EVERYONE: - Ongoing Toron's Fanfics, Ficlets, and Drabbles

[RichestAirPirate]

MATURE Themes

1. No MATURE Themes Apply

TEEN Themes

1. Strong Language or Profanity

EVERYONE Themes

1. Mild Suggestive Themes
2. Mild Violence

Other Content Warnings

Content Warnings vary from fic to fic. Most range from Everyone to Teen ratings with Mature fics being very rare.

All fics are tagged and warned individually.

Hello everyone!​

This is a collection of one off ficlets, drabbles, fanfics, and other writings, created by me! Most of it is shipping related (especially AdvantageShipping) but you may find action, horror, friendship, comedy, slice of life, and more!

Most of these might be canon to a little fanverse I've found myself creating, but there are some that aren't canon to that verse. Any non-canon works are marked with a (!) in their threadmark.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the reading. Use the threadmarks to get to a specific writing you want to see. Please leave any feedback you have! Short reviews, questions, pointing out things, compliments, all of that. I like that kind of stuff.
Just don't be too harsh, okay?

Without further ado, enjoy.

 

[RichestAirPirate]

This story was inspired by a piece of artwork created by the one and only @Teebs96

Legends tell of nights when the moon turns green.
These nights are scarce it seems.
But should any bug in the wilderness find anyone targeting them mean,
then all around may wonder if the things they’re seeing is but a dream.

Intimidate, humiliate, and annihilate at your own peril.
For the bugs have one they call their herald…

Rating: T for Teen

Spoiler: CW: Violence, Minor Usage of Strong Language, Mentions of Death, Light Blood, and Injuries.

Grimrepor​

Ilex Forest, Johto Region. 9:26pm.​

---

It was a full moon night. Team Rocket Grunts had blocked off part of the forest to harvest the resources of Bug type Pokémon. The grunts about to harvest some honey were staring down a young girl who was only trying their best to defend the insects and creatures, but alas…

Grunt 1: You sure you wanna keep this up, kid?

Grunt 2: You might wanna run back home to your mommy before you get hurt!

The girl looks at her injured Venonat. The poor thing can’t take much more of this.

Girl: P-Please… S-Stop it…

The grunts could only laugh at her fruitless protest.

Grunt 3: Raticate!

???: Hold it.

The grunts stop on a dime. It seems Executive Ariana wanted to step in. While the grunts stand at attention, the girl only shakes in fear. Her Venonat hides behind her.

Ariana: I’ll handle this one. I have to test out a new capture of mine.

She raises a Pokeball and tosses it up. It releases a particularly fierce Magmar. The girl trembles.

Girl: Eep!

Ariana: You did well, runt. For your unnecessary bravery, I’ll offer you a reward. A firsthand look at a world of pain.

Ariana smirks, ready to issue her command. The girl covers her eyes. However, before another word could be uttered, Ariana’s earpiece rings in an urgent message.

”Boss! S-Something’s out here! Or someone! It’s gotten past the barricades and its been taking all of us ou- Ough!”

The message cuts out. In the corners of the girl’s eyes, she sees a figure shadowed by the moon’s light. The moon oddly looked green now. Were her eyes playing tricks? It seemed this mystery person held a sickle. She takes her Venonat and hides. She probably fears that guy more than Ariana.

Ariana: What's going on out there? Explain!

Ariana’s message was not responded to. She really doesn’t have time for this.

Ariana: Split up! Find that interloper and crush them!

She barks to the other grunts.

The 3 grunts: Yes ma-

Grunt 1: Ack!

Grunt 2: Oof!

Grunt 3: Ngh!

The grunts got incapacitated in only a few moments. Ariana was left by herself.

Ariana: What is the meaning of this…?

Her Magmar stands guard. A hooded figure approaches.

Ariana: Magmar! Flamethrower!

Magmar unleashes a stream of intense flames directly at them. It seems to have landed as a direct hit. Even the surrounding trees got a taste of the fire.

Ariana: Hmph. Easy prey.

Suddenly, an Armaldo rushes in, striking Magmar down with an Aqua Jet.

Ariana: Son of a bitch...

???: That all your grunts were.

The enigmatic person speaks as Ariana recalls Magmar. It approaches ominously as Armaldo returns to its Pokeball.

???: But then again, so are you.

Ariana sends out her Murkrow and Vileplume, but they’re taken out by carefully shot barrages of Pin Missiles. Was it from a Bug type? Or from... this... thing? The figure continues their approach. Ariana walks backwards, even stumbling over a tree stump. She grumbles, angry over the predicament. The stranger draws their scythe.

Ariana: Who are you? What do you want?

???: I'll make it simple for you. I want you to stay out of Ilex, Rocket lady. Whatever wild hair you had up your schnoz about this place is officially plucked.

Ariana: You… you killed my grunts! If I’m the son of a bitch, then what does that make you?

???: Relax. I didn’t kill your grunts. They might be out for a while but they just passed out. Might have a bruise or scratch here or there but still very much alive.

They're right. The grunts were still alive. They might’ve been knocked out from the attacks and even a few had a cut but nothing major or life threatening. In fact, any blood drawing cuts and scrapes were bandaged by silk.

Ariana: Oh thank you for your mercy.

She rolls her eyes.

???: Now listen here, lady. As of now, you work for me. And here’s what I want a pretty face and evil mind like you to do. Give the bugs their own space. Understand? Now, repeat what you heard.

Ariana grumbles under her breath.

Ariana: …You want us to stay out of Ilex Forest.

???: And who do you work for?

Ariana: I don’t know…

???: Yeah. Let that little nugget of knowledge be a reminder.

They slash their scythe over Ariana's head, leaving behind spores of a certain powder. Sleep Powder. Ariana succumbs to it and passes out.

???: Hmph.

The girl peeks from her hiding spot. Luckily, she was far away from the mess of flames. The reaper-like figure notices her eyes and approaches her, making her snap back into hiding. She cowers in fear of the inevitable. She holds her hurt Venonat close and closes her eyes.

???: Hey.

The girl opens her eyes. Beneath the hood and behind a mask was a young man with ruffled purple hair. He crouches down to the girl’s level, offering several Oran Berries.

Bugsy: You were brave, kid. But you can’t go and fight dangerous people like that!

The girl takes the berries and nods.

Girl: O-O-Okay…

Bugsy hears footsteps approaching. No doubt the police and firefighters were coming.

Bugsy: If anyone asks, tell them the bugs got 'em. Don’t tell ‘em I was here.

He snaps his fingers and is lifted into the air by his Scizor and into the night. The girl watches, still a bit shook but also a bit relieved to be safe. She waves as Bugsy makes his exit.

 

[RichestAirPirate]

When the air is in peril, brave trainers will fight. But even the best of the best fall sometimes and need a spark back to get back to life.

Rating: T for Teen

Spoiler: CW: Injuries, Near death experience

Panic in the Skies​

Nimbasa City, Unova Region. 8:14pm​

---

It was a cold one night. Elesa was about to head home from her gym, but she noticed the people were looking at the large electric billboards around the city. News reporters on the rooftops covered a battle occurring in skies above the city. A rowdy horde of Cryogonal battled 4 flying type trainers on the backs of bird Pokemon. The mention of flying type trainers made her race to find a good spot to view the action. She got worried. If there are flying type experts up there, then that means someone she knows of could be up there too.

Elesa: Don’t tell me she’s up there…

Elesa scrambles to the rooftop of her home. She would be lounging in bed right now, but she can’t. Not when someone she knows about is up there. She squints her eyes upwards, trying to get a closer view of the battle. A large puff of energy could be seen, and something fell from it.

“Woo hoo! Alright!”

Elesa’s headphones caught onto the little conversation the flying trainers had via headsets and earpieces. The signal was weak due to the difference in distance. The one that just spoke just then was on the back of a Pidgeot. Falkner had just taken down a Cryogonal.

“Don’t get cocky, Johto boy.”

A second voice could be heard. Kahili was here too? She was on the back of a Mandibuzz.

“Be careful. One slip up could be trouble.”

That’s the third voice. Winona was on the back of her Altaria.

“Let’s bring it home, everyone!”

That last voice. From the trainer on the back of a Swanna. It’s her! It’s Skyla!

Elesa: Skyla…

Elesa grew more worried. She knew Skyla was more than capable, but she also knew that she had a tendency to get a little overconfident. Elesa wanted to send in her own Pokemon, but her Emolga likely couldn’t handle flying that high. Elesa could only watch from her rooftop. She hoped that those brave fliers would be okay. Especially Skyla.

Winona: Altaria, Dragon Pulse!

Altaria fires a Dragon Pulse, bringing another Cryogonal. She quickly had to barrel roll to avoid a Flash Cannon from behind.

Falkner: Pidgeot, Quick Attack!

Pidgeot darts quickly, bringing down another Cryogonal before it could use Night Slash.

Kahili: Mandibuzz, Snarl!

Mandibuzz unleashes a harsh noise, bringing down more of the ice types. That just leaves one more. Skyla insisted she’d handle this big boss. Elesa wasn’t confident.

Skyla: Swanna, Hydro Pump!

Swanna uses Hydro Pump, firing a torrent of water at the snowflake. It countered with an Aurora Beam. The two attacks clash for a brief moment.

Skyla: Full power!

Swanna pumps up the intensity, winning out the struggle. The attack was a direct hit, but things weren’t over. That was signaled by the Cryogonal responding with Icy Wind.

Skyla: Ack!

Although the winds were strong, it wasn’t enough to take them out of the sky. Skyla chuckles, wiping off a bit of the remnants of the attack.

Skyla: We got this! Swanna, Air Slash!

Swanna uses Air Slash, but Cryogonal attacks with a barrage of Ice Shards. When the moves clash, the Ice Shards split into many sharp projectiles that fly in many directions.

Skyla: Everyone down!

Skyla commands the other flying type masters to fall back and shield themselves from the worst of the attack. Skyla had no time to do so herself. The ice shards hit like daggers not just to Swanna, but to Skyla.

Skyla: Hngh! Ngh… Uuuh…

Skyla feels a sharp piece of the ice stab into her chest. As Swanna returns to its Pokeball, unable to fly, she begins falling to the ground. Elesa gasps and reaches for her Pokeballs, grabbing one.

Elesa: Zebstrika!

She sends out Zebstrika and mounts it.

Elesa: After her!

While Falkner, Winona, and Kahili dive down to catch Skyla, Elesa rides to where The Highflying Girl was fated to land. Skyla’s panting was heavy. Her vision goes in and out. The ice felt like needles. She tries to relay a message over her headset.

Skyla: Skyla here… Requesting… immediate… help…

She struggles to stay awake. She’s seeing things as she descends. It's as if her life flashes before her eyes.

Skyla: Repeat… Skyla… requesting… h-help…

Her eyes close for a moment. The fliers continued their pursuit, but they weren’t gonna make it in time. However, right when Skyla reached the skyline of Nimbasa, a pair of Emolga caught her!

Elesa: Skyla! Emolga, bring her here!

The Emolga twins soar down, occasionally giving Skyla small shocks to maybe get her awake. They hand the redhead over to Elesa, who carefully holds her in her arms.

Elesa: Skyla! Are you alright?!

It went silent for a moment, even when the other 3 flying experts landed to the ground. It took a bit but Skyla slowly opened her eyes. She cracks a small smile once she recognizes Elesa.

Skyla: I’m… always alright… when you’re around…

Elesa breathes a sigh of relief. When medical attention arrives, she rides in the ambulance, hardly willing to leave the pilot’s side. Guess she'll be sleeping at the hospital tonight.

 

[RichestAirPirate]

Hey so you guys remember the Wii series of games? I do. So, one night, I wondered if it would be funny if 2 fellas played/suffered through Wii Fit Plus.
Might write a sequel to this too.

Rating: E for Everyone

Spoiler: CW: Nose Bleeding, Very Brief Implicit Innuendo

Fitness Game Night​

Saffron City, Kanto Region. 6:06pm.​

---

Bugsy was visiting Sabrina one evening. For weeks they’ve been together now. He’s staying the night tonight. Not the first time he did this, but the first time he’s doing it willingly. In her living room, right beside the dresser that held up Sabrina’s tv, Bugsy noticed a white console.

Bugsy: You still have a Wii U?

Sabrina: Yeah.

Bugsy: You haven’t gotten a Switch?

Sabrina: Yeah… Sorry. I don’t play a lot of video games…

Bugsy: Aw man, I gotta get you an upgrade someday! Oh well.

Bugsy squats down to inspect the system. It was a bit dusty, proving Sabrina’s claim of not playing a lot of video games. However, that doesn’t mean they can’t still have fun with it.

Bugsy: What games do you have on it?

Sabrina opens up a cabinet beside the system. It had mostly DVDs but it also had a few games for her Wii U.

Sabrina: Wii Sports Resort… Some Mario… Wii Party U… and maybe some digital titles? I don’t know. It’s been a long time.

Bugsy curiously boots up the system.

Sabrina: You wish to play this old thing? With me?

Bugsy nods.

Bugsy: I mean, if you don’t mind anyway. Besides, this thing can’t collect dust forever!

Sabrina: There was one game I remember playing the most though.

Bugsy: What was it?

Sabrina pulls out one game in particular. Wii Fit Plus. She reached for a Balance Board that was resting between the cabinet and the wall and blew the dust off it.

Sabrina: This game. I remember playing this one in an attempt to stave off some excess weight.

Bugsy grabbed a Wii Remote and passed it to Sabrina.

Sabrina: Might as well boot it up again after so many years.

This evening was gonna be one of those late workouts. Before they started up on one of the Balance focused minigames, Bugsy made a brief confession.

Bugsy: So… confession. I never actually played this game.

Sabrina: The whole game itself is focused on exercising your body, whether it's through Aerobics, Balance, Yoga, or anything else. It can be quite a workout.

Bugsy: Oooooh! That sounds like fun! Let's try all these minigames!

Sabrina: All of them? I mean, some of them are just expanded versions of existing ones. So you wanna just marathon all of the unique ones?

Bugsy: Yeah! Let's do it!

And so… it begins.

---

Tightrope Walk

Sabrina’s careful steps on the Balance Board register well. Her sense of balance on point. Bugsy admired her legwork.
Sabrina: Hm...
She had a surprisingly good sense of balance and calmness, even on the harder difficulties. Upon its completion, Sabrina smiles confidently.
Sabrina: No sweat.
Bugsy claps.
Bugsy: Nice legs!
Sabrina: ...Um... phrasing?

