Pokemon Cold Gray - Blu Rose

PokemonColdGraybyBluRose

(RewriteofPokemonGray!)WhiteunderstandsPokemon,butanincidentleftherwithacripplingfearofthem.Nowshe'sonajourneywithherbrotherBlacktoovercomeit.ButhowcanshewhileclashingwithTeamPlasmaandtheoddN?Rated:FictionT-English-Adventure/Humor-Hilda/Touko,Hilbert/Touya,NH./NaturalH.G.,TeamPlasma-Chapters:22-Words:162,583-Reviews:1,118-Favs:762-Follows:737-Updated:10/18-Published:5/8/2011-id:6974190URL:https://www.fanfiction.net/s/6974190

TableofContents

TableofContents

1.Chapter1

2.Chapter2

3.Chapter3

4.Chapter4

5.Chapter5

6.Chapter6

7.Chapter7

8.Chapter8

9.Chapter9

10.Chapter10

11.Chapter11

12.Chapter12

13.Chapter13

14.Chapter14

15.Chapter15

16.Chapter16

17.Chapter17

18.Chapter18

19.Chapter19

20.Chapter20

21.Chapter21

22.Chapter22

Chapter1

WelcometoPokémon:IceBluRoseversion!...What?Igotitwrongagain?Mybad...again.

Anyway,welcometotherewriteofmyveryfirstPokémonfanfiction:PokémonGray!Orasit'snowcalled:PokémonColdGray!Yes,Iknow,thetitlesucks.Iprobablyshould'vecalledit"FrigidGray"or"ArticGray"orsomeothercold-relatedterm,butifNintendocangetawaywithaddingAlphaandOmegatothenamesofpreciousstones,Icangetawaywithaddingasimpleadjectivetoasimplecolor.

Anyway,eventhoughGen5hascomeandpassedandGen6withitsfancy3DgraphicsandfancierMegaEvolutionshasalreadymadeitsrootsevident,IstillprefertheGen5gamesandtheirstories.Don'tgetmewrong,Kalosisn'tentirelybadtomeandIloveHoenndespitethefactthatI'mnotgonnabuyAlphaSapphire,butUnovahaswonaspecialplaceinmyheart.Soyeah,ifIstillcareforPokémonbythetimetheUnovaremakescomearound"hopefullyintheformofthefirstandsecondgamescombined,butNintendodon'tplaythat"I'dprobablybuythat.

Now,aboutthisrewrite...Thingshavechanged.Pokémonhavebeendropped.Nicknameshavebeenadded.Somescenarioshavebeenchanged.Newone-offcharactershavebeenadded.Youmightnotseethechangesimmediately,butthat'sforthebest.Probably.Hopefully...

X-X-X

Summary:WhiteisagirlwhocanunderstandPokémon,butanincidentleftherwithaseverefearofthem.HerbrotherBlackisanoptimisticyoungboywhoyearnsfortheadrenalineofPokémonbattles.Onajourneytogethertoaccomplishtheirrespectivegoals,thetwoarepursuedbyTeamPlasmaandfollowedbythemysteriousN.

Disclaimer:BluRosedoesnotownPokémoninanywayorform.Sheonlyownsthepersonasthatshe'screatedforBlackandWhite'smaleandfemalemaincharacters,Black/Touya/HilbertandWhite/Touko/Hilda.

Warning!:Thisstorywon'tcompletelyfollowthestoryofPokémonBlackandWhiteversions,sodon'tbesurprisedifyouseethingsonaRoutethatshouldn'tbetherelikecertainPokémonorareas,orifscenesdon'tgotheexactsamewayastheydointhegames.It'scalledcreativity,people.

X-X-X

~TheStartofSomethingBig~

Icouldfeelmyselfgrowingcolderbythesecond,bothinsideandout.Iwassurethatthetearsthattraileddownmycheeksandhitthegroundbecameiceinlessthanasecond.Sothisiswhatitfeltliketobeslowlyfreezingtodeath.

Somethingroaredloudlyandthegroundshookasashadowbecameapparentinamist,eyesglowingyellow.Ifpossible,theairgrewevencolderthelargeritbecame.Nowmybodyslowlybegantofreeze,becomingcoverediniceasthegiantshadowyfigureloomedoverme.Icouldn'thelpit.Ibrokedowncompletelyandstartedscreaming,butitsroardrownedmeout.

X-X-X

"NO!"Ishouted.IttookawhileformetoopenmyeyesandnoticethatIwasinmylittleroominmybed,drenchedinsweat."...Justadream...!"Istuttered,gettingupoutofthebedandwalkingovertothemirrordresserontheothersideoftheroom.Istaredatmyreflectioninthemirror,mylongbrownhairamessfromtossingandturninginmysleep.Myblueeyesreflectedirritationfromthatawfulnightmare.

"WHITE!"AndthatirritationincreasedwhenmybrotherBlackburstthroughthedoorofmyroom.Helookedlikehehadjustwokenuptoo,becausehishairwasamessandhewasdressedinasimpleblackshirtandboxerswithlittlePikachuprintedonthem."Thedayhasfinallyarrived!"Heexclaimed,hislightbrowneyesshiningbrightly.

"That'sverynice,Black.Nowputonsomepantsandgetoutofmyroom,"Itoldhimflatlywithoutevensparinghimaglanceandpointingathim."Now."

"But"!"

"Black!Whatareyoudoingnotwearingyourpants?!"Iheardmymotherscoldtheidiotfromoutinthehallway."Goputsomeclotheson!"

"Alright,alright!Geez...!You'dthinkIwastheonlyoneexcitedaboutthis..."Blackmumbledtohimself,lookingdepressedasheclosedthedoor.

"...Moron."ImumbledasIpickedupabrushandbegantobrushmyhair.Igrabbedascrunchieandputmyhairupintoabushyponytail.Itookadeepbreathandsighedbeforelookingatthecalendaronthewall.Today'sdatehadbeencircledwitharedmarkeratsomepoint"probablybyBlack"andthewords'1stPKMN'were

writteninthecircle."Oh,no..."

X-X-X

Laterdownstairs,thefamilyhadsatdowntobreakfast.MeandBlackwerestillinourpajamas"Blacknowwearingpajamapants"whileMomwasalreadywearingherdayclothes.

"Whydon'tyouwannacome?!"Blackcomplained.

"Why?"Iaskedbeforedrinkingmyjuice.

"Because...it'sagrowingexperience!"

Iarchedaneyebrowathim."Betweenthetwoofus,youthinkI'mtheoneinneedofagrowingexperience?"

"Uh...youcouldseenewplaces!"Blackimmediatelychangedhisanswer."Youwannaseetheworld,don'tyou?"

"IcanseeitjustfineovertheInternet."

"Then...you'llbeabletogetoveryourphobia!"Itwitchedandkickedmybrotherintheshin."Ow!"

"Youknowbynowthatyoursisterdoesn'tliketotalkaboutthat,Black.Leaveheraloneaboutittoday,okay?"Momtoldhim."Besides,you'llhaveCherenandBiancawithyou."

"Nope.AtleastnotCheren,"Blackmutteredunderhisbreath.

"What'swrong?Didyoutwogetinafightagain?"Idon'tevenknowwhysheaskedthatquestion.BlackandCherenfoughtatleastonceaweek,fromargumentsaboutwhetherornottherewashumanlifeonotherplanetstofightsaboutwhowouldbethebetterPokémontrainer.Afightwasinevitable,whichmadelifearoundthetwosomewhatannoying.

Blacksuddenlyseemedtohaveflamesburninginhiseyes.Ormaybethatwasjustareflectionoflight."Cherenismyrival!Rivalscan'tgoonjourneystogether!Theyhavetogotheirownwayandlivetheirownlives,meetingupforlongandarduousbattlesinwhichtherecanonlybeonevictor!"Bytheendofhislittlespeech,Blackwasstandingontopofhischairandholdingafistuptotheceiling.Talkaboutbeingoverdramatic.

"That'snice,sweetie.Solongasyoutwoaren'tangryateachother,"Momsaidwithasmilebeforeshewentbacktoeatingherscrambledeggs."Nowsitdownandfinishyourbreakfast."AsBlacksatbackdown,therewasaknockonthefrontdoor."Coming!"Momgotupfromherseatandwalkedovertothedoor.Sheopenedthedoorsaying,"HowmayIhelp...you...?"

StandinginthedoorwaywasaPidgeot.AtfirstglimpseofthebirdPokémon,Ifrozeandfelttheurgetorun,butmylegswereprettymuchunwillingtomove.Mybrother,ofcourse,reactedthewayonlypeoplelikehimwouldtothesightofaPokémonfromacompletelydifferentregion.

"Woooow!APidgeot~!It'ssoooocool!"Heswooned.Yes,Black,aboy,swoonedatthesightofaPokémon.HewaswhatsomemaycallaPokémaniac.HewatchedshowsonPokémon,heplayedgameswithPokémon,collectedPokémonmemorabilia...Theboywasobsessedinawayno15-yearoldshouldbe.

BlackjumpedoutofhisseattoseethePidgeotupclose,butithadalreadytakenoffbythetimehereachedthedoor.HeslumpedoverindepressionovernotgettinginalookwhileIgaveasighofreliefandfeltthefeelingcomebacktomylegs.Icouldhearpeoplegaspinginawerightoutsideourhouse.Momclosedthedoorandturnedaround,holdingasmallcardboardboxinherhands.

"Whatisit,Mom?"Mybrotherasked,gettingoverhisnonexistenttimewithaPidgeot.Hegavehismotherasuspiciouslook."Youdidn'tsendoutforanythingfromtheHomeShoppingNetworkagain,didyou?"

"Don'tbesilly!Ihaven'tdonethatforaweek!"

"Exactly."

Shelookeddownatthepackage."It'saddressedtoWhite."Atthat,Iblinkedinconfusion.Whowouldsendsomethingtome?"It'sfromyourfather."

"...Oh."Great.IputonmybestemotionlessfaceasIwatchedMomputtheboxdowninfrontofme.Mymomandbrotherwerestaringatmeexpectantly.

"Well?Aren'tyougoingtoopenit?"

No,I'mgonnagodropkickitintothesea...waswhatIwantedtosay.Instead,Isilentlygaveintomyfamily'sstaresandopenedthebox.InsidewasaPokéBallwithapieceofPikachuprintstationary.Ipickedupthestationaryandopeneditup."ToWhite.Here'sanearlybirthdaypresent.LoveDad."IlookedbackdownatthePokéBallintheboxandflinchedvisibly.

"Somethingwrong?"Iheardmymomask.

"Uh...B-black!Youwantthis?"Ispokequickly,holdingupthePokéBall.Iwaseagertogetthethinganditscontentsawayfrommeassoonaspossible.

"Isthat...?"Mybrotherbegan.

"White!Don'tyouthinkit'sabitunfairtoyourfathertojustgiveyourgiftaway?"Momscoldedme.

"ButI"!"

"Whynotseewhat'sinsidebeforeyoutrygivingitaway?"

Igulped.MyhandshookasitslowlyreachedinsideandtookthePokéBallout.ItfeltlikeaneternityuntilBlackspoke,"Willyouopenitalready?Igottagoandgetdressedbefore"!"

Thefrontdooropenedoncemore,onlythistimesomeoneburstin."BLAAAAACK!"ItwasBianca,ablondegirlwhowasoneofourchildhoodfriends.Hershoutingmadeeveryonejump,includingme,andasaresult,thePokéBallinmyhanddroppedtothefloor."Let'sgotothelabtogether!"

ThePokéBallopenedandreleasedsomethinginaflashoflight.Whenthelightfaded,thePokémoninsidewasshownstandinginfrontoftheball.Itwassmall...yellow...mouse-likewithlittleblacktipsonitsearsandred-tingedcheeks.Itsbigbrowneyeswerestaringupatme.

"Cool!APichu!Youcan'tevenfindthoseinUnova!"Blackstated.

"Awww...!It'sadorable!"Momcooed.

ThePichucontinuedstaringatme.Inafewseconds,itslargeeyeswereshimmeringwithwhatappearedtobeinstantaffection."MOMMYYYY!"Itranforwardandclungtomyleg,rubbingitsfaceagainstit.Iwasalreadyshakingandsweatingbeforethat,sobythetimeithuggedme,myeyesrolledintothebackofmyheadandIfainted.

X-X-X

Asuccessfulresuscitationlater,IfoundmyselfoutsideanddressedupinasimplewhiteandgrayT-shirtandknee-lengthblackshorts.Why?BecausemydearbrotherBlackhadgottenhisclawsintomyarmandwasdraggingmetothelabofthelocal

PokémonProfessor,ProfessorJuniper.ProfessorJuniperhadrequestedthatBlack,andalsoourfriendsBiancaandCheren,goacrosstheregionandcollectdataonPokémon,andtodaywasthedaytheygottheirfirstPokémonandPokédexes.

"So,uh...whydoyouhaveyourPokéBallinabox?Withtheflapstapedover?"Biancaaskedcuriously.Shewasagreen-eyedblondewholikeddressingupinbrightoutfits"today'sbeingorangeandwhite.Herthoughtpatternsmightmakeherseemlikeastereotypicalblondeattimes,butshewasnicertomethanmostgirlsatourschoolhadbeen.

"BecauseIdon'twantthethinginsidegettingoutagainuntilIcanfindsomeonewillingtotakeitoffmyhandstoafarawayplace"liketheNorthPole,"IansweredflatlyasBlackcontinuedtodragme."Hey,doyouwantit,Bianca?You'regoingonaPokémonjourney,soyou'llneedallyoucanget."

"Really?!"Bianca'slitupassheexclaimed."Itlookssoadorable,Icouldjust""

"Don'tdoit,Bianca,"Blackinterrupted."ThatPichuwasagiftfromDadtoWhite,andit'dmakehimrealsadifshejustgaveitaway."

"Oh.Okay..."

"WhatexactlywasthesenseingivingapersonwithPoképhobiaaPokémonasapresent?Heshouldhavepredictedthatsomethinglikethiswouldhappen."AskedCheren,mybrother'sdark-haired,glasses-wearingfriend.Betweenallfourofus,Cherenwasprobablythemostintellectual.Granted,thereweretimeswhenhecouldbesomethingofasmartaleck,buthedidmakesense.

"Exactly,"Iagreedwithafrown.

"Well...Maybethisishiswayofhelping,"Biancasuggested."Ifyouwannaovercomeyourfears,youneedtofacethemheadon!"

"YousoundlikeBlack..."Imutteredbeforewecametoastopinfrontoftheprofessor'slab."Youknow,youstillhaven'ttoldmewhyyou'redoingthis!"WhenIgotnoreplyfrommybrother,Iresistedtheurgetogroan.Well,atleastIcouldhavetheProfessortakethislittlefuzzyballofdeathoffmyhands.OrsoIthought...

MybrotheropenedthedoorandthefourofuswalkedinsidetobegreetedbyProfessorJuniper."Goodmorning,all!Itrustyou'reallexcited,right?Ican'tbegintotellyouhowmuchofahelpyou'rebeingbyusingthesePokédexesonyourjourney,"shesaidwithasmile.

Blackbeamed."Noproblem!"

"Besides,afterourmothersaskedyoutogiveusPokémontostartusoff,wehadtodosomethinginexchange,"Cherenfinished.

"So,canweseeourPokémonnow?Please?"

Theprofessorsmiledandsteppedoutofthewaysothethreeofthemcouldsee.RestingonthetablewerethreePokéBalls"allofwhichprobablyheldtheirownminiterrors.TheywalkeduptothetableandeachtookaPokéBall.IclosedmyeyesandbackedawayasIwassurewhatwascomingnext...

IheardthesoundsofPokéBallsopening.ThenIheardBiancagiveasquealof"howcute~!"andBlackanexclamationof"Cool!"whileCherenwassilent,buthewasprobablyjustobservinghisown.TheProfessorwentontoexplainwhichPokémoneachhadgotten,butIhaddrownedheroutwhentheboxinmyhandbegantoshake.Surprisingly,itwasthebottomthatgaveway,andIsawthelittlePichudropoutalongwithitsPokéBall.

"MOMMYYYYYYY!"Thathigh-pitchedcrysoundedbeforeIfeltsomethingfurryclingingtomyleg.Andforthesecondtimethatday,Ifainted.

X-X-X

Anotherresuscitationlater,ProfessorJuniperwasinspectingthePichu,whichwasbouncinginplaceonthetableandapparentlyanxioustoattackmeonceagain.Soformyownprotection,IhidbehindCherenandBlackinthehopesthatitwouldclingtooneoftheminstead.

"Hmmm...Well,I'mnotaspecialistonPokémonbreeding,butIcansafelyconcludethatthisPichuisquiteyoung.Lessthanayearold,Isurmise,"theprofessorstated.

"But...itcameinaPokéBall,"Blackpointedout.

"Itwasprobablycaughtbeforeitcouldimprintonanythingtorecognizeasitsmother.Whenitwasreleasedfromitsball,itsetitseyesonthefirstlivingthinginfrontofitand..."

"Mommy...!"ThePichuwhinedforwhatseemedlikethehundredthtime.Itseyeslookedliketheyweretearingup.Itwasreallyannoying."Mommy...!"

"Stopcallingmethat!"Ishouted,makingeveryoneelseintheroomjump.ItwasbadenoughthatIhadtodealwiththelittleyellowthing,butnooneelseknewjustwhatit

wasthatitwassaying.

ForaslongIcouldremember,I'dbeenabletounderstandPokémon.Tome,whattheyweresayingweren'tmerelycries,butEnglish,plainandsimple.Hardlyanyoneeverbelievedmeaboutit,though.Asakid,theysaidIwasplayingpretendorwasjustweird.Ah,thejoysofbeingafreakofnature.

"Right...Anyway,Idon'tseeanyreasontofearthisPokémoninparticular,"ProfessorJuniperstated.

"What?!Butittriedtoattackme!AnyPokémoncanprettymuchkillanormalpersonlikemewithoutmucheffort!Eventhecutelittleoneslikethat!"Iexclaimed,pointingafingeratthePichu.

"Mom"!"

"Don'tyoudaresaythatagain!"

ProfessorJunipergaveasheepishsmileandtiltedherhead."Whilethatistrue,thisPichuistooyoungtobeofanyharm.Why,atmost,itcangiveyouashockasharmfulasanelectricalshort's.Soitshouldbefinetoleavewithyou."

"AndwhattheheckamIsupposedtodowithit?"Igrumbledundermybreath.

Theprofessorblinked."Supposedtodo?Isn'tthatthePokémonyou'regoingtoleavewith?"

Iarchedaneyebrow."Leavewhere?"Inoticedthatatthispoint,Blackhadbeguntoinchawayfromme."Black...!"

ProfessorJuniperlookedatmybrotherinconfusion."Black?Didn'tyoutellmethatWhiteagreedtohelpoutwithmyresearchaswellsoshecouldbearbeingaroundPokémon?"

Atthosewords,somethingignitedwithinme.Hate.Intensehate.Directedat..."BLAAAAAACK!"Iscreamed.IhopedthatIlookedmorefrighteningthananysortofPokémonthatinhabitedthisworldoranyother.

"Itwasn'tmyidea!Momtoldmetoaskherforyou!"Blackbrokedown.

"WHAT?!"

"ShesaidthatitwasthereasonwhyDadgotthatPichuforyou.Hemustwantyoutogetbetter,too,bybeingexposedandseeingforyourselfthatPokémonaren'tso

bad."

"NO!No,no,no!I'mnotgoingandnoonecanmakeme!"Ishouted,shakingmyheadandonthevergeofcrying.

"TheworldischockfullofPokémon!Whetherornotyouwantto,you'regonnaencounterthemacoupleoftimes.Youmightaswelltakethechancetogetoveritnow!"Blackkeptoninsisting."Imean,really...Youknowhowembarrassingitwouldbe,beingafraidofsomethingassmallasaPichuwhenyou'reagrownwoman?!You'dhavetobecomeashut-intonotrunintoanyoneofthem!"

Iwasspeechless.Blackhadapoint.Ifthiskeptup,Iwouldn'tbeabletoleaveNuvemaTownbecauseofallthePokémoninthewild.Maybenotevenmyhouse.I'dbecomeashut-informyownsafety.Istareddownatthegroundwithlifelesseyes,tryingtoimaginewhatsortofcrazypersonI'dbecome,beingshutofffromtherestoftheworld...

"So,doyouwantthattohappen,ordoyouwannachange?!"Mybrotherexclaimedasheshovedhisfaceintomine.

"I...Idon't...want...!"

X-X-X

Ihavenoideahowthatworked,butminuteslater,IwasstandingonthepathleadingoutofNuvemaTownwithBlackandCheren,dressedupinablackvestoverawhiteshortandjeanshortswithblackandpinkboots.IfrownedasItuggedonthevisorofmywhiteandpinkcapandscroungedaroundinsideofthepinkbagthathungoffmyshoulder.IpulledoutthePokédexthatProfessorJunipergavemeandlookeduptheinformationonPichu.

Pichu,theTinyMousePokémon.Electrictype.Theelectricsacsinitscheeksaresmall,butitisineptatretainingelectricitywithinthem.Ifitisstartledoritselectricityleaks,itwilldischargeitspower.

Istaredattheword'discharge'forawhilebeforeIturnedoffthePokédexandputitbackinmybag.Myfingersbrushedagainstthesmoothsurfaceofthe...myPichu'sPokéBall.Hopefullythere'dcomeatimewhenIwouldn'tbeafraidofhavingthatthingpopoutofitsPokéBallatrandomlikeitdid.

"I'mhere,I'mhere!"WeallturnedaroundtoseeBiancarunningtowardsus,fixingupherhat.

"Thereyouare!Whattookyousolong?"Cherenchidedtheblondegirl.

"Um...nothingimportant!"Shespokequickly,hookingarmswiththedark-hairedboy."Readytogo?"

"Youknowit!"Blackexclaimed,hookingarmswithCherenonhisotherside.Mybrothersaiditwasbecausetheyhadallpromisedtowalkoutoftowntogetherwhentheywereyounger.OnlyheandBiancaweretakingitmoreseriouslythanCherenmighthavewithwantingtostepintheexactsametime.Blacklookedatmeandwavedhishand."Comeon!You,too!"Hesitantly,Ihookedarmswithhim."Alright!Forwardmarch!"

Thefourofusbeganwalkingforward,somehowkeepinginsteptogether.Thenexttownwasalreadywithinsight.Itwouldonlytakeafewminutestogetthere.Itookadeepbreathasweenteredthetallgrass.Iwasdeterminedtoremaincalmandcollectedandfocusontryingtoovercomemyfears.

"Huh?Oh,look!"Biancapointedoutahairylittledog-likePokémonthathadwalkedinfrontofus.Itstoppeduponseeingusandbarkeddefensively."Aw,howcute!I'mgonnacatchitifnooneelseminds!"

BlackpulledhisPokédexoutofhisbluebagandpointeditatthedog-likePokémon."Itsaysit'saLillipup.It's...aNormaltypeandthehaironitsfacehelpsittosensechangeinitssurroundings."

IfeltmyheartbegintoraceandIcouldfeelmyselfchokingup.BeforeBiancacouldreleaseherPokémonfromthePokéBallinherhand,Ifainted.

Yup.Thisjourneyhadgottenofftoasuccessfulstart...

X-X-X

Iblinkedandstaredatthecreatureinfrontofme.Asmall,yellowmouse-likecreaturethat,atthetime,stoodtallerthanme.Mytinyhandsgropedthepartsofitsbodycuriously:itslightningbolt-liketail,itsblack-tippedears,thelittleredsacsonitscheeks.WitheachtugImade,itsaid"Ow"inadulltone.Atsomepoint,largerhandsgrabbedmyownandbegandirectingthem.TheyledmetotouchingthePokémon'scheeks,forcingmetorubthemincircles.ThemousePokémonstartedtosmileandgaveahappycry.Forsomereason,knowingitwashappymademehappy,too.Igiggledandaccidentallygrippedthemouse'scheek.Itwincedinpainandreleasedazapofelectricity"notenoughtoseriouslyhurtaperson,butenoughtomakemestartbawling.

"Sshh-sshh-sshh.It'salright.Pikachudidn'tmeantohurtyou,justlikeyoudidn'tmeantohurthim,sweetheart,"avoicespokefrombehindme.ThePikachuleanedforwardandstartedtorubmycheeksthesamewayIrubbedhis.Iquicklyforgotthezappingandstartedgigglingagain."See?Friendsalready.Hm?Black,don'tputthatinyourmouth!"Asthevoicefaded,IstartedtorubthePikachu'scheekagain,cooinghappilyasIdid.

X-X-X

WhenIwokeup,therewassomethingrubbingagainstmycheek.Islowlyopenedmyeyes,expectingittobeBlackorBiancatryingtowakemeup.Instead,IwasstaringintothelargebrowneyesofmyPichu.Iflinchedandalmostscreameduntilitbegantobounceupanddownbesideme.

"Mommy!"Itexclaimed,rubbingitscheekagainstmine.Oncemore,Ifeltmyheartrace.IrememberedthePokédexentryaboutPichudischargingelectricityandIthoughtthatthatwouldhappenrightthen.Iwantedtopushthethingoffofmerightthenandthere,butIrememberedwhatIwassupposedtobedoing.So,afterseveralsecondsofstaringitdown"andhavingitcutelystarebackatme"Ipetteditinastiffmanner.ThePokémonnuzzledintothepalmofmyhandandsquealedpleasantly.ThePichumayhavebeenenjoyingthecontact,butIwasterrifiedofbeingshocked.SoItriedtoignorewhatIwasdoingbytakingalookatmysurroundings.

ItlookedlikeIwasinaroomataPokémonCenter.Ihadn'tbeeninsideoneinages,butI'msureitlookedthesameastheoneI'dvisitedbefore"andallothersintheregion,Ibet.Therewereseveralbeds"theonenexttothebedIwasonwasunmade.DidtheguysdragmehereafterIfaintedoutsideofNuvemaTown?Howembarrassing.PeopleinNuvemawereusedtothesightofsomeonedraggingmyunconsciousself,butI'dneverbeentothenexttownover.Theyprobablythoughtsomethingwasseriouslywrongwithme.Inatwistedway,therewas.

Igotoffthebedandwalkeddownstairs,myPichutrailingbehindme.Asusual,peopleweregoinginandoutofthebuilding.Iapproachedthefrontcounterwhereanursestood.WhenIwalkedovertoherandaskedherwherethepeopleIcameinwithwent,shesaidthatCherenandBiancahadalreadyleft,butBlackhadgoneoutsayinghewouldbeback.

"Ican'tbelievetheyjustwentandleftwithoutsayinganything...!They'regonnagetanearfulwhenIseethemagain!"IhuffedasIwalkedovertothemagazinecase.Istartedsearchingthroughthemagazineswhiletryingtocalmdown."Hm...What'sthis?"Ipickedupamagazineandstaredatanarticletitleonthefrontpage."Howto

getclosertoyourPokémon.Page24."

"Ohhh..."IlookeddownandsawmyPichuscratchingthecoverofamagazinefeaturinganotherPichuanditsowner.Ilightlynudgeditinthesidetomakeitstopanditstartedtotakeaninterestinthelaceofmyboot.Irolledmyeyesbeforeturningtothearticlepageandreading:

"IthaslongbeenconfirmedthathowhappyaPokémonishasaneffectonhowitfights,howitevolves,andofcoursehowittreatsitstrainer.Whetheryou'recuriousabouthowtomakeyourstubbornnewPokémonlikeyouorsimplywanttogetclosertoyourPoképal,thesetipswillhelpyouonyourpath.

"#1:Giveitagoodnickname.NicknamesaregiventoPokémonwhoseownershavemultipleofthesamespeciesandneedtodistinguishamongthemortopersonalizeaPokémon.NevergiveyourPokémonaninsultingname.IrememberinmychildhoodhowakidnamedhisPidove'Idiot'becauseitflewintoawindowbeforehecaughtit.ThepoorthinglookedmiserableforaslongasIcouldrememberuntilitwastradedtoanotherkidwhochangeditsnametosomethingnicer.Despitewhatsomepeoplemaythink,Pokémonaresmartenoughtoknowwhensomethingisinsultingornot.Eventhebabyoneseventuallyrealizewhatcertainwordslike'Idiot'mean.

"Well,Imayfearthething,butIwouldn'tnameitsomethinglike'idiot'..."Imumbledtomyself.IlookeddownatthePichutoseethatitwasuntyingthelacesofmybootsnow."Stopthat."Itstoppedimmediatelyandlookeddowninshame.Great.NowIfeltbad."...I'mnotmadatyou."

ThePichu'seyesshone."Mommy...!"

"Isthathonestlyallyoucansay?"IstareddownatitinthoughtbeforeIpointeddownatthetinymouse."Yournicknamewillbe...Tiny.CanyousayTiny?Tie...knee.Tiny."

"Tuh...Teeenyyy..."Tinypronouncedslowly.

"Tie..."

"...Tie...ny...Tiny..."

Ipointedatmyself."White.Wuh...ite."

"W-wuh...ite.White."Ismiledinsuccess."MommyWhite."AndthenIheldmyhandtomyface.IguesstheProfessorwasright.Untilitknewbetter,Iwasitsmommy.

"Oh,well...I'llmakethemostofit..."Ilookedatthedigitalwatchonmywrist.Itwasalreadypastnoon.HowlongwasIout?IcouldfeelmystomachgnawingatmyinsidesnowasIglancedatthemagazine'sprice."Betterbuysomelunch,too,whileI'matit."

X-X-X

AccumulaTownwassmall,butstillbiggerthanNuvemaTownandrefreshinglydifferentinsomeways.IthadaPokémonCenter,apartmentcomplexes,andtall,grassyhillsthatgaveyouagoodviewofothertowns.ButIwasn'ttooconcernedwithanyofthat.Instead,Iconcentratedonfindingaplacetoeat.Tinywasridingaroundinsideofmybag,hisheadpokingoutoftheflap.ThemagazineIboughtsaidawayofbecomingcloserwithyourPokémonwastokeepthemoutoftheirballsotheycouldwalkbesideorbecarriedbyyou.ButIwastooafraidtolethimwalkonthegroundandriskgettingsquishedbysomethingandtoonervoustoholdhimoutoffearofbeingshocked.

Eventually,afterwanderingfornearly15minutes,Ispottedadineracrossthestreet.IstartedtoruntowardsituntilatrioofLillipupsonleashesraninmyway,pullingtheirtraineralong.Theirowneraccidentallypushedmedown,notevenapologizingastheydisappeareddownthestreet.

"WAAAAAAAAHHHHH!"Aloudcrycomingfrominfrontofmemademeforgetabouttheslightstingingfeelingbehindmyleg.Tinywasontheground,holdingontohisheadandcryingupastorm.Hemust'vefallenoutofthebagwhenIfellback.Icouldfeelstaresfrompeoplepassingby,butIdidn'tcare.Iwastooworriedaboutwhetherornothewasseriouslyhurt.

"C'mon,lemmesee..."Icooedsoftly,slowlypullinghispawsawayfromhishead.Alightredpatchstuckoutinhisforehead"bloodfromwhenhescrapedhisheadfromhisfall."Shush,shush,shush!Keepquietnow!"Tinytookitdownalevelwiththecrying,buthestillwhimperedloudenoughformetohear.Istartedscroungingthroughmybag,lookingforapotion.IsuddenlyfrozeandrealizedIdidn'tevenbringapotionalong!WhatkindoftrainerwasI?!

IalmostfeltlikecursingmyluckoutloudwhenIheardthesoundofaspraying,followedbythesoundofTinycooing.Ilookedinfrontofmeandsawsomeonekneelinginfrontofsomeoneholdingapotionbottleintheirhand.

"Ah!Thankyousomuch!IthoughtI'dhavetorunallthewaybacktothePokémonCenter!"Iexclaimed.IhadnoideawhyIfeltsorelieved.Justthismorning,IfaintedtwiceatthesightofthelittlePokémonandnowIwasworriedoverascratch.There

reallywassomethingwrongwithmyhead.

ThepersonwhohadhealedTinystoodupandlookeddownatme.Hehadlonggreenhairtiedbackintoabushyponytailandworeablackandwhitehatonhishead,awhiteshirtwithablackoneunderneathandbeigepantswithgreenshoes.IthinkIwaspayingmoreattentiontohisclothesbecausehewasgivingmeasortofjudginglook.

"IsthisyourPokémon?"

"Uh..."Istared,notsureifIshouldsayhewas.IfIdid,IwasafraidthoseeyeswouldgetangryandthisguywouldstartlecturingmeabouttreatingmyPokémonrightorkeepingthemintheirPokéBallssothey'dbesafe.Iwarilybegantoanswer'Yes'whenTinyhuggedupagainstmyleg.

"Mommy...!"ApparentlyevenTinywasafraidofthisstranger'slook.Electricitybegantosurgearoundhislittlecheeksandhegaveacry.Hehadshockedhimselfinfearofthisguy.

"YourPokémon...Whydiditcallyou'Mommy'?"Heasked.

"Huh?Well,he'sanewbornandIwasthefirstthinghesaw.SoheimprintedonmeandthinksI'mhismother.Atleastuntilherealizesthatahumancan'tmakeaPichu..."Iblinked."Uh...Excuseme,buthowdidyouknowitcalledme'Mommy'?"

"Becausethat'swhatitjustsaid."

"Well,that'sallhecansay.We'reworkingonexpandinghisvocabulary"I-Imean,howdidyouknowwhathesaid?!Canyou...understandhim,too?"HestaredatmeinconfusionbeforehenoddedandIinstantlyfoundmyselfonmyfeet."Oh,wow!Thisisgreat!Ididn'tthinktherewasanyoneelseouttherewhocouldunderstandPokémon!Alltheseyears,IthoughtIwastheonlyfreakofnatureoutthere!"Iwassoexcited;Ididn'tseemtonoticehowcloseIwastotheguyorhowstartledhelooked.

Agrowlingsoundmademysmiledrop.Ilookeddownandsawasmallfox-likePokémonstandingnexttothegreen-hairedguy.Itwasblackwithshadesofredinitsfuranditsblueeyeswereglaringupatme.AtthesightofthehostilePokémon,mybreathgotheldupinmythroatandIfainted...

X-X-X

Andsurprisinglywokeupinamatterofminuteswithmygreen-hairedfreak-in-arms

stillthere,kneelingnexttome.Upclose,helookedlikehewasaboutmyage,maybeayearortwoolder.IwasabittoolightheadedtorealizethatIwasstaringintohisgreeneyes.

ThenIheardalittlebarkandfelttheblackfoxPokémonjumpontomystomachtoglareatme.Istartedtosweatandbegantofeellightheaded."G-g-getitoffofmeeee!"Iscreamed.

Theteagreen-hairedboystaredatmeinconfusion."Youdon'tlikeZorua?"

"Idon'tlikehavingitonme!J-justtellittogetoff!"

HelookeddownatthePokémonhecalledZorua."You'remakingheruncomfortable."

"Shewasinvadingyourpersonalspace,"Zoruaspoke,stillglaringatme.

"Ididn'tmeanto..."Ispoke,tearsbeginningtowellupinmyeyes.Tinywasonethingbecausehewasharmlessandlikedme,butthisPokémonhadanastylookinitseyes.ButIwasdoinggood,right?Cryinglikeababywasbetterthanfainting,right?"I'msorry...!J-justdon'thurtme...!"

"Mommy?"Tinystaredatmeastearstraileddownmycheeks."Mommy...?"MylittlePichulookedatZoruaandfrowned.Hegrowledandattackeditwithajoltthatalmostmadeitfalloffofme.

"DidyoujustdowhatIthinkyoujustdid?"Zoruaasked,narrowingitseyesuntilthegreen-hairedguypickeditupandputitbehindhim."H-hey!N!Whatareyoudoing?!Lemmeatthatlittleyellow...!"

"I'msorryifZoruawasrudetoyou,"theboyapologized."He...ismyfriend,anddoesn'twantanyonetohurtme."

Iwipedmytearsoffonmyarm."I-it'sokay..."Istoodupslowlyanddustedmyselfoff.IpickedupTinyandheldhimclosetomychest.IfelthispawsclutchmychestasheglareddownatZorua.

"YourPokémonseemstolikeyouverymuch."

"Thankyou...um...What'syourname?"

"N."

"N?Isthataninitialforsomething?"

Hepausedforamoment,lookingthoughtful."...No.JustN."

Just...N?AndIthoughtCherenwasunluckywhenitcametonames.Thisguyonlyhadaletter.Still,heseemednice,andhecouldunderstandPokémon,too.Thecomfortaloneinknowingtherewassomeoneelseouttherelikememademehappyenough."I'mWhite.It'snicetomeetyou!"Isaid,holdingoutmyhandingreeting.Hestaredatit,asifhesitating.Afterafewseconds,hetookholdofmyhandandshookit.

X-X-X

Okay,nowIwasconfused.Iwentoutinsearchofmybrother,andnowI'mhavinglunchwithastrangerIjustmetonthestreetwhomayormaynotbeapsychotickiller,orwhosePokémonmayormaynotwanttohurtand/orkillme.Maybemyhungerandthewantofsavingmoneybysplittingabillgotthebetterofme.Cursemystomachandmyfrugalness...!

"So,thisisyourfirsttimeinAccumulaTown,too,huh?That'scool."Ispoke,takingabiteofmycheeseburger.HereIwas,sittinginaboothwithNontheotherside.Tinywassittinginthecornernearthewindowforhisownsafety.Ididn'twanttoputhimonthegroundwithN'sPokémonafterwhathappened"especiallysincethePokédextoldmethatitwasaDarktypeandusedillusions.DefinitelynotsomethingIwanthimnear.

Nstareddownathischeeseburgerandfriesasifhehadneverseenthem.Iarchedaneyebrowashedelicatelytookupaketchup-coveredfryandnibbledit.Afterawhile,hestartedtoeatmore.

"What'sthematter?NeverhadFrenchfriesbefore?"Heshookhishead,probablytoopolitetotalkwithhismouthfull."Weird.Yourparentshaveyouonastrictdietorsomething?"I'dheardofthatbefore.Somehealth-consciousnutsonlyfedtheirchildrenhealthyfoodsandavoidedjunkfood.

"Mommy."IlookeddownatTiny.Hepointedathimself,donewiththeberrieshewaseating."Tiny..."Hethenpointedattheburgerinmyhands.

"Youcan'thavethis.It'stoobigforyou."ThePichupoutedandgotalltearyeyed.Whetherornothisspeciescouldevendoit,IthinkTinyhadFakeTearsdowntoanart."No."Hestartedtowhine."...Here,haveaFrenchfry."IbrokeafryinhalfanddippeditinketchupbeforepoppingitintoTiny'smouth.Hestartedtochewandwhenheswallowed,heheldhischeeksindelightandbegantobounce."Youwantmore?Alright...butthat'sit!"

NstoppedindulginginfrieslongenoughtowatchmefeedTinyanotherfry."CouldIaskyouaquestion?"

"Shoot."

"WhywouldIshootyou...?"Igavehimaconfusedstarethathegavemeback.Hebrokeoffeyecontact.Hewasprobablytaughtitwasrudetostare,too."YourPokémon.I'veneverseenanythinglikeit."

Thatwasn'taquestion."Yeah.He'saPichu.Youdon'tfindanyofhisspecieshereinUnova"atleastnotinthewild."

"Sohe'sararePokémon.Whydon'tyoukeephiminsideofhisball,then?Aren'tyouafraidhe'llbehurtorstolen?Ordoyouliketoshowitoff?"

Iarchedaneyebrow.IfIdidn'tknowanybetter,I'dsaythelookinhiseyehadgottencolder."No...Hejustdoesn'twannastayinside.HealwayspopsoutwheneverIdon'twanthimto,soIfiguredhe'dbehappieroutsideofit.Besides..."IreachedintomybagandpulledoutTiny'sPokéball...orwhatremainedofit,anyway.It'dgottenbrokenduringthefallsomehow."I'dhavetobuyanotherPokéBallforhimifheeverdidwanttogoback...Plus,IreadsomewherethatwalkingalongsideyourPokémonmadethemactfriendliertowardsyou."

"ButwhatwillyoudoifyoucatchmorePokémon?Youcan'tpossiblyhavethemalloutoftheirPokéBallsandkeeptrackofthem.Andleaguerulesstateyoucanonlyhavesix,whichmeananymorethanthatwillbeforcedintocontainmentinoneofthosedreadedPCs."Igotthefeelingthat'containment'ofPokémonwasnotafavoritesubjectofN's.

"I'mnot...intheleague.Imean,I'mnotgonnarunaroundchallenginggymsoranything.I'mjust...travelingfortheexperience."AndsoIwon'tfaintatthesightofeveryPidoveandLillipup."...Is...theresomethingwrong,N?"

Nlookedoutthewindowwithadistantlookinhiseyes."It'swronghowhumanscatchandtrapPokémoninsideofPokéBallsandPCBoxes,usingthemasweaponsforbattlesandmeansofentertainment...alwaysgettingthemhurt,butassoonasthey'rehealed,itseemsliketheyforgetaboutitandmakethemgethurtalloveragain.ButyourPichu...seemstotrulyadoreyou.Howbizarre.Butthenagain,perhapshe'stooyoungforyoutobecrueltowardshim."

Well,it'snotlikeTinyhaseverbeeninabattle.TheclosestitgotwaszappingZoruawithapunythunderbolt.Andhewasstilljustababy,andIwashismommy.Whatbabyhatedtheirmommysolongastheygavethemtheattentiontheyneeded?After

awhile,IrealizedthatIwasstaringathim,soIdivertedmyattentiontomyburger."Well,atleasttrainersdon'tleavethemtodie...Goodones,anyway.Outthereinthewild,Pokémoncanfightandhurteachotherandnoonewillbetheretohelpthem.Eitherway,there'ssomethingouttherethatcankillthem,right?It'sthesamewaywithhumans"theycankilleachotherorhavePokémonkillthem.It'skindasadhowfragilebothofuscanactuallybe..."

IlookedupatNandnoticedthathewasstaringatmenow,likehewaspayingcloseattentiontowhatIwassaying.MostpeoplewouldlookatmelikeIwasmorbidorsomethingforsayingsuchthingsaboutPokémon,buthelookedcuriousformore.SoIgavehimmore.

"Whatwouldyousayif...ItoldyouawildPokémonattackedachild?Thechilddidn'thurtorprovokeit.Theydidn'tevenknowitwasthere.Saythechild...justgotlostandwantedtogohomewhenitcameacrossthePokémon.Large...intimidating...r-roaringandlookingatherwithcoldeyesandtriedtofreezehertodeathuntilshewasnearlyfrozenallo-over,anditwasabouttoeatherwholeuntil"!"

Isuddenlystoppedanddroppedtheburger.Istareddownatthetablewithwideeyes,myheartbeatingagainstmychestandmybloodrunningcoldinmyveins.WhatsortofidiotwasI?!Icouldfeelstaresfromeveryoneinthediner.Ijustkepttalkingandtalking,myvoicegettinglouderandmytonebecomingmorepanicked...Imusthavesoundedlikeapsycho.

Butsurprisingly,Nwasn'tlookingatmelikeIwascrazy.Rather,helookedcontemplative."...Ithink...thatthePokémoncouldnotbeatfault.PerhapsthePokémonenduredatraumaticexperienceatsomepointthathadmadeitviolent.ButIsupposethechildisnotatfault,either,ifitwasonlyanaccident."Hetiltedhisheadcuriously."Whathappenedtothechild,bytheway?"

"...She'sgonenow."Andallthat'sleftisashellthatfearsallPokémon"saveforthelittleelectricmouseshe'djustgrownattachedto.

"Oh.That's...sad."

"Isn'tit?"

NlookeddownathisXtransceiver."...Canyoucomeandseesomethingwithme?Youneedtoseeit."

Iblinkedinconfusion."Um,okay..."Ireallyhopedthathewasn'tgoingtodoanythingcreepynow...

X-X-X

Aftersplittingthebillforlunch,NledmebackovertothePokémonCenterwhereacrowdhadgathered,whisperingthingsamongstthemselves.WemadeourwaytothefrontwithZoruaonN'sshoulderandTinyinmyarms,wherewecouldgetaclearviewofwhatwasgoingon.

Thecenterofattractionwasagroupofpeopledressedinclothesthatmadethemlooklikeknights.TheysetuppolesthathadclothbannersblowinginthebreezewithastylizedbluePonablackandwhiteshieldemblazonedonthechests.Inthemiddleofalltheknightswasamanwithlongpalegreenhair,dressedinpurpleandgoldrobeswithawhiteandredeyepieceoveroneeye.Thegreen-hairedmanclearedhisthroatandtheknightssteppedaside,standingateaselikesoldiers.

"Greetings.IamGhetsisofTeamPlasma.AndIwouldliketotalktoyouallaboutPokémonliberation.I'msuremostofyoubelievethathumansandPokémonandpartnerswholivetogetherandneedeachother.However,isthatreallythetruth?Oristhatwhatwehumansonlyassumetobethetruth?"Thegreen-hairedmanbegantowalkbackandforth,andpeople'seyesfollowedhim."PokémonareforcedtofollowtheselfishcommandsofTrainers,injuringthemselvesinbattlesthatweengageinforsportandenjoyment.Buttheyaremuchmorethanameansofentertainment,ladiesandgentleman.Pokémonhavesomuchunknownpotential,andtheyknowsomanythingsthatwe'veyettolearn.Sowhatisourresponsibilitytothesewonderfulbeings?Theanswerisliberation.WemustliberatethePokémonoftheworld;releasethemfromtherestraintsthattrainershaveplaceduponthem!OnlythenwillhumansandPokémontrulyequal!"

Thepeopleinthecrowdbegantotalk:"LiberatePokémon?""WillmyPokémonreallybehappierifIletitgo?""Butittooksolongformetocatchit...!""Bah,it'sjustaloadofpoppycock."

"AsIendmywordsheretoday,IimploreyoualltoconsidertherelationshipbetweenpeopleandPokémon,andthecorrectwaytoproceed.WeofTeamPlasmasincerelyappreciateyourattention."Ghetsisfinishedastheknightspackeduptheirbannersandformedaroundhiminac-shapedformation.Theythenstartedtomarchaway,leavingpeopletotalkamongstthemselves.Andforamoment,IsworeIcouldseeGhetsislookinginourdirectionfrombehindhishumanshields.Ithadtohavebeenmyimagination.

Oncethecrowdhaddispersed,IlookedatNinconfusion."Wasthatwhatyouwantedtoshowme?"

Nnodded."Don'tyouthinkTeamPlasmaspeaksthetruth?Thingsneedtochange.IfpeoplewanttomakePokémonhappy,theyshouldjustsetthemallfree.Solongasthey'rebeingconfinedintoPokéBalls,they'llneverbecomeperfectbeings."

"Slowdown!Ican'tunderstandyou!"Ichidedthegreen-hairedboy.HeseemedtohaveahabitofspeakingfastwhenitcametothesubjectofPokémon.

Despitemyinterruptinghim,thefocusedlookonhisfacedidn'tchange."IpromisewillchangetheworldandmakeitabetterplaceforPokémon.Becausethey'remyfriends."Hestartedtowalkawayfromme,headinginthesamedirectionasTeamPlasmahad.Hethenstoppedandturnedaroundtofaceme."Talkingwithyouwasmoreinterestingthanwithothertrainers.Maybewe'llmeetagain,White."IsawZoruastickhistongueoutatmeatthosewordsbeforehisownerturnedhisbackonmeandleft.

"...Well,Tiny...Ithinkwemetaweirdonetoday.JustlikeonTV:thecuteonesalwayshavesomethingwrongwiththem."Mygoodness,didIjustcallthatweirdo'cute'?

"Weee...weeeird..."Tinypronouncedslowly.Hereallywaslearningatleapsandboundsinvocabulary.

"Andwhatwaswiththoseguysintheweirdknightgetups?Whowouldbecrazyenoughtodressuplikethatinpublic?!"

"Weeeird..."

"Iknow,right?Theylookedliketheybelongedinaplayorsomething."IlookedovermyshoulderandsawBlackwithalittlegraybirdonhisheadandalittleblueandwhitePokémonwithashellonitsstomachsittingonhisshoulder.Hegavemeacasualwave."Hi."

"D-don't'hi'me!Youjustleftmeintherewithoutwakingmeuportellingmewhereyouweregoing!"Icomplained,pinchingmybrother'scheek.Butwhenthebirdstartedflutteringitswingsandtheblueonebegantoglareatme,Istoppedandjumpedback,breathingfast.

"Easy,guys!She'smysister!It'snormalfamilyjibbing!"Blackexplained,tryingtocalmdownhisPokémon.Whenhedid,hewalkedovertome,stayingagoodenoughdistanceawaysoIwouldn'tbetooclosetohisPokémon."White,Idon'tbelieveyou'vebeenintroducedtoOshawott."

"Hi!"ThebluePokémon,Oshawott,spokeup,wavingapaw.

"Hi!"Tinymimicked,butIdoubtheknewwhathesaid.

"AndthisisPidove!Icaughthimwhileyouwereknockedout!"ThePidovestretcheditswingsandpuffedoutitschest.Wasittryingtointimidateme?

BlacklookeddownatTinyandblinked."Huh?Ah!White!You'reholdingyourPichunow!"

"HisnameisTiny.Andquitactinglikeit'ssuchabigdeal,"Imuttered.

"Andyounicknamedhim,too?!That'swonderful!Thatmeansyou'reoveryourfearofPokémonnow!"

"No."

"...No?"

"No."

"Well,whynot?"

Ireachedintomybagandpulledoutapieceofpaper,whichIheldoutinfrontofmybrother.ItwasalistofallthesortsoftypesofPokémon."I'mnotovermyphobiauntilIcanovercomemylogicalfearofeverysortofPokémon!AndI'mnotevenoverElectrictypesyetbecauseTinyisprettymuchharmless!"

"Harmless?HefriedthatLillipupBiancawantedtocatchwhenittriedtochewoffyourscrunchiewhileyouwereunconscious!"

"That'sanover-exaggeration,don'tchathink...?"Oshawottmumbled,lookingoutofthecornerofitseye."Itranoffwhenitgotalittlejolt."

"Thenagain,itisjustababyPokémon.AbabyPichuisnothingcomparedtoaPikachuorRaichuwhenitcomestoelectricalpower.SoIguessyou'rereallynotoverityet."Blackstartedtosmileagainandclappedahandonmyshoulder."Butyou'regettingthere!You'reholdingaPokémoninyourhands!That'sagreatstart!Butifyouwannagetbetter,youknowyouhavetoownatleast17Pokémonwithdifferenttypes"oratleastgetincontactwiththatmany.Giveortakethosewithtwotypes."

...17Pokémon.I'dhavetobeincontactwith17Pokémoninordertogetbetter...atmost.Istartedtoshakeatthethoughtandfeltmyheartgetcaughtinmylungs.Blacksnappedhisfingersinfrontofme.WhenIthoughtIwouldfaint,IheardTiny

cooing.Iforcedmyselftogiveaweaksmile,althoughIwasstillshaking."S-s-seventeenPokémon?Nosweat!I'llbeatthisthinginnotime!"Ordieoffrighttrying.

X-X-X

PleasereviewforthesakeofBluandPichu!

Chapter2

Forthosewhohaven'tbeenmadeaware,PokémonGrayhasbeenstartedoverasPokémonColdGray!Yeah,thereisn'tmuchofadifferenceinthischaptersavetowardstheend.Wereallywon'tbeseeinganynewlyaddedcontentforanothertwochapters,sobearwithme!

Disclaimer:BluRosedoesnotownPokémon,foritisthepropertyofGameFreak.AllIownarethecopiesofthegames.

X-X-X

PokémonFearChecklist

ElectricTypes:Capableofhurtingyouphysicallyandmentallywiththeirthunderattacks,ifnotkillyou.

NormalTypes:Usuallyhavegimmicksthattheycouldusetodeadlyadvantage.EX:ADittothatcantransformintoyouandtakeyourplace.

FightingTypes:Theycouldjustusetheirhandsandfeetandotherbodypartstobreakanordinarypersonintwo.

FlyingTypes:Theycandropyoufromabovewhileyou'reflyingthem.

PoisonTypes:Thenamesaysitall.Somecankillyoubyscentalone.

GroundTypes:Cancauseearthquakesorburyyouintheearth.

RockTypes:Eventheunevolvedonescancrushyou.

Bug:Annoyingcreepycrawliesthatcanslowlykillyouwhilebeingnuisances.

Ghost:Theycanpossessyouandmakeyoudobadthings.

Steel:SameasRocktypes,butsomecanbesharp.Sotheycancrushandsliceyoutodeath.

Fire:Allprettymuchcapableofburningyoutoacrisp.

Water:Candrownyouwithwateronland.

Grass:Cancausemultiplestatusailmentsandhurtyouwithplantlifeyouonce

thoughtharmless.

Psychic:Theycanusetheirmindstoattack...Enoughsaid.

Ice:Theycanfreezeyoutodeathandthenshatteryoutoaddmorehurttoit.

Dark:Naturallyplaydirtybeforetheyoffyou.Theytendtoblendinatnight,too,sothey'reanocturnalthreat.

Dragon:Prettymuchinvulnerabletoalmosteverything.Andtheyoftengrowuptobelarge.Scary...!

X-X-X

~DreamingofMunna~

OR!

~Plasbad!TeamPlasmaAppears!~

"Lillipup,tackleit!"Ayoungboyexclaimed,andhisLillipupranforward,loweringhisheadinhischarge.

"Thishashappenedbefore,Oshawott!Youknowwhattodo,buddy!"BlacktoldhisOshawott.

"Youknowit!"OshawottpulledofftheshellonhischestandusedittostriketheLillipupinthehead,stoppingitsattack.

"NowuseWaterGun!"TheotterPokémontookadeepbreathbeforespurtingoutasmallstreamofwaterpowerfulenoughtosendthedogPokémonflyingbacktowardsitsmaster'sfeet.

"Ah!Lillipup!Saysomething!"Theboy'sLillipupsimplyspatupwaterlikeafountaincenterpiece."No...!"

"Youdidit!"Blackexclaimed,pickingupOshawottandspinningaround."You'rethebest!"

"Withoutadoubt!"Oshawottsaidwithasmile.

TinyandIhadbeenstandingonthesideoftheroadeversincethebattlestarted.Itwasn'texactlythatlong,though,sincethekidonlyhadonePokémon.

"Ican'tbelieveIlost!"Theyoungstercried,returninghisPokémontoitsPokéBall.

"Don'tcryoverit!Everyexperiencecounts,winsandlosses!Whatmattersisthatyoulearnfromitandtrainharder,"Blacktoldtheboy."Italsohelpsifyoudon'thaveonlyonePokémon.Unlessthere'sarefereeorsomethingthatsayswhatamountwecanuse,IcoulduseallofmyPokémonandtireyourlittleLillipupout."

"He'sreallyactinglikeheknowshisstuff,buthe'sasmuchofanewbieasthatkid..."Imumbledflatlyastheboywalkedinthedirectionwecamefrom,probablytogettothePokémonCentertohealhisLillipup.BlackreturnedOshawottbackintohisPokéBallandwalkedovertomewithagrin."Shouldyoureallybesmilingknowingyoujustcrushedachild?"

"Iwouldn'tsayIcrushedhim...Andanyway,Pokémontrainersaren'tdefinedbyage!"

"Yeah,yeah.Saythattothelegalagelimit."Imuttered,rollingmyeyes."Canwepleasegetgoing?ThesoonerwegettoStriatonCity,thebetter."

"What'stherush?Beingoutontheopenroadispartofatrainer'slife!"Ipointedupatthesky,whichwasfilledwithgatheringgrayclouds.Blackflinchedatthesightoftheclouds."Oh...Well,Iguessthat'snotgood."

"Exactly.AndI'mtheoneholdinganElectricTypePokémonwholeaksoutelectricity!"InoticedthatBlackwasstaringdown."What?"

"Don'tlookdown."

"Why?"

"Ifyoudo,you'llscream."

Isuddenlyflinchedandfeltmybloodruncold."Wh-why?"

"There'saPokémonstandingrightnexttoyou."Assoonasmybrothersaidthat,Igaveascreamandranbehindhim,peekingoverhisshoulderashepulledouthisPokédextoseewhatitwas.ItwasapinkPokémonwithayellowunderbelly,largeears,afurrywhitetailandclearblueeyes.Itwaseasilyrecognizable,soIdon'tknowwhyhebotheredtakingouthisPokédex."Audino,theHearingPokémon.It'saNormalTypeandhasincrediblehearingthat'salmostlikeradar!Becauseofthat,itrarelyeverappearsbeforepeoplebecauseitrunsawayattheslightestsoundofthem."

"Thenwhytheheckdiditdecidetopopupnexttome?!"Icouldn'thelpbutwhineasTinytooktheopportunitytoclimbontopofBlack'sshoulder.

"HowamIsupposedtoknow?Audinoarefriendlyeventhewild,somaybeitlikesyou."Hethenlookedatme."Say,whynotcatchit?"

"What?!"

"Youhavealist,right?Well,Audino'saNormaltype.Ifyoucanbondwithit,you'llgetoveryourfearofNormaltypes,right?Andbesides,it'stoogirlyandcuteformetocatch..."

"Trainersshouldn'tbebiased,Black!Sojustcatchit!"Ihissed,glaringatmybrotherdespitethepitinmystomach.

"JustsuckitupandcatchthatAudino!"

IgulpedandstaredattheAudino.IwonderedifitcouldhearmyheartbeatingasfastasaherdofrunningZebstrikainathunderstorm.IpickedupTinywithshakinghandsandwalkedback,almostroboticallyasIputhimdownontheground.HelookedupatmeinconfusionbeforeIpointedattheAudino."G-goget'em,Tiny!"

"Mommy?"

"W-well?Attackit!Please?Saveme!"Icouldn'thelpspeakinginashrillvoice.

"At...tack?"Afterafewseconds,heseemedtorealizewhatIwantedhimtodoandranforward,assumingwhatIguesswashisbattleface.

"A-alright.Um...UseCharmittoloweritsguard!"Icommanded.IwassurprisedwhenheactuallydidwhatIsaid.HestartedwavinghisarmscutelyintheairandgavetheAudinobig,puppydogeyes.TheAudinoapproachedTinyand,withasmilethathiditstrueviolentnature...pattedthePichuonthehead.ItseemedlikeCharmmanagedtodistractit."NowzapitwithThunderShock!"Tinytookadeepbreathandconcentrated.

"Ch...CHUUUUUU!"ItgeneratedanelectriccurrentintheformofasingleboltthatmadetheAudinofallbackontoitstail,dazedfromtheshock.

"W-whoa!I'mgratefulthathasn'thappenedtomeyet!"Yet?Ididn'twantthattohappentomeatall!

"What'reyoudoing?UseaPokéBallonitwhileit'sstunned!"Blacktoldme.

"ButIdon'thaveany!"

"Areyouserious?!WhogoesonaPokémonjourneywithoutPokéBalls?"Iglaredatmytwinbrother,silentlyremindinghimthatmyjourneycamefromouttanowhere.Blacksighedandreachedintohisownbag.HepulledoutanemptyPokéBallandtossedittome."Here.Throwit,quick!"

Ididashesaid.IthrewthePokéballandwatchedasithittheAudinosquareintheheadbeforeturningitintopureenergyandsealingitinsideoftheball.Itshookonce...twice...threetimes...andthenthelittlelightinthemiddlefadedawaytosymbolizethatIhadcaughtthePokémon.

"Youknow,youreallyneedtobemorepreparedforthisjourney.BeforewedoanythinginStriaton,let'sgotothePokémonCentersowecanhealourPokémonandbuyyousomegear."

"Yeah,yeah,"IbrushedmybrotheroffasIranovertoTiny.Hewassittingontheground,exhaustedfromexpendingallthatenergy.Ipickedhimupoffthegroundandcuddledhim,temporarilyforgettingmyfearofbeingshockedtocongratulatehim."Youdidgreat,littleguy.Youexhausted?"

"Chuuu..."Hewhinedagain,pouting.Islippedhiminsideofmybagsohecouldrest.AlthoughItoldmyselfthatIwouldn'tdothatagaintokeephimsafe,Ifiguredhecoulduseabreak.

IbentoverandpickeduptheAudino'sPokéBall."Now,whatshouldInameyou...?"

X-X-X

AssoonaswegottoStriatonCity,ithadstartedtorain.BlackandIranintothePokémonCenterforshelterbeforetheraingotheavier.AfterhealingourPokémonatthefrontdesk,BlackdecidedtogoandbuysomepotionsandPokéBallsforthetwoofuswhileIsatonachairstaringattheAudino'sPokéBall.TinysatonmylapeatinganOranberry,payingnomindtomyfrightenedexpression.

WhywasIfrightened?Well,IcouldblameNforthat.HislittlelectureonhowitmustfeelforPokémontostayinsideofPokéBallsmademeworryabouthowtheAudinowouldfeelaboutbeingcaptured.Tryingtoresistthefear,IpressedthebuttononthedeviceandwatchedastheAudinowasreleasedinaflashoflightbeforeme.IsworeIwouldfaintasitlookedupatme.Ittookawhiletorealizethatitwasn'tglaring...butstaringcuriously.

"Um...H-hi?"

TheAudinowalkedclosertome,tallenoughtoreachpastmyknees.Itsearstwitchedbeforeitspokeup."Yourheartbeatsoundsoff,"itspoke,itsvoiceremindingmeofakind,olderwoman."Whoareyou,miss?"

Miss?"I'mnotamiss.I'mWhite.AndI'm...yourowner.Iguess."

Shetiltedherheadcuriously."Owner?Oh!Youmeanyou'remytrainer!Iusedtohaveoneofthose...Untilshesetmefreetoday."

Iblinked."Shesetyoufree?Whatfor?"IknewtherewereabunchofreasonswhytrainersreleasedtheirPokémon"becausetheywereweak,becausetheycouldn'taffordit,becausetheyweren'tgettingalong...

"Shesaidshewasdoingitformyhappiness.Itriedgoingbacktoher,butshekeptcryingandtellingmetoleave,soIleft.ButIdidn'tknowwhereIwassupposedtogo."TheAudinolookeddownatthegroundsadly."ButwhenIheardyourheartbeat,Ithoughtitwasher.Ithoughtshe'dcometotakemebackhome."

"Oh.Well...I'msorryforgettingyourhopesuplikethat."

"Bytheway,yourheartstartedbeatingveryfastwhenIcameclosertoyou.Areyoualright?Doyouneedmedicalattention?"TheAudinoasked,soundingconcerned.

"N-no!I'mjust...afraidofyou..."Isqueaked,rubbingthebackofmylegwithmyfoot.

"Afraid?"TheAudinosteppedback,seeminglycautious."DoI...offendyou,MissWhite?"

"N-no!Notoffendpersay!I'mjust...afraidofPokémon!But!ButI'mworkingonit.WithTiny!Andyou,Ihope.Imean,unlessyou'dratherhaveyouroldtrainerback..."

ThepinkPokémonsmiledatmeandtiltedherhead."Butsheletmego.EvenifIwentback,shewouldn'twantmeanyway."Thewayshesaidthatmademecringe.Itsoundedsoobviousthatshewasfaking.IrememberedthethingsNandthatweirdguybackinAccumulaTownsaidaboutfreeingPokémon.ThisAudinodidn'tseemtobeenjoyingherfreedom.Infact,shemissedhertrainer."Besides,I'mworriedaboutyourhealth."

"...Saywhatnow?"

"Allthatincreasedactivityinyourheart,goingbackandforthbetweennormalandfastcouldbeasignofpoorhealth.AndI'dbetorntopiecesifyoufellill.Soconsidermeyours,MissWhite.Wouldyouliketogivemeaname?"

Ifrowned.IguessthisPokémonwasjustpolitebynature."Um...Whatdidyouroldtrainercallyou?"Foramoment,Isawhereyesreflectsadnessbeforetheywentbacktobeingcheerful.

"Pleasedon't.Whenmyownerreleasedme,allthingsrelatingtoherwereremovedfromme.Includingthenameshegaveme.Givemeanewname.Please."ItsoundedliketheAudinowantedtoforgetabouthertrainerasmuchasthetrainerwantedtoforgetabouther.Itwaskindofsad,really,howitwastryingtogetridofthepainwithmeasareplacement.I'msurprisedthatIwasn'toffended.Orfainting.GuessIpitiedittoomuchtobeafraid.

"Well,um...HowaboutPanacea?Doesthatsoundgoodtoyou?"

"That'saverynicename,MissWhite!"

Igaveasmallsmile,feelingabitmorecomfortablearoundher."Please,callmeWhite..."IheardsomeonecleartheirthroatandlookeduptoseeBlackstandingbehindPanaceawithbothofourbagsinhishands.

"Um,White?Idon'tmeantoberude,butsomeofthepeopleherearestaringatyou,"hesaid,pointinghisheadatthetrainersstandingatthefrontcounter.

Iblushedfromembarrassmentandhidmyfaceinmyhands.ItwasonethingforapersontospeaktotheirPokémon,buthavingconversationswiththemmakesyoulooklikeanutcase."Great...NowIlooklikeatotalweirdo...!"Imutteredtomyself.

"Mopeaboutyourweirdnesslater.I'vegotagymtochallenge!"Mybrotherexclaimed,pumpingafistintheair."LetthisbeknownasthedaythatBlackKetchumdefeatedthefirstgymandtrulybeganhisjourney!"

Irecoveredfrommyembarrassmentandgavehimaflatlook."Youdon'tevenknowifyou'regonnawin."

"Iwilltoo!I'llshowyou!"

X-X-X

SeveralminuteslaterinfrontoftheStriatonGym,Blackwasonhiskneeswithallthecolordrainedfromhisfeatures."No...way!Whydidthishavetohappen?!"

IrolledmyeyesasTinylaiddownonmyhead,staringatBlack'soverdramaticbreakdown."Stopwhining.It'sjustclosedfortheday."Andhonestly,Ididn'tblamethem.Bythetimetherainwasover,itwasalreadyfivepastsix.Thesunhadalready

gonedownandthestreetlightswereon.Thegymleadershadprobablygonehometosleep."Didyoureallythinkgymswereopen24/7likeinthegames?Thisisreallife,Black,andgymleadersarehumanswithneeds."Blackcontinuedtomoan."Wouldyoupleasepickyourselfupofftheground?Idon'twanttobeseenwithyouinthisstate."

"Hey!"Afamiliarvoicemadebothofuslookoverourshoulders.TherewasBianca,runningtowardsusandwavingherhand."Hi,guys!"

"Bianca!Didyoujustgethere?"Blackaskedwithanarchedeyebrow,stillontheground.

Whenshegotcloser,Biancashookherhead."Nope.We'vebeenhereallday,checkingoutthesights."Shespunaroundononefootandheldherarmsout,eyesseeminglysparkling."Isn'tthisgreat?!Youdon'tseethingslikethisinNuvemaTown!They'veevengotafountainwithcutetopiaryPokémonandaschoolfortrainers!"

"Atrainerschool,huh?Wait,whatdidyoumeanby'we'?"

"Iseeyouguysgotstuckwaitingforthegymtoopen,too."LookingoverBianca'sshoulders,wesawanannoyedCherenwalkingtowardsus."Didyouhavetogorunningofflikethat?It'sdangeroustodothatinabigcityatnight."

"Aw,I'llbeokay!IcangoanywheresolongasIhavemyPokémonatmyside!"Biancathenlookedatme."Hey,you'vegotyourPichuonyourheadnow!Iguessyou'reallbetternow."

"Uh...Just1/17thsbetterthanIwasinthemorning."Atthosewords,myblondefriendstaredatmeinconfusion.

"Shemeansthatshe'sonlynotafraidaroundoneoftheseventeentypesofPokémon.Electrictype,right?"Cherenguessedcorrectly.

"Oh.Well,maybeabattlewouldhelp!"TheblondegirlreachedintohertravelingbagandpulledoutaPokéball."GoLillipup!"Shethrewtheballandinaflashoflight,aLillipupappeared,yawning.

"Whattimeisit...?"Thepuppyyawned.Atthesightofme,itbegantoyipandIfeltfeargripmeoncemore.

"Wedon'thavetimeforabattle,remember?ProfessorFenneltoldustogototheDreamyardandgetsomeDreamMistfromthere,"Cherentoldtheblondegirlandshereturnedittoitsball.

"ProfessorFennel?Dreamyard?DreamMist?What'reyouguystalkingabout?"Iasked.

Atthatpoint,Blackfinallydecidedtostandup."YoumeanthatfriendProfessorJunipertoldusaboutbeforeweleft!"Whendidthathappen?Oh.ProbablywhileIwasunconscious."Isthatwhatsheneededusfor?Togetthis'DreamMist'?"

"Butwhat'sDreamMist?"Iaskedwithanarchedeyebrow.

"AccordingtoProfessorFennel,DreamMistisgivenoffbythePokémonMunnaandMusharna.SheneedsittostudythedreamsofPokémon,"Cherenexplained.

"Theirdreams?"Apartofmedidn'twanttoknowwhatsortofthingsPokémondreamedabout.But,asexpected...

"Wow!IwonderwhatPokémondreamabout?"...Blackwasthrilledbytheidea.

"Ifwhatshesaidwastrue,youcanuseDreamMisttoseeintoanyone'sdreams,"Cherenadded.

"S-seriously?ToomanyPsychictypePokémoncandothatontheirown,andnowyou'resayingthatpeoplecanprobablydoitwiththisstuff...?"Ispokeoutloud.

"Itisn'tasifit'saneasythingtodo.Youneedtohavespecificequipment,likewhatProfessorFennelhas,inordertomakeitwork.

"Hey,canwecomewithyouguys?IwannacatchaMunnaformyself!"SaidBlack.

"What?!"Iexclaimedinshock.

"Yeah.AMunnawouldbeagoodadditiontomyteamsincetheonesIalreadyhavearemainlyphysicalfighters.Andifyoucaughtone,you'dgetoveryourfearofPsychictypes!"

"Uh...No."IthinkI'llwaitforaPokémonthatcan'tshowoffmydreamsinpublic!

"Whateverhappenedtotryingtoovercomeyourfears?"

"I'llovercomemyfearswithadifferentPokémon!"

Bianca'seyessuddenlylitup."Oh!Ihaveanidea!"Sheexclaimedassheraisedherhand."Whydon'tweseewhocancatchaMunnafirst?SplittingupwouldbethefastestwaytogetsomeDreamMist,Ithink."

"Countmeout.I'mnotlookingforaMunna.It'djustbeawasteoftimeandPokéBalls,"saidCheren.

"You'rejustafraidI'llbeatyouandfindonefirst,"Blacksaidwithagrin.Asexpected,thedark-hairedboyflinchedandgavemybrotherasharp-eyedlook.

"IbetIcanfindonefirst."

"You'reon!"

"Wellcountmeout.Iwantnothingtodowiththis,"Itoldthethreeofthem,foldingmyarmsacrossmychest.

X-X-X

Severalminuteslater,Ifoundmyselfintheruinsofabuildingthatlookedlikeitexploded,walkingthroughtallgrasswithBianca.BlackandCherenhadgoneseparateways,eachclaimingthathe'dfindaMunnafirst.

"HowdidIgethere?Seriously,it'slikeyouthreecanpullmeintothesesituationsIwantnothingtodowithwithoutmeevenknowing!"IcomplainedforwhatfeltlikethehundredthtimesincecomingtotheDreamyard.

AtleastBiancawasn'tcomplainingaboutmycomplaininglikeBlackorCherenwould.Butthenagain,maybeshewasjustputtingmoreeffortintofindingaMunna.Shealwaysseemedtodothatwhenevershefocusedonsomething"sometimesridiculouslyso.

TheblondegirlsuddenlystoppedwalkingandIbumpedintoher.Tinyalmostfelloffofmyhead,butclungonfordearlife."Oh?IthinkIhearsomething!"

"CoulditbethedreadedMunna?"

"Nowthat'snotnice!Callingit'dreaded'..."Biancastilledoncemore."Thereitisagain!"Shepointedovertoawallthathadaholeinit."It'scomingfrombehindthere..."ShetiptoedovertothewallandI,beinghertemporarysidekick,followed.Weheardwhatsoundedlikeamanandwomangrunting.Bianca'sfaceturnedredandshehidherfaceinherhands."Ohhh,we'reeavesdroppingonacoupleonadate...!"

"P...please...stop...!"Ifrozeatthesoundofathirdvoice.Whatkindoffreakythingwerethosepeopledoing?!

"White!Didyouhearthat?ItsoundedlikeaMunna!"Biancasaidwithasmile."But...itcamefrombehindthewall.Ohdear...Ihopewedon'thavetointerruptthatcoupleandtheir...whatever."

Munna?WasthethirdvoicetheMunna?But...itsoundedlikeitwasinpain...Curious,Ipeeredthroughthehole,ignoringBianca'scomplaintsofbeingapervert.IlookedarounduntilInoticedamanandwomandressedinknightgetups.Wait.Theyseemedfamiliar.

"Comeon!MakesomeDreamMist!"Themangruntedasheandthewomancontinuedtokicksomethingontheground.IlookeddownandnoticedthattheywerekickingasmallpinkPokémonwithapurplefloralpattern.CouldthathavebeenaMunna?

"Please...stop...!I'llmakeDreamMist...!Juststop...kickingme...!"ThePokémonwhimperedwithtearswellingupinitsbigredeyes.

"...Bianca.DidyouhearaMunnajustnow?"Iasked,myhandssubconsciouslyballingupintofists.

"Yeah...Why?"Ipressedmyfingeruptomylipsandpointedatthehole.Biancalookedinsideandgaspedatwhatshesaw.Theblondegirl'seyesbegantowater,butthelookinthemwasoneofangerinsteadoffear.ShepulleddownherhatbeforesheranaroundthewalltoconfrontthePlasmamembers."STOP!Don'tyoudarehurtthatPokémon!"SheshoutedasIcaughtuptoher.

"Whatthe"!Oh,it'sjustapairofkids,"thewomanknightsaidwithalookofirritation."Look,youtwo!WearehereforthesakeofTeamPlasma!"

Iblinked."TeamPlasma?TheguyswhoweretalkingaboutthatPokémonliberationstuff?"

"That'sright!WiththeaidofthisMunnaanditsDreamMist,we'llbeabletoconvincetrainersalloverUnovatoreleasetheirPokémonbymanipulatingtheirdreams!"

"Lemmegetthisstraight:ontheroadtohelpingoutPokémon,you'regoingtokickadefenselesslittlePokémonsoitcangiveyousomethingtoforcepeopletoreleasetheirPokémon?"IaskedasIbentoverandpickeduparockfromtheground.Isuddenlythrewitandithitthemanintheface.Iwasaimingforthewoman'ssmirkingface,butmyaimwasoff.Iignoreditandcontinued,"Youguysareabunchofhypocrites!Idon'tcareifyouwannaliberatePokémon!Ifyou'regonnahurtthewildonesintheprocess,howcanyousayyou'reintheright?!"

ThemalePlasmaheldontothebruiseonhisforeheadandglaredatme."Youlittle...!Youdon'tknowwhoyou'remessingwith!WefightforthesakeofPokémon!"

"Ifyou'refightingforPokémon,whydoyouhurtthem?"Biancaasked,lookingdownattheinjuredMunna."ThatpoorMunnamightgiveyouDreamMistifyouwerenicertoit...Youdidn'thavetohurtit!"

"Isn'titobvious?It'saPsychictype.Itcouldprobablytellthatthesecreepsweren'tthesortofpeopleitshouldgiveDreamMistto!"Iwasfeelingempowerednow.Icouldn'trememberthelasttimeIfeltso...bold.Sostrong.Iwasn'tevenafraidoftheMunna"Iwasmoreconcernedforitswellbeing.

"Littlekidsshouldlearntostayoutofgrownups'business!"ThewomanshoutedasshepulledoutaPokéBall.Whenshethrewit,itreleasedadarkpurplefelinewithpinkarounditsturquoiseeyes"aPurrloin.Themandidthesame,onlyhesentoutabrownrodent-likePokémonthathadlargeredeyesandchubbycheeks"aPatrat.BiancaimmediatelypulledoutherPokédextoidentifythem.

"Thepurpleone'saPurrloin.It'saDarktype.Theother'saPatrat,aNormaltype."BiancaputherPokédexbackintoherbagandthenpulledoutaPokéBall."Wecantake'emtogether,White!Go,Tepig!"ShethrewtheballandIwatchedasitreleasedanorangeandblackpiglet,whichbegantobounceupanddown.

"What'rewedoing?What'rewedoing?"TheTepignoticedTeamPlasmaandcalmeddown."Ohhh...We'reinafight.I'mraringtogothen!"TheTepigproclaimed,rubbinghishoofagainstthedirtanxiously.

Itookabreath.Ididn'twantTinygoingupagainstthePokémonofcreepswhoweredirtyenoughtokickaMunna.NottomentionthatPurrloinlookedlikeitcouldeathimupwhole.Soinstead,IpulledoutPanacea'sPokéBallandreleasedhernexttoBianca'sTepig.

"Iampreparedforbattle,MissWhite!"

"You'regonnapayforwhatyoudid,girl!"ThemalePlasmagoonshouted."Patrat,LeerandBite!"

"Roger!"ThePatrat'seyesseemedtoglowforamomentasitstaredatPanacea.TheAudinoflinched,turnedoffbytherodent'sstare,andinthebriefmomentitjumpedforwardandbitPanaceaonthearm.

"PunchitoffwithPound!"IorderedPanacea.SheglareddownatthePatratandgaveitabopontheheadhardenoughtomakeitletgoofher."Giveitablackeye!"

"Black...eye?"Panacearepeated,tiltingherheadinconfusion.

"Pounditintheeyesoitcanbedistracted!"

"Ohhhh!Okay!"TheAudinoballedupafistandpunchedthePatratintheeyeseveraltimes,thebrownrodent'sjawsclampingdowndeeperonhereveryfewseconds.PanaceacontinuedpoundingawayatthePatrat'sheaduntilonefinalblowknockeditout.Panaceafelltotheground,holdingontoherinjuredarm.

"PLASMAAAA!Ican'tbelieveIlosttoagirl!"ThemalegruntexclaimedashereturnedhisPatratintoitsPokéBall."Maybethere'sareasonwhywe'regruntsstill..."

"Hmph!Whatever!We'lljustcatchtheMunnaandgetitsDreamMistelsewhere!"ThefemalePlasmagruntsaidasshereturnedhersmokingPurrloin.

"No!Iwon'tletyouhurtitanymore!"BiancapulledoutaPokéBallandthrewitattheMunna.Inaflashoflight,itwascaughtintheballandstoppedshakingafterafewseconds.SheimmediatelyranforwardandpickedupthePokéBall."It'sokay,Munna...Theywon'tbeabletocatchyoulikethis!"

ThePlasmagruntsglaredatus."Whyyoulittle...!DoyouknowhowlongittookusjusttofindoneMunna?Ifyouknowwhat'sgoodforit,you'llhandoverthatMunnatous!"

"No!"

"Youfools."ThePlasmacreepssuddenlyfrozeandturnedaroundtoseeGhetsisstandingbehindthem.Therobedmanhadonafrighteningexpressionashestaredatthem"Youhavefailedinyourmission.Whatashame.Returntothebaseimmediately,leastyouincuraharsherpunishmentthantheoneawaitingyou..."

Themalegruntlookedatthefemale,sweating."It'sSageGhetsis...!"

"Hesoundsserious...!"Thefemalespoke."DoIwanttoknowhowhegotheresofast?"

"Whocares?!Let'sgobeforewegetinmoretrouble!Consideryourselveslucky,youbrats!"ThePlasmaGruntexclaimedbeforetheybothranpastthetwoofusinfearofGhetsis.

Assoonastheyweregone,Ghetsisfadedawaylikeamirage,andinhisplacewasafloatingPokémonthatlookedjustlikeMunna,butlargerandwithshorttrunk.

"Ohhhh...!Isthat...!"Biancaexclaimed,holdingoutherPokédex.Shegaveanod."White,it'saMusharna!ProfessorFennelsaidit'stheevolvedformofMunna,soitcanalsomakeDreamMist!Butitevolvesinaspecialway,soseeingoneinthewild'sarareevent!Andwe'relookingatonerightnow!"

"Musharna...Whydiditdothatillusion?"Imumbled.ThelargepinkPokémonremainedsilentasitstaredatus.ThebraveryandboldnessIfeltearlierhadwornoffandIwasbacktocoweringbehindBianca."Wh-whyisitlookingatuslikethat?It'snotgonnatryandattackus,isit?"TheMusharnastaredatusforawhilelongerbeforeitfloatedaway,disappearingintothetallgrass."...Couldit...havebeentryingtohelpus?"

"No..."BiancalookeddownatthePokéBallinherhands."IthinkitwastryingtohelptheMunna."ShestaredattheballuntilsheopeneditandtheMunnaappearedinfrontofherinaflashoflight.Itfloatedawayfromher,stillwaryafteritsexperiencewithTeamPlasma.

"D-don'thurtme...!"Itwhimpered.Itflinchedvisibly,stillinjuredbecauseofthosejerks.

"Iwon'thurtyou,littleMunna!I...onlywanttomakeyoufeelbetter."Biancareachedintoherbagandpulledoutaspraybottleofpotion.SheapproachedtheMunna,kneltdownnexttoit,andbegantosprayitsinjuriesuntiltheyhealed."See?Doesn'tthatfeelbetter?"Shesaidwithasmile.

"Th...thankyou..."

"I'mgladyou'reokay.Youshouldneverpickonsomeonetogetsomethingfromthem"andthatincludesPokémon,too!"

"...Y'know,Bianca'snothinglikethosecreepsthattriedtohurtyou.She'stoonicetohurtanyone,humanorPokémon,"Isaidwithanervoussmile."M-meeither,bytheway.So,evenifyoudon'tgiveusanyDreamMist,wewouldn'thurtyouliketheydid."IflinchedastheMunnaglancedinmydirection,butrelaxedwhenitturneditsattentionbacktoBianca.

ItlightlynudgedthePokéBallinBianca'shand.Hereyesbrightened."Doesthismeanyouwantmetobeyourtrainer?"Itgavewhatcouldcomeoffasanodforitskind."Oh,youhavenoideahowhappyIam!White!IhaveaMunna!AMunnaofmyveryown!"

Isighed."That'snice,Bianca..."IlookeddownatPanaceaandsmiled."Youdidgreat.Butyouhavetogobackinside,okay?"Shenoddedwithoutawordbeforeshe

returnedintomyPokéBallinaflashoflight.IpickedTinyupoffmyheadandnoticedthathewasstartingtonodoff."Feelingsleepy?Well,Idon'tblameyou.It'sbeenacrazyday,huh?Andthisisjustthebeginning..."

Tinyyawnedbeforesnugglinguptomychest."Mommy..."

"G'night,littleguy.Pleasantdreams..."Imumbledwhilelookingupatthesky.IforgotalltheangerIheldtowardsTeamPlasmaandtheirmethodstowardsPokémonliberation.Forthemoment,allIcaredaboutwasgettingtheDreamMistbacktoFennelandhittingthehay.

X-X-X

"Ahhh~!Thankyouallsomuchforhelpingme!"ProfessorFennelswoonedwithdelightoncewereturnedtoherapartment/lab.Itwasmyfirsttimemeetingtheprofessor,butforsomereason,Iwasn'tsurprisedtoseethatshewasayoungwoman"BiancadidsaythatshewasafriendofProfessorJuniper'sfromcollege.ShehadlongdarkhairwithahairpininitlikeaMunna'sflowerpatternandworealabcoatwithblackframeglassesandsensibleshoes.Herreaction,though,wasnotwhatIexpected.UnlikeProfessorJuniper,whoatleasttriedtoshowsomeprofessionalism,ProfessorFennelsquealedlikeagiddyschoolgirlatthesightoftheMunnainBianca'sarms.

"It'sagoodthingBiancaactuallycaughtaMunna.NoneofusreallyknowhowtoextractDreamMistfromitanyway,"saidBlack.

"Biancatriedtodoit,allitdidwasputhertosleep,"Cherenadded.

"Ah,true.Withouttheproperequipment,themistwouldonlymakeyoufallasleep,"Fennelexplained."Iprobablyshould'vetoldyouthatbeforeIsentyouofflikethat,huh?"

"Probably?!Theyusethatstuffsotheycaneatdreams!That'sthesortofthingthatleavesapersonpsychologicallyscarred!"Ipointedout.

"Don'tsaythingslikethat,White!Munnawouldneverharmsomeonethatbadlyevenifshewashungry!AndthatoneMusharnausedittohelpus!"saidBianca.

"No,no,yourfriendisright.Thesituationhadachanceofbeingdangeroustoyourmentalhealth,andI'msorryforthat,"Fennelapologized,seeminglikeanactualprofessornow."NowIfeelasifIshouldgiveyousomethinginexchangefortherisk."

"Oh,youdon'thavetogiveusanything!"Blackspokeup."WedidthisforProfessorJuniperafterall.Though,uh...whatexactlyareyougonnadowiththatstuff?Aren'tthereeasierwaysofputtingpeopletosleep?"

"Oh,it'snotforputtingpeopletosleep!Well,itis,butthat'snotwhatI'mgoingtouseitfor.Pokémonprofessorsperformresearchindifferentfields.MyfieldisPokémononeirology,butIalsostudytrainerslikeyourselves."

"Oni-whatnow?"

"Dreams.Shestudiesdreamsandtrainers...SoIguessyou'reintopsychologyorsomething?"Iasked,archinganeyebrow.

ProfessorFennelsmiledandnodded."Youcouldsaythat.DreamMisthasthepowertomakedreamsintoreality.Withit,IcanbetterobservethedreamingprocessofsleepingPokémon.Itmightleadtoamajorbreakthroughinthestudyofdreams!Soifthere'sanythingIcandoforyou,justletmeknow!Ioweyouone!"

X-X-X

Severalminuteslater,thefourofuswerewalkingthroughthestreetsofStriatonCitytowardsthePokémonCenter.

"Thisisgonnabeweird,spendingthenightinaPokémonCenter,"saidBianca."IhopeI'llbeabletofallasleep."

"Well,Whitewasabletosleepjustfinethisafternoon,"Blacksaidasheplacedhishandsbehindhishead.

Cherenshotmybrotheralook."Becauseshefainted.AreyouinsinuatingthatBiancashouldfainttogettosleepaswell?"

"No,Iwasn't!"

"MaybeIcoulduseMunnatohelpmegettosleep?Wouldsheminddoingthatforme?"Biancaseemedtobethinkingoutloud.

IcringedatthethoughtoflettingaPsychictypePokémonnearmewhileIslept.Actually,Iwouldn'tbeabletosleepifthatactuallyhappened."Idon'tthinkthat'ssuchagoodidea"

"Itmightbecomeaddicting,"saidCheren,"liketakingsleepingmedicine.Youwouldn'tbeabletogotosleepwithoutMunna'shelp,evenifyouwantedto."

"R-really?Well,Iguessthatshouldbeexpected."Biancasuddenlystoppedwalking."Ijustthoughtsomething:wemightnotseeeachotherforalongtime."

TherestofusstareatBiancainconfusion."Whatbroughtthisupallofasudden?"

"Justathought.Unova'sabigregion,y'know.Wemightwindupgoingtodifferentplaces,farawayfromeachother.Wewon'tbeabletohangoutlikethisanymore..."

"So?Ithappenstoeveryone.That'sjustapartoflife,"Cherenansweredabittoobluntly,becauseBiancastartedtolookdownsadly.

Black,however,wasquicktotryandfixthesituation,"Whathemeansisthatevenifwearen'ttogether,wecanstilltalktoeachotherwithourXtransceivers!Soit'snotlikewe'regonnastopseeingeachother."

"Yeah,Iknow.Butitwon'tbethesame...Solet'spromisethatifwe'reinthesameplace,we'llgettogetherandhangoutlikeoldtimes!"Theblondegirlinsisted

"Shemakesitsoundlikeit'sbeenyearssincewe'veseeneachother,nothours,"thedark-hairedboymumbled.

"You,too,White!Evenifyoufaint,youhavetocomeandspendtimewithus!"I'mnotsureifit'spossibleforanunconsciouspersontomoveoftheirownfreewill,Bianca."Soit'ssettled!Bestfriendsforlife!"SheexclaimedbeforegivingBlackahigh-five.

Cherenlookedatme."Doesn'ttakemuchtomakethemhappy,doesit?"

"Yeah.Ikindaenvythat."

"Areyouguys,like,insultingusforbeinghappy?That'ssowrong!"Biancasaidwithahuff.

"Don'tpayattentiontothem,Bianca.They'rejustapairofGloomyGoomies,"Blacksaidashesmiled.

"Gloomy?!"Isnappedback.

"Yeah.Idon'tknowanyonewhocansayasmanydepressingthingsasyoudo,littlesister."

"Isaylogicalthings!AndIamnottheyoungertwin!Nowapologize!"Insteadofapologizing,Blackjustranpastme."Black!Getbackhere,youbrat!"IshoutedasIranpasthimwithCherenandBiancatrailingbehindme.

X-X-X

Notes!

Apanaceaisacure-allremedy,namedforthegoddessofuniversalremedyinGreekmythology.IfyouplayvideogameslikeRPGs(likeIdo),you'llrecognizeitasanitemthatusuallyhealsandrecoversstatusesandthelike.

X-X-X

ReviewforthesakeofBluandPichu!

Chapter3

Disclaimer:Idon'townthePokémonseries.Ionlyownthisfic.

X-X-X

~AMealandaBattle~

OR!

~VSTripleTrouble!~

ThefollowingmorninginthePokémonCenterstartedthewaymorningsathomedid:withBlackbuggingmebeforeIcouldeveneat.

"Comeon!Youknowyouwantto~!"Hetriedtotemptme.Ithrewmypillowathiminanger."Butit'sreallyfun!"Ithenthrewmybagathim,buthefelloveranddodged.HethenpokedhisheadupinfrontofthebedIhadbeensleepingon."ItcouldhelpyoubondwithyourPokémonmorethanjusttalkingtothem."IstaredathimbeforeIunpluggedthelamponthedeskandhelditovermyhead,growling.Hegaveashriekbeforeduckingdownbehindthebed.

"Fortheumpteenthtime,I'mnotgonnachallengeagym!"Ishouted.IwasgoingtothrowituntilPanaceaspokeupfromanotherbedwithTiny.

"MissWhite,ifyouthrowthat,you'regoingtogetintroublewiththestaff."

AfterIstoodinthatposeforafewseconds,Iputthelampdownandpluggeditbackintothewall.Itookadeepbreathbeforesaying,"There'sjustnopoint!Idon'twannabechampionofthePokémonlikeyouandCheren.I'monlyonthisjourneytogetbetter."NottomentionthatPanaceawasn'tmuchofafighterandTinywasstilljustababythatshockedhimself.AbattleagainstaskilledGymLeaderwouldprobablybetoomuchforthem.

"ButtrainersandPokémonbondduringbattle!IfyoucouldseethelookonOshawott'sfacewheneverhewinsabattle!Ifyoucould'veseentheshineinPidove'seyeswhenshedefeatedawildPurrloinlastnight!Throughbattlingothertrainers,Pokémonandtrainergrowcloserandtrustoneanothermore!Anditmakesthemstrongerforobstaclestocome!"Blackspokepassionately.

"PanaceaandTinyalreadytrustme!"

"Maybe,butwhatmakesyouthinkanyotherPokémonyoucatchinthefuturewill?"

Westartedtoglareateachotherfromacrosstheroom.Afterafewsecondsofsilence,Panaceaspokeupagain,"Youknow,MissWhite,I'veheardaboutGymLeadersonTV.TheyhavelotsofdifferenttypesofPokémon.IfyoufoughtaGymLeaderspecializinginatype,thenwouldn'tyougetbetteratfacingoneofthattypeinthewild?"

"...Youjusthadtomakesense,didn'tyou?"Igrumbled,lookingattheAudino.

"What?What'dshesay?"Blackasked,butIignoredhim.

"Youdon'treallywannafightaGymLeader,doyou?Imean...they'vefoughtagainstdozens,maybehundredsoftrainers,probably,andtheirteamcouldbealotstrongerthanyou!Forallyouknow,you'dbemassacred!"

"We'llneverknowunlesswetry.Anythingtogetbetter,right,MissWhite?"

Afterafewmomentsofshaking,Islumpedoverandsaid,"Fine,youwin."IwassayingittobothPanaceaandBlack,andtheybothsmiledintriumph.

"Iknewyou'dseethelight!"Mybrotherexclaimed."I'mgonnagogetdressed,andthenwecangoandgetbreakfast,andthengototheStriatonGym!"

"Yeah,yeah,yeah.Justputonsomepants..."Isaid,glaringathisheart-embroideredboxers.

X-X-X

Ashortwhilelater,wewerestandinginfrontofthedoorsoftheStriatonCityGym.IgulpedandheldTinyclosertome.Blackstraighteneduphishatandgrinned.

"Goingin?"Heaskedme."Youshouldgoinfirst,White.Imean,bettertogetitoverwithnowthanwaitheredreadingit."

"...YoujustwannausemetoanalyzetheGymLeader'smoves,don'tyou?"Iaskedflatly.

Blackflinchedatmyaccusation."O-ofcoursenot!Iwasjustbeingcourteous!Imean,ifyouthinkyouneedtowatchmetoseehowtododealwithagymbattle""Istompedmyfoot,silencinghim.

"Idon'tneedsomeonetoholdmyhandthroughabattle!Ididitonce!"

"AgainstawildPokémon,yeah.Butabattleagainstatrainerisdifferent.TrainerscanutilizestrategiesfortheirPokémontouseinbattle.Ifyouhonestlydon'tthink

you'reready,youdon'thaveto."

"What?Firstyouwereallgung-hotohavemefight,andnowyouaren't?I'llshowyouhowskilledIam!"...Meandmybigmouth.IwassofiredupthatIshovedthedoorsofthegymopen."Hey!I'mheretofighttheGym"Ah!"Iwassuddenlygrabbedbyseveralhandsandpulledfurtherinside.IblinkedandrealizedthatIwassomehownowsittingatatable."...Huh?"

"White!Areyou...okay?"Blacktrailedoffafterrunninginside.Hegavealowwhistleuponrealizingwhathadhappened.

Wewereinarestaurant.Andevenworse,therewerepeoplestaringatusfromtheirtables.Ifeltmycheeksturnbrightred.Howembarrassing!

"Goodmorning,miss!"Avoicespoke.Ilookedtomysideandsawaboywithshortgreenhairstandingleftofmyseat."Whatwouldyouliketoeatthismorning?"

"Today'sbreakfastmealspecialisbutteredcrumpetswithbaconandeggs,boiledorscrambled,"saidaboywithwild-lookingredhairwhowasstandingrightofmyseat.

"Orperhapsyouwouldliketoordersomethingelse.Ifthatisthecase,hereisamenu,"saidaboywithbluehairthatIhadn'tnoticedstandinginfrontofmeontheoppositesideofthetable,holdingoutamenu.

"Uh..."

"Ooh!Don'tmindifwedo,"saidBlack,sittingdownnexttome.Igavehimalookandinresponse,heshrugged."What?"

"Excellent.Wouldyoulikesomethingtodrinkwhileyouwait?"Theblue-hairedwaiter"atleast,Iassumedhewasawaiter"asked.

"I'llhave...someorangejuice."

"Andyou,miss?"

"...Water.Withice,"Ispokeslowly.Assoonasthewaitersleft,IgrabbedBlackbythecollarofhisjacketandbegantoshakehimviolently."Don'tmindifwedo?!We'reonaschedulehere,youknow!"

"Hey,breakfastisthemostimportantpartoftheday."

"Youalreadyhadbreakfast!"

Mybrothershruggedandopenedthemenu."Consideritbrunch,then."

X-X-X

Forthefollowinghalf-hour,weenjoyedamomentoffinediningthatwasn'tavailableinNuvemaTown.BlackandIateourso-called'brunch'whileourPokémonatewhatwassupposedlygourmetPokémonfood"withTinycharmingmeintogivinghimmyboiledeggwhenhewasdone.Despitethedeliciousnessofitall,eachbiteofacrumpetorpieceofbaconmademedreadtheupcomingbill.ButIremindedmyselfthatthiswasallBlack'sidea,sohewouldbetheonetopayforallofthis.Literally.

"Haveyoufinishedyourmeal?"Thegreen-hairedboyaskedashecameovertoourtable.

"Yeah,"BlackandIbothspokeatthesametimewithatoneofcontentment.

"Andhowdidyoufindit?Good?"

"Good?Itwasgreat!"Blackexclaimed.Hisreactionbroughtasmiletothegreen-hairedboy'sface."Iwishwecouldeatlikethisallthetime...It'sjustsomuchbetterthanthestuffatthePokémonCenter!"

"Maybeso,butit'salsomorecostly,"Ipointedout."Bytheway,you'repayingforallofthis."

"What?!Hey,youate,too!Atleastchipinforwhatyouate!"Mybrotherdugintohispantsandpulledoutasimplewallet.Helookedatthewaiter."Um,excuseme,butwhere'sthebill?"

"You'llreceiveitafterwe'vehadourbattle."Webothstaredathiminconfusionashecontinued,"YoutwoaretrainerswhocametochallengetheStriatonGym,right?Well..."Hesnappedhisfingersandallthelightsintherestaurantsuddenlywentout.Atrioofspotlightsshonedowninthemiddleoftherestaurantwherethethreegreen,redandblue-hairedwaitersstood."ComefacetheGymLeaders!"

Istared,dumbfounded."....Waitasecond!Ithoughtthiswasarestaurant,notaPokémonGym!AndhowcantheybeGymLeaderswhenthey'renoolderthanus?!"

"Whyareyousosurprisedaboutthat?Iftrainerscancomeinallshapesandsizes,thensocanGymLeaders,"Blackexplained."Ifanything,youshouldbesurprisedthattherearethreeoftheminsteadofone."

"SinceStriatonCityishometooneofthefinestPokémonschoolsinUnova,we

havethreeGymLeadersinordertotesttrainersbasedontheirstartingPokémon,"saidtheblue-hairedboy.

Thered-hairedboyheldoutaPokéBallandgrinnedlikeamadman."I'mChili,andIlightthingsupwithFiretype!"

Theblue-hairedboypulledoutaPokéBallandsimplysmirked."IamCress,andIdrownmycompetitionwithWatertype."

Thegreen-hairedboypulledoutaPokéBall,lookingmoresheepishthantheothertwoashesaid,"AndI'mCilan.I...justlikeGrasstypes."

"Andaswesaid,dependingonthestartingPokémonyoustartedwith,yougettofaceoneofus.ThosewhostartwithSnivyfaceChili.ThosewhostartwithTepigfaceme.AndthosewhostartwithOshawottfaceCilan,"Cressexplained.

"Wow.That'squiteasystem,but..."IheldupTiny."Ididn'treceiveaPokémonfromProfessorJuniper.IjusthavethisPichu."

ThetrioofGymLeadersstareduntiltheyturnedtheirbackstousandhuddledup,whisperingthingstoeachotherthatwecouldstillhear:

"WhattheheckisthatPokémon?!"

"It'saPichu.AnElectrictype,Ibelieve."

"Electrictype?!Isthatallowed?"

"There'snothingsayingapersoncan'tstartajourneywithaPokémonthatisn'toneofthethreestarters.Thoughitisashock"nopunintended."

"TherearenoElectrictypesnormallyfoundnearhere,andeventheonesthathavechallengedusfromfartherplacesneverhadanElectrictypeforastarter..."

"Trulyafirstforus."

"See?Iknewweshouldhavemoresiblingssothisgymwouldbetougher!"

"PleaseaskMotherthat,Chili.I'dlovetoseeherreactiontosucharequest..."

Afterthat,theirnextwordswerespokentoolowtobeheard.Whentheyweredone,thethreeGymLeadersturnedaroundtofaceus."Verywellthen.We'llacceptanElectrictype.Butfirst,whatPokémondidyoustartwith?"CressaskedBlack.

"AnOshawott."

"AWatertype.Verywellthen.Whoamongstyouwouldliketogofirst?"

"Me!"BlackexclaimedenergeticallyatthesametimeIpointedathim.

Thetriothenheldtheirhandsupintheairandsnappedtheirfingersinwhathadtobepracticedsynchronization.Acurtaininthefarbackofthegymsuddenlyopened,revealinganareathatwasseparatefromtherestaurant.StairsleddownintoarectangulararenawithanemptyPokéBallembleminthecenter.TheGymLeadersbegantowalk,gesturingforustofollowthemintothearena.Withinafewminutes,BlackandIwerestandingononeendofthearena,Cilanstoodattheotherend,andChiliandCressstoodonthesidelines.

"Therulesaresimple:aone-on-onePokémonbattle.TheonlyrequirementisthatyouusethePokémonyoubeganyourpathasatrainerwith,"thegreen-hairedGymLeaderexplained."Nowcomeout,Pansage!"HeheldouthisPokéBallandreleasedhisPokémon.Itwasasmall,green,monkey-likecreaturewithatuftofpaironitsheadthatlookedlikeaBrusselsproutandawidesmileonitsface.

Unexpectedly,BlackalreadyhadhisPokédexouttoscanit."Let'ssee...Pansage,theGrassMonkeyPokémon.Itdwellsdeepinforests.Theleavesonitsheadareknowntorelievestressandweariness,anditsharesthemwithotherPokémon.It'saGrasstype,sohe'sgotthetypeadvantage...Butthatdoesn'tmeanthey'regonnawin!"OshawottwasreleasedfromhisPokéBall,wearingawhiteheadbandwithforeignsymbolswrittenonitinred.

"...Black.WhatisyourPokémonwearing?"

"Agoodluckheadband!Thesymbolsstandforvictory!"MybrotherproclaimedwithanairofconfidenceashehelduptwofingersinaVsign.Wait,sincewhencouldhereadJapanese?

Oshawottpulledhisshelloffofhisbellyandhelditupintheair,afireburninginhiseyes."WewillbevictoriousonourfirststeptothePokémonLeague!"EitherthiswasjusthowtheWatertypewas,orBlack'spersonalityhadmanagedtoruboffonhimveryquickly.

"ALRIGHT!"Chilishoutedloudly,probablytocatchtheattentionoftherestaurantgoers."ThismatchwillbebetweenGymLeaderCilanandchallenger...um...What'syournameagain?"

"BlackKetchum."

"Right,right.ChallengerBlackKetchum!Ready...?Begin!"

"Pansage,startwithaWorkUp!"Cilancommanded.HisPansagebeganpumpingitsarmsintheair,almostasifitwereexercising.Itsbodysoonbecameenvelopedinanorangeauraanditspreviouslykindeyesbecamenarrowedwithdetermination."NowuseVineWhip!"Withashout,apairofthickvinessuddenlycameoutofthemonkeyPokémon'sgrassyhair.

"Dodgeandparry,Oshawott!"Blackexclaimed.Oshawottheldhisshelloutinfrontofhimashebegantodefendhimselffromthelashingvines.Althoughhedidknockthembackquiteabitoftimes,theWatertypecouldn'tdodgequicklyenoughtoavoidbeingslappedaboutbyvines.Eventually,theywrappedaroundOshawott'sbodyandraisedhimupintotheair.Thevinesseemedtotightentheirgrip,asOshawottgaveoutacryofpain.IsawBlacktenseupbeforeheissuedhisnextcommand,"UseWaterGun!Aimfortheeyes!"

OshawottstruggledinthegripofPansage'svinesbeforehetookadeepbreathandsprayedastreamofwaterfromhismouththathittheGrasstypeintheface.Whetherornottheattackwasdamagingdidn'tmatter,becauseitwasenoughtomakethePansagedropOshawottandretractitsvines."Ugh...!Thatwasnotfun!"

Pansageshookitsheadandspatoutsomewater."Well,thatwasrefreshing!Thankyou!"Itspokeinanalltoocheerfulvoice.

"Youwon'tbethankingmeinalittlewhile!...Ihope.Black?"TheotterPokémoncalledbackhopefully.

TheonewhospokeinsteadwasCilan."NowuseLick!"

"What'dhesay?!"OshawottcriedoutbeforePansagejumpedforwardandclosedthedistancebetweenthemquickly.Withease,thegreenmonkeypouncedontohisopponentandgavehimalickontheface.IfitwaspossibleforanOshawott,I'mprettysureallthecolorwould'vedrainedfromhisface.Aftersecondsofshockedsilence,Oshawottexploded."YUUUUUUUUCK!"HeheadbuttedthePansageinthefaceseveraltimesbeforeitfinallyrolledoffofhim.Hestartedtospitandtriedsprayingwaterupintotheairandwaitingfortheresultingdownpourtowashthespitoff.

Cilanworeaworriedexpression."Oh,no!Pansage,areyoualright?!"

"I'vegotaheadache...andIthinkIbitmytongue...!"HisPokémonmoaned,sittingonthegroundandholdinghishandsoverhismouth.

"DidOshawottjustlearnHeadbuttorsomething?"Blackasked,confused.

"Ithinkthatwasjustanormalreactiontoatongueintheface,"Ianswereddully.

"Well,whateveritwas,itlookslikeitreallyhurtPansage!Now'sourchancetogetontheoffensive!Oshawott,getitsattentionwithTailWhip!"

Oshawottsuddenlyturnedaroundandbeganshakinghistailinataunting,butcutemanner."Wott,wott,Osha-woooott~!"HisopponentseemedtoforgetaboutallhisinjuriesinaninstantandgotuptowalktowardstheWatertype.

"No,Pansage,don't!"Cilancriedoutinvain.HisPokémondidn'tlistentohimandinsteadcontinuedtogapeinaweofhisopponent'stail,until...

"ATTACK!"Oshawottimmediatelyspunaround,brandishinghisshell.Withacry,hestruckPansagewiththeflatsideoftheshell,puttingitinadaze."NowTackle!"JumpingbacktogainsomedistanceOshawottchargedatPansageheadfirst.Onimpact,themonkeyPokémonwentflyingbackandlandedontheground.Pansagetriedtositup,butfellbackdownwithagroan.

"ThevictorygoestoBlack!"Chiliproclaimed,pointinginBlack'sdirection.Behindus,alightapplausecamefromtherestaurantpatrons.BlackandOshawottbothblushedandsmiledlikeidiotsastheGymLeadersapproachedthem.

"Congratulationstobothofyou!You'veearnedthisbadge!"CilanhandedsomethingovertoBlack,whichmadehisstupidsmilegrowwider.Thegreen-hairedGymLeaderthenlookedmyway."Youwantedabattleaswell,right?"

"Werequestthatyoucomebacklater.CilanneedstohealhisPokémonfirstbeforeyoucanhaveyourmatch,"saidCress.

Ifrozeinplace.That'sright:Ididrequesttohaveabattlewiththeseguys,didn'tI?ButnowIdidn'tfeelsouptoit."A-actually,Ichangedmymind.Iwon'tbechallengingyoutoday.Sosorry,goodbye,"IspokequicklybeforeIspunonmyheelandleftthegym/restaurantbeforeIhadtosaymore.

X-X-X

"White!White!Willyoustoprunningawayfromme?"

"I'mnotrunningaway,I'mwalkingtowardsthewayoutoftown."

"YouknowwhatImean!Nowjuststop!"Blackgrabbedmyarmandstoppedme

frommovingforward.IcametorealizethatwewereinanunfamiliarpartofStriaton"notthattherewasmuchofthetownthatwasfamiliartome.Isighed,anticipatinghowhewasgoingtoreact."Whatwasthedealatthegymaboutnotchallengingthemtoday?Ithoughtweallagreedthatwewouldbothchallengethegym.OrdidyoujustagreesoI'dstopbuggingyou?"

"Yes."BlackfrownedandIfrownedback."I'llagreewithyouthatbattlingothertrainersisonewayofgettingalongwithyourPokémon.Butthatdoesn'tmeanIhavetogochallengingpeopleasskilledasGymLeaders"especiallywhentherearehundreds"no,thousandsoftrainersintheworldforeveryoneGymLeader!SoIdon'thavetodowhatyouwantmetodo,Black."

"...You'rejustachicken."

Inarrowedmyeyes."Ihavecommonsense.InafightbetweenanewbornPichuwithanovicetrainerandaskilledGymLeaderwithawell-trainedPansage,whoismorelikelytowin?It'sprettyobviousthatIwouldn'twin."

"Thentrainhim!It'stheonlywayhe'sgonnagetstronger!"Withoutwaitingformetoagreeorrefuse,mybrothergrabbedmyhandandstartedtodragmealongwithhim."Soallwehavetodoisfindtrainersforyoutobattleagainst."

"AndwhereamIgonnafindtrainerswithweakenoughPokémon,Mr.Genius?"

"You'llsee!"

X-X-X

Minuteslater,wearrivedoutsideoftownintheDreamYard.Inthedaytime,Icouldbettermakeouttheruinedoldbuildings,andunfortunately,thefiguresofPokémonpassingthroughthetallgrass.Theplaceseemedevenmoreintimidatinginthedaythanitdidatnight.Blackpulledmefurtherinside,towardsahunkofcrumblingconcretethathadbeenovergrownwithgrass.Heclimbedupontoitandbegantolookaround."Let'ssee...There'sgottabesomeonearoundhere...Therewereabunchoftrainersherelastnight,talkingaboutdreammistandpsychicaurasorsomething..."

"Whyonearthwouldanyonewanttocomeouthere?There'snothingbutabunchofruins,"ImutteredundermybreathasIkickedawayacannexttomyfoot.Tinycrawledoutofmybagandjumpedafterthecan.Hestartedtopushitaroundhimself,eitheroutofcuriosityorentertainment.Hewasyoungenoughtobeeasilyentertained,Iguess.

"Iseesomebody!"Blacksuddenlyexclaimed,gettingmyattention."I"No,wait.That'satree.AtleastIthinkit'satree."

ItensedasIheardrustlingnoisesinthegrass.Overhead,PidoveandTranquillflewoutofthetallerabandonedbuildings."Black,let'sjustgo!I'dratherchallengesomeonecomingoutofthePokémonCenterthanstickaroundhereanothermoment!"

"Nowthat'sjustcheap,White."BettercheapthandeadandfoodforwildPokémon!

"PIIIIIII!MOOOOOMMYYYYYY!"CameTiny'scry.Ilookeddownandfroze.ThePichuwaspinneddownbyaPurrloin.

"B-b-black!Help!"Isqueaked.

HishelpcameinamostunwantedformashegotouthisPokédexandscannedthePokémon."Purrloin,theDeviousPokémon.Darktype.Theyusetheirdeceptivecuteacttostealpeople'svaluablesanduseitagaintomaketheirvictimsforgivethem."

"That'snotwhatImeant!Imeantgetthatthingoffofhim!"

Blackfrowned."Nope."

Ifeltmyheartsink."What?!"

"Youwanttochasethatthingaway,thenhaveTinydoit."

"Now'snotthetimeforthis!It'stryingtoeathim!"Blackremainedadamantabouthisdecision,foldinghisarmsandremainingsilent.ThePurrloinraisedapawintheairandmadeitsclawsvisible.

Withoutwaitingforacommandfromme,TinyreactedbyunleashingajoltofelectricityatthecatPokémon.ThewildPurrloinyowledinpainbeforeitjumpedoffofTiny.ThecatPokémonshookitsheadasitrecoveredfromtheattack.Itgrowled,seeminglypreparingtoattackagain.Tiny'scheekcrackledwithelectricity.Ch-ch-ch-CHUUUUUU!"HeunleashedajoltofelectricityjustassomethinglargerraninfrontofthePurrloin.ThePurrloinranoffasthefiguretooktheattackanddroppedtotheground.

"WhattheheckisTHAT?!"Iscreamed,stumblingbackintoBlackandthenpushinghiminfrontofmeforprotection.

Blackcautiouslyapproachedthesmokingfigureandrolledthemover."...Oh,boy.It's

aperson.Ithinkwe'reintrouble."Asifoncue,atinyblackfigurejumpedoutofthegrassandtackledBlacktotheground.Mynaturalreactionwastoscreamandfaint.

X-X-X

AsIregainedconsciousness,Ifoundmyselfonmyback,staringupatthesky.IwishedIwerebackhome,doingwhatIdideverydayinsteadofenduringthischaos"allforthesake'gettingwell'.IsatuptoseeBlack,sittingonarocknexttoanotherpersonwithaZoruaontheirlap.Waitaminute..."Youagain?"

TheguynamedNlookedatme."Oh.You'reawake."Hedidn'treallysoundthrilledtoseeme.ThenagainIwasprettyneutraltoseeinghimaswell,asespeciallywithhowourlastmeetingended.

"Hey,White,thisguyNsaysheknowsyou.Isthattrue?"Blackasked,lookingabituncomfortable.

"Yeah.WemetinAccumulaTown.Youknow:whenyouabandonedmetogooutlookingforPokémon?"

"Ididnotabandonyou.It'sjusthardtoguesshowlongyou'llconkoutfor.Youcould'vewokenupbythetimeitwasnightfall!"Thatdidn'tmeanyoucouldgooffandleavemealoneinastrangetown."We've,er,beenhavingachatwhilewaitingforyoutowakeup."

"By'chat',hemeans'beingajerk'!"Oshawottsnapped.Ihadn'tnoticedthatheandPidovewereoutoftheirPokéBallsandsittingnexttoTinyontheground."Thatguyhadthenervetosuggestwe'reunhappywithBlack!"

NlookeddownatthePokémon."Iwasmerelyaskingifyouwouldn'tbehappierbackinthewildinsteadofbeingforcedtofightinbattles."

"I'mnotforced!Besides,IneedtofightotherPokémon!HowelseamIgonnahonemystyle?"

"Wouldn'tyouliketogobacktothewild?"ThatquestionwasaimedatPidove.

ThebirdPokémonshrugged,thenspokeinafemininevoice,"Ilikehim.He'strustworthy."

"Um,I'mrighthere,youknow,"Blackspokeup."I'llencouragemyPokémontofight,butiftheydon'twanna,Iwon'tmake'em."

Nstood,Zoruajumpingoutofhislapashedid."Youdon'tunderstand.Trainersdon'ttreatPokémonkindly.Theytreatthemlikethingstocollect,forcethemtofightforthesakeoftheirownselfishdesires,anddonotcareiftheyarehurtintheprocess!"Hewasn'ttalkingtoBlack,buttohisPokémon.

"Hey,don'tlumpmybrotherintothatcategory!"Isnapped."Orme,either!NotalltrainersthinkPokémonaretoolsorplaythingstodowithasweseefit.Infact,Ithinkthey'rethemostfrighteninganddangerousthingsintheworldandanyonewhothinkstheycanmesswithoneandliveisanidiot!"

"Idon'tknowifIshouldfeelinsultedorcomplimentedbythat,"saidPidove.

"Ithinkboth,"saidOshawott.

Blackstoodupandheldmeback."Um,Whitemeanstosaythatnoteverytraineractslikethat.ImightwanttobeattheUnovaLeague,butIwouldn'thurtmyPokémontoachieveit.AndnomatterwhatWhitesaysaboutPokémonbeingfrighteningordangerous,Iknowshelovesthemalldeepdown.Very,veryverydeepdown."

"Soyousay,butsuchbeliefsareoftentrainerslyingtothemselvesandotherstojustifytheiractions,"Nstated.

Isighed,gettingtiredofthisconversationreallyquick."Alrightthen.YousticktoyourgunsandBlackcansticktohiswhileIgobacktotown."Iturnedtoleave,butBlackgrabbedmyarm.Soclosetoescaping!

"Ohhh,no,youdon't!You'regonnastayhereandtrainthatPichuofyourstobecomeabadgewinner!"Darnit,Black,couldn'tyoujustleavemebe?

X-X-X

IspenttherestofmytimeintheDreamYardbattlingtrainers.CommandingTinywaseasyenough,buthehonestlylostmorefightsthanhewon.Panacea,ontheotherhand,performedwellenoughtowinbattles,eveniftheyweren'twithmuchstyle.Blackkeptsayinghowexperiencewasexperience,whetheryouwonorlost.Ofcourse,winningwasbetterforthemoraleofthePokémonandthetrainer.

"Well,Ithinkyou'vechallengedeveryoneherewillingtobattleyou.ReadytoheadbacktothePokémonCenterbeforegoingtochallengethegym?"Blackasked.

"No,"Iansweredbluntly."Foralltheexperienceyousaidthey'vegained,theystillonlyknowoneoffensivemoveeach.Everythingelsetheyknowisdefensive.Heck,

Tiny'sstillprettyweakcomparedtothelikesofCilan'sPansageforsure!Can'tIjustwaituntilheevolves,thenI'llchallengewhatevergym'sclosest?"

"No!"Mybrothersnapped."WhenthetinySewaddleisoutmatchedinstrengthbytheTranquill,whatdoesitdo?"

"Geteaten."

"No!Well,there'sachancethat'llhappen,butno!TheSewaddlereliesonthepowerofitsmind!Itwilluseitsmovesnottobeatupitsenemy,buttooutwititandpossiblyentrapitsoitcanescapefromdanger!There'smoretoPokémonbattlesthanbruteforce!There'salsostrategy!LikeusingOshawott'sWaterGuntoblindopponentsorPidove'sGusttokickupsandanddirt."

Isighed."Soyou'renotgonnaletthisgo."Blackdidn'tsayanything.Hejuststaredatmesternlywithhisarmsfoldedacrosshischest.IsighedandlookeddownatmyshoulderwhereTinywas."He'snotgonnaletthisgo.AndIcan'texactlyaskyouifyouwannadoitbecauseyou'realwayssowilling...Fine,whatever!Let'sjustgetthisoverwith!ButifTinygetsbeatup,I'llbeatyouup,Black!"

Mytwinflinched."Wh-what?!I'mjusttryingtohelp!"

"Anddon'tthinkIdon'tseeyouskulkingoverthere,N!"Isnappedatthegreen-hairedteenwhowasstaringatusfrombehindatree."Ifyouhateussomuch,thenquitfollowingus!ThelastthingIwantisforyoutokeephoundingmeaboutwhatanawfultrainerIam!"

