Story Notes:
All characters in this story belong to their rightful owner, excluding the ones I have made. No intent of stealing is intended, and anything that is similar to real, or non-real, situations is purely coincidence. If anyone would like to help in the making of this story, or suggest ideas to me, they are free to, but will need to ask me for permission first. Thank you, and enjoy the story.
Chapter 2- Friends and Strangers
"Um... What did it mean by "beast"?"
Steven, Ginger, and Oshawott had been about to leave Professor Juniper's lab when a strange voice that seemed to come from no where had told them to meet it at Route 1. Steven was a bit worried, because apparently it knew what he was.
Oshawott was a bit confused on everything. He had only recently joining Steven as his new partner, he was still clueless to the fact that Steven was a werewolf. He knew something was strange about him, due to the strange scent he gave off for a human, but he couldn't quite understand what it was.
"Well..." Steven said in a quiet voice, making sure no one could over hear them as they walked through Route 1. He was leading them through the Route, keeping his ears strained for any more words from the strange voice that had called them there. "I'm not really.... a normal human."
"I already knew that..." Oshawott mumbled.
Stopping and gazing back at the small Pokémon, Steven gave a serious expression. "...I'm a werewolf. I was born with the ability to transform into a beast that you would find looks like Ginger, but a bit different. I am different from others like me though. I don't kill people mindlessly. I can control my wolf form, an ability I must have received since I was born a one, and not changed."
Oshawott eyes were wide, both in shock and confusion. His new trainer was even more strange then he thought. I now understood why he smelled strange to him.
"....So. You transform into a monster... But... You're a good monster?" the small, water otter asked.
Steven gave a small nod, but then turned his attention to a rustling sound to his left.
"So... I guess you took my invitation." said the same voice from before.
XD-649 looked at the three confused beings, glad that he was invisible so they couldn't see his smirk. He was having a bit of fun with this. He was still invisible, thanks to his Ghost type DNA, and didn't plan on changing back to normal until he had some cloths.
"Alright. We're here." Steven growled, looking directly at the invisible being, not seeing anything, bit sensing that it was there. "State your reason for bringing us here.
Little to everyone's knowledge, Ginger was secretly planing to use an Odor Sleuth to get a lock on him, assuming that if what ever was speaking to them was something that was invisible, or a Ghost type, she'd be able to cancel them out, and force it to reveal itself.
XD-649 glanced at the Mightyena, having been using Mind Reader on the three to make sure that they didn't try anything on him, saw what she was planning, and grinned.
"Your Mightyena is a clever one... But I'm sorry to say I won't be showing myself yet. You see, I am not... well suited at the moment for you to see me."
Ginger's eyes went wide, not knowing how it could have known what she was thinking, and decide to not try and pull it off.
"As for my reason for calling you three here..." XD-649 said, getting back on topic. "I have been watching you, Steven. That is your name, correct?"
"Um... Yes, it is." Steven said, a bit creeped out. "For how long have you been following us?"
"Since you stopped by Striaton city. I sensed something strange, and followed the trail to you." XD-649 answered.
Steven thought his heart was about to stop. He was in his wolf form when he passed Striaton city. It had seen him change back to human! He felt a sway of panic drift over him, but suddenly thought of something that seemed a bit odd.
"What do you mean you "sensed" me?" he asked, rather confused.
XD-649 let out a soft sigh. He knew that if he was going to ask these three to allow him to join him, he'd have to tell them the truth. He began from the beginning, starting by telling them what he was. He told them about why he was created, and about Team Plasma. He explained to them why he escaped, and that he didn't want to work for evil, but instead help people fight against it. Finally, he told them his reason of revealing himself to them. He asked them if it would be alright if he came with them on their journey. By this time, it was around noon, and the Sun was high in the sky above them.
Steven's eye were wide in shock. He couldn't believe what he had heard. If this was true, and the one he was speaking to was indeed someone as powerful as he thought they would be, why would they want to travel with him? But something else also bothered him. He was just about to say something when her heard a ringing coming from his new Xtransceiver. Remembering that the Professor said she was going to call him, he answered it. An image flashed onto the screen of Professor Juniper.
"Hey Steven. I guess the Xtransceiver I gave you is working fine. How are you holding up so far?" she asked, waving from screen.
Still a bit in shock from XD-649's story, he paused momentarily, but regained his senses and waved back with a smile.
"I'm good Professor! And yes, the Xtransceiver works great, thanks!" he said, trying to act as normal as possible.
"Good to hear. Well, I've got stuff to do. If you have any questions, or just want to talk, you can call me again sometime. I'd be happy to see you again." she said, then paused a sec, realizing what she had just said. "I mean... See how you're doing. Well, got to go." she laughed nervously, before hanging up.
With a soft sigh, followed by a shake of his head with a small smile, he hung up as well.
"I was afraid of that..." he whispered to himself. Not only did being a werewolf give him strength, speed, stamina, and the scent of a wolf, but it also, for one reason or another, made girls that he'd meet attracted to him. He never thought of it as a bad thing, but it was still a hassle at times. Looking back toward XD-649, he got back on track.
"If you do want us to trust you, why not reveal yourself to us?" he asked.
Pausing for a moment, XD-649 answered. "Because... I'm not wearing any cloths."
There was an awkward silence for a minute or two, before Steven finally said something.
"Well then... Guess it's better you stay invisible for a while."
"Yes, I thought so." he replied, chuckling a bit.
"So do you have a name, or are we just going to have you call you XD-649 all the time?" Ginger spoke up.
XD-649 thought for a moment. He was given the name XD-649 just because of the 649 species of DNA he was made up of. He didn't really have any idea of a name that would suit him.
"Well..." looking to Steven, he asked. "Why don't you give me a name."
This made Steven laugh. He'd only named two people his whole life, Ginger and Tiger, and they were Pokémon. But then again, if XD-649 was made up of Pokémon DNA, that would make him a Pokémon. He stood there and thought for a while, but couldn't think of a good name.
"Well... How about you let me think on it. For now, lets just think about getting you some cloths to wear." he finally said.
"Sounds good." XD-649 nodded. "But until then, I think this might help so you can see me."
A second later, there was a small flash of white light, and then the silhouette of what looked like a human shrinking down and changing shape. As the light faded, the three looked down to see a small yellow Pokémon looking back at them. XD-649 had momentarily turned back to himself, and then quickly used his Ditto DNA to Transform into a more suiting form until he could get some cloths.
