The Story of Fritz Westmyn: The Turning World (old, crusty, abandoned) (2024)

Responses:

Notes:

Anyway, here's a convoluted chapter to dig into. But before that, here's another bonus scene. Even though this chapter is already long enough as it is, I figured why not?

BONUS SCENE:

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Chapter 2-15: All For Nothing​

My eyes creaked opened.

The surroundings appeared hazy as they adjusted to the light of day. Speaking of the concept, yesterday is about as much of a blur to me. From the moment I rose out of my dorm to the time I crashed where presently I am. It was one of those days where so much happened; a week's worth of living into 24 short hours.

Out of exhaustion, I had slept on one of the couches in what is known as the Discussion Room of the Activism Club. They really are quite comfortable. Premala had made an innocuous offer to use her bed, but I chose not to take her up on that. Want to go steady with this. My pace, my pace...

But yesterday. I could say a lot about it. Like that battle yesterday, against Elyna...I have to admit. I wasn't expecting to win that. But I did, and I got praised for it. There was all the little stuff in the afternoon and evening, leading into the night. A return trip to a place I never thought I would ever return to. It was far from a wasted trip, though. I captured a new Pokémon, I fought for my life and survived against a maniacal monster who evolved into something the world has never seen before, and I finally obtained a clear mind and made a decision in regards to my amorous host.

Checking the time via a clock on a drawer across from me...which tells me it's close to ten in the morning. I may as well get up, then. I draped the floral patterned blanket over the sofa, and stood with a mighty stretch. There is little to do here that comes to immediate mind. So let's go see if Premala is awake.

Not a single other soul is in the building at the moment. You could hear a pin dropping anywhere in this wood cabin. Carefully, just in case she is still asleep and so not to rouse her from rest...rest that she sorely needed...I opened the door and inched across the hall. My destination is straight ahead.

I ground to a halt as I got near the door to her quarters. The door is ajar. And it sounds like Premala is in midst of a telephone conversation with someone. It's rude to listen in...but I opened my ears and listened in anyway.

The eccentric girl sighed, and with it said, "I do not know. However, I suppose you are correct." The person on the other end spoke for a while. No speakerphone, so I can't tell you what he or she is saying. Premala's response to it was, "I understand."

Again, a pause for conversation to be exchanged. Eventually, the reply came, "Dean Finkerton is presently on a leave of absence. Speaking with him further would have to wait until his return." Huh. That's interesting. I wonder why he's not here? Important business, no doubt. Premala started pacing, making me take a few steps back to avoid potential detection. "I am sorry. I am not sure."

"No. There is nothing else." The conversation wrapped up. "Thank you, mother." She was speaking to her mother? "I will. Bye."

With this, I fell back a bit, moving closer to the middle of the hallway. On cue, the door opened and Premala left her room. She caught sight of me almost instantly, a smile spreading across her face.

"Good morning," she greeted with a yawn, approaching with a loving wave. Premala stood before me with her hands folded. "So, how are you feeling?"

I co*cked my head, smirking. "Shouldn't I be the one asking you?" When we returned here last night, she was still feeling some of the effects of her attack. When I asked her about it, she only vaguely told me her head hurt and she had trouble thinking. Not like a headache, either. It's a safe bet the assault was mental, rather than physical.

"I am well. And glad."

She took me into her arms, resting her head on my shoulder and peacefully nestling against me. The eccentric girl whispered into my mind...

"Thank you..."

I pulled back and gave her a look. "You don't need to thank me." It feels strange and creepy to be thanked for accepting someone's love. It's making a few of my thoughts resurface. "And I still think you're not being entirely honest with me about a few things. But I'm willing to give this a chance anyway."

A nod. I'm not second-guessing this decision, but I am making clear what I based it upon. She understood perfectly. "That's all I can ask for."

The eccentric girl smiled and started to enter the other room. Still. "Just to try, though..." She faced me again upon my sudden words. "Premala."

"Yes, Frisco?"

I took a deep breath to compose myself. I'm not sure how she's going to respond to my throwing this one at her. "...yesterday, you mentioned holding a position that obligated you to look into that incident." Premala blinked, and her eyes grew wider. "So what position is it?" I casually asked.

She did not reply, refusing to meet my eyes. Just as I thought. That part accidentally slipped out yesterday. Well, it's out in the open. Nothing she can do about it now. I continued to stare at her. I'm not upset. I'm not demanding an answer. But I do want to know. When she noticed this, she sighed and relented.

"I am...a member of the Kyuokaisa."

"The what?" My traditional Japanese isn't too strong. What does that mean? And what is it for that matter?

"The Kyuokaisa," she repeated, exuding more confidence. "It is very similar in nature to the Activist's Club founded here." She paused, almost as if she were holding her breath. I kept onto mine until she continued, "It is a group that seeks to protect Pokémon and their environment from those who may do it harm. They also look out for and aid individual troubled Pokémon."

"Oh, so like Pokémon Rangers?"

"Correct. That would be a fair comparison. One difference is that we operate on a more national scale, rather than a regional one."

I think I understand now. What I don't understand is why she would be here on a long-term basis if that happens to be the case. I suppose this partial answer will suffice for the time being, however. Finally getting some answers. "So while we're answering questions," I said, hoping to get more out of her, "What's that thing you're always doing? Is it like, telepathy or something?" In reply, she moved in close and touched foreheads.

"This?"

"Yes, that."

Far less hesitation this time. "That is known as a mental link," she replied. "It allows two minds to act as one, so long as they are in close proximity. By stimulating a particular part of the brain using thoughtwaves, thoughts may be transmitted to the other. In that sense, it is not true telepathy."

"So..." I inquired, scratching my head. "How was I able to do it last night?" I don't have any special abilities or anything to that effect. Yet I seemed to be able to do it.

