Adventures in Unova

(Rei and Pichu look at the sky as Ricka and Shun aim a Poké Ball at each other.)

One swiftly running arrow of power! (Ricka sighs at the amount of paper work.)

One supple arrow of great bravery! (Rei smiles as she feeds trainers' Pokémon.)

One thoughtful arrow of outspoken risk! (Shun rubs his head as he finishes his work.)

That makes up the three of us together! (The three stand in front of Constant Box.)

Cross the green mountains and remove the white clouds from the sky. (Ricka and Yuri look at Fudan City.)

Let's colorfully push through the wilderness, become an amazing arrow! (Rei swings in the forest with Pichu.)

Even if we suddenly turn around and are lost in this labyrinth, (Mawile cries and clings onto Shun's hand.)

There's no way that we'll be separated from each other! (Shun smiles sadly as his body begins to fade away.)

Sometimes I can no longer see the road, and I don't know where to go... (Ricka hold's Shun's vest close.)

But you will always be by my side! (Rei hugs Ricka as an image of Shun reaches out to her.)

Even the bright sun is hidden by the dark clouds sometimes, (Yuri looks at Shiny Mawile in sorrow.)

But meetings will always bring light to the day! (Yuri hugs him, both Deceiver Pokémon blushing.)

One burning arrow of secrets! (Mewtwo fuses with Shun's body.)

Two competitive arrows of strength! (Hotaru and her team face off against Rei and her team.)

Three helpful arrows of friendship! (Articuno, Mew, and Celebi fly by the daycare.)

So the heart will never break! (Etta watches Ricka from a distance, smiling softly)

Aim forward as an amazing arrow! (Rei smiles as her team gathers with her.)

Shine greater than now as a bright arrow! (Ricka smirks as she looks at the sky above.)

Shoot toward your dream! (Shun closes his eyes as his hand fades on his uniform.)

Everyone has their rival. Everyone. For Red, it was Blue. For Ash, it was Gary. For Ethan, it was Silver. For Brendan, it was Wally (and to a lesser extent, May). For Lucas, it was Barry. For Hilbert, it was Cheren. And Bianca. But mainly N. Maybe. Ugh. And for Calem, it was Serena. And for Rei, it is Hotaru. Everyone has their rival. Ricka is not exempt from this rule.

Rei's eyes darted between her sister and this woman over and over again, while the wing vendor stared at the women in a shaky manner. She didn't know why, but the glare these two held between one another shook Rei to her very toes. She stood up from the stool she sat upon, followed shortly by Ricka and this woman.

The child couldn't help but to realize the differences and similarities between the two. How they looked so incredibly alike. The same height, though Ricka was just a few centimeters taller. Their hair was different, with this woman's hair being short and around the neck, while Ricka's was long and flowed to her waist. How this woman was more formally dressed in the white button up shirt that was open, showing the black shirt beneath. Different from Ricka's informal black vest, with the white t-shirt beneath. How the woman wore black slacks that stretched down to her shoes, while Ricka wore blue jean shorts that didn't even fall to her knees. She did wear socks that moved to her thigh though, that must mean something.

Yeah, they were so similar, yet so dissimilar at the same time. Like mirror-opposites of each other, in a way. But they both shared recognizable similarities. Their body structure, their height, even their faces resembled each other a good bit. Sure, a difference here and there, but they looked like they were related again. Who was this woman who looked like her sister; did Rei step into the Distortion World!?

"Ricka, Constant," said the woman with a smirk, "I was wondering when you'd finally show up!"

"Ah!? Hydie!?"

The two suddenly intertwined their hands, as they hopped up and down together. Laughing and giggling like school girls. Rei literally spat up all the food she had in her mouth at the time, while Pichu stared wide-eyed at what unfolded before her. Just what was going on!? One moment they were staring at each other so intensely, like a fight was going to start. And then this happens! They just laugh and chat about, like they were friends or something. But that's impossible; Ricka's only friends are her Pokémon. And maybe the Nurse Joy of Fudan City; everyone says that's Ricka's best friend for some reason. But this was the only woman in the entire world that Ricka ever reacted pleasantly around.

"Hydie! Where have you been!? The last I saw you, we were in Orre! Where have you been!?"

"Here, there, everywhere!" replied the woman whose name was 'Hydie', "I've been jaunting around the Sevii Islands actually, training my Pokémon as usual. What about you? Because of our tendency to run into one another, I expected to meet up with you at the Sevii Islands."

"Funny you say that," Ricka said with a blush, while her blue eyes trailed over to her little sister.

Rei gazed back, awaiting to be introduced to this woman who made Ricka feel such strange emotions. But the woman held back on introducing her sister. Instead, she looked between Rei, Hydie, and herself. Her hands opened and closed unconsciously, while she thought about the changes her life has taken. How, instead of continuing her Pokémon adventure, the woman had seemingly settled down and opened up a Pokémon daycare with a child whose not really her sister. Sometimes, Ricka thinks about how crazy her life had gotten herself.

