El Amor es de Oro: Day 3

February 8, 2014

I woke up at a little after 8 the next morning.  Max was still snoring in the bed next to me.  I got dressed, sprayed on some deodorant, and went down to the cafe.

I didn't see her when I walked down, so I sat down at one of the tables near the edge of the cafe.  Teammates from every nation were eating breakfast, laughing loudly at jokes and conversing about...something.  I couldn't understand them even when talking slowly.

"Ryan?"  I heard an accented voice say.  I looked up and saw Magdalena standing there.

"Magdalena, it's good to see you."  I said, standing and shaking her hand.  We sat down and started to talk.

"How did you sleep?"  she asked.

"Well enough."  I said.  "Not like back home, but it was good."

"Same here."  she said.

"Would you like anything?"  I asked, standing.

"Just some coffee, please."

"Got it."

I walked over to the large tank of coffee and poured two cups.  I grabbed a few sugar packets and cream cups and walked back, setting one of the cups in front of her.  I poured two sugar packets in my cup and swirled it.  She just started drinking hers.

"Your Spanish is very good."  she said.  "Where did you learn?"

"I learned it in school, actually.  We had to take a foreign language to graduate, so I chose Spanish.  But last summer, I spent some time working in Buenos Aires."

"It's a beautiful city."  she said.  "Have you ever been to Mendoza?"

"No, I haven't.  Is that where you're from?"

"I'm from Palmira.  It's a small town outside of Mendoza.  It's a lovely little town."

"Well, I'll have to visit next time I'm there."

We sat quiet for a while, sipping our coffee.  The flat screens played some skiing footage a couple Nordic guys were deeply interested in.

"How long have you been curling?"  she asked.

I swallowed and put my cup down.  "I actually started after the last Games.  My friend was kind of obsessed with it, so we found a trainer and started getting to work.  How about you?"

"I started skiing when I was a little girl.  I always loved it, and when I was fifteen, I started training in the biathlon."

"Is this your first Games?"

"No, I went to the Games last year.  You probably wouldn't have seen me.  Argentina doesn't do too well at the Games."

"Well, with you on their team, I think Argentina might get a medal this year."

She chuckled a little and blushed.  "Thank you."

"Magdalena!"  one of her teammates called as she ran up to her.  "Nuestra entrenador quiere hablar sobre el evento."

"Bueno, estoy yendo." she said, standing up.  "I have to go.  It was good to see you Ryan."

"Same here, Magdalena."  I said.

"Please, call me Lena."  she said before leaving with her friend.

I threw the cups away and walked back to the room.  Max was still snoring away.

El Amor es de Oro: Day 2

February 7, 2014

I walked back into the village, still aglow from the opening ceremony, as were the other hundreds of athletes around me.  Everyone was talking quickly and excitedly and sharing photos.  As soon as I could, I ducked down the hall into my room.

"WHOO!"  Max said, beanie askew and enthusiastically waving his flag.  "That was AMAZING!"

"Calm down!"  I said, changing into a Team USA t-shirt.

"I'm just too freaking amped!" he screamed, shaking my shoulders.  I put my hands on his and held him down.

"Come on, man, keep it cool.  We've got that party at the rink."

He took off his beanie and sweater and changed into a t-shirt.  He grabbed my arm.  "Come on, man, let's go!"  he said.

We ran through the halls, pushing past Russians and Ukrainians having conversations, a group of Swedish skiers playing tag in one of the atria, Chinese and Irish girls hanging out at the cafe, and a couple Norwegians flirting with Peruvian girls, until we got to the ice rink.

It was packed.  Everyone was on the ice, or in various stages of putting on skates.  People were milling about, introducing each other, laughing.  Max and I laced on skates and glided out onto the ice.

We hadn't been on the ice since practice back home.  It felt good to be back there, the cold, the slight wobbling at first, the sound of metal scraping and slicing frozen water.

A loud shout silenced us.  We all looked over at a tall man in a German uniform standing on a cooler.  He was held in place by two of his teammates.

