So, guys, this is the first half of the prelude to my new fic: On The Road Again. Here's hoping you enjoy it. The second half will be up in a day or two. I've rated it "Teen". Not for anything in the fic now, for now it's everyone, but I rated it Teen so I'd have the option of including more serious content later.
“Now?” the boy asked uncertainly, holding up a metallic red and white ball in one hand. Across the grass from him, two small dogs faced off, growling softly. The dogs were both panting, and one was favoring his front left paw, but looked determined not to be impeded by it. Conrad met the boy's questioning gaze and nodded.
“Now, Alex.” Conrad said. The boy threw the ball, hitting the limping canine in the shoulder. The orb split open at the middle, a white light enveloping the dog, who looked startled as he merged with it and was absorbed into the ball. Alex gasped and started forward, but Conrad put a hand on his shoulder. “Stay back. Don't move forward until you're sure it's caught.” The two watched the ball twitch on the ground, a red light in the middle shining dimly. The shaking slowed over a few seconds, until the ball lay still and the light went out. Stroking his short beard absently, Conrad smiled and held up his own ball, clicking the button in the center. The remaining dog turned into light and was pulled inside.
Alex grabbed the ball he had thrown, excitement lighting up his brown eyes. He turned back to Conrad and asked, “Now what, Mister?”
“First, you get that Lillipup fixed up. Go over to Nurse Renee and she'll help you out. When that's done, come back and I'll give you some pointers.” Conrad gestured toward the Nurse's station as he spoke. As Alex went over to ask the Nurse to heal his first pokemon, Conrad walked over to a different canopy and handed the other pokeball back to a small, bookish man named Edward.
“Thank you, Conrad.” Edward said, gingerly taking the ball and putting it on a table. “It's good to have you here, helping out. I didn't think we'd have such a large turnout.” Edward smiled. He had come to town with a few others and was running a workshop to help out new trainers. They had a few canopies set up. Conrad and a plain looking man named Kent were helping local kids capture their first pokemon. A small healing machine run by Nurse Renee patched them up, though it probably couldn't handle more than scrapes and bruises. As they talked, a group of older kids began to gather near the canopy. “Ah. It looks like it's nearly time for the next session to determine trainer-types.” Edward laid a calculating gaze upon Conrad. “I do wish you'd let me determine yours.”
Conrad shrugged. “I told you,” he said casually, “I'm not a trainer.”
“If you insist.” Edward turned and smiled to the gathered trainers. “Alright, is everyone here?” he began.
Conrad excused himself and went back to the canopy he and Kent were working out of. Alex was on his way back, a smile beaming on the young boy's face. Conrad smiled. Suddenly, his phone rang, making him jump slightly. The ring tone indicated it was his girlfriend. He held up a hand and winced. “Just a second, Alex, I gotta take this.” Conrad flipped open his cell phone.
“I assume you're still at that stupid kids' thing?” Priscilla asked.
Conrad replied in a monotone voice, “Yeah. I'm gonna be here all day, you know that.”
“You haven't forgotten about our date tonight?” She huffed.
“Of course not. I'll be there, don't worry about it. Look, I gotta go, I'll meet you there at seven.” He lowered the phone and closed it slowly. Suddenly, he flashed Alex a smile. “Sorry about that. Girls, huh? Let's see that Lillipup.”
Excited again, Alex threw the ball on the ground, releasing his pokemon. The Lillipup, no longer favoring a leg, looked up at Alex nervously. Alex looked at Conrad, uncertainty in his face. “Bend down slow, and stick your hand out. Let him sniff you a bit, then if he doesn't pull back, touch his shoulder.” Alex obeyed, and the Lillipup sniffed his hand warily, the motion making the cream colored fur on his face bounce. When the dog didn't pull back, Alex reached forward carefully and pet his shoulder. The fear started to fade from the Lillipup's eyes, and it nuzzled him experimentally. Conrad smiled, remembering his own childhood pet. These two would be just fine. “Have you thought of a name for him?” he asked.
“A name? Yeah! I'm gonna call him Steel, 'cause he's gonna be so tough!” The Lillipup cocked his head, considering the name. Steel wagged his tail and barked in approval. Conrad looked around, and didn't see any other kids waiting for him, so he found a small stick and passed it to Alex.
