A trainer's story [03]
#3 of A trainer's story
Getting stronger and a new Companion
(Two days later, Normal POV)
Riolu woke up in the morning, looking all drowsy and drained. His whole body was aching with pain, and his throat felt like it was on fire.
Riolu tried to sit up on the bed. He looked at the surroudings and realized he was still in the same room in the pokemon center. The fighting pokemon shook his head, trying to recall what happened: He had one hell of a match with a Charmeleon, and his whole body was scalded as the result. Jake carried him to the pokemon center, and Nurse Joy treated his wounds, but he didn't remember what happened after that. (well, he missed the good part. For more details, please read chapter 2 ^-^)
As Riolu was lost in his thought, he heard the doors opened and saw Jake walked in with a glass of milk in his hand.
"Riolu, you finally wake up!", Jake shouted happily and walked over to the bed. The trainer then sat down and placed the glass of milk in front of Riolu, "You must be thristy. Here, drink this."
"What is this Jake?", Riolu asked curiously as he looked at the glass of milk.
"Milk. Delicious and healthy.", Jake smirked and pat Riolu's head, "Now drink it, pup.". Riolu nodded and drank up the milk with one sip.
"Uhm, you're right. This stuff is good...", Riolu said while licking his lips, "But chocolate bar is better. And speaking of chocolate bar, do you have any left?"
"Sorry, no chocolate until you're completely healed. Now lay down and rest, I'll come back at lunch and bring you some pokechow. And don't try that puppy dog face of yours. It won't work on me."
"Awww..."
...
Riolu was sleeping peacefully when the room's doors opened 'again', revealing Jake with a bowl of pokechow and a dish of sandwiches in his arms. The trainer placed the foods to the bed and shook Riolu's shoulder slightly, "Wake up, pup. Time for lunch."
The fighting pokemon slowly opened his eyes and yawned lazily. He looked at the bowl of pokechow and sighed disappointedly, but he had no other choice but to eat it. Jake sat next to him on the bed and started to eat his sandwiches as well.
When Jake finished his lunch, he looked at Riolu, who was muching on his pokechow greedily, and smiled. Riolu noticed Jake's looking at him, but he didn't give a damn: He was used to being stared at by Jake every time he ate.
"Do I really look that funny when I'm eating?", Riolu asked as he wiped his mouth with his left paw.
"Yes. Yes you do.", the trainer chuckled and stroke his pup's head, "And you were amazing during that last match. I couldn't believe you had it in you."
"Thanks. But if it weren't for you, I would have been a goner.", Riolu said while purring and leaning to his trainer's strokes.
"Don't be modest. We both know that you're the one who did all the job...Still, it surprised me that you can use focus blast. Have you used that move before?", Jake asked curiously as he recalled the scene of Riolu dealing the final blow to Charmeleon.
"No, I haven't. Somehow, my body acted on its own...I guess I wanted to win so badly...", Riolu paused as he stopped himself before the next part could escape from his mouth. (something like 'I love you and I don't want to let you down' ^-^)
"Well, I don't care how, I'm just glad that you did it...", Jake suddenly paused and softly pulled Riolu to an embrace, "...but promise me: Next time, don't push yourself too hard. You have no idea how worried I've been...", the trainer's voice was choked with emotion, almost like he was going to cry.
Riolu was totally caught off guard as he blushed violently. But as seconds passed by, he eventually returned the gesture and buried his head in the trainer's chest, wanting to melt into their loving embrace.
"Yes, I promise..."
...
"Good afternoon, Nurse Joy.", Jake greeted Nurse Joy as he and Riolu made their way (well, not exactly 'their', since Jake insisted that Riolu wasn't completely recovered and offered to carry the pup on his shoulder) to the pokemon center's front doors.
"Afternoon, Jake. Are you two leaving now?", Nurse Joy asked as she saw the approaching pair.
"Yes. Thank you very much for helping us during the last two days."
"You're welcome. Have a safe trip, and remember to keep your promise."
"I know. Goodbye."
"Goodbye."
...
"Hey Jake, what did you promise her?", Riolu asked the young trainer as he kept thinking about what Nurse Joy said ealier.
"It's a secret, pup.", Jake replied with a mischievous grin, much to Riolu's disappointment, "Let's see...", he opened his pokedex and scanned the map.
"Alright, our next destination is Oreburge City, so we'll go this way.", Jake declared and pointed his head to the direction which led to Route 203. As the pair made their way to Jubilife City's entrance, Jake and Riolu were talking to each other about their battle with Ryan and Charmeleon. When they were talking, Jake couldn't help thinking about how great Riolu was, and it made him wonder what had the pup been doing wrong when he was with his previous trainer. Riolu was smart, quick and strong. What can a trainer ask more from a pokemon like him?
Maybe it was because of the way that trainer treated Riolu, or his light attitude toward battles? Whatever it was, Jake knew for sure Riolu'd had a hard time with his previous trainer, and it would take awhile for the fighting pokemon to get over those terrible experiences. And the trainer also knew it was his responsibility to make sure that Riolu would have a better life.
(Two hours later, Jake's POV)
"So Riolu, do you have a great time traveling with me?", I asked Riolu as we were walking long the path of Route 203.
"Absolutely! I'm having a great time!", Riolu replied, sounding more confident than ever. I knew he was getting those confidence after our first victory, and I hoped he could keep that up until we faced our next opponent. Also, it's kind of funny to see that pup tried to act tough, so I occasionally gave him compliments like 'you were great' or 'that focus blast was amazing', making him blush. Poor pup. I bet he'd never received any kind of praises like that before.
As we were still talking to each other, I noticed a familiar figure walking ahead of us. It took me less than 2 seconds to realize who that person was: Ryan.
"Hey Ryan!", I called as I pick up my speed to catch up with him.
Ryan turned his head around as he heard someone (me) calling his name. A smile appeared on his face as he saw me, "Jake!"
"The world sure is small, isn't it. Where are you going?", I asked.
"I'm heading to Oreburgh City."
"What a coincidence, I'm going to Oreburgh City too. How's Charmeleon doing?"
"Oh, he's fine. Been through worse than that. What about Riolu?", Ryan asked as he noticed the pup sitting on my shoulder.
"He's ok.", I said and rubbed Riolu's ears. Suddenly, an idea came up in my head, "Ryan..."
"Yes?"
"Since we're both heading to Oreburgh City, do you want to go together with me? I think it'll be beter for either of us to have some company.", I offered and outstretched my left hand. Ryan thought of it for a while before answering me.
"I agree. I'm used to traveling alone, but having a friend to talk with isn't bad either. Beside, I'm also looking forward to see Riolu in action again. He was really, really cool back then.", Ryan shook my hand and winked at Riolu, who was blushing very hard now.
...
And so, I got a companion.
We spent the rest of the afternoon talking with each other. I told Ryan about my past, how I found Riolu and how we became good friends. Ryan also told me about his life, which I could summarize as follows: He'd been on his journey for 2 months, his dream was to become the Champion of Sinnoh, and Charmeleon was his only pokemon so far.
Speaking of Charmeleon, "Hey Ryan, why don't you let Charmeleon stay outside the pokeball?", I asked.
"As much as I want to, I can't, you have no idea how ferocious he can be! I don't understand why, but I'm the only person who can get close to him. Beside, I don't think he'll be happy to see you two, since Riolu, you know...beat him 2 days ago.", Ryan replied sadly while shaking his head.
"C'mon. You don't think it could be that bad, right?", I insisted.
"Alright. But I won't be responsible if anything bad happens.", Ryan said and took out a pokeball, "Come out, Charmeleon!", he threw the pokeball to the ground, revealing the fire pokemon after a beam of red light. Charmeleon growled and bared his teeth as he noticed me and Riolu, as if he wanted to eat us raw immediately. I guessed Ryan was right: You shouldn't try to see someone after beating them, especially when that 'someone' is a fire pokemon.
"H...Hi Charmeleon...How it's going...", I stammered and stepped backwards. Charmeleon growled again, but thanks to the translator, I could understand exactly what he was saying.
"You guys again. This time I will...", Charmeleon snarled as he was about to attack us, when Ryan suddenly placed his hand on the fire pokemon's head and stroke it gently, "Down, boy. They are our friends now.". Much to my surprise, Charmeleon stopped and leaned to Ryan's strokes while purring like a kitten.
"Wow, he completely changed in one second...", Riolu whispered into my ears.
"You think?", I replied sarcastically, "Shh...I think I heard Charmeleon said something..."
"Anything you say...my love!", Charmeleon said. My eyes widened in shock as I heard the last part. Charmeleon was in love with Ryan!!?? I looked at Riolu but we immediately turned away while blushing hard as we realized the awkwardness of the situation: We were exactly the same as them. I knew Riolu loved me, and I loved him back too, but neither of us had the courage to confess to the other.
"Hey you there!", A shout from behind disturbed our thoughts, "Want to battle with me?". Ryan and I turned around to see who challenged us. A boy wearing black shirt and grey cargo, holding a pokeball in his hand, "One on one. What do ya say?"
"Sounds good. I accept your challenge...", Ryan said in amusement. But I stopped him before he could continue, "Wait Ryan. Leave this one to me and Riolu."
"Are you sure? Riolu might not be well enough to battle.", Ryan asked as he looked at me and Riolu concernedly.
"Don't worry, he'll be fine. Beside, didn't you say that you want to see him in action again?", I replied with a grin, and Ryan nodded, "Alright. He's all yours."
"Great!", I exclaimed excitedly, "Ok. We'll be your opponent.", I said as I stepped forward to face him.
"You, and that pup of yours. Hah, this won't take long.", he (the challenger) threw his pokeball to the ground, releasing a Quilava. (another fire pokemon. Boy, I wonder if those fire pokemon have something against me!!? *sigh*), "...I'm Will, and you'd better remember that name, cuz it'll be the name of the person who will kick your ass."
"We'll see about that!", I shouted, "Underestimating Riolu is one of the fastest ways to lose!"
(Normal POV)
"Ready, Riolu?", Jake asked one last time and the fighting pokemon replied by nodding, "More than I've ever been. Let's kick that arrogant guy's butt!"
"Let's do it! Quiliva, use tackle!", Will commanded, and Quilava complied, charging himself at Riolu with a great speed.
"Not bad, but not good enough. He's still slower than Ryan's Charmeleon.", Jake thought, "Riolu, dodge and quick attack!"
"Roger!", Riolu replied as he easily dodged Quilava's attack and snuck behind the fire pokemon in a brief moment. With a fierce punch, Riolu sent Quilave flying on the air.
"Give him another one!", Jake shouted and Riolu nodded. With an incredible speed, the fighting pokemon got behind Quilava just before the fire pokemon hit the ground and gave him another punch in his back.
"Fuck! Quilava, snap out of it!", Will shouted angrily as he saw the dizzy fire pokemon slowly got on his feet. Jake smirked, "Had enough?"
"I was just warming up. Quilava, use smokescreen!". The fire pokemon complied and released a stream of thick, black smoke from his back. The smoke covered the entire battlefield, making Riolu confused as the fighting pokemon kept turning his head from left to right, hoping to find any sight of Quilava.
"Now finish him off with flame charge!"
Quilava jumped out of the smoke, the burners on his back lit up as he enceased himself in a stream of red-orange fire and charged at the confusing Riolu. The impact created an explosion and blew away all the smoke, revealing a unconcious Riolu lying on the ground, next to Quilava, who was panting heavily.
"Yeah! That what you got, you stupid pup!", Will said with a devilish smile, but his smile immediately disappeared as he saw Jake was grinning at him.
"What's so funny?"
" You. Take a closer look!", Jake replied, still grinning.
"What...Oh shit!"
The image of Riolu lying on the ground started to fade away. At the same time, a figure suddenly appeared behind Quilava.
"Double team! Quilava, behind you!", Will shouted desperately, but it was too late as Riolu released his energy sphere right at the exhausted fire pokemon's back, resulted in another explosion and a massive cloud of dust. As the cloud dust vanished, everyone could see that Riolu was standing in front of a knocked out Quilava.
"And that...how it's done!", Jake smiled as Riolu jumped into his chest. The trainer then stroke Riolu back gently while the fighting pokemon nuzzled him affectionally. But as he was still holding Riolu, Jake noticed a faint white glow around the fighting pokemon. The glow only last for a few seconds, but the trainer knew for sure that it was there.
"What the heck was that glow?", Jake thought while still holding Riolu, "Maybe I need to talk to Ryan about it later."
"I...I lost?", Will mumbled with disbelief in his eyes, but he soon snapped and ran over to the unconcious fire pokemon, "You did your best. Have some rest, my friend.", He said as he returned Quilava to the pokeball. As he went over to Jake and Riolu, Will pulled out some cash from his wallet and handed it to Jake, "Well, since you beat me, this is yours."
"Thanks"
"Well, gotta go. Thanks for the great match, and sorry for what I said earlier.". Will said as he ran to the opposite direction of where Jake and his friends were heading.
"Bye!", Jake and Riolu shouted in unison.
(Jake's POV)
"Now that was cool!!!", Ryan said with a broad smile as he ran over to us. I smiled back and pat Riolu's head, "Yup. All thanks to this pup!"
"Aww, come on. I wasn't that good.", Riolu said with a blush while rubbing the back of his head.
"He is so cute. Can I hold him?", Ryan said with sparkly eyes, making me chuckle, "What do you think Riolu?". The little pup nodded and jumped into Ryan's arms.
"You are so cute and strong. I wish I had a pokemon like you.", Ryan said as Riolu nuzzled his chest. I smiled at the loving scene, but then I suddenly felt some kind of...murderous intent radiating from a 'certain' fire pokemon. I snickered and quietly snuck behind Charmeleon.
"Look like someone is jealous, isn't he?"
"What...", Charmeleon jotled and turned around, only to snarl as he saw me, "YOU!!! What are you babbling about. You can't even understand me."
"I can understand you. I have a pokemon translator. And I heard what you said earlier when Ryan stroke your head, something like, uhm, I don't know,...anything you say, my love."
"You...you heard that?", Charmeleon stammered, blushing like crazy.
"Heheh, don't worry, I'll keep that secret for ya, under one condition...From now on, try to be nice with me and Riolu, ok? I know you're still upset about Riolu beating you, but the past is the past, why can't you just...let it go and move on?", I said and outstretched my hand.
"Grrrr...Fine.", Charmeleon huffed and shook my hand.
"By the way...", I whispered, "...do you have any plans to confess to Ryan?"
"Wh...what?", Charmeleon said as he was caught off guard by my question, "I, I don't know..."
"What do you mean you don't know. Oh, you afraid that he can't understand you. Don't worry, when that time comes, I'll lend him my translator."
"No, I mean...what if he doesn't accept my feelings and never look at me again?"
"But you'll never know unless you confess to him. Beside, he may feel the same way you feel about him, and then you two will become a happy couple.", I suggested.
"You do have a point there...", Charmeleon replied, "But I still don't know when to tell him. If I tell him at the wrong time, the consequence could be disastrous."
"It's all up to you.", I said and gave him a reassuring smile, "But keep in mind that Riolu and I will always be there to support you."
"T...thanks.", Charmeleon said shyly while looking to the ground, much to my surprise (well, I never thought that Charmeleon could say something like 'thanks' to me), "By the way, why are you so concerned about my problem?"
"Well, like Ryan said, we're friends now. And friends are supposed to help each other, aren't they?", I said and winked at him. Charmeleon nodded and we walked over to Ryan and Riolu.
"Beside, I'm having that exact same problem...", I thought.
...
(To be continued)