Dreamer

Chapter 7: Kurai’s Test

The next day Ash and Misty walked together to the Aquarium. Misty held Ash’s hand happily and just smiled the moment they left his apartment. Ash felt tired from walking up two hours earlier than his normal time. The previous night he reset his alarm clock and also went to bed two hours earlier than his normal time, even with the same amount of hours of sleep Ash still feels tired because of other night activities.

Misty: You were always so tired in the mornings.

Ash: Well maybe I just need to get use to this.

As they approached the aquarium Ash felt a sense of dread near. He stopped and looked around and then carefully listened. He heard the sound people in an uproar near the aquarium.

Misty: Something wrong?

Ash: Yeah, lets head to the aquarium right away!

When they got there Lina was hiding behind her food stand while Gary was cornered by four uniformed men.

Lina: Gary be careful! Society Police have nearly zero tolerance!

Ash observed the scene, he concluded that someone found out that Gary wasn’t a student or tourist and actually recognized him from the day he challenged students at random.

Gary: Pah! I can handle this!

Gary reached for his pokemon belt and summoned one of his strongest.

Gary: Arcanine, help me.

The Society Police didn’t hesitate but became more cautions.

Police1: How dare you use pokemon like that! They aren’t meant to be use to fight people! I guess this is natural for a none student.

Gary: I may not be a student but I got enough skill to burn all you to a crisp.

A fight broke out with Gary using his Arcanine to defend against the Society Police. Within moments the fight was over as Gary the victor. The Society Police were out cold and not too singed from the fire.

Ash: Gary, are you okay?

Gary: I’m fine. I’ve been through worst. Lina how are you?

Lina: I’m okay but this isn’t good. They know your in the city, they’ll keep trying till they capture you.

Ash: Yeah, we have to get you to a safe spot before . . .

There was a strange voice behind everyone, it was clear but very strange.

Kurai: Before he is arrested? Society Police are very efficient you know. I don’t think you can hide forever.

Everyone turned and saw a man dressed in a black suit and shades standing a few feet from them.

Ash: Are you a detective or something?

Kurai: You could say that. Don’t worry, I’m not interested in Gary Oak. I’m just here to tell you, Ash Ketchum, something. Now listen, I will only say this once. Some prodigies can be found in this society but no all of them remember they are one. You maybe tested as to be one so I’d be careful if I were you.

Ash: Prodigies? But those are just some fairytale in children’s books.

Kurai: You’ll know what I’m talking about later. We’ll meet again.

Kurai left, walking away from the scene. Everyone did the same before the society police woke up and have another struggle with Gary. Lina’s shop was closed for the day and Ash called in absent. To be on the safe side, everyone regrouped at Ash’s apartment for the time being.

Gary: Exactly what are we going to do now? I can’t exactly stay here in this city as a hunted man.

Ash: So what is your purpose of staying here anyway?

Gary thought about it for a moment and smiled.

Gary: I came here to bring you back. That would mean bringing back your memories and our rivalry.

Ash smiled too, even with no memory he felt that it was a healthy rivalry that he shared with Gary. They must’ve been in hot competition with one another for years for it to be this close.

Lina: That guy in black gave me the creeps. I think he must’ve smoked a little too much grass.

Gary and Misty felt confused. They remembered what the man said but they didn’t understand how it could mean anything.

Ash: I’ll explain this one. In some children stories and I guess you can say urban legends it speaks about some gifted people called prodigies.

Misty: Isn’t that the mean of prodigy in itself?

Ash: Yeah it is but it’s different. The gifts that these prodigy people have are something supernatural. The gifts are abilities to do certain things, but since there are so many different type of stories its pretty much unclear which is the original.

Gary: What are the abilities?

Ash: Supernatural stuff like flying, zapping things with a finger, walking through walls, x-ray vision, so on. Then there’s the real meaning of prodigy of talented students in the society that are far more skillful then all the other students.

Misty: That’s kinda redundant if you ask me. Only smart and skillful people can get into this society of students and yet you tell me that in this city they are looking for even more gifted people?

Ash: I wouldn’t know. Remember I was “born” here. I have no memories of the outside world but if I could make a living in a place like this then maybe I’m a big gifted myself.

Gary and Misty stared at Ash annoyed by his comment. In the past they were annoyed but his cocky attitude, maybe he’s getting it back.

