Chapter 15 A Rival To Come

While Leon continued his way towards the Kreig back, at  Solar Compound 1 Sierra’s absents had become aware to a few soliders and officers, news of this had not spread to Davoc, but action was soon to be taken by a familiar squad of soldiers.

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Throughout the corridors of Compound 1 a soldier frantically ran through the dark red halls, each one only illuminated by a few lamps on finely polished red wood furniture, and some what of a light from the shining moon in the sky gleaming through the clear glass windows. His armor was a average grey, but ontop of that he wore no helmet showing the face of the soldier Sadler. His breathing was deep as he dashed through the empty and quite corridors desperately trying to inform a commander, or a high ranking officer of Sierra’s escape once more from her father Davoc.

“Huh....huh....huh...huh... huh,” he stopped right in his frantic sprint as he awed a long corridor only illuminated by the shining moon, his body was covered in sweat from running all over the mansion in armor, hoping to find at least one of his squad mates even seemed difficult here. “damn this is practically a castle and they can’t instal at least one elevator!? I must have run at least through half this place and still no one?” He leaned against the ledge of one of the windows stretching down the hallway he looked upon the countless forestry stretching all the way to the vivid lights of Jubilife far off in the distance.

Wishing to be at Jubilife instead of here he lost the care of Sierra’s escape instead he pulled up a beautifully carved, and comfortable polished dark red wood chair just as the red off the walls were. He sat down relaxed like into it against the window, opening it with a strong yank as if it had not been opened in years.  It flung open with a small gust of cold air whipping across his face as he sat back down. Being in a very comfortable position and the cool air breezing in he took one look at the gorgeous site of the forestry and sky before he slowly began to drift into slumber......

“WAKE UP!!”

Sadler jumped out of his seat standing firm holding perfect posture as if Davoc was the one to be standing behind him, the once heavy eyes were now wide and did not blink from the unexpected voice.

“Forgive me for my slumber SIR! but there are other matters to attend to than me so can you let me off?” Sadler said disorderly as he turned around, but his face soon turned not to fear, but absolute relief to see it was merely Ken.

“Haha got you good there my friend! Can’t believe that you actually fell for that!” He spoke in his usual Russian accent chuckling against the wall, but started to feel the cold breeze since he wore no armor, or any sort of clothing on his arms.

“Damn! you scared me there for sec I thought you were a black elite officer!”

“Nah if it were a black elite officer he would have a blade to your neck before interrogation, I mean ain’t it always the medics in this military the weakest?” Ken corrected sarcastically calmly walking in circles keeping a stiff eye on him.

Sadler fired back with a taunt of his own, “Oh haha very cute at least I can treat wounds unlike you who rather get drunk than seek proper treatment!”

“Woe there ease out dude can’t you take a joke? but seriously medics are pretty pathetic compared to the actual men with assault rifles, can’t wait till we retire those M16s and AKs for XM weapons.” A gleam on his face came over as he pondered in his mind on weapons all other militaries in the world did not put into development cause of cost.

“Do you have any consideration for guys who run out in the field praying for dear god they don’t get shot to save your ass?”

“I really don’t care at all, plus were all just part of a squad of rejects we’ll never  see actual combat,  a can of beer is all I need and I’m fine to get back in the fight. Screw needles and all the stuff that stings like hell!” Sadler simply shook his head back and forth now nearly forgetting to tell him about Sierra’s disappearance, or the high possibility of escape after not even being a day.

“Ken listen I was just checking on Sierra and she wasn’t there I think she might of have escaped!”

By surprise Ken's face did not look shocked at all instead very nervous like, he even turned away from Sadler, but it was only to Ken’s knowledge that he was the one to let Sierra escape for a bribe.

Sadler knew Ken to well to not believe that his reaction to the news wasn’t right.

“Did you.......” was all Sadler could say before it became obvious to him. His fists clenched as rage filled his mind knowing that him and the other reject soliders would be the ones to hunt her down; again.

“I know what your thinking and yes it might be true but...... I got some good news.......”

“When I’m finished with you you’ll be begging for a medic!” a blade flew out of his left arm plate as he slowly approached Ken in furry.

“Now just hold it there the good news is we have a new squad mate and he’s down in the main hall awaiting the rest of us so lets get moving before Kadja gets pist at both of us!” Ken flew down the halls frantically keeping a distance from Ken just for precaution from that shimmering blade Sadler had built in.

Sadler stood poised retracting his blade only saying to himself as he closed the window, “new squad member?”

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Back down in the grand hall it was quite, only dim lights illuminating through the stain glass windows from lamp posts outside, and a dimly lit goregous chandelier with multiple lights decoratively placed around.

There was very little noise and the little bit of noise would come from the small echoes of  footsteps from people throughout the corridors, or the Kyogre water fountain between the curving staircase. Against the pillars were the members of 182nd squad of rejects Shultz, Tanaka, Shigehiko, and even their quiet, but serious captain; Kadja. Kadja kept his helmet on while the rest even including Tanaka.

Tanaka's face was young and quite soft like showing no features of a battle hardened solider, but really none of the squad was that accept for Kadja and the merc Shigehiko. Tanaka had a thick dark blonde hair color flowing to the back of his head almost to his neck and barely going over his forehead.

