Protegee (Legacy)

Protegee is the eighth chapter of Pokemon Legacy.
==Plot==
[Isaac was walking to his hidden spot to train Needles some more. As he walked there he ran into Lillie again. Isaac calmly waved to her and walked to her.]
Isaac: Hi, it was Lillie, right?
Lillie: Hello, Isaac. What’s the plans for today? Have you thought about what we talked about at all?
Isaac: Just a little bit. Kinda hard to change my view from what I learned growing up. I am training my team to their full potential though.
Lillie: That’s what college is for. Expanding your horizons and learning more about the world and even yourself. Is there anything else you have going on?
Isaac: Just trying to prep for the tournament and stay a float in classes.
[Lillie looked Isaac over in a suspicious manner, she knew something was up but did not want to accuse Isaac of anything.]
Lillie: Right. Have you thought about your meeting with Wicke that’s coming up? She meets with all first years to see how they are adjusting and makes any major changes if needed.
Isaac: That I did forget about. I guess I will need to start thinking about that huh?
Lillie: I could assist you with that. 
Isaac: That’s okay. I should probably figure it out for myself so its more authentic.
[Lillie gave up trying to pry for now and walked off, leaving Isaac to train.]
----
[Venus sat down across from Professor Wicke inside her office. She was the first on Wicke’s list of students to check in on alphabetically.]
Venus: I’ve done some thinking and I’d like to have both palentology and aerospace science as majors.
Wicke: So you decided to double major in both after our trip to Fossilopolis?
Venus: Yes. Like you said, the world is changing. So maybe one day, the would could use a paleontologist astronaut.
[Professor Wicke smiled as she entered the new info and edited some classes around for next semester.]
Wicke: I’m glad you are figuring it out, Venus! I do hope you can manage the workload that comes with the double major, but I am certain it will be good for you.
Venus: I am positive that I can make it work.
----
[Mason was across from Wicke now, a bit neutral. A neutral that was hiding from the Professor who sat before him trying to help.]
Wicke: Have you thought about any specializations for your Pokemon Studies degree?
Mason: Mulled it over somewhat. The main idea I keep coming back to is history. It covers everything which most people don’t understand. Paleontology is a subsidiary of history, for without the Fossil Record our history would be severely lacking. Without history, we wouldn’t know how to properly and safely use Z-Crystals and Rings, Mega Evolution, and Dynamaxing. Without history, we can’t really do much because learning from our mistakes and learning from them is part of history now, isn’t it?
Wicke: Is history the track you want to go to? Professor Sonia did an internship with us when she was an undergraduate you know. She’s the leading expert in Pokemon History.
Mason: Yes, it is the easiest and simplest way to research everything I want to without having numerous majors.
Wicke: Alrighty, it’s all set. 
----
[Daniel was next, his major was set for the most part when he first applied to the school. That made this meeting more of a general checkup than finalizing any changes unlike the other three.]
Wicke: Hello Daniel, are there any changes you want to make to your major?
Daniel: I don't think so. I still feel content with where I am now. I want to work my way up and be a strong battler.
Wicke: Very well this will just be a short meeting then.
[Daniel’s meeting was not very long being over after ten minutes and some more discussion for next semester's classes.]
----
[Isaac was the last one to be seen on the account that he was the only first-year student to not have a major selected.]
Isaac: Hello, Professor.
Wicke: Hello, Isaac. I will cut right to it. Have we decided on a major pathway yet? Or still, mulling it over?
Isaac: Probably something to do with interregional communications or general battling. I think if I saw some sort of list, I could narrow it down.
[Wicke entered something into her computer and turned the screen around to show Isaac a list of majors that would fit his interests. Isaac looked through the list very carefully.]
Isaac: I think even after looking this over, that I will remain undecided. I’m still not fully sure about which direction to go.
Wicke: That is fine as well, but please do think about it. A choice will have to be made before the end of your second year.
Isaac: I understand. I will definitely have something figured out by then.
----
[The next day the four housemates each received an email, that contained details of a mentorship that would be assigned below. Daniel was assigned to an upperclassman named Damian, while Mason was assigned to another upperclassman named Jak, Venus’s upperclassmen mentor was Oderec, and finally, Isaac was assigned to a non-student being Lillie.]
Isaac: God damn it. I can’t shake her at all...
