“I’m starting to think I should just stop breaking off from the group. All the cool shit happens to you two,” Wally complained.
I just shrugged and took a bite of my breakfast.
“I mean, I still have to win Bulbasaur over. Bribery can only take me so far,” May complained, glancing at the grass type.
Bulbasaur was doing his level best to ignore all of us and eat his breakfast in peace. Surly prick. If this was him trying, then not trying would probably have him taking his food in the fucking kitchen.
“What time did you get in last night, anyway?” May asked. “Lea and I turned in early.”
“You turned in early. I stayed up till about one in the morning working with Emilie.” I was never meditating around other people ever again.
“How the hell are you alert right now?” May asked, looking slightly taken aback by my early morning perkiness.
I just raised my mug. “Caffeine is a wonderful drug.” And practice. Compared to the early mornings back home, this was nothing.
“I got in around midnight. I... ugh, I wanted to match Lea’s streak in the Battle Factory, but I kept coming up short. The closest I ever got was five wins in a row.” He sighed. “Good news, though. Gwen is now a Marill.”
“That’s fantastic news! Why didn’t you lead with that?” May asked, slapping Wally on the back. “Damn, we all have a second stage Pokémon before our first badge.”
“I don’t know that I’d qualify Marill as a second stage Pokémon. Especially considering that I didn’t have to do much. She evolved halfway through a fight against a Zigzagoon trainer-”
“You won, right?” I fervently interrupted.
“It was a Zigzagoon, of course I won.” Wally said, giving me a glare. “But the trainer was talking smack about me using a baby Pokémon all through the fight. I think Gwen just got fed up and evolved out of spite.”
“Well, on the upside, you don’t have to be worried about being separated from the group too much today. All I'm doing is hitting up a training ground. Everyone is going to learn how to dance today.” And maybe we can work on expanding Apollo’s move pool.
“Same for me.” May ate the last of her rice. “Well, minus the dancing part. I don’t know how amenable Bulbasaur will be to joining us, but Suzy and Samie could both use some work. Suzy really needs to get her fire under control so we can walk around town together,” May said.
“Do you guys just want to hit up a field together then?” Wally asked. “I’m down for a group training session.”
“Sure.” Both May and I said at the same time. “Jynx.” Same time again. Dammit.
----------------------------------------
“Alright, so, uhm... how do I do this?” I asked May, holding up the disc. She sighed before walking my way.
“You know, for as often as you call me a nerd, you sure do ask me a lot of questions...” May complained.
“See, here’s the thing, of the two of us, you’re the only one that thinks nerd is an insult.” I clapped back. “Besides, you’re my nerd, that has to count for something, right?”
May opened her mouth, closed it, then opened it again. “I don’t know how to respond to that.” May finally said, before grabbing the disc from my hands.
“I didn’t realize you had primary ownership of May’s nerdiness. Are you renting it out, by chance?” Wally asked.
“You both suck, I want you to know that, ugh. So, basically, just hold the disc so the center is above the release button while the Pokémon you want to teach the move to is inside.” May held the disc close to one of her Poke balls. “They’ll get a rough idea of what they’re supposed to do, and you’ll be able to help them work out the kinks through practice,” May finished.
“Right, so...” It started to spin. Fuck me, no, don’t drop the damn thing. “What the hell!”
“Oh, right. I forgot to warn you. They spin,” May said, grinning at me.
Stupid TM. Stupid May. Dammit, why does her mischievous smile look so fucking cute. It’s not fair.
‘When I finally manage to get you two to stop being stupid, you’re going to be so whipped. Like, to a concerning degree,’ Emilie quipped.
I decided to take this moment to lift her ball and return her.
“We’ll work dance moves into your new physical fitness routine.” I chuckled darkly. “And, last but not least, Apollo.”
“Why are you teaching Rain Dance to a Wingull? Better question how can a Wingull dance?” Wally asked.
“The dex said it was compatible,” I said with a shrug. “That said, this is more to get Apollo used to controlling water beyond just shooting it out of his mouth. He’s an amazing flier, don’t get me wrong, but... Water Gun’s it, and that’s not ideal. I’m really hoping we can figure out Aqua Ring. Passive healing on a flyer sounds amazing.”
“Sounds like fun.” Wally pulled out a poke ball. “Actually... Hey, May, can we share TMs?” he asked.
“I... think so? If they’re reusable, you should be able too. I can’t think of any way they would block it. Like, even if they locked it to a trainer’s profile, all friends would have to do is trade Pokémon and have that trainer use the TM.”
I held the TM out to Wally. “I’ll get you an umbrella. I kind of want to see if this works. Cause if it does, we can pool our money to get TMs we all want in the future.” Wally took the TM and held it to... someone’s poke ball. The disc spun like it had before, and Wally released Gawain.
‘That... was mildly disorienting.’ Gawain swayed dizzily as his gaze shifted between the two of us. ‘A most interesting choice, Sir Wally, but I believe a smart one. This shall be a great boon for our comrades in arms. Though, I do wish I wasn’t leaning into the ballet dancer stereotype my evolution is known for.’
“Yeah, it worked,” I commented.
“Do you mind if-”
“Go for it. Legit, all three of your Pokémon can take advantage of it.” Wally pumped his fist and pulled out his other two poke balls.
“What you’re saying is, we all should have brought umbrellas?” May asked.
I just smirked and pulled out a light green umbrella.
“We can share, if you want?” I asked, desperately hoping she would agree.
“Nah, I think I'm claiming my own corner of the field. I don’t think Samie or Suzy would appreciate getting rained on.” May said.
“Sure thing,” I replied, doing my best not to sound disappointed. Emilie chuckled.
“Enjoy getting wet, Wally.” May shouted as she left.
“I will, thanks,” Wally shouted. “I’ll be by the tree. Hopefully that will keep me mostly dry.” Wally shifted in place a bit awkwardly. “Sorry your umbrella play failed.”
“It wasn’t a play.” I lied. “I just didn’t want her to get drenched.”
“Riiight.” Wally said.
I glared at him. “Whatever, go have fun under your tree. I’ve got some work to do.” I waved my hands to shoo him away, and he laughed as he left. I lifted all three of my Poke Balls and hit the release buttons. “Alright everyone, we’ve got some work to do today. We’ve got a gym battle in two days, and I want us to kick seven different kinds of ass.”
‘Yeah, yeah. Big important gym battle, whatever.’ Emilie said before looking at Apollo and Joern. ‘I’ve got both of you here now, what are some ideas to get May and Lea together.’
‘Damn it, Emilie. This is supposed to be a serious training session!’ I shouted in my mind.
She patted my head. ‘It will be, don’t worry. This is just the first time all three of us have been out and about in a while, and I want their input.’ Emilie glared at Joern as she talked.
‘I don’t like the city, alright? Not enough nature. No ponds to swim in, next to no grass to walk on.’ Joern shivered. ‘Do you have any idea what this is like for a Grass and Water type like me? The fact that this field is in a park is making this a lot more bearable.’
“Is it affecting you in a really bad way or is it just... preference?” I asked. My brow creased down as I frowned at his explanation.
‘Preference. I’m fine, I just don’t like it,’ Joern explained. ‘Sorry for worrying you.’
I sighed in relief.
‘In regard to our captain’s romantic plight, I feel like you’re a bit worried over nothing, lass,’ Apollo said. ‘It’ll happen when it happens. Our captain just has to seize the moments that present themselves. Things will work out.’
‘That will take FOREVER though,’ Emilie complained. ‘Lea has about as much game as a Magikarp.’
‘No cookies till after the gym battle,’ I said with finality in my voice, and a dangerous look in my eye.
‘I’ll be good, I swear.’ Emilie said, her tone sounding desperate and pleading. ‘Please don’t take them from me...’
I sighed. ‘You’re cut off for tonight, then.’ I caved.
Emilie still looked sad, but the feelings of depression and anxiety left the bond.
‘I think you underestimate our captain, lass. The lass has enough charisma to get us on board with her, is adventurous enough to charge into the abyss of an ancient ruin, and brave enough to dive into the unknown to save a single Shroomish.’ Apollo finished with a smirk. ‘I’m having trouble imagining any wenches turning down the captain, honestly. She’s quite the catch.’
‘Never call May a wench again,’ I ordered.
Apollo winced and nodded.
‘That being said, thank you,’ I said, happy that at least one teammate would praise me on occasion.
‘Don’t mention it, cap. I respect our first mate’s opinion, but I felt like she was out of line.’ Apollo said.
‘First mate?’ Emilie asked. ‘Whatever, fine. What do you have to say, Joern?’
‘I say I want to get started on training. Whatever happens will happen in its own time.’ He nodded zenly as he finished talking.
‘Thank you for those sage words of wisdom, Joern.’ I shifted my gaze toward Emilie.
She sighed, looked up, and shook her head. ‘Guess I'm in this alone, then.’ Emilie looked at me with conviction in her eyes. ‘Don’t worry, I won’t give up.’
‘I really wish you would,’ I complained. “Now then, let’s get... started...” I trailed off as Joern, without prompting, began to dance.
The moves were a bit all over the place, shifting in style as he went on, and changing in rhythm every few seconds, and before long, the world around us darkened as clouds formed overhead. I quickly unfurled my umbrella as the first few raindrops fell.
“Damn, I knew you were going to take to this fast, but that was... almost instantaneous,” I said in awe. Joern scoffed.
‘That was slow. If the Ludicolo I knew saw that, they’d laugh their asses off,’ Joern said.
My eyebrows lifted up into my hair line. “You knew Ludicolo? There were Ludicolo on that route!?” I asked.
Joern laughed. ‘All kinds of Pokémon exist off Route. The stronger ones are off the beaten path, mostly out of respect for the King of Sloths.’
I snorted at the description. I couldn’t help it.
“You do realize that’s just May’s dad, right?” I asked.
Joern nodded.
‘He’s still a very impressive trainer, and very kind to the Pokémon there,’ Joern explained.
“Well, regardless, I thought that was really impressive for a first outing. Don’t get discouraged just because you know Pokémon that can snap their fingers and summon rain,” I consoled.
‘Only the Chieftan can do that,’ Joern said.
I was being sarcastic, dammit.
“Well, we have our goal, then. Chop chop, and take this Gremlin with you.” I nudged Emilie with my head as I talked, before turning to meet her glare. “I want everyone on the team to know how to use this move, and we probably won’t leave till everyone has it down.”
‘Fine, I’m going, I’m going. At least dancing is fun.’ Emilie teleported down and walked toward Joern.
Apollo moved to join them, but I stopped him.
“That order is for them, you and I are going to be working on something slightly different, my loyal quartermaster.” I said, deciding to indulge him a bit.
Apollo beamed, preening at the new title. ‘Aye, captain. I’m at your service.’
“Now then. I’m hoping you can help me a bit here, because the Pokedex... really wasn’t specific at all about what I want to teach you. What information did that TM give you?” I asked, pulling out a notebook. I knew I wasn’t a Birch sponsor, and I had no idea if May’s Pokedex offered more, but...
Dammit, I just wanted to pretend for a bit. If my training with Apollo also helped other trainers, so be it.
‘Not much, honestly. I got a bit of a visual of what other Wingulls did, but it really didn’t look practical. I did get a flash of insight in how to manipulate water outside of my body though.’ That’s what I wanted.
“Could you describe it?” The Pokedex went on about what you could do to help a Pokémon learn a dozen or so moves, but it really didn’t cover the hows or whys. It kept referencing some abstract energy Pokémon could command, but it never even bothered to put a name to it.
It was incredibly frustrating and decidedly not helpful.
‘They... it’s hard to describe cause there were two entirely different methods to use the move. The first method I was shown looked moronic. They were on land! Dancing around like a scurvy ridden nuisance, and their wings pushed water out into the air.’ Apollo shook his head and flew right up to eye level. ‘As if any Wingull worth their salt has time to land in a battle. The second method looked significantly more practical, but far harder to master. His body was saturated with moisture. Each beat of his wings pushed water into the air as easily as you and I can breathe.’ He said with awe. ‘A few fancy flight patterns and voila, an artificial rainstorm.’
“So, in both cases, the Wingull pushed water out of their body to call on the storm. Any idea how that works?” I asked. I was still a bit confused as to why there were two entirely different methods to use the same move, but progress was still progress.
‘My feathers.’ Apollo lifted a wing. ‘They’re incredibly dense, so water has a hard time pushing through in either direction. If I focus, I can apparently push water through my pores. The moisture builds up in my feathers, and with enough force.’ He lifted his other wing. ‘The water gets pushed into the air.’
“That might have been the longest I’ve heard you go without using sailor lingo,” I commented.
Apollo blushed.
‘I didn’t think you’d appreciate that for your study,’ Apollo said. ‘I noticed the notepad and connected the dots. I can talk like a landlubber, cap. I choose not to.’
I chuckled.
“Fair enough and thank you. So, any idea why there are two different methods at play here? One is clearly better than the other, so why wouldn’t every Wingull just use that method?” I thought for a bit, and Apollo perched on my shoulder before raising his wings in a shrug.
‘Beats me, cap,’ he said.
“Honestly, the only answer I can think of, is that... they... can’t.” My brain stopped for a second as Joern’s earlier rain started to dry up. “Apollo, I have an idea. Right now, I just want you to focus on pushing moisture out of your pores. I want to see how quickly you can get this.” I ordered.
Apollo nodded.
My idea needed testing, but I felt like it had merit. Not every Pokémon of the same species was the same. They had different abilities, different traits, different personalities...
Different Wingull did Rain Dance differently because they HAD to. I smiled as water started to saturate Apollo’s wings. I knew it.
‘Cap, that was... a lot easier than I was expecting it to be,’ Apollo said.
“TMs make learning things easier.” I explained. I looked across the clearing as Emilie put on her best ballet performance to... little effect. “Though, maybe not that much easier. I’m kind of hoping this is the start of a new discovery, and not just my dex being old and outdated. This is cool.” Legends above, I sounded like a nerd. This was awesome.
‘It might just be my type, captain,’ Apollo said.
My mind disagreed.
“Well, now that you’ve got the basics down, let’s see if you can’t imitate the second method, Take to the skies, my friend!” Water got sent out in every direction, and I reeled back as I got drenched.
Apollo stopped.
“Ignore me and take off. This is important.” I ordered.
This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.
Apollo did as he was told, and quickly took to the skies.
Score.
Apollo could fly in this state. The only reason I could think of as to why there were two methods is that the Wingull that used the first method COULD NOT fly while their wings were saturated like this. Through some quirk of biology, Apollo had an advantage over other members of his species, and I’d bet every Poke in my account that it had everything to do with his ability.
The only notes on Wingull with Hydration were that they were incredibly rare. Emilie wasn’t blowing smoke when she said that she found me a one in a million bird. The only thing rarer was one of the unique abilities found in his evolution.
Some Pelipper looked at the world through a keen eye, adapting to their enemies’ and allies’ reactions with the greatest of ease.
Some took to water as though it was their own life force, tanking things that would knock Apollo out in one hit and shrugging it off right as rain in just a few moments.
But some... Their existence brought Mother Nature to heel. They brought the storm with them, without even having to do anything.
Whoever wrote those Pokedex articles covering the abilities of Pelipper was entirely too dramatic for his own good, but that didn’t matter. Looking at Apollo now, as he summoned a storm a scant twenty minutes after being exposed to the TM, the final puzzle pieces started to click into place.
I needed to talk to May after this session. We had to do some testing!
----------------------------------------
May’s POV
----------------------------------------
“Alright Suzaku, your new form gives you a lot of power, but I want to walk around with you without setting the town on fire.” May began pulling up the article she had found on her Pokedex. “So, we’re going to be doing an exercise. I want you to prepare a Flame Charge. Do what you normally do to get the fire going and hold it. Don’t let the fire out.” May explained before pulling up Sergei. “Understand?”
“Yeah, I get it, cook, don’t burn.” Suzy tensed her muscles and...
She lit up instantly.
"Dammit this is hard!" May read.
“So is fried chicken back on the menu?” Bulbasaur asked. May glared at the grass type.
“You didn’t even know what fried chicken was till Sergei showed you the group chat, and I’m still mad about that!” Suzy pointed angrily at Sergei.
“No. Fight. Not. Food.” Samie explained.
“Thank you, Samie,” Suzy responded. “I’m happy you realize that now.”
“Very good, Samie. You're getting much better at verbalizing,” May praised.
Suzy ignited again.
“Arceus, no wonder you want me so bad, you have a fire bird that can’t control her fire and a bug that can’t talk,” Bulbasaur snarked.
“And a Bulbasaur who can’t shut up.” Ignition. “Damn it all.” Suzy cursed.
“Why would I when I have such insightful things to say?” Bulbasaur asked. “Don’t exhale right away when you’re setting up the Flame Charge.”
Suzaku opened her beak, closed it, and tensed her muscles again. May and her team waited.
And waited.
And waited some more.
Ignition. “I was doing so good!” Suzy cried out.
“How does a grass type know tips for fire types?” May asked.
“Why is the trainer not training her Pokémon?” Bulbasaur asked back.
“Good question. Samie, we’re going to work on your favorite past time. Biting.”
“Pinch?” No translation. May sighed before imitating the motion with her teeth. “Pinch!”
“Chomp,” Sergei translated.
“Yup, you’re going to be biting into that training post, I want you to work on dealing as much damage to it as possible,” May explained, looking down at the orange ball of energy with a patient smile on her face.
“Pinch.” Samie nodded before walking up to the thick wooden training post.
“You’re not going to give him anything else to go off of?” Bulbasaur asked.
“Do you want to explain the finer mechanics of channeling a dark aura into your teeth to him?” May asked.
“Fair,” Bulbasaur conceded.
“Yeah, he’ll figure it out. Samie just has to bash his head into a problem until something sticks,” May explained. “Kind of reminds me of Lea. I honestly think he learned Magnitude on accident.”
“That doesn’t make sense,” Bulbasaur complained.
“That’s Samie.”
Ignition.
“Nice, you’re getting better,” May said happily.
“I know you're trying to be encouraging, but in my head, it sounds condescending,” Suzy complained.
May nodded.
“Shutting up. Now then, that leaves our newest recruit.” May said.
Bulbasaur glowered. “What shall I learn, oh great and powerful trainer?” Bulbasaur shook as he looked up to May.
“Don’t know yet,” May responded, not rising to the barb. “First, I need to know what you know.”
Bulbasaur sighed.
“I hate that I agreed to humor you. You know about my vines, already. I also have good control over my powders. I can make them poison and paralyze.” Bulbasaur explained. “Leech seed too, but every grass type worth their roots knows how to use that. In a similar vein, I’ve started work on pulling energy from my opponents.”
“Hmmm...” May looked back towards Lea and giggled a bit as Joern was teaching Emilie how to dance in a localized typhoon. “So, Vine whip, Poison Powder, Stun Spore, Absorb, and Leech Seed. Any thoughts on picking up Razor Leaf?” May asked.
Bulbasaur suddenly hyper focused on the conversation at hand.
“You know how to do that?!” Bulbasaur asked excitedly. “I’ve been trying to get that move to work for ages!”
“Well, I don’t, but Joern does. I’m sure he’d be down to help you later if you helped him learn Absorb. There’s also Ingrain, which I think would be very helpful.” May heard another whoosh as the air around Suzy ignited again.
“What the hell is Ingrain?” Bulbasaur asked.
“Slam as many of your vines as you can into the ground.”
Bulbasaur looked at May like she was crazy.
“Just do it, I swear I'm not trying to fuck with you,” May said.
Bulbasaur did as he was asked and beat the ground around him senselessly with about a half dozen vines.
“Nonono, you’re trying to PIERCE the ground. You want to push your vines into the dirt,” May explained.
No response, other than another whoosh of fire. May looked up at Suzy and frowned.
“Hold up for a second,” May lifted a finger to Bulbasaur as she finished. She walked over to Suzaku and sat down, before leaning her back against Suzy’s hip.
Suzy stared down at her trainers as though she were suicidal, and Bulbasaur very quickly tensed.
“Are you insane?” Suzy asked.
“No, I just know you’d never hurt me,” May explained.
Suzaku sucked in a breath.
“I have nothing but faith that you’ll get this, so just keep practicing.” May turned her attention back toward Bulbasaur, who was staring at her with a slack jawed expression. “What?”
“Do you think you’re invincible?” Bulbasaur asked as his expression of shock morphed into a snarl. “You suddenly losing your brain doesn’t make you fireproof.”
“I meant what I said. I have absolute faith in Suzy,” May explained. “Thanks for the concern, though.” May smiled down at her new capture. “I appreciate it.”
Bulbasaur didn’t say anything for a while.
“I... Nothing.” Bulbasaur’s vines formed all around him and he slammed them into the ground. He pierced the earth and burrowed them deep. “Now what?” he asked grumpily.
“Absorb and be amazed.” May explained. May smiled as her new Pokémon listened without hesitation.
----------------------------------------
“I need to see your Pokedex.” I pounced on May as soon as she got close.
“Lea? What are- Hey! That’s attached to me.” May yelled as I pulled her bag closer and opened the pouch she kept her dex in.
“Consider this payback for all the stolen cookies.” I grabbed the Pokedex, opened it, and immediately started typing in the search bar.
I was so mad that hers had a search bar. How the fuck was that not standard on mine?
“What on earth are you doing, anyway?” she asked.
I smiled back at her.
“Science!” I shouted. “Maybe. I’m making sure my potential discovery hasn’t already been discovered.”
May leaned forward and put herself right next to me, both keeping her out of the rain, and getting a better look at what I was searching for.
“Did you need something by the way?” I stopped searching and gave May my full attention.
“I was wondering if Joern could show Bulbasaur how to use Razor Leaf. Bulbasaur can teach him Ingrain and Absorb in return.” May said.
My mind salivated at the thought of making Joern more of a tank. That was both on brand, and good for us.
‘Emilie-’
‘I already told him, he’ll be over in a bit. Do I have to keep working on this? Even with the stupid TM I don’t know how this fucking works?’ Emilie asked.
I thought for a moment.
‘You can stop for a bit. Two out of three Pokémon knowing how to use Rain Dance should hopefully be enough for Roxanne,’ I replied. ‘Hang out with Apollo for a bit, and work on controlling the rain, and work on making... the Emilienator.’ I smiled at my brilliant idea for a name.
‘We are not calling it that.’ Emilie said.
I sighed.
‘But I wannnnnna...’ I could feel her glare through the damn connection. ‘Go train your brain, hon. I have to talk nerd with May,’ I said.
‘...I’m not arguing more because I want what’s best for you.’ Emilie said.
I grinned.
“Joern’s fine with the trade. I’m surprised you managed to get Bulbasaur to do anything, honestly,” I said.
“He’s a softy.”
I gave her a skeptical look.
“He is! He just acts like a grump all the time. Stop doubting me and explain what you’ve ‘discovered’.” May put the last word in air quotes.
I glared at her.
“Wellll, if you’re going to be mean about it.” I moved to hide the dex from May’s prying eyes and she shifted around to the other side as I typed Wingull into the search bar. I pulled up all the information on his abilities, and...
There was a bit more documented, but not much. May’s descriptions were also way more boring. I pulled up Pelipper’s description and instantly deflated.
“Nothing...” May’s Pokedex listed off all the things I had just figured out. I guess I should be happy. I knew for a fact that Apollo would have Drizzle as an ability once he evolved.
“Lea?” May asked, noticing how depressed I sounded.
“Sorry... I, uh... guess you were right. No new discoveries here, just an idiot working with incomplete information.” I glared down at my Pokedex. “I just... thought I was on to something new. I talked through a bunch of stuff with Apollo while we worked on Rain Dance, and I thought... my dex didn’t explain WHY he could use the move so easily.” I finally explained. May opened her mouth, closed it, then glared at me.
“Lea, I am going to talk for a bit, and you are going to listen, because I never want you to call yourself an idiot again. You hear me!” I looked at May in shock before nodding slowly. “Let me guess, you also figured out that Wingull with Hydration always have Drizzle once they evolve?” May asked.
“I mean, I didn’t exactly test it, obviously, but it’s a really obvious idea-”
“Look at the date of the article.” May said.
“Huh?”
“The date.” May repeated.
I nodded and looked down to see...
“Last year.” I whispered. I... what?
“The entry was modified last year. A pair of trainers worked together and figured out that Wingull with Hydration can use Rain Dance with minimal effort because they always evolve into a Pokémon with Drizzle. I think your Pokedex is... what, five years old?”
I nodded slowly. Last year.
“In an afternoon, you pieced together a hypothesis that took other trainers years to work through,” May said. “If I ever hear you call yourself stupid again, I won’t just take a couple of bags, I’ll take the whole damn collection of baked goods, got it!”
Last fucking year.
“Lea?”
I looked down and realized I had a death grip on May’s Pokedex. I quickly handed it back to her.
“Sorry.” I said quickly. “I was just... really angry for a second. I’m good now.” I wasn’t, but I was better.
“Why-”
“I would have been on the road for a year, if I left when I was fifteen,” I said. May leaned back. “Do you think fifteen year old me would’ve had the same ideas?” I asked. I chuckled a bit. “Probably not, the idea’s enough to make me angry, though.” I sighed before looking away. “I wonder what else I missed the boat on...”
“...at least you have me?” May said. She was giving me her best smile, and I tensed slightly as she pulled me into a hug. “I’m sorry your idea wasn’t as new as you were hoping for, but... don’t get bogged down in the what ifs, okay? That’s not you. At all. Just focus on what you have now and enjoy it. Alright?” I finally leaned into the hug, and felt my anger start to slip away. “Also, Lea?”
“Yeah?” I asked.
“Nerd.” I couldn’t help it. I burst out laughing and couldn’t stop for a solid five minutes.
----------------------------------------
I stared down at Sergei, looking tentatively at an all too familiar number, before swiping it away and laying back in my bed.
I wanted to talk to her. I wanted to talk to my sister.
Why was it so hard to just hit the damn send button?
‘Wanna talk?’ Emilie probed.
‘I... don’t know. I feel like I say that a lot.’ I started punching in Eve’s number again. ‘Maybe you can explain why I'm having so much trouble with this.’
‘I have to warn you, I got my psyche degree from a traveling circus,’ Emilie joked. ‘Would you believe me if I told you Mr. Mimes are excellent teachers.’
I convulsed.
‘What, do they pull from all the indirect trauma they cause?’ I snorted. My thumb hovered over the call button. How was it possible to both look forward to something and dread it at the same time?
‘By being at war with your own subconscious.’ Emilie answered. ‘You learned a behavior. Unlearning it is hard. So, even though the conscious part of your brain wants to form a better, healthier, and happier relationship with the sister that you love, the subconscious part of your brain remembers all the missed birthdays, arguments, and long nights of just... not wanting to deal with her.’
I swiped the screen away again.
‘Your... discovery earlier today probably isn’t helping,’ Emilie said, looking down.
‘I honestly feel terrible for thinking that way now.’ I thought. ‘That... no part of that was anyone’s fault, but... I just felt so mad.’
‘You still feel mad. I can feel it,’ Emilie said.
“I am and I hate it.” I said aloud, before lifting my head up and slamming it back into the pillow. “I don’t want to feel the things that I’m feeling, Emilie. Me knowing why doesn’t help with that. It makes me feel like shit.”
‘But knowing why you feel them will help you deal with them, and it’ll help you grow as a person.’ Emilie grinned, before looking down. 'Knowing that is important for the future. I... won’t be able to guide you once we have your mental defenses up.’
‘Why not? Are you going somewhere?’ I asked with a frown.
‘Your reaction to when I removed the block was a purely instinctive reaction to a learned behavior.’ Emilie now looked anywhere but my face. ‘Mom attacked you. She hurt you, and because the experience was so... drastic. Your brain learned, almost immediately, that anything in your head that isn’t supposed to be there is a bad thing.’ The color drained from my face. ‘A presence in your mind induces a mental response, and what happened when I first dropped the block, happens.’
‘I thought it was a sponge?’ I asked, hoping the joke would alleviate the tension.
‘We both hated that metaphor, even if it’s a better descriptor,’ Emilie countered.
‘Yeah, we did...’ I trailed off as I thought about what this would mean later on. ‘So, when I learn to shield my mind...’
‘I’ll remove the block, and you’ll have to shield it from everyone, including me, while you work through your trauma.’ Emilie smirked bitterly.
‘We... won’t be able to talk like this anymore.’ That... that hurt. We had only known each other for a week and a half, and I already don’t know how I would function without her voice in my head. Talking me up, helping with training, sanity checking my ideas, her humor, her advice...
I suddenly realized how much I leaned on Emilie.
‘I lean on you too. You show me so many amazing things from the human world.’ Emilie said, her eyes a bit misty. ‘Food, fashion, anime, video games, battles... We can still do all those things, it’ll just be... harder. We’re friends, and nothing’s going to change that.’
‘Power of friendship speech? Really?’ I chuckled. ‘Thanks. I think I needed that.’
‘Anytime, partner.’
My mind still refused to let go of what she said though. I picked up on one thing that really helped put things in perspective. If I wanted to move forward, to push through that hurdle as fast as possible, then I had to teach my brain how to do it.
I punched in the number again and pressed call.
Ring once.
‘I want you to know, that once I get done with this call, we’re having a watch party with the boys. Might even get Wally and May in on it too,’ I said.
Ring twice.
‘Looking forward to it,’ Emilie replied.
Click.
“Hey, Eve.”
----------------------------------------
“I cannot believe I’m doing this.” I groaned as I pulled up the box of cookies I had made in the Pokémon Center’s kitchen. “Why did I agree to do this?”
“Cause your sister asked you too?” May offered. “I don't know, Roxanne and her gym trainers will probably enjoy it. They probably don’t have a ton of free time right now.”
“What the hell am I going to do, go up to Roxanne and give her the box of cookies after you curb stomp her. A box of cookies that has one of my sister’s business cards in it, by the way, cause that’s not embarrassing at all.” I did not go on a Pokémon journey to market my sister’s bakery. Ugh... “Your mom is doing well at the bakery by the way. Though she is complaining that you don’t call enough.”
May blushed.
“I’ll call home after my match. Which isn’t going to be a curb stomp, by the way. I’m nervous about this. I just know she’s going to go harder on me than she will on the others. I hate what my dad does for a living sometimes,” May whined.
“At least you’re probably guaranteed to fight her,” Wally grumbled.
I winced. Learning you could get your first badge from a gym trainer during this period was a bit of blow to my pride. It made sense. One person couldn’t take on this many trainers at the start of the season regardless of how crappy most of them are.
I was still going to fight her, though. I HAD to.
“I think I'd prefer the squishy gym trainers,” May complained.
“May, you have a Bulbasaur on your side, you got this,” I said, grinning at my best friend.
May winced.
“You do have a Bulbasaur on your side, right?” I asked nervously.
“He’s... tentatively agreed to fight for me,” May hedged. “He’s gotten a bit less prickly. I have a good idea what to expect but...”
“You’re worried he won’t listen to you?” Wally asked.
“I’m worried about a lot of things.” May shook her head. “I was a little surprised he didn’t want to stay out today. I think he’s starting to come around to the idea of not having to walk everywhere.” May pulled out what I assumed was Bulbasaur’s Poke Ball.
“We’re here,” Wally said.
I looked away from May. The Gym doors felt bigger than they were a few days ago.
“Alright, let’s do this.” May took the lead and shoved the doors open.
The lobby was still packed, and I was a bit worried we would have to wait in line again. “The battle reception is further in,” May explained, looking at my panicked face.
Oh, thank God.
“Wait, how do we watch your battle?” Wally asked. “Do they let us in with you?”
“Dad sells tickets for stand seating at the same place you check in for your battle, I assume it’s the same here.” May answered.
Wait, sold! My bag’s at the center!
“Uh... Wally, I don’t suppose-”
“I can buy your ticket, don’t worry. This is a much better alternative than any of the other ways you suggested the other night,” Wally said.
I could faintly see Wally’s cheeks pulled up in what I assumed was a smile. I think May was drowning us out as she walked ahead again. We followed her through another door before stopping in a waiting room.
“Thanks, I don’t want to tap my personal fund right now if I don’t have too. I still have to plan for the trip to Dewford.” I explained nervously, not wanting to admit I just forgot. I looked over at the desk as May walked up.
“Hello, May Maple, here for a gym battle,” May said stiffly.
The receptionist did her best to smile warmly.
“First gym battle?” The lady behind the desk asked.
May didn’t react, but I nodded for her.
“We’ve got a lot of those right now. I’m going to tell you the same thing I tell all the other new trainers. Relax and have fun. Winning or losing here matters a whole lot less than you think it does.”
“Er... right.” May blushed a bit.
“At any rate, there’s still a few battles ahead of you. We’re keeping a good pace today, so you shouldn’t have to wait too long. Do your friends also have battles scheduled for today?” she asked.
I shook my head.
“Nah, that’s tomorrow. We’re just here to watch May kick Roxanne’s ass,” I responded.
“Lea!” May shout whispered my name and the receptionist laughed.
“Well, I’m guessing you’ll need tickets, then. Five hundred per ticket, I'm afraid,” the receptionist said.
Wally winced before pulling out the money.
“The things we do for our friends,” Wally moaned before handing it over.
“May will be in Battlefield C,” she said.
I smiled before blushing as I remembered the other thing I was supposed to do today.
“Uh... I also brought a gift for the gym. I know you guys are insanely busy right now, so I thought I’d bring something to make life a little more bearable.” I lifted the box of cookies and set it down on the desk. “Maybe... pass them out to some of your coworkers?” I asked.
The receptionist opened the box and beamed at the sight.
“That’s so nice of you! Thanks. I’ll be sure to pass these around.”
Legends above, that was embarrassing. I wanted to melt into the ground.
“Come on, let’s find our seats.” Wally nudged me a bit to snap me out of it.
Wait, there was one last thing. “Hey, May? Can I have Sergei while you battle?”
“You want to play on my phone while I fight for my first badge?” May looked confused.
“I want him to watch you. It’ll be way easier from the stands then in your pocket.” Not to mention it’s a much better vantage point to record the fight.
“Oh! That makes more sense. Sure thing.”
I heard a faint giggle as Sergei passed hands. I didn’t know a phone could giggle.
“Wish me luck?” May asked, looking worried.
“You don’t need it, but sure.” I pulled her into a hug. “Kick her ass,” I said into her ear.
“R-Right.” I turned away from her and made my way toward Wally.
‘You’re both hopeless,’ Emilie chided.
‘Finally woke up, huh?’
‘Like I’d miss this. It’s entirely your fault I'm this tired.’ I smiled at the memory. The new season of Pokémon Mystery Dungeon looked good.
A long hallway led further into the building beyond the double doors, and I noticed a ton of doors on either side. We didn’t have to walk far to find Battlefield C. The next door opened into a large arena, with a few stone pillars jutting out of the ground in random places. Those would make good hiding spots if we needed them for our fight. The stands were small, but considering the time of year, I doubted they’d ever be filled up. They probably had bigger arenas in back for headline fights.
What did surprise me was the fact that there were other people in the stands. They weren’t packed by any stretch of the imagination, but a handful of trainers sat in front of an empty field, waiting to watch a fight.
I marched up to the top of the stands and took a nice spot that had a clear view of the whole arena. Then I pulled out Sergei as Wally took a seat next to me.
“Alright, Sergei. We’re recording a video today.”
Sergei displayed a shocked emoji on his screen before giving me a thumbs up. Sarcastic little shit. A few of the trainers close to us gave me a bit of an odd look as I talked to my phone.
“Do you need me to do anything, or-”
Sergei levitated out of my hands, and his screen turned into a picture of the arena as he panned around.
----------------------------------------
May’s POV
----------------------------------------
Deep breath in, deep breath out.
“Number seventeen, you’re up.” May heard over the intercom. She groaned as she looked down at her slip.
Her number was up.
In, and out.
May walked through the double doors and found her battlefield. She grabbed the handle, then she stopped. Her hands were shaking.
“Calm down, May. Just relax. It’s just a gym battle. Stop psyching yourself out.” She still hadn’t moved. She barely reacted when she saw a light burst from her belt.
“Saur!” Bulbasaur shouted, giving his trainer an impatient look. “Bulba.”
“I don’t even have Sergei with me to translate right now!”
Bulbasaur rolled his eyes and extended both of his vines out. One grabbed a door handle and started to twist, the other very lightly poked her in the forehead.
“Hey!”
“Bulba.”
May gave Bulbasaur a once over. He tapped his foot a couple of times, before lowering his vine to about chest level and raised it up and down. May hesitantly reached out and grabbed it, not sure if this is what Bulbasaur wanted. She almost jumped when he wrapped around her arm.
Handshakes with a grass type were weird.
The door behind May opened, and she peered inside as Bulbasaur took the lead and walked toward the battlefield.
“Guess that solves who I’m leading with,” May said as she looked across the field. “Dammit. I hate being right.”
Standing opposite to her was a woman in her early twenties, and the picture of poise and grace. She wore the standard teacher’s uniform for the local school, and May wondered if she even had time to change between jobs. Roxanne stared out toward the open door and smiled.
“I’ve been looking forward to this. Not every day you get to pick on your colleague’s kids.” Roxanne bantered.
“Of course, that’s the first thing that comes out of your mouth.” May groaned before scowling. Her previous nervousness faded from how pissed she was. “I’m more than Norman’s kid, dammit.” May muttered under her breath as she walked in and slammed the door behind her. “Not really bullying if you’re going to lose.”
“Hmm... I suppose I can give your trash talk a passing grade, but you need a bit more fire.”
“I’ll show you fire...” May glowered as she took her spot. “Leaning into the teacher motif for banter is about as original as your arena. Are we doing this, or do you want to go over my math homework first?”
May heard Lea shouting her approval in the stands and smiled. She was probably going to catch hell for this later, but honestly, at that moment, she didn’t care.
“Fine with me.” Roxanne hadn’t stopped smiling. “Ref, you want to sound us off?”
The ref nodded.
“This will be a three-on-three match with no time limit. The gym leader may not substitute her Pokémon, but the challenger is allowed a single switch. Both trainers can send out their Pokémon on my mark.” Mine was kind of already out, but I guess he wasn’t on the arena yet. The ref raised both flags into the air and waited for just a split second before bringing them down.
“Begin!”