"You turned... into a... Pikachu?" Ginger asked.
"A what? I never even heard of a Pikachu." Oshawott said, looking at the strange thing in front of him.
"Pikachu's are Electric types that aren't native to Unova, so it's not surprising that you've never heard of one." Steven said to Oshawott, before kneeling down in front XD-649, chuckling a bit. "So you are real. I guess it's nice to see something instead of talking to a voice."
"Yeah, I thought the same thing. So I turned into something you can travel with so you won't look like a strange person talking to air." XD-649 said nodding, looking himself over.
"And like a person talking to Pokémon isn't strange..." Oshawott mumbled to himself, which got a glare from Ginger.
"Why don't you act more kind to him. He was really looking forward to getting you. The least you can do is be grateful you got someone as kind as him as a trainer..." she whispered to him, although she knew that even whispering wouldn't help her escape Steven's hearing.
"...Fine" Oshawott said, looking away.
"Well, you might need to be in your Pokéball until we get to my house anyway." Steven said, turning to look at Oshawott. "XD-649 can sit on my shoulder if he wants, and Ginger..." he stops to think, then looks at Ginger. "You know... As a certified trainer, I am allowed to own more than one Pokémon... If you want..." but he wasn't able to finish his sentence. Before he could even act, Ginger had leaped onto him and was snuggling her head underneath his chin.
"Of coarse I'll come with you! You're my best friend! You think I would refuse?" she said, laughing.
"Alright, alright!" Steven yell, laughing himself, and pushing her off. He then bent to his belt and took off one of his empty Pokéballs and pressed the button, enlarging it. "I'll keep you both in your Pokéballs until we reach home. That way he don't draw to much attention with the three of you with me."
Ginger nodded her head with a smile, and pressed her head against the button of the ball, causing it to open and suck her into the ball in a red light. The ball closed, while the button flashed red for a few seconds before blinking out with a clicking sound, notifying that the capture was successful. With a smile of his own, he re-shrunk the ball, and placed it back onto his belt. He then took off Oshawott's, and looked over to him, seeing that he still looked upset. XD-649 couldn't help but notice this, and sent Steven a silent message through the use of Telepathy, transferring it to his head.
"I sense that Oshawott has something troubling him... Maybe you should talk with him. It might help."
Steven looked over to the Pikachu next to him with a confused look, wondering how he did that, but pushing that a side with a nod. He then got up and walked over to Oshawott. Oshawott, hearing him approaching, crossed his arms and acted like he didn't was ignoring him.
"Hey... I know this might be a bit strange for you... I'm not a Pokémon, and don't know what it's like to wait to be given to a complete stranger, and especially a stranger that isn't normal, like me..."
Oshawott turned his head slightly to glance at Steven from the corner of his eye.
"But I can say this..." Steven continued. "I will try my hardest to live up to what you expected, and help you in finding your full potential. I don't want you to look at me as a trainer, but as a new friend. I won't make you fight if you don't want to."
Oshawott's gaze turned to the ground, his arms falling to his side as his expression turned less cross, and more sad.
"...I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be rued to you. Ginger was right, you are a good person at heart. I was just judging you by what you said you were, and that was unfair of me..." he said in a quiet voice, turning to look at him. "I didn't give you a chance... and I apologize."
Steven smiled softly down at the little Pokémon, and knelt down next to him, placing his hand gently on his head and moving it from side to side to pet him.
"It's fine. Your reaction was very normal. Most People can tell that something's off with me, and tend to avoid me. The same goes with Pokemon. They can smell my other half, and keep there distance. Ginger was the only one who didn't run... She was to grateful to me for rescuing her from her old trainer, that she didn't care what I was. She saw the real me." he explained, chuckling a bit. "So don't worry about it. Okay?"
His eyes a bit teary, Oshawott nodded, now fully knowing how much he really hurt him. He could tell, that even though Steven was acting happy, it was just an act. His heart was sad, and him acting the way he did had brought back bad memories for him.
"Hey... Don't cry. I said it was okay..." Steven said sympathetically, lifting him up and hugging him.
Oshawott let a few more tears out, sniffling, and then looked up at his trainer. No... His friend, and smiled.
"Okay..."
After a few more seconds of pulling himself together, Oshawott returned back to himself, jumping out of Steven's arms and giving him a smile, which Steven returned.
"So you'll let us back out when we get back to your house?" Oshawott asked.
"Yup. It shouldn't take to long." he replied. He knew that it would take longer then the trip here though. He wouldn't be in his wolf form, an would have to walk there on foot. He figured that with good time, he might be able to make it back to Striaton City before it got dark out. "But if we're unable to get there today, I'll let you out when we get to a Pokémon Center, okay?"
Oshawott nodded with a smile, and agreed. Steven then called him back into his Pokéball and placed it back onto his belt. He then stood up, and turned back to the waiting Bio Weapon with a sheepish grin.
"Sorry about that..."
"Not at all." he said, smiling. "That was very good of you to say that to Oshawott. You really are a good person. I feel honored that I'll be accompanying you."
"Oh no! You don't have to say that. I should feel honored that you'd want too!" he laughed, shaking his head and waving his hands in front of himself.
The two of them laughed a bit, then looked down toward the other end of Route 1.
"Well... We should get going then." Steven said. "If we want to get to Striaton City before night, we'll have to hustle."
"Okay. Sounds like a plan." XD-649 agreed, jumping up onto Steven's shoulder.
"Oh. And another thing. I'm not sure if you can, but... You might want to also talk like a Pikachu. I'm pretty sure that a talking Pikachu would give us more attention then we need. Although..." he stopped, chuckling a bit. "Now that I think about it, a Pikachu in Unova is news by it's self."
"Okay, I will." XD-649 nodded.
The two then started thier trek through Route one. They didn't run into many Pokémon, since any that smelled the two strangers coming their way, turned tail and ran off. This made it a lot easier in getting to Accumulla Town. Once there, Steven went to the Pokémon Center their to stock up on supplies at its PokéMart section. He mostly bought a few extra Pokéball, a couple of Potions, and a Full Heal. Once done, Steven and his "Pikachu" started west, leaving the small Town, and entering into Travel Station that separates most cities or towns from neighboring Routes. XD-649 found the electrical bulletin board to be rather interesting. The way the words moved across the screen, and how it showed pictures of the next Route or City underneath it, depending if you were coming or going. It showed that the weather was going to be getting rainy soon, so the two knew that they should hurry.