"If the bond of trust between an untrained individual and a practitioner is strong enough, and they have linked enough times prior, it is possible for the other to initiate the link. In a way, it is like learning the ability yourself." She had lowered her head and explained this matter-of-factly, but had now raised it enough to peer up, a peculiar glint in her eye. "Repeated and varied experience would allow you to initiate links with any other practitioner. Beyond that, it is possible that you would be able to fully learn the ability."

Okay. that was a lot to absorb. I understand how learning it could function on a mechanical level, though. And knowing that it does work, I can't help but give it another shot.

"Like this?"

"Yes. Like that."

"That's interesting. Don't know if I'd want to spend time on that, though."

In reply to my quip, Premala stole a kiss from me. Much the same as the first she gave - that is to say, not particularly passionate. Just lips touching. This time...I do feel something. Not what I'd expect from a kiss, but the soothing joy that's washing over me is a relief.

"You'll have plenty of time to try..."

"Oh, come on, you."

~~~~~~~~~~

It's a bright sunny day this Monday, May 21st, with only a few puffy clouds in the sky. I stepped outside, and was greeted by peace riding atop a gentle breeze. And it wasn't just how few others are outdoors at this hour. Speaking of, after stretching my legs and getting some fresh air, I decided to wait in the Activism Club until the rest of the student populace got out for lunch. It's not that far away, anyway...

In the meantime, I decided to read one of the books here, and when a non-fictional account from the Meiji period and a book on the art of flower arranging failed to capture my interest, ended up doing some meditation with Premala. Helped to shake out the last of the woes from last night.

When time drew nigh, I said my goodbyes, and decided I would wait in the Student Square. It seemed an effectual way to catch them, without obstructing the exit of an entire classroom.

And true to my instinct, a chubby girl with a leg wrapped in a cast and a nervous boy with glasses came out the front door of the school.

"Hey!!" I shouted with a wave of my arm. Their eyes went wide with a mixture of shock and relief.

"Fritz!" Reika hobbled over as quickly as she could muster. "You're alive!!" She has that air about her. A look that says I probably would've gotten a friendly hug if her leg had healed. My other friend was more meek in his approach.

"We..." he sniveled, failing to fight back tears. To that end, he raised his glasses and rubbed his retinas clean. "We didn't see you in Art, and..."

"Yeah, I'm sorry for not telling you." My legs are suddenly so weak...ack...they gave out and I collapsed on the bench beside me, leaning back as far as I could without tipping it over. Maybe I should've been sitting to begin with, instead of standing around waiting for ten minutes. "Last night was completely exhausting," I explained. Still haven't quite shaken it. I peered off in the Activism Club's general direction. "Premala pulled some strings, so the two of us could sleep in. But I may have needed more."

"I...she can...do that?" Thatcher asked.

"She can do that," I confirmed.

My friends joined me on the wooden construct, Thatcher plopping on my left and Reika carefully sitting down to my right. "So leaving her aside," the latter said, not hiding her distaste with her pronunciation of the third word. "How'd it go?"

"First off, remember the Zubats and Golbats we fought? One of the Golbats, the one your Wigglytuff put to sleep?" She nodded after both questions I asked, making a funny face at the latter. Yes, that was something to remember for the wrong reasons. "It got kicked out of the cloud and evolved. I ended up catching it."

"Nice...so you have a...ummm...is it a Crobat now?" Thatcher tilted his head. "That you have, Fritz?"

"Yes, it should be a Crobat. Unless some new evolution was discovered recently." She doesn't know how right she is. "What about the Beast? What happened with it?"

"Well," I explained, sitting forward. "It showed up fairly quickly when we got to the top. Premala tried to talk peace, she offered to try and understand its troubles, but it was having none of that. I had to fight it after it attacked her." I stretched my arms high above my head. Maybe it's best not to go into too much detail. "It was a tough battle, but it ended up burying itself under a bunch of rocks in its aggression! The Beast is dead. And hopefully, it rests in peace."

"Woohoo!! Yes!!"

"That's...that's great to...knowing that."

"I'll say! What's that saying?" Reika laughed, cracking her knuckles in bemusem*nt. "The bitter taste of revenge?"

"Actually, it's sweet." It's victory that's bitter. And sometimes humor can be dry. Don't ask me what's sour or spicy, though.

"Hello, everyone," a voice called out. I...hey! Wasn't expecting to see the speaker out here, let alone for her to join us, but her presence is a welcome one. She approached with folded hands and a beam as bright as the sun.

"Oh...h-hi...Premala..."

Well, welcome for me at least, and possibly Thatcher as well. Reika on the other hand stared at her, not really expressing much of anything. A cold, empty glare, in other words. "...why are you here?"

I...don't like the look Premala's giving me. But at the same time, I do. "I have nothing to attend to for the time being." She drew closer, but halted in front upon realizing there's no room on the bench. At least, not without squeezing...which at least one of my friends certainly isn't going to accommodate. "Due to this, I came to a conclusion that I may as well spend some time with Frisco."

"What?" Reika said, completely deadpan. She turned to me, over to her, and finally to me once more, simultaneously curious and disgusted. "What happened last night?"

This is awkward after our conversation at dinner the previous evening. "...what do you think happened?" is all I can really say to that.

Narrowed eyes. "Do I even need to say it?"

"Reika," Thatcher cut in, clutching the sides of his jacket. "What's...what's wrong?"

"He may trust her, but I still don't." She brashly spoke that aloud, right in front of the offender. Crossing her arms, she turned and once again leered at the robed girl. Not saying a word, but surely thinking several.

