We're back with another chapter! Don't blame me; I wasn't in the mood to write Conqueror at all. And the last few chapters had taken quite a lot out of me.
Anyway, here's another lighter chapter! Do read, do review! Let's begin!
Disclaimer: I don't own Pokémon.
Xxx
Adapting!
Cynthia was finally back in the wild!
And she was very near to Fuchsia too.
The stay at the Pokémon Center had really refilled her thirst for travelling but she could already feel the heat chipping away at her energy.
God Route 17 was so hot!
But she was near Route 18 and would reach there within a few days, so Cynthia was confident she wouldn't die from exhaustion or excess heat before reaching Fuchsia.
From there, Route 18 was a straight road for Cyclists. She could take the other path too but there was a reason almost everyone avoided the wild route and stuck to the Cycling Road.
From there, she'll reach Fuchsia City and fight against the Fuchsia Gym Leader, a Ninja going by the name Janine. She was a student of Elite Koga, and maybe his daughter too (The blonde didn't remember properly), and was known for her sneaky tricks.
The Gym Specialized in the Poison Type, a type known for its sneaky tactics and dangerous traits. It suited the Gym too, whatnot by being Sneaky and relying on poison for doing the job instead of brute force.
The blonde had a couple of plans in mind for the gym, but she had to work on them too. For that, she'll have to bring out Espurr and train with her first, and then fight.
The blonde wasn't in a hurry. She was going to take her time preparing and then go face off against Janine.
Cynthia also was tempted to visit the Safari Zone. A lot of rare, exotic Pokémon were found in there and while she had her hands full at the current time, the blonde didn't want to waste her long trip and wanted to reap its benefits to the fullest.
Well, she'll focus on all those plans later. Currently, she was on her way.
"Enjoying the route Gible?" Cynthia asked the stubby Dragon/Ground Type. Gible nodded, managing to keep up with Cynthia but only because she had slowed her pace. "Want me to lift you?"
Gible frowned before nodding and Cynthia picked him up, grunting a bit at the effort. Gible, as a species, were heavy. Hers was a bit underweight but still heavy.
"Rest up, you have to walk later on." Cynthia told him. Gible grunted in agreement. Cynthia wanted to build his endurance and bond with him as well, so she decided to call him out.
She didn't want to begin their formal training so soon, opting to take things slowly.
Small steps above Bigger, quicker ones, after all.
"You're going to be the strongest Dragon one day, you know." Cynthia told Gible. "We're going to the top together, you hear me?" Gible grunted in agreement. "But for that, we have to work hard."
"So," Cynthia put him back down on the ground making him grumble. "Endurance training," She said and resumed walking. Gible quickly followed suite.
"How's the team?" Cynthia asked the Dragon/Ground Type. "I hope you like them." Gible snorted at the understatement. He was already so glad and feeling so lucky to have them as teammates.
He didn't know everyone that well, but from what he could tell all of them were just like Cynthia.
Best.
"How am I?" Cynthia asked jokingly. "Hope I match up to your expectations." Gible looked at her with a deadpan look making her laugh. "I know, I know."
The Dragon/Ground Type still remembered how Cynthia had ran into the heavy rainfall and into the Spearow Territory just to save a Pokémon she barely knew.
Cynthia would die for them, and he didn't know about the others but he would too.
"I always wanted to raise a Dragon Type you know," She continued. "You're so unique and mysterious and strong and all, I can't wait to know you more."
Cynthia know how devastating being under Damien had been for his former Pokémon and their confidence. The blonde knew rebuilding that confidence would take some time and she was ready to invest it too.
But currently, she wanted to make them feel something they wouldn't ever have seen under Damien.
Being loved.
"You're amazing, remember that." Gible couldn't help the wide grin that spread on his face and increased his pace making Cynthia giggle. "Look at you go," She said and increased her pace as well.
The blonde saw a trainer and looked at Gible. "Ready for our first battle?" Gible shuffled around uncomfortably. "Hey, don't worry. Just give it your best shot, doesn't matter if we win or lose." Cynthia crouched down next to the Dragon/Type Pokémon.
"I'll be there guiding you, kay?" Gible nodded. "You got this buddy!" She saw the trainer approaching and readied herself.
She won.
Xxx
"I've missed this." Leaf admitted, inhaling the fresh air of the wild. Ash nodded, personally enjoying the change of scenery. Route 8 was a vaguely 'S' shaped dirt road, with greenery covering it from both sides. Ghost Type Pokémon were uncommon though not rare, so trainers opted to camp earlier than normal or fall prey to the lurking underworld creatures.
