Sorren
"Rosa…it's hardly dawn right now…" I mutter sleepily. Pikachu is slumped over my shoulder, still half asleep, while Luxray sits alert at the edge of the bed.
"Doesn't matter!" Rosa whispers energetically as she closes my door behind her, "I just remembered we can add another member to our team!"
I turn around and walk straight back to my bed, ready to collapse again.
"Lux!"
"Luxray, I know you want to go out again, but I need sleep to function—" I mumble, already pulling the blanket over my head.
A knock comes from the door again, "Don't sleep, Sorren. We've got a whole day ahead of us~" Rosa's voice carries easily through the wood. I groan into my pillow.
"Welcome to being a Pokémon Trainer, Sorren," Brock says from the bed across from me, clearly amused. I bury my face deeper into the pillow.
…I miss Alex at times like this.
❦
"This way, Sorren! Barry should be just up ahead!" Rosa declares brightly. Seriously, this woman has way too much energy in the morning, "Hurry up! I want to introduce you all!"
The four of us walk along the beach while Luxray keeps pace beside me. Pikachu had been too exhausted to stay out of his Poké Ball, so he is currently asleep inside it. The egg rests safely in my bag, and ever since it moved last night, it has gone completely still again.
"Okay! Hold your Horsea…" Misty says as I finally catch up to them, "What kind of person is this Barry, anyway?" Brock stands beside her looking perfectly awake somehow, and honestly, I feel like I am the only person here who is barely functioning.
"Lux?" Luxray gently taps her head against my waist, checking on me.
I run a hand through her fur, "I'm fine, Luxray…just lacking sleep," I mumble while rubbing at my eyes.
Rosa clasps her hands together excitedly, "Hmm…I think I'd describe Barry as a really straightforward, purehearted, nice guy kind of trainer! He's always super earnest and sincere!" She practically sparkles while talking about him, "I feel like I could learn a lot from him!"
"Guys, can we take a break?" I groan into my hand. The three of them stop and look at me, "I know I get excited about adding new members to our team too, but I have limits. No sleep, blazing sun, walking across the entire beach…"
Misty snorts softly while Brock chuckles.
"You do look like you're about to collapse," Brock admits.
The four of us take a small detour and sit beside a cluster of large rocks. I immediately lean back against one with a relieved sigh, "Ah, finally…"
Brock glances at me knowingly, "If you would tell us what you were doing last night—"
"I was just talking with my family," A lie. I don't know why I am hiding the battle with Alain from them. Maybe because it feels strangely personal, like something I want to keep to myself for now.
Thankfully, Rosa immediately continues talking, "On top of all that, he's a really amazing trainer! Even Cynthia speaks highly of him! He's from Sinnoh too!"
That catches my attention instantly.
Aunt Cynthia does? She compliments trainers sometimes, but not often enough for Rosa to sound this impressed.
"I'm just going to close my eyes for a second," I mumble. "You guys keep talking…" I only meant to rest for a moment. Instead, I fall asleep. When I wake up, the sound of waves fills my ears. I blink slowly and sit up, realizing everyone is gone except for Luxray, who stands alert beside me like a guard.
"Luxray…where is everyone?" I ask groggily.
"Lux."
She lowers her nose and starts sniffing the ground. I stretch my arms before following her along the sandy path. Around us, trainers laugh and splash around in the water while Pokémon race through the waves.
It has been a long time since I visited a beach…
"Finally, you're separated from your group!" A voice suddenly cuts through my thoughts. I stop walking and look around. A masked man and woman step out from opposite sides of the path, blocking the way.
"…Are you talking to me?" I point at myself while Luxray immediately steps in front of me, fur crackling with electricity.
"We've been watching you," the woman says smugly, "Now hand over your Pokémon!"
There are criminals in Pasio too? Somehow I ended up getting cornered by them. What a day, Sorren…
"How about the answer is…no?" I reply, trying to sound calm.
The man scoffs, "Don't mess with us, kid. You can't take both of us on."
"Marill, teach him a lesson!"
"Poliwag, you too!"
Both Pokémon appear in flashes of light. Marill bounces forward confidently while Poliwag spins its tail. I glance down at Luxray. She looks back at me calmly. Yeah…this battle is ending quickly.
