I was adrift in the broad expanse of space. There was no ambient pull or push towards anything. I was free. Adrift in the sea of the cosmos.
Bright nebulas spanned the horizon. Multi colored swirls filled to the brim with power and energy.
I saw asteroids and comets, merely by the dark splotch they made as they passed between me and distant stars.
And then, I felt something pulling me back. No, not pulling. Yanking.
…
The cold water ripped me from my slumber. I sputtered as I tried to get my bearings.
The bucket of ice water felt like… well, a bucket of ice water.
"Rise and shine rookie! Wake it and shake it! If I was a wild pokemon, you'd be dead right now! Report to the campfire. Three minutes!"
And just like that, the blurry figure in my morning vision lifted the flap to my tent and left.
Fuck.
My sleeping pad was soaked. I was soaked.
A breeze flitted through the open tent flap and swept through the entire tent. Shivers ran down my spine. I quickly moved to close the flap as fast as I could and started looking around for clothes to change into. Dry clothes.
I quickly released Azula to provide some extra warmth. Her tail flame quickly brought the temperature in the tent back to livable degrees.
Three minutes.
Or well, whoever that was probably left more than a minute ago. So I'd have to hurry. The voice had sounded somewhat like Captain Siba. The shitty alliteration is also one of his trademarks.
I changed into dry clothes, returned Azula, and rushed towards the campfire.
More than half of the rookies were assembled there, along with all of the Rangers.
"Two minutes and fifty three seconds! Cutting it close there Red!"
Captain Siba was a big man. He stood head and shoulders over everyone else. His arms were cannons. His shoulders were boulders. Honestly, he looked like the byproduct of inbreeding between one particularly courageous and psychotic human and a Machoke.
He stood in the middle of the group with a timer in his hand.
Some of the rookies had clearly opted not to change clothes in order to meet the three minute deadline. I saw a scrawny kid holding his yellow shirt up to the flame trying to dry it. The scarred bug trainer had stuck a stick in the ground near the fire with his shirt on it to dry. There were scars across his torso, some large gashes that hadn't healed properly. He was sitting on a log nearby with his permanent scowl.
"Three minutes and five seconds! You fail! Our first failure! Barry you get to stand over here to think about your mistakes." Captain Siba bellowed.
I looked over to see a very dejected Barry moping over to the location Siba had pointed to.
The next couple rookies that came late were told to join him.
After a couple minutes, everyone had arrived. I quickly prepared my ears as I saw Ranger Siba take in a big breath. My ears had taken enough punishment these last couple days.
"Alright rookies! Today you learn how to live! Or more accurately, how not to die! There are going to be a lot of stations, and you need to clear every single one by the end of the day! Norton here will be on transportation. Layton will pass out your cards. Every single station requires a signature from the Ranger to move on. Once you have a signature for every station, you get to move on! Norton! What's the password for today?"
Everyone turned to the Ranger.
"Silver Mountain Oysters."
Siba took an another breath as he prepared to speak. "You heard it gents! Norton and his Alakazam are keeping track of the entire area. Say the password, and he'll teleport you. Understood?"
The rookies all nodded their heads.
This was exciting. I wonder what all the rangers had prepared for us. And I sure as hell was going to be the first one to finish.
Ranger Layton passes around thick note cards with a couple lines on them.
Fire_
Incense/Repellant_
Rope_
Weapons_
Wild Encounters_
Hand to hand_
Interesting. So 6 stations. They seemed pretty straightforward at first glance, but I wonder what intricacies the Rangers would come up with.
"Now, those of you that arrived late! You have to wait an hour to start as punishment. Feel free to wait by the fire or do whatever you want. Think about what you did. Norton, if you would."
The area lit up with pink light, and then suddenly I was somewhere else.
I wonder which Ranger and which station I-
"OHO! Red and Timmy! Ready to fight?!" A booming voice came from next to me.
I flinched.
Well I guess that was my answer. Hello Captain Siba.
Wait so who was Timmy? I looked over to see the grizzled rookie with the scar running down his face.
Oh my god.
This was fucking bug catcher Timmy. Holy shit bug catcher Timmy was real.
Next to Captain Siba was Tristan, who stood with his arms crossed and an amused look on his face.
Behind the Captain was a hulking Hariyama that was even bigger than the one at the Tree. It stood over ten feet tall, with a sharp blue arrowhead like pigment in its hair on its head.
The area had been flattened out, similar to the camp.
