Darkness encapsulated my entire existence. There was no sound, no feeling, just an inky black void surrounding everything. In my time here, I felt at peace; for there was no worry bearing down on me currently. I wanted to stay here a bit longer, but something was soon bringing me out of this serenity. It was the sound of vibrations reverberating through this nothingness I casted upon myself. Despite not being able to see, I tried my best to reach my hand towards the source of this noise, only to fail and miss. A small groan rumbled in my throat as I eventually cracked open my eyes to pick up my buzzing phone. After shutting off the daily alarm I set for myself, I knew there wasn't much for me to do now but to get up.
My eyes gradually settled on a sight I've grown accustomed to now as I couldn't help myself from staring. The Latias that I have befriended still remains asleep on her makeshift bed as a twilight orange light from the sun creeps over her. A glossy glow shimmered along her exposed down as she remained curled up and mostly covered by her blanket. Seeing this, I smiled and decided to let Lyra rest up for a few more minutes as I made my way into the closet and quietly shut the door behind me.
If it was any other Pokémon, I probably wouldn't have bothered, but since Lyra and I can properly communicate with each other, I can't help but feel a little self-conscious. I honestly don't know how I'd react or explain the situation if something awkward were too happened between us. I know even though no one is saying it, the internet is just waiting to blow up over some stuff involving Pokémon. Good god, I need to stop randomly surfing the web before I corrupt myself further.
Once I had some fresh clothes on, I knelt down in front of the sleeping creature and gently swam my fingers through her feathers. The Latias gradually opened her eyes and made a light chirp as she lifted her head. The second Lyra turned her attention to me, I made mention that it was time to get up and ready for school. After a soft yawn, my roommate shifted herself up and began lazily floating along next to me as the two of us proceeded to the kitchen. There, Dad was busy messing up an omelette and turning it into scrambled eggs, Cecil left her cereal for a minute since she's made it her daily duty to pet Lyra at least once a day, and Mom was eating a yogurt bowl while also giving the Pokémon a couple of quick glances. Lyra and I grabbed some muffins for the road and a number of apples to which I explained that the fruit was going to be Lyra's lunch. We then exited the house, letting a gentle breeze brush us against our faces as we actually snuck our way into the backyard instead. I then rapped the door for the crawlspace four times and slowly opened it. Peaking its head out and darting his eyes around the outside world before focusing on me, the Zorua carried the apples I handed him back in. Once the hidden guest gave me a nod and returned to his sister, I shut the hatch and finally began my journey to school.
What I had hoped would be a peaceful walk had instead turned into a nervous stroll. Because I had to pass the park, it was still being investigated by police and animal control due to the incident. Curious and cautious eyes drew upon my friend and I to the point I could feel the target being finished painted on us. My legs quickly stopped on command as the cop approached us.
"What can I do for you?" My expression was calm and stoic, but deep down my heart was racing.
"We had a report yesterday about a supposed Pokémon attack. Just as a precaution, is that thing safe?"
"The Latias? Yeah, in fact she's friendly. I've been tending to her since their discovery."
The officer then turned his eyes down towards my cast and gave me a skeptical look before asking about it. I answered and told him that it was a substitute teacher's fault.
"…Monarch High, right?"
"Yeah, that was me."
"Heard about that from a buddy of mine. Sucks that you got hurt, but least it didn't get any worse than that."
"Tell me about it."
"So what exactly happened? Why did a substitute attack you?"
"Well he wasn't intending it on being me, I just instinctually used myself as a shield to protect the Pokémon he was going to attack." After saying that, I noticed the cop resume studying Lyra. I then had an idea and asked; "Would you want to pet her? She really is friendly."
Lyra then lowered the muffin she was nibbling as the officer then raised his palm up. He was hesitant as I could see him mentally question himself if it was okay to do so, but in the end his hand gradually met with the Latias' forehead. A small smile grew on the Pokémon as he continued to rub her.
"Okay, this is so cool." The cop chuckled.
I smirked and nodded knowingly. "Yeah, not all Pokémon are bad. I know you said there was a Pokémon attack here, but if it's alright to ask, what happened?"
"Well a group of people were protecting their kids from a Pokémon. The last thing witnesses reported was that it exploded."
"Was anyone hurt?"
"Fortunately the most of it was just some bruising."
"At least it wasn't anything too serious. So then was the Pokémon that caused this caught yet?"
My attention soon turned to Lyra as she was using one of her claws to lightly tug on my shirt.
"Alan, how come you're lying to him?" She asked.
"Oh, you're right! My Pokémon knows I gotta get to school. Is it okay if I can hurry along, Officer?"
"Sure, stay safe out there."
