Chapter 1: A Bounty Hunter
Part 1
The city of Trelia, the Promised Land of money and glory, was located in the southern Kalios region. Surrounded by forests, mountains, and rivers, Trelia had all the conditions for a Pokémon trainer to develop his career.
They could encounter countless Pokémon in all kinds of environments, and with the concentration of many talented trainers, an individual would have to compete fiercely to assert their position.
The northern Ares Mountains completely separated Trelia and its surrounding areas. Only the strongest Flying-type Pokémon could overcome dangerous gusts of wind.
The Vermillion Forest in the East seemed easier to navigate, but was the area inhabited by the most Pokémon. There were many rumors about Ghost Pokémon kidnapping people passing through that forest. Some returned but were no longer concerned to tell what happened, while some others…
The west and south of Trelia were adjacent to the Parcio Sea, home to many Water-typed Pokémon. People even built an artificial island to host special events, turning them into great tourist attractions, and even Pokémon trainers.
For Pokémon trainers, although most competed to win glory and money, there were many other jobs that could help them make a living.
A trainer with beautiful Pokémon could open a beauty salon or participate in beauty contests and performances. Trainers who loved education could work at schools or training facilities, or even as tutors.
Many families or organizations, even schools, regularly made requests to collect certain Pokémon for their own purposes. Although this type of work was more difficult, the pay was also higher.
However, there were trainers who didn’t like making legitimate money. They chose to commit crimes and become criminals, at a very high price if caught. Therefore, usually the criminal was a very powerful trainer, or belongs to some criminal organization.
The opposite of criminals was the police, whose main task was to arrest criminals and maintain order and security in their area. If they encountered a strong criminal, the police could ask for help from the Gym in the city, where the most powerful trainers gathered. Even the Elite Four or the Champion himself would step in to assist if the authorities requested.
However, those trainers couldn’t always spend time assisting the police, so another job was created from the need to catch criminals, Hunter. In case of difficulty, the Police Department could offer a reward for the capture or destruction of criminals or criminal organizations. Information about the Pokémon that criminals possess would be made public, but there were still certain risks, so very few trainers live and work as full-time hunters.
With its special terrain, Trelia City was also known as Bounty City, home to many notorious criminals and hunters.
…
On Tre-09 Avenue, people were rushing to leave work and return home, the streets were brightly lit, and restaurants were starting to bustle. Because it was summer, the sky was still bright even though the clock was already at 6:30pm. This was the right time for people to have an excuse to come home late, or for playful children to not be afraid of being scolded for not coming home yet.
Summer was also the time off from school for students, so they often went to the streets or seaports and fought each other. The most popular area was the docking area, a boat mooring area adjacent to Tre-09 Avenue. At the end of work, this place was very deserted, there were only a few security guards on duty at night, and they were not busy with the children playing.
Their noise level was probably on par with the Wingulls.
Next to a small boat, a group of young people were gathering together and divided into two factions
“Sunny, use [Scratch]!”
A Sprigatito leaped forward and scratched an opposing Quilladin in the chest, causing a severe wound. The Quilladin’s owner had no time to react to that quick attack, leaving the Quilladin to receive another [Scratch].
“Sue! [Rollout]!” he shouted to his Pokémon.
The Grass-typed Pokémon curled up and launches towards its opponent, but never hit its target. Maybe it was because Quilladin’s aim was so bad, maybe it was because Sprigatito dodged so well.
The girl on the other side puffed out her chest with pride as her friends around her cheered for Sprigatito’s performance. Brown hair with two pigtails, black dress with red patterns, combined with sneakers, she looks extremely active and full of vitality.
After the opposing Pokémon finished its move, she punched her fist in the air and gave an order. “It’s over, Sunny. [Leafage]!”
Sprigatito screeched and shot sharp leaves at its opponent.
*Puff*
The sound of slash tore the air and caused great damage to Quilladin. The hit Pokémon was completely unconscious.
Pokémon Battle
Peter Roson vs Quincy Watson
Format: 1 vs 1
Disqualified: Unconscious
Bet: 300$
Limitation: Trainer does not use items
Winner: Quincy Watson
A notice appeared on the two people’s Pokédex. One side was happy. One was sad.
“Wow! You’re so good, Quincy!”
“Ha ha. You’re great!”
The girls gathered around Quincy and congratulated her on her victory. Even though the Grass-typed Sprigatito neutralized the Grass-typed Quilladin, if it got hit by the Rock-typed [Rollout], Quincy would definitely lose because of the increased damage to her Pokémon.
“Good Game! Congratulations!” A black-haired boy approached, offering a hand to Quincy.
“Good Game, Peter!” Quincy smiled and shook that hand.
“See you later!” Peter finished speaking and turned away amid the jokes of his friends.
When the battle ended, it was already dark, Quincy decided to invite everyone to celebrate with the $300 winnings.
“It’s easy to make money as a Pokémon trainer.”
…
After only about 10 minutes of walking, the five girls arrived at a famous ice cream shop on Tre-14 Street.
A 3-storey house with a square appearance. The outer wall was painted dark gray. Images of fresh and colorful ice cream cups were posted on both sides of the double glass doors. The sign has a white cloud-shaped background and the shop name was black with a yellow border.
Dazz In Sweets
Welcome!
Tables and chairs were arranged outside the shop for those who prefer fresh air over air conditioning, all in dark gray. They were the perfect backdrop for colorful ice creams, making others feel even more delicious.
On the contrary, the furniture inside has brighter colors, more luxurious, and more designs. Heegan Dazz also has an area for children to play on the first floor. Large glass panels instead of walls have turned this place into a convenient area for parents who want to both look after their children and enjoy the scenery.
The second floor was for guests who did not like noise. Thanks to perfectly soundproofed doors and walls, those in need of complete quietness could enjoy books and soft music in this luxurious space. The lights on this floor were yellow instead of white, giving a feeling of peace and nobility.
Meanwhile, the top floor was especially for those who absolutely adored Pokémon. From decorative objects to furniture, everything bore the shape or characteristics of Pokémon. Many large screens were installed around the room, continuously showing Pokémon events taking place in Trelia City.
This was also the floor that Quincy’s group likes the most.
Furthermore, the biggest Pokémon event in Trelia City, Pokémon Alo Alo, which included many different competitions such as Pokémon Battle, Pokémon Contest, Pokémon Race, Pokémon Surf, and Pokémon Trade, was only a few days away. Not only that, there were also many games that everyone could attend with or without Pokémon.
Many Pokémon trainers and people from other cities and towns also came to participate. Therefore, Trelia City was very crowded at this time, and there were not many seats left for Quincy’s group of five people.
“Mrrr. There’s no more room,” a girl with long black hair grumbled.
“There were enough seats” –Quincy tried to be positive—“but they were separated.”
Still not positive.
“Or ask them to change seats?”
Still can’t. Everyone was from a group. There was a table with 3 empty seats. If they sat a little closer together, Quincy’s group would still be happy, but there was one person already sitting there.
“Forget it.” Quincy shook her head. “Let’s go to another store.”
“Excuse me! Do you guys want to sit here?” The guy sitting alone spoke up, looking about the same age as Quincy’s group.
He had a black backpack placed on the seat next to him and a laptop on the table. His hair was black and close-cropped, and he wore a sports watch on his left wrist. He was wearing a dark blue camouflage military outfit.
“Ah! Thank you, but it’s okay.” Quincy quickly waved her hand.
“You guys just sit down. I’m just waiting for my friend’s arrival and then go.” He moved his stuffs away and pulled two extra chairs to the table.
“Thanks. But–”
“Thank you!” A friend of Quincy’s interrupted.
“Hey!” Quincy tried to refuse the guy’s offer.
“Sit down, ma’am! Accept his kindness and handsomeness for now!” Another friend covered Quincy’s mouth before she refused a second time.
In the end, all the girls sat at the same table with the lone guy.
“Sorry! May I ask, were you here to attend the Pokémon Alo Alo event?” Quincy spoke up, trying to ease her embarrassment.
“Wow wow! Get to work quickly, Quincy.”
“It’s a bit aggressive. But I like it.”
“Stop!” Quincy struggled. “I-I was just asking.”
The whole group of friends burst out laughing while Quincy was blushing, desperately wanting to disappear in thin air.
“Um. Not necessarily.” The boy spoke up, his hands continuously dancing on the keyboard. “In general, it depends.”
*Pokédex buzzing*
“Hello!” The boy picked up the phone and turned away as a courtesy. “Oh okay. Get down now.”
“Please excuse me. My friend is here.” He stood up and stuffed his laptop into his backpack and quickly left, before anyone could say a word.
After just a few seconds, the guy in the military uniform disappeared from the third floor of the Heegan Dazz ice cream shop.
“Hey you! Forgot to ask for the Pokédex number?” A friend sitting next to her elbowed Quincy regretfully.
“Uh huh.” Quincy agreed, but suddenly realized she had said something wrong. “Wey! What kind of question is that?”
“Stop it! Looking at you, I know you have a crush on him. Lying again.”
“STOP!!!” Quincy screamed, and then had to immediately stand up and apologize to everyone in the shop for her big throat.
Part 2
“Hey Atterio! When did you come?” The military guy smiled brightly when he met another person outside the ice scream store, standing next to him was a Lucario.
Opposite to the two was another guy with a black shirt and shorts, and a Charizard.
“Just arrived,” Atterio replied, “what are we doing here, Ladori?”
Ladori’s expression became serious. He gave Atterio his Pokédex.
Criminal Wanted
Adam Blank: D-tier Criminal
Pokemon: Aggron, Roserade, Whimsicott
Bounty: 35,000$
“D-tier? This is lame!” Atterio glanced. “Couldn’t you fight him? What are you? A school kid?”
Atterio was quite upset because he was called here urgently because of a D-tier criminal; he hadn’t even had time to enter the Vermillion forest.
“I don’t mind fighting outside residential areas. But the bitchy Pokémon Roserade was rumored to have [Sweet Scent].”
“So you want my help…” Suddenly, Atterio remembered something. “Is he here too?”
Ladori nodded.
“How was the money divided?” Atterio asked.
“$5,000.”
“I’d kill you.”
“Just kidding.” Ladori stepped back. “$10,000. Good?”
“No need. $5,000.” Atterio walked to the front. “Guide me!”
“Okay! This direction!”
The two headed towards the city center, where Ladori suspected the criminal he was looking for was hiding.
…
21:24 pm
After sweet ice cream and fun with her friends, Quincy returned to her house, a smile still blooming on her lips. Tre-08 Street was still crowded with people, shops and restaurants were still quite busy. There was almost no sleep at night here, in contrast to the areas on the edge of the city.
Her mind still had some image of the guy in military uniform in the ice cream shop. Quincy didn’t think he worked in the military.
“Aren’t soldiers very busy?”Quincy firmly believes so. “Probably he just likes the uniform.”
Suddenly, she heard a sweet scent. Very attractive, as if an invisible hand pulled her towards the direction of that scent. And Quincy followed. Not because she was influenced, but out of curiosity.
“This might be [Sweet Scent],” Quincy mumbled, “But in the city?”
Following the trail, she slipped into a dark alley. After a long walk, Quincy arrived at an empty lot, and encountered a man wearing a black t-shirt, black jeans, and mittens. His hair was silver, his mouth and nose were covered by a scarf, revealing only his cold eyes.
Criminal Wanted
Adam Blank: D-tier Criminal
Pokemon: Aggron, Roserade, Whimsicott
Bounty: 35,000$
Her Pokédex alerted her with strong vibrations. There was no sound to avoid alarming the criminal, putting its owner into a dangerous situation.
Pokédex constantly updated information about crimes so people could report to the authorities or police in the area. However, information of a non-criminal individual would not appear in the Pokédex to ensure privacy.
Standing before him was a Roserade, a Grass-Poison-typed Pokémon.
“It’s definitely because of it.”
However, the Roserade didn’t stand alone. A few wild Pokémon in the city had gathered in this area since [Sweet Scent] was cast.
“Two Helioptiles. A Minun. Two Zigzagoons. But what was he going to do?”
In fact, Helioptile or Zigzagoon were neither rare nor strong, so Quincy completely did not understand what that criminal intended to do.
“Tch. What a total waste!” Adam threw out a Poké Ball. “Rimmer. Take care of them!”
Following that was a figure over 2-meter tall, large and heavy. The whole body was covered in armor from head to tail, both legs and arms have sharp iron claws. The huge triangular head with long straight horns pointing forward was strong enough to pierce even thick iron plates. The blue eyes looked so ferocious with the steel jaws that Quincy didn’t dare imagine being bitten by it.
The Aggron didn’t roar like in the wild, which was shown on television. It understood what its owner wanted to keep everything quiet.
While the wild Pokémon were attracted by the Roserade, it crashed into them with its steel head.
“Isn’t it [Iron Head]? What a destruction!” Quincy’s eyes widened.
The move instantly smashed the wild Pokémon, whose bodies were thrown into a nearby trash can afterward.
The replenishment process repeats from the beginning with Roserade’s [Sweet Scent].
“Sinister!”
Quincy’s hand gripped the wall as if she wanted to crush it. Fortunately, she still maintained her composure. According to the Pokédex, Adam owned all three fully evolved Pokémon. A D-tier criminal was too much for Quincy and her Sprigatito. Even if it evolves into Meowscarada, her Pokémon was no match for the Aggron and Roserade.
Quincy quickly dialed the police’s emergency Pokédex number. With just one call to this number, there was no need to talk, the police would be able to determine the caller’s location and send someone there immediately.
*Ping*
A small flash of lightning flashed and a small yellow body appeared in the middle of the field. It was a small Pokémon, with a long tail, eyes closed as if sleeping, and floating in mid-air.
“Ha ha ha. I finally lured you out.” Adam was extremely excited with the appearance of this new Pokémon.
Quincy quickly checked the new coming Pokémon on her Pokédex.
Pokédex Data
Name: Abra
Type: Super Spirit
Species: Psi Pokémon
Evolution: Abra -> Kadabra -> Alakazam
Entry: Sleep 18 hours a day. If it senses danger, it would teleport itself to a safe place even while it was sleeping.
“Impossible. That Pokémon looks completely helpless.”
Hesitation still held Quincy back. Maybe because of fear, her hands were shaking. But she feared for the Abra’s safety.
“I might buy some time for the police. But…”
Adam was a criminal. There’s no reason he had to play by the rules. She can’t lose Sunny.
“Huh?” Quincy widened her eyes when she saw Adam pulled out a Poké Ball with a very different color.
It was blue and has yellow stripes shaped like lightning bolts.
“He was going to catch it.”
“HEY!”
*Ping*
A loud scream scared Abra to teleport away, leaving Adam flinched with a strange Poké Ball in his hand.
“WHAT THE FUCK HAVE YOU DONE?”
Angered by the loss of the Pokémon he had worked so hard to hunt, Adam roared and ordered his Aggron to attack the interrupter.
“TIMO!” someone called out their Pokémon.
A blue fighter Pokémon, wearing a white uniform, stood in a defensive stance in front of an angry Aggron. Standing behind that Pokémon was a female police officer in a blue uniform, a white headband on her left arm, and a Trelia Police badge on her left chest. She has black, shoulder-length hair, and determined eyes.
“Hmm. A police, and a Sawk?” Adam snorted and threw out a Poké Ball. “Wuller! [Cotton Guard]!”
A Whimsicott jumped out in front of the Aggron. The fur around its body swells and becomes firmer, increasing its Defense by 2.5 times, far more than enough to tank a physical attacker.
“Tsk!” The policewoman frowned.
“Shit! Sawk was no match for Fairy-type Pokémon like Whimsicott.”
Quincy’s Sunny was Grass-typed, capable of dealing with the Grass-Fairy-typed Whimsicott, but her Pokémon has not yet fully evolved.
While Quincy was wondering whether to help or not, the battle began.
“Timo! Go around the Whimsicott, use [Brick Break] on Aggron!” The policewoman ordered, and the fighter Pokémon immediately followed.
However, before the Sawk could move around the Whimsicott, the Grass-Fairy-typed Pokémon had gathered a large source of energy on top of its head.
“You’re too naive!” Adam smirked. “Wuller! [Moonblast] at her!”
A ball of energy resembling a miniature Moon shot straight towards the female police officer, who couldn’t react in time.
“SAWK!” the fighter Pokémon roared.
*BANG*
In the split second before the [Moonblast] attack hit his owner, Timo was able to leap in between the attack and its trainer. The fighter Pokémon was defeated instantly by a super effective move.
“TIMO!” she rushed to help her Pokémon up, not caring about the dangerous situation she was in without her partner.
Luckily, that move only knocked the Sawk unconscious, but it was completely unable to fight. After withdrawing Sawk back into her Poké Ball, she had to fight off three dangerous Pokémon alone.
“What do you guys usually say?” With a triumphant look on his face, Adam turned around and was about to leave. “Ah! Good Game!”
Immediately, the Aggron activated [Iron Head] as the Whimsicott used [Moonblast]. Their attacks would be the end for the policewoman.
“STOP!” Quincy didn’t think much anymore. She rushed out with little hope of pushing the female police officer out of the way.
The distance was five meters, then turning to three meters, and then one meter, Quincy was already very close. The other two Pokémon haven’t attacked yet, she could save people.
“Just kidding.” Adam bared his teeth. “I’ve been waiting for you, little mouse.”
“He knew of me from the beginning!?”
She was tricked.
“Finish them!”
Without a second of delay, two extremely powerful moves were directed towards Quincy, who had pushed the female police officer away, but certainly didn’t have enough room to escape her demise. A pair of whiny sharp horns were in front of Quincy and the pink energy sphere was about to touch the police.
*BANG*
*BAM*
The sound of something huge falling, sending dust to the air.
“What the fuck?” Adam turned around, not believing his eyes.
His Aggron was knocked away and the Whimsicott’s [Moonblast] flew straight into the sky.
“EH!” Quincy was bewildered.
Before her eyes was a bipedal, short-tailed Pokémon. The tail, arms, head, and thighs have blue fur, while the upper body was cream colored. The legs and hands were black, and the face has a black line across the red eyes, making it look like it’s wearing a bandage. Two pointed ears. On the back of his hand grows a cone-shaped thorn, and a similar thorn also appears on his chest.
It stands on its toes, not its feet. The wind blew the four hair-like appendages on the back of its head, resembling the image ‘A hero arriving on time to save innocent people’.
“So cool!”
“So cool!”
With sparkling eyes filled with admiration, both Quincy and the female police officer were screaming the same thing in their head.
The girl with braided hair quickly pulled out her Pokédex and pointed it at the awesome Pokémon.
Pokédex Data
Name: Lucario
Type: Fighting-Steel
Species: Aura Pokémon
Evolution: Riolu -> Lucario
Entry: It has the ability to sense the aura of all things and understand human speech.
“Is it a Lucario?” Quincy admired.
She recalled that when she was a spectator at a Pokémon Alo Alo event, she met a girl carrying a Riolu. At that time it looked extremely adorable, but she did not expect that when it evolved into Lucario, it would be so awesome.
“Sorry, Miss Police.” A voice came down from above. “I’m here for the bounty.”
“A bounty hunter!” The officer uttered.
“It’s you!?” Quincy exclaimed, interrupting the policewoman’s words when she recognized the boy in military uniform she had met in the ice cream shop.
“What? A bounty hunter?” Adam spit, irritated.
He clenched his fists, the sound of grinding his teeth was clearly heard. Apparently, he disliked the newcomer, very much.
“[Aura Sphere]!” He didn’t bother to respond to anyone, bluntly ordering his Lucario.
“WULLER!”
*Bang*
The Whimsicott jumped out again to block the blue ball filled with power without any harm.
“Ha ha. You think—”
*Thud*
While Adam was rambling, his Pokémon was approached by the Lucario and received a fiery kick straight in the face.
“What the fuck?” The criminal exclaimed.
Before he could recover, a series of kicks coated with fire with terrible speed overwhelmed the Whimsicott, giving it no rooms to counterattack.
“FUCK IT! RIMMER, [PROTECT]!” Adam withdrew Whimsicott in and sent Roserade to battle. “ROSIE, [SLEEP POWDER]!”
As Aggron’s move blocked Lucario’s strike, sleep-inducing powder was shot from one of Roserade’s hands, whose were literal roses.
The Lucario jumped backward and successfully dodge the status move. Its Fighting-Steel type was Aggron’s hard counter, therefore Adam must launch Roserade to buy time and wait for the opportunity.
“I have to help him.” Quincy clutched the Poké Ball containing her Sprigatito.
Although she didn’t think Sunny could defeat that Roserade, she was strong enough to assist Lucario so that the Aura Pokémon could finish off the Aggron.
Reading Quincy’s intentions, the bounty hunter uttered, “No need. I can handle it myself.”
“You arrogant son of a bitch! Aggron! [Stone Edge] on that brat!”
“AGGR!” The Pokémon roared and swung its arm.
Sharp stones emerged next to the Aggron, shot straight to the unprotected hunter. A dirty trick was played a second time.
She closed her eyes, not daring to look at the scene of him being punctured all over his body.
*Bang*
*Bang*
*Bang*
The sound of rocks smashed into pieces caused Quincy to open her eyes, and she saw that the Lucario, who a second ago had been away from its trainer, had now destroyed the flying stones with punches and kicks.
“Hmm. Consider yourself lucky!” Adam’s voice darkened. “Rosie, [Sweet Scent]. We’re leaving!”
A sweet scent emanated from Roserade. And Quincy immediately recognized his intention.
“He wants to lure as many wild Pokémon to the area as possible.”
With that much interference, catching Adam without injuring other Pokémon was impossible.
She couldn’t do that, nor did she expect the bounty hunter to do that. The lured Pokémon were completely innocent. She would stop him from hurting them, even if it meant letting Adam escape.
However, only the hot summer winds blew, not a single Pokémon appeared.
“What was this?” Adam looked around, staggered when realizing the plan had failed.
Without wasting a second while Adam was distracted, the young man ordered his Pokémon immediately. “Lu, [Flash Cannon]!”
A silvery ray was shot from Lucario’s palm and pierced through Roserade’s body. The Grass-Poison-typed Pokémon fell down, not moving anymore.
“RIMMER! [PRO—”
Before Adam could give the command, the Lucario stood in front of the Aggron and launched continuous attacks. No pause, no defense, just attack after attack.
By the time the Lucario stopped, the Aggron had already collapsed, causing a slight tremor under everyone’s feet.
“What the…!” Adam was really scared now.
His mouth opened wide, not believing what he just witnessed. His trembling arms supported his body as he fell to the ground in shock.
One kid’s Pokémon knocked out all his partners, whom he had spent so much time to train.
“Who were you anyway?” He muttered.
*Pop*
The criminal lost consciousness after a punch from the Lucario. Neither Quincy nor the policewoman had time to grasp the situation.
“T-thank you.” The police officer struggled to stand up, bowing to her savior.
Quincy assisted her to stand still, also lowering her head. “Thanks.”
“Um. Nothing.” The trainer took out his Pokédex without giving them a glance.
*Police sirens*
“Over here! You okay?” Two policemen appeared with their Sawks and quickly ran over.
“We’re okay,” the female police officer replied, “It’s Adam Blank, a D-tier criminal.”
“Yes!” A police officer arrested Adam and recovered all of his Pokémon.
A policeman helped the injured colleague up to the patrol car, asking Quincy and the boy to testify to what happened.
An hour later, Quincy’s parents came to pick up their daughter at the Police Department, and also invited the young trainer to dinner for their gratitude.
Later on, Quincy had his Pokédex number, and also his name.
