Chapter 13- Talks

“Hmmmm~~. Hi~ care for a chat?”

Oh man! What in the actual fuck is happening. An Elite four member does not move to simply have a chat with a new trainer. It just does not happen. Unless there is a valid reason…

Could it be that the presence that I felt in Aspertia was her? But that does not make sense a psychic like her would not have left any trace… or maybe because of what she saw? No that should not be possible even if telepathy is acceptable reading the mind of an individual is considered a crime so severe that even an Elite 4 member would not get away from the punishment. Except of course if they had suspicion. Did I do something suspicious? No, I should not have.

“Calm down~ I can feel your mind racing all the way from here. I told you the truth. There are just a couple of things that we want to check with you if that is alright.” She said finally looking more than half awake. “Humm maybe I should first treat your pokemon…Can you call them out?”

Unable to process what the hell was happening and lost in my thoughts I absentmindedly reached for my pokeballs and release both Nike and Skoll. While Nike was somewhat fine and mostly just tired, Skoll’s condition snapped me out of my stupor. While the stasis-like effect of the pokeball managed keep him stable, the poison still ate at him. I tried to quickly feed him a Pecha berry, but he was too weak for that.

“Sigh, Roxie is still as problematic as ever. Gothitelle if you please.” She sighed dramatically.

The black and white pokemon floated toward Skoll before grabbing the berry from my hand with her psychic powers. She then proceeded to make a juice at of it. And I mean it literally. She squeezed the berry in her psychic grasp until it turned liquid, all while removing the central core. The core is edible for pokemons as demonstrated by Litleo during the match, but with Skoll weakened she made the right call.

After Skoll drank the psychically produced juice, he fell asleep. She then put her hand over him and a soothing light covered him. she did not heal him fully and when I asked Caitlin told me that it was better to let him rest. I thought she was done but Gothitelle proceeded to raise her hand above Nike this time. The same soothing light quickly enveloped her, and the couple of scratches and blemishes that were visible on her disappeared.

That was probably Healing Pulse. I thought to myself.

She made her way back to her trainer, but Nike, who until now was staring at Caitlin finally move. She hoped toward Skoll that I forgot to recall and brought her antenna next to him. Shockingly, a light similar to the one created by Gothitelle a few seconds ago spread from the tip toward the sleeping pokemon.

“What the fuck?” I blurted out.

I stared in shock at my pokemon. I never taught her Healing Pulse. Heck, I didn’t even considered it. I knew that the Hatterene line learned it naturally, so I was planning to start teaching to her once she evolved into an Hattrem.

Don’t tell me she just leaned it from seeing it once?

I turned my head quickly to Caitlin only to find that she was looking at me askance.

“Were you training for the move already?”

I shook my head dumbly and went back to staring at Nike. Obviously, the move was not as effective, and it took longer for her to heal him. and at some point, she just collapsed. Sure, it was not mastered, but she just learned the fricking move.

“I would like to talk more about this but first…”

The air around Caitlin changed completely. All of a sudden, the pressure she exuded seemed to almost take physical form and I found myself thanking the fact that I was already seated. Otherwise, it might have been embarrassing. It was like I was in front of a mountain, tall, imperious and immovable. This was the real elite 4 member, I realized.

“First, I will ask you to drop your barrier.” The surprised must have been written on my face because she continued. “Please, you might be able to fool others, but you can’t hide the Gift from the Gift.” She waved dismissively.

I was reluctant to do it. What if she snooped and found that I had memories from another life. I have no idea what that would lead me to. Will I be considered a faller? Someone from another dimension? Or like an abomination that needs to be put down?

“Be calm. This is a league mandated meeting. I could have forced your barriers down, but I believe there is no need for this. No ill-intentioned individual can befriend a Hatenna and Riolu, two species known for their emotional awareness. This is simply procedure.”

She pointed at my two pokemon that were lying onto me. Nike moved Skoll and dropped his head on my lap before plopping on my head. I could feel her attention on the conversation despite feigning indifference. She seemed relaxed in the presence of Caitlin. In the end I did as I was told. I was still nervous but even if I did not want to, she would simply force me.

