Story Notes:
Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of me, the author. I am in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
Chapter 2: The Anniversary
*Knock, Knock*
"The door's open. Come in."
The man entered and walked toward the desk, where someone was sitting in a chair facing the other way. "You wanted to see me, Master Cyrus?"
Cyrus turned his chair to face him. "Yes, Commander Mercury. This is a very important matter, so I'm not going to waste time with details. I want you to keep an eye on this individual." Cyrus handed him a picture. Mercury studied it for a moment.
"Let me guess... This is the one who has been trying to put a stop to your plans?"
"Yes... How did you know?"
"I've already been keeping an eye on this one," Mercury replied, "And from what I've seen, he's quite the trainer."
Cyrus stood up, putting his hands on the desk. "Why didn't you inform me of this sooner? We could have done something about him a long time ago!"
"Forgive me, sir, but... you never asked," Mercury said, smirking, "Anyway, I suppose you want to know what he's up to now. Currently, he is heading for Iron Island, and should be arriving there shortly. He is traveling with one other trainer."
Cyrus thought for a moment. "I want you to send a unit after him, and tell them to start taking control of Iron Island as well. It would be good to have a base there."
"Very well, then. It shall be done." Mercury turned to leave.
"Wait," Cyrus called after him, "One more thing. Send in one of your... special forces, as well."
"But, sir! They still have a few bugs that need to be worked out! If it malfunctions, it could easily attack one of our-"
"I don't care! We can't take any chances with this trainer! Besides, if your special forces are as strong as you say they are, then one should be more than enough to stop him, even if they are just prototypes. Now, get going!"
"As you wish, Master Cyrus," Commander Mercury bowed and left.
.............................................................................................
"Here we are. Iron Island!" said Riley as the boat came to a stop at the small dock. Isaac stood up and took a look at the island. It seemed that the majority of the island was covered by rock formations. There was a set of stairs leading to a house a short distance from the dock. He and Riley got off the boat, with Empoleon and Lucario following them. They began climbing the steps. Isaac leaned over to Riley and asked, "Who lives there?"
Riley smiled. "Me," he said simply, before saying, "I usually help trainers who come here to gain battle experience against Steel types. I make a living off of the training program I've designed. I help the trainer by giving them a thorough understanding of how Steel types move in battle, were their weaknesses are, and how to properly defend against them. This is done through demonstration from my team. I then allow for the trainer to perfect there battle style using that information."
"And people pay you for the advice?" Isaac asked.
"Not exactly. You see, after they've had the chance to perfect there training, if they think that they are ready to challenge the gym leader, they must battle me. We both select just one Pokémon. If they win, I let them go, free of charge. But should they lose, they must pay full price, no exceptions."
Isaac was intrigued by this. "How many have passed this training program?"
"None," Riley stated, a smirk slowly creeping across his face.
Isaac unconsciously gulped. "And... how much is full price?"
Riley looked to Lucario, who was also smirking, before answering, "Fifty thousand Poké."
Isaac went slack-jawed. "F-f-fifty... thousand... Poké?!" he asked, "You can't be serious!"
"Hey, I've got to make a living somehow, and it may as well be from what I do best." Riley said, shrugging. "And, I will only help those who actually HAVE the 50,000 on them. No IOU's. I hope I haven't scared you away from the training program." Isaac smiled and said, "Fortunately for you, I don't scare easily. Besides, I work better under pressure, anyway. The program must be very effective for you to set the stakes that high. You've got yourself a deal." Isaac reached his hand out, which Riley shook.
Riley smiled. "Well then, it's settled. Why don't you introduce me to your team?" Isaac nodded. He unclipped the other four teammates' Pokéballs from his belt and called forth his remaining Pokémon. The four flashes of light faded, and Empoleon took his place next to his fellow teammates. "Everyone, this is Riley. He will be teaching us how to battle Steel types," Isaac stated, before introducing each of them. "Okay, this is my Bellossom, Amy." Amy smiled and gave a little curtsey. "And, of course you know Empoleon." Empoleon nodded to Riley. "This here is Valerie." The Gardevoir smiled, happily. "Pleased to meet you," she said telepathically. Isaac continued, "Over here is Staraptor." Staraptor spread his wings and gave out a cheerful call. "And last, but certainly not least, this is Victor." Victor had his arms crossed and his eyes closed, but he opened them and smiled when he was introduced.
Riley studied each of them carefully, nodding after he had examined one of them and moved on to the next. When he was done, he smiled, saying, "I'm very impressed by how well you've raised each of them. But still, as things stand right now, we've got some work to do. Right, Lucario?" Lucario nodded, saying, "Yes, A LOT of work." This startled Isaac, who promptly stated, "I thought that a Lucario could only talk to its trainer."
Riley smiled. "Yes... with its aura. But Lucario are also able to communicate to others using telepathy. Anyway, let me give you a tour of Iron Island."
