Catching up with Chris - From Sequel To Trilogy!

[Chris 2.1]

CHAPTER FOUR! WHOOHOOWHOOHOOWHOOHOO!



hope you enjoy! PS: Teddy, glad you liked the extract!

Chapter Four
A crush-clawing defeat
By Brit Chris

Chris

It's been a rough week. I've been in bed, and although I feel fine my Mum's going ballistic over my condition. I think she's expected me to go green or something. The family are convincing Grandma I have a migrane; women at 72 don't usually handle drug mistakings well at all. She was trying to use leeches on me, but I wasn't going to get sucked dry! I've been in bed, resting. Resting from the scare. In McDonalds, they've been putting cocaine into their McNuggets, and as I wolfed loads down (you get a free trading card...) I've been exposed to the drug. Seviper, and my other Pokemon who have eaten the McNuggets (I can't remember which ones that is, though; they're getting scanned soon) will also be exposed. The door creaked, and Grandma's old fat Skitty sulkily plodded into my room.

"Reear!" She cried. The stupid thing. Unfortunately, all my Pokemon were in the reserve so I had no way of repelling this evil cat. I lay in my bed as the cat slinkily paced towards me. It hated me. Seriously, it did. It pounced, but as it did, Suzie rushed into my room, Sunflora by her side. Sunflora cast a Sleep Spore, which lulled the cat to sleep. It smacked the floor quickly.

"You ok?" She asked.

"Fine, thanks" I said weakly.

"Seviper's still at Whitney's house" Suzie said. Her voice was very shaky. "Dad's ringing some Lawyer's up; he wants McDonalds shut down...but I think he might settle for a large wad of cash. Tim's gone to the park with Mum, Grandma and Brett"

Brett came home about four days ago. He was 21, and pretty broad. He had scraggy brown hair, lovely hazel eyes and a nice, beaming smile He was really clumsy. Olivine City had re-elected Jasmine as their leader, and the Pokemon League comittee moved Brett from his position. They did, however, send him to the brand-spanking new Gym in Pontarico Industrial Estate. He worked there now, but had a day off.

I lay in my room. The curtains were still drawn. The squares of cream colour projected the daylight into my room, so we weren't cast into darkness. The door, which was ajar, was at the opposite end of the room to my Bed. I had a poster of Good Charlotte, my favourite band, as well as a poster of the Elite Tournament, with Lorelei, Agatha, Bruno, Will, Karen, Koga, Phoebe, Sidney, Glacia and Drake surrounding a stadium. I wasn't good enough for that kind of tournament, and knew it myself. I didn't want to try my luck if I knew the result.

"I have to go, I've got work soon" Suzie said kindly. She worked at a car showroom, surprisingly, and was training as a mechanic. How strange. Tim didn't do much apart from watch Lord Of The Ring's, he had the special edition DVD which had about fifteen weeks of extras. He wasn't a geekazoid nerd, I still thought Tim pretty cool, but he was a lazy slob. Suzie walked out the room with Sunflora to change into her 'work clothes', leaving me all alone. I sat in bed. My eyes scanned the area for my TV remote, but it was miles away, I couldn't reach. I sighed heavily, before dropping off to sleep.

*

Brett

"It's too windy!" Grandma screeched. "FLAAFFY! GET MY HAT!"

Grandma's Flaaffy, greying and weak, plodding after the flowery fruitbowl that was Grandma's formal hat. The wind was very strong, and our trip feeding the ducks had turned sour. Tim and me endured the harsh gales. Mum seemed to be doing Ok, too, but Grandma was losing her hat, then her bag, then her hat again and then her glasses, somehow.

"This blows" Tim muttered to me.

"I have a ticket out of here, though" I smirked. I got my phone from my bag. "Hello? What? A challanger?"

This had drawn attention. Mum, who was supporting Grandma, listened as I went on. Tim's grin looked disapointed.

"Well...I was having a day off" I went on. "Urgent? Oh, I didn't realise! Well, no match is more important than my family"

"No, honey" Mum began. "We'll be Ok, go on to your Gym"

My mind cheered.

"Ok, new plan sir" I said. "I'll be down at the Gym in about an hour"

I put my phone away, even though I hadn't got a call.

"Well, it's been great today. I'll be home by about 7" I said kindly. "Goodbye, Grandma!"

"TIM! YOU'VE GROWN!" Grandma cried. Mum comforted her hysteria. Tim and Mum bid farewell to me as I gripped a Pokeball. I released it, and my big Skarmory appeared. He let out a healthy screech as his metallic wings flapped dust away. I clambered onto his back and shot off into the air, the clouds whipping into my face. Although I loved Grandma, and although I loved her toffee, spending time with her was such a chore!

*

Lewis

We walked down the road. Busted played through my yellow headphones. I strummed the beat on my leg.

"And I'm glad I crashed the wedding,
Nah-nah-nah regretting,
Nuh-nuh-nuh-nuh nuh, nuh-nuh-nuh nuh-nuh, he didn't wanna have a second name"

My Pokemon were all in their balls. I had actually sold my Slaking to the zoo for $100! I'll never have this much money AGAIN, I swear. I bought a nice watch, it had a fourth hand on for time travel...or something. I also bought a new backpack. The road leading away from Pontarico slowly wound towards my destination, which was the Gym on the Island. It had opened very recently, and since I've already competed in the Miami League AND had two badges from Hoenn, I felt strong enough to win.

The gym was a square shape. It was metallic silver. The words 'Gym' were above, in orange lettering. I approached the doors, when they both opened for me. I leapt back in shock. Cautiously, I crept inside, expecting a pitch-black room. However, I was greeted by a friendly reception area, with canary yellow and candyfloss pnik wallpaper. A lady typed behind a desk, while shouting the name of a trainer.

"Gentry, Mathew"

The boy, who looked 18, got up. He was very tall. His black hair was styled with wax. He wore jeans and a zip-up jacket. Mathew paced towards the staircase and walked down to face the Gym Leader. I took a seat and waited for my name to be called. As I waited, a girl walked in with a Jynx by her side. The two booked a battle and took a seat.

The cog's that powered my mind clicked and whirred as I began to think about whom to use against the Gym Leader. I didn't know the type, and besides, most Gyms used theme teams, they were awfully popular. That's why it really helped having a balanced team. I had dark, normal, grass, water, normal and fighting, as well as my egg. I wonder what it will hatch into?

About twenty minutes later, Mathew walked up the staircase.

"I won" He said, grinning at me. He clasped the badge in his palm. I couldn't see it. "Good luck mate"

Mathew walked out the doors and disapeared. I looked up at the receptionist, who called out:

"Adams, Lewis"

I leapt off my chair. My heart pounded happily. I paced towards the staircase and walked down the staircase. It was a spiral one, so I kept going round and round. The view from above disapeared, and as I walked, noticed that I was in almost pitch-black. I stopped. Staring above, I saw a velux window shining a patch of light on few of the metal stairs. I kept going. Soon, as I walked off the staircase I came to a shiny silver arena with red linings. A man stood at the other end. He had brown, scruffy hair and green eyes. He was about Mathew's size. He wore a pair of black jeans, with white stitches, and had a navy blue hoody on, the hood down.

"Lewis?"

"Y-yes" I replied shakily.

"Four Pokemon a side, that Ok?" The leader asked. I nodded. "I'm Brett, the Gym Leader. Let's rock"

Although we were bathed in light, more floodlights came on. Brett grabbed a great ball and threw it forward onto the arena. It opened mid-air and released the white energy, which formed into a large, dinosaur-like Pokemon. It had strange eyes.

"Armaldo" Brett cried confidently.

"I choose you, Lotad!" I cried, releasing Lotad from his Pokeball. Lotad screamed as he made eye contact with Armaldo. Brett looked confident. "Use water gun, Lotad! GO!"

Lotad leapt into the air and shot a stream of water out his mouth. Brett didn't even issue an attack. Armaldo was struck in the chest by the attack, but barely moved. He was forced back a small distance, but leapt forward and stomped the ground, causing a tremour. Lotad was hit. Armaldo began roaring loudly.

"Armaldo, crush claw" Brett snapped. Armaldo ran along the arena and grabbed Lotad. He then squeezed as hard as he could. Lotad was screaming loudly as he could as Armaldo gripped onto his fleshy body. "Armaldo, seismic toss, hyper beam combo"

Armaldo spun around a few times, Lotad still in his grip. He released Lotad, who soared into the air. From there, Armaldo released an orange beam of energy that flowed from his mouth gracefully. The beam hit the target, causing Lotad to drop limply from the sky. It smashed against the steel floor and twitched once, twice and once more. Armaldo stood over the Pokemon.

