Chapter One
"Hey, hey Haruka. Haruka, get up!"
"Mmf." Is the girl's reply, as she gives a blind, small, dismissing wave towards the voice. She rolls over to her right side, and curls into fetal position.
"Haruka, I'm not waiting any longer. Get. Up."
She lets out a short, brief exhale, knowingly, registering the voice as Cheren's, her best guy friend. She's known him since she was a child, and is used his mini threats and impatience. And at fifteen, he hasn't changed a bit.
She decides to toy around with him a bit, a small smile pulling the corners of her pink lips. It's a good thing that she's facing away from him. She burrows deeper into her Milotic themed bed and blanket, and shoves her head under her puffy pillow, sighing happily.
"HARUKA, GET YOUR BUTT UP!" Cheren booms into her left ear, and she squeals and squirms with shivers zooming down her spine.
"Ugh, shut up Cheren!" she groans, pawing at her ear, "your voice nearly shattered my ear drum!"
He smirks, crossing his arms and into what Haruka dubbed, "The Sexy Cheren Pose," as he leans onto on leg and the other hip pops out. He adjusts his black, thin framed glasses (an old, constant habit), smooth's back his cowlick (a part of his hair that stubbornly won't stay down), and says, "My voice or my volume?"
She rolls her cerulean eyes at his correction, "Both." she retorts, stretching out her legs and arms like a Liepard.
"Ooh, sooo offensive," he snickers, and helps her out of bed, "Hurry up, the pokemon from Professor Juniper are waiting at my house. Get dressed, brush your teeth, get your bra on, not to mention some pants, skip breakfast, and I might just have the tolerance to wait for you."
Haruka blushes slightly and covers her chest with her pillow, noticing how thin and short her white nightgown is, "You perv! Get out of here!" she yells as she quickly picks up a paperback book and throws it at him. He catches it, much to her annoyance and embarrassment, and reads the title out loud.
"The Boy and his Gardevoir?" he shakes his head, his black (almost dark blue looking) hair gleaming, "Who's the perv?"
"OUT!" she barks, her cheeks turning even rosier. She picks up a hardcover book this time off her cluttered floor, and holds it threateningly above her head, positioned to throw.
He drops the book and heads towards the door, "Hey, calm down. You're like as loud as an Exploud. Hurry up you loser." He shuts her bedroom door.
She exhales and throws the book on her messy floor and stands up. She looks down at her body and thinks, Arceus, he can see through this flimsy thing. How embarrassing. She pinches herself, trying to get over the humiliation. She changes hastily into her usual white tank top, slips her black tank top like, sleeveless cover over it, pulls on her ripped denim shorts, her black knee high socks, and her black combat boots. She goes into her bathroom and brushes her teeth, forgetting about breakfast like Cheren had instructed her to. She then brushes her hair and pulls it back into a high, long (long as in it reaches her waist), semi ponytail. The rest of her plentiful dark brown hair cascades down her back in small waves. She fingers through her bangs and sticks her cap on her head.
She rolls her eyes at her reflection, hating how… acquitted she looks. She sighs, defeated, and anticipation soon builds up again, thinking about her upcoming journey. And she was excited.
She scans herself once more in the mirror, and swiftly heads out of her room, grabbing her messenger bag and slinging it over her shoulder. She bounds down the stairs and greets her mother in the kitchen, "Hi Mom."
Mom, who still looks pretty young considering the fact that she's 49, smiles at her as she opens the fridge.
"Haruka! I thought you told me that you would wake up earlier. Apparently, that was a lie."
Haruka looks down at her feet sheepishly, and leans against the counter, "Well, you being my mother, you know I have a perfectly acceptable excuse for this."
Mom closes the fridge door, an apple in hand. She looks at her daughter, and raises her eyebrows, "Oh?" she asks, "I do?"
Haruka nods, feigning seriousness, "I'm such an intense and deep sleeper. And I do need the rest considering my needs, and my delicate, lady-like body." Haruka says, grabbing the apple out of Mom's hand.
Mom rolls her eyes, "Right, that's cute. Sooo realistic. Eat your apple."
Haruka tosses it up into the air, "Can't I skip? I've got to run."
Mom puts her hands on her hips and scolds, "No! You've already slept in, which is your entire fault, and it's too late for a proper breakfast. You need at least some nutrition," she crosses her arms and looks Haruka up and down, "Besides, you skinny little thing, you could use a morning snack."
"Aw, Mom!" Haruka hops of her chair, munches on the apple, and points at her legs, "I do have muscle! It's not all bone and fat."
Mom glances down and says, "Some muscle. You need to eat a bit healthier. All you ever eat is technically junk food."
Haruka finishes the apple hurriedly, throws the core away, and gives her mom a kiss on the cheek, "Can't deny that part," Haruka checks the wall clock, "Oh, I've really got to go now Mom, love you!" She waves her hand and hurries out the front door.
"Remember to come show me you pokemon right after you get it, I have some things to give to you too!" She hears her mom shout at her.
"Alright!" Haruka shouts back, and hurries next door to Cheren's house.
She knocks on the front door, greets Cheren's parents, and speeds up the stairs and to his room. She's about to just enter plainly, but decides to think the better of it.
"HEY YOU IMPRUDENT FOOL, I'M HERE!" Haruka yells at the top of her lungs, opening the door, and finding Cheren and Bianca sitting silently staring at a box.
"Shut up!" Cheren scolds her quietly, "There are delicate creatures in there, and we don't want your loud, damn voice to disturb them," he then pauses, "Although, I do appreciate your use of finally saying something intelligent. The word imprudent is not exactly your level."
She walks over to the box, takes a seat in front of it, and punches his arm lightly, "Oops, sorry Cherie."
He glares at her for the new nickname, and as Haruka chortles, she is tackled by a very excited and happy Bianca, whose poufy blonde hair smothers her.
"Haruru!" she whisper-squeals, "Finally! You're so slow!" she giggles, "No offense."
Haruka laughs frivolously, "Some taken. It's nice that you guys waited for me."
"Yep, Cheren and I wanted the three of us to be together."
"Not me, I was gonna choose first, don't change the story Bianca," Cheren snorts as he removes the lid off the box. Three pokeballs are revealed, sitting quietly, waiting to encounter human hands. Labels are put above each.
Haruka instantly eyes the one that says Oshowatt, Water-type. She grabs it and says, "This one's mine."
"That's not fair, I wanted Oshowatt…" Cheren grumbles, inspecting the remaining two, "But whatever. I guess I'll choose…"
"Ooh!" Bianca squeals, her light green eyes sparkling, "This one's mine! I've always wanted Tepig!"
"…Snivy…" Cheren finishes. He grabs the last one, and sends his pokemon out. The girls follow.
Over some time, Haruka forgets her mom's orders and ends up playing with her Oshowatt. Tepig ended up being a perfect match for Bianca, who seemed to have her same jumpy personality. Oshowatt and Haruka nearly jumped on each other, immediately liking the other, playing together. And like Bianca's Tepig, Snivy, humorously, shared his owner's personality, stuck-up and intelligent.
"Well, it seems that I like Snivy more anyways." Cheren says, stroking his pokemon," I have a type advantage over Haruka too." He smirks at Haruka and she sticks her tongue out at him.
"So? It doesn't mean that he's stronger than my Oshowatt." She remarks, poking her pokemon's nose playfully.
He turns towards her, and adjusts his glasses, "Oh, you think so?"
She meets his dark cobalt eyes, "Indeed."
"You wanna see if that's true?" he asks, picking up his Snivy, which scurries onto his shoulder and holds the same pose as his owner, arms crossed, and head held high. Haruka stands up, and being the same height, glares at him at eye level.
"Alright, let's battle then!"
Bianca tickles her Tepig, which squeals uncontrollably, "Uh, guys, are you sure about this? We're indoors, and Cheren fixed up his room nicely…"
"It doesn't matter!" Haruka and Cheren yell in unison, shooting invisible Hyper Beams at each other with their eyes. Cheren moves to one side of his room, and Haruka moves to the opposite side, both already knowing what to do from Trainer School.
"You're gonna regret this." Cheren growls, his Snivy jumping to the ground, yelling in agreement.
"Bring it on, Cherie." Haruka sneers back, with blood pumping through her veins wildly. Boy was this going to be good.
"Aw, you guys are so cute when you're competitive against each other!" Bianca giggles.
Haruka and Cheren glare at her.
"Oopsy, sorry," she apologizes, "Pay no attention to me!"
"Damn it! Snivy, use Tackle again!" Cheren yells, wiping sweat off his forehead.
Man, we've been going at this for twenty minutes and we're still not done, Haruka thinks, ordering her Oshowatt to dodge, but this is fun.
She wipes her sweaty palms on her shorts and takes a deep breath, formulating a plan.
I've got it. "Oshowatt, get behind Snivy!"
Oshowatt zips behind the Snivy as told, and then looks up to see Haruka's index finger twirling, indicating for him to do a flip back front.
Oshowatt, understanding, minds his master. Snivy, thinking Oshowatt is still behind him, turns around and tackles, but misses, and simply stands there, confused.
"Wait, what-"Cheren starts, and takes a step forward.
"And attack!" Haruka orders loudly.
Oshowatt tackles harshly at Snivy, and Cheren screams as he and Snivy smash to the wall. Snivy gives off one last weak cry and faints.
"No, no! We were supposed to win!" Cheren winces, slowly standing up. He cracks his neck and glares at Haruka, "Ow, that freaking hurt."
Haruka picks up her Oshowatt and gives him a little high five, "Sorry, you should've seen that coming."
He starts to heal his Snivy, giving it a Revive, "Didn't think you were smart enough to pull something like that."
"Hmph, well then you thought wrong. I may not be generally as smart as you, but battling is different. For all we know, I might be cleverer than you with pokemon."
"Ha, that's funny!" Cheren cackles, finishing off his healing with a potion, tipping it into Snivy's mouth," That'll be the day. I'll become the strongest trainer in the Unova region, and I'll beat the Champion!"
Bianca and Haruka roll their eyes at this comment, already have hearing it thousands of times.
They return their pokemon to their pokeballs and Bianca pipes up, "I think Prof Juniper said that she wanted us to meet her at her lab after we chose our pokemon."
Cheren thinks, "Oh, that's right. C'mon, let's go."
Suddenly, Haruka remembers her mom's reminder, "Oh, crap. I've got to get to my mom. I'll meet you there."
The three head out of his chaotic room, and apologize to his mother about the mess.
"Sorry ma'am, it was my fault. I was the one who really suggested battling…" Haruka says.
Cheren's mom pats her cheek, "No, no, that's totally fine! I'll fix it up. Today's cleaning day anyways. You kids go and have fun!"
"We will!"
After receiving a scolding from her mother, (along with a Town Map and Running Shoes,) and receiving a pokedex from Prof Juniper, the threesome head out to Route 1.
"THIS IS SO EXCITING!" Bianca shrieks, "Guys, let's take our first step to our journey together at the same time."
Cheren groans, "Aw, c'mon. This is pointless."
"Oh be quiet Cherie," Haruka says, hooking her arm into Bianca's, "I think it's a sweet idea."
He grumbles, hooking his arm with Haruka's, blushing a bit, "Whatever. It's still stupid."
Bianca, satisfied, counts, "One, two, three!" And they all take a step onto the route, officially marking the beginning of their journey.
"THIS IS SO EXCITING!" Bianca squeals again, "Wait, didn't I already say that?"
Cheren nods, "Yeah, and you more like, screamed that."
Haruka giggles, watching her best friends bickering. Like Bianca had said, it does feel thrilling. Her right eye all of a sudden captures some movement.
She spies an unusual looking pokemon, not like the ones Prof Juniper had showed them. She had showed them pictures of the pokemon that they would probably come across on Route 1. Purrloin, Patrat, Lillipup… Nope, this one had a small white body, and a greenish looking head. She quickly moves her head, and the pokemon teleports.
Cheren and Bianca notice this.
"Whoa, what the heck was that?" Cheren wonders, pulling out his pokedex.
"Yeah, hey, that's a good idea Cheren." Bianca follows.
Haruka pulls out her pokedex, and scans the pokemon at where it had arrived, among some deep grass.
The pokedex had said that it was a pokemon called Ralts. Ralts? Haruka thinks, never heard of that one.
