36- New teammates!
It was another day in Ecruteak city. The sky had been cloudy since early morning and it seemed like it would rain at any moment. After having eaten something for breakfast Shinji went straight for the communicator. Hikari, somewhat curious, followed him only to see he was talking to his brother.
-Hey Shinji, Hikari! Nice of you to call! You're in Ecruteak huh? - The older greeted as soon as he had answered.
-Yes, I was calling because I nee-hey… how did you know we're in Ecruteak? - The younger replied.
-Well, yesterday I was just looking through some channels when I stumbled upon a battle between you two… IN A CONTEST! - The older exclaimed –What happened? Tell me- He said very interested and with a little amused smile.
A small nervous smile appeared in Hikari's face –Uhh well…
Shinji sighed –It's a long story. To summarize, my Luxray prefers contests and Hikari's Seadra prefers battles so we're going to trade pokémon, and taking the chance I was checking something and wondering if you could give me a dragon scale- He explained.
-But I want to know the whole story- Reiji said pouting, mostly just to bother him.
-If you give me the scale I'll let Hikari tell you everything- He negotiated.
-Deal, wait here- Reiji stood up and went somewhere else.
-Dragon scale? - Hikari asked turning to the boy.
-It's an item that can evolve a Seadra- He replied calmly.
-Chipa chipa! - Poffin appeared on screen, greeting Hikari with one of her little paws.
-Poffin! Hi, how are you? - She said a with playful voice, poffin smiled.
In that moment they saw Reiji pass by –Poffin don't touch anything- He warned.
-How are you?
- Chipa chipa chichichi chiiiipa chiririii!- The little creature said excitedly moving her paws around desperately, Hikari just laughed while Shinji stared in confusion.
-Aha! Here it is!- Reiji came back, Poffin bid farewell and ran off to the backyard –One dragon scale- The older brother said as he showed a scale the size of his palm in his hand, ot had a waterdrop shape in light blue color –Now hmmm… Dusk!- He called in the direction Poffin had ran off to –By the way do you now what day is today? – He asked the two younger ones somewhat excitedly.
-It's December first!- Hikari replied quicly –Two days ago it was my 12th birthday… I caught up with Shinji!- She smiled.
-Eehhh?! And why did no one tell me anything? Arceus, congratulations Hikari! - Reiji replied.
-Well I don't know why Shinji didn't tell you because he even gave me a present, well, technically two. The kimono I used in yesterday's contest and a fire stone to evolve my Vulpix, you surely saw her yesterday- She said happily.
-Oh that's so sweet… and very considerate, good job little bro- Reiji winked.
-Don't start getting ideas Reiji- The younger one replied.
-Anyway… do you know what happened a month ago?
-Uh… what does that have to do with anything? - Shinji asked confused. His brother was weird, period.
-It's December first, you two have been traveling together for a month! - Both trainers stared at him surprised.
-A month?!
-So fast…- Hikari mumbled thoughtfully.
-That's right, and I see you've learned to get along.
-Something like that- He commented shrugging.
-What do you mean Shinji? Of course we do! - In that moment they saw Dusk appearing on screen.
-Dusk, Shinji needs me to send him a dragon scale, can you so me the favor? - Reiji asked showing the item.
-Kraw! - Dusk nodded.
-Here- He gave her the dragon scale, which Dusk took with his beak and put him back in his dusk ball, then placed it in the transporter and just a few seconds later the poké ball was in front of Shinji and Hikari-Good luck with that trade- Reiji said.
-I'll call you later- He brother replied ending the conversation.
Shinji released Dusk, who seemed happy to see them both again; the bird gave his trainer the dragon scale and started fluttering around Hikari –It's good to see you too Dusk- The blue-haired said with a giggle –Now, Shinji and I are gonna make a trade- She said as both went to the trading machine.
As both knew how the process worked they just thanked nurse Joy who offered to explain to them-Are you sure you want to trade your pokémon?- She asked –I saw the Luxio… well, Luxray, in the contest and I think it's a good idea but what about the other pokémon?
-The other one is a Seadra and he also agrees with the plan- Hikari mentioned, Shinji asked her to let him out a moment and when the Seadra was outside his ball he crouched next to it and gave him the dragon scale.
-Here, hold it with your tail- He said, the pokémon nodded and coiled his tail (pretty useless on land) around the item. Hikari then returned him again.
-I see you have everything under control, so I'll go back to my post, good luck- Nurse Joy said going back to the lobby. Both trainers placed Lux and Kaito's poke balls at both sides and Shinji activated the trader by pulling the lever.
The screen showed the Seadra's and Luxray's silhouettes at both sides as the poké balls shone white and vanished for a moment, as soon as the pictures crossed and appeared on the opposite side. Lux's normal one on Hikari's side and Kaito's dive ball on Shinji' side. In the screen big bold letters appeared spelling "Trade complete" –Well, that's all… come out Lux! - Hikari tossed the poké ball; Shinji just released Kaito without saying anything.