She said mandated by the league? What the hell does that mean?

“Thank you. Second, be aware that from now on this conversation is recorded and an authorized psychic pokemon is asserting the validity of every statement you will utter from this point onward. Be assured that only the surface levels are being monitored to determine veracity or falsehood of your statements. Do you hereby swear to speak only the truth from this point onward?”

My gaze flicked to the impassible Gothitelle that was looking at me at the mention of a psychic before I nodded. “I swear.”

Just what is going on right now. I was beginning to get worried. This looked very much like I was about to be thrown in jail right now.

“Very well. Please only answer the questions asked. First question. Is your name Nexon Grimwald, originating from Aspertia town located in Western Unova?”

“Yes.” There was no reaction.

“Second question. How long has it been since you started your journey? You are requested to provide an inaccurate information.”

“This is my second year as a trainer.” I lied as requested but there was no visual reaction once more.

“Perfect. Now let’s get into the reason for my presence. Are you aware of an organization named Plasma?”

“Yes.” I answered simply. Was this about the Neo-Plasma activities?

Caitlin nodded. “Did you ever come in contact with individuals from the organization named Plasma?”

“Yes.”

“Detail the encounter.”

“We were traveling through Floccesy when a young trainer had his pokemon stolen. My companion and I worked with the local ranger force to catch the individual.”

Here, Caitlin mouth rose slightly before going back to neutral so fast I thought I imagined it.

“Are you affiliated in any way shape or form with the organization named Plasma?”

“What? No!” I almost shouted.

“Please only answer the question. Do you know any individual affiliated in any way shape or form with the organization named Plasma?”

“No.” the questions were growing more and more ridiculous at that point.

“This is the final question. Were you, at any point, ever approached to join the organization named Plasma?”

“Absolutely not.” I replied immediately.

Caitlin nodded. “Let it be noted that the individual only said one lie when it was requested.”

All of a sudden, the heavy atmosphere that was present in the room dispersed as if it never existed. I took a deep breath while I could see Caitlin’s eyes almost droop.

Did they suspect that I was part of team Plasma? This is completely nuts!?

“Can I leave now?” I asked tersely.

Truthfully, I was pissed. Pissed at Roxie to say that she wanted to give us advice just for me to be question, because she definitely knew what was going on. That also explained why she acted so strangely. I was pissed at Caitlin because of how she basically forced me to drop my mental barrier to be questioned, even if she was in her rights to do so. I was also pissed at the league for thinking it was a good idea to pull this stuff directly after my hard-earned victory against a stronger opponent, tainting this memory that was supposed to be joyous. Finally, I was mostly pissed at myself because there was nothing I could do, even if I wanted to.

Was I unjust with them? Maybe but those are my feelings and my mind. My sanctuary. Sensing my underlying anger, Nike proceeded to stroke my head like I was a child. It was ironic because technically she was the child between the two of us. Realizing the irony I took a deep breath. It felt like my emotions were becoming more and more volatile when I dropped my mental barriers.

After watching the scene for a while, Caitlin finally spoke up.

“You can.” I was about to stand up before she continued. “However, I would like to have a word with you. Not on behalf of the league, but on a personal capacity.”

I was even more suspicious now. What could she want with me? I wanted to leave, put as much distance as I could between her and me. But something deep in my guts told me that I would regret not listening to her. What’s more, talking with an elite 4 was not an easy feat.

If she could at least give me a TM or some pokeballs I could at least listen to her.

“I can at least hear you out.” I said finally returning Skoll. When I tried to stand up, I realized he was still laying on me.

I was about to return Nike, but her ball flew over my head where she caught it before floating to my lap with it. I smiled at her antics. It seemed she did not want to rest. Caitlin also smiled when she saw what happened.

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“First of all, allow me to apologize. I know that it is …far from pleasant to have your mind intruded, especially for people like us.”

I wanted to scoff at the understatement, but the apology was so genuine that I couldn’t bring myself to. I sighed.

“I am the one who should be apologizing, I let my emotion get the better of me.”