Each seemed to keep a good distance from each other especially Shigehiko who sat at the way end of the hall near the entrance door looking like he was about to fall asleep in his deep green armor. The only two that stood close were Shultz and Tanaka who were by surprise good friends despite Shultz practically being a mini hulk and not the smartest guy you can say and Tanaka being below the average solider strength, but was quite intelligent, however both were still quite bright soldiers when working together.

“Wonder who the new squad member is, and why was he rejected anyway Kadja?” Tanaka asked with much enthusiasm.

The captain perked his head up and began speaking calmly sounding a bit muffled under the helmet. “Not sure at all, they give me info once they drop them off, as for why he was rejected I have no idea, could have been too weak, too reckless, or just not willing at all to take orders which by surprise I prefer that type, makes them unique in a squad.”

“Oh so you must really like Ken then? cause he has gone to the bar over 3 times despite your orders!” Tanaka replied now feeling a bit frustrated how long it was for the new member to arrive along with Sadler and Ken.

Kadja looked Tanaka in the eye with a feeling of hope for rejects like him “Ken might be a fool, but foolishness is the start of greatness.”

As he finished with that saying Ken came bursting frantically through the upper left hallway. Being in such a rush he even jumped on the leaning wooden support beam along the staircase sliding down right onto the end nearly falling on the marble floor.

“Hey did I miss anything?” He asked sarcastically knowing by the serious faces on everyone accept Shultz that nothing had happen by obvious chance.

“Where’s Sadler?” Shigehiko questioned in a deep deprived voice.

“Hey medics are slow, always carrying unnecessary extra wait so he’ll be here in at least 10 minutes.” Ken just kept speaking sarcastically with a devious smirk on his face as he sat on the edge of the small pool of water from the kyogre fountain.

Before anything could be said Sadler came from the same hall above with heavy breathing, and even supporting his upper body by his arms placed on his legs. “Sorry.... I.... I was just never... huh huh a good runner in my high school, or training for Solar! huh... huh...... Kadja we may have a problem and you aren’t going to like it....... you see...” before he could finish footsteps echoed down the right corridor signifying that the new squad mate, and his escort officer were approaching.

Sadler simply went back down the staircase with sweat streaming down his forehead as all eyes stared towards the right. Some were of open arms for the new guy, some not willing to accept another addition.

The officer came through first wearing a long light grey leather jacket stretching down to his heels, and was completely unbuttoned to show a dark grey vest with a few medals pinned, and even a cross like one around his neck, though his medals made him very respectful his face did not seem to welcoming at all, his thin brown hair parted to the side with glaring eyes towards the rejects.

Coming from the right was the reject in his average grey armor, however seeing this reject only brought complete SHOCK to the men as this wasn’t a he, but in fact a...

SHE

Her armor matched perfectly with her female figure as the brand new armor shined  as the lights coming from the water fountain shined upon it. Her helmet was quite unique as well having the style of a captain, two fins coming from the top edges. The men could clearly see her class in Solar by not just the basic grey armor, but the fact she had the recently made Solar sniper rifle strapped to her back; a longer barrel version on the Barrett M82, semi automatic, and stock grip at the end to reduce recoil on the large 50. Cal even a extra supportive stock on the rear for extra comfort, though it’s appearance looked quite heavy the Solar version was a post to be light and far more efficient how rumors go.

Seeing that a female would be added to the squad the shock was in all sorts of different ways, as thoughts raced through each soldier.

Kadja: “She seems to serious like... perfect form, powerful weapon, and good armor why would she end up in rejects?”

Tanaka: “Ah crap I ain’t good around girls. Ah oh boy what to do..... just keep my mouth shut and don’t stare her in the eye, or helmet!”

Shultz: “I’s thinks shes ain’t too nice, I want ice cream instead of hers in the squad!”

Ken: “OH BOY SNIPER CHICK!! HOT BODY and POWERFUL GUN HOORAH!!”

Shigehiko: “She seems to not be overconfident just by her stance she’s like a perfect recruit but still, what could she have done to end up among rejects?”

Sadler: “Just be a gentlemen, show respect, introduce her in a friendly matter and everything would be peachy..... I hope.”

“Squad rejects of the 182nd here is your new addition Lance Corporal Sakura Mizuki.” the officer announced as he ordered her to head towards her new squad.

Captain Kadja got up preparing to shake hands with her, but she simply walked right passed him standing firmly in perfect posture away from the others.

“This solider was rejected for a odd reason we find especially being a sniper, it seems in a simulation training secession she had a kill record of more of her comrades than the enemy.”

By those words a sudden stroke of fear was wiped across each of their minds knowing that a potential threat to their lives now was walking  among them.

“Sir with all do respect are the recruitment officers high?” Sadler asked standing behind one of the pillars.

“Actually you naive soldier this one was given to you by Davoc himself so I suggest you be careful when you question his will, oh and speaking of Davoc he is to give you all a mission debriefing soon it seems you are given the honor of....”

“Catching his Daughter for like the 7th time now I believe” Ken inputted knowing that it was his fault upon her escape and this was not the first time either. “For god’s sake just let her be, you can’t keep her locked up forever in her room!”

“Enough you reject or I will have you shipped off to fighting the insurgents in Orre!”

Ken took firm posture right after that not willing to dare say another word till the officer left.