There was a Hitmonlee brawling with a Hitmonchan. The Hitmonchan tucked its arm in, blocking a kick aimed towards its head. It immediately followed up with two jabs from its other hand, but both were dodged by the swift Hitmonlee.
A Pangoro brawled with a Lucario, trading heavy blows. Both Pokémon winced with each hit, but continued on the same.
But the real spectacle was behind them.
Two forms blurred in motion. The Machamp's arms fired punches faster than I could follow.
But its opponent clearly could follow the punches, and was dodging every single one. Gallade's eyes lit up with detect as its reflexes sharpened into overdrive.
The Machamp stepped in with a right hook from its upper arm, which Gallade ducked to dodge. However, it was a feint. The Machamp used the close distance to plant its feet and send a powerful uppercut with its lower left arm straight into Gallade's abdomen.
Gallade had seen the switch up, but didn't have the time to shift its weight to dodge. Instead, 3 small sheets of pink energy shielded where the punch was going.
But Machamp had put all of its weight behind that punch.
The reflects each shattered with the sound of three panes of glass breaking almost instantly, one after the other, into a million pieces.
The barriers softened the blow, but Gallade was still sent flying across the clearing.
However, in midair, Gallade shifted, his form disappearing into pink light.
The lithe form appeared right behind Machamp, still with the momentum from being sent flying.
My head spun from the implication. Teleportation keeps your momentum. How did that work with the constant spin of the Earth. Shit. Did Starfall even count as part of Earth? It had a day and night cycle. But that cycle was broken. Sometimes. Gravity clearly still existed. Did each psychic type have to get an intrinsic understanding of physics to be able to teleport? The same was a professional athlete intrinsically understood gravity and air resistance better than most physicists. Would they have to account for the rotation of the Earth and how to compensate for it with each teleport? Or could they create independent systems, keeping the rotation as constant, and cut things down into simpler calculations?
Gallade's fist barreled into Machamp's unassuming form, crashing against the Machamp's head, sending the massive form crashing to the ground.
Machamp was about to push itself back up when Gallade teleported right next to it, pushing its elbow blade right up against Machamp's neck. Machamp grinned and tapped the ground 3 times.
Gallade backed off, letting Machamp back to its feet.
Machamp smacked its fists against its chest and laughed, clapping Gallade on the back.
Captain Siba laughed with him. "AHA well Bruno he sure got you there! Tristan what the hell do you feed that thing?! It's not good for one of my own Rangers to be beating my starter like that. At least you still haven't beat me in a fight once yet!"
Tristan grimaced. "Yet. Captain. I haven't beaten you yet. I can't have Gallade showing me up like that can I?"
Both Rangers turned to me and bug catcher Timmy. God it was fun to call him that. Bug catcher Timmy. And he looked like such a badass too. That's like when a really muscular dude has a super high pitched voice. It's hard to take them seriously.
Siba spoke. "Well gents, hope you enjoyed the spectacle. Now, this station is going to be a bottleneck. Two enter, one leaves."
Siba walked up to an empty space in the clearing.
"Anything goes. The first to tap out or leave the ring loses. You've got fifteen minutes to prepare. Go!"
Prepare? I looked around at the assembled fighting types. Captain Siba had gone back to chatting with Tristan. Both seemed to have forgotten that Timmy and I existed.
"Timmy, right?" I asked.
He scowled. "Tim. My asshat of a father put Timmy on my trainers license. I always hated when he called me that. I'm not stupid enough to try and correct the Captain though." Tim said, eyeing the gargantuan figure that was Captain Siba.
"Okay, so I guess we've got…" I trailed off as Tim gave me the cold shoulder, walking to an empty spot of the clearing and releasing a Heracross.
The bug Pokémon looked around, and then saw Tim drop into a stance. Realizing what was happening, the two began sparring.
Okay. Not the talkative type. I could respect that.
I looked around. Sparring with Zuko might help, but I think I had to worry about Tim's strength more than I had to worry about his speed. I've had to deal with Zuko long enough that when my reflexes are fired up, I can move damn fast.
Okay. So I could either just shadow box, or try to interact with one of Siba's Pokémon.
I looked to the giant Hariyama. Nope. No help there. The Pangoro also had sheer size but didn't seem like he could help me much. To be honest I flinched a little bit at the idea of working with a Pangoro anyway, after yesterday's encounter.
Hitmonchan and Hitmonlee weren't a bad idea.
