AN: This next scene takes place immediately after the last chapter. I know that it seems like most of these chapters are a day-to-day telling of their lives, but there are some time skips up ahead. This is because realistically/logically, as travelers, they're spending most of their time walking/training/camping and nothing interesting happens.
I hope you enjoy this next bit:)
"We were wondering where you were," June said as Michio, Annastasia, Bleu, Lil-G, and Scarlett entered the cafeteria.
"We were starting to worry," said Jay.
"Clarification: Jay was starting to worry," said Soledad. "The rest of us know you're more than capable of handling yourself and Michio."
"I'm glad you think that," Annastasia replied.
"We ate, but the café had to close early," said Nolan.
"We picked food out for you," said Jay. "We weren't sure what you were in the mood for so we got a huge salad with all different topping and an omelet with some roasted veggies and falafel. Also, we got cheese on the side just in case."
"And fruit," Amber said as Soledad passed the tray to Annastasia.
"That is so sweet," Annastasia replied.
"I made your plate, Oniisan," Jocelyn said as she pushed a tray in front of Michio. "It's a veggie burger with extra pickles and cheese and ketchup and mustard and onions and lettuce and tomatoes and hot sauce that white stuff that starts with an 'm'. It's just like you ordered the other day."
"Flaaafy Fla."
"Flaafy got you Pinap juice to go with it."
"Oh. Thanks, this looks fantastic…," Michio said as he looked down at the soggy burger overflowing with toppings.
"Jocelyn insisted on doing it all by herself," said Rita.
"Great."
Scarlett reveled at the extra ketchup packets. She snatched them then ran off to enjoy them with Pip.
"The food was still excellent", Takeshi commented. "I ordered extra desserts for later."
"Me too," said Logan.
"Me three", Jocelyn added cheerily, holding up a to-go bag of homemade candy.
"Wow. Make sure you go easy on those, Princess," Annastasia said as she patted her head.
"I will!"
"Fla Flaa!"
"How does that sandwich taste?" Soledad sniggered as she looked at Michio's plate. It was practically falling apart on account of Jocelyn soaking it in condiments. He had to cut it with a fork and knife.
"It's not dry," he retorted.
"I'm so happy you like it! I can make it for you again tomorrow," Jocelyn replied. "And the next day! And every time we visit a Pokémon Center!"
"Flaa!"
"Oh, great…" he murmured.
"Wow," said Lily. "He's almost in a good mood. What did you do?"
"None of your business," Annastasia replied. "So, did anyone have something special they wanted to do tonight?"
"I'm up for another darts tournament," said Amber.
"I wanna do something that's inclusively fun," Jay retorted. "I like Nolan's idea."
"We were talking about going out to see the fireworks tonight," Nolan explained. "They start at sundown."
"Pllllleeeeaaaasssse, Onēsan, I wanna go, even if it's past my bedtime," Jocelyn pleaded.
"Flaaaaa!"
Jocelyn and Flaafy knelt before Annastasia. Pip, Chary, and several of the other Pokémon joined them.
"Our curfew is still at eleven, but since sundown's around nine, we'll still have plenty of time," said Annastasia. "We can rent a beach umbrella and blanket or two."
"Yessss!" Jocelyn exclaimed.
"Flaaafeeee!"
She constricted Annastasia in a hug.
"Np," she said.
Michio got up to toss his tray. Rita followed then cornered him.
"What do you say, Michio? Tonight's a good night for night activities," she whispered.
"It's also a great night for you to fuck off," he retorted.
"I just wanted to know if you wanted to share a blanket. Geeze."
Instead of responding, he walked away quietly and returned to his spot next to Annastasia, who was still eating. Annastasia glared at Rita, wondering why 'officially giving up on Michio' included her continual toying.
"Did everyone get their Pokémon, including the Tauros, back from Nurse Joy?" Annastasia asked.
"Right here," Jay said as he handed her a bag of Pokéballs.
"Excellent. Let's get ready to hit the beach."
Everyone returned to their rooms briefly then emerged in beach-ready attire.
The beach had more occupants than they expected, considering the Pokémon Center was near empty. There were many families, all with small children, flying kites, cooking, and playing games. They thought it was odd, but then they remembered something.
"Tomorrow's Child's Day!" Jocelyn shouted. "I can't believe we almost forgot!"
"Flaaa!"
"Oh yeah," said Rita. "Your parents did say something about that…"
"I forgot too," said Annastasia. "Slipped my mind even though I was reminded more than once."
"What are you talking about?" Michio asked the others.
"Child's Day," said Takeshi.
"Doesn't answer my question."
"You never celebrated Child's Day?" Soledad asked.
"Never heard of it."
"Child's Day is a major holiday in Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, and the Orange Islands," said Nolan. "It's a day just for kids. Families usually buy their children presents and at night they have a special picnic for them. Some people celebrate with fireworks."
"We already had our picnic and presents when we were in Cerulean," said Takeshi.
"But we can celebrate again," said Amber.
"There's no such thing as too much celebration," Jay agreed.
"I'm with them," Soledad said as she put an arm on each of their shoulders.
They rented beach chairs and bought sparklers from a woman.
"It's nice to see you again," the vendor told the children. "Jay, I like your new look."
Jay took a few steps back. "H-how d-do you know my n-name?"
"Pikachupika," Scarlett said as she tugged at the woman's long, robe-like dress.
"Hey, Helena," said Annastasia. "Don't cover yourself up like that; you gave Jay heart palpitations."
"He doesn't like when strangers recognize him," said Soledad. "I had no idea that was you."
"You caught me," Helena said as she dropped the hood of the purple cloak she was wearing.
"Whoa, it really is you!" Jocelyn exclaimed.
"Flaaa!"
"Are you on vacation?" June asked.
"I'm visiting my sister Brutella," Helena replied. "She used to run a restaurant here. She now sells trinkets and asked me to get rid of these sparklers."
"Thank you," said June. "We love sparklers."
"Yeah, as long as they don't burn you," said Jay, looking at Amber.
"That only happened once," she retorted.
"No, like seven times."
"It happened at least four times when I was around," said Takeshi.
"Ditto," said Soledad.
"But we like them nonetheless," said Jay.
"Yes, and it was nice to see you again," said Annastasia. "So much has happened since last we met."
"I can tell," Helena said as she gazed at Michio. "You look much better."
"What's that supposed to mean?" he asked.
"You looked happy, relieved, glowing a little. Get something off your chest recently?"
"No."
"I noticed it too," said Rita.
"Fuc—drop it."
"Pi chu, chu Pika," Scarlett told Helena.
"Oh, I see. Thank you, Dear," she replied. "Michio, Scarlett says that your relationship with her and your other travel mates has improved vastly."
"That's not the word I'd use," Soledad mumbled.
"Ditto," said Amber.
"Scarlett's very observant," Helena added.
"She's the best Pikachu around," Michio replied. "So what?"
"I've known your family for generations. If they saw you now, they wouldn't even recognize you."
"You know Michio's family?" June asked. "How?"
"My cousins are the most renowned psychics in Alola. Michio's family hired them for fortune telling many years ago and they still work closely together. Some say that I caught a few of those genes."
'Crazy,' Michio thought to himself. 'Just more crazy.'
"I thought you didn't know Helena," said Soledad.
"I don't; She just knows my family."
"Papa says that Onēsan is psychic too", said Jocelyn.
"Flaafy flaa!"
"Hmm…I wonder why I didn't sense that…," Helena responded. "Usually, I can tell."
"I'm not psychic," said Annastasia. "I'm an Aura Guardian."
"Ah yes. This I realized." Helena leaned in closer so that only Annastasia could hear. "I see you have your Altaria and Lillipup here with you just as before, but where is Lucario? Surely you sense that he is nearby."
"It's complicated. Perhaps we can talk later about it, or maybe Lucario will get to you before I do."
"I see. I will see if I can talk to him about it. I can sense you need him now."
Helena returned her attention to the group.
"Can you speak to Pokémon too?" June inquired.
"I can only read some people and a few special Pokémon. People with strong feelings," she replied. "I can sense a lot of emotion here; several of you are struggling…personal issues. Annastasia speaks highly of you all, and I can see why."
"Thanks!" said Jocelyn.
"Feeee!"
The others thanked her. Lexi, Nolan, and Annastasia shared some of their highlights since their journey.
"Will you be challenging the Coral Gym?" Helena asked.
"That's the plan," said Lexi.
"Are you gonna watch us?" Jay asked.
"Unfortunately, Dears, tomorrow I must leave. But, I can ensure that we'll meet again."
Annastasia bowed. "I'm sure we will."
They departed to let Helena get back to business. The group spent the next hour running with the sparklers, talking to other travelers, having mini-duels, and playing games. Moments before sundown, Annastasia called everyone to their beach umbrella.
"Yay! Plosion time!" Jocelyn cheered.
"Flaaaafeee!"
"Yep," Annastasia replied. "They'll be starting any minute."
Michio whispered something to Annastasia.
"Mmmm," she hummed after Michio gave his explanation. "Hey, everyone, Michio's got a little announcement."