“Sir how did she escape? I had a squad member watch over her the entire day.” Kadja inputted now just realizing that someone must have let her off possibly even a bribe since climbing out a window became impossible with the installed security cameras outside.

“I don’t care how she escaped at all!, what Davoc wants is for her to be safe which is where you come in this ain’t much the usual capture her this time it’s sort of follow her from a distance. He will tell you once he...” Just before the officer could finish echoing footsteps could be heard from the right upper hall ensuring Davoc was approaching.

The officer and Kadja kneeled bowing their heads like a knight while the other soldiers just kept their same positions,  for Sakura she also fell into the same position the officers were in. Now only one question remained  for Kadja what did Davoc want for his daughter, and who did she run off with this time?

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It was getting late in the night, 11:00 PM it was now and the cold nights of Sinnoh now engulfed the land. The stars showed brightly in the sky as the moon gave a crescent shape upon this cloudless night. Jubilife still flourished with such active life like a sleepless city. The streets were reducing in traffic, but thousands of bustling people walked among it’s streets almost seeming like a endless night for them. The majority of markets and shops were closed accept for any place that meant for personal enjoyment were lit up with dazzling lights like a major casino being part of some of the well constructed hotels all over the city.

Leon still looking for the Kreig held his arms close to himself as he was a boy to grow up among the cool and warm breezes of Slateport while these were the cold breezes of the Sinnoh mountains. Wether it was in the forest or city, a stiff cold just kept coming leading him to the very point of going to any remaining stores that remained open at this time.

Umbreon walked beside his master he was to unsure of himself here, and was somewhat afraid by all the people that would give him a gleam or glare. He was a street pokemon at Slateport nothing more, but unlike here Slateport was easy to find your way around and the nights were so quite accept for late ships coming in from the docks. He looked up to his master wondering constantly if it  could just be him and Leon to continue this journey Umbreon had very little trust for the Malone’s, and just didn’t plain like Teila.

Coming across a shop with lights slowly going out Leon eyes quickly glued to the large clear window imprinted with the words Jubilife Tradition. He scanned the shop seeing a high supplement of all sorts gear from boots to backpacks and glancing over to see the store still had at least 5 minutes left before locking up so he entered with no hesitation.

The shop was not small, but not too large with rows of neatly organized clothing, rows of boots and shoes stacked finely on the shelves in the wall with a display model and the product behind it. The walls were all a navy blue with a black carpet all the way through. Leon approached towards a rack of jackets on sale, he glanced over to the mid-age male owner with a dark grey moustache that showed out the most among is facial detail, he stared back welcoming like only to say;

“Were closing in a few minutes anything you looking for in particular?”

“No, thanks anyway.” he replied  browsing through the jackets only $75.00 each being a good 50% off. The patterns were all nice, but so hard to choose from since none did seem to match his usual clothing even Umbreon ducked his head under to see if any were of his favorite pattern, which was somewhat similar to Leon’s. A few jackets came into site giving him probably his first break today, dark blue coming from the arms to the waist, and a basic black coming down the middle from the shoulders and back, blue surrounded the front making the black areas form like a filled V. Throwing it on to see if it actually fit. His luck got better this night as no doubt it was a nice fit , pretty comfortable, and  plenty of pocket space which was for sure needed for a traveler.

Taking the hanger out he approached the checkout counter  throwing it over his short sleeve shirt and vest. The man approached over leaving the remaining boots on the ground. Scanning it as the total came on the small screen of $79.43 including tax pretty good for what it was Leon thought cause of design and material.

Paying in cash he quickly had to ask one question before leaving. “Excuse me, but I am looking for the Kreig hotel do you know where it is?”

“Ah you must be a traveler thought somoene having a Umbreon seemed strange especially in this city, the Kreig is just down a few corners behind the shop. Large parking lot, small waterfall fountain in the front can’t miss it. You could just cut behind the alleyway right to it if you like.” He answered happily smiling at Umbreon

“Oh thanks! Been a heck of a day for me, thought I had at least a mile to go!” Leon was overjoyed to hear he was actually close which was actually like a wave of water running over the previous events in his mind.

“No problem so where you from anyway, and how long have you been on your journey?” The shop keeper could not help to ask this since it was actually not to common to see trainers to even spend a day in Jubilife.

Leon was quite enthusiastic why he was so interested in his training so he replied willinging “Hoenn, Slateport city and actually I’m just really a beginner.”

The shop Keeper’s eyes sprung open with shock,“Hoenn!? Why travel all the way to Sinnoh to start? The climate is much different here, the challenges are actually more rougher on a beginner especially!”

“It’s just my dad’s idea guess he prefers me to make a fresh start in Sinnoh, I’ll just say back there things never were really too good for me, now sorry to cut this short, but I must get going, have a good day sir.” As with that he walked out the door smiling a bit with Umbreon right beside.

Less buildings were open now even though it was only a 5 minute run in. The street lamps illuminated the streets along with the headlights of the many vehicles diving by. He turned to the alley cutting between the brick buildings and into another large opening into the city. Dashing down trying to avoid stepping on fallen trash which had some glass underneath the worn torn paper, Umbreon moved cautiously and quickly avoiding any sharp objects in somewhat narrow ally only lit by a small light dangling above a backdoor of the building next door to the shop.

