#that magikarp moment has sent me!! | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

totallycorrectpmdquotes · 4 years

Note

Super excited for more Backfire chapters!! 💖 Also DX. Is a thing it's happening i t s h a p p e n i n g

Y e s it’s going to be so great!!!

Also I’m just. going to use this ask for my other catch up chapter of Backfire since it’s one of my favourites

(Previous Chapters)

Uxie’s powers aren’t just limited to his lake, and affect all memories which could be traced back to the Time Gears. It’s easy to imagine the mental catastrophe this could cause in the mind of someone who’s spent nearly their entire life looking into them. In his defense, Uxie was really mad at Grovyle.

Azelf was anxious. He had everyright to be, of course, after what he’d heard from his siblings’ telepathy.

“I’ve finished at LimestoneCavern,” Uxie had said, “Ditto was trapped when time froze. Iput the time gear back, but nothing’s changed yet. I don’t know how long it’llbe until everything’s back to normal.”

“Nobody was at TreeshroudForest,” Mesprit had said, “There were hardly any ferals, andthere was no one at the end. I’m worried. I don’t know if she left of her ownaccord or not. I hope she’ll be back when time starts working here again.”

As worried as he was about Ditto,it was the state of Treeshroud Forest that had him particularly wound up. Andso, unfortunately, Azelf found himself teleporting off the central island helived on to its smaller, much more volcanic neighbour. He struggled his waythrough Dark Crater to reach the lesser-known sixth time gear.

In the heart of an almost-activevolcano, Azelf didn’t have much of a chance to admire the time gear held aloftby a quartet of obsidian spikes. He was here on business. So he raised his headand called out to the time gear’s guardian.

“Darkrai! Are you here?”

The room got the slightest bitdarker.

“Unfortunately,” came a voicefrom behind him, and Azelf turned to see the dark-type lurking in the shadowsbehind him.

Azelf did not jump; he frownedand ignored Darkrai’s thirst for drama. “Is everything okay?”

“Last I checked, we weren’tsupposed to leave our gears.” Darkrai snapped, “Don’t tell me you actually sealedyours in crystal?”

“That was a rumour,” Azelf saidcalmly. “We used it to draw the thief out. It worked, everything can go back tonormal now.”

Darkrai scoffed. “Too bad. Youshould have sent him my way.” He gestured to his own time gear inches above itslake of magma. “I’d love to watch a grass type try to get his hands on that.”

A rather large bubble of moltenrock burst right under the gear and sent a ripple across the lake.

“Right.” Azelf said, barelypaying attention to Darkrai’s faux querulousness. If he wanted to be needlesslydramatic, who was Azelf to stop him? “You’ve heard Cresselia’s gear was taken?”

“I found the wanted poster in abottle and read all about it. I’m sure she’s been insufferable about it.”

“Do you know where she is?”

Darkrai was silent for severallong seconds.

“How long has she been missing?”He asked, his tone much more careful now.

“We don’t know,” Azelf admitted.“There was no trace of her when Mesprit returned her gear. Do you have any ideawhere she could be?”

Darkrai frowned. “No. Have youchecked with Dialga?”

“You know it’s not that easy.”Azelf sighed, “We’ll keep a lookout for her. In the meantime, the threat may begone, but be careful, okay?”

At first, Azelf thought he’dmisread Darkrai’s look, but no. The other pokemon sneered at him.

“You too,” Darkrai said, and thecave lit up once more.

In a handful of seconds, Azelfnoticed a few things.

Darkrai was no longer in front ofhim, nor was he behind him. Darkrai was gone – as was the time gear. There wasa hole torn through time and space right beside it, which disappeared thesecond Azelf saw it. An overwhelming stillness had surrounded him. A wave ofelectric grayscale raced across the lake towards him.

Azelf didn’t have a chance tocall for his siblings. He didn’t have a chance to run. All Azelf could do wasscream as the wave hit him full-force.

A bubble of magma sat in themiddle of the lake, under where the time gear had been, frozen half-popped.

.-.

Chatot, currently, had twoPokemon under house arrest in Team Relic’s room.

Riolu had decided to tryrepeatedly to throw himself out the same window his partner had leapt from, asif that would miraculously reunite them in anything but the afterlife. As soonas the first lights hit, Corphish had gathered a team of water types to do theunfortunate deed of searching for the two. They had come back empty-handed, andDugtrio just so happened to realize that the currents at thattime last night could have carried them right across the bay towards themystery dungeon known as Brine Cave.

Experiencing that dungeon wasn’tsomething Chatot would wish on his worst enemy. But Riolu had been determinedto go reunite with his partner, so inevitably Chatot had made the executivedecision that there was no chance the boy would be leaving the guild.Especially with the still significant possibility that Vulpix, as a fire type,hadn’t survived her fall.

The other Pokemon was Dusknoir,who was much more understanding. He didn’t have any explanation for what hadhappened and seemed genuinely shocked when they only asked him to stay in theguild until they knew more about it. Chatot would deal with whateverimplications there were with that situation when he had a moment to think. Fornow, the Guild was closed to outsiders, the other apprentices had left up thecoast in search of anything, and the Guildmaster had gone toscour Brine Cave just in case. Chatot, as the head of intelligence, had stayedbehind to dig through files.

Well, officially he had beenasked to stay behind and rest. His injuries weren’t nearly that severe,however, and Chatot saw no reason why he couldn’t be productive.

Vulpix had seen something beforeshe jumped and had done so to push Dusknoir out of the way. When she’d savedGrovyle as well, the ledge they’d been standing on had been attacked. Thosewere the facts. Someone had tried to assault and kill the Pokemon from thefuture, and Vulpix had been an unfortunate extra casualty. The questionwas why?

So Chatot found himself buried inhundreds of mission reports and wanted posters as he tried to figure out whathe was missing when it came to Grovyle and the Great Dusknoir.

.-.

For a grass type, Grovyle hadhorrible sun tolerance. Breeze would be annoyed and embarrassed, but her’swasn’t much better – though, she was a fire type, she didn’t need thesun. It was just a nice and pretty bonus that could sometimes make her firetype moves stronger. Most grass types, on the other hand, would probably wasteaway and die without the sun.

Apparently, Grovyle was anexception to a rule that really shouldn’t have any of those. And Breeze was nota fan of that at all.

Most of the plants beside thedried riverbed they’d been traveling along were withered and dead. As soon asthey’d found a patch of shade, Grovyle had requested they stop for a rest.Breeze had tried to sit beside him, she really had! She was tired too, and he’dbeen so nice throughout the whole trip so far. He’d given her every healingitem they’d come across – which, admittedly, was only an oran berry and acouple heal seeds – and had double-triple checked to make sure she wasn’thaving any issues with their pace. He hadn’t been anything like the Pokemonwho’d nearly killed her and Dusk.

Unfortunately, vouching forsomeone’s second chance and actually giving it to them weren’t the same thing.As much as she tried to ignore it, Grovyle still terrified her. Every time shelooked at his leaf blades, all she could think was how he’d easily he’d thrownher and Dusk aside every time they’d tried to fight. She’d been knocked outbefore he’d struck her partner’s neck, but Breeze could picture it anyway – shehad been just outside the door when he’d told Chimecho all about it, becausehe’d thought she was worried enough about him without having to learn detailsabout how Dusk had nearly gotten his throat slit while trying to revive her.

So while Grovyle called for abreak in their journey to rest, Breeze lasted all of one minute waiting besidehim before she’d anxiously made an excuse and wandered off to ‘scout ahead.’

Breeze kept her head down as shefollowed the cracked, dry dirt further inland. Her tails dragged behind her andknocked bits of sand into her footprints. The wind from earlier had died downand left the smell of the ocean replaced by the scent of dust.

It wasn’t fair to Grovyle for herto be acting like this. Breeze knew that. He barely had any idea what was goingon, but he’d still tried to help her. She should at least be able to return thefavour instead of wandering off to who-knows-where because she was scared forno reason!

Breeze felt her eyes sting andstarted trying to blink away tears as she took another step forward – andautomatically stumbled back as her eyes and nose burned. Severalsteps back, for the first time, Breeze looked up and really took in where shewas.

She was on the edge of asandstorm, frozen in place mid-air. The wind didn’t blow. The sky was dark –the only light came from back the way Breeze had come. It reflected off eachfloating sand particle and speckled the ground in front of her with tiny silversparkles. A trickle of motionless water ran to her left, through weeds and mudthat were still fresh – but frozen. A lone magikarp was stuck mid-air, barelyabove the water, frozen in a desperate last jump to freedom.

Everything was frozen.

Breeze practically threw herselfback into the sunlight, back into the dust-scented wind, back onto the dry andcracked ground. She could feel her body tremble as she stood on the edge of thefrozen time and she nearly collapsed.

That was why the riverbed wasdry. That was why the plants had been dead, and the sun was so intense. Thisriver had probably come from the same spring Mesprit’s lake did. It was at theedge of Northern Desert and Quicksand Cave. Time was still destroyed here,thanks to Grovyle.

Breeze dropped to the ground andrubbed her face with a paw. What was she thinking? Dusknoir was right. Chatotwas right. Everyone was right. This was stupid. Just because he didn’t rememberit didn’t mean it didn’t happen. Grovyle had been trying to destroy the world! Shecouldn’t just ignore that. She couldn’t get distracted by the fact that he wasnice now, when he had no idea who she was or what was going on. If he ever gothis memories back he’d start again, and he’d attack everyone again, andeveryone would be hurt because she’d been an idiot.

There was a shadow cast over her.Breeze froze, waiting for Grovyle to speak – and then she realized that theshadow was nowhere near his body shape. The scent sunk in past the dust amoment later.

“Cha-haw-haw, what’s this?”

Breeze felt her breath catch inher throat. Very slowly, she turned – and Team Skull towered over her.

Breeze swore.

“Well isn’t this a surprise,”Skuntank said. He took a step forward, and Breeze braced herself. “Boys, itlooks like we’ve run into a friend.”

“I’m not your friend, you rottenjerk.” She snapped and let a fire spin build up in her throat.“Leave me alone.”

“Why? Who’s going to make me?”Skuntank replied. “You’re all alone, brat. We watched you walk here.”

“All the more reason to leave mealone,” Breeze growled. “What are you even doing here? Don’t you have anythingbetter to do?”

“I could ask you the same thing,”he said, “Come on Vulpix, help an old friend out.”

Breeze steadied her paws and spatthe fire spin right in Skuntank’s awful face before she duckedunder him and ran back the way she’d came.

“ Agh, boys -”Breeze was already out of earshot.

Her pounding paws dredged up moredust as she fled back the way she’d came. But she saw the shadow over herbefore she saw Grovyle’s rest stop.

Breeze tucked and rolled, dartingto the side as Zubat swooped down where she had been only a second before. Thestink hit her before Koffing did – but they both hit her hard. Breeze flippedand tumbled, her leg catching on a dying root and sending her right on herface. She felt a paw press down on her back.

“No Guildmaster, no cowardlyRiolu, no one coming to help you.” Skuntank said and leaned in as Breezesquirmed. “So why don’t we have that conversation now?”

“Get off.”

“No.”

“Why does this matter to you?!”She tried to push herself up – Skuntank pushed down harder, and Breeze didn’tmanage to stifle a pained gasp when his claws dug into her still fresh scabs.

“Because we’ve heardthe stories your Guild’s been putting out,” he said, “And how they’d offer up ajuicy reward to bring you back. So what was so important that you had to leaveyour Guild last night, huh? ”

“I didn’t run away, you idiot! ”Breeze squirmed again – if she could just flip over, she could roar, andthat would get them all far enough away from her that she could run again. “Andif you try to ransom me back to them, you’re not going to likewhat the Great Dusknoir does to you.”

Skuntank laughed again, and hiscronies joined in. “Why would an explorer like Dusknoir still care about aweakling like you?”

“He’s already saved me fromyou once, you think he won’t do it again?” She snapped, “Backoff, or you’ll have to deal with him.”

“That implies he knows where youare,” Skuntank leaned in, “if we shoot enough supersonics yourway, no one will believe anything you say. And you’ll talk then, too – so whydon’t you make this easier for yourself?” One of his claws hooked under herpersim band, “Tell us why you’re here.”

Zubat cleared his throat. “Uh,boss?”

Skuntank huffed. “What?”

“We’ve got company.”

Breeze had a brief, hopefulsecond where she was sure Dusknoir or the Guildmaster or Dusk or someone washere before Grovyle sprung out of the ground in front of her and clockedSkuntank square in the jaw.

Breeze scrambled out of his gripthe second she could, ducking behind Grovyle when he landed. “What are youdoing?!” She whispered, “They’re poison types, you’re a grass type, areyou insane?! ”

“Get ready to run,” He whisperedback.

Skuntank recovered from the blow,with Koffing at his side and Zubat ducked behind them. Breeze had a terrifyingsense of familiarity as she shuffled a few steps back.

Except, Team Skull didn’timmediately attack. They stared. “G-Groyvle?!” Zubat choked out.

“How do you know?” Breeze snappedback, “You don’t even have eyes!”

“You’re running around with theTime Gear thief?” Skuntank stared at her as he shuffled back. Breeze shot apanicked glance at Grovyle, who just looked confused.

“Y- no?” She said.

“The what thief?” Grovyle said.

Skuntank still looked shocked –and then his expression dropped. He chortled, and his cronies joined in. “I’llbet you’re worth a pretty penny.”

There was no chance for Breeze tospit back any flames – barely a chance for Grovyle to grab her and pullher down – before Koffing and Skuntank spat their noxious gascombo at them.

The pressure in Breeze’s noseturned from stench to sand, and Grovyle’s dig dropped them ina small, crooked hole.

Breeze coughed and wheezed,hacking up a few tiny flames. They smouldered and died in the sand, and theirsmoke hung heavy in the air. In the flicker of dim light, she saw the purpletinge around Grovyle’s nose and lips – and that he wasn’t moving, either.

“No,” she choked out, “no, no,come on.” She crawled forwards and nudged him with a shaking paw. “Why wouldyou do that? You – you’re a grass type, they had every advantage againstyou, why –” The smoldering bile she choked up this time had apurple tinge. “Why didn’t you hide behind me? You could’ve run. You could havesaved yourself. You – you could have…”

Breeze’s breath shook. Shethought then, about Grovyle asking why did you save me? Shethought of all the healing items he’d passed her way. He could have let herdrown. He could have abandoned her when she was unconscious – he hadn’twanted to stay, but he had. He could have let her suffer and kept the berriesfor himself. He didn’t know anything - he could have lookedafter himself.

But he’d chosen to look after herinstead.

A familiar sense of helplessnessclawed at Breeze’s heart and she didn’t like that at all.

“Help!” she choked out. TeamSkull didn’t matter – she could talk to them, not fight, and they’d take herhome. It was better than letting Grovyle die. It was better than doing nothingwhen he’d been trying so hard for her. “Please – please! HELP!”

Breeze choked up another poisonedfireball, and for a split second, she saw something floatingon Grovyle’s other side. She couldn’t make out the colours or details, butthere was something there.

“Help,” Breeze said again,“please.”

There was a heavy moment ofsilence. Breeze flattened herself down and coughed on the smoke from her ownfires.

“Alright,” a feminine voice said,and the tunnel lit up.

.-.

Dusknoir sat in the corner of aroom, a book in his hands and a panicked Riolu pacing around him. He’d tonedout every word the boy had said. Genuinely, he didn’t care. He, unfortunately,knew better than anyone how resilient Breanna and Grovyle could be.

Besides, Darkrai wouldn’t havebothered to target his sableye if the two were actually dead. And as far asprisons went, he’d certainly had far worse. If something came up, it would beno issue to escape before the situation turned serious.

A sudden silence struck him asodd, and Dusknoir looked up to see what had finally silenced the Riolu in frontof him.

The answer, apparently, was aDimensional Hole floating in the middle of the room.

Dusknoir mentally cursed, slowlyrising and inching towards the door. “Riolu,” he said, “you need to go getChatot.”

“Do you know what that is?” Theboy asked, his voice raw.

“Yes,” Dusknoir said, and floatedforwards, ready to grab and throw the Riolu the second anything changed. “Fornow, go - ”

The dimensional hole tossed outtwo prone forms and a significant amount of sand.

Riolu lunged for them at the sametime Dusknoir tried to snatch him. Riolu’s arms wrapped tight around a badlypoisoned Breanna. He pulled her away from Grovyle – fainted and unstable, worseoff than Breanna was – and nearly sobbed onto her shoulder.

Breanna held him back, tearing upas well. She looked up at Dusknoir. “Get help,” she croaked.

Dusknoir stared at her as hebacked out of the room and didn’t say the thought that stuck out in his mind –he hated the familiarity of this.

#PMD #Pokemon Mystery Dungeon #Not Quotes #anyway that first scene is what made me decide to ACTUALLY post these chapters on here instead of just telling yall to go to AO3 #I really like that first scene...#that said six is a GARBAGE number of time gears to have #seven? so much more satisfying #place your bets now folks! where do you think the seventh Time Gear is?#Here's a hint: it's a post-game dungeon #Anonymous #Backfire

27 notes · View notes

animebw · 4 years

Text

Binge-Watching: Pokemon Orange Islands, Episodes 37-39

In which Ash earns another victory and Misty continues to be awesome.

Badge 2

Once again, the benefit of the Orange Islands storyline continues to be how it’s able to shake off the show’s old formulas and go in a whole bunch of new, weird, experimental directions. You wouldn’t see anything like a buff tanned Nurse Joy (god, just imagine if Brock were still around to meet her) kayaking her way across open ocean to pay health visits to wild Pokemon communities or a whole island chain full of grapefruit trees back in Kanto proper. And, of course, the biggest positive effect this has is shaking up the structure of the gym battles. Considering how the actual Pokemon matches have never been the show’s strongest suit, it’s definitely an improvement to scrap straight-up fighting for the main plot’s thrust and turn the gym challenges into tests of skill, unique puzzles, and other creative kinds of goofing around that have always been this show’s lifeblood. Ash’s second badge win among the Orange Islands is a three-part snow Olympics where every part feeds directly into the next challenge, against a chill bastard of a gym leader who forces kids to climb unassisted up a whole-ass mountain without a safety harness and sends his Pokemon to murder his enemies in cold blood with the biggest smile on his face. Not since Sabrina have we faced a gym leader that psycopathic. But that only makes Ash’s eventual victory all the more satisfying, and then he one-ups himself by catching a goddamn Snorlax. Our boy’s really on a roll lately, and it’s good to see his experience push him to greater and greater heights.

Queen of Sass

Sometimes I think back to the first couple episodes of this show and remember that Misty used to be my least favorite part of it. It really does feel like a lifetime ago, doesn’t it? We’ve come a long way since those early days, and now, it wouldn’t be a stretch to call Misty my favorite non-Team Rocket character. Her snark is a constant source of delight, and she’s the one other person who’s able to match Team Rocket’s level of punmanship on the regular. Just look at how many good quips she gets off over the course of their tangle with the Snorlax:

-”Bulbasaur’s the one who’s whipped.”

-”It’s not fair for Snorlax to throw his weight around.”

-As Psyduck gags on a grapefruit: ”I guess I should have known you’d choke!” (The sad thing is, I think that’s the first time Misty’s intentionally sent out Psyduck)

I dunno, between Asuka, Kagura and now Misty, maybe I just have a thing for redheads who can break me over their left knee. But hey, as long as it means more quality time with the best weapon in the protagonists’ comedic arsenal, I see no reason to complain.

Best of Team Rocket

-”As long as you have Pikachu...” “We three to you will stick like glue!”

-ARE THEY LITERALLY SMOKING FISH JUST FOR THE SAKE OF A FOG EFFECT I SWEAR TO GOD

-”That’s right, you didn’t even let us finish our motto!”

-”You’re getting good, kid!” “Well, he has known us for quite a while.” I KNOW RIGHT

-”We like to be energy-efficient!” The most well-adjusted crooks in the world, ladies and gentlemen.

-That moment where your attempt to steal Pokemon descends into a snowball fight.

-”Prepare for-” “We already did the motto!”

-”Thin skin.” “Just like you have, Jess!”

-God, I would kill for Team Rocket to open a candied grapefruit peel business.