As the newly formed pair played fetch, Conrad ran Alex through the basics of taking care of his new pet. What to feed him, how often to take him out for walks. As they talked, Conrad's eye kept wandering to the group that Edward was working with. One girl in particular had his eye. She was a bit older than the rest, maybe in her late teens. Long blond hair tied back in a tail, listening intently, taking notes. Conrad wondered idly what type Edward would say she was. Something in Conrad whispered “Fire.” Perhaps it was the focused look burning in her eyes. Conrad shook his head. Trainer-types were a silly fortune telling ruse. He turned his attention back to Alex and his first pokemon.
All too soon, the workshop was drawing to a close. Alex's mother arrived to pick him up. The boy smiled, waved and ran off to show her his first pokemon. Conrad wandered over to Edward's canopy to make sure he was clear to leave. As he approached, Edward was talking to the older kids. His grand gestures and easy flowing intonation made it clear to Conrad that he was giving a well-practiced speech.
“And remember, kids, pokemon are all around. Especially out here away from the big cities. Anville Town might seem quiet and secluded, but it isn't uncommon for electric types to come though here on their way to Chargestone Cave. I even have it on good authority that lonely Ghosts from the Celestial Tower can wander as far the forests on the east edge of town at night. A life full of pokemon is one full of exciting possibilities. Thanks for coming, and we hope to see you again soon!” Edward gave a bit of a bow, and a big smile as the kids got ready to go home. Conrad noticed the blonde girl was still there, stowing a pokeball in her bag before getting up to leave. Conrad looked away and approached Edward.
“Hey, Edward. Looks like we're about done here, eh? I hate to bail, but I should probably get going. Unless you need some more help taking the canopies down.” Conrad said hesitatingly. Edward turned and gave him a smile.
“Oh, no, we can handle the cleanup. That's the easy part, and we have plenty of time before the last train back to the city. Don't worry about it.” Edward hesitated a moment, his eyes on Conrad with that calculating gaze again. “Say, why don't I give you my card? If you're ever in Castelia, give me a call. Our organization does these workshops and a few other trainer benefit works across Unova. If you'd ever be interested in attending or volunteering again, we'd love to have you.” Edward reached into his pocket and pulled out a business card which he passed to Conrad.
“Thanks.” Conrad said. “I think it's good to have these sorts of things, I'll give you a call sometime. But hey, I gotta run. Later!” and with that, Conrad hurried home to get changed.
* * *
As the stars tried in vain to shine through the clouds covering the night sky, Conrad walked home, his hands in his pockets. The long walk back to the boarding house on the eastern outskirts of Anville Town gave him plenty of time to think. It had been a decent day, but the night had ended on a sour note. Conrad had shown up late to his date with Priscilla. Only by a few minutes, but she still snapped at him and wouldn't even invite him inside after he walked her home. He'd have to find some way to apologize. Maybe he could pick some wildflowers or something.
Conrad shook his head softly and kept walking. He was nearly home, and the forests crept ever closer to the road. Conrad found himself looking around for one of Edward's ghosts, even though he doubted there was anything in these woods more menacing than a Deerling. A woman's scream abruptly challenged that notion.
Conrad's head shot up and his hand reflexively closed around a small, metal orb in his pocket. He made himself release it. It wouldn't be any help here. Instead, he ran in the direction he thought the scream had come from.
As Conrad ran, his body filled with adrenaline. Strangely, and to his slight shame, he felt a great joy. Someone could be hurt, and that was no happy thing, but a part of him felt honest exultation at the thought of stopping a crisis. The reality of the situation came crashing down as Conrad saw two figures in the distance. One of the figures fell to the ground with whimper. Stopping to assess the situation, Conrad's hand tightened again around his single, useless pokeball.
The darkness obscured the figures well, but from what Conrad could see, a person dressed in black was standing over another, fallen person. The standing person held some thing in his hands, and leaned down to grab a fallen pokemon by the neck.