---

Lotus Focus

Bugsy had to sit on the Balance Board with his back stretched. Bugsy frankly found this a pain in the butt. He couldn’t even last 15 seconds…
Bugsy: Ugh...
Sabrina laughed a little.
Sabrina: You're terrible at balance. And meditation.
Bugsy: I never did that kind of thing before! How do you manage it all the time?
Sabrina: It takes focus. Intense focus. You'll get the hang of it, one day.
Bugsy: ...Huh.

---

Super Hula Hoop

Sabrina’s hips roll expertly as she expertly manages the increasing number of hula hoops. This felt like child’s play. Bugsy watched in awe… and a slightly bloody nose.
Sabrina: Phew... I've been at this... for like... 5 whole... minutes...
Bugsy covers his nose.
Bugsy: You're almost there, Sabrina! You're on a roll!
Sabrina: Very funny...

---

Snowball Fight

Bugsy’s reactions were on point! Sabrina was surprised by Bugsy being able to reach the high score so well. Even expert difficulty is no match for him!
Bugsy: Ha ha! Check it out!
Sabrina: Impressive.
Bugsy: I wish to have a real snowball fight one day.

---

They kept playing for what felt like hours. However, they reached the final game. Oddly, Sabrina had never played this one before. Because it required a 2nd player. Despite being drenched in sweat from all the exercise, the duo were willing to tackle this.

Sabrina: I have to admit… this was… fun… so far…

Bugsy: Exhausting… Really exhausting…

Sabrina: You sure you can handle it?

Bugsy: Yeah… I think so…

---

2P Run

The two were running in place. It was only 3 minutes, but it felt like 10. However, their panting was in near sync. By the time they saw the minigame’s end, they both felt like a weight was taken off their back.

---

After the game saved its data, Sabrina turns off the system. Her panting was still heavy. Bugsy lays on the floor, chuckling a bit.

Bugsy: Well… that was fun… Heh heh…

Sabrina: Yeah… Need some water?

Bugsy: Yes. I need a lot…

Sabrina walks into the kitchen to grab some water.

Sabrina: I haven’t had that much of a sweat in ages…

Bugsy: Yeah… We gotta play more games together…

Sabrina: Maybe we will.

 

[Catz]

oh my god I love the idea of sabrina having a wii u that's so fun <3

this was cute! I love this one a lot

 

[RichestAirPirate]

oh my god I love the idea of sabrina having a wii u that's so fun <3

this was cute! I love this one a lot

Thanks.
I honestly thought it'd be a neat touch if she was a bit behind in the latest entertainment lol.

I plan on writing a sequel to this one to continue the cuteness streak.

 

[RichestAirPirate]

The not so long awaited sequel to Fitness Game Night. And man, I might need a spoiler for cute this ended up turning out.

Rating: E for Everyone

Spoiler: CW: Slightly Suggestive Imagery (Revealing Clothing)

Snug as Bugs​

Saffron City, Kanto Region. 10:15pm.​

---

After hours of fitness and one good shower, Sabrina walks into her kitchen and starts up her coffee maker. She didn’t plan on making coffee, but she did plan on making tea. Her favorite was Sleepytime. She hums a brief tune as the hot water gets poured into her carafe. She transfers the water into a mug with a tea bag, adds 2 spoons of sugar, a dash of lemon, and stirs. Once done, she takes a slow long sip.

Bugsy: Sabrina?

Sabrina stops her sipping, lowers the mug from her mouth, and turns around. Bugsy was her company for the night. She doesn’t have others sleep over often. While this wouldn't be the first time Bugsy had slept at Sabrina’s place, it will be the first time he’s seen her sleepwear. Or lack thereof. His face was red because of it. Sabrina takes notice of this. She tends to only wear a sleep bra and shorts. While fitting for someone who lives alone like her, not sure if it's suitable for when she has company. At least Bugsy had Ariados themed PJs on.

Sabrina: Yes Bugsy?

Bugsy: Um… Can I have some tea as well?

Sabrina nods and reaches into the cabinet.

Sabrina: What type do you want?

Bugsy: Constant Comment.

Sabrina pulls it out and starts to make his tea.

Bugsy: If I may ask, do you wear um… all that when sleeping?

Sabrina: Sorry. I don’t have anything like pajamas. Nightgowns aren’t exactly my style either.

Bugsy: Oh. Okay. I mean, if that’s what makes you comfortable, keep wearing it.

Sabrina tilts her head ever so slightly.

Sabrina: Does my night attire make you uncomfortable?

Bugsy shakes his head.

Bugsy: I mean… a little. But again, if it makes you comfortable, I can live with it.

Sabrina hands over Bugsy’s tea, adds 4 spoons of sugar, and stirred. Bugsy is a bit surprised by this.

Bugsy: You remembered how I like my tea?

Sabrina: Mhm.

Bugsy sips and smiles. The taste was soothing. Sabrina takes her mug of tea and walks into her bedroom.

Sabrina: Hm?

She noticed Bugsy followed her. Odd. Shouldn't he be in the guest bedroom?

Sabrina: Need something else, Bugsy?

She asks as she tosses the covers aside and sits down on the bed.

Bugsy: I’m gonna sound a little crazy or even a little weird but… can I sleep with you?

Sabrina raises an eyebrow. As in, sharing a bed? That’s new. Before, she might’ve had an Abra, Ralts, or other small psychic type sleep with her, but a boy that’s around her age? Hasn’t crossed her mind before.

Sabrina: You wish to sleep in my bed?

Bugsy: Yeah. Again, I know it sounds weird but I just kinda want to tonight.

Sabrina pats the other side of her bed. Bugsy promptly sits there, sipping his tea again to finish it off. He sets the empty mug onto a nearby nightstand.

Bugsy: Thanks.

Sabrina nods and lays down on the bed, throwing her part of the covers over her.

Bugsy: This… is the first time I slept with a girl in the same bed.

They faced away from each other initially. Sabrina finishes her tea and sets it on another nightstand. The warmth of their beverages lingered and seemed to flow through their bodies. Bugsy lays down and throws his part of the covers over him.

Sabrina: Bugsy?

Bugsy: Hm? What is it?

Sabrina hesitates for a moment. She turns over, facing Bugsy’s back.

Sabrina: Can I see you?

Bugsy flips over, facing Sabrina. Their eyes meet. Lavender to Pink.

Bugsy: What is it?

Suddenly, Sabrina wraps an arm over him and pulls him close. Their faces were blooming with red tones. Bugsy turns his head upward a little.

Sabrina: I think I prefer this position…

Bugsy smiles and embraces the hug of sorts, snuggling himself into Sabrina. Her blush grows more apparent.

Bugsy: I think I like it too…

Sabrina turns off the lights using her telekinesis, not bothering to look away from Bugsy. The covers only amplified their shared warmth. As snug as bugs in rugs.

Bugsy: Good night, Sabrina…

Bugsy mumbles as he drifts to sleep. Sabrina cracks a smile, leaning into him more.

Sabrina: Good night, Bugsy.

She said as she felt her eyelids get heavy. Drowsiness came faster than she expected. Her head droops a bit on the pillow, resting over Bugsy’s. The moon casts only small fragments of its glow over them both through the cracks in the window blinds. Sabrina’s eyes fully close, with the last thing she saw being Bugsy’s purple haired head..

Sabrina: Don’t let… the bed bugs… bite…

She mumbles out before she joins him into dreamland.

 

[RichestAirPirate]

To round out the trilogy, we have the following morning. Again, this came out cute.

Rating: E for Everyone

Spoiler: CW: Nothing too major. Just some morning cuteness, I guess.

Morning ‘Brina​

Saffron City, Kanto Region. 7:17am​

---

Sabrina’s eyes slowly open at the first ray of sunlight grazing her eyes. She slowly stirs awake and comes to her senses. She looks down and sees Bugsy nestling himself against her. The memories of last night came back. They were… cuddling as they were asleep. It was her idea in the first place. But now, it was time to get out of bed. She looks down at the young man before sighing. She unwraps her arm from around him and turns over.

Sabrina: Hm…

She sits up and throws the covers off her. She put some pink slippers on and was about to head out the bedroom door when she turned back to the bed. Bugsy was still sleeping. One of Sabrina’s Pokemon approaches from behind.

Slowking: Something wrong?

Sabrina walks to the bed and adjusts the covers, making sure Bugsy’s body is fully covered in warmth.

Sabrina: No. Not anymore.

Slowking: He seems like a nice guy.

Sabrina: I know he is.

Sabrina walks out and goes into the kitchen. Her Espeon hands over a cup of coffee.

Espeon: Peon. (Morning.)

Sabrina: Good morning Espeon. Thank you for the coffee.

Sabrina smiles and rubs the Eeveelution’s head. But instead of just taking the coffee and sitting down to enjoy it, she takes the coffee, stays in the kitchen, and looks around.

Espeon: Espe? (Something wrong?)

Sabrina: Do we have any eggs and pancake mix?

Slowking: You’re not going with the usual breakfast bar today?

She grabs some pancake mix from the pantry and some eggs and sausage from the fridge.

Sabrina: No. At least not yet.

She sets the ingredients on the counter. For a moment, she hesitates, looking at what she just pulled out. She’s not entirely the best cook, but she’s at the very least competent. But… would he like what she makes for him?

Sabrina: Well… here goes…

About 25 minutes later, Sabrina had finished making a nice plate of breakfast. She admires her craft. The eggs were a little hard. The waffles were a tad burnt. And so was the sausage. It still looked delicious enough but she felt a bit insecure on whether it would be satisfactory. She jumped a little when she heard footsteps approaching the kitchen. Bugsy groggily walks in, still in his pajamas. He yawns and smacks his mouth, trying to come awake.

Sabrina: Good morning, Bugsy.

Sabrina helps the young man around. She could tell he was still partly asleep, the mostly closed eyes were a giveaway. His words were almost incomprehensible, a mere jumble of things that might be English. Sabrina sits him down at a table.

Sabrina: Wait here.

Bugsy mumbles more as Sabrina walks to the kitchen to grab the plate of breakfast. She sets it down on the table.

Sabrina: I made it myself. I’m not used to cooking for other trainers, mostly myself and my Pokemon.

The smell of waffles, eggs, and sausage wafts upwards into the Azalea boy’s nose. His eyes were slowly open more, catching Sabrina pouring him a glass of apple juice.

Sabrina: I hope you… enjoy it.

Bugsy: Thenk you…

His first words that didn’t sound like a mess of a language. He’s waking up slowly.

Sabrina: Need help eating?

Sabrina uses a fork and knife to cut his food up a little. After getting a near perfect combination of waffle, egg, and sausage stabbed onto the fork, she points it at Bugsy’s mouth. He opens it, as if on instinct. Once the fork was in his mouth, his mouth closes. Sabrina slides the fork out, letting Bugsy’s teeth strip the food free. He starts to chew, his eyes opening even more.

Sabrina: Well? Is it… good?

Bugsy perks up, as if a boost of energy surged into him. He’s fully awake now, nodding his head energetically to answer Sabrina’s question.

Bugsy: Morning ‘Brina!

Sabrina blushes. ‘Brina? Was that a nickname he came up with on the spot? Was he holding it in for a certain amount of time? Was it a slip of his tongue? Bugsy takes the fork and knife from her hands so he can eat the rest on his own. Sabrina watches with a smile.

Sabrina: Good morning, Bugsy.

 

[RichestAirPirate]

So I decided to challenge myself with a drabble. Like, an actual drabble. I wasn't entirely confident if I could do this, but I did.

Rating: T for Teen

Spoiler: CW: Implications/Reference to Suicide

Writer's Wall​

Undella Town, Unova Region. 8:24pm​

---

Shauntal slumps at her desk, pencil in hand. Her paper is full of erased words. She's told many tales about people and their bonds with Pokémon. Her skill with a quill is undeniable. Her many awards and books are evidence of that.

So why, for the life of her, can't she think of something?! Writing's basically her only life outside of Pokemon! If she can't write, then she might as well be a ghost!

"Shauntal."

"What?!" Shauntal snapped at Grimsley. Her words hit like a wrecking ball.

"...You alright?"

'Wait... Lightbulb.'

"Yes Grimsley. Just broke down a wall, that's all."

 

[RichestAirPirate]

Hey so guess who slept at 10pm and woke up at like 12am and couldn't sleep? This guy....
So, allow me to write something based on my inability to sleep.

Rating: E for Everyone

Spoiler: CW: Brief reference to addiction

Vital Spirit​

Stow On Side, Galar Region. 3:04am.​

---

Bea was restless tonight. She just couldn't sleep. But she needed to. She is a gym leader after all, so a good night's sleep is essential to doing her job. So she had to sleep. But she just couldn't tonight.

Not for lack of trying. She's tried counting sheep but ended up losing count. She's tried jogging but it'd be too dangerous to go alone. She tried sparring with her Pokemon but her fighting types weren't fully alert. She couldn't eat sweets since that'll only keep her awake. She couldn't do any bagwork because that'll only make too much noise.

Bea grumbles. She's not used to pulling all nighters. She knows she'll only regret it in the morning if she ever pulled one. She walks into her kitchen to find some remedy. Her medicine cabinet had some sleeping aid pills, but she didn't want to resort to that. She worries she'd keep using em. Her eyes dart around before landing on some hot chocolate. This stuff was sweet but something in her mind told her to take it.

She takes the cocoa powder, puts it into a mug, and watches as her electric kettle heats up some water. Once done, she adds the water into the mug and stirs with a spoon. The aroma fills her nose, putting her at ease a little. She didn't bother adding sugar. She carefully blows on the beverage as she heads to her bedroom.

She sits on her bed and dips her tongue into the hot chocolate to inspect its warmth. It had cooled just enough to be drinkable. She sips slowly, letting the warmth flow through her body. It felt... soothing. When she lowers the mug onto a nightstand, she looks at a photo on her wall. It was a photo featuring herself along with all the other Galar gym leaders. Bea doesn't mind considering them friends, but she personally wouldn't call them that. Among them, Allister is one she has an odd fondness for. It was a bizarre mix of respect and concern for him. She's usually the one battling due to his shyness.

Bea grabs her Rotom Phone and quickly sends a texts to Allister. She wants him to take over gym duties for today. She'll be sleeping in. The text is sent quietly, so he'll notice it when he wakes up. Bea sets the phone back on the charger and sighs. The hot chocolate's warmth was slowly kicking in. Her eyelids slowly get heavy. Her mind thinks about the imminent sunrise and the task she left the ghost boy to deal with.

"Be brave... my... friend..."

She says as she surrenders to the challenge that the hot chocolate brought, falling asleep at last.

 

[RichestAirPirate]

I wanted to write something darker for BrainHive just to sort of scratch an itch. So, behold! Probably one of the few times I write something M rated! And this is probably not canon to my verse lol.
Don't worry, I'll write something warm hearted to wash it down later.