-Team Rocket and Twerp Squad teaming up to bring down a Snorlax? It must be my birthday.

-Also, damn, James, you need to wear that hypnotist suit more often.

Odds and Ends

-Lol at Tracy talking about Nurse Joys like they’re a species of Pokemon.

-Thaaaaat’s a big Magikarp.

-”Nurse Joy: the Pokemon’s Florence Nightingale!” Well, you’re not wrong.

-Okay but if you needed to give Onix a vaccination where would you even stick the needle in

-God Dammit Psyduck Count: 16

-Not gonna lie, it would have made a much better ending if Nurse Joy had just ripped her way out of that net with brute force. You overplayed your maudlin emotions there, show.

-...I’m just gonna assume Dan’s a teenager too, because otherwise this would be reeeeeeally creepy.

-Okay, Pikachu falling off the terrace in the foreground was a nice touch.

-Charizard continues to be a punk-ass bitch, I see.

-”Did she say thieves? That’s terrible!” “Well, I sure hope she catches them!” This is your regular reminder that Misty has always held the one braincell in this entire show.

-”It’s doing the blubberfly.” LESS PUNS MORE STOPPING GRAPEFRUIT DEVASTATION PLEASE

-”Wait, Goldeen’s not on the menu!” aksdhasd he went right for it didn’t he

-Nobody tell them the trees are growing back from the seeds Snorlax pooped out.

Two down, two to go. See you next time!

#anime #the anime binge-watcher #tabw #pokemon #misty pokemon #brock pokemon #ash ketchum #meowth #pikachu #team rocket #gary oak #professor oak

4 notes · View notes

pkmntraineremily · 4 years

Text

Den Hunts and Camping

The first thing Emily wanted to do was find one of those red, glowing dens! But where were they? Emily had been wandering around for hours, and it was starting to get dark. Other trainers were starting to set up their campsites. She looked over to the Sobble on her shoulder, and asked,”What do you think? Should we call it a night?”

Just then she heard someone call out,”Hey you, miss pink trainer!”

Emily looked around and saw a girl a couple years younger than her waving at her,”You haven’t set up camp yet? Can you help us?”

“Help?”Emily asked, already running over to her,”What’s wrong.”

The girl shook her head,”Nothing’s wrong, but my parents and I found a den! We’ve been looking for help to take on the pokemon inside! Most people have already set up camp for the night...Wanna help us though?”

“Yes!”Emily nodded vigorously,”I’ve been looking for one of those dens all afternoon!”

“Well, c’mon then! This way!” The girl ran off, Emily hot on her heels. When they approached a lake, Emily could see two adults standing not too far from something glowing red by the water. The younger girl called out to them,”I found someone! I found someone!”

“BAROOOH!” Bellowed the pokemon in the den, having heard the girl. A moment later a giant Barboah swam out. It was surrounded by the same red aura Leon’s Charizard had in the battles on TV. This was much larger than she had imagined though. I guess when you watch those battles on your phone, everything seems small. She looked to her Sobble and nodded.

“Okeley! Time to fight!”Emily called out, her starter pokemon jumped off her shoulder, and stood in front of her. The other three trainers called out their pokemon too. A Wobbuffett, Magikarp, and Wishiwashi were all out between the trainers and the giant pokemon. Emily pulled out her phone, and checked each pokemon on her pokedex, before focusing in on the battle. Everyone else had already made their moves.

“Right! Okeley, use Water Pulse!” The Sobble sent out pulses of water at the giant pokemon. It didn’t seem terribly phased. With three water pokemon, and a Wobbuffett, they struggled to beat the giant pokemon, but eventually, they succeeded.

“Go on, you can catch this one,”The older lady encouraged. She was backed up by the rest of her family. Emily didn’t need to be told twice. She tossed out her ball, which turned giant thanks to the Dynamax Band, at the Barboach. The ball shook a couple times before letting out its signature ding! And shrinking to a normal pokeball size.

“I caught a Barboach!”Emily cheered.

“Congrats, miss piknk trainer!”The younger girl cheered.

“Oh! But wait,”Emily said,”What about you three?”

“Oh, don’t worry about us, dear,”The older lady said with a wave.

“Yeah,”The man chimed in,”We just wanted to battle it! None of us have the power to Dynamax pokemon anyway. But it’s a good way to bond as a family.”

“Well then, Thanks,”Emily said with a smile,”I’ll take good care of him.”

“I’m sure,”The lady said,”Say...How would you like to have dinner with us?”

“Are you sure?” Emily asked.

“Of course! It’s getting late, and we already have our campsite set up not too far from here. My Onix is protecting it,”The man explained,”You’re welcome to set up your tent there, too.”

“Alright then.”

Emily set up her tent across the fire from the family’s tent. The lady was starting up the fire while the man was preparing ingredients for curry. The girl who had initially called her over was sitting on a log, and talking to Emily. “So you’ve been endorsed by the Champion!?”She exclaimed.

“Yep. Both me and my best friend, Hop,”Emily said,”We were determined.”

“That’s so cool!”The girl said,”I wanna get endorsed someday! I’ll become the Champion after that! And my Wishiwashi beside me!”

“That’s a good goal,”Emily said, before focusing in on trying to get her tent up. She knows these poles go together, why won’t they?

“Do you think Leon will still be Champion then?” She asked.

Emily laughed,”Not if Hop has anything to say about it!”

“What about you?”

“What about me?”

“You’re in the Gym Challenge too, right? So you’ll be trying to beat him too!”

“Oh. Yeah, I guess,”Emily said,”I just joined because I wanted to travel and it sounded interesting.”

“So you don’t wanna win?”

“I mean...I do, but not as much as some people, I don’t think. I mainly just want to have fun and try something new.”

“Well, I think that’s a good goal too,”The kid’s mom said from the now decent sized fire,”But don’t forget, the Gym Challenge is a competition. It wouldn’t be fair to you or your pokemon if you didn’t give it your all.”

“Yeah, I suppose that’s true,”Emily thought for a few moments before shaking her head,”Can I help with the curry?”

“Of course you can!” The man said,”I always appreciate more helpers!”

#IC #Drabble

3 notes · View notes

adaminashepardcommander · 5 years

Text

Adamina the Pokemon Master

Who was your starter Pokemon? ❤Totodile

Who gave you your first Pokemon? ▲My grandfather

What was the first Pokemon you ever caught? Are they still with you?

♤ The first pokemon I ever caught was a Magikarp.

♤ He is now a Gyrados, and he has a great personality even if he is supposed to be a rage monster.

What determines whether or not a Pokemon you catch stays on the team or goes to a box/sent to a professor? ♕ I really like water pokemon, so usually if they don’t have some sort of water aspect they go to my PC box.

Have you ever let go of a Pokemon before? Why? ♦ No, I can’t even imagine letting a Pokemon go. Even if I don’t use them, I keep them for my family members to use.

Where did you grow up? ☀ Kanto, but I spent a lot of time in Johto where my grandparents lived.

What is your favorite Pokemon type? ✌ Water!

If you were a Pokemon, what type would you be? ♱ I would obviously be water.

How would you describe your Pokemon training / battle style? ⚜ I train until each of my individually, and I try to steer clear of certain types of trainers. Like my brother, Julius, who likes mainly electric Pokemon.

Who is a Pokemon professor/gym leader/etc. that you really admire? ★ Misty because she’s a water trainer like me. I also like Lorelei because of her Lapras.

What gear do you never leave home without? ღ My Pokeflute. You never know when a random Snorlax will be asleep on a route.

Who is your go-to Pokemon team? ◕ Feraligator, Vaporeon, Gyrados, Glaceon, Mantine, and Samurott

Which if your Pokemon do you travel on (as in Fly or Surf pr riding it, etc.) the most? ₪ Gyrados

Which of your Pokemon are the infamous ‘HM Slave’ ? ϟ I don’t have one. I tend to spread the love when it comes to HMs.

What is your favorite and least-favorite town/city? ∩ My favorite town would have to be Cerulean City because it is beautiful. The blue theme is gorgeous. I can’t really think of what my least favorite city is at the moment. Ask me again some other time.

What is your favorite and least-favorite areas in the wilderness (forest, cave, mountain, etc.)? β Favorite areas are the lakes and seas. Oh the water Pokemon you could encounter. Least favorite areas are forests because there’s a lot of grass Pokemon.

Are there any Pokemon you can’t stand? Σ I don’t like Bruxish. It’s creepy.

Are there any Pokemon you raise multiples of? ɯ I raised two Eevees, so I could have both Glaceon and Vaporeon.

Are there any Pokemon that creep you out/frighten you? Ξ Froslass is incredible and scary at the same time.

You want to be the best there ever was. The very best what? ✿ Mother to my kids. I want them to treat their Pokemon with as much care as I do.

#headcanons #pokemon au #canon: adamina

2 notes · View notes

pokemagines · 5 years

Text

christmas party. (barry x reader)

ask: THIS MAY JUST BE ME BUT I AM CRAVING SOME PEARL/BARRY CONTENT, ESPECIALLY WITH FLUSTERED MISTLETOE KISSING AND DENIAL ABOUT LIKING EACH OTHER. DON'T MIND ME I AM JUST CRAVING SOME FLUFF RIGHT NOW HAH A--

a/n: YOOOO KILL ME! this is so late and they don’t even get it on under the mistletoe but the idea is still there ok fuck off. signed, mod elesa.

title: mistletoe

word count: 1142

synopsis: barry tells himself he’s gonna do it. he’s gonna tell you how he feels about you. and he’s not gonna chicken out this time. he’s not. hopefully.

parties always made barry wildly uncomfortable, contrary to his boisterous personality. the clamor of people and the stuffiness of it all is usually what keeps him away from the scene.

he’s not sure how dawn managed to convince him to come to her party. he couldn’t say no – after all, she dropped your name – and ended up throwing on the only dress shirt he owned and a pair of dark jeans before scurrying out the door like some scared cat.

“barry, you came!” dawn smiles brightly at him from the doorway, a sheepish smile spreading on his face. she steps aside and tugs him into the brightly lit house, the murmur of voices filling his ears.

time seems to stop when everyone’s gaze turns to the newcomer, smiles blossoming on their faces when they realize oh, it’s barry! he’s actually here. everyone greets him and goes on with their conversations, leaving barry to stand awkwardly in dawn’s circle of friends.

“what made you come this year, dude?” lucas, barry’s long-time friend, claps him on the back. he flinches, managing a grin.

“dawn kinda held me at gunpoint…”

“i did not! lucas, honey, he’s here because y/n is–” barry’s whine cuts her off, chuckles from both of them making his cheeks turn red. “speaking of which, she’s probably upstairs finishing her makeup. why don’t you go say hi?” dawn suggests, though it sounds like more of a command than anything.

barry rolls his eyes at her poor matchmaking antics and makes his way up the stairs, scratching at the skin of his elbow through his shirt as he wanders through the hallway.

maybe this was a stupid idea. what if dawn sent me up here and she’s not even here? what if this is some kind of prank, and everyone’s in on it and they’re gonna jump out and–

“oh, barry!” your voice, like the song of angels, violently pulls him out of a trance as he takes in the sight of you – hair gently curled, your dress hugging your curves, the supple skin of your thighs and those killer heels. christmas may be a holy holiday but his thoughts were anything but as he lets out a low whistle of appreciation that doesn’t go unnoticed.

you smirk, clasping your hands in front of you as you meet his gaze again. “was that a compliment?”

“no!” barry yells, shaking his head immediately after. “i mean, yes, it was– it is, you just… wow,” he lamely finishes, cheeks tinged pink. you can’t help the smile that spreads on your glossy lips, stepping closer to him and reaching for his hand.

“i’m glad you came,” you admit softly, chuckling. his hand envelops yours, warm and secure, and you squeeze it. he squeezes back, making both of you laugh.

“um…” barry mumbles, pursing his lips as he tries to form coherent thoughts. “i, uh… well.”

his attempt at conversation is adorable but you don’t want to leave him hanging any longer. “let’s go downstairs?”

he nods, grateful for your suggestion as the two of you mosey down the stairwell.

it’s no shocker that dawn and lucas are eyeing the stairs expectantly for the two of you to come down, but they try and act like they weren’t counting the seconds it took.

“y/n!” dawn calls, gasping at the sight of your outfit. “you look amazing!”

“you picked this dress, dawn. you wouldn’t let me wear jeans and a nice blouse–”

“well duh! you had to look good for mister tamato cheeks right there,” dawn gestures to barry’s blushing face, “of course i’d help you choose the outfit.”

“dawn!” you whine, pushing her gently.

“it’s not like we all don’t know you two like each other,” she shrugs, grinning.

“dawn!!!” this time both you and barry yell in embarrassment.

“we’ll be opening presents in ten minutes!” dawn announces to the guests in her living room, noises and hoots of excitement making her smile.

you, however, are standing quietly on her balcony overlooking twinleaf town. the moonlight paints the still water a glowing silver, shimmers of magikarp surfacing every so often. it’s a simple kind of glorious, one that has you feeling more at peace than you have the whole night.

you had practically begged dawn to get barry to come to the christmas eve party – you needed to tell him how you felt, make this thing between you actually go somewhere rather than staying labelless forever. the two of you are friends, first and foremost, but you’d be stupid to not notice when it evolved into something more. you just want to define what that “more” will be.

the sliding door cracks open, and you turn around to see a smiling barry step onto the balcony beside you.

“hey,” he greets.

“hey,” comes your breathy response, sounding a little too sensual for the occasion. he doesn’t comment, keeping his gaze on you as he leans against the railing.

“we’re opening presents in ten,” he tells you, and you nod.

the silence bothers you, but neither party seems to want to speak. goosebumps line your arms and you sigh, breath turning into a cloud of vapor before disappearing.

“can i confess something?”

he tenses, you can see it in your peripherals, but he manages a gentle “yes” and a “go ahead” to you.

no turning back now, y/n. “i like you. like, like like you. and i know you like me too,” you hurriedly say, lip quivering. “i… i want to confirm that before i say anything else.”

barry’s shocked you were the one to confess first; this whole night he had planned to confess to you after opening presents with the promise ring in his back pocket, but you beat him to the punch.

“i like you, too,” barry breathes. simple, to the point. it’s all you need to hear before continuing.

“i want us to be something, y’know? this thing is nice and comfortable but i–”

“want more? yeah, me too,” he finishes your sentence, body facing yours. he takes your hands, lacing your fingers together as he smiles at you. “i was actually gonna confess to you after we opened presents, but…”

he reaches into his back pocket, fumbling with the box before opening it. your eyes widen at the pearl band, tears starting to sting the corners of your eyes as you meet barry’s own misty ones.

“barry, you…” a single tear slips down your cheek at the sight of the promise ring, the sentiment making your heart absolutely melt.

“y/n,” he begins, voice wavering only slightly. “will you, uh, be my girlfriend? is that too formal? agh, let me ask again. wanna date– mmph!”

you cut him off with your lips against his, arms wrapping around his neck as you hold him close. this is it. the climax. the moment you’ve been waiting for since you first went on your adventure with him 9 years ago.

#barry #rival barry #barry (pokemon)#pearl (pokemon)#pokemon dppt #barry x reader #x reader #pokemon imagines #pokemon headcanons #sinnoh #dawn conspiring against barry #christmas prompt #mod elesa #pokemon scenarios

72 notes · View notes

spiritedandloyal · 5 years

Text

Flower Crowns, Feelings, & Eevee Fluff

This wasn’t how I planned to introduce these characters but here we go I wrote this in like an hour

Fandom: Pokemon (Takes place in an divergent universe to Surfacage’s ‘And The World Will Turn To Ash’, but that’s barely touched on in this. The Pokemon GO teams are Things. Takes place in Kanto as this story was inspired by the concept of Let’s Go Pikachu/Eevee.)

Warnings: Cursing, mentions of homophobia, blackmailing and threats of violence, bad sibling relationships.

Characters: Cyan (OC), Rose Oak (OC), mentions of canon characters such as Erika, plus Creampuff the Eevee, Raichu, Ivysaur, Bellossom. Description: Fluff and feelings, not all happy feelings, but everything’s okay in the end. Also, gay.

The gardens surrounding Celadon City Gym were hushed, but not silent. Pokémon rustled the flowerbeds, and the breeze occasionally sent petals scattering, but otherwise quiet surrounded the two young trainers sitting together.

Rose’s hands moved deftly as she braided together flowers: violets and crocus and her namesake rosebuds. Her Raichu snored in the shade of a nearby bush. Her Bellossom danced in the sunlight, happily photosynthesizing. Cyan’s Ivysaur groomed itself near the edge of a Magikarp pond.

To her left, Cyan herself was trying to make a second crown, though her hands were much more unsteady. Her Eevee, Creampuff, was curled alongside her with the tip of his fluffy tail over his nose. Cyan’s first creation, a messy ring of daisies and violets, was slipping off his head as he dozed.

Rose felt peaceful in the beautiful gardens. She was comfortable, her Pokemon were relaxed, and she had Cyan by her side. (Literally! By her side! Their legs were brushing! Earlier they were holding hands!)

What could be wrong?

She watched Cyan scowl in frustration as a stem split in half where it wasn’t supposed to.

Her rival/best friend/girlfriend hadn’t said a word in almost half an hour, and she kept zoning out instead of focusing with her typical Mystic determination. Rose sighed. Cyan didn’t even glance at her.

“Cyaaaaaaan.” She drew the name out until she finally got her girlfriend’s attention.

“Hmm?”

“Whatcha thinking about?”

“Nothing.”

Silence. It stretched and stretched until broken by a particularly loud snore by Raichu.

“Are you thinking about what Amber said?”

Cyan stared down at her lap and didn’t reply.

“Cyan.” Rose repeated, softer this time. “You can’t let her get to you.”

“It’s hard. She’s my sister.”

“She’s a bitch.”

Cyan snorted in laughter. “You’re not wrong. But… She just always has this way of making me feel small. And now she’s got leverage over me, with serious consequences, and she knows it.”

“I can’t believe she’s using our relationship as blackmail. I’m going to kick the shit out of her.”

“Take some of your Valor hooligans with you if you do. I think she’s been getting involved with… Sketchy people.” Cyan frowned down at her lap. Both their flower crowns lay abandoned.

“Team Rocket?”

“I’m… not certain.”

“I’d bet on it.” Rose muttered. Then she cleared her throat. “Hey, look at me for a sec.”

Cyan glanced up at her, blue eyes wide and shiny with the threat of tears. Rose reached out and lifted her chin, guiding her in for a gentle kiss.

“It’ll be okay.” Rose promises, with that fiery determination the Oak family was known for, and a smile brushes Cyan’s lips as tucks her head against Rose’s neck.

“What are you going to do now?” Rose asks after a quiet moment, picking up her flower crown again.

“It’s all about the action with you, isn’t it?” Cyan teases, her tone much lighter than before. Rose flushes all the way down her neck, and Cyan laughs.

“I’m going to be staying in Celadon for a while. One of Erika’s trainers promised to help me train Ivysaur, and I wouldn’t mind exploring the city some more. It’s changed a lot since I used to live here. And then… I’ll probably head back to Mystic HQ and pick up some more work as a lab assistant, or something.”

“You know you can always stay with Mom and I, right?”

“I really don’t want to go back to Pallet Town right now, Rose. I’m sorry. But thank you.”

“Alright. But anytime, seriously.”

They sit in silence for a while. Ivysaur ambles over and helps Cyan complete her final flower crown, vines curling around her wrists to steady and guide her. Raichu snorts loudly and flips over in her sleep.

“This is yours.” Rose announces proudly, planting her finished project on Cyan’s head.

“Good thing this is gonna be yours, then.” Cyan giggles, almost complete with her own project. She sticks her tongue out as she concentrates. It’s so stupidly cute, cuter even than their Eevees, in her opinion, and Rose fights back the urge to kiss her again.

“Here!” Cyan gives Rose her own finished crown. Rose smiles as she adjusts it, and Cyan’s tiny smile feels like a spotlight. She basks in it for a moment: the warm sunshine, Cyan’s fond expression, the smell of flowers, her Pokemon’s contentment.

Then the hilarity of the situation dawned on her.

“Some rivals we are.” She laughed. “A Valor and a Mystic! Sitting in a field! Making flower crowns for each other!”

