* * * chapter VIII * * *
- Burnt Tower, Seeing Silver, and Ghost's Lair -
Silver, Tuesday, 9:30 (Ecruteak city) —-
After taking a shower and feeding myself and the pokemon, I rode back to Goldenrod city on my bike. I had Sneasel, Croconaw, Vulpix, Sandslash, Stantler, and Kadabra with me. I didn't need to change any of them out just yet, so I made my way to the counter where I could take care of the reason I was here.
I asked the nurse if any packages had come this morning. When she asked what my name was I said 'hunter.' It was an alias I'd used on missions with Team R, something both my contact and Kimi knew about. Before the nurse could answer, a girl with bright green hair that was woven with yellow and blue flowers motioned for me to follow her. Knowing this was Lanie I did, making sure to ride my bike on the way. It was slower, but she walked while I rode.
—- —- —-
"Stop here," the girl said as she pointed to a house-like building. I knew it for what it was though: the Goldenrod Underground.
* Why are we going in there? *
I sighed, getting off the bike and pulling out Kadabra's poke ball. I let him out, giving him instructions to watch the bike and Teleport inside the building to find me if someone managed to run off with it somehow. I had money, but I didn't want to pay for another bike if I didn't have to.
After that was done I followed Lanie inside. She nodded to people we passed, seeming uninterested in any of them. Finally, she stopped in front of a blank wall that was nowhere near anybody and tapped it. She pulled out a poke ball and released a Hypno, telling it to use Psychic on the wall. After a minute of nothing happening a panel in the wall appeared and she tapped a space, revealing a keypad. After typing in some commands, (which her Hypno blocked from my view by standing in front of me) a door slid open.
"Come on in," the girl said as she walked through the door. I shrugged, knowing I could battle to get out if necessary (confident in my ability to do so) and went in. The door slid shut with a soft hiss, locking from the inside. I glanced at it curiously, wondering if it was now hidden behind ... whatever hid it before.
* I never knew about this place ... Of course, this is the first time I've been to Johto. *
"What do you think?"
I rolled my eyes.
"Too much of a theatrical entrance, but at least it seems to be hard enough to find."
She snorted, giving me a hard stare.
"What? You asked. Has being out of contact with me for the last two years made you forget how I respond to questions?"
She sighed. "I'd hoped you'd be a little more ... tactful by now. You were always so direct and to the point I wondered how you did so well with Team R in the first place."
* That's because missions used to matter. I could hold back my ... personality most of the time for those. *
I glared at her.
"The package?"
She sighed. "Here it is. I was a little surprised since I haven't heard from you since I moved my operations to Goldenrod."
I pocketed the wrapped package, I'd look at the data later.
Lanie gave me a searching look.
"You look well Hunter. You still working with Team R?"
I took some time to think about my answer.
* Should I tell her? If I do, she can't compromise me or hurt me by knowing. *
"I'm ... not working with them anymore."
I was bothered by the way my voice sounded; almost hesitant, but still speaking truth.
* Murasaki would want me to tell the truth. I can ... somewhat trust her right? *
She grinned, moving toward me to no doubt hug me. I shied back, Sneasel letting out his claws as she approached.
"Still cautious and anti-touchy-feely as ever huh Hunter? I was going to pat you on the back by the way. I'm glad you left."
I gave her a strange look.
"Why?"
She smirked, rolling her eyes.
"Do you really think I'd want a kid like you to be a part of that?"
* You're a kid too by that definition. *
Out loud I said:
"And?"
"I'm not part of Team R either. I'm a consultant for the Cops - I specialize in black market trading."
* You know, that actually explains a lot. *
"What do you trade in?"
She snickered. "Still using what little facts you can get I see. I never said I was 'trading' just that I have experience in it."
I rolled my eyes, not wanting to play any of her little games today.
"We both know you are still trading so cut the bullshit."
She huffed, but her face turned serious finally.
"I trade in pokemon - sometimes very rare pokemon. I buy and sell them for real cheap."
I raised an eyebrow.
"And the cops approve of this?"
"They do actually, as long as I make sure I tell them when I get a rare one. There are 'common' rare, which are just rarer pokemon, or 'uncommon' rare, which are those that are special in some way."
I nodded, listening to her speak. I could see Sneasel rolling his eyes out of the corner of my eye.
"So you what, acquire them somehow and then make sure they get to another part of the country?"
"More or less. If I get an injured or traumatized pokemon I make sure it gets taken off the market right away and put into the hands of someone who can take care of it properly. That, is why the police trust me."
I rolled my eyes again.
"Ok, so why are you telling me all this? I could just go back to Team R and let them know their trader works for the cops."
She made a rude gesture.
"You're not with them, you won't."
I smirked a shark's grin.
"My father is,"
She raised an eyebrow.
"Do you really think I'd fall for that? Why are you giving yourself away anyway? You may not be with Team R anymore, but I could use your identity against you now that I know it."
* Shit that was stupid. Maybe spending so much time around Murasaki is making my training slip. She's right, I should be more careful. *
"Well, the name of the director isn't widely known."
"I know it though: as an informant-consultant for the cops I can get information as payment. Don't think I can't Silver."
* Looks like my cover's blown. Luckily I never dressed like I normally do around her. A little surprised she noticed it was me so quick with this get-up. *
I was still wearing the clothes I'd purchased in Cherrygrove all those days ago. The color was a little more tolerable, but still felt wrong.
"So you know who I am, what will you do with the information?"
"Nothing unless you double-cross me. Your secret's safe with me Hunter."
* And now we're back to that. What's her game? *
She giggled. "Do your lovers call you that too? 'Oh Hunter take me harder.'"
I shrugged. "Wouldn't care either way since I don't get that close to people."
She frowned. "That's just sad."
I gave her a frustrated look.
"So, why bring up this trading ring of yours? Do you have something to trade?"
She smiled at me, going over to a large storage chest. She came back with two poke balls. One was black and white with a silver C on it and the other was the normal red and white.
"You might be interested in these two. I have a Mudkip and a Houndour here I just got yesterday."
I screwed up my face into a scowl.
"What makes you think you know me so well?"
She shrugged. "Let's see ... with your personality, even if it's a front, you would probably pick Totodile as a starter am I right?"
* What the fuck? How did she do that? *
I grunted in reply.
"Ok, so if you chose the water type, you'd be looking for fire types now ..."
* Right again, but I already have one. *
She groaned, glaring at me.
"At least tell me if I'm right."
"Right with both,"
"Ok, so if you had a chance to get another strong water type would you take it?"
