AN: Just like I have said in the title, this is a collaboration between myself and CrazyAipom, so please don't just criticize just one of us, criticize both of us. We both wanted to wait a while for someone to review and give us tips before we posted this, but she didn't reply because she is an evil mistress who made us feel neglected, *cough* Crystal Hikara *cough*, so we decided to post this. Feel free to read and review. Comments and criticism are recommended, flames are not acceptable.
Disclaimer: CrazyAipom and I don't own the Pokemon franchise, if we did we would have made Ash emotionally stressed, Brock dead, made Dawn travel with Zoey, and May would still be kicking butt. (OK maybe I would do that anyway) The only things we own is the ideas and our respective characters. (Nicky is mine so I will write in her prospective and Adrian is Crazy Aipom's so he will mostly write for his prospective.)
Nicky’s POV:
It didn’t feel right, seeing somebody else walk across the stage, to thank the judges for giving her a ribbon. I had dreamed for my second ribbon for so long after loss, after loss. I could feel my determination fading, this was in count my tenth loss in the same month in a contest so far and there weren’t many left before the Grand Festival.
My partner Pokemon, Era, had looked up at me in worry. I knew she felt sad, so I tried to reassure her with a smile. A smile that I knew was sad, but I tried to make it look as happy as possible.
They keyword was try.
I smiled bitterly when the winner had smiled. She was smiling as if she didn’t care for the other coordinators who were trying to get that ribbon. It felt as if she were mocking them, as if she were mocking me. I was so close to getting that ribbon, so close to achieving victory. I swore I could have tasted the near victory during that final round.
I walked away from the stage. I couldn't bear to see this, my dreams slipping away from me. Era looked sad as she followed me, but I tried to reassure her that I was alright, that she didn't need to be sad.
It was always my dream to be a top coordinator, to bring the golden cup of awesomeness back home. It was proof that I made it, that I was able to do it on my own, my Pokemon and I could prove to millionaire family that I could make it on my own, without the extravagance, the luxury, and with all the people that could be used to our bidding. I wanted to prove to them I could make it, that I could accomplish my dream without help from them, or anything connected to them.
Now though, it seemed impossible. I only managed to win one ribbon in three months, and in those three months I had at least thirty losses, about ten for each month, if not more. I only managed to win my first ribbon because of a fluke and that doesn't seem fulfilling. I want to win a ribbon with my own skills, no flukes, no luck, just skill.
"Esp?" Era cried in questioning. She could obviously tell that I was disappointed; she rubbed against my leg in comfort. I scratched her purple coat to soothe her. Era's forked tail, swished in pleasure, but I could still tell that she was not convince that I was happy. It was no wonder why she couldn't sense what I felt; she was with me since childhood after all.
My father had bought her from a poacher, something that I wasn't too happy about. I never would have thought they would stick so low as to hire a poacher to get a Pokemon for their daughter. I mean really who hires a poacher, the most illegal people on the face of the world, to get a Pokemon for their daughter, or even their child? My parents are crazy enough to do that. That didn't mean I regretted meeting Era, she became my most trusted companion, although I do wish we could have met in different circumstances that would so avoid how many Shadow Balls to the face I took.
Yeah it wasn't nice to have it shot at my face. Seriously for the first couple of months I felt like a target.
Did I just sound humorous, that wasn't possible, I don’t have a single funny bone in my body. I think I need some aspirin along with the anti-depression pills; or what I love to call happy drugs.
I returned Era into her Poke'ball, just like with the rest of my team. I needed this time alone, maybe to talk to somebody that I know. Really I didn't need Era here to see me like this. It kills her to see me so sad and hurt. I love her like a sister, a best friend, and my greatest companion.
I asked the secretary to lead me to where the visual phones were. It just so happened that I lost my cell phone on my way to Verdenturf, so I had no way to communicate with anybody, not even my human best friend. The secretary left me after leading me to the line of visual phones, I guess they knew when someone needed privacy when the see one. I sat down on the seats that the visual phones provided and started to punch his number on the touch screen
Did I tell you how much I love technology? No wait scratch that, they so needed to improve the rings on these phones. They sound like elevator music and it wasn't helping me at the moment. I wonder if these phones know that I am just depressed and decided to make my day even worse. Yeah technology is so evil.