"Wir danken für Ihr Kommen."  he started.  "Wir sind alle sehr stolz, hier in Sotschi. Wir sind in der Blüte unseres Lebens. Ja, es darf gefeiert werden!"

Everyone cheered.  I cheered with them, though I asked Max, "Do you know what he said?"

"No idea.  Come on, let's skate!"

We skated around for a while, talking to people.  It was kind of annoying having the figure and speedskaters darting in and out of us, but it was still fun.  Someone started passing around some Russian beer in plastic cups.  It tasted nothing like the stuff I was used to, but I drank it in the spirit of the Games.

Eventually, the ice started thinning out as people started leaving.  A New Zealander I was talking to was leaving on the arm of some Turkish guy when I was knocked down onto the ice.

"Max," I started, picking myself up.  "How many-"

"Disculpe, señor!"  the girl who bumped into me said.  I was struck by her for a moment before regaining my voice.

"No, it's no trouble.  Es mi culpa."  I said, hoping my three years of Spanish in high school would pay off.

She had big, dark eyes and a long, curly ponytail that ran down her back.  Her skin was tanned slightly, probably from days spent on the slopes.  She was small with powerful legs.  Her Spanish was thickly accented with the Argentine accent I heard on my trip to Buenos Aires.

I held my hand out.  "Tienes problemas patinando sobre el hielo?"  I asked.

"No, no tengo problemas."  she responded.  "Mi amiga allí me empujó."

I looked over and saw a small a petite Japanese girl staring at us while skating with some other figure skaters.

"No es una problema."  I replied.  "Me llamo Ryan.  Cómo te llamas?"

"Magdalena Castro.  Soy de la Argentina."

"En cuál deporte vas a competir?"  I asked as we skated back towards the entrance.

"En el biatlón.  Y tu?"

"El curling."

She nodded.  "Vas a competir el domingo, no?"

"Sí." I said.  "Y cuándo vas a competir?"

"El martes."  she said.  We walked out of the rink and took our skates off.  We talked more as we walked until we reached the main atrium.

"Cuándo veo a ti otra vez?"  she asked.

"Quiéres desayunar en el café manana?"

"Sí.  Nos vemos."  she said, walking back to her room.

"Nos vemos!"  I called after her.

*If my German sucks, don't blame me, blame these guys.

El Amor es de Oro: Day 1

I love the Olympics.  I really do.  So, to show my love for it, I thought I would write a little short story for each day of the competition.  Enjoy!

February 6, 2014

"We made it!"  Max said, jumping up and down.  I nearly fell over as he shook me, dark blue suitcases in hand.

"Seriously, calm down." I said, moving with the crowd into the Olympic Village.  I fumbled in my backpack for my entrance pass.

"Well, excuse me."  Max said as we got in line behind a group of girls speed-talking in French.  "I'm just a bit excited that we finally got into the Olympics."

I chuckled a bit as we moved forward.  "This is your dream.  I'm just glad you're happy."

"Oh, come on.  If it was just my dream, you wouldn't have nearly pushed me off the team in qualifiers."

"I didn't even know what curling was until you forced me to watch it in Vancouver."

"And hasn't it made your life so much better?"

"It's definitely made it more interesting."  I said as I handed over my pass.  The woman scanned it, then handed it back to me.

"Welcome to Sochi, Mr. White."  she said.

"Thank you." I said, picking up my bags and meeting up with the rest of the Americans.

"Alright, guys!"  one of the coaches said.  "I know you're all excited, but just remember to be smart.  We're on Floor 3 in Building A.  Get your room mates and get settled in."

We picked up our bags and all moved as one unit through the halls.  Athletes in uniforms conversed in what sounded like every language around the world.  More people than I'd ever seen before were milling about, relaxing, joking, hanging out.  In a small cafe, people were sitting, staring at figure skating on flat screens.

Max and I set our bags down in our room.  I started to unpack as Max dashed out of the room, probably to get a Coke or something.