"You'dbetterdoit.ShefearsPokémon,butifahumanticksheroff,she'llbeonthemlikeaHydreigon."Ndidn'treplytoeitherofus.Instead,hejustkeptstaring,likeheexpectedmoreofus.Igotsickofthesilenceandtheenvironment,soIleft.Blackrantocatchuptome,saying,"Youmadeaweirdfriend,White"

"He'snotafriend."WhywouldIwannabefriendswithsomeonewhoputsmedownlikethat?

X-X-X

Severalminuteslater,BlackandIstoodoutsideoftheStriatonCitygym.Althoughmybrotherkeptpushingmetogoin,Iremainedfrozeninplace,takingdeepbreathsinpreparation.IstayedlikethatuntilthedoorsopenedtorevealthethreeGymLeaders.

"You'vereturnedforyourbattle,Isee,"saidCresswithasmirk."JustasIpredicted!"

"What'reyoutalkingabout?Youjustsawtheminthewindow,"Chilisaid.

"Actually,I'mtheonewhosawthem,"Cilanpointedout.

Theblue-hairedGymLeaderrolledhiseyesbeforeheputhishandsonhiships."Well,regardlessofhowweknew,shecameback,didn'tshe?Itrustyouaren'tgoingtorunawaythistime?"Ishookmyhead."Excellent.Itwouldn'tlookgoodforusiftrainerswentrunningoutandnevercameback."Thetriosteppedasideandbowed."Please,stepinsideandlet'sbegin."

Minuteslater,Iwasledtothebattlearenainthebackofthegym.Icouldfeelthestarescomingfromtherestaurantsection'slunchtimecrowd,eagerforashow.Didallgymsdothis,ordidtheseguysfigurethattheirsituationallowedthemtogiveamealandashow?Regardlessofhowunsettlingitwastohavepeoplewatchingme,InoticedthatCilanhadalreadyreleasedhisPansage.ItookTinyoffofmyshoulderandsethimdownonthegroundbeforeme.

"Youknowwhattodo,right?Ifitgetstoohard,justtellme,okay?"Iasked.AllTinydidwassmileandnod.IwonderedifheevenreallyunderstoodwhatIwassaying.

"Forthismatch,wehaveGymLeaderCilan,"Chilibegantoannounce,"VersusthechallengerWhiteKetchum!Ready?!"Hepumpedafistintheair."Begin!"

"Pansage,startwithWorkUp!"Cilancommanded.Justlikebefore,hisPansagestartedpumpingitsfistsintheairwhileanauraofpowerradiatedforit.ButIwasreadyforit.Atleastthat'swhatIkepttellingmyself."NowLick!"TheGrasstypejumpedforward,stickingitstongueoutintheprocess.

"Tiny,useCharm!"

Justlikeinthebattlesbefore,Tinystoodstillandmadeanadorableexpression."Chuuu~!"Hecooedendearinglywithbig,wateryeyesandhisarmsoutstretchedasifwaitingforahug.ThePansagewascaughtbysurpriseandlandedinfrontofTiny,staringathiminconfusion."Friend?"Heaskedhisenemycutely,stillholdinghisarmsoutashewalkeduptohugPansage.

PansageblushedandsmiledashehuggedTinyback."Ofcourse,friend."Iwasworriedforamoment.Italmostseemedtooeasy,butthePansagewasn'tmakinganymovesorlisteningtoCilan'spleastoletgo.

"Now,SweetKiss!"TinyleanedforwardandgavetheGrasstypeapeckonthecheek.Itwasenoughtomakehimstumblebackinsurprise,blushingfuriously.

"StayawayfromthatPichu,Pansage!UseVineWhiptotakeitdownfromadistance!"Cilanexclaimed.

Pansagenimblyjumpedbackasafedistanceandunleashedhisvinesfromtheleavesonhishead.TheylashedatTinyseveraltimesbeforewrappingaroundhimandgrippingtightly.Tinygaveacryofpain,shockinghimselfandthevinesintheprocess.ThejoltwasenoughforPansagetodropthePichuinsurprise,andhelandedungracefullyonhisback.PansageattemptedtowraphisvinesaroundTinyagain,buttheybecametangledupasPansageswayedbackandforth.TheGrasstypefellbackandhisvinesretractedtowardshiminaknottedmessthatstruckhimrightintheface.

Frombehindme,IcouldhearBlackcheeringmeon."Keepitup,White!"Oh,mygosh...!DidIactuallyhaveachance?CouldIactuallywinthis?!

"Um...Um...!Tiny,useThunderWave!"

"Ch-ch-ch-CHUUUU!"AjoltoflightningwaszappedoutofTiny'sbodyandtowardsPansage.WhiletheGrasstypewasbusyuntanglinghisvines,theelectricityzappedhim.AsthePansage'svinesretracted,hisbodytwitchedinplace.Theparalysishadtakeneffectandwouldhopefullyhelp.

"Now,useThunderShock!"Hislittlecheekscracklingwithelectricity,thePichuunleashedamorepainfulzaponhisopponent.However,asexpected,itdidn'thavemucheffect.Pansage'stwitchingwasn'tfromtheattack,butfromtheparalysis.ButitwastheonlyrealattackthatmostPichucouldlearn.Ididn'thavethepatiencetoteachhimsomepossiblemoves,andIdidn'tknowifhehadthe'breedingpotential',asBlackhadputit,tolearnanythingthatcouldactuallyharmaGrasstype.Itwastheonlyoption.

"Pansage,tryVineWhipagain!"CilanseemedtoknowthattryingtogetPansagetomoveinforshort-rangedcombatwashopeless.IwatchedasPansage'svinesshotoutyetagaintolashTiny,butthistime,thePichuwasquickenoughtododgetheattackbecausethevinesweremovingthatslow."Again!UseVineWhip!"Onceagain,Pansagetriedtoattack,butwhatevervineTinydidn'tdodgewitheasewasfrozeninplacefromparalysis.

"ThunderShock!"Icommanded.Overandoveragain,TinyunleashedjoltsofelectricityonPansage.Slowly,butsurely,theattackstooktheirtollandtheparalysismadeitworse.Pansagelookedlikeitwasclosetofalling,butsowasTiny.Hewaspracticallypantingforbreathwhilehischeekscrackled...andsuddenly,IfeltasbadasNsaidtrainerswere.Winorlose,IwasgonnamakesurethatTinygotabigmeal

forhisefforts.AndmaybeI'dlethimsleepontopofmeinsteadofonapillowonthefloor.

IwassodistractedbymythinkingofhowtomakeituptomyPichu,Ididn'thearCilancallouthiscommand.BythetimeIfocusedonthebattleagain,Pansage'svineshadmanagedtoslapTinytothesidewithenoughforcethathealmostleftthering.IfeltasifIwastheonewhohadthewindknockedoutofthem.Isawhimtwitch.Apartofmehopedhewouldfaintjustsothiswouldend,butinstead,Tinygotonallfours,twitchingslightly."Ch...ch...chuuuu...!"ElectricitybegantoformaroundhisbodyasherantowardsPansage.Theelectricitygrewtosuchasizethateventually,allIcouldseeofhimwasanorboflightthatcrackledwithelectricitythatspedtowardstheGrasstype.Whenitmadeimpact,therewasanoiselikethunderandPansagewassentflyingback,landingnearCilan'sfeet.InthemiddleofthebattlefieldwasTiny,sprawledoutontheground.

Iwasn'tsurewhatIwasthinking.Ididn'tevenknowifthebattlewasreallyfinishedthen,butIranouttocheckuponthePichu."Tiny?Areyou...okay?"Itriedtopickhimup,butIwasmetbythezapofelectricity.Hisbodywascoursingwiththestuff"Iguessitwasleftoverfromwhateverthatmovehedidwas.Andwhatamove!Itknockedhimout!ItwasprobablytoomuchforhimafterItiredhimoutsomuchwiththoserepeatedThunderShocks.Isighed.Waryoftheelectricity,Ipickedhimup.IdidmybesttoignoretheminorstingoftheelectricityasIslippedhimintomybag."Evenifwelost,youwerewonderful."

"Whatmakesyouthinkyoulost?"IlookedupandsawCilanstandingbeforemewithhishandsbehindhisback.

Istooduptolookhimathimproperlyintheeye."MyPokémonfainted.I'manewbietrainer,butevenIknowthatmeansaloss."

"ButyourPichuknockedoutmyPansagewiththatlastmove.Thatshouldcountasavictoryforyou,shouldn'tit?"Hisquestionwasn'taimedatme,buttohisbrothers,whowereapproachingus.

"Ordinarily,itshouldbeconsideredalossforthetrainerwhohastheirPokémonfaintfirst,"saidCress."PansagewasknockedoutbyyourPichu'sattackwhileitwasstillconscious,thatshouldmeanitdealtthewinningblow."

"Inotherwords,congrats!Youwondespitehavingthedisadvantageelementally!That'sahugeachievementforabeginningtrainer!"Chilicongratulatedashefoldedhisarmsbehindthebackofhishead.

"I...don'tfeellikeIwon."Oshawotthadanelementaldisadvantage,buthedidn't

faint.

"Hey,ifyourPokémondoesn'tcollapsefromexhaustionordoesn'tfeeltheleastbittiredafteryourfirstgymmatch,wearen'tdoingourbestasGymLeaders!Right,Cilan?"

Thegreen-hairedwaiterlaughedsheepishly."Heh-heh...Right.So,pleasetakethisTrioBadgewithourregards."Heheldhishandout,andsittinginhispalmwasthebadge.Itwasgoldwiththreegemsinit:blue,redandgoldsittingontopofeachother.Istaredatit."Youreallydidearnit,"saidCilan.Isighedandpickedupthebadge."Iwishyoubestwishesonbothyourjourneys!"

"Yeah,butdon'tgogettingcocky!TheotherGymLeadersarealotstrongerthanweare,believeitornot!"saidChili."Soyoubettertrainhard!Noslackingoff!"

"Andmayyouachievethegoalsyousetouton,"Cressfinishedbeforetheyallbowed.

"Pleasecomeagain!"Allthreespokeatthesametime.

X-X-X

Onceweleftthegym,IfeltlikeIcouldproperlybreatheagain."Thankgoodness!Ineverwannagothroughthatagain!"

Naturally,Blacklookeddisappointed."Really?Gee,youkindoflookedlikeyouwereenjoyingyourselfbackthere.Didn'tgiveyouarush?Didn'titmakeyouhappywhenyougotthatgymbadge?

Ifrowned."Notreally.IthinkIgotthatbadgeoutofpityinsteadofbeingskilled..."

"Don'tsaythat...Ithinkyoudidgreat!Youearnedthatbadge,battlingwithaPokémonwhoseonlyattackshadatypedisadvantage.IwasluckybecauseOshawottknewTackle,butyouandTinyweren't.Besides,withthekindofrulestheysetforbattlingwiththem,theyprobablygivethatbenefittoanybeginningtrainerthatchallengesthem."Mytwinpattedmeonthebackandgrinnedatme."Look,don'tworryaboutit!You'vegottherestofyourjourneytobecomeanacetrainer,likeme!"Isighed.Thereweresomanythingswrongwiththatlastsentence,butIdidn'thaveitinmetolashout.IsupposethiswasBlack'swayofhelpingme.IguessIshouldbegratefulheisn'tpushingmeintoroomsfilledwithwildPokémonorsomething."Butfornow,let'sbaskinyourvictory!Lunchisonyou."

Iblinkedandspunaroundtofacehim."Wait,whatdoyoumeanit'sonme?!"

"Well,acertainsomeoneranoutonmebeforewecouldsplitthebillforbreakfastattherestaurant,soIhadtopaythebillforbothourmeals!Astingiermanwouldwhineaboutit,butIkeptquietbecause,y'know,youwerehavingproblems."

"Oh."Ifeltmycheeksheatupinembarrassment."Sorry?Heh-heh-heh..."

X-X-X

PansagelearnsWorkUpviaTM.PichucanonlylearnVoltTackleviabreedingbyhavingaPikachuparentholdingaLightBall,butitisn'tconsideredanEggmove.

Cilansaying"bestwishes"isareferencetotheBWanimeseason.

Forthisstory,Pokémoncanlearnmovesseveralways,thoughnotlikeinthegame.APokémonwhoinheritedamovefromaparentviabreedingmayeitherbebornwithitfromtheget-go,learnitnaturally,orhavethe"breedingpotential"tolearnitnaturallyorbetaughtiftheyweren'tbornknowingthemove.Pokémoncanalsobetaughtmovesthattheycanlearnnaturallyvialevelup.HowPokémoncanlearnmoveslearnedviaTMandMoveTutorwillbeexploredlateron...maybe.

Chapter4

Disclaimer:BluRosedoesnotownthePokémonseriesoranyofitscharacters.

X-X-X

~DaycareDilemma~

Itseemedlikewinningthatgymbattledidwondersformyattitude.Thenightbefore,Isleptoddlypeacefully.Nobaddreamsorthetossingandturningthatcamefromsleepinginastrangeplacefarfromhome.IevenIletTinysleeprightontopofme,andwhenIwokeuptothesightofhimclosetomyface,Ididn'tpanic"thoughthatmayhavebeenmorebecauseIwastiredatthetime.Theworldhadseemedabitbrighter.SurelywinningasimplePokémonbattlecouldn'thavesuchaneffectonaperson...right?

Well,Iwassurethefeelingwouldfadesoon.WeweregoingtoleaveStriatonCitytoday,sowedecidedtospendsometimewanderingaboutandtakinginthesights.Itwould'vebeenbetterwithBiancaandCheren,butthey'dbothleftsometimeyesterday.Atthatmoment,weweresittingatafountainthatBiancahadbeentalkingaboutacoupleofnightsbefore,withtopiarycutintheshapesofPokémon.BlackandIweresittingontheedgeofthefountain,whilehisPokémonswaminthewaterandminesimplywalkedalongit.

"DoyouthinkIshouldnicknamethem?"

"Hm?"IturnedmyheadtolookatBlack.He'dmanagedtostealthemagazineIboughtinAccumulaTownandhadbeenreadingitforaboutanhournow.IwounduphavingtousemyPokédextoentertainmyself,checkingitsvastencyclopediaforaPokémonthathadlittlechanceofkillingmeinoneformoranother.

"MyPokémon.YouthinkIshouldnicknamethem?Wouldthatreallymakethemhappierthantheyarenow?"Mytwinaskedwhilehekepthiseyesonthemagazine'spages."ItalsosaysthatifItaketurnslettingthemoutoftheirballstowalkwithmeforawhile,they'llgetusedtomequickerandlikemebetter.Youthinkstufflikethatworks?"

Iarchedaneyebrow."You'reaskingme?You'rethePokémaniachere,notme."

"Pokémaniadoesn'tincludelearningwaystobetterlikeyourPokémon.Imean...it'snotlikeIknowwhatit'slikeinaPokéBall.AndIdon'tknowiftheypreferitifyoujustcallthembytheirspecies'name.Wait,doyouthinktheynameeachotherinthe

wild?WhatifPidovealreadyhasaname?"

"...Ithinkyou'reoverexaggeratingthings."IhighlydoubtPokémonnamesgobeyondwhatkindsofcriestheymake."ButI'msurethenamethingisright.Imean,youwouldn'twannabecalled'human'fortherestofyourlife,wouldyou?Especiallyinaworldwithsomanyofyourkind."

Blackfellsilent.ItookthatasacuetogobacktoreadingmyPokédex.ThesortsofmovesaPichucouldlearnseemedoutrageous!Icouldn'timagineoneofthemspewingpoison,makinggrasstriptheirenemies,andevenbeingabletoperformkicksandpunches!Readingallofthosemademegratefulthatmydadsentmeonewhodidn'tknowsuchthings.

"Pidove,c'mere."Outofthecornerofmyeye,IsawBlackonhiskneesbeforethefountain.Pidovehoppedoutontothesamespothe'dbeensittingin,herfeathersdrippingwet."Um,doyouhaveaname?"Pidovedidn'tsayanything.Shejustcockedherheadtothesideinconfusionbeforeshakingherhead."WouldyoumindifIgaveyouaname?"Sheshookherheadagain."Really?"

Oshawottswamuptothewallofthefountain."Hey,whataboutme?!Ifshegetsaname,Iwantone,too!Acoolone!"

BlackfellsilentbeforehesuddenlywhippedouthisPokéBallsandreturnedhisPokémon."I'llberightback!"Heranoffinthedirectionwecamefromminutesbefore.

"Whatthe"?Black!Wheretheheckareyougoing?!"Shoutingwasnouse.Hewastoodeterminedtogo...whereveritwasthathewasgoing.Isighedandstretchedmyarmsovermyhead."Whatever.Solongashedoesn'twindupwastingtimeordoinganythingstupid,it'sokay."IspentthenextminuteslookingupinformationonAudino.JustasIhadreachedtheendoftheentry,ashadowwascastovermeandIfeltsomeonestaringatme."Well,youcamebackquickly,"Isaid,thinkingitwasBlack.IclosedthePokédexandlookedup."Whatwereyou...?Oh.It'syou."

"Hello,"saidN.Iheardalowgrowlfromdownontheground,butIdidn'tneedtolooktoknowitwasthatZoruaofhis.NotthatIreallywantedtolookattheDarktype.OrN,forthatmatter.Notafterthewayourlastconversationended.Ididn'tthinkhe'dwanttotalktome,either,butheseemed...amicable,Iguess."I'mgladtoseethatyou'restillinStriaton."

Iarchedaneyebrow."Why?"

"BecauseIwantedtotalktoyouandyourbrothersomemore."

"Well,Black'snothere."Andifthelookonmyfaceisn'taclue,Idon'twanttotalktoyou.

DespitethelookIwasgivinghim,NsatdowninthesamespotBlackwasinnottoolongago."Theotherday,Ihappenedtoseeyouandyourbrothersteppingoutofthegym.Didyou...battlethem?"

"Yeah.AndIwon,too,thankstoTiny.I'veevengotthebadgetoproveit."IthoughtaboutdiggingtheTrioBadgeoutfrommybag,butdecidedagainstit."Really,though,Iwouldn'thavewonifTinyhadn'tpulledthrough."IpausedandrememberedwhoIwastalkingto.

Nbegantostareoutintospacewithadepressedexpression"Ah.Tobehonest,Idon'tlikegyms."Sawthatcoming."Dayafterday,theleadersandtheremaketrainersfightbattlesagainsttrainersthatcomeandgo.TheirfameandpositioncomefromthePokémontheyinjureintheprocess.IfIdidn'thavetochallengethem,Iwouldneversetfootinone."

"...Oh,Igetit!You'reahypocrite."Thegreen-hairedteenlookedatmeinconfusionasIcontinued,"Yousaythatyouthinkit'scrueltohavePokémoninPokéBall,thattrainerstreattheirPokémonbadly,thatgymsarebadplaces,andyethereyouaresayingyouwanttochallengethem."

"Idon'twantto...Ihaveto."Nstartedtoplayaroundwiththegoldencubehangingfromhispants."IhatehavingtorestrainmyfriendsinsideofthosePokéBalls.Ihatemakingthemfighteachotherforthesakeofatinypieceofmetal.Ievenhatedthewaythosegymleaderscongratulatedme,asifvictorymadewhathappenedright.ButI'mgratefultothefriends,becausetheyendurethepainIputthemthroughforthesakeofmydream:aworldwheretheycantrulybehappy."

Iarchedaneyebrow.Nseemedtomakemedothatalot."Soyoudon'tthinkthatmaybe,insteadoftryingtochangethewholeworldforthem,youcouldmakethemhappyjustbybeingtheirfriend?"

Hegavemeablanklook."It'sbecausethey'remyfriendsthatIwanttomakethisworldabetterplaceforthem.Idon'twantanyofthemtofeelpainagain"eventheonesIhaven'tmetyet."

ItwasoddhowhecouldsaysuchawfulthingsabouttrainersandbesocontentwhenitcametotalkingaboutPokémon.Idon'tthinkIwaseverlikethat,evenbeforeIgotmyphobia.Isighedandfoldedmyarmsacrossmychest."Ihatetobreakittoyou,butpain'sagiveninlife.Ifwedidn'tknowhowpainfelt,wewouldn'trealizejusthowgooditistobewithoutit.Notthatit'sagoodthing...butit'snecessarytogrow.

Howyouchoosetodealwithpaincaneitherstuntyourdevelopmentorhelpyoubecomeanewperson."IfeltNstaringatme,soIavoidedeyecontact."LikePokémon,ifwebearwiththepainsandthehurdlesthatcomealonginlife,wecanevolve.Ifwedon't,asniceasitsounds,wewouldn'tbeasstrong."ItwasfunnythataPoképhobicgirlwassayingthis.Sadlyfunny.

Ndidn'tseemtofindmywordsenlightening.Instead,hefrowned."Idon'tlikethat."

"Whodoes?Youknowtheoldsaying:whatdoesn'tkillyoumakesyoustronger."

Silencefellbetweenusinamatterofseconds.IfoundmyselfwishingNwouldjustleave,soIwentbacktoreadingmyPokédex,hopingthatmyignoringhimwithprompthimtogetthehint.Unfortunately,heswitchedhisattentionfrommetoTiny,whowasnowstandingnexttohim.

"Hellothere.Hasyourtrainerbeengoodtoyou?"

"Wuh...weirdo,"Tinyspoke,pointingapawatN.Istifledasnicker.

"Whenshemadeyoubattle,didyouhateit?Didyouwanttostop?"Tinydidn'tanswerthistime.Hejustsneezed,tinysparksflyingfromhischeeksintheprocessthatmadeNjumpabit.

"He'sjustababy,y'know.Hedoesn'tunderstandyourquestions.Hecan'tevenspeakproperlyyet."Sostoptryingtoturnhimagainstme,youweirdo.

"ThenI'llspeakwithyourAudino,"hesaidashescootedclosertome.Heleanedacrossme,rightinfrontofmyface,tolookatPanacea,whohadbeensittingtomyleft."Hellothere."

"Um...Hello,Mr.N."Panaceasaidwithahintofnervousness.

"There'snoneedforformalities.I'mafriend.CouldyoutellmewhatsortofpersonyouthinkWhiteis?"Thekindofpersonwhodoesn'tlikehavingpeopleleanacrossherlikeshe'sfurniture!

TheAudinoheldapawuptohercheekinthought."Noneedtobepensivebecauseofme.Hitmewithyourbrutalhonesty,"Ihalf-joked.IfIreallywasdoingsomethingthatupsether,Iwantedtoknow.PanaceawasprettyhelpfulandIfeltIshouldatleastrepayherbybeingagoodtrainer.

"...She'sverynice.ShesavedaMunnawhenitwasbeingharassedbysomeawfulpeople,andsheworriesaboutTinyandI.Oh,andshesaidthatshe'sgratefultome

forhelpinghertrainyesterday."

"Really?Youdon'tmindthatshecaughtyouandtookyouawayfromyourhomeinthewild?"

"Notreally.MyconcernistomakesureMissWhiteishappyandhealthy."Atthat,Ifeltmycheeksheatup.Atthisrate,I'llbelettingPanaceasleepinthesamebedasme,too.

Nfinallyleanedawayfrommeandsatproperly."Isupposeit'sonlynaturalforhertoworryaboutyou.Audinoarenaturalcaretakers.Butregardless,I'mimpressed,"Nsaid,speakingtomenow."Ifeveryonewerelikeus,thenmaybeallPokémonwouldbehappier."

Onceagain,Iarchedaneyebrow."YoumeanbeingabletounderstandPokémon?"Idoubtit.Therewerepeople,likemyownfamily,whocouldunderstandtheirPokémonthroughanunderstanding"somethingthatwasachievedsimplybybeingtogetherforyears.Infact,Iwascertainthattherewereplentyoftrainersouttherelikethat.

"White!"IturnedmyheadtoseeBlackrunningtowardsus.Heskiddedtoahaltinfrontofme,grinningmadlyasheheldouthisbaginfrontofme."Iboughtabook!"

Istaredathim,expectinghimtofinishhissentence."...And?"

"It'sabookaboutnamingPokémon!It'sgotallsortsofsuggestionsfornamesinit!"

"YouspentmoneyonabookwhenIcouldprobablygiveyousomeideasforfree?"

Mybrotherpouted."AnicknameislikeabondbetweenatrainerandtheirPokémon!That'swhatitsaidonthebackcover,anyway.Idon'twannahavesomeoneelsenamingthem!"HesuddenlynoticedN."Oh,it'sN.Heythere."Don'tsoundsofriendlytowardshim!Youdon'tknowwhathe'sputmethrough!"So,uh,whatwereyoutwodoing?"

"Justtalking,"IansweredbeforeNcould.

Blackscratchedhischeek."Really?IguessIdidn'tmissmuch,huh?"HethenlookedatN."Say,areyougoingtoNacreneCity?"

"Iam."

"Thenyoushouldtraveltherewithus!"Mybrothersaidwithasmile.

"Hedoesn'twanttogowithyoutwo!"Zoruasnapped.NotthatBlackcouldunderstanditasanymorethangrowlsandyips.

"Travelingwithotherpeopleisalwaysfun,right?"

"Hehasn'tevenagreedtocomeyet!"Isaidwithafrown.Frankly,Ijustdidn'twanttohavetotravelwithN,nomatterhowshortthetrip.Ididn'tlikehowhequestionedmyPokémon,likehewasexpectingmetoharmthemordosomethingwrong.

"Whynot?Route3'sprettylong.I'msureNwon'tmindsomecompany."BlackclappedahandonN'sshoulderashespoke.Hedidn'tnoticehowthegreen-hairedteenwasstaringathishand.

"Yes,hewould!"Zoruaspokeupagain."Saysomething,N...!"

Nblinked."I...wouldliketogowithyouboth,"No!"ButI'mafraidIhaveothermatterstoattendtobeforeNacrene."Yes!"Imustbeoffnow.Goodbye,"Nspokequicklyashegotupandwalkedquicklydowntheroadoutofthecity.Zorua'sgoodbyewasjuststickingouthistongue.

Whentheywerebothoutofsight,IkickedBlackinhisshin."Ow!Whatwasthatfor?!"

"Youidiot!Youdon'tjustgoinvitingcompletestrangerstotravelwithyou!"Isnapped.

"Buthe'skindofinteresting!AndhecanunderstandPokémonlikeyoucan!Ithoughtyou'dlikehimforcompany!"Ikickedhimagain."Ow!Quitit!"

"IfIintroducedyoutoeveryPokémaniacoutthere,wouldyoulikethemforcompany?!Huh?!"Ikickedhimathirdtime.

"Ow!Okay,I'msorry!I'msorry!Juststopkickingmeeeee!"

X-X-X

Later,wewerewalkingdownRoute3incompletesilence.Ireadmymagazine,withTinyoccasionallypokinghisheadoutofmybagtolookatthescenery.Blackwasreadingamaphebroughtfromhome,butsoonwenttotinkeringwithhisPokédex.

"Let'ssee...Ooh!ItsaysthatthereareBlitzleonthisroute!MaybeIshouldcatchone!"Black'seyeslitupashesmiled."SinceOshawottandPidovearebothweaktoElectrictypemoves,havinganElectrictypePokémonasamemberoftheteam

shouldcoverthatweakness!"

"AndhowareyougoingtocatchtheElectrictypeifbothofyourPokémonareweaktoelectricity?"Iasked,nottakingmyeyesoffapageaboutthefamousartistBurghandhislatestwork.

"Didn'tthatgymbattleinStriatonteachyousomething?Typingdoesn'tdecideabattle!WecouldbeataBlitzleifweuseourheads!Plus,wildPokémonaren'tquiteastrickytooutmaneuverasatrainerandPokémonworkingtogether."

Asiftochallengehim,astreakofblackandwhiteshotoutofthegrassandstoppedinfrontofus.ItwasaBlitzle,alright:ablack,horse-likePokémonwithwhitestripesinvariouspositionsonitsbodyandaspikywhitemaneshapedlikealightningbolt.Itstaredatus.Westaredatit.Foramoment,theonlynoisecamefromotherPokémoninthedistance.

So,ofcourse,Ihadtoshatterthesilence."AHHHHH!"IimmediatelyhidbehindBlack."It'saBlitzle!It'saBlitzle!"

"Wow!Whatgoodluck!"SaidBlack,hiseyesshimmeringwithdelight.

"Whatbadluck,youmean!"ABlitzlewasnotaPichu.ABlitzlecouldactuallykillusifitwantedto"Oh,mygoodness,whendiditgetsoclosetoBlack?!

"H-hey!Cutitout!"MybrotherlaughedastheElectrictypestartedtosniffhim."Aren'tyoufriendly?"HepattedtheBlitzleontheheadwithonehandwhiletheotherheldhisPokédexouttoscanit."Let'ssee...Blitzle,theElectrifiedPokémon.Electrictype.Itusesitsmanetocatchandstoreelectricity.Whenitshines,itdischargeselectricpower.Theyflashtheirmanesatvariousfrequenciesandrhythmstocommunicate."

"Great!Nowgetittoleave!"Ishrieked.InoticedthatTinywasnowonBlack'sshoulderinsteadofinmybag."Ah!Tiny,no!G-getbackhere!"TheBlitzlecraneditsheadandstartedtosniffTiny.ThePichu'scheekssparked,andinresponse,thehorse-likeElectrictype'smaneflashedinseveraldifferentcolors.Idreadedwhatwascomingnext.

"Rickyyyyy!Rickyyyyy!"

IjumpedatthesoundofanunfamiliarvoiceandgrippedBlack'sjacketeventighter."Whattheheckwasthat?!"

Alittleboywalkedoutofthetallgrass.Hewasdressedinablueschooluniformwith

abrightyellowhat"thesortwornatpreschools."Rickyyyyy!"Theboycriedout,lookingonthevergeoftears.Helookedinourdirectionandwentfromsadtohappy."Rickyyyyy!"Thepreschoolerrantowardsus,orrather,towardstheBlitzle."Don'trunaway!We'res'posedtobeusingthebuddysystem!"

"Thatexplainswhyhe'ssodocile.He'snotwild.Hebelongstothiskid,"saidBlack."Soyoudon'thavetobeafraid,White!It'salreadybeencaught,soitwon'tjustattackyoulikeawildPokémon."Ididn'tbelievethat.APokéBalldoesn'tchangeattitudes.

Thepreschoolerdidn'tseemtocareaboutus,despitewhatmighthavehappenedifhisBlitzlewould'veattacked."C'mon!Wehavetogotoschool!"TheboyexclaimedashetriedtoclimbontohisPokémon'sback.Itbentitskneessoitsownercouldgetupandwhenitwassurehewassittingproperly,theBlitzletrottedoff.

Igaveabreathofreliefandregainedmywits."WhatkindofparentsgiveachildthatyoungaPokémon?Momwouldn'tevengetusaLillipuporaPurrloinaskids!AndthatkidhasaBlitzle!It's,like,tentimesmoredangerous!"

Blackshrugged."ThesameparentswhomaketheirchildrenwalkaroutewithaPokémonalonetogotoschool?It'skindofweird...Ifhewereolder,I'dignoreit,buthe'ssoyoung."

"It'slikesomepeopledon'tcarefortheirkidsorsomething..."

Justthen,morelittleboysandgirlsdressedinyellowhatsandblueuniformswalkedpastus.EachoneseemedtohavesomekindofPokémonorotherwalkingnexttothem.Theyeachgreetedus,"Goodmorning,"astheywentdownthedirtroad.

"...Okay.Thisisanunsettlingtrend,"ImumbledasIgrippedBlack'sarm.

"Hey!"MybrothercalledouttoalittlegirlwhowaswalkingbywithanEmolgainherarms.

"I'mnotsupposedtotalktostrangers,"thegirlreplied.Smartkid.

"It'sokay.Iwasjustwonderingifyou'regoingtoschoolinNacreneCity."

Thechildblinked."Huh?No...Myschool'sbythedaycaredowntheroad.I-Ihavetogonow!Bye-bye!"Sheranoff,seeminglyfrightenedofus.

"Sothere'sapreschoolandadaycareonthisroute?"Iasked."Isn'tthemiddleofthewildernessabadplacetoputthosein?"

"I'dhardlycallthisroutewilderness...but,yeah.Itiskindaweird.Butifit'sfurtherdowntheroadlikethatgirlsaid,we'llseeitforourselveseventually..."Blackresumedwalkingforafewsecondsbeforehestoppedandlookedoverhisshoulderatme."Bytheway,couldyouletgoofmyarm?It'sstartingtogonumb."

X-X-X

Afterwewalkedforseveralminutes,occasionallybeingstoppedbytrainersseekingtodobattle,wesawsomethinginthedistance.Therewereapairofsmallbuildingsstandingnexttoeachother.Whenwecamefurther,wesawapairofsignsnexttoafenced-linedpaththatledoffthedirtroad.Oneread,'SunshinePreschool',theotherread'PokémonDaycare'.

Igulped."Adaycare?ForPokémon?"Iglancedatthesightbehindthefenceandimmediatelylookedaway.ThereweredozensofPokémonofvaryingsizesandtypesseeminglygrazingbehindthefence.

Blacksmiled."That'sprettycool:havingaPokémondaycarerightnexttoyourschoolmustmakegoingtoschoolmorepleasurable."Maybeforsomeonelikeyou.Forme,Iwouldn'tbeabletofocusandbegtobehomeschooled."Hey,Ijustthoughtofsomething:thePokédexsadthatPichucanonlylearnamovelikeVoltTackleifyoubreedthemunderspecialcircumstances.PokémonindaycaresoftenhaveeggswithotherPokémon.So...doyouthinkDadbredTinyinadaycare?"

IlookeddownatTiny,whowasnestlednexttomyneckasheplayedwithmyhairandchewedonit."DadhasaPikachu,butit'samale...Hemighthavejustcaughthiminthewildorsomething."Justthen,Inoticedacertaingreen-hairedweirdoleaningonthefenceoutsidethedaycarewithalittleblackfoxpullingathispantsleg.Twiceinoneday?Really?WhatdidIdotodeservethis?

"Hey!"Mybrotherstartedwavingbothhisarmsintheairlikesomesortoflunatic.Eventually,Irealizedthatonlyoneofthosearmswashis"theotherwasmine.Itriedtopullmyhandoutofhisgrasp,buthestartedtopullmealongwithhimtowardsN."Ithoughtyousaidyouhadthingstodealwith,buthereyouarejustwastingyourtime""AballsuddenlyhitBlackinthesideofthehead.Blackfelloverclutchinghisheadinpain."Whatwasthat?!"

Nbentoverandpickeduptheball."Thisballhityou."

Justthen,aredPokémonjumpedontothefence.ItlookedalotlikePansage,butitsearswerelargeranditshairlookedliketheswirlonasoftserveicecream.Ithoughtitwouldattack,buttheredmonkeyjustheldhishandsout."Couldyougimmethatback,please?"

Nhelduptheballandstartedtosmilekindly."Isthisyours?"ThePokémonnodded."Hereyougo."Hehandedtheballover,bothofthemseeminglyignoringthatBlackwaswritinginpain.ThePansearscamperedbackoverthefencetowardsalittleboy.

"Thanks,Pansear!"Theboysaidbrightly.HepattedthePansearontheheadbeforetheybothranovertoplaywithsomeotherkidsandtheirPokémon."

Blackgotontohisfeet"Kidsshouldbecarefulwheretheythrowtheirballs!Thatseriouslyhurt!"

IlookedatN,whowasstaringatthekidswithadistantlookinhiseyes.Itwasprettycreepyuntilhemumbledsomethinglike,"Thatlookslikefun."HewasactuallystaringatthekidsplayingballwiththeirPokémon.

"Weshouldallcheckthatplaceout!"Mybrotherexclaimed.Hedidn'twaitforananswerfromeitheroneofusashedraggedusbothintothecourtyard.YetagainsurroundedbyPokémon,Ifeltashudder.WasIgoingtodiehere?IfIwas,IdoubtBlackwouldcare."Hithere!"Hegreetedthekidscheerfully.

ThekidsandtheirPokémonstoppedplaying."Goodmorning,mister!"Thekidsallspokeatonce.

"I'mnotamister!I'maPokémonTrainer!"Blackexplained,jabbinghisthumbintohischest."Thename'sBlack."

"Cool!APokémonTrainer!"

"Neat!"

"MaywepleaseseeyourPokémon,Mr.Trainer?"

"Weeeeell...Alright!Butonlybecauseyouguysasked."MybrothertookouthisPokéBallsandreleasedOshawottandPidove."MeetmyfriendsOshawottandPidove!"

Almostimmediately,thechildrenbegantocrowdaroundOshawottandPidove.Soon,theywerecrowdingaroundme,askingtoseemyPokémonwithanxiousfaces.IgaveinandreleasedPanaceawhileplacingTinyontheground.Pidovewasstroked.Panacea'stailwasfluffedaslittlegirlstalkedabouthowcuteshewas.Oshawottletthechildrentouchhisshell,thoughnottakeitoutofhisgrip.N'sZoruahadalsocaughttheeyeofsomepreschoolers,buthejumpedontoN'sshouldertogetawayfromthem.AndTiny...

"Mommy...!"ThePichu'seyesweretearingupandhischeeksstartedtospark.Thekidshadbeenpettinghimandpokingtheelectricsacsonhischeeks.Igaveasqueakoffrightthatwentunheard.AThunderShockseemedinevitableuntilabellstartedtoring.

"Children!It'stimeforclass!"Awomanwearinganapronoverherdresscalledforthemassheshookahandheldbell."RemembertoputyourPokémoninthedaycarebeforecomingtoclass!"ThechildrentooktheirPokémonandheadedinsideofthedaycarebuilding."I'msorry.Theydidn'tannoyyouoryourPokémon,didthey?"Thewomanaskedasshewalkedover.

"Uh,no.Notatall,"Isaidwithasheepishsmile.Infact,Iwassobusymindingthechildren,Ididn'tevennoticetheirPokémon."Um,areyouinchargeofthedaycareandthepreschool?"

"Oh,no!Thedaycareisranbymyparents,butthey'renothererightnow.TheywentawaytoenjoytheiranniversaryoutsideofUnova.Luckyforme,thestaffisheretohelpout."

Atthatmoment,ayoungmanwalkedintothecourtyard.HewaswearingatanbandanaandapronwithPokéBallsymbolsonthem."Um...Goodmorning,MissAutumn,"hegreetedstiffly.

"Goodmorning,Isaac!"Shelookedatus."ThisisIsaac.He'soneofthebreederswhotakescareofthePokémonatthedaycare."MissAutumnblinked."Whereiseveryoneelse?Don'tyouusuallycometogether?"

"Well..."Isaacscratchedthebackofhishead."Theyaren'tcoming."

"...What?!Whynot?"Theteacherasked,soundingdistressed.

"Becausewe'requitting."MissAutumnstoodthereinslack-jawedaweasIsaaccontinued,"Werealizedthatit'swrongtoworkforabusinessthatsupportstrainersneglectingtheirdutiesoftakingcareoftheirPokémon.WethinkitwouldbebestforthosePokémonifyoureleasedthembackintothewildwherethey'llbehappier."Nowwhydidthatsoundfamiliar?

"Butyoucan'tjustreleasesomeoneelse'sPokémonbecausetheyleavetheminadaycare!"Blackspokeup."Yeah,it'sdepressingwhenpeopleabandonPokémonatthem,butthatdoesn'tcountforallofthem!"

"Yeah,sosaysakidwho'sprobablygotPokémontrappedinsideofPokéBalls."NowIknowwhyitsoundedsofamiliar:hesoundedlikethatGhetsisguy.DidTeam

PlasmamanagetospreadmoreoftheirfertilizeraboutPokémonliberationinStriatonCity,too?"Anyway,ifyoudon'treleasethesePokémon,you'reasbadasthetrainerthatleftthemhere."

AfterIsaacleft,Oshawottfrownedandsaid,"Whatajerk."

"J-jerk!"Tinychirpedwithamadexpression.Heactuallygotthegistofthatword?

MissAutumnhidherfaceinherhands."Thisisjustterrible!Ican'tteachthekidsandtakecareofthePokémonatthesametime!Idon'tthinkI'dbeabletocareforthemallonmyown...!"

BlackandIlookedonsadly."H-hey,don'tcry,miss!"Blackpleaded."Um...Ifyou'dlike,wecanlookafterthePokémonforyou!"

"WHAT?!"Ishoutedalittletooloudly.IgrabbedBlack'sshoulderandturnedhimaroundroughly."Areyououtofyourmind?YouknowwhathappenswhenI'maroundPokémonandyou'retellingherwecantakecareofabunchatonce?!"

Mytwinsmiled."C'mon,White!Sheneedsourhelp!You'renotthesortofawfulpersonwhowalksawayfromsomeoneinneed,areyou?"

X-X-X

"Ireallyhatewhenthishappens..."ImutteredtomyselfasItookoffmyhatandputonawhiteapronwithaPokéBallpattern."Somehow,Black,youalways"always"convincemetodosomethingIdon'twanttodo,"Icontinued,undoingmyponytailandwrappingawhitebandanaaroundmyhead.

"Aw,whydon'tyoujustadmitthatdeepdown,youwannahelpout?"Ilookedatmybrother,whowasalsowearingabandanaandapron,hisbeingblack."YoumaybeafraidofPokémon,butyou'renotacold-heartedperson.JustlikeN!"

"Don'tcomparemewiththatweirdjerk!"Ishouted."Speakingofwhich,whereishe?"

"Ithinkhewentoutbacktogetaheadstart."

Typical.TheguylovedPokémon.Itwashumanbeingshehadaproblemconnectingwith...IwillinglyallowedmybrothertodragmeoutofthehouseandoutbackwherethePokémonwerekept.DozensofPokémon,bigandsmall,whowerelazingabout,runningaroundorplayingtogether.Ifelltomykneesandstartedbreathingheavy.

"Takedeepbreaths,White.Deepbreaths..."Blackinstructed.Iglaredathimoutofthecornerofhiseyeandelbowedhiminthegut.

"Youtakedeepbreaths!"

Blackrecoveredfrommyattackandrubbedhisstomach."Didyouhavetohitmesohard...?Well,it'stimetogettowork!YoutakeonesideandI'lltakeanother."

Asmybrotherwalkedawayandleftmealoneontheground,Igaveasigh.Gettingbetterdidn'tseemlikeitwasworththissortoftrouble...

X-X-X

ThetimeIspentcaringforthedaycare'sPokémonwaspossiblythesecondmostterrifyingtimeofmyentirelife.Sofar,anyway.IlostcountofthenumberoftimesIfainted,onlytobewokenupbyBlack,orN,oraPokémon"thelatterofwhichonlymademefaintagain.WhenIwasn'tunconscious,IhadtogetittogethertofeedthePokémonandwashthem.Tiringworkbothphysicallyandmentally.

"Phew!Howexhausting...!"IsaidwithasighasIsatdownbeneathatreenexttoasmallpond."Ican'tbelievethosebreedersquitjustbecauseofstupidTeamPlasma...AndnowIhavetodotheirjobs...!"IclosedmyeyesandtriedtoforgetaboutthefactthatthereweresomanyPokémonaroundme.

"White..."IheardNspeak.Icrackedaneyeopentostareathim.HelookedjustasridiculousasmeandBlackwiththatredbandanaandaprononhim.Isoonclosedmyeyesagain.

"What?"

"Whatarethese?"Iopenedmyeyesandsawthathewascarryingeggsofseveralcolorsinhisarms."Ifoundthemscatteredallover."

"N,d-don'tdropthose!Thoseareeggs!"

HelookedabitpeevedafterIsaidthat."Icanseethat,buttheydon'tseemlikenormaleggs.They'relarge."

"Becausethey'rePokémoneggs!Meaningthey'vegotPokémoninsideofthem!"

"Really?"Nsatdownnexttome,putdowntheeggsandpickedoneup."Ididn'tknowPokémoncouldmakeeggs."

"Seriously?"YouwouldthinkaguythatadoredPokémonasmuchasNwouldknow

that."Well,mostofthem,yeah."Heheldtheegguptohisear,lookingasbright-eyedasachild.Itmadehimseemnicer.

"...Ican'thearanything,"hesaid,lookingdisheartened.

"Ofcourseyoucan'thearanything.They'reeggs.They'llstartspeakingwhentheyhatch."

"I'dliketoseethat."N'sfingerslightlytracedthepatternsontheegg."Bytheway...what'syouropinionofthisplace?"Notagain...!"SomeofthesePokémonhavebeenleftheretemporarilybytheirowners,whileotherswereabandonedhere.Despitethat,theyseemveryhappyhere,becausethechildreninthatschoolplaywiththemeveryday.Someevencomeontheweekendsjusttobewiththem."

Thatshouldhavebeenobvious.Idon'tthinkthere'sakidintheworldwhowouldpassuptheopportunitytoplaywithPokémon.Notcountingtheweird,Poképhobiconeslikeme."It'sanicealternativetoputtingtheminPCs,right?Atleastinadaycare,theycanrunaroundfreeandplaywithotherPokémon,althoughitdoesgetpricy,Ibet."IsawTinyplayingwithsomeotherPokémon,runningaroundarock-likePokémonwithredcrystalsjuttingoutofitandcouldn'thelpbutsmile."Ofcourse,Idunnohowit'slikeinaPC...Itcouldbefunbeinginacomputer."Kindoflikevirtualreality.

"Maybe...Butthey'llgobacktotheirowners,andthosewithnoownersremainhereuntilsomeonetakesthem.Eitherway,they'llenduptrapped."

"Geez,you'redepressing!Youreallyneedtolayoffofthatstuff."Igroaned.Nopenedhismouthtosaysomethingelse,butIquicklygrabbedaneggandlightlyboppedhimontheheadwithit."Isaidlayoff!"

"But""Iraisedtheeggagainandheheldhishandsoverhisheadforprotection.Ismiledproudlyandpattedtheegg.

"Gladtoseeyoulearn.Seriously,don'tyouhaveanythingelsetotalkaboutbutthepainPokémongothroughunderownership?Like...whatwasthelastmovieyousaw?Where'syourhometown?What'syourfamilylike?"Inthedistance,IsawBlackwashingalargeredPokémonwithfieryeyebrowsandsoonafterignoreit."Doyouhaveagirlfriend?...Actually,forgetthatlastone.Idoubtyou'vegotwhatittakestotalkproperlytoagirl."

Nblinkedandstaredatme."...Arethose...thesortofthingsfriendstalkabout?"

IthinkIfeltmymouthopenwhenhesaidthat.Itmademewonderjusthowmany

humanfriendsNhad,ifanyatall."Yeah.Prettymuch."Well,thetwoofusweremoreacquaintancesthanfriends...Atleastuntilhelearnednottobesopreachy.EvenCherenlearnednottolectureustoooftenorelsewe'dallgivehimthesilenttreatment.

Helookeddownatthegroundinthought,bringingtheeggclosertohim.Hewasreallythinkingaboutsomethingtotalkabout.Well,Iguessyou'dhavetothinkaboutappropriatesubjectswhenitcametostrangers.Eventually,heraisedhisheadandlookedatme."Wouldyoutellmewhatyourfamilyislike?"

"Oh.Well...YoualreadyknowBlack"residentPokémaniac.IswearthateverymorningIwakeupwithhim,healwaysmanagestoannoymesomehow.MyMom'sareally...intriguingperson.Everyweekend,wehavetoguardthephoneandmakesureshedoesn'tordersomethingweirdfromtheHomeShoppingnetwork.Mydad..."MysmilefadedandIleanedfurtherbackintothetree."Mydadtravels.He'satrainer.I'mnotsureifhe'shereinUnovaorinanotherregion.ThelasttimeIheardfromhimwaswhenhegavemeTinyasagift."Sayingthat,Ireallyfeelbadaboutwantingtodropkickhispresentintotheseabefore.

"Isee."

"Whataboutyou?What'syourfamilylike?"Forasec,IthoughtN'seyeshadgoneblank.WhenIlookedagain,hewasstaringdownatthegroundinthought.IcouldonlyimaginewhatsortofpeoplehisparentshadtobetomakeakidlikeN.

"Idon'thavesiblings,andIcan'tremembermymotherbecauseshediedwhenIwasveryyoung,"hespokequickly.Ittookmeafewsecondstorealizethelastthinghesaid,buthedidn'tseemtobeexpressinganyfeelingsofsadness."Andmyfather...He'staughtmesomuchaboutwhat'swrongwiththeworld.Withpeople."Ah.SoIguesshisdadlovesPokémonmorethanpeople,too.

"Really.AndallmyDadtaughtmewasthathe'dkillanyboywhohurtmeinanyway."Nstaredatmeinshock."Thatwasajoke.Hedidn'treallysaythat.Hetaughtmetokickaguybetweenthelegswhenhetriedtodosomethingdirty."IsmirkedasInoticedNclosehislegsoutofthecornerofmyeye.IlookedbacktoBlackandnoticedthathewasunderneathapileofPokémon,wavingforhelp.Igulped."Well,break'sover.It'st-timetogobackintothefray.Yougofirst,N,"ImutteredasIpulledNupandpushedhimoutinfrontofme.It'salwaysgoodtohaveashield,afterall.

X-X-X

BeingaPokémoncaretakerwould'vebeenagoodwaytoovercomemyfearifitdidn'tmeanfacingsomanyatonce.Caseinpoint,atmyfeetwereahoardof

LillipupsandHerdiers"evolvedformsofLillipupwithfurontheirfacethatlookedlikemustachesanddarkfurthatcoveredtheirtorso.Theyallyipped,barked,androlledoverintheirattempttogetmetofeedthemmoreberries,despiteMissAutumntellingmethatIshouldonlyfeedthemonceforthemorning.

"Stopthat...!Y-you'renotgettinganymore!You'llgetfatandyourownerswillcomplain!"ThedogPokémonproceededtouseanothertactic:thedreadedpuppydogeyesmaneuver.Beingusedbyactualpuppies,itmanagedtoevenbreakmedown.IsighedandstartedrefillingtheirbowlswithsomePokémonfood.AtleastI'vegottenovermyfearofLillipups.

Next,IwanderedovertooneofthepondswheresomeDucklettwerewading.NeartheedgeoppositeofwhereIwasstanding,Isawacuriousthing:apairofOshawott.OnewasBlack'swhiletheotherwasprobablyleftherebyitstrainer.TheonlyapparentdifferencebetweenthemwasthattheotherOshawott'storsowasapalershadeofblue.

"Heythere!"Black'sOshawottgreetedcheerfully."Ididn'tthinkI'dmeetanotherofmykindinaplacelikethis!"TheotherOshawottsaidnothing.Itcontinuedstaringdownatitsreflectiononthepond'ssurface."Wouldyouliketodobattle?"Hestartedtopathisshellproudly."Ihaven'tbeentraininglong,butI'mconfidentinmyskills!"Hischallengewasstillmetwithsilence,whichmadehimsad."Hey,comeon~!Iknowyouwantto~!"

"Lea...lone..."TheotherotterPokémonmumbledsomething.

"Hm?What'dyousay?"Black'sOshawottgotcloserwithalookofcuriosity.

"LEAVEMEALONE!"TheothersnappedbeforeslammingitsshelldownonOshawott'shead,thenranoff.

Abitworriedforhim,IcircledaroundthepondandapproachedOshawott.Ascalchop-shapedimprintstuckoutonhisface."Um...Areyouokay?"

"That...wasafemale.Afemale!"Oshawottgasped.

Iarchedaneyebrow."Howcanyoutell?"Theyweren'tlikeUnfezant"thePokédexsaidasmuch.Theydidn'thaveanyphysicaldifferencesbetweenmalesandfemales.

"Howdoyoutellwhenhumansarefemale?I'mnotdumb"IknowafemaleOshawottwhenIseeone!"

"...Youcouldn'ttelluntilyouheardhervoice,huh?"Iaskedflatly.

Oshawottblushedagain."...Well,I'dknowoneifI'dactuallyeverseenafemaleOshawottbefore.Butthatdoesn'tmatter!I'mdeterminednowtosparwithherbeforeweleavethisplace!"Wait,spar?WasthatsupposedtoberomanticformembersoftheOshawottfamily?BeforeIcouldask,Oshawotthadalreadyrunoffinpursuitofthefemale.

"Hey,White!"IlookedovermyshoulderandsawBlackrunningtowardsme."Ijustrealizedthatnoone'satthefrontdesk.Wouldyoumind?"

Normally,Iwouldask"Whymeandnotyou?",butIwasalltoohappytogetawayfromallthosePokémonandtakeabreak.Soinstead,Isaid"Okay,"andrantowardsthebuilding.

X-X-X

Severalminuteslater,Irealizedjusthowdullbeinginchargeofthefrontdeskwas.AllIhadtodowaswaitforpeopletocomein,taketheirPokémonfromthemandmakelittlenotesaboutwhatwastakeninfromwhomandtakenoutforwhom.Itmayhavebeenmoreinterestingifanyoneactuallycamein.Slowasitwas,IdecidedtotakeanapandhopethatbythetimeIwokeup,there'dbeacustomer.

"Excuseme.Miss?"ItwasonlyafewsecondsafterputtingmyheaddownthatIheardavoice.Isatupandlookedaroundbeforefinallylookingdown.Itturnedouttobethepreschoolersfromnextdoor."Um...CanwegoplaywiththePokémon?MissAutumnsaidwecould."

Ishrugged."Ifshegaveyoupermission,sure.Whynot?"

"YAY!"Thechildrenimmediatelyranoutside,saveone:alittlegirlholdingaClefairydoll.

"Issomethingwrong?"Iaskedher.

"Th-there'saPokémonoutthere..."IlookedoutsideandsawthelargeredPokémonthatBlackhadbeenbathingearlier"theonewiththefieryeyebrowsandmouthsetintoapermanentsharp-toothedsmile.RightnowitwascarryingBlackoverhisshoulderlikeasackandIcouldn'ttellifhewashatingitorenjoyingit."He...he'sscary...!"Thelittlegirlwhimpered.

"He's...probablynotthatscary."Probably.IfwhatNsaidwastrue,noneofthePokémonherewouldhurtthekids.Ifanything,theyseemedtolikethem.

"But-but-buthe'sbig!Andhelookslikehe'sgonnaeatme!"Thegirlcried,squeezingherdollandmakingitsqueak.Great,nowshewasmakingmeworry.

"He'snotthatbad!Honestly!"IfhecouldendureBlackforsolongwithouteatingorcrushinghim,hemust'vebeennice.Oratleastplayful.IlookedoutsideandsawthatBlackwasbeingfollowedaroundbythebigredPokémonashetendedtoothers.

Thegirlpouted."Ilikeditbetterwhenhewaslittle..."Little?Iguessthatmeantthatithadevolved."Nowhe'sallscary-looking...!"

"Well,Idoubthe'schangedjustbecausehelooksdifferent."Maybe.Unlessevolutioncausedhispersonalitytochangeintoasavagebeast"Stop!You'resupposedtobehelping,notmakingitworse!"Maybeifyouwentuptohim,you'dseeifhe'snotniceanymore."

Thegirllookedupatmewithafrightenedexpression."W-will...willyoucomewithme?"Sheaskedwithlargepuppydogeyes.Iwasafraidofthat...!

X-X-X

SohereIam,holdingalittlegirl'shandaswewalkedovertoalargeandpossiblyviolentPokémon.Blackwasright:Iamnotabadperson.Notsobadastoignoreakidcryingforhelp.Whenwegotcloseenough,theredPokémonbeganbouncinginplace.IfeltthegirlclingtomylegtightlyandheardherClefairydollsqueak.

"Suzie!Suzie,Suzie,Suzie!"ThePokémonchanted.

"Hm?What'swrong?"Blacklookedoverhisshoulderandsmiled."Oh,White!Haveyouseenthisbigguyyet?"Hesaid,pattingtheredPokémonontheback."He'saDarmanitan,theBlazingPokémon.They'vegotaninternalfirethatburnsat2,500degreesFahrenheitandcandestroyadumptruckwithasinglepunch!Isn'tthatsomething?MaybeIshouldcatchonelateron..."Hemusedwithamazementinhiseyes.

ThelittlegirlwhimperedandIglaredatmybrother."Now'snotthetimetoshareyourknowledge,Mr.Pokédex!"Ihissedbeforeleaningforwardandadding,"She'safraidofit,andyoujustmadethingsworse!"

"Huh?"Blackbentdownandlookedbehindmylegatthechild."Noneedtobeafraid.He'saniceguy!Abittouchy-feely,butnice!"

TheDarmanitansuddenlywrappedhisarmsaroundmeandthelittlegirl."Imissedyousomuch!Where'dyougo?!"Hebawled.Idon'tthinkhesawthefrightened

expressiononmyfaceasitpulleduscloser.

"You're...reallywarm,"Iheardthegirlmumble."It'snice."IlookeddowntofindherrubbingahandonthePokémon'sstomach.Hestoppedhuggingusandputthegirlonhisbackbeforewalkingoff.

"Awww,youdidanicething,White.Maybenowyou'vegottenoveryourfearofPokémon?"Ijustglaredatmybrother."Dumbquestion,huh?"Inoddedbeforewalkingbacktothebuilding.

X-X-X

Notes!

AllobtainedstarterPokémon(excludingspecialcaseslikePikachu),haveaverysmallchanceofbeingfemale.

X-X-X

RemembertoreviewforthesakeofBluandPichu!

Chapter5

Disclaimer:BluRosedoesn'townthePokémonseries.Sheonlyownsherinterpretationsofsomecharactersandthisstory.

X-X-X

~DaycareRescue~

Therestofthedaywasratheruneventful.Thechildrenhadleftmidafternoon,takingtheirPokémonwiththem.AhandfulofpeoplecamebytopickuptheirPokémon,whichledtosomehappy-lookingreunions.Bysundown,thePokémonthatwerelefthadbeentendedtoandweretuckeredout,andsowerethethreeofus.

"Alright!It'stimeforthenamingceremony!"BlackexclaimedasheheldhisPokémonnamingbookinhishands.Hewassittingcross-leggedononeoftheloveseatsinthefrontarea,hisOshawottandPidoveoneithersideofhim."Oshawott,Iherebynameyou...Kaito."

"Kai-to..."TheOshawottsoundedout.

"AndPidove,Inameyou...Valentine."

"Valentine?"ThePidoverepeated.

Blacksmiled,happywithhimself."Whatdoyouguysthink?Doyoulikeyournewnames?"

"It's...notbad."Valentineanswered.

"Notbad?It'scool!"Kaitoexclaimedashebouncedupanddownonthecushion.

"Whyaretheysohappy?"Naskedeithermeorhimself.WeweresittingofftothesidewhileBlackdidhislittlenamingceremony."AtrainergivingthemanameisonlyoneofthewaysPokémonareshackledbythem."

Igavethegreen-hairedteenahalf-liddedstare."Wheredoyoulearnthesethings?Anamegivesyouindividuality,amongotherthings..."

"Forahuman,perhaps.ButforPokémon,itismerelyameansofownership."

Isighedandshookmyhead."Idon'tknowwhyIeverbotherwithyou."Ididn'tevenknowwhyhewasstillhere.Hegothisquestionsanswered,sonowheshouldleave.

ThedoorthenopenedandMissAutumnwalkedinside."Well,that'sthelastofthem!ThankyouallsomuchforyourhelpIdon'tknowhowthingswouldhavegonewithoutyou.I'vealreadycalledthejobagencyinAccumulaTownandtheysaidthey'llsendsomenewcaretakersoverinthemorning."

"Thankgoodness!"Iexclaimed,notashappyforherasIwasforbeingabletoleavethisplace.

"It'sgettingdarkout,sowhydon'tyouallstayherefortonight?It'sneversafetotravelatnight.Youdon'tknowwhatwillhappen."Theolderwomangesturedtothestairsleadinguptothesecondfloor."Youcansleepinmyparents'room.I'llleavethedooropensoyoucantellwhichoneitis,butpleasedon'ttouchanythinginthere."

"Thankyou,"BlackandIspokeatthesametime.NjuststoodtherequietlyasMissAutumndisappearedupthestairstothesecondfloor,likehewasthinking.

"I'llleaveyouguysoutuntilmorning,"BlacktoldhisPokémon."Thatway,Osha"Imean,KaitocangetbacktowooingthatgirlOshawott."

Kaitobegantoblush."There'snowooing!I-Ijustwannafighther!"

"IguessI'lldothesame.TinyandPanaceahavealreadyfallenasleepoutsideanyway,"Isaid.

"So,thisjustleavesonequestion:who'ssleepingonthefloor?"IstaredatBlackinconfusion."Ifit'sherparents'room,therehastobeadoublebed.So,unlessyouwantallthreeofuscrammedtogetherinbed..."

Ifrowned."I'mnotsharingabedwitheitheroneofyou!"Ishoutedasmycheeksheatedup.Fromchildhoodexperience,IknewBlackwasaroughsleeper.AndNwasweirdostrangerwhomighttrysomethingdirty."Whydon'tyoutwosleeponthefloorandI'llsleeponthebed?"

Blackfrownedaswell."Whybothofus?

"BecauseI'magirlandyoutwoareboys.Plus,I'mmoredelicatethanyoutwo,soIneedtosleepcomfortably."

"You'rehardlydelicate.AndI'myourbrother!We'vesharedabedbefore!"

"Exactly.WhichiswhyIdon'twanttodoitagain."

"What'ssobadaboutussleepinginthesamebedasyou?"Nasked."Ifweallsqueezedintogether,wemightbeabletofit."BlackandIstaredathimashecontinued,"MyfriendsandIdidthatwhenIwasyoung.Wewouldhugeachotherandwe'dallbecomfortable."

"...WerethefriendsyoudidthiswithPokémon,N?"Blackasked,lookingasuncomfortableasIfelt.Thegreen-hairedboynoddedandhegaveasighofrelief."Good!Imean...Whilethat'sagoodidea,N,there'sthefactthatWhiteisagirl.Andasherbigbrother,Icanneithercuddleherinbed,norletanyothermancuddleher."

"Whynot?Girlsaren'tthatdifferentfromboys,right?"

"...N,Ichangedmymind.YoucansleepwithWhite.

"WHAT?!"IgrabbedBlack'sshoulderandgrippedittightly."Black,howdareyou"?!"

Blacktookmeasideandwhispered,"It'skindofobviousthatNwasn'ttaughtaboutthePidgeyandCombees,ifyouknowwhatImean."Geez,howclosedoffwasN?Hehadtohavebeenayearortwoolderthanbothofusandweknewaboutthatmorethanhedid!"Anyway,he'sharmless.Idoubthe'ddoanythingtoyou."

"Idoubtyourdoubting."

"Ifanythinghappens,I'llbesleepingonthefloor.ScreamandI'llkickhisbutt."

"Ifanythinghappens,I'llkillyouboth!"Igrowled.

X-X-X

Laterthatnight,Blackwassleepinginasleepingbagonthefloor,andIwassleepingonadoublebedwithN.Ihadputsomepillowsbetweenusformyownprotection,butthatdidn'tstophimfromtryingtoreachoutandcuddlemeinhissleeplikeIwasoneofhisPokémonfriends.Eventually,Icouldn'ttakeit.ItookN'sarmoffofme,slidoutofthebedasquietlyasIcould,andheadeddownstairswithapillowunderarm.IfIcouldn'tsleepupstairs,I'dsleepontheloveseatdownstairs.Thefactthatmylegsdangledovertheotherenddidn'tmatter.Ijustputthepillowonthearmrestandrestedmyheadonit.Ishifted,feelinguncomfortable.WhatIwould'vegavetobesleepinginaPokémonCenterinsteadofadaycareatthesideoftheroad...

"Sssh...!Bequiet!Wedon'twanttowakeanyoneup."Iopenedmyeyesatthesoundofavoicecomingfromoutside.Irolledontomybackandlookeddowntothewindowabovemyfeet.IsawalightshiningfromoutsideandIcouldheargrass

rustling.Thenthesourceswalkedintoviewinfrontofthewindow:TeamPlasma.

"I'vealwaysthoughtthisplacewasawful.PeoplejustleavetheirPokémonherefordaysandforgettheyexist!Suchawfultreatment..."Iheardoneofthegruntsspeak.

"Tonight,we'llfreeallthePokémontrappedinhereandteachthosepeoplealesson!"Anothersaidashepassed.

Great.IftheirideaoffreeingPokémonwasthesameasthoseguysinStriatonCity,they'dresorttohurtingthePokémonjusttomakethemleave.WhenIsawnomorepassingbythewindow,Igotup.IhadtowakeupBlackandNandtellthemwhatwashappening,butanoisestoppedmeinmytracks,followedbyaflashoflight.

"CHUUUUU!"ItwasTiny!IforgotallaboutBlackandNandinsteadranoutthedoorintimetoseeTinygetkickedawaybyaPlasmamemberthatwasclimbingoverthefence.Hesatupandheldontohisstomach."M...mommy...!"Hecriedoutinpain.Suddenly,Iwasfeelingverymaternal,andIsnapped.Ibentovertopickupthebiggest,heaviestrocknearmeandthrewitatthegrunt'shead.Whentherockmadeimpact,itgaveacryofpainandbegantofidget.Oops.IthinkitwasaPokémon.

"What'sgoin'on?!"Therock-likePokémonshoutedloudenoughtowakeuptheotherPokémon."What'swiththeguysinthecrazygetups?"

"Don'tletthoseguysgettheirhandsonyou!Theyjustwannatakeyouawayfromhere"fromyourfriendsandtrainers!"Ishouted.

"WHAT?!"SeveralofthePokémonshoutedinsurprise.

"N-no!Notagain!Ican'tgothroughthatagain!"

"But...!ButAnnawillbesad!"

"Suziesaidshe'dadoptme!"

"Idon'twannabereleased!IwantDamon!"

Ohdear.NowIgotallofthemworried.

"White!"IlookeddownandsawKaitoatmyfeet."Thoseweirdoesarehere!"

"Iknewthat..."IsaidasIpickedupTinyandcradledhiminmyarms."There,there.You'llbeokay."Hecontinuedtocryquietlyashischeekssparked.IsetmysightsonTeamPlasma."Youguysthinksayingit'sallforPokémonliberationmeansyoucandowhateveryouwant?!You'renothingbutcreeps!"

TheotherPlasmidshadfinishedclimbingover.Therewerefourofthemaltogether,notcountingtheunconsciousone.

"Whatdoyouknow?YouworkataplacewheretheytreatPokémonlikeattractionsatazoo!"Oneofthegruntsspoke.

"You'retheonewhodoesn'tknowanything!ThePokémonherelovetheirtrainersandarewillingtowaitforthem!Andtheoneswithoutthemhavekidswhoadorethemandvisitthemwhentheycan!"

"Stupidgirl!We'retheheroeswhoaregoingtofreethesePokémonfromtheirprison!We'retheirsaviors!We're"!"Hewasinterruptedbyajoltofelectricityfromthesidelinesthatmadehimfallover,stunned.

Nearby,anEmolgastoodbywithitscheekscracklingwithelectricity."Idunnoaboutyouguys,butIdidn'taskedtobesaved"especiallynotbytheseweirdoes."Hestated.

"Yeah,whodotheseguysthinkweare?"AHerdierspokeupasothersofitskindbegantogrowlandLillipupsstartedtoyip.

"Personally,Ithinktheydeservealesson,"camefromaPurrlointhatheldoutitssharpenedclaws.

Kaitodrewhisshellandhelditupintheair."Guys!IthinkIspeakforeverybodywhenIsay...ATTACK!"

Almostimmediately,thePokémonstartedreactinginhostileways.Icouldheargrowlsandroars.Isawsparksflying,embersburstingtolife,andgustsofwindthatwerevisibletotheeye.TheTeamPlasmagrunts,pulledouttheirPokémon:Purrloins,Patrats,andoneevenhadaSandile,buttheywereoutnumberedandoverpoweredtothepointwherethedaycarePokémonredirectedtheirangeronthegruntswhentheirPokémonwereunconscious.Thatwasbrutal.OrsoIthink.Really,whilethiswasallhappening,I'dcrawledovertothewallofthedaycarebuilding,prayingthatthiswouldallbeoverbeforetheirangerwasdirectedtowardsmenext.

Asharpwhistlethensoundedout,andIheardtheruckusstop.IraisedmyheadandsawMissAutumnstandingintheopendoorwaywithherarmsfoldedacrossherchest.BehindherwereBlackandN,lookingstunned."Whatonearthisgoingon?!"Sheshouted.Iwonderedifshedidthiskindofthingwithherstudentsaswell.ThePokémoncrowdseparatedtorevealtheTeamPlasmamembersandtheirPokémon,beatenunconsciousandbearingallsortsofscratches,burnsandbruises.I

shuddered,asmuchasIthoughttheydeserveditforwhattheyweretryingtodo.MissAutumn'smouthopenedinsurprise."What?!Whoarethesepeople?Pokémonthieves?"

Ifoundmyvoiceagaintoexplain,"They'reTeamPlasma.TheywantedtoreleasethePokémonhereintothewild,buttheywouldn'thaveit."

"Oh...!"Theschoolteacherbegantoblushandsmile.Thensherealizedwhatjusthappenedandsheclappedahandoverherchest."O-ohmygoodness!Ishouldcallthepoliceimmediately!Y-youkidsstayhereandmakesuretheydon'tmove,okay?!"

"Youcancountonit,m'am!"Blacksaidassheranbackintothehouse.Hewalkedovertomeandbentover."Youokay?Theydidn'thurtyou,didthey?"

Isighed."No.Ijustsatherelikeacoward.Ididn'teventrytobattle!"

"You'renotacoward,MissWhite,"Panaceaspokeup."Ifyouhadn'tcomealong,theymight'veactuallysucceeded."

"That'sright!Youwokemeup!"TherockPokémonsnappedatme.IimmediatelyflinchedandstartedtohugBlack'sleg."Imean,uh...Thanksforhelpingus."

"Mommy,"Tinyspokeupinmyarm."T...thanks..."Hemumbled.

"You'rehardlyacoward.Ifanything,you'realittleoveremotional.Butthat'sagoodthingsometimes,"saidBlack.

Istartedtosmileabit.IscratchedTiny'searasIstoodup."Fortherestofthenight,you'resleepingwithme,gotit?"Hegaveasqueakofhappiness."Ihopeyoudon'tmindsleepingwithmeonthefloor."

"Hm?Whythefloor?"Mybrotherasked.

"Because,Black.I'mgoingtogiveyouthebed.YoucansleepwithN."

"I,uh,guessitwasuncomfortable,huh?"Notinthewayyou'rethinking.Dealwithbeingchokedlikeahumanteddybearforthenight,'bigbrother'!

"Youdon'tmind,doyou,N?"Iaskedthegreen-hairedboy.Hehadafar-offlookashestaredattheunconsciousgruntsandtherockPokémonthatwaskickingoneoftheminthehead."What'swrong?Seeingyouridolslikethismadeyourealizeyoushouldn'tberootingforthem?"

"No,"heansweredimmediately."I'mjustupsetthattheywouldresorttoviolenceto

getthingsdone.Theirpassionshouldhavealimitation.However,wecannotblametheactionsofthefewonthewhole."

"Wait,what?!Sowhenit'strainers,we'reallguilty,butwhenit'sTeamPlasma,onlysomeareguilty?!Ijust...ARGH!"Ishouted,makingNbackupintoawallinfearofme."Youarejustso...so...!Ugh,forgetthis!I'mtootiredtobeenraged!"IgrumbledasIenteredthebuilding."I'mgoingupstairs.Disturbmeinmysleepatyourownrisk..."

X-X-X

"Itdoesn'tmatterifyouhadgoodintentions,White.Youdon'tjuststealsomeone'sPokémon,"Mommytoldme,waggingherfingerlikeshedid.

"Buthewashurtinghim!"ThinkingaboutthatpoorlittleLillipupwiththebentlegandtheinjuredeyemademesad,andthinkingabouthisowner"thelittleboywhohurthim"madememad.Itdidn'tseemfairtoleavehimwherehewas,soIjusttookhimwhennoonewaslookingandtriedlookingafterhimmyself.

"Maybeso,butthisisthesortofthingyoutellpeople,sweetie.LikeDaddyandI,orsomeoneatthePokémonCenter.Doingthisjustmakesyoulooklikeacriminal!"

Ipouted."I-I'mnotacriminal!Ijustwantedtohelp!I-I-I""Mommysilencedmebystrokingmyhair.

"Ssshh!It'sokay.Iknowyouweretryingtodogood,butsometimes,therearerightwaystogoaboutitandtherearewrongways."

IlookedupatMommy."Wasitarightwaywhenyoubeatupthatmeanboy'sdaddy?"

Shefrowned."No,itwasn't.Therightwaywouldhavebeentotalktohimpatientlyabouthowifyouletchildrendothiswhenthey'reyoung,whenthey'readults,theywon'tcareaboutwhotheyhurt,humanorPokémon.Punchinghiminthefaceandcallinghimmanybadthingsisthewrongway,evenwhenthey'rebeingjerks.Doyouunderstand?"

"Yes."

"Goodgirl."

X-X-X

"NO!"Aloudscreamcausedmetorolloverwithastart.IregretteditimmediatelyasIknockedmyelbowintothedresser.Right...Iwasn'tsleepingonabed,butonthefloorinBlack'ssleepingbag.Ihissedinpainandheldontomyachingelbow.NoneofthisdisturbedTinyfromhissleep,though,ashejustkeptonsnoozing.

"Whattheheckwasthat?!"IheardBlackexclaimashesatupinbed.

IpickedupmysleepingPichuandgotonmyfeet,stillrubbingmyelbowwithmyfreehand."ItsoundedlikeMissAutumn."Whatcamenextwasthesoundofawomansobbingloudly.Whatcould'vehappened?DidthosenewbreederscomealongandsuddenlydecidetobePro-Plasma,too?Stilldressedinourpajamas,webothlefttheroomandenteredthehallway."Bytheway,where'sN?"

"Huh?"Blackyawnedandrubbedhiseyes."...N?Idunno.Maybehe'sdownstairseatingbreakfastorsomething?"

Whenwereacheddownstairs,wefoundthebackdoorwideopenandthepreschoolteacheronherkneesoutside,hunchedoverandshaking.Thetwoofusimmediatelyranovertoseewhatwasthematter,butwesawitthemomentwesteppedoutside.Thebackyardwasempty.NotasinglePokémonwasinsight."What...?What?!Where'dallthePokémongo?!"

"No!KaitoandValentine...andPanacea,too?How'dthishappen?!"

MissAutumnsniffledandshook."I...don't...know!"Tearswererollingdownherface.Shelookedlikeamessoverthis,andwhywouldn'tshe?Thedaycarewasherparents'businessanditwasherresponsibility."They'reallg-gone!Howcouldthishappen?!Whocould'vedonethis?!"

Black'smouththinnedintoaline."TeamPlasma?Butwestoppedthemlastnight!Thepolicecameforthemandeverything,right?Unless...thereweremorehidingoutsomewhere.OrmaybetheywerejustordinaryPokémonthieves."

Athoughtsuddenlyenteredmymind."OrmaybeN."

"N?Hewouldn'tdothis!Hesaidithimselflastnight:hehatedwhatTeamPlasmawasdoing!"

"No,hehatedhowtheyresortedtoviolence.I'msurehepreferredtochasethemoffthenon-violentway."

MissAutumnsniffledagainandwipedthetearsfromhereyes."C-cometothinkofit...thatNboyleftwhenitwasquiteearly.Hesaidsomethingabout...beingverylate

foranarrangement?"

"Aha!He'sathief!"

"No,he'snot!Besides,allNhasisaZoruaandthePokémonweresoadamantaboutstaying,theybeatupTeamPlasma!Sohecan'tbetheculprit!Justletit""Blacktrailedoff.Hiseyessuddenlywidenedashescreamed,"AAAAAHHHH!White,Kaito'sokay!"Mybrothertookofftowardsatreeandranbehindit.Atthatmoment,hechasedoutKaito,whowasrunningawayfromhim."What'sthematterwithyou?!StoprunningawayfrommelikeI'moneofthebadguys!"

"...Black,stop.Idon'tthinkthisisyourOshawott.Justlookatit."

BlackstoppedrunningandtheOshawottdidthesame,lookingabitworried."Hm...You'reright.Thisisn'thim.Butstill,it'stheonlyoneleft.That'sgood.Youcouldaskitifitsawwhathappened."

MissAutumnstaredatusinconfusion."What?Askit?Idoubtit'dbeabletotellusanythingwe'dunderstand!"

Igulped.ThisOshawottwasn'texactlyfriendlywithKaitoyesterday...butPanaceawasintrouble,andsowereBlack'sPokémonandseveralothers.Icouldn'twimpoutnow"nomatterhowfrightenedIwas.IcroucheddowninfrontoftheOshawottandputTinydown."Um...Doyouknowwhathappenedlastnight?"

"Thismorning."

"Huh?"

"I-ithappenedthismorning.Iknowbecause...Isawthesuncomingup."TheOshawottfidgeted."Iwastheonlyoneawakewhensomemeninstrangeclothescame."

"Theyworestrangeclothes?"

"Likethosemenfromthenightbefore."

"SoitwasTeamPlasma.Waitaminute!Ifyouwereawake,whydidn'tyoudosomething?Attackthem,o-ormakesomenoise?"

TheOshawottcringed."B-b-becauseIcouldn't!I'maweakling!Iamuseless!Icouldn'tdefeatanyone,letalonesomehumans,soIjusthidlikeacoward!"Shegrabbedherscalchopshellandstartedtosmackherselfontheforehead."No

wondermytrainerdidn'twantmeeee!"

"Whoa,whoa!What'stheproblem?!"Blackexclaimed.

"I...thinkshe'sbeatingherselfup"figurativelyandliterally."Iwasn'tsureifIshouldtryandstopherornot.Icouldalreadyseearedbruiseformingonherheadalready."A-anyway,shesaysthatitwasTeamPlasmawhocameandtookthem."

"Well,theyarecalledTeamPlasma...butwho'dhavethoughtthere'dbemoreofthemreadytodothesamething?Andsosoon?"Mybrotherclosedhiseyesandscratchedhishead."They'dhavebeenhidingsomewhere."

"...ave."IlookeddownatthemumblingOshawott,whoseemedtohavefinishedpunishingherself."Th-theytalkedabout...acave."

"Shesaysthattheytalkedaboutacave."

"Wellspring!"MissAutumnsuddenlyexclaimed,makingusbothjump."WellspringCave!I-it'sattheendoftheroad.It'stheonlycavenearhere.Couldthatbeit?"

"Couldbe...Let'sgetgoing!Ifwe'relucky,they'llstillbethere!"Blackexclaimed.Hemadetogoandchange,butIgrabbedhisarm.

Inarrowedmyeyes."No.Youdon'thaveanyPokémon,remember?"Ifeltbadforpointingthatout,butitwasthetruth.WithoutPokémon,Blackwouldbeasittingduck."I'll...havetogoalone."

Blackstartedtofrownandglareatme."What?No!Youcan'tgoandfacethemallbyyourself!Allyou'vegotisTiny!"ThePichustirredatthementionofhisname."We'regoingtogetherornotatall!"

"N-no,"MissAutumnspokeup,"Youtwoshouldn'tevenbedoingthis.You'rejustkids!Thisisajobfortheauthorities!"

"It'lltaketoolong!Theymightbegonebythetimetocopsgethere!Someone'sgottadosomethingaboutthis!Besides,they'vegotourPokémon,too!Andwe'llbetheretolookoutforeachother,sonothingbadwillhappentous."Mybrotherlookedatmewithaseriousexpression."Right,White?"

"...Right."Thinkingaboutit,IdoubtI'dbeabletogodownarouteandintoacavewhenwildPokémoncouldpounceonmeatanytime.Blackmight'vebeenuselessinabattle,buthe'dbeabletokeepmefromfaintingonthewaythere."Don'tworry,MissAutumn.We'llmakesureallthePokémonarereturned."Hopefully...

X-X-X

Minuteslater,wewerewalkingdownRoute3withagoalinmindthatwewouldhopefullyaccomplish.Formostofthetime,weremainedsilent.WhenawildPokémonwouldpopupoutofthegrasstoconfrontus,Blackwouldbemycheeringsection.Eventually,wereachedaforkintheroadwithasign:NacreneCitytothesouth,WellspringCavetothewest.Wecontinuedon,thedirtpatheventuallybecominghiddenbytallgrass.IfeltsomethingbrushuptomylegandIfroze.

"M-myleg.Something'stouchingmyleg,Black!Getitoff,getitoff...!"Iwhimpered.

Blackapproachedmeandcroucheddown."Hangon.It'sprobablyjustatwigor...Hm?What'reyoudoinghere?White,lookwho'shere!"HestuckaflailingOshawottinmyfaceandmyautomaticreactionwastoquicklystepawayfromhim."It'stheOshawottfromthedaycare!"

"Ah!P-p-putmedown!Pleaseputmedown!"ThecowardlyOshawottcried.

"What'reyoudoinghere?!"Isnapped."AlloftheotherPokémonalreadygotstolen!DoyouwantTeamPlasmatogetyou,too?!"

TheOshawottwhimpered,asifitwasafraidofme."Ididn'tdoanythingtostopthem.Andthenyoudecidedtogofightthemonyourown.Ithought...IshouldpayforwhatI'vedoneandc-comewithyou.ButI'dunderstandifyoudon'twantmearoundyou.I'mauselessandcowardlyweakling."You'recertainlynotcowardlyifyoufollowedusallthisway.

"What'sthat?Youwannacomewithus?"BlackmadeaspotonguessaboutwhattheWatertypewassaying."Doyoufeelbadaboutwhathappened?"Helookedatme."Ifitwantstohelp,weoughttoletit.Don'tyouthink?"Iwantedtobeagainstthis,butwithonlyonePokémonandwhoknowshowmanyofPlasma'sgruntswouldbethere,weneededallthehelpwecouldget.

"Alright.Youcancomealong.Butyouhavetotryandhelpus,okay?"IspokeasgentlyasIcouldtotheOshawott.

"I-I'lltrynottogetintheway,ma'am.ThoughIcan'tpromiseI'llbeofanyhelp."

Blackgaveabreathofrelief."Atleastouroddsarebetternow."Yeah,withafearfulOshawott,wehavea2to10chanceofsuccess."Look!IthinkIcanseethecaveentrancejustoverthere."Heranfurtherahead,promptingmetorunafterhim.WhenIfinallycaughtuptomybrother,hewasstaringintothemouthofWellspringCave."It'skindadarkinthere,butIcanmakeoutsomethings."

"Whatthings?"Imumbled,grippingthestrapofmybag.

"LookslikeWoobatsclingingtothewalls."Igaveashortsqueakoffear.IknewaboutWoobats.SomenightsinNuvemaTown,theWoobatswouldflyoutfromthedarknessofthetreestheyspentthedayinandclingtowallsandwindows.EachtimeIwokeuptofindonestuckonmywindow,I'dscreamliketheywereGolbatstryingtobreakinandsuckmyblood."Relax!Woobatsareharmless.They'remostlyherbivores."

"Mostly?!"

"They'dsoonereatanOranberrythanyou,sojustcalmdown!Besides,youhaveTiny.Ifonegetsagitatedandtriestoattack,justzapthem."Blackthentookmyhandandledmeinside,TinyandtheOshawottwalkingbesideus.

ThelightthatshoneintotheentranceofthecavemadetheWoobatsclingingtothestonewallsasclearasday.ApartofmeactuallywishedthatitwasdarkenoughsoIcouldn'tseetheirround,pale-furredbodiestwitchingandrisingastheybreathedfromtheirmouths.ItriedtofocusonthesoundofthewaterthatdrippedfromtheceilinginsteadofthesleepingPokémonaroundus.

Blacksuddenlystoppedwalking.Iwould'veopenedmymouthtoaskwhathewasdoingandtellhimtokeepgoing,butIwasafraidofwakinguptheWoobats.ThenIheardwhathehad:thesoundofvoices.Icouldn'treallytelliftheybelongedtohumansorPokémon,though,butBlack'sexpressionwasenoughtosuggestthattheywereTeamPlasma's.Good!Thatmeanttheywerestillhereandthistripwasn'tawasteoftime!

Wecontinuedon,tryingtoremainasquietaspossible.Thecloserwegot,thelouderthevoicesbecame.

"...pup...Zebstrika...Pidove...Pidove...Lillipup...Darmanitan...Lillipup...Geez,there'snotmuchthatsticksoutamongstthese,"saidonevoice.

"Shutupandjustkeepcheckingthem,"saidanother.

"Fine.Pidove...Blitzle...Audino..."

Atthatmoment,somethingfellfromtheceilingandlandedonmyhead."AAAH"MMMPH!"TherestofmyscreamwasmuffledintimebyBlack,who'dplacedhishandovermymouth.

"Eh?Whatwasthat?"

"ProbablyjusttheWoobats.Thosethingsshrieklikebansheesoveranything."

Whenwewerecertainthatwehadn'tbeencaught,mybrothergesturedformetokeepquietasheremovedsomethingsmallandfurryfrommyheadwithagruntofeffort.ItturnedouttobeasmallWoobat,somehowstillasleepdespitethefall.Gentlyashecould,BlackmanagedtogettheBatPokémontosticktoanemptysectionofthecavewall.Hegrabbedmyhandandpulledmyalongyetagain,outofthetunnelandintoawidecavern.Waterdropletsfellfromthestalactite-coveredceilinganddownintoaportionofwatersolarge,itdidn'tseemlikeitwasmadebyyearsuponyearsofcollectingwater.Thesightstruckmewithawe,andwould'veheldmyinterestforafewmoreminutesifIhadn'tseentherealreasonwewerethere:thepairofPlasmamemberswhowerehoveringoverasack.

"Holditrightthere,youPokémonthieves!"Blackshoutedloudly.IflinchedasIheardtheWoobatsbehinduswakeupwithalarmingscreechesandthesoundoftheirwingsflappingastheyflewoutofthecave.Thepairofgruntswerenowglaringinourdirection.

"Mm?Whatdoyoubratsthinkyou'redoinghere?Andwhodoyouthinkyou'recallingthieves?"Thefemalemembersaidwithascowl."WearewithTeamPlasma,andwe'regoingtoliberatePokémonfromthecrueltyoftrainers!"

"Yousaythat,butjustamomentago,itsoundedlikeyouweremakinginventoryofthePokémonyoustole!"

Itwasthemalemember'sturntogetupset."H-howdareyou?!We'retryingtosavePokémon!You'retheeviloneshere!"

"Doyouevenknowiftheywanttobesaved?"Ispokeup,feelingupsetenoughtogetbrave."Didyouevenaskthemiftheyhatedlivingwiththeirtrainersorbeinginthedaycare?"

BothofthePlasmagruntsbegantofume."Don'tberidiculous!"Thewomansnapped."Ofcoursetheywanttobefreefromhumantyranny!Sosaysourking!"

BlackandIexchangedlooks."...Didtheysaytheyhaveaking?Notaboss,butaking?"Iaskedslowly.

"Yeah.Theydid,"Blackmumbled.

"Huh.Thesepeoplearemoreridiculousthanwethought."

"Whoevertheirbossis,hemustbeanegomaniacorsomethingtocallhimselfa

king."

"DON'TWHISPERAWFULTHINGSABOUTOURLORD!"ThePlasmawomanshriekedlouderthananyWoobatasshepointedanaccusingfingeratus.Weweremorefrightenedbythevolumeofhervoicethanhergesture,though.

Themalegruntadded,"OurkingisblessedwiththegifttounderstandtheheartsofPokémon.Hecanhearthecriesofpainandanguishtheymakefrombeingimprisonedbyhumans.Thecriespeoplelikeyouig""BeforeIknewit,Ithrewarockthathitthemansquareintheforehead."AH!You...littlebrat!Youhitme!"

Ifrowned."Yes,Idid!BecauseIthinkyou'reignorant!Youandyourso-calledking!You'reallsogung-hoabout'liberating'and'saving'Pokémonthatyou'reonlylookingatonesideandcompletelyignoringtheother.Nowthat'signorant!"

"Ugh,whyevenbothertryingtogetthroughtoyou?You'rejustapairofdumbkids!WeshouldjustdoyourPokémonafavorandliberatethembyforce!"ThetwogruntseachgotoutaPokéBallandreleasedaPokémonfrominside.ThewomanhadaWoobatthatgaveashrillcryandthemanhadaPatratthatglaredatusintenselywithitsredandyelloweyes.

Tinyimmediatelyraninfrontofme.Healreadyknewwhatwewereabouttogetinto.TheOshawottjoinedhimathisside,althoughnotlookingasconfident.

"PatratisaNormaltypethathasverystrongeyesight.AndWoobatisaPsychic/FlyingType,sobeonguardforPsychcattacksaswellasFlying,"Blackexplained.

"Patrat,useSandAttack!"

"Woobat,useGust!"

ThePatratgotdownonallfoursandturnedaround.ItstartedtokickupthedirtonthefloorastheWoobatuseditsflappingwingstodothesame,kickingupmoredirtanddustatTinyandtheOshawott.Theysneezedandgroanedasthedirtblindedthem.TheWatertypetookadeepbreathbeforespittingoutastreamofwaterinthedirectionoftheWoobat.Butthetargetdidn'tevenneedtomovetoavoidtheattack.

"Tiny,useThunderShock!"

SparksbegantoflyfromTiny'scheeksacsaselectricitycrackledaroundhisbody."Ch-ch-ch-CHUUUUU!"HeunleashedseveraljoltsofelectricityinthedirectionofthePatratandtheWoobat.AlthoughtheBatPokémonmanagedtododgethe

attack,therodentwasn'tasfortunateandgotshocked.

"Woobat,Confusion!"ThefemalegruntorderedherPokémon.

Itstartedtoflapitswingsquicklyasitsbodybecameenvelopedinapaleblueaura.Itmadeanannoyingscreechingsoundaswavesofpsychicblueenergycameoffofit.TheenergyimpactedagainstTinyandsenthimflyingbacktomyfeet.

"Ah!A-areyouokay?"Icouldn'thelpbutask.ThePichuimmediatelygotbackonhisfeet,cheekscracklingwithelectricity.

"AAAAHHH!"AscreamcamefromtheOshawott.WhileIwaspayingattentiontoTiny,thePatrathadmanagedtojumponherandwasnowbitingdownhardonhertorso.TheWatertypeflailedasthePatrat'steethsankindeeper.TheWoobathoveredoverhead,flappingitswings.TheScoutPokémonjumpedawaytododgetheblastofwind,leavingtheOshawotttobeblownovertowardsus.Shestayedfacedown,mumbling,"Iknewit.I'museless.Ican'tevenbeataPatrat!"

IpickeduptheOshawottandsetheronherfeet."No!You'rejustnottryinghardenough!Whatweneedisteamwork!"IlookedatthesmirkingPlasmagruntsandtheirPokémon."First,adistraction.Youdon'tneedpropersighttouseCharm,Tiny!"

ThePichu'seyesbrightenedandhebegantohopfromfoottofoot,performingalittledanceforhisopponents.ThePatrat'schubbycheeksbecametingedpinkasitwatchedTinydance.TheWoobatattemptedtouseGust,butallitdidwasmakeashortwaftofwindthatcouldn'tevenmovethedirt.

"Nowthen,you..."IlookeddownatthefemaleOshawottasmyhandrifledthroughmybag.Ipulledoutabottleoffresh,ifwarm,water,andopenedit."Let'swashthesandoutofyoureyes,okay?"

"I-Icandoitmyself...!"ThePokémoninsistedevenasIpouredsomewaterdownherface.Whatshedidn'tusetowashhereyes,sheswallowed,anditseemedtohelpherregainherbreath.

"Feelingbetter?"Iasked.TheOshawottnodded."Good."IglancedatTiny,wholookedlikehewastiring."Nowit'syourturntobeuseful.First,employadistraction.Thenattack.Thinkyoucanhandleit?"

TheOshawottgulped."I'll...try."SheranoverbesideTinyandturnedaround.Shestartedtoshakeherbehind,hertailflippingupanddown."Wooott~!Wott,Wott,Wooott~!"TheSeaOtterPokémonsang.TheWoobatandPatrat'sattentionshiftedfromTiny'sdancingtohershakingtail.

ThePlasmawomanwasshakingwithrage."Willyoutwosnapoutofitandattack?!"SheshoutedsoloudlythatwildWoobatevendeeperinsidethecaveprobablywokeupfromthenoise."Andyou,"shespatathercomrade,"Makeyourselfuseful!"

Themanflinchedatherharshtone."P-patrat,Tackle!"

ThePatratgotonallfoursyetgainandbegantoruntowardsTinyandtheOshawott."Tiny,useThunderShock!"ThePichubegantoreleasejoltsofelectricity,buttheymissedeitherduetopooraimingorthePatrat'sdodgingskill.Whenitcamecloser,theSeaOtterPokémongaveafearfulcryasshedrewherscalchopshellandswungitdownonthePatrat'shead.TheNormaltypegaveacryofpainbeforeitcollapsedatherfeet,unconscious."Youdidit!"

TheOshawottopenedhereyesandlookeddownatthefaintedPatrat."I...Iwon.Iwon!Iamnotuseless!"Beforeshecouldstartcelebrating,theottergrabbedholdofTinyandpulledhimaside,avoidingtheblastofwindfromtheWoobat'sGustattack.Withaglare,theOshawotttookadeepbreathbeforesprayingastreamofwateratthebat.Theattackhitithard.Itfaltered,andeventhoughitcaughtitselfbeforeitcouldcomeclosetotheground,theWoobatlookedlikeitwasstrugglingtostayintheair.TheOshawotttookadvantageoftheenemy'smomentofweaknessandflungherscalchopshellstraightattheWoobat'snose.Whenithit,theWoobatfelltothegroundandtwitchedforafewsecondsbeforefainting."Wow!Thatwas...amazing!Iforgotjusthowamazingvictoryfelt!"

"Noway!Welost!"ThemalePlasmamembershoutedindisbeliefashereturnedhisPatrattoitsball.

"Thisisn'toveryet!"Thefemaleexclaimed,recallingherPokémonaswell.

"Butwedon'thaveanyPokémonleft!"

"Thatdoesn'tmatter!Wewon'tletthemlayafingeronanyofthosePokéBalls!Understand?"

BlackandIsharedagroanofannoyance."Seriously?Youguysaregonnacontinuetobeannoyinguptotheveryend?What'reyougoingtodonext:fightusyourselves?"

Thefemalegruntsnarledback,"Yes!Ifthat'swhatittakes!Justbecauseyoubeatuswithbruteforcedoesn'tmeanthatyou'reright!"Oh,forgoodnesssakes!Wedidn'thavethetimeforthis"andIcertainlydidn'thavethepatience,either.

IlookeddownatTinyandtheOshawottandgavewhatIhopedwasapleadinglook.

ThePichuonlylookedupatmecuriously,buttheOshawottseemedtounderstandwhatIwassilentlyhintingat.Shebentovertopickupherscalchop,tookaim,andchuckeditatthewoman.Ithitherrightinthefacewithenoughforcetonotonlyknockherout,makingherfallover.Themalegruntgaveashoutofalarm,butbeforehecouldsayanything,hewaszappedbyseveraljoltsofelectricityfromTiny,whoseemedtohavecaughton.

"Thatwasn'tthewayIthoughtthiswouldend..."Blackmumbled."Wasthatreallytherightthingtodo?UsingPokémontoknockthemout?"

"It'snotliketheywereattackingtokill.JustenoughtoknockthemoutsowecantakethePokémonback,"Iexplained."ThoughI'mnotsurewhatweshoulddowiththem.Ifwegoandcomeback,Idoubtthey'llbehere."

"Theimportantthingisreturningthedaycare'sPokémon"andgettingoursback.So...asmuchasIhatetosayit,let'sjustleavetheseguyshere."

IsighedasweapproachedthetwosackthatthePlasmamembershadbeenhoveringover."Idunno...Ifeellikeweshouldgivethematasteoftheirownmedicine.MaybereleasetheirPokémon.I'dlovetoseehowtheyreacttothat."

Blackgavemeasternlook."No.I'dratherprovethemwrongbybeingagoodtrainerthanhaveeitherofusstooptotheirlevel."Helookedinsideofthesackandpulledoutanodd-lookingPokéBall.ItwasblackandwhitewiththeTeamPlasmaemblemonthetophalf."Wow...They'veevengottheirownPokéBall.ThoughI'mstillnotsurehowthisthingevenworks."

"Whatdoyoumean?"

"WhenyoucatchaPokémoninPokéBall,somethinghappensthatpreventsanothertrainerfromcatchingitintheirPokéBall.ButthisthingmanagedtocapturePokémonthatwerealreadycaptured.AnormalPokéBallaloneisprettyhigh-techstuff,buttheymusthavegeniusesorsomethingtomakethesethings!"

MytwinandIglaredattheballinhishand.Webothstartedtofrown."Wannadestroythesethingsassoonaspossible?"Iasked.

"Thesoonerthebetter."Blackliftedupthesackandthrewitoverhisshoulder."C'mon,let'sgetouttahere.Idon'twannabeherewhentheseguyswakeup."

Icroucheddownandopenedupmybag."Comeon.Hopin,youguys.Youdeservealittlerest."Tinycrawledinsideofthebagandbeganmakinghimselfcomfortable.TheOshawottgotinnext,pokingherheadouttostareatmeasIrantocatchup

withBlack.Ifeltalittleunnervedbyhergaze."S-somethingthematter?"Theotterquicklybowedherheadandbegantomumbleinaudibly."Whatwasthat?"

"MyoldmastersaidIwasweakanduseless.ThatIcouldn'tdoanything.That'swhyheleftme,"shespokesoftlyasshebegantoplaywithherscalchopshell."SoIbelievedthat.Butyoudidn'tthinkso.YouthoughtIcouldbestrong.Itfelt...nice"Forabriefmoment,herfacelookedlikeitwastingedwithpink."Th-thankyouforbelievinginme...!"

"Oh.Ididn'treallydoanything,butyou'rewelcome."

X-X-X

Muchlater,wereturnedtothedaycare,wherewereleasedthePokémonfromthosePlasmaBallsanddestroyedthem.Whenthepreschoolersarrivedforschool,theywerenonethewiseraboutwhathadhappenedearlierthatmorning.MissAutumnwasrelievednotonlybecausethePokémonwerereturned,butbecauseweweresafefromharm.She'dbeenbesideherselfwithworry,wonderingwhetherornotsheshouldcallthepoliceandtellthemwhathadhappened.Ifeltsortofbadformakingsuchanicewomanmiserablelikethat.

"Seriously,youtwohavebeensohelpfultome"tomyfamily!You'vesavedmyparents'businessthreetimesnow!"MissAutumnexclaimed."Isthereanythingyoutwowantfromme?MaybeyouwanttoadoptaPokémon?Ormaybesomeeggs?ThePokémonheresometimesmate,andthatresultsinPokémoneggs,butthetrainersthatownthosePokémonusuallyonlytakeoneortwoeggswiththem."

"No,that'sokay.There'snoneedtorepayus,"saidBlack.ThemomenthegotbackKaitoandValentine,heletthemsitonhisshoulders.Iwonderedifhewastryingtomakethemfeelbetterorhimself."Wewerejusthappytohelpout.Anyway,wegottabeleavingnow.WehavetogettoNacreneCity."

"WAIT!"Aloudvoiceandthefeelingofsmallpawsonmylegmademefreezeinplace.IlookeddownandsawthefemaleOshawottlookingupatmewithsad,wateryeyes."Don'tyouwantme?Don'tyouwanttobemymaster?"

"Awww!ItlookslikethatOshawott'sgrownattachedtoyou.Howlovely,"saidMissAutumn.Shewaspracticallygushingwithhappiness."Thepoorthing'sbeenmiserableeversincehertrainerabandonedherhere.It'snicetoseeheractinglikethisforonce."Thepreschoolteacherlookedatme."Whydon'tyoutakeher?Saying'no'wouldonlymakehersad."

IlookeddownattheOshawottagain.Yup,shewasstillstaringupatmewiththose

sadeyes.ShelookedmorelikeabeggingpuppyPokémonthananotter.IsighedandreachedintomybagforaPokéBall."Yay!Oh,thankyou,master!Iwon'tletyoudown!"Sheexclaimedhappily.IsworeIcould'veseenhertailwaggingasIlightlytappedherheadwiththePokéBall.Inaflashoflight,shedisappearedintotheball.Itdidn'tevenbothertoshake.Itsimplyclickedandlandedonthefloorsoftly.

Ibentoverandpickeduptheball.Frominsideofmybag,Tinycooedandstaredattheballinawe."I'mtheonewhoshouldbehopingIdon'tletyoudown,"Imumbledtomyself."Here'shopingforahappyrelationship."

X-X-X

Notes!

KaitoisaJapanesenamethatcanmeanmanythingsdependingonkanjiused,onebeingacombinationof"ocean"(kai)and"soar/fly"(to).ValentineisaLatin-derivedEnglishnamethatmeans"strong,vigorousandhealthy".

X-X-X

ReviewforthesakeofBluandPichu!

Chapter6

Disclaimer:BluRosedoesnotownPokémonoranyofitscharacters.Sheonlyownsthisstory.

X-X-X

~ADayinNacrene~

Ithadonlybeenafewminutesafterwe'dleftthePokémondaycarewhenBlack'sXtransceiverstartedtobeep.Heheldthedeviceuptohisface."Hello?Who'sthis?"

Theotherstatic-filledscreencleareduptoshowProfessorJuniper'sslightlypeevedface."Thereyouare!Iwasgettingworried!Itriedcallingyousinceyesterday,butyouwouldn'tpickup!"

Blackblushedandsmiledsheepishlyattheprofessor."Whoops!Sorry,Professor!Yesterday,meandWhitehelpedoutataPokémondaycare,andItookoffmyXtransceiverbeforeIstartedtohelpoutwiththePokémon.GuessImissedyourcalls..."

Theprofessor'sexpressionbrightened."Ohhh,soyouvisitedadaycare!DidyouseealotofdifferentPokémon?"

"Mm,onlyafew.MostofthePokémonwereoneswe'dalreadyseenontheroutehere,butsomecamefromasfarasthedesert.TherewasevenanOshawottthere,butWhitesaiditwasabandoned,soIguessithadatrainer?"

"Really?Whatashame...IwonderifitwasaPokémonthatwasdistributedinoneoftheothercities."

"Inanothercity?"

"Yes,butunlikeinNuvemaTown,whereIcanatleastseewhatkindoftrainersarereceivingthePokémon,allIhaveistheopinionsoftrainerschoolteachersandgradesandwhatnot.Thingslikethatdon'treallymeanthePokémongivenoutwillbetakencareof.SpeakingofcaringforPokémon,howareyoursandWhite's?IftheinformationI'vegottenfromyourPokédexesarecorrect,you'vecaughtaPidove,andWhitenowhasanOshawottalongwithanAudino."

Blackfrowned."Hmm,you'reright!I'mtrailingbehind!"

"I'maimingtocatchPokémonofeverytype,Black.You'llalwaysbebehindinterms

ofnumbersunlessyouwannacatchalmosttwentykinds,"Ipointedout."Besides,it'snotlikewe'recompeting.I'mnotCheren."

TheProfessorsuddenlyclappedherhandstogether."Oh,ofcourse!IalmostforgotwhyIwascallingyouinthefirstplace.Wherearethetwoofyou?"

"Route3,"weansweredatthesametime.

"Oh,good.ThenyoucanmeetupwithCherenandBiancaatthePokémonCenterinNacreneCity.Callmewhenyougetthere,okay?Seeyoulater!"Andthenthetransmissioncutoff.

"IwonderwhyProfessorJuniperwantsustogotoNacreneCity?"IaskedasIreachedintomybagtopetTiny.Instead,heevadedmyhandandscurriedupontomyshouldertonuzzleuptomycheek,givingmeaminorzapofelectricityintheprocess.

"Whoknows?That'sthefunpartofbeinggivenaPokédexbyaPokémonProfessorpersonally.It'slikeaninvitationtohelpthemwiththeirresearchwheneverandwherever!"Blackexclaimed.

"Butwhat'sinNacrenethat'ssoimportanttoherfieldofstudy?"

"Beatsme.I'mjustanaide.Ontheotherside,we'llbemeetingCherenandBiancaagain.It'sonlybeenacoupleofdayssincewe'velastseenthem,butIcan'twaittomeetupwiththemagain."

X-X-X

Ashortwalklater,wearrivedinNacreneCity.Uponwalkingintothecitylimits,wesawwarehousesandstallsonthesideofthestreetwherepeopleweresellingitems.IhadtodragBlackawaywhenhe'dbeenpulledinbyapersonpeddlingskill-enhancingherbsandmedicinesataridiculousprice.

"ItsaysherethatNacreneisthehomeofartists,musicians,andthelike.Theymostlyliveinwarehouses,whichmakeupthemajorityofhousinginthecity,"BlackreadfromasmallguidebooklettotheplacesofUnovaaswewakeddownthestreet."Thereusedtobeatrainstationhere,butafireburnedawayitandseveralotherbuildingsintown.PinwheelForest,whichistothewest,grewovertheremnants.There'salsoamuseumthatshowcasesthehistoryofthepeopleandPokémonoftheUnovaregion."

"Themuseumisalsothesiteofthecity'sPokémongym,ofwhichtheGymLeaderis

Lenora,whospecializesinNormaltypes"WelookedupandsawthatwewereatthePokémonCenter,andstandingbesidetheentrancewasCheren.LoungingonhisshoulderwaswhatIguessedwasthePokémonhechoseforhisstartingPokémon.Itwasasmall,green,snake-likecreaturewithsmallhandsandfeetandatailthatendedinaleaf-shapedprong.Itslightbrowneyesobserveduslazily,andIwonderedifitwasdangerous.ItookoutmyPokédextoscanthesnake.

ItwasaSnivy.AGrassSnakePokémonthatwas,obviously,aGrasstype.Accordingtoitsentry,itwasintelligentandcalm,andbecamefasterwhenit'sphotosynthesizedviaitstail.ItcertainlysoundedlikeaPokémonthatfitCheren,atleastinpersonality.LookingbackattheSnivy,Isawthatitseyeswereclosed.Wasitsleeping?Goodenoughforme,Iguess"snakePokémonweredangerousregardlessofthespecies.

"Youtwosureareslow.I'vealreadybeatenLenoraandgottenmysecondbadge,Black.Youwon'tbeabletocallyourselfmyrivalatthisrate,"saidCheren.

Mybrotherfrowned."Beingfasterdoesn'tmakeyouabettertrainer!"

Thedark-hairedboysmiled."True,butthenumberofbadgesIhavedoes,inasense.Iwantedtochallengeyouwhenwemetagain,butifyouonlyhaveone,Idon'tthinkitwouldbeafairfight,"hesaid,adjustinghisglasses.

Blacksmirked."Youshouldn'tsaythingslikethatwhenwehaven'tevenbattled,Cheren!"

Cherensmirkedaswell."Isthatyourwayofaskingforabattle,Black?"HisSnivy'seyesopenedatthosewords.

IsighedasIwatchedBlacktakeoutaPokéBall."Icanseewherethisisgoing...I'llbeinsidewhileyoutwodoyourrivalthing."ImovedbetweenthetwoofthemandenteredthePokémonCenter.Itwasbusy,withtrainersstandingatthefrontcounter,buyingthingsatthecornerPokéMart,orsittingdownwatchingtheTVshangingfromtheceiling.ImademywayovertoanemptycornerandputTinydownonthefloor.ThenItookoutthePokéBallsinmybagandreleasedPanaceaandthenewcomerOshawottinfrontofme.

"Hello,MissWhite,"Panaceagreetedme.

"Master!Doyouhaveneedofme?"TheOshawottaskedwithbrighteyes.

"MynameisWhite.AndIdon'treallyneedanythingofyou,"theWatertypedeflated."Rightnow,Imean!Uh...SinceI'vegotthetime,IfiguredIwouldnameyounow."I

observedtheOshawottIwascrouchingdowninfrontof."...Shion.That'llbeyournamefromnowon.Itmeans'thesoundoftides'.Fitting,isn'tit?"

"Yes,master."

Iwincedatthetitle."Uh,youdon'thavetocallmethat.CallmeWhite.JustWhite."

Shion'seyeswidenedinsurprise."Huh?Why?You'remymaster.You'retheonewho'sgoingtotrainmeandteachmehowtobecomeastrongwarrior.Anythingelseisdisrespectfulofyourkindness!"

Iscratchedmyhead."Well...becauseIhavemyowngoalsasidefromhelpingyougetstronger."I'mnotsurewhenIagreedtohelpherwiththatanyway,butIfiguredshesimplymeantbattlingandtraininglikemosttrainersandtheirPokémon."IhaveagoaltobefriendmanydifferentkindsofPokémon.SoIwanttobefriendswithyou.Wecan'tbecloseifyou'recallingme'master'allthetime,sowe'llcalleachotherbyournames.YoucancallmeWhiteandI'llcallyouShion,andwecanbefriends."

"Andbeingfriendsis...okay?"

"Ofcourseitis.TrainersandPokémoncanbefriendsifbothsideswantto.So...doyouwantto?"

Shionpausedandfiddledwithherscalchopnervously."Um...i-ifit'sokaywithyou,thenit'sokaywithme...Wh-White."

Ismiled."Good.AndtheirnamesarePanaceaandTiny,"Isaid,introducingtheAudinoandPichu.

"Friend!"TinystartedtohugandnuzzleduptoShion."Chuuu~!"

"Um...N-nicetomeetyou,too,"theOshawottgreeted,pattinghimonthehead.

"Nowwhatwillwedo,MissWhite?"Panaceaasked.

IlookedoverattheentranceofthePokémonCenter."AllwecandoiswaituntilBiancaarrives.OrBlackandCherenfinishtheirbattle."IlookedupatoneoftheTVsandsighed."Iguesswe'llpassthetimebywatchingTV."

Shionpouted."Couldn'twedosomethingmoretimely?Liketraining?"

"Thereisn'tmuchwecandowhilewaiting.AndIdon'twannarunoffwheneveryoneelseisn'thereyet."Imighthave,butIdidn'thaveanXtransceiverofmyowntokeepintouch."Tryandbearwithme,okay?IpromiseI'lltrainyou...eventually."

X-X-X

"I'msosorryIwaslate!I-Iwasshoppinginoneofthewarehousedistrictsand...gotlost..."

"Uh,CherenandIwerehavingabattleanditkindastretchedonforlongerthanweexpected.Sorry."

"We'rebothsorry,professor."

OnherpartofthescreenontheXtransceiver,ProfessorJunipersmiledwryly."Isee...Well,IsupposeIshouldhaveexpectedsomethinglikethistohappen...Anyway,todayI'mgoingtoteachyouaboutamoresocialaspectofthePokémonCenter:theGlobalLink!"

"GlobalLink?"Weallrepeated.

"TrainersacrosstheworldcanbeconnectedthroughtheGlobalLinksystem.ThinkofitlikeanInternetforum.Peoplecanputuptopicsaboutdifferentthings,postpictures,keepintouchwithothertrainersandallthatnicestuff.TheonlydifferenceisthattheGlobalLinkcanalsobeusedtotradePokémonwithotherpeopleacrosstheworldortosendPokémontoothersanywherethereisaGlobalTerminal,"theprofessorexplained."SomePokémonevolvewhenthey'reexposedtotheeffectsofbeingtransferred,justsoyouknow."

"Oooh!Itallsoundssoneat!"Biancabeamed.

"I'mgladyouthinkso,becauseI'dlikeyoutousetheGlobalLinksystemtotestoutyourknowledge.Now,allregisteredtrainershaveanaccountontheGlobalLink.I'vesentyoueachamessagewiththeIDnumberofanacquaintanceofminewithanitemattachedtothem.Whenyouforwardthemessagetothatparticularaccount,you'llreceivealovelygiftinexchange:arareandforeignPokémon!"

"APokémon?Iwonderwhatitcouldbe?"Blackspokeinawe,hiseyesshiningatthethought.

"Oh,you'llfindoutifyoudoitproperly.ButI'msureit'snottoohardtofigureout.Callmewhenyou'veallreceivedyourgifts!"

Assoonasthetransmissionended,BlackandBiancadartedofftothesecondfloor.CherenandIwalkedwithmyPokémonclosebehind.WewereeventuallyguidedbyanursetotheroomwheretheGlobalLinkterminalsweresetup.RowsofPCswere

setupwithtrainersdoingtheirbusinessonthem.BythetimeCherenandIenteredtoroom,BlackandBiancahadalreadyfoundfourfreecomputersthatwerenexttoeachother.Wesatdownandloggedontoouraccounts.Inafewminutes,wewereonthefrontpageofGlobalLink.

"Oooh!Lookatthat!Someone'sofferingacutepinkPokémoninKanto!"

"Focus,Bianca.ProfessorJunipergaveusatasktofinish,"Cherenremindedtheblonde."Besides,you'llbegettingaforeignPokémonsoonenough."

"R-right...ButIcan'tresistthatWigglytuff...!"Biancaswooned.

"Ah!MissWhite,isthataPokémon?Itlooksjustlikeaballoon!"Panaceaexclaimed,pointingatapictureofsomethingcalledDrifloon.

"Ooooh!"TinyjumpedontothedeskandbegantotapthepictureofaRaichu.

"Likethat?IfIgetmyhandsonaThunderStone,youmightevolveintoonelateron,"Itoldhimwithasmile."Now,Ijustclickthis...andthis...andenterthisnumber...forwardthemessage..."Withinafewseconds,Ireceivedanewmessageinmyemailaccount.ItsaidIhadreceivedanewPokémoninmystoragebox:anEevee.FromthesquealofdelightcomingfromBianca,Iguessshegotone,too.

"Wow!AnEevee!Thoseareamazing!Theycanevolveintosomanythings!"Blackexclaimed.

"They'regeneticwonders,"Cherenadded."I'msurprisedsomeoneiswillingtogivethemaway."

"ItsaystheiroriginaltrainerwassomeonenamedBill.Thankyou,Bill!"Biancasaidwithasmile.

"EeveeisaNormaltype..."Imumbledtomyself."Butitcanevolveintoalotofdifferenttypes.I'mnotevensurewhichIshouldchoose."IlookeddownattherestofmyPokémon,whowerestillawedbythescreenofthePC."Thoughbeforeitevolves,IthinkIshouldgetoverthetypesIalreadyhave."

"Oh!Ihaveanidea!"Biancalookedatme."Afterthis,whydon'tweallgoouttoeat?IsawthisnicelittlerestaurantwhileIwaswalkingaround."

"Ooh,thatsoundsgreat.Wehaven'tevenhadbreakfastyet,soI'mprettyhungry,"Isaidwithasmile.

"Nothanks.I'mgoingtotrainforabitintheforestoutsideoftown,"Cherensaidashegotonhisfeetandpushedthechairin.

"What?!Butwepromisedwe'dallhangouttogether!"Saidtheblondegirl.

Ourdark-hairedfriendsighedandlookedsorry."I'msorry,Bianca,butI'monaschedule.IwanttogetasstrongaspossiblefortheGymLeaderinCasteliaCity.Maybenexttime."Hequicklylefttheroom.

"Um..."Blacklookedhesitanttospeakashegotup."I'm,uh...gonnahavetotakearaincheck,too,Bianca.IgottatrainhardifIwannastandachanceagainstLenora.B-butnexttimewemeet,I'lltotallypayforyourmeal!Youcanholdmetothat!"Heexclaimedasheranoutoftheroom.

Biancapoutedandlookeddownatthekeyboardbeforehersadly."Ohhh...!"

Itriedtocheertheblondegirlup."Hey,it'snottheendoftheworld.Sowhatifthey'vegotsomethingstotakecareof?Thisjustmeanswecanpigoutasmuchaswewantwithouteitheroneofthemmakingsmartcomments!"Isawabitofasmileappearonherface,whichgotmesmilingaswell."Now,let'sgosowecangetourselvesagoodtableorsomething,hm?"

"Yeah!Oh,wait.First,weshouldtakeournewPokémonoutofourPokémonstorageboxes.Iwannameetmineassoonaspossible,don'tyou?"

"Oh,right.Ican'tbelieveIalmostforgot..."

X-X-X

Minuteslater,wewereseatedatatableoutsideontheverandaofaplacecalledtheCaféWarehouse.BiancaandIhadyettoorder,mainlybecauseshewastoobusycooingoverourPokémon."Awww,aren'tyoujustadorable?"Sure,theylookedadorable"untiltheywereaggravated.Thenthey'dprobablybiteyourheadoff.Minewasafemalewithbrownfurandalittleruffleofcream-coloredfuraroundherneckandatthetipofhertail,whileBianca'smaleEeveestrangelyhadfurinlightanddarkshadesofwhite.Theybothstaredupatus,minewithacheerful-lookingexpressionandBianca'swithawaryone."It'ssohardtoimaginethatjustaboutanythingcanmakethemevolveintosomethingcompletelydifferent!"

"Notanything,butit'strue.TheymighthaveasmanyevolutionsastherearetypesofPokémon.Maybeevenmore,really."Okay,nowIwasactuallyintimidatedofthelittlethings.WhatwouldhappenifmineevolvedintosomethingthatPokédexhadnoinformationon?WhattheheckwouldIdothen?Probablydieofshock...

Atsomepoint,TinyhadjumpeddownfrommylapandnexttothepairofEevee."Hi,friend!"Hegreeted.

"Hithere!"ThebrownEeveespoke.

"Hi..."Thewhiteonemumbledshyly.

Itappedmyfingersnervouslyonthemenuinfrontofme."Uh,whydon'twesendouttherestofourPokémon?They'vegotsomefoodhereforPokémon,too."

Bianca'seyesbrightenedandshestartedtodigthroughherbagforherPokéBalls."Oh,yeah!I'msureTepigandLillipupwouldlovetoeatsomethingtheydidn'tfindontheground!N-notthatIletthemeatgarbageoranything!Theyjusthaveabadhabitoffindinguneatencandybarsandberriesandstuffonthegroundandtheneatingthem.Idon'tknowwhat'sweirder,thefactthattheycandothatorthefactthatpeopleleavethingslikethatoutintheopen.IworrythatmaybeI'lldropsomethingfrommybagandsomePokémonwillcomealongandpickitup.Youeverworryaboutthat?"

"Nope.ButIthinkImightnow."Bythattime,I'dalreadyreleasedPanaceaandShion,whoweregettingacquaintedwiththeirnewteammember.

"Oh.Well,Iguessit'sbecauseI'vegotmorestufftolose."Maybeyoushouldlosesomestuffifit'stakingthislongtofindyourPokéBalls."Heretheyare~!"BiancaheldupthreePokéBallsintheirshrunkenstate.Onebyone,shereleasedherTepig,LillipupandMunna.IjumpedinmyseatwhentheLillipup'sfirstactionwastorunuptomyfeetandstartbarking.Bysheerinstinct,Ipulledmyfeetupontothechairseat,notcaringifitattractedlooksfromtheotherpatrons.BiancaimmediatelygrabbedholdofherPokémonandplacedhimdownnexttoher."Um,couldyoutrynottodothattoWhite?She'spretty...jumpywhenitcomestothingslikethat."

HerLillipupflatteneditsearsagainstitsheadasitwhimpered,"Sorry..."

"I'msosorry,White."

"I-it'sokay,really,"Itriedtobrushitoff,atleastonthesurface.IkeptmyeyesoffofBianca'sLillipupandfocusedonmymenu."So,whatwillyouguyshave?TheyhaveSweetPechaDelight,BitterRawstBlast,DryChestoCrunch,SourAspearSupreme,andSpicyPomegSurprise."

"Sweet!"PanaceaandShionexclaimedtogether.

"Whataboutyou,Tiny?"Iasked,holdingthemenudownforhimtosee.Hesniffed

atthemenusforafewsecondsbeforepointingattheimageofapastrywithaChestoberrynexttoit."Yousure?It'snotanOran,youknow."

"O...ran,"herepeatedashenodded.

Isighed.IguessI'dhavetoeatitforhimifhedidn'twantit.IlookedattheEeveeandmovedthemenuinfrontofher."Whataboutyou?Whatdoyouwant?"

"Uh,me?You'retalkingtome?"Sheaskedlookingupatmeinconfusion.

"Well,I'myournewtrainer.Partofthejobisfeedingyou.Sowhat'llitbe?"

TheEeveestaredatthemenuwithintensity."Mmm,Iwantthisone!"ShepattedthepictureofthepastrywithaPechaberrynexttoit.

Minuteslater,wewereallenjoyingourrespectivemeals.ThePokémonwereeatingberry-flavoredberriesandwhileBiancaandIwereenjoyingourrespectivebreakfasts.Betweenbites,Biancawouldtalkaboutthethingsshe'dseeninNacrenesofarandthepeopleshemet,andIwouldwordlesslynodeverycoupleofminutes.I'dbeensointowhatshe'dbeensayingaboutthemuseumintownthatIdidn'tpayattentiontowhatTinywasdoing.

"Wuh...Weird...Weirdo!Weirdo!"ThePichuexclaimedfromhisspotonmylap.MyforkhoveredabovepieceofFrenchtoast.Hecouldn'thavebeentalkingabout"No,noway!Notsosoonagain!Tinycontinuedwavingtosomeonewhocouldn'tpossiblybeNbecausemyluckwasn'tthatrotten.

Biancagaspedandleanedforward."White!There'sthiscuteguystaringinourdirection!"Shewhisperedexcitedly."...Ooh-ooh-ooh!He'scomingoverhere!Y-youdon'tthinkhe'sgoingtotryandflirtwithus?"

Ialmostgaveadrylaugh."Uh,Idon'tthinkso..."NotifitwaswhoIhopeditwasn't.

"Hello,White,"cameN'svoice.IcringedasBiancagavemeasurprisedlook."Ididn'texpecttoseeyouagainsosoon."Oh,thefeelingismutual.

"Um,youknowhim,White?"

"Yeah,Ido."Unfortunately."WemetinStriatonCity."Andhe'sbeenbuggingmeandBlackeversince.Ilookedatthegreen-hairedteenwithwhatIhopedwasaneutralexpression,butIquicklychangedtooneoffearwhenInoticedTinyofferingfoodtoablackandblue-coloredtadpolePokémonthatwasinN'sarms.Ilookeddownandimmediatelyregrettedit,becauseIfoundmyselfstaringatseveralmorePokémon

whoweregivingmelessthanfriendlylooks.

"Um,White?Aren'tyougoingtointroduceustoeachother,or...?"Biancatrailedoff.

"Bianca,N.N,Bianca.Nowpleaseleaveusalone,"Imutteredquickly.

"Hellothere."N'sgreetingwasn'ttowardsBianca,buttothePokémonhe'dnevermetbefore.

"Hi!"MyEeveegreetedcheerfully,notcaringaboutthebitsoffoodinherfur.

"Hello..."Shionspokewarily."White,isthisguysafe?He'sstaringatmelikehewantstopickafight."Isighed,notreallysurehowtoanswer.

"Irememberyoufromthedaycare.Whatareyoudoinghere?"

TheOshawottgrabbedontomylegdefensively,whichmademeflinchandfreezeup."Wh-Whiteismymasterandtrainernow!Iwilldefendherifyoutrysomethingshady!"

"Notmaster!I'myourfriend!Andl-letgoofmyleg!"Icomplained.Ididn'tneedtolookatNtoknowhewaswearingthatjudginglookofhis.Icouldpracticallyfeelhiseyesonme,buthecontinuedtalkingtoShionandEevee.

"HowdoyoulikebeingwithWhitesofar?"

"Who?"TheEeveeasked.

"Her,"Shionanswered,pointingupatme.

IgrowledundermybreathasIgrippedmyfork."Canyounotdoyourlittletrainerjudgingthingsoearlyinthemorning?"OrelseI'llthrowmysilverwareatyou.I'lldoit,too,youpreachyjerk.

"Okay."

Iblinkedinsurprise.Ididn'thavetomakethreatsthattimetogethimtostop.Iwassostunned,Ididn'tnoticethathewalkedontotheverandauntilhesatinthechairnexttome.IscootedmychairclosertoBiancaandnarrowedmyeye."D-don'tberude!Youcan'tjustjoinusallofasudden!"

"Um,it'sokay,White.He'snotreallycausinganytrouble,"saidBianca.Nstartedtostareatherblankly.Myblondefriend'sreactionwastofidgetunderhisgaze.Feelingdefensive,IleanedoversothatIwasblockingBiancafromhissight.Itseemedto

workbecausethegreen-hairedteenstartedtolookdownatthePokémoninhishands."Oh,what'sthat?"Biancaaskedfrombehindme.ShesoonhadherPokédexout"quickerthanshegotoutherPokémon,amazingly"andscannedit."Tympole,theTadpolePokémon.Itvibratesitscheekstocreatesoundthatis...imperceptibletohumans.Itusesthesesoundstotalktoandwarnothersofdanger."HereyeslitupasshestaredattheTympole."It'sjustsoadorable~!"

Yetagain,Nworehisjudgingexpression.Thistime,itlookedlikehewasstaringatBianca'sPokédex,whichwasnexttomyface."YoualsohaveaPokédex."

"Oh,yeah!IgotitfromProfessorJuniperherself,justlikeWhite."

"Hm...DoyouknowaboutTeamPlasma?"

IleanedbacktotakealookatBianca.ShewaswearingasmallfrownandstartedhuggingherTepigclosertoher."TeamPlasma?Idunno...Theydidn'tseemlikenicepeoplethatonetimeImetthem.TheyhurtaMunnaandsaiditwasokaybecauseitwouldhelpthemliberatePokémonbut...ifyouhurtthepeopleyousayyouwanttohelp,it'snotgood,right?"

"...Andareyourfeelingsaboutthemthesame,White?"

Iarchedaneyebrow."Doyoureallyhavetoask?TheystealPokémon.TheyhurtPokémon.They'veevengotsomecrazykingtellingthemthatallofthatisokaysolongasitleadsto'liberating'Pokémon."

Bianca'smouthopenedinawe."Aking?Theyhaveaking?"

"Accordingtothem,hecanheartheheartsofPokémon.He'sprobablyjustsomeconmantrickingpeopleintoreleasingtheirPokémonsohecancatchthemlater.Maybesohecansellthemorpoachthemorsomething."

"That'sterrible!WhywouldsomeonedosuchathingtoPokémon?!"

"Formoney,ofcourse.Ormaybehe'soneofthoseextremists."IturnedaroundtobetterlookatBianca,completelyforgettingaboutN."Once,IreadaboutthislittlegroupofprotestersthatburneddownacenterforbreedingPokémonbecausetheyconsidereditsickandtwistedhowPokémonweremadetomatetogetherjusttomakeanegg.Itnotonlyresultedindeathsofsomeofthestaff,butalsothePokémontheyweretryingtohelp.Didtheysaytheyweresorryaboutit?No.Becausetheythoughttheyweredoingsomethinggoodandsaiditwasanecessarysacrificetospreadtheirmessage,likeabunchofjerks."

TheblondegirlshiveredandhuggedTepigclosertoher."Y-youdon'tthinkTeamPlasmawoulddothat?Theywouldn'ttryandhurtPokémonandtheirtrainersjusttoliberatethem,right?"

Isighed."IftheybeatupaMunna,they'dprobablygothatfar."SayingitoutloudsuddenlymademefearTeamPlasmaalmostasmuchasIhatedthem.

"No,theywouldn't!"Nraisedhisvoice,makinghimselfknownwhilemakingme"andsomeotherpeopleontheveranda"jumpinsurprise."TeamPlasmaisn'tlikethat!Theywouldn'thurtPokémonlikethat!Notlikewhatyou'resaying!"

"They'rethesamepeoplewhohurtBianca'sMunnajusttogetdreammistandcompletesomecrazyscheme,andtheyusedillegalmeanstocaptureothertrainers'Pokémoninsteadoffreeingthemliketheyalwayssaytheydo!"

"You'relying!"

"Iamnot!"

"You'rejustmakingtheseaccusationsbecauseyougrewupwithabiasedpointofview.TeamPlasmaisnotsomegroupofviciousmonsterslikeyoumakethemouttobe!They'reheroes,andevenifsomearezealousandpassionate,it'swiththebestofintentionsforPokémon!"Hespokequickly,butthankfullyclearly."Ithoughtyouwouldunderstand,beingsomeonelikeme...It'ssuchawasteofyourgifttobesoclosed-minded."

"I'mclosed-minded?!You'reonlydefendingthembecausetheyclaimtheywanttohelpPokémon!They'recriminalsandhypocriteswho'dprobablykillapersonoraPokémonandsaythatitwasfor'thegreatergood'!"Iwasn'tsurewhenNhadgottentohisfeet,orwhenIgottomine,butwewerebothstandingandglaringateachother."...Idon'tevenknowwhyI'mevenbotheringtryingtoarguewithyou!"Ishouted,completelyignoringhowtheTympoleinN'sarmsshudderedorhowhisZoruagrowledatme.Iwastoomadtobeafraid."Ifyoudon'tenjoythecompanyoftrainerslikeustobeginwith,justgojoinTeamPlasmaandleavemealone,youjerk!"WhenNdidn'tsayanythinginresponse,Ijuststompedoff,notreallycaringwhereIendedupsolongasitwasn'tnearthatguy.

X-X-X

Ashortwhilelater,IfoundmyselfsittingontheedgeofaPanpourfountainthatwasspurtingwateroutofthehead.Tinywasrestingonmylap,toofullfromeatingtomovemuch,andtheothershadbeenreturnedtotheirrespectivePokéBallstorestaswell.I'dwoundupbailingonBiancaintheprocessofwalkingoutonN."Geez,

I'malousyfriend.Thoughit'snotentirelymyfault,right?"IaskedbothTinyandmyself."IfNhadn'tshownup,Iwouldn'thavegottenasmadasIdid,andI'dprobablybeenjoyingdesertwithBiancarightnow."Shehadtohavebeenmad.Asunlikeherasitsounded,IthinkI'ddeserveatongue-lashingfromthenormallynicegirl.NottomentionhowIleftherwithabill...

"Piiii..."Tinysqueakedandnuzzledintomystomach.

"Idon'tknowwhyIbotheredwiththatguy...He'ssosetonbelievingthatnonsensethatTeamPlasmafeedstopeople!Hedoesn'trealizethoseguysaren'tthesortofpeoplewhoshouldbeadmired.Butyouunderstandwhatsortofawfulpeopletheyare,right,Tiny?"Heyawnedinreply."Ah,well...I'msurewe'llneverrunintohimagain...Goodriddance."IfeltahandtouchmyshoulderandIcringed.Ishouldn'thavetemptedfate."Goaway!Idon'twannatalktoyouanymore!Itonlyendswithmehavingaheadache."

"What?!ButWhite,I'vebeenlookingforyoueverywhere!Well,maybenoteverywhere,butalotofplaces!"IturnedmyheadtolookatBianca'spoutingface.

"Oh,Bianca!I'msorry!IthoughtyouwerethatjerkNtryingtotalkwithmeagain."IsuddenlyrememberedwhatIdid."I'msorryIwalkedoutandleftyouwiththebill.I'llpayyouback"Ipromise!"

"It'sokay."

"No,it'snot!Idon'twannabeamoochingdine-and-dasher!Letmepayyouback."

Biancasmiled."It'sokay,really.Iwastooworriedaboutyoutocareaboutthebill,anyway."

"I'msorryforthat,too."

Theblondegirlsatdownnexttomeonthefountain,carefulthatshedidn'tfallin.Shethenlookedatme,smilingbrightly."Tobehonest,I'msortofgladyoujustwalkedaway.IthoughtyouweregonnapunchthatMguyintheface."

"HisnameisN,Bianca."AndnowIwishIdidpunchhim.

"Youlookedsoscary!HewastallerthanyouandhepracticallyshranktothesizeofaJoltikwhenyoustartedyelling!"

Isighed."No,hedidn't.Hejust...staredatme,likehealwaysdoes."ButhowIwishIdidscarehim.Maybescarehimstraightsoheabandonshispro-Plasmafeelings.

"Geez,Ican'tstandthatguy!HethinksIshouldsharehisviewsjustbecausewebothcanunderstandPokémon.Doesn'tthatsoundstupid?"

Biancatiltedherheadtothesideandpursedherlipsinthought."Um...shouldn'tyou?Wait,youshouldn't!I-Imean...peoplecanshareonesimilarityortwo,andstillbetotallydifferentfromeachother.That'swhatmakespeopleinteresting!AndthatLguywasdefinitelyinteresting...HesaidhewasallforTeamPlasma,buthestillhadallhisPokémon!"

"Iknow!AndhetoldmethathehatedPokémonbattlesandgyms,buthe'sgoingaroundchallengingthem.He'ssuchahypocrite!Ajerkandahypocrite!"

"Andcute."Igavemyblondefriendaskepticallook.Shewasn'tblushing,butshewasgiggling."What?Comeon,didn'tyouthinkoncethathelookedkindacute?"Inarrowedmyeyesandgrowledundermybreath.Biancajustlaughed,"Althoughheiskindaweird."

Ionlysighedandshookmyhead."CanwejustnottalkaboutNinanysenserightnow?"

"Okay.Wewon'ttalkaboutWanymore."

Ialmostfellbackintothefountainwhilechokingbackalaugh."Okay!Okay,nowIknowyou'redoingthisonpurpose!Wdoesn'tevensoundremotelyclosetoN!It'snotevencloseintermsofthealphabet!"IpickedupTinyandmanagedtosliphiminsideofmybagwithoutwakinghim,thenIgottomyfeetandplacedmyhandsonmyhips."Alright,Bianca.What'snextontheagenda?"

Biancastaredupatme,confused."Huh?Agenda?"

"I'mnotgonnawaitaroundforBlacktofinishhistraining.Let'sexploreNacrene!IdoubtI'mgonnabebackhereanytimesoon."Really,allIwantedtodowasforgetaboutthatencounterwithN,butmyexcusefooledBianca.Shegotonherfeetandtookmyhand,goingonaboutwarehouseshoppingandwhatnotasshedraggedmeofftoanotherpartofthecity.

X-X-X

Wespenttheremainderofthedayshoppingintown.Occasionally,BiancawouldbecomeattractedbysomethingorotherandbeenticedtobuyitandIwouldhavetostopher.Stoppingherbuyingsuchweirdthingsasscentedcharcoallogsanddragonfangearringsdidn'tmakemecompletelyforgetabouttheencounterwithN,butbeingpreoccupiedcertainlymademefeelbetter.

"Say,ifyou'vegottime,maybewecouldhangouttomorrow,too!"BiancastruckupaconversationonourwaybacktothePokémonCenter.

"Anddowhat?We'veprettymuchgoneeverywhere,savethemuseum."AndknowingBianca,itmightbethelastplaceshewouldwanttogo.Biancawasreallyweirdwhenitcametolearningthings:somethingscaughtherinterest,butsimilarthingsdidn't.Thinkingaboutitnow,itwasashame.It'dprobablybemoreinterestingtoseeitinpersonthanreadaboutitinabook.

"Wecouldgoonanaturewalk!"Biancaexclaimed,beaming."PinwheelForestisrightoutsideofthecity."

"Aforest?InhabitedwithwildPokémonthatcouldjumpoutatusfromanydirection?Thatwecouldpossiblygetlostin?!"Iaskedwithanincreasingtoneofurgency.

"It'sokay!There'saroadmadetohelppeoplecrosssafelywithouthavingtoencounterwildPokémon,soI'msurenottoomanywilljumpoutatus."

"AnywildPokémonjumpingoutatusistoomany!No!I'mnotgoinginthereever!"

Biancastaredatmeinconfusion."So...howareyougoingtogettoCasteliaCity?Youhavetogothroughtheforesttogetthere."Igaveawhimper.Anopenroutewasonething,butaforestwasasbadasacave!WhoknowswhatsortsofterrifyingPokémonwouldjumpoutorfalldownor...Ugh!Thethoughtwasdisturbing!Biancapattedmyshoulder."Don'tworry,White!IfanyPokémonpopoutlookingforafight,I'llbeyourheroandprotectyou!"

Isighedandshookmyhead."Alright..."AtleastifIexploreitonce,I'llbeabletogothroughitasecondtimewithlittlefear....Well,slightlylessfear."IwonderifBlack'sbackyet...It'sstartingtogetdark."

"Aw,Black'llbeokay.HehashisPokémonwithhim.AndI'msurehewouldn'tgowanderingaroundatnightjusttotrain."Ormaybehewould,andIwouldworrymyselfwitlessoverhimpossiblybeingkilledbysomewildPokémoninthemiddleofnowhereandbeingtoldaboutitbyapolicemanorsomething.No,Blackcanbestupidattimes,buthe'snotreckless...intentionally.

"Aha!Thereyoutwoare!"Amazinglyenough,itwasBlackrunningtowardsmewithCherenintow."Thereyouare!Wheretheheckhaveyoubeen,White?Iwaslookingforyoueverywhere!"Cherengavehimapointedlook."Imean,we'vebeenlookingforyoueverywhere."

"Sorry,I...Wait.Idon'thavetobesorry!YouknewIwaswithBiancathewholetime!"

Iexclaimed.

"Yeah,butIranintoNwhenIcamebacktotowntohealmyPokémonandhesaidyouactedunreasonableandstormedouttasomerestaurant.Canyoublamemeforbeingworriedaboutyougettingintotrouble?"

"Unreasonable?!Thatjerk!I'llkickhimwherethesundon'tshineifhedarestoshowhisfaceinfrontofmeagain!"

"Ifeelsorryforhimthen.Anyway,checkthisout!"BlackheldupaPokéBallandreleasedaPokémonfrom.Itwasablueotter-likePokémonwithatuftofhairthatstuckupbehinditlikeaponytail,thinwhiskers,andapairofscalchopshellsthatwereattachedtoapieceofdarkbluefurthatpracticallylookedlikeclothingwrappedaboutitswaist."Ta-daaa!MeetKaitotheDewott!"Kaitoposedwithhispawsonhiships.

"Kaito?Sothat'shisevolvedform?"Iasked,staringandtakinginKaito'snewappearance.Imust'vebeenstaringtoomuch,becausetheWatertypestartedtoblushandlookdownsheepishly.

"D-don'tstare!I'llblindyouwithmyawesomenessor...!"Hetrailedoff,murmuringthingsunderhisbreath.

Cherenlookedsomewhatsouraboutitall."Idon'tgetit.I'vebeentrainingmySnivyjustashard,haven'tI?Heshould'veevolvedbynow,too."

"Whocansay?MaybeKaitojustwanteditmore,"saidBlack,stillgrinninglikeanidiot.

"Bytheway,Cheren,didn'tyousayyouweregoingtoleaveforCasteliaCitytoday?Whyareyoustillaround?"

Helookedofftotheside,foldinghisarmsacrosshischest."IjustwantedtobattleBlackagainifhewinshisbattleagainstLenoratomorrow."

"If?!"MybrotherandhisDewottexclaimedatthesametime.

"Youhaveasmuchofachanceatlosingasyoudoofwinning.It'snotlikeIsaid'whenyoulose'."

"Incaseyouforgot,Iwonourlastbattle!"

"YouwonagainsttwotiredPokémon.Youshouldn'tsoundsoproudaboutthat."

"Please!"Igroaned,holdingupmyhandtostopthetwo."Saveyourarguingfortomorrowmorning.Fornow,Iwannagotobed.I'mexhausted..."

"Aw,butit'ssoearly!There'sstillsomuchtodo!"Biancaexclaimed.

"Ialreadytoldyou,I'mnotgoingtocheckoutsomewarehousenightclubjustbecauseyouthinkitsoundsawesome."

"Anightclub?!Bianca,really!Idoubtyou'reevenoldenoughtoenterone,"Cherenpointedout.

Blacklookedatourpoutingblondefriend,thenatme."Wasitreallythatbad?"

Iyawnedloudly."T-trustme,youdon'twannaknow..."

X-X-X

Notes!

ShionisaJapanesenamethatmeans"soundoftides"andisalsothenameofakindofAsterflower.EveisanEnglishnamethatoriginatedfromtheHebrewnameEvaandmeans"tolive"or"tobreathe",andratherthantheobviousreferencetotheBiblicalEve,itisareferencetoMitochondrialEve,thewomanfromwhommodernhumansdescendedfromontheirmother'sside.

InBW2,AmanitagivestheplayeranEeeveeiftheycompletecertainthings.ShesaysthatshereceiveditfromafriendinKanto,hintingittobeBill"whodidthesamethingintheJohto-basedgames.

X-X-X

RemembertoreviewforBluandPichu!

Chapter7

Disclaimer:BluRosedoesnotownthePokémonseries.Shejustownsthislittlefanstory.

Summary:AtBianca'sinsistence,WhitegoeswithheronwhatwassupposedtobeasimplewalkinPinwheelForest.Instead,itturnsintoahuntforathievingSnivy.

X-X-X

~JustaNatureWalk~

Well...hereIwas.StandingontheoutskirtsofNacreneCity,glaringatthewayintoPinwheelForest.IwassupposedtobemeetingBiancainside,butwhenIsawtheforest'sentrance,Icouldn'thelpbutremainrootedtothegroundinfearoftheentrancethatlookedlikeagapingmaw.Ididn'tevenpaymindtothefactthatIwasstandinginthemiddleofadirtpathwhereIcould'vebeenjumpedbywildPokémonandtrainerslookingforafight.

"Whatchalookingat?"

"Ah!"Ijumped,frightenedbyasuddenlyvoice.IlookeddownandsawthatitwasEve,myrecentlynamedEevee."Wh-whatareyoudoingoutofyourball?!"

"Igotbored,"Eveansweredsimplybeforesheheardarustlinginthegrass.Shestartedwalkingtowardsit,butIgrabbedholdofherandpickedherupofftheground."Heeey!Putmedown!Iwannagolookatstuff!"

"You'renotgonnajustrunoffintothegrasslikethat!Youcouldgethurt!"

"No,Iwon't!I'mreallycareful!"Isomehowdoubtedthat."C'mon,lemmegoooo!"Shewhinedlikealittlekidasshesquirmedinmyhands.Apartofmewasworriedthatshewouldresorttobitingjusttogetoutofmygrasp.

"Look,justgetinsideofyourball."

"Nooooo!"

Atthispoint,Tinywaspokinghisheadoutofmybag."Friend?"Hecrawledoutofthebagandjumpeddownontotheground."Friend?"Herepeated,staringupatEveashisearstwitched.

Isighed.Ifeltlikeamotherwhohadtodealwithoverlyenergetickids."Look...I'lllet

youstayoutofyourballifyoujustpromisenottowanderoutofmysight."

Evestoppedsquirminginmyhandsandlookedupatme,smiling."Okay!"Sheansweredcheerfully.IsighedandputherdownnexttoTiny,whostartedtorubhischeekagainstherface,raisingherfurwithhisstaticelectricity.

"Whiiiite~!"IturnedaroundatthesoundofBianca'svoice.Shewasrunningtowardsme,waving."Hey,there!DidIkeepyouwaitingforlong?"Ishruggedinresponse.IwassointojustglaringattheforestthatIdidn'tevennoticehowlongIwaswaitingforher."Well,areyouready?"Iwasn't,butInoddedanyway.Theblondegirlsmiled."Great!Y'know,IthoughtI'dhavetodragyououthere.I'mhappyyoudecidedtocomeonyourown!"Well,ifIhadn't,itwouldjustmakeyousadtogetblownoffforathirdtime."Well,herewego!"Shewalkedforward,butsuddenlystoppedandturnedtolookatme.Shestaredatmeforafewsecondsbeforeshewalkeduptome,grabbedmyarm,anddraggedmeintotheforest.

X-X-X

ThemomentwesetfootinsideofPinwheelForest,IclungtoBiancalikeaJoltikclingingtoitshost.Thecanopyoftreeleavesoverheadonlyallowedafewsmallraysoflighttoshinedown,thoughitwasstilleasytosee.Beforeuswasadirtpathwhereafewpeoplewerewalkingupanddown,probablyheadingtoeitherNacreneorCasteliaCity.

"Isn'tthisamazing,White?"Biancaasked.Igaveheraskepticallook.Itwasjustforest.WehadasmalleroneinNuvemaTown,thoughIneverhadthecouragetogointoit.I'mprettysureBianca'sparents,overprotectiveastheywereabouther,wouldn'tlethergooffintoaforestteemingwithwildPokémon...likewewerenow.

"Ooooh!What'sthis?"ThesoundofEve'svoicegainedmyattention.IsawherandTinystandinginfrontofasign.

"Whatdoyouthinkyou'redoing?!Isaidstaybymyside!"IletgoofBiancaandranuptothem.

EveandTinylookedupatmeinnocently."Whatisthis?"

"Asign....Itlooksprettynew."Istartedtoreadthesign,"Caution:awildSnivyhasbeenspotted,attackingandstealingfromtrainersontheroad.Itisrecommendedthatyoubealert....WHAT?!"Iscreamedloudly.Forabriefmoment,theforestfellsilent.

"Whatisit,White?"Biancaasked,walkingovertome."...Ooh,aSnivy!Ithoughtyou

couldonlygetonefromProfessorJuniper.Thenagain,shedidsaythatitwasrare,somaybeyoucouldfindafewinthewild..."

"That'swhatcaughtyourattention?!Whataboutthepartthatsaysthere'saPokémonthat'lljumpoutofthegrasstoattackandstealfromtrainers?!"

"Yeah,likethatonethere!"Evespokeup.

"...What?"Ilookeddownandnoticedasightthatmademybloodruncold.Standingnexttomyfootwasaweird-lookingSnivy.ItsskinwasabluishshadeofgreenanditsbrowneyeswereglaringrightatEve.OneofitsvineswasinsideofmybagwhileanotherwasinsideofBianca's.HowcouldInothavenoticedthat?

BeforeBiancacouldgiveacryofprotestorIcouldjustcry,theSnivyjumpedback,eachofitsvinesholdingsomethingtightly.Icouldeasilyrecognizethethingfrommybag:aplainoldsandwichboughtfromthecafeteriainthePokémonCenter.ThethingfromBianca'sbaglookedlikeasnackcake.

"H-hey,youcan'ttakethose!Give'emback!Ifyou'rehungry,I'dbewillingtoshare!"BiancatriedtopleadwiththethievingPokémon.

"Ah!I-itdoesn'tmatter,Bianca.They'rejustsandwiches!There'snoreasontoriskourlivesoverthem!"TheSnivysaidnothing,nordiditmakeanattempttogiveourfoodback.Itjustglaredatusasathickpinkmistbegantorisefromit.Itwaftedtowardsuswithitsintense,sweet-smellingscentandmyfearsandworriesseemedtodriftaway.Ididn'tcarethatwewerebeingattackedbyawildPokémon.Ifeltunusuallyrelaxed.Unnaturallyso.Andyet..."That...smellsnice..."

"Yeah...!Reeeeallynice~!"Biancaswooned.

"Nice...!"Tinyparroted.

"Itsmellslikeflowers!"Eveexclaimed.

"Yeah..."Iagreed,takingadeepbreath.Westoodthereintotalblissandsweet-smellingmistuntilIheardavoice.

"Hey!Whattheheckdoyouweirdoesthinkyou'redoing?!You'reblockingtheroad!"Averyirritatedvoicethatspokewithahintofanaccent.

"Mmm...What?I..."Iblinked.WhendidIgetonmyknees?Betterquestion:whendidthisangry-lookinggirlshowup?Iwasinsuchadaze,allIcoulddowasstareatherandtakeinherfeatures:herlongbrownhairkeptinplacebyherwhitehatwith

theredPokéBallsymbol,herirritated-lookingbrowneyes,hersleevelessaquablueshirt,herredskirt,herwhiteandredsneakerswiththebaggybluesocks...

"Hey!Myfaceisuphere!Youweirdo...!"Iblinkedasmyheadstartedtoclearup."Geez,youreekofSweetScent!It'sawonderyouhaven'tbeenassaultedbysomewildPokémon."

"Wh...What?SweetScent?"IheardBiancaspeakup.Shewasalsoonherknees,hereyeswidewithsurpriseaboutourposition.

"Youdon'tknowwhatSweetScentis?Whatlosers..."Iheardhermutterunderherbreath.Istaredupather,butshedidn'tseemtocareaboutpayingattentiontomejustthen.Thebrunettegirlsimplyfoldedherarmsacrossherchestandexplained,"SweetScentisaPokémonmovethatmakesanyonewhosmellsitbecomerelaxedtothepointwheretheydon'tnoticeanything."Thewayshespokewasasifsheconsidereduslittlekids."Meaningyouidiotsweredumbenoughtosmellit."

"Hey!It'snotlikeweknewweshouldn'tsmellit!"Isnapped,suddenlyannoyedwiththisgirl."Andit'snotlikewejusthappeneduponit,either!Wewereattacked...by...thatSnivy!"IsuddenlyrememberedtheGrassSnakePokémonandstartedtolookaroundinafranticpanic."Ohmygosh!I-isitstillhere?!Pleasedon'tletitbehere!"

Iheardthegirlmumblesomethingandsuddenlyfallsilent.IlookedupandwassurprisedtofindaPokédexinherhands.SheturnedthePokédexaroundandshowedmetheelectronicimageofatypical,normal-lookingSnivywithasmugexpressiononitsface."Thisit?"

BeforeIcouldquestionher,Biancaspokeup,"Um,theonewemetlookedalittledifferent,butyeah...IsthataPokédex?"

Thebrunettegirlsmirked."Yalikeit?Ibetthisisthefirsttimeyou'veeverseenoneupclose."

"Actually,Ihaveone.Webothdo,actually."Yeah,sotakethat,littlemissuppitytrainer!"WegotoursacoupleofdaysagofromProfessorJuniper."

Shelookedsurprised."Seriously?"Shestartedsmirkingagain."Itfiguresyou'reonlynewbies."BeforeIcouldopenmymouth,shecontinued,"Well,Idon'tknowwhatyoutwoaregonnado,butI'mgoingtogocatchmeaSnivy!Ciao,losers!"Shethenrandowntheroad,leavingusalone.

"...Whatanunpleasantperson,"Imuttered.

"Shewasprettyrude,wasn'tshe?"Biancamumbled."Ithoughtwecouldbefriends,y'know,sinceweallhadPokédexes..."Shesighedaswestoodup."Thiswassupposedtobeapleasantwalkthroughtheforest.Instead,wegotattackedbyaPokémonandhadourfoodstolen!"

"Yousee?Iknewthiswasabadidea."IlookeddownatTinyandEve,butIdidn'tfindtheminthere.Ilookedinsideofmybag,expectingtofindthembothinthere,butIonlyfoundEvefastasleep.Isuddenlygotworried.Ilookedaround,tryingtofindasignofyellowfur."Whereishe?Whereishe?Wherecouldhehavegone?!"IstartedtoshaketheEeveeinmybag."Eve!Eve!"

Evewokeupandyawned."What?Whatisit?"

"Where'sTiny?"

"Tiny...?Um...Oh!Ithinkheranoff..."Shepausedtoyawnagain."...afterthatPokémon..."

"Sohe'sgone?!"Icriedout."He'sjustababy!Hecouldgethurt!Hecouldgetkilled!"Ihadtofindhim.Iwouldn'tbeabletoforgivemyselfifsomethingbadhappenedtohim.Biancahadtograbmetostopmefromrunningofflikeacrazyperson.

"C-calmdown,White!I'llhelpyou"we'llfindhimtogether!"Shetriedtocalmmedown."Let's...Let'sseeifanyonesawhim!Pichuisn'taPokémonthatyoufindinUnova,sohe'ssuretostickout!"

"Ihopeso.Ireallyhopeso..."IsaidasIwrungmyhandsinaworriedmanner.

X-X-X

WewalkeddownthedirtpathinsearchofTinyandtheSnivyuntilwecameacrossapairoflittlegirls.Theywereidenticalineveryway:theirlittlebrownpigtailsandbrightgreenjumperdresses.Thetwingirlswerewhisperingtoeachotheruntiltheynoticedusandranrightuptous.

"Hey,hey!Areyoutrainers?"

"Hey,hey!Youwannabattle?"

"No,"Iansweredbluntly.Thetwingirlspouted.

"Pleeeease?"Theypleaded.

"We'rebusy!"Isnapped,tooirritatedbythecircumstancesto

Biancasteppedforwardandbentovertospeakwiththem."Don'tmindher.We'rejustlookingforacertainPokémonthatmayhavepassedbyhere.HaveyouseenaPichu?"

ThetwinslookedateachotherbeforelookingupatBiancawithconfusedexpressions."What'saPichu?"Theybothasked.

Quickly,ItookoutmyPokédexandpulleduptheentryonPichu.Ihelditoutinfrontofthegirls."This.Nowhaveyouseenonerunbyhere?"

Oneofthetwinsopenedhermouthtospeak,buttheotherclappedherhandoverhersister'smouth."We'lltellyouifyoubattleus!"

Ifrownedandstartedtoglareatthetwogirls."Thisisserious!It'smyPichuwe'relookingforandneedtofindhimnow!"

Oneofthetwinswasnowwhimperingwhiletheotherwaspoutingwithherarmsfoldedacrossherchest."Nuh-uh!Mydaddytoldmethatwhentrainerslookeachotherintheeye,theyhavetodobattle!"Yourdaddysoundslikeanidiot.

Biancalaughedsheepishlyandtookmeaside."Now,White,"shewhispered,"They'reonlykids.Humorthemalittleandbattlethem."

"Idon'twanttohumorthem.IwanttospankthoselittlebratsuntiltheytellmewhereTinywent!"

Biancaturnedaroundtofacethetwins."Alright!She'llbattleyou,butonlyaone-on-onematch!"Igavetheblondeanangrylook.Ididn'thavetimeforabattle!IneededtofindmyPokémonbeforetheworstcouldhappen!

"Nuh-uh!Wealwaysfightindoublebattles,rightMaya?"Saidonetwin.

ThetwinnamedMayalookedatmeandstartedtoshake."U-um...!M-maybeweshouldn'ttrytomakethescaryladyangrier,Mayo...WeshouldjusttellherwherethePokémonwent."

"Noooo...!"Mayowhined,flailingherarmslikeanangryMaractus.

Mayalookedatus."WetriedtocatchthePichubecauseitlookedcute.Wealmostcaughtit,butitbrokeoutofthePokéBall."Shepointedfurtherdownthedirtpath."Itwentdowntheroad.Wewould'vechasedit,butwedon'thaveanymorePoké

Balls..."

ThatwasallIneededtohear.Istartedrunningdowntheroad,barelylisteningtooneofthetwinsberatingtheotherandBiancayellingformetowaitup.TheonlythoughtonmymindwasfindingTinyandmakingsurethathewassafe.Ididn'tstopuntilIreachedacrossroadthatdividedintotwopaths,outofbreathandnotknowingwhichwayIshouldgo.Ifeltsomethingclapontomyshoulder,butIdidn'thavetheenergytojumporshoutinsurprise.IlookedovermyshoulderandsawBianca,pantingfromexhaustion.

"D-don'tjustrunofflikethat!HowamIgonnaprotectyouifyoukeeprunningawayfromme?"Shepantedasshebentovertocatchherbreath."Youcould'veatleastthankedthoselittlegirls..."Biancastoodupstraightandlookedatme."Well,Iguesswe'vegottochooseaway...Oh!There'ssomeonedownthere!"Shepointeddowntheleftpathatayoungboyinastrawhat.Weapproachedhimashesteppedintothetallgrass,lookingdownatthegroundandholdinganetinhishands."Hellothere!"

"Sssshhh!You'llscare'emaway!"Theboycomplained.

Biancablinkedandlookedaround."Um...Scarewho?"

"ThebugPokémonhidinginthegrass,ofcourse!"Theboyadjustedhishatashecontinuedstaringattheground.

"Oh.ThenIguessyouwouldn'thavenoticedastrange-lookingPokémoncomingdownthisway..."

Thebugcatchergaveadisgruntledsigh."Youmeanthatfunny-lookin'snake?Itpoppedup,atetheberriesIwasplanningtouseasbaitforthebugPokémon,andthenusedsomesortofattacktodistractme!NowIgottacatchbugstheold-fashionedway!"Afunny-lookingsnake?ItmusthavebeenthatthievingSnivy!AndifTinywaschasingafterit,then...

"Hey,wasthatallyousaw?Youdidn'tseeanyotherweird-lookingPokémon?"Iasked.

"WhenIhuntforBugtypePokémon,Inevernoticeanyotherkind.AllIsawafterthatwassomegirlaskingwherethatthievin'snakewent."Hepointedhisnettowardsthetrees."Itoldheritwentoffthepathandranoffintothewoods"withmybait!Shetookoffrightafterit.Guessitstolesomethin'offofher,too."

"Oh...Well,Iguesswe'llhavetogooffthepathtofindhim,"saidBianca.

Astheboywanderedofftodomorebug-catching,IgulpedasIstaredoutintothetrees.Itdidn'tlookasinvitingasthemanmadepath,especiallywhentheincreasedlikelihoodofmeetingwildPokémoncrossedmymind.IwishIcould'vemaintainedmyhardheadednessfrombeforesoIcouldjustbarrelrightthrough.IfIdidn'twanttobeagoodtrainer,Iwould'vebeenadamantaboutnotgoinganywhere.ButIhadtodoit.Ihadtobebrave,forTiny'ssake.Takingadeepbreath,Isteppedoffthedirtroadandintothetallgrass.IkeptrepeatinginmymindthatwhatIwasfeelingbrushupagainstmylegwasgrassandnotsomePokémontryingtostealthilyattackmeasBiancahookedherarmontomineandhelpedmewalk.

X-X-X

"HI-YAH!"Shionexclaimedassheusedherscalchoptocutdownthegrassinfrontofus.Amongsttheshredsofgrassandflowers,awildsleepingPansearwokeupandgrowled.Itspatoutembersoffireather,buttheonesthatshecouldn'tblockwithhershelldidn'tfazeher.SheflunghershellatthePansearandhitinsquareonitsnose.ThePansearcriedoutinpainbeforeitranoff,nolongerseekingafight.Shionwenttopickuphershellandraiseditoverherheadproudly."Anothervictoryinmytrainer'sname!"

"Hooray!"Eveexclaimed.

PanaceaapproachedtheOshawotttoinspectherforinjuries.Inamomentofintenseparanoia,I'dsentallthreeofthePokémononmeoutoftheirPokéBalls"forprotection.IfBiancawaswatchingmyback,Ineededsomeonetowatchmyfront,myrightandmyleftaswell.Ilookedlikeacelebritywithanentourage,oraveryweirdandvariedgroupofbodyguards."Didyoureallyhavetochaseitaway?MissWhitecouldhavecaughtit.It'saFiretypePokémonafterall."

Shion'sexpressionbecameadistressedoneasshelookedupatme."Wh-what?Really?!I'msosorry,White!Iknow:I'llknockoutthenextPansearIseesoyoucancaptureit!"

"Me,too!Me,too!"Evechirpedasshebouncedupanddown"I'llknockouteveryPokémonIseesoWhitecancatchit!"

"SowillI,"saidPanacea."IhavetocontributetohelpingMissWhiteaswell."

"That'snotwhatwe'redoinghere.We'relookingforTiny.Nothingelsematters,"Iansweredsternly.ThethreePokémonbeforemelookedashamed."It'snotthatIdon'tappreciateyourhelp.I'mjustreallyworriedabouthim."

"Aw,White,"Biancaspokefrombehindme."That'ssoprecious!You'reactingmore

likeamotherthanatrainer!"

Isighed.Nother,too!"I'mnotbeingmaternal!It'sjustcommonsense!He'sjustababyandhe'sgoneandrunofflikethis!Whoknowswhatcould'vehappenedtohim?"Onceagain,Biancacooed."Stopthat!Anyway,findingTinyisthetoppriority.Nochallengingtrainers,nocatchingPokémon,nothingwhatsoever!"

"Aw,soyou'renotgonnacatchanything?"Eveaskedwithapout."Noteventhatweird-lookingsnakeoverthere?"

"Yes,noteventhatweird-looking"Weird-lookingsnake?!"Ilookedforwardandsawwhatshewastalkingabout.Therewastheoddly-coloredSnivy,insideofalarge,hollowedoutlog.Itwassurroundedbyemptywrappersandpaperswhileitwascoiledup,seeminglyfastasleep."Bianca!It'stheSnivy!"Iwhispered.

"Hm?You'reright!It'sthesamecolorandeverything!"SheexclaimedloudlybeforeIgesturedforhertostayquiet.IpointedatthesleepingPokémonandshenodded."Idon'tseeTinyanywhere,though..."Shewhispered."Doyouthinkitknowswhereheis?Maybeweshouldaskit."

"Areyoukidding?Ifwewakeitup,it'lljustrunoffagain!"

Bianca'seyeslitup."Ifyoucatchit,itwon'tbeabletorunaway!YoucouldjustsenditbackintoitsPokéBallifittriestoescapebeforeansweringyou!"

"Idon'twannacatchaPokémonthatstolefromme!Evenifitwasjustasandwich!"

"Well,youcanreleaseitafterwardsifyouwant.Goon,doitbeforeitwakesup!It'llbeeasiertojustcatchitwhileit'sasleep!"

IhummedinannoyanceasIsearchedthroughmybagforanunusedPokéBall.IgrippedittightlyinmyhandsasItookaimattheSnivy.Prayingthatitwouldn'tmiss,IthrewtheballattheGrasstype.IthitthePokémononthehead,butIcouldn'ttellifitwasstillasleepasitwastakenintotheballinaflashoflight.Theballonlyshooktwicebeforeitclicked.Istaredinslack-jawedawe."Iactuallycaughtit?!"

"Noway!"AfamiliarvoiceshoutedfromovertothesideIturnedmyheadandsawthebrunettegirlfrombeforestompingtowardsus"HowcouldanewbielikeyoucatchararePokémonlikeSnivybeforeme?!"Well,ithelpswhenit'sfastasleepfromeatingstolenfood.Shefoldedherarmsacrossherchestandfrowned."Hmph!Itwasprobablybyluckorafluke!"

Ididn'tsayaword.IjustapproachedthePokéBallandpickeditup.Ihesitatedin

releasingtheSnivyfrominside.Iwasn'tsurewhatsortofreactionitwasgoingtohavewhenitwokeittofinditwascaptured.JustasIwasabouttopressthebutton,Iheardafamiliarcryof"Mommy!"

"Tiny?Tiny!Whereareyou?!"Ishouted,lookingaroundfrantically.

"Whattheheckiswrongwithyou?"Iheardthebrunettetrainersay.Iturnedtofaceher,onlytoseesomethingsurprising:aPichupokingitsheadoutfrominsideofherbag.Isuddenlyfeltintenserelief.BeforeIreallyknewwhatIwasdoing,Iwasstandinginfrontofthegirl,tryingtogetthePichuoutofthebagtohughimandkisshimandactlikearightmess.Instead,Iwasgrabbedandshovedbackbythetrainergirl,whowasnowglaringatme."Whatdoyouthinkyou'redoing?!AreyoutryingtostealmyPichu?!"

"He'snotyourPichu,he'smine!"Isnappedback."HeranoffandI-I'vebeenlookingeverywhereforhim,soifyou'dbesokind..."Iheldmyhandsout.

Thegirlfrownedandputherhandsonherhips."Ohhh,no.I'mnotfallingforthatact.IfhewasyourPichu,Iwouldn'thavebeenabletocatchhim,now,wouldI?"

"Catchhim?!"BiancaandIrepeated.

"There'snowayyoucouldcatchhim!HealreadyhasaPokéBall,right,White?"

Iopenedmymouthtoanswer,butIsuddenlyrememberedsomething.InAccumulaTown,Tiny'sPokéBallbroke.ItoldmyselfthatIwouldreplaceit,butevenwiththenursesatthePokémonCentertellingmethatIshouldputhiminsideofaPokéBall,thethingsthathadbeenhappeninghadmademeputthattothebackofmymind.AndwhenIfinallyrememberedthatIhadtechnicallybeencarryingawildPokémonwithmetheentiretime,Ifoundmyselfshouting,"Hisballbroke!AndIforgottoputhiminsideofareplacement!"

"What?!"Biancashoutedinsurprise."Whydidn'tyoutellme?!"

Islappedmyhandtomyforehead,saying,"BecauseIforgot!HowcouldIbesuchanidiot?!"Iremovedmyhandandlookedatthegirl."Look,hereallyismyPichu!Pleasegivehimbacktome!"

"Nope,"thebrunetteansweredbluntly."EvenifIdobelieveyou"whichIdon't"technicallyspeaking,he'smyPokémonnow.Now,ifyouwereagoodtrainerwhohadn'tdoneanythingasstupidasletaPokémontheycalltheirsrunaroundwithoutbeingcaptured,I'dgivehimbacktoyou."

Tinythencrawledoutofherbagandranovertome.Hestoodupandheldhisarmsouttome."Mommy?"IbentovertopickhimupandthePichustartedtonuzzlehischeekagainstmyneck."Chuuu~!"Hestartedpointingoverattheblue-cladtrainer."Friend,Mommy."

Iglaredatthebrunettegirl,whowasalsoglaringatme."Look,justgimmebackmyPichu!Whathappenedwasanaccident,butI'mstillhistrainer,PokéBallorno!"

"Well,howdoIknowyou'renotgonnalethimgoalloveragain?"

"I'mnot!Whatdoyouwantmetodo?Youwannahaveabattleforhim?BecauseI'lldoitifIhaveto!"Wipingthatjudginglookoffofyourfacewillbeaplus.

Thebrunettesmirkedandgavemeacondescendinglookassheadjustedherhat."You'vegotnoideawhoyou'retalkingto!I'mnotsomenewbietrainerlikeyouwhodoesn'tknowhowtohandleherPokémon!I'mWhiteGreen,aseasonedtrainerwho'sdefeatedtheIndigoLeague!"

"Idon'tknowwhatthatisandIdon'tcare,"Iansweredbluntly.

"Youshouldcare,newbie."

Actually,Ikindofdidcare.IcaredthatshehadthesamenamethatIdidandthatshehadalreadyaccomplishedwhatBlackandCherenweretryingtodo:she'dbeatengymleaders,theElite4andtheleaguechampion"well,anElite4andaleaguechampion"insomefar-offregion.Thenagain,shecould'vebeenlying.Shecould'vebeenasmuchofanewbietrainerasshesaidBiancaandIwereandtheIndigoLeagueprobablydidn'texist.

"I'llbetyouthatthePokémonIstartedwithcanbeattheoneyoustartedwith,"shetauntedasshetookoutaPokéBall.Shepressedthebuttonandfromwithin,shereleasedsomethingthatmademechangemymindaboutherbeingapretender.

"Blaaaas!"Standingbeforeusontwolegswasalarge,blue,tortoise-likePokémonwithapairofcannonsstickingoutofthetopofitsbrownshell.Thecannonswithdrewintotheshell,thenextended,releasingablastofwaterthatwasaimedupwards.Theblastmadeaholewithinthecanopyofleaves,lettingafairamountofsunlightshinedownonhisalongwithashortdrizzleofwater.Icouldn'thelpbutstandthere,shakinginfearatthehulkingbruteofaPokémonbeforeus.Atsomepoint,IfoundmyselfgrabbingBianca'shandandsqueezingitfordearlife.Biancadidn'tmind,becauseshewastoobusybeinginawe.

"Wow...!WhatkindofPokémonisthat?"

"ABlastoise,"IwhisperedasIfeltmyheartclenchinginfear,"theirwatercannonshavemoreforcethanafirehose,theycanshootsomethingfrommorethan100feetaway,theirwaterattackscanpiercerightthroughsteel,andthey'resoheavythattheycouldcrushapersonunderneaththem!"IspokequicklyasIbegantouseBianca'shandlikeastressball.I'msurprisedIactuallyrememberedanyofthat,butIguessBlastoiseisjustoneofthosePokémonwhoseeverydangerousdetailis,sadly,engravedinmymind.

"Wow...!Ididn'tgetallofthat,butwow!Um...I-Idon'tthinkyoucouldbeatthatinabattle,White,"Biancaansweredtruthfully,andIagreedwithher.EvenifIwenttheunfairrouteandsentallofmyPokémonoutatonce,Iwouldn'twin.IlookeddownatmyPokémon,whowerelookingsortofpetrifiedinthefaceoftheBlastoise.EvenShion,despitetryingtoputupabravefront,shookfromintimidationofitspower.I'dhaveabetterchanceofbeatingtheBlastoise'strainerwithmyownhands,butIwouldn'tresorttosuchathing...yet.

"Doyouunderstandthedifferencebetweenusnow?"WhiteGreenasked.WhenIdidn'tgiveareply,shesmirkedandreturnedherBlastoisetoitsball.Buttheheart-clenchingfeelingdidn'tstopthere.ShethenpulledoutanotherPokéBall,whichIpresumedwasTiny's.

Icouldn'tevenbringmyselftoglareather.IlookeddownatTinysadlyandstartedtobrushthedirtoffofhisfur.Helookedupatmecuriouslyandstartedtopatmychest."Mommy?"Havinghimcallmethatmademefeelevenworse.

"I'mreallysorry...thoughifyouunderstood,I'msureyouwouldn'tforgiveme.Iwouldn't."Atthatmoment,thePichu'sexpressionbecameasadone."Imean,I'mnottheonlyonetobeangryathere,"IglancedatWhiteOakandmentallycursedherforbeingsostubbornand...unlikeable.

"W-waitaminute!"Biancaexclaimed."That'sWhite'sPokémon!M-myWhite,notyou...Andshereallylovesandcherishesit!Imean,shewentcrazytryingtofindhim!Sowhatifshemadeamistake?She'sonlyhuman!Andyoucan'treallybesuchabadpersonthatyouwouldseparateatrainerandPokémonwhocareforeachothersomuch!"

WhiteGreenfrowned."Whoa,whoa,whoa!HowamIthebadguy?She'stheidiotwholetherPokémonwanderaboutwithoutbeingcapturedandthenwhined,sayingshe'shistrainer!"Shepointedafingeratme."She'sthebadpersonhere,blondie,notme!"

"C'mon!Prettypleasewithsugarandsprinkles...?"Biancabegged.Iwassurprised

shewasactuallyresortingtothis.Andformysake.Ifeltmovedandashamedatthesametimeforlettingmyfriendfightmybattlesforme.

"Whatdoyouwantfromme?I'lldo...anything...ifyoujustgiveTinybacktome."Iregrettedsayingthat.Whoknowswhatthisgirlwouldthinkup?

ThebrunettegirlbentoverandpickedupaPokéBall.Oh,wait.ThatwasthePokéBallthesleepingSnivywasinsideof."Iwantthis."Iansweredsimple."IwanttheSnivy."

Iblinked."That'sit?"

"Hey,begratefulI'msuchagenerousperson!Icould'veaskedforallyourmoneyorsomethinginexchange,butallIwantisatrade.TrademeyourSnivyforwhatistechnicallymyPichu."

"Deal,"Iansweredquickly.

"What?!"Panaceaexclaimedinshock."B-but,MissWhite!Whatabout"?"

"It'sokay.ThereareplentyofGrasstypePokémonoutthereanyway.Besides,I'mnotsureI'dbeabletogetalongwithaPokémonthatstolemylunch."

WhiteGreensmiled.Sheactuallylookedsomewhatpleasantwhenshewasn'tsmirking,butatthispoint,I'dprettymuchdecidedthatthegirlwasn'tpleasant."Great!Now,let'sgotothePokémonCenterinNacreneCity.That's""

"Yeah,weknowwherethatis,youlittle..."Itrailedoffandbeganmutteringthingstomyselfaswefollowedbehindher.

X-X-X

ItseemsthatinoneofthemanyupstairsroomsofPokémonCenters,therewasaroomwithseveralmachines.Eachonehadtwoemptysphere-shapedslotsandtwoscreens,thebiggestandwidestonealreadyonandshowingaswirlingPokéBallsymbolonscreen.WhiteGreenstoodbeforethemachineandputherhandsonherhips."Thisisatradingmachine.Trainersusethesetomakelocaltradeswithpeopleface-to-face."Ireallyhatedthetonesheusedtoexplainthat:thesortoftonepeopletakewithchildrenwhentheywanttomakesomethingsoundsimplewhilealsomakingthechildfeellikeanidiot.

Biancaimmediatelyspokeup,"Butwhydoyouneedamachinetodothis?Can'tyoujustgiveeachotheryourPokéBalls?"

ThebrunettegirllookedatBiancalikeshewasanidiot."Becauseit'sstilltechnicallyyourPokémon,meaningifyouexchangeit,you'donlybeabletohavefivePokémoninsteadofsix.Youwouldn'tbeabletoreleaseitorstoreitinyourPC,heck,you'dprobablygetintroublewiththeauthoritiesbecauseitsPokéBalldoesn'thaveyourTrainerID,whichatradingmachinetakescareofbyalteringit.YoudoknowwhatyourIDis,right?"

Biancapouted."Yes..."

"Also,thisthingwillmakesureyouactuallygivemeSnivyandnottrickmebygivingmesomeotherPokémon."Isaidnothingandonlyfrownedinresponse."Now,let'sbegin."SheheldoutherPokéBallandpointeditatTiny.

"Domeafavorandstayinside,okay?"IwhisperedintothePichu'searbeforehedisappearedinaflashoflight,backintotheball.Surprisingly,hedidn'tburstoutimmediately.

TheotherWhiteplacedthePokéBallintooneofthesphere-shapedslotsandtheupperscreenactivated,showinganimageofaPichuononesidewithinformationlikeTiny'sspecies,histype,herIDnumberandhernamewhich,oddlyenough,wasdifferent.InsteadofWhiteGreen,itreadWhiteOak.Istaredatinconfusionforafewsecondsbeforeshesnapped,"Don'tstare!YoubetternotbememorizingmyIDtodosomethingshady,youweirdo!"

"Iwouldn'tevenknowwhattodowithit!"Isnappedback.

"Hmph.I'msureyoudon't,younoob."Shewentfromaccusingmeofbeingcapableofapossiblycriminalacttobeingincapableofit.Iswear,thisgirl...!WhotheheckdecidedshewasworthgivingaPokédexto?!Shepressedsomethingonthesecondscreenofthetrademachine,andthenlookedatme."Well?GetoverhereandputinthatSnivy!"

Ireachedintomybag,insideofadifferentpocketthatdidn'tholdtherestofmyPokémon,andpulledouttheSnivy'sPokéBall.Iwalkedovertothetrademachineandinsertedtheballintotheslot.IlookedupatthescreenandsawitshowinganexactimageoftheSnivy,rightdowntoitsoddcolor.Ilookeddownatthesmallerscreenandsawapromptpopup,askingifitwasthePokémonIwantedtotrade.Ipressedthecommandmarked'yes'andbothballssuddenlydroppeddownintotheslots,disappearingintothemachine.ThescreenshowedanimageoftwoPokéBallstradingplacesandthepicturesofTinyandtheSnivycrossingoveroneanother,andinseconds,aPokéBallroseupintheslotonmyside.

Assoonasthathappened,Tinyburstoutoftheballandlandedonthefloor.

"Mommy!"Heexclaimedashescampereduptome.Hestartedjumpinginplaceenergetically,asifhe'dbeensittinginthatballforhoursinsteadofaminuteorso.

"Hey,there,"IgreetedasIcroucheddowntopethimonthehead.Hecooedandstartednuzzlingagainstmyhand."Welcomeback.Ipromisewe'llneverhavetogothroughthisagain..."

"Youbetternot.Unlessyoushapeupasatrainer,you'regonnawindupgettingyourPokémontakenfromyoufortheirowngood,"WhiteGreen"orWhiteOak,Iwasn'tsureanymore"commentedasshewalkedbyme.Iglaredupather,butthenIsawhersmirkingface."Ciao,losers!"Shethenleft.

"IhopethefirstthingthatSnivydoeswhenitwakesupissmackherwithaVineWhip,"Imuttereddarkly.MyexpressionmadeTinymakeasmallsqueakoffear.

Biancafrowned."Whatarudegirl...EvenCheren'snotthatmeanwhenhelecturesus!HowcouldapersonlikethatberecommendedtogetaPokédex?"

Isighedandstoodup,placingTinyinsideofhisrightfulplaceinsideofmybag."Must'vebeenafavor.Orabribe.OraPokémonProfessorwithbadjudgmentofcharacter.Eitherway,IhopeIneverhavetomeetWhiteOakagain."

Theblondegirlworealookofconfusion."Huh?Oak?"

"Nevermind..."

Biancashrugged."Hey,sinceourwalkthroughtheforestwasinterrupted,whydon'twegotothemuseumintown?...What'swiththatlook?"

Iblinked.Ididn'trealizethatIwasstaringatherlikeshe'dgrownwingsorsomething."Um...Ineverthoughtyou'dbewillingtorecommendamuseumofallthingsassomethingfun."

"Well,normallyIwouldn'twantto...butIwannahelpProfessorJuniperwithherresearchinexchangeforgivingmemyPokédex,soIthought:'MaybeIcanlearnsomethingaboutPokémonfromthemuseum!'Imean,she'ssupposedtostudyaboutwherePokémoncamefrom,andhistoricalstufflikethethingsfoundinmuseumsprettymuchtellyousomethingaboutthat...right?"

Asmilefounditswayontomyface."That's...true.Andit'snicethatyouwannahelptheprofessorout."

"Doesthismeanyou'llcomewithme?!"Biancasuddenlyexclaimed."B-

because...I'mworriedthere'llbethingsIwon'treallyunderstand,orI'lldosomethingembarrassinglikefallasleeponsomeexpensivething..."

"Sure...Butfirstthingfirst:I'mgoingtobuyTinyanewPokéBallallhisown,andthenI'mgonnareleasehimandcatchhimagain."

"...Thatdoesn'tmakeanysense.He'salreadygotaball."

"Yes,butit'sWhiteOak'sballwithWhiteOaklistedashisoriginalowner,andIdon'twanttohappentoglanceatthatinformationagainberemindedofWhiteOak..."IgrumbledasIwalkedoutoftheroomwithmyfriendintow.

X-XX

Notes!

EveisanEnglishnamethatoriginatedfromtheHebrewnameEvaandmeans"tolive"or"tobreathe",andratherthantheobviousreferencetotheBiblicalEve,itisareferencetoMitochondrialEve,thewomanfromwhommodernhumansdescendedfromontheirmother'sside.

SnivylearnsSweetScentviabreeding.

NotrainersoftheBugCatcherclassappearintheUnovagames.

WhiteGreen/OakisphysicallythefemaleplayercharacterofPokémonFRLGusuallynamed"Leaf"byfans,whosharessimilaritieswithanunusedfemaleplayercharacterfromtheoriginalRedandGreengames.Insomeartworkandimages,thegirl'sPokémonisaSquirtle,andhercounterpartinthePokémonAdventuresmangaalsoownedaSquirtlethateventuallybecameaBlastoise.WhiteOakisakindoftree.

Inthegames,tradedPokémonalwayshavetheiroriginaltrainerlistedintheirsummary,soitwouldmakesensethatreleasingandcatchingaPokémoninadifferentballwoulderasethatinformation.

X-X-X

RemembertoreviewforBluandPichu!

Chapter8

Disclaimer:Youknowthedrill:Idon'townthePokémonseries,onlythisfic.

X-X-X

~FossilLiberation!PlasmaStrikesAgain!~

IsteppedoutofthePokémonCenter,finallyfreeofthelonglineoftrainersthatwerelinedupatthePokéMartcorner.AllI'dwantedtodowasbuyanewPokéBallforTiny,butthewaitwassolong,ItoldBiancatogoaheadwithoutmeandthatIwouldmeetupwithherinsideoftheNacrenemuseum.Afterwaitingminutestogettothefrontoftheline,IwoundupbuyingaPremierBall"afancy-lookingwhiteballwithredlining,aswellassomeNetBallsandHealBallsattheinsistenceoftheclerkIwastalkingto.NowIknewwhyhislinewassolong:he'dprobablyspenttimeconvincingpeopletobuymorestuffandspendmoremoney!

ItookapeekinsideofmybagandsmiledatthesightofTinyplayingwithhisnewPremierBall.Helookedupatmeandsmiled."Ball!"Hechirped,continuingtopushthewhiteballaround.Iscratchedhislittleheadbeforetakinghimoutandputtinghimontopofmyhat.

"You'reinforatreat.Today,we'regonnagotoamuseum,"IsaidasIstartedtowalk.

"Moo-see-um,"thePichutriedtopronounce.

"That'sright.Amuseumisaplacewherelotsofthingsofvariousinterestsareplacedondisplay.Thingsrelatingtohistory,science,art,andculture..."Iwasn'tsurewhyIbotheredtocontinuetalkingtohim.ApartofmethoughtthatTinywouldn'treallyunderstandanythingsincehewastechnicallyababyPokémon,whileanotherpartthoughtthatifheheardenoughwords,he'dlearntospeakabitbetter.

"Moo-see-um!"Herepeated,seeminglylikinghowthewordsounded.Well,atleasthelearnedonenewwordtoday,evenifheprobablydoesn'tknowwhatamuseumis.

NowthatIthoughtaboutit,CherensaidthattheNacreneGymwasinsideofthemuseum.Ihadtowonderhowthatactuallyworked.Wouldn'titbeariskifsomethingvaluablewasdestroyedbecauseagymbattlegotoutofhand?Andspeakingofbattles,IwaswonderingifIshouldeventhinkaboutchallengingthegymanyway.CherenalsosaidthatthegymleaderusedNormaltypePokémon,andIalreadyhadtwoNormaltypePokémonwithme,soIdidn'treallyneedtochallengethegym

leaderheretohelpgetovermyfearofNormaltypes...didI?It'dbenoskinoffofmybones,thoughShionmightcomplainaboutnotgettinganytrainingandPanaceawouldprobablysaysomethinglike,'Everylittlebithelps.'Ontheotherhand,though,thegymleaderprobablywon'tgoeasyonanewbie,unlikeCilanandhisbrothers.I'dprobablygetmybutthandedtome.

Atsomepoint,Ihadarrivedatthemuseum,butwithmythoughtsontheNacreneGyminside,Ibarelynoticed.Iwasabittoodeepinthought,becauseIwoundupbumpingintosomeone.IfeltTinyfalloffofmyheadandsawhimdroppastmyeyes."Ah!"Iheldmyhandsouttograbhim,butIwastooslow.Instead,thepersonIbumpedintogothiminstead."Oh,thankyouso...much."MysmileofrelieffadedwhenIsawthepersonwho'dcaughthimwasN.

"White,"hespokesimply.IimmediatelytookTinyfromhishandsjustabitroughly.Irelaxedmygripandclosedmyeyes,refusingtolookatthegreen-hairedboy.Heopenedhismouthtospeak,"I""

ButIinterruptedhim."Saveit.Idon'twanttotalktoyou."Itriedtosteppasthim,butfeltsomethingblockingmyway.Openingmyeyes,IsawthatNhadheldhisarmoutinfrontoftheentrancedoor.Ifrowned."Willyougetouttamyway?!"

"Showsomerespect,youstupidgirl!"HisZoruasnappedfrombehindN'sleg."Youshouldbegratefulhe'seventalkingtoyouafterhowyoutreatedhimyesterday!"Believeme,I'mfarfromgratefulforbeinginN'spresenceyetagain.

"Iwon'tletyouleaveuntilyoulistentowhatIhavetosay."

"No.BecausealmosteverytimeIdolistentowhatyouhavetosay,it'susuallystuffthatmakesmefeelupsetandmakesmewannapunchyou"!"IpausedjustasIhadraisedafistintheair,asiftostriketheboybeforeme.Itookadeepbreath,counteddownfromfive,andloweredmyfist."Fine.SaywhateveritisyouhavetosaysoIcanleave."

Nstaredatmeforafewsecondsbeforeheloweredhisarm.IwaswonderingifI'dbeabletorunpasthimandintothemuseumwhenhebeganspeaking,"WhatIwantistoseethingsthatnoonecansee:thetruthaboutthefeelingsofPokémonwithinPokéBalls,theidealsofhowtrainersshouldbe,andmorethananything,aworldwherePokémonarefreetobecomeperfect.Doyoufeelthesame,White?"

Ittookmeafewsecondstoprocesswhathe'dsaid.Mainlybecausehe'dspokensoquicklythatwhatshould'vebeenonelongsentenceandaquestionseemedlikeablur."Uh...Wait,I'mconfused.Whatareyoutalkingaboutnow?"

"WhatIwanttodoischangetheworld.TosaveallthePokémoninitsotheywouldn'thavetobetrappedwithinPokéBallsorforcedtofightunderatrainer'scommands.They'dbefreetobecometheperfectbeings!"

Iblinked."Oh.Isn'tthatputtingabittoomuchpressureonthe?Imean..."IthoughtaboutEve,whodidn'treallyseemlikethesorttocareaboutperfection,andShion,who'dprobablyoverreactifshelearnedthatshecouldn'tbeperfect."Perfectionisn'tsomethingthatcanbeachievedbyanymortalthing,whetherthey'rehumanoraPokémon.Well,maybegodsandlegendaryPokémon,butnonormalhumanorPokémoncandoit,that'sforsure!IdefinitelyknowI'mnotperfect.Andyousureasheckaren'tperfect,either."IwaitedforaresponsefromNforthatslightinsult,buthejuststaredatmeexpectantly.Oh,right.Iwassupposedtoanswerhisquestion."Tobefullyhonest...Idon'tfeelthesameasyou.Ihaveanideaabouthowtrainersshouldbe,andIknowthatsomePokémonhatebeinginPokéBallswhileothersdon'tmind.AndIthinkthey'refinejustthewaytheyarenow.Actually,iftheywere,like,100timeslessdangerousandlife-threatening,that'dbegreat."

N'smouthformedathinline."Really?Huh...Ididn'tthinkyou'dbesoclose-minded."

Ifrowned."Close-minded?I'mthinkingopenly!Beingperfectmeansyoucandoanything.Foralltheamazingthingstheycando,Pokémonhavetheirlimitationsandweaknessandquirksjustlikehumansdo.IfTinywereperfect,hewouldn'tbethewayI'vecometoknowandlikehim."

"Isthatso?Then...maybeIshouldtestyoutoseewhatsortoffutureyoucansee,"Nsaid,pullingoutaPokéBall.HereleasedaPidove,whichflappeditswingsbeforelandingontheground.

Iarchedaneyebrow."You...wannahaveabattle?Well,alright.Butifyoupreachaboutanythingduringthefight,I'mcallingatimeouttogiveyouablackeye!Goget'em,Tiny!"TinyjumpedoutofmyarmsandontothegroundinfrontofthePidove.Isteppedbackandgrinned.EvenifbeatingNinaPokémonbattlewasn'tthesameaspunchinghim,it'dprobablyfeeljustassatisfying."Tiny,useThunderWave!"

"Pidove,QuickAttack."

N'sPidovedisappearedjustasTinyunleashedajoltofparalyzingelectricityinitsdirection.ItappearedtobedartingaboutinmidairatablindingspeedbeforetacklingTiny,sendinghimrollingdownthestairsofthemuseum,allthewaytothebottom."Chuuu!"Hewhimpered,holdinghisheadforafewsecondsbeforehegotbackonhisfeet.

"QuickAttackoncemore,"Ncommandedinanannoyinglycalmtone.HisPidove

onceagainbegantoflyaboutquickly,fasterthanIcouldsee.

"Um...UseCharm!"Iexclaimed,hopingthatmaybethePichu'scutenesswouldmakethebirdPokémonstopinitstracks.

"Piiiichuuu!"Tinyexclaimedashebegantowavehisarmsintheairandsmilecutely.ThePidovestoppedmovingtostareatTiny,enamoredwithhiscuteantics.

"NowgetitwithaThunderShock!"Withashortcry,thelittlePichuunleashedajoltofelectricityathisopponent.ThedistractedPidovewasshockedandfalteredinmidair.Itmanagedtolandonitsfeet,albeitslightlysingedandwobbly.Itdidn'tlooklikeitcoulddefenditself."Onceagain,ThunderShock!"ThePidovewasquicklyhitbyasecondjoltofelectricity.Itfelldown,unconsciousandunabletobattle."Yay!Youwon!"Icongratulatedhimasheranbackuptomeetme.Ipickedhimupandnuzzlednoseswithhim."Youweregreat!"InoticedoutofthecornerofmyeyethatNwasstaringatme."What'reyoustaringat?Can'tbelieveyoulost?"

"...Ihavemorefriendswithme."Withthosewords,hereleasedanewPokémonatthebottomofthestairs.ItwasaTympole"thesameonefromlastnight,maybe?IrememberBiancasayingitwasaWatertype,whichmeantanothereasysuccessforTinyifthingsturnedoutgood.Itlookedkindofpitiful,floppingaboutonthepavementinsteadofinthewater.

"Um...areyousureyouwanttofightwiththatPokémon?Itlookslikeit'dbemoreathomeinthewaterthanhere."

Nstaredatmeyetagain.Iwasstartingtogetcreepedout."Whydoyoucare?"Heasked.

"Whydon'tyoucare?"

"Hedoescare!"CameZorua.IrefusedtolookatthatfrighteninglittlePokémonstill,butIknewhewasglaringatme.

"Icanfight!Don'tunderestimateme!"TheTympoleexclaimedinabrashtoneasitbouncedinplace.

Igulped,worriedthatImayhaveangeredtheTadpolePokémon."A-alright!Justdon'thurtme,okay?Tiny,it'stimeforround2."IlethimjumpoutofmyarmandrundowntothebottomofthestairstomeetwiththeTympole."Alright,useThunderShock!"

"UseMudSport!"Ncalledoutwithabitmorelifeandvolume.Wait,MudSport?

Tympolesomehowmanagedtobounceupintotheair,dodgingTiny'sattack.Hetookadeepbreathandspatalargeamountofmuddownontothestreet.Whenhelandedwithasplat,theTadpolePokémonstartedtorollaboutinthemuduntilhewascompletelycoveredinthestuff.TinyattackedwithanotherThunderShock,butwhenithit,theattackbarelyhadanyeffect.

"Ha!Thattickles!"TheTympoletaunted.

"What?!But-but...he'sonlyaWatertype!Heshouldn'tbeimmunetoanElectrictypeattack!"Iexclaimedinsurprise.ItookoutmyPokédexandlookedupmoves."MudSport,MudSport...Theusercoversitselfwithmud,weakeningElectrictypemovesbyhalf."IputmyPokédexawaywithasigh.Wonderful.Tiny'sonlyrealattackwasanElectric-typeattack.

"MudShot!"saidN,andhisTympolespatoutastreamofmudatTiny.IthitthePichuwithenoughforcetosendhimflyingbackwithacryofpain.

Whenhedidn'tmove,Irandownthestairstocheckuponhim.Hisfurwasdirtiedabitwithmudanditlookedlikehewasunconscious.Withoutaword,IreturnedhimtohisPokéBallandwhisperedanapologyintoit.IwentbackupthestairstoN,slightlysurprisedwhenhedidn'tresorttogloatingofsomesort."Alright..."Imumbled,slippingTiny'sballbackintomybagandpullingoutanother.Inaflashoflight,Panaceaappeared.

"Iwilldomybest,MissWhite,"shesaidassheclappedherpawstogetherresolutely.

"That'sallI'maskingfor.Now,useDoubleSlap!"IcommandedtheAudino.Sherantowardsheropponentwithonepawraisedandslappedhimacrossthecheekacoupleoftimes.

"BubbleBeam!"Despitetheclosedistance,theTympoleopeneditsmouthandsprayedoutdozensofbubblesinPanacea'sface.Despitebeingonlybubbles,theyhadenoughpowerbehindthemtohavePanaceastumblingbackassheswattedtheaside."NowuseMudShot!"TheTadpolePokémononceagainopeneditsmouth,thistimesprayingmudalloverPanacea.ShelookedlikeevenmoreofamessthanTinydid.

Itwastoodangerousforhertogetinclose.Somaybeshecould..."Panacea,useAttract!"Iwasn'treallysureifitwouldwork.Sheonlylearnedthemoverecently,duringourlittleexcursionthroughPinwheelForest.IneveruseditbecauseIwastoopetrifiedtonoticeifanyofthewildPokémonweencounteredweremale.

Panaceaheldapawinfrontofhermouthasshebegantoglowwithasparklypinkauraofsomekind.LittlepinkheartsstartedtoformaroundtheAudinoandshewinked,sendingtheheartsflyingofftowardstheTympolewhojustsatthereinwide-mouthedawe.Theheartshittheirtargetlikeanarrow.

"I...I...WOW!"TheTympoleexclaimed,bouncingexuberantlyinplace."Thatmudreallybringsoutthecolorinyoureyes...!"Heswooned.Histailstartedtowagandhischeeksbegantovibrate.

"Um...T-thankyou?"Panaceaspokeawkwardly,notreallysureifsheshouldcountthatasacompliment.NeitherdidI,forthatmatter.

"Now,whilehe'sinfatuated,useDoubleSlap!"Icalledout.IwatchedasPanaceaapproachedtheWatertypeandstartedtoslapitseveraltimes.Disturbinglyenough,thelittleguywassmilingthrougheveryslap,occasionallymakingsomeweirdcomment.

"Yes!Yes!Hitmeagainwithyourlovetaps!Icantakeit!"Tympoleproclaimed.IsworeIcould'veseenheartsinhiseyeswhenhesaidthat,likehewassomekindofcartooncharacter.

TheAudinocringed."Pleasedon'tsaythat.It'sbadenoughhavingtohurtyou,butwhenyousaythingslikethat..."SheraisedapawandgavetheTympoletwomoresmacks."Won'tyoupleasejustgiveup?"

"Never!Idon'tgiveupinfightsorlove~!"

"Oh,brother,"Imumbled,holdingahandovermyface."Pleasejustknockhimoutnow!"

"Yah!"WithafinalPoundtotheface,theTympolehadhadenough'lovetaps'andfaintedwithasatisfiedexpressiononhisface.

"Whatadisappointment..."Zoruacommented.

IlookedatN,whohadreturnedTympoletohisPokéBall.ThehandgrippingsaidPokéBallwasshaking,likehewasabouttogetangry.Hisfacialexpressionwasblank,buthiseyeslookedliketheywereupset."Notyet...Itisn'tfinishedyet!"

"Um...Okay."IreturnedPanaceatoherballforsomerestbeforeinchingawayfromthegreen-hairedteenashetookoutathirdPokéBall.Inaflashoflight,itappeared:asmall,gray-skinnedPokémonthatwasroughlythesizeofachild,giveortakeafewinches.Itsbodyhadpink,vein-likeprotrusionsonitshead,arounditsshoulders

andnearitswaist,anditwascarryingapieceofsquaredlumberunderitsarm."ATimburr,huh?"IrememberedseeingatleastoneofthoseinPinwheelForest,andevenlongbeforethen.Theyalwayspoppedupatbuildingsitestohelpwithconstruction,regardlessofwhethertheywereownedorwild."Sinceit'saFighting-type,there'sonlyonepersonwhocanhandlethis."

Inaflashoflight,Shionappearedsittingdown,seeminglywaxingherscalchopshell.Afterafewseconds,sherealizedshewasnolongerinherballandstoodupabruptly."W-w-whatisthis?!Ifyou'regoingtocalluponme,atleastmakeitknown!"Sheexclaimed,blushingfromembarrassment.

Icringed."I-I'msorry!Ithoughtyouheardmeinthere!"

"Ididhear!That'swhyIwasshining"Imean,maintainingmyshell!"

TheTimburrsnickered."Y'thinkthatpunything'sgonnahurtme?"Heasked.Hethenswunghislumber,asiftointimidateher."This,though,couldtotallywhupyourbutt,runt!"

Shionfrowned."Firstofall,thesizeoftheweapondoesn'tmatter.Secondofall,whoareyoucallingarunt?!"

"UseFocusEnergy!"SaidN.

"You,too,Shion!FocusEnergy!"Iexclaimed.N'sTimburrstartedtopumphisloglikeadumbbellwhileShiontookonastance.Theybothbegantoglowbrightred."NowattackwithWaterGun!"

"Blocktheattack!"

Shiontookadeepbreathandsprayedoutwater.Timburrplacedhisloginfrontofhimandblockedthespray,movingbackonlyafewinchesfromtheforceoftheattack.

"UseTailWhipanddistracthim!"

TheOshawottturnedaroundandbegantowaghertailcutely."Woooott~!Wott,woooott~!"Shesang.Timburrstaredatherinconfusion,scratchinghishead.

"Don'tbedistracted!UseFling!"Ncalledout.TimburrstartedtotosshislogupanddownbeforechuckingitatShion'sback.Beforeshecouldturnaroundordodgeit,theloghithersquareinthebackandknockedherdown.TheFightingtypethenapproachedherandpickeduphislog."NowuseRockSmash,"thegreen-haired

teenspokewithfinality.

Timburrraisedhislog,preparingtoslamitdownonShion.Butasheswungdownward,sherolledoutofthewayandjumpedbackontoherfeet."Uh,Cut!UseCutonthelog!"Iexclaimedquickly,becomingpanicked.Ididn'twanttolosetoN.Iwantedtomakehimmarchoffinanangryhuff!

Shion'sscalchopseemedtoglintinthesunlightsomehow.Sheranuptoheropponentandswungjustasheswunghedowntostrikeher.Thelogwascutinhalf,itscutoffpiecefallingbehindShionnoisily.Timburr'seyeswidenedinsurpriseashestaredathisshortenedlog.ThenhestartedtoglareattheOshawottandstartedtoswingwhatwasleftofhisloginarage.Hewasonlyswingingwildly,though,neverreallyhittingher.Hedidn'tevenseemtonoticewhenshehadgonearoundhimuntilShionstruckhimfrombehindatseveralpoints,endingwiththebackofhishead.ItwasalltheFightingtypecouldtakeandhefellforward,lookingexhausted.

"Al...alright...!Youwin,you...runt...!"Timburrpantedbeforefainting.

Shionfrowned."I'mnotarunt!"

"Shion,thatwasgreat!"Iexclaimed.

TheOshawottblushedasshebowedherhead."Th-thankyou!I'mhappytobeusefultoyou!"Shesaidbeforeshewasreturnedtoherball.

Istartedtosmile."Well,that'sthreewinsforme.Willthatbeit,orareyougoingtosendyourZoruainnext?"Iasked.

N'sZoruasmirkedandlookedlikehewasabouttostepforwardafterTimburrwasrecalled."No...Ourbattle'sover.Consideryourselfthewinnerifthat'llmakeyoufeelbetter."

Thatlastbitofhisanswerannoyedme,butIstillsmirked,hopingthatitwouldannoyhim."Great!So,ifyou'llexcuseme..."Iattemptedtoenterthemuseumagain,butwashaltedbyN'soutstretchedarmbeforetheentranceagain."Oh,whatnow?!IansweredyourquestionandIacceptedyourchallenge,isn'tthatenough?!"

"I'mnotlettingyougountilyoupayattention."ButI'vebeenpayingattention!EvenwhenIreallyshouldn't,becauseyou'reanidiotwhoidolizeshypocriticaljerks!"Atthemoment,Idon'thavethemeanstosolvetheequationthatwillchangetheworldandsaveallPokémon.WhatIneedispower"enoughpowertomakeanyoneagreewithme."Imanagedtounderstandthatfloodofwordsenoughtorollmyeyesatit.IgotabitclosertoNashecontinued,notevennoticingthatIhadclosedthedistance

betweenus,"PowerlikethatofthelegendarydragonsZekromandReshiram""Despitetheheightdifference,Imanagedtosmackhimontheforehead,blockingoutthesoundofhisZorua'sgrowlandignoringN'sirritatedlook.

"Ifyoureallywanttodothat,thenyou'reabadguy."

Nfrowned."Iamnot.I'm""

"Peoplewhousepowertomakepeopleseethingstheirwayarebadguys.They'rebrutesandbullieswhoforcetheirpointofviewontootherswhoonlyagreeoutoffearofbeinghurtorkilled.Andifyouthinkthataworldthat'schangedbecauseofsomethinglikethatwillbeagoodone,you'reabadguyandamoron."AndI'llloseallfaiththatmaybe,justmaybe,you'resomethingofadecenthumanbeing.

Nstaredatmeblankly.Iwasn'tsurewhathewasthinking.Thenhesuddenlysmiled,andIwasslightlysurprisedbyit.Iwasexpectinghimtogooffthedeependandsayhowtrainerslikemewerethebadguysor...something."Iwanttobeahero,likethosewhocreatedtheUnovaregion.ThatiswhyIwillbefriendthelegendarydragonsZekromandReshiram,sothatthey'llhelpmechangetheworldwiththeirpower!"ThelegendaryBlackandWhiteDragonsinthehandsofaguylikeN...Ifthechancesofsuchathinghappeningweren'toneinamillion,Imighthavebeenterrifiedofthefutureoftheworld."Imustgonow.Ihavemuchtodo.Ihopewemeetagain,White,"hesaidasheleftwithZoruaintow,stillsmiling.

"...Hesaidhewantstomeetagain."Isighedandhungmyhead."Idon'tthinkmymindormypatiencecanhandleit.ThenexttimeIseehim,Imightwinduphurtinghimseverely,justsohe'llleavemebe...!"IsuddenlyrememberedwhyIwashere:Bianca.Whoknowshowlongshewaswaitingformeinside.HopingIwouldn'tincurherwrath"orherpitiableexpressions"Isteppedinside.

WhenIenteredthemuseum,thefirstthingIfeltwastherefreshingblastofcoldairconditioning.Ibarelyhadtimetoenjoyit,though,becauseIrealizedthatIwasstandingintheshadowofsomethinglarge.Ifrozeinfearandgulped,prayingitwasonlyanexhibit.Ilookedupandmanagedtofeelamixtureofreliefandawe.Afewfeetawayfromtheentrancewasalargewingedskeleton.

"Wow...!"Icouldn'thelpbutwhisperoutloud.IwishedthatTinywasstillconscioustoenjoythis.He'dhaveprobablylovedthis.

"Hellothere!"Iturnedaroundandnoticedawomansittingbehindacounterontheside.Thereceptionist,Iguess."WelcometotheNacreneCityMuseum!Wouldyouliketotakeatour?"Sheaskedwithabrightsmile.

"I""

"Ah!Wouldyoulikeatouraroundthemuseum?"Iturnedaroundandsawamanthathadbeenstandingbehindme.Heworeglassesandwasdressedinalabcoat."I'mHawes,oneofthecuratorsofthemuseum.Icouldtellyoueverythingyou'dliketoknowaboutthethingsondisplayhere."

Iopenedmymouth,preparedtoaskaboutthefamiliar-lookingskeletonthatwaspracticallythecenterpieceoftheroom,butchangedmymind.Itwasn'twhyIwashere,interestingasitwas."Actually,I'mlookingforsomeonewhocameinhere."Iturnedtothereceptionist."Didyouseeablondegirlcomeinhere?Shewaswearingabiggreenhat?"

"...Oh,yes!IbelieveshewalkedoffwithsomeboywhojustcamefrombattlingMissLenora!"MissLenora?Oh,right.JustlikehowtheStriatonGymalsodoubledasarestaurant,theNacreneCityGymwaspartofthelocalmuseum.SothatmeanttheboyshewanderedoffwithmighthavebeenBlack,comingbackfromhisgymbattle."IbelievetheywentintothewingthatholdstheexhibitsaboutthetimeoftheBlackandWhiteKingdoms."Shehandedmeapamphlet."Here.Youcanusethistofindyourway.Oh!Andifyoulike,wehavepurchasableaudiotoursrighthere!"

"N-no,thanks.I'mgoodwithjustthis.Thankyouverymuch,"IsaidasIturnedaround,walkinginthedirectionoftheexhibit.

X-X-X

ItravelledthroughtheexhibithallforminutesbeforeIsawBlackandBianca,standinginfrontofadisplaycase.Iwalkeduptothem,buttheyseemedtoobusywatchingwhateverwasinthere."Ihopeyoutwohadfunleavingmebehindlikethat,"Ispokeup,makingbothofthemjump.

"O-oh,it'sonlyWhite!"Biancasaid,lookingrelieved."Iwasworrieditwasthoserudeguysagain..."

"Youshouldbeworried!YoumetupwithBlackanddecidedtojustleavemebehind?I'mhurthere,Bianca."

"U-um,itwasn'tlikeImeanttoleaveyoubehind!Butyouweretakingsolongtogethere,andIwasboredofwaiting.ThenImetBlackandwegottotalking,andItoldhimwhatweweregonnado,andhesaidtherewasareallycoolexhibitandsaidthatitwouldn'ttakelong,soIsaid'sure'andIwentoffwithhim!"

"Wewereonlysupposedtobegoneforafewsecond!It'snotlikeweknewwhen

exactlyyouweregoingtocome,sowefiguredwecouldwastealittletime,y'know?"saidBlack.Iunderstood,butIcontinuedtofrown."Bytheway,Igotmysecondbadgeawhileago.Edwinperformedreallywellforhisfirstgymbattle."

"Edwin?"Iasked,archinganeyebrow.

"That'smyEevee'snewname."

"Edwin.It'snice."Blacksmiled.Iguesshewashappierthathesucceededinchangingthesubjectthaninmyapprovingofhisnamingchoice.Idecidednottopersistandlookedovertheirshoulders."So,what'rewelookingat?"Insideofaglasscase,Isawapairofsphere-shapedstonesthatwereroughlythesizeofPokéBalls.Onewasblack,theotherwaswhite,andbothseemedtoshineinanattractiveandalmostunnaturalway.Etchedintotheirsideswereimages."What'sthat?Somekindofjewelry?"

Blacklookedatadescriptionthatwasplacedabovetheexhibitcase."Accordingtothis,theyassumethattheseareexistingexamplesofornamentationfromthedayoftheBlackandWhiteHeroes.Theyfoundsimilar,moreexotic-lookingstonesthathadimagesofZekromandReshiramengravedinthem,butthesestoneswereinfarbetterconditionbeforebeingrestoredlikethis."

Istaredatthestonesforafewmoresecondsbeforespeakingup,"Thatremindsme:ImetNawhileago."

"Really?"

"He'swhyIwaslate."

"Hechallengedyoutoabattle,didn'the?"IstaredatmytwininsurpriseasInodded."Hechallengedme,too.SaidsomethingaboutwantingtohearmyPokémon'svoices."

"Didhecallyouclose-mindedandtellyouallabouthiscrazydreamaboutbecomingaheroandbefriendingthelegendarydragons?"

"Yup.Hesureisaninterestingguy,isn'the?"

Ifrowned."Interestingisn'twhatI'dcallhim..."SomeofthethingsIwantedtocallhimwerethesortsofthingsthatmadeachild'sparentwashtheirmouthoutwithsoap."Black,don'ttellmeyouactuallylikethatguy?"

Mybrotherscratchedhisheadandlookedaside."Well...oneofthebigthingsabout

journeyingthroughanentireregionisthatyou'llmeetlotsofdifferentpeople.Notallofthemaregoingtohavethesametrainofthoughtlikewedo."

BiancaandIstaredathiminsurprise."Wow,Black!Thatsoundedsomature,IthoughtyouwereCheren!"

"Idon'tknowwhetherthatwasaninsultoracompliment,butI'llignorethat..."

Atthatmoment,asharphissingnoisebegan.IjumpedatthenoiseasBlackandBiancabeganlookingaboutinconfusion.Eventually,thickblacksmokefilledthehallway.Icouldn'tmyhandsinfrontofmyfaceasIcoveredmynoseandmouth,tryingnottoinhaleanymoresmoke."What...theheck...ishappening?!"Ishoutedbetweencoughs.

"I-Idon'tknow!"IheardBlack'svoicefromsomewherebesideme."Let'strytogetoutofhere!Takemyhand!"

"How?!Ican'tevenseeit!"Isuddenlyfeltsomethingtouchmyshoulderandjumpedfromthecontact."AH!"

"Relax!It'sjustme!Bianca,trytograbholdofoneofus!"

"Okay."Afterafewseconds,IfeltwhatIassumedtobeBiancaholdingontomyarm."I'mready!"

"Good!Now,let's""Blackstoppedinmidsentencewhenweheardsomething:thesoundofapproachingfootsteps.Actually,itsoundedmorelikeastampede.

Ifeltmyselfbeingpushedasideintosomething"anexhibit,Iguess"anddowntothefloor.Iblindlyscrambledabout,tryingtogetoutofthewayofthemarchingfeet,andintheprocess,Iwoundupmakingseveralpeopletripandstumble.IfrozeasIfoundmyselfstaringupataknellingfigure.Theywerewearingagasmask,buttheiroutfitwasunmistakable:theuniformofTeamPlasma.BeforeIcouldreact,Ifeltsomethinghitmeinthehead,andIwasknockedout.

X-X-X

"...te...!...ite...!White!"IwokeuptothesightofBlackhoveringovermeandthefeelingofadullpaininmyhead."White!Oh,thankgoodnessyou'reokay!Ithoughtyouweredeadorsomething!"Dead?How'dyoujumptothatconclusion?"C-canyoustand?Ifit'snottoomuchtrouble,atleasttryandsitup."HehelpedmesitupandIstaredatthesightbeforeme.Metalstandsconnectedwithropehadbeenpusheddownandglasscaseshadbeensmashed,theexhibitsthey'dbeenblocking

offandprotectingallgone.

"Whattheheckhappened?"Imuttered,holdingahandtomyhead.

"Isn'titobvious?Theplacegotrobbed!"Mybrotherexclaimed."Canyoubelieveit?!Inbroaddaylight,too!"

"Where'sBianca?"Blackpointedbetweenapairofbrokendisplaycases.Biancawassittingdownwithasadexpression.

"Ithinkshe'supsetbecauseshedidn'tdoanything.Idon'tseewhy.Itmayhavebeendangerous.Peoplewhorobaplaceinthemiddleofthedayinsteadofinthedeadofnightusuallyaredangerous,aren'tthey?"

"No!Nothere,too!"Cameawoman'svoice.

"Huh?Honey,therearepeoplehere!"Saidaman.

"Hey,areyouokay?Noone'shurtoranythingserious?"

Black'seyeswidened."Oh!L-lenora!Imean,MissLenora!"Iturnedaroundtoseewhohewastalkingto.Irecognizedoneofthepeopleasthemanfromthefront,butthewomanwasanewface.Shewasdark-skinnedwithbluehairthatwasstyledintoanafroheldbackbyaredandwhiteband,dressedinawhiteblouseandbluebellbottompantswithsensibleshoes."No,we'reallokay."

"No,we'renot.Myheadhurts.OneofthoseTeamPlasmacreepsmusthaveknockedmeout...!"Ipointedout.

"Well,aheadache'snothingtocomplainabo"TeamPlasma?"Mytwinlookedatmeinconfusion."WherewasTeamPlasma?"

"Here!Isawoneofthemfromonthefloor!"

Lenorasteppedinfrontofme."Areyousure?"

"I'drecognizethatobnoxiouslybigPsymbolanywhere,"Imutteredflatly.

Thegymleadergroanedandslappedahandagainstherforehead."Ugh,Ifeellikesuchafool!Ididn'tthinktheywereathreatatall!Holdingtheirlittlepeprallyinfrontofthemuseum,thencominginsidetolookattheexhibit...Theywerecasingthejoint,thosedirtythieves!"Shehissed.

"Now,Lenora,Ididn'tthinkthey'dbecapableofsomethinglikethis,either.They

seemedliketypicalprotesterstome,"saidHawes."Thoughitisstrange.WhydoyouthinkpeopleprotestingcapturingPokémonwouldbotherrobbingamuseum?APokémonCenterwouldmakemoresense,wouldn'tit?"

"Whocares?!"Lenorasnapped."Theirreasonsdon'tmakeupforthefactthattheystolevaluableartifactsandpartofaPokémonskeleton!"

Blackblinked."Um...Askeleton?"

"I'msureyou'veseenit.Theskeletonondisplayinthehubofthemuseum,"Hawesexplained.

"...Oh!YoumeantheonethatkindalookslikeaDragonite,right?"

"Exactly!"Lenoraadded."AndIhavetogoandgetthemallbackbeforetheydoheaven-knows-whattothem!"

"Waitaminute!"Blackgotonhisfeet."I'llcomewithyou!Iwannahelpnabthosecrooks!"

"Yeah,me,too!"Ijoinedin.Istoodupandtouchedmyhead."Ineedtopaythembackforknockingmeoutthewaytheydid!"

"What?!No!"Biancafinallyspokeup."Youcan'tgoafterthem!It'stoodangerous!"

Igavetheblondegirlalookofconfusion."What'reyoutalkingabout,Bianca?We'vefoughtTeamPlasmabeforetogether,remember?"

"Yeah,butthatwasonlytwoofthem.Theoneswhostolefromthemuseumwerealotmore!Youguyscouldgethurt!"

"It'llbeokay!We'reusedtobattlingwithTeamPlasmabynow,andwe'vegotagymleaderonourside!"Blackreassuredher."Butifyouthinkit'stoodangerous,youcouldjuststayintown."

"Well...okay.Becareful,guys."

Lenorafoldedherarmsacrossherchest."Alrightthen.Hawes,youcontactedthepoliceandmadesuretheyblockedoffanywayoutoftown?"

"Well,they'veblockedofftheroadtoStriatonCity,andthey'vegotpeopletomakesuretheydon'tcrossthebridgetoCastelia."

"Goodenough.ThatmeanswecantrackthemdowninPinwheelForest."Icringed.

Notthatawfulplaceagain,sosoon!ThegymleaderlookedatBlackandI."YoutwogoprepupatthePokémonCenterandI'llmeetyouinsideoftheforest.It'sjustoutsideofthecity,pasttheoldrailways."Shethenranoff.

"You'dbetterdowhatshesays,"Hawessaid."Youdon'tknowhowstrongtheirPokémonare.It'dbegoodtoprepare."

"Goodluck..."Biancasaidinawarymanner,grippingthestrapofherbag.

X-X-X

Luckilyforus,peopleintownconfirmedthatTeamPlasmaranoutoftowncarryingbagsandaskull.Whenweenteredtheforest,Iwasonhighalertandextremelywary.Justlikebefore,IseemedtonoticeeveryPokémonpeekingoutfrombehindtreesandoutoftallgrassandbushes.IdidmybesttoforgetthatIevensawthemandfocusedonthetaskathand.WhenwejoinedupwithLenora,shewasstaringdownatthedirtroadwithalookofinterest.Uponnoticingus,shesmiled.

"Thereyoutwoare.Black...andWhite,right?"Shesaidwithasmile.

Iblinked."Yeah...How'dyouknowmyname?"

"Oh,yourbrothertoldmethathewasonajourneywithhissister,White,andsinceyoucalledtheothergirlBianca,itwaseasytofigureout."Ididn'tthinkBlackwouldjusttellpeopleheonlymetinadayaboutme,letalonesomeoneasimportantasthegymleader."Anyway,comelookatthis."Shepointeddownattheroad,wheretherewereimprintsoffootprintsinthedirt.Theproblemwasthattherewereseveral,someofwhichweren'tevenhuman-shaped.

BlackandIstaredatthefootprintsforafewsecondsbeforelookingatthearchaeologist."HowcanyoutellwhichonesbelongtoTeamPlasma?"Blackasked.

Shekneeledandpointatoneprint."Becausethey'restillfreshbyafewminutes,likethisone.Theresthavebeenherelongersincethey'redrierbycomparison.Unfortunately,thedirtbecomeslesssoftfurtherdownthepath,sowehavenoideaofwheretheyare."LenorapulledoutaPokéBallandreleasedaHerdier."MyHerdiercanhelpustrackthemdown."ShepettedthedogPokémon."Okay,girl,Ineedyoutohelpustrackdownsomethieves.Seethesefootprints?Theybelongtotheculprits."

"Saynomore!"TheHerdierspoke,andshestartedtosniffthefootprints.Shestartedtobarkandthenrandownthedirtroad.Weranrightafterheruntilsheskiddedtoastopattheforkintheroad."Phew!Ican'tsmellthemanymore.Justa

foulstench...!"

"ItseemsthatHerdiercan'ttrackthemanyfurther,"LenoratoldBlackandme."Ifyoustayontheroad,eventuallyyou'llbeledtotheexit.Butthere'salsoanaturepaththatleadsdeeperintotheforestbeforegoingbackontothemainpath.There'sachancethattheytookthatpathtotryandloseanyoneinpursuit."

"Well,what'rewewaitingfor?Let'sgoafterthem!"Iinsisted,psycheduptopaybackthosecreepsforeverythingtheydidtomerecently.Blacklookedatmeinconfusion,butsaidnothingaboutmyunnaturalbehavior.

"I'llgodownthesaferoadwhileyoutwotakethenaturepath.Nomatterwhichwaythey'regoing,I'msureoneofuswillbeabletocatchuptothem.Let'sgo,Herdier!"TheNacrenegymleaderexclaimedbeforesherandownthepath.

"Whydidshecallthisroad'thesafeway'?"Iaskednooneinparticular.

"Notimetowhine!Wegottamove!"Blackexclaimedasheranoffintothetallgrass.Afterafewsecondsofsteelingmyresolve,Iranafterhim.

X-X-X

ThatsteeledresolveIhadafewmomentsago?Gone.Completelyandutterly.InaplacelikePinwheelForest,wherePokémoncouldjumpoutfromjustaboutanybush,tree,orstream,thealreadyhighchanceofencounteringonewasevenhigherwhentravelingoff-road.Especiallywhenthe'safe'roadwasalongwayaway.

"White,couldyoupleasestopclutchingmyarmlikethat?"Blacklookedatmefromoverhisshoulder,grimacinginpain."You'recuttingoffthecirculationinit!"

"Noway!Ifsomethingpopsupandtriestokillus,you'regoingfirst!"Thatsoundedcowardlyandruthless,butwhenfearcontrolsaperson'smind,theymighttendtodocowardlyandheartlessthingssuchasmakingsuretheirtwindiedwiththem.

"Ugh,thisisnogood.I'dhatetosayit,butwemightbelost..."

"Whydidyousaythat?!Why?!Itwasbadenoughthatwe'reouthere,easypreyforanyhungrypredator,butnowyou'resayingwe'relost?!"

"C-calmdown!Imeantthatwe...might'velostTeamPlasma!"

Igripedmybrother'sarmeventighter,makinghimcringe."Don'ttrytosalvageyourcomment,you...!"

"Ow,ow,ow!Seriously,stopthat!Youmightbreakaboneorsomething!"Somethingrustledinthebushes,causingbothofustoquietdown.Afterafewtenseseconds,severalbug-likePokémoncrawledout.Theywereofvaryingsizes,thebiggestnobiggerthanmyfoot.Theyhadbigyellowheadscoveredwithleafyhoodsandsmallgreenbodies.Theywentbyusinaline,notsayinganythingastheyalldisappearedintoanothersetofbushes.Allexceptforthelastone,whostoppedandlookedupatuswithitsbeadyblackeyes,wigglingitslittleorangesnoutandshowingoffitstinywhitefangs.

Inaninstant,BlackhadhisPokédexout."Sewaddle,theSewingPokémon.ABug/Grasstype.Itmakesclothesforitselfbychewingupleavesandsewingthemtogetherwiththeirstickythread.They'repopularamongfashiondesignersforthis."HestaredattheSewaddlebeforestartingtosmile."ItlookslikethesortofPokémonBiancawouldcatchjust'cuzit'scute."Sure,itlookscute...untilittearsusapart.EventinyBugtypePokémonwerecapableofkillinghumansliketheywere...well,bugs.

TheSewaddlecrawledovertoourfeetandbegantopokeBlack'sshoewithitsfangs."EEEEE!Getitaway,getitaway,getitaway!"Irepeatedquicklyoverandover,shakingmyhead.

"Hey,littleguy.You'regonnagetleftbehindifyoustayhere,"Blacksaidashegotdownandstartednudgingthebugaway.Asifrealizingwhathehadsaid,theSewaddleturnedaroundandhurriedlycrawledaway.Blackstoodupandbegantolookthoughtful."Y'know,nowIwannacatchaSewaddle.Whataboutyou?"

"Wedon'thavetimeforcatchingPokémon!WeneedtofindTeamPlasma!"Ihissed.IstiffenedasIstartedtohearvoices"What'sthat?Morelittlecreepycrawliescomingouttoplay...?"Isaidwithahintofawhine.

"Iheardit,too.Itsoundslikepeople...Maybeit'sTeamPlasma!"

Wegotonourkneesandcrawledintothebushes,tomydismay.WepeeredthroughtheleavesandsawfourPlasmaGruntsrestingontheground.Nexttothemwasthedragonskeleton'sskullandthreesacks.

"Whoknew...anemptyhead...couldbesoheavy...?"TheonlyfemaleGruntpantedasshefannedherself.

"Youwouldn'thavehadtocarryitthewholewayifyoubroughtabagliketherestofus,"saidoneofthemen.

ThefemalePlasmamembergrittedherteeth,saying,"Iassumedtheonlythingwe

wouldbetakingwastheskull."

"ItwasalastminutedecisionbySageGorm.Hebelievessomethingamongtheseartifactswillhelptheking."

"Ugh...!Iwishhehadn'tmadethatdecision...!Thenmaybeyouguyswouldseejusthowfreakingheavythisthingis!"

"Whenwemeetupwiththesage,he'llhavemoremenwithhim.Havethemhelpyoucarrytheload."Whilethethreemengotupandgottheirstolenpossessions,thewomanfailedatpickinguptheskull."Stopdawdling!Wecan'tkeepourcomradeswaiting."

"Urrrrgh!Youguys...don'tknowhowheavythisthingis!I'mstillexhausted!Willoneofyouguysatleasthelpmeout?"

Themanwhoactedliketheleaderofthegrouplookedatanother,younger-lookingman."Helphercarryit."

"Huh?Me,s-sir?"Hestuttered,lookingnervous.

"Isawwhatyoutook.Itwasonlyapairofstones.Justput'eminyourpocketandhelpherout."

"Um...Okay..."

"HOLDIT!"Blackshoutedaswegotoutofthebushes."We'retakingthatskullbackandtakingyouin,Plasmids!"

"AH!"ThePlasmagruntsdroppedthestolenartifactsinsurprise.

"Youmorons!Ifwecrackit,wecouldbepunished!"Theleadershouted."You!"Hepointedatthelonefemale."Keep'embusywhilewegettothemeetingspot!"

Whiletheoldermenbeganpickinguptheskull,theyoungercried,"B-butwhatabouttherestofthisstuff?!"

"Yeah,Ithoughttheywereimportant,too!"Saidthewoman.

"Theskullisofgreaterimportancetous.Justpickitupwhenyou'refinishedwiththesechildren!"Andthentheysprintedoffsurprisinglyfast,theyoungerrunningbehindthem.

ThewomanheldoutapairofPokéBalls."Alright.Listen,youkids!TeamPlasma

fightsforthefreedomofPokémon!"Inaflashoflight,apairofPokémonappeared.OnewasaTrubbish,asmallgreenPokémonwithabodythatlookedlikeanoldtrashbagtiedupintoabunny-earedknotandtinyarmsthatresembledrefuse,theotherwasinterestinglyenoughaGrimer,whichwasessentiallyalivingpileofdrippingsludge.Bothspecieswerebornfromgarbageandwaste,weredangerouslypoisonous,andwereusuallyaremindernottopolluteandlitter.Thesecondsimilaritywaswhatmademeshudder."We'llliberateyourPokémonandsparethemanymorepain!"

"Saveyourlittlespeech!"ItookouttwoofmyownPokéBallsandlookedtoBlack."What'reyouwaitingfor?Goaftertheoneswhoranaway!"

"What?I'mnotgonnaleaveyouhereallalone!"

"I'llbefine.Theskullisthemainpriority,right?"

"...Right.Justbecareful,White!"Blackshoutedasheranpasttheyoungwoman.

"What?!W-wait!I'llgetintrouble,youstupid...!Ugh!Begratefulthatmykingsaidwecan'tusePokémontohurtpeople,oryou'dbothbesorry!"Thefemalegruntgrowled."AsmuchasIhatetodothis,I'llusemyPokémontosetyoursfreefromyourtyranny!"

"Mytyranny?Youjustsaidthatifitweren'tforyourso-calledking,you'dmakeyourPokémonkillme!"Inaflashoflight,IreleasedTinyandEve.

"Yaaaay!Themuseum!I""Evestoppedandtookalookaround."...Thisisaforest!Where'sthemuseum?"

"Notimetoexplain.Apprehendingcriminals.Ineedyourhelp!"Iprobablyspokequickly.

"Ewww...!Thoseguyslookallgrossandyucky.Theyneedabath..."TheEeveecommented,earningherselfaglarefromthepairofPoisontypes.

"Chu...!"Tinycried,lookingupset.MaybehewasrememberingwhathappenedthelastcoupleoftimesweranintoTeamPlasma.

"I'msosorry,dearlittleones,butjusticesometimeshurts!"Thefemalegruntproclaimed."GrimerandTrubbish,useSludge!"Atthesametime,herGrimerandTrubbishtookdeepbreathsandspewedoutpurplesludge.Ididn'thavetotellthemtododge"TinyandEveweresmartenoughtorealizethatthestuffwasdangerousanddartedoutoftheway.Whenithittheground,thegrassturnedblackand

witheredandthepoisonmixturemadeasmall,butdeep-lookinghole.

"Tiny,useThunderShockonGrimer!Eve,useQuickAttackonTrubbish!"Icommanded.TinyunleashedajoltofelectricityontheSludgePokémonwhileEvedashedforwardandtackledintotheTrashBagPokémon.

"Grimer,useMudSlap!"ThePlasmagrunt'sGrimershovedagrimyhandintothedirtandthrewclumpsofslime-coveredmudatEveandTiny.Theclumpshit,effectingthePichumorethanitdidtheEevee."Trubbish,useDoubleSlap!"Athercommand,theTrubbishbegansmackingEveinthefaceseveraltimes.

"Tiny,useThunderShockonTrubbish!"TinyranuptothePoisontypeandjumpedontoit.HischeekscrackledwithelectricitybeforeheshockedtheTrubbish.TheTrubbishthrashedaboutuntilitmanagedtothrowthePichuoffandintoarock."Eve,Tackle!"Withagrowl,EverammedintotheTrubbishwithenoughforcetoknockitout.

"No,Trubbish!"ThePlasmawomancriedout.ShesoundedlikesheactuallycaredthatherPokémonhadbeenknockedout."You...!Howcouldyoubesobrutal?MyPokémonweren'teventrainedforbattling!"Thenwhyevenchallengemetoabattle?

"Ifyoudon'twannafight,justgiveupandsaveyourPokémonthepain,"Istated.

"...Nobody'shere,"thegruntwhisperedjustloudenoughformetohear."Noonewouldratonme.Andit'sforthegreatergood..."IfeltuneasyasshestaredatherTrubbish'sPokéBall."Forthegreatergood...!Grimer!UseDisableonthem!"

TheGrimertookadeepbreathandtighteneditsslimyhandsinconcentration.Itseyesbegantoglowwithanunsettlingyellowlight.

"Whaaaaat?"EvedronedassheandTinystaredattheGrimer."...Nn!Ican't...move!White,help!"

"Ch-chuuu!M-m-mommy...!"Tinycriedout.

"Thegirl,too!"

"What?!Youcan'tdo"!"MysentencewasstoppedwhentheGrimerlookedmeintheeye.Ifeltmybodystiffenupasthefeelingofuneasebecamefull-blownfearofthePlasmamember."Wh-whatareyoudoing?!"

"IamdoingthisforthegoodofUnova'sPokémon.FortheidealsofTeamPlasma!

Grimer,usePoisonGasonallofthem!Includingthegirl!"

HerPokémonseemedtodoadoubletake."Huh?But,uh...she's...justahuman..."Itprobablywasn'tmeanttobeaninsult.Pokémoncouldendureeachother'sattacksbetterthanahumancould.WhileitwouldtakeawhileforpoisontokillaPokémon,itcouldkillanormalhumanbeingevenquicker.AnotherlogicalreasonforanyhumantofearPokémon.

"Don'tlookatmelikethat!She'sabadperson,thesortthatTeamPlasmaistryingtostopfromhurtinganymorePokémon!Shehastobedoneawaywithforthegreatergood."

"Well...alright...":AstheGrimerbegantobreatheoutathickplumeofpurplegas,IwantedtosayhowkillingwasfarfromgoodandhowshewasjustmakingherPokémonamurdererorworse,justaweapon.Orcryandpleadformylife,maybeforBlackandMom.Orscreamloudlyandhopesomeonewouldcomeandsaveme.Butthemomentthatthesmokeenteredmynoseandmylungs,myvisionwentblurryandIstartedtocoughviolently.MyfrozenbodyfelloverandIfelttheurgetothrowup.Wasthistheend?IavoideddeathatthehandsofaferociouswildPokémonasakid,andnowI'mgoingtobekilledonacrazy,hypocriticalcriminal'scommand.

"I'm...sorry..."Icoughedout,staringatTinyandEve.IfeltmyeyeswaterupwithtearsbeforeIfellunconscious.

X-X-X

Iwasalone,lostinaforestthatseemedsomuchmoredarkandfrighteningwhentherewasnosunoutornoisefromwildPokémon.Italsoseemedtogetcolder.Atsomepoint,Iwasabletoseemybreathintheformofmist.Anyothertime,I'dhavethoughtittobecool,butatthatmoment,allIwantedwastoleaveandgohome.I'devenenduremyparents'scoldingifitmeantbeingwarminmyhouse.

Iheardanoisethatmademejump.Itwasthesoundoffoliagebeingshifted.Soon,Icouldseeshapesmovingtowardsme.Whentheygotcloser,IsawthattheywereDeerlingsandSawsbucks.Itriedtowavehelloandaskforhelp,buttheyranrightpastme,justlikeeveryotherPokémonImet.TrailingafterthemwasalimpingDeerlingwhosefallcoatwascoatedwithfrost.Despiteitspoorstate,itlookedlikeitwaslimpingasquicklyasitcouldinthedirectionoftheothers.

"Hey.Hey!"IgrabbedholdoftheDeerling'sneck,tryingtomakeitstop,butitjustdraggedmealonguntilIstartedwalkingwithit."Canyouhelpmeout?I'mlostandI""IstoppedwhenIrealizedthattheDeerlingwasmutteringtoitself.

"Havetorun!Havetorun!Iwanttolive!Idon'twanttodie!Iwanttolive!"

"What's...thematter?"

"It'scoming.Havetohideorwe'lldie.Havetohideorwe'lldie.There'snobeatingit.Can'tletitseeme.

"What'reyoutalkingabout?"

Atthatmoment,aloudroarsoundedthroughouttheforest.Frostseemedtocoverthegroundandthetreesattheverynoise.IfellbackinsurpriseandtheDeerlinglimpedoffwithrenewedvigor.Iwastoosurprisedbythenoisetonoticethatitwasnowgone.IgotontomyfeetandobservedthenewlymadefrostbeforeIsawashadowmovinginthedarkness.Somethinglargeandheavyenoughtomakethegroundshakeasitmoved.IhidbehindatreeandcoweredasIheardthefootstepscomecloserandcloser...

X-X-X

"White.White."Thatwasavoice.

Istruggledtoopenmymouthtospeak,"Isthatyou...God?"Iopenedmyeyes.It'sfunnyhowGodlookedlikeNwithaZoruaperchedonhisshoulder.

...Waitaminute.

"N?AmIdead?Isthis...thebadplace?Ismypunishmenttohavetodealwithyoufortherestofmyafterlife?What'dIdotodeservethis?"Lookingdown,IsawTinyandEvestandingnexttome."You'rehere,too?Oh,youguysdon'tdeservethissortofpunishment!"

"White!You'realive!"Eveexclaimed.

"Yay!"Tinycheered.

Isniffledandcouldn'tstopthetearswellingupinmyeyes.BeforeIknewit,Iwashuggingthembothinmyarmsandsobbinghysterically.Thatwasmyfirsttrueneardeathexperienceinyears,andtheyalmostdiedalongwithme.AsmuchasitwasthePlasmawoman'sfault,Icouldn'thelpbutfeelpartiallyresponsible.LikeifIwasabettertrainer,noneofthiswould'vehappened.

"Stop,stop!You'resqueezingthelifeoutofme!"IdidastheEeveesaidandletthembothgo,thoughTinyjumpedontomyshoulderandcontinuedrubbinghischeek

againstmyface.Evebegantofrown,thoughitstillmanagedtolookcuteonher."DarnthatcreepandhersmellyPokémon!IfNdidn'tcomealong,you'dhaveprobablydied!Forthatmatter,socouldwe!"

"...I'msorryforthat."Ibowedmyheadinapology."IfIwasabettertrainer,Iwould'vebeenabletostopherbeforeshedidthat.

"CorrectmeifI'mwrong,butasviciousandcruelasPokémonbattlescanbe,orderingthemtoattackanopposingtrainer,letalonekillingthem,isconsideredillegal,"Nspokeup,remindingmeofhispresence."Betweenthetwoofyou,shewastheworsttrainerbecausesheusedaPokémonasifitwereaweapon.HowsuchavilewomanwasabletojoinTeamPlasma,Idonotknow."

Istaredathimwithhalf-liddedeyes."...I'mokay,too,bytheway.Despitebeingpoisoned.It'samiracleI'mnot.MaybeI'vegotamoredurablebodythanIthought."

Nlookeddownatme."Itwasn'tamiracle.Imerelyaskedsomeofmyfriendswholivehereforhelp."

"Friends.Asin...Pokémon.WildPokémon."IthoughtabouthavingwildPokémonclosetomybody,doingwho-knows-what.Isuppressedashudderoffear.

"PetililandPansagehelpedtocureyouofyourpoisoning.AndAudinomadesurethatyouwouldbeokay,"Nfurtherexplained.

"Andtheydidthis...becauseyouaskedthem."

"Yes."

"Why?"

"Becausethey'remyfriends."

"No,Imeantwhydidyouaskthemtohelpme?"

Ntiltedhisheadtothesideabit,hiseyesshowingconfusion."BecauseIwantedtohelpyou."

"Why?"

"Becauseyouwerepoisoned."

Igroanedandburiedmyfaceinmyhands."That'snotwhatImeant!Imeant...don'tyouhateme?Hatetrainerslikeme?Evenifyou'reagainstpeopleusingPokémonto

killotherpeople,surelyyouwouldn'tcareifanotherawfultrainerjustdied...wouldyou?"

"...I'dcareifyoudied."Ijuststaredinconfusion."Icanhonestlysayyou'reoneofthefewtrainersIgenuinely...like."Istaredindisbelief.Ifhetreatedsomeonehelikedlikehehasme,Iwonderhowhe'dspeaktosomeonehedidlike?OrwouldhejusttreatthemlikehedidBiancaandjustignorethem?"Ifyoudied,thatPokémonwouldhavetolivewiththeguiltofwhatthatwomanmadehimdo.Andit'dbeashameifyoudiedbeforeIcouldconvinceyou."Forsomeoddreason,Icouldunderstandkeepingmealivetofurtherpushhisidealsontomebetterthandoingsojustbecausehelikedme.

"SpeakingofthatTeamPlasmamember,where'dshego?"Istoodupandlookedaround.Thesacksofstolenartifactsandthepairofblackandwhitestoneswereontheground,justlikebefore,buttherewasnotraceofthatcrazywoman."DidsherunawaywhileIwaspracticallyonthevergeofdeath?"

"Isentheraway,"Nbegan,"AfterIcriticizedherandtookherPokémonawayfromher.I'llfreetheminaplacesuitableforthem."

"Sentheraway?!She'sacriminal!SheandabunchofotherTeamPlasmamembersstolethatstufffromthemuseuminNacreneCity."Ipickedupthestonesandslippedthemintomybag,thenIpickedupthesacks.Iwasfortunatethatthestuffinsidewasrelativelylight,butIhadtomakesureIdidn'taccidentallybreakanything."Whatever.I'vegottofindBlack.Bye!Comeonguys."

Iranoff,suddenlyfearingforBlack'ssafety.Ifoneofthosecreepswasdrasticenoughtoconsidermurder,imaginewhatitwouldbelikeifitwasthreeagainstone?

X-X-X

Idon'tknowwhyIwassoworried.BythetimeIcaughtupwithBlackhewasorderinghisPokémontodealthefinishingblowonthethreePlasmagrunts'Pokémon.WhentheirPokémonwasknockedout,heproclaimed,"Nowgivebacktheskull!Ifyoudo,youprobablywon'tbepunishedtoohard."

"Whatpartof'No'don'tyouunderstand,youinsufferablebrat?!"OneofthegruntsshoutedasheshookafistatBlack."Besides,whyshouldwehavetobepunished?!We'redoingsomethinggreatthatteenagersaretooyoungtocomprehend!"

"Oh,wecancomprehendit.That'swhywe'resoagainstyoucrooks!"Iexclaimed.

Blacklookedbackatme."White!Yougotbacktherestofthestuff!"Ionlynodded.I

didn'twanttotellhimaboutmynear-deathexperience.

"Argh!Canwepleasedealwithhimwithextremeprejudice?"Anothergruntcomplained.

"DoyouknowwhathappenedtothelastpersonwhotriedtopurposelyhurtsomeonewithaPokémon?Anditwasn'tevenfatal!SageGormwouldkillusifweactuallykilledthem!"Iarchedaneyebrowatthat.Theguywhotheyseeminglyreportedtowasagainstthissortofthing,buttheywerewillingtodoit?Itseemedsooff.

"W-well,whatdowedo?!'Thethirdgruntcried.

"We...RUN!"ThePlasmatrioshoutedastheystartedtorunthroughalargehollowtreethatseemedtohavefallen.

"You'vegottaadmit:iftheyweren'tbadguys,theycouldbeathletes!"Blacksaidbeforewestartedtorunafterthem.HelookedupatValentine,whowasflyingoverhead."Val!Gopeckthatguyinthebackonthehead!"

Valentinesuddenlyflewfarther,towardsthePlasmagruntthatwascarryingtheskullfrombehind.Shelandedonhisheadandstartedtopeckthemanfiercely.

"AHH!Getoffofme,you...!"ThegruntshoutedbeforehefinallydroppedtheskullandshooedthePidoveaway,causinghiscomradestofallforwardandlandontheirfaces.Theybothgotupandglareddaggersathim."Um...The...thePidove...!"

"Thereyouare,youthieves!"ThegruntsjumpedandturnedaroundtoseeLenorarunningtowardsthemwithHerdierbyherside."Ifyousomuchasscratchedthatskull,I'llstopactingciviltowardsyouandknockyourblocksoff!"

JustasthePlasmamembersbeganshudderinginfear,avoicecalledout,"Greetings,fellowfollowersofourking!"Weallturnedaroundtoseeanoldmanwithamustachewalkingtowardsus.Hewasdressedinfunny-lookingrobesandahatfollowedbyadozenorsoPlasmamembers.

"Oh,thankheavens!It'sSageGorm!"Allofthegruntsexclaimed,salutingtheoldman."Sir!We'veretrievedthedragonskullforyou,sir!"

"Iamafraidtosaythatyoureffortswerefornaught,"theman,SageGorm,said,seemingratherregalashedid."Sadly,itwouldappearthattheskullisunrelatedtoourgoals.Norisanythingwithinthemuseum."

"So...weenduredallofthatfornothing?"Oneofthegruntsmutteredastheywalkedawayfromtheskullandtowardstheircomrades.

"Excuseme?!Youcan'tjustwalkawaylikenothinghappened!"Blackshoutedatthem."Atleastsayyou'resorry,oldman!"

"HowdareyoutalktoSageGormlikethat,youlittlebrat?!"Oneofthegruntsbehindthesageshouted.

"HowelseamIsupposedtotalktoaguyfromagroupwho'sactedthewayyouhave?!StealingPokémon,stealingfrompeople...evensayingthatyou'dkillpeople!Allforagoalthat'ssupposedtobepeaceful!"Blackclenchedhisteethandbegantoglare."Just...JUSTWHODOYOUTHINKYOUARE,HUH?!"

ThegruntswereabouttospeakupwhenGormheldupahandtostopthem."IamGorm,oneoftheSevenSagesofTeamPlasma.ItisourdutytohelpthekingofTeamPlasmaliberatethePokémonofUnova,beitwithwordsorwithforce."

Icouldn'ttakeitanymore.IpickedarockupoffthegroundandclenchedittightlybeforeIthrewitatGorm.But,tomydismay,thegruntsweresoloyalthatoneranoutinfrontofhimtotryandcatchtherock...andgothitinthefaceinstead.Iflookscouldkill,thegrunts'glarescouldkillme,andminewouldkillthemalltentimesover."Whatacrock!Ifyoucan'tconvincepeopletogiveuptheirPokémon,thenyou'lltearthemapart?Youthinkthatcallingwhatyoudo'righteous'and'justice'makesitokayandexcuseswhatyoudo?Itdoesn't!"

Lenoragrabbedmyshoulderandpulledmeback,steppingforwardinmyplace."Whatyou'redoingisn'tliberation.It'sstealing,plainandsimple.Goodintentionsdon'texcusecrimes,andneitherdoessimplygivingbackwhatyou'vestolenbecauseyouchangedyourmind!ThoughI'mnotevensureyourintentionsaregood,either..."

SageGormnarrowedhiseyes."Saywhatyouwill,GymLeaderLenora,butweshallstealfromtrainerstogivetheirPokémonthefreedomtheydeserve!WewillnottolerateitifyouoranyoneassociatedwiththePokémonLeagueinterfereswithourgoals.Otherwise,wewillbeforcedtouseextrememeasures.AndthoughIwillnotlikeit...Iwilltolerateittohelpaccomplishourgoals."Severalgruntspulledoutsmallblackballsandthrewthemtotheground,causingthemtoburstandreleasethicksmoke.Bythetimethesmokecleared,TeamPlasmahaddisappeared.

"Darn.Theygotaway..."Blackmuttered.

"Theycertainlydoseemfasttorun,"saidLenora."I'llhavetonotifytheotherGym

Leadersaboutwhathappened...andperhapstherestofthePokémonLeague.TeamPlasmamightbemoreseriousthanjustabunchofpassionateprotesters."Shelookedatthetwoofusandsmiled."Thankyouforyourhelp.Eveniftheydecidednottostealeverythingagain."

"But...theyranaway.Wedidn'tevencatchone,"Igrumbled.

"Yougotthemuseum'sartifactsbackforme.That'senoughtoearnmythanks.So,thinkyoucouldhelpmesomemoreandhelpmecarrythisback?"Lenoraasked,pointingdownattheskull.

"O-oh!Sure!I'llhelp.IfthosethreePlasmagoonscouldcarryitwhilerunning,Ishouldbeabletocarryitalonewhilewalking,"Blacksaid,flexinghisimaginarymuscles.

"Youdon'thavetodoitalone!I'lljustcalloutsomeofmyPokémontohelp."

"It'sokay!Ican...hrrrrgh!"Blackattemptedtopickitupbyhimselfandfailed.

Kaitosighed."Youcan'tdoanythinglikethisonyourown."Hewalkedoverandtriedtohelppickitup,butevenhisaddedstrengthdidn'tgetthatskullaninchofftheground.

Ishookmyhead."Cutoutthemachoactandlet'sgetoutofherealready...!"

X-X-X

Notes!

PremierBallsareactuallynobetterthanPokéBalls.Youcan'tbuythemwheneveryouwantin-game,butrathergetthemasabonusforbuying10PokéBallsatoncefromaPokéMart.

TympolelearnsMudSportviabreeding.TimburrlearnsRockSmashandFlingviaTM.

EdwinisOldEnglishandmeans"richfriend".

Inthegames,DisableonlymakesaPokémonunabletouseitslastusedmove.Intheanimeandthemanga,itshowntomakethetargetincapableofmoving.

X-X-X

RemembertoreviewforBluandPichu!

Chapter9

Disclaimer:BluRosedoesnotownPokémonoranyofitscharacters.SheonlyownsthepersonassheattachestootherwisesilentcharacterandPokémon,andthisstory.

X-X-X

~ABasicGymBattle!~

OR

~VSTheArchaeologistwithBackbone!~

X-X-X

AfterhelpingLenorareturnthemuseum'sstolenartifacts,Black,Bianca,CherenandIweresittinginsideofaboothintheNacrenePokémonCenter'scafeteria.

"Biancacalledmetosaywhathappened.Iwastrainingontherouteoutsideofthecity.Ifyouguyshadjustcalledme,Icould'vehelped,"Cherensaidwithafrownashefoldedhisarmsacrosshischest.

Blackhuffedandleanedbackintothecushion."IthoughtyouwerealreadyonyourwaytoCasteliaCity.ItriedcallingyoubeforeIleftforthegymthismorning,butIdidn'tgetthrough."

"IturnedoffmyXtransceiversoIwouldn'tbedisturbedwhileIwastraining."

"Thenyoushouldn'tcomplainaboutmynotcallingyou!"

"Youonlycalledonce!Intimesofemergency,peopleusuallycallmorethanonce!"

"Itwouldn'tmatter,anyway,becauseyouwouldn'thavebeenabletopickitupintime!"

"Youcould'veatleasttried!"

Biancapouted."I'msorry!MaybeifI'dcalledyouearlier,you'dhavebeenabletohelpthem,andmaybeyou'dhavebeenabletocatchTeamPlasma!"

BlackandCherenstoppedarguingandbegantolooksheepish."No,it'snot!"Theybothsaid.

"Yeah,thoseguysjustdisappearedintothinair.Havingonemoreguywouldn'thavemadeadifference."IgaveadisgruntledsighasIrealizedthis."Ireallyhopesomeonedealswiththoseguyssoon.Thisjourney'sterrifyingenoughwithoutpeoplelikethempoppingupallover..."

"Ifwhatyousaidistrue,thegymleaderswillbetakingactionagainstTeamPlasmanow.MaybeeventheEliteFourandtheChampioniftheyattempttoharmorkillevenmorepeopleonpurpose,"Cherenexplained."ThemisuseofPokémonisthesortofthingthatthePokémonLeaguetriestostampout.

Blacklookeddownsadly."Ijustdon'tunderstand...Howcanguyslikethatsaywhatthey'redoingisforthegoodofallPokémon?"

"Inallhonesty,Ithinkit'sbecauseofthosementheyfollow,likeGhetsis."

Ilookedathiminconfusion."Youknowabouthim?"

"IwasunfortunateenoughtohavecaughtalittlerallyhegavewhenhewentthroughStriatonCity.EventhoughhetoldpeopletogiveuptheirPokémon,alotofthemlistenedtohimbecausehecameoffasso...trustingandcaringabouttheplightsofPokémon."Heglareddownatthetableandclenchedhisfist."AcharismaticpersonlikethatcouldprobablyconvincepeopletojoinTeamPlasmaandcommitthoseheinousactsbecauseit'sforthegreatergood."ThosewordsremindedmeofthewomanwhoalmostkilledmeandIshuddered.

"Um..."Biancawrungherhandstogether."Canwetalkaboutsomethingelse?I...don'twannathinkaboutTeamPlasmaanymorethanIhaveto..."

"Ofcourse."Cherenlookedatme."So,White,Blacktoldmeyou'rechallengingthePokémonLeagueaswell.Ididn'tthinkyouwereeveninterestedinbecomingthechampionaswell."

"I-Idon'twannabecomethechamp!I'monlychallenginggymssoIcanbeexposedtodifferenttypesofPokémonandtrainmyownsotheycanevolve,"Iexplained."It'sarecentlyaddedpartofmygoalthatwasaddedbyBlack."IglaredatmybrotherasIsaidthis.

"Butit'llhelp!I'msureitwill!BattlinghelpsbringtrainersandPokémonclosertogether!"Blackspokecheerily."Sodon'tyouthinkyoushouldchallengeLenorabeforeweleave?"

Iarchedaneyebrow."Idon'tthinkshe'llacceptachallengewhenhermuseum'sjustbeenrobbed."

"Well,youdon'tknow.Besides,thegymisn'tlocatedanywherenearthepartsofthemuseumthatwererobbed.It'sinthelibraryallthewaytotheback."

"Ididn'tthinkmuseumshadlibraries."Istaredupattheceilinginthoughtbeforenodding."Alright.I'llgoandseeifLenorawouldn'tmindacceptingachallengertoday."

"What'severyoneelsegoingtobedoing?"Biancaasked.BlackandCherenexchangedheatedlooks.Itwasobviousthatbattlingeachotherwasontheirminds."Well,I'mgoingtocheckouttherestofthemuseum!IstillwannafindsomethingthatmighthelpProfessorJuniperwithherresearch!"

CherenbrokeoffhisstaringcontestwithBlacktogiveBiancaapointedlook."Youknowthatifit'salreadyinthemuseum,theprofessoralreadyknowsaboutit,right?"

"W-well,Istillwannatrytolearnsomething!"

"Okay.It'syourjourney,youcandowhatyouwant."Thedark-hairedboylookedatme."Bytheway,White,youmightwannagobeforenightfalls.Gymsdon'tstayopenallday,andthesooneryoubattleLenora,thesooneryoutwocangettoCasteliaCity."Ah.Sohe'sjustrushingmesohewon'thavetowaitsolongforBlacktogethisnextbadge."Also,LenorausesNormaltypePokémon.They'reweakagainstFightingtypemoves,immunetoGhosttypemoves,andcanbetaughtattacksofvarioustypes,soyoushouldbewary."

"Thankyou,teacher.I'msogratefulthatIhaveyoutoteachme,"Ispokesarcastically.

"I'mjusttryingtohelp.Evenifyoudon'tcareaboutbeatingthePokémonLeague,itdoesn'tmeanyoushouldn'tgiveityourbest."

"Cheren'sright.Besides,ifyoulose,yourPokémon'llfeelbad.Youwouldn'twantthat,wouldyou?"Blackasked.

"Ofcoursenot!"Ididn'twanttobeaworsetrainerthanIprobablyalreadywas...

X-X-X

Minuteslater,IenteredtheNacreneMuseum.TheexhibitabouttheBlackandWhiteHeroeshadbeenclosedoff,buttheskeletonwasstillinthesameplace,itsskullbackinitsproperplace.

"Hellothere!Ifyou'dlikeatouraroundthemuseum,I'mafraidoneoftheexhibits

hasbeen...Oh!It'syou!"IturnedaroundandnoticedHawesstandingnexttome."Haveyoucometotakeanotherlookaround?"

"Actually,IwaswonderingifLenorawasacceptingchallengersforagymbattle.Ifsheisn't,I'llunderstand."Shemight'vebeenbusydoingsomesortofcuratorbusinessorcleaningupTeamPlasma'smess...orsimplyinabadmood.

Hawessmiledbeforehenodded."She'sgoneandhiddenherselfinthebackofthemuseum.Abattlemightbejustthethingshecouldusetoblowoffsomesteam."Hopefullyherneedtoblowoffsteamwouldn'tleadtomegettinghopelesslythrashed."Thegymisattheendofthathallwayoverthere."Hepointedovertotheonlyhallwaywhosewallsweren'tdecoratedwithsomesortofartifact.TheonlythingtherewasasignthatwasemblazonedwithaPokéBallsymbolandprobablysaidthattheNacreneGymwasthatway.

"Thankyou,"IsaidwithaslightnodbeforeIstartedwalking.

"Wait!"IalmoststumbledatthesoundofHawes'sraisedvoice."IreallymeantitwhenIsaidthatLenora'sgoneandhiddenherselfaway.You'llhavetosearcharoundifyouwanttofindandchallengeher."

"...Seriously?"Isighed.Isn'ttherearulethatGymLeaderscanbechallengedatanytime?Wasn'thidingherselfawayjustcheatingandavoidinghavingtogiveawaybadges?MaybeI'mjustoverthinkingthings.

X-X-X

WhenIenteredthepartofthemuseumthatwasconsideredtheNacreneGym,mymouthopenedabitinawe.I'dwalkedintoalargeroomwithrowsoflongbookshelves.Itlookedlikeabookworm'sdream.MaybeitwasagoodthingBiancadidn'tcome,sincethisseemedintimidatingeventome"andIspentalargeamountofmyyoungschooldayshidinginthelibrary.Thelibrarybackhomewasn'tevenhalfasbigasthisone.Icouldevenseeasecondfloor,filledwithmorebooks!"AndI'mexpectedtofindapersoninallofthis?"Ifoundmyselfspeakingoutloud.

"Chuuu...!"Afamiliaryellowheadpokedoutofmybagandlookedupatme."Mommy!"Heclimbedupmyarmandontomyshouldertonuzzleagainstmycheek."Chu~!"

"Heythere.Areyoureadytotakeonagym?"Tiny'sattentionwasdivertedtooursurroundings."It'sinalibrarythistime.Thisplacehasgottonsofbooks.Ifyouwereinterestedinreading...orcouldread...I'dtrytofindyousomethingwhilewesearch."ThePichutuggedatmyhairandpointedatsomethingnearby.Itwasasignonone

ofthecountersneartheentrancethatread'ForchallengersoftheNacreneGym'andhadanarrowpointingatapileofbooksnexttoit.Iwalkedovertothecounterandpickedupthebook."'Nicetomeetyou,Pokémon'"Ipronouncedoutloud.Itlookedlikeachildren'sbook.Ilookedaround.Nobodyelsewasthere,itseemed.WasIexpectedtojustreadit?Istartedtoleafthroughthepagesquickly,occasionallyreadingpassagestoTiny,whoseemedtolikethebookanditsillustrations.Tosumitup,itwasastoryaboutalittleboywhomadefriendswithaPatrat.Onthelastpagewasapieceofpaperwithamessage:

"Hello,PokémonTrainer!IamLenora,theGymLeaderoftheNacreneCityGym!I'mhiddensomewhereinthisgymandtheonlycluestowhereIamareinfourmemosthatI'vehiddeninbooksaroundthelibrary"justliketheoneyou'rereadingnow.Thinkyoucansolvethemandfindme?

Question1:WhatisthefirstPokémonyousawinthisgym?You'llfindtheanswerinabooksomewhereinabookshelfinthemiddlerow!"

Istaredatthemessageforawhile."...Shewantsmetoplayagameofhideandseekwithpuzzles?IswearGymleaderscomeupwiththeweirdestthingstomakelifeharderfortrainers...!"ImutteredasIputthebookdownandmademywaytotherowofbookshelvesinthemiddleoftheroom."IalreadyknowwhatPokémonIsawinthisgym,technicallyspeaking.It'sthePatratfromthebook..."Iscannedthebindingsofthebooks,climbingupafoot-tallladdertofindtheintendedbook."TheBiologyofthePatratandWatchog.AbookonhowonlythosetwoPokémonwork?Well,itjustlookslikeanotherbookforkids..."

Ipulledoutthebookandstartedtoreadit.ItwasmostlywordswithafewpicturesofPatratandWatchog,theirevolution,andthevarioususesforpartsoftheirbodies.Andjustlikewiththelastbook,therewasamemoonthelastpage.

"Ofcourseyoucouldfigureoutthatquestion!Thesecondonewon'tbesoeasy,though!

Question2:Flamesburnwithinitsbodyanditgivesoffsmokefromitsheadwhileitruns.Here'sahint:thereusedtobeseveralhereinNacreneinthepastbeforePinwheelForestgrewin."

"What'sshetalkingabout?APokémon?"Iheldmyhandtomycheek,tryingtorememberwhatBlackhadsaidyesterday..."Um...Hesaidthereusedtobeatrainstation!"Iexclaimed."Thenextclueisinabookabouttrains!"

X-X-X

Forminutes,IsearchedthelibraryforbooksandmemosfromLenora.ThesecondbookIfoundwasintheGeneraStudiessection:'TheStructureofLocomotives',whichIdidn'tbotherreadingasIjustwenttothelastpagetofindthememo.

"Impressive!Ifyou'vemadeitthisfarintomychallenge,maybeyou'vegotwhatittakestofaceme!

Question3:Thereisasweetdelicacythatoriginatesfromaforeignland.It'sabakedtreatthatcanbeeatenbyanyone,butismostlyfedtoPokémonforthesakeofgrooming.Hint:theanswerisinthesameareathatyoufoundyourfirstquestionin!"

Ididn'tevenbotherexpressingmygrowingannoyance.Iwalkedallthewaybacktothecounterwiththepileofchildren'sbooks.Iscannedthroughallofthem,givingtheonesthatheldnoanswerstoTinysohecouldlookatthepictures.Intheend,IfoundwhatIwaslookingforonthebottomofthepile.Abookcalled'HomemadeTreatsforPokémon'thatdescribedallsortsoffoodsthatpeoplecouldmakethemselvesandfeedtotheirPokémon.IflippedthroughthepagesuntilIfoundthememostuckoppositeofapageaboutPoffins,whichcamefromSinnoh.

"You'resoclosenow!There'sonlyonethingleftforyoutodo:

Fromthiscounter,movetwobookshelvesbackward,oneshelfleft,twoshelvesforwardoneshelfright,andoneshelfbackward.NowwhereamI?Nohintsthistime.Findmeforyourself!"

"Nowit'sreallyturnedintoagameofhideandseek,"IspokeasIwalkedawayfromthecounter,followedbyTiny,whohadlookedsadtoabandonthepop-upbookhe'dbeenlookingat.Afteronlyaminute,Iwoundupinfrontofabookcasethathadabookstickingoutofitawkwardly.Ipulleditoutandfoundamemoontheveryfirstpage.

"Congratulations!Youweresharpenoughtomakeyourwayhere!Ilookforwardtoourbattle!

P.S.:Pressthebuttonthatwasunderneaththisbook."

Ilookeddownandsawabutton.Ipresseditandsteppedbackinsurpriseasthebookcaseslowlyslidbacktorevealahiddenstaircase."Wow!Iwasn'texpectinganythinglikethis!"Whatsortofthingsdidothergymshave?Nothingtooextreme,Ihope.I'dhateitifwhatdrovemeawayfromagymwasn'tthePokémonorthegymleader,buttheveryplaceitself.IlookeddownatTiny,whowasstaringdownatthestaircaseinawe."Readytogo?"Henoddedandfollowedmedownthestairsintoanundergroundroomthathadbonesandskullsinglassdisplaycases,shelvesfilled

withbooksandadeskwithpiecesofpaper.AndleaningbackagainstthedeskwasLenora.

"Impressive.Youcertainlyknewwhatyouwerelookingforfasterthanyourbrother,"thewomanstatedassheputheraprondownonherdesk.Shepushedherselfoffthedeskandwalkedovertoadoorbehindit.Shegesturedformetofollowandledmeintoawideroomwithasimpleredflooremblazonedinthemiddlewithagold-coloredPokéBallsymbol."Thisiswherewe'llbeholdingourbattle.So..."Sheturnedherheadtowardsme."WhiteKetchumfromNuvemaTownismyopponent.Itakeityoualsoonlyhaveonebadge?"

"Um...yes.I..."Iscratchedmycheek,feelingabitnervousnow.UnliketheStriatonGym,whichhadarestaurantcrowdandmybrotherwatching,IwasallaloneintheNacreneGymwithmyopponent.Afterafewsecondsofsilence,Ispokeup,"Whatwasthepointofallthosepuzzles?"

"Itletsmeseewhatsortoftrainersmychallengersare.Ibelievethattrainersshouldbesmart,notonlyinbattle,butinlifeaswell!"Lenoragaveanimpishsmile."AndIlikepuzzles."Butenoughpleasantries.Officiallyintroducingmyself,I'mthedirectoroftheNacreneMuseumandLeaderoftheNacreneGym,Lenora!"Theolderwomanannouncedassheputahandonherhip."AndI'mgoingtoresearchhowyoubattlewithyourPokémon!"Sheheldupthreefingers."Sinceyou'reonlystartingout,let'ssaywhoeverwinstwobattlesisthewinner.Hopefullyyou'vegotatleasttwoPokémon?"Inoddedinsilence."Good!"

Wetookourplacesonoppositeendsofthearena.TinywasabouttorunoutonthebattlefieldwhenIgrabbedholdofhimandtoldhim,"Notnow.I'llbeusingsomeoneelsefirstokay?"Helookeddejectedashegaveasad-soundingsqueak.

"Alright!FormyfirstPokémon,Ichoose..."LenorathrewoutaPokéBallandreleasedasmall,gray,rodent-likePokémonwithlargeearsandalong,fluffytail,allwhite-tipped."Minccino!"

"Minccino?"ItookoutmyPokédexandscannedthePokémon.Accordingtoitsentry,itwastheChinchillaPokémon,ituseditstailforcleaninganditlikedtokeepbothitselfanditshabitatneatandtidy.Ididn'tneedtochecktoseethatitwasaNormaltype,though.

IreachedintomybagandpulledoutaPokéBall."Goodluck!"IshoutedasIreleasedPanaceainfrontofme.

"I'lldomybest,MissWhite!"

"Youcandoit,Panacea!StartthingsoffwithAttract!"

PanaceawinkedatLenora'sMinccinoandblewakissatit.However,insteadofgettingasmittenlookonitsface,theChinchillaPokémonjustgaveahigh-pitched."H-huh?!Thatshouldhaveworked!"

Lenorasmiled."Nicetry,butAttractonlyworksonPokémonwhoaretheoppositegenderofthePokémonwhousesitonthem."Inotherwords,itwasfemale.Aneasymistake.Icouldn'ttellaPokémon'sgenderfrommerelooksalone."Now,Minccino!UseEncore!"

Minccinosuddenlybegantoclapandexclaim,"Encore!Encore!Onemoretime!"

Panaceablushedandhereyesalmostlookedliketheyhadstarsinthem."O-oh!Youwantmetodoitagain?W-well,ifyouinsist."

"What?No!Don'tdoitagain!"IexclaimedastheAudinopointlesslyperformedAttractyetagain.Whenshestartedtodoitathirdtime,Icalledout,"Stopit!It'snotgoingtowork!

"That'sthecharmofEncore!APokémonaffectedbyitwillonlyperformthelastmoveitusedbecauseitbelievesitsopponentlikesthewaytheydidit"Lenoraexplainedagain."AndwhileyourAudinoisbusyperforming,MinccinowillbeusingDoubleSlap!"

Withacry,Minccinodartedforward.Whenshespunaround,shebeganstrikingPanaceaacrossthefacewithhertail.Withthelastblow,theAudinofelldownontoherback.

"Ow...!Wh-whatwasIdoing?"Panaceaasked,lookingaroundinconfusion.

"Oh,good!You'reawake!AttacknowwithPound!"Iexclaimedquickly.Atthatcommand,theAudinogotup,chargedforwardandslappedtheMinccinoacrosstheface."That'sit!NowuseDoubleSlap!"Panaceabegantosmackheropponentseveraltimes,thefinalblowresoundingwithaloudsoundbeforetheMinccinofellback,twitching.

"Well,that'soneforyou,"LenorasaidasshereturnedherPokémonintoitsball."Butitisn'toveryet!"ShetookoutanotherPokéBallandreleasedaWatchog"Patrat'sevolvedform.Itstoodstraightandtallwithitsarmsfoldedacrossitschest,itslargeredandyellowringedeyesglaringatPanacea.Overall,notaPokémonI'dwanttoseeinthemiddleofthenight."Ifyou'dlike,youcanswitchoutyourAudinoforanotherPokémon."

IlookedoverPanacea.Despitebeingslappedaboutseveraltimes,shedidn'tseeminjured.EithershewasstrongerthanshelookedorthatMinccinowasweakerthanIthought."No,Iwon't."Iwasn'tsureifAttractwouldwork,sinceIdidn'tknowifLenora'sWatchogwasmaleorfemale,soIdecidedtouseanotherone."Panacea,useGrowl!"TheAudinoopenedhermouthwideandgavealoud,cutegrowl.ItwasenoughtomaketheWatchogstepbackandeyehermoresuspiciously.

"Don'tbeafraid,Watchog!"

"I'mnotafraid!"HerWatchogfumed,clackingherteethinannoyance.

"UseScreechonherAudino!"TheLookoutPokémontookabreathandgaveshrillshriekthatremindedmeofWoobat.Panaceagaveacryandfoldedherearsinanattempttoblockthenoise.Shebentover,shaking."Yousee,Audino'shearingisassensitiveasitisexcellent.Itcanhandlealittlegrowl,butsomethingasloudasaScreechlikeWatchog'sisincrediblypainful,"Lenoraexplained."Sowhileshe'sreelinginpainandherguard'sdown,WatchogwillattackwithRetaliate!"

Lenora'sWatchogsuddenlylungedforwardandtackledPanacea.TheAudinowasknockedbackandlandedonthefloor,unconscious.

"Sonowwe'retied.WouldyoulikemetoswitchoutmyWatchogforanotheroneofmyPokémon?Somethingnotasstrong?"Icouldn'thelpbutgivethegymleaderaglare.Shechuckledandsaid,"Justlikeyourbrother.I'lltakethatasa'no'.Inthatcase,sendoutyournextPokémonsowecandecidethisfight."

Asiftakingthatforacue,Tinycrawledoutofmybagandjumpeddowninfrontofme."Chu!"

"No!No'chu'!Getbackinhere!"ItriedtopickthePichuup,butinsteadhejumpedontomyface."AH!Tiny,thisisn'tfunnyatall!Getoff!"

"MommyWhite!MommyWhite~!"

Afterpryinghimoff,IgaveTinyasternlook."Now,look!I'mdoingthisforyoursafety!IfyouwentupagainstthatWatchog,you'dgodownfasterthan...thanatonofrocks!"Hiseyesbecamelargeandwatery."No."Hegaveapleading"chu"."Stillno!Gobackinside!"Islippedhimbackinsideofmybag,butnotwithoutfeelingbadashegaveashortcry.Doparentsfeellikethiswhentheysendtheirkidsofftotimeout?Ohwell.ItookoutShion'sPokéBallandsaid,"Showthemwhatyou'vegot,"beforereleasingher.

"I'lldomybest,White!"TheOshawottexclaimedasshebrandishedherscalchop

shell."Youdon'tscareme!"Watchognarrowedhereyesintoaglareassheclickedherbuckteeth.Shiongulped."Well,maybeyoudo,butnotfortherightreasons."

"Shion,useFocusEnergy!"Icommanded.Shiongotintoabattleposeasabrightorangeauraradiatedaroundher."NowuseCut!"

"Hypnosis,Watchog!"Lenoraspokequickly.

"Wait,what?!Stop,stop,STOP!"Isaid,wavingmyhandsinapanickedfashion.Shionwounduptrippingandlandingfacedown.Whenshestartedtogetup,theWatchog'seyesbegantoglowominously."STAYDOWN!"

"WAAAH!"Shiondroppedbackdowntotheground,frightenedandflailing."Sorry,Master!I'lldowhatyousay!"

Lenorahadaproudlookonherface,likeateacherthatwashappythatherstudentgotarightanswer."I'mgladyourealizeamovelikeHypnosisonlyworkswitheyecontact.But...Watchog,useCrunch!"

WatchoglungedforwardandclampedherfangsdownonShion'shead.Withaneasyflickofherhead,theNormaltypesenttheOshawottupward.Beforeshecouldhittheceiling,Shionrecoveredinmidair.

"UseWaterGun!Aimfortheeyes!"ShiontookadeepbreathandsprayedwaterdownintoWatchog'sface.TheforcemadetheLookoutPokémonfallover,holdingherpawstoherface.Whileshewasdoingthat,Shionlandedontopofher,knockingthewindoutofheropponent.

"Phew!Thatlandingmighthavegonepoorly..."TheOshawottlookeddownattheWatchogcuriously."Areyouawake?"ShelightlypokedthebiggerPokémoninoneofherchubbycheeks."Oh!IthinkI'veknockedherout!"

Intheblinkofaneye,WatchogsatupandheadbuttedShion,causinghertostumbleoffandbackwards.TheNormaltypegrowledasshesatup,clackingherteethmenacingly.ItactuallymademefreezeinfearforamomentbeforeLenoraspoke,"UseCrunch!"

"Quick,block!"Ishoutedshrilly.ShionrecoveredfromtheheadbuttastheWatchogchargedtowardsher.ShequicklyraisedherscalchopinfrontofherastheNormaltypewasabouttochompdownonher.TheshellwounduphittingWatchogintheteethhardenoughtomakeacrackinoneofthem.

Afterthat,itwaslikeeverythingwasmovinginslowmotion.Istaredinshockwithmy

mouthwideopen,justlikeLenoraandherWatchogweredoing.Butwhilewewerebusybeingshocked,ShionbeganaflurryofcutswithhershellthatendedwithablowtoWatchog'shead.TheNormaltypefellover,holdingbothpawsoverherteeth.Sheflinchedandtwitched,butshedidn'tlooklikeshewasinthemoodtocontinuefighting.Huh...IthinkIactuallyfeelsorryforthatscary-lookingPokémon.

AtleastuntilShionproclaimed,"Iamvictorious!Bringonmynextopponent!"ShethenlookeddownattheWatchog."Sorry...aboutyourteeth."

Ittookawhiletoprocesswhathadjusthappened,andeventhen,Iwasn'treallyabletospeak.LenorareturnedherPokémontoitsPokéBallwithasighof...relief?Satisfaction,maybe?Nomatterwhatsortofsighitwas,thearchaeologistapproachedmewithasmile."Fantastic!You'vegotthepotentialtobecomeagreattrainer!"

"Iwouldn'treallysaythat...especiallyaftermyOshawottchippedyourWatchog'stoothlikethat."Iwasn'tsurewhyIfeltsobadaboutthat."AndIdidn'treallydoanythingattheendthere."Right.ShionmovedonherownwhileIwasbusygaspingoveratooth!Someonelikemehaspotentialasatrainer.Yeah,right.

"Hey,noneedtobesohardonyourself.You'reonlyjuststartingoutasatrainer,butyou'lleventuallygrowintoyourownway.Everyonedoes!"Lenorathenheldoutasmall,rectangular,maroon-coloredpin."Forwhatyou'veshownme,youdeservetheBasicBadge!"Itookthebadgeandmutteredathanks."Youkeepupthehardworkandkeeplearning,andmaybeonedayyou'llbeabletochallengethechampionofthePokémonLeague!"

Oh,great.Atthisrate,peoplearegonnastartexpectingmetochallengethestrongesttrainersinUnova.Although...IkindawanttoseetheexpressionsonBlackandCheren'sfacesifIbecamethechampionbeforethem.

X-X-X

Notes!

MinccinoisnotoneofthePokémonusedbyLenorainBW,butitsevolution,Cinccino,isusedbyherinsomeofthetournamentsinBW2.

MinccinolearnsAttractviaTM.WatchoglearnsScreechviabreedingandRetaliateviaTM.

X-X-X

ReadandreviewforthesakeofPichu!

Chapter10

Disclaimer:BluRosedoesnotownPokémonoranyofitscharacters.Sheonlyownsthisfic.

X-X-X

~TheGuidingLight~

WithanybusinesswehadinNacreneCitynowdone,itwastimeforBlackandmetogettoournextdestination:CasteliaCity.IwashopingthatthetriptoCasteliawouldbeeasyandwithoutanybumpsintheroad...butIwastravelingwithmybrotherBlack,whosawbumpsintheroadandthought'adventure'insteadof'caution'.WhichwaswhyourtripthroughPinwheelForestwaslongerthanitshould'vebeen.

"Black,ifyouknewhowmuchIhateyourightnow..."

"Isitashardasyou'regrippingmyarm?"

AtBlack'ssuggestion,insteadoftakingthenormalroutethroughtheforest,wewoundupwalkingonthenaturetrail.Hisexcusewasthathedidn'treallygettoenjoyitthelasttimewewereherebecauseoftheTeamPlasmaincident,butIknewthetruth.WhathewantedwastogoandcatchsomeofthePokémonthatlurkedintheforest'sdepths.Unfortunately,hisPokémonsearchingtookhours.Bythetimehedecidedtocallitquits,thesunlightshiningthroughthetrees'leaveswasnowmoonlight,andwewereinthemiddleofabig,darkerforestandlost.Atreallyannoyingmomentslikethis,I'dwishaloudIwereanonlychild...butIwastoobusyflinchingateveryscarynoise.

"White,calmdown!Ifyou'rethishigh-strung,you'regonnadieoffright!"

IrecoveredandimmediatelylatchedmyhandstightlyontoBlack'sshoulders."Thisisallyourfault!Wewouldn'thavegottenlostifyouhadn'tinsistedthatwegolookingforPokémon!"IsnappedasIstartedtoshakehim.

BlackglaredatmeevenasIkeptshakinghim."You'retheonewhoranoffjustbecauseafewlittleSewaddlesfellonyoufromthetrees!IfyoujustwaitedformetocatchthatoneSwadloon,wewould'vebeenoutoftheforestbynow!"

"Howcouldanyonekeepcalmwithallthoselittlebugscrawlingalloveryou?!"Ishudderedatthememory.IwishedI'djustblackedoutinsteadofrunningoffscreaminglikealunatic.ThenmaybeBlackwouldhavethecommonsensetodrag

mebackontothemainroad.

Mybrothersighedandstraighteneduphishat."Itdoesn'tmatterwhosefaultitis.We'relost...IwantedtosendValentineouttolookfortheroadsoshecouldleadusback,but...Irealizedthatthetreeskindofblockthesightofthingsfromabove."

"Sowe'restuckhere?!"

"Soitseems."

"Don'tsayitsononchalantly!We'reindanger!"

"It'sokay,it'sokay!Allweneedtodoisfindaplacethat'sbigenoughtosetupcamp....Momdidpackasleepingbagforyou,didn'tshe?"Ipursedmylipsandnodded.IhadhopedthatIwouldneverhavetosleepoutdoorswherenotonlyPokémon,buttheforcesofnatureitselfcouldupandharmus.Blackignoredmyexpressionandsmiled."This'llbegreat,then!Sleepingoutunderthestars!Ialwayswantedtogocamping,y'know."

Igavemybrotherahalf-liddedglare."Quitmakingthissoundlikeit'sapleasantexperience,"Imutteredflatly.

Blackgaveanervouschucklebeforehepattedmyshoulder."Let'stryandfindaspacebigenoughforustosetupoursleepingbags."

Westartedwalking,butseemedtobeunabletofindaclearing"oratleastthatlookedcomfortableandspaciousenoughtosleepforthenight.Infact,thelongerwewalked,thecloserthetreesseemedtocometogetherandthemoredangeroustheterrainbecame.Everycoupleofseconds,itseemedlikeweweretrippingoverrocks,rottenlogsorasleepingPokémon.Atsomepoint,wegaveupandcollapsedontooneofthefewsturdylogsaround.

"We'regonnadiehere,aren'twe?"Iaskedgloomily,tootiredtoproperlyexpressmyfear."We'regonnadieinadark,emptyforest...atthetenderageof15...."

"It'snottheend.We'lljust...sleepagainstthislog.Andwhenit'sday,I'msurewe'llbeabletofindourwaybacktothemainroadthen,"Blackcontinuedtryingtobeoptimistic."A-anyway,whydon'tyougotosleepfirstandI'll"...Hm?"

"What'swrong?"ItensedupasIsawBlackstaringinmydirectionintensely."Is...issomethingbehindme...?"

Heraisedhishandandpointedatsomethingovermyshoulder."There'salightover

there."

"Alight?"Igulped,immediatelythinkingtheworse.

"Don'tstart.ItmightbeaPokémonRanger!It's,like,theirjobtomakesuretrainersdon'tgetlostorinjuredonthesekindsofroutes."

"Inthedark?!"Ihissed,inchingclosertomybrotheroutofinstinct.Idaredtolookovermyshoulderatthelighthewastalkingabout.Itwasabrightbluelight,definitelynotnatural."Thatlooksmorelikethekindofthingpeopleinmoviesseebeforethey'reabductedbyaliens!"

"Whateveritis,weneedtogetclosertohaveabetterlook."Blacktriedtostandup,butmygriponhisarmheldhimdown."White,ifwedon'tmove,wewon'tbenoticed!"

"That'stheplan."

"White.Move."

"Itcouldbeaserialkillerorsomething!"IdaredtolookovermyshoulderandflinchedwhenInoticedthatthelightwasgettingbigger.Almostasif..."Black...It'sgettingcloser!"

"Oh,good!Thatmeansthey'venoticedus!"Mybrothersaidwithasmile.Hethenstartedshoutingatthetopofhislungs,"HEEEYYY!OVERHEEEERE!"Ifeltmybloodruncold.Ifthiswereahorrormovie,Blackwouldbeoneofthefirstonestogo,andI'dbetheonewhogotdraggeddownwithhimbecauseIwasstupidenoughtofollowhim!

Thebluelightgraduallybecamelargerandlarger.Icouldmakeoutasmallfigurebeneaththeflame.Eventually,thefigurecamecloseenoughthatwecouldseeitproperly.Asmall,whitePokémonwithglowingyelloweyes,theblueflamecomingoutoftheflattopofitshead.Itlookedlikeacandle.

APokémonlikealivingcandle...Whydidthatseemfamiliar?

"White,look!It'saLitwick!"Blackexclaimed,havingalreadytakenouthisPokédex."Litwick,theCandlePokémon.Ghost/Firetype.Itsflameisusuallyout,butitstartstoshinewhenitabsorbsthelifeforcefromothers.Ittendstodothiswhilepretendingtoguideothers."

Ifeltmybloodruncold.Icouldn'thelpwhathappenednext.Iscreamedandblacked

out,thelastthinginmysightbeingtheLitwick'sflame.

X-X-X

"...isaPokémonfirstfoundinKalosthatresemblesasword.It'ssaidtodrainthelifeenergyofanyonethatgrabsitshilt."Igaveawhimper."AndDrifloon,whichresemblesaballoon,hasbeensaidtostealawaychildrenwhoholdontoit."Ashiverrandownmyspine."There'salsoLitwick,whoguidespeoplealongwiththeintentionofsappingtheirlifeaway."Icouldn'ttakeitanymore.Igrabbedtheremotefromoffthecouchandchangedthechannel.

"Hey,what'sthebigdeal?!Don'tjustchangethechannellikethat!"10-yearoldBlackcomplainedfromhisseatnexttome.Hetriedtoreachoverandgrabtheremotefromme,butIshovedmyhandinhisfacetoholdhimoff.

"No!No!No!Wearenotwatchinganymoreofthat!"Ishouted.

"Whynot?!YouusuallyonlyfreakoutwhenyouseePokémoninreallife!"

Ibittheinsideofmymouthandglaredatmybrotherwithenoughintensitytomakehimbackoff."BecauseGhosttypesareoneofthemostfrighteningkindsofPokémon!Theyalleatsouls,andlurkincreepyplaces,andthey'rebornfromthedead...!They'resomeoftheworstPokémonthatexist!"

"Pssh.Thatdoesn'tmeanthey'reevil,"Blacksaidwithapoutbeforehemanagedtosnatchtheremoteoutofmyhand."Aha!Nowbacktotheshow!"HepressedabuttonandtheTVwasbackonthepreviouschannel.Thistime,apumpkin-likePokémonwithastemforafacewasbeingshownonscreen.

"Itenwrapsitspreyinitshair-likearms,singingjoyfullyasitspreysuffersinitsgrasp.WildGhosttypePokémonaretrulyscary,huh?"

"EEEEE!"Ihidmyfacebehindacushion,cowering."I'mnevergoingtobeabletoeatpumpkinpieagain!"

"IfyouthinkthelegendssurroundingGhosttypesarefrightening,waituntilyouheartheonesaboutPsychictypes!"

"Black,ifyouloveme,please,changethechannel!"

X-X-X

Iquicklyopenedmyeyes,myheartbeginningtoracethemomentIdid.Myvision

wasabitblurry,butIwasalittlegratefulforthat.Ididn'twanttoriskseeingthatLitwickagain."Huh?What?"IsoonrealizedthatIwasbeingcarried."What'sgoingon?Black?"

"Oh,good!You'reawake!"SaidBlack.MyvisionclearedupabitandIrealizedthatBlackwascarryingmepiggyback."Y'know,you'realotheavierthanyoulook,White."Maybeyou'reweakerthanyouthink,Black."Anyway,youdon'tneedtoworry.We'regonnabebackonthemainroadinnotime!"

Iblinkedandlookedatmybrotheroutofthecornerofmyeye."Really...?How?"

"ThatLitwicksaiditwouldhelpus!"

"...WHAT?!"IshriekedloudlyinBlack'sear,causinghimtodropmesuddenly.AsIhittheground,acryofpaincamefrominsideofmybagandTinypokedhisheadout.MyattentionquicklywentfromthePichutotheLitwickthatIonlyjustrealizedwasstandingafewfeetaheadofus,itscandlelightglowingominously.IgrabbedBlackfrombehindandbegantoshakehimfuriously."Areyoucrazy?!Areyoustupid?!YoureadthePokédexentries!Youknowtherumors!YouneverfollowaLitwickwhenitofferstoguideyou!"

"I'mnotdumb,White.That'swhyIdecidedtocatchit."

Iblinkedandstaredatmybrother."You...youcaughtthatthing?!That'stheexactoppositeofnotbeingdumb!Areyoutryingtokillus?!"

"I'mtryingtohelpus!Whatbetterpersontohelpusoutthanalocalwhoknowstheterrain?"Blacksaidwithafrown.

"Alocal?Black,it'saGhosttypePokémon.ThePokédexpracticallysaysitkillspeoplewhofollowit.Letitgoandlet'sgetasfarawayfromitaspossible!"

"Didyoureadtherestoftheentrybeyondtheopeningparagraph?"Mybrotherasked,takingouthisPokédex.Hefiddledaroundwithitbeforehefoundwhathewaslookingfor."IthasbeendocumentedthatLitwick'slife-sapping'flame'usesthesamesortofenergyasGhost-typeattacks.Whentheyrequirelight,butdonothavethedesiretofeed,theymakeaFire-typeflamethatisvisiblydifferent.Ordinarily,though,theykeeptheirflamesoffbecauseusingthemtiresthemout."HeturnedaroundandpointedattheLitwickaheadofus."Justcheckoutitsflame.Itisn'tblue,soit'snotgonnatryandtakeourlifeforce."

Ifrowned."Thatdoesn'tmeanathing!Haven'tyouheardoflullingyourpreyintoafalsesenseofsecurity?"

Blackgroanedandfoldedhisarmsacrosshischest."WhenLitwickhelpsusfindourwaybackontothemainroad,maybethenyou'llsee'eminamorepositivelight!"

"Andwhenitattacksus,you'regoingtodosomethingsmartforachangeandreleaseit!"

Webothbeganglaringateachotheruntilwerealizedthatthelightinfrontofuswasdimming.TheLitwickappearedtobegettingfurtherawayfromusnow."Let'sfocusonkeepingup.It'sprettyhardtoseeinthedark,"saidBlackashewalkedahead.Ijumpedforwardandlatchedontohisarmtightly.Irefusedtowalkinthedarkwithoutholdingsomethinghuman.

X-X-X

MinutespassedaswewalkedthroughthedarkwithonlythatcreepyLitwickasaguidinglight.Atsomepoint,itstoppedhoppingandturnedaroundtolookatuswithitseeriegreeneyes.IimmediatelyduckedbehindBlack,butthatfailedashecroucheddowninfrontofit."What'sthematter,littleguy?Um,girl?Whatgenderareyou,anyway?Ishouldcheck""

"Now'snotthetimetobecheckinguponitsgender,Black!"Isnapped,makingBlackdrophisPokédexinsurprise."What'stheholdup?Wh-whyisitjuststaringatuslikethat?"

"Idunno.Maybeyoushouldaskhim...her...AskLitwick!"BlackpickeduphisPokédex."Huh?That'sstrange."

"What?Itdoesn'thaveagender?"BecauseIwouldn'tbesurprised,whatwithitbeingaghostandacandlecombined.

"ThePokédexsaysthere'sanotherPokémonaroundhere.Galvantula."

"Uh,what?"

"Galvantula,theEleSpiderPokémon.Bug/Electrictype.TheevolvedformofJoltik.Theycreateelectricallychargedthreadstomakeelectrifiedbarriersandelectricalwebstotrapprey.Whiletheirpreyisimmobilized,theyleisurelyconsumeit."

"...WHAT?!"Ishouted,makingBlackjumpagain.

"Just"justcalmdown,White!I'msureitscannedasleepingGalvantula!Yeah,asleepingone!"Justthen,somethingfelldownontopofusandbegantoshockusboth.BlackandIscreamedoutinpainandwefelltotheground."What...isthis?!I

can't...move!"Blackcriedoutinpain.Itriedtomove,too,butIfoundmyselfunableto.Thewebthenshockedusagain,preventinganymoreattemptstogetoutofit.

Atthatpoint,somethinglargedroppeddownfromthetreetopsinfrontofusboth.Showninthedimlightwasalargespider-likePokémon.Itsbodywascoveredinyellowandbluefurandpurplestripesalongitsrear.Itstaredatuswithtwolarge,blueeyesandfoursmallereyesthatsatin-betweenthelargerpair.Itspedipalpstwitchedastheyranoverus.Icouldn'thelpbutstarttocryloudly,whichdidn'tdeterthebugPokémon.

"Alright,then...Thisshouldbeenoughtofeedmyfamilyforthenight,"theGalvantulaspoke."Oh!Oh,wait!They'restillmoving.IguessI'llwaitfor'emtostoptwitching."

Tinycrawledoutofmybagandstaredatme."Mommyokay?"

"No!No!No!Notokay!Notokay!"Ispokeinashrill,panickyvoice.

"Chuuu...!"Tinymanagedtostandupandbitdownontotheweb.Inafewseconds,thewebstoppedbeingelectrifiedandTinybeganchewingthroughtheweb.That'sright...Tiny'sabilityisLightningRod,andthatletshimabsorbelectricity.

"Hey!Hey,hey,hey!Stopthat,youlittle...uh..."TheGalvantulaspatoutastringofsilkthatstucktoTinyandretracteditsohecouldgetacloserlookatthePichu."Weird-lookingEmolga?"

"Ch-ch-CHUUUUU!"TinyusedThunderShockandtriedtozaptheGalvantula,butithadnoeffect.TheBugtyperetaliatedbybringingTinyclosertohisfaceandbitingdownonhisbody.ThePichucriedoutinpain.

"Litwick!Helphim!UseaFiretypemove!"Blackpleaded.

LitwickstaredathimblanklybeforeturningaroundtofacetheGalvantula.Theflameonitsheadgrewlarger,andafireballofbluish-whiteflamestingedwithorangeburstoutandhittheGalvantulaontherear.TheflamessuddenlyspreadallovertheBugtype'sbody.

"YEOWCH!Fire!I'monFIRE!AAAAAAAHHH!"TheGalvantuladroppedTinyandranoffscreaming,completelyforgettingaboutdraggingusaway.

"I...blameyou...forthis,Black!"Ispokethroughgrittedteeth.

"It'snotmyfaultitjustdecidedtoappear!"Blacksnappedbackatme."Anyway,we

haveaseriousproblemhere.Ican'tmove.Canyou?"

"N-no...!"

"Well,paralysiswearsoffeventually.Butwhoknowshowlongit'lltake?Hey,Litwick,"TheLitwickfacedhimonceagainwithitsblankstare."DoyouknowwhatCheriberrieslooklike?"Afterafewseconds,theghostlycandlenodded.Black'sexpressionbrightened."Youdo?Great!I'vegotsomeinmybag.They'reinapackwithsomeotherberries.Openitandthengiveeachofusone,okay?"

"What?!I'mnotgoingtobefedbythatthing!"Iexclaimed.

"Hejustsavedyourlife!Andhedidn'tevenusehisghostlyflame!Whatmoreproofdoyouwant?"TheLitwickhoppedovertoBlack'ssideandunzippedhisbag.Icouldn'tseewhatwashappening,butIcouldhearthesoundofthingsrustling.IclosedmyeyessoIwouldn'tseeanythingthatwasmovingaboutinthedark.Afteramomentofsilence,Blackgaveacheer."Aha!Thanks,Litwick!"Thesoundofhimchewingsomethingfollowed.

TheLitwickhoppedintomyviewholdingastemofCheriberriesandIfrozeinfear.TheGhosttypetookadvantageofmycowardiceandshovedaCheriintomymouth.ThemildspicinessagitatedmytastebudsandIsatuponmyknees,spittingoutwhatIdidn'teat."Bleh!Ihatespicythings..."IthenrealizedtheLitwickwasstaringupatmeblankly.Inasecond,IwascrawlingovertoTiny,notonlytohealhim,buttonothavetolookatthatspookyPokémonagain.Tinyregainedconsciousness,buthestilllookedtiredout."Areyouokay,littleguy?Whydon'tyoutakethistimetorest?"Irecalledhimintohisball.

"Let'skeepgoing.It'snotsafearoundhere,"saidBlack.It'snotsafeanywhere."Leadtheway,Litwick!"Yeah,toourdemise...

X-X-X

Againstmybetterjudgment,wecontinuedfollowingtheLitwick.Momentspassedinsilencethatwerecausedbyanxietyandfear"forme,anyway.IfBlackdidn'tcareabouthisnewlycaughtPokémonpossiblykillingus,Idoubthe'dcareaboutthedark,fear-inspiringdarknessthatsurroundedus.OrthesoundsofnocturnalPokémonmovingabout.Ortheotherlightinthedistance....Waitaminute.Oh,no.

"Hey,look!Anotherlight'soverthere!ItcouldbeaPokémonRanger!"Blackexclaimed.

"You'restillclingingontothathope,huh?"Iaskedflatly."ItcouldbeanotherLitwick.

Thatthingcouldjustbetakingustomeetotherslikeit,sotheycaneatoursouls!"

Mybrotherfrowned."Alittleoptimismwon'tkillyou,y'know!"

"No.Thatthingwill!"

"Quitcallinghimathing!...Her.Whattheheckgenderareyou?Nevermind!Thepointisthatyoudon'tcallTinyathing,doyou?"

"Tiny'snotasoul-suckingcandle!"

"NeitherisLitwick!"IgaveaderisivescoffwhileBlackrolledhiseyes."TheworstthingLitwick'sdonetoyouwaslookatyou!Youareoverreacting!Just...chillout!"IopenedmymouthtoretortwhenInoticedthelightgettingcloser.Ireactedbymakingahigh-pitchedsqueakandbegantohidebehindBlack.Hesighedandshookhishead."Andcalmdown!"

"Well,I'msorrythatIcan'tremaincalminthefaceofphantomlights!"

"Themoreyouyell,themorePokémonyou'llwakeup!"Iimmediatelyclammedup.Blackgrabbedmyhandandbegantodragmealong."Hellothere!We'relost!"Hecalledoutasweapproachedthelight.

"Really?Iam,too!"...Whydidthatvoicesoundfamiliar?Asthelightgotcloser,itrevealedafamiliarface."Black!White!IthoughtIrecognizedthosevoices,"Biancasaidwithalookofrelief.ShelookeddownandnoticedtheLitwickandproceededtocrouchdownandcoo."Awwww,andwho'sthislittlecutie?"

"D-don'tgettooclosetoit!ThePokédexsaysitcouldeatyoursoul!"Iyelled.Biancadidn'tseemtohearmeoverthenoisesshemadeinadmirationoftheLitwick.AsIwasrollingmyeyes,Inoticedtheflashlightinherhand."Hey,you'vegotaflashlight?"

"Oh,this?IneededsomethingtolookforNafterweseparated,andIrememberedthatIpackedit."

"WhywereyoulookingforN?"

Theblondeflinchedandbegantonervouslyfidget."Um..."

"Nevermind.Don'tcare.What'simportantisthatnowthatyou'rehere,wecanuseyourflashlighttofindourwayinthedarkinsteadofthiscreepyLitwick!Sogoonandletitgo,Black."

"I'mnotgettingridofLitwick,White,nomatterhowmuchyouwantmeto,"Blackrespondedflatly."Although...itwouldbeagoodideatoletthelittleguy"orgirl"rest.Alright,Litwick.Youdeservearest."That'sthefirstsanethoughtyou'vehadallnight!

Forthefirsttimesinceweencounteredit,theLitwickmadeanexpression:itfrowned.Foramoment,itseemedlikeitseyesglowed.Then,Bianca'sflashlightbegantoflicker.Afteramoment,itslightwentoff.Biancapouted."What?!Oh,comeon!IputinnewbatteriesforthisthingbeforeIlefthome!I'veneverevenusedituntiltonight!"

"Maybetheyweren'tgoodbatteries,ortheflashlight'sfaulty.Doyouhaveanymore?"

"Seriously?!"Icouldn'thelpbutspeakupinahighpitch."Itwasthatthingthatdidit!Itwouldn'tbeabletoleaduswherevertheheckitwantstogoifitwasinaPokéBall!I'mtellingyou,it'sbadnews!Justletitgo!Please,please,please!"

Mybrotherfrowned."Okay,nowyou'rejustlookingforexcuses."HelookedtoBianca,whowasshakingtheflashlightinanattempttojoltsomepartofitintoworkingagain."Youcancomewithus,Bianca."

Biancastoppedshakingtheflashlightandpouted."Um...IsitalrightifIdo?"

"Ofcourse!Wecouldn'tleaveyououtherelostinthedark!"

"ImeantisitalrighttobearoundthatLitwick?ThePokédex""

"Doesn'tcountfortheentiretyofaspecies.Litwick'snice!You'llsee!"

"Doomed.We'realldoomed,Itellyou..."ImutteredundermybreathasIheldahandovermyeyes.

"You'llbegreatcompanycomparedtoMissDoomandGloomoverhere..."Blackadded,soundingannoyed.

X-X-X

AfterBiancajoinedourgroup,theatmospherebecameabitlighter.MainlybecausesheandBlackconversedaboutvarioustopics.I,however,silentlyworriedaboutourfateandtriedtoignorethegiantlivingcandlethatwasprobablygoingtodevouroursouls.

"Bytheway,whatwereyoudoingwithN?"Blackasked."Yousaidyougotseparated

fromhimandthatyouwerelookingforhimwhenyouranintous."

"Um,yeah.IjustranintohimwhileIwaslookingaroundtheforestfor...something,"Biancaansweredwithapout."Wetalkedforabitand...IguessIsaidsomethingthatmadehimangry,becauseheleftlookingprettyupset."

"Andyouactuallywannafindhim?"Iaskedinadiscouragedvoice."BecauseIthinkhe'dfeelrightathomeinadark,scaryforestteemingwithPokémonratherthanwithus."

"Itwouldn'tdoforhimtobelostoutthere.Imean,hehashisPokémonwithhim,butIcan'thelpbutbeworried.Horrormovieshavetaughtmethatit'sneversafetobelostinthedark."Really?Horrormoviestaughtmeyoushouldfearghosts,buthereweare."Hey,look!Light!"Theblondepointedatapairoflightsthatwerecomingtowardsus.Inseconds,apairofLitwicksappearedinfrontofus,theireyesyellowandtheirflamesapalepurple."Oh,it'sjustmoreLitwicks...Iwashopingit'dbesomeonewhocouldhelpusgetbackonthemainroad..."

IgotalookattheLitwicks'faces.Theyworeshady,devioussmiles.IgulpedandtriedtopullBlackandBiancaaway."Guys,rememberwhatIsaidaboutthatLitwickleadingustoourdemise?Ithinkwefoundit."

"Onlyadozenorsotimes,itseems,"Blackmuttered."TheseLitwicksareprobablyjustsomefriendsofhis"orhers.Maybethey'llhelpus,too!Morelight'salwaysgoodinasituationlikethis..."Atthatmoment,Black'sLitwickhoppedbehindus."Huh?What'swrong,Litwick?"Thecandle-likePokémon'sblankexpressionbecamemoremalicious.Itsmouthcurledupintoasmirkbeforeitsflamewentout,followedbytheflamesoftheothertwoLitwicks.

"Black..."Ibegan.TheLitwicks'flamesrelit,nowbacktohavingtheirunusualcolorsandsoul-suckingproperties."IWASRIGHT!ANDIWISHIWASWROOOOOONG!"IsobbedasIgrabbedontoBiancaforsupport.

"Wh-whatisthis?Litwick!Ithoughtwewerefriends!"Blackexclaimed,tryingtoturnaroundtolookathismorethandisobedientLitwick.Buthestoppedinmid-turn."I...Ican'tmovemylegs!"

"WHAT?!"Istruggledtomovemylegsaswell."Ican't,either!It'slikemylegsareparalyzedorsomething!"

"M-me,too!"Biancastutteredwithtearsinhereyes.

"OneofthemmusthaveShadowTag!ThePokédexsaidthatit'sarareabilityLitwick

canhavethatstopsenemiesfromleavingifthey'reontheirshadow!"Blackexplained.

"S-stops...from...leaving...?"Iwhimpered.IfIhadthepowertodroptomykneesorfaint,Iwould'vedonesothenandthere,butIcouldonlystandandstareblubbering,"We'regoingtodie.WE'REGOINGTODIE!ICAN'TBELIEVEWE'REGOINGTODIELIKETHS!"

"Iknow!TherearesomanythingsIwishIhadn'tdone!IwishIcouldtakebackwhatIsaidtomydadandtellhimIlovehim!"Biancacriedaswell.

"Me,too!"Ididn'tmeantosaythatoutloud,butIfiguredifIwasgoingtodie,Imayaswellhaveburiedasinglehatchetbeforemybodywouldbe"ifitwasevergoingtobefound.Orhaveanythingtofind.

"This...thisisallmyfault,"Blackspokehollowly.

"Oh,Black...!It'snotyourfault!ThesearejustmeanPokémon!"

"Notmean!Natural!ThisiswhatallPokémonaredeepdowninside"they'dsoonerkillapersonthanwannabefriendswiththem!"Isnapped.

Theblondegirlpoutedandshovedmelightly."White!You'reonlysayingthatbecauseyou'reafraidrightnow!"

"OfcourseI'mafraid!We'regonnadie!Thisisjustlikeahorrormovie!"

"White'sright...They'reactingjustaswildPokémonshould,"Blackbegan."JustlikethatGalvantulaawhileago,somearegonnalookathumansandseenothingbuteasyprey.It'sonlynatural...butevenpreyinthewildcanfightback!"Hegrabbedaballonhisbeltandthrewitupintotheair."Tothetrees,Kaito!"

Inaflashoflight,Kaitoappearedandgrabbedontoatreebranch."Wh-whattheheck?!Ididn'tthinkyouweregonnatossmeupherewhenyousaidthat!"

"Uh,I'msureyou'reangry,buth-help.I'mnot...feelingwell..."Mybrotherpantedandbegantoslumpover.Thefeelingwasmutual.Simplybeingintheirpresencewasenoughto

KaitolookeddownattheLitwicksbelowandsprayedquickburstsofwateroutofhismouth.TheGhosttypePokémonturnedtoavoidtheirflamesgettingwet,butwereunabletoreactquicklyenoughtoavoidthewateraltogether,soitstrucktheirsmallbodies.Kaitocontinuedsprayingwaterdown,evengettingsomeonusinthe

processinhisfranticattackontheLitwicks.Atsomepoint,itlookedlikethecandle-likePokémonwereexhaustedfromtheforcefulshower,andalsofrightened.Theythenbegantoshrinkrightbeforeoureyes,untilneitherthey,northeirlightwasvisible.Whichmeantwewereinthedark...again.

"What...whatjusthappened?"Ispokesoftly,frightened.

"Theyjust...shrank!Ididn'tknowPokémoncoulddothat!"Biancawhispered.

"ThatwasMinimizetheyused,Ithink,"mybrotherspokeup."IthinkIcanseetheirflames."

"Oh,yeah!Theylooklikefireflies..."

WewatchedsilentlyastheshrunkenLitwicks,whoseflamesmadethemlooklikepurpleandbluefirefliesastheyranoff,leavingusaloneinthedark.IheardsomethingfallfromoutofthetreesandlandontopofsomeonewhosoundedanawfullotlikeBlackastheyscreamed."Black?Black?IthinkIkilledBlack!"Kaitoexclaimed."...Oh,wait.He'ssnoring.Didhefallasleep?"

"I'mkindoftiredtoo,"IheardBiancaspeakasIfelttheurgetocollapseontomyknees.

"SoamI..."Ifoundmyselffallingoverandclosingmytiredeyes.Idon'tknowifitwastheenergydrainingfromtheLitwicks,thewearinessfromourcloseencounterwithdeath,orjustthefactthatwe'vebeenupformostofthenight.Iwastired.Anddespitecommonsensetellingmeitwasbesttogetoutofthiscrazyforestassoonaspossible,therestofmybodyjustdidn'tcare,andIwassoonoutlikealight.

X-X-X

WhenIcameto,Ifeltmyselfinafamiliarpositiontome:Iwasbeingpiggybackedbysomeone."Mm...Black?Isthatyou?"IspokeasIkeptmyeyesclosed.

"...Yeah."

"Oh,White!You'refinallyup,"IheardBiancaspeak."Ialmostthoughtsomethingwaswrongwithyouafterlastnight,butBlacksaiditwasnormalforyouandtojustletyousleepitoff."

"IfigureditwastheleastIcoulddoafterlastnight."

"...YoureleasedthatLitwick,right?"

"AssoonasIwokeup.Ihadtodestroytheballtodoit,butitwasdone.I'm...sorry,White."Ah,herecomestheapology.I'mgoingtoenjoythis."IreallywantedcatchingLitwicktoworkoutforyouandme."

"Well,Litwickdidn'twannabecaught,sotherewasaflawinyourplan."IthenopenedmyeyesasIregisteredwhathesaid."Whatdidyoumeanby'youandme'?"

"IfiguredifIcaughtLitwick,itwouldnotonlybeagreatadditiontomyteam,itmight...helpyou...getoverGhostandFiretypePokémonatthesametime.Ifigured:'whydoesshehavetocatchallthosePokémonandtakecareofthemonherown?I'mherbigbrother.Ishouldhelphergetbetter'!That'swhyIwantedyoutobelievethatLitwickwastryingtohelpus,but...itwasn't.Infact,italmostgotusandBiancakilled..."

Atthatmoment,Ifeltsomethingpunchmeinthearm.IlookedatBianca,whowaspoutingatglaringatmeasiftononverballysay'saysomethingtomakehimfeelbetter'!Istaredatthebackofmytwin'sheadbeforeIsighedandlookedoutofthecornerofmyeye."Y'know,Black,ifthere'sonethingIrememberfromyouth,it'sthatPokémonarelikepeople.SomeLitwickmightwannaeatsouls,butsomemightjustwannaburnapersontocinders."

Biancagroanedandheldahandtoherhead."That'snotwhatyouweresupposedtosay,White."

"It'sokay,Bianca.ForWhite,thisisprogress...Ithink.ShesaidshethinksPokémonarepeople.Thatmeansthatdeepdown,WhiteknowstherearegoodLitwickoutthere,too!AndIwon'trestuntilwefindoneworthyoftrusting!"Mytwinexclaimed,soundingrejuvenated.

"Saywhat?!Ineveragreedtothat!"Iexclaimed,tighteningmylegsaroundhistorso.

"Youdon'thaveto!Yourbigbrotherwillhelpyougetthroughthisinwhateverwayhecan!"

IgrowledandwrappedanarmaroundBlack'sthroat,securinghiminachokehold."Ineveraskedforyourhelp!Andyouarenottheoldertwin!"WefelloverandbecameatangledpileoflimbswhileBiancawatchedus.

X-X-X

Notes!

Litwickisneverseenwithitsflameoffin-game,eveninPokémonAmie,

thoughitsDexentriesdomentionthattheflameisusuallyout.ThepartaboutitsflamebeingGhosttypeandhavingadifferentFiretypeflameisfanon.

Electrowebcannotcauseparalysis,butGalvantula'sWhitePokédexentrystatesthattheshockoftheweb"notbeingtrapped"keepspreyimmobilizedastheyeatthem,whichsoundslikeparalysistome.

SinceGenIV,Will-O-Wispisdescribedin-gameashavinga"sinister,bluish-whiteflame",butitisoftenshownasbeingpurplewhenused.Intheanime,though,it'salwaysbluishinsomeway.

InGenV,Litwick'sHiddenAbilitywasShadowTagbeforebeingreplacedwithInfiltratorinGenVI.

X-X-X

ReviewforthesakeofBluandPichu!

Chapter11

Disclaimer:BluRosedoesnotownthePokémonseries.Sheonlyownshercharactersandthisfic.

X-X-X

TheOddBugOut

"Thisissogreat!TravelingwithBlackandWhite,itfeelslikeoldtimes!"Biancasaidwithasmile.

"Itdoesfeelkindofnostalgic,doesn'tit?"Blackchimedin."Justlikebackhome."

"No,it'snot,"Igrumbled,stillupsetandexhaustedafterthelastseriesofeventsIhadbeenthrough.NotevenTiny'snuzzlingupagainstmycheekmademefeelbetter.

BlackandBiancastaredatmeinconfusion,thelatterasking,"Whatdoyoumean,White?"

"Canyounotseesomethingwrongwiththegroupofpeoplehere?"Ispokeflatly,stilllookingahead.

"...Oh!YoumeanCheren!"Theblondesuddenlyexclaimed.

"Oh,right!Well,suckstobehim,"mytwinsaidwithashrug.

"I'mnottalkingaboutwho'smissing!I'mtalkingaboutthefactthatwe'restillhere,lostinaforestwithnoideaofwheretheheckwe'regoing!"

"WemightbeabletofindourwayoutifyouaskaPokémon,"Blacksuggested.

Icasthimawitheringglare."You're...kidding.Afterlastnight,whatmakesyouthinkI'mwillingtotrustanywildPokémontogivemedirections,letalonenotkillme?!"ArustlingsoundinthebushesmademeforgetabouttheissueandinstinctivelytreatBlackandBiancalikehumanshields."Whatwasthat?"Iaskedwarily.

Justthen,Bianca'seyeslitup."Ahhh~!Coulditbeeee~?"Bewhat?Bewhat?!ASewaddlequicklywriggledoutofthebushes.IcontinuedtostareatthebugPokémonwhileBiancastaredatinawe."Eeeee!It'sadorable!Whatisit?"

"It'saSewaddle,"Blackexplained."Theymaketheirownclothesoutofleaves."

"Awww,that'ssocute!"

"...I'mgonnacatchit!"BothBlackandBiancaspokeatthesametime.Theythenlookedateachotherinconfusion."What?"

"Noway,Black!IwannacatchthatadorablelittleSewaddle!"Saidtheblonde.

"Butit'spartGrasstype"it'dbeagreatadditiontomyteam,"saidBlack.

"Guys,wedon'thavetimetoworryaboutcatchingPokémon.Remember?Lostinaforest?Possiblyfortherestofourlives?"Itriedtointerject.

Ofcourse,BlackandBiancaweretooenamoredwiththeSewaddletopayhimanymind.TheybothtookouttheirPokéBallsandreleasedValentineandTepigwiththeintentionofbattlingnoteachother,butthebugPokémoninfrontofthem.TheSewaddle'sbeadyblackeyesfellonValentineanditbegantosweat."Buh...BIIIIRRRRD!"ThebugscreamedbeforeitrandownthepathfarfasterthanwhatIthoughtaBugtypecould.

"Comeback!Let'sgo,Valentine!"Blackexclaimedbeforeheranoff,hisPidoveflyingoutinfrontofhim.

"AfterthatSewaddle,Tepig!"BiancaandherTepigwerethenexttorunoff.

Iremainedinplace,refusingtomove.Eventually,theywouldseehowridiculoustheywereactingoveraSewaddle,ofallthings!Theforestwascrawlingwiththem!Geez,thethoughtmademescaremyself...Icontinuedtowaitforseveralminutes.Eventually,Ibegantoyawn.Ileanedagainstatree,butIsoonwoundupsittingonthegroundandclosingmytiredeyes.

"Mommy?Mommy?Chuuu...?"IcrackedaneyeopenandlookedatTiny,whowaspawingatmyface.

"Mommy'sgonnaresthereyesforalittlewhile,okay?"Iyawnedagainbeforeclosingmyeyesoncemore,readytogettherestIcouldn'tgetlastnight.

X-X-X

Asmallyellowmouse-likecreaturestoodinfrontofmeonitshindlegs,onlyslightlytallerbecauseofitsblack-tippedears."ThisisPikachu.CanyousayPikachu?"

"Choooo..."IcrawledalittleclosertothePikachuandbegantoplaywithitsearsandtailswhileitflinchedeachtime.Inevernoticedhowuncomfortableitwas,though,

becauseIwassointofeelingitsfurandexploringitsshape."Peee...kaaa..."

Eventually,apairoflargerhandstookmyownhandsoffofPikachu."Uh-uh.Begentle.Pikachudoesn'tlikeitwhenyoudothingslikethattoit."

ThePikachustaredatmeinannoyancebeforeiteventuallycalmeddown.Itsuddenlyplaceditspawsonmycheeksandbeganrubbingthem.Iimitateditandstartedtorubitsowncheeks,cooingatthewarmthoftheelectricsacsonitscheeks."Ah...!"Itthengotonallfoursandstartedtowalkaroundme.Everytimeitpassedinfrontofme,Iwouldpetitsbackuntilitfinallyrolledoveronitsback,earstwitching.IrubbeditsstomachforawhilebeforeIstartedhuggingit.

"DoyoulikePikachu?"

"Pee-ka-chooo!"

X-X-X

Iwokeupandstretched.Myshortnapmademefeelenergizedandalotmorecomfortablethanbefore,butmydreamleftmeupset.Igroanedandrestedthebackofmyheadagainstthetreetrunk."Idon'twannathinkaboutthosetwo,sowhyamI...?"Ithennoticedthatsomethingwaswrong.Tinywasn'tanywhereinmysight."Tiny?!"ThePichuthencameoutfrombehindthetree,holdingaberryheprobablypickedupfromtheground.Ifeltrelief...untilIrealizedthatwewerealone.Igotupandlookedinthedirectionthattheothershadrunoffin."Theyreallyleftmebehind,huh?Thosejerks...!"IlookeddownatTiny,whocontinuedeatinghisberry."Guesswehavetogofindthem."

X-X-X

WestartedwalkingforseveralminutesbeforeIstoppedtotakeoffmyhatandfanmyself."Geez,howfardidtheyrun?It'sbeenminutesandIhaven'tcaughtuptothemyet!"Islumpedoverwithasigh.TimeslikethismademewishIhadanXtransceiver"oranysortofmeansofcommunication.

"Heeeelp!"Avoiceshoutedout."Helpmeeeee!"Ilookedaroundinapanic,notsurewherethevoicewascomingfromuntilIlookedup.AbovemyheadonatreebranchwasapairofPokémon.OnewasaPidovethatwasabitbiggerthanBlack's.Theotherwasthesourceofthepathetic-soundingvoice:asmallred,bugPokémonthatwastiedtothebranchwithwhatlookedlikestring.Itsyelloweyeswerewidewithfearandtheantennaeonitsheadandtailweretwitchingwildly.

IpulledoutmyPokédextocheckinfoonit."Venipede,theCentipedePokémon.

Bug/Poisontype.Itdiscoverswhatisgoingonarounditbyusingthefeelersonitsheadandtail.ItsbiteinjectsapotentpoisonthatcanparalyzelargebirdPokémonthattrytopreyonit."Igulped."APuh...Poisontype?"PoisontypesweresomeofthemostdangerousofPokémontoahumanbeing!Withsome,allittakesisapokeorascratchtosendsomeonetothehospital!"

"Heeeeelp!"TheVenipedecontinuedcryingout,strugglingagainstthestringinvain.

"Mommy!"Tinycriedout,wavinghispawsfrantically."Friend!Helpfriend!"

"What?!No,Mommywon'tdothat!It'sapoisonouscreature,Tiny!AndaVenipedeatthat!Iheardthey'requiteaggressive!"AlthoughthewaythisparticularVenipedewassobbingashewasbeingpeckedatbythePidovemadeitseemasharmfulasaMagikarp."Thisisthecycleoflife.Birdseatbugs"PokémoneatotherPokémon.Wecan'tchangethat,gruesomeasitseems."ItriedtoignoretheVenipede'ssobbing."Besides,ifwestopthis,we'dbestarvingthatPidove."

"Oh,spareme,Mr.Pidove!Idon'twanttobeeaten!"TheVenipedepleadedwiththeTranquill,havinggivenupandescapingofitsownpower.

"You'reinnopositiontobeaskingforpardons,"thePidovesaid,rufflingitsfeathersabit.

"Won'tyouhavemercyonapoorlittlebuglikeme?"ThebugPokémonsobbed.

"WhyshouldIhavemercyonaVenipede?Besides,I'venevertastedoneofyouguysbefore.AndthisistheeasiestmealI'veevercaught!"

"Mommy...!"IlookeddownatTiny,whowasstaringupatmewithlarge,tearyeyes.

Well...NowIfeelliketrashjustforwantingtoletnaturerunitscourse."Alright,alright!We'llhelpthepoisonousandlife-threateningPokémon!"Iexclaimed."Tiny,"IpointedupatthePidove."UseThunderShockonthatPidove!"

"Ch-ch-ch-CHUUUUUUU!"ThePichuunleashedaboltoflightningtowardsthePidove.Itgaveasquawkofpainbeforeitfelloffthebranchandlandedonthegroundbeforeus.ItookafewstepsbackasthebirdPokémongotonitsfeet,itsfeathersliterallyandfigurativelyruffledafterbeingattacked.ItreactedbyflappingitswingsandunleashingagustofwindstrongenoughtoknockTinydownontohisback.

"UseThunderWavetostopit!"Icalledoutoverthewind.Tinygotonallfoursandrearedhisback.Electricitycrackledaroundhimbeforeitfiredoutandensnaredthe

Pidove,paralyzingitandstoppingitfromcreatinganymorewind."NowuseanotherThunderShock!"AnotherboltoflightninghitthePidoveandcausedittoslumpontheground.

"Ugh...!F-forgetit!Venipedearen'tworththissortoftrouble...!"ThePidovecomplainedbeforeitranoffintothebushes,tooinjuredtofly.

"Well,thatwasabattle,"IsaidwithasighedasIbentdowntolookatTiny."Youokay?Hmm...Alittlemussedup,butnothingtoobad.Youaresotroublesome,y'knowthat?ThatPidovecould'vepeckedthefleshfrommybonesorsomething..."ThePichuignoredmymoodandchirpedhappilyoverhisvictory.

"Excuseme?"IlookedupattheVenipede,stilltiedtothebranchoverhead."Um...Ifyoudon'tmind,couldyoupleasegetmedown?"

Igulped,stillwaryabouthelpingaPokémonlikethat."Um...Okay!"Ishouteduptoitbeforequicklymuttering,"ToobadIhavenoideahowtodothat...Ihaven'tclimbedatreeinages..."IlookeddownatTiny."Couldyouclimbupthere?"

Tinycockedhisheadtothesideandgavemealookofconfusionbeforeheranuptothetree.Herearinghisback,hejumpedontothetreeandbegantoclimbwithnimblenessIdidn'treallyexpectofababyPokémon.WhenhemadehiswayacrossthebranchtotheVenipede,hebeganchewingthroughthestring.Eventually,thestringslackenedandtheVenipedefelloff,landingonitsbackontheground."Yaaaay!Tinyhelp!"ThePichuclappedandcheeredwhilethesemi-consciousVenipedemoaned.Istaredwithwideeyesatthescenebeforeme.

X-X-X

Ashortwhileafterbeingsprayedwithsomepotion,theVenipedewasfullyconsciousandtwitchinghisfeelers."Um...thankyousomuchforsavingme,MissHuman!"

"You'rewelcome."Iwasstillwaryenoughtostayseveralinchesawayfromthepoisonouscritter,andtomyrelief,itdidn'tnoticewhatIwasdoing."So,uh...how'dyougetstuckupthere?BirdPokémoncan'tmakestringtotiepeopleup...canthey?"Sweetgodsupabove,Ihopenot.

"Oh,myfriendswerejustplayingagamewithme!"Whatsortofgameinvolvestyingpeopleup?!"Speakingofwhich,Ihavetogohomenow.Bye!"AndthentheVenipedebegantocrawlawayfromme.

"Uh,yeah.Bye....Phew!"IgaveabreathofreliefasIcroucheddown,myheartracingafterthatencounter.Thingscould'veturnedoutdifferently...inabadendsort

ofway.

"Aren'twegoingtogowithhim?"Ilookedupatthesoundofafamiliarvoice.IjumpedatthesightofPanacea,EveandShionstandinginfrontofme.

"Whatthe"!Whyareyouguysouthere?Ididn'tcallyou!"

"Youcan'tblameusforbeingworriedafterhearingcrysomuchlastnight,"saidPanacea,placingherpawstogether."Italwaysseemsasifyou'regettingintotrouble,MissWhite."

"Idonot!"

"Whydidn'tyoutrytocatchthatVenipede?"Shionquestioned."Ithadtohavebeenweakfromwhatithadbeenthrough."

"Thatwould'vebeenwrong!"NotthatIcareaboutthingslikehonorinawildPokémonbattle,butit'dbeunfairtocatchitafteritwasalmosteatenbyaPidove.

"Thatguycouldgetattackedagain!"Evespokeup."Imean...he'saharmlesslittlebuggie!Hecouldgetpickedoffbyanotherbird!Orworse...!"Iglaredhalf-heartedlyattheEevee.EvewasstartingtoremindmeofBlack:shelikedgettingmeintopredicaments.Andevenworse,justlikehim...shemanagedtoconvinceme.I'mapushovertohumanandPokémonalike.

"Hey,Venipede!"IcalledoutasIstoodup.ThebugPokémonstoppedinitstracksandturnedaroundtofaceme."Why...don'twefollowyouhome?"

TheVenipede'santennaetwitched."Why...?"

"D-don'tgetupset!"Isuddenlyexclaimedinahigh-pitchedvoice,notwantingtomakeitangry."Wejust...wannamakesureyoudon'tgetattackedbyanotherbirdPokémon!Really..."

TheVenipedestaredatusinsilence."Idunno...MamasaysthathumanswilltrytocatchmeandtakemeawayfromtheforestforeverifI'mnotcareful."Yourmamamust'vebeentalkingtoN.

"I-Iwon'tdothat!Really!IfIdid,thenIwould'vecaughtyouwhileyouwerestilltiedup!Wejust...wannamakesureyougethomesafe."

"Uhhh...Okay!Followme!"TheVenipedeexclaimedbeforeitturnedaroundandresumedcrawlingaway,thefiveofusfollowingfrombehind.Andwewereprobably

movingevenfurtherawayfromBlackandBianca.Great...

X-X-X

Wewerestillwalkingminuteslater.Itwaslatemorningand,surprisingly,severalPidoveandTranquillhadtriedtoeatVenipede.Afterawhile,theystoppedattacking.MaybewordgotaroundfastaboutTinyshockinganythingthatcameclosetoeatingthepoisonouscritter.

"Howmuchfartherisitfromwhereyoulive?"Iasked.

"Nottoofar,humanlady."

"CallmeWhite."NosoonerhadIsaidthatdidIfeeltheforceofsomethingtacklingintome.Ifelloverwithacryandfeltsomethingheavyontopofme.Iturnedmyheadtolookupattheculprit.Atall,human-sizedPokémonwitharoundyellowhead,mostofitsbodydressedinwhatseemedtobeleaves,andlongsharpclawsthatresembledhalf-eatenleaves.ThePokémonglareddownatmedarklyandraiseditsclaws.Naturally,myreactionwastoscream."AAAAAAAHHHH!"

Theleaf-coveredPokémonwasattackedbyasprayofwaterandaboltofelectricityfrombehind.BothseemedtodonothingbutannoythePokémonasitturneditsheadtoglareatthePichuandOshawott.Itretaliatedbyspittingoutsomewhitegunkatthem,whichensnaredtheminaninstantcocoonthatonlytheirheadspokedoutof.EvegrowledbeforesheleaptforwardandbegantobitethetallerPokémonononeofitsarmswhilePanaceabeganslappingitonitsback.TheyellowPokémonmanagedtoshakeoffEveandPanaceaaswellbeforeturningitsattentionbacktome.Ihonestlycouldn'tdoanythingbutstare,mybodyunresponsivetothementaldemandstocryout,faintandhopethatthiswasalljustanightmare.

"Mama,stoooop!Don'thurtmyfriends!"TheVenipedecriedout.

IcriedoutasthePokémonstabbedoneofitssharpclawsdownward.Iclosedmyeyes,hopingforapeacefuladeathasIcouldget.WhenIdidn'tfeelanystingingpain"oranything,forthatmatter"Iopenedaneye.ThePokémon'ssharpclawhadbeenstabbedinthegroundnexttomyhead,makingcracksintheground.ItlookedattheVenipedeandspoke,itsvoicesoundinglikeagrownwoman's,"Yourfriend?"

"Shesavedmefromabird!She'snice,Mama!"

"Really?Oh..."ThePokémonlookeddownatmewhileIwasstillquakinginfear.Afterafewseconds,itgavealiltinglaugh."Oh-ho-homy!I'msosorry!Pleaseforgiveme!"Motherlyinstinctkickedinatthetime."Itthengotoffofmeandpranced

overtotheVenipede,pickedhimupandbegansmotheringhimwithkisses.

IsatupandstaredinshockasmyPokémoncamearoundme"inTinyandShion'scase,theycrawledtowardsme.Panaceabeganlookingmeover,tryingtofindsomethingwrong,butsmiledwhensherealizedIwasokay"physicallyspeaking.TheAudinobeganstrokingmyhair."There,there,MissWhite.It'sokay.Shewasbeingdefensiveisall..."

"How...rude!Attackingusoutoftheblueandthenbrushingitofflikethat!"Shiongruntedassherolledover,tryingtobreakfreeofthecocoonshewasin.

"Mommyyyy!"Tinywhined.

Panaceaheldapawtohercheek."Motherscantrulybefrighteningwhenitcomestotheiroffspring.Although...theydon'tlooktoomuchalike."

"Maybethat'shisevolution!"TheEeveechirpedup.

"R-really?!Suchachange...Hedoesn'tevenhaveleaves!"TheOshawottgasped.

"Lookitup,White!Lookitupinyourdex-thingie!"

AtthePokémon'sinsistence,ItookoutthePokédexandscannedthetallPokémon,whowasnowhuggingherson."Leavanny,theNurturingPokémon.Bug/Grasstype.ThefinalformofSewaddle.WhenitseesasmallPokémon,itweavesclothingforitfromleaves,usingthecuttersonitsarmsandsilkitmakesfromitsStringShot."

"I...Iwasbeatenbysomeonewhoseskillismakingclothes..."Shiongaveasighofdiscontentandrolledalongtheground,lookingdiscouraged.

"ASewaddleisoneofthosebugscoveredinleaves,isn'tit?"Eveasked."ThatkindalookslikeaLeavanny,butVenipede...doesn't."

IcheckedthePokédexagain."VenipedeisatotallydifferentspeciesofPokémonfromSewaddle."I'mnoexpertonPokémongeneticsandwhatnot,butafemalePokémoncanonlymakePokémonoftheirownkind.IloweredthePokédexandjumpedwhenIrealizedthattheLeavannywasnowstaringatme,itskindexpressiondoingnothingtomakemelesswaryafterwhathappened.Luckily,itturneditsattentionbackontheVenipedeinher.

"Howonearthwereyouevencaughtbyabird?Weren'tyousupposedtobewithyour...otherfriends?"

"Um...W-wegotseparated."Iarchedaneyebrow.Hesaiditwashisfriendsthattiedhimupinthefirstplace.

"Andwhathappenedtoyournicenewclothes?"

"Abirdpeckedthemoff."

"Oh,well...I'llhavetomakeyousomebrandnewones!Comeon!Let'sgohome!"Hismotherspokecheerfullybeforejumpingintothetreesanddisappearinglikesomeleafyninja.

"Hey!Shedidn'teventhankus!"Evecomplained.

"Itwasabitrude,but...No.Ican'tthinkofanyreasonwhyshecouldn'tthankus.Oratleastapologize,"Panaceasaidwithapout."Thenagain,shedoesn'tknowthatMissWhitecanunderstandher,sosheprobablythoughtjustgoingawaywasnice."

"Whocares?I'mgladVenipede'sbackwithhismomandI'mhappyshejustdidn'tkillme,"IsaidasIgottomyfeet."C'mon,let'sgoandfindBlackandBianca."

X-X-X

BlackandBiancajusthadtorunoffafterthatstupidSewaddle.Becauseoftheireagernesstocatchthatstupidbug,Iwaswithouthumancompanions,lostinabigforestfilledwithallsortsofdangerouskillerPokémonlurkinginwait,anxioustotearmeinhalf...andmyPokémonweretreatingthislikeitwasanaturewalk.

"AndthisisaRawstberry.Thelongerandcurliertheleavesare,themorebitterittastes,"Panaceaexplainedassheheldupabluish-greenberrythatresembledastrawberry."Youusethesetohealburns.Theflowerstheirbushesmakeuponbloomingarealsoquitelovely."

"Raaawssst,"Tinydrawledhispronunciation.

"Isee.That'sgoodtoknowjustincaseofanaccident,"Shionsaidwithanod.

"CanIeatit?"Eveasked.

"Youcaneatitoryoucanusethejuicetosoakthewoundin,"saidPanacea.

"No,ImeancanIeatthatberry?Like,rightnow?"TheEeveeaskedwithlarge,pleadingeyes.

Itdidn'tworkontheAudino,though,whofrowned."No.You'llonlyspititoutlikeall

theotherberriesI'vegivenyou."

"IpromiseI'llswallowit!"

"Itisn'tripeyet,anyway.Bettertoplantitsoitmakesmoreforthelocalwildlife."PanaceabentoverandbegantoburytheRawstberryinthedirtwhileEvewhinedpitifully.

"I'mgladyouguysareenjoyingthislittleexcursion.BecauseI'mnot,"Ispokeflatly,finallydrawingmyPokémon'sattention."It'salmostnoon!AndforallIknow,BlackandBiancaareinthebellyofsomeferociousPokémon!"Iexclaimed.Myraisedvoiceseemedtocausesomethingtorustlenearby,whichmademeflinch.IfeltmyeyesbegantowaterasIslumpedover."Ijustwannagetoutofhereandnevergointoanotherforesteveragain!"Morerustlingnoisesmademespinaroundtolookatthesource,secondsbeforeapinkblurknockedmeoverandbeganrunaroundincirclesbeforeme.

"AAAAAAHHHH!Getitoff,getitoff,GETITOFF!"Theblurcriedbeforeitranheadfirstintoatree.Theblur,nowunconscious,sliddown.ItturnedouttobeaDeerlingwithapinkandyellowcoat.

"WhatkindofPokémonisthis?"Eveaskedassheandtheotherscircledaroundit.

"It'saDeerling,"Shionstated."Itlooksweird,though.Itsfurisallpink!"

"DeerlingareNormal/GrasstypePokémon,"Ibegan,"whosefurchangesatthebeginningofeveryseason.Thisone'sgotaspringcoatrightnow."

"Isee..."TheOshawottlookedbackatme."Youshouldcatchit,White!"

"Wh-what?!"

"It'salreadyunconscious!AndwhileI'dratherafight,thisistechnicallyfairgame,isn'tit?"

"Yeah,catchit!"Eveexclaimed.

"Catch!Catch!"Tinyparrotedashethrewhispawsupintotheair.

Panaceagavethethreeofthemadisapprovingstarethatmadethemstartsweating."Whereareyourmanners?!Thispoorthinghurtitself!"

Iwasn'treallylookingatthefourPokémonasIstaredattheunconsciousDeerling."What'sthatonitsback?"Itlookedlike...aVenipede."Itcouldn'tbe...No.Could

it...?"

TheVenipedestirredandlookedrightatme."Oh!It'sthenicehumanladyagain!Hello!"Iresistedtheurgetoslapmyselfintheface."Um...Couldyoupleasehelpmeout?"

X-X-X

ThesameVenipedefrombefore.ItwasthesameVenipedestandinginfrontofus.HelookedrathercheerfulforsomeonewhohadbeenhitchingarideonanupsetDeerling."Thankyousomuchforsavingmeagain,misshumanlady!"

"ItoldyouthatmynameisWhite.Now,whatwereyoudoingharassingthatDeerling?Assoonaswegotyouoff,itranaway."

"Idunno.OnesecondIwaswithmyfriends,andthenext,IwokeupontopofaDeerling."Hisfriends,huh?Whereweretheywhenheneededhelp,anyway?"Anyway,I'llbegoinghomenow."Hestartedturningaroundtoleavethroughthebushes.

"W-wait!Don'tyouwantustocomewithyou?"Iasked,feelingmoreconcernedforawildPokémonthanIreallyshould've.Imean,theguy'shadtwoincidentswithotherPokémoninoneday.NowIknowwhatBianca'sfatherfeelslikewhensheactsparticularlyklutzy.

Justlikelasttime,Venipedebrightenedup."Okay!Mamasaysweshouldnevergothroughtheforestalone,incasewegetattacked.That'swhyIalwaysgosomewherewithmyfriends."

"Yeah.Yourfriends.So...whatexactlydoyoudowithyourfriends?"Iaskedaswewalkedthroughthebushes.WerehisfriendstheoneswhotiedhimtoabranchandanotherPokémon'shead?Ifso,thenwhatjerks!AndpeoplekeepsayingtherearenobadPokémon...

"We...w-we...um..."Venipedestuttered,likehewasstrugglingtocomeupwithsomething.Iwasn'ttheonlyonewhowasstaringathiminconfusion.

"Ooh,doyouplaygames?"Evespokeup,savingtheVenipedefrombeingputonthespot."Doyouplaytag?"

"What'stag?"Venipedeasked,soundingmildlyinterested.

TheEeveegaveanoverlydramaticgasp."You'veneverplayedtagbefore?!"She

sooncalmeddownandstartedtoexplain,"Ifyou're'It',youhavetochaseafterusuntilyoutouchoneofus.Theoneyoutouchis'It'andhastotouchsomebodyelsetonotbe'It'!Gotit?"

"Um...No."

"Good!You'reit!"Eveexclaimed,notreallylisteningtoVenipedeassheranoffgiggling.

"It!It!"TinychantedasheranafterEve.

"Pfft!Howchildish!"Shionsaidwithafrown.Afterafewseconds,shelookedatVenipede,andthenranoff.

"Seriously?!Firstmyfriendsabandonme,nowmyownPokémon?!"Ishouted.Igaveasighofannoyance."Thismustbewhatmotherhoodislikeforallspecies..."IsuddenlyfeltsomethingtappingmybootandlookeddowntoseeVenipedelightlytouchingmewithhisfeelers.

"You'reit!Hee-hee-hee!"ThebugPokémonlaughedasheranoffinthesamedirectionastheothers.Panaceafollowedbehindhimwithoutaword.

"ButIdon'twannaplay"!Oh,fine!"ImutteredasIpickedupthepaceandjoggedafterthegroupofPokémon."Nowisn'tthetimetoplaygames!IfIwinduprunningintosomethingdangerouswhiledoingthis,it'llbeyourfault!"Eventually,Icaughtup.Itwasn'tanaccomplishment,though,becausetheyweren'tevenmoving.ItlookedliketheyhadbeenstoppedbyagroupofthreePokémon.TwoSewaddlesandaPokémonIdidn'treallyrecognize.Itwasbig,roundandyellow,wrappedupinablanketofleavesinawaythatmadeitlooklikeoneofthoseagoraphobesonTV.ThePokédexidentifieditasaSwadloon,Sewaddle'sevolvedform.

"OW!Watchit,you...Oh,it'syou,"theSwadloonmutteredasitsfrownbecamemorepronouncedsomehow.

"Hey,guys!ThesearesomenewfriendsImettoday,"Venipedetoldtheotherbugscheerfully,notnoticingthelooksofexasperationtheyweregivinghim.

"Congratulations!You'vemetsomeguyswholookasweirdasyouare."

"Yeah~!"TheSewaddleaddedinatauntingtone.

"Whoareyoucalling'weird'?!I'mnormalintypeandappearance!"Evegrowledassheswipedherpawsintheair,tryingtothreatenthebugs.

"I'veneverseenanythingasweirdasthethreeofyou,"theSwadloonadded.Evestartedtogrowandinresponse,thebugspatsomewhitegunkinherface.

"AAAHHH!Help!Help!Ican'tsee!"Shewhimperedasshetriedtotakeitoffherself.TheSwadloonandSewaddlestartedlaughingasTinytriedtohelphertakeitoff,onlytogethispawsstuck.ShionsprayedsomewaterattheEevee'sface,soakingherandTinywhilewashingawaythegunkatthesametime.ThisjustmadethebugPokémonlaughevenharder.

"Oh,man!Youweirdoesaresofunny!"TheSwadlooncontinuedlaughing.

Eventually,Iwasannoyedenoughtonotbeafraidofthem."Ugh,willyouknockitoffalready?!You'retickingmeoff!"Ishouted,stompingmyfootinirritation.TheSwadloonandSewaddlesstaredupatmewithwideeyes.

"HUMAN!"Theyallscreamedbeforetheyspatsomegunkatmyface,blinding."Let'sgetouttahere!"IheardthemscreamingasIfelloverinmyattemptstotakethegunkoffofmyface.Afterawhile,Iwasabletogetitalloff.Isatupandsawthattheleaf-coveredjerksweregoneaswell,andsowasVenipede.

Tinyjumpedontomyshoulderandrubbedhischeekagainstmine."Mommyokay?"

"Mm-hm.AlthoughI'mkindaworriedaboutVenipede.Where'dhego?"Iasked.IreallywastooworriedoversomewildPokémon.

"Hewentoffwiththosejerkshecalledhisfriends,"Evesaidwithafrown.

"Theycan'tpossiblybehisfriends...canthey?"Shionasked."Hedoesn'texactlyseemlikethem."

Panaceajuststaredatme.Hersadeyesandthelittlepoutsheworemademesigh.IhadafeelingshewasthinkingthesamethingIwas."...Can'tjustleavehimalonewithguyslikethat..."ImutteredtomyselfasIgotonmyfeet.Withasigh,Iadjustedmycap."Let'sgofindhim.Ifhe'salonewiththoseguys,hemightwindupgettingstucktosomethingelse."

X-X-X

Afterseveralminutesspentsearchingthroughthebushes,wesawVenipedeandhis'friends'uponatreebranch.

"Um...Wh-whatyoudidbackthere...wasn'tnice.Youshouldgoapologize,orthey'llstaymadatyou.Please?"Venipedeaskedmeekly.

"WhyshouldI,wimpy?"TheSwadloonasked.

"Yeah~?"TheSewaddleschorused.

"Because...they'remyfriends?Andifyoudo,wecanallbefriends?"

TheSwadloonstifledalaughonlyoncebeforeitburstoutlaughing,"Hahaha!Friends?!Asif!"TheSwadloonexclaimed."Likeanyonewouldwannabefriendswithsomeoneasweirdasyou."

"Yeah~!"TheSewaddleschorused.

TheSwadloonsuddenlytackledVenipedehardenoughtomakehimlosehisbalanceandfalloff.Hecurledupintoaballandlandedinfrontofus.Theleaf-coveredbugscontinuedlaughingwhiletheVenipedecurledupintoaball.Atthatpoint,mybloodstartedtoboil.AnysortoffearIshould'vehadwasoverwhelmedbyanger.Iraisedmylegandkickedmyfootagainstthetreetrunkoutoffrustration."HEY!"ThebugPokémonlookeddownatme,butthistimetheireyesreflectedannoyanceinsteadoffear.Theyspatoutsomemoreofthatstickygunkdownatme,buttheymissed."Justbecauseyoudon'tlikehimdoesn'tmeanyoucanjustshovehimofflikethat!Hecouldgethurt!"

"Whocares?"TheSwadloonasked.

"Youshouldcare!There'snotlikingsomeoneandthere'sjust...beingabully!"Panaceasaidasshewaggedafingeratthetrio."Youshouldallbeashamedofyourself!"

"Mommy?"IlookeddownatTinyandEve,whowerepokingVenipede'sunmovingbody.

"He'snotmoving,White.Ishe...y'know?"TheEeveewhimpered.

Igulped."Dead?"Idon'tknowwhyIfeltsocoldatthatmoment.Pokémondiedallthetimeinthewhile,but...Hedidn'tdoanythingtodeservewhathappenedtohim.Allhewantedwastomakefriends.

Tiny'searstwitchedandhesuddenlysatupstraight.HeloweredhisheaddowntoVenipede'scurledupbodyandblinkedbeforeraisinghishead."Friendsad?"

"Huh?"

"Friendsad,"Tinysaidwithapout.

PanacealeaneddownandplacedoneofherfeelersagainstthecurledupbugPokémon."Itsoundslikehe'scrying,MissWhite."

Iarchedaneyebrowand,againstmybetterjudgment,pickeduptheVenipede'scurledupformandheldhimuptomyear.Itwasmuffled,butIcouldhearhimcrying.Atleasthewasn'tdead,thankgoodness."Venipede?Areyouokay?You'renothurtoranything,areyou?"AllIheardweremufflesIcouldbarelyhear."What?"

"I'llnevermakefriends...Nobodylikesme...Imayaswell...staylikethisfortherest...ofmylife...!"Hecontinuedcrying.

"H-heynow!That'snottrue!Ilikeyou!Wealllikeyou!We'reyourfriends!"

"Butyou'renotbugs!Just...ahumanand...someotherweirdthings...!"

"So?Friendsdon'thavetobeexactlylikeyou.WemaynotbebugPokémon,butwe'renicertoyouthanthosejerksyoukeeptryingtobefriendlywith."

"But...Iwanttobe...likeeveryoneelse..."

Isighedandbittheinsideofmycheek."Noteveryoneinthisworldwillwanttobeyourfriend.Somepeoplewon'tlikeyoubecauseyou'redifferentfromhowtheythinkyoushouldbe.Theymayevenpickonyouforit.Buttherearepeoplerightherewholikeyoujustthewayyouare."

Thecryingstopped."Youreallywanttobemyfriends?"

"Ofcourse!Right,guys?"

"Yeah!"EveandShionexclaimed.

"Friends!Friends~!"Tinysang,hoppinginplace.

Venipedesuddenlyuncurledandcrawledalongmyarm.Ifrozeandresistedtheurgetoscreamasheclimbedupmyarmexcitedly."Really?"

"Uh-huh...C-couldyoupleasegetoffofmyarm?I'm...ticklish,"Ilied.

"Oh,brother.Whatabunchofwussies!"TheSwadloongroanedfromonthebranchwiththeSewaddles.Inseconds,theywereallpushedoffofthebranchbytheblastofaWaterGunattackandlandedinthebushes.

IlookeddownatShion,wholookedunashamed."Theydeservedthat.Everyonehereagrees,right?"

IshiftedmygazefromtheOshawotttotheVenipede."Let'sgetyoubacktoyourmom,okay?"

X-X-X

AfterwewentbacktotheLeavanny,Itoldheraboutwhathadhappened.Allthewhile,shelookedonthebrinkoftears."Awww...Mypoorbaby...!"Shecried,rubbingherclawsagainsteachother."Butyourealizeyournewfriendscan'tstayhereforever,doyou?"

Venipede'sfeelerstwitched."Whatdoyoumean?"

"HumansandthePokémonwhotravelwiththemarealwayspassingby.Theyneverstay.Eventually,they'regoingtoleave."

Venipede'seyesbegantowater."But...but...they'remyfriends!Theyhavetostay!"

"Youcan'tforcethemtostayiftheydon'twantto.But...ifyouwantto...youcouldgowiththem,"hismotherspokesadly.

"Huh?"

"It'slike...ariteofpassage.Challengethehumantocombat,andifshedefeatsyou,shehastherighttoputyouintooneofthoselittleballthingiesthattheycarryaround.Thusishowrelationshipsbetweenallspeciesarefostered...orsoI'vebeentold."

Iarchedaneyebrow."Wait,wait,wait.YouwantmetohaveaPokémonbattlewithVenipedeandcatchhim?"Itallsoundedtoogoodtobetrue."Iwouldthinkyou...wouldn'twanthimtoleave."

"Let'sfaceit:eventhoughI'veraisedhimtobeagoodlittlebuggy,thosewhoaren'tafraidofhimatfirstglancepickonhim.Hecan'tbehappyhere.ButasmuchasIlovehim,Iknowmysweet,preciouslittlebabycouldneversurviveoutsideoftheforestonhisown!"TheLeavannyexplained."That'swhereyoucomein!Seehowusefulyouare?"

"But...but...Idon'twannaharmmynewfriends!"Venipedecried.

"Sometimeswehavetoharmtheoneswelove,darling,"hismothertoldhim."Besides,it'snotlikeyou'regoingtokillthem...Ihope."Whydidshesaythat?Shedidn'thavetosaythat!"NowgooutthereanddefendyourselflikeMamataughtyou!"

"Okay..."

IbackedawayfromVenipedesowe'dhaveenoughspacetofight.IlookeddownatmyPokémon.NoneofthePokémonIhadwereparticularlyeffectiveagainstVenipedetype-wise,so..."Eve,you'reup!"

"Yay!"EvebouncedforwardbeforesettlingdowninfrontofVenipede.

Venipedediditsbesttoimitateagrowlbeforechargingforward."Alright!Let'sgetthingsstartedwithTailWhip!"

"Hmhmhm~!"TheEeveeturnedaroundandbegantoshakehertailinarhythmicfashion.Eventually,Venipedestoppedrunningandstareatthetailinfascination.

"NowuseTackle!"EveturnedaroundandchargedtheVenipede,strikinghimwithherhead.Itmust'vehitatenderspotbecauseitwasabletosendVenipedeflyingback,andhelandedonhisback."Onceagain,tacklehim!"SheloweredherheadagainandstartedtochargejustasVenipedecurledupintoaball.HisbodyshoneassoonasEve'sheadhititandsentherflyingback.ThenherolledtowardsherquicklyandknockedEvedownjustasshewasstartingtogetbackonherfeet.

"Hehitme!Ithoughthewastoowimpytofightback!"TheEeveecomplainedasVenipedeuncurledandbegantobounceinplace.

"CounterwithQuickAttack!"

Evesuddenlydartedforwardquickly,onlyvisibleasalightbrownblur,andstruckVenipedeheadfirstbeforehecouldcurlupagain.HelandedonhisbackoncemoreandcurledupagainbeforerollingtowardsEveagain.

"DodgewithQuickAttack!"

TheEeveeonceagaindashedforward,jumpingovertherollingVenipedeandlandingonherfeetrunning.ShedidaU-turnandranintotheVenipedeheadfirstfrombehind,sendinghimflyingpastmyheadandintoatree.Hefelltothegroundanduncurled,dazedandpartiallyconscious.IreachedintomybagandpulledoutanemptyPokéBall.IthrewitatVenipede,andinaflashoflight,itopenedupandtookhiminside.Afterafewsecondsofshaking,theballstoppedandclicked.Iranuptotheballandpickeditup,releasingVenipede.

"Youokay?"Iaskedhim,feelingabadabouthavingtoberoughwithhim.

"Ifeel...dizzy..."Leavannysuddenlypickedhimupfrombehindandstarted

smotheringhimwithbutterflykissesoncemore."DidIdogood,Mama?"

"Mwah!Wonderful!Mwah!Excellent!Mylittleboyisreadytogoouttherewithouthismama.It'salittlesaddening,butit'sforthebetter."Shegavehimoncelastkissbeforesettinghimbackontheground."Havefun,dear!"Itwasamazinghowshemadeitsoundlikehersonwasgoingonalittleget-togetherwithfriendsandnotleavinghomeforever.

"Youmustbetired.Whydon'tyoutakearestinhere?"IsuggestedbeforereturninghimintohisPokéBall.Islippeditbackintothebagandpulledouttheothers'balls.HowIknewwhichballbelongedtowho,Ihavenoidea.Ijustmightbegettingbetteratthis.IrecalledShionandPanacea,leavingonlyEve."You,too.Youworkedhard,sorestup."

"ButI'mnottired!"Shelied.Shewasobviouslylyingbecauseshelookedunsteadyonherfeet.

"Nocomplaining!Nowit'stimetorest,"IsaidasIreturnedthepoutingEeveeintoherballandslippeditbackintomybag."I'lltrymybesttotakecareofVenipede,ma'am,"Itriedtoassureher.

"Youhadbetter.OrelseI'llfindyou!"Leavannythreatenedme.Ifeltfeargripme,butitwasn'ttheusualfearlinkedtodangerousPokémon.Itwasthefearofincurringthewrathofanupsetmother.

"Uh...D-d-don'tworry!Yourson'ssafewithm-me!"IstutteredwithanervoussmileasIslowlybackedaway.ThenIfinallylostmycoolandranoffwhilesputtering,"Okay!Bye!"withTinyholdingontomyvestfordearlife.

X-X-X

Severalminuteslater,afterIfeltlikeIwassafefromLeavanny'swrath,Ibentovertryingtocatchmybreath.Tinypattedmycheektogetmyattention."Okay?"

"Okay..."Ipanted."Well,forallthetroublewe'vewentthrough,we'vegotanewfriend,right?"

"Friend!"ThePichuexclaimedwithanod.

"Ontheotherhand...westilldon'tknowwherethehecktheothersare...Infact,we'reprobablyfar,farawayfromwherevertheyare..."Islumpedoverandsighed."Ugh...Ijustwannagetoutofthisforest...!"

X-X-X

ReviewforthesakeofBluandPichu!

Chapter12

Updatingearlierthanusualbecause,tomy(unfortunate)surprise,I'mgoingawaynextweektovisitrelativesforheavenknowshowlong.SoI'mjustgonnapostthischapter,wishallofyouhappyholidaysandremindyouthatifyoucan'treviewviathenormalway(becauseofmystupiddecision)youcanalwaysPMareview,ifyouwant.Orjustread.

Disclaimer:Idon'townthePokémonseries.Ionlyownthisfanfiction.

X-X-X

~#640:TheHuntforVirizion~

Forestsarenotsafeplacestobe.WildPokémonwanderedabout"alldangerousintheirownway.MotherNaturecould,atanymoment,decideyourlifewasworthtakinginafreakaccident.OnaslightlylowerscaleofannoyanceweretrainerswhowerecrazyenoughtogointooneforthepurposeoftrainingPokémonandchallengingtrainers.Iwasenduringallofthesepotentialthreatsinordertofindmyfriends.Wasn'tIanicefriend?

"Venipede,noooo!"Criedthecap-wearingyoungsterIhadbeenchallengedby.WhenIhadtriedtoaskhimaboutwhetherhesawBlackandBianca,heassumedIwantedtobattlebeforeIevengotawordout.HeonlyhadtwoPokémon,though,tomyrelief:aPidovewhowaseasilyknockedoutbyTiny,andaVenipedewhohadnowbeenknockedoutbymyownVenipede.TheboylookedsadashereturnedhisunconsciousPokémontoitsball."Wow,yourPokémonarereallystrongiftheycouldholdoutagainstmyPokémon'sstrongestattacks!"

"Wow,really?ImustbestrongerthanIthought!"MyownVenipedesaid,soundingcheerful.

"Uh,yeah..."Ormaybeyoushouldn'thavetoldthemtouseattacksthatweren'tveryeffectiveagainsttheirtypes.Seriously,thekidkeptusingPoisonStingsomanytimes,Iwonderedifmaybehejustlikedthemovealot."Now,didyouseeaguyinbluewearingaredandwhitecap?Orablondegirlinorangewithagreenhat?"

Theboypuckereduphislipsinthoughtbeforehestartedsmiling."Oh!IthinkIsawthatgirl."Hepointedoverhisshoulder."ShewasaskingifI'dseenVirizionintheforestbefore.Weird,huh?ShetalkedaboutitlikeitwasaPidoveorsomething!"Theboythenwalkedoff,IassumedtogohealhisPokémon.

"Virizion?Isthatoneofyourhumanfriends?"Venipedeasked,feelerstwitchingupward.

"Huh?No,that'salegendaryPokémon!Howcouldyounotknowaboutthat?"

Venipede'sfeelersdroopedandIimmediatelyfeltbad."S-sorryfornotknowing..."

"It'sokay...It'snotlikeyouwouldknowabouthumanmythsandlegends.AndVirizionislikethesortofthingyou'dfindinafairytale."

"What'safairy?AndwhywouldithaveVirizioninitstail?"TheBugtypeasked.

"Fey-ree,"Tinypronouncedwithalookofcuriosity.

Ishookmyhead."Fairiesaren'treal.Anyway,VirizionisoneofthethreeSwordsofJusticewho,inlegends,foughttoprotectPokémonfromhumansthatwantedtoexpandtheirterritoryontothePokémon'shomes.Askids,wewerealwaystoldthatweshouldn'tdoanythingbadtonature,orelsetheSwordsofJusticewouldcomeandpunishus."Thinkingaboutitnowhadanegativeeffectonme.Somuchasdroppingsomelittermightleadtomegettingthebusinessendofahorn."ButwhattheheckwouldBiancawanttodowithsomethinglikeVirizion?IthoughtshewashuntingaSewaddle!"Adarkthoughtsuddenlypoppedupinmymind:didsomethinghappenwithVirizion?DiditdosomethingtoBlack?WhatifIwasanonlychildnow?!"W-wehavetofindBiancabeforesomethingbadhappens"ifithasn'talready...!"

X-X-X

Afterthat,Iprettymuchblockedoutwhathappened.MaybeIwaschallengedbysometrainersandmaybeIactedabitharshly,butitwasprettymuchabluruntilIencounteredBiancabyalittlepond.Myfirstreactionwastojumpattheblondeandhugherwithallmymight,nearlycausingbothofustofallintothewater."Ohmygosh,you'resafe!You'realive!Oh,I'msohappythatyou'reokay!WhataboutBlack?Ishesafe?Ishehurt?Ishedead?!"

Biancamanagedtoprymeoffofherandstaredatmeinconfusion."H-huh?!White,don'tjustjumpontomelikethat!Iwasworriedyouweresomebadpersonorother!"

"Youwereworried?Iwasworried!YouandBlackranoffandleftmealoneinthemiddleofaforestofdeath!"

"What?"Biancalookedpainedbeforeshestartedhuggingme."O-oh,White.I-I'msorry!Ididn'tmeantoleaveyoualone,andneitherdidBlack,I'msure!Youmust'vebeenterrified!"Nokidding!I'dhaveprobablyfaintedbynowifIhadn'tbeenso

worriedaboutBiancaandBlack'ssafety.

"Butwhat'sthisaboutyougoingtofindVirizion?"

"Um..."Theblondebridgedherfingerstogetherandsmiled."I'mgoingtohelpProfessorJuniperbyresearchingVirizion!"

"...What?"Iaskedinaflattone.

"W-well,allentriesinthePokédexonlegendaryPokémonsaythingslike'thisisbasedonmyths,legends,andhearsay'neartheendbecausenoone'severgottencloseenoughtoonetoreallyresearchthem.So,Ifigured...IcouldlearnsomemorestuffaboutVirizionandtelltheprofessoraboutitsoshecouldaddittothePokédex!Wouldn'tthatmakeherhappy?"

Icontinuedtostareatherblankly."Bianca.You'retalkingaboutalegendaryPokémon.Legendary.Legendsdon'tjustpopupinfrontofyoulikeaneverydayPidove.Andevenifyoudidfindit,you'regoingafteronewhoselegendssuggestithateshumans!Itcouldkillyouatfirstsight!"

"That'sjustyourphobiatalking!ThisiswhyIdidn'twantyouhelpingme!"Biancasaidwithafrown.

"What?Youwantedmetohelpyouwiththiscraziness?"

Biancabegantofiddlewiththestrapofherbag."IthoughtthatmaybeyoucouldtalktoVirizionandlearnallsortsofthingsaboutitsinceyoucanunderstandPokémon.ButIfiguredthatyouwouldn'tbeabletohandleit,andIdidn'twanttoputyouthroughthatsortoffear,so...IthoughtmaybeNcouldhelp!"ThatexplainswhyshewasfollowingNthroughtheforest."But,"shesaid,startingtopout,"IguesshethoughtIwantedtodosomethingbadtoVirizion,becausehesaidhe'dhavetobeamonstertohelpsomeonecatcha...majesticPokémontopokeandproditjustsoalittledevicecouldhavemoreinformation."Well,thatfigures."WhenIwaslookingforSewaddle,IsuddenlyrealizedthatIwasn'tdoingwhatIsetouttodo.SoIfiguredthatIwouldstartsearchingforVirizionbeforeIjoinedupwithyouandBlackagain."

Istaredatherindisbelief."Bianca,Ialreadytoldyou:legendaryPokémondon'tjustpopupbecauseyougooutsearchingforthem.Itcouldbeanywhere!"

"Nottrue:thelegendssaythatVirizionrestsinforests!"

"Yes,legendsandpluralforests!Asinprobablynottrue,andifitis,notjustPinwheelForest!Bianca,thisisridiculous.Let'sjustgoandfindBlackinsteadofgoingonthis

wildgoosechase..."IputmyhandsonmyhipsandstaredatBianca."Well?Let'sgo."

Biancashookherheadandballedupherfists."No!Forthechancethatshe'sgivenme,IwannapaybackProfessorJuniperbyaidingherresearchofPokémon!"

"Bianca"!"

"Ifyoudon'twannacomewithme,I'llunderstand.It'sjustlikeCherensaid:we'resupposedtobegoingonthesejourneysbyourselves,sowemayaswelllearntodothingsbyourselves."Sheturnedaroundandadjustedherhatwithadeterminedexpression."I'lljustconsiderthismytimetolearntodependonmyownskills!"Shebegantowalkaway,butthenturnedaroundtolookatme."YoushouldprobablygobackonthemainroadandwaitforBlack,justtobesafe."

Well,thatdidit.Biancasucceededinmakingmefeellikeabadfrienddespitemebeinglogicallycorrectandprobablynotmeaningtodoso.Ibittheinsideofmycheekandglaredattheblondegirl.Iapproachedherandgrabbedherarm."I'llgowithyou,"Imuttered.Bianca'seyeslitupandshebegantosmile.Beforeshecouldopenhermouth,Isaid,"Don'tgetmewrong!Idoubtwe'llfindanythingatall!I'mjustgoingwithyoubecauseIdon'twantyougettingyourselflostouthere."

Biancalaughedandtookmyhandsinhers."Thankyou,White!Youdon'thavetocomealong,though.Icanhandleitonmyown!Butthanksforcomingwithmeanyway.You'reatruefriend!"

Ah,well,that'swhatIam.Atruefriendwhoiswillingtoendangerbothherlifeandherfriend'sforaridiculouslyimpossibletask...Seriously,howdomyfriendstalkmeintothesethings?

X-X-X

Minutespassedaswewentdeeperintotheforest.IkeptmyselfdistractedbyplayingwithTiny,ratherthanpayattentiontoeverysoundandsightofPokémon.Biancawalkedbesideme,stillseemingconfidentthatwewouldbeabletofindVirizion.Iwasn'tsureifI'dbeaverygoodfriendifIjustletherwanderaroundlikethisclingingontotheslimchanceofsucceeding."Bianca""Ibegan,butIwassilencedbythesoundofvoices."Wh-whatwasthat?Isthat...Virizion?"

Biancalookedatmeandshookherhead."No,Icanhearthem.They'repeople."Igaveabreathofreliefashereyeslitup."Theymight'veseenVirizion!"Yeah,Ihighlydoubtthechancesofthat."Let'sgoaskthem!"Sheexclaimed,grabbingmyhandandpullingmeinthedirectionofthevoices.Shesoonstoppedinhertracksandher

happyexpressionbecameaworriedone."White,it's"!"

"Ssshhh..."IhushedBiancaandgesturedforustoduckdownbehindsomebushes.WelookedthroughthebushesatthesightofatrioofTeamPlasmamembers.Great,asifthetripthroughthisforestcouldn'tgetworse...Whyweretheseguysevenstillhere?Weren'ttheyallchasedoffafterwhathappenedinNacreneCity?

"Uh,guys.Ireallydothinkwe'relost,"onePlasmamemberspoketimidly.

"Nokidding,genius,"anotherspokesternlywithhisarmsfoldedacrosshischest.

"Weweretoldtomeetupwiththeothers,butwecan'tfindthem,"saidthefemalegruntsittingonastump.Shegroanedandheldherheadinherhands."How'rewesupposedtofindVirizionwhenwecan'tevenfindourowncomrades?"Wait,didshejustsay...?"It'simportantthatwe'retheretohelpcaptureVirizion.Withitspower,TeamPlasmawillbebroughtevenclosertoliberatingallofUnova'sPokémon!"

"Istillsayit'sawasteoftime.Whybotherrelyingonsomelegendwhenwehavetheking?"Thesterngruntasked.

"H-heneedsallthehelphecan,"saidthetimidgrunt."Although...M-maybeheshouldbetheonedoingthis,sincehecanunderstandPokémonandeverything..."

"Ourlordistoobusytodealwithsuchthings,"thefemaleexplained."That'swherewe,hisloyalservants,comein!Sobothofyoustopyourwhininganddoyourjobs!"

"That'skindahardtodowhenwedon'tknowwhereourjobis..."

Iheldmybreaththeentiretimetheyspoke."Alright,"Ibegantowhisper."There'sthreeofthemandtwoofus,soweshould..."IsuddenlynoticedthatBiancawasnolongerkneelingbesideme."Bianca?"

"Y-youstoprightthere!"IlookedupandsawBianca,nowstandinginfrontofthePlasmidswithherhandinherbag."Iwon'tletTeamPlasmaharmVirizion"oranyPokémon!"Whendidshedothat?Moreimportantly,whywasshedoingthat?Thisisn'tthesortofsituationwhereyouplayhero!

"Whatthe...?Whodoyouthinkyouare?!"ThesternPlasmidsaidwithafrown."TeamPlasmawilldowhateverittakestohelpthePokémonoftheworld!Speakingofwhich,ifyouhaveanyPokémon,itwouldbeintheirbestinterestforyoutohandthemovertous."

"No!"

ThefemalesighedasshegotonherfeetandtookoutaPokéBallalongwiththeothertwogrunts."Itfigures.Trainerslikeyouonlyresolvematterswithviolence,right?We'llteachyoualessonwithpainthen!Go,Blitzle!"

"Comeout,Pinsir!"

"G-go,Croakgunk!"

Inflashesoflight,thePlasmamembersreleasedtheirPokémon.ThewomanhadsentoutaBlitzle,ablackhorse-likePokémonwithaspikywhitemaneandwhitestripes.ThesternmanhadsentoutsomethingI'donlyseeningamesandonTV:aPinsir,aStagBeetlePokémonwhosesharpwhiteclawstwitched,serratedteethmovedwithinitsmouth,andlargespikedpincersopenedandclosedinanintimidatingway.Thetimidman'sPokémonwasunfamiliar:asmallbluefrogthatstoodontwofeetwithyelloweyes,orangebulgesonitscheeksthatinflatedanddeflatedasitcroaked,andwhitestripesonitstorso.

BiancaworeasternexpressionasshetookoutthreeofherPokéBalls."Y-youdon'tscareme!I'lltakeyouonbymyself!"ShesentoutherTepig,Munna,andLillipup.

Atthispoint,Istoodupfrombehindthebush,shouting,"Areyoucrazy?!"

"Eek!There'sanotherone!"Thetimidgruntcried.

"Sowhat?She'sjustanotherpersonwhosePokémonwe'llliberate,"saidthesterngrunt

Biancaturnedaroundtolookatme."Don'tworry,White!I'llprovethatIcanhandlemyself,too!"

"FeintAttack!"ThesternandtimidPlasmagruntscommandedtheirPokémon.ThePinsirandthebluefrogPokémondashedforward,seeminglygoingforLillipupandTepigrespectively,butintheblinkofaneye,theywerebyMunna'ssideastheypunchedthePsychictypeatthesametime.ThePlasmaPokémonjumpedbackasBianca'sMunnafelltotheground,unconsciousfromthedualattack.

"Munna,no!"TheblondeimmediatelyreturnedMunnaintoitsPokéBall."H-hey!Don'tattackmewhilemybackisturned!"

"Thenpayattention,brat."

BiancagrowledbeforetakingoutherPokédextoscanheropponents'Pokémon,quicklytakinglooksatTeamPlasmatomakesuretheyweren'tattackingherwithout

notice."Blitzle,anElectrictype.Croagunk,aPoison/Fightingtype.Pinsir,aBugtype."

"Blitzle,useQuickAttackonthatLillipup!"Thefemalegruntcommanded,pointingatLillipup.TheElectrictypewhinniedbeforedashingforward,appearingasablackandwhiteblurthatstruckLillipupbeforeheadingbackovertoitstrainer.

"Hey!Iwas"!"

"Pinsir,BrickBreak!"Thesterngrunt'sPinsirjumpedatTepig.Biancawastoodisorientedtoissueanorder,butTepigblewembersoutofitsnoseintotheBugtype'sface,stoppingitsattackbeforeitcouldhit.

Biancaopenedhermouth,probablytocalloutthePlasmidsagain,butthetimidgruntspokeupbeforeshecould."Croagunk,useToxic!"HisCroagunkopeneditsmouthandspatoutdarkpurpleliquid.Tepigmanagedtododge,butLillipupwassoakedintheliquid.Heshookitoff,buthisfacebecametingedwithasicklyblue.

"UseFlash,Blitzle!"TheBlitzle'smanebegantoglowbrightwhiteandfilledtheareawithablindinglight.

"Pinsir,ViceGrip!"Apainedyelpfollowedafterthatcommand.Whenthelightfaded,thePinsirwassqueezingLillipupbetweenitshornslikeavise.Witheachsecond,Lillipupwascryingandcoughingashetriedinvaintogetfree,butthatonlycausedthePinsir'sspikestodigdeeperintohisbody.Withonefinalcough,thePuppyPokémon'sbodybecamelimp.

"STOOOOOP!"Biancashouted.ThePinsirseparateditshornsandLillipup'sunconsciousbodylandedonthefloor.ShesniffledasshereturnedLillipuptoitsballandbegantomumbleapologiestoit.AfterafewsecondsshelookedatTeamPlasma."Youaren'tfightingfair!"

"We'refightingnodifferentlythanoneofyoutrainerswould!"SaidthefemalePlasmid."Movinginquickly,ganginguponasingleopponent,weakeningthemtothepointofsicknessandmercilesslytakingthemdownwithapowerfulmove...We'reonlyfightingfirewithfire!"

"Soyoudon'tevencareifyouhurtthePokémonyou'retryingtohelp?"Icalledout.

"Wecanalwayshealthemlaterbeforereleasingthemintothewild.They'llbetoogratefultocareifweroughedthemupabit."

"Abit?!Ifyouwannaseethesortofroughingupyou'vebeendoing,justbattlemy

Pokémon!"Ah,thatadrenalinewasfinallykickingin.Ittookitlongenough,butbetweenBianca'sbeingdistractedandthePlasmids'frightening-lookingPokémon,Iwastoobusybeingthespectator.

ButwhileIwastakingmyPokéBallsout,Tepigwassnortingsmokeandembers.Hisbodyshookashegruntedandapalelightbegantoflickeraroundhim.ThelightcontinuedflickeringasTepig'sgruntsbecamelouder.Withashout,thelightengulfedtheFiretypePokémon.Whenthelightfaded,inTepig'splacestoodanother,similar-lookingPokémon.Itstoodonbothlegs,itstailendinginapuffytipoffurandyellowdesignsemblazonedoveritstorso,whichwaspartiallycoveredbybrownmarkingsthatmadeitlooklikealeotard.

"Isthat...Tepig?"Biancaspokeslowly,notregisteringwhathadhappened."Did...didheevolve?!"ShescannedhimwithherPokédex."He's...aPignitenow.Whenangered,theintensityofitsinternalflameincreases,makingitsmovementssharperandfaster."

"NIIIIITE!"Pignitebellowedandstompedontheground,hisbodysuddenlybecomingshroudedinroaringflames.Hedashedforward,tacklingthePinsirandburningitwithhisflames.TheBugtypewasabouttofallwhenPignitegrabbedholdofoneofitshornsandthrewitatthesterngrunt.

"Ah!Cr-croagunk,useFeintAttack!"Thetimidgruntcommanded.HisCroagunkleaptforward,disappearinginfrontofPigniteashemadetoattack,thenreappearingtostrikefromabovewithapunchtotheFiretype'shead.However,theattackdidn'tdoanythingbutmakePignitemad.Hegrabbedthefrog-likePokémon'sarmandslammeditdownontotheground,facefirst.TheCroagunkglaredupattheFirePigPokémon."PoisonSting!"TheCroagunkspatoutabarrageofglowingpurpledarts,aimedatPignite'storso.Heflinchedinpain,butitwasn'tenoughtomakehimfalter,andheretaliatedbygivingthepoisonousfrogapunchtotheheadthatknockeditout."Croakgunk!Noooo!"Thetimidgruntgaspedashecollapsedtohisknees.

Thefemalegrunt'seyetwitched."Blitzle!UseWildChargeonit!"TheBlitzlebegantostampitsfeetanditsmanebegantoflickerbrightyellow.Electricitybegantocracklearounditsbodyasitsnortedinanintimidatingmanner.Pignitesnortedaswellandstompedhisfeet,flamessurroundinghimonceagain.Theychargedateachotherandcollided,causingsparksofelectricityandemberstofly.TheBlitzlewentflyingbackandlandedinfrontofitstrainer.ThefemalegruntsuckedherteethinannoyanceasBlitzlegotuponshakylegs."Forgetthis!"ShereturnedherPokémontoitsPokéBallandlookedathercomrades."Wedon'thavetimetowasteplayingwithsomestupidkids!Weneedtofindtheothers!"

"R-right!"Thetimidgruntsqueaked.

"What?!ButIstillhavemorePokémon!"Thesterngruntshouted.

"SavethemforVirizion!"Thefemalegruntlookedinourdirection."Sadly,yourPokémon'sliberationwillbepostponedfornow."

Pignite,scratchedupbutconscious,stomphisfootandgrowledinanintimidatingway.ThePlasmidsbegantoslowlybackawaybeforetheyturnedtailandranoffscreaming.Pignitescreamed,"PIIIIIIIGNIIIIIIIIITE!"Witharoar,heranoffinthesamedirectionasTeamPlasma.

BiancaseemedtofinallysnapbacktorealityasherPokémonranoff."Pignite?Wait!Comeback,Pignite!"Shecalledout,butPignitedidn'treturn.Sheturnedtolookatmewithdread."Wh-white...Whathappened?WhydidPignitejustrunofflikethat?"Ishrugged,notreallysurehowtoanswer.IwasactuallyprettyterrifiedoftheFiretypeandthewayheacted.I'dhaveprobablyfaintedifhehadn'tfocusedhisragesolelyonTeamPlasma."Ineedtofindhim!He'shurt,andthere'sTeamPlasmaandwildPokémon,and...and...!"Shesniffled."Ihavetofindhimbeforesomethinghappens!"

X-X-X

Thiswouldn'thavehappenedifIhadjustputmyfootdown.Ishould'vebeensterner,should'vetoldBianca'no'andstoppedherfromdoingthis.Apartofmewantedtovoicethosethoughtsouttohertotakehermindoffofwhathadhappened,andmaybetaketheblamethatBiancafeltshedeserved.SheseemedtothinkthatshehaddonesomethingwrongtomakePigniterunoffwithouther,sinceheneverdiditasaTepig.Perhapsitwasthewayshebattled?OrthewayshereactedtoTeamPlasma'swayoffightingher?Whateveritwas,Biancaconsideredherselftheonetoblame.

"Nn?What'sthat?"Biancaspokeupafterwhatfeltlikehoursofuncharacteristicsilencefromher."Ihearvoices.Maybeit'speoplewhosawPignite!"

"Waitaminute!"Ihissed,grabbingherarmandholdingherback."Letmegofirstthistime.Justincase."ThereweresupposedtobemoreTeamPlasmamembers,afterall.AndwithMunnaandLillipupinjured,onlyEeveeremainedtoprotecther.Takingthelead,IledBiancaintothebushes,cautiousasItriedtoavoidanyPokémonthatmayhavebeenhidden.Weduckeddownbehindaparticularlylargerockandcautiouslylookedbehindit.ThereweresomeTeamPlasmagruntsstandingaroundalarge,mossyrock.

"Hmmm..."Oneofthegruntsthrewhisarmsout."Thisisit!"

"What...?"Anothergruntasked,soundingconfused.

"Thisrock!ItmustbeconnectedtoVirizion!"

"...Idon'tthinkarockwaspartofthelegendofVirizion,"saidanothergrunt.

"Butjustlookatit!"WhoIassumedwastheleadgruntinsisted."Doesn'titexudethissortofvibe?Anenergyunlikeanythingnormal!Surelythisrockmusthaveaconnectiontotheforest'sprotector,Virizion!"Whatsortoflogicwasthat?Itlookedlikeaplainoldrocktome.

TheotherPlasmamembersstaredattherockinsilenceforafewsecondsbeforeonespokeup,"Itdoeskindastickout..."

"Itdoesseemspecial,"saidanother.

Theleadgruntbegantobeam."See?Nowallthat'slefttodoiscallouttoVirizion!Surelythepurityofourcausewillallowittocomeouttous!"

"Isthisguyforreal?"Onegruntmutteredloudenoughtobeheard.

"Wouldyouprefertowalkaroundforsomemorehours?"Anotherasked.

Withinseconds,allthePlasmidswerecallingouttoVirizion,someenthusiastically,othersapathetically.Istaredindisbeliefoftheiractions.Talkaboutridiculous...AsifalegendaryPokémonwouldpopoutbecauseyoucalledouttothem.

"Huh?"APlasmamemberlookedinourdirection,andfromthewayhewasstaring,henoticedus."Whatthe"?Whotheheckareyou?!"

IsteppedoutfrombehindtherockwithBiancabehindme.Thegruntsallbegantoglareinourdirection."I'mtheonewho'llputanendtothisnonsense!YouthinkaPokémonlikeVirizionisgonnahelppeoplelikeyou?"

Theleadgrunthuffedandputhishandsonhiships."Virizionwouldbemorethanhappytohelpus!WeofTeamPlasmaendeavortoprotectPokémonfromhumans,justlikeitwould!"

"No,notjustlikeit.Virizionhadagoodreason!Youguysarenothingbutcrooksandbullies!"Ifoldedmyarmsacrossmychest."What'reyougonnadoifViriziondecidesnottojoinyou?Areyoujustgonnaforceitandcatchitlikeoneofus'awfultrainers'?"

Theleadgrunt'sfaceturnedredandhestompedhisfootinfrustration."ARRRGH!HowdareyouinsultTeamPlasmaandournoblegoal?!Evenifwecan'tfindVirizion,wecanreleaseyourPokémonfromservitude!Everyone,attack!"Oncue,alltheotherTeamPlasmagruntsreleasedtheirPokémon.Igulped,realizingjusthowmanymemberstherewere:ten.TenTeamPlasmagruntsandtenPokémon,allglaringatme.Ifeltterrifiedandreadytorun,butBiancasteppedupbesideme."Bianca!"

"I'mhere,too,White!Ican'tletyoufightallofthembyyourself!"ShetookoutaPokéBallandreleasedherEevee.TheNormaltypesawalltheglaringPokémonandwhimpered,shrinkingback."Don'tworry,Eevee.Thistime,I'llpaycloseattention!"

Istaredforwardinfear.Tinyjumpedoutofmybagandlandedinfrontofme.Hischeekscrackledwithelectricityashemadehisbestattempttobeintimidating.Igulpedandadjustedmyhat.Atamomentlikethis,amiraclewouldbenice...!

"PIIIIIIIGNIIIIIITE!"AfamiliarcrydistractedtheTeamPlasmagrunts.

"Oh?IsthatVirizion?!"Theleadgruntasked.

"Uh...Idon'tthink..."Onegrunttrailedoffbeforethethreegruntsfromearlierranoutofthewoods,followedbyPignite.TheFirePigjumpedandtackledintothem,knockingthemdownandlandingontopofthetimidgrunt.

"KYAAAAAHHH!Getitoff!Getitoffofme!"ThegruntstutteredasPignite'snostrilsflared.

Biancaworealookofrelief."Pignite!"

Pigniteturnedaroundtolookatherandsuddenlycalmeddown."Huh?Bianca?"Ittookalookaround,confused."Wh-whereamI?"Helookedathimselfandhisnewfeatures."Wh-whydoIlooklikethis?!"PignitethennoticedTeamPlasma."Whataretheydoinghere?!"Ijuststaredindisbelief.Diditseriouslyforgetwhathadhappened?

"Pignite'sabilityisBlaze.ThatcauseshimtogetintensewhenhisFiretypeabilitiespowerup...Butthat'sthelongesthe'sbeenoutofit.I'mjusthappyhe'sokay,"saidBianca.

Theleadgruntlookedannoyed."Thatthingdoesn'tlooktheleastbitlikeVirizion!Howdareyougetourhopesup,youlousypig?!"

BiancaimmediatelytookoutPignite'sPokéBallandreturnedhimbeforeanyharmcouldhappentohim."Yourestnow,Pignite..."

"Grrrr!Mypatienceisseriouslyrunningthin!HandoveryourPokémonNOW!"

"ZIOOOON!"Avoiceechoedthroughtheareathatmadeeveryonebuttheleadgruntstandstill.

"Whatisthat?SomeotherPokémon?Ignoreitandfocuson"!"

Ithappenedsoquickly.AgreenblurmovedamongstthePlasmagrunts,knockingthemdownasitmadeitswayupontothemossyrock.Agreen,four-leggedPokémonglareddownatuswithitslightbrowneyes."Whathavewehere?Humansaresoloud,pollutingthequietoftheforestwiththeirnoise,"itspokeinasmooth,malevoice.Everyonestaredupatitinsilentawe.Virizion.ItwasVirizion.IwaslookingatalegendaryPokémonwithmyowneyes...andIwasterrified.ThiswasaPokémonwhosepowerhadtohavebeendevastating...andfromthedispleasedlookonhisface,hemightuseitonus.Iwould'vefainted,butIwastooworriedaboutwhatmighthappentomeifIdid.

TheleadgruntsoonforgotaboutBiancaandmeasheturnedtolookatVirizion."Oh...!O-oh!"Heclaspedhishandstogether."Oh,greatandpowerfulVirizion!WerequestthatyouaidusinournoblequesttofreePokémonfromhumantyranny!"

Viriziontiltedhishead,asifhonestlyconsideringit.Hereallywouldn't...wouldhe?Biancagulped,probablythinkingthatwasthecase,andspokeup,"D-don'tlistentothem,Virizion!TheyhurtthePokémontheysaytheywanttohelp!They'rebadpeople!"

"Quiet,youlittlebrat!"TheleadgruntlookedupatVirizionandresumedhispleading."WeofTeamPlasmaseektoprotectPokémon!Won'tyoulendusyourpowerandstrikedownthosetwotrainers,sowecanfreetheirPokémon?"

Virizioncontinuedtolookthoughtful.Afterafewseconds,thelegendaryPokémondisappearedassoonasIblinked.Afewmoreseconds,andsomegrunt'sPlasmauniformwascuttoshreds.Thesamethinghappenedtoanothergrunt.Thenanother...andanother...untiltheleadgrunthimselfwasstrippeddowntohisStunfisk-patternedboxers.Andasquicklyashedisappeared,Virizionreappearedontopofthemossyrock,smirkingasheleereddownatthePlasmamembers.

Needlesstosay,thePlasmidswerenotpleased.TheyallpointedupatVirizion,eachcommandingtheirPokémontoattackthelegendaryPokémon.ThePokémon,though,appearedtobesmarterthantheirtrainers.Ratherthanattack,they

remainedfrozeninplace,coweringinthepresenceofaPokémonthattheycouldprobablyfeelwasstrongerthanthem.Viriziontookadeepbreath,asifpreparingtoattack.Igaveashortyelpoffear,tookBianca'shandanddartedbehindtherockwehadbeenhidingbehindpreviously,ourPokémonfollowingbehindus.Tiny,somewhatclueless,jumpedintomybag,whileBianca'sEeveedidthesameasheburrowedintoherbag.Ibracedmyselffortheforceofsomeawe-inspiring,soul-crushingattack...ButallViriziondidwasroarloudly.No...Morelike...allittookwasaroartomakeTeamPlasma'sPokémonandmembersrunoffinalldirections.Eventheleadgruntwasrunningoffwithhistailbetweenhislegs.

Biancaopenedhermouthtospeak,butIsilencedher.Itseemedliketheentireareahadfallenquiet.Igaveasighofrelief,thinkingthatVirizionhadgonebackwhereverithadcomefrom...

Andthentherockwewerehidingbehindwasslicedapartandshatteredintovaryingsizedchunks.BiancaandIwoundupfallingdownonourbacks,staringupatthecanopyofPinwheelForestandVirizion,whotoweredoverus.ThelegendaryPokémonstareddownatuswithdistaste,hiseyesnarrowingandhismouthformingafrown.Icouldn'thelpbutpanic.Inseconds,IwasscramblingaboutlikeafrightenedSewaddleinthefaceofanUnfezant.Isoonfoundmyselfbackedupagainstatree,Tinysafelytuckedawayinsideofmybagandlookingupatmeinconfusion.

ButBiancadidn'tmove.Shejustlaidthere,staringupatVirizioninawe.IfIwereinamorestablementalstate,I'dhaveprobablypulledawayfromthedangerouscreatureandrunoffsomewheresafe"ifsuchaplaceexistedinthisforest.VirizionsnortedandBiancasoonrealizedthatsheshouldbeworried.Shegotonherfeetandsteppedback,EeveepokinghisheadoutofBianca'sbag.

"Humans...arequiteridiculous.Thinkingtheycaninvolvemeintheiraffairs,"Virizionspokewithdisdain.

"Y...youhatehumans,don'tyou?YouthinkwealltreatP-Pokémonbadly,don'tyou?"Biancaasked,hervoiceshakyinthefaceofalegendaryPokémonwithlittlepatienceforherkind."TeamPlasmamaybebadpeople,b-butnotallhumansarelikethem!Notallofthemarebad!IlovemyPokémon,andsodoesmyfriendWhiteoverthere!"Wait,what?No!Don'tmentionme"!Toolate.Virizionwasglaringinmydirectionwithasmuchdisdainasbefore.IwhimperedandhuggedthetreeIwasagainst,tryingtogetupsoIcouldrunaway."Anyway,youdon'thavetoattackus!Wecanbefriends!"

Virizionnarrowedhiseyes.Themajestic-lookingSwordofJusticelookedfarmore

malevolentnow."Allhumanssaythat.Andyou'renodifferent."Hebegantoglowwithapalegreenaura,andlongbladesofgreenenergyformedalonghishorns.Biancajuststaredinawe."Noneofyouareworthreasoningwith!"

AsVirizionswunghisheadtostrikewithoneofhisbladedhorns,Eeveejumpedoutofthebagandtooktheblow.ThelittlewhiteEeveewassentflyingintothemossyrockandlandedontheground,whimpering,"D-don't...hurt...Bianca...!"VirizionturnedhisdirectionfromBiancatoEevee,lookingconfused."Sh-she'smy...friend...!Don't...don'thurt...!"Themossyrockbegantoglowwithapalegreenlight.ThesamelightsurroundedBianca'sEeveeuntilhecouldn'tbeseen.Whenthelightfaded,Eeveehadchanged.Hiswhitefurhadbecomepaletan,hispawsdarkbrown.Smallbladesofgrassappearedtobegrowingoutofdifferentpartsofhisbody,withalargebladecurlingoutofhisheadlikeacowlick.Bothhisearsandtailweremostlylightgreenandresembledleaves."Idon't...wanttofight...!Butifyouhurther,I'll...I'llhurtyou!"

"Ah.Yetanotherlittleonesofoolishastothinkthatthehumanthatcallsthemselvestheirmasterisafriend.But..."VirizionlookedatBianca."Youwillforgetaboutherifsheisnomore."

TheevolvedEeveebegantoglowwithapalegreenaurathatresembledVirizion'sawhileago.Thegrass-likecurlonhisheadsuddenlystraightenedandbegantoresembleaknifeofsorts.Withagrowl,heranforwardintendingtoattackthelegendaryPokémon.Asheswung,though,Viriziondisappeared.Intheblinkofaneye,Virizionreappeared,tacklingthesmallerPokémonandsendinghimflyingintoatreewithenoughforcetoknockitoverandallowmoresunlighttoshinedownonit.

"No,Eevee!Imean..."Biancatrailedoff,notreallysurewhatherEeveehadevolvedinto,buttooworriedaboutlookingawayfromwhatwasgoingon.

Bianca'sPokémonslowlyrosetohisfeet,gruntinginpain.Afterafewseconds,hisgrassypartsofhisbodybegantoglowandhisinjuriesbeganhealing.Virizionsnorted."Soyouhealedyourself.Itakeitthatmeansyouwantmetotrounceyousomemore?"

"I'lltakeallthatyou'vegotuntilIknowyouwon'thurtmyfriends!"

"Friends?Youconsiderthesehumansfriends?Theydrawourkindintotheirconflicts,destroyourhomes,andeventreatuslikeweapons.Theyaren'tworthhurtingyourselfover."

"Bianca'snotlikethat!"Ishouted,suddenlyrememberinghowtospeak."B-BiancatreatsallherPokémonlikefriends!AndI...IwishIcouldbeasrecklessandb-brave

asher!"ApartofmewasstillwishingtojustfallunconsciousasItrembled."Andeventheoneswhoa-aren'tasgoodashercantreatPokémonlikefriends."Intheblinkofaneye,Virzionappearedinfrontofme.Rightinfrontofme.HetoweredovermewithajudginglookthatIfortunatelydidn'tgettoseeforlong,becauseIblackedout.

X-X-X

"Look,look!She'scomingto!"ThatwasBianca.

"White!Areyouokay?Saysomething!"Thatvoice.Black?

"Mommy!"IheardTinycry,followedbythesensationofamildshock.MyeyessnappedopenandIfoundmyselfstaringupatthePichu,whowasinthemiddleofnuzzlinguptomyface."Mommy...!Chuuuu~!"Ibecameawarethatwewerenolongerintheforest,butoutside.Ihadaclearviewofthesky,freeoftreeleaves,andIwashappyaboutthat.I'dhavefallentomykneesandkissedthegroundifIwasn'talreadylyingdownonmyback.

Blackkneeleddownnexttome,smilingwithalookofreliefonhisface."Gladtoseeyou'realright.IthoughtafterseeingalegendaryPokémoninperson,you'dgointoacoma!"Oh,Iwould've,ifitweren'tforBianca."BiancawasdraggingyoualongwhenIcameacrossthetwoofyou."

Biancakneeleddownonthesidenexttome."Oh,White!Canyoueverforgiveme?!Becauseofme,wegotintosomuchtrouble!"Shesobbedwithwateringeyes."Eventhoughwetriedtosaveit,Virizionstilltriedtoattackus.Youprobablylostyearsoffyourlife!"Awholedecade,actually."I'masbadafriendasIamatrainer,aren'tI?"

IslowlysatupandlookedatBianca."You'reagoodtrainer,andagreatfriend.Ifyouweren't,TepigandEeveewouldn'thaveevolvedwhentheydid.Ifanyone'sabadfriend,it'sme.Ifrozewhenyouneededmethemost.I'msorry."

"I-I'mtheonewhoshouldbeapologizing!Ishould'veknownbetterthantodragyoualongwithmeforsuchadangerousthing!"

"AndIshould'vestoppedyoufromtheverybeginning,whenIalreadyknewhowdangerousitcould'vebeen."

"Ithink,"Blackbegan,drawingattentiontohim,"Thatwecanallagreethatyouarebothterriblefriendswhocareforeachother."

Igavemybrotherahalf-liddedstare."Andyou'reaterriblebrother."

"Huh?"

"YouleftyourPokémon-fearingsister,whomyouweretoldtolookafter,togochaseabug."

"I-Ithoughtyouwererightbehindme!AndwhenIdidn'tseeyou,IthoughtyouwerewithBianca!"MybrothermadeexcuseswhileIwatchedhimsquirm."Anyway,youwannaseehim?"

"Seewho?"Imutteredsecondsbeforesomethingwasshovedintothesideofmyface.Iblinkedandtookinthesightofalittleyellowheadwithbeadyblackeyesandanorangesnout.IstaredattheSewaddleanditstaredatme."...EEEEEEEEEEK!"IshriekedatthesametimeastheSewaddlebeforeIfaintedonceagain.Whycouldn'twejustgettoCasteliaCityalready...?

X-X-X

Notes!

InBW,PinsircanbefoundonRoute12andCroagunkcanbefoundduringswarmsonRoute8intheSpring,SummerandAutumn.BothbecomepartofthenativeUnovaPokédexinBW2.

CroagunklearnsToxicviaTM.PinsirlearnsFeintAttackviabreeding.BlitzlelearnsFlashandWildChargeviaTM.VirizionlearnsRoarviaTM.

Chapter13

Disclaimer:BluRosedoesnotownthePokémonseries.Sheonlyownsthisfic.

Summary:EnroutetoCasteliaCity,White,BlackandBiancaencounterCherenandNanddecidetotraveltoCasteliatogether.Whatcouldpossiblygowrong?

X-X-X

~OntheWaytoCastelia...~

Thefourofusstoodbeforeabuilding.NuvemaTown'sTrainerSchoolwasn'tasbigorfancyasthoseincitieslikeStriatonorCastelia,butitwasstillofficialintheeyesofthePokémonLeague.Likealltrainerschools,itexistedtoteachchildrenaboutPokémon:howtoraisethem,whattobecarefulabout,andhowPokémonbattlesoughttobeconducted.Andupongraduatingfromtherelativelyshortcourse,thestudentswererewardedwithatrainer'slicense"thatIDthatallowedyoutobuyPokéBalls,usethePCservice,andenterPokémonLeague-sanctionedeventsandthingslikethat.

Theconstantuseoftheword"Pokémon"wasthereasonwhyIdidn'twanttogoinside.

"Comeon,White!Youcan'tjuststandouthereallday!"Blackcomplained.Hetriedshovingmy10-yearoldbodythroughtheentrance,butIstartedtograpplewithmybrotherandtriedpushinghimback.Topassersby,itmayhavelookedlikewewerewrestling.

"No!Idon'twannabeatrainer!Idon'tevenwannabenearPokémon!"

Cherenadjustedhisglasses."Peoplefearthingstheydon'tunderstand.Therefore,goingtotrainerschooltostudyaboutPokémonwillhelpyouovercomeyourfearofthem."

"Or!Itcouldprovethatmyfearsarewell-founded!"Isnappedback.Andforgoodreason:itwasallCheren'sfaultthatIwashere!Before,itwasonlyhim,BlackandBiancawhowantedtogotoschoolsotheycouldgettrainerlicensesassoonaspossible.TheyhadaplantoleaveNuvemaTownontheirjourneysatthesametime.ButwhataboutWhite,theirsisterandfriendwhooftenhadtobedraggedaroundtownbecauseshefrozeatthesightofPokémon?Well,CherenthoughtthiswouldhelphergetoverherfearsandjointhemontheirjourneyacrossUnova.Everyonewasonboardwiththisidea"exceptme.

"Yourmomalreadypaidforyourtextbookandenrolledyouforthesummer.Soquitcomplaining,"saidCheren.

Biancasteppedforwardandputherhandstogether."Puh-lease,White?Weonlyhavewhat'sbestforyouinmind.Won'tyoucometoclasswithus?"

"Yeah,you'lljustmakeMomandDadsadagain!"Blackaddedashecontinuedtograpplewithme.

"ALRIGHT!"Ishouted,causingtheotherstojumpandBlacktoletgoofmeoutoffear.Ihuffedandfoldedmyarmsacrossmychest."I'llgotothestupidclass...!"

"Yes!Youwon'tregretit,White!"Mybrotherexclaimed.

"It'llbefun,wepromise!"saidBianca.

"Justthinkofhowmuchthis'llhelpyouandyou'llbefine,"saidCheren.

Ionlysighedinresponsetoalltheirreassuring.Iswear,thethingsthosethreecouldgetmetodo...

X-X-X

"NOOOOOO!It'snotFAAAAAIIIIIIR!"Ijolteduprightatthesoundofaloudvoice,nowfullyconscious.ButthemomentIsatup,Iwaspushedbackdownbyalittlebrownbundleoffur."White!Iwannaevolveme!Makemeevolve!Doitnow!Doitnow!DoitNOW!"

"EEEEEEK!"StillabittwitchyaftertheencounterwithVirizion,IimmediatelygotonmyfeetandsteppedawayfromthePokémonasitfelloffofme.

"Aw,c'mon!Don'tbescared!Ijustwantyoutoevolveme!"ThelittlebrownbundleoffurturnedouttobeEve,pokingherheadupoverthetallgrass.

"Ee-vol!Ee-vol!"ApairofPichuearsstuckoutofthetopofthetallgrassaswell.Tinybegantohop,tryingtomakehimselfknown.

"Whatthe"WhatareyoudoingoutofyourPokéBall?"Iasked.

"Iwantedtoseeifwewerethereyet."

"Doesitlooklikewe'reinacity?"Isaid,gesturingasIpointedoutthewilderness.

"Now'snotthetimetomakejokes!Iwannaevolve!"Eveinsisted."Justlikehim!"

ShelookedovertotherightandIfollowedhergaze.ShewaslookingatBianca'sEevee"orwhatwasBianca'sEevee.Eevee'splant-likeevolutionwassittingdownstifflyasitshimmered.Wait...shimmered?"Stopshiningandstopmockingme!"Evewhined.

"Ah!I'msorry!I'msorry!Ididn'tmeanto...!"TheformerEeveewhimpered.

"IthinkyourEevee'supset,White,"Bianca'svoicecamefromanotherdirection.IturnedmyheadandsawherandBlacksittinginthegrassafewfeetawayfromherPokémon.

"Noduh,Bianca.Shewasrollinginthegrasscryingawhileago,"saidBlack."Maybeshe'sjealousofLeafeon."

Iarchedaneyebrow."Leafeon?"

Biancabegantobeam."That'soneofEevee'sevolutions!AccordingtothePokédex,EeveeevolvedbecausethatstoneinPinwheelForestwassomethingspecial."

"Oh.Good.Bytheway,whatareyouguysdoingoverthere?"

Mybrotherandfriendheldupapairofsandwichespartiallyunwrappedfromplastic."We'rehavinglunch!"

"...SowhileIwasknockedoutandunconscious,youguysdecidedtojusthaveasnack,"Ispokeflatly,notbelievingwhatIwasseeing."IexpectthisofBlack,maybe,butyou,Bianca?"

"Oh,don'tgetsoupset.It'stoohardtoguesswhenyou'llwakeup,especiallywhenit'sdifferenteverytime,"Blackmadeupexcuses."Andit'snotlikeweranoffandleftyoualoneinthemiddleofnowhere.Hey,youhungry?I'vegotsomesnacksIboughtfromNacreneCity."

"Youcan'tapologizewithfood!"Isnapped.

"I'vegotahoneybun~!"Mytwinbroughtspoketemptingly,wavingthepastryintheair."Andit'sgoticing~!"

"...Justgimmethebun,"Ispokedarkly,makingmybrotherflinch.

X-X-X

Minuteslater,IwassittinginthegrassnexttoBlack,takingadrinkofwaterbeforeIfinishedoffmyhoneybun.MyeyesfellonhisPokémon.Hewaslookingathisnewly

caughtSewaddle.StandingnexttoKaitowasValentine,whoseemedtohaveevolvedintoaTranquillwhilewewereseparated.

"Let'ssee...Fromnowon,you..."HestaredintenselyathisSewaddle,whostilllookedquitefidgety."Yournameis...Felix."BlackpickedupFelix,whostilledinhishands.I'mnotsureifitwasbecausethebugfeltrelaxedinBlack'shandsorscaredstiff."ThisguyhereisKaito!"

"What'sup?"TheDewottasked,givingasaluteingreeting.

"AndthisisEdwin,"Blackcontinued,facingFelixtowardshisEevee.

"Hello,"theEeveespokesimply.

"Andthisis""

"EEEEEEEK!"FelixshriekedthemomenthewasfacedtowardsValentine.AtthesightoftheTranquill,heblewoutsilkfromhismouthandwrappedherupinacocoon.

"No,Valentine!Felix,why'dyoudothat?!"Blackexclaimed.

"B-birds!No...birds!G-getitaway!"TheSewaddledemandedasKaitocutValentinefree.ThemomentFelixsawthis,hescreamed."EEEEEEK!"Onceagain,hesprayedsilkalloverValentine,andKaitoaswell."...Idon'tlikebirds."

Kaitomanagedtocuthimselffreeofthesilkandgavethebugaflatlook."Obviously."

IheardasighthatmademelookdownatShion,whowasstandinginfrontofme.TheOshawottworeadreamylookonherfaceandwasstaringintenselyatKaitoasshemutteredunderherbreath."Is...somethingthematter?"Iaskedslowly."Don'ttellmeyou'vegotacrushonhimnowthathe'sevolved."

Shionsnappedoutofherdazeandlookedupatmeinconfusion."Whywouldyouthinkthat?I-Iwassimplyadmiringhisnewform.Yeah..."SheturnedaroundtostareattheDewottsomemorebeforemuttering,"Ishould'veevolvedbynow."

"Oh,no...Notyou,too!"Igroaned,rubbingmytemples."Eve'sonanevolutionkick.You'reonanevolutionkick.Nextthingyouknow,Tiny'sgonnabeaskingtoevolveintoaPikachu!"

"Because!"Eveexclaimed,suddenlypoppingupnexttoShionandsurprisingus

both."Evolutionisawesome!EvolutioniswhatIamborntodo,right?Right!Soevolvingshouldbemy#1priority!"

"Evolvingmeansthatyou'vebecomestronger.Soevolvingwillbeanecessarymeasureofmystrength,"Shionadded.

"SomePokémon'stypeschangewhentheyevolve,MissWhite."IgavePanaceaanannoyedlook,whichdidn'taffecther."It'strue."

"Iwanttoevolve,too!"SaidVenipede."IwannabecomeaLeavanny!"Igavehimalookofconfusion,asdidShionandPanacea."...What?"

"Firstofall,it'snotgeneticallypossibleforyoutobecomeaLeavanny,"Iexplained.Thelittleredbugdeflatedandhisantennadrooped."Secondly...Youdon'thaveanameyet."

"Huh?"

"Hey,we'retalkingaboutevolving,notnaming!"Evesaidwithapout.

IgnoringtheEevee,IstareddownattheVenipedeinthought."Howabout...Mars?That'sthenameofagodofwarwhofightsforpeace."

"Hey,"Evespoke.

"Thatsoundsnice.Peaceisnice."

"Hey."Evecontinuedtomakeherselfknown.

"Okaythen.YournamewillbeMarsfromnowon,okay?"

"Okay...ButifIdon'tevolveintoaLeavanny,whatdoIevolveinto?"Marsaskedinnocently.IgaveasighwhileEvelookedpleasedwithherself,notcaringthatshewasn'ttheonewhoturnedtheconversationbacktoevolution.

IlookeddownatTiny,whowasinthemiddleofchewingonaflower."Atleastyouaren'thoundingmeaboutevolution.Youshouldbetheonlyonetoevolve,justforthat."Helookedupatmeinconfusionandcockedhisheadtotheside,aflowerpetaldanglingfromhismouth."Ijusthavetomakeyouhappy,don'tI?"

"NOOOOOO!"Evecriedoutoverdramatically.

"She'sonlykidding.Calmdown,"ShionspokeflatlyastheEvebegantorunincircles,crying.

IsighedasIcontinuedstaringatTiny."Y'know,Ireallymightevolveyoualone..."

X-X-X

Afterfinishingofflunch,wecontinueddowntheroad.Theonlydifferencewasthatnow,EvewaspokingherheadoutofmybagalongwithTiny.ThereasonwasbecausetheinsufferablelittleEeveewasintentonevolvingthequickestwaypossible...andsinceIdidn'thaveanyelementalstones,thatwasPokémonbattles.Sheprettymuchmadeitclearthatthefirsttrainershesaw,she'dattacklikesomewildPokémon,soIhadnochoicebuttoagreetochallengethemcordially,likeagoodtrainer.

"White!White!Lookatthat!"Evechirped."There'repeopleupahead!Finally!Let'sfight'em!"

"Hey,someone'shavingabattleupahead!Let'sgowatch!"Blackexclaimedfromthefrontofthegroup,soundingexcited.Withoutevenwaiting,hestartedtorun.Afterafewseconds,heturnedbackaroundandapproachedBiancaandI."Well?Let'sgobeforethebattle'sover!

"Alright,alright..."Imuttered,followingbehindBlackandBiancaatalessenthusiasticpace.Oncewewerecloseenoughtosee,butfarenoughsoanyattackswouldn'thitus"thankgoodness"Iraisedmyheadtoobserve."Hey.IsthatCheren?"

Biancasquintedhereyesandleanedforward."Mmm...Itishim!I'drecognizethatcowlickanywhere!"

WewatchedasaPurrloinpouncedataTranquill,swipingitsclawsfuriously.TheTranquillflewupintotheair,justbarelyavoidinggettingscratchedup.ItflappeditswingsandkickedupablastofwindthatseemedtocutPurrloin.ThefelinePokémonraiseditspaw,whichbegantoglow,andthickgreenvinesshotoutofit.ThevineswrappedaroundTranquillandPurrloinusedthemtoslamthebirdPokémontotheground.Whenthevinesfaded,PurrloinpouncedandscratchedattheTranquillonceagainuntilitstrainerreturnedthebirdPokémontoitsball,admittingdefeat.AfterexchangingafewwordswithCheren,thetrainerrandowntheroad.

"Hey,Cheren!"Blackshouted,immediatelymakingourfriendlookinourdirection.Bothsidesbegantoapproacheachotherandmetinthemiddle."Aren'tyousupposedtobeinCasteliaCitybynow?Itlookslikeyou'retheonewho'stakingtheirsweettimegettingthere."

"Foryourinformation,Istayedbehindforreasons:mainlytrainingmyPokémon,

whichIhopeyou'vealldoneaswell."

Biancapouted."Why'reyoucountingmeandWhite?Youtwoaretheonlyoneswhowanttofightthechampion!"

"White'schallengingthegyms,too,remember?Andevenifshewasn't,anythingcouldhappen.It'sbestthatbothyouandyourPokémonarepreparedforwhatevermayhappen,"Cherenexplainedasheadjustedhisglasses.

"We'realreadyprepared!WhiteandIencounteredthelegendaryVirizionandsurvived!"Biancarespondedcheerfully.

Igavetheblondegirlahalf-liddedstare."Areyoukidding?Wecould'vebeenkilledbythatthing!"

Cherengavethetwoofusaskepticallook."You'rejoking."

"Nope!WesaveditfromTeamPlasma!...Sortof,"Biancaaddedmeekly

Thedark-hairedboylookedatme."Isshetellingthetruth?DidTeamPlasmareallytrytodosomethingtoVirizion,alegendaryPokémon?"

"Well""

"Theydid!"Biancaexclaimed,interruptingme."Whathappenedwas..."

Forthenextcoupleofminutes,BiancaretoldtheeventsinvolvingVirizionandTeamPlasma.Bytheend,Cherenwaslookingatthetwoofussternly,likeaparentupsetwiththeirtroublesomechildren."Really,Bianca?YouthoughtyoucouldgetclosetoalegendaryPokémonandnotexpectthatitcouldbehostile?Andyou,White!IthoughtyouwouldhavesensewhenitcametothingslikedangerousPokémon!"

"Sorry,"bothIandBiancaspokeatthesametime,bowingourheadsinapology.

"Isupposeit'sagoodthingyouweretheretostopthem,althoughitdoesn'tsoundlikeVirizionreallyneededthehelp."Yeah,Ishould'veknownthatabunchofno-goodPokémonthievescouldn'tevenconvincesomeoneaspowerfulasViriziontojointhem,letalonecaptureit.Itdidn'tevenstickaroundtothankus"that'showlittleitthoughtofus."Butit'sworrisome.It'sbadenoughthatthey'retargetingtrainersandtheirPokémon,butnowthey'reapparentlygoingafterlegendaryPokémonaswell?"

"Yeah...Youhavetowonderwherethey'regonnadrawaline,"Blackmuttered.

"IwonderwhatthePokémonLeagueisdoingtostopthem.Shady,rottenguyslike

TeamPlasmawhotrytogettheirhandsonanythingtheywantwithcriminalmeansshouldbebroughttojustice."

"Thatisn'ttrue!"Thatvoice.Pleasedon'tletitbe""TeamPlasmaisanoblegroupwitharighteouscause!"Yeah,itwasN.ItwasNwalkinguptothefourofus,gettingupclosetoCheren,andtoweringoverhimasheglareddown."Someonelikeyou,atrainerwhocapturesPokémontobattlejusttoobtainpointlessbadges,couldneverunderstandtheirselflessgoals!"

Cherennarrowedhiseyes."Excuseme?HowcanyoucallpeoplelikeTeamPlasmanoble?HaveyounotheardabouthowtheyrobbedthemuseuminNacrene?OrhowtheytriedtostealPokémonfromadaycare,notreleasethem?They'devenhurtawildPokémoniftheythoughtitwouldfurthertheirselfishgoals!"

Nshookhishead."That'salie!Theymighthaveafewaggressivelypassionatepeopleamongthem,butTeamPlasmaareheroes!"

"Heroes?!Youreallybuytheirnonsense,don'tyou?IfeelsorryforyourPokémoniftheyhadatrainerwhowouldsocallouslyabandonthembecauseastrangertoldthemitwastherightthing!"

"N,whyareyoubeingastalkerandfollowingus?"Isuddenlyasked,hopingtobreakupapotentialfight.

Nlookedatmeandfrowned,stillupset."Iamnotstalkinganyone!Iwasmerelywalkingbehindyou."

"Really?Ididn'tseeyou,"saidBlack.

"Me,nether,"saidBianca.

"NeitherdidI,andyetyouwerecloseenoughtohearCherenandnotspeakupuntilhestartedtotalkbadlyaboutTeamPlasma.Thatmakesyouastalker,"Ifinished.

"Iamnot.Pleasestopreferringtomebythatword,"Nspoke,soundedexasperated.

"Doyouguysknowthisperson?"Cherenasked,lookingatmenow,thoughhestilllookedannoyed.

"ThisisN.HecanunderstandPokémon,too,justlikeWhite."Blackexplained.

"Really?AndyethesupportsTeamPlasma?"Thedark-hairedboymuttered.

"Iknow,right?It'smindbogglingtome,too.Andhehasthenervetogetupsetwith

mefornotthinkingthesamewayashimbecauseofthat,"Iexplained.

"Doeshedothingslikethistowardseveryone?"

"HeoncecameuptomeatarestaurantinNacreneandjustsatdownnexttomeforthatveryreason."

"Ah.Sohe'srude."

"Incrediblyso."

"Ifyoucouldstopbeingsorudeandpayattentiontome!"Nspokeup,soundingaggravated.HelookedatCheren."IfeelsorryforyourPokémon.Theyprobablydon'twanttofightforyourpreciousbadges."

"Thefeeling'smutual,fordifferentreasons.HowwouldyourPokémonfeel,Iwonder,ifyoujustletthemgobecauseofsomeoneelse'swords?"

"Pokémonaremyfriends.Iunderstandthattheywouldbehappierintheirhomeinthewild.Someonelikeyouprobablydoesn'tconsideraPokémon'sfeelings,onlytheirstrength."

Cherengrowledandlookedreadytolosehistemper,butheadjustedhisglassesandheldontotheframeforafewsecondsbeforelookingatNagain."Alessermanwouldpickafightwithyouoverthat.ButI'mnotthesortoftrainerwhousesPokémontoresolvetheirpersonalargumentsnorthetypeofpersonwhostartspunchingwhenthey'reupset."Really?Iwouldn'tthinkanylessofyouifyoudeckedhimone,Cheren.I'msureyoucouldtake'em.

"Uh...N!"Blacksuddenlyexclaimed,asiftryingtochangefocusfromtheargumenttohim."You'regoingtoCasteliaCity,aren'tyou?Soarethefourofus!"

Chereninterjected,"Excuseme?Thefourofus?"

Mytwinlookedatourspectacledfriend."There'snoharminallfiveofusgoingtogether,isthere?"

"Black,howcanwefindourselvesonourjourneyifwe'realwaysfoundtogether?"

BlackfellsilentandstaredinconfusionatCheren.Afteramoment,helaughed,"Lookatyou,tryingtosoundallmatureanddeep!There'snothingwrongwithhangingoutwithyourfriendseveryonceinawhile,isn'tthere?Andtraveling'sbetterwithcompany."HethenlookedatN."IknowNwantstocomewithus,don'tyou?"

Black,whydoyoudothistome?

NlookedbackandforthbetweenBlackandI."Iwouldverymuchliketotravelwithyouandyour...friends.AtleastuntilwearriveinCasteliaCity."

IstartedtogiveBlackaglare,asdidCheren.Atthatmoment,Biancasteppedin-betweenustotryanddefusethesituation."Now,guys,calmdown!N'saprettyniceguy,ifabitdifficulttimes...Actually,he'skindoflikethetwoofyouinaway!"IimmediatelybeganglaringatBianca."It'sonlyathought..."

WhileCherenbegantofumesilently,IturnedaroundtolookatN."You.Just...behave.Anddon'tsayanythingparticularlyannoying,okay?"

"I'lltrynotto,"thegreen-hairedteenanswered.Don'ttry,do!Forthesakeofmypatience,andpossiblyyourlife,do!

X-X-X

Overanhourlater,wewerestandingatoneendoftheSkyarrowBridge.Itwasfunny:weweretaughthowSkyarrowBridgewasthelongestbridgeintheregion,butafteractuallyseeingitwithmyowneyes,itwaslongerthanIpreviouslyimagined.Itwasawe-inspiring,sure,butIcouldn'thelpbutask,"Justhowlongisitgoingtotaketowalkacrossthisthing?"

"TherecordedtotallengthoftheSkyarrowBridgeisover1000meterslong,sothebestestimatewouldbeanhourand30minutes,dependingonhowquicklywemove."Thepersonwhosaidthis,oddlyenough,wasn'tCheren,butN.Icouldn'thelpbutstareathimindisbelief."...Issomethingwrong,White?"

"N-no,I'm...justsurprisedyouknowsomethingabouttherealworld."Andit'ssomethinglikedistanceandestimatedtime.Washe,like,amathgenius?OrdidhejustrememberthatfromabookonthebridgeofUnova?"Still,over1000meterslong...Maybetheyshould'vejustkepttheferrysystemandsavepeoplethepainofwalkingthisfar!It'smurderunlessyoudon'thaveacar!"

"Ifotherpeoplecanwalkthisdistanceandmakeit,youcansurvive,"saidCheren.

"Yeah,White!Thinkofitasendurancetraining!"Blackexclaimed.Hethengotalookinhiseyes."Hmmm..."HetookouthisPokéBallsandbegantoreleasehisPokémon."Guesswhat,guys!We'regonnarundowntheSkyarrowBridgefortraining!"

"Okay,"saidKaitoandEdwin,noddinginagreement.Theformerbegantostretch

whilethelatterbegantoruninplace.

Valentinedidn'tsayawordandjusttooktotheair,flyingafootoverheadofus.Blackbegantolookthoughtful."IguessValentine'strainingwouldbeflyinginsteadofrunning..."HelookeddownatFelixtheSewaddle,whowasstaringdownatthepavedroadinamazement.Afterafewseconds,hepickedupthebugandplacedhimonhisshoulder."There!Sinceyoumaynotbeabletokeepup,I'llcarryyou.Alright,guys!Let'sgo!"HetookoffrunningwithhisPokémonkeepingupbehindhim"exceptforFelix,whowasholdingontoBlack'sjacketfordearlife.

"Ireallywishthatoldferrysystemwasstillrunning,"Imutteredundermybreath.Over1000meters.Thatwasfineforthebridgebelowwhenyou'redrivingacar,butnotwhenyou'rewalking.

BiancabegantolookthoughtfulaswellandbegantoreleaseherownPokémon."Youguysshouldbeabletoexperiencethis!TheSkyarrowBridgeshouldbeenjoyedbyPokémon,too!"Shethenranoff,alsofollowedbyherPokémon.

Cherensnortedandadjustedhisglasses."Thosetwoarejusttooenergeticsometimes.They'llprobablytireoutbeforethey'rehalfwayacrossthebridge."Hebegantowalkaway,butturnedaroundtolookatme."Areyoucoming,White?"IwasabouttoopenmymouthwhenIheardthecryofPokémonfromabove.Ifroze,refusingtolookup.AdownybluefeatherfloateddownpastmyfaceandIgaveasqueakoffear.CherenstaredatmeforafewsecondsbeforelookingupandtakingouthisPokédextoscanwhateveritwasthatwasflyingoverhead."Ah,Ducklett.Isupposeit'scommonforFlyingtypePokémonlikethemtoroostalongthehighpointsofbridgeslikethis....Iknowyouwantmetosaythatthere'snochanceofthemswoopingdowntoattack,butthere'sactuallya50-50chanceofthathappening.SomePokémonsimplyenjoypickingfights.Foryourowngood,Isuggestyoutakeitinstrideandjustmovealong.Otherwise,you'regoingtobeleftbehind."Afterafewsecondsofwaiting,Cherenturnedandbegantowalkaway.

IreallywantedtoshoutatCherenforjustleavingmebehindinmytimeofneed.ButIremainedsilent,ballingupmyfistsasDucklett,Pidove,andotherbirdPokémonsquawkedandcriedoutfromabove.Atsomepoint,Nenteredmyfieldofvisionandbegantostareatmeinconfusion."White?Issomethingwrong?Areyouexperiencingvertigo?"Youhavetoatleastlookdowntogetvertigo!

"Mommy?"IheardTinyspeakwithahintofworry.

"White'sscaredofthebirds,"Evepointedoutfromherplaceinsideofthebag."Ithinkshe'stooafraidtomove.Iam,too.Whatifoneofthosethingsdropsaneggon

us?"

"Youidiot,birdsdon'tlayeggsinthemiddleoftheair,"saidZorua."N,justleaveherbehind.Herdumbfriends'lleventuallyrealizeshe'snotthereandcomebackforher."

Ncontinuedtostareatme.Itwasstartingtodisturbme,likehewastryingtolookatmysoulorsomething.JustasIwasgoingtospeakatlastandtellhimtostopbeingcreepy,thegreen-hairedteentookmyhandandbegantowalk,draggingmealongbehindhim."Don'tworry,White.I'llhelpyoumakeitacrosssafely."IheardZoruagiveagroanofannoyance.

Ireallywantedtosay'letmego,Icanwalkbymyself',butthefear-addledpartofmybrainwantedcompanyandameatshieldtoprotectmefromdive-bombingDucklett.Wewalkedforminutes,thegreen-hairedteen'sgripremainingtight.Topassersby,itmust'velookedridiculous...orlikewewereacouple.ThatwasthelastthingIneeded:forpeopletothinkI'mdatingaguywho'smanagedtotickmeoffalmosteverytimewemeet.Atthatpoint,Iregainedcontrolovermyvoiceandasked,"Whyareyouhere?"

"Comeagain?"

"Whydoyouwannafollowusandtravelwithus?Youdon'tlikeus"we'rewhatTeamPlasma'sfightingagainst.AndIdon'tlikeyoubecauseyouradmirationofTeamPlasmablindsyoutothecrimestheycommit.Sowhydoyoukeeppoppinguptobuguslikethis?"Someonehadtoaskit,andsinceBlackandBiancaweretooniceaboutitandCherenhadonlyjustmetN,Ihadtotakeontheresponsibility.

"BecauseIwanttobefriendswithyouandyourbrother."

Iarchedaneyebrow."Um...friends?"

"Yes.You'rebothsuch...interestingtrainers.NothinglikewhatIthought.Andit's...nicetomeetsomeonelikeme."

"Oh,sothat'showitis.Well,I'msureBlackwantstobeyourfriend,butnotme."

Nstoppedwalkingandturnedaroundtolookatme."Whynot?"

"Incaseyou'veforgotten,youtendtocramTeamPlasma'smumbo-jumbointoaconversationwhenyoucan,andit'sannoying.Youalreadyknowmyfeelingsaboutthem,andyetyoustillpersisttohoveraroundmelikeyouthinkI'mgonnadosomethingwrong,whichmakesmefeelliketheworsttraineronthefaceoftheplanet.Youjust...makemeuncomfortable."Nimmediatelyletgoofmyhandand

steppedawayfromme.Iguess'uncomfortable'wasthekeywordfor'backoff'.Istaredashebegantoplaywiththecubehangingfromthehemofhispants."Look,I'msuretherearepeopleoutthereyou'llgetalongwithjustfine,butI'mnotoneofthem."

"Whydoyoulikeyourfriendsthen?"Igavethegreen-hairedteenasuspiciouslook."I'mmerelycuriousaboutwhyyouwouldconsiderthemfriends."

"Idunno.I'mjust...comfortablearoundthem."

"AndImakeyouuncomfortable."

Ihesitatedforamoment,notsurehowhe'dreact."...Yeah."Nbegantostareatthepavementinthought,andIstaredathim,expectingaresponsesoon.Butwhenitfeltlikehewasn'tgoingtospeakagain,Iwalkedpasthim,determinednottofallbehindoftheothersorremainonthisforsakenbridgeanylonger.

X-X-X

"Whoeverthoughtitwasasmartideatomakethisbridgeaccessibleonfootwasanidiot.Theyshould'vejustkepttheferryrunninginsteadandleavethebridgeforthecars.ImaginehavingtowalkthisfareverytimeyouwantedtotravelbetweenCasteliaandNacrene!Thiswouldturnpeopleoffofwalkingfortherestoftheirlife...!"

"White.Whoareyoutalkingto?"Eveasked.

"I'mnottalking,I'mcomplaining.Mostlytomyself.BecauseifIkeeptalkingandfocusingonmyhateforthisbridge,Iwon'tnoticeallthebirdPokémonflyingaround."SomeDucklettquackedsomewherefromaboveandtheirdownyfeathersalongthebreeze."...Notnoticingthematall."

"White!"IlookedupintimetoseeBlack,BiancaandCherenrunninguptome.Mytwingrabbedmyarmandbeganpullingmefurtherdowntheroad,BiancapushingmefrombehindandCherenrightnexttomewhilealltheirPokémontrailedbehind."You'vegottaseethis!"

"Whatisit?!ThisbetternotbeaflockofDucklett!Theyshedfeatherslikeit'stheirmoltingseasonorsomething...!"Icontinuedcomplaining.

"Justlook,justlook!It'sreallyamazing!"Biancaexclaimed.

Weallgatheredalongthesideoftheroadoverlookingtheocean.Lookingdown,I

couldseewhattheyweremakingsuchabigfussover:alargecruiseshipthatwaspassingoutfromunderthevehiclebridge.Smokefromitsstackswaftedupintotheairanditsoundeditshorn.Icouldmakeoutlittledotsthatwerepeoplewalkingalongthedeck.

"Isn'tthatamazing?It'sthePleasureBoat!JustlikeonTV~!"Biancaswooned."IwishIcouldtakeaphotoofit.Ilovethatshow!"

"Uh...ThePleasureBoat?"IrepeatedasBiancahummedthethemesongtoPleasureBoat.

CherenlookedatBianca."I'msureshemeans'PleasureBoatRoyalUnova',don'tyou,Bianca?"Theblondestoppedhummingandstaredinconfusion."ThePleasureBoatonTVwasbasedontheRoyalUnova,rightdowntothename.ItdoesdailycruisesaroundtheUnovaregionfromCasteliaCity.Itlookslikesoonthey'llmakinganotherrun."Black,Biancaandmyselfbegantostareathim."...What?"

"Didyoujust...makeajoke?"Blackspokeindisbelief.

Cheren'seyeswidenedforamomentbeforehebegantoblush."Itwasn'tonpurpose!"

"Riiiight..."

Thespectacledboyhuffedandbegantowalkaway.Biancaturnedtouswithasmile."IwonderifIcouldgoonthePleasureBoat?It'dbesocooltogoonacruiseship!"Shethenbegantosigh."ButIguesstheticketsarereallyexpensive...Well,IguessIcouldalwaysseeitwhileit'sdockedinCastelia,ifI'mlucky..."ShethenwalkedoffwithherPokémonintow.

"I'veneverseenaboatthatbigbefore...Interesting,"saidValentine.

Kaitohuffed."Idon'tseewhatallthefussisabout.Icandothesamethingasthat...boat."

"Canyoucarrydozensofpeopleandproviderooms,food,andsimplenecessities?"Edwinaskedquickly.

"Yes!No!I...Whatdidyouevensay?"

"IheardthatonBill'sTVonce."

"Oh.Who'sBill?"

"He'samaniac,"saidEve.

"Yeah,amaniac,"Edwinrepeated,causingKaitoandValentinetostareattheEeveepairinconfusion.

"Bytheway,White,"Blackbegan,"whyisNstandingthatfarawayfromus?"IturnedaroundtolookatN,whowasstandingseveralfeetawayfromus.HewasstaringouttoseainthedirectiontheRoyalUnovahadgone."It'skindaweirdthathe'sshyallofasudden."

"He'snotbeingshy.Itoldhimthathemademeuncomfortable,soIguesshedecidedtostayawayfromme."Mybrotherbegantofrownandstaresternlyatme."What?Don'tgivemethatlook!"

"Howdoyouwantmetolookatyouafterwhatyou'vedone?"

Ihuffed."Iwasbeinghonest!Wouldyouhavewantedmetosay'Sure,I'llbeyourfriend!'whenIcanbarelystandhim?That'snothowfriendshipsshouldstart,Black."

"Actually,Ithinkthatishowtheystart.AndwoulditreallybesobadtobefriendswithN?Imean,whenhe'snotfocusedonTeamPlasmaorthinkingthattrainersarebadpeople,he'saniceguy."IcontinuedtostareatBlackskeptically."Y'know,Irememberalittlegirlwhooncehadnofriendsbecauseotherkidsthoughtshewasweirdanddifferent,butoneday,shelearnedthejoysoffriendship."

"...You'renotgonnaletmegetoffofthisbridgeuntilImakenice,areyou?"Withasigh,IturnedmybackonBlackandapproachedN."Hey,N.SorryItoldyouthetruthabouthowuncomfortableyoumakeme."Blackpunchedmelightlyintheback."...Anyway,wecantrytobefriends...Iguess."

"ButImakeyouuncomfortable."

"Thenyoubettertrytostartmakingmecomfortablefromthispointon."

"...Alright."Nwalkeduptomeandstaredforafewsecondsbeforehehuggedme.ItonlylastedashortwhilebeforeImanagedtobreakfreeofhishold."Issomethingwrong?DidIhugyoutootightly?Idothatsometimes,Iadmit."

"You...!Youdonotjustrandomlyhugpeople!"Isnapped.

"Idon'tunderstand.HuggingmakesmyPokémonfriendsmoreateasearoundme."

"DoIlooklikeaPokémontoyou?"

"Actually""

"Shutup,Black,"ImutteredbeforeIturnedaroundandwalkedaway.

X-X-X

IhavenoideahowlongIspentwalkingalongthatbridge,butatsomepoint,IreunitedwiththefriendswhowentaheadofmeandtheidiotsIthoughtIleftbehind.Bythatpoint,though,Iwastootiredtoputupafightagainstthem.Ithinkwewerealltired,actually.BlackandBiancahadevendecidedtoreturntheirPokémonintotheirballswhentheybegantotireout.Butthefatiguesoonfadedawaywhenwebegantoseetallbuildings,cars,andcrowdsofpeoplehustlingalong.

"Well,we'reinCasteliaCity,"saidBlack.

"Thankyouforpointingouttheobvious,"saidCheren.

"Iwasn'ttryingto.Iwastryingtosoundhappy,but...I'mjusttootired!"Blackcomplained.

"Toobehonest,Ialmostdidn'tnoticewewereherebecausemylegsarekillingme...!"IspokeasIbentover,rubbingmysorelegs.

"Mine,too...!"saidBianca."Let'sfindaPokémonCenterwherewecanrelax.Thesooner,thebetter!"

"I...can't."WeallturnedtolookatN,whosuddenlyspokeup."Idon'tlikePokémonCenters."

"Ifyoudon'tlikegoingtoPokémonCenters,howdoyouhealyourPokémon?Wheredoyouevensleep?"Cherenasked,archinganeyebrow.

"Iknowpeople."

"People?Well,Iguessifyou'vegottenalongthisfar,it'sokay.Butareyousureyou'regonnabeokayoutthere?"Icouldn'thelpbutask."Haveyouevenbeeninacitybefore?"

"No."Oh,dearheavens,we'llprobablyheartomorrowabouthowhegotmuggedorranoverbyacar."Are...youworriedaboutme?"

"OfcourseI'mworried.Youscream'easytarget'forshadypeoplewhomightwanttotakeadvantageofyou"andthat'sthebestscenario!Theworstonesendwithyoudying!"

Thegreen-hairedteenbegantosmile."I'mglad."BecauseIwasthinkingaboutyoudying?"Youlikemeenoughtobeworriedaboutmysafety."No,that'scalledhavingcompassion,atraitthatI'monlyshowingtoyoubecausetheworstthingyou'vedoneisinsultme."Untilwemeetagain,BlackandWhite."IwatchedNwalkoffwithZoruawalkingbehindhim.Eventually,hedisappearedamongthecrowdofpeoplewalkingalongthesidewalk.

"...Heforgotwewerehere,too,"Biancasaidwithapout.

"Idon'tcareifhedid.Iwouldn'texactlymindifIdon'trunintothatNcharacteragain,"saidCheren.

"I'msureyou'dlikehimifyougavehimachance,"saidBlack.

"Ican'thelpbutfeeluncomfortablearoundhim.HesupportsTeamPlasmadespitetheiractinglikethievesandcriminals.Ifyoulethimgettooclose,hemightsnatchyourPokémonawayandreleasethem."

"Hewouldn'tdothat.Nwantswhat'sgoodforPokémon!I'msurehe'llseethetruthonhisown,eventually..."

Biancaclearedherthroat,bringingtheboys'attentiononher."Um,guys?PokémonCenter?Seriously,Ineedtositdownforthesakeofmyachylegsandfeet!"

"Alright,alright.Let'sgo."

IfeltsomeonetapmeonmyshoulderandturnedaroundtolookatBlack."Noneedtoworryabouthim,I'msure.N'smanagedtravelingonhisownforthislong,afterall."

"Yeah,butI'llfeelabitguiltyifhewindsupgettinghitbyacarorsomething..."ImutteredbeforethefourofuswalkedofftofindaPokémonCenter.

X-X-X

Notes!

In-game,theonlyaccessibletrainerschoolsinUnovaareinStriatonCity(BW)andAspertiaCity(BW2).

Felixmeans"lucky"and"successful".MarsistheRomangodofwarwho,unlikehisGreekcounterpartAries,isportrayedpositivelyinmythsasusingmilitarypowertosecurepeace.

Intheanime,there'sanepisodecenteredonatownwhereaferrytoCasteliaranpriortotheSkyarrowBridgebeingbuilt.Thisdoesn'texistinthegames,though.

TheRoyalUnovaonlysetssailintheeveningin-game,butitcanbeseenpassingunderneathSkyarrowBridgeevenintheday.

Chapter14

Disclaimer:BluRosedoesn'townthePokémonseries.Sheonlyownsthisfic.

X-X-X

#000:TheSecretofLibertyGarden

"MissWhite?MissWhite?"IgroanedandtriedtoignorePanacea'spokingmylegasIlaidfacedownonthebed."Comenow.Howoutofshapeareyouifawalkacrossabridgetiredyouout?"Youdidn'tseethebridge,letaloneexperienceitslength.I'msurepeoplewhoexerciseregularlygettiredoutfromthattrip!"Yourfriendsrecoveredquicklyandleftawhileago.Youshouldbereadytogetupnow."Igaveanothergroan.

"Ithinkyoushouldjustleaveheralone.Thatwalklookedlikeitreallyhurt!"SaidEve.

"Youcan'tgethurtfromwalking."Tellthattomyachinglegs."...Ifyourlegshurtthatmuch,I'lljustgivethemalittlemassage."

"Nomassage.Justsleep,"Igrumbled.Isoonfelttinypawsrubbingalongmyleg."Panacea.Please,no.Iappreciatethegesture,butIjustwannasleep...Allthat'sdoingiskeepingmeup."IbegantofocusonTiny,whowassleepingnexttomyheadonthepillow.

Iheardthedooropeningandopenedmyeyes.Blackwalkedintotheroom,carryingacardboardbox."Hey,White.We'vegotapackage."

"...Seriously?"

"Yeah."Iscootedovertoallowhimtoputdownthebox."It'sfromMom.Iwonderhowlongagoshesentthishere.Imean,Castelia'sabigcity"there'smorethanonePokémonCenter.It'samazingthatwearrivedatthesameonethepackagedid."

Istaredatthebox."Whatdidsheevensendus?It'saprettybigbox."

"Itcamewithaletter.Let'sseewhatitsays..."Blackunfoldedapieceofpaper."DearBlackandWhite.VeterantrainerMomhere,sendingyousomeitemsthatmayhelpyouonyourjourney.SomeoftheseareforWhite,someareforBlack,andsomeyourdadandIhopeyou'llsharewitheachother.Imadeachecklistforyourconvenience,sopleaseuseittomakesurenothingwentmissingduringthetrip."Helookedatme."Well?Openit."

"Alright,alright..."Igotonmykneesandopenedthebox.Severalitemswerestackedinside,eachwithalabelonit."Here'sabadgecase.Isthisforyou?"IaskedasIpickedupapinkbadgecase.

"No,it'sforyou.ItoldMomwerechallengingthegyms.Hopeyoudon'tmind."

"What?!"

"What?It'snotabigdeal,right?Plus,youneedsomethingtokeepyourbadgesinsotheydon'tgetlost."

IsighedasIputasidethebadgecase."She'sgonnabeexpectingbothofustochallengethechampionnow...!"Icontinuedriflingthroughthebox."Oh.Shepackedmesomeclothesforcoldweather.Notsureifwe'llevenbetravelingforthatlong,butit'sthethoughtthatcounts.There'salsoafishingrodhere."Itookoutasmall,blackrodwithseverallargebuttons.ItwasimmediatelysnatchedoutofmyhandbyBlack."Hey!"

"Oooh!ThisisaSuperRodV!Thesethingsarepricy!"Heexclaimedasheshooktherodaround."Uh,youdon'tlikefishing,doyou,White?"

"No."

"Great!Thenyouwon'tmindifIkeepthisformyself!"

Irolledmyeyes."Knockyourselfout,Black."Iresumedpullingoutitems."Thereis...somethinglabeled'TechnicalMachine'here."Onceagain,Blackswoonedandstaredinchild-likewonder."Okay,what'ssoamazingaboutsomeTechnicalMachine?"Whateverthatis.

"YoureallyknownothingaboutthedeeperpointsofPokémontraining,White."Mybrotherclearedhisthroat."ATechnicalMachine"TMforshort"iscapableofteachingaPokémonmovesinstantaneously!...Solongasit'spossibleforthemtolearnthemoveatall.ThosemovesarekeptasdataonTMdiscs,ofwhichtheysaythereareasmanyastherearemoves,thoughdifferentregionsselldifferentdiscs.Technologyisamazing!...So,canIseeit?"IsighedandhandedhimtheTM.Itwasacube-shapeddevicewithatouchscreenandbuttonsonthetop,asphere-shapedslot,andthenameSilphCo.ontheside.BlacksmiledandbegantofiddlewithitwhileIcontinuedlookinginsideofthepackage."Oooh!It'sgotSwordsDanceonhere!IamsoteachingthattoKaito!AndMimic!AndSubstitute!AndPayDay!Ooooh,Explosion!"

Igavehimalookofhorror."Don'ttellmeyou'regonnateachoneofyourPokémon

toblowup!"

"Ofcoursenot!Besides,they'renotreallythekindofPokémonthatarecapableofforcingthemselvestoexplode..."

"Uh-huh.Whateveryousay,youmadman."Istoppeddiggingandpulledoutapairoftickets."Hey,what'sthelettersayaboutthese?"

BlackstoppedplayingaroundwiththeTMandlookedattheticketsinmyhand."Um..."Helookedbackattheletter."Um,they'relifepassestoLibertyGarden!"

"Oh,wow!That'sahistoricallandmark!...How'dMomevengetthese?"Istaredatthepassesinsuspicion."Doyouthinkshe...splurgedmoneyagainandgottheseonawhimbeforedecidingtojustgive'emtous?"

"Well,maybetheywereherlifepassesbefore!Mom'sbeenaroundUnova,too.Wecan'tjustassumethatallthethingsshesentuswerebought,like,aweekago."

IlookedintotheboxagainandpulledoutablackandpinkXtransceiver."Iguessthisismine,too,huh?"

"Oh,aXtransceiver.It'sabouttimeyougotconnected.NowIdon'thavetoworryaboutyouwhenyouwanderofftodoyourownthing!"

"Yeah...Great...Howdoyouturnthisthingon?"Iasked,lookingdownatthedeviceinconfusion.

"Hangon,I'llshowyou..."

MinutespassedasBlackshowedmethelittlefeaturesoftheXtransceiver.IwasprettysurethatIwouldonlyeveruseitforcallingandtalkingtopeoplethough.Infact,thefirstpeopleImadetocallwereBianca,Cheren,andProfessorJuniper,andafterthem,Mom.

"WhatdoyoumeanIwasn'tthefirstpersonyouthoughtaboutcalling?I'myourmother!"

"I-it'snotthatIwasn'tthinkingaboutyou!Ijustfiguredtheyshouldbethefirsttoknowtheycancallmenow!Sotheydon'tfeelliketheyhavetocallBlacktogetme,too!"IcontinuedtofeeluncomfortableasMomglaredatme."Um...Bytheway,what'swiththesuddencarepackage?Imean,Iunderstandsendingmostofthisstuff,butwhysendthesetickets?"

"Oh,youmeanthepassestoLibertyGarden?Ifiguredyoutwowouldlikethem.Ifyou'regonnatravel,youmayaswelltakeinasmuchasyoucan!"

"Buthowdidyougetthem?"

"Iwontheminaraffle!Theywerethe#1prize!Isn'tthatlucky?"Momsaidwithasmile."Anditwascheap,too!Istillhadenoughmoneytobuysomestuff!"

"Okay...Justdon'tgowastingmoney.Wedon'twannacomehomeandfindyouindebt."

"Oh,please!I'llneverfallintodebt!Ionlygoaftersweetdeals~!"IsighedandshookmyheadwhileMomgiggled."Anyway,I'msureyou'vegotalotofthingstodoinCastelia!Bye,kids!Remembertocall!"

IfoundmyselfstaringdownatthescreenoftheXtransceiverbeforelookingatBlack."So..."IpickedupthepassestoLibertyGarden."Feelinguptoseeingoneofourregion'sgreatestlandmarks?"

"Eh.Iguess."IglaredatmybrotheruntilhebotheredtolookupfromtheTMcaseandlookedatme."What?It'sjustgonnabeasboringasthehistorylessonsonit!MaybeifI'mlucky,I'llatleastbeabletofindsometrainerstochallenge..."Isighedandshookmyhead.Blacklookedatthebox."Let'scleanupandgetgoing.I'mprettysurethere'sascheduleforthesethings."

"Ugh...Timetopackthisstuffaway,then..."

X-X-X

Ifthecityitselfwasawe-inspiring,thensowerethedocksofCastelia.Therewereactuallymultipledocks"oneforprivateboatsandyachts,onewherecruiseshipsfromaroundtheworldcamein,andtheonefortheboattoLibertyGardenIsland,whichwastheverylastdockattheend:theaptlynamedLibertyPier.

"Itoldyouitwasthisdock,butnooo!Youthoughtitwasoneoftheotherdozen!"Icomplainedaswewalkeddownthedockwheretheferrywasstationed.Therewasalreadyalineofpeoplewalkingontoit."Well,theregoesthewindowseat..."Imutteredaswewalkeduptotheendoftheline.

"You'dprobablyjustcowerifyouhappenedtoseeaPokémonoutofthewindowanyway,"saidBlack,tryingtomakeitseemthatbeinglatewasagoodthing.

Tinyclimbedoutofmybagandupontomyshoulder."Weirdo?Weirdo!"thePichu

exclaimed,pointingovertotheendofthedock.Yup,therewasN,leaningagainsttherailing,staringdownatthewater,withZoruastandingontopoftherailingperfectlybalanced.Washegoingtotryandgethisattentionlikelasttime?"HIIII!"

Thatobviouslycaughthisattention.Igroaned,butIstillfoundmyselfwalkingoutoftheline.

"Whereareyougoing?!"Blackcalledout.

"I'llberightback!Thisshouldn'ttakelong!"SolongasNspeaksasfastasheusuallydoes.Icontinuedtowalkdownthedock,Tinyjumpingontotherailingandrunningdownit.Iwasworriedhewasgoingtofallintothewater,butheseemedtohaveperfectbalanceashemadehiswaytowardsZorua.

"Hi!"ThePichuchirped,makingZoruafalloffoftherailingfromshockandlandonhisbackonthecement.

"Oh...it'syouagain,"ZoruagrowledatusasNcontinuedstaringdownatthewaterwhiledroppingbreadcrumbsdowntosomeBasculinthathadgatheredatthesurface.

"Hi,weirdo,"TinygreetedashesmiledatN,completelyoblivioustotheinsulthe'dsaid.

IfoldedmyarmsacrossmychestasIlookedthegreen-hairedweirdoover."I'msurprised.IthoughtthenexttimeIsawyou,itwouldbeasapictureintheobituaries,"IsaidasIleanedagainsttherailing.Ireallydidworry,though.Nseemedlikethesortofpersonthatgotbeatupinschooljustbecause...ifhedidgotoschool,anyway.

Hisonlyresponsewas,"Mm."

IgaveNahalf-liddedlook.WhatwasprobablythefirsttimeIwantedtostartaconversationwithhim...andN'sprettymuchgivingmethecoldshoulder.Itappedmyfootinirritationandheldmybreathbeforeasking,"So,whatchadoing?"

"Watchingtheboats."Coincidentally,whenhesaidthat,Icouldhearthesoundofahornblaring,andwithinafewseconds,acruiseshipwasleavingport."I'veonlyseenpicturesofthem...SomearefarmoreextravagantthanIthoughttheywouldbe."

"Iguessitisamazingtoseeacruiseshipforthefirsttime..."

"I'vealwaysbeeninterestedinthingslikethem.Thefactthattheycanglideacrosswaterandusethewindtopropelthemselvestogreatdistances.Iwonderwhatit'sliketorideone..."Thereitwasagain,thatbright-eyedlookthatmadehimlooklikealittlekid.

"WHITE!Theferry'sgottagoandyou'retheonewiththetickets!"Blackshouted,wavingatmetocomealready.Hedidn'tseemtonoticethatNwasthere.

"Well,I'vegottago.Bye!"IspokequicklyasIgrabbedTinyandranontotheferrywithBlack.Theguywhowasondecktakingticketsgavemeasourlookfortakingtoolongtoboard.Whatwasthebigdeal?Ithadtohavebeenatenminutetriptomakeitthere,ifnotless.Iflashedthelifetimepassestotheman,smiling.Themandidn'treturnitandpointedovertotheseatsthathadbeenbuiltintotheouterwallontheoutsideoftheship.Didthatmeantherewerenomoreseatsinside?Weren'twegoingtogetwet?AwetWhiteplusanelectricmousePokémonwhomayormaynotreleasetheoccasionaljoltbymistakewasnotagoodcombination.

"Oooh,we'regonnagettositoutside!"Black,ontheotherhand,wasexcitedatthethoughtofsittingoutsidetheship.Heranovertothelastfreeseatandploppeddown."Hm?Hey,it'sN!Hey,N!"

IjustrolledmyeyesandsatdownnexttoBlackashestartedtowaveexuberantlyatN.Thegreen-hairedteenjuststaredatus,probablyjealousofnotbeingabletogoonaboathimself.Icouldn'tresistbeingchildishandstuckmytongueoutathimastheferryleftthedocks,sailingtowardstheislandinthedistance.

"Wah!"Tinyscrambledintomybag,shuddering.

"What'swrongwithyou?"Iasked,watchingthePichuwhinefearfully.

"Heh-heh.Ithinkthesoundofthemotorscaredhim,"Blacksnickered.

"Aw,it'sokay,Tiny.Nothing'sgonnahurtyou."Tinystillhidinsideofthebagandcurledupintoafetalposition.

X-X-X

Afewminuteslater,wedockedatLibertyGardenIsland.BlackandIwerethefirstpeopletogetoffoftheferry.ThemomentTinypokedhisheadoutofmybag,hejumpedoutintoaflowerpatchthathadbeenplantednearby.Iguesshewasgratefultobeoffoftheboat.

"Alright,we'rehere.Nowwhat?"Blackasked,stretchinghisarmsupintotheair.

"Whatdoyoumean'nowwhat'?WegoandcheckouttheLibertyTower,duh!"

"Whichonethough?"Istaredatmybrotherinconfusion.Hepointedforward."Lookoverthere."Iturnedaroundtolookandmymouthopenedinaweofthesightoftwolighthouses.Onewassleek-lookingandbrandnewandtheotherwasmadeofstone.Bothhadpeoplegoinginandoutinlittlegroups,takingpicturesandwhatnot."IthoughttherewasonlyoneLibertyTower?"

"Thereis.It'sthestonelighthouseoverthere.Thenewerone'ssupposedtobeareplacementlighthouse,butsincetheLibertyTowerhassignificanceinUnova'shistoryasasymboloffreedomandunity,itwaskeptstanding."Iexplained.IlookeddownatTiny."Youmaynotcomprehendanyofthis,butthislighthouseisreally...Tiny!"ThePichuhadapparentlyspentthisentiretimeeatinguptheflowerpatch.BythetimeInoticed,he'dalreadyeatenaboutaquarterofit,onlystoppingtolookupatmewithaflowerhangingfromhismouth."Whoeverplantedthoseisgonnabemad!There'sadifferencebetweenfoodandtopiary!"IchastisedTinyasIpickedhimupandbegantocleanthepollenoffofhim.

"Ahem."Ifrozeuprightatthesightofthetourguide,amanwholookedevenmoreannoyedwithmethanthetickettakerbackontheLibertyPier.IslippedTinyintomybagandscootedclosetoBlack."Ifyoutwodon'tmindpayingattention,thetourisabouttobegin,andI'dlikeitifnotomfooleryweretohappenduringit."

"Tomfoolery?"Blackwhisperedaswebothmadeourwaytothebackofthetourgroup."Whosaysthatanymore?Tomfoolery..."

"Shutup,Black.Idon'twannagetintroubleandIwanttohearwhattheyhavetosay,"Iwhisperedback.

"Nowthen,"thetourguidebegangesturingtowardstheolderlighthouse,"theLibertyTowerwasagiftfromtheregionofKalos"theypaidforeverythingthatwouldallowthetowertobebuilt.ThelightthatshonefromthelighthousewassupposedtobeasymbolofhopeandfreedomforhumansandPokémonalike."Heturnedhisbacktothegroup."We'llnowbeheadinginsidetogetabetterlookathowthelighthouseusedtowork."

OurgroupheadedintotheLibertyTower.Somepeoplebegantotakephotosasthetourguideresumedspeakingaboutwhatelsethelighthousewasusedfor.IonlybotheredpayingattentiontosomebitsandpiecesbecauseI'dheardmostofthingshesaidinschool.Furtherupthespiralingstaircasewasthesecondfloordormitoryfortheformerlighthousecaretakersandthethirdfloorwherethelightwasshone.Hopefullyit'dgetmoreinterestingfurtherup.

"Well,IfeellikeI'mbackinschoolagain.Andthat'snotagoodthing,"saidBlack.

"Yeah,'cuzyouhavemuchbetterthingstodo,likegawkoverthoseTMs,"Ispokesarcastically.Tinypokedhisheadupoutofmybag,hisearstwitching.ThePichujumpedoutofmybagandranintheoppositedirectionofthetourgroup"downthestairsintothearealabeledasthebasement."Tiny,what'reyou"Stop,stop,stop!"Iranafterhimdownthestairs,followedbyBlack.

X-X-X

"Tiny,Iswearthatifyoudon'tcomebackherethisinstant,ourokaypartnershipisgoingtogetworse!"IcalledasIwalkeddownthestairs.WhenImadeittothebottomofthestaircase,Inoticedseveralthings.One:thedownstairsbasementwasactuallyalong,creepy-lookingcorridorwithdimceilinglampsandrustingdoors"aremnantoftheoldundergroundthattheLibertyTowerwasbuilton.Two:Tinywasstandinginthemiddleofthecorridorwithhisbackturnedtome.Three:apairofTeamPlasmamembersstoodatthefarendofthecorridorinfrontofadoor.

"White!"IjumpedasBlackhissedintomyear."What'retheydoinghere?You'dthinktheywouldn'tbeabletogetherewithoutgettingarrested."Whyweretheyevenhereinthefirstplace?Thequestionwaswhytheywereeventhereinthefirstplace.Iftheywantedtorobtheplaceagain,I'mprettysurethevaluableswereallaboveground.

ElectricitycrackledaroundTiny'sbodybeforeheunleashedajoltofelectricityatthetwogrunts"notenoughtoknockthemout,butenoughtomakethemwhirlaroundandglareatus."Whattheheck?!Ithoughttherewasn'tsupposedtobeanyonedownhere!"

"It'sonlytwokids.We'lljustleavethemtiedupuntilwegetVictini.Maybeleave'emlockedupinoneoftheserooms."

"Uh...Won'tthatkillthem?"

"I'msurethey'llbefound...eventually."

BlackclearedhisthroatandbroughtthePlasmids'attentionbackonus."Ignoringyourtwistedphilosophy,whatmakesyouthinkwe'llletyoudoanyofthat?"ThePlasmagruntsdidn'trespond.TheymerelytookouttheirPokéBallsandreleasedtheirPokémon:aScraggy"athinyellowlizardwithalargeheadthathelditslooseskinarounditswaist,andaCottonee"asmallwhitecreaturemostlycoveredinfluffywhitecottonandleaf-likegreenears."Scraggy,theSheddingPokémonisaDark/Fightingtype.Ithasskinwithrubberyelasticitythatcanreducedamagewhen

pulledupandasturdyskullwhoseweightmakesitunstable.Cottonee,theCottonPuffPokémon,isGrasstype.Itshootscottonfromitsbodytodistractattackersandgoeswhereverthewindtakesit,"BlackreadoffofhisPokédex.

"Cottonee,useCottonSpore!"TheCottoneeshookitsbodyquicklyandreleasedseveralsmallcottonball-likespores.ThesporeshoveredaroundTinyforamomentbeforetheysuddenlygrewlargerandclungontohim.

"Scraggy,useSmackDown!"TheScraggybegantogesturewithitshands,asifformingsomethinginside.Afterafewseconds,theScraggythrewasmallglowingorbatTinythat,despitethecottonsurroundinghim,madeimpactandsentthePichuflyingback.

BlackreleasedhisSewaddle."Felix,useBugBitetochewawaythatcotton!"Heinstructed,pointingatTiny'scotton-coveredbody.

TheSewaddlefrozeatthesightofTeamPlasmaandtheirPokémonandbegantocryoutinahigh-pitchedbuzzingsound."AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!"ThesoundofhiscryingmadetheScraggyandCottoneewinceinpain"thelattertothepointofdroppingoutoftheair.

"Felix!Concentrate,willyou?!"BlackshoutedoverFelix'sscreaming.TheSewaddleimmediatelystoppedandbegantochewawayatthecottonwhileTeamPlasmaandtheirPokémonwererecoveringfromtheattack.Soon,Tinywasfreed."Alright!NowuseRazorLeaf!"

"Tiny,useThunderShock!"

Withashakeofhishead,Felixunleashedaflurryofleaves,andTinyunleashedajoltofelectricity.ThesharpleaveshitboththeScraggyandCottonee,theformerdroppingitslooseskinduetotheforceoftheattack.ThefollowingelectricshockmadetheScraggybegintosway.

"Snapoutofit,Scraggy!UseHeadbutt!"TheScraggybegantorunforward,butitfelloveritsfeet.

"Cottonee,MegaDrain!"TheCottoneebegantoglowwithapalegreenaurabeforefiringabeamofgreenenergyatFelixthatquicklyretracted.TheSewaddleshookhishead,notreallyfazedbytheattack.

"Felix,useStringShottobindthosetwotogether!"Blackcommanded.Felixopenedhismouthandblewlongthreadsofsilkoutofhismouth.ThesilkthreadswrappedaroundtheScraggyandCottoneeandtiedthemtogether."NowuseBugBuzz!"

FelixbegantoscreamonceagainandthesoundmadeTeamPlasma'sPokémonfaint.

"C-cottonee,nooo!"Oneofthegruntscriedoutwhiletheothergrowledinfrustration."Th-thatwasmyonlyPokémon..."

"Mine,too."

"So,whatdowedonow?"

ThegruntsexchangedlooksbeforetheyreturnedtheirPokémonintotheirballs...andranoff,pushingBlackandmedownintheprocess."Hey!Youjerks!"IshoutedovermyshoulderasthePlasmamembersdisappearedupthestairs.

Blackgotonhisfeetandwalkedovertothedoor."...Ihearsomethinginsideofthere."Hestaredatthedoorforafewsecondsbeforegrabbingthehandleandopeningit.

"Whatareyoudoing?!"IhissedasIranuptohimandgrabbedhiminachokehold."You'rejustinterruptingsomeworkers!"

"White!White,lookinside!"Mybrotherchokedoutashepointedintotheroom.

Ilooked,andinseconds,Iwasstaringinconfusion.Iexpectedtheretobeastorageroomorjustsomeemptyoldcellar,butinstead,itwasaroomthatlookedlikeitbelongedtoachild.ThereweretoysscatteredaboutandasmallTVplayinginthebackoftheroom.IsteppedintotheroomafterBlack."Whatonearthisthis?"

"Itlookslikesomeone'sbeenhangingoutinhere.Orlivinghere.Look!TheTV'son!"Blackwalkedovertothetelevisionandgotonhiskneestoseewhatwasplaying."Hey,it'sthatshowwiththekidwhotravelsacrossalltheregionstobecomethePokémonMaster!Italwaysamazesmethatnomatterhowlongthisshow'sbeenon,he'llstillalwaysbe10yearsold...Whatelseison?"Hepickeduptheremoteandchangedthechannel."Look,White!It'sthatmini-showyoulike"theonethatteachespeopletosayJapanese."

"YA!MINNA!It'stimeforthisweek'sKoukanTalk!Thisweek'sphraseisforaskingsomeonechallengingthePokémonLeague'Howmanybadgeshaveyougot?'Yousay'Ikutsubajimotteru?'That's'Ii-ku-tsuba-jimo-te-ru?'Yeah!Askyourrivalhowfarthey'veprogressedwiththisphrase!"

"Ineverunderstandwhyyoulikethisshow.JapaneseisallGreektome..."Blackmutteredashechangedthechannel.

Istaredatmybrotherindisbelief."Seriously,Black?Aren'tyoueventheslightestbitfreakedoutthatsomeonemightlivehere?"Itsoundedlikesomethingoutofahorrormovie:somehomicidalmaniacwaslivingdownhere,plottingthenextmomenttheywouldstrike.

TinyandFelixwerestandingbyapileofplushtoys.ThePichubegantostareinaweat,whattohim,must'veseemedlikeamountainofdolls.Felix,however,staredatthepileforafewsecondsbeforescamperingoffinfeartowardsBlack,squirmingintohisjacketfrombehindandcoweringbehindhim.

"WHOA!"BlackreachedbehindhisbackandpulledtheSewaddleoutofhisjacket."Whatwasthatfor?!"

"Theeyes...!Theeyes...!"TheSewaddleshiveredinfear.

"Idon'tthinkhelikesdolls,"Ispokeflatlybeforesomethingshotoutofthepileandattachedtomyface."AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!Getitoff,getitoff!UWAAAAAAHHH!"Icriedout,myheartpoundingagainstmychest.Ikeptsteppingaround,tryingtogetthethingoffofmeuntilIfellback,landinghardonthefloor.Igroanedandheldmybreathasthecreaturejumpedoffofmyfaceandjumpedintoanopentoybox.AssoonasBlackcrawledovertomeonallfours,Iheldhiminachokehold,crying,"This...is...all...your...faaaaault!"

"White,stopchokingmeeee!"

"We'regoingtodiebecauseofyourcuriosity!Ifanything,you'regonnadie,first!"

"Can't...breathe...!"

"Vi...?"Welookedupandsawapairoflargeblueeyesstaringatusfrominsideoftheslightlyopentoybox.

IsomehowfoundthestrengthtothrowBlackforwardinthetoybox'sdirection.HecrawledforwardslowlywhileIcrawledback,notlookingforwardtobeingattackedbythatthingagain.Mybrotherwentinfrontofthetoyboxandraisedthelid.Iclosedmyeyesandstartedtopleadtowhateverhigherentitycouldgetmeoutofthismess.

"Heythere,lil'guy.Wasthatyouwhoscaredthestuffingoutofus...?"IheardBlackspeaksoftly.Afterafewseconds,Ifeltahandonmyshoulder."Hey,White.Thisiswhatyouwerescaredof."Icrackedopenmyeyesandsawsomethingstandingontopofmyknees.Itwasasmallcream-coloredcreaturewithlargeblueeyes,longV-shapedorangeears,andapairofwingsstickingoutofitfrombehind.Afterthat,I

fainted.

X-X-X

WhenIcameto,IwasinapositiontoseeBlack,Tiny,andthatlittlecream-coloredPokémonwatchingTVtogether.I'dbeensetupnearawallwithadollinmyarms.Blacklookedoverhisshoulderinmydirectionbeforecrawlingtowardsmeonallfours."Good!Youwokeup!Listen,IhavesomethingIwannashowyou."HesatdownnexttomeasIheldmyhandtomyforehead,sighing.MybrotherpulledouthisPokédexandafterpressingsomebuttonsandusingthesearchoption,heheldupthePokédextomyface,showingmetheentrythatpoppedup.

"...Victini,theVictoryPokémon.Psychic/Firetype.AncientmythssaythatthisPokémonbringsvictory,andthattrainerswhoownonewillalwayswin,regardlessofthetypeofencounter.ItissaidthatVictinicancreateanunlimitedsupplyofenergyinsideofitsbody,andshareitwiththosewhotouchit.However,becausethereislittletonoproofthatthisPokémonevenexists,itistreatedasalegendaryPokémonratherthansimplybeingararespecies.Tothatend,itisgivenauniquenumberinginitsnation'sPokédex"#000."Andrighttherenexttotheentrywasanimageofthelittlecream-coloredcreaturethatscaredthedaylightsoutofme.

"White...Thatlittleguy'sararePokémon!Andalegendaryone!Canyoubelieveit?!"Blackgrabbedmyhandsandstartedsinging,"Legendary,legendary~!Wefoundalegendary~!"

"Thatmakesitworse!"Ihissed."LegendaryPokémonhelpedtoformUnovaasweknowitinafight,remember?!AlegendaryPokémonalmostkilledmeandBianca!Youwannaknowhowbadlythat...littleguycouldmessusup?!"IgrowledbeforeIcametoarealization."Itcoulduseitspsychicpowerstoreadourminds!We'redead!"IlookeddownandjumpedatthesightofTinyandVictinistandinginfrontofme.

"Friend,Mommy!"saidthePichu.

"Hi,"Victinigreetedasithelduptwoofitsthreefingerslikethe'VforVictory'sign.

IgaveashortshriekbeforeBlackheldhishandovermymouthandshotmealook.Whenhetookhishandoff,IgulpedbeforesmilingweaklyandwavingstifflyattheVictoryPokémon."Hi..."VictinijumpedontomylapimmediatelyandIjumped.Istartedtohopethatitwouldn'tdoanythingharmful.

"Wherearemytoys?"Victiniasked.HecrawledintomytotebagandpulledoutaPokéBall."Isthisit?"Hepressedthebuttononitanditopenedup,revealing

nothingbutcomplicatedtechnology.HetossedtheballasideandjumpedintoBlack'sbag.Whenhereappeared,hewasholdinghisfishingrod."What'sthis?"Thecream-coloredPokémonpressedthebuttonandtherodextended."Oooh!"HebegantoswingtherodarounduntilBlacktookitoutofhishands.

"Youcan'tplaywiththis!It'snotatoy!"

Victini'seyestearedupandhestartedcrying."WAAAAHHHH!"

"Aw,comeon!Don'tcry,Victini!"Victinicontinuedtocry.

Igrowledundermybreathandheldmyhandsovermyearstotryandblockoutthenoise,butthatdidnogood.IsuddenlygrabbedholdofVictiniandstrokedhishead."Quiet,quiet!It'snoteventhatfun,really!"Victinistoppedcrying,butsniffledandstartedtosnuggleintomychest.Ifrozeatthatmoment,frightenedatthecontact.

"Chuuu..."Tinygrowledunderhisbreathaselectricitycrackledfromhischeeks.HeunleashedaThunderShockontheVictoryPokémon.VictinishookofftheattackbeforejumpingoffofmylapandheadbuttingTiny.Theelectricmousefellback,holdingontohishead.Victinididn'tstopthereandjumpedontopofTiny,andthetwostartedtorollaroundonthefloor,hittingeachotherandpullingoneachother'sears.

"Hey!Knockitoff!"IshoutedasIgrabbedholdofTinytopullhimoff...secondsbeforehedischargedelectricityandshockedbothmeandVictini.Whenitwasalldone,IsworethatIsawmylifeflashbeforemyeyes.Man,itsucked.ItwitchedinvoluntarilyforafewsecondsbeforeIfellback,fallingunconsciousoncemore.

X-X-X

"Ineverthoughtyou'dbethejealoustype,"IspokeflatlysomewhileafterIwokeup.TheVictiniwassittinginaseparatecorneroftheroom,refusingtotalktous.

"Chuuu...!"Tinywhined,hisearsdroopingsadly.Ialmostfeltbad,butthenIrememberedthatheelectrocutedme.ThenIfeltmyangerwasdeserved.

"Thisentireday'sstartingtosuck,Black,"Itoldmybrother,whowassittingnexttome."FirstaVictinitriestomaulme.ThenmyownPichushocksme.Whatnext?"Iaskedwearily.

Black,however,ignoredmywell-foundedcomplaintsandsaid,"Hey...Inordertohaveallthisstuff,Victinimusthaveatrainer.Whydoyouthinkthey'dkeephimonLibertyGardenIsland?Inaplacelikethis?"

"Idon'tcare."Ifelthimglaringatme,whichpromptedmetosighandsay,"Maybe...someonewantedtokeephimasecret?He'saPokémonthat'ssupposedtomakepeoplevictoriousafterall.Everyonewouldwantapieceofthat."Well,thatexplainswhyTeamPlasmawantedhim:tomaketheirplanssucceednomatterwhat.TheyatleasthidhiminaplacenoonewouldthinktofindalegendaryPokémon.

"Thatseemskindamean,though.Whywouldn'ttheyjustgivehimaPokéBall?Orevenkeephimsafewherevertheylived?Keepinghimlockeduplikethisdoesn'tseemliketherightwayforanyonetolive..."Blacknudgedmeintheside."Hey!Whydon'tyougoaskhimwhoandwherehistraineris?"

"Whyme?!"

"BecauseIdon'tunderstandwhatPokémonsay."Mybrothernudgedmeagain."Goon!Victinikindalikesyouanyway."Igavehimanunconvincedglare.

Thelightsflickereduntiltheyturnedoffentirely.However,aneeriewhiteglowbegantoshineintheroomfromabove.Wealllookedupandjumpedatthesightofapairofthin,transparentcreatures,onebluewithredeyesandonepinkwithblueeyes,bothwithsmallcrown-shapedopeningsontopoftheirroundheads.Theyhadlong,frilledtentaclesforarmsandlegsthatextendedfromtheirbodieslikerobes,thepinkone'sfarfrillier.

BlackmanagedtoscanthecreatureswithhisPokédexdespitethedarkness."Frillish,theFloatingPokémon.Water/Ghosttype.Whenthey'vewrappedpreywiththeirveil-likearms,theyparalyzethemwithpoisonandpullthemdowntotheirlairsfivemilesbelowthesurface.Malesarealwaysashadeofblueandfemalesashadeofpink."

"Poison?!"Icried,pressingmybackagainstthewall."E-evenworse,they'reghosts!Ghoststhatdrownyouafterpoisoningyou!That's,like,myfearsofWater,GhostandPoisontypePokémonrolledupintoonehorriblepackage!"

"Calmdown!Maybethey'refriendly!"TheFrillishfloateddownfromtheceiling,goingtowardsVictini.TheVictoryPokémonstaredatthemcuriouslyuntilthemaleFrillishwrappedhistentaclesaroundhimtightlyandthefemaleFrillishexpelledathickwhitemistoutofitsheadthatfilledtheentireroom."Ormaybenot!"IheardthesoundofaPokéBallopening."Valentine,useGusttoclearthismist!"Withthatcommand,themistwasblownawaybyBlack'sTranquill,buttheFrillishandVictinihaddisappearedbythen."Where'dtheygo?!"

Tiny'searstwitchedbeforeheranoutoftheroomquickly.Weranthroughthehall,

upthestairs,andbackupintothelighthouse.WecameupintimetoseeseveralTeamPlasmagruntsgoingupstairs.Somehow,itfiguresthedaywouldgetworse...

"Ican'tbelieveit.Theyactuallycameback?"Blackaskedashelookedoutside.Itmadesense,though.TheyhadwaymorethanameaslypairofgruntswhentheywerelookingforVirizion,whydoanylessforVictini?IlookedoutsideandsawseveralPlasmamemberswalkingaround."Theplaceiscrawlingwiththem!"Assomegruntscamewalkingby,BlackandIduckedbackinsideandhidawayfromthedoor.

"What'rewegoingtodo?"Iasked.

BlackfoldedhisarmsacrosshischestasValentinelandedonhisshoulder."Whatelsecanwedo?Wehavetostopthem!Wecan'tletTeamPlasmastealpeople'sPokémon,andwedefinitelycan'tlet'emmisuseVictini'spower!"Waytopointouttheobvious."Weshouldsplitup.Thenwe'dhaveabetterchanceoftakingoutTeamPlasmaandfindingVictini."What?No!Badidea,badidea!

"Youwannasplitupinasituationlikethis?!"Ihissed.

Mybrothergrabbedmebytheshoulders."Don'tworry,White.We'vetakenonTeamPlasmabefore."

"Notthismanyof'em!"

Blacksighed."Iknow...Butsomeone'sgottadosomething.Hey,theysaythatakidmanagedtotakedownanentirecriminalorganizationwithPokémon,sowecandefendasingleisland!"IdoubtthathappenedandIdoubtwecan."Justlookatitthisway:we'reprotectingasymbolofunityforhumansandPokémonalike,andwhatTeamPlasma'sdoinggoesagainstit!We'refightingforourcountry!"Thisisn'twar,youmoron!"So,I'llleavethelighthousetoyouwhileItakeonthePlasmamembersoutside.Giveitto'em!"Andthenheranout.Stupidtwinbrother!Whatmadehimthinkthathecouldtakeonallthosegruntsoutside,orthatIcouldtakeontheonesinsideofthelighthouse?

"Teeny..."IlookeddownatTiny,wholookedupatmesadly."Teeny,Mommy.Teenyfriend..."

"...Alright.We'vegotalighthousetoreclaim."Istraightenedmycap,tookadeepbreath,andbeganwalkingupthelongspiralingstaircasetothesecondfloorofthelighthouse.

X-X-X

BythetimeImadeittothesecondfloor,Irealized...lighthousearetoodangbig!IwaswindedbythetimeIstopped...andtherewerestillthreemorefloorstogo.IwishIcouldbelikeTiny,whodecidedtorideinmybagpartwayupthestairs.Lighthousesarefarlessinterestingwhenyou'rerushingupstairstorescuepeople"andalotmoreexhausting.

"Hm?Who'sthat?"

"Notoneofus,that'sforsure."IlookeduptofindapairofgirlsdressedinTeamPlasmauniforms,staringatmesuspiciously.Onewithredhairandonewithblondehair."Thismustbeoneofthetourists.Theyprobablygotawayfromtheothersdownstairs,"saidtheblonde.

"Well,thatwon'tdo!"TheredheadedPlasmidexclaimed,soundingbubbly."OneofusshouldtakeherbacktotheotherlighthousewhiletheothercontinuessearchingforVictini!"

"Great.Youdothat."

"What?!ButyousaidthatyouweregettingfrustratedwithsearchingforVictini!"Theredheadsaidwithapout.

"I'dbemorefrustratedwithdealingwithpeople.Andyou'remoreofapeoplepersonanyway."Theblondeturnedandwalkedaway,disappearingaroundthecolumn.

"...Fine.ButI'mnotdoingitbecauseyousaidtodoit,"theredheadedplasmidgrumbled.Shewalkeduptomeandclaspedherhandstogether."Idon'twanttofight,miss.JustgivemeyourPokémonandcomewithmequietly,please!"

"Notachance!I'mnotgivingmyPokémontoyouhypocritesafteryouwentandcaughtVictini!"

Theblondestaredatmeinconfusion."Idon'tknowwhat...?Nevermind!You'reobviouslyoneofthosetrainerswho'dratherhurttheirPokémonmoreandgodowninafight!Well,I'llbeatyouatyourowngame!"ShetookoutaPokéBallandsentoutaDucklett.ThelightblueWaterBirdPokémonruffleditsfeathersandquacked."Odette,let'sgo!"Odette?SheactuallybotheredtonameherPokémon?

"Whatever.Go,Tiny!"ThePichujumpedoutmybagandlandedinfrontofme,cheekscracklingwithelectricity.

"Odette,useWingAttack!"TheDucklettranforwardandswungawingatTiny.HejumpedupintimetoavoidtheattackandlandedontopoftheWatertype'shead.

"UseThunderShock!"Icommanded.TinylatchedontotheDucklett'sheadtightlyandunleashedajoltofelectricity.TheDucklettflailedspasticallyuntilTinystopped,thenitfellover,twitching.

"ODETTE!"Theblondegruntgaspedwithapainedexpression."...Well.Thatwasanticlimactic.Butit'snotoveryet!"SheexclaimedasshereturnedherDucklett."Go,Milli!"AtthesightofhernextPokémon,Ifroze"nopunintended,becauseitwasaVanillite.ItwasoneofthoseeasilyrecognizablePokémonbecauseofUnova'smostpopularicecreambrandusingitasamascot,duetoitscone-shapedbodyoficeandheadcoveredinswirledsnowresemblingsoftserveicecream.ItwasanIcetypeand...I...amnotafanofthecold.Orice.Orfreezingtodeath!"Hey,areyouokay?Ifyou'rehavingsecondthoughtsandjustwannagivemeyourPokémonnow,I'dbehappyto""

"I'mfine,youcreep!"Isnapped,takingastepbackandtakingadeepbreath.Icouldn'tloseit.Icouldn'tblackoutnow,whenalltheseproblemswerehappening.

"IfI'macreepbecauseI'mconcernedevenforpeople,thenI'macreep!"Theblondegruntexclaimed"Butifyoudon'twantanypleasantriesfromme,I'llbeunpleasant!Milli,useIcyWind!"HerVanilliteblewoutwindthatwassocolditwasvisible.TinycriedoutinpainaswhatIknewwasbitingcoldnessenvelopedhim.

"Tiny,useCharm!"

"IgnoreitwithUproar!"Thegrunt'sVanillitebegantoyellandspinaroundasTinytriedhisbesttolookendearing.However,thevolumeincreasedandinseconds,itwasstartingtograteonmyearsaswellasTiny's.

"UseSweetKiss!"WincinginpainasthevolumeoftheVanillite'syellingincreased,TinyblewakisstotheFreshSnowPokémon.Itfalteredandstoppedyelling,nowtoodazedandconfusedtotry."NowuseVoltTackle!"WhydidIsaythat?Itwaseitheradrenalineortheurgetoendthisasquicklyaspossible.Eitherway,Tinydroppedtoallfoursandhisbodybegantocracklewithelectricity.HedashedforwardandtackledtheVanilliteasitwasrecovering.TheforcebehindthetacklewassomehowstrongenoughtosendtheVanilliteflyingintoawallbehinditstrainer.Ifitwasn'tunconsciousafterthat,itwasonetoughsnowcone.

"MILLI!"Theredheadedgruntgasped.ShereturnedherPokémonintoitsballimmediatelybeforeturningtofaceme."Itstillisn'toveryet!I...I...havenomorePokémon,Irealize."Iresistedtheurgetoslapmyselfintheface."ButIknowsomeonewhodoes!Sojust...waitrightherewhileIgogetthem,okay?"Theredheadthenturnedaroundandtookoffrunningaroundthecorner.

Istoodthereforafewsecondsbeforegroaning."Shedoesn'treallythinkwe'regoingtostickaroundandwaitforher,doesshe?"IaskedTiny,wholookedtootiredtorespond.Iheldoutmybag."Hopin,Tiny.Ihavemorestairclimbingtodo..."Igrumbledinannoyance.

X-X-X

"Iadmirepeoplewhoworkinlighthousesnow.Theymusthaveinsanephysicalenduranceaftergoingupanddownstairsthewholetime,"ItalkedtomyselfasIwalkedupthestairs.

Eventually,Imadeittothetopofthestaircaseandwasofficiallyonthethirdfloor.Ashortdistanceaway,apairofPlasmamembersweretalking.Onewastheredheadedgirlfrombefore,whiletheotherwasaguywhowasslightlyolderthanme.Theredheadnoticedmestandingthereandspunaroundtopointatme."That'swhoIwastalkingabout!"Sheexclaimed."She'satroublemaker!"

"Really?Shedoesn'tlookthatintimidating,"saidthemalePlasmid."Besides,whatmakesyouthinkI'llfareanybetterthanyouinabattle?"

"Idunno!Experience?NothavingaPokémonweaktoElectrictypemoves?Itdoesn'tmatter!Wejusthavetobeatherandmakesureshedoesn'tcauseanytrouble!"

"ButI"!Ugh.Fine..."ThemalePlasmamembersteppedforwardwithaPokéBallinhand."I'drathernotforcemyPokémontofight,butI'lldoitfortheteam.Go,Mandragora!"Inaflashoflight,asmall,round,bluePokémonappeared.Ithadadarkredflowerwithroundpetalsgrowingoutofitsheadandcurledorangeleavesthatresembledhair.Itsclosedeyesanddroolingmouthmadeitseemlikeitwashalfasleep,butanyonewhoknewwhatitwasknewbetter.

"Gloooom~!"TheGloomsang,wavingitshandsintheair.GloomwerePokémoninfamousforreleasingafoulodorstrongenoughtoknockpeopleout.Thisonewasn'tstinkinguptheplace,though...yet.Well...I'djusthavetoknockitoutbeforeitstartedtostink...Ihope.

IreachedintomybagandtookoutMars'sball."Go,Mars!"IreleasedtheVenipede."UseRollout!"MarscurledupintoaballandhittheGloomwitharollingtackle."Keepitup!"Icheeredhimon,promptingMarstocontinuerollingintotheGloom.

"UseEchoedVoice!"ThePlasmagruntcommanded.InthemomentbetweenMars'stackles,theWeedPokémonshoutedloudly.TheforceofthesoundwasenoughtonotonlystopMars,butpushhimback."Onceagain!Echoedvoice!"TheGloomtook

adeepbreathandshoutedagain,theforcepushingMarsbackonceagain.

"Hanginthere!UseDefenseCurlandthenRollout!"TheVenipedecurledupintoaballonceagainandshonewithapalewhiteauraforabriefmomentbeforerollingtowardstheGloom.TheGrasstypePokémonscreamedonceagainandusedEchoedVoice.Marslookedlikehestruggledabittorollforward,buthecontinuedpushingagainsttheforceofthesoundwavesuntiltheGloompausedtotakeabreath.Atthatmoment,MarsspedforwardandstrucktheGrasstypewithenoughforcetosenditflyingbackagainstawall.

"MANDRAGORAAAAA!"ThemalePlasmagruntranovertohisfaintedGloom,scoopeditup,andranupthespiralingstaircase.

"W-wait!Don'tleavemeherealone...withher..."TheredheadedPlasmagruntlookedoveratme.Shegulpedandstaredatmeforafewsecondsbeforerunningoff.

Marsuncurledandturnedaroundtolookatme."Was...wasIgood?"Heaskedshyly.

"Youwerefantastic!"IcomplimentedhimandtheVenipede'santennaetwitchedenergetically."Youdeservearest."IreturnedMarsintohisballandslippeditbackintomybagbeforeapproachingthestaircasewithalookofdistaste."Ugh,moreclimbing.Atthisrate,I'llprobablybeabletowinamarathon..."

X-X-X

"Ifheusedmorethanasinglemove,hemight'vewon!"

"Don'tblameme!"

"I'mnotblamingyou!I'mblamingyourpoorinsight!Becauseofthat,yourPokémongothurt!"

"Well,sodidbothofyours!Whatdoesthatsayaboutyourinsight?!"

AsImademywayupthestaircase,IcouldhearthePlasmidsarguing.It'salmostsadhowtheseguyswereattachedenoughtotheirPokémontogivethemnames.IfeltslightlybadforbeatingthemuntilIrememberedwhattheyweredoingandwhattheirgrouphaddonebefore.

"Now,now!We'resupposedtobeateam!"Asecondfemalevoicespoke."Let'snotjumpdowneachother'sthroatswhenthere'sathreatontheloose."Athreat?Me?Ifeltalittleproudtobeconsideredathreat....Whatiswrongwithme?

WhenIreachedthethirdfloor,thethreegruntsturnedaroundtofaceme."THAT'SHER!"ThetwoImetbeforeshoutedloudenoughthatIwinced.

ThenewfaceamongthePlasmidswasapink-hairedwomanwithasmilingface."Isee...Sinceyou'vealreadygoneanddefeatedmyfriendshere,I'msurethisisinvain,butI'llaskanyway:won'tyoujustreleaseyourPokémonandgoupstairswiththeothers?"

Ifrowned."Whatdoyouthink?"

"Ithink,asmuchasitpainsmetodothis,I'llhavetouseforcetostopyou."ShetookoutapairofPokéBalls."Aloe!Go!"Inaflashoflight,alightpurpleAudinoappeared.

"AnAudino,huh?"IsearchedthroughmybagandtookoutaPokéBall."Go,Eve!"TheEeveeappearedinfrontofme,bouncingenergetically."UseGrowl!"EvegrowledendearinglyattheAudino,whosteppedbackinfear.

"Don'tbeafraid!UseSecretPower!"Thegrunt'sAudinobegantoglowbrightwhitebeforejumpingforward.ShebodyslammedEveandmadeherstumbleback."NowusePound!"

"QuickAttack!"TheEeveedashedtowardstheAudinoandtackledintoitjustastheHearingPokemonstruckherontheheadwithaballeduppaw."Whileyou'reclose,getinaTackle!"EvebeganheadbuttingthepurpleAudinorepeatedlywhiletheotherNormaltypecontinuedpoundingawayather."NowuseBite!"TheEeveeopenedhermouthandbitdownontheAudino'sleg.TheAudinogaveacryofpainandfellback,holdingontothespotitwasbitten.

"Timeout!TIMEOUT!"ThePlasmagruntgesturedwithherhandsbeforerunninguptoherwhimperingAudinowithapotioninhand."There,there.I'llmakeyourightasraininafewseconds..."Shestartedtospritztheinjuredspot."There."ShethenreturnedherPokémontoitsballandturnedtofaceme."Trainersarereallyrough,aren'tthey?That'swhyIdon'tlikePokémonbattles..."

"Whatnow?!She'sknockedoutallofourPokémon!"Themalegruntcried.

Theredheadedgruntsuddenlyhadalookofrealizationappearonherface."Wait!There'sstillonemoreperson!"

"Huh?"

"Oh,right!"Saidthepink-hairedgrunt."Shewentupstairstomakesurenoneofthe

touristswouldsneakout!"

"Yeah!"Theredheadjumpedexuberantlybeforepointinganaccusingfinger."Justyouwait,youbrutishtrainer!You'llgetwhat'scomingtoyou!"Andwiththat,thethreegruntsranupthespiralstaircasetothenextfloor.

"Ugh!Ihatethis!I'dtakeonallthegruntsoutsideifIdidn'thavetowalkupanentirelighthouse!"Igroaned.

"I'llwalkwithyouifyouwant..."saidEve,soundingunsureasshelookedupthespiralingstaircase.

"No,that'sokay.Ihavetodothisalone."Notreally,butit'dbeunfairtopunishherjustsomymiserycouldhavecompany.

"Great!Imean,ifyouwantto..."IresistedtourgetorollmyeyesbeforereturningEvetoherball.

X-X-X

BythetimeIgotupstairstothefifthfloor,Inoticedafewthings.Thefirstwasthatmylegshadgrownnumbfromallthestairclimbing,andyetIwasstillexhausted.ThesecondwasthattheblondePlasmagruntI'dseenonthefirstfloorwasstandingtherewiththosetwoFrillishfrombefore,holdingablueandwhitePokéBallemblazonedwiththeTeamPlasmaemblem.Thirdwastheotherthreegruntslyingcrumpledonthefloor,hopefullyonlyunconscious....Iprobablyshould'venoticedthethirdthingfirst,shouldn'tIhave?

"Oh,it'syou.Man,Ican'tbelievetheseguyscouldn'thandleasimplekid,"saidtheblondegrunt."Theyobviouslyweren'tchosenforthisjobbecausethey'regoodatbattling...NowI'llhavetotakecareofyou."

Igulped,suddenlyafraidofthiswoman."Y-you'regonnakillme?!"

Thewoman'seyeswidened."Whoanow!Ididn'tsaythat!IwasonlygoingtoknockyououtsoIcouldmakeitoutofherewithoutanyfuss."

"Why?Iunderstandknockingmeout,but...whyyourownfriends?"

Theblondegrunt'sfacecontortedindisgust."Friends?Withtheseidiots?Theyhavenoideawhatthey'redoing!Firsttheysay'wewannafreeallthePokémon'!Thentheysay'weneedtogetlegendaryPokémontobringintoourcause'!Idiots,thewholelotof'em!Well,atleastthesestupidgrunts,anyway.TheythoughtItoldthem

whereVictiniwashiddentohelpfreeit...!Ifmyoldboss'ssuccesswasreallyduetoit,thenofcourseitmakessensetocatchitforyourself!"

AtthementionoftheVictoryPokémon,thePlasmaballinherhandsbecamemoreapparentandIputoneandonetogether.Ipointedatthewoman."LetVictinigo,orelseI'll...I'll...!"

"You'lldowhat,girly?ChallengemetoaPokémonbattle?Ha!I'mnotlikethesethreefailuresasPokémontrainers!IactuallytrainedmyPokémontofight!Andanyway,I'vegotalegendaryPokémonatmybeckandcall!"ThegruntboastedassheheldupthePlasmballwithpride.

"Victiniwon'tlistentoyoujustbecauseyoucaughthim!"

"That'swhythisballissogreat!ThePlasmabigwigssaidweshouldusetheseballstocatchVictinibecauseitmakesPokémontotallyobedientwhenthey'recaught!"Noway.Shewaslying!PokéBallscan'tdothat!"Fortunatelyforyou,myPokémonhaveweakenedit,soIdoubtitcanunleashitsfurytoitsfullextent.You'llhavetoplaywiththeminstead."

Oncue,thetwoFrillishphasedintoviewandbegantostareatmeblanklywiththeirseeminglystaticexpressions.No,wait!Theyblinked!Theyjustdidn'tseemtostopfrowningorsmiling...andthatmadethemcreepier.Rightthen.EvewastheonlyPokémonIhadwhoknewaDarktypemoveandshewastired"sowasMars,forthatmatter.PanaceaonlyknewNormaltypemoves,whichwouldn'tworkagainstFrillish.IreachedforTinyandShion'sballsinmybag,prayingthattheformerhadmanagedtorecoverbeforeIreleasedthemboth.Tinywasslumpedoverandstilllookedexhausted.

"Shion,useFocusEnergy!Tiny,useThunderWave!"Shiontookoffherscalchopshellandtookadeepbreathasshefocused.TinyforcedhimselftostandupstraightandfiredafewweakjoltsofparalyzingelectricityattheFrillish.

"UseAbsorb!"Wait,Absorb?TheyknewaGrastypemove?!ThetwoFrillishspedovertoShionandheldtheirtentaclesoutwiththeintentionofwrappingherupinthem.TheOshawottdodgedandtriedtoretaliatebyswipingatthemwithherscalchop,buttheattackhadlittleeffectonthem.Eventually,bothFrillishmanagedtograbontoShionandtheirtentaclesbegantoglowbrightgreen.ShioncriedoutinpainasbubblesofgreenenergyroseupfromherandenteredtheFrillish.Whenshestoppedmoving,theFrillishdroppedherandfloatedupintotheair.

"N-no...!Shion!"IimmediatelyreturnedtheOshawottintoherballandsoondreadedsendingTinyouttofight.

Theblondegruntsnickeredbehindherhand."Howpathetic!Isthatlittleratallyou'vegotleft?Isupposethosemoronsmanagedtoatleastweakenyouforme."

Myeyetwitched."Tiny,ThunderShock!"ThePichu'scheekscrackledwithelectricityandhefiredajoltofelectricityatthem.TheshockobviouslyhurttheFrillish,butnotenoughtoknockthemout.TheywrappedtheirtentaclesaroundTinyandbegantoabsorbenergyfromhim.ThePichucriedoutinpainandhestruggledagainstthetentacles.Then,Tiny'sbodybegantoglowbrightwhite.Istaredinamazementashisformbegantochange.Whenthelightfaded,insteadofaPichu,therewasaPikachu."T-Tiny?!"

"Ch-ch-ch...!"ThePikachu'scheekscrackledwithelectricitybeforeunleashingafarlargerburstofelectricitythanwhenhewasaPichu."CHUUUUUU!"Unlikebefore,thetwoGhosttypeswereharmedenoughthattheyfelltotheground,unconscious.

"Heevolved...!Heevolved?!"Iexclaimed.MyautomaticresponsewastotakeoutmyPokédexandseeifhelearnedanynewmoves.Accordingtothelittlescreen,hewasnowcapableofQuickAttack,ElectroBall,andSwift.

"GRAAAAH!Youtwoareworthless!YoucantakeonalegendaryPokémon,butnotsomeelectricrat?!Ugh!"Theblondegruntshouted.SheheldupthePlasmaBall."Forgetshowinganymercy!I'lluseVictinitoburnyoutocinders!"

"Uh,Tiny!Use...Swift?"Icommanded,unsureifheevenknewhowitwassupposedtowork.Tinygotonallfoursandhistailbegantoglowbrightwhite.Withashakeofhistail,hefiredabarrageofstarsthatwentallovertheroom.Iduckedtoavoidbeinghitbyone.Thegrunt,however,wasstruckbysomeofthestarsandfellover,droppingVictini'sballintheprocess.ThePlasmaballrolledalongthefloorandstoppednexttomyfoot.IpickedtheballupandlookedatTiny.ThePikachuhadcollapsedandhadfallenover,nowsemiconscious.Ididhimafavorandreturnedhimintohisball.

"FREEZE!"Idroppedbothballsandturnedtoseeaboutahalfdozenpoliceofficersrunupthestairstosurroundmeandtheunconsciousgrunts.Itensedup,totallyexpectingtobearrestedoversomemisunderstandingwhenoneofthecopsspokeup,"Waitasec,fellas.Thisdoesn'tseemlikeamemberofTeamPlasma."

Anothercopapproachedme."Easythere,miss.We'renotgonnahurtyou."Youcould'vefooledme!

IpickedupthePokéBallsandslippedtheminsideofmybag."Ifyou'relookingforthepeoplewhowereheldhostage,they'relockedfurtherupstairs."Asifthosewere

magicwords,thegangofcopsdisappearedfromaroundme.Somewentfurtherupstairswhileothersweretendingtotheunconsciousgrunts.Thatwasmyopportunitytosneakdownstairs,findBlack,getoffthisislandandbacktothePokémonCentertohealmyPokémonaswellasVictini...andfigureoutwhatthehecktodofromthere.

X-X-X

Notes!

InBWandBW2,theSuperRodistheonlyfishingrodinthegame.The"V"in"SuperRodV"referstoGenV.

TechnicalmachineshavedifferentappearancesindifferentmediumsofthePokémonseries,butI'veonlyseentwoexamplesofthembeingused:theputtingthemonthePokémon'sheadmethodshowninFRLGandinachapterofthe"ElectricTalesofPikachu"whereAshteachesanEeveeMimicbybreakingaTMintheshapeofacubeoveritshead.IdecidedtogotheweirdanddifferentroutebymakingitacombinationofthestandardTMdiscandthebox-shapedTMsdepictedintheTCG.

LibertyGardenisbasedonthereallifeLibertyIslandwhichhastheStatueofLiberty,whichisconsideredagiftfromthepeopleofFrance"therealworldbasisforKalos.

ThenameOdetteisareferencetotheheroineoftheanimatedmovie"SwanPrincess",andMilliisareferenceto"MilliVanilli".Mandragoraisaspeciesofplantbelongtonightshadefamilythatisthoughttohaverootsresemblinghumansthatscreamloudlywhenpulledoutoftheground.Aloeveraisanaloespeciesusedformedicinalpurposes.

ScraggylearnsSmackDownviaTM.GloomcannotlearnScreechorEchoedVoiceinanygeneration"legally,anyway.Inbuildings,SecretPowerusesanimationsforphysicalmoveslikeStrengthandSlam.PikachucanonlylearnSwiftbylevelupinGenI"exceptinYellow,whereit'stheonlymovethatwasremovedfromPikachu'sexpandedlevelupmoveset.

X-X-X

ReviewforthesakeofBluandPichu!

Chapter15

Disclaimer:BluRosedoesn'townthePokémonseries!Ifshedid,there'dbeamodernremakeofPokémonStadiumbynow.

X-X-X

ToDotheRightThing

"Nowthen,itwouldseemasifyourPokémonissufferingfromexposuretoFrillishpoison.It'scapableofparalyzingandpoisoning,andinlargeamountscanbedeadly.Luckily,youwereabletogetithereintime,"saidthenursebehindthecounter.BlackandIgavebreathsofreliefatthenews.WewereworriedthatwiththechaosinLibertyGarden,maybewegotVictinitothePokémonCentertoolate."However,yourPokémondoesn'tseemtobelikeanythinglistedinourdatabase..."

Ifroze."Whatdoyoumean?"

"We'veneveroperatedonaPokémonlikethisbefore,sowedon'tknowhowtospecificallytreatitskind.ThingslikethatareimportantforeveryindividualspeciesofPokémon."

"O-oh...Doesthatmeanyoucan't...helphim?"

Thenursesmiledkindly."Oh,ofcoursenot!Imean,we'lltreatyourPokémon.Itmightjusttakeawhilelongerifitsbiologygivesusanytrouble."

"Youmakeitsoundlikeyou'regoingtodissecthimorsomething,"Blackcommented.

"Wewon't!Forsomethinglikepoisoning,wewouldn'thavetodosuchathing!"Thenurseassuredus."Itwilltakeawhilefortheproceduretotakeplace,sopleasewaitpatiently.We'llbesuretoreturnitalongwithyourotherPokémon."Shethenwalkedaway,pushingthecartthatheldourPokéBalls"includingtheoneweputVictiniintoafterthewholefiasco.

"Howdotheyexpectustowaitwhenhe'sbeenpoisonedlikethat?"Imutteredaswewalkedovertoacouchtositdown.

"I'msureVictini'llgetbetter,"Blackattemptedtoreassureme."Eveniftheydon'treallyknowwhatsortofPokémonheis..."

"Thisjustin!"Anewsreporterontelevisionexclaimed."ApparentlyLibertyGarden

IslandwasunderattacktodaybyTeamPlasma!ThePokémonliberationgroupwasapparentlysearchingthesupposed'luck-givingPokémon'spokenofbylatemillionaireGeraldRichmoreonhisdeathbed.AccordingtoRichmore,hiswealthandgoodfortunewastheresultofthisPokémon,andthathe'dhiddenitawayonLibertyGardenIsland,whichheboughtroughly15yearsago.MembersofTeamPlasmafoundontheislandwerearrestedforholdingpeoplehostage,butwerelaterreleasedfrompolicecustodyaftertheirbailwaspaidbytheirorganization.Theso-called'luck-givingPokémon'theyweresearchingforremainedunfound,suggestingthatitonlyexistedinthemindofadyingentrepreneur...Inothernews,NimbasaCityisalmostfinishedpreparing..."

ItunedouttherestoftheTVnewsandlookedatBlack."Didyouhearthat?"

"Iknow!Howdaretheynotmentionusevenonce?!"Mytwinsaidwithahuff."Imean,it'snotlikeIexpectedaparadeorthekeytothecity,buttheydidn'tevenmentionhowtwobravekidssavedeverybody!"

IjabbedBlackinthesidewithmyelbow."Quiet!It'sbetterthisway!"Ihissed."Justlikehowit'sbestthatnooneknowsaboutVictini.Besides,ifthatpoppeduponthenews,Mommightsee.Youwannaexplaintoherwhatwe'redoingplayinghero?"Hegulpedandshookhishead.WebothcouldagreethatourmotherwasdefinitelyamoreterrifyingforcethananythingTeamPlasmacouldthrowatus."Anyway,didn'tyouhear?Victini'strainerpassedaway!He'stechnicallyawildPokémonnow!"Hedidn'tseemlikethesortofPokémonthatknewhowtosurviveinthewild,though.Wouldhebeabletostayalive?

"Actually,"Blackbegan,"technicallyspeaking,you'rehistrainer,White.ItwasyourPokéBallthatweputhiminafterreleasinghimfromthatPlasmaBallthing."

"Idon'twanthim!I-Imean,Idon'twantaPokémonthatpowerful!NooneshouldhaveaPokémonthatstrong!"NottomentionI'dprobablydieoffrighttryingtoproperlytakecareofalegendaryPokémon."Whydon'tyoutakehim?Youcouldusealltheluckyoucangetwhenyou'rechallengingthePokémonLeague."

Mybrothersnorted."Idon'tneedborrowedlucktobecomethechampion!"

Webothfellsilent.Iwasn'tsureifBlackwasthinkingthesamethingIwas,butIeventuallyspokemythoughts,"Maybe...it'dbebestifwelethimgo?"

"Thatwouldbethebest.Lethimfindhisownhappinessandseethattheworldismorethantheinsideofhislittleroom...But..."Blackpouted."Wherewouldwelethimgo?ThePokédexdoesn'tmentionmuchaboutVictinilikewhattheirpreferredhabitatsare..."

"That'strue..."

"Thereyoutwoare!"BlackandIlookeduptoseeamanapproachus.Heworealabcoatandapairofglasseswithlensessolargeandthick,Icouldn'tevenseehiseyes."DoyouknowhowmanyofthePokémonCentersinthecityI'vecheckedwhilelookingforyou?"

"Uh...whoareyou,mister?"BlackaskedwhileIstaredatthemansuspiciously.

"Oh,I'manassistantofProfessorJuniper's!Ihelpherwithherresearch."

BlackandIlookedateachotherinconfusionbeforelookingbackattheassistant."Theprofessorhasassistants?We'veneverseenyoubefore"andwe'vevisitedProfessoralot."

"Oh,that'sbecauseI'musuallyoutinthefieldperformingresearchtohelptheprofessor'sstudies.It'snicetomeetyouforthefirsttime!"Theassistantleanedforwardandbegantowhisper,"A-anyway,IcameinplaceofProfessorJunipertoobservetheVictini.Goodjoboncapturingit,bytheway!"

"...HowdoyouknowaboutVictini?"

"ThroughyourPokédex,ofcourse.ItnotonlytracksthePokémonthatitscans,italsotracksthoseyou'vecaught,"theprofessor'saideexplained."TheprofessorsawthatyoucaughtsuchararePokémon,butshe'scurrentlybusywithresearch,soshesentmetocongratulateyoutwoandstudytheVictiniinherplace."

Anideathenpoppedupinmyhead."That'sit!Black,ProfessorJuniperknowsalotaboutPokémonfromstudyingthem"likethesortofhabitatsthey'dprefer!She'dhavetoknowwhatsortofhabitatissuitableforaPokémonlikeVictini."

"Are...yousayingthatyouwanttoreleaseit?Whatwasthepointofcapturingitifyoudidn'twantit?!"Theassistantexclaimed.

"I-Ipanicked!Ididn'twantTeamPlasmaoranyothertrainerstoseehimandtrytocapturehim!"IalreadywentthroughthatwithTiny,andIdoubtthatTeamPlasmamembersoranyothertrainerswouldbeniceenoughtotradebackalegendaryPokémon."Anyway,you'retheprofessor'sassistant.DoessheknowofaplacewhereVictinicanbefreeofpeoplewho'djustabusehispowerlikeTeamPlasma?"

Theassistantheldhischinthoughtfully."Isee...That'sverysmartofyoukids.Afterall,carryingalegendaryPokémonaroundcanattractattentionfromdangerous

individuals.Itjustsohappens...thattheprofessorknowsaboutsuchaplace."Icouldn'thelpbutstartsmilingattheman'swords."Ofcourse...onlyProfessorJunipercanaccessit,soI'llhavetobegiventheVictiniinordertohanditovertoher."

Iarchedaneyebrow."Can'tIjustsendittoherviathePCortheGlobalLink?"

"Uh,well,shewouldn'tbeabletoreceiveitforalongwhileifyoudidso,sinceshe'snowherenearherlabatthemoment.Itwouldn'tbefair,afterall,toleaveaPokémoninstorageafterthescareitmust'vehadfromthoseTeamPlasmafellows."

"...Iguessthat'strue."Iknowwhatthat'slike,andit'sawfultofeelabandonedafterasituationlikethat.Buthe'dprobablythinkthatweabandonedhimifhejustwokeupinfrontofstrangers."Canwesaygoodbyetohimfirst?Ijustwanthimtounderstandwhathastobedone."

"Goodbye?S-sure,whynot?"

"BlackKetchumandWhiteKetchum,yourPokémonarehealedandawaitingtobepickedupatthefrontcounter,"avoicespokeontheannouncementspeakerinthefrontlobby.

"That'sus.Ihopeyouknowwhatkindofexplanationyou'regonnagive,White,"saidBlack.

"Me?!You'regonnahelp!Andjustforthat,ifIgetattacked,you'llbemymeatshield!"Igrabbedmybrother'sarmandpulledhimalongwithmetothecounter.Weapproachedthetraysthathadbeenplacedthere,andinaflashoflight,Tinypoppedoutofhisballandnexttooneofthetrays."Thereyouare.Feelingbetter?"

"Uh-huh.I'mreadytogo!"ItwouldtakeawhilebeforeI'dgetusedtoTinyspeakingfullsentences.

"Whoa!Wait,youneversaidanythingaboutTinyevolving!"Blackexclaimed,takingouthisPokédextoscantheelectricmouse.

"Becauseitwasn'timportantatthemoment"anditisn'timportantatthismoment,either."IbeganrunningmyfingersovermyPokéBallsuntilIpickedupthenewest-lookingone.IpickeditupandreleasedVictinifrominside.TheVictoryPokémonyawnedandrubbedhiseyesbeforelookingupatme."You...!"Hetrailedoffbeforejumpingatmeandwrappinghistinyarmsaroundmyneck.Atfirst,Ithoughthewasattacking,somyfirstreactionwastostartscreamingandflailinguntilIlostmybalanceandfelldownonmybutt.

"Hey,hey!Chillout,White!He'sjusthuggingyou!"BlackspokeashecroucheddownnexttomeandpulledVictinioff.ThePsychictypethenbegantohughimwhilebabblingthanksandapologies.Itwashardtobelievethatacreaturethatreactedlikethatwasconsideredalegend."Idon'tgetwhatyou'resaying,butcalmdown.Thebadguysaregone,see?Noonetoharmyou."

"Waaah...!It...wasscary...andpainful...andI'msorry...!"Victinisniffled,soundingpitiful.

"...Youdon'thaveanyreasontobesorry.Itwasthatwomanwhomadeyoudothosethings,"Iexplained."Butnow,wehavetotellyouwhat'sgoingtohappentoyou.Simplyput,you'llbegoingtoaplacewhereyou'llbesafefrombadpeoplelikeTeamPlasma."

"Wh-what?No!Iwannagotomyfriend!Where'smyfriend?!"Victinicomplained.

"Yourfriend?Youmeanyourowner?He...passedaway."

Victini'seyesbegantotearup.Thentheybegantoglow.ThenIsoonregrettedsayinganythingasaninvisibleforcemademe"andalotofotherpeopleinthelobby"riseupintotheair.WhenthePsychictypestartedtocry,Ifearedtheworstandblackedoutbyreflex.

X-X-X

Minuteslater,IcametoononeoftheseatsofthePokémonCenter,lookingupatBlackandTiny.ThePikachuwaslookingatmefrommystomachwhileBlackstoodoverme."You'vegotnoconstitution,doyou?"Mybrotherasked.

Isighedandclosedmyeyes."Unfortunately,Idon't..."Inmydefense,though,wheneveryonestartstofloat,whowouldn'tthinktheworse?"SoIguessMr.AidealreadyleftwithVictini,huh?"

"Yeah.Hesaidhewantedtogetbacktothelabassoonaspossible.HeseemedprettyjitteryafterVictinithrewthattantrum.Thankgoodnesshedidn'tuseamovethatwasseriouslyharmful."

"Iprobablyshould'vebrokenthenewsabitmoregently..."

"I'mnotsurehowyoucantellsomethinglike'you'retrainer'sdead,you'refreenow'gently.Butafterhecalmeddown,IthinkImanagedtoconvincehimtogowiththeaideforhisownsafety."

IopenedmyeyesandstaredatBlackforafewsecondsbeforespeakingmythoughts,"You'dhavemadeabettertrainerforVictinithanme."

Mybrothersnorted."Forgetaboutit!ThewayIseeit,theonlytypeofpeoplewhooughttogettointeractwithlegendaryPokémonarepeopleliketheBlackandWhiteHeroes.Y'know...justchosenforaspecialpurposetosavetheworld!AllIwannadoisbecometheChampionoftheUnovaLeague.It'dbeawastetouseVictini'spowerforapersonalgoallikethat..."

"Soundinglikethat,youcertainlysoundlikeaspecialkindofhero."

"Heh..."Blackblushedandsmiled."Anyway...whatarewegoingtodonow?"Istaredathiminconfusion,promptinghimtocontinue,"We'vebothgotXtransceiversnow.Wedon'tneedtosticktogether.Wecanjustsplitup,dowhatwewant,andthenregroupwhenit'stimetoleave."

"Seriously?!"Isnapped,suddenlysittingupandmakingTinyjumpoffofmefromfright."Doyourealizehowdangerousitistowanderaroundanunfamiliarandlargecity?Whoknowswhatsortofshadycreepsarelurkingaroundthecornersandinthealleyways?Ifthat'snotenoughTeamfreakingPlasmaishere!"

"Alright,alright!Ifyou'rescared,wecanalwaysjusttravelthecitytogether."

"I'mnotscared!I'm...wary."

"Riiiight...Wary,"Blackspokemockingly."It'sprobablyforthebest,anyway.Wecanhitthegymtogether,andwhenwe'redone,wecancheckoutmoreofwhatCasteliaCityhastooffer.We'dbeabletogetthingsdonesomuchfaster!"

"Whydoesthegymhavetobethefirstplacewegoto?"

"Youknowwhy!Evenifyou'renotgunningtogetallthebadges,Ineedtogetallthebadges!"

"Yeah!Iwannagotothegymandwinagymbattle!"Tinychirped,holdinguphisballeduppaws."LemmeshowyouhowstrongIamnow!Really!"

"Ugh,fine...!Youdon'thavetodoubleteamme!Let'sheadtothegym..."Thesoonerwefoughtourbattlesandgotourbadges,thesoonerwecouldrelax.

X-X-X

TheCasteliaGymwasataplacecalled"GymStreet".Despitethename,notevena

quarteroftheheavytrafficonthestreetwentinthedirectionofthegym.BlackandIfoundourselvesseparatingfromthecrowdandheadingdownaroadtotheCasteliaGym.WhereasStriaton'sgymdoubledasarestaurantandNacrene'samuseum,Castelia'sgymappearedtobeanartstudio.TheadswesawonthewaytothegympromotedartworkdonebyBurghaswellasthefactthathewasthegymleader,'thePremierInsectArtist'.

"Huh.Youusuallyhavetopaytoseeexpensivepiecesofartinstudios,butapersoncouldprobablyseeBurgh'sforfree,"IcommentedasIstaredattheposterthathadbeenputuponthewallofabuilding.

"We'renotgoingforart,we'regoingforbadges!WecanlookatBurgh'sstufflater,"saidBlack."Fornow,getpumped!Getpsyched!Getstoked!"Don'thaveto.Black'sgotenoughenthusiasmforthebothofusandthensome.Whenweeventuallyfoundthegym,whichwaspaintedinshadesofgreenandpurple,Blackadjustedhiscapandtookadeepbreath."Alright!Timetowinabadge!Youwon'tmindifIgofirst,right?"

"Sure,whynot?"Ididn'treallycarewhatorderwewentin,justlikehowIdidn'tultimatelycareifI'dlose.Well,maybeIdidcarealittleaboutlosing...

Blackopenedthedoorandranintothegym...onlytowindupcollidingintosomeone,knockingthemoverintheprocess.Blacksteppedandregainedhisfooting"Oh,sorryaboutthat"Cheren!"

Cherensatonthefloorofthegym'slobbywithhisglassesaskew."Hello,Black.White.Iguessyou'reheretochallengeBurgh,too?"

"Iguessyou'vealreadygottenyourbadgealready,huh?"IaskedasIwalkedintothelobbyaswell.

"Notexactly."Cherenstraighteneduphisglassesandstoodup.

"Soyoulost?!"Blackexclaimedinsurprise.

"No,"thedark-hairedboyspokesternly."Thegymleaderisn'there.Accordingtothetrainershere,he'sbusttryingtotakecareoftheTeamPlasmaproblem,andhelikelywon'tbeabletoacceptchallengesuntilhe'sdonewiththat."

"Onceagain,TeamPlasmaruinsthings..."Icommented.

"DidyouhearwhattheydidatLibertyGarden?TheyheldthepeopletherehostageallsotheycouldfindararePokémon.Thosepeoplearequicklybecominga

problem!"Yeah,who'dhavethoughtthegroupwhomadethatspeechinAccumulaTownwouldbecapableofthis?"Theyneedtobestopped.I'llhelpoutanywayIcan."

"Yeah!Us,too!"Blackexclaimed.

"You,too,maybe,butnotme.Thingslikethisarebestlefttotheprofessionalslikethepoliceandgymleaders."

"Thatdidn'tstopyoufromhelpingLenorabefore,ordealingwithTeamPlasmainCastelia."

"Thosewereexceptions!"IsnappedatCherenandBlack."I'msickandtiredofdoingdangerousthingsbetterlefttotheauthorities!Insteadofwastingtimeplayinghero,youshouldfocusonwhatyoustartedyourjourneysfor!"

"Wecan'treallydothatifTeamPlasma'srunningaroundandtheystealourPokémon,"Cherenpointedout.

"Maybe.Butitdoesn'tmeanthatIwannawastetimeonamanhuntinsteadofleavingittotheprofessionals,"Ishotbackinaflattone.Istaredattheboysforafewsecondsbeforeturningmybackonthem."Whatever.IdoubtIcanchangeyourmindsaboutthis.Justcallmewhenyou'refinished,Black."

"Waitaminute!Whereareyougoing?!"Blackexclaimed.

"SomewhereTeamPlasmaisn't!"IcalledovermyshoulderasIleftthegym.

X-X-X

"Whydidn'tyouwannahelpBlackandCheren,White?"TinyaskedmeminuteslateraswewerewalkingdownastreetsomewhereinCastelia.

"BecauseIdon'twanttospendtheentiretyofmyjourneyplayinghero."ImeantwhatIsaidaboutgoingsomewhereIwouldn'thavetohearaboutTeamPlasma.TheproblemwasactuallyfindingsuchaplacetowhileawaythehoursasBlackranaroundactinglikeTeamPlasmawashisresponsibility.

"ButTeamPlasmaarebadguys!"ThePikachuexclaimed,bendingoverfromhisplaceonmyheadtolookatme."Soweshouldstopthem!"

"Justbecausewe'vestoppedthemseveraltimesbeforedoesn'tmeanthey'reourresponsibility.Letthepoliceforcehandleit."PuttingTeamPlasmatothebackofmy

mind,IcontinuedwalkinguntilIcameacrossasparselypopulatedstreet."Oh,lucky.Itseemslikemostofthestreetsinthistownarecrowded.AtleastIdon'thavetoworrywithcrowdsofpeoplerunningintomelikeaherdofBouffalant..."Asluckwouldhaveit,themomentIwalkedoutontothestreet,Iwounduphavingsomeonecollidewithmeandsendmesprawlingtotheground,causingTinytofalloffofmyheadintheprocess."Oh,comeon!There'spracticallynooneelseonthestreet!Whatarethechancesthatyou'dgorunningintome?!"Isnappedatthepersonresponsible.

Thepersonresponsiblewasayounggirlwithlong,largepurplehairthathadayellowbowinitanddressedinapaleyellowandpinktopwithwhitepants."Aha!You..."Thegirlpointedafingerdownatme."Youlooksuspicious!"

"Huh?!Suspiciousofwhat?!"

"Thievery!"

"Thievery?!I'veneverstolenanythinginmylife!"Theysaythatthecitycanhouseallsortsofcrazypeople.Wasthisgirloneofthem?Shecertainlyhadthehairofacrazyperson...

"Look,justfessup!You'reoneofthosepeoplewhosupportTeamPlasma,aren'tyou?"Thepurple-hairedgirlsaidwithafrown."IfyougivebackallthePokémonyoustole,Iwon'tharmyou!"

Yeah,likeyou'resointimidating,kid.Igottomyfeetandlookeddownatthechild."WhatpartofmelookslikeaTeamPlasmasupporter?!Look,Ididn'tstealanyPokémon!AllthePokémonIhaveinmypossessionaremine.Doyouunderstand,kid?"

"That'swhatanythiefwouldsay.AndI'mnotakid!"Then,theannoyinglittlegirldidthemostimpressivesetofbackflipsthatI'dseenandlandedperfectly."Ifyouwon'tbepolite,I'lljusthavetotakethosePokémonbackbyforce!"ShetookoutaPokéBall.

"You'rekidding,right?"

"I'mnotakid!"

"Ididn'tsaythat!"Isighedinannoyance.IalmostwishedIwasstillwithBlackdealingwithevilhypocritesinsteadofcrazylittlegirls.Butifabattlewaswhatshewanted,I'djustbeatherandthentalksomesenseintoherafterwards.Thatsoundedlikeasoundplan."Fine!Youwantabattle?Bringiton!"

BeforeIcouldreachintomybagforaball,Tinyboundedinfrontofme."Letmehandlethis,White!IwanttoshowyouwhatIcanreallydo!"ThePikachuexclaimed.

"Uh,youdon'thaveto,butifthat'swhatyouwant..."Besides,unlessshehadanyPokémonthatwereGroundtypeorknewGroundtypemoves,I'msureTinycouldatleasthandleit.

Thepurple-hairedgirlthrewherballout."Go,Axew!"Inaflashoflight,asmall,greenlizard-likecreatureappearedinfrontofherwithafinontopofitshead.Itgrowledinanunintimidatingmanner,whichcouldbeignoredduetoitsintimidatingpairofivory-coloredtusks.

"Whatisthat?"ItookoutthePokédexandscannedthePokémon."Axew,theTuskPokémon.Dragontype.Theirtusksareusedforcrushingberriesandmarkingtheirterritoryontrees.Theirtuskscanbreak,butrepeatedgrowthandusemakethemstronger."SothiskidhasaDragontype?!NoneofmyPokémonhadmovesthatwereincrediblyeffectiveagainstDragontype,butmaybeIstillhadachance."Tiny,useThunderWave!"

"Ch-ch-CHUUUU!"BoltsofelectricitywentshootingoutofTiny'sbodyandstrucktheAxew,paralyzingitonthespot."NowuseQuickAttack!"Hedartedforward,zippingtowardsthesmalldragon.

"UseDracoMeteor!"TheAxewopenedupitsmouthandanorbofbrightyellowenergyformedinfrontofit.Witharoar,theballwassentflyingupintotheairbeforeitdispersedintodozensofsmallballsofenergythatfelldown.Tinybegantozigzag,tryingtododgethefallingballsbeforehewasstoppedbyabarragethatsenthimflyingback."NowuseDualChop!"Despiteitsparalysis,theAxewmanagedtodashtowardsTinyandstrikehimdownwithtwoswipesofitsclaws.

"Tiny!I...!"ItrailedoffandstaredinshockatthetwitchingPikachu.

"NowareyougoingtoconfessandgivebackthePokémonyou'vestolen?!"Thepurple-hairedgirlexclaimed

"WAAAAAIIIIIIT!"Afamiliarvoiceshouted.Frombehindthepurple-hairedgirl,Isawafamiliarblonderunningtowardsusandwavingherarmsfrantically."She'smyfriend!Sh-she'snothief!"

Iblinkedandstaredinsurprise.Biancastoppedrightnexttothegirlandbentovertocatchherbreath."Youknowher?!"Ishoutedandpointedatthegirlatthesametimeshedidsamewhilepointingatme.

X-X-X

"SoyourPokémonwerestolen?!"IexclaimedafterBianca'sexplanation."H-Haveyoucontactedthepoliceaboutthis?!"

"Ihave,buttheyjustseemsobusy...AlotofpeoplearealsomissingtheirPokémon,andalongwithalloftheirotherduties,itfeelslikeit'lltakeawhilebeforethey'llbeabletofindthem,"Biancasaidwithasigh."I'mnotevensurewhostolethem.Theyeventookmybagwithallmystuff.Idon'thaveanything,White!"

"Whydidn'tyoucallme?!OrBlackorCheren?!Wecould'vehelpedyou!"

"Iwasgonna,but...ImayhavethrownmyXtransceiverinmybagwhileIwashavingafitofanger.WhenIrealizedthat,Icouldn'thelpbutstartcrying..."

"That'swhenIfoundher!"Isuddenlyrememberedthepurple-hairedgirl'sexistence.

"Yeah...Whoareyouexactly?"IaskedslowlyasIstaredatherinsuspicion.

Shejabbedathumbtoherchest."I'mIris,aDragontypePokémonspecialistonajourneytobecomeaDragonmaster!"SheexclaimedwithasmuchenergyasBlackwhenhemadesimilardeclarations."Ican'tstandwhenPokémonareseparatedfromtheirhumanfriends,soIdecidedtohelphergetherPokémonbackfromthecreepresponsible!"

"Ofcourse,Idunnowhostolethem..."Biancamumbled.

"Noneedtoworry!Icantelltheinnocentpeoplefromthesuspicious."IgaveIrisanannoyedlookandmadeanaggravatedgrowl."...You'reaveryshadyperson."

"White'smyfriend.She'salotofthings,butshadyisn'toneofthem."

"Well,ifyousayso...Anyway!"Thepurple-hairedgirlexclaimed."Ican'tbechattingnow!I'vegotathieftofind!"Shethenrandownthestreetanddisappearedfrommysightwhensheturnedacorner.

"...Youcouldn'thavegottenhelpfromsomeonewhowas...morecompetent-looking?Abetterjudgeofcharacter?Maybeolder?"Iaskedtheblondegirlwithanarchedeyebrow.

"She'sonlytryingtobehelpful.I'mactuallygratefulforherhelp.Although..."Biancapursedherlips."Iguessshetendstojumptoconclusionsaboutpeoplequiteeasily,huh?I'mkindofworriedshe'llupsetthewrongpersonandgetherselfintotroubleall

formysake."ShestaredatmeexpectantlyandIimmediatelyknewwhatshewantedtosay.

"No!Whyme?"

"Well,youhaveexperiencewithpeoplelikeher!"

"Withwho?Black?Incaseyouhaven'tnoticed,mostofthetime,Ican'tcontrolhim"andI'mhissister.YouthinkastrangegirlIjustmetisgonnalistentome?"

"Please,White?Ican'tstandthethoughtofherrunningoffintotroubleonherown!It'dbeallmyfaultifsomethingbadhappenedtoher!"Biancasaidwithlarge,wateryeyes."I'mnotsayingyoushouldgobyyourself...I'llcome,too!Just...comewithme,please!"

"...Alright.ButonlybecauseIwannahelpyou,too!InamoresanewaythanrandomlysiccingmyPokémononpeople!"

X-X-X

IlaterfoundmyselfwalkingthroughCasteliaCitywithBiancainsearchofIris.Whenwedidfindher,shewasonthestreetbythedocks,upinthefaceofsomemanwearingablacktrenchcoatwithamatchinghat.IsighedinannoyanceandapproachedthepairandpulledIrisawayfromtheman.

"What'reyoudoing?!Iwasinterrogatingthesuspect!"Irisshoutedassheflailedinmyarms.

"Youweren'tinterrogatinganyone!Youwerebeingapest!"Ilookedatthemanandgavehimmybestapologeticlook."Iamsosorry!Shedidn'tmeantobotheryou,sir!"

Themanspoke,butthewordsoutofhismouthwerenotEnglish."Um...Whatdidyousay,sir?"Biancaasked.

"See?!He'sashadypersontalkingallweirdlikethat!"Irisadded.

"He'snotshady!He'sspeakingJapanese!"Isnappedatthepurple-hairedgirl.Ilookedbackattheforeignerandgulped."Um...um...G-gomen!Gomennasai,sa!"It'snotlikeIpracticedspeakingJapanesemuchbeyondthoselanguage-teachingshowsonTV.

Luckily,Ididn'thavetospendmuchtimestumblingaboutinJapanesebecausea

mandressedinbusinessattireapproacheduswithafranticexpressiononhisface."M-misterMorimoto!I-Imean,Morimoto-san!Daijobudesuka?"TheconversationbetweenthemhadmorewordsIdidn'tknowinJapanesebeforetheyjustleft.

IttookafewsecondsformetorecoverandturntoIris."Youcan'tjustrunuptoapersonandgivethemthefifthdegreefornogoodreason!"

"Ihadagoodreason!"

"Notunderstandingwhathewassayingisnotagoodreason!"

Irishuffedandgavemeanannoyedlook."Oh,yeah,smarty-pants?Andhowwouldyoutrackacriminal?"

"I-Idon'tknow!There'smorestuffthatmakesapersonasuspectthanwearingatrenchcoat!Like""

"TeamPlasma,"saidBianca.

"Yes!TeamPlasma!TheyhavearecordforstealingPokémonand""

"There'samemberrightthere!"Theblondegirlwhisperedasshepointedforward.IfollowedherfingerandfoundsaidPlasmamemberstandingseveralfeetaway,lookingaroundinconfusion.Theirpresencewasalreadyattractingstaresfromseveralpeopleonthestreet.

"...DidaTeamPlasmamemberstealyourbag?"IaskedBianca.

"Ididn'tseewhotookit."

"Becauseconsideringtheirtrackrecordthesedays,justabouteverythingcanbeblamedonTeamPlasma."

"Aha!Isee!"WasallIrisexclaimedassheranuptothePlasmamemberandbeganaccostingthem,"Alright,fessup!Iknowwhatyou'vedonePokémonstealer!"

"Huh?!Wh-what'reyoutalkingabout?!"ThePlasmagrunt"agirlwithbrownbangsstickingoutofherhood"staredatIrisinshockandbegantobackawayfromherslowly.

"Don'tthinkyoucanplaydumb!Iknowallaboutyourkind!"

"Um...!Um...!"ThePlasmamemberimmediatelytookoffrunningupthestreet.

"Youcanrun,butyoucan'thide,youcriminal!"IrisshoutedassheranoffafterthePlasmamember.

"Ugh!Couldn'tshereelitinforevenaminute?!"Igrowled.IgrabbedBianca'shandandwebegantoruninthedirectiontheybothwent."WeneedtofindthatPlasmagruntandmakehertelluswherethey'rekeepingthePokémon."

"Uh...what?"

"IfTeamPlasma'sMOisstealingPokémon,there'sgottabeaplacetheykeepthemall.Andsincefindingthatplaceislikefindinganeedleinahaystack,weneeddirections."

X-X-X

Severalminuteslater,weeventuallyfoundourPlasmagruntintheoddestofplaces:crouchingattheendanarrowalleyway,shiveringlikeawetLillipupwithherbacktous.IturnedtoBiancaandwhispered,"Doesn'tlooklikeIrisisanywherearound.Thisisourchance."

"Sohowarewegonnadothis?"

"Well,Ihaveanidea,butitwouldrequireafairamountofacting.Sofollowmylead,okay?"BiancanoddedandwebothapproachedthePlasmagruntfrombehind."Excuseme,butareyouamemberofTeamPlasma?"Iaskedinapolitetonewithmyhandsbehindmyback.

"KYAAAAH!"Thegruntshriekedandimmediatelystoodupstiffasaboardbeforespinningaroundtofaceus."Wh-whatdoyouwant?!Leavemealone!"Shecriedout.

"C-calmdown!Wewerewonderingifsomethingwaswrong!"IcouldfeelBianca'seyesonmeasIcontinued,"We'resupportersofTeamPlasma,sowe'dliketohelpanywaywecan!"

Thebrunettegirl'seyeslitup."Really?I...I'msurprised.Forthepastcoupleofdays,I'vebeengettingshadylooksfrompeople."

"Yeah,becauseofallthebadstuffTeamPlasma'sbeendoing!"Biancapipedup.Icastheraglareandhereyeswidenedassherealizedwhatshedid.Why'dshehavetosaythat?

"Huh?What'reyoutalkingabout?"Thebrunettegirlsaidwithafrown.

"Uh...youdon'tknow?AbouthowtheyrobbedamuseuminbroaddaylightandheldLibertyGardenIslandhostage?"

"Really?!"ThePlasmagruntexclaimedinshock.Shereallydidn'tknowathingaboutwhattheywereupto?Shehuffedandcriedout,"D-Don'tthinkthismeansallofTeamPlasmaisbad!Youcan'tblameallofusbecauseoftheactionsofsome...stupid,overlypassionateboneheads!"

"Huh?IthoughtthatTeamPlasma'sgoalwastofreePokémonnomatterthecost?"

"Thatdoesn'tmeanwewannabethieves!Someofuswouldratherweconvincepeoplewithourwordsthatit'srighttoliberatetheirPokémonandleavethebruteforceforextremecases!"SoTeamPlasmaactuallyhadpeoplelikethisamongstthem.Thenagain,theguysIfoughtatLibertyGardendidn'tseementirelybad,minusthatoneawfulwomanwhotriedtocaptureVictini.

"Iknewyouweregoodguys!It'sjusttoobadthatpeoplethinkyou'recriminalsbecauseoftheactionsofsomeextremists..."Ipausedforafewseconds,hesitanttosaywhatI'dplannedtosaynext."Despitethat,I...Iwannajoinyourteam!"

"Really?!"ThegruntexclaimedasBiancashoutedout,"WHAT?!"

"Yes,Ihaven'tbeenatrainerforlong,but...I'veseenenoughoftheawfulthingshappentoPokémonbecauseoftheirtrainersthatitwasn'thardtomakeupmymind."IturnedmybackonthegruntandlookedatBianca."Iknowwhatyou'regoingtosay,andyoucan'tmakemechangemymind.Youshouldtrustme,"Ispokeemphaticallywhilewigglingmyeyebrows.

"...Okay."

"Right."IturnedtolookatthePlasmamember."So,wouldyoupleasetakemetoyourheadquarterstoenroll...orenlist...orwhatever?"Iaskedpolitely.

Thebrunettegirl'seyeslitup.Itmademefeelbadfortakingadvantageofherlikethis."Ofcourse!I'mhappytohaveanothercomradeinthebattleforPokémon'srights!"Andhersayingthatmademefeelevenworse.Wait,whyshouldIcareifI'mtakingadvantageofher?She'stheonewhocan'tseewhatsortofhypocritesTeamPlasmaare."Alright,let'sgetgoing!MynameisRosa,bytheway!I'msurewe'llbegreatfriends!"Okay,nowIfeelevenworse...

X-X-X

Notes!

AxewcanlearnDracoMeteorviaMoveTutor.

InBWandBW2,ShigekiMorimoto"oneofthedesignersandgameprogrammersofPokémon"appearsintheGameFreakbuildinginCasteliaCity.HehasthesamespriteasamaleVeterantrainerandcanevenbebattled.

InthePokémonAdventuresmanga,Whi-Two"orFaiTsuifyouprefer"theAdventurescounterpartforRosa,wasaformermemberofTeamPlasmaintheBW2arc.

X-X-X

ReadandreviewforthesakeofPikachu.

Chapter16

Promisedmyselftoupdatefrequentlyduringthesummer...spentmostofitgushingoverBlueExorcist.Yup!I'manaughtylittleprocrastinator...

Disclaimer:BluRosedoesn'townthePokémonseriesoritscharacters.Onlythisstory!

X-X-X

~Subterfuge!InfiltratingthePlasmaRanks~

IfIknewthatthesamedayIenteredCasteliaCitywouldbethedayIwouldtryandenterTeamPlasma,I'dthinkIwasinsane.Butno,IwasreallywalkingalongsideofaTeamPlasmamembernamedRosawithBiancataggingalong,butitwasn'tbecauseI'dlostmymindandgonearoundtoN'swayofthinking.ThiswasallaplantocheckandseeifBianca'sstolenPokémonandpossessionshadbeentakenbyTeamPlasma.Iknow:it'sstupidtoautomaticallyassumeanythingrelatedtostolenPokémonisbecauseofthemalone,butthesedays,itseemedtobethecase.Besides,itwassoeasytodeceivethatonePlasmagruntwemanagedtofind,andIrishadyettopopupandruinthings.

"So,howlongisittothisheadquartersofyours?"IaskedaswewalkeddownastreetwithBianca.

"I'mnotreallysure.Tobehonest,thisisthefirsttimeI'vebeeninthiscity,"Rosaexplained."But!"Sheheldupapieceofpaper."Iwasgivendirectionsfrommysuperiorsleadingmethere!Itshouldberight...here!"

BiancaandIlookedatthebuildingacrossthestreetandblanched.ItwastheCasteliaGym.ThePlasmahideoutwasaPokémonGym?!Didthismeanthattheywerereallythebadguysorsomethingmuchworse?!

"Whatareyoulookingat?Theheadquartersisrightoverhere!"Rosagrabbedusbothbytheshoulderandspunusaroundtolookatthebuilding.Itwasaredbrickbuildingthatstoodseveralfloorstall.

"TeamPlasma'shidingoutacrossthestreetfromthelocalPokémonGym?"Biancaaskedwithhermouthgapingopeninsurprise,thesameasme.

"Who'dhavethought...?"Thenagain,itwaskindofingeniousinaway.Howmanypeoplewouldthinkacriminalgroupwashidingoutacrossthestreetfromaperson

whowasprobablymorethancapableofstoppingthem?ItookamomenttogetovertheshockandturnedtolookatBianca."Okay...Iguessthisiswherewegoourseparateways..."

"Iguessso,"shemumbled.

"Rememberwhatyou'lltellBlackandCherenifyouseethem."

"Yeah.You...youbecareful,White!Itprobablywon'tbeeasy.IwishIcouldhelpyouout,butI..."Biancatrailedoffandlookeddownatthegroundsadly.

"Don'tworry!Shewon'tbealone!"Rosaexclaimed."She'llbeamongherfellowPlasmamembers!"

That'swhatmademenervous.Iwouldn'tjustbedealingwithoneorapairofPlasmagrunts"I'dbesurroundedbymorethanIcouldhandle.I'dhavetobeswiftandsneakytomakesureIcouldsneakoutBianca'sPokéBallswithoutbeingseen,orhopethatthecavalrywouldarrivebeforeanythingbadhappened.

"Well...alright.Goodbye,White.Pleasebecareful."Withaworriedexpression,Biancawalkedoffinthedirectionwecamefrom.

"Yourfriendmustreallycareaboutyou,huh?"Rosaasked."Ifthat'sthecase,I'lltakegoodcareofyousolongaswe'retogether!"It'showyou'lltakecareofmethatI'mworriedabout.AsIstaredinthedirectionBiancahadgoneoffin,thebrunettePlasmagruntbegantodragmeintothebuilding.

Theinsideofthebuildinglookedlikeanordinarylobby.Aguyinaguard'scostumesatbehindthecounterinbetweentheelevators.Inacornerwasawaitingareawithawidescreentelevisionplayingfromitsceilingposition,whereordinary-lookingpeopleweremindingtheirbusinessuntilwesteppedin.Theirexpressionsshiftedtoannoyance,surpriseandworry.Theydidn'tlooklikePlasmamembers,buttheyweren'tgaspinginsurprise,cryingoutinfear,ortryingmakeacitizen'sarrestonRosa.Itwaskindofunnerving,really.

Oneoftheelevatordoorsopenedandamansteppedout,dressedinasharpbusinesssuitwithanevensharper-lookinggazethatzeroedinonusinaninstant."What...doyouthinkyouaredoing?"Heaskedasheapproachedus.Actually,heapproachedRosaandglareddownather."Areyoustupidorjustforgetful?YouarenottowearyourPlasmauniformuntilitisdeemedsafe."

"Um,what?Idon'tunderstand...IwastoldthatweTeamPlasmamembersmustalwayswearouruniformtobeawell-organizedmachine,"saidRosa.

"...Didyoujusttransferhere?"Themanasked,archinganeyebrow.

"Y-yes,sir!"

"So,Isupposeyouwouldn'tknow."

"Knowaboutwhat?"

Thesuitedmanstoodstraightandfoldedhisarmsacrosshischest."Duetorecentdifficultiesthathaveledtobadpressinthemedia,TeamPlasmaiscurrentlytryingtohideamongthecrowd."

Rosastaredathiminconfusion."Huh?"

Themanrolledhiseyes."Intermsyoumightbetterunderstand:we'reonthedown-low.Thatmeansnotwearingouruniformsoutinpublic."HelookedatmeandIflinched."Followyourfellowmembers'exampleandchangeintosomenormalclothingatonce."

"O-okay,sir!ButthisisWhite."Rosagrabbedmeandpulledmeinfrontofher."ShewouldliketojoinourgroupinourquestforPokémonrights!"

Thesuitedman'ssharpgazebecameevensharperandIgulped."I-IreallywanttohelpthosepoorPokémonwhoareabusedandmistreatedbyhumans!I'mprettygoodatPokémonbattles...IevenmanagedtowintwobadgesfromPokémongymsbeforeIdecidedtojoin!"ShouldIhavesaidthat?IfaPlasmafanlikeNgotupsetoverPokémongyms,actualPlasmamembersmightgetfurious.

"...Isee.Wedoneedmorebattle-skilledmembersasoflate.Marcus!"Oneofthepeoplesittinginthecorner"ayoungmandressedincasualclothing"gaveayelpofsurprisebeforestandingupandrunninguptous."Yes,sir!WhatcanIdoforyou,sir?"

"Ineedyoutoshowthesenewcomersaround.Also,makesurethatthisone,"thesuitedmanpointedatme,"Getsmeasuredforhernewuniform."

"Yes,sir,"thegruntnamedMarcussaidwithanod.Asthesuitedmanexitedthebuilding,IcountedmyblessingsthatIwasbelievableenoughtojointheirgroup."Nowthen,"Marcusbegan,smilinginanattempttobefriendlytous'newcomers',"WelcometoTeamPlasmaheadquarters!...InCasteliaCity,anyway.Ifyou'llfollowme,I'llshowyouaround."Hegesturedforustofollowhimintoanelevator.HepressedabuttonandIsuddenlyhadasenseofdread.

X-X-X

"Stopfidgetingandholdstill,please,"saidthewomantakingmymeasurements.Ireallydidn'tlikehavingastrangersoclosetomeandtouchingme.IguessthiswasthedreadIwassensing.ThemeasuringfeltlikeitwentonforlongerthanIthoughtbeforeshesteppedback."I'lldropoffyournewuniformwhenit'sdone."

"Thankyou,"Ispokehesitantly.

ThefirststoponourtourofPlasmaheadquarterswastotheirpersonalseamstress.ShockingtothinkthatanaggressivePokémonrightsgroupcaredenoughtohaveaseamstressintheirgroup,butIguesssomeonehadtomakethoseoutrageousgetups.Ofcourse,thatladyalsomanagedtohavesomenormalclothingaroundforthesakeoftheirsneakingaroundthecityundetected.Howtheheckdoesaseamstresswindupjoiningagrouplikethisanyway?!Thisentiredaywasjustdevelopingintoonebigheadache.

"Alright!HowdoIlook?"ThesoundofRosa'svoicemademelookinherdirection.ThebrunettegirlhadgottenridofherPlasmauniforminexchangeforsomecasualclothes:ablueandwhiteshirtoverabarelyvisiblepinkvest,ashort,paleyellowskirtwithblackleggings,paleblueandwhitesneakers,andawhiteandpinkvisorcap.Sheevenchangedherhairstyletoapairoflargebunsonthesidesofherheadwithlongstrandshangingdownfromthem.

"You...lookreallynice,"Imumbled,stillfeelingtenseaboutmysituation.

"Um,finishednow?"AskedMarcus,whosebackwasturnedinanattempttogiveusprivacyHeturnedaroundandcontinued,"Good,followmeandlet'stakealookaround."

RosaandIweregivenashorttourofthebuilding.Oneachfloorwasadifferentkindofplace:therewasakindofcafeteria,arecreationalroom,alaundromat,andatleastthebedroomsthegruntssleptinandsharedwitheachotheringroups,andoddlyenough,aplacetotrainPokémon.

"Well,that'severythingtosee"savetherestofthefloors,"Marcusspokeaswestopped

Iarchedaneyebrow."Hey,yeah.There'sgottabealotmorefloorsthanwhatwewereshown."

"TheseCasteliabuildingsarebigthattheytendtohaveatleast50floors.Mostoftheonesinthisbuildingareempty,butononeofthosefloorsiswherewekeepthe

Pokémonthatweliberatefromtrainersuntilwecanfindasuitableenvironmentforthemtolivein."Score!

"Whycan'twegoupthere?"Rosaasked.

"Well...ourlastbigoperationtoliberatealegendaryPokémonfromthelocallighthousefailed,"Marcusspokewithasadexpression."Notonlythat,butamemberofTeamPlasmaattemptedtocapturesaidPokémonsoshecoulduseitforherownselfishdesires.Apparently,thatwastheonlyreasonshejoined."

Rosagasped."No!Whowoulddosuchanawfulthing?"

"Asaresultofheractions,theonlypeoplewhoknowthelocationofthePokémonstorageroomareafewauthorizedgruntsandthesevensages.Isupposethekingalsohasauthoritytogoupthere,butLordGhetsissaidthathewasfartoobusytodealwithsuchminortasks."Seriously?IfIcouldn'tfindthePokémon,thisplanwaspointless!

"So,whathappenedtothetraitor?"

"Oursuperiorsweregoingtoleaveherinjailwhiletheotherscapturedalongwithherwerebailedout,butLordGhetsisrequestedthatshebetakenoutaswell.Ihaven'tseenherhere,soIcanonlyassumethatshe'sbeingpunished."Marcuslookedatmeandcontinued,"Yougotthat?It'simportantnottomesswiththesagesofTeamPlasmaandangerthembecausetheyareourwisestmemberswhohelpenforceourking'sideals"especiallyLordGhetsis.Theysaythatthekingisactuallyhisson,sohehasthehighestauthorityofallthesages.He'sacharismaticman,buthecanalsobequitefrighteningwhenwefailourmissionsforwhatheconsiderstobeminorreasons."Yeah,itfiguresaguywhosupportsthiskindofbehaviorfromhiskidhasnoqualmswithbeingruthless.

"Isee...Andhowdoesapersongetauthorizationupstairs?"

"Basically,itrequiresgainingthetrustandrespectofthesages.You'dhavetodosomethingveryimpressivetogettheirattention,andaccomplishallthetasksyou'resetouttodo."I'mnotsureI'dwanttodosomethingcapableofimpressingthem.It'dprobablyjustbetheftandrobbingpeopleoftheirPokémon."Anyway,sinceyouclaimtobefairatPokémonbattles,I'dsuggestyoutogotothetrainingroomtohoneyourskills.Sinceyou'reanewbie,you'llprobablybecalledonsoon."

"Yes.I'lldothat.Thankyou."IenteredtheopenelevatorwithalltheintentionofgoingupthehigherfloorsandsearchingthemforthestolenPokémon.

"Hey,waitup!"Rosa,however,ranintotheelevatoraswell.Shelookedatmewithasmileandsaid,"Idon'twannaleaveyoualonesoquickly!I'llstickwithyoufortherestoftheday,okay?"Well,somuchforthatplan...IgaveRosaaforcedsmileasIwonderedjusthowlongI'dhavetostayamongthesepeople.

X-X-X

Severalminuteslater,Ifoundmyselftangledupinabattleagainsta"fellow"Plasmamember.Atrainingbattle,actually.Apitifuloneatthat.Myopponentwasagirlwithshort,lightpinkhairdressedinlightblueclothing.Atfirst,Ithoughtshewasintimidating.Imean,shelevitatedPokéBallswiththepowerofhermind"humanswithpsychicabilitieswereasintimidatingasPsychictypePokémon.Unfortunately,herpowersoftheminddidn'ttranslatetobattlingPokémonconsideringherchoices.

"Exeggcute,useHypnosis!"ThepsychiccommandedherPokémon.Exeggcute,likeitstrainer,wasPsychicandGrass-typed.Theyweresixpinkegg-shapedcreatureswithahivemindthinggoingonamongthemselvesandasharp-eyedgaze"andrightnow,thatgazewasbeginningtoglowbrightpinkastheystaredatMars.

"UseDefenseCurl!"TheVenipedecurledupintoaballandstayedinplaced.Unabletomakeeyecontact,Marswasabletoavoidbeinghypnotizedandputtosleep."NowuseRollout!"

"Um,uh...BulletSeed!"AlloftheExeggcutebeganspittingoutseedsatMars,buttheybouncedoffeasilywithoutevenstoppinghimforasecond.Whenhecollidedwithhisopponent,thesixegg-shapedPokémonweresentflyingaboutlikeagroupofbowlingpins.Theblank-eyedexpressiononthepsychic'sfaceasshefelldownonherbuttwasbothhumorousandsad."IwishIcould'vepredictedmyfailuretoprotectmyPokémon..."

Inaninstant,Iwassurroundedbypeoplewholookedatmewithadmiration.Itwasunnerving,evenmoresowhenIthinkthatdespitelookinglikeordinarypeople,theseguyswereTeamPlasmamembers"hardlythekindofpeopleIwantedtoadmireme.

"Oh,wow!You'resostrong!"

"Idon'treallylikePokémonbattles,butthatwasimpressive."

"Andyousayyouhaven'tbeentrainingPokémonforlong?"

Thatwasn'treallyimpressive,andI'mnotthatstrong...Ifanything,thesePlasmamembersareeitherinexperiencedorincompetentatPokémonbattling.ComparedtomostPlasmamembersImet,theyweremorehesitanttofightforfearofharming

boththeirPokémonandtheiropponent's.Ihavetowonderhowsuchpeoplewoundupbeingallowedintothisgroup.Iftheyhadpeoplewhowereabitmore...capableoffighting,they'dbedangerous.Luckily,Plasmagruntsseemtohavemorals...well,someofthemdo.IhadyettomeetanyofthenastiermembersthatIhadthebadluckofmeetingbefore.

"Youweaklingsdon'tknowathingaboutimpressivePokémonbattling!"AndnowitseemedlikeIwould.TheyoungmanwhocalledoutcausedthecrowdofdisguisedPlasmamemberstopart.Hehadshortgreenhairandwasdressedmostlyinorange,brownandgreen.Comparedtoothergrunts,whoexudedastiflingairofconfidence."Chickenheartslikeyoulotshouldsticktohandingoutpamphletsandleavethebattlingtopeoplewithactualskill."

"Wearenotchickenhearts!"Rosaexclaimed.Herstatementwasmetwithanunsettlingsilencefromourside.Afterafewseconds,sheadded,"Andeventhoughyouhaveskill,you'vegotnoheart!PeoplelikeyouarethereasonwhyTeamPlasma'sreputationhasgonedownhill!"Onceagain,noonespokeup.

"Oh,please!Allthegreatestpeopleintheworldareandhavebeenmisunderstood.Whatmattersforourteamisgettingresults!Peoplelikeyouwimpsarethereasonwhywe'vebeenfailingonourmission!"Thegreen-hairedgruntsaid,causingseveralothermemberstobackhimup."Ifyoucouldbehalf-waydecenttrainersinsteadofutterbleedinghearts,ourking'sidealworldwould'vebeensomuchclosertoreality!"

Thetensionintheroomgotsothick,IthinkonlyPokémoncouldcutthroughit.Apparently,thereweretwotypesofPlasmamembers:thekindlikeRosa,whowerekind-heartedaboutliberatingPokémon,yetweren'tsokeenonhurtinganykindofPokémonincludingtheirown;andthekindliketheonesBlackandIhavemostlybeenmeetingwhowereallforharmingPokémonandpeoplealikeifitmeantcompletingtheirtasks.Itwaseasytoguesswhichofthetwokindswasinchargeofthegroup,andwhosoobviouslydidn'tbelonginit.

Iquicklyfoundmyselfseparatingfromthecrowd,leavingthemtotheirargumentinordertohealMarsandavoidanymoreattachmentsthanneedbe.Rightnow,IhadtofocusonfindingBianca'sstuffandthengettingoutofhereasquicklyaspossible.

"ATTENTION,GRUNTS!"Awomandressedupinaclerk'sbusinessuniformshoutedloudly."Wehavebeentoldthatintrudersareonthepremises,andamongstthemistheCasteliaCitygymleader!"Thegymleader?!Thiscouldeitherturninmyfavororagainstit.Thenagain,ifagymleaderwasheretocleanup,noneofthiswasnecessary...Whatawaste."ThosewhoareskilledwithPokémonbattlingshouldbepostedandstayonhighalertwhilethosewhoaren'toughttoprotectthe

Pokémonstoragerooms.Oh,acceptforthefollowingwhowillbeinchargeofprotectingthesages:AdamDeets,GeraldShaw,RichardJames..."Sheraisedapieceofpapertoherfaceandbeganreadingoffaboutadozennamesuntil..."AndWhiteKetchum."

"...I'msorry,what?That'samistake,right?I-I'mjustanewbie!Shouldn'tIbelookingafterthePokémoninsteadof""

"Youwererequestedandyouwilldoasyoursuperiorscommandyouto,"thewomanspokesternly.

"But""

"Andyouwilldoitnow."

Rosapattedmeontheshoulder."Don'tworry.Ifthesageswantyoutoprotectthem,thenthatmeanstheythinkyou'resomethingspecial!"Idon'tfeelveryspecial.IfeellikeI'mabouttowalkintoalion'sden.

X-X-X

Iwasrightaboutthatsensationofwalkingintoalion'sden.TheroomI'dbeenforcedintowasattheverytopofthebuilding.Icouldbarelygetalookintosomeoftheotherrooms,buttheyallhadpeopledressedinlabcoatswalkinginandoutofthem,carryingthingslikeboxes,casesandfiles.Iwoundupbeingcarriedalongwiththewaveofgrunts"alldressedupintheiruniforms,soIstuckoutlikeasorethumb"toalargeroomthatcontainedtheso-called'sages'wewereentrustedtoprotect.Fromwhatsomeofthenicermemberstoldme,thethreemenweresomeofthesevensages"wiseandintelligentmenfromallovertheworldwhoaidedtheso-called'king'ofTeamPlasmainhisquest.ThemostrecognizableonewasGhetsis"evenfrombehind,thatridiculousoutfitwasjustoneofthereasonshewasunforgettable.Thetwoolder-lookingmendressedinbrownandgrayrobesmusthavebeenRoodandBronius"thoughwhowaswho,Ididn'tknow.

"Iwassocertainthatwe'dbeabletoescapedetectionbyhidinginfrontofthePokémonGym.Well,itprovidedsomehumorforawhile,"saidthesagewithamustache.

"Humorhardlymatterswhenwe'retrappedlikerats,"saidthesagewithalongwhitebeard.

"True.Howwillweovercomethispredicament,Ghetsis?"

"Um,sirs!We'reheretohelpprotectyou!"Saidoneofthegrunts,stoppingtherestoftheirconversation.

Thethreesagesturnedaroundtofaceus.NotcountingthatillusionbytheMusharnabackinCastelia,IthinkthiswastheclosestI'dgottentoGhetsis.Hisgazefeltintimidatingandscrutinizing.Iwoundupstaringdownatthefloor,worriedthathe'dmanagedtorealizewhyIwasreallyhere.Afterall,theseguysweresupposedtowise"maybetheycouldreadpeople.

"Ah,yes!Themoreprotection,thebetter!"Saidthemustachedsage."Hm?Waitaminute.You'renotinuniform!Suchsloppybehavior!"Iflincheduponbeingnoticed.Sotheydidtakeoffensetothat.Well,whygiveoutuniformsifitwasn'tmandatorytowearthem?

"Um...I-Ionlyjustjoinedtheteam,sir!Idon'thaveauniformjustyet!ButI'llstilldomybesttoliveuptothePlasmaname,sir!"Isaid,stillnotlookingupfromthefloorjustincase.

"Anewrecruit,hmm?"

"Iwouldn'thaveexpectedanyonetowanttojoinusforawhileafterthatfiascoatLibertyGarden,"saidthebeardedsage.

"Theoneswhotrulydeservetobepartofourgrouparethosewhodonotcareforthepublicopiniononhuman-Pokémonrelationships,"saidGhetsiswithasmilethatseemedsooffonhim,ithadtobefake."You'reatrulyopen-mindedindividual,MissKetchum."

"Thankyou,sir."Wait.Howdidheknowmyname?Iwantedtoaskthat,butthefloorsuddenlyshook,stoppingmefromspeakingupaboutthat."Wh-whattheheckwasthat?!"

"ItwouldseemthatBurghandhisalliesarebeingquiteaggressive,"saidthemustachedsage.

"Idoubtthatsomeonelikehimwouldresorttodestroyingthebuildingjusttoensureourcapture,butthismightbeproofthatherefusestoholdbackagainstus,"saidthebeardedsage.

"True.Perhapsitwouldbebesttoconfronthimheadon."

"Youmeananall-outassault?"

"Attackingourenemiesallatoncemaybethewisestcourseofaction.Thoughtheysayquantitycannotdefeatquality,I'mcertainthatourbraveknightscantakeBurghandhisfollowersontogether."Thegruntsstoodatattention,lookingconfidentafterthesage'swords.

"Verywellthen.Goforthandshowthemthemightofourrighteouscause!"Ghetsiscommanded.

"Yes,sirs!"Allthegrunts,saveme,shoutedinnear-perfectsyncbeforewealllefttheroomalongwiththethreesages.

Ahandonmyshouldermademejumpandstopinmytracks."Oh,no,MissKetchum.Iwouldlikeyoutoescortmetocheckonsomethingthatmayhelptoturnthetide."Ilookeddownthehall.Thesagesandtheirgruntbodyguardshaddisappearedintoaseaofscientistsallbustlingtowardstheelevator."Itshouldn'ttakelong."Ghetsiswalkedinfrontofmyviewandgesturedformetofollow.Ifthatlastroomfeltlikealion'sden,followingthatmanfeltlikefollowingalion-likePokémon"onlylookinglessmajesticandmoremaleficent.

Heledmeintoaroomwithabunchofcomputersandtechnology.Inthecenterwasalarge,emptycubemadeofwhatIcouldonlyassumewaseitherglassorplastic.Putteringabouttheroomwasamanwithglassesinalabcoat,collectingboxesfilledwithfoldersandpapersandcases.Actually,helookedlike...

"YOU!"ThescientistflinchedasIshoutedoutloud."You'reProfessorJuniper'sassistant!"

"Bwah!You?!Whyareyouhere?!"Thescientistsnapped.

"Icouldaskyouthesamequestion!"

"MissKetchumhasjoinedTeamPlasmaapparently,"Ghetsisbegan."Quitehumorousconsideringallshe'sdonetointerfereinourplans."MyeyeswidenedinfrightandIimmediatelystumbledawayfromthesage,backingupuntilmybackhitawall."Youlooksoafraid...Good.Youshouldbe,consideringallthemeddlingyou'vedone."

"You...youstoleVictinifromme!Givehimback!"Isnapped,pointingafingeratGhetsis.

"Stole?WemerelyliberatedtheVictinifromanothercrueltrainerwhowould'veuseditspowerwrongly.Afterall,incrediblepowerlikethatshouldn'tbelonginthehandsofchildren."

"Actually,itwasaprettyunremarkablespecimenforalegendaryPokémon,"saidthescientist."Iimaginethatitslifestyleamonggeneticfactorsmighthave""

"Catchinghiminaballthatcausessomekindofmindcontrolsoundslikethebeginningofusinghispowerwrongly!"Iinterrupted."Ifyoudon'tgiveVictiniback,I'll...I'lltakehimbackbyforce!"

"You'rethreateningme?Suchaviolentchild.Iseenoreasonwhyourkingistheleastbitinterestedinyou,"Ghetsisspokedarkly,hisvisibleeyenarrowing.Fromunderneathhisrobe,heheldoutaPokéBallthatwasemblazonedinthePlasmaemblem."Wouldyouliketoseeexperiencetruebrutality,MissKetchum?"

Inaflashoflight,aPokémoncameoutoftheball.Ifeltmybloodgocoldandmykneesturnweak.Itwasadragon-likecreaturewhosebodywasgreenandblackwithpurplescales.Ithadonelargeheadandtwosmallerheadswheremostdragonswouldhaveclawsorhands,allthreeofthemhissingasitssixblackwingstwitchedslightly.Ididn'tneedaPokédextoknowwhatitwas,becauseitwasoneofthosePokémonsoinfamousforitspowerandbrutalitythatitpoppedupinseveralkindsofmediainUnova:aHydreigon.Anditwasstaringrightatme.Atsomepoint,Icouldfeelthefloorbeneathmykneesastearswelledupinmyeyes.

"Soit'strue.APokémontrainerthatfearsPokémonisfoolish.Howcouldaweaklinglikeyougetinthewayofmy"Imeanourplans?"IheardGhetsis'svoiceastheHydreigonslowlyapproachedme."I'llwipeyouout."

Lightsflashedbeforemyeyes,andwhentheyfaded,theHydreigonwasattackedbyaboltofelectricity,aspurtofwater,andasprayofneedles.Theydidn'tdoanythingbutmakethedragonPokémongrowlthough.

"MissWhite!Areyouokay!Areyouhurt?!"Panaceaspokeinanincreasinglypanickedtone.Ifeltherpawsonmyarmasshebegantoshakeit."Pleasesaysomething!MissWhite!"

"Whoa!Whattheheckisthatthing?!It'sgotthreeheads!"IheardEvecomment.

"Whateveritis,it'snotafriend!"Shionadded.

"Andit'ssc-scary...!"Marswhimpered.

"Andit'stryingtohurtWhite!"Tinygrowled.

"Obviously!"

TheHydreigonroaredandmyPokémonfriendsseemedtobracethemselvesforafight.Inthatmoment,Iregainedcontrolofmyself."What'reyoudoing?!Getbackinyourballsbeforethatthingkillsyou!"

"Don'tworry,White!We'llprotectyou!"Tinyexclaimed.

"Right!Iwon'tletanyonehurtmyfriend!"ShionjumpedforwardandraisedherscalchoptoattacktheHydreigon."KIIYAH"AHHH!"TheOshawottshoutedinsurpriseastheHydreigonraisedoneofitssmallerheadstograbholdofscalchopandalsopartofherpaw.Thesmallhead'sgriptightenedbeforeslammingShiondownonthefloor,bitsandpiecesofherscalchopfellaroundher.Shionlookedhorrifiedandstaredattheremainsofhershellinshock,notreactingintimetododgethepairofheadsthatslammeddownonherwithenoughbruteforcetoknockherout.

IfeltmybodygonumbatthesightofShion'sunconsciousbody,butonlyforafewsecondsasIsawtheHydreigonpickShionupandslowlybringhertowardsitsopenmouth.MybodyactedonitsownandmyhandsgrabbedShion'sballoutofmybagtoreturnhertosafety.

TheHydreigonsnarledwhileGhetsislaugheddarkly."Isthistheonlyreasonwhyhethoughtyouwereinteresting?BecauseyourPokémonarewillingtojumpoutontheirownandfacedeathforyou?Allthisprovesisthatyouareapatheticexampleofatrainer.I'dbedoingthemafavorbywipingyouout...butifIdid,thekingwouldn'tlikethat.PerhapsIoughttohavemyHydreigonleaveyouapermanentreminderofyourinferiority...maybeascaroraburn...Hydreigon!UseIncinerate!"TheHydreigonstoodstillandbegantostareatus.Afterafewunnervingseconds,itraiseditssmallerheadsandbegantobiteitself.ThedragonPokémonroaredasitbegantoharmitself,itssmallerheadstightlybitingthemainhead'sneckandmuzzle.

"Whatdoyouthinkyou'redoing?!Stopthatthisinstant!"Ghetsisbarked,buthisPokémondidn'trespond.Hegrabbedthecollarofthescientiststandingnexttohimandbroughthimcloser."ThisiswhatthePlasmaBallwassupposedtobeprevent!"Thesagehissed.

"W-wewarnedyouthatitmightpossiblybackfire,sir!Asidefromalltheotherexperimentsperformedonit,wehaven'ttestedtheabilitiesofthePlasmaBallonaPokémonaspowerfulasthatone!"Thescientistcried.

"Uselesspieceof...!ARRGH!"GhetsisshovedthescientistasidebeforereturninghisrampagingHydreigonintoitsPlasmaBall.Miraculously,itstayedinside.

"Yay!Wewin!"Evechirped.

"Ifyoucallthatawin,"Panaceaadded.

"Becausewe'realive!"

Atthatpoint,afight-or-flightsortofinstinctshould'vekickedin.Butinstead,Icontinuedbreathingheavilyandstaringforward,totallyexpectingGhetsistowhipoutsomeothermonstrosity.Ifhewasgoingtodothat,hedidn'thavethetime,becauseinthroughthedoorcame...Black?

"White?!What'reyoudoinghere?!"Blackexclaimedashelookedatmeinsurprise.IwasstillsostunnedbyGhetsis'sHydreigonthatIcouldbarelychokeoutawarning.Luckily,hiseyesfellonGhetsisandthescientist."You'reGhetsis!And...ProfessorJuniper'saide?"

"Oh,it'stheotherone!"Thefakeaideexclaimed.

"Ah,yes.YoumustbeBlack,"saidGhetsis."YoursisterandIwerejustdiscussingaboutyourrecentescapadesinvolvingTeamPlasma."

BlacklookedbacktomebeforeglaringattheSageandpointinganaccusingfingerattheman."Whatdidyoudotoher?!"Hethenlookedatthescientist."Andwhy'reyouhere?Wereyoukidnapped?"

"Oh,fortheloveof"Iworkforhim!"ThescientistsaidashepointedatGhetsis."Really,ifyouwerestupidenoughtofallforthat,youdon'tdeservetohavesuchanamazingspecimenasaVictini!"

"Victini?What'dyoudotoVictini?!"

"Iandmyassociatesaregoingto"!"

"Don'tboastandrevealeverythingtothem,youfool!"Ghetsisbarked.

"No,no!Please,dotelluseverything,"anewvoicecamefromthedoorway,promptingBlacktostepaside.Thevoicebelongedtoamanwithcurly,lightbrownhairandbrightgreeneyes,dressedinagreenshirt,pinkandgreen-stripedpantswithafancybutterfly-shapedbeltbuckleandapinkscarfdrapedoverhisshoulder.ComingalongintowwasCherenandIris,ofallpeople."You'reGhetsis.IknowbecauseIsawyouholdingoneofthoseralliesofyourswhileIwasdoingresearchinNacreneCity."

"Areyougonnasaymorestupidthingslikethoseotheroldguys?'CuzIdon'thave

thepatienceforhearingyousayhowseparatingPokémonfromtheirhumanfriendsisright!"Irisexclaimed.

"Now,Iris,givehimachancetoatleastexplainwhy,"saidthescarfedmanashefoldedhisarmsacrosshischestandsethiseyesonGhetsis."Beyondthe'Pokémonliberation'thing,Imean.You'vestolenfromamuseum,you'vegotplansinvolvinglegendaryPokémonandIhavereasontobelievethatyou'vebeenbehindaseriesoftechnologytheftsinatleastCasteliaCity.Thatdoesn'tsoundlikepeoplewhoarejustextremistsfightingforPokémonrightsorevenmerePokémonthieves.Soifyoudon'tmindmyasking,justwhatisTeamPlasma'strueobjective?"

Thesagesmirked."Verywell...AreyoufamiliarwiththelegendofhowtheUnovaregionasweknowitcametobe?"

"Ofcourse!Itwasbecauseofthetwosiblingheroesandthelegendarydragonstheycommanded."

"That'scorrect.Longago,theblackdragonZekromandthewhitedragonReshiramhadtheirpowersusedbytwobrotherswhotounitethewarringregionofUnova"everyoneknowsthatpartofthelegend.Butpriortothat,theywereonebeingwhosenamehasbeenlosttotime.ThatdragononlysplitintoZekromandReshirambecausethebrothersnolongersaweyetoeye:onesoughttouniteUnovawithhisidealswhiletheotherwantedtouniteitwithwhatheconsideredthetruth.ThekingofTeamPlasmaseeksthelegendaryblackandwhitedragonstoreunitethemintotheirtrueform.Withitspowerandthetruthsandidealsheholdsinhisheart,hewillbecometheheroUnovaneedsandcreatetheworldthatI"Imean,thatTeamPlasmadesires!"

"That'sit?You'rejustifyingcommittingcrimeswitholdlegendsandmyths?"Cherenaskedsharply.

"Shadypeoplelikeyoucreepsshouldn'tevenbeallowedtolookatReshiramandZekrom!"Irisshouted,flailingherarmsangrily.

"Hmm...Okay,I'llacceptthat,"thescarfedmanspokecasually,gettinghimsurprisedlooksfromCherenandIris."But,y'know...yourmethodsandyourgoalsareonlygoingtomakepeople'sbondswiththeirPokémonevenstronger.Why,afterhearingyourwordsinNacrene,IrethoughtmyrelationshipwithmyownPokémonandfeltcompelledtobecomeevenmoredevotedtothem!"

"Suchanintelligentresponseforthelikesofamereartist."

"Well,I'mnomereartist."

"Icanseethat.Verywellthen.Iconcedetoyouropinionsandweshalltakeourleave."

Thescarfedmanarchedaneyebrow."DoyoureallythinkI'llletyougojustlikethat?"

Ghetsissmiledinanunsettlingmanner."Ofcoursenot.Iwouldn'texpectanythingless."Inaninstant,threemendressedinblackappearedinfrontofGhetsisandthescientist,allholdingPokéBallsintheirhands."Noviolenceisnecessary.Besides,itwouldbeashameforsuchlovelyindividualstonotwitnessourking'srisetoglory."

"Verywell,"oneofthemspokesoftlyastheyallputawaytheirballsandonepulledoutablackball.Theblack-cladmanrolledtheballforwardanditsuddenlyexplodedwithpurplesmoke.ThemomentIbreatheditin,Ifeltwoozy.MyvisionbegantoblurandIstartedtofeelnumb.IwatchedasBlackandtheothersfellover,seeminglyagainsttheirwill.BlackandIrisimmediatelycomplained,theirvoicesoverlapping.Iwatchedthemeninblackstepintomyview,onecarryingGhetsisintheirarmsbridalstyleandanothercarryingthescientistslungovertheirshoulderlikehewasabag.Theysteppedovertheotherssprawledoutinfrontoftheentrancewithoutaword,andwewereallleftinourpositions.

"Ugh!They'regettingaway!Can'tanyonemove?!"Iriscomplained.

"Itwouldseemthatwhateverthatgaswas,ithadparalyzingproperties.Ghetsiswaswillingtoexposehimselftothestuffjustsohismencouldgethimoutevenmoreeasily...Ifhe'swillingtodothattohimself""

"Don'tactsoimpressedwiththatcreepyoldman!"Thepurple-hairedgirlinterrupted.

"Howlongisitgoingtotakeforustobeabletomoveagain?"Cherenasked,soundingprettyfrustrated.

"Idon'tevenknow.Itcouldtakeacoupleofminutesorfarlonger,"saidthescarfedman.

"Sowe'rejuststuckherewhiletheymaketheirgetaway?!"Blackasked,soundingdistressed.

"Don'tworry.I'msuremyfriendswilleventuallyfindus.Let'sjustbepatient."

Isighedandallowedmyselftorelaxforthefirsttimeinalongwhile.Ididn'tknowifthisentiredaywasadisasterorasuccess,butIfeltlikeitwastiltingtowardstheformer.Butatleastthinkingaboutmyfailedattemptatsubterfugewouldallowmeto

recoverfrommypossiblynear-deathsituationwithaHydreigonandnotbothertothinkaboutGhetsisorthefactthatheknewmyname.

X-X-X

Notes!

HydreigonlearnsIncinerateviaTM.

X-X-X

ReviewforthesakeofBluandPikachu!

Chapter17

Thischapterwasoriginallygoingtobelonger...butareallifethreattomypeacefulsummerdayshasappearedintheformofaforcedfamilyvacation(anddon'taskwhyit'sneartheendofthesummer).ButtheCasteliaCityarciscomingtoaclosesoon!IwannasaythatifI'mlucky,I'llbeabletowriteandpostthenextchapterwhileI'mawayfromhome,butIdoubtI'llevenbeabletogetadecentInternetconnectionwhereI'mgoing...Still,Ihopeyouguyshadanicesummer"nicerthanmine,anyway.

Disclaimer:BluRosedoesn'townthePokémonseries.Onlythisfic.

X-X-X

~AMorningwithAFriend~

"TheSamurottfamily.AnevolutionaryfamilymadeupofOshawott,DewottandofcourseSamurott.TheseWater-typePokémonarefound,ifrarely,inthewildsofUnova,commonlyneartheseaandrarelynearfreshwatersourceslikeriversandlakes""Thevoiceofthenarratorbecamequickenedandhigh-pitchedasthevideowasfast-forwardedandimagesofthedailylifeofOshawott,DewottandSamurottspedbyonthecomputerscreenuntilIstoppeditonacertainimageofascalchop."OshawottandDewottwieldscalchopshells,whileSamurottwieldsSeamitars.ThesePokémonusetheseshellslikeblades.Scalchopsandseamitarsaremadeofkeratin"that'sthesamethingnailsandhairaremadeof!Justlikehairandnails,scalchopscanbreak,andtheycanalsogrowbackinduetime.Buthowdotheygrowback?Amazingly,fromtheirbellybuttons!Itcantakequiteawhileforasinglescalchoptoberemade,andalthoughthey'restillcapableofdefendingthemselveswithouttheirshells,OshawottsandDewottstendtohidethemselvesawayuntiltheycanmaketheirnewblades."

IpausedthevideoIhadbeenwatchingintheupstairscomputerroomofthePokémonCenter.IcouldhearnoisesofawefrommyPokémonfriendsonthefloorbesideme"minusShionanyway."Sothat'swhyShion'sbeenfreakingoutandrefusingtocomeoutofherball!"Evechirped.

"Thatshellofherswasveryimportanttoher,"saidPanacea."She'llbealrightonceshehasanewone...hopefully."

"Yeah,she'llbebacktowhackingherselfontheheadinnotime!"

"Great!Good!Nowlookupavideoonthatthingwiththethreeheadssowecanlean

tobeatitup!"Tinyexclaimed.

"Wh-WHAT?!"Iexclaimed."Oh,no,no,no!I'mnotgonnaconfrontanothermonsterlikethatagain!Idon'tthinkI'mevengonnasetfootoutsideofthisbuildingforadayortwo!Oraweek.Heck,maybeamonth!"

"Youcan'tdothat!"Tinylookedattheotherswithaconfusedexpression."Shecan'tdothat,right?"

"SureIcan!IhavealltheresourcesIneedforsurvivalhere.Soifyou'llexcuseme,I'mgonnalookupsomeepisodesofRanseiChronicles.Ihaven'tbeenabletowatchthatshowinitspropertimeslotbecauseofthisstupidjourney."

"MissWhite,Iknowthatexperienceyesterdaymusthavefrightenedyou,"PanaceabeganasIstartedtolookupvideos."AndI'msureyoujustwanttocurlupintoaballandhide,butyoucanovercomethis.That'swhatyourjourneyisabout:overcomingyourfears!SoifyoujustlearntonotbeafraidofwhatevertypeofPokémonthatcreaturewas""

"Itwouldn'tdoanygood,"Iinterruptedtofinishforher."MakingfriendswithaDragoniteoraBisharpcouldneverpreparemefordealingwithsomethingas...asmonstrousasaHydreigon.AsfrighteningasthethingsPokémonofdifferenttypescanbe,individualspeciesofPokémoncanbeterrifyingbecausethey'realldifferentandsoaretheirkillingmethods."

"W-well,it'slike...babysteps!Andyouwon'tstopbeingafraidifyoujusthideaway."

"Nowyou'restartingtosoundlikeBlackandmymother..."Imuttered.Couldn'tIjusthaveamomentofpeaceandquietlikeShion?AmomentwhereIdidn'thavetoworryaboutbeingattackedbysomeformofterrifyingPokémonoracreepymurderousteamofcriminals?That'sallIwasaskingfor.

JustastheopeningthemeforRanseiChroniclesbegantoplay,sodidtheringingtoneofmyXtransceiverreceivingacall.IlookeddownatitsscreenandsawBianca'sname.Ididn'treallyseeherthismorningasBlackandCherenwerechewingmeoutformyactions.Thepreviousnighthadbeenablurdespitebeingparalyzed,butIrememberthemsayingthatshewentoffsomewherewithIris.ThinkingabouthermademefeellikemoreofafailurethanIdidyesterday,becauseitalsomademethinkthatmyinvolvementwas...unnecessary.ForcingmyselftolietoRosaandthenicerPlasmamembers,beingthreatenedbyGhetsisandhisHydreigon,Shionlosingherscalchop...itallfeltpointlesssinceBurghwould'vepoppeduptohelpwithBlack,CherenandIrisregardlessofwhetherornotIwasthere.

"White.Aren'tyougonnaanswerthat?"Marsasked.

Bitingmylowerlip,IansweredthecallandactedoutmybestphonecourtesyasBianca'ssmilingfacepoppeduponthescreen."Hey.Goodmorning."

"Goodmorning,White!Howdidyousleeplastnight?"

IdreamtofseeingmyPokémonbeingdevouredbyagiantHydreigonwhileanevenbiggerGhetsismockedmeforbeingauselesstrainer."Fine.I'msureyousleptjustfinesinceyougotyourPokémonback."

"Oh,no,Ididn'tgetthembackuntilthismorning.ThereweresomanyPokémoninTeamPlasma'spossessionthatthepolicejusttransferredmyPokémontomyPCstorageboxoneatatime."

"Isee."ThatexplainswhyVictiniisn'tbackinmypossessionyet.ThereweresomanyPokéBallsthatitwouldprobablytakeawhilebeforehewassenttome.Atleastthat'swhatIwantedtobelieveoverVictinistillbeinginTeamPlasma'spossession.JustbecauseIdidn'tthinkIwasworthyofowninghimdidn'tmeantheywerewithwhatevercrazinesstheywereplanning.

"Anyway,I'mcallingtoseeifyou'redoinganythingtoday.Ifnot,let'shangout!TherearesomeplacesI'dliketocheckout!"

"Asinhangoutside?Idunno.I'mprettytiredafteryesterday,"Ilied.

"Aw,butwe'reinCasteliaCity!Youcandragyourselfoutofbedforthis!"IdecidednottosaythatI'dwokenupearlierthananyofthemandhadlockedmyselfawayinthecomputerlab."I-I'llpayforeverything!Thinkofthisasmerepayingyouforyesterday."

"ButI""

"I'mnottaking'no'forananswer!I'llbewaitingbythedockssowecanbeginourownpersonaltourofCastelia!"Biancasaidwithasmilebeforehanginguponme.

"...ButIdidn'tdoanythingtohelpyou,"Ifoundmyselfmumblingundermybreath.Regardless,IwasleavingthePokémonCenterminuteslaterwithTinyridinginmybaginsteadofclingingontomybodyasusual.

X-X-X

IlaterfoundBiancaatthepier,justlikeshesaid.Shewassittingonabench

overlookingthedocksandseeminglystaringatashipthatwasleavingharbor.Iapproachedherandclearedmythroat,gettingherattention.Biancasmiledandjumpedtoherfeet."Hey,you'rehere!Ialmostthoughtyou'dhavegonetochallengethegymalready!"

"Iwouldn'tleaveyouhanginglikethat,"Isaid,forcingmyselftosmile."Besides,it'snotlikeIhavetobattleBurgh.BlackandCherenaretheonlyoneswhoneedtodothatto.Forme,gymbattlesarelike...ahobby."

"Well...you'regoodatit!You,BlackandCherenareallreallystrong!Comparedtome,anyway..."Neitherofussaidanythingelseforafewsecondsuntil..."DoyouthinkIcouldbattleagymleaderand,like...win?"IstaredatBiancainconfusionandshequicklylookedaway."Sorry,sorry!Itwasastupididea,huh?LikeIcouldbeatagymleader..."

"I'mnotsayingyoucouldn't,but...you'veneverreallyshownaninterestinbattlingbefore.Whynow?"

"No,reason!IjustfeelsojealousofyouguysgettingbadgeswhileI'm...not."

Iarchedaneyebrow."Soyoufeelleftout?"

"Yeah,that'sit!"Theblondesaid,noddingherheadenthusiastically.

"Well...alright.Ifyouwannadoit,goahead."

Biancagaveasmalllaughandsmiled."Really?!"Hersmilefadedasifsherealizedsomething."Oh,butIdidn'taskyoutojustcomeandtalkaboutmysillylittleproblems.I'mtakingyououttoeatbreakfast!Orbrunch.Whicheverit'ssupposedtobe."

"Aboutthat:youdon'thavetotakemeout.I""

"No,no,no!I'mtakingyoutoCaféSonataandthat'sthat!"Theothergirlsaidwithapout.

"CaféSonata?"

"Yeah!Iheardaboutitfromsomewhere.AndIwantustosharetheexperiencetogether."

IstaredatBianca'ssmilingfaceforafewsecondsbeforesighing."You'renotgonnaleavemealoneuntilIgowithyou,huh?"

"Well...No."

Isighedandshrugged."Well,IsupposeIhavenochoicebuttobetreatedbyyou.Leadtheway."

X-X-X

IwoundupfollowingBiancathroughthestreetsofCastelia.Idon'tthinkshereallyknewthelocationofthecafé,soshewoundupaskingcompletestrangerswhereitwasforseveralminutes.Somedidn'tliveinthecityandmanywhodidhadnoideathecaféevenexisted.Afterminutesofwandering,wefinallygotdirectionsfromanofficeladythatledtoanotsoquaintplace.

"Sothisamazing,wonderfulcaféyou'veheardaboutisinshady,smellyalley,"IspokeflatlyasBiancaandIwalkedthroughasmallalley,pastapairofthuggish-lookingmendressedlikebikersandsmokingcigarettes.Itriednottomakeeyecontactwiththem,butIcouldfeeltheireyesonme."Filledwithshady,smellypeople,"IaddedbeforeIsuddenlysteppedonsomethingsoftthatyelpedinsurprised,causingmetostumbleforward.

"Hey!I'msleepin'overhere!"ATrubbishshoutedasitflaileditsstubbylittletrasharms.Itsputridstenchintensifiedanditbegantobreatheoutpurplegasthatmayormaynothavebeenpoisonous.

"EEEEK!"MyfirstreactionwastorunawayfromtheTrubbishatbreakneckspeed.Itdidn'tlastverylong,though,asIwounduprunningintosomeoneandfallingoveralongwiththem.

"Hey!Getoffofme!"Afamiliarvoiceshoutedfrombeneathme.IlookeddownandsawIrissquirmingunderneathme."Urrgh!You'retooheavy!Getoff!"

Iimmediatelygotoff,saying,"Oh,mygosh!I'msosorry!"Iheldahandouttohelpherup,butthepurple-hairedgirljustsprangbackontoherfeetnimbly.

Biancaapproachedthetwoofus,pantingheavily."Hey,it'sIris!You'restillhere!"

"Yeah,totally!"Irissaidwithasmile."MygrandpasaidthatIshouldtakeinasmuchasIcouldonmyjourneyandthere'sstillsomuchtoseeofCastelia"likethatcaféItoldyouabout."

"Café?"IlookedatBianca."She'stheonewhotoldyouaboutit?"Theblondesmiledsheepishlyasherheadnodded.IlookedbackatIris."Butyoudon'tknowwhereitis,either."

"Iknowit'ssupposedtobesomewhereinthisalley.IjusthavetokeepasharpeyeoutforthesignwithMeloettaonit!"

"Meloetta...?"Irepeated.

"Yeah!"

"We'reactuallylookingforthatplace,too.Howaboutweallgotogether?"Biancaasked.

Iris'seyeslitup."Really?That'dbegreat!Idon'tgettoenjoyeatingwithotherpeopleoften!"Shechirpedhappilybeforespinningonherheelandmarchingoff."Everyone,followme!"

IlookedatBianca,lookingslightlypeeved."Why'dyouhavetoinviteher?"

"What?Whatdoyoumean?Iriswasniceenoughtohelpmeyesterday,remember?"

"Butshe's...annoying!"Icouldn'thelpbutsoundslightlywhiny."Whatwouldapersonlikeherwanttodoinacafé?She'dbemoreathomeina...fastfoodplace."

"Youshouldn'tdrawyourconclusionsaboutpeoplebasedonyourfirstmeetingwiththem,"theblondesaidmatter-of-factly.

"IcanwhenthosefirstmeetingsinvolveblamingmeforacrimeIdidn'tcommit,"Imuttered.

"Aw,butyoushouldgiveherachance!ThemostIknowaboutheristhatshe'sniceenoughtojumptoastranger'saidwhenthey'reintrouble,soshemustbeanicepersonatheart."IgaveBiancaaskepticallook."Giveherachance.Shedeservesitforatleasttryingtohelpout."

Irisranbackuptousinahuff."Heeeyyy!Isaidtofollowme,notstandaroundlikeabunchofstatues!"Shegrabbedourhandsand,withstrengthalittlegirlshouldnothave,pulledusfurtherdownthealleyway.Wewalkeduntilfinally,shespottedwhatshe'dbeenlookingfor."Meloetta!"Irisproclaimed,pointingafingerupatasignfixedaboveabuilding'sdoor.Onthesignweretwohuman-likefigures:onewithlonggreenhairandtheotherwithredhairswirledupontotheirhead.Theywerebothwhite-skinnedandfemininewithbodieslikeblackdressesthatrevealedtheirlong,slenderwhitelegs.Thegreen-hairedoneheldahandtoitschestwithitsmouthopenandtheredheadedonewaspirouetting,andbothweresmilingwarmly.

"So...whatexactlyis"?"BeforeIcouldfinishmyquestion,Iriswentinside.Igavea

gruntofannoyance,whichmadeBiancapatmeontheshoulderbeforepushingmeforward.

Theinsideofthecaféwassmallandquiet.Therewasonlyahandfulofpeoplesittingatthetable"mostofthembeingadultsinbusinesssuits.Awaiterwaswalkingaround,takingordersandgivingoutmenus,andononesideofthecaféwasabar-likecounterwhereamanwaspolishingglasses.Inthecornersoftheroomwerespeakersthatplayedcalmingjazzmusic.This...wasaveryadultplace.

"Areyousureweshouldbehere?"IwhisperedtoIris,onlyforhertogaspinsurpriseandrunforward."Hey,wait!"Whydidshehavetobelikethat?Alwaysrushingforward?NotevenBlackwaslikethisallthetime!

BiancaandIwentafterthepurple-hairedgirlassheranuptoatablewheresomeonehadbeensitting."Hey!It'syouagain!"

Thepersonsittingtherelookedoverhershoulder.Ifrozeonthespot,becausethatpersonwasWhiteOak."Huh?You?Ididn'tthinktheyallowedpeopleyouragehere"YOU?!"ShesuddenlyexclaimedloudlywhensheseteyesonmeandBianca,drawingeveryone'sattention.Oakblushedinembarrassmentbeforeloweringhervoicetoagrowl,"Whyareyouhere?"

Iwantedtosay,'Ijustgetcarriedalongwithwhateverotherpeoplewantmetodo.'ButIrisspokeupinstead."MygrandpatoldmeallaboutthisplaceandsaidIshouldvisititwhileinCasteliaCity."

"Huh.Iwouldn'ttakethatDraydenguyforacafégoer..."OaklookedatmeandBianca."Andyoutwo?Didshedragyoualongwithheronawhim?"

"Yesandno,"Ispokeflatly."Whyareyouhere...Oak?"

"IcamebecauseIheardthatthere'saguywhoclaimshemetalegendaryPokémonhere.AndbecauseIwouldn'tmindeatinginanice,quietplaceforachange...Ketchum,"shespokeinaflattone.

Irischirpeduponceagain,"Hey,weallknoweachother!That'sgreat!Whydon'tweeattogether?"Obviously,Iris'sabilitytosensetensionintheairisequaltoherabilitytofindshadyandsuspiciouspeople.

X-X-X

Minuteslater,wewereallsittingaroundthetabletogetheranddrinking"nothingalcoholicorcoffee-based,justjuice.Forthemostpart,theonlypeoplewhospoke

wereBiancaandIris.OakandIjustgaveshortanswerswhenprompted,staring"well,glaring"ateachotherfromacrossthetable.Afterminutesofeyecontactwitheachother,thebrunettegirlspoke,"IseeyourPichuevolved."

"Yes.Yesterday."

"That'snice.Theyusuallyevolvefromhappiness,y'know."

"Yes,Iknow."Iwasn'tgoingtotellherhowhehappenedtoevolveandthatitwaslessabouthappinessandmoreaboutsurvivalinabattle."Whataboutyou?How'syour...Snivydoing?"

"Fine.Itevolved."

"IntoServine."

"Soyouknowaboutthat."

"Hm."

Moresilencehappened.Biancaspokeup,"So,uh,howdoyouknowWhi"Imean...MissGreen...Oak...her,Iris?"

Irissippedherorangejuiceasshelookedupthoughtfully."WemetinOpelucidCitywhenshecametochallengeGrandpaforagymbadge,butshegotturneddown."

"Oh,soyourgrandfather'sagymleader?"Biancaasked,lookingintrigued.

"Andheturnedyoudown,huh?"IaskedOakflatly,resistingtheurgetosmirk.

Thebrunettegirlsnorted."Hejustdoesn'tallowchallengerswhodon'tdefeattheothergymleadersfirst."

"Grandpa'sstrictlikethat!HeonlywantstofightthebestofthebestsinceyoucanonlygettothePokémonLeaguethroughOpelucid!"Irisadded."Hewouldn'tevenletmebattlehimunlessIgetsevenotherbadgesfirst..."

"Isthatwhyyou'retraveling?YouwannabecomethePokémonLeagueChampion?"Biancaasked.

"Oh,no!I'mgonnamastertrainingDragontypePokémonlikemygrandpa!"Irisexclaimedwithbrighteyesandaclenchedfistthatsheheldup."I'mjustchallengingthegymswhileItravelbecausethat'swhathesuggested!Ialreadyhave..."Shepausedandbegantocountsilentlytoherself."Five!NowthatI'vebeatenBurgh!"

Five?!She'sgotmorethanmeandBlackcombined!

Oaksmirkedandlookedatthepurple-hairedgirlsmugly."Really?I'vegotseven."That'sevenworse!

"Oh,White'sonlygottwo...Youhavealongwaytogo,White,"saidBianca,causingmetogiveheralook.

"Oh?Youwannacollectallthegymbadges,too?That'sabigdreamforatrainernewbietoshootfor,"OaksaidwithasmilethatmadehernotseemliketheunpleasantpersonshewasbackinNacreneCity.

Iclearedmythroat."It'snotlikeIwannabecometheLeagueChampionoranything.It'sjust...ahobby."

"Wellthen...whyareyouonthisjourney,then...Ketchum?"

BeforeIcouldspeakupandsayanything,themusiconthespeakersdieddownandpeopleatthetablesbegantoclapforanoldmanthatwalkedontothestageholdinganacousticguitar.Themanworeshadesandthesortofclothesyou'dexpectapersonfromtheageofhippiestowear,hishairtiedbackintoaponytail."Goodafternoon,mydearmusiclovers!Hopeyourtimehere'sallowedyoutomellowoutfromthehecticchaosthatisCasteliaCity.Ifnot,I'dlovetohelpyououtwithalil'story..."Theoldmanbeganstrumminghisguitar.

Whatcamenextwasastoryputtomusicaboutamusicianwhopursuedfameandfortune.Atfirst,hewasgreatlysuccessful"everyoneknewhisnameandwantedtohearhismusic.Butheandthestyleofmusicheplayedsoonfelloutpopularity.Tothemusician,therewasnothingwrongwithhismusic"people'stasteinmusichadgottenworse.Eventually,hegotsickenedwithsocietyandlefttofindnewadmirerswholovedhismusic.Buteveryonewasthesame:eventhosewholikedhismusicdidn'tthinkhesoundedasgoodassomeoneelse.

Furtherfrustrated,themusicianmovedfurtherawayfromhumanityandhefoundhimselfplayinghismusicoutinthewildforPokémon,whomheassumedhadheardnothing.Andthatwaswhenheheardamelodiousvoice.HefollowedthevoiceuntilhecameacrossaPokémonlikeabeautifulmaidensingingasongthatstirredjoyousfeelingswithinhimhehadn'tfeltinalongtime.Themusicianfeltcompelledtotryandplayalongtoitsmelody,andthePokémonchangeditsformandbegantodancealongtohismusicwhileitcontinuedtosing.

Afterwards,thePokémonintroduceditselfasMeloettaandcomplimentedhismusic.Forsomereason,sheconsideredhismusicmoreenchantingthanhervoice,and

askedifallhumansmadesuchlovelysounds.Forthefirsttimeinages,themusicianfelttheneedtobehumbleandsaidthattherewereotherswhopracticeddifferentformsofmusic,somelovelierthanhisown.WhetheritwasbecauseofMeloetta'ssongorhisownrealization,youngmusicianrealizedthattherewasnotrulyperfectmusicalstyle.Peoplewouldalwayshavedifferenttastes,stylesandopinions,andthatmadetheworldacolorfulplaceinsteadofablandworldofgray.Andfromthatdayforward,Meloettaappearedbeforemusicalartiststotakeintheirmelodieswhileinspiringthemwithitsown.

Allinall,thestorywasso-so"thesortofthingIprobablyheardaboutinabookofUnovafairytales,butthecalmingmusicwasobviouslywhattheimportantpartoftheact.Afterwards,hewoundupgettingaroundofapplausebeforecontinuingonwithamorelivelysong.

"That...was...amazing!"Irisexclaimedwithbright,wideeyes."I'dheardthestorybefore,butwhenyouputittomusic,it'sevenbetter!"

"Wait.Ifyouknewthatstorybefore,why'dyoucomeinhere?"Iasked.

"BecauseGrandpatoldmeto....Iguesshewantedmetoremembertokeepmymindopen.Grandpasaidthatyouhavetoalsobeopen-mindedtootherpeople'sways.Ifyoudo,youmightlearnsomethingandgrowasaperson,evenifyoudon'tlikethesamethingsasotherpeople!IfIdothat,I'llbecomeagreattrainerforsure!"

"Itsoundsmorelikehewantsyoutobecomeagoodperson.Oratleastmoremature."

"Hmph!Iammature!"Irishuffed.Shesprangoutofherseat."Whatever.Thiswasfun!Ihopeweallgettomeeteachotheragainsoon!"Shethenranoutofthecafé,luckilynotbumpingintoanyoneasshedid.

"...Maybeweoughttogo,too,White,"Biancaspokeasshestoodup,andIdidthesameinmyeagernesstoleave.ShelookedatOak,wholookedatusblankly."Um...i-itwasnicemeetingyouagain...undernicercircumstances."Biancathenlookedatme,asifexpectingmetosaysomething,butinstead,Ijustremainedsilent.Theysayifyoucan'tsayanythingnice,don'tsayanythingatall."W-well,goodbye!"TheblondeandIthenmadeabeelinefortheexitandkeptrunningthroughthealleywayuntilwereachedsomesortofsafehaven.

X-X-X

"Well,thatwasanexperience,wasn'tit?"Biancaaskedminuteslater,afterwestoppedtorestatafountaininasparselypopulatedplace.Shelookedatmeand

smiled."Didyoulikeit?Imean,Iknowitwasn'tanythingfancy...butIhopeyoulikedit.Becauseyoudeservearewardforhelpingme."

Isighed."Bianca,Ididn'tdeserveit."

Theblonde'ssmilefaltered."Huh?Soyoudidn'tlike"?"

"Thishasnothingtodowithlikinganything!Iwasuseless!MyPokémonandIcould'vediedbecauseIwasstupidanduselessandweak!Youdon'tgetrewardsfordoingnothing!"Ishouted,notevennoticingthatI'dstartedtocry.

Bianca'sshockedexpressionmorphedintoamixtureofupsetandangry."D-don'tsaythat!HowdoyouthinkIfeel?!YouandyourPokémonwerehurtallbecauseIwentrunningtoyouforhelp!Icouldn'tevenhelpyou!Ijust...waitedforyou,BlackandCherentomakeeverythingbetterforme,justlikealways!BecauseI...Ican'tdoanything!I'mtooweakandtoostupidand...and...!WAAAAAAHHHH!"Biancabawledloudly.

"B-Bianca!Calmdown,Bianca!Don'tcry!"

"Butthat's...allI'm...goodaaaaaat!"

"You'regoodatotherthings!Itdoesn'tmatterifyou'renotthestrongestorthesmartestpersonintheworld!"

"Idon'twannabethestrongest!Iwannabeabletodothingsformyself!Otherwise...howamIsupposedtogrowasaperson?!"Bianca'scryingbecamereducedtomeresnifflesbeforeshewasabletorecollectherself."White!I'mgoingtobeattheleaderoftheCasteliaCityGymandgetabadge!That'llproveI'mstrong!Justwatch!L-like,really,canyoucomeandwatch?Ifeelnervous..."

"Ifyou'renervous,don'tdoit,"Iansweredflatly."Andyoudon'thaveto""

"ButIdo!Ineedtobestronger!Ineedtobeabletotakecareofmyselfandnotbotheryou,orBlack,orCherenanymore!"

Thetwoofusstaredateachotherinsilenceforafewseconds.Isighedandshookmyhead."You'rebeingstubbornaboutthis.Areyougonnacryifyoulose?"

Biancashookherhead."No!...Notinpublic,anyway..."

"...Fine.Ifyouthinkwinningagymbadgeisgonnamakeyoufeelstronger,Iwon'tstopyou.I'llcomeandrootyouontovictory."Theblondegirlbegantosmilebrightly

andIfeltanothersighcomeon.Justwhatwouldthisleadto,Iwondered?

X-X-X

ReviewforthesakeofBluandPikachu!

Chapter18

Disclaimer:BluRosedoesn'townthePokémonseries.Onlythisfic!

X-X-X

~ABuggyBattle~

OR!

~VSThePremierInsectArtist!~

"Hey.Howdoyouthinkyoudidonthetest?"CherenaskedasheandBlacksatonabenchwiththeirhandheldgames,bothtoofocusedonwhatwasgoingononscreentolookatme.

"IthinkIpassed.You?"IaskedasIlookedaroundthecourtyard.

"Same.Whatthe"?"

"Ha!Thankyou,CalemandyourRhydon!"Blackcheeredasheheldupafistinsuccess.

"Hey,where'sBianca?"Iasked,lookingaroundatotherstudentswhowerepassingby.

"Ithinkshe'sstillinourclassroom.Wehadatesttoday,too,andtomakemattersworse,Mrs.Daubergradedthemrightinfrontofusbeforehandingthemover.Notgood.Biancalookedcrushed."

IleftthetwoofthemtotheirgameandwentofftofindBianca.WhenIdid,Ifoundhersittingbehindherdesksurroundedbysomegirls.

"Wow,Bianca!Thishastobe,like,thelowestscoringtestgrade!Seriously,it'sawonderwhyyou'renotintheremedialclassorsomething."ThebullyinggirlsgiggledspitefullywhileBiancajuststareddownatapaperonherdesk.

Ihuffedandmarchedrightovertothem."Hey,knockitoff!"

"Ooh!It'sKetchup!Shouldn'tyoubeinoneofyournerdyadvancedclassesrightnow?"Oneofthegirlsasked.

"No,becauseit'slunchtime.Shouldn'tyouandtherestofyourherdgooffandgraze

beforethebellrings?"

"BigtalkcomingfromacrybabywhobreaksdowninfrontofLillipups."

"Well,that'sbecauseagroupofcowslikeyouarelessdangerousandinafight,I'mprettysureIcanpulloutthosefancyhighlightseachofyourparentspaidfor.WannaseeifI'mright?"

Thegirlsscoffedandwalkedoff,mutteringthingsaboutnotdealingwithbrutishgirls.IlookedatBianca,whowasstillstaringdownathertestpaper,andtappedherontheshouldertogetherattention."Hey,it'sokay.I'msureyourgrade'snotthatbad."Ipeekedoverhershoulderandsawabigred70markedatthetopofthepaper."Youpassed!Idon'tseewhyyou'resoupset."

"BecauseI...failed."Biancasaidwithapout."Iprobablydiddotheworstofeveryoneintheclass."

"Basedonwhat?ThatgaggleofChatotswhokickedyouwhileyouweredown?Yourgradesarenoneoftheirbusiness,andonebadgradedoesn'tmakeyoustupid!Itjustmeansyouhavetotryharder."

"ButIdidtryhard!Like,reallyhard!SohardIfellasleepstudying!"

"Well,ifyouwant,Icouldhelpyoustudyforthenextone."Ipointedoutthedoor."Butfornow,let'sgetsomethingtoeat."

Biancafoldedupthepaperandtuckeditawayinsideofherbackpack."Thanks,White!IthinkI'dbelostwithoutyou!Imean,you'reabetteroptionthanstudyingwithCherenorBlack."

"Ifigured...Don'tworry.I'llalwaysbeheretohelp."

X-X-X

"You'rejoking,right?WhyonearthwouldBiancawanttobattleaGymLeader?It'snotlikeher!"CherensaidovertheXtransceivercallbetweenhim,Blackandme.

"MaybeshewasmotivatedbyWhitetochallengethemforthefunofit,"Blacksuggested.

"I'mdoingitforfun!Andneitherisshe.Shewantstoprovethatshe'sstrongandshethinksthebestwaytodothatistobeataGymLeader,"Iexplained.

"I'mnotsure""

"Maybethisisthebestforher.Ifshewins,itcouldboostherself-esteem,"Iinterrupted.

"Andifsheloses?"Cherenasked."NotthatI'dwantherto,butBianca...doesn'ttakefailurewell."

"Yeah,I'dhateforhertobecrushedjustbecauseshe'snotgoodatbattles,"Blackadded.

"That'swhenwecomein.Winorlose,we'llbetheretoremindherthatstrengthisn'teverything,andthatshecandowhatevershewantsto."IglancedovermyshouldertolookatBianca.ShewasgivingherPokémonapeptalkasshemadeallsortsofhandgestures."I'llcallyouwhenit'sallover."

"Surething.Hey,whileyou'reatit,youshouldgoandgetyourbadge,too!Thatway,wecanallgotoNimbasaCitytogether!"Cherengaveagroanatthosewords,whichmadeBlackpout."Don'tyoustart..."

"White!"IhunguponthemandturnedtolookatBianca.Shepumpedafistintheairandworealookofdetermination."I'mallreadynow!Iaminittowinit!I'mgonnadefeattheGymLeaderandgetagymbadge!"

"Okay,then.Goodluck.I'llbetheretocheeryouon."

Theblondetookabreathandslappedherfaceafewtimestopsychherselfup."Well,hereIgo!"ShespunonherheelandquicklywalkedthroughthedoorsoftheCasteliaGymwithmefollowingbehindher.Ilookedaroundinaweatthepeoplestandingaround,lookingatvariouskindsofpaintingsthatweremostlikelydonebyBurgh"andthereseemedtobemorethanoneroomofthethings."Did...wewalkintothewrongplaceorsomething?"

"No.Burgh'salsoanartist,andhekeepsagalleryofhisworksinthegym,"Iexplainedsimply,althoughevenIwasinaweatthisplace.ItwasthefirsttimeI'dbeentoanactualartgallery."ItworkedthiswayinNacreneCity,too.Theactualgymisprobablysomewhereelseawayfromthis."

"O-Okay!Let'shavealookaround!"Biancaattemptedtostepforward,onlytohaveapairofguardsstepinfrontofher.

"Holditrightthere!Youwannaseetheexhibit,you'regonnahavetopaytheadmissionprice,"saidoneoftheguards.

"W-we'rejusttryingtofindthegym!Iwannachallengethegym!"

Theguardsrelaxedabitandnoddedhisheadtoonedirection."Downthestairs.Askthegymguideformoreinformation."Welookedinthesamedirection,towardsadoorwithadrawingofstairsandanarrowpointingdown.Westaredateachotherforafewsecondsbeforewebegantowardsthestairs,butthesameguardgrabbedmyshoulder."Notyou.Onlyonechallengerdownatatime."

"What?Why?"Iasked.

"Safetymeasures.Ifyou'vebeenwatchingthenews,someshadyfolkbustedintotheNacreneCityGym,sothePokémonLeaguearemakingsuretheydon'thitanyothergyms."Iguessthatistrue.Plus,Idon'tthinkI'veeverseenasingleTeamPlasmamemberwithamissioncompletelyalone."IfyouwannachallengeBurgh,you'regonnahavetowaityourturn."

Biancasuddenlylookedabitdistraught.Aflashedherasmile."Don'tworry!I'llbewithyouspirit,sogodoyourbest!I'lljust...checkoutthegallerywhileIwaitmyturn."

"Okay.I'llbebackwithabadge...hopefully."

Oncetheblondegirldisappeareddownthestairs,Ifoundmyselfpayingaprettyreasonableentrancefeebeforewalkingaroundandtakingalookatthepaintings.Burgh'sworksfocusedonabitoftheusualsubjects:people,Pokémon,landscapes,buildings,andevenabstract.Thepeoplelookingatthepaintingsvariedbetweensnobswholookedatmewithdisdain,teenagerswhosnappedpicturesofpaintings,andtouristswhoclamoredexcitedlyinforeignlanguages.Istoppedinfrontofawidepaintingdepictingapairofblackandwhitedragonscirclingeachotherinasortofyin-yangsymbol-likeway.Theirrespectivewhiteandblackpiecesappearedtobeapairofovershadowedhumanshapescurledupintoafetalposition.

"Breathtaking,isn'tit?"Avoicewhisperedinmyear.IwhirledaroundandfoundmyselfstaringintoWhiteOak'sface.Iopenedmymouthtoshoutinsurprise,butIrealizedthatthiswasapublicplace."ThePokédexsaysthoseareZekromandReshiram"twolegendaryPokémonwhosupposedlyembodytheconceptof'truth'and'ideals'.Veryinteresting.Kantodoesn'thaveanylegendaryPokémondeeplyentwinedinitshistorylikethosetwo."

"...Areyoustalkingme?"Iaskedflatly,tryingtokeepmyvoicelow.

"Thatwouldrequirestealthandobsession.Ididn'teventrytheformer,andmyinterestinyouisn'tsoextremeastoqualifyforthelatter,"Oakspokesimply.She

lookedbackatthepainting."IhavetohandittoBurgh.Istillthinkhe'saslackerforabandoninghispostsofrequentlyforthesakeofhisartisticbursts,buthe'saprettygoodartist."

"Whatdoyouwant?Totalkart?"

"Notmything."Thebrunettelookedbackatme."Imerelywantedtomakeanoffertoyou."Iarchedaneyebrow.WasthisanofferIcouldrefuse?"I'vedecidedthatyou...mightbeaworthyopponent."

"...Meaning...?"

"MeaningI'mgonnagrantyouthesatisfactionofbattlingmeandmyPokémon,ofcourse!I'llevengoeasyonyou"Iwon'tuseeitherofmyteam'sstrongestmembers."

Ilookedunenthusedandsnorted."Wow.Howgenerous.Nothanks."

"Toobad.You'vegotnochoice."What?!HowisitanofferifIhavenochoices?!"Ifthere'ssomethingI'veneverhad,it'sagoodpunchingbag"Imean,rival."Rival,mybutt!Shejustwantstobeatmeup!AlthoughIcan'tsaythatthefeelingisn'tmutual...

"Ifyouwantaworthyrival,whydon'tyougolookforsomeothertrainerwho'sdominatedseveralleagues?"

"Because,WhiteKetchum,you...areyou."That'sit?Shewantstobeatmejustbecause?Iseesomeonewhoprobablyhasasuperioritycomplex."Don'tlooklikethat,Ketchum!Don'tthinkofthisasmetryingtomakeyoufeelbad.Thinkofitas...afriendlyrivalrybetweentrainerswiththesamegoalifit'llmakeyoufeelbetter."Itdidn'tfeelfriendlywiththewayshewassmirking.AndIdidn'thaveanythingsimilartoherintheleast!"I'llletyougetbacktoattemptingtocomprehendart.Ciao,Ketchum!"Andwithasalute,WhiteOakleftthegym.Goodriddance.

"Sheseemsnice,"saidTiny."Shewantstobefriends!"

"BetweenherandN,I'mquestioningyourjudgementofcharacter,Tiny..."

X-X-X

Afterseveralminutesofwanderingaroundtheartgallery,Isawalltherewastosee.IwoundupsittingonasmallbenchalongsideTinyasIwaitedforBiancatoreturn.JustasIwascontemplatingpassingtimebylookingthroughmyPokédexorevencallingBlack,Iheardafamiliarvoicecallouttome."Heeeeyyyy!"IturnedmyheadtofindBiancaquicklywalkingtowardsme"becauseitwasstrictlyforbiddentorunin

theartgallery"wavingaclenchedfistintheair.ThesnootypeoplearoundusgaveBiancaannoyedlooks,butshedidn'tseemtonoticeorcare.Theblondegirlskiddedtoahaltinfrontofmeandsmiledbrightlyassheheldoutherhandtoshowmeabrightgreenbadge."Iwon!Iwon!"

"Youwon?"Ididn'tmeantosoundsosurprised,soItriedtocovermydoubtinherbyquicklyadding,"So,howwasit?Easy?Hard?"

"Easy!"Biancachirpedhappily.Onceagain,Icouldn'thidethesurpriseonmyfaceasshecontinued,"ThankstoPignite,Iwasabletobreezethroughmostofthebattle!HislastPokémonwasreallyhardtobeat,though.Wantmetotellyouaboutit?"