(A few hours of walking later)
"... and that's about it," said Riley, as the group arrived back in front of his house. He looked up at the sky. "Whoops! I didn't mean for the tour to take that long. Sorry Isaac, but I'm afraid that the training will have to wait until tomorrow." Isaac was a little disappointed at this, having wanted to begin as soon as possible. His disappointment showed on his face. Riley noticed this and thought for a moment before saying, "Alright, tell you what. How 'bout you show me how your team would normally warm up. After that, we can head inside and get something to eat."
That cheered Isaac up. He smiled and turned to his team, and instructed what they were to do. "Alright, divide into your pairs." Riley watched as Staraptor and Valerie went to a spot a short distance away, then as Amy and Empoleon went to another. This left him a little confused. "But, Isaac. There's no one to be paired with Victor. Should Lucario pair up with him?"
Isaac grinned, shaking his head. "Thanks, but I'll be pairing up with Victor," he said. Riley was stunned by this statement. "W-what?! You're crazy! I hope for your sake that Victor will be going easy on you." This prompted a chuckle from Isaac, as he said, "I think that Victor is going to be the one that will need to keep his guard up." Isaac turned to face his sparring partner, but looked back at Riley to say, "Would you like to do the honors?"
"Oh... um, sure." Isaac locked eyes with Victor, both of them taking their fighting stances. The others prepared themselves as well. Riley raised his hand up. "Ready?............ Begin!" Riley swung his arm down to start everyone off. Isaac and Victor just continued to stare at each other, trying to anticipate the others' first move. However, this didn't stop the others from beginning, and the two statues tuned out the sounds of the other matches. Riley told Lucario to keep an eye on the other two matches for him. He wanted to see why Isaac was so confident.
Isaac smiled. "I'll let you make the first move. Go ahead," he said, tightening his focus. "Gladly," said Victor, as he charged forward with incredible speed. The Gallade drew his arm back for a punch, increasing speed as he did so. Just before he reached Isaac, Victor changed his attack into a Thunder Punch. Isaac wasn't fazed. Riley shut his eyes, not wanting to see what would happen next. There was a dull thud, with the sound of electricity crackling violently. He opened his eyes slowly, fearing the worst. His eyes went wide at the sight before him, his voice stuttering slightly, though no words came out.
There stood Isaac, in a half-suspended state, head thrown back from the force of the punch, and Victor's fist still in contact with his chin. There were still traces of the attack sparking across his body, and he looked like he could fall over at any second. What disturbed Riley was that Isaac's Pokémon didn't even seem to notice or care. Riley looked away, saying to himself, "I warned him, but he didn't listen." Suddenly, a low whistle rang out.
"You know, sometimes I forget how strong you really are, Victor."
Riley spun back toward the source of the voice. "Impossible," he said to himself. Isaac had moved one step away from Victor and straightened his neck, getting rid of the rest of the electrical charge flowing through him in the process. He stood there rubbing the back of his neck. "Thank you for that," said Isaac, "You managed to get rid of a crick in my neck that was bothering me." Riley couldn't believe his eyes. There was no way any human could have stayed conscious from a blow like that, let alone not feel any pain from it. What was he?
Isaac laughed. "Hahahahaha... You thought that I was out for the count, didn't you Riley? Well, it's gonna take a lot more than a Thunder Punch to the face to stop me. Now Victor, is it my turn?" Victor's eyes went wide, realizing that they were still fighting. He jumped back a few yards and resumed his fighting stance. Isaac said, "Hope you're ready, 'cause here I come!" Isaac bolted forward. He threw a punch as he came close enough, Victor easily dodging it. After that, all that could be seen by Riley was a blur of motion as the two exchanged blows. He looked to Lucario, and even he was having trouble keeping up with them.
Finally, Isaac and Victor broke apart from their little clash. Victor was panting as he stared Isaac down, but Isaac wasn't even winded. Isaac smiled and walked over to Victor, placing his hand on the Gallade's shoulder. "I think that's enough for now. You did great, Victor." Victor smiled, saying, "Yeah, but I doubt I'll ever be able to surpass you." Isaac laughed a little. "I wouldn't say that. You're about even with me. There were a few opportunities for you to land some big hits, but you didn't take 'em. That shows that you know when enough is enough, which in the end, is what really matters." Isaac turned to the rest of the group. "Alright! That's enough for now!" The rest of his team stopped what they were doing and made their way back to Isaac.
"Anyway," he said, "That is how we normally warm up. What do you think?............... Riley?"
Riley snapped back into reality. "Oh, um... yeah, that was... good... How are you able to do all that?!" Isaac shrugged. "I don't really know. I've had strength like that since I was a little kid. I even surprise myself with how strong I am at times. Like this one time where there was this huge boulder, and my brother-"
Isaac stopped mid-sentence, the smile fading from his face. He looked at the ground, a look of depression overcoming him. Riley became concerned, and asked what was wrong. Valerie swooped in and answered before Isaac could. "He's just hungry, that's all. We all are after a day like today." Riley nodded, saying, "Yeah, let's all head in for something to eat." And with that, they all made their way back to the house.
