Author's Note:
Here it is, the in-between chapter to fill the gap between the mount chimney arc and Larvaridge. As hinted at the end of the last chapter, Serena won't be here for most of it. She'll return next chapter, but I felt given the illness Sylveon is experiencing, she'd do what she could for her friend. On to the actual chapter... it's a May-centric chapter, and she gets a new Pokémon. It's a pretty big canon Pokémon, without being an officially caught Pokémon (like Jigglypuff or Snubbull). I knew I wanted to give it to someone but was the last Pokémon I decided on for this arc, and I picked it because May never got a Pokémon of this type. We also get a continuation of Lance and the G-Men stuff as they fight magma and aqua. It's a very basic chapter, got a little dealing from the last arc but it's mostly just a breather. Don't forget to vote in the poll, it'll change in two chapters, with that, let's begin...
Chapter Thirty-Nine: Lost Pearl on Jagged Pass
He bounced across the rocks; a weak wave of ESP kept him balanced as he moved along. Feeling the bright sun heat his skin, he smiled with a joyous hum tickling his throat. The old song his dad would always use to cheer him when with them... soon the urge overtook him.
"Ooooooh, I'm a wonderful Spoink, Because Spoink are wonderful beings, Their tops are made pearls, Their bottoms made of springs," he sang, "we're bouncy, trouncy, pouncy, flouncy, fun f-fun f-fun... and the most wonderful thing about Spoink's is, I am one of them!"
"Spoink's are cuddly fella's, Spoink's are awfully sweet, Everyone else is jealous, That's why I'll repeatidly-peat!"
"Ooooooh, I'm a wonderful Spoink, Because Spoink are wonderful beings, Their tops are made pearls, Their bottoms made of springs, We're bouncy, trouncy, pouncy, flouncy, fun f-fun f-fun... and the most wonderful thing about Spoink's is, I am one of them! Yes, I am one of them!"
A loud squawk drew his attention. Stopping in place, he felt a shadow cover him with wide eyes and wrinkled brow... did someone hear him?
Hearing a light chatter, he bounced up behind a bush. As he peaked over the shrubbery, he noticed a human settlement with a burnt-out campfire and a large selection of Pokémon scattered around. Some he reconsigned, or at least their species, but most he couldn't. One imparticular caught his attention. A large brown feathered bird stood with a blonde-haired human on their back. While he could make out some of the chatter, he couldn't understand it for sure.
"Hiya!"
"Gwa-"
He cried, falling to the side. Swirling around on the ground, he struggled to look around. Squinting though his racing heart, sending his spring off like a charging Rapidash. He found a small cream-coloured Pokémon with tints of blue stood over him with wide eyes, brows pulled together and the ghost of a smile on their lips. A small stubby handheld out towards him.
Taking a deep breath, he forced his heart to slow... or rather his spring. Feeling the normal pace return, he sent out a weak pulse of ESP, he used it to pick himself and return to his bouncing position. Glancing down, he realised how much taller he was compared to the small cream Pokémon.
"Sorry for scaring you," she replied, "I'm Minun. And your?"
"Spoink."
"Nice to meet you, Spoink," she smiled, "if you're curious we can go and meet them. My trainer is the one-"
"N-no," he stuttered, "it's okay... I-I'm just gonna go."
Bouncing off away from the blue cheeked Pokémon, a loud squawk stopped him in his tracks. For a moment, his spring stopped as well. The sudden loss of momentum threw him, and he splattered down in the dirt, with his spring starting back up with heavy thuds.
Glancing up from the downed position, he could only watch. The large bird Pokémon flapped off from the ground with that blonde human on their back. Soon disappearing from sight through the treetops. Closing his eyes, he felt the wind rush past his face as his lips dried. To be so free to explore the skies, no hindrance or struggle. Not even the ground could stop a Pokémon like that.
Squinting slightly from the sunny sky, he blinked as he adjusted to the bright daylight. He found the small cream and blue coloured Pokémon from before standing over him. A wide-friendly smile on her face with one of her stubby arms stretched out.
"Would you like some help?" Minun asked.
Sending out a wave of psychic type energy, it quickly engulfed his body, and he was lifted up. Moving his body into the upright position, he was placed back into the constant bounce as he stood over the small electric type.
"I-I'm good, thanks," he mumbled.
Turning around he quickly set off down the path and away from the stranger. Thanks to his heart racing, his bouncing speed sped up as well. With a weak wave of psychic type energy helping him along the path, he quickly disappeared from the human settlement.
Sighing in relief he deactivated his psychic wave. Bouncing along whilst slowing down, he felt his tail land on some uneven ground. Squeezing his eyes shut, he tumbled forward with his spring going haywire behind. Skidding across the ground, multiple scraps and scratches covered his body. Sliding to a stop, he peaked open to see his own face.
Leaning over the edge of a small pond, he blinked in surprise. His eyes darting around his own reflection. "M-my family pearl... it's gone."
Pushing himself up, he mustered the strongest ESP wave to get himself back onto his spring. Despite his effort, it took a little longer than normal as it raced the quickest it's ever been. Wobbling back and forth, he looked left and right. Without a second's hesitation he bounced back over his previous tracks.
No wonder he's been so clumsy today. How could he even hope to divert his psychic abilities without the pearl to direct it? This is terrible, where could it be?!