I thought for a moment, another strong water-type would be useful.
"Maybe, what type is this 'houndour' you mentioned?"
"Fire,"
"I'll take them both,"
"I'll need two pokemon to trade for them. They can be anything, just be aware that you won't get them back."
I nodded. "I can find two to trade."
"Great! I'll meet you back at the Pokemon center in a little while."
—- —- —-
I went to the Pokemon center (recalling Kadabra on the way) and booted up a free pc.
* Hmmm ... I have Beedrill, Fearow, Flaafy, Bellsprout, Noctowl, Haunter, Magikarp, Gloom, Parasect, Butterfree, Zubat, Heracross, Drowzee, Krabby, Nidoran M, Nidoran F, Poliwag, and Spinarak. That's just the pc, I also have Croconaw, Kadabra, Sneasel, Stantler, Vulpix, and Sandslash. *
I went out to Route 34 to catch something I would trade.
* Even that Zubat can evolve into a decent pokemon after the first evolution. *
I ended up grabbing a Drowzee and a Rattata.
As I walked back into the Pokemon center, I spotted Lanie. I nodded to her and went to switch out my pokemon. I kept Sneasel and Aki, wanting the two pokemon I'd really connected to with me. Stantler and Kadabra stayed as well. Sadly Croconaw and Sandslash were the ones I chose to put in the pc.
* I like you - you're really strong Croconaw, but I'd like to try out this new water type for a while. *
"Got what you want?" the girl asked when I turned around.
I nodded. "Let's go,"
She led me back to her place, an office she called it. It was a tiny room with a desk, a filing cabinet, that container she'd gotten the poke balls from, and a couch. She gestured for me to sit on the couch as she slid open a drawer from the file cabinet and rummaged inside.
Sneasel curled up at my feet, alert despite putting on an air of boredom.
* At least someone remembers their training ... I've gotta really work on that. Hell, I shoulda used Hunter when I gave Murasaki my name ... what the fuck's wrong with me? *
A voice in the back of my mind whispered that I was falling in love, but I shoved it back. For the longest time, I was worried about something like that happening (a real fear when I first came to father's mansion) but now it was just something to worry about. I just hoped that my heart, if not my mind, had chosen the right person.
"Here we are, let's get this started." Lanie said as she put down a small table and an antique-looking transfer machine. I'd seen one of these before while ... I had no idea where, but it seemed familiar to me.
* Is this something that goes with the gaps in my memory? *
Before I could think further on that a sharp pain lanced through my brain and I felt myself slipping away ...
—- —- —-
I slowly blinked my eyes open, Sneasel's concerned face just inches from mine. I reached out, pulling him onto my chest as I tried to look around. My vision was foggy, but regaining its usual clarity slowly.
"Good you're up. You really scared me back there Hunter," a voice said.
I winced and shut my eyes again.
* Lanie I think ... why does sound hurt so much? *
"I think you either hit your head at some point in the last few days or have some suppressed memory that I triggered."
* M-memory? *
"Memory?"
She handed me a glass of something and went on.
"Yeah. That's the reaction some of the Team R members I've had as clients gave when they saw this machine. They say it reminds them of ... the old labs, whatever that means."
* What the hell is she talking about? *
"You might wanna drink that, it's tea that helps with migraines, which, if you're like any of the others, you have right now."
I did notice extreme pain ... worse than any headache i'd had up to this point. It was hard to focus with sounds so loud and warped and my mind still fuzzy.
I saw the image of an indistinct man and a little girl with blue eyes before I forced my eyes open.
I drank the tea, feeling a bit better.
"Feel any better?"
I smiled slightly.
"Yeah," I croaked out.
"Good, I can get this trade over with if you give me the poke balls. What did you decide on anyway?"
Sneasel pulled at my belt, which I fumbled to take off. Finally the thing came off and I handed it to him. He extracted the right balls and put them on the table, placing the belt next to me on the couch.
* Glad he's always been good at telling which balls contain which pokemon ... *
"Ok ... thanks."
I downed some more tea and gestured for Sneasel to jump onto my lap. I rubbed his shoulder with my free hand as I watched the girl.
"Drowzee and Rattata,"
"What?" she asked, the machine starting to make an annoying whirring noise.
* At least it's not as loud as things were when I first woke up. *
"Drowzee and Rattata, the two pokemon I gave you,"
"Ah, thanks for the info. I have a client who wants a Drowzee anyway, so that'll help."
I chuckled, noting my voice was going back to its normal sound as well.
"So, where are these two from anyway?"
"The Mudkip is the starter from Hoenn, gotten from a man who was passing through here looking for a place to hide it. Says he found it wandering about in his backyard, but saw some guys in white lurking around and thought they might be looking for it."
I nodded, finishing off the tea.
"The other one is from Johto, at least it's supposed to be. The girl who brought it over said it was bred from a Houndoom - its evolution - found near Celadon city."
* Why would a Johto-oriented pokemon be in Kanto? *
I would know, Kanto is where I'd spent most of the last - ten? - years of my life. I was pretty sure it was ten, but with the gaps in my memory from early childhood there was no way to be sure.
A few minutes later the poke balls with my new pokemon were put on the table.
"Be aware that the Mudkip was acting strange when I let it out for the usual examination I give before trading. It cowered when I held up a leaf, ran away when I showed it a lightning bolt, and tried to attack me when it saw a fire ball. These were all pictures of course, but rather extreme reactions even with the types its strong and weak against. It should battle fine, but you might havta work on those."
She tossed the ball to me and I caught it.
"The Houndour is a different story. The Attack reader I used on it swears it can use Psychic and Air cutter."
* The hell? *
"I know what you're thinking, and this isn't the first time I've seen something like this. Usually though, the pokemon is just stronger than it should be, and can use say Strength at its lowest form. I got a Charmander that could use Strength once."
I frowned. "But why are they like that?"
"I have no idea, but you should be careful about how you use these moves. I would keep them out of official battles if I were you: no gym battles with them unless absolutely necessary."
I nodded.
"I am guessin' you are trying to keep a low profile." she said, pointing to my clothes.
"What's wrong with them?" I asked, feeling defensive.
The outfit was the best I could find, and the color was definitely something I would never wear.
"I meant it was good. I thought you hated blue though?"
I growled under my breath.
"I do."
"This is all settled then. Can you leave now if you don't have any more to trade?"
It was a question, but I knew this to mean she wanted me out. She'd used a similar line the last time I met up with her, for information that time.
"Silver," she called as I was leaving.
