The Becoming [A Pokémon Fanfiction] [PG-13] [COMPLETE]

[IMG]http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2014/208/c/2/riolu_top1_by_brookreed-d7si9i1.png[/IMG][background=http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2014/208/7/2/riolu_middle1_by_brookreed-d7si9i6.png][css=padding-left:15px;padding-right:13px][font=Times New Roman][color=lightgray][center]Welcome to my fanfiction, The Becoming. I have been writing this on and off for the past few months, and finally completed it. Usually I don't post my fanfictions, but I felt this one was exceptional enough to be shown to the world. So enjoy the story, and feel free to comment in this thread with any critique or questions. Special thanks to [url=http://q.pokefarm.org/user/Legend][color=white][u]Legend[/u][/color][/url] for proofreading and convincing me to post this. [size=12]The Becoming[/size] [size=10]♣ [u]Table of Contents[/u] ♣[/size] [url=http://q.pokefarm.org/forum/post/346436][color=white][u]Prologue[/u][/color][/url] [url=http://q.pokefarm.org/forum/post/346441][color=white][u]Chapter 1[/u][/color][/url] [url=http://q.pokefarm.org/forum/post/349553][color=white][u]Chapter 2[/u][/color][/url] [url=http://q.pokefarm.org/forum/post/355134][color=white][u]Chapter 3[/u][/color][/url] [url=http://q.pokefarm.org/forum/post/360854][color=white][u]Chapter 4[/u][/color][/url] [url=http://q.pokefarm.org/forum/post/363083][color=white][u]Chapter 5[/u][/color][/url] [url=http://q.pokefarm.org/forum/post/365413][color=white][u]Chapter 6[/u][/color][/url] [url=http://q.pokefarm.org/forum/post/370964][color=white][u]Chapter 7[/u][/color][/url] [url=http://q.pokefarm.org/forum/post/379547][color=white][u]Chapter 8[/u][/color][/url] [url=http://q.pokefarm.org/forum/post/386059][color=white][u]Chapter 9[/u][/color][/url] [url=http://q.pokefarm.org/forum/post/390067][color=white][u]Chapter 10[/u][/color][/url][/center][/color][/font][/background][/css][IMG]http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2014/208/4/a/riolu_bottom1_by_brookreed-d7si9ib.png[/IMG]

[IMG]http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2014/208/c/2/riolu_top1_by_brookreed-d7si9i1.png[/IMG][background=http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2014/208/7/2/riolu_middle1_by_brookreed-d7si9i6.png][css=padding-left:15px;padding-right:13px][color=lightgray][font=Times New Roman][center][size=11]♣ [b]Prologue[/b] ♣[/size][/center]There are only two things I can be certain of right now. One: my name is Riolu. And two: I am lost. I left my trainer two days ago. I wasn’t wanted, that much was clear. My trainer was kind enough to me, but it was my own hasty nature that is to blame for my current situation. I can’t help that I jump into battle so quickly. But my trainer, and her two other Pokémon...they were terrified of me, of the way I threw myself at other Pokémon to fight them on sight. And perhaps I am even terrified of myself. When I woke up in the Pokémon Center from my most recent skirmish with a Monferno, I was covered in burns, bruises, and bandages. At that point, I decided it was time to leave. No more would I burden my trainer with worry. The best thing I could do for my team was to vanish and never return. I leapt out the nearest window, and escaped into the night. And now, two days later, I am lost. The first day I simply ran blindly across the land. Now, I walk, climbing the mountains that divide this region, never looking back. A flicker of movement catches my eyes. A dark shape sits far above, in a tree. A Murkrow. Instantly, I feel the familiar urge to attack it. But it is too far up in the tree--I won’t be able to reach it. The Murkrow takes notice of me. It tilts its head to the side, and then lets out a cackle. “Aha! Get a load of this kid!” I can see it is directing its comment to another Murkrow near it. The other Murkrow responds. “Ahaha! Looks like something the Meowth dragged in!” I can’t help but glance down at myself. They’re right, of course--my bandages are torn from my wanderings, and my wounds have yet to heal. But I will not show weakness. I clench my fists, and shout the first thing that comes to mind: “Shut up!” The first Murkrow caws angrily. “What did you just say to me, kid?” “I said clam up, or I’ll make you!” The second Murkrow laughs. “Ahaha! You hear that? Said he’s gonna make us!” “Aha! Yeah, you and what army?” The first Murkrow puffs up his feathers. “Get down here and I’ll show you!” I say, coming to stand under the Murkrow. I can feel the anger inside me rising as I speak. “Ahaha!” the second Murkrow taunts. “I said [i]get down from there![/i]” In one swift motion I deliver a sharp punch to the tree. My clenched fist cracks through bark and I can feel splinters pierce my paw. But I am too angry to care. The Murkrow laugh. My punch barely shook the tree, much to my dismay. “Aha! Annoying brat,” the first Murkrow says. “Ahaha! Let’s get him!” the second Murkrow screeches. The two Murkrow rise from their perches. From the trees surrounding me, more Murkrow appear, screaming and blackening the sky with their dark wings. They dive, and I face them, swatting and punching. But they are fast and I am too angry to think straight. They peck at my face and grab my tail, jabbing their beaks at my bruises and burns. I collapse onto my knees as their stinging blows continue to rain down on me. It seems forever before they lose interest, and the flock disappears. I lay on the ground for awhile, blood seeping from many wounds new and old. Even long after their distant shrieks fade, I remain crouched in a useless heap. Finally, as it begins to grow dark, I force myself to move. I know it is my fault that I keep getting hurt. There is no one to blame but myself. But I can’t stop myself. When I see an opponent, I have to fight. I will never turn down a challenge I stumble off into the darkening distance. Night turns to pitch black as I enter a cave--not for shelter, but simply because it is the path I am faced with. I emerge much later, and my bare paws meet snow. I walk until I can no longer feel my paws, for they have gone numb with cold. It takes me awhile to realize that I am no longer moving, but have instead fallen into the snow. I try to crawl a few more paces, but I am too weak, too tired. I have not eaten for almost three days now. I am exhausted and injured and I cannot go on. I am lost. Some part of my mind manages to register a dark shape approaching. My vision is blurred so that I cannot see, but the creature can only be an enemy. What else would approach one so weak and defenseless on a moonless night? My eyes slide shut slowly. This is it. This is the end. This is the death that awaits us at the end of a life, as short as mine might have been. I will face it with dignity and I will not cry. My name is Riolu, and I am no longer lost, but dying. There is no one to remember me and my brief existence in this world. But soon that won’t matter, because I will be dead. And I don’t care anymore. And so I let the darkness claim me.[hr][center][color=white]♣ [url=http://q.pokefarm.org/forum/post/346441][color=white][u]Go to next chapter[/u][/color][/url] ♣[/color][/center][/font][/color][/background][/css][IMG]http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2014/208/4/a/riolu_bottom1_by_brookreed-d7si9ib.png[/IMG]

[IMG]http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2014/208/c/2/riolu_top1_by_brookreed-d7si9i1.png[/IMG][background=http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2014/208/7/2/riolu_middle1_by_brookreed-d7si9i6.png][css=padding-left:15px;padding-right:13px][color=lightgray][font=Times New Roman][center][size=11]♣ [b]Chapter 1[/b] ♣[/size][/center]When I open my eyes, I can make out only a few sparse details in the dim light. The ceiling above me is rough and cracked and made of stone--a cave, perhaps? My thoughts turn to my own situation. Is this death? I look down at myself. I am lying on a straw mat, with warm blankets piled on top of me. A moment later the sensation of my aching body hits me. My bones feel heavy and my very skin burns even under the thick layer of bandages that cover me. I let out an involuntary groan. If this is the afterlife, it is not what I imagined. Suddenly, a voice speaks from the darkness. “Finally! I thought you were going to sleep forever." The voice sounds harsh and feminine, and sounds nearby. The sudden exclamation startles me so that I twitch in surprise. I turn to see two glaring yellow eyes watching me in the darkness. A heartbeat later I make out the rest of the creature’s body--thick, powerful, and dark. A Gabite, who appears to be sitting crossly in the corner with her arms crossed in front of her. “Wh-where am I?” I ask shakily. My throat feels raw and dry, and my voice sounds much quieter than usual. The Gabite rolls her eyes. “Not out in the cold, clearly.” Her tone sounds annoyed, as though I am bothersome and juvenile. I need to get up, to show I am not as weak as I feel. I push the covers off and struggle to roll myself up off the mat. My body protests, muscles twitching of their own accord and my skin burning as it moves across the mat. “I wouldn’t do that if