Chapter 31
Once Jimmy is healthy enough to leave New Bark Town, Jane and her friends depart too. Jane suggests that they go to Blackthorn City since it's the closest gym they haven't battled yet. Jimmy and Marina did tell them that Blackthorn City has the strongest gym leader, but the children feel ready to go challenge it. Dillon said if they can't beat the gym leader, then they will backtrack later on their way to the Indigo Plateau.
On the way to Blackthorn City, Jane competed in the Cherrygrove City contest, which is very small, especially compared to the Goldenrod City one. She won it by a landslide, indicating to her and the Ketchums that Jane has grown a lot. While she lost twice in Goldenrod City, those losses prepared her to dominate smaller contests. Jane hopes to be strong enough to win in Goldenrod City some day.
"Blackthorn City is so far." exasperates the redhead. "Why is Johto so big?" She recalls when they were walking for days to Olivine City, and they didn't even reach it.
Dillon nods boredly. He doesn't recall Kanto cities being this far apart from each other. At least they have plenty of time compared to when he explored Kanto. The boy shakes his mind of those memories that are only painful to him now. Pika curiously watches his conflicted trainer. Dillon has been a lot nicer to everyone, almost like he was at the beginning of the journey. However, he talks less, and they're all still wary of him.
"I like it. We're very traditional." Jane smiles at the sky.
"Ai aipom ai!" Aipom agrees from her head.
"Let's take a break?" Amy asks. Even though Burn is getting a ride on her shoulder, Amy can tell her Pokemon is becoming tired. She sees it on the other Pokemon and her traveling companions.
"No." Dillon can tough it out. He wants to gain more ground and reach Blackthorn City as soon as possible. It's been too long since he last had a gym battle.
Amy rolls her eyes. "C'mon, Dillon. The Pokemon are tired. Look at Pika."
Dillon shoots his sheepish mouse a glare. "He's fine. He's hitching a ride on me anyway."
Seeing Pika's ears go flat, Jane comes to his rescue. "I'm tired too. Can we take a small break, Dillon?" She isn't scared of him anymore. Dillon is more reserved than before, but he's nice again.
Sighing, Dillon looks at the expectant faces of everyone else. He narrows his eyes in annoyance. "Fine." Traveling alone would take him to Blackthorn City a lot faster, but he can't abandon Amy and Jane. He shouldn't. Dillon wonders if he'll ever be able to travel alone? Maybe next year if he chooses to travel again. He's not too sure what his drive is in Johto, but he's in too deep to back out now. Thus, he'll just keep battling gym leaders until he figures it out.
Pika leaps off Dillon's shoulder to join the other Pokemon. Sometimes, he thinks about what it'd be like if he had a nicer trainer. A trainer who coddles him and talks to him often. In the beginning, he wanted nothing to do with Dillon. However, he only stuck around since Aurora was nice. Pika frowns recalling Aurora. Will he ever see her again? Will Dillon make up with her?
The mouse glances over to see Dillon boredly sitting alone. Pika had stuck around because he liked his friends. While he is Dillon's Pokemon, he interacted with Aurora, Granite, and the rest of the Pokemon more. How would things have been if he was alone with Dillon? Pika doubts they would've made it out of Route 1.
Nevertheless, after the whole Scyther incident in the Safari Zone, Pika eventually realized that Dillon cherishes him. Dillon has always been on his side, and Pika is one of the few who understand Dillon. Despite Dillon's stoic nature, Dillon is very caring. Pika knows Dillon would save him from anything. However, lately, Dillon seems extremely indifferent to everything. It's like he's going through the motions of life. Pika is worried about him.
While the Pokemon talk, Jane and Amy wave Dillon over to them. He constantly likes being alone, but they won't let him be. Well, Amy won't. Jane enjoys his company, so she helps Amy convince Dillon to spend time with them. Once Dillon is beside them, the boy asks, "Are we done yet?"
"Let's take a break. All we do is walk." Amy tells him. "We should enjoy ourselves."
"There's nothing but trees, Amy." Dillon points out. "All we've seen are trees."