"Luxray, Wild Charge."
Electricity explodes around her body.
Before either opponent can react, Luxray launches forward like a bolt of lightning. Sand bursts behind her as she slams directly between Marill and Poliwag. Violent electricity erupts outward in every direction.
"Marill!"
"Poliwag!"
The shockwave engulfs both Water types instantly. Both of them collapse onto the sand with spirals in their eyes. The entire battle lasts less than ten seconds. The two masked trainers stare in horror.
"What the—"
"How did—"
"Type advantage," I answer simply, "Ever heard of it?" Luxray flicks her tail proudly, tiny sparks crackling through the air, "Anyway, I need to find my friends." I turn around and continue down the path, "Come on, Luxray." She walks beside me with her head held high while the two criminals remain frozen behind us in complete disbelief.
❦
Unfortunately for us, we ended up running into even more masked people, but thankfully every single one of them used Water type Pokémon. That made things much easier for Luxray and before long, we finally reached a quieter part of the beach.
This area feels untouched compared to the crowded shoreline behind us. The waves move gently against the sand, and the ocean breeze is cooler here.
I let out a tired sigh and sat down on the sand, staring up at the sky. Carefully, I remove the incubator from my bag and place it beside me.
"I can't wait for you to hatch," I murmur, "I wonder what you are…and if you'll like being with me."
Right on cue, Luxray suddenly throws her paws against my chest and knocks me backward into the sand. Before I can react, she starts licking my face enthusiastically.
"Luxray!" I laugh, trying to push her away while ruffling her fur at the same time, "What's with the sudden burst of affection, girl?"
"Lux! Lux!" she responds proudly then her ears twitch. Immediately, Luxray's attention snaps toward a nearby bush. She steps off me and slowly approaches it.
"Huh?" I sit up quickly and follow after her. Pushing through the leaves, I stop in surprise.
"Ralts?"
The small Pokémon looks exhausted. Its body trembles weakly like it barely has any strength left. I crouch down carefully and reach toward it, but the moment my fingers get close, it teleports away in a flash of light.
"Wait!" The Ralts reappear beside my incubator before collapsing onto the sand. I rush toward it, but before I can reach it, a loud voice cuts through the air.
"Leave that Pokémon alone, Team Break!"
Team Break?
I look up in confusion. Standing a short distance away is an Empoleon, the final form of the water type sinnoh starter. Beside it stands a trainer with messy blond hair and bright amber eyes. He wears a short sleeved orange and white striped shirt, dark gray pants, light brown shoes, and a long green scarf hanging loosely around his neck.
"I'm sorry, I think you've got the wrong person," I say quickly while carefully picking up the weakened Ralts. This time, it doesn't teleport away. It's probably too exhausted to move anymore. Luxray immediately steps forward protectively, but I gently stop her with one hand, "Take it easy," I whisper, "Let's try talking first." She reluctantly settles beside me, though her eyes never leave the stranger, "Hey, if you're talking about those goons earlier, I'm not with them at all—"
"Fight me, you Pokémon snatcher!"
…Yeah. I'm definitely not getting through to him.
Balancing Ralts carefully in one arm, I pull out another Poké Ball, "Pikachu, wake up, buddy. I need your help."
Pikachu materializes in a flash of light and immediately looks back at me with an expression that practically screams, I was sleeping perfectly fine.
"I know, I know," I sigh, giving him an apologetic smile, "But duty calls…"
Pikachu huffs before hopping into position as we are yet again pulled into a battle.
"Empoleon, use Hydro Pump!" The moment the command leaves his mouth, Empoleon fires a massive torrent of water straight toward us.
"Pikachu, Quick Attack!"
Pikachu darts forward in a streak of yellow, vanishing from the center just before the Hydro Pump crashes into the sand behind him. Water explodes upward in a giant spray, "Now use Electro Ball!"
Pikachu flips through air and launches a sphere of electricity. Empoleon raises one arm, taking the hit directly as sparks burst across its armor-like body.
"Empoleon, Metal Claw!"
Empoleon lunges forward with surprising speed, steel-coated claws glowing brightly. Pikachu barely blocks with his tail before getting knocked backward across the sand.
"Pika!"
"Pikachu!" I tighten my hold on the weakened Ralts while Luxray watches tensely beside me. The trainer points forward confidently. "Finish this with Drill Peck!"
