《The Mercenary Pokemon Trainer》


 I Officialy Hate Dogs

    A gentle breeze blows through the trees with the sound of falling leaves, "five more minutes..." I groan out and reach for the blankets to get warmer. Instead of the nice, soft bed I was expecting I am met with something wet and rough. "What the hell?" Grass. I was laying in an open field of grass.


    I sat up in alarm trying to find where my blessedly comfy bed had gone to. "That''s funny I don''t remember there being a freaking FOREST IN MY HOUSE!" All around me was grass and trees.


    ...Wait where do I live again, in fact who even am I?!


    DING!


    I glance to the ground on my right to find a black phone laying right next to me. I glanced around but I was completely alone in this little clearing. Finally I bend over and pick up the phone.


    On it was a message, it read.


    {Hello, hi, good afternoon, good morning, merry Christmas and happy hannukah! I hope everyone who is getting this message is doing well! and if you''re not I dunno go eat some ice cream or something. Oh wait my secretary just mentioned that some answers as to where you are might help you feel better...or worse. Any who! You are no longer in the world you remember, why? Because I brought you here! Oh but don''t worry this isn''t some fantasy cliche! Nope this is...wait for it...Pokemon! That''s right it exists AND most of you''re beloved characters really do exist here, even, you guessed it...PIKACHU!! Oh you thought I was going to say Ass Ketchup or whatever his name was? HAH! I never get tired of doing that. Well back on topic, as some of you may have already noticed you have no memories related to your personal life. But fear not for this isn''t just a phone it also functions as a pokedex has the priceless world map and it can tell you information on your pokemon! We''ve even thrown in a free pokeball! Aren''t we generous?


    The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    Well that''s all try not to get killed doing something stupid!


    Sincerely, Jester.}


    "...What.The.F@#%!"


    For several more minutes I just cursed at the black phone and ''Jester'' before collapsing on my on my butt completely spent. For several minutes I just sat there until I felt something smooth and round touch my hand.


    Looking down I see a red and white sphere with a black line bisecting the middle. A pokeball. For a moment I consider just leaving it but I know that won''t do me any good. Sighing I pick it up and stuff it in my pocket.


    Glancing around I decide to check the area out a bit to occupy my mind. I don''t even make it three steps before several howls fill the air. A chill runs down my spine and I immediately turn in the opposite direction.


    A screech of pain sounds out even louder than the howls, I knew what it was. A cry for help. A cry of defiance. A cry that says ''I won''t go down without a fight.''


    A foggy memory surfaces of a frail and dirty little boy. The boy is surrounded but he refuses to give in. The boys cry and the birds cry blend together in my muddled mind. I don''t even hesitate, I just turn and start sprinting. Straight for the owner of that voice...and all those howls.

 I Officially Hate Dogs Part 2

    Authors note: hey guys sorry there wasn''t any action last chapter, I was a bit pressed for time so here is chapter 2 posted at almost one in the morning??


    Thorns and branches tore at my shirt and scratched my skin but still I kept on running following the sounds of fighting. after a good five minutes of running I finally arrived in a small clearing where it looked like a full scale battle had taken place.


    The ground and trees were pockmarked with long gashes. However the culprits seem to have moved elsewhere. Stopping completely I focused on just my hearing searching for the sounds of battle.


    For several moments nothing happened and after a minute I began to entertain the thought that the fight had already concluded.


    But just as I was about to give up the sound of a distant crash echoed not too far away.


    Immediately I began the chase anew ziggzagging between trees and over bushes pushing my body to its limit trying to make it in time.


    Finally just as my legs felt ready to collapse beneath me the sound of several growls filled my ears. With the last bit of my strength I burst through the bushes to an unbelievable scene. Mighty tree limbs lay broken and scattered along the ground as if something had crashed into them.


    Next I noticed black and white furred creatures surrounding something in the center of the ruined branches. The creatures walked on four legs and possessed dog like features.


    Mightyena, Pokemon, in that moment it all came crashing down in me. Any feeble denial still sitting in the back of my mind was banished. For a moment I could only stand there in shock unable to process what my eyes were telling me.


    A beaten and bloody skarmory lay in the center of the broken branches three equally beaten mightyena stood in front of it staring down at it. The one in the center growled a command and the two at its sides obeyed leaping towards the downed skarmory.


    The skarmory looked up as if excepting its fate. "Leave him alone!" That is until I barged in ramming my shoulder into one of the midair mightyena and knocking it into its companion.


    Both mightyena went sprawling from the surprise attack combined with their injuries knocked them unconscious. Turning I stood between the injured skarmory and the mightyena leader. Seven threatening growls emerged from behind the leader as the weaker mightyena all took an aggresive stance.


    The leader however simply stated into my eyes unconcerned by the weak little human before him. Slowly I raised my fists making my intention clear. "You wanna mess with him you mess with me you mangy mutt."


    Apparently they didn''t like that as one of the grunt mightyena lunged towards me. Moving fluidly I grabbed it''s open snout with both hands and used its momentum to drive it headfirst into the ground. The whole exchange was over in a second leaving the other grunts too stunned to act.


    This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.


    The leader however didn''t waste anytime and snuck up on me from my blind spot. I only had a second to notice he was missing before a powerful headbutt sent me flying. The air left my lungs in a whoosh as my body went flying backwards.


    I landed with a thud on the ground right next to the skarmory. The skarmory turned to look at me and for the first time I noticed a long scar going from the top of its head over its right eye to the bottom. The eye however remained perfectly fine as it stared at me with a curious gaze.