Coming out of the allyway the Kreig was in plain site by how much it showed out. The large sky scraper could have been easily seen from the cliff side back at the forest. It’s shimmering glassy and smooth dark tan brick frame surely made it almost seem like a recently completed structure, dim lights could be seen from almost every window that was not covered by drapes. Any of the floors over the 20th at least was out of sight by the balcony coming off from just about every floor. A level parking lot came off from the side, but a the main entrance led upwards in a curving direction.

A breeze of wind ran through his new fall jacket bringing him to zip it all the way up to his next which felt somewhat embarrassing around here as he shifted his eyes back and forth scanning the usual wear which was a simple long sleeve shirt, or a suit nothing really to standout to much at all.

Dashing across the road he made his way up the stone stairs leading right to the clear glass entrance clearly giving full view of lobby interior. Though Leon somewhat anxious thinking how hard it would be to find his gang seeing how many floors plus rooms there are, for he knew the so called “advice” from that mysterious and devious figure could have been a lie with ease.

Walking inside calmly with his hands dug  into the side pockets of the jacket, he cast a glace at an employee helping with luggage of other guests seeming not care that Leon was bringing inside a pokemon which was pretty pleasant knowing most hotels would have trainers keep them inside a poke ball.

The lobby was dead compared to the active streets. Only a few people were at the counter checking in with only a few bags of luggage. Everything was neatly in order from a few refreshments around a table to the redwood furniture by a crackling stone fire pit built into the wall.

He sat down into a comfort chair throwing his backpack on the dark tan carpet ground which was such a relief to throw off all that wait especially to sit down now. Umbreon took a long yawn stretching out his canine body along with Leon stretching out his arms with a following yawn before falling carefree into the chair throwing both his legs on the edge of the coffee table between the redwood, leather furniture.

[Master I...] Umbreon took another long yawn with a small cry. [I think they ain’t here whatsoever I don’t even sense the slightest bit of them here.]

Leon paused taking a yawn with a thought of Umbreon possibly being right but it couldn't hurt to ask if they had checked in. “Wait here for a sec I’ll see if anyone under Dawson or Malone was here.”

He nodded jumping onto the couch curling up hoping that he would take at least 5 minutes to find out since this day had been harder on him with the training and all. His eyes lids slowly began to fall despite his will to stay up a little longer. Before he could drift into his slumber on something comfortable than the usual streets of Slateport he roamed every night, the distraction of a voice he was all too familiar with burst out.

“Ello now it’s the fucken Dawnson!” Standing in front of the door was no other than Jim, and his traveling  friend Carth.

The employee assisting Leon gave a concerning look by the all of sudden harsh language, while Leon’s face turned from tired to surprise and dumbfounded to see the two he hope to never get contact with to much on his journey was standing only a few yards away. Each wore the same pattern just that Jim seemed to have a matching belt with his black and green design strapping in 6 brand new poke balls.

“Jim, Carth!?” Leon cried out while freaked out.

“Small world eh? Saw you from the store across the street figured I could me that hottie on your team!” Jim replied while Carth felt pretty embarrassed.

“Uh huh, and may I ask do you have any respect for women?” Leon replied with the female employee giggling a bit under her lips.

“I do!” Carth exclaimed trying to input his word towards his secret crush on Teila.

“What? I just want to meet her never got the chance to talk to her yet she’s the first Sinnoh girl that actually looks good to me, or is just because she’s that.... um whats his name.... oh yeah Davoc’s daughter......”

“Ok Jim enough with the playboy act now tell him why were really here!” Carth exclaimed right between the two. He could never say they were enemies, but Jim just really disliked Leon for his abilities while Carth would not really care at all, in fact would more have likely liked the Dawnson’s in so many ways, just being in class with Teila would distract him from all his work.

“Ok ok damn can’t I have a little fun hehehehe.” He took a more official trainer stance grasping a average poke ball from his belt. “As your aware probably Jubilife  is dull on trainers around this time of year, at least till the new stadium opens I hear........ Leon you’re the only trainer I know and as much I would hate to say this, but I challenge you to a battle!”

He awed him in a shock. Unlike his last battle this was by somewhat of a normal trainer and only one thing came to mind here those words slip through his mouth, “I accept your challenge!” as those words came through something had came to mind, Jim had no pokemon the first time he encountered him, plus Sandgem was out of starters. “Jim do you even have a pokemon?”

“What? Of course I do why would I ever ask for a battle!?”

“Ok then you had no starter so how in the world did you catch one?”

“Long story not pretty, now may we get on with this we’ll do it in the parking lot!” The excited new trainer kept speaking at a fast paste not slowing down for a sec.

“Alright I’ll see you there in a minute then, but really what is with the sudden change in respect?” He asked curious why Jim would even at all show respect to the Dawnson’s.

“Me respect you? Haha never in a lifetime! I just need a battle from you!” He walked out the doors laughing a bit under his lip in a mocking way, Carth glanced back with a grin that ran across his face, a bit confused on Jim’s emotions towards Leon and his family.

Leon approached his tired Umbreon. It's eyes heavy while his trainer was sprung open with exhilaration of a battle ahead.

[Leon please can I just sleep?]