I were you,” the Gabite says, though she doesn’t make any attempt to stop me. “Nodi will have a fit if she finds you up.” I pause, grateful for an excuse to stop the excruciating pain. “Nodi?” “Don’t make me repeat myself,” the Gabite growls. “You still haven’t told me where I am,” I point out. “You’ll find out soon enough,” she responds. At that moment, a shape blocks the entryway, and another Pokémon appears. This Pokémon, too, has a body that is thick and powerful. But it is not a Gabite--this time, it is a Nidoqueen. “He’s awake!” the Nidoqueen exclaims. “Gallant, you were supposed to alert me when he woke up.” Gallant the Gabite makes an annoyed sound. “I was going to, but he kept asking stupid questions. Can I leave now?” “Yes,” the Nidoqueen affirms. As Gallant rushes towards the exit, the Nidoqueen calls after her, “Snark and Prior are out on the cliffs!” “Great, I was hoping for a challenge!” Gallant shouts back, and vanishes. “Now then,” the Nidoqueen says, turning her attention to me. “How are you feeling?” “Fine,” I say, managing to push myself into a sitting position. “I know that’s a lie,” the old Nidoqueen responds smoothly. “You were nearly dead when I found you.” I shrug, trying not to flinch from the pain that shoots through my ribs as I do so. “I feel fine now.” “If you insist,” Nodi says, shaking her head with a wry smile. “Do you have a name?” “Riolu,” I answer. “Just Riolu?” she asks. “Just Riolu,” I confirm. “Well, I am pleased to meet you, Riolu,” the Nidoqueen says briskly. “My name is Nodi, and this is my cave.” She gestures vaguely to the cave and the dark exit beyond. “Good to meet you,” I say as politely as I can. I clamber to my paws. “I should get going now.” “Oh no,” Nodi says firmly. “You’re staying right here until you have regained your strength. And don’t even think about arguing.” “Honestly, I’m fine,” I answer, although it comes out rather weakly. I shuffle towards the exit. “No, you’re not fine,” Nodi insists. “Now get back in bed, and sleep awhile.” “I’m fi--” I try to protest once more, but the muscles in my body spasm so hard that I collapse to my knees, jarring the rest of my body. I look up weakly at Nodi. She rolls her eyes as the Gabite had done, although not unkindly. “Told you so.” Gently, she helps me limp back over to the bed. Exhaustion has made me weak once more, and although I want to protest, I keep silent as she rearranges the covers on top of me. My thoughts have begun to fade when I hear her murmur, “Sleep well, Riolu. You’ll feel better when you wake up, I promise.” The last thing I see before I lose consciousness once more is her bulky body leaving the cave quietly.[hr][center][color=white]♣ [url=http://q.pokefarm.org/forum/post/349553][color=white][u]Go to next chapter[/u][/color][/url] ♣[/color][/center][/font][/color][/background][/css][IMG]http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2014/208/4/a/riolu_bottom1_by_brookreed-d7si9ib.png[/IMG]

[IMG]http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2014/208/c/2/riolu_top1_by_brookreed-d7si9i1.png[/IMG][background=http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2014/208/7/2/riolu_middle1_by_brookreed-d7si9i6.png][css=padding-left:15px;padding-right:13px][color=lightgray][font=Times New Roman][center][size=11]♣ [b]Chapter 2[/b] ♣[/size][/center]I stand proudly, facing the others on the snowy plain. Nodi the Nidoqueen and Gallant the Gabite stand across from me. Beside them are Snark the Sneasel and Prior the Prinplup. They all live here, under Nodi’s guidance and instruction, training to become stronger. Today, a week after I arrived here, I am going to join them. “This is your initiation ceremony, Riolu,” Nodi says. “You will cast off your old name and your old identity, and receive a new identity to live for. Your old life is no more. Are you ready?” I ball my fists with determination. “I’m ready.” “Until your training is complete, you shall be known as Reason,” Nodi announces to the other three Pokémon trainees who stand near her. The Prinplup, named Prior, repeats the name as a chant in a friendly voice. [i]Reason...[/i] I turn the name over in my head. [i]I am Reason the Riolu...[/i] Nodi continues. “You will be expected to train with the others, and match their skill level.” “I will do it,” I respond firmly. Nodi gives a small smile. “My training is not easy. Many trainees have quit halfway through. Are you a quitter, Reason?” “Never!” I respond evenly. She has issued me a challenge. And I never back down from a challenge. She nods to herself. “Good. Then, your first exercise will be to participate in battle practice this afternoon. Now that we have four of you, you can pair up easily. Gallant, why don’t you be Reason’s partner for today?” The Gabite looks at Nodi, shocked. “Partner with [i]him?