“And kissing,” Cyan smirks. This time, Rose takes the suggestion and does so, sweet and a little bit hasty.

She probably would have done it again, too, except Creampuff pushed in between them to demand affection of his own. Or maybe food, she’s not exactly sure.

Although on second thought, food didn’t sound half bad right now.

“Come on,” Rose urged, standing up and brushing herself off. “Let’s get takeout and bring it back here.”

“Only if we get a blanket this time!”

“You’re such a city girl!”

“And you’re a ruffian!”

“I’m your ruffian.” Rose smirked.

“My problem, more like!” Cyan shot back, though her eyes were sparkling playfully.

“That’s no way to speak to your girlfriend!”

“What, the savage Valor can’t take the heat?”

“I would crush you in a battle and you know it, Mystic.”

“You would know all about crushing on me- Creampuff, no! Don’t chew on my hat! Yes, we’re going to go get food now, stop it!”

#pokemon go #pokemon lgpe #team mystic #team valor #eevee #raichu #ivysaur #bellossom #rose (valor)#cyan (mystic)#creampuff the eevee #dumb gay shit #flower crowns #atwwtta #pokemon let's go lesbians #can i call this story that #please. maybe #spirit's stuff #spirits stuff

9 notes · View notes

themurphyzone · 5 years

Text

Absolutely Disastrous Ch 10

Ch 10: The Rustboro Pokémon School! The Friendly Unovan Rivalry Begins!

Rustboro City was the research and education hub of Hoenn. Its proximity to Petalburg Woods, Meteor Falls, and several aquatic habitats made it one of the most interesting places to live for the scientific community. It also happened to contain the university where the seasons of Professor Magezone and Adjunct Faculty Member Magnezone were filmed.

Milo made sure he appreciated the city of cobblestone while reassuring Zack that Magikarp weren’t out for blood and calming Melissa from Dakota’s earlier dine and dash stunt.

The Pokémon were meshing nicely with each other. Poochyena was hot-tempered but cooled down easily with a distraction. Mudkip only chewed on a thick rope Milo had given him. Diogee and Treecko liked to nap together. Torchic’s energy kept everyone on their toes.

“I can’t believe we get to see Mahlson Corp!” Milo exclaimed, admiring a tall brick building that towered above everything else in the city. “Even if it’s just the exterior! Melissa, make sure you’re getting all this!”

Melissa snapped a few photos on her phone. “Imagine the scoop journalists get with the Mahlson Corp,” she said. “Corporations of that size are always harboring secrets in their labs.”

“Like a lab-raised Pokémon that hates people,” Zack suggested.

“Technology that can open a portal to another dimension,” Milo added.

“Maybe some other time,” Melissa said. “We should get your Pokémon checked at the Center before your gym battle. That was always a pet peeve with Dad. Matches tend to go poorly for the challenger if they didn’t rest their Pokémon before the battle.”

There was a crowd outside of the Pokémon Center. People cheered at a fiery symbol emblazoned in the air above them.

“Excuse me!” Milo said as he pushed in front of a Gloom. The Gloom made an indignant noise at having its view blocked.

Zack followed Milo’s lead, but Melissa took no issue in jabbing people with her elbow.

“Thank you for all your attention!” a female voice exclaimed. “For my final act, I will now select a member of the audience to participate! Which one of you lucky trainers will share the spotlight?”

Milo and Zack stumbled to the front at the same time, where they had a clear view of the performers and their Pokémon. One girl wore orange and yellow, while the other was dressed almost entirely in magenta.

The girl in orange grinned at the newcomers. “Hey, I recognize you!” she exclaimed to Zack.

Zack frowned. “Have we met before?”

“Not in real life, but I’ve seen your music video! You obviously know how to captivate a crowd!” she yelled. Zack winced slightly. She didn’t seem to have much volume control. “Let’s give them a grand finale to remember! So, what Pokémon do you have?”

“What music video?” Milo asked.

“I’ll tell you later!” Zack yelled as the girl dragged him into position. “Anyways, I just have a Treecko, so-“

The girl blinked. “That’s perfect! A sensational Pokémon for sure! And adorable to boot! So, uh, Amanda! What’s a Treecko?”

Amanda groaned. “Lydia, I told you to read that book on native Hoenn Pokémon! We had eight hours on the plane!”

Lydia smiled guiltily. “They had Dusknoir of the Opera for in-flight entertainment! How could I resist? Dusknoir and Primarina are such a cute couple!”

“She’s better off with Gallade and you know it!” Amanda retorted.

Lydia rolled her eyes. “He’s nice and all, but Dusknoir has the more interesting dynamic.”

“Anyway, Treecko is the Grass-type starter of Hoenn. You would know that if you opened the book,” Amanda said.

“Perfect! Grass and Fire complement each other like PB&J, you know,” Lydia said. “Let’s get our flames on, Tepig!”

Tepig snorted several embers, stomping its hoof. Zack sent out Treecko, though at a distance so he didn’t receive a burn.

“And raise your Surskit better, would you?” Melissa shouted over her shoulder as she finally caught up to Milo and Zack. Her hair had puffed out so much that she resembled a Pyroar. “Sorry I’m late. Some guy’s Surskit used Bubble on me after I knocked him out of the way. Make any comments about my hair and I will end you.”

Treecko used his newly-learned Bullet Seed to create a pattern on the ground, while Tepig cloaked itself in flames and stomped on each seed, setting it ablaze. Under Lydia’s direction, Tepig added several twirls and zigzags to embellish its performance. Within minutes, the flames burned out, revealing an ash-covered smiley face to the audience.

“Thank you!” Lydia cheered with a bow. “Let’s give it up for Tepig, Treecko, and Zack! If you wanna see more of my lovely Tepig, please come to the Rustboro Contest in two days’ time!”

While the crowd dispersed, Amanda frantically flipped through a planner. “Lydia, I only set aside ten minutes for one of your street performances!” she yelled. “We only have twenty minutes to get Minccino into a check-up and be on time for class!”

“I thought you were trainers,” Zack said. “You still have school?”

“Is your class at the Rustboro Pokémon School?” Melissa asked.

Amanda nodded. “I wanted to learn more about Hoenn before setting off. Lydia only agreed because she heard they’d be holding a Contest in this city.”

“I’ve never been good at book learning,” Lydia admitted.

“The Rustboro Pokémon School is often a recommended stop for beginning trainers,” Melissa continued. “They usually teach about basic care, type effectiveness, and careers that center heavily on Pokémon. We’d have to stop there anyway, because the gym leader also serves as a principal. Dad says she hasn’t been the same since the teacher’s convention in Celadon City.”

“Speaking of teachers, we only have sixteen minutes!” Amanda yelled. “Nice to meet everyone, but we need to get in line!”

“But-“ Lydia protested.

Amanda cut her off with a sharp yank, dragging her into the Pokémon Center. Moments later, an ear-splitting screech filled the air, forcing Milo to pull out an umbrella to protect everyone from a burst window.

“We’ll never make it back in time,” Amanda muttered as Milo walked in, avoiding the door’s splintered frame. A long line stretched all the way to the desk, made up of many annoyed people and Pokémon whose ears were still ringing from Amanda’s scream.

“Coach Mitchell won’t notice,” Lydia tried. “He’ll be too busy brainstorming ways to beat Principal Milder’s record in the Game Corner. Remember yesterday when he tried to borrow Ms. Camilichec’s Persian so he could use Pay Day to have an infinite supply of coins?”

Amanda stared at her planner, mumbling ways to salvage her schedule for the rest of the day.

“If you want, I can take Minccino for the next hour or two,” Milo offered. “My Pokémon need to be in tip-top shape for their gym battle anyway.”

“Good idea!” Lydia exclaimed. “You hear that, Amanda? You get to class on time, Minccino gets her check-up, everyone wins!”

Amanda clutched her Poké Ball, looking rather doubtful. “And you’ll give Minccino back?” she asked, a suspicious edge in her voice.

“Yup!” Milo said.

“I’ll vouch for Milo here,” Melissa said. “He doesn’t know how to lie well.”

Zack and Diogee also added their own testimonies to Milo’s character, though Diogee seemed to be begging for treats during his turn.

Still looking nervous, Amanda released Minccino from her Poké Ball. A small, fluffy Pokémon emerged, shaking out her tail as she yawned.

“Minccino, do you mind if I head back to class?” Amanda asked. “This boy and his friends offered to look after you for a bit. It’s just an hour or two, and I’ll hang onto your Poké Ball! I really don’t want to miss this lesson cause it has to do with preparing Pokémon food.”

“Hi there,” Milo said, kneeling next to Minccino when she just stared at him. He pulled out a Sitrus Berry and his Pokédex, then offered the berry to Minccino. She cautiously sniffed it, then took an experimental bite. Minccino squealed happily, scarfing down the rest of the berry.

“Minccino, the Chinchilla Pokémon. This Pokémon is highly recommended for parents who are sick of picking up after their messy teenagers who can’t be bothered to clean their room when they’re told.”

Lydia frowned. “Are all Hoenn Pokédexes weird like that?”

“Nah, just Milo’s,” Zack sighed. “It has a mind of its own.”

“So you’ll be okay with Milo?” Amanda asked.

Minccino nodded, patting her tail against Milo’s leg with a happy squeak.

“You don’t normally like new people off the bat,” Amanda said. “Are you sure?”

“Oh, quit worrying!” Lydia said, grabbing Amanda’s arm and hauling her outside. “Minccino likes him just fine! She’s in good hands!”

“Don’t eat too much! I’m trying out that new recipe, remember?” Amanda shouted as Lydia dragged her away. “And be nice to Milo and his friends! And-“

Her reminders faded away.

Minccino stuck close to Milo while they waited, resting on his shoulder with her tail curled around her body. Her paw flashed out every time Diogee reared up on his hind legs to get a closer look.

“What’s your plan for the gym leader?” Melissa asked. “I heard she uses Rock-types.”

“Well, I’ve got Mudkip, but she probably has a counterstrategy for him,” Milo said. “It’ll definitely be interesting though!”

“Trainers are always challenging the Lavaridge Gym with Water-types,” Melissa said. “They think they can just douse a Fire-type to win. But they’re always unprepared for Sunny Day, which reduces the power of Water attacks.”

“Johto Gym Leaders are notoriously easy to beat with a Fire-type,” Zack said. “Honestly, I’m surprised none of them thought of teaching Rain Dance to their Pokémon.”

Once they made it to the front desk, Milo released Mudkip from his Poké Ball. “I’m planning to challenge the gym, and I want to be sure Mudkip and Diogee are ready,” he said, removing Minccino from his shoulder and setting her next to Mudkip. “Oh, and this is my friend’s Minccino. Amanda just wants her to be healthy. I don’t think she’s taking part in any huge battle though.”

“No problem!” the nurse beamed, turning to her Pokémon partner. “Chansey, take these three Pokémon to Room D and do a basic examination on them.”

A smiling Chansey ushered them into the back, closing the door behind her.

“Please have a seat in the lobby while you wait,” the nurse said.

“Actually, there’s one more thing,” Zack said. “How do you take part in a Contest?”

Milo and Melissa glanced at him in surprise. “I thought you didn’t have a goal yet,” Melissa said.

“I still don’t,” Zack admitted. “But Treecko seemed to be having fun in front of a crowd. And Lydia mentioned she was taking part in a Contest.”

“Are you going to make another music video?” Milo asked.

Zack sputtered indignantly, muttering something unintelligible about how ‘those days are behind me’ and ‘I can’t deal with another prop ax’.

"If you plan on competing, you'll need to register for a regional Contest Pass. It'll be good for any Hoenn contest but won't work outside the region. I can handle the registration here if you have your Pokédex," Nurse Joy explained.

Zack inserted his Pokédex into the slot she indicated. Nurse Joy typed several commands into her computer, and a plastic card popped out of a nearby printer. She took the card and laid it on top of a bright red case. Then she handed both to Zack.

"Present the card to the attendant and they'll let you in. This ribbon case will hold the proof of your contest victories. You'll need to collect five ribbons to be allowed entry into the Grand Festival."

Zack gulped, taking the card and case gingerly. He removed his Pokédex from the slot. "Five ribbons!" he laughed nervously. "No prob, totally not feeling pressured already!"

"Just do your best and have fun!" Nurse Joy called with a smile as Milo hauled Zack over to a bench in the lobby.

Zack's legs never seemed to work when he was nervous. His mouth had frozen into a rather creepy half-smile.

Melissa stomped on his foot, causing Zack to yelp and recoil in pain. "You were creeping me out," Melissa retorted when Zack glared at her.

"How come you didn't tell us you wanted to be a coordinator?" Milo asked.

Zack sighed. "I don't know. Not even my parents know. They'll probably find out if the contest is televised, but I don't want to tell them yet. And I thought it would be nice to perform with a Pokémon, and not just use them as a prop to make special effects with."

Before Milo and Melissa could ask more questions, the doors burst open. A Shroomish and Minun held themselves high as they marched into the lobby. They were a bit roughed-up, but they looked exceedingly proud of themselves.

Bradley followed them inside, smirking as he sauntered over to the nearest group of trainers.

"Shroomish and Minun have the right to be proud of themselves," Bradley boasted. "After all, we did get the Stone Badge."

He proudly displayed a small piece of metal, holding it above his head for everyone to see. As the trainers around him began asking questions about his challenge, the back doors swung open and Mudkip, Diogee, and Minccino dashed out. A Chansey called out to them with a stern look on her face, and the trio slowed down, walking back to Milo with slightly guilty expressions.

"Aw, it's alright," Milo said. "Mudkip and Diogee, have you been cleared for battle?"

Mudkip and Diogee cheered.

"Minccino, you're all healthy?" Milo asked.

Minccino nuzzled his hand.

Milo grinned. "Alright then, it's off to the Pokémon School! Who's ready to earn a badge?"

In his excitement, Mudkip jumped and darted around the lobby, weaving between people's legs and barely avoiding the cables to a TV mounted to the wall. The moment came to a crashing halt when Mudkip didn't avoid Bradley in time, sending him sprawling to the floor with a surprised grunt.

The badge slipped out of his hands, rolling away until it stopped near Milo's shoes. Milo picked it up and rushed over to Bradley, helping him up while Shroomish and Minun shot Mudkip some incredibly furious looks.

"Mudkip, say you're sorry," Milo said sternly. "You have to be more careful in a Pokémon Center. Hurt Pokémon come in all the time and their trainers would be very upset with you if you crashed into them."

Mudkip wilted, then squeaked an apology.

"Fine, I accept. Don't make this more awkward," Bradley muttered, pulling away from Milo. He snatched the Stone Badge away once he realized it was in Milo's hand. "And that's my badge, thank you."

"Looks like your challenge went well," Milo smiled, though Bradley scowled further. "What did the gym leader use?"

Bradley crossed his arms. "That's classified information. Since you're challenging her, I think I might just stay in town and watch you lose."

"Fair enough," Milo called as Bradley stomped out of the Pokémon Center in a huff. Shroomish and Minun followed behind him, just as irritated as their trainer.

“Who spat in that guy's milk?” Zack scoffed.

“I don't care,” Melissa said as she scribbled several notes into her pad. “But a grumpy rival could definitely add a little pizazz to my little project.”

“Welcome to the Rustboro Pokémon School!” a secretary greeted. “How may I be of assistance today?”

“Is Amanda here? I’d like to return her Minccino,” Milo asked, gesturing to the fluffy Pokémon on his shoulders.

The secretary nodded, picking up a microphone on her desk. “Right, Amanda asked me to keep an eye out for you. I’ll call her to the front.”

She pushed a button, and the intercom emitted a horrible ringing noise that seemed to reverberate through the walls of the building. Diogee and Minccino screeched in pain, Zack writhing on the floor in agony. Milo and Melissa winced, covering their ears until the sound passed. While they’d dealt with plenty of malfunctioning electronics before, the ringing was something they’d never get used to.

“Sorry!” the secretary yelped. “I have no idea what happened! Sure, we haven’t had much money since the schoolboard bought that yacht, but our equipment is always somewhat functional!”

“It’s alright,” Melissa said, cutting in before the secretary could go into a full-blown panic mode. “Do you have any idea where Amanda is?”

The secretary’s nose scrunched up in thought. “She seems to have taken a shine to our cooking classrooms. Really likes that Basil Bravo guy. Never liked his show myself, always seemed a bit airheaded to me. But hey, to each their own. First floor, rooms 16-19 are all kitchen setups.”

Milo thanked her, and Minccino hopped off his shoulder and scurried ahead. It seemed Minccino had an innate sense for her trainer’s whereabouts, since she nosed her way into Room 17 and beelined straight for Amanda, clinging to her leg with a delightful squeak.

“Oof, I’m happy to see you, Minccino,” Amanda said, quickly setting down a bowl of flour so she could hug Minccino back.

“Told you!” Lydia proclaimed. “She’s happy and healthy! Nothing to worry about here!”

Tepig stomped his hoof, nosing Lydia’s hand back onto his head.

Lydia laughed. “Oh, you’re just a little attention seeker.”

“Yup, no issues at all,” Milo agreed. “You’ve got a great Pokémon there.”

Amanda’s attention returned to the bowl she’d been stirring. “Thanks. I’m glad she likes you. Normally it takes a while for her to warm up to new people.”

Lydia nodded. “Amanda and I are from Unova. Castelia City, to be exact. It’s ginormous. We spent a lot of time exploring the city before we became Pokémon trainers. Our journeys were delayed by a few years because of this Pokémon liberation group. Lots of people thought we shouldn’t train or work with Pokémon anymore. Said it was cruel to treat them as servants.”

“My family’s worked alongside Absol for generations,” Milo said. “We don’t treat them as servants.”

“Gym leaders, firefighters, doctors, and researchers all rely on the partnership of a loyal Pokémon,” Zack added.

Melissa crossed her arms. “Guys, it’s great that you have strong bonds with your Pokémon. But not everyone sees it that way. All the crime syndicates that were taken down over the years? Pokémon are just tools to them.”

“Anyway, the liberation group held a protest at the city plaza. They mass-released a ton of Pokémon and left. A lot of the Pokémon were super-confused and the police department had their hands full trying to rehabilitate them cause they weren’t used to living in a big city. Amanda and I found Minccino the day after the protest. She was scared and her fur was dirty. We brought her to Nurse Joy. She said Minccino had most likely been captured in a forest by the Pokémon liberation group, then released during their protest.”

Amanda forcefully cracked an egg against the rim of her bowl, setting aside the shells and taking up her spoon. “I was twelve. I could legally own a Pokémon. I figured taking responsibility for Minccino would prove that I could be a trainer. My parents thought that my…strict adherence to schedules would hinder me, and it took months for them to finally buy the plane tickets to Hoenn.”

Melissa patted Amanda’s shoulder in sympathy. “Parent problems. Gotta love ‘em, right?”

“Yeah,” Amanda sighed. She finished stirring her mixture, then poured it into a tin. “Basil Bravo said that cooking is bringing harmony to all ingredients. Serving is bringing harmony to everyone who eats the finished product. I decided Hoenn would be the best place to begin practicing those words.”

Zack coughed, and everyone’s eyes flicked over to him. He squirmed under the attention. “On a lighter note, I have my Contest Pass now.”

A scream pierced the room, and Lydia quickly enveloped Zack in a hug. She shrieked, jumping up and down in excitement while poor Zack could only wonder what he’d just unleashed. Tepig sniffed disdainfully and turned his back to them.

“Ohmygoshohmygosh!” Lydia screamed. “We can be coordinator buddies now and share appeal round tips and compete and…wait, are we buddies or rivals? Wait, I’ve got it! We’ll be budivals! Yeah, that totally works! I can’t believe this! I’m a budival with the Zack Underwood of the Lum-“

Zack clamped his hand over her mouth. “Hey, Milo, I bet you’re just dying to have your battle now! How ‘bout we go find the gym leader? That badge has your name on it! Not literally, but you know what I mean!”

He shoved Milo out the door, feet scuffing against the ground when Milo clung to the doorframe.

“Hey, do you know where we can find the gym leader?” Milo called to Lydia. He felt Zack shove his back several times, the last push dislodging him from the wood and sending him tumbling to the ground. A weight crashed onto his backpack, and Zack let out a wheeze as the air was knocked out of his lungs.

