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

We Wish You A Merry Christmas...

...and a happy new year!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from me and my family to you and yours!

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

Originally posted in December 2012.

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire...

She walked through the door, her red hair shining in the dim light of the fire.  She was wearing one of those lame Christmas sweaters she always pulled out just to annoy me.  This one was red with some random snowflake, reindeer, Santa pattern or something like that.  She smiled at me and started to walk over to me.

"It's not like you to leave your own party early, Tony."  she said as she took a seat next to me on the white couch.  "What's up?"

I put my arm around her and pulled her in close.  She curled up next to me, placing her head on my chest.

"I just wanted to have a little alone time, you know?"

"Can I join in?" she asked.

"Sure thing."  I leaned forward and kissed her on the forehead.  She grabbed my head and pulled me in closer.  Our lips met.  Her lipstick tasted like mint and her hair smelled like gingerbread.  She was a freaking walking, talking Christmas cookie.

I leaned forward onto the couch.  She broke away from my lips and looked up at me.  Her eyes glittered slightly in the light of the Christmas tree.

"I love you." she whispered in my ear.  I kissed her again, taking in the sweet taste of her lips.

"I love you too."

Jack Frost nippin' at your nose...

The snow fell slowly on the streets of the ruined German city.  I was still sitting in the broken bar, trying to drown out my pain.  It wasn't working and only made me more depressed.

Then Peggy walked in.  Her hair was still perfectly shaped as always, her lips still bright red, her dark eyes sad. We talked, but I didn't care too much about what she was saying.  I was too busy trying to get drunk.

She left.  Still no buzz.  I set the shot glass down and put my head in my hands.  I knew I couldn't let this guilt  run my life, but I knew it would always be there.  I watched my best friend die right before my eyes.  There was no way I could forget that.

I stood up and walked out the building.  I saw her down the street, about to turn a corner.  I started to run after her.

"Wait!"  I yelled.  She turned around as I came to a stop in front of her.  She just folded her arms in front of her.

"What do you want?"  she asked.  I grabbed her hands.

"I'm sorry.  I just need to get my focus back.  I-"

She grabbed my face and kissed me.  I flinched a little at how forward she was.  Then I let myself sink into her kiss.  I placed my hands on her back.  She reached over my shoulders.  We stayed that way for a long, long time.  The snow fell down on us and yet, I was warm.

Yuletide carols being sung by a choir...

I stood at the edge of the town, panting.  I looked behind me.  No one burst through the snowy woods, no helicopters flew by overhead.  I was safe.  For now.

I walked into the town.  There were twinkling lights strung everywhere, green and red bows tied around lamp posts, and other Christmas memorabilia.  I had been running so much I guess I forgot that it was Christmas.

I walked down the main street.  A slight breeze cut through my thin clothes.  I pulled my jacket tighter around me.  No one bothered to look at me or acknowledge me as we passed in the street.

That was fine by me.  I didn't want any help.

I came to the central plaza.  On the bandstand in the middle of the plaza was a choir of children.  A sign on the steps, standing next to an old hat, read "Help Save Our School's Music Program."

"I'm dreaming of a white Christmas, just like the ones I used to know..."  they sang.

I felt myself remember last Christmas.  I was back home, everyone was around me, laughing, having a great time.  Everything was peaceful, calm, bright.  Everything was right.

I pulled out my few remaining dollars and tossed it into the hat.  I looked up and the music director smiled at me.  I smiled back, then continued walking.

I didn't want to endanger anyone ever again.

And folks dressed up like Eskimos...

"I will never understand some of your people's customs."  I declared to Jane.

"Don't worry." she said, pulling my arm close to her.  "I'll teach you all about it."

The next few hours were most definitely a culture shock.  There were a great many things to learn about this Midgard winter festival, this Christmas.  Structures and people constructed of gingerbread, pine trees and houses decorated with lights and ornaments, Christmas carols and gift-giving.  We walked down the streets of her small town, gazing at the twinkling lights as she explained the different aspects of this unique tradition on this realm.

We stopped in front of her van.  She opened the door and we both walked inside.

The van was all decorated in red and green, the two colors I learned were associated with this holiday.  There were red and green napkins on the table, red and green ribbons tying back the curtains, red and green sheets on the bed.  The entire van was a red and green wonderland.

She stood next to me and looked up.  I followed her gaze and saw a bunch of white berries surrounded by round green leaves.  It hung from a red ribbon tied onto a hook.

"What is that?"  I asked.

"Mistletoe."  Jane said.  "And here's what you do with it."

She grabbed me and pressed my lips to hers.  I placed my hands on her back as we kissed.

"I think I like this tradition."  I said.  She giggled and leaned back in for another kiss.

Although it's been said many times, many ways...

I walked down the corridor toward the break room.  I was alone.

I heard a sound from behind me.  Someone dropping down from the ceiling, then starting to walk fast toward me.  I stopped and turned around.

"Good to see you aren't getting soft, Natasha."  Clint said.

I smacked him on the shoulder when he laughed.  "It's not funny."

"Really?  Because I think it's hilarious."

"Well that just shows how little you know about comedy."

We walked into the break room.  There were banners and decorations everywhere.  They even managed to get a Christmas tree, with lights and ornaments.  All the agents were gathered there, milling about, sipping punch and talking with each other.

"Barton!  Romanoff!  You finally made it!"   Coulson said, walking up with a glass of punch in each hand.  We took them as he led us toward the tree.  "We're just about to start the gift exchange."

Everyone took turns giving each other gifts.  There was gift wrap being torn, ribbon flying and lots of laughter.  I handed Clint a small bag.  He took out the tissue paper and held up the dart gun.  We laughed.

"Thanks."  he said, chuckling.  He handed me a small package.  "Here's your gift."

I tore the wrapping paper and opened the small box.  Inside was a red hourglass pendant held on by a silver chain.

"It's beautiful."

"You like it?"

"I love it.  Thank you."  I put my arms around him.  He flinched a little bit, then embraced me.

Merry Christmas to you.

So, Yeah...

Hey guys.

I bet you're wondering, "Why does everything look so different around here?"  Well, truth be told, this is a new Lightning Striking Through A Pen.  The old blog is gone and this is where it starts.

The main reason I changed the blog so much is because I wanted a fresh start.  I learned a good few lessons in the time I worked on the old blog:

1. Work on one project at a time.

2. Write consistently.

3. Don't worry too much.

Hopefully, this will work out better for me, and for my output.  I'll be posting some of the old stuff back on here eventually, but let's all get ready for a fresh new start.  Here we go!

Lightningthief9