I walked over to the two sparring Pokémon, patiently waiting for them to notice me. The Hitmonchan parried a kick to its head with a powerful side swipe.
Both Pokémon stopped and turned to me as soon as I got close.
"Uh, Siba said I have fifteen minutes to prep. Which is more like fourteen minutes now. I've done some boxing, but I've never tried to utilize a kick in a fight. So I guess I could use pointers for both."
Both Pokémon stared at me blankly. They then shared a look.
Hitmonlee backed off, leaving Hitmonchan and I in the ring.
Hitmonchan flicked its fingers back towards itself, telling me to bring it.
Okay. I slowly stalked forward, keeping a low and wide stance. My feet were squared with my shoulders, and I brought my hands in front of my head. I kept a neutral stance, approaching at an angle.
Hitmonchan tapped its knuckles together in anticipation. I still wasn't quite sure what was happening here. Was this Pokémon about to beat the shit out of me?
I jabbed twice with my left hand, aiming for its head. The Hitmonchan ducked under the first one and sidestepped the second.
Trying to take advantage of our proximity, I stomped forward, trying to pin its foot under mine, using the same maneuver I saw Hariyama use against the Lucario.
The Hitmonchan quickly brought its foot back to dodge, and then stepped forward with the other to send a jab into my head.
I'd overextended with the stomp.
Hitmonchan's fist stopped a millimeter in front of my nose, and then pulled back.
It then hit its knuckles together again, telling me to go again.
Okay.
Keep my head clear. Let my reflexes take over. But don't overextend. Push advantages, but don't get baited.
Fuck. This was hard.
I stalked forward again.
This time I started with a feint, started the wide swing of a right hook. Then, as Hitmonchan moved to block, I stepped forward and sent my right foot flying towards its stomach.
However, Hitmonchan merely brought its arm down, slapping my foot into the ground before it could hit.
It then proceeded to jab again, stopping a millimeter in front of my nose. The displaced air sent my hair flying back.
Hitmonlee stepped in, making a low grunt to Hitmonchan.
Hitmonlee gestured with its hands towards my legs. It then gestured towards its legs.
It proceeded to bounce on the balls of its feet, and then stepped forward while bringing its other foot in a front facing kick.
It's torso stayed between the two legs, the back leg digging into the ground for purchase, and the front leg rocketing forward as it flicked out its springy leg.
Okay. Interesting. I had stayed above my back foot, keeping my center of balance over the back leg.
But the Hitmonlee moved with it, keeping its center of balance moving.
Since it didn't have a target, the Hitmonlee continued forward with its momentum, and twisted to turn back to me.
It gestured towards my legs.
I mimicked the kick Hitmonlee did, trying to use what I just learned.
I felt significantly more power in the front leg as I stomped forward, and nearly fell forward as I hit nothing.
Hitmonlee bounced up and down, excited.
It mimed the same kick again, prompting me to continue practicing my form. After a couple more iterations, Hitmonlee gestured back to my legs.
It then did a sweeping motion, bringing its foot in a wide arc, sweeping up and to the side, bringing its foot to head height. It remained balanced on its other foot, and stopped with its foot hanging in the air.
Jeez. Did it want me to replicate that? I'm not sure my hips can handle that range of motion.
I tried to replicate the motion, but promptly fell onto my ass as my momentum from the kick made me spin forward, losing grip of the ground.
I quickly jumped to my feet though.
I think I knew what I did wrong. I'd done it the same as the last kick, where I bring my momentum with the kick.
But this one was stationary, and I needed to lean my back more to compensate for the force from the kick, so I wouldn't fall over.
I nodded to the Hitmonlee and tried again.
I also fell on my ass this time, but only barely.
I kept practicing, making small adjustments with each kick. My seventh try was nearly picture perfect. I'd leaned back, countering the force of the kick by shoving my center of balance back, but bringing it back up as the kick finished, so I could remain upright.
I noted the lean back would also let me dodge a punch. At least one that was aimed for my head.
Cool.
Hitmonchan then smacked its knuckles together, ready for another round.
Right as we were about to begin, however, a booming voice echoed around the clearing.
"Red, Timmy, your time is up. Get in the ring, Now!"
Hitmonchan and Hitmonlee both turned to me, bringing their feet together. They then bowed slightly.
I smiled. I brought my feet together and did the same.
"Thank you guys. If I lose I'll be right back. Otherwise it was nice meeting you, and I hope we can train together again."
