How's it going people? My name is Rylee and welcome back to It's Not Always Black and White! I'm really excited bout this chapter adn I hope to hit you right in the feels;) WARNING: Pure awesome ahead! Hope you guys enjoy!
Disclaimer: I DO NOT OWN POKEMON! I DO NOT OWN POKEMON!
Chapter 9: Touko's New Mom!
The harsh sun beat down on Touko warming her fair skin. She sat a little ways from her Pokemon, watching them spare with each other. They were both equally strong, though one would gain an advantage over the other occasionally. She watched as Jet fired out Water Gun and Rogue used Dragon Rage. The two moves collided across the sandy terrain causing bits of sand to spray in the air. It seemed like either Pokemon would keep going forever, but eventually they both tired and released their attack. The two Pokemon relaxed their stances to rest in each other's company.
Touko thought this would be a good time to call Mei and catch up with her. She also had some questions to ask. Taking out her Xtransciever, she dialed her sister's number. It rung for a few moments, then her older sister's smiling face came up on the screen.
"Touko!" Mei exclaimed happily.
"Mei! I've missed you so much. How's Nuvema Town? How's Dragonite? It's not too lonely there without me right?" Touko fired out questions while Mei chuckled on the other side.
"Hold on, sis! One question at a time! I should be the one asking the questions anyway." Her older sister smiled warmly. "Touko…I've missed you more than I can put into words. Nuvema Town is quiet without its three trouble makers, you, Cheren, and Bianca. Dragonite is…well see for yourself." She turned the screen to face the orange dragon that was munching on a pile of apples at the dinner table. "Say hello to Touko Dragonite!" Dragonite waved a massive paw at her, smiling cheerfully, "Draggoooo!"
"What about you though? Are you lonely at all?" Touko asked with concern written on her pretty face.
"Me? Lonely? The infamous Mei who can start a party by herself? Sis, you underestimate me sometimes."
Touko laughed and rolled her eyes, "Yeah right, you're such a kid."
"Though I have been considering going on a little vacation." Mei seemed to ponder it for a while. "I've been thinking of different destinations like Undella Town and Humilau City. But then I've been looking at other places like Summerland in Fiore or Sunyshore in Sinnoh…" She scratched her head and smiled. "I just don't know where to go!"
"All of those places sound great. I bet whichever one you choose you'll have lots of fun and plenty of time to relax!"
"You're probably right. But enough about me! I wanna here about your journey so far!"
Touko described her journey in great detail; explaining everything from her gym battles to her training and exploring. She especially was excited to tell her about the large art museum in Castelia City.
"Oh! An art museum? How cool! You know the gym leader of the Castelia Gym, Burgh, is a very famous artist. He probably has a lot of pieces in there…"
Touko felt her heart beat hammering in her chest. That painting in the museum…
It was a picture of a boy that was probably around her age, wearing all white armor, and baring a pure white sword. His features were attractive enough, brown hair and blue eyes that seemed familiar, and his mouth was set in a determined smile. Touko gasped at what was behind him though. A huge white dragon with the same azure eyes, its arms stretched wide as if flying. She read the plaque beneath it:
"The Hero of Truth"
Painted by Burgh
So that painting was by the Castelia City gym leader? I wonder if I could ask him about it, she thought. Maybe I can ask him why that boy looks so much like me…
"Oi! Touko White?" Her sister shouted over the Xtransciever.
Touko snapped back to reality, "Huh? What is it?"
Mei looked at her worriedly, "You scared me for a second there. You just blanked out all of a sudden. You sure you're okay?"
Touko didn't want her older sister to worry about her. So she gave her a large toothy grin, "Yeah I'm totally fine! Honest-"She was cut off as sand flew into her mouth. "Blehhhk!"
"Touko? Is that sand in your mouth…?" Mei seemed to try and peer over Touko's shoulder. "Route 4, huh? Great place if you like sun burn and sand!"
Touko spit out the rest of the sand from her mouth, "I know right? It's a good place for training though. I was thinking about trying to find a Pokemon to add to my team. How's that sound to you?"
Mei scratched her cheek with a finger, "If my memory is correct, there's a Pokemon called Darumaka on that route. They're very mischievous and good at hiding. So it may take a little bit to find one. Careful though Touko. Darumaka are a fire-type Pokemon and extremely aggressive."
