A Hero Emerges

[Yami86]

Disclaimer: Pokemon is belongs to it's respective owners, Nintendo, Gamefreak and 4 Kids entertainment. Yu-Gi-Oh and the Trading Card Game belong to Konami and Upper Deck Entertainment. This fanfiction was written for recreational purposes. No copyright is intended.

"talk" - Normal speech
think - Thoughts
//blah blah// and \\blah blah\\ - telepathy
[random stuff] - pokemon speech
<yap yap yap> good conscience
>woof woof woof< evil conscience

Setting: The setting for this story is different to your standard Kanto, Johto and Hoenn Leagues. This League is called the Cosmo League, and there some differences to the normal three (just to make it a little realistic). Aspiring trainers can begin their journey at two points of their life: beginning at high school (before 7th grade starts, 11-12 years old) and upon graduation (finishing 12th grade, 17-18 years old). Those who start at 11-12 don't attend high school, however there is a condition that is put upon them. As well as a pokedex, trainers of this age are given an E-book. Every day, school notes and homework are downloaded into the E-Book. It's up to them to read these notes and do the homework, because every month the students have to attend a pokemon centre and do tests. If they don't get the required 50% pass level, they are forbidden to leave the pokemon centre until their grades improve, or their license and pokedex may be cancelled. It's a hard life, but half of the Pokemon League trainers start at this age

For those beginning at 17-18, since they've finished high school, they do not have to study via an E-Book. They can choose when they go to university (according to their grades), but bear in mind, their high school grades expire in 5 years, so they must finish their journey within that time. If they don't, they have to sit high school final exams again if they plan on doing tertiary education. The other 50% of League trainers begin at this age. Every 6 months, all trainers who want to begin their journey recieve one starter pok?mon, five free pokeballs and two free potions, regardless of age. In this world, $1=100P (Pok?dollars).

The characters in this story are fictional, however Louis Estrada (me), my family and Lilith Arashi are actually real. The characters Louis and Lilith are pretty much reflections of us two in real life, so if you have a problem with the way these two are portrayed, I'm sorry, but that's the way we are. I now rate this fic R just to be on the safe side

Now, let the story commence.

Chapter 1 "Space Boy" -From the Initial D, Version 2 Soundtrack

Friday the 13th. This day had often be hailed as the unluckiest in the year, but not for one hardy soul, who was in his backyard, practicing his katas. His name, was Louis Estrada, 17 years old. He had finished High School a few weeks ago, and now he was going to begin his pokemon journey! Louis looked at himself. He stood at 180 centimetres, and weighed 90kg. He had short black hair that usually spiked bakwards, dark brown eyes and lightly tanned brown skin. While Louis was no body builder, he had a mild muscular tone to his body as a result of his training. Despite of this, Louis was your average smart-but-also addicted-to-martial-arts-and-pokemon kind of person. He really wanted to be a trainer, but he also wanted to make sure he got into university when he finished. In the early hours of the morning, Louis was executing some snap punches while at the same time fanatasing...

(Day-Dream sequence)
Ladies and Gentlemen! Presenting your new Pokemon League Champion! Let's give a hand to Louis Estrada!
Louis was being applauded by hundreds of thousands of people...he had just defeated the Elite 4...he had become champion...people were shouting and applaurding...boys wanted to get his autograph...girls wanted dates...a particularly pretty girl went up to him, and moved her face close to his...
(End sequence)

"I LOVE BEING CHAMPION!!!!" yelled out Louis to no-one in particular.

"Shut up, idiot!!!" a sleepy neighbour yelled out.

Red-faced, Louis decided to call it quits for one day. Putting away his equipment into the garden shed his dad had built, he trudged his way back to his house. As soon as he got in, the aroma of bacon, eggs and rice assailed Louis' nose. His mom and dad had woken up early, just to see him off on this very special day. Since his dad was setting up the table and his mom was cooking the last portions of breakfast, Louis decided to sit down and relax. After another five minutes, the three member Estrada clan had all sat down. However, he had two younger sisters, but they were overseas as exchange students. I wish they were here to see me off...I miss them Louis thought sadly They began helping themselves to breakfast, while Louis' mom spoke,

"Louis, you're growing up so much. It seemed only yesterday that you first began school. And now...you're...going away...to follow your dreams..." said Mrs Estrada, whose voice was racked with tears. His dad wasn't that much different.

"My boy...you've made us so proud...a 95% average in your exams! You can pursue your archaeological career you've always wanted, once you finish...I'm going to miss having you around," said Mr Estrada, who rubbed his eye. Louis casully chewed on a piece of bacon in response. ****, thought Louis, They're really taking this hard. I wish they didn't, I'm having second thoughts now.... Louis shrugged off his parent's comments, saying,

"Thanks mom, dad, for your faith in me. I'll make you even prouder when I become the Cosmo League champion." This was too much for Louis' over-emotional parents, and they exploded into a sea of tears. Louis was about to get teary eyed himself, but managed to save face when he announed to his parents that he needed to get ready. After another 10 seconds of hardcore crying, his mother said,

"Of course, you must look your best *sniff*. Go get changed, your father and I will finish packing your bag." Louis smiled at his parent's concern and replied,

"Sure mom. I'll be ready in about half an hour."



After taking a 10 minute shower and drying off, Louis put on his clothes. He pulled on some black cargo pants and a black singlet. Louis also put on a white polo t-shirt but he didn't button it up. After this he put on his black leather shoes, a black dog collar around his neck, and a silver chain around his left leg of his pants. Louis then hurried back into the bathroom, and applied gel to his shiny black hair, making it spike backwards. Louis then examined himself in the mirror.

I hope I look ok. This is my favourite set of clothes, and my appearance can easily influence a person's judgement. Well, at least I don't look like a freak. Maybe...she'll give me some extra notice, now that we're trainers...

Louis shook his head. Now was not the time to be fantasising about the one girl he always hung out with! Louis walked into the Estrada household's garage' he needed some time alone.
Meanwhile, the Mr and Mrs Estrada had just finished packing Louis' stuff when they saw him walk into the garage. They exchanged knowing looks.

"He probably wants some time alone," said Mr Estrada

"But he's our son! Let's show that we're always supporting him!" replied Mrs Estrada in an over-zealous tone. Mr Estrada, fearing his wife's wrath should he not comply with her demand, nodded meekly and followed Mrs Estrada to the garage. Outside the roller door, they heard portions of Louis' voice,

"In life...such short time..."
"Going to miss...a lot..."
"Will I ever see...again?"

Overcome with emotion, the matriarch and partriarch of the Estrada family opened the garage door and ran inside to comfort their son. They found their son talking and hugging (if it was humanly possible) his 1995 Mazda RX-7 Type R. The two face-faulted, anime style. When they got back up, evil looks were on their faces.

Traitor!!! Mrs Estrada screamed mentally
After all we've done for you!!! Mr Estrada thought, seeing red

Louis turned around and looked at his parents, who were looking pretty pissed off. For someone as 'smart' as himself, he didn't notice this. Rather, he gave them a sad smile and said,

"I...hoped you wouldn't find me like this. Since Angeline and Katrina aren't here, I was reduced to telling my car how I felt. Sad, isn't it? Telling an inanimate object how lonely I'll be without my family."

Mr and Mrs Estrada's rage vanished in a moment. They rushed over their son, and gave him bone-breaking hugs. Louis was in so much pain, he didn't really pay attention to the ravings of his over-emotional parents.

"*Sob*...how could we have doubted you..."
"Kiddo...you're such a softie, at heart..."

After two minutes of torture, Mr Estrada went back into the house. He returned to the garage, holding Louis' backpack. He said to Louis,

"I imagine your going to take your RX-7 for one last ride?" Louis nodded.

"Yeah, I want to take it to the Lab. Could you pick it up there?"

"Sure, Louis," said Mr Estrada. Mrs Estrada interrupted,

"Ok, you have everything you need here. I know you love that set of clothes you wear, so I packed in several sets in your bag. Make sure you change your underwear everyday!..." Louis blushed, while Mr Estrada snickered, "...your mobile phone is fully charged, and make sure you don't blow the 30,000P we're giving you in one go." Louis' jaw hit the floor.

"That much money! ****!!!!"

I'm rich! Rich rich rich!!!

Mr Estrada nodded and said, "Do you know how expensive that car of yours is? What we're giving you is pocket change," He looked at his watch, "It's 8:30 now. You better get going, son." Louis nodded.

"Yeah, I should."

Louis put his bag in the passenger seat of his RX-7, while his parents opened the gate. When they returned, Louis gave them one last hug, before whispering,

"I'll be back. As champion. I promise you that." His parents were so moved by this simple statement, they gave him their warmed, non-painful hug without words. Louis got into his car, started it up, and reversed out of the driveway and onto the road. He looked at his parents one last time, a tear sliding out of his eyes. He gave them a final wave, recieving one in return, before he sped off.

"Be safe, my child," said Mr and Mrs Estrada in unison...

 

[Yami86]

Chapter 2 "Stop your self-control" -Marko Polo


As Louis drove towards the Pokemon Lab, he took a look at the surroundings he drove in. This town, his home town, was called Alpha Town, "The beginning of all journeys." It was a quiet, suburbian type town, altough it was quite large, with a population of 170,000. The green trees seemed to line up on the street the Louis drove in, like a red carpet (but green). As he took a right turn, he saw some youngsters, probably both 14, battling with their pokemon. Louis relished at this sight, because it reminded him of the reason why wanted to be a pokemon trainer so badly. He wanted to become the Champion. Maybe even becoming a Pokemon Master! And he'll do it by raising a team of pokemon with love and care. So engrossed was Louis in his thoughts that he barely noticed an Alakazam teleport on the road. When he finally got to his senses, he realised it was too late to brake. ****! Please, let this work!!! Louis jammed the brakes of his car and veered sharply to the left, so his car was now head towards the curb. As soon as he passed the Alakazam, he swerved around it and came to a stop. Lucky there was no traffic whatsoever He got out of his car, to check on the Psychic Pokemon he almost ran over.

Funny, he thought, It didn't make a move. Why? It should've gotten out of the way...

Louis walked up to the Alakazam and began speaking to it,

"Hey? You! Alakazam? Are you alright, or something? Did I hit you?"

The Alakazam replied with a long string of "Ala Ala Alakazam Ka Kazam" [Idiot! Are you trying to kill me! Apologise!] Louis shook his head. He wagged his finger around and said,

"Can't understand you. Where's your trainer?" The Alakazam responded by throwing one of it's spoons at Louis.

"Kazam Ala Ala!!!" [Eat this, idiot!!!] The spoon collided with Louis' forehead. So much for his martial arts training.

"OOWWW!!!! WHAT THE **** WAS THAT FOR?!?!"

"Kazam!" [Idiot!]

"WHO THE **** CALLED ME AN IDIOT?!?!" The Alakazam's eyes widened.

"Ala Ala Kazam Kaz Ala" [No...it can't be...surely not...]

"Is everything ok here?"

Louis and the Alakazam turned around to the voice. It belonged to a beautiful young woman, proabaly a few years older than Louis was. She stood around 177cm, had lightly coloured skin, sparkling lavender eyes and long purple hair that reached her waist. She had a figure a supermodel would kill for. She wore a simple pink long sleeved shirt with the words "Omega City" at the back and blue jeans. Louis gaped. She was, no words could properly describe her, beautiful. After the Alakazam greeted this young woman, it used its psychic power to lift Louis's jaw off the ground and back to his mouth, which Louis rubbed absently. The young woman smiled, and said,

"My name is Cassandra. That is my Alakazam. I just taught it teleport, but I think its technique is off, no?"

"HOLD UP?! Are you a trainer?" replied Louis

"That I am."

"Oh, sorry, forgot to introduce myself. My name is Louis. I'm starting my pokemon journey today."

"Is that so? That is pleasing to hear." Louis blushed at this

"Uhh, sorry about your Alakazam. I didn't mean to try and hit it, or annoy it, or whatever." Cassandra laughed

"Silly, don't worry about it. If anything, it's my fault. I wasn't paying attention to it while I was training it, so it teleported out of my sight. I should be thanking you," Cassandra said softly, giving Louis a warm smile, "For not running it over. Any other person would not have reacted fast enough. I am indebted to you. My Alakazam was my first Pokemon, and I truly care for it's well being."

"Well, if I had been paying attention to the road, this mess wouldn't have happened."

"Have we finished apologising?"

"I'll shut up now." Cassandra smiled coyly, raising Louis' body temperature to alarming levels.

"I should be going now. It was a pleasure to meet you Louis, it truly was. I hope our fates cross again." Louis nodded mutely, his voice failing him. Wow...not even Lilith is as pretty as her... Cassandra returned her Alakazam to its pokeball, before waving at Louis and walking away. In her mind, she sent out a telepathic message \\Farewell, Louis\\ Cassandra almost tripped over when Louis shouted back, "Farewell to you too, Cassandra."

Louis got back into his RX-7, and drove the rest of the way to the Pokemon Lab without incident. He parked his car under the spot his father would easily find, before he picked up his bag and locked up. He strode over to the entrace of the lab was and was about to open it when a sweet, melodious voice reached his ears,

"Good morning, Louis."

Louis turned around and saw none other that his childhood/best friend, Lilith Arashi. As girls go, Lilith was extremely beautiful. Cassandra is still a bit better, I think thought Louis. Lilith was 175cm tall, had creme coloured skin, deep liquid blue eyes and lush, chocolate brown hair that cascaded down to the middle of her back. For a 17 year old, her figure was very well developed, borderline sexy. Although Louis still considered Cassandra hotter, Lilith was still a sight for sore eyes. Today, she wore a baby blue tank top, dark blue jeans and a thin white jacket. Louis blinked. Lilith was never this beautiful before...?"

(Louis' mind)
Inside Louis' head were was a chibi version of himself, in between a female blonde angel and a female black-haired demon. Both the beautiful beings were Louis' Good and Evil personas.

>You like her, don't you?< asked Evil slyly
Yeah, I do, said Louis
>Well, be a man and do something about it. Kiss her...or even take it to the next level!< Evil smiled
<No! Don't be a fool, Louis!> interrupted Good
>What's so foolish about showing someone that you love them< Evil asked angrily
<Outright kissing them is not the way it works! Take it slowly!> raged Good
You're right, said Louis. Evil muttered something under her breath, which sounded a lot like 'coward'
(exit mind)

Lilith blinked. Louis had been standing still for about a minute. She was about to inquire about his well-being when he suddenly said,

"Err...sorry Lilith. Good morning. Didn't mean to space out on you." Lilith smiled warmly

"Forgiven, Louis. Now let's go inside!" Lilith grabbed onto Louis' arm with a vice like grip and dragged the poor guy inside the lab.

Any casual observer who saw these two would immediately now that they were close. And they were. Maybe it was because they had become best friends at 5 years old. Maybe its because they both stayed together through their whole lives. Maybe it was because they shared the same birthdate?! Louis and Lilith were both born on July the 22nd, 1986, Louis being half an hour older. These three factors created a bond between that two, never to be broken. While Louis did think fondly of his best friend, Lilith's train of thoughts were different. Ever since they started high school, she had fallen in love with him. It showed, whenever a girl tried to ask out Louis she would drive them away. Whenever a guy would ask herself out, she would blow them off so badly she often referred to as an ice queen. She did all of this in the name of love. Of course Lilith was too shy to let her feelings show directly and Louis, being a male, was too dense to notice.


The two walked together inside the pokemon lab, where the famous 30 year old Professor Leonardo Gannymede was messing around with a group of pokeballs on a table. Louis smiled at Lilith warmly, causing her to blush softly

"Know what pokemon you're going to get? I'm aiming for a fire type, myself."

"Me? I am going for a water type. They seem very reliable."

"Heh, if I didn't know better, I'd say you were trying to out-do me by type advantage, freak." Lilith pouted at the last comment, but smiled all the same. If anyone else said that, she would've been highly offended, but from Louis, it was a term of affection. Mainly because Lilith, being a pure-blooded Japanese, was born with natural brown hair and blue eyes. She was always self-concious about this, although Louis couldn't really see what was wrong with it. They waited patiently for Professor Gannymede to finish his adjustments, when the said professor turned around with a big smile on his face.

"Hello friends!!! Bwa ha ha!!! It's that day again!!! It's the start of a journey!!!" Gannymede cried out, and the pressed a button. Streamers and confetti burst out of the ceiling, and a masstive banner fell out, with the words 'Congratulations, new trainers!' Gannymede chuckled, before focusing his attention on Louis and Lilith. He said,

"You two, are you ready? You've got your official license?" Louis and Lilith nodded, "Ok! Now time to choose your first pokemon! Although some others have left earlier, we still got tons left! Ladies first! Lilith gets first pick!!!" Gannymede danced out of the way, and Lilith moved forward to the table. She examined the six pokeballs on the table for a few moments, before she picked one up.

"I choose you! Go!"

A blue mud-fish like pokemon emerged. It said, "Mudkip kip!" [Hello trainer!]

Gannymede beamed happily and said, "That's Mudkip, the mud-fish pokemon. The fin on it's head acts like radar, so it can sense things without its eyes! HOW COOL!!!!!! Nice choice, Lilith!" Lilith smiled, and picked up her Mudkip. She stroked it, and the little pokemon shrilled happily in response.

"Ok, Louis, you're next!!! YEAH!!! DESTINY AWAITS!!!"

Louis stepped forward, and looked at the remaining five pokeballs.

C'mon, I need something good, a fire type! Wait! That ball with the flame symbol! OHH YEAHH!!!

Louis picked up the pokebal, and threw it, saying,

"Pokemon, come out!" A orangy-yellow chick emerged, not standing steadily. It looked up at Louis and chirped,

"Torchc! Tor tor chic!" [Are you my trainer?] Louis wasn't really paying attention, because he was too occupied with the fact that he now had a pokemon of his own. He let out a massive whoop and jumped in the air. Lilith laughed while Professor Gannymede cartwheeled around the room.

"Yeah Louis! You picked Torchic, the chick pokemon! That thing's hotter than my girlfriend! It can breathe out super-hot fireballs, so it can scorch your opponents black! UTTER DEVESTATION!!!! BWA HA HA!!!!" Louis picked up Torchic and scruffled its feathers. Torchic chirped happily in response. Louis and Lilith then returned their pokemon to their pokeballs, and placed the balls in their belts. Gannymede presented the two with their bags and said,

"Heya lovebirds" Louis and Lilith blushed, "I stuffed your bags with the basic trainer supplies! YES, THAT MEANS FREEBIES!!! And you both get a Pokedex! It records stuff down about pokemon. It's an electronic dictionary! And I've also thrown in PokeNav MKIIs as well! AND I DON'T KNOW WHAT IT DOES! SO READ THE INSTRUCTION BOOK!!! WOOHOO!!!!!"

"Thanks professor," said Louis and Lilith together

"No problemo!!! Oh, and you gotta do one more thing!"

"What's that professor?" asked Lilith politely. Professor Gannymede smirked and said,

"You're both new trainers. You've both got your first pokemon. What else would you do in this kind of situation? You've gotta battle! YEAH!!! IT'S TIME TO RUMBLE!!!"

Louis and Lilith stared at each other. Dark brown eyes met deep blue. The two childhood friends were ready to face off...



Feel free to post your reviews. Praises and criticisms are all accepted :)

 

[PokemonMaster]

You should also put COPYRIGHT OF YUGIOH.....Your title is a Trap Card in the card game, but you should know that since your Yami.....*Says sarcastically* :D

 

[Yami86]

Argh! Got me there. Thanks for the tip, because seriously, there could be some Konami official reading this story right now, ready to sue me. So, how is my story? I mean, it's the first I've written, so I hope it's not too bad...

 

[Yami86]

Chapter 3 "Crazy For Love" -Initial D Stage 3 soundtrack


Louis and Lilith looked at each other, their hands straying to their pokeballs. In the 13 years they had known each other, never did they think that they would eventually fight. Even Professor Gannymede stopped his rant about the wonders of pokemon battles to observe the two in action. Louis was torn. Should he swallow his pride and forfeit to Lilith, to show no hard feelings? Or should he fight, and show her what he's got?

(Louis' mind)
<Oh...what a situation...> Good said in a soft voice
>What are you talking about, stupid? It's an opportunity to show her his 'manly' side< Evil sneered
<But by beating her? Your friendship is at risk!!!> Good replied
>Doesn't matter, as long as he gets her love it's all that matters!!!< Evil shot back
<No Louis! Don't battle her!> cried out Good
I have to...if I back out now, then I lose the right to call myself a man! stated Louis defiantly
>That's more like it< Evil purred softly, but her tone of voice carried a hint of pride.

(exit mind)

During this time, Louis did not break his line of sight to Lilith.