She shook her head. “It is fine. Actually, this is also one of the reasons I wanted to talk to you. Did you notice any difficulties to regulate your emotions or changes in your abilities?”

Wait did she say reasons? Plurals? No, We’ll get to that after.

“Yes. Both.” This might be a chance to understand more about what was going on. “A few days ago…”

I proceeded to explain to her what happened after Luxio evolved. How my abilities were before, what we tried with Nike and the changes that occurred. At first, she was listening calmly but when she heard what we tried she was aghast.

“What you tried to do was extremely dangerous. Trying to connect two individuals other than you is very risky without the proper training. Thankfully you limited yourselves to emotions. And I suspect that if not for Nike natural affinities toward those you might have done permanent damage. Not only to you and your pokemon, but also your companion. Actually, I want to check on them after we are done. Please don’t try this anymore.”

After being scolded like that, even if she did not add the last part I would not have tried. I thought I understood the risks, but it seemed I was far from it. If she even wanted to check on Seraphina and Luxio as well… my blood ran cold as I realized the implications.

“Do not worry it should be fine. Back on topic, you Gift is simply growing. I sometimes happen during the development, but in your case, it should be because of our little one here.”

“because of Nike?” I looked down at my pokemon puzzled.

“Wait. One thing at a time. She is another topic altogether. With the fact that you always keep your abilities closed off, they grow without you being able to adapt to them gradually. That’s why you felt such a difference.”

Huh. That is interesting. It has never happened before. But then again there were not nearly as many psychics on Earth as there are here. I guess in a world where animals break the laws of physics like blinking, it’s not absurd to think that it might be different for psychic as well?

“Then does that mean that I have to travel alone? I can’t keep my abilities in an ‘unsealed’ state.” Yes, I used air quote. Sue me.

“I can help with that. It will take a bit of your time from the league circuit but I can train you to better control yourself. she said nonchalantly.

My eyes popped out. Training under Caitlin? That’s … But the league circuit as well…

An airy giggle sounded through the room. I looked at Caitlin and she was struggling to calm herself.

“Sorry. It’s just that your expressions were funny. Ahem. If you cannot, there are other solutions. If you allow it, I can have Gothitelle here help in putting a more elaborate barrier on your mind than the one you used. It will only block the emotions of people from flowing in without your control. But keep in mind this is just a crutch in the end.”

“So basically, I won’t have to control the sphere and influence and only control the emotional flow?”

She shook her head. “Think of it this way. You said that you visualize your abilities as a box? What I want to do is put a door on the box. Keeping it close will require no efforts, unlike what you did where you always had your hand on the cover, and you can control the emotional flow when you want to.”

“That would be awesome! But can’t I just keep it like that then?” I asked.

“You could but as I said, it is a crutch. You will eventually be able to do it yourself in a far more and efficient way. This is just a generic temporary solution. Just like a door, the hinges will wear out overtime.”

I nodded. That makes sense. So basically, training wheels. I felt weird given that I had basically had one lifetime worth of training. But when in Rome…

“Now you noticed I said reasons, right? I have two more. Well, this one relates to the first one. Did you not receive any training as a psychic?” she asked, and I shook my head. “That could be problematic…”

“Why do you say that?”

“It is dangerous on the long term. You should be fine for now, but I would recommend getting properly trained. There is a camp that can help with that in a few months if you want to. Of course, after the league circuit. I can even do the inscription for you. You will just have to go there.”

I was getting suspicious, but I could tell that what she was saying was coming from genuine concern. Almost desperate.

“Can I ask why you would go to such length?” I ask trying to convey my sincerity as well.

She took a long shuddering breath, as if suppressing something. “There are…Stories and records of individual destroying entire settlement due to losing control. I would not want you to cause such a catastrophe. And the league thinks the same. Which is why I volunteered to contact you and if you were not trained, to invite you there. Just so you know, it is an initiative by the league and entirely free for Gifted individuals.”

I had a bad feeling about what she was saying. By breath caught in my throat when she talked of individual destroying a settlement, this was something you heard on the news that wild pokemon committed. If so…

I can understand why the league would sponsor training camps. They don’t want walking nuke traveling from town to town.