May smiled as she tossed a Pokéball as far as she could. A rush of wind zoomed past her, accompanied by a black blur. In the blink of an eye, the Pokémon caught the device and shot back to her. Her Mightyena stood in front of her, dropping the device into her open hand, tongue wagging and tail waving.
"You're a lot faster now you've evolved," she smiled, "I can't wait to use you in a proper battle."
Barking in the affirmative, she couldn't stop the wide smile taking over her face. With a short run, she used all her strength to send the device flying.
Once again, her pure dark type zoomed past. She couldn't help but feel like this is a major changing point in journey. Back in the day it was her, Torchic, Wurmple and Poochyena. That was before she even knew what she wanted to do on her journey. Now all of them have evolved and she has two ribbons to her name... it's like she's evolved too. Soon the canine returned and dropped the device back into her hand.
"Careful you don't break his Pokéball," Brock's voice echoed from behind her, "if it breaks then Mightyena will become wild again."
"He will?" Max asked.
"It's a safety mechanism," Ash explained, "it auto releases the Pokémon to prevent them becoming stuck inside. Imagine what would happen if it broke and he was inside. It'll also be dangerous for anyone to try and fix it without endangering the Pokémon inside."
"Well, I wouldn't worry too much," she smiled, "I'm sure Mightyena would let me catch him again. Right?"
He barked in the affirmative, nudging her stomach with his head. She clipped the device back to her belt and affectionately ran her hands over his head.
"He certainly is fond of you, May," Ash added, walking up beside her.
"Heh," she turned her head away from the boy, "it's more than what can be said than some people."
"Are you still mad about the whole mount chimney thing?" he asked, as she stood up.
"Come on guys," she glanced across the other boy's, "we've still got plenty of sunlight."
Leading the way, she felt her pure dark type walk up beside her. Nudging her hand, she slowly ran her fingers through his long black fur. Feeling comfort radiate off her fully evolved Pokémon caused her to let out a sigh, closing her eyes she turned her head back to stare up at the sky.
"If you want me to apologise then fine, I'm sorry," he whined, "I'm sorry for the situation we ended up in. If-"
"I don't want an apology," she cut him off, "its meaningless if the next time you do the same thing. I don't want you to just run off into danger and leave us all high and dry. We're meant to be friends and work together."
"We didn't have a choice!" he called back.
"But you did!" she replied, "we already called the police! Lance and the G-Men could've handled it, or you call over enough large flying types so we could all fly in."
"The Pokédex can only make one rotation every few hours," he replied, "and Dragonite, Charizard and Aerodactyl we're even in their Pokéballs."
"I'm sick of your excuses!" she yelled.
"But how come Pidgeot was available then?" Max asked.
"Erm, hehehe," he nervously chuckled, scratching his cheek with one finger, "apparently Venusaur got a sixth sense something was gonna happen and got a few of the powerhouses in their Pokéballs ready... Alakazam, Snorlax, Pidgeot and Lapras."
"Lapras is a powerhouse now?" Brock asked.
"He was concerned we were shipwrecked given how water heavy Hoenn is," he deadpanned.
Clenching her hand into a fist, she quickly realised it was still intwined with Mightyena's fur. Whispering a quick apology, she stroked the spot in case it hurt her pure dark type. Although given his soft, long stare, she doubted it. Rolling her lips into her mouth, she glanced sideways to the raven-haired boy.
"So even your own Pokémon know you'll get into trouble," she scoffed, "your unbelievable!"
"What is it you want then?" he asked.
"I want you to say you won't do that again and mean it!" she cried, running her hands through her hair.
"I can't do that," he sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose, "if we were in the same situation, I wouldn't hesitate to make the same decision-"
"And leave us in the dust... again," she interjected.
"If I didn't then-"
"You really don't see what you did as wrong?" she asked, "you ran into danger with no support, or plan or even the slightest idea of what you were running into and think that was the right play."
"Your still new to this so-"
"Don't give me that," she shook her head, "have you considered that the issue is with you? Maybe your so use to this sort of thing, or that incident with your Gyarados was so scarring that you're not seeing it straight."
"You want me to promise I won't run off again and I can't," he declared, "whether for a danger like at mount chimney or even just like Serena and Sylveon."
"Don't pretend those are the same," she cut him off, "it's clearly a medical emergency for Sylveon and Serena made sure to send a message to let us know she arrived safe... and it's not like she ran off with little more than a word."
"Regardless, I can't make a promise like that," he replied, "I would've thought after all our adventures so far, you'd understand it."
With puffed cheeks, she bite down on her tongue and turned her head away. Closing her eyes, the image of her two friends flying off on the large bird back at meteor falls played in front of her eyes. A weird squishing sound caused her eyes to open as another followed, "oink."
"Huh, what's that noise?" she wondered aloud, her canine walked a couple steps ahead. With his eyes narrowing on a nearby bush, his lips trembled up with a low growl, and claws clenched the dirt path, "is something coming, Mightyena?"
With a quick bark in the affirmative, he nodded his head. Crouching low as her attention turned forward. A Pokémon slowly bounced towards them, looking either side as it bounced along, the wild Pokémon soon found itself looking straight at her. With beady-eyes, she ended up staring the wild Pokémon down.