Gary: Oh hell, forget all this crazy things of prodigies and legends and what not! We just gotta help Ash get his memory back and things will be back like old times.

Gary looked at Lina and communicated through his eyes. He said in an emotional expression, “please help Ash.”

Gary: This society is too much for me. Makes me want to believe about the rumors I’ve been hearing.

Ash and Lina were curious about the rumors of PKMN Society, after all, they never got out of the city since they entered and wanted to know what the outside world thought.

Lina: What rumors?

Gary: There’s one where everyone here is trained to be mercenaries. Another one about brainwashing. Then there’s the classical, the person in charge here wants to wipe the world out and replace it with a perfect society that he created.

Ash: Talk about your farfetched rumors.

Ash wanted to laugh but what he heard today was bothering him. Kurai hinted that Ash was a prodigy and that he was going to be tested. The more Ash thought about the rumors the more he believed it.

*****

The third prodigy was dismissed from the Main Office, the city master becoming very impatient and frustrated with the inaccurate results that he received. He was anxious to meet someone that was able to decipher the writing on the slab of stone fully.

City Master: Kurai, call in the next prodigy to attempt to read this. I’m very curious about this writing and not knowing is driving me crazy.

Kurai: Don’t worry father. I’ll retrieve the next on the list.

City Master: Good. His name is Ash.

*****

In Ash’s apartment, everyone made themselves comfortable talking about what has been happening lately. All chats weren’t serious but some were also fun story telling. Ash relaxed on his coach never realizing how good a day off felt. Most of the time when he didn’t have to go to work and had a lot of free time he wanted to do something but now that Misty and Gary are around he felt the need to take it easy. These two knew him before and know everything about him. It would be great to learn more about himself through them and maybe he just might get his memories back. Misty often tells about stuff that they use to do and their routine in life together. Gary reminds Ash of his determination and focus in life, a goal that both want to reach but only one could claim. Lina has been very helpful to Ash since he was released and he felt some how connected to her, but it wasn’t the same way he felt connected to Misty, it was very different. Even with the morning conflict with the Society Police and Gary, everyone was able to relax.

Ash’s phone rang a few times before he was able to answer it.

Ash: Hello?

Kurai: Ash. I bet you remember this voice.

A sudden cold feeling engulfed Ash. He wasn’t frightened just surprised.

Kurai: Don’t bother asking how I got your number; just say we know everything about everyone here. Now listen, I want you to come to the south street park in one hour.

Ash: . . . why should I?

Suddenly Ash heard the sound of glass shattering. He turned to see Lina’s glass cup and Misty’s glass cup breaking right infront of them and spilling all over the floor.

Lina: What just happened?

Misty: Ash! Did you buy cheap glasses?

Confused how it happened Ash just agreed to Kurai’s request. He didn’t want to alarm his friends so he made up an excuse to leave.

Ash: I’m going to get some stain remover, be back in a while.

When Ash left Gary looked at the broken glass and then at the doorway, some how things just felt odd at that moment.

*****

Nearly an hour has passed and Ash quietly waited for Kurai to appear. Thoughts streamed through his mind about who he was. PKMN Society was well known for having one of the greatest safety and security within the city thanks to its Police system. Everyone that was allowed in was judged by his or her academic skills and personality as well, so hardly a bad egg would be in the city. Exactly what did this person want anyway, that was another confusing question that Ash couldn’t figure out. For one thing Ash isn’t exactly a wealthy type of guy, he also didn’t hold any valuable information because he has amnesia, and to top it all off he works in an aquarium.

Ash: What does he want from me?

Kurai appeared not too far away steal dressed up in the black suit.

Kurai: You’re early. Didn’t expect you to get here this early.

Ash: I guess you really don’t know me then.

Kurai stepped up to Ash and circled him, Ash stood confidently awaiting what Kurai had to say.

Kurai: I know what you’re thinking of, you’re wondering who am I and why I called you here. I bet you’re wondering if I’m after something of yours and you possible couldn’t figure out what though.

Ash: You can read minds?

Kurai chuckled then stop directly infront of Ash.

Kurai: If I could then I wouldn’t need to test you.

Ash questioned himself quickly, he wondered what test Kurai was talking about.

Kurai: Remember this. My name is Kurai, just Kurai nothing else.

Ash: Kurai? That means . . . black.

Kurai: Yeah it does. That’s all you need to know about me. Now I shall test to see if the information is right.

Ash didn’t ask, he didn’t want to get anymore confused then he already was. Something odd about Kurai, he just stood there in front of Ash and then got into a fighting like stance.

Ash: Why do you want to fight me? I’m not a fighter.

Kurai: I’m doing this in the name of research.

Kurai ran up to Ash and tried to deliver a swift left hook but Ash stopped Kurai’s attack effortlessly. Ash held onto Kurai’s wrist and then pushed him back.

Ash: . . . I don’t know really . . .

Everything seemed like instinct to Ash. His reflexes were fast and he detected moves before it was even performed. Ash wasn’t sure if he was just skillfully natural or if it had to do with his past. After a few more evasions and parries Ash thought that it could have been his past that made him this skillful.

Kurai: I expected no less from you. But time for level 2.

Ash sensed something dangerous near by. It had to be Kurai, nothing else around them and he changed his fighting style a bit. Kurai attacked at drastic speeds and Ash had to dodge quicker. Kurai rushed and slashed right at Ash in a frenzy of knife-edge chops and swinging attacks. Ash felt a cut on his cheek which forced him to kick Kurai back. Kurai stopped and stood watching Ash react to the scratch made on his face.

Kurai: You could have easily push me off but yet you rather not fight now look what you get.

Ash: Fighting is not a way of life. What is the meaning of this fight anyway? If there is no meaning then I will not fight.

Kurai: I told you ITS RESEARCH!!

Kurai got deadly serious as he raised his potential level another one up. Ash could barely evade and parry Kurai’s moves, some attacks actually connected which hurt Ash a lot. After a few minutes of trying to beat down on Ash, Kurai stopped to take a breather. Ash was on one knee trying to stay focus and also rest while he can.

Kurai: You should attack, it’s a better defense.

Ash: . . . do your worst.

*****

Misty, Lina, and Gary were searching around for Ash but they couldn’t find him. It was suspicious for Ash not to return after half an hour but Gary knew that something was up. While Gary searched around he heard the sound of fighting and also Ash’s grunts. Gary quickly signaled Misty and Lina then everyone headed into the park. The noise of yelling and movement could be heard all around but when they finally got to see the source, it was Ash fighting against the man in the black suit.

Gary: He’s fighting Ash!

Misty: That’s terrible! We have to stop this!

Gary: Hold it! Remember Ash isn’t defenseless. I should know!

Misty stayed where she was and didn’t move. She was tempted to run in and help Ash but Gary made sure she didn’t interfere. This was the first time Lina ever saw this side of Ash, it scared her to think that someone as gentle as Ash would know how to fight. The fight irrupted again and Ash returned to his defensive tactics. Gary felt frustrated at what Ash was doing and felt like yelling right at him.

Gary: Damnit why doesn’t he get serious! If he gets serious this would have been over already.

Ash was knocked to the ground by Kurai and could barely stand up. Kurai looked down and picked Ash up by the neck.

Kurai: What type of prodigy are you if you don’t show your real self!

Misty couldn’t stand it any longer, she ran in and shoulder tackled Kurai so he dropped Ash. Misty tried to get to Ash but she was stopped by Kurai and was now being choked out.

Kurai: Stay out of this!

Ash saw a blurry image before him, it was of Kurai choking Misty in a strangle hold then everything turned white.

*****

Ash woke up in his apartment in his bed. Misty was seating on a chair next to it but had fallen over and laid down on the bed as well. Ash sat up and looked around, he felt like something terrible happened but it looked like it was all a dream. Misty started to stir and woke up too. She looked up at Ash and then jumped right into his arms.

Misty: Oh you’re alright!!

Ash: Huh? What are you talking about?

Misty: I thought something happened but you’re alright now!

Gary and Lina heard Misty’s excited yelling and entered into the room.

Gary: Ash . . . your not gonna believe what you just did.

In the next chapter: Ash finds out what he did in the fight he had with Kurai. Kurai reports back to the City Master but the City Master is disappointed that Kurai didn’t return with Ash. The City Master asks again to retrieve Ash to see if Ash is a real prodigy.

Author’s Note: Sorry I didn’t update earlier but I had graduations to attend. A lot of my friends graduated this week and I wanted to be there to see them and also party with them till who knows when. Well I’m actually back behind the keyboard to write a bit more and hopefully you’ll continue reading this series. Thanks again for reading.

Story Dedication: To all those who graduated! And also to my reader Frankie.