“The board of directors has already met this morning and has decided that the school will close for the remainder of the calendar year. We must take this time as a school, as a city, and as a community to count our losses and properly grieve. Many of you have lost friends or family members so you must take this time to come to terms with the events that have come to pass. We can only hope that in the coming months some of our students will be found and will return to us. We must believe that they have not all been lost!” Professor Larkspur growled.

He took a moment to pause and scan the room with his scarred face and every student held their breath as his weighted gaze came to rest on each of them.

“After the New Year the school will reopen,” he continued. “Only those that wish to return are asked to come back. Each of you will be given your three year diploma upon leaving today, and the school wishes all of you the best of luck in whatever you choose to pursue.”

“To those of you who wish to return, report to this amphitheater at 8 am on the first Monday of January.” Professor Larkspur paused again. His one working eye slowly scanned the room. “If you choose to come back, be prepared to fight and lay down your life in defense of your kingdom if need be.”

“Lastly, I will be collecting all of the PokéNavs before you leave. To those of you who return in January you will get it back.” He looked around the room and bowed deeply, Zach and Melanie mirroring him. “I am so thankful that each of you returned safely. I ask you to take everything into consideration before you decide whether to return or not. To those of you that I will not see again, please stay safe. You’re all dismissed.”

Everyone got up to leave and began to make their way to the door. Professor Larkspur looked in the direction of Tommy and his friends. “You five, don’t go anywhere yet.”

Once all of the PokéNavs had been swapped for diplomas and the other students had left, Professor Larkspur made his way over to where Tommy was sitting. He stood in front of Tommy and unclipped a Pokéball from his belt, tossing it wordlessly onto the ground. A Steelix bellowed loudly, shaking the entire room as it emerged from its Pokéball. The great metal snake uncoiled itself, taking up the majority of the free space around the stage, and it looked around the room at each human, eventually locking its gleaming red eyes with Tommy’s.

Tommy heard Nessa, Ashley, and Spencer yell in protest as the behemoth quickly darted its head towards him, but both he and Professor Larkspur watched unconcerned as Steelix stopped mere centimeters in front of his face. He smiled and extended his hand, running it along the cool metal plates that made up Steelix’s hide. The Pokémon closed its eyes and rumbled contentedly.

“Unbelievable,” Melanie breathed as she watched in amazement.

Tommy looked over at Professor Larkspur who was watching the interaction with interest. After a moment, the the man recalled his Steelix back to its Pokéball and crouched down in front of Tommy.

“I’m sorry,” Professor Larkspur said to him.

“For what?” He asked his teacher.

“I told Hemlock about you, the day of your first match with Solosis,” Larkspur said. “I watched the entire interaction that you had with that Pokémon in the locker room. I knew you were special from that first moment and excitedly told her to keep an eye on you in class. I only wish I had known of this Team Rocket and that they had already infiltrated the school by that point, I would have said nothing to the traitorous bitch.”

“You have nothing to apologize for because it ended up not mattering either way,” Tommy shrugged nonchalantly. He was trying his best to hold himself together now that the adrenaline had worn off and the reality of last night’s events was settling in. “I was betrayed by my best friend. She works for Team Rocket too.”

“Yes, the principal told me the story. Aubrey Ryker,” Larkspur shook his head. “It hurts, does it not?”

Tommy closed his eyes and tried to blink away the tears that were forming as he thought of her betrayal. “She was my sister. I would have laid my life down for her.”

“Yes, I know you would have,” Professor Larkspur smiled wistfully. “I spoke with the principal, he said that you could think of nothing that you wanted. Nothing that you needed.”

Tommy shook his head.

“I have something that you need,” Professor Larkspur stood and grabbed another Pokéball from off his belt. He tossed it on the ground and tears of joy escaped from the corners of Tommy’s eyes as Solosis came out of the Pokéball. The little guy looked around and warbled happily upon spying his one time trainer. He bounded over and jumped into Tommy’s hands.

“Thank you,” Tommy said, grinning madly as he looked up at Professor Larkspur.

“Think nothing of it. The two of you belong together,” he said. He flexed his massive arms and shattered Solosis’ Pokéball into halves. “All that is left is for you to catch him now.”

Tommy set Solosis gently on the ground and unclipped one of the two empty Pokéballs from his belt. “Will you come with me?”

Solosis trilled happily, bouncing up and down and Tommy tossed the Pokéball at the little green blob. It wiggled once and then settled unmoving on the floor.

“Congratulations, Mr. Hartford,” Professor Larkspur said. “Solosis will make a fine companion.”