“What do you keep in here? Anchors?” Zack groaned, stumbling to his feet.

Milo dusted himself off. “Two actually. You never know when you need to secure yourself for freak windstorms.”

“I need to keep an eye on my Poképuffs,” Amanda said. “But Lydia can take you.”

Lydia nodded. “Principal Milder usually checks on the classes around this time. We’ll be able to catch her. C’mon, Tepig! Let’s put that sniffer to good use!”

She pried Tepig’s hooves away from the oven and carried him out of the room.

“It’s not gonna cook faster if you watch it,” Lydia said. “It’ll be ready soon though, don’t worry. In the meantime, can you sniff out Principal Milder for us? We all know she keeps that Sweet Scent perfume in her desk. Shouldn’t be too hard to find her.”

The group quickly found out that relying on a Pokémon with an acute sense of smell and an appetite to rival a hundred Munchlax led to Tepig picking up scents of food in people’s backpacks. After the tenth time, Melissa called upon Poochyena to help in the search, promising him a tasty reward if he could help them find Principal Milder.

After an hour of scouring all three floors, multiple dead ends, and a ten-minute break, they finally decided to check Principal Milder’s office. Milo and Lydia dragged Zack between them, who’d been hit with a Zubat’s Supersonic and was now muttering nonsense to himself.

Melissa held the door open while Milo and Lydia maneuvered Zack into the office, accidentally knocking Zack’s head on a nearby cabinet. Diogee, Tepig, and Poochyena steered clear of their trainers, heading straight for a comfortable couch they could all fit on.

Zack giggled. “I want the green one. It feels like asparagus.”

“Yeah, that knock won’t be doing wonders for his head,” Melissa muttered.

“We really should’ve just come to the office first,” Milo said sheepishly.

Principal Milder tapped her long nails against the desk impatiently, rubbing the bridge of her nose as she held a phone away from her ear. “Look, I just did my rounds of the school. My challenger today kept shoving his new badge in everyone’s face, and Mitchell is trying to use Pay Day to beat MY record at the Game Corner. So, no, I’m not in the mood to hear about how Lilycove Prep is way better than us hardworking Rustboro folk. If you’ll excuse me, I have things to do. Good day.”

“Um, hi,” Lydia said awkwardly. “We were just looking for you.”

Milder slowly scooted her chair away from Zack, who was now convinced that she was Fireflower from the My Lovely Ponyta series.

“Zack, she’s not Fireflower. Stop it,” Melissa said, dragging him off the desk before Milder’s self-preservation instincts led her to jump out the window.

“He was hit by Supersonic,” Milo offered as an explanation.

“He’s normally calmer than this,” Lydia agreed.

Milder settled back against her chair, some of the tension draining out of her shoulders. “Alright, now that we’ve established how I’m not a toy Ponyta with a brushable mane, may I ask what you’re doing here?”

“I wanted to ask for a gym battle. But if your Pokémon need rest, I don’t mind waiting,” Milo said.

Milder sighed. “Well, at least you’re considerate. I’m not taking any more matches this week though. I need to visit Mauville, and my reasons will not be disclosed to minors.”

“You’re going to the Game Corner,” Melissa guessed.

“No, I’m going to a family-friendly and not at all morally ambiguous establishment,” Milder said.

“You’re seriously refusing to battle Milo because you have a grudge against someone for beating your high score,” Melissa replied.

Milder’s eyes narrowed dangerously. “I once knew a kid who kept asking all sorts of questions that weren’t any of his business. And you know what happened to him?”

“He either became a lawyer or investigative journalist,” Melissa guessed.

“Actually, he did become a lawyer but that’s beside the point,” Milder said in irritation.

Silence reigned while Milder tried to follow up with another comeback, but she came up empty.

Finally, Milder gave in. “If I delegate my gym leader duties to someone else, will you battle them instead? Same rules apply. Only the challenger can switch Pokémon, no destroying the building, and you earn the badge when you win. Deal?”

Figuring that Milder probably wasn’t willing to negotiate, Milo decided to just accept her terms. “Deal. So who am I battling?”

Before Milder could answer, the ground split open, revealing a man with a dirt-streaked face. He was dressed like a miner, though Milo was pretty sure miners didn’t smell like sewer water.

“Sassafras!” the stranger exclaimed, frowning when everyone stared at him. “Oh, that’s not right. What do Overlanders generally say when they accidentally drill a hole in someone’s office while trying to hunt for discarded fast food wrappers?”

“Sorry?” Milo suggested.

The man regarded Milo for a second, looking rather confused. “For what? Oh, no, you’re right! It’s sorbet!”

Milder buried her face in her hands, already regretting her decision. “Close enough. Kids, meet Scott the Undergrounder. He lives in the sewers under Rustboro.”

Scott waved at them. “Hey, you kids want some half-eaten burritos? I can heat them over the toilet if you’d like!”

Lydia looked visibly ill, so Milder quickly moved the conversation along, “Now, do you mind battling Milo in my place? I’m delegating you with my responsibilities as gym leader for his challenge. If he wins, you’ll give him the Stone Badge. Got it?”

“Sure, Mildred gets restless if she can’t exercise!” Scott exclaimed. “Lemme grab her and we’ll start this popsicle stand!”

He disappeared, singing a jaunty tune he’d made up.

“That Dunsparce looked like a weird man,” Zack observed helpfully.

“May Arceus help you all,” Milder said.

AN: Zack really gets put through the wringer in this one.

Amanda and Lydia debut is here! Yes, the Pokemon liberation group they’re talking about is Team Plasma! The way I see it, Amanda and Lydia’s journeys were delayed because Team Plasma’s ideas became very prominent, which led to some parents not wanting their kids to train Pokemon. While Amanda and Lydia found Minccino together, Minccino bonded to Amanda because cleaning and organizing go hand in hand, and Amanda’s personality was just a better match overall. Lydia received her Tepig in Nuvema Town, then they headed off to Hoenn.

#absolutely disastrous #pokemon au #oras au #milo murphy's law #zack underwood #melissa chase #diogee #amanda lopez #lydia mml

7 notes · View notes

lumiose-fletchling · 6 years

Text

Champion of the Small: Gummyworm the Caterpie

Wordcount: 10,890

After saving the world from Ultra Beasts and becoming League Champion of Alola, Luna decides to wind down from the adventuring life... That is, until fate brings her a new friend! Meet Gummyworm the Caterpie, a little bug who wants to realize some pretty big dreams. Can Luna make them a reality, or will they have to rethink what it means to be strong?

Trainer Luna had happily embarked on her new journey of dex filling, taking “gotta catch ‘em all” a bit too literally. Off she went across Alola, gathering research data for the professor, filling box after box with new discoveries. This had gone on for awhile until things grew a bit... snug. Luna wondered if having so many boxes was such a good thing after all.

Even Mohn had noticed many pokémon growing restless and a bit wild on Poké Pelago. “My, we’ve been near full up!” he had pointed out, keeping jovial. “We might have to look into developing a whole new island!” Luna had smiled politely, but the truth was plain: there was simply no way of attending everyone, and many needed a new adventure of their own.

Luna thought back on her latest quest that had brought her all across Alola. What had begun as an Island Challenge had quickly become something utterly extraordinary as she faced the Aether Foundation and helped protect the islands-- and the world-- from Ultra Beasts. She hadn’t been alone, though; Hau, Lillie, and Gladion had been by her side, along with her team. She wouldn’t have known any of them if her mom hadn’t packed up to Alola in the first place. Luna was once frightened and a bit bitter about the decision, but now? She wouldn’t have changed a thing.

Well. Maybe the life-threatening parts.

Dex-filling had been a great way to decompress after her harrowing experiences. With Kindle the Talonflame at her shoulder, they had grown by leaps and bounds nearly every day, and now... it was time to rehome all these pokémon so they could have their grand adventure, too.

Professor Kukui had agreed, showing Luna the Global Trading Station and offering her a place to stay at the lab. It had become a popular habit for many trainers to list a pokémon on the GTS for a Caterpie, releasing the bug once the trade was made. It was a neat and tidy way of adopting without taking on a new responsibility. Plus, Caterpie were everywhere, and it didn’t hurt to simply return them to the grass from whence they came. Knowing this was the right thing to do, Luna began sorting, feeling who needed to go where.

Out went Vikavolt, Eevee, Rattata, Pichu, Toucannon, Carbink, even a spunky Magikarp-- a host of pokémon just waiting for a whole new direction, a whole new life. In came the waves of Caterpie, all officially released into the grasses and trees of Melemele as quickly as they came. None seemed to mind too much, being more simple creatures. Luna slowly thinned out the ranks of her PC, feeling much better about it all. A few more trades, a few more Caterpie, and they would be good. Then, she could actually take a break from all the adventuring...

Which was true, surely, but life has a way of surprising us even in the gentlest of times.

While many Caterpie had gladly rejoined the Alolan wilds, Luna noticed how one had lingered. He had turned to them with wide, expecting eyes, slowly waving his feelers in greeting. Kindle cocked his head this way and that, trying to understand what this little creature wanted of them. It was supposed to be trade-and-release, not trade-and-stay. He took a careful step back. The Caterpie gladly inched forward. Kindle was not amused.

<<Go on,>> Kindle said. <<Lovely tree right over there, just for you.>> Caterpie didn’t quite catch his drift, continuing to inspect the air with his antennae.

Luna couldn’t help but laugh. “Name: Gummyworm. Adamant. Good endurance. Caught on Route 1.” All of this would be lost once she made the Release request, but it was a cute profile. Some kid probably named him and moved on, like so many did. “Alright, little guy. Time for a new life!” Just as her finger hovered over the key, Gummyworm realized what was happening and made a distressed mewling noise, waving his little feet and swaying as if to say <<No, no! Wait!>>

“Okay, okay!” Luna knelt down for a better look at him. “I’m sorry. It’s just, so many usually choose to head back out. Your name’s Gummyworm, right?” His little body heaved a sigh of relief. If there was something he didn’t want, it was being sent back out into a world of Pikipek and Spearow. He waved his antennae in what he hoped was an endearing way. His original trainer had been a young one, too, catching haphazardly along Route 1. He’d been Ruby’s very first catch, had been praised by her family, and was so sure this could be the beginning of something great! But, once the lass realized there were more powerful options, Gummyworm had been unceremoniously deposited in a box. That had been nearly a month ago.

Maybe, just, maybe, he could be strong for this new girl?

But even if he lived his days out on the Poké Pelago, Gummyworm just wanted to be safe.

Luna sensed this. She had a remarkable talent for understanding pokémon, a trait that had helped her build her first team of Champions, but had also helped her save the world. She sensed Gummy was preoccupied, and wanting.

“Here, why don’t you stay for dinner? I can get you some nice leaves and berries, and we can get to know each other!” Gummy looked up to Luna’s smiling face. She seemed kind! And she wasn’t going to let him go, not yet. He mewed happily, smiling at Kindle as well, who fluffed up his feathers in a huff.

---

They had known each other for a few days at the Professor’s house before their relationship was sealed.

Luna had successfully adopted out dozens of pokémon to trainers all over the islands, each one delighted to meet their new friend. She felt good knowing everyone was right where they should be, and Professor Kukui was glad to lend a hand. Finally, the whole job was done, and the boxes felt much more spacious and manageable than before.

They were having Apicot ice cream on the beach, admiring the waves. Luna had grown up inland, and hadn’t become a bit tired of this beautiful seaside view. Kindle basked in the sun, wings spread wide across the sands, while Gummy took cover under a propped-up beach hat. He did love the beach, too, when he was with friends. This was the life!

While relaxing, Gummyworm noticed a case in Luna’s bag had come poking out a bit. He stretched his antennae closer to the corner, wondering. “Oh,” Luna said, “Would you like to see? These are everyone’s ribbons that they’ve earned.” Luna carefully opened the folding case, and there lay a collection of shining, beautiful ribbons. He had never seen anything like them before, all brilliant and glittering in the Alolan sun. “These first ones,” she said, pointing to rows of bright gold badges, each with red and white details, “are for every team member who ever won in the League with me.” Kindle alighted next to the case to admire his own. There was a definite puff of his proud chest, and a gleam in his eye.

<<I wasn’t part of the First Team,>> he explained, <<But I was there in her first Title Defense! A League Champion just the same!>>

Gummyworm wondered how it must feel, basking in that moment like an eternal sun, and knowing forever after that you had stood on the top of the world. His own eyes began shining with the very thought-- had there ever been a Champion Caterpie before in all the world? He imagined standing tall on Luna’s shoulder as cameras flashed and interviewers vied for their attention. “How did you do it?” a plucky reporter would demand of them. “Gummyworm, over here! How does it feel to be a Champion of Alola??”

But his little Caterpie heart suddenly clicked back to reality, and felt very small on that big beach. Luna smiled at Kindle with such pride and closeness. She must have looked that way at every team member who credited her talent so boldly, for all the regions to see. That was real.

He turned away from the beautiful ribbons.

It just couldn’t happen to such a small bug like him, caught on Route 1 and forgotten in a box. Even Luna had originally planned on releasing him. Wouldn’t a Champion know best? Hadn’t she kept him just to be nice, because he had waved his little feet so wildly? Gummy suddenly became very focused on his melting ice cream.

Ruby is just a little girl, he thought. She didn’t know... how much it would hurt to be left behind.

It wasn’t worth the worry. To Poké Pelago he would go, and he must be content with that.

Kindle saw the change, the little crestfallen turn of Gummy’s green head, the dejected ice cream nibble. At first, he was fully prepared to ignore it-- not everyone could be so accomplished like them, grand heroes as they were-- until he saw a small glint of a tear in the sun. It actually took him by surprise.

But then... hadn’t he been a wayward Fletchling himself once? Small, with no idea what he could do in the world. It had been a chance meeting that had changed his life, and a leap of faith that had brought him to where he was. He looked to Luna. Luna saw his little nod towards Gummy, the concern in his eyes. A wordless understanding passed between them, and both their hearts beat a bit faster for this new friend.

“Hey, Gummy...” Luna scooted over to his hunched form, still holding the box. “There’s still a lot of room in here. Would you like to try for your own ribbons, too?” His antennae perked up. Luna looked to Kindle, who gave a few reassuring nods. Kindle was a sassy bird, but he wasn’t heartless. “If we spend some time together, practice battling, maybe watch some of the others, I’m sure you could be awarded something! Even a Champion title!"

Truly? Gummy considered it. Oh, it would be heartbreaking if nothing came of it. But hadn’t this been what he’d really wanted for so long? To prove himself on a journey, to be part of a team? Even if it was one ribbon, that was more than what he had now!

Gummyworm turned around swiftly, letting the few tears sparkle from his smiling eyes. If Luna thought it could be done, then they could try! She was a Champion, after all, whatever that meant! He nodded vigorously, making Kindle soften, too.

Such an uplift made Luna emotional in so many ways. Just what was she getting herself into? But imparting your strength unto others is just one responsibility of a good Trainer. Compassion, too. She nodded.

“It takes time and hard work, okay?” she said in a mock-stern way. Gummy waved his feet and gave a tough cry. Kindle churred. He still wasn’t sure how long this little bug would be around for, but if there could be some joy in the journey, then why not? Hadn’t Luna shown him time and time again the miracles born of every-day kindnesses as well as feats of bravery?

<<Yeah, yeah,>> he said warmly, shaking off any prior feelings. <<If she says so, then it’s settled! We’re teammates! Our ribbons will be side-by-side!>>

Gummy felt pride swell in his heart. Whatever they could achieve, they would do it together!

----

“Alright! The very first thing we need to do, Gummy, is...” Luna swept open the door dramatically, revealing a very cozy and clean house. “Meet my mom!”

“Luna?” came a kind voice from within the house. Out walked a lovely lady. Her smiling face and colorful clothing immediately put him at ease. “Oh, what do we have here? A new friend?” Her soft brown skin, hair in gentle waves... The way she looked at him as a welcome friend! He purred when she picked him right up from Luna’s arms.

Luna introduced them properly, as well as to Meowth, who seemed to like him well enough (Kindle made sure of that. It was one thing if he was a bit snippy, but no one else was allowed to be that way, surely).

As everyone grew acquainted, Luna wanted her mom’s advice on the whole thing. It was funny: there was so much mom didn’t know about her journey. There had been no time to call and say she was raiding the Aether Foundation, or pursuing an Ultra Beast. She never knew about facing Lusamine when she fused with Nihilego. Mom also had no idea about even the every-day dangerous things, like traversing Vast Poni Canyon. This seemed like the perfect time to let her in on the Big Plan.

Mom listened, and nodded, while watching Gummy play with Meowth. After hearing Luna out, she smiled. That was her daughter. Always compassionate, always trying to help and make new friends... Thankfully none of that had changed. Kukui and Burnet had filled her in one night on the details of Luna’s last adventure (or at least, what they knew of it). How a child could navigate so much... And to immediately become the first Champion in Alola’s history as well! It was enough to make her cry, she was so proud. This, though, is positively normal.

“It might be more about feeling accomplished and loved,” she offered. “Expose him a bit to the life of battling, let him choose, and go from there.” Luna nodded. “He can always live here if he wants a quiet life, too!”

“Thanks, mom... But, do you think it’s even possible? Getting him a champion title?”

“You’ve done some extraordinary things,” she said, considering her daughter lovingly. “I won’t say it’s not possible, but, sometimes we have to rethink what strength means. Like I said. See what works, what doesn’t, and go from there.”

They continued watching the group for a bit before starting dinner, Luna thinking all the while about how she was going to move forward.

---

From that day on, Gummy was part of the family. Mom looked up all the best care tips for Caterpie, making sure to load them up with the finest berries and drinks she could find. “Now make sure you don’t push him too hard,” she had said on their first day of training. “He’s still young. Make sure you stay hydrated! You, too, Kindle! And say thank-you to Lapras if you go out on the water! Have fun!” They waved as they walked off, looking for the best beginning Trainers in the area.

At first, Luna let him watch the tougher matches with Kindle out on the local beaches, just to show him the real heat of a competitive match. With every battle, Gummy felt his heart beat fast, and he could just feel himself grow stronger with each experience. Could he grow on the sidelines? It sure felt like it, almost as if he’d been in the thick of things himself. Kindle, too, was always giving him tips and tricks, asking him what he saw at exact moments when he had made a swift turn or a perfectly-aimed Flamethrower. He was pleasantly surprised that Gummy was taking everything in with enthusiasm.

<<Now, you’ll notice I didn’t use up all of my energy on that last one...>>

<<Yes, you were brilliant! A blur!>>

<<When it’s your turn, think of what’s best-- slowing them down with String Shot, or running in with a good Tackle...>>

While she was glad Kindle was taking him under his wing, Luna was feeling a bit over her head. Sharing experience was alright, but if Gummy ever wanted to be recognized big or small, he would have to get into the ring himself... How could he possibly hold his own with anything bigger than a coconut? Never having specialized in Bug pokémon, she honestly wasn’t sure what to do.

Ruto the Primarina, her starter and oldest friend in Alola, would know. He was spending a bit of time with Kahuna Hala, and was so was just nearby. Luna missed all of her team dearly, but had also known that they needed their own time to grow and learn away from her. Was this how Mom felt sometimes?

She did know someone else who could help, too. Someone who was an expert on Bugs, and who was actually right nearby... and might not be too glad to see them. Still, for Gummyworm, Luna would give it a shot.

They would have to go to Iki Town.

---

The next day, the team traveled to a place full of memories and dear friends. Iki Town was as warm as ever, with its sumo ring standing strong at its center. As Luna grew closer to the house of the Kahuna, she heard a familiar voice already calling her name.

“Aloooooola, Luna!!” Hau jumped down from his perch on the fence, running to catch his friend in a fast hug. Kindle and Gummyworm emerged from their balls, taking in the beautiful view. Luna laughed. “What brings you here?”

“I’d like you to meet someone! And hopefully have Kahuna Hala introduce him to someone, too...” Hau, in his usual way, greeted Gummy with his wide smile and contagious attitude. Everyone in Luna’s life seemed so wonderful! Of course they saved Alola together. Kindle hadn’t been there, but he’d learned the story through the First Team. Gummy wondered when he would get to meet them.

