Chapter 2

(Trigger warning: violence.)

I woke up the next morning still being used as a pillow by Sapphire. Opal had her back to me and was still asleep. Ruby had moved off of me and was now against the wall.

'Well isn't this a predicament' I thought as I tried to think of a way to get out of the bed. I first got Sapphire to let go of me and to take a pillow in my place. Then I began to carefully move under the covers and then off the bed.

Happy at my success that I didn't wake them up I began to get ready for the day. I put on some black cargo pants and white T-shirt. I then put the medallion necklace with my dad's dog tag. I turned to leave but as stopped when I reached for the handle.

I turned and saw two golden eyes glowing pink staring at me from the bed. [where are you going?] Opal asked.

'To start training with dad. I need to go he does not excuse tardiness.' I said through our connection. I felt the resistance leave and I opened the door.

[Good luck.] she said rolling over to go back to sleep. I smiled back and quickly made my way through the house and out the door.

Outside it was still dark with only one side of the sky just starting to glow orange. The air carried a chill an early spring morning had. I took a deep breath and began to jog to the clearing past the pond where undoubtedly my dad already was.

Sure enough there he was doing push ups in the clearing. He was wearing the same training outfit I was. I rushed over in front of him dropping to do my own push ups. Trying to keep his pace. I did not count how many I did nor the time. When he stopped my arms were already burning.

He wiped the sweat from his brow and looked at me. "You were 10 minutes early. Good I like enthusiasm but don't think I will go easy on you." He said to me with a smile. "Now with that said, FALL IN BOY!"

I was startled by the sudden tone shift. I moved my arms and legs to stand at attention. "Good now we are going to go for a 10k run. If you even think of slowing down your training when we get back will only be harder!" After finishing dad began to run I fell in next to him.

We ran through the forest the path being difficult. Dad made a point to find the path with the most obstacles for me to overcome. I was thankful that I played with Pokémon for most of my life. My body was more trained than other kids my age.

It took us little over and hour to get back to the clearing. My legs felt like jelly and both of us were out of breath.

"Now for the fun!" My dad said with a demonic grin. He then began to push my body as far as it could go. Push ups, sit up, jumping jacks, burpees you name it I did it. There was no count, I had to go as fast as I could for a certain amount of time. Then after all that I then had to do sprints after my dad and try to catch him.

By the time we were done I was exhausted and starving. We trained for three hours, the sun was now in the sky.

"That is enough training for today. Once you get back on your feet today you need to go with the girls to register at Helperland guild. God that is a stupid name. Should be just called the trainers guild. But what do I know."

"Yes sir." I panted trying to get to my feet. Dad came over and pulled me up. He made sure I was steady enough to walk then escorted me back to the house. While doing so he told me why I should register at the guild. It was so I could earn some money and practical skills as a trainer. I agreed with him, if I had no money as a trainer what good was I.

Once we got back to the house I planted myself into a chair at the kitchen table. Mom was just finishing up breakfast. It consisted of pancakes, bacon, eggs and some various berries. Mom called the girls down for breakfast. We all heard three thuds from upstairs as the girls ran down.

Sapphire was first to enter the kitchen as she jumped into a seat. Ruby and Opal entered together. They greeted us all before sitting down. Opal turned her head towards me. I knew she could sense how tired I was so I smiled and told her I was ok. She relaxed.

Mom served us our breakfast. It was all Pokémon friendly. Though Opal was the only one without meat or eggs on her plate and her serving was smaller than the rest. But she was happy so we were happy. Ruby was a little sad that she couldn't eat at the table. Even mom was a little awkward putting food in a bowl for her.

Ruby didn't mind though so we all relaxed. The pancakes were great with the Oran berry syrup my mom makes giving a sweet and sour taste. Opal used the Oran berry syrup in combination with a Razz berry syrup. She liked how sweet both were together. Sapphire just had a ham steak with a light amount Bluk berry syrup. We all thought it was odd but we didn't care seeing her devour it with the bacon and eggs. Ruby had the same thing as Sapphire but hers had no special syrup.

