind wandered to the boy who had spoken to her that morning. She wondered if she would see him later on.
Her thoughts came back to earth as the Secretary spoke. Barely listening, but nodding all the same, Xiao gathered that she was to head out to the main battle court after lunch time, where her class would be taking place. As it was near lunch already, the Secretary continued to mention that going to class now wouldn’t really be worth the effort. Thanking the lady for the help, Xiao slowly wandered through the corridors until she came to a notice board listing the various dates of clubs, a map of the school, and a date for the local competition which was to be held. Shivering at the thought of battling, Xiao sighed and carried on walking, following the route which eventually led out into the gardens of the school. Seating herself beneath one of the trees, Xiao took out her lunch and slowly munched on a sandwich. Relieved to be here at last, the girl allowed herself to smile at the thoughts of what would lay ahead for her this term.
Chapter Five: The Staring Class
Lunchtime was over quickly, and Xiao had not once seen the boy whom had helped her that morning. Guessing that she would probably not see him for the rest of the day, the girl had rose to her feet, backpack on her shoulder, and headed off towards the main building once more. Her feet planted firmly amongst the grass as a determined expression came on the girl’s face. Xiao wanted to show her class her skills, and show that she was a fast learner. Whether it would prove true was yet to come.
Following another route the map gave her, Xiao wandered through the various corridors, bumping into both younger and older students on her way. Many of them wore badges on their clothing which would read as various things. Passing a glance at the badges as she walked past, she managed to see words such as ‘Battle Club’ or ‘Swimming Club’ sewn into the fabric. Guessing that these were the after-school clubs that were mentioned before, Xiao quietly wondered if she would be welcome in such a group. Her thoughts were cut short though as she approached the doorway which led out into the battle court outside. Inhaling sharply, Xiao gathered her confidence before pushing open the glass slide-door, and stepping out onto the dirt.
The battle court was small, not like the one Xiao had seen in the leaflet. It didn’t hold any seating for guests to watch, apart from a few wooden benches along the side, where already students were seated. The length of the arena was about thirty foot, and around twenty foot in width. White markings had been carved into the dirt to show where each trainer would stand, and where the Pokemon were to stand as well. Wondering if she had got the wrong place, Xiao looked along the line of students chatting as they sat, trying to figure out if they were her age.
There were only four students sitting on the bench so far; each holding a pokeball eagerly as if they were waiting. Xiao approached them slowly, and instantly all four of them paused in conversation to look at her. The first student, Xiao noted, was a blonde girl who seemed to be quite small. It didn’t prevent the mass of make-up she had put on – clearly to make herself appear much older. The second girl had long black hair which reached about the middle of her back, and she herself wore no make-up at all. Instead, long green nails were visible on her hands, clearly fake, as they were chipped in places.
The third student was a boy, quite small as well. His form was hunched over and round-shouldered, and his hands trembled as he held his own pokeball. Wearing glasses and a nervous smile at Xiao, she also noticed that he was clearly wearing a badge of his own, one which read ‘Maniac Club’.
Scurrying past the three students who kept staring at her, Xiao took a seat at the end of the bench beside the fourth student, whom she hadn’t glanced to yet. Feeling nervous from the other sets of eyes upon her, she placed her bag beneath the bench. Just as she reached around to unclip her Eevee from her belt, a tap nearly shocked her out of her skin.
“Hey.”
Xiao’s head whirled around, to see the boy from earlier sitting beside her with the same grin as before. She smiled nervously as before, and he chuckled quietly. “Guess we’re in the same class then?” He asked, and Xiao nodded in reply. The boy’s hand which poked her extended out in greeting instead. “The name’s Dameon, but you can call me Dami’.” He carried on, Xiao taking his hand and briefly shaking it. He didn’t pause to know her name.
“Xiao...” She had replied, dropping her hand back to her lap, where the Pokeball rested. Dami’ nodded in approval, and glanced out towards the court around them. Already students were gathering in the Battle Court, all of which Xiao presumed were in the same class. Swallowing nervously as more people took their seats, she felt more pairs of eyes upon her. Dameon noticed this rather quickly, and was hasty to dismiss the stares with harsh retaliation. “What are you looking at, goggle-eyes?” He shouted to a group of girls who were clearly sniggering at Xiao. Blushing, she quietly thanked Dami’ for doing so, and he simply grinned again. “No problem.”
When the entire class had gathered, the teacher was last to arrive. It was a rather short man with a bald patch amongst brown hair who stood before them, wearing a brown suit. He held a briefcase in his left hand, and if nothing it would have seemed he wandered into the wrong place, as he looked more suited to be in an office than anything else. The teacher wandered along to an empty bench and placed his briefcase down onto it, then clapping his hands together and wandering back to the waiting students. “All right class!” His loud voice boomed, shaking his chin as he spoke. “I’ve been informed that we’ve got a new student joining us today!” Instantly more pairs of eyes fixed themselves onto Xiao, and she nearly cowered in her seat. The teacher looked along the row to the girl the class had been staring at, and he laughed loudly. “Here we are! Why don’t you come up and introduce yourself?” he boomed, and Xiao found herself being nudged out of her seat by Dami’, who nodded confidently. Scurrying onto her feet, she stepped out towards the teacher, and then turned to face the class, with all gazes locked onto her.
“Um... My name is Xiao Hoshi... Nice to meet everyone.”
More sniggering was heard from the girls to the right of Xiao, whom had laughed at her before. Blushing, she had hurried back to her seat when the teacher’s voice sounded again. “Not so fast, miss! As you’re new, how about we test your battle skills out?” A loud cheer was heard from the various students, who were all eager to see this new girl’s skills in battle. Clearly this was a regular exercise, as many of the boys were bouncing their pokeballs in the palms of their hand, wanting to be chosen, clearly from the gleaming looks in their eyes.
Xiao nodded and turned around, slowly heading off towards the box on the right side of the court. She stood and turned to face the rest of the group, whom the teacher was looking along, clearly deciding who to choose. Finally, he pointed at Dami’. “Seeing as you’ve been a good friend to her, I’m sure you won’t mind battling!” He nodded and stood, quickly jogging to the box on the opposite side. “Well then, a one-on-one battle it is!” The teacher boomed, clapping his hands together once more. “Ready? GO!”
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