The rings had ended and my best friend's face popped up. He still looked like his goofy self, his messy brown hair hidden under that ugly cap of his, his blue eyes that just screamed "hug me to death!", his familiar lean, but firm body structure, and his arrogant smirk on his that would never be able to be wiped off his face even if we hired Jarachi to get rid of it.
"Hey Nicky, what are you calling about now?" Alexander, my best friend, asked.
"I lost again," I sighed, "I really don't know what else to do. I only managed to get my first ribbon because of a fluke."
He frowned, "Another one? Really Nicky, you can't lose confidence, you still have another chance."
"I have only got one ribbon in a span of three months Alexander and I only managed to get that one ribbon out of a fluke; don't I have the right to be discouraged?" Nicky asked, "At this rate I might never get into the Grand Festival and I might be sent home in shame."
"I know, but you can't give up. You can't lose that bet you made with your parents and you are not going to give up on your dream you got that?!" Alexander lectured, "Being a coordinator has been your dream since forever, you are going to let a couple of losses bring you down?"
"A couple Alexander, I have lost at least thirty times," I sighed.
"Well I am sure there are plenty of more contests that you can win!" Alexander exclaimed, punching his fist in the air for emphasis.
"There's only seven more left," I sighed.
Alexander stared at me for a minute before coughing, "You're doomed."
I snorted, "Thanks for the help."
This conversation is so not helping me at the moment.
"At this rate I might give up," I sighed, "It is obvious that being a coordinator isn't the right path for me. Maybe I should go back and face them."
"No you are not! You are not going to send yourself back there, to parents who are going to practically sell you to somebody else!" Alexander screamed, "I think you should take a look at a flyer that I picked up. I didn't think I would need it, but I think you do. Here, I'll send it over fax."
"But what if-" I didn't get to finish my retort because he had disappeared. The screen had clicked black and I could hear the fax machine in the other room. The secretary came from the other room holding out a faxed flyer in her hand.
"This recently came out of the fax machine and I presume this should go to you," The secretary said, handing me the piece of parchment. I thanked her kindly and started to read the flyer.
"Soul searching?" I thought, "Maybe that is all I need! Maybe a little soul searching will help me!?"
And so, I called.
Adrian's POV:
Hoenn...it’s known as the region of water by many. It's a large island in the middle of the ocean, somewhere off the coast of Johto. I hate boats. I really do. The only experience I had with them was a small trip around a river, and another ferry ride. I felt like dying each time. The feelings of the rocking deck, the fact that the crew was almost nowhere to be seen, save for some man wearing a sailor suit that belongs back in the 1960's.
Don't even get me started on movie night included Titanic, JAWS, and Into the Blue, which was just bad. I mean really bad. Yeah sure Jessica Alba was hot, a shot of her shown every other scene, but that wasn't enough to save it from a strange plot and terrible acting that a four year old on ten pixie sticks could outperform. In Titanic I didn’t get what was up with the romance! In my opinion they added way too much romance for tragic events. The just confessed their undying love for each other and one of them gets killed off? How stupid is that?! And JAWS? That movie is older than me, while it doesn’t scare me compared to movies now, it was just creepy watching a movie that could be twice as old as you are. It made me feel old and I don't like feeling old. Don't get me wrong, it's a good movie, but I have enough issues without a mid-life crisis at 16. Plus, the movie title itself is screaming at you. JAWS!!! Also, was it really a good idea to show those movies on a boat?
On top of that, I got sea sick…Badly.
"Remember, I'm only doing this because I love you."
Love me, yeah right. He is just saying that so when he kills me he will have a great excuse for the lovely judge and jury.
"Uh-okay, thanks Tío!"
"Don't forget about your mother, she wants you to call at least once a week."
"Yeah, got it."
"Oh also, would it kill you to keep him inside the Pokéball?" My uncle gestured to the large white and brown furred Pokemon, it's crown of fire flaring up as it sneezed.
"What for? He's been with me since I first got him back in Sinnoh, and he's always been at my side."
"Yeah, that was fine when he rode around on your shoulder but now, he's too big!"
I sighed and looked at the Infernape my uncle seemed to be so bothered by. He smiled, barring his large sharp teeth, causing my uncle to laugh.
"Uh..you were so cute and innocent...what happened?"