I turned around, fastening my belt into place as I stopped.
"Yeah?"
"I have connections for this operation and my information-gathering all over the Great regions. If you need a certain pokemon I can get it. I chip the pokemon so I can track where they go. I think I can trust you now that you are ex-Rocket ... right?"
I nodded. "You can."
She gave me her number and then I left.
—- —- —-
Back at the Pokemon center I put the chip Kimi sent into my laptop. After setting up three very different passwords on it I opened up the first file. This one, on Changelings, held nothing I could use.
* Not even a mention of Murasaki ... *
The Pokemorph file was much the same.
* Hope the last one can lead me in a direction I can use at least. *
The file on Project Alpha actually did have some interesting information. It was spelled Alfa though, which I was sure Kimi had miss-pronounced on purpose in case she was overheard or monitored.
* This one must have been really important if she was afraid of having her phone tapped and had to say the name wrong. *
Sometimes, Team R would tap the phones of their operatives. The devices were the organization's property of course, and thus it was allowed (in the contract all employees signed when they joined up).
* Why wasn't she using code all the time then? *
It took a while, but I finally read all I could on Project Alfa. Kimi had made a note that she put smaller files on the chip that were so encrypted she couldn't open them, so I went to work on one of those next. The information in the first file was rather basic, listing what the idea was and when the project took place.
* It was twelve years ago ... and what's with their fascination with psychic powers? *
Murasaki, Tuesday, 9:05 (Goldenrod city) —-
I woke and showered, letting everyone out so they could eat while I did. Once I was dressed (not wearing the Dowsers) I recalled all but Eevee, Lucario, and Klefki. Ash said he wanted to ride in a ball again, which I wasn't going to argue.
* I hope someone else can find items for me while he's in his ball. *
—- —- —-
At Bill's I took apart an old pc. He said he was the one who'd made the very first pc in Kanto, some years back. This one was that machine, but it currently wasn't working. It took a few hours, (in which all pokemon but Klefki were put away to keep me from getting distracted) but I did finish the job. As I was re-assembling it Bill came over. He'd been in another room doing something on his computer (or at least that's what he'd said he was doing).
"How's it going?"
I rubbed grease from my hands onto my pants and shrugged.
"I'm almost finished. Just need to put it back together. Never worked on something like this before, but I re-wired most of it, so it should work."
He hummed in agreement.
"Word is you're really good, so I'm sure it will."
I chuckled, knowing he was probably right.
* I'll need another shower after this ... *
"So how's the Eevee I gave you?"
On queue the laser-like sound of a pokemon escaping its ball was heard. In fact, there were two of those. The first was the Eevee, which yipped happily and rubbed up against my pants. The second was Aerron, who growled in greeting, but didn't touch me.
(He says you smell awful, but he still loves you.)
* Oh gee thanks Aerron ... *
I smiled a little.
"As you can see, the Eevee is happy."
"Yeah, he really seems to like you. Given him a name yet?"
I shook my head, grimacing at how gross my hair felt. I'd gotten both grease and oil on it at some point, probably when I had to take apart the unit's inside. The thing was very old, almost as big as me, and much easier to take apart than I'd originally thought.
* Thank Arceus ... *
I slid the last parts into place and stood up.
"Guess I'll be going now."
"Wait!" Mara said as she ran into the room.
"What is it?" I asked.
"Bill-y you still want him to have this right?"
"Yes Mar."
* Want me to have what? *
"Should I give it to one of your pokemon to carry until you can get cleaned up?" the girl asked.
"You can wash your hands and face in the bathroom down the hall," Bill said.
I went to do that, coming back as quickly as I could.
"Here, it's tm 29 Psychic, we found it in a box Bill-y had lying around." the girl said, giving it to me.
* I can definitely use this ... *
I thanked them both (telling Bill he could call me for another job whenever) and left.
I carried Eevee, putting him on my lap as I rode the bike back to the 'center. I went back to the room (which I hadn't checked out of yet) and showered again. I also soaked my current outfit in water for a while, then had Ash dry it off for me. I put the newly cleaned clothes and boots on before picking up anything I'd left lying around. After that I gave the key to the nurse and got onto my bike, the normal-type riding on my lap while Aerron ran beside me. He said it would be good training and I wasn't going to argue with that.
—- —- —-
In Ecruteak Klefki had something to say.
(There is a large house here, can you go inside for me?)
"Ah hell, I hope there aren't too many people in there."
(If there are you have permission to yell at me.)
"As long as we're clear on that, sure."
(We are,)
I made it inside, leaving Blitz to watch the bike.
(There is a sign on a stage that says 'kimono girls studio')
"Hmmm ... guess that first one was right, that is if they're here,"
(There is a Rocket grunt here. He's arguing with one of the Kimono girls,)
* Not them again ... *
Eevee yipped in anger when Klefki said this.
(I think he knows some of the girls, he seems very ... familiar ... watching the girl he's talking to like a Fearow on the hunt ... but more like a Protector than Hunter.)
* That's ... interesting. Maybe he should stay then ... *
As if he'd heard my thoughts, Eevee nuzzled my arm, making that purring noise I'd heard last night. He was still in my arms, apparently his preferred position.
(He says he wants to stay with you - he will fight for it if necessary.)
* Well that solves that issue ... *
By the time I was done thinking about that, the voices of the Rocket and what must have been one of the girls had stopped. I could have listened in, but didn't care enough.
Eevee bit my arm, something which surprised me so much I dropped him.
(He's alright, but he's running toward the stage.)
* Fuck ... *
I ran after him, glad I'd given him the Lucky egg before leaving the 'center.
* If you wanna fight then bring it on! *
When I got there the normal type was growling and the man was grunting in irritation.
"That one's mine. Why are you here?" I asked the grunt.
Klefki'd told me that the grunts and Proton wore different uniforms when I faced Team rocket in Azalea, so when he said this one was a 'grunt' I believed him.
"Doesn't matter ... let's battle!"
I nodded. "You're on!"
The battle was pretty easy in theory, but since Eevee was fighting a lv 12 Koffing it was more difficult than I'd thought it might be. Thankfully he knew Tackle. He was fast too, which helped since the Koffing knew Poison gas and could have poisoned him. He managed to avoid all the gas and come out on top, leveling 3 levels afterward. I was proud of him, the normally sweet and cuddly little guy was learning to fight.
Aerron popped free of his ball after the fighting was over and growled at the grunt, (he'd taken a little rest after I arrived at the city) which I knew because Klefki told me.
(He is happy for the baby, but angry the guy is still standing around. I think he has had contact with Team R or something like them before.)
