She was woken up by the glare of the sun. With a groan she opened her eyes and glared back at the celestial object. Her travelling companion was still sound asleep so she decided to take a soak in the small river and wash herself.
As soon as she jumped in the water she regretted it. ''C-c-cold!'' She almost wanted to get out of the water immediatly but she decided to brave it. She was going to go to a human settlement for the first time today she didn't want to make a bad first impression by looking dirty.
Summoning all her courage she dunked her head under the water. But as soon as she could see she noticed there was a creature it's face was only an inch away from her own. She immediatly jumped away. ''Gah! What was that?!''
After a few seconds the same creature rose above the water and when she looked at it, it looked a lot less threatening than when it was directly in her face. She sighed in relief, ''Oh you're just an Azurill you almost made be jump out of my skin!''
The baby Pokemon giggled at that. ''I didn't think anyone would ever be scared of me. People tend to assume I'm harmless because of how young I am.''
'Because you probably are' Paradox thought to herself but she would never say it outloud she didn't want to offend the young Pokemon.
''Are you a trainer miss? Wait that's right you can't understand me right? I forgot.'' The little Azurill said dejectedly.
Paradox shook her head. ''Sorry but I'm not a trainer and yeah I can understand you.'' The small water Pokemon looked at her in shock. She resisted the urge to roll her eyes, this was going to get old wasn't it?
''You can understand me?! But you're a human!'' The Azurill exclaimed her eyes shining with wonder.
''I was raised by a Pokemon I think that's why I can understand what you're saying.'' The blue Pokemon had stars in her eyes as she looked at the girl. But then reality came crashing down and tears welled up in the Azurill's eyes. Paradox looked at her in concern.
''Hey, hey why are you crying? Did I say something wrong?'' She tried to pet the top of her head to reassure the young Pokemon but it didn't work.
''Two bad man came here yesterday and they took my mama! I thought if you were a trainer you could go beat them and bring back my mama.'' Azurill sniffled and began to sob. Paradox heart broke at the sight of the poor baby Pokemon crying her heart out.
And then a fire lit up in her chest and she became enraged. How dare those humans leave this poor child alone without her mother?! She would make them pay! ''I will get your mother back for you.'' She stated with a determined scowl.
''Really? But you said you weren't a trainer how are you going to beat them?'' She winced at that. She had forgot how weak humans were compared to Pokemon. She was right she didn't stand a chance against other trainers.
''What if... I become your first Pokemon?'' Paradox looked at the Azurill in shock.
''W-what?!'' The girl asked incrediously.
''I heard that humans were amazing at making a Pokemon stronger maybe if you could help me evolve I could go resue mama myself!'' Azurill exclaimed and her eyes were begging her to accept her proposal.
''I'm not sure I'm the right person for this I was raised by a Pokemon remember? I don't know how humans train Pokemon.'' She replied while nervousely playing with her wet hair.
''I can help you.'' A voice suddenly said behind them which made Paradox jumped in surprise. When she turned around she saw Elliot was standing in front of the river. ''I didn't understand everything but it seem like Azurill really want to go with you. I'm sure you would be an amazing trainer especially with your ability to understand Pokemon.''
Azurill seemed nervous at the new arrival. ''Who is this?''
The girl sighed. ''This is Elliot he's helping me find my best friend.''
The boy reached for his backpack and threw a weird red and white ball at Paradox. At first she was confused but then her eyes widened in shock. This was a Pokeball, she didn't know many things about Pokemon trainers but even she knew about Pokeballs it was with these objects that they captured Pokemon.
She tossed back the ball angrily at Elliot. ''Why would I want to imprison her in this?! That's just wrong!''
Elliot just stared at her with an annoyed expression. ''They're not imprisoned! Most Pokemon are able to get out of the ball if they so wish. And beside being in a Pokeball is quite comfortable for a Pokemon.''
''How would you know?! You've never been in one!'' Paradox shouted back, Azurill looked at the two of them worried that the argument might turn into a fight.
''Fine! If you don't believe me ask my Pokemon since you can understand them.'' With that Elliot took another Pokeball and opened it. A beam of light escaped the ball and began to take shape. When the light disappeared a Mareep was standing proudly in front of the boy.
