Chapter 22: Christmas Gathering And An Unexpected Visitor

Words: 2356

Several days have passed since Gligar's first battle, and Tyson, accompanied by Shane, are now making their way toward the town's Pokemon Ranger Base. The occasion is Eric's Christmas Party, and both Tyson and Shane are keen to partake in the celebrations. "I've never visited the ranger's base, so this promises to be an interesting experience," Tyson remarked, while Shane added, "It's commendable that you're devoted to your training, son, but days like today underscore the significance of rest. Your leisure time has been scarce due to our preparations for your post-graduation life, yet it's heartening to see that you've forged strong friendships during your time here in Celestic." Tyson's smile was a silent tribute to his grandfather's supportive words, a balm for the sorrow of losing his parents, as his grandparents remained steadfast in their support and guidance towards his aspirations.

"Don't worry, Grandpa, I'll be sure to make some friends at the academy," Tyson said, eliciting a chuckle from Shane, who replied, "Just make sure to call me and tell me all about your adventures and lessons." The pair resumed their walk and soon reached a large building painted a bright red and gold that loomed over the others at the town's center. The building stood grandly, with various individuals coming and going. As they neared the side entrance, a man clad in the attire of a Pokémon Ranger approached them. "Hello, you two must be Tyson and Shane," the man said as he came forward and shook Shane's hand. Beside the man stood a small, light green bipedal Pokémon with three thorns on its head, black eyes, and long eyelashes. Around its neck was a narrow yellow band resembling a collar, and in each hand, it held a rose—one red in the right and one blue in the left.

"A Roselia... he looks familiar," Tyson thought. "Oh, I remember now; he was the Ranger I met in Celestic Woods during the Skarmory rampage." After a closer look, Tyson recognized him as one of the two individuals who had come to his aid during the Celestic Woods incident. "Name's Florence, and this is my partner, Roselia. We're in charge of security today, so my boss asked me to keep an eye out for you two and guide you inside once you got here," Florence explained. Shane nodded and replied "Well we will thank him for the gesture. So, feel free to guide us" as Florence nodded and turned to the door.

As Tyson and Shane walked through the Ranger base, they noticed a long line in front of the front desk. "What's this about?" Tyson inquired. Florence replied, "Since there's no Trainer Guild operating out of Celestic Town, we at the Ranger base handle all local Pokemon-related issues. Usually, it's simple tasks like removing invasive species from farmlands or finding lost Pokemon. But since the Skarmory incident, we've also been receiving orders to check on the Michina Ruins." "The ruins? I'm guessing someone's been disturbing the ecosystem by antagonizing the local Pokemon, right?" Shane asked to which Florence nodded in agreement.

"The Michina Ruins were thrown into chaos for a month due to the actions of a small trainer team. They disturbed the Gliscor colony living there by stealing some of their eggs. Consequently, one of their team members were injured as a result, and they barely escaped. After resting in Solaceon Town, they were apprehended by the local police. Sometimes, I swear these trainer teams do more harm than good," Florence sighed. "That's just the nature of rare Pokémon eggs. But let's set aside the gloom; we're here to party," Shane said, smiling at Florence, which made the young ranger chuckle. "You're right. Follow me; I'll lead you to the breakroom," Florence replied, turning toward the stairs with Tyson and Shane following closely behind.

Upon reaching the second floor, the trio walked down a long hallway, passing various rooms manned by operators of different ages. "This is the information gathering floor. Many operators primarily work here to provide support to our field agents," Florence explained. The sight of these operators made Tyson think, 'This reminds me of call centers from my old world, though that's to be expected in information handling.' At the end of the hallway, they ascended the stairway and soon reached the third floor. This floor was of moderate size, furnished with various tables and chairs. Arcade stations featuring a range of games were positioned along the walls, and at the far back left, there was a bar stocked with an assortment of drinks. Two large TV screens were mounted on the left and right sides of the room, with groups of operatives and rangers engaged in conversation.