Empoleon leaps high into the air, beak glowing silver as it dives downward.
"Thunderbolt!"
Electricity erupts from Pikachu's body in a violent burst. The attack collides against Drill Peck midair, stopping Empoleon for only a second before it pushes through.
He is strong…
"Use Iron Tail!"
Pikachu spins and slams his glowing tail directly against Empoleon's beak. The impact sends both Pokémon skidding backward across the battlefield.
The blond trainer grins, "Not bad! But Empoleon and I are going all out!" He raises his Poryphone as he commands his next move. The air around Empoleon surges with power as waves spiral around its body.
"Go, Empoleon! Aqua Jet!"
Empoleon becomes engulfed in roaring water and shoots forward like a cannon.
"Pikachu! Volt Tackle!" I shout instinctively, holding my own Poryphone and hoping the voice doesn't come back.
Pikachu launches himself forward wrapped in blinding lightning. Water and electricity explode together violently. For a moment, neither side gives in then the lightning tears through the waves.
"Empoleon!"
The electric blast consumes the field before finally bursting apart into the sky. Smoke rises slowly from the scorched sand. Empoleon drops to one knee, breathing hard before collapsing fully. Pikachu lands on the sand with a victorious cheer, "Pika pika!"
"The heir of Primyra will be mine!"
The voice slams through my head. The Ralts slips from my arms as I grab my head, dropping to my knees.
"S-stop…"
"What just happened?!" the blond trainer blurts out, "Did I seriously just lose to Team Break?!" He quickly recalls Empoleon, looking completely thrown off. Then another set of footsteps rushes toward us.
"Barry!!"
"Sorren?!"
A pair of hands grabs my shoulders and helps steady me before realizing Brock is holding me upright. Misty stands beside him, concern clear on her face. Luxray has the Ralts balanced on her back while Pikachu stays pressed against my shoulder. Ahead of us, Rosa finally catches up with the blond trainer.
"Are you alright?" Brock asks.
"Y-Yeah…" I mumble, forcing myself to stand properly.
"Huh? Rosa?" the trainer says, scratching the back of his head, "What are you doing here?"
"What am I doing here?" Rosa places her hands on her hips and glares at him, "What are you doing to my teammate?"
"Your teammate?" His eyes widen as he looks between us, "So he isn't part of Team Break? I mean…he wasn't wearing a mask, but still…"
I quickly place the incubator back into my bag before carefully picking the Ralts up from Luxray's back. The trainer steps closer immediately, "Aw man! I totally jumped to the wrong conclusion!" he says, "I thought you were trying to kidnap that Ralts. Sorry about that!"
"It's fine," I reply with a small smile, "I'm Sorren."
"I'm Barry!" he says proudly.
Oh. So this is Barry.
Barry looks down at the Ralts in my arms, "Is it okay?"
"I don't know…" I admit quietly. Pikachu reaches out curiously to touch the Pokémon, but Ralts immediately presses closer against my chest instead.
"I found it hiding in the bushes," I explain, "What should I do?"
"This is strange…" Misty says, frowning slightly, "Where's its trainer?"
"What do you mean?"
"There are not supposed to be any wild Pokémon on Pasio, Sorren," Brock explains, "That is one of the unique things about this island."
He reaches into his bag and pulls out a Potion spray.
"For now, keep it with you," he says while gently spraying the medicine over Ralts, "When we get back to the Pokémon Center, Nurse Trista should know what to do." Ralts relaxes in my arms after the spray.
Barry crosses his arms thoughtfully, "So you guys are looking into Team Break too? That is what those weirdos call themselves."
"Oh! Actually, no!" Rosa says brightly, "We came here looking for you!"
Barry blinks, "Me?"
"Yep!" Rosa nods enthusiastically, "We've been searching for sync pairs who might want to join our team for the PML! What do you think? Want to join Sorren's team?"
My team?
Wait.
I am the leader?!
"For the PML?" Barry's eyes light up instantly before he hesitates, "I really want to, but Team Break is still causing trouble around here…" He rubs his chin, "I heard there is a cave nearby where they hang out. Aw man…should I join you guys or go deal with Team Break first?"
Misty glances toward me, "What do you think, Sorren?"