Thinking fast, Conrad pulled out his pokeball. “Perhaps I can make use of this after all.” he thought. Conrad took a deep breath, and stepped out of the shadows to confront the standing figure. “Stop!” he shouted, his voice resounding with a strength not quite felt inside. Conrad held out his pokeball menacingly, as though it were a weapon. “I will not stand for villainy in my woods.” As he got closer, Conrad could see the figures in clearer detail. The fallen person was slight of build, probably a woman. The fallen pokemon had a pig-like shape, likely a Tepig. The darkly dressed man held a small pokemon in his left hand, it's small stature and rounded head giving it away as a Foongus, a dangerous mushroom pokemon.
Conrad called out again, “Drop the pokemon and back away slowly! I swear to God, if I have to release this pokemon,” here he shook the fiercely, “I'll see to it you never walk again!” Conrad stood his ground.
The standing figure, the Thief, Conrad thought, stiffened. He cocked his head slightly, as though considering his odds, and threw the Tepig down. With a snort, the man fled. Looking after him to make sure he fled, Conrad rushed the the fallen pair. He turned the woman over by her shoulder, to look her in the face, but in the darkness, he could barely see her. “Are you alright?” he asked, dreading the answer.
She lifted a hand weakly. “My...tepig...” she breathed. “Please...he's poisoned...” Her hand fell limp again. Conrad knew he needed to act quickly. Foongus poison was no joke.
“Where's your pokeball?” he asked. “Tepig will be safe in there until we can get you an antidote.” the girl tried to make a hand gesture, but the meaning of it wasn't clear.
“My belt...” she breathed. Conrad winced, and reached down by her waist. Quickly, he found a pokeball, and recalled the Tepig. Placing the ball in his coat pocket, he grabbed the girl by the shoulder.
“Come on, “ he urged. “It looks like you've gotten a bad dose of Foongus spores yourself. Up you go!” Conrad wrapped his arm around the girl's shoulder and struggled to get them to their feet. Once they were vertical, he turned her in the direction of the road. “Alright, come on, now, lass. It's not far to my place, I can help you there.”
Slowly, the two struggled back to the road. Conrad smiled when the boarding house he lived in came into view. The girl wasn't too heavyset, but she felt like she weighed a ton. He shook his head sadly. He had fallen out of shape. At a stagger, they approached the well-worn oaken door, and Conrad fumbled for his key. Twisting it in the lock, he creaked the door open.
The dull roar of a television set in the other room told him Ms. Bryant was possibly still awake, but an eighty-six year old woman could do little than be in the way in this situation. “Alright, lass,” Conrad whispered, “Time for the stairs. It's the hardest part, but also the home stretch. Here we go.” He took the first step himself, hauling her after him. The process of getting up a single flight of stairs took several minutes, during which it became apparent that Ms. Bryant was not awake. At the top, though, Conrad was able to get the girl into his room and sit her in an armchair. “Half a tick,” he whispered, flicking a lightswitch.
Conrad crossed the small room in two steps and flung open the closet door,. Kneeling, he swept aside dirty clothes and old magazines to reveal a slim chest. He flung open the latch and blinked back a tear. This wasn't the time to get sentimental. He tossed aside an old case at the top of the chest, and a few well-used discs, Soon his hand closed around a medicine case. He opened it and pulled out a precious vial of Foongus poison antidote.
Standing triumphantly, Conrad paced back to the sick girl in the chair, and cupped her cheek with his right hand. As he did, he could feel the Foongus spores start to burn his skin. The blackish gunk over her face showed she had sustained a direct hit. He held up the can of antidote and whispered, “Close your eyes, lass.” It was an easy command to obey, in her state. Conrad sprayed the antidote liberally over her face and neck, making sure to get his hand. He checked her arms, too, spraying greenish antidote more wherever he found black spores. Soon her visage was a ghoulish smear of black and green. It looked terrible, but she would be okay. When he had convinced himself she was remedied, Conrad took out her pokeball and clicked the button in the center.
A tired and wheezing tepig tumbled out, covered in the same black gunk. It brought itself to its feet, snorting angrily, and tried to charge at Conrad. The poor thing didn't make it two steps before crashing down to the floor. Conrad reached down and began to spray the antidote. “It's alright, boy.” he cooed. “Your trainer is safe, and now it's your turn for a touch of antidote.” Soon, the Tepig, like the girl, gave in to exhaustion and relaxed. Conrad took his leave for a moment to fetch a glass and bowl, and fill them with water. Doubtless these two would wake up thirsty, and with a tale to tell.