Stood in front of her was a small, grey Pokémon which slightly bounced up and down. The face was made up off dark, circular eyes; a large grey nose; and small ears pointed up along the side of the head. Stubby arms flapped around the stomach, although no legs were present. She glanced down to see a round spring-like tail where the legs should be. Her eyes widened as she flashed back to the final match of her Slateport-Contest battle round.
"Hey, it's a Spoink!" she hollered, running up to the psychic type. Her mind flashing back to her time competing in the Slateport contest, "and it's a real cutie, I wanna catch it!"
"Spoink?" the psychic type blinked, staring at her with a tilted head.
"Hang on, May, it looks a little different," Max stepped up, peering at the wild Pokémon, "it doesn't have a pearl!"
"They use their pearls to control their psychic abilities," Brock mused, "it's rare to find one without their pearl."
"That'll make this even easier," she declared, "Mightyena, take the stage!"
Her pure dark type shot out in front of her, crouching low with flaring fangs. His claws clenched into the dirt ground as the psychic type straightened up. She smirked remembering how much of an advantage he had back in their first contest... and that one had a trainer to help in battle.
He pounced forward, mouth foaming with dark type energy. With an open jaw he dived down onto their opponent.
With a mighty jump, the wild psychic type leaped up into the air. Her fully evolved Pokémon crashed down where he once stood. Coming down onto his head, their opponent bounced away as his face was pushed down into the dirt. Hopping off and away from her canine.
"Sand attack!" she hollered.
Kicking his feet back, a heap of sand caught the psychic type. Knocking him sideways as Mightyena stood back up.
With a small leap, he dived into the ground. She focused on their opponent as a blue light surrounded them. Pulling himself up into a standing position.
The ground underneath cracked and her fully evolved dark type shot out. Grabbing the bouncing Pokémon in his mouth, he sunk his fangs in with dark type energy. Shaking his head around, he sent the wild Pokémon flying. Seeing the chance, she took out an empty Pokéball and tossed it.
Striking the downed psychic type, a red light engulfed him. It sucked the bouncing Pokémon inside and landed on the floor. Rocking back and forth, she moved closer as Mightyena stood back up. He crouched slightly with a narrowed gaze on the device. It continued to rock and seemed to go on for a while as she tentatively stepped closer. The Pokéball stopped and dinged, a wild smile took over his face with a rush of blood pumping through her veins.
"Yes!" she leaped up with a fist in the air. Landing back on her feet, she found her dark type with a wagging tail and the device in his mouth. Holding her hand out, he dropped the Pokéball into it. Pulling out her Pokédex, she scanned her newest team member:
Spoink, The Bounce Pokémon. Spoink keeps a pearl on top of its head. The pearl functions to amplify this Pokémon's psychokinetic powers. It is therefore on a constant search for a bigger pearl. The spring auto bounces in time with this Pokémon's heartbeat. It uses psychokinetic to keep balance
Type: Psychic
Ability: Own Tempo
Hidden Ability: Gluttony (Note: This hidden ability is currently locked)
Gender: Male
Nature: Naive (Note: This could change when this Pokémon evolves)
Move(s): Splash, Confusion, Growl, Psywave, Odor Sleuth, Psybeam, Psych Up, Confuse Ray, Magic Coat, Zen Headbutt
May's Pokédex switched screens to a list of her current on hand team, although all the images were silhouettes except for Mightyena, "please select which Pokémon you wish to send back."
She scanned the images of Beautifly, Mawile, Minun, Skitty, Swablu and Spoink, with her dark type smiling just over the device. She already knew who she wanted to use in the next contest... and Beautifly has been a great help with Swablu. Not to mention, she doesn't want to send Spoink straight away. One by one, she narrowed it down. Clicking Mawile's image, she felt her Pokéball teleport off her belt. She quickly put the device away, holding onto her Pokéball.
"And you did great too, Mightyena," she smiled. Her pure dark type leaped up, placing his front paws on her shoulder and licked her cheek. Laughing at the ticklish show off affection, she fell onto her behind as he straddled her, "Hahahaha, stop it!"
"He sure seems more affectionate now he's evolved," her brother's voice ringed in her ear, as she rolled into a sitting position. The bite Pokémon stood by her side as Brock and Max stood in front of her. The former offering a handout. Accepting the gesture, he pulled her back to her feet.
"I don't think he's changed that much," Brock mused, "I mean. He was always energetic, playful and just loving but now he's bigger, it's harder to miss."
"But he seemed more of a battler before as well," Max added, "there was a reason he was used in May's first contest. Right sis?"
"I guess," she muttered.
"I don't think that battle was a good judge for him either," Brock added, "I mean, according to the Pokédex, Spoink only knew psychic moves. There wasn't much he could do against a pure dark type. I'd save judgement until you've seen him battle a more even or challenging opponent."
"But right now, I want to get to know Spoink," May interjected, "hey Brock, can I borrow a potion for him."
"Of course," he smiled, reaching into his backpack. Pulling out a purple-medical bottle, he handed it over.
Smiling, she sat down and felt her pure dark type lie down behind her. Acting as a soft rest for her. Holding the device out, she pressed the centre button and a light flashed down onto her lap. Her newest team member materialising sideways. Despite seeming asleep, his spring-tail continued to slowly move like it would bounce. Shaking the purple bottle, she flicked the cap off and sprayed it down onto the pure psychic type.