* Could be ... *
After about a minute of Aerron's growling, Eevee's growling, (which was more cute than menacing) and the glare I aimed in his direction the grunt finally left. I stepped off the stage once he was gone, glad that was over with.
(A man is coming up to you. He is wearing fancy clothes.)
"Thank you for taking care of that," he said.
I ran a hand through my hair.
"Does this happen often?"
"No, the guy just came in here and started making demands." a girl's voice said.
"Mistress you should be practicing." the man said.
"I can handle this myself Kenta. I may be the youngest, but I am capable enough."
"Of course, Mistress,"
"You may go Kenta,"
The man walked off.
(He went into another room,)
"Thank you once again. Here, take this for your trouble, it's hm 03 Surf."
A disc was placed in my hands.
"Thanks," I said as I pulled the tm and hm case from my pack.
The newest addition was added, then the whole thing was returned to the pack.
"I am sure we will see you again. Oh before I forget! You can keep that Eevee, but let me help you out first,"
The girl picked up the normal type (Klefki told me) and went into another room.
A few minutes later she and the normal type came back, the latter running.
"I helped him learn the move Mimic, it will help a lot." the girl said as they arrived.
Eevee rubbed up against me and I picked him up.
"My name is Kikiu. I am sure I will see you again. You can call me by this number if you wish to learn how to dance." she said as she gave me a piece of paper.
* Why would I wanna learn how ta dance? *
Out loud I said:
"Dance?"
"Yes, you know martial arts do you not?"
I nodded.
"Dancing will help you with that. I also know gymnastics as well,"
I blinked a few times, still confused.
"They will ... how do you say ... Ah! Augment your fighting."
* Makes sense ... I think ... *
"I'll call you some time."
"I can help with pokemon as well,"
—- —- —-
Once outside, I used the map to see what was in and around Ecruteak. It turned out there was another route if I went through a gatehouse at the rightmost part of the city. I did so, stepping out onto the dirt-packed ground. As I was trying to get onto the route (42) a man came up to me. He gave me hm 04 Strength before leaving. I also found tm 79 Dark pulse, which I taught to Lucario. I took the time to teach Kirlia Psychic and Growlithe Dig while I was there.
I made my way back to Ecruteak after that. I'd wanted to stay and do some training, but Klefki convinced me otherwise. The key-pokemon was obsessed with houses, I swear, which I mentioned when he asked me to go into another one. He didn't seem bothered by the complaint, just urged me onward.
The house he brought me to was between the 'center and the gym. Inside a man gave me a Dowsing machine, which would replace Quilava whenever he was in his ball or in the pc (if I ever decided to put him in there). Through colors and sounds, it was made to show you where items were, whether they were 'hidden' or not. Up until this point Ash had found all hidden items for me.
* Good thing I have this thing then. Think I'll take it apart later to work on it though. *
Outside the house I held the thing, getting images and a few memories from the guy I'd just talked to. He must have used the machine a lot, since there was so much for me to sort through. It all gave me a headache, so I pulled out the notebook I was currently writing and drawing in, letting my fingers and the pencil do the purging I needed.
* The Dowsers were nice while they lasted, but I gotta do things the old-fashioned way now. *
After the 'purge' of words and memories, I had a comprehensive guide (with pictures) of how to use the thing. I turned it on and Klefki directed me to the first item, a Hyper potion.
Ash popped out of his ball after I found the Hyper potion. His flames roared as he ran off. Eevee jumped down and ran after him. They both came back with an Ether and a Rare candy. Each pokemon gave me an item, and I thanked them both. I started toward the Burnt tower next.
—- —- —-
A man who called himself Eusine came up to me as I entered the building. Ash and Eevee ran off somewhere while he talked. They came back just as the man was finishing telling me about the Legendary dogs, both tugging on my pant leg. I laughed a little, said goodbye to the man, and went to collect what they'd found.
It turned out they'd gathered 1 Antidote, 1 hp up, 1 Ultra ball, and 1 Ether. Klefki told me there were stairs here, so I started down them. As I did I felt odd, almost like there was something I should recognize nearby. It almost felt ... comforting?
* This is really fuckin' weird. *
Silver, Tuesday, 13:20 (Burned tower) —-
I'd been busy. After reading what I could and decoding what I could, I rode back to Ecruteak. I caught a Mankey from Route 42 (for later training) and then went and snagged a Magnemite and a Meowth from Route 38.
* Could've used this little normal type in the gym battle last night. *
I did a little training before going to the Burned tower.
Inside I walked onto the stairs, wondering if I'd see Murasaki soon. I was carrying Croconaw again, having put the Mudkip in the pc after training it a little.
* If I were him, I'd train here. I should have last night actually. *
He showed up as I'd thought, Eusine, (a man who'd told me about the Legendary dog pokemon when I came in) talking to him. I almost felt ... jealous of the man.
* He doesn't know him, it must be easy to talk to him. *
Not that I'd rather not know him, but ... I wasn't sure what to say to the guy.
—- —- —-
"Ready for a re-match?" I asked, using that as a jab.
He'd won last time, but I wanted to see if I could get a rise out of him. He seemed so ... focused all the time (not like my control but similar in some ways) that I wanted to see his mask of 'focused' break. No such luck.
"You're on,"
"Go! Aki!"
"Aki?" the other boy asked.
I smirked. "Vulpix,"
"Go Growlithe!"
* Two fire types ... did he do that on purpose? *
"Quick attack,"
"Odor sleuth,"
"What?" I asked, never having heard of that move.
"Now Bite,"
The attack hit somehow, even though Vulpix was running so fast I could barely see her.
* Ok something else then ... *
"Confuse ray,"
"Dodge,"
The attack hit anyway, the dog-pokemon starting to ram its head against the ground.
"Growlithe!"
Nothing.
"Growlithe!"
Still nothing.
On the last try of him calling his pokemon it snapped out of confusion.
* Damn. *
"Dig,"
* Shit, if that does what I think it does, we're fucked. *
"Ready Confuse ray and don't use it till I tell you,"
I waited anxiously for the dog to come out of the hole it had created.
When it did it slammed into Aki, knocking her over. She didn't consciously let loose her attack, but it fired anyway. The dog hit its head against the ground and then fell unconscious, Aki doing so at the same time.
"Wasn't expecting that. Draw?"
I knew it was, but I wanted to make sure I wasn't seeing things.
"Yeah,"
"Go! Stantler!"
"Your turn Aerron!"
* Aerron? *
Aerron it turned out was a Lucario.