But, until then, they had some business in Iki Town.

“See,” Luna said, “I’m hoping he can convince Guzma to give us some pointers.” Hau recoiled slightly before recovering with an awkward smile.

“Gramps has been having some trouble with him lately...” He looked around anxiously, as if afraid of being heard. “But, maybe this will be good for both of you, if that’s what you really want! Let’s go!”

The group walked to Hala’s house where they were again warmly greeted, this time by the great Kahuna himself. They exchanged pleasantries, made their introductions, and finally sat comfortably in his living room with lovely, tall glasses of ice-cold Pinap juice.

“So,” Hala said, stroking his mustache. “You’re wondering if I can convince Guzma to help you guide this Caterpie.” Something in his voice made Gummy wonder if the road would end here. He certainly was a disciplined man... and Gummy hadn’t really thought about what it would be like to be scrutinized. Hala offered him a smile, though, easing the lump in his throat. “We can try. Though I must warn you, Luna: progress with him has been slow. You might be faced with much of the same rough-and-tumble attitude as before. But, he will not hurt you.”

Luna nodded. She’d been prepared for that, but something told her to try anyhow. If she was right about Guzma, Gummy would have no better teacher. First, they had to find him.

---

After some much-needed catching up and malasadas, Hau and Luna parted for the afternoon. He had some training of his own to direct with ex-Team Skull members who wanted to reform themselves into something resembling heroes. He was willing to give it a go, seeing what his grandfather was trying to accomplish with their old boss.

Meanwhile, Hala brought Luna out to Mahalo Trail, talking all the while as they went up, up, up towards the bridge. Luna remembered fondly how she and Lillie had met here, how Tapu Koko had saved her and Nebby... They hadn’t heard from her in awhile. Hopefully she was doing well, or at least was closer to saving her mother. It was difficult not knowing how she could help her friend.

But, she had to focus on who she could help. Two Spearow with one stone, right?

There, towards the left of the bridge, sat a familiar figure with Golisopod at his side. Guzma had been quietly considering the waterfall, thinking about a great many things. The disbanding of his team was a natural consequence of everything that had come before. He’d been stupid enough to trust Lusamine... but it’d been in the interest of everyone underneath him.

Tch.

Who was he kidding? She’d offered him power, saw him for who he was, and he took it without a second glance. Now everyone was gone. Plumeria was off training in her own way, and had even challenged Luna once. She had her life together. What was he doing? Thinking old man Hala had any answers for him was stupid, too. But, here he was. Big bad Guzma, training in Iki Town with the geriatric Kahuna and his brat grandson.

“Alola!” Guzma flinched. When he turned to see who Hala had brought with him, he outright grimaced. That kid. The one who dragged him out of Ultra Space, the one who defeated him again and again and never let up. Guzma turned and stood to face them, setting his face in a guarded expression.

To Luna, he looked surprisingly sparse. White sleeveless shirt and black baggy pants with his typical shoes. No jacket, no glasses... Professor Kukui and Guzma are around the same age, she thought. How could one adult be so together-- esteemed researcher, married, founder of the League-- and another seem... more like a kid? But he had been the cause of a great deal of trouble across the islands, and Luna couldn’t forget that.

“Guzma, my boy, I have a challenge for you, should you choose to accept it.”

“I ain’t in the mood for a battle.” They’d been meditating. Wasn’t that what the old man had wanted? Hala shook his head.

“Not quite. Luna has decided to train an unusual protege.” He motioned for her to walk forward with Gummy on her shoulder. That piqued Guzma’s interest immediately. Golisopod was... less impressed. Which, really, was fine, because Gummy thought if he had to go anywhere near all those arms, big or small, he just might faint.

Guzma sauntered up to Luna, leaning in close to Gummyworm.

“You’re training this squirt?” Up until now, Gummy had been met with kindness and support, but this! He gave an indignant wriggle and mew. Surely Luna wouldn’t let him talk that way! It was Guzma, though, who stood back and laughed, though Gummy couldn’t tell if it was mean-spirited or genuinely amused. “What a scrappy little guy!”

Luna could feel Gummy’s little suction feet gripping her shoulder a bit harder than usual. Hala was with them, though. So was Kindle, and he’d already faced off with Guzma on the beach what felt like ages ago. They had to play this well.

“Yup, he sure is. Name’s Gummyworm, and I think he could make it to the League.” At that, Guzma outright laughed. That was something!

“Kid,” he said, shaking his head at it all, “I ain’t gonna say you’re no miracle-worker, but be real. Who ever heard of a Champion Caterpie?” He shrugged. “But...” He thought about it for a moment. Golisopod considered him, too. If he could train a Wimpod into the beast by his side... and if he could get credit for having boosted a small fry to the League, then maybe he could make another name for himself. “If you’re really set on this, then you got yourself a deal.” Gummy wasn’t so sure he was set on this, but he was getting so terribly tired of everyone referring to his size. He watched as the tall, strange man turned away from them all, heading back to town. “Meet me in the ring at sunset.”

Hala nodded. Gummy had his teacher.

“Come,” he said, welcoming them across the bridge. “Let us pay our respects to Tapu Koko. Then, we can reunite you with your friend. He should be down by the waterfall...”

And so, they visited the Ruins of Conflict, where Gummy secretly prayed for courage and protection on their adventure. When they were done, Hala led them down to the water’s edge, where Ruto was waiting. Luna called, and out from the depths of the current sprung one of the most beautiful pokémon Gummy had ever seen-- a Primarina with flowing turquoise hair set with glistening pearls, impeccable grace, and large, bright eyes rimmed with thick lashes. Ruto sang out his happiness as they embraced, holding Luna’s face in his flippers and celebrating their reunion. There was no mistaking the bond they shared.

She introduced the two of them, Ruto taking Gummy into his cupped hands, and immediately placing a soft kiss on his forehead.

<<Any friend of Luna’s is a friend of mine,>> he said in his lovely, silk voice. <<Now, tell me about yourself, darling!>>

They sat together, Kindle, Gummy, Ruto, Luna, and Kahuna Hala, mapping out how the week would go as training began that evening.

---

Luna met Guzma and his team in the honey light of the sunset. He looked refreshed somehow, as if he’d been anticipating this since their last meeting. Finally, something worthwhile in this boring little town!

Luna, meanwhile, had assured Gummy that she wouldn’t let anything bad happen to him, and that Guzma was just someone hurting from the past. Gummy wasn’t too sure what that meant, but then, even Luna wasn’t entirely sure about how Guzma came to be the leader of Team Skull. She vaguely remembered something at Malie Garden awhile ago, about how he and the Professor had been “fellow rejects who couldn’t become Captains,” but... She also remembered his parents, the bent and broken golf clubs. His cries of “Guzma, what is wrong with you!?” after his defeats. Too many unknowns, she thought. Hala would have to sort them out. She could give this a try, if it would help. If it would make him kinder.

“Alright, Champion,” Guzma said, flexing. “Let’s see what this squirt’s got.” And so, it began. They started String Shot training with Ariados, then moved on to Bug Biting with Pinsir. Training continued for days, with each sun giving them another opportunity to become stronger, more agile, more focused. Luna found that Guzma really did have a soft spot for Bugs, never telling Gummy that he was stupid or hopeless. It was genuinely surprising after all she had seen from him, even with his own grunts.

Gummy, too, felt invigorated, if not constantly annoyed by the competitive, aggressive nature of his trainer. He was glad when finally it seemed he had mastered his String Shots, toughened his Tackles, and bettered his Bug Bites. Hala, who had been supervising every now and then, was also pleased at how this venture had turned out. Guzma was still harboring anger, frustration, and far too much aggression... but this exercise had set him in a more compassionate direction. They would get better, one day at a time.

On the final day of training, Guzma sat with them all on the platform, feeling like they’d accomplished something. Of course the strongest Bug trainer in all of Alola had successfully toughened up this wimp of a Caterpie! Who knew if he’d actually make the League, though. That worry had been itching his brain these last few days... Luna was an extraordinary kid, but that didn’t mean she was smart all the time. And if she set him up for failure... Well, she was gonna catch a beat-down right at the top of her Champion world, and he’d show everyone what the title really meant.

“Alright, Gummyworm.” He leaned in on his elbow, face-to-face with his student. “I like your moxie. But that ain’t gonna cut it if you really want to fight in the League. And you’re gonna have to fight if you want to actually earn that ribbon.” Guzma shook his head. Thank goodness he’d dropped all that trophy-and-ribbon BS back in the day. Luna, though, was on the verge of protesting before he cut her off. “Nah, look! You can get him to meet level requirements, but then what? He’s gonna backseat battle his way to the title? Never setting a sucker in the arena? First Caterpie Champion, and he ain’t never thrown a punch?” Gummy looked to her; surely that had been the plan all along? To actually fight? A little shadow of doubt crossed his mind as Guzma continued.

“Look, people are gonna tune in on this whole thing. You need to be ready. Even if it’s just one hit, one opponent you beat down, you need to show everyone you’re the biggest, baddest Caterpie in all of Alola! You got that?” Luna wasn’t entirely sure what to say. Gummy, though, mewed with determination. “Good. Besides...” He stood up, brushing himself off. “You don’t need no League and don’t need no ribbon to prove how tough you are.” And with that, Guzma waved them off, having taught Gummy everything he had the patience for.

Kindle and Ruto emerged, joining them in watching Guzma head off towards Mahalo Trail again. Thank goodness that was over. Kindle ruffled his feathers and sent a few embers floating in the cooling breeze. Goodness knows he had not approved of this whole thing from the start, and had kept a close eye those past few days to make sure there was no funny business. Ruto, too, had been wary, helping every now and then.

<<We’ll take over from here, yes?>> he said to Kindle.

<<Yes, we most certainly will.>>

“Well,” Luna sighed. “He certainly helped. And... he had a point.” Leave it to Guzma to drag everything out in the open. Gummy turned to look up at his visibly tired friend. “I’ll admit, Gummy. I had doubts that you could hold your own in the League. The Elite Four are no joke, and I just... don’t know that you’d be safe facing their teams.” Gummy’s heart dropped. Was this all for nothing, then? “There’s one pokémon, though: Acerola’s Sableye. You would have a chance of landing a hit on him. Maybe others... We can always go for other ribbons, though. It’s entirely up to you.”

Gummy considered this. Really, he did have to be realistic... He was small. And soft. He wasn’t ever going to be fast on his many feet, and he wasn’t ready to evolve just yet. He could, though, take what he had learned and start applying it. Kindle sat next to him as he thought.

<<You’ve grown a great deal, and that’s something to be proud of. You don’t have to decide now...>>

<<You’re right. What’s worse, though? Going in and being on the sidelines for almost everything, or never trying at all?>> Kindle considered this. Ruto scooted over, too, offering insight.

<<There have been a few Title Defense runs where not everyone was battling consistently. At times, maybe half the team carried the victory... but the team stood firm. We don’t have to prove ourselves constantly.>>

<<But only after you proved yourself a great deal elsewhere. No one doubted you.>> Kindle gave a soft, churring sigh. Luna returned it. Guzma had certainly put a Beedrill in their bonnets.

Gummy considered the deepening shadows. If they were going to do this right, there would be time enough to prove himself. You don’t need no League and don’t need no ribbon to prove how tough you are. <<Then, I’ll just keeping working hard! And there will be no doubt!>>

Somewhere, off in the distance, a cry of approval rang out, deep and ancient.

After saying good-bye to Hau and Hala, Luna called a Charizard service, and off they flew back to her house, where mom was sure to ask how all their training had gone.

They all needed a good rest.

---

It took a few days to shake the vibe of Guzma’s training, though the lessons stuck. Gummy had grown bigger and stronger, and continued to do so as he held his own against younger, beginner Trainers around the beach. Every victory brought him a bit closer to feeling like he belonged.

“You’re doing so well, Gummy!” She lifted him up in a celebratory swing. “Let’s get you cleaned up after all that.”

Later, as Gummy napped, it was Kindle who had opened up the ribbon book and pointed with a careful talon to one of his own. “Oh!” Luna exclaimed softly. “Of course... He should be able to get that one now.” Ruto also agreed, and so it was settled: they needed to travel to Akala!

They left on the ferry the next morning, waving to Melemele as they departed. Gummy had never been out on the ocean before, but thankfully Luna kept him tucked in snugly to her front with her jacket. Sunlight glinted off the water, Wingull glided with them... Actually, he could do without the Wingull, but Kindle was bigger, and he was very sure at this point he wouldn’t let him get eaten.

Someday, when he was a Butterfree, he’d be able to fly himself across the water to every island... Until then, he did like traveling swiftly on the waves with every possibility on the horizon.

---

Akala proved to be a wonderful adventure. They met up with Mallow, who had been teaching Orchid the Lurantis how to cook and forage, and both made them a fabulous dinner with Lana, Kiawe, and even Kahuna Olivia as guests. Orchid met Gummyworm warmly. Kindle and Ruto filled them in on their journey so far, and she was very sure they would be good friends.

<<It’s been awhile since we thought about a League run!>> She smiled demurely. Gummy was quite sure he’d never seen such an elegant and composed Grass-type before. Was everyone on Luna’s team so lovely? <<How interesting this will be!>>

Gummy was dazzled by them all, making new friends, who all wished him luck on his journey. Their pokémon even trained with him little by little, helping perfect his skills. (Gummy did decide, though, thanks to Kiawe’s Marowak, that fire was something beautiful to admire from afar, and not a type he could navigate very well. His webbing was very flammable.)

Kindle and Ruto both enjoyed the visit immensely, but also couldn’t wait until they made their way to the resort. Hopefully Kindle’s suggestion was more than just high hopes!

---

The Hano Grand Resort stood proud in the Alolan sun. Airy and opulent, it was unsurprising that so many celebrities found themselves basking on their award-winning beaches. Gummy hadn’t imagined that such a place existed. Were they on vacation? Wouldn’t that be lovely!

There was even a dashing Pikachu laying out in the sun with all sorts of people waiting on him. How nice, Gummy thought, to be taken care of so well. (Only later would Kindle tell him that he’d just seen one of the most famous Pikachu, star of so many films.)

They stepped inside the enormous lobby. The cascading water features caught the light and shimmered as water lilies quietly graced the indoor ponds. Gummy wondered at it all! You could live here without a care! As he marveled, Luna was walking towards the western corner where a gentleman in a straw hat sat drinking coffee. His face lit up when he saw Luna approaching.

“Well if it isn’t our Champion!” Gummy watched as they shook hands amiably before attention was immediately turned to him. “And this must be Gummyworm! I’ve heard all about you, my friend. You’ve been working hard, I hear! Let’s have a look-see.” Gummy wasn’t so sure what to do, but he picked himself up and struck a confident pose. He flexed his bug muscles, waved his antennae, and gave a spunky cry. The gentleman gave a hearty laugh. “Well, if you aren’t the spriest Caterpie I’ve ever met... But tell me, have you grown a great deal with Luna?”

Gummy hadn’t ever really thought about it on the spot before. He remembered when he had come out of the GTS, been allowed to stay, the moment Luna asked if he wanted his own ribbons... All of the battles he’d been allowed to watch from her shoulder, and even the ones he took part in himself. <<Yes!>> he mewed. <<Yes, I’m worlds away from where I was before! She believes in me, and I believe in her, and everyone here! We’re a team!>> He affectionately tucked himself against her neck, feeling very proud to have a friend like Luna.

That, it seemed, was enough.

“I have something for you...” There was a moment of rummaging, and Gummy wondered just what was happening. Kindle emerged from his ball, perching politely on a nearby chair, expectant. Ruto and Orchid came out as well. The kind man almost seemed misty-eyed. “Your love leaves its mark as surely as your passing leaves your footprints upon the sand...” He took a small case from his pocket, opening it to reveal a shining Footprint ribbon. “I’m grateful that you were willing to show me the wonderful bond between you and your team.”

A ribbon! His very first ribbon! Gummy mewed with delight as Luna held it up for him. Recognition for work well done, and a journey he would never forget. But this was surely just the beginning! Kindle gave a joyful cry, and together they took a lovely photo, sending it immediately to Mom.

“You always impress, Champion,” said their straw-hat friend. “Keep spreading that strength and cheer wherever you go.”

---

Gummy had traveled across each island with Luna and the rest of the team, having the chance to meet so many of the people who supported her along the way. Ula’ula was especially nice; they had tea at Malie Garden with Acerola, then popped by the Community Center so Luna could visit the local kids there. They loved hearing about her adventures leading up to becoming Champion, and peppered her with all kinds of questions about raising pokémon. One child in particular was there that day, and noticed Gummy sitting on her shoulder. “Oh, wow!” A few curious glances quickly grew into a little crowd regarding the bug with great curiosity. “You and your Caterpie are so close! Here, you should have...” He dug into his pockets, and procured a pink and white ribbon, set with a luminous gold heart. “This!” Gummy’s eyes glittered at the unexpected gift. He hadn’t known you could be recognized for friendship like that! Luna cheerfully took placed it in their case, safe and sound, while Gummy gave his chirping, chirring thanks. (And of course, then sent another picture to Mom.)

Suddenly an audience of children emerged and exploded into a barrage of questions. “Why’d you train a Caterpie?” “Is he strong?” “Can I get my own Caterpie??” “Why hasn’t he turned into a Butterfree yet?” “Is he really going to take on the League?”

Gummy’s head spun with all the questions, so many he’d been asking himself, but Luna took the reins of it all. Thank goodness he could count on her!

“He can evolve when he’s ready! Right now, he’s happy being a Caterpie. He is strong. Everyone’s strong in their own way. Yeah, you can catch your own! And I think we might just be thinking about a League run...” <<Oh!>> Just thinking about it made his heart skip. It hadn’t come up in awhile, and he had wondered if maybe Luna had let the idea slip away, focused on other things. <<Are we really still? Can I be a champion?>>

But, what are dreams if we don’t try at least once?

They left the Center feeling invigorated, setting off to catch a bus to the Hokulani Observatory.

---

There, they rejoined Science the Magnezone, who had been helping Sophocles with energy studies. The very notion of what they were setting out to do thrilled Science to his grommets, and he immediately began assessing all possible outcomes.

<<Caterpie have traditionally low capabilities,>> he buzzed. <<To pursue such an endeavor alone would produce a 98.375% chance of defeat within the first minute of battling. To do so with a team such as ours increases your success exponentially!>> Gummy laughed nervously. That was... exact and vague all at once.

The jolly Magnezone introduced him to all the Charjabug helping run the operation, and gave him a grand tour of the stars. Luna went to talk with Sophocles about Ultra Space, leaving her pokémon to stargaze. There, looking out upon the vastness of space, Gummy ventured to ask his new friends something that had been bothering him. He just couldn’t be part of this building team if... if he was right about his worry.

<<Do you think this is all a bit silly?>>

<<Well,>> Kindle thought, eyes skyward, <<Our very existence is overwhelming at the best of times. Why the great philosopher Mr. Fuji once said...>> And off he went, expounding on existentialism, and the concept of destiny, and many other theories that made Gummy’s head spin. Orchid and Ruto dozed, while Science was riveted.

<<I-I mean, do you think I am silly?>> he interrupted. <<That people wouldn’t take me seriously at the League?>>

<<Oh.>> Kindle brought himself back to earth again. Somehow, this seemed more complicated than explaining the miracle of life. He considered it carefully. There would always be someone out there, bitter and criticizing, some unhappy soul who wouldn’t believe in anything they were doing. <<There might be a few people who think it’s a mockery. That if you can do it, anyone can. But, isn’t that the point?>> He brushed a wing across him reassuringly. <<That if you work hard enough and keep with the people who can help you, who believe in you, anything is possible.>> Orchid nodded, cutting off Science who was undoubtedly going to make a comment about probability and calculate exactly what was possible.

<<Title Defense matches are serious business, but you’ve been making a name for yourself. Don’t mind what people say.>>

The friends sat in comfortable quiet for a moment.

<<You are the least silly pokémon I have ever known, Gummyworm. If anything, I admire you very much for your tenacity,>> said Ruto.

A star fell across the midnight sky, pulling a spider’s web of silver in its wake. They looked to Mount Lanakila in the distance, each making their own wish for the future.