“Come on get up, or your going right back in your ball!” said Leon looking down at his warn out pokemon.

[Ugh fine, fine I’m up happy?] He flopped off the couch onto the soft carpet regaining his stance on all four legs stretching out his body to try to get somewhat of a wake-up call inside him.

Leon looked down at Umbreon with a gleam in his eye saying out loud “Now Umbreon I know you won’t lose this time I’m sure of it!”

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Outside Jim stood poised in a clear section in the slick black pavement of the parking lot. Carth stood behind near the side walks. It appeared superb for a battle, cars were parked more closer to the hotel giving such a clear field.

People continued to thrive throughout the streets, the weather still a breezy cold, and the sky so clear of clouds the only thing that could possibly block out the stars were the streets lights.

Leon came walking with a calm stance, but with a streaming thrill of emotions inside; he could not feel despair, overconfident, or any sort of doubting feelings.

Jim stared down at him with a smirk on his face holding a ball ever so tightly saying. “Lets see if your street pokemon can beat a true battle ready pokemon!” He tossed the ball upwards dropping down releasing a flow of pure white light taking form of pokemon no taller than Umbreon

The light soon vanished and the ball returned to Jim’s hand. Standing before the three was a two legged pokemon, orange all over with cream orange belly.  It had a very smooth body all the way back to a smooth tail, and at the tip of that tail was blazing fire barely effected by the wind. It’s 3 claws on both it’s feet and hands might be small but looked sharp enough to perform easy cut or scratch attacks. It’s blue eyes glared towards Umbreon with a smirk wiped across it’s lizard like face, in fact it’s expression almost reassembled Jim.

“I’ll like you to meet Charmander!! my ass kicking fire....... thing!” Jim shouted out in somewhat of a glory like stance that was actually a bit embarrassing in public, though it was not just Jim’s unquiet behavior to start catching the intention of people walking by and what seemed like dozens of others on the other side of the road, but it was of that a pokemon battle was about to happen and for the people of Jubilife to see this was rare and catching every last eye around, soon drawing a crowd keeping a good distance as Jim spoke out one last saying “Now bring it on!”

The two took good trainer posture awaiting for who would make the first move. A silence was between them as their eyes locked on two each others as strategy ideas ran through their minds. The people watching would not glance away each hoping for one to make a move soon.

Umbreon kept his red glaring eyes on his opponent.

Charmander breathed small blows of fire trying to intimidate.

The silence was now coming to a end as Jim burst with a command. “Charmander scratch attack!”

The pokemon engaged at a medium pace, Umbreon braced itself for a dodge at the right moment.

Leon quickly or through out a command without and hesitation. “Umbreon dodge it and counter with faint attack!”

Charmander came charging raising it’s claws preparing to make a quick blow, but right before the attack could take into effect Umbreon swiftly ducked jumping over to the side. Charmander glared down it’s opponent picking himself up from the failed attack, but before that could happen a black energy gently illuminated among the already illuminating yellow areas of his body. Taking action he attacked at swift speed seeming to flash side to side confusing Charmander onto where to move the attack seemed almost unpredictable.

“Charmander don’t just stand there!” Jim cried out frustrated just with the him failing his first move, but now it was to late Umbreon’s instant speed made direct contact with Charmander with strong force of the dark type attack.

“CHARRRRRRRR!!” it cried being thrown across the cement like a rag doll.

[HA! try to scratch me, well that is what you get !] Umbreon blasted those words out of his mouth, though only Leon could understand them.

“Charmander get up we shall not be defeated this easily!” Jim commanded with building up adrenaline. Charmander pulled himself together getting up with full confidence in himself smirking right at Umbreon as if the faint attack was nothing.

“Yeah great to see your kicking still! Now counter with ember give it a little extra kick of power!”

Before the crowd’s eyes and Leon’s was a building of fire from the muzzle. It raged and soon was about to be unleashed. Umbreon was stunned since he compared power by the age of the pokemon and the Charmander was no doubt far younger than by it’s such young look.

Leon panicked this was just like the Solar compound with the LC Dragonair all over again he was too stunned to give a command staring down the impending rage of fire.

Umbreon’s eyes widened as he himself was practically paralyzed from the intense heat building, and in a instant the ember was unleashed in a swirl of intense heat almost as if this was a flamethrower. The flame sliced across the ground as Umbreon was engulfed among the flames.

Leon cired out, “UMBREOOOOOOON!!”

The crowd was full of mix emotions as the flames swirled around Umbreon’s position, some were amazed how such a young basic pokemon could preform that, but others were disappointed for such a short battle even it being a 1vs1. Charmander was even impressed himself by such a attack that he began jumping in joy.

Jim merely mocked and started being a showoff by doing some kind of weird dance. “Oh yeah your pokemon was just OWNED!!, or even better SERVED!!”

Though Jim’s victory dance soon halted as Leon and everyone around him eye’s suddenly widened as the blazing fire cleared. Standing up perfectly and with barely any scorch marks was Umbreon. The crowd along with Carth and Jim gazed astonished to even see it was still standing including Leon himself.

Umbreon’s breathing was heavy, but a smirk ran across his face as if the attack was nothing though the scorch marks did make it seem like something. <Come on is that all you got I can take more!> He shouted out in such self-confidence unlike ever before. The thrill of going all out in battle was finally catching up with his mind and to him the battle was not over.