Premala is no-selling it. "It is all right. I understand your concerns. Frisco expressed a few of them himself." She turned to me and smiled, inducing some nausea in Reika. "We were able to come to an understanding, however."

"Hi, everybody!!"

A male's voice blared over the ambient sound of the schoolyard to cheerfully greet us, with him being followed behind by his girlfriend. Thatcher waved to the duo. Surprise to see him interacting this much. "Hi, Teikō. And..." He paused to think, attempting to remember the other's name. "Hi, Teiko." He got it easily enough.

The girl snapped her fingers, thereafter returning the gesture with approximately five times the vigor. "What's up, guys?"

I sat back, watching the three who were with me prior to their arrival. Thatcher is cleaning his glasses with a smile, Reika is stretching her good leg, and Premala...is being Premala a little off to side. "Just hanging out. What about you two?"

"Same." Teiko massaged her temple, and clamored, "So hey, Fritz. I was out last night and I saw a flash in the sky to the south. You've been up there before, right? Cause I think it was over the mountains? Any idea what that could've been?"

I provided confirmation. "Yes, that was Mareep. I was up there last night, too." Scratching my head over what she said, though. Even raising an eyebrow her way. She saw it using Thunder? "What were you doing up that late, though?"

"Couldn't sleep," she put it simply, not bottling her excitement. "I just can't stop thinking of that battle yesterday. I've seen those kinds of battles on TV before, but I never thought I'd see one in person. Let alone one involving someone I know."

"Speaking of which! I just HAVE to draw you, Fritz!"

What. The hell. Teikō? That is...not the most disturbing thing that has ever been proposed to me, but it's up there. "Uhhh...maybe?" I guess that'd be okay, depending on "Why?"

His hands balled up, stoked in regards to what he's about to elaborate on. "There's nothing I like better than drawing Pokémon Trainers in action!" Oh, that's right. He said something like that before...that I might end up inspiration for him?

It got Thatcher's attention. He stood, carefully sauntering up in awe. "You...you draw...people?" he questioned. "Trainers?"

A huge nod. "Sure do!!"

"Can you..." Thatcher nervously forced out. A solitary bead of sweat rolled down, glistening in the light of noon. "Can you draw Coordinators too?" Mention of the C-word produced a sigh from Reika. She buried her face in the palm of her right hand, but only I noticed her doing so.

"Of course I could!" Teikō gleefully saluted. This train of discussion caused Teiko to cheekily pose. "That's too easy, though. Thing about Coordinators that I don't like is, they're well-defined in their appearance. Not much room to be creative! It turns out way cooler if I can take a few artistic liberties! Add some subtlety to the mix, fill in the blanks in wicked ways!" He made frantic but meticulous gestures, the air his drawing board.

Reika raised her head and inquisitively glared at the young artist. "Why can't you just take pictures to do the same thing?"

"Hee hee..." What the-?! Oh, it's Premala. With Thatcher's getting up, she wasted little time in procuring the open position.

"What?" Does she just want to sit next to me? No, not just. She subtly rested her head on my shoulders, and formed a mental link with me.

"I see you have made some good friends."

"I have, haven't I? I'm really starting to make some good connections at this school."

"Hey, Westmyn." But of course, there's a few bad ones here and there. Cronus Aporon has found us, and he has a flank marching at his side. The preppy David, the lecherous Lawrence, and...Mr. Baiaz is with them, too? I snapped up proper as the quartet drew near, the three students stride for stride.

"Good afternoon," the former addressed with a nod.

Thatcher backed up. When he saw his seat had been taken, he stood where Premala had been standing a moment earlier. He gripped his jacket, twisting away from the intimidating force. "Why...what are you...all of you...why are you here?"

"Yeah," A far more boisterous Reika agreed. "What the f*ck do you want?"

Teiko and Teikō politely made way, taking sentry beside Reika. They took the arrival of these people far better. In fact, the former casually asked, "Oh, Cronus. Hey. What's up?"

The four ignored every question asked. Save for perhaps a bow from my Tactics teacher. "Sorry to interrupt this chat the six of you got going on," he apologized. That's the extent of things, though.

"Heh heh." Lawrence cackled, prancing in front. Aporon and David trained their heads on him. While they're in disapproval, they're not stopping him from saying what he wants to say. "Epic battle yesterday. You smashed her pretty hard, there!! That was full-on RAPE what you did!!!" He motioned for a high-five.

"Thanks?" I weakly accepted, and nearly had my wrist broken for my courtesy when he slapped harder than someone with his build has any right slapping. His insane laughter echoed through my eardrum.

"You wrecked'em!! You're heinous!! There's no stopping the Fritz!" Everyone else's the sh*ts!! Err...umm...never mind that just now.

"Wh...what?" Thatcher is actually relaxing at the antics. That, or much like Reika, he has no idea what to think of it all.

"Pipe down, Lawrence," Aporon finally stopped him with a raised palm. The lecherous nerd discontentedly obeyed. The jock stoically turned to me. "You need to come with us, Westmyn. We got things we need to talk about."

Okay, seriously? "Why?" I demanded, standing to my feet and getting as near as I could without qualifying as getting up in his face. "Are you going to bitch and moan some more? Except with all of you doing it?"

"No," he disregarded, "This is about our little group."

"Group?" Teiko queried.

"With you four? Five? That's awesome! Hey, if you guys need an artist or anything, I'm your man!"

Again, my friends would find no heed paid to their questioning, no matter how much they (particularly the latest) drew attention to themselves I must admit...propaganda pictures of the Four Forces sounds like something amazing. Anyway, following that initiative, I did not reply to Aporon.

The crown jewel crossed his arms. "You in or not?" he sternly pressed.