Why am I being put on the spot?!
I look at Brock and Misty, but neither of them says anything. They really want me to decide.
"O-Okay…" I say slowly, "Then…we will help you, Barry. You can join us if you want to."
"I like that plan!" Rosa says happily, clasping her hands together. "Come on, Barry! Let's show those Team Break meanies they picked the wrong beach to mess around on!"
"Seriously?!" Barry grins, "Awesome! Then I'm officially joining your team!" He pumps his fist into the air, "Time to show those clowns who they are messing with!"
Just like that, Barry charges ahead toward the direction of the cave without waiting for any of us.
❦
This cave…no wonder Team Break uses it as a hideout. It is hidden perfectly away from the rest of the beach. The deeper we walk inside, the colder the air becomes. Water drips from the ceiling every now and then, echoing through the tunnels.
Rosa and Barry walk ahead while Misty, Brock, and I stay closer behind. Pikachu rests comfortably on my shoulder while Luxray walks in front of me. The Ralts remain asleep in my arms.
"Misty, Brock…" I begin. Both of them glance toward me, "Where did you guys go after I closed my eyes back there?"
"Ah, we spotted Team Break causing trouble nearby," Brock explains, "We thought we could deal with them quickly and return before you woke up."
"But by the time we came back, you were already gone," Misty continues with a sigh, "We didn't even have time to contact you through the Poryphone. We've been battling nonstop ever since."
"We're just glad you're okay," Brock says with a reassuring smile. I look down at Pikachu and Luxray.
"That's thanks to these two."
"Lux!"
"Pika pika!"
A small smile appears on my face before fading again as I glance at the Ralts curled weakly against my chest, "I'm more worried about the Ralts…" I admit, "What if we can't find its trainer? It looks like it's in so much pain…who would even hurt a Pokémon like this in the first place?"
"Don't worry, Sorren," Brock says, "You found it. That means there's a good chance you'll find its trainer too."
So far, we still haven't run into any Team Break members inside the cave.
Did they already leave?
Suddenly Barry skids to a stop ahead of us and points forward, "We found you, Team Break!"
Standing further ahead is a boy around my age with light blond hair and gray eyes. He wears a gray jacket over a white shirt with purple pants. Beside him stands a Pokémon I have never seen before.
"Wha—?!"
I quickly pull out my Poryphone and scan it. Rockruff, the Puppy Pokémon. A Rock type Pokémon found in the Alola region. Considered an excellent partner for beginners due to its friendly personality, though it becomes rougher as it matures.
Alola…
So it is from the same region as Mom's Comfey.
"Barry, wait!" Rosa quickly grabs his arm before he can charge into battle again, "He's not wearing a mask! He might not even be part of Team Break!"
"Ahh, did I do it again?" Barry laughs awkwardly while scratching the back of his head, "Sorry about that!"
"It's alright. No harm done," the stranger replies, "I'm Paulo."
The moment he introduces himself, Pikachu jumps off my shoulder and runs toward Rockruff.
"Pikachu!" I hiss under my breath. Pikachu completely ignores me and tackles Rockruff playfully onto the ground. The two Pokémon immediately start rolling around happily.
"Lux…" Luxray lowers her head with a defeated expression.
Paulo chuckles softly at the sight. "Your partner Pokémon?"
"Y-Yeah…" I rub the back of my neck awkwardly, "Sorry about him. He's…friendly…At the worst possible moments," I mutter quietly, "I'm Sorren," I continue, "These are my partners, Pikachu and Luxray. This is Misty, Brock, Rosa, and Barry."
Everyone greets Paulo in return. His attention shifts toward the Pokémon in my arms, "What about that Ralts?"
"Sorren found it," Misty explains, "We're trying to locate its trainer. Have you seen anyone searching for a missing Pokémon?"
Paulo shakes his head, "No. I came here to crush Team Break once and for all."
"I'm here for the same reason!" Barry says proudly, "This is one of their hideouts, right?"
"Yeah," Paulo replies seriously. "But don't let your guard down. They could attack from anywhere—"
Heavy footsteps suddenly echo through the cave. Before we can react, six masked Team Break members rush out and surround us from every direction.
