Another way/Changing paths

Chapter 9: Oh really now...



As I continued down the street I figured that if I'm fast enough I just might catch her in action. If she's as strong as Brian thinks she is I could possible learn something from her. Just thinking about it was getting me very anxious, my speed began to double.

It's kind of hard to believe someone as cute as Kelly being this hardcore trainer. I mean I was able to beat her twice. Looking down to my shoulder at my now torn shirt reminded me the cost of my latest victory, the huge scratch there won't let me forget anytime soon. It was cleaned and bandaged now so it's no real big deal, also Brian and I fight much rougher than that all the time.

Now that I was full two houses away from the center I was quickly approaching a section that lead out of the city and one that leads to the gym.

As I was getting ready to make the turn on the street I could see a group of about three people standing at the corner. It was just three men looked to be in their mid to late thirties all about average build, but a feeling that I had told me that they would smell bad if I got too close to them.

Subtly I made my way to the other side of the street. Luckily nobody noticed me so I continued on my path around the corner. I could barely make out some mumbling that were coming from the group of men.

"Sam, I think you just lost your touch..." One man said he was wearing a purple shirt with khaki shorts and sandals.

"Yeah, Sam I think your Pokémon are about as old as you! You honestly think your Pokémon will be able to keep up with the kids now days?

"Bob, Joe, the both of you can kiss my ass! That girl only had me distracted with her bust, other than that I could have whipped her and her Pokémon!" The Center man yelled as a retort obviously insulted by his associates.

I shrugged at their conversation and continued towards the gym I was less than a block away. The thought of the old men conversation didn't want to leave my mind. I kept thinking about if that was Kelly that they were talk about? But then I realized that that could have been impossible, because she was only gone for like ten...twenty minutes at the most.

Shaking the thoughts out of my head I continued towards the gym. Once I reached the door it slid open welcoming me to come inside. As I was about to take my first step inside I could see a pink blurry figure coming from further inside. I could assume that it was Kelly, there's nobody I know with pink hair and unless it's a new trend or something I couldn't see how it could be anyone else.

Making my way inside I stopped to see that it was in fact Kelly, but she was coming out of the building with a large smile on her face. In her left hand she held a small black case. She stopped once she saw me, "Oh, Brandon what are you doing here?"

I didn't want to let her know that I was looking for her so I lied. "I was taking a tour of the city and just wanted to check out the gym." Then added a false concerned look on my face when I asked, "So what are you doing here?"

She looked towards me with a narrow look in her eyes and placed both hands on the sides of her hips. Leaning forwards she said, "Tour of the city...right." She said completely seeing through that terrible lie. "Anyway..." She added coming out of her adjusted stance to walk over to me, she draped her arm around me and said, "I thought I told you before we left Castelia City that I was going to collect the badges from here and Striation City."

Looking away from her with a slight blush not because she was clinging to me, but from the embarrassment that I felt because I actually remembered perfectly. Just didn't want to let her get the satisfaction of knowing that. Though I could tell she already knew about it.

"So did you get the badge here?"

She releases the grip she had on my neck and pulled out the black case she had in a side pocket in her back pack and held it up to me. It had two badges inside of it, one was from Castelia City and the other was the newly obtained Nacrene City badge.

"Impressive, though I wish I'd seen it." I said wrapping my arms around her waist and carefully stepped to the side of the hall and leaned up against the wall. Honestly I think that it was more of a domination thing, not sure why my pride felt threaten by seeing the badges. Guess something inside me wanted to prove my worth to myself by being more superior to her, but since she's in my arms I can set that aside for now atleast.

Kelly put her case away and pushed her head deep inside of my chest and murmured, "Well tonight we have to celebrate and it's all on you!" She said lifting her head up kissing me on the lips.

"Sure where you wanna go?"

(Brian's POV)

Once I gotten Osha back from the nurse I turned back to the glass door. Though I'm not sure why though I should have known that Brandon was going to be out with Kelly for a long time so there wouldn't be any point in waiting for him.

Only thing I could hope from him to do was to see how Kelly battles at her top and tell me about it. There's something not right about that girl I swear. Though having her around seems to be a confident booster for Brandon, so hopefully that should help us out in the long run.

The only thing that still concerns me is what father will think once he meets her. Surely he would disapprove of us having her with us.

Shaking the unpleasant thoughts from my head I turned back to face the nurse once again and asked, "Excuse me Nurse Joy do you have any rooms here available for one night?"

"Why yes I do. For one night you say, right?" She said confirming what I asked.

"Yes mam. Two beds though I have someone else staying with me as well."

"Ok let me grab the key and I'll guide you there myself." She said with a smile.