'How long were you in the tower?' Ash wanted to ask. Leaf had changed so much from their last meeting, that being in Pallet Town, so much in fact that if Ash hadn't known Leaf so much before, he would've thought she was another person altogether.
As much as Ash wanted to put the events of Lavender behind and focus on the present and future, he knew it will affect him, Leaf, and their teams a lot. For the better or worse, he was yet to see.
"Hey, Earth to Ash," Ash blinked as Leaf waved her hand in front of his face. "What'cha thinking?"
"Nothing," Ash shook his head and focused on the present. "Just zoned out a little."
"You've been doing that a lot." Leaf mumbled. "You exploring the other realms now?" She giggled.
"Shut up," Ash bit back jokingly. Luna giggled, comfortable sitting on Ash's shoulder. Ash rubbed her head adoringly making her coo. "What does she know about me," Ash said making Leaf whack him on the back of his head.
"I know you better than her," She grunted. Luna looked at the brunette with a raised eyebrow, obviously skeptical. "Wanna try?" Luna yipped challengingly.
"Now, now," Ash chided both of them. "No need for any bloodshed." Leaf rolled her eyes while Luna huffed and settled back down.
"Where's Haunter?" Leaf questioned. "He was just here," She looked around.
"See, you're bickering made him run away." Ash grinned. Luna whipped her tail on his face, huffing. "Hey!" Haunter came out behind Leaf, touching her shoulders and startling her.
"Ah!" Leaf jumped. Haunter cackled making her growl. "You better not be here when I look back again." Haunter dove into the shadows quickly.
Ash chuckled, Luna following him suite. Leaf flicked her hair playfully, trying to play it cool. "Admit it, you looked stupid." Ash teased.
"Shut up," Leaf rolled her eyes. "I need to capture more Pokémon." Leaf mumbled, pulling out her pokedex and scrolling through the Pokémon List.
"You can try to get a Growlithe," Ash suggested, peaking into her pokedex. "They'll help against Erika."
"For your kind information, I have already "destroyed" Erika." She smirked cockily. Ash blinked. "Then I visited Vermillion and… lost," Ash got the picture.
Lt. Surge was brutal.
"So," She picked the energy back. "I visited Lavender to get a Ghost Type and I guess you know the rest." Ash nodded.
"You did get a Ghost Type," Ash tried.
"In exchange of two Pokémon and a lot of time," Leaf said, lost in thought. Seeing Ash ready to interrupt, she held up a hand. "What happened has happened. Can't do anything to change it."
"True that," Ash agreed. The two walked in silence since then, not quite enjoying the sudden change in atmosphere. Fortunately, Ash saw something that might just change the mood. "Hey look!" Leaf looked and saw a brownish red fox with a creamy underbelly crossing the road.
"A Vulpix!" Leaf exclaimed and enlarged a Pokéball. "Spearow Go!" The avian appeared and spread his wings immediately. "Aerial Ace!" Spearow blurred and burst forward, slamming into the Vulpix and sending her skidding.
"Now Peck!" Spearow dug his talons into Vulpix's back and began to ram his beak into her, the Fox Pokémon crying out in pain. Her eyes glowed dark suddenly, and Spearow froze.
Vulpix threw him off her, growling, and her eyes went pink, constricting the bird. "Spearow!" Leaf cried out. Vulpix breathed in and spat a fireball with black highlights.
Spearow squawked as the fireball hit him and exploded, throwing him back. "Spearow!" The avian quickly regained his balance and growled at Vulpix. "Use Aerial Ace!" Spearow dove quickly, dodging another Incinerate and slammed into Vulpix hard, sending the Fox skidding back.
This time, she did not retaliate. "Go pokéball!" Leaf threw an empty pokéball towards the downed fox and watched impatiently as red beams absorbed Vulpix.
"She sure is strong." Ash mumbled impressed. Luna nodded, taking note in how Vulpix used Extrasensory. That was skillful.
The pokéball wobbled a few times before dinging, signifying Leaf's capture. "Alright!" She cheered, jumping in the air in excitement.
"Way to go kiddo," Ash congratulated. Spearow landed on Leaf's shoulder, squawking proudly.
"You're getting so strong Spearow." Leaf complimented, scratching him where he liked the most. She walked forward and picked up the pokéball containing her latest capture, smiling cheek to cheek.