Lux immediately stared at both trainers sitting quietly with a tiny smile, at her side, Kaito was doing the same until the dragon scale started glowing and then Kaito shone white too. He became larger, his pointy fins at either side of his body disappeared to make way for a large beautiful fin on his back, two thin horns appeared in his head, his scales flattened down against his body giving him a more aerodynamic look and his snout became sharper and more stylized. When the glow finished Kaito was still a light blue color but this time his stomach was a bright yellow, the fin in his back was white and his eyes were a bright red.
-Dra! - The pokémon raised his gaze proudly.
-Wow great! - Hikari was perplexed though excited; she pulled out her pokédex and quickly checked out Kaito's new evolution information.
"Kingdra the dragon pokémon and the evolved form of Seadra. It's a pretty rude pokémon that doesn't think on anyone but itself and will repel any Horsea and Seadra for not having evolved, considering them weaker. It collects all kinds of marine treasures and loves hanging out with other Kingdra and attacking weaker pokémon to mark and defend their territory. It doesn't let its guard down even when it sleeps as its snores can create whirlpools able to drown anyone who gets too close"
Hikari frowned lightly –Well that's… negative- She said staring at the Kingdra -I guess you are a bit prideful huh?
-I had to take the opportunity as Seadra only evolve by trading while holding the dragon scale, now he'll be even stronger- Shinji explained.
-I see- Hikari replied –Well Kaito, as long as you get along with the rest, becoming stronger is the goal.
-Anyway, he'll have time to get used and practice. Meanwhile I should go to the gym. I'll keep Honchkrow as he's dark-type and has advantage – He said looking at the bird that was just resting in the floor staring at trainers and pokémon –I've been in Ecruteak for four days and I still haven't earned my badge- He complained.
-Wait… four days? December 1st… 1, 2, 3, 4- Hikari was counting with her fingers as if calculating something –Wait what?! 1, 2, 3… 4! Oh no I totally forgot! - Hikari stood up and rushed to the room. Shinji just seemed confused, he returned Kaito to his poké ball and went after her, with Dusk and Lux following.
-Krow kra krowaw…- The pokémon mumbled with a sigh, as if saying "they'll never change"
When he got to their room, Hikari was searching something on the boy's gray backpack, he glared at her –Can you not do that? What are you looking for?
-The egg… It'll hatch today! - Hikari said turning to look at him.
-It's near your things, remember? - He said pointing to the corner on Hikari's side of the room, where her own bag was –Now out of there!
-Sheesh ok!- She complained rolling her eyes –As if you had something there that I couldn't see- She "joked" as she picked the egg from behind her bag. It was warm and she could feel a slight tremor.
-Yeah, like my underwear? - He spat annoyed closing his backpack again and setting it aside, Hikari blushed lightly at the comment and Dusk and Lux just stared sweatdropping from the room's door.
-Was it necessary to mention it?!- She exclaimed red in the face, the egg trembled more and then started glowing –Oh Arceus is going to hatch!- She yelped, sitting down on her bed and pulling at Shinji's arm to sit with her. The egg moved around and shone brighter. Dusk stood near both trainers and covered his face with a wing because of the bright light; both trainers also shut their eyes close.
When it cleared, in place of the egg there was a small cream-yellow colored pokémon with big diamond-shaped ears tipped in black like its small tail; its cheeks had two round pink pouches. The pokémon opened its bright eyes for the first time –Pichupi? It looked at Shinji, then Hikari and then back to Shinji –Pichu! - It jumped on the purple-haired trainer.
-Uwaaah! It's adorable! - The girl squealed.
-What the?!- The boy said as the small Pichu happily rubbed on his dark colored shirt.
"Pichu, the mouse pokémon and Pikachu's baby pokémon. The energy concentrated in its little cheek pouches is very strong, when Pichu plays around it can release electricity creating a rain of sparks. Pichu doesn't have much control storing electricity and can sometimes release it without meaning to. If it's too young it could even hurt itself with its discharges or get scared of his own power"
Shinji stared at the small creature after hearing the info provided by Hikari's pokédex –So… This little thing can hurt itself and get scared with his own electricity, which it doesn't even control very well? what kind of pokémon is this?!
Hikari frowned, especially at his tone when saying "little thing" –A baby pokémon- She said somewhat annoyed, searching in the pokédex more info about the matter.
"Baby pokémon are pre-evolution of more mature yet basic stage pokémon, they need certain requirements to evolve which mostly tend to be happiness and closeness to their trainer. They're pretty rare to find and most of the time they're bred specially by breeders as they need basic care just like any other pokémon but also some special care due to their classification as babies. For example a budew needs to be very well-protected regarding climate changes while pichu need a lot of patience when dealing with the electricity control and usage. Its' very important to note that when a baby pokémon is born the first person or pokémon they see will be considered their parent from their point of view"
-Hey that would explain it- Hikari lowered her eyes from her pokédex and smirked playfully –Pichu thinks you're his daaaaaad- She said in a sing-song voice and then started laughing.
