Chapter 13: Spreading News

Finding that I left the "dojo" early, I was able to catch club just as Alakazam and Charizard were cooking lunch. Alakazam looked at me for a second, read my mind, and he admitted that he did sniff what Machop had, some scent that only a Pokémon can sense.
"Hey, Syrus." I called; Syrus lifted his head and gave me his attention. "Is there anything planned ahead of time, any missions?"
"Yeah, you're to be expected to get another mission sometime soon. It's going to be a covert mission, though, so it's admins only."
"OK, can you let me know if it comes in? I don't want to be late for briefing."
"OK, sure." He shrugged, in a gesture of saying "Whatever", "Actually, where are you going?"
"To an appointment with someone…" I said, not telling them where.
Kevin looked curious, I slightly revealed my PDA; he nodded at me, meaning he got the note quickly. Alakazam just got finished with setting everything up for lunch. I figured I might as well get a bite to eat, so I sat down close to the door, thanking Alakazam for being the cook, who made fried rice with fried Magikarp (used to be one of my favorite dishes, though now I feel a little hesitant with the fried Karp. I ate it anyways, though).
I ate my food quickly, almost too quickly when I almost started choking.
Once everyone was done, I decided to make my exit. As I did though, I quickly typed a note in my PDA to Kevin.

Kevin,

I've got an appointment with Professor Oak in Pallet Town. I dunno why, though, so don't ask. Also, do you think you can keep this quiet? I already know Giovanni would be all over my case if he found out that I paid a visit to the professor's lab and returned empty-handed.

Thanks,

I paused at making my closing. I contemplated on getting myself a nickname. But… I guess I'll go with a screen name that I'm familiar with, one that I used to use a long time ago before I got skilled at Battling.
Phoenix.
I sent the note, and walked over to the helipad to send out Charizard. Once he was out, he looked to the open area ahead. He looked at me, in a look of curiosity.
"Ready to stretch your wings?" I said, "'Cause we've got an appointment at Pallet Town."
"Pallet Town?" Charizard asked, "That's only a small glide away. Is this another mission?"
I was surprised at a question like that. A Mission at Pallet Town, I guess it'd be understandable to send in few people to a place not too far away. Still I guess no one would have figured, anyways.
"Oh, no, I've just been asked to meet with someone there. Off the job, you know?"
Charizard understood. He turned in a southern direction, and I also sent Alakazam for one last thing. I then asked to see if I've been bugged, or if I've been marked with some tracer of sorts that has a mic. He told me I wasn't, and I then hopped on Charizard, put on the red biker's cap I snagged from my room, and we set off for Pallet town.

It was supposed to be business as usual in the Pokémon lab in Pallet Town, but today was different, because a strange virus had suddenly changed into something that could affect a human being. The bacteria were similar to that of Pokérus, the virus that sped up Pokémon's growth. But too many questions were surrounded about this new bacterium: what does it do to someone infected; how does it affect the host; most importantly, can it spread and how easily?
"Um, Professor?" a voice said. "Professor Oak?"
Professor Samuel Oak looked up from the microscope and found that his assistant, a young sketch artist named Tracy, was a tad bit shocked at something…
"Tracy? What's wrong?" Oak asked.
"It's the news…!" Tracy said, still pale in the face, "I never thought I'd see Team Rocket get away from two Gym Leaders, but that's the headline."
"What?!" This news caught the professor's attention. He's known Gym leaders to be very strong Pokémon Battlers, and to find them defeated by a single trainer would be something. But for two of them to be defeated by Team Rocket was bad news.
Rumor has it that a friend of his, a young man named Eric Claid, was supposedly involved with Team Rocket. When he admitted to joining them to get stronger, ever since his loss in the Indigo Plateau Pokémon League, it hurt. What's bothering Oak even more was, an E-mail was sent from an anonymous address, saying that a new virus has been discovered, and that someone from Team Rocket has learned to speak with Pokémon. Attachments were included with the E-mail, and while the research was puzzling, Eric Claid's profile was the subject said to be able to talk to Pokémon.
"So this Eric Claid guy…" Tracy said, looking at the news article, "He looks a bit young to be leading a group in Team Rocket, isn't he?"
Oak was silent for a moment taking in the fact that Eric has done things that he would most likely regret. "Yes, he is, isn't he?" he said, "He's almost a lot like Ash…"
Tracy looked insulted. Ash Ketchum was a skilled Pokémon Battler indeed, making the top 16 in the Pokémon League championship. Unfortunately, Eric made the top 3 battlers, in 2nd place, which meant that Ash would have his work cut out for him if he were to face off against Claid.
"The only similarity I find in them, is their being skilled battlers." Tracy protested, "Ash isn't like Claid! Ash wouldn't join Team Rocket!"
"Even then," the prof. noted. "if what the rumors about him are true, he might be might not be as malicious as we think."