As they were leaving the station, a young girl who was with an older man, maybe her grand father, noticed the yellow mouse Pokémon on the shoulder of Steven, and couldn't help but let out a shriek of joy, catching both of them off guard. She ran over to the two, asking if that was really a Pikachu. Steven chuckled nervously, finding this both cute and hilarious in the back of his head, and said yes. Her face lit up with pure excitement, causing XD-649 to become just as nervous as Steven was. Then she asked the question that both of them were fearing. She asked if she could hold him. Steven immediately started to say no, but XD-649 caught him by surprise by leaping into the girls arms, smiling. He watched the two for a few minutes, thinking the whole time how amazing XD-649 was at imitating Pokémon. If he hadn't known better, he would have really thought that the girl was indeed playing with a real live Pikachu.
Finally the girl returned the happy mouse to its owner, thanking him for letting her play with his adorable Pokémon. This got a snicker from Steven, but he nodded, and said good bye, saying that it was nice to have a cute girl like herself give attention to his friend. This got a blush out of her, and made her run back to her grand father, a bit embarrassed that he said that. XD-649 waved, and then smacked Steven on the back of the head with his tail.
"Don't you laugh... I was just trying to be nice. She might have suspected something had you said no."
"Of coarse... And you having fun with her was also just a cover up..." Steven teased. "She said you were adorable..."
"Hush yourself!" XD-649 yelled, a blush above his red cheeks, then decided to mock him. ""I'm glad to have had such a pretty, young girl like yourself give attention to my friend. Thank you." Yeah... You're no better..."
Steven laughed out loud at that, knowing he was right. The two were now a ways into Route 2. They were making okay time still, although the incident with the young girl had delayed them a bit. It was now drawing close to five o'clock, and Steven was beginning to realize something. He hadn't eaten all day, and was starving! He could hear his stomaching growling, wanting the food he was suppose to have had already. XD-649 was also staring to feel the need for food. He hadn't eaten anything since his escape from Team Plasma's castle, or ever for that matter. Steven, not being able to bare it any more, broke out into a run, XD-649 hanging on tightly to his shoulder. Not only was he fast in his wolf form, but as a human as well, and the need for food had him giving his all to get to the Pokémon Center in Striaton City.
With in a matter of minutes, he had made it out through Route 2, and was slouched over, breathing heavily in front of the Pokémon Center. He immediately entered, and went straight to the Nurse Joy at the front desk, asking is she had any rooms that were available. She said that they did have one left, and that they were free to have it. Steven and XD-649 both thanked her, and rushed to their room, which was at the end of the hall. When they were settled, Steven let Ginger and Oshawott out of their Pokéballs, and explained to them that they were going to be spending the night here. It then accord to Steven that he also should call his mother and tell her what was going on. She was probably worried about him, and wondering where he was. She may have known he was a werewolf, but that didn't make her worry about him any less. To her, he was still just her little puppy.
"Okay. I have to make a quick call to home. You guys can go and get something to eat during that time, okay? he asked everyone.
The three of them agreed right away, all as hungry as the next. Steven called for one of the Chanseys that worked there, and asked her if she could show his three friends where they could get some food. She happily obligated and lead the three of them down the hall and around the corner. When they were no longer in site, Steven went back into his room, and closed the door. Siting down on the bed, he started up his Xtransceiver, and began dialing in his home's number. It rang twice before his mother answered.
"Hello?" she asked, not recognizing the number.
"Hey Mom! I'm calling you from my new Xtransceiver that Professor Juniper gave me." Steven replied back.
"Steven!? Where are you!? Why aren't you home yet!? I was worried sick, young man!" his mother yelled back.
"I'm sorry! It's a long story, alright. I'll be happy to explain it later, but not right now." he whispered, trying to get her to calm down. "I'm staying at the Pokémon Center in Striaton City. I'll try to be home tomorrow by..." but he was cut off by his mother.
"Are you stupid? Steven, you're starting your own journey now. You don't need to come check in with me. Besides, if I'm thinking correctly, I do believe that there is a gym in Striaton City. It would be a waist of time to come all the way back here to see me, and then go all the way back there. I'm just glad that you called is all." she explained to him.
"Yeah, I guess you're right. Thanks Mom. I'll be sure to try my hardest, okay? I won't let you down!"
"That's my boy. Now be sure to take care of yourself, and your Pokémon. Oh, I just remembered something! You forgot to bring your bag!" his mother said a bit frustrated.
"Oh... I guess you're right... I'm sorry. I guess I was just in such a rush, it slipped my mind. I..." but then he thought of something. "Um... I think I might be able to have someone come and pick it up for me..." he said.
"Oh? How would that be?" she asked.
"Um... A friend. I'll see if he'll beable to pick it up tonight."
"Tonight? But isn't that going to..." she stared to retort, but was cut off.
"Not for him. Sorry, but I also forgot to eat today, and I'm starving. I'll have to let you go for now, okay? Love you Mom!" Steven rushed, and hung up before she could talk back. "Ugh..."
Exiting his Xtranceiver, he got up and left the room, following his nose to the smell of food. After a few minutes, he found where the scent was coming from. A couple of Chanseys were serving other trainers and their Pokémon from behind a window that looked like it was the kitchen. Not wasting any time, he got in line behind a trainer that looked a bit older then him. He was standing next to a Snivy, that was most likely his. The two were having there own conversation, which Steven thought was a little strange. He didn't know how the boy in front of him was able to understand what his Snivy was saying, but from what he was catching from their talk, he obviously did. Maybe he'd ask him later, but for now, all he wanted was for this line to move faster so he could get his food!
After what seemed like hours, but was really only two minutes, Steven had finally made it to the window, and order his the look he got from the two Chanseys was priceless though. They could both tell something was strange with this boy, and the large amount of food he had ordered only made them more suspicious, but they were kind, and made the food his food anyway. He had ordered what looked like his own buffet. Two large cheeseburgers, a medium bowl of rice with their own special sauce, two fried fish dishes, and a large bowl of tossed salad. Everyone who was behind him in line looked at him as if he had corn sticking out of his ears, but he didn't care. He was hungry, and knew he would have no trouble eating all of this.