Since when did he think Scorch was cute? I remember him telling me he wanted me to get a Piplup. Those evil little penguins give me the shivers. Those large round eyes, that permenant smile, somehow learning Metal Claw with flippers, ugh, how was that even possible?
"He grew up and became a menace to society. Come on Tio, Scorch is still the lovable mindless monkey you knew and loved."
Anybody notice the total sarcasm?
Scorch frowned at the last comment, dropping his head low. I had to admit, from a manly point of view, it was cute.
"Ah come on, I'm just kidding. You're the cleverest Infernape I know."
"Adrian, will we be leaving soon?" A voice shouted.
We all turned to see a Pokemon mix of black, blue, and light brown fur, walking into the Pokemon Center. A single silver spike pierced through his chest, similar to the other spikes on each of his paws. I named him after his blue fur, and also for the Aura that he emitted. The Lucario was able to communicate telepathically. I could communicate using telepathy too, but that story is way too long for me to explain, so it will be a story for another time...
"Good, Azul back. Well, I guess we can go" Scorch let out a cry, throwing his fist into the air.
Azul nodded and headed to out of the center, Scorch and I following.
"So, where are we headed?" Scorch asked.
"It doesn't really matter, with you guys and my rank I can challenge any gym in any order. Mom did want me to visit Mossdeep first though. We'll head there."
"Why does she want you to go there?"
"I don't know, but she said if I didn't go, I couldn't come to Hoenn."
"Weird..."
"Yeah, but whatever, if all I have to do is go to Mossdeep ...which is all the way out...give me a minute." I pulled out a map my mom bought me, seeing she had marked Mossdeep on the map and even traced a few routes to it.
"So, how are we going to get there?"
"Well, you two will need to spend some time in your-"
"No no, no. no, no; I'm not going into the void!"
"Void? Come on, it's not that bad. Besides it'll only be for a while, at least until Hector can get me to Mossdeep."
"I understand." Azul stood still as I recalled him to his Pokeball, and turned to see Scorch hoping through the nearby trees.
"You'll never take me alive!"
"Scorch, come on, not now. Let's just get Hoenn over with..."
Did I mention that I totally hate Hoenn at the moment? I don't even know why I bothered coming here, it's not like any of the battles here are going to be any fun. The only reason I even came was that it was either this or just slack around at home and battle over confident hometown trainers.
"Wow, someone is confident."
"Let's face it, until we reach the League, who's going to be a challenge? Even then, we're going to be facing nothing special..."
"What's up with you?"
"We haven't had good battle since the Sinnoh Championships, and the battles I've had since then were random challenges that I won without breaking a sweat."
"Yeah, but still, we're going to conquer Hoenn!"
"Maybe..."
"Come on man, you're killing my mood..."
"Yeah, yeah..." I returned Scorch to his "void". I unclipped a Pokeball from my belt, and tossed it out.
A large black bird soared out from the trees. It's mighty wings created a gust of wind that made me close my eyes, its sharp talons connected with the ground and let out a strange cry, flapping its wings. When I opened my eyes the large black bird had bowed its head in front of me. The shiny golden beak wasn't the only feature the bird showed off, its red crest on its head made it stand out unlike other flying Pokemon, its unique mix of black, brown and gray were contrasted completely throughout the birds body, and its chest was puffed up showing off the nice and shiny "M" patter on its chest.
It was my trusty high flier, Hector. He gave me a hard time when I first caught him. He'd attempted to claw at my face when I'd let him out and he barely listen to me in battle. He wasn't so fond of meeting new people as well. I remember one time when he abandoned me when I sent him out to search for help. Turned out it wasn't entirely his fault, he ran into some trouble on the way. Now he was one of the most loyal and nicest Pokemon I or any of my friends knew.
"Hector, think you can get me to Mossdeep?" I asked my loyal high flier.
"Of course, but where is this Mossdeep?" The Predator Pokemon questioned.
"I'll tell you how, shouldn't be too hard..." Hector nodded and lowered himself. I hopped onto his back, his feathers brushed against me, teasing my skin. Hector spread his wings wide; on his back it seemed that his wings could stretch for miles. A horrifying screech escaped from his golden beak, then he started to flap his large wings. A gust danced under us, making Hector take a few steps back. With a glass shattering scream, he ran as fast as he could and took off.