"Yeah, about that," the woman said, her fingers twiddling with one another as she grew slightly embarrassed, "I was actually planning on heading to the Sevii Islands myself but... I kinda got side-tracked by... like... a fucking year..."

"What was that?" Hydie asked, confused by her friend's words, "And, uh... whose the little girl you're with?"

"Hey, Hydie," Ricka said as she walked behind Rei, planting her hands on her sister's shoulders, "This is Rei Constant. My... uh... little sister..." Rei and Ricka noticed Hydie's face become further perplexed, though Ricka didn't seem to mind, "Rei... this is Hydie Vermillion... my... cousin..."

"I think I'mma choose Totodile... that's my choice..." said the brunette, with hazel eyes that seemed to glow.

"What are you talking about?" retorted the redhead in confusion, "Earlier, you said you were choosing Charmander..."

"I know what I said earlier, but everyone's choosing Charmander. I'mma choose Totodile; it's so cool and cute!"

The two ten-year-olds looked at one another, while they sat here. They wore matching uniforms, and even looked alike. Only, one had long red hair and blue eyes, the other short brown hair and hazel eyes. Hydie Vermillion and Ricka Constant; cousins. They were in their designated spot in the library, with books before them. Studying for a test they were sure they'd both fail. Something about the history of Poké Balls. They say there's a man in Johto who makes Poké Balls out of apricots, like they once were. But that's simply speculation.

Eh. As if they cared. Their eyes stared out the window, toward the school's battle yard. Maybe it was stupid to put it so close to the library, but it didn't matter anymore. Outside, two trainers were battling with their Pokémon. Fraxure against a Dragonair. They knew the type-matchups; what was weak against what. So these two would have to rely on their individual stats in holding up, if they were just going to wale on one another with Dragon-type moves.

Suddenly, the Fraxure dashed for his enemy. Since the two girls were in the library, they couldn't hear what order was given. Nonetheless, the Fraxure rushed for its enemy, the dragon's tusks glowing brightly. But the Dragonair was not to be outdone. It pulled back, while the jewels on its neck began to glow. This triggered a twister, which whipped through the battlefield. The Dragon-type attack struck the Fraxure, being super effective and throwing it back.

Ricka and Hydie squealed in delight at the sight of the battle, while the Fraxure outside returned to its feet. The Axe Jaw Pokémon roared as it marched in place, causing visible cracks in the earth. Roaring, the Fraxure rushed its foe once more, tusks glowing purple with its dragonic rage. Swipe one struck the body of the Dragonair, pushing it back. Then it pulled back again, and struck the Dragonair with its other tusk.

The Dragon Pokémon was thrown back by the Dual Chops, coiling in an effort to soothe the pain it suffered. Once more, the jewel on its chest shimmered, but this time it aimed its mouth toward its Axe Jaw foe. From its open maw, the Dragonair unleashed a virtual beam of fire to strike its enemy. The Fraxure attempted to block the blow, but Dragon Breath simply is not a move you can just block. The powerful attack engulfed the Fraxure, surely ending the battle for this match.

Ricka and Hydie could barely contain their excitement, as the hoot and hollered from the sight. They so quickly forgot they were in a library, didn't they? Their uproarious actions were quickly noticed by the librarian. The woman's hand slammed on the table, jolting the two children. They stared up to her, gazing into the woman's eyes as she glared back from behind those heavy rimmed glasses.

"Miss Constant, Miss Vermillion," the librarian said, "I believe you two have a test in a few hours."

"Y-yes, Ms. Sunflora!" they said in unison.

They quickly leaped up from the table, running for the exit together. All the while, they laughed and giggled, thinking about the Pokémon Battle they just witnessed.

"When I grow up, I'mma train three Dragonairs!"

"Yeah right, Hydie! I'mma train myself a Fraxure!"

They just ran through the halls, being as loud as they could. Yeah.

"So... so you're Ricka's cousin?" Rei said, feeling a shiver pass through her spine.

Never once in the child's life did she think she'd meet another member of her sister's family. To hear this woman be called Ricka's 'cousin', seemingly shattered all of Rei's sensibilities. For the longest time, her family consisted of her, Ricka, their Pokémon, and the Box. Now she knew it included this woman named 'Hydie' as well.

"Uh, Ricka, you do know how families work, right?" Hydie asked, completely perplexed by this moment, "I know your family, Ricka. I mean, we are apart of the same family. She is not your sister."

"She is my sister, Hydie," Ricka said as she stood up tall, "Let's be honest; I don't really have a very amicable relationship with my family..." she crossed her arms next, completely stone-faced when Hydie brought up Ricka's family, "So why are you back at Unova? Let me guess; here for Ms. Carol's funeral?"