Cheren lets out a gasp, "Wow, a Ralts! Those are extremely rare around here, they belong to another region!"
Haruka asks, "Which one?"
Cheren turns his head, keeping his eyes on the Ralts, "I believe it's Hoenn, and I want it."
Bianca says, "Well I want a cute pokemon. So while you kids are fighting for the Ralts, I'll be off at that grass patch over there looking for Lillipup."
Bianca waits for a nod from Haruka and Cheren, but they remain glaring at each other, multiple pokeballs in their hands.
Bianca sighs, "You guys are so competitive. Sometimes it gets so adorable!"
Haruka and Cheren snap their heads towards Bianca and hold their strongest glare on her.
Bianca giggles and flees.
Haruka turns back and growls, "That Ralts is mine."
Cheren raises his eyebrows and ignores her. The Ralts is fiddling around with a piece of grass. It starts nibbling on it.
Haruka, knowing what the Ralts will probably do, calms down a bit. She waits there and quietly sends out Oshowatt. She pulls out three Oran berries and hands them over to Oshowatt. It stands next to her, eating, while they watch Cheren.
Cheren silently creeps through the tall grass. The Ralts looks up, but Cheren ducks his head just in time. It gives a suspicious look to Haruka, but she simply smiles and waves at it. It widens its eyes and cocks its head, biting off a chunk of grass. Haruka nods her head towards the part of grass where Cheren is. The Ralts gives her a confused look.
Haruka titters slightly, putting her hand over her mouth, "You'll see soon."
Ralts turns away and continues munching. All of a sudden, Cheren yells, "Snivy, use Tackle!"
Snivy zips through the grass and attacks the surprised Ralts. The two pokemon go down and Snivy rolls off the injured Ralts. Cheren throws at pokeball at it and waits.
One, two… And the Ralts pops out.
Haruka bursts out laughing and Cheren curses. The Ralts teleports and surprisingly lands right next to Haruka. The Ralts seems to be laughing with her.
Cheren tries about five more times trying to catch Ralts, but every time, it would simply pop out, taunting Cheren, causing Haruka and Oshowatt to double over with laughter.
Cheren pants with Snivy, "My Arceus, this thing is so damn frustrating…" He scratches his neck and adjusts his glasses, "You know what, maybe Ralts just isn't my pokemon…" He glowers at it and walks away angrily.
Haruka bends down onto her knees and examines the hurt Ralts. It seems to have a bruise on its stomach. It flinches at Haruka's touch.
"Oh, it's alright. No need to be scared," Haruka comforts her (figuring out that it was a girl), "I just want to fix you up."
Ralts stays a safe distance away from Haruka as she rummages through her bag for some Heal Powder and a Potion. Haruka returns and rubs the powder onto Ralts' stomach.
Feeling immensely better, Ralts starts to wonder about Haruka, knowing that this is not what frequently happens to wild pokemon. Most trainers, usually leaving injured pokemon alone.
Haruka picks up the Potion and motions for Ralts to open her mouth. Ralts cautiously obeys, and drinks in the Potion.
She's certainly more caring and gentle than that other meddling boy… Ralts thinks to herself.
Haruka then finishes off with a pat on Ralts' head, and scolds Cheren for hurting Ralts.
"What'd you expect me to do, tackle it myself?!" Cheren yells.
"You could've just started out with a gentler attack!"
Ralts cocks her head at their fighting and turns to Oshowatt who is snacking on an Oran berry.
Want one? They're really good. Oshowatt asks, holding out a berry.
Why are you being so… benevolent? I'm wild. Don't domestic pokemon look down upon us? Ralts says back carefully.
Oshowatt polishes off his berry and looks at Ralts. So? Pokemon are Pokemon. We're all the same no matter what. Oshowatt then places the Oran berry into Ralts' palms, trust me, you've gotta have one.
Ralts takes a bite, relishing the sweet flavor. She thinks for a long time; she wants to catch me doesn't she? Your trainer?
Oshowatt nods. Yup. The instant she saw me, and she just got me like thirty minutes ago, she loved me. I could tell. Anyone could've. We instantly bonded. Oshowatt plays with his shell, and I like her already too. I can already tell that she's going to become an amazing and talented trainer. And in fact, Oshowatt laughs blithely, those two were about to wrestle each other over you. But I guess Haruka stole the brain and had the sense to hold back and be patient.
Ralts stares at Haruka as she talks to Cheren about their next plans. She sees Bianca walking towards them with a brand new Lillipup.
I suppose… I suppose I could give her a try.
"Yayyyyy! I'm so happy, I got Raltsssss!" Haruka squeals as they walk towards Accumula town.
Cheren crosses his arms, blushes, and says nothing.
Bianca hugs her new Lillipup tightly, and it barks from being hugged so strongly.
"OMG I'm so sorry Lilli, here," Bianca places Lillipup on the ground and switches to holding Tepig, "You guys can switch."
Tepig grunts and sighs. It starts to squirm, but soon decides to just give up.
Cheren says, "Whatever. I'll get a stronger pokemon. It's not like that thing is tough anyways."
"You and that word 'whatever'" Bianca says jokingly.
Cheren answers smartly, "Whatsoever, it's completely true. That thing is weak."
Haruka decides to play with him, "Cheren, I'll give her to you if you really want her…"
Cheren stops in his tracks and raises his eyebrows, "Really? You're not kidding?"
Haruka then flicks his forehead, "Stupid! I would never give my precious Ralts to you. This just proves that you still want her." Haruka half smiles smugly, "Poor Cherie."
Cheren turns red and snaps, "No, I just… I just want more pokemon for the pokedex, that's why!" he stammers, turning away, "That thing is useless! Scrawny!"
Haruka snaps, "Hey, watch your mouth. My Ralts gave you a huge bruise after all," she carefully strokes Ralts' head, "She'll get even stronger. You'll see."
Cheren leers and rolls his eyes, "Yeah, we'll see."
Ralts looks up at her and grabs Haruka's hands, indicating more petting time.
"Oh, alright," Haruka giggles, "You're such a demander."
Oshowatt wiggles on top of Haruka's head, and places its paws over her eyes and growls.
"Hey…! I need to see Oshowatt!" Haruka giggle-scolds, "No need to be jealous, I'll give you petting time too."
Oshowatt listens and sits on her head with arms crossed satisfied.
Bianca laughs lightly, "Aww, Haruka is so cute with her pokemon. I can already just tell that you're going to be an… astounding trainer."
Bianca turns towards Cheren as she ruffles Tepig's head, "How was that word?"
Cheren nods and allows Snivy to nip on his fingers, "Not bad, could've been better."
The trios soon are welcomed by a friendly looking town (Accumula). Many people are chatting and sipping coffee heartily, cooing at their pokemon. Many houses are embedded with flowers, most of them town houses. Many trees sway to the wind and a band plays in front of a house. It's a small town really, polished off with a pokecenter.
Cheren throws his pokeball up in the air and catches it, "Hey guys, look, we're in Accumula town. This is the perfect time to heal our pokemon." he returns Snivy to its pokeball and the girls do the same.
Haruka looks around, the wind blowing her hair around madly, "No gym?"
Cheren leads them to the pokecenter, "Of course not. We've barely even trained hard enough. How could we even handle the easiest gym?"
Haruka shrugs, and then puts a finger to her chin, "I dunno, just asking. Gym leaders are strong right?"
Cheren rolls his eyes and shakes his head and doesn't answer.
Haruka asks, "Right?"
Cheren looks up and says (as if talking to a very stupid person), "Yes, Haruka, gym leaders are the strongest of their kind. Some trainers are able to defeat them and move on towards the Elite Four. You know, sometimes I really want to yell at you." Cheren takes a deep breath and counts to ten silently in his head, "Let's just get our pokemon healed and move on."
Haruka, affronted, says, "Well, sorry, Monsieur Cherie, I was just making sure. No need to get ratty."
As the nurse heal their pokemon, he answers cracking his knuckles, "With you, mademoiselle, sometimes actions need to be taken to the extreme."
"Hey, that's not nice. Look who's talking."
"You are."
Haruka sighs sharply and takes her pokeball from the nurse, nodding thanks, "Just hush up. I've just about had it with you Cherie."
Cheren knocks her head, "Don't call me that!"
Haruka and Bianca laugh, and Bianca says, "Why not? It fits you perfectly."
Haruka pipes up, "Yeah, and if it annoys you, it's even more perfect."
As the automatic doors open, Cheren exhales tiredly and rolls his eyes, "Girls," he mutters, "I'll never understand them."
Bianca, holding her Lillipup and Tepig in both arms, says, "'Course you won't. Perhaps you're gay."
Haruka laughs with Oshowatt and Snivy as Cheren growls in annoyance.
As they continue walking deeper into town, exchanging hello's with people, and gathering up tips from old trainers, Bianca points out suddenly, "Guys, look."
She points to a group of men and women in silver, ridiculous looking costumes, with the letter P on their backs outlined in blue. In the center of their protective, perfectly formed shield, stands a man in a hideous multicolored rode with two eyes on the front. He has green hair with a red eye patch covering his right eye.
People are gathering around this strange group, and the silver people remain emotionless and the robe man smiles almost cruelly.
Cheren stares at them with a suspicious look gleaming in his cobalt eyes, and then takes their arms, "Let's go check it out. Maybe it's important."
As he pulls them forward, Haruka complains, "Stop pulling my arm too hard, it hurts, and I've got an Oshowatt on my head and a Ralts in my other arm."
Cheren says, "Maybe if you ate a bit healthier you would build up more muscle and your body would be able to take a strong grip."
Haruka answers, "That has nothing to do with your grip. Let go."
Cheren ignores her and continues pulling both an airhead (Bianca) and a complainer (Haruka) towards the bizarre looking people and finally let's go when they get a reasonable spot to see. Not that Haruka really wanted to be that close to that ugly robe.
Haruka returns Ralts and Oshowatt to their pokeballs and whispers to Cheren, "Why so close to that revolting outfit?"
Cheren shakes his head at her and whispers back, "It may be gross, but I wanna see what this lunatic has to say. We might get a good laugh over this."
The three of them laugh but soon quiet down when the red eye patch man in the horrible robe clears his throat loudly.
He takes a few steps forward and looks around the crowd and says, "Hello, and I would like to thank you for your deliberation into taking your valuable time into listening to my significant speech," he then smiles again, "My name is Ghetsis. I am here representing Team Plasma. Today, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to talk to you about pokemon freedom." He then begins to pace back and forth as people start to ask each other silent questions.
"I'm sure most of you believe that we humans and pokemon are partners that have come to live together because we want and need each other. However... Is that really the truth? Have you ever considered that perhaps we humans... Only assume that this is the truth? Pokemon are subject to the selfish commands of Trainers... They get pushed around when they are our 'partners' at work... Can anyone say with confidence that there is no truth in what I'm saying?" The three look at each other, confused, and notice that other people are muddled as well.
"Now, ladies and gentlemen, pokemon are different from humans. They are living beings that contain unknown potential. They are living beings from whom we humans have much to learn. Tell me, what is our responsibility toward these wonderful beings called pokemon?"
Ghetsis waits as the townspeople discuss this question among themselves.
"What could it be?"
"I don't know…"
"What's this guy talking about?"
"I'm hungry…"
Then one old man with a cane takes a step forward and says, "Perhaps you are talking about… Deliverance?"
Ghetsis smiles and his rubicund eye brightens up, "That's right! We must liberate the pokemon! Then, and only then, will humans and Pokémon truly be equals. Everyone, I end my words here today by imploring you to consider the relationship between people and pokemon... and the correct way to proceed. We sincerely appreciate your attention."
Then Ghetsis gives one last strange smile, and turns away from the crowd. The Team Plasma grunts make a defensive formation around him, and the last trailing grunt puts up a flag with their logo on it. Then they walk away.
Cheren, Bianca, and Haruka just stand there as they ponder about the speech.
Then Bianca speaks up, "Well, that was certainly odd. Why would anyone think that?" She rubs her two pokemon affectionately.
Haruka nods and thinks, Yeah, I mean, pokemon and humans need each other. At least, that's what I believe. We balance each other. And besides, she looks over at Cheren, battling is really fun.
Cheren then says in a fuming voice, "What the hell is that guy thinking?!"
Both Bianca and Haruka are startled at his sudden livid outburst. He clutches his pokeball tightly and looks up at them with glinting glasses.
"You have to agree," He continues crossly, "Who in their right mind would want to separate our two most precious species?" He adjusts his glasses and glances at Haruka with an irate expression, "Point being, he's an idiot. Don't you agree, Haruka?"
"Well… Yeah, of course. But really," she then laughs, "He could have been just some sort of, I don't know, crazy, drunk person." She then smirks, "I mean, you saw his robe right?"
They all laugh and soon Bianca shuts up. She has sparkles in her eyes and they both look at her like she's going bizarre. She turns as red as a Cheri Berry.
Cheren asks, "Uh, Bianca?" He taps her head, "You okay in there?"
Bianca squeaks and turns even redder and Haruka turns around to see what Bianca was freaking out at.
Whoahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
A tall boy, perhaps one or two years older than all three, stares at them with gorgeous emerald eyes that contain long lashes. His eyebrows are raised and his mouth is pulled up into a half smile. He wears a plain black and white cap, and a black turtle-neck under a white button up shirt. He sports light tan pants and had a Rubix cube looking block hanging from the left side of his pants. His right wrist contains a black Xtransceiver and his left presents three golden, triangular bracelets. He has long, green hair in a ponytail. Haruka has never seen a boy so handsome before. Especially a dude with green hair.
Lightly tanned, with a strong jaw, chiseled face, and thin yet strong looking body, he makes his way over to a gawking Bianca, a staring Haruka, and a glaring Cheren.
He ends up in front of them, asking in a fine, slightly deep voice, "Hello, my name's N." He then looks at Haruka, which makes her nose almost bleed, "You. Your pokemon, they were just saying…"
Cheren interrupts, "Um, hello? Yeah, name's Cheren. Did you just claim that Haruka's pokemon was saying something?"
N looks at him and his mischievous expression is replaced with a slightly disappointed one, "Oh. Then, you three can't hear it, either... How sad." He looks at Cheren straight in the eyes and says, "Yes, I can understand and talk to pokemon. Many people find it weird, but…" He winks at Bianca and Haruka, "I find it a talent."
Bianca giggles and reddens even more and Haruka coughs uneasily and gazes at his eyes, even though she knows he might be thinking of her as a creep. But she just can't take her eyes off of those incredibly green ones.
N leans down and smiles at her and says, "Wow, you're eyes are so azure, like the ocean," he inspects her eyes a few more seconds and continues, "They're so perfectly blue, I think I'll call you Doll."
Haruka blushes more and puts her hand over her mouth and looks away and towards a squealing Bianca, who makes her way towards a water fountain. Then, suddenly, Cheren grabs her by the shoulders.
"Hey, is this what you do all the time? Go around flirting with girls?" he snarls, grabbing Haruka tighter, and says, "If you do, I just want to say, why don't you go try some boys?"
Haruka snaps, "Cheren! That's so rude, he's just being friendly!"
Cheren mutters, "You mean uncanny."
N laughs out loud and snaps his now piercing almost glowering eyes at Cheren, "Why, are you jealous?" Cheren blushes and opens his mouth to protest but then N, who's at least a whole head taller than Cheren, leans down and puts his long index finger on his lips, "Sorry, but guys aren't my type. Try someone else."
Haruka bursts out laughing and Cheren lets her go and barks, "Dude, just get lost! Why are you here anyways?" Cheren then stomps away and towards a still giggling Bianca.
N half-smiles again and turns back to Haruka, "So, Miss Doll, you seem strong, how about a battle?"
Haruka blushes and fingers her pokedex inside her bag, N looks down.
"The Pokedex, eh? So... You're going to confine many, many pokemon in pokeballs for that, then. I'm a Trainer, too, but I can't help wondering... Are Pokémon really happy that way?"
Haruka asks, "What do you mean? Are you talking about what that insane dude said?"
N laughs, "Perhaps. If you want to think of it that way. But honestly…" he takes a pokeball out of his pocket, and throws it up in the air and catches it, "So, Doll, give me answer, hm? Are pokemon really happy in their narrowed way?"
Haruka replies, "I don't really have a final say. But, I think," Haruka looks up at him, "If they weren't happy, why would they even stay with us? I mean, they're pokemon. If they want to, they can just escape, and like, burn your face with a Flamethrower or something."
N chuckles again, and says, "You're funny. I'll think about your answer." He then cocks his head, "Well, Doll, c'mon. A friendly battle. Let me hear your pokemon's voice again!"
Really, it was quite an easy battle, even for a begginer like Haruka. After about five turns, Oshowatt had defeated N's Purrloin, which was completely soaked from Oshowatt's newly learned Water Gun.
N returns Purrloin to its pokeball and remarks, "I'm right. You are tough. And I never expected to hear pokemon to say such things…"
Haruka, curious, adjusts Oshowatt in a proper holding position and shakes her head to get rid of the stray, long brown hair out of her face. Oshowatt helps her out, and she says, "Do you mind telling me what my Oshowatt said?"
N says, "Well…" Oshowatt gives N a look that Haruka can't figure out, "That's our little secret!"
Haruka looks at Oshowatt, "Hey… What did you tell him? Better not have been anything embarrassing."
Oshowatt shakes his head frantically and makes an X with his tiny arms.
N says, "Oh, nothing bad! Really good things, actually. It's just that Oshowatt told me that he'd be embarrassed if I told you all the sweet things he said about you."
Haruka coos, "Oh, you little cutie. You're so nice! You don't have to be embarrassed…"
Oshowatt takes his shell off his belly and presses it against her cheek.
"You're so random, Oshowatt."
N smiles, "I wasn't really a challenge. But…" He tips his cap and winks, "I've got to run. And I just wanted to comment…"
He looks at her with a serious expression on his face, and says firmly, "As long as pokemon are kept in pokeballs... pokemon will never become perfect beings. I have to change the world for pokemon, because they're my friends."
He pats Oshowatt on the head and waves at Haruka, "I hope to see you soon, Doll." And like that, he walks away.
Haruka stands there with an immense blush. Oshowatt licks her cheek and she giggles.
"Oh, he's so hot, don't you think?" she says dreamily, and squeezes Oshowatt's hand. She sends out her Ralts and places her on her head, "Now we're all set."
She walks back towards a giddy Bianca, a complaining Cheren drinking a cappuccino, and a Lillipup chasing a Tepig.
"… And you know, that son of a bitch just gets in my face and assumes that I'M GAY! THE NEXT TIME I SEE HIM, I'M GONNA Oh, Hey Haruka," He inspects his nails, and Snivy copies him. He holds his cup to Snivy and says, "Here, you can have it. I'm not thirsty anymore." Snivy dips his head in the cup and drinks, "So… I saw that you won. What did he tell you?"
Haruka takes a seat, and sighs distantly again, "He calls me Doll…"
Cheren rolls his eyes, "Yeah, we know. Arceus, you guys took forever over there. That can't be possibly it."
Bianca asks, "Did he ask you out?"
Cheren snorts and Haruka smacks her arm, "Of course not! We just met him! If he did, that would be so… I don't know, sudden."
Cheren mumbles, "You still would've said yes…"
"What?" Haruka asks.
Cheren blushes and retains his pissed face, "NOTHING. What else did he say?"
Bianca chortles, "Someone is on his period…"
"Shut up, Bianca."
Haruka plays with Ralts' hands, "Well, he said something about how he didn't want pokemon to be stuck in pokeballs, and how pokemon were his friends. Then we battled, and I won. Then he said he hoped to see me again!" Haruka squeals and Ralts shakes her head.
Bianca says, excitedly, "Ooh, I hope you do too. I mean, he's hot and all, but I already have someone else in mind." She plasters a sort of sad look on her face and looks down at her hands.
Haruka asks, "Who?"
Bianca replies, "Oh, uh, someone, you wouldn't know him, anyways!" Bianca claps her hands and blushes, seeming eager to move on to another subject, "We should move on to… Striation City?" She looks at Cheren for confirmation.
He looks at his town map, and nods. "Yeah, there's a gym there, too. We can train in the grass along the way." He closes his map and gets up, "Oh, and Haruka," He looks away and adjusts his glasses, "If you see that guy named N again, stay away from him will you? Also, tell him to not call you Doll."