Maybe there was hope after all.
"…Yeah, Saffron you're coming to us right? Okay, we'll just stand here and wait for you…" Leaf looked at Ash with a deadpan look. "Yeah, she'll be here within a week."
"Really Ash?" She asked. "What happened to your sense of humor?"
"It gets affected when I'm around idiots." Ash replied cheekily.
"Let me guess, around yourself?" Leaf retorted.
"As expected from an idiot," Ash shook his head. "Now c'mon, we have a lot of ground to cover."
"Wasn't Saffron coming to us?" Leaf asked innocently.
"You dragged that joke to the grave." Ash replied.
"Yeah, it's chilling with your sense of humor." Leaf remarked cheekily. "Now c'mon, let's go meet with your Saffron."
"Aw don't feel jealous." Ash said as the two continued moving. "One day you'll have a city to call your own too." He paused. "Well, even a town is impossible but what goes in dreaming."
"Lol very funny." Leaf rolled her eyes. As the two childhood friends bickered, Luna and Haunter exchanged amused looks.
At least nobody was dying.
Except dying from laughter.
That was different.
Xxx
"So Eevee…" Cynthia said to the Evolution Pokémon trotting by her side. "Want to fight a wild Pokémon?" Eevee looked at her skeptically. "Sooner or later we'll have to fight together and grow stronger. Why not take the first step today?"
Eevee shrugged, yipping that her battle style was vastly different from what Cynthia is used to. The blonde, getting the gist of it, nodded. "Okay then, let's find a target…"
She spotted a wild Pidgey pecking at the ground and nodded. "That'll do." Eevee got ready, growling. "Quick-" The Evolution Pokémon opened her mouth and unleashed a Hyper Voice on the poor bird.
Pidgey stumbled as the sound hit, startled and taken by surprise. Eevee sped forwards, slamming into Pidgey and biting on her wing ruthlessly. "What the-" Cynthia whispered as Eevee chewed and yanked, ignoring Pidgey's cries.
"Eevee stop!" Cynthia whispered once she realized what Eevee was planning to do. Eevee ignored her and tore Pidgey's wing apart. Blood gushed, matting her fur, but Eevee was undeterred.
She slammed the defenseless Pidgey into a tree's trunk, growling and biting down on its neck. "Stop it!" Cynthia screamed, running forward and grabbing Eevee.
Eevee yowled and unleashed a Hyper Voice, off balancing Cynthia and throwing her away. The Evolution Pokémon bit down into the bloody Pidgey, pulling out thick strands of her flesh with every chomp.
Eevee yipped in surprise as Braixen whacked her away with her fiery stick, growling. Eevee quickly regained her balance and opened her mouth for another Hyper Voice when Braixen slammed her stick into her lower jaw, shutting her up.
She twisted and slammed the stick into Eevee's head, the momentum knocking the bloody Evolution Pokémon out. Cynthia quickly rushed over to the bloody Pidgey, looking at all the blood and freaking out.
"Hey, hey!" She said, pulling out First Aid Kit with shaky hands. "Stay with me, you'll be fine!" Pidgey's vision darkened, each passing breathe feeling like a burden. "Don't black out!" She said, pulling out bandages.
Try as she might, Pidgey's eyes closed and his frantic chest movements slowed down, eventually ceasing to exist. "No…" Cynthia whispered, staring at the dead, bloody Pidgey with tears. "N-no…" She began to sob, shaking uncontrollably.
Within moments her entire team except Luxio was out, surrounding her and comforting her. Cynthia felt bile rise up her mouth and quickly stumbled to the side, throwing up whatever she had for lunch.
"This didn't happen…" She murmured, falling down on her back. "Please be a bad dream, please…" She wished, closing her eyes through the tears.
When she opened it again, she saw the dead Pidgey and felt it hard to breathe. Braixen enveloped her in a hug, rubbing the back of her head soothingly. Gible let out a sad cry, unsure on what to do. Damien never really got that emotional when committing all sorts of atrocities on any poor Pokémon crossing his path.
"Did- did Pidgey die?" Cynthia asked. Braixen emitted warmth to comfort the blonde. She growled an affirmative, and the blonde buried her head into the Fire Fox's chest, sobbing.
Nidorino stayed close protectively, staring at the unconscious Eevee with hatred while Riolu squeezed in between her and Braixen.