''Mareep Paradox here believe that it's cruel to put Pokemon in Pokeballs can you explain to her how it is inside a Pokeball?'' The Mareep looked back at it's trainer weirdly.
''You know she won't understand me right?'' The sheep pokemon asked with an raise eyebrow.
''Yes I will understand you, but I would be surprised if you can convince me I should put Azurill in one of those things.'' Paradox didn't even looked at the shocked expression of the Mareep she was getting used to it.
''Well okay! from what understand pokeballs are different for each Pokemon. When you're inside of one it's like your dreaming and the ball try to make an environment that's comfortable to you! For example I'm often in a grassland in the middle of a lightning storm since that's my favorite weather being an electric type and all. If Azurill was in a Pokeball she would probably dream of a river similar to this one.''
The sheep was smilling brightly during all the explanation. He then bounced toward his trainer excitedly and smirked. ''So who is the new girl have you found a girlfriend?! I'm not familiar with human standards but she look like a good catch! Can I expect some Elliot Juniors running around in the future?'' Mareep asked obviously Elliot did not understand him but the way he wagged his eyebrow at him made his point clear and Elliot shot him an embarrassed glare.
''Your Mareep is really hyperactive and kind of a pervert.'' Paradox stated dryly.
Elliot rubbed the back of his head nervously. ''That's kind of normal for Electric types well the hyperactive part anyway.''
''I still don't like the concept of putting Pokemon inside these things but maybe there's not as bad as I thought.'' She admitted reluctantly.
The boy sighed. ''I understand and I won't force you to put Azurill inside a ball if you don't want to but you should at least register it to a Pokeball otherwise other trainers could capture it.''
Paradox looked back at the Azurill with a silent question the baby Pokemon nodded with a small smile. ''Fine if it's protect her from other trainers I will do it. And stop calling her an it she's obviously female.''
The boy looked confused, ''How can you tell she's female? she look like any other Azurill.''
''What? No! She obviously look diferent than a male Azurill are you blind?!'' The Azurill poked her and shook her head.
''Don't be angry at him miss, humans usually can't tell the difference between male and female Pokemon unless it's really obvious.'' The more she learned about humans the dumber they sounded. But Paradox let it go because she was getting tired of arguing.
Elliot gave her the same ball as earlier and with some trepidation she lightly tapped the Azurill with it. The Pokemon was absorbed inside the Pokeball and it began to shake for a few seconds and then it stopped with a clicking noise.
Elliot smiled brighly. ''Congratulation Paradox! You just caught you first Pokemon!'' As soon as she could the girl released the Azurill from the ball. ''See? You had nothing to worry about Azurill is safe and sound.''
She looked at the adorable Pokemon who had decided to climb on top of her head. ''How about a nickname, would you like that Azurill?'' Paradox asked eagerly.
''Sure!'' The baby Pokemon chirped happily.
''How about... Splash!'' Elliot looked unimpressed.
''Really? You're naming this poor Pokemon after the most useless move in existence?''
Azurill on the hand smiled at the new name. ''I like it, I can just imagine it now when we win a battle they're all gonna say Paradox and Azurill are making a Splash!'' Mareep proceeded to groan at the horrible pun, but Paradox only smiled at the small Pokemon glad that she liked the new name.
It was now the middle of the day and they had finally arrived to the limits of Goldenrod City. But before Paradox could enter into the city Elliot had stopped her.
''You should wait outside.'' Paradox looked at him confused.
''Why?'' He gave her an awkward smile at the question.
''Looked I didn't want to bring it up because it's kind of awkward but you're not supposed to be naked. If you stroll in there like that you're probably going to get arrested for obscenity.''
''Seriously? You can get in trouble for being naked? Why should I be ashamed to show what I was born with? You humans have really weird rules.'' Splash nodded in agreement, she never understood why humans covered themselves either.
''It's just how things are alright? I need to go buy you some clothes so while I do that you wait here for me to come back, okay?'' Paradox rolled her eyes.
''Fine, I still think it's stupid.'' Both Paradox and Splash were left alone. After a while they became bored and decided to walk around.