"Okay, but, like, nature is nice." He rolls his eyes and looks down at his pokenav. Sitting beside him, Amy notices something unusual about his pokenav. "You changed your background." He shoots her a glare.
Jane curiously watches the siblings. "What is it now?" Jane figures Dillon is the type to use a default wallpaper on his pokenav. He doesn't seem like he'd use a photo.
"Just the default blue background." Amy notes.
"Mind your own business." Dillon glares at Amy who throws her hands up in defense.
"I figured you'd change it to us or our family." the redhead mutters.
Shaking his head, Dillon pockets his pokenav. He thought about changing it to a picture of his family, but he's not sure if he's ready to look at Ash's face like that all the time. It's not like he even changed his pokenav background to begin with… She had done it over the summer when he was helping out at her gym. After his pokenav got destroyed and his parents gave him a new one, he felt it fitting to have it exactly like his previous pokenav. Thus, he changed the background to that photo that is now deep in his album.
"Cyndaquil cynda!"
The three teens look over to see Pika sprint into the woods. Aipom is quickly behind him as Burn is calling to the teens. Dillon quickly stands up. "Let's go!" He rushes after the Pokemon. Pika rarely runs off, but when he does, it's important. The last time Pika ran off was back in Ilex Forest before they went back in time.
"I wonder what's going on." Jane comments beside Amy.
Shrugging, Amy replies, "Maybe they heard something?" Pika has the best hearing because of his long ears.
Soon, they hear a splash and see Aipom run up a tree. Aipom perches himself on a branch while pointing into the water. Before the girls can register that Pikachu dove into the water, Dillon is in there too. The boy effortlessly swims against the rough current to a log Pika has managed to cling onto.
"What the fuck, Pika!" Dillon scolds his struggling mouse. Pika should be glad that Dillon is the son of the Cerulean City gym leader. The Ketchums are strong swimmers due to their mother. When Dillon reaches out to Pika, the mouse swats his hand away. "Pika!" This current is too strong to stay in it much longer. The log could give at any moment.
"Pi!" Pika would normally spark his cheeks at Dillon, though they're in the conductive water right now.
Gritting his teeth, Dillon reaches out to Pika again. "What are you doing?" He growls.
"Pi pikachu pichu pika pikachu pi!"
Dillon blinks as he tries to comprehend what Pika is saying. Pika is the pokemon Dillon can understand the most, but that's not saying much. Usually, Pika will do some charades to help him out, however that's difficult with them clinging onto this log.
"Dillon!" Jane yells over, causing the boy to see she and Amy had sent out Venomoth and Noctowl for help.
Nodding gratefully, Dillon returns his attention to Pika who has managed to crawl on top of the log. Pika peeks inside a small hole, which makes Dillon more frustrated. What is Pika doing? He's going to get them hurt! "Let's fucking go!"
Hearing the waves cracking against the log makes Dillon more nervous. He looks up to see the flying types are directly above him. He'll need to time it right to grab Noctowl. Venomoth can carry Pika. Thus, when a large wave crashes against the log, Dillon reaches out to Noctowl. He watches Pika remove himself from the hole to jump on Venomoth's back.
Soon, both flying types return to shore as the furious boy storms over to Pika. Dillon grabs Pika's back of his neck, lifting him to Dillon's eye level. "Why are you trying to kill us?"
"Pi!" Pika glares at Dillon and points back to the ground.
"No, I'm not letting you down! I need to put you in your pokeball!"
"Dillon!" Amy shouts, but Dillon ignores her.
"Run off like that again. I dare you."
"Dillon, stop!" Jane tries to help, and she also gets ignored.
Furious, Pika shocks Dillon with a powerful thunderbolt attack. Add in them being wet, Dillon is fried. He releases Pika to shoot him a sharp look, though Pika has scampered back to Venomoth, Amy, and Jane. Dillon rushes to punish Pika until he sees the small light yellow blob in Jane's arms.
"What's that?"
"An injured Pichu." Amy answers as she cautiously watches the little shy blob.
"I think Pika was rescuing it. Don't yell at him." Jane softly speaks.