"So girls after this I'm gonna register at the Helperland guild. Do any of you want to come?" I asked mid meal.

The girls paused in their eating before talking to Opal. Opal listened then translated. [They are going to train with the Lucario at the lab. I want to go though.]

I nodded knowing about the old Lucario at the lab. Sapphire affectionately calls him grandpa. After we finished Sapphire and Ruby said their goodbyes before running off to the lab. Opal and I helped my parents clear up the dishes before I cleaned up myself.

I dressed in a pair of shorts and another plain T-shirt. I put my pokeball belt on with all the girl's balls on it. I then went down stairs to grab Opal and tell mom where I was going. Dad had already left for Patrol.

Leaving the house I saw Shocker lounging at the edge of the pond eating some berries he gathered. I waved at him and he waved back with a stubby arm. With his cannons retracted into his shell he looked like a normal tortoise. Well if they were 6 feet tall and blue that is.

Opal and I chatted a bit as we walked to the town. She noticed me stretching and moving my arms and back. They were still sore from the training.

[Your dad went hard on you.] she said pointing her small hand at me. My body was briefly encased in a green glow then it was gone. As was the majority of my soreness. She laughed when she saw my face. [I love surprising you. Your face is priceless.]

I laughed with her. "Pretty sure that defeats the whole 'no pain no gain' part of training."

She shook her head. [Nope healing pulse is a move that speeds up recovery. So you get all of the benefits of your training. Though I don't think your dad would like me healing you completely. So I only took the edge off.] she floated up to be eye level with me. [Ever since we agreed to go on a journey together you have been studying all about Pokémon and their care. So I thought 'Why can't I learn about Humans.' We are partners John. We need to work together.] she places her hand on my shoulder.

I sigh knowing exactly how she feels.

"Thank you Opal. Your the best little sis." I then smile mischievously before grabbing her and lifting her into the air higher. "But don't go acting all mature like that. Your still five years younger than me." I spin her around and she starts laughing. I stop and place her on my shoulders starting to jog towards the town. We play and have fun along the way like only children can.

They stopped messing around once they got into town. The town had grown in the years as Brendan, the current league champion, had made a name for himself. Many aspiring trainers made the trek here to get their first Pokémon.

The town however never lost its friendly feel. Many of the people Opal and I walked by greeted us warmly. We stopped and exchanged pleasantries with a few but we were on a mission so we had to cut the conversations short.

When we arrived at the Helperland guild it was not very busy. The building itself was plain with only a sign telling you what it is. I open the door and let Opal go in before me. The inside has a board filled with papers. On the papers are odd jobs for trainers. At the back of the room is a counter where the receptionist is helping someone.

I walk over to a sitting area to wait my turn. It is never really busy here. When I sit Opal jumps up into my lap. She just sits there humming happily. I smile and rub her head making her happy.

The trainer pulled out his Pokémon and so did the receptionist. The receptionist's Pokémon, an Alakazam, began talking to the trainers Pokémon. No doubt he was explaining the job and how to fill out the forms on their end. After all was said and done the trainer thanked the receptionist and left.

Once he was gone I moved Opal off my lap and went to the counter. I was just tall enough to see over it.

"Excuse me." I say to get the receptionist's attention.

She turns around, when she sees me she smiles. "Why hello John are you finally here to register?" Her name tag read, Julia. She has been working as the receptionist for the last few years. I would come by to make notes on what kinds of jobs get posted and ask questions. Julia acts like an aunt around me.

"Actually yes, I just got my trainer license yesterday for my birthday." I told her proudly.

She laughed. "Well I know how hard and how long you studied for that test. Then after your approval you had to wait another year to be of age." She opened a drawer and pulled out a registration form. "You earned this John." She handed be a pen and clip board.