When his meal was finished, he happily thanked the Chansey and took the tray that his supper had been placed on away from the window. Everyone marveled questioned the ones around them how he was able to carry all of that food. He didn't look that buff, and they were puzzled. Steven noticed all the whispers and stares from the other trianers there, and only gave them a grin. His attention was then drawn to a booth on the far end of the room, where a Pikachu, Oshawott, and Mightyena were being watched by a crowed of people. Not liking that his friends were being crowded around while they were eating, he marched over to them from behind.
"Ahem! If you'll excuse me, I'd like to sit with MY Pokémon, and enjoy my dinner." he said in a upset voice.
This caught the attention of the four trainers, making them turn around and look at him. They were all younger them him, possibly still students. They were a bit scared at the sudden sound of his harsh voice and apoligised for bothering him. Steven, realizing he might have been a bit to mean towards then, shook his head and put a soft smile on.
"No... It's fine. I'm just a bit hungry, and I tend to get grouchy when I haven't eaten. So do you like them?"
"Oh, yes! They're really cool looking!" said one of the young boys in the group.
"Yeah! I've never seen these two before! They're so cute!" one of the girls said, pointing toward the Pikachu and Mightyena.
"Yup. I saved my Mightyena when it was a Poochyena from a bad trainer. Her name is Ginger. You an pet her if you like. Just be gentle." Steven chuckled, looking at them as three of the four children took turns petting her. Ginger seemed to enjoy the attention. He then noticed one of the children, a boy, looking at XD-649. "You can also pet him if you'd like. I found him today. He... kind of just appeared in front of me."
XD-649 gave Steven a glance, and then looked at the young boy, waving his hand with a smile. The young boy, who Steven could now tell was the shyest out of the four, slowly reached his hand toward the yellow mouse. XD-649 met his hand half way with his head, letting him pet him. The boy immediately became a bit more relaxed, and began stroking the Pikachu's head.
Steven smiled, happy to see everyone happy, but then noticed Oshawott with a small frown on his face, staring at his food. Thinking that it was because no one seemed to be paying attention to him, he decided he would. So he sat down in the booth that he was in, and placed his large tray onto the table.
"Boy. This sure does look good." he said to himself, though loud enough for Oshawott to notice he was there. "How's yours? Does it taste alright?" he asked, looking over to him.
Oshawott looked up from his plate, staring blankly at his trainer, and smiled, nodding his head.
"It's actually really good. Thanks for asking." he said.
"No problem." Steven replied, patting he little guy on the head.
The four children, seeing that it was starting to get late, thanked the nice trainer for letting them see his Pokémon, and left to go home. Steven smiled as he watched them leave, happy to see children so fascinated in Pokémon.
"They will make good trainers someday." he thought to himself.
Tired of waiting, he started to dig in, eating his food like, well, a wolf. Ginger, Oshawott, and XD-649 stared at him a bit, then to each other, and chuckled to themselves, and began to eat as well, though not as fast as their friend. After Steven had finished the last of his dinner, he sat back in his seat and let out a happy sigh. He hadn't eaten like that in a long time. The four of them talked a bit, laughing at each others jokes, and what ever else came to mind.
Someone else nearby was also having a conversation. The man that Steven had seen and his Snivy. They were discussing the gym battle they had had that day, but lost. They were thinking of a new strategy, when the laughter coming from the other side of the room had caught their attention. They glanced over at the noisy booth, spotting a trainer and his three Pokémon. What did seem odd to them though was the fact that the trainer seemed to know what his Pokémon were saying to him, just like they could talk to each other.
"That's strange... I wonder if he was born with the same ability as you, N." the Snivy said to her trainer, watching the group.
"I don't know. That would be pretty cool though. I thought I might have been the only one." N said, taking a sip of his cola.
"You think maybe we could go talk with them?" Snivy asked.
Thinking for a moment, N finally nodded.
"Yeah, okay. I guess we could go talk with them." he said shrugging his shoulders and finishing the last of his drink.
With that, the two of them hopped out of their seats, and started walking over to the group, who had quieted down a bit. XD-649 was the first to sense the two approaching, and whispered something to Steven, which made him turn toward the two.
"Uh... Hey... Oh! You're the one who was in front of me in line." Steven said as he recognized them.
"You know them?" asked Ginger as she looked at the Snivy, who returned the look with a small smile.
"No, he doesn't. Snivy was just curious and wanted to come over and say hello." N answered before Steven could say anything.
Ginger's eyes went a bit wide, as did Oshawott's and XD-649's. The three were a bit surprised that this young man had just understood what Ginger had said. Steven on the other hand, only smirked.
"So... I guess you can talk to Pokémon." he said with a chuckle.
"Yes." N nodded. "That was another reason why we came over. It would seem that you also appear to understand them."
"Yes I do. I... have an ability that allows me too hear what they're saying as if it were being said in plain English." Steven said, not completely lying, but also not giving the full truth.
"Well then." N smirked. "It would seem that the two of us have something in common, for I also have that ability. Do you mind if we pull up a chair?"
"Not at all. Please, sit down." Steven said, happy to see someone who also was a bit different.
Nodding, Nick pulled over two spare chairs, and set them at the end of the table. Snivy jumped up onto the chair next to Steven, while Nick took the one next to XD-649, who was glancing over at Steven, telling him telepathically to be careful. He was having some strange feelings about this person and he didn't like it. Steven gave a small nod to him, and looked back to the stranger.
"The name's..." N started to say, but paused. He didn't think giving them his real name to them would be a good idea. Thinking quickly, he said the first name that came to mind. "...Nick."
"Nice to meet you Nick. I'm Steven, and this is Oshawott, Ginger and... Pikachu." Steven answered.
Steven had a better look at him now, and could see he wasn't around his age. He looked about 20 or 21. He had long, messy tea green hair that was somewhat covered up by a black and white cap. He had green eyes, and rather pale skin. He was wearing a black, long sleeved, under shirt, with a white, short sleeved shirt over it. He had a pair of tan jeans on, and green slip-on shoes. On his left wrist, he wore three rectangular, golden bars, while on the right, he wore a black and white bangle. From his the left side of his pants waist line, dangled what looked like a golden Rubik cube, only with the middle piece on each side missing. Around his neck, he wore a necklace with a black sphere at the end of it. The sphere had a blue Saturn-like ring going half way around it, and then a yellow Saturn-like ring going half way across the opposite way.
"So Steven... What brings you to Striaton City?" Nick asked.
"Well, I just started my journey today as a Pokémon Trainer, and-" but Steven was cut off before he could finish.
"SO you are also one of them..." Nick said in a quiet tone.
