The Storm Feather

By Cooltrainer Ashton

The second installment of the Extinction of Team Rocket series, The Storm Feather finds Drew, a newly exonerated criminal making sense of the shattered pieces of his life and his newly bestowed freedom. In spite of not feeling like a hero or worthy of others' praise, he resigns himself to accepting the role and resting and healing as best as he can with his gym being closed to the public. However, a fateful reunion and subsequent adventure arises, giving him the journey he never had. Despite building a new team and making new friends, he's forced to face his demons head on, both in his mind and around him, unfolding into an eye-opening adventure he'll never forget.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Cooltrainer Ashton
• Release date: Aug 22, 2020
• ISBN: 9781005999209

Cooltrainer Ashton

?️‍?? Gay demiguy? Empath?? Plant-based✏️ Fanfics? F2-F5?‍♂️Self-love? Nerdy? Mental health#ChallengeoftheGoldenAura available now! ??

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Disclaimer

This is a work of fanfiction. The author does not own Pokémon or anything belonging to Nintendo, Game Freak, or Satoshi Tajiri. All characters and storylines not from the original Pokémon franchise belong solely to the author. Any character resemblances to actual people are coincidental. This story is not being published for commercial or monetary gain and is designed for educational and writing practice purposes as fair use.

Author’s Note

Hello, readers!

Thank you so much for taking the time to check out my next installment of the Extinction of Team Rocket series. The last few years have been the toughest of my life, and this was such a healing part of my journey.

If you're a new reader, you can check out the first installment on Smashwords.

And don’t forget – please follow me on Instagram at @CooltrainerAshton, and you can supplement your reading experience with music by following along to my Storm Feather playlist on YouTube!

Happy reading!

Dedication

This is dedicated to all of you who fight tough battles every day. Whether you deal with a mental illness, or you've survived trauma, or you have low self-esteem, I want you to know that you are seen. You are beautiful, even if you don't see it. Your thoughts, feelings, and experiences are valid. You are worth the effort others make to have you in their lives. Don't let others get in the way of your happiness or your healing.

Some of those lessons have been tough for me to learn, but I've learned that healing is messy. It's not linear. And it looks different for everyone. But, in spite of everything, it's necessary, and I'm better for it.

I hope this story, which is absolutely dear to my heart, will enthrall you, inspire you, and validate you like it has me.

XO,

Ashton

New beginnings are often disguised as painful endings.

~Lao Tzu

The Storm Feather

Written by Cooltrainer Ashton

Cover image courtesy of @lkb222

Cover design by Cooltrainer Ashton & Haus of Clover

Edited with ProWritingAid

© 2020

Chapter One

Hard Reset

If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. if you are at peace, you are living in the present.

~Lao Tzu

I woke up refreshed with the sunrise. I’d expected exhaustion from a restless night or sleep-deprivation from nightmares, which wasn’t out of the realm of possibilities before an important day. Cool air wafted in from the open window, and the songs of chirping pidgey gave a lighthearted, cheerful tone to the neighborhood. The perfume of cherry blossoms mingled with the scrumptious aroma of bacon from downstairs. Espeon and Dragonair were curled up with me, keeping me warm. I wished I could enjoy this more, but today was an important, long-awaited day.

I slipped out of bed, and the morning chill sent goosebumps all over my body. I put on my robe with haste and slunk downstairs, with wonderful aromas continuing to tease my nose. I stretched when I reached the kitchen.

Good morning, Mom said.

She enveloped me in a hug with a kiss on the cheek, the light floral perfume she wore doing the same. She was already dressed for work in a lovely ivory sundress with a cherry blossom print and had still managed to fry French toast and eggs in skillets, not to mention the bacon cooling on the counter.

Morning, Mom, I said. You’re up early.

She smiled. I wanted you to have a proper breakfast. Did you sleep well?

Mm-hmm, to my surprise.

Oh, good, she replied. Are you excited to return to the gym?

I nodded. And anxious… When am I not? It comes with my past.

Oh, I’m certain everything will turn out great, honey. When are you meeting Dustin?

Eight o’clock.

Then you have time to eat. As if she moved on air, she gave me a plate loaded with French toast, bacon, and eggs. Eat up so you can start your day.

If you leave the dishes, I’ll clean up when I leave.