“Now?” the boy asked uncertainly, holding up a metallic red and white ball in one hand. Across the grass from him, two small dogs faced off, growling softly. The dogs were both panting, and one was favoring his front left paw, but looked determined not to be impeded by it. Conrad met the boy's questioning gaze and nodded.
“Now, Alex.” Conrad said. The boy threw the ball, hitting the limping canine in the shoulder. The orb split open at the middle, a white light enveloping the dog, who looked startled as he merged with it and was absorbed into the ball. Alex gasped and started forward, but Conrad put a hand on his shoulder. “Stay back. Don't move forward until you're sure it's caught.” The two watched the ball twitch on the ground, a red light in the middle shining dimly. The shaking slowed over a few seconds, until the ball lay still and the light went out. Stroking his short beard absently, Conrad smiled and held up his own ball, clicking the button in the center. The remaining dog turned into light and was pulled inside.
Alex grabbed the ball he had thrown, excitement lighting up his brown eyes. He turned back to Conrad and asked, “Now what, Mister?”
“First, you get that Lillipup fixed up. Go over to Nurse Renee and she'll help you out. When that's done, come back and I'll give you some pointers.” Conrad gestured toward the Nurse's station as he spoke. As Alex went over to ask the Nurse to heal his first pokemon, Conrad walked over to a different canopy and handed the other pokeball back to a small, bookish man named Edward.
“Thank you, Conrad.” Edward said, gingerly taking the ball and putting it on a table. “It's good to have you here, helping out. I didn't think we'd have such a large turnout.” Edward smiled. He had come to town with a few others and was running a workshop to help out new trainers. They had a few canopies set up. Conrad and a plain looking man named Kent were helping local kids capture their first pokemon. A small healing machine run by Nurse Renee patched them up, though it probably couldn't handle more than scrapes and bruises. As they talked, a group of older kids began to gather near the canopy. “Ah. It looks like it's nearly time for the next session to determine trainer-types.” Edward laid a calculating gaze upon Conrad. “I do wish you'd let me determine yours.”
Conrad shrugged. “I told you,” he said casually, “I'm not a trainer.”
“If you insist.” Edward turned and smiled to the gathered trainers. “Alright, is everyone here?” he began.
Conrad excused himself and went back to the canopy he and Kent were working out of. Alex was on his way back, a smile beaming on the young boy's face. Conrad smiled. Suddenly, his phone rang, making him jump slightly. The ring tone indicated it was his girlfriend. He held up a hand and winced. “Just a second, Alex, I gotta take this.” Conrad flipped open his cell phone.
“I assume you're still at that stupid kids' thing?” Priscilla asked.
Conrad replied in a monotone voice, “Yeah. I'm gonna be here all day, you know that.”
“You haven't forgotten about our date tonight?” She huffed.
“Of course not. I'll be there, don't worry about it. Look, I gotta go, I'll meet you there at seven.” He lowered the phone and closed it slowly. Suddenly, he flashed Alex a smile. “Sorry about that. Girls, huh? Let's see that Lillipup.”
Excited again, Alex threw the ball on the ground, releasing his pokemon. The Lillipup, no longer favoring a leg, looked up at Alex nervously. Alex looked at Conrad, uncertainty in his face. “Bend down slow, and stick your hand out. Let him sniff you a bit, then if he doesn't pull back, touch his shoulder.” Alex obeyed, and the Lillipup sniffed his hand warily, the motion making the cream colored fur on his face bounce. When the dog didn't pull back, Alex reached forward carefully and pet his shoulder. The fear started to fade from the Lillipup's eyes, and it nuzzled him experimentally. Conrad smiled, remembering his own childhood pet. These two would be just fine. “Have you thought of a name for him?” he asked.
“A name? Yeah! I'm gonna call him Steel, 'cause he's gonna be so tough!” The Lillipup cocked his head, considering the name. Steel wagged his tail and barked in approval. Conrad looked around, and didn't see any other kids waiting for him, so he found a small stick and passed it to Alex.