[Isaac was concerned Lillie was looking into him too much just a few times they have met, spending more time around her would only be more dangerous. Mason was also upset with the mentorship program.]
Mason: Why do I need a mentor? I am 21!
Daniel: I was also unaware of a mentorship program, but it might be a good tool for us going forward.
Venus: We may be old adults, but we are still first years. So, it makes sense.
Isaac: I guess that I’ll make the most of it. Maybe I’ll even get her number for you, Mason.
Mason: Who’s number…?
Isaac: Did I not tell you? I met one of the instructors here, and now she’s assigned to be my mentor.
Mason: Okay? That still doesn’t explain why I’d want her number.
Isaac: She’s kinda hot? I thought you two might get along together. I don’t know just seemed like a good idea when I said it.
[Isaac was hoping his plan to pawn Lillie off onto Mason would work, she was getting way too close to Isaac for his comfort..]
Mason: I still have no idea who you are even talking about.
Isaac: Oh, it’s Professor Lillie. Gladion’s younger sister.
Mason: Nooooo. That is… one if I wanted to make a move I would have done so when I first started my journey with her and Hau when we were fifteen. Two, Gladion and Lusamine would likely murder anyone who even tried to date Lillie. Three, like Hau she would likely act strange around me and it would take time for a friendship to be formed and then romance. Four, should I even go that route, I can kiss my ass goodbye given reason two.
Isaac: She’s six years older than you, what are you talking about your journey with her? The other reasons are fair though.
Mason: Yeah, still not going to fall for whatever you are trying to pull.
Isaac: I’m not trying to pull anything. I thought you two might make a good couple. I was just trying to be your wingman.
Mason: Do you think I’m stupid? She must be bugging you or something so you are trying to pawn her off on me. She’s the nicest person I know, so maybe try communicating with her that you are uncomfortable.
Isaac: Guess I will have to deal with that once I see her again.
Mason: I swear to Arceus, Isaac. I like to think that I’ve been somewhat friendly with you these last few months, but if you harm her…. Just talk to her for Darkrai’s sake. As for the wingman thing, if I want one I will give you a call.
----
[A little later, the four housemates were at the docks, preparing to leave the island. Their first step was to meet their mentors and pick an island to go to for the day. Isaac was thinking about which island to visit, his main option being Poni as he hadn’t seen it yet.]
Isaac: What are you guys planning?
Mason: Either Akala or Poni…. Kinda been craving fresh Poni Raddish...
Daniel: I might go to Akala. Take in the sights, and find more Pokemon. 
Venus: I wanna go to Akala to try and get more fossils or to Ula’Ula to find a Minior.
[The group heard footsteps approach them as they turned around to see Damian, Jak, Oderec, and Lillie. Damian was a pale man with moppy black hair and blue eyes. He was wearing plain jeans and a t-shirt with combat boots. Jak looked tired behind his thick-framed glasses. His eyes and hair were a dark brown with a slight tan to his skin. His facial hair was well groomed forming a goatee. He was wearing sweatpants, crocs, and a hoodie. His brown hair was messily pulled back into a ponytail. Oderec was looking similar to him in the hair and eyes department, his skin however was more tanned and his facial hair was more of a 5 o’clock shadow. Oderec was wearing a yellow and black pinstripe suit with brown accents.]
Wicke: First Years, meet what we call the big three….. Plus Lillie.
[The first years introduced themselves and were introduced to the mentors.]
Wicke: Damian is a Battle Studies major, Jak is Pokemon Studies specializing in medicine, and Oderec is a Pokemon Entomology researcher. Now that introductions have wrapped up, have you four decided where you will be going? It’s your last chance to make any team adjustments before the tournament.
[The group decided on where to go. Isaac and Mason decided on Poni Island while Daniel and Venus chose to go to Akala.]
----
[The ship to Poni was the longest as it was the furthest from Aether University, this left Mason and Isaac a lot of time to talk to their mentors.]
Mason: So, Jak what do you do outside of your studies?
Jak: Not much free time as a lot of it is focused on Pokemon medicine research and my internship with The Joy Foundation.
Mason: So uh... What’s it like working with the Joy Foundation? Have you learned anything about Pokerus?
Jak: Joy is a good place to do medical research at, as for Pokerus, that’s not exactly my field. I focus on particular healing from battle rather than virus and disease.