Touko smiled, "Sounds like my kind of Pokemon! I gotta let you go Mei."
Her older sister smiled, "Bye Touko! Don't forget to brush your teeth!"
She grinned, "Bye Mei!" The screen turned black as her sister disconnected. It was a little sad to see her go, but she wanted to find a Darumaka as soon as possible.
Touko explained her conversation with Mei and her plan to capture a Darumaka with her Pokemon. They seemed in full agreement with her. Though Jet added, Just make sure this Darumaka isn't a wimp or somethin'!
She giggled as she returned them to their Poke Balls, "Yeah, yeah." Straightening her hat with a grin she declared loud and clear, "Hey Darumaka? Can you hear me? I'm going to find you and you're going to join my team!" With that she set off into the sandy hills of Route 4 shielding her eyes from the grit that flew into her face.
The sun was high above her head now, roasting the few individuals that were below it. Sweat poured down Touko's face and her feet ached from treading on the shifting sand. There hadn't been a single trace of Darumaka anywhere. There weren't any footprints or noises, just the constant wail of the wind and sifting earth. Touko was beginning to think that there weren't any Darumaka here at all.
Touko stopped and looked around, "I just don't get it. I haven't seen a single Darumaka around and Mei was pretty confident that there were some around here." She sat down with a huff, "Well, I'm not going to just give up now though!" Touko removed her hat and set it beside her. "Maybe it's not the right time of day or I'm just not looking in the right place?"
The brunette reached for her hat beside her and made to put it back on only to find something else holding on to the end. A little red Pokemon clutched her hat tightly with its little paws. "Daru darumaka!" The Pokemon cried out fiercely.
Touko's eyes widened, "Wait one second…you're a Darumaka!?" The Darumaka aggressively tried to rip the hat from Touko's hand, but she kept her grip on the hat. "H-hey! This is my hat, you can't have it!" But the stubborn little Pokemon only pulled harder. Seeing that it didn't stand a chance to Touko's strength it glared at her.
"Daruuuu!" The little red Pokemon used Ember on Touko's hand, forcing her to release the hat. Taking its chance it ran into an approaching sandstorm.
Touko fell backward clutching her hand to her chest, "Son of a Blitzle!" She bit back tears as she surveyed her hand. The flesh was shiny and blistered in some places; the slightest movement caused burning pain to shoot through her fingertips. Careful of her hand, she stood up quickly looking for the aggressive Darumaka. In the distance she barely spotted a red blob with what looked like a pink and white hat. "There it is!" She sprinted after the figure.
Unfortunately, a sandstorm had whipped up and Touko was smack dab in the middle of it. "Of all the rotten luck…" She grumbled. But she wasn't just going to let that Darumaka get away and she wasn't going to let it get away with her hat. "Hey Darumaka! Come back please! If you just listened to me maybe we could sort this-"Her sentence was cut short as an extremely powerful gust of wind caught her from behind. Much to Touko's surprise it threw her through the air easily as if she was a rag doll.
Flying forward she somersaulted multiple times before landing hard on the ground. She lay there sprawled on her back staring in shock at the sky. It happened so fast she hadn't had time to react. Touko hurt all over now, her hand felt like it was roasting over a fire and her head throbbed painfully. She whimpered pitifully, "I just want my hat back…" Her eyes began to water.
Darumaka watched the whole seen unfold before her. It watched as the girl flew forward and landed with a thud! It heard her sad whimpers and defeated cries. She sounded very much like a baby Darumaka, which caused the Pokemon's heart to ache. Darumaka knew what it had did was very wrong. But, the hat intrigued it so much! Looking down at the hat it frowned. Was causing this girl pain really worth this object? Strangely as Darumaka walked over to the girl, it wanted to hold and comfort the human like a child. With a sigh it placed the hat on the girl's stomach.
Touko looked at it in surprise, "You're giving it back to me?" She reached out and tried to hear the Darumaka's response.
I guess I am, a nice sounding female voice came. To Touko it sounded very motherly and kind. I realized it was wrong of me to…The Darumaka gazed sadly at Touko's injured hand, to hurt you and steal from you. I was just so curious about your hat.