As the newly formed pair played fetch, Conrad ran Alex through the basics of taking care of his new pet. What to feed him, how often to take him out for walks. As they talked, Conrad's eye kept wandering to the group that Edward was working with. One girl in particular had his eye. She was a bit older than the rest, maybe in her late teens. Long blond hair tied back in a tail, listening intently, taking notes. Conrad wondered idly what type Edward would say she was. Something in Conrad whispered “Fire.” Perhaps it was the focused look burning in her eyes. Conrad shook his head. Trainer-types were a silly fortune telling ruse. He turned his attention back to Alex and his first pokemon.
All too soon, the workshop was drawing to a close. Alex's mother arrived to pick him up. The boy smiled, waved and ran off to show her his first pokemon. Conrad wandered over to Edward's canopy to make sure he was clear to leave. As he approached, Edward was talking to the older kids. His grand gestures and easy flowing intonation made it clear to Conrad that he was giving a well-practiced speech.
“And remember, kids, pokemon are all around. Especially out here away from the big cities. Anville Town might seem quiet and secluded, but it isn't uncommon for electric types to come though here on their way to Chargestone Cave. I even have it on good authority that lonely Ghosts from the Celestial Tower can wander as far the forests on the east edge of town at night. A life full of pokemon is one full of exciting possibilities. Thanks for coming, and we hope to see you again soon!” Edward gave a bit of a bow, and a big smile as the kids got ready to go home. Conrad noticed the blonde girl was still there, stowing a pokeball in her bag before getting up to leave. Conrad looked away and approached Edward.
“Hey, Edward. Looks like we're about done here, eh? I hate to bail, but I should probably get going. Unless you need some more help taking the canopies down.” Conrad said hesitatingly. Edward turned and gave him a smile.
“Oh, no, we can handle the cleanup. That's the easy part, and we have plenty of time before the last train back to the city. Don't worry about it.” Edward hesitated a moment, his eyes on Conrad with that calculating gaze again. “Say, why don't I give you my card? If you're ever in Castelia, give me a call. Our organization does these workshops and a few other trainer benefit works across Unova. If you'd ever be interested in attending or volunteering again, we'd love to have you.” Edward reached into his pocket and pulled out a business card which he passed to Conrad.
“Thanks.” Conrad said. “I think it's good to have these sorts of things, I'll give you a call sometime. But hey, I gotta run. Later!” and with that, Conrad hurried home to get changed.
* * *
As the stars tried in vain to shine through the clouds covering the night sky, Conrad walked home, his hands in his pockets. The long walk back to the boarding house on the eastern outskirts of Anville Town gave him plenty of time to think. It had been a decent day, but the night had ended on a sour note. Conrad had shown up late to his date with Priscilla. Only by a few minutes, but she still snapped at him and wouldn't even invite him inside after he walked her home. He'd have to find some way to apologize. Maybe he could pick some wildflowers or something.
Conrad shook his head softly and kept walking. He was nearly home, and the forests crept ever closer to the road. Conrad found himself looking around for one of Edward's ghosts, even though he doubted there was anything in these woods more menacing than a Deerling. A woman's scream abruptly challenged that notion.
Conrad's head shot up and his hand reflexively closed around a small, metal orb in his pocket. He made himself release it. It wouldn't be any help here. Instead, he ran in the direction he thought the scream had come from.
As Conrad ran, his body filled with adrenaline. Strangely, and to his slight shame, he felt a great joy. Someone could be hurt, and that was no happy thing, but a part of him felt honest exultation at the thought of stopping a crisis. The reality of the situation came crashing down as Conrad saw two figures in the distance. One of the figures fell to the ground with whimper. Stopping to assess the situation, Conrad's hand tightened again around his single, useless pokeball.
The darkness obscured the figures well, but from what Conrad could see, a person dressed in black was standing over another, fallen person. The standing person held some thing in his hands, and leaned down to grab a fallen pokemon by the neck.
Thinking fast, Conrad pulled out his pokeball. “Perhaps I can make use of this after all.” he thought. Conrad took a deep breath, and stepped out of the shadows to confront the standing figure. “Stop!” he shouted, his voice resounding with a strength not quite felt inside. Conrad held out his pokeball menacingly, as though it were a weapon. “I will not stand for villainy in my woods.” As he got closer, Conrad could see the figures in clearer detail. The fallen person was slight of build, probably a woman. The fallen pokemon had a pig-like shape, likely a Tepig. The darkly dressed man held a small pokemon in his left hand, it's small stature and rounded head giving it away as a Foongus, a dangerous mushroom pokemon.