Leon stunned not of grief, but of joy with so much relief asked right before the battle went on, “Umbreon are you?”

[ok?] he finished for him confidently. [I haven’t felt this exhilarated in a long time!]

Leon nodded with a grin of being confident so much himself. “Ok Umbreon lets finish this!” He shouted out pointing directly at Charmander. “Now faint attack lets go!”

Umbreon took off once more flashing side to side on a dark like pulse.

Jim responded immediately with a commanding voice, “Jump to the left once it gets too close!”

Though Jim tried everything he knew to dodge the faint attack there was a horrible mistake in Jim’s knowledge, faint attack is nearly impossible to dodge cause of it’s high speed, and being unpredictable.

Umbreon neared Charmander with constant gain in strength into the dark move. Charmander stared down the move looking so confused as in flashes of dark light Umbreon shifted positions making it far too hard to tell where the attack was going to land. Jim now struggled as he barked out commands, but it was too late, Umbreon made contact in a powerful blow right to the body, head on with a heavy dark pulse.

Charmander was slammed right into the ground with Umbreon landing perfectly on his feet right beside the pokemon, regaining his composure he looked down to the Charmander.

[No I won’t lose not for him!] Charmander said angrily and desperately grinding it’s teeth. It was actually getting up after two direct hits from a faint attack, many just wondered why was this young Charmander so determined?

Umbreon took battle ready pose just in case something were to happen after all Charmander’s determination practically equaled the same as Umbreon’s, but despite such strength it was only a bit older than Rilou and with the wounds it collapsed into a faint, making Leon the winner.

Jim and Carth’s eyes sprung open to see this sight, there before them was a their first battle, and first defeat. The people looked astonished no one had likely expected Umbreon to win, especially after that high powered Ember attack, but soon their astonishment became an applause.

Jim brought the ball up returning Charmander in a stream of transparent red light. He looked across the other side of the parking lot field towards Leon with a grin admitting to his defeat. “Damn well a match is a match, but only by luck you.... you.... NOOB!!” he shouted that word out loud in public, that Carth tried to blend in the crowd not willing to feel embarrassed.

Leon was actually quite surprised he would expect Jim to constantly go off swearing or disgracing his family, since it seemed like his favorite pass-time, or that he getting used to accepting defeat.

“Leon!” A voice called out from the behind near the entry to the hotel.

He glanced behind himself to see it was Teila and a such a stress reliever to actually see someone he new well enough around this city. She ran down with a perky look in her usual clothing which by Leon’s concern she should be at least wearing a light jacket in climates like this.

“We saw the whole thing from the room figured the noise of a pokemon battle had to be you, now when the heck do I get a shot at battle?”

“We? Where the hell are the others?” that question was the first thing to come to mind, the thought of a bed just tempted him to get running right now to the room.

“18th floor, we saw the whole battle from the balcony. Can’t believe you taught that street Evee a actual attack.” she said sarcastically.

[Thanks for the compliment?] Umbreon inputted.

Carth peaked over through the departing crowd eying Teila trying not stare at her when she glanced over in his direction. Jim just dazed off into his mind on his future areas of this training, now that his first battle was with a Dawnson, and lost to a Dawnson one thing sparked through his mind that probably would set something on his dedication, which was simply one thing;

Leon was his rival.

There was no question he fought him first, he grew up seeing him and knowing a bit about him.

“Carth I think we have someone to beat to the Sinnoh championship.”

Carth did no respond, and infact he was gazing at Teila, in a daze that Jim was actually talking to him.

“Carth....... oh Carth....... YO CARTH!” he yelled right into his face.

“Ahhh! I hate it when you do that, now what the heck is it!?”

He smirked in a devious like way before saying, “My friend we seem to have a rival I believe.”  

“Um rival?” Carth question a bit concerned. “If anyone’s rival its your’s not mine, if anyone I would love to battle is Teila..... oh man I here battles lead to relationships!” He slowly drift into another daze before Jim stomped on his foot to keep him in reality.

*****************************************************************

As the last of the crowd finally diminished giving maybe a compliment or just some kind of excited look from the kids under ten that had pokemon training on their minds, Leon and Teila looked down towards their now rivals. It was not that they suddenly came up and said, “I’m your rival live with it” it was though of a feeling of determination that sparked throughout them as a small glowing flame in their goals

A wind blew gently across one another’s face flowing their hair towards the right as the seemed so quite unlike how they once were. Umbreon knew himself that Jim would be his rival unlike Davoc who was no trainer, but a man who only exploits pokemon, it was just that this feeling rushed through his mind along with his master. This feeling the two had was unlike what they felt before, it was like the ocean wind drifting across yourself with small bits of sand blowing across your skin, the wind was the journey and the bits of sand that intervened with the wind was the battles up ahead, Jim, gym leaders, trainers, the championship, and just maybe to fight Davoc once more.

“We’ll be going it’s late and I tend to be receiving a gym badge before you! I look forward to another battle soon don’t think I have just lost completely to you, remember you won only by mere luck today!” As with that said he left the parking lot with a grin towards Leon, while Carth tried to keep his eyes off Teila. They seemed to be heading toward the stadium’s direction and how Leon could remember that had plenty of hotels along with a quick way out of Jubilife and onto the next city of either Oreburgh, Floaroma, or if Jim would be willing to take an extra distance to the west Canalave could also be a option.