"Um... One of who?" Steven asked, confused.
Nick looked Steven right in the eyes, his gaze almost cold and emotionless. He replied in a low, almost hushed voice.
"One who uses Pokémon against their will..."
Steven, Ginger, and Oshawott had been about to leave Professor Juniper's lab when a strange voice that seemed to come from no where had told them to meet it at Route 1. Steven was a bit worried, because apparently it knew what he was.
Oshawott was a bit confused on everything. He had only recently joining Steven as his new partner, he was still clueless to the fact that Steven was a werewolf. He knew something was strange about him, due to the strange scent he gave off for a human, but he couldn't quite understand what it was.
"Well..." Steven said in a quiet voice, making sure no one could over hear them as they walked through Route 1. He was leading them through the Route, keeping his ears strained for any more words from the strange voice that had called them there. "I'm not really.... a normal human."
"I already knew that..." Oshawott mumbled.
Stopping and gazing back at the small Pokémon, Steven gave a serious expression. "...I'm a werewolf. I was born with the ability to transform into a beast that you would find looks like Ginger, but a bit different. I am different from others like me though. I don't kill people mindlessly. I can control my wolf form, an ability I must have received since I was born a one, and not changed."
Oshawott eyes were wide, both in shock and confusion. His new trainer was even more strange then he thought. I now understood why he smelled strange to him.
"....So. You transform into a monster... But... You're a good monster?" the small, water otter asked.
Steven gave a small nod, but then turned his attention to a rustling sound to his left.
"So... I guess you took my invitation." said the same voice from before.
XD-649 looked at the three confused beings, glad that he was invisible so they couldn't see his smirk. He was having a bit of fun with this. He was still invisible, thanks to his Ghost type DNA, and didn't plan on changing back to normal until he had some cloths.
"Alright. We're here." Steven growled, looking directly at the invisible being, not seeing anything, bit sensing that it was there. "State your reason for bringing us here.
Little to everyone's knowledge, Ginger was secretly planing to use an Odor Sleuth to get a lock on him, assuming that if what ever was speaking to them was something that was invisible, or a Ghost type, she'd be able to cancel them out, and force it to reveal itself.
XD-649 glanced at the Mightyena, having been using Mind Reader on the three to make sure that they didn't try anything on him, saw what she was planning, and grinned.
"Your Mightyena is a clever one... But I'm sorry to say I won't be showing myself yet. You see, I am not... well suited at the moment for you to see me."
Ginger's eyes went wide, not knowing how it could have known what she was thinking, and decide to not try and pull it off.
"As for my reason for calling you three here..." XD-649 said, getting back on topic. "I have been watching you, Steven. That is your name, correct?"
"Um... Yes, it is." Steven said, a bit creeped out. "For how long have you been following us?"
"Since you stopped by Striaton city. I sensed something strange, and followed the trail to you." XD-649 answered.
Steven thought his heart was about to stop. He was in his wolf form when he passed Striaton city. It had seen him change back to human! He felt a sway of panic drift over him, but suddenly thought of something that seemed a bit odd.
"What do you mean you "sensed" me?" he asked, rather confused.
XD-649 let out a soft sigh. He knew that if he was going to ask these three to allow him to join him, he'd have to tell them the truth. He began from the beginning, starting by telling them what he was. He told them about why he was created, and about Team Plasma. He explained to them why he escaped, and that he didn't want to work for evil, but instead help people fight against it. Finally, he told them his reason of revealing himself to them. He asked them if it would be alright if he came with them on their journey. By this time, it was around noon, and the Sun was high in the sky above them.
Steven's eye were wide in shock. He couldn't believe what he had heard. If this was true, and the one he was speaking to was indeed someone as powerful as he thought they would be, why would they want to travel with him? But something else also bothered him. He was just about to say something when her heard a ringing coming from his new Xtransceiver. Remembering that the Professor said she was going to call him, he answered it. An image flashed onto the screen of Professor Juniper.
"Hey Steven. I guess the Xtransceiver I gave you is working fine. How are you holding up so far?" she asked, waving from screen.
Still a bit in shock from XD-649's story, he paused momentarily, but regained his senses and waved back with a smile.
"I'm good Professor! And yes, the Xtransceiver works great, thanks!" he said, trying to act as normal as possible.
"Good to hear. Well, I've got stuff to do. If you have any questions, or just want to talk, you can call me again sometime. I'd be happy to see you again." she said, then paused a sec, realizing what she had just said. "I mean... See how you're doing. Well, got to go." she laughed nervously, before hanging up.
With a soft sigh, followed by a shake of his head with a small smile, he hung up as well.
"I was afraid of that..." he whispered to himself. Not only did being a werewolf give him strength, speed, stamina, and the scent of a wolf, but it also, for one reason or another, made girls that he'd meet attracted to him. He never thought of it as a bad thing, but it was still a hassle at times. Looking back toward XD-649, he got back on track.
"If you do want us to trust you, why not reveal yourself to us?" he asked.
Pausing for a moment, XD-649 answered. "Because... I'm not wearing any cloths."
There was an awkward silence for a minute or two, before Steven finally said something.
"Well then... Guess it's better you stay invisible for a while."
"Yes, I thought so." he replied, chuckling a bit.
"So do you have a name, or are we just going to have you call you XD-649 all the time?" Ginger spoke up.
XD-649 thought for a moment. He was given the name XD-649 just because of the 649 species of DNA he was made up of. He didn't really have any idea of a name that would suit him.
"Well..." looking to Steven, he asked. "Why don't you give me a name."
This made Steven laugh. He'd only named two people his whole life, Ginger and Tiger, and they were Pokémon. But then again, if XD-649 was made up of Pokémon DNA, that would make him a Pokémon. He stood there and thought for a while, but couldn't think of a good name.
"Well... How about you let me think on it. For now, lets just think about getting you some cloths to wear." he finally said.
"Sounds good." XD-649 nodded. "But until then, I think this might help so you can see me."
A second later, there was a small flash of white light, and then the silhouette of what looked like a human shrinking down and changing shape. As the light faded, the three looked down to see a small yellow Pokémon looking back at them. XD-649 had momentarily turned back to himself, and then quickly used his Ditto DNA to Transform into a more suiting form until he could get some cloths.
"You turned... into a... Pikachu?" Ginger asked.
"A what? I never even heard of a Pikachu." Oshawott said, looking at the strange thing in front of him.