Suddenly, I heard a knock on the door.  I turned around to see a tall, lanky fellow with dark hair and a bright, white smile in the open door.

"Hey, mate.  How you doing?"  he said with the high accent of the Brits.

"Good.  Yourself?"  I said, walking over to him.

"Not bad.  Name's Matt Davis."  he said, holding his hand out.

I took it and gave it a good shake.  "Ryan White."

"Curler?"

"Yeah.  You too?"

"Yeah.  Guess we'll be seeing each other out on the ice."

"Yeah."

He looked down at his watch, then looked back at me.  "Listen, I've got to run.  Some of the Germans are putting together a party down at the ice rink after the ceremony tomorrow.  Tell your roommate to come."

"'Kay.  I will."  I said.

He smiled.  "Great.  Nice to meet you, Ryan."

"Same here, Matt."  I said.  He walked away and I closed the door.  I turned back to my suitcase and resumed unpacking.

Beryl Dreams: Part 4

Part 4: Paternal Instinct

The four of us walked back into Oldale Town to rest.  After that, we set out for Route 102.  I warned the guys to be wary.  There were a lot more Trainers here than on other routes.

"Hey, kid."  Tyler said, walking next to John.  "You ever been a fight?"

"N-no."  John said.  "Why would I?"

"Arceus Christ, you've never been in a fight?"  Tyler shouted.  "What good are you then?"

"Stop making fun of him, Tyler."  Daniel warned.

"Hey, you!"  a high voice said.  We all looked to see a small boy running towards us.

"We just made eye contact!  Now we have to battle!" he shouted before sending out his Zigzagoon.  Tyler stepped in front of us.

"Watch and learn, kid.  This is how you fight."  he said, his fur bristling.

The spiky Pokemon lunged at him and knocked him down.  Daniel jumped into the fray and scratched our foe, knocking him out.  The kid handed over some money and I walked with him back to town.

"How old are you?"  I asked, a bit concerned with how young he looked.

"10.  I just got my first Pokemon from the new Gym Leader in Petalburg." he said, brimming with excitement.

"Nice.  Well, here's the center.  See you around!"

"Bye!" he called back as he walked into the center.  I walked back down the route while Tyler and Daniel argued on the ground below me.

"I had him!  Why did you but in?"

"You were going to get hurt.  At least stop complaining about it."

"Whatever."  Tyler huffed.

As we walked down the route, we fought another group of Trainers; a Bug Catcher who walked back to Oldale alone, another new trainer who went back home to Petalburg, and a Lass who asked me to walk her home.

"Bye Matt!"  she said as she walked inside her house.

"Bye Tiana!" I said.  The team and I walked to the Center and relaxed.

It was late that night.  Daniel and Tyler were sleeping on the other bed while I talked to Mom on the phone.

"Alright, Mom, I'm going to bed.  I love you.  Bye."  I said, then hang up the phone.

Suddenly, John jumped up on the bed.  "Matt?"  he said.

"Yeah?"  I asked.

"I was just wondering, um, could I maybe try a battle?"  he asked, sheepishly.

I swung my feet off the bed, stepped into a pair of slippers and pulled on my shirt and jacket.  "Let's go."

John beamed at me, then jumped on my shoulder.  We sneaked out of the Center and onto the dark route.  The Pokemon were much more active, as fewer people would be out here at night.

"Now, John.  You can't knock this Pokemon out.  I want to catch it."

"Okay!"

Just then, a small red and white caterpillar walked out of the brush.  John tackled it and it flew into the trees.  I threw the Poke Ball into the trees.  It hit the Pokemon and fell to the ground.  After hearing the click, John grabbed the ball in his mouth.  The two of us sneaked back into the room and let it out.

"Where am I?"  the Wurmple asked.

"It's okay."  I said.  "You fought my friend John and I caught you."

"Oh." she said, growing quiet.

"What's your name?" John asked.

"Heather."  she murmured.