Rating: M for Mature

Spoiler: Torture, Attempted Brainwashing, Strong Language, Strong Violence, Near Death, References to Death

Proton’s Challenge​

Chapter 1: The Taunt​

Saffron City Gym, Kanto Region. 7:30 pm.​

---

Proton walks along the halls of the gym. He remembers how easy all this was to set up. Very early this morning, he ordered a few grunts to hijack the place, rewire the teleporters, mess around with the layout, and even set up a machine. A special one. It was a sort of pod. Almost like cryostasis. Except not only did it render someone immobile and barely conscious, it would turn them into a pawn for Team Rocket! He walks into the control room. A grunt was looking at several control panels and monitors.

Proton: What’s the status?

Grunt: 90% ready sir. She’ll be our new leader in about 1 hour, give or take.

Proton: Good work, Dan.

He looked out the window to see the pod for himself. He smirks.

Proton: I’m surprised we managed to not only hijack this place but get the bitch contained too! It was almost too easy.

Dan: Striking at night was an excellent idea, sir. Although, after being in this place since like 7am, watching this broad, I kinda miss the outside…

Proton: We even managed to steal her Pokemon. Locked up their balls too.

Beside the pod were 6 Pokeballs. All psychic types. They couldn’t get out even if they wanted to. Proton grabs a microphone to announce another message to Saffron City.

Proton: This is Proton of Team Rocket speaking once again. So, a little update on the situation. It seems nobody’s come to get little miss movie star out of here yet. Oh, by the way, I haven’t named who exactly we took, but I’ll drop it anyway. The broad’s name is Sabrina!

Inside the pod was Sabrina! They had her captured since this morning. While the civilians and police tried, no one could manage to find the place Sabrina was located in.

Proton: The chick’s got about 1 hour left before she’s one of us!

Dan examines the monitors. It had information on Sabrina’s current status. Conversion: 91%. Life Signs: Low but enough to be considered alive. Her psychic powers were weakened severely. The monitor could pick up her thoughts. A small vision of a purple haired male close to her age.

Dan: Heh. She’s thinking of her hero, it seems. Some runt in purple hair.

Proton laughs at the news and decides to make another sort of call out on his announcement.

Proton: So… if any brave purple haired boys are out there… Not saying anyone in particular… If they want to try to play hero, then BRING IT ON!

Proton ends the announcement. He then gets a message on his earpiece.

“Sir! The grass chick’s must’ve called in for backup! A boy got in here! Short, Purple hair, Green Shirt and Shorts!”

It seems Proton’s taunt worked. He’s here.

Proton: Let him come. Alone.

Proton walks out of the control room and down to the room that contained the pod itself. He looks at Sabrina, who has her eyes closed

Proton: Heh. Well Becky Thatcher, you can witness me crush your Tom Sawyer.

---

Chapter 2: It’s Dangerous to Go Alone​

Bugsy and Erika were fighting off the grunts. Erika’s been fighting these grunts for hours. She even made sure to keep harsh sunlight up using Sunny Day so her grass types couldn’t run out of energy. Her Vileplume, Tangrowth, Bellosom, Victreebel, and Venusaur can still go for a while longer. Erika was getting a bit fatigued, but she stuck it out.

Erika: Bugsy, how are you holding up?

Bugsy commands his bug types to fend off the foes. He just arrived as soon as he heard Erika’s call for assistance. He had to barge through the crowd of people and police to get there. In fact, he had to leave behind his Pinsir, Heracross, Butterfree, and Beedrill to help the cops fight. So all he has now are Scizor and Scyther. And they proved more than enough. Bugsy wipes off sweat from his brow.

Bugsy: Everything’s good here! I’m more worried about you!

Erika: You should be worrying about her.

Bugsy was worried about her. He curls his hand into a fist. When he gets his hands on Proton…

Bugsy: Grrr… If only I came here earlier!

Bugsy looked at a grunt he just beat.

Bugsy: Hey! Where is she?!

Bugsy actually looked a bit intimidating despite his somewhat short size. Intimidating enough for the grunt to confess.

Grunt: L-L-Last teleporter down the hall! The boss wants to see you anyway!

Bugsy looks at Erika and nods. Erika nods back. She’ll take it from here. After recalling his Scyther and Scizor, Bugsy races down the hall and takes the last teleporter. Now he’s in a different hallway. After another sprint, he shoves the door open. He sees Sabrina, still confined in a pod.

---

Chapter 3: The Right Choice.​

Bugsy: Sabrina!

He runs up, but doesn't get far before he’s trapped in a triangular barrier forged by a Magneton.

Bugsy: What the?!

Proton: Not so fast, camper boy.

Proton walks in, stands in front of the pod and looks at Bugsy. Their expressions mirrored each other. One was furious and one was confident.

Bugsy: Let us go, you jerk!

Proton: Honestly, I’m surprised the woman thought of you. And she knows you’re here now.

Bugsy bangs on the barrier that caged him. The Magneton gives him a Thunder Shock.

Bugsy: Gaaaaaaah!

Proton: And she’s gonna be aware of what you’re gonna do.

Bugsy: I’m gonna kick your… Your…

Proton: My what?

Bugsy: …Your ass!

Bugsy reaches for one of his Pokeballs but gets a Thunder Wave.

Bugsy: Nggaaaaaaaaah!

He’s paralyzed and struggling to move. Or even stay conscious. His furious expression remains, although it falters a little.

Proton: I’m gonna let you decide what happens now.

Bugsy listens in.

Proton: You got a few options, Azalea Boy. Your first is to stay in there and watch as Miss Psychic here becomes a member of Team Rocket. She may spare you. Or maybe not.

Bugsy doesn’t speak. Proton continues his list.

Proton: Your second and third options will save one of you. You can choose to release yourself, but if you do, well… your babe is gonna be seeing your old bug friends in the sky.

Bugsy bangs on the barrier more. He gets another Thunder Shock.

Bugsy: Aaaaaaaaaaah!

His rage remains, but it falters even more now.

Proton: You can also choose to release her instead. But in return, we’ll be having fried bugs for dinner.

Bugsy: You… monster…

Proton turns to Dan in the control room window.

Proton: How’s progress up there?

Dan reports.

Dan: 95% complete! She’s even thinking about him! She wants him to save himself too!

Proton: Aw… She’s worried for you… Better listen to your girlfriend, pal.

Bugsy’s anger flared but he relents. He breaks, even. He falls to his hands and knees.

Bugsy: …I’m sorry… I’m so sorry…

He whispers to himself. He knew Sabrina couldn’t hear him.

Bugsy: I should’ve… come sooner…

His eyes got watery, but no tears were shed because he wiped his eyes. He should’ve come sooner. If he did, maybe he could’ve saved her. Or maybe… she wouldn’t need saving anyway…

Proton: So? What’s it gonna be, Bugsy?

Bugsy: …Take me. Just… take me…

Proton smirks.

Proton: Ah. So you’ll leave her with trauma. The burning memory of your last scream.

Bugsy finally lets a tear drop from his face, but his face changes to one to one of resolve. He braces himself, knowing it's futile, but worth a shot. He feels like he’s making the right choice here.

Bugsy: …Hit me with your best shock already, fucker…

Proton: Thunderbolt.

Magneton used Thunderbolt, electrocuting Bugsy further.

Bugsy: Aaaaaaaaah! Ngh- AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!

Proton watches with crossed arms. The gym leader’s howls and cries of pain were almost like music to his ears. The electricity lingered for what felt like forever. In truth, it was only about 15 seconds. When it ended, Bugsy was charred. His eyes were closed. The barrier vanishes, dropping the boy to the cold hard ground.

Proton: Worry not, Bugsy. The girl will mourn you. Along with your friends. And the fleas you cherish so dearly.

Several grunts come in.

Proton: Take out the trash.

---

Chapter 4: A Psychic Unchained​

In the control room, Dan notices something odd on the screens. The ECG sped up. A heartbeat was showing. Progress was halted at 98%.

Dan: Uh… sir. Something’s up.

Proton: What is it?

Dan: I’m getting odd readings on the screens.

Proton: She’s struggling again. It’s always fruitless.

Dan: No. This isn’t like last time.

The screens get jumbled up.

Dan: She’s… waking up.

Proton and the other grunts ready their Pokemon. A collection of Normal and Poison types stand at the ready. In the pod, Sabrina seems to squirm and move. Her expressions warp quickly. And then… she stops. The monitors return to normal. One of the grunts sigh.

Grunt: False alarm?

In the pod, a bubble rises… and Sabrina’s eyes shoot open. The glass shatters. Liquid and Steam burst out of the busted pod. Everyone is shocked. A red boot steps out. Sabrina had freed herself.

Dan: …What now sir?

Proton: Everyone! Att-

Sabrina raises a hand, hoisting a lot of Rockets into the air by the neck. With a snap of her fingers, she unlocks her Pokeballs. Her Pokemon are released, each ready to fight.

Proton: Wh-what are you… d-doing?!

Sabrina: Taking out the trash.

In sync with her Pokemon, Sabrina unleashes a psychic force. It sends the crew of Rocket members through several walls and into the outside streets. It forced any other grunts to retreat. Proton also had to retreat. Sabrina almost didn’t let him.

Erika: Sabrina!

Sabrina looks around. There were people watching. While they did find her actions justified, they still backed away. She tries breathing deeply but finds it difficult because of the current circumstances. She then felt a hand fall onto her shoulder. A familiar touch. Sabrina calms down.

Bugsy: Hey… Sabrina?

Bugsy spoke weakly. His body was still a bit black from the shocks. He’s definitely hurt, but he’s taken a lot worse from various bug Pokemon. Sabrina hugs him almost immediately.

Bugsy: Are you okay?

Sabrina: I could ask you the same thing.

She cries into his shoulder. Bugsy pats her back.

Bugsy: I’m okay…

Sabrina: Then I’m okay too…

 

[RichestAirPirate]

So um...
I might've spent all day making this... and it sorta goes hard. A whole short story was cooked up with this. And this was all in one day! I think I gotta split this into 2 parts!
Okay now I'll actually get to work on something cuter after this.

Rated: T for Teen
CW: Violence, Injuries, Overall A Pokemon Adventures-esque battle.

---

Spoiler: Chapters 1-4

Chapter 1: Grudge Match​

Johto League Stadium, Johto Region. 1:50pm.​

---

On this warm day in Johto, many people were packed in the seats of the stadium. Some had themed apparel, others had snacks, some even had both. Even other gym leaders were in the crowd.

Falkner: Heh. Best seats in the house.

Falkner was seated in the front row on the left side of the stadium. To his left were fellow gym leaders Morty, Whitney, and Jasmine. Whitney had gotten a little green and purple flag as well. She eagerly waved it.

Morty: Someone’s excited.

Jasmine: Mhm.

Whitney: I just wanna support our little buddy!

Jasmine: He’s not little, but I suppose you’re right. He needs the support.

This event was being broadcasted on TVs and Radios. But just what was the event exactly? The audience knew. The commentators speak into their mics.

Lance: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Johto League Stadium! Whether you’re sitting here watching, or in the comfort of your homes watching or listening, it’s good to have you here. I’m Champion Lance and I’m here with a very special guest on this fine day in Johto. Champion Cynthia, how are you?

Cynthia: I’m just swell, Lance. Today we seem to have a little grudge match on our hands between 2 gym leaders. A clash between bugs and dragons, I believe it is. The match is set to start in about 6 minutes time.

Meanwhile, in a locker room, Clair was rubbing her Pokemon. These beasts were dragons. She tamed and trained them with expertise. She cared for them all and she shared their feelings. She had great pride in both herself and her dragons. So one could justify why she would have a grudge with Bugsy. She looked down at him. She felt like he was immature and foolish for thinking mere bug types could keep up with dragon types. Although they’ve had their previous feuds, this time would possibly be the last.

Clair: Let's go everyone.

She recalls her Dragon types to their Poke Balls and walks out of the locker room. In another locker room, Bugsy was taking deep breaths, rubbing his bug types carefully. Before he walks out, he’s greeted by a familiar face.

Sabrina: Bugsy?

Bugsy: Sabrina! What are you doing here?

Sabrina: I felt the need to check in on you.

Bugsy: Well, thanks for the concern, but you should go find your seat.

Sabrina: Falkner’s holding mine. Don’t worry.

Bugsy: This match is personal. A big score is gonna be settled here.

Sabrina: That much is apparent. You’ll be on the battlefield with your bug types. Your bond and trust in them will be the driving force to continue fighting.

Bugsy: I know bug types aren’t the strongest, but I’m not getting squashed easily. And I’ll prove it to her. Once and for all.

Sabrina: Good luck.

Bugsy nods, recalls his Pokemon, and walks out. Sabrina heads back to her seat, sitting to the right of Falkner.

Falkner: How’s he doing?

Sabrina: He’s ready.

Whitney: Great! Oh, and just in time!

Loud horns blare, catching everyone’s attention.

Lance: Ladies and gentlemen! Whether you’re here in the stadium or out there at home, welcome to the Johto League stadium! We got ourselves a grudge match on our hands! So let’s welcome the two trainers!

On one side of the stadium, Clair walks along a pathway to the massive battlefield. The terrain was varied to mimic various landscapes such as rocky mountains, forests and grasslands, coastal oceans, sandy deserts, and more.

Lance: In the blue corner, she’s often the final test for trainers tackling Johto’s gyms! A beautiful woman, trained in the Dragon’s Den along with the very beasts she’s cared for her whole life. She’s prideful, she’s powerful, she’s the bearer of the Rising Badge! Blackthorn City’s Gym Leader! The Blessed User of Dragon Pokemon! IIIIIIIIIIIIT’S CLAAAAAAAAAAAIR!

The crowd roars with cheers and applause. Flags and banners were waved from the stands as Clair steps into the battlefield, her heeled boots clacking on the rocky terrain. She stands tall, giving waves and confident smiles to the crowd. The stadium’s screens caught her live on camera.

Cynthia: Lance, Clair is your cousin, correct?

Lance: Indeed. She’s one of the best dragon Pokemon trainers the world knows. A regular rival to the Elite 4 even. She’s a pride problem but she can more than back it up.

Cynthia: Well, she may be powerful, but let's not count out her opponent! In the green corner, he’s a handsome young man and often one of the first challenges for those seeking Johto’s gyms. He’s been training and studying bugs for his whole life, his research building bit by bit each day. Don’t let his appearance fool you, this boy’s faith in bug types is absolute! He’s charming, he’s steadfast, he’s the holder of the Hive Badge! Azalea Town’s Gym Leader! The Walking Bug Encyclopedia! IIIIIIIIIT’S BUGSY!