[/i]” “Yes.” “But he...he’s...inexperienced! And...young!” “That [i]is[/i] the point,” Nodi responds, still wearing a small smile. “But--” “No arguing, Gallant,” Nodi states. “Fine,” Gallant practically spits. She turns her yellow eyes on me. “But don't expect me to go easy on you, newbie.” I slide my feet through the snow into a defensive position, and crouch slightly, raising my balled fists in front of me and leveling my gaze to meet hers. “I would never expect you to. I want you to give it all you’ve got.” That is my challenge to her. She, too, crouches, moving her clawed arms in front of her. We begin to circle, feet stepping silently into the snow. As soon as I think I spot an opening, I lunge at her. “Idiot!” she cries. “Making the first move is the stupidest thing you could do in this situation!” As I swipe at the spot where she was just a moment before, she leaps up and over me, and I feel one of her wing sails slice into me from behind as I smash into the ground, falling face-first into the snow. “You aren’t even a challenge!” she says tauntingly from behind me. With a growl, I slide my paws back underneath me. “I’m not giving up yet,” I declare, pushing myself back on my feet to once again face her. “You’re even stupider than I thought. Alright, if you want more, here I come!” She lunges at me, eyes narrowed and glowering. Her blow slices across my front this time, sending me tumbling back into the snow. She says, “Don’t even try to get up. I’ll just beat you back down again.” “Fine by me,” I spit out angrily despite my aching front. I push myself up again. This pain feels good, unlike my injuries from before that have almost finished healing. “Will you stay down already?!” Gallant snaps, the snarl of hatred in her voice surprising me. This time she comes in raging, and I manage to dodge her blow. As she lands awkwardly, I let out a taunting laugh. “Ha! You missed!” “Why, you!” she screeches. Before I can react, her body takes on a strange, dark aura, and she comes barreling towards me, jaws open in a snarl. She lands the Dragon Rage attack, sending me flying across the ground until I smash into Snark and Prior who had been sparring nearby. It takes me a minute to clear the dizziness and pain from my head, but when I do I see Gallant storm past angrily. She turns to glare at me, and the anger and hatred in her eyes is clear. “Don't even bother fighting me again, newbie!” She storms off towards Nodi’s cave. Prior the Prinplup stands, rubbing his right wing and staring after Gallant. “Arceus, what’s her problem?” He glances briefly at me. “She went way harder on you than she did on me my first day.” “Good. I like a challenge.” The confidence in my voice surprises even me. Prior stops rubbing his wing and stares at me. “You really don’t quit, do you?” “I’m going to be the strongest Pokémon ever,” I say. “Really?” Prior says. “Me, too!” “Except you won’t, because I’ll get there first.” “Ah, but I’ve already got a head start!” “So I’ll just have to train twice as hard to surpass you,” I say, clenching a fist resolutely. “I’ll surpass everyone!” “Haha! I like your spirit, Reason!” Prior says. “We should train together sometime.” “How about now?” I ask, taking up a defensive position. My exhaustion begins to clear away, leaving me focused on Prior. “Nah, it’s time to head back to the cave. Maybe tomorrow.” He pulls the still-dazed-looking Snark to his feet. “Let’s go in and get some dinner.” Back inside Nodi’s cave, we find Nodi has placed a feast of berries on the table. Gallant has already begun to eat, and continues to do so without so much as a glance at us. Nodi greets each of us with a nod as we take our places around the small, flat rock that serves as a table. “I would like to remind everyone that the Snowpoint Temple just north of here is off-limits,” Nodi says once everyone has settled down. I reach for an Oran berry, nodding to acknowledge the comment. “You tell us that every week,” Snark says, wrinkling his nose in distaste. “Yes, because I want to make sure you remember. Snowpoint Temple is sacred ground. We are ordinary Pokémon and therefore are not allowed to set foot there without good reason.” “Yeah, whatever,” Snark mutters. “Reason, how was your training?” Nodi asks. “Great!” I say. “I can’t wait to do more.” Nodi chuckles. “Eager, are we? Well, I have some training exercises planned for