ProTrainerEon's first fic...

Started by ProtrainerEon June 10th, 2006 6:59 PM
  • 1018 views
  • 10 replies
Seen June 11th, 2021
Posted August 6th, 2010
322 posts
16.9 Years
Disclaimer-You know how it goes...

A Disgrace to my Family

PROLOGUE

Enjoy......rate and comment.


Shawn flipped back his covers, his heart racing, and pushed the button on his alarm. It wasn't long until his big brother Roy Maverick would show up in Goldenrod city and take him to live in the Tohan region with him. Shawn recalled a vivid memory of two years ago, when his twelve year old (four years older) brother had flipped pages of their father's photographed adventures in Tohan, kept in a sacred book, showing him unnoticed details on each page. His brother had only then (up until now) mentioned this mysterious region to him, and the adventures he would have there when his brother returned to whisk him off on a train to Tohan. After today, Shawn knew his life would change dramatically, and permanently.


The ten-year old child, filled with hope, made his bed and packed away the last of his belongings he would take with him.

Then he saw it.
Shawn went pale and hope left him abruptly. Something told him as he started to sob over the photo of his now divorced parents, that he would never return here.
(flashback)
Tom: Lilian, this isn't working out. I'm sorry.

Lilian: (chokes on sobs) I...I'm taking the boys.

Tom: Fine, I'm better off without them anyways.
(End flashback)
That stung.

Roy and Shawn had been eavesdropping from the stairs and left hearing this comment. That event had strengthened Roy's character, and he was now not so easy to talk to unless you were Shawn, or his mother. Shawn, however, had become frail emotionally and never said a word when his father left them. For a whole year, the boys' father had been gone. He'd flown away on his Skarmory, leaving behind people who loved him dearly.

Shawn delicately packed away his duplicate photo, feeling empty inside, all happiness drained. Just seeing that photo made him feel horrible on the best of days, which is why he avoided glancing at it until now. His blonde hair was drooping along with his spirits.

Part of him was torn, this part being the emotionally influenced part. He was aware of the fact that he ran from decisions, and this would be no different. He was a fool. He wasn't worthy of this family that was known for heroic adventures in regions scattered across the earth. He had convinced himself of this, that his actions were shameful ones. A coward who slipped away to places that protected him. This was his description. He hated this about himself, and that would all change. When he got his pokemon, that would all change........


Part 1 - The Start of a New Adventure.

Shawn regained his composure and went downstairs, after grooming himself and perfecting his slick blonde hairstyle. The family's pet Skitty greeted him and followed him to the table where his mother was sitting, and holding their newborn baby girl.

Tiara was born shortly after Tom had left behind his family, just because it 'didn't work out'. At this point, Shawn knew he and his brother should not have been born. This complicated matters, and his parents had added the children factor into their relationship at the wrong time.

All that didn't matter anymore, because now Shawn would have a better life, and if he had kids, would be a good father to them. He would pursue the career of a trainer and work towards a brighter future. Then, as he ate, he pondered whether or not he would return for his mother and sister once he had a good life.

Shawn told himself he would decide all that once he had a better outlook on life and was a better person. Only then, could he return.
His mother watched him for a time. Tiara was sleeping in her arms. Then his mother spoke up.

"Shawn?"

"Yes mom?" he replied with yet another questioning comment.

"I would be grateful if you would send money home for me and Tiara to live off of."

"Sure. I will also send a helpful pokemon for you both to have around."

Shawn petted Skitty. "I don't mean a cute pet like Ruby, but a little help around the house."

"That would be nice. Oh, you should get going quick, there's only fifteen minutes before the second train arrives!"

Shawn kissed Tiara's forehead and hugged his mother, then left home, possibly forever. He hopped on his bike, barely made the train his brother was on, and was on his way to Tohan.