Blinking, the daylight blurred his vision. He felt his tail propel out, but he couldn't feel the regular bounce motion. Realising he must be lying down; he activated his psychic abilities to lift himself up. Dropping back onto his spring, he looked up to see a human girl.
She had some sort of red bow with white stripes on within her head, her hair split into two Ponyta-tails. A sleeveless red top and black undershirt and white gloves with black fingers and wrist rim. White shorts made up her bottom half with black undershorts extending down to her knees. As he stared at her, his mind replayed a battle he just had with a rather intimidating Mightyena, which she seemed to be instructing.
"Hiya," he greeted.
"Oh, you are just the cutest little thing," she gushed, "my names May, Spoink. And I'm your new trainer."
"Cool," he shrugged, "cool, cool, cool."
Glancing around he soon found the same canine rolling around in the dirt nearby with some sort of pink feline Pokémon. If he had to guess, they were in some sort of fight but neither side seemed injured. High in the trees he spotted a small blue bird Pokémon with cloud wings and a large bug perched to the side, he didn't reconsign either as regular residence so assumed they must also be a part of May's team.
"And look, it seems Minun wants come and say hello," she smiled. Turning to the side, he found the cream-coloured small electric type with blue tints approaching with a bright smile.
"It's nice to meet you again," she greeted, "did you find whatever it was you looking for before?"
His eyes burst open as he looked up. Bouncing around he tried to spot the top of his head where his beloved pearl should be, but to his horror, no such gem could be seen. Closing his eyes, he tried to channel his confusion through the ball but to no-avail. Glancing around in a frenzy, he tried to see if it was nearby.
"Huh?" his new trainer asked, "what's the matter, Spoink?"
"M-my pearl... my pearl is-" he continued to bounce around, frantically looking through everything he could see.
"Calm down, Spoink," she cooed, running to catch up with him, "whatever you're after, we can get... are you hungry?"
"N-no... I-" he paused, remembering that humans can't actually understand him. Flashing back to what his mother taught him before he set out on his own, he closed his eyes. Sending a weak pulse of psychic type energy, "M-May, can you understand this?"
"You're doing that mind talky thing like-" she paused, "never mind. So, what's the matter, Spoink?"
"I've lost my pearl," he cried, feeling the tears trickle down his cheek, "it belonged to my papa, and his papa before him and his papa before him-"
"-and his papa before him, right?" Minun asked.
"Actually, it was from a Clamperl he dated but that's not the point," he wept, "papa would be so cross if he knew I lost it. A Spoink can't utilise their psychic abilities properly without one. And only once they've mastered their abilities can they evolve. And then-"
"Okay, stay calm Spoink," his new trainer instructed, "we can help you look for this pearl. It's the pink one from the image in the Pokédex?"
"Yes, yes it's pink and about the right size to sit on my head," he replied, "will you really help me find it?"
"Of course, we're friends right," she smiled, "and I'm your trainer. If it's important to you, then it's important to me. Come on over everyone!"
All the Pokémon from before turned and started to surround them. He looked down, with a tingle in his cheeks. Especially with the large canine from before looming over him... with a tongue hanging out. Maybe he's not as intimidating as he originally thought.
"Alright everyone, we're gonna help Spoink find his pearl," she explained, "Mightyena, use your sense of smell. Try to track it. Beautifly and Swablu, search from the sky. It's round and pink, can't be too hard. Skitty, you can search with me and Minun, you can keep Spoink company."
With a series off cries of agreement, they set off. He watched the two flying Pokémon take off to the sky, disappearing among the treeline. While the small blue bird seemed to be struggling, the larger bug slowed down to help support her. The large dark type sniffed him, causing him to stare him up and down, unable to blink whilst his eyes were locked on him. Soon he shot off, sniffing the ground.
Seeing his new trainer walk away with the pink feline Pokémon, he couldn't help but notice she seemed to be chasing her own tail rather than helping look... not that he could complain. He hardly knew her so it's a lot to ask a relative stranger.
"Come on, we don't want to waste more daylight," the cream-coloured Pokémon declared, "no-mon is looking over here. Let's start."
Bouncing after the pure electric type, he tried to remember when he last had his psychic amplifier... but to no-avail. As he bounced across the rocky path, he couldn't help but notice how energetic his search partner was. She effortlessly climbed a tree before leaping off a branch, landing in a roly-poly.
"So, tell me about yourself," she greeted, "are you more of a performer or battler?"
"Huh?" he blinked, "what do you mean?"
"Well, our trainer is a coordinator," she shrugged, "so we compete in contests. Which are split into two rounds, an appeals performance and a battle round."
"I-I'm not sure," he glanced away from her, "I-I've got a little battle experience but it's not much. Friendly matches with my old mon before leaving."
"Well, a lot of us seem to fall into one side more than another," she smiled, "Beautifly, Mawile and Swablu are the performers. While Combusken, Mightyena and Skitty are more battlers. I've done the battle round, but I really want to give the appeals round a try. It looks really fun."
"I-I'm sure you'll do great in the appeals performance," he stuttered.
"Next up is Swablu's and Skitty's turn," she replied, "but I don't mind. It's only fair we all take turns."
"Your nice," he muttered, glancing up to the sky and away from her.