Charizard landed down on the open field nearby Oak's lab. I hopped down, and figured he probably would like some fresh air, so I let him stomp with me as I walked towards the front door. Charizard stopped to look around, and who wouldn't? It was a clear day in Pallet Town, and it was very peaceful except for the occasional chatter from Pokémon, which was ranging from funny conversations to occasional squabbles over something.
"Y'know, I could enjoy living someplace like this." Charizard said, a bit of a dreamy look on his face. "It's so peaceful, and all natural."
I smiled in agreement. "Well, if he's fine with it, I could let you and the others roam around the fields while Prof. Oak and I talk about important matters."
"Alright." I could tell Charizard couldn't wait to get a look around and meet the Pokémon that Oak looks after. If you think about it, it would make sense… Why would you NOT want to go out and potentially make new friends? Unless you're antisocial, then it's not a big deal to meet now characters. (I would have said "people", but that wouldn't make much sense in Pokémon perspective, would it?)
Once I made it to the front door, I did the first thing a normal person would do, which was to ring the doorbell. I pressed the button, and the traditional *DING-DONG* sounded faintly from where I was.
"Coming!" called a voice from inside. The door opened slightly, and a guy with green hair looked through.
I could tell he recognized me from the news because the minute he saw me, he went very pale and his eyes opened REAL wide. I was gonna ask right away if Oak was there, but since spotting the look on his face, I figured it would help if he spoke first…
"AHHH!!" the guy yelped, and he slammed the door at my face.
I felt my eyes turn into lines and a throb of anger clench at my forehead. I pressed the doorbell.
"W-w-w-what do you want, Claid?" the guy asked, apparently terrified.
I heard laughing behind me, I looked back, and apparently Charizard found the fearful denial very funny.
I looked straight at the door. "Professor Oak said he wanted to talk to me." I called, still trying to ease my irritation. "Don't worry, this is business of my own account, so no one from HQ is watching me."
"Tracy, Let him in." an older voice said, "He's telling the truth, I invited him."
The door opened and I walked inside. Green Hair, whom I assumed was Tracy, was shaking. I felt bad, for him and for myself. While I made a good name in that of Team Rocket, I seemed to have made myself a bit of a terror of sorts everywhere else. Oak was standing at the end of the hallway, and he hasn't changed a bit, since I last met him a few years ago before I took on the Indigo League. Unfortunately, when I found him looking at me, he looked concerned, meaning he only wanted to see me so he could get some answers from me, and it made me feel even worse.
"Um, been awhile, professor." I said, a little hesitant.
"Yes…" He said, "It has been awhile."
I avoided eye contact… knowing I probably hurt him of all people, because I was part of Team Rocket. In fact while I've managed to hide it well, I've never felt so guilty in awhile. Taking sides with criminals with the hopes of getting stronger, for some time, felt disgusting. Fortunately for my sake, I was able to push that aside and think towards the subject at hand.
I gulped, still nervous how this will play out. "So, umm, you said you wanted to talk about something… I guess it's about time we know what it is."
"hmm." Oak nodded, "Well, Eric, I've actually had a visit from an odd stranger who wanted me to find something… he told me you can understand Pokémon, and that you have a strand of a virus similar to that of Pokérus." He looked at me sharp. "I know this will sound strange, even for me. But can I borrow a sample of… of your genetics…?"
"Blood?" he was right, I DID find that weird, why would a POKÉMON professor want a sample of HUMAN blood?
He nodded, and I went over to a small research table, and pricked my finger. I gave the sample to Oak, and I figured now would be the best time.
"Hey Professor, you don't mind if my Pokémon have a look around the outside, right?" I asked, still nervous.
"No, not at all." He said simply, "Perhaps I could see how they're doing once I'm finished with this.
I turned towards the back door, and I found I was a little hazy.
Boy, This is far too odd. I never thought I had to actually study human DNA with this n—Wait. The same virus, in the boy's blood? How is this…?
I stopped; I didn't even exit the room. Was that Oak? Why did his voice seem to echo?
"Hey, What's up?" I heard in front of me. I was out of my trance, and I found Tracy was looking at me curiously. I felt a little better he was able to feel less shaky near me.
"Um, nothing. I'm just hearing random things." I decided to change the subject quickly. "Hey, just out of curiosity, what kind of Pokémon do you have?"
"Well…" he said, leering "I guess my Pokémon are pretty tough, and stuff… though I'm curious about what you did during that battle."
I hesitated on explaining, but when I did, I suddenly felt more comfortable around him. "It actually wasn't a series of Fire Blasts, but just bursts of fire shot out from the fireball managed by Psychic. Although the news saw it as Fire Blast, which is justifiable judging from the size, it was something I called 'FireStorm'. "
Tracy was actually pretty interested what I had to say, because I didn't expect him to find such an interesting way to handle fire. By the time I was done explaining how it worked, we were already outside, and I then released my Pokémon.
"Alright, guys, Welcome to the Oak Laboratory in Pallet Town!" I announced, "I have gotten the OK from the prof. about letting you guys explore the various habitats, but please, be considerate if you plan to socialize, OK?"
"Yay yay yay!" Marshtomp cheered