Disclaimer: CrazyAipom and I don't own the Pokemon franchise, if we did we would have made Ash emotionally stressed, Brock dead, made Dawn travel with Zoey, and May would still be kicking butt. (OK maybe I would do that anyway) The only things we own is the ideas and our respective characters. (Nicky is mine so I will write in her prospective and Adrian is Crazy Aipom's so he will mostly write for his prospective.)
Table of Contents:
Chapter 1
Nicky’s POV:
It didn’t feel right, seeing somebody else walk across the stage, to thank the judges for giving her a ribbon. I had dreamed for my second ribbon for so long after loss, after loss. I could feel my determination fading, this was in count my tenth loss in the same month in a contest so far and there weren’t many left before the Grand Festival.
My partner Pokemon, Era, had looked up at me in worry. I knew she felt sad, so I tried to reassure her with a smile. A smile that I knew was sad, but I tried to make it look as happy as possible.
They keyword was try.
I smiled bitterly when the winner had smiled. She was smiling as if she didn’t care for the other coordinators who were trying to get that ribbon. It felt as if she were mocking them, as if she were mocking me. I was so close to getting that ribbon, so close to achieving victory. I swore I could have tasted the near victory during that final round.
I walked away from the stage. I couldn't bear to see this, my dreams slipping away from me. Era looked sad as she followed me, but I tried to reassure her that I was alright, that she didn't need to be sad.
It was always my dream to be a top coordinator, to bring the golden cup of awesomeness back home. It was proof that I made it, that I was able to do it on my own, my Pokemon and I could prove to millionaire family that I could make it on my own, without the extravagance, the luxury, and with all the people that could be used to our bidding. I wanted to prove to them I could make it, that I could accomplish my dream without help from them, or anything connected to them.
Now though, it seemed impossible. I only managed to win one ribbon in three months, and in those three months I had at least thirty losses, about ten for each month, if not more. I only managed to win my first ribbon because of a fluke and that doesn't seem fulfilling. I want to win a ribbon with my own skills, no flukes, no luck, just skill.
"Esp?" Era cried in questioning. She could obviously tell that I was disappointed; she rubbed against my leg in comfort. I scratched her purple coat to soothe her. Era's forked tail, swished in pleasure, but I could still tell that she was not convince that I was happy. It was no wonder why she couldn't sense what I felt; she was with me since childhood after all.
My father had bought her from a poacher, something that I wasn't too happy about. I never would have thought they would stick so low as to hire a poacher to get a Pokemon for their daughter. I mean really who hires a poacher, the most illegal people on the face of the world, to get a Pokemon for their daughter, or even their child? My parents are crazy enough to do that. That didn't mean I regretted meeting Era, she became my most trusted companion, although I do wish we could have met in different circumstances that would so avoid how many Shadow Balls to the face I took.
Yeah it wasn't nice to have it shot at my face. Seriously for the first couple of months I felt like a target.
Did I just sound humorous, that wasn't possible, I don’t have a single funny bone in my body. I think I need some aspirin along with the anti-depression pills; or what I love to call happy drugs.
I returned Era into her Poke'ball, just like with the rest of my team. I needed this time alone, maybe to talk to somebody that I know. Really I didn't need Era here to see me like this. It kills her to see me so sad and hurt. I love her like a sister, a best friend, and my greatest companion.
I asked the secretary to lead me to where the visual phones were. It just so happened that I lost my cell phone on my way to Verdenturf, so I had no way to communicate with anybody, not even my human best friend. The secretary left me after leading me to the line of visual phones, I guess they knew when someone needed privacy when the see one. I sat down on the seats that the visual phones provided and started to punch his number on the touch screen
Did I tell you how much I love technology? No wait scratch that, they so needed to improve the rings on these phones. They sound like elevator music and it wasn't helping me at the moment. I wonder if these phones know that I am just depressed and decided to make my day even worse. Yeah technology is so evil.
The rings had ended and my best friend's face popped up. He still looked like his goofy self, his messy brown hair hidden under that ugly cap of his, his blue eyes that just screamed "hug me to death!", his familiar lean, but firm body structure, and his arrogant smirk on his that would never be able to be wiped off his face even if we hired Jarachi to get rid of it.