tomorrow. Everyone needs to get a good night’s sleep, and do heed my word on that one.” [center]♣ ♣ ♣[/center] As I lay in bed that night, listening to the snores of the others, I can’t sleep. I feel as though I am already stronger despite having only fought for one day. This is what I wanted. Back with my trainer, my thirst for battle was never quenched. Here, though, I feel as though my thirst has been lessened, if only slightly. I’m too excited for what tomorrow will bring. I’m ready for whatever Nodi throws at us. “Hey, Reason,” comes Prior’s voice through the darkness, whispering. “Are you awake?” “Yeah,” I whisper back. “What is it?” “I can’t sleep. I’m too excited for whatever it is we’re doing tomorrow.” “Me, too,” I agree. “So, do you have any goals for your training?” “Goals?” “Yeah,” Prior says. “Like...mine is to get so strong that no one will ever notice my injured wing.” “Your wing is injured?” I say. “I never noticed.” I think back to earlier today. Was that the wing he had been rubbing as we talked? “That’s good, then,” Prior says with a quiet laugh. “Means I’m succeeding.” “What happened? To your wing, I mean,” I ask tentatively. “I was shipped to that Pokémon lab in the town the humans call Sandgem. The box I was in was overfilled and my wing was crushed during the trip. No one would take a crippled Piplup as their partner.” “Oh...” I say, trailing off uncomfortably as I am unsure how to respond. “Thankfully, Nodi found me after the trainer who was forced to take me abandoned me. She promised to train me, to help me grow so strong that no one would even care that I am crippled. But that's enough about me--what about you? Why are you here?” I pause before answering. Why [i]am[/i] I here? What made me join this place, other than the promise of hard work that might lessen my urge to fight? “I guess I just want to get stronger...I left my team because they were angry at me for wanting to fight all the time. I just wanted to make my trainer proud, but...” “Tried too hard, eh? I can understand that.” I change the topic, feeling uncomfortable talking about myself. “What about the others? Why are they here?” “Gallant joined us about three months ago. And Snark arrived a couple weeks before you. I know Snark was bullied by a lot of the Pokémon around here, but as for Gallant...I don’t know much about her.” “She seems to hate me,” I comment. “You bet she does," Prior says with another laugh. "You’ll have to earn her respect before she’ll even consider taking the sarcasm level down a notch.” Prior sighs. “Although, she [i]does[/i] seem to have a special level of hatred reserved for you.” I consider this. Her initial demeanor towards me didn’t concern me too much--it was a challenge, and I was ready to meet it. But now...it makes me wonder. How can I prove myself to her, and earn her respect? That is, if I even want her respect... “I guess we should probably get some sleep, like Nodi said,” Prior says. “Gotta be ready for that challenge tomorrow!” “Yeah,” I agree. “Night, Reason,” Prior says. “Night.”[hr][center][color=white]♣ [url=http://q.pokefarm.org/forum/post/355134][color=white][u]Go to next chapter[/u][/color][/url] ♣[/color][/center][/font][/color][/background][/css][IMG]http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2014/208/4/a/riolu_bottom1_by_brookreed-d7si9ib.png[/IMG]

*cough*Alliterative names. But this is pretty interesting... Also, I like how most of the Pokemon are Sinnoh Pokemon, or evolve into Sinnoh Pokemon. Since this is in the Sinnoh region, that keeps it consistent. Absolutely nothing like my FF. I have a family of Zoroark and Zorua living in Hoenn, for crying out loud!

Heh heh, I give alliterative names to Pokémon characters like 90% of the time. Glad you're liking it so far. Heh, I was afraid the chapter length might scare people off. Wow you should see the chapters yet to come, they're huge.

I like it. It's cool. Though one question: Has Reason been 'released',in a sort of way, when he escaped? Or hypothetically, if a trainer suddenly came up here and threw a Pokeball at him, would it work? Or would it just bounce off? I suppose what I'm trying to ask is whether he would be counted as 'wild'. And for some reason, I'm somewhat hoping that Gallant and Reason become buddies/friendly rivals.

Hmmm, to answer your question, I'm not sure, actually. It'd probably be pretty hard to catch him in the first place, considering they're in a fairly secluded part of the region and Reason would probably rather be killed than caught. But, yeah, if it came down to it, he could probably be captured.