Relaxing slightly, Dillon avoids looking at Pika. "Next time, warn me before you do something stupid." Pika ignores Dillon so that he can perch himself on Jane's shoulder to look at the cold Pichu.
"He's like you." Amy notes, earning her a glare from her brother. "What? You both do whatever you like and then we have to help."
"Not helping, Amy." Dillon walks up to Jane to peer down at the Pichu who is breathing raggedly. "He probably swallowed too much water." The crashing waves were sending water into the log. Pichu must've gotten some.
"I think he's cold too." Jane worriedly glances at her friends. "We should build a fire."
Amy salutes her. "On it!" The young girl and Burn run off in search of dry wood. Dillon looks at Pika once more before joining his sister.
Hours later, Pichu is warm and awake. He was scared when he woke up, but Pika helped comfort him. Something about being the same species makes the wild Pokemon relax. Also, Jane has been doing her best to help the little mouse. Dillon is still keeping his distance due to being mad at Pika. First Aurora and now Pika. The boy feels like he can't catch a break.
"You gonna tell me why you switched your pokenav photo?"
Dillon doesn't look at the annoying voice. "Not the time, Amy."
She innocently smiles at him. "When's a good time then?"
"Not now." Dillon takes a sip from his waterbottle.
Pouting, the girl asks, "It's never a good time." Dillon nods, so she adds, "I know you're being nicer to us now, but you can't hide yourself from Pika."
"Are you trying to lecture me?" They're four years apart. Dillon doesn't need to listen to his younger sister.
Amy rolls her eyes. "No, but I'm just pointing things out to you, Dillon. We both know Pika knows why you're upset at Aurora." She sees her brother flinch from the name, though Dillon doesn't say anything to her. "You can't hide from Pika."
"Are you done yet?"
"I will be when you change your background to one of me." she grins as Dillon's scowl deepens.
While Dillon is being teased by Amy, Jane and the Pokemon have been tending to the Pichu. Jane applied a bandage to Pichu's head wound. Pichu has gained some energy to move around, though he can't venture off on his own yet. He's informed them that he got lost from his horde when it was attacked by some humans. It's why Pichu was wary of them at first until he was too weak to resist Jane's help.
"We'll help you find your family." Jane reassures the discouraged mouse.
"Pika pikachu!" Pika nods eagerly. Burn's flames have been helping in keeping Pichu warm as the fire type snuggles next to him.
Across the campfire, Dillon has kept his attention on the group rather than Amy's relentless questions. When was the last time he spent time with Pika? Like actual time. Not just them traveling places and Pika accompanies him. Dillon frowns. The last time he can recall them bonding was when Pika had defeated Bugsy's Scyther, and Dillon was happy for Pika overcoming his fear more. Since then, Dillon has been pretty selfish. He's focused on himself and his other Pokemon while Pika was there for guidance as the most experienced one on Dillon's team.
Sighing, Dillon gazes at the low campfire. Despite the few times Dillon has had meaningful moments with Pika, that's not enough. Most trainers constantly have meaningful interactions with their Pokemon. Dillon and Coal had their relationship built on getting stronger. Same with Dillon and Teddiursa. However, Dillon and Pika are only together because Dillon stole him from the lab. It's not like Pika chose Dillon. Pika is too loyal to leave Dillon, but Dillon doesn't deserve him. Dillon doesn't deserve a lot of things, yet he keeps them in his life.
He watches Pika snuggle up next to the Pichu. Pika laughs along with Pichu to get Pichu more comfortable. Pika has always been the one who cheers everyone up. However, when Pika needed cheering up most, it rarely came from his own trainer. Dillon already feels terrible for his dispute with Aurora. He shouldn't be holding back Pika. Pika should have a caring trainer who shows him lots of affection.
It's probably why Pika was so happy traveling with Aurora and Pachirisu last year. They gave him that attention when Dillon didn't. Although Jane and Amy give Pika attention too, it's not the same. Those two are more focused on their own parties and growing stronger rather than on the mouse that already has so much experience. Only Dillon can really connect with Pika, yet Dillon has not been doing that.
