NOVEL WEB Chapter 10 - Familial Trouble
Chapter 10 – Familial Trouble
We decided to spend around a week training on route 3. Sunny day is not a move you can use inside city confines without special permission. Rena was pumped, still riding the high of her first major victory. Numsy on the other hand carried this forlorn look his loss against the Panpour still bothering him.
“Numsy it’s okay bud you did well in in the gym match. You know water type moves are one of your few weaknesses.”
“Num num…”
“Our next gym battle is against Lenora, and she specializes in normal types like that Lillipup. I am confident you can sweep her entire team alone with some extra practice.”
“Num?”
“Of course, I am not saying that just to cheer you up. Everyone has a weak spot you know I don’t particularly enjoy being around ghost types, right? Your innate weakness would be water types. There are ways to mitigate that problem, but for now I want you to focus on what you do best.”
Numsy still had to work on getting Lava plume down pat. The power wasn’t quite there yet, and neither was its accuracy. Which is to be expected though shooting from his hump completely changed the aerodynamics of the move.
In the meantime, Rena was to practice Sunny Day. Now I had no idea how to train her to activate her hidden ability. I reckon mastering sunny day would help her know what to shoot for. Using a technical machine is simple. Each machine could only be used once, and their creation was a trade secret. Something involving leaving a psychic imprint or something. In any case a Pokémon learning the technicalities of the move did not translate into them gaining instant mastery. Rena knows how to use Sunny day, but her body doesn’t. It could take a while for her body to catch up to her mind.
[ img ] https://archives.bulbagarden.net/media/upload/5/59/TM_in_EToP.png [ /img]
The move involved using some form of fire-typed energy in a lens like matter increasing the intensity of the sun’s ray in a smallish area. The lens could also be used to disperse rain clouds. A Pokémon that has truly mastered the move can also use it during nighttime by shooting up a miniature sun that briefly stays around for a while. Pokémon that can use the latter method are truly powerful though with a capital P. However, since night battling wasn’t a thing, I wasn’t too concerned getting her to that level. Maybe once she evolved, we could take our time training for that.
The trick is finding an empty spot to practice. Wild Pokémon do not appreciate getting flash banged on the regular. Eventually we found a quaint little place called Luxuria town on the outskirts of route 3. A local Pokémon battling club manager named Don George let us use their empty facilities when they weren’t in use. In return we helped clean up during closing hours. The battling club was a novel idea cooked up by George’s family. It helped locals find people outside of their social circles that are up for some battling. According to George their club has a facility in almost every major city or town in Unova.
I wasn’t interested in signing up, the club specialized in catering to amateur trainers. No serious battlers participated in these battles because wagered battles aren’t allowed in club confines. If I wasn’t padding my meagre savings with wager battles, I was out training. Which left little time for recreational battling.
The days passed like that until both me and Rena were satisfied with the progress she made. She still isn’t able to increase the intensity of the sun by just coming out of her poké ball but not making headway into our journey for over a week seemed wasteful to us. We packed up and left Luxuria town for Nacrene city.
Nacrene City isn’t really city big like Striaton or Slateport. There are no skyscrapers sticking out every building has this quaint old-timey feeling to it. The houses are all refurbished warehouses my guess is this place used to be an industrial complex. Whatever filled these buildings before was replaced with coffee shops and art galleries.
Our first order of business was visiting the gym to make an appointment. By asking the locals a few pointed questions we were able to figure out where the gym/museum is located. Arriving there I was surprised at the sight of a disclaimer notice pasted on the the front entrance.
Attention!
Please be advised that the Nacrene city Gym and subsequently The Nacrene Museum will be closed until further notice. This is due to the discovery of an important archeological digsite which will require the museum’s staff full attention for the coming month(s). Trainers wishing to earn themselves a Basic Badge will be allowed to do so by acing the examination provided inside the Nacrene Pokémon center. This badge’s validity will only last until the end of the year’s circuit. After which the recipients of this badge are requested to schedule another match. P.S. the replacement badge is not valid for trainers attempting their 8th badge challenge this season.
‘Arceus damn it! All this training for nothing? Screw taking a written test!’ Normal trainers would see this as boon. You study some take a test and walk away with a free badge afterwards but I wasn’t in it for the badges. A gym challenge payout is what is going to get me a new Xtransceiver letting me call home and be accessible to all my friends and family.