    I smirked at the hurt Pokemon, "well I got to look cool for a second there didn''t I?" The skarmory made an odd sound that I could only assume was laughter. The moment was ruined by the mightyena alphas paw pressing down on my chest.


    A growl emerged from its throat as it stared into my eyes, it''s teeth bared just inches from my face. "You''ve got some nasty breath my friend." The mightyena alpha paused in confusion for just a moment. A moment was all it took.


    The skarmory''s glowing beak slammed into the mightyena alphas side with enough force to send him flying with a single peck attack. Getting to my feet I watch as the other mightyena glance between the injured skarmory and their leader.


    Finally one decides to try its luck and runs towards us with its teeth bared three more join the first one in a single minded charge.


    The skarmory raises up to its full height and spreads its wings to their full length before waving them forward causing a huge clout to burst forth and blind the charging mightyena


    That was sand-attack! The skarmory wasn''t finished yet though as is closed in and delivered peck after peck to the blinded mightyena.


    I was so distracted I almost didn''t notice as a mightyena clearly larger than the rest stealthily snuck up behind the fighting skarmory. Almost.


    The mightyena lunged forward its teeth turning black to signify it was using the move bite. Time seemed to slow down as the alpha mightyena crawled through the air towers the skarmory''s ungaurded back.


    I only had a single second to react and before I knew it I had the poke all in hand and was throwing it. The ball sailed through the air in a perfect arc before bouncing off the head in its target.


    The skarmory only had a moment to look surprised before the ball opened and a red energy flew out engulfing the skarmory and dragging it into the pokeball.


    The alpha mightyena crashed into the ground where its prey should have been. It''s head snapped around to stare at a small ball as it rolled for a third time. A click resounded throughout the otherwise silent forest.


    "Did I just catch my first Pokemon?"

 A promise for better releases

    I know my schedule isn''t set right now but I promise to get a better schedule worked out for faster releases unfortunately I won''t be able to post today or tomorrow so in return I promise two posts back to back on Saturday and Sunday and maybe even a third chapter again sorry anyone who is disappointed by this I swear I will have a proper schedule worked out very soon

 Dont Poke The Bees Nest

    Authors note: I''m so sorry this came out so late I seem to be making a habit of posting a twelve in the morning. Don''t worry i''ll post the next three tomorrow promise?


    A gentle wind passed through the clearing as four figures stood still frozen as statues all eyes on the little red and white ball sitting innocently on the ground.


    "Did I just catch my first pokemon?"


    The silence was shattered as I voiced my disbelief. Unfortunately it didn''t last for very long as the mightyena alpha snapped back to reality and sprinted full tilt towards the prone pokeball.


    Closer and closer its jaws descended toward the pokeball just a few inches away. It was so close it was going to catch it!


    That is if I hadn''t started running first. I snatched the pokeball up mere centimeters away from the mightyenas jaws. Without stopping I shove the now marble sized pokeball in my pocket and ran for dear life crashing the bushes.


    Seconds later the sound of the three mightyena giving chase reached my ears. "You guys just don''t know when to give up!" I yelled and without warning leapt upward using my momentum to grasp a low hanging tree branch.


    I''m glad I did as I heard the sound of powerful jaws snapping shut where my feet were just a second ago.  Climbing higher I collapse against the top of the tree panting heavily. "Finally a break maybe I can rest my eyes for just a second..."


    The sound of the mightyena''s barking slowly faded as blackness encroached from the edges of my vision. Finally darkness took me into a deep sleep.


    BZZ


    "Mmh five more minutes Enzo." A young boys smiling face filled my minds eye for just a moment before fading away, a forgotten memory.


    BZZ


    What was that?


    BZZ BZZ BZZ


    "What the fu-"


    I was cut off as dozens upon dozens of man sized humanoid bees descended from out of nowhere completely surrounding me.


    [Beep Beep]


    My phone was vibrating in my pocket, without taking my eyes off the swarm of pokemon I reach into my pocket and pull out the phone. Glancing down for only a second what I glanced was enough to make my blood run cold.


    [Beedrill a highly territorial pokemon, beedrill will live in swarms and attack anything intruding on their territory as a swarm.]


    Slowly I reached for the still unnamed skarmory''s pokeball in my pocket. The beedrill swarm subtly moved closer, I moved my hand into my pocket, the swarm was almost in arms reach I grabbed the pokeball one impatient beedrill got little ahead of the rest and raised its giant stinger to pierce me.


    I jumped off the tree.


    Terror beedrill''s stinger punctured the tree trunk I had been standing on barely a second later. While falling I push the button on the pokeball. The ball opens and a red ark of energy shoots out taking the form of a scarred skarmory.


    The skarmory doesn''t hesitate to dive under me as the beedrill swarm closes in. Ten feet, five feet, two feet above the ground skarmory finally closes in and grabs both my shoulders with its bird like feet. My feet brush the grass underfoot as skarmory carries us higher and higher.


    The beedrill swarm follows us like one giant, annoying, yellow cloud. Swerving left and right to avoid the occasional pin missile fired from one of the stronger beedrill.


    We keep flying until I notice that we are getting noticeably closer to the ground. "Hey big guy I hate to be ''that guy'' but I''m pretty sure we don''t want to get closer to the ground."


    The skarmory''s grip on my shoulders tighten as we steadily fall closer and closer to the ground. Something wet lands on my cheek, I raise my hand to wipe it off and see a red substance on the back of my hand.


    My eyes widen and I look up. Sure enough the skarmory''s wounds had reopened. "Dammit I''m sorry big guy I didnt even think about your injuries."