Though I'm pretty sure I don't need an escort, she might be doing this out of sheer boredom. Well I'm not the one to ruin her half attempt of a break from standing behind the counter. There were a few trainers in the room as well, but no one was in need for medical attention.

Heading towards the back of the Center I noticed that the nurse was walking with very quick steps, as if though she was rushing. I just assume that she must really want to get back to the counter or something.

Upon reaching the door, I saw that it was a plain swinging door and used an old fashion key to unlock it. I can tell before even going inside the room that it'll be just large enough to contain the two of us and that's all.

"We're here!" She said enthusiastically.

Somewhat amused with her tone I said, "Awesome thanks!" in a sarcastic way.

With a polite nod she handed me the key to the room and went down the hall without a second glance back towards me.

As I watched her leave, I just shook my head in disappointment on how dull she was. Though I'm not really sure if she sensed the sarcasm in my voice, but now that she's gone I really could care less.

Opening the door to my room I took a small step inside just so I could see what it looked like on the inside. To my surprise it wasn't all that bad, though the two beds were only twins. There was plenty of stretching room in here so it won't be a too uncomfortable experience.

The bed that was the closes to the window was going to be mine. So I pull my backpack off and tossed it on the furthest away bed and took a step backwards while closing the door.

I didn't want to stay in the room for the rest of the day; I wanted to explore the rest of the town first and see what all it had to offer. When I first walked into town I thought I saw a museum. Probably take me about ten minutes to make it there.

Walking back down the hallway, I started to feel light headed as if things were starting to shift and tilt to one side. Now stumbling I immediately leaned into the wall, using my left arm to prop myself off of it.

It felt as if though everything in my body was trying to come out my mouth. "Dammit..." I muttered to myself as I then slid down on the wall with my back up against it. I tilted my head back on the wall as well.

Feeling the slight urge to close my eyes and recover for a sec, I just stared at the wall for a minute hoping it wouldn't have to come to that. But my eyes started feeling very heavy and soon they closed on their own.

"Kelly what was that for?" I could hear Brandon's voice, but I couldn't see his body. It felt as if though I was in his shoes, but at a distant. The feeling of pain was surging through his body and I couldn't figure out where it was coming from. I'm going to have to focus some more.

Concentrating with all my focus I positioned myself in a 'meditative sit'. I noticed that my eyes wouldn't open; it was as if though my body wanted to know what was going on as much as I did. Slowly but surely I could start hearing the voices again, though this time they were coming in much stronger. Also I was starting to be able to pick up weak images. They were of Kelly standing in front of me or I think Brandon...

I'm not sure but I think I'm seeing and hearing things from Brandon's prospective...

I should be freaking out right now...it's just that it all feels very natural as if it's something I've done over and over before. I wonder if he has the same visions...

My thoughts were suddenly interrupted by Kelly's very sharp retort at Brandon.

"That was for leaving me on the bridge without seeing if I was ok..." Her voice was fading in and out.

My eye sight was suddenly lowered down to my stomach, where I could see an arm draped around it. My gaze was lifted to see Kelly's right fist balled into a fist and shaking it vigorously. I guess she must have hit him in the stomach.

The vision suddenly started to become very blurry and hazy. All of a sudden things became rocky so much so to the point to where 'my' eyes shot wide open. I could hear a muffled voice from in front of me.

Taking a moment or so to adjust my eyes to where the voice was coming from. I could feel a cold wind blowing from in front of me. I realized that I had something inside my chest. Looking down I saw a pair of dark blue paws pressing down on me. I immediately looked up to see that they were coming from what looked to be Diamond who had the most worried look in her face.

I thought it was still a vision as I lifted my left hand a gently cup the side of her face. Once I done that I felt a very cold sensation shoot up my arm. Followed by a sharp bite to my hand sent all my senses to full alert. Jumping up I knocked Diamond off of me and leaped further down the hall.

My heart was racing as I then threw up everything that I had eaten earlier today. Once I was able to get it all up I finally calmed down. Taking a few much needed breaths I rolled over to the side of the mess I made. There I was able to see and fully comprehend that Diamond was really standing there.

"How...?" was all I was able to whisper, through the heavy pant of breaths. I didn't know how or why, but Diamond was standing there looking at me with her now usual dull look. Slowly lifting myself I was able to stand at my feet. I began to stumble back down the hall where she was sitting looking at me.

"Diamond, I know I didn't let you out. How did you get out of your ball?" I asked her truly expecting her to answer me back.

With everything else that's happened that wouldn't surprise me in the slightest. Though not hearing her say anything help me keep a bit more of my sanity. I probably would have lost it, but that still doesn't answer my question on how she got out.