"Nice to meet you, Heather."  I said.  "I'm Matt, and those two are Daniel and Tyler."

"Can I go back into the ball?"  she asked.

"Sure thing."  I said.  She was enveloped in red light and returned to the ball.  I climbed back into the bed and John wriggled next to me.

The next day, we walked into the Gym.  Heather, still a bit shy, stayed in her ball.  Unfortunately, John was having a hard time convincing Daniel and Tyler that he actually had a battle.

Regardless, I walked into Dad's Gym.  It was very plain, with boxes up against the walls.  Dad was standing in the foyer, directing his Trainers.

"Dad!"  I said, running to give him a hug.  He turned to embrace me.

"Matt!  It's good to see you!"  he said.  "How's everything back home?"

"Things are going fine."  I said.  "How's the Gym?"

"It's exciting!  I missed being a Gym Leader ever since Whitney took over Goldenrod."

Just then, a small boy walked into the room.  "Um, sir?"  he asked.

"Wally?  What are you doing here?"  Dad asked.

"Um, I was wondering if you could help me get a Pokemon?"  he weakly asked.

Dad smiled.  "Matt, why don't you take Wally out to the route and help him catch a Pokemon."

Wally's eyes lit up.  "Really?"

"Sure.  Take these to help you."  Dad said, handing him two Poke Balls.

"Thank you sir!"  he said.

"Come on, Wally."  I said.  We walked out to the route and, after some confusion as to which ball was which, Wally returned with a new friend, a Ralts.

"So. Dad," I asked once Wally left, "can we battle now?"

Dad looked a bit shocked.  "H-how many Pokemon do you have?"

"Four, why?"

He sighed.  "Son, I think I'm just too strong for you."

My stomach dropped.  I was crushed.  "But, why?"

"I think it would be best if you came back once you had four badges."  he said.  "Say hi to your mother for me."

I walked out the Gym as he returned to his work.  I stayed at the Center that night and just slept, dreamlessly.

Pokémon: 4       Badges: 0         Deaths: 0            Current Location: Petalburg City

Beryl Dreams: Part 3

Part 3: The Birth of Bolstering

Daniel and I left Littleroot.  Professor Birch and I had signed the official papers, making Daniel legally mine.  It felt weird, owning something living and sentient, but it was really for his protection.

"We need to build up our team."  Daniel said as we entered Route 101.

"I guess I should use these Poke Balls May gave me."  I said, shifting my bag to here the small spheres clack together.

We walked together through the tall grass, watching, searching for another team member.  The air was cool and damp.  A slight breeze blew through the forest, rustling the leaves and grass.  Every so often, something would dart, rustling through the grass, just fast enough to be noticed, but not seen.

Just then, a spiky, tan and white raccoon burst from the brush.  Daniel jumped in front of me and swiped at it, knocking it down.  The poor Pokemon looked a bit dazed, but still conscious.  I threw the Ball at it and watched it writhe on the ground.  Finally, the white dot flashed red with a satisfying click.

I picked up and let the Pokemon out.  It was shaking a little bit and made soft crying sounds.  I bit my lip and knelt down.

"Are you okay?"  I asked.

It sniffed and looked up at me.  "Yes.  B-but, that hurt."

"I'm sorry.  I didn't mean to hurt you.  You just jumped at us and my friend got a little nervous."

"Hey!"  Daniel protested.  I looked back and glared at him.  He glared back, but remained silent.

"What's your name?"  I asked.

"John." he said, sniffling and pulling himself together.

"Come on, John.  Let's get you better."

I picked up the small team member and carried him on my shoulder into Oldale Town.  At the Pokemon Center, Daniel approached me.

"You think this kid can be a fighter?" he asked while John was being helped by the nurse.

"I think it's too early to pass judgement."  I said.

"You're being modest.  Be honest."

"Well?"

"I think he'll need some help, but there's no reason he couldn't be."

The nurse walked up with John in her arms.  He jumped out of them and into my lap.