From the other side of the stadium, Bugsy walks to the battlefield. He waves enthusiastically to the crowd that was calling and cheering his name. Flags and banners waved. The screens caught him as well. He stood with his own confidence and determination on the rocky battlefield. Before the battle begins, the two gym leaders walk up to each other.

Clair: So this is it, huh?

Bugsy: Years of this rivalry led to this.

Clair: We’ve done this dance many times, boy.

Bugsy: To varying results.

Clair: I must admit, you must have a certain amount of bravery to challenge me with such underwhelming creatures.

Bugsy: Oh here we go again…

Clair: Everyone knows that bug type Pokemon are one of the weaker types overall. If you wish for victory, why choose to train a weak type? Well, only a weak trainer would do such a thing. A weak trainer who dresses like a boy scout. A weak trainer who only ranks second in the Johto League of Gym Leaders. A weak trainer who hangs with similarly weak ones, like a trainer that bawls after a loss.

The crowd ooooohs at Clair’s words. Not only did she mock Bugsy, but also Falkner, Whitney, and Morty!

Bugsy: I’m not gonna take smack talk from someone who claims to be the best dragon trainer and doesn’t even use a full team of dragon types half the time! Besides, you’re not exactly any better, pal. You won’t even fork over a badge until trainers take a “test” of sorts. Trainers come to us gym leaders for guidance, for help, for battles. And when we lose, we fork over a badge. We don’t give out pop quizzes like it’s school! No offense to the dragon’s den, but man… must be embarrassing to have to deal with your entitlement.

Bugsy’s words also got the crowd’s attention. Clair scoffs. Talk is cheap.

Clair: I won’t need 6 Pokemon for you. Your insects are mere nuisances to a dragon.

Bugsy: You sure you wanna do that? You wanna go handicapping yourself in front of all these people?

Clair: Ask not the sparrow how the eagle soars, boy.

Bugsy: Whatever you say.

Bugsy shrugs as the two walk away from each other.

Cynthia: Quite the banter, I say.

Lance: Clair might be in over her head playing a Pokemon down. But she’ll be able to back it up, I’m sure.

Cynthia: This is it folks. Who will win?

Lance: A gym leader grudge match! Blackthorn City’s Best vs Azalea Town’s Ace! Clair vs Bugsy!

Bugsy and Clair turn to face each other and ready their Poke Balls. The whole stadium counts down to the battle’s start.

“3! 2! 1! POKE BALL GO!!!”

---

Chapter 2: The Clash Begins​

Bugsy: Butterfree!

Clair: Salamence!

The two gym leaders send out their Pokemon.

Butterfree: Free!

Salamence: Meeeeence!

They stood beside their trainers. Salamence’s glare sent a slight shiver down Butterfree’s spine, but it didn’t back down.

Clair: No hesitation. Salamence, Dragon Pulse!

Salamence charges Dragon Pulse and fires it directly at Butterfree.

Bugsy: Get moving Butterfree! Bug Buzz!

Butterfree takes flight and Bugsy dodges to the side to avoid the Dragon Pulse. The bug attacks with Bug Buzz to counter.

Clair: Hmph. You’ll need more than that. Fly!

Clair and Salamence hold their ground against the bug buzz. The dragon flies upwards, weaves through the soundwave, and attacks. It lands as a huge blow.

Butterfree: Freeeeee!

Bugsy: Butterfree!

Butterfree spun out, reeling from the attack. But it shook it off.

Butterfree: Eee. Free free!

Clair: Dragon Pulse.

Salamence fires another Dragon Pulse. Butterfree barely avoids it.

Salamence: Sala?!

Bugsy: Psychic!

A strong telekinetic force strikes Salamence. It didn’t do much but it certainly helped a little.

Bugsy: Now Hurricane!

A huge hurricane is whipped up and launched at Salamence. Clair takes advantage of this.

Clair: Flamethrower!

Salamence’s flames blend with the winds, creating a fiery tornado of sorts. Salamence hides within it.

Lance: An interesting strategy.

Cynthia: Indeed. Salamence can handle the flames, but Butterfree most likely can’t.

Bugsy: Butterfree! Can you see him?!

Bugsy calls out to his Pokemon. Butterfree’s eyes were made up of many smaller eyes that help it remain accurate and locate things like flowers and honey. This also helps it catch prey. Yet all it could see was a mere blur within the flames.

Butterfree: Free…

Bugsy: Psychic!

A telekinetic force is unleashed, but it doesn’t land on its target Pokemon.

Butterfree: Free?

Clair: Now Iron Head!

Salamence: Sala… MEEEENCE!

Salamence leaps out of the fire and bashes into Butterfree, knocking it right out of the sky.

Butterfree: Free! Freeeee!

Bugsy runs over and catches it before it could hit the ground.

Bugsy: Butterfree! Are you ok?!

Butterfree was hurt but it could still fight. Salamence goes down to ground level. Clair stands beside it.

Clair: Free….

Clair: Had enough yet? That little thing has no chance against me. This match might as well be even.

Bugsy: Hmph…

Clair: Like I said, I won’t need 6 Pokemon for this.

Salamence: La la. Mence.

Bugsy looks at the dragon and back at his bug. Butterfree’s outmatched here. The crowd murmurs. Butterfree hops out of Bugsy’s arms, intending to fight more, but Bugsy has other plans.

Bugsy: Butterfree, come back!

He recalls Butterfree to its Poke Ball.

Lance: A Pokemon change?

Cynthia: It seems Clair’s handicap is justified. Butterfree stands little chance against Salamence here. Bugsy’s gonna need something stronger.

Bugsy throws another Poke Ball into the air.

Bugsy: Let's do this, Yanmega!

Yanmega is sent out. The crowd cheers seeing its reveal.

Yanmega: Megaaaaaaa!!!

Clair wasted no time.

Clair: Flamethrower!

Salamence attacks, but Yanmega avoids it swiftly.

Bugsy: Ancient Power!

Several rocks are launched at Salamence. Clair avoids the attack herself.

Clair: Fly!

Salamence flies around and goes to strike the dragonfly, but it's just too quick to catch.

Salamence: Mence?!

Bugsy: One more!

Yanmega: Yan Yan!

Another Ancient Power strikes Salamence, bringing the beast down.

Salamence: Meeeeence!

Clair: Salamence!

She runs over to it. It was KO’d! The crowd cheers again. Clair grumbles and recalls the dragon type.

Clair: I see. You lowered its Special Defense using Bug Buzz and Psychic.

Bugsy: That’s not all! Yanmega’s speed increases as time goes on! And that last Ancient Power increased its offense and defense! Speed too!

Clair pulls out another Poke Ball. A nimble target would be tough to take out by any ordinary dragon. She needs a special dragon. She smirks, for she has just the thing.

---

Chapter 3: The Dragon I’m Not​

Clair: Gyarados! It’s time!

Clair sends out her Gyarados. The crowd roars along with it.

Clair: You claim that Gyarados is not a proper dragon. Yet your Pokemon is a dragonfly. I frankly take offense to that.

Bugsy: Well, it at least looks more bug than dragon, so it earns its typing.

Clair snaps her fingers.

Clair: Hyper Beam!

Gyarados: RAAAAGH!

Gyarados unleashes a massive hyper beam. Yanmega avoids it. Bugsy had to get out of the way.

Bugsy: Bug Buzz!

Yanmega attacks with Bug Buzz as it zips and darts around. The Hyper Beam forced Gyarados into a sort of fatigue. It couldn’t attack, but it could still move.

Bugsy: Yanmega! Air Slash!

Clair: Gyarados! To the water!

Gyarados dove right into the water that was on the battlefield to avoid the Air Slash.

Bugsy: Oh no you don’t. Bug Buzz!

The Bug Buzz attack is launched at the water. Gyarados still didn’t show up.

Bugsy: It’s trying to get the jump on us!

Bugsy runs over to the edge of the battlefield and looks over the ledge. No sign of Gyarados, it seems.

Yanmega: Mega…

Bugsy: …It’s right behind us, ain’t it?

Clair: Clever guess, Bugsy. Gyarados!

Gyarados leaps from the water from the other side of the battlefield. Bugsy and Yanmega were caught off guard. Clair smirks.

Clair: Ice Fang!

Gyarados: DAAAAAAGH!

Gyarados catches Yanmega with a powerful and clean Ice Fang. Bugsy had to leap out of the way.

Yanmega: YAAAAAAN!

Bugsy: Yanmega! No!

Gyarados dove back into the water. Yanmega was KO’d, floating on the water’s surface. The crowd bursts into cheers. That was a total spectacle to see Gyarados leaping out like that!

Clair: It was quite simple, really. A mere bug can be taken care of with a little careful surprise attack and one mean bite.

Bugsy returns Yanmega to its ball.

Bugsy: Darnit…

Clair: It’s 4 against 4 now.

Bugsy: 5 against 4.

Clair: I meant what I said. That Butterfree won’t do you any good against me. It might as well be dead weight.

Bugsy: You underestimated me and my bugs since day one. This time, you’ll pay for that mistake.

Bugsy raises another Pokeball and throws it up.

Bugsy: Heracross! Here we go!

Heracross is sent out, much to the crowd’s surprise.

Heracross: Heracross!!!

Clair: A bug fighting type against a flying type? You must be stupider than I thought.

Bugsy: Just wait till you see what I got planned.

Clair: Gyarados! On my mark!

For a moment, things were silent. Clair and Bugsy stared at each other. Heracross stood firmly, looking around for Gyardos. The spectators murmured and whispered amongst themselves.

Whitney: This has me on edge…

???: Heh. I know I use a similar trick with my Gyarados!

Whitney and co look up. Seated above them was Misty, Brock, Janine, and Erika!

Misty: While Gyarados is hiding, unless the opponent can find a way to knock it out of the water, it's free to bide its time!

Erika: Whenever it leaps out, it always startles me. Quite impressive.

Morty: Doesn’t startle me. I’ve been jumpscared by a ghost type more times than I can count.

Brock: But what’s Bugsy up to? He’s just standing there.

Falkner: No clue.

Falkner was speaking with his mouth full. He was eating nachos with chili and cheese.

Jasmine: I have a hunch. This is much like a western movie. A quick draw.

Sabrina: Except Bugsy doesn’t plan on firing.

The group looks at Sabrina.

Morty: Yeah. He isn’t really gonna attack it.

Janine: Well, what will he do?

Whitney: A strong enough flying type attack would be dangerous for Heracross!

The silence continues for a moment longer… until Clair pulls out a whip from her hip and smacks it along the ground.

Clair: BOUNCE!

Gyarados leaps sky high out of the water and comes crashing down above Heracross.

Gyarados: RAAAAAAAAAAA-

Bugsy: Heracross! Detect!

Heracross blocks the Bounce attack and catches Gyarados, not letting it go back into the water.

Clair: What in the?!

Bugsy: Don’t hold back on it! Close Combat!

Heracross: HERA…

Heracross shoves Gyarados upwards and unleashes a fierce barrage of blows.

Heracross: CROOOOOOOOOOOSS!!! CROSS!

Gyarados: GRAAAAAH!

Gyarados is launched skyward with the final hit, defeated.

Clair: Impressive.

Clair recalls Gyarados. 4 against 3. She’s got a plan in mind to help things go her way however.

Lance: Well ladies and gentlemen! This is quite the battle!

Cynthia: Indeed! A lot of clever tactics and techniques are being used here! The flaming hurricane to conceal Salamence! The usage of Ancient Power in conjunction with Yanmega’s increasing speed! Gyarados using the water to get the jump on the bugs! And Heracross’s immense strength! I must say, it’s a treat!

Lance: I bet even the trainers are getting a bit tired out there!

He’s right. Clair and Bugsy were panting and sweating. Their minds raced with what could happen next. Clair holds her next Poke Ball tightly.

Clair: Dragonite!

Clair sends out her Dragonite, who roars to the sky.

Dragonite: BAAAAARGH!

Lance: Ah. Dragonite. As a dragon master who uses many of them, I always admire its presence in battle.

Cynthia: I hear that you are able to raise them suspiciously quickly. Any word on that?

Lance chuckles nervously.

Lance: Just some special training methods, that’s all.

---

Chapter 4: Wrath of the Dragon​

Dragonite and Heracross stare each other down. Bugsy and Clair do the same as well.

Clair: …Well? Your move, Bugsy.

Bugsy: No please. Make your move first. I insist.

Clair: Very well. Aerial Ace!

Dragonite rushes to Heracross, ready to strike swiftly.

Bugsy: Counter with Aerial Ace!

Heracross parries the blow with its own Aerial Ace. The two Pokemon were fierce and determined to win. Their hands grip tightly.

Clair: Thunderbolt!

Dragonite’s antenna charges up electricity. Bugsy catches onto this,

Bugsy: Duck!

Heracross ducks to avoid the electric attack. Bugsy also had to leap back to avoid the shock.

Bugsy: Now Megahorn!

Heracross scoops Dragonite up and throws it upwards with its horn.

Clair: Lets see you handle this! Dragon Rush!

Dragonite: Dragh!

Dragonite comes crashing down from the air, emanating a dragon-like aura as it goes. Bugsy scoffs.

Bugsy: Seriously? Someone didn’t learn this lesson! Detect!

Heracross guards itself.

Clair: Take it to the side, Dragonite!

Dragonite weaves to the side instead of dropping straight on top of Heracross! It slammed into the ground, even causing the terrain to shift down! Bugsy and Clair stumble a little and Heracross is knocked off guard.

Bugsy: Huh?

Heracross: Cross?!

Clair: Now charge!

Dragonite: Nragh!

Dragonite charges from the side tackling Heracross into a rock. Clair hops aside so she doesn’t get too close. Bugsy runs towards the impact, but doesn’t get too close. When the dust clears, Dragonite has Heracross pinned to the rock.

Clair: Now Outrage!

Dragonite: Rrrgh.. BARRRRGH!!!

Bugsy: Close Combat!

Heracross: Hera! CROOOOOSS!!!

The Pokemon straight up began scrapping like absolute savages, regardless of any hits they would land.

Clair and Bugsy: FULL POWER!

The brawl got more intense, but eventually, it stops after the two Pokemon land blows on each other simultaneously.

Heracross: Cross…

Dragonite: Drrragh…

They both fall to the floor, KO’d. A double KO!

Bugsy: Return Heracross!

Clair: Return Dragonite!

Both Pokemon are recalled. The crowd was absolutely intrigued.

Cynthia: A double KO?! Shocking!

Lance: Outrage and Close Combat are two moves that throw caution to the wind. Those 2 absolutely went crazy there!

Cynthia: The ground shifted downwards a bit, getting closer to the water’s surface. I wonder how this could affect the battle.