I then continued my journey to school as Lyra continued to ask me why I had lied to the Police. I remained silent to her as her questions soon turned into asking why I was ignoring her. Once I knew I was out of audible range for the cop and animal control he was near, I told the Latias the truth. Her eyes grew knowing now that the Zorua would most likely be euthanized under current circumstances if caught. So until something positive happens, I told her that we need to lay low on the subject to avoid any issues.
My legs grew to ache as I rushed the rest of the way, just so that I could rest up and prepare in that cozy little lounge I've been given. Within my peripherals, I spotted Vic and Diancie already on the couch waiting for class to start.
"Hey dude, how was your weekend?" I asked as I reached for the coffee pot.
"Ehh, it was interesting. You?"
"Interesting is an understatement for mine."
"What happened? Did you find out who your stalker was?"
"Yeah, as it turns out, it was a Riolu." I then poured myself something to drink; questioning if it was coffee or tea again.
The moment I turned around, I froze in place as my sights focused on the small humanoid creature that was peeking over the couch and staring at me with its pale red eyes. Its entire body was snow white from the face down while the only other coloration it had was its green bowl cut hair style and the protruding red horn it had on its forehead and back of its skull.
"You found a Ralts?" I stated in a whole heartedly impressed tone.
"Yeah, found her when I was on a walk with Diancie." Vic answered as he patted the small Pokémon's head. "So where's the Riolu?"
"I'm not sure. He's going to stick around to observe me, but where he actually goes, I don't know." I answered while still gazing at the Ralts and giving it a little wave.
"So what happened between you and the Riolu?" My friend soon asked.
I then took the time to explain what had happened between me and the Pokémon. I even told him of my encounter with the Vulpix and her brother, even telling him that they're basically living under my house now. I was thankful that my friend was going to keep this new knowledge a secret, but before we could discuss things further, a soft chime rang through the school's speakers. With that, I grabbed up my bag as Vic and his Pokémon left.
"Will you be okay being alone again?" I asked as I turned to Lyra.
"Actually I think I'll join you in class today." She boldly declared.
"Wait-why?"
"No reason. Just to keep an eye on you."
I was stricken with curiosity as I pondered the sudden need to join me in class. It was a guess, but I felt like I deduced her reasoning. "Are you jealous over a Ralts?"
"N-no I'm not!" Her cheeks became slightly rosy as she turned away.
Seeing this, a tiny smirk grew on me as I reached up with my good hand and caressed her side. I guess I'm her human now after all.
The moment the door opened, collective eyes with some comments hit the two of us as I led Lyra over to where I sit for my first period class. I did my best to stave off any awkward emotions for becoming the center of attention. Lyra on the other hand seemed like she was having more trouble dealing with the feeling as she began to nervously look around. Part of me is wondering if she's regretting this choice since it may interfere with me, but to help calm her down, I gave the Pokémon a reassure pet on the back. I eventually notice people even begin to take photos of my Latias, but after a couple of minutes, my attention drew to the girl I guess I should be calling my coworker now.
"Well this is a surprise. I wasn't expecting you to be joining our classes now." Alisa began as she took her seat next to me.
"Lyra was jealous of Vic's new Pokémon, so she wanted to spend more time with me today." I chuckled as I pointed at Lyra.
Alisa giggled for a moment but soon stopped as she took a second to ponder something. She then turned back to me and said curiously, "Victor has another Pokémon now?"
"Yeah, apparently he found it during the weekend."
"Wouldn't that be a bit more distracting for class?" After asking that, her focus turned to the playfully squirming Skitty in her arms as the realization of something hit her. It caused me to turn towards Lyra as I thought the same thing.
Sure a Latias is bigger than Filia, but with the sheer fact that there are now two Pokémon sharing the same room, Alisa and I may get in trouble for the distraction we've just possibly caused. Most of the students in this period are still fascinated by the Skitty, but with Lyra here now, this is probably the first time they're seeing her if they haven't spotted my Pokémon in the halls before. And knowing how energetic this kitten Pokémon gets, somethings going to happen.
Once Filia began happily meowing at my eon Pokémon, the two of them became the target of multiple phones pointing at them. This didn't stop, especially once the teacher walked in and saw the commotion. He was going to say something to Alisa about trying to keep her Pokémon under control again, but once his eyes spotted Lyra, the man just stood there stiff as a board. It was maybe a good minute before he started speaking again; asking me if my Pokémon was going to be a problem. Naturally I knew she wasn't, but with the Skitty around, this was going to be a tough call. I ended up waiting to see what would happen, and boy was that the wrong decision. As class went on, I found myself with my face in my palm trying not to laugh with embarrassment while Alisa on the other hand had a bright rosy face. Filia spent the whole time trying to play with Lyra while Lyra was unsure what to do. With the little cat sprinting around the room during, the teacher finally had enough. He confiscated all the cell phones that were brought out and had ordered for me and the red head to wait outside the room with our Pokémon.