"Pikachu's are Electric types that aren't native to Unova, so it's not surprising that you've never heard of one." Steven said to Oshawott, before kneeling down in front XD-649, chuckling a bit. "So you are real. I guess it's nice to see something instead of talking to a voice."
"Yeah, I thought the same thing. So I turned into something you can travel with so you won't look like a strange person talking to air." XD-649 said nodding, looking himself over.
"And like a person talking to Pokémon isn't strange..." Oshawott mumbled to himself, which got a glare from Ginger.
"Why don't you act more kind to him. He was really looking forward to getting you. The least you can do is be grateful you got someone as kind as him as a trainer..." she whispered to him, although she knew that even whispering wouldn't help her escape Steven's hearing.
"...Fine" Oshawott said, looking away.
"Well, you might need to be in your Pokéball until we get to my house anyway." Steven said, turning to look at Oshawott. "XD-649 can sit on my shoulder if he wants, and Ginger..." he stops to think, then looks at Ginger. "You know... As a certified trainer, I am allowed to own more than one Pokémon... If you want..." but he wasn't able to finish his sentence. Before he could even act, Ginger had leaped onto him and was snuggling her head underneath his chin.
"Of coarse I'll come with you! You're my best friend! You think I would refuse?" she said, laughing.
"Alright, alright!" Steven yell, laughing himself, and pushing her off. He then bent to his belt and took off one of his empty Pokéballs and pressed the button, enlarging it. "I'll keep you both in your Pokéballs until we reach home. That way he don't draw to much attention with the three of you with me."
Ginger nodded her head with a smile, and pressed her head against the button of the ball, causing it to open and suck her into the ball in a red light. The ball closed, while the button flashed red for a few seconds before blinking out with a clicking sound, notifying that the capture was successful. With a smile of his own, he re-shrunk the ball, and placed it back onto his belt. He then took off Oshawott's, and looked over to him, seeing that he still looked upset. XD-649 couldn't help but notice this, and sent Steven a silent message through the use of Telepathy, transferring it to his head.
"I sense that Oshawott has something troubling him... Maybe you should talk with him. It might help."
Steven looked over to the Pikachu next to him with a confused look, wondering how he did that, but pushing that a side with a nod. He then got up and walked over to Oshawott. Oshawott, hearing him approaching, crossed his arms and acted like he didn't was ignoring him.
"Hey... I know this might be a bit strange for you... I'm not a Pokémon, and don't know what it's like to wait to be given to a complete stranger, and especially a stranger that isn't normal, like me..."
Oshawott turned his head slightly to glance at Steven from the corner of his eye.
"But I can say this..." Steven continued. "I will try my hardest to live up to what you expected, and help you in finding your full potential. I don't want you to look at me as a trainer, but as a new friend. I won't make you fight if you don't want to."
Oshawott's gaze turned to the ground, his arms falling to his side as his expression turned less cross, and more sad.
"...I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be rued to you. Ginger was right, you are a good person at heart. I was just judging you by what you said you were, and that was unfair of me..." he said in a quiet voice, turning to look at him. "I didn't give you a chance... and I apologize."
Steven smiled softly down at the little Pokémon, and knelt down next to him, placing his hand gently on his head and moving it from side to side to pet him.
"It's fine. Your reaction was very normal. Most People can tell that something's off with me, and tend to avoid me. The same goes with Pokemon. They can smell my other half, and keep there distance. Ginger was the only one who didn't run... She was to grateful to me for rescuing her from her old trainer, that she didn't care what I was. She saw the real me." he explained, chuckling a bit. "So don't worry about it. Okay?"
His eyes a bit teary, Oshawott nodded, now fully knowing how much he really hurt him. He could tell, that even though Steven was acting happy, it was just an act. His heart was sad, and him acting the way he did had brought back bad memories for him.
"Hey... Don't cry. I said it was okay..." Steven said sympathetically, lifting him up and hugging him.
Oshawott let a few more tears out, sniffling, and then looked up at his trainer. No... His friend, and smiled.
"Okay..."
After a few more seconds of pulling himself together, Oshawott returned back to himself, jumping out of Steven's arms and giving him a smile, which Steven returned.
"So you'll let us back out when we get back to your house?" Oshawott asked.
"Yup. It shouldn't take to long." he replied. He knew that it would take longer then the trip here though. He wouldn't be in his wolf form, an would have to walk there on foot. He figured that with good time, he might be able to make it back to Striaton City before it got dark out. "But if we're unable to get there today, I'll let you out when we get to a Pokémon Center, okay?"
Oshawott nodded with a smile, and agreed. Steven then called him back into his Pokéball and placed it back onto his belt. He then stood up, and turned back to the waiting Bio Weapon with a sheepish grin.
"Sorry about that..."
"Not at all." he said, smiling. "That was very good of you to say that to Oshawott. You really are a good person. I feel honored that I'll be accompanying you."
"Oh no! You don't have to say that. I should feel honored that you'd want too!" he laughed, shaking his head and waving his hands in front of himself.
The two of them laughed a bit, then looked down toward the other end of Route 1.
"Well... We should get going then." Steven said. "If we want to get to Striaton City before night, we'll have to hustle."
"Okay. Sounds like a plan." XD-649 agreed, jumping up onto Steven's shoulder.
"Oh. And another thing. I'm not sure if you can, but... You might want to also talk like a Pikachu. I'm pretty sure that a talking Pikachu would give us more attention then we need. Although..." he stopped, chuckling a bit. "Now that I think about it, a Pikachu in Unova is news by it's self."
"Okay, I will." XD-649 nodded.
The two then started thier trek through Route one. They didn't run into many Pokémon, since any that smelled the two strangers coming their way, turned tail and ran off. This made it a lot easier in getting to Accumulla Town. Once there, Steven went to the Pokémon Center their to stock up on supplies at its PokéMart section. He mostly bought a few extra Pokéball, a couple of Potions, and a Full Heal. Once done, Steven and his "Pikachu" started west, leaving the small Town, and entering into Travel Station that separates most cities or towns from neighboring Routes. XD-649 found the electrical bulletin board to be rather interesting. The way the words moved across the screen, and how it showed pictures of the next Route or City underneath it, depending if you were coming or going. It showed that the weather was going to be getting rainy soon, so the two knew that they should hurry.