Isaac didn't talk very much at dinner, but tried to maintain a positive look about him so as not to draw attention to himself. This didn't stop Valerie from giving glances across the table to him. Already knowing what was bothering Isaac, she decided not to bring it up until he was ready to talk about it. But, later that night...
__________________________________________________________
As he neared the clearing, sounds of someone fighting could be heard from up ahead, and as Isaac arrived he saw Derek smiling and staring down a Machoke. The Machoke's trainer was almost frozen with fear, but pulled himself together to issue another command.
"Machoke, use Cross Chop!"
The Pokémon obliged, rushing Derek and preparing the attack. It jumped into the air before it reached him. Derek's smile widened, and he just stood there and laughed. As the Machoke brought down its arms for the attack, Derek placed his hands on its stomach and used its momentum to send it flying into a tree. The tree shook violently from the impact, and the Machoke was barely able to move at all. Derek saw this as a big opportunity to finish it. He ran after the injured Pokémon, preparing the final blow. Isaac had seen enough, and leapt in front of the Machoke. He put his hand out in front of him, with the other bracing his arm. A split second later, Derek punched, colliding with Isaac's hand. Isaac was pushed back a little from it, but he didn't stumble. Derek got an angry look on his face.
"What was that for?!" he asked. Isaac had a serious look on his face. "You know why! You've already proven that you're stronger than him, Derek! Enough is enough!"
The trainer quickly made his way over to his injured Pokémon and returned it to its pokéball. He thanked Isaac for stopping the battle and left for the Pokémon Center. Derek shook his head. "I expected that a Pokémon as strong as a Machoke would be an actual challenge for me. I guess I was wrong. Just another weakling." He got a smirk on his face before continuing. "So, what does little Izy want from me today?"
"It's Isaac and you know it!" Isaac snapped. He hated it when Derek called him that. Because Derek was the first born of the twins, he felt that Isaac was the "baby", and thus had created the annoying nickname for him. Derek rolled his eyes, saying, "Whatever. I ask you again: What do you want?"
"Mom is worried sick about you! You just left without telling anyone where you were going! We both thought that you were still in your room!" Isaac hurriedly explained. Derek rolled his eyes again. "Well, she shouldn't worry so much. I'm strong enough to take care of myself in a dangerous situation." Isaac flared again, "And about that! You've been abusing your power way too much recently."
Derek was appalled that Isaac would say such a thing. "I don't abuse my power!" Isaac's eyes went half shut as he stared at Derek, shifting his gaze to a tree that had recently been snapped at the trunk. "He wanted proof that I could take on his Machoke," Derek said, innocently. Isaac sighed, saying, "Anyway, Mom said that dinner would be ready soon. Come on."
They began walking out of the forest. When they reached Sandgem Town, the locals that were outside were keeping close watch on Derek. His face had become known around Sandgem as a symbol of terror. "Just ignore them," Isaac told Derek. They had almost made it back to Route 201, when a voice shouted from behind them.
"Freak!"
Derek turned around quickly to see a little boy who he recognized immediately. He had battled him just the other day. Derek's fists clenched. Isaac noticed this and immediately began trying to get Derek to keep walking toward home. The kid shouted, "The same goes to you! Anyone who hangs around with him is a freak!" That did it. Derek had heard enough. Even though he was always trying to ingrain into Isaac's head that he was better, Derek still protected Isaac. What happened next left everyone stunned.
Derek screamed, "SHUT UP!" As soon as he did, every light bulb in the street lights instantly shattered into thousands of pieces, raining down on the streets of Sandgem Town. Derek's mouth hung open slightly as he observed what he had apparently done. Isaac was speechless and utterly frozen in fear. Derek looked down at his hands and said nothing for a few minutes. Isaac looked to him for some form of an explanation. As Derek's face remained blank and expressionless, Isaac feared that something had finally snapped.
Derek clenched his hands into fists and turned toward Isaac, then turned toward home, a smile widening across his face as he did so. He started walking slowly, but gradually quickened his pace. Isaac followed him. Derek looked behind him, saying, "Come on, slowpoke! We've got to get home for dinner now, don't we?" Something was definitely up, and it worried Isaac to no end...
_____________________________________________________________
Isaac gasped as he woke and sat straight up. He panted as he tried to bring his heart rate back down to normal. He noticed how sweaty he was. Isaac buried his face into his hands. "I'm starting to lose it," Isaac thought. He got up out of his sleeping bag and walked toward the door, being careful not to disturb his team, who were sleeping peacefully around the room. Isaac quietly opened the door and walked outside. He looked up at the sky and saw no sign of the sun rising. He checked the time on his Pokétch. "2:00 a.m." Isaac then checked the date, but froze when he did. Tears began to form in his eyes as he stared at his Pokétch.
"July 20, 2010."