    The skarmory releases a strained cry as if to say it''s just fine. I can''t help but smile bitterly, "I know you are big guy, I know." The ground was now close enough I could touch it with my toes. A second later and skarmory releases me gently while still flying forward a ways before gracefully circling back and landing beside me.


    The beedrill swarm had already caught up to us and slowly blocked out the sun from our eyes with their numbers. "Well I''m not go in down without a fight what about you?"


    The skarmory holds my gaze as it gives a single solemn nod. I grin


    "glad to hear it."


    The swarm was getting close now, almost there, just a little more...


    "Now, skarmory use sand attack!" Skarmory spread its wings wide before bringing them back down again and throwing up a huge cloud of dirt from the ground.


    Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    "Now push the cloud forward with gust!"


    Again skarmory lifted its wings before swinging them back down again only this time powerful burst of wind shot forward blowing the dust cloud forward and severely damaging some of the more impatient beedrill.


    Several of the weaker beedrill fell out of the sky unconscious from the super effective move. The dust cloud had spread to cover up the entire swarm.


    Exchanging glances we both nod our heads before I jump on skarmory''s back and take off into the air. At the exact moment we left the ground dozens of pin missiles landed where we were just standing.


    "Good thing we played it safe there huh?" I said as we circled above the beedrill swarm.


    "Now then let''s start some mayhem, skarmory use wind cutter"


    Skarmory stretched its wings and swung them down causing crescent shaped blades of air to shoot forward and into the top of the blinded and unsuspecting swarm. Several immediately fell out of the sky unconscious landing on top of their brethren flying below them.


    "Nice job lets hit em with another gust!" Skarmory stretched its wings outwards to obey when a lance shaped light suddenly shot out of the cloud followed by several others.


    "Oh Shi-!"


    I was cut off as the pin missiles slammed into us knocking me of skarmory''s back. A pain filled screech filled the air as skarmory took the brunt of the attack for me.


    A memory flashed through my mind of a smiling boy his features blurry and indistinct. Another memory of that same boy crying out in agony while shielding me from something I could not see.


    A single name emerged from the dark abyss that was my memories.


    "Enzo!"


    Suddenly I was back in the present and my body was quickly falling to meet the earth. Instinctively I lash out trying to grab onto anything that will slow my fall.


    My hand suddenly latches onto the leg of a much to eager beedrill. It raises its left hand stinger to pierce me but I pull it off balance by yanking on its leg while swinging back and forth.


    Is stinger misses my back by an inch and rips through my shirt. Without hesitating I grab the stick thin arm connected to its body and pull myself towards its wings.


    I flies around erratically trying hard to throw me off but I won''t have it. I grab antenna on its head and yank it to the right where skarmory landed.


    The beedrill''s body forcefully turns smashing into its comrades surrounding skarmory. With a fierce yell I leap off the beedrills back and tackle the beedrill hanging closest to skarmory midair. We both go crashing to the ground with me on top.


    Quickly I roll to the side just in time to miss the stinger of one of the beedrill and watch it slam into the one I downed knocking it unconscious.


    I jump to my feet and see three beedrill approaching me in a semi circle as two others approach the unconscious skarmory.


    "No!" I pull out the pokeball and point the button on the center at skarmor. Immediately a red beam shoots out and engulfs the downed skarmory pulling it into the safety of the pokeball. Unfortunately this act cost me as one of the beedrill took the or I let my guard down to rush me.


    Time seemed to slow down as I watched its stinger slowly but surely get closer and closer to me. Reflexively I twist to the side but I''m not fast enough to completely dodge it as the beedrill''s stinger slams into my shoulder.


    A burning hot sensation spreads from my shoulder to my head to my feet as the beedrill''s poison kicks in. I collapse all strength gone from my legs. My vision darkens as the beedrill begin to close in.


    "So this is how it ends huh?"


    Dying at the hands of a pokemon isn''t so bad I mean come on how may people can actually claim they died by beedrill?


    "Heh, I''m gonna be the life of the party, Enzo just wait for me..."


    A smile creeps onto my face as my vision starts to go completely dark.


    "Typhlosion use flame wheel!"


    Light fills my dimming vision but it''s like looking through a long tunnel, distant, it''s light unable to reach me. I can almost hear a voice now. However it''s even further than the light.


    "Don''t worry kid we''re gonna get you all fixed up I promise, no way am I letting you die until you show me how you rode that beedrill."


    The voice was deep and powerful but even from the tunnel could hear the warmth and kindness in that voice. The last thing I remember is the feeling of being carried.


    Authors note: sorry there wasn''t much conventional pokemon battling but I mean come on he rode a freaking beedrill next he''ll be rodeoing tauros...probably not...maybe...?

 Whoopsie

Whoops accidentally posted that last chapter twice (cut me some slack it''s almost two in the morning) anyway I would really appreciate it if someone could tell me how to fix that plz? Just put it in the comments section and thx.

 Skarmorys name

    Slowly I begin to withdraw from the darkness and the hazy memories that accompany it. As I do I can hear the sound of machines beeping and deep breathing. Slowly I blink open my eyes to find a blurry white ceiling above my head.


    "I''m alive?"


    The heavy breathing paused and the sound of frantic footsteps occupied from my left. With some difficulty I manage to turn my head to face the noise. Only to come face to face with a scarred, metal bird shaped head.


    "Holy s@$#!"


    I fell of the side of my bed in surprise. With a loud crash I land butt first on the cold tile. The sound of skarmory''s wild cawing laughter is followed by the sound of several feet rushing at the same time. Seconds later the door burst open.


    "Are you okay?"