Am I? I have been making a lot of good connections at Rukh's University, just as I said. This one...I would not call a good connection. Can't call it entirely bad, at the same time. Thinking about it, does it really have to be as negative as it is? I mean, sure. Aporon is a misguided jerk at best and a complete megalomaniac at worst. But there are upsides to this. They wouldn't have put the offer out if they didn't want me - with all things considered - to stand with them. What have I got to lose? Better to have them as friends than to have them as enemies. And why not?

"...I guess." My declaration made the two lesser members of the group celebrate in their respective manners.

"Kickass!"

"Glad to have you on board."

"But why are we having a meeting now, during lunch?" I want to know. I like my free time, rest, and relaxation. Never mind the fact that I had some this morning thanks to Premala, but now I can have it with friends. "Unless we're having lunch."

"Indeed," David confirmed. "That is the plan."

Aporon shrugged. "I figured we may as well. More importantly and to answer your question, this is the most convenient time Mr. Baiaz is available. We do want our manager to be a part of the discussions. And if we don't do it now, we'd be having this meeting at nine at night." He nodded to the three others with him. "I think all parties involved would agree that this is the better option."

Well. That's, uh. "Fair enough." Damn it. He has a point, and I can't argue that point. I'd rather have it now than later. It's the lesser of the two evils. "Sorry guys. Gotta attend to business."

Thatcher merely bobbed in understanding. Teiko and Teikō sent me off with a friendly wave, though from the looks of it, the former wanted to speak to Mr. Baiaz. She didn't act on it, however. Reika, by contrast, stood up and demanded, "What business are you dragging him along on?"

I took a few steps back to answer, "A coalition of his," gesturing to the proprietor of the Four Forces. "Couldn't tell you that much about it, though."

"Who does that remind me of?" Reika grumbled, shaking her head as she sat back down, and shooting a lethal glare that person's way. That person simpered mysteriously.

"Will you be long?" she inquired.

"Will you other people be quiet, already?" A sudden snap and point. Finally, Aporon has had enough of everyone else speaking up. Though not being targeted by his furious finger, Thatcher leaped away. By comparison, the two who most recently spoke were unflinching at the gesture.

"Now, Cronus," Mr. Baiaz admonished, "If you want to go through with this, good public relations are important." On second thought, not entirely true to compare it to a scolding. The Tactics teacher faced Premala. "You can expect Fritz to be occupied for most of lunch hour, Ms. Yuhawlah."

The nerd of the crew breathed a perverted guffaw, and struck a pathetic attempt at a sexy pose. "Hey there, baby. Wanna ride the Lawre-xpress?" With a pelvic thrust, he declared, "It is HELLA LONG!!"

Lawrence...seriously? The Lawre-xpress? In response to this obscenity, I offered my hand to Premala. She gladly and lovingly accepted, moving to her feet to stand with me. I put my arm around the eccentric girl, and with a smug smile, told him, "She's with me."

His eyes nearly bulged from their sockets. "What what WHAAAAT?"

"Whoa!" Teiko said, a huge grin on her face.

David chuckled. "Is that so? You have made it official?"

"It's official. I have a girlfriend." I smiled and held her tighter, a warm feeling coming over me. Over dramatically, I pointed with two fingers and a wink at Cronus Aporon, "And yoooooooooouuuuu don't!"

Premala giggled and gripped me just as snug. I just could not resist the temptation of doing that again; my teasing words brutally stung.

"Ghk!" Lawrence gagged on them as well, the consternation not fading. Tweaking, the overly lecherous nerd put up his mitts apologetically, begging and pleading forgiveness. "I am so sorry! I-I-I didn't know she was your woman, man!"

"Well, Westmyn. I'm real happy for you, and I'm gonna let you finish, but..." Keeping his cool, my mentor for the tournament inhaled deeply. "I'll admit, I am a little jealous. You two look good together." He said that, but clearly doesn't mean it. Premala reacted to the compliment of the pacing individual with another giggle all the same. "Someday, I want to be with a nice girl as well. And that day will happen. Maybe it will be someday soon. Maybe it will be many years from now. But at this point in my life, actively seeking a relationship is just not a high-priority." Okay. This has GOT to be rehersed. Aporon gazed to the heavens. "I want to focus on becoming the best trainer I can be, and surrounding myself with the very best. I have more important things to be worrying about than women."

"You are going to eat those words, starting now."

A tall, punk girl dressed in all black is marching towards us. Her emerald eyes are shining as fiercely as her metal adornments. Accompanying her is a blonde-haired, blue-eyed bigshot clad in high-class clothing that could...and from the looks of it, actually is making David jealous. He grinned a grin that his accomplice would be proud of, and pointed with his arms and palms.

"Presenting a woman you do have to worry about."

"Oh, crap crap crap!!" Lawrence bolted, hiding behind the teacher, away from Muriel Palmoni. Even though Mr. Baiaz now stood at the middle of this confrontation. David remained where he was. I decided...to take a step closer to Aporon.

"Palmoni."

"Aporon."

Stated with a snort and as asservation respectfully. Silence fell over all present as the two longtime rivals stood face to face.

"We're busy. What do you want?" But only for a moment. Aporon wasted no time in blowing her off.

She placed a hand on her hip, then lightly tilted her cranium down. "You can guess what I want."

Aporon violently shook in the negative. "No, I can't. I can't read minds." Wow. And I thought I got under his skin, but the very existence of this person seems to drive him to madness. "What the hell are you playing at?"

"My sister, the tournament. your ego..." Muriel drawled, raising the same arm and physically counting each. Holding the appendage perfectly still, in position to physically lash out, she asked, "Shall I continue?"

Korum chuckled. "You have been going around acting as though 'your apprentice', as you call him," he said, marking air quotes on the aforementioned phrase. "Is great because he defeated Elyna Dragomir."