---

They had been working hard for quite some time. Gummyworm was the strongest Caterpie Luna had ever met-- or was it that she had never considered investing in one before? It was curious, too, how Gummy hadn’t evolved yet, but she remembered her answer to the kids at the Community Center awhile back: he just liked being a Caterpie. Maybe someday he’d choose to evolve, and she would be there to protect him until he was a beautiful Butterfree.

For now, he was surprisingly talented in their League team.

On Poni Island, Moro the Lycanroc had been running through Vast Poni Canyon, patrolling for new Kahuna Hapu. When they met her once again, it was clear how fiercely loyal she was to Luna, and how she would treat Gummy as one of their own without question. He couldn’t help but be intimidated by her unwavering gaze and sharp claws, but it became clear she was essentially the Mom Friend of the group, and there was nothing to fear.

<<Are you well?>> she would ask, every day, and every day, Gummy would adamantly say that he was. Oh, he was, he was, he was. To be part of this full team, and to learn from them, was a wonderful, testing, trying dream.

They stayed on Poni with Hapu for a time, chasing Dragons and paying homage to the first Trial. Soon enough, it was obvious that they were ready for the final leg of the journey.

Ruto the Primarina, Moro the Lycanroc, Science the Magnezone, and Orchid the Lurantis were all together once more, sharing memories and rethinking strategies. They made Gummy feel right at home in their midst, though he couldn’t help but feel like an outsider in this tight circle. Science was an odd combination of logical and Brave, constantly computing but taking risks anyhow. Ruto was Hasty, but lovingly so. Serious Moro was clearly the protector of the group, especially with Timid Orchid. They complemented one another perfectly, knowing, it seemed, each other’s very heartbeats.

Even with the grand trip they’d just completed, he could just feel that what they had weathered together was something extraordinary. Listening to Moro’s recounting of Ultra Space, incredible monsters, saving the world... Suddenly he began wondering, again, if he was really even worthy to step foot into the League. She regarded him carefully, though not unkindly.

<<Is it... frightening?>> Gummy asked softly. Moro tilted her head, thinking. What had it been like for her? She had met Luna as a pup, and had gone through such trials at her side. But what joy they had as well! Her love was unshakable. By the time they had stepped through those great metal doors at the top of the world, they had dismantled the Aether Foundation, gazed into the abysmal darkness of Ultra Space, defeated Ultra Beasts, had saved Alola... Nothing could have stood in their way. Nothing.

And now, they were helping a small being achieve his dream. It had felt like an act of charity at first, but hadn’t she been a ragtag Rockruff once? Hadn’t they all been something small, and found their way to Luna? Moro had the honor of being a founding member, but she saw now that they had to make way for others to find their strength, too. Gummy had helped them all grow.

She realized Gummy was waiting for an answer.

<<It very well might be. You’ll meet those who walk with Kahunas and Captains. There is not one weak link in those walls, and once you step in, only defeat will bring you back out.>> Gummy hung his head.

<<What if I embarrass her? Or...>> Moro nodded her head, prompting him to say what was really worrying him. <<What if this whole thing... has just been... a joke?>> His little heart felt like breaking, once it was said. Moro didn’t seem surprised. She looked over to Ruto and Orchid, laughing easily by the water. Science was chatting with the Rotom Dex. Luna had set out with Kindle for some shopping, and they were all rather at ease waiting until she returned. Of course he felt out of place here, standing in the midst of history itself. She shook her rocky mane and stood, catching Gummy fast in her firm gaze.

<<You have asked that before, and must erase that doubt from your mind! You may have started this journey as an act of kindness, but Luna would not have led you to a false hope. I understand your doubts: who indeed has ever heard of a Caterpie Champion?>> She tossed her mane again, clacking her shards. <<Say it aloud! You will be the first in the history of Alola!>>

The first! Moro left no time for him to think twice. <<Are you ready to pull your weight, Gummyworm? Because the League is waiting for you!>> She gave a playful feint and yelp, ready to spar a bit. And so, they passed the evening practicing String Shots, and talking about their future opponents. They would be brave, and they would be ready!

---

Gummy couldn’t safely walk from the Pokécenter to the League Doors, and so had to wait anxiously as Luna made the trek. He heard the call to battle, Luna’s confirmation, and the hydraulic hiss of the immense doors pulling aside for their trial. This was it. All of their journeys together, their battles, training sessions, their victories and trials, had led to this moment. Gummy thought about his Footprint ribbon, given to honor his rise in strength since meeting Luna. There was the Effort ribbon, given to show how he had peaked in his strength. And then, of course, the Best Friend ribbon... because here they stood, ready for anything. Even if he should fail, Luna wouldn’t let him be ashamed.

Once inside, everyone emerged from their pokéballs. They stood in a semi-circle with Luna at their center. She looked so much different in this immense hall-- standing tall, strong, with a fierce look to her eye. The world was watching this curious team defend her title.

“Alright, everyone...” She held them all one by one in her gaze, holding Gummyworm last of all. She had to admit: there was still a seed of doubt about this whole thing. But, it was now or never. If ever she had wanted something badly enough, it was for this to all work out. “Here we are again! We’re all here to be Champions once more, and for the first time! Now, Gummy--” He perked up immediately. “The Elite Four are the strongest in Alola. But, they’re also our friends! We’re here to have fun, and to show the world what we’ve got.” She picked him up in her arms and held him gently, but firm. “Give mom a wave, okay? I know she’s rooting for you loud and clear.”

Gummy turned to the room and waved a few feet, hoping at least one camera would catch the gesture.

(It did, and far away, across Alola, many cheered for the Caterpie taking on his first Kahuna.)

---

As the Fighting Ring enclosed around them, Gummy felt the enormity of what they had just agreed to do. There was no going back!

Luna walked to the center of the stage, and faced Kahuna Hala as an opponent, but also as a friend. Gummy remembered how he had arranged for him to train with Guzma, and had watched over them so carefully during that week. It was time to show him just how much he had grown during his journey since then.

Once the battle was underway, the very arena was trembling with their might. Ruto, elegant and ethereal, sang and swam his way to victory. Once Hala sent out Primeape, though, the rhythm changed. It was his turn!

“Alright, Gummyworm! Let’s go!” And out he went! There, for all to see across Alola and the world, was a small green bug who the cameras could easily miss, especially as Hala’s Primeape stood mightily in the ring. He stamped his feet and glared down this ridiculous little opponent, leaping into the air for a decisive blow. But, before any contact, a sticky web found itself fast around his leg. “Just like we practiced!!” Luna cried, and Primeape found himself thrown off his trajectory, and hurtling towards the ground in his surprise. Tumbling across the floor, Primape was absolutely incensed.

“Excellent work, Gummy! Ruto, you’re in!” As Gummy returned to his ball, he could feel his heart absolutely pounding in his chest. He had done it! He had landed an excellent String Shot, and threw off his opponent just enough to make him tumble!

Ruto blew him a kiss before expertly ending the match. It had been a wonderful, frightening experience, everything and nothing like what Gummy had imagined it to be.

They were amazing!

---

Kahuna Hala gave a jolly, belly-shaking laugh. “Who would have thought? Caught off-guard like that... Just goes to show you the true power of you and your team. Go on! Face the remaining three!” Luna bowed, and exited the arena, transported back to the main hall.

There, everyone swarmed Gummy. He was shaken and a bit dazed, but he had slowed down the pokémon of a kahuna! He had contributed to their win! Ruto sang a spirited victory chant while Luna healed everyone.

<<Our darling Gummy,>> he said proudly. <<Tangling up a Primeape and setting my stage beautifully!>>

Luna, too, was feeling fierce pride for Gummy. So many people had just seen his skill, and she felt sure in her decision to bring him after all. But, she still had the good sense to know Olivia’s rock-types would not be a good match for her little fighter. Gummy quite agreed.

And so, he sat that battle out, and watched as Orchid and Ruto made swift work of Olivia’s team. Gummy felt he finally understood the phrase “poetry in motion” as they dodged boulders, avoiding being crushed under their brute strength. Ruto was elegance personified as his liquid voice eradicated all obstacles. Peaceful Orchid surprised Gummy most of all, becoming a blooming force on the field. It was all over, it seemed, in a wink.

Halfway through the League, and the team was doing very well. Next was Acerola with her spooky team, none of whom were Gummy’s cup of tea. Maybe they sensed his insecurities, and just couldn’t help but send shivers down his exoskeleton. He wasn’t too sure how this would go. Orchid offered a reassuring pat.

<<It’s alright if the first battle was your only battle. Why, I hardly made it out during one title defense sweep! Sometimes your role is to be on-call, just in case.>>

He nodded. Still... he had to give it a try. Kahili had a team full of birds that he most definitely could not face, so this might be his only chance before the very last match to make himself useful.

He had to try!

---

As Luna stepped into the misty, strange ring, Gummy gave a determined mew. He would be first! As he landed confidently in the ring, Acerola gave a gleeful jump.

“Oh!! I was hoping you’d come out to play! I can’t wait to see how this goes!” Out came Sableye, teeth bared in such an unsettling fashion that Gummy was quite sure he’d have nightmares for weeks. If his journey with Luna had taught him anything, it was that fear was natural; how we react to it, though-- that made all the difference.

Sableye danced around Caterpie, grin wide and menacing. Her aura seemed to consume him like a nightmare. <<Long way from home, little Caterpie?>> she sneered. <<Want to go back to your tree?>> Everyone watching was convinced Gummy was immobilized by fear, shaking as he was. In a blink, Sableye delivered a snappy Fake Out, but something in the blow brought Gummy to his senses. Instead of flinching, he shot out a string of sticky web! Cocooned in string, Sableye couldn’t move. Without missing a beat Gummy began a barrage of bug bites, enraging the captured Sableye until she broke free of her sticky bonds. <<HOW DARE YOU!>> she hissed, but Luna intervened, seeing there was no way Gummy could progress further with such an angry opponent.

“Great job, Gummy!” she called. “Come on back!” Ruto took over once more, with Moro and Science having their time as well. It was a heated, spirited battle, with Luna emerging victorious after a few close calls. Acerola’s Pallossand took no prisoners, that was certain.

Luna was once again astounded by Gummy’s gumption, lifting him high once they were back in the hall.

“Incredible!” she said. “You’ve shown everyone watching that you’re to be reckoned with, not once, but twice! Want to sit the birds out?” Gummy gave a vigorous nod. No beaks for him, please. He gladly sipped a Lemonade and let Luna apply some Potion to his scratches before they set out again.

---

Kahili was a breeze with Science and Moro, and they were soon back in the main hall. Everyone ate their berries and sipped Fresh Water, taking one last mini break before the last defense battle. Kindle turned to Gummy, hoping with all his avian heart that there were no surprises in this last battle.

<<Gummyworm,>> Kindle said, <<I... didn’t think too much on what I’d say once we were here, but. I am very glad you decided to stick around.>> Gummy chewed on a Sitrus berry and smiled.

<<I never could have done it without you, Kindle. And the others. And Luna!>> What would he have been without the faith of his friends? <<To think, here we are, after the Elite Four!>> Somehow, in that moment, looking around the vast chamber, it all came into perfect focus for Gummy. A calm came over him. Whatever happened next... <<Kindle... Thank you. For helping me prove to myself that I was able to get this far. I... I used to hurt a lot about being a throw-away. It wasn’t about the ribbons, really! I just wanted to be part of something bigger! And now, I’ve shown so many people that you can be small, and maybe not someone’s first choice, but still be great.>> By this time, everyone had gathered around him. His friends, boosting him to be the best he could be. <<Thank you, everyone. Thank you for helping me, and bringing me into the team.>>

Moro stepped forward to nuzzle him, prompting a huge group hug. Luna felt the energy of it all, the sense that they had fulfilled a great mission together. There was still one more step, though, and that involved the Champion’s room!

---

The tall staircase opened up to an immense dome magnifying the brilliance of the blue sky. Luna brought Gummyworm onto her shoulder to see the space, showing him the wide stretches of mountain and sea all around. “Isn’t it marvelous?” she breathed. “Every time I’m here... I’m just not ready to lose this view.” They took another minute to appreciate the mountaintop before Luna turned to a large chair set towards the back. With great dignity, she walked to her seat, and placed herself dutifully to receive her last opponent.

No sooner had she done so, a familiar figure entered the room. There stood Gladion, looking as fiercely morose as ever.

“You just use your best moves and see who is left standing at the end, right?" Was that really what it came down to? It had to be so much more than that. The way they supported one another, cheered, fought, hurt, and healed together... No! It was more than that!

Luna sent out Science as her first pokémon, and the following battle was breathtaking. Where Kahili’s match seemed almost unfair in its type match-ups, Luna and Gladion fought with unbridled spirit. Science removed Crobat from the line-up. Kindle faced off with Lucario. Ruto faced off with curious Silvally and Weavile. An absolute blur of might! It was the final pokémon for Gladion. Porygon-Z floated in its twitching dancing way, with Orchid calmly looking on. But, as Orchid prepared a Solar Beam, Porygon-Z used a surprising Ice Beam, nearly bringing the delicate Grass-type to her knees in moments.

<<I’ll go!!>> Gummy cried. Luna looked to him with determined eyes. This was it. She had to let him into the match... with no plan. Enough of the team was healthy that this could still end in their favor. There, in the Champion’s arena, Luna gave her command.

“Go! Gummyworm!” And out he went, taking the place of his wounded friend in the ring.

He couldn’t know that all across Alola, people cheered for the Caterpie with the audacity to fight in the Title Defense match. All the children they had met, rooting loudly in front of their TVs, every Captain, every Kahuna, even Guzma in Iki Town. They all watched as Gummy unleashed his String Shot straight at Porygon-Z.

He had carefully assessed its erratic motions, had aimed not where it was, but where it was going to be... and there! Ensnaring its body, then with a careful flick, extending the web to the ground. Porygon-Z was confused for a moment at being stuck; that was all the opening Gummy needed to shoot another string, pulling himself in at high speed for a Tackle aimed right at its middle. The blow was confident, sending both of them in opposite directions. Gummy flew across the ring... caught by the call of his pokéball as Luna brought him safely back.

“You did great!” she called, but Gummy was just a bit dazed at what he’d just done. He heard Kindle take up the battle, and rode out the remaining match with Luna.

Then, almost as soon as it had started, Gladion’s last pokémon was defeated, and quiet fell across the arena. The mist and dust settled... The battle was won!

Luna remained Champion!

Everyone emerged from their pokéballs for healing and celebration, letting out reeling cries of strength bouncing from the very walls. Their joy echoed across the blue sky, and all across the region, people celebrated another powerful League run. After making sure everyone was safe and sound, Luna took up Gummyworm into her arms with tears in her eyes.

“You did it! You really, truly did it, Gummy!!” There had been so many moments when his heart felt full to bursting, but this! The brave Caterpie let his own tears fall as he took in the great Alola sky, and his friends encircling him.

<<I did! We did! Champions!!>>

During this great celebration, Professor Kukui entered the room, bringing with him a small case. He had been watching from the very beginning as Luna entered with her familiar team, along with the Caterpie from that day, not so long ago. Wasn’t it something, how people and pokémon could come together and achieve spectacular things? And that String Shot move! He would have to ask this spunky bug if he could study its power.

But that would be another day.

“Hey, cousin!” he called, approaching the group. “I bring with me an honor for the new League Champion.”

Luna hugged Gummy snugly before calmly walking him over to the large Champion’s chair. There, she set him down, and stepped aside as Kukui revealed the small case. “Gummyworm the Caterpie...” He knelt down, opening the lid to reveal a shining gold emblem attached to red and white ribbons. “I’ve heard about your great journey all across Alola. You’ve learned what it is to truly work hard and achieve your dreams, yeah? Today, you stepped into the ring and showed everyone the results of all that work, and also showed what it is to work as a team. In honor of your victory, I present to you the Alola League Champion Ribbon.”

Holding the honor, and looking to all his friends... Gummy knew he had achieved his dream, one that had brought him all across the islands, and united the hearts of so many who saw him as the treasured being he was.

And so, Gummyworm the Caterpie was entered into the Alolan Hall of Fame, recorded for all eternity with wonder and pride.

---

The sunset gently sank from blazing red, pink, to purple, slipping ever closer to the dusky veil of night. Mom had spread out a large blanket on the beach with a few candles and snacks, ending the day in peace. Ruto stretched at the water’s edge with Orchid close by; Moro sat with Mom and Meowth on the blanket. Kindle dozed, perched on Science, who was out cold. Luna, meanwhile, was off a ways, walking the waves with Gummyworm perched on her shoulder, making their way back to the group before night fell.

So very much had happened since that day at the Professor’s lab.

They had journeyed all across the islands, meeting so many people who challenged and supported them. Why, there had been quite a few moments where they seriously considered just going home... But where would they have been if they’d given up?

“You sure have taught me a lot,” Luna said, looking out across the fading sunset. “But you know what? I think you taught so many other people today what the League really means, too.” Gummy wiggled his antennae, curious what she meant. “I think... It’s more of a feeling, really. The connections we share, how we support one another... How we define ourselves. Do you feel like you’re a Champion?”

In that moment before the last match, he knew within his heart that he had everything he needed, right there. And, when victory had truly been achieved?

He mewed a loud <<Yes!>>

Luna laughed. “You earned it, buddy. You really, really did. Thank you for taking me on this journey.”

<<And thank you for having faith in me, Luna.>>

They walked to Mom, who welcomed them back with a hug and kiss.

---

From that day on, Gummyworm was famous across Alola. There were interviews, and visits to Community Centers for meet-and-greets. Luna made her thank-you’s known. Guzma received more visitors at Iki Town, making Hala proud every time he didn’t tell someone off or make a child cry. He couldn’t help but smile, though, when a basket full of berries and battling items arrived from Luna. The kid was alright.

Others sent the team their love as well from all over the regions, especially the children who adored the idea of a Super Caterpie. There was even a picture book that came out: The Champion of the Small, which certainly took its liberties, but made him happy just the same.

When the hype died down, and Luna set her sights on a new adventure, Gummy decided to stay with Mom on Melemele. He loved Luna, but he did need a break, and growing plump on berries didn’t sound half bad! Luna would visit, as would everyone else when they could. Orchid had decided to return to Mallow to learn advanced forest foraging, while Science was set to study at the Hokulani Observatory for a bit longer. Ruto went with Luna, as did Moro and Kindle.

Gummy was thinking that, maybe soon, he just might evolve... but until that felt just right, life was beautiful and serene,

And he was loved.

---

The End.

#pokemon #pokemon sumo #pokemon fanfiction #caterpie

31 notes · View notes

megacross-ground-zero-rated-r · 2 years

Text

Sheild looks so good. In the opening cutscene the simplistic faces on the 3D models looked weird for a minute but I got over it. Meeting Rose was like wow he's cool immediately followed by Suspicion... Which is being confirmed learning about the monopoly he has on everything.

Charizard Dynamaxing blew me out of the water. I had no idea that was this game's gimmick. So glad I knew absolutely nothing about this game for that moment alone.

I love the look of the player's house. I like Hop and I LOVE Leon. Big Sidon energy here.

Finding out about permanent party-wide XP sharing and accessing boxes from anywhere was. Weird. But you could easily self-impose limits. I've decided I'll only use the anywhere-box to put away Pokémon, if I want to get them back in my party I have to physically go to a PC. I like that you have access to changing nicknames almost immediately. Not happy about how expensive the good clothes are. I want that green varsity jacket!

Most of the time I've had a full party but I boxed my Sobble after they evolved and almost hit level twenty with me not really using them. That may have been a mistake because I'm picking up on patterns but only having two or three Pokémon would help me get to know them much better. I have to choose now if I want to reset or make a separate profile on the old owner's version of the game. My Growlithe Pupkitt has been replacing Sobble as my Chaperone for low-level team members. Flame Wheel is just crushing everything. They're absolutely going to be on my final team.

Lotta heavy hitters so far with Yamper, Wooloo, Gossifleur boasts some high numbers and unlike Yamper, Rapid Spin can actually correct the garbage speed stat. I'm interested in Tyrogue as a stat-balanced fighting type but they only have normal moves so far.

Oh my God you can just call a Corviknight taxi from anywhere. I'll also be limiting my usage of that, so far I only did it once. At least I still have to earn Surf with Watts or have someone naturally learn it.