It took the form from her with a thank you and went back to Opal. She was still sitting in the chair humming away. She moved over to make some room for me. I sat down and began to fill out the form. It was very basic. Name, trainer license number, age, birthday, and so on. They didn't ask for how many Pokémon you had or what they are. I understood why as that can change on the trainer or Pokémon's whims.

While I filled out the form Opal asked me a question. "Why do you need to fill out a form? Why not just grab a job like some other trainers?"

I stopped to think on how to answer her. "Those who register earn trust in the guild." I told her already knowing it won't be enough.

"Why would you want to build trust?" She asked.

"So that they can rely on you to do harder requests that are either to hard or too sensitive for random strangers. They track the request completed or failed of the registered trainers. Those that are reliable are give opportunities to work on well paying quests. They can even have those trainers work with the rangers if they need help." I told her. She placed one of her hands just under her mouth as she thought about what I told her. She looked so cute.

"I think I get it." She told me her still unsure. I placed a hand on her head. She pushed into it.

"Don't worry Opal you will understand when we start taking the jobs." I remove my hand and stand up. "For now let's turn in the form."

We walked over and turned in the form. Julia imputed the information and congratulated me on my registration. I thanked her and bid her farewell.

The next stop on our list was the Lab. I wanted to meet up with the Sapphire and ruby. I also wanted to say hi to Professor Birtch and Jenna if they were around.

Walking in to the reception we saw a woman and a boy my age talking to the receptionist of the lab. They were having a heated argument. Opal and I slipped by quietly into the lab. We knew instinctively that there would be trouble if we got involved.

Inside the lab was as busy as ever. We quickly made our way through wavering the the researchers who saw us. We reached the door that lead to what amounted to the backyard of the lab. Opening it we saw all the Pokémon who were either in the care of the lab or were staying as a research subject even though they were wild Pokémon. There was a Pokéball inhibitor field on the area so that poachers and the like could sneak in and capture one of the wild Pokémon.

I found Ruby taking a nap under a tree and Sapphire was meditating near the pond with an old Lucario, she called him gramps.

I started making my way to the sleeping Zorua greeting the Pokémon I passed along the way. Ruby woke up as we neared yawning as she was still sleepy.

"Hey there Ruby." I ran my fingers through her dark mane. "Having a nice nap?"

She made a happy sound and presses against my hand. She loved being pet on her mane. I loved it because it was so fluffy. Opal came over a little jealous and hugged my leg. I laughed rubbing her head. I stopped long enough to sit against the tree and both of them laid down on my legs. I rubbed both of their heads relaxing in the spring day. I soon drifted off to sleep.

That sleep however was rudely interrupted a few moments later as I woke up to shouting. Opal was standing next to me with Ruby in front of her. I stood up still trying to get my bearing through the haze of sleep. I can hear two women yelling at each other.

"Ma'am I told you that your son cannot have that Pokémon as his starter!"

"And why ever not. It is your duty to give out starters to beginning trainers."

I shook the last of the drowsiness off and turn to see what was going on. I could see professor Birch arguing with the woman from the reception area. Her son was behind her and he was holding onto Sapphire.

My heart sank, these two were trying to take Sapphire away. I know professor Birch would never allow it as Sapphire already had me as her trainer but the thought scared me.

I ran over yelling at the boy. "What do you think your doing to Sapphire?"

Everyone was stunned by my sudden appearance. This gave Sapphire enough time to quickly pull her arm out of the boy's grasp. Once free she ran over and hid behind me. When the boy finally recovered he got very angry.

"Give me back my starter!" He yelled coming towards me arm out stretched. I grabbed it and twisted him around so that he was bent over arm in the air behind him elbow locked.

"I should be telling you the same thing." I said now feeling my anger rise. The boy started to cry in pain and the position is quite painful. His mother began screeching at me but luckily the professor had her handled. I got the boy out of the position and threw him towards his mother. He could save himself and fell on his face.