I won’t have you worry over them, she said as she sat down with her own plate. I’ll take care of them.

Are you sure?

She nodded, smiling.

Mom underestimated my hunger, and my plate was clean moments after she joined me. I smirked at her as I got up to wash the dishes. She chuckled under her breath.

Are you staying here? she asked as she ate.

I don’t see why I can’t stay at the gym, I replied, beginning to scrub the skillets.

Are you sure? I’m concerned about your mental health, Drew… Team Rocket might be gone, but there are still a lot of evil memories in that space.

I can’t run away from it forever, Mom. Living there was not ideal… but circumstances can change.

Honey, as a successful gym leader, you are capable of anything, but you have a home during renovations if you need one.

I placed the dishes in the drying rack as I processed. ...Thanks, Mom... I just hope to not burden you for much longer.

Honey, you’re never a burden! I love having you home... I know you’re itching to get your independence back, but... we have eight years to catch up on… and... maybe I’m not ready to let you go… it was hard enough the first time.

I returned to the table. Even if I’m not staying here, we can still catch up on lost time.

She smiled.

I don’t plan on being a stranger, Mom. I felt like one for eight years... It was foolish to think I couldn’t come home... I’m grateful I’m here…

Tears were in her eyes, but her smile didn’t leave her face.

Returning to the former hideout won’t be pleasant because it takes me away from healing in a safe place and bonding with you, but it’s what I have to do... even if I have to battle my demons in the process, I’m committed to serving our city and maintaining our reputation.

She wiped tears from her eyes. It must have been hard not having me at home, but she nodded.

Life isn’t easy, she said. We can’t plan everything, and you’ve learned it more than most people your age… Your city and your family will always be proud of you. Whether you’re here or elsewhere, you’ll continue to heal and grow, and you’ll have your mother cheering you on no matter what.

Now I was the one who needed to wipe my eyes. Mom stood up and walked over to me, enveloping me in a hug. I held her close as long as I was able.

Go get ready, she said, her eyes full of love that burned bright since we’d reunited. I’ll walk back to town with you to see you off.

I smiled and ran upstairs. Espeon and Dragonair were awake and keen for head rubs, rewarding me with kisses.

Are you ready for our big day?

They both squealed, their joyful spirits brightening the room much like the sunshine.

I threw on a green shirt and gray shorts and put my belongings back into my bag.

Let’s go, I said, bolting down the stairs with them.

Mom was waiting at the front door with a brown paper bag in her hands. She smiled and handed it to me.

For when you get to the gym, your pokémon can have a proper breakfast.

I smiled. Thanks, Mom. I’m sure they’ll love it.

The air outside was crisp and sweet, the aroma of cherry blossoms stronger. The sunshine warmed my skin as we trudged down our quiet street lined with oak and cherry trees and single-family homes in varying shades of green, lavender, and beige. We continued toward the outskirts of Viridian’s downtown hub. Dragonair floated next to me on my left and Espeon walked on my right between Mom and me.

What a gorgeous day, Mom said. Hopefully, you and your team can enjoy it.

Hopefully so, I said.

The wind wafted through the trees as we walked.

Any idea on how bad everything is? she asked.

From my memory, there were one or two floors that were thrashed. The floor where everyone lived was untouched. But all floors will most likely need renovating to accommodate the needs of a real gym, not to mention amenities like central heat and hot water… Team Rocket’s work didn’t include a proper habitat or facility to take care of pokémon, which is crucial for a gym.

Well, you’re already mindful of what the space needs.

To a degree… I need to confirm with some colleagues who’re more experienced with running gyms, but it’ll come down to how to pay for everything.

Will the Pokémon League help with it?

I’m not sure… their stipends are meager and sometimes don’t cover routine gym maintenance… Some gyms may have to seek financial assistance in the form of donations or serving the community in different capacities, and most gym leaders don’t live in their gyms like we do.

Well, Dustin will know more when you meet with him… plus, you’ll have plenty of support from me and the city if it comes down to it.

I nodded. Thanks, Mom.

We strolled down several streets and enjoyed the morning breeze before we mingled with the morning commuters. Soon, we arrived at Mom’s restaurant, which sat right outside the downtown area near City Hall. This gave it plenty of business without being cramped around our bustling city.