But as they were wandering something tried to jump at them. Paradox jumped away escaping the sneak attack and glared at the wild Pokemon. It was a Spinarak at first it didn't look too threatening but what he said next chilled her blood. ''A human, excellent. If I kill you, you will feed us for a long time!''
Splash glared angrily at the green spider and jumped down from Paradox's head and hissed at the predator. ''Ah ah ah! Who are you trying to threaten runt? You look like you just came out of the egg!'' The Spinarak mocked, which only served to make the Azurill even more angry.
Paradox's felt a pit of dread inside of her stomach. This was it, her first Pokemon battle. ''Splash use Bubble!'' She commanded hoping the small Pokemon at least knew that.
The baby Pokemon opened her mouth and spit out dozens of bubbles. The green spider shot out a web and swung away. ''Ah you think I'm gonna get hit by such a weak attack? Take this! String Shot!''
''Splash get out of the way!'' Paradox commanded and the Azurill bounced high in the air using her own tail escaping the attack completely.
''You're not getting out of this that easily! Poison Sting!'' She tried to warn Splash to watch out but it was too late and the needle hit the normal/fairy type.
''Ouch!'' The Azurill shouted fighting back tears as the attack did super effective damage. But fortunately she hadn't been poisoned.
''Get out of the way Azurill and I won't hurt you any further! Only the human interest me.'' Splash glared back at the spider and stood her ground. But then she turned around and wave her tail at the enemy.
''Tail Whip!'' The Spinarak only chuckled in response.
''Am I suppose to feel threathen by that or- Gah!'' He was interrupted when the Azurill slammed into him without any warning.
''Return!'' The spider Pokemon was sent slamming on the ground and he groaned in pain. Without any mercy the small Pokemon spited out another Bubble attack making the Spinarak screamed in pain as the bubbles popped on him.
''Fine! I give up! You can keep your stupid human!''The Spinarak shouted angrily before he shamefully scurried away.
Paradox sighed in relief when the spider was gone. Splash approached her and the small Pokemon squealed in joy when Paradox petted her head but the girl could see that the Poison Sting had hurted her. But in her luck Paradox could see that a nearby tree had some Oran berries on it she quickly took two of them and gave them to the Azurill who happily gobbled it down.
Both of them heard a twig snap behind them. Paradox stared toward the sound warily but relaxed once she saw it was only Elliot. He was holding a bag full of clothes for woman. Paradox looked at all of them and was confused about something. ''Why are some of them so small? It doesn't look like they will cover much.''
The boy blushed when he noticed what she was talking about. ''Those are underwears you're supposed to wear them under your normal clothes.''
She looked at him incrediously. ''You wear clothes under your clothes? How are humans even suppose to mate with each other when you have so much obstruction in the way? It's a miracle you didn't go exctinct.''
Elliot face flushed furiously at the girl words. ''Look just put the clothes on alright?! If we argue over everything we will never find your friend.''
She rolled her eyes but complied. It took a while and Elliot even had to help a few times much to his embarrassment. But finally Paradox looked like a normal teenage girl. The illusion would be shattered as soon as she opened her mouth but at least they might fool a few people.
''Perfect! We're ready to go in Goldenrod City!''
She had heard many things about humans towns from the Pokemon of the forest. But nothing could have prepared her for what she was witnessing. The humans had constructed massive pillars that almost touched the sky and they were illuminated by many lights and signs with writting on them.
On the biggest pillar of the city there was a giant window that showed images of a Pokemon battle. Some humans began to cheered as one of the Pokemon was knocked out. Elliot smiled at that. ''Oh yeah! I forgot the Pokemon league started yesterday. I started my adventure late so I wasn't able to finish the gyms in time but I'm going to participate in the next one for sure!''
Most of what he had said went over her head but she was too engrossed in the sights to pay much attention. What amazed her the most was that she could see dozens of Pokemon freely roaming in the streets. She had always thought that humans always kept Pokemon inside Pokeballs she hadn't expected for Pokemon to be free in the city.
Elliot chuckled when he saw how impressed Paradox was about all this. ''I hope it's not too overhelming Goldenrod City is the biggest city in all of Johto. I guess the first thing we should do is go to the department store. We will need some supplies for the road ahead.''
