Chapter 3- First step

Nexon’s Journal: Musings about Pokeballs.

Pokeballs were an interesting thing to come in contact with. I always wondered How seemingly no trainer ever confused which Pokémon were in which Pokeball or how trainers knew which Pokeball was theirs. Particularly when a large number of Pokeballs ended up bunched together like say when a team with an R on their uniform stole a bunch of them but each trainer always found their Pokeballs, all of them, after said team blasted off.

As it turned out, Pokeballs are not ready to use as soon as you need them. Instead, they need to be imprinted. Imprinted was simple, all humans had like Pokémons aura. The difference is the aura from humans is basically useless at first. The imprinting of a Pokeball is the aura of a trainer seeping into the ball, creating a link with it. This is also why Pokémon caught form a sort of bond with their trainer. I even found an article researching the relationship between the aura, type specialist, and the phenomenon of when Pokémon and trainer become more similar to the others but this out is for Pokeball.

So, you imprint the Pokeball, then catch the Pokémon and mix your aura in the Pokeball. That way each ball has a distinct feeling since no two auras are the same. Even minute differences are significant enough to differentiate them, thus any lack of confusion.

By the way, the league advises to always have a couple of unimprinted balls available, if possible, in case of emergency. Which, smart! Also, I need some Pokeballs.

*

Soo…

One week went by since the hatching of Nike. The first couple of days had been harder than I expected. It was basically taking care of a sensitive overpowered child 24/7. Yeah, when the Pokedex said they were sensible to strong emotions they were not joking. Thankfully the first day she fell asleep rather quickly after eating since hatching apparently needed energy. Who would have thought?

The next day was a bit more problematic. I tried taking her downstairs to eat but with the other Pokémons from Pops and Nana it seemed to somehow hurt her, and I had to resort to balling her and then bring her to the room where we ate together. I did some research but finding reliable data seemed harder to find than a chromatic Pokémon. First, Hatenna are not found in Unova and even with the internet getting the data needed was nigh impossible.

Trainers who had a Hatenna either did not bother because they had the resources available, or simply did not think of posting about it. So, I had to ask Nana and call for Miss Opal.

“Kid are you daft?” were her first words after I explained the situation.

I reflexively flinched when she said that. Nike was perched on my shoulder and looking at the screen with me. She was fine with me probably because I was used to somewhat mute my emotions. She scrutinized me before continuing.

“I admit it’s a surprise it was a Hatenna but that makes the situation worse. She is not only a psychic type but also has a fairy factor even if latent. But the situation could have been worse. I have one piece of bad news and two good ones. Rather one is just expected. Which one do you want first?

“Please give me the bad news and the good news first”. I mean if the other is expected surely it can wait.

That got a smirk on the wrinkled face. “Smart! Okay, the bad news is that there is nothing you can do. All Hatenna faces this problem. Usually, they have a group with a matriarch Hatterene which guarantees silence and control over the emotions that the lines like. Obviously, that’s not always the case but the ones that travel with trainers are usually old enough.

Which brings us to the good news. The good news is that it is completely normal and with time, Hatenna naturally learns how to form a shield around their mind which allows them to filter outside emotions unless they want to. I guess in this sense this one lucked out since you are able to stay with her given that you have a calm disposition.”

She stopped here for a while letting me absorb the information. So, in short, Nike will have to stay somewhat isolated with me until she gets the hang of her power. Heck, I might even be able to help her, since it’s most likely relied on her psychic activity.

“What about the expected news?” I asked after the silence started to stretch.

“Well, it is something you would have found out eventually. Due to her fairy factor, she would have an easier time using fairy type moves despite not having the type officially.”

And that was what I got from Miss Opal. The first two days there was nothing I could do. As it turned out, Nike didn’t really understand me when I talked. She came to it fairly easily, as she was around Klint and more importantly, Jeanne, increasing her grasp on language. Two days to learn the language was frankly ridiculous but the evidence was in front of me. On the third day, I was woken up by a mental problem.

At first, I dismissed it but after insisting I realized what was happening. and woke up to find her in front of me, giggling. Realizing that she started to master her psychic power, and with her knowledge of knowledge I decided to give it a try. So it was that two days after hatching, we began our training.

“Nike, I need you to listen to me.”

“Te!” she answered seriously.

“Do you remember how you woke me up?”

She nodded.

“I need you to remember how you do but focus on making a shield around you. Like a bubble. Think you can do it, girl?”

More nodding. With that, she started to focus. Her tiny mouth flattened and her pseudo limb twitched. Needless to say, the first few hours were unsuccessful. It was just before dusk that we made significant progress as a thin purplish pink energy briefly covered her.

And that was the basis of our days for the week. Wake up, have breakfast, train until she is tired, play together, then lunch, more training, and playing before dinner. After that, it was just playing until we fell asleep. Rinse and repeat.