"Why else would I be here?" the brunette replied as she walked over to her cousin, "I got the message on my PokéNav when I was over at Fiore a week ago. I took the first plane here when I could... meanwhile, you've been running around with your sister, I assume."

"Stop saying it like that, Hydie," Ricka snarled, "Rei is my sister. I don't know how many times I have to fucking say it. She's more of a sister to me than anyone else has ever been any way, dammit."

"Wait!" Rei suddenly shouted, as she ram to be in front of Hydie again, "Uh... Rei's name is Rei. Rei Constant. This is Pichu, and..." she withdrew one of her Poké Balls, "In here is Bayleef. Rei is Ricka's sister and..." boy did she feel embarrassed standing before this woman who looked so much like her sister, "Rei wants to meet Hydie... or should Rei say Miss... uh..."

"Vermillion," the woman said, "Hydie Vermillion..." she then rose an eyebrow in confusion, before bending over to be at the same level at the child, "Uh... how did you meet my cousin – or should I say – your sister, exactly?"

"Ricka was eating chocolate at Building #12 and Rei fell into her chimney."

"Oh... yeah... that's exactly what I expected I'd hear," Hydie said, before making a 'nutcase' gesture with her finger, "Ricka, who is this confused child that you have – I assumed – kidnapped?"

"Hey! Rei's my sister, dammit!" Ricka retorted in a bark, "I didn't kidnap her from no one dammit!"

"Then please explain to me who she is," Hydie said, "Because she is not your sister."

"I don't have to explain shit to you..."

"Oh yeah!?"

"WAIT!?" Rei shouted again as she interjected between her sister and Hydie, "Why is Ricka and Hydie fighting like this? Aren't Ricka and Hydie sisters? Shouldn't Ricka and Hydie be nice to each other?"

Rei's eyes stared into both of their eyes, as they glared with such rage toward one another. The woman who's her sister, and the other woman who's – technically – her cousin, continued to glare at each other with such rage and malice. Yet these negative emotions slowly quelled, as Rei appealed to their hearts.

Yeah right.

"Ya'know what, fuck you Hydie!" Ricka shouted, "I'd battle you if it weren't for the fact that I have my sister right now! Yeah, that's right, sister! I'm trying to be a fucking good role-model for her so she doesn't do some stupid shit like this in the future."

"Oh yeah right, Ricka," Hydie said sarcastically, "You're just trying to run away from a fight. What's wrong? Haven't you been training? Or are you just scared? Am I scaring you?"

"Hah! You, scare me!? Don't make me laugh!" Ricka said, even though she did just laugh, "I just don't feel like beating your Pokémon's asses again. Besides... I think this place kinda has a rule against Pokémon Battles. We are in a park after all..."

"Go ahead, make excuses," Hydie said as she watched Ricka and Rei walk off, "We'll have this fight sooner or later, Ricka! I know it and you know it! We both fight, and that's how things go between us!"

But Ricka took to ignoring her by this point. They were heading for the exit of Nimbasa city's amusement park, leaving Rei confused and detached. Why did Ricka, the woman who almost never turned down a Pokémon Battle, now turning down a Pokémon Battle? The only time she turns them down is due to her challenger's age; she wasn't about to face any child. There were some other reasons, like if she were annoyed or not. But for the most part, she always accepted a challenge. And here was this challenge from Hydie; the woman who was her cousin. Rei could tell something was wrong with her sister. After all, her excuse for not battling was unfounded.

The Nimbasa City Amusement Park implores Pokémon Battles.

"Why didn't Ricka fight Hydie?" the child asked.

They were now back inside their hotel room, the Constant Sisters were. Them and their Pokémon, sans Snorlax because he's huge, and Muk because he smells like shit. But even with their many Pokémon running around them, the woman wasn't happy. She was too deep in thought about the situation she was placed in.

Hydie was right; Ricka was scared. Ricka wasn't a Pokémon Trainer anymore. She trained her Pokémon yes, but she just wasn't a Trainer. At least that's what she believed. Instead of going around the world, traveling through amazing places and catching Pokémon, ya'know, do the stuff that Pokémon Trainers are supposed to do, she was at home. At the Box. She wasn't a Pokémon Trainer, she was just a daycare owner with incredible Pokémon skills.

It was something Ricka had thought many times about, and something that truly hurt her. She loved being a Pokémon Trainer, and if she wasn't one, then what was she? But that's not the worst part; that's not what had Ricka so scared. It was her Pokémon themselves.

If Ricka was still traveling. Still going all around the world. Still catching and training Pokémon. Then she'd be stronger. That's what had Ricka so devastated. She knew she wasn't as strong as she could be. And if she wasn't as strong, then what was she? If she couldn't even say 'my Pokémon are stronger than your Pokémon', then what could she say? She could say nothing, that's what.