Author's note about Tohan--For you readers who want to know about this mystical region, it is very unique. Here, starter pokemon are different and there are six to choose from, every monday all through the week until they're gone! Then the weekly cycle continues. An example of starters in Tohan are these- (Pupitar, Geodude, Bagon, Butterfree, Corsola, Elekid)


Chapter 2 - A Strange Begining

Shawn arrived in Tohan with Roy at Dusk, so they walked into a plaza and visited the pokemart to get Shawn an escape rope and three full heals. When they were a safe distance away from any other people that could be hurt during a takeoff, Roy flew them to his house on his Salamence. Shawn unpacked the essentials only, and crawled into his sleeping bag.

At dawn, on monday (how 'bout that?), Roy sat Shawn on his Salamence, and got on in front. They were off, and landed at Volage Town, where Professor Palm's lab was. Roy sucked his Salamence into its great ball. They both walked in, and the room slowly transformed as they walked, into a jungle setting. Professor Palm walked out of the shadows with a box lined with dome-shaped holes which held six pokeballs.

A robot with wheels for feet, sensor tipped metal fingers, and a satelitte head, approached them, a mechanical version of a grown woman's voice emmiting from the satelitte, which was dotted with tiny holes for sound to come from.

"Hello all beginner trainers. I will now show you the available starter pokemon today."

Shawn shrank back, eyeing the disturbing robot.
From the satelitte, a ray of sky blue light shone, and a type of powerpoint slide show made of light showed the pokemon available and their stats.


These were the choices. Electrike, Vulpix, Dratini, Kecleon, Scyther, Cubone


Shawn said, "I would like the Cubone."

"Yes sir," said the robot.


The Professor nodded and came forward, his leather box begining to vibrate. The last pokeball to the right glowed, and was lifted upward and outward, inches from Shawn. As he took the pokeball, Shawn noticed that inside the hole that once held his pokemon's pokeball, was a thin rod-like arm with three stubby metal fingers coming from a metal plate version of a palm, which had just protruded from the snug hole to give him the pokeball. The professor was a mechanical genius!


Shawn released Cubone, which growled at him. Shawn didn't know it was saying hello, so he backed away. Cubone drooped its head disappointedly and was returned.


"You will become friends in time," said Prof. Palm. Then he observed the older boy beside Shawn. "...Oh! Welcome Roy!"

"Hi Professor," replied Roy, smiling. "This is my little brother I told you about."

"Oh, yes. .....Shawn, was it Roy?"

"That's right. He's ready to explore Tohan and be a hero."


Shawn thought to himself, Hey! I said nothing at all about being a hero. What if I just want to be me?


In spite of these thoughts, he smiled and nodded. He was scanned from head to toe by Ida, the robot, and a pokedex materialized in his free hand. He tucked it in one of his pockets, and gratefully took his five pokeballs and belt sack. He put the soon-to-be-occupied (or so he thought) pokeballs in the belt sack, which he wore proudly, yet inside he was afraid he would not live up to the family reputation. For the moment, he shoved that thought out of his mind and walked with his brother to a low grass-filled field. He saw an unsuspecting pokemon and made his Cubone attack.


"Bone club," he said. Cubone came out and tossed the bone at Sandshrew expertly. It hit, and Cubone followed up with headbutt, and Shawn caught the pokemon with no trouble. He healed it with Roy's potion, unintentionally ignoring it's claw hand shakes, which saddened the pokemon. SHawn returned his new pokemon happily.


"Now Shawn, let's see how good you are at battling," said Roy. Half-smiling, he chucked a pokeball into the air, which opened to reveal a Linoone. Shawn could tell from the barely built figure of Linoone, that it had just evolved.

"Um....ok, so...go Sandshrew!" Shawn shouted unsurely, and the powerful ground type blinked and stared at Linoone when it was sent out.

"Shrew?"

"Try a rock blast Sandshrew," said Shawn.


Sandshrew, still feeling neglected, threw chunks of rock, and only two hit out of the dozen it threw.