    Three people stood in the doorway the one in the lead was wearing a white nurses outfit and a white hat with a red plus on it. However the one who really caught my attention was the large ebony skinned man taking up nearly the entire doorway with just his large frame.


    "Move your fat butt Michael I wanna see him to!"


    The man, Michael moved out of the doorway to reveal a short pale skinned girl with long, wild purple hair and electric blue eyes.


    As soon as the girl saw me sitting stunned on the floor with a skarmory standing over me as if to offer a wing up she burst into laughter. Michael although more subdued couldn''t seem to hold on a good natured chuckle.


    The nurse however simply walks over and hooks a surprisingly strong hand under my arm and lifts me up to my feet. As soon as I find my feet I begin swaying dangerously to the side but skarmory is there almost instantly, letting me lean against him.


    " Thanks big guy, I appreciate it"


    Skarmory rubs his beak against my head in affection as if to tell "your welcome." Once I finally get situated in bed again the nurse begins checking my heavily bandaged shoulder. Which I only just now notice is rather bloody despite the bandages clearly being fresh


    "Ahem"


    An aged voice draws my attention to the doorway where a gray haired man in a police outfit stands patiently. As soon as he saw that I noticed him he stepped into the room and took one of the chairs by the door.


    " Hello young man my name is detective Charlie Burnham, I was hoping to ask you a few questions, that is, if the nurse here says you''re up for it."


    The silent nurse simply nodded her head and briskly walked out the door...did I do something?


    " Now then young man if you could you please recall to me how you ended up like this, please leave no detail out no matter how small."


    I carefully looked into the older man''s eyes then glanced to the other two eccentric individuals standing inconspicuously in the corner of the room. I noticed that Michaels hand was close to the belt holding six pokeballs at his side. The girl had both hands stuffed into her pockets, pockets deep enough to fit a pokeball in them.


    This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.


    I let out a sigh, "well it''s not like I have much choice now do I?"


    So I relate everything to them from when I woke up in the forest to waking up here. After hearing my story all three of them have grim looks on their faces. Finally after a long period of silence detective Charlie places his hand comfortingly on my shoulder.


    " I''m sorry your man, this is unfortunately a common phenomenon here. Every year groups of people wake up with fragmented memories a top of the line pokephone and a single pokeball and every time there is the exact same message written by this mysterious ''Jester'' character."


    I nod slowly but truthfully I''m not even really seeing the man in front of me I''m to lost in the abyss that hides my memories. A sudden slap on the back jolts me out of my morbid daze.


    I turn around to see the purple haired girl giving me a wide grin.


    "Sup, sorry I forgot to introduce myself before, I''m Venam and big, tall and ugly over there is Michael btw he''s the one who saved you and carried you here."


    The imposing man walks up when Venam introduces him but turns and gives her a noogie with his giant hand after she finishes speaking.


    "Smart mouthed girl, I raised you well!"


    I smile at the warm scene and reach out to shake Michael''s hand. "Nice to meet you and thanks for the save I didn''t much like the idea of dying to an overgrown bug."


    Michael gives my hand a firm but gentle shake and a friendly grin. "No problem you''re just lucky Venam and I were in the area when it happened...although if you really want to repay me I wouldn''t mind you showing my how you ride on a wild beedrill''s back."


    I return his grin already starting to like this man. "Sure thing just next time let''s not bring the whole hive with us."


    Michael laughs and nods his head in agreement. A weight suddenly settles in my leg and I turn to see skarmory watching us in amusement while resting its head on my leg.


    Venam bounces over energetically and stares straight into


    his scarred eye. "So what his name?"


    "His name?" I look at Venam before gazing into skarmory''s black eyes.


    Suddenly the image of a young boy with a mischievous smile and energetic. Black eyes pops into my head.


    "...Enzo, his name is Enzo."

 Getting My Trainers License

    "Come on already Daniel!"


    "I''m coming i''m coming, hold your rapidashes!"


    One week since I woke up in that clearing and I had already started to use the common slang.


    I open the door to find Michael and Venam waiting outside my hospital room. Venam grins unabashedly looking me up and down.


    "Looking good hotshot"


    I smile completely calm, "thanks Venam."


    Venam mock pouts at my casual response and Michael chuckles. I glance at my reflection in the nearby mirror.


    Short, military cut dark blonde hair sits above a pair of steel gray eyes and a young but chiseled face with features still somewhat soft considering I was still only sixteen or seventeen.


    I was fairly tall standing at a good six feet five inches. Over my bandages I was decked out in a plain black t-shirt that failed to hide the muscles slightly bulging all over my body a simple pair of jeans and black steel toes boots.


    All were generously provided by Michael when I was told last week that I was free to leave the Pokemon centers hospital wing which was also being generously paid for by Michael.


    When I told him I''d pay him back he just laughed and told me if I wanted to repay him to just teach him how to ride a beedrill. He was joking...I think.


    "Well if you''re done admiring yourself we need to be somewhere." Venam said dryly a sarcastic smirk on her lips.


    I smile a little abashedly, "right sorry."


    We leave the Pokemon center to a busy street under the noon sun. The town I have been staying in the past week is called Belwicke town a simple town close to a famous forest called the grand forest, the very forest I woke up in.


    Where we were headed to right now was the branch building of the trainers administration, the only place where one can officially become a trainer. I was headed there not because I wanted to challenge the eight gym leaders and take on the league but I did need a license to catch Pokemon and take on Pokemon related jobs.


    That''s right jobs apparently here they have two forms of currency pokedollars which is used only for things related to Pokemon whereas everything else requires real money.