[IMG]http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2014/208/c/2/riolu_top1_by_brookreed-d7si9i1.png[/IMG][background=http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2014/208/7/2/riolu_middle1_by_brookreed-d7si9i6.png][css=padding-left:15px;padding-right:13px][color=lightgray][font=Times New Roman][center][size=11]♣ [b]Chapter 3[/b] ♣[/size][/center]The following day, Nodi gathers us outside. The sun shines brightly off the ever-present snow; by now, my paws have grown used to the cold, and my eyes to the glare. “Today we’re going to play a little game. Can you guess what the purpose of this exercise is?” Nodi says. “To show that Reason can’t hope to ever win a battle?” Gallant guesses with a brief glance in my direction. I shoot her a glare and stick out my tongue at her. Nodi shakes her head, ignoring the comment. “This game will serve to improve your speed as well as your quick thinking.” “Who needs speed when you can just sneak up on the opponent?” Snark asks. I glance at the Sneasel. For some reason, he seems to disappear if you don't pay attention to him. It's a bit unnerving, and even more unnerving to see the slash-mark scar across one of his eyes. “A Pokémon with well-rounded stats will be ready for any situation. Now, let me explain how this will work.” Nodi points to a large tumble of rocks that lead up towards the top of a cliff on the mountainside. “At the top of that cliff is a purple flag. Your goal is to claim it.” “That’s it?” Prior asks. “No tricks this time?” “Well, you’ll be competing against your fellow trainees. I have no idea what tricks they have up their metaphorical sleeves.” Nodi tips her head to the side. “Any more questions?” “Ha! This’ll be easy!” Prior declares. I glance at him, and I can see he’s already plotting a course up to the flag with his eyes. “If you’re ready, then...go!” The four of us take off in a flurry of snow. Gallant rushes ahead, with Prior on her tail. Snark is beside me--a moment later, he tackles me, attacking with sharp claws. “The newbie can’t even keep up!” Gallant taunts from the front as I wrestle with Snark, trying to avoid the Sneasl’s strikes. “He’s usele--oof!” Prior has taken advantage of her distraction, slamming into her and sending her skidding off course. Prior leaps onto the first rock in the pile, beginning to climb. Snark leaps off me and races ahead, leaping after Prior. I scramble to my paws and rush after him. Gallant catches up to me, and we race side by side, reaching the top of the first rock together. “You’ll have to do better than that!” I say, and swipe at her with a paw. “Idiot!” In one swift movement she slashes me with the sharp sail on her arm, sending me reeling backwards and crashing down to the bottom of the rock pile. The impact jolts me, and I lay on the ground, the wind knocked from me. My earlier excitement vanishes, and I gasp for air, trying to recover. “Get up, Reason!” Nodi shouts. I cannot. I am frozen, too dazed to move. The others are too far ahead now...I can’t win...I can’t win... “Reason! Get in there! You said it yourself that you wouldn’t quit. I expect you to keep that promise.” Nodi’s voice is encouraging, but firm. I raise my head. I can’t quit now. I have...to get...[i]stronger[/i]. I force myself to my feet as a rush of determination flashes through me, and leap onto the first rock. I am still dizzy, but I ignore the feeling and leap to the next rock, and the next. Up ahead, Snark is in the lead, and Prior and Gallant are close behind, duking it out in a fierce fight. “Here I come!” I shout, rushing towards the two fighting Pokémon. I manage to tackle Prior from behind. As I pin him down triumphantly, however, there is a sudden, blinding flash of light. The Prinplup’s body begins to glow, and the glowing light begins to change shape. In another flash the light vanishes, and towering above me on the rocks is an Empoleon. Prior, now evolved, does not hesitate in my moment of awe and confusion. He slashes towards me with a bladed wing. I leap upwards to avoid the attack, barely managing to dodge. A blur rushes past me, and I can see Gallant still racing for the target. She turns slightly so that I catch the sneer on her face. Prior lets out a cry of anger and a burst of water appears, propelling him towards the Gabite. He opens his beak and shoots a beam of water. The Aqua Jet attack hits home, and Gallant stumbles. I race side by side with Prior now. Ahead, Snark is reaching for the flag. I speed up. I [i]will[/i] win. I slam into Snark, pulling him away just before he can grab the flag. Just before we can both fall from the rock pile, I hurl him away from me, sending him tumbling back down. I was hoping Snark would hit Prior on the way, but Prior dodges and rushes at me. I make a grab for the flag, hooking it over my paw just as Prior barrels into me. We both go crashing down, landing hard on the snow below. I shake my head to try to clear the dizziness, but as I do I feel the flag tugged from my paw. “Hey!” I shout, rolling to my feet as Gallant presents