The tears fell from his eyes as he walked away from the house. "Ten years... That's how long it's been since that day..." Isaac said to himself. He began climbing to the highest point on the island, not knowing that someone was following him. When he reached the top, he just stood there, staring at the ocean. He knelt down and picked up a few rocks and examined them, the tears never stopping. Isaac began going over the events leading up to that frightening moment that had changed Derek forever. "I could have done more... I could have prevented it from happening... why?" Isaac crushed the rock in his hand and began sobbing. "Why?... Why wouldn't he just listen to me?!" he half-shouted, "why, Why, WHY?!" Isaac threw the remaining stones with each of the "whys". He slammed his fist down on the ground just hard enough to make small fissures around the impact. He lost it at that point, and could no longer hold back the full force of his sorrow, clutching his head, crying.
Ten minutes went by, and Isaac had calmed down somewhat. "I know you're there, Valerie. I don't really want to talk right now," he said, but remained in the same position he was in. Valerie had been watching Isaac since he got up and left the house. She walked closer to him. "Isaac..." she said in a soft voice, "Please... talk to me. You'll feel a lot better if you do." She knelt down next to Isaac before continuing. "You need to tell me Isaac. If you don't, this will just keep eating away at you until it drives you to insanity. Please..."
Isaac turned toward her, wiping the tears from his eyes, and nodded. Valerie helped him get started. "I already know what events lead to the problem, you've told me that, but what happened Isaac?" Isaac looked at the ocean again before he began. "Something had changed about him at that moment, Valerie. Derek was still behaving the same, but something was definitely off. It didn't show at first, but as the days went on, he seemed to become more calm about everything. I noticed it one day when he had gone off to challenge more trainers, and then came back an hour later saying that he didn't feel like it. It was like he was... well, relaxed. And Derek was not the kind of person to relax. It only got worse from there, he became emotionless, non-caring. During the month leading up to the day we received our first Pokemon, he spent all his free time locked up in his room, and wouldn't allow anyone to enter. I could sometimes hear him muttering to himself while he was in there. The only time that he left the house was when we went to get our Pokemon. When we got back he immediately went to his room again. But, that night... Derek..." Isaac suppressed another fit of rage, "He killed Dad and ran away." He clenched his fists tighter. "And I'll never forget what he said to me as he left. He told me that the only way I would ever be a match for him was if I were exactly like him, and to come find him when I was."
Isaac turned his head away. "I'm sorry, Valerie. I don't want to talk about this any longer," he said, "I just want to be left alone for a little while. You should probably get back to bed. You'll need your strength for the training."
"Alright then, Isaac," Valerie said calmly as she stood up and walked back to the house. She was satisfied with the information that he had given her. She at least knew now why Isaac had a problem talking about Derek.
Morning came, and the sun's rays shone through the windows of the house. Isaac had been up since Valerie left him alone, and was just now walking through the front door. He was now regretting staying up, as he yawned and tiredly made his way to the couch in the living room to wait for the others to wake up, failing to notice that he wasn't the only one awake.
"Late night?" asked Riley, who walked into the room carrying a cup of coffee, Lucario right behind him. "More like early morning," Isaac said, smiling. Lucario handed him a cup of coffee, which Isaac thanked him for. "So, why are you up so early?" asked Riley, "I thought that I would have to drag you out of bed." Isaac shook his head. "I'm usually up early anyway. What's the occasion for you?"
Riley took a sip of his coffee before answering. "We have to get started as soon as possible if you want to head back to Canalave city today, don't we? So... May I?" Riley indicated Isaac's Pokemon sleeping peacefully. Isaac smiled, knowing what he was about to do. "Go right ahead," he replied, trying not to laugh. Riley inhaled deeply.
"RISE AND SHINE, EVERYONE!"
The others woke up violently, stumbling slightly as they quickly got up. Isaac smiled at this, but held back his laughter, knowing that he would have probably done the same thing if he had been woken like that. Riley took a second to gather his thoughts before continuing. "Sorry for that, but we need to get the day rolling. Breakfast will be ready in a few minutes." Riley walked into the kitchen and the others took the few minutes to fully wake up. When they reported to the kitchen, food had already been set out for each of them. Riley nodded as they sat down to eat. "When you're finished, you are to report outside immediately for the training," he told them as he grabbed his pack from the counter and walked to the door with Lucario. "Wait," said Isaac, "Aren't you going to join us?" Riley shook his head, saying, "We've already eaten." And with that, Riley left them to their breakfast.
As Riley and Lucario were waiting outside, Riley was lost in thought. "What's on your mind?" Lucario asked, though he knew well what it was. Riley confirmed his thoughts in his reply. "You know... this could be our last chance to find a home for it," he said sadly, "If this trainer is not worthy, then we'll have to leave our peaceful little island here and take up that offer from Byron." Riley opened up the pack that he had brought outside and carefully removed the single item that it held. In his hands, Riley now held a protective glass case that contained a Pokemon egg. "And yet, somehow I know," Riley continued, "that Isaac is the one..."Chapter End Notes:By the way, the joke thing, done with it. sorry. But, it got replaced with telling what music fits in best with the situation at hand. I find that to be a lot better. Ch 3 coming soon
"The door's open. Come in."