"Seriously?" said Lily.
"You got them a gift?" said Rita. "Holy shit, you must've done something to him while you were alone, A."
"Be nice," Annastasia admonished.
"What is it?" several of them asked.
"I got something to give you. Those of you who are trying to earn gym badges I mean", he responded.
Michio handed each of the young trainers a Pokéball.
"These are yours to keep," he murmured.
"Whoa, is it a Pokémon?" Jay asked.
"No, it's a sandwich," Lily retorted.
"What kind of Pokémon is it?" Takeshi inquired.
Before Michio could answer, Amber released hers.
"Venomoth!" she exclaimed. "Venomoth fly! Geezus shit! Thanks!"
"Whoaaaaa," Jay said as he released him. "I got Venomoth too. And Amb, that's a cur—"
"We all got Venomoth!" said June. "Wow, I never saw one in person before! Thank you so much!"
"They're pretty!" Jocelyn gasped as one landed on her shoulder. "Wowy!"
"Flaafy!"
"Did you catch these all at the same time?" Lexi asked.
"Yeah," Michio said shyly.
"Pikaaaa pika, pika," said Scarlett.
"She says it was the other night," Logan explained.
"Piiii, Pikachu, pi. Piii, ka."
"He was gonna release them but wanted you to all have them instead."
"That was so thoughtful," said Rita, her tone notably patronizing. "Look at you being all sweet! You won't admit it but you love us."
Rita wrapped her arm around his shoulder. He shook it off them moved to the opposite side of their circle.
"Venomoth are great Pokémon," Nolan told the trainers. "I used a Venomoth in one of my the Pokémon League tournaments and was victorious over a grass, water, bug, and even fire-types."
They scanned Venomoth with their Pokédexes and thanked Michio again. They took some time to introduce their Venomoth to the rest of their team while trying to come up with names for them so they didn't get them all confused.
"I want a whole army of flying Pokémon—birds, dragons, and bugs from every region. Charizard one day too like Soledad will. I will one day have every flying-type Pokémon in the world."
"Right now, my only goal is to get enough gym badges to compete in the Indigo League," said Jay.
Amber playfully punched Jay's arm. "That's no way to think! I've told you a zillion times; You gotta aim for the top!"
"Pichu Pi chu!'
"I-I know…but I'm practical. If I always aim for the top. I'll be disappointed every time I fall short."
"Low expectations are the key to happiness," said Rita.
"Jay, you'll have an army and a half before the Indigo League," said Logan.
"I'm not settling for anything less," than Soledad.
"Really?" said June. "I still have a while to go, both in catching and training. If I show up with five or six well-trained Pokémon, I'd be more than satisfied."
"These types of endeavors never end," said Lexi. "And you all got loads of time."
"Fireworks!" Jocelyn shouted as she pointed to the sky. "Hahaha!"
"Flafafafa!"
"That one looks like Squirt Gun!...And that's a Bulbasaur! Charmander!…Wow, it's Eevee and Pikac—"
"We can see them too," Jay said as he put his hands on her bouncing shoulders.
"Squirtle Squirt!" Squirt Gun chanted enthusiastically.
The fireworks continued for the next forty minutes, during which time one of every Pokémon that can be found in Kanto—from most popular to least—appeared in the skies at least once.
"Fireworks used to be big deal in Alola," Michio remarked.
"They aren't anymore" June asked.
"They aren't allowed. Not that I mind. It's just lights and noise."
"I think they're nice", said June.
"Why aren't they allowed?" Jocelyn asked.
"It disturbs the wildlife," said Soledad. "At least in this area, the Poké population is low—that's not true in Alola, where there's estimated to only be one square foot per Pokémon."
Several of the kids pictured a beach loaded with unfamiliar Pokémon, barely enough to space to walk. Annastasia explained how Soledad's observation did not equate to that exact picture.
"I wonder if the wildlife around here is disturbed," said June.
"With that fusion so close, and it killing off so many fish, I bet the fireworks are the least of the wildlife's problems," said Rita.
"I wonder if the fusion can see the fireworks from here," Jocelyn thought aloud.
"Flaa."
"It makes me scared," said June.
"Nothing will get you," Annastasia assured them. "Not while I'm around."
"And maybe, if the monster fusion is close, it's enjoying the fireworks just like we are," said Jocelyn. "Maybe it's a lot like us and we just don't know it."
"Flaafy, fla."
Annastasia nodded towards the children. "Maybe."
XO
The group rose by 8:00 am. When they got to the lobby, the Team Rocket Delibird greeted them enthusiastically.