After the scolding we received, the day eventually went back to normal for the most part into the next class, and into the moment Alisa and I reunited in the Advisor's Lounge once third period started. Lyra crashed on the couch while I took a quick mental breather. Alisa carefully set Filia on the ground as the Skitty soon sprinted up towards my Latias. As the only other human at the moment, the teen approached me with an exhausted look on her face.
"Well that's one way to start the day. Think it'll happen again?" The girl started as she pulled up a chair next to me.
"Most likely." I replied as I watched Filia run around Lyra until she became distracted by her tail and started chasing that instead. "Hey can I ask you something? If you were to encounter another Pokémon, would you take it in too?"
"I'm…not sure. Why do you ask?"
"I'm just curious." I'm still asking myself that same question deep down. My heart is leaning towards doing so despite seeming like a tough decision. It almost feels like it's to be my calling in life, but I'm still unsure about it though. Would I be able to actually do something that was the plot point of the Pokémon franchise?
"Sorry, but it's a hard answer for me to give right now. I'd still have to consider my family with that question. They were able to easily warm up to Filia since they can just consider her a very energetic cat, but if it was something else, I don't know. If I was by myself, then maybe I could answer that."
"Fair enough, but you sure you wouldn't want to be a trainer?" I teased.
My joke went over her head it looked like, but as I stared at her, it actually looked like she was thinking about it.
"Hey Alan, if I were to do something like that, would you help me? You seem like you already know more about this then I do."
Deep down I felt appreciated as I thought about it and looked over at the Pokémon. I then thought about what it would be like going on some grand journey with a group of Pokémon. Sure there aren't any gyms or competitions involving them yet, but just the thought of doing something with them is interesting. Maybe we were cut out for this after all.
"Sure." I answered the waiting girl.
"Thank you, Alan." Alisa then called over Filia and lowered herself to pick up the Skitty, further signifying in my head she'll be alright with her future and these wonderous creatures.
Breaking my chain of thought, I soon then turned on the computer as it hummed to life. The teen quizzically inquired what I was planning, and after opening up a web browser, I searched up the Pokédex and some various stuff from the games and anime. Following that, I had Alisa sit down and just read through them to help give her an idea of some stuff that could interest her. After that, I got Lyra's attention I mentioned that we should go ahead and get ready for lunch, but as I opened the door, there was a loud thud followed by what sounded like a dog whining.
I peeked around doorway and instantly recognized who it was once I saw the blue fur. "You okay?"
The Riolu was still groaning a bit as he was rubbing his snout. Seeing this, I let him in the room for a moment, catching Alisa off guard despite me being causal about it.
"Why did you do that?" He cried a little.
"I didn't know you were on the other side. What are you doing here anyways?"
"You already know why." He declared before staring down towards the bridge his nose.
"Look, I'm sorry about the door thing…You weren't discovered on your way here were you?"
"Fortunately I wasn't"
"What is that?" Alisa chimed in as she approached us while also just gazing with wonderment at the emanation Pokémon.
"This is a Riolu, a Pokémon I met during the weekend."
"Can he talk like Lyra too?" Alisa questioned as her hand soon found itself patting the Riolu's head.
"Not exactly. From what he told me, he's using our auras to communicate with me." I said while holding myself back from chuckling at the Pokémon's blushing face from being petted.
"Should he stay here?" Lyra soon asked, her yellow eyes gazing at me for a response.
"Actually, you know what? How about you join us for lunch."
I figure with this, I can help the young creature become more accustomed with this world while also using food as a way to further apologize for what I did, even if it was an accident. There was no objection to this. With Alisa and her Skitty choosing to wait a little bit longer before leaving, me and my companions left for the cafeteria. However, before we could reach the lunch hall, what sounded like a young woman called to me.
Aw crap!
A group of adults stood before me. I've never met them before in my life, but I instantly knew who they were, or at least what their purpose with me was. The woman standing in front of the group was dressed completely in a business attire while her colleagues wore more casual clothes. The thing one thing out of this group that made me realize who they were was the recording equipment that was being set up by those in the less restrictive clothing. As my eyes darted between the approaching reporter and her crew, I could sense the Pokémon becoming cautious. She then stopped before me, stared at my companions and then at my cast.
"Yes, you're the one. You'll be perfect." She said as her mature voice finished calculating my worth.
"What are you talking about?" I inquired while keeping note of my Pokémon readying themselves for anything.
"We heard that this school had apparently started a program involving students taking an initiative about the situation of Pokémon becoming real. We're here to see if we can interview them."