    So I was headed down to the branch building in order to get my license so that I could take some sort of job involving my partner Enzo.


    "...Is that him?"


    "...Totally he looks just like the guy in the video"


    "...Whoa he''s cute, think I have a shot at him?"


    As we walked to the branch building I could feel the gazes of dozens of people on my back.


    "Uhh hey you guys is it just me or are people staring?"


    Venam immediately straightened, I could practically see the sweat running down her forehead.


    I give her my best piercing stare, "what.Did.You.Do"


    Venam turns around slowly a stiff smile on her face.


    "Well...I may have possibly filmed just a little bit of your fight with the beedrill swarm and I kind sorta posted it on the internet where I sorta hit over ten million views so...you''re a celebrity now hahaha."


    Venam''s explanation ends in awkward laughter as she slowly backs away. I can feel a vein throbbing on my forehead. Michael and I exchange glances and both nod once.


    As one we both turn to look straight at Venam.


    "Hey you guys it was Just a harmless little joke no need to get upset...right?"


    We don''t answer instead we both take a single step forward.


    Venam turns and sprints in the other direction kicking up a cloud of dust behind her, "somebody help me!"


    Like enraged tauros we immediately charge after her. The onlookers simply stood there where we had been standing.


    One girl leaned in to whisper into her friends ear.


    "...so do you think I''ve got a chance?"


    ...........


    (1 hour later)


    "Pant...pant...pant...I...give up...do...to me what...you will...scoundrels."


    Venam dramatically declares while collapsing in front of a large building with an open pokeball on the front.


    Michael and I also collapse on our rear ends panting.


    "Damn how does a girl that thin run so fast she''s got practically no muscle?!" I manage to groan out.


    Venam''s signature grin adorned her face, " heeheehee you cannot possibly imagine the might of the great Vena-"


    "She got her nickname from her terrible cooking her real name is-"


    Michael cuts Venam off mid-sentence only to be cut off himself when Venam starts pounding her small fists on his chest with a red face. Although I doubt it hurt I mean seriously the dude was built like a machamp.


    Venam was satisfied after punching him in the chest a few more times she hopped up and marched into the administration building without a word. Michael chuckled as he got up and followed her. I just rolled my eyes and followed them inside already long used to their antics.


    The inside of the building was even grander than the outside with sea blue walls and beautiful artistry of along the walls.


    When I caught up to Venam and Michael a beautiful young woman in business like attire was speaking to them. When they saw me the woman politely disengaged herself nodded just as politely to me and walked away.


    "What was that about?"


    Venam intertwined her hands behind her head and smirked like always except this time it seemed a little forced.


    "Oh don''t worry about that just some boring elite trainer business something a mere rookie like you wouldn''t understand," Venam replied jokingly.


    Her expression and tone were no different than usual so I decided to chalk it up to my imagination.


    Michael placed a heavy hand on my uninjured shoulder and grinned from ear to ear.


    "I hope your ready because we just finished signing you up now you just have to battle with an official and if you and Enzo show a basic ability to work together you pass."


    I secretly breath a sigh of relief, I love a challenge but if I had to go against someone of Michaels level I''d get curb stomped flat.


    "Awesome then lets get started!"


    I match Michaels grin and follow him as he leads us down a nearby hall and into a large plain room the size of a basketball gym with the classic Pokemon battlefield taking up most of the room. I walk over to the end closest to me and turn to Michael who stands to the side as the referee next to a young boy with thick rectangular glasses and a clipboard in his hand.


    "So who am I facing?"


    Michael smirks and points to the other side of the field where a certain purple haired girl stands proudly with her hands on hips and (small)chest puffed up.


    "Congrats Daniel not many newbies get to say they had the eighth gym leader personally battle them for their test."


    I swear you could hear the crash as all my thoughts suddenly came to a screeching halt.


    "...you''re kidding right?"


    "No, I''m serious."


    "...you''re a gym leader?"


    "...like I said I''m the eighth."


    "....................seriously?"


    "YES!"


    By now I could see the vein throbbing on Venams forehead. Michael had long exploded into a deep belly laugh, it was to the point that I could see tears at the corner of his eyes.


    Venam glared at him with a look that screamed, "traitor!" When she looked at me I suddenly had a really bad feeling.


    Venam had a grin on her face like always but for some reason it sent chills down my spine.


    "I was originally gonna go easy on you and only use one of the Pokemon I caught near the town but now..."


    As she spoke she slowly pulled a Pokeball off of a belt with five other pokeballs attached to it.


    "Lets get some payback Vali!"


    Out of the pokeball came a red arc of energy which took the shape of a purple bat with four wings two bigger ones on top and two smaller ones on the bottom.


    My phone suddenly buzzed noiselessly from its place in my pocket. When I pull it out I see a picture of the very same Pokemon on the screen above a short blood chilling description.


    [Crobat Type:poison and flying]


    [level: 65]


    Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings."...Oh s#*%"


    Venam smirked evilly.


    "Come on then bring out Enzo so we can begin."


    I gulp but and glance to Michael but he just runs the other way whistling innocently. ''Traitor!''


    I sigh resignedly and reach into my pocket and pull out Enzo''s pokeball.


    "I''m really sorry about this buddy."


    I release Enzo from his pokeball in a red arc of energy. When Enzo is released he turns to me and looks at me pleadingly.


    "Sorry dude..."


    Enzo lowers his head in a silent sigh of resignation before turning to face his opponent, staring Vali the Crobat straight in the eyes.


    Michael steps forward a white flag in his hand, "alright the rules are simple all Daniel has to do is prove he has the most basic of ability to battle with his Pokemon, the battle will start when I drop the flag."