"Ricka," Rei called, concerned for her sister as she walked up to her, "Why... why is Ricka so hurt...? Why didn't she fight Hydie?"

"Hydie..." Ricka whispered, her first reaction in a while, "Hydie is my cousin, Rei..." she faced her sister, after stating the obvious, "But she's just more than that too me. You know how Hotaru is your rival, right? Well... Hydie is my rival. No beating around the bush. Not one of my many enemies or foes. She's my rival. Period..."

"Hydie is the woman that is Ricka's... equal...?" Rei whispered, to which the woman nodded.

"Yeah..." Ricka said, "We went to the same school and everything. Only, while I ran away, she stayed and finished her semester at the boarding school. And ever since, we've just been equals I guess you can say..."

"Then... then why didn't Ricka fight Hydie?" Rei asked as she scooted closer to her sister on the bed.

Instead of answering, Ricka at first looked at her sister. Her face seemed so out of it, as she just sighed from disappointment. Then she looked away.

"Do you think I'm strong, Rei?" she whispered.

"Of course!" Rei said, "Ricka's the strongest Pokémon Trainer Rei's ever seen! Everyone who fights Ricka can't beat her! Why would Ricka ask that question?"

"Because I'm not strong," the woman said, much to Rei's shock and horror, "If I weren't running the Box right now... if I were out there, God knows where. Then maybe I wouldn't be like this... I just feel... weaker..."

"Why would Ricka say that?" Rei whispered, "Ricka's Pokémon are as strong as anything Rei's ever seen..."

"Ever since I've taking up the Box, I've been slacking on my training," Ricka admitted, "The only time my Pokémon even come close to training is when we're training you. And let's face it; that's not much training for Ace, or Cecilia, or Quest... ugh..." she face-palmed herself, "I can't face Hydie in this state... I feel so sorry..."

Was this true? Was Ricka really that much weaker? Rei couldn't believe it. Whenever she watched Ricka battle, her and her Pokémon were simply so amazing. They could do whatever they wanted, and all Rei could do was sit on the sidelines and watch. But from what Ricka told Rei, they weren't as strong as they should have been. Ricka just said if she didn't have the Box, then they'd be so much stronger.

And that hurt Rei.

"Fine..." the eleven-year-old said, as she puffed her face up in absolute rage, "If Rei makes Ricka so weak, then why didn't Ricka just say so? Ricka doesn't need to run the Constant Box if its make Ace and Quest and Cecilia so much weaker!"

"I never said you were making me weak, Rei," Ricka retorted, "Stop putting words in my mouth!"

"Rei's not putting words in Ricka's mouth! That doesn't even make sense!" the child barked, "Ricka's just being a spiteful old lady!" now she was crying, "Because Ricka thinks Rei is making her weaker, when that's not true! But fine... let old lady think Rei's making her weaker."

Just what the hell was wrong with Unova!? It made Ricka lose her mind, and now it was affecting her sister! Rei marched out of the room with Pichu on her shoulder, while her Pokémon followed from behind. Bayleef lingered as they made to the door, before turning and facing Ricka. The woman hadn't even turned her back. That made the Leaf Pokémon growl, before following with her trainer outside.

Ricka listened to the door slamming shut behind her, and flinched. At the same time, her heartbeat continued to increase. She didn't mean what she said; honestly she didn't. She would never blame her weaknesses on Rei. But she said those words, and now that she went over them, she did inadvertently blame it on her sister.

"Sceptile..." Ace said as his hand fell on her shoulder.

"Not now Ace," Ricka said as she placed her face in the palms of her hand, "Just... ugh..."

Now what was she supposed to do? The child didn't know. She knew Ricka didn't mean what the woman said, but that nagging feeling was ever-present. It hurt Rei. Whenever she and Ricka would have a fight, the child would go to the forests. She would hide within them, usually near Celebi's shrine. But Celebi was at home; she couldn't help her now. And the child was in the bright city of Nimbasa; no forests to hide in were around.

By this point in time, her sister would roam into the forest, searching for her sister. She would offer up a berry, insult the child, then they'd all laugh and return to the Box. But that couldn't happen here in Unova. And it didn't seem to happen, because Ricka had yet to exit the hotel. So Rei just sat on the bench outside in the cold Nimbasa air, with her Pokémon around her. Maybe it was time to go back inside.

"And that's how you fuck up a bunch of perverts on a train!" she heard echo from beyond.

Rei's ears seemed to twitch from the call, making her gaze over to it. The Unova Gear Station. Rei and Ricka road a train over from Mistralton City, instead of walking here when they arrived. The Gear Station is where they came out of. To Rei's confusion however, she could've sworn she heard battles going on within the metro station. When she asked Ricka about it however, the woman merely chuckled.