She hugged me tight. I hope your morning is productive, honey. Come by for lunch when you’re hungry. My treat. I love you.

I smiled. I love you too, Mom, and thank you. I’ll talk to you soon.

~ ~ ~

The gym and restaurant were on opposite sides of the city, but I didn’t mind. When did we ever enjoy a leisurely stroll on a pleasant morning? I jogged with Espeon and Dragonair close behind me through the city, past multiple shops beginning to open for the day, through various parks, and out of the downtown hub toward another rural area. A larger park leading to another residential area of the city housed our gym, and it was also a path travelers took to Pewter City. I resolved to tackle the next obstacle in my path and pressed onward to the drab building.

After a while of jogging, I caught my breath when we made it to the gym. The memories still gave the building an ominous aura, even with Team Rocket gone, and I couldn’t stand the outdated and grotesque Roman theme Dad chose when it first opened.

I hadn’t prepared myself enough for this reunion, and my body responded, with goosebumps on my skin, the hair on the back of my neck standing up, and my heartrate rising. The thoughts I’d set aside pounced on me, the same messages blaring about being ill-equipped or fearful of moving forward into this next challenge. As if success and happiness wouldn’t reach me. Or the love and belonging I desired were too far out of my grasp. Whatever my logic said, my mind refused to relent on the soundtrack that I was still a criminal with too lenient of a pardon.

But, despite the internal battle, I hadn’t come this far to turn back. I took a deep breath before taking the gym key and unlocking the front doors. I set my bag down and put Mom’s special breakfast into two bowls for Espeon and Dragonair, which was the leftovers of our fried rice with vegetables and tofu from last night’s dinner.

Eat up, I told them. I’ll be back.

I went inside, being greeted with the aroma of fresh earth. The battlefield hadn’t changed since my last match, and the floor was still in pristine condition. I removed the gear parts I’d confiscated and a flashlight from my backpack and pondered how to reach the room with the power generator without the elevator. The only choice was to teleport. I had exercised none of my telekinesis since the mission. I shut my eyes and breathed in slow, concentrating on the room I wished to visit, and after feeling that warm energy rush around me like a freefall, I saw I was where I selected.

I ignored the subsequent throbbing in my head and pressed the part back into its slot with a click before powering on the generator. Within seconds, it whirred back to life, followed by the lights. Rather than exacerbating my mind, I took the elevator up to where our security system was. The space smelt of earth and stale dust, and the eeriness from a lack of human energy here was unlike what I’d ever experienced. After I replaced the missing part for the security system, I rode the elevator back up to the gym floor and turned on the lights so we were no longer in darkness.

When Espeon and Dragonair finished eating, they joined me as I boarded the elevator and returned to the first basement floor. Major activities of Team Rocket had taken place here. The storage facility was in ruins with debris and broken glass littering the ground. Everywhere else we looked, whether it was the practice room, the fitness center, the cafeteria, or the recreation room, everything was grimy and trashed from the raid. The conference room and research lab, which had only been accessible to select individuals, were untouched aside from police gathering evidence.

We traveled down to the second floor next, where all grunts had lived. The entire floor reeked with a stench reminiscent of filthy socks and stale urine. I held my breath as we side-stepped the offending trash and clothing lining the floor, observing the damage and graffiti marking the stained, discolored white walls. Cleaning and remodeling this pigsty would be an awful job.

We continued down to the third floor with haste, where all the guards and junior and senior executives lived. I didn’t care to visit any rooms of my adversaries, but I returned to my drab and abandoned suite. The chill remained, despite being a free man. I hadn’t expected to pick up the helpless mindset I had as a prisoner, and our mission was to destroy and rebuild our home. Mom had a point. Being here would be a tough adjustment. 

We returned to the gym to escape the chill. I checked my pokégear and saw it was past 8:00. No sooner had I checked, the doors opened, and a familiar figure appeared. I had expected to see Dustin, but the figure was shorter with messy hair and a toothy grin. When the light came into focus, I confirmed the person approaching us was Jake.

Drew!

I caught him in a hug, a laugh escaping from my chest. I’d forgotten how much I’d missed having this brown-haired, blue-eyed kid around during our separation.

Jake! This is quite the surprise.

I missed you so much! he said.