The man entered and walked toward the desk, where someone was sitting in a chair facing the other way. "You wanted to see me, Master Cyrus?"
Cyrus turned his chair to face him. "Yes, Commander Mercury. This is a very important matter, so I'm not going to waste time with details. I want you to keep an eye on this individual." Cyrus handed him a picture. Mercury studied it for a moment.
"Let me guess... This is the one who has been trying to put a stop to your plans?"
"Yes... How did you know?"
"I've already been keeping an eye on this one," Mercury replied, "And from what I've seen, he's quite the trainer."
Cyrus stood up, putting his hands on the desk. "Why didn't you inform me of this sooner? We could have done something about him a long time ago!"
"Forgive me, sir, but... you never asked," Mercury said, smirking, "Anyway, I suppose you want to know what he's up to now. Currently, he is heading for Iron Island, and should be arriving there shortly. He is traveling with one other trainer."
Cyrus thought for a moment. "I want you to send a unit after him, and tell them to start taking control of Iron Island as well. It would be good to have a base there."
"Very well, then. It shall be done." Mercury turned to leave.
"Wait," Cyrus called after him, "One more thing. Send in one of your... special forces, as well."
"But, sir! They still have a few bugs that need to be worked out! If it malfunctions, it could easily attack one of our-"
"I don't care! We can't take any chances with this trainer! Besides, if your special forces are as strong as you say they are, then one should be more than enough to stop him, even if they are just prototypes. Now, get going!"
"As you wish, Master Cyrus," Commander Mercury bowed and left.
.............................................................................................
"Here we are. Iron Island!" said Riley as the boat came to a stop at the small dock. Isaac stood up and took a look at the island. It seemed that the majority of the island was covered by rock formations. There was a set of stairs leading to a house a short distance from the dock. He and Riley got off the boat, with Empoleon and Lucario following them. They began climbing the steps. Isaac leaned over to Riley and asked, "Who lives there?"
Riley smiled. "Me," he said simply, before saying, "I usually help trainers who come here to gain battle experience against Steel types. I make a living off of the training program I've designed. I help the trainer by giving them a thorough understanding of how Steel types move in battle, were their weaknesses are, and how to properly defend against them. This is done through demonstration from my team. I then allow for the trainer to perfect there battle style using that information."
"And people pay you for the advice?" Isaac asked.
"Not exactly. You see, after they've had the chance to perfect there training, if they think that they are ready to challenge the gym leader, they must battle me. We both select just one Pokémon. If they win, I let them go, free of charge. But should they lose, they must pay full price, no exceptions."
Isaac was intrigued by this. "How many have passed this training program?"
"None," Riley stated, a smirk slowly creeping across his face.
Isaac unconsciously gulped. "And... how much is full price?"
Riley looked to Lucario, who was also smirking, before answering, "Fifty thousand Poké."
Isaac went slack-jawed. "F-f-fifty... thousand... Poké?!" he asked, "You can't be serious!"
"Hey, I've got to make a living somehow, and it may as well be from what I do best." Riley said, shrugging. "And, I will only help those who actually HAVE the 50,000 on them. No IOU's. I hope I haven't scared you away from the training program." Isaac smiled and said, "Fortunately for you, I don't scare easily. Besides, I work better under pressure, anyway. The program must be very effective for you to set the stakes that high. You've got yourself a deal." Isaac reached his hand out, which Riley shook.
Riley smiled. "Well then, it's settled. Why don't you introduce me to your team?" Isaac nodded. He unclipped the other four teammates' Pokéballs from his belt and called forth his remaining Pokémon. The four flashes of light faded, and Empoleon took his place next to his fellow teammates. "Everyone, this is Riley. He will be teaching us how to battle Steel types," Isaac stated, before introducing each of them. "Okay, this is my Bellossom, Amy." Amy smiled and gave a little curtsey. "And, of course you know Empoleon." Empoleon nodded to Riley. "This here is Valerie." The Gardevoir smiled, happily. "Pleased to meet you," she said telepathically. Isaac continued, "Over here is Staraptor." Staraptor spread his wings and gave out a cheerful call. "And last, but certainly not least, this is Victor." Victor had his arms crossed and his eyes closed, but he opened them and smiled when he was introduced.
Riley studied each of them carefully, nodding after he had examined one of them and moved on to the next. When he was done, he smiled, saying, "I'm very impressed by how well you've raised each of them. But still, as things stand right now, we've got some work to do. Right, Lucario?" Lucario nodded, saying, "Yes, A LOT of work." This startled Isaac, who promptly stated, "I thought that a Lucario could only talk to its trainer."
Riley smiled. "Yes... with its aura. But Lucario are also able to communicate to others using telepathy. Anyway, let me give you a tour of Iron Island."
