Pokemon - Evil Reborn

After Story 1 - Mighty Mega Evolution

Nelly and I were walking along beside the riverbank, underneath the big bridge linking the two sides. The shadows it cast were cool in contrast to the blazing Sun, and it felt nice to walk around without a care. There were fishermen casting their lines into the river, kids playing in the park and couples sitting together on benches. People were just walking around, enjoying their time in the beautiful weather.

"This is nice." Nelly smiled, squeezing my hand.

"Yeah." I nodded. "I really like it here."

"Oh, hey, look over there."

I followed her finger and looked over towards the football pitch. Sure enough, there were four familiar faces running on the grass. Ryan, Torch, Gazelle and Nero. Almost at the same time that I spotted them, they all turned to see me. They waved and we waved back, changing course to go and talk to them.

We walked past the post and stood at the edge of the pitch as Torch slammed his foot into the ball. Nero threw his little body as far as it would go, and his fingers clawed at the shot, causing it to lose most of its momentum. The keeper hit the ground and rolled over to see that the ball was still bouncing towards the goal. He scrabbled to his feet, but wouldn't make it in time. Then out of nowhere, Gazelle rushed onto the scene, flinging himself across the line and acrobatically kicking the ball away before it went in. It spiralled through the air a long way, and Ryan brought up his leg, bringing it under control as if the ball had stuck to his foot.

"Nice moves." I commented to all of them.

"Hey, guys!" Nero smiled.

"Long time no see." Ryan flicked the ball up. Torch caught it and carried it under his arm.

"Yeah, seems like we all owe you one." The red-haired boy laughed.

"We'd be goners if it wasn't for you." Gazelle took my hand and I pulled him up.

"Really guys, it's ok, honestly." I shook my head.

"Well, still, thanks." Ryan nodded.

"Congratulations on the engagement – again." Nero looked from me, to Nelly and back. "I saw it on the news."

"Oh, th-thank you." Nelly smiled.

"How are you guys?" I asked. "Been training hard?"

"You know it!" Torch smirked.

The other three smiled at each other and laughed. Their spirits were certainly high.

There was the sound of footsteps coming down the stone stairs by the benches. I looked up to see Victor Blayde coming towards us, his cape-like jacket fluttering gently in the breeze. The footballers became tense. The last time they had seen Victor, he had injured Nero and caused them a lot of trouble. Of course, it had never been his intention.

"Hey! It's him!" Torch frowned.

"Ohh..." Nero shuffled behind Gazelle.

"It's all right..." Gazelle held out a hand as if to protect him.

Victor seemed sad at the sight of the hostility as he came up to me.

"Hey, Victor."

"Hi, Toby. Nelly." He nodded.

"You're friends with this guy?" Ryan asked.

"Yeah. Guys, listen, Victor never meant to hurt any of you." I began.

"It's true." Victor nodded. "I'm so sorry, everyone. I was taking orders, and I was upset... I really do apologise."

He walked over to Nero and smiled. "I mean it. I'm sorry I hurt you."