Heh. "I'm going to update more frequently." _

Misty was of course busy. I didn't expect much else.

I hadn't stayed in Cerulean any longer than was necessary to swing by the gym, scoff at being told I would need to wait two weeks for a gym battle and flip off the receptionist on my way out the door.

I was annoyed that I didn't get to take the cascade badge for myself but the trade-off to spending another two weeks in what had definitely taken my top spot for 'worst city in Kanto' wasn't worth it. Of course that didn't stop me from leaving a parting gift in the gym toilet and 'forgetting' to flush.

Artemis kept me company as we made our way down route 5, blasting a Psybeam at any pokemon unfortunate enough to get in our way. Her pinpoint aim combined with infallible radar system made her a terror to be feared. Personally, I found her use of force a tad excessive whenever she blasted a wild Meowth in the face, but I guess it was cathartic for her. There may have been a bit of unresolved tension between her and Felicity still.

I didn't say anything though. So long as they kept it under control when it came to crunch time I didn't give a Rattata's ass whether they liked each other or not. Or at least that's what I told myself, making the executive decision to look away whenever we came upon a Meowth.

A couple hours of walking found us at the doorstep of a quaint little cottage nestled at the bottom of a large hill, dotted with ledges. It was every part the charming little homestead, right down to its thatched roof (seriously, who the fuck would use straw as a roof when there were creatures that could burn it down literally wandering the earth?!). It sagged a little in the middle, with a sort of genuine worn out feel that the people in Cerulean could never emulate; This place hadn't been designed to look homely, it just couldn't help it.

A large fence ran behind the cottage and the diverse shapes of various pokemon could be seen wandering around behind it. That certainly piqued my interest, if there were rare pokemon to be caught then I could definitely allow further investigation. Of course the moment we came in range of the door I spied the sign dangling from an old chain above: The Mother Hen's Coop. Daycare, Moomoo Milk and Coffee services inside.

I'd heard of this place, practically every trainer's manual listed it as a 'must visit' for all new trainers. Personally I was dubious of why. Artemis bumped into my leg irritated. Her antennae were twitching wildly, something I'd noticed she did whenever she was nervous.

It annoyed me. Artemis was one of the most bloodthirsty, perfectly terrifying battlers I'd ever seen, and here she was perturbed by a stinking cottage? A kinder trainer might have just left, after all, I had no business here, and had no reason to further antagonise my starter.

A kinder trainer might have done a lot of things differently.

The interior was just as quaint as the exterior. A small counter faced the entrance, behind which stood the very personification of 'sweet old lady'. She wore an apron around her front, had faded hair tied up in a professional manner and smiled in a way that made my insides clench. Butter wouldn't melt in her mouth with a smile like that. Across from us at the other end of the cottage were a number of mismatched tables and chairs, with an impressive array of cushions and knitted cosies.

I'm not usually one for sweet things.

This was no exception.

I recalled the midst of Viridian forest with envy when compared to this.

"Would you like to come inside dear? You're letting the draft in and that can't be comfortable for you."

It was a struggle, but I managed to scowl at her, making my laborious way to the counter. Artemis hopped behind me, practically hugging my leg, which helped a little. Admittedly I no longer knew if I was annoyed that this place had upset Artemis or annoyed at Artemis for being upset by this place. The goosebumps running down my spine probably afforded me a bit of empathy for her.

There was a board on the wall behind the old lady, with prices and services, so picking at random I ordered a bitter tea and some moomoo milk for my pokemon. It was off-putting to see my gruff demeanour have no effect on the old lady. "Just take a seat dear, I'll bring it out to you. And feel free to release any other pokemon you like", she chuckled at something shaking her head, "Maybe not anything too big though."

The selection of seats was kind of a lucky dip to be perfectly honest, I inspected the furniture sceptically. I eventually settled on a high backed wooden number by the window, telling myself it was not just in case I needed a swift exit.

I almost had to return Artemis after another patron's Butterfree got too close, ignoring the complaints of it's trainer to order her back to me. I didn't see what he was so pissed about, his Butterfree was just disabled, it'd be fine in a little while. Besides, the stupid thing shouldn't have approached unfamiliar pokemon anyway.

It was fight he ultimately ceded after I released Felicity to sit with us. I guess some things seemed less important when staring down the maw of a large predator.

Felicity at least seemed to be more at ease than Artemis and myself, yawning languorously and stretching out under the sunlight from the window. It did help to ease my own tension, if only a little.

Though of course the moment the old lady returned with our order it skyrocketed once more. There was just something so foreign about it all. Something more than a little concerning to ponder that I was more uneasy here than I would be in the wilds, with the danger of attack always present.

Cerulean had been a city of transparent kindness, even an idiot could see it was all a lie. There was ugly hidden poorly beneath that mask. But this place… I was never sure if the cracks in this places mask were too well hidden or if they weren't there altogether. I couldn't figure it out.

And that scared me more than all the Onix and all the Rocket's roaming Kanto.