"Recall it, Lewis" Brett told me. "It's unconcious"

I grabbed his Pokeball and shot the beam at him.

"I'm sorry, Lotad!" I cried. Putting the ball away, I selected the next. "Try your luck, Meditite!"

Meditite formed from the light. He began practising a few punches. I cut in with the first attack. You see, I bought a book on battling. The first attack is always the decider. "Meditite, go for jump kick!"

Meditite leapt into the air, leg tucked into body. Roaring, he smashed his leg into Armaldo, who took the damage with force. Armaldo then rpared and forced his pick-like claw down at Meditite, but he leapt out the way. Meditite continued to leap out the way of Armaldo's stomps. Angered, Armaldo blasted a hyper beam at the floor, which Meditite had evaded.

"Great!" I cried. "Psybeam!"

From his palms, Meditite blasted a rainbow-coloured beam of energy. It reflected off Armaldo's shiny coat and smashed the ground. As Meditite leapt back, Armaldo stomped forward. He blasted another hyper beam and hit Meditite. He flew through the air and hit the ground heavily. I considered recalling him, but he sprang back up. Meditite sprang into the air and launched a focus punch, but it didn't do much damage at all. Armaldo swiped his claw and sent my Pokemon hurtling to the ground again.

"Meditite, go for a jump kick NOW!" I cried hotly. Meditite shook the damage off. Jumping, he forced his foot into Armaldo's face, and suceeded, Armaldo stumbling back. Meditite then launched an ice punch and hit Armaldo again. Unfortunately Armaldo hadn't been frozen, but took a lot of damage. Meditite, after dealing lots of damage, was pepped up and leapt high again.

"Yes!" I cried. "Attack with a psybeam again!"

"It won't work" Brett snapped. "ARMALDO! Blast furnace"

Glowing, Armaldo began roaring uncontrollably.

"It's ok!" Brett re-assured him. "Keep it up!"

It's body began to brim with heat, and red energy. It looked as if Armaldo, heating itself up somehow, was in extreme pain. It began staggering around wildly. It's metalic armour was flashing red and orange as he began to look up. He stared at the ceiling as the reddish glow fully eveloped his shiny body. Roaring, a large plume of flames soared into the air, before diving down at Meditite. It was continuous, as Armaldo was still supplying the heat for the attack. Meditite screamed its name as it was thrown into the air and slapped down to the ground. I watched on, concerned for him.

"Meditite's down" Brett told me sternly.

"Oh...umm...yes"

I took the ball in my hand, but hesitated for a second. I'd watched my idol, Ash Ketchum, and when his Pokemon were beaten up they managed to evolve to win. I stared at Meditite longingly.

"Meditite...come on, you can pull off another ice punch" I said gently. His body was charred and he looked awful, dare I say it. His eyes were closed and his breathing heavy. "Please, we're a team"

"Recall it" Brett snapped. "He's very hurt!"

"Ok, ok. Meditite, I want what's best for you, so if you can find the strength, we can win -

"RECALL YOUR ****IN POKEMON NOW!" Brett roared. "IT'S UNCONCIOUS FOR GODS SAKE!"

I sniffed as I recalled Meditite. TWO unconcious? Not for long. I sneakily clutched my next Pokemon and released it. The ball opened and from the burst of flashing, morphing white light, my powerful Shroomish formed.

"Shroomish, shroom"

"Haha! Show this thing how we battle" I said admirably, clenching a fist. Shroomish nodded.

"Armaldo, it's a weak one...AGAIN" Brett sighed, rolling his eyes. "Use an iron tail"

As its large, spiked tail flashed, Armaldo sent it swinging around. Shroomish crouched (as if that's possible), and leapt high, evading the attack. In mid-air, he blasted some razor-sharp leaves through the air. They repelled off Armaldo's coat. Shroomish then landed, and blasted a stun spore from the spout on his head. It whirred around the arena very quickly and soon, Armaldo inhaled it.

"Armaldo?" Brett questioned. His Pokemon had been frozen stiff. "ARMALDO!"

"HAHA!" I cried. "Great job, Shroomish!"

"Return" Brett growled. He recalled Armaldo and put the ball away. FINALLY, he was taken down.... Brett, however, grabbed another Pokeball, this one metallic silver on the top, and hurled it forward. After hitting the floor, the ball flew up and released the Pokemon. I'd seen it before, but knew not of its name. It had large steel wings and massive, clenchable talons. It gave a screechy cry.

"Skarmory's no pushover" Brett told me.

"Shroomish, another stun spore!" Came my cry.

As Shroomish's top opened and he blasted the thick, orange cloud into the atmosphere, Skarmory flapped high into the sky. Cawing again, it flapped its large wings with extreme force, sending the stun spore shooting back to our end of the arena. I began coughing heavily, but it soon dispersed. Skarmory then shot down to Shroomish, preparing for an attack. It smashed into my Pokemon and forced it back. Shroomish toppled over and looked pretty dazed. We had to keep going...

"Shroomish, try a solarbeam!" I yelled. The tip of Shroomish's head glowed as a green orb formed. Energy was leeched from the surrounding area and added to the ball, making it slightly bigger each time. Skarmory watched with Brett. Soon, Shroomish blasted the refreshing, green beam at Skarmory. His expression looked as if he was deep in concentration. It smashed into Skarmory's left wing, but it barely even moved. It then flapped high into the air.

"Steel types are resistant to grass" Brett told me, his voice low and contemptuous. "STEEL WING"

Wings sparkling silver, Skarmory tore through the air and sliced into Shroomish. The force sent Shroomish flying back into my arms. He had a large gash on his side. I pulled his Pokeball out and recalled him as Skarmory circled the sky. It then landed infront of Brett.

"Got anything else?" He asked. "Look, Lewis, this match is over"

"Not yet!" I cried hotly. "I have another Pokemon left!"

"It won't be a match for Skarmory, or my other two pokemon"

"How do you know?"

"I can safely guess" Brett said firmly. "Rules state I have to accept any challanges, which I have, and they also state I can end a match if I feel I am prolonging the inevitable, IE my opponent being too weak or too powerful. Please, just leave"

I looked into his eyes. He watched me with a determined look, but his voice seemed sympathetic and kind. What a contrast. I sniffed slightly and turned, leaving the arena and wandering up the spiral stairs. As I sniffed more, a pearly tear rolled down my face and down my cheek. I kept my hand clamped onto the banister as I patrolled up to the waiting room, where I had to face those people.

*

I came out the Gym and looked down the gravel path leading to the docks. The ships went to another Island in the distance, I think. I saw Krystal and Adam walking down the road happily. Krystal had released a Swablu, which flew in the skies with a Swellow which was Adam's.

"Hey there!" Krystal said happily.

"Hi" I mumbled.

"How did you do at the Gym?" Adam asked.

"Lost" I sighed.

"Nevermind, Gym's are supposed to test your strength" Adam said kindly. "Keep training and go back someday...teach that guy a lesson"

"I will" I said, my mouth turning to a smile. I wandered down the road and left those two to their happy thoughts. Brett wasn't going to win next time, not once my egg had hatched....

*

Chris

Today was drab. I'm feeling a little bit better. I came downstairs in my dressing gown and just watched daytime TV. Wobbuffet made me a get well cake, and even iced an ecstacy pill on the top, but unfortunately Grandma's Skitty wolfed it down with her pestery Taillow. Taillow had, in fact, broken out its cage, and when Mum, Grandma and Tim came back from a day out, Grandma assured Mum that Wobbuffet opened the cage, despite the fact the only key was tied around Grandma's ingrown toenail.

A few hours later, Brett had come back from another 'hard day at work'. He told me he was battling Lewis today, and that he whupped him to pieces. He also battled Rika, the Miami League Champion. She had been so strong and kept her Champion post for three years now, and was currently doing training to become a member of an Elite-style league in the North. Apparently she was very strong when battling Brett; He told me she used Ninetales, the same one that wiped me out in the Miami League finals, as well as a Gengar, Ampharos and a Medicham. Brett's standard was 4-4's; he used an Armaldo, a Skarmory, a Scizor and a Mawile. Mawile wasn't actually as weak as people made out; Brett's was very powerful; it had grown to 3 feet, and knew Hyper Beam. It was awesome.

Tim was outside with his Pokemon; he had caught a Houndour a year or so ago, and the two were running around with his Hitmontop. Tim really wanted Houndour to evolve, because Houndoom were the ultimate in cool Pokemon. I doubt it will; Houndour are rare, and Houndoom are even rarer. They take a very long time to evolve. Suzie came through from the Kitchen with a glass of Peach Juice and sat down next to me.

"How are you?"