Biting his bottom lip, Dillon contemplates whether he should send Pika to the lab with the other Pokemon. Pika would probably prefer it more. Or even at home with his family. Pika and Lok would get along well. Dillon's current party is strong enough to get him through. He left the rest of his Pokemon in Kanto, so he can do the same with Pika? However, why does he feel so shitty thinking about this already?
Eventually, the gang ends up falling asleep with the Pokemon close to Jane. In the middle of the night, Jane feels Pichu move from her arms. Thus, she opens her eyes cautiously where she notices Pichu is indeed gone. Sitting up alertly, she looks around for the little mouse. "Pichu?" She whispers, which causes Pika to twitch his ears.
Not wanting to wake up anyone, Jane quietly gets up to look around. She hears some rustling in the distance, so she heads in that direction. Maybe Pichu is using the bathroom? She really hopes it's Pichu and not a scary wild Pokemon, though she can handle a wild Pokemon. Why would Pichu leave without saying anything? Pichu couldn't have been taken since there were too many Pokemon around him.
Jane stops when she doesn't hear the rustling anymore. She's not sure where to go besides going back to the campsite behind her. Sighing, the girl tries her best to try and distinguish where the mouse could've gone. He could have gotten into some trouble while using the bathroom, and she worries for the small Pokemon.
"You're never reckless."
She practically jumps in fear from the voice. Turning to see her male friend, Jane blushes in the moonlight. "Hey, Dillon. Did I wake you?"
He shrugs and walks beside her. "I couldn't sleep." It's true. He's been thinking about his guilt and Pika all night. Then, when he saw Jane go into the brush without Pokemon, he knew he had to make sure she was okay. She kept getting deeper into the woods, so he figured she wasn't using the bathroom.
"I'm looking for Pichu."
Nodding, Dillon gazes past her. "Should we keep looking?"
"I'd like to."
"It's dark." He informs her. "Let's not lose each other. Hold onto my shirt."
Jane blushes deeply when she grabs his shirt. He leads her further into the forest. Since Dillon's apology, things have returned to almost normal with the group. Jane has had a few one-on-one interactions with Dillon, though nothing for too long. Nothing like prior to him returning to Kanto. "Thanks, Dillon."
"Hm."
She clutches his shirt tighter. Taking in a deep nervous breath, she tells him, "I'm glad you're my friend."
Dillon shyly keeps his attention ahead. "Me too." He mutters.
With the moonlight on them, Jane can see the large strong back in front of her. His jet black hair that's a lot longer than when she met him. Those toned tan arms, and the way he walks with confidence. Dillon is a humble kind person. Jane doesn't know what could've happened between him and that Aurora girl, but that just means Jane won't have to share Dillon with her anymore.
Jane's heart is pounding so loud she can't hear their footsteps. She hopes Dillon doesn't hear her. However, with his gaze on the route ahead, that must mean he hears the rustling that could be Pichu. This moonlight, and this breeze in the night. It is almost romantic, despite it being in the wild. Thus, Jane is compelled to stop, which causes her to tug on Dillon's shirt when he keeps walking.
The boy curiously stops to look at her. He wants to make sure she didn't fall or get caught in a trap or something. Seeing that she's fine, Dillon raises a curious eyebrow at her. "Is everything okay?"
Jane slowly lifts her head to lock her purple eyes with his cerulean blue ones. She can feel herself sweating in the cool air. Hoping that her voice doesn't fail her, Jane answers, "Uh yeah. I just wanna tell you something."
He cocks his head to the side. "Sure?"
Taking in a deep breath to calm her nerves, Jane says, "I like being your friend, Dillon. It's one of the best things to ever happen to me." Her face feels really hot right now. "But, uh, I want you to know that I-"
"Pikapi pikachu pika!" Both teen turn behind them to see Pika running. The mouse stops in front of them angrily. "Pika pikachu pi chu pika pikachu pi pichu!"
Dillon gives Jane a confused look. "I don't really understand him."
Pika facepalms as Jane, who is very embarrassed, translates. "He''s mad we left without him, and he wants to know where Pichu is." Glad that Pika is here now, Jane can hide her flushed face by facing the Pokemon. "We're looking for him."