"Are you ready, Lilith?" asked Louis quietly as he drew out the pokeball with Torchic

"Are you?" replied Lilith in an equally soft voice as she drew Mudkip's pokeball. Then, without notice, both trainers threw their pokeballs and called forth their pokemon.

"Torchic, go!"

"Mudkip, go!"

The two pokemon stood their ground against each other in Gannymede's lab. Since they were still young Gannymede doubted they would do too much damage, so he let the battle continue. The pokemon, however, looked sad.

[I don't want to fight you] chirped Torchic sadly.

[Neither do I, but we must follow our trainers command] squeaked Mudkip gloomily. Immediately after Mudkip's statement, Lilith broke the ice and shouted out her command.

"Mudkip, use your tackle attack!" Mudkip let out a shrill cry, before it charged towards Torchic head-first

"Torchic, jump to the side!" Torchic let out a startled chirp as it hopped to one side just before Mudkip's tackle made contact. Torchic was now behind Mudkip.

"Torchic, hit it with a peck attack! Aim at its head fin!" Torchic hopped up to Mudkip and smacked Mudkip's head with its tiny beak multiple times. Mudkip squeaked out in pain. Lilith was shocked.

"No! Mudkip, knock Torchic away!" Mudkip headbutted Torchic, knocking the fire type away from it. At this point, Louis and Lilith both decided to end the match.

"Mudkip, Water Gun!" Mudkip sucked in breath, before firing a stream of water at Torchic.

"Torchic, Use Ember to evaporate the water!" Torchic opened its beak and fired off several fireballs. The two attacks collided, and vapor filled the room. Professor Gannymede groaned.

"Aww man! My books are gonna be ruined...What?!" He cried out, as he saw the state Torchic and Mudkip were in , "Torchic and Mudkip are both down! This match is a draw!" Louis and Lilith ran to their respective pokemon, cradling them in their arms.

Gannymede shook his head, and said in an imperious voice,

"They are exhausted. Give them to me. I will heal them." Both trainers were caught out with Gannymede's uncharacteristic order, and did so without comment. The two left the lab with their bags to await the rejuvenation of their pokemon. As they stood side to side outside the lab, no words were exchanged. The silence was unbearable for Louis, so he decided to break the ice first,

"Great battle, right Lilith?" Lilith looked at Louis with some surprise.

"Yes...I suppose it was. A draw, hmmm? Fitting, seeing as we were both born on the same day..." Lilith said absently.

"So...next time we battle, our pokemon will be stronger?"

"Maybe they will be. If we become stronger, anything can happen."

Louis was shocked. She was never this cold to him. Was it a mistake for me to battle her? She's never been like this! Usually she says not to worry about it!!! From the corner of his mind, he could hear a voice saying <I told you so...>

Lilith, on the other hand, was just as shocked. Since when did Louis ever care for anything more than her?! Why?! He would always comfort me whenever I'm feeling down. Why does he not do so now? Grr, I know why... Lilith scowled

They stood quietly for the next 10 minutes until the lab door burst open, and Professor Gannymede ran out, huffing and puffing, "There! I've healed your pokemon! Don't be so hard on them next time, they're just babies!!!"

"Sorry professor," the two trainers said simultaneously. Gannymede struck a pose and said in a proud voice, "Ahh, it's all good! Being told off is good for your health! Now, you two should get going on your pokemon journey!" Louis and Lilith nodded. Louis said in a voice he thought was manly,

"Ok, Lilith, let's go!" Lilith shook her head. Louis face-faulted. Say what?!?! Lilith looked at Louis straight in the eye, and spoke in a calm, almost cold voice,

"Louis...I though you would understand. We are two people searching for the same goal. Unfortunately, there is only room for one Cosmo League Champion. From now on, we're rivals. So, until we meet again..." Lilith turned around and tucked Mudkip's pokeball into her belt. She then walked off without a goodbye.

Needless to say, Louis was shocked and hurt by Lilith's words. I could've sworn I saw something in Lilith's eyes...what was it? Aggression? Hatred? I don't know anymore... Louis stared at Lilith's retreating figure as he unconsciously put Torchic's pokeball back into his belt. Sighing, he was about to leave when a hand on was placed on his shoulder. It belonged to Professor Gannymede. Louis turned to face him. Gannymade said in a quiet voice,"Don't worry about her. It's just a phase all girls go through. It'll pass. Before you know it, you'll be together again." Louis smiled gratefully, but Gannymede continued his serious talk, "Now... for more serious news. I may be a little hyperactive, but I am still an academic. So, there is something I want you to take for me."

"What is it, professor?"

"This." Professor Gannymede drew a parcel out of his pocket and gave it to Louis. Inside, was a cross shaped rock of some sort.

"What on earth is this?"

"What on earth, indeed? This is an artifact that we found from a meteorite that struck Moonlight falls a few months back. Do you remember?"

"Oh yeah, the media were all over it. Luckily no-one was hurt, though. But I find it hard to believe that this rock from a meteorite is in the shape of a perfect crucifix."

"That's the question we must ask. Why were such objects contained within the meteorite?"

"Objects? There were more than one?"

"That's right. Four rocks from the meteor survived the fall and impact. They was a cross, the one you are holding in your hand, a star-shape, a pyramid triangle and a crescent moon shape. We don't know what they do, but our lab has revealed powerful energy waves emitting from the meteor artifacts. It affects pokemon somewhow. Whenever a psychic pokemon touches your cross, its creates a psychic burst of power. When an electric type touches it, a thunder storm erupts. Isn't that weird?"

"It is, but I don't know what its got to do with me, Professor," Louis said, looking confused.

"I'm a busy man, Louis. I need to transport this cross, but I need to do it with someone I trust. You. I need you to take it to the Research Laboratory in Nova City for me, when you get there."

"If you trust me, then I'll do it."

"Excellent. Well, best get started on your journey, Louis. Good luck to you." Professor Gannymede said in a brotherly fashion." Louis threw his car keys to Gannymede, making him look up in puzzlement,

"Huh?"

"Could you take care of my RX-7 until my dad picks it up, Professor?" Gannymede looked like he could cry tears of joy, his serious demeanor gone. "OH YES!!! I LOVE YOUR CAR!!! WOOHOO!!! GOTTA IMPRESS THE LADIES WITH MY DRIFTING SKILLS!!!!"


One hour later, Louis was still shaking his head. My poor car... He was on route 1, headed towards Ceres village. There was no Pokemon gym there, but Louis figured he could take his time to raise his pokemon. Route 1 was a forest route lined with grass, full of bugs like Caterpie and Wurmple and grass types like Bellsprout and Shroomish. Thus, Louis and Torchic had a field day, wasting the grass and bug types with Torchic's peck and ember attacks. Torchic, who and fainted in the battler earlier in the lab just for using an ember, could now fire off multiple ember attacks in succession. Torchic could now hop faster and peck harder, though its feathery body left much to be desired in terms of defence. Louis had used four of his pokeballs to capture a Caterpie, Weedle, Bellsprout and Sunkern, leaving him with one pokeball empty. He was currently debating whether to use it on a Hoppip he just saw when a bird caught his eye. Pulling out his pokedex, he read its analysis,

"Pidgey, the bird pokemon. Though small, it can generate gusts of wind to drive away foes. It also has an excellent sense of direction." Louis' eyes started sparkling with madness.

"I've always wanted a Flying type...Ok! Torchic, go! The chick pokemon burst of it's pokeball and chirped loudly,

[I'm ready, Louis!] Louis pointed at the Pidgey, which had landed on the grass.

"Torchic, use your ember attack! Torchic took a breath in and fired off 7 small fireballs. The poor Pidgey didn't see it coming, and was charred black by the attack. It hooted mournfully,

[Crap...who did that? It really hurt...] Louis pulled out his last pokeball and threw it at the Pidgey.

"C'mon...daddy needs a new Pidgey..." The pokeball struck Pidgey and it was sucked in. The ball rocked once, twice, three times and...bingo! The Pidgey was caught! Louis picked up the pokeball happily and put it in his belt. He then returned Torchic back to its pokeball.

"Thanks Torchic, return," said Louis gratefully as he held out Torchic's pokeball.

[No problemo, trainer Louis!] chirped Torchic proudly as it was sucked in.

"Impressive capture, for a trainer who's had one hour experience," said a sultry sounding voice. Louis' heart started to race, and he turned around to the source of the voice. It was...

Cassandra

Looking as goddess-like as ever

"Cassandra! What are you doing here?" asked Louis with some surprise. Cassandra flipped her purple hair back, dazzling poor Louis with her beauty. She smiled playfully and said,

"Oh, I'm making my way to Omega City. But I thought I'd explore the Cosmo region first. And you, Louis, you are on your pokemon journey?" It was a statement rather than a question. Louis was about to have a nervous breakdown when voices spoke in his head,

>Hey! Are you a man?! Show her that your not weak!<

<I must agree with her on this one. Don't be afraid!>

With these words, Louis straightened his back and replied, in a calm voice, "Yes, I'm beginning my journey. I'm on my way to Ceres Village to rest and restock."

"Really? How convenient! I am going there also. Would you mind if I accompanied you? I will be more than happy to give you tips to become a top pokemon trainer."

Thank you, God! Louis was about to burst into tears of happiness. But he composed himself and said,

"Sure! I'd be happy to have you along. It would be my honour and my pleasure." Cassandra smiled with such happiness that Louis' face turned red with embaressment.

"Thank you, Louis! Shall we get going?" Without waiting for a response, Cassandra grabbed Louis' arm and dragged him off towards Ceres Village.


MEANWHILE


A brown haired, blue eyed 17 year old was also on Route 1, training her Mudkip and capturing the various bug and grass pokemon Route 1 offered. She was, however, deep in thought,

I was completely out of line earlier this morning. Oh, I hope he understands. But I was so mad with what happened this morning...

FLASHBACK

Lilith was being driven by her parents towards Professor Gannymede's lab. She was excited about starting her Pokemon journey, but even more so with Louis. They'd be travelling...together. As her dad's car stopped at an intersection, she looked out of her window and saw a familiar RX-7 in the middle of the road. Lilith immediately recognised it as Louis'. However, the strange thing was Louis was out of his car, standing with an Alakazam and a...girl? But wait! Louis, his face...he was smiling?! AND BLUSHING?!?! But how? Lilith's temper flared at the sight. How dare a stranger to take his attention so...easily!!!

END FLASHBACK

Lilith was still musing her thoughts when she heard someone say, "Thank you, Louis!"

Louis! I can apologise now! Lilith ran towards the source of the sound, but the sight that greeted her turned her blood cold. It was the same purple-haired girl from this morning, with Louis! And she was holding his arm! And Louis was blushing, like he's enjoying it! Lilith's insides pulsed with rage.

"That shameless hussy!!!" shrieked Lilith, "I'll show her! No-one will take Louis away from me!!!" And with that, Lilith stalked down the path to Ceres Village.

 

[TTYO]

Hey this is interesting. keep up the good work

 

[Yami86]

I am glad that you enjoy it, TTYO. Although, I have watch out for typos in the future, because it makes my fanfic look sloppy.

EDIT: 31 mistakes and counting. God, I have to eat more often, writing fanfics on an empty stomach is seriously bad for my health. And I should use Word to correct my fanfic instead of manually picking out mistakes...

 

[Yami86]

Chapter 4 "Remember Me" -Initial D Arcade Stage Version 3


(Route 1 - Ceres Village)

Louis and Cassandra were walking side by side towards the Ceres Village, about 5 kilometres away from their current location on Route 1. Earlier on, Cassandra had asked Louis if she could accompany her to said village, which he readily agreed. In exchange, she would give him tips on training pokemon. Right now, the two were deep in discussion about pokeballs,

"Hey Cassandra, can I ask you something? Why do pokeballs break if it doesn't capture a pokemon?" Cassandra spent a moment thinking of the answer, then smiled and replied,

"Well, a pokeball has two vital parts in it: the restrainer and the locking mechanism. The lock seals the pokeball so the pokemon can't escape. The restrainer modifies the pokemon's physical mass into one that can fit in the ball; that is, one of energy. Now, when you throw a pokeball at a pokemon, the restrainer fires a beam of energy at the pokemon which converts into into its energy form, and sucks it into the ball."

"When the pokemon enters an unused ball, the locking mechanism activates. Problem is, it takes about 3-5 seconds to work. During this time, the pokemon can easily break free. But because the restrainer has converted the pokemon into energy, it takes effort to break out. Once the pokemon breaks out of the restrainer's hold, it converts back into its physical form. This causes the pokeball to break open, since it can't hold in a physical entity. If the pokemon breaks out before the locking mechanism sets in, the lock is destroyed, rendering the pokeball useless." Louis' eyebrow was raised.

So that's why pokeballs break when they fail to catch a pokemon. And after all this time, I thought Constellation Industries were corrupt corporate businessmen who produced faulty goods! Cassandra continued her talk,

"The efficiency of a pokeball depends on the strength of the restrainer it is equipped with. Standard pokeballs have generic restrainers; Great balls have improved restrainers; Ultra balls have high-grade restrainers; and prototype Master Balls have the ultimate restrainers. So Louis, when you are capturing a pokemon, be sure to weaken it to a point so that when your pokeball sucks it in, the pokemon will not have the vitality to break the restrainer's hold, at least long enough for the locking mechanism to set in." Louis grinned as a plan formulated in his head. He said,

"Thanks Cassandra, now I can manage my pokeballs more efficiently. I'll just lay down the cash for a supply of them Ultra balls and Master balls." Louis pumped his fist into the air. Cassandra shook her head, before giggling slightly. Louis' pride deflated somewhat,

"Silly Louis, Ultra Balls are quite expensive. About 1200P each. And Master Balls haven't even been released into the public market yet. But I think their estimated value is around 250,000P." Louis face-faulted at this.

"WHAT?!?! THAT EXPENSIVE?!?!"

"Afraid so, Louis. So plan out how you use your pokeballs of all grades in advance. You'll save more money that way; even pokeballs can capture large pokemon if weakened enough."


Louis and Cassandra continued to talk about pokemon, battle tactics and the like until they reached the sleepy town of Ceres Village. Ceres Village was located on a grassy downward slope, so when Louis and Cassandra arrived, the could see the entire village. Like Alpha Town, it was a typical suburbian town, although there was far more greenery. It seemed like its citizens were more attuned to nature than most people. Cassandra pointed out the pokemon centre to Louis.

"What's a pokemon centre?"

"It's a facility that heals injured pokemon. Also, if you are registered as an official League trainer, you can stay there overnight and eat for free."

"Cool! Money saved is money earned!" As they were about to move forward, a sudden thought hit Louis and he blurted it out,

"Cassandra, how long have you been a pokemon trainer?" Cassandra smiled playfully, and said,

"Three years. I started when I was 17, like you. I specialise in Psychic-type pokemon; my dream is to become a Psychic pokemon master." Louis' eyes widened, and he cried out,

"Seriously?! WOW!!! I didn't know you were such an experienced trainer!!!" Cassandra's face lit up at the comment. She replied,

"I said I was going to teach you the ways of the pokemon trainer, and I never back down from a promise, especially to someone like yourself. (Louis' head looked like a tomato with spikey black hair as Cassandra said this) So, later on, I'll teach you all the advanced tricks of the trade."

Louis and Cassandra walked down the main road and took a left, where a large white building with a round red roof stood. On it, was the symbol of a pokeball. Below the symbol were the words 'Pokemon Centre'. Louis and Cassandra stepped inside. The place was very clean, filled with sofas, chairs, tables and bookshelves. It gave the impression of a warm inn. Behind the centre desk was a pink-haired woman, who seemed to be in charge. Louis walked up to her and asked,

"Hi! Is this the place to get your pokemon healed?" The pink haired woman smiled and replied,

"Yes, this is Ceres Village's pokemon centre. My name is Nurse Joy. Which pokemon need to be treated?" Louis held out two pokeballs.

"Just these two, a Torchic with battle fatigue and a Pidgey with burns." Nurse Joy took the pokeballs and called out,

"Chansey! Two slightly injured pokemon to the recovery ward, please!" A round pink pokemon with an egg pouch entered the room, took the pokeballs, and walked behind the door it first came from. Louis quickly whipped out his pokedex and looked up Chansey's entry,

"Chansey, the egg pokemon. This naturally joyful pokemon is known for taking care of injured pokemon. It lays delicous, nutritious eggs."

So, that is what the egg was for. I wonder what it tastes like, if it's supposed to be so good? Louis looked up at Nurse Joy and grinned, saying,

"Thanks, Nurse Joy. My name is Louis, by the way" The nurse smiled in return.

"Not a problem, Louis. Your pokemon will be ready in about half an hour."

Louis and Cassandra left the pokemon centre. Cassandra told Louis that she needed to run an errand, so she left him for the meantime. Louis deposited the bug and grass type pokemon he caught earlier into the centre's computer (Cassandra has taught him how to do it earlier), before he left the centre. Louis, all alone again, decided to check out the pokemart. According to what his dad said, it sold pokemon-trainer specific items. He bought 20 pokeballs, 5 potions, 2 antidotes and 2 paralyze heals. He stuffed the items into his bag and moved on. During his exploration of Ceres Village, he started thinking about his beautiful best friend...

Lilith...I'm sorry. I was an idiot this morning. I knew you would be sad about having your first pokemon being injured, but I was too stupid to realise that. No, I just had to remind you about the fact that it'll injured even more in the future. If I see you again, I'm gonna apologise like there's no tomorrow...

Louis walked back to the pokemon centre, alone. He missed having Lilith around. He wasn't used to the absence of her gentle smile, her warm touch, her comforting presence. He missed having Lilith by his side, they were supposed to take this journey together. Louis didn't walk in his usual confident self; rather he shuffled his feet like they weighed a tonne. His head was cast down, his face contorted into a sad look, his eyes were feeling watery. Loneliness hit Louis with full force. Not even Cassandra could help Louis' unhappy soul, if she were there.

I miss you so much, Lilith

Louis entered the pokemon centre with his face cleared, so as not to alarm anyone. He recieved his pokemon from Nurse Joy and thanked her for her treatment. She seemed to pick on Louis' depression, but she made no further comment. Louis left for the outskirts of Ceres Village. Here, he began training Torchic and Pidgey against the native Pidgey, Ratatta, Poochyena and Snubble. While his new Pidgey had problems at first, it slow began to gain confidence in battle, as well as get stronger. Torchic, with its previous battle experience, was stronger than before. Louis trained his pokemon for a solid two hours, before calling it quits at 4:00pm in the afternoon. He returned his two pokemon back to their pokeballs. He looked at said pokeballs fondly and said,

"Hey, you guys...you really helped me today. Training pokemon relieves depression, and you two trained hard. I know! Let's get some ice-creams for a break, I saw this ice-cream parlor in Ceres earlier."

Louis returned to Ceres Village and made his way to the ice-cream shop. He bought an ice cream and two poke ice-cream sundaes, before he sat down at a nearby bench. He released Torchic and Pidgey, and presented their morsels to them.

"Hey, you two. You worked hard today. Here's something to cool you off."

[Thanks, trainer Louis!] Torchic and Pidgey chirped in unison. They then proceeded to devour their snacks. Louis watched with a small smile on his face, before he began to eat his ice-cream. Half-way through his snack, he felt something, looking at the back of his head

What? Who's there?

Louis turned around and saw a small, humanoid pokemon staring at him. It was less than a metre tall, coloured green and grey. However, it had red eyes and what appeared to be two red horns on its head. Louis took out his pokedex and analysed the pokemon before him

"Kirlia, the emotion pokemon. This pokemon grows beautiful, according to its trainer's positive emotions. It's highly develped brain allows it to unleash psychic power."

Louis noticed that the Kirlia's line of sight was directed at his ice-cream. Even Torchic and Pidgey stopped eating, to take a look at the psychic pokemon. He grinned, before he presented his ice-cream to the Kirlia.

"You want it?" The Kirlia nodded, and stepped forward. It tentatively took the remnants of Louis' ice-cream and started eating it, apparently feeling happy.

"You like it?" The Kirlia nodded again, and it's face (what was visible, anyway) broke into a smile. When it had finished, the Kirlia surprised Louis by jumping onto his lap.