Linoone skidded back a bit, and angrily used quick attack, knocking down the sad Sandshrew. Sandshrew, stood, and used scratch, hitting Linoone's side, and making it wince.


Linoone bunched up it's muscles and jumped.


"Dig quick Sandshrew, and stay under as long as possible!" Shawn said panicking.

Sandshrew dug as fast as it's little claws would allow, trying to please its trainer. It dissapeared into a hole. Linoone used pound, dropping itself inside the hole. There was a thud, some growling, and movement.

"Scratch," pleaded Shawn into the hole.

Roy yelled firmly, "Sand attack."

Some puffs of dust escaped from the hole, and Sandshrew leapt out of the hole. Linoone jumped out after it, and was scratched between the eyes, making it tumble over the hole backwards and hit the ground.


"Now rock blast!" Shawn shouted hopefully.

Linoone was ordered to use metal claw, which sliced the rock and cut Sandshrew. Sandshrew got its balance, and when Linoone used tackle, knocked it back with rock blast. Shawn had won just in the nick of time. His pokemon was very tired from the fast-paced battle. When Sandshrew saw Linoone returned, it allowed itself to topple onto the ground in exhaustion.


Roy patted Shawn's head approvingly. "Nice battle little brother."

"Quit babying me for goodness sake," complained Shawn.

With his big brother, Shawn walked to the Volage town pokemon center. So far, things were going ok for him, and maybe soon he would have his first badge. Maybe he wasn't such a disgrace to his family after all.
PA
Seen September 15th, 2017
Posted June 18th, 2008
117 posts
17.9 Years
The length is bad; your chapters should be longer. Also, this topic's title is awful. You may want to change it.

Content-wise, we really don't know much yet so it's hard to say. You only gave us 3 pargraphs to draw conclusions from. One thing I noticed is the big mood swing from happy reminisense (prolly spelled wrong) to self-loathing like *snaps fingers* that. It's pretty disorientating, and gives you the idea that the main character has very volatile emotions. Is that what you wanted?

PC Brother- ProtrainerEon
Age 40
Clearlake, CA
Seen May 25th, 2009
Posted April 24th, 2009
340 posts
18.2 Years
He usually glistening Cyan-like healthy hair drooping along with his spirits.
Hair does not normally 'glisten' unless it is wet or very oily. I take it you character is normally wet or unwashed?
This fic is just the bare bones of a story as it is now. With work it could have much more depth if you are willing to put out the effort.

Vampiric pokémorphs and the Nurse Joy who must love them.
Age 36
Seen 14 Hours Ago
Posted 2 Days Ago
Why do people feel that Pokémon change lives? It's like dolphins...

Please hit the Enter button twice after each paragraph. Right now, your fic looks like a hard-to-read text blob.

I would prefer a more subtile way for information to be shown. Like the information of the divorced parents. It was abrupt. Find a better way to tell the readers information. Let it come in gradually.

That's all.

Avatar credit: Fairy
Seen June 11th, 2021
Posted August 6th, 2010
322 posts
16.9 Years
The length is bad; your chapters should be longer. Also, this topic's title is awful. You may want to change it.

Content-wise, we really don't know much yet so it's hard to say. You only gave us 3 pargraphs to draw conclusions from. One thing I noticed is the big mood swing from happy reminisense (prolly spelled wrong) to self-loathing like *snaps fingers* that. It's pretty disorientating, and gives you the idea that the main character has very volatile emotions. Is that what you wanted?


First of all, this is just the prologue. If you want more, I'll right more. And yes, (in the begining) Shawn has fast mood changes. When he gets his pokemon team, he thinks his self-esteem will grow. But it doesn't work out at first like he thought it would.

And it's reminiscence, and probably. (corrections not meant to anger)
Seen June 11th, 2021
Posted August 6th, 2010
322 posts
16.9 Years
Why do people feel that Pokémon change lives? It's like dolphins...