Leon bent down to Umbreon’s height. He examined his body looking at the scorch wounds, however to a stroke of relief it really wasn’t that bad at all, not even too noticeable, especially after a nice nap for healing everything should be fine.

He stroke his hand across Umbreon’s fur gently all the way to his thick tail, the only way Umbreon responded by this was merely a moan of pure enjoyment from the feel, why Leon did this was plain simple, he had always enjoyed his presence in his life and had always been proud of him but never this proud for Umbreon that only two words would slip from his mouth how to describe what he felt. “Good job.” he repeatedly said as he kept stroking his fur not even bothered by the cold.

Teila groaned. “Come on it’s just one victory whoopee......” she said sarcastically. “Can we please get going and may I ask when in the world did you get a jacket?!”

Leon rose turning back to her with a grin of joy, he felt a bit disappointed that she did not understand what the first victory means, and the only way for her to know probably was for her to actually experience it which thinking about may not be to far away from happening.

“Yeah it’s getting late better get some sleep, oh and the jacket just bought it a hour and a half ago pretty good price for what it is unlike how you buy clothes, it has to be perfect no matter what the price......”

“Haha very cute now lets go! and we are getting some warmer clothing before we head off tomorrow!” She declared right back desiring a jacket for herself to.

“Fine” he reluctantly replied not caring.

*****************************************************************

Back inside the halls were practically quite all throughout, even the pool was now just motionless water as not a signal person was around it. A few people would pass down the halls with at least 2 bags of luggage either leaving for a late flight out of Sinnoh or had recently checked in. Most seemed like on business trips none really had the look of a family trip, well at least for what time of year it was.

The halls were a dark creamish orange with a taint of yellow and were enlighten by gold painted metal lamps attached against the walls in a well organized way. The way seemed endless till the elevators finally came in sight.

The elevator was painted a striped color of the hallways outside matching perfectly of how a building colors of an interior in the 1930s would have felt like and actually it was, instead of the irritating the elevator music that ticked Teila off, a small flat T.V. hanging above gave information on the building’s history and truly it was from around the 1930s though of course the only reason for fine shape was much remodeling, and patching up, but still kept the feel of it’s once previous self accept for the T.V. above.

Coming onto the 20th floor the halls remained the same all throughout, the only difference was the doors to the endless rooms was a dark green all throughout. The room number was 228 just a bit further down..

Leon repeated the room numbers as they went by 1 by1 keeping his eyes on the left side of the corridor he and Teila made a turn on.

“210"
“212"
“214"
“216"
“218"
“220"
“222"
“224"
“226"
“228 finally!”

Leon knocked on the door. All he wanted was some sleep so desperately, hoping to have breakfast, get supply, then move out before Jim and Carth get going. The knob turned to the right from their direction and with a click at the knob the door slowly opened making a soft creek noise.

There standing in a long ice blue night gown was Sierra happy to see they got up here quite fast. “We saw the whole battle from up here I’m impressed for this being only your second!” She joyfully exclaimed.

He almost blushed but got rid of that emotion trying not to embarrass himself, instead of that he glanced to the right of her to get a good look of the room. Averaged sized room, two beds each having enough room for 2 people, the sheets and blanket were a very light brown and seemed so comfortable when compared to how last night was spent sleeping in a tent. The furniture appeared to match with the coloring of the beds like a dark green for the carpet, and the wallpaper gave a nice clean dark green that was designed with a light flower design that wasn’t to clear since the green of them matched the wall practically bit was still a pretty design. The T.V. was on a decent width piece of furniture in front of the two beds flashed constantly, probably a pokemon battle they were watching, or some movie. Among all of the features only showed out three things, the white tiled bathroom with a tempting shower to take in the morning, a sliding glass door that led to the small balcony, and of course the flashing T.V. with the volume down to zero practically.

“It was just one battle why is everyone making a big deal about it?” He questioned Sierra though he actually was impressed with Umbreon.

Sierra shook her head either to that he made a bad impression on trying to hide his impressed emotions, or that he was trying to doubt himself ever from a victory .“Simple there is a difference between the first battle and first victory! You see we tend to strive for victory after defeat and since my father demolished you in your last battle, no offense, you and Umbreon probably got a confidence boost  from either training more or who knows what. I mean once I saw that ember I thought it was over, or would be over rather quick after the flames set a side!”

“Leon you clearly won, plus I was there when you were practically all over Umbreon from the victory! You enjoyed the battle bu that smirk you had,  you enjoyed the victory by how much you pampered Umbreon so just admit it!” Teila reminded since she was with him when he was so proud by constantly stroking his hand across the Umbreon’s fur.

Teila had grasped his arm till he would admit the truth which wasn’t too much of a choice by how heavy his eyes were becoming, he mine as well fall right on top of her and get some sleep.

“Ok ok I’m impressed! I loved the battle along with that, is that good enough for you?”

“I think that’ll do.” Teila replied with a small giggle in her tone.

[Yeah that was good enough for me.] Umbreon followed with a smirk.