Isaac: So, do I call you Lillie or Professor Lillie?
[Isaac’s foot was tapping rapidly, his nerves were on fire from now having a mentor he did not want who was close to finding out about his involuntary involvement with Team Skull. Mason looked over at the leg tapping and pulled Isaac aside.]
Mason: Okay, fine. I will give you some tips, so it isn’t so awkward with you and her. Just talk to her about Pokemon, except the one in her bag. Don’t bring up her family and don’t overflatter her. That’s pretty much it.
Isaac: Thanks but that’s not the only reason I’m panicky right now. I just don’t like the one-on-one mentorship thing. Kinda feels like it limits the outdoor campus time. Also, not been the best at getting sleep lately on top of trying to train for the tournament.
Mason: I understand that, I don’t think I have anything in common with Jak either. I’m more of a history buff, not a biology one. I’ve also been having nightmares since coming to Aether, but I’ve been sucking it up so I don’t wake you. The tournament is a different story. My advice? Don’t stress about it, we may be having trouble getting Pokemon and training them, but that's how a new team goes. We are all freshmen starting over, so it’s best to go with the flow rather than be hard-stuck on a set plan. Anything else?
Isaac:... No… thanks, Mason.
[The tapping of Isaac’s body slowed down as he turned to face the water. Mason shrugged and went back to the mentors. Another hour passed as the ship arrived at the island’s port. Mason jumped off the boat in an excited hurry.]
Mason: Let’s go, Jak! Also, Isaac, don’t go past the farm. Poni Island isn’t exactly safe for newbies.
[Lillie scoffed at that remark and turned to Isaac once Mason and Jak had gone off.]
Lillie: Follow me. I have someone you are going to want to meet.
[Isaac followed Lillie and took note of Mason’s warning of where to definitely go. Lillie took him to the east side of the island where they met with a woman with pink hair and black clothing.]
Lillie: Hello, Plumeria. This is Isaac, the boy I told you about.
Plumeria: Seems the type to attract Guzma’s attention.
Isaac: I don’t know what you two are talking about.
Lillie: You can drop the act. I figured it out a little after we met and asked Plumeria about it. She mentioned Bulk and Skull were after an Aether student, but she wasn’t sure who it was.
Plumeria: I’ve been undercover within Team Skull, trying to keep them in check and figuring out who their boss above Guzma is. I know some details about your encounter with him a few weeks ago. As much to know that you don’t want to be involved with them.
Isaac: I mean I can try to help, but I don’t have much information either.
Plumeria: Well, what do you know?
Isaac: Guzma said the person who hired him was to find me because apparently, I’m his son. Guzma intends to undercut him and see if he can negotiate for more money. I was forced in while Guzma provides some protection from his associate. The tournament is the start of it all where I am supposed to use a Wimpod he gave me as a sort of calling card.
Plumeria: I see. I don’t think there is much we can do right now. We are stuck waiting for Guzma or the buyer to make a move...
Isaac: What if I used a different Pokemon? Surely I can catch something here that will send a message to both that a third party is involved.
Plumeria: Nothing of note that wouldn’t just be chalked up to you catching it by coincidence...
Isaac: Won’t stop me from catching something. I need a good core for my team.
Plumeria: Be my guest, but do note that if I see you while I am on duty with Team Skull, I will be acting differently. I expect you to act as if we hadn’t met before.
[Isaac nodded in agreement as he and Lillie ventured off to find a potential new capture for his team. After some searching, Isaac saw a small blue Pokemon trying to jump up to some fruit on a tree. Isaac decided to toss a Pokeball at the Pokemon as it was distracted. The Pokeball clicked catching it in one try. Isaac did not even bother to look at what it was and continued his search for more Pokemon.]
----
[The ride to Akala Island was short, when Daniel arrived he had already split paths from Venus and her mentor and had begun venturing with his own. Venus had headed east with Oderec and Daniel headed north with Damian.]
Damian: So what’s the plan?
Daniel: Find new Pokemon for my team of course. I have five already, so I want at least one more, though anymore and I will have to start to rotate members around.
Damian: Well, who do you plan on using in the 3v3 beginners bracket? What are you working with?
Daniel: Definitely Pikachu. The rest will be figured out when I register.