As they were leaving the station, a young girl who was with an older man, maybe her grand father, noticed the yellow mouse Pokémon on the shoulder of Steven, and couldn't help but let out a shriek of joy, catching both of them off guard. She ran over to the two, asking if that was really a Pikachu. Steven chuckled nervously, finding this both cute and hilarious in the back of his head, and said yes. Her face lit up with pure excitement, causing XD-649 to become just as nervous as Steven was. Then she asked the question that both of them were fearing. She asked if she could hold him. Steven immediately started to say no, but XD-649 caught him by surprise by leaping into the girls arms, smiling. He watched the two for a few minutes, thinking the whole time how amazing XD-649 was at imitating Pokémon. If he hadn't known better, he would have really thought that the girl was indeed playing with a real live Pikachu.
Finally the girl returned the happy mouse to its owner, thanking him for letting her play with his adorable Pokémon. This got a snicker from Steven, but he nodded, and said good bye, saying that it was nice to have a cute girl like herself give attention to his friend. This got a blush out of her, and made her run back to her grand father, a bit embarrassed that he said that. XD-649 waved, and then smacked Steven on the back of the head with his tail.
"Don't you laugh... I was just trying to be nice. She might have suspected something had you said no."
"Of coarse... And you having fun with her was also just a cover up..." Steven teased. "She said you were adorable..."
"Hush yourself!" XD-649 yelled, a blush above his red cheeks, then decided to mock him. ""I'm glad to have had such a pretty, young girl like yourself give attention to my friend. Thank you." Yeah... You're no better..."
Steven laughed out loud at that, knowing he was right. The two were now a ways into Route 2. They were making okay time still, although the incident with the young girl had delayed them a bit. It was now drawing close to five o'clock, and Steven was beginning to realize something. He hadn't eaten all day, and was starving! He could hear his stomaching growling, wanting the food he was suppose to have had already. XD-649 was also staring to feel the need for food. He hadn't eaten anything since his escape from Team Plasma's castle, or ever for that matter. Steven, not being able to bare it any more, broke out into a run, XD-649 hanging on tightly to his shoulder. Not only was he fast in his wolf form, but as a human as well, and the need for food had him giving his all to get to the Pokémon Center in Striaton City.
With in a matter of minutes, he had made it out through Route 2, and was slouched over, breathing heavily in front of the Pokémon Center. He immediately entered, and went straight to the Nurse Joy at the front desk, asking is she had any rooms that were available. She said that they did have one left, and that they were free to have it. Steven and XD-649 both thanked her, and rushed to their room, which was at the end of the hall. When they were settled, Steven let Ginger and Oshawott out of their Pokéballs, and explained to them that they were going to be spending the night here. It then accord to Steven that he also should call his mother and tell her what was going on. She was probably worried about him, and wondering where he was. She may have known he was a werewolf, but that didn't make her worry about him any less. To her, he was still just her little puppy.
"Okay. I have to make a quick call to home. You guys can go and get something to eat during that time, okay? he asked everyone.
The three of them agreed right away, all as hungry as the next. Steven called for one of the Chanseys that worked there, and asked her if she could show his three friends where they could get some food. She happily obligated and lead the three of them down the hall and around the corner. When they were no longer in site, Steven went back into his room, and closed the door. Siting down on the bed, he started up his Xtransceiver, and began dialing in his home's number. It rang twice before his mother answered.
"Hello?" she asked, not recognizing the number.
"Hey Mom! I'm calling you from my new Xtransceiver that Professor Juniper gave me." Steven replied back.
"Steven!? Where are you!? Why aren't you home yet!? I was worried sick, young man!" his mother yelled back.
"I'm sorry! It's a long story, alright. I'll be happy to explain it later, but not right now." he whispered, trying to get her to calm down. "I'm staying at the Pokémon Center in Striaton City. I'll try to be home tomorrow by..." but he was cut off by his mother.
"Are you stupid? Steven, you're starting your own journey now. You don't need to come check in with me. Besides, if I'm thinking correctly, I do believe that there is a gym in Striaton City. It would be a waist of time to come all the way back here to see me, and then go all the way back there. I'm just glad that you called is all." she explained to him.
"Yeah, I guess you're right. Thanks Mom. I'll be sure to try my hardest, okay? I won't let you down!"
"That's my boy. Now be sure to take care of yourself, and your Pokémon. Oh, I just remembered something! You forgot to bring your bag!" his mother said a bit frustrated.
"Oh... I guess you're right... I'm sorry. I guess I was just in such a rush, it slipped my mind. I..." but then he thought of something. "Um... I think I might be able to have someone come and pick it up for me..." he said.
"Oh? How would that be?" she asked.
"Um... A friend. I'll see if he'll beable to pick it up tonight."
"Tonight? But isn't that going to..." she stared to retort, but was cut off.
"Not for him. Sorry, but I also forgot to eat today, and I'm starving. I'll have to let you go for now, okay? Love you Mom!" Steven rushed, and hung up before she could talk back. "Ugh..."
Exiting his Xtranceiver, he got up and left the room, following his nose to the smell of food. After a few minutes, he found where the scent was coming from. A couple of Chanseys were serving other trainers and their Pokémon from behind a window that looked like it was the kitchen. Not wasting any time, he got in line behind a trainer that looked a bit older then him. He was standing next to a Snivy, that was most likely his. The two were having there own conversation, which Steven thought was a little strange. He didn't know how the boy in front of him was able to understand what his Snivy was saying, but from what he was catching from their talk, he obviously did. Maybe he'd ask him later, but for now, all he wanted was for this line to move faster so he could get his food!
After what seemed like hours, but was really only two minutes, Steven had finally made it to the window, and order his the look he got from the two Chanseys was priceless though. They could both tell something was strange with this boy, and the large amount of food he had ordered only made them more suspicious, but they were kind, and made the food his food anyway. He had ordered what looked like his own buffet. Two large cheeseburgers, a medium bowl of rice with their own special sauce, two fried fish dishes, and a large bowl of tossed salad. Everyone who was behind him in line looked at him as if he had corn sticking out of his ears, but he didn't care. He was hungry, and knew he would have no trouble eating all of this.
When his meal was finished, he happily thanked the Chansey and took the tray that his supper had been placed on away from the window. Everyone marveled questioned the ones around them how he was able to carry all of that food. He didn't look that buff, and they were puzzled. Steven noticed all the whispers and stares from the other trianers there, and only gave them a grin. His attention was then drawn to a booth on the far end of the room, where a Pikachu, Oshawott, and Mightyena were being watched by a crowed of people. Not liking that his friends were being crowded around while they were eating, he marched over to them from behind.
