Aya lay in bed, watching the new morning light filter through the window. She could hear her brother Koga walking through the house. She wondered if he ever slept.
Then she heard a knock on her door. "Come, Aya, we will battle."
Aya hated to wake so early but she knew there would be no arguing with her brother. He loved her, and sometimes when they were alone he set aside his sternness to play and joke with her. But when it came to Pokemon training, he was all business, and accepted no excuses.
Aya dressed quickly and went outside.
Her brother was waiting already. "One round, one pokemon each," he said sharply. He had already chosen a Pokemon. His Arbok waited by his side, looking as serious and menacing as Koga.
Aya knew she had no Pokemon to beat Arbok. But there was no point in arguing. She called out Venomoth.
"Venomoth, stun spore!" she shouted.
Venomoth flew over Arbok and released the stunning powder. But Arbok was able to resist it, and meanwhile the Venomoth had flown too close to the Arbok's mouth.
"Arbok, bite!" shouted Koga.
Venomoth turned sharply in the air to avoid the bite, but the Arbok's teeth slashed its wing and slowed its flight. It was still conscious, however.
"Venomoth, stun spore again!" shouted Aya.
"Arbok, burrow!" Koga shouted.
But Arbok did not burrow quickly enough, and this time the spore powder caught it full in the face. It sank to the ground unconscious.
"Very good, Aya," said Koga.
Aya was shocked at what had just happened.
"Brother, I'm certain there was some... I mean, your Arbok perhaps was tired..."
Koga shook his head. "You trained your Venomoth well, Aya. It was no mistake. Come, let us eat breakfast."
Over breakfast her brother seemed even more serious and quiet than usual. Finally he spoke. "Aya, it has been ten years since our father left us and I began to oversee the gym myself. He told me when I was ready I should look for him, to complete my Pokemon training. I am now ready."
Aya was confused. She had thought Koga had no intention of ever really seeking out their father. Their mother had passed away shortly after Aya was born, and they had both been angry when their father had left them alone so young. This anger had caused her brother to discipline himself and Aya both to become the best Pokemon trainers possible. Sometimes he was so angry he became cold and distant, but he had always taken good care of her.
"Koga, you can't really be going to look for our father," Aya said. "You were so angry when he left."
"I will settle that when I see him. And I will show him that I have become a pokemon trainer, just as he wanted."
"You're still trying to please our father?" asked Aya.
Koga looked at Aya. "Yes, and so are you, Aya."
Aya nodded. "It's true. But won't you let me come with you?"
Koga shook his head. "No. This is for me to do alone. You must stay and run the gym."
Aya looked surprised. "Me? I couldn't possibly..."
"Don't be modest, Aya. This morning you proved yet again that you have learned much about Pokemon training. If you are not better than I am now, you will be soon. And you will have all my Pokemon; my Arbok is that only one that I will take with me."
Aya knew her brother would not change his mind.
"Koga, I'll miss you..." she said.
He nodded. "I'll miss you also Aya, but soon I will be back. And I hope I will bring our father."
"You mean if you think we are worthy of him?"
"And if he is worthy of us," answered Koga, finally showing a trace of anger in his voice.
Koga started out on the road that very morning, with just some food, a few changes of clothing, and his Arbok. Aya waved him out of sight, and wondered what would be in store for both of them.