And now, as she stared to the station, she watched as a certain woman walked out. The woman who was Ricka's cousin. Hydie Vermillion. She was tossing a Poké Ball up and down with a smirk, obviously pleased with some victory that went on. Rei wilted a bit as she stared to Hydie, before brightening up again. What was it about this woman who had Ricka so muffled? The ten-year-old needed to know.

"Hi!" she shouted as she ran up to Hydie, catching the woman off guard.

"What the hell!?" she responded in a way so perfectly matching her cousin, "Oh... it's uh... you... what was it again? Rei... right?"

"Uh-huh," the child said with a nodding head, "Rei Constant!"

"Yeah right," Hydie replied before looking around, "Say, is Ricka around?"

"N-no," Rei said in lament, "Ricka and Rei had a fight and now won't talk to one another..."

"Uh... rrrriiiiigggghhhttt..." Hydie slightly slurred, "So what are you doing out here, huh? Just enjoying the city? Hey, are you, like, ten or something? Because you should be starting your Pokémon Journey soon, dontcha know? What are you doing; scouting the land to see what region you want to be your first?"

"Nuh-uh," the child replied, "Rei's eleven, and she's living with Ricka at the Box!"

"The, uh... Box?" Hydie replied, "What's that?"

"The Box, uh, Constant Box! It's the daycare Ricka and Rei own!"

"You have to be fucking kidding me," the woman replied, as she busted into laughter, "Seriously!? Ricka Constant is running a fucking daycare!? That's crazy, I swear! What else are you going to tell me!?"

"Rei doesn't think its very funny," the child said meekly, "Why is Ricka runny a daycare so funny?"

"Because I know Ricka," the woman said, "At a daycare, she has to interact with many people on a daily and regular basis. Rick fucking hates people! She'd rather be alone than with others, that's for damn sure! Besides, Ricka wants to be a Pokémon Champion. That and daycare really don't coincide with one another, don'tcha think?"

"Well... it does sound out there, but Ricka and Rei really does run a daycare!"

"Hey, why do you speak in third-person like that?" Hydie asked next, "You're eleven, right? Isn't that kinda off?"

"Rei learned more Pokémon than she did English..." admitted the child, to Hydie's further confusion.

"What? No, no, no; people can't talk to Pokémon. You know that, right?"

With an eyebrow raised, Rei decided to prove the woman otherwise. She lifted Pichu from off of her shoulder, and brought the Tiny Mouse closer to her, so they could look at one another face-to-face.

"Chu chu pichu pichu chu?" Rei said.

"Pichu! Pichu!" the Pokémon replied as she began to bounce up and down in Rei's hands, "Pichuuuu! Pi! Pi!"

"The hell are you doing?" Hydie asked in confusion.

"Rei's talking to her Pokémon," the child said, eyes moving back up to Hydie, "Rei can talk to Pokémon..."

"I've been around the world lots of times, and I've only met people who've claimed to be able to speak to Pokémon. But, fine," she shrugged her shoulders, "If you can talk to Pokémon, far be it from me to say otherwise..."

Rei puffed her cheeks up a bit as she grew annoyed with the woman, who seemingly belittled her. She was like a lot of other people who didn't believe she could speak to Pokémon. It was something she had grown used too, honestly. So there was no reason to get flustered about it.

"So where's Ricka again? You two got in a fight or something?" Hydie asked, to which Rei nodded.

"Rei just needed to calm down while Ricka did..."

"Yeah, I bet," Hydie said, "If Ricka's your sister and all..." she chuckled, "You've learn to catch Pokémon yet? I was just wondering."

"Yeah!" Rei said with a smile, "Rei didn't know how to catch Pokémon before, but she does now! Ricka taught Rei how to catch Pokémon!"

"How many Unova Pokémon do you have?"

"U... Unova?" Rei replied, "Uh... Rei's Darumaka is from Unova... Rei thinks..."

"Hm... have you ever seen a Golett before?" Hydie asked.

"Should Rei and Hydie be this far from thee main road?" the child asked, to which the woman laughed.

"I thought by now Ricka would have taught you to break the rules sometimes. Especially considering how many times she's broken them..."

Rei felt the need to lift her arms and defend herself against the sand that blew her way. It was hard, but not impossible. She trekked and trekked and trekked some more, trying her hardest not to get blown away by all that sand. On the opposite end of the stick, Hydie was completely unhindered by it. She must have been used to moving through it.

"What's wrong? Can't get through it?" Hydie asked with a laugh when she looked at Rei, "This is a lot less troublesome than Hoenn's desert. There, you'd need goggles to get your way through."

"Where is Rei and Hydie?"

"Route 4, but more importantly, the Desert Palace," Hydie answered, "It's a place near here... got some ruins and stuff... should be good for finding Pokémon..."