Nodding, Pika sniffs the air while the two teens watch him. He picks up the scent and motions for them to follow. The three eventually arrive in a small empty clearing. Dillon doesn't know why Pika stopped, so he asks, "Did you lose the scent?"
Pika shakes his head. "Ka." He tells the humans to stay before running to the field.
Unfortunately, once Pika is gone, Dillon and Jane are sent sparks by their feet. Dillon protectively grabs Jane as Pika tries to run back to them. However, Pika is also attacked, keeping him away. Dillon, who knew Jane went into the forest without Pokemon, pulls out his pokeball. "Teddiursa, swift!"
"Wait, Dillon!" Jane grabs his arm quickly. "It's Pichu!"
Noticing the little Pichu sprinting to the battle, Dillon knows he can't hurt innocent Pichu. "Stop!" He orders his bear who is disappointed. Teddiursa would prefer to battle, but she's learned to listen to Dillon. Dillon has been making her stronger. She wants his guidance, and she trusts him. Also, the last time she defied his orders, he was not pleased. Teddiursa likes Dillon too much to upset him.
Jane still has her hands on Dillon's arm. "I think Pichu knows them."
Dillon glares around to see his attackers are little yellow mice. Glancing over to Pika who seems to be avoiding harming them, Dillon returns Teddiursa and throws his hands up in defeat. "We're not here to hurt you."
A spart flies at his feet, making him jump back. Annoyed, he looks over at the large Pikachu. Pichu, fortunately, runs over, but he keeps getting pulled away by the other Pikachus. "Pi pichu!" Pichu pleads.
"Listen to him." Jane cries out. She tries to take a step past Dillon, though another spark makes Dillon keep her behind him. "We rescued Pichu, and we wanted to make sure he was safe!"
"Pikapi!"
Dillon snaps his attention to Pika who is pinned down. As much as Dillon wants to help Pika, he knows he shouldn't attack the Pikachus and Pichus. Furrowing his brows in frustration, Dillon yells, "Pika, come here!" Pika won't fight either. His large brown eyes look at Dillon apologetically, like he gave up the fight on purpose. Clicking his tongue, Dillon tries again, "Let's go, Pika! They want us gone!"
"Pichu!" Pichu tries to get his leader's attention.
The large Pikachu motions to his team that has pinned down Pika. "Pi pikachu pika pikachu pi pichu pi." The Pikachu get off of Pika who cautiously looks at them.
Pika still won't join Dillon's side. Nonetheless, before Dillon can shout at him again, Jane whispers, "Maybe he wants to stay?"
Dillon's gaze softens as he takes in the new perspective. Pika hasn't attacked the horde. He's been civil, and now that he's released, he won't leave. He's not speaking to them, but that look. Dillon remembers the apologetic eyes earlier. Why? What is Pika apologizing for? For not wanting to come over when Dillon calls?
Taking in a deep breath, Dillon decides to try again. "Let's go, Pika." The two humans watch Pika remain still for a few more seconds. To Dillon's relief, Pika turns to scamper back to him. Hopping on Dillon's shoulder, Pika nods. Thanks to Pichu, the three are able to safely leave the Pikachu grounds back to their campsite.
"I'm glad Pichu found his group." Jane smiles despite the somewhat scary situation. They can take on the Pikachus, but they shouldn't harm the wild Pokemon's home.
While Jane is thinking about how glad she is Pichu is home, Dillon's thoughts are on the quiet mouse on his shoulder. Pika isn't quiet because he feels like he's in trouble. No. He's quiet because he's thinking about those wild Pikachus and Pichus. He hasn't seen a wild group of his species since his family was attacked by Scythers years ago. Dillon can see his Pokemon deep in thought, and it brings Dillon into his own. Was forcing Pika to return to the campsite with him really the right choice? Dillon has never made the right choice before in his life.
If yall follow Pokemon cards, the new Vivid Voltage set came out last week. I just wanna say, I pulled the Rainbow Pikachu VMax on my 17th pack lol. It's like a $150-300 card. I'm so happy. I can stop buying Pokemon cards now that I got it. xD