Wait, hold on. "You think I'm great?"

Aporon exhaled an 'ugh' sound as he momentarily faced me. "Can we have this talk later?"

"But the truth is-"

Muriel raised her palm, interrupting Korum's speech. "I'll handle it."

Insignificantly disappointed, he shrugged. "Very well."

Muriel placed the hand back on her hip, lowering her gaze a bit further. "You have a lot to answer for, Aporon."

Wait, I just now noticed. Much like the last argument/attack perpetuated, a rather respectable crowd has gathered to observe. I gazed over to my friends to see how they're doing. One of them wasn't doing well at all.

"Damn it..." she muttered, "I f*cking hate crowds..."

Premala turned with a friendly nod. "Just take deep breaths. It will help to calm yourself." Hearing these words from someone she does not like, let alone trust, made her roll her eyes. Contrarily, she took the advice.

"Is...why is...everyone..."

David approached Thatcher. "No doubt. The cause is this confrontation between Cronus and Muriel. Nothing out of the ordinary."

Looking back-WHOA, when did you get here? Korum is right in front of me. Right up in my face, smiling maliciously. And just staring.

"Ummm...can I help you?"

He took up the guise of a Cheshire cat. The weirdo placed his paws against his chin and leaned forward. "While our mentors are talking, why don't we representatives have a friendly little chat?"

Is this guy serious? "What's there to talk about?" I replied. This is our first formal interaction with one another. "You saw my best yesterday. Actions speak louder than words, don't they? That's what I can do in the tournament. Meanwhile-"

"Hehehe..."

"What?"

"Oh, nothing." He waved off my question.

"Anyway, what can you do?"

"Eager to scout the competition, are we? You'll find out in time." I narrowed my eyes. Or maybe I could just watch one of his battles. Nothing he can do about that. "And what can I do, you say? I can do many things." He stretched his arms wide, designating the quantity. Then placed both hands on his hips. "And do know there are others. There's others who are eagerly looking forward to the opportunity to face you."

He clapped thrice. Per this signal, two young men immediately broke away from the crowd. One of them, with a Riolu sitting atop his head, waved at me. "Yo Fritz, how's it going?"

The other, a taller fellow in blue jeans and a faded pink shirt, followed close behind, a cap on his cranium. "So you're Fritz Westmyn," he quipped, tapping his chin.

"Hi. It's going uh..." I trailed off. I don't know how to put my thoughts in words. Actually, how IS it going? And who's this guy in casual dress?

His appearance is not lost on Teiko and Teikō. "It's Graham," quavered the former.

"Graham's here!" the latter shouted in surprise. "And...some other guy!!"

"Markus!" Markus exclaimed cheerfully, not caring they didn't know him. "Nice to meet Fritz's friends," he said with a kind smile.

"I see I'm not unknown to him either..." Graham noted, stroking his chin now. He shrugged. "Though maybe it's just his friends."

Let's see here. Korum Anaberal, representing Muriel Palmoni. Markus Lake, and Graham Fragarach. Three people I may have to face in the Tactics Tournament. And...oh. "Oh, god. Don't tell me you're forming a posse too."

Korum shook his head 'no.' Thank god. "Actually?" he slowly leaned in and rasped, "That sounds like a fantastic idea."

"Ah, crap." Maybe it's better to keep my mouth shut at times.

Teiko cheerfully came up next to me. "I saw some of you guys battle on Saturday. You guys are some of the best in the tournament."

"Future opponents..."

"Yeah, I can't wait till we get to have a match," Markus stated calmly while patting my back. "The little guy here has been itching for one." He pointed to the blue Pokémon on him, who waved in delight.

"I'll admit, I'm a bit wary if we have to fight each other, seeing your best," Graham laughed, rubbing his own back. "Though you'll be dealing with my best too. So look out!" He pumped his fist in determination.

"You have your hands full." Korum declared. "All I need to say." He irreverently turned away.

"All right, already! Enough is enough!" Aporon's suddenly shouting interrupted this conversation. He stepped away from the punk/goth. His patience has been exceeded.

"Why don't you accept what's coming to you?" Muriel shot back. "Right here, right now."

The crowd appears to love this idea, giving Muriel what I suspect one of the few positive reactions she has ever received at this school. Aporon wants no part of it. It was our teacher who bailed him out, entering into the fray. "Now, Muriel. Cronus has things he has to be doing."

People were disappointed. Shot down. But Muriel herself was one of the ones who didn't seem to mind. "I can wait," she said with a nod and nose twitch. "After all. You can't run from your sins forever. And the longer you run, the worse off you'll be."

Aporon ignored the threat. "Well, if we're done here-"

"Hiiiii!!!"

"Now what?" My sentiments exactly. Surprisingly, my mentor recognized the person who trotted in. "Oh, it's you."

"Hi, Ina," I greeted.

Reika stood up and glared at her. "What do YOU want?"

The ditzy girl danced a little jig. "Just thought I'd come say hi, Reiky!!"

Muriel snickered and smugly gazed at Aporon. "Hmph." It's like a 'ha-ha-ha you're f*cked' look.

"And congratulations, Frizzly and Croneboy!!" And there it is. She forcibly shook his hand, then raised it high into the air. "You really showed that mean ice girl who the bosses are!!" She skipped over to me.

"She wasn't in the tournament." Ina skidded to a stop before she got near, sparing me from the same treatment.

"Ohhh..." That was a head-scratcher for her, literally. She co*cked her head and entire body. "Then why were you fighting her?"

Markus raised an eyebrow. "Because someone had to?"

Ina tilted the other way. "Did he really have to?"

"We're trainers, we battle," he replied. "We don't need a reason to do so."

A look of concern drew over Ina. She backed away from Markus. "Fighting for no reason sounds like something a bloodthirsty maniac would do!"

"Exactly," a dreary voice interrupted. "Some people just want to watch the world burn."

Who is it? It's...oh. My god. It's Phoebe. Moving slowly, yet with intent. The hushed crowd cleared a berth for the short girl in black t-shirt and dark gray sweatpants. She's a wreck. Her hair is a frizzled mess, not wearing her red headwrap and even it would have a hard time containing this disaster. Numerous stains decorate her clothing - which have developed a couple holes - and her shoes are lazily tied. Dark bags are sagging beneath her clouded eyes, that are staring right through me. "It is his nature."

Thatcher slowly peered up, lurching away from what he saw. "That's...Phoe..."

Markus noticed her, a soft gasp escaping his lips on sight. "Phoebe? Are you okay?"

But most disturbed of all was Muriel. "Sister?" she shuddered in shock, eyes wide as saucers. Phoebe gave her an existential acknowledgement, but her eyes ultimately became trained on her former mentor.

"Cronus Aporon..." she coolly addressed. "The sparkling crown jewel."

No. No no no. Ignoring this. Do not want to see this. Turning back to my friends now. Premala stood up, frowning slightly. We exchanged glances, both feeling the same about this development.

"To answer your question from before...in present terms," I briefly addressed Markus, "That's how she's doing..."

Markus looked at Phoebe, barely able to bear it. His face became unusually serious, as he walked past me and the others towards her. "Phoebe, don't."

I sighed. A sad sigh. I spotted David approaching Markus out of the corner of my eye, but tried to push it and this whole incident out of my mind. And failed. "Not who I was hoping to see today. Or, ever."

"Your former partner?" Ina asked. "Why is she like that?"

"Sh-she...from what I understood, she..."

Teiko finished Thatcher's statement for him. "She wanted to be his partner in another way, too."

"Like a partner in crime? A partner in business?!" Ina is unaffected. She'd probably be picking up my mood, if it wasn't for what she was asking about.

"No," Reika said. "She wanted him."

"She wanted him to what?"

Reika just stared. "Have you gone full retard since we first met?"

"She wanted to be like Teiko and Teikō," I explained that part. "Or Premala and me."

That did it. "Ohhh. Like a girlfriend!!"

"Fritz Westmyn." Oh. Looks like it's my turn. "The unwitting but willing stooge."

I nervously stepped forward. No. On second though, I took Premala's hand, and stepped forward. I peered at her, clasping more tightly while doing so. I feel stronger with her by my side. I can definitively say that much about her.

"Phoebe," Premala spoke the words I wanted to speak, "You don't have to-"

"Rub it in, why don't you?!" she abruptly screamed. "The rich get richer. The poor get poorer." Her tone went right back to normal...well, to what it was before that outburst. No, it waivered again. "I didn't ask for you, sleeze. For that matter, both of you hold as much guilt as the rest of them." And back to normal. She raised her head and stood on the tips of her toes, as if looking down on us. "Those who do nothing deserve nothing."

Korum chuckled sad*stically and stared my way. "Looks like you've got more to worry about than me."

"Pheeb," Muriel ominously cut in, "If they're still causing you problems..."

"FOUND YOU!!"

"H-Hey!!"

The crowd was forcibly parted by a large man, screaming rhythmically. A hapless Graham was bowled over by this smelly musclehead, spinning and flailing away. But collateral damage is not something Edgar is repenting of. "When there's a crowd, there's you." He trained his blade-like globes on each of his former associates in-turn. "The f*ckwit! The sh*thead! The c*ntface! And...you, Ashoka!!"

David crossed his arms. "You are comparing me to that ancient Emperor?"

"Yes, you fratricidal assknuckle!"

"YOU!!" Phoebe shrieked, losing all control. Right, Edgar was the one who kinda sorta drove her over the edge.

"You." He recognized her, but his tone said he could care less about her.

Muriel rubbed her hands. Eagerly. "So finally decided to come out of your hole, have you?"

"He's scary..." Teikō said, cuddling his girlfriend.

"Sheesh! Why you have to be so hostile?"

"Y-you're the one who...made Phoebe...freak out."

"That's right!" Edgar replied to Thatcher. He dramatically pointed at...well, we're scattered around, but he pointed at Aporon specifically. "Cause they f*ckin' told me to!"

Yeah, right. "I heard a different story."

"I don't care who did what!! All of you are bad people."

Edgar allowed the unstable girl to speak, but completely ignored her. He formed a pair of fists and gestured at me. "And you believe the sh*t, sh*thead? f*ckem' naybe you should get your head checked. For sh*t!"

Lawrence peeked out from behind Mr. Baiaz. "Y-You went too fa-"

David stepped into his vicinity, as Lawrence scuttled over to where he once stood. "Edgar, you do not understand when to stop."

"Shut it, c*ntface! You too, traitor!" He pondered these words for a moment, then added, "Especially you, traitor!"

Muriel, through her distress, managed to laugh at Aporon's misfortune. "Looks like you've got more to worry about than me."

He growled. And turned to his rampaging former associate. Calmly but seriously, he said, "Edgar. We did not tell you to go out on your own and push her that far. There is a fine line between teasing, harassing, and you."

"You're full of sh*t, f*ckwit!!"

"Edgar, stop. You are disgracing yourself and our family's name."

"f*ck your sh*t, traitor!!"

"No. Why don't YOU shut your trap instead?" Erm. Markus has seen and heard enough, coldly chomping a cookie apart.

Edgar seethed. "And who the f*ck are you?"

"I'm-"

"ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-SIX, FIFTY-SEVEN!!"

...

...

There was only silence as that fringe lunatic catapulted into the middle of the clearing and struck a dramatic pose.

"Hello, hello!!"

"You..." Wait, who's this? "I don't even know who you are!"

The random girl shrugged. "Everyone was doing it."

Seriously, what's going on here? Everyone I know is showing up all of a sudden. Is this the work of some drunkard ordering a party? Maybe an oni? Or both? It's enough that I can pick out a few familiar faces among those surrounding us, who haven't chosen to make their presence formally felt. This is the strangest day I've had in a long time.

It's evoking a strange feeling in me. Something doesn't feel right about this. I don't know what it is, but it's just bad. "Can we get going?" I hastily asked Aporon.