The crowd murmured a bit. Clair and Bugsy take a moment to think about their next move. It’s 3 on 2 now. Near Clair’s side of the stadium, Elite 4 members Koga, Will, Bruno, and Karen were watching the battle. Even former elite 4 Lorelei and Agatha admire the match.

Agatha: Must say, the boy’s giving her a run for her money.

Koga: He’s doing what he can to hang in there.

Bruno: His spirit has yet to waver under Clair’s pressure. But even with the advantage, his Pokemon might not have the strength to take victory.

Will: The change in terrain level strikes me as peculiar. Why is that?

Lorelei: It’s possibly for her next Pokemon! If Kingdra is able to get into the water, then she’ll have a great advantage!

Agatha: Ah. How can you be so sure?

Karen: Kingdra is Clair’s favorite. She’s got a lot of faith in it and would know how to use it well.

Koga: However, Bugsy’s fondness for bug types is strong. It’s possible he could find a way around it.

Bruno: True, though his bugs would likely crumble if rain were to be summoned.

Karen: Even if bug types are weaker than most other types, Bugsy is capable of squeezing a victory out. I wager he’d know his way around Kingdra, even in a storm.

Will: Be honest, Karen. Who are you truly cheering for?

Karen: Bugsy.

Lorelei: Oh? Why’s that?

Karen: He’s using his favorite type of Pokemon and he knows it. Clair does share the wrath and fury of her dragons, but Bugsy shares the heart of his bugs. He’s embracing and trusting his favorites. For that, the kid has my support.

Karen looks at Bugsy. Despite her much higher position, she always looked at Bugsy fondly. He has the passion to persevere under pressure. He doesn’t just use his favorites. He sympathises with them. Deeply. For that, he has her respect.

---

Spoiler: Chapter 5-7

Chapter 5: Stormy Scythes​

After a brief minute or two to think, the two trainers pull out their Poke Balls. Clair seemed confident. Bugsy seemed a bit worried. He still has the numbers advantage. However, Butterfree wouldn’t be much use.

Clair: Y’know what Bugsy? How about we make things interesting?

Bugsy: Huh?

Clair: Remember when I said I wouldn’t need 6 Pokemon? Well, on second thought, I think I might as well use it anyway, if I’m going to defeat you.

Clair pulls out 2 Poke Balls and tosses them up.

Clair: Kingdra! Dragonair!

The balls open up, releasing Dragonair and Kingdra. They both unleash their cries to get the crowd’s attention.

Kingdra: Draaaa!

Dragonair: Air!

Bugsy: So you wanna do doubles then? Okay. Okay. Sounds fun.

Bugsy pulls out another Pokeball.

Bugsy: Scyther! Vespiquen!

When they’re tossed up and open, Scyther and Vespiquen reveal themselves. They unleash their cries.

Scyther: Scyyyyy!

Vespiquen: Vespiiiiii!

Lance: Oooooh! It seems Clair will need her last Pokemon!

Cynthia: I knew she’d need it. Bugsy really has her not holding back anymore!

Lance: Interesting choice of using Dragonair. Let's see if it pays off for her.

Clair hops on Kingdra’s back. Bugsy does the same for his Scyther.

Bugsy: Let’s do this! Scyther, Aerial Ace! Vespiquen, Air Slash!

Vespiquen unleashes Air Slash while Scyther rushes ahead to attack.

Clair: Kingdra! Waterfall! Dragonair, Dragon Pulse!

Kingdra rushes ahead while Dragonair fires a Dragon Pulse. The attacks clash well.

Clair: Use Hydro Pump!

Kingdra: King! DRAAAAAAA!

Bugsy and Scyther back off.

Bugsy: Scyther! Let’s move!

Scyther zips out before Hydro Pump is fired. Clair couldn’t keep up with the Pokemon’s speed. This lets Bugsy easily formulate a plan of action.

Bugsy: Vespiquen, Attack Order!

Vespiquen unleashes swarms of its grubs to attack Kingdra and Dragonair. Clair tries swatting the swarm away.

Clair: Ngh… Kingdra! To the water!

Kingdra is driven to the water.

Clair: Dragonair, Ice Beam!

Bugsy: Power Gem!

Dragonair unleashes Ice Beam while Vespiquen fires off Power Gem. The light of the gems trade with the freezing ice laser. Clair commands Kingdra to get moving and hopefully find Bugsy and Scyther.

Clair: Where are you, boy? Hiding from me?

She notices sounds in the trees on the battlefield.

Clair: Kingdra, Dragon Pulse.

Kingdra fires a Dragon Pulse at the rustling tree.

Bugsy: Vespiquen, Defend Order for us!

Vespiquen commands its grubs to block the ice beam, softening the impact of the Ice Beam.

Clair: Found you!

Bugsy and Scyther leap from the tree.

Bugsy: X-Scissor!

Scyther: Scythe!!!

It slashes in an X pattern. A clean hit on Kingdra.

Clair: Ngh! Dragonair! Ice Beam on that Scyther!

Dragonair shoots an Ice Beam at Scyther. Scyther swiftly avoids it.

Bugsy: Too slow! Vespiquen, Power Gem!

Vespiquen unleashes Power Gem on Dragonair.

Vespiquen: Piii!

Dragonair: Nair!

Bugsy: Now Air Slash!

The follow up Air Slash attack knocked Dragonair into the water. It didn’t seem like it was going to come back up.

Clair: Dragonair!

She looks over to the spot Dragonair fell into. Kingdra swims over to inspect it.

Bugsy: That’s one. Now one to go!

Clair looks down into the water and does some sort of peculiar hand movements. Then she turns back to Bugsy.

Clair: Well, better take advantage of your newfound advantage.

Bugsy: Vespiquen! Attack Order! Scyther, Night Slash!

The two bug types attack! However, it oddly began to rain. And when it did, Kingdra and Clair oddly seemed to vanish from sight.

Bugsy: Huh?!

Scyther: Scy?!

Vespiquen: Quen?!

Whirlwinds and Tornadoes started to form around the battlefield. This somewhat hurt Scyther and Vespiquen’s movement.

Bugsy: She’s trying a similar tactic from the beginning of the match… Vespiquen! Attack Order the Whirlwinds!

Vespiquen was about to send out its grubs, but suddenly it got struck down with a Waterfall attack from Kingdra, zipping by! And boy did it hit hard!

Vespiquen: Quen!

Bugsy: Vespiquen!

Vespiquen was struck with an Ice Beam from the invisible dragon.

Bugsy: Oh no…

Scyther flies over to inspect it. It truly was KO’d. Bugsy recalls the bee.

Bugsy: Shoot.

Clair: Is there an issue, Bugsy?

Bugsy and Scyther look around. They couldn’t find Clair. The rain not only made Kingdra faster, but it also increased the power of its water type attacks!

Cynthia: Bugsy’s on the backfoot! The rain has turned the tides in Clair’s favor!

Lance: Absolutely! Combine that with Kingdra’s ability to create storms in the rain and it seems things might be over here for Scyther!

Cynthia: However, Scyther is capable of high speed as well.

Bugsy: Scyther! Be on guard!

Scyther: Scy!

Scyther stands and surveys its surroundings. Bugsy looks around, listening for anything. Soon, many jets of water are fired their way.

Scyther: Ther!

Bugsy: Ngh!

Scyther starts flying around, zipping as it tries to find Kingdra.

Scyther: Scy! Ther! Ther! Yther!

Bugsy: Calm down buddy. Listen out for them.

Scyther and Bugsy close their eyes as they fly around at high speed. Afterimages of their movement form. This wasn’t double team, but it was equally as confusing.

Clair: Kingdra! Waterfall!

Bugsy: Scyther! X Scissor!

It seems they both found each other and their attacks hit critically! Both Pokemon fall to the ground with the trainers on their backs. The crowd gasps.

Lance: Another double KO?!

Both Scyther and Kingdra were down for the count! Their trainers were somewhat squished on their Pokemon’s body weight but they did recall them.

Bugsy: Dangit… Well, you both did great.

Clair: Hmph. 1 against 1.

Bugsy: 2 against 1, you mean?

Clair laughs.

Clair: You really think that Butterfree is gonna matter here?

Bugsy: All bugs matter. At least to me.

Clair: Show me your last Pokemon.

Bugsy: With pleasure.

---

Chapter 6: ハッサム対リザードン (Hassam Vs Lizardon)​

Bugsy and Clair reach for their Pokeballs and hold them tightly. This was it. This was their last stand. Both trainers take deep breaths. They were tired, sweaty, wet, but steadfast.

Bugsy: I gotta say. This has been quite the battle.

Clair: I can say the same. You actually put up a decent fight. More than I expected. However, don’t think for a second you’ve won.

Bugsy: And you better not think you’ve got us beat!

Clair: Let’s get this over with.

Bugsy: You said it.

They take stances before shouting and throwing their Poke Balls.

Bugsy: SCIZOR!

Clair: CHARIZARD!

Scizor and Charizard are sent out.

Scizor: ZOOOOORRRR!

Charizard: RRRAAAAAAGH!

The crowd erupts with cheers and chants, They better hold their tongues!

Bugsy: Let's go!

Clair: Behold!

Bugsy taps onto his Mega Bracelet and Clair taps onto her Mega Necklace. The energy reacts to their Pokemon’s Mega Stones.

Bugsy: I’m in sync with you old buddy!

Clair: I share your fury and power!

With great bursts of light, Scizor and Charizard envelop themselves in energy and burst into Mega Evolved forms. Mega Scizor and Mega Charizard X are here! The crowd erupts!

Scizor: SCIZOOOOOOR!

Charizard: RAAAAARRRGH!

Bugsy and Clair hop onto their Pokemon’s backs. Their heartbeats and breathing are in sync.

Cynthia: Mega Evolution. It seems both gym leaders truly are determined.

Lance: Yes. Charizard’s Mega Evolutions are filled with power based on the shared fighting spirit it has with its trainer. Especially the Y form. It’s completely unbothered by the rain as well!

Cynthia: Mega Scizor puts the stability of its body on the line in exchange for more power and speed! However, the rain might counter the energy that increases its body heat! I haven’t seen a battle this fun in a while!

The crowd was on the edges of their seats. The whole stadium was getting loud. The cameras focus on the Pokemon and their trainers. For a moment, neither side makes a move.

Clair: Let’s end this, Tsukushi.

Bugsy: You said it, Ibuki.

Clair: Outrage!

Charizard charges ahead with Outrage.

Bugsy: X Scissor!

Scizor goes to attack with X Scissor. The two moves clash.

Scizor: Zoooor….

Charizard: Rrrrrr… ARRRRRD!

Clair: HRRRAGH!

Not only were their heartbeats and breathing in sync, but so were their actions! That was evident when Clair roared along with Charizard!

Bugsy: Ough!

Bugsy felt Scizor’s pain too. But it wouldn’t hold him back. Then the dragon came for another attack, Scizor evaded by ducking below.

Bugsy: Right there! Bullet Punch!

Scizor unleashes a flurry of blows that came in what felt like the hundreds. However, it was so fast, it looked like it wasn’t moving its hands at all! But when it did, it launched Charizard upwards.

Clair: Ngh! Charizard, Fly!

Bugsy: Iron Head!

The two Pokemon attack. Scizor had superior speed but Charizard had superior power. As they traded blows, the trainers slowly got weary, but they pressed on. If their Pokemon could go on, so could they.

Bugsy: Ngh… You okay Scizor?

Scizor: Sciz!

Clair: Charizard! Are you alright?

Charizard: Roargh!

Bugsy: Let’s do this pal. Close Combat!

Bugsy and Scizor charge ahead, striking the draconic foes with many physical blows. Clair and Charizard felt overwhelmed at first, but Clair smirks.

Clair: Dragonair! Wrap!

Suddenly, Dragonair rises from the water and wraps itself around Bugsy and Scizor, catching both unaware.

Dragonair: Nair!

Scizor: Zor?!

Bugsy: Huh?! Hey!

The duo squirm in the dragon’s wrap. It didn’t take much for them to shake Dragonair off though.

Bugsy: X Scissor! Hrrrragh!

Scizor attacks with X Scissor, devastating Dragonair and KOing it. But it was all a diversion.

Clair: FLARE BLITZ!

Bugsy looks behind him

Bugsy: SCIZOR!

Scizor looks back but gets absolutely slammed by a Charizard’s Flare Blitz! The crowd gasps at the attack.

Scizor: Sciiiiz!

Bugsy: GAAAAAAAH!

The bug duo were sent crashing back down to Earth, landing into a thick tree on the battlefield.

Lance: That was a beautiful tactic! Dragonair was hiding all this time!

Cynthia: That explains the sudden rainfall!

Bugsy struggles to get up. But when he does, he runs to Scizor as fast as he could.

Bugsy: Sc-Scizor!

Scizor gets to its feet and tries to take off again, but barely leaves the ground before it falls. Bugsy has a look at its wings.

Bugsy: Oh no…

Scizor’s wings got damaged from the Flare Blitz. Even Bugsy felt the pain. And it stung badly. No way Scizor could fly with wings this bad!

Clair: Like I said, Bugsy.

Clair and Charizard loom above and ahead of them. Clair was panting, but still remained confident.

Clair: Only a weak trainer would use such underwhelming creatures against overwhelming opponents. I hope this was a learning experience for you.

Bugsy: Ngh… Oof…

Scizor tries its best to fly but still can’t. Each failed attempt harmed Bugsy a little.

Clair: You are tenacious, I admit. But that can only go so far. Charizard! Fire Blast!

Charizard: RRRRRRRR-

Charizard reels its head back ready to unleash its attack. Clair does the same.

Bugsy: Hey Scizor?

Scizor: Zor?

Bugsy gulps and holds onto his Pokemon. He shifts his hips a bit to drop a Pokeball behind him.

Bugsy: HANG ON!

Clair and Charizard attack with a powerful Fire Blast!

Clair and Charizard: RRRRAAAAARGH!

The impact caused a huge boom on the battlefield! It awed and stunned the spectators.

Lance: Is that it?! Is this over?!

Cynthia: This could be it… unless Bugsy had a plan.

The crowd was incredibly intrigued.

Whitney: Bugsy…

Brock: He dropped something behind him before the attack connected. But what was it?

Will: The boy must’ve had a trick up his sleeve.

Karen: I’m sure of it. No way he’d just take that kind of attack.

Sabrina closed her eyes for a moment. But then, she smirked a bit. She knows something. Clair looks at the spot the Fire Blast hit. When the smoke and dust cleared, all she could see was… a KO’d Butterfree?

Clair: What?!

Charizard: Chrah?!

Sabrina laughs a bit.

Sabrina: Tsukushi, you baffle us all every time…

---

Chapter 7: Winner Takes All​

Bugsy: Up here!