Eventually, Cynthia calmed down and stayed still, surrounded by her beloved team. "We- we need to bury Pidgey." Cynthia said. Braixen nodded and gestured Nidorino to start digging. The Poison Type got up and walked towards the tree Pidgey's body was at.
Cynthia walked over to her bag and pulled out a piece of clothing. "Hey, help me please." She whispered. Braixen nodded and picked the bloodied (Now partially dry) Pidgey up. She placed it in the center of the clothing and Cynthia wrapped the clothing around it.
"I'm sorry." Cynthia whispered as she placed it in the hole Nidorino dug. "I'm very sorry." A tear of Cynthia dripped down, falling into the grave. She picked up some dirt and began to shove it back into the grave, her team helping.
Eevee got up drowsily, wondering why she was covered in blood. She looked at Cynthia and was a bit startled at how shook she looked. She looked at the grave and frowned.
Her eyes travelled to the blood in Cynthia's hands and it clicked to her. Everything which occurred came rushing back. She let out a low yip, the team suddenly staring at her.
Eevee was at a loss of words for what occurred, stepping back in fear. "Eevee…" Cynthia reached out. Eevee wanted oh so much to rush into those warm arms and apologize for hurting her trainer or that Pidgey, though she didn't understand the reason Cynthia was so overworked at it dying.
But one warning roar from Nidorino and she turned tail, darting away. "Eevee stop!" Cynthia called out. Eevee didn't stop, quickly disappearing in the woods.
"Oh ho," Cynthia said, collapsing on her knees. She and her team stayed at the spot, wondering the same thing.
What to do next?
Xxx
About Sunset…
"I think that's enough travel for today." Leaf mumbled, wiping some sweat and grime off her forehead. Ash looked at the sun and nodded.
"Yeah, let's camp early. Ghost Types are found on this route too." Leaf nodded and sat down, releasing her team. Spearow squawked in greeting before flying to perch on a tree branch. Ivysaur sat down near Leaf, keeping an eye around him.
Misdreavus looked at Vulpix with an evil smirk, knowing she had found an easy target to scare and feed off its fears. Leaf, sensing Vulpix looking around a little confusedly, picked her up gently and dropped her in her lap.
"Hey there Vulpix," She greeted, running a finger through her warm fur. Vulpix purred at the touch, no doubt enjoying Leaf's skilled grooming. "We met before, remember?" Vulpix frowned in thought before remembering their first meeting.
"We battled, and I won. I captured you so you can be a part in my Pokémon Journey." Vulpix inclined her neck towards her. "Will you? Will you join my team? I'll offer you training, free shelter, food, and you can see a lot of things."
Misdreavus, sensing Vulpix's confusion, and fearing that her latest prey might escape, barged in. She levitated up to Vulpix and began to utter enchanting stories about faraway places and regions.
Vulpix blinked, feeling aroused by the prospects Misdreavus was proposing. She looked at Leaf and nodded, making Leaf smile. "Glad to have you on board." Leaf welcomed warmly. "We'll begin training sometime later; let's get to know each other a bit more."
With that, Leaf began to mumble information about herself that Vulpix half understood but was content to hear. Misdreavus grinned darkly as she floated up next to Leaf.
Meanwhile, Ash, after assigning most of his team tasks, stood in front of Haunter and Charmander. "So guys," He said, crouching to their level. "It's time we officially begin our training." Charmander cheered happily.
"Haunter, you did exceptionally well against Anpu but there were a few things I'll like to work on." Haunter nodded. "We're approaching Saffron and I'm going to use you against her so be ready."
Haunter did a loop in the air excitedly. "Charmander, after Saffron we'll be heading to Celadon to battle Erika. She's a Grass Type Gym Leader so your Fire will be useful. We're not that far from Celadon so I want you to start preparing."
Charmander nodded, punching the air as warm up. "Charmander, I want you to practice Ember. The more you practice it, the more you'll be closer to learning Flamethrower and other moves. Practice Ember for twenty minutes or so. I'll assign you some stamina training later. Kay?" Charmander nodded and ran off to train towards some rocks.
"Haunter," Ash looked at the Ghost Type. "Your reaction time needs training and your Move Pool needs a bit variety. We'll get a few TMs in Celadon but until then, we have to make do with what we have."
"I want you to learn Destiny Bond, first of all." Haunter blinked. "Yes, that's the exact move Anpu used against you." Haunter frowned. "It's a nifty trick which can help us in tough corners." Ash pulled out his pokedex. "Here, look at some demonstrations."
