A Late Start

Recovery

"So, Alexis. How was your battle with Cheren?" The reporter began.
"It was a tough battle, Silas and I had been planning for it all week and I couldn't be more proud of the outcome."
"And what about that crazy bonus round? Surely you couldn't have been prepared for that."
"You're right, I had no idea that was coming. Silas gave it everything he had, even if we lost it in the end."
"You pulled a pretty slick move, using your Eevee's speed to blow away that dust storm inhibiting your vision."
"To be honest. That was just a long shot I came up with on the spot. I'm glad it worked as well as it did," I couldn't help but sigh at how ridiculous I sounded.
"How is your Eevee holding up after the challenge?"
"He's exhausted, he gave his all during the challenge. Plus I think he hurt his leg, I'm going to take him to the centre in Floccessy as soon as possible."
"If he's as worn out as you say, how come you're still holding him, shouldn't you recall him and let him rest?"
"Silas hates being in his Pokeball, I promised him that I wouldn't recall him unless it was absolutely necessary."
"If you never recall your pokemon, how has no one seen him in the 5 years you've been training?"
"Ahaha. You see, that's actually a funny story." I let out a forced laugh while scratching the back of my head. "I, uh. I haven't been training for 5 years. I only became a pokemon trainer a couple months ago."
"Wait, you've only been training a few months? Then where did your reputation come from?"
"Honestly? I have no idea. I've been studying under Cheren for five years now, I guess at some point people started seeing how much I would study and started asking me for advice every now and then. One thing led to another and I guess I must've become this figure of renown around the classroom. Then when Ethan got his Basic badge and gave me that shoutout my name got out and rumours started to spread."
"And what of your title? As the Ace of Aspertia?"
"I'd never heard of it until you called me that earlier today, but if the trainers here want me to be their ace. Then I swear that I'll put our name on the map. I'LL TAKE ASPERTIA CITY ALL THE WAY TO THE TOP!" I gave a fist pump as I shouted that last statement.
"Big words from a novice trainer, but given your performance today, I think you've earned the right to brag a little. One final question, before you go. Is there anyone in the audience that you'd like to dedicate your victory to today?"
"Well, I think, most importantly I have to thank my best friend, Ethan, he's the only reason I even took the gym challenge at all. Not to mention, my mom, for giving me the ability to become a pokemon trainer in the first place. Finally, I'd like to thank all my fellow students and trainers alike from right here in Aspertia City, for believing in me and for gathering here today to watch our battle."
"Well, there you have it folks challenger Alexis Evans, the Ace of Aspertia. Most recent challenger of Aspertia City pokemon gym and holder of the basic badge." I walked off while the reporter finished his sign off routine.

I met up with Ethan, mom and Lucy on the sidelines of the arena.
"Yo Lexi, that battle was AWESOME!" Ethan burst out, taking my hand firmly in his.
"I guess you're some kind of a local celebrity now, kiddo," Mom chimed in.
"Yeah, I guess so," I chuckled.
"Ee voi," Silas groaned.
"Yes bud, we both are."
"Silas looks kinda rough, you should probably get him to the Pokemon Centre," Ethan said, looking down at the silver fox in my arms.
"Yeah, you know him. Always putting 100% into everything he does."
"It would do you both good to discipline yourselves, sometimes strength alone just isn't enough." Lucy finally cast her hat in the ring.
"Yeah, Cheren told me something similar, something about refining our competitive spirit."
"A wise man. It's solid advice, you would do well to heed it."
"Riuuuu" Erah shouted from Lucy's shoulder.
"What's gotten into the little guy?" I asked
"He's a little excited after the battle." She then said something in her natural tongue, addressing Erah directly.
"You enjoy yourself hey Erah?" The Riolu trilled back at me before nestling back up to its mother. After our talk we all split up, Ethan and I took Silas to the pokemon centre in Floccessy while Mom and Lucy went home with Erah.
When we arrived in Floccessy we were greeted at the door by one of the nurses.
"Ah, the girl with the Silver Eevee, I just saw your battle. I was wondering when you'd show up." The young girl seemed oddly cheerful.
"So that really was live then? I know the reporter SAID it was live, but you never know with those guys." I suddenly felt very embarrassed to be here.
"Yep, it sure was, Ace of Aspertia." She said it sarcastically, but I was really starting to get tired of that nickname.
"Well, do you think you could check out my Eevee? I'm pretty sure he just needs a recharge, but he did hurt his ankle during the fight. Just want to make sure it's not anything bad."
"Oh, certainly, bring him out the back, we'll get him checked out for you lickity split." The girl ushered us through into one of the rooms in the back. I handed Silas to her once we were seated in the waiting room.
"So, what next?" Ethan asked quietly while we waited.
"Don't we have a tournament to win?"
"Well, yeah. But what if Silas isn't fit for battle in 3 days. You did say he hurt his ankle."
"Yeah, but I doubt it's serious, he had a bit of a limp, and it affected his stance, but otherwise he seemed fine."
"And you still let him go through with that third round?"
"Well, it's more like he insisted. You know what he's like when it comes to battling."
"Yeah, He is kinda headstrong isn't he?"
"Always has been."
"You really should learn to rein him in though, otherwise you're going to end up back here after every battle."
"Wouldn't be such a problem if they'd just fix the centre in Aspertia already."
"Yeah, I guess that's true. But you do know we won't be just in Aspertia forever right?"
"Of course, I know that. But we both have to go through Virbank City first. Then it's off to the mainland."
"Ahh, Castelia city, remember when we passed through there with Professor Juniper?"
"How could I forget? It's so much bigger than Aspertia, next time we go there we've totally gotta try one of their trademarked Castelia cones."
"100% agree with you there. But first, we gotta get through Roxie." Our conversation was interrupted by a loud ding.
"Your Eevee is all recharged and it looks like the damage to its ankle is purely superficial, nothing more than a minor sprain, try to keep him off of it for a day or two and he should be fine." The nurse from earlier came back into the waiting room, a much happier looking Silas in her arms.
"He behave himself this time?" I queried.
"He was much friendlier today, perhaps due to his weakened state, or because his trainer wasn't in danger this time."
"Eheh, you remember that huh?" I blushed a little.
"Of course I do, It's not every day something like that shows up in one of our centres."
"Well, thanks so much for all the help."
"It's no problem, really. It's what we're here for." I took Silas back from the nurse and we headed back into the lobby.
"Oh hey, wait up, while we're here." I ran up to the sales counter. "Um, excuse me, I'd like to collect my Pokemon trainer starter pack please." The store clerk looked up from their desk.
"Say, aren't you the girl that just took on the gym in Aspertia?"
"Uh, yeah. That was me."
"How on earth do you already have a gym badge but you haven't claimed your starter kit yet?"
"I uh, just never got around to it."
"I'll just need to see your trainer ID so I can mark it off as claimed."
"Oh, sure thing," I pulled my Pokedex out from my bag and popped my license out from the back slot and handed it to the clerk. He gave it a quick stamp with a machine on his desk and handed it back to me. I quickly returned it to my dex and slid the contraption back into my bag.
"Alright, here you go," the man handed me a small black case "5 pokeballs and 5 potions, as standard for all new trainers."
"Thanks for that, alright, Ethan, let's head back to Aspertia." We both left the centre on our way back home.

I split up from Ethan when we got back into town and went home. I pushed the door open to find mom inside with Lucy,
"Ah, you're back. How's Silas?" Mom asked when I set my bag down on the table.
"Eevoi!" Silas chirped before I could respond.
"He certainly seems more cheerful. How come you're still carrying him?"
"The nurse said that he's sprained his ankle. I'm supposed to keep him off his leg for a day or so."
"Ah, well then I guess that makes sense."
"Alexis. May I speak to you for a moment? In private." Lucy cut in, standing near the base of the stairs.
"Oh, uh. Sure, you wanna meet up in my room?"
"That will do fine, please come up as quick as you can." I met Lucy upstairs a few minutes later. She pushed the door shut behind me.
"What's going on Lucy? Is everything okay?" She was avoiding eye contact with me.
"It's about Erah..." She was almost mumbling.
"Did something happen to him?"
"Not, exactly. He's fine."
"Then what's going on?"
"Erah. He saw the way you and the Eevee battled at the gym."
"I know, you said it was his first time seeing a real battle right?"
"Yes. But something. Unexpected came from it."
"Lucy... you're stalling, you don't have to be afraid of me if that's what it is."
"It's not that, The thing is. Erah, he wants to. To join your team."
"Wait, what?"
"He saw you battle and decided he wants to be a part of it. He wants to join you and Silas on your journey."
"A.. are you okay with that, Lucy?"
"I'm not sure... He's still young, and you're inexperienced."
"Well, at least you're being honest. What do you want to do about it then?" I sat down on my bed and looked up at her.
"I don't wish to deny him, He's old enough now that he should be able to at least take care of himself. But I need to be sure he's going to be safe with you."
"Alright. How can I help reassure you?"
"You have a tournament coming up no?"
"Uh, yeah, me and Ethan are entering in doubles."
"Take him with you, I'll make my decision at the end of it."
"Alright, can I at least have some time to practice with him and work out some strategy?"
"Very well, consider this a probationary period, I'll trust him to your care until further notice."
"I promise I'll take good care of him."
"You'd better. Treat him like he's one of your own pokemon, from this moment forth, he's your team member. Unless I see something disconcerting then I'm calling it off."
"I understand, Lucy. Guess we should head downstairs and tell him then?"
"That would be best. Your responsibilities start immediately."
"Jeez, no pressure or anything."
"No. There is very much pressure, do not underestimate the situation." I felt a cold sweat roll down my back as I made my way back downstairs. Erah and Silas seemed to be having a conversation while we were away. I walked over to them and crouched down.
"So, Erah. Lucy tells me that you want to come with us for a little while?" The small blue pokemon looked up at me with a sparkle in its eye. "Well, it might just be your lucky day, Lucy's agreed to let me train you and if everything goes well, you can come with us on our journey." Erah started doing a happy dance around my feet. I pulled the case I got at the pokemon centre out of my bag and plucked out one of the fresh Pokeballs.
"Guess It's a good thing I picked this up today. You're sure about this Lucy?" She gave a patient nod. I primed the Pokeball and held it out for Erah. "Alright little guy, this may feel a little odd." I tapped the sphere to his forehead and a bright red light pulled him inside the ball. It twitched a few times in my hand, before letting out a pinging sound accompanied by a flourish of white stars shooting from the button on the front of the ball.
"Welcome to the team, Erah."
"Just remember our deal." Lucy chimed in.
"I know, I know. I promise I won't let anything happen to him." I immediately released Erah from his ball and turned back to the table. "But first things first. Lunchtime."