"Fine"

"Your Pokemon seem to be Ok" She began, sipping the thick drink. "Although Dustox is a little drowsy... Thing is, most the immediate effects will have gone now, but there may be traces in their blood"

I noticed Suzie never mentioned "Cocaine" or "drugs"

"Jodi and Whitney came round this morning, when you were asleep. They brought Seviper"

"How is he?" I asked. I had been asleep till about 3PM.

"Very subdued. I think he's depressed" Suzie replied all-knowingly, taking another sip of her peach juice. I've tried that stuff, but it's too thick for my liking.

I stared out through the french windows. I could just see the reserve behind our Garden, with a load of Pokemon running around happily. I sighed. Dad was currently on the phone, ringing our Lawyer, Mrs Malarky. Why we have a Lawyer I have no idea, but she was apparently very professional. I thanked Dad as he talked. Mum was making tea, until Grandma started adding sugar until the Korma turned a sickly black colour and began shooting sparks. I turned my attention back to the TV.

*

"CHRIS! CHRIS!"

Suzie charged into my room. The door burst open as she handed me an envelope.

"Why are you shouting?" Came my inquisitive cry.

"I saved it from Houndour" Suzie said. "And he's quick"

I was worried, for a brief moment that sunday morning, that I had awoke to bed news. I took the envelope and ripped it carefully, before taking the letter out and unfolding it.

"Mr Haruka...blah blah...congratulations...surprise, random blood tests for three random Poke- OH MY GOD!

I raced out my bedroom, letter clutched in hand.

[CharizardILG27]

Gah, a cliffhanger!! Good chapter, a phew grammer mistakes but nothing bad. I wonder what the letter is about...cliffhangers make me crazy

[DannyBoy]

That was a great chapter! Brett was a real jerk to Lewis. I hope Lewis goes back and wins big time. I wonder what will happen with that letter, Chris got either excited or freaked out cant really tell. What ever it is, I cant wait to find out. The congrads and blood test thing makes me wonder whats with that. There was a few typos but nothing to worry about, Keep it up!

[Dragonfree]

You know, I find this type of cliffhangers more exciting than the live-or-die type (because I've never come across one where the character hasn't lived). This offers too wide a range of possibilities, I've already started making up theories that are probably each more wrong than the other...

Great job, Chris.

[Chris 2.1]

Charizard: I apologise for the grammar; this document i use has no spellcheck 0_o;; so....I can't be perfect ^_^;; I tried explaining the cliffhanger, yet at the same time it does indicate what its about.....meh, i'm confusing myself ^^

Xtina: Yea, but at the same time Brett is, in a sense, trying to look after Lewis' Pokemon by refusing to fight.... This guy has been introduced as a jerk, yea, but we'll see if that changes. Do you really think Lewis can beat Brett?

Dragonfree: Hehe yea, a very confusing and intriguing type ^^ I'm sure you'll have fun thinking up possinilities for this while I type Ch5!



Chapter five is already 1/4 done, approx, and it features a scene I'm very proud of in an alleyway. No more on that, but It's very nice to have written and planned out! It's scaary tho...

[Drade130]

Excellent as always. You know, from the first FRTC to the Indigo Road, to Monica's Army, and now to this, I can really tell how your writing skills have matured. I read back to the older ones and then read this. You really have changed, for the better of course!

[DannyBoy]

Well it really all depends. If the egg hatchs soon and its a fire type he might be able to or if he trains a bit more he could. Anything can be possible but I have a feeling he will win next time with a new pokemon or some of his others will evolve.

[Dragonfree]

Well, the egg isn't very likely to hatch, it's a Silcoon, remember?

[DannyBoy]

Oops my bad, sorry its been a long day and I am frusterated with my moms b/f. And when that happens I start forgetting things. But in Lewis eyes it seems to be an egg so when it evolves he will have a new pokemon. But sorry bout' the mix up.

[War Raichu]

<Homer Simpson voice> Oooooh, cliff hanger! </voice>

I can't believe Lewis thinks his Silcoon is an egg!

[Powarun]

LOL, Lewis is stupid, maybe his parents worked at Mcdonalds and all they fed him were mcnuggets.

As for Chris, I know it has to be about one billion dollars, that would probally used as hush money from Mcdonalds, or something, that or his pokemon died.

[Chris 2.1]

Teddy: Hehe, I think so, too ^^ Yea my style's more set and I really like my work, to be honest. I hope you all remember me when I leave!

Xtina: Lol, true, although he has Silcoon, remember? Well you'll see how the egg does soon enough, maybe ^^. I'm planning for it to be a special Beautifly, but we'll see HOW soon!

Rai: Hehe, yea I know. I remember Powarun saying they were just like eggs with eyes and it gave me an ingenious spark ^^.

Powarun: Lol I dunno....I'd like to write Lewis' folks in the fic sometime...if I HAVE time, that is. I am at a crossroad with the McDonalds plot...it's starting to get quite confusing. Well, I'll manage somehow......


Ch5 goin well. Bout halfway done.

[Arnold]

Great to see you did a 3rd in the series....just finished reading the chapters and it's still great...lewis..he really is a dumb bugger ^^;;

anyways..can't wait to read the next chapter sounds like a exciting one ^^

[Chris 2.1]

Arnold: Lol I know, Lewis is a no-hoper aint he? Glad you like the work so far!

[Number1ChanseyFan]

I just read the chapters for the first time, your work is really good. The latest was very exciting, I would love to read the next chapter when you are finished, I bet that the next one is gonna be really cool and exciting too!! Keep up the good work!!

Also, BTW Brit Chris, I've been trying to send you a PM, but your inbox is full!!

[Chris 2.1]

Thankyou so much for reading,Number1Chanseyfan:! I'm getting so many readers! s_s;; well I will empty my PM box and await your PM, thanks! Ch5 will be up within a week at the most, i'd guess.

[Ultra_Poke2000]

dang, ive been gone for a long time, havnt i? o well. now, to catch up on stuff i missed: Lewis seems to be one of those guys that's stupid, doesnt know it, and will never learn, which is really funny! lol! as for my theory on the letter, im guessing its something from the official pokemon ppl/league/guys who are saying something like "congrats, your a great trainer and all, but to keep trainers from using illegal enhancment drugs and the like, all trainers must submit three of their pokemon, randomly chosen, for a drug test. dah dah dah duh dah..." and so bcuz Chris and his pokemon ate the cocain in the chicken nuggets from McDonalds thats going to be in thier blood and he'll be forced to stop being a trainer and possibly get arrested or something like that. thats just my thoery. anyway, great chapter Chris. keep up the good work!

[Chris 2.1]

Ultra_Poke2000: Hehe, lovely theory my friend; we'll have to see how it shapes up.


Ch5 has been killed, unfortunately. It wont let me open the file on my pc, but i'll try on my laptop. If all else fails i'll simply rewrite it. No worries.

[Dragonfree]

Ahhh! Chris, I hate your computer...

[Powarun]

>_< lets put it this way, your computer won the least reliable piece of technology of the twiethith century. Arg, I wish I could strangle it.

Other than that, please keep writing.

[Chris 2.1]

Powarun/Dragonfree: Lol. And I have hardly any time left here, too! Well i'll keep at it

[SSMGoku]

This story get's better and better evetrytime i read a new chapter.

[Chris 2.1]

SSMgoku: Thanks very much! It's an honour to recieve such optimistic replies to my work. I hope you enjoy Ch5!


Ch5 up soon...I hope. Definitely bny the weekend, earlier than that, even.

[Dragonfree]

...

Something just occured to me...

There's two weeks left until you leave, Chris. Will you be able to finish From Sequel to Trilogy before that?

[Chris 2.1]

Dragonfree: Well the lucky thing is, Ch5/Ch6 rounds a few things up, and everything after that is a bonus, really. I mean I should get Ch6/7 done by the end of the year! Don't worry.

Ch5 up soon! VERY SOON, maybe even tonight!

[Chris 2.1]

Chapter Five
Thug Life
By Brit Chris

Chris

My letter was from the Pokemon National Health Service; the PNHS. They did checks on Pokemon trainers by sending them to regular blood tests for themselves and their Pokemon. Dad said he had been picked once, and it was very calm and not at all intimidating. He hadn't got drugged-up Pokemon, though...

So, that was all last week, and today you've caught me at the breakfast table having, ironically, breakfast with the family. At the head of the table was Grandma, scowling with her sharp green eyes. Mum and Dad were left and right to her, Tim and Suzie were next to their corrosponding gendered parent, and I sat next to Tim, while Brett sat next to Suzie. So on the left was Mum, Suzie and Brett, on the right was Dad, Tim and myself, and Grandma sat at the top. We hadn't been able to discuss the scan today, as Grandma still thought I had suffered from a migrane, ('He needs to get out more; too much electrimacal doodads, yup, that's it' she had told Mum). We stayed quiet on the matter.