I missed you too, kiddo, I said, ruffling his hair. I didn’t think we’d reunite under these circumstances.

That same grin was back. I didn’t think so either. After your exoneration, I tried to get in touch with you, but I came up empty-handed. I hoped I’d track you down if I came back this way.

Well, you chose the right time, I said, smiling. Today is my first day back, and the Director of the Pokémon League is coming to help build a plan to reopen the gym.

That’s so cool, he said, his eyes wide and bright. I’m so glad you have your old job back… Which is why I’m here… His energy shifted into a low, reverent bow. I want to be your protégé to learn how to become a great trainer. Just like you… That is, if you’ll have me.

Are you kidding? How can I refuse? Kiddo, you’re the whole reason I’m here.

He grinned and jumped up for joy. Thank you, Drew! You won’t regret it, he said, bowing again to me.

I returned it. I know I won’t.

I wanted to show you this also. I caught a pokémon during my journey.

He took a pokéball from his belt and released it, and out of the white light came a growlithe.

Jake, this is awesome! I bent down to scratch it behind its ears. It’s adorable, and when raised right it becomes a loyal partner.

Thank you, he replied. We’ve been together a week, and we wouldn’t have met if I hadn’t run into one of your friends, who traveled with me before we parted ways.

Oh, really? Who did you meet?

Misty, from Cerulean City. We got to know each other, and we found a camp for abandoned pokémon she’d visited once before, and it’s where I found Growlithe.

How incredible, I replied with a smile. She’s a skilled trainer, and I bet you and Growlithe are already growing close.

We have. It’s been fun so far, and we’ve focused on spending time together and haven’t battled yet.

And it’s okay. The bonds we develop with them outside of battle are just as essential... so you’ve started out well.

It ran around with Espeon and Dragonair, squealing and chasing each other around the gym floor.

Espeon and Dragonair look like they’re doing well, he said. Where are your other pokémon?

The topic was unavoidable. I tried to keep my emotions in check when I looked back at him.

They’re… not here any longer.

Shock painted his face. You’re serious? What happened?

Sorrow and anger gripped my heart. You heard about my father and I, right?

He nodded. I only read that you’d battled him, but the article didn’t say much else.

I took a breath and kept it succinct. ...He not only attempted to poison me, but he took the lives of my Ninetales, Scizor, and Crobat... Pupitar is still alive but is recovering from its injuries.

Shit, Drew, I’m so sorry. That’s horrible… His pained expression stressed the difficulty he experienced in finding the right words, and his body morphed into a low bow. ...My condolences for your loss.

I nodded, not able to say anything. I still felt my grief present, but I subdued it since this wasn’t the time to grieve.

Right then, the doors opened again, and I saw a familiar figure with blond hair and brown eyes walk through the door, whom I recognized as Dustin, followed by a blond, balding man with blue eyes I didn’t recognize.

Morning, Drew, he said, giving his normal bow. Glad to have you back here.

I returned it with a reverent bow. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

Drew, this is John, one of our beloved contractors who has helped remodel many of our leaders’ gyms.

It’s nice to meet you, I said, bowing to him also.

Likewise, he replied, returning it.

And who is this young man? Dustin said.

Dustin, this is Jake, my protégé, and the one to whom I owe my freedom. Jake, this is Dustin, Director of the Pokémon League.

It’s an honor, sir, Jake said, bowing, which he returned.

So this is the kid I’ve heard a lot about, he said to Jake. We’re in your debt for rescuing Drew.

Jake blushed. It was an honor to help him. A lot of what he did was all his doing.

Well, it seems you were fortunate to have met each other. The gym is in the best hands.

I patted him on the back and ruffled his hair, eliciting a laugh.

So, Drew, have you looked around? Dustin asked.

I nodded. The first two floors are a disaster, and we didn’t touch the third floor during the raid, but in terms of functionality, we’d need to gut the entire space.

It’s valuable information for both of us. Let’s review everything and determine what you need for living and your pokémon, and we’ll draw up a plan to reopen the gym.

We escorted them throughout the entire space, allowing them to see the condition of everything before we reconvened on the gym floor.

Overall, the gym is fine, I said. If nothing changes here, I’d be fine since it’s still functional. But I’d love to get rid of the awful columns and concrete outside and have the exterior match the nature around us. And, in terms of the interior, the way everything is now, we don’t have any habitats for pokémon, and if we have visitors, I don’t trust we can provide them proper hospitality.