"Thanks, your nice too," she smiled, "but you need some more confidence. Speak up, I barely heard you before."
"I..." his voice stuck in his throat.
"That's exactly what I mean," she replied, "I bet with a little more confidence you'll be great in both battles and appeals performances."
"I hardly did great against Mightyena," he grumbled.
"Hey look, a cave," she called out. Turning to the source, he found a dark hole leading into the mountain, "did you visit in here before?"
"Nope... I'm not a fan of the dark," he replied, "no way would my pearl end up in there."
"Okay cool, then we can keep looking around here," she replied, hopping back onto the trail.
"How are you always so positive?" he found himself asking, bouncing up behind her.
"I always like to think of it like this," she replied, "if you look for light, you can often find it. But if you look for the dark, then that's all you'll ever see."
"So, you look on the bright side with everything?" he asked.
"I try and I try to help others do the same," she smiled, "you should try it."
Nodding, he took a deep breath turning around he tried to keep his mind positive. Bouncing along, he soon saw a pale pink tint through the bush. With a smile on his face, he quickly activated his psychic abilities. Sending out a weak wave, he closed his eyes as it carried the object onto his head.
"Erm, Spoink," Minun uttered.
"What do you think, Minun?" he asked, turning to pose for her.
"I don't think that's your pearl," she explained.
He glanced up to see the pink blur bounce off his head. He caught a quick glimpse of the it in entirety. Revealed to be a small, bipedal balloon-like Pokémon which was almost the entire pale pink colour. It had a rounded tuft of hair on top of its head, a small swirl-like pattern on its forehead, and red eyes. With small, stubby limbs. With a deep breath, the entire body inflated like some sort of balloon.
"Sorry," he whispered, squinting his eyes closed and turning to the side. The small Pokémon leaped up and repeatedly slapped him with the two stubby arms.
With presumably red cheeks, he followed Minun's lead in looking for his pearl. While he tried to match her outlook on life, being as cheerful and happy was next to impossible. With each failed attempt to find his pearl, a little bit of hope chipped away with it.
Hours past and nothing happened. None of the other Pokémon had much look in finding his pearl either. The sun set and they returned to the other humans in the campsite. While it was awkward meeting so many new Pokémon in one go, he had Minun to support him through it and after a brief hello, most of them kept to themselves or within their own small groups. Soon he found himself inside one of the tents with his new trainer, and Skitty.
"Well, Spoink," she started, climbing into her sleeping bag which the pink feline was curled upon already, "it's time we got some sleep. I don't think we'll have much luck if were all tired when searching tomorrow."
"B-but the other boy... Ash," he stuttered, "at dinner he said you'd need to get moving again tomorrow. How will you still be able to search."
"He might've said that, but I also said we'll help you find a pearl," she replied, "so even if he wants to head on without us, I'll still help you search. It wouldn't be the first time."
"Th-thank you," he stuttered.
"Now I'm afraid your constant bouncing will make it difficult to sleep," she replied, "sorry but would you mind resting in your Pokéball?"
"Of course, not," he muttered, bouncing over to the device. Tapping his spring against the centre button, he felt a tingle as he was sucked inside.
May stretched her arms up under the morning sun. After a swift breakfast, they returned to the search for the pearl... well she did. Ash seemed more annoyed after another argument over the breakfast table and opted to train whilst she searched.
Mightyena was nearby, sniffing the ground. From what she could tell, it wasn't that he couldn't find Spoink's tracks. Quite the opposite. They were overlapping being his previous homeland, so he couldn't distinguish which track contained the missing pearl. High in the air Beautifly was flying with Swablu above her, the small bird was still struggling but having support was a great advantage for her. Spoink was bouncing along with Minun beside him. Clearly trying to cheer up her newest team member. The electric type has always been such a sweetheart.
"Nya?" her feline normal type yawned.
Glancing down she saw Skitty by her feet, pawing at the shoelaces on her feet. She couldn't help but smile at the playful Pokémon. Even if she isn't so much helping with the search, it's nice to have the company. With a sigh, she pulled out the Pokegear her parents gave her before her journey began. Seeing the time was almost noon, she realised they've already searched this entire area twice. The chances of finding Spoink's pearl are fading.
Pulling out her Pokédex, she flipped it open and searched the Spoink's pearl as an established held item:
Spoink's pearl: This mysterious item is used to direct their psychic energy. They've been discovered to form inside a Clampearl's shell. Collector's place a high price on them but one's used by the bouncing Pokémon tend to have damage, making them worth-less
Searching through the device out once more she searched through the rotation feature but none of the Pokémon at her parents' house are available for rotation. Pinching her lips together, she turned on the Pokegear and searched through her contacts. It didn't take her long to find the number and hit the dial button. Within ten seconds it was answered, and her mother appeared on the screen.
"May dear, how are you?" she asked, "and where are you? That doesn't look like a Pokémon centre."
"It isn't, mum," she smiled, taking a seat next to a tree, "we're still on the road. Just about to reach Larvaridge for Ash's fourth gym battle."
"Four badges already," she mused, "I suppose it won't be long until he's rechallenging your dad for a balance badge."
"Heh, probably. Dad's is the only badge he's missing from the mainland other than Larvaridge," she chuckled, "where is dad? At the gym, right?"
"He's probably doing something work related," she shrugged, "you know I tend to zone out when he starts talking about it. It was your brother who focused more on it than either of us."