"You're welcome, I guess." The Kirlia's red eyes stared at Louis intently. Louis could've sworn he heard a voice say Please take me with you, trainer. Louis, slightly shocked, asked the Kirlia,

"Want to come with me?" It was the Kirlia's turn to be shocked, but it nodded nonetheless. Louis drew out one of his pokeballs, and gently dropped it onto the Kirlia's head. Kirlia was sucked into the ball. It made no resistance as the ball rocked three times, and went silent. Louis was jumped off the park bench and into the air, shouting,

"I CAUGHT A KIRLIA!!!" Several elementary school students, who were passing by, almost tripped over. Louis returned Torchic and Pidgey back into their pokeballs, before he headed off to the pokemon centre to wait for Cassandra. As soon as he re-entered the centre, Nurse Joy came up to him,

"Louis, Professor Gannymede rang up, asking for you. He asked if he could talk to you via videophone. Louis nodded. He went to the videophone room, dialed Gannymede's number and waited for a few moments, until Gannymede picked up and activated the view screen. Gannymede looked the same as usual, youthful, short blonde hair, grey eyes, round face and red-rimmed glasses. However his playful personality seemed to have vanished; he once again looked serious as he did when he gave Louis the meteor crucifix.

"Louis, is that you?"

"It's me, professor."

"Are you alone?"

"Yes, why?"

"Just making sure. Remember the cross I gave you?"

"What about it?"

"I have uploaded some notes onto the pokemon centre computer system, concerning the meteor artifacts. I want you to download them off the computer and into your PokeNav. After that, delete the notes off the computer." Louis nodded. He kinda got the hint that these notes weren't something for him to read.

"Good. When you get to Nova City, give these notes to my counterpart there, Professor Hermes, as well as the cross. He'll know what to do with them. I want you to remember this. Trust. No. One. Not even Lilith. The items you are carrying are valuable beyond words."

"Got it. Is that all, professor?"

"Yes. By the way, I recieved some pokemon off you. Very good specimens, I must say; they look like they'll be quite strong with careful training." Professor Gannymede's expression cleared, and once again changed to it's normal, playful form. Louis grinned.

"Yeah, I also caught a Pidgey and a Kirlia as well."

"WOWIE!!! 6 pokemon in one day! One of them being an evolved psychic type! You've got 'it', Louis my boy!"

"How has Lilith done?"

"She's caught 5. Again, another kick-butt effort! How is she?"

"I haven't seen her lately, but I'll catch up to her sooner or later. By the way, how's my car?" Gannymede's face turned into a sad one.

"Your father picked it up earlier. And I was having so much fun..." Louis thanked God for that.

"Ok.. Anyways, I gotta go. Say hello to my parents for me, ok?"

"Sure! Best to you, Louis." With that, the videolink was closed. Louis exited the room and went back to the lobby of the pokemon centre. As Professor Gannymede instructed, he downloaded the notes off the computer and deleted the copy left on the computer. It was a good thing that Cassandra had taught him how to operate his PokeNav MkII earlier on; it functioned as a PDA (Personal Data Assistant). It also contained a map of the Cosmo Region and the contact details of any trainer he met.

Louis sat down on a sofa, waiting for Cassandra to show up. The clock on the wall read 6:00pm. Since none of the other trainers were watching the TV, he deicded to turn it on, and flicked to the news report. The reporter on screen had some interesting news,

"...Just in today, sources have confirmed that Team Zodiac have once again struck the Cosmo Region. We have been getting reports of Zodiac agents infiltrating Constellation Industries Head Quarters in Astro City and the Pokemon Laboratory in Nova City. Although none of these attacks have resulted in theft, we believe that they may be searching for something. The term, 'Project R' has often been repeated by captured Zodiac agents under interrogation, although we don't know what this is supposed to mean. We can only hope the that Cosmo Pokemon Security Agency can defeat these pseudo-terrorists before it is too late..."

Wow...that's something...Hold up! Nova City Pokemon Lab?! Could...could they be looking for the meteor artifacts? CRAP!!! The cross! I have to protect it! No wonder Professor Gannymede was so serious when he told me about it. But why? What the heck would a funny looking space rock be so important? Heh, doesn't matter. All I have to do is to get it to Professor Hermes, not a problem. I just hope Team Zodiac doesn't know I've got the meteor cross.

Louis was musing his thoughts when someone sat next to him. It was Cassandra. She as looked as beautiful as always, yet her lavender coloured eyes were looking unaturally serious at the moment. Louis immediately stopped his musings and gave her his full attention. Cassandra spoke in a soft voice, saying,

"Louis...I need to tell you something. Extremely important. My Alakazam first tipped me off to this. Then, as I travelled with you, my hunches kept getting stronger. Now I know. And now, you have to know as well." Louis started to freak out. He had never seen Cassandra act so seriously.

"What? What do I need to know?!"

"Louis, you're..."


To be continued...

 

[Mr Cat Dog]

The good thing about this is that it's nice and slow. The chapters are also of a good length, so that makes it seem better to a reader. If it goes to fast, it'll seem rushed. And if the chapters are too short, it'll seem just... short really ^_^. You've managed to combine pace with length - Well done.

The main thing I have with this fic is the actual way you describe things. Although you do describe things, many times it seems to be like you're reading off a list. It would sound more realistic if you incorporated the description into the action as well.

Well, that's the only thing really that could be greatly improved. There are some typos (like you said), but I'm sure MS Word will be able to fix those for you. ^_^

 

[Yami86]

Chapter 5 ?Get me Power? ? Initial D, First Stage, Eurobeat soundtrack


?Louis, you?re?a psychic??

Louis stared at Cassandra. The indigo haired beauty stared right back, her gaze never wavering and her lavender eyes completely serious. Louis wanted to say something, but his voice died in his throat.

I?m a psychic? No?that?s not possible?

<I am afraid it is, Louis. You have been all your life> said Good softly

You knew?! Without telling me?!?! mentally exclaimed Louis

<Me and Evil tried to keep it a secret. We did not want to burden you with this. I wanted you to live a good life. Evil is another story>

But?but?I have powers, and I never knew!!!

>Oh, cry me a river Louis. Most people with psychic ability never usually find out they possess the gift. You should feel privileged< sneered Evil, >Now, unless I?m mistaken, the lady in front of you still wants to talk<

Fine?

Louis looked back up at Cassandra. Her eyes looked somewhat wet, as if she were expecting Louis to scream at her. Louis sighed, and asked in a somewhat off-hand voice,

?So?you?re not kidding, aren?t you Cassandra??

?No Louis?I would never lie to you,? whimpered Cassandra. Louis, trying to keep a straight face, couldn?t help but notice Cassandra?s facial expression. It was a sadness that masked a hidden joy. He couldn?t figure out why she would look like that, so Louis decided to phrase his next question carefully,

?Ok?so I?m a psychic, as you say. Don?t be so sad about it. I mean, I?m not the only psychic in the world, right?? Louis tried to flash a confident smile, but it faded away when Cassandra looked at him with teary eyes. Suddenly, she pounced on him, wrapping her slender arms around Louis, while crying on his shoulder.

<Tears of joy? But how?> said Good in disbelief.

>Yes?but Louis, you like the sensation of her body pressing against yours, hmm?< said Evil in her typical seductive purr.

Err?

Louis couldn?t make any intelligible thoughts while Cassandra was embracing him. Why is she crying tears of joy? Was it something I did? Maybe, because she?s a psychic, maybe she sensed the Kirlia I caught earlier? Would that mean anything?

<No, it is something else. Hear her out, Louis>

Louis dismantled himself from Cassandra?s tender embrace. He tilted his head slightly downwards, and he locked eyes with Cassandra. He tentatively asked her,

?What?s wrong? Did I do something stupid?? Cassandra looked back Louis with surprise and awe. She shook her head, and replied softly,

?No, Louis. It?s just?you?re a true psychic. Incredible, I thought I was the only one in Cosmo...? Louis looked confused

?So?there are psychic type pokemon trainers like you, they all have powers. Aren?t I the same?? Cassandra shook her head once more, causing her hair to look like it was ablaze with an indigo flame.

?Louis, there are two types of psychics in the world. Adepts and True Psychics. An adept is a person born with psychic power; most psychics are adepts. Let me dispel a common myth; you do not need to be a psychic to train a psychic pokemon; however, adepts tend to be the best because of the mutual advantage gained by both the adept and the pokemon.?

Louis listened in fascination; he held onto Cassandra?s every word. She continued her explanation, stopping only to draw breath,

?The advantages the psychic pokemon gains are the usual: strength by being trained, and friendship . For the psychic, however, they also gain something in return. You see, an adept may have psychic power, but they can?t use it, unless they are in the presence of a psychic pokemon.? Louis raised an eyebrow, and asked,

?Why? What role does the psychic pokemon play?? Cassandra?s saddened and meek expression changed into a slight smile,

?The psychic pokemon an adept has determines what psychic ability they will develop. For example, if an adept captures a Kadabra, they will develop telekinesis, the ability to move an object without touching it. If, say, an adept has a Gardevoir, then they will develop Extra Sensory Perception, the ability to ?know? things without having to use one?s senses. For this reason, adepts usually train 6 psychic pokemon to maximize their abilities. As an added plus, Ghosts allow adepts to develop powers of illusion, deception and even mind-control and possession. Dark types allow the adept to dominate the mind and to attack with psychic power, like pyrokinesis, the ability to set things on fire. As long as the psychic is within the pokemon?s presence, they can use their psychic power.? When Cassandra explained this, Louis began to fantasize all the cool things he could do with his new-found psychic powers?

(Day-Dream sequence)
Louis was strutting his way down the street of Alpha Town when he spots a small child in the middle of the road, about to get hit by a car?he uses telekinesis to move the child out of the way?he is hailed as a hero?he?s walking down an alleyway when someone tries to roll him?Louis forgoes his martial arts, and sets the assailant aflame with his pyrokinesis?the assailant runs away, screaming like a little girl?

>Get back into reality, you psycho< muttered Evil

Ok, ok?

?What?s the difference between an adept and a true psychic, then?? Louis asked.

?A true psychic has stronger psychic power than your average adept. Using pyrokinesis, an adept may set a tree alight; while a true psychic would probably blow the tree up. Also, while true psychics still need to be in the presence of a pokemon to learn psychic abilities, once learnt and mastered, they can use the ability without having to be in the presence of the pokemon.? Cassandra paused for a few moments to gain her breath, and continued,

?True psychics are extremely rare. In a generation of people, few are adepts, and even fewer are true psychics. I?d say in a single generation, you would probably have, at most, 5 true psychics. Currently, the only true psychics in the world are myself, you, the Elite 4 Trainer Will in the land of Johto and the Gym Leader Sabrina in the land of Kanto.?

?Wow?we?re like masterballs, I guess. Rare and powerful? said Louis thoughtfully. Cassandra giggled, ?Now I see where your dream of becoming a psychic pokemon master comes from?? Cassandra gave Louis a warm, affectionate smile, causing the newly found psychic to blush like a schoolgirl.

The two continued their talk on psychic powers, the hours passing without notice. Most of the trainers did not hang around in the lobby, so Louis and Cassandra?s conversation wasn?t overheard. Nurse Joy came up and served chicken ramen to the two for dinner, so they didn?t have to halt their conversation. Soon, however, the clock struck 10 o?clock. Nurse Joy insisted that the two go to sleep, so after they packed away their bags and put on pajamas, Louis and Cassandra moved towards the sleeping quarters. To Louis? surprise (and joy), there was only one empty room left, consisting of a double bunk bed. Cassandra, after wishing Louis a good night?s sleep, climbed to the top bunk and immediately fell asleep. For Louis, on the other hand, sleep was far more elusive; he was thinking of someone else very important?

(Mental sequence)

Wow?I?m sleeping in the same room as Cassandra?no! No! Must?not?think?dirty...thoughts!!! yelled Louis mentally

>Oh, poor baby. I know what Cassandra means to you. Why don?t you tell her that you like her, hmm? After all, she gets your blood pumping?among other things?< purred Evil seductively.

<Oh no you don?t! What about Lilith?> Good said in response

>Oh, come on, Louis. You have to admit, while Lilith is extremely beautiful, Cassandra is even better?<

Well, I don?t just like a girl for looks. Cassandra, while she?s a goddess, is at the same time smart, friendly and cares a lot for people. Look at me ? she hasn?t known me for a day yet she treats me so well

<True?but doesn?t Lilith treat you just as well?>

I guess?I?ll think it over in the morning

(End Mental Sequence)

MEANWHILE

In the Ceres Village Inn, a 17 year old Japanese girl, often subject to uncomfortable stares because of her hair and eye colour, was lying in her bed, looking extremely sad. She had spent the whole day training her pokemon, but her mind wasn?t in it. She instead had been thinking about her best friend, and her frosty treatment of him before she and him parted ways?

Louis?I?m so sorry. I knew you meant well when you wanted us to travel together. Ha, we always do things together. It?s always been you and me, no-one else. But my pride kept from me doing so. My pride wanted me to prove to you that I am stronger than you. But in the end, I was fooling myself. I never wanted to be stronger than you?I wanted to be your equal. I wanted to take the place that the purple-haired girl took?the one in your heart?

Lilith?s soliloquy ended with a tear sliding down her beautiful, cr?me coloured cheek?

NEXT DAY

Louis woke up early, about 6:00am, only to find that Cassandra had already awaken, and was currently eating some chocolate cereal in the dining room of the pokemon centre. The dining room was quite spacious; the walls were painted cyan blue, while 8 tables, each equipped with 6 seats, were placed in two columns. It was quite busy that morning, since most of the seats were occupied. Louis took the seat next to Cassandra and began helping himself to some scrambled eggs.

?Louis?? Cassandra looked at Louis.

?Jeh? Chu needed shumting, Cashandra?? (Translation: Yeah? You need something, Cassandra?) asked Louis while chewing on his breakfast, Cassandra playfully punched him in the arm, and said,

?I?ve?decided something last night, Louis?? Louis kept chewing his food, while motioning for Cassandra to continue.
>She wants to physically ?show? you how much she loves you!< giggled Evil. Louis nearly choked on that comment

<Do you get your kicks out of torturing poor Louis?!?!> shrieked Good

>It?s a perk that comes with my job< replied Evil loftily

?I?ve decided to accompany you around Cosmo on your pokemon journey.?

Louis swallowed, apparently processing that information. He flashed Cassandra a warm smile, and said,

?Cool, Cassandra! I?d be more than happy to travel with you.?

She?s gonna travel with me! YEAH!!!! OH YEAH!!! ME SO LUCKY!!!

Cassandra smiled indulgently, before enveloping Louis in a warm hug. Again, Louis had defied human capabilities by changing the colour of his face into a bloody red.

?Oh, thank you for letting me come with you, Louis!? cried Cassandra, ?I feel like I?m starting a new pokemon journey! I swear, I?ll be a good traveling companion??

?Easy, easy Cassandra. Don?t give yourself a heart attack. Let?s finish breakfast, and we?ll get going, huh??

The two ate their breakfast, before showering and getting changed into their clothes. Louis once again wore his favourite singlet/polo shirt/pants combo, while Cassandra wore a white and blue blouse and tight purple bike pants. Once again, the psychic trainer had dazzled Louis into muteness.

<You like her outfit, don?t you Louis?!> accused Good

>Give him a break, Good. He?s appreciating her fashion sense. Louis, it complements her curves, hmm?< asked Evil in an innocent voice

Louis could only nod while his two-part conscience began arguing (again).

Louis and Cassandra left the pokemon centre and reached the outskirts of Ceres village. Louis then asked Cassandra where they would be going. She pointed to the crossroads ahead of them.

?There are two possible ways we can go to. Firstly, there?s Route 2, which leads to the Milky Way Mountains, then Route 5, then Gravitation City. The other direction is Route 3, which leads directly to Pulsar City. Both cities have pokemon gyms. The way to Gravitation is longer, but will probably have more wild pokemon along the way. Route 3 is a lot shorter, but there?s less pokemon to be found. Additionally, it?s a popular spot for trainers to hang out, so you could be challenged.? Cassandra then looked at Louis, before tilting her head to the side and saying,

?Where to, oh fearless leader?? Louis prevented himself retorting with a comeback, and instead considered his two options.

I have good pokemon with me at the moment. Gravitation can wait. Right now, we?ll head to Pulsar. Any battle we fight will be good experience for my pokemon, and it?ll be a good indicator of how well they have progressed.

?I?ve decided, Cassandra. We?re off to Pulsar City!? Cassandra gave him a cheeky wink, before leading Louis into the direction of Route 3.

The two trainers walked along the path towards Pulsar city at a leisurely pace. Route 3 was similar to Route 1 because it was full of tall grass and trees, but the main difference was the wild pokemon. There was far more than Route 1 offered. Louis took the time to capture a Rattata, Growlithe, Tailow, and Sudowoodo with the combined efforts of his Torchic and Pidgey. The two pokemon made short work of the wild pokemon due to the training they had the day before, and Louis couldn?t help but feel proud as he analyzed his captured pokemon in his pokedex after two hours of easy searching. Cassandra, however, took a look at Louis? blue, novel-shaped pokedex.

?Hmm??

?What?s on your mind?? Louis asked as he punched a few buttons on his pokedex.

?Who assigned you your pokedex? The design is a little different to mine.?

?Professor Gannymede, when he gave me Torchic.?

?Professor Gannymede?? asked Cassandra in some confusion, ?I?ve never heard of him.?

?Yeah, well he?s kinda young, you know. He specializes in research of Pokemon powers and abilities.? Cassandra widened her eyes somewhat, obviously impressed.

?That?s a very difficult field, he must be smart. Wait...? Cassandra held her hand up, as a sign for Louis to be quiet, ?I sense something watching us?a pokemon.? whispered Cassandra. She pointed over Louis? shoulder.

Louis turned around. In front of him was small, yellow pokemon. It looked like an oversized mouse, but it waved it?s lightning bolt shaped tail furiously, while at the same time wagging it?s long yellow years. Louis took out his pokedex and read the analysis,

?Pikachu, the mouse pokemon. Pikachu is capable of discharging electrical attacks from the sacs on it?s cheeks.? Louis grinned as he drew a pokeball from his belt and threw it,

?I?m going to capture it! Go, Kirlia!? The humanoid-psychic pokemon appeared with a bright flash of light. It turned its head towards Louis and gave him a big smile, before turning to face the wild Pikachu. It raised its arms, ready to battle. It hummed to the Pikachu,

[My trainer wishes for me to capture you]. The Pikachu growled in response,

[Whatever. Bring it on!]. Louis then pointed at the Pikachu, and gave his first command,

?Kirlia, use your confusion on Pikachu!? Kirla?s eyes glowed bright red for a few moments, before it let out a large hum. At that point, a beam of transparent pink energy fired from the eyes, and streaked towards the Pikachu. The Pikachu tried to dodge, but couldn?t avoid the attack on time. It was struck, and the force of the blow knocked it backwards. It managed to get back on its feet, however.

It was the Pikachu?s turn to attack. The Pikachu?s electric cheek sacs began to spark, covering its face with electricity. Suddenly, the electricity covering the Pikachu?s cheeks converged into one bolt, which was fired towards Kirlia.

****! That?s a Thundershock!!!

Luckily, Electric attacks travel slower than psychic attacks, so Louis had the chance to give Kirlia some defensive maneuvers,

?Kirlia, teleport out of the way now!? Louis shouted. Kirlia braced itself for a second, before it seemed to vanish into thin air. The thundershock hit the spot Kirlia was standing at, charring the ground black. Pikachu started looking around; apparently confused. Kirlia reappeared behind Pikachu, ready to attack.

?Kirlia, let?s end this!? Louis called out, ?Attack with a full-power confusion!? Kirlia clenched its arms in concentration as it poured in power for the attack. A massive beam of transparent pink energy fried from Kirlia?s eyes, and struck the Pikachu from behind. Resulting in the electric rodent kissing dirt. Louis drew a pokeball and threw it at the downed Pikachu,

?Pokeball! Go!!!? The pokeball struck the Pikachu, which was sucked inside. The ball began to rock to and fro quite violently for a few seconds, before it made an audible click and went still. Louis picked up the pokeball and held it up into the air,

?I CAUGHT A PIKACHU!!! HELL YEAH!!!? he cried out in triumph. Cassandra put her hands together and smiled happily,

?Oh, that was a great capture, Louis! You?re getting better and better!? Louis smirked proudly and replied,

?Many thanks, dear lady,? Cassandra smiled playfully, ?I doth endeavor to earn thy pride. Methinks that the dear lady is prepared to continue the journey with mine presence??

?Certainly, good sir. Mine own presence is graced by such a noble soul.?

The two shared a laugh, before continuing down Route 3. Three hours had passed without notice, and Louis was about to tell Cassandra a joke when the large noise only a crowd of people could make captured their attention.