* Those are supposed to be rare, you're lucky. *
"Hypnosis,"
"Dodge,"
* Nice try. *
"Run after it,"
"Hypnosis again,"
"Dodge again and use Mind reader,"
* What the hell? *
"Follow it,"
"Use your speed to get away and then use Hi jump kick,"
* Shit ... if that hits we're done. *
The attack did land, but thankfully Stantler was still going. It was very close though, he was barely conscious. Something strange happened as I watched. The Lucario was staring at the Stantler, a glazed look in its eyes. I laughed darkly.
"You're going to lose this round,"
"Why's that?"
"Your Lucario is staring at my Stantler. Don't you know what happens when someone stares at them too long?"
He shook his head.
"They get so distracted they cannot do anything to stop attacks. Stomp!"
"Move,"
Of course, the Lucario didn't and Stantler slammed into it.
* Damnit I'd hoped that would do more damage. Oh right, it's part steel-type ... *
It did appear that the attack knocked the pokemon back to reality though.
* Unfortunately for me ... *
"Return,"
"Are you kidding me?"
"Just watch,"
Stantler just stood there, seemingly fascinated by the projectiles soaring at him. I wasn't sure if the pokemon were interested in each other sexually or that they just found each other fascinating. Either way Stantler wouldn't move, even when prompted to do so.
The heart-projectiles hit their target. The normal-type fell over hard, its eyes closing.
* What was that I said about winning this round? *
Murasaki, between third and fourth round (Burned tower) —-
"Hell, that was weird," I heard Silver say as Aerron walked up and lay his head on my shoulder.
(The boy is glaring at Aerron.)
I snorted. "Not jealous of a pokemon now are you Hunter?"
* Why did I call him that? *
I 'felt' something from him then, maybe a recent memory. It showed a girl with green hair talking to him and calling him 'hunter.'
* That's weird though, I didn't know he was called that till now. He does seem like one to me though: the way he practically held me down and devoured my mouth yesterday ... and he seems to not wanna give up ... *
"Why did you call me that? Did your ... powers tell you?"
"It sorta fit, the way you were actin' yesterday and kinda now, but yes, my powers did tell me. Curiously though, it was after I'd said it that I found out."
He growled lowly, but I heard it as if it had been full-volume.
"What? It's not like I can control this shit man. And don't tell anyone else, but it's been getting stronger again lately."
"Stronger? Is this what they did to you when you were kidnapped?"
* Wrong thing to say ... *
Before I knew it, I'd slammed a wall of negativity at him, knowing because of how his emotions scattered at my shove, and also by the 'feel' of pain I picked up from him.
* Well ya shouldn't have brought that up. I told ya so you could find out, I didn't wanna talk about it, but you just had ta bring it up didn't you? *
(He seems ... remorseful. Don't hit him with ... whatever that was again. He looks guilty, sorry, and in a lot of pain.)
"Hard to care right now," I mumbled.
(AT least hear him out.)
"Fine," I muttered.
"Say what you're goin' ta now before I do that again."
I growled myself, making sure he'd hear it.
"That was probably the stupidest thing ya coulda done ..."
He gasped as a smaller push of negative emotions hit him. This time though I had no control over it.
* Shit I'll be in a rage if I don't stop this ... *
"I - thought - you couldn't - hur ..."
I moved fast, my hand finding his shoulder and squeezing hard.
"I normally can't, but when I'm angry or hurting myself it's hard to stop from doing it. You can help though I think ..."
"W-what can I do?" he asked, obviously still in pain.
I bit my lip.
"Distract me by doing what you did yesterday."
I knew how bad of an idea that was (we needed to discuss things at least) but I didn't have any other options. To my knowledge aura could only do so much (which ruled out Aerron's involvement) and none of the others could do anything. Klefki's talking wasn't helping obviously and pokemon weren't supposed to harm humans.
* Shit this is a bad idea ... *
I dug the hole even deeper after another blast (this one stronger than the last) hit. I was already shaking with the emotional pain (what I felt and what he was feeling) but I could still feel his body shake under my hand.
"W-what do I have to do do?"
I bit my lip again.
"Dominate the fuck outta me. I know you're probably not ready for more than yesterday, which is fine, as long as you don't let me keep control."
* And unfortunately with how things are going I won't have time to explain more before I seriously hurt you ... *
"And you have maybe ... a minute or two before this gets much worse ..."
I could feel the power boiling inside me, just waiting to come out and do more damage.
Suddenly I was slammed against a wall, my wrists pinned above my head. Silver's lips practically crushed mine as he dove in, taking what I didn't want to acknowledge was his. It had been this whole time, but I was just too afraid of him treating me like a freak to let it happen. Even if I hadn't been turned into a fucking nightmare of a Psychometric that dangerously bordered on Emotional Render (which did just what it says, 'rend' emotions) my back story as an abductee could cause him to treat me like ... like I was damaged. Which honestly, I wouldn't be able to stand. That alone, would make me lash out even worse than being treated like a freak.
He shoved me against the wall, (which should not have been possible since I was already plastered against the thing) and kept on going. One of us would need to stop for air soon, and I was pretty sure it wouldn't be me. I tried to break free so I could touch him, but he tightened his grip on my wrists. When I tried again, pushing a weak burst of negative emotions at him purposefully, his grip tightened so much I thought I'd become lightheaded.
My wrists exploded with pain, but instead of making me cry out and fight, my body responded in other ways. I felt myself grow hard almost instantly, my body beginning to shake with pleasure. A moan escaped my mouth and was swallowed by the other boy. He pressed himself closer, his knee grinding against my cock deliciously.
All I could think was 'fuck.' I had no idea if I wanted him to take me right here, or if I was just overwhelmed. He kept grinding, but eventually pulling back to breath. And that's when my powers were gathered (not of my own doing) and shoved into him. He collapsed against me, not dead at least, I could tell that for sure. I had no idea if he was still conscious though.
* Please be awake. I can't stop this and I think you can ... *
He grabbed me by the neck and squeezed, his free hand sliding down until it reached the buckle at my belt.
* Good idea ... * I thought hazily.
He fumbled with the belt one handed for a moment and then yanked the buckle free. His hand undid the button quickly, slipping inside my pants to slowly glide along the length of my cock.
* Holy fuck ... *
Never in my wildest dreams had I thought he would initiate this. This confused boy, one I wasn't sure of where orientation was concerned, was touching my cock. Even in the more ... graphic dreams I'd thought he would only start after I did something.