"Yes, good idea," he nodded in agreement. David and Lawrence non-verbally agreed, rushing to his side along with me. "Let's go, guys."

"Stay and chat a while longer, why don't you?" came a maleficent voice. I recognize...!

Oh, f*ck! I've been so caught up in everything else I completely forgot about this guy! The crowd parted as the vice-principal of the school, Aiden Kripps himself, menacingly stepped towards us.

"For all that is holy, I don't believe this," Mr. Baiaz groaned, burying his face in his left hand. He caught on. No one else seems to have, but he knows. "You actually went through with it, didn't you?"

The vice-asshole grinned wickedly. "Indeed, I have, James. Indeed I have." I returned the lethal glare he was giving me. "In Dean Finkerton's absence, I am acting principal of Rukh's University. As things should be. And you know what that means, don't you?"

"ANARCHY!!"

"A bigger greenhouse?"

"Heh heh!! Is it Taco Tuesday?"

"You'll upgrade the library's computers?"

A terrified Thatcher waddled up to me. "Wh-what's going on, Fritz?"

"Very, very bad things, Thatcher." I whispered in turn, shaking my head. This is bad. There's no telling what he'll do with this sort of power. I gritted my teeth and powerwalked forth. "All right, Kripps. What've you got for me?"

He guffawed, tapping his twisted nose. Shaking it off, he smirked. "I'm delivering on the promise we made."

Teikō co*cked his head. "You made a promise with Fritz?"

"What type of promise?" Markus asked with a raised eyebrow.

Reika alertly caught on to his true nature. "You're here to cause problems, aren't you? What's your schtick?"

His accomplice, who had been lagging ever since she stepped into the jagged circle, finally took position beside him, grumbling to herself. He handed her an unamused look, followed by an order, "Anne. Tell them."

Mrs. Shugiri sighed begrudgingly. She explained, "Expulsion of a student from Rukh's University has three requirements. Confirmation from the principal. Enough knowingful rule infractions to justify it. And a believe that the school would be a better place without the student."

"Expulsion?" an offended Aporon took a step forward to defend me. "Excuse me?"

"What is the meaning of this?" His goons were not much better.

"What the heck? Why?"

"I'm with Ina," Reika yelled. Her next sentence was more of an offhand comment. "Who would've guessed. What has Fritz even done to get expelled?"

Mr. Kripps didn't miss a beat. "The first of those is well in-hand. I am currently acting as principal. And it has my confirmation. As for the second..." his face contorted as he flexed. "Your sneaking off to Abet's Bluff last night overstepped those boundaries."

"What the hell? Premala and I had permission!" I yelled. "She put in the request so that we could go up there!"

She nodded. "Yes."

The others took my side. "First time meeting him, but I believe'em. Though you are the vice principal..." Well mostly, on Graham's part.

"He...he told us...too..."

"He did!" And I have an alibi with my friends!

There was a pause. A deathly pause. "Then where is this request?"

"...you unbelievable son of a bitch."

"I'm lost?" Teiko ruffled her hair.

"The sh*thead did what now?" Edgar quickly said.

Korum was one of the few not confused and in a positive mood from this. He twiddled his thumbs. "This is perfect. And what of the third reason, Mr. Kripps?"

"Yeah!" Reika agreed. "I'd like to see you make an excuse as to why the school would be better without him!"

"I'm glad you asked." Mr. Kripps paced back and forth, snickering. He outstretched his right palm. "And in turn, I ask you. Why wouldn't this school...or even this world be a better place without him?" He turned the floor to us once more.

"He's a heartbreaking jerk!" said one sister.

"It would make my life far easier," said the other. Aporon mouthed an obscenity in reply.

"He's a spy?" Okay, what the hell, random girl?

Mr. Kripps gave each of the reasons a firm nod. "All reasons that could be argued. But there is one reason above all else," he raised a finger, "One indisputable reason, that Fritz Westmyn should be expelled from my school."

The crowd waited with baited breath. "For you see..." he dramatically turned away.

"Don't do it you piece of-"

"Fritz Westmyn is from North America!"

sh*t.

"What."

"Fr...Fritz is..."

"Westmyn, you're..."

"No way."

"He's from America?!"

"Damn it, Aiden."     "Oh? Is that so?"     "How unexpected."

"So the sh*thead's-?"     "Explains that Vespiquen."     "FUUUUUUUUCK!!"

"Gaijin! Gaijin!"     "Whatthef*ck?"     "Ein ausländer?"

"Well, I'll be darned!"     "So Aporon-! Heh heh..."     "Damn! Hot!"

"START NINE!!!"     "Reprehensible monster!"     "Are you satisfied?"     "But he's Japanese now, isn't he?"     "This Fritz is someone else."

"An American is here?"     "Oh! Dear..."     "Dubya tee eff?"     "Whoa! Though I dunno."     "Get the pitchforks!"

"Finally, he's gone."     "But is he a spy?"     "Knew that f*cker was trash!"     "My word, sir!!" "Psychopath!"

"There is justice in this world."   "I can't believe this, guys."   "Why? Just why?"   "So wait, does this mean we're not having a battle?"   "That scumbag!"   "It can't be, all this time!"   "Well 'ats somethin'."

"What a shame."   "Then why did he help save-"   "Amida-Nyorai be with him."   "But my son..."   "Christ on a cracker."   "That's the end."   "Violent, materialistic, ignoramus!"

"Holy sh*t..."   "So that's why Elyna lost!"   "My head! This is nuts!"   "He shall not be learning further."   "Condescendence, my quiet friend?"   "I finally understand his actions."   "That f*cking asshole!"   "I knew he didn't look quite right!"   "How did he get accepted?"

"What. What. WHAAAAT." It was one scream that ultimately pierced all other voices. The speaker commanded, "Everyone else, SHUT THE f*ck UP. I have some things I need to say to him!"

Mr. Kripps boffed. He bowed to the enraged girl, giving applause and egging her on. "Go right ahead. Unleash your wrath upon this filthy foreigner."

She growled, every cell in her body quivering in a scantly-controlled rage. "I would've even if you didn't tell me to." She made this comment, then viciously pointed with a trembling finger. "YOU!!"

"Reika..."

"You think you're so great! I can't believe you!" the chubby girl fumed. "You...you tricked me! You tricked everyone! You lied to me! To everyone!"