"I wonder if Gio wants me to check in," said Rita. "It's been a while."
Delibird handed Annastasia a letter. She read it aloud:
"Dear Jay, Jocelyn, Amber, Takeshi, June, and Soledad,
Happy Child's Day! We all hope you take a break from all your training and battling in order to play and eat junk. We have some presents for you. Keep up the good work and we hope to see you soon!
Love,
Delia, Giovanni, all your parents, and all your friends in Team Rocket. Good Luck!"
Delibird drew their attention to the stack of boxes near the PC desk.
"Yay, presents!" Jocelyn cheered as she and the others ran towards them.
"Flaafeee!"
"Awe, how sweet," said Lexi.
"Can we open them now?" Takeshi asked.
"Of course," Annastasia replied. "But I think it's best to wait till we get back; we won't have to rush and you'll have more time to enjoy whatever they got you."
"Yeah, that does sound better," said Jay. "The wait'll be worth it."
Everyone agreed. Annastasia gave the Delibird a treat. While it returned to TR Headquarters, the group made their way to the Coral City Gym.
XO
Meanwhile, in the Toka region,
"Do you think we're almost there?" Jessie groaned. "I have a headache."
"Yous got no right to complain," Meowth retorted. "Yous weren't even 'pposed to come."
"It's just a question! Does anyone know the answer or not?"
"Rumika will come in on our headsets any minute now," said Lucy. "Then she'll tell us if we're ready to exit the plane."
"Jimmy's gonna be upset when he figures out what you've done," said Meowth.
"Veeee Eevee eve!" said Acorn.
"Thanks, Acorn," Jessie replied. "Meowth, you don't think I know that? I don't like seeing him upset but it's a necessary evil. Someone had to stay home with Alex, and one of us had to see what you two were in for. James and I weren't going to let you two go alone, and we couldn't all leave Pallet. Besides, it should be quick. We're in, out, then on our way—so stop trying to guilt trip me."
"Yer guilt trippin yereself," said Meowth. "Besides, when Lucy and I said weeze were leavin, weeze meant fer weeks, not 'in, out, and on our way'. Eventually, Lucy and I are gonna be goin in alone."
"Stop stressing me out. This is hard enough; I don't need you making it worse."
"I hate to play devil's advocate, but Jessie's right, so cool it," said Lucy.
The trio and monz made their way to the galley of the plane. Rumika came in on their earpieces.
"How are you four doing?" she asked.
"Marvelous," said Jessie.
"I called to say that you need to get ready to exit. If you look down, you should be able to see a large building with a black roof."
Lucy glanced out the nearest window. Amid the snow-covered mountains sat an enormous, yet tattered, concrete building with pitch-black roofing.
"We see it," she told Rumika.
"Perfect. I was wondering how that new autopilot software would hold up…anyway, you need to have Acorn teleport you and all the supplies there. You should be close enough for her Teleport to work. The plane is programmed to automatically fly back to headquarters. I imagine you went over the rest of the plan with the boss himself, correct?"
"Correct," they replied.
"Great. After this, I probably won't be in contact for a while. Is there anything you need from me?"
"Nope," said Lucy and Meowth.
"Jess, yous wanna pass on a message for Jim?" Meowth asked. "It might be de last time yous ev—"
"Shush," Jessie interrupted. "I have nothing I want to tell James."
Meowth stared her in the eyes, a tactic he often employed to get a guilty Jessie to do the right thing.
Jessie sighed. "Rumika, when James calls, which will probably be soon, tell him I'm sorry and that I'll explain why I left later."
"It sounds to me that you didn't tell him you were going on this mission," Rumika remarked.
"Something like that."
"I won't lecture you on why that was wrong because there's no time for that. I'll make it sound like you were sincere. Be careful and good luck."
"Yous gotta be nicer to poor Jim. He does so much for ya," Meowth siad after Rumika's left the conversation.
"He does so much to me is more like it," Jessie mumbled.
"Whatever, we gotta go," Lucy said as she turned to the Eevee, "Ready to teleport?"
"Vee Eevee!" they nodded.
Their party vanished from the plane. In a matter of seconds, they were to reappear in the Obsidia research lab, where dozens of other Rockets were waiting for them.
XO
IN THE NEXT CHAPTER
· New characters
· Takeshi battles the Coral Gym Leader
· Jay and Amber tell the group about something that happened last night...
AN: Lucario- the "Aura Pokémon"- He does have a role- believe it or not, in a fic that discusses auras and Pokémon. I will reveal more about him later on, but not quite yet. In the meantime, please review, if possible:)