Haunter looked at various Pokémon practicing Destiny Bond with concentration, trying to understand it. "I don't understand the move much myself but we need to learn it before Saffron." Ash told Haunter. "You can do it, I believe in you." Haunter nodded at Ash and twirled in the air in excitement.
"But before that, do some Reflex Training." Ash looked over his team and called over Ivysaur. "Hey buddy, you and Haunter are going to do Reflex Training. It'll help you get used to your new form and help Haunter get more agile too."
"You can use only Vine Whip and Shadow Ball," Ash told them. "Haunter, you can phase through the ground." Haunter cheered. "Ivysaur, mow him down with Vine Whip." He grunted.
"Okay then, you guys begin." Ash walked away from the two as they started sparring and looked at Leaf. She was contently talking to Vulpix, running her fingers in her fur. The Fire Fox was enjoying too, judging by her facial expressions.
Ash looked at Misdreavus, wondering if Misdreavus could help Haunter learn Destiny Bond faster. She was a Ghost Type too, after all. He'll ask for her help later. Leaf wouldn't mind anyway.
Ash's eyes trailed over to Luna who was watching over everyone training. Her tail was flicking impatiently, Ash could tell, and Luna wanted to have some action too.
Personally, Ash wanted Luna to rest more given how much Spiritomb had affected her both physically, and mentally, but he couldn't just let her stay like that.
Maybe it was time to involve her too.
"What about you Luna? You up for some training?" Luna nodded. "Hey Viper, want to have a friendly battle with Luna?" Viper, who was chilling under a tree, nodded and jumped to her feet.
She reached the duo and took her position. "I'm going to guide Luna, kay?" Viper shrugged. That was just fine with her. "Alright then, Luna use Shadow Ball!"
Luna formed the Ghostly orb and fired it towards Viper. The Grass Snake adeptly jumped, coming down with Leaf Blade. "Iron Tail!" Luna's tail steeled and she leapt to meet Viper.
The two tails clanged against the other, reaching a draw. The two fell back, landing on their feet and staring at the other calmly. Viper jumped suddenly, forming a Leaf Storm, and fired it towards Luna.
"Time to test your psychic abilities!" Ash grinned. "Stop them with your ESP!" Luna stared at the Leaf Storm, her gem lighting up.
"Mystic…" Luna blinked, feeling fear settle down in her mind, and her ESP faltered. The Leaf Storm carried on, hitting her and making her wince.
Viper immediately stopped and quickly ran over to Luna who was cowering on the ground, shivering uncontrollably. "Luna!" Ash crouched next to his starter, holding her up.
"Luna… no one can save you from me…" A demonic voice echoed inside her head. Luna yowled and unleashed a burst of psychic power, blasting Ash and Viper both away. Ash stumbled back, Leaf grabbing him.
Viper winced but extended her vines, wrapping them around Luna. "Nobody can save you now." Imaginary shadowy claws wrapped around the Psychic Type.
In her self-defense, Luna opened her eyes, brimming with energy, and glared at Viper. With a mighty cry, she unleashed her strongest Psychic at her.
Viper, stunned by her sudden might, was unable to react in time and got hit hard by the Psychic. She was blasted back, hitting a tree and breaking through it.
"Viper!" Ash called out in alarm. Luna felt her mind shut down and collapsed, ESP exerted beyond limits. Haunter levitated over to Viper who was struggling to get up.
He offered a shadowy hand which Viper took and stood up. Haunter offered her support which she grudgingly accepted. Ash picked up the unconscious Luna and ran over to Viper.
"You okay?" Ash asked, crouching next to the Grass Snake. Viper nodded even though she felt her body ache all over. Ash picked her up and walked over to Leaf who had fetched out all medical supplies.
"What happened to them?" Leaf asked, helping Ash treat Viper.
"I don't know." Ash replied, distracted. Charmander waddled over, looking at Luna worriedly. He reached out a paw for her gem. "Don't." Ash snapped, whacking his hand away. "Can't you see she's hurt?"
Charmander reared back startled. "Ash…" Leaf warned. Charmander walked away, eyes tearful.
"What?" Ash asked.
"Relax," She replied. "I know you're worried about them but-"
"Leaf," Ash interrupted. "I can handle myself, thank you very much." Leaf stayed quiet for a few seconds before sighing.