Decorations adorned the floor, ranging from the traditional Christmas tree and mistletoe to twinkling Christmas lights. "This is the lounge and gathering area. This floor is designed for our operators and rangers to gather, relax, and exchange information. Today, it will serve as the venue for our Christmas party," Florence explained. Tyson and Shane observed the various people assembled. Tyson glanced at the large TV on the left side of the building and saw Eric and a few other schoolmates engrossed in video games. 'I remember playing video games frequently in my old world, but here it's all about studies and training—a stark contrast,' Tyson reflected. He turned to Shane and said, "I'm going to join Eric and the others," and with Shane's nod, he headed over to the TV where the kids were. Left alone with Florence, Shane inquired, "Would you mind introducing me to the commander?

"As Tyson approached the TV, several kids from his class turned to greet him. "What's everyone playing?" he inquired, glancing at the screen. Two Pokémon were engaged in combat on what appeared to be a battle simulator. "Remember 'Battle Breakers' I mentioned? It's a Pokémon battle simulator where you pick your Pokémon and face off against another player," Eric explained, deftly maneuvering his controller's joystick. Tyson pondered, 'Oh I remember, Eric mentioned this game a lot during lunch. It's a simulator designed to teach kids about Pokémon battles, at least to some extent. It's a decent game, but an actual Pokémon battle can be quite different from a simulation,' recalling the various games he had played in his previous life.

"Well then, do you want to play a round with me, Tyson? You always said we'd play sometime," Eric said, prompting cheers from the other kids. Tyson chuckled in response, "Sure, why not," and took a seat next to Eric. They played nine rounds, with Eric winning four. After losing three times, Tyson adapted to Eric's battle style and often won by exploiting Eric's eagerness for victory and his impatience. "The more one craves victory, the more mistakes they make," Tyson remarked, to which Eric scoffed, "Says the guy who resorted to switch tactics and traps like spikes." They both laughed together as a new voice called out, "Tyson, Eric, sorry I'm late."

As Sophia approached the group with Trapinch at her side, she was clad in a pink winter coat, boots, and black pants. "It's freezing out there," she said. "Of course, it's winter—the coldest time of the year," Tyson replied, prompting a chuckle from Eric. "Did you bring your mom and dad with you, Sophia?" Tyson inquired. "No, just mom. Dad is currently at the desk, managing the daycare until we return," Sophia answered. Tyson pictured Hogan at the front desk, single-handedly caring for the various Pokémon. 'He should manage; he's an experienced breeder, after all,' he thought.

As the group relaxed and enjoyed their time together, a voice suddenly echoed from the center of the room. Tyson looked over and recognized the speaker; it was a man with slicked-back black hair, dressed in a traditional ranger's uniform. Beside him stood a large Pokémon resembling a fully-grown lion, its face, hind legs, torso, and the back of its front legs were blue, while the rest of its body was covered in shaggy, black fur. 'That's the man from the forest, and that Luxray must be his partner Pokémon,' Tyson thought. Recalling the speaker as the male ranger who had helped him in Celestic Forest, Tyson focused on the man who now held a microphone. "I'm glad you all could make it here. For those who are unaware, my name is Samuel Loften, the current leader of the Celestic Ranger base," the man introduced himself.

Upon hearing the name Loften, Tyson turned to Eric, who gave a weak laugh under Tyson's gaze. 'So, it was Eric's father who came to our aid,' Tyson realized from his friend's reaction. "I thank you all for joining us to celebrate Christmas. As always, I assure you that your safety is our top priority while you're in Celestic Town. But for tonight, eat, drink, and be merry. We're here to honor family and unity. Let's carry this spirit with us well beyond today," Samuel finished, lowering the microphone and turning back to his colleagues. Witnessing this, Tyson addressed Eric, "So, you're the son of the ranger base leader, huh?" which made Eric chuckle sheepishly.

"I did mention my parents worked at the ranger base," Eric said with a grin, only for Sophia to interject, "Yes, worked there. You didn't say they managed it." The trio laughed and continued their conversation as the evening wore on. As it grew late, they started to prepare for departure. Shane approached with Samuel and Teressa in tow. Samuel looked at Tyson with a complex expression but was brought back to the moment by a pat from Shane. "We're heading back now; thank you for the wonderful evening, Samuel," Shane said, signaling Tyson to follow. Tyson heeded his grandfather's call, bidding farewell to Sophia and Eric as they made their way to the exit.