His mother kept yelling at me but I turned my attention to Sapphire. "Are you ok Saph?" I asked her checking her arm.

She nodded to say that she was. I could feel her shaking as I held her arm. "Why don't you got to Opal and Ruby behind the trees over there." I said discreetly motioning the direction. She nodded again before running off.

As I was getting ready to turn back around I heard the professor scream my name before feeling something heavy crash into my head sending me to the ground.

My head was pounding as I looked to see what hit me. It was the boy. He was standing with a smirk on his face, fist clenched.

'Ok, you want to go this far. Let's go that far.' I though gritting my teeth from the pain.

"That is for throwing me on the ground." He said pulling his fist back to ready another punch. "And this is for letting my starter get away!"

By now I was back on my feet and ready. He threw the punch and I swept it to the side. I stepped in grabbed his arm an using my body threw him over my shoulder. He hit the ground hard. He tried to get up but I was already on him. I saw his leg and jumped. I brought both my feet down with all the force my legs could bring and the w height of my falling body. There was two distinct snaps as I landed on his calf.

There was a pause as what just happened registered in everyone's mind. Then the dam burst. The boy screeched in pain his mother yelling threats at me, and the professor trying to hold her back with other researchers helping the professor. I backed away from the screaming boy as the fight was over.

The door to the area burst open and my parents rushed out. Behind them was Torch, more than likely Shocker was making his way to the side gate as he was too big for the lab doors.

"What the fuck is going on here!" My dad yelled, taking a drill sergeants tone. The mother pushed the professor off her and pointed at me.

"Finally the rangers are here! Arrest that boy for assaulting my son!" She screeched.

My father looked at me then at boy on the ground. One of the researchers was next to him trying to tend to his leg.

My mom was looking around the area. My dad walked over to me. "What happened?"

I looked at him and began to explain the situation. Mom was taking the mother's story and the professor had one of the researcher run inside the lab.

My dad smirked when I told him about the fight. "On one hand I'm proud of what you did. On the other, you went a little too far." He turned to look at the boy. They managed to get a splint on his leg. "If the camera footage shows what you told me you are just going to get a grounding and harsher training for the next week."

Mom was approached by the researcher who went inside and was shown a tablet that had a video on it. Mom watched it with a deep frown. She then looked at the woman.

"You are the one at fault here miss." She said starting list off all the things she did wrong. "Do you know what happens to people that steal another trainers Pokémon? It is a very heavy punishment. You are going to be detained under a charge of attempted theft of a Pokémon, your son as well. That boy however only did his diligence as that Riolu's trainer." Mom then began to arrest the woman who started to fight back. Dad ran over and tackled her to the ground. This allowed mom the time to get the cuffs on her.

The woman was taken away to await and officer pick up as with the boy. I was told to go find Sapphire and the others to tell them I what happened. I found them with Gramps and Jenna. Sapphire was being held by Jenna as she was crying. Opal and Ruby were trying to comfort her. Gramps was keeping an eye out for anyone coming toward them. He noticed me coming and took a fighting stance to protect the closest thing to a granddaughter he had.

"Calm down Gramps it's only me." I said to him with my hands raised. The old Lucario relaxed and went back to what he was doing. I made my way to Sapphire. "It's ok Sapphire I'm here." I placed a hand on her arm to comfort her. She tightened her grip on Jenna crying louder. I let go she must still be scared over what happened.

[little Saph is too scared John.] Jenna said. [She thought she would never see you and the others again.] She patting Sapphire's head in an attempt to soothe her.

[You proved yourself to me boy.] I heard a male voice say. I turned to Gramps his eyes were glowing a soft blue as he was using aura. [You protected Sapphire from them with zero hesitation. I wasn't to sure how to feel when she said she was going with you but now I can rest at ease.]

"Thank you, it is good to have you trust me." I tell him feeling a previously unknown weight leave me.

[I hear your going to stay a few more years to train. Let me take care of the girls.] he said.