WHAT THE FUCK I evolved a Butterfree at level 11??????!?!!!?? How is that- I got sleep powder poison powder AND stun spore at the same time, I kept poison and stun but let go of sleep powder. Gossifluer's Sing has been an incredibly useful capturing tool. May have abused that a bit.

I turned back right before going into the first gym to rerun the routes and fill out my Pokedex and I'm stunned by how many different species I discovered in the Wild Area running around trying to find a Combee. I was hype to catch a Baltoy, then realized they're fairly common in here. Level 15 Roselia, mine.

I sent my Chewtle and Magikarp on a half-day mission then realized... That probably means in-game time, not real life time... Oops. Oh, well. I hope they have fun.

I love playing with my team at the camp but I miss being able to pet them like in Sun. I expected curries to have different opinions from Pokémon, some would like the batch, others wouldn't, but you just get an overall rating.

#pokemon sheild #pokemon sword and shield #pokemon #I think that's everything I wanted to say

0 notes

barpurplewrites · 6 years

Text

Gotta Catch ‘Em All.

Found this half finished in my WIp folder and thought what the heck. A RumBelle and ensemble Pokemon Go come to Storybrooke fic.

Very Fluffy, like you are going to need to brush your teeth after reading this level s of fluffy.

-x-x-x-

“So, this is my favourite of the ones I’ve caught so far, it’s a Sandshrew. It’s not very strong, but none of my friends have one yet.”

Rumple peered at the screen of Henry’s phone. The creature was a buff yellow rodent, rather like one of the other Pokemon Henry had shown him in the past half hour.

“It looks good.”

Henry nodded enthusiastically and tapped at the screen.

“See as you walk around Pokemon appear. Look there’s a Jigglypuff in here. Watch, this is how you catch them, that’s a Pokeball.”

Rumple watched Henry catch the imaginary monster with a little red and white ball, he didn’t totally understand his grandson’s obsession with this game, but he was glad the he was sharing it with him.

“Got it! We could download the game to your phone and catch Pokemon together, if you’d like.”

Rumple smiled and handed his phone over to Henry. As the lad worked the technological magic that summoned the game, Rumple rubbed his eyes, there was a dull ache in his head, which was probably caused by trying to understand all the information Henry had deluged him with in the past half hour. That didn’t explain the dry tickle in his throat, Rumple made a note to have Dove look at the air conditioning in the shop, it must be on the blink.

“Okay so you’re set up now with you Bulbasaur, you want to go for a walk now?”

Henry looked so hopeful that Rumple almost agreed, but his building headache sent a stab of pain across his temples.

“How about I meet you after school tomorrow? We can catch Pokemons for a while then I’ll treat you to dinner at Granny’s.”

“That sounds great. I’ll see you tomorrow!”

Henry bounced out of the shop, almost colliding with Belle at the door.

“Hey Belle! Bye Belle!”

Belle gave the departing Henry a cheery wave, but her face fell into a frown of concern as she turned to look at her husband. Rumple looked pained.

“Are you alright?”

“Hum? Oh I’m fine, sweetheart.”

Belle crossed the shop to him and gave him a stern look, Rumple resisted for all of two seconds before he sagged; “I have a slight headache, nothing serious.”

“Have you overdone the magic today?”

Rumple frowned as he tried to recall what he’d done today; “Just a little potion, but one I’ve not made in this land before. The price must be different here.”

Belle pressed a cool hand to his forehead making him sigh in relief; he hadn’t realized he was that warm; “You’ve got a bit of a temperature. Come on I’ll drive us home.”

That Rumple didn’t put up any resistance to her driving his beloved car worried Belle more than she let on.

By the time they’d reached the pink house Rumple was snuffling, before the kettle had even boiled for tea that progressed into coughing and sneezing.

As Belle handed him the teacup Rumple slumped sideways on the couch in a faint. The spilled tea and broken china was forgotten as Belle’s practicality over-ruled her panic. A rapid phone call to Emma brought the Saviour and Regina to the door in moments. Between the three women they got the shivering semi-conscious Rumple arranged more comfortable on the couch and covered with a thick throw blanket. Regina worked a little magic and announced that Rumple had the flu. Emma raised a sceptical eyebrow; Rumple was sneezing tiny golden stars, and sweating a frankly alarming shade of pink.

“This doesn’t look like flu.”

Regina wrinkled her nose at the purple cloud Rumple coughed out; “Magical flu. It happens sometimes, it’s not contagious, but he’s going to be out of it for a day, or two.”

Belle relaxed a little, she knew of at least two books in the house that described magical flu, but since she had Regina here she asked; “Anything I need to know to take care of him?”

Regina shook her head, “Treat it like normal flu, fluids and rest. Call us if his temperature gets too high.”

With that Belle was left alone with her sick husband. She rolled her shoulders and got ready for a long evening. She wasn’t the only one who was going to have a restless night.

Hansel and Gretel were walking around the park hitting the Pokestops before dinner, and trying to track down a Ditto. Gretel’s head was bent over her phone when her brother suddenly said; “Pokestop.”

She didn’t look up, “I know give me a minute, my bags full I need to ditch some berries.”

Hansel caught her chin in his hand and pushed her head up, Gretel let out an annoyed sound before she saw what her brother was talking about; an actual Pokestop stood twenty feet in front of them. The siblings blinked at each other and shrugged.

“That’s new.”

In the game the park had three Pokestops and now they were looking for them they saw that all three were here in the real world.

“What should we do?”

Gretel shrugged, “Go on, give it a spin.”

Hansel frowned; “You give it a spin!”

She sighed and stepped up to the Pokestop. It felt solid enough under her hand and a good shove got it spinning. She stepped back sharply and watched with Hansel as it revolved and spat out three Pokeballs. Hansel nudged her; “Pick them up, they’re yours.”

As her brother was eagerly spinning the Stop for himself Gretel glanced around the park.

“Erm, Hans?”

The park was swarming with Rattatas and Pidgeys, actual real Pokemon stood waiting to be caught. Hansel’s eyes widen to a comical level.

“Call Henry?”

“Oh yeah.”

After a frantic phone call from Henry the heroes had gathered in Granny’s and were trying to work out how best to deal with the bizarre Pokemon invasion. Granny kept shooting glares at the Oddish sat on the end of the counter.

“Y’know it’s odd, I was explaining the game to Grandpa this afternoon…”

Regina raised an eyebrow at Henry; “That might explain this. Rumple has magical flu, it can manifest in strange ways.”

Charming nodded along; “Okay, so we just wait until Rumple is feeling better and this will all go away?”

Emma waved a hand at him as she finished her call to Belle; “Okay thanks Belle, let us know if anything changes,” – she blew out a frustrated breath and slid her phone into her pocket, - “Right Belle has hit the books and apparently a flu based manifestation this big must be resolved before Gold can get better.”

Regina groaned; “Well, that would be simple if we knew what the conditions were. What are we supposed to do with pocket monsters?”

Hansel’s face lit up with a grin; “That’s easy then!”

His face fell as everyone turned to look at him. Regina fixed him with a disbelieving sneer; “And since when are you an expert in magical maladies?”

He shuffled on his heels, as if trying to decide whether or not to run; “Erm, well I’m not, but this is Pokemon, isn’t it? So, we’ve gotta catch ‘em all, that’s what you do in the game.”

Henry was nodding enthusiastically; “He’s right, we need to catch them all, then Grandpa will be okay.”

Granny huffed; “And how are we supposed to catch them, they snarl and snap if you try to pick them up!”

The Oddish had already avoided Granny’s attempt to shoo it off the counter, much to her irritation. Gretel pulled one of her Pokeballs out of her pocket; “You don’t catch by hand, you have to do this…”

She threw the Pokeball in the air and hit the Oddish perfectly; the ball rebounded and split open drawing the creature inside. As the ball closed and dropped to the floor every kid in the diner began a count.

“One,” – the ball wriggled but remained closed, - “Two,” – another wriggle, - “Three,” – the kids waited with baited breath as the ball gave a final wiggle before falling still and emitting a pulse of light.

“Nice catch Gretel!”

“Yeah, good one.”

Everyone watched at the Pokeball shrank and pinged out of existence, Gretel sighed; “Guess we don’t get to keep them.”

Charming clapped his hands together; “Right, now we know what we’ve got to do, we need to get organized.”

Within twenty minutes the trainers had explained the basics to those who’d never played before, and soon teams were heading out to the Pokestops to stock up on balls. Much to the surprise of the non-players there were plenty of adults who had gotten hooked on the game.

Emma teamed up with Henry, who was grinning like crazy; “Why so cheerful, kid?”

“Well, it’s not as if this is as dangerous as most of the stuff we face.”

She hummed an agreement, this would have been a hell of a lot worse if Henry had been telling Gold about Avengers or something before he got sick.

The Pidgeys and Rattatas in the park were dealt with quickly by Hansel and Leroy. Gretel called her brother in a panic from the graveyard.

“We’ve got a flock of Zubats and Ghastlys here. Who do we know that is a great pitcher?”

The flying Pokemon could be tricky to catch in game, and apparently Rumple had picked up enough from Henry to know that. Leroy grinned, “We’ll send Bashful over, his got a wicked right arm, sister, and he loves Ghastlys.”

Leroy and Hansel left the park and headed down to the docks where Emma and Henry were trying to deal with a shoal of Magikarps and Poliwags.

Regina was getting frustrated with Drowzees and a high level Snorlax. Her situation wasn’t helped by the fact she was teamed with Sleepy who kept dropping off, she wondered if Henry had thought it was funny sending them to deal with these particular Pokemon.

“Oh, wake up! We need more balls!”

Charming and Red were tackling the Bellsprouts and Eevees along Main Street.

“Y’know the little furry one looks familiar.”

Red nodded and tossed Charming another Pokeball, “Eevee is a popular one, you’ve probably seen it in the cartoons.”

Charming lobbed a ball at a Bellsprout, “Maybe, but I feel like I’ve see in for real somewhere before.”

Red just shrugged at him; “Don’t worry about it. On your left!”

It wasn’t another Pokemon, but Henry and Emma running along the street. Emma slowed down enough to call out; “Belle just called Henry, we need to get to Gold’s house ASAP.”

Charming called after her as she jogged by; “And you didn’t use magic, because?”

Emma turned and ran backwards for a few steps; “Henry started running before I could. Docks are clear. We’ll call if we need back up.”

On the lawn of the pink house, Belle couldn’t resist snapping one more photo. Rumple had become more lucid over the past hour and his temperature had gone down, but he was still giggly and more than a bit silly. When Granny dropped some Pokeballs off on her way clear the edge of the woods of Ekans, Rumple had slipped out the back door, worrying her sick until he called for her from the back garden. She’d found him sat cross legged on the grass nose to nose with something that looked like a bright yellow pangolin.

“It’s a Sandshrew, you’re a very good little sandshrew aren’t you? Yes you are, a good Sandshrew.”

She’d giggled at his sing-song voice and the cute way he bopped the creature on the nose, but became very cross when he vanished the Pokeballs he spotted in her hands.

“Rumple! We needed those to catch it!”

He gave her a sorrowful look and sneezed another cloud of golden stars, before wiping his nose on his shirt sleeve; “But, Belle, this is Henry’s favourite. He has to catch it. Please?”

He sounded like a little child, and she couldn’t refuse him; “Okay, I’ll call Henry.”

When she heard Henry’s shout from the side of the house she slid her phone into her pocket, not wanting to give anyone else the idea of taking pictures of the Dark One in the strange state. Henry skidded to a halt, closely followed by Emma who looked stunned at the sight of Rumple.

“Wow, he is out of it.”

Belle gave her a quick nod, and smiled at Henry, “He wants you to catch this one, says it’s your favourite.”

Henry bounced a Pokeball in his palm, “Okay, I got this. Grandpa?”

Rumple tilted his head back and over balanced, he ended up flat on his back grinning at Henry, “Henry, why are you upside down?”

“I’m not you are,” – He pulled Rumple carefully to his feet, - “Want to help me catch the sandshrew?”

Rumple nodded like a bobble head toy, “Nope you do it, its for you.”

Belle caught Rumple’s hand and gently tugged him out of the way. Henry took aim and threw the Pokeball, which the sandshrew promptly headbutted away.

“Oh no, no, no, Bad sandshrew,” - Rumple took a step forward wagging his finger at the Pokemon, - “You are Henry’s favourite. Play nice.”

“It’s okay Grandpa, all the best Pokemon are tricky to catch.”

“Oh, alright then.”

Rumple settled down again and Henry took a second shot. This time the ball bounce correctly and opened catching the sandshrew.

Rumple gave a twittering giggle, spoiled only by another sneeze, and clapped his hands together, “Well done Henry!”

He sagged and leaned against Belle, “I’m sleepy, can I go to bed now, Belle?”

Belle rubbed his back, “Of course, why don’t you head upstairs, I’ll be right up, okay?”

He gave her a dopey smile, “Okay. Night-night Henry.”

“G,night Grandpa.”

Emma watched him go in disbelief; “Oh man, I should have took pictures.”

Belle gave her a stern look; “He’s ill, he can’t help in and it’s rude and unpleasant to mock, especially when any magical user in town could catch this sort of flu.”

Emma look apologetic, “Sorry Belle,” – Her phone beeped with a text, - “Come on kid, the Zubats are being a pain.”

With a quick wave Emma headed off around the house, before he followed her Henry paused by Belle’s side; “You did get a photo of him and the sandshrew didn’t you?”

Belle winked at him just as his mom shouted for him to hurry up. Henry grinned, “Cool. See you later Belle.”

Being able to laugh with her and his grandson about his Pokemon encounter was one thing, but Belle wasn’t going to let anyone else in town see those pictures.

“Belle! Where are you Belle?”

“I’m coming, Rumple.”

The Great Pokemon Go Adventure made it into the Storybook. The pictures were copied many times as everyone wanted a memento of them catching the colourful pocket monsters. Belle was the only person in town who had take photos of the event, and only a few people ever saw the images of Rumple giggling with a sandshrew.

#rumbelle fic #pokemon go #fluff #it's so fluffly

11 notes · View notes

clefaiiiry · 7 years

Text

Thanks to @tumblunni for beta reading :p

Companion to this.

Title: Clarity

Fandom: Pocket Monsters | Pokemon (Main Video Game Series), Pocket Monsters: Diamond & Pearl & Platinum | Pokemon Diamond Pearl Platinum Versions

Word Count: 5,265

Additional Tags: Friendship, Sign Language, Selectively Mute Dawn, Recovery Process, Implied Twinleafshipping, Japanese Names as Surnames

AO3 Version

“Only an idiot would go after him,” Barry had said.

It was unfortunate for them that Dawn had never thought highly of her own intelligence.

The pocket dimension (or the Distortion World as Cynthia had called it) was unlike anything Dawn could compare to. It was cold, colder than she was used to even after living her entire life in Sinnoh, but she felt no desire to bundle herself deeper into her coat. Even so, she lingered closer to Infernape than usual.

Gravity appeared to be inconsistent. Dawn had taken to using the tall grey trees that sprung up at seeming random angles. Some walls would pull her down while others would crumble if even the slightly pressure was applied. The swirling blue vortex seemed to be impossibly close and terrifyingly distant at the same time. She tried not to think about it too hard.

The air was heavy with dread, the faint cries of the Pokémon that inhabited this lonely place echoed through the empty space.

Infernape chirped as he clambered up a rock for better vantage of the area. The sprawling floating islands stretched for as far as Dawn could see. But she still couldn’t spot the Galactic leader.

[How hard is it to find one anti-social weirdo?] Dawn signed. Infernape shrugged.

The ground shook violently, a long shadow rose up across the two. While the tremors finally calmed, the shadows took shape. The huge creature that had torn open a rift as Dialga and Palkia were summoned. It took all her self-control to make sure she didn’t start shaking.

Why are you here, dear sweet child? It didn’t speak directly, it’s voice floated in the empty space from no discernible direction.

[I’m here to bring Cyrus back to our world,] she signed. The creature sagged.

A man like that has no interest in returning to the complete world. Why bother?

[Everyone deserves redemption.]

The creature’s body shook, as if laughing, though it remained audibly silent. Ah, that’s it? How utterly hopeless. Before she could argue, it swooped over her, curving around the floating islands with the grace of a Milotic.

He is closer than you think, dear sweet child.

The TV set in Rowan’s lab was about a decade too old to be in such a high-tech environment, but the staff had grown to appreciate the background noise. It was often left on the news, but anyone was free to switch channels with permission.

Barry had long since abandoned the samples he was pretending to look over as he gave his full attention to the slightly fuzzy image. A fake talk show host sat across the desk from Champion Cynthia Shirona.

“Thanks again for coming on, I’m sure you must be awfully busy these days,” the host said, his grin so wide that it almost split his face. Cynthia offered a pleasant smile in return and Barry almost believed it.

“It’s not a problem, we don’t get many challengers these days.”

“Why do you think that is, if you don’t mind me asking?”

Cynthia’s smile wavered for a moment. “I believe it is out of respect for the previous Champion. Miss Hikari only reigned for a few months and never lost a battle in her time as Champion. I feel as though I am not a suitable substitute, and many hope to battle her when she returns.”

The host leaned back in his chair. “Do you have any idea when that may be?”

After a moment of silence, she said, “I can’t say for certain, we don’t know enough about what happened to her to properly predict the outcome. But it’s been a year already and some are beginning to doubt that she may ever come back.”

The host tutted in pity. “We can only hope that Miss Hikari returns home safely.”

Static overtook the screen and Barry groaned, sitting up to tinker with the antenna.

“Need a hand?”

Barry glanced up at the voice. Lucas dropped to a crouch beside him and gave the TV a good whack. Barry snorted.

“You know that doesn’t actually work, right?”

But the image onscreen fizzled back to life. Lucas smirked. “Don’t argue with results.”

His expression faltered when he saw Cynthia.

“Miss Hikari’s family and friends are still grieving for their loss even after all this time,” she said, turning her attention towards the camera, “I ask for only respect from the people of Sinnoh.”

Lucas took off his hat and rubbed the back of his head. “Jeez, it feels like yesterday.”

“She was gonna be eighteen today,” Barry grumbled, though didn’t look up from the screen, “we always said we would go on a trip around Unova or Kalos or something...”

With a sigh, Lucas pushed to his feet and went to open a window. Sandgem Town was only just warming up after a particularly harsh winter, but Lucas had always insisted that the fresh air was good for them.

“I asked the Professor for a field assignment,” he said, lifting a box marked ‘For Oreburgh’ and passing it off to Kadabra, “he’s sending us off to Lake Valor for a week to look at how the Pokémon in the surrounding areas are adapting-”

“After Team Galactic blew it up,” Barry interjected.

Lucas shuffled awkwardly. “Well, yeah, basically.”

“Great...” Barry huffed as he pushed to his feet. When he noticed how Lucas was playing with his coat, he sighed. “I do appreciate the effort, but couldn’t you have gotten anywhere else?”

“It was the only one still open,” Lucas offered meekly, “And I thought it might be good for you to try and face some of this stuff. You can’t exactly avoid it forever...”

As much as Barry hated to admit it, Lucas was right. He’d already put off revisiting the lakes since Dawn disappeared; it brought up too many emotions he wasn’t ready to face. He hadn’t set foot in Veilstone City either, not wanting anything to do with the ‘reformed’ Team Galactic. He knew they were up to something, there was no way they would suddenly shift into a genuine energy company overnight.

“If that’s too much,” Lucas began, “we can start off in Sendoff Spring and work our way up.”

After a long moment, Barry finally nodded.

“So long as we don’t stay in Veilstone.”

Barry had only ever seen Sendoff Spring in photos. They really didn’t do the place justice. It had the clearest water he had ever seen. Goldeen and Magikarp gathered in small clumps, a rare Seaking or even rarer Gyarados poking their heads above the surface to make sure these humans wouldn’t cause any trouble.

Lucas was perched on Torterra’s back as he set up the time lapse camera, muttering to himself as he worked.

“We left a few gauges in Turnback Cave last time we were here,” he said as he rummaged through he duffle bag, “if you wanna go check on them.”

Barry glanced over to the Golduck who were sizing them up from behind the treeline. “Will you be okay by yourself? What about the buddy system?”