"I'll go checkup on Charmander." She got up and headed over to the crying Fire Type. Viper, once Ash had finished bandaging her, collapsed besides Luna.
Arceus that Psychic hurt bad.
Xxx
Cynthia had decided to camp earlier than expected, travelling a bit more and settling for the night. Her entire team was out, spread around. The silence was heavy and awkward, something they were used to from being with Damien.
Cynthia was seated under a tree, staring at Eevee's pokéball, lost in her thoughts. 'Where is she right now?' The blonde lamented. For all she knew, Eevee could be in danger, no doubt exhausted and hungry.
Well, Eevee could hunt for food. She knew that much. Cynthia sighed and adjusted her position, feeling her back ache. 'Should've expected such from Eevee. She had killed before as well.'
Maybe Cynthia thought she could stay under her control…
No, that was just stupid to assume. How could she expect Eevee to change so quickly?
"We need to find Eevee," Cynthia mumbled, her team perking up at her voice. "How to find her is the question. I'm up for suggestions." Cynthia said, lying down.
Braixen walked over to her, holding some food Cynthia had made for herself. "I'm not in the mood Braixen," Cynthia replied, turning to the other side.
Braixen sat down, grabbing her arm and forcing the blonde to face her. Cynthia huffed and got up, Braixen handing her the food. "You're very annoying sometimes, you know," Cynthia remarked jokingly. Braixen rolled her eyes, a trait she picked from Cynthia no doubt, and sat down next to her.
"When I was little," Cynthia began. "I accidently hurt a Pokémon. Don't remember the species but she was a feline, I think." Her team paid apt attention. "I don't remember the exact scenario, but I hurt she very bad."
"It eventually passed away." Her team was startled. "It was one of the new kid's friend. I begged Mom to let her stay with me for the night."
"The kid's Mother, as soon as she heard the news, slapped me hard." Nidorino growled in anger. "Mom argued with her but I knew I was in the wrong and accepted the punishment his Mom gave."
"That was not all. He degraded me a lot at every chance he could get, his parents made sure I wasn't near any Pokémon for the entirety I was in Sinnoh." Cynthia sighed, reminiscing the old days.
"Mom made sure I didn't suffer more than I had to, by bringing over Pokémon for rent." Cynthia smiled. "Then we shifted to Kanto and I made friends with Ash and as always, he had a way with Pokémon."
"Maybe if he was here with me, things would've turned out different…" Cynthia sighed, keeping her food aside. "The fun part was, I wanted to be punished, I wanted to be hurt. The same way I hurt that poor feline."
"I accidently fed her poisoned food and didn't know how critical her condition got until it was too late." Cynthia pursed her lips. "You all are my team, my family." Luxio opened one eye at that. "Any wrong or right you commit, its partially on me as well."
"I know it's the rule of the wild to hunt or be hunted," Cynthia continued. "But I… I didn't want to believe it." The blonde pulled her knees close to herself. "Guess reality is way more bleak than I imagined." She exhaled bitterly.
Nidorino growled comfortingly, to which Cynthia scratched his favorite spot to his content. "We'll begin our search for Eevee tomorrow. I'm sure you all are exhausted from battling and training and frankly, I am as well."
They all agreed. "And guys, please don't make her feel like an outsider." The blonde requested. "It's her nature to be so aggressive, it takes time to change. If she wishes to change, that is."
"Wild Pokémon may hunt and commit all sorts of atrocities and brutal tactics, but trained Pokémon don't." Cynthia tutored. "Unless we have to, there's no other choice, we won't take things so far."
She stroked the asleep Riolu's head with her skilled fingers, the Emanation Pokémon curled besides Cynthia and sleeping soundly. "We'll find her tomorrow, kay? Rest up guys and gals," Cynthia told them.
Her remaining team, except Luxio, walked over to her and curled near her. "Thanks guys, you are the best." Cynthia mumbled, relishing in their comforting presence.
Cynthia wondered if she should ring up Ash just to chat and get some things off her sleeve, Ash was a splendid listener and could provide her some much needed insight too, but decided against it.
He already had a lot on his plate regarding Leaf, the newly renamed Luna, and remaining team too. She had talked him briefly before and learnt that he won against Anpu too.
Ash had gotten a lot stronger.
Sometimes she just wished she had stuck with Ash and denied her mother's decision. It would've helped both of them a lot more given Rock Tunnel, Damien, Lavender Town, and all.