They looked at the crowd. They were mostly new trainers since they either looked 12 or 17 years old, and they were engaging in pokemon battles. Louis and Cassandra shared a look, before merging with the crowd. The current fight in progress was a male Nidoran versus a Spearow. The Spearow dived towards the Nidoran and struck it hard with its beak ? the Peck attack. The Nidoran cried out in pain as the force of the blow sent it flying backwards, where it skidded to a stop on the ground. A man, in his mid-twenties, ran forward and examined the Nidoran, before announcing,

?Nidoran is unable to battle. The winner for this battle is Devon!? A girl, 12 years old, cheered happily as she recalled her Spearow, after which she joined her friends in a victory celebration. Cassandra turned to Louis and said,

?Hey Louis, why don?t you challenge a trainer to a battle? I?m sure your Pokemon could use the training. Louis nodded and replied,

?I will. Wait here, will you? I?ll go find someone to challenge.? Cassandra nodded as she watched Louis walk up to a male trainer, another 12 year old, wearing long white shorts, a blue sweater and an official Pokemon league cap. Louis tapped him on the shoulder and asked,

?Hey, are you a trainer?? The boy blinked in surprise before responding,

?Yep, I?m guessing you?re a trainer too? Louis nodded.

?Wanna battle?? The boy nodded enthusiastically.

?Sure!?

Louis and the boy walked to the centre of the crowd. Louis then asked the person who refereed the match between the Nidoran and Spearow to referee this match. The man nodded, before getting the names of the Louis and his opponent. The referee then whistled, getting the crowd?s attention. He cried out in a large voice,

?This match will be between Louis and Andrew. It will be a two on two match, first to make the other trainer?s pokemon faint wins. No substitutions are allowed. Louis, Andrew, get ready to send out your first pokemon.? The two said trainers stepped back, allowing a space of 10 metres between them. They both grabbed a pokeball from their belt, and with a nod from the referee, threw them.

 

[Yami86]

?Torchic, go!?

?Cyndaquil, go!? The two fire types hit the field. They stared each other down. The Cyndaquil then growled at Torchic,

[I?m going to take you down]

[Whatever. We?ll see who the better one is after this!] Torchic chirped disdainfully in response. Louis made the first move,

?Torchic, use peck. Aim for its head, its back will hurt you!? Torchic furiously hopped towards the Cyndaquil, before whacking the hedgehog-like pokemon silly with its beak. Cyndaquil cried out in pain, but managed to retreat from Torchic?s relentless pecking. Andrew then ordered Cyndaquil to retaliate,

?Cyndaquil, use smokescreen!? Cyndaquil drew a deep breath, before expelling smoke from its snout. Black clouds filled the crowd, although it was thickest where Cyndaquil and Torchic were battling. Cyndaquil was nowhere to be seen. Louis swore so badly that some of the younger trainers within earshot turned red.

?Crap, I can?t see Cyndaquil, and neither can Torchic!?

?Torchic, ember!? called out Andrew, pleased to see he had the advantage. Out of nowhere in the smog, Cyndaquil appeared and let loose a short burst of flame. The stream of flames headed towards the oblivious Torchic, still looking for its opponent.

?****! Torchic, evasive maneuvers!? Torchic, accustomed to dodging attacks rather than trying to resist them because of its frail body, hopped frantically to the right as the Ember streaked past its left wing. It wasn?t fast enough; Torchic?s left wing was still hit by some of the Ember. It let out a loud cry of pain, causing Louis to gnash his teeth together.

Hell no! Come on Torchic, hang in there!

For the next 30 seconds, Torchic was frantically hopping around the battlefield, trying to avoid Cyndaquil?s surprise ember attacks. However, not all of them were successfully evaded, and Torchic was starting to feel fatigued. Louis was desperate.

Where the hell is that Cyndaquil?! If I knew where it was, then Torchic would?ve finished this off ages ago. That smokescreen?wait! The smoke is thickest over there! That must be where Cyndaquil is hiding! I know what to do, it might fail, but Torchic won?t be able to take another Ember!

Louis threw his left arm forward and yelled out, ?Torchic! I have an idea! Move as far back towards the arena as possible, and use your Gust! Direct the smoke towards where it?s thickest!? Andrew (and Cyndaquil), surprised by this irregular command, did nothing. Torchic, feeling renewed by Louis? commanding tone, did as it was told, despite its injuries. It hopped to the limits of the arena, before it started flapping its little wings furiously. As Louis expected, the clouds of smoke were blown towards the thickest part, causing a concentration of black cloud in one spot on the battlefield. Andrew was shocked, to say the least.

What?s he going to do?! He knows where Cyndaquil is; but now he?s practically impossible to see! What?s he playing at?!

Louis smirked in triumph,

?Good work, Torchic! Now, use your most powerful ember attack and envelop that cloud with fire!? Torchic let out a loud chirp, before it drew a large breath. It then let it out in the form of 7 massive balls of flame, each heading towards different parts of the smokescreen cloud.

Evil, Good, what does a high concentration of smoke and fire create?

>Oh?you are evil, Louis. I love the way you think?you and I are not so different, you know?<purred Evil in approval

<I must admit, this is quite unorthodox, but very effective, Louis> stated Good proudly

The 7 embers made contact with the cloud, setting the cloud ablaze. Suddenly, there was a massive BOOM! The cloud exploded in a blinding flash of light. Poor Cyndaquil, hiding in the middle of the cloud, was exposed to the explosion at full force. It went sailing into the air, and went back down, skidding on the ground and coming at a stop at Andrew?s feet. Andrew was shocked beyond words, as was the referee. The crowd was silent, looking at Louis with awe because of that stylish maneuver he just executed.

?Cyndaquil is unable to battle. This round goes to Louis!? yelled the referee. Andrew held out a pokeball.

?Cyndaquil?re?re?return?? The fiery hedgehog was sucked into its pokeball. Louis did the same with Torchic,

?Torchic, you did an amazing job, thank you. Rest now, my little friend.? Torchic hooted happily in response,

[I?m happy I made you proud, Louis!] Torchic was sucked into its pokeball. Louis and Andrew prepared their second pokemon, although Louis had noticed something in Andrew?s eyes. The fire that had been in them at the beginning of the battle had been extinguished. The referree announced,

?Let the second round begin!?

?Pidgey, go!?

?Pidgey, go!?

Two Pidgeys took flight. While Andrew?s Pidgey looked normal, Louis? Pidgey was noticeably larger; its head tails were slightly longer too. Andrew called the first move, although his voice sounded quite dull,

?Pidgey, gust.? Andrew?s Pidgey began whipping up a wind by furiously flapping its wings. Andrew?s Pidgey then released the wind, blowing towards Louis? Pidgey. Louis? Pidgey looked ready for action, as Louis called out,

?Pidgey, use Quick attack!? Louis? Pidgey streaked towards Andrew?s, easily avoiding the gust. It rammed its head into the opposing Pidgey with amazing force, causing it to hit the ground hard. Louis?s Pidgey stayed in the air, circling over its fallen foe. The referee ran to Andrew?s downed Pidgey, analyzed it for a few seconds before announcing,

?Pidgey is unable to battle! A one-hit-knock-out! Louis wins this battle!? The crowd, stunned at first, then burst into a deafening cheer. Cassandra began walking up to Louis, looking extremely happy. Louis called his Pidgey to him, stroking its head feather once it landed on his arm. He said to it in a happy voice,

?That was awesome! Nice work, Pidgey!? Pidgey hooted happily, spreading its wings in pride. Suddenly, Pidgey started glowing with a bright white colour?

?Huh? Pidgey, what?s going on?!?!?

Pidgey?s form turned into a white silhouette. The silhouette grew bigger, and Louis? arm bent slightly under the weight. When the white light had disappeared, Pidgey was no longer there. The bird in its place had a larger body, longer wings, larger tail feathers and a longer head tail, which was coloured pink. Louis took out his pokedex and read the entry,

?Pidgeotto, the bird pokemon. This is the evolved form of Pidgey. Unlike its younger cousins, Pidgeotto are quite territorial and will not hesitate in attacking an intruder with its sharp beak and talons.? Louis looked at Pidgeotto is surprise,

?Wow Pidgey, you evolved into Pidgeotto! I?m so proud!? Pidgeotto chirped proudly in response,

[Yeah, I feel so strong! Thanks for helping me evolve, Louis!] Louis drew Pidgeotto?s pokeball and said,

?Pidgeotto, return.? The newly evolved bird disappeared into the pokeball. At this, the crowd converged on Louis, congratulating and applauding him for the battle. Louis, however, looked at Andrew, who was staring at his pokeballs.

?Hey, Andrew?? Andrew looked up,

?Yeah?um?congratulations??

?Thanks. You fought well, too. I can?t wait to battle you again.? At this, Andrew smiled slightly and gave Louis a grateful nod,

?Thanks, Louis. I?ll hold you to that.? With that, Andrew turned away and walked off. Louis watched him go, until a beautiful psychic pokemon trainer wrapped her arms tightly around Louis.

?Louis, that was great! Especially with that smokescreen maneuver! And your Pidgeotto evolved! You?ve only been a trainer for two days ? what an achievement!? Louis, who on one side enjoyed the sensation of Cassandra?s hugs, had to push her off to in order to breathe again. He smiled wryly and said,

?Thanks, Cassandra. I wouldn?t have been this good if it wasn?t for your guidance.? Cassandra smiled happily, wrapped around her arm around Louis? shoulder,

?Aww, so modest! I like that?? Louis blushed again. This was beginning to become a frequent habit whenever he made bodily contact with Cassandra. The two walked off, leaving the crowd of trainers. As they went on their way, a voice said,

?The purple haired girl? I think I?ve seen her before?? While Louis didn?t hear that, Cassandra did. She turned to the source of the voice and gave a slight frown to the owner of the voice, a 16 year old female trainer who looked like she had training experience. The girl shut up straight away. With this, Louis and Cassandra continued their journey towards Pulsar city. Cassandra still had her arm around Louis, and said trainer wasn?t complaining. The referee was staring at Louis? retreating form with interest and said to himself,

?He fought extremely well today. Hey! I remember now! Someone fought like him today, with her Mudkip and Mareep. I forgot her name, but I remember, even though she had Asian features, she had brown hair and blue eyes??

 

[Yami86]

Chapter 6, ?Crazy Night? ? Initial D, Third Stage

(Location: Route 3 ? Pulsar City)

After the battle with Andrew, Louis was feeling proud. Very proud. He had won his first pokemon battle, with the pokemon he trained. As well as that, Pidgey evolved into Pidgeotto. Things were turning out pretty well for the 17 year old trainer, and with the help of the 20 year old psychic trainer Cassandra, Louis was feeling he could take down any obstacle. Currently, the two trainers were about three-quarters the way to Pulsar City, and were currently discussing psychic powers. This was very important to Louis, seeing that not only did he possess psychic ability, but he was also a true psychic, a rarer, more powerful version of a psychic. Cassandra, being an experienced true psychic, was explaining some things to Louis,

??so you see, Louis. Your Kirlia will be your first step in mastering your psychic potential. Kirlias are known for their empathy abilities.?

?Empathy? What exactly does that do?? At this question, Cassandra took some time think the answer over, before saying,

?Empathy is the ability to sense the emotions and memories of another entity.? Louis? eyes widened.

?Huh? Mind reading?!? he exclaimed. Cassandra shook her head.

?No. Mind reading is simply the ability to sense what your target is thinking. Empathy, on the other hand, is the ability to sense what your target is feeling. With empathy, you can sense what makes them happy, what?s troubling them, etcetera. Advanced empaths can even use these emotions and feelings to their advantage. They can break into their target?s mind, and resurrect the target?s worse fears, memories, past trauma?you get what I?m saying. Empathy is not just tool of friendship, but also a devastating weapon.?

Louis took some time to think this over. While he was a bit of trigger happy martial artist, attacking one?s mind was something he would be reluctant to do. He began to think?

But?Professor Gannymede entrusted me with the meteor cross. And I have this strong suspicion that Team Zodiac is after the cross. I might not be able to beat the Zodiacs in battle, but I suppose I can use my powers of empathy to help me out?

Louis looked at Cassandra intently. It was the psychic trainer?s turn to flush red. Louis then spoke, in a soft but determined voice,

?Cassandra?can I ask you a favour?? Cassandra nodded, ?Can you teach my how to use my psychic powers?? Cassandra considered Louis? request, before saying,

?Well?yes. I will be more than happy to help you develop your powers. After all,? she said, ?We, true psychics, have to help each other out, right?? Louis nodded enthusiastically. Cassandra looked at her watch, and said,

?It?s three in the afternoon. Listen, I?ll train you for two hours, since we?re so close to Pulsar. Are you ready to learn??

?Yeah!?

And so Cassandra began Louis? training. She ordered him to call out his Kirlia, which Louis did. She then began to explain the process in how to use empathy. Louis and his Kirlia listened intently. This took an hour, after which Louis was ready to begin.

?So, what you must do is push your presence into your target?s. Feel yourself entering your target?s mind. By doing so, you will be able to establish a link between you and your target?s. When you have felt the connection, choose one of your target?s memories. It can be recent or old; it matters not. Focus on it, and you will feel the emotions that are associated with the memory. That, my dear Louis, is empathy. By deciphering your target?s memories and emotions, you can find out what makes them tick.? Louis nodded, and said,

?And because it?s my first time, I have to be in the presence of my Kirlia to do it??

?Yes, normally it would be sufficient just to have your pokemon in its pokeball, but since it is your first time, have your Kirlia out. When you get better, we will practice with your Kirlia within the pokeball. When you master empathy, you will be able to do it without your Kirlia. Are you ready, Louis?? asked Cassandra. Louis looked at Kirlia and asked,

?Are you ready, Kirlia? I don?t want to force you into doing something you don?t want to do.? Kirlia shook it?s head and hummed in response,

[Do not worry, Louis. I am happy to help you. I will use my powers to help you focus your empathy. Give it your best!] Louis didn?t understand what Kirlia just said, but he did understand the nod. He looked at Cassandra and said,

?I?m ready!? Cassandra nodded.

?Then do it. Feel my emotions and memories.?

Louis, with hand on Kirlia?s head, began to subconsciously push towards Cassandra. He felt that he was closing in on her, but he himself did not move. Louis felt that he was right next to Cassandra?s head, but just when he was about to break in, a powerful force stopped his advance. This ?force? pushed Louis? presence backwards. This resulted in Louis? body, which had not moved, to fall over backwards. Louis felt dazed, until he blinked his eyes and re-established himself with his surroundings. He then noticed Cassandra?s face looking at him.

?What happened? I think I did something wrong.? Cassandra shook her head apologetically, before replying,

?No?it?s my fault, Louis. I used my mental shields. Psychics develop mental defences to protect themselves from psychic powers. I?ve had mine for so long, that it comes naturally. Please try again, Louis. I will lower my shields for you.?

Louis nodded, before he stood up. Once again, he touched his Kirlia?s head before giving the empathy another shot. Again, Louis felt himself get closer to Cassandra, even though he was sure he did not move. Louis stopped in front of Cassandra?s head, still feeling a little wary. Throwing caution to the wind, Louis plunged into Cassandra?s mind?

Louis found himself in a black void. Suddenly, he was assailed with Cassandra?s memories. It almost like a movie was playing; the movie of Cassandra?s life. One particular memory caught Louis? attention, and focused on it [that one will do]. He saw a 17 year old girl, with purple hair [was it Cassandra?], kneeling in front of an Abra. The Abra was glowing white, its form was changing [was it evolving?]. Louis suddenly felt afraid. It was the type of fear that struck a person who did not want change. He heard the girl?s voice [it is Cassandra!] pleading for the Abra not to evolve; that she didn?t want the Abra to change. Louis began to feel Cassandra?s terror, the terror of one who was about to lose someone she valued beyond like no other. Tears fell down Louis? non-existent cheek. Then, Louis realized what was going on. He was feeling what Cassandra was feeling, when her Abra was evolving into a Kadabra! She didn?t want it to evolve! She was afraid that her Kadabra would no longer be the Abra she once loved so dearly. Louis, shaking off the effects of Cassandra?s emotions, then tried to focus on this particular memory [is this what Cassandra means, resurrecting the target?s memories?] Louis intensified his focus on the memory, so much that all the other memories faded away; all that was remaining was the memory of Cassandra kneeling, crying, in front of her evolving Abra?

?STOP!!!?

Louis found himself on the ground once again. Doing a Chinese get-up, he once again examined surroundings. He was once again in Route 3, but the sight that greeted Louis shocked him. Cassandra was on the ground, kneeling; her body was shaking. Her hands were pressed to her temples, while tears slid down her cheeks while she was crying and whimpering. What the hell did he just do?

?Please?Louis?stop! No more?I can?t?no more??

Louis ran to Cassandra and, ignoring his urge to blush, caught Cassandra in a warm embrace.

Oh boy?I really screwed up this time?

?Cassandra?Cassandra?I?m so sorry! Please forgive me!? I?I? didn?t mean to do that. It?s just that?I was just doing what you told me to?resurrecting memories?and that memory stuck out, so I used it?oh Cassandra, I?m so sorry?? Louis ranted desperately. He had never felt so low in his life. Just moments ago, he was debating whether to use his empathy to attack someone or not. But now, he had just attacked, no, raped, Cassandra?s mind. He had turned one of her most terrible memories against her and no amount of words could ever make up for that?

God! What have I done?

Cassandra remained prone in Louis? embrace for a few minutes. She was no longer shaking or whimpering, but Louis still felt some tears fall onto his arm. Cassandra then disengaged from Louis? arms and stood up. Louis followed suit. He examined Cassandra?s form. Her violet hair, which always used to be long and silky, was now disheveled and fell all over her cheeks, which were puffy from her crying. Her blouse, messy due to her shaking, was wet with tears. But it was Cassandra? eyes that killed Louis. Her eyes, which used to be a bright indigo that sparkled with happiness, were dull and lifeless. She didn?t even look like she was alive anymore; she was just existing. She abruptly walked over to her bag, picked it up, and shuffled her way to Pulsar City. Louis took a few seconds to process this turn of events, before he realized what was going on. Quickly returning Kirlia back to it?s pokeball, he picked up his bag and ran to Cassandra.

She said nothing, and just continued walking. Louis tried to say something, but his voice died in his throat when Cassandra locked gazes with him. Her now-bland eyes once again shut Louis up. No words were exchanged for the next 45 minutes, until they reached Pulsar City, ?The City of New Destinies?. Again, they exchanged no words as they ventured into the city. Unlike Alpha Town and Ceres Village, Pulsar City was huge. It was no means the metropolis like Astro City, but it was still a behemoth to a young man who spent most of his life living in a suburban town. It was about 5 o?clock in the afternoon; the sun was setting, casting a reddish-orange glow to Pulsar City. Pulsar consisted of a mix of houses and tall buildings, all scattered around the city randomly. Louis and Cassandra walked towards the centre of Pulsar City, which contained the Pokemon Centre and [conveniently] the Pulsar City Gym, which was closed. Louis and Cassandra parted ways once they entered the pokemon centre; Cassandra walked towards a sofa in the lounge of the pokemon centre, sat down, and said absolutely nothing. Louis, on the other hand, rocked up to the service desk to get his pokemon healed. To his surprise, he found,

?Nurse Joy!? exclaimed Louis. The pink haired nurse smiled in response,

?Yes, I?m Nurse Joy. Would you like me to heal your pokemon??

?Uh?sure. By the way, how?d you get to from Ceres Village to Pulsar City quicker than us?? Louis asked in confusion. Nurse Joy gave a slight giggle, before replying,

?Oh, you must be talking about my sister in Ceres. Our family is famous for being Pokemon healers, and so we populate the pokemon centres around Cosmo.? Louis nodded in acknowledge,

?Ok?that explains it, I guess.?

Louis handed over the pokeballs containing his Pidgeotto, Torchic, Kirlia and Pikachu. Louis then walked over to where Cassandra was sitting, and took a seat next to her. She made no response. Louis decided that the time had come for action,

?Cassandra, you don?t know how sorry I am. I?I lost control. Please understand. I was only trying to make you proud of me, so I tried to follow your instructions to the letter. I swear, I?ll never do anything like that again. I?ll?I?ll only go for good memories, or something, I swear it. Please Cassandra, talk to me. You?ve been a good friend, and we?ve only known each other for little more than 24 hours. I don?t want to lose you. C?mon, say something??

Louis waited for about an hour for an answer, but in vain. He then decided to consult his conscience(s).


(START MENTAL SEQUENCE)
Louis, Good and Evil were huddled around in a tight circle, discussing what they should do, concerning Cassandra?s condition.

<Well, of course the answer is simple. Apologize, Louis, by doing something for her! Give her a token of your good feelings> stated Good in a matter-of-fact tone. Evil snorted,

>Yes, you would do that, Louis. IF it was your fault. As it stands, it?s not.>

What do you mean by that, Evil? Louis asked. Evil tossed her raven locks over her shoulder and tilted her head to the side, as if admonishing Louis? question.