(A few hours of walking later)
"... and that's about it," said Riley, as the group arrived back in front of his house. He looked up at the sky. "Whoops! I didn't mean for the tour to take that long. Sorry Isaac, but I'm afraid that the training will have to wait until tomorrow." Isaac was a little disappointed at this, having wanted to begin as soon as possible. His disappointment showed on his face. Riley noticed this and thought for a moment before saying, "Alright, tell you what. How 'bout you show me how your team would normally warm up. After that, we can head inside and get something to eat."
That cheered Isaac up. He smiled and turned to his team, and instructed what they were to do. "Alright, divide into your pairs." Riley watched as Staraptor and Valerie went to a spot a short distance away, then as Amy and Empoleon went to another. This left him a little confused. "But, Isaac. There's no one to be paired with Victor. Should Lucario pair up with him?"
Isaac grinned, shaking his head. "Thanks, but I'll be pairing up with Victor," he said. Riley was stunned by this statement. "W-what?! You're crazy! I hope for your sake that Victor will be going easy on you." This prompted a chuckle from Isaac, as he said, "I think that Victor is going to be the one that will need to keep his guard up." Isaac turned to face his sparring partner, but looked back at Riley to say, "Would you like to do the honors?"
"Oh... um, sure." Isaac locked eyes with Victor, both of them taking their fighting stances. The others prepared themselves as well. Riley raised his hand up. "Ready?............ Begin!" Riley swung his arm down to start everyone off. Isaac and Victor just continued to stare at each other, trying to anticipate the others' first move. However, this didn't stop the others from beginning, and the two statues tuned out the sounds of the other matches. Riley told Lucario to keep an eye on the other two matches for him. He wanted to see why Isaac was so confident.
Isaac smiled. "I'll let you make the first move. Go ahead," he said, tightening his focus. "Gladly," said Victor, as he charged forward with incredible speed. The Gallade drew his arm back for a punch, increasing speed as he did so. Just before he reached Isaac, Victor changed his attack into a Thunder Punch. Isaac wasn't fazed. Riley shut his eyes, not wanting to see what would happen next. There was a dull thud, with the sound of electricity crackling violently. He opened his eyes slowly, fearing the worst. His eyes went wide at the sight before him, his voice stuttering slightly, though no words came out.
There stood Isaac, in a half-suspended state, head thrown back from the force of the punch, and Victor's fist still in contact with his chin. There were still traces of the attack sparking across his body, and he looked like he could fall over at any second. What disturbed Riley was that Isaac's Pokémon didn't even seem to notice or care. Riley looked away, saying to himself, "I warned him, but he didn't listen." Suddenly, a low whistle rang out.
"You know, sometimes I forget how strong you really are, Victor."
Riley spun back toward the source of the voice. "Impossible," he said to himself. Isaac had moved one step away from Victor and straightened his neck, getting rid of the rest of the electrical charge flowing through him in the process. He stood there rubbing the back of his neck. "Thank you for that," said Isaac, "You managed to get rid of a crick in my neck that was bothering me." Riley couldn't believe his eyes. There was no way any human could have stayed conscious from a blow like that, let alone not feel any pain from it. What was he?
Isaac laughed. "Hahahahaha... You thought that I was out for the count, didn't you Riley? Well, it's gonna take a lot more than a Thunder Punch to the face to stop me. Now Victor, is it my turn?" Victor's eyes went wide, realizing that they were still fighting. He jumped back a few yards and resumed his fighting stance. Isaac said, "Hope you're ready, 'cause here I come!" Isaac bolted forward. He threw a punch as he came close enough, Victor easily dodging it. After that, all that could be seen by Riley was a blur of motion as the two exchanged blows. He looked to Lucario, and even he was having trouble keeping up with them.
Finally, Isaac and Victor broke apart from their little clash. Victor was panting as he stared Isaac down, but Isaac wasn't even winded. Isaac smiled and walked over to Victor, placing his hand on the Gallade's shoulder. "I think that's enough for now. You did great, Victor." Victor smiled, saying, "Yeah, but I doubt I'll ever be able to surpass you." Isaac laughed a little. "I wouldn't say that. You're about even with me. There were a few opportunities for you to land some big hits, but you didn't take 'em. That shows that you know when enough is enough, which in the end, is what really matters." Isaac turned to the rest of the group. "Alright! That's enough for now!" The rest of his team stopped what they were doing and made their way back to Isaac.
"Anyway," he said, "That is how we normally warm up. What do you think?............... Riley?"
Riley snapped back into reality. "Oh, um... yeah, that was... good... How are you able to do all that?!" Isaac shrugged. "I don't really know. I've had strength like that since I was a little kid. I even surprise myself with how strong I am at times. Like this one time where there was this huge boulder, and my brother-"
Isaac stopped mid-sentence, the smile fading from his face. He looked at the ground, a look of depression overcoming him. Riley became concerned, and asked what was wrong. Valerie swooped in and answered before Isaac could. "He's just hungry, that's all. We all are after a day like today." Riley nodded, saying, "Yeah, let's all head in for something to eat." And with that, they all made their way back to the house.