"Hmph, this toast is too crisp" Grandma huffed, picking the floppy bread. It looked as if it was heated by a radiator for ten minutes. "Skitty, dearest, would you like it?"

She dropped it to the ground, leaving her plump furball to wolf it down. Skitty then romped around the table, begging for scraps like a dog. Taillow was now secure, back in its cage, and Flaaffy sat outside, smoking a pipe. Grandma got Flaaffy to smoke because Grandpa Norman smoked a pipe...I think she was dressing Flaaffy in suits, too...

I took some rashers of bacon and began wolfing them down. Grandma, after complaining her rasher was infact fat with bacon in the inside, dropped it from the table into her Skitty's gaping mouth. Mum looked horrified; that bacon was very expensive.

After our hearty meal, I cleared my plate and left the table. I took my Pokeball belt from my bedroom, loped it through my jeans and grabbed four Pokeballs in each hand (one going in each web between my fingers, the fourth between my thumb and index finger) and threw them out into the reserve. They each hit the floor and shot a red laser at their lodger, wherever they were. Seviper was recalled from the tree it coiled around; Pidgeot, who was on the topmost branch in the large tree and even Kecleon, who was camoflauged and scampering around the long grass. All eight were recalled and their now full Pokeballs shot back to my hand. Unfortunately, now they were large and coming fast, so I became pelted by the balls and fell to the floor.

"You Ok?" Tim asked apprehensively as Rocky, his Marcargo, sloppily slid towards him.

"F-f-fine" I gasped.

"You're appointment is in half an hour" He continued. "I'd set off soon"

So, after getting myself ready and collecting my Pokeballs, I set off firstly, to Whitney's house, before making my way to the clinic together.

*

Jane

Kecleon held my pins and needles, while Banette and Murkrow patrolled either end of the alleyway. I darned my trousers with a large red patch over it; it actually looked pretty good. You shouldn't sell yourself to crap clothes brands, it's all about creating your own trends and getting people to follow them. I sat in the darkness as the bitter, icy weather wrapped around my shoulders.

"Kecleon, hold those" I said, handing my chameleon two more pins. It smiled at me, his tongue snaking from his mouth and touching the tip of his nose. I laughed, before getting back to my work. After darning one pair of trousers, I folded them and placed them in my large backpack. From there i pulled out my NOFX hoody and was about to darn the sleeves after a bad day yesterday. I had gotten in a fight with some powderpuff in town. She called me a scraggy tramp, and put a cigarette out on my sleeve. I've got a caramel-brown burn on my skin now.

As I took the hoody from my bag, a creased picture fell out. I stared at it. I stood inbetween Mum and her boyfriend, Carl. He had her arm around her. She looked happy. So did I. I sniffed, clutching the photo and stuffing it in my bag. Turning, I saw a sillhouette at the end of the alleyway. Banette stood his ground, but being small didn't seem to be a problem for this large Pokemon.

"Leave us alone" I said. "Banette, prepare yourself"

Banette turned and nodded. An imp-like squeal came from his zipped mouth. As I stood there, Kecleon stood by my side. Murkrow was still patrolling around the corner. The shadow stepped forward again, revealling itself. It was a Blaziken. Why it was here, I soon found out, when a figure stepped into the light from the moon. He looked rough.

"How are you, trampy?" He sneered.

"Leave me alone" I cried, bitterness and innocence in my voice.

"We don't want to" The man growled. "Blaziken, ember"

The Pokemon clenched its fists and roared. Its orange-bottomed legs throbbed as jets of flame and small sparks shot from them. I leapt back in retalliation, as did Banette and Kecleon. Kecleon then spat the three pins at Blaziken, who suddenly clutched its leg in pain. While it slowly pulled the pins out, Kecleon blasted a psybeam and hit it.

"Banette! Shadow ball now!" I shouted.

"Go Rhydon!" The man commanded, releasing a large, stone rhino. The Pokemon took the shadow ball with ease, and swung its large tail around. Doing so, Banette was flung across the alleyway and smashed the floor behind me. I turned, but turned back as Kecleon used a quick attack on Blaziken. Blaziken swung its foot around, caught Kecleon and sent it flying with Banette. Both lay defeated. I recalled them, and grabbed my bag. I made a bee-line for the other end of the alley, which was around a corner. As I ran, I shouted for Murkrow to help me. I got no response. My legs pushed themselves as Blaziken sprinted after me. I could hear its feet thud against the floor loudly and unforgivingly. I grabbed a Pokeball from my belt and threw it. It hit Blaziken and released Crobat. He soared into the sky and flapped a large whirlwind. I stood behind him, calling out for Murkrow. She didn't return.

"Blaziken, take down" The man cackled. Errupting into flames, its body now streamlined with a layer of orangey-red fire, Blaziken forced itself through the air and tackled Crobat. Crobat flapped back and raced forward, but Rhydon released a Pewter Punch and sent Crobat flying back. It shook the damage off and continued to battle, but Rhydon and Blaziken both attacked, and soon Crobat was defeated.

"Leave me alone!" I cried. I recalled Crobat, and kept on running.

"Blaziken, follow her!" The man cried. "Rhydon return!"

I was so scared and so worried as I ran. Gengar was still taking time off after he got stoned yesterday. He wouldn't be able to battle at all. My mind throbbed with desperateness as the gears within clicked and tried to sort the situation out. I ran around the corner and came to the exit of the alleyway, only to find it blocked by three men. A Swampert was out, and one man, slightly infront of the other two, seemed to be its trainer. I then gasped as, looking down, I saw my Murkrow, bloodied, feathers ruffled and beak out of shape, lying on the floor in a pool of blood.

"Great work, Swampert" The man said. The other two agreed.

"MURKROW!" I screamed. "YOU BASTARD!"

They laughed.

"We've seen you in this alley a few times" The Swampert's trainer said. "What's wrong: did your hippy parents get arrested?"

"Was it 'too mellow' for you?" Another guffawed. I dropped to my knees, infront of Murkrow and gently sobbed as I heard Blaziken approach from behind. As I sobbed, the four talked.

"Sorry, but we hang here. Not you" The Blaziken trainer said. "Blaziken!"

Blaziken roared loudly. I screwed my eyes shut and ran past Murkrow and towards Swampert and the three men, but one tripped me up. They laughed as my face grazed against the rough, jagged floor of the alleyway. One man grabbed me by the collar and, with his strength, threw me back across to my designated spot. Now, the Blaziken and its trained joined the three men and the Swampert.

"Look at her" one man cried. "She has to sew her own clothes"

"Blaziken" The man commanded. "Take the bag"

Blaziken ran at me, but I leapt back.

"Get off!"

They immitated me in mock-baby voices. I grabbed two Pokeballs and released Duskull and my male Victreebel, the first one I had. The two stood opposite the four ruffians, who had Blaziken and Swampert go against them. Duskull floated up and blasted a nightshade. It shattered the ground, and Swampert blasted a water gun forward. Victreebel then released a razor leaf, which hit Swampert, but Blaziken leapt at my plant Pokemon and struck it with a fire punch. Victreebel sighed. Since mating, it was less agile and dedicated to battling. It used a vine whip on Blaziken, while Duskull blasted a psybeam at Swampert, but Swampert fired an ice beam, and Blaziken a Flamethrower, and soon my Pokemon were done.

"Blaziken"

"Swampert"

"Double hyper beam!"

"NO!" I screamed. I ran infront of my two unconcious Pokemon as the two large orange beams homed onto us. My eyes were screwed shut as an eternity went by. Then, I felt it. I collapsed.

*

Chris

Together we sat. Whitney was quiet, sensing my apprehension of the situation. Sometimes, she would ask the time, to which I would answer by murmuring the numbers on my silver watch. Minutes slipped by blissfully. I felt rather confused; Cocaine was bad...I was educated to think that, yet drugs themselves can save lives. Someone in the newspaper had been prescribed with drugs to get them off another drug; some people took drugs for medicinal purposes and they were very useful, but using a drug which was, to my knowledge, class C, felt as if I'd sinned against those looking out for me. Still, Whitney hadn't left me.... I had given the Doctor my eight Pokemon, which he took and ran tests while I waited. If their results were dodgy, I'd get a scan. I sighed into the leather couch as concern and worry flooded over me.

"Haruka, Chris"

I looked across at Whitney, who smiled. She gave me the thumbs up. I nervously paced the room, as the receptionist allowed Whitney to come, too. Thank god for her...

Together we walked into the room. The Doctor, who was a balding, grey man, took a seat behind a mahogany desk.