>Well, put it this way. Cassandra was the one who revealed to you that you were a psychic. Secondly, she offered to teach you. Sure, you messed with her mind, but was it your fault? It was only your second attempt; I?m sure Cassandra would?ve realized you were bound to make a mistake or two. And yet she blames you, when all you did was follow her instructions<

That?s true?but I guess I hit a delicate spot. I chose that particular memory because it felt so strong?

<That?s why you should try to make your apology stronger. Yes, you were only trying to do what she asked you to do, but harm was inflicted on her>

>Not intentionally. You know that, Good. If it really was an accident, then Cassandra would?ve told Louis that it was. But noooo, she just had to flip out and make it seem like Louis did it on purpose! How would YOU feel if you were blamed for something you couldn?t control?!<

<That?s not the point. Whether it was intentional or not, Cassandra was hurt. You have to make it clear to her that what you did was wrong and you?re wiling to make amends, even though it?s not your fault> Good said in a steady voice, while at the same time stroking her long blonde tresses.

Is it just me, Good, or are you created just to make my life miserable? Evil?s options seem so much more easier to do?

With this comment, Evil stuck two of her fingers into a ?V? shape, while Good looked down sadly,

<Louis, let me clarify something. We are not ?good? or ?evil?, per se> said Good in a dejected voice

>Rather, I represent your desires. Your interests. I help you make the decisions that benefit you the most< said Evil in a business-like tone. Good followed in kind,

<Yes. I represent morality and balance. Please don?t get me wrong, Louis, I do look after your interests as well, but I also take into consideration others. I help you make decisions that benefit you AND the others involved>

Well, I?ve decided what to do?

(END MENTAL SEQUENCE)

Louis stood up from his spot and left the sofa, a grim expression on his face. Without a word to Cassandra, who looked up in surprise despite her sad expression. Louis walked off, without even looking back at Cassandra, not noticing her shocked expression, and the tears that threatened to fall.

That?s enough!!! I was only trying to do what Cassandra wanted, and I messed up. I understand that. But she made it look like I was doing something intentionally wrong. She wouldn?t even look at me! And I only did what she instructed me to do!!! What?s with her holier than thou attitude?! Does she think I would come back, begging for her forgiveness?! Hey, Lilith did exactly the same thing to me! Gave me the cold shoulder!!!

<Louis, what are you thinking?!>

>He?s looking at the bigger picture, now. Good boy?<

I know what she?s thinking. Louis Estrada is in desperate need of help when I?m not around. So I?m going to mess around with him until he comes to me on bended knees! Well, I?m not going to stand for that. I?m going to prove to her that I?m not just some newbie that she can mess with! I?ll beat the Gym Leader without her help, or friendship if that?s the way she sees things! I?ll give her a reason to hear me out!

Louis collected his pokeballs from the service counter. After thanking Nurse Joy, Louis strode out of the pokemon centre and left Pulsar City in a hurry. He once again entered Route 3, and began some intensive training of his pokemon.

I?ll show her?

 

[Yami86]

Reaching the outskirts of Pulsar city, Louis released his team of 4 pokemon, Torchic, Pidgeotto, Kirlia and Pikachu. It was 6:30 and night had fallen. But even the darkness wouldn?t deter Louis from his (new) goal. To make Cassandra see reason. And to do that, he?s got to capture her attention. To fulfill that, he?ll defeat the Pulsar City Gym Leader. For this, he was going to train his pokemon like crazy. Louis stared down at his pokemon, before saying,

?Guys?we?re going to begin some heavy training. We are going to take down the Gym Leader of Pulsar City!? Louis? pokemon shared awestruck looks, but made no noise.

?I?ve gonna quickly think up of some training plan, so you guys hang tight for the moment, ok??

Louis reached into his bag and withdrew some paper and a pen. He began to furiously write down some of his ideas. Meanwhile, his pokemon held a bit of a conference.

[Is trainer Louis usually like this?] growled Pikachu curiously. Torchic and Pidgeotto shook their heads simultaneously,

[No, he?s usually very kind and affectionate to us] chirped Torchic.

[This is the first time I?ve ever seen him so?frustrated] hooted Pidgeotto.

[Why?s that? If he?s as good as you say he is, why does he seem so angry?] growled Pikachu in reply.

[I don?t know?maybe something happened today, after the battle?] Torchic chirped questioningly.

[No?but I remember that Louis let out Kirlia after the battle] hooted Pidgeotto. The three looked pokemon looked at said psychic type, who tilted its head and whistled in response,

[He let me out, to assist him in his psychic training]

[Louis is a psychic?!] chirped Torchic in surprise. Kirlia nodded,

[Yes. He only found recently. Anyway, I was lending him my ability of empathy. His target was the powerful trainer with him, the psychic. She apparently let herself be used as a practice dummy. Well, we all know how empathy works. But the problem is, Louis accidentally picked out a memory that the psychic trainer is especially touchy about.] hummed Kirlia. Pikachu blinked its eyes

[Oh. That?s not good. How did the psychic take it?] it growled. Kirlia shook its head sadly.

[Very badly. She was on her knees convulsing after Louis raised the memory. After she recovered, she refused to speak to Louis. She didn?t even want to look at him, despite the fact the Louis was desperately sorry about what happened] hummed Kirlia.

[Therefore?it seems like the psychic is blaming Louis for the accident, right? And I suppose Louis got offended by that] hooted Pidgeotto. Kirlia nodded

[Yes?I used my empathic powers just then. I felt Louis? memory of seeing the psychic trainer on her knees. He felt utter despair. I then viewed his memory of the psychic refusing to look at him. Rejection and guilt. Finally, I viewed his memory of his apology to the psychic, but she did not say a word. He felt more despair, sadness and also frustration] Louis? pokemon shared knowing looks; they had figured what to do to cheer up their trainer.

[We?ll train as hard as we can, so trainer Louis will feel better] growled Pikachu enthusiastically. The other pokemon nodded in approval. At this point, Louis turned his attention to his pokemon and gestured to the paper in his hand,

?Ok guys, I?ve devised a training scheme that?ll last us several days. Using the stuff I read in the pokemon centre, Pulsar city?s gym leader uses fire pokemon. So I will be training not only to improve your overall performance, but also to deal with fire attacks. Torchic, you?ll be the heart of this plan.? said Louis. Torchic chirped proudly in approval. Louis looked at all his pokemon, who were looking back with utter determination. The sight of his loyal pokemon lightened the burden on Louis? heart; so he smiled tightly and said,

?Guys?I?m sorry if I seem a little?rough. I?ve had some problems lately, so I may seem kinda grouchy. But I can?t be grouchy at you guys, you?re my pokemon and my friends. Thanks for putting up with me.?

And so the training began. For the next 7 days, Louis was training with his pokemon for over 12 hours a day, only stopping to eat, sleep and rest briefly. The Pulsar City pokemon centre became Louis? only resting area; when he wasn?t resting, he was conducting training sessions in Route 3. Not only was he working to cover the weaknesses of his pokemon, like Pikachu?s poor physical strength, and Kirlia?s poor physical defence, but at the same time, he improved their strengths, like Pidgeotto?s speed and Torchic?s special attacks. The training regimen included running (or flying, in Pidgeotto?s case), attacking trees and boulders, and blocking/evading stones thrown by Louis.

Louis, who did not want to order his pokemon to do something he wouldn?t do himself, trained alongside his pokemon by practicing his Kung Fu stances and Kenjutsu striking patterns. The heart of his training, resistance of fire attacks, were done by Torchic firing ember attacks at Louis? pokemon, who learned both how to resist and evade the attack. Torchic got his turn by shooting fire attacks at Pidgeotto, who would blow them back with its Gust. Louis also accepted challenges from trainers who passed by him; it was the trainer battles that showed that the training Louis had put his pokemon through was paying off. Louis did not lose a single match; none of his pokemon had even fainted. At the same time, Louis was making some quick money as well, because with the 11 trainer battles he fought, all of the challenging trainers had put up an ante of at least 1000P.

Louis was feeling immensely proud of his pokemon. Not only did they put up with his grouchy attitude, but they did it with a smile (or something that resembled one). They also gave 110% effort in the training. Louis was very grateful for this, and made sure his pokemon were given treats for their hard work. Soon, trainers in Pulsar?s pokemon centre were talking about the lone trainer hanging out in Route 3, who was raising some tough pokemon. This captured the attention of a certain purple-haired psychic, who had settled in the pokemon centre.

(FLASHBACK: Evening of the parting of Louis and Cassandra)
Cassandra, an hour prior, had relieved one of her worst memories. The one where her Abra evolved into a Kadabra. She had never felt so scared in her life; she rarely was during her 20 years of living, but this particular moment was her weakest. She was afraid of losing a friend. And Louis made her re-live that memory once more. She couldn?t take it; so she did what she though she could do: keep away from her tormentor, Louis

(Night of Louis? training plan)

While Cassandra was usually a gentle and friendly young woman, she still had a bit of a proud streak within her. She was proud of the fact that she was one of the only true psychics in the world. She was proud of the fact that she had competed in the Cosmo Pokemon League Tournament twice and came in the top 16 in each one. She was also proud that she made friends with Louis, a 17 year old newbie trainer, who was not only handsome, but also smart, friendly and gentle, even if he was somewhat na?ve and easy to tease.

He?s the kind of person I?ve always wanted to be friends with?all my life?

But what made her proudest was that Louis looked up to her, not just as a friend and experienced trainer, but also as a mentor. She was his mentor both as a trainer, but also as a psychic. But then, not even 24 hours into the friendship, Cassandra got jealous.

(1st day of Louis? training regimen)

Cassandra, who had rarely seen Louis for the last day or so, started to think

Louis?he was everything I wanted to be when I started out my pokemon journey. Not only did he catch a wild pokemon within an hour of his journey with just one attack and one pokeball, it happened to be a Pidgey that was close to evolving into a Pidgeotto. Whereas me, I found a young Tailow after three hours searching, and even after severely weakening, paralyzing and confusing it, I still used up 4 pokeballs to catch it.

My first pokemon battle was a disaster. I remember...it was a 3 on 3 against a 12 year old trainer. I remember him using only a Beedrill, which utterly annihilated my Abra, Tailow and Drowzee without too much trouble. Yet Louis takes down his opponent using a complex yet stylish attack in the first round, and a one hit knock out in the second.

But what really got me was our psychic lesson. I felt his power?he was so strong. Even now, barely tapping into his power, he out-ranks me. With some training, I bet he will equal the level of Sabrina herself. I taught him the art of empathy with his Kirlia, one of the first disciplines I learnt. Not only does he almost shatter my mental shield with his first try, on his second try he executes a perfect empathic trauma resurrection. And it was my worst memory, as well?

Am I really mad at him because he turned my worst memory against me? Or is it because he, barely 96 hours in his pokemon journey and 72 hours in his psychic training, he has already set the foundations of true mastery in these two fields?something I longed for but could never do?

(3rd day of Louis? training regimen)

Cassandra was sitting in the pokemon center, alone again in the evening. Louis had briefly come in earlier midday to heal his pokemon and eat lunch, but he did not talk to Cassandra at all, even though they sat on the same table in the mess room.

I hardly ever see you anymore?do you hate me? Has my pride cost us our friendship? Why?! I?ve never had a friend as good as you?now I now how it feels to be ignored, like I did to you?

Just then, a 13 year old trainer walked in, looking thoroughly disappointed. He sat with his friends, who huddled around him and patted him on his back. Cassandra leaned towards them to hear their conversation.

??Yeah. So I challenged this newbie trainer on Route 3. Even though he was a 17 year old starter, I though that me, with my two badges, could take him on.?

?You get his name??

?Uh?Louis, I think it was.?

Louis? Louis! What happened to him?!

?So yeah, we agreed on a 2 on 2. My Mightyena and my Raticate against his Torchic and Pikachu. Hell, he didn?t even use his Pikachu. His Torchic wasted my two pokemon in a few moves. Even though my strategy was relentless attacking, his Torchic brushed off my Mightyena?s bite like it was nothing. It even dodged my Raticate?s Hyper Fang twice in a row. I?ve never seen such powerful Peck, Iron Beak, Ember and Flame Wheel attacks before.?

?Do you think he?ll do well against?you know? Him??

?Yeah, probably might give him a run for his money.?

(6th day of Louis? training regimen)

For the last few days, trainers had been coming into the pokemon centre in droves, in need of healing for their injured pokemon. They spread rumours of a tough trainer in Route 3, who took down their pokemon like they were nothing. Cassandra immediately knew it was Louis that did this. She decided to watch her estranged friend from afar. She left the pokemon centre, exited Pulsar City and entered Route 3, using her psychic powers to shield her presence. What greeted her sight, however, startled her.

Louis was there, putting his pokemon through routines so difficult she herself wouldn?t have put her powerful, evolved pokemon though. Yet Louis? pokemon did it with a certain determination and pride. Louis himself trained alongside his pokemon, but his eyes told a different story. They were burning with a fierce passion, one that could not be extinguished. He wasn?t training to become a better trainer; he was doing it to make a point.

It?s me, that?s got him so angry. Ah! I know! I?ll cheer him on during his match with the Gym Leader in Pulsar. I want him to know that I am sorry for treating him so coldly before we separated. Hopefully, he?ll understand that I can be jealous sometimes?

(END FLASHBACK)

It was the morning after Louis? 7th day of training. He had woken up early; today was the day he would take out the gym leader of Pulsar City, and show Cassandra his badge. Maybe then she?ll start treating him as an adult instead of a child. After showering, changing into his typical set of clothes and eating a hearty breakfast courtesy of the pokemon centre, he pack his bag, his pokeballs, and made his way to the nearby Pulsar City Gym. What he didn?t know, was that Cassandra had followed him in secret.

The Pulsar City pokemon gym was a very aesthetically pleasing building; its walls were completely white on the outside, with the occasional window boasting a bluish tint. The three storey facility was topped by an azure blue roof. After spending a few moments savouring the moment, Louis stepped inside the gym. What greeted Louis was a sight he did not think was normal.

Pulsar City Gym, true to its fire tendancies, was littered with stone grey Charizard statues holding a crucible of fire. Very few artificial lights were used otherwise. The floor was polished so fine in a mahogany finish that Louis could?ve used it as a mirror. Artificial rocks lined up the different paths in the gym, as well as made the boundaries for the battle arenas. However, what caught Louis? attention were the pokemon trainers in the gym, who had surrounded Louis. They all had their eyes focused on Louis like he was some kind of freak. Whispers broke out through the crowd,

?Oh?that?s the guy??

?Hey?he looks strong??

?What a maniac?non-stop training for a week!?

The crowd parted suddenly, creating a path for Louis to walk through. It led to the main arena, which was a typical battle arena (stone white floor, with official Pokemon League arena boundaries drawn in). As Louis walked to one side of the arena, a voice a called out from the other,

?So?you?re the hotshot everyone?s been talking about.?

Louis looked at the source of the voice. A 15 year old boy was standing at the other side of the arena, holding a pokeball. The teenager wore a red bandanna which hid most of his scruffy brown hair. Green eyes and a long nose adorned the trainer?s round face. He wore blue overalls with matching white T-shirt and black and white sneakers. But despite his small statue compared to Louis, all the other trainers looked at the boy with respect. Louis decided to make his introduction,

?My name is Louis Estrada from Alpha town. I am here to challenge you for a gym badge.? The boy widened his eyes in response,

?Really?! Oh. I never thought of that! I thought you were going to give me a present!? sneered the boy in a sarcastic fashion. Louis, trying to keep his anger in check, went for the civil approach,

?You have a name??

?I am Aaron, the Gym Leader of Pulsar City Gym. I am the fire expert in the Cosmo region!?

?So I?ve heard.? said Louis politely. Aaron smirked,

?Yes, I imagine you must?ve heard it from my adoring female fans.? Louis made an insulting snort at this, ?I?m way above your average trainer. And you, my friend, are not even average.?

?Oh??

?Yeah. I?ve heard that you?ve only got a week?s experience. What chance do you have against me??

?As much chance as you have of winning. In this battle, one wins, one loses. 50/50. So I?d have to say my chances are pretty good.? Aaron waved his hand dismissively,

?Whatever. I heard from the pokemon centre that you pissed off some hot purple-haired chick. Slick move, amigo. Can?t take care of your pokemon or your women, can you?? Louis? temper, which has been short for the last week, was about to flare. Resisting the urge to run over to Aaron and belt the crap out of him, he decided to mount a verbal counter-offensive.

?Sticks and stones, Aaron. For a boy who should be studying for his next math test, you sure talk a lot of trash. Frustration, perhaps, from being too little to kiss a girl that doesn?t sleep in a crib?? With this, the crowd of people watching the upcoming match laughed. Aaron fumed, and motioned for a nearby referee to begin the match. The referee ran up and introduced the two combatants.

?Louis Estrada from Alpha Town versus Aaron of the Pulsar City Gym in this League sanctioned battle. It will be two on two; no items allowed; switching counts as elimination.? Trainers, ready your pokemon.? Louis and Aaron both drew a pokeball, and poised to throw it, ?Three, two, one, let the battle begin!?

 

[Valmordian]

Very interesting, keep it coming. :D

 

[Lily]

Ooh very emotional...

The only thing I felt was wrong was the disturbing *s at the dialogues. >_>; But other than that, usage of the emotional details run free, and I like it. It's turning out to be an okay plot, but I shall wait until it goes up even more. Overall, it's a nice fic, but try not to let anything be TOO bluntly stated.

Heh. Nice job! ^_^

 

[Yami86]

Chapter 7, ?Rock me to the Top? ? Initial D Soundtrack

Louis and Aaron stared each other, neither yielding to the other?s gaze. To them, only one thing mattered.

To bring the other guy down.

The referee, catching the hint that the two trainers were ready to rumble, raised a flag,

?BEGIN!?

Louis and Aaron released their first pokemon by throwing their pokeballs into the arena,

?Pikachu, go!?

?Growlithe, go!?

Louis? Pikachu appeared on the field poised and ready to battle. Letting out a low growl, it shook its lightning shaped tail in warning against its opponent, Aaron?s Growlithe. The tiger-coloured puppy stared down back Pikachu and growled menacingly. Aaron sneered,

?Some trainer you are, knowing that I use fire pokemon and you still don?t use a water or ground type. How pathetic.? Louis, ignoring the comment, took the initiative and made the first move.

?Pikachu, Agility!? Pikachu suddenly ran forward, suddenly leaping left and right randomly. After-images of Pikachu appeared on the field. Growlithe was rapidly moving its head to catch the movement, but the puzzled look in its eye told Louis that Pikachu?s speed was confusing it. Aaron then made his first move.

?Growlithe, use Flamethrower! Engulf the field in flames!!!? Growlithe, ignoring Pikachu for the moment, took in a deep breath, before firing a burst of flame from its mouth. Growlithe swiveled its head while unleashing the flamethrower, spreading its fire everywhere. Louis, sweating a little from the situation and not the heat, knew that he had to get his Pikachu out of the way,

?Pikachu, jump into the air!? The electric rodent leaped high into the air just as a stream of fire hit the ground it was standing in. Aaron smirked in triumph,

?Ha! You?ve got nowhere to hide! Growlithe, Fire Blast now!? Pikachu, in the air, was a sitting target. Growlithe opened its mouth and released a Japanese-character shaped fireball from its mouth, which streaked towards Pikachu. Louis, however, was grinning to himself.

Heh?I got you, kid. I knew that if I let Pikachu out in the open, you would attack it with your Growlithe?s most powerful attack. The Fire Blast is powerful, but it?s slow moving and tires out the user! Now?s my chance!

?Pikachu! Use Iron Tail as a weight to get you down!? Aaron stared in confusion as Pikachu?s tail started glowing white, before turning into a silver colour. Iron Tail was a powerful Steel attack, but in the process would weigh the user down.

This is what Louis was expecting.

Pikachu?s sudden weight made it drop to the ground like a pile of bricks. By dropping to the ground, the Fire Blast that Growlithe had released hit thin air. And as Louis was expecting, Growlithe was panting from the effort. However, Pikachu was surrounded by a wall of flames, due to Growlithe?s earlier flamethrower attack.

Growlithe is an offensive pokemon; it has great attack and special attack ratings, but its defence and special defence is poor. I can?t get Pikachu close enough to Body Slam, so I?ll have to bank on a ranged attack

?Pikachu! Thunderbolt!? Louis yelled out. Aaron?s eyes widened. Pikachu?s red electrical sacs started sparking intense electrical charges. Suddenly, it fired the charges into the air as a single, massive bolt of yellow lightning. It streaked up into the air and curved back down, aiming towards Growlithe?s location. The thunderbolt struck the puppy pokemon with great force. It yelped in pain as it was electrocuted by the punishing thunderbolt. After the attack had subsided, it fainted, hitting the ground with a thud. The referee ran towards the fallen canine, examined it for a second, and then raised a green flag.