the purple flag to Nodi. “I reached the flag first!” Gallant glances over her shoulder. “There was nothing about reaching it first. It was simply whoever claims it.” Nodi nods once. “Fair enough. Gallant wins!” “What?!” I shout. I had worked so hard, and was sure I would win. I [I]had[/I] won. Gallant had taken my victory from me. Behind me I can hear Prior sitting up slowly. He rubs his right wing. “Oooh, my flipper...” I should be concerned about him, but I can only focus on Gallant and the smug look she wears on her face, holding the purple flag on her claw. “As for you, Prior,” Nodi says. “You performed well.” “You bet I did!” The Empoleon drops his wings to his sides and stands proudly, the sunlight glimmering off his three long, pointed horns. I grit my teeth. That should have been my flag. It [i]was[/i] my flag, [i]is[/i] my flag! I growl softly to myself. Next time I wouldn't be so stupid...I would evolve to my most powerful form and win, just as Prior had done. Yes, that’s what I’ll do. I will evolve and surpass everyone. Then not even Gallant can use cheap tricks like that to beat me. “The newbie is still standing,” Gallant says with a mocking laugh. I lunge at her, attempting to hit her with my paw. She darts nimbly out of the way with a cackle. “You know what I’m going to do, Reason? I’m going to wear this flag so that every time you see me, you remember that I beat you.” She ties the purple cloth around her neck, and then turns her back. “See you later, newbie.” She heads off across the snowy field. I stare after her, glowering. Prior clears his throat. I turn to look back at him, where he is speaking to Nodi. “So...now the important matter. I know I still have more to learn, but...I think it’s time for me to go.” I stare at him. I had only gotten to know him yesterday. I thought we were forming a friendship. Was he saying he wanted to leave--already? “But we didn’t get to train against each other!” I protest. I glance at Snark, who joined us unnoticed. “Snark, help me out, here!” Snark glances at me and shakes his head silently. “Perhaps we’ll meet again someday, Reason. Then we can have that battle.” He turns to Nodi. “Thank you...for all you’ve done.” “You take care, Prior. And we’re always here, if you ever decide to come back. Keep that stiff wing in good shape, just like I taught you.” Prior flexes his wing and then embraces Nodi. “Goodbye...” As Nodi and Snark turn to head back to the cave, I watch Prior as he walks in the opposite direction. I had been hoping to become friends with him--he was the first friend I would have ever made. I wanted us to try to reach our goals together, to get stronger. I guess I’ll just have to get stronger for the both of us now.[hr][center][color=white]♣ [url=http://q.pokefarm.org/forum/post/360854][color=white][u]Go to next chapter[/u][/color][/url] ♣[/color][/center][/font][/color][/background][/css][IMG]http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2014/208/4/a/riolu_bottom1_by_brookreed-d7si9ib.png[/IMG]

[IMG]http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2014/208/c/2/riolu_top1_by_brookreed-d7si9i1.png[/IMG][background=http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2014/208/7/2/riolu_middle1_by_brookreed-d7si9i6.png][css=padding-left:15px;padding-right:13px][color=lightgray][font=Times New Roman][center][size=11]♣ [b]Chapter 4[/b] ♣[/size][/center]“Hey, Gallant, can you pass me those berries?” We are seated at Nodi’s table, eating breakfast before training. Predictably, Gallant ignores me and turns her back. I glare at her, and then stretch across the table to grab the berries myself. I wince slightly--my left paw is bruised from a fight. In fact, my entire body is worn down from all the training. I am covered in bandages--they are always present now, covering me like a second layer of skin. I have the scars to prove how hard I've been working--and how dangerous our fights have become. “Arceus, what’s her problem?” I mutter to Snark, just loud enough so that she can hear me. “First she takes every opportunity to lash out and now she won’t even look at me.” Snark shrugs, and narrows his eyes. “Who knows why anyone does anything anymore.” He stands, and heads outside. I sigh. It’s been almost two weeks since Prior left. Gallant went from outright insulting me to completely ignoring me. Unless we’re fighting--in which case she crushes me in stony silence. But I don’t mind. Nodi’s training is hard, but it is paying off. I can hold my own against Snark now. I’ve been trying to befriend the Sneasel, but he doesn’t seem to have much interest in being friends. He is unnervingly silent and often goes off by himself for long lengths of time. Nodi breaks into my thoughts as she enters the cave with a basket full of berries. She sets them down, and then faces the two of us who remain. “Everyone, we’re going to do a jog through the mountains. Finish up breakfast and be outside in five minutes.” I nod, finishing up quickly. We meet up outside, and Nodi tells us the course. We begin to trot at a steady