But didn't Hydie know how incredibly hot it was? She trekked through the desert like it was nothing, while Rei found herself sweating profusely. Meanwhile, the Pokémon beneath her legs was completely at ease with things. Her Swinub. Well, he wasn't a Swinub anymore. Instead, over the year, he had evolved into a proud Piloswine. If not, extremely lethargic, and proud Piloswine.

Despite the heat, and the sand, Piloswine was completely at ease as he walked through the deep sands. Supporting Rei on his large back wasn't hard either, as he just walked on through. Sure, if it were a lot colder and snowier, he'd be happier, but hey. Can't have it all, now can we?

"Pil. Pil. Pil," he said with steps through the sands.

"Wait a sec," Hydie said, making Rei and Piloswine stopped, "I see it..."

Rei didn't know what the woman was talking about, but figured she had seen 'it'. Whatever 'it' was. The child placed her hand flat against her eyes as she stared intensely in the direction Hydie stared. Within the sandy dunes, she found her eyes falling upon a most interesting Pokémon.

It walked through the desert with eyes that glowed and a body to match. Light blue, with golden eyes and a golden symbol upon its chest. It was like a machine, a machine-made out of minerals, and powered by a most unknown power.

"A Golett, huh?" Hydie commented as she watched the Pokémon walk lone in the desert, "What the hell is a Golett doing all the way out here near the Desert Palace. That makes no sense..."

She couldn't help but to chuckle at the luck of the situation. She signaled to Rei to walk forward with her hand, and the child listened. She stepped forward and hid behind her sister, the both of them gazing toward the Automation Pokémon. It was at complete bliss right now, as it walked through the sands.

"There we go, Rei!" Hydie said as she pointed at the Golett, "There's your target!"

"What is it?" Rei asked, never seeing a Pokémon like this before.

"Don't you have a PokéDex? Go ahead and scan it!"

"A... Poké... Dex...?" Rei said in confusion.

"Yes, yes! A PokéDex!" Hydie said as she looked at the child, "You're a Pokémon Trainer, right? All Pokémon Trainers have a PokéDex! Get to scanning it!"

"Uh... Rei... doesn't have a PokéDex..." the child said, slightly embarrassed.

"How can you not have a PokéDex?" Hydie replied, completely stupefied, "Ugh! You're hopeless! Here take this!"

Suddenly, Hydie pushed something into Rei's chest. She stared down to the item in hand, seeing a strange red device gaze back. Rei lifted it and tried to open it up, but it just wasn't working. It took Hydie to press a button on the side to make it open up. Upon doing so, Hydie made Rei look at the Golett through device.

Golett, the Automation Pokémon, the strange device said, The energy that burns inside it enables it to move but no one has yet been able to identify that energy. Ancient science fashioned this Pokémon from clay. It's been active for thousands of years.

So this is a PokéDex. When Rei went to school, she saw many other students compare PokéDexes, but the child had no idea what they were. Until now. A device that scans and explains what a Pokémon is. Why did she not know of this before? Better question; did Ricka have a PokéDex?

"There you go," Hydie said, "Golett is Ground/Ghost, so you should use something its weak against right now... and try not to get hit either! If I know any better, this thing is sure to have Iron Fist. So getting punched is a sure-fire way to get the shit knocked out of you..."

"Ground/Ghost?" Rei replied as she withdrew a Poké Ball, "Go! Wartortle!"

Her red and white Poké Ball flew out over the sands, before snapping and opening up within the air. The Golett they stalked immediately noticed the flash, and turned to face it. The light show died out quickly, replacing it with the Turtle Pokémon,

"Waaaaaaarr!" he roared, whilst gnashing at the air with his teeth.

The Golett shifted its attentions toward Wartortle completely now, as its eyes steadily began to shine. Wartortle smirked with his fangs becoming visible, while the Golett got ready for battle. Only, from nowhere, a sand clump flew into Wartortle's face, buffeting him. He rubbed his face in pain, before looking back over to the Golett with growing rage.

"Ya'know, in a sandstorm like this, your Piloswine would've been a better choice," Hydie commented from behind, "Being Ice/Ground, it wouldn't be affected by the weather..."

"Oh..." the child said in confusion.

"Didn't your 'sister' teach you anything?" Hydie asked.

"Yes she did!" Rei said, feeling slightly defensive, "Ricka taught Rei a lot! Watch! Wartortle! Water Pulse!"

Wartortle's entire body began to secrete water, as he glared at his enemy. He caused the water to float in front of him, and then formed a ring out of said water. Pulling back, he pushed his hands out and sent the ring flying toward his enemy. The Golett he faced pulled his fist back, as if about to punch the ring. But before actually doing so, the Automation Pokémon became a shadow and traveled toward his foe. Wartortle's eyes grew wide with shock, since Golett not only dodged the attack, but also appeared in his face with a fist.