-What?!
-Chu… pi? - Pichu turned to the girl hearing her laugh, and then jumped towards her –Pipichu!
-W-what now? - Hikari held the small pokémon, he smiled brightly –Don't tell me…
-He thinks you're his mom, ha! - He laughed and now it was his turn to laugh a bit. Once again Dusk just shook his head and sighed, his trainer could have not changed much since the last time he saw him, but he surely was VERY different from months ago at Sinnoh.
-Pichu pichu pi chu!- The pokémon sang as it walked cutely after Hikari and Shinji, who were going to the communicators again to call just the person who gave them the egg.
-Wow, took you a while to call back huh? - The boy asked –What happened, you traded?
-Yes, everything turned out right, the thing is...- Hikari started.
-Pichu pichu pi… PICHU! - Pichu suddenly appeared on screen, peeking from the top of Hikari's head, he stared at the screen curiously –chuuuu…. - But when he leaned in he ended up falling forward, being caught by Hikari's hands.
Reiji let out a short laugh –I see I see, my little gift finally hatched!
-It's adorable Reiji- The girl commented –And it seems to have lots of energy.
-Pichuuuu! - Pichu jumped from the girl's arms to Shinji's shoulder.
-Indeed- The ponytailed boy said –Shinji, you probably read pichu's info registered in your pokédex already, but, this Pichu is has something special, and I bred him just because of that. I hope you can work well with him, not all pokémon have the same personality or characteristics, especially if they have trainers, surely that Pichu will adopt some of your own in a few days and besides, since he's a newly hatched, you can train him right from zero- He explained patiently, as if he was listing reasons why Pichu was a perfect addition to his team.
-And what's that special thing?- The trainer asked, the small pokémon seemed to have gotten a bit tired from his prior jumps and just rested on his shoulder, watching the screen curiously.
-His attacks, a normal Pichu would have hatched with attacks like "sweet kiss"- Reiji and Hikari couldn't help but laugh a bit at this (and Shinji's face) –But the attacks this one will have, you can work with it, just check it out- His brother said.
-Hm… I still haven't caught him- He mentioned.
-Then later, now, just a question- He remembered something –Which one of you did Pichu see first? - Hikari quickly pointed at Shinji –Well then congratulations, Pichu think you're his dad.
-Yeah I know, but he also seems to think Hikari is his mom- He stated calmly.
-Oh yeah? - Hikari nodded, he smiled lightly –I see… now changing the topic, what happened yesterday with that contest? I want to know everything- He asked, both sighed, this would take a while…
-Pichu pichuuuuu! - Pichu entered the room as soon as Hikari opened the door and started jumping on her bed, bouncing on it.
-Careful Pichu you can fall from there- She said.
-Pichu?- He turned to the other bed where a grey bag was resting –Pichuuu!- He jumped from one bed to the other and started messing through it.
-Why does everyone has to mess with my bag today?- Shinji asked irritated seeing how Pichu just dived completely in the bag –Out of there!- He scolded picking the backpack. From it came a black poké ball with golden and red lines and Pichu after it playing with it –H-hey! Stop that! - He exclaimed.
Pichu was playing with it as if it was a ball –Pi? - When he stopped the poké ball just bounced off his head and opened, the pokémon shone in red and was caught inside much to the surprised of both trainers, it moved twice and stood there.
Pichu was caught…
None of them said or did anything for a couple of seconds, until Shinji picked up the poké ball –Of course, it had to be the luxury ball right?- He mumbled to himself.
-What is it? Something special? I remember you mentioned it before when you were searching for a new poké ball to replace Dusk's – Hikari said.
-Well yeah, is one of the poké balls my brother snuck in my bag, this one makes the caught pokémon friendlier to its trainer.
Hikari just stared for a moment and then started laughing loudly –It wasn't… it wasn't enough that he already thought… you're his dad hahahaha!- She fell on her bed laughing.
Shinji took his black pokédex and opened it to check Pichu's stats and moves. Immediately a small red square appeared on screen with flashing bright yellow letters saying "Maximum amount of caught pokémon surpassed"… it was true, with Pichu counting as a recent capture, Shinji had 7 pokémon, he needed to leave one with his brother if he wanted to keep the balance… and participate in anything official, gym included of course. He sighed and didn't mind it at the moment; finally he checked the new baby pokémon.
-Thundershock, iron tail, doubleslap and thunder punch, pretty good- He murmured, he looked at the poké ball and smirked –Welcome to the team, though it won't be easy… you'll have the same treatment as the rest and you're in for some serious training.
-Not if I'm here!- Hikari interrupted, she picked the luxury ball and stared at it –As her honorary "mom" I'm going to give him all the love and care he needs- She smiled –After all, I promised.