Damian: This isn’t something you leave for the day of. Need to plan your team ahead of time and make sure the selected members work well together. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts. A team needs synergy. 
Daniel: Definitely not making it last minute, but more so as I catch things.
Damian: Let’s see what you have so far. We can make a decision based on what type of coverage you need.
[The two headed to Brooklet Hill as Damian scavenged around for some material and crafted together two makeshift rods for the pair. He handed one to Daniel.]
Damian: Ever fish before?
Daniel: I haven’t really. My family never had the time to do a lot of stuff.
Damian: I’ll teach you.
[The two started to fish with Damian instructing Daniel how to do so, this resulted in Daniel reeling in a Poliwag. Daniel smiled as he tossed a Pokeball and caught the Poliwag. The two continued to fish until it was time to head back to the docks.]
----
[Mason and Jak were on the west side of the island. Jak was inspecting a plant determining if he would take a sample or not as he spoke to Mason.]
Jak: I was told that you had picked a history focus in your degree. Have you considered all aspects of history and not just Pokemon? For example, plants have a history as do genetics. Those can help us understand the world as well.
Mason: I suppose I hadn’t fully considered that aspect. I’m mostly into Pokémon and Civilizations. You know, there used to be more people on this island. What kind of plant is that, out of curiosity?
Jak: While it is good to have a specialization within history, knowing a little about the other aspects of it will help improve your own field. For example, I am more about the application of common plants found within a hospital. So I am not the greatest at identification of the plants in the wild. This here is either the white jade bush or the white dragon bush. The former is a deadly poison while the latter is a great source of healing especially in a tea form.
[Jak decided against picking the flower as he did not wish to risk it being poisoned.]
Mason: Maybe a Pokemon could help identify it.
Jak: While that is true, I do not carry such a Pokemon with me.
Mason: Would a Rockruff work? That’s the best option I have.
Jak: Unfortunately, no. We would need a grass Pokemon other than my Cacturne which isn’t currently with me.
Mason: Maybe we can find one in the wild to use.
[Mason looked around and stumbled upon a nest in the palm trees above the duo. He looked inside it to find a bunch of eggs. In the far-off distance, Mason could hear the faint screeching of a bird Pokemon. Mason panicked and sent out all of his Pokemon as the horde of now Fearow appeared.]
Mason: Jak, if you have an electric type, now would be the time to use them before they sho-
Jak: Goodra, make the world a safer place! Thunder!
[Jak and Goodra took down the flock with ease, the ground shook a bit from the Thunder causing the eggs to fall onto Mason.]
Exeggcute: Eg?
Mason: Jak! Exeggcute! A grass type! Those flying fucks were going to eat them! Cybird, Rockarou, U.F.Oe, atta-
Jak: Stand down, the birds are out for the count. Attacking further is cruel and unnecessary violence.
Mason: Are you okay Exeggcute?
[Mason tried to catch a Fearow as he checked in on Exeggcute, but through sheer willpower, the unconscious Fearows would not stay in the ball.]
Jak: We may wanna leave before they wake up, the pure determination in them is a bit frightening.
[The two agreed and they walked back to Seafolk Village where Jak took out his bag some plants and fed them to Exeggcute who smiled.]
Exeggcute: Egg!
Mason: How cute, now that you are all healed up, let’s get you back into the wild.
Exeggcute: Ex!
Jak: Seems they want to go with you.
[Mason smiled and held out a Pokeball, the Exeggcute gladly went in with a successful capture.]
Mason: Will they help with the identification of the flower?
Jak: While they could, it isn’t that worth it to go back into Fearow’s area. I will have to come back at a later date with my Bellossom.
Mason: Are we stuck in Seafolk for a bit then?
Jak: Not quite, we can ride on Goodra and head towards the plains in front of the Tapu shrine.
Mason: Oooh, let’s do it! Can we fish while we travel there?
Jak: Go ahead. Nothing around here particularly interested me at the moment.
[Mason shrugged as Jak sent out Goodra. Jak feeds Goodra some food and pets her on her forehead. Jak waited a bit until Goodra got into the water on her own. He approached her back and got on. He extended his hand to Mason. Mason accepted and cast his line once they reached open waters.]
Mason: So what do you want to talk about until we reached the shrine?
Jak: We are going to the Poni Plains, not the shrine. Outsiders like us are not allowed inside.