Clair turns around and finds Bugsy and Scizor coming down in a glide like manner. Although Scizor couldn’t fly, it could still glide just fine!

Clair: Why you little! Charizard!

Bugsy: Call me a cockroach, cuz I’m not going out easy! Scizor!

Scizor forms makeshift wings made up of the energy from Mega Evolution. They learned this trick from their Ferrum region kin. Everyone was cheering and chanting for this explosive ending! Scizor dives downwards while Charizard charges upwards.

Clair: Let’s see you handle this! CHARIZARD! ONE MORE TIME! FLARE BLITZ!

Charizard: RRRRAAAAAGH!

Charizard and Clair engulf themselves in blue flames as they engage the bug.

Bugsy: We’ll put everything we have into this one! SCIZOR! FOR ALL THE MARBLES! BULLET PUNCH! FULL THROTTLE!

Scizor: SCIZOOOOOOR!

Scizor goes for a powerful punch, with Bugsy mimicking his Pokemon’s attack.

Bugsy and Clair: LET'S GOOOOOOOOOO!!!

When the two fighters met, a massive burst came, filling the stadium with dust and smoke.

Lance: Whoa!

Cynthia: Oh my!

Lance: That was beautiful!

Cynthia: An incredible display of strength! But are they alright?!

When things cleared up, both Pokemon and Trainers were on the ground, no doubt injured. At first, silence.

Cynthia: They’re both down!

Lance: Give them a second!

Everyone held their breath for a moment. The rain had finally stopped… Soon, the silence was broken by a single action. A bug net was raised… by Scizor!

Scizor: SCIZOOOOOOOOOOOR!!!!!

A human plants the bug net into the ground like a flag. It was Bugsy! A frankly injured and bleeding Bugsy but Bugsy nonetheless! He did it!.

Bugsy: IT IS DONE!

The whole crowd erupts into cheers, chants, and cries.

Lance: LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! WE HAVE A WINNER!

Cynthia: This game’s winner is Azalea Town’s Walking Bug Encyclopedia! BUGSY IS YOUR WINNER!

Bugsy looks at Scizor and nods. Together, they throw several mock punches at high speed, ending with a powerful lunging punch!

Bugsy: I knew that training from Ferrum would pay off.

Scizor: Scizor…

Scizor reverts back to base form as Bugsy recalls it. When Clair comes to, Bugsy offers a hand to help her up.

Bugsy: Need a hand?

Clair: Ngh…

She takes it. Bugsy lifts her up. Charizard was back in its base form, KO’d. Clair recalls it to its Pokeball.

Bugsy: Hey… Good game…

Bugsy offers a handshake. Clair looks at it and shakes it slowly.

Clair: You are without a doubt the most hardheaded, immature, and naive trainer I’ve seen. But I suppose that’s what makes you the way you are, Bugsy.

Bugsy: You’re strong, Clair. You put up one heck of a battle.

Clair: …You did as well.

Both trainers walk out. The crowd was still in absolute shock and awe, cheering and chanting Bugsy’s name. After the match and a brief shower, Bugsy is confronted by Sabrina, Falkner, Whitney, and Morty.

Whitney: Buggyboo!

Whitney immediately hugs Bugsy, happy to see her friend again.

Bugsy: Whoa whoa! Whitney! Easy! I’m… still sore.

Morty: You really had us worried back there, dude.

Falkner: That was epic, man! How’d you do it?!

Bugsy: I had Butterfree… set up a gust of wind using Hurricane to send us upward!

Morty: Ah. Not even I could see that coming.

Whitney: I’m just so glad you’re okay!

Bugsy: Yeah… um… thanks Whitney. But seriously, you’re kinda hurting me right now…

Whitney lets go. Sabrina approaches Bugsy.

Sabrina: Are you okay?

Bugsy: Yeah… Nothing I can’t walk off…

Sabrina: You’re partially burnt. I can tell by your back.

Bugsy: Hey, at least the showers helped me cool off, heh heh…

Sabrina: Are you sure you can walk it off?

Bugsy: Yeah. I think so.

Falkner: Let’s get some dinner already. I’m starving. Couldn’t even finish all the nachos cuz the rain made ‘em all soggy.

Whitney: Dinner’s on me you guys!

Morty: I could go for some chinese right now.

Sabrina takes Bugsy’s hand.

Sabrina: C’mon. I suppose a winner like you deserves a victory feast.

Bugsy: Sounds like a plan to me.

The quintet head out of the stadium and head towards Goldenrod, the sun shining brightly after the harsh rainfall. Bugsy felt like he made a huge change in not just himself, but in the world.

 

[RichestAirPirate]

Wrote a relatively quick read about the XY friend group on roller skates.
A tale of how sometimes rolling with friends can be a better time than rolling alone.
I hope to tell it to your heart.

Rating: E for Everyone

Spoiler: CW: Nothing Major

Roller Skating Rookies​

Route 5, Kalos Region. 12:49pm.​

---

Trevor panted as he arrived at the skatepark later than the rest of the crew. While he didn’t mind running, he did mind being late. And he was. He was meant to meet with Serena, Calem, Shauna, and Tierno here, but he got a bit caught up in Pokedex stuff that he lost track of time. He bent down, hands on his knees, struggling to catch his breath.

Serena: Hey Trevor!

Trevor looks up. Serena was looking down at him, holding a pair of skates.

Trevor: Hey Serena… Am I… late?

Calem skated up to the duo.

Calem: Yeah. You are. At least Tierno told us at the last minute that he was gonna have to pass on this meeting.

Trevor: Where’s Shauna?

Calem points over to Shauna having a blast on the grind rails. She picked up on it pretty fast.

Shauna: Woo hoo!

Serena: Trevor, put these on.

She wiggles the skates in her hands. Trevor looks at them with a face of nervousness.

Trevor: I don’t know… I never did skating before.

Calem: I said the same thing when I first got my skates.

Serena: What are you afraid of, Trevor?

Trevor: Falling and hurting myself?

Serena: That’s just natural.

Calem: In not just skating, but probably in life in general.

Trevor relents and takes the roller skates and puts them on. Immediately, he struggles to balance and grabs onto a guard rail to stand.

Trevor: Okay, I got 'em on, but now how do I manage these things?

Shauna hops off a grind rail and skates over to Trevor.

Shauna: You gotta balance on them! Bending your knees a bit helps.

Trevor does just that, bending his knees slightly. After he lets go of the guard rail, he still feels unbalanced.

Trevor: Whoa… Whoa!

Shauna takes his hand before he falls.

Shauna: Need some help picking up on it?

Trevor sighs. He’s always finding himself trailing behind the rest of the friend group. He wasn’t as quick to jump into the fray like Calem or Serena. Nor was he as quick to think outside the box like Tierno. Nor was he a quick learner full of energy like Shauna.

Trevor: Yes. I guess I do.

Shauna skates with him

Shauna: You gotta move your legs in a rhythm now! Try it!

Trevor: Wait. In a rhythm?

Shauna lets go of his hand. Trevor begins moving his legs in a rhythm. It felt like he was on ice… not the best feeling but one he could maybe get used to. Oddly, he wasn’t falling?

Trevor: Wait… I’m doing it?

Serena skates beside him.

Serena: Yeah! You are!

Trevor makes a turn and goes into the rink. Serena follows.

Trevor: I’m doing it. I actually am!

He gets into the flow, smiling at his surprising success.

Trevor: This feels great, honestly.

Serena: Wanna know what’s better?

Serena spins and swerves.

Trevor: Okay maybe I’m not there yet.

Calem and Shauna join them in the rink.

Calem: So, Shauna’s got an idea for what we could do.

Shauna: We all skate and dance together!

Trevor: Together?

Serena: Sounds fun to me.

Calem: Eh, why not?

Trevor: I guess I can try my best here.

Shauna: All together now!

The quartet skate around the rink, performing a synchronized dance. They finish it off with a stylish pose in the center of the rink, wowing everyone around.

Calem: That was actually pretty fun, honestly.

Shauna: I knew it would!

Trevor: Heh heh… Yeah. I guess so!

Serena: Great thinking Shauna!

A camera flash can be heard nearby. Tierno had just snapped a photo of his posing friends.

Tierno: I caught all of that on camera! Nice moves you guys!

The others just laugh it off.

 

[RichestAirPirate]

A flash of inspiration struck me and I wanted to write a Dragon Ball related work. A crossover, if you will. This one's about a certain bandit with a split personality. Since her whereabouts are mostly unknown nowadays, I thought about what would happen if she wound up in the world of Pokemon somehow. Think of it like an Isekai of sorts.

Rating: T for Teen

Spoiler: CW: Blood, Injuries, Vehicular Accidents, Burning Buildings, Moderate Language

Far From West City​

Akala Island, Alola Region: 4:36am.​

---

A loud crashing sound rang through Paniola Town and shook a sleeping Kiawe awake. He jumped out of his sweaty bed and looked out the window to possibly see if he could spot what happened. He couldn't. So whatever happened must've occurred in the northern parts of the island. He slips on the closest things he could call clothes, grabs his Pokeballs, and raced out the door. With his ride pager, he summons Charizard and soars on it. Perhaps a Birds Eye view would help him out?

Kiawe: ...

He looks around before settling on a mess of flames at the Roadside Motel on Route 8.

Kiawe: There!

He points to it and Charizard travels there at high speed. Upon carefully landing at Route 8, Kiawe recalls the dragon. He makes a sprint towards the motel. As a specialist on fire types, he figured he could lend a hand. Once he arrived, he got a clearer picture of the disaster. The fire must've started from the motel's room and spread to the other rooms. Oddly, dollar bills were scattered all around. Not like that was important to the people who were inside the burning building. They were getting out of there as fast as they could. Kiawe tried to ensure them to remain calm. He approached the receptionist, who was still shaking.

Kiawe: What happened?!

Receptionist: I-I don't know! Something just dove right into the place!

Kiawe: Is everyone out of there?

Receptionist: I-I think!

The unsure answer made Kiawe go silent. He notions for the receptionist to call emergency services before his gaze turns to the motel. He couldn't go into the building. I mean, he could take the heat but not all the wreckage. It'd be difficult and dangerous to traverse.

???: Hey Kiawe!

The fire expert looks to his right. His fellow trial Captains, Mallow and Lana, had come all this way from Konikoni City. Seems like they heard the crash too.

Kiawe: You girls really came this far?

Mallow: Well it's not everyday that you get to a giant crash for a 4am alarm!

Lana picked up a couple of the dollar bills on the ground as she reaches for one of her Pokeballs. The bills came in a currency she's never seen before.

Kiawe: Where's Olivia?

Lana: Not important right now. Can we focus on the flames here?

Mallow: Yeah. Um... I think you're best suited for it, Lana.

Kiawe: Can you put some of this fire out?

Lana: Heh. Does a Popplio learn Water Gun?

Lana sends out her Primarina.

Lana: Sparkling Aria!

Primarina: Riiiiinaaaaaaa!

Primarina uses Sparkling Aria, scattering many water bubbles that explode onto the flames. This made things a lot more traversable. Lana recalls the water type. Kiawe and Mallow step through the wreckage, with Lana following shortly behind.

Mallow: Lets hope everything's alright in here...

Upon close inspection, the trio find what appeared to be a motorcycle? But with one wheel? Definitely not something you'd find in Alola. Or anywhere else in the world. Whatever it was, it was completely wrecked. It must've been the thing that started the whole fire in the first place.

Kiawe: ...The hell?

Lana: Well, that's not something you'd see everyday. Sophocles would probably get a kick out of taking it a part if it were... y'know, in good condition.

Mallow: WE GOT SOMETHING BIG HERE!

Kiawe and Lana look right and make their move to Mallow, who was working with her Leavanny on patching up something.

Kiawe: What is it?

Kiawe and Lana take a closer look. Their eyes widen simultaneously. A human was in there! They seemed to be alive, but had many cuts and bruises. Bleeding was also there too, although Mallow was working on blocking that up. This woman had blue hair and a red ribbon in it. A light green crop tank top, yellow shorts with a red belt, brown fingerless gloves, green socks, and red boots. Although, was there a bit of... snot near her nose? Kiawe checks for a pulse. There's a faint one!

Kiawe: Get an ambulance here, stat!

Lana: And a tissue. But ambulance comes first!

---

At the nearest Pokemon Center that wasn't fully occupied, the three captains decided to visit the rescuee in their room. About an hour had passed since they first arrived. They don't know this lady. Nor where they came from. Nor what happened. But they couldn't have just left her there.

Kiawe: So... any guesses on where she came from?

Lana: I have no idea.

Mallow: Maybe a bike accident gone wrong?

The woman weakly twitches before opening her eyes. She seems confused when she frantically looks around.

???: What?! Where am I?! What happened?!

Kiawe: Ma'am, stay calm. You got into an accident and had to be taken to a Pokemon Center.

Mallow: Do you have any idea how you got here?

The woman shakes her head.

???: No...

Lana: Well, let's see if we can answer your other question. You're on Akala Island in the Alola region. Does that ring any bells?

???: No? I don't know what this... Pokemon Center is either.

Mallow: Huh. We might have a bit of an oddball on our hands. Let's actually try to introduce ourselves. I'm Mallow, chef and grass type specialist. One of the trial captains here on Akala.

Kiawe: Kiawe. Trial captain. Traditional Dancer. Fire type user.

Lana: I'm Lana. Fisherwoman supreme and water type pro and trial captain. What's your name, ma'am?

???: Launch.

Mallow: Neat name. Definitely not something I've heard of before.

Kiawe: She's definitely not from here.

Lana: Do you know where your home is?

Launch: In West City.

The trial captains look at each other awkwardly. They've never heard of a West City before. Does such a place even exist? Was she going crazy?

Lana: Oooookay...

Lana whispers to Mallow.

Lana: Definitely an oddball.

Mallow turns to Launch and offers a smile.

Mallow: Maybe we can show you around sometime? When she's all better and all?

Launch: I'd like that. Thank you.

Kiawe: Here in Alola, we help others out. It's what we do.

 

[RichestAirPirate]

Okay this is something a bit more lighthearted to help tone down the darker stuff I've had the tendency of writing. I also might start changing up my format and style.

Rating: E for Everyone.

Spoiler: CW: Very Brief Use of Strong Language, Minor Injuries

Inexperienced Insect​

National Park, Johto Region. 10:26am.​

---

Sabrina wanders the park, checking her surroundings as she does. She doesn’t know what part of her mind told her to do this, but she was participating in the Bug Catching Contest. When she first talked to the receptionist, she was given Park Balls and a specialized bug catching net to borrow. She was just one of the several people willing to partake in this event today. She wasn’t alone in the inexperience though. There were several others with similar inexperience as her. And yet, she still felt a bit anxious. She clutches the bug net carefully.

