Bonds | Pokémon Fanfiction

Chapter 13: Abnormal

CHAPTER THIRTEEN: ABNORMAL

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A member of the onlooking crowd watched the petrifying scene unfold silently. He leaned forward in interest when the Blizzard attack hit the Trainers and held his breath. Seconds akin to hours passed, and the two teenagers emerged.

The cameras zoomed in: both parties had collapsed.

"The battle is over," Bailey informed, her nervous voice falling on deaf ears as the audience yelled in alarm. "Dewey Evans and Tony Chavez are disqualified for harming other Trainers. An update on Alice and Ken Bristow will be broadcasted later."

The public's cries only heightened in volume and intensity. Except for him, of course. He exited the chaotic stands and fished his phone from his pocket once alone in a dimly lit hallway. His empty bag dug into his side.

"Hello," he greeted once the recipient of his call picked up. "I did as I was told, and I believe I discovered the Listener..."

* * *

When enclosed in a cloak of ice, one would think it'd feel cold. Freezing. Numbing. Wintry.

But why did Ken burn as if he were on fire?

Instead of having snow enwrap him in an icy hug, flames burst from his chest and rushed through every fiber of his being. He whimpered in pain as heat seemingly blistered his skin and ate away at him from the inside out.

A lifetime passed until the burning sensation died off, residing in the area below his clavicles. Shaky breath in, shaky breath out. He swore he heard sizzling in his ears. Shaky breath in, shaky breath out. The sizzling ceased.

Summoning all his strength, Ken finally opened his eyes. Indigo hues stared up at a tiled ceiling. Sweat trickled down his forehead. His brows furrowed as the scents of plastic and sanitizers met his nose instead of smoke and blood. He quickly scanned the room and found nothing more than dull gray furniture, an old TV set, and medical equipment.

Ken's inner critique of the place discontinued as another heat wave washed over him. A sharp cry escaped his lips and tears pricked the corners of his eyes. He hissed through clenched teeth and clutched his hand to his chest. His fingers came in contact with the amulet and, to his shock, the gemstone was emanating heat.

Stop! he internally yelled.

The fire retreated from his body and crept into the ornament instantaneously. Ken breathed in relief. He didn't think it would work. Calming his breathing, he picked up the turquoise-colored jewel and his jaw dropped. The center was glowing gold.

The door swung open, and a woman dressed in dusty blue scrubs walked in. He quickly shoved the amulet under his shirt and sat up.

The nurse greeted, "Glad to see you're awake."

"What happened?" Ken demanded.

"A miracle happened," she replied. Her nametag read 'Leila'. "You took a Blizzard attack from a Mamoswine then came out without any major injuries." She paused. "Before we move on, you need to tell me how you're feeling right now."

Ken's patience was tested as he obliged to Nurse Leila's check-up routine. She moved too slowly for his liking. He drummed his fingers alongside the hospital bed and bounced his leg the entire time.

After a long pause of looking between Ken and her clipboard, Leila announced, "And we're finished. That wasn't so bad, right? Go ahead and ask your questions."