Touko, with her dirty tear stained face, managed to crack a smile and laugh. "If you just wanted to see it, why didn't you say so?" With her injury free hand she took the hat and placed it on the Darumaka's head. "So how does it feel?"
The hat was obviously too large for the little Pokemon, but either way Darumaka smiled happily. It's very interesting. I see why you would like to wear and treasure it. The little red Pokemon took off the hat and replaced it on Touko's head. But I think it looks much better when you wear it.
The Darumaka scrutinized her face, My, my! I can tell you don't care much about yourself usually, now do you? You need someone to look after you. After all, you're just a baby, now aren't you little one?
Touko nodded sheepishly, "You can say that again!"
Take me with you.
She froze, "Are you saying you want to be my Pokemon?"
In a matter-of –fact tone the Darumaka stated, Yes. But on one condition: That I get to take care of you like my child. You see, I've always wanted a baby but…Darumaka looked down sadly.
Touko tilted her head to the side, "What's the matter?"
I'm infertile. I cannot and won't ever be able to bear children, the Darumaka spoke softly.
This shocked Touko a great deal. She never knew that Pokemon could be infertile and not be capable of having children. She gently pulled her new "mother" into a hug, "Then I guess I'll just have to be your baby!" She felt the Darumaka squeeze her back and so much love was expressed with that one gesture. Releasing the Pokemon, she rummaged through her bag for a Poke Ball. Touko gently tapped her with the capsule device, watching as it rocked slowly for three times. She immediately released the Darumaka, "Now we just need to find you a name!"
I'll be absolutely fine with anything you choose, little one.
"How about Minerva then? I've always liked that name!" Touko said cheerfully.
Minerva…Yes I like that very much.
"You should get to know the rest of my team then." She took out two Poke Balls. "Come on out Jet and Rogue!"
The two Pokemon appeared in a flash of red. Jet yawned loudly, What's the big idea for waking me up Touko?
Rogue smacked him in the back of the head with his tail; Don't be so rude to Touko! She always has a reason for everything remember?
"Yep! I sure do!" Touko gestured to Minerva. "Meet Minerva, your new teammate and my new mom!"
All three Pokemon were acquainted with each other and immediately got along. Minerva easily took on a motherly role towards the other two Pokemon. Touko smiled at her growing family; she reached out to pet Rogue when she remembered her burn. "Ouch!"
Oh dear! Are you alright, little one? I'll fix up your hand and the rest of you in just a second! Minerva then scurried off and returned shortly carrying a variety of berries. She stuffed a couple into her mouth and began to chew them thoroughly. She spat out a green wad of chewed up berries, I know this may seem disgusting, but it will help heal your cuts and burns. She smoothed a handful onto Touko's injured hand. Expecting pain, Touko flinched.
There, there. No need to tense up, little one, Minerva soothed her.
Rogue murmured in amazement, You're amazing Minerva! Where did you learn such medical techniques?
Minerva smiled as if remembering a memory, I was taught by my mother who was an incredible healer.
Touko sighed in relief, "Yeah it is gross, but it feels like heaven." Remembering their reason for coming to Route 4 she explained, "Minerva I'm taking the Unova Gym Challenge and I want you to battle alongside me with Jet and Rogue to try and beat it!"
Sounds like fun, dear! Why not?
Touko triumphantly smiled, "Great! Our next gym challenge is tomorrow at the Castelia Gym. We've been training out here for a while guys, do you want to head back to the Pokemon Center and get some food? 'Cause I'm starving!" Her Pokemon all agreed to return to Castelia and rest up for tomorrow.
So, Touko and her ever expanding family walked happily with determined expressions back to Castelia to rest up for a very big day.
Soo...Did you like it? I hope I got you right in the feelings! Minerva's really sweet and motherly huh? It's kinda sad she can't have babies, but now she's got Touko, her new baby! Minerva will be a really important motherly figure for Touko because she has already lost her real mother. As always, hope you guys really enjoyed this chapter! I know I did! Please review and favorite! You don't know how much I like reading your guy's reviews! Stay cool you guys! I know you will!
I love you all!
Rylee XOX
P.S. I 3 you guys!