“Num num?”
“It’s okay bud Lenora thinks skipping out of town will let her skimp her duties as a gym leader, but I have a pretty good idea where she went. We’ll just go where the gym leader is and challenge her on the spot. You’ll have your time to show your flames of passion no sweat.”
“Num!”
Now making it to Nacrene there was one other thing on my list of things to do before I went chasing after that wayward gym leader, and that was calling my little sister. She must be missing me a lot fortunately this time Horsea was there to keep her company. When accounting for the Hoenn time zone she should be about to get out of bed and since it was the weekend school shouldn’t be open.
The Pokémon center was strangely empty which was good for me since there wasn’t any line to use the video phone booths. Dialing the Lavaridge Pokémon center’s number I quickly got on the phone with Mary Joy who told me to wait while she notified my sister next door.
‘I look forwards to seeing how Zinnia has been doing this last week. Now that she has her own Pokémon there is no way she will be tempted to leave grandpa and grandma’s home to live with our no show parents.’
Mary appeared on the screen again this time with a strange look in her eyes.
“Egon, Zinnia will be here in a minute. She says she has a surprise for you.”
“Has her Horsea already learned a new move? She must have studied diligently under master Quagsire’s tutelage.”
Contrary to my expectations it was not a pleasant surprise. Staring me down was the only man in this world I could only hold contempt for. Yahto, Zinnia’s bum dad. Next to him was my airhead mother I still gave her the obligatory I love you during the rare times she called us to make sure we were doing okay at her parents’ house, but my heart wasn’t really in it.
Having already lived a previous life with a mother who did stick around might have blocked some of that familial bonding. Her continued absence didn’t give me much of an opportunity to build a loving relationship. Zinnia still loved her and that deadbeat fiercely though, so I made sure to never badmouth them while in her presence.
“Hi sweetie! It’s been so long! How have you been enjoying your journey so far? Zinnia tells us that you are all the way over in the Unova region.”
‘Ugh… this is going to be dreadful.’ “Hello mother, I’ve been doing fine, and even won my first badge last week.”
“I knew you would! Didn’t I tell you Yahto dear? My little boy is quite the trainer just like his mother. I earned seven badges my first journey. Ah But don’t feel pressured to do the same sweetie I am happy with any number of badges you are able to win.”
“Uhmm… yeah that’s nice of you to say mother. May I ask why you and stepfather have decided to visit Zinnia?”
Zinnia took this opportunity to come forward and take a seat on her father’s lap. Promptly addressing me afterwards.
“It’s about what I told you about a while ago Egon. Dad says I am ready to join him and the tribe in the hidden village.”
Lightning, fast I tried thinking of counter arguments and why she shouldn’t go into the wilds with her absentee dad and his tribe of antediluvian primitives.
“What about schooling? You still have two years of primary education left to go.”
“I’ll be homeschooled by mom! The teacher says it’s allowed as long as I occasionally show up to take their proficiency tests.”
“What about horsea? He is still learning under master Quagsire correct? How do you expect him to grow stronger without expert tutelage?”
She was about to answer my question when her father suddenly butted into the conversation.
“That horsea while still not a full dragon is an appropriate partner for my daughter. Under the auspices of the tribe, it will grow stronger than it could learning under outsider caught Pokémon.”
‘This fucking guy… giving me even more reasons to dislike him. Don’t dismiss other people’s Pokémon just because they are not born inside your fancy village!’
This was it, I only had one final card to play. Usually, I would have compunctions about emotionally blackmailing my sister like this, but this was for the best. Her having anything to do with future dangerous events would leave my mind ill at ease.
“What about me? The tribe doesn’t have any landlines. How can I make sure you’re okay when I can’t get in contact with you?”
The jerk face as usual didn’t let Zinnia answer the question.
“Any outside influence is forbidden while she undergoes our trials! You will be able to talk to Zinnia again after she has reached majority.”
My mother finally decided to intervene at this moment.
"Now Dear, Can’t the lorekeeper make an exception for our little Zinnia? If Aster says it’s allowed than there would be no reason my child can’t keep a pokegear on her in times my sweet boy wants to talk to his sister."
“The answer is no Willow! Any form of modern technology has a chance to be tracked. We will not risk the secrets of our village.” He started addressing Zinnia “Now say goodbye to your half-brother I will wait for you outside.”