Conrad called out again, “Drop the pokemon and back away slowly! I swear to God, if I have to release this pokemon,” here he shook the fiercely, “I'll see to it you never walk again!” Conrad stood his ground.
The standing figure, the Thief, Conrad thought, stiffened. He cocked his head slightly, as though considering his odds, and threw the Tepig down. With a snort, the man fled. Looking after him to make sure he fled, Conrad rushed the the fallen pair. He turned the woman over by her shoulder, to look her in the face, but in the darkness, he could barely see her. “Are you alright?” he asked, dreading the answer.
She lifted a hand weakly. “My...tepig...” she breathed. “Please...he's poisoned...” Her hand fell limp again. Conrad knew he needed to act quickly. Foongus poison was no joke.
“Where's your pokeball?” he asked. “Tepig will be safe in there until we can get you an antidote.” the girl tried to make a hand gesture, but the meaning of it wasn't clear.
“My belt...” she breathed. Conrad winced, and reached down by her waist. Quickly, he found a pokeball, and recalled the Tepig. Placing the ball in his coat pocket, he grabbed the girl by the shoulder.
“Come on, “ he urged. “It looks like you've gotten a bad dose of Foongus spores yourself. Up you go!” Conrad wrapped his arm around the girl's shoulder and struggled to get them to their feet. Once they were vertical, he turned her in the direction of the road. “Alright, come on, now, lass. It's not far to my place, I can help you there.”
Slowly, the two struggled back to the road. Conrad smiled when the boarding house he lived in came into view. The girl wasn't too heavyset, but she felt like she weighed a ton. He shook his head sadly. He had fallen out of shape. At a stagger, they approached the well-worn oaken door, and Conrad fumbled for his key. Twisting it in the lock, he creaked the door open.
The dull roar of a television set in the other room told him Ms. Bryant was possibly still awake, but an eighty-six year old woman could do little than be in the way in this situation. “Alright, lass,” Conrad whispered, “Time for the stairs. It's the hardest part, but also the home stretch. Here we go.” He took the first step himself, hauling her after him. The process of getting up a single flight of stairs took several minutes, during which it became apparent that Ms. Bryant was not awake. At the top, though, Conrad was able to get the girl into his room and sit her in an armchair. “Half a tick,” he whispered, flicking a lightswitch.
Conrad crossed the small room in two steps and flung open the closet door,. Kneeling, he swept aside dirty clothes and old magazines to reveal a slim chest. He flung open the latch and blinked back a tear. This wasn't the time to get sentimental. He tossed aside an old case at the top of the chest, and a few well-used discs, Soon his hand closed around a medicine case. He opened it and pulled out a precious vial of Foongus poison antidote.
Standing triumphantly, Conrad paced back to the sick girl in the chair, and cupped her cheek with his right hand. As he did, he could feel the Foongus spores start to burn his skin. The blackish gunk over her face showed she had sustained a direct hit. He held up the can of antidote and whispered, “Close your eyes, lass.” It was an easy command to obey, in her state. Conrad sprayed the antidote liberally over her face and neck, making sure to get his hand. He checked her arms, too, spraying greenish antidote more wherever he found black spores. Soon her visage was a ghoulish smear of black and green. It looked terrible, but she would be okay. When he had convinced himself she was remedied, Conrad took out her pokeball and clicked the button in the center.
A tired and wheezing tepig tumbled out, covered in the same black gunk. It brought itself to its feet, snorting angrily, and tried to charge at Conrad. The poor thing didn't make it two steps before crashing down to the floor. Conrad reached down and began to spray the antidote. “It's alright, boy.” he cooed. “Your trainer is safe, and now it's your turn for a touch of antidote.” Soon, the Tepig, like the girl, gave in to exhaustion and relaxed. Conrad took his leave for a moment to fetch a glass and bowl, and fill them with water. Doubtless these two would wake up thirsty, and with a tale to tell.
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. I'm really glad.