?Growlithe in unable to battle. Louis wins the first round!? Louis nodded his head while the crowd that was watching cheered. Among them, was Cassandra, cheering her friend on, despite their earlier problems. Although Louis didn?t hear her, he did feel something?

What?s this feeling? It?s like something warm is soothing my soul?Bah! It?s probably just the flames.

Louis grinned at his Pikachu,

?Hey, Pikachu, you did great. You up for another round?? The yellow rodent growled happily in response,

[I?m glad I made you proud. **** I feel good!]. Louis nodded at the referee, who in turn looked at Aaron. The said gym leader was staring at Louis with something close to loathing; he pulled out a pokeball and called out the pokemon within,

?Magmar! Go!?

A tall, fiery, red and yellow coloured duck appeared onto the field, which was now clear of Growlithe?s earlier flamethrower. It growled deeply, menacingly at Pikachu,

[You?re going down, rat]

[Maybe so. But in the end, Louis will win!] Pikachu growled back. The referee took a look at the two pokemon and raised a flag

?Let the second round commence!? This time, Aaron shouted out the first move

?Magmar, use your Fire Blast attack!? The fiery pokemon fired a kanji-shaped fireball from its mouth, which headed towards Pikachu faster than Growlithe?s. Louis decided to play some evasive tactics,

?Pikachu! Double Team! Like Agility, Double-team created after images of Pikachu. But this technique, unlike Agility, was not used to evade enemy attacks. Rather, it was to confuse them into attacking the wrong one, thus tiring the enemy out. Magmar?s fireball struck an after-image, which disappeared on impact. There was still many four after-images left, not counting the real Pikachu. Aaron took a moment to think,

Yeah, hotshot thinks Fire Blast tires out the user. That?s only partially true?

Aaron then yelled Magmar?s next attack,

?Magmar! Multi-Fire Blast now!? Louis? eyes widened.

WHAT?!

Magmar took a few deep breaths, before unleashing five Fire Blasts in quick succession. The powerful fire attacks each headed towards one of the after-images, again, at a much quicker pace then Growlithe?s, so Louis didn?t have time to act.

****! Pikachu, hang in there!

Each fire blast hit one after-image, one after the other. The after-images faded away, until only the real Pikachu remained and one Fire Blast remained. Pikachu tried to escape, but it was all in vain as the fire blast hit the mouse hard. It let out hurt cry which echoed through the halls of the gym. The force of the impact knocked it backwards, where it skidded to a halt on the ground. Louis stared at Pikachu in shock,

?Pikachu! Are you ok?? The electric rodent let out a sorrowful growl, but it got back up to its pudgy little feet and faced Magmar again. Aaron shook his head in dismay,

?Your Pikachu doesn?t know when to quit, does it, hotshot? What a waste of a good pokemon, it?s got guts, that I?ll give you. If it was under my guidance, your Pikachu would be great. But no, it wastes its effort on you and now it just kissed dirt. Where it belongs?

With that, Aaron laughed horribly at Pikachu?s burnt, but standing, form. Louis gnashed his teeth together; he resisted the impulse of breaking the little bastard?s face. The audience didn?t seem to find this funny either, and most of them were glaring at the egotistical 15 year old trainer. Aaron sighed dramatically, and made one more command,

?Magmar, Fire Punch!? Magmar?s right hand, which had turned into a fist, burst into flame. It charged towards Pikachu recklessly and hammered its face in with a powerful uppercut. Pikachu, injured from the fire blast, couldn?t avoid it. It was sent flying into the air, and fell to the ground, where it remained motionless. Louis closed his eyes in anguish; he couldn?t bear to look at his Pikachu?s prone form. The referee ran towards Pikachu, examined it, and then raised a red flag,

?Pikachu is unable to battle! Gym Leader Aaron wins this round!? Louis returned Pikachu to its pokeball. He stared at pokeball sorrowfully, feeling guilty about letting his Pikachu end up in this state. In the background, Aaron was bragging to his fellow gym trainers about his easy victory, how that ?rat? didn?t stand a chance. Louis? blood boiled; he was going to take down that little freak, at whatever the cost. Without waiting for the referee, he threw another Pokeball out,

?Kirlia! Go!? Let?s do this!? The green-coloured humanoid pokemon appeared on the field. Once again, it gave its usual smile to Louis, before turning to face its opponent. Magmar snorted disdainfully,

[What?! Oh, don?t tell me you?re trainer doesn?t have one water pokemon?! I was hoping for a challenge!]

[Humph! You talk a lot of trash, duck. Louis doesn?t need water pokemon to defeat you or your loud-mouth trainer] Kirlia hummed angrily in response. The referee looked at the two pokemon who were staring at each other with utmost contempt, before he raised flag and shouted,

?Let the third and final round commence!? Louis? eyes burned with hatred as he watched the cocky gym leader in front of him and shrug, while at the same time winking at some of the female trainers watching the battle. At least none of said trainers returned the feelings, which inspired Louis to put the little freak in his place. He decided to mount a hit and run tactic. He called to out to Kirlia,

?Kirlia, I know that pokemon faint in battle, but what happened to Pikachu was an act of spite and arrogance. That little runt thinks he?s all that, when he?s really all talk. We are going to take Aaron down, with everything we have. Let?s do it!? Kirlia nodded, after which Louis locked eyes with Aaron. The sneering fire trainer suddenly stopped his sneering after Louis spoke,

?I will break you.? Louis spoke with such coldness and suppressed anger that the room temperature dropped. The crowd stepped back slowly, Cassandra included, because Louis was emanating invisible waves of hatred. The fight with Cassandra, the arrogance of Aaron, and Pikachu?s injured form fueled Louis? emotional fire. Even now, Aaron looked unsure of himself. He however, made the first move,

?Magmar! Get in close and use your Fire Punch!? Magmar quacked fiercely in approval. It ran towards Kirlia, which remained standing still. The crowd watching the battle held its breath. As Magmar reared its right hand to attack, Louis reacted,

?Kirlia, use teleport!? Kirlia vanished as Magmar?s flaming fist hit thin air. It then reappeared behind Magmar, not making a single move. Aaron was incensed,

?Argh! Magmar, use Fire Blast!? Magmar fired the kanji shaped projectile at Kirlia, who once again dodged it with a teleport. Once again, Kirlia did not make a move when it reappeared. Magmar fired off several Fire Blasts, and Kirlia was teleporting out of the way without making a single counter-attack. The referee overseeing the match recognized Louis? plan at once.

Wow?very skilled tactic for such an inexperienced trainer He?s tiring out Magmar, but the reason why he isn?t making any counter attacks is because he?s conserving his Kirlia?s energy. Not only does this give his Kirlia sufficient time to recover between teleports, but when he does strike, his Kirlia will be strong while Magmar is weak. As well as that, because Kirlia hasn?t attacked, Louis has the element of surprise; Aaron won?t know when to expect an attack, and he doesn?t even know any of Kirlia?s attacks in the first place. Very smart, Louis?

Magmar was getting tired. None of its fire blasts had struck, and it was visibly tired, while Kirlia was unharmed. Desperation flooded Aaron?s mind; he wasn?t going to lose now, especially to some newbie trainer. And in front of the girls! What would they think?! He then decided to unleash a super-powerful attack that would bathe the field in flames. He shouted to Magmar,

?Magmar! Get into a corner now!? Magmar, huffing and puffing, retreated to a corner of the arena, leaving a massive space in front of it. Kirlia was left standing alone. Aaron nodded,

?Now! Finish it with Over Heat!? Magmar, tired as it was, drew several large breaths, while at the same time, glow with a fiery aura. Louis, ever the tactician, was analyzing the situation.

Hmm?must keep calm. I still have time to make a move. Over Heat is one of the most powerful fire-type attacks, second only to Sacred Fire. It releases a ball of flame that explodes, engulfing the target area with fire. Because Magmar in situated in one corner of the field, the Over Heat will affect the rest of the field; Kirlia has nowhere to dodge. What can I do?

Louis, feeling desperate, once again mentally felt something. A sensation like something gentle was touching his hand.

Huh?

Louis then did something he hadn?t had done in a week.

He blushed.

However, he felt renewed?almost happy. Somebody was watching out for him. Shaking his head, he saw Magmar put its arms in front of itself as it opened its beak to unleash the deadly Over Heat. Louis saw the fireball in Magmar?s mouth?

Now?s my chance!

?Kirlia!? yelled out Louis, ?Use Psybeam! Aim for the Over Heat in Magmar?s mouth!!!? Aaron?s eyes widened in shock

WHAT?!?!

Kirlia released a beam of purple energy from both of its hands. This powerful beam of psychic power rocketed towards Magmar?s surprised form. It then struck the Over Heat energy ball in Magmar?s mouth.

KABOOM!!!!!!!!!

A massive explosion rocked Pulsar Gym. People were thrown to the ground; debris went flying everywhere; smoke filled the arena. Louis and Aaron were also affected by the blast, although Louis, with his years of training, managed to stay on his feet. The referee of the match then surveyed the battlefield in front of him. Near one side of the field was Kirlia, looking somewhat battered but still on its feet. In another corner, Magmar was there.

Lying on the ground, not making a single movement. Shallow breath escaped its body as the fiery duck lay helplessly on the ground, a victim to its own powers. The referee then raised a green flag and announced,

?Magmar is unable to battle. The winner of this Gym Battle is Louis Estrada from Alpha Town!!!?

At first, no one made a sound. Suddenly, as the referee?s announcement registered in the minds of the spectators, they began to clap.

Hard.

Cheering and screaming, the spectators ran towards Louis, who was fondly looking at Kirlia,

?That was magnificent?thank you, Kirlia.? Kirlia smiled happily in delight,

[I am glad that I have performed to your expectations, Louis!] whistled Kirlia cheerfully. Louis smiled gratefully, before returning Kirlia to its pokeball. Louis was then surrounded by the crowd, who were congratulating him,

?Wow?What a finish!!!?

?That was like, totally awesome!!!?

?Oh, you?re so strong! I knew you would win!!!?

Louis began to flush under all the attention. Suddenly, the crowd parted. Aaron walked up to Louis, who motioned for him to stick out his hand. Louis did so. Aaron then deposited three items in his hand: a badge, two 1000P notes and a CD-like object. He then spoke in a dejected voice, not meeting Louis? eyes

?Here?s your winnings. The Magma Badge, 2000P and the Over Heat Technical Machine.? Louis extended his other hand, but Aaron pushed it away, saying in a haughty voice,

?You got lucky, hotshot. You wait. I?ll get you, just you wait.? With those words, the Gym Leader of Pulsar City stalked off. Louis shook his head,

?Just as I thought?you?re only a boy??


Louis then left the gym, amid cheers and clapping. He quickly made his way to the Pokemon Centre, and left Pikachu and Kirlia in Nurse Joy?s care. After giving the pink haired nurse a brief recount of the battle, she took them away for treatment. Louis sighed, and walked off to the videophone room, where he contacted Professor Gannymede and his parents, to tell them of his victory. Gannymede was cheering and raving like a madman; his parents had burst into tears and were unable to form coherent speech. After the chat, Louis flopped himself onto a sofa in the lounge room of the centre for a much need rest. He was about to doze off when he felt somebody take the spot next to him.

A woman. Louis turned his head to see who it was.

Lo and behold, it was Cassandra. Who had tears in her eyes.

My God?! Is she still upset?! Can?t she give me a freaking break already?!?!

Without warning, the beautiful psychic wrapped her arms around Louis; she was sobbing onto his shoulder. Louis, being a male, didn?t know what to do in this type of situation?

>Ahh! I know! Exchange gifts, Louis!<

That?s certainly?a mild response, Evil?

>Well, I suppose it is. You should give each other your virg-<

ARGH! DON?T SAY THAT KIND OF STUFF!!! Evil giggled


Louis, still feeling clueless, thought of only one rule to use in this situation: When in Rome, do what Romans do. So he hugged Cassandra back. She stopped crying, and after locking eyes with Louis, spoke in a tear-stained voice that was mildly understandable,

?Ohh Louis?I?m so sorry?I?ve been so stupid?all because of me?you?re my friend?and I screwed up...Oh??

>AH HA! C?mon Louis, Carpe Diem! Make her pay for what she?s done to you< shrieked Evil in triumph. Good shook her head

<No, Louis, revenge never accomplishes anything. Please, do what I would do, be gentle, you can salvage the situation?>

Louis scratched his head in confusion. Didn?t he commit the wrong? Suddenly, the anger that he had felt during the week vanished like whisper in the night,

?Umm, Cassandra? I should be the one apologizing,? Louis sighed, ?I tormented you with your worst memories. I am scum. I should?I should be the one on my knees, begging for forgiveness. All this week, all I wanted you to know is how sorry I was, but I guess my pride got to me?? Cassandra?s eyes widened,

?Your jealousy? What about mine? I was the jealous one. Sure, you may have infiltrated my mind, but I guess I should?ve expected that. No, I?I was the jealous one??

?You? Jealous?! What are you jealous of?? Louis asked incredulously

?I was comparing myself, during my early days as a trainer and psychic, to you. You?ve completely outmatched me. I was frustrated that you were learning so quickly, whereas I struggled?? Louis, shocked by this revelation, was silent.

?Yes?and I took it out on you, when it was my own shortcomings as a trainer, a psychic?no, as a person that was really the problem. I?m so sorry, I?ll understand if you don?t want me to be your friend anymore?? Cassandra bowed her head in submission

Louis said nothing. He had been waiting for this apology for a while now. Cassandra looked up at Louis, her face in shock. Louis? silence was like a refusal to her. She was about to burst into tears when Louis grinned like an idiot. She gave him a bewildered look,

?Have you finished apologizing?? asked Louis in an innocent voice. Cassandra, remembering that particular phrase, smiled the first true smile in days,

?I?ll shut up now.?

 

[Yami86]

And so the two trainers became friends again. After picking up Louis? injured pokemon and picking up supplies, the two of them made their way to Gravitation City. They backtracked through Route 3, and after making a brief stop at Ceres Village for the night and some supplies, they resumed their journey. They ventured along Route 2, which was inhabited by Grass and Normal pokemon. Route 2 led towards the Milky Way Mountains, which in turn led to Route 5 and then Gravitation City. During the walk in Route 2, Louis had captured several more pokemon; he had used his prize money from the battle with Aaron, as well as the money he made from his week of training, to buy more pokeballs. Apart from capturing a Milktank, Ninjask and Wingull, Louis also caught an elusive, rare, Bulbasaur, which he added to his line up of Pokemon. After leaving Route 2, Louis and Cassandra finally reached the entrance to the Milky Way Mountains. After changing into warmer gear, the two began trekking along the snowy, winding path of the mountains.

The Milky Way Mountains were given their names due to the unusually white snow that perpetually covered the mountains. At night, the mountains were truly as spectacle to behold, as they shone like diamonds in the cloudless skies. For this reason, the Milky Way Mountains have become a popular place for trainers to venture through. The path in the Milky Way Mountains wasn?t long, since it ran straight through the mountains. Being home to water, ice and ground pokemon, Louis caught a Delibird, Geodude, Swinub and Krabby during the trek.

It was halfway through the mountains, and Louis and Cassandra were actively talking about the genders of pokemon and breeding (which Louis was unaware of until then) when somebody ran past them. This stranger was dressed very strangely; apart from having no warm clothing, he wore a tight black pair of pants, a black jumpsuit with a purple ?Z? symbol with a sword cutting vertically through the Z, and a black forehead protector. Louis and Cassandra devoted their attention to this hasty stranger, although they could only hear some of the words he was saying,

?Defeated?by a girl?Boss will be pissed?plan is getting off track?pay cuts?cable bill due?Grr??

?What was that about?? asked Cassandra

?I dunno. Probably some wannabe gym trainer who lost to a girl, and is taking the loss pretty harshly?? replied Louis with a shrug. What Louis didn?t know, was that the girl who had ?defeated? the stranger was close by. Upon inspection, they could only see the girl?s back, but Louis had a shocked look on his face.

Hold up?that hair?it?s dark brown, and I only know one person who has that shade of hair?

?Lilith?!?

The girl turned around. Deep blue eyes were intercepted by a pair of dark brown and bright purple eyes. Lilith was wearing winter gear like Louis and Cassandra, but her facial expression was frosty when she cast her eyes on Cassandra. Louis paid absolutely no attention to this; he strode to Lilith and said,

?Hey, I know you don?t wanna talk to me, but let?s get to the pokemon centre, ok?? Lilith nodded, but made no sound. Louis grabbed Lilith?s hand, and motioned Cassandra to follow him. They trekked the rest of the trail, out of the Milky Way Mountains. Had Louis been looking at Cassandra, he would have noticed the equally cold look on her face. The trio trekked the rest of the way through the mountains without incident; it wasn?t particularly cold this day, but icy sheets of snow were being blown into the three trainer?s eyes. Louis, Lilith and Cassandra had to don their goggles in order to progress. After what seemed like an eternity, the mountain trail ended; the plains steadily started to turn green, and in the distance, was the pokemon centre of Route 5.

After depositing their pokemon under Nurse Joy?s care (who happened to be the third cousin of the Joy in Pulsar City), the trio changed out of their winter gear and sat down. Or at least, Cassandra did. Louis, however, grabbed Lilith?s hand and looked at an empty room

>Oh?you?re going to do it there, big boy?< asked Evil coyly

I don?t need this now, Evil, I?ve got a problem to solve!

<That?s my Louis> whispered Good in approval

?Uhh, before I continue, I want to introduce you two.? said Louis as Lilith and Cassandra were both looking at each other with dislike. Which he didn?t notice. Louis pointed to the two women and said,

?Lilith, this is Cassandra, the trainer who helped get onto my feet in my journey.? Lilith nodded her head in forced politeness,

?Yes. Nice to meet you, Miss Cassandra.?

How I?ve longed to hear Lilith?s voice again thought Louis. He then turned his attention to Cassandra and continued,

?Cassandra, this is Lilith. She?s my best friend, and we?re both new pokemon trainers.? Cassandra also made a forced nod, saying,

?Well, nice to meet you too Lilith.? Satisfied with the greetings, Louis decided to tie up a loose end that had been bugging him since the start of his journey.

?Ok, now that we?ve been introduced, Lilith I need to talk to you. Alone. I?ll see you in a bit, Cassandra.? With that, Louis led Lilith to the empty room. Lilith?s trademark blue eyes looked confused as Louis said nothing. When they were alone, Louis began,

?Ok, Lilith, what did I do wrong? Where did I fail you?? Lilith blinked,

?What do you mean, Lou-chan?? she asked, using her affectionate form of address. Louis was thrown slightly off track. He expected to push his point forward, yet Lilith seemed almost?happy to see him.

?Uhh, you know what I mean. At Gannymede?s Lab. We were supposed to travel on our journey together! But you gave me the cold shoulder!? shouted Louis. Lilith lowered her head, ?Ok, so I was a little insensitive. You know I meant well, but you seemed to think I was having a go at you! ?We?re rivals now??! What the hell was that?! You know that you?re my best friend, and that I would never see you that way!?

Lilith said nothing. This infuriated Louis; he wanted answers, and he wanted them now. He was about to grab Lilith?s shoulders when said girl hugged him and spoke in a tear stained voice.

Wow, that?s twice in two days. Why do girls always cry in this kind of situation? Whatever, that?s life?

?Lou-chan, I?m sorry,? whimpered Lilith. Louis was surprised by this. Although Lilith?s normal tone of voice was soft and sweet, he had rarely, if ever, heard it sound so meek before, ?I?I saw you hanging out with, what?s her name, Cassandra earlier before we joined up at Professor Gannymede?s lab. I?I got jealous.?

Are all girls born jealous?!?!

??I thought that you were going to go with her on your pokemon journey, because I think the Alakazam that was with you belonged to her, and I know that you?d rather spend your time with a?hmm?good looking, experienced trainer that with me?? Lilith raised her eyes, flashing in defiance. Louis had no immediate comeback with that one. After a moment?s confusion, he replied coldly,

?Is that so? On what grounds are you basing that assumption, Lilith?!? Lilith seemed to lose her fire,

?It?s only logical, based on the fact that I?ve known you inside out for the last 13 years!?

?Well, your logic is messed up. You know that you are extremely important to me; I would never leave you. Me, you and Cassandra would?ve made a great team. What are you thinking, Ririsu?!? asked Louis in exasperation. Lilith perked up on that note. Louis rarely ever used her true Japanese name unless he was completely serious. Louis sighed, ?We could?ve avoided this. If only we talked through this??

Both trainers said nothing for a moment. Then suddenly, they spoke as one,

?I?m sorry!? The two blinked in surprise, before they shared a laugh. They then walked out of the room, together, where they joined up with Cassandra.