Departing from the ranger base, Shane and Tyson walked in silence until Shane broke it, "Samuel mentioned the Skarmory encounter in the woods. The damage you did to its wings almost crippled its flight ability." Tyson's expression tensed upon hearing this. "Don't worry, son, I said 'almost.' It will heal. But remember, when you face a wild Pokémon, if you don't intend to kill it, prioritize immobilization over incapacitation," Shane advised, noting Tyson's concern. "Understood," Tyson responded, as Shane patted his head and tousled his hair. They soon arrived home, and in the days that followed, Tyson dedicated himself to his training and studies with Shane.

(Time: December 30 - 10 Years Before Ash's Journey)

With new year's nearing Tyson's vacation continued, however an unexpected visitor came knocking. Opening the front door Sophia and Trapinch stood before Tyson. "Hey Tyson, my father gave me the day off, so I decided to pay you a visit" Sophia spoke as Trapinch chimed in with a "Trap" raising his front foot in a wave. With a smile Tyson welcomed the two in and they made their way to the living room where Shane was resting. Seeing Sophia, Shane spoke "Ah young Sophia, what a pleasant surprise. To what do we owe the visit?" Which caused Sophia to smile in response.

"I got the day off at the daycare, so I decided to pay a visit to Tyson," Sophia explained, prompting Shane to glance at Tyson and grin. Recognizing that expression, Tyson sighed; his grandfather had worn the same look when he and Cynthia used to train together. 'Not that face again,' Tyson thought as Shane said, "We don't want to be bad hosts, do we, Tyson? How about you and Sophia go relax? This old man will bring some snacks in a bit." With another sigh, Tyson led Sophia and Trapinch to his room and released Gligar and Pupitar to join them. "I expected you to still be practicing, Tyson," Sophia remarked as she surveyed the room. It was her first time in a boy's room, and to her surprise, Tyson's room was quite ordinary, lacking any decorations. "We trained earlier, but we're planning to get some more practice in later," Tyson responded.

"Makes sense; you've got to take a break now and then, or you'll burn out," Sophia said, her gaze settling on Tyson. "True, but I'm surprised Trapinch came along," Tyson observed, eyeing the ant. "He's usually lonely during the holidays. With the school empty, he roams the forest. About a year ago, I invited him to stay at the daycare over winter, but he mostly just tags along with me and returns to the forest at night," Sophia explained, her lips curving into a pout. Tyson thought to himself, 'He always heads back to the forest despite Sophia's invitation. He's being cared for by the school, yet he shies away from most students and teachers. This little guy is an enigma. Since he doesn't mingle much, his circle of friends must be quite limited. So, he spends his winters with Sophia.'

"Say Sophia, have you ever thought of adopting or capturing Trapinch?" Tyson asked surprising Sophia and catching the little ant's attention at the side. Shaking her head Sophia responded "No, I don't plan to become a Pokemon Trainer. I've never even thought of catching or adopting Trapinch because I feel he would be better off with someone that could appreciate him unlike his old owner". "Makes sense, though Trapinch seems really strong and is a pretty reliable Pokemon" Tyson commented making the ant look away in embarrassment causing Sophia to chuckle before commenting "Well why not have Trapinch join you in this evening's training session. It would be good exercise for him, and he could hang out more with Gligar and Pupitar" Sophia spoke causing Tyson to pause in thought before saying "Sure why not".

Pokémon Team:

Team Rank: 2

Pupitar

Gender: Male

Type: Rock/Ground

Abilities: Shed Skin

Held Item: None

Moves: Rock Throw, Bite, Payback, Leer, Scary Face, Dragon Dance [Inherited], Ancient Power [Inherited], Stomping Tantrum, Sandstorm, Iron Defense, Outrage, Rock Slide

Moves Learnt: 

Gligar

Gender: Female

Type: Ground/Flying

Abilities: Hyper Cutter, Sand Veil, Immunity [Undeveloped]

Held Items: None

Moves: Thief, Knock Off, Poison Tail, Quick Attack, Wing Attack [Inherited], Toxic, Spikes, Toxic Spikes, Venoshock

Moves Learnt: