Chapter 4

= The Trial of Courage=

A few days had passed since the storm and the three friends promise at the Pledge Stone. It was their day off and at that very moment Jackie was busy reading over some notes he had taken in class the day before. Judy was entertaining herself by catching up on gossip with her friends, and Zekke was sitting at the same table as Jackie; however, he seemed to be just staring off into space. This wasn't really that uncommon a sight so nobody really questioned it. Jackie's gaze had migrated upwards and cast waywardly towards the dark haired boy. Even though they were friends, in a manner of speaking, he still found it rather odd and unnerving that he had not once heard the other speak. Of course, it wasn't usually very hard to understand him, his actions were simple and easy to read either way. He slowly blinked as he returned his attention to his notes. The blonde had been reading up on the history of the Ranger Union as well as the various Ranger stations placed in the many different regions. He had been pleasantly surprised to learn the location of the one in his home region of Kanto.


A soft movement brought the boy's gaze back up, Zekke had moved for the first time since he'd sat down. The other stretched and yawned before giving Jackie a gleeful smile, he then pointed at the arm that was still in a sling as if inquiring about it. Though it took a moment, Jackie caught on and gave a smile back, "It's doing much better now, though it'll be a few weeks before it's completely healed." this response seemed to please the silent one as he gave a hearty nod of the head before getting to his feet. He was just about to turn and leave but found himself walking straight into a taller form. A slightly startled look graced the usually cheerful boy's face for a split second but it was only Myles so his smile was quick to return. One look also told both boys that the upperclassman was carrying a bag with him, they both wondered for half a second what was inside, but neither had time to dwell any further than that.


"Figure's I'd find you lot here..." the older student sighed, "you do know it's amazing outside right? It would be an unforgivable sin not to be out there practicing your capturing dontcha think?"


"Eh...capturing? We haven't covered that yet and..." Jackie started to say, only to have a hand suddenly grab the top of his head in a firm hold, "Uh..." Myles had some how managed to slip over to his side and now held his head captive.


"You want to be the very best?" he then asked, there was almost a dangerously demanding gleam in his eyes, "Like no Ranger ever was?"


Something about those words made Jackie give a hesitant chuckle, "Why do I feel like...I've heard those words..." the boy started, only to be cut off once more as the hand gave his hair a rough ruffle.


"Must you fight me tooth and nail?!" Myles exclaimed, "Now listen, don't sweat the details, besides...you'll have me there and I know all about capturing." he then released Jackie's head leaving his hair comically messed up, "Anyway, the teachers encourage the students to practice on their own. Look at it this way, you'll just have a bit more experience when you guys do finally get to learning about capturing." Myles' tone had grown more blatantly demanding, he was no longer making this a request and both boys seemed to have caught on that escape was futile.


Seeing that there was no getting out of this and the idea of actually trying out his first capture were two very powerful motivators. Jackie sighed and smiled before nodding, "Yeah, okay...lets give that a shot." he then looked towards Zekke, "What do you say Zekke? Sound like fun?" the dark haired male gave an enthusiastic nod in agreement.


And so, with his two accomplices in hand, Myles lead the two boys out of the common area. They made their way through the hall and down the stairs before spanning the long hall that lead to the main doors. It truly was a beautiful day, it would have been hard to imagine a raging storm only a few days ago. either way, the Pidgy and Taillow were all twittering cheerfully as Oddish and other small, grassy Pokemon scampered in and out of the school grounds playfully. There wasn't a cloud in the big blue sky and the faint sound of the ocean could just barely be heard over the soft rustling of the tree leaves.


Standing at the top of the stairs, Myles drew in a deep breath before exhaling in his overly confidant fashion. He then rounded on the two underclassman and said, "Alright! Today is your lucky day for I!" he pressed his thumb to his chest, "Myles, have managed to acquire three school stylus' for today's fine lesson in capturing!" with that, he held up the mystery bag, "BEHOLD!"


"You know, you're making a scene..."


"Hush mortal!" Myles interrupted Jackie's comment, which seemed to make Zekke grin a bit, "Look, I got a buddy in that department who let me borrow these today, I told him me and a couple of friends wanted to practice...though I didn't tell him that those friends are newbie's." sniffing, he straightened himself out before holding open the bag, "Hurry up, hurry up, the art of capturing is not something just anybody can pick up on ya know. It takes time, energy, sweat!"


The other two boys just looked at one another before shrugging. Zekke was the first to reach into the bag and pull out the school grade stylus, followed by Jackie, and then Myles took out the last. There wasn't really anything special about this particular stylus, though it bore a similar resemblance to the full version that the actual Rangers used. It lacked the communication device and only had enough energy to make small captures.


"Alright, follow me, I know this great spot with lots of Pokemon." Myles then slung the empty bag over his shoulder before leading the boys down the steps and across the school grounds. At this time, Judy had noticed that the boys had gone. She had seen Myles sneaking around so she knew he had been up to something. She also knew him well enough to know that Jackie and Zekke were not going to be put in harms way...probably.


Meanwhile, Jackie was walking a half step back from Zekke. His thoughts had wondered back to his silence. Perhaps he was simply mute? Or maybe deaf? No, he couldn't be deaf since he seemed to understand everything he's said until now. Though, there is the chance he could just be that good at lip reading. He really was a strange and mysterious person, or perhaps he was just over thinking the others situation...perhaps he was just that strange. Jackie sighed and held up the stylus he was now carrying. Studying it and trying to figure out how it worked exactly, the small shiver of excitement had returned. His first capture...it was impossible to keep from smiling, though it also got his mind wondering about the partner Pokemon. He understood that they were special Pokemon that stuck with their Ranger partner, but how exactly did one go about getting one? Was it like with trainers? Or was it different? Could he choose his partner or was one chosen for him?


When Myles stopped, the motley group had strayed rather far from the school but found themselves in a clearing surrounded by thick forest. Quickly walking up and standing next to the upperclassman, Jackie asked, "This doesn't really have to do with capturing but...when do Rangers get their partners?"


Myles just quirked an eyebrow at the blonde boy, he then laughed and shook his head, "You don't 'get' your partner Pokemon Jack, the partner Pokemon picks you." he then grinned, "Now, lets rustle up some Pokemon shall we." and with that, Myles brought his hand up to his mouth and pressed two fingers against his lips. With a soft yet firm blow, he made a whistling sound that echoed through the clearing. At first there was nothing, but then a loud barking could be heard. As it drew nearer, a Growlithe suddenly popped out of the bushes and dashed over. It skidded to a stop before hopping up and down and placing its paws up on Myles' legs. Grinning from ear to ear, Myles crouched down and ruffled the puppy Pokemon's fur cooing. Once they both seem satisfied, Myles stood with the Growlithe sitting cheerfully at his feet.


"Alright, I'm sure by now you've at least gone over the basics of capturing in class right?" his gaze passed from one to the other, when the other two gave one another identical looks of uncertainty, Myles heaved a heavy sigh, "Okay, can you at least tell me how capturing works and what the difference is between a Pokemon Ranger and a Pokemon Trainer?"


"Oh! Capturing is when a Pokemon Ranger uses their stylus to convey feelings of friendship towards a Pokemon." Jackie started to explain, "The difference between Rangers and Trainers is that Rangers only capture Pokemon temporarily and don't use PokeBalls."


"Very good! Now, allow me to demonstrate exactly how that works." Myles held up his stylus before turning towards the Growlithe, "Alright little guy, lets show the newbies how we work!" the Growlithe barked before jumping up and dashing off into the bushes again. A mere second later, several Pichu came scampering out all looking a little frightened. Growlithe was not far behind, playfully barking and chaising after the little electric Pokemon.


Jackie was watching curiously though wasn't sure if this could be considered a fair example, but Zekke seemed to be just as agitated as the Pichu. He shifted his weight nervously and didn't look any pleased at the sight.


"Now watch," Myles gave a whistle and the Growlithe stopped and looked in his direction, "Capture on!" the capture disc was launched from the stylus and zoomed towards the small group, with a flick of the wrist, Myles looped the stylus around causing the disc to circle around the Pichu . The loop closed in around them before fading. The capture was complete. The small group of Pichu all looked cheerful now as they rushed over and jumped around playfully at Myle's feet. "See, just like that."


Zekke crouched down and held his hands out towards the Pichu, all of which turned their attention from the ignoring senior and went scampering towards the more willing student. Grinning from ear to ear, Zekke scooped them up and bounced around. Jackie just watched this display before turning back towards Myles, "I think I get it." he then glanced down at the stylus he carried and then at the arm that was still in a sling, before stepping forward and looking around. He was rather impressed that Myles was able to do a group capture, but Jackie wasn't sure he was quite ready for something quite like that. Of course, he also only had the use of one arm at the moment so he figured he would try something small and simple. Then he spotted a Taillow, "Hmm…that'll work."


Myles turned to look as well, "Ah…" he started to say, but Jackie had already started.


"Capture on!" just as Myles' had, the capture disc shot out and flew towards the resting bird Pokemon. When it made its first loop, the Pokemon suddenly woke up and let out a rather shrill screech. The noise had startled not only Jackie, but the little Pichu as well. They all panicked and started sparking until one set off a thunder shock. Poor Zekke was shocked for the second time, this time though he was knocked to the ground. The Pichu all scattered as the Taillow took off, the loop was broken and sent a rather nasty shock right back to the stylus causing it to spark, "Ow!" not expecting to be zapped as well, Jackie dropped it.


In the mean time, Myles had only placed a hand over his face. It was hard to tell what he was feeling, but when he looked up he seemed to be torn between holding back a flurry of laughs, or a serious scolding. Zekke slowly sat up looking a little fried and dazed, he had a few very minor electrical burns on his hands and arms, which made him wince and frown. It didn't seem natural to see such an expression on the cheery boy, but Jackie was quick to jump into action. "Zekke! Are you alright?"


The dark haired boy just let out a slight cough before giving a hesitant grin, "What happened?" the blond then asked Myles. The senior had composed himself for the most part before lowering his hand and crossing his arms.


"That little one you tried capturing is rather notorious for loop breaking, it's not very friendly I suppose. But what you should really watch out for is the Swellow." Sighing and shaking his head, Myles grinned, "Anyway, whenever a loop is broken, it causes damage to the stylus and drains the energy. I guess there wasn't enough juice in yours ." he then turned towards Zekke, "But yours! I'm sure is at full power now!" that little bit had broken the upperclassman's resolve and he busted out laughing. "B-But I think we should maybe head back, Zekke needs to see the nurse for those burns."


Jackie could only give a nod in agreement while helping Zekke to his feet. His fellow classmate still looked a little wobbly, though it begged the question, how many times had Zekke been shocked like this? Staring a moment, making sure that the other could at least stand, Jackie went back over to where he had dropped his stylus but it wasn't there, "Hm?". There was a slight rustle in the trees which made him look up, but he didn't see anything. The small bird Pokemon had disappeared, but he got a rather odd feeling that he was being watched. Fidgeting, he took a small step back before turning and going back to join up with the other two.


The three boys made their way back to the school, they had been gone for about an hour. When they reached the dorms though, they were greeted by Judy. One look at Zekke and she turned on Myles with a vengeance. "What happened to him!?"


"Ah, yeah…about that…" Myles started.


"It was my fault, we were practicing capturing and I sort of messed up, Zekke got shocked by some Pichu…..again….." Jackie jumped in, hoping that he could spare Myles a verbal reprimanding by his "beloved" Judy. However, his rescue attempt quickly backfired when she gave him a stern look, but the fury was returned to Myles regardless.


"Capturing!? You know we haven't gone over that in class yet! What were you thinking? Now look at Zekke, he's hurt…you should be ashamed of yourself Myles!" Judy had gone over to check on Zekke, the boy just wore his usual smile and tried to give her an "I'm ok, really" look, but it didn't seem to be working either.