The last few days had been good to Louis. Not only did he win against Aaron, he also made up with Cassandra, conquered the Milky Way Mountains, caught some new pokemon and finally made up with Lilith. Louis and Lilith both planned to go to Gravitation City, and Cassandra, holding true to her promise, was going to accompany Louis all over Cosmo. The trio was currently discussing their plans,

?Let?s sleep here tonight,? said Louis, yawning, ?I?m tired.?

?I?m all for it,? replied Cassandra. Lilith also nodded,

?Agreed. Tomorrow, we set out to Gravitation City, ok??

?OK!?

Louis, Lilith and Cassandra collected their pokemon from Nurse Joy, before treating themselves to a warm meal prepared by the pokemon centre. Sitting in the mess room, the trio spoke to the many trainers there; most of them were starters like Louis and Lilith, and they were all headed to Gravitation City. After the meal, they then turned in for the night. Cassandra moved to a room different to the one Louis and Lilith were assigned to.

Aww, I thought I was going to stay with Cassandra again?

>Oh? And what were you going to do with said trainer if you did, Louis?< asked Evil innocently. Louis (mentally) choked

Uhh, talk?

>Riiiiiiight. But whatever, you have Lilith?so what do you say?<

<HEY! DON?T YOU DARE LOUIS ESTRADA!!!> screeched Good. Louis (mentally) sweatdropped,

Hey, calm down Good, I wasn?t planning to do anything, you know me?

<Humph!>

Louis and Lilith were the sole occupants of Room 3B, which contained two single beds. Louis, being a left hander, took the left bed while Lilith took the right. The two lay down, but could not sleep. So Louis decided to discuss the status of his pokemon journey with Lilith,

?Hey, Lilith.?

?Hmm??

?What?ve you been up to??

?Same as you. Capturing and training pokemon.?

?How many do you have now??

?Including my evolutions, 19.?

?Cool, I?ve got 23 including my evolutions. My team is Torchic, Pidgeotto, Kirlia, Pikachu and Bulbasaur,? stated Louis proudly, ?What?s yours??

?Sugoi!? squealed Lilith, ?You?re doing well, Lou-chan. My team is Mudkip, Swellow, Flaaffy, Vulpix and Eevee.?

?Wow, you?ve done just as well! At least you didn?t have help, unlike me. I only have one badge, the Magma Badge.?

?Don?t sell yourself short, Louis. I also have one badge; I got it a few hours before you, since I heard news of your victory after I got my badge.?

?WHAT?! YOU BEAT ME??

?Surprised??

?Not at all, Miss-I?m-named-after-the-queen-of-the-succubuses-and-mother-of-all-demons.? retorted Louis

?LOUIS!!! YOU KNOW I HATE IT WHEN YOU SAY THAT!!! DO YOU THINK I HAD ANY CHOICE IN DETERMINING MY NAME?! ANYWAY THAT?S ONLY THE ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF MY REAL NAME, SO IT DOESN?T COUNT!!!? screeched Lilith

?Keep it down, will you!? shouted a sleepy voice from the next room

?Sorry,? said Louis and Lilith in unison. After sharing a few more stories and laughs, the two finally fell asleep.

The next day, Louis woke up, only to notice that Lilith was already gone. After taking a shower and changing into usual singlet, unbuttoned shirt and pants combo, he walked into the mess room and sat down with Lilith and Cassandra. Apparently, the two had forgotten their previous animosity yesterday and were chatting like friends. Not that Louis understood what this meant, of course. After finishing their meal, the trio left the pokemon centre and headed towards Gravitation City. First, they passed Route 5. Like Route 3, it was short, and the three passed through it without incident. Finally, at midday, they had reached Gravitation City, ?The City That Pulls You In.?

?Wow..? whispered Louis. Lilith simply nodded mutely, while Cassandra shrugged indifferently. Gravitation was similar to Pulsar in the fact that both cities were quite urbanized, which still surprised the suburban bumpkins, Louis and Lilith. Unlike Pulsar, which had buildings of all types all over the place, Gravitation featured high density towers that were organized in neat blocks. There wasn?t a single house or one-storey building anywhere. Combined with the blue, silver and grey colours of Gravitation?s buildings, they were illuminated with lights and decorated with signs. Office buildings often had poster ads of the latest computer equipment. The shopping mall located in the eastern district was covered with neon lights and populated with people coming in and out. Gravitation was situated next to the Sea of Tranquility, so it was also a busy harbor. Apart from the few green parks, Gravitation City was an urban playground. The trio made their way to the pokemon centre located in the centre of the city. After entering and greeting the Nurse Joy there, they sat down.

?What should we do?? asked Cassandra. Louis pointed to the silent television and picked up the remote.

?Let?s watch TV.?

After initially arguing what channel should be put on (Louis wanted to watch anime, Cassandra wanted reality TV and Lilith wanted soap operas), they decided to set the channel on news. They were watching the current affairs program peacefully when the lights of the pokemon centre started to flicker. Looking outside, Louis saw that the buildings of Gravitation were also losing power. A shrill cry alerted Louis,

?What the hell?!? he cried out. Lilith pointed to the TV as another girl who was watching, screamed.

The current affairs program was gone. In it?s place was a live show of a person standing in front of a camera; behind him were many other men and women. That person and his group were all dressed in the same attire: black pants, a black jumpsuit with a purple ?Z? symbol that had a sword that cut through the Z vertically, and black forehead protectors, although the person in front had a silver forehead protector. He spoke in a proud and haughty voice,

?Attention, citizens of Gravitation City. Our forces have captured your city. We have blockaded the Milky Way Mountains with avalanches caused by our rock pokemon; we have secured the harbor by building a wall of ice with our ice pokemon. Our agents have overcome your security forces. Submit to our will. Resistance will be unacceptable. I now declare Gravitation City under the control of Team Zodiac!?

 

[Yami86]

Chapter 8 part I ?Evolution? ? Ayumi Hamasaki, Initial D Album


??I now declare Gravitation City under the control of Team Zodiac!?

Silence reigned after the 40 or so trainers in the pokemon centre watched this disturbing announcement.

Then the screams began.

The trainers were in panic. Gravitation City was now under control of pokemon terrorists! Some of the girls, especially the younger ones, were screaming and crying. The boys, who weren?t faring much better, were huddled in groups, shaking in fear. Chaos reigned in the pokemon centre as the trainers, fearing for their life, ran amok. Nurse Joy and some of the older trainers (including Louis, Cassandra and Lilith) tried to keep re-establish order, but with little success. Everybody was too preoccupied with saving their own hides.

Suddenly, the automatic doors of the pokemon centre opened. All eyes turned to it.

A young man walked through it. His brown eyes were completely serious as he strode towards Nurse Joy. His dark blue hair, reaching his shoulders, shook with every step. This young man, who looked around 18 years old, would?ve passed off as any other trainer, had it not been for his clothes. He wore a completely white karate gi, save for the Pokemon League symbol on the back of his uniform. The black belt he sported told Louis this young man was an experienced martial artist. Other similarly dressed people followed suit, before the doors closed. The young man spoke intently to Nurse Joy, before addressing the crowd of bewildered trainers, who forgot their panic and followed his every move.

?Everyone, please calm down. I am Kevin, the leader of Gravitation City Pokemon Gym. I know you must be feeling scared now, but fear not. We are going to get through this. Firstly,? he said, pointing at the main doors of the pokemon centre and some of the windows, ?We need to seal this place off. I?ll need all of your help; we have to do this before the Zodiacs come to this place.?

Everyone nodded. The older trainers assisted in barring the doors; firstly, they disabled the machinery. Then they covered it up with wooden boards from the maintenance room of the pokemon centre, as well as barricading the sealed door with excess furniture. The younger trainers released their pokemon to help cover the windows; again, they were covered up with wooden boards. This took about half an hour; Nurse Joy flicked the lights on to illuminate the otherwise pitch black room. Kevin, the gym leader, sat down, motioning the rest of the trainers to follow suit. Louis, sitting near the front with Lilith and Cassandra, spoke,

?Umm?Kevin?? he asked uncertainly. Kevin blinked and turned to him, ?What the hell is going on?? A lot of the other trainers were listening intently. Kevin sighed,

?I will tell you everything; everyone, get comfortable. This is going to take a while.? Louis and the other trainers, not moving from their spot, motioned for Kevin to continue.

?Alright,? said Kevin, letting out another sigh, ?For those who don?t know, Team Zodiac is a criminal organization.? Some gasps were heard from the listeners, ?They are very much similar to Team Rocket of Kanto and Johto, and Teams Magma and Aqua of Hoenn, because they use their pokemon to conduct evil acts. However, Team Zodiac are relatively new; while the other criminal organizations have been around for almost half a century, Zodiac has only been alive for the last 10 years. Don?t, however, think any less of them because of this. The Rockets, Magma and Aqua are simply petty thieves with pokemon. Zodiac is far above them. One third of their members are ex-pokemon league competitors, while the rest are extremely skilled trainers, who would be considered as having at least 6 badges. They?re very selective on who joins their organization, unlike the other criminal organizations. A 12 year old boy then spoke up,

?What do they want with us? Or Gravitation City?? Kevin shook his head,

?I?m not too sure. From what I understand, Team Zodiac, compared to the other criminal organizations, aren?t very active. But when they do try something, they usually get results, unlike the others who usually mess up. I think they want something from Gravitation City; after all, it is the urban jungle of Cosmo Region. Apart from the money they could extort from this place, they might also want something from the Constellation Industries branch here.? A 12 year old girl interrupted this time,

?Huh? Who are they??

?Constellation Industries is the company that produces pokemon and trainer related items and equipment. It?s a sister company to Devon Goods in Hoenn and Silph Co in Kanto and Johto.? Lilith tilted her head to the side, and said,

?So you?re saying that they might raid the branch here? Does Constellation Industries posses something that the Zodiacs may want?? Kevin scratched his chin thoughtfully,

?Possibly. They may want to steal some of Constellation?s equipment; according to what I have read, Constellation is the most technically advanced company out of the three companies. In fact, it was they who began the development of the legendary Master Ball. Right now, my cousin who works there told me that they are working on a new stat raising item, which increases all of a pokemon?s abilities, not just attack strength or speed alone. Constellation researchers were working along with Alpha Town?s Professor Gannymede during this project, since he?s famous for his research of pokemon abilities and powers. It?s possible that Team Zodiac want to steal the plans for this stat raising item, to power up their own pokemon.? Cassandra threw a swift look at Louis and Lilith,

?Professor Gannymede? Louis, Lilith, didn?t Professor Gannymede give you your first pokemon? Did he say anything about his research? Kevin also turned to Louis and Lilith, interested. Lilith shook her head,

?If he did, he didn?t say it to me. I left early, but Louis stayed behind with the professor and had a talk with him.? All eyes were now trained on Louis, who was mentally sweating under the attention.

Aww, ****!!! Professor told me not to tell anyone about the meteor cross, or the notes for Professor Hermes! But this is a crisis; maybe this information is important! What should I do?

Well, he looked very serious when he told me to keep all this to myself. I know, I?ll just, tell HALF the truth. That way, I?m not revealing any secrets, and secondly and I wouldn?t be lying, so it?s all good!

?Well, all Professor Gannymede wanted me to do is to visit Professor Hermes in the Nova City pokemon lab; apparently, the two of them are working on something, and I?m supposed to help out with Professor Hermes when I get to Nova City, whatever he wants.? Louis spoke calmly, so he didn?t tip off anyone. Kevin looked bewildered,

?Professor Hermes? I haven?t heard much of him, apart from the fact that he studies the same things as Professor Gannymede. But I didn?t know they were both working on the same project. Louis, was it? Did Professor Gannymede tell you anything else??

?No?that was it. I guess Professor Gannymede wanted to keep his secrets to himself.?

Kevin leaned back, absorbing the information. After spending a minute in silence, he spoke again,

?Hmm?Professor Gannymede and Professor Hermes are both researchers on pokemon abilities and powers and Gannymede is working with Constellation Industries on their new stat increasing product. Maybe, Gannymede and Hermes have found ways to increase a pokemon?s natural abilities and powers, and are passing on their research to Constellation?? Lilith nodded,

?That?s it; there?s no other reason why Zodiac would be here. Zodiac are after this new item. Imagine what they could do, they are already experienced trainers, but with this new stat increaser, all their pokemon would be superior to other pokemon. That?s a deadly combination.?

?Agreed.? said Kevin in approval, while at the same time looking at the other trainers who were listening in but couldn?t hear. He then informed them, ?That?s why they are here. Team Zodiac are here to steal plans for an all-purpose stat increasing item to make their pokemon incredibly strong.? The audience gasped again. Most of them hadn?t of heard much of Team Zodiac, but now, the very same group had taken over Gravitation City. Most of them were in shock. Cassandra, however, looked puzzled,

?I don?t understand something. Why did Team Zodiac strike here? The administrative building of Constellation Industries is located in Astro City. The one here is just a branch.?

?That?s because this branch is also the main research facility. If they were going to steal new technology, they?d go for the branch here.? Cassandra nodded and lost her puzzled look; Louis, on the other hand, frowned.

?But why an all out attack? Wouldn?t it be smarter for Team Zodiac to conduct a covert operation, like the one they did in Astro City last week? Now they?ve gotten everyone?s attention.? Kevin nodded.

?I agree. A covert operation would?ve caused less trouble. Now they?ve got the Cosmo Pokemon Security Agency on their backs. Also, compared to the other criminal organizations, Team Zodiac is a lot smaller in terms of numbers. Rocket has members in the several thousands; Magma and Aqua have around one thousand people each, but Zodiac can?t have more than 500 members, and I doubt if even half that number is here in Gravitation. I guess they want to show their power to everyone now?? At this point, one of Kevin?s gi-clad followers spoke up,

?Kevin, what are we doing here?? the girl asked in an exasperated tone, ?Are we simply going to hope that Team Zodiac does not notice this barricaded building until the CPSA show up?? Many of the trainers murmured in agreement, but Kevin raised his hand,

?I know, I know. I have some contacts, you know, and I was tipped off that Gravitation City might get attacked. I told the CPSA of course, which is why they?ve posted some of their agents here. During this week?, he said, looking at the audience, ?I?ve been barricading and reinforcing the gym, and there?s a reason why we are here and not there.?

?That reason is?? asked a boy at the back,

?I wanted to fool Zodiac into thinking we are there. And it worked. When the city was taken over, me and my trainers retreated into the gym, and the Zodiac forces have it surrounded. We escaped via the underground tunnels, and we sneaked our way here. From the last I saw of Team Zodiac, about 50 of their agents are still surrounding the building. None of their pokemon?s attacks can get through; they still think we?re there.?

?Won?t they come here soon?? asked Louis

?I doubt it. They think that the pokemon centre poses no threat because they believed that only newer trainers would hang around here; while the strong ones that could pose a threat are in the gym. They might still come, but I?ve reinforced this place more than I have of the gym. Even a direct Hyper Beam won?t damage this place.? Louis nodded,

Ahh?that?s why the pokemon centre seemed more bulky and shinier compared to the others I?ve been too?smart, Kevin, very smart?

Kevin continued his speech, ?I?ve been sending extra supplies here over the week, since I knew that a Zodiac invasion might be imminent?, he pointed at Nurse Joy and her assistants, Jocelyn and Jacky. ?We?ve got enough supplies here to last about four weeks, with all of us. Originally, I planned to last about one and half months, but there?s more trainers here than I thought. But it?s ok; I think we can manage.? A scared 15 boy decided to voice in his thoughts,

?But?but?Mr. Kevin! I heard that Zodiac agents have sealed off the harbor and the Milky Way Mountains. That?s the only way to get to Gravitation City! The only other method would be to fly in, but I saw the Zodiac agents patrolling the city with Ice, Rock and Electric pokemon!?

?Don?t worry, kid,? said Kevin reassuringly, ?I?m sure that the CPSA will overcome the 170 or so Zodiac agents here with sheer numbers. Now, let?s start organizing here??

Kevin and his 10 trainers had instructed the other 40 or so trainers what to do. In order to last the three weeks, they would have to regularly maintain the pokemon centre. So they organized a table of duties. 10 trainers, at all times, would patrol the two storey pokemon centre. At night, when they all slept, 10 trainers would patrol the place for 4 hours, and then switch with another group of 10. Everyone ate three times a day, thanks to the massive amount of supplies, but Kevin cautioned everyone: once the fifth week had passed, they would start rationing to two meals a day. Louis, Lilith and the other older trainers would regularly check the barricades, and repair them if necessary.

[The Second Day, 1:30am]

Louis and Lilith were walking around the pokemon centre, as it was their turn to patrol the place. Cassandra wasn?t with them because she was assigned to take over when their 4 hour shift was over. Lilith, deciding to look after the younger trainers, walked off to their quarters. She affectionately patted Louis? shoulder before she left; Louis was glued to the spot he was standing in, not able to move,

That was?that was?that wasn?t a girl?s touch. No?she?s definitely a woman?

?Something on your mind?? inquired an unknown voice. Louis turned around and found Kevin, hand in hand with the girl who had asked what they were doing here earlier. Louis blinked, before saying,

?Uhh?nothing much, I guess. Just doing my duty, Kevin,? said Louis. He then focused his attention to the female, ?And uhh, your name is?? Louis asked. The girl smiled,

?Please call me Kaori. My idiot boyfriend forgot to introduce me earlier, even though he got the names of everyone else.? Louis grinned in return, which vanished quite suddenly when Kaori smacked poor Kevin in the head. The gym trainer rubbed his head ruefully,

?Uhh, that hurt. I?m sorry, Kaori, I forgot?? muttered Kevin in a timid voice. Kaori pouted and turned her head away. Louis took at look at Kaori; Kaori was around the same height as Lilith, although her features were different. Unlike Lilith, Kaori had the traditional features of a Japanese girl. Long, ebony coloured hair framed her pale, oval shaped face. Her movements were graceful and poised; something Louis expected would come from martial arts and a careful upbringing. Her dark brown eyes bored into Kevin?s hazel brown ones. Kevin looked different. Gone was the serious, determined leader that Louis had been so suddenly acquainted to. In his place, was a man looking at the love of his life as if she was dressed in leather and was holding a whip.

Hmm?although she?s no match for Cassandra, or maybe Lilith, she?s still quite pretty. Poor Kevin, he?s got it bad?

Louis smiled slyly at Kevin; he coughed, which sounded suspiciously like, ?dude, you?re whipped.? Kevin didn?t catch the hint, but he was blushing nonetheless. After a moment of awkwardness, Kevin regained his serious self. Coughing slightly, he once again asked,

?Oh?yes. As I was saying, are you ok, Louis??

?Huh?? Don?t worry about me, I?m fine. Just worrying about Lilith, the girl that was with me just a few moments ago. She went off to look after the younger trainers.? Kevin nodded in understanding, but Kaori wrinkled her eyebrows in question,

?Lilith? Her last name was Arashi, right? That?s definitely a Japanese name, and she certainly looks like one, but the colour of her features are off. Is she Japanese, Estrada-san?? Louis noted the formal suffix after his surname in Kaori?s statement, before replying,

?Lilith is pure blood Japanese, but she was born like that. Please don?t raise that issue with her, Kaori, she gets offended sometimes.? Kaori nodded,

?I see. It?s just?weird, I suppose.?

After a few minutes of small talk, Kaori left to get some rest, leaving Louis and Kevin to sit on one of the lounge sofas in the pokemon centre. They discussed many things, even though their shift had already ended and the next group had taken over.

?Hey, Louis, you?re a beginner trainer, correct??

?That?s right.?

?Hmm, by the way you look, you?ve fought a gym battle already??

?Yes, I defeated Aaron the fire gym leader at Pulsar City.? Kevin chuckled,

?Did he throw a tantrum when you beat him. And was he cocky?? Louis nodded in surprise,

?Yes, he was. Is he always like this? If so, I wonder how the hell a little brat like him ever became a gym leader.? Kevin sighed,

?By the way things look, you experienced his bad side. I?m not justifying his actions, believe me when I say he?s a little creep too. But I want you to know, Louis, there is a reason behind the way he acts.? said Kevin. Louis had a perplexed look on his face, but motioned for Kevin to continue,

?Aaron is the youngest of the Cosmo gym leaders. When he was first assigned to this post, many of the older trainers ridiculed him. He was only 14; and had just competed in his first pokemon league tournament, coming 23rd. He was a cheerful young boy, I would know, since I fought him during the league tournament. Even when he lost, he took the loss in stride and congratulated me heartily. So when he became gym leader, he was ecstatic. He wanted Pulsar City Gym to have the finest fire pokemon in the Cosmo region. However, not many people respected the dream of this little guy. Many trainers regarded Aaron as a joke.

