My update schedule is literally non-existent, so please bear with me. I try my best to publish quality content and checking for grammar, spelling and the right word choice can take quite a bit of time.
I was asked whether there will be time skips or not. The answer is a definite yes, but I won't say when they will be nor will I comment on how long.
Without further ado, I present you the next chapter.
Please enjoy!
Chapter 3 : Exciting Encounters
Celestic Town – Historical Research Center
It was early evening with the sunset enveloping the sky in a gentle orange hue crested with violet. Children were called back home for dinner and Pokémon prepared for the upcoming night.
A smiling Kushina and a sleepy looking Naruto were standing just outside the entrance door of the Carolina residence. After an exciting and joyful day the mother-son duo were now preparing for their flight home.
Cynthia, who looked just as tired as Naruto, and her grandmother were outside to see them off.
"Bye bye 'Ruto. It was tons of fun like always! Let's play tomorrow too! This time I come over to your house. We have four days to make up for after all!" she said while letting out a cute yawn at the end.
"I can't wait! How about playing with all the Pokémon again?" Naruto asked excitedly.
Looking at Cynthia you could tell she was just as excited. Bouncing on the heels of her feet and gaining a big smile at the prospect of playing with all the Pokémon at the daycare. Not to mention Cheryl's and Kushina's Pokémon!
"That sounds like an awesome plan! Can we play with Aunty Cheryl's and your Pokémon too?" she asked an amused looking Kushina with big watery eyes.
'I would've agreed no matter what but those eyes are way too effective! Who can resist such overwhelming cuteness?! It's even worse when the two of them do it together!' a certain redhead ranted to herself within mind.
"Of course you can play with our Pokémon! I bet they would love to play with you all just as much." Kushina cooed to the half-asleep Cynthia while glomping her.
When she let go she noticed that Cynthia already fell asleep. All the excitement and ice cream after 4 days of waiting would tire any child out. Even the ones with more endurance than most, namely Naruto and Cynthia.
Picking her up she walked over to Professor Carolina and handed her over gently.
"Thank you for the hospitality. I would also like to thank you for the favour you did for me and Cheryl," she told her sincerely with a small bow of her head.
The professor only shook her head with a small smile and replied, "It was no trouble. If there is anything else I can help you with just ask away. I always love helping people, especially people I consider family."
"I will. Thank you again," and with a final bow she made her way towards her nearly sleeping son and picked him up. After she settled him into a comfortable position she took out a Poké Ball out of her pocket, expanded it, and released her ever faithful Salamence out of its confines.
Before it could roar though it was silenced by his master's shushing. One look in her direction told him all he needed to know and nodded his head and lowered himself so Kushina could get on without disturbing the now sleeping Naruto.
Carefully climbing onto Salamence's back she sat down, mouthed one last goodbye to Professor Carolina and waved with her free arm. Receiving a smile and a small wave in return Kushina signaled Salamence to take off.
This time he started out a lot calmer and less abrupt than before, that doesn't mean he was any slower as soon as he was in the sky.
"We won't Mega Evolve for now, it could wake him up and we don't want that right?" she told him while stroking Naruto's hair tenderly.
Understanding his Master's concern he continued flying towards their home while trying not to rouse the little boy from his slumber.
Solaceon Town – Pokémon Day Care
They arrived at home after another three minutes of uneventful flight. Kushina thanked her Salamence and rubbed his head affectionately. Pleased with the nice gesture, he nuzzled his head into her hand. After she asked him whether he would like to sleep in his Poké Ball or rather sleep outside today he decided to lay down near a tree in one of the small forests.
Wishing him a good night she made her way towards her room. A little stirring in her arms made her look down and notice a slightly awake Naruto.
"You can continue sleeping sweetie. Today you sleep with your momma and mommy so don't worry and close your cute little eyes and take a nice long nap," she cooed to him and kissing his cheek.
Following her advice, he closed his eyes again. Just before he was fast asleep though you could hear him mumble a quiet, "Awesome."
Giggling lightly at her little ray of sunshine she entered Cheryl's and her bedroom.
Sitting in their bed, Cheryl was reading a new novel she picked up during her little business trip to Kalos. It was an intriguing story about indoctrination, mass surveillance and public manipulation.
She knew Kushina would come into the room any second now. Hearing a heavyset dragon in dead silence is not the most difficult task.
True to her prediction, just half a minute later their bedroom door slowly opened and revealed a rather heartwarming scene to her.