The girl nodded absentmindedly. He shooked his head and took her hand to guide her throught the city. A pair of old ladies mistook them for a couple which made his face turn red one again. Finally they stopped in front of a big building cluttered with all sorts of neon signs proudly announcing the various products inside the building.
The door opened on it own as soon as they approached much to the amazement of Paradox. Once inside a middle age woman greeted them. ''Welcome to the Goldenrod department store! If you need direction I will be more than happy to help you!''
Elliot thanked her but refused the help since he arleady knew his way around. They quickly made their way upstair. When they arrived Paradox gaped at all the things she saw there were pokeballs with dozens of different designs and all sort of potions along with other useful things like ropes, repels and some strange yellow crystals.
Elliot proceeded to stocked up on potions antidotes and other statues healers. Paradox made a grimace when Elliot bough a dozen of Pokeballs which earned her a strange look from the clerk. After that they visited the other floors but most of the objects they found were either useless to them or way too expensive.
But then as they were about to go down something caught Elliot eyes. They were on the fourth floor and he saw that the clerk had some gemstones behind the counter. ''No way are those evolution stones? I didn't know they sold them here!''
He winced a little when he saw the price but he had enough money to buy at least one. ''Hey didn't you say your friend was a Vulpix?'' Paradox nodded in confirmation.
''Maybe we should buy a fire stone that could make a good gift seeing as Vulpix need one to evolve into Ninetales.'' The girl shooked her head.
''I don't have any money and you already spent more than enough for me.'' Paradox didn't really know the value of money but she knew that her travelling companion had spent a lot just to help her.
''Don't worry about it. I don't use my money for much. Beside I always wanted to see a Ninetales. There a lot of legends surrounding them.'' Despite her complaints they ended up buying the fire stone.
As she held it in her hand Paradox could feel the warmth inside of it, it was glowing faintly and she could almost feel the power emanating from it.
When they exited the store there was a little girl wandering around but when she saw them she squealed as she looked at something on top of Paradox's head. ''That Azurill is adorable!'' The little girl exclaimed. ''Can I pet it please?'' Paradox smiled at the small girl and lowered her head.
The child eagerly pet the small blue Pokemon who cried in delight at all the attention. A woman soon ran toward them and dragged the girl away. ''Sorry about that! I hope she didn't bother you too much.''
''She wasn't any trouble.'' Elliot replied but the woman still continued to drag the girl away.
Paradox looked confused. ''Why was she so worried about her kid being with us?''
The boy sighed. ''It's a big city Paradox. And they're all sort of people that live here most of them are good people but sometime they're bad humans that wouldn't hesitated to hurt children,''
The girl looked horrified at the revelation. ''That's horrible, There are some wild Pokemon that try to eat the young sometime too but my mother always stopped them and banished them from the forest.''
Elliot nodded at that. ''Yeah unfortunately we don't have an all powerful being protecting us. We have polices that try to keep everyone safe but they can't be everywhere at the same time. That's why when I grow up I want to become a police officer and keep people safe. My father used to be a police officer too but he was killed in a raid against an illegal Pokemon battle ring.''
Paradox looked confused. ''An illegal Pokemon battle ring? What made it illegal? I thought you humans made Pokemon battle each other all the time.''
The boy with black hair clenched his fist. ''Yeah but when we do we have regulations to keep the Pokemon safe. But these monsters made the Pokemon fight to the death and pumped them with all sort of disgusting drugs that drove them insane. After they killed my father the police managed to track down most of the criminals involved but I know they're still a few out there.''
Paradox looked disgusted and was about to say something but then they heard the scream of a young girl. Elliot bolted after the sound and Paradox followed closely behind. When they rounded the corner they saw a small girl on the ground crying her heart out.
''Little girl! Are you okay?! What happened?'' The boy asked as gently as he could.
''Someone pushed me on the ground and stole my Pokemon!'' She cried between her tears. ''Please bring Minun back she's pratically my sister!''
Elliot saw a man sprinting away in the distance and he narrowed his eyes. ''I'm gonna catch him stay here!'' He bolted toward the man Pokeball in hand.
''Hey! Wait for me!'' Paradox yelled as she ran after him.