"Finally, the chance to meet other trainers' Pokémon." Charizard said.
Alakazam looked at Tracy. Nice to meet you. He said telepathically.
Tracy seemed to flinch with surprise. "N-nice to meet you too." He said awkwardly.
"So, what kind of Pokémon do you have?" Blaziken asked, looking at me in the gesture to translate.
"Blaziken wants to know what kind of Pokémon you have." I told Tracy, who evidently chose then to release a couple of his Pokémon.
One of the Pokémon was kinda like a small blue ball with ears. It had a zigzagging tail with a bit of a smaller ball at the end. Just looking at it screamed "cute and cuddly," and the Pokémon was known as Marill. The second Pokémon was bipedal, which was surprising for a bug type Pokémon, a light green coloring, this one had blades where the arms and hands (or claws) would be. Behind, was where the abdomen was located; the look on its face appeared to be fierce, ready to attack at an instant's notice; I recalled that Pokémon as Scyther.
Tracy introduced his Pokémon to me out of courtesy, and I just said my Pokémon's names because something formal… would take too long.
"Hiya." Marill said cheerfully.
Scyther just nodded towards me, apparently figuring that humans can't understand Pokémon.
"Hmm…" I observed, "not very talkative, are ya?" Scyther just rolled its eyes.
"Nah, he doesn't really think there's a point." Marill said, with the tone that displayed "MOTORMOUTH" overhead in my mind. "Scyther can't do sign language, like some other Pokémon, he usually prefers to speak when he knows he can lead some understanding to Tracy and the professor. Sometimes I wish I could talk to Tracy though, because he always gives me food that's either too sweet or too salty. I usually like my foods with a good enough balance because while I can eat it up happily, I would have to snack on something else, just to satisfy my little taste need. Also….." As Marill was talking, it was rolling all over the place, oblivious to what it bumped into. "Scyther also kept muttering how his taste wasn't exactly sour or spicy enough. Perhaps Tracy aughta make a similar balance with sour and spicy."
Suddenly, Scyther bonked Marill on the head with the flat of its blade. "Marill, you DO realize you're talking pointlessly to a HUMAN; and second, I said the food was not spicy enough, and perhaps a little too sour. Though unlike you, I can put up with what I'm given. Now seriously, give it—"
Tracy stepped in between them, and Scyther was grumbling about how Marill talked too much, and that he was irritating the guest.
Marshtomp managed to climb up on my shoulders. "Wow, I never thought they would argue about food taste." He commented, "That Marill character loves to talk, though. It's funny when someone tries to shut him up, with little luck."
I guess I had to admit, he's right, it IS kinda funny that someone fails to quiet a motor mouth. "No kidding, huh?" I said, and we both laughed for a moment. I then looked at Tracy, who was looking at me funny (yes, ANOTHER person looking at me like that).
I decided to translate to him in the cliff notes version.
"Marill says that it wishes you guys could understand Pokémon talk," I explained, "because on regards to food, it winds up getting something either too sweet or too salty, and wants a balance between the two tastes. Scyther got on Marill's case for a mistake in remembering Scyther's taste, which is preferably more on spicy than sour." I then thought about it for a moment, then it hit me. "Wait a minute, you make the Pokémon's food?"
"Uhhh." Oops, too much to take in for him. He paused for a few seconds. "Yeah, I make the Pokémon's food, though I never knew they wanted a different taste." Something occurred to him. "Hold on… you actually knew what they said!?"
There was a silent pause, then Marshtomp suddenly started to laugh. When I looked over at Marill and Scyther and found why. Marill went quiet, and was staring at me in curiosity (or wonder, hard to tell with that little cute face). Scyther looked bewildered, grey eyes very wide, the kind of look that would be someone saying "What the hell!?"
"You…actually understand what I'm saying?" Scyther said, still with that look on his face.
"Yeah." I said simply.
"I've heard word that there was a human who could understand Pokémon." Scyther stated, "I already figured that Tracy and the Prof. aren't the ones… I didn't expect you'd be that person, though."
I shrugged and rolled my eyes, "No one expects a human kid to have big things. But somehow I've been given this little 'ability', and rumor about me is spreading like wildfire."
Tracy was confused at what was going on, and I've explained to him that since my ability to understand Pokémon was known, quite a lot of Pokémon have been hearing about it. It was almost as if they had a Pokémon news network, and I became headline news (sound absurd? Hey, it might actually explain this ability somehow being known to so many).
"Psst." Marshtomp hissed at me, in the gesture of grabbing my attention. "Blaziken's been wondering about having a sparring match with you to pass the time."
I then realized, everyone was still here. I then let everyone go explore… even though only Charizard and Marshtomp actually left. Alakazam decided to hang around and referee the upcoming martial arts match between Blaziken and I. Then I found the Professor walking towards us.
"Tracy, you gonna tell him?" Scyther, who stuck around, elected to ask.
Tracy looked at me and I relayed the message, he nodded quickly. But when the Professor approached, we didn't say anything because we found a look on his face that said "Something's wrong." Now I started to wonder now: is there going to be ANYTHING that's actually going to be casual in a couple of days, because this serious attitude every day is starting to get on my nerves…