The blow threw Wartortle back, though he skidded to a halt on his feet. Dazed by the blow, he looked back up with rage still prevalent.

"Water Pulse would've been good if it hit," Hydie said, "But that Golett has Shadow Punch. That'll help it... I hope you have some other moves up your sleeve."

"Rei does," the child said as she grew strong, "Wartortle! Muddy Water!"

Wartortle growled as he focused his aquatic powers. He focused to the point that water within the sand rose into the air. All of that water flowed toward Wartortle, who cupped it in his hands. With the sand, the water became very brown and muddy. Watortle pulled his orb of absolute power back, before throwing it toward the Golett he faced. Once more, the Golett pulled his fist back, prepared to strike the orb. But then.

"GOOOO!?" it roared, as it suddenly found Wartortle's gnashing mouth upon its shoulder.

Golett shook and wavered, as it attempted to remain standing. Wartortle's super effective bite shook the Golett to its shins, before the Pokémon finally leaped back. It wavered around before throwing him away, though Wartortle easily landed on his feet. Smirking, she slid his mouth against his jaw all sassy like.

"It's something Ricka taught Rei," the child snickered, "And Hydie says Rei didn't learn how to break the rules."

Hydie made a gesture, as if to say 'touche'. She squinted at Rei with a smirk, and wagged her finger.

"Good job," she said, "Now hurry up and catch it already!"

Rei quickly reached to her red bag, her hand diving inside. She searched through, before finding that which she sought. The eleven-year-old withdrew a Poké Ball, black and gold. A Luxury Ball.

"You must be Ricka's sister," Hydie said with rolling eyes, "Only Constants have such a freaking like of those blasted things!"

Rei pulled the Luxury Ball back, while the Golett thrashed about from the pain. She settled her eyes on the beast, where it suddenly looked back at the child. She wheeled her Luxury Ball around, before throwing it toward his foe. The special capsule snapped open in the air, its brilliant light trapping the Golett within. It was swallowed by the Luxury Ball, where it then fell to the ground. With shining eyes, Rei watched it shake.

The Luxury Ball shook once. The Luxury Ball shook twice. The Luxury Ball shook thrice. Silence. Silence.

CLICK!

"You did it!" Hydie said, her hands patting Rei on the back, "Caught that thing, that's for sure!"

Rei picked up the Poké Ball, finding it so amazing she caught another Pokémon. The only Pokémon she's ever actually caught was Muk, and by that time, he was already her Pokémon. This was the first time she ever caught a wild Pokémon. No getting to know it first, no helping it with something it. She just flat-out caught it. And that made her shiver.

Honestly. She felt kinda wrong.

"You train that Golett well now," Hydie said, "I have my own and I'll have you know, they are not an easy Pokémon to train!"

"Uh... uh-huh..." suddenly, the Poké Ball in her hands turned to white and vanished before her very eyes, "AH!? What!? Where'd Rei's Poké Ball go!? Golett! Golett!"

"Calm down, Rei," Hydie said with a laugh, "You probably have six Pokémon on you alright. Your Golett was sent to the PC. Speaking of which; Ricka's probably worried sick about you since your 'sisters' and what not..." she stuck out her tongue in disgust, "Let's hurry back..."

"Ya'know," Rei said as she climbed back on Piloswines back, with Wartortle now joining her, "Hydie can stop saying 'sisters', like that. Rei and Ricka are sisters..."

"Nooooo, Ricka's real sister is named-"

BOOOOOOOOOOSSSSSSHHHHHH!

Rei and Hydie turned around, for the terrain suddenly shifted on them. They fell back as the sands grew wide in a certain area, while a Pokémon arose from the desert. It was tall being, easily standing at an impressive nine-feet-tall. Granted, this Pokémon may have been even taller. It looked like a giant compared to the two females who stood below. Its body and structure bore an uncanny resemblance to a Golett, but with a more humanoid appearance. Not to mention, its greater height.

"GOOOOOOOLUUUUUUURRRRRK!" the evolved Automation Pokémon roared.

"That's a big Pokémon..." Rei said, shunned by the situation they were placed in.

"Yes it is," Hydie replied as she whipped out a Poké Ball, "How many times have you seen Ace?"

"Allthe time," Rei replied as she stared up to Golurk in fear.

"Wanna see a real Pokémon?" Hydie said with a smirk, "Go! Jeckel!"

She threw her Poké Ball down, unleashing the Pokémon held within. The device flashed out and brightly, for what felt like forever. It died out soon after, leaving a Pokémon on the other end. It was a tall Pokémon, though obviously not as tall as the titanic Golurk above them all. Blue, with scales. Three red spikes sat on its head, back, and tail, spikes that would cut to the touch. It stood tall at first, before hunching over with its claws raised high. Then it growled dementedly.