I lied? "About what?"

"About not being American!"

"It never came up, and why would I say so?" I pointed out. "And I'm from Mexico!"

"All the same! You cheating bastard!" Where did she get that from?

"Reika, I'm sorry." This isn't right. I tried to make peace. I need to. "I should've trusted you enough to tell you, even knowing how you feel. You're my friend-"

"Not anymore!" she screamed. "I want nothing to do with you!"

The crowd and everyone present watched on, no one jumping in either out of lack of nerve, from being in awe, or enjoying the tongue-lashing I was receiving. Kripps in particular could be circled under the latter, deriving sad*stic pleasure from this.

"I had a feeling. All this time. That there was something not quite right about you." Her coarse breaths made her tremble. "Everything makes sense now. I knew you had poor morals! The cave and attacking me with Mareep. Your battles...that's a sign all its own! You push your Pokémon way too hard and want to get victory at any cost!"

Sigh. "Reika, please..."

"You want to battle all the time! You're full of hatred! You have a huge ego! You're a sellout! You're a hypocrite! You treat Pokémon as tools! You want to push your way of thinking on everyone else! You don't care about anyone other than yourself! The only reason you're at this school is to brainwash people over to your side!"

"Where are you even getting this from?"

"These are FACTS, Fritz! I've seen thugs who are better people than you. I've seen Pokémon Hunters who are better people than you!"

This is getting ridiculous. "Seriously? What's with you? And have you even met a Pokémon Hunter before?"

"No, but they're better than your kind!"

"Don't compare anything without knowing." And that goes double for my place of birth. "Because stealing Pokémon, slave labor, hiring hitmen, blatant betrayal, and attempted murder-"

"That sounds like a laundry list of the typical North American's wrongdoings to me!"

"Reika, come on. What about-"

"None of what you have to say matters! It is and was all a lie, anyway! You can't escape your past! You can't escape who you are! You...Fritz. Fritz Westmyn. You're a cruel...you're a lying...you're a cheating...you're selfish, you're ruthless, you're honorless...a self-superior, unapologetic...BAAAAASSSSTAAAARRRRD!!!!"

Reika charged in, taking a wild swing at me. I moved to avoid the off-course punch, sending her crashing to the ground. She screamed in pain and frustration, and though she was holding her cast, she still gathered the strength to leer up at me hatefully. Does she really hate foreigners so much, she ignores everything else about them, and even overlooks the obvious? I could point that out. I could ask her that burning question as to why...but this just isn't worth wasting my breath over.

"Ugh..." I met Thatcher's gaze. His face said he didn't want to get involved. I may as well talk to those who matter. Those who could help me. Those who could save me. "Aporon..."

He came out of his stupor, lazily staring at me. "Fritz." He stopped when he noticed what I noticed as he began to speak - David and Lawrence leaving. In disgust?

"Where are they going? Really?" At a time like this? I thought we'd formed an alliance. A group that looks out for each other. Is this their idea of loyalty? "What about you? What do you think?"

"It..." The shock had been reinvigorated by his allies' betrayal. He looked me in the eye. "It doesn't matter to me, Fritz, but..."

"Come on, then!!" I urged. "You're the crown jewel of the university! You have power! You've got to be able to do something!!" Not like this. Not this way.

"I..." he stammered, gazing over to the vice-principal. This was replied to with a growl and narrowed look. "...there's nothing I can do about this." Deflation. He shook his head, empty. Aporon whispered to himself, slowly walking away from me in shame and depression. "I can't believe this...my chances in the tournament just went up in smoke..." The most popular student in the school dropped to his knees in despair. "Everything...it was all for nothing..."

Christ...I've never seen Aporon this helpless before. I never believed I'd see him this helpless, ever. Even when Phoebe had her outburst and reality of what it meant for the tournament was setting in, he had a ray of hope in him. But not this time. This time, he has no hope.

What else can I do? Premala? "Premala, can't you do something?" I begged. She has to be able to do something. "Stall for time? Anything?"

My girlfriend became serious. A glint of confidence in her emerald eyes, she started, "Mr. Kripps..."

"Shut up." Mr. Kripps interrupted, not having any of it. "Finkerton may be willing to give you the time of day, but I'm not. And rest assured, you will get yours as well for conspiring with him." Premala slumped her shoulders as the asshole menacingly towered over us. "You won't be saving him this time."

I checked around. No other student has the gall or will to say anything. And if those two were shot down...I'm sure no one else would even be given the time of day. There's only one other chance.

"Mr. Baiaz? Mrs. Shugiri?"

The former sighed in defeat. The latter replied with sympathy, "I'm sorry, Fritz. The rules are the rules. I am obligated to follow them, no matter the circ*mstances."

"So what?" I threw up my hands. "That's it?"

"That's it." Aiden Kripps took a moment to relish in his victory. He raised his arms, basking in the light and posing as a Greek god would. No one is doing anything. No one is saying anything. This is it. He finally came out of it, and he came out of it with aversion. His breathing was erratic, as though coming off a high.

"You're out of my school," he finally jeered. "Get out. GET OUT!! You have half an hour to get off the grounds. Get out! OUT OF HERE! Out of my school! You're gone North American scum, you're finished! Get. Out. I told you I'd get you! OUT!!! NOW!!! Get your things from your dorm and GET OUT."

"Yes, that's it. GO. GET. Take the walk of shame! Look around yourself and despair! See the truth of how hated you are! And GET OUT. I win! I've won! Everyone, make your displeasure for this North American scum known! Ufufu. Yes, that's it! Boo him out of here! The rest of you join in too! Get him out of this school! He's not welcome! Get him OUT. Out, out, OUT!"

"And don't come back!"

_________

BONUS SCENE: