Tepig comes up to me holding a hat, shoes and backpack. Snivy and Oshawott follow suit with a pair of jeans and T-shirt. "Wow, this looks great!" I exclaim to the Pokémon.
'We're glad you like it, Rosa,' replies Tepig, running back to N once I grab my new outfit.
"I'll go get changed. Everyone, go to the stream. I'll tap you on the shoulders when I'm done. Kay?"
"Sure," the humans answer, leaving me with the Pokémon.
I strip and give the gown to Bulbasaur, Charmander and Squirtle. I pull on the jeans and shirt. The top of the shirt has some elastic in it so it doesn't fall down. The elbow length sleeves are wide and slashed with a black fabric that hugs my body. I sit down and find the sneakers have some socks in them. I pull them on. The socks are pink (my favourite colour) and very thick. There is no way I am getting blisters with these things on! I quickly get the black Converse high-ankle sneakers on and tie the laces in a double knot. I look at the design on the Flatcap and see that it is the Poké Ball that I asked for. I ask Snivy to quickly do my hair in two high pigtails. I put on the cap and grab the backpack when she's done and head back out to the group.
I tap their shoulders, saying, "What do you think?"
They turn around and stare at me. I do a little pose. "Well?"
"It looks great on you, Rosa," answers Hilda.
"I agree," says Bianca.
"Are you sure that's casual?" asks Cheren. I giggle.
"Dude, as long as it's comfy, it's all G!"
"If you say so…" I sigh at his aversion to all things fashion. But, then again, he is a guy. They're supposed to be like that.
N merely smiles. "You remind me of my sisters when they were your age."
I blush at the compliment. "Thanks, N. Let's go back to the clearing. I have an announcement."
When we get there, I suddenly notice that it's almost dusk.
"Wow, it got late fast!" I exclaim.
"Sure did," N replies. "How 'bout I make dinner tonight. What do you say?"
"Yes, please!" we answer in unison.
N pulled some cooking equipment and ingredients from his backpack. I take the opportunity to ask where everyone is going.
"We're headed to the Pokémon League to meet with Gary, Lance, Steven, Wallace, Cynthia, Alder and Iris about the recent incidences in Unova," Hilda answers. "These happenings have gotten out of hand."
"In fact, just last week, a tsunami hit Castelia City," adds in Cheren. "I highly doubt that it was a natural occurrence, considering that there are no fault lines near Unova on the geological map, and that the city was the only place affected."
"I think I remember seeing that live on the news at the Pokémon Centre," I say, playing with my long pigtails. "I asked Nurse Joy and Audino what was happening. They said that only one place hadn't been affected at that time – guess which town it was."
"Okay, I think we've established the fact that Ghetsis has a plan." I glance at N. He's dicing onions like there's no tomorrow and I'm a little worried. He's been… well… different. Although I didn't really know him before the incident at the Giant Chasm, I got more than a basic understanding and knowledge of what he is like. He is strong and brave and smart. For that, I love him like I would an older brother.
"Honey, don't worry. Let's just finish filling Rosa in on this, okay?"
"Sure, Hilda." Hilda kisses N on the cheek. He blushes a little. "Thanks."
"You're welcome. Rosa, there are many more places that have been affected. The whole Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh and Unova regions have been almost utterly destroyed."
"You're kidding!" I gasp.
"Nope. The only places left are the Pokémon Leagues. Even Nuvema Town is ruined. I think I know who did it all."
"If he did something large scale within Unova twice, there is no way he'll stop at just Unova. He wants the world. And I betcha he'll use us to get at it. Ugh, I hate, hate, HATE him!" That guy just makes me go nuts! I have a thousand questions I want to ask him, but I know that N will kill him before I get the chance. I know where he'll go. Straight down to Hell.
"Exactly. That's why we're helping everyone affected in the Unova region. Dawn, Lucas and Barry will take care of Sinnoh; May and Brendan will take care of Hoenn; Ethan, Kris, Lyra and Silver will look after Johto; and Red and Green will look after Kanto. Ash will be coming around to each affected region weekly, and he'll know what to do. In fact, we should be meeting him, Cilan and Iris in Nimbasa City next week."
"Can I come?"
"Of course!"
"Can I bring all the starters along with me? They have been so kind to me, and I want to repay them."
"I don't see why not."
"Hold on," I suddenly realise Cheren's here too. Oops. Some friend I am.
"What is it, Cheren?" asks Bianca.
"You're forgetting one thing. How many Pokémon can we take with us?"
"Six," we all answer at once.
"And how many are there of us?"
"Five."
"How many starter Pokémon are there?"
"Fifteen."
"Aah. So we'll all take three. Dibs the Unova starters!" I ran over to where Snivy, Oshawott and Tepig were all seated.
"But you'll have to catch them. I doubt you have any Poké Balls on you."
I hate admitting that Cheren is right. I left all my Pokémon and Poké Balls back in my room. But I know my bedside table is completely fireproof. Still, I have no idea where we are and Aspertia City – or what's left of it – could be miles away.
"Ten minutes till dinner!" N says suddenly as I am jolted back to Earth. "Can someone please help me with setting up the table?"
"Sure. Where is it?" I ask. N points to his backpack which is now on the ground. I pull out the table with a little difficulty. Cheren helps me to open it up and set it down. I look in the bag once again to find heaps of Pokémon food bowls, human crockery and cutlery. "Did you bring enough stuff for an army, N?" I joke.
"Very funny, Rosa."
I smile as I set the table. I'll ask if we can go to Aspertia City in the morning. In the meantime, though, I have to know about how N met Tepig.