I nodded slowly. “You said I can go after the league circuit?” When she nodded, I continued. “Then I would like to, please.” I reflexively lowered my head.

Caitlin smiled at that. “Do not worry about that. Now onto lighter topics.” The entire mood of the room shifted. “How about we talked about our little monster here.”

***

Seraphina was worried. At first, she found it strange how Roxie basically shoved Nexon into another room before dragging her off. The battle was a Duo so it would make more sense to give them advice together.

When Roxie started to repeat some of her advice, just using different words to say the same thing such as, ‘you should leave more autonomy to your pokemon’ and ‘trust your partner and their instinct’, her suspicions grew stronger.

Finally, when even 30 minutes later the conversation shifted to an odd topic and everyday discussion with Roxie showing no interest in going to talk with Nexon her suspicions reached their peak.

“I am sorry, but I would like to go and treat my pokemons. Maybe you should go talk with my teammate who is also waiting for you?” She said with a smile that did not reach her eyes, long tired of keeping things civilized.

“Wait,wait … there is one more thing that I need to tell you. Ah yes! You know…” Roxie was growing desperate but with an electric hiss, the door behind Seraphina opened and she sighed in relief as she collapsed back on the chair.

Puzzled, Seraphina turned around to see who could have such an effect on the gym leader that was babbling her head off until now. When she did, she froze in her step. Standing behind the door, was Nexon, with Nike on his head as usual. But he was not the reason she froze.

Standing behind him was a diminutive figure with hair of gold. Greenish-blue, empty looking eyes started at her, but it felt as if she was not seeing her. Or more than her. She almost stumbled on to her chair when she backed up a bit.

“Hello” a lifeless voice came from her. “I just have to check on you and your Luxio.” She said.

Mechanically, she did as she was told and brough out Luxio. Her poor pokemon was still unconscious. But thankfully a Gothitelle, presumably the petite wrecking ball’s pokemon, entered the room. She healed him, then proceeded to stare at her and her pokemon for an uncomfortable amount of time before moving back.

The doll-like girl nodded before turning to Nexon. “Everything is fine.” She stated and her friend sighed. “I am going.”

And with that she was gone without any trace. Seraphina finally managed to close her mouth.

“Was that…” she trailed off.

“Yep. Elite 4 member Caitlin.” He said.

He was too calm! That was a freaking elite 4 member for Arceus’s sake. Yet her friend grinned like nothing was happening. Ohh, he was definitely getting grilled over that later!

***

Watching Seraphina freak out when she saw Caitlin was definitely fun. I was never going to tell her that I myself almost bolted out of the room when I saw her. My conversation with her about Nike left me with a lot of thought to go through, but there would be time for that.

For now, it was time to celebrate our epic victory. Much like last gym, there was a party waiting for us with Seraphina’s family. This was the second time I met with her family, with the first time being when we were visiting.

Her mother, a plump woman with auburn hair ad the same magenta eyes as Seraphina was an absolute sweet lady. She worked in a local daycare not far from their home in the northern part of the city. And her pies were simply divine. I have to say that Seraphina gift for cooking most likely came from her.

Her dad on the other was the epitome of a scholar type. He was of medium build with same silver hair as Seraphina but paired with red irises. It seemed that Seraphina really picked and chose in the gene pool. He was an electrical engineer that worked in the factory in the southernmost part of the city.

It was a wonder that Seraphina decided to become an archeologist. This is most likely the Cynthia effect.

Come to think of it, aren’t Cynthia and Caitlin supposed to be close? If I remember their families were acquainted or something similar.

Someone tugged at my shirt causing me to look down. I saw Seraphina Sister, Seris. The 6 years old looked at me with big puppy eyes.

“Humm heu sorry… can I… hold Nike please…” she said her voice tapering off to barely a whisper.