"Mr Haruka" He said. His eyes were surrounded by wrinkled, creased skin. He took off his half-moon spectacles and let them hang from the gold chain around his neck. "Your Pokemon's results were...disturbing"

My heart sank, as if someone had hurled a pebble down my throat like it was a wishing well of sorts. I felt myself redden as I looked at him. Here he was; the pure doctor, and here I was, with drugged-up Pokemon.

"We did tests on Seviper, Dustox and Electabuzz. Seviper and Dustox had traces of Cocaine in their blood. I have not done tests on any more of your Pokemon, as our policy is to test THREE randomyl chosen Pokemon. Now then, as your results could obviously be a lot worse, and as you don't have a bad record, you will not recieve a scan yourself, although your Pokemon will be sent to a rehabillitation class with you for two weeks"

"I see" I said lightly. "And...do I just take Seviper and Dustox?"

"Yes"

"Ok then" I said, my voice still light and floaty. "Where are the classes held?"

"At the community center, in town" The Doctor told me. "Begins at 9.30"

Together, we left the room and thanked the doctor.

"That wasn't too bad, I suppose..." Whitney began.

"Rehab'll be rubbish" I sighed. "Those people NEED help, I don't. The Doctor even said I didn't have a bad record"

"This is a sign that you could go downhill" Whitney pointed out irritatingly. "So they're ironing you out, so you'll be Ok"

I invited Whitney back to my place, where, once we got in, I introduced her to everybody. Grandma approached her wearily, asking why Suzie was so small all of a sudden, but Whitney didn't understand. Tim and Suzie each said hello. Brett was still at work, but Mum and Dad each introduced themselves to Whitney, who was thrilled to see Mum again. She thanked her for saving Bayleef. Mum told Whitney that she was a nice girl for me to date, which made us both blush. We quickly went upstairs.

Now, the thing is, see, I'm not the kinda guy who kisses and tells. But...since you are technically looking at this BECAUSE you want to hear the details, I'd better reveal a little. We sat on the bed and hugged, kissed and went on to do a little more. The minutes slipped by, and together we shared each moment like it was worth a diamond and a ruby. I don't know how long we spent together on my bed, but I enjoyed every second...

*

Krystal

"Finally, some time alone" I sighed, kicking my shoes off. I sat on the bank as Charizard, Ampharos, Shellgon and Steelix roamed the area around me. Kingdra and Dewgong swam around in the lake. Adam sat next to me and placed a hand on my hip. His Manectric, Camerupt, Alakazam, Glalie, Swellow and Mankey all explored the area where we were situated.

"Yea" Adam sighed, caressing my body. "All the time to ourselves..."

I sighed heavily and dreamily, fading into a lie-down. Adam supported me as he moved down to kiss my lips...

"KRYSTAL!"

I gasped. I turned, sending Adam rolling down the grassy bank and almost into the water. Kimi walked onto the scene, my Swablu perched on her shoulder. I'd given it to her to take care of after she decided to enter more contests to win more ribbons to do more bragging. Swablu chirped happily. Brock and Ash wandered alongside, Brock with a Mudkip out and Ash with a Pikachu on his shoulder.

"Looks like we've killed the mood" Brock said romantically.

"Anyone fancy a battle?" Chimed Ash.

"NO" Kimi snapped. "So, should we l-

"Yes" I snapped.

"I really need a battle for the league" Ash whined. "We're currently training in a league...erm, what's it called, Brock?"

"The Tedium League" Brock sighed.

"So, anybody fancy a battle?" Ash cried.

"Ash has been having after-effects from some anti-biotics he took" Kimi told me. "So...could someone battle him?"

"Fine" Adam growled. "Swellow!"

Swellow flapped onto the grass by Adam's side. Ash sent Pikachu out to battle.

"Go! Start with thunderbolt!" Ash screamed.

"Evade" Adam snarled. "DRILL PECK!"

Swellow was magnificent; it soared through the air, but less graceful as it shot at Pikachu. Despite running, Pikachu was struck and flew across the arena with a sickening thud. Swellow tore up into the air and watched. Pikachu, after getting back up, blasted an orangey-yellow thunderbolt from its red cheeks. The jagged streak of electricity bolted through the air, curving and aiming for Swellow.

"Swellow! Agility, then go for take down" Adam ordered.

Obaying, his Pokemon tore back around at Pikachu. Pikachu watched as the thunderbolt zipped past his targets body. Now worried, the small rodent scampered left and right as Swellow dived down. Pikachu turned, but was struck suddenly by the blue bird.

"Pikachu! Thunder!" Ash called weakly. Cheeks brimming with electricity, Pikachu launched a shaft of lightening towards Swellow. It curved across the smooth sky and darted at the rodent. Screaming, the mouse was thrown into the air by Swellow's sheer power. In mid-air, Pikachu was jousted by Swellow's magnificent beak and collapsed.

"Pikachu, KEEP GOING!" Ash roared.

"Swellow, steel wing" Adam shouted. Sparkling a metallic colour, the bird swooped down and knocked Pikachu out. Pikachu, dazed and confused, simply lay on the grassy floor as Swellow landed by Adam's side. Ash, having no option, shot a Pokeball beam and recalled Pikachu. May walked forward, a Pokeball in-between her fingers.

"Come on, cous" She growled.

"Fine" I sighed. "Great job, Adam. SHELLGON!"

My faithful little buddy scampered onto the arena to join the fray. I stood, watching Kimi as she threw a Pokeball out. It hit the ground, opened and formed into the one Pokemon I was apprehensive against battling: MY Espeon. Yes, folks, nbever forget to stop giving your favourite Pokemon to your relatives, else they'll do this to you...

"Shellgon! Tackle!" I roared. Gathering speed, my Pokemon collided sharply with Espeon. She flew back, but eisily landed on her feet and pounced towards Shellgon. Shellgon leapt into the air, but Espeon brought her beautiful tail swinging up and smashed it into him. For something so light and wavy, it was certainly very powerful.

"Espeon, psybeam!" Kimi shouted. From her jewel, Espeon blasted a beam of rainbow energy. Shellgon took the attack and recieved minimal damage, retalliating by headbutting my agile Espeon. Espeon hissed, before racing forward and making contact with a quick attack. Shellgon then used a flamethrower upon command, surprising Espeon by sending a streak of silky flames shooting past her ear.

"Be careful, Espeon!" Kimi cried. "Zap cannon"

Jewel glowing an electric yellow, Espeon began charging a large orb of electrical energy. Shellgon, meanwhile, was preparing to headbutt the psychic Pokemon. As he raced across the arena, but Espeon released the zap cannon, which made contact with Shellgon.

"Shellgon! Endure!" I screeched quickly. Shellgon began to glow, but it was too late. He was shocked, hit and hurled across the arena, landing infront of me with a sickening thud. Truth be told, he still looked ready to fight. He raced forward and tackled Espeon. She flipped back, firing another psybeam. This one missed. Shellgon charged and smashed into Espeon.

"Espeon!" Kimi cried.

"Just leave it there" I said to her. "Good job, Espeon. You too, Shellgon"

Shellgon looked exhausted, so I recalled him then and there. Kimi recalled Espeon.

"Well, we're heading to the Gym in Pontarico Town" Brock commented. "Nice meeting you again Krystal, and you, Adam"

"I hope we can battle again!" Ash cried. The three walked past us towards the other side of the mountain. Adam looked very frustrated.

"That guy is such a WANKER!" He snapped.

"Calm down" I said gently. "They're annoying, but...well...we're alone now, aren't we?"

"I'm not in the mood" Adam growled. "Come on, let's just go"

I walked down the rocky mountain, once my Pokemon were recalled, feeling like a deflated balloon. This had been fun, until those three had gotten here. I sniffed, upset that Adam was being in a foul mood. Chris was never like this...

*

Chris

"And THEN that's when we add the sugar" Delia Smith said. "I...just...dab it on...gently..."

Wobbuffet was taking more cooking lessons from Delia Smith on TV. Whitney and me sat infront of the TV while Whitney's Bayleef was talking to Suzie's outside. All of her Pokemon were once nervous to go to the reserve, but now they seemed to enjoy it now. Mum and Grandma were both shopping, but Dad and his Venomoth were outside with Tim. Suzie was in her room.

"This place rocks" Whitney said calmly.

"Thanks" Came my weak reply.

"I mean...your own reserve" She said dreamily. Whitney stretched across and pecked me on the cheek.

"I guess we're lucky" I said lightly. "WOBBUFFET! Can we change over?"