Isaac didn't talk very much at dinner, but tried to maintain a positive look about him so as not to draw attention to himself. This didn't stop Valerie from giving glances across the table to him. Already knowing what was bothering Isaac, she decided not to bring it up until he was ready to talk about it. But, later that night...
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As he neared the clearing, sounds of someone fighting could be heard from up ahead, and as Isaac arrived he saw Derek smiling and staring down a Machoke. The Machoke's trainer was almost frozen with fear, but pulled himself together to issue another command.
"Machoke, use Cross Chop!"
The Pokémon obliged, rushing Derek and preparing the attack. It jumped into the air before it reached him. Derek's smile widened, and he just stood there and laughed. As the Machoke brought down its arms for the attack, Derek placed his hands on its stomach and used its momentum to send it flying into a tree. The tree shook violently from the impact, and the Machoke was barely able to move at all. Derek saw this as a big opportunity to finish it. He ran after the injured Pokémon, preparing the final blow. Isaac had seen enough, and leapt in front of the Machoke. He put his hand out in front of him, with the other bracing his arm. A split second later, Derek punched, colliding with Isaac's hand. Isaac was pushed back a little from it, but he didn't stumble. Derek got an angry look on his face.
"What was that for?!" he asked. Isaac had a serious look on his face. "You know why! You've already proven that you're stronger than him, Derek! Enough is enough!"
The trainer quickly made his way over to his injured Pokémon and returned it to its pokéball. He thanked Isaac for stopping the battle and left for the Pokémon Center. Derek shook his head. "I expected that a Pokémon as strong as a Machoke would be an actual challenge for me. I guess I was wrong. Just another weakling." He got a smirk on his face before continuing. "So, what does little Izy want from me today?"
"It's Isaac and you know it!" Isaac snapped. He hated it when Derek called him that. Because Derek was the first born of the twins, he felt that Isaac was the "baby", and thus had created the annoying nickname for him. Derek rolled his eyes, saying, "Whatever. I ask you again: What do you want?"
"Mom is worried sick about you! You just left without telling anyone where you were going! We both thought that you were still in your room!" Isaac hurriedly explained. Derek rolled his eyes again. "Well, she shouldn't worry so much. I'm strong enough to take care of myself in a dangerous situation." Isaac flared again, "And about that! You've been abusing your power way too much recently."
Derek was appalled that Isaac would say such a thing. "I don't abuse my power!" Isaac's eyes went half shut as he stared at Derek, shifting his gaze to a tree that had recently been snapped at the trunk. "He wanted proof that I could take on his Machoke," Derek said, innocently. Isaac sighed, saying, "Anyway, Mom said that dinner would be ready soon. Come on."
They began walking out of the forest. When they reached Sandgem Town, the locals that were outside were keeping close watch on Derek. His face had become known around Sandgem as a symbol of terror. "Just ignore them," Isaac told Derek. They had almost made it back to Route 201, when a voice shouted from behind them.
"Freak!"
Derek turned around quickly to see a little boy who he recognized immediately. He had battled him just the other day. Derek's fists clenched. Isaac noticed this and immediately began trying to get Derek to keep walking toward home. The kid shouted, "The same goes to you! Anyone who hangs around with him is a freak!" That did it. Derek had heard enough. Even though he was always trying to ingrain into Isaac's head that he was better, Derek still protected Isaac. What happened next left everyone stunned.
Derek screamed, "SHUT UP!" As soon as he did, every light bulb in the street lights instantly shattered into thousands of pieces, raining down on the streets of Sandgem Town. Derek's mouth hung open slightly as he observed what he had apparently done. Isaac was speechless and utterly frozen in fear. Derek looked down at his hands and said nothing for a few minutes. Isaac looked to him for some form of an explanation. As Derek's face remained blank and expressionless, Isaac feared that something had finally snapped.
Derek clenched his hands into fists and turned toward Isaac, then turned toward home, a smile widening across his face as he did so. He started walking slowly, but gradually quickened his pace. Isaac followed him. Derek looked behind him, saying, "Come on, slowpoke! We've got to get home for dinner now, don't we?" Something was definitely up, and it worried Isaac to no end...
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Isaac gasped as he woke and sat straight up. He panted as he tried to bring his heart rate back down to normal. He noticed how sweaty he was. Isaac buried his face into his hands. "I'm starting to lose it," Isaac thought. He got up out of his sleeping bag and walked toward the door, being careful not to disturb his team, who were sleeping peacefully around the room. Isaac quietly opened the door and walked outside. He looked up at the sky and saw no sign of the sun rising. He checked the time on his Pokétch. "2:00 a.m." Isaac then checked the date, but froze when he did. Tears began to form in his eyes as he stared at his Pokétch.
"July 20, 2010."