Before I had the time to respond, Nike already floated toward the little girl and they started giggling. I looked up to locate my other pokemon, Skoll running behind Seraphina’s Luxio. Looking a bit to the side, I spotted Litleo. He was busy purring and getting groomed by his mother. The Pyroar was the partner of Seraphina’s mother and generally helped her kindergarten.

Seraphina’s younger brother, Lucas was busy stuffing his face with the cake that was to the side and talking to Mathew. As soon as he learned that the man was a ranger, he quite literally attached himself to him asking for stories. I thought that, of the siblings, he was the most likely to follow a dedicated trainer path.

“Are you having fun boy?” Seraphina’s dad sounded from behind me.

“Yes, sir.” I answered turning around.

“Bah no need to get all formal with me, just call me Alan” He waved me off.

“Alright…Mr. Alan” I said reluctantly.

He laughed. “That is better than sir, I guess. Anyway, allow me to congratulate you again. that was truly a beautiful battle. I never thought I would see my little Sera fight like this.”

I did not know what to answer so I simply stayed silent, that seemed to satisfy him because he continued.

“Thank you. Even if don’t realize it you are helping her reach her dream. She was never more than average in battle so I always thought that her dream of becoming like Cynthia would end up crushing her. She was always passionate don’t get me wrong. Always going on about wanting to learn more of the history and legends. I am glad she finally has someone that can help her.” He said smiling at the young girl that was busy laughing with her mother.

“I… I think she would have reached her dream either way. And she also helps me a lot. When I started the journey, I just went with the flow but now I at least have companions with me.

He chuckled a bit. “You did not start your journey without a goal. You are simply not aware of it consciously.” He took a sip of his drink and seeing my puzzled look, he continued. “I met a lot of traveling trainers. I myself did not travel but that was because I knew there was nothing in it for me. Trainers on the other hand always have something, an objective. Let me ask you, what were you thinking when you took your first step out of your town?”

What was I thinking about? I don’t think there was anything in-

“Don’t think. Just answer.” He chastised me.

“There was nothing. Just the excitement of traveling.” I answered without thinking this time.

“And there you have it!” he exclaimed, startling me.

“huh?’

“Your reason to travel. Exploring the world, seeing new horizons. What made you think that this was nothing?

“The Desire to explore? Isn’t this normal when traveling? Isn’t it too…simple?”

“Not at all. I know some who thought of it as a bother and simply paid to teleport from town to town for the gym. And so, what if it’s simple? It comes from your heart. Not that it is mind you. And if you think of it as simple, can’t you just enjoy it and if something else piques your interest, explore it? You are still young. You are free.” He said while smiling. “but huh…why are you crying?”

“What?” I brought my hand to my cheek and touched something wet.

Why was I crying? I wasn’t sad. Quite the contrary, I was happy…a bit too happy actually.

Damn it! Caitlin was not joking when she said that my emotion will be all over the place! I thought as I wiped my cheek.

After we were done with our talk, Caitlin helped me by having Gothitelle put the barrier in place. She did warn me that I will need some time to adjust but I didn’t think it will be to that extent.

“Sorry about that, my emotions were all over the place for some time now. Thank you, Mr. Alan.” I said gratefully.

Clearly, he did not believe me, but he decided not to poke. “Don’t worry kid. Now go on! Enjoy the party!”

Well, there wasn’t any need to tell me twice. The party went on but ended relatively early because it was unfortunately not a weekend. At the end, I went looking for Nike and Seris, finding the two of them asleep on the couch. Seraphina’s mom moved her daughter to bed while took Nike in my arms and Skoll trotted groggily behind me.

Much like last time it was a one and done as soon as my head touched the pillow. Seraphina’s family was apparently going to excuse themselves to send her off at the dock. She opted for a quick stop rather than staying for a longer time because of our program. I was glad because I definitely did not have the finances needed for teleporting to Castelia.

***

Caitlin slept when she finished her talk with Nexon.

But that was not a problem. She knew Alder would have taken into account that she would most likely sleep after she was done. A Gift too great often came with complications. And she was one of the prime examples of that. Her narcolepsy was the way her Gift protected her. That was how she coped. Although some would argue that it was curse that her power caused, others called it a blessing. Different perspectives really. And so, she slept.