"Whatever doesn't really matter...since you're out let's go and get something to eat." I said looking back at the mess I made. Shaking my head slightly I can only hope that this place has a cleaning crew.

As I made my way out of the Center I could feel things around my body that just didn't fit with the environment around me. Such as my hands felt as if they were touching something soft when in fact I had both at my sides, rubbing against my rough jeans. The smell of freshly mopped floors flooded my nostrils as if though I was being sprayed in the nose with a powerful cleaning solution. It's hard to say where all this is coming from but one thing for sure is that something strange happened in that hallway there.

I think that it had some sort of long term effect on me...whatever it was.

Diamond was following closely behind me; I would occasionally look down to her to see how she was doing. She would look away from me every time my eyes fell on her. I mean she's acting very strange, as if something was bothering her and as far as I know she almost never let things linger in her mind.

Looking towards the sky I could see that it was starting to get dark. If I'm going to get something to eat I better make it quick.

That's when I saw a restaurant down the street right next to the Museum.

"Museum..." I muttered to myself. Looking down at my nonchalant ice Pokémon I said, "Hey I wanted to go to the Museum before it closed how about we go check it out? I promise to get you whatever your heart desires afterwards."

She looked at me with her usual blank stare, but quickly glanced away from me after a while. She was making it very obvious that something was on her mind.

'I wonder what it could be about?' I thought to myself as I shook my head and began walking down the street.

As we made our way down the street, occasionally I would look down to see where her eyes lie, but as I thought she was just looking ahead. Guess it must have been in my mind. I mean Diamond didn't truly feel for anything for as long as I knew her, why would she start caring now. Though her behavior lately has been troubling...more so than usual atleast. I don't think it would affect her overall personally.

Nearing the Museum I quickened my step in somewhat excited anticipation on arriving. Diamond hastens her trot as well.

Approaching the entrance of the building we were suddenly stopped. Brandon and Kelly were coming out of it, not in their usual clinginess. Kelly was walking in front with both of her arms folded in front of her. Brandon was behind her bent over slightly clutching his stomach.

"Hey you two, what's going on?" I asked, mostly directing the question towards Kelly. I was more than sure that Brandon may have done something stupid to tick her off.

Brandon was first to speak up, "Nothing...don't worry about it."

Kelly turned back still not unfolding her arms to counter, "Yeah, 'nothings' right you ass!" She was more pissed than ever. This only made me want to know what happen even more.

"So, nobody's going to explain anything?" I asked now becoming annoyed.

"I don't know what is there to explain." He tilted his head to one side and raises both arms with his palms up and said, "She's mad because I didn't help her out on the bridge."

"It was only a harmless training session and you act like you're out on some sort of battlefield." She snapped quickly back at him.

Though in reality now that I think about it Brandon did the right thing. He wouldn't have been nowhere near as focused then, if he'd stopped and helped her out. But I doubt me saying that would help him out in this situation.

"How about we all just go get something to eat and some sleep, and then wake up with much calmer and more rational attitudes." He said as some sort of way of changing the subject, but making it very obvious that he was directing the statement towards Kelly.

I took my right palm and rested comfortable in my face, while shaking my head slightly. 'Bad move...' I muttered very lightly under my breath.

Looking down at Diamond to see that she was just sitting there shaking her head as well.

*SMACK!*

I could hear the inevitable slapping noise from Kelly to Brandon.

His face was burning red, and immediately began swelling with a small lump on the side of his face. Though I could tell that his pride was hurt a lot more, because his left fist started too bald. I don't think that he'll actually hit her, but I will wait just in case he decides to change his mind.

For a moment Brandon didn't move not even to look at her. His fist was clutching his fist so tightly that it was starting to bleed. Brandon took a deep sigh and began to walk away as he passed me I could see a tear roll down his face.

I waited from a minute until he was completely out of ear shot, never taking my eyes off Kelly. She was looking at me with the most hateful look that I've seen her make. Her face was puffing up and swelling with anger and sadness.

"Kelly, I want you to tell me what really happened between you two." I demanded.

I'm not the kind of person to jump to conclusions even if it were to involve my brother. I need to know before taking sides.

"Your brother is a jerk!" She yelled walking away from me slowly.

"You saying that isn't going to help me understand what happened." I said walking up to her grabbing her on the shoulder, spinning her around to face me.

She didn't want to look at me; she had her head pointed towards the floor using her bangs to cover her face.

I could tell that she was trying to hide the fact that she was crying.

"Kelly..." I whispered to her as I lowered my head down to her level.

"He said something awful to me Brian..."

"Ok tell me what he said and I'll go kick his ass..." I said half lying half telling the truth. It all depended on what she said.

"Being alone should never be treated as a game..."