"Ahem! If you'll excuse me, I'd like to sit with MY Pokémon, and enjoy my dinner." he said in a upset voice.
This caught the attention of the four trainers, making them turn around and look at him. They were all younger them him, possibly still students. They were a bit scared at the sudden sound of his harsh voice and apoligised for bothering him. Steven, realizing he might have been a bit to mean towards then, shook his head and put a soft smile on.
"No... It's fine. I'm just a bit hungry, and I tend to get grouchy when I haven't eaten. So do you like them?"
"Oh, yes! They're really cool looking!" said one of the young boys in the group.
"Yeah! I've never seen these two before! They're so cute!" one of the girls said, pointing toward the Pikachu and Mightyena.
"Yup. I saved my Mightyena when it was a Poochyena from a bad trainer. Her name is Ginger. You an pet her if you like. Just be gentle." Steven chuckled, looking at them as three of the four children took turns petting her. Ginger seemed to enjoy the attention. He then noticed one of the children, a boy, looking at XD-649. "You can also pet him if you'd like. I found him today. He... kind of just appeared in front of me."
XD-649 gave Steven a glance, and then looked at the young boy, waving his hand with a smile. The young boy, who Steven could now tell was the shyest out of the four, slowly reached his hand toward the yellow mouse. XD-649 met his hand half way with his head, letting him pet him. The boy immediately became a bit more relaxed, and began stroking the Pikachu's head.
Steven smiled, happy to see everyone happy, but then noticed Oshawott with a small frown on his face, staring at his food. Thinking that it was because no one seemed to be paying attention to him, he decided he would. So he sat down in the booth that he was in, and placed his large tray onto the table.
"Boy. This sure does look good." he said to himself, though loud enough for Oshawott to notice he was there. "How's yours? Does it taste alright?" he asked, looking over to him.
Oshawott looked up from his plate, staring blankly at his trainer, and smiled, nodding his head.
"It's actually really good. Thanks for asking." he said.
"No problem." Steven replied, patting he little guy on the head.
The four children, seeing that it was starting to get late, thanked the nice trainer for letting them see his Pokémon, and left to go home. Steven smiled as he watched them leave, happy to see children so fascinated in Pokémon.
"They will make good trainers someday." he thought to himself.
Tired of waiting, he started to dig in, eating his food like, well, a wolf. Ginger, Oshawott, and XD-649 stared at him a bit, then to each other, and chuckled to themselves, and began to eat as well, though not as fast as their friend. After Steven had finished the last of his dinner, he sat back in his seat and let out a happy sigh. He hadn't eaten like that in a long time. The four of them talked a bit, laughing at each others jokes, and what ever else came to mind.
Someone else nearby was also having a conversation. The man that Steven had seen and his Snivy. They were discussing the gym battle they had had that day, but lost. They were thinking of a new strategy, when the laughter coming from the other side of the room had caught their attention. They glanced over at the noisy booth, spotting a trainer and his three Pokémon. What did seem odd to them though was the fact that the trainer seemed to know what his Pokémon were saying to him, just like they could talk to each other.
"That's strange... I wonder if he was born with the same ability as you, N." the Snivy said to her trainer, watching the group.
"I don't know. That would be pretty cool though. I thought I might have been the only one." N said, taking a sip of his cola.
"You think maybe we could go talk with them?" Snivy asked.
Thinking for a moment, N finally nodded.
"Yeah, okay. I guess we could go talk with them." he said shrugging his shoulders and finishing the last of his drink.
With that, the two of them hopped out of their seats, and started walking over to the group, who had quieted down a bit. XD-649 was the first to sense the two approaching, and whispered something to Steven, which made him turn toward the two.
"Uh... Hey... Oh! You're the one who was in front of me in line." Steven said as he recognized them.
"You know them?" asked Ginger as she looked at the Snivy, who returned the look with a small smile.
"No, he doesn't. Snivy was just curious and wanted to come over and say hello." N answered before Steven could say anything.
Ginger's eyes went a bit wide, as did Oshawott's and XD-649's. The three were a bit surprised that this young man had just understood what Ginger had said. Steven on the other hand, only smirked.
"So... I guess you can talk to Pokémon." he said with a chuckle.
"Yes." N nodded. "That was another reason why we came over. It would seem that you also appear to understand them."
"Yes I do. I... have an ability that allows me too hear what they're saying as if it were being said in plain English." Steven said, not completely lying, but also not giving the full truth.
"Well then." N smirked. "It would seem that the two of us have something in common, for I also have that ability. Do you mind if we pull up a chair?"
"Not at all. Please, sit down." Steven said, happy to see someone who also was a bit different.
Nodding, Nick pulled over two spare chairs, and set them at the end of the table. Snivy jumped up onto the chair next to Steven, while Nick took the one next to XD-649, who was glancing over at Steven, telling him telepathically to be careful. He was having some strange feelings about this person and he didn't like it. Steven gave a small nod to him, and looked back to the stranger.
"The name's..." N started to say, but paused. He didn't think giving them his real name to them would be a good idea. Thinking quickly, he said the first name that came to mind. "...Nick."
"Nice to meet you Nick. I'm Steven, and this is Oshawott, Ginger and... Pikachu." Steven answered.
Steven had a better look at him now, and could see he wasn't around his age. He looked about 20 or 21. He had long, messy tea green hair that was somewhat covered up by a black and white cap. He had green eyes, and rather pale skin. He was wearing a black, long sleeved, under shirt, with a white, short sleeved shirt over it. He had a pair of tan jeans on, and green slip-on shoes. On his left wrist, he wore three rectangular, golden bars, while on the right, he wore a black and white bangle. From his the left side of his pants waist line, dangled what looked like a golden Rubik cube, only with the middle piece on each side missing. Around his neck, he wore a necklace with a black sphere at the end of it. The sphere had a blue Saturn-like ring going half way around it, and then a yellow Saturn-like ring going half way across the opposite way.
"So Steven... What brings you to Striaton City?" Nick asked.
"Well, I just started my journey today as a Pokémon Trainer, and-" but Steven was cut off before he could finish.
"SO you are also one of them..." Nick said in a quiet tone.
"Um... One of who?" Steven asked, confused.
Nick looked Steven right in the eyes, his gaze almost cold and emotionless. He replied in a low, almost hushed voice.
"One who uses Pokémon against their will..."