I whole heartedly accepted. At least now I know that the girls will have protection while I train. We grew quiet and sat there waiting for Sapphire to calm down enough to stop crying. Though when she did she fell asleep almost instantly.

As her bones were composed of a bio-steel she was too heavy for me to carry. Jenna offered to bring her back to my house. Gramps would be our guard.

[Like there is a Giratina chance in the Void that I would leave any of you to wander by yourselves while those two are still in town.] was his only answer when I asked why.

Arriving at my home Jenna went upstairs to put Sapphire on my bed. Gramps stayed outside as a guard until my parents get back. I get some food and drinks ready for everyone before going upstairs to check on Jenna and Sapphire.

Jenna was stroking Sapphire's head as she slept. "There are some berries and other Pokemon sage snack downstairs. I will stay with her." I told Jenna who thanked me before leaving the room. I sat on the edge of the bed.

She was clutching my pillow, her face buried in it. She seemed to have finally relaxed. I smiled as I watched her clutch my pillow tighter as she rolled over muttering in her sleep.

I smiled at how cute she was and leaned over to pat her head. As I did she woke up, she turned her head and looked at me with her big blue eyes.

"Are you all better now?" I asked her. She blinked and then in a burst of motion grabbed me and pulled me down on the bed pushing her face into my chest. Her arms squeezed me making it hard to breathe. "Saph, I can't breathe!" I said trying not to panic. I felt her arms loosen but not enough for my to escape. Once I caught my breath I felt that my shirt was wet. Looking down I saw the Sapphire was crying again but this time she seemed to be repeating something over and over again.

I wrapped my arms around her and just held her. I can still see that moment, the boys hand holding Sapphires wrist and her trying to pull away so he wouldn't be hurt. I feel my heart tighten. I should never have let that happen as her trainer.

I thought back on the situation. Running different scenarios in my head, but they all came back down to a fight. That parent and child were too stubborn to listen to anyone.

Sapphire fell asleep again but now I was thoroughly trapped in her arms. So I decided to go to sleep. I shimmied down so that her head was under my chin. There was still light outside but I was tired after today as well.

"Goodnight Saph." I whisper before nuzzling the top of her head. Her fur was so soft. I smiled as I felt her arms tighten around me slightly.

* * *

I woke up to the sun shining down on my face. Sapphire was clinging to me, Opal was to my side and Ruby was laying across my legs. The only exception was that they were waking up as well.

"Good morning girls." I said as I sat up. They each gave me their good mornings and got up as well. They went to the bathroom to freshen up and I went to change into some clothes. I put on some beige cargo pants with a red T-shirt.

I went to the bathroom as the girls were getting out. I pay each of their heads as they walked by still groggy. Walking into the bathroom I looked my self in the mirror. From it I saw a 17 year old man who stood an even 6 feet tall, a lean but muscular body, short brown hair and green eyes.

It has been 7 years since that mother son duo tried to take Sapphire and since then my training was intensified. The girls even began to learn from the lab Pokémon.

We had some adventures nearby together doing Helperland guild requests. It all of it was in the name of training. I stretch a bit then brush my teeth and freshen up.

Coming down stairs I see mom making Oran berry pancakes.the girls were talking among themselves at the table.

"Morning Mom. Those pancakes smell great." I said walking over to the table. I pulled out a seat next to Opal and rubbed her head out of habit. She squealed and laughed.

"Morning John, you and the girls seem ready for today." Mom said plating some pancakes before putting more in the pan.

"Yep I'm all set." I said now petting Ruby and Sapphire as they came over wanting head pats. They ran back to their spots when mom came by with food. I poured some syrup on my pancakes and started eating. Opal following my example while Ruby and Sapphire were eating ham steaks with Razz berry Syrup.

Dad came down and joined us. Mom got some Poké food ready for Shocker and Torch before joining us at the table. We had some small talk and chatted.