Looking like a kicked puppy, Myles could only mumble, "I was just trying to help…"


This time Judy just stared at him before guiding Zekke off in the older male's direction, "The least you can do is take Zekke to the nurses office," Myles opened his mouth to respond, "Ah! I'm not going to hear it." she cut in. Myles just returned the look with one of his own, before grumbling and motioning for Zekke to follow. Some of Myle's classmates had joined up with him and seemed to be laughing and calling him 'whipped', which was only responded with a loud denial and a flurry of laughter.


Jackie glanced over at Judy who still looked rather irritated, he then walked over and started to speak, but Judy cut him off just as she had Myles, "I'm not really that angry, but really…he should have known. I mean, what if Zekke had really gotten hurt?" upon closer inspection, that irritated look he thought she was wearing was actually a concerned look, "You two really don't have to play along with his antics you know." she then turned towards the other.


Looking and feeling a bit more guilty now, Jackie just rubbed the back of his neck before sighing, "I'm sorry, I guess I just really wanted to learn capturing," nibbling on his bottom lip for a second, he then smiled, "But don't worry, something like this won't happen again, I promise!"


"Really?" Judy gave him a wary look, "Alright, I trust you, besides, you're not reckless like Myles. But your arm is still injured, you could have made it worse."


"Aw, he means well, you know that…but I'm fine, really, it's nothing to worry about." Jackie laughed, "I better go check on Zekke." he turned and took off towards the nurses office. Judy just watched and gave a slight smile before shaking her head. Perhaps she had been a little hard on Myles, she knew he was a goof and didn't mean for something like this to happen. If anything, he was a very reliable guy, he was just reckless…


==


"OH, GODS!"


The cry rang out across the boys dorm when Myles started ransacking his bunking area. Tearing into every bag, every drawer, every nook and cranny, in search of something. Both Jackie and Zekke looked up and over at the other, Zekke had bandages wrapped around his hands and arms and didn't seem to like moving them. So, it was Jackie who had gotten to his feet and walked over to see what all the commotion was about.


"What's wrong?" the boy started to ask, only to have the taller male round on him and grab his shoulders, it had been a good thing he had gone and not Zekke, the grip on him was a little painful.


"Where is it?! The third stylus?! I have two, but I can't find the third!"


"Stylus…eh…" Jackie's eyes grew very large, "Oh…"


"Oh? Oh?! What do you mean, oh?!" Myles' grip grew tighter, "You know where it is don't you?!"


Jackie gave a rather forced smile while looking off to the side, "Uh, actually…I think it might still be, in the woods, in that clearing."


"You think?! Why don't you know?!"


"Well," Jackie tried looking the other in the face, but found the look he was being given far too much to stare at directly, "I'd gone to pick it up, but it was gone…disappeared."


Myles let out a very pathetic sound before dropping to his hands and knees, "They're going to kill me, Judy is going to kill me, I said I'd have them back by the end of the day but it's already night time." at this point, it looked as if Myles was on the verge of tears. Like Zekke's frown, it wasn't natural to see this sort of display put on by the boisterous upperclassman.


Taking a step back, Jackie looked over his shoulder at Zekke who gave him a questioning tilt of the head. He let out a startled gasp when a hand suddenly grabbed his shoulder. Myles had gotten back to his feet, "I've got it…even though you've been here a while already, I think it's time…" recomposing himself as best as possible, Myles then finished, "The trial of courage, you have to go into the woods and find that last stylus. But with the curfew you'll get in trouble if you're caught, so…make it back here with the stylus before the morning and without getting caught and you pass."


"I was going to do that…" Jackie began, "Wait what…pass? Pass what?"


"The trial! Every new student has to do it…yours is just a little late, that's all." Myles grumbled.


Jackie just sighed, Judy's words were already ringing in his ears. Of course, he had already planned on going to look for the stylus since it had been his fault that it got lost. There was also the fact that it was dark out that made him slightly more apprehensive about doing it right away. He really didn't like the dark. He didn't mind it so much if there were other people around, or if he knew exactly where a source of light was…but still. Gaze moving over towards the door, Jackie just stared at it for a long moment. That was when a second hand suddenly took hold of his shoulder. Blinking, he turned to find it was Zekke. The boy was giving him a reassuring smile before  pointing to both of them and then the door.


"You…want to go with me?"


Zekke gave a cheerful nod before dashing over to his nightstand and pulling out his flashlight, the same flashlight from their first night. Rejoining Jackie, Zekke grabbed his hand and started towards the door.


"Hold up! Zekke, you can't go, you're hurt remember." Myles was quick to jump in front of the two, "Besides, you already did a trial, it's hardly fair if…" the older male stopped, while Zekke was smiling, a rather unsettling knot had formed in his stomach, "Eh…just….don't go and get yourself hurt any more, Judy'll have my hide if you do." he took a step to the side and watched as the two friends left the dorm.


"Sheesh…Zekke isn't in a very good mood now is he…" Myles muttered.


Jackie and Zekke made their way down the hall, they made sure to move as swiftly and as quietly as possible so is not to wake anybody up. It was dark and still Zekke hadn't turned the flashlight on, but he kept a rather firm grip on Jackie's hand while leading the way. The blonde had forgotten how unnerving the school felt at night, but he kept up with Zekke and tried not to think about it. This was something he had to learn to get over someday, a Pokemon Ranger who was scared of the dark? He didn't want to be like that. But, before he knew it, the two were standing in front of the main doors. Zekke turned to him and lifted a finger up to press to his lips. Getting the message, Jackie nodded while Zekke carefully pushed the doors open. Slipping outside and just as carefully closing the door behind them, Jackie and Zekke took off down the stone steps and across the grounds until they reached the edge of the forest.


"The clearing should just be through here…right?" Jackie squinted and tried to see, even with the moon out, it was difficult to see. Zekke though, just glanced behind them before finally turning the flashlight on. Pointing it in the direction Jackie had mentioned, he started walking. A cool breeze rustled the leaves making an eerie sound, the grounds were very different at night. All sorts of nocturnal Pokemon were appearing, HootHoot and Noctowl's could be seen sitting in trees watching as they passed by. Rattata were also scampering about hunting.


The walk felt longer in the dark, Jackie instantly gripped Zekke's hand a little tighter before he felt a wince from the other boy. "Oh…sorry…" he quickly let go of the others hand only to have his own taken back, "Hm?"


Zekke had stopped and turned to look at him. Holding the flashlight onto their hands he shook his head, he then turned and started walking again. Jackie wasn't sure what the other had meant by that, but he didn't argue. It was more than a little awkward, but he did feel a little better knowing there was somebody else there.


Not long after, the two came into a clearing. It was hard to say if it was the same clearing, but Jackie quickly let go of Zekke's hand again and started looking. "It was right around here I think," he called over, "Lets get this over with quickly ok." the wind picked up a bit making that rustling sound again. Zekke just stood and looked around, that's when the Growlithe suddenly jumped out from the bushes. Both boys jumped up and turned to see it running towards them, Jackie crouched down and opened his arms, but the puppy Pokemon shot right past them. "Huh?" standing and watching as it disappeared into the forest, Jackie looked over at Zekke who in turn looked at him, both rather puzzled.


Then, Zekke suddenly turned his flashlight on Jackie just as a large Swellow swooped down and slammed right into the blonde. A startled cry escaped him as he hit the ground hard, Zekke came running over waving the flashlight and trying to scare it off. The larger bird just screeched and flapped its wings before taking off again. Groaning, Jackie haphazardly rolled onto his side before pushing himself up. His wounded arm protested the added weight but the stinging he was feeling on his back was enough to make him forget about it temporarily. "Ow…"


Zekke crouched down next to him to see how he was doing, Jackie just gave a thumbs up before looking around. "That was the Swellow Myles told us about wasn't it."  Zekke just nodded, but then quickly grabbed Jackie by the shirt and pulled him down. The Taillow had swooped down to try and attack them as well, but wasn't expecting them both to duck. It crashed into the ground, but recovered quickly. Zekke tugged at Jackie's shirt some more and pointed towards the tiny bird.


"Ah! The stylus!" sure enough, the reason it had crashed was because it was also carrying the stylus with it. The added weight had thrown it off balance. It twittered angrily before taking off, leaving the stylus on the ground. "Now's our chance!" Jackie jumped up and made a dash for the device, the Swellow, which was still circling around the clearing, swooped down again. Jumping to his feet, Zekke dashed forward and shoved Jackie forward just as it slammed into him instead. Thrown to the ground, flashlight sent flying off in some obscure direction, the dark haired male didn't move as the large bird took to the sky again.


Jackie had stumbled forward and landed right in front of the stylus. Quickly grabbing it, he turned on his knee to see that Zekke was lying motionless on the ground a few feet away. Drawing in a sharp breath he looked down at the stylus, it had little to no power left. Looking up, he saw the two bird Pokemon circling above them. This was a very bad situation, there was no way he could carry Zekke out of there without being attacked, he couldn't use the stylus to capture them and even if he could he'd have to do it one at a time which meant the other would try to attack him as well, and it looked like they aimed to attack them anyway.


Slowly getting to his feet, Jackie watched as the Taillow swooped down, he was able to dodge the small one, but the Swellow had followed seconds after and managed to slam right into Jackie's side. Like Zekke had been, Jackie was thrown a few feet before hitting the ground. All his weight had landed on the injured side, there was a rather sickening crack and sharp pain that told him that the fracture had turned into a complete break. Groaning and whimpering, he struggled to get up, the two birds were circling again, no doubt waiting for him to try and get up again. The boy's fingers gripped the stylus tightly as he squeezed his eyes shut. What could they do? What could he do? The feeling of helplessness was no stranger to him. Just like that time in the mountains…


Jackie's hand twitched, he slowly opened his eyes. There was a Pichu standing by his hand, it was sparking slightly, then a second one, though this one had scampered up and gave the side of his face a small zap which made him jump slightly. The one still by his hand sparked again before zapping it, making him let go of the stylus. Both Pichu's seemed to cheer before taking hold of the device and zapping it as well. "Wh-wait, hey!" Jackie reached out and grabbed it, the two Pichu's just scampered away. Wobbling slightly, Jackie rubbed the side of his face, it felt a little numb, as did his hand, but when he looked down at the stylus, he saw that it was at half power. "Huh…how…"


It was then that he remembered what Myles had said after Zekke had been shocked. His stylus must have been at full power, the Pichu's electricity had recharged it! Looking up, the Taillow and Swellow were still circling but they looked ready to strike again. Eyes narrowing, Jackie hobbled to his feet before turning and facing them. This apparently was enough of a challenge that the two bird Pokemon took one last circle before swooping into a dive.


Lifting the stylus up, Jackie shouted, "Capture on!" the capture disc shot out and looped around both Pokemon. Not waiting for them to respond, Jackie swung the stylus around making the loop close around the two. When it disappeared, the two birds had pulled out of their attack. Both flew over, the Taillow landing on Jackie's head and the Swellow landing on the ground next to him. Jackie though, felt his whole body trembling, he was still in shock that he'd managed to complete a double capture on two attacking Pokemon. But when all the excitement died down, he really started feeling the pain from his broken arm as well as all the cuts and bruises he'd earned.


Staggering, he dropped to the ground again while trying to catch his breath. The Taillow had fluttered up when he'd fallen, but then landed on his head once again, using it's tiny talons to pull at his blonde hair. The Swellow pecked and scratched at the ground in front of him, Jackie just glanced up at the bird, "S-Sorry…" he mumbled, "Could you take this…back to the school, the room with the light on…" he pushed the stylus towards the Swellow, who then picked it up in its larger talons before flying off. "O-ow…" His eyelids felt like lead, Jackie tried to stay awake, but the harder he tried the faster he seemed to slip out of consciousness. Before he even knew it happened, he was out like a light.