"Well, well! Didn't expect trainers to walk right into our hideout!" one of them laughs mockingly, "Looks like we get to teach a few idiots a lesson!"
The man beside him throws out a Poké Ball. Another unfamiliar Pokémon appears. I quickly scan it with my Poryphone. Seismitoad, the Vibration Pokémon. A Water/Ground type Pokémon from the Unova region. It shoots paralyzing liquid from the bumps on its body and uses vibrations to weaken opponents.
Pikachu and Luxray are going to struggle against that typing. Still, we have to fight…
"Let's split up!" Brock immediately suggests. Everyone nods without hesitation, "Rosa, Misty, and I will handle the ones on that side!"
"Then we'll take care of these guys!" Barry declares. Paulo steps beside him while Rockruff returns to his side. I move beside them with Pikachu and Luxray.
"Pikachu," I say, "ready for another battle?"
"Pika!"
Pikachu jumps into position while Luxray stands beside me. Barry calls out Empoleon while Paulo prepares Rockruff. Across from us, the grunts release identical Pokémon.
"Those are Mareanie!" Paulo warns immediately. "Watch out for their poison attacks!"
I scan them too. Mareanie, the Brutal Star Pokémon. A Poison/Water type Pokémon from the Alola region. It attacks prey using the poisonous spike on its head before finishing them off with its tentacles.
"Empoleon, use Bubble Beam!" Barry shouts. Empoleon fires a powerful stream of bubbles through the cave. One of the Mareanie is forced backward while Rockruff darts ahead beside Pikachu.
"Rockruff, Rock Throw!" Paulo commands. Rockruff howls and launches several sharp stones forward. The attack crashes into the second Mareanie before it can fire poison spikes.
"Pikachu, Quick Attack!"
"Pika!" Pikachu bursts forward in a streak of yellow light and slams into the weakened Mareanie. The Pokémon tumbles across the rocky ground.
The Team Break grunts clicks his tongue,
"Seismitoad, Mud Shot!"
"Mareanie, Poison Sting!"
Purple needles and thick mud fly toward us at once.
"Spread out!" I call instinctively.
Pikachu jumps onto a rocky ledge while Rockruff dodges to the side. Empoleon takes the Poison Sting head on and blocks the rest with its arm.
Seismitoad slams both hands onto the cave floor. Vibrations shake through the ground beneath us.
"Watch your footing!" Paulo warns.
The cave trembles violently. Loose rocks fall from above while the Mareanie crawl along the walls, trying to corner us.
Electric attacks would barely affect Seismitoad. I look around. Water drips steadily from the cave ceiling. The ground beneath Seismitoad is already damp from Bubble Beam and Mud Shot. An idea forms in my mind, "Barry! Keep Seismitoad busy!"
"Huh? Got it! Empoleon, Metal Claw!"
Empoleon rushes forward, claws glowing silver as he clashes directly with Seismitoad. The impact echoes through the cave.
"Paulo, can Rockruff break those rocks above them?"
Paulo glances upward before understanding what I meant, "Rockruff, use Rock Throw on the ceiling!"
Rockruff launches stones upward. The rocks slam into the ceiling and crack part of it apart. Pieces of stone crash down around Seismitoad, forcing it to stumble backward into the wet ground.
"Pikachu, Iron Tail on the puddles!"
"Pika!"
Pikachu flips forward and slams his glowing tail into the water-covered ground. Water explodes upward and splashes directly into both Mareanie, "Now use Electro Ball!"
A sphere of electricity forms on his tail before he launches it forward. The attack bursts across the soaked ground and strikes both Mareanie at once. The two Pokémon cry out before collapsing onto the cave floor.
"One hit?!" The grunts yell.
Barry grins, "Nice one, Sorren!"
But Seismitoad remains standing. The Team Break member growls angrily, "Seismitoad, use Sludge Bomb!"
"Empoleon, dodge!"
Empoleon narrowly avoids the attack as sludge explodes against the cave wall. I tighten my hold on the Ralts. The small Pokémon trembles weakly in my arms. Then the man notices it.
"Oh? What's this?" His voice becomes mockingly as he watches the ralts "That Ralts found its way to you? Pesky little thing. Didn't think it would be able to survive the attacks of Seismitoad."
Ralts flinches against my chest. Something twists painfully in my stomach, "Shut up," I say.