Sabrina: Hm…

She’s out of her element here. And she couldn’t really rely on Bugsy for help. In fact, was he even here today? Sabrina didn’t bother to check. She just keeps walking and scouting for a good bug to catch.

Sabrina: A good bug to catch… Perhaps in the trees?

She turns down a pathway that leads to a forest-like area of the park. The trees were large and thick. The sound of Pokemon moving about was apparent. She heard a particular buzzing sound.

Sabrina: A buzz? Then that must mean…

She notices a Combee floating about. A bee Pokemon would be good to catch. She’d find a Beedrill ideal though since it's much larger. Wait… if that male Combee is here, then perhaps it might lead her to something bigger. Sabrina follows it quietly.

Sabrina: Just what are you hiding, little guy…

She whispers as she follows it, using the bushes as cover to hide behind. She finds a horde of other Combee with plenty of honey! She’s hit the jackpot of honey!

Sabrina: Whoa…

She’s not interested in the Combee, but instead in the honey. For 2 reasons. The first is that all this honey could sell for a decent amount of money. Or be a good cooking ingredient. She sends out her Mr. Mime and Xatu.

Sabrina: Dazzling Gleam. Both of you.

Both Pokemon attack with Dazzling Gleam, easily taking down the Combee horde. This let Sabrina easily take the honey. A louder buzzing sound brings her to reason 2 of why she was interested in it.

Sabrina: Vespiquen’s here.

She rolls to the side, avoiding a Power Gem. She turns around, but gasps at the sight of the Vespiquen.

Vespiquen: Quen quen!

Sabrina: Oh shhhhhhhit!

The Vespiquen was an Alpha! And it was huge! It attacked with Bug Buzz, leaving Sabrina to leap backward to avoid it again.

Sabrina: Mr Mime, Psybe-

Mr. Mime: Mime?

Sabrina realized that if she were to damage the Vespiquen, it would dock points from her score. Considering that she wanted to win, that meant she couldn’t deal damage to it if she wanted the best score possible.

Sabrina: Mr Mime! Can you lend me a hand here?

Mr Mime rushes to Sabrina’s side.

Mr Mime: Mime. Mime!

Xatu: Xa?

Sabrina: Xatu, can you try to slow it down?

Xatu: Xatu.

Vespiquen: QUEEEEEN!

Vespiquen uses Power Gem. Mr Mime blocks it using its invisible walls.

Sabrina: Hm…

She throws a Park Ball at the Vespiquen. When it landed and initially trapped the bug, it broke out almost immediately.

Vespiquen: VESSSSS!

It uses Attack Order, launching several of its insect grubs at the psychic team. Sabrina tries to swat the grubs away from her.

Sabrina: Ack! Augh… I think it's in my mouth!

Xatu uses Confuse Ray to confuse the Vespiquen. It worked! However, this only made its attacks go unfocused and launch all around.

Xatu: Xa?!

Mr Mime: Mister…

Sabrina: I… didn’t think this through.

Vespiquen: Quen! Pi! Vesp!!!

Vespiquen attacks in all directions wildly. Sabrina tries to push through the array of attacks, but some stings do land on her.

Sabrina: Almost… Got it!

She leaps up and brings the bug net down on Vespiquen. The net’s technology causes the bug to shrink as if it was hit by a Pokeball. The net shakes wildly, but Sabrina keeps her hold on it. She’s not willing to let go. This competition was hers.

---

About 10 minutes later, when the time was up, the participants of the contest lined up at the fountain. The judges examine the catch of each participant. Overall, the contestants seemed proud of the catches they’ve shown off, with smiles matched with mostly clean uninjured bodies. However, there was one contestant that wasn’t really as clean. Sabrina was covered in stings. In fact, she had one eye closed from the pain. Her bodysuit, normally sleek, was slightly torn. And yet, she still carried her enigmatic look. When the judges came by, they asked her about it.

Bugsy: Sabrina?

Sabrina: B-Bugsy?

Bugsy: You wanted to participate in the bug catching contest?

Sabrina: D-Don’t ask why! I have my reasons…

Bugsy: I mean that’s fine but you’re all stung and stuff! You okay?

Sabrina: I’m… fine. Just judge me already.

Sabrina hands over a Poke Ball. When Bugsy opens it, his jaw drops. It’s an Alpha Vespiquen!

Vespiquen: QUEEEEEEEN!

Everyone was stunned. Quite the catch! That explains why Sabrina was covered in stings and had her clothes slightly damaged. Bugsy inspects the creature carefully.

Bugsy: Not a single ounce of damage dealt to it… you must’ve had to wrestle this thing into a ball! It’s huge and it's healthy! Ladies and gentlemen, we have our winner!

Everyone claps for Sabrina. Her prizes are Dawn, Dusk, Ice, and Shiny Stones! When she receives it, she nods to the crowd.

Sabrina: Thank you, thank you.

Bugsy: I know a remedy for bug stings.

Bugsy crouches down and pulls out a first aid kit. Sabrina taps his shoulder.

Sabrina: I-I think I can wait a while for the remedy.

Bugsy: If you say so, ‘Brina.

She blushes faintly but sighs. She gives a faint smile at Bugsy. While a bit embarrassed by his usage of that nickname in front of so many people, she understands his intentions of just being nice.

 

[RichestAirPirate]

I'm trying out a new writing style with this one. Something less script-like and more akin to a proper story.
Also, if you think I'd go back and redo all of my old works into this new style... well... probably not anytime soon.

Rating: E for Everyone.

Spoiler: CW: Nothing Major

Pet Names​

Route 12, Kanto Region 4:10pm.​

---

On the bridge’s edge alone, Sabrina sits. The word “‘Brina.” repeats in her mind with Bugsy’s voice. Since he called her that name, she felt a bit troubled. He has a pet name for her, but she doesn’t have one for him!

Does she even need to make one? Well, not really. Bugsy probably wouldn’t even like it. But she didn’t mind being called “‘Brina.” And yet, it still felt odd that she’d be called a pet name but not Bugsy.

“Mmmmfff…” Sabrina grumbles as she gets up. She starts walking down the path. Her thoughts continue to get jumbled. In her confused state, she spouts out some things to see how they sound.

“Lovebug…? No, too overdone.” She reconsiders. “Bugaboo… No. I’d just be taking Whitney’s..” This was harder than she thought. It’s just a simple name. It’s not like she’s trying to pick a safe here.

Sabrina’s gaze turns to the sea. The sound of the ocean’s waves and tides eases her up a little. She continues her thoughts. “...Butterfly… No. Doesn’t sound right.” She keeps talking to herself as she walks, now entering Route 13. “Buggy! …Definitely not that.” She thought she had something there. Her list continues as she steps over bushes and tall grass. “Beetleba- Hmph…” She blushes as she couldn’t even finish that word. Not only did it sound like something a man would say, she didn’t even like how it sounds. Although it did remind her of some old cartoon she saw a few times in her youth.

Even as she passed through Routes 14 and 15, she kept the list up. “Honey Bun? Hm…” It worked well enough, but it still felt like it was missing a certain flair to it. A certain sense of uniqueness. “My Yang… No. He wouldn’t get it.” It fits, but Bugsy wouldn’t understand what it meant. She kept thinking before eventually giving a sigh. She gave up on thinking. Guess she’ll just refer to him as Bugsy or Tsukushi all the time.

When she entered Fuchsia City, she bumped into Bugsy, who was enthusiastically coming right out of the Pal Park. The impact sent them both to the floor. “Oof! Oh! ‘Brina! Sorry! Didn’t see you there!” Bugsy said. He gets to his feet and offers his hand to help Sabrina up. “I didn’t hurt you, did I?”

Sabrina takes his hand and stands up. She dusts off her bodysuit a little. “I’m fine. I’m fine. Don’t worry about it, BG.” She almost immediately covers her mouth when she realizes her slip of the tongue. She must’ve thought about that old cartoon again.

“Um… BG?” Bugsy tilts his head.

“Sorry. I don’t know what came over-” Sabrina looks away.

Bugsy smiles and laughs a little. “You came up with a pet name for me? I like it!” The name had a charm to it. It’s short, sweet, and simple. Kind of like Bugsy himself. Sabrina lowers her hands and smiles

“Glad you like it… BG.” Guess that settled it for her.

 

[RichestAirPirate]

I've been thinking about a possible interaction between Gladion and Silver. And so, why not write it? 2 edgelords with daddy/mommy issues. Because why not?

Rating: E for Everyone.

Spoiler: CW: Very brief usage of moderate language

What Makes You Different?​

Dragon’s Den, Johto Region 9:17pm.​

---

Gladion lets out a sigh as his Lucario quickly shreds another boulder to dust with an Aura Sphere. His training was not yet complete. At least, he didn’t feel like it was. He wasn’t ready to go back to Alola yet. “That’s enough for now, Lucario! Return!” He recalls the Aura Pokemon back to its Poke Ball before having a seat near a little camp he made for himself. It wasn’t much, but he’s trying to save up whatever money he has now. With a glance at his other Poke Balls, he gives a nod. His partners did well today.

Gladion’s ear caught a sound of something. Footsteps, possibly. And a crashing sound. The room got just a tad colder. Silvally releases itself from its ball, ready to guard its longtime trainer and comrade. “What is it, Silvally?” Gladion said, looking up at his chimeric partner. Silvally stood guard, which was enough of a sign to the blond. Someone truly was here. Gladion stood up and looked around.

A Weavile had struck down a large Dragonair with Ice Punch. That must explain the tiny drop in temperature. That’s not the only thing Silvally and Gladion saw. The Weavile had a trainer. A fair skinned young man, close to Gladion’s age if he had to guess. Maroon colored hair. Dark Navy, almost black coat with red trim. Dark purple pants. Black Belt. Shoes that matched his coat’s colors. Gladion had never seen this dude before. But they give him a concerning vibe.

“That’s enough, Weavile.” Silver said. Weavile runs up to its trainer, snickering a bit. “You did good.” He adds. Lately, he’s been trying to keep up a training routine in the various caves, dens, and mountains around Kanto and Johto. This week was in the Dragon’s Den, and next week would be Mt. Moon. Silver felt the bond with his Pokemon slowly growing along with their strength. He was about to head out when Weavile’s nose twitched, causing it to stop and look around. It knows they’re being watched. Silver catches on quickly. “Who’s there?” He said. Weavile took notice of Silvally and Gladion’s gaze.

“Vile…” Weavile lets out a low growl, one that Silvally reciprocates. Silver hasn’t seen a Pokemon like that. Looked powerful, deadly, and protective. Like a partner with a blood bond to its trainer. Something he’s a long way from having. “The hell is that?” Silver said to himself. “You there. Red hair.” Gladion calls in his usual sharp yet gloomy tone. “Are you lost?” Lost? This new guy is calling him lost? Silver shook his head. “I feel like you’re the one out of place here..” He snarked. “You’re not from here, are you?”

Gladion grumbled. “I’m not. I’m just a trainer looking to get stronger. That’s all you need to know.” He didn’t want to pick a fight here. He didn’t even want to fight anyone here. Not this late anyway. But he would fight if he had to. And the way Silvally and Weavile looked at each other created tension. Gladion stanced with his ally.

Silver narrowed his eyes and took a battle ready pose with Weavile. He didn’t issue a command… yet. “Everyone says that. Everyone’s a trainer looking to get stronger, apparently. Be it a low life criminal, some young rookie, a seasoned champion, or whatever. What makes you any special, blondie?” He questioned Gladion. Silver was a trainer who wanted to grow stronger, he had a deep reason to. And he knew it. What he didn’t know is that Gladion had a reason too. In fact, more than enough reason.

Silvally and Weavile ready their claws, ready to start throwing hands, or paws, or whatever limbs at any moment. The trainers looked ready and willing to battle. “Well? What makes you any different?” Silver asked again, a hint of cockiness in his tone. Gladion got a bit irritated. Oh this guy was getting on my nerves. He wished he could wipe that cocky attitude out of him. However, he takes a deep breath in and then lets out a sigh, calming down. He fixes up his posture. “I’m getting stronger for a reason. I have things to protect out there in the world. Something that… is the world to me. And I need all my strength to defend it.” Gladion explains. Silver’s guard drops a bit. “Now, I’ll ask you the same question…” Gladion adds. “What makes you any different?”

Silver was quiet for a moment. He does a motion that tells Weavile to back down. “I have to get stronger to… make up for some stuff. Stuff I’m not exactly proud of nowadays. I don’t know if I have a so-called world to care about anymore. But I suppose that by getting stronger, I’ll find it. I’ll find something else to get stronger for.” Silver lets out a sigh. Gladion notions for Silvally to relax a bit.

The two trainers look at each other in silence for a moment. It broke when Gladion spoke again. “You must’ve had it rough. It’s none of my business but I understand it.” He said. “I can say the same about you.” Silver replied. “You get stronger for your reason. I’ll get stronger for my own. Capeesh?” Gladion nods. “Capeesh.”

Silver returns the nod and exits the Dragon’s Den with Weavile in tow. Gladion sits back down at his little camp.

“I wonder if sis is okay…”

 

[RichestAirPirate]

So recently, I thought about the pairing of Cheren and Roxanne. I just think the duo would be pretty neat to see. So, how about a little tale about them exchanging letters and stuff? Might write a sequel to this in the future as well.

Rating: E for Everyone

Spoiler: CW: Nothing Major

Pen Pals​

Aspertia City, Unova Region 8:09am.​

---

Cheren sits at his desk and looks through the variety of papers. It was one of those days where he doesn’t have a class to teach. Instead, he had papers to grade. His students have been doing… okay enough. Some have been stellar. Others are just alright. And a scant few are just… well it feels like they just don’t want to learn anything. He sips his morning coffee as he marks a student’s test. 85%. Not too shabby, but still room for improvement.

A few knocks break the silence of the classroom. Cheren looks up a bit. “Come in.” He called out. When the door opens, in steps Bianca. “Cheren!” She said, carrying a bunch of mail in one arm and a bag of fast food in the other. Cheren gives a small smile. He’s happy to see his longtime friend of his again. They may work on opposite sides of Unova, but he does admire Bianca’s determination to visit him every now and again. “Bianca.” He replies. “Been a while. About a month or so since our last in-person meeting.”

Bianca nods as she walks up to her friend. “Got some stuff for ya! Breakfast and mail!” She drops the stack of mail on Cheren’s desk. Why couldn’t she just wait for him to move some things around? He’s trying to keep his workspace organized. He adjusts the position of the papers so he could make room for anything else Bianca had to offer. “Thank you Bianca. I had a feeling I forgot something back at home.” Cheren said. Bianca pulls a student’s desk a bit closer to Cheren’s. Once that’s done, she reaches into the bag and hands him a wrapped breakfast sandwich and oatmeal raisin cookies, his favorite. “So how’ve you been holding up?” Bianca asks as she sits down at her desk to eat her hotcakes and syrup.