Lucas laughed. “It’s fine, I’ll be with you in, like, five minutes.”

Even with Lucas’ assurances, he left Empoleon to keep watch. He found himself regretting his choice of footwear as his trainers struggled to keep grip on the rocky slopes. He ended stumbling and landing on his ass. A pair of Bibarel snickered at him but a quick glare sent them scurrying back into the tall grass.

Everything Barry knew about Sinnoh’s mythology came from Dawn or Cynthia. He certainly wouldn’t go out of his way to study it himself; most of it was pretty dull to him anyway.

Flood lights illuminated the first room, the signs of archaeological excavation everywhere. Cynthia had recently given the go ahead for a dig so long as the local Pokémon populations weren’t disturbed. Barry clambered over the tools and pits, finding the gauges Lucas had been talking about along the back wall.

He had started jotting down the numbers when he heard a heavy, dull sound. Almost as if something was being dragged. Barry reached for his belt, fingers gracing his Poké Balls.

Carefully sliding one foot in front of the other, he creeped along the wall. The sound grew louder as he moved closer to a sprawling painting of the Lake Spirits until another sound made him jump to action.

“Help... Anyone...?”

Someone was behind the wall. Barry threw out Snorlax and yelled through the wall as loud as his lungs could manage,

“Stand back, I’ll get you out!” He whipped around to face his Pokémon. “Body Slam!”

Snorlax roared as he threw himself into the wall with all the force he could muster. The wall cracked and groaned. A weak yelp came from the other side.

“Again!” Barry yelled. Snorlax obeyed. The section of wall shuddered and collapsed, dust billowing up into the air and catching in Barry’s throat and eyes. He choked and spluttered for a few seconds, fanning his face in a meek attempt to clear the air.

When it finally settled, Barry climbed through the hole and squinted through the darkness.

“Hello?” He called, doing a full three-sixty-turn before he caught sight of bright eyes in the dark.

Luxray eyes.

He fumbled for his torch. His heart almost stopped.

Before him stood a girl, who hadn’t changed in the year she’d been gone. Not physically at least. Her eyes were wild, her stance weaker, leaning on her Luxray for support. Her scarf was hanging untied from her neck, her coat tied around her waist, but her trusty hat remained in place.

Luxray stood strong, her frame wary, weighed down by an unconscious man draped over her back. But Barry couldn’t find it in him to care about that.

“Dawn?” he asked slowly, easing forward.

Dawn’s tired face eased into a relieved smile. “Barry...” she sighed, her voice scratchy from lack of use.

And then she fainted.

The closest hospital was Veilstone, so despite Barry’s preferences, they found themselves sat in the hallway of Veilstone Memorial, twiddling their thumbs and trying not to panic.

Cynthia arrived about an hour after they had first check in, flustered and closely followed by Looker from Interpol.

“Somehow the press already knows that they’re back,” Cynthia said as she paused to catch her breath, “there’s a crowd of reporters outside wanting to know what the deal is.”

“Holy shit,” was all Barry could say.

After the third hour, Professor Rowan appeared, his expression unreadable. Looker finally let out a regretful sigh.

“I know emotions are still high, but I need to take a statement,” he said, looking to Barry and Lucas.

Barry explained what had happened, conveniently leaving out how he’d destroyed a potentially priceless wall painting when Cynthia was still present.

“Wait, I thought she was mute?” Looker asked with a frown.

“Selectively,” Barry explained, “it’s her anxiety.”

“Ah, I see...” Looker muttered as he scribbled down notes in his pad.

Cynthia cleared her throat. “What about Cy- Akagi? Was he... awake when you found them?”

With a shake of his head, Barry said, “No, he was out. Luxray was carrying him.”

“Their Pokémon are at the nearby Centre to make sure they haven’t suffered any ill effects from their time in the other world,” Lucas added.

She seemed a little disappointed with the answer, but said nothing.

Rowan seemed to notice. “Miss Shirona, would you mind accompanying me for a short walk?”

Cynthia exchanged a glance with Looker before she nodded. The two strolled away, speaking in hushed tones.

When Barry frowned, Looker said, “They used to be close. Miss Shirona and Mr Akagi. Grew up together I believe.”

“Cynthia was friends with him?” Barry’s voice dripped with disgust.

Lucas narrowed his eyes, crossing his arms across his chest. He opened his mouth to speak, but quickly silenced himself.

It was the seventh hour when a doctor came by to confirm that Dawn was stable but still unconscious. She encouraged the boys to head to bed and get some rest. It was only then that Barry realised it was past eleven o’clock and his body sagged with sudden exhaustion. Looker held back to question the doctor, but Barry and Lucas headed for the Pokémon Centre.

As Cynthia had mentioned, there were a few reporters outside. Most of them had headed off when they figured out that they weren’t going to get any of the juicy stuff from staking out the joint. That or the hospital staff had forced them to move along. Only the truly dedicated or clueless remained and they tried to pounce on the boys for an interview only to be totally ignored.

The nurses at the Pokémon Centre handed over a set of Poké Balls once Barry and Lucas could prove their identities. Dawn’s Poké Balls.

“What about Akagi’s?” Lucas asked.

“Miss Shirona already came by a while ago and picked them up.”

Their room was basic, but they didn’t need anything fancy. Lucas was asleep in seconds, snoring like a freight train as soon as his head hit the pillow. Barry lay awake staring at the ceiling. He barely slept a wink.

It was about a week before Dawn was awake and lucid enough to accept visitors. Before they headed in, the doctor pulled them aside to explain the rules.

“Don’t make any sudden moves or loud noises, don’t mention anything about Mt Coronet, and do not tell her anything about Mr Akagi’s condition outside of ‘he’s fine.’ She is still experiencing high levels of stress and anxiety. If she goes into a panic attack, call the nurse.”

Lucas went in first, insisting it was better for Barry to calm himself down before he raced in shouting and freaked her out any more. He begrudgingly accepted.

While he waited, Looker appeared and sat beside him.

“I’ll have to head in after you,” he said.

“Doctor said you can’t ask her about what happened,” Barry warned. Looker sighed.

“I expected as much... But at the very least I want to see how she’s doing with my own eyes.” He reached down to pet Croagunk. “Akagi is still totally out of it. If he does wake up he’s completely hysterical.”

“Honestly? I don’t care if he gets any better,” Barry said. Looker stared at him with an expression he couldn’t figure out.

“Why do you say that?”

“You gotta forgive me for not having much sympathy for the guy who tried to destroy the universe and dragged my best friend through a wormhole.”

“My understanding was that Miss Hikari followed from her own will?”

“You get what I mean!” Barry snapped. “Dawn was always too nice for her own good! She thought that even something like... that can be forgiven. He doesn’t deserve her sympathy.”

Looker sighed, pushing a hand through his hair. “I don’t think she thought he deserved her help, but she thought he needed it.” He tapped his temple. “That’s the working theory, at least.”

“I’m doubting your ‘working theory,’ Mister Looker.”

“If you think that is questionable, don’t read any of the newspaper articles that came out over the last week.”

Barry had made a point of avoiding any news stations after Lucas noted that he would probably just get angry at whatever he saw.

There was a distinct click of the door reopening and Lucas poked his head out. He glanced between Barry and Looker with a frown.

“Is now a bad time?”

Barry pushed to his feet and made his way to the door without looking back. “Now is great,” he said as he shouldered past Lucas into the room. Lucas tensed, ready to bite back but he thought better of it and slipped out, closing the door behind him.

It was like a dream, from the way the light filtered through the window to how utterly defeated the girl in the bed looked.

In all the years he had known her, Barry had rarely seen Dawn looking so broken. The only other time he could think of was after her mother had locked her out one night in their early teenaged years. She had turned up on his doorstep in tears but refused to speak of it the following morning.

Dawn glanced over as he entered and gave him a fragile smile.

“I know, I look super weird without my hat,” she said, her voice straining as she spoke.

The only people she spoke aloud to were Barry, Lucas, and Cynthia but even then she preferred to sign when possible. Barry frowned.

“You don’t have to talk.”

She shrugged. “My arms are tired from talking to the doctors.”

There was a chair next to the bed, dragged over from the corner and battered from excessive wear and tear. Barry slowly lowered himself into it and offered a hand to Dawn. She took it and rubbed a thumb over his knuckles.

“I missed you,” she said. Those words broke something within Barry. His chest felt tight and his eyes stung as tears sprung up in the corners of his eyes. He reached up to wipe them with his free hand.

“I missed you so much,” he sobbed, clutching her hand like a lifeline.

With a soft tug, he found himself bundled into a tight hug. Dawn lightly stroked his back as he wheezed and bawled. His words stopped making sense as he rambled for what felt like hours. She never said a word, just let him cry and kept stroking his back.

Once he’d finally calmed down enough to speak properly, he pulled back to wipe his face. “Why... Why did you leave?”

Dawn blinked in confusion for a moment before the words finally settled and she looked to the window. She squeezed Barry’s hand.

“Giratina would’ve destroyed him if I let him go in there alone.”

White hot rage shot through him. “Who cares about him?! You could’ve died!”

Dawn jumped at his volume. He immediately recoiled with apologies.

“I’m sorry I just... I was so scared that I’d never see you again. That you’d just thrown everything away from some asshole who wanted to destroy everything.”

The air was heavy and cold, making him shudder. Dawn’s eyes were hard.

“You don’t know anything about what happened,” she said, her free hand tightening in the sheets, “you weren’t there. So don’t you dare try to paint this like some black and white issue because this isn’t like one of those dumb cartoons we used to watch.”

Her voice started to quiver in her throat, as if it were about to give out. “Why would I throw away my life for someone I didn’t think deserved a second chance? If he was as evil as you think then why...” She coughed and gasped around the words. “Why did Cynthia cry when she found out he was still alive? Why did Rowan look so relieved? Why would anyone care about a man if he were pure evil?”

“I...” Barry couldn’t form anything, his response dying before it could escape, “I didn’t think...”

“No... you didn’t think with your head. You just went with your heart...” She smiled fondly. “Like you always do.” It was her turn to cry. “It’s why you’re my best friend. But...” Her voice almost gave out with a croak. “I need you to trust me on this... Please, Barry...”

They were quiet for a long moment, only the foggy sounds of the city outside and the nurses roaming the halls punctuating their moment.

“Okay...” Barry hugged her once more. “I trust you.”

Over the next month, Barry dropped in to visit every opportunity he had. Between the short visitor hours and his job at Rowan’s Lab he could rarely spend more than an hour with her, but Dawn appreciated the effort.

“It’s not like there’s anything else to do around here,” she had said, “the doctors won’t tell me anything.”

The time spent in the hospital was either in her room or the rehabilitation centre. Her time in the other world had weakened her muscles and left her easily disorientated and her Chatot was left with her at all times to alert staff of impending panic attacks.

Occasionally her perception of reality slipped and she was back in the other world, clawing at the sheets and crying out for anything to cling to. Barry soon learnt that the worse thing he could do was the call the doctors. She seemed to settle faster if a familiar face was there instead of a looming stranger in a white coat. Not to say that they didn’t work hard to make sure her recovery was as smooth as possible, but there were a few areas in which Barry didn’t trust them as much as he trusted himself.

Whenever they met up, he tried to keep her updated on the situation outside but she could only deal with so much before she wanted to talk about something else.

Dawn tried not to talk about Team Galactic around Barry. Anything about them came from Cynthia or Rowan.

One day, about three weeks after she’d checked in, Barry noticed flowers on her bedside table.

“Apparently they’re from Saturn,” Dawn said as she reached over to readjust the arrangement, “or whatever it is he goes by these days.”

It took far too much self-control not to make a point of knocking them down.

Before he could comment, she had asked about how Lucas was doing and they didn’t mention Team Galactic again for the rest of the exchange.

With Dawn still under the watchful eye of the hospital staff, Cynthia had been turning down interviews from all angles. Interpol was hanging around, trying their best to be covert but everyone knew of their presence. It was enough to scare off most of the reporters, so Barry didn’t mind too much.

It was week four before Dawn finally got sick of not being told anything by the doctors and asked Barry to bring in outside goods. He started sneaking in snacks and newspapers, something Lucas didn’t have the heart to discourage.

“If anyone finds out, I don’t know you,” Lucas joked, but from the look on his face he’d been totally serious.

Dawn always accepted the papers with a mix of excitement and dread. Barry had purposely avoided sensationalist papers and she wouldn’t have had it any other way.

“What’s the worst one you’ve seen?” she asked, glancing up from the headline ‘Champion Hikari is expected to make full recovery.’

“Some folks from Kalos are trying to push the secret love affair angle.”

Dawn retched. “Ew! That’s so gross! Are you serious?” When Barry nodded, she groaned. “People are the worst...”

Barry shuffled his feet awkwardly. “How much do you know about...”

“About Cyrus’ condition?” Dawn sighed and folded her hands in her lap. “Only what Cynthia told me. That he’s awake more often but he’s always hysterical unless Cynthia or one of his Pokémon is there.” She looked down, brushing some loose hair behind her ear. “He asks about me a lot. He thought I was dead for the first week until Cynthia could get him to calm down.”

When Barry said nothing in response, she trailed off.

“Sorry, I know you don’t care about him.”

With a shrug, Barry said, “I’m trying this ‘empathy’ thing, but it’s kinda hard.”

Dawn laughed. “You’re trying your best and that’s what matters.”

Week five rolled around and Barry felt oddly apprehensive as he entered the hospital. Cynthia was trying to convince the doctors to let her move Cyrus to the medical centre at the Pokémon League, though hadn’t had much luck so far.

She was in a Holo Caster call when Barry spotted her in the lobby, foot tapping rapidly as she let out a huff. She hung up on the person mid-sentence.

“Jeez, what did that guy ever do to you?” Barry joked. Cynthia rolled her eyes.

“Another station wanting an interview. I’m gonna need a secretary at this rate.”

They made their way to the ward, exchanging tips on Roserade care when they noticed a familiar face.

“I thought you said you didn’t want to come by,” Cynthia said softly, reaching out to shake Saturn’s hand.

The young man was awfully stiff, his frame holding no strength. It was hard to believe he was now the head of the leading energy provider for Sinnoh. He took the offered hand through obligation rather than comradery.

“I feel as though I owe him a visit at the very least,” he muttered, “blame Mabel.”

Cynthia chuckled. “Fair enough, I’ll show you to his room if you wish.”

Saturn just nodded and trailed closely behind her, like a child making sure they wouldn’t lose their mother while out shopping.

“I’ll meet up with you later, okay Barry?”

Barry just nodded, watching until the two disappeared around a corner. He headed off to Dawn’s room.

“What do you mean I can’t see her? She’s my daughter!”

The doctor looked exhausted, the effects of this morning’s coffee having not yet kicked in. “She has explicitly requested that you are not allowed in to see her.”

“This is ridiculous!” Johanna threw up her hands in dismay. “You can’t stop me from going in!”

“Ma’am, we keep telling you that we can’t let you in.”

Barry hoped to sneak past without being noticed but the woman whirled round as soon as she heard movement, eyes focusing on him like a Mandibuzz.

“And you! How dare you ignore my calls! I have a right to know what’s going on here!”

“Please, Mrs Hikari, you’re making a scene-”

“Not until this little brat-”

Barry looked straight past her to the doctor. “Am I alright to go in?”

The doctor nodded. Johanna sounded about she was about to start sobbing. He paid her no mind as he pushed into Dawn’s room.

Soft music came from the radio set on her bedside table. She had managed to convince the doctors to let her keep it, even if it did have access to news stations. They couldn’t protect her from the outside world forever

Dawn didn’t look away from the window as Barry walked in, humming softly to herself. “Morning,” she said, stretching a hand out for him to take.

“Did you know your mom’s here?”

She scoffed. “How could I not? She’s gonna scream the place down. I can’t tell if she’s genuinely worried or just mad that all the effort she put into her precious protégé is gonna be for nothing.”

Dawn’s words held venom unlike anything he had ever heard from her. She had never been one to outwardly bad-mouth how her mother had raised her, that was Barry’s job. Dawn always found herself trying to excuse her mother’s behaviour, no matter the seriousness.

What had happened to her in the other world?

“Dawn...”

“I’m fine,” she insisted, waving her hand, “I’ll be fine, just...” She took a deep breath. “Give me a minute.”

The music from the radio drifted into soft piano, an old Kalosian piece that had been growing in popularity recently. Barry pushed up to his feet and extended his hand to Dawn.

“What...?”

“Come on, I don’t think we’ve danced since we were twelve.”

Dawn blinked once, twice, and reached up to wipe her face. She took his hand and slid her legs over the side of the bed. Physical rehabilitation had been going well but she was still shaky on her legs. After some careful manoeuvring, she perched her bare feet on stop of his heavy boots and let him guide her around the small room, swaying out of tempo with the music.

They didn’t care, both simply content to be together without having to worry about the outside world.

Dawn was released after two months, but only under the agreement that she would inform the doctors immediately if she experienced any issues and would continue to attend therapy sessions once a week.

Meanwhile Cynthia had somehow convinced the doctors that Cyrus was ready to be discharged alongside her. Either the doctors were just sick of her asking or just didn’t want to deal with him anymore. Barry was willing to believe both.

It was only after he and Cynthia went to pick them up that he realised he hadn’t seen Cyrus since the initial discovery in Turnback Cave. He wasn’t exactly on the edge of his seat to see the man again but accepted that it was going to happen whether he wanted it or not.

The lobby was strangely quiet, though Barry assumed it had something to do with Interpol. Looker hovered besides the two, Dawn excitedly signing as Cyrus struggled to keep up.

The agreement was for Cyrus to stay with Dawn on Route 229, but Cynthia would be arranging for a psychiatrist if necessary.

Barry had offered to take her back to Twinleaf Town, but Dawn had made herself very clear that she had no intention of going back.

[Besides, there aren’t enough bedrooms even if I did want to stay there,] she signed.

The Villa on Route 229 had barely been touched since the incident at the Spear Pillar. Barry and Lucas would drop by every month or so to make sure everything was in working order, but it otherwise stayed empty. It was far enough away to give them space, but close enough to society that they could seek out assistance if necessary.

Tension leaked from Dawn’s form when she opened the door. She and Cynthia went to pack away her things, leaving Barry with Looker and Cyrus.

“Interpol will be dropping by throughout the next few weeks to make sure you’re settling,” Looker said as he glanced to Cyrus, “and to make sure you don’t start anything. Nothing personal, just a cautionary action.”

Cyrus just nodded.

“Right then,” Looker fixed his poor posture and glanced to Barry, “are you sticking around as well?”

“For as long as Dawn wants me here, yeah.”

Looker smiled and opened his mouth to respond, but thought better of it and shook his head.

“Then, gentlemen, I wish you well,” Looker bowed his head, turned on his heel and headed out into the cool spring air.

Cynthia left shortly after she was certain everything was secure. Duty called.

“We’ll have another battle at some point to see who gets to keep the title,” she said as she summoned Garchomp.

[We both know I’ll win,] Dawn signed smugly. Cynthia threw back her head as she laughed.

“We’ll see about that.”

She turned her attention to Cyrus, who had been silent since they arrived.

“Are you gonna be okay? I can stick around if you want?”

Cyrus was still looking at his feet. He shook his head.

[If anything happens, I’ll give you a call,] Dawn signed.

With a sigh, Cynthia reached over to pat his shoulder. Cyrus finally met her eyes. “Don’t be afraid to ask for help. It’s why you’re here.”

Cyrus stared at her for a long moment, shoulders tensed like a cornered Pokémon. He remained strung high even as Cynthia took her hand away, turning to climb up onto Garchomp’s back.

“Have a good night. I’m not too far away if you need any help, okay?”

[I think we’ll be okay, thanks Cynthia.] Dawn smiled wide. [Have a safe trip.]

With one last look, Cynthia gave her partner a pat. “Come on, let’s get going,” she said. Garchomp chirped and took a running start before taking off, propelling herself upwards into the clear sky.

They watched until the dragon disappeared from sight.

#fanfiction #pokemon #pokemon dppt #team galactic #barry (pokemon)#dawn (pokemon)#team galactic leader cyrus #champion cynthia #ria.txt #my writing

27 notes · View notes