The man laughs. "What? Are you gonna cry over some useless Pokémon?"
Heat rushes to my head, "Pikachu, use Iron Tail now!"
"Pika!"
Pikachu charges forward immediately, but I realize too late that Seismitoad is already preparing an attack.
"Seismitoad, Muddy Water!"
A massive wave surges toward us.
"Sorren!" Brock shouts from across the cave.
Then Luxray leaps in front of me.
"Luxray!"
The attack crashes directly into her. She skids across the ground, growling in pain. Before Seismitoad can attack again, a powerful gust tears through the cave. Everyone looks up. A green figure dives from above with blinding speed.
"Flygon, Dragon Claw!"
Glowing claws slash across Seismitoad in one clean strike. The force sends the Pokémon crashing into the cave wall before it collapses completely. Even with the dust covering us, I would recognize the figure standing beside Flygon anywhere,
"Daniel?"
The remaining Team Break members scatter away, fleeing toward the exit.
As the dust slowly settled, the figure steps forward. A man with light blue hair and black eyes. He wore a fitted black jacket lined with silver accents over a dark gray turtleneck, fingerless gloves covering his hands while heavy combat boots echoed against the cave floor with each step he took.
He walked straight toward me then he leaned close enough for only me to hear him, "Still carrying those pitiful Pokémon, Ren?" he whispers.
I step back. The rest of the group gathers together as if the tension had never existed. Daniel's expression shifted smoothly into an easy smile.
"Sorren! Are you alright?" Barry looks me over quickly before turning toward Daniel, "Oh! Thanks for the save back there!"
"Excuse me…" I move past them and knelt beside Luxray. She was still growling softly in pain, "You didn't have to do that, Luxray…" I gently stroke her fur and she licks my hand weakly in response, "Rest up. We'll get to the Pokémon Center as soon as possible." I recall her carefully into her Poké Ball while the others continued talking nearby.
"Do you know Sorren?" Rosa asks curiously.
"Hm?" I could feel their eyes drifting toward me as Daniel answers casually, "We have a past. I'd love to chat with Ren's friends, but I'm in a bit of a time crunch. Let's meet another time."
Pikachu rushes toward me and growls at Daniel as he walks past us, "Still not friendly toward me, Pikachu?" Daniel muses lightly then he simply walks away.
I return to the group afterward, though I stay quiet. Thankfully, nobody pushes the subject further.
"Hey, nice battling back there!" Paulo claps a hand against my shoulder, "Thanks to you guys, we chased off those goons in no time!"
I manage a small smile. "Yeah…thanks."
Misty steps beside me quietly. "Are you alright?" she asks under her breath.
"Yeah…It's—nothing. I'm good!" I force a smile.
Misty exchange a look with Brock but neither of them press me.
"I feel way better now that we took care of those Team Break guys!" Barry declares, "Guess it's finally time to focus on the PML!"
"Hang on. This is your team for the PML?" Paulo asks
"Yep, that's right!" Rosa answers, "Are you thinking about competing too?"
"Hey! Why don't you join our team, Paulo?" Barry suggests, "You seem pretty cool. I bet you'd make an awesome teammate!"
"Barry…" Brock sighs knowingly.
"No thanks. I think I'll pass," Paulo reply with a small smile, "I'm planning to put together my own team for the tournament."
"…Yeah, figured," Brock mutters.
"Aww, come on!" Barry groans, "Well, if you already have your own plan, we can't force you…"
"If you're searching for more teammates, the volcano area is a good place to look," Paulo explains, "A lot of trainers go there to train their Pokémon."
"We might even find Ralts's trainer there," Misty adds thoughtfully.
I look down at the Ralts in my arms and nod slightly.
"Thanks for the information, Paulo!" Barry says, "Are you coming with us to the Pokémon Center?"
"I'll stay around the beach area a little longer," Paulo answers, "But I hope we meet again."
Rockruff barks happily as Pikachu jumps down to say goodbye, the two Pokémon bumping their heads together playfully before we finally turn toward the cave exit.
"You're awfully quiet, Sorren!" Barry sling an arm around my shoulders as we walk.
"Just worried about Ralts…" I answer.
Pikachu climb onto my head while my thoughts drift back to Daniel.
Why is he here?