When she awoke, she was still sleepy, but she knew that if she took too much time, her Gallade would nag at her until she woke up fully. Stretching and psyching herself up, she dragged her Musharna with her to the laptop and used her as a pillow before laying down.

They must have been waiting because the line connected almost instantly.

“Caitlin, I take it you are done with your task.” Alder asked.

“Yess~. I already confirmed that he was a psychic. I talked to him. He was not approached by Plasma. But arrested a group. Convinced him to join the camp after the circuit.” She stated.

There were various reactions to her statement, but Caitlin did not bother to listen, instead thinking of the interesting boy she met. When he dropped his protection, Gothitelle notified her that something deeper was protecting his mind. She did not dare to prod it, however.

Perhaps the work of a legendary? Or maybe even a Legendary.

While she was curious, she knew that if she was meant to know such things, sooner or later it would be revealed to her. Therefore, she chose to ignore it.

His partner was also interesting. She was surprised when the small pokemon used Heal Pulse just after seeing it once, if her trainer was to be believed, which she did. It was crude, and simply put, she made up for the finesse of the move by brute forcing her way through. It meant that she would pick up psychic move very quickly but if they rely on it, her control will greatly suffer. She had warned them, and it was up to them to heed her advice or not. It was their journey.

While she was lost in her thoughts it seemed the conversation was wrapping up.

“Anyone has something to add?” Alder asked. This was merely a formality as there was usually nothing to add.

Today, however, was meant to be different. “Actually, there is.”

It was the gruff voice of Marshal, the fighting type elite 4 that answered. Truthfully, she was half expecting the usual muscle headed rambling about power from the man and started to doze off in advance. What he said, however, snapped her wide awake.

“I was contacted by the Swords.”

“WHAT?!” it was Grimsley, the dark type master who snarled. “Why are you saying that only now?!”

The Swords of Justice. Cobalion, Terrakion and Virizion. Ah, there was also a trainee, Keldeo. Some of the legendaries that interacted the most with humans. Although that was only compared to other legendaries.

“Because it is only now that I have the opportunity to bring out a new topic!”

Before the discussion could devolve into further bickering Alder intervened. “Enough. Marshal, what of the Swords?”

“Yes, Master! They asked me to relay to you that ‘The equilibrium is shifting’. When I asked, they said that space and time were distorting. I wanted to ask more but they said that they had to act regarding a certain matter.”

“Legends above, that is troubling. Even leaving aside the ominous warning, if they are acting means that someone is tempering in significant ways with the wildlife.” Alder sighed.

Despite his usual vigor, the weight of age could clearly be felt. Caitlin actually felt bad for the man. He was someone of character, but age took its toll all the same. He was already training a replacement, a young dragon tamer, but it seemed fate still called for him.

“Caitlin, I have to ask for you once more. We need to ask Cynthia for her opinion. If we are talking of space and time, she is likely to know more given that they managed to stop Galactic. This might be a repercussion of what they attempted.”

Caitlin nodded. In truth Alder’s position alone was enough for him to contact Cynthia, but with her presence, it will add more weight.

After that the call ended. While drifting back to sleep, Caitlin asked Musharna if there was anything important in the meeting. Unlike her, her pokemon could listen even while sleeping. How she envied this ability.

“Shauntal mentioned the presence of a Touched trainer.” The ethereal voice answered.

She wanted to glare at her pokemon for saying it so casually when she was trying to go back to sleep. Not that it would matter in a few seconds. Still, even when going to sleep her mind roiled with the different revelation.

A psychic with a powerful companion and a mental block from a possible legendary.

The renewed movement of Plasma.

A trainer Touched.

The movement of the Swords.

Time and Space distorting.

So many events that would be considered rare independently were occurring simultaneously.

She could not help but think back to the expression that Alder used. It truly felt like this was the only fitting sentence.

Legends above…

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Fun fact, it's Caitlin that almost destroyed a city when she lost control of her powers. And that's canon so I had to mention it.

Also there will be original Plotlines so i hope you look forward to it.