"Hey Nicky, what are you calling about now?" Alexander, my best friend, asked.
"I lost again," I sighed, "I really don't know what else to do. I only managed to get my first ribbon because of a fluke."
He frowned, "Another one? Really Nicky, you can't lose confidence, you still have another chance."
"I have only got one ribbon in a span of three months Alexander and I only managed to get that one ribbon out of a fluke; don't I have the right to be discouraged?" Nicky asked, "At this rate I might never get into the Grand Festival and I might be sent home in shame."
"I know, but you can't give up. You can't lose that bet you made with your parents and you are not going to give up on your dream you got that?!" Alexander lectured, "Being a coordinator has been your dream since forever, you are going to let a couple of losses bring you down?"
"A couple Alexander, I have lost at least thirty times," I sighed.
"Well I am sure there are plenty of more contests that you can win!" Alexander exclaimed, punching his fist in the air for emphasis.
"There's only seven more left," I sighed.
Alexander stared at me for a minute before coughing, "You're doomed."
I snorted, "Thanks for the help."
This conversation is so not helping me at the moment.
"At this rate I might give up," I sighed, "It is obvious that being a coordinator isn't the right path for me. Maybe I should go back and face them."
"No you are not! You are not going to send yourself back there, to parents who are going to practically sell you to somebody else!" Alexander screamed, "I think you should take a look at a flyer that I picked up. I didn't think I would need it, but I think you do. Here, I'll send it over fax."
"But what if-" I didn't get to finish my retort because he had disappeared. The screen had clicked black and I could hear the fax machine in the other room. The secretary came from the other room holding out a faxed flyer in her hand.
"This recently came out of the fax machine and I presume this should go to you," The secretary said, handing me the piece of parchment. I thanked her kindly and started to read the flyer.
New Dawn Center
"The Center of Success and Soul Searching!"
"The one thing you might need to get you out of your rut!"
At Mossdeep City
Call Us Today At: 555-2356
"The Center of Success and Soul Searching!"
"The one thing you might need to get you out of your rut!"
At Mossdeep City
Call Us Today At: 555-2356
"Soul searching?" I thought, "Maybe that is all I need! Maybe a little soul searching will help me!?"
And so, I called.
Adrian's POV:
Hoenn...it’s known as the region of water by many. It's a large island in the middle of the ocean, somewhere off the coast of Johto. I hate boats. I really do. The only experience I had with them was a small trip around a river, and another ferry ride. I felt like dying each time. The feelings of the rocking deck, the fact that the crew was almost nowhere to be seen, save for some man wearing a sailor suit that belongs back in the 1960's.
Don't even get me started on movie night included Titanic, JAWS, and Into the Blue, which was just bad. I mean really bad. Yeah sure Jessica Alba was hot, a shot of her shown every other scene, but that wasn't enough to save it from a strange plot and terrible acting that a four year old on ten pixie sticks could outperform. In Titanic I didn’t get what was up with the romance! In my opinion they added way too much romance for tragic events. The just confessed their undying love for each other and one of them gets killed off? How stupid is that?! And JAWS? That movie is older than me, while it doesn’t scare me compared to movies now, it was just creepy watching a movie that could be twice as old as you are. It made me feel old and I don't like feeling old. Don't get me wrong, it's a good movie, but I have enough issues without a mid-life crisis at 16. Plus, the movie title itself is screaming at you. JAWS!!! Also, was it really a good idea to show those movies on a boat?
On top of that, I got sea sick…Badly.
"Remember, I'm only doing this because I love you."
Love me, yeah right. He is just saying that so when he kills me he will have a great excuse for the lovely judge and jury.
"Uh-okay, thanks Tío!"
"Don't forget about your mother, she wants you to call at least once a week."
"Yeah, got it."
"Oh also, would it kill you to keep him inside the Pokéball?" My uncle gestured to the large white and brown furred Pokemon, it's crown of fire flaring up as it sneezed.
"What for? He's been with me since I first got him back in Sinnoh, and he's always been at my side."
"Yeah, that was fine when he rode around on your shoulder but now, he's too big!"
I sighed and looked at the Infernape my uncle seemed to be so bothered by. He smiled, barring his large sharp teeth, causing my uncle to laugh.
"Uh..you were so cute and innocent...what happened?"