The man left the room giving me a chance to talk with mother and Zinnia by themselves.
Zinnia had tears in her eyes. While mother was sporting a troubled expression. It is obvious that she wants to go to the tribe and learn more about rasing dragontype pokemon. I also know that it will be painful for her not being able to talk with me for the following two years.
‘If this is what she wants than I as her brother can only support her decision. Even if I think it will be dangerous. Maaan… being a good role model is such a pain sometimes.’
“Zinnia whatever you decide to do I’ll have your back 100%. Besides I sort of know roughly where that village is located. The first thing I’ll do when I get back to Hoenn is go looking for you.”
The pressure on her visibly alleviated the tears in her eyes drying up. Mother however had a puzzled look on her face.
“Sweetie I never remembered telling you where to find the village...?”
“Process of elimination mother, in preparation for something like this happening I conducted my own research.”
“Than you know how dangerous it can be venturing inside there on your own. One badge trainers like yourself are not ready for the dangerous species of wild Pokémon that make ‘that place’ their home.”
“It’s okay mother than we’ll just have to grow strong enough. We were already planning to become the best, isn’t that right?”
My Pokémon which were resting inside their poké balls simultaneously materialized on both sides of the booth showing their support for my resolve.
“Num!”
“Vuuuul!”
“My my, with such loyal friends looking after you my mind can be at ease. I’ll let you have a moment alone with your sister. Egon I might not have been around as much as you would like but you do know I still love you right?”
“Yes, mothe…”
“Can you call me mom?”
“Yes… mom.”
She left to join her husband outside now it is just me and Zinnia. I still have a lot I need to tell her.
“Little sis’ remember everything I told you about legendary Pokémon and ancient history? It would be best if you don’t share that information with the rest of the family.”
“How come...?”
“Technically I should have no way of knowing those things. The villagers might not react well to a stranger like me walking around with some of their secrets, and mother might get accused of leaking information to outsiders.”
“Okay Egon I’ll keep your secrets.”
“When I get back, I’ll show you all the new friends we caught traveling through Unova.”
“Now be good and brush your teeth two times a day. There should be a waterfall near the village. Climbing it will be an excellent way for Horsea to train his muscles. Also try to get a dragon scale off one of the villagers they should have plenty of those, I’ll get you something else as a souvenir. I’ll be back in Hoenn within 3 maybe 4 months if there is any kind of delay.”
Exchanging our final goodbyes, the call ended. I was left feeling like there is a simmering fire in my gut. It filled me with the resolve to prove our strength. Looking at my team’s faces I know they feel the same way. Just like me they viewed Zinnia as family and are not content by just leaving her to languish inside that village.
“We have to speed up our plans, it might be a little risky but if it works, we can shave off at least a month from our journey here.”
They both give me a nod of acknowledgement. Over the years I have been sharing all my plans with these two. Even the fact that I was reborn in this world. I figured if you can’t even trust your Pokémon with all your secrets who else is there? Being able to talk openly with them has relieved some of the pressure I was feeling about my familial situation.
“Okay guys let’s get out of here Castelia City is waiting for us!”
“Num num!”
“Pix!”
To get to Castelia city from Nacrene we have to pass the Pinwheel Forest. A place famous for trainers getting lost. Rumors hold that the forest bears a grudge against humans for starting a fire that threatened the Pokémon in the Unova region. Basically, it is a place trainers should be careful not to spend too much time in. ‘Virizion should still be living inside the forest.’
I didn’t know how much influence a legendary grass type held over a forest as large as this but knowing the shared history the musekteers have with humans it would probably be better to have my stay be as short as possible.
Near the entrance of the forest a crowd was gathering. Confused I asked a random passerby what all the commotion is for.
“You don’t know!? Elite Marshal is letting a newly caught member of his team take on the Challenger’s rock.”
“Challenger’s rock?”
“It’s a place which naturally attracts fighting types. In the middle of the clearing up ahead there’s this giant boulder. It is tradition in Unova for people with freshly caught fighting types to come here and have their Pokémon use its strongest move on the rock once. The piece that falls of is then kept as a memento.”