Please hit the Enter button twice after each paragraph. Right now, your fic looks like a hard-to-read text blob.

I would prefer a more subtile way for information to be shown. Like the information of the divorced parents. It was abrupt. Find a better way to tell the readers information. Let it come in gradually.

That's all.

Thanks for the pointers. Just so you know, I'm horrible at HTML, so I don't know how to indent with this program.
Seen June 11th, 2021
Posted August 6th, 2010
322 posts
16.9 Years
Hair does not normally 'glisten' unless it is wet or very oily. I take it you character is normally wet or unwashed?
This fic is just the bare bones of a story as it is now. With work it could have much more depth if you are willing to put out the effort.

I will actually rewrite the entire thing, and add some new parts.
Age 40
Clearlake, CA
Seen May 25th, 2009
Posted April 24th, 2009
340 posts
18.2 Years
I will actually rewrite the entire thing, and add some new parts.
Don't worry, I have faith in you :). You ideas are'nt bad in themselfs, you just need to learn a bit of pacing. Trust me, we all had to learn that. When I first wrote a story I could fit a whole stories worth of events onto three pages, and that was not a good thing :P

Vampiric pokémorphs and the Nurse Joy who must love them.
PA
Seen September 15th, 2017
Posted June 18th, 2008
117 posts
17.9 Years
ARGH! Triple posting is bad. Don't let it happen again. You want to say three things, post something and edit it twice.

And I know how to spell probably.... I just like to shorten it to 'prolly' sometimes when I'm feeling playful-ish.

Don't get us (me) wrong though... for a first attempt this is good.

PC Brother- ProtrainerEon
Seen June 11th, 2021
Posted August 6th, 2010
322 posts
16.9 Years

Chapter 2 --A Strange Day

Disclaimer-I don't own pokemon and obviously not anything but my places, characters, gym leaders, and badges in the story. Read on reveiwers! Rate and comment please.

Shawn and Roy reached the Pokemon Center and sat in the waiting room as their pokemon were revived. Roy was first, because all that was needed was Linoone's health restored and his other Pokemon needed their power points restocked. His healed team was released after they got to the spacious lobby.

Salamence, still growing, could just barely fit in the room without touching its head to the ceiling. Roy's Lairon explored the lobby, its metal coat gleaming as it trudged along, speaking to other trainers' pokemon as it went. A Roselia started up a three way conversation with Lairon and another trainers' Zubat.

Roy observed the center, wondering how his brother would develop from the young curious boy he was now while in Tohan. It sure had made an impression on Roy. He was now an intelligent, open-minded teenager. Salamence, a few feet away, was hitting it off well with a girl's Dragonite. They talked and talked, speaking in Pokemon Language, all the while cracking a few jokes here and there.

Shawn, meanwhile, was studying his old, wrinkled map of Tohan. He could either take the Trolley service once he reached the outskirts of Volage Town, or rough it in the dangerous forest with Roy and reach Willow Valley. After he went through Willow Valley, Shawn would find Rosewood Village, where the grass and bug type gym leader had recently set up his gym. Gunther was tough, and attacked with precise movements and patterns.

Roy had just beaten Gunther about a week ago, and flown back to Farsely City to continue the search for Arcanine and Onix. The food there was great, and Shawn could not wait to get there. This was 250 or more miles from Volage, and would force the two to climb Granite Mountain, and snake around a massive rock wall that was built eras ago for "un(kn)own" purposes.

The Trolley went to Dalavert Plaza, where merchants and tourists gathered for the upcoming Annual Murkrow migration. Shawn hoped to catch one and give himself a type advantage over Gunther. However, the hundreds of Murkrow that SURVIVED the region-wide migration were not to be trifled with, as they would use Aerial Ace without a second thought against any suspicious, unreconizable being that approached. From Dalavert, Hotstreak tunnel could go to Willow Valley or Shade Town, where powerful dark and ghost pokemon resided.