“You need to loosen up and have fun isn’t that the whole thing about this journey? admitting to this joy shows only strength and confidence not weakness. Leon I have had experience to many times loosening up and enjoying yourself is the best way towards victory!” Sierra said in a gentle like tone.

He simply nodded to Sierra before walking right pass her to see only Crystal sitting on the bed nearest to the wall separating the bathroom and the rest of the room.

“Um where’s Jarret?” He questioned.

“Oh yeah um he’s in the room next to us.” Teila answered pointing to a door between this room and room 226.

“I suppose I’m sleeping there or is Crystal?”

“Nope you and Jarret in the other room next to us. Girls sleep here boys sleep in the other.” Teila answered once more.

He looked over to the door as Teila and Sierra went into the bathroom to wash up, leaving Crystal the only one in the main part of the room.

Leon grabbed his bag once more feeling so tired that he would rather just wash up in the morning instead of doing anything for tonight. Before he entered the next room he glanced back at Crystal who had her eyes on him since the moment he entered the room. She held the teddy bear in her arms just giving a small smile saying “Goodnight.”

Leon replied back saying the samething with a smile himself. “Goodnight.” he nodded to her a bit with his gentle blue eyes, as she shut the door coming into a completely dark room almost.

The only light came from a flashing T.V. that had such calm and strong voices, by obvious sounds it was the news, which usually was just full of bad news usually, or just politics that according to his father only corrupt you if you keep on listening to them.

Jarret laid asleep in the second bed, by how quite he was he was aleep. The covers were up to his neck and his face was turned to the right with shut eyes and a very quite breathing.

He walked in quietly turning to the T.V. to see what was on. It was merely politics and business, along with alerts of the small war happening in the Orre region. He turned off the T.V. avoiding knowledge that only brings grief in the end, and also to make this a quite slumber without any bit of noise.

He dropped his bag on the ground by the other bed making a long stretch from his arms. He took his jacket and threw off his vest leaving his black T-shirt and dark blue jeans on only. He jumped into bed so glad  just for his head to gently lay in a pillow was so relaxing compared to last night. Umbreon jumped up curling up in the blanket getting as comfortable as possible which was so soothing compared to back home, accept when Leon would let him stay the night when the rain would come, or he had an injury.

Their eyes shut closed but a small voice some would prevent that. “Uhhhh.... kinda late for you to come back.” A tired and weak voice called out from Jarret.

Leon glanced to a digital clock reading 2:34 A.M., a time like this was far too late for a trainer with a to be awake. “Sorry some distractions got in the way......”

He did not turn to Leon, not even his eyes opened by how heavy they were, and he did was moan out words. “Huh... distractions... only pitiful excuses how it sounds...”  

“Why so serious?” He laughed a little under his voice mimicking a movie for a sec.

“For one it’s past 2:00 A.M. in the morning, second you woke me up...”

[Please be quite I desire sleep!] Umbreon groaned tucking his head deeper into the bed, but was ignored.

“So Jarret you planning on actually catching a pokemon?”  Leon spoked calmly, but curiously when it came down to a subject like this.

Jarret rolled over looking at Leon with barely opened eyes. “I don’t know..... when I saw you battle I feel the inspiration to do it, but everywhere else I just have..... other priorities in my mind.”

“Other priorities?” He questioned.

“It’s just....... something I got to do, you really don’t need to know about it...” As those words came into his mind he could remember the day these other Priorities took into action in his life, and that moment was the sound of a gunshot, the gunshot that took the very life of his brother.

“You can tell me if you like.” Leon responded with a comforting voice, or he was just way to tired.

“No this is just something that has to be done, and only by me, you, my sister, my father, NO ONE shall interfere without consequences out of my desires.” His voice sounded cruel there for a sec, but came down to a perfectly relaxed tone that sounded far more tired than Leon.

“Sorry about that......  please understand it’s my life, and my life only...... just please lets get some sleep tomorrow we must get up as early as possible.” He rolled over to the right turning away from Leon shutting his eyes completely.

Leon became silent trying to forget Jarret’s secretness, but he was a boy grown up around Solar principles so who knows how his moral’s worked Solar was by far the most legal, and mysterious corporation yet.

[Ugh finally some peace and quite.] Umbreon groaned once more before he had drift into his slumber leaving Leon the only one up.

He tried not to worry about the strange dreams, but the ever so thought of those nightmares taunt him dearly, especially whatever that persona was back at the stadium with such a devious laughter. Though he felt somewhat of a sense of peace inside, where this feeling came from could be either the battle, or he was just so thrilled of what Sinnoh hold far off, either way he was relaxed, a small smiled across his face as he simply said.

“Goodnight Jarret.”

“Uhhhhhhhhh...... goodnight, please get some sleep it’s nearly 3... uhh.”

He covered himself full in the blanket, turning to the left. His eyes closed, his thoughts towards a bright tomorrow, but something came to mind, a certain melody, the one his mother taught him on the flute.

It was gentle it was soothing, she called it Echos of the Wind, and just like how water would heal wounds this would heal the wounds of his mind. He hummed it gently with his eyes shut, the hum got softer as he drift more into slumber, but as the hum would die it would repeat in his mind as the gentle tone his mother played the first day he ever heard it,  it was his first song to ever hear on the flute, it was the the melody that brought him peace.......

“Dooooooo... dooo, dooo................  doooo........”