My psychic Pokemon nodded, after putting his christmas cake in the fridge. I didn't tell him you added the egg white, not the egg shell, and that his icing made him look dyslexic. Whitney liked Wobbuffet, but after his nasty battle with Absol so long ago, and had refused to battle since. I left him out my team and put Weezing in. She was a good battler, and liked me very much. We had battled a trainer with a Hitmonchan yesterday, and Weezing did amazingly well, combining a flamethrower from her foetus-like head and a thunderbolt from herself, making a double whammy and an excellent combo.

I heard the door.

"I'll get it!" Came my healthy cry. It was probably Mum and Grandma, back from '$ave$ave$ave', the local, cheap supermarket that smelled of feet and burning plastic. I jogged the length of the room and approached the door. I opened it and stared freshly at the person facing me.

It was the last person I expected.

[Dragonfree]

Hmmm... was it Krystal, perhaps? If so, we now have a triangle of Chris, Whitney and Krystal. How is this going to end...

o.O Do you have big issues with Murkrow? You've now killed off two of them (or at least killed one and seriously injured another).

Did I miss something, or is that Jane thing just something that hasn't been mentioned before?

Rehabillitation? How very fun... Can't wait to see that...

[Chris 2.1]

Heck, it could be anybody! Well usually I am fine with Murkrow but yes, two have died in this fic. The Jane part, is the first in a few but we hear more of why she's like this as we progress. It may be confusing, but it's very interesting to write. As is Rehab ^^

[War Raichu]

Ooh! Chris has a girlfriend! Or make-out friend, at the very least. And I do LOVE cliffhangers! Who shall be at the door..............?

[Powarun]

Wait, hold on, hold on, first you kill another Murkrow, no biggie, but you returned Ash's pikachu to its pokeball, now there was your mistake, ever since the first episode it has not been in its pokeball, how can you break the chain. I am just joking, actually this chapter was pretty cool. Oh, and if you need any ideas about rehab, I can help, I went through it, no I didn't do drugs, but I needed help emotionally and over half the kids that I did rehab with, were druggies, and spoke of their problems. If you are going to kill another pokemon, can you make it a drozee though?

[Chris 2.1]

Rai: Yea, THIS was the coupling I mentioned Who is at the door? OoOoOoOoOoHh YOU'll have to wait and see!



Powarun: Help would be appreciated, yes. BTW Pikachu was A: in very bad shape and his Pokeball would stop him getting worse and B: this is Pikachu's stunt double, he gets recalled fine! Oh, and I shall kill a Drowzee for you

[Dragonfree]

Can you kill a Kingdra for me too? Well, on the other hand, nah. I'll do it in my own fics, as soon as I feel a longing to put a Kingdra in them at all.

[Ultra_Poke2000]

so i was right! aha! at least all chris has to do is go to rehab, although i dont see why he didn't tell the doctor the truth about McDonalds. anyway, the battle with Ash was funny, but im not sure how the whole chris-krystal-whitney thing will turn out. that is, if it's Krystal at the door! oya, today is the Friday right b4 my winter break! WOOHOO!(homer simpson style) i go back to school on Jan. 7 btw. YAY! awsome! victory dance! *does funny little victory dance* hehehe...

Oh, and I shall kill a Drowzee for you

LOL! imagine someone saying that in casual conversation. lol.

well, till later my friends!

[Drade130]

*Laughs evilly, pulls out his duck tape, shotgun, map and large boat with a van in it*

Chris...When you leave TPM, you should take a trip to America with me...

Loved the chapter, I can't wait for rehab, that will be great for Seviper ^_____^!

[Chris 2.1]

Dragonfree: Lol, personally im a Kingdra fan, so no can do, my friend. You're welcome to kill A kingdra in your own fics, I guess.

Ultra: i doubt the doctor would have believed him...it's a very far fetched story really, isn't it? The love triangle, well square if you want to include Adam, will probably finish nicely *crosses fingers* but it may be either very happy or very sad!

Teddy: Well someone's sadistic! Hehe. Dustox and Seviper have a great time at rehab.......but Chris doesn't!

[Drade130]

sa...sa...sadistic? No no no, i just want more of this fic.Tis like god is writing it. Nah its just Chris :->!

[Dragon_Claw]

I just came back for a visit, to see how everybody was doing. And to my surprise, Chris quitted Monica's Army and continued with Chris. From now on, I shall be an avid reader once again.

Anyhow you never fail to surprise me using your talents. Good work my friend, and keep it up!

[Chris 2.1]

Teddy: Phew! I was worried there. Glad you like the work.

Dragon_Claw: Hello stranger! Hehe glad youre back and enjoying my new work, thanks mate.


Ch6 on halt while I am away from home (sniff ;_ but i'll be back soon!

[Oakbark]

Hiya Chris, it's me - Oaky!

Just letting you know I'm back 'til the end of the sequel, or should I say sequel's sequel. I've been reading the chappies all the time, but because of a dodgy connection I've had to hurry, save pages offline, and read them without time to reply.

But it's ok now, and I'm here for a quick reply.It'll be sad seeing you go from here, but then again I'll also be going - need to get outside the box. I take it you'll wait until new year? Or is it until your birthday?

I'm glad Chris has found a friend (or make-out-with) friend. But I sense hints of regret from Krystal (i.e "her comment about Chris never having the angry spurts like Adam")
Could it be her waiting at the door, tears in her eyes, waiting for a shoulder to cry on? If it is, would Chris take the opportunity to get her or does he like Whitney enough? Is Whitney just an outlet for his disappointment over Krystal, kinda like him being on the rebound? Oooh, the questions, the questions!!!!

Here's the first of the last set of posts.

Later!

Oakbark.

[Chris 2.1]

Oakbark: Hey, and goodbye! Almost ;_; well glad to see you here, and you NEVER KNOW who's at the door! Well, you will VERY soon indeed!



I am dreadfully sorry, I';ve been busy with the festivities and whatnot, but at the same time, working on Chapter 6. The 'fic' will have an epilogue, too, which will be a shorter version of a Chapter, summing up FRTC altogether...for ever!

Ch6 is being polished, and is below! Enjoy!

Chapter Six
Agreements and Conflict
By Brit Chris

Jane

My arm hurt. I barely got up. I looked around. I was in a different alley. To my right, a neon sign flickered slightly. It was light now; I could hear cars rush by the road I presumed was nearby. I brushed my hand across my cheek and felt a twinging gash. It was cracked and dry. My Pokemon were all here, save for my poor, poor Murkrow. I began to cry.

My bag had been stolen. All my weed, all my rollies and my lighter. To top it off, my money I took from home, my clothes and everything I had that reminded me of life back home. That could be a plus, I suppose. My right arm, the one that hurt, had tatters of the sleeve that was once there, probably from those people who attacked me. I whined thinking of my pain, but knew I had to overcome this; I couldn't crawl back home...

I wondered what I could do. I wandered onto the streets, but didn't recognise where I was at all. People stared at me, treating me like filth or ****, something they barely regard at all. Murkrow...dead. Banette, Duskull, Kecleon, Crobat and male Victreebel were all beaten to a pulp. Gengar was stoned, and female Victreebel was laying her seeds. I was defenceless.

"There she is, officer!"

I turned to see a familliar face run at me - it was the Blaziken trainer from last night. A policeman ran alongside. Panicking, I leapt down the alleyway and looked around. It was a long straight that branched off to left and right. I sprinted as fast as I could, but soon found myself weak in the rib area. I must be hurt. I began to slow down as familliar cries of my name and 'goth girl!' echoed through my mind. I began to sway and barely kept myself up as I pressed on. I needed some miracle...

I cried out.

A Growlithe tackled me. I fell to the ground. It had a hold of my clothes in its sharp teeth. I was scared. I saw the round, corpulent officer jogging with the Blaziken trainer. They approached me.

"Keep still, Drugs Bunny"

"Please! I hurt everywhere!" I cried innocently.

"We had to attack her, officer" The trainer said. He glared at me uncomfortably. "She was trying to curse us with her ghost pokemon"

"He stole my bag! He took my posessions AND launched a hyper beam at me!" I defended.

"I aimed a hyper beam at the ground, to scare her, and SHE ran into it"

Actually, he was right!

"This lad saw you taking a lot of drugs on many occaisions" The policeman said angrily. "He's confiscated them, and we're sending you to rehabillitation"

"This guy was awful" I whined.

"Doing my job" He answered gruffly. "As a model citizen"

I sighed as I was handcuffed. I couldn't believe it. This guy, as well as his friends, must have been smoking my joints and my weed...and probably making a fire with my clothes. My wallet would be raided so they could buy booze...yeuk, the sheer thought of what they did with my posessions made me sick, metaphorically. I watched the trainer's face as he mimed smoking a joint. The bitter bastard...