"Your Zigzagoon is looking much better."  the nurse said.

"Thank you so much."  I replied, setting him down.

"It's no trouble.  Have a nice day!" she said before leaving to attend the other patients.

The three of us walked back to Route 103.  Daniel took point in scouting out a new team member while John and I stayed close.

Eventually, we heard a harsh growl.  I spun around to see Daniel in fierce combat with a dark, dog-like shape.  A Poochyena.  The small Bite Pokemon was pummeling Daniel, who was trying his hardest to scratch the more vulnerable belly.

Finally, Daniel knocked the Dark type off of him.  I threw a Poke Ball and watched the small dog be caught.

"What the hell was that for, Tweetie?"  he yelled as soon as he was released from his Ball.  "I was just-"

"Hi."  I said, stepping between him and Daniel.  I didn't want the two of them to start fighting.  Again.

"Move out of the way, Stretch.  You're blocking my view of the ass who-"

"How about you tell us who you are before you get all in our faces?  I could easily just let you go."

"Then do it.  What are you waiting for?"  he snarled.

I sighed.  "Well, I'm not going to.  My name's Matt.  This is John and I think you already know Daniel."

He growled.  "So I guess I'm part of this happy family now, aren't I?  Just my f-"

"What's your name?"  John asked, standing so close to me I could feel his fur through my jeans.

The Poochyena growled slightly, then exhaled.  "The name's Tyler."

"Good to meet you, Tyler.  Now, let's go back to town and get some healing and some shuteye."

Pokémon: 3       Badges: 0         Deaths: 0            Current Location: Route 103

Beryl Dreams: Part 2

Part 2: Our First Fight

Daniel and I walked out of the forest and saw her standing there.  Maya Azalea Birch, the professor's daughter.

Her hair was light brown, wrapped in a red head scarf.  She wore a red and white shirt with blue shorts and red shoes.  Her yellow belt held an equally yellow bag and a light blue Pokemon with fins was on the ground next to her.

"May."  I said.  She turned around and smiled.

"Hey, Matt."  she said.  "What brings you here?"

"Your dad thinks you could teach me something about being a Trainer."

"Do you have a Pokemon?"  she asked, her Mudkip stepping up next to her.

Daniel stepped out from behind me.  The Mudkip growled slightly.

"Easy, Gal." she said to her partner.  Then, she looked up at me.  "You ready?"

"Let's do this."

Both of our partners stood in front of us.  Daniel was breathing steadily while Gal looked ready to pounce.

"Daniel, Scratch!"

"Tackle, Gal!"

The two animals launched at each other.  Daniel slashed at Gal as the Mud Fish Pokemon slammed into him.  The two rolled in the grass as each fought to gain the upper hand.  Daniel scratched at Gal so fast I could barely see the claws.  Gal tried to dodge while also trying to ram into him.

"Come on, Gal!  Knock him down!"

Gal crashed into Daniel, knocking him against a tree.  Daniel looked dazed for a moment, then stood back up.

"Are you okay?"  I asked.

"Yeah."  Daniel breathed as he walked back toward Gal.

"You sure?" I asked.  I was worried my Nuzlocke would kill him.

Daniel lunged forward and knocked out Gal with one fatal slash.

"I'm fine."  he said, looking back at me.

May recalled Gal to his Poke Ball then walked up to me.

"That was incredible."  she said.  "I don't think I've ever seen a beginner do that well."

My face grew hot.  "Thanks, but I don't think I did that well."

"Nonsense."  May said.  "Come on, let's go back to my dad."

Daniel walked beside me as the two of us talked back to Littleroot.

Pokémon: 1       Badges: 0         Deaths: 0            Current Location: Route 103

Beryl Dreams: Part 1

Beryl Dreams: A Sapphire Nuzlocke

Rules

1. GENETIC CURSE - Only catch the first Pokémon you see in an area.
    1a.  Catch first non-dupe Pokémon in an area.
         1i.  A dupe is any Pokémon currently living on my team.
    1b.  Can catch any shinies, but can only use them if they are the first encounter.
    1c.  This rule comes into effect afer I get my Poké Balls.
2. WHAT I'VE DONE - All fainted Pokémon are considered dead.  They will be boxed.
3. WITH FRIENDS LIKE THESE - All Pokémon are named after personal friends.