Cheren takes a bite of the breakfast sandwich as he picks an envelope. Once he swallows, he responds. “I’ve been well, Bianca. I do feel like my class hasn’t been the best it could though.” He sighs as inspects where it came from exactly. “Rustboro City. Ah, so she did get my letter.” He read aloud. Bianca raises an eyebrow. “That’s all the way in the Hoenn region!” She said, covering her mouth so no food flies out. “You’ve been chatting with someone?” She asked.

Cheren chuckles a bit as he opens the envelope. “Well yes. I’ve been exchanging letters with one of Hoenn’s gym leaders. Roxanne, to be exact.” Bianca leans in with a small mischievous smile. “Loooooove letterrrrrs?~” She playfully asked. Cheren shook his head and slowly pushed Bianca’s head back with a single finger. “No. She initially reached out to me asking for advice in managing a class. She’s starting a tutoring service now that she’s a graduate at Rustburo’s Trainer’s School. Apparently, she even does occasional substitute teacher work.” Cheren explains as he takes the letter out of the open envelope. “Our conversations have been mostly professional.” Once the letter is opened, he reads it aloud.

“Dear Cheren,

I hope this letter finds you well. I took your advice about managing a tutoring service. It's been doing very well, surprising even the likes of myself. Students have been reporting back to me saying that my lessons have helped their grades increase. For that, I must thank you.

-With Appreciation,
Roxanne.

PS: Regarding your trouble with managing your more rowdy students, don’t be afraid to enforce punishments. The Principal's Office should be a last resort. Might I suggest revoking incentives, letters to parents, and even detention? Just be sure to use these punishments carefully. If you wish, we can discuss via call. You already know my number.”

Cheren closes the letter and has a bite of his breakfast sandwich again. Bianca tilts her head. “Cheren, you don’t punish students?” Bianca asked, her mouth full of hotcake bits. Cheren blushes and grumbles a bit. After he swallowed his food again, he answered. “I… try not to…” He admits. He wants to try and keep a professional and accepting aura in his classes, hence his hesitation to do punishments. He doesn’t want to come off as mean or too strict. However, it seems Roxanne is finding him a bit… too soft. After he finishes eating his breakfast sandwich and gets to his cookies, he pulls out a blank sheet of paper and a sharpened pencil. With the utensil in one hand and a cookie in the other, he gets right to writing.

“Dear Roxanne,

I’m thrilled to hear your tutoring services have borne fruit. Keeping a consistent schedule with it that doesn’t clash with your gym duties and personal life is essential. Regarding your comments about punishment, I will try to make careful use of them.

-Respectfully,
Cheren.”

Cheren sets the cookie down and reaches to the side of his desk to get an envelope. However, he seems to have gotten some cookie crumbs into the envelope as well. He didn’t notice this as he folds the paper and slips it inside the envelope. Once he closes and seals it, he writes down his address on it. “Bianca, could you possibly send this to the post office to be sent for me?” Cheren asks. Bianca nods and takes the envelope. “You got it! In fact, I gotta meet with the professor in about an hour, so I can stop by the post office on my way there!” She puts the envelope in her purse. Now that she’s finished her breakfast, she puts the empty container and fast food bag into the trash. “I gotta get going!” Before she leaves, she looks at Cheren. “You know, you could take a break more often. Lighten up a little.” She said,

Cheren looks at Bianca. “I know I could, but I’m not sure if I should.” He taps his foot a bit. That little gesture is something he frequently does when he’s perplexed or is thinking of something. Bianca’s aware of this. “You should. If you don’t, you’ll end up like a stick in the mud, y’know that?” She said as she slightly ruffled Cheren’s hair playfully. “See you later, buddy.” She makes her leave.

Cheren sighs and looks at his Xtransceiver. He examines the various numbers he has registered in it. Roxanne’s number was among them, but he never called her before. No particular reason why, but he just never did. “...Alright. Just let me finish all of this up.” He said to himself.

 

[RichestAirPirate]

We got ourselves a little something centered around the tightest friend group in Kanto and Johto. At least I think they are. It also briefly touches on a few topics that I do hope to explore sometime in the future.

Rating: E for Everyone

Spoiler: CW: Very Brief Usage of Minor Language

A Quality Quintet​

Violet City, Johto Region 1:15pm.​

---

Falkner sat alone at a table. He was waiting for his group of friends. In the meantime, he tried calling his father on his Pokegear. He’s been at this for a while now. After 5 attempts, he sighs and decides to just settle for a voicemail. “Hey dad. It’s your son, Falkner. I’m just calling to check in on you. I hope you’re okay, wherever you are. The gym’s been doing well, so are your birds. The ones you left behind with me anyway. However, My Pidgeot misses yours. Just like how I miss you. Call me back… okay dad?” Falkner ends the voicemail and sighs again. “...Where could you be?”

“Hey Falkner!” A voice made Falkner jump a bit. It was Whitney. “Oh. Hey Whitney.” Falkner said. “Thinking about your old man again?” Whitney sits down next to him. The friend group was aware of Falkner’s daddy issues. He often vents it to them. “Yeah… I just… I just worry about him a lot. I wonder if I’m doing any good in managing his gym…” Falkner said. Whitney pats his back. “Hey, you’re doing the best you can.” Whitney reassures him. “You’re the best bird trainer I know!” Falkner smiles as he hears Whitney’s praise. “Thanks Whitney. I try. I really do.”

“Hey guys!” Bugsy arrives and sits down on the other end of the table. “Did I miss anything?” He asks, Falkner nods. “Just tried calling my dad earlier. He didn’t pick up.” Bugsy smiles a little. “Hey, I’m sure he’ll call back. And when he does, he’ll be proud of you.” He has faith in Falkner. Always has. And likely always will.

Morty walks in. “He will call back. I foresaw it.” He said as he sat next to Bugsy. “I also foresaw Whitney losing another battle.” He chuckles. Whitney pouts. “Oh I’ll prove that vision wrong! I absolutely will!” She said, determined to back her words up. The boys laugh.

“Um… So, this is where we meet.” Said a newcomer bearing a tray of tacos, burritos, and nachos. It’s Jasmine! She made it! “Jasmine!” Said Whitney. “Hey!” Falkner greets. “Take a seat.” Morty points to a spot on the table between him and Whitney. Jasmine sits there and sets the tray down as well.

“I wasn’t late, was I? I had to check up on Amphy before I left the city.” Jasmine explains. Bugsy shook his head. “Oh you’re just in time. If anything, we left Falkner waiting.” Falkner shook his head. “You guys are all fine. Don’t worry about a thing.” He said as he ate a taco. Whitney takes a burrito and has a large bite. “So, we gather here today for a few things. One: We have an indoor amusement park planned to be added into the Goldenrod Mall and I wanted to know about your opinions!”

Jasmine gasps. “So that’s why I heard construction sounds coming from below the city! An amusement park is planned?!” Whitney nods. “It’s meant to connect the Game Corner to the Department Store!” She explains further. “We’re gonna have bumper cars, mini golf, go karts, and of course, rides!” Bugsy seemed intrigued. After swallowing some nachos, he speaks. “Ooooh! WIll there be batting cages?” Whitney nods. “Uh huh!” That excited Bugsy. He knew Whitney liked sports like baseball. He even had a soft spot for the sport too, definitely due to Whitney.

Morty smiles. “The whole place sounds like fun.” Falkner also smiles. “Yeah. Goldenrod’s gonna be Johto’s central hub for entertainment at this rate.” He remarked. “I wish we got that kind of stuff for Violet City.” He shrugs. “Well, think of it like this. If Goldenrod can be the central hub for entertainment, the other cities can be considered more calmer spots in the region.” Said Jasmine.

“The second thing we’re here for is to discuss is Morty's discoveries.” Whitney said. “So, take it away, ghost guy!” She points to Morty, who was busy eating a taco. After swallowing, he explains. “Eusine and I have discovered something about a Pokemon. A Pokemon that looked suspiciously similar to Suicune!” He said. “Eusine told me that he encountered it one fateful day. He tried to engage it in battle, but it unleashed a powerful torrent of hot water before it fled!” He was getting really into this story. “Eusine was burnt a bit and had to be treated. When he told me about the encounter, I tried to foresee where it would go next but… I just couldn’t. I did sketch a design based on what he told me about it though.” He pulled out a sheet of paper which had a somewhat sloppy sketch of something that seemed to be a Suicune. But it also looked… dinosaur like.

“Some kind of Suicune copycat?” Whitney guessed. “Maybe some kind of mutated Suicune?” Falkner said. “Your guess is as good as mine, you guys.” Bugsy admitted. “It looks more intimidating. But the jagged hair does look a little familiar… or maybe it could just be Morty’s drawing skills.” Jasmine said. Morty grumbles a little. “Hey I may not be frickin picasso, but its the best I got, Jasmine. Plus I didn't have much to work off of.”

Jasmine reaches into her pocket and pulls out a small baggie with small bits of purple hair inside it. It looked just like Suicune hair, but it seemed more messy. Morty’s eyes widened. “That’s the hairs of the creature? I gotta examine this further.” He said as he took the bag and put it into his pocket.

“And the third and last thing to discuss is… Bugsy’s birthday!” Whitney said. “Tomorrow is his birthday and we wanna hear about his plans for it!” Bugsy blushes from the attention suddenly being put on him. “Yeah. Um… so, I actually have plans to meet with uh… Sabrina in Ilex Forest. We wish to be alone. So… yeah.” he confesses. The group is shocked by this.

“Alone? Without us?” Asks Falkner. “Alright alright. It’s cool.” Morty nods. “Agreed. By the way, how’d your date with her go?” Bugsy chuckled a bit. “We had a good time! But I wish you guys weren’t spying on us…” He admits. Whitney frowns a little. “Sorry Bugsy, but we just wanted to see how your first date would go!” She said as she reached for a nacho. “I understand how you feel, Bugsy. I do. We’ll give you two some alone time for your birthday.” Said Jasmine. “But if you don’t mind us asking, why would you want to go alone with her?” Bugsy blushes at the question. This only made the group more intrigued.

“Well, I noticed Sabrina’s been doing things lately. Things that I didn’t expect her to do. I like it, honestly. I think about her every now and then.” Bugsy said, clutching his chest a little. “I feel like the Johto sunlight I’m casting on her is bearing fruit.” He smiles. “I can call her a friend of mine, I feel.”

“Oooooh, Bugsy’s got a cruuuuush…” Morty teases, nudging Bugsy a little with his elbow. “I think she’s kinda neat. A little scary but kinda neat nonetheless.” Says Whitney. Falkner nods. “Touche. I wouldn’t mind bringing her along to certain escapades of ours.” He said. “I agree.” Jasmine replied.

After lunch was finished, Morty paid the bill. The quintet parted after taking a photo. Falkner looks at his leaving pals, his mind returning to his father for a bit. “Hey dad, quite the motley crew I got, huh?” He said to himself before heading to his gym.

 

[RichestAirPirate]

Thaaaat's right! You guys are getting 2 fics today! And this is building up to something I'll post tomorrow.

Sabrina speaks with Erika about what and how she's been doing lately.
AdvantageShipping is lowkey rotting my brain send help.

Rating: E for Everyone

Spoiler: CW: Nothing Major.

Buggin’ The Mind​

Saffron City, Kanto Region 6:09pm.​

---

Sabrina sits down at a desk and opens up her laptop. She had a virtual meeting to attend via video call. After a brief hesitation to fix up her hair, she joins the meeting. It was just her and Erika today. “Good evening, Erika.” Sabrina said. “Good evening, Natsume.” Erika replied. That name was something Sabrina only lets Erika use.

“My apologies for not being available for usual in person meetings. I have matters to deal with in Sinnoh.” Erika explains. She was meant to help Gardenia add a few touch ups to her gym. And she wanted to try out these contest things. “I understand Erika.” Sabrina nods.

“So, what has been on your mind lately?” The grass specialist asks. The psychic has a deep breath. “It’s… about him again.” She said upon exhaling. Erika knew who she was referring to. “Oh? Bugsy again?” She leans in. “What has he done this time?” She inquires. Sabrina vents. “I attended the bug catching contest the other day on a whim and I ended up winning. It took a lot of effort to obtain that Alpha Vespiquen. And then I also started calling him “BG” in response to him calling me “‘Brina” as well.” She looks to the side at a glass of water she prepared. “I’m not used to these things.” She admits.

Erika nods in understanding. “The young man must’ve struck a chord in you. You’ve had a night out with him before, yes?” She asks. Sabrina nods. “We had fun that night. While I wouldn’t be against another night out, I feel like I’m stepping out of my comfort zone a little.” She has a sip of the water while Erika replies.

“I see. You’re warming up to him, Sabrina. Tell me, what do you like about him?” Asks Erika. Sabrina sets the water down. “I’ve thought about it. I think he’s a nice young man. Friendly. Has a certain charm to him. Yet I’ve seen him in battle. He’s fierce and determined to push past his weaknesses. Yet despite this fierce tenacity, he still somehow remains humble.” She sighs. “I like Bugsy. I think he’s a good man I can trust.” She smiles a little. Erika smiles as well. “I have similar thoughts on him. He’s a handsome young man with a caring heart. He doesn’t hide much about himself.” She explains.

Sabrina remains silent. She’s thinking a little. “Are you comfortable with your feelings, Sabrina?” Erika asks. There was a brief pause before Sabrina gave a small nod. “I think so.” Her tone was one of uncertainty. Erika caught onto this. “Are you sure?” She asked. “This isn’t the first time Bugsy has made your thoughts shaky. Although you have an established bond with him, I feel like you have a wish for his feedback. When do you think you can see him again?”

Sabrina nods. “Well, we are going camping in Ilex Forest for his birthday tomorrow. I’ve never gone camping before, but I think I want to try it.” She looks to the side again, this time it was toward some camping gear she just bought earlier that day. Erika smiles. “That’s well and good. Tell Bugsy I wish him a happy birthday.” She adds. “I leave you with this Sabrina. Speak to him about how you truly feel. That may help you. You might even find a solid footing.”

“Thank you, Erika. You’re always there for me.” Sabrina smiles back at her. “Anytime, Natsume. Take care.” Erika said before she ended the meeting.

Sabrina closes her laptop and looks at the camping gear again. She hoped she packed everything she would need. Even if she didn’t, she was sure Bugsy would supply her with anything she missed. Nevertheless, she felt anxious.

“You can do this, Sabrina. Just breathe.”