Shawn shuddered at the very thought. When his pokemon were healed, they both walked out of the center. Just then, feet were heard pattering behind the brothers. They turned and saw a medium-height girl. Shawn noticed how the tight pants she wore hugged her waist and how good the top she wore looked on her, but turned his thoughts back to why she was following them both.


"Hey there Roy," she calmly said, moving a few strands of her bright blue hair out of her face. She wore tight jeans, and a red top with a flower on the stomach area. Inside the flower, there were the words "My style, My Life..."

The peppy, cute girl turned to Shawn, smiling. He hid a smile as he 'checked her out'. He dismissed the thought. Why would a pretty trainer like this girl like him? He waved, and she hugged him. He managed to keep his cool, and she let go.

"He's adorable Roy, is this your brother?" she asked cheerfully.

He nodded abruptly. "This is Shawn. You and him are the same age. Weird huh?" Roy said, nudging Shawn. Shawn felt so embarrassed. Was Roy attempting to get them together for a play date? He was no baby! Shawn murmured, "Yeah bro, real weird..."

The girl giggled. "That's so awesome. My Name is Cyan, Cyan Rivers." The girl, Shawn noticed, was now talking to him again. "Uh, y-yeah, I'm Shawn Maverick."

"Of course silly," she responded, pushing him playfully in the chest with one finger. "Your brother told me already."

Shawn felt miserable. He was making a fool of himself in front of one of cutest girls he'd met. He just stared blankly at Cyan. What a beautiful name...

His thoughts were interrupted by a cry of...joy? He opened his eyes, and saw a Pichu.

"This is Sparky, my Pichu," stated Cyan with a bright smile, releasing two other pokemon. Out came a Jumpluff and Krabby.

"This is Pluffy, my Jumpluff (girl), and Krabby, I didn't name him. He's fine the way he is." Shawn picked up Pichu and smiled. It was cute, he had to admit. He placed it on the ground and released Cubone and Sandshrew.

"OOH, they're both so great," she shouted, admiring them, and Cyan picked up both of Shawn's pokemon, hugging them to her stomach lovingly, then placed them down on the ground next to her Pokemon, who all began to shake with their bodyparts they could shake with, as not all of them had hands.

"Well," Roy began, "We both..."

Cyan looked up from the cute Sandshrew that she was feeding a pokechow block.

"We have to go Cyan," he finished, a tad bit of irritation in his voice. She nodded, smiling still, and the two returned their pokemon. The three parted ways, and Cyan's eyes locked onto Shawn's as they walked on seperate paths. Shawn thought then, for that one fantastic moment, that Cyan liked him.

The two siblings reached the fork in the road, and Roy stared questioningly at Shawn. Shawn nodded.

"I want to take the trolley," he spoke up, pointing to the left dirt road.

They progressed down the road, and after a few yards, the dirt road ended at a trolley station. Two tall men with well-kept beards, overalls, and working gloves, stopped at the station, with grins on their faces as they stepped out of the trolley.

"Roy, m'boy," said one rather tanned man.

"How's it going Victor?" replied Roy, and they high-foved. "Meet my brother Shawn."

Victor gripped Shawn's hand in a tight shake, and Shawn grinned. For the first time in Tohan, he felt respect from someone. It felt good to know he was respected, as they boarded the trolley.

"Hit it Gunther," shouted Victor.

"GUNTHER?" yelled Shawn in shock.

"Yep, that's me kid," replied Gunther with a hearty laugh, patting Shawn's head, and walking into the driving section of the trolley, the worn out door swinging violently. The dilapidated structure looked like a weak kick could cause it to collapse, yet it stayed connected to the opening in between the two parts of the vehicle.

"But-how is..?" Shawn attempted to speak, but he was too confused to say anything properly. Gunther was supposed to be miles away at his gym!