Not to mention without central heat or hot water, you and Jake aren’t comfortable here either, Dustin added.

I’m more concerned about the cost, I said. I’m sure there are more critical matters the League has to address.

Don’t sweat over it, Dustin said. The Viridian Gym is important to us, and we’ll make sure everything gets done. We have a set of procedures for gym renovations, but since we don’t have a Team Rocket fund any longer, we have some extra money we can invest into our gyms.

I smiled. I can’t tell you how much we appreciate it.

Dustin smiled back. We’re happy to do anything we can to support both of you.

Our discussions with John grew in color and depth as he created a mockup of how we wanted everything to look.

So from what we’ve discussed, John said, showing us his designs on his portable tablet, we’ll renovate the bottom floor to give everyone larger suites along with central air, heat, and hot water. The other two basement floors will house your pokémon’s habitats and spaces where you can tend to their care and entertain any visiting trainers. And for the gym I’m sure we can renovate it for a more theatrical viewing experience.

Yeah, I’m all for that, I said. What is our timeline for reopening?

My estimate, not factoring any delays or surprises into our timeline, would be around two months or sooner if we can identify any shortcuts. However, we want this to be the best it can be for you and your trainers, so we’d err on the side of two months total.

And I also want to advise during this process, Dustin added, while renovation is ongoing, this space won’t be habitable, so I can’t let you stay here while the team works. I’d rather you be comfortable somewhere else.

It all made sense, and once again Mom’s earlier guidance was exact.

But where would we stay? Jake asked.

Don’t worry, I said, we have a place.

Really?

Yeah... Do you need anything from us, or are we all set?

We’re all set, Dustin said.

I gave Mom’s phone number to Dustin along with the key to the gym. We said our goodbyes and took a leisurely stroll through the park and back into the downtown hub, with our pokémon traveling beside us.

So, Drew, where are we headed? Where else would we stay? I doubt my family would allow us to stay with them.

Don’t worry, kiddo, I replied. My mom told me I could stay with her if needed, and since the gym is being renovated, it’s the only option we have. I’m sure having you with us isn’t a problem.

Cool, he said, smiling.

The League doesn’t have the resources to put us up somewhere, so this saves money. Mom would tell us to stay with her if she knew the circumstances.

No kidding, he replied. So what do we do now?

Well, we can start with lunch and figure out the rest afterward.

We ran through the parks, weaved through bustling streets, and waved to shop owners, bearing with the rising heat of the day and enjoying the fresh air. The heat was only bearable with the trees and shop awnings that shaded us. Whatever thoughts still buzzed in my head were negated by Jake’s positive energy, and I managed to smile as we traveled.

We arrived at Mom’s restaurant, a spacious establishment specializing in cuisine from all over the world, and the space sat at least 100 patrons inside and an additional 50 patrons on the patio. The floors were of dark green linoleum opposite bamboo pendant lights resembling lotus flowers. The walls were crisp white with photographs of various countries in dark brown frames, and the tables were all dressed in green linens. Aromatics like garlic and onions wafted from the kitchen along with warm spices like cinnamon, anise, and clove.

No sooner had we walked in, the owner spotted us, zipped over, and ushered us to the only vacant table, which was near the kitchen. It made me wonder how strong his morning espresso was. Like Mom mentioned, his French accent came through strong as he spoke, and his dexterity as he bowed almost to our feet was remarkable.

Such an ‘onor to ‘ave you dining wit’ us today, he said.

There were menus and water glasses on our table before we blinked.

Thank you so much for your hospitality, I told him, and for taking terrific care of my mother.

Ah, t’is is my pleasure, he said. She’s a marvelous woman, and I love taking care of ze best in our city. Anytime you two need to refuel from your training, we’ll take care of you ‘ere, free of charge.

Jake stared at him in disbelief. I was grateful the city still had people in it who supported us.

We can’t thank you enough, sir, I told him. That’s so generous, and the Viridian Gym doesn’t take it for granted.

T’ink nothing of it, he said. To repay us, keep being ze best trainers you can be and our reputation strong.

I smiled. We accept.

The menu was extensive yet effortless to navigate based on your choice from among 50 of