The success of gyms not only depend on the skill of the leader, but also the people who work under him. A leader with many followers show that he or she has earned the trust and respect of the skilled trainers in the area. Aaron had no-one. He had to take on challengers all by himself, and even though not many people won against him, the local trainers still dismissed Aaron?s ability, saying that because he was little, people were going easy on him.? Louis nodded

Wow?I never thought that the little guy had it so hard? Kevin continued his story,

?Anyway, after a few months of loneliness and endless taunts, he had enough. He wanted to earn the respect of the local trainers, so he issued a challenge: whoever defeated him, would become the new gym leader. A gym leader pays very good money and is, in itself, a prestigious position. Many of Aaron?s ill-wishers took after the challenge. I myself was training in Pulsar City at the time, so I watched the challenges on the appointed day.

It was incredible. Aaron?s pokemon thoroughly thrashed all opposing trainers. Some pokemon were beaten so badly that Nurse Joy wanted to call off the challenge. In the end, no-one could defeat Aaron. The local trainers submitted to him, and Pulsar Gym looked like it would be great. But it wasn?t meant to be. Aaron had grown bitter during the time before the challenge, so he transformed. He became more confident, more arrogant. And this attitude stayed until now. The trainers under him noticed this, but didn?t say anything. And so, Aaron slowly and surely became the guy he is now. All due to a lack of kindness.? Louis nodded at Kevin, who smiled sadly,

?So I want you to know Louis, that Aaron wasn?t always like the way he is now. Like you, he was once a happy, idealistic young trainer with bright hopes for the future??

With that, Kevin left the sofa, leaving Louis alone with his thoughts in the early hours of the morning?

 

[Yami86]

[The Third Day, 1:00 pm]

Louis was sitting on one of the sofas, feeling bored. Today he didn?t have any patrol duties, but Lilith, Cassandra, Kevin and Kaori did, so he had no-one to talk to. Louis took at look at the trainers around him. Although some looked like they were beginners as well, they didn?t seem scared, considering the situation. Some were talking about their favourite TV show; others were even showing off their pokemon to one another. To Louis, he felt that this lack of fear came from Kevin?s leadership. Louis hoped that this leadership would hold out until the CPSA forces came in. Nurse Joy and her assistants, Jocelyn and Jacky, were cleaning up the lunch everyone just had. All in all, everyone looked occupied, except for him. After letting out a long yawn, he cast his mind over some issues that were tugging away at his mind.

I still can?t forget the discussion we had the day we camped out here. So, Professor Gannymede and Professor Hermes were working on some research that increases a pokemon?s abilities. And Professor Gannymede told me to give Professor Hermes the meteor cross. Heh, even a two year old would know that this cross has something to do with the stat raising item Constellation industries is making. I wonder though, what the hell does this cross do?

Picking himself up, Louis walked from the lounge into the computer room of the pokemon centre. Since Team Zodiac had cut off communications in the city, the computers were useless in sending messages. Thus, they were turned off. The computer room was empty; the perfect place for Louis to examine the meteor cross. He closed the door, before setting down his bag and kneeling before it. He then pulled out the small sack holding the meteor cross and took the cross out, holding the strange, reddish-orange artifact in his hand. It was clear that the meteor cross was made from the rock of the meteor, yet it seemed so?smooth.

I wonder...how this cross can increase a pokemon?s powers??

>Why don?t you find out, Louis< asked a sultry sounding voice

<Don?t, Louis. Professor Gannymede trusted you!> a sweet voice shot back

Oh no?Good and Evil are back. I hate it when they argue, it always gives me headaches?

>But I compensate by giving you ?good? dreams, no?< said Evil playfully

<That?s just low!> shrieked Good

>Humph, tell it to him, he?s not complaining. I remember how he enjoyed that particularly kinky one with Lilith and Cassandra?<

Err?

<LOUIS?!?! YOU?YOU?MALE!!!!> screamed Good

Sorry?but back to the issue at hand. What the heck does this cross do?

>Well, it seems to hold a tremendous amount power within it, right Good?< asked Evil

<You?re right. It seems that this artifact, when activated, will unleash a massive burst of power, although what that power does is still a mystery to me< replied Good, whose tone of voice still seemed quite snappy

>Well, give it a shot, Louis. Find a way to activate it!< Evil asserted

But?how?

>Use Gannymede?s notes, stupid!<

Oh yeah?

<Louis! You?re not supposed to mess around with the cross, and you?re not supposed to read those notes! Professor Gannymede trusts you! Don?t betray him!!!>

>Bah! The situation has changed, Good. If Louis doesn?t figure out how that artifact works, then he might not be live to give it to Hermes!<

<?>

I?I?I don?t know

>C?mon Louis?you know you want to?<

Louis stared at the cross. For what seemed like hours, the beautiful yet mysterious artifact did nothing. Yet, there were times when he could?ve sworn he caught a flash of light. And there was one time, when he could?ve sworn he heard a voice say something in his mind

//Megiddo?//

Louis stared at the cross; he gripped it so hard his hand began to sweat. His hand was trembling, he desperately wanted to unlock the secret of the meteor cross, but he had no idea on where to start. He looked around the darkened computer room, but all he saw were the blank screens of the computers. Why, of all times, were they turned off now?!

>It drives you mad, doesn?t it? Thus, it fuels your search for the answers?<

Shut up, Evil!

Sweat covered Louis? body now; he wanted to break the cross, just to see what the cross did, but he didn?t. The humid air within the room only increased Louis? stress. The cross didn?t glow, or expand, or do anything out of the ordinary. It just?lay in his hands; this only enflamed Louis? desire to find out its secrets.

That?s it! I?m going to read those God**** notes on my PokeNav!!! Nothing will stop me now!!! I HAVE TO KNOW!!!

?Louis?? asked a soft, sweet voice

Louis mentally panicked. He discreetly slid the cross into one of his pockets as he turned to face the voice, although he couldn?t understand why his hand was so?reluctant to let go of the cross. He stood as he turned around, and his eyes informed him of the person who had interrupted him.

It was Lilith. She tilted her head to the side as she examined Louis? sweaty form.

?What are you doing, Louis?? she asked

?Whaddaya mean, what am I doing?? replied Louis, in a somewhat impatient voice. Lilith blinked her eyes in surprise, before saying,

?Well, I wonder what you are doing, Lou-chan, because you are all alone, in a darkened room, you are sweating, and your hands are shaking. So, what are you doing??

What the freak?! She?she?thinks I?ve been?Argh!

?What the hell? Are you trying to imply something?!?

?Imply what, Louis?? asked Lilith, in what seemed to be a casual voice. Louis looked like he was about to convulse, when he took a deep breath and said,

?Heh, nothing. I?m just feeling pissed off at the Zodiacs for ruining our journeys. I?m venting right now, so forgive me if I seem pissed off.? Lilith nodded, before giving Louis one of her cheerful smiles,

?Ok. I wondered where you were. Its 4 o?clock now, and I was looking for you, since you seem to have disappeared. But now I see you are ok, and that you want to spend some time alone. That?s alright, I?ll see you at dinner.? With that, Lilith walked off, leaving Louis with his thoughts

Whew?lucky me. Good thing Lilith doesn?t push me when I?m stressed. Heh, works like a charm, every time

Had Louis been paying attention to Lilith, he would?ve heard her say something along the lines of, ?Grr?Cassandra?can?t believe?he was?over her??

[The Fourth Day, 9:30am]

Louis and Cassandra had been patrolling the night before, but they had the morning off. After seeing Lilith commence her rounds, the two had retreated to a quiet corner of the large lounge room in the pokemon centre to talk. The subject for today:

PSYCHIC POWERS

Uh oh?is she serious?

Louis started to sweat after Cassandra had announced that they would resume his psychic training. After all, their last lesson was?messed up, to say the least. Louis did voice his concerns to Cassandra, but the purple haired trainer shrugged it off.

?Louis, our last lesson was my mistake. Don?t worry, what we are learning today does not concern thoughts, emotions and memories.? Louis? expression lightened up after that

?If you say so, Cassandra.? said Louis with a more confident tone of voice.

With that, Cassandra began an intensive, one hour explanation of telekinesis, or the ability to move objects without touching it. Cassandra explained its theory, practical application and method of improvements. Louis listened intently; he did not pay attention to the interested looks by passing trainers. Nor did he notice Lilith?s somewhat jealous glare, or Kevin?s worried look, or the intent stares of a 16 year old boy and a 15 year old girl.

??so you see, Louis, that?s how telekinesis works. I want you to focus on your psychic powers. Draw upon it; and I want you to express it. Force it out of your body. By directing your psychic energy and striking an object with it, you can move the object with your will. That is, essentially, telekinesis.?

?Does that mean I can only push stuff away from me using telekinesis.? asked Louis in a somewhat disappointed tone of voice. Cassandra giggled, before replying,

?Of course not, silly. When I said ?expressing? your psychic energy, all I meant was to direct it out of your body. Outside your body, your psychic energy is still yours, and by controlling it, you can alter the direction your target moves, how fast it will move, and how far it will move. Of course, what I?m talking about is very advanced telekinesis.?

?Doesn?t matter. I have a goal to work towards now. Only one problem though: The only psychic pokemon I have is my Kirlia, and I know now that Kirlias specialize in empathy, not telekinesis.?

?Don?t worry, you can use my Alakazam. The Alakazam family can use telekinetic powers.?

?Ehh? Your Alakazam? I thought your Alakazam hates me because I almost ran it over with my RX-7 the day we met.? said Louis ruefully, while scratching his forehead. Cassandra laughed; it sounded like silver rain in Louis? ears.

?Don?t worry, Louis. My Alakazam can get quite grumpy, but it never holds a grudge. Now, let?s get started!?

Cassandra drew a pokeball from her belt and handed it to Louis, who released the pokemon inside, Alakazam. The psychic pokemon gave a queer look at Louis, but took its place at Louis? side. Cassandra, on the other hand, set down a pot plant in front of Louis. She gestured for Louis to begin.

?Ok! Do it, Louis!?

Louis took a look at Alakazam, who nodded. Alakazam focused, and a slight aura could be seen from him. Louis felt the aura, and also felt that he knew how to use telekinesis. All he had to do was try?

Louis raised his arm and pointed it at the pot plant.

I can do this?All I have to do is release my powers. Alakazam gave me the knowledge of telekinesis, all I have to do is use it. I know I can do it!

Louis squinted his eyes in concentration. He felt himself release his energy; he felt something like liquid was passing from his arm and leaving him; the energy was drifting away quickly, yet Louis still felt a connection to it. Of course, since it was Louis? energy, he could still feel it; he felt that he could command it. The psychic energy sped struck the pot plant, and when Louis felt contact, Louis willed for the pot plant to move backwards.

I?I?I can?t believe it!

The pot moved! It floated slightly off the ground as it shot backwards, until it hit the ground and fell over, causing the soil in the pot plant to spill. Louis looked pretty proud of himself, but he was humbled by Cassandra, who used her own psychic power to stand the pot plant back up, while at the same time picking up the fallen soil and putting it back into the pot. Louis, however, didn?t notice the slight scowl on Cassandra?s face. The 20 year old psychic, in reality, was seething inside.

No?no?I can?t believe it! Most psychics need months to learn telekinesis, but he does it one go! Why?! WHY IS HE IS SO GOOD?! No, I must calm down. He is my friend; I cannot get jealous. I just hope this doesn?t?interfere?with the plans

Cassandra managed to fix her scowl, before thinking of another way to test the extent of Louis? powers. He must have his limits! She took a look at Louis, before saying,

?Hey, Louis! That was?great. You?re so amazing, you managed to use telekinesis on your first try! I wish I was that good when I started. But I want to test your powers. Why don?t you try it on me?? Louis liked confused,

?On you? What if I hurt you, like last time?? Cassandra shook her head.

?You won?t. Remember, there?s no mental factor in this, remember? Just give it your best shot. Push me away with your telekinetic powers.? With that, Cassandra lowered her arms loosely to her sides, while nodding to Louis.

?Ok then.? Louis raised his arms, and again, released his psychic energy, directing it at Cassandra this time. When he felt that the psychic power was about to make contact, he willed Cassandra to be pushed back.

Now!!!

As soon as he made that mental commandment, Cassandra suddenly raised her left arm, as if it was her natural instinct. Louis, in surprise, felt his psychic energy had struck an iron wall, and was deflected back towards him. When his psychic energy hit him, Louis was thrown backwards, ending up on his back. In his surprise, he didn?t notice that Cassandra had staggered when his psychic power was deflected.

Ohh?what did I do now? I feel so dizzy?

When Louis regained his senses, he stood up, and saw Cassandra with a neutral look on her face. His instincts told him that he must?ve screwed up, but he was proven wrong when Cassandra said,

?Oh, Louis? Sorry about that. It was my shields at work again. I have this tendency to block all psychic activity directed at me, regardless of the situation. I?ll lower them next time? Louis, looking confused, rubbed the back of his head,

?Ok?that hurt. Do you want me to try again?? Cassandra nodded.

?Ok, here I go!?

Louis raised his arm and once again, directed his psychic energy towards Cassandra. Although the psychic had promised to lower her shields, a proud part of her mind wanted to put Louis in his place. So when Louis? psychic energy had made contact, she raised her shields to about half strength, so that Louis? wouldn?t notice.

Big mistake. She should?ve raised them to full power.

Louis? psychic power shattered Cassandra?s shield. The sheer force of Louis? will, coupled with his growing powers, threw Cassandra backwards, causing her to collide with a nearby wall with a loud thud. She slid to the ground, and ended up on her knees. Louis ran towards her.

Uh oh?I screwed up again?she?s going to flip out!

?Cassandra! Cassandra! I?m sorry! I didn?t mean to do that! You told to me to push you away, so that?s what I did, but I didn?t mean to hurt you! Cassandra, I swear-? Cassandra cut off Louis? rant; she got up with a slight groan, and smiled, albeit somewhat forcefully.

?Louis, I know what happened. You did great, as usual. Your powers are amazing. Why don?t you take a breather for a while, we?ve been doing this for two hours.? Seeing that Cassandra was serious and in no real pain, he gave her a nod and walked off towards the lunch room. Cassandra watched Louis? retreating form.

I can?t believe it! How is he so **** strong! Why can?t I surpass him!!! No?no?I must not be jealous. Louis is my friend. I will not let us get into another needless argument

Cassandra sighed, as she walked towards a sofa and sat down. Kevin appeared and sat next to her.

?Cassandra? What were you doing, just then?? asked Kevin in a somewhat fearful voice.

?Well, me and Louis were practicing our psychic powers. He?s a newly found psychic, so I thought that as his friend, I should instruct him.? replied Cassandra casually. Kevin widened his eyes and grabbed the sofa armrest next to him,

?What?! NOOO!!!!

 

[Yami86]

[Meanwhile, at the top level of the Constellation Industries building, Gravitation City]

?Sir!?

?Yes, Dr Steiner??

?Our psychic sensors have detected a burst psychic energy, sourced at the pokemon centre in this city.?

?Psychic power? How many sources??

?From our sweep, four contacts, two of them extremely powerful.?

?I see?Boss will be very pleased with this turn of events. But why at the pokemon centre? Why not the gym, where the trainers have crashed in??

?Sir?we believe that the pokemon gym was really a ruse to divert our attention. We have besieged it for 4 days, but there has been no sign of habitation within the gym.?

?But did you not follow the gym leader and his trainers into the gym with our forces? Even I saw it with my own eyes.?

?Sir, we believe that the trainers had escaped using secret passage ways in the gym structure that we were unaware of.?

?Hmm?very impressive. They fooled us because they fortified the gym so much, we believed it to be the only logical place where the trainers could be located now. Where are the possible locations of these trainers??

?Our patrols have noticed that the pokemon centre, the very same one with the psychic contacts, have also been fortified as well as the gym. It seems logical that the gym leader, who we believe orchestrated this plan, originally intended to use the pokemon centre in the first place as a base of operations.?

?Hmm?who is the gym leader??

?His name is Kevin.?

?I see. Let us get his attention. Firstly, ready the TV broadcasting device. Secondly, activate the psychic emitter. Thirdly, get our forces to surround the pokemon centre. Let?s get their attention??

[Back at the pokemon centre]

Cassandra looked surprise at Kevin?s sudden outburst. She started to edge back in her seat, when she asked,

?Kevin? What?s up?? Kevin?s eyes nearly bulged out as he screamed,

?ARE YOU CRAZY! DON?T YOU KNOW? THE BOSS OF TEAM ZODIAC HAS SOME SECRET AGENDA COCERNING PSYCHICS!!!,? Kevin calmed down somewhat, ?In every attack that Team Zodiac has made that has involved hostages, they have always kept psychics after they release hostages. There are reports of some attacks where Team Zodiac have specifically targeted psychic trainers. No offense, but by using your psychic power, you?ve made us all a target!? Cassandra looked horrified,

?But?but?I never knew!? Kevin sighed, and dropped his head,

?No, it was my fault for not telling you. It?s just that I never knew that we 2 had psychics within our midst.? Kevin and Cassandra continued talking about the Zodiacs, unaware of the unnerved stares of the trainers listening in, nor the frightened look of the boy and girl who was watching Louis and Cassandra train, nor the shocked look on Lilith, who was watching all this time.

Louis, a psychic? But he never told me?Why did you hide this from me?!

Kevin stood up, and faced the trainers within the pokemon centre. He announced,

?Louis, would make your way here? And any other psychics, come here as well.? Louis, and the two trainers that were watching him and Cassandra earlier, made their way to where Kevin and Cassandra were. The other [non-psychic] trainers crowded around, eager to hear more. Kevin spoke in a serious voice,

?Listen, we know that Team Zodiac is after psychics. So, you must ensure that you never use psychic powers here. The fact that Team Zodiac don?t think we?re a threat is the only reason why we?re still here, but if they find out we are harboring psychics, they?ll be on us before you know it. This building is highly fortified, but our defenses aren?t invincible.?

Louis and the two trainers nodded. Cassandra was about to speak to them as well, when suddenly, all four psychics fell to their knees, clutching their heads. The crowd began to panic; Kevin looked at the trainers with fear.

What the hell is going on?!?!

Lilith, seeing Louis on the ground, ran towards him from her observation spot,

?Louis!!!? she screamed. Louis was clearly in some sort of pain, because he face was wrenched in agony. In a commanding, but broken voice, he yelled at Lilith,

?N-n-no! Li-Li-Lilith! S-Stay back!!! I-I-I can h-h-hear v-v-voices!!!? Bewildered and frightened, Lilith stopped running. Her eyes threatened to shed tears; she was unable to look at Louis, being tormented by an invisible force. Cassandra raised her head weakly, and got to her feet. While she also looked like she was in agony, her pain was not as bad as the Louis and the other two trainers. In a weak voice, she said,

?Yes?can you?can you hear it?? The other three trainers nodded. Kevin cut in,

?What? Hear what?!? he cried. Cassandra gnashed her teeth, before replying,

?They, Team Zodiac, must be using some sort of psychic device to implant messages in our head. It?s painful for psychics who don?t have strong mental shields??

?What are they saying?!? demanded Kevin. Cassandra held her head, before replying,

?Th-they are telling us to turn on the TV, they have some sort of message for us!? With that, Cassandra let out a deep breath, before standing still again. Louis and the other two trainers also seemed more relaxed now, and Louis said,

?They?ve stopped.? Lilith ran up to him, and embraced him tightly. Louis didn?t seem to notice Lilith, but he did notice that he was filled with a sudden warmth. Kevin nodded, and turned on the TV. What greeted them chilled the souls of those who watched. The Team Zodiac commander with the silver head protector, who had declared Gravitation City was under their control, was once again on the screen. The Zodiac commander sneered, before announcing,

?Hey little children, nice meeting you. It seems that you?ve fooled us, temporarily of course. Kevin, whoever you are, I salute you. Your cunning amazes me. It is a shame you aren?t one of us; you would have made a great officer in our ranks.

But, to business. We have detected psychics within your pokemon centre, and we would like to, how to put this, meet them. Well, not me, but my boss would. So, we are proposing a deal with you little children. Surrender your psychics to us, tomorrow morning at 6 o?clock. Of course, there is something for you, in exchange. Give us your psychics, and I swear to lift the siege we were planning for your pokemon centre. It may be heavily fortified, but it is not impenetrable. Don?t worry, we will keep our side of the bargain, we only want psychics. It would be a waste to our resources to keep meaningless prisoners, ok? So, let me repeat my deal. In exchange for your safety until we leave this city, surrender your psychics to us. Otherwise, our forces will break into your building and capture every last one of you, and I?d rather we didn?t because it would waste our time. You have until tomorrow morning. Until then, take care little children.?