The tears fell from his eyes as he walked away from the house. "Ten years... That's how long it's been since that day..." Isaac said to himself. He began climbing to the highest point on the island, not knowing that someone was following him. When he reached the top, he just stood there, staring at the ocean. He knelt down and picked up a few rocks and examined them, the tears never stopping. Isaac began going over the events leading up to that frightening moment that had changed Derek forever. "I could have done more... I could have prevented it from happening... why?" Isaac crushed the rock in his hand and began sobbing. "Why?... Why wouldn't he just listen to me?!" he half-shouted, "why, Why, WHY?!" Isaac threw the remaining stones with each of the "whys". He slammed his fist down on the ground just hard enough to make small fissures around the impact. He lost it at that point, and could no longer hold back the full force of his sorrow, clutching his head, crying.
Ten minutes went by, and Isaac had calmed down somewhat. "I know you're there, Valerie. I don't really want to talk right now," he said, but remained in the same position he was in. Valerie had been watching Isaac since he got up and left the house. She walked closer to him. "Isaac..." she said in a soft voice, "Please... talk to me. You'll feel a lot better if you do." She knelt down next to Isaac before continuing. "You need to tell me Isaac. If you don't, this will just keep eating away at you until it drives you to insanity. Please..."
Isaac turned toward her, wiping the tears from his eyes, and nodded. Valerie helped him get started. "I already know what events lead to the problem, you've told me that, but what happened Isaac?" Isaac looked at the ocean again before he began. "Something had changed about him at that moment, Valerie. Derek was still behaving the same, but something was definitely off. It didn't show at first, but as the days went on, he seemed to become more calm about everything. I noticed it one day when he had gone off to challenge more trainers, and then came back an hour later saying that he didn't feel like it. It was like he was... well, relaxed. And Derek was not the kind of person to relax. It only got worse from there, he became emotionless, non-caring. During the month leading up to the day we received our first Pokemon, he spent all his free time locked up in his room, and wouldn't allow anyone to enter. I could sometimes hear him muttering to himself while he was in there. The only time that he left the house was when we went to get our Pokemon. When we got back he immediately went to his room again. But, that night... Derek..." Isaac suppressed another fit of rage, "He killed Dad and ran away." He clenched his fists tighter. "And I'll never forget what he said to me as he left. He told me that the only way I would ever be a match for him was if I were exactly like him, and to come find him when I was."
Isaac turned his head away. "I'm sorry, Valerie. I don't want to talk about this any longer," he said, "I just want to be left alone for a little while. You should probably get back to bed. You'll need your strength for the training."
"Alright then, Isaac," Valerie said calmly as she stood up and walked back to the house. She was satisfied with the information that he had given her. She at least knew now why Isaac had a problem talking about Derek.
Morning came, and the sun's rays shone through the windows of the house. Isaac had been up since Valerie left him alone, and was just now walking through the front door. He was now regretting staying up, as he yawned and tiredly made his way to the couch in the living room to wait for the others to wake up, failing to notice that he wasn't the only one awake.
"Late night?" asked Riley, who walked into the room carrying a cup of coffee, Lucario right behind him. "More like early morning," Isaac said, smiling. Lucario handed him a cup of coffee, which Isaac thanked him for. "So, why are you up so early?" asked Riley, "I thought that I would have to drag you out of bed." Isaac shook his head. "I'm usually up early anyway. What's the occasion for you?"
Riley took a sip of his coffee before answering. "We have to get started as soon as possible if you want to head back to Canalave city today, don't we? So... May I?" Riley indicated Isaac's Pokemon sleeping peacefully. Isaac smiled, knowing what he was about to do. "Go right ahead," he replied, trying not to laugh. Riley inhaled deeply.
"RISE AND SHINE, EVERYONE!"
The others woke up violently, stumbling slightly as they quickly got up. Isaac smiled at this, but held back his laughter, knowing that he would have probably done the same thing if he had been woken like that. Riley took a second to gather his thoughts before continuing. "Sorry for that, but we need to get the day rolling. Breakfast will be ready in a few minutes." Riley walked into the kitchen and the others took the few minutes to fully wake up. When they reported to the kitchen, food had already been set out for each of them. Riley nodded as they sat down to eat. "When you're finished, you are to report outside immediately for the training," he told them as he grabbed his pack from the counter and walked to the door with Lucario. "Wait," said Isaac, "Aren't you going to join us?" Riley shook his head, saying, "We've already eaten." And with that, Riley left them to their breakfast.
As Riley and Lucario were waiting outside, Riley was lost in thought. "What's on your mind?" Lucario asked, though he knew well what it was. Riley confirmed his thoughts in his reply. "You know... this could be our last chance to find a home for it," he said sadly, "If this trainer is not worthy, then we'll have to leave our peaceful little island here and take up that offer from Byron." Riley opened up the pack that he had brought outside and carefully removed the single item that it held. In his hands, Riley now held a protective glass case that contained a Pokemon egg. "And yet, somehow I know," Riley continued, "that Isaac is the one..."Chapter End Notes:By the way, the joke thing, done with it. sorry. But, it got replaced with telling what music fits in best with the situation at hand. I find that to be a lot better. Ch 3 coming soon