*

Chris

"What the -"

I stared, open-mouthed, at the figures standing on my doorstep. At the front was Ronald McDonalds, sporting his red perm, his loveable yet hideous clown shoes and his cheery, painted-on smile. To his right was Grimace, the purple blob. He looked very nervous, with a sense of angriness in the stare from his small eyes. Behind him and slightly to the left was Hamburglar, already unscrewing the bulb from out outside light and stashing it in his Pocket. His red tie sported mini-hamburgers and made me smile. Next to him was Birdie, the yellow bird, looking as if she'd been mugged during a shoot-out in the aftermath of a nuclear bomb, IE - Nervous.

"Hey-low there!" Ronald cried googilyly. "Aaaaaaarr YOU Chris Haruka?"

"Ye-

"SUPER!" Hamburglar cried in a toffee-nosed accent. "Absolutely corking, old chap"

"We're here to negotiate..." Grimace murmured; if I hadn't known better, I'd have sussed he read from a cue card.

"Over your class-action court case against us" Ronald said, his voice murmury and sad.

"Well come on in, and we'll talk business" I said cheerily. "Whitney, look! It's the McDonalds freaks!"

"PLEASE, freak is such a diabolical term" Hamburglar uttered. "We prefer rejects of normality"

"They're both pretty dumb" Whitney noted, taking my hand. "Anyway, come on in"

We all grouped around the dining table.

"We have a VERY generous offer" Ronald said kindly.

"You're sure to say yes!" Birdie cried, shooting nervous glances after she spoke.

"Go on..." I began. Ronald got, from his side, a large, leather breifcase with golden, padlocked hinges. He typed in a 3-digit code and the hinges sprang open. He opened it up and displayed the most amount of foil cards I had ever see. This was amazing!

"We even have the limited edition 'Brendan' Card" Ronald noted.

"Oh my god!" I cried. "And this is in exchange for my silence?"

"Yes...silence is golden" Grimace murmured. "I AM THE ANGEL OF DEATH! BOOYA!"

Grimace roared and sprinted off into the reserve. As he did so, Seviper lunged at him and began tearing his costume up. Grimace was screaming uncontrollably while purple, fur-fabric tatters lay around the floor.

"We'll also give you 500 BIG ONES" Ronald said, eyes widening piggily.

"I'LL SIGN!' I cried, grabbing a biro from the study. Ronald handed a slip of paper with very tiny writing. I signed my name on the dotted line and smiled at Ronald. He gave me an unforgiving stare back.

"Chris! He could be conning you..." Whitney pled. "It may be a trick..."

"He isn't, he works with KIDS, Whitney" I said, stating the obvious. "He's no criminal"

"No..." Ronald began. "GO! GO!"

Together, the three lifted the table over. Me and Whitney ran back as Birdo, Ronald and Hamburglar ran out the front door, leaving their breifcase with them. I looked at the card of Shiny Electabuzz.

"WHAT ABOUT MY MONEY?" I cried.

"YOU'LL GET YOUR 500!" A voice cried back. "VERY SOON!"

Whitney may have shot me a dismissive look, but I happily took the suitcase up into my room, taking Whitney with me for a make-out session.

*

Krystal

Today we sat by Pontefract Lake. It was a glistening, crystal-clear lake in a pure forest east of Pontarico town. Adam had released Swellow, who was practising his double team against Manectric, who was practising his thunderbolt attacks. I hadn't been able to see Adam all week; he had a part-time job at a Warehouse, where he put things into boxes for 6 hours a day. He told me the pay was good. Sucker. I had brought Azumarill with me, so now I had her, Shellgon, Charizard, Steelix, Ampharos, Kingdra and Dewgong - a total of 7 Pokemon.

Adam and me had prepared a really nice picnic. The idea was the same as last weeks, but this time we were by a peaceful lake instead of a mountain crest. I had to tell Mum about Adam, because Kimi had visited on thursday and had, unfrotunately, told my Mum I had something to tell her, something that, if I didn't explain, she would. I shuddered at the look of content on Kimi's face. Needless to say, Mum was angry as hell, but now she's calmed down somewhat.

I took an egg mayonaise sandwich and began eating. I'd sprinkled ground pepper on lightly, just for some added flavour, and it really did the job. Dragon Rock sent me a letter asking when my visit to Pontarico would end. They had, unfortunately, had to pass a new rule expelling any non-dragon Pokemon. I, of course, argued Ampharos' Japanese name. Denryuu, did have a dragon-sounding part to it, but that wasn't allowed. I would have to leave Steelix, Azumarill, Espeon, Ampharos AND Dewgong at home. I then thought about catching another Swablu, since Kimi and MY Swablu were now best buddies. I mean, if she would have evolved into Altaria we would be awesome, as Altaria IS a dragon. Anyway, unless I caught more Pokemon, I'd head back with only Kingdra, Shellgon and MAYBE Charizard...

I stopped eating suddenly. Manectric and Swellow had both stopped battling and had now approached the lake's edge, after spying a bubbling on the surface.

"What's up, guys?" Adam asked.

"Ectric" Came his dog's reply. "Man man"

"I'll send Kingdra for a look" I said, wiping mayonaise from my mouth and grabbing a Pokeball. "GO KINGDRA!"

Kingdra emerged. I was rather intrigued, as the lake was still and silent most the day. We were told no Pokemon inhabited it at all, so if there WAS one, then I'd like to see what it was.

"Kingdra, check out the lake, tell us wh -

I was cut off. A large roar issued as a snake-like figure rose from the waters. It was...a Gyarados! This one had reddish-gold scales, and looked very tall. I guessed it was fully grown. The Gyarados launched its head down, but Kingdra ducked underwater and avoided it. Gyarados must have been angry because Kingdra was in its territory. I watched apprehensively, as Gyarados watched Kingdra from underwater.

Smash.

With a terrifiying roar, Gyarados swung its tail up and sent Kingdra flying out of the water. It landed back into the crystal clear lake and bobbed back up.

"DRAGON RAGE!" I shouted. Kingdra shot a silky shot of teal flames at Gyarados. Gyarados, using its sinewy body, squirmed to the left and evaded it. Roaring again, it blasted a hyper beam down at us.

"Swellow, protect!" Adam cried. For the second time, I witnessed Swellow conjour up a large, yellow star over us. The impact was wearing out the forcefield Swellow was producing, but soon enough, it stopped.

"Swellow, Manectric! Steel wing and Thunderbolt, GO!" Adam roared desperately.

"Azumarill, Dewgong!" I shouted. "Double ice beam! Kingdra, twister!"

Azumarill and Dewgong each fired a beam of icy moisture. Gyarados, after taking the powerful, double-blast attack, seemed to have a middle segment of its body frozen. Swellow then shot past it in a metallic streak and smashed into its side. Manectric's yellow streak of electricity shocked the bugger even more, but not before Kingdra fired a large twister of green energy at Gyarados.

It roared loudly. Another hyper beam issued.

"EVERYBODY, GET OUT THE WAY!" We screamed. The group spread out. Adam released Pupitar.

"Pupitar! Hyper beam!" He cried. "Krystal, send out more Pokemon! Overpower Gyarados!"

As Pupitar released a large, orange beam of immense power, I grabbed Charizard's Pokeball and sent him into the fray. Roaring, my Pokemon soared above Gyarados' head and blasted down upon him a torrent of flames. They circled Gyarados while he was weakened by a hyper beam from Pupitar. Pupitar hopped up and down frantically, before becoming enveloped in an amazing, white glow...

...but I had no time to watch.

"WATER POKEMON, USE HYDRO PUMP!" I ordered. "Charizard, go for Iron tail!"

"Tyranitar!" Adam cried happily. "GO! Use shadow ball!"

I turned to see a gigantic figure charging a purple ball of shadows, umbras and spirits. Once the ball was large enough, about the size of a computer, Tyranitar hurled it UP into the air, before smashing it forward with its massive paw. Gyarados was struck heavily by the jets of water, the smash into the face from Charizard, and was finished off by the purple ball splitting over him and causing a huge explosion.

"Phew' I gasped. I grabbed a Pokeball from my belt.

"Krystal..." Adam began. "YOU'RE going to catch it?"

"Well, it's strong, it's a dragon..." I said, my eyes rolling. "GO POKEBALL!"

Gyarados was smashed on the head and brought inside its captive home. I cheered loudly as the ball came back to me.

"Great catch, Krystal" Adam mumbled, grabbing a bacon roll. He recalled Tyranitar.

"I'll take that sarcasm seriously" I bragged, reaching for a can. I drank the Dr.Pepper (I never knew it tasted so fruity...) and smiled at my sucess.

*

Chris

"Now then" A soothing voice said. "Are we all ready?"