"Feeerraaaaaaaallll!" the Big Jaw Pokémon howled with a near murderous smirk.

There was just something about this Feraligatr. Something that shook Rei to her very heart. The Pokémon oozed this most titanic of power. As if there was nothing that could take this Pokémon down. And she got that feeling from just looking at it.

"Now Jeckel!" Hydie added as she pointed to the massive Golurk, "Hydro Cannon!"

The Feraligatr began to shake, as his entire body began to surge with what looked like blue electricity. The Golurk glared down to the Big Jaw Pokémon, and immediately moved its hand down to grab it. Jeckel opened his mouth wide, aimed it high, and fired.

It was water, but it was much too powerful. It was less like water, and more like a laser. Or, better yet, more like a Kamehameha. Yeah. Big, blue, and surging with power that doesn't really make any sense. It plowed through the Golurk's body, where it seemingly destroyed the Automation Pokémon in its blue power. Instead, the Golurk was just thrown back so very far, it looked like it was demolished.

When the beam from Jeckel's mouth vanished, it began to rain in the area. All that water it shot of in the sky was now falling. The Big Jaw Pokémon smiled as he looked up to the heavens, enjoying the touch of water against his skin. Then he felt the hand of his Trainer to his back, making him laugh wholeheartedly.

Wow. That was a lot of power.

"Rei!? Where the hell were you!?" the woman practically screamed.

She ran to her sister's side, checking the eleven-year-old of any injuries she may or may not have sustained. Rei smiled and giggled from the touches of her sister, before the woman grabbed her shoulders and throttled her violently.

"The fuck is your problem!? Next time you storm out here angrily, you tell me where you went, God dammit!"

"Yes, Ri-i-i-iiiiiickaaaa!" Rei replied as her sister shook her.

"Calm down, Ricka," Hydie said, "She was with me..."

"Like you're any fucking better!" the woman shouted as she pointed at her cousin, "Where did you take my sister, dammit!?"

"To the old Desert Palace," Hydie replied as she crossed her arms, "We were catching Pokémon."

"Without my permission, dammit!?" Ricka shouted.

"What's wrong with you Ricka?" Hydie asked, "You're acting like Rei's your fucking daughter, not your sister!"

"Stop it right there," Ricka said, "You're starting to confuse me, okay?"

"Ugh... whatever... look Ricka, I'm going to bed now. I just took down a huge as shit Golurk. What have you done with your day?"

"Avoid annoyances like you," Ricka snapped back, while her cousin entered the hotel's elevator.

Oh. Did I forget to mention they were in a hotel? Yeah, there seems to be very few places Ricka won't curse at. Carrying on.

"Rei, are you okay?" she asked her sister, still concerned for her.

"Yes, Ricka, Rei's fine," the child said.

"Look, Rei, I'm sorry for what I said earlier. Being here in Unova has my brain all screwed up..."

"It's okay," the child responded with a smile, "Sisters forgive each other, even when they say mean things sometimes. Besides, Rei knows Ricka didn't mean them."

"Yeah... I didn't..." the woman said, "Now lets go to bed. I hope you enjoyed your little adventure in Unova."

"Has Ricka ever been to the Desert Palace before?" the child asked as they walked to the elevator as well.

"Course I have. There's not one place in Unova I haven't been! Well, save for those new cities that were made after I had already left. Oh well."

"Oh, oh! Rei has a question to ask!"

"What is it?"

"Can Rei see Ricka's PokéDex?"


Maverick Talks!

So, yeah, this chapter. It's gotten me all wuzzy-fuzzy inside. Don't know why. And yeah, I said 'wuzzy-fuzzy' instead of 'fuzzy-wuzzy'.

Anyway, back to this chapter. Her name is Hydie Vermillion, and she's Ricka's true rival! Meaning, she is to Ricka, what Vegeta is to Goku. We don't know how strong Hydie is, though we do know what her starter Pokemon is. And that's the amazing Feraligatr she has.

Did ya get the reference their names make? Hydie and Jeckel? Just let that simmer for a bit.

Hydie is also Ricka's cousin, which must blow your mines. To actually know Ricka has an extended family? What about her regular family? We are in Unova aren't we? Shouldn't we go and visit them? Maybe we will. Maybe we won't.

Hah. Hah. To meet Ricka's family. Let's see what goes on next.

And Rei caught a Golett with her 'cousin'. Are they technically cousins? Hm.

Anyway, another chapter in the supposed Unova arc. What number is that? 2 so far? And this makes three!

The next chapter, we visit Ricka's old boarding school. And, oh yeah, I can already feel it!

A lot of you have told me the Unova arc is kinda sad. Perfect! My writing skill are increasing!

Maverick Kay Prime