"Is that all to it? Then why do you consider me to be perfect for it? What about the others?" I already know I would be a huge scoop for her station, but I still want to know why she's picking me. That, and also the fact that the thought of this interview has me a bit nervous now.
"I already know who you are kid. Some student that stopped a rampaging teacher and got hurt supposedly protecting a Pokémon. I'm sure someone like that has their reasons, especially one that has something to say to this world now. Wouldn't you agree?" Her voice slightly raised itself with some energy as she put on a charismatic smile.
I would like to say something to help the situation, but I already know deep down that I'll be under the pressure of judging eyes. What I say could drastically affect people's disposition on Pokémon being real and how to treat them. My words could make things positive or negatively impact the world in its delicate state now, and if I'm not careful, then I'll just make things worse. That's the thing that's making me nervous.
I took a moment to focus, preparing myself for whatever questions would come my way. In my mind, I readied possible responses I'll deliver as I filled them with determination. With the weight of the world pushing down on my being, I could feel my heart rate steadily increasing. Now is a moment where I have to stand strong.
"Fine, I'll do it."
The reporter was elated to hear that as she went back to her coworkers. Shortly afterwards, the crew then began preparing everything that seemed necessary to them. Cameramen positioned themselves near Lyra and the Riolu while one big lens was directed right at me. A small microphone was hooked up to the collar of my shirt that I also had to test for them. To help keep them calm and relaxed despite being tense myself, I lightly petted the two creatures. In the corner of my eyes, I could see my interviewer getting ready herself until she stood in front of one of the cameras. A couple of seconds later, she introduced herself to it and then introduced who I was and what I had done. Following that, the device was pointed towards me as I was hit with the first question.
"Alan, as you know, the world is still reeling in the fact that Pokémon are now real creatures. Since you've taken an initiative in interacting with them, can you tell us why you've done so?"
"To tell you the truth, I was scared at first. I thought I was crazy since there were now fictional creatures existing. However, as I tended to one, I was able to quickly become accustomed to the Pokémon's existence and gained a friend in doing so. I've learned that this situation isn't as bad as one would think and may actually be beneficial."
"What was your first encounter like? I'm sure it had to be something special if you were willing to bring an alien creature into your life."
"It was with this Latias here actually. It wasn't a pleasant first meeting if that's what you're asking. On the day Pokémon suddenly started appearing, I had found her badly injured and struggling to move. Yes I was worried, but that soon became an afterthought as I took her home to treat her wounds. Even though our chance encounter was a harsh beginning, it did lead into our companionship now, and I'm glad I got to meet this Pokémon."
"Since you're close with a Pokémon now, what are your thoughts on those who are against or struggling with Pokémon being real now?"
"Since the situation is still new, they have every right to feel that way. I know that personally since my mother is one of those people. However I think that is bound to change. Over time, people will have to get use to Pokémon being around since I think there are as many Pokémon now as there are natural animals on this planet. The world may not become accustomed to them as fast as I have, but in the future cohabitance is possible."
"So you're glad Pokémon are real?"
"I am now." I lightly chuckled.
"So do you think they aren't a threat to the world?"
"That's hard to say…Pokémon have powers and abilities that aren't natural to our existence. The stuff they can do can either be destructive or beneficial to life. I would say it depends on the situation and what they do."
"Well yesterday there was a Pokémon attack. What do you have to say about that then?"
"I can't say who did what first since I don't know. What I can though for future encounters is to be careful. Think about it like encountering a normal animal in the wild. It's an unpredictable situation, so show it respect. If it's hostile first, then you have the right to defend yourself, but if it's friendly, then be friendly back. Only time will tell what future encounters will be like."
"Alan, I would like to thank you for letting us interview you. Do you have any final words to say?"
"Well…As I said, it's alright to be cautious, but remember, these Pokémon are getting use to our world like we're getting use to them. They're probably scared for being out of their environment, so try not to be a threat to them. If you show that you mean them no harm and they calm down, then maybe you could have a chance encounter of your own too."
The camera then turned off in front of me, only for the reporter to thank me again. Following that, her crew then took a few minutes to get some b roll shots on Lyra and the Riolu. Once they were done, they packed up some of their equipment and searched for one of the other Pokémon Advisors in the building, leaving me and my friends alone. I then took a very deep inhale that was followed by a heavy exhale. I can still feel my heart trying to beat out of my chest.
Before heading into the cafeteria, I asked my companions to give me a moment as I entered a nearby bathroom. I soon found myself bent over a sink, still trying to recover from the interview. My eyes drew upwards towards the mirror on the wall. The reflection revealed my pale face being struck with stress and making me seem whiter than normal. If I had some facial hair, I swear I would have looked like my dad on the day Pokémon became real. I'm proud I was able to handle myself, but still…I guess I've got to wait for the results now.