Spending time with each other allowed us to better understand and know each other. I also took the time to know how to properly care for her. The hat on her head is a type of silk-like substance that her body seemed to naturally produce kind of like nails put with silk? As for her hair, the part covering her eyes is much like normal hair but the ones forming her pseudo limb were some more solid which is something I needed to take into account when taking care of her.

Her personality also grew, becoming more and more of her own individual. The name I gave her also seemed fitting as she was rearing to go. She actually wanted to challenge the gym, but I had other plans and managed to convince her.

The gym leader always had a minimum of two Pokémon and depending on the number of badges collected they adapted the difficulty. There was no specific order like the game enforced since matching the types as best as possible is considered to be part of the strategy as well.

Back to my plans, I wanted to get another companion first and thankfully there were sightings of the species in the area. However, whether I would be able to get one is still up in the air. This will also allow me to get some training with Nike and see what we have to work with. I held back on looking at her move for this sole purpose.

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

And today was the day I would leave. My gym trainer card arrived yesterday in the mail which gave me the green light to start my travel. Although I would still need to come back to challenge Cheren.

“Do you have everything?” Nana asked again.

“Yes, I think” I kept thinking that I had forgotten something, but nothing came to mind.

Thankfully I did not need to order anything and got all the items from my list from the local Pokemart. Even if I forgot something I could come back given that I was just going into the surroundings of Floccesy to get my second Pokémon and coming back for the gym.

“Don’t forget to call us from time to time. You should have a signal for most of the way until Floccesy.

“Got it pops.”

“Hatenna!” Nike was just as, if not more, excited than me.

And so, with the necessary items in the bag, we made our way out of the town. I walked down the road with Nike perched on my head. We drew some gazes due to her species not being common but nothing more.

Speaking of the bag, I got to have Pop's old-ish Devon backpack. It apparently uses the same technology as the Pokeball, but it honestly just flies over my head. It was a simple black backpack that matched pretty well with my style. I for my part was just wearing a black shirt and a grey shirt with a Pokeball design on it. No cap yet, which needs to be addressed at some point.

Soon we left behind the house, the Pokemon Center housing the Pokemart, the gym, and eventually every building. The cobbled road traded place with a dirt road that snaked through surrounding woods and surrounding grasslands. There were other trainers making their way out of the town as well as some moving toward it.

It was not until we were far from the city that I stopped, moving a bit away from the city. It was time to do what I was putting off all this time.

“Alright Nike, time to see what you can do” I state taking out my phone. In addition to the Pokedex function, there is also a Pokescaner, allowing me to see the moves without having to wait at a Pokemon center.

How it works I have no idea, but it works. For now, Nike decides to float in front of me and practically bounces in excitement. Unwilling to make the bundle of energy wait I let it go.

As for the moves, the way it works is basically some set forms of manipulating the type energies to achieve the result. That means that unlike in the game, it’s possible to create a move as long as you have control. Moves also have their own proficiency. The more it’s used, the more power.

It took a second, but the scan finally finished.

Species: Hatenna

Ability: Magic Bounce

Currently know moves: confusion, play nice, mystical fire.

My eyes widened in surprise as I saw the last move. Mystical Fire was supposed to be a move exclusive to Delphox, the final evolution of Kalos’s fire starter. In all evidence, this is an egg move and a powerful one at that.

If we can master it, it will be a powerful ace up our sleeve, no matter the evolutionary stage. As for confusion, I already expected something similar since she started to be able to use telekinesis in a limited way on herself.

Regarding her ability, I was similarly speechless. If I’m not wrong that’s the hidden ability of the species. The term was used much like in the game and referred to an ability that was rare for the member of the species to exhibit. As for magic bounce, she would be unaffected by stat-lowering moves and the like and would even reflect them on the opponent.

It seemed that the illegal breeders were trying to produce a powerhouse and even succeeded. Too bad they won’t be benefitting from it. Although the ability will need to be tested at some point. Luckily there were lots of Patrat and Purrloin that had access to move like Leer but this is for later.

“Well Nike, you might really be a sign of victory after all” I laughed. And watch the little Pokémon puff with pride. “For now, how about we make sure that we have a move you can use? The Pokémons in the area are not very strong but we never know.”

“Tenna!”

With that excited answer, we move around until we find a clearing that is big enough. There are a couple of rocks lying around that we can use to train,

“Alright, girl let’s go! Try and use confusion for me!”

I can see Nike intensely focusing and soon the usual purplish glow of psychic power envelops her. It lasted for a few seconds before a tiny stone, barely the size of a baby’s fist was made to twitch.

“Well done girl! That’s an excellent beginning! Keep going!”

Her concentration kept on growing and by now the stone was floating centimeters from the ground. it was not enough to truly be considered an attack, but it was enough. This was also the reason why I was not too far from Aspertia. In case we did not have a move by today or worst case tomorrow, I intended to go rest and train. There is no point in adventuring if you cannot defend yourself.