"Right," she sighed.
"How is Max doing?" she asked, "is he there?"
"Not exactly," she replied, "he's with Brock and Ash training. I caught a Spoink yesterday and he lost his pearl so we're searching for it."
"What's the matter, dear?" she asked.
"Huh?" she blinked in surprise, "I-I'm fine."
"I'm your mother, I know when something's bothering you," she replied in a stern tone, "tell me what's the matter?"
"Well... it's Ash," she sighed, "recently we heard about some... bad people. He and Serena flew off to try and stop them leaving me, Max and Brock."
"That's a relief," she sighed, "are you alright? Did either you or Max get hurt?"
"No," she grumbled, "but that's not the point. He didn't trust me to handle myself. I-I'm a trainer too and-"
"-and your still new in the grand scheme of things," she replied, "I wouldn't have it any other way. He was keeping you safe from the sounds of it."
"B-but-"
"Look dear, your my daughter so of course I'd want you safe, but I also know how dangerous journey's like yours could be," she explained, "I'm not happy to hear he runs into trouble but as long as he doesn't drag you or Max in with him, I can live with it. Think about you and Spoink."
"What do you mean?" she asked.
"Well, you've only called us a handful of times, usually when you're about to compete in a contest," she explained, "you caught Spoink yesterday and now you're calling us. It tells me you want something specifically to do with him. Call it mother's intuition."
"It's still not fair... after what we've been through, he should trust me," she groaned.
"Have you thought about what he's been through?" she asked, "he's been a trainer for a lot longer. You can't compare your regular travels to other singular moments. Not until you've properly experienced them. You see it as not trusting you, but I think he doesn't want to endanger you. If you knew something was dangerous, would you want to send in any of your Pokémon if you didn't need too?"
"I... guess not," she mumbled.
"See," she smiled, "so why don't you tell me the real reason you called?"
Nodding she quickly explained the situation and just how she needed her mum's help. Happy to comply she performed the act and bid her goodbye, with a promise to call more often, they ended the phone call. Checking on her Pokédex, the image soon lights up ready for a transfer. Smiling, she whistled by putting two fingers in her mouth. It didn't take long for her pure dark type come running over, stopping just in front of her.
"Hey Mightyena," she smiled, "I know you just evolved but I need to make some switch arounds. Skitty and Swablu are gonna be used in the next contest and Spoink is still new... Minun is the only one he seems to get on with. Not to mention Beautifly is really helping Swablu with flying sooo-"
With a quick bark, he pounced, placing his front paws on her shoulders. Affectionately licking her face.
"You really won't mind?" she asked, to which he answered with another show of affection, "thank you. It won't be long until we're visiting my parents again, so I expect you to keep them safe. Right."
Feeling him nuzzle into the crook of her neck, she laughed and fell backwards. As he smothered her, she grabbed his Pokéball and recalled her pure dark type. Laughing, she tried to regain her breathing as she sat back up. Using her Pokédex, she quickly swapped her Mightyena's Pokéball with another. Taking it off the device once the rotation completed, she pressed the centre button and her pure water type materialised on her lap.
"Hey Clamperl," she smiled, "how have you been?"
"Perl, Clamperl," she smiled, opening the shell up to look up at her.
"Well, you've got a lot to catch up on," she explained, "you didn't really get to know Skitty, and you haven't met Swablu or Spoink either."
"Clam Clamperl," the water type replied.
"And Poochyena evolved too," she replied, "but he's back with my parents now. How did you like them?"
"Perl," she cooed.
"I guess you spent more time with my mum out of the two. But I'm glad you were happy with them," she smiled, "I've also got to ask you something."
"Clamperl?" she asked.
"It's about the pearl growing in your shell," she explained, "you see, Spoink lost his pearl and we've been trying to find it... according to the Pokédex, it's the same sort of pearls which grow within a Clamperl's shell, so I was wondering-"
"Perl, Clamperl," she smiled with a nod. Returning the happy expression, she reached in and held the pink pearl which grew next to her head. Holding it up, the sun reflected off and it shimmered. She couldn't help but smile at how everything turned out.
"Thank you, Clamperl," she smiled. Standing up, the water type fell by her feet and turned to face the same direction she was looking. Holding her hands behind her back, along with the jewel, she took a deep breath, "Spoink! Can you come over here for a moment?"
She watched as the psychic type turned to face her and bounced up to them. Minun followed behind as both Swablu and Beautifly perched on a branch. While her pure normal type rolled onto her back by her side, pawing up at thin air with an adorable blank expression. It didn't take long for her newest team member to stop just in front of them, bouncing with an expecting stare.
"Firstly, Spoink, this is Clamperl," she introduced, "another team member. She's been with my parents for a little why. Skitty, Swablu, you can meet her too."
Her heart bubbled at the sight as the three newest Pokémon in her team made their way to greet her pure water type. It didn't take long for them to become acquainted as she focused down on the grey psychic type. He must've realised and looked up at her with beady little eyes.
"Now Spoink, there's another reason I called Clamperl over," she explained, "you see. We've already searched this entire area and I don't think we'll be finding your pearl any time soon. Plus, we really need to get the move on."
"Oink," her newest team member turned downward with watery eyes.