Hitmonchan clapped its knuckles together. Hitmonlee grunted then threw out some kicks.
I laughed and ran over to where Captain Siba, Tristan, and Tim were waiting.
"Okay, here are the rules. No groin shots. No hair pulling. No breaking bones. If your opponent taps out, you stop. Immediately. If Tristan or I say you stop, you stop. A ring out is considered a win. A knockout is also a win, but hopefully it doesn't come to that. Actually, who am I kidding, I really hope it comes to that." Siba nudged Tristan. "Our battles have always gone to knockout. Anything less than that just isn't as fun."
Siba then remembered that he was talking to rookies, and quickly scrambled to amend it. "But uh, for liability reasons, knockouts are very frowned upon. So please avoid them at any cost." He was clearly lying through his teeth, given his shit eating grin.
I looked across the small patch of green towards my opponent.
I could see his muscle tone even through his loose shirt.
I'd been working out a lot these last two months, but had opted for more athletic ability than sheer size.
Tim had done no such thing.
"Begin!"
Tim started walking around towards the left, so I mimicked it by walking around to the right.
We circled around the center, eyeing each other down. Neither of us wanted to be the first to make a move.
Tim would be at an advantage in close quarters, given his size, so I needed to avoid getting pinned at all costs. The tough part was, he was also taller than me, so he'd have more range.
Both of us knew that if either of us charged, the other could twist and use that momentum to throw the other out of the ring.
Finally, I began closing the distance, step by step.
Tim started moving forward too, matching my every step.
As soon as we were within reach of each other Tim threw out a wide right hook, which I quickly ducked under. He reached forward, trying to grab my arm, but I twisted and slapped his hand aside.
He backed off, and we started circling each other again. Tim's eyes looked like they were reassessing me. I did much of the same.
I was faster. But speed wouldn't do me any good if we got into a grappling match.
I bounced on the balls of my feet, trying to get my nerves out.
So all I knew was that Tim had a Scizor and Heracross. And he spars with the Heracross, and maybe also Scizor. What bad habits could he have from battling Heracross that I could exploit?
Tim strode forward, bringing his hands in front of his chest.
I ducked my head and charged.
Tim quickly sidestepped, but I had started slowing down the second I launched forward.
I was more crouched since I'd had to slow down, and Tim tried to take advantage by bringing an elbow down towards my shoulder.
I ducked in tucking my elbow and took the impact on the meaty part of my arm.
He then brought an arm back for a powerful haymaker. I was close enough that it would be difficult to dodge.
I grinned. Perfect. I pivoted, twisting my hips and sending my foot flying around towards his head. His fist harmlessly flew over my head as I leaned back, and my foot slammed into the side of his head with a satisfying thunk.
Tim collapsed like a sack of potatoes.
I turned and saluted towards the kicking Pokémon. Thank you Hitmonlee. Couldn't have done it without you.
"HA! Brilliant! Tristan you weren't wrong about this kid. Red, you get to move on. And damn it. Tristan let Norton know we won't be able to take another contender for at least an hour. And could your Gallade be a dear and get some ice?"
Tristan nodded, and flicked his head to the side while looking at Gallade, who promptly teleported away. He then clapped me on the back. "Not bad kid. Why the charge though? You're lucky he didn't just take the impact and pin you."
I grinned slyly. "It was a gambit. I saw him sparring with Heracross. That thing has a very big and very sharp horn. There's no way in hell he ever tries to take that charge head on. So I used it to get in close while throwing him off balance. Figured I couldn't beat him in normal hand to hand. I don't think he'd fall for it again though."
Captain Siba slapped his stomach with laughter. "Ha! Not bad! Not bad at all. Hey kid you could be a hell of a martial trainer. Might even give me or Tristan a run for our money someday, if you trained your aura that way. It might be a good way to deal with your dragon problem anyway."
Martial trainer? I guess martial types were fighting types. Probably based off of martial arts. I guess that made sense, especially if you actually train your pokemon to fight efficiently. I grinned back. "Not really a dragon problem, more of a recurring inconvenience. But I wouldn't mind some pointers sometime. Anyway, so I just have to say the magic words and I'll get ported to my next station?"
Siba gave Tristan a side look and laughed. "Exactly. Good luck kid. Although I'm not sure you'll need it."
"Silver Mountain Oysters." I spoke into the wind, and a flash of light took me away.