'What's done is done,' Cynthia sighed. 'No use in thinking about it.' Cynthia opened her Pokégear and opened the messaging tab, selecting Ash's contact.
"Hey, let's talk tomorrow." She typed in and sent it to the raven-haired boy. Cynthia wondered whether she should follow up the text but decided against it.
"Goodnight," Cynthia said and closed her eyes, using her jacket as a blanket. Her team responded in different vocals.
'Will find Eevee tomorrow.' Cynthia vowed.
Xxx
"Here," Leaf said, holding out a couple of sandwiches.
"I'm not hungry." Ash replied absent-mindedly, stroking the asleep Luna's head. Leaf closed her eyes, exhaling.
"Ash," She began in a leveled voice. "I know you're worried about Luna but this is not the answer."
"Then what is?" Ash questioned, looking up. Tears threatened to fall. Leaf sat down next to him, pulling him into a tight hug. "I- I, I'm-" Leaf took off his cap and ran slim fingers in his raven hair.
"Shush," She mumbled. Ash broke down into sobs, letting all of his bottled up emotion out. Leaf simply held him, rubbing his back soothingly.
The two stayed like that for undefined time, Ash eventually calming down. "Ash," Leaf whispered. "You don't have to face this alone…"
"I know…" Ash said voice muffled.
"I'm always here for you. We're in this together." Leaf said, pulling back slightly and staring Ash into his eyes. "Kay?" Her lips touched his forehead softly and consolingly.
"She'll be fine, I promise." Leaf vowed. "Now eat up." She sat down beside him and opened the plastic wrapping on the sandwich. Ash sat down quietly as Leaf fed him the sandwiches.
"Luna is very strong. She won't be deterred by something like this." Leaf told Ash in a solacing manner. "Did she eat up?" Ash shook his head. "I'll go feed her. You eat up."
"You sure?" Ash asked. "She can… you know… go all Psychic on you." Leaf smiled.
"I've survived worse. You go and checkup on Charmander. He didn't deserve that." She picked up the Psychic Type gently and walked away, leaving Ash alone. The Palletian got up, wiping his face, and walked over to Charmander.
Leaf picked up some of Luna's favorite food (made by her own hands) and sat down in a secluded area. "Hey Luna," She said, trailing her fingers softly down her back. "Wake up."
Luna stirred, looking around blearily. Leaf let her take her time. She finally looked up and saw Leaf waiting patiently. "Good morning sleeping beauty," Luna got up, stretching her feet.
"Here, eat up." Luna took the food she offered and ate it slowly, eyes lighting up at the taste. "You like it?" Luna nodded. "I made it specially for you." The Espeon would've meowed a thanks had her mouth not been stuffed with that delicious dinner.
"Can I pet you?" The Sun Pokémon looked up at her as if to confirm if she were joking. She nuzzled against her arm as allowance. "You're very strong, you know." Leaf mumbled.
She kept praising Luna while she treated herself. Eventually, the Psychic Type finished eating and purred contently. She blinked when a wet drop hit her.
She yowled in distress when she saw Leaf crying. "I'm fine." Leaf said, picking her up and hugging her tightly. "I'm sorry you had to go through so much because of me."
Luna closed her eyes, remembering the recent events that transpired. "Just… just take care of Ash for me, kay?" Luna looked at her with surprise.
She yowled, asking where the brunette decided to head off to. "I don't know." Leaf replied truthfully. "I can't go back to Pallet Town, not yet. I can't go on to challenge Sabrina with only two trained Pokémon. I can't stay here to burden you all…"
Luna yipped in protest, saying that she was the reason all of them were alive. "I'm the reason you all were in that darned place." Leaf reminded her.
Luna shrugged, saying that she was Ash's friend and by extension, their friend too. Luna climbed to her shoulder and nuzzled against her face, saying that it was fine. Leaf leaned into her touch.
"Do you forgive me?" Leaf asked. "Answer me truthfully." She interrupted. Luna paused, considering the question. "I understand." Leaf smiled sadly. "Well, no use of me playing Victim Card and gaining sympathy." Leaf said, getting up and shaking her head.
Luna stared at her worriedly, knowing she was in a position similar to her. Trapped in their own mind. "Goodnight Luna," She smiled. "And don't tell Ash about me. He's already worried."
Luna yipped, telling her to stop. She jumped in her arms, nuzzling against her head. "Huh? You want to stay with me for the night?" Luna nodded. "I'll be honored." The duo walked inside the tent and Leaf settled down Luna besides her.