I thanked the passerby and followed the crowds lead which eventually saw me staring down at this massive boulder. People respectfully kept at a distance to not disturb Marshall and his new Pokémon. Which revealed itself to be a Riolu. I immediately pulled out my Pokédex. ‘Can’t let a chance slip by to record the data of Sinnoh native Pokémon.’
Riolu, the Emanation Pokémon. A Fighting type. Riolu can understand how people and Pokémon feel by observing a kind of wave called aura. It has a flexible body with enough power to cross three mountains and two canyons in one night. The pure of heart are met with Riolu's approval, while those of ill nature earn only its loathing.
Marshal reminded me of a character in a fighting game. The man was built like a brick wearing his black belt proudly around his waist. He is famously known as one of the few people who can safely spar man to Pokémon against fighting types, and not risk injury.
His Riolu was getting itself ready to leave a mark on the challenge rock. I recognized the stance it was using. ‘Focus energy it must be getting pumped.’ Numsy can also use focus energy, but I decided not to put as much effort into training the move it didn’t mesh well with his fighting style.
“Rio!”
Riolu gave an affirming battlecry to let Marshal know he was ready. Marshal turned around and addressed the gathering crowd and T.V. reporters.
“My name is Marshal. I am the No. 1 pupil of my mentor, Alder. In order to master the art of fighting, I've kept training. Today Riolu will take his first step on the long path that is the martial way.”
Riolu punched the Challenge rock with its glowing aura infused paw. The sound created by its paw drowned out the spectating crowd for a brief moment. The Challenger Rock now had a new paw shaped hole in it not the largest to be sure, but it still spoke of the potential this Riolu has.
Riolu pulled it’s paw back, and a clattering sound is made by the object that falls out of that cavity. The crowd upon seeing what the object is got back to being noisy. At first I was confused not seeing the value of the shiny piece of star shaped quartz until the T.V. reporter gave her viewers the skinny on this new development.
“There you have it folks! our Elite Marshal’s newest team member is lucky enough to have found a star piece inside the Challenge rock. Now as not all the viewers might know the significance of this let me remind you folks that a single star piece can be worth up to a 100.000 pokédollars! The Challenge rock rarely yields such a lavish bounty but when it does happen it is seen as a sign of good luck.”
‘I am now sorely tempted to catch myself a fighting type. Maybe I can coerce Professor Juniper into giving me a tepig for a job well done documenting fire types on the way out of Unova?’
The crowd knowing that the show is over disperses. The local residents back into Nacrene city and the trainers on the circuit venture into Pinwheel Forest. I was about to do the same when I heard the voice of Marshal calling out for someone. I ignored it seeing as I wasn’t the only trainer there until I received a tap on my shoulder. I turn around and see Elite Marshal giving me a scrutinizing look.
“Trainer, might I have a moment of your time?”
‘Okay calm down Egon he doesn’t know anything just keep it cool.’
“Elite Marshal? How can I help you sir?”
“You young man bear an uncanny resemblance to a person I greatly respect. Can you tell me the name of your father?”
“I’ve never met my father, Sorry sir, but my mother did tell me he is a great trainer.”
‘Good now to keep telling sort of truths.’ I don’t know if riolu are able to discern truths from lies based on a person’s aura signature, but I figure its best not to risk it. The little bugger is staring me down while I am speaking to Marshal.
“Hmm… I see that’s too bad what’s your name youngster?”
“Egon from Lavaridge town.”
“Lavaridge? I see… you are from Hoenn. Did you travel all the way to Unova to participate in our Vertress conference?”
“I was planning to, but Professor Juniper informed me there are age restrictions I didn’t know about. Since I am not yet twelve years of age I can’t legally participate. Me and my team are still having fun traveling the region though. Lots of Pokémon here that you can’t see anywhere else.”
“That’s the spirit Egon! By meeting and battling many different trainers and Pokémon you broaden your horizons and find true inner strength. You never know one day you might even face me on the battlefield.”
“Rio!”
‘This little guy is getting all excited by Marshal’s passionate speech. This is perfect now it’s time to slowly back out.’
“This is getting me all pumped up for my Castelia gym battle! It’s been nice talking to you Elite Marshal sir, but we really want to make it out of Pinwheel before sundown.”
Before he had any chance to react, I make a beeline towards the forest entrance.