pace. The constant beat of my paws on the snow lures my thoughts away from the jog. I’ve been trying not to think lately--I know there’s something I’m avoiding. Something feels wrong, as though there is a thought nagging at me that refuses to reveal itself. I try not to think about it, but...I think I miss home. Home...with my trainer, Fern, and her two Pokémon, Bronzong and Wingull. Do they think about me? I try not to think about them. Perhaps they want to forget me, as I try to do with them. I certainly caused them enough trouble, and they don't deserve to have to remember me. I don’t know. “Focus, Reason!” Nodi’s words cut into the thoughts that have been plaguing me all day. Now we have moved on to battle training, and I am facing off against Gallant. She takes advantage of my distraction to throw me to the ground. Hot anger flashes though me, and I press my paws into the snow to stand again. "I won't let you defeat me," I say defiantly as I stand. Gallant slashes down again, before I can fully rise. I collapse face-first into the snow again. “N-not giving up,” I say, shaking as I stand once more. The force within me, all my anger and determination, is rising. Gallant rushes at me again, this time landing a blow to my front. I collapse. But she is not done. She delivers two more powerful strikes, and then finishes with a Dragon Rage attack that sends me skidding across the snow field. I lie motionless as I hear Gallant address Nodi. “I’m done here.” No. No, we are [I]not[/I] done. I have put up with Gallant's insults long enough. Gallant will respect me...she [i]will[/i] respect me. I don’t know why I care. It shouldn’t matter what she thinks. But...this is something I have to do. I have to prove myself. “No...” I place one paw on the ground, and clench the other into a fist. Slowly, I begin to stand. “We’re not d-done, Gallant.” I look up at her. She is still walking away, her back turned. “I...w-won’t...l-let you...beat me.” Out of the corner of my eye, I can see Nodi nodding just slightly. I plant my feet firmly for a moment, and then lunge at Gallant’s turned back. [center]♣ ♣ ♣[/center] Standing on the edge of the field, Nodi and Snark watched as Reason defied all logic and rose, lunging at Gallant's turned back. The Gabite, however, sensed his approach and whirled around to face him. In one blow she sent Reason flying across the snowy field. The Riolu slammed into a large snowbank at the edge of the forest, disappearing from view. Gallant did not hesitate in pursuing the Riolu. As she reached the forest, she leaped upwards and sliced through two trees in a single, fluid motion. The trees crashed down on the snowbank where Reason had landed, obscuring it from view. Nodi and Snark could just make out the words Gallant snarled. “That should teach you...if you have the audacity to even show your face again.” Gallant turned her back and stormed off into the forest. Nodi and Snark looked at each other, their faces expressionless. After a moment, Nodi said simply, “...Snark, dig him out, will you?” As the Sneasel ran off to uncover the Riolu, Nodi shook her head slowly. “We’re running out of places to put bandages on you, Reason...” [center]♣ ♣ ♣[/center] I wake up bound tightly in a fresh set of bandages. My entire body aches. I suppose having two trees collapse on you would do that. Nodi sits quietly in the corner, appearing to be setting berries out to dry. She glances up at me, and sees that I am awake. “Nodi...I need to...to become stronger,” I manage to choke out. “You [I]are[/I] strong, Reason,” Nodi says. She chuckles slightly. "You just picked a bad time to try to attack Gallant." I refuse to be distracted from the point I am trying to make, however. “No, not just strong, but [I]stronger[/I]. The strongest. Will you help me?” “I will, Reason, but I can only give you the skills you need. You must decide how to use them.” I nod, a flame of determination flaring up deep within me. “I’ll take on any challenge you give me. But I need [I]more[/I].” “Then I will send you to one of my old friends, Master Medicham. He does not often take students, but I think he will make an exception for someone as adamant as yourself.” “I’ll train so hard you won’t even recognize me when I get back.” And I will. [center]♣ ♣ ♣[/center] Nodi stood, watching as Snark and Gallant smashed rocks as part of training. Gallant stopped after a moment, and turned to look at Nodi. “Where’s that newbie? Did he give up and run away, too scared to face me?” Nodi responded in a monotone voice. “I sent him to another instructor for a week.” Gallant turned back to the rock she was in the process of demolishing. Quietly, she murmured, “I hope he never comes back...” But it seemed it was only a halfhearted statement.[hr][center][color=white]♣ [url=http://q.pokefarm.org/forum/post/363083][color=white][u]Go to next chapter[/u][/color][/url] ♣[/color][/center][/font][/color][/background][/css][IMG]http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2014/208/4/a/riolu_bottom1_by_brookreed-d7si9ib.png[/IMG]