"No,no.That'llruinthesurprise,"Ispokehalfheartedly,notactuallycaringeitherway."So,nowthatyou'vegottenabadge,howdoyoufeel?Yougoteverythingoutofyoursystem?"

"Hm?Whatdoyoumean?"

"Imean...you'refeelingstrongnow,aren'tyou?"

"IfIcanbeatagymleader,IcouldrelyonmyselftocommandmyPokémoneffectively,but..."Biancalookeddownatthefloorinpensivethought."Withoutthem,howmuchcanIdo?"

"Ikeeptellingyouthatyoucandothings.ThingsyoucandowithoutrelyingonyourPokémonortherestofus"butthatdoesn'tmeanthere'sanythingwrongwithdoingso,"Iexplained."Fornow,yououghttobegladaboutyourvictory!Leavethepessimismforlater,becauseyouneedtocelebrate!BlackandCherensaidweshouldgettogetheroncewe'realldonehere."

"Inthatcase,youshouldprobablygetgoing.Goodluck,White!"Well,ifBiancacouldbeatBurgh,I'msureIcouldbeathim,too"evenifIdidn'thaveaPokémonwithmethatwaseffectiveagainstBugtypeslikeherPignite.Feelingconfident,Istrodethroughthegalleryandmademywaydownstairs.

X-X-X

"Hullothere!Welcome,youngchallenger,totheCasteliaGym!"Thefirstthingtoliterallygreetmewasamanwearingshadesandsuspenderstandinginfrontofthedoorleadingbackupstairs."Forthisgym,you'regoingtohavetosolveabitofapuzzleinordertobeatBurgh!Well,Isay'puzzle',butit'sactuallyquitesimple."Themanpointedforwardataclear,yellowwallthatlookedabitshiny."Youseethat

wall?Youcanactuallygothroughwallslikethat!Eachwallleadstoaroom.EachroommaycontaineitheraswitchthatwillrevealthewaytoBurghoratrainerthatwillpointyouintherightdirection"ifyoubeatthem,anyway.Simple,yeah?"

Iwalkedovertotheyellowwallandpressedagainstitwithonehandtotestit.Itjiggledundermytouchandfeltsquishy."Yeah...Whatisthatstuff,anyway?It'snotgonnadirtymyclothes,isit?"

"Oh,it'ssupposedtobehoney.Oratleastlooklikeit.Therealstuffcouldn'tendurethe,uh,'artisticvision'thatBurghhadinmind."

"Oh."Itappedthefakehoneywallafewtimes."Thankyou,sir!"ImadeTinyhideinsideofmybagbeforeItookadeepbreathandclosedmyeyes,thenIforcedmywaythroughthewall.IonlyfeltthejigglymassagainstmyskinforafewsecondsbeforeImanagedtobreakthrough.Ilookedbehindmeinsurpriseandsawtheguidegivingmeathumbsupthroughthesee-throughwall.

Itookalookaroundtheroom.Thewallsweredecoratedinpentagon-shapedpatterns,fakehoney,andapictureofaSewaddlethatwashangingaskewonthefarsideofthewall.Theredidn'tseemtobeanysecretshiddeninplainsight:nobuttonsthatblendedinwiththewallorwerehiddenbythehoneyorthepainting.AllIcoulddowasgothroughtheotherfakehoneywallintoanotherroom...andbequicklyapproachedbyayoungredheadedgirlwearingglassesandcarryingabook.

"Hello!DidyouknowthatmanyBugtypePokémonreachastateofmaturityveryquickly?Howwouldyouliketoseethesortofpowerthatcomesfromsuchaquickmaturity?"

Iarchedaneyebrow."Isthatyourwayofchallengingmetoabattle?"

"...Maybe,"thegirlsaid,pushingupherglasses.

"Okaythen.Iacceptyourchallenge."

X-X-X

Minuteslater,thegirlandIstoodseveralfeetawayfromeachotherassheworeadeterminedlookonherfaceandheldaPokéBallinherhand.Sheclearedherthroatandattemptedtolookprofessional."Let...letmeshowyouthepoweroffullyevolvedBugPokémon!Go,Accelgor!"ThegirlreleasedfromherPokéBallacreaturewhosebodywasentirelywrappedupinpurplebandage-likethingsthatwavedintheairdramatically,saveitsheadthatmoreorlessresembledaredmaskorhelmetmarkedbyagreencrosswithapairofbeadyeyesstaringoutatmefrom

thedarkness.

"Accelgor...?"IgotoutmyPokédextoscanthePokémonquestion."Accelgor,theShellOutPokémon.ABugtype,obviously.ItevolvesfromShelmetwhentradedforaKarrablastviamachineorwhenexposedtoasimilarenergy.Itlosesitsheavyshellintheprocess,makingitlighterandallowingittofightwithninja-likemovements.Itweakensifitsbodydriesout,sotopreventdehydration,itwrapsitselfupinmanylayersofthinmembrane.Well...thatsoundstroublesome."Ididn'treallyhaveanyPokémonthatcouldbecalledfast"exceptmaybeMarswhenhewasusingRollout.Ooh,wait.IreachedintothebagandtookoutMars'ball."Go,Mars!"TheVenipedeappearedinaflashoflight.

"TryingtoattemptaRolloutstrategy?MyAccelgoristoofasttofalltothat!"Thespectacledgirlexclaimed."Accelgor,useQuickAttacktocirclethatVenipede!"TheAccelgor'seyesglintedbeforeitshotforwardlikearedandpurpleblur.ItbegantocircleMars,whojustlookedtenseashetriedtokeepaneyeonthelargerbug."NowuseDoubleTeam!"ThealreadyspeedyAccelgorseemedtosuddenlymultiply.

"UseDefenseCurl!"Marsrolledupintoaball,preparinghimselfforahit.

"StrikewithQuickAttack!"PurpleblursspedoutofthecircleofrunningAccelgorseveryfewsecondstoattackMarswithrunningtacklesandquicklygobackintoplace."NowdoyouseehowpowerfulafullyevolvedPokémoncanbe?!"

"Thismighthurtalittle...butuseScreech!"Marsuncurled,takingafewhitsintheprocess.Butoncehewasableto,heunleashedashrillcrythatwasloudenoughtomaketheAccelgorloseitsconcentrationandtrip,fallingoverintheprocess."Rollout,quickly!"TheVenipedecurledupimmediatelyandrolledintothedownedAccelgor.Whenhewentforanotherrollingtackle,theAccelgorjumpedupintotheairtoavoidtheblowandlandedinfrontofitstrainer.

"Ifspeedwon'thelpuswhenthis,stealthwill!Accelgor,it'stimefortheWaterBugmaneuver!"Onceagain,Accelgor'seyesglintedominously.Itmadegestureswithitsstubbyarmsandbegantoglowbrightblue.Adarkcloudformedabovetheroomanditbegantorainuntiladecentlysizedpuddleformedsomehow.TheShellOutPokémon'sbodythenbecameclearbeforedispersinglikewaterandmeltingintothepuddleformed."Howwillyouhandlethisassault?"

"Whatisthiseven...?"IscannedAccelgor'sPokédexentry,hopingtofindsomethingtoinformme."AcidArmor?"AccordingtothePokédex,AcidArmorwasamovethatchangedaPokémon'sbodychemistrytothatofaliquid,allowingthemtoblendintowaterysurroundings.ItcouldalsolearnRainDance,whichgaveitawayoftraveling

aboutviawaterwithoutbeingseen.

"Onceagain,useQuickAttackfrombelow!"TheAccelgorsuddenlypoppedupfromunderneathMars,strikinghimintheunderbellyandflippinghimontohisbackintheprocess."DidyouknowthatalthoughVenipedeshaveveryhardcarapacesandpoisonousfeelersontheirheadsandtails,theyhaveverysoftunderbelliesuntiltheyfullyevolve?It'stheperfectweakspotformyAccelgortotakeadvantageof!"

Iweighedmyoptionsbeforemakingadecision."Return,Mars!"TheVenipedemadeasurprisednoisebeforeIsenthimbackintohisball.IlookeddownatTiny."Tiny,you'reup."

"Yes!"ThePikachujumpedoutofmybagandlandedontothepuddlewithasplash.

"Wow,aPikachu~!Imean,tryingtotakeadvantageofthewaterysettingwon'tdoyouanygood!"Thespectacledgirlexclaimed."Accelgor,useAcidSpray!"TheAccelgorjumpedupfromthewaterafewfeetawayfromTinybeforesprayingoutbrightpurplegunkathim.ThePikachunimblydodgeditsattacksasitkeptpoppingupfromthewatertospitandmeldingbackintothepuddle."Keepitup!Don'tgiveitachancetouseitselectricattacks!"

Justasthejustasthewaterbegantoshiftinonearea,Ipointedatthespotandshoutedout,"Overthere!UseSwift!"Tiny'stailstooduprightbeforeheflungabarrageofglowingstars.TheAccelgorpoppedupfromthewaterintimetoreceivetheattacktoitsface,knockingitdown."NowuseThunderShock!"

"NO!Getupbefore"!"Thespectacledgirlcouldn'tfinishastheelectricitycracklingaroundTiny'sbodywasunleashedalongtheentirepuddle.ThewetAccelgorreceivedmoredamagedasitwasshocked.Thebugthensluggishlygotbackup,twitchingeveryfewseconds.

"Thisisit!UseVoltTackle!"AgreateramountofelectricitycrackledaroundTiny'sbody.HeboltedforwardandrammedintotheAccelgorwithaflyingtacklethatsentthebugtypeskiddingacrossthepuddleuntilithitawall.

"...Maybeheevolvedtooquickly,"thegirlmumbledasshestaredatherunconsciousPokémoninshock.Sheslumpedoverindefeat."Alright,youwin.I'lltellyouasecret:togetfurther,you'llneedtopressbuttonsthatarehiddensomewhereintherooms,"shespokedejectedly."That'sallthetipsyou'llgetfromme!You'llhavetofinditonyourown!"ThegirlthenranovertoherAccelgortotendtoit.

"Abutton,huh?"IwalkedovertoTiny,waryofthewaterpoolingaroundmyfeetandanelectricrodent,andpickedhimup.Partsofhisbodyweresoakedinwater."Sorry,

butyou'reinnostatetobeputtinginmybag.Gointoyourballanddryoff."

"Nooo..."ThePikachuwhinedashebeganmovinghispawsinvain.Despitethat,hedidn'tpopoutindefiancewhenIreturnedhiminsideofhisball.

"Nowthen,abutton."Ibegantowalkaroundtheroom,runningmyhandsalongthesurface.Eventually,IcameacrossanoilpaintingofaSewaddlewearingmapleleavesforclothesandnoticedabrightredberryalongthebottomofthepaintingthatglintedinthedulllight.Curious,Itouchedtheberryanditsankintothepainting.IjumpedbackasIheardmechanismsmovingbehindthewallandwatchedinaweasthewallslowlycamedowntorevealanotherwalloffakehoneyleadingintoanewroom.Onceagain,Iclosedmyeyesandtookabreathbeforeforcingmywaythrough.

Thenewroomlookedthesameasthelast,onlyithadtwopaintingsthistime.Onewasanimageoftiny,yellowbugs"Joltiks"shiningliketinylightsatnightinaforestclearing.TheotherwasofacolonyofDurants"anant-likePokémonwithbodiesofsteel"doingvariousthingsinanundergroundcave.Unlikethelastroom,therewasnotrainerreadytopounceme,soIsettoworklookingforabutton.Itdidn'ttakelongtofindthebuttonontheJoltikpaintingasoneoftheshiningballsoflight.Withapress,anotherwalloffauxhoneyappearedandIwasforcingmyselfthroughitoncemore,wonderinghowoftenIwouldhavetodothis.

"Welcometomyparlor,saysthespidertothefly.Fufufu...!"Amalevoicemademelookupandseeapale-lookingmanholdingasketchbookandpencil."LetmeshowyouthePokémonwhoserveasmymuses!"HeturnedaroundhissketchbookandIjumpedatthesightofsomeveryfrighteningandgothic-lookingspider-likePokémon.IfI'deverseenthatspeciesbefore,Icouldn'ttellwhatitwasbecauseofhowstrangeandbizarrethedrawinglooked."Areyoutoostunnedbyitsawesomenesstoreact?!"

"I'mstunned,butnotbyawesomeness,"Imistakenlyspokeoutloud.

Theartistboynarrowedhiseyes."LikeIcouldexpectanordinarytrainertounderstandart.You'llunderstanditsawesomenessonceyoutakeitoninbattle!"

"Erm,canIatleasthealmyPokémon...beforewedothis?"

Theartisthuffed."Fine..."

X-X-X

Secondslater,IwassprayingMarsandTinywithpotionsandfeedingthemOran

berries."DidIdobadlyinthatlastfight,White?"Marsaskedmeekly.

"No,no!Youwerealotofhelp!Youdidverywell!"IgavetheVenipedewhatIhopedwasareassuringsmile.IfIwasinabettermoodtoday,I'dprobablytrytostrokehishumpedbacktoboosthisconfidence.

"Yeah,youwerereallygreat,"Tinychimedin,althoughnotsoundingasexuberantasusual.

"See?Youdidagoodjob.Sobothofyoushouldjusttakeiteasyandrelax."

"Iwannagointhebag,"thePikachusaidwithlargeeyes.

"Areyoustillwet?"

"...No."

"...Godryoffinyourball"thebothofyou."IreturnedbothTinyandMarsbeforeapproachingthecreepyartist."Hey,sorryforkeepingyouwaiting!"

"Whatever.PrepareyourselffortheawesomemightofmyPokémon!"Theartistsentoutasmall,yellowPokémon"aJoltik.TheyweretinylittlebugPokémonwithfourblueeyesandfuzzybodies,bestknownfortheirshortnessandthefactthattheyabsorbedelectricitybybothclingingtolargercreaturesandsneakingintoelectricaloutlets.IknowIoftenpesteredmymomtocheckcertainplacesforthemwhenIwasyoung.Andnowhavingseenwhattheyevolvedinto,youcanbetIcheckedoutletsforthemmoreoften."AreyouquiveringinfearovermyJoltik'sawesomeness?"

"...Notreally."Wasthatsupposedtobewhathe'ddrawninthatsketchbookofhis?Thatmonsterhedrewdidn'tevenlooklikeGalvantula,letaloneJoltik!Agoodoptionwould'vebeenTiny,sincehecouldabsorbitselectricalattacks,orMarssinceheresisteditsBugtypeattacksandcouldusehisRollouteffectively.ButIdidn'twanttopusheitherofthemtoohard,so..."Go,Eve!"IsentoutEveinaflashoflight.

"Yeah!It'smytimetoshine!"TheEeveeyippedexcitedly.ShestartedtostareattheJoltik."...Thisisit?!Buthe'ssotiny!Icouldjuststeponhimandsquish'em!"TheJoltikchirpedinahigh-pitchedvolumethatsoundedlikegibberishtomeathighspeedandbegantocracklewithelectricity."Ormaybenot."

"Go,myMuse!UseSpiderWebonthefloor!"Theartist'sJoltikbegantozipalongthefloor,dartingbetweenEve'slegsandleavingatrailofwebbingasitdid.Inseconds,mostofthefloorwascoveredinsilkmadetolooklikeaweb.Evestrugglednottotouchthestuff,butherpawswereconfinedtoafewsmallgapsinthewebbing

andjustbarelytouchingthestrings."NowuseThunderWavealongthelines!"Jumpingontoapartoftheweb,theJoltikbegantodischargeelectricitythattraveledalongitlikeapowerline.

"Eeeep!Wh-White!Help!"Evescreamedandbegantowhimper.

"It'sokay!Ifit'sjustThunderWave,itshouldn'thurtmuch!"Thenagain,ThunderWavecouldparalyzeheruponimpact.Itmightnotcauseheralotofpain,butit'dleadtosomepaindowntheroad.Evedidn'treallyknowanymovesthatwouldhelpinthissituation.Allofthemcountedonherbeingabletomoveinsomewayoranother.Ihadnootherchoicebuttoreturnhertoherball.AsmuchasIhatedtodoit,therewasonlyonePokémonthatcouldhandleabunchofelectricity."Youcandoit,Tiny!"

ThePikachulandedonallfoursontotheelectrifiedweb.Theelectricitysurgedtowardshim,butratherthanparalyze,Tinyabsorbeditwithease.However,Tinystillseemedabitweak.PerformingthatVoltTacklereallytookitoutofhimphysicallyspeaking,andIwasn'tsureifabsorbingelectricitywouldhelphimrecover.

"Ooooh!APikachu!I'veneverseenoneintheflesh!"Theartistexclaimedwithshiningeyesashebegantodrawonhissketchpad."Trytostayconsciouslongenoughformetoatleastgetabasicsketchgoing!"Yes!Bestupidandignorethefactthatyou'reinaPokémonbattlerightnow!

"Tiny,useSwift!"Stilllookingabitwoozy,thePikachulaunchedarayofstartsfromhistail.Hewoundupfallingover,gettingstuckinthethreadsoftheweb.TheJoltiknimblyavoidedthestars,usingitssizetoitsadvantage.Itjumpedonitswebandsuddenlyseemedtodisappearamongthesilkthreads."Whattheheck?!Thosethingscandisappearlikethat?!"

"Fufufu...!Nomereordinarytrainerknowsaboutthissortofthing...!TheJoltikyouseebeforeyouhasgreatnessbredintohim!Throughthewondersofgenetics,myMuseknowsthemoveCamouflage!Itletshimblendintohissurroundings,andasabonusletshimtakeonatypingcloseenoughtohissurroundings.He'saboutthesizeofathreadonthatweb,andhe'sblendedintoboot.Withthissortofstealth,youcan'twin!Juststandstillbeforeheknocksyouout!"

"Ugh...!FirstthatAccelgorandnowthis?!WhyareBugtypesheresosneaky?!"

"Becausethemeekbughastofindwaystosurviveinthewildotherthanbruteforce!Now,myMuse!MoveinandattackwithBugBite!"Asmall,whiteblurjumpedontoTinyfrombehind.Inseconds,thePikachuwascryingoutinpainandtryingtorollaroundontheweb,onlytobestuckbythewebbing.Everyfewseconds,Tinywould

flinchandcryoutinpainaselectricitycrackledfromhischeeksfromthestress.Hiddensomewhereonhisbody,thatJoltikwasmakingamealoutofhim.ThebestoptionwouldbeforTinytocrushhim,butIwonderedifthatwasevenpossiblewhilehewasstuckinthatwebbing.Unless...

"Tiny!Dischargeyourelectricityacrossthesilk!"Icommanded.

"Chaaaa...CHUUUUU!"ElectricityburstfromTiny'sbodyandtraveledalongthewebjustastheJoltik'sThunderWavehadbefore.

"You'rejoking!EvenifmyMusewasonthatweb,it'sanElectrictypelikeyourPikachu!Thatsortofthingisn'tveryeffectiveonit!"TheartistspokelaughinglyasTinycontinuedunleashinghiselectricityontheweb.

"Yourso-calledmuseisn'tthetargethere.It'stheweb."ThemomentIsaidthat,thewebseemedtomeltawayaroundTiny."SilkfromBugtypePokémoncanbeverystrong,butit'snotindestructible.Againststrongenoughsourcesofheatorignition,awebcanmelt.Isn'tthatwhyyouonlyusedThunderWave"anelectrictypemovesoweakthatitcanonlyparalyze"toelectrifythewebrathersomethingthatcouldactuallyharmmyPokémon?Ormaybeamereartistlikeyouhasjustbeenluckythatyoudidn'tknowthatandyou'vejustbeenfortunatethatyourstrategyhasn'tbackfiredbynow."

Theartist'seyebrowtwitchedashepointedhispencilatme."Itisn'toveryet!EvenifyourPokémon'sloosenow,myJoltikstillhastheadvantageofbeinghiddenonit!"

"That'strue.Tiny,rollover."TinybegantorolloverinanattempttostopthebitinganditchingtheJoltikwascausing.Occasionally,hewouldstoptoscratchaspotonhisbodybeforeresumingtorollagain."Rightnow,it'sallamatterofendurance:willyourJoltiktireoutfirstandgetsquashedintheprocess,orwillmyPikachutireoutandbeknockedoutafterbeingworndown?"Ireallyhopeditwastheformer,becauseIdidn'tknowhowlongTinycouldholdout.

Severalsecondslater,Tinyfinallystoppedrollingaroundandcollapsedonthefloor,deadtired.Theartistworeasmuglook."Aha!Now,myMuse!UseBugBiteandgetitoverwith!...MyMuse?"Hestoodthereforafewseconds,waitingforaresponsebeforeTinyrolledontohisback,pluckedsomethingoffofhisstomach,anddroppeditontothefloornexttohim.ItwastheJoltik,slightlytwitching,butinnoconditiontofight."Nuh...NOOOOOO!"Theartistwailed,runninguptohisPokémonandscoopingitupintohishands."MypoorMuse...!Youdidnothingtodeservesuchagrislyfate!"

"So,doyouhaveanymorePokémontobattlewith,orhaveIwonthematch?"I

asked.

"You...you'relucky!IfIhadmorerevivalmedicine...orifthatgirlwiththePignitehadn'tcomealongandbodiedmyInspiration...youwouldbetheloserhere,notme!"Right,right.Whatevermakesyoufeelbetter."Just...leavemealonetogrieve!Thebuttononthepaintingyouseetherewillshowyouthewaytothenextroom,"theartistsaid,pointingatanotherpaintingonthefarsideoftheroom.Thisonewasofagreenspider-likePokémonwithafaceonitsabdomen,stickingtoaweb.

IstaredatthepaintingbeforereturningthetiredTinytohisballandnodding."Okay.Thankyoufortheeasytip."

"Whatever.Justgetouttamysight,willya...?"ThetrainermutteredasIheadedovertothepainting.

X-X-X

IwanderedthroughtheCasteliaGymforminutes,challengingtrainers.Luckilyforme,notallofthemwereastrickyordifficulttohandleasthefirsttwoI'dencountered.Infact,somehadyettohealtheirPokémonafterabattlewithagirlwithaPignite,soIwoundupsimplyhavingtosearcharoundroomsforameansofgoinginfurtherwithoutanyinputontheirbehalf"tomakeupforthelackofabattle,orsotheysaid.IdecidednottoputTinythroughanymorestressduringtherestofthechallenge,andwithShionundoubtedlyunabletobattleasshewas,IhadtorelyonMars,PanaceaandEve.Eventually,Iwoundupwalkingthroughafakehoneywallandfoundmyselfatthefootofaflightofstairs.Iclimbedthestairs,andwhenIreachedtheverytop,IwasstandingonawideplatformwithabattlefieldpaintedonthefloorandBurghstandingonthefarendwithhisarmsoutstretched.

"Hellothere!Sonicetofinallygettotalktoyou,MissWhiteKetchum!"Burghexclaimedcheerfully.

"You...knowmyname?"

"Ofcourse!Agymleadershouldknowthenameoftheirchallenger,especiallyonethattheirfellowgymleaderspeakshighlyof!"Burghloweredhishandsandcontinued,"WhenLenoraandItalkedaboutourproblemswithTeamPlasma,shetoldmeaboutthesetwoyoungtrainerswhowereniceenoughtohelpherretrieveherartifactsandstrongenoughtobeatherinagymbattle!AndImustsay,bywhatI'veseenofyouboth,Iamimpressed~!"Thegymleaderhummedhappily."I'vealreadybattledyourbrotherandyourtwofriends,andnow,mybugPokémonandIwouldlovetobattleyouaswell!"

"Don'tgetyourhopesup...I'mnotanythingspecialtogetexcitedover,"Ispokeflatly."Atbest,I'manaveragetrainer."

"Average?Averagetrainers"no,averagepeopledon'tsneakoffintoalions'denandtrytoblendinforthesakeofhelpingafriend!I'dliketobattlesuchabravepersonformyself.Socomeon!Let'sgetstraighttoit!"Immediately,BurghhadaPokéBallinhishand."I'llusethreePokémoninthisbattle,whileyoucanuseallthatyouhaveatyourdisposal.IfyoucanmanagetodefeatallmyPokémon,you'llgetthebadge!AndthefirstofmyfriendsI'dliketopresentiiiis...Thomas!"Inaflashoflight,hereleasedhisfirstPokémon.ItturnedoutThomaswasaPokémonasroundasatirewithadarkpurplebodydecoratedinpalegreencirclepatterns,sharp-lookingbarbsandtwopairsofstripedtwitchingpartsthatlookedlikefeelers,andhalf-liddedyelloweyeswhereatirewouldhavehubcaps.Thomasremainedcompletelystillashe"atleast,Iassumeditwasmale"staredatmelazily,butIstillfeltintimidatedbyhispresence.

"Iwonderwhatyouare..."Imumbled,takingoutmyPokédextoscanthePokémon.

"ThomasisaWhirlipede,theevolvedformofVenipede"whichI'msureyou'veseenbychallengingthetrainershereoreveninthewild,"Burghspoke."WhirlipedecouldbeconsideredthecocoonformthatmanyBugtypesgothroughintheirlifetime.Ashestorestheenergytoevolveintohisfinalform,he'sprotectedbyhishardshell.Becauseoftheshell'sshape,hecanspinmovearoundlikeawheel,allowinghimtomoveandattackhisenemies"somethingnotmanyothercocoon-likeBugtypesarecapableofwhilepreparingforevolution."

"Hey!You'retheenemy!You'renotsupposedtotellmethisstuffatthebeginningofthefight!"Isnapped.

"It'snothingyouwouldn'thavereadinthatPokédexofyours,"Burghpointedout.

"It'snotlikeIcantrustwhatyousay!Youcouldbetryingtotrickme!"

"Idon'thavetoresorttotrickerylikethattowinbattles!Besides,I'maBugtypespecialist.Iliketoflauntmyknowledgeofallthings...buggy!Iwouldn'tlie."

Regardlessofthegymleader'swords,IstilllookedupinformationonWhirlipede.EverythingBurghsaidwastrue.Isighedandranovermychoices.TherewasMars,butchanceswerethatwithaforteforrolling,itknewRolloutaswell,makingMarsjustaslikelytobeknockedoutifnotmoreso.NexttohimandTiny,thefastestPokémonIhadwasEve."Alright.Goforit,Eve!"IreleasedtheEeveeinaflashoflightandshebegantobounceinplaceinfrontoftheWhirlipede.

"Alright!I'mreadyforanythingthatdoesn'tevolvestickystuff!"Eveproclaimedasshegrowledfiercely"ortriedto,butwoundupgrowlinginacuteway.

"Oh,anEevee!That'ssomethingfromoutsideofUnova,huh?Thiswillbefun!"Burghexclaimedasheheldouthishand."Let'sstartthingsoffniceandslow,Thomas,withPoisonSting!"TheWhirlipedebeganspinninginplaceasitsfeelersbegantoglow,thentheyfiredbrightpurplepinsatEve.TheEeveeranoutofthewayofthepoisonousneedlesandIwounduphavingtocowardlysidesteptheattackaswell."NowuseRollout!"ThomasrevveduponcemorebeforetakingoffafterEve.

"DodgewithQuickAttack!"Iexclaimed,andtheEeveegotaquickburstofspeedtoavoidtherollingWhirlipede'stackle.EvecontinueddodgingtheBugtype'sattackswiththeburstsofspeedfromQuickAttack,butjustbarely."Nowtackleit!"

"Takeitheadon,Thomas!Youcandoit!"BurghcheeredonhisPokémon.EvewoundupheadbuttingtheWhirlipedeandgotsentflyingbackbytheforceofitscharge.Shemanagedtolandonherfeetand,butherappearancelookedabitsicklyandshebegantobreatheheavily."ItwouldseemthatyourEeveewaspoisoned.Thomas'sabilityisPoisonPoint,andcontactwithanyofhisbarbshasachanceofbeingpoisoningsomeone.Ifyoudon'twantittosufferfrompoison,youcouldalwaystakereturnittohealit"ontheconditionthatyoudon'tuseitagainfortherestofthematch."

"No!Youbequiet!I'mgonnawinagymbattle!"Eveexclaimed,lookinginBurgh'sdirectionbeforelookingatme."Don'tlistentohim!Icanstillfight!"

"...Dis...DistractwithTailWhip!"TheEeveedidasIcommanded,turningaroundtowaghertailcutelyattheWhirlipede.Foramoment,itseemeddistractedbyhertail."NowuseQuickAttack!"EveturnedaroundanddartedtowardsthedistractedWhirlipedetotacklehimheadon."AndBite!"ShelungedatThomasand,despitehowhardthatshellmust'vebeen,bitdownhardenoughtomaketheWhirlipedecryoutinpainforthefirsttimesincehecameout.

"IronDefense!"Burghcommanded.

ThemomentEvemadetobitedownasecondtime,theBugtype'sbodygainedametallicsheen.Justasherfangshithisshell,theymadeaneasilyheardclangingsoundthatmadeherfalloffinsurprise."Ouch!Thatsmarts!"Evecriedbeforeflinchingfrompoisoning.UsingIronDefensetomakehisPokémon'salreadystrongdefenseevenstronger.UsingaQuickAttackorTacklemightjustleadtohergettingaheadache.

"Hmm...thatlookedlikeitsmarted,"Burghsaidashescratchedhischeek."Sincethe

poison'snotworkingquicklyenough,we'lljusthavetoknockthemoutwithfullforce!It'stimeforSteamrollerdonuts,Thomas!"Donuts?

"Donuts?Areweallowedtoeat?Iwantdonuts!"Evechirped.

"Donuts!"ThomasexclaimedbeforehebegantorollaroundEveinacirclepattern.

"Youdon'tmakedonutswithsteamrollers!Andthatisnotadonut!"Isnapped.

"Really?I'veneverbeenadrivingbuff,soIwouldn'tknow,"thegymleaderspokesheepishlyasheadmittedhisignorance.

"NeitheramI!ButIwatchtelevision!"

"Regardlessofwhatactualdonutsare,thislittlemaneuverisThomas'sfavorite.WhereasRolloutisjustfortacklingatbest,SteamrollerisaBugtypemovemadeforcrushingopponentsunderneathlikea,well,steamroller.It'smorepowerful,too,especiallywhenusedbyaBugtypelikeThomas,anddangerouswhenyouaddthethreatofhisspeed.Soyouhavetwooptionsfordefeat:tryandescapethetraponlytoriskyourEeveegettingtrampled,orletthepoisonknockoutyourPokémon.Actually,there'sthethirdoptionofjustgivingupandtakingaloss."

Igrowledundermybreathandclenchedmyfist.Itriedtothinkquickly,butmyeyesfellontoEveandtookinhowshekepttwitching."...T-trytouseSandAttack!"

"Sand?There'snosand,"Evepointedouttheobvious.

"J-justusethedirtonthefloor!"

"Okay..."Soundingunsure,theEeveebegantokickupwhateveramountofdustanddirtshecouldfromthefloorinonedirection.Eventually,thedustroseupintotheairandbegantowaftinonedirectionwhilespecksofdirtwerethrowncarelessly,toosmalltobeaimedproperly.

Atthispoint,itseemedhopeless.AsIwasconsideringtakingtheloss,theWhirlipedeskiddedtoahalt,hiseyeclenchedshutasifinpain.Thiswasourchance!"UseQuickAttackandaimfortheeye!"AsmallbrownblurzoomedtowardstheWhirlipedeandheadbuttedhimintheeye"theonlypartofhisbodythatwasn'tcoveredinThomas'shardshell."Again!Again!"EverammedagainstThomas'ssoftspotseveraltimesbeforeonelastblowmadehimfallover,feelerstwitchingfeebly.

"...Well.Firstvictorygoestoyou,"BurghspokeashereturnedhisWhirlipedeintoitsball.Atthatpoint,Evecollapsed.Iranuptoherandbegansearchingforabottleof

antidoteinmybag."Here.Trythis."IlookedinBurgh'sdirection,onlytohaveaPechaberryhitmyface."Oops!Sorry!Iwasnevergoodatbaseball,either,"thegymleadersaidwithanothersheepishsmileasIpickeduptheberry."That'llhealyourPokémon'spoisoning."

"...Thankyou,"ImutteredasIbegantohelpEveeattheberry."I'msorryyougotlikethis.I'llmakeituptoyou,okay?"Iwhisperedtoher.

"I...DidIwin?"Eveaskedweakly.

"Youdid."

"...Yay...I'mgonnagotosleepnow...White..."IreturnedEveintoherballbeforestandingupandreturningtomysideofthebattlefield.

"Alright!ImightbedownaPokémon,butI'mnotout!"Burghsaid,takingoutadifferentball.Nowit'syourtimetoshine,Monroe!"Inaflashoflight,asmallorangebugappeared.Ithadapairoflargeclawsthatendedinbigspikes,smallblackeyesonstalks,andapalewhitestoneonitsbackwithacrisscrosspatternseeminglyscratchedintoit."MeetMonroe!He'saDwebble!Dwebblesusealiquidsecretedfromtheirmouthstomakeholesinrockstheywanttolivein.Whentheirrocksbreak,Dwebblesbecomeagitateduntiltheygetanewone.Stilldon'ttrustmeaboutthatinformation?"

"N-No!"IsnappedasIputawaymyPokédexandbeganthinkingaboutmyoptions.DwebblewasaBugandRocktypePokémon.MyonlyoptionswerePanaceaandMars,bothofwhomwouldn'tfarewellagainstaRocktype'sdefenseandattackrespectively."IfIonlyhadShion..."Imutteredundermybreath.Well,accordingtothePokédex,DwebblewasweakagainstRocktypemoves,soIcouldalwayshaveMarscarefullyavoidbeingknockedout.IreachedforMars'sball,onlyforanotherPokéBalltoopeninaflashoflightandablueblurtojumpoutofmybagandlandonthebattlefieldinfrontofme."Sh-Shion!Whatareyoudoing?!"

"Iamfightingformymas"No,myfriendWhite!Iwon'tlether"Imean,youdown!"TheOshawottproclaimed.

"Does...doesthismeanyoufixedyourshellalready?"

Afteranoverdramaticpause,Shionwhirledaroundtofacemewithherbarestomachandbigwateryeyesthatwerecryingtears."Notintheslightest!"Shesobbed.Ialmostfelloverfromsurprise."ButifEvecangiveitherallwhilebeingpoisoned,Icanatleasttrytofightwithoutmy...myweapon...!"Shesaidthat,butmentallyspeaking,shedidn'tseemtohaveitcompletelytogether.Also,howcould

shehearwhatwashappeningfrominsideofherball?

"Well...ifyouthinkyoucanfight..."TheOshawottspunaroundandassumedabattleposition.

"Ifwe'reallready,Monroe,useRockPolish!"TheDwebble'sshellbegantoshinebrightwhiteforamoment."NowSandstorm!"Onceagain,Monroe'sshellbegantoglowanddustbegantorisearoundhimuntilitformedatwister.ThetwistergrewinsizeuntilitwounduphidingShionandheropponentinside.

"You'rekiddingme...!"Imutteredundermybreath."Shion,trytogetoutofthere!"

"I...Ican't!"Shion'svoicecamefromwithinthesandtwister.

"Monroe!UseFeintAttack!"Burghcalledout.AlthoughIcouldn'tseeanything,IheardShioncryingoutinpainasshewasattackedfromsomewherewithinthetwister."Keepitup!"

"UseWaterGun,Shion!"Icalledout.

"ButIcan'tsee!"TheOshawottcalledoutbetweenhercries.

"Then...aiminalldirections!"Whatcamenextwasburstsofwatercomingoutofrandompointsofthetwister.Ihadtododgewaterspurtsseveraltimestoavoidgettingblasted,andI'msureBurghhadtodothesameontheothersideofthetwister.Eventually,theDwebblemust'vebeenhitbecausehewassentflyingoutofthetwisterwithawaterspurtandlandedonhisback,legsandpincersflailingwildlyintheair.Afterthat,thesandstormwasdispelledandShionemergedcoveredinscratches."Alright!UseFocusEnergy!"

"Uh-oh.MightwannaWithdraw,Monroe!"Burghexclaimed.

MonroetookhisadviceandcrawledintohisshellforsafetyasShionbegantoradiateabrightorangeaura."Now,useWaterGun!"TheOshawotttookadeepbreathbeforesprayingoutlargeburstofwater,theforceofwhichmadetheDwebble'srockshellgoflyingintoawall.Whenitmadeimpact,theshellshatteredandtheexposedDwebblelandedonthefloor.

"Anditgetsworse..."Burghspokeominously.

TheDwebblestareddownattheremainsofhisshellbeforewhirlingaroundtoglareatShion."Doyouhaveanyideawhatyou'vedone?!Thatwasmypreciousshell!IwaslookingforwardtoseeinghowitwouldbeonceIevolved!"

"Gyah!I'msosorry!Iknowwhatit'sliketoloseyourpreciousshell...!"Shionapologized,soundinglikeshewasonthevergeofcryingashereyesbegantowater.

"You're...you'regonnapayforthis!You'llbeblackandbluebythetimeI'mdonewithyou!"TheDwebbleexclaimedbeforejumpingforwardandlatchingontoShion'sface,jabbingatherwithhispointyclaws.

"Anditlookslikehe'susingRage,"Burghcommented.

"Dwebblesdon'tlearnRage!"Isnapped.

"Youdon'tknowthat.Besides,heseemstoberagingtome.Oncehegetslikethis,there'snostoppinghimuntilhecalmsdown,soit'soutofmyhands."Isn'titabadsignwhenagymleadercan'tcontroltheirownPokémonwhenit'sinamood?

"KYAAAAH!"ShiongrabbedtheDwebblebyitstailandthrewitaside.Sherubbedthewoundsonherfacebeforeclenchingherteeth."Itakeitback!Ifthat'showyouact,Idon'tfeelsobadaboutbreakingyourshell!Atleastyoucanreplaceitquickly"Idon'tknowhowlongitwilltakemypreciousscalchoptoberestored!"

"Quickly?!Doyouknowhowharditistofindarockwiththerightcolor,weight,size,andthickness?!There'salotofeffortinfindingagoodhome!"Monroescreamed.

Istaredatthembothwithablankexpression."...They'reseriouslyarguingaboutshellsrightnow...Shion,useWaterGun!"Atmycommand,ShionspatoutwaterattheDwebble,buthenimblydodged.

"Withouttheweightofhisshell,Monroecanmovefasterthanbefore!"Burghcommentated.MonroequicklyscurriedforwardandbeganslashingawayatShionwithhisclaws."He'susinghisFuryCutternow!Witheachswipe,theforceofhisblowsincrease!"Withonefinalslash,Shionwassentflyingupintotheairandlandedonherback.MonroeagilelyjumpedupintotheairandlandedontopofShion."Uh-oh!Thislooksliketheendfortheopponent!"

"Sayyou'resorry!Begformercy,youfurrylittleso-and-so!"MonroecommandedashejabbedShionintheforehead.

"Shion!Getup,Shion!"Icried.

"I...Ican't...!"Shionreplied."Withoutmyscalchop,I'm...worthless!"

"No,you'renot!It'sonlyatool!Youdon'tneedittowin!Ibelieveinyou!"

Shion'seyesbegantowateragain,andIwasn'tsureifitwasbecauseofherweaknessorme.Eitherway,sheshuthereyesandbegantoglowbrightwhite,herbodygraduallychangingshape.Eventually,thelightdispersedandintheOshawott'splacewasaDewott.TheDewottgrabbedholdoftheDwebbleandtossedhimaside.

"Ihavebetterthingstodothancryoverbrokenshells!"Shionsnapped,holdingupapaw."And...Icanfightinotherways!"TheclawsatthetipsofherpawglintedabitinthedulllightbeforeshedartedtowardsMonroe.TheDwebblegotbackonitsfeetandchargedather.Theybeganslashingawayateachotherwiththeirclaws,Shion,takingthebruntoftheblowswhileMonroedodgedherattacks.Afterawhile,theDwebblebegantolosesteam,andShioncontinuedattacking.Withonefinalslash,theDwebblecollapsed.

"ItseemsthatMonroehasfainted.Twovictoriesforyousofar,White!"BurghexclaimedashewinkedwhilereturninghisfaintedDwebbleintohisball.

Shionapproached,lookingbatteredandyetsmilingwidely."White!I...evolved!"Hersmilequicklyturnedintoafrownandhereyesbegantowater."ButIdon'tevenhaveoneshell,letalonetwo!"

"Andthat'sokay.Right?"Iasked,hopingtoreassureher.

"R-right!"TheDewottsniffedandrubbedhereyes."I'lljust...thinkofthisastrainingofadifferentsort!AtleastuntilI'mabletoreplaceoneshell...m-maybethiswillhelpmeincreatingmyownstyle!"

"That'sright!Thisisapositive.Youcanthinkmoreaboutitwhilerestingup....Thankyou,Shion."

Shionblushedandcoveredhermouthwithherpaws."I-Ishouldbethankingyou,mymaster!My...friend,"shespokeshylybeforedisappearingintoherball.

"WhatatouchingmomentbetweenatrainerandherPokémon,"Burghcommented."MomentslikethatmakemewonderwhyTeamPlasmawantstoseparatedPokémonfromeveryone.SometimeshumanscandoalotofharmtoPokémon,butpeoplelikeyoucanreallybringoutthebestinthem,likeafriendissupposedtodo."AdeterminedexpressionappearedonBurgh'sfaceandheheldupaclenchedfist."Alright!Irefusetobugoutofhere!Iwon'tbesquashed!Getreadytofacetheace!Go,Fern!"Inaflashoflight,aLeavannyappeared.Theleavesarounditsheadandcoveringitsthoraxresembledabunchoffernsstucktogetherforafeatherylook,ratherthanasinglebroadleaf.

"Hello,world!It'smytimetoshine!"Fernexclaimedexcitedlywhilegesturingwith

his"fromthesoundofhisvoice"claws.

"Leavannyis""

"IknowwhataLeavannyis!"Iinterrupted,preventinganotherexplanation."Andmoreimportantly,Iknowwho'llbeperfectagainsthim!Youcandoit,Mars!"Inaflashoflight,MarsappearedinfrontoftheLeavanny.

"M-Mama?No...youdon'tsmelllikeher,"Marsspoke,soundingdisheartened.

"Eh?Mama?I'mnoScolipede!Theseleavesaren'tevenred!"Fernpointedout.

"Wemightbeatadisadvantagetype-wise,butthatwon'tslowusdown!UseSunnyDay!"Burghexclaimed.

"Va-va-va-vanny~!"TheLeavannysangashisbodyglowed.Inseconds,asmallballoflightfloatedupfromhisbodyandupabovethebattlefield,illuminatingitinabrightlight."Nothinglikeraysofsunlighttomakeyoufeelenergized!"Fernexclaimedashebegantobouncefromfoottofoot.

"Um...it'sokay?"Marsansweredunsurely.

"Whatever.UsePoisonSting!"Icommanded.Mars'sfeelerstwitchedbeforehebegantofireseveralsmall,purpledartsattheNurturingPokémon.Thetallerbugeasilydodgedtheattackbyflippingupintotheair.

"RazorLeaf!"SaidBurgh.Fern'sclawsbegantoglowbrightgreenbeforeheswungthembothquickly,sendingaflurryofleavesdownatMars.TheVenipedeinstinctivelycurledupintoaballtoescapethebruntoftheattackasrazor-sharpleaveshithimoneatatime.Fernlandedonthegroundasgracefulasagymnast."NowuseStringShot!"TheLeavannyquicklyspatoutastringofthreadthatstucktotherolledupVenipede'scarapace.ThetallerbugthenbegantoswingMarsaroundlikeatetherball."AndSolarBeam!"AlmostinstantlyashewasstillswingingMarsaround,Fern'sbodyglowedwithafaintgreenaurabeforeunleashingabeamofgreenenergyuponMars,destroyingthethreadthatheldhimintheprocess.Marswasblastedbackandlandedontheground,bouncingslightlybeforecomingtoastop.

"What...wasthat?!"Performingthreemovesinarow...andallsoquicklyatthat!IsaLeavannyjustthatfast?

"Isn'titimpressive?Fern'sabilityisChlorophyll.Byabsorbingtheraysofthesun,hisspeedincreases.Also,inthisimitationsunlight,hecanusethemoveSolarBeam

instantly,whenhewouldnormallyneedtochargeupfirst,"Burghexplained."Itwon'tlastforever,though.Thissunlightwillsoonfade,butitcanbereplaced.Thequestionisifyoucanendurethisassaultorevenbeatmebeforethesunlightfades,White."

"Youliketotalk,don'tyou?"Ifoundmyselfspeakingoutloud.

"Iprefertothinkofmyselfassociable."

"Mars,useScreech!"Marsuncurledandbegantoemitahigh-pitchedscreechingsoundthatmadeFernwinceinpain."PoisonTail!"TheVenipedecurledupintoaballandrolleduptotheLeavanny.Heuncurled,jumpingintotheairintheprocess,andmadetohitFerninthechestwithhisglowingpurpletail.TheLeavanny,however,recoveredquicklyenoughtododgethebruntoftheattackbyjumpingback,butwoundupgettingaslightscratchintheprocess.

"Close,butnogoooo..."Ferntrailedoffandwinced."Owww...!"Thatscratchwasjustenoughtopoisonhim,apparently.

"UseRollout!"Icommanded.MarscurledupintoaballandrolledtowardstheLeavanny,butFernkeptnimblydodginghisrollingtackles.

"StringShot!"BurghquicklycalledasFerndodgedanothertackle.TheLeavannyspatoutathreadofsilkthatconnectedtoMars'sbodyandonceagainbegantospinhimaround."AndSolarBeam!"Alsoonceagain,FernfiredaSolarBeamatMarswhilehewasstillattachedtothestring.

Afterrecoveringfromtheblow,Marsuncurledandcollapsedonthefloor."Ohhh...!I'mstartingtogetsick...!"HeturnedandbegantostareatFern,whowastwirlinginplaceinahyperactivemanner.

"Justkeepgoing!Thistime,focusonnotgettinghitinsteadofattackingheadon!"

"Okay...!"Onceagain,MarscurledupintoaballandbeganrollingaroundFernquickly.

"Resortingtoevasiontohopetofindaweakspot.Thatwon'twork!Fern,StringShot!"Burgh'sLeavannybeganspittingoutsilkoncemoreatlightningspeed,butMarsjustbarelymanagedtoavoidbeingcaughtinitagainasherolledabout,avoidinggobsofstickysilkonfloor."ChangethingsupwithRazorLeaf!"Aflurryofleavescamenext,butMarswoundupdeftlyevadingthoseaswell.

Ferneventuallystoppedandlookedbackathistrainer."I'm...I'mfeelingabitwinded...!Phew!"

"Thatpoison'sstartingtohaveaneffectonyourstamina.Catchyourbreathwhilelockingontarget!ThenprepareforSolarBeam!"

"Right."FernbegantotrackMars,onlyexertingenergytoturnaroundandcranehisheadtokeepaneyeontheVenipede.

"...Alright!Attacknow!"Iexclaimed,pointingattheLeavanny.MarspickedupspeedandbegantorolltowardsFern.

"Now!UseSolarBeam!"FernlookedatMarsandopenedhismouth,preparingtofirewhennothinghappened:nogreenauraandmostcertainlynoblastingbeam.TheLeavannycouldonlystandthereinconfusionforasplitsecondbeforeMarshithiminthegutandmadehimfallonhisback."What...?Why?"Burghlookedupandflinchedinsurpriseatthesightoffakesunfadingaway."Congratulations.Youmanagedtowaitoutthesunhemade,butyouhaven'twonyet!StringShot,Fern!"

TheLeavannybegantospitoutgobsofstickysilk,butataslowerpacethanbefore.Marswasabletododgethebiggerbug'sattacksbeforechargingintohisfeet,knockingtheLeavannyover."PoisonSting!"MarscrawledontopofFernandbeganfiringpoisonousneedlesdownatFern.TheLeavannycriedoutandknockedtheVenipedeoff.

"I...won'tgodown...soeasily!"Fernexclaimedashegottohisfeet,swayingunsteadily.

"PoisonStingagain!"

"RazorLeaf!"Burghexclaimed.HisLeavannybegantoswinghisscythe-likearms,unleashingrazorsharpleaves.

Barragesofpoisonousneedlesandrazorsharpleaveswereexchanged,bothattackshittingtheirintendedtargets.Marslookedexhaustedbeforecurlingupintoaballforthesakeofdefense,whileFernwaspantingheavily.TheLeavanny'seyesthenglazedoverbeforehedroppedtohiskneesandfellover,unconsciousfromthepressureofthepoison.

MybreathgotcaughtinmythroatasBurghsteppeduptohisPokémonwithaPechaberryinhand."Youperformedwonderfully,Fern.Yourmotherwouldbeproud."AfterfeedingtheberrytohisLeavanny,itwasreturnedintoitsball.Burghstooduprightandflashedmeasmile."ItseemslikeIlost.Butthatdoesn'tbugme,becauseIgottobattleanamazinglystrongtrainer!"IjustreturnedMarsintohisballwordlesslyandbegantostaredownatthefloor."What'sthematter?Youdon'tlookveryhappyaboutthis."

"You...Didyoutakeiteasyonme?"Icouldn'thelpbutask."SurelyyoumusthavestrongerPokémon,orstrongermoves,or"!"

"Usuallytrainersarehappytowinagymbadge!Noteventhatfriendofyours,whodoesn'thaveasmanybadgesasyoudo,wassosuspicious,"Burghcommented.

"Friend?YoumeanBianca?"

"Sinceshehadn'tchallengedanygymsbeforemine,IdecidedtobattleherwiththeteamIusuallyuseonfirst-timers,"Burghsaidashescratchedthebackofhishead."Itisn'tuncommonforgymleaderstousedifferentteamsofvaryingstrengthsdependingonhowmanybadgestheirchallengersuse.Kindoflikelevels.It'slike...youhadtwobadges,soyouchallengedalevel3teamtogetyourthirdbadge.Yourfriendhadnobadges,soshechallengedanentrylevelteamforherfirstone."

"...Isee."Iclenchedmyeyesshutandbitmylowerlip."Sointheend,we'rebothweak."Onceagain,thewordswoundupleavingmymouthasIthoughtthemup.

"Wh-whoa,whoa!Ineversaidyouwereweak!Thisisn'tahandicap,it'strainingforthePokémonLeague!Witheachvictoryyouattain,eachbadgeyouwin,you'regettingcloserandclosertochallengingthePokémonLeague'sEliteFourandChampion!"

"Idon'tcareaboutthestupidEliteFourandChampion!"Icouldn'thelpshouting,stompingmyfootforemphasis."I...!Ijust...!"IjustwantedtowinagainstsomeonestrongsoIcouldfeel.SoIcouldfeellikeagoodtrainer...andthatIcouldactuallydosomething.

Ifeltahandonmyshoulderandwounduplookingupinshock.Iwasn'tsurewhytearswerewellingupinmyeyes,butIwaswipingthemawayregardlesstogetabetterlookatBurgh."Youdon'thavetotellmewhyyou'rechallenginggymsandcollectingbadges.Butyoureallydodeservethis,youknow.Youandyourteam."Hegrabbedmyhandandputsomethingsmallintoit.Ilookeddownatthesmall,brightgreenbadgeshapedlikeabug'swingandgraspedittightly."Andifyou'restillcuriousaboutwhetherornotyoudeservedthiswin,youcanjustbeatalltheothergymleadersandchallengemeagainsoyoucanbattlemyverybestteam!"Thegymleadersaidwithawink."Untilthen,keeptraininghardanddiscoveringthingsinthisworldwithyourPokémon,bothonyourjourneyandthroughoutyourlife!"

Isniffledandcontinuedtograspthebadgetightlyinmyhand."...Okay."

Burghlaughed."NottheenthusiasticresponseIwashopingfor...butwe'realldifferent"humansandPokémon.ButI'msureyouandyourfriendswillburstfrom

yourcocoonsintoamazingButterfrees!So,uh...there'sapassagedbehindmethatleadsbacktogymentrance.Goodluckontherestofyourjourney,White!"

X-X-X

IwasinadazeasItraveledbacktotheentrancetothegym.Irememberedthegymguide'scongratulations,howIpolitelytookthebottleofspringwaterthatheofferedasagiftwhilestillholdingtheInsectbadge,andhowImademywaybackupstairstotheartgallery,butIdidn'treallyfeelanythinguntilIsawBlackstandinginthelobby.Whenoureyesmight,hesmiledandwewoundupapproachingeachotheratthesametime.

"Hey,hey!Howdidthingsgo?"Blackaskedcheerily.

"...Where'sBianca?"Iasked,rememberingwhatBurghhadtoldme.IwonderedifIshouldtellherwhatBurghtoldme.

"ShewentsomewherewithCheren.Theyshouldbebackanysecondnow."Blacklookedaroundtheartgallery."Wouldyoumindwaitingoutside?"

"No.Icouldusesomefreshairandsunshineafterbeingdowninthatgym."

Weheadedoutofthegalleryandwoundupsittingonsomebenchesoverlookingthebusystreet.IwatchedpeoplewalkbywhileBlackpressedmeforinformationonmygymbattle,andafterIgavehimabarebonesdescription,heexplainedhisowngymchallengeinfiercedetail.

"Butman,IwishIcould'vebeenthere!Amid-battleevolutionsoundsawesome!YoushouldtellMomaboutit"she'salwayscomplainingabouthowweshouldcallhermore.Eventhoughwehaven'tbeenawayfromhomethatlong..."Blackpausedandfelthimstareatme."So...doyoufeelbetter?"

"...Idon'tknow."Ilookedatmybrother."Black,doyouknowthatthegymleaderswe'vechallengedhaven'tevenbeenusingtheirstrongestPokémonagainstus?"

"Ofcourse!You'retalkingtoaPokémonLeaguefan!OpelucidGymLeaderDraydenmentioneditinaninterviewonce"mostgymleaderseverywherebattlechallengerswithsetteams,whilesomelikehimwillonlyacceptbattlesfromthosewho'vegainedallbutonebadge!"Helookedoutintothestreet."IgottoseesomeofBurgh'sstrongestPokémonyesterday,andincomparison,Ifeltweak...buthereassuredmethatIhadpotentialtobecomeareallystrongtrainer,andthatmeandmyteamcouldbecomeawesomeBeedrills!"

"...ItoldmewecouldbecomeButterfrees."

"Tomato,tomahto.Thatguyjustloveshisbug-relatedsayings.But,White...he'sgotapoint.Whetherit'sinbattlingPokémonorsomethingelse,Iknowyoucanachievewhateveryouputyourmindto!"

Igaveadrylaugh."Thanks."Ishould'vestoppedthere,butIcontinued,"Iwanttobecomestronger...Idon'tcareaboutbadgesandtitleslikeyouandCherendo.Ijust...wanttobecomestrongtoprotectwhat'simportanttome."

"...You'renotalonethere.Ifweworktogether,wecanfindthatstrengthtogether."

"HEEEEEEYYYY!"BlackandIlookedinadirectiontofindBiancaandCherenwalkingtowardsus.Theybothhadcupsoficecreamineachhand,seeminglyoneforeachofus.Biancaapproachedme,smilingbrightly."Heythere,White!How'dyourgymbattlego?"

"Justfine.Shewon!"Blackspokeforme.

"Wow,that'sgreat!Sowe'veallgotthesamebadge!It'ssopretty,IthinkI'mgonnawearitonspecialoccasions!"

Cherensighed."Bianca,it'smeanttobeidentificationofatrainer'ssuccess,notafashionaccessory..."

"Sayswho?Ithasapinontheback,soobviouslyyoucanwearit!"

"Don'targuewithher,Cheren.Itisherbadge,"saidBlack.

Biancasuddenlyrememberedthecupsinherhandsandhandedonetome."Oh,here!Youlikeblackcherry-flavoredicecream,right?AaaandBlackhadcookies-and-cream...andIhadbanananut!"ShechirpedasshehandedBlackacupandtookonefromCheren."Iwould'vegottenCasteliaConesforusall,butthelinewassooooolong!"

"Luckily,wefoundaplacethatsoldicecream,soatleastwegotsomething,"saidCherenashebeganeatingwhatIcouldonlyguesswasstrawberryicecream."So,what'rewedoingnow?"

"Huh?"IlookedupatChereninconfusion.

"TocelebrateBianca'sfirstgymbadge,we'regonnagolookaroundCasteliaCitywhileeatingicecream,"saidBlack."It'swhatshewanted."

"Wecan'thaveCasteliaCones,butthere'sstillmoretoseeofCastelia!"Biancaexclaimedwithbrighteyes.

"ItriedtotellherthatCastelia'snotasflashyandglamorousasNimbasaorBlackCity,butshe'sdeterminedtoseeitall,"saidCheren.

"ButBurghsaidIshoulddiscoveralllifehadtooffer,soIcould"!"

"Yes,yes,insertbug-relatedinspirationalphrasehere.I'mjustsayingthediscoverymightnotturnouttobeaslife-changingasyouwanteditto."

"Itdoesn'thavetobe.Themoreweexperience,themorewegrow,andthecloserwegettowhereweoughttobe,right?"

Cherenarchedaneyebrow."Hm...Iguesswinningthatgymbadgeboostedyourconfidence."

Biancapumpedherfreehandintoafist."Yes!Imaynotchallengeanyothergyms,but...evenifIcan'tbethestrongest,thatdoesn'tmeanIshouldn'ttrytobestrongatall."

IstaredattheblondegirlinsurprisebeforeIbegantosmile."That's...good,Bianca!I'mgladyou'refeelingbetternow."Istoodupandbegantolookupanddowntheroad."So,wherearewegoingfirst?NorthorSouth?"

"Isawabillboardpromotingabotanicalgardensomewhereinthecity.Notthemostexcitingofthings,butwecouldcheckthatout,"saidCheren.

"Abotanicalgarden?Likewithprettyplantsandstuff?I'dliketogoseethat!"Biancaspokecheerfully.

"ButIdon'tknowwhereitis..."

"We'lljustwalkarounduntilwecanfindit,right?"Blacksaidashestoodup,smilingaswell.

Fortherestofthatday,wewanderedaroundCasteliaCityactinglikeacoupleoftourists,andourdayendedwithatriptoCaféSonatabeforeturninginatalocalPokémonCenter.AndalthoughdoubtsabouthowstrongIwasnaggedmeinmymind,andIstilldidn'tseeVictiniinmyPCstorageboxbeforeturninginforthenight,apartofmewasdeterminedtostaystrongandgetstronger...ifnotforme,thanforthepeopleIcaredabout.

X-X-X

Notes!

AccelgorlearnsAcidArmorasShelmetandRainDanceviaTM.JoltiklearnsCamouflageviabreeding,albeitonlyinGenVI"whichisodd,becauseinGenV,Sewaddlecanalsolearnitviabreedingandthroughthesameparent:Mothim.DwebblecanlearnSandstormviaTMaswellasRockPolish"thelatterofwhichcanbelearnedbylevelingup"butnotRage,althoughinGenIwhenitwasaTM,allPokémonthatcouldlearnTMmovescouldlearnRageviaTM20.LeavannylearnsSunnyDayandSolarBeamviaTM.

Burgh'sPokémonhavenoparticularreasonfortheirnames.Thomasmeans"twin".MonroeisScottishfor"fromthemouthoftheRoe",theRoebeingariverinIreland.Afernisatypeofplantrecognizedbyitsfeatheryorleafyfronds.

X-X-X

RemembertoreviewforthesakeofBluandPikachu!

Chapter19

Disclaimer:BluRosedoesn'townthePokémonseries.Onlythisfic.

X-X-X

~RuinManiacs~

"Goodmorning,CasteliaCityPoliceDepartment.Whatisthepurposeofyourcall?"Amanontheotherendofthepayphonespoke.

Ihesitatedforasecondbeforespeaking,"Yes,mynameisWhiteKetchum.IhadaPokémonstolenbyTeamPlasmainCasteliaCityrecently,andIwastoldthatthepoliceweregoingtotransferitbacktomyPCboxaccount,but...Iwaswonderingifyoucameacrossitbynow."

"Uh-huh.MayIhaveyourname,yourtrainerIDnumber,andthenameitisidentifiedbyinthesystem?"Igavehimallthat,notsayingwhetherornotVictiniwashisnameorhisspecies."...MissKetchum,I'msorrytoinformyouthatwedon'thaveanyPokémonmatchingyourIDnumberonourlist."

Ifeltmybloodfreeze."I'msorry,what?ButTeamPlasmatookhimfromme!D-doublecheck!Triplecheckifyouhaveto!Hehastobethere!"

"Idid,miss.Unfortunately,noneofthePokémonwe'verecordedhaveyourIDnumber.Ifanythingcomesupin""

Ihungupontheman,drawingattentionfromnearbytrainerswhowerealsousingthephonesnexttome.Itookadeep,shakybreathtocalmmyself,butIcouldn'tstopshaking.IguessitwasstupidtothinkthatalegendaryPokémonwouldbekeptinthesameplaceasothersthatweremorecommonincomparison.ForallIknew,thatscumbagscientistorGhetsishimselfhadaholdofhim.Suddenly,thefeelingsofguiltcamefloodingbacktomymind,onlytobeinterruptedbyahandtouchingmyshoulder.IjumpedandlookedbacktoseeBlacklookingatmewithaconcernedexpression.

"Iseverythingokay?You'reshakingand...areyoucrying?"

X-X-X

"Isee..."WasallBlacksaidwhenIexplainedthingstohimupinourroom.

"Seriously?That'sallyoucansay?VictinihasbeenkidnappedandTeamPlasma

aredoingheavenknowswhattohim,andthat'sallyoucansay!"Isnapped.

"C-calmdown!Ididn'tmeananyoffense!Don'tgoflyingoffthehandleandrunoutwithnoideaofwhatyouwant!"Blackexclaimed,pointingatme."You'renottheonlypersonworriedaboutVictini,butjustbecausetheystickoutlikesorethumbsTeamPlasma'seasytofind!Imean,theymanagedtohideoutinplainsightinCasteliaCityrightunderBurgh'snose."

"Sowhat?We'rejustsupposedtodonothing?Letthemdowhateverawfulthingstheyhadplannedforhim?"

"Wecanjustmakethemtelluswherethey'vegotVictiniandtogive'emback,butonlywhenwe'veencounteredthemagain?"Iwantedtoaskifhemeantif,butafterwhathappened,itfeltlikeourluckwasjustbadenoughtokeeprunningintothosenutcasePlasmidsuntilsomeoneputastoptotheircrazyideas."Soasmuchasitmightpainusboth,we'regonnahavetojust...continueonourjourneyuntiltheypopupagain.Youthinkyoucanhandlethatwithoutfreakingout?"

"...I'lltry,"Isaidwithapout.

"Ihopeso.Idon'tneedtoworrymyselftodeathoveryournewfoundrecklessness!"Blackpumpedafistintheair."Alright!It'stimetogetthisshowontheroad!Prepareyourthings,White,we'reheadingforNimbasaCity!"

X-X-X

Route4wastheroadthatconnectedthecitiesofCasteliaandNimbasa.ThemajorityoftheroutewentthroughthedesertthatwasknownthesedaysastheResortDesertamongsomepeople.ThereasonforthenicknamewasbecauseofplanstobuildaroadsidetownwithafancyhotelsmackdabbetweenCasteliaandNimbasa.However,therewerelotsofhurdlestojumpforthattohappen:asidefrombeinghometovariouskindsofnasty,dangerousPokémonlurkingbeneaththesands,therewerealsoancientruinsfromlongagothatcontainedwhoknowswhathorrors,andasidefromthatwasthecommonoccurrenceofsandstorms.Eitherway,walkingthroughthedesertdidn'tsoundtheleastbitlikesomethingtolookforwardto.Butatleastwe'dgetaglimpseofthegrasslandsbeforethelandscapebecamenothingbutsand.

"Nothavingacarsucks..."Icouldn'thelpbutcommentasthesoundoftrafficfromthehighwayleadingoutofCasteliareachedwherewewerewalking.

"Lookatitthisway:bytravelingthetrainer'spath,wecanworkonbothourgoals.Remember?Yourlist?Mytraining?"

Iblinkedandreachedintoapocketofmybagtopulloutthewrinkled,butreadablepieceofpaper.OnlyfivetypeshadchecksnexttothemfortheElectrictypeTiny,NormaltypePanaceaandEve,WatertypeShionandBug/PoisontypeMars,meaningIstillhadtofindatmost12morePokémon.AsifIdidn'thaveenoughtoworryaboutthesedays...

"Let'ssee...Thetypesyou'remissingareFire,Grass,Ice,Fighting,Ground,Flying,Psychic,Rock,Ghost,Dragon,Dark,andSteel.Ifwelookaroundhere,wemightfindaPokémonforyoutobondwith."Withthat,BlacksteppedofftheroadandbegantowalkthroughthebushesuntilIgrabbedhisarmandpulledmybrotherbacktowardsme."Hey!"

"No,no,no!Nodetours!We'regoingtoNimbasa,remember?"

"We'resupposedtobeonajourney,remember?"Blackshotback."Youwon'tcompletethatlistofyoursjuststickingtoastraightline,White.Yougottaexplore.Youwouldn'thaveMarsifyoudidn'texplorePinwheelForest."

"Thatwasn'texploring!Thatwasbeinglost!"

"Theysayaman'slostisanotherman'sfound."

"Whosaysthat?Noonesaysthat!Stoptryingtosoundalldeepandstuffwhenyoudon'tevenknowwhatyou'resaying!Just...look.TherearelotsofforestsandgrassyareasinUnova,butonlyonedesert.We'dprobablyfindlotsofPokémontherewehaven'tseenyet,"Itriedtosoundenthusiastic,butIreallycouldn't.Ihatedthethoughtoftravelingthroughahotdesert,butI'dhatetohavearepeatofwhathappenedinPinwheelForestevenmore...intheory,atleast.

"Hmmm...Iguessyou'reright.ThedesertmighthaveFiretypePokémon,andGroundandRocktypes,too!AccordingtothePokédex,DarumakaandDarmanitanlivethereaswell.

Andthus,forseveralminutes,wewoundupwanderingdowntheroadleadingthroughthegrasslands,tryingtotakeourmindofftheheat.Occasionally,wewouldrunacrosstrainersalsotravelingdowntheroadandbechallengedtobattles,andunlikeinthepast,IfoundmyselfacceptingthemwithasmuchfervorasBlackwould...well,maybehalfhisfervor.WhetherIwonorlost,gainingexperiencebybattlingotherswasalsokeytogettingstrongerandessentiallybecomingabettertrainer...butthatdidn'tmeanIdidn'twannawin.

"I'mnotmad.Thefutureisn'tsetinstone,"saidtheshort-hairedgirlinpurplewhoclaimedtobepsychicasshereturnedherunconsciousMunnaintoitsball.

"Oh.Well.That'spositiveofyou,"Icommented,expectingsomedenialfromsomeonewhomadeaso-calledpredictionofthefuture.

"Agoodpsychicknowsthatonlyatrulypowerfulforceiscapableofchangingtheirvision."

"Hey,youhearthat,White?You'reapowerfulforce!"saidBlack.

"Um,thanks?"Ispokewarily.

"Asagift,I'llpredictyourfutureforyou,"thepsychicspokecoollywithclosedeyes."Ipredict...thatyouwillbegoingsomewherewithalotofsandsoon."

"...We'rewalkinginthedirectionofthedesert,"Ispokeflatly."Thereisasignrighttherethatsaysso."InoddedmyheadinthedirectionofawoodensignnexttouspromotingthefutureDesertResort.

"Itisn'tthedesert!Itis...ruins!"

"Ruins?"BlackandIaskedatthesametime.Isoundedflat,butBlacksoundedintrigued.

"Yes,ruins!Whereyouwillfindsomethingmostvaluablethatyou'lltreasurefortherestofyourlife!...Andthat'sthat.Mayyourjourneybefruitful!"Theso-calledpsychicsaidherfarewellsbeforewalkingbackinthedirectionwecame.

"Canyoubelievethat?Shereallystuckwiththoseclaimsofbeingapsychictotheend,"IsaidbeforeIcontinuedwalking.Blackbegantofollowsecondslater.

"Youneverknow!Humanpsychicsdoexist,soshemightactuallyhavepsychicpowers!"SaidBlack.

"Shesawthesignandmadeaguess.That'sall.Someso-calledpsychicsarejustpeopleexploitingtheirPsychictypePokémon'sabilitiesorusingfancytrickstolookcool."

"Andwhere'dyougetthatbitofinfo?Ah,whatever.Beskepticalifyouwant.NowI'mexcitedforwhat'swaitingforusupahead!"

Webothstoppedwalkingtolookoutbeforeus.Thegrasslandsendedastheroadbegantogodownhillintoavalley.AtthebottomwaswhatIguesscouldbeconsideredthebeginningoftheResortDesert,andfromourvantagepoint,itlookedlikethedesertsandsstretchedformilesandmiles.Thetrainerroadwithitsblack

asphaltandthewhitehighwayroadsfullofcarsstuckoutlikesorethumbs.IjustgaveBlackanunenthusedlookbeforewecontinueddowntheroadwiththesunbeatingdownonus.However,everyfewseconds,Blackwouldstopandlookoutintothedistance.Eventually,Igotcuriousandstoppedwalkingtostarebackathim.

"Black.Whatareyoudoing?"

"I'mlookingforPokémon,"heanswered,squintinghiseyesandstickingouthistongueinconcentration.

"Can'tyoudothatwhilewalking?I'mfryinghere!"Icomplained.

"ButIdon'twannamissseeingsomethingcool!"

"BLACK!"Isnapped.

Atthatmoment,somethingegg-shapedandbrightredjumpedupoutofthesandneartheroad,makingmejumpbackandBlackyelpinsurprise.Ithadasmallorangeface,curlyyelloweyebrows,andthreeyellowovalsonitstorso.Apairofarmsandlegssuddenlypoppedoutofitssidesbeforeitseyesopenedandstaredrightatusexpectantly.

"Humans...Aha!"Thelittleroundthingbegantosmile,showingteeththatwerelargeandsuspiciouslywhiteforsomethinghidinginthesand."Today'sthedayIevolve!"Itexclaimed,hoppingfromfoottofootenergetically.

"White!It'saDarumaka!"BlackexclaimedashescannedthePokémonwithhisPokédex."TheZenCharmPokémon.Whenitsinternalfireisburning,itcan'tcalmdownandrunsaround.Whenthefiregoesdownto1,100degreesFahrenheit,itpullsitslimbsintoitsbodyandfallsasleep.Darumakadroppingsarehot,sopeopleusedtoputthemintheirclothestokeepwarm."Black'seyeslitupandhisfaceresembledoneofawe."Ihavetocatchit...!"

"Ifyouwantsomethingtowarmyouatnight,askMomtobuyyousomeelectricunderwearoffofahomeshoppingnetwork,"Isaidwithafrown.

"It'saFiretype!It'sgoodagainstBugandGrasstypes,aswellasIceandSteeltypes,whichwe'llprobablymeetdowntheline.Plus,it'shandytohaveaPokémonwhocanmakefiresaround!Nomorefiddlingaroundwithmatches!"

Thewindpickedupandsandbegantofly.Iheldahandinfrontofmyfacetokeepsandfromgettingintomyeyes."Black,youcan'tseriouslythinkaboutdoingthisnow!"

Toolate.HewastakingoutaPokéBallandreleasingKaito."Readyforbatt"OWWW!Whattheheck,Black?!Why'dyouthrowdirtinmyeyes?!"TheDewottexclaimed.

"Sorry,Kaito!There'sabitofasandstormgoingon!"Blackapologized."Butwe'vegotapotentialnewteammateinfrontofus,solet'sdoourbest!"

"Ugh...!Fine!"Kaitoagreed."Youbetterbeworththispain,buddy!"

"Kaito,useRazorShell!"Blackcommanded.HisPokémonjumpedattheDarumaka,drawinghisscalchopsintheprocess.HeslicedattheFiretypeinanXpattern,buttheDarumakahoppedbackplayfully,avoidinghisattack.ItretaliatedbyjumpingontoKaitoandbitingdownhardonhisarm,flamesspurtingoutofitsmouthintheprocess.KaitoscreamedoutinpainandgrabbedholdoftheDarumaka,tryingtopryitoffofhim."Whileit'sclose,useRazorShellagain!"TheDewottslashedtheFiretypeacrossitsbackwithhisfreehand,makingtheDarumakaletgoofhisarmandscamperback."Youokay?"

Kaitowincedandhelduphisarmtolookatthespotwherehewasbitten."Itreallyhurts...!"Theskinaroundthebitemarklookedburnt,whichmademeshudderatthethoughtofhavingthesamedonetome.AndBlackstillwantedthatthingtotravelwithhim?

"Itlookslikethatmoveburnedyou.Staystrong!"BlackcheeredhisPokémonon."UseFocusEnergy!"Anorange-coloredauraroseupfromKaitojustastheDarumakabegantohopfromfoottofootexcitedly.Onceitstopped,Darumakasuddenlylauncheditselfforwardheadfirst.Kaitosidesteppedtheattackandinstead,itwoundupcrashingintomeandsendingusbothfallingontotheasphalt.Myreactionwastotallyjustifiable.

"AAAAAAAHHHHH!GETITOFF,GETITOFF,GETITOFF!"IscreamedloudlyasIflailedaboutontheroad.Irefusedtolook,butIcouldfeeltheheatcomingoffoftheDarumaka'sbodyanditsgrubbylittlehandsasitclenchedmyshirt."IT'SGONNAEATMEWHILEIT'SROASTINGMEEEEE!"Isobbed.

Atthatpoint,IheardanoiselikeaPokéBallopeningandinaburstoflight,Tinypoppedupinfrontofmyeyes."White!Areyouokay?Isthatthinghurtingyou?"

"YES!"Obviously!"Getridofit!GETRIDOFIT!"ThePikachu'scheekscrackledwithelectricityashefrownedinanger.Heunleashedajoltofelectricitythat,fortunately,onlystruckthePokémononme.Ifeltitstopmoving,butIwasstilltoofrightenedtomove.

"Uhhh...Oh!Now'smychance!"saidBlack.Inseconds,Ifelttheweightontopofmelessen,followedbysomethingrollingoffofmystomachandlandedontheroadwithaclatter.Lookingdown,IsawitwasabluePokéBallwithredstripes.Theballshookafewtimesbeforeitburstopen,revealingtheinjuredDarumaka.Ratherthantryingtoattackonceagain,itranoffontothesandanddugitswaydown,hopefullyfarawayfromus."Aw,itgotaway!AndthatwasaGreatBall,too...!"

"Yeah,that'sterrible.Meanwhile,I'minpainhere...!"Kaitoexclaimed.

IsatupandslowlyregainedmysensesasBlackbeganusingaburnhealonKaito'swoundbeforesprayingonsomepotion.HethenwalkedovertometopickuptheremainsofhisPokéBall,andthatwaswhenIstruckhimintheleg."Ow!What"?"Stillsittingontheroad,Igrabbedhimandpulledhimdowntomyleveltostartsmackinghim."Whatareyoudoing?!"

"IjustgotattackedandyoubotheredtotryandcatchthatstupidPokémonbeforeyoutriedtohelpme!Imight'vebrokenmybonesfromthatthing!"IshoutedintoBlack'sbeforeImanagedtowrestlehimtotheground.

"You'reobviouslynotifyou'reabletodothis!"

WefoughtuntilIbecametootiredtokeepgoing.Webothgotontoourfeet,mefrowningwithmyarmsfoldedacrossmychestandTinystandingnexttomyfeet,wonderingwhatjusthappenedandBlackcheckingouthisPokédex.Atthatmoment,anunfamiliarvoicecalledout,"Well,well!Ididn'tthinkI'drunintosuchlivelyyoungpeopleouthere!"BlackandIturnedourheadsinthedirectionoftheunfamiliarvoice."AndwithPokédexes,too!Whatastrokeofluck!"saidthebeardedoldermanapproachingus.Hehadfadedbrownhairandworeayellowshirtwithbrownpantsandsoft-toedbrownshoes"hardlysomethingapersonshouldbewearingonatripthroughthedesert.ThemanapproacheduswithasmileandlookeddownatourPokémon."ADewott!IsupposeyougotthatwithyourPokédex.Itlookslikeit'sbeentrainedstrong!AndifI'mnotmistaken...that'saPikachu!I'veneverseenonebeforeintheflesh,butIcanseethesimilaritiesbetweenitandEmolga:theelectricsacsthatgenerateitselectricity,thesmallbodiesmademoreforspeedthanphysicalenduranceandstrength...andbythetail,it'samale,isn'tit?"

BlackandIstaredatthemaninconfusionbeforemybrotherspokeup,"Um...thanks,mister.Whoareyou?"AndwhyaresointerestedinourPokémon,youweirdo?

Theoldmansmiledsheepishlyandbowedhishead."DidIforgettointroducemyself?Sorry,sorry!It'sjustbeenawhilesinceI'veseenatrainerauthorizedto

carryaPokédex,letalonetwo.I'mProfessorJuniper!It'sapleasuretomeetyou!"

Webothlookedateachotherbeforelookingatthemanbeforesayingtogether,"No,you'renot."

"Hm?OfcourseIam!"

"Idunnowhoyouare,butProfessorJuniperisyoung.Andawoman,"saidBlack.

"...Oh!Ofcourse!You'retalkingaboutmydaughterAurea,aren'tyou?Ofcourseyouare!"Themanlaughed."Letmetryagain:I'mProfessorCedricJuniper.TheProfessorJuniperwhogaveyouthosePokédexesismydaughter,AureaJuniper.YoucanjustcallmeMr.Junipertoavoidtheconfusion."

"Noway!"BlackandIspokeatthesametimeonceagain.

"NowthatIthinkaboutit..."Blacklookedatme."We'veseenhimbefore,haven'twe?"

"Hm?Um...oh!Whenwewerekids!HehostedthateducationalTVshowthattaughtkidsaboutPokémon.Thesedays,ProfessorJuniper"ourJuniperistheonehostingthoseepisodesnow."

"Oh,nicetoseeyouknowofme!"Mr.Junipersaidwithasmile.

"Whatareyoudoinghereinthedesert,Mr.Juniper?Areyou,like,exploringtheruinstheyhavehereinthedesert?"Blackaskedwithasmile.

"IndeedIam."

"Ididn'tthinkaPokémonProfessorwouldcareforhistoryandstuff."

"HistoryisquiteimportantwhenitcomestounderstandingPokémon,butthatsortofthingfallsmoreinlinewithwhatmydaughterspecializesin:theoriginsofindividualPokémonspecies.I,however,ammoreinterestedinPokémonbiologyanddistribution.I'mhereintheResortDesertfortheformerfield,though."

"Soyou'restudyingdesertPokémonbiology?"Iaskedwithanarchedeyebrow."Youdon'tlookdressedforit."

"I'monlylookingforonePokémoninparticular:Yamask."

Igulped."Y-Yamask?!BornfromspiritsofhumanbeingsYamask?CriesinacreepywaywhenitlooksatitsmaskYamask?Evolvesintoagiant,creepy,four-armed

ghostcoffinYamask?Isn'tthatalittledangerous?!"

Mr.Juniperlaughedandsmiled."Ofcourseitis!"That'snotwhatyou'resupposedtosayafterthatreaction!"However,evenifI'mnolongertheregionalrepresentativeforUnova'sPokémonProfessors,I'mstillaPokémonProfessormyself!"

"DoyouatleasthaveaPokémontodefendyourself?"

Mr.Junipersmiledandlaughedoncemore."Nope!Well,Ihaveafew,butI'mnogoodatbattling.Insteadtheyhelpmeoutinotherways.ButifIgetintotroublewithwildPokémon,Icanalwaysusethese!"HereachedintothebaghewascarryingandpulledoutasmallplushdollthatresembledaPikachu.

"Huh?What'sthat?"Tinyasked,staringatthedollinconfusion.

"AnotherPikachu?"Kaitoasked,alsostaring.

ThetwoPokémon'sattentionfollowedthedollastheprofessormoveditleftandright."PeopleusePokéDollslikethistodistractPokémonandrunaway.IfIrunintoanythingIcan'thandle,I'lljusttossoneoftheseoutandescape!"

"Uh-huh...Excuseusforasec,Professor."IgrabbedBlack'sarmandpulledhimaside."I'mnotsureifit'sagoodideatolethimgoofflikethat,"Iwhispered.

"Yeah,television'staughtmethatPokéDollsdon'talwaysworkinreallifeagainstparticularlypersistentPokémon...ButheisaPokémonprofessorwho'sprobablydonethisthingbefore."

"Andhe'salsoProfessorJuniper'sdad.I'dfeelbadifsomethinghappenedtohimbecausewelethimgooffintoalife-threateningsituationalone."

Blacknodded."You'reright,White.Iknowwhatwe'vegottodo."HeturnedaroundandapproachedMr.Juniper."Mr.Juniper!We'dliketogowithyouandhelpyououtwithyourresearch!"Wait,what?!Imeantconvincinghimnottogoatall,notgoingalongwithhimtocertaindoom!

"Hmmm...Areyousureitwouldn'tbetoomuchtrouble?"TheprofessoraskedasheputthePikachudollaway"toKaitoandTiny'sdisappointment.

"It'scool.We'rejustgoingtoNimbasatochallengethegymthere"andwecandothatanytime.Besides,it'llbefuntoseeaPokémonprofessorworkinthefield!"

Mr.Juniperlaughed."Okaythen!Welcomeaboard,temporaryassistants,uh...I'm

sorry.Ididn'tgetyournamesyet."

"I'mBlackKetchumandthisismysisterWhite."Igaveanunenthusiasticwavetotheolderman.

"BlackandWhite...Thosenamessoundfamiliar."There'safirst.Someonewhodidn'tcallournamesinterestingorweird."Anyway!Let'sdoourbestforthesakeofscience!"Thesakeofscienceisn'tworthmylife.

X-X-X

Afterthatpoint,wewoundupleavingthesecurityoftheasphaltroadforwhateverlurkedunderthesand.Mr.Junipersaidthattherewasnothingtoworryaboutsolongaswedidn'twanderintothedeepsandwherePokémoncouldeasilyhide,whiletheshallowsandlightlycoveredsolidrock.Butthatdidnothingtocalmme.Pokémoncouldalwaysdecidetocomeontotheshallowsand,andweren'ttherePokémonwhocoulddigthroughrockwithease?Forallweknew,theearthcouldopenupandwe'dlandinadenofSandilesorsomething!

"Hey,White."Black,however,wasenthusiastic.WheneveranewwildPokémonpoppedup,he'dscanitwithhisPokédex,andifitwantedtopickafight,he'deagerlybattleituntilitwasscaredaway.Rightnow,hewaspointingupatsomethingflyingaboutinthesky."Whatdoyouthinkthatthingis?"

Ilookedupandsquintedmyeyes.WhateverthatPokémonwas,itwasveryhighup,andwiththebrightsuninmyeyes,Icouldonlymakeoutthatithadwings."Idunno.ABraviary?OraMandibuzz?Somethingthatwantstopluckthefleshfromourbonesassoonaswedropdeadfromexhaustion...?"

"Can'tbe.It'stoocolorfultobeeitherofthem..."Blacksquintedhiseyes."Itlookslikeabrightcolor...Yellow...?"HetriedtoscanitwithhisPokédex,butanoiseitmadesignifiedanerror."Aw,it'stoofarawayforthePokédextoscan!"

Asifansweringtoacue,aharshwindbeginstoblow,kickingupsandandmakingallofuscoveroureyes."Intruders!TurnawaynoworIshalldisposeofyouwithbruteforce!"Adistortedvoicespokefromabove.Ilookedupandcouldn'thelpbutshriekatthesightofwhatfloatedaboveus.Itstorsowassphere-shapedwithapairofbrightblueeyesonitthatstaredblanklyatusandablackobtrusionstickingofthatspherethathadasingleblueeye.Ithadfork-shapedhand-likeappendages,andwhatlookedlikeabird'swingsandtail.Itsbodywasbrightlycoloredwithyellow,blue,red,black,whiteandgreen.Itdidn'treallylooklikealivingcreatureandmorelikesomethingapersonwouldseeinadrawing...orahorrormovie.

"ASigilyph!Whatgoodluck!"Mr.Juniperexclaimed.

"Goodluck?!Thisthing'sthreateningtousebruteforce!LastIchecked,thatwasbad!"Iexclaimed,onlytogetalookofconfusionfromtheolderman.

"Sigilyph,theAvianoidPokémon.They'retheguardiansofancientcitieswhousetheirpsychicpowertoattackthosewhoinvadetheterritorythattheyprotect.Theyneverchangetheroutethattheyfly,eveniftheplacetheyprotectislonggone,becausetheirmemoriesremainsteadfast,"BlackreadfromhisPokédex.Hisexpressionbrightened."Ohhh,Igetit!Ifthere'saSigilypharound,thatmeansthere'salsoaruin,too,right?"

"AndpossiblyYamask!"Mr.Juniperadded.

"Wonderful.Andisitgoingtotelluswheretheplaceisafterittearsustobitswithitspsychicpowers?!"Isnapped.

"Ofcoursenot.Sigilyphwouldneverdoanythingthatwouldharmtheplaceunderitsprotection,whetherornotitanditspeoplestillexisted."

Igavetheprofessorahalf-liddedstare."Well,Iguessit'llsadlyjustdothelatter."

"Whatareyoutalkingabout?!It'spart-Flyingandyou'vegotanElectrictype!"BlackexclaimedashetookoutaPokéBall."AndIcanalwayscountonValentine!"

Inaflashoflight,hisTranquillappearedinfrontofhimandbegantostareattheSigilyphinconfusion."What...isthat?"Sheasked,takingafewstepsback.

TheSigilyphbegantoglowwithabrightblueaurabeforeflappingitsflimsy-lookingwings.Eachflapreleasedcrescentbladesofbluishwhiteenergyrightatus.

"Valentine,useAirCuttertoblock!"Valentineglowedaswellbeforeflappingherwingsandreleasingcrescentenergybladesofherown.Valentine'sbladesmadeimpactwiththeSigilyph'sandtheybothmeldeduntiltheybecameaharmlessbreeze."Alright!UseReturn!"TheTranquillbegantoglowapalewhitebeforedartingintotheairandtacklingtheSigilyphwithgreatforce.ThePsychictypeactuallyfalteredintheairabitfromtheattack.

"Ah,Return!It'sstrongerthemoretheuserlikesitstrainer.DidyouteachthattoyourTranquill?"Mr.Juniperasked.

"Yeah,fromaTM!"Blackexplained."IfiguredIshouldteachittoherbecauseofthetype,butIdidn'tfigureitwassostrong!"

"ThatgoestoshowhowmuchyourPokémonlikesyou!"

"Hey!We'vegotaprobleminfrontofusthat'sstillconscious!"Isnapped,drawingthembothbackintoreality.

"Thenhelp!"

IdugintomybagforTiny'sballandreleasedhim.AtthesightoftheSigilyph,hestaredatinconfusion,tiltinghisheadslightlyasifthatwouldhelphimcomprehendthesightofthething."Whatisthat...?"

"Abadthing!UseThunderShockonit!"Iexclaimed.

"ThunderShock?No,wait"!"Mr.JuniperwasinterruptedasTinybegantocracklewithelectricityandunleashedaboltofelectricity.TheSigilyphbegantoglowoncemoreandawallofenergyformedinfrontofit."ItmightknowabarriermovelikeLightScreenorReflect..."Thespaceinfrontofitrippledasitflappeditswings,thenitbegantocracklewithelectricity.

"ItcanlearnElectric-typemoves?!"Iscreamed.

"Yes.Butinthiscase,itusedMirrorMove,whichcanusethelastmoveusedagainstitonus!"

Atthatpoint,theSigilyphfiredafewjoltsofelectricityinValentine'sdirection.However,theelectricitywasdrawntowardsTiny,whosetailwasuprightintheair,andwasabsorbedintohisbody.

"Okay!Electrictypemovesaren'tsobadinthisinstance!"Mr.JunipersaidwitharelievedexpressionbeforetheSigilyphturneditssightsonTinyandlaunchedwindbladesatthePikachu.ItrippedasItriedtogetoutofthewayandTinygothit.Thebladesdidn'tdoanyseriousdamage,though.

"MaybeLightScreencanonlyprotectitfromonesideoronemoveatatime.YouhaveTinyattackfromthefrontandI'llhaveValentineattackfromtheback!"Blacksuggested.

"Okay."

"Valentine!UseQuickAttacktoavoiditsattackandattackitfrombehindonmycommand!"

"Tiny!Chargeupandwaitformycommandtoattack!"

ThePikachubegantochargeelectricitywhileValentinedistractedtheSigilyph.ThePsychictypebegantofiremulticoloredbeamsofenergyfromitsuppereye.Valentinegracefullyandquicklydodgedtheattacks,drawingawaytheSigilyph'sattentiontotherestofus.

"UseThunderShock!"Iexclaimed.TinyfiredajoltofelectricityattheSigilyphwhileitwasinthemiddleofchargingupanotherbeamattack.Itdidn'tformabarrier,though,sotheattackwasn'tblocked.Theshockstoppeditandmadeitfalterintheair.

"ForgetQuickAttack!UseReturntoknockitdown!"Blackcommanded.HisTranquillshonewithawhiteaurabeforechargingintotheSigilyphfromabove.WeallhadtorunoutofthewaytoavoidbeinghitbythefallingPokémon,butthemomentitmadeimpactwiththeground,thesandbegantosink."Whoa!What'sgoingon?!"

"Itwouldappearthatwe'vemanagedtoformaholewiththeforceofthatattack,"Mr.Juniperexplained."Quickly,let'sclimboutbeforewewindupfallingdownthere!"

Soweclimbedoutoftheforminghole,steppingbackcautiouslyuntilitstoppedgrowinginsizeandadecentlysizedholehadformed.Insideofthehole,IcouldseeawingoftheSigilyph,whoappearedtobepartiallyburiedbeneathamoundofthesandthathadfelldownthere,butthatwastheonlyspotwherelightshonedown.Everythingelsedowntherewasdark.

"Well,Ithinkwe'veeitherfoundruinsoranundergroundcave.Wecan'tbesureuntilwegodownthere,"saidMr.Juniper."Ofcourse,we'llneedsomethingtoseedownthere."

"Oh!"BlacklookedasifhehadanideathemomentValentinelandedonhisshoulder.HescroungedthroughhisbagandtookouttheTechnicalMachinefrominside."Ijustremembered:oneoftheTMswehaveteachesFlash!"Helookedatme."Rememberwhenwewerekids?TherewasablackoutandDadhadhisPikachuuseFlashtolightupthehouseuntilthepowercamebackon."Ididrememberthat,ifonlybecausetheblackouthappenedwhilewewerewatchingsomegoofyscarymovie.

"Whatabrightidea,Black!Nopunintended..."

"HowaboutweteachittoTiny?"

IlookeddownatTiny,wholookedbetweenbothofusinconfusion."Iguessthatwouldbesmart..."IbentdownandtookoutTiny'sPokéBall."Ineedyoutogetinyourballforafewsecondssowecanteachyouanewmove.Don'tcomeoutuntilI

tellyouto."ThePikachulookedmildlyupsetaboutgoingbackintohisball,buthestilldidso.IhandedBlacktheball."Youknowhowtooperatethatthingbetterthanme,soI'llleaveittoyou."

"Oh,it'seasy!First,youputtheballintothisslothere...thenyouusethesebuttonsheretochoosethemoveyouwant...andthisoneheretoconfirmthatyouwanttoteachthemove.Thenallwehavetodoiswaitafewseconds..."Afterperformingtheinstructionshetalkedabout,theTMmadeanoiselikeoneofcheerfulsuccess."AndnowTinyknowsFlash!"Blackhandedbackmyball."Tryitnowtoseeifitworks."

IreleasedTinyfromhisball."Alldone!Feelanydifferent?"

"Nuh-uh,"thePikachusaidasheshookhishead.

"Well...tryanduseFlashtoseeifitworked.Doyou...knowhowtouseitor"?"BeforeIfinishedasking,Tinyputonafaceofconcentrationbeforehisbodysuddenlygaveoffablindinglybrightlight."AHH!Can'tsee!Can'tsee!"

"Yup.Itworked,"saidBlack.

ThelightdecreasedinintensityandIcouldfinallyseewhatTinylookedlike.Itdidn'tlookverypronouncedinthesunlight,butIcouldkindaseethelightencirclingthePikachu."Alright,itworks.But,uh...canwegodowntherewhilethatSigilyphis?"

"It'sunconsciousrightnow,andsolongaswearen'tinitssightswhenitregainsconsciousness,it'llgobacktotravelingalongitsdesignatedroute,"Mr.Juniperexplained."Fornow,let'sfocusonwhat'sinsideofthere."Hetraveledalongthesideoftheholeuntilhecametoaspotwherethesandhadpiledupenoughtoatleastmakeourwaydown.

Blacklookedatmeandgesturedtothehole."LadiesandglowingPokémonfirst."

"Soyou'rechivalrouswhenyou'resendingmedowntomydoom,butnotwhenI'mbeingattackedbywildPokémon?"IaskedasIbegantomakemywaydownwithTinybesidemeandmybrotherbehindme.

X-X-X

Aftermakingourwayintothehole,wefoundourselveswalkingthroughapath.Thewallsandfloorweremadeofstoneblocksthatweremanmade,butnothingfancy.Icouldn'thelpbutwonderwhatthepathledto:somehorribleboobytraplikeinamovie?Aroomfulloftreasure?Maybenothingbutadeadend.ThelightshiningoffofTinydidn'tletusseeveryfarahead,soit'dhavetobesmackdabinfrontofour

facesbeforewe'dnotice.ButMr.JuniperwasonlyfocusedonfindingaYamask.Wewentseveralminuteswithoutanythinghappeningbeforewefinallymadeitintoawiderarea.

"Hey,aroom!Finally!"BlackproclaimedexactlywhatIwasthinking."Alright,Mr.Juniper.Whatshouldwedofirst?Checkforboobytrapsorsomething?"

"Actually,allwehavetodoisbequietandlisten.SometimesYamaskcanbeheardcryingastheylookattheirmasks.Ifwehearcryingdownhere,it'slikelyaYamask,"theprofessorexplained.

"Isee..."

Weallbecamequietandstrainedourearsforsomekindofcry.Westayedlikethatforaminutebefore..."YAH!"

"AH!"Ijumpedbackandbegantolookfranticallyatthedarkplaces."Wh-whereisit?!IheardaYamask!"

"White...thatwasyourPikachu,"Mr.Juniperspokewithaslightchuckle.

IfeltmycheeksheatupfromembarrassmentbeforeIlookedatthePikachu,whowasstandinginfrontofus."Tiny!Howcouldyouscaremelikethat?!"

"Sorry!ButIbumpedintosomethingscary-looking..."Tinyspoketimidly.ItwasthenthatInoticedwhathewastalkingabout.Someweird-lookingstatuesthatwithroundbodies,handsandfeetweremadeofstone,andpointedheads.Theywerejuststandinginthemiddleoftheroomandlookingkindofcreepypartiallyobscuredbythedarkness.

"Arethose...?"Mr.Juniperbegan.

Justthen,ablindinglightcamefromthestatues.Oncethelightdimmed,wewereabletoseethebrightyellowlightsshiningoutfromtheholestheirarmsandlegscameoutof,aswellastheirmisshapeneyes.ItwasthenthatInoticedsomethingprettydisturbing.

"They're...!Theystatuesaremoving...!"IsqueakedinfearasIbegantohidebehindBlack."T-Tiny!Getawayfromthere!"ThePikachusteppedback,butthestatuessteppedforwardatthesame.TheoneclosesttohimlungedforwardandpunchedTinywithenoughforcetosendhimflyingback,disablingthelightfromhisFlashintheprocessandmakingtheonlylightintheroomcomefromthem.ImadeacryatsuchahighpitchIprobablysoundedlikeaWoobatindistress.

"Aha!TheseareanimatedGolett!Oftentimes,it'shardtotellaplainoldstatuefromoneofthemwhenthey'reatrest,"theprofessorexplained.

"GolettisaGround/Ghosttype,theAutomatonPokémon.Fashionedfromclay,theyarethoughttohavebeenmadebythescienceofanancientandmysteriouscivilizationthousandsofyearsago.TheenergyinsideofaGolettenablesittomove,butthisenergyhastobeidentified,"BlackreadfromhisPokédex.Howcouldheevenseewhatitsaidinthisdarkness?

"Science,mybutt!It'spartGhost!Theyprobablydidsomeevilritualandsealedsomepoorsoulsintheretokillpeople!"Icried.

"Well,you'rerightaboutthekillingpeoplepart,atleast,"Mr.Juniperspoke,slowlymovingback.

"Confirmingitdoesn'thelp!"

JustasTinyrecoveredfromthepunchandbegantogeneratelightoncemore,BlacktookouttwoPokéBallsandsentouthisDewott"Kaito,hisnewlyevolvedSwadloon"Felix,andhisEevee"Edwin."Felix,tiethemupwithStringShot!"FelixspatoutalargeamountofstickysilkontotheGoletts,preoccupyingthemwithtryingtogetout.Blackthenlookedoverhisshoulderatme."Hey!Getaholdofyourself!Whateverhappenedtowantingtobestronger?!You'renotgonnagetstrongifyoukeephidingbehindmeallthetime!"

Istiffenedathiswordsforafewseconds."ButI...IHATEGHOSTS!"

"So?!Proveyou'restrongandstanduptoyourfears!"Heshoutedashegrabbedmyarmandforcedmetostandnexttohim.

Igulpedandtookoutapairofballs."Tiny,comebackherewhereit'ssafe!"HeonlyknewNormal-andElectric-typeattacks,whichwouldn'tdoanythingagainstsomethingbothGhostandGround.Ionlyhadtwowhoseattackswouldcomeclosetobeingeffective."Go,ShionandEve!"TheDewottandEeveeappearednexttoBlack'sPokémon.

"Hey!Wheretheheckarewe?!Thisisreallycreep..."EvetrailedoffwhenshenoticedtheGolettsandshrieked."KYAAAH!What'rethose?!"

"K-Keepcalm!That'stheonlywaywecansurvive!"

"Survive?!Isthisascarymovie?!"TheEeveecontinuedtofreakout.

"Therecertainlyisacreepyatmosphere,"Edwincommented,neitherampedupforafightnorfreakedoutbythesurroundings.

"Justcalmdown.Whitewon'tletusdown!"Shiontriedtoassureher.

"Easyforyoutosay,MissI-Evolved-Yesterday...!"Evewhimpered.

Blacklookedatme."YoufocusonthetwototherightandI'llfocusonthethreetotheleft."

"R-right...!I'll...Shion,useWaterGun!"Icommandedinashakyvoice.ShiontookadeepbreathandsprayedaburstofwaterontooneoftheGolett.TheonefacingEvethrewapunchthatfiredatransparentblackfistather,butitdidnothingwhenitmadeimpact."ThatonemustbeaGhost-typemove!TaketheopeninganduseBite,Eve!"

"Roger!"EveexclaimedbeforesheranforwardandpouncedontotheGolettjustasitmadetopunchheragain.ShelandedontheGhosttype'sarmandbitdownhard.Despitebeingmadeofclay,herattackcausedtheGolettpainandmadeitshakeitsarmtotryandgetheroff.Eveletgoandlandedontheground,spittingasshedid."Ittasteslikedirt!"Whileshewasspitting,theGolettrecoveredandraisedafist."Ha!Thatwon'thurt"!"Thistime,itsfistdidn'tfireanythingandhegaveEveandhardpunchthatsentherflyingback."MEEEE!"Shelandedonherback,seeminglydazed."Thatactually...hurt..."

"Becareful!SomeGoletthavetheabilityIronFist,whichmakestheirpunchesstronger!"Mr.Juniperinformedusfromsafelybehindthetwoofus.

"Seriously?!That'ssocool!"Blackexclaimed.

Atthatmoment,ShionwasstruckbyaGolett'spunchandlandednexttoEve."Notreally!"Ishotback."Areyouguysalright?"BothPokémongotontheirfeetandnodded."Okaythen.Eve,distractthemwithTailWhip!"TheEeveeturnedaroundandbegantoshakehertailcutelyattheGolett.Theyfrozeandfocusedonher,seeminglyentranced."Now,Shion!FocusEnergy!"TheGolettcontinuedtostareatEveinatranceasShionglowedwithanorangeaura."AndnowuseWaterGun!"TheDewotttookadeepbreathbeforesprayingoutwateratbothoftheGolettatthesametime.Butatthelastsecond,theirbodiesshimmeredandtookonametallicappearance."Wh-what?!"Unlikethelasttime,thewaterdidn'tappeartofazethem.

"It'sIronDefense!Theycanmaketheirbodiestakeonthepropertiesofsteelforashortwhile!That'ssocool...!"BlackcontinuedgushingovertheGolett.

"Steeltypesaren'tweakagainstWatertypeattacks,buttheyaren'tresilient,either!"Mr.Juniperadded.

"Soit'llstilldamageit,butjustnotasmuch.Whichmeansweshouldprobablyattackwhentheyaren'tusingIronDefense."Justthen,theGolettsIwasfacingpulledintheirarms,legsandheadsandrolledforward."TheyhaveRollout,too?!"ShionjumpedupintotheairtoavoidbeingattackedwhileEveranaroundtryingtoevadeitsattack."Shion,useWaterGun,quick!"IshoutedasoneoftheGolettscamebarrelingtowardsme.Iclosedmyeyes,bracingtobetackledforthesecondtimetoday,butopenedthemwhentheblownevercame.TheGolettlaidsprawledoutinfrontofme,soakingwetandnolongerglowingormoving.Shionlandednimbly."Alright!Nicejob!NowhelpEve!"

"Yes!Helpwouldbenice!"EvecriedasshecontinuedtorunaroundinacircledwiththerollingGolettonhertail.ShiontookadeepbreathandsprayedtheGolettwithwater.Itwoundupskiddingandrollingintoawallasaresult.

"NowuseBitetofinishitoff!"Withagrowl,EvejumpedontotheGolettandbitdownonhardonitsbody.Thelightitradiateddimmed,signifyingthatitwasknockedout.Igaveasighofreliefandslumpedover."Thankgoodnessthat'soverwith...!"

"So,howdidwedo?"ShionaskedassheandEveapproachedme.

"Reallygreat!Youlookedcooloutthere!"Tinypipedupbehindme.Ialmostforgothewasthere,despitehimshininglikealamp.

Ismiledweakly."Yeah.Youdeservetorest,"IsaidasIreturnedthembothintotheirballs.IlookedatBlack,whowasapparentlydonewithhisGoletts."Well...wedidit."

"Yup.We'vecleanedhouse."

"Hmm..."Mr.Juniperbegantolookaroundtheroom."Ican'treallytellwhatthey'resupposedtobeguarding,butitseemsthepathissupposedtogofurtherdown.However,it'sbeenblockedbysand,"hesaid,pointingatthemoundofsandthatblockedthewayleadingfurtherin."Golett,likeSigilyph,weremadetoprotectplacesbyancientcivilizations.I'msurewhateverishereisimportant,butIdon'tthinkthereareYamasksaroundhere."

"Doesthismeanwe'releaving?Pleaseletusbeleaving,"Ispokequickly.

"Yes,I'mafraidso."

"Areyousure,professor?WehavetheTMforDig,so""IpunchedBlackinthearm

toshuthimup."Ow!Iwasjustmakingasuggestion...!"

"No.Ithinkit'sbestifwegotoaplacewithasurefirechanceoffindingaYamask."Mr.Juniperlookatus."DoyoutwoknowabouttheRelicCastle?"

"Relicwhat?"Blackasked,soundingconfused.

"That'sthecastlethatwasunearthedsomewhereinthedesert,right?"Iasked."TheysaidonTVthatitmight'vebelongedtotheancientroyalfamilyofUnova"theonethattheHeroesofTruthandIdealsaredescendedfrom."Mybrotherwhistledinawe.

"WildPokémoninhabitthecastleinthepartswhereexcavatorsandarchaeologistshavefoundnothingofparticularnote,andthatincludesthePokémonYamaskandtheirevolvedform,Cofagrigus.Onecanassumethatpeopleeitherdiedorwereburiedinornearthecastle,andthat'swhytheyappearthere."Mr.Juniperputhishandsonhiships."ExploringtheRelicCastleissafersinceanypossiblethreatsandtrapshavebeenclearedout,soyoukidswon'tbeinanydanger."

"ExceptforthewildPokémon,"Iaddedflatly.

"ButfromwhatI'veseenfromyouboth,youcanhandleit.MydaughterwasrightwhenshethoughttogiveyouyourPokédexes.You'vegotrealtalentandpotential!"Theprofessorsaidwithasmile."Anyway,let'sgetoutofherebeforetheseGolettorthatSigilyphwakeupandattackagain..."

X-X-X

Minuteslater,wewereoutoftheholeandwalkinginthedirectionoftheRelicCastle,BlackandIfollowingbehindMr.Juniper.IlookedatBlackandlookeddownathisbag."Hey.CanIhavetheTMforalittlewhile?"

"Eh?YouwannateachyourPokémonsomenewmoves?"Blackaskedwithanarchedeyebrow.

"Yeah...IfigureI'llteachthemsomemoveswithdifferenttypestomakeupfornothavingPokémonofcertaintypes.AndI'dliketoteachPanaceaandEvesomemovesthatdon'trequirethemmakingphysicalcontactwiththeenemy,maybesomemovesfordefenseandstuff."

"Nowyou'rethinkinglikeabattle-mindedtrainer!Alright,I'llgiveittoyou.Butfirst..."BlackstoppedwalkingandtookoutaGreatBall."SayhellotothenewestmemberofTeamBlack!"Inaflashoflight,hereleasedaGolett,whostaredatmewithblank

yelloweyes.Ishriekedinsurpriseandjumpedback."C'mon,White!Don'tbescared!Givehimahandshakeatleast."

IglaredatBlack."Ican'tbelieveyou'dcatchoneofthosethingsaftertheytriedtokillus!"

"Hewasonlydoinghisjob,White!Besides,he'sfriendlynow!Golett,shakehands."TheGolettgrabbedmyhandandbegantoshakeithardandquickly.

Whathappenedasaresultissortofblurry,butthenextthingIknew,IwaswalkingbehindtheProfessorsearchingthroughthemoveoptionsontheTMwhileBlackwalkedbesidemewithadecently-sizedbruiseonhischeek.

X-X-X

Notes!

RuinManiacisatrainerclassthatappearedinalltheGen3andGen4gamesandORASaloneinGen6.

DarumakaonlylearnsDigviaTM"althoughthisonedidn'tuseitoffensively.TranquilllearnsReturnviaTM.PikachuandGolettlearnFlashviaTM70.

X-X-X

ReviewforthesakeofBluandPikachu!

Chapter20

Disclaimer:BluRosedoesn'townthePokémonseries.Onlythisfic.

X-X-X

~HexManiacs~

"Ithink,"5-yearoldmebeganonenightatdinner,"ThatweshouldgototheRelicCastlethissummer!"

"RelicCastle?What'sthat?"Dadaskedbetweenspooningfoodintohismouth.

"It'sthisruinthey'vebeentalkingaboutonTV!"Blackexclaimedwithhismouthfulloffood."Like,it'sreallybigand...andstuff!"

"Black,don'ttalkwithyourmouthfull.It'sbadmanners,"saidMom."AndWhite,howfararetheseruins?"

"It'sinthedesert,"Ispokesimply,asifthedesertwasjustdowntheroadfromourtownupinthenorth.

"That'sthebestpart!'CuzthenwecouldseeallsortsofPokémonthatwedon'tseearoundhere!"Blackadded.

"Inthedesert?!Youwanttogointhedesertinthesummer?!That'stoomuchheat,White!YouandBlackhaven'tbeenexposedtosuchhightemperaturesbefore,andyourpoorfather"he'ddieofheatstroke!"

"...Idon'tthinkI'dgetheatstroke..."Dadmumbled.

"MypointisthatRoute4'sterribleifyouaren'tprepared"especiallyifthisplaceisway,wayofftheroadandwehavetowalkthere!No,we'renotgoingtoanydesertcastleinthesummer."

"But,Mom!It'sfunandeducational!"Iinsisted.

"It'salsohaunted!Youwannaknowwhatlurksaroundinruinslikethat?YamaskandCofagrigus!Anddoyouwannaknowwhattheydotoanynaïvechildrentheycomeacross?TheYamasktaketheirfacesandthentheCofagriguseatthem!"

Blackbrusheditoffwhatasnort.I,ontheotherhand,startedtocry."UWAAAAHHH!Okay,okay!Idon'twannagotothecastleagain!Idon'twannaseeghosts!"

Dadsighed."Doyouhavetodothat?Nowshe'sgonnabeupallnightwithnightmares..."

Momlaughednervously."Well,ifthere'satleastonekindofPokémonWhitedoesn'tlike,it'stheGhosttype!Now,now,stopgrabbingyourhairlikethat,White.It'sonlyaghoststory."

"I...don't...believeyou!"Icriedlikethatfortherestofthenight.

X-X-X

ItwasonlyafternighthadfallenthatwearrivedattheRelicCastle.Well,partofthecastle.Theonlypartthathadbeenexcavatedfromthesandwasatower,whicharchaeologistsandtouristsalikeusedasanentranceintothecastlesincetherereallywasnootherpath.TherestofthecastlewasburiedunderthesandoftheResortDesert.AlthoughMr.Juniperassuredusthatseveralplacesinsidehadbeencleared,noteveryplaceintherewasaccessibleatthemoment.Butifthetopofthetowerthatwasvisiblelookedlikeaminipalaceonitsown...Icould'veonlyimaginedwhatsizetheentireplacewas.

"Ican'tbelievethatI'mhereattheRelicCastleandIhavetowastetimelookingfordumboldYamask..."ImutteredasIstoodontheedgeoftheholecontainingtheRelicCastle'sexposedtower.Itwasn'tevenfearthatwasupsettingme,butsheerannoyanceatsuchamajorletdown.

"Don'tstart,White!Remember:bestrong!Toughitout!"Blackattemptedtomotivateme.

"Toughingitoutdoesn'tsaveyoufromthejawsofdeathinanencounterwithghosts,"Ispokeflatly.

"Ofcourseitcan!"

"No,itdoesn't!Stoptryingtobrightenupthissituation!"Nopunintended,sincebetweenourPikachuandGolettservingaslivingflashlightsandthelightsthathadbeensetupallaroundthehole"bytheworkersforsafety'ssake,Iguess"thearealookedfarbrighterthanitshould've.

"Now,now!Solongasweworktogether,noharmshouldcometoanyofus,"saidMr.Juniper.

"Well,inhorrormovies,itisthecharacterswhodon'tsticktogetherthatgetoffedfirst,"Blacksaidbeforeeyeingme.

"Don'tlookatmelikethat!I'mnotstupidlikethosesortsofcharacters!Iknowwhatkindofdangerwe'rein!"Isnapped.

Theprofessorclearedhisthroattogainourattention."Shallweheadinside?"

IlookeddownatthecastleaswestartedtofollowMr.Juniper."Isthereevenanyonedownhere?It'safterdark."

"IfIrecall,sincetheruinsareopentothepublicduringtheday,alotoftheexcavationtakesplaceduringthenightoronSundays.I'lljusthaveachatwithwhoever'sinchargetogiveuspermissiontogoaround."

"ItmustbenicetobeaPokémonprofessorandhavethatsortofclearance!"saidBlackaswewalkedpastwhatappearedtobeaticketboothanddownthemetallicbridgeintothetower.

"Well,itdoesn'tgetmeintotheswankiestparties,butinthenameofresearch,it'lldo."

Onceweenteredintothetower,Istartedtolookaroundcuriously.Itdidn'texactlylookimpressive,beingsomethingmadeofagedstonewithpilesofsandallovertheplaceandacoupleofholesinthewallsandceiling,butthelittlekidinmewasthrilledtobehere.Lightshadbeensetupinherejustasoutsidetobrightenuptheplace."Iwishwecamehereduringthedaysowecouldgoonatour.Thenmaybewecouldlearnsomethinginterestingaboutthisplace!"

"Doyourememberwhathappenedthelasttimewewentonatourgrouptoahistoricalsite,White?Irememberbeingbored,"saidBlack.

"That'sthenegativeyouchoosetorememberfromthelighthouseincident?Thetour?"Imuttered.Thenagain,we'realsohereatahistoricsitelookingfor,ofallthings,ghosts.Ourlucksofarwithhistoricalsitesseemstobereallybad...

"Goodevening!"Mr.Junipergreetedamanwearingahardwhowaspacingbackandforthinfrontofthestaircaseleadingfurtherdownintothecastle.

"Huh?Whotheheckareyou?!Notoursafterdark,buddy.Don'tmeantoberude,buttakeyourkidsandleave,"saidthegruff-lookingoldforeman.

"Oh,no!I'mnothereforatour.I'mProfessorCedricJuniper,andthesearemyassistants,BlackandWhite.We'reheretoresearchwildYamask."

"Juniper?Yeah,actually,IrememberseeingyouonTV.Soyou'reheretolookat

thosepeskyYamask,huh?Theypracticallyswarmthehallsafterdark"oratleasttheyshould.Iusuallyseeatleastoneofthoselittlebuggersaday,butthey'vebeenawfullyquiettoday...You'llprobablyhavetroublefinding'em,professor."

"Iwasn'texpectingittobeeasy.So,dowehavepermissiontogodownstairsandhavealookaround?"

"Sure,sure!Just,uh...stayouttatheroomsthat'reblockedoff.Wehaven'tmanagedtoclearthesandfromeverywhereyet,andtherearesomeplaceswhereit'llalwaysfillupnomatterwhatwedo.Also,beonthelookoutforwildSandileandtheirevolvedforms.Darnthingsalwaysburrowtheirwayinhere,bustingupwallsandmakin'moresanddirtyuptheplace."Oh,great.Sonotonlyarethereghosts,therearePokémonwho'llprobablybereadytoattackusifwestepintotheirterritory."Oh,andcouldyoudomeafavor?Ifyouseeanyworkersdownthere,tell'emthebossiscalling.Ican'tgodowntheremyselfbecauseIgottastayuphereandguardtheentrance."

"Willdo.Andthankyouforallowingustogodownthere,"Mr.Junipersaidwithabowofhisheadastheforemansteppedoutoftheway.

Aswestartedtogodownthespiralingstaircase,theforemancalleddowntous,"Goodluckwithyourresearch!"ThoughIwasstartingtoworrymoreaboutfindingaKrookodilethanaYamask.

X-X-X

Afterseveralminuteswerespentwalkingdownthespiralingstaircase,wemadeittothefloorbelowus.Sinceitwasn'tjustatower,thisfloorwasfarlarger.Itwasaverywideandlonghallthatstretchedoffinonedirectionforseeminglyforever.Justlikethetowerroomupstairs,lightshadbeensetupalongthewallstoprovidelightandsandhadgatheredonthefloortosuchadegreethattherewereseverallargepiles.Therewerealsoseveraldoorwaysthatledintomanydifferentrooms.Heavenknewjusthowmanytherewere...!

"Wouldyoulookatthesizeofthisplace?Ifthere'reYamaskhere,they'llhaveplentyofhidingspots,"Blackpointedout."Maybeweshouldsplitupsowe'llhaveabetterchanceoffindingone."

Ilookedathimlikehewascrazy."Seriously?Areyouforgettingwhatyousaidjustawhileago?Whatifyougetattacked?!"Icried.

"I'lldefendmyselfwithmyPokémon.Nomatterhowtheywerecreated,GhosttypesarestillaPokémon,andthatmeanstheycanbedefeated.Besides,wecan'tleave

theprofessoralone,andwecan'trelyonyoutoperformwellifyou'realoneinthisspookyplace.Plusyou'vecaughtaboutsixPokémonalreadyandI'veonlygotfive,soIcancatchoneifitpopsup.I'mthebestoptionhere!"

"Hmmm..."Mr.Juniperstrokedhisbeard."AsmuchasIdon'twanttosplitup,thatmightbeourbestoptionifwe'retofindone.ButIdon'twantyoutocatchtheveryfirstYamaskyoufind.IneedaparticularkindofYamaskthatlacksamask."

"AYamaskwithnomask?"BlackandIaskedatthesametime.

"It'sanoften-saidfolktalethatifyou'rebeinghauntedbyaYamask,youcandestroyitsmasktosenditawayfromthislife.It'sbecauseofthebeliefthatYamask'smasksweremadetoresembletheminlifesothateveryonewouldrememberwhotheywere,eventheYamask.Ontheotherhand,itwasthoughtthatbeingburiedwithoutamaskwaslikeastigmaofwhatsortofawfulpersonyouwereinlife.Withoutamasktoremembertheirface,Yamaskaresaidtolosetheirsenseofselfandeventuallyfadeaway."

"R-r-really?"Blackstutteredandshiveredvisibly.AndhereIthoughthewouldn'tgetscared."Whatanawfulthought..."

"It'snotawful,"Ispoke."Imean,theyspendtheirentireliveslookingatamask,rememberingtheyusedtobehuman,andcryingaboutit.I'dfeelbetteraboutsendingthemoffsomewheretheycanbeinpeaceratherthanmakingthemsufferanexistencelikethat.Imean,wouldyoubeabletohandlelivinglikethat?"IknowIwouldn'twanttogothroughmyafterlifelikethat.

"It'ssubjective,Isuppose.Butregardless,that'swhatI'mlookingfor.Butinthisdayandage,thereactuallyaren'tthatmanyYamaskaroundthatwereoncehuman,"saidMr.Juniper.

"Uh,what?"BlackandIaskedatthesametime.

"Yamaskretainthegenderstheyhadinlife,andthey'realsocapableofbreedingtogetherand,er...reproducinganotherYamaskthatwasneverhumaninthefirstplace.Don'taskmewheretheygettheirownmasks,though,orhowthey'reevencreated.That'sstillsomethingofamystery.ButregardlessofwhetheritusedtobehumanorwasbornaPokémon,IjustneedtofindaYamaskwithoutamask."

IfeltascratchingonmylegandlookeddownatTiny."White.What'saYamasklooklike?"

ItookoutmyPokédexandlookeduptheentryonYamasktoshowhim."Thisisa

Yamask.Soifyoufindsomethingthatlookslikethisbutwithoutthemask,besuretotellme."

"Okay."Tinypointedforward."There'soneoverthere."

Ifellsilentandsuddenlyfeltcold.LookingbehindMr.Juniper,Isawitfloatingseveralfeetawayfromus.ItlookedjustlikeitsPokédexentrypicture:asmall,blackcreaturewithbigredeyes,longarmsandhandswithacurledblacktail.Theonlythingmissingwasitshuman-likemask.Wemadeeyecontactandwebothreactedtheverysameway:screamingourheadsoff.

"AAAAAAAHHHHH!"

BlackandMr.JuniperjumpedfrommyscreamingandbeganlookingaroundfranticallybeforefinallyspottingthescreamingYamask."Ah!There'sonerightthere!Whatgoodluck!"Then,stillscreaming,theYamaskdiveddownthroughthefloor,disappearingfromsight."Ormaybenot."Theprofessorbegantorundownthehallbeforelookingbackatus."Quickly!Let'sgobeforeweloseit!"Webothfollowedafterhim,metrailingbehindoutofapprehensivefear.

X-X-X

Afterminutesofrunning,weeventuallycameacrossanotherstaircase,thisonegoingstraightdowninsteadofspiraling.Itledusfurtherdownintothecastletothenextfloor,whichwasjustassandyasthefloorbeforeitandalsohadnumerousrooms.

"Alright!Timetosplitup!"Blackspokeinahushedvoice."I'lltaketheright.Youandtheprofessortaketheleft."

"Becareful,Black!"Iwhisperedasheslowlysnucktowardstheclosestroomtotheright.Inresponse,hejustnoddedbeforedisappearingintotheroom.IlookedatMr.Juniper."Alright.Let'sgotakealook."

Andthuswebegansearchingrooms.Inoursearch,Ifoundafewitemsofmixedorigin:unusualthingslikesomeoldcoinsburiedinthesand,aSunStonethatfeltwarmtothetouch,andaglowingheart-shapedscaleoffofsomeunknownPokémon,andmoremodernthingslikerevivalcandy,potions,andelixirsthathadyettobeused.ButnoYamask,withorwithoutamask,wasfound.

"I'mstartingtowonderifthatYamaskdidn'tjustfleetosomepartoftheruinsthatwecan'tgetinto,"Ispokemythoughtsoutloud."Thisisthelastroomonoursideandwehaven'tevenseenasinglePokémon."

Mr.Junipersighed."MaybeBlackhashadbetterluck."

"Butifhefoundit,hewould'vemadesomekindofnoisebynow,wouldn'the?"

"Wecan'tmakeconclusionsuntilwegettogetheragain."

Whenwelefttheroom,however,wecameacrosssomethingIfoundverydistressing:Black'sbag,justsittingoutthereinthemiddleofthehall.IquicklyranuptothebagandbeganlookingaroundinvainforsomesignofBlack."Black?BLACK?!Thisisn'tfunny!"Ithenspokeatalowertone,"Thisbetterbeabadjoke..."

"Thisisserious.Don'tyouhaveawayofcontactinghim?"Mr.Juniperaskedme.

"Oh!Yeah!"IheldupmywristandbeganusingmyXtransceivertocallhim.ButIcouldn'tgetthroughandmycallwentignored.Myreactionwasnatural."Something'sterriblehappened!Ijustknowit!He'seitherbeenkilledbyghostsoreatenbyaKrookodile,or...!"Itrailedoffasevenworsefatescameupinmymind.

"N-now,now.Beforejumpingtosuchmorbidconclusions,weshouldtrytofindhim."Theprofessorpointedatsomestairsgoingevenfurtherdown."Let'scheckdownstairs.Seeifanything'soutofplace."It'smybrotherwho'soutofplacehere!

X-X-X

Minuteslater,wemadeitdownstairstowhatIhopedwasthebottomfloor.Unliketheotherfloorswe'dbeenon,thewalls,floorandceilingweren'tmadeofstone,butofdirt.Itlookedmorelikeatunnelthathadbeendugoutwithsandmixinginalongwiththedirt.Therewerenolightsinthisplace,soitwasverydark.Tiny,withoutneedingtobeasked,usedFlashandlitupourpartofthetunnel.

"Whatisthis...?"Imumbled,suddenlydisturbedbythisstarkdifferencetotheotherfloors.

"Hmmm...Thestairswetookleddownhere,soitmustbeanactualpartofthecastle...Perhapsanundergroundbasementorcatacombs?"Mr.Junipersuggested.

"Well,ifBlack'sdownhere,heprobablyhashisGolettouttolighttheplaceup."

Wewalkeddownthetunnelforseveralminutes,strainingourearstohearsomesortofsound.Eventually,weheardsomethingthatsoundedlikecrying.ThinkingitwasBlack,IranforwardjustenoughtostaywithinTiny'slight.Iwasthefirsttoroundthecorner,expectingtofindmybrother,onlytobegreetedbythesightofaYamaskwiththreelightsshiningdownonhim.No,onfurtherinspection,thelightswereon

hardhatsthathadtobebeingwornbysomeone.

"Giveitback!Giveitback!"TheYamaskcried,flailingitsarmsuptothelightsshiningdownonit.

"Whyshouldwe?Ifanything,youshoulddisposeofthismask!Itisn'tasifit'syours,"saidoneoftheownersofthehardhat.Theirvoicesoundeddeepandgruff,likeagrownman.

"Thisisn'tyourface.Youneverhadone!"Saidaseconddeepvoice.

"Lookingatitdoesn'tmakeyoufeelhuman!"Saidathirddeepvoice.

"It'sbecauseitbelongedtoMother!Andyoudon'thavetherighttotalk!Youmayhavethrownawaythemasksyouweregiven,butwhatyouhavenowarejustthesame"masksofflesh!Andtheydon'tbelongtoyou,either!"

Icouldn'thelpstillingatthosewords.OnceTinywascloseenoughforhislighttoshinedownthetunnel,IsawwhowasharassingtheYamask:threegrownmenwearinghardhatswithlightsontop,dirtyjumpsuits,andgogglesovertheireyes.ThetwomostnotablethingshadbeenthegoldenmaskoneofthemenhadbeenholdingupovertheYamask'sheadandtheglowingredeyesofallthreemen.

"Whatisthis?Twomorepeople?"Saidoneoftheworkers.

"Theydon'tlookasifthey'vebeentakenover,"saidtheoneholdingupthemask.

"Ooh!Oneofthem'sagirl!Iwantthatoneinstead!"Anothersaid,pointingrightatme.

"Wellthen,Iwantthatfunnyyellow-lookingthing!It'sglowing!"

Tinytookoffensetothatandglaredatthethreemen."Who'reyoucallingfunny-looking?!"

Mr.Juniperfinallycaughtupandtookinthesight."There'stheYamask!AndIsupposethose'retheworkerstheforemanwastalkingabout...butwhat'sthis?Youreallyshouldn'tbetauntingawildPokémonbytakingitspossessions.You'llonlymakeitmad!"

Themenbegantoglareatus,theireyesseeminglyglowinginaneerieway."Donotgointerferinginbusinessthatisn'tyourown,human!"Oneofthemexclaimed.HetookoutaPokéBallandsmirked."Thecreatureundermycommandwillmakeyou

ruecrossingme!"Hepressedthebuttonandinaflashoflight,aTimburrwasreleased.However,itlookedprettybeatupandwasusingitspieceofwoodtopropitselfup.TheTimburralsoappearedtobeglowingwithadarkpurpleauraandhadeyesthatwereglowingthesamebrightredasthemen."Goforth,myminion!"

Wordlessly,theTimburrranforwardandswunghisbeamdownward.Iscreamedandfranticallysteppedback,hittingthebackofmyheadagainstthewallintheprocess."TINY!"ThePikachuchargedupandzappedtheTimburrwithaboltofelectricity.Despiteitsinjuries,theTimburrpickedupitswoodbeamandchuckeditatme.Withanotherscream,IwounduppullingtheProfessorasidewhileavoidingawoodenbeamtothehead.AnotherboltofelectricityhittheTimburrandthatseemedtobeenoughtoknockitout.

"Ah!Getup!Getup!"Theworkerexclaimedashestompedhisfeet."Whyaren'tyougettingup?!"

"It'sprobablytired,justlikeourswereafteryoubeatthem,"saidoneoftheothers.

"Well,whatdohumansnormallydotomakethembetter?!"

"Idon'tknowanymorethanyoudo!"

"ButIwantthegirl'sbody!Iwannabeahumangirl!"Thethirdworkerexclaimed.

"Thengoandpossessher!"

"Forthatyellowthingtoshockme?No!"

Mr.JuniperandIstaredatthebickeringmeninawe."Whatexactlyiswrongwiththem?Atouchofdesertmadnessormaybestress?"Theprofessoraskedinahushedvoice.

"I...thinkthey'repossessed,"Imumbled.Horrormoviesandshowsalwaysmadepossessionseemlikeagrossandterrifyingthing...butthesethreeseemedmorelikeidiotsthananything.

"Possession?Where'dyoudrawthatconclusionfrom?"

"Um...theyjustlookpossessedisall..."Ilied.Sowhat?Ididn'treallyfeelthedesiretotryandprovemyabilities.Notwhenmybrotherwasmissinginadangerousplacewhereghostscouldpossesshim.

"Well!"Thesoundoftheworkers'raisedvoicesbroughtourattentionbackonto

them."Wecan'tdefendourselves.Wecan'tfightthemourselves.SoIsuggestwetakeourselvesand...RUN!"Theworkers'bodiesbegantoglowwithablackaurathatroseupoffofthemlikewispsofblacksmoke.ThesmokeslowlyshapedintothreeYamaskthatweremissingtheirmasks,whoquicklydisappearedintothetunnelwalls.Theworkerstheyhadbeenpossessinggroanedbeforefallingover.

Mr.Juniperapproachedthemenandcheckedeachoneover.Whenhewasfinished,helookedbackatme."They'reonlyunconscious,itseems.Physicallyalright,butI'mnotsurewhatkindofeffectpossessionhasononementally.TothinkYamaskarecapableofthat...Iwonderiftheyresortedtopossessinghumansbecausetheylosttheirmasks!"

"No,professor...IthinkthiswasacaseofPokémonjustbeingjerks,"Imuttered.

"Youreallydojumptothemostpessimisticofresponses,White.Alittleoptimismwouldn'thurtatyourage."

It'snotpessimisticifIheardthembullyinganotherYamaskaboutnotgettingridofhismask,too!Oh,waitasec.IlookedaroundfortheYamask,butitwasnowheretobefound.Ididfinditsmask,though,whichhadfallenoutoftheunconsciousworker'shand.Icroucheddowntopickupthemaskandlookatthecreepyfaceengravedonit.Itactuallydidn'tlookthatbad:thedesignofthefacewasalovelywoman's,andwhoevermadeitwentthroughtheeffortofmakingthehairstickoutonthemask,framingtheface.

"ThatbelongstothatYamask,right?"Tinyaskedashelookedupatme."Thinkit'llwantitback?"

BeforeIcouldanswer,thesoundofcryingandscreamingsuddenlyechoedthroughthetunnel.Ipanickedandbegantocryfrantically,"What'shappening?!What'dwedo?!"

"Itsoundslikeit'scomingfromfurtherdownthetunnel,"saidMr.Juniper."Hmm...Irecognizethatcry!It'sYamask"andplentyofthemfromthesoundofit!"

"R-really?...Don'ttellmewe'regoingtogotowardstheYamask."

"ItmightbewhereBlackis.Hemayhavebeenpossessedjustlikethesepoormen."Mr.Juniperlookeddownattheworkersandfurrowedhisbrowsinthought."Idoubtwe'llbeabletocarrythesemenwithus.Wehavenochoicebuttoleavethemhere."

Thescreamingandcryingincreasedinvolume.SuddenlymyfearforBlackoverwhelmedmyfearofdeathbyYamask."Right!Let'sgo,quick!"

IfoundmyselfrunningdownthetunnelwiththeProfessortrailingbehindmebyacoupleoffeetandTinyrightbesideme.Soon,thetunnelwidenedupasweenteredalargeroom...fullofcoffins.Bigcoffinsthatcameinvariousshadesofbrown,silverandgold,andinthelightcomingoffofTiny,theylookedasiftheywerewell-takencareofdespitethemustyanddirtysurroundings.Eachcoffininmysightwaslaiddownflatonapedestalwithapieceofstoneatitsfeet,thestonehavingsomethingcarvedintoit,almostlikeaheadstoneforatomb.

Andthen,realizationhitme."Oh,no...!Don'ttellme...thisisagraveyard!"Isqueakedoutinfear.NowonderthereweresomanyYamaskroamingaroundthecastle"therewerepeopleburiedbeneathit!Whocouldlivehereknowingthatandnotbecreepedoutaboutit?!

Atthatpoint,ProfessorJunipercaughtuptomeashewascatchinghisbreath."Hm?What'sthis?Havewestumbledacrossacemetery?Unbelievable!Acemeteryunderneathacastle!Trulyanamazingfind!"Heapproachedthecoffinsdespitemesputteringoutwarnings."Let'ssee...ThecolorofthecoffinusuallydetermineswhatstandingthepersonhadamongstthenobilityofancientUnovaintheirlife.Bronzeforthoseofthelower-classednobilityandoccasionallycherishedservants...silverforhigh-classaristocrats...andgoldformembersoftheroyalfamily!Ifmyfieldwasarchaeology,I'dbegiddywithgleeaboutthis!IwonderifthetombofQueenBrynhildaofFreiisdownheresomewhere..."

"QueenBrynhil"Professor!Nowisn'tthetimeforcreepyarchaeology!Nowis"!"Istoppedinmid-sentencewhenIrealizedthattheYamaskwerenolongermakingnoise.Igulped,worriedaboutthesilence,beforesteppingforwardabit.Tinydartedforwardandwentinfrontofme,wantingtoprotectmefromanythingthatmight'vejumpedoutatus.IslowlywalkedforacoupleofminutesbeforeIsawBlackstandinginthemiddleofthepathwithhisbackturnedtome.Thisfeltlikesomefamiliarsceneoutofahorrorfilm,butIstillspokeouttohim."Black?Areyouokay?...SaysomethingorI'll...!"

Blacksuddenlyturnedaroundandconfirmedmyworries.ItmayhavebeenBlack'sbody,butfromhisglowingredeyes,itwasobviousthathe'dbeenpossessedlikethoseworkers."...Goaway,"Black"orrather,theYamaskpossessingBlackspokeflatly.

Ifoundthecouragetosnapathim,"I'mnotgoinganywhereuntilIgetmybrotherback!"

"Brother...?Itmustbenice...havingonewithwhomyoushareabloodconnectionwith.I...cannotsaythesameaboutmyownfamily.Noflesh...noblood.Just

spirits...whoseonlyreasonforexistingistostareatvisagesofourpastselvesorourancestors'pastselves.Itreallyisasadexistence,isn'tit?That'swhy...someonehastosavethemfromtheirpainandsorrow.Iwilldojustthatwiththeaidofthishuman'sfamiliars."

Atthatmoment,aYamaskcameflyingoutofanearbycoffin,cryingitseyesout."NO!Y-youcan'tdestroyourmasks!Mother'smaskisallIhavelefttorememberherby!"

"Soyouwishtospendtherestofyourexistencecryingoveranobject?!Clingingontomemoriesofsomeonelonggone?!"Blackshouted."Ifahumanoranyothercreatureweretodothat,itwouldbeawasteoftheirpreciouslife!Sowhyshouldwetortureourselveswheninstead,wecanbefree?!"

Ittookawhileformetorealizewhatwasgoingon."You...You'rethatYamaskfrombefore,aren'tyou?!"Ishouted."YouheardwhatMr.JunipersaidaboutdestroyingthemaskstomakeYamaskfadeaway!"

"...Yes.Buttheydon'tunderstand.Theythinkthatit'seitherablasphemyorpartofsomestupidgame!I'mtryingtosavethemfromtheirpainandalltheydoisclingontoittightly!"TheYamaskpossessingBlackexclaimed."Theydon'twanttohelpthemselves,soIhavetodoitforthem!Andoncewe'reallfree,we'llbehappier!"

"Idon'tcareaboutwhatcrazyschemeyouwanttodo!Givemebackmybrother!"

"NotuntilIfinishthis!Youunderstand,right?Yousaidyourselfthatit'dbebettertosendthemaway."Icouldn'trespondtothat.Ireallydidthinkthat...butitdidn'tmeanIcondonedpossessingpeopleforit!Especiallynotmybrother!

Mr.Junipercameupbesideme."Iunderstandyourreasons,butshouldn'tyouatleastallowtherestofyourkindachoice?TherearesomeYamaskwhoareabletostoplivinginthepast,Cofagriguswhonolongerthinkaboutthepastandcry,andeventhosewhoaretrainedbyhumanslearntheycanmakenew,happymemories!It'snotfairforyoutodeemthemallhopeless!"

Black'seyesnarrowed."They'veexistedfordecadesandcenturiescryingaboutthepast!Nomore!Iftheywon'thelpthemselves,Iwill!"HepointedaPokéBallatus."Andifyoutrytostopme,Iwilldisposeofyou!"

"Youcan'tbeserious,"IspokeslowlysecondsbeforetheYamaskreleasedBlack'snewGolett.TheGolettwasalsoradiatingwithadarkauraanditsnormallyyelloweyeswereglowingred."Okay,it'sserious!"IexclaimedfranticallyasIgrabbedthefirstPokéBallIgotmyhandsonandsentoutwhoeverwasinside.Itturnedouttobe

Panacea.Howfortunate!

"MissWhite?Wherearewe?"Panaceaasked.HereyesfellonBlackandshebegantoshudder."What'swrongwithMisterBlack?Helooks...off."

"Longstoryshort:Black'spossessed,aghostisbattlingmewithhisPokémon,andweneedtofightforourlives!"Ispokequickly.

Atthatmoment,theGolettattackedwithaShadowPunch.Itthrewapunch,sendingashadowyimageofafistatPanacea.However,itdidn'tseemtodoanythingasitmadeimpact."Oh,my!"wasalltheAudinocouldexclaimassheheldapawtoherface.

"Quickly!UseShadowBall!"Iexclaimed.

TheAudinoputherpawsoutinfrontofherandformedalargeballofblackandpurpleenergy."Sosorryaboutthis.HI-YAH!"Withacry,PanaceafiredtheShadowBallatGolettandithititstarget,explodingintowispsofpurpleandblacksmoke.ItseemedtogreatlyaffecttheGhosttype,makingitstumbleback.

"ShadowBalloncemore!"PanaceaformedanotherShadowBalltofireattheGolett,butitleaptforwardtostrikeherdownwithaMegaPunch,interruptingtheattackbeforeshecouldfinish.Itraisedupafist,readytopunchherwhileshewasdown."StopitwithPsychic!"Beforeitcouldlandtheblow,theGolettwasenvelopedinapinkandpurple-tintedglow.TheAudino'seyesglowedforabriefmomentbeforesheshoutedout,pushingitbackwithtelekineticforce.TheGhosttyperecoveredandpulleditsarmsandlegsintoitsbody,preparingforaRolloutattack."TryShadowBallagain!"ForminganotherShadowBalljustastheGolettwasbeginningtorolltowardsher,PanaceafiredtheballattheGhosttype.Golettsloweditsrollinguntilitcametoastop,itsarms,legsandheadpoppingoutagainjustasthelightleftitseyes."ThankgoodnessforTMs...!"

"Thatwasonlyluck!Righteousnessisonmyside!"MypossessedtwinexclaimedbeforereturningGoletttohisPokéBallandtakingoutanother."Goforthandwin!"HeexclaimedashereleasedFelix.JustlikeGolett,adarkaurawasradiatingfromhimandhiseyeswereglowingred,andhisusualfearfulexpressionwasreplacedbyablanklook."Attack!"

Wordlessly,FelixspatoutastringofthathewrappedPanaceaupin.Then,theSwadloonbegantoglowwithapalegreenauraalongwiththestringthatwasstillinhismouth.TheauramovedalongtoPanacea,whoflinchedasiftheattackwasharmingher.IscannedFelixwithmyPokédextoseewhathewasusing."GigaDrain?!"ThatwasoneofthemovesintheTechnicalMachine!DidBlackteachitto

hisSwadloonatsomepoint?Panaceacryingoutinpainbroughtmebacktoreality."UseAttract!"

"Ah!P-p-pleasedon'thurtme...!"Panaceawhimperedinacuteway.Inresponse,Felixtookadeepbreathbeforeunleashingahigh-pitchedwhine,thevolumeofwhichcausedPanaceapain.Afterawhileofenduringthatnoise,theAudinofellover,unconscious.ButevenafterPanaceahadfainted,Felixcontinuedtoattack,releasingabarrageofrazor-sharpleavesather.IreturnedtheAudinointoherballjustintimetoavoidgettingmoreinjured.Thisguyreallywasmakingthisafighttothedeath!

AsFelixbegantochargeupforanotherRazorLeafbarrage,IgrabbedanotherballfrominsideofmybagandsentoutMars.TheVenipedewoundupgettinghitbytheleaves,buttheydidn'tseemtodomuchdamagetohim.MarsstaredatFelixandBlackbeforelookingbackatmeinconfusion."What'sgoingon?"

BeforeIcouldanswer,FelixattackedbyspittingoutastringofsilkthatattachedtoMar'scarapace.ThentheSwadloonmanagedtopullMarsback,dragginghimtowardshimuntiltheVenipedewascloseenoughtostartbitingdownon.Withoutmyaskinghimto,Marsimmediatelycurleduptodefendhimself."UseRollout!"WhileFelixbitdownonhim,Marsrevvedupandrolledforward,hittingtheSwadloonsquareinthemouthbeforerollingbacktosafety,pullinghimselffreeofthesilkintheprocess."RolltowardshimandgointoPoisonTail!"MarsusedRolloutoncemoretogetclosertoFelix,enduringthebarrageofRazorLeavesuntilhewascloseenough.Aftermanagingtobounceupintotheairanduncurlquickly,theVenipedestrucktheSwadloonontheheadwithhisglowingpurpletailinthemiddleofaflip.Theblowmusthavebeenahardone,becausetheimpactknockedFelixdownandknockedhimout.

"Honestly!Whyisthissohard?Whyarethesefamiliarssoweak?!"ThepossessedBlackexclaimed.Maybebecausethey'renotyours.Ormaybeit'sbecauseyoudon'tknowathingabouthowPokémonbattlesaresupposedtogo.IwasfairlycertainthatifthiswastherealBlackIwasbattling,Iprobablywouldn'tstandmuchofachance...butunderthisguy,Black'sPokémonwerenothingmorethanwildPokémonfollowingtheirownstrategiesandmethods."Irefusetobedefeated!Goforthandtearthemdown!"Inaflashoflight,hereleasedallofBlack'sremainingPokémon.Asexpected,Black'sDewott,TranquillandEeveealsohadthatdarkauraandthoseredeyes.

"Threeatonce?!Thathardlyseemsfair!"IexclaimedsecondsbeforeValentinedovedownatMarsandpickedhimupinhertalons."H-hey!Puthimdown!"ItriedtoreturnMarsintohisball,butValentinekeptdodgingoutofthewayofthebeam.At

thatmoment,brightyellowstarsbegantoformaroundEdwinasKaitobegantoformaballofswirlingbluewaterbetweenhispaws,bothlookingupatMars.IlookeddownatTiny."Tiny!Goget'em!"

"DoIhaveto,White?Idon'twannahurtthem..."Tinyspokesadly.

"They'regonnahurtMarsifyoudon'tdosomething!"ThePikachu'spoutsuddenlybecameafrown.Tinyranforward,staticelectricitybuildingupalonghistail.Theelectricitysoonshapedupintoaballthathadformedatthetipofhistail.Withaflick,TinysenttheballofelectricityflyingatKaito.ItstrucktheDewott,electrifyinghimandmakinghimmisfirehisattack.ItwounduphittingValentineinsteadofMars,andinastateofconfusion,theTranquilldroppedMarsandbeganflyingaboutinaloopymanner.MarscurledupintoaballtolessenthedamageofthefallandthenIreturnedhimtohisball,butIstillcouldn'thidemyaweoverwhathadhappened."Whatwasthat?"

"Fromthelooksofit,anElectroBallattack,"cameMr.Juniper'svoicefrombehindme.ElectroBall,huh?

KaitorecoveredfromtheelectricattackandbegantodoathreateningposewithhisscalchopshellswhileEdwinfiredoffthestarsofhisSwiftattack.SecondsafterthestartsmadeimpactagainstTiny,Valentineflappedherwingsandfiredbladesofcrescent-shapedenergydownatthePikachu,theforceofwhichsenthimtumblingbackwards.ThenKaitoleapttowardsTinyandstruckdownonhimwithhisshells,thefloorbeneathTinycrackingandformingasmallhomeintheprocess.

IreachedintomybagandtookoutEveandShion'sballs."Eve!Shion!Helphimout!"TheEeveeandDewottappearedinaflashoflight.

"Hey,what'sgoingon?!"Eveexclaimedsecondsbeforeabarrageofstarsstruckherwithoutwarning."Ouch!What'sthebigidea?"

AsKaitoraisedoneofhisscalchopshellstoslashatTiny,Shiondashedforward.HertailtookonametallicappearancebeforeshespunonherheelandknockedthescalchopoutofKaito'spaw."Idon'tknowwhat'sgoingon,butknockitoff!"ShejumpedtothesidetoavoidthesideswipefromhisothershellandpickedupKaito'sfallenshelltoblockanotherslash.Astheywerebusystruggling,ValentineswoopeddownquicklyandtackledintoShion,knockingherbackandallowingKaitotoroundhousekickheraside."White!TellBlacktocallthemoff!"Howcanyounotknowwhat'sgoingonnow?!Youguysmusthaveselectivehearinginthoseballs!

"Longstoryshort:Blackispossessed!SoarehisPokémon!Theywanttokillus!"Iexclaimedquickly.

"WHAT?!"ShionandEveexclaimedbeforeValentinerainedanotherbarrageofcrescentbladesdownontothebattlefield.

"Tiny,useElectroBallandknockoutValentine!"Onceagain,electricitysurgedalongTiny'stailuntilaballofelectricityformedatitstip.Withaflickofhistail,theElectroBallwassentflyingthroughthebladesandintoValentine.Aftergettingelectrocuted,thebirdPokémonfelltothegroundunconsciousandsmoking."NowShionuseIcyWindandEveimitateherwithMimic!"Shiontookadeepbreathandblewoutice-coldair.Inseconds,Evewasdoingthesame.TheicyairtheyblewoutsurroundedKaitoandEdwin,chillingthemtothepointofslightlycoveringtheminfrost.Kaitoshookitoffwithease,butithadEdwinreeling."Great!Now,Eve,useQuickAttackonEdwin!"EvedashedforwardandranintoEdwinshoulder-first.TheimpactsentthemaleEeveeskiddingbacktohispossessedtrainer'sfeet."AndShion,useFuryCutter!"

Shionputherhandstogetherapologetically,thoughshestilllookeddetermined."I'msorryforthis!"ShedashedforwardandbeganslashingawayatKaitowithhisownshellandherclaws.However,hewoundupdoingthesamething,exchangingblowforblowbeforehejumpedbackandbeganforminganotherballofwaterbetweenhispaws.KaitofiredtheballforwardandhitShionrightinthefacewithit.Theattackdidn'tdoanyseriousdamage,butafterwards,Shionseemedabitunsteadyonherfeet.Shewentforwardtoattackandwounduptripping.KaitotookthechancetoslamhisfreepawdownonherthewayhedidTiny,breakingthegroundbeneathherintheprocess.

"Tiny,Eve!QuickAttack!"ThePikachuandEeveedashedforwardquicklytotackleKaito.TheircombinedforcewasenoughtosendhimflyingbackintothepossessedBlack,makingthembothfallover.Igaspedandranovertocheckuponhim."Black!Areyouokay?!Areyou...stillpossessed?"

Mr.JuniperwalkedovertousandbegancheckingBlackoveraswell."Theimpactmusthaveknockedhimout.Heseemsokayphysically,butmentally...wecan'tbesureuntilhewakesup."

Then,justliketheworkersfrombefore,inkyblacknessroseupfromBlackandslowlytookontheshapeofanupsetYamask."Why...?!Whyareyougettinginmyway?!Whydoyouwantustokeeplivinginpainlikethisfortherestofourdays?!Areyoureallythatcruel?!"

Igulped."I...Iunderstandthatyouwanttohelpthem!Butjustforcingthemto...fadeawayisalsocruelinaway!"

"She'sright!"Mr.Juniperexclaimed."ThereareYamaskwhocanovercometheirpain"findotherreasonstoexistandfindhappiness!Buttheonlywaytodothatisifyou'rewillingtotry!So...whydon'tyoucomewithme?Youmightfindsomehappinessifyouseetheworldoutsideofthisdesert."WasheseriouslyjustmakingthatoffertoaPokémonthatjusttriedtokillus?

TheYamaskfellsilentandbeganshuddering.Atfirst,itseemedlikeitwasconsideringtheprofessor'sproposal.Butthenitspupilsgrewlargerandlargeruntilitseyeslookedentirelyblack.Itslifelesseyesstaredforwardasitsentirebodybegantoslowlyfadeaway.Istartedlookingaroundtheroomfrantically."Where'ditgo?!"

"Ithink...it'sgone,White,"Mr.Junipersoundedabitsaddenedbythat."Iwonder:diditdisappearbecauseitdidn'thaveitsmask,orbecauseitnolongerwantedtoexist?You'resupposedtorespectaghostPokémonwhenitdecidestofadeawaybyitsownchoice,youknow.Itmeansthatthey'recontentwithwhat'shappenedduringtheirexistenceandreadyforittoend.Buttodosowhenyouprobablyspentallofyourlifemourningaboutthepast...itsoundslikealifeunfulfilled."

NowIfeltabitbadaboutwhatIsaidbefore.ItooknoticeoftheotherYamaskwhohadbeenwatchingustheentiretime.Itlookedfrightened"probablybecauseitsawanotherofitskindjustfadeaway.IalmostforgotthatIwascarryingthething.Icautiouslywalkeduptoitandheldthemaskout."Um,th-thisisyours,right?G-goon,takeit!"NosoonerhadIsaidthatdidtheYamask'stailgrabholdofthemaskandreturnittoitsowner'shands.TheYamaskhuggeditsmaskbeforeitflewoverourheadsanddeeperintothetombs.

Afterthat,IstartedtoreturnBlack'sPokémontotheirrespectiveballsandthankedShionandEvebeforereturningthemaswell.Then,withabitofhelpfromMr.Juniper,IgotBlacktohisfeetandbegandragginghimbackoutthewaywecame.

"Hey,hey!What'sthis?!"Theworkerswemetbeforewerenowawakeandlookingconfused."What'reyouthreedoing?Notouristsalloweddownhere!"

Mr.Juniperclearedhisthroatandgottoworkexplainingthesituation.ImostlytunedthemoutandfocusedonBlack'sface.Ihopedthatbeingpossesseddidn'tharmhiminanyway...

X-X-X

Thenextday,Iwokeupinanunfamiliarroomfilledwithbunkbeds.Anearbywindowletmelookoutsidetoseethatitwasdaytime,andpeoplewerewanderingaboutoutside.IttookawhileformetorememberwhyIwashere.Theforemanwas

niceenoughtoletussleephereforthenight,whichIwasgratefulfor.Bythetimewemadeituptothesurface,Iwassoexhausted.That,andIwantedaplaceforBlacktorestproperlysohecouldgetbetter.ButBlackwasnowhereintheroom,andneitherwasMr.Juniperforthatmatter.TheonlyothersoulinherewasTiny,whowasonthefloortinkeringwiththeTechnicalMachinebeforehenoticedmestaringdownathim.

"Eeep!I-Imean,White!You'reup!You'refinallyup!"ThePikachuexclaimed,droppingtheTMbackintomybag.Hejumpedontothebottombunk."It'sabouttime!BlackandthatJuniperguywentoutsidealongtimeago!"

"Really.Theycouldn'tevenbothertowakemeup..."IgrumbledasIgotupandbeganstraighteningmyselfup.

"Well,theydid,butyoujustkeptsleeping!"Tinyexplainedbeforejumpingontomyshoulder.

"Well,theyshould'vetriedharder,then!"Ihuffedbeforewalkingovertothedoor,onlyforittonearlyhitmeasitopened."H-hey!Watchit!"

"Whoops!Sorryaboutthat!"ItwasBlack.Helookedlikehewasokay,despitebeingpossessedjustlastnight."Finallyup,huh?It'sabouttime.Mr.Juniperleftoveranhourago."

"WHAT?!Hejustupandleftus?!Nowwe'relostinthedesert!"

"Takeiteasy!Theworkerstoldmethatit'snothardtogetbacktotheroadleadingtoNimbasaCity.Sojustrelax."

Isnortedandlookedathimflatly."Ican'tbelieveyou'retellingmetorelaxafteryougotpossessed!"

Blackpuffedouthischestproudly."Well,thatjustgoestoshowhowunflappableIam!"

"I'mshockedthatyouknowwhatunflappableevenmeans."

"KeepmakingrudecommentsandIwon'tgiveyouyourgift~!"Blacksangwithasmirk.

Iarchedaneyebrow."Agift?We'reinabarrendesert.IdoubtI'mgonnalikewhatevergiftyouhaveforme."Hetookoutsomethingfromhisbagandshowedittome.Itwasround,clearandsmooth-lookingwithaslightlyreddishtint."Ooh,that

looksinteresting.Whatisit?Somekindofjewelry?"

"Maybe.Somearchaeologisttypeguytoldmethatit'samber.Byitsappearance,itmight'vebeenjewelryforsomefancypersonwaybackwhen."

"Wow...!Andthisisforme?"Ieagerlytooktheamberfromhimandinspectedit."Arealrelicfromanancienttime...Howexciting!"Italmostlookedasiftherewassomethinginside,butitwassosmallthatIcouldn'ttellwhatitwas.

Blackshrugged."IfigureIhadtogiveyousomethingsoyouwouldn'tcomplainaboutmebeingungratefulforsavingmylife.Uh...thanksforthat,bytheway.DidI...causeanytrouble?Ican'treallyrememberwhathappenedlastnightafterIgotpossessed.Andmyhead'sbeenkillingmesinceIgotup."Ilookedathiminconcern."Imean,I'mfine,butmyheadhurtsalittlebit..."

Ishookmyheadandputtheamberaway."Youdidnothingwrong,Black."Technically,itwasn'tevenhim."Anyway,I'mreadytoleavenow."

Mybrotherpouted."Aww!Butwehaven'tgonediggingforfossilsandrelicsand...stuff.Ithoughtyou'datleastwanttogoonanofficialtouroftheRelicCastle."

"I'vehadmyfilloftheResortDesert,Black.Ijustwannagetbacktosweetcivilization...oratleastsomewherewithoutsand..."

X-X-X

Notes!

AHexManiacisatrainerclassthatspecializesinGhosttypeandPsychictypePokémon.

AudinolearnsPsychicandShadowBallviaTM.SwadloonlearnsGigaDrainviaMoveTutor,butitwasaTMinGen2.EeveelearnsSwiftandMimicviaTMonlyinGen1.DewottlearnsIronTailandIcyWindviaMoveTutor,bothofwhichwereTMsinGen2,andRockSmashviaTM.

Thegold,silverandbronzemasksreferredtowasinspiredbygold,silverandbronzemedals.ThosemedalsinturnwerenamedfortheGold,SilverandBronzeAgesofManfromGreekmythology.

BrynhildaisaspellingvariationofthenameofaValkyriefromGermanicmythologywhosleptinaringofflamesuntilshewasrescuedbySiegfriedintheepicpoemNibelunglied."Frei"isaGermanwordmeaningsuchthingsas

"free","released,""unlimited"and"unrestrained"amongothersimilarmeanings,andisalsomeanttosoundsimilarto"fray",whichcanmean"afight"or"tounravel".

Chapter21

Disclaimer:BluRosedoesn'townthePokémonseries.Onlythisfic.

X-X-X

~Shock'EmontheShiningBattlefield!~

OR!

~VSTheShiningBeauty!~

Sometimes,therearethingsinlifethatyoutakeforgranted.Likeairconditioning...vendingmachines...andwindthatdoesn'tblowsandinyourface.Themomentweofficiallyleftthedesert,IwasabletovaluethesewonderfulthingsfarmorethanIdidbefore.ThetasteofcoldwaterrightoutofavendingmachinewaslikeheavenwhencomparedtothathotwaterIwoundupusingtohydratemyself.Ihadn'tbotheredtospeakuntilIfinishedtheentirebottleoffreshwater."I'msogladwe'refinallyoutofthatplace!"Igasped.BlackandTinywerealsodrinkingbottlesofwater,buttheywerestillfinishingtheirs.IsighedasIbegantorunmyfingersthroughmyhair."Although,thisisjustthegateafterthedesert.Iguesswestillhaveawhiletogountilwe'veofficiallyreachedNimbasaCity..."

Blackgaspedinreliefandbegantosmile."Yeah,butatleastwewon'thavetogothroughthedesert.I'msoexcited!Ican'twaittogettoNimbasa!"Heexclaimedashestretchedhisarmsupintotheair.

"Ican'twaittogetachancetoshower..."ImumbledasIbegantobrushthesandoutofTiny'sfur.Itfellontothetiledfloor,butitwasalreadydirtywithsandanddirtcarriedinfromotherpeoplewhotraveledinherefromtheResortDesert.

Blacktookoffhiscapandbegantoshakethesandoffofit,saying,"Hey...doyouremembercomingtoNimbasaCityonourfamilyvacationsallthoseyearsago?"

"Wedidn't.Wait.Actually..."Ithenlookedupattheceilingofthetunnel-likegateinthought."Wedidgotherebefore,didn'twe?Butweonlywentthereonce,Ithink."Mymemoryofourtimetherewasfuzzy,butIrememberedthatitwasthelastfamilyvacationwehadbeforemovingtoNuvemaTown.

Black'ssmilereturnedashefinisheddustingoffhishat."Oh.Well,whatever.It'llstillbefuntoseehowmuchofthecitywecanremember,right?Ofcourse,weshouldprobablydothatafterfindingtheNimbasaGymandbeatingthegymleader,Elesa."

Heputhishatbackon,gotupoffoftheseat,andbeganpulledmeoffofthechairI'dbeensittingon.Tinywoundupabandoningthewaterbottlehe'dbeendrinkinginordertojumpontomyshoulderforeasytransportation."C'mon,c'mon!Let'sgetgoing!"HeexclaimedashestartedtopullmedownthetunnelthatledtoNimbasaCity.

X-X-X

IfthereisonethingthatalwaysseemstoamazemesofaronthisjourneyacrossUnova,it'sthecitiesIgettosee.NuvemaTownseemedtinywhencomparedtoStriatonCity,andthatseemedordinarycomparedtoNacreneCity,whichwasbarelyathirdofthesizeofCasteliaCity.Nimbasawasn'tbiggerthanCasteliaorevenasbigasit,butitwasapparentthemomentwesteppedintothecityhowmuchmorelivelyandvibrantitwastotheothers.Billboardsbothordinaryandelectronic,brightlylitneonsigns,jumbotrontelevisionsthatwerepartofbuildingsandwereshowingofflocalchannels...justabouteverythingwaspromotingsomeplace,event,oritem.Casteliawasoverwhelmingbecauseoftheamountofpeople,butNimbasacityitselfwasoverwhelmingwithitspresence"especiallyafterwanderingaloneinthedesertformostoftheday.

"Wow...!"IfoundmyselfutteringatthesametimeasTinyandBlack.

"Canyoubelieveit?Thisplaceisreally...something,"Blackspokesoftly."Thenagain,thisissupposedtobetheplaceforentertainmentinUnova."Heshookoffhisaweandbeganlookingaround."Let'sfindaPokémonCentersowecangetcleanedupandfigureoutourgameplan."

X-X-X

Muchlater,afterwemanagedtofindthePokémonCenterclosesttoRoute4,Iwasabletogetwashedup.IhadtobeagoodtrainerandwashupmyPokémontoo,butsinceourroomhadashowerinsteadofabath,itledtosome...veryawkwardandmessymoments.Iwasn'texactlybarenaked,butstill...IthinkthatwastheleastamountofclothingI'dworninfrontofmyPokémon.Afterleavingthebathroom,IfoundBlackkneelingonthefloornexttooneofthebedsandreadingasmallbook."What'reyoudoing?"

Withoutlookingupfromthebook,Blackanswered,"ThisisatouristguidebooktoNimbasaCity.It'sgotallthenotablesightstoseehere...exceptfortheNimbasaGym!Canyoubelieveit?!"

"Oh,yes.Certainlyacitybestknownforitscontributionstotheentertainmentindustryshouldpromote,ofallthings,PokémonLeaguechallenges,"Ispokeflatly.

"Youkeepyoursnarkinessdowntoaminimum!Thisjustmakesithardertofind"Oh."

"What?"

"There'salittleblurbaboutElesahere.She'sthegymleaderoftheNimbasaGym,andalsoamodel.ThesearesuperelectrifyingsupermodelElesa'sfavoritespotsinNimbasaCity!#5:TheBigandSmallStadiumslocatedinnortheastNimbasa"ElesajustlovestoseethehomegamesforNimbasa'shometeams!#4:ThePokémonMusicalTheaterlocatedinnorthwestNimbasa"it'sthemostrecentattractioninNimbasaCity,andElesajustlovestoshowoffherdazzlingPokémononstage!#3:TheGearStationlocatedunderneaththecity"ElesajustlovestoridetheBattleSubwaywayandseejusthowfarsheandherPokémonteamcango!#2:TheRondez-ViewFerriswheellocatedintheamusementparkineasternNimbasa"Elesajustlovesthesightofthecityfromtheverytop!Andfinally,#1:TheNimbasaCityGymlocatedintheamusementparkineasternNimbasa"Elesalovestohavestrongtrainerscometochallengeherandtestherstrength!"

"Shesurelovesalotofstuff,huh?"Iaskedflatly.

Blackpointedtheguideatme."Iknowyouheardthat!WeneedtotryandfindtheNimbasaGymbeforeit'stoolate!"

"Beforewhat'stoolate?"

"BeforeCherengetstoofaraheadofme!"

Igavemybrotheralookofdisbeliefashepouted."Seriously?Youareso..."Icouldonlysighandrubmytemplesfromtheslightheadachethatwasdeveloping.

Mybrotherjumpedontohisfeet,nowexcited."Anyway,Ithinkwe'vetrainedlongandhardwhilewewereinthedesert.Wedon'tneedtoprepare!We'reready!IknowI'mready.Areyouready?"

"I'mreadyforbed,"IspokeflatlyasIwentovertotheotherbedandploppedmyselfdown."Youcangochallengethegymifyouwant,butsomeofusneedtorecoverfromthetrip."

Blackarchedaneyebrowandfoldedhisarmsacrosshischest."Whateverhappenedtowantingtobestronger?"

"Mypersonalhealthismoreimportantthanadesireforstrength."Atthispoint,I'd

closedmyeyesandwasreadytotakealittlenap.

"...Fine.I'mgoingtotheamusementparktochallengeElesa!Youcanjuststayhereand...sleep."Afewminutesafterthat,Iheardthesoundofthedoorclosingshut.

X-X-X

ShortlyafterBlackhadleft,I'dwokenupandbeguntowatchtelevisioninthecompanyofmyPokémon.ItmightseemlikeastepbackwardsthatIwasmoreadamantaboutstayingintolazeaboutinsteadofgoingtochallengetheNimbasaGym...buttome,thiswasjustmeappreciatingthejoysofcivilizationafterallthattimeinthedesert.Ofcourse...myPokémonwerenotsogung-hoaboutmydecision.

"MissWhite...you'resupposedtobechallengingthegym,aren'tyou?Youdon'twanttofallbehind."ThatwasPanacea.

"Getup,White!Weneedtogotothegymsowecangetstronger!"ThatwasTiny.

"White!Ifwedon'tpersevereandtackletheobstaclesinourpath,we'llneverchange!"ThatwasShion.

IlookeddownattheDewottfrommyspotontheendofthebedwithEveandMars."Youknowit'sanElectrictypegym,right?Thechancesofmeusingyouinbattlewouldbeslim."

Shionpoutedandlookedaside."W-well,justbecauseIcan'ttacklethisobstacledoesn'tmeanyoushouldn't!"

"Whydoyouguyswannastartfightingagain?Thisissooomuchnicer!"Eveexclaimedassherolledaroundonthebed."Marsisn'tcomplaining!"

"That'sbecauseMarshasbeenallrolledupsincehegotout,"Tinypointedoutinaflattone,pointingupatthecurledupbugwithhalf-liddedeyes.

Ilightlytappedhisshell,butgotnoresponse."Ifsomethingwaswrongwithhim,thenursesarethefrontdeskwould'vetoldmeso.I'msurehe'sonlytired,too."Venipedeweren'tdesertbugs,thankgoodness.Iwouldn'twanttorunintoonehiddenunderthesand.

"White...!Idon'twannabestuckinhereallday...!Let'sgooutsideandhavefun...!"Tinywhinedwithapoutandbigwateryeyes.

Eveimmediatelypouncedintomylaptodrawmyattention."Don'tlistentohim!He's

tryingtomanipulateyouwithhiscuteness!"

Isighed,pickeduptheremote,andturnedofftheTVjustastheinvestigatorswerestartingtowrapupamurder."Fine.Youwin.Iobviouslycan'tgetamomenttorestuntilIgetagymbadge..."Igrumbled.EvewhinedasTiny,PanaceaandShioncheeredattheirsuccessandIbegangettingmythingstogether.

X-X-X

AfterenduringwalkingthroughthecrowdswanderingthroughNimbasaCity'sstreets,occasionallybeingcaughtupinanoceanofpeoplewhowentinadirectionIwasn'ttryingtogo,andgettinglostontheway,Imanagedtofindthelocalamusementpark.Icouldn'thelpbutlookateverythingaweasIwalkedthroughit,takingintherides,stalls,andthebiginflatablePokémonthatIwasabletoseefromthere.AttheverybackwasaFerriswheelthattoweredovertherestofthepark.

"Ooh,what'sthat?Ooh,what'sthat?OOOOOHHHH!There'saPikachu,Ithink!"Tinywasbusyalsogapinginaweatthesightsoftheamusementpark.

"You'renotgonnafindoutuntilwe'redonechallengingthegym,"Ispokestiffly.IlookedatthePikachuashewhinedfromhisplaceonmyshoulder,tuggingatmyhair."Hey,youwantedtogotothegym.YouhavenoonebutyourselftoblameforgoingalongwithPanaceaandShion."Tinypoutedandstaredatmewithwateryeyes."...ButIguesswecangoonsomerideslater."

"Yes!"ThePikachuexclaimed.

IglimpsedthefamiliarsymbolofthePokémonLeagueandstoppedwalkingtogetabetterlook.NestledbetweensomeinflatableElectric-typePokémonwastheNimbasaGym,withaflashingneonsignpromotingGymLeaderElesa,theShiningBeauty."Well,we'rehere.Bettergetyourgamefaceon."

Blacksaidthatshewasalsoasupermodel.AnartistlikeBurghhadagymbasedaroundhisart,andanarchaeologistlikeLenorahadhergyminsideofamuseum,sowhatdidamodel'sgymlooklike?Ithoughtit'dbesomethingthatlookedlikeafashionshoworaphotoshoot,butwhenIwentinthroughtheslidingdoors,Iwassurprisedtofind...arollercoaster.Therewasalegitimateindoorrollercoaster.Multiplecarsweregoingaroundonrailsthatwerelitupwithneonlightsofvariouscolors.Icouldn'thelpstandingthereinawe.

"Heythere!"Amanstandingneartheclosestrollercoasterexclaimed."Heretochallengethegym,huh?Icanseeyou'resurprisedtoseeallofthis!Who'dhavethoughtthere'dbearollercoasterinsideofagym?Anyway,ifyouwannagetto

Elesa,you'vegottaridecoastercarslikethisonetogettoherdestination.Eachcaronlygoesbetweentwoplatforms,soyou'llneedtochangecarsinordertoreachElesa."

"Wait,that'sit?Just...ridethecars?"Iasked,archinganeyebrow.

Themannodded."Justridethecars."

"Huh...Alright,then.Thanksfortheinformation."

"IrecommendyoukeepyourPokémoninsideoftheirballswhileyou'reontheride!Wouldn'twantthelittlefellaonyourarmgettingthrownoffwhileit'sgoing."

"Oh,right."ItookoutTiny'sballand,despitehimgivingmeacute,sadface,Ireturnedhimintoitbeforesteppingintothecar.

Aftermakingsureeverythingwasinplace,themanwalkedovertoaconsole,pushedsomebuttons,andthecoasterbeganridingdowntheneonrail.Itstartedoffslow,butsoongainedenoughspeedformetoinstinctivelygripthesafetybars.Iteventuallyslowedtostopatanotherplatform,whichhadanothercarattheotherendonadifferently-coloredrail.Andinthemiddleoftheplatform...wasaPikachu.Itsbackwasturnedtome,butassomeonewhoactuallyownsaPikachu,I'mprettysureIcouldtellonefromtheback.ThiswasanElectrictypegym,somaybeitbelongedtosomeone.Butnobodyhumanwasthere,soIwoundupsendingTinyouttohelpapproachit.

"Tiny,goandmakefriendswiththatPikachu."Betternottoriskgettingzapped.

"Ooh!Okay."TinywentovertothePikachuandpatteditontheback.Itsuddenlygottallerandturnedaroundtoreveal...alittlegirlinaPikachuoutfit."Whoa!"

"It'saPikachu!"ThecostumedgirlsquealedindelightbeforeshepickedupTiny."Pika-pi!Pikachu?"

"Uhhh...what?"Tinyasked,soundingconfused.

Shesuddenlybegantohughimtightly."You'resooocuteandcuddly!"

"Wait!"Iexclaimed,runningforward."Youcan'tjusthughimlikethatorhe'llshockyou!"

ThegirlletgoofTinyandlookedatmeinconfusion."Huh?Who'reyou?IsthisPikachuyours?"

"Yeah.Areyouactuallyatrainerhere,littlegirl?"Iasked,archinganeyebrow.

Thecostumedgirlpuffedhercheeksoutinannoyance."Itdoesn'tmatterhowoldyouareorhowyoudress!Atrainerisatrainerisatrainer!"

"Ididn'tmentionthewayyoudress..."

"IlovePikachusomuchthatIwannabeaPikachu!That'swhyIwearthiscostume!Pika-pi!"

"Yeah,sure.Listen,arewegonnahaveaPokémonbattleornot?"

"Pi-Pikachu!Alright!"Thecostumedgirlranovertooneendoftheplatform,rightinfrontofthenextcoastercar,asshepulledoutaPokéBallfromsomewhereonherperson."Pikachuuuu~!"Inflashoflight,anEmolgaappearedinfrontofher.EmolgawerealotlikePikachu"electricrodentswithdistinctiveelectricpouchesontheircheeks.Theonlydifferencebetweenthemandotherelectricrodent-likePokémonwastheirabilitytoflywiththeyellowcape-likemembraneunderitsarms.

"WhydoyouhaveanEmolgaifyou'redressedlikeaPikachu?!"Iexclaimed.

"Becausetherearen'tanyPikachuinUnova!ButEmolgaareascuteasPikachu,soit'sokay!"Atitstrainer'sstatement,theEmolgadidalittletwirl,showingoffitscape.

"Okay..."Itookoutaball."Go,Mars!"Inaflashoflight,Marsappeared...stillcurledupintoaball.Istared,waitingforhimtouncurl,buthedidn't."Mars?"Noresponse.Notevenatwitch.Hecouldn'thavestartedtodisobeymenow...soIfiguredhewasjustsleepingstill."Nevermind..."ImutteredasIreturnedthebugintohisball.IthoughtforafewsecondsbeforetakingoutanotherPokéBall."Go,Eve!"

Inaflashoflight,Eveappeared,lookinguninterested."Alright.Let'sgetthisoverwith.Iwannagetbacktobed."Atleastfakebeingenergetic!You'regoingintoafight!

"Emolga!UseDoubleTeamandAcrobatics,Pika!"Thecostumedgirlexclaimed.HerEmolgatookoffwitharunningstart.Itflewthroughtheair,performingloop-de-loopsanddivingdownatEveasitmadecopiesofitselfintheair.AfterthereweremanyEmolgacopies,itfinallyswoopeddownandtackledEvefrombehindbeforegoingbackupintotheair."Yeah!Keepitup!"

"Um,useQuickAttacktododge!"EvebegantojustbarelydodgetheEmolga'sswoopingdives.Atonepoint,theEeveeturnedonadimejustasitswoopeddownbehindherandtackledheadfirstintoit.TheEmolgafelloutoftheairandskidded

acrossthefloorforafewsecondsbeforestopping."NowpounceanduseBite!"EveranovertotheEmolgajustasitwasgettingupandpounced,onlytomissasittooktotheaironceagain.

"Nicetry,Pika-pi!Emolga,useShockWave!"Thegirl'sEmolgabegantogenerateelectricity.Withashout,theEmolgafiredawidewaveofelectricitydownatthefloor.Evewasn'tabletododgeandwoundupgettingshocked.

"Ijustwantedtosleeponanice,comfybedtoday.Wasthattoomuchtoask?!"Evewhined.

"Calmdown!UseMimictocopythatShockWave!"Eve'seyeslitupforafewsecondsbefore,liketheEmolga,itbegantogenerateelectricityandunleashedanelectricwaveattheflyingsquirrel.IthitandtheEmolgafalteredintheair."Doitagain!"

"Pika!UseSparktoabsorbit!"ThePikachuGirlexclaimed.HerEmolgabegantogenerateafieldofelectricityasitdovedown.Itwentthroughtheelectricitywave,aimingdownatEve,whocouldonlystareupinawe.

"Moveoutoftheway!"Icriedout.EvejumpedoutofthewayintimetoavoidthediveandtheEmolgawoundupcrashingface-firstintothefloor."Now,useBite!"

"UseSparktoprotectyourself,Pika-pi!"JustasEvepouncedontotheEmolgaandbitdown,itgeneratedelectricity,shockingherintheprocess.Whenitwasalloverwith,theybothcollapsed,seeminglyunconscious!"CHUUUU!NotmyEmolga!"Thegirlcriedoutbeforereturningitintoitsball."IfonlyIwasarealPikachu...ThenIcouldbattleyouandwin!ButIlost...Okay,youcantaketherollercoasterheretogofurtherintothegym!"

IranuptoEveandcheckedherover.Shewasunconsciousandslightlysmokingfromtheexposuretoelectricity.Igottoworkhealingherwithspraysofpotionand,justincase,ParalyzeHeal."Youdidreallywell.Youcanrestfortherestoftheday,sodon'tworry,"ImumbledbeforereturningEveintoherball.IlookedatTiny."You,too.Timetogetbackinside."

"WAIT!"ThePikachugirlranuptomewithsparklingeyes."CanItouchyourPikachu?!"

Istaredatthegirlforafewsecondsbeforeflatlysaying,"Sure.Butnohugging."ShesquealedandbeganpattingandstrokingTiny.Apartofmejustcouldn'tresistallowinghertodothat,regardlessofTiny'spouting.IusedtobeaRaichugirlmyselfasalittlekid.

X-X-X

Acoasterridelater,Imadeittothenextplatform.Standinginfrontofthecoasterthatwouldtakemetomynextdestinationwasayoungman.Heworeafancy-lookingwhitesuitwithshinedblackshoes,andthewayhelookedatmeamplifiedthe"I'mbetteroffthanyouare"vibethatwascomingoffofhim."Aha!Achallenger!It'sabouttime!"

"Lemmeguess:Ineedtobeatyoutogetonthecoaster,"Ispokesimply.

"Indeed.Atleastyouaren'tassimpleasyourclothesmakeyoulook."Wow.Iguessbeingajerkisn'tano-nowhenyou'reagymtrainer."Iwouldprefertoskipwiththepleasantries.AllowmetoshowyouthemightofmypedigreePokémon!"TherichkidtookoutaPokéBallthatappearedtobeencrustedwithgemsonthetoplid.Whowoulddothat?

Inaflashoflight,aflat,brownPokémonappearedinfrontoftherichkid,shimmeringwithsparklesasitdid.IrecognizeditasaStunfisk,akindofPokémonthathiditselfinthemudnearshoresandshockedanyonewhosteppedonit.Butitsyellowfinandexclamationmark-likepatternwereinsteadblue,andthentherewasthatsparklingshimmerarounditthatdidn'tmatchitsblank-eyedlook.

"DoyoulikemyStunfisk?Iboughtitfromaveryfamousforeignbreederpaidalotofmoneyforit!Andjustlookatthatshine!"TherichguyboastedasIscannedmyPokédexforStunfisk'sweaknessesandbegantothinkaboutmyoptions.Shionwastheonlyonewithmovesthatitwasweakto,butitwouldprobablyhaveElectrictypemovestocounterWatertypes.TinycouldresistitsElectrictypeattacks,butitmayhavehadGroundtypeattacks,too.IwoundupsendingoutPanaceasinceshe'dprobablytakelessdamagefromitsattacks."Oh.AnAudino.Howuninteresting.Stunfisk!Let'sbeginbyusingMuddyWater!"TheStunfiskbegantoflopinplacebeforesuddenly,awaveofdirtybrownwaterformedbeneathitandmovedtowardsPanacea.ThewaveovertookPanaceaandmadeherfallover,dirtyingherintheprocess.

"Ah!Myeyes!Panaceacriedoutasshebegantorubhereyes.

"TrytouseShadowBall!"TheAudinobegantoformaballofpurpleandblackenergybetweenherpawsbeforefiringitattheStunfisk...andmissingasitflewovertheTrapPokémon'shead."Well,that'snogood...TrytouseAttract!"

PanaceaputherpawstogetherasshecametheStunfiskacutelook."Won'tyoupleasetakeiteasyonme?"TheStunfisk'seyeslitupanditdidadopeylaughbeforeitfloppedaboutinplace.

"Unbelievable!Stunfisk,don'tfallforthis...filledejoie!"Therichkidexclaimed.

"Hey!Iknowwhatthatmeans!It'sjustabattletactic,youjerk!"Ishouted.

"Onlytheunculturedwouldconsiderthatatactic!Stunfisk,BounceonthatAudino!"TheStunfiskcontinuedtogigglelikeadopeasitsuddenlybouncedupintotheairandlandedontopofPanacea,forcingherdowntothefloor."Yes!That'stheway!NowuseDischarge!"

"Tee-hee-hee!"Ratherthanlisteningtohistrainer'scommands,theStunfiskbegantoflopontopofPanacea."You'resosoftandyousmelllikeberries...!"

"Ugh...!MissWhite!Ican'tmove!Mybodyfeelsnumb!"Panaceapleadingcameoutmuffled.Uponcloserlook,InoticedthattheStunfiskwasgeneratingatinybitofelectricityasitlaidontopofher.

"Stunfisk!UseDischarge!"Therichkidrepeated,onlytobemetwithmoregiggling.

"Okay,thisisgettingcreepy.Panacea,getitoffwithPsychic!"Iexclaimed.PanaceaandtheStunfiskbegantoglowwithabrightblueaura.TheTrapPokémonwassuddenlysentspiralingupintotheairbyapsychicforce.

"RecoverwithaBounce!"Therichkidcommanded.Stunfiskrecoveredinmidairandsuddenlydroppedtothefloor,bouncingafewtimesbeforelandingsafely.Itlookedabitheartbrokennow."Haveyousnappedoutofit?ThenuseDischarge!"

"YoubrokemyHEAAAARRRT!"TheStunfiskcriedasitunleashedadozensofbeamsofelectricityatPanacea.Theonesthattraveledthroughtheairmissed,butthemuddywaterthathadwetthefloorwasshockedbythewater,shockingbothPanaceaandtheStunfiskatthesametime.TheStunfisk,typicalofitskind,didn'tseemtofeelthepain,whilePanceaenduredtheshockingforce.

"NowuseBouncetofinishitoff!"

PanaceastumbledbackabitasshetriedtorecoverfromtheattackandtheStunfiskbouncedupintotheair."KnockitbackwithSecretPower!"JustastheStunfiskwasabouttolandontopofher,Panaceajumpedupandhititwithabodyslam,sendingitflyingupintotheaironcemore."NowShadowBall!"Sheformedaballofghostlyenergybetweenherpaws.AfterafewsecondsofstaringatthemidairStunfisk,shefiredtheShadowBallandithititstarget.Itpromptlyfelltothegroundinadazeandseeminglyunabletobattle.

"Noway!Howcouldyoubeatmyexpensiveandwell-bredStunfisk?!"TherichkidcomplainedashereturnedtheStunfiskintoitsfine-lookingball.Hemutteredsomethingbeforegoingofftosulkinacorneroftheplatform.

IapproachedPanaceawithpotionsinhand."Youokay?"

"Ifeelveryodd,MissWhite.Veryunclean,"PanaceasaidasIsprayedherinjurieswithSuperPotion.IreallyhopedthatshewasreferringtothedirtfromtheMuddyWaterandnotbeingflouncedonbythatStunfisk...

X-X-X

Therestofmytimetravelingthroughthegymwasspentinmostofthesameway:findacar,battleatrainertogetintothecar,ridethecartogofurtherwhenvictorious.SometimesIwasn'tbattlingthemtogetintoacar,buttodealwitheasy-to-understandcontrolsthatwouldmakeacoastercarrideonadifferentlanetoanewplatform.Eitherway,IfoundmyselfusingalotofParalyzeHealsandSuperPotionstohealmyPokémontothepointofrunningout.

Eventually,Iwasridingacoastercardownarailwithpurpleneonlights.IgrippedthesafetybarstightlywhenIsawanintimidatingsightthathadbeenabsentfromtherestofmyridethroughthegym:loop-de-loops.IwasscreamingbeforeIevenwentthroughthem,seeminglyspeedingupwitheachloopIwentthrough.Thecoastercareventuallysloweddowntoastopinfrontofthenextplatform,butittookafewsecondsbeforemylegsfeltstrongenoughformetostepoutontoit.

AndassoonasIdid,alargespotlightshonedown.Unliketheotherplatforms,thisonewasdifferent.Theblack-tiledfloorhadanofficial-lookingbattlefieldinthemiddleofit,madeupofblueneonlights.Standingontheothersideofthebattlefieldwasawomanwithherbackturnedtome.Withahandonherhip,sheturnedaroundtofaceme.Shewastall,blondeandblue-eyed,wearingayellowandblackdressthatrevealedportionsofhertorso,longandtightblackleggings,yellowhigh-heeledshoes,andapairofheadphonesthatwereredononesideandblueontheother.Shecertainlylookedprettyenoughtobeamodel.

"Areyou...thegymleaderElesa?"Iasked.

Theblondewomanlookedshocked."You...don'tknowwhoIam?"

"Uh,sorry.Idon'treallypayattentiontotheworldoffashionand...stuff."Imight'veglimpsedheronTVoronsomemagazinecovers,butIneverreallyrememberedsuchthings.

Ratherthanlookoffended,Elesaseemedamused."Well,howlong'sitbeensinceI'vebeenchallengedbysomeonewhodidn'trecognizemyface?Sinceyoudon'tknow,I'llintroducemyself."Shebegantoposewithonehandonherheadandtheotheronherhipwithalegstretchedforward."I'mElesa.I'mbestknownthroughoutUnovaasamodel,butthat'sajobwhereIhavetomakesomeoneelse'svisionlooklikeareality.Iliketothinkthattherealmeisashocking,dazzlingPokémontrainer!"ShespunonherheeloncemoreandwassuddenlyholdingaPokéBallinonehandbetweenherfingerswhiletheotherstillrestedonherhip."Didyoufeelthefantasticspeedoftherollercoasterasyouwentthroughthisgym?Well,mybelovedElectricPokémonwillzapyousohard,yourheadwillspin!"Elesaexclaimed.Istayedsilent,waitingformore."Well?Thisisthepartwhereyouzapmebackwithawittyorsimpleretort!Atleastsayyourname!"

"Oh.I'mWhite.AndI'mwaitingfortherules,like,whatIhavetodotowin."

"Oh.Ofcourse.Howmanybadgesdoyouhaverightnow?"

"Ihavethreebadges."

Elesaturnedaroundtofacemecompletely,nolongerposing."Wellthen,White,let'shaveadazzlingthree-on-threetriplebattle!"

Iarchedaneyebrow."A...triplebattle?"

"It'sthenewestthing.BasicallywegettouseonlythreePokémon,andwehavetouseallthreeofthemonthebattlefieldatthesametime.Towin,youhavetoknockoutallthreeofmyPokémonwhilemakingsureatleastoneofyoursisconscious.TryandusemorethanthethreePokémonandyou'lllose."

"But...whyatriplebattle?Alltheothergymleadersonlyhadone-on-onematches."

Elesawaggedafingeratme."It'sagymleader'sjobtotesttrainersandtheirPokémontoseethatthey'vegottheskillstochallengetheEliteFourandtheChampion.Soconsiderthisadifferentkindofhurdletoovercome.Besides,it'sfun,andIliketoshakethingsup!Thelastchallengerdidn'tcomplainwhenIdecidedwe'dhaveaRotationbattle."RotationBattle?Whattheheckwasthat?!"So,doyouunderstandtherules,White?YoudohaveatleastthreePokémon,right?"

"...Yeah.Sure.Let'sbegin."

Elesa'seyeslitupandshebegantosmile."Excellent!ThenletmeshowyoumybrilliantlyshiningPokémon!Goandlightupthestage!"SheexclaimedasshetossedthreePokéBallsupintotheair.Inaflashoflight,threePokémonappearedon

Elesa'ssideofthebattlefield:anEmolga,aZebstrika,andaJoltikthatalmostwentunseenduetoitssize.

"Alrightthen..."Ifthiswasathree-on-threebattleandElesa'sPokémonwereallElectrictypes,Iknewstraightawaywho'dbeuseful."Go,Tiny!"Inaflashoflight,Tinyappearedinfrontofme.

Elesaimmediatelybegantosquealassheheldontoherfaceindelight,"Ohmygosh,aPikachu!It'ssooocute!"

AndhavingTinyonthefieldmeanthecouldabsorballofherPokémon'selectricityandIwouldn'thavetoworryaboutShion'ssafety."Go,Shion!"Shionappearedinaflashoflight,nexttoTiny.Evewasunconscious,Panaceawaswornoutfrombattle,andIdidn'thaveanyhealingitemstomakeeitherofthemfitforanotherfight.Really,Ihadnootherchoicebuttheonememberonmyteamwhotechnicallyhadn'tbattledyet."Go,Mars!"Inaflashoflight,Marsappeared...stillcurledupintoaball.Ifeltbadforthinkingit,butmaybeifhegotknockedaroundonceortwiceinthefight,he'dwakeup.

"Alright!Let'shaveagloriousanddazzlingbattle!Joltik,useDischargeonEmolgaandZebstrika!"What?IwatchedinconfusionasElesa'sJoltikchargedupandzappedherotherPokémonwithboltsofelectricity.Asexpected,theyweren'treallyharmedbyit.Infact,itseemedliketheywere...enjoyingit."MydearEmolgaandZebstrikahavetheabilityMotorDrive.Itletsthemabsorbelectricityinordertoincreasetheirspeed!Sonow!Emolga,showoffyourAcrobaticsonthatVenipede,andZebstrika,attackthatDewottwithWildCharge!"

"No!Tiny,chargeintothatZebstrikawithQuickAttack!Shion,protectMarsanduseIcyWind!"Iexclaimed.

Elesa'sZebstrikaandEmolgaimmediatelytookoff,showingouttheirnewspeed.TinydashedforwardwhileShionstayedclosedtoMars.WhentheEmolgacameswoopingabovethem,Shiontookadeepbreathandbegantobreatheafreezingwindupintotheairtoholditoff.Meanwhile,TinyranuptotheZebstrikaandjumpedheadfirstintoit,absorbingitselectricitywhiletakingtheforceofitscharge.Tinywassentflyingback,butrecoveredinmidairandlandedonhisfeet.

"Tiny,aimSwiftupatthatEmolga!"

"Zebstrika,useStomp!"

JustasTinywaspreparingtofirehisSwiftupattheEmolga,theZebstrikaboundedovertohimandstompeddownonhimwithitshoof,stoppinghimashewasforced

tothefloor.

"TrytouseSwiftonthatZebstrika!"

Tiny'staillitupbeforeittwitchedandfiredoffabarrageofstarsattheZebstrika'sbellyandlegs.TheimpactcausedittoraiseitshoofandallowTinytozipoutfromunderneathit.ThePikachu'stailonceagainlitupandwithaflick,hefiredanotherbarrageofstarsupattheEmolga,makingitfalterinmidairlongenoughtobehitbyShion'sIcyWind.TheEmolgaspiraleddowntowardsthefloorforafewsecondsbeforesuddenlyrecoveringandpullingup,flyingbackovertoElesa'ssideofthebattlefield.

"Well,IseethatPikachuofyoursalsohastheabilitytoabsorbelectricity.Nowonderyou'vegotaWatertypeonyourteam,"saidElesawithasmirk."IguessIknowwhomyfirsttargetshouldbe,then!Zebstrika,useFlameChargeonthatPikachu!Joltik,takearideonEmolga!AndEmolga,flyinanduseAerialAceonthatDewott!"TheZebstrikawhinniedbeforesuddenlybecomingengulfedinfireandchargingforwardquickly.TheJoltikjumpedontotheEmolga'sbackbeforeittookoffandquicklyspedtowardsShion.

"Shion,useWaterGuntoputoutZebstrika!"

"Joltik,useStringShotonDewott'seyes!"TheJoltikjumpedoffoftheEmolgasecondsandfiredaburstofstickysilkontoShion'sface.Shionwastoobusystrugglingwiththesilkthatshedidn'tnoticetheoncomingEmolgaandwoundupbeingtackledintowithenoughforcetomakeherfallover.Atthesametime,TinytriedinvaintododgetheZebstrika,butiteventuallyrammedintohimwithenoughforcetosendhimflyingawayfromthelargerPokémon."Yeah!Keepitup,guys!"

"Um!Um!Shion,useFurySwipestoremovethestring!Tiny,dodgewithQuickAttackandDoubleTeam!"ShionusedherclawstotearoffthesilkjustintimetobehitbyanotherflyingtacklefromElesa'sEmolga.Atthesametime,TinywasbusyrunningawayfromtheZebstrikaandleavingbehindcopiesforittoattack."Alright!UseIcyWindonemoretime!"Ratherthanbreatheoutmorecoldwind,Shionformedaballofwaterbetweenherpaws.AccordingtothePokédex,itwasthemoveWaterPulse.AstheEmolgacameinforanotherattack,ShionfiredtheballofWaterintotheEmolga.Theforceoftheattackstoppeditinmidairandmadetheelectricrodentfalldown."Yes!Waytogo!Onedown!"Icheered.

"MypoorEmolga...Youtrulylitupthebattlefield,"ElesasaidsadlyasshereturnedherPokémonintoitsball.

"GoandhelpTinywiththatZebstrika!"

"Joltik,bindthatDewottwithStringShot!"Fromseeminglyoutofnowhere,asilkthreadwrappedaroundShionandmadeherfallontothefloor."NowuseBugBite!"ThetinyyellowbugquicklyjumpedontoShionandwenttoworkbitingawayather.Thepainmust'vebeentoomuchforhertobare,becauseshewoundupfaintingafterafewseconds."Nowit'stwo-on-two!Let'skeeponsparking!"Thegymleaderexclaimedassheheldahandhighupintheair."Joltik,bindthatPikachusoZebstrikacanknockitdown!"TheJoltik,justbarelyvisible,begantomovetowardsTinyandtheZebstrika.Onceitwascloseenough,itbeganfiringthreadsofstickysilkatthePikachu,butitsattacksonlywounduphittingcopiesthatquicklyvanished.

"Iwonder...Tiny,getovertothatJoltik!"ThePikachudidasItoldandrantowardstheJoltikwiththeflamingZebstrikainpursuit.EverysprayofstickysilkwasdodgedandwentontotheZebstrika,butitwasburnedawayfromtheflamessurroundingit."NowgetbehinditandknockitintoZebstrikawithIronTail!"TinyzippedbehindtheJoltik,histailtakingonametallicappearance.HeswungitatthesmallbugjustasitwastryingtojumptosafetyandsentitflyingintoZebstrika'spath"ormorespecifically,intoitsflames.IronTailmightnothavedonemuchdamagetoit,butthatFlameChargesuredid.Atiny,high-pitchedcryofpainwasheardandZebstrikasuddenlyskiddedtoahalttotakeinwhatithaddone.TheJoltikwasonthefloor,scorchedandunconscious.

"Oh,Joltik!Youfizzledoutinaratherunexpectedway..."ElesaspokesadlyasshereturnedherJoltikintoitsball."Two-on-onenow...Sofar,youandyourPokémonareshiningdazzlinglybright!Butthatdoesn'tmeanit'llgetanyeasier!Itjustmeansthatit'sdo-or-dietime!"Thegymleaderexclaimedassheheldupafist."Zebstrika!CirclearoundusingFlameCharge!"HerZebstrikaneighedbeforeitranforward,eventuallycatchingonfireonceagain.ItranaroundTinyuntilitbecameablackblur,andthenitwaslostamongtheflames."EverytimeaPokémonusesFlameCharge,theirspeedincreases!Soinadditiontothatspeedboostatthebeginningofthebattleandthetimeit'salreadyspentusingFlameCharge,itmightnotbetoofarofftosaythatZebstrikaislightning-fast!"

"Idoubtthat!Tiny,useSwift!"

"Giga-Impact!"

BeforeTinycouldfireabarrageofstars,ablackandwhiteblurspedoutofthefire,glowingbrightorange,andrammedintohimwithenoughincredibleforcetosendhimflyingfaracrosstheplatformbeforedroppingandrollingtoahalt.ThePikachudidn'tmoveortwitch,soIcouldtellthathe'dbeenknockedoutcoldbythatattack.

"Yes!Waytogo,Zebstrika!Nowit's1-v-1!"Elesaexclaimed,holdingupasinglefingerasIsullenlyreturnedTinyintohisball."Sothen,White.Consideringthestateofyour...Venipede,"atthat,IglimpsedatMars,whowasstillcurledup."Areyougoingtomakethesmartdecisionandgiveup?Orwouldyourathergooutinablazeofglory?"

IbitmylowerlipbeforecallingouttoMarsagain."Comeon,Mars!You'vegottawakeup!"Ifeltfearfortworeasons:onewaspossiblylosingthegymchallenge,theotherwasMars'condition.Thelatterfearwonmeover.IwasabouttoannouncethatIwasforfeitingthematchwhenMars'sbodybegantoglowbrightwhite.Hisformbecamebiggerandspikesbecamemorenotableonhisbody.Whenthelightfadedaway,hewasrevealedtohavebecomeaWhirlipede.

"I'mawake!Youdon'thavetoyell!"Marsexclaimedwithhisantennaetwitching.

"Well,isn'tthisexciting?YourPokémonheardyourcriesandevolvedjusttotakeonmyZebstrika!Howdazzling!"Elesaexclaimed.

"Ididn'tdoitforWhite,"Marscommented."IevolvedbecauseI'mabigboynow."You'renotaboy,though.You'reabug.Butyousurearebiggerthanyouwerethismorning.

"Regardlessofwhyyouevolved,thankgoodnessyoudid!Yourealizeyou'reinthemiddleofabattle,right?!"Iexclaimed.

"Yes."

"Andyoutotallyknowhowtomovelikethat,right?"

"Yes."

"Good!"

"Havewecompletedourlittlepeptalk?BecausenowmyZebstrikacanfinallyshowhowanElectrictypePokémonshines!"Elesaproclaimedasshewavedahandintheair."Zebstrika,WildCharge!"HerZebstrika'swhitemanebegantoflickerbrightbluelikeaneonsign.StaticelectricitycrackledarounditsbodybeforeitwassuddenlyengulfedinasphereofblueelectricityandspedtowardsMars.Itrammedintohim,sendinghimrollingback.Butintheprocess,hiscarapacehadgainedametallicappearancethateventuallyfadedbacktoitsnormalcolor.

"Ah!Isthat...?"IscannedhimoverwiththePokédex.He'dapparentlylearnedIronDefenseuponevolving.

"Yes!Shineon!WildChargeoncemore!"HerZebstrika'smaneflickeredagainasitgeneratedelectricityarounditselfonceagain.

IdoubtedthatMarswouldbeabletododgesomethingsofast,sohisonlyoptionsweretodefendorhitithead-on."BraceyoursanduseIronDefense!"

SecondsbeforetheZebstrikarammedintohim,Mars'scarapacebecamemetallic-lookingonceagain.TheimpactoftheWildChargehadbeenlessenedandMarswasonlypushedbackafewinches."NowusePoisonTail!"HisbarbsglowedbrightpurplebeforeherolledforwardandrammedintotheZebstrikawithenoughforcetoactuallymakeitstumblebackabit.TheElectric-typePokémonseemedtobewornout,asifallthatrunningandcharginghadfinallydoneanumberonitsstamina.

"This...isit,"Elesaspokedramaticallywithhereyesnarrowed."Adashofdangerandapinchofperil...thisiswhatmakesadramaticvictory!Thisisthetruedo-or-dietime,Zebstrika!"Inresponsetoherproclamation,herZebstrikafoundthestrengthtowhinnyandstompthefloorloudly.

"Oh,no!Notthisagain!Mars,IronDefenseandbraceyourself!"IexclaimedasIputmyhandstogetherinapleadingmanner.TheWhirlipedetookonametallicappearanceoncemoreandwaitedfortheinevitableattack.

"GigaImpact!"Thegymleaderexclaimed.HerZebstrika'smaneflickeredoncemore,butinsteadofafieryorelectrifiedaura,itbegantoglowbrightorange.TheZebstrikadashedforwardandrammeditselfintoMarswithsuchforcethathecouldn'tkeephismetallicformandturnedbacktonormal,rollingovertotheedgeofthebattlefieldandnearme.

"Mars!A-areyouokay?!"IaskedasIstaredintohiseye.Judgingbythewayitlooked,hewasinabitofadaze.

"Iam...notokay...Ouch..."Marsspokefeebly.

"Doyouthinkyoucanstillmove?"

"M-maybe..."

IlookedatElesa'sZebstrika.Itwashunchedover,pantingandwincinginpainfromthepoison."TryandusePoisonTail!"Marspushedhimselftostartrollingandeventuallygotfaster.TheZebstrikaseemedtobeattemptingtomove,butitwoundupfalteringbeforeitcouldgetoutofthewayintime.MarschargedintotheexhaustedElectrictype,andthatseemedtobeenoughtoknockitdowntothefloor.TheZebstrikaattemptedtogetuponcebeforecollapsingandseeminglyfainting.I

wounduphunchingoverandbreathingasighofreliefbeforerunninguptoMarsandtryingtocarefullyhughim.Whenthatfailed,Isettledforrubbingmyhandagainsthisshell."Youdidit!Youwon!I'msosorryIsentyououtlikethat!You'rethebest,Mars!"Iexclaimedbeforekissingabarepartofhisshell.

"MydearZebstrika,youshonebrightly..."ElesareturnedherZebstrikaintoitsballandapproachedusinthemiddleofthebattlefield,smiling."Well,Imeanttomakeyourheadspin,butyoushockedmeinstead!Imean...you'reagreattrainer!"Itthenseemedasifshesuddenlyrememberedsomething."Oh,right!Here!IwantyoutohavethisBoltBadge."Shehandedmeayellowbadgeshapedlikeathunderbolt."Ihopeyou'llcontinuetoshinebrightlyfortherestofyourlife!"

"Thanks!Now,um...howdoIleavehere?"

X-X-X

Later,IwentbacktothePokémonCenterbacktotheroomBlackandIhadgottenforourselves.Blackwasn'tbackyet,soIdecidedtositonmyownbedandwaitforhim.Inthemeantime,IwoundupreleasingmyPokémontokeepmecompany.

"NOOOOOO!"EvecriedoutthemomentshenoticedMars'snewlyevolvedform.Shecurledupintoafetalpositionandbegantosob,"Notyou,too!Thatmakesthreenow!"

"Um...sorry?"Marsapologized,soundingunsure.

Panaceabentoverandpattedherhead."There,there.Yourtimewillcomesomeday..."

Shionfelltoherkneesinfrontofmeandbegantobow."Pleaseforgiveme,White!"

Tinyimitatedherandbegantodothesame."Me,too!"

"Ilosttoabugthatsmall!Itmakesmefeelashamed!"

"Yeah!Itcouldn'tevenuseelectric-typemoves,butthat...overgrownhorsebeatme!"

"I'mprettysureitwasasbigasanaveragehorse...I-Imean,calmdown!I'mnotupset!Consideringthatitwasathree-on-threefightandweweren'texactlyupagainstapersonwithlittleexperienceatPokémonbattles,wedidreallywell!Youguys...performedadmirably!"

Tinyraisedhisheadtolookatmeashepouted."Iwantedtobetheonewhowon

thebadgethistime!"Ikindofdid,too.Tobetotallyhonest,ifitwasn'tatriplebattle,Tinywould'vebeenmyace-in-the-holeifthesituationwasatitsworst.

"Butyouhelped!Ifitwasn'tforyou,Elesaprobablywould'vekeptzappingourteamswithelectricity.AndI'mprettysureMarswasonlyabletobeatherZebstrikabecauseofallthedamageyouwereabletodotoitbeforegettingknockedout."IbentoverandstrokedbothhisandShion'sheads."Youbothwereabighelp,too,sodon'tfeelbadaboutgettingknockedout."

"Butstill...theshame!"Shionwhined.

"White,Iwannagetstrongenoughtowinabadgeforyou,too!"Tinyspokedeterminedly.

"Youalreadydid,though,"Imumbled,butitwasloudenoughforhimtohear.

"Well,Iwannawinanother!"

"Ifwewannawin,weneedtoprepare..."Imumbled."Weneedtomakeprogress,"Isaidwithanod."Weneedtotrainharder,learnbettermoves,and...maybe...catchsomenewPokémon."Ithurtmetosaythat,especiallywhenIthoughtofwhatVictinimight'vebeengoingthrough.ButIcouldn'tletthisholdmebackforever.Ifeltapairofpawstouchingmylegs.IlookedbackatPanaceaandTiny,whoweregivingmedifferentexpressions.

Tinylookedhappyasheexclaimed,"Iwannamakeprogress,too,White!Whateverthatmeans..."

"I'msureit'shardtothinkaboutcatchinganotherPokémonafterwhathappened...butyoushouldkeepyourheadupregardlessofhowmuchitmayhurt,"Panaceasaidwithapout.

"Iknow.Iknow..."Isniffledandclenchedmyfists,tryingtoupbeat."Alright!Whowantstogotrain?!"

"Sosoon?"Evewhimpered.

"Aren'tyoutheonewhowantstoevolvelikeeveryoneelse?"Shionasked,archinganeyebrow.

TheEeveeimmediatelyperkedupandcheered,"Potentialevolution,yay!"

IreturnedallbutTinyintotheirballs.IpickedupthePikachuandplacedhiminside

ofmybag.Itseemedrudetonotleaveanote,buthecouldalwayscallmeviaXtransceiver."Alright,Tiny.Let'sgomakesomeprogress."

X-X-X

Notes!

PikachuGirlisbasedonPokéKids"atrainerclassthatonlyappearsintheSinnohgamesandlookslikeaPikachuintheiroverworldsprite.

BWintroducedtheconceptofTripleandRotationbattles.TripleBattleswereshowcasedmoreinWhitewhileRotationBattleswereshowcasedmoreinBlack.

StunfisklearnsBounceviaMoveTutor.EmolgalearnsAerialAceviaTM.ZebstrikalearnsGigaImpactviaTM.

Emolga'sHiddenAbilityisMotorDrive.

InBW2,ElesahasafourthPokémon"Joltik"inChallengeMode.

X-X-X

RemembertoreviewforthesakeofBlu!

Chapter22

Disclaimer:BluRosedoesn'townthePokémonseries.Onlythisfic.

X-X-X

~TheBewilderingForest~

"YES!Waytogo,Eve!"IcheeredafterEvemanagedtoknockouttheScraggywithitsownmove.TheEeveesmiledandstoodonherhindlegstoshowoffbeforeshewasreturnedtoherball.

"Youdidyourbest,Scraggy..."ThebackpackerwhocalledhimselfPeterspokeashereturnedtheunconsciousScraggyintoitsball."Thanksforthebattle,miss!GuessIbetterheadforthePokémonCenterinNimbasa..."Themanbegantowalkthroughthetallgrass,backinthedirectionoftheroad.

"Hey,wait!"Iexclaimed,makinghimstopandlookoverhisshoulderatme."Yousaidtherewasaforestsomewherenearby?Whereisit?"

Thebackpackerarchedaneyebrow."YoumeanLostlornForest?Justkeepgoingnorthfromhereandyou'llfindtheentrance.Hopeyouaren'texpectingsomethingmind-blowing,though."Andthenheleft.

"Idon'treallycareabouthavingmymindblown.IjustwannacatchaPokémon,"IsaidasIbegantowalktothenorth.Imean,I'dalreadychallengedallthetrainersIcouldalongRoute16"theoneswhowantedtobattle,atleast.CatchingatleastonenewPokémonwastheonlyotherthingIneededtocheckoffonmymentallist.

"But,White,there'slotsofPokémontocatchouthere!"Tinyexclaimed,barelyseeninthetallgrass.

"There'snothingbutNormaltypesandElectrictypesouthere.AndTrubbish."Granted,EmolgawaspartFlyingtype,butI'drathercatchsomethingbigenoughtoflyontogetovermyFlyingtypefearsina...sadlyhands-onway.

"Whataboutthebigcat?"HemeantthewildLiepardwesaw.

"Notmything."ThePokédexentriesonLiepardweren'tentirelybad,butIfeltlikeIneededmoretimetoworkuptothedeviousDarktype"orfindonethatwasn'tsodevious.

"AndthePsychicones?"HemeantGothitaandSolosis,twoPsychictypePokémon

we'dseenoftenontheroute.

"Alsonotmything."IalsoneededtoworkuptoPsychictypes.AndItechnicallyhadaPsychictypePokémon...hejustwasn'twithmerightnow."Anyway...!Rightnow,I'mhopingtofindaGrasstype.That'soneofthemostcommontypesafterWaterandNormaltypes...accordingtothePokédex,anyway.SoIreallyshould'vecaughtonebynow."

Tinygavemealookthatsaidhedidn'treallybelieveme."Uh-huh."

Itdidn'ttakelongforustofindwhatIassumedwastheentranceintotheforest."ForestsarepracticallycrawlingwithGrasstypes!There'sgottabeatleastonethatIwon'tmindcatching!"Iproclaimed,double-checkingtomakesureIhadeverythingIwouldneedforawalkthroughtheforest.

"Solongasitisn'taPsychic-type,right?"Tinyaskedinateasingtone.

IfrownedandlookeddownatthePikachu."...That'snotfunny.Don'tevenjokeaboutthechancesoffindingsome...mutantbreedofGrasstypePokémonwithpsychicabilities."Andnowthatthoughtwasgonnastaystuckinmyheadforalongtime.

X-X-X

Whenwecrossedabridgeoverariverandofficiallyenteredtheforest,IcouldguesswhythatPeterguywasupsetaboutitnotbeing'mind-blowing'.LostlornForestlookedlesslikeaforestandmorelikeaforestclearing.Justasmallclearing,barrenofeventallgrassforwildPokémontohideoutin,withlargetreesandstumpscirclingaroundittightly,likeanaturalwall"whichmadeitseemunnatural.TheonlyPokémonIfoundwereaschoolofBasculinthatwereswimmingthroughtheriverbeneaththelittlewoodenbridge.

"This...isaforest?"Tinyasked,soundingconfused."Isn'tit...kindasmall?OrmaybeI'vejustgottenwaybiggersincethelasttimeIwasinaforest."

"No.It'ssmall."Maybeitwasbigger,butthosetreesweresotightlybunchedtogetherthatitdidn'tseempossibletopushmyselfthroughthem."Maybethere'ssomethinghidinginthetrees.IrememberseeingwildCottoneegetstuckinatreeoncewhenIwasakid."

"White,"avoicewhisperedfromamouthtooclosetomyear.

"EEP!"Isqueakedbeforejumpingforwardfromfrightandwhirlingaroundtocatchtheperpetrator.ItturnedouttobeN."N!You!"Iwalkeduptohimpunchedhiminthe

shoulderforscaringme."Youareastalker,aren'tyou?!Whodoyouthinkyouarejustsneakinguponpeopleandgivingthemheartattacks?!"ButatleastitwasNandnotsomethingactuallydangerous.Ididn'treallyknowwhatlurkedinthisforestasidefromtheexpectedBugandGrasstypePokémon.

N'sZoruasnickeredfromhisplaceatN'sfeet."Don'tblamehimifyou'retheonewho'ssoeasytoscare!"

N,however,didn'tlooklikehecaredorwassorryaboutwhathehaddone.Hejustgreetedmecasuallyasherubbedhissoreshoulder,"Hello,White.It'snicetoseeyouagain.Andpleasestopcallingmethat."Nwalkedontothegrassandtookalookaroundbeforelookingatme."I'vereadaboutLostlornForestinmybook.Therearelegendsthatpaintitasalivingforestofsortsthatalwayschangesitsappearancewhenoutsidersenterit,makingthemwanderwithinituntiltheylosetheabilitytogoonandareconsumed."

Igulped."C-consumed?!"

NnoticedmyfearthistimeandstartedquicklyspeakinginsuchawaythatIcouldbarelyunderstandwhathewassaying.FromwhatIwasabletopickout,hewastryingtomakemefeelbetterbysayinghowitwasonlyalegend,soitwasn'ttrue,andyethewentonaboutthelegendsabouttheforestthathadlessbleakendings.Eventually,hestoppedspeakingsoquicklyandsaidatanormalpace,"...butthetruthisthattheforest'sconstantchangesaretheresultofPokémoncalledZoroark."ItookoutmyPokédextolookuptheentryonZoroarkasNcontinued,"LostlornForestistheonlyplacewhereseveralZoroarkandZoruaareknowntolive.Zoroarkcastillusionsaroundtheforesttoprotecttheirhomesandfamilies."

IwassurprisedtoseewhataZoroarklookedlike.Itwasabig,black,beastlycreaturethatstoodontwofeetandhadalong,redmanelookinglikeitwastiedbackintoaponytail."Mm-hm.That's...whatthebiosays."Itsaidtheywentaroundinpacks,too.Thatsoundedtroublesome."Hey,wait...Areyoutellingmethisforestmightbeanillusion?"

"Well,thispartoftheforest.TherestmightbeunaffectedorunderanillusionfromanotherZoroark."NlookeddownatZorua."Couldyoupleasegoanddispeltheillusiontoshowthem?"

Zoruahuffedandwalkedpastus."I'mdoingit,butnotforthem."Hesniffedaroundforafewseconds,thenhestoodonhishindlegsandbegantoglowwithablackaura.Whenhefellbackonallfours,slamminghisforelegsontheground,pitchblackenergybrieflycircledaroundhimlikeaspherebeforeitwasunleashedall

aroundhimlikeashockwave.Whenthewavehitthetrees,mostofthemdispersedandrevealedthattheareawasfarwiderandapathleadingdeeperintotheforest.

"Oh,wow!That'samazing!"Iexclaimed,usingthePokédextoscanZorua'sattack.Apparently,itwassomethingcalledNightDaze,andonlyZoruaandZoroarkcouldlearnit.Zoruawasn'tallsnark,itseemed.AthoughtcrossedmymindthatIwoundupvoicing,"IsZorua"yourZoruafromthisforest?"

"Don'tyoudare"!"Zoruabegan.

"Yes,"Nsaid.HisZoruagroanedandshookhisheadinresponse."We'reactuallyheretofindhisfamily.Wouldyou...liketocomealongwithus,ifyoudon'tmind?"

"Don'tmakethatoffertothem!"Zoruasnapped."Aren'tyouworriedthatshe'sgonnacatchmyfamily?!"

Istartedtofrown."Idon'twannacatchanyZorua"especiallyiftheyactlikeyou.Besides,whywouldIwannagoanywherewithyoutwo?"

"Um,youcouldfindsomePokémontocatchalongtheway,"Tinypointedout."Remember:progress."He'sgettingsmartthesedays.Smartandlogical.Thatcouldbeaprobleminthefuture.

Igroanedandheldupaclenchedfist,"Fine.I'llgo.Forprogress."

"Hoorayforprogress!"ThePikachucheered.

"Idon'tevenwannaknowwhatyou'retalkingabout,"ZoruamutteredwhileNjuststaredatusinconfusion.ThesmallfoxPokémonturnedhisbackonusandbeganwalkingdeeperintothewoods."Followme.I'llleadtheway."

NsilentlyfollowedbehindhisZorua,andhesitantly,ItrailedbehindthemalongsideofTiny.WhydidIhavesuchabadfeelingabouttaggingalongwiththeseweirdoes?

X-X-X

IttookseveralminutesofwalkingdeeperintotheforestforustostarthearingthefaintcriesofwildPokémon.Iwantedtowalkoffandscopethemout,butIdidn'twanttoseemrude"evenifitwastoN.Idecidedtotryandpassthetimefasterbyattemptingconversationwiththegreen-hairedyoungman."So...IbetthisisnostalgicforyouandZorua,huh?Consideringyou're...you,I'msurethatitwasaprettyinterestingfirstmeeting."

Nstaredatmeforamomentbeforespeaking,"Wedidn'tmeethere."Istaredathiminconfusionashecontinued,"Zorualivedinthisforestyearsago,untilhewascaughtbyamanwhowantedtotrainhimforPokémonbattles.Zoruawasforcedtodoharshtrainingandpunishedbrutallywhenhedidn'tperformasthatmanexpected.Itwasamiraclethathesurvivedthathorror."

"Oh...That's...prettysad."IfeltalittlesorryforZoruanow.Imean,itdidn'texcusehisattitude,butIfeltsorryforthelittleguy."Butifhewasownedbysomebodyelsebefore,how'dyouwindupmeetinghim?"

"WhenIwasachild""

"Stop!Quiet!Shutup!Mypastisn'tanyofherbusiness!"Zoruasnapped,andthatwastheendofthatconversation.

Anawkwardsilencedevelopedaroundusandwecontinuedonuntilcomingtoaclearingthathadthreeseparatepathsaheadofus.Abig,redbugPokémonwasrampagingaround,stompingitsfourfeetandspittingoutpoison.ItwasaScolipede.ThePokédexhadcalledthemfastandhighlyaggressiveattackers,andtheylookedwaymoreferociousinreallifewhenyousawtheirneckclawsand8-foottallheightinperson.Andalsowhentheywereonarampage.

"DORYAAAAAH!"TheScolipedebellowedbeforewhippingitsheadabout.Itrammedintotreesandpoorlycutstumps."Thisisridiculous!ThoseZoroark...areso...annoying!"Itshoutedasitstompeditsfeetinanger.Itthenglimpsedinourdirection.Ifroze,thinkingitwouldattack,butitlookedawayinanger.Thenittookasecondlookandbellowed,"ZORUA!"

"Um,Ithinkitwantstotakeitsangeroutonsomething!"IexclaimedasweranintothebushestoavoidtheScolipede'schargetowardsus.

Nsteppedbackoutintothepath,raisinghishandsasifthatwouldstoparampagingScolipede."Wait,myfriend!Wedon'tmeanyouanyharm!"Heexclaimed.

"I'mgonnadoyouharm,though!"TheScolipederoaredasitlowereditsheadandchargedforward.

IgrabbedNandpulledhimoutofthewaytoavoidbeingtackledagain."Whyareyoutryingtogetyourselfkilled?!"

"Idon'twanttohurtit!"

"Itwantstohurtus!"

"She'sright,N!Obviouslythatbonehead'snotgonnalisten!"Zoruapipedup."It'stimetofight!"

TheScolipedecamebackaroundandturnedtowardsus,itsneckclawsglowingbrightpurple."You'remine!"Itexclaimedasitbeganfiringpinsofpurpleenergyfromitsneckclaws.Weduckedbehindsometreestoavoidgettingstung.

"You'vegotPokémon,right?!Ifweteamup,wecould..."ItrailedoffasIsawN'supsetexpression,"Wecouldchaseitawaywithouthurtingitmuch!"Iexclaimed.

"Hewouldn'tgoalongwiththatevenifhecould.NletgoofallhisPokémonaftergettinghisfourthbadge,"Zoruaexplained.

"SERIOUSLY?!"Ishouted,makingthetalleryoungmanflinch."YoucameintothisforestwithonlyZoruaforprotection?!"ThetreebehinduswasuprootedastheScolipederammedintoit.Itwasamiracleweranoutofthewayasquicklyaswedidbeforethetreefellontopofus.Iwounduptakingouttwoballs."Ugh!Fine!We'llhandlethis,Tiny!"

ThePikachugulped."R-right!Takingonthebigscarybug...thing."Inaflashoflight,ShionandPanaceaappearedbesidehim.Tinyquicklyputonabraveface."Okay!Let'sdothis!"

"Panacea,holdthatScolipedebackwithPsychic!"TheAudinoglowedwithabrightbluelightandunleashedapsychicforcethatpusheditbackasitchargedforward.However,theScolipedecontinuedtochargetowardsusandPanaceakeptforcingitbackwithherPsychicpower."ShionandTiny,combineanElectroBallandWaterPulse!"ThePikachubegantoformaballofelectricenergyonthetipofhistailwhileShionformedaballofwaterbetweenherpaws.Theyfiredtheirrespectiveattacksatthesametime.TheyflewoverPanacea'sheadandhittheScolipede,thecombinedtypesamplifyingtheelectricity.Althoughitwasn'tknockedout,theWaterPulseseemedtoconfusetheScolipedeandmadeitstumblearound,awayfromus."Now,RUN!"Iscreamed,grabbingN'sarmanddragginghimalongbehindmeaswebegantorun.

"Notthere!Here!"Zoruashoutedasherandowntheleftpath.MyPokémonranbehindhimwhileIdraggedNbehindme.

"Willyoucomealong?!"Isnapped.

"Butit'shurt!"

"It'llrecover!"

Weranforseveralminutesuntilwefeltitwassafetostop.IletgoofNandleanedagainstatreeasItriedtocatchmybreath."Talkabout...aclosecall...!"Ibreathedheavily.

"Howcouldyoudothat?"Nwasfrowningasheaskedthat.

"Atleastshedidsomething,evenifitwasmakingsomeoneelsedothehardwork,"saidZorua.Couldn'tIbecomplimentedproperlyconsideringIsavedyourlife?"Whyevencarrymearoundwithyoueverywhereifyoudon'tletmebattle?EvenwhenI'mtheonlyoneheretoprotectyou?!"AmIbeingignored,ordoesheconsidermethatinsignificant?Also,ifyouwantedtofight,I'mprettyyou'dhavehelpedinsteadofjusthidinginthebushes!

Nstaredblanklyatthesmallfoxbeforespeaking,"Idon'twantyoutogethurtfightingavoidablebattles."

"Well,I'malotmoredurablethanahuman!"Zoruathenturnedaroundandledthewayagain.Nstoodinplaceforafewsecondsbeforefollowinghim.

IstaredatthespotsNandZoruaoncestoodinbeforeIstartedwalking,grumbling,"Thankyou,White.YourPokémonfendedoffthatnastyScolipedeandallowedustoescapewithoutanyfatalharm.Youguysarethebest!"

"White.Whoareyoutalkingto?"Shionaskedasshe,PanaceaandTinylookedupatmeinconfusionwhilewalkingbesideme.

"Tome.Somebody'sgottathankmeforreactingquicklyandsavingourlives..."

X-X-X

Idon'tthinktheresidentsofthisforestlikeZoruaandZoroarkverymuch.Aswewentdeeperintotheforest,wewouldfindangryandlostPokémonwhowereeagertoventtheirfrustrationsoutonusbecausetheyspottedZorua.Thenagain,I'dprobablybeupset,too,ifabunchofPokémonwerealwayscastingillusionsandmakingithardtotellwhat'swhat.Ihadtowonderwhatitwouldbelikewhenweactuallymetoneofthosethings,andthatpromptedmetoask,"Isthisreallysuchagoodidea?"

Nlookedbackatmeinconfusion."Whatdoyoumean?"

"IwasjustthinkingthatmaybeZorua'sfamilywon'tbeso...welcomingtowardsusifwepopupwiththechildthatwastakenawayfromthemyearsago."

"Iassureyouthateverythingwillbefinesolongasyoudon'tattackthem."

Iglaredatthegreen-hairedteen."Ihelpedmorethanyoudidwhileyouwerebusytryingtogetthemtostopjustbyspeakingtothem."Whatheconsideredbeingabrutishtrainer,Iconsideredself-defense.Besides,Iwouldn'twanttofightwithoneZoroark,letaloneawholepackofthem.

"YoualwaysthinkyoucantalkthingsoutwithaPokémon"evenwhentheyobviouslydon'twanttotalk,"saidZorua."ConsidertheamountofPokémonwhohavetrickedyouwhileweweretravelingandtheoneswhowantedtofightyouforwhateverreason.You'veseenmoreofthosethantheoneswhowereniceenoughtohelpyou,justforyoutosendthemawaywhentheywerestartingtolikeyou."

"Let'snotargueaboutthatagain,"saidN.

"Who'sarguing?I'mstatingafact."

"I'mreallythinkingweshouldn'thavecomealong,"IwhispereddowntoTiny."Ifonlytoavoidbeingpartoftheirpersonaldrama."

"Evenworse,wecan'tevencatchanyPokémonbecauseofN'scomplaining,"ThePikachuwhisperedback.

"Stillthinkhe'saniceguy?"

"Yes...He'sjustreallyannoyingsometimes,"Tinysaidwithapout.

AfterseveralmoreminutesofwalkingspentinsilenceandtensionradiatingbetweenNandZorua,wemadeittoanotherclearing.Thistime,though,theonlythingthatstuckout...wasahouse.Andmyreactionwasaflatstatementof,"That'snotahouse."

"Itcertainlylookslikeahouse,"saidN.

"No,Imeantitcan'tbereal.Becausetherecan'tbeahumancrazyenoughorstupidenoughtoliveinaforestlikethis."

"OritcouldbeahermitliketheonesI'vereadabout,longingtobeapartfromtherestofhumanitytobeatpeacewithPokémonandnature."Igavehimaskepticallook,andIfeltlikeTinyandZoruaweredoingthesame."Wecouldatleastknockandseeifitdisappears."

"Fine.Youdoit.WhenitturnsouttobeasleepingPokémonorarockoranything

butahouse,we'llknowIwasright."

WewatchedasNwalkeduptothehouse.Idon'tknowifheactuallyknockedonthedoorornot,butitssuddenlyopeningseemedtomakehimjumpabit.Fromoutofthehousecameatallmandressedallinblack,hiseyesshadowedbyablackhat.Hedidn'tlooklikethehermittype,buthedidlookprettyintimidating."Whyareyouhere?Doesn'titoccurtoyouthatifyouseeahousedeepinthemiddleofthewoods,itmeanstheownerdoesn'twantvisitors?"Heaskedinadeepvoice,soundingannoyed.

"Goodday,sir,"Nbeganwithapolitegreeting."MyfriendsandIwerewanderingthroughthisforestwhenwefoundyourhome."

ThemaninblacklookedbehindNatusandnarrowedhiseyes."Isee...Holdonasecond."Hedisappearedintothehouseandclosedthedoorbehindhim.Whenthedooropenedagain,somethingwasthrownatN,buthemanagedtoreactquicklyenoughtocatchit.Themanpokedhisheadoutofthehouse."There.Takethatandleavemealone.Don'tevercomehereagain."Hethenslammedthedooragain.

Nreturnedtousandheldoutsomething."Whatexactlyisthis?"

Istaredatit.Itwassomesortofmetalliccapsule."Lookslikeacapsuletome.Maybeit'sgotsomethinginside?Turnthatthingonthetoptosee."IheldontothecapsuleasNtwistedthehandlesontopofit.Whenitopenedup,welookedinsidetofindcasesofdiscsofvariouscolors.Itookoutacase,shookitaround,andtappedthecaseandthediscinside."Yup!It'sreal."Ilookedatapieceofpaperthatwasattachedontheinsideoftheclearplasticcase."TM95."Ilookedthroughsomemoreofthecases."TM55.TM47.TM01.TM10.ThesearealldiscsforaTechnicalMachine!"

"What'sthat?"

"It's...amachinethatteachesPokémonmovesthatareimprintedonthesediscs,"IsaidasIstaredatthecapsule."They'rereallyexpensive,butworthlesswithoutthemachine."IlookedatN."Hey,sinceyouprobablydon'thaveone...canIhavethem?BlackandIgotamachineforthisstuffnottoolongago."Besides,theoneswegotwereallfromforeignregions.MaybethesewerediscsactuallysoldinUnova!

Nstaredatmeinconfusionforafewsecondsbeforehandingmethecapsule."Verywell.It'syours."AsIsilentlycheeredovermynewloot,hespoke,"Itseemsasifthisisn'twhereyourfamilyis,either,Zorua."

Withoutaword,Zoruaapproachedthehouseandbegantoglowwithadarkaura.

Hestoodonhishindlegsandonceagainslammeddownhispaws,creatingawaveofdarknessthatsweptoverthehouse.Thehouse'simagerippledamidstthedarkness,likeareflectionindisturbedwater,butitmaintaineditsappearancewhenthewaveofdarknessdisappeared.Thedoorofthehouseopenedoncemoreandthemaninblackcameout,snarlinglikeabeast.Hesuddenlyroaredandtheentirehousedisappeared,replacedbytreesandbushesthatwerebuncheduptogetherandpartiallyhidingsomethinginside.Infact,theentireareaseemedtochangeabit.ThenthemanbegantoglowandsuddenlyturnedintoaZoroark,whichtoweredoverZoruaandlookeddownathimwithaglare.Itraisedapawthatglowedwithdarkpurpleenergyandswipeddownathim,buttheZoroarkwounduphittingnothing.ZoruasuddenlyappearedintheZoroark'smaneandgaveatauntinglaughbeforeduckingbackinside.TheZoroarkgrowledandbegantosearchthroughitsmanebeforefinallypullingoutZorua.Itheldthesmallerfoxoutinfrontofitsface,snarling.

AftersnappingoutofmyfearofthesnarlingDarktype,Iexclaimed,"Tiny!UseElectroBall!"

AsTinybegantochargeelectricity,Ngrabbedhimandpickedhimupofftheground."Wouldyoujuststop?!"

"Butit'sgoingtohurthim!Don'ttellmeyou'd"!"

"Justlook!"Nshouted.

IlookedatZoruaandtheZoroark.ThebiggerDarktype'sgrowlingonlylastedforafewmoresecondsbeforeitandZoruabegansniffingeachother.Afterafewseconds,theystaredateachother:ZoruainconfusionandZoroarkinsurprise.

"...BIGBROTHEEERRR!"TheZoroarkcriedoutbeforehebegantohugZorua,whowasshockedintosilence,tightly.

"It...justcalledhimitsbrother.Bigbrother.Whattheheckisgoingon?!"Ishouted,droppingthecapsuletoholdmyheadinshock.

TheZoroarkhadnowbeguntotossZoruaupanddownintotheair."BigBrother~!BigBrother~!Mybrotherisback~!"Hesang.Suddenly,theZoroarkseemedfarlessdangerous.

"Putmedown!Putmedown!"Zoruasuddenlyfoundhisvoiceagain.Aftercatchinghim,theZoroarkputhimdownontheground."You...Youcan'tbemybrother!Mybrother'saZorua!"

"Ijustchangedoneday,"saidtheZoroark."Everyonedoesit,right?"

"Pokémondoevolve,"Imumbled.

"WhereisMother?!Whydon'tIsmellher?!"Zoruaexclaimed.

"Motherisdead.Shediedofburnsbecauseshewasn'tabletofindsomethingtomakeherbetter."Zoroarklookeddownatthegroundsadly."Iwasallalone.WhatpacksIwasabletofinddidn'twanttoletmeintotheirfold.Itwassoscarysurvivingonmyownforallthattime.Itfeltlikeeverythingwantedtokillme.WhenIfinallybecameaZoroarkandwasabletodisguisemyhome,Ijust...wantedtobealone,soItriedreallyhardtomakesurenoonewouldfindme."Geez,thatsoundsdepressing.Doesn'texcusehisannoyingillusionseverywhere,though."Butyou'reherenow,BigBrother!SoIknowI'llneverbelonelyagain!"LittleBrotherwashowlingandcrying.He'dpickedupZoruaandrubbedhisheadagainstthesmallerPokémon's.

"...LittleBrother....I'llbetheretoprotectyoufromnowon!"Zoruabawled.AlthoughIcouldn'tseehisface,thesoundofhisvoiceletonthathewasprobablycrying.

"Aww...!Asbadasthisexperiencehasbeen,Idon'tfeelsobadaboutcomingalongnow,"IsaidasIwatchedthetouchingscene."ItreallywasnicetotakeZoruabacktohishome,N.Although...doesthismeanyou'regonnacatchZoroarknowsinceIdoubtthey'llwannasplitapartagain?...N?"IlookedaroundandfoundnosignofN.Wait...don'ttellmehe'dactually...

WithoutawordtoZoruaandZoroark,Iranbackthewaywecame,followedbyTiny.

X-X-X

Withtheillusionsgone,itwasaloteasiertofindourwaybackthroughtheforest.ThewildPokémonweretoohappyaboutfinallybeingabletogoabouttheirbusinesstobotherattackingusoutofanger.BythetimewewereabletofindN,itwasintheareaneartheforestentrance.ItookoutanemptyPokéBallandchuckeditatN.Itwounduphittinghisbackinsteadofthebackofhisheadasintended,butatleastthatmadehimstopbeforehecouldcrossthebridge.Bonuspointsformakingthatjerkcryoutinpain!

"Don'tyoudareleavethisforest,youjerk!"Ishouted,pointingafingeratthegreen-hairedteen."YouweregonnaabandonZoruahereinthisforest,weren'tyou?!"

"HUH?!"Tinyexclaimedinshock."No,you'renot!Youwouldn'tdosomethingthatmean...wouldyou,N?"

"Zoruasaidhealwaysdoesthis:hereleasesPokémonbackintothewild,backintotheirhomes.Doyoueventhinkabouthowtheyfeelaboutbeingreleasedwhentheymight'vestartedtolikeyou?!"

"...WhenIwasachild...myfathergavemeaZorua.Hehadbruises,stitches,andscarsbothphysicalandmental.Allbecauseofatrainerwho'dsnatchedhimandforcedhimtobattle.MyfatherwouldgivememanymorePokémoninthesamestate:abusedandtreatedliketools,objectsandtrophiesbasedonsuperficialthings,stolenfromtheirhomesorabandonedbecausetheydidn'tperformasexpected,weren'tasstrongaswhattheirtrainerswanted,orwasn'tasappealingtolookatafterevolving.I'vegrownupamongsuchPokémonandtakenontheirpainandangerasItriedtomakethemfeelbetter."I...didn'tknowthataboutN.Suddenlyhischildhoodseemsalotweirderandsadder.Nfellsilentbeforespeakingagain,"Doyouhaveadream,White?"

"Don'tjumptoanothertopic!We'retalkingaboutZorua!"

Nignoredmeandcontinued,"Ihaveadream.Avisionofthefuture.Andinthatfuture,Iwillhavetosaygoodbyetomyallfriends,includingZorua,fortheirowngood."

"Oh,suchabigandnobledream:abandoningyourfriends!"Imocked,glaringathisback."Yousaythingslikethat,butdoyoueverwonderwhatthePokémonyou'vebefriendedfeelwhenyoujustsendthembackhome?"

"PokémonbelongamongPokémon.AndZoruahasmissedhisfamily.It'sgrownsosmallnow...Don'tyouthinkitwouldbebettertosaygoodbye?Wouldyounotdothesame?"

"No,shewouldn't!"Tinyexclaimed.

Ibitmylowerlip."I...Iftheywantedto...yes,"Iadmitted.IfeltthatTinywaslookingupatmeinsurprise."ButifIdid,I'dhavethedecencytosaygoodbye.Doesn'tleavingwithoutawordmakeyouasbadasthetrainerswhoharmedthePokémonyougrewupwith?"

"Trueheroesdowhatmustbedone,regardlessofhowmuchithurts."

"Thereyouare!"Zorua'svoiceshoutedbehindme.IlookedbackintimetowatchalittleblackblurrunpastmeanduptoN."Youthoughtyoucouldgetawaywiththis?!"Hegrowled."I'mnotliketherestofthem!I'mgonnastaywithyouandhelpmakeyourdreamcometruenomatterwhat!NowturnaroundandtellmeIcan't!"Ndidn'tturnaround."You'recrying,aren'tyou?Suchababy...Howcouldsuchan

emotionallyweakhumanhopetoaccomplishadreamasbigasyoursis?"

"Idon't""Zoruadidn'tgiveNachancetofinish,becauseheranforwardandtackledforcefullyintothebackofhisleg."Ow!"

"Notalkingback!Youneedme.I'mnotleavingyou.That'sthat!'

NturnedaroundtolookatZoruawithredeyes.Sohewascrying."But...you'vewantedtogohomeforsolong!Whataboutyourbrother?Withoutyou,he'llbe...allalone!"

"Huh?I'mnotleavinghimalone.He'scomingwithus!Isn'tthatright,LittleBrother?"

"Right,BigBrother!"Ijumpedatthesoundofaloud,cheery-soundingvoicebehindme.IspunaroundtolookatZoroark,whohadapparentlybeenstandingbehindmeforawhile."IfBigBrothersaysyou'reanicehumanwho'lltakecareofus,thenI'llhelphimprotectyou,Natural!"

"...Natural?"IlookedatNinconfusion."Isthatyourname?"

"No!Itisn't!Youheardnothing!"Zoruaexclaimed."Youidiot!Thatwassupposedtobeasecret!"Zoroarkgaspedinsurpriseandheldhispawsoverhismouth,mufflingoutasorry.

"Natural..."Icanseewhyyou'dprefertogoby'N'.'Natural'soundslikeaweirdernamethan'White'forsure."Well,Natural,youdon'thaveanychoicebuttotakethembothwithyou."

"Don'tcallhimthat!You'renotallowedtocallhimbyhisrealname!"Zoruacontinuedtoshriekashehoppedupanddownangrily.

"Idon'twanna.Itsoundstooweirdaftercallinghim'N'allthistime."IapproachedN,despiteZorua'sgrowling,andpunchedhiminthesameshoulderthatIhadbefore."Geez,allyouraspirationsmakeyousoundlikeajerk.Idon'tknowwhatsortofdreamyou'vegot,butanydreamthatinvolvesgivingupyourfriendssoundsprettyawful,don'tyouthink?"

Nstaredatmeblankly."...Trueheroesdowhatisnecessary,White.You'lllearnthateventually."HeleftwithZoruaandZoroarkintowbeforeIcouldrespondtohiscrypticstatement.

"White...Youwouldn'treallyabandonmeandtheotherslikeNtriedtodoZorua...wouldyou?"IheardTinyask.Ilookeddownathimandsoonregrettedit,

becausehewaslookingupatmewithbig,wateryeyes.

"D-don'tlooklikethat!I'donlyeverletyougoifyouwantedtogo!"Iassuredhim.

"Andtheothers?"

"Them,too."

"Well...good!Iwon'teverleaveyou."

"That'ssweet."Ireallydon'tunderstandhowNcouldbarelettinggohisPokémonallthetime.Idon'tunderstandwhyhisdadpracticallyforcedhimtotakecareofabusedPokémonasakid.ThemoreIlearnaboutN,themoreconfusedIgetabouthislifeandhisreasonsforbeingaPokémontrainer.Just...whatdidheexpecttogetoutofhisjourneyacrossUnova?WashelikemeandhisgoalactuallyhadnothingtodowiththePokémonLeague...oramImissingthebiggerpicturehere?"...Ithinkweshouldgetbacktothecity,Tiny."

"Really?!Butwenevergottocatchanything!"ThePikachuexclaimed.

"Well,wedidn'tcatchanewteammate,butwegotabunchofTMs.Iwannaseewhattheyare,butBlackwastheonewhohadtheTechnicalMachinelast.Iwannaseewhetherornotthesehaveanymoveswedon'thaveyet.Thenwecouldselltheoneswedohavetomakeadecentamountofmoney!"Ichirpedhappily.Tiny,however,didn'tlookpleased."Look,thenextplacewe'regoingtoisDriftveilCity.There'sarouteonthewaytothebridgethatleadsthere.I'msurewe'llfindsomethingtocatchthere."

"Remember:progress!"Tinyspokeinahushedvoice,holdingupaclenchedpaw.

"Yes...progress.Later.Butnow,wemustmakeaprogressofpossiblemonetarygain."

"...What?"ThePikachuasked,tiltinghisheadinconfusion.

Isighedandwebegantowalkacrossthebridge."Let'sfindBlackandseeifwe'llhavesomeextraTMstomakemoneyoffof,"IsaidasweleftLostlornForest.

X-X-X

Notes!

InBW,theZoroarkinLostlornForestdoesn'tspeakwhiletransformed,butinBW2,theplayerisactuallyspokentobyaZoroarkwhilethey'reinthedisguise

ofaBackpacker,soit'ssortoftrickytotellwhetherspeechwhiledisguisedisanaturaltraitorsomethingunique.

TheLockCapsuleisanitemfromGen4,specificallytheJohtoregionremakesHGSS.Theitemcan'tbelegitimatelyobtainedinthegames,norwasitdistributedfromanyspecialevent.Andevenifhackedin,ithasnouse,butcanbetransferredtoBWtobeopenedandobtainTM95,Snarl.Ofcourse,thismeansit'simpossibletolegallygetTM95inGen5andalsoimpliesthattheTMforSnarlexistedbeforeGen5.

In-game,theonlywaytofindaZoroarkinLostlornForestiswithaShinySuicune,EnteiorRaikouthatwasspecificallygottenfromadistributionevent"notanencounteredShiny.Eventhen,theZoroarkyou'reabletocatchisalwaysfemale,inreferencetooneofthePokémonmovies,andit'stheonlyonecatchableinthewildinBW.

X-X-X

ReviewforthesakeofBluandPikachu!