From the row behind Tommy, Max stood and grabbed his bag, throwing it onto his back. He unhooked the PokéNav from his wrist and presented it to Professor Larkspur.

“Get him his degree,” the Professor said to Zach.

“Don’t bother,” Max said. “I’ll be back in January to finish what I started. Let’s go Spencer.”

Spencer followed suit, grabbing his things and shedding his own PokéNav. He paused before leaving to clasp forearms with Tommy, “It’s been… exciting?”

Tommy laughed. “Thank you Spencer, and you too Max. I wouldn’t be sitting here if it weren’t for the two of you.”

Max turned back around to stare at Tommy, “I refuse to lose to you or anyone else. Train hard for next year.”

Tommy nodded his head and watched as Spencer and Max left without their diplomas.

“You three should get going too. Your families will be worried,” Professor Larkspur said. “I expect to see the three of you back in January.”

Tommy nodded but wondered how he would be able to convince his mother to let him return. Something to worry about another day he supposed, he was just thankful to be home when so many others didn’t make it.

Nessa wheeled him across the sprawling campus to the front building of the school, Ashley walking beside him. They walked inside and he was filled with sorrow when he saw all of the parents of students crying or arguing with school staff members. Through the cacophony of shouts he heard many of them begging for their missing children or clamoring to unenroll their younger children from the school.

“Mom!” He called across the room. He saw her yelling at one of the school receptionists, his dad holding Tori and trying to stay out of the way of the tempest that was Mom.

Tommy smiled as his mom raced over to where he was and wrapped him tightly in a hug. She sobbed into his shoulder and he rubbed her back as she held him tightly. She pulled Nessa and Ashley into the hug as well before the two girls went to go find their mothers.

Tori ran up to him next and he grunted in pain as she bumped into his foot.

“Sorry, Tommy!” She yelled as she jumped onto his lap and cried into his shirt. He gripped her tightly, squeezing her as hard as he could.

Dad came over and kissed him on the head then got behind the wheelchair and pushed them out of the lobby into the overcrowded parking lot. He went to grab the car and everyone loaded in when he was eventually able to bring it around. Dad tossed the wheelchair into the bed of the truck and the four of them started the drive back to the ranch.

Mom and Dad wanted to know everything that happened but Tommy convinced them to wait until tomorrow. He had relived the story three times already and was tired; he just wanted to go home and sleep for the entire day.

The truck pulled up to the house and he was helped inside by his father. His mother forced him to the table and made him eat some eggs and bacon and gave him a handful of pills. He was hungrier than he thought and ate a bunch of food, then his dad helped him over to the couch. His room was on the second floor and he didn’t feel like trying to tackle the stairs today. His mother put a blanket over him and Tori brought him his Pokémon egg which he cradled in his arms. He fell asleep in no time at all.

Tommy ended up sleeping the majority of the day and night and the following morning his parents forced the story out of him, refusing to take no for an answer. He told them everything that had happened to him on the trip, leaving out only two details; that Aubrey had been the one to betray him and that Team Rocket’s goal was to try and kidnap him.

“You’re never going back to that school,” his mother said and Tommy just smiled at her and nodded. October had just started, he had the next three months off, and he didn’t feel like arguing with her yet; it wasn’t time.

The days turned to weeks and his leg slowly began to feel better and stronger. He went to the Pokémon Center for weekly check ups with Nurse Joy and she assured him that his leg was on track to heal properly.

By the end of October he had switched to crutches and by the end of November he was down to just wearing a boot. It didn’t hurt much anymore, and he was starting to be able to put weight on it and walk around.

Ashley and Nessa had come out to the ranch and visited him a few times but he felt bad because he wasn’t able to move around and all they could do was sit around and watch television. The two girls didn’t seem to mind though, they brought their Pokémon eggs whenever they came over and kept him company which he was grateful for because his mom and sister were driving him crazy with their constant fussing and doting.

Houndour, Yanma, and Solosis had spent the last two months out of their Pokéballs but Tommy hadn’t been able to train with them at all because of his leg. He was worried that he was now even further behind everyone else than he had been two months ago.

So when December came and he was down to just a boot, he headed out into the backyard to get started training again. He spent the morning training his Pokémon, running them through their moves and he was pleased that they hadn’t regressed at all.

He hadn’t been able to keep up with his journal like he wanted to and he also hadn’t wanted to ask his dad to do it for him. So for the first time in two months Tommy headed into the barn and measured his Pokémon. He was astounded at the results and recorded them.

Houndour (Female)

Age: 7 Months

Height: 0.7 meters

Weight: 12 kilograms

Power Level: 9

Ability: ???

Known Moves: Leer, Ember, Howl, Thunder Fang, Smog

Yanma (Male)

Age: 8 Months

Height: 1.2 meters

Weight: 40 kilograms

Power Level: 8

Ability: Speed Boost

Known Moves: Tackle, Foresight, Quick Attack

He wasn’t sure on their exact Power Level but neither of them had learned the next move that they were supposed to according to what he remembered from his PokéNav, so he just raised both of their levels by a small amount. Whenever they learned their next moves he would update their move set and then know their exact Power Level.

For the first time ever he also measured Solosis and recorded his information into the journal.

Solosis (Male)

Age: 10 Months

Height: 0.3 meters

Weight: 1 kilogram

Power Level: 10

Ability: Regenerator

Known Moves: Acid Armor, Protect, Confusion, Recover, Endeavor

After finishing up he felt pretty winded so decided to make his way inside. He came face to face with his mother and as he tried to limp past her she moved to block his way.

“What were you doing out there?” Mom asked. Her arms were folded across her chest and she wore a scowl on her face.

Tommy sighed and decided it was time to square up against her; from the corner of his eye, he saw his dad watching the exchange from the kitchen. “I was training my Pokémon. We’re out of shape after not doing anything for the past two months.”

Mom shook her head. “Why bother? You aren’t going back. That school can’t protect you or any of its other students.”

“Maybe not,” Tommy shrugged. “But I can help protect the school. I can help protect the futures of the younger students. I will stop Team Rocket, they’ve made this personal.”

“No!” His mother started to raise her voice. “You could die! What if Team Rocket attacks again?”

“Mom…” He said slowly. He gripped her shoulders gently, trying to convey his feelings to her. “I’m going back, even if you don’t want me to. I already told you that I’m going to be a Pokémon trainer, and there’s no better place to get my education.”

Mom’s eyes started to turn red, “But what about me? What about our family! We aren’t a family without you Tommy! You’ll be in danger if you go back!”

He sighed and decided it was time to finally tell the truth, “I’ll be in danger even if I don’t go back. Team Rocket tried to kidnap me, I was always their objective. I just didn’t tell you and Dad back in October. It’s only a matter of time until they find me again and I need to be strong enough to protect you and Tori.”

“You were almost kidnapped by those psychos?” Mom covered her mouth with her hands. “Why didn’t you tell us?”

“Because I didn’t want this,” Tommy spread his arms. “I love you, and don't want you to worry about me. I also knew you would try to stop me. But I have to get strong enough to defend myself or next time they find me I will be kidnapped. The only reason I wasn’t abducted was because of my friends. I’m not strong enough.”

Mom wrapped her arms around his waist and started sobbing. He squeezed her back and let her cry for a little bit. After a couple of minutes she wiped her eyes and then kissed him on the cheek. She went into the kitchen and started cooking lunch.

Tommy exhaled and smiled to himself. He had gotten his feelings across to her, now he just needed to get back in shape for next month. He knew he was far behind, Max and Spencer had probably been training with every ounce of strength they could muster over these past two months. Tommy could only hope that there was something he could do to catch up.

He felt a hand come to rest on his shoulder and looked back to see his father behind him. “You did good standing up to her, I’m proud of you son.”

Tommy smiled, “Thanks Dad. If only I was as confident as I sounded. Two months off and I know how far behind I am. I’m going to have to train extra hard this next month.”

“Maybe that’s something I can help with?” His father smiled through his beard.

“You’ll help me train?” Tommy looked at his father shocked.

“For a bit,” Dad said. “Until I’m called away.”

“What do you mean called away?” Tommy asked. “You’re leaving?”

“Let’s eat,” Dad nodded at mom who was setting the table. “Then we’ll start our training tomorrow.”

The next morning Tommy was awoken by his father. He had been sleeping in later since he was excused from his chores and his dad came and woke him after doing all of the work on the ranch.

Tommy dragged himself out of bed and followed his father outside, his Pokémon following closely behind.

“How is your leg?” Dad asked, as they walked past the corral to the pond where Tommy normally fished. “Does it hurt? Be honest.”

“It doesn’t hurt much anymore,” Tommy replied. “But every once in a while I can still feel it. Like a phantom pain almost.”

“Well, promise me that you’ll take your time,” Dad instructed. “Ease yourself back in and don’t go overboard. Maybe just spend this next month walking. No running or biking yet.”

“Sure, better safe than sorry,” Tommy agreed. They walked out past the pond, up the hill where Tommy had first battled Houndour.

“So how is your weapon handling?” Dad asked. “I remember you telling me last year that you were learning how to use a spear. Do you still remember anything that the school taught you?”

Tommy shook his head. “I doubt it, it’s been well over a year since I touched one and they didn’t really teach us a whole lot in the first place. Just a few basic steps and thrusts.”

Dad produced two collapsible rods from a satchel on his belt and handed one of them to Tommy. He unfolded the rod into a meter long staff and ran his hands along the metal, admiring the craftsmanship. “I can tell this is really nice.”

“Titanium,” his father said. “Hollow in the middle. Lightweight, yet durable. There aren’t any weapons that will let you fend off a rampaging Pokémon but at least you can attempt to defend yourself from one with this. Plus it will help you square off against those Team Rocket thugs.”

“Thank you,” Tommy said.

“Alright, run through your drills,” his dad said. “Everything you remember.”

Tommy started handling the staff, spinning it, thrusting it, and raising it high and low to fend off imaginary attacks. His father circled him the entire time, pointing out a multitude of inconsistencies in his form and constantly correcting his stance and posture. It was clear just how little he knew, and he was out of breath after less than five minutes. A combination of being out of shape and not handling any weapon for the past year left him gasping for air.

“Well, it’s passable. You’re clearly out of practice, but it looked to me like once you started you remembered more than you thought you would.” Dad said. “Make sure you start practicing everyday again. Nothing strenuous though until you go back to school next month, just walk through your forms.”

Tommy was sitting in the grass gasping for air so he just nodded his head, acknowledging the words of his father.

Dad unclipped a Pokéball from his belt and readied to throw it, “Now for some Pokémon training.”

He tossed the Pokéball and a gleaming red Scizor appeared in the grass between Tommy and his father. He sharpened his jagged pincers against one another and let out a piercing screech. Tommy stared awestruck at the bug from down on the ground. Scizor’s red carapace sparkled in the morning sun and each scar he bore proudly like a badge of honor. His eyes regarded Tommy and his Pokémon with a mixture of intrigue and aloofness.

“I can’t believe it’s true,” He said excitedly to his dad. “You actually were a trainer, just like Mom said. How strong were you?”

“I would say I was fairly strong,” Dad grinned and answered cryptically. “But it’s been a long time since I’ve done any fighting.”

“Which of my Pokémon should I fight with first?” Tommy asked his father.

“All of them at once,” Dad said. He nodded at Scizor who immediately created hundreds of copies of himself using Double Team. “Here he comes!”

The countless copies all charged in Tommy’s direction before he had the chance to spread his Pokémon out. His team was overwhelmed in an instant, clone after clone battering into them, until eventually Solosis was struck by the real Scizor. He fainted in one hit.

“One down,” Dad smiled.

To say that Scizor was overpowered would be an understatement. Tommy could only look on helplessly as Houndour, Yanma, and Solosis were battered unconscious and revived again and again. No matter what he did, no matter what moves he called for, his Pokémon were toyed with mercilessly. Not even Yanma, who speed boosted himself over and over again, was able to dodge Scizor even a single time. The brutality lasted all morning, his father showing no mercy and offering Tommy no advice.

When the sun reached its highest point in the sky something different finally happened. Scizor had just knocked out Tommy’s Pokémon for what felt like the hundredth time but instead of backing off to let Tommy revive his Pokémon, Scizor shimmered in the early afternoon sunlight and disappeared.

Tommy took a step forward towards his Pokémon but quickly stopped when he felt jagged steel pressed to his throat. Scizor appeared right in front of him and clamped down with his gleaming red claw. The Pokémon tilted its head sideways, analyzing Tommy with its multifaceted yellow eyes, and slowly tightened his claw, crushing Tommy’s windpipe.

A cold sweat broke out on Tommy’s forehead as he felt blood begin to drip down his neck. This was the first time that he could think of where he was actually attacked by a Pokémon. He slapped futilely at the metal claw; feeling was leaving his extremities and there was a steadily increasing pounding in the back of his head. He couldn’t take in a breath, Scizor was crushing the life from him, and the edges of his vision were beginning to fade out.

“Enough,” Dad called. The metal bug released Tommy from its vice and he collapsed to the ground, gasping for breath. He blushed, embarrassed, as he realized the front of his pants were wet.

His father walked over to where he sat heaving on the ground and easily lifted him to his feet. “That would never happen in an official match. But the fights that lie ahead of you won’t be official matches. Never forget that your life can be snuffed out in an instant; your life is insignificant in front of the unstoppable power of a Pokémon. This is why you must train your body to always be ready, and your senses to be constantly alert.”

Tommy collapsed back to the ground when his dad let go of him. His legs shook and he felt completely numb and powerless. Dad recalled Scizor to its Pokéball and then headed back towards the house without looking back.