Since when did he think Scorch was cute? I remember him telling me he wanted me to get a Piplup. Those evil little penguins give me the shivers. Those large round eyes, that permenant smile, somehow learning Metal Claw with flippers, ugh, how was that even possible?
"He grew up and became a menace to society. Come on Tio, Scorch is still the lovable mindless monkey you knew and loved."
Anybody notice the total sarcasm?
Scorch frowned at the last comment, dropping his head low. I had to admit, from a manly point of view, it was cute.
"Ah come on, I'm just kidding. You're the cleverest Infernape I know."
"Adrian, will we be leaving soon?" A voice shouted.
We all turned to see a Pokemon mix of black, blue, and light brown fur, walking into the Pokemon Center. A single silver spike pierced through his chest, similar to the other spikes on each of his paws. I named him after his blue fur, and also for the Aura that he emitted. The Lucario was able to communicate telepathically. I could communicate using telepathy too, but that story is way too long for me to explain, so it will be a story for another time...
"Good, Azul back. Well, I guess we can go" Scorch let out a cry, throwing his fist into the air.
Azul nodded and headed to out of the center, Scorch and I following.
"So, where are we headed?" Scorch asked.
"It doesn't really matter, with you guys and my rank I can challenge any gym in any order. Mom did want me to visit Mossdeep first though. We'll head there."
"Why does she want you to go there?"
"I don't know, but she said if I didn't go, I couldn't come to Hoenn."
"Weird..."
"Yeah, but whatever, if all I have to do is go to Mossdeep ...which is all the way out...give me a minute." I pulled out a map my mom bought me, seeing she had marked Mossdeep on the map and even traced a few routes to it.
"So, how are we going to get there?"
"Well, you two will need to spend some time in your-"
"No no, no. no, no; I'm not going into the void!"
"Void? Come on, it's not that bad. Besides it'll only be for a while, at least until Hector can get me to Mossdeep."
"I understand." Azul stood still as I recalled him to his Pokeball, and turned to see Scorch hoping through the nearby trees.
"You'll never take me alive!"
"Scorch, come on, not now. Let's just get Hoenn over with..."
Did I mention that I totally hate Hoenn at the moment? I don't even know why I bothered coming here, it's not like any of the battles here are going to be any fun. The only reason I even came was that it was either this or just slack around at home and battle over confident hometown trainers.
"Wow, someone is confident."
"Let's face it, until we reach the League, who's going to be a challenge? Even then, we're going to be facing nothing special..."
"What's up with you?"
"We haven't had good battle since the Sinnoh Championships, and the battles I've had since then were random challenges that I won without breaking a sweat."
"Yeah, but still, we're going to conquer Hoenn!"
"Maybe..."
"Come on man, you're killing my mood..."
"Yeah, yeah..." I returned Scorch to his "void". I unclipped a Pokeball from my belt, and tossed it out.
A large black bird soared out from the trees. It's mighty wings created a gust of wind that made me close my eyes, its sharp talons connected with the ground and let out a strange cry, flapping its wings. When I opened my eyes the large black bird had bowed its head in front of me. The shiny golden beak wasn't the only feature the bird showed off, its red crest on its head made it stand out unlike other flying Pokemon, its unique mix of black, brown and gray were contrasted completely throughout the birds body, and its chest was puffed up showing off the nice and shiny "M" patter on its chest.
It was my trusty high flier, Hector. He gave me a hard time when I first caught him. He'd attempted to claw at my face when I'd let him out and he barely listen to me in battle. He wasn't so fond of meeting new people as well. I remember one time when he abandoned me when I sent him out to search for help. Turned out it wasn't entirely his fault, he ran into some trouble on the way. Now he was one of the most loyal and nicest Pokemon I or any of my friends knew.
"Hector, think you can get me to Mossdeep?" I asked my loyal high flier.
"Of course, but where is this Mossdeep?" The Predator Pokemon questioned.
"I'll tell you how, shouldn't be too hard..." Hector nodded and lowered himself. I hopped onto his back, his feathers brushed against me, teasing my skin. Hector spread his wings wide; on his back it seemed that his wings could stretch for miles. A horrifying screech escaped from his golden beak, then he started to flap his large wings. A gust danced under us, making Hector take a few steps back. With a glass shattering scream, he ran as fast as he could and took off.