Nobody listened. They just talked among themselves, or in most cases, TO themselves.

"So, what are you in for?" I asked Jane. Jane was on my right. On my left was some fat punk with a mohawk.

"Found in posession of gange" Jane mumbled. I noticed she tried disguising her arm, which was in tatters. It had scabbed well, but looked atrocious.

"What happened to your arm Jane?" Came my innocent question.

"Nothing" She replied.

"Erm...hello?" The lady in the circle cooed. "Ready to start?"

"That wasn't from nothing" I said angrily. "Come on, Jane. Were you bullied?"

Jane turned, staring out the window at the pleasent wintery scene outside. While her mind drifted to winter, mine drifted to all that money and all those foil cards! I even got the rare, limited-edition holofoil POKEDEX card!

"Y-yes" She uttered. Her face was reddening with humiliation. "I was mugged and attacked by four rough-looking men in an alleyway last night. They killed my Murkrow with their Swampert, and their Blaziken beat up most of my Pokemon"

"What were you doing in an alley?" I asked keenly.

"People!" The lady screeched. "Quiet now!"

"I..." Jane began. "I...left home. Mum got a new boyfriend. Called Carl. Right bastard he is. Dislikes me smoking. He tried getting on with me, but...he just picked at me, at the same time. It was as if he was befriending me infront of Mum, really, to make her happy. Then he started taking Mum out for meals, or to the cinema, and left me out the circle. Me and Mum got on great before; we bonded once Dad died, it brought us together, but Carl tore us apart. One night, I had packed my things and was at the door. I told Mum to choose, choose between me, her daughter, flesh and blood, or Carl, her boyfriend. 'Carl is my life, Jane dear' She said. ' Maybe you'll understand when you fall in love'. I wasn't expecting that, so thinking rationally I just left. I used Gengar to cloak me, so they wouldn't find me. Carl put on a mock-plea voice and called all over for me. I was, at one point, about five feet from where he stood, but I searched the city for someplace to live"

"I see" I mumbled. "W-where do you live?"

Jane looked at me sharply.

"I won't tell Carl"

She sighed.

"I know you wouldn't..." She began soothingly. Her voice became rapt and hushed. "I'm living in St. Martin's Church, the abaondoned one"

"That must be freezing" I said, not exactly to Jane; it was more of a comment in general.

"OH FOR GOD'S SAKE!" The plump women cried. "I'VE ASKED FOR QUIET FOR SO, SO LONG NOW! CAN'T YOU PEOPLE JUST LISTEN TO ME? IS IT SO MUCH TO ASK?"

She broke into tears.

"*hic* W-we'll meet on thursday for the first proper session" She sniffled. "Oh god, I need whiskey"

Rather profoundly, the women left the room, her curly blonde hair bobbing up and down from her round head. As her plum-coloured dress disapeared around the doorframe, people began to get up and disperse. One man, grizzly and mangy, toppled over and smashed his head on a chair. Some people flocked to help him, while me and Jane simply wandered out of the room and went outside.

The weather was bitter. It was forecast to snow over the next week. With Christmas simply drizzly and wet, and New Year damp and soggy, the weather could at least pick up before I started Spring Term at College. Jane and me ploughed past the heavy winds as they forced against us.

"I'm cold..." Jane murmured. She placed an arm around me. "You'll keep me warm"

"Heh, yea" I began, trailing off. Meh, she had a good reason, I suppose.

"Listen..." Jane began. "You got any medicine for my Pokemon?"

"Erm..." I began. "Yea, I've some in my bumbag. Hey, did you know they're called fannypacks in the states? Fanny is BUM over there, I guess. Or maybe cos they go over the fanny...I mean if you wore a bumbag on the bum then everybody could steal stuff from it..."

I blabbered on as we turned down into a dark alleyway next to the building we'd left. I turned my bumbag around to get to the compartment, and when I'd pulled out the mint-green bottle of medicine I saw Jane leaning against the alley wall, watching me with seductive eyes.

"You want this?" I asked her, raising an eyebrow.

"I want you" She purred, stalking forward. She put her hands on my shoulders, turned me around and pressed me against the wall very fluidily. Is fluidily actually a word, I wonder? Meh, who cares? (I say Meh WAY too much...). I was apprehensive and of course, worried, as I was dating Whitney. It was impossible to pull out of it; her tongue ensnared my senses, in a somewhat unsexual way, and kept me rooted to the spot. We kissed for what seemed like an eternity; small noises were absorbed and forgotten as we kissed; a Rattata knocked a can over, but it was soon drowned out by my emotions running high at the time. Unfortunately for me, the one person who could have stayed away was here, as I heard their shrill voice pierce the moment -

"CHRIS!"

It was Whitney. I pulled from the kiss, Jane's arms still around me, to see Whitney, in her Parka Jacket, standing at the entrance to the alleyway. We were a few feet inside its gloomy presence.

"Whitney!" I cried, pulling away from Jane. "What are you doing here?"

"Me? I'm surprised you remember me" She hissed coldly. "I came to pick you up from your first meeting, and decided to keep you warm on the walk home. I come here and see you with this gange-smoking tramp of a girl, KISSING in an alleyway? You two-timing jerk!"

"I'd rather be a tramp than a powderpuff like YOU" Jane snapped.

"Fine!" Whitney cried hysterically. "Fine Chris. If you want to throw your life away, go ahead. If you want to snog ratty girls in dank alleyways after rehabillitation for the posession of drugs, GO AHEAD!"

She stormed off.

"Whitney!" I cried. "Whitney, she came on to me for god's sake!"

" And 'she' wants to come on to you again" Jane said seductively.

"Leave me alone" I snapped. I bolted out of the alleyway and into the harsh, windy night. It was beginning to get dark, and in the space of a few seconds, my life was reversed around. Whitney hated me, Whitney had, presumably, chucked me; Jane had spouted new feelings for me, feeling's that I didn't have back, and I've left two girls disapointed and downtrodden. I could really use Krystal right about now...

*

Calvin

"Please...we have nothing you want..."

"Just go..."

"DO NOT GIVE ME ORDERS!" I bellowed. The two trembled. "Absol...sudden death on Drowzee. NOW!"

Absol nodded, racing forward and launching into the air. The Drowzee shifted directly infront of his trainer, who was shivering behind her partner. She watched fearfully, gripping her cinnamon pigtails with her clammy hands. Her brother, to her left, stood with his Hypno. While slightly taller, he was no more heroic in the face of myself. Or so I thought.

"Hypno! Psybeam!" He shouted.

"Absol, halt" I demanded. "Let him attack"

As Absol stood, the blade on its head still glowing a feverish cyan, Hypno blasted a rainbow-sparkling beam from its mouth. It passed through Absol as if it were a gas of sorts. The boy gasped, stepping back. I smirked, took off my shades and pointed.

"SUDDEN DEATH! GO FOR DROWZEE!"

"Hypno! Please! Focus punch!" The boy sniffed, staring at the ground. The shattered remains of Hypno's pendulum lay on the ground. Both lost what confidence they once began with.

"TO HELL WITH YOUR DAMNED FOCUS PUNCH!" I screamed, getting my gun. One blast, and Hypno lay on the ground. The boy screamed, leaping down to comfort his Pokemon. "It's dead" I said stonely, as the boy began crying. "Dear me, we're at January 1st and you're already one Pokemon down. Aren't we unlucky"

"Drowzee! Use -

"Absol, use a Bullet Tackle and just finish it off" I said lazily. Absol sparkled silver and tackled Drowzee, who, before even being able to hit the ground, was recalled by the little girl, in fear of him dying, too.

"Please, don't kill us" The girl whimpered. Tears formed in her green eyes and trickled down her face. "We've had such a fun Christmas"

"Oh, really" I said, mocking her babyish voice.

"What did you get from Father Christmas?" She asked shyly.

"DO NOT SPEAK TO ME LIKE THAT!" I roared. "I AM NOT YOUR FRIEND! I AM HOLDING YOU AT GUNPOINT!"

The cold winds picked up and blew our hair slightly. The boy, about 12, got up. His sister looked about 9.

"If you let us go, we won't tell anybody" He whimpered.

"How would you explain that bullet in Hypno?" I sneered. "Absol, Mightyena"

The two wolf-like Pokemon stared at me. I had to say it. Two words, that was all. The words lay cluttered in my throat. I swallowed, sending the idea away. It came back as I clutched my gun. I had shot a Pokemon a few times, but never a human. Holmes said it 'broke you in', and in my what, 2, 3 years of being in the Organisation, I'd just hung back while people did missions. Now...now was the time.

"K-k" I stuttered. "Kill them"

I'd done it.