Opal translated mostly for Ruby as Sapphire had learned to talk to humans using the aura abilities of the Riolu evolutionary line. Though her speak was mostly broken as she was still new to it.

"John, ready?" She asked lifting her arms in a power stance.

I laughed at how cute she looked. "Yes Saph we are ready. I'm going to help mom with the dishes first." I grabbed their plates as well as my own and moved over to the sink. Mom was putting some plates on the drying rack as I came over.

"So mom today is the day." I say looking at her. I was going to say something more but I could see the tears in her eyes threatening to spill over. She quickly hugged me.

"I'm so proud of you John." She said. I hugged her back.

After that we quickly finished up and I went to my room to go through the check list again. On the ground in the corner of my room was Travel pack and some other stuff. I went through the bag quickly. Tent, clothes, spare arrow boxes, arm and shin guards, and the toiletries for my and the girls were all there. I then attached the two sleeping bags to the side and the tent on top. In the smaller pockets went a rechargeable mp3 player with all our favorite songs and playlist and a solar charger. I then clipped on a small rechargeable speaker to a strap. After I was satisfied I went over what would be on my person. Collapsable bow and a thigh quiver with five collapsable arrows.

It may seem like a lot but I pack smart. The only thing left to get was food for the four of us. The Pokemart in town should have it. I get everything ready and head beck downstairs. "Mom I'm heading to the Pokemart."

"Ok John be safe."

As I was heading for the door Ruby was waiting for me. She pressed her head against my leg. "You want to go with me?" I ask her leaning down. She made a happy call and I picked her up. Opal and Sapphire had decided to stay home and play in the pond.

We walked into town greeting people as we walked by. In the Pokemart I walked up to the counter.

"Hey Bob how's work?" I ask the man

"Not bad John. What can I get you? More camping supplies?"

I smile laugh. Bob has been helping me procure supplies recently. "Just the final touch. I need ten emergency Rations for me and three boxes of poke food for the girls."

Bob points me where to go. "Lane three. We even got some treats in today so grab one of those a as well. They are universal to the types."

Ruby barks happily at that. "Well I guess I have to now." We both laugh before I head into the lane.

I found the treats and emergency rations but when it came to the boxed food it was a challenge. "What do you think Ruby. Should I go with the fairy or psychic type for Opal?"

I got the dark type and the steel type supplements that can go with their normal food. In Sapphires case fighting.

Though Opal's case is niche. There are not real supplements for one or the other of her typings. "I guess I can go with the psychic and give her something sugary to top it." I muttered. I grabbed the box for psychic types and headed to the cash register.

As I was walking back I noticed a black collar that would fit Ruby and grabbed it.

"I see you found everything." Bob said as I set down the hand basket.

"Yeah, though it was a tough choice for Opal." I told him as he began to ring up my purchase.

"I get you, the lab makes their own food for that type combination. However the Pokémon tend to hate it. So yeah." Bob explained. "That will be $185."

I hand over the money and bid him goodbye. On our way back home Ruby ran ahead of me jumping and playing. People would stop and watch her with a smile.

Once home I packed away the food and grabbed the collar. On the floor in the corner of my room was a small piece of rose quartz. Ruby loved this rock for some unknown reason but I l decided to place it on the collar. Once done I got up to find Ruby as she went off to play with the other girls in the pond.

"Ruby I got something for you." I called out. She stopped playing and rushed over. Opal and Sapphire close behind. I crouch down and show them the collar. "Now you don't have to worry about it getting lost."

Ruby began to jump around and tap on excitement. Opal translated roughly: [she is really happy you did this.]

"I can tell." I pat Opal's head. "Now Ruby calm down or else I can't get it on." I told the excited Zorua.

She stopped moving long enough to get the collar on then went running around showing it off. Opal, Sapphire and I chuckled at the sight.

At dinner later that night we all had dinner outside. It was the girls and I'd last night there. So we had fun playing games and eating food. After that we all fell asleep eager for what tomorrow will bring.