    We both nod once Venam with confidence and me with resignation.


    "On my mark...ready...begin!"


    I didn''t waste a moment if we were going down we were going down fighting.


    "Enzo use sand attack!"


    Enzo obeyed and swung his wings with force causing a cloud of sand to kick up and completely cover Vali.


    "Now Enzo take to the air and use air cutter."


    Enzo obeyed and with a powerful flap of his wings shot into the air above the obscuring cloud. Once nine was directly above the cloud Ennzo let loose a crescent shaped blade of air directly into the center of the dust cloud. The air cutter flew through the center of the cloud turning it into a donut shape on a straight path towards Vali.


    With a bang the crescent blade directly struck the top of the crobats head the impact pushed the cloud of dust away and filled the room with dust.


    "As much as I hate to admit it That was a real nice strategy use Enzo''s powerful wings to enhance sand attack into a massive obscuring cloud then use air cutter to do damage-as tiny as it was-and fill the whole room with dust so that I won''t be able to see either, the only one who can see right now is Enzo because the dust cloud can''t reach that high."


    Venam spoke casually as if this didn''t even surprise her at all, I suddenly had a really bad feeling.


    "But..."


    Faintly through the obscuring smoke I could make out Vali''s silhouette raise his wings and casually bring them down, seemingly no different from the other occasional flaps he made to stay in the air.


    Only this time it was much different. A hurricane of wind slammed outwards and pushed the dust cloud completely away. I actually had to dig my feet in a little to stay standing.


    When the winds finally subsided I stared wide eyed at Venam my jaw practically touched the ground.


    Venam bust into raucous laughter, she laughed so hard tears were coming out of her eyes.


    A vein throbbed in my forehead.


    "Enzo close in and use peck!"


    Enzo obeyed immediately and dove head first towards the stationary Crobat. Venam didn''t even bother to look up as Vali casually met Enzo''s diving peck with a slap from one of its wings.


    Enzo went flying like he''d been hit by a car. He only stopped when he crashed into the wall.


    "Enzo!"


    Michael prepared to raise the white flag of Enzo was unable to continue but only a second later Enzo flew out of the small hole in the wall and landed right in front of me.


    A look of grudging respect appeared in Vali''s eyes but Venam just smiled arrogantly. Neither one of them noticed that Enzo had gotten a bit thinner nor did they realize that he had flown out of that hole much faster than when he had taken to the air before.


    Michael however did notice, a michievous grin stretched his lips before vanishing without a trace, as if he never even saw it.


    Venam finally calmed down enough to speak,


    "alright I think that''s-"


    "Enzo dive in for another peck!"


    I quickly speak over her which obviously annoyed her quite a bit.


    Enzo gathers the power in his legs before bursting forward his beak glowing white. He traveled the fifteen foot distance in a second but Vali didn''t even react. He just casually swept his wing down again smashing Enzo into the floor with a bang.


    Venam smiled like the battle was over, "that was a good match for a newbie you definitely-"


    "Enzo use steel wing!"


    I cut her off for the second time in a row which annoyed her to the point of stomping her feet in frustration. Just as she was about to chew me out Enzo sprang up again his body Hausa a little bit thinner than before.


    Venam and Vali''s eyes widened at the same time as Emzo''s glowing wing smashed Vali right on the head. More out of surprise than pain Vali staggers back little.


    Anger soon overshadowed the surprise but before the crobat could do anything a whistle suddenly sounded out startling everyone.


    I turned to the source of the noise to find Michael with a whistle in his mouth and a very amused grin on his face.


    Venam glared at him, "Michael why''d you interrupt we were just getting started!"


    Venam stomped her foot several times as she spoke as if to punctuate what she was saying. Honestly I thought it looked like someone''s reaction to a spider crawling up your leg.


    Michael gave Venam a firm look, "we only needed to confirm if he had a basic ability to battle with his Pokemon and he proved he could from that very first move the fact that he actually got in a hit one you-even if it was only because of your own cockiness-is more than impressive enough for him to get his amatuer trainers license."


    Venam wilted a little under Michaels reproachful words and muttered an apology. I ran over to Enzo who was sitting down in obvious pain. The nearly forgotten boy with the glasses beat me to him however and began administering a potion to Enzo''s injuries.


    A half hour later Enzo and Vali were back inside their pokeballs and Michael Venam and I were simply waiting for the boy to come back out with the license.


    "So Daniel what kind of job are you thinking of taking?"


    Michael asked me out of nowhere after seeing that I was staring off into space, going over the battle in my head.


    I shake my head a little and sit up straight in the bench we were waiting on.


    "I honestly don''t know, something that would let me travel with lots of freedom would be most ideal I guess."


    Michael grinned as if he had been hoping for that answer.


    "In that case I think I''ve got the perfect job for you."


    I give him a slightly suspicious look, it''s obvious he''s been waiting to bring this up.


    "And what would that be?"


    Michael opened his mouth to answer but was interrupted as the boy with the thick glasses walked up to us with what looked like a credit card in his hand.


    "Sorry for the wait sir here is your amatuer trainers license."


    Four eyes as I''ve decided to call him-since I don''t know his real name-hands over a red plastic card, on the card is a picture of me with eight empty squares under my picture stretching from the left of the card to the right. Next to the picture and above the squares is simple information name, age, when i got my license, occupation.


    ...wait why was occupation already filled out?!


    Slowly I turn to stare at Michael who had a suspicious amount of nervous sweat on his forehead.


    "Michael.What.Did.You.Do?"


    The exact same words I spoke to Venam I aimed at Michael.


    Under my gaze Michael drooped his giant shoulders a little a nervous smile on his face.


    "Now now Daniel no need to make such a scary face it''s just that I thought it rather suited you and besides it fits with what you were hoping for in s job doesn''t it?"


    I ponder his words for a moment before looking at my license again.


    Right there next to occupation in crisp white letters it said mercenary grunt.


    AN: sry I was gone all week my schedule is really rediculous right now but in the bright side we''ve finally finished the prologue arc, now the real fun can begin!


    <hr />


    I know there are a lot of mistakes I had quite a bit of trouble getting this chapter out for some reason but I promise the next one will be written much better than this

 Dont worry Im not dead

    Hey you guys I know I know I''ve been gone a REALLY long time now and I''m very sorry about that, don''t worry though I''m never going to drop this story and I''m gonna try to finally get this next chapter up this following weekend.


    I''ve been using my phone to post up until now so the stories always seemed deceptively longer than they really were so this next chapter is gonna be much bigger than the others.The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    Also please tell me what kinds of Pok¨¦mon you would like to see, I can''t promise that I will use all of them but there are a lot of characters in this story so that means there''s plenty of room to fill.


    Once againI''m sorry for being gone so long and thank you guys for being patient with me.

 Settling In Making Plans And Punching Punks

    "Laaaaateeeeeeer"


    Venam waved her hand energetically as her purple hair blew in the wind atop her crobat Vali''s back. Michael and I return her wave as she quickly becomes a dot in the sky.


    "So that woman in the glasses was a messenger from the league?"


    I turn my question to Michael beside me as we begin walking towards the pokemon center. Enzo flew above us his blade like wings spread wide, a flock of taillow playfully flew all around him with a motherly swellow watching contently nearby. Michael takes a moment to observe the view above our heads before turning his head to glance at me, "yeah gym leaders get called away pretty often which is why you are more likely to meet a gym trainer or the substitute instead of the real thing."


    "i see...so what does she have to do anyways?"


    Michael didn''t answer but just gave me a look that said everything. I raised my hands in a sign of acquiesence and we continued our walk back in silence. When we arrived a few minutes later Enzo did one last loop in the air before giving a loud screech goodbye to the energetic taillow and dropping into a perfect nose dive, pulling to a stop beside me at the last second. He looked at me with his beak held high as if to say "yeah loser I did that."


    "Show off," Michael muttered just loud enough to be heard. I being the more eloquent between the two of us simply smiled charmingly at my partner...and proceeded to flip him off, truly masterful social skills whoever my Ma was she taught me well.


    Enzo just raised his beak higher as if our actions were beneath his notice. Michael chuckled in his usual fashion as we made our way inside the pokemon center where a cute blonde nurse was waiting for us with a cheery looking chansey smiling at us behind her. The blonde nurse stepped forward still wearing her sweet smile as she opened her mouth.


    "Danny it''s good to finally see you off your lazy ass!"


    ...Despite her sweet appearence i''d learned never to underestimate this girls mouth, she could make a sailor blush and I mean that literally, once a sailor who was handing over his water pokemon for some healing got a little to friendly, she cussed to the other side of town before sweetly reminding him to come pick up is pokemon in the morning when her shift was over, I swear I saw his corphish laughing.


    I shook myself from my reverie to smirk at her as we approached closer. The chancey behind her who was already long used to her trainers personality met us halfway and began inspecting my healing shoulder despite there still being my shirt and bandages in the way. A soft glow lit Chanceys fingerless hands as she used healing bell to speed up the wounds healing.


    When she was done she patted me on the back in a motherly way and returned to her trainers side.


    "Nice going there girl I think Danny is all healed up now!"


    The cheery nurse gave her Chancey a fist bump that was totally at odds with her earlier motherly persona.


    "Not that I''m not grateful or anything but why couoldn''t you have just healed me the moment I got here, you know aside from the beedril poison?"


    The nurse sighed and walked in front of me to pat my head like a confused child I would have been annoyed if she didn''t have to stand on her tiptoes to do this giving me a clear view of her...nametag. Apparently this did not escape her notice as she suddenly wrenched my ear painfully to the side until my head was level with hers.


    "And where do you think you''re looking mister?"


    The smile that was not a smile on her face spoke of imminent danger to my wellbeing of I didn''t answer to her liking. Putting on my best smile I said to her, "why i''m just admiring the beautiful golden color of your lovely name Ashley."


    BANG


    The sound of a tray hitting my head resounded throughout the pokemon center taking the notice of several relaxing trainers as I crouched while holding my aching head. Chancey smiled innocently behind me with a dented tray in her hands.


    I glared at Ashley while rubbing my head, annoyed and agrieved I said, "what kind of nurse harms her patients?"


    Ashley just smiled innocently with big doe eyes and said, "why I didn''t hit you Mary did, your nose looked a little to long so we decided that a good smack to the head would fix that right up, didn''t we Mary?"


    Mary the chancey nodded with her usual bright smile on her face. Michael was laughing off to the side with Enzo obviously enjoying themselves at my expense.


    "But to answer your earlier question it''s because the human body''s healing process can only be sped up, trying to heal it all at once would only make it worse."


    I nodded my head in understanding but really I was just trying to get her to keep talking before she decided one smack to the head wasn''t enough. Michael finally finished laughing and walked up to us placing a hand on my shoulder as he did so.Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.


    "Well I think it''s about time I showed you where you''ll be staying, i''ve got tons of room at my house so you can crash there for now."


    Michael and I bid farewell to Ashley and Mary as we began walking down the street towards the small residential area. I''ve asked Michael before about the layout of the small town we''re in but he says he lost his map. Enzo was walking along besides us the scar on his right eye especially obvious with the sun reflecting off it.


    Iwas curious about the story behind that especially considering how surprised Michael and Venam were when they saw it but I decided not to pry, besides it''s not like he''d be able to tell me about it anyways.


    As we walk the midday sun sits high in the sky leaving behind some lingering summer heat. Michael seems interested in a nearby hide and seek game between two floette in a flower garden when he suddenly turns to me as if he just realized something.


    "Hey i''ve been meaning to ask you this but what do you plan on doing for your first job as a mercenary trainer, I mean with a strong flying type like Enzo you could probably fly down to Spinel town in a day and visit the mercenary guild branch in the pokemon center."


    I continue watching the two floette play as I ponder how to answer his question. Finally after severzl moments of silence I answer him.


    "...I don''t really know, right now I guess i''m just trying to adjust to everything you know?"


    Michael nodded his head in understanding and we continued our walk in contemplative silence. The truth is I was very interested in going out and seeing the world but...well i''d never admit this but obviously i''m scared I mean I almost died within my first day. I realize that pokemon aren''t all as bad as my first encounters but I also realize that they aren''t quite as gentle and caring as my old world made them out to be and I never wanted to feel the pain of a beedrill stabbing me ever again.


    Still I couldn''t stay here forever I needed to ge out and se the world if at least to get some experience under my belt. My musings were suddenly cut short by the suspicious sight of two shady looking muscular guys standing in front of a conspicuously dark alley. I decided to mind my own business however, I had intentions of getting shanked by some grunt in a gang.


    Michael seemed to agree and we continued on our way...that is, we were going to but I suddenly noticed that a conspicuous metal bird was not with us. I turned just in time to see the two punks get knocked on their backsides as Enzo rushed past them.


    "Enzo!"


    I sprinted after my partner Michael hot on my heels, we rushed past the still dazed punks and sprinted into the alley in time to witness a disturbing scene Enzo was standing menacingly in front of two intimidating looking people but that''s not what caught my eye, what drew my attention was the badly bruised form of a shiny treeko huddled in the corner a menacing rhyhorn towering over it.


    Both men then noticed our arrival and I finally took a moment to study them, one was short and skinny with torn black clothes and way to many piercings in his face two rattata sat on each of his shoulders hissing menacingly at us. The other one was the exact opposite with neat and simple blue jeans and white t-shirt over a muscular frame a plain face with menacing green eyes stared me straight in the eyes. The first to break the silence was the muscular man.


    "Well it seems those two dipshits really are good for nothing but whatever it''s fine I guess, now then friends as you can see we have a very rare pokemon here and i''d rather not let things turn ugly so if you could just turn back the way you came and-"


    Enzo cut him off with a swing of his blade like wings, the man stepped back fearfully, losing his composure for a moment. The rhyhorn didn''t seem to appreciate that as it ran in between its trainer and Enzo growling low in its throat menacingly. The skinny one suddenly stepped forward indignation written across his face.


    "How dare you the boss was just being polite and you so rudely attack him like that!" The incensed lackey went on a rant but I wasn''t listening I was staring intently at the shiny treeko but I wasn''t seeing it, I was seeing another image one of a little girl covered in bruises backed up against a tree three older boys grinning menacingly as the heavy rain drenches them.


    The girls brathing is ragged and her left eye is swollen shut but the defiance never leaves her eyes for a moment her fists are still raised ready to take on all three of her opponents despite being outmatched. The memory and reality begin to distort until I can''t seperate one from the other.


    I step forward a heaviness in my step that wasn''t there before. As I draw closer the no name lackey finally notices me and begins spewing abuse at me.


    "And where do you think you''re going oal, what you think just ''cause all I got are two rattatas I can''t take you ''c ause if you do then-"


    He never got to finishes as I walk within arms reach, suddenly I raise my fist, all I can see are those three menacing smiles and the girl with her fists still raised. My fist descends in a perfect right hook landing squarely on the lackeys jaw. A loud crack resounds throughout the alleyway as the lackey goes flying throwing his two rattata off his shoulders and landing in a heap in front of the surprised gang leader.


    I ignore all of them and just keep on walking forward closing the distance between me and the half conscious treeko. Suddenly the rhyhorn blocks my path with heavy footsteps a menacing growl in its throat. For the first time I stop, a look of arrogance flashes in the rhyhorns eyes. Suddenly I move my eyes away from the treeko and for the first time look the rhyhorn in the eyes.


    The large pokemons eyes widen for reasons unknown to it as a chill descends on its body like a thousand icy cold hands. I take in a breath as my heartbeat fills my ears after a moment I break the silence with a single word.


    "MOVE"


    That one word seems to fill the entire alley way echoing against the walls like a dark premonition, all defiance flees the rhyhorn as fear fills its eyes, without even glancing at its trainer the rhyhorn bolts in the other direction instinct driving it to run far far way, the man calls out to his fleeing pokemon demanding it to return. I ignore all of this and simply keep moving forward until finally I stand before the hurt treeko, but in my eyes I see two overlapping images, one of a defiant young girl glaring with anger the other of a badly hurt treeko only half conscious but that gleam of defiance still bright in its eyes.


    Slowly I bend down until I am able to touch it, but I don''t instead I smile calmly my hands at my sides.


    "You''re okay now you can rest, you''ve definitely earned it."


    The little treeko raises its head to look me squarely in the eye before finally letting its head drrop succumbing to the embrace of unconciousness