Part 1: Sick at Heart

I woke up on a beautiful morning.  The Taillow were singing, the sun was shining and everything was right with the world.

Except for me.  It was my fifteenth birthday, and in Hoenn, that meant I would be getting my very first Pokémon.  Most kids would be excited.  But, then again, most kids don't have Nuzlocke disease.

Nuzlocke doesn't have any real health problems to me or any Pokémon I might have, save for one.  Most Pokémon faint when their HP runs out.

Mine will die.

Regardless, I walked downstairs from my tiny bedroom and saw my mom sitting at the table drinking coffee.  I puled on my leather jacket and started walking out of the house.  

"Bye, mom."  I said.

"Matt."  she called.

I paused at the door.  "Yes, mom?"

"Be careful."

I smiled at her.  "I will."

I started to walk over to the lab when a bloodcurdling screech pierced the air.  A little boy came running up to me.

"Help!  Professor Birch is being attacked!" he screamed.  I followed him through the pathway in the forest to Route 1.

"You there!" Professor Birch said, a Poochyena biting his leg.  "In my bag, there's a Poké Ball!"

I reached in the bag and pulled out the red and white colored orb.  Clicking the button on the front, I pointed it at the black and grey dog.

Out popped a orange and yellow chick in a cloud of embers.  The Poochyena turned around, the professor's blood on its jaw.

"Torchic, use Scratch!"  I commanded.  The Chick lunged froward and slashed a long scar down the Poochyena's face.

Professor Birch stood up, shaking.  "Thank you."  He said, limping over to me.

"Are you okay, sir?"

"I'm fine.  Don't worry about me."  We started to walk back into town.  "You battled pretty well with that Torchic."

"Thanks."

"Aren't you Norman's kid?"

"...Yeah."

He grabbed my hand.  "Come with me."

His lab was covered in research notes and technical equipment I couldn't even decide what they did.  As I sat down across from him, I noticed a Poké Ball sitting on the table behind him.

"So," he began, "it seems Norman finally made it over from Johto."

"Well, the war kept us tied there for a while."

"But the important thing is that you're here."

"Thank you, sir."'

"Now, onto the real reason I called you over." he said, standing up.  "May I see that Torchic?"

I handed over the small red and white ball.  Professor Birch clicked the button and the chick popped out one more.

"For someone so young, you battled quite well."  he said.  "I guess you have your father's blood in you."

I blushed.  "Thank you sir."

"How old are you?"

"I just turned fifteen, sir."

"Well, I think it's high time you headed out on your own Pokémon journey.  What better way to get to know Hoenn than by seeing it yourself?"

I stood up, my eyes the size of plates.  "Really, sir?"

"Why not? I'm sure you and this Torchic will get along fine."

"Thank you, sir!"  I said, bowing slightly.  The professor recalled the Torchic and handed me the ball.

"Why don't you head up to Route 103?  My daughter May is up there doing some research?"

"I'll get right on that, sir!"  I said as I walked out the door.

As I walked around the corner, I pulled out the Poké Ball and sent out the Torchic.  It stared up at me and blew a small cloud of embers out its nose.

I knelt down next to it.  "So, you and me are partners now, right?"

"That's how it works."  It said.  "You can understand me, right?"

"Yeah.  Good, that means I'm officially your trainer."

"Good."

"So, what's your name?"  I asked.

"Daniel."  he said.

"I'm Matt."

"Nice to meet you."  he said.

"Same."  I stood up.  "Are we ready to go?"

"Let's go."  Daniel said.

The two of us walked out of Littleroot and into the forest.

Pokémon: 1       Badges: 0         Deaths: 0            Current Location: Littleroot Town