Cooper would have a grand time mocking me for being so paranoid, I mused. Once again I considered calling him. If only to let him know I wasn't dead.

Once again, I left him alone.

I didn't even have justification to be ignoring him, and no amount of (admittedly tepid) consideration would illuminate why I was. It was a unique annoyance of mine to be so obsessive about figuring things out, and yet so unwilling to examine my own motivations. I think a part of me knew the reason why, but it was easier to ignore than deal with. Though of course another part of me despised that I was taking the easy way out.

My tea had gone cold by the time I had finished scowling into it.

We left pretty soon after, making it through the northern border office of Saffron in short time. I was fortunate enough to have arrived while the guard was in deep conversation with some other sucker, skipping a thorough search and just waltzing on through.

I'd visited Saffron city only a couple of times before I started my journey, but it always managed to leave an impression. Towering skyscrapers, concrete walls and more people than should be feasible. It was no surprise that this place held the mantle of largest city in Kanto, only Celadon came in at a close second. The other most striking thing about Saffron was the noise, an endless assault on the ears, between the sounds of people going about their business and the sounds of machinery working away.

It didn't even take 5 minutes before Artemis was twitching her antennae and hugging my leg. I decided to take pity on her, recalling her to her more peaceful pokeball; Even I couldn't expect her to be fine in a place like this. Besides, it didn't look like there were all that many other people with their pokemon out either. There simply wasn't room in many of the densely packed crowds.

You would think that the lack of vehicles on the roads would help alleviate congestion too, but all it seemed to do was inspire people to walk in any direction all over the place. At least when people had used cars as their main form of transport there had been a semblance of order to the directions of the crowds, but ultimately they had died out of popularity. It was most likely a combination of the cost of running them mixed with the cost of keeping the roads maintained and free of pokemon that had led to their demise. There were still highways between major metropolitan hubs, like Saffron, Celadon, Fuschia and Vermillion, but it was just easier for people to live locally. And within those cities the thought of using a car to get around was just inane. Something that I recognised within moments of having to traverse the swarm of crowds.

I opened up a city map on my pokedex and opted to catch a subway to the pokemon centre district, rather than wander around lost, scowling at anyone who came too close to violating my personal space. Most people just scowled back at me, so I guess the city wasn't all bad.

Of course having to wait over two hours to get my pokemon checked in wasn't fun. Especially when the centre was so packed with trainers that I'd needed to stand the entire time. I didn't even entertain the thought of there being any rooms available to stay in, choosing one of the many hostels in the vicinity, and drifting into an uncomfortable slumber.

The Machoke was blasted backwards, smashing into the wall and leaving a sizeable dent.

Good, I thought darkly, The more damage to this waste of time the better.

I'd visited Sabrina's gym first, but of course as seemed to be the trend among Kanto leaders, she was unavailable. There was a protest she had to supervise to avoid a riot or something, I honestly had stopped listening after hearing she wasn't going to battle me. The receptionist couldn't even give me a guess on when she would be able to battle me.

I hadn't taken the news well. Then again she simply returned my outburst with one of her own, demanding what I expected her to do about it, before using her Kadabra to teleport me flat on my ass outside. Violet haired shrew.

I found the dojo soon after, sporting a pokemon league sign, I had enquired inside if this place counted as an official pokemon gym with little expectation. I should have just left this place behind, but of course the slightly overweight, karate sporting douche had assured me the place was legit. All I had to do was battle every trainer here without stopping to earn my badge, he'd said.

By the look on his face I don't think he'd expected me to thoroughly sweep through the place.

And now here I stood, struggling not to roll my eyes at the red face of my latest opponent. He had made all the usual bluster about squishing Artemis like a bug, just like the rest, then thoroughly changed his tune after she began blasting away with Psybeam. The battle had been over before it began.

Just like the rest.

"So far I've used one pokemon to defeat all of you. One." I held up one finger to emphasize my point. "This place was supposed to be some sort of challenge right? Because all I'm seeing are beer guts and failures."

I think one of the most surreal experiences of my life would be receiving a sarcastic slow clap from a guy in boxing gloves.

The dojo master stepped forward, shooting my defeated opponent a frown, "You insult our dojo with your failures."

My opponent blustered some more, "What was I supposed to do?! Machoke couldn't get close enough to hit his stupid little bug."

Unhappy with being ignored I piped up, "That stupid little bug thoroughly violated you, I'll remind you." I turned to the dojo master, a man almost identical to a Machoke, minus the blue skin or man-speedo, "You're supposed to be the leader here? I'd consider spending less time sitting on needles and more time training your pokemon."

The dojo master gave me his attention, "That is what you will be to me. A training exercise, nothing more." He pulled a pokeball from his belt releasing a Hitmonchan and the match began.

Despite all the big talk, I could see Artemis was pretty wiped from the succession of battles, ordering her to keep him back with a Poisonpowder.

Hitmonchan however was sturdier than I anticipated, powering through the cloud of poisonous spores to smack Artemis down with a Fire Punch.

That's more than enough of that, I returned her quickly to give her some time to rest, rotating Felicity in her place. I knew she was at a type disadvantage but if she could wear his Hitmonchan down enough for Beelzebub to finish it off I could count on his Moxie ability to pull us through.

Felicity prowled around waiting for the cloud to disperse, as the Hitmonchan shuddered once. He must have been poisoned from his exposure, I considered.

The dojo master didn't seem to grasp this however, as he ordered Hitmonchan to use an Agility, no doubt expecting to receive little damage from Felicity and hoping to set up for a sweep.

"Nards to that! Felicity stop him from powering up with Taunt!" She complied with little hesitation, which I had to be proud of her for. She knew just as well as I did that this meant she was going to be in a world of hurt soon enough.

Felicity yowled across the field at Hitmonchan. I liked to imagine they were comments about Hitmonchan's mother and a Jynx. Regardless of the content, it worked all the same. Hitmonchan garbled something back, rushing forward with blinding speed to smack Felicity with a Mach Punch. I winced a little for her.

Felicity was never one to take a beating lying down though, countering with a Pay Day to the face. Hitmonchan barely even flinched, spinning around for a Thunderpunch across Felicity's body. She went tumbling aside, giving him an opportunity to follow up with a couple more Thunderpunches. If not for Felicity's Limber ability, I imagine she would have been paralyzed by now.

It wasn't much damage but it would have to do, I couldn't afford to lose her so soon, returning her to her pokeball and replacing her with Beelzebub.

He looked across at the still fuming Hitmonchan and hissed with glee at the challenge.

Hitmonchan thought he knew anger?

I was more than happy to show him true rage.

He tried to get in a fast strike again with Mach Punch, but Beelzebub simply took the hit without even blinking, clicking his mandibles menacingly. Hitmonchan tried to follow up with a Mega Punch, still too incensed to listen to the dojo master's orders. Beelzebub took this attack too.

"I think that's more than enough Beelzebub. Use Rage." He'd long since learnt to obey my orders, grabbing Hitmonchan around the head with both claws and smashing him down with the full force of his Rage attack. Beelzebub grabbed the dazed Hitmonchan by the leg and swung him around, slamming him down to the ground again and pounced with a furious screech, picking the poor pokemon up with his horns and squeezing in a crushing Vicegrip attack.

Hitmonchan tried to counterattack with a weak Fire Punch, but he was positioned too awkwardly to get the proper momentum and far too wiped out to put any strength behind it.

Eventually after longer than was necessary the dojo master returned his exhausted Hitmonchan.

I raised an eyebrow, "If you'd waited any longer, there wouldn't have been enough pokemon left to return."

He resolutely ignored me, calling out a Hitmonlee to the field. I guess he had the set.

It did annoy me not to be able to get under his skin however. "Let's just see about that", I muttered with venom.

Beelzebub had taken a massive attack boost after wiping out Hitmonchan, and looked more than ready to take on this new opponent, not even waiting for me to order him. He rushed forwards trying for a Rage attack. Hitmonlee however just bounced over him in one fluid movement, giving Beelzebub a parting kick on the head as he went.

Hitmonlee landed and folded its arms, taunting Beelzebub once more. I scowled knowing what would happen.

Right on cue Beelzebub shrieked with the fury of a thousand Gyarados, charging with his horns lowered, intending to gore the opponent that had dared stand before it.

Unlike the first time however, Hitmonlee raised a leg in an offensive stance. I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen myself, but it's leg actually extended like a freaking slinkey, walloping Beelzebub across the face. It made the unfortunate mistake of underestimating my rampaging demon however, not expecting him to take the hit and keep on coming.

Beelzebub barely faltered after the kick, getting close enough to grab Hitmonlee with his horns and swing him around in an arc. He jumped on the upturned fighter and began wailing on him, powered up by his Rage attack.

Hitmonlee to its credit, recovered fast, spinning to its feet, and dodging the oncoming swipes with acumen. He took measured step after measured step backwards, continuing to dodge the strikes, but in the meantime getting pushed to the edge of the ring.

I frowned, unsure of what his plan was. Unfortunately I didn't have to wait long.

Hitmonlee saw it's window, ducking under a swipe that went too high, and springing up with his knee in a painful looking High Jump Kick, smashing Beelzebub point blank, and with a grace rivalling Felicity he landed behind Beelzebub, twirled and struck my dazed bug pokemon in the back with a Mega Kick.

Beelzebub didn't stand a chance after that, flying forwards into the wall, and getting no time to breath as Hitmonlee followed up with a slew of Double Kicks.

I didn't have to wait for the dust to settle to know Beelzebub was down.

I returned my defeated insect, making a mental note to work on training him some more.

I didn't have any words for the dojo master. I was just annoyed now, and ready to finish this battle off.

I called Artemis to the field. She hadn't really had enough time to recover fully, but it would have to do. A couple more hits and she would be done, but I didn't plan to let it come to that.

The dojo master began the bout once again, ordering Hitmonlee to start with a High Jump Kick.

Almost like he hadn't been watching me take out his whole gym with Artemis the same way.

The Hitmonlee pounced, and flew forwards, knee first.

Artemis waited patiently; She knew what to do.

Hitmonlee came within range and without needing to wait, Artemis aimed her antennae at it, and hit it with a Disable attack.

She hopped to the side quickly. Hitmonlee came down hard at the space she'd been occupying.

"Follow up with a Poisonpowder. Don't give it any chance to get close."

Artemis complied, jumping away and coating the field with Poisonpowder spores in her wake. Despite the difficulty of recognizing emotion on Hitmonlee's empty face, I couldn't help but imagine he was pissed. Maybe his eyes glared a little more forcefully than usual.

Artemis didn't even give him time to consider a way through the cloud, blasting him hard with Psybeam attacks. She even threw in a Signal Beam for good measure, which I'm fairly certain was just showing off.

This match was already over.

Yet again however, the dojo master waited far longer than necessary to return his defeated pokemon.

I considered saying something about it, but scowled the thought away. It wasn't my problem if he wanted to subject his pokemon to that.

Artemis hopped over to me and I picked her up, figuring she'd earned a rest from walking. It's only to make sure she's fully rested if I need her to fight again, I told myself.

Even facing defeat the dojo master let no emotion show. He seemed stern, that's probably the closest emotion his face could manage. Eyebrows heavy and mouth tilted down, he looked nothing like somebody who's just had his entire gym humiliated.

My lip curled at him, "I want my badge. Then I'm gone. This place is pathetic and you're worse."

He remained unaffected, staring down at me. Sternly.

I got a flash of the same look on Oak's face, long ago. I didn't even realise I had begun clenching my jaw.

"I don't have a badge for you." He even had the audacity to sound stern! Artemis' antennae lowered menacingly, picking up on my mood.

"Pardon?" I replied through my teeth.

The dojo master remained silent, staring down at me some more.

Once again it reminded me of a similar look I'd received in the past.

My father's face stared down at me. Sternly.

And just like that I was done with this place.

I closed my eyes and took a calming breath through my nose. In… out.

I delicately placed Artemis on the ground, locking my eyes with the dojo master.

"When I came here I asked if you had a badge to give me. I was told you did."

In… out.

The dojo master remained silent. I'd consider it a smart move but we were already past that by now.

"If you hadn't lied to me, I wouldn't have wasted my time beating your lackeys back to the pokemon centre. Each and every one, until it was just you and me left here."

In… out.

"Now you're telling me you have nothing to give me in return for my time."

Artemis chittered menacingly, rivalling Beelzebub and Felicity.

"You better start coming up with suggestions before I get my own ideas."

The dojo master opened his mouth to speak. I moved faster.

"Artemis, Disable."

I much preferred the look of shock frozen on his face to his stern look anyway.

In… out.

I stepped forward, tipping him delicately with a finger. He fell flat as a board to the ground.

It looked painful.

"I'd think quick if I were you." I took a step forward, boot resting threateningly over his groin. "Artemis, release his face, I want to hear what he's come up with."

She chirruped again, jumping up onto his chest.

A rush of air escaped his mouth when it was able, and he gasped a couple of times. "You can't do this! I'll tell the league! It's illegal to order a pokemon attack on a human- Aack!" I pressed down slightly.

"That's an excellent idea. I'll let them know you're masquerading as an official gym and operating under the radar. Or maybe I'll let Sabrina know, I'm sure she likes to keep up to date on the happenings within her city." I pressed down just a little harder with my boot, "Or maybe I'll say nothing and see if you actually tell them. I'm willing to roll the dice on this one."

Artemis hopped forward, right up to his face. I knew firsthand how uncomfortable it was to have her cold, unmoving eyes right up in your face, and appreciated her candour.

It seemed to do the trick too, he groaned at her in anger, all semblance of his calm demeanour long gone. "I have another Hitmonlee you can take! He won't be missed, he doesn't listen to any orders I give him!"

"I can't imagine why."

His brow furrowed, "Is it not enough that you rob me, you must disrespect me also?!"

I toyed with the idea of stepping down flat. If only for a brief moment. "I'm not robbing you. I'm simply collecting my payment for having wasted my time here."

The dojo master seemed to be all out of venom, pointing me in the direction of Hitmonlee's pokeball. I still hadn't decided if I wanted to take him. A fighting type could be a valuable asset on my team, and I'd seen how powerful they could be. Still, it didn't exactly sit comfortably with me. I glanced back at the prone dojo master and felt myself scowling again. I pocketed the pokeball and called Artemis to my side as we left. "You'll be able to move in an hour or so." I called behind me.

Maybe another version of myself wouldn't have taken the Hitmonlee. Cooper wouldn't have.

I didn't look back as I made my way to the pokemon centre.

There seemed to be no suitable place to get some time alone with my team anywhere in the over-bustling city. Artemis helped me to find a relatively secluded park, ringed with trees that would offer some small manner of privacy, and I decided it would have to do.

I released Felicity along with Artemis, who simply yawned showing off her pointed maw and stretched out over some flowers. I let her be, there wasn't much she needed to work on at the moment.

I didn't even toy with the idea of releasing Beelzebub, going for my new team member instead. Hitmonlee materialized with crossed arms and an unimpressed stare. I scowled back at him to no response. Great, another hostile pokemon. At least I have experience dealing with your kind.

"Welcome to the team. I defeated your previous master and you were my prize." Rather than react in any way as I'd expected, he seemed unfazed. Perhaps he had already deduced as much.

I glanced down at Artemis and then across at Felicity, watching as Hitmonlee's eyes tracked my movement, "This is Artemis and Felicity. I'm sure you'll all become close as kittens." Once again I tried to spot any outward reaction from him, but nothing.

Felicity it seemed was not fond of being snubbed however, she purposefully rose to her feet and sauntered over to Hitmonlee menacingly.

He was having none of that.

He uncrossed his arms immediately, raising them in a readied stance and glared at Felicity's advance.

Of course that would be all she wanted, changing course to walk past him, leering condescendingly. No doubt judging him for falling for the bait. Pleased with having gotten past his stoic guard, she found a new spot behind him and nestled down once more.

Though I suppose anyone would react the same way with a huge menacing predator bearing down on them.

Still, she had gotten past his façade, and for that I was grateful. It made sense that a fighting type pokemon with no mouth wouldn't be too big on communication. Not verbal communication in any case. If I wanted to get through to him I'd have to speak on his terms.

Mew-damn I'm going to regret this tomorrow. I raised my fists, scowling at my ruffled Hitmonlee. "Let's see if you were worth the trouble," I challenged.

I'd guess it was amusement that I saw in his eyes, but a challenge was a challenge, and there was no way he was going to be shown up by some teenage human. He switched his stance to parallel me, arms raised out in front, hands open loosely and one leg raised in preparation.

We squared off, Artemis chirruped cynically bouncing aside and he leapt.

It was a graceful lunge, he launched from one leg, spinning mid-air and preparing to smack me down with his other leg. I'd had enough experience in the wilds to know to dodge first thing in a fight, most pokemon try to end things quickly when attacking a human, not expecting any real resistance.

It was Hitmonlee's mistake to make, expecting me to be slow, he crashed down onto the space I'd (admittedly only just) vacated, surprised to have missed.

I took my chance, jabbing at him with a fast punch, but even I have my moments on underestimation; Hitmonlee's far superior reflexes afforded him the time to not only avoid my swing, but also to grab my arm as it was returning and hold me fast for a knee to the stomach.

The wind was swiftly vacated from my lungs in an embarrassing "Oof" sound, but Hitmonlee wasn't finished, using his grip on my arm to swing me around, face first into the dirt.

I heard an amused bug-like twitter from the sidelines as I scrambled back to my feet. Laugh it up fuzzball, just keep paying attention.

I was listing to the side unable to get a proper breath, yet still raised my fists once more. This time it was definitely amusement I spotted in those eyes.

He didn't watch for long, lunging forward once more in a succession of fast jabs, each only missing by a fraction. I was on a swift retreat, dodging backwards, only able to hope that I didn't trip on anything.

Enough time passed for me to shout, "Disable," and Mew be praised my rebellious little starter listened, grabbing Hitmonlee and holding him stiff. All the chance I needed, reversing direction immediately and lunging forward with my own quick succession of jabs.

Though I may have broken a finger or two hitting muscle that was harder than Rhydon cock.

It didn't matter, I wailed on my incapacitated fighter, blow after blow. It was clear I wasn't really doing much damage, but I won't deny it felt really good to punch something. My hands disagreed however.

By the time I'd had enough there was definite blood showing. Mine. I might as well have been punching a brick wall for all the damage I did, but it was never about the damage anyway. It was the message.

"Okay, release him Artemis." She complied without complaint, but I wondered if it was because she was hoping he would beat me up.

Thankfully he didn't. Returning to his unimpressed stance.

Time for some theatrics then.

"We're not in the dojo anymore." I motioned around me, meaning both the park and the outside world, "Out here we fight to win, however way possible. In a fair fight you could have easily gotten the better of me, and that's exactly why we don't fight fair. We fight to become stronger. We fight to survive."

I couldn't tell, but I liked to think I had his attention as I continued, "My team and I work together to become strong enough to win. Every time. I can't afford to lose again, and I don't intend to." I purposefully averted my gaze from Artemis and Felicity, "If you join our team I can promise that you'll become stronger than you could with anyone else. We work together to become stronger as a team. Strong enough that we can dictate our own rules. I'm going to give you the chance now to become part of this team, where you can have a voice…" I glanced down again at his lack of mouth, "Or uh, a place. Otherwise you're on your own."

I left it at that, letting him decide. Being perfectly honest I really wanted him on the team. A fighting type would be nothing but an asset to us, plus the chance to increase all of our sparring sessions with a pokemon who actually knew what it was doing was valuable beyond words, but if he didn't make the choice himself it would have just wasted mine and my teams time to keep him around.

Artemis was watching intently, knowing that she might need to subdue him if things went south, and I thanked her mentally for it.

Fate however, had decided to change course, lending us aid instead of the piling of Taurus shit that normally dropped our way.

Hitmonlee stepped forward with a hand outstretched, I assumed he meant for me to grasp it. He held tight and didn't let go however, glancing down at Artemis and back to me pointedly. I think I understood, he was happy to join but he didn't like underhand tactics. I smirked at him, "Get used to it bub." He rolled his eyes.

And that was it, our diminished team was one member more. Paragon, the virtuous Hitmonlee.

I fully intended to work that honourable side out of him.

Funny that I had welcomed Beelzebub into the team with little hesitation and he would turn out to be the biggest mistake of my life, but Paragon who I was dubious of at first would become my most loyal ally.

Then again I never claimed to know much about morality.

We trained for the next week or so. Hard. Long gone were the days of impotently blasting Confusion attacks at trees; Nowadays we fought each other. We fought without mercy or restraint, two against one, using only specific attacks, or just plain free-for-all's. I didn't join in every exercise, instead I had my own regiment. Paragon and I hit it off much better than I had anticipated, neither hostile nor overly affectionate. It was a professional relationship, designed to get the job done. And holy Mew did it get done! I spent a minor fortune on Chansey eggs alone, just for me! Regardless the results spoke for themselves, and our sparring sessions lasted longer each day.

There had been a few opportunities for me to challenge Sabrina, but I decided to take my time and train instead. Acquiring Paragon had reminded me what could happen when I rushed things without thought. I'd prefer to keep a new team member for longer than a few weeks this time.

With good reason too, he was almost a high enough level to hold his own against the rest of the team, and only required a minimal amount of training to keep pace. Though I fully acknowledge that was more related to his personality than any amount of quantifiable power levels. Paragon was a fighter, as was to be expected of a toned, rippled torso with eyes. He trained hard and listened to orders. The only times we had any issues were when it came to fighting the 'Nathaniel' way. He outright refused to take any unfair advantage, oftentimes losing the match because the rest of the team had no compunction with abusing it. The damned do-gooder even gave me the stink eye (which I swiftly learnt was his preferred method of communication) whenever I had Felicity refill my coin purse with Payday.

It was going to come up one of these days, I just knew it.

Nonetheless we all got along well enough, Beelzebub tried his usual violent greeting that we had all become accustomed to, so I had Artemis and Paragon put him in his place once more. He unhappily accepted his position at the bottom of the pecking order. Felicity was more than happy treating Paragon with contempt, she more than any of the others took advantage of Paragon's staunch moral code. Artemis had yet to reveal her opinions on our newest team member. I noticed her pull her punches a bit when sparring with him, though I couldn't confirm if she was doing it for his sake or for her own sake. She still remained my psychotic little weirdo.

She put a stop to it after I started pitting the rest of the team against her regardless.

We couldn't afford to pull our punches.

All in all training went well, I had re-examined their move pools and decided to try and find some upgrades at some specialty stores. Plus my clothes had not only been shredded in far too many places to even pass off as fashionably ripped, but I had also grown in the months since Pewter when I had first acquired them. There was really only so much treasure trail I could shamelessly get away with revealing. I definitely did not think of Cooper when I came to this realisation.

Which is how I ended up in the Mart Mart. A bargain trainer store for the thrifty traveller. It didn't matter that I had a fair amount of money to splurge, I was never what you could call 'Aesthetically focused'. Once more I did not imagine what Cooper would say to that.

He had stopped messaging me anyway.

A shop assistant roused me from where I had been scowling into the bargain bin for Mew knows how long, "Excuse me sir, is there something wrong with the clothes you're holding?"

I came to, glaring down at the random outfit I had pulled up: A long sleeved black shirt with a hood on the back. It was long at the bottom too, probably to about halfway down my thighs, which meant it still gave me some leeway if I continued to grow.

The assistant continued to stand there, expecting some sort of response. I was disinclined to provide one.

Of course it had nothing to do with fact that she was stunning. I became all too aware of how long I had travelled without human contact whenever she flipped her blonde hair and assaulted me with the scent of strawberry shampoo. I decided that strawberries were my favourite food. Especially when she pursed her perfect red lips at the lack of response. Nonetheless she clearly took her job seriously, piping up where I had not, "I know just the bottoms to pair that with, follow me right this way." With the grip of a Kingler, she led me by the arm to the pants section picking out a couple of differently shaded jeans and herding me to the changing room.

She really mustn't survive on tips. I thought furiously, still allowing myself to be manhandled along. Then again I wonder if people enjoy this sort of treatment when clothes shopping.

It kind of hit me them: I had no idea how other people acted in normal social situations like this.

Scowling could only get me so far, especially in a city like Saffron. I ended up in the change room trying on different types of jeans with minimal differences between them. Or so it seemed to my untrained eye; My new shopping supervisor made snap judgements on each and every one, using made-up words like, "Low-cut" and "Tapered" or "Joggers".

"That's a type of shoe." I told her lamely.

"Good one." She chuckled, shaking her head with amusement.

I kept my mouth shut after that.

She eventually settled on a pair of dark grey, ripped jeans that had stretchy cuffs at the bottom. I pointed out that my current jeans were already tight at the ankles and covered in rips, but she only pursed her glossy lips and withered me with one look.

My boots were too small, and subsequently replaced with a pair of larger, tan versions. She allowed me to keep my jacket, if only because there was still one more month of winter left, and the jacket was oversized enough not to impede me. I found myself zoning in on a cap as I was at the checkout. I left the cashier in the middle of her sentence to go over and grab it, not even considering why. Not even letting myself consider why.

I placed it on top of the pile of shit I was buying and my nice smelling assistant rang it up with the rest. She decided not to fight me on this decision, despite the fact that it clearly did not go with her painstakingly selected outfit.

I don't think a bright pink cap would have gone with any outfit.

"Here's all your clothes, and because you purchased so much I threw in an extra pair of winter socks for you free of charge." She followed up with a perfect wink. My scathing retort died on my tongue.

"Come back again soon!" Before I even had time to reply she had moved on to her next victim, another guy my age. Within seconds he was being led around by the arm, smiling dopily.

I decided to head to the trainers section of Mart Mart to clear my head. And you better believe I was scowling.

The TM selection was pretty weak, a small box set in the lowest level of the mega store, behind the pokeballs. I didn't even try to hide my simmering mood as I perused them, flicking through Rock Smash and Razor Wind's. It didn't take me long to finish with this box and move onto the second one, currently being examined by another trainer.

She was darker skinned than I was, though that was no real achievement, most people were. Raven black hair cascaded down onto her shoulders, tumbling both in front and behind, hanging about half a foot below. She also wore clothes which were the very definition of function over fashion. Heavy hiking boots, comfortable jeans and a smart looking winter sweater. Most prominent of all was the thunderous glare she directed towards the box she was surveying.

A smarter man might have steered clear. Then again I was neither smart, nor a man yet.

Plus I was equally as ensconced with having been coerced into buying a useless flashy outfit.

I walked up to her and began flicking through the CD cases aggressively, matching her speed.

She didn't even spare me a glance.

Good, I mused venomously.

We flicked through the cases one by one, participating in a race neither of us yet knew about. A least, not until we both found the prize at the exact same time.

I pulled it towards me, Earthquake. A big red "half off" sticker slapped on the front.

Definitely the competitive edge Paragon needed to catch up with the others.

I brought it close to read the fine print on the back… or tried to at least.

Holding onto the other end of the case was a hand with bitten down nails and a clunky looking watch.

Attached to that hand was the fury that hell hath not.

Legendary fucking chickens that could make a man's balls shrivel!

I tried diplomacy first. "I found that fir-." My arm was almost wrenched from my socket in an instant before I finished.

Well fuck you too! I returned her attempt with feeling, pulling back enough that she teetered over the box of TM's precariously.

But still. Held. On.

She finally addressed me with her words, "Hey! Fuckdick! Let go before I pull your fingers off my TM one by one, and personally find different holes to re-acquaint you all."

I fought to keep my jaw from hitting the floor. Admittedly it wasn't too difficult, I was far too interested in showing her just how badly she'd fucked up. I replied through gritted teeth, "The only way you're getting this TM is with a bloody nose and missing teeth. Normally I wouldn't hit a girl," (Complete lie), "but for you I can make a very enthusiastic exception."

She sneered with a heavy emphasis at me, "Funny, I was about the say the same thing. Just remember to wipe front to back when I'm finished concaving that little pickle of yours." Another forceful yank followed, but I was prepared this time, not giving any ground.

"How did I know you'd immediately fixate on my dick? Could it be a lack of originality from someone with the acuity of a Slowpoke? Or do you just harbour aggressive feelings towards dick's in general? Come on Butch, take a step outside the closet and smell the lesbians."

"This, coming from the Ken doll? I see you've decided to accessorize your outfit before coming to the real trainer's section. Some priorities speak louder than your hot pink cap."

I clenched the fist holding my recent purchases embarrassed. She continued on relentlessly, "This TM is wasted on a vapid little prick like you. I'm finished humouring you. Give me the TM or I'm going to hurt you."

"Heaven forbid I upset such an imposing trainer." My words were practically moist with sarcasm, "But if you think you can back up such bold words then who am I to deny you the opportunity." I used my free hand to release Felicity, snarling and hackles raised. "Unless of course you're willing to apologize and blame it all on the rag. Don't worry, I won't judge you any more than I already do."

She clenched her teeth. Consider that nerve touched.

Immediately she released a Ninetails, poised low to the ground with all nine tails writhing menacingly. Practically spitting in my face, "I'm going to fuck you up so hard your own mother's going to have to find a gynaecologist."

I clenched my own teeth. They'll never find this bitch's body.

Of course before either of us had a chance to call an attack we were both hit with a blast of psychic energy, paralysing us and our pokemon. A security guard walked into view flanked by a Hypno.

Fucking Saffron.

"Battling is prohibited in the store. Return your pokemon and follow me." He sounded bored, like this was something he'd seen all too often. Then again, I considered the current climate of Saffron and figured that maybe he did. I wasn't even sure if I'd been so trigger happy because of Saffron's effect on me or not.

In any case both me and the bitch returned our pokemon, glaring filthily at each other and almost getting into a fistfight after she made some snide comment about Felicity. Uppity, capricious, pile of bloody hormones.

We were led to the counter of the store where yet another bored looking cashier was watching a small tv. He glanced up at us briefly then returned his attention to the television. Muttering, "What is it this time Hank?"

"Just a couple of trainers about to have a fight in Aisle 4."

"Wouldn't have been much of a fight." The scowling girl muttered.

I smirked over at her, "Something we finally agree on."

The Hypno had to separate us once again.

"Just make your purchases and go." A real employee of the month, this cashier.

Unfortunately for me the irate shrew made her move first, snatching the TM and stepping forward, "I just need this one, thanks". She flashed a toothy smile at the cashier to absolutely no effect.

I didn't even get the chance to protest before the Hypno had be paralysed once more, no doubt sensing my violent intentions.

Fucking Saffron and fucking Psychics!

The TM was rung up and officially gone from my grasp.

I hated that bitch with every fibre of my being.

The only other TM I had found worth buying was a Detect, which I furiously paid for.

My antagonist stuck around to sneer at me some more.

With my bags in hand I was about to begin World War 3, but without even having time to draw breath, the cashier shushed me, motioning to the TV.

It was a breaking news story flashing, and probably one of the only things that would have been able to stop my righteous assault.

A red flashing banner flashed by under the screen as the reporter read the story.

"…Have not yet identified the cause of the violence, however initial reports are pointing to Biker Gangs. Local authorities have been dispatched with Sabrina herself on the scene. We go now to our live reporter." The screen switched to a shaky camera footage of a middle aged man in a bullet proof vest. Beneath him on the screen scrolled the title 'Violence erupts at Silph Co protest. Rioting confirmed throughout districts 3, 4 and 12. Fighting between League authorities and protestors.'

The middle aged man looked to be out of breath as he and the camera moved through the crowd, "Thanks Angela, it was a protest being held out the front of Silph Co where the violence started. Gym authorities have confirmed that it was a coordinated group in the crowd who threw the first attacks, however sources vary. Some say it was the League authorities present that attacked the crowd first. At this stage we have no official count of the injured, but it is absolute chaos out here." The camera rotated around to view Sabrina leading a procession of heavily armoured trainers and their psychic pokemon marching purposefully down the street, deflecting pokemon attacks and subduing people and pokemon alike. "As you can see Sabrina has begun taking control of the situation but there is still no end in sight-" A blast of energy exploded right in front of the camera, causing the feed to go blank and return to an alarmed looking news anchor.

All four of us watching had moved closer, and stood now in stunned silence.

It was the security guard who broke it, "Holy Mew shit!"

"You can say that again." I muttered.

Typically, my latest enemy tutted condescendingly. "Well what did you expect was bound to happen? This whole city is one warzone waiting to happen. Any idiot can see that."

I had to resist gritting my teeth again for the sake of my molars. "Clearly." I still gritted out.

Apparently she had more important things on her mind than fighting. She ignored me completely, "That's why I went for my Marsh Badge the moment I arrived. Only an idiot would dawdle in a city like this."

Fuck.

She continued sadistically, "Anyone stupid enough to wait around is never going to get a chance to face Sabrina now."

Fuck fuck fuck.

The cashier piped up too, because fuck him "I bet you trainers won't even make it back to the pokemon centre by now. The whole city might go into lockdown. I suggest you guys make for the nearest exit and make for it now."

Fuck fuck fuck fuck fucky fuck fuck.

My newest headache sniffed ingloriously and did promptly that. Turning and making for the door in a rushed walk.

I didn't really want to follow suit, but the cashier was right.

"Fuuuuuuuuuuck." I cursed under my breath.

No seriously. Fuck Saffron.

Outside I noticed that Bloody Raggedy Anne had left for the southern gate, not the nearby Western gate. With any luck she'd get arrested on the way. I made the decision to head West to Celadon, thanking the Legendary's that it was nearby.

Even still, I had to duck into a few alleys and run-down side streets to avoid the authorities. Not that they would have stopped me, I just like to practice a healthy dose of paranoia. Perhaps my time with Bill had affected me more than I cared to admit.

The western gate was locked down, but against Artemis and her finely tuned Disable attack, the lone guardsman had less to say about it that he'd have liked.

I eventually settled down when Saffron was nothing more than a bright glow in the distance.

I dreamed of strawberries that night.