Now if I had to make one observation regarding Pinwheel Forest it would be the amount of bug types that make this place their home. They are literally everywhere face any direction in the forest and its guaranteed that you see at least one bug type. I stuck to the path since there aren’t any fire types that would make for good team members inside the forest. I did however record every bug type I came across on my Pokédex.
Yanma the Clear Wing Pokémon Its two big eyes can turn 360 degrees, observing the surroundings, in search of food. If it flaps its wings really fast, it can generate shock waves that will shatter windows in the area.
Surprisingly enough I could even spot a wild Yanma perched atop a tree. I wasn’t expecting to come across a Johto native Pokémon like that. ‘Maybe some irresponsible tourist released a couple inside the forest, and they’ve propagated since then?’ In any case it is a nice change of pace being in a forest as wild as this. Lavaridge is surrounded by Mountains and rock deserts. The constant odour of sunbaked sediment is nostalgic, but it can’t beat the scent of decaying wood and wild herbs.
Since trainers constantly got lost inside the forest the rangers and city council of Castelia city saw fit to pave a straight road for travelers to follow that led directly to Skyarrow Bridge. I kept Rena out as a deterrent for any wild Pokémon, but we haven’t been bothered so far. Maybe the Pokémon recognized that travelers sticking to the path are just trying to get through? Whatever the case we made it out in good time it is approaching evening when we are finally met with the sight of the biggest bridge in all of Unova. The lower part of the bridge is built for vehicle traffic while suspended above the roadway is a pedestrian walkway. The night lights in the city just turned on, while the sun turned orange in the horizon it made for a stunning sight.
It was about 20 minutes walking from the beginning of the bridge to the end. The railings were used by flocks of ducklings and swanna to build their nests upon. The warning sign made it clear not to antagonize them unless you wanted to get doused in boiling water, courtesy of their scald attacks.
Numsy got out to accompany me for the final stretch while Rena languished inside her ball. The small camel Pokémon was as mesmerized as me watching the setting sun as we walked.
“This is it Castelia City. You ready to get our second badge Numsy?”
“Num num!”
“Burgh uses bug types so it should be an easy match for you. Let’s not get overconfident though. He might still have a trick up his designer sleeves.”
Castelia city is one of the most unique places I’ve ever seen. The night life of the city was bustling. Streets filled with rows of people and their Pokémon. There are no stand-alone buildings as far as I can see it’s all just massive apartment complexes. The city brochure was very informative as to why the Unovans decided to build Castelia this way. To preserve as many Pokémon habitats as possible the people in this part of the region decided to build upwards to create vertical living spaces. Getting a permit to build any other type of residential housing is impossible unless you can somehow convince the city council that your buildings are a net positive for nature.
I am tired but, because we are under time constraints, I fast tracked it to the Castelia gym to make an appointment. The gym was nestled between two high rise buildings. I walked inside past the automatic sliding doors. The inside was very tastefully decorated showing the gym leader’s artistic background. The gym employee behind the counter was wearing some sort of new age style dress coat which I suspect has been spun making use of bug type silk string.
“Excuse me sir I’d like to schedule a gym battle.”
“Fill out your personal details on this application form and leave it at the counter. We don’t have any openings for the next two weeks. Does Tuesday work for you?”
“Two weeks!? Are there that many trainers challenging the gym this late in the circuit?”
“Gym leader Burgh went on one of his inspirational outings last week, and we kind of have to play catch up if you catch my drift. I can slot you in before lunchtime, and just between you and me our gym leader is not a morning person.”
“No thank you! I’d like to schedule for the afternoon please.”
After I left the gym, I realized I could use these next two weeks to catch a new member for my team. The closest target being more of a gamble than anything, but I figured he who dares wins. So, I made my way to the Pokémon center to see if I could buy a certain elusive item.
This late in the evening only a handful of trainers lounged in the Pokémon center lobby. Most trainer’s ages ranged from 12-16 so it is long past their usual bedtime. That meant the computers are all available. I procured myself a machine and opened the site of a certain Unovan travel agency. The ticket will cost me an arm and a leg completely emptying out my gym winnings, but I figure it is worth it for a chance at meeting this vanishingly rare Pokémon. I clicked on buy and since I was inside a center the computer gave me the option to print my ticket on the spot. The printer in the corner came to life and made all too familiar whirring sound.
“Vuul?”
“Yes, this is it. A Liberty Pass.”