"Gunther took a break from leading the gym when he heard Hank was sick today and couldn't help out with the service," Victor explained, noticing Shawn's scrunched up facial expression.

Shawn slowly nodded and sat. He was secretly afraid of Gunther, and he seemed even more menacing up close. His bulging muscles rippled, and Shawn noticed the fake beard Gunther wore just to look like Hank and Victor did. This was going to be a strange ride.

Halfway during the ride, Victor and Roy began to sing "She'll Be Comin' 'Round the Mountain." Shawn could never have felt more miserable than he did now. He sunk down onto the floor, shutting out all noise and trying to focus on what pokemon he would catch. Dalavert plaza became visible when Shawn looked outside. There was a beach he had forgotten about at this area as well (Rowan Beach, named after George Rowan, an expert breeder).

Merchants would be giving away Chimecho's, Ivysaurs, and maybe even a Beldum would be sold, a pokemon whose last stage, most people would prefer to have on their side.

Shawn decided he would go look for pokemon on the beach after the festival and train for a while. Maybe Roy would tell him where to get a grass type? How far would he have to go before he found a hat stall to protect him from the ultraviolet rays? They were scorching him, and he now had a sunburn on his neck.

Gunther found the station, and Shawn hurried off as Roy and Victor ended a fifth round of "She'll be Comin' 'Round the Mountain." He now hated that song! It drove him crazy, and he just wanted leave behind Gunther's aura of menace and train for when he challenged him.

Roy left the trolley FINALLY, and the two waved to Gunther and Victor as they reached the Plaza. There was a loud cawing sound. The stand owners jerked their heads up. The Murkrow were here. Shawn jumped in exicitement at the sound. It was time for the festival.

ProtrainerEon

[PM me for my e-mail!]






PC Cousin: Hayate
PC Brother: Banov
Seen June 11th, 2021
Posted August 6th, 2010
322 posts
16.9 Years
Roy walked with Shawn over to a marble-rimmed fountain, and the two siblings sat and watched as the Murkrow flew down to the ground in clusters of charcoal-black feathers. Shawn stood, eyeing a lone Murkrow that seemed not to like crowds of its kind.

"What are you doing Shawn?" Roy asked him. Shawn's blonde hair seemed to respond to his emotions, as it sprang up in the air when he stood, full of determination.

"I'm catching that Murkrow," he whispered, eyes locked on the bird. He allowed his two Pokemon a chance to get a good look at the opponent.

***
"Pfft! Pushover," Sandshrew boasted.

"I dunno, he may know Aerial Ace."

"Surrre Cubone. Lighten up. Let's get ready to fight."

"Hmmph, whatever."

END POKELINGO

"Cubone," Shawn began with a shaky voice, "Try Bonemerang!"

Cubone stepped forward hesitantly, and threw its bone with precise aim. Precise aim, however, if it weren't for the fact that Murkrow had flown up a few feet just when Cubone attacked (It wasn't aware of the attack).

"Cuuubone!" Cubone cried out in frustration, catching its bone as it sailed through the air. Shawn seems pleased, Cubone thought to itself, as it waited for a command.

"All right," Shawn said, smiling as a strategy formed in his mind. "Sandshrew, rock blast, and Cubone use Bone Club!"

Murkrow pointed its beak, and charged at Cubone, irritated to have been disturbed when it did no harm to the creature or its master. Cubone jumped into the air, and struck outward with its bone. Murkrow delflected that with wing attack, causing the bone to slip out of Cubone's grasp.

Murkrow's ink-black feathers ruffled as it flapped its wings in protest of the unnecessary attack against it. Next, it lunged forward, head first, at Cubone.

Drill peck did terrible damage, as the ticked off bird slammed its beak repeatedly into Cubone's stomach. What Murkrow felt right after this onslaught shocked and hurt it very much. Small, solid objects banged against it repeatedly. Sandshrew had helped out with Rock Blast attack! This double-teaming was unfair!