Her sleeping son, all snuggled up against the bosom of her wife who carried him with great care and tenderness over to the bed. After tugging him in between their sleeping spots she leaned over to Cheryl, giving her a deep kiss.
The kiss lasted just over five seconds but not more was needed to convey their mutual feelings to each other. Their desire to be together after being separated from the other for an extended period of time.
Kushina could only chuckle to herself after noticing how similar their feelings were to Naruto's and Cynthia's, just a bit more adult orientated.
Seeing Kushina suddenly breaking out in tiny giggles, Cheryl could only smile bemusedly and wait for an explanation, which always came as soon as her wife would see her slightly confused expression.
Changing her mind she pecked her on the lips once to garner her attention.
"Why don't you change into an appropriate attire and join the two of us in bed. After that I would love to hear about your visit and Naruto's play date," Cheryl suggested softly.
"That sounds like a wonderful plan. Be right back!" kissing her cute wife once more, she vanished into their walk-in closet, leaving a serenely smiling Cheryl back in the room.
'I still can't believe that I have such a wonderful wife and beautiful son sometimes,' sighing blissfully, 'All this thanks to a small yellow crystal making me slip,' she thought, laughing softly.
Right after finishing that thought, Kushina came back wearing a simple, emerald green pajama matching Cheryl's hair, while Cheryl was wearing a crimson red one in likeness to Kushina's hair.
Setting the book she still had on her lap aside and putting it on the nightstand, she turned her attention back to Kushina, who by now had already dived under the covers and wrapped the blanket over her head, wearing it like a hood, with only her face showing.
At this very moment Cheryl thanked every deity in existence for making excessive amounts of cuteness nonlethal. Otherwise she would be lying in puddle of her own blood with more coming out of her nose.
'I'm so glad I married this woman! I just want to cuddle her to death right now!'
Suppressing the urge to do just that took a lot of her willpower, but if an Uzumaki had anything en masse it would be willpower!
Not to mention the risk of waking up little Naruto. Unforgivable!
After composing herself again she made herself comfortable and pulled the big blanket over herself and her little family.
As soon as she lied down, Kushina started telling her about her day including the cute reunion of the kids in a hushed voice, still wearing her blanket-hood.
They were both smiling throughout Kushina's recollection of the interactions between Cynthia and Naruto. All the while softly nuzzling and cuddling their son.
Sometimes they think about how their still innocent friendship would develop over time, but deep down both knew in what direction this relationship was heading. Both Cheryl and Kushina could clearly see that the two children's still immature feelings would change in the near future, giving way to something rare and beautiful.
True Love.
It may sound cheesy but there is no way to deny it. They complemented each other astoundingly well, you could already call it perfect synergy. Always helping one another, never leaving the other behind.
With that final thought the two wives shared one last kiss before embracing their slowly fading consciousness and letting themselves fall into the temporary abyss called sleep.
The next morning started as usual for the family of three. Naturally first up they had to wake up, with Naruto being the first, who woke up Kushina and Cheryl too as a result.
Not that they mind being woken up by an overexcited ball of sunshine and laughter who tried to tickle them awake.
After their small tickle session, they relocated to the bathroom to freshen up, including brushing their teeth and taking a bath together.
Followed by this came a classic "English" breakfast consisting of bacon, scrambled eggs, grilled tomatoes, a large variety of fried food, sausages, baked beans and a potato dish called "hashed browns" which basically are Rösti, but for some reason are not.
'Also what is "English" supposed to be anyway,' Kushina asked herself with a confused expression.
Couple more seconds of thinking later her expression changed to a toothy grin and thought, 'Who cares, as long as it tastes good and conjures a smile on the faces of my loved ones its good in my books!'
She decided to make breakfast by herself today and surprise her wife with a fabulous breakfast, just to show her how much she missed her presence. That also gave Naruto some time together with Cheryl after not seeing her for 3 days.
Back in the dining room Naruto was occupying Cheryl's lap with both of them facing forward.
Leaning back into the bosom of his momma he joyfully exclaimed, "I missed you momma! Mommy always is a lot happier with you around!" before hastily adding, "Me too of course!"
Resting her chin on his hair she softly replied with closed eyes, "I also missed you two and am glad to be back."
Naruto started shifting around a bit and Cheryl lifted her chin again and looked down to see hope filled, emerald eyes similar to her own looking up at her.
"Cyn-Cyn is coming over later today, we wanted to play with mommy's and your Pokémon in the different fields. Mommy was okay with it, can we play with your Pokémon too please?" he asked her cutely.
A smile and a kiss on his nose was her response.
"Of course you can play together with my Pokémon. They love to play with you two after all. Just promise to be careful, okay?" she answered while holding out her pinky.
Grasping her pinky with his own he happily answered, "Pinky promise! Thank you momma, I love you!" swinging his tiny arms around her neck and giving her a big hug after disengaging his pinky.
"I love you too, my little sunshine," she whispered gently, reciprocating the hug.
This was the scene Kushina came in to whilst wheeling in a little tray cart with their breakfast, suddenly gaining a mischievous glint in her eyes, she held her heart in mock hurt, while overdramatically exclaiming, "Milady, doth thou not love me anymore?" and falling to her hands and knees, "Am I not worthy of thy love milady?"
Her wife could only giggle at her melodramatic acting and couldn't help but be impressed by Kushina's commitment to a prank once she started with one. Her theatrical performance was stellar as always!
Not understanding what was going on, Naruto hopped of Cheryl's lap and ran over to the still kneeling form of Kushina.
"Mommy are you alright? Do you have a tummy ache? Should I call a doctor?" he asked panicking slightly.
Before he could rapid fire any more questions, Kushina suddenly tackled Naruto as gently as she could to the ground without hurting him.
"'Twas thou who stole her loveth from me, was it not? For that thou shalt be punished!" she proclaimed full of passion and started tickling him all over.
Ten minutes of laughter, explanations and pouting by Naruto later, they were now fully enjoying Kushina's brilliant culinary skills in the form of their breakfast. Continuous small talk kept the light and friendly mood alive and only served to amplify the already joyous ambience.
Noon couldn't come quick enough for Naruto. He was getting more and more fidgety the closer it was to one o'clock, the time Cynthia wanted to meet up with him at his house.
When breakfast was over they changed into their everyday clothes and Kushina and Cheryl prepped themselves for work. His momma was tending to the daycare customers at the reception desk and his mommy was taking care of the Pokémon belonging to said customers.
In short, Naruto was incredibly bored and eager at the same time, so when the doorbell rang he shot off at Extremespeed(s) and reached the door before the sound could even fade.
He wrenched open the door and came face to face with a grinning Cynthia with some sort of container in her arms. She wearing a frilly, black sundress, sturdy shoes and a wide brimmed sunhat. All in all she looked absolutely adorable but still ready for outdoor activities.
Upon seeing her he couldn't help but grin himself.
"Hey Cyn! I hope you didn't have any trouble getting here," he asked while letting her in.
"Everything was A-OK 'Ruto! You should know by now that getting over to your house is not hard," she playfully pouted at him and put the container down.
"Yea I know, but I can't help but ask. Momma and Mommy are running the daycare, but they said their Pokémon are in the fields so we can play with them!" he told her excitedly.
Cynthia's visible eye started sparkling at this, "Awesome! Finally we can play with Pokémon together again!"
They continued talking and simultaneously moved towards the fields to inform Kushina of their plans and to meet up with the aforementioned Pokémon.
"I bet today will be super fun! By the way, what is in that box you brought along?" he asked as he pointed towards the non-transparent plastic container.
"Oh, this? In the last couple weeks I researched Poffins, you know the things that can make a Pokémon happier and healthier! I asked around a lot and experimented quite a bit myself to make these super-duper Poffins!" she proclaimed proudly, holding up the container with a grin and puffed out chest.
Naruto looked really impressed, "Wow! I heard about Poffins before and how it is really hard to make good ones. Though if anyone can do it, it's definitely you! There isn't anything you can't do in the kitchen, is there?" he exclaimed.
Images of a burning frying pan popped up in her mind. She banished those pictures back into the dark corner they came from before replying, "Of course! I'm just that good," while laughing nervously.
'He can never find out about my skills - or rather lack thereof - in making ice cream!' she thought a little panicked.
"Anyway let's find your mom and then go play! I'll show you the Poffins then." she said quickly before taking his hand and dragging him along.
Kushina was brushing her Ninetales' fur at the moment, and the fox-like Pokémon very much enjoyed the attention she was getting from her Master, purring in content.
Hearing footsteps, which from the sound of them belonged to two children, Ninetales looked up and saw two of her favorite little humans running towards them.
Noticing her Ninetales' attention focusing on something behind her she turned around and was targeted by two flying hugs. Catching them just in time she returned the hug while spinning around and laughing cheerfully.
"Mommy!" "Aunty!" Naruto and Cynthia shouted happily.
Ninetales could only watch on fascinated by the pureness of the relationship the family of her Master shared. She couldn't have imagined that something like this existed. Her Master and her mate were truly special individuals.
"Hey little munchkins. It's good to see you two getting along as well as ever," Kushina said looking down and genuinely happy at their excited and cheerful expressions.
Spotting the little basket Cynthia was carrying she couldn't help but ask, "Oh Cynthia, what beautiful things did you conjure in your little wonder kitchen this time?"
"I made Poffins for yours and Aunty Cheryl's Pokémon! The Pokémon back at the Center seemed to like them, so I hope yours do too!" she beamed at Kushina with a dazzling smile.
"If your cooking skills are anything to go by they will definitely love them!" conveniently forgetting Cynthia's ice cream making attempts, "So you want to play with Cheryl and my super awesome Pokémon?"
Her unanimous answer was a loud, "Yeah!" from both.
"Then let's call them here and ask them if they want to play, shall we?"
Receiving the same answer as last time, she put her right index finger and thumb into her mouth and blew. The ensuing whistling sound echoing over all the fields, alerting specific Pokémon.
In the daycare Cheryl also heard the whistle and excused herself for five minutes with an apology. The customer, a friendly elderly man, only waved her off and said, "It surely must be your wife. Take all the time you need. It is not like I will run away with these old bones of mine," with a hearty laugh.
"Thank you for your understanding, Jeremy," she replied with a small bow, before adding playfully, "You also are not that old yet. After all you still have the energy to battle young unsuspecting trainers."
He could only laugh more at her statement, "Touché. Now go, I bet Kushina is waiting for you."
Bowing one last time she vanished into the hallway behind the counter.
Back outside we find an ensemble of six Pokémon, all impressive in their own right, with an amused Kushina and starstruck children, looking very excited.
Kushina's Pokémon wondered why they were called, though as soon as they laid their eyes upon the two young ones their mood instantly brightened and knew exactly why they were called.
A fun day was ahead of them.
Naruto and Cynthia could only stare in amazement. No matter how many times they may have seen them, the team of one of the strongest trainers in the world will always fascinate them. Heck, even one of her Pokémon could fascinate them, but having the full team stand before you is always breathtaking.
There was her ever faithful Salamence, standing proudly in the middle indicating his leadership position, with a friendly grin on his face.
To his right stood the imposing form of her Tyranitar, easily towering over the rest. His spikes and fangs were noticeably more defined than what you would normally find on a Tyranitar. He could only smile at the tiny children who were bouncing on their heels in excitement.
On Salamence's left side stood the ever bubbly Meganium, looking happy as always. Her flower petals distinctly bigger and richer in colour compared to her wild or not as well trained kinsmen out in the world.
Floating next to Meganium was Kushina's Vespiquen. The silent Queen emitted a soothing sound with her six wings, displaying her delight at meeting the children once again.
Ninetales was curling around the kids and cuddling them with her tails. They thoroughly enjoying cuddling with her soft tails if their big smiles were any indication. Her fur shining brilliantly and her movements looking astoundingly elegant. She looked like true royalty.
Standing to the far left were two Azumarill. One was yellow and the other blue. The yellow one was Cheryl's and the blue Azumarill was Kushina's. Like their masters, they were a couple. Cheryl's being male and hers female.
Before anything else could happen they heard another whistle and saw Cheryl with her Blissey walking over to them.
Her Blissey is nearly always on her side, helping her to heal Pokémon and humans alike. She also helps out Cheryl and Kushina at the daycare in general.
Not a moment later and an incredibly fluffy looking dragon swooped down and landed right beside her.
It was her Altaria, her personality being as soft as her wings and just as gentle in nature.
"Hello love. I see you already called all of them here," she asked smiling at her wife, whose response was a thumbs up with a toothy grin.
"Yep! Now that you are all here, would you guys like to play with the little ones today?" Kushina asked the assembled Pokémon enthusiastically.
The Pokémon all shouting their agreement in unison.
Minutes later and they were already mingling together, Pokémon entertaining the children and said children giving them Cynthia's homemade golden Mild Poffins.
"Cynthia is truly talented in the kitchen. Only seven and already made her own golden Poffins. Even Ninetales seems to enjoy them and she loves to be picky with her food." Kushina exclaimed impressed.
Naruto and Cynthia were currently climbing up Tyranitar to put a flower crown on top of his head.
"Her cooking is truly marvelous. Good thing she has little Naruto to make ice cream for her," Cheryl said giggling, getting a small chuckle in response from Kushina.
Now Meganium was putting more handmade flower crowns on top of the other Pokémon with the help of her vines. All the while the two blonds were clapping and laughing.
'These two are destined for great things, I just know it,' was their shared thought.
Kushina slung an arm around Cheryl's waist and pulled her close into a one-armed hug. Of course Cheryl didn't protest and snuggled deeper into the embrace. They continued watching them play for a minute longer before returning to work and tending to their clientele.
Pokémon Day Care - Lake Resort
It was now early evening and we find Naruto and Cynthia walking along a small lake with huge smiles after saying their goodbyes and thanks to the Pokémon for today. The Pokémon all saying goodbye in their own ways.
Tyranitar patting the two on the head, Salamence nuzzling their heads with his own, Ninetales cuddling with them one last time, Vespiquen hugging them gently, the Azumarill's playfully shooting water in their faces, and Meganium releasing a pleasant aroma from her petals while licking their faces.
For them it was an absolute blast of a day! Playing with super cool Pokémon the whole day together with each other sure is the best! Seeing such strong Pokémon enjoying her homemade Poffins filled Cynthia with joy.
Sitting down at the lake they enjoyed the quaint environment and relaxing atmosphere after a day filled with excitement and physical exercise.
"So how did mom and mom meet actually?" before Naruto could respond she added, "I know they are not my real parents, but when we marry they will be my parents anyway!...We will marry, right?" she exclaimed with a toothy grin before it changed and she looked at him with the cutest pout she could muster.
"Of course we will marry! I promised you that ages ago! Seeing mommy and momma so happy together in their marriage really makes me want to marry you too, so we will be just as happy for ever and ever!" he answered her passionately.
Cynthia could only formed a huge smile and hug him tightly.
"That sounds wonderful! Happy forever together till the end!" she shouted to the heavens, "Now tell me how they met!" she asked him, grey eyes sparkling with curiosity.
After sitting back down side by side he responded, "Sure! It isn't really a long story though. When mommy started her journey she went through Eterna Forest pretty early on. She just entered it and suddenly heard a girl scream. Of course she rushed over to where the voice came from and saw momma sitting on the ground. Mommy helped her get up and asked her what happened. It turned out she slipped out on a small yellow rock," here he pulled out a necklace out of his pocket with a small yellow crystal attached to it and held it out in front of him over the clear lake, not noticing the slight glow the crystal was emitting.
Deep within another dimension, a single crimson eye flew open in the darkness upon feeling a slight energy pulse from the other side, from another world. It was a familiar energy. It was its own energy.
Flying out of the shadows was a large dragon. Its grey body had a distinctive serpentine look to it. Three Golden half rings loosely enveloping its neck. Black and red rings adorned the rest of its body with multiple spikes protruding out of its side. Six grey and gold spikes in the middle and 4 pure golden spikes on its tail. In place of traditional wings were six flowing, black streamers with spiked, red tips on its back, sprouting out of the half rings. Its face guarded by a golden mask.
Nearing the energy signature, it peered through the responsible portal and saw two children sitting by each other's side. One of them, the boy, holding the origin of the energy in his hand.
The Griseous Orb.
"After helping her through the Eterna Forest, momma decided she wanted to follow mommy on her journey. They never really told me why momma decided that she wanted to join on the journey though," he finished a little confused.
"Wow, such a simple meeting led to so much awesomeness. We have to have just as many cool adventures…. ," her voice trailed off as she just pointed at his now intensely glowing necklace and asked in a flat tone, "Is it supposed to do that?"
Looking in the direction she was pointing at he gained a surprised look, "Ehm, no it never did this before."
They were about to start talking again when suddenly the reflection in the lake started distorting.
Curiously they watched on as it changed more and more.
Finally after several seconds the image cleared, showing the two children a truly fascinating sight.
Naruto and Cynthia were just completely starstruck. They read about it in books and legends, but never would they have thought to ever see it themselves.
"Giratina."
I apologize for the cliffhanger, though I felt it was a good place to stop for the moment. You just need to wait for the next chapter.
Once again I would like to thank my awesome beta-reader, Cuddly Cat. Cuddly helped me immensely with the story so far.
Please review and ask me any kind of questions (not spoiler related), I will try my best to answer them!