"Goodnight Luna," Leaf whispered. Luna meowed back and slipped back into sleep. Leaf curled up and slipped into sleep as well.
Sometime later…
"Leaf," Leaf blinked. "Get up," Leaf got up quickly, looking around. Luna was nowhere to be seen. "Come outside dear…" Leaf slowly walked outside, looking around carefully.
"Hello?" She called out, looking at the eerily calm night. "Ash? Luna?" Something moved from the corner of her eyes and she turned around quickly.
Nothing.
"Who's there?" Leaf asked wearily. Something ran behind her and she turned around. "This isn't funny Ash!"
"Oh Ash is not here." She turned to the side and saw a dark humanoid figure standing its back towards her.
"Who are you?" Leaf asked. Leaf slowly approached the figure, her boots disturbing the scary silence.
"Come and find out…" Leaf inhaled and tried to make a dash for it. She felt two hands wrap around her ankles and stumbled.
"Ah!" Leaf shrieked, looking at the burned, moldy wrists around her legs. The figure turned around, approaching her. "Let… me… go!" Leaf struggled against the hands.
The figure, face covered by shadows, stood very nears her. "Leaf… Verdant." He lifted a sharp claw and trailed it against her soft cheek.
"Who are you? How do you know me?" Leaf asked him. The figure reached his claw back and stabbed Leaf in the belly, his claw digging in and appearing from the other side.
Leaf jerked eyes half closing as blood leaked from her mouth. "I'm your death." The figure whispered in her ear. He pulled his bloodied claw back and stabbed her again.
And again.
And again.
And again.
Leaf rested her forehead against the shadow's shoulder as he continued to stab her. "Die…" Leaf convulsed, hacking up blood. Her vision darkened and she fell down, hitting-
-"HUH!" Leaf jerked awake, panting heavily. She looked around, realizing everything was normal. "It was a nightmare," Leaf gasped, wiping her sweaty forehead.
"No…" Leaf saw her surroundings change and she was back in the open, hand tied around two stakes and the figure behind her.
"Wha- Ah!" Leaf shrieked as the figure whipped her back, strong enough to tear out blood. It continued to whip her, not stopping for even a moment.
Deep down Leaf knew it was another dream, but every hit felt real. The pain that erupted, every sensation, felt real. Leaf cried, begging it to stop, but nothing changed.
"You deserve it," The figure said. "For making everyone around you miserable!" Countless insults were hurled at her, all of them planting deep in her conscience. Eventually, Leaf succumbed to the whipping and collapsed on her knees.
The whip wrapped around her neck, choking her. "Die!" Leaf felt the nightmare end once again, and she was back in her tent.
"Huh!" Leaf jerked again, looking around. "A nightmare in a nightmare?"
"No…" Leaf felt dread settle in her heart and once again, she was trapped in another nightmare.
The cycle continued till the morning, Leaf suffering the entire night.
Xxx
Response to Reviews:
Vital Info: Thanks for the lengthy review! Quite an enjoyable read I say! Lavender Town is something which is very focused on by many authors, and I agree. I have a lot of things planned For Seafoam, Cinnabar, St. Anne so don't worry! The Kanto Arc will take at least 5 years to complete XD. And yeah, the battle was dragged but since Ash had trained in Rock Tunnel for so long, I had to set the power standards for him. That's why the long, lengthy battle. And I have something unique planned for Misdreavus, wait for it…
UltimateCCC: She's being forward, but not sexually since they're ten.
Uday Sra: Thanks!
Pokémon List:
Ash Ketchum:
{On Hand}: Luna (Espeon), Haunter, Charmander, Viper (Servine), Ivysaur, Lairon.
{At Lab}: Skylar (Pidgeotto), Oceanus (Seadra), Zeus (Pikachu), Rhydon.
Cynthia Carolina:
{On Hand}: Riolu, Luxio, Gible, Eevee, Nidorino, Braixen.
{At Lab}: Roselia, Squirtle, Mawile, Buizel, Swablu, Espurr, Purrloin, Sneasel.
Leaf Verdant:
{On Hand}: Ivysaur, Spearow, Misdreavus, Vulpix.
(Based On Last Appearance And Pokémon They Used/Mentioned/Showed.)
Gary Oak: Wartotle
Paul Blackstone: Grotle, Electabuzz, Abra, Sandslash, Staravia.