While some Pokémon tend to leave humans alone, there are also some that actively go after humans. However, it seemed I was worrying for nothing seeing as barely a few hours after we started, with the sun not quite overhead, she managed to demonstrate a move.

What she did was form a bubble of telekinetic power and slam it against whatever she wanted. It seemed that on top of having an egg move, she was talented as an individual. At least we can defend ourselves now.

“Nike you are a genius! Now what should we do?” I looked at the sky. “Maybe we should set up camp and continue the training.”

This is what I decided to do. Nike is back on my head and helping with what she can. Telekinesis even still somewhat weak is helpful. And so, in no time at all I have the tent set and thanks to Nike gathering stones and sticks even a campfire.

After we are set, it’s back to training. Play nice takes no time at all to manifest thanks to the normal type energy being so easy to use. Although I’m not even sure it activated seeing as Nike simply appeared to coat her pseudo limb in white light and wave them around. Another thing to try during a fight. And I have an idea of how to bring a fight to us.

Now, I am far from the best cook but is still can knock something really quick. As our first meal on our travel, I decided to make a steak and mashed potato, a staple of mine. Spices rain on the steak while I start the fire while Nike peels the potato. In no time at all the clearing has a delicious smell wafting around and I have to wipe my drool. I look at Nike to find that she has no such concerns and drolls abundantly while staring at the seasoned mashed potato. Guess she has her mind set.

Soon we started to eat and the little Pokémon ate like a big one and seemed to love it. Right now, I wish I had an ice type to make berry sorbet but oh well. Maybe I should get a Vanilite? Or would that be weird?

After we finished eating, I did the dishes while Nike enjoyed a Mago berry that I gave her. Seemed to be her favorite so far.

“Te- Tenna Te!”

I turned to see a Patrat emerging from the bushes near Nike. Thankfully she sensed him early on. Funnily enough, her first move is to secure the Mago berry.

“Nike looks like we are about to have our first battle.”

It seemed the Patrat was of the same mind as it clearly took position to attack. Its brown fur started to bristle, and its tail stood on end. For a few tense seconds, we just study each other until the wild Pokémon gets impatient and charges with a white haze around him in what is clearly Tackle.

“Nike dodge then use confusion” I shout.

To her credit, she did try to dodge but her species is not really fast with their short legs. She managed to avoid a direct blow but was still sent tumbling, while the Patrat started to clearly laugh. That got her going and she did not stop after standing up and used confusion.

The laugh is cut short as a psychic bubble slams into his face. That seemed to bring back to the reality of battle and his eyes briefly glow white. I was expecting Nike to react in some ways but to my surprise a translucent film against her for the briefest of moments before disappearing.

I watched as the Patrat seemed to recoil then it hit me. It probably tried to use Leer but Magic bounce activated. This is going to be so useful!

“Don’t let go, Nike! Use confusion once more.”

“Haaa”

The Patrat was hit once more and was sent flying. It tried to stand once more but seemed a little unsteady. Its eyes were unfocused, and it kept stumbling. Is it confused? Just when I thought it was finally coming to and was about to order another attack, it used tackle once more… on a tree.

The hit caused a Pidove that was watching the fight to fly off while the Patrat slumped…

I got knocked out by the confusion.? Really? Slowly I approach to see the wild Pokémon unmoving. I blinked and Nike puffed with pride. She cannot even hide it. It got one glancing blow and then she knocked him out!

I quickly checked her just to be safe, but the blow barely did any damage. Munching on the Mago Berry will fix her right up which she proceeds to do with occasional delighted noises.

“How do you like the battles Nike?” I asked her despite seeing the radiance on her face.

She started to giggle, yet, unwilling to stop her berry fest she simply sent me feelings of elation. Guess she likes it then.

“Good. How about we go look for a couple more battles before calling it a night?”

And so, after leaving an Oran berry to the Patrat in case it woke up, we found ourselves trudging through the forest and looking for wild Pokémon. Unwilling to risk the egg move yet, we continued with the confusion attack with the odd play nice when we needed it. We avoided any Purrloin for now, unable to make real damage without moves.

Nike for her part made striding progress with confusion, using it faster and faster. It seemed combat is really the best way to make progress. The area is pretty safe as long as I’m not far from the official route 19.

After a couple of hours, we decided to just return to the camp. The Patrat is gone and so is the berry which is fine. Unwilling to attract other Pokémon seeing as the sun is starting to slip below the horizon. Nike happily munching on the pellets made for Pokémon. I for once eyed the ration skeptically.

Well, there is nothing to it. First thing tomorrow we will make our way to Floccesy and the hope of getting our next companion. I have my eyes set on a Riolu, but I can only hope there is one that will accept. Unlike in the game, the flavor text about them sensing the aura is real. Honestly, it’s a coin flip from now on. And thankfully there were some sightings not long ago now we just have to wait.