[Jak was speaking with his professional and academic tone again, not even realizing he was slipping into it. Mason grew quiet as the trek continued. A bit before they were to dock, Mason had a tug on his line. He reeled it in excitedly to reveal he had reeled in a Magikarp. Mason caught it with ease and a little later they arrived on the shore of Poni Plains. The two got on land and Jak returned Goodra to her Pokeball thanking her. Jak calmly and calculated walked into Poni Plains. His movements were stiff but meaningful. Eventually, the duo ran into Isaac and Lillie again. They exchanged pleasantries and decided to group up again as they explored the area a bit more. They walked around discussing a farm in Alola as Jak stopped dead in his tracks when he heard something in the distance.]
Mason: Is it the flock?
[Jak nodded his head no as he looked towards the direction of the Tapu Shrine. He held his stomach in pain. Lillie also stopped to listen and heard it as well. As the two first years looked they sensed a presence looking at them, but failed to locate where it was coming from. Isaac grabbed hold of a Pokeball as Mason shook his head and stopped him. The feeling came to pass as Jak looked back at the group with extreme worry.]
Mason: Does this mean we are leaving?
Lillie: Worse.. It is said that those who have an encounter with Tapu Fini will experience unfortunate disasters. It is someone in this group, if not all.
Isaac: We didn’t even encounter it?
Jak: While we did not see it, it saw us. That’s enough to count I would say.
[Jak’s watch beeped as he looked at it. He turned to head back to Seafolk Village.]
Jak: Our time is up for the day, unfortunately.
----
[Venus split paths from Daniel and was on the east side of the island. She headed to Fossilopolis to speak with Mr.Williams. Venus and her group walked in to see Mr.Williams adjusting an exhibit. As he stepped back to look it over, he accidentally backed into Oderec.]
Mr.Williams: Oh my heavens, I am so sorry! Venus! You return!
Venus: It’s nice to see you again too, Mr.Williams.
Mr.Williams: What brings you here?
Venus: Well, my dad mailed me some samples from a new dig site in Sinnoh and one of them sparked a great interest in one of my friends. I was hoping that you guys could revive them to see what they actually are.
[Mr.Williams took the fossil in question and inspected it, before handing it back to Venus.]
Mr.Williams: I am afraid we cannot. There is not enough of a sample source to revive it. I do suspect your father is working on that front and I do not wish to step on his research.
Venus: Oh... I see...
Oderec: Was there anywhere else you wanted to check out and try to catch something? If you want my unbiased opinion, the Lush Jungle has some great bug-type Pokemon.
Venus: That sounds like it could be a place to check out.
[Oderec led Venus northwest and they entered the Lush Jungle. Oderec looked around for someone, but it seemed she wasn’t there.]
Oderec: I was hoping that the trial captain would be here. We go way back with sharing recipes we create. I had a new one to show her..
Venus: Really? What’s the recipe?
Oderec: It’s something inspired by my hometown of Cortondo in Paldea. I haven’t been back in a while so I decided to play around in the kitchen to feel less homesick.
Venus: Paldea? You’re from one of the regions with no confirmed dig sites?
Oderec: Uh, yeah... Why?
Venus: I was wondering if there were still signs of prehistory in the region. I can understand a place like Alola not having anything from 65 million years ago, but places like Paldea and Jonto should be different.
Oderec: I mean we have stories and some artifacts from the ancient past, but nothing like fossils. Though there is this weird rumor of a hexagonal rock alien thing in the Great Crater.
Venus: Alien as in outer space alien?
Oderec: More so strange and foreign than outer space, but again it’s only a rumor with no real solid evidence to even prove its existence.
Venus: I’ll have to check it out myself then. How big is the crater?
Oderec: I would say it is bigger than this island. It’s also not accessible outside of research, so try to find research opportunities in Paldea. Might be a good access or rather starting point to it.
Venus: Ok, I’ll keep that in mind. As for now, could you show me the recipe?
Oderec: Sure. Just need a few ingredients, but I should be able to find them around here. Volcarona, Ribombee, Vespiquen, let’s cook!
[The three Pokemon were sent out as the firebug lit a fire, Ribombee helped forage for the needed items, and Vespiquen added her honey to the pot. Venus noticed that Tyler was already drooling from the aroma in the air. Pixie and Tricky were curious about the progress as well. Oderec had finished cooking the giant bowl of food as he handed some to Venus and the Pokemon with them which included his Armaldo, Shedinja, and Galvantula as well as the first three.]
Venus: Oh you have an Armaldo?
Oderec: Yup. Got him as an Anorith when I did an internship in the Galar region.
Venus: I thought Galar only had the four mismatch fossils?
Oderec: Yes and no. In the snowy parts of Galar, on the east side, there is a dig area where they have uncovered some Jaw, Sail, Claw, and Root fossils.
Venus: Interesting, I wouldn’t have guessed there being fossils in a snowy area.
Oderec: Yup, frozen in ice.
[As the duo talked and ate a wild Bounsweet appeared having been attracted by the sweet smell of the Oderec Original Meal. Tyler the Tyrunt noticed the wild Pokemon and rushed over to it with his jaw open.]
Venus: Tyler, no!
[Venus quickly recalled Tyler to his Pokeball before he could bite the fruit-looking Pokemon. The Bounsweet looked confused as she was still entranced by the food as she stuck her mouth into the bowl to eat some. A few minutes passed and Tyler was let back out of his Pokeball. Venus talked to him about not eating Pokemon. After the talk, Tyler was allowed to have seconds as Oderec pet the wild Bounsweet.]
Venus: I feel bad putting my Pokemon inside their Pokeballs... But it was all I could think of.
Oderec: Being a trainer is about making difficult decisions in the spur of the moment.
[The Bounsweet jumped out of Oderec’s arms and jumped over to Venus.]
Venus: I get that... At least this little one is okay. I’m relieved.
Bounsweet: Bou!
Venus: Say. Why don’t you join our team? I’m sure that I can learn how to cook this dish if you’d like some more of it.
Bounsweet: Boun!
Oderec: I’ll take that as a yes.
[Venus took out a Pokeball and captured Bounsweet. Oderec got an alert on his phone and started to clean up their area.]
Oderec: Let’s clean up, we have to start heading back. Make sure to leave a campsite cleaner than you found it.
----
[The group all meet back up at the Aether University docks, where the mentors were saying goodbye to their protegees. Mason silently walked off after saying a few goodbyes, leaving Jak confused.]
Jak: Is he always like this?
[Oderec handed Venus a piece of paper with the recipe on it. The writing was messy as he was writing it on the boat ride back.]
Damian: Be sure to check out our battles in the tournament, you guys. You might learn something.
[Everyone said their goodbyes as they went to their dorms, the one thing on their minds was the coming tournament.]
==Major Events==
*The group meets their upperclassmen mentors
*Daniel catches Poliwag
*Venus catches Bounsweet
*Isaac catches Riolu
*Mason catches Exeggcute and Magikarp
==Characters==
===Main Characters===
*Daniel Flint
*Mason Shade
*Venus Aphrodite
*Isaac Laudren
===Supporting Characters===
*Damian 
*Oderec
*Jak
*Lillie
===Minor Characters===
*Professor Wicke
*Plumeria
===Pokemon Used===
*Riolu (wild, caught by Isaac)
*Poliwag (wild, caught by Daniel)
*Spearow (x4, wild)
*Fearow (x8, wild)
*Cybird (Porygon, Mason's)
*Rockarou (Rockruff, Mason's)
*U.F.Oe. (Magnemite, Mason's)
*Goodra (Jak's)
*Exeggcute (wild, caught by Mason)
*Magikarp (wild, caught by Mason)
*Tapu Fini (wild)
*Volcarona (Oderec's)
*Ribombee (Oderec's)
*Vesipquen (Oderec's)
*Pixie (Clefairy, Venus's)
*Trixie (Zorua, Venus's)
*Tyler (Tyrunt, Venus's)
*Armaldo (Oderec's)
*Shedinja (Oderec's)
*Galvantula (Oderec's)
*Bounsweet (wild, caught by Venus)
==Trivia==
*Damian is this universe's version of the character from the last Legacy run, being the mentor to Daniel who is played by the same person as Damian was.
*Jak, Damian, and Oderec being called the Big 3 is a reference and idea taken from My Hero Academia
*Jak inspecting the plant and discussing it is a reference to Uncle Iroh from Avatar: The last Airbender doing the same think, but taking the risk.