* Guess I was wrong ... *
The choke hold loosened and he sucked on my ear hard, making me buck up into his hand and wish he really could do me right there. I'd never had lovers, but had played around. I knew for a fact that my ears were extremely sensitive, something I was sure he'd exploit right now.
* Don't think I'd care soooo much if he did ... *
His strokes got firmer and surer as he continued to suck on my ear. When he added nips and bites to that I lost it, moaning out loud and not caring who heard. I could 'feel' Aerron's protective nature kicking in on the periphery, but could do nothing about it. If anything, he'd keep other people (and pokemon) away.
All too soon I felt a white-hot sensation in my stomach and my balls drew up, ready to dump their load. As I felt this however, something blocked the release.
* He's ... stoppin' me? *
"No," he growled.
My first response was to force him to let go by pushing more negative emotions at him, but a sharp bite to my ear stopped that thought.
"You want more, you do it my way,"
"W-what do you want Hunter?" I practically growled, the frustration evident.
"You to listen to me,"
"What. do. you. want?"
"Stop hurting me and wait till I tell you you can cum,"
I growled again, but he kept me from hurting him again with another bite.
"You want all of this to stop, I can leave right now,"
"The fuck you will!"
"That's what I thought. You want more of this,"
He emphasized his point with a nice firm stroke to my cock and then rubbed and massaged my slit a little.
"You wait,"
"Why?" I nearly whined.
"I want to hear more noises from you," was all he said in response.
I growled again, but didn't try to fight him when he started stroking me again, his other hand now wrapped tightly enough around the base of my cock to keep me from cumming.
"Fuckin, sadist," I said, not really meaning it so much as being annoyed I had to wait.
"You won't be saying that soon," he purred into my ear.
* And you've never done this before ... hard to believe ... *
Eventually he let me cum, sucking the tip into his mouth. I was tempted to try and shove him off - there was no way he was ready for that - but he wouldn't allow it. Just as I went to try, he pinned my wrists again. I felt a whimper pass through my lips as I spilled inside his mouth. I had to give him credit at least, he knew exactly what to do to get me off and did it. He even knew what to do to keep me from fighting - use pain and keep me from getting what I wanted at all costs - and still managed to come out on top.
* Well, I wouldn't call sucking and swallowing on top, but he is holding me the fuck down while doing it ... *
When I was clean (more credit there since he drank everything down) he pulled back and zipped me up. He also did up the belt. The grip on my wrists tightened once more, a whimper slipping out of me before I could stop it.
"You want more of this you behave damnit. That means no more hurting me like this ya got it?"
I forced myself to nod, all I wanted to do was beg him to fuck me.
* He did everything I want in a lover ... this is way too good to be true ... *
"Ryu?" he asked, the name striking a cord inside me. It meant dragon.
* Mom called me that once, before she started ignoring me ... *
I bit my lip, refusing to answer. One of his hands left my wrist, gently stroking along my cheek.
"That's not something I should call you is it?"
I gulped, making myself focus on the here and now.
"I-it's fine, it'll be nice to have someone call me that and mean it."
The hand on my face tightened, gripping my jaw almost painfully. Well, almost painfully for me, not a regular person. My pain tolerance was understandably higher than the average persons' after the fucking experiments all those years ago. And of course, the near-real idea of more pain got my heart racing and blood heating up again.
"You wanna talk or grope me? If you keep hurtin' me - which feels way too fuckin' good to be healthy - all you're gonna do is get me started again."
"Hmmm, thought I was imagining that. Pain really ... gets you goin'?"
"Fuck yes," I replied, wrenching his hand from my face and pressing it against the (once again) growing bulge in my pants.
"Just that little amount of pain did this,"
"Fuck,"
"Exactly, and damn, if we weren't in a public place right now ..."
He chuckled nervously.
"That I don't think I'm ready for just yet. I already pushed things too much. I haven't ... fucked things up have I?"
I smirked, kissing him roughly, stealing a very short kiss.
"If you beat me, we could do more of this. If not, you'll have to wait till after I beat the gym here."
"Deal," he said, squeezing me through my jeans.
"Just make sure you don't lose on purpose,"
* Not like I would, it would feel too wrong to just give up. Go against everything I believe in. *
—- —- —-
"You're next Croconaw!"
"Blitz it's your turn!"
* Let's see how you deal with this. He uses a similar combo, but his is much faster and will tire you out quickly if I have him use the upgraded version. *
Which of course, I would.
"Rage,"
"Teleport and use Ice punch,"
"Hn, an ice attack ... you really wanna lose don't you?"
* No actually ... *
The attack hit with a dull thwack and I smirked.
"I'm just gettin' started."
"Teleport, Psychic,"
"What the fuck man? Do you always havta do that?"
"Yes, since you strategize so much, why don't you counter it?"
"I haven't figured that out yet,"
I snorted. "You mean every time you try you can't help but think about me, which distracts you soooo much you can't get any thinkin' done,"
"Grrr ... Rage,"
"Just keep things up,"
The combo was too much for the water-type. With Psychic (a much stronger move than Confusion) this combo would be a handful for anyone without type advantages.
"You're done," I said, ordering one last volley of the attacks.
The final Psychic took Croconaw out of the battle.
"Go! Sneasel!"
"Finish this up Ash!"
Blitz went back in his ball and the fire type came out. Aerron lay his head on my shoulder again, which prompted a very obvious growl from Silver.
"It's not my fault he likes me," I said in response.
"You're encouraging it,"
"No, I'm not doing anything but being friendly. Besides, as long as all he does is be affectionate it doesn't bother me."
"You want him then?"
"Not like you're implying. He's a friend, a friend who likes to protect me. If that's what he wants to do, I won't be stoppin' him,"
"Fair enough," Silver agreed grudgingly.
"Quick attack,"
"Howl, then dodge,"
"Not happening, Faint attack!"
* Not good ... *
"Quick attack,"
Ash just barely avoided the dark-type move.
* That was close ... *
"Quick attack then Flame wheel,"
"Quick attack then Fury swipes,"
* Hope he hits first ... *
I was lucky, Ash's attack landed first. The ice type hit the ground hard, but got up.
"Quick attack and then Flame wheel again."
This was a combo actually. The Quick attack, while typically not landing, sped up his next attack so much it was nearly impossible to dodge. It also made the attack stronger due to the extra power and momentum. It was something we'd trained long and hard to achieve, but definitely paid off.
When the combo hit, the ice type did not get up. Ash came over to me and lay his head against my knee. I ran my hands lightly over the flames, then just let them warm me as I pulled back just enough to feel the heat. That was another thing that would seal the deal with Silver. If he was nice and warm (which was pretty likely) I would have a hard time resisting.
* As strong as I am I turn into fuckin' goo if there is a guy willing to hurt me, dominate me, and is nice and warm ... Kinda pathetic isn't it? *
"'thought you wanted more?" Silver asked when our last pokemon were either recalled (in his case) or sent off the battle field.
I shrugged. "I do, but this gym is what I wanna do first,"
"You're runnin' then?"
"No, but we do need to talk before we 'do more.'"
He sighed. "I agree. I have lots of questions for you."
I snorted. "Hopefully my little slip in control helped with that. I'm what they call a class 70 Psy - border on Emotional render as well as being an impossibly powerful Psychometric. And yes, that is what was done to me when I was kidnapped. They did so many things to me ..."
"And why didn't you just tell me?"
It was my turn to sigh.
"Would you have believed me? We barely know each other, so the 'trust' thing isn't exactly high right now. Look, I know you have questions, and I will answer them, but I need to know something first."
"Yeah?"
"Do you think I'm a freak?"
(He is biting his lip. Can I hurt him if he says 'yes"')
"You wanna hurt a human now?"
(If he hurts you then yes. Ash and Aerron are more than willing as well. Even the baby says he will help.)
It was saying something for the little guy (who usually just stayed in my arms) to want to hurt someone.
* Maybe he's got a darker streak in him ... *
"I ... Look, this stuff is weird, but no, I don't,"
I sighed. "And before you ask, I was talkin' to Klefki. Another thing they did, somehow I can hear his voice in my head, but can't respond back mentally."
"That's ... you're not makin' that up?"
"Does it sound sane enough to be made up?"
"Alright, I believe you."
"Do you? Is it only that you might think I was telling the truth about my powers and are paranoid I'll use them against you now you know what I am capable of?"
* And that wasn't even half of it if the files I stole before leaving are to be believed ... *
"What? I know that was an accident. And at first, I caused it anyway."
"We are talkin' about that stupid question you asked earlier right?"
"Yeah,"
"I ... it's painful to even think about what they did, that's why I wanted you to look shit up. You seem like a resourceful guy, you got good information right?"
"Yeah,"
The words 'more resourceful than you want to know' popped into my head. Before I could stop myself I asked:
"Why?"
"Why what?"
"You're hiding something aren't you? I didn't actively try, but I just heard you think: more than you want to know. What the fuck does that mean?"
He sighed. "You know those Team rocket guys you've been runnin' into?"
"How did you know that? You haven't been spyin' on me have you?"
The question was phrased and intoned as light and joking, but I really did want to know.
"No, I ..."
"You what?"
"I was a member of Team rocket ... until a few weeks ago,"
* What?! *
"Now you're fuckin' with me aren't you?"
"No, I'm not. I'm the son of Giovanni, the head of Team rocket."
I rolled my eyes.
"If you're his son, why would you leave?"
"He's been dealing with some ... shady people and I didn't want to be a part of the fall-out, which I am sure is coming."
"People like who?"
"Well, they have files on this thing called Cyphr ..."
There was probably more, but I tuned it out.
* You did not just say that?! *
"Back up man. Did you just say Cyphr? As in C. i. p. h. r.?"
"Yeah what about it?"
I clenched my fists, hearing Ash's flames grow higher and louder, Aerron and Eevee's growls, and Klefki's furious jangling. I winced.
"Guys stop, it hurts,"
Thankfully they did.
"What's so 'bad' about them?" Silver pressed.
"I will only say this once," I said, my nails digging bloody furrows into my palms.
"Cyphr. is. who. did. this. to. me."
"You're bleeding,"
"I know,"
Eventually I told him what I could about the organization, which wasn't much. I had the files, but I'd have to did through my pack to find them, and didn't really feel like it at the moment.
"So I'll see you tonight then?" Silver asked.
I nodded. "I'll call you after the gym battle. Hell, you can watch if you want."
"That wouldn't ... I don't know, bother you?"
I grinned. "Might be a little distractin' but nothin' I can't handle as long as you stay in the stands and don't get too close."
"Sounds good, see you then,"
"Silver,"
"Yeah?"
"If you're goin' ta train and catch pokemon, get some extras. I have things I could trade and if you can only find one of something, I can probably duplicate it."
"How?"
"I have a Ditto,"
"Lucky. I'll do that."
—- —- —-
I'd gotten 1408 from beating Silver, which was doubled to 2816 ... which was then cut and put lowered to 1408 - the amount I kept. Lucario had been holding the Amulet coin to make this possible. I battled a few trainers (all items were found by the fire-normal duo earlier) and then went downstairs.
Down there I got 1 Revive, and 1 Antidote. I captured a Koffing and 2 Magmar. The Koffing seemed rather useless, but I could trade the second fire type. I thought I'd smelled the scent of a fire-type around Silver. This was something I knew quite well since I owned 4 of them, and had trained with or was using at least 2 at a time.
* If I was smelling a fire-type, he might want another one. *
(He was walking around with that Sneasel of his and something I didn't recognize earlier ...)
The thought could not have come at a better time.
I slid the pack off my shoulders, drawing a pokemon from memory. It was a unique combination of dark-type and fire-type.
"Did it look like this?" I asked.
(Exactly like that.)
"That's a Houndour. They're kinda rare, but really cool from what I've read. Dark and fire type at the same time ..."
(Sounds ... deadly,)
"Sounds fuckin' awesome if you ask me. Besides Fire and Psychic types - and fighting of course - I always wanted a dark-type."
(Why not ask Momo for one?)
"I don't need to. I already have the building block for the one I want the most."
(What do you mean?)
I rubbed at Eevee's ears, hearing the baby snoring softly.
* Guess all that running around with Ash wore him out. *
"Eevee evolves into Umbreon, one of the best dark-types found in Johto."
(Ah, I have heard of that one. The people who had me said an 'adversary and traitor' had one along with something called Espeon.)
"Espeon's the psychic evolution of Eevee, which I might get, not sure yet,"
—- —- —-
(There are three very large pokemon nearby.)
I could 'feel' great power, but had no idea what it was. It was so strong, I thought it might be more than one 'thing.' I barely heard what Klefki said.
* Three pokemon? The Legendary dogs maybe? *
I started moving toward the power source, hoping I could find out what it was. Before I could I heard a sound (like jumping maybe) and the power disappeared.
(Three pokemon just 'hopped' then left.)
I could feel that the power was completely gone, as if the pokemon weren't even in the building anymore.
I climbed the stairs.
(They have left the building,)
"Kinda figured that,"
I stepped outside.
(The yellow one went east and the red one went west.)
"There were three you said, where's the other one?"
(I don't know where the blue one went,)
"Yellow red and blue how ironic,"
Yellow, Red, and Blue were the first Pokedex holders according to the books I'd read in school.
* Wonder what they're all doing now? *
Silver, Tuesday, 18:00 (Route 38) —-
A call came through on my Pokegear as I walked along the route. The number was unfamiliar. Someone named 'professor oak' wanted to see me. When I told him where I was, he said to go back to Ecruteak. He was going to meet me there apparently.
—- —- —-
"You are Silver Rocketo?" an old man asked as I entered the conference room.
The nurse had led me here, saying an old man was looking for me.
"Yeah what of it?"
"I should have done this a while ago,"
A slim black device was handed to me.
I flipped open the lid and blinked several times, almost dropping it. Inside were inscribed the words 'silver and blue forever.'
* Blue ... why does that name mean something? I don't know anyone named that ... *
"She wanted you to have it ... she knew you'd react like this. She said it was time for you to remember, and if you had someone you could trust that you should let them help,"
"Who are you talkin' about?" I asked.
"Blue of course. The 'dex holder Blue. You really don't remember her do you?"
"No. This is all a joke isn't it?" I asked angrily.
"No it's not. She was sure her name would ... mean something. I have to get back to my research. I need you to use that Pokedex and gather info on Pokemon for me. I already have Murasaki and Lyra from New bark town working on it, but it's better to have more ... even if they are the son of a crime lord and a former criminal themselves."
I bristled at that.
"No no son, nothing to be ashamed of. At least you're not with them anymore right?"
I nodded and he left.
Murasaki, Tuesday, 18:05 (Ecruteak city) —-
Eusine came and chatted with me outside, saying something about the Legendary dogs. I was so overwhelmed by what had been happening the last few hours, I barely paid attention. I taught Growlithe Strength (at Klefki's suggestion) and walked back inside the tower, going back downstairs. Tm 12 Taunt was behind the boulders in the basement. I put it away and then left for the city again.
—- —- —-
I bought some poke balls (9 of them) before doing anything else. In the 'center I overheard a conversation while I waited for my pokemon to be healed. Two boys (fans of trainers by the sound of it) were discussing Morty, the gym leader here in Ecruteak. They mentioned he used ghost types, and 'how awesome' they were.
* I'll havta center my team around dealin' with 'em then. *
I decided my team was perfect to deal with ghosts so I didn't change it. I had Quilava, Klefki, Kirlia, Lucario, Eevee, and Growlithe. I'd heard that ghosts were weak against psychic, dark, and fire type moves. I had all right here, Lucario's Dark pulse making up the 'dark' part of the equation. I did want to evolve Eevee first though, which would be a genuine dark-type to use. Plus, Umbreon were just awesome and I really wanted one.
At the gym I defeated all the trainers, making sure to start out with (and do most of the work with) Aerron, before letting Eevee take some exp by switching to him at the end of each fight with an opponent's pokemon. He was a normal-type, but as of now he had no attack that could do damage to a ghost. So yeah, this was the best way to level him up. Before any of the battles though, I gave him the Soothe bell. I'd heard something somewhere about needing a certain amount of happiness to evolve Eevee into Umbreon, but wasn't sure how much.
After healing I called Momo. I asked her about how to evolve Eevee into Umbreon. She told me I needed to get its happiness to 220 at night while training. He was already very happy, but after checking the amount with the Pokedex, I decided some more training was in order. I had a few other things I wanted to do first though.
—- —- —-
At the National park, I competed in a contest. I captured a lv 14 Scyther, which won me first place. I got a Sun stone for winning, which I was happy about. I could now evolve Gloom into Bellosom. After the contest was over I went and snagged a Sunkern, reminding myself to join another contest the next time they were available for a second Sun stone to evolve it.
Since I near it, I went to the Pokeathlon stadium. I bought 2 Yellow apricorns and 1 Pink, making a shake for Eevee. I gave it to him and then entered him (along with Blitz and Aerron) in several competitions. I counted 5 more ribbons before stopping. All the competitions I'd won with first place.
I made my way to the counter and asked what prizes there were for the day. After Klefki helped me out with the list, I purchased 2 more Yellow apricorns, another Moomoo milk, 2 Fire stones, and a Pp up. That all cost 6600 p points, which wasn't a problem since I had plenty.
I put everything away, then went for my next errand, selling Rare candies. I sold 2 for 5600 in Goldenrod's department store. I also picked up a Lottery ticket (for the usual 300 poke dollars) and won tm 60 Drain punch.
—- —- —-
Back in Azalea town I picked up the Fast ball I'd wanted Kurt to make. I left 2 Yellow apricorns with him, which he told me would make Moon balls - for catching pokemon that evolved with Moon stones. On the way to Azalea I'd found and snagged a Lapras in the water on the basement floor of Union cave, which I'd work with later. She was lv 20.
I traversed Union cave once more in order to get back to Violet city. I coulda gone through Ilex forest to Goldenrod then onto Ecruteak from there, but it would have taken so much longer. At least this way I could get to Violet city and then go to Ecruteak through the shortcut where Sudowoodo once was.
—- —- —-
On Route 37 I took the time to level everyone up to lv 30. Eevee was the exception to this of course. It was 17:30 - close, but not close enough to night time to evolve him.
Route 42 was where I found myself next. I spent some time looking for a Mankey, another fighting type. I finally found and caught one, night falling right after. That is when I started Eevee's training again.
After the battles in the gym, he was already lv 12. Two levels later, Eevee evolved into Umbreon. I stood there, running my hands along his body, (which he was used to by now and didn't seem to mind) marveling at how awesome he now looked. Umbreon was fantastic overall, but I'd loved the look of them after Momo'd shown me a picture of one some years before. I took the time to level him to 30 - which would make him equal with the others.
—- —- —-
At the gym I did pretty well. Kirlia took down the Gastly and one Haunter, Lucario took down the Gengar, and Umbreon (which was now named Zephyr) trounced the last Haunter. Since psychic moves were good against ghosts, Kirlia had little trouble. The other two just used their dark-type moves. I coulda used Quilava or Growlithe here, but it wasn't necessary.
I got the Fog badge, tm 30 shadow ball, and 5520 for winning. That was then divided down to equal 2760. I taught Shadow ball to Zephyr then exited the gym.