"Now scratch," Shawn ordered Sandshrew as Murkrow came at it. The little shrew came through for Shawn, as it raked Murkrow's face with its tough-skinned paws. Murkrow flew back several feet, obviously attempting to get away. This did not work, as the miserable bird was whacked on the top of the head twice with a bone. Bone Club sure was painful!

"Great Job," praised Shawn. "Finish up with headbutt, both of you!"

Sandshrew and Cubone obeyed, ramming into...each other? Murkrow had flown upwards, and was now angrily rushing down at them with an Aerial Ace attack. Its wings were spread wide, and its body was now somewhat streamlined as it neared their location.

"Oh no," Shawn panicked. "Try to dodge that!"

It was too late. Murkrow knocked the two to the ground as its wings collided with them. "Shrewww!" Sandshrew yelled in pain, slamming onto the ground.

Cubone stopped its fall with its bone, but soon felt air pushing it back with much force. Gust attack swept it off its feet, and the small creature soared through the air, landing in Roy's lap. Roy placed Cubone on the ground carefully.

"You ok? Can you battle?" asked Roy attentively.

Cubone nodded slowly, rubbing its head where it had been hit with Aerial Ace. Roy, running a hand through his inherently smooth locks, said, "Good. I guess you should hurry and help Sanshrew then."

Cubone smiled, turning to run over and help its battle partner. Shawn looked on hopefully, waiting for the right moment to toss the pokeball.

By the time this all happened, Sandshrew was on its feet. The two opponents of different types tackled each other many times, with energy packing the punch in their headbutt attacks. Sandshrew messed up, tripping, and being knocked down once more by a headbutt attack.

Just as Murkrow got ready to unleash a powerful Gust attack on the foe, Cubone jumped in front of it. The determined Cubone struck out with its bone, whic glanced off the side of Murkrow's beak. In response, Murkrow cut Cubone's skull mask with its talon. Sandshrew managed to stand yet again, and charged its enemy with quick attack.

Murkrow was slammed into forcefully, and drifted to the ground. In mid-air, it began to fly again, surprising Sandshrew with a peck barrage. Sandshrew landed painfully, defeated. Cubone used its last ounce of strength to attack with Mega Punch. Its balled up fist came to a stop as it hit Murkrow.

"Okay," Shawn whispered, panting. He readied his pokeball. "I'm gonna catch you. Go pokeball!"

The sphere shone in the sunlight as it sailed through the air, opening to suck Murkrow inside it. The ball of power hit the ground flashing red, and shaking. After several grueling seconds of anticipation, the item stood still, no longer glowing.

"Wow," Shawn said, sinking to his knees. "I-I...caught a Murkrow! And a strong one at that."

Roy slung an arm around Shawn proudly. "Good job," he congratulated him, and the four sat on the edge of the fountain again, watching the Murkrow. Sandshrew tried to stay up, but soon dozed off.

Sandshrew blinked, groaning, as a sweet liquid was sent on a journey down its throat. Its now papery lungs boomed with life as it's breathing became less shallow. This must be what his family had told him about, the mysterious "potion".

"Drink up," Shawn urged, pouring more potion into Sandshrew's mouth. Were they...at a pokemon center? How much had it missed?

Sandshrew sat upright, refreshed. "Hey, you're better!" That was Shawn's voice. Or at least Sandshrew thought so...?

"Oh, this silly thing," the person Sandshrew was gazing at murmurred. Their face peeled off, and Shawn's was in its place! What was going on?

"I bought this Lance impersonation mask at the festival. It has only just begun if you feel like heading back," he said to Sandshrew. Sandshrew nodded, now understanding, and they left the pokemon center to join Roy, Cubone, and Roy's Pokemon at the Murkrow festival. What fun they would have...
ProtrainerEon

[PM me for my e-mail!]






PC Cousin: Hayate
PC Brother: Banov