"So, I've looked into your pearl on the Pokédex and learnt they grow inside a Clamperl's shell," she explained, pulling her hands out from behind her back to reveal the pink jewel. She couldn't help but smile as his glanced up, his expression morphing into one of pure joy, "I've spoken it over with her and she's happy for you to take this one. I know it's not your original one but-"
A tingly feel tickled her fingers as a blue outline surrounded the pearl. It lifted up into the air and flew over, landing on top of the bouncing Pokémon's head.
"It looks great on you," she cooed, as the rest of her team cheered along with her, "now come on, we should get going. I bet the boys are wanting to set off again and we've kept them waiting long enough."
Leading the way, she carried her water type as Beautifly perched on her head, Swablu on her shoulder. Spoink bounced alongside with Minun riding his back and Skitty chased her own tail just slightly off to the side. By the time they made it back to the camp, they found Brock putting the finishing touches on lunch, so they enjoyed the meal and set off for an afternoon stroll down the jagged pass.
Unlike before, this adventure was filled with conversation and no tension. Despite walking for a good six or so hours, they still didn't make it on time and decided to set up camp for the night. As Brock and Max prepared for bed, after dinner, she found Ash sat on a log-stood by the campfire.
"Hey," she greeted, taking a seat next to him.
"Come to yell at me again?" he asked.
"No..." she grumbled, "look. I spoke to my mum earlier. Needed her to return Clamperl so we could rotate her."
"I thought that was just some excuse," he rolled his eyes.
"I'm trying to apologise," she declared, stamping her foot down, "I spoke to her about what happened, and she made me realise you just did what you thought was best."
"So, you're not mad anymore?" he asked.
"I'm still mad," she replied, "I don't think you should've involved yourself regardless, let alone abandoned us without back up... but I can at least see what you were trying to do."
"May," he sighed, "you know I've got aura flowing through me and Serena has ESP."
"That shouldn't make a difference," she replied, "if I were a trained fire fighter but just passed by a burning forest without any equipment or anything, I wouldn't have a responsibility to fight that particular fire."
"Maybe not but when you have the power to do something, and you don't," he explained, "when the next bad thing happens... they happen because of you."
"Pikapi!"
"Exactly," he smiled, scratching his partner on the head.
"What did he say?" she asked.
"He said," pausing to take a deep breath, "with great power, comes great responsibility."
"Hehehe," she giggled seeing the pure electric type wink at her from Ash's shoulder.
"Is that another movie reference?" he asked his starter.
"Pika Pikachu," the mouse Pokémon replied.
"Comic book, whatever," he shook his head, "anyway May if you don't mind. We were gonna call Serena. Check to see how Sylveon's doing and... yeah."
"Of course," she replied, "we should reach Larvaridge tomorrow though-"
"I know," he sighed, "but... we've been together pretty much since we became trainer's. I don't think we've gone a full day without seeing each other and... I know it's only been a couple days, but I miss her."
"You big softie," she replied, standing up with a playful tone to her voice, "make sure you tell her we all said hi."
"I will," he replied, "heh, it's also anniversary the day after tomorrow. So, we better make sure we make it to Larvaridge tomorrow just so we don't miss it."
"And here I thought you was just excited to visit another gym," she mused.
"Oh, I am," he replied, "but I've been too plenty of gym... our anniversary only comes around once a year. And the last one... let's say was less than perfect."
"What happened? Did you schedule a gym battle on the day or something?" she asked with a slight chuckle.
"No," he replied, "but maybe we'll tell you that story another day," he replied, pulling out his own Pokegear, "goodnight, May."
"Night," she smiled, making her way back over towards her tent.
Her heart fluttered at the way he spoke about Serena. Her mind filled with the image of her one day having a boyfriend of her own, who showed that much care and compassion about her even when not around. Stopping in her tracks, she blinked... why did the image of a certain green-haired coordinator flash in front of her eyes?
Her cheeks boiled at a presumably red colour as she continued on towards her tent. A small smile creeping its way onto her lips.
Lance stared through the one-way glass. Looking in on the interrogation room set up for his interview. The large magma admin sat on one of the seats, with his feet up on the table and a glass of water in his hand. His eye twitched in anger at the none-chalant attitude of his prisoner.
Picking up his papers, he turned and made his way into the room. Closing the door, he cleared his throat by coughing into his hand. With a narrowed gaze he looked down on the large man as crumbs covered the metal table. The man's eyes caught his hardened glare and frowned with his brow lowering. Walking forward, he refused to unlock their eye contact as he pulled out the opposing chair, taking a seat opposite them.
"Sit properly," he instructed.
"You can't tell me what to do," he retorted, "when will we get on to the courts? I'm ready for bail."
"You're not going anywhere," he replied, turning towards the device on the wall behind him. Placing a disc inside, he hit the record button, "interview with Tabitha Homura on charges of terrorism and attempted mass murder. In the room are detective inspector Lance and the defendant Tabitha."
"Hang on, I want my lawyer," he interjected, sitting up and leaning over the table. Pressing his finger down on the table, "you can't question me until I have him here."
"We have a court appointed solicitor outside, but you previously refused his involvement,"
"That's because I want my lawyer-"
"Under paragraph three, section six of the anti-terror act, I have seized all communications between you and the outside world in relation to possible further criminal acts relating to your enterprise," he informed, "if you refuse our appointed advisor then we'll continue with the interview."