They had followed the man throught the dark alleys of Goldenrod City until they reached the poor district of the town. Finally they lost trail of him and they were left in front of an old abandoned warehouse.
''So are we going in? He must be inside this place.'' Paradox stated but as soon as she tried to walk toward the building Elliot grabbed her arm. She gave him a questioning look and he shook his head.
''This is probably a trap. There's probably multiple people waiting for us to enter the front door, we should find another entrance.''
It took a while but they found a wall that looked worn down with mutliple cracks on it. ''Okay so Mareep can easily destroy this wall but as soon as he does they will hear the noise so we must go quickly otherwise we will have to deal with the entire hideout.''
Paradox nodded and Elliot glance at the Azurill still clinging to the top of her head. ''We will probably have to fight do you know how to know how to battle with your Pokemon?'' The girl hesitantly nodded remembering their encounter with the Spinarak.
''Good when we enter we should call each other by a codename in case they try to track us down. While we're in there call me Looker, alright?''
''What about me?'' He scratched his chin thoughtfully at her question.
''How about... Whisper.'' She rosed an eyebrow at the name.
''Why Whisper?''
He rubbed the back of his head. ''Well there are a lot of legends about people being able to talk to Pokemon and people call them Pokemon whisperers. But as far as I know all of them are bullshit, you are probably the first real Pokemon whisperer so I thought it was fitting.''
She accepted the explanation and Elliot released Mareep from his Pokeball. ''Okay are you ready?'' At her nodded he turned his attention to his sheep Pokemon. ''Okay Mareep I need you to destroy this wall once inside we're rescuing Minun and whatever other Pokemon these thieves captured.''
The Mareep nodded with a determined frown. ''Take Down!'' The wool Pokemon teared through the wall as if it was made of paper. As soon as the dust cleared Elliot made a run for it and Paradox followed closely.
The hallways were dark and gloomy but they still could see with all the cracks and holes in the ceiling letting the sunlight inside the building. ''What the fuck was that?! Orion! Boris! Go see what made that fucking noise!'' A muffled voice screamed in the distance.
Elliot cursed under his breath but he continued to run as fast as he could his Pokemon running beside him. When they rounded the corner they saw a man wearing dirty and tattered clothes looking at them in shock. ''Mareep! Thunder Wave!'' The boy commanded.
The man was hit by the electric move and was instantly paralyzed. They left him twitching on the floor as they continued to run throught the dark halls. A few meters away from them was two huge doors and they could see light emanating from it but before they could reach the door two men with worn down uniforms appeared in front of them Elliot froze when he saw them then a growl came out from his throat.
''You.'' He said with venom and the two men smirked evilly. One of them was pale and skinny and you could see the bones in his face the other one on the other hand was so disgustingly fat that his clothes looked ready to tear apart at any moments and he had grease all over his shirt.
''Ah ah ah! Haven't you learned your lesson little boy? It would be a shame if you lost your Mareep too. Maybe you should go home now before we beat you up again!''
''I would have never lost to bufoons like you if you didn't attacked me in the back! Cowards!'' Elliot spat angrily.
''El- I mean Looker who are these two?'' Paradox asked him.
He pointed angrily at the two older men. ''They knocked me unconscious and stole my Pokemon!'' Paradox took a step back when she saw how angry her friend was. ''Mareep let's take them down!''
The sheep pounced in front of his trainer and took a defensive stance. ''You're gonna pay for taking my darling away!''
Paradox felt a weight leave the top of her head and looked surprised when Splash stood beside Mareep. ''You want to battle Splash?'' The girl asked her Pokemon and the normal/fairy type nodded with a determine glare.
The two men laughed mokingly. ''An Azurill?! What it's gonna do? Try to kill us with cuteness?! Ah ah ah!''
The blue Pokemon puffed her cheek angrily and glared at the two thieves. The two men sent out their Pokeballs and two Pokemon emerged the first one was a Goldbat grinning evilly at the Azurill and the Mareep. The second one was a Houndoor who looked like he wanted to be anywhere but here.
Elliot turned to Paradox. ''Alright Whisper I take care of the Goldbat and you take care of the Houndoor alright?''
''You think you're gonna win just because you have type advantage?! Think again! Goldbat use Bite!'' The skinny man yelled.
''Mareep get out of the way and use Thunder Shock!'' The sheep jumped back, making the Goldbat bite empty air and then he countered the bat Pokemon by sending him an electric shock it screamed in pain as lightning coursed throught it's body and once it was done it had taken a lot of damage but he was still up and was glaring at the Mareep with a enraged expression.
Meanwhile the obese thieves focused his attention on Splash. ''Houndoor! Use Ember!'' The dark Pokemon glared back at his trainer but listened to the order and spited out a ball of flames toward the blue Pokemon.
''Splash counter it with Bubble!'' Paradox yelled and the Azurill was happy to oblige. The two attacks collided creating a small explosion in the process.
The fat man glared back miffed that his attack was so easily avoided. ''Use Howl and then Bite!''
''Keep it at distance with Bubble!'' Paradox ordered but the Houndour was quicker than they thought after he howled he easily dodged the attack and before they could understand what was happening he was happening he was biting the small Azurill. After a few seconds Splash managed to escape it's maws but the small Pokemon had many cuts on her body.
Meanwhile Goldbat had lunched a Swift attack toward the Mareep. The sheep tried to dodge it but a few of the flying stars managed to hit him. Both Pokemon were tired at this point. ''Goldbat use Swift again!'' The skinny man said with a smirk.
''Mareep use Charge!'' Elliot yelled and the sheep gathered electric energy inside of him raising it's special defense in the process. The Swift attack still hit him but it did not do as much damage as last time.
''Now! Finish it with Thunder Shock!'' The Goldbat eyes widened but it was too late and he took the electric attack which had doubled in power. The Goldbat crashed on the ground and fell unconscious. The thief snarled angrily and recalled the Goldbat inside it's Pokeball.
Splash wasn't doing so well, the Houndoor had launched a Smog attack and now she was poisoned and she was barely able to stay conscious. Paradox looked at her first Pokemon with worry. Maybe she should have stopped her from battling she was too young for a real fight against dangerous trainers.
''Splash maybe we should run away.'' Paradox suggested but the normal and Fairy type shook her head angrily.
''I must do this! I must become stronger for mama!'' Suddenly the small Pokemon was enveloped in a bright light that illuminated the entire room. Everyone stopped what they were doing and were staring in shock as the small Pokemon transformed. When the light disappeared Azurill was gone and in her place stood a Marill. The water mouse looked at herself in awe. ''I evolved! I can't believe it! I finally grew strong enough to become a Marill!'' She exclaimed in pure joy.
The fat thief growled. ''You think you're gonna win just because your stupid rat evolved? Think again! Houndoor use Smog again!''
''Splash use Bubble!'' Paradox ordered but when the the Marill opened her mouth instead of a slow stream of bubbles they came out in a high pressure attack that cleared the smog away and also hit the Houndoor hiding behind it.
The dark/fire type was sent flying in the air and crashed on his obese trainer sending them both slamming on a old worn down wall that barely held together at the impact and both of them fell unconscious. The skinny thief looked at his friend in shock and when he saw that he was alone against two glaring Pokemon he bolted away abandoning his friend.
When they saw they were safe Mareep aproached the newly evolved Marill with a smile. ''Congratulation on the evolution darling.''
''Thank you!'' Splash chirped happily.
Elliot searched through his bag and retrieved two potions and a antidote, he gave one potion and the antidote to Paradox. ''Here Whisper, use this on Splash to heal her. I have a feeling we will have to fight again once we cross that door.''
She hesitantly used the antidote first and was surprised at how quickly the poison disappeared from Splash's body. Once the Marill was cured she began to spray the potion on her and was fascinated when the cuts and bruises dissappeared in only a few seconds.
The boy with dark hair was also finished with spraying potion on the Mareep and took a deep breath as he looked at the looming double doors. ''Are you ready Whisper?''
Paradox looked down at her Marill who smiled encouragingly. She looked at the boy and nodded. ''Let's do this Looker.''
He ran toward the door and kicked it open. The door gaved way with loud crack and the four of them rushed inside. They all gasped at what was waiting for them inside...