"I know my rights-"
"Which you threw away in your involvement with the terrorist organisation known as magma," he informed, "when arrested, you were atop mount chimney where other members of magma were in the process of erupting the volcano."
"You'll need to ask them about that," he replied, "I'm just paid muscle. I was hanging around."
"You were found fighting a young boy-"
"Pokémon battle isn't illegal last time I checked," he smirked.
"A fair battle where both parties agree and with regular rules and regulations followed maybe," he replied, "but when asked, he never challenged you or the other magma members. Your gang was also spotted by several officers ganging up on him. Hardly a fair fight."
"Heh, so I roughed him up a bit. I'll plead guilty to assault and intimidation," he replied, "give us the fine and I'll be on my way."
"In case you forgot," he sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose, "the current charges are attempted terrorism and mass murder. Lucky for you the kids didn't want to press charges but given the situation it'd barely make a mark on your sentence regardless."
"Should I say thank you?" he asked, "like I said, I'm just the-"
"Paid muscle, yes. But according to the criminal act section forty-seven, paragraph nine, and I'm quoting here," he paused to cough into his fist, "ahem. Any criminal working with others are considered responsible for all crimes caused whether intended or not."
"So-"
"You were arrested in a magma uniform which has been bagged for evidence," he replied, "that alone proves your involvement with the criminal organisation, so any crimes committed in their name, past, present or future are connected to you. Whilst we have no other high-ranking member of your organisation, you'll be the one to take the blame. Everything. From loitering to attempted mass murder."
"Heh!" he humped.
"Eight million," he replied, "that's the ballpark figure of how many human lives were put at risk with your actions atop of mount chimney."
"If you've got it all figured out, why are you even questioning me?" he asked.
"Because we need the other higher ups in magma. Which is why I'm willing to drop the terrorism charges and add indifference to the attempted mass murder," he explained, "but first you need to tell us all about them. Help us catch them and testify when the trial comes around."
"Trial singular?" he asked.
"We try criminal enterprises as singular entities," he replied, "this is your one chance to get out. Or go down with the rest of them."
"What difference would it make?" he scoffed, crossing his arms, and leaning back in the chair.
"Found guilty of even attempted terrorism and you'll never see the light of day," he replied, "the p.l.a. really cracked down after the Silver town bombings. But with these changes you'll have a chance of parole when your old and grey. If you don't, then the only way you'll get out is in a box."
"So, I tell you where you can find the others and testify... and you'll change my charges? Put in a good word with the judge?" he asked.
"Yes," he nodded.
"Fine... I'll do it," he replied, "but I want it in writing first... and that lawyer to check over it."
"Give me half an hour," he replied, standing up and turning towards the recording device, "interview terminated at two-twenty-three."
Grabbing the disc, he placed it inside a case and walked out of the interview room. He saw two officers standing guard. Turning to one, he handed the paperwork and disc recording to him. With a quick salute, he marched off. Heading in the opposite direction he soon found his way into his office where his newest undercover agent was waiting.
"You got him to turn that quickly?" he asked, "I'm impressed. It would take me weeks to build up that sort of repour with any of the subjects."
"I didn't build repour. I laid out what our case was and gave him an option," he replied, "I hate offering him a deal-"
"Just as much as you hate relying on me?" he smirked.
"-but if it allows us to bring them in even a day sooner, it'll be worth it," he finished, "how is your plan coming along?"
"Got the location planned and everything written up," he replied, "I'll be ready to set off tonight."
"You need my approval on your plan before your dismissed, remember," he interjected.
"Of course, I'd wait for your orders," he replied, with a sarcastic undertone. Placing both hands over his heart with a fake upset expression, "my names not Looker... but I am curious. What would you have done had Tabitha refused your offer?"
"Send him off to the cells and have serious reservations about sending you in at all," he replied, "after what happened to Domino-"
"Aww, you do care about us," he replied, sitting up and straightening his expression, dropping the sarcastic undertone, "how is she doing?"
"Not good," he replied, "I don't see how she could return to the force but we're providing both therapists. I haven't checked on her progress since moving to Hoenn. I can't afford the distraction."
"Focused as ever," he smirked, standing up, "I get that you don't like what we do but don't let what happened to Domino affect your judgement about me. I can handle myself with whoever ends up being in the magma den. I'm the best at what I do... it's why you wanted me."
"Looker thought Domino could handle herself... and had done for well over a year," he replied, "not that it did much when she ran into Silver."
"But there's two things you're not considering," he replied, "one... there's no serial killer in Hoenn... as far as we know."
"And the second?" he quirked an eyebrow up.
"Domino isn't me," he smirked, walking away, "I'm gonna pack my gear. My report just needs your stamp of approval."
Watching him walk away, he pinched the bridge of his nose. While he hated to admit it, Brodie truly is the best undercover agent in the force. He's known as the man with a thousand faces for a reason. While making deals with criminals and sending in officers without back up aren't his usual tactics. When push comes to shove, you need to learn to adapt or drown in the ever-changing current... he learnt that from Lorelei.
Thanks for reading... Please Favourite, Follow and Review. Also, feel free to ask any questions through PM, I will answer them all, although don't expect too big of spoilers. Don't forget to vote in the polls. I really appreciate the support. Thank you and see ya next time...