AN: This chapter was updated/revised on December 22, 2019.
Forested
"One day, I'll spread my wings
Fly to where the birds can sing
One day, I'll spread my wings and fly
Cuz nothing, comes easily
that's worth a dime or anything
So I'll be waiting patiently
for one day."
Nick Howard
Day 48
"We spend days in this jungle and still no blue and green Morelull," Soledad sighed as they put their backpacks down on the forest floor. "And no special Mimikyu either."
Tomoko and Flare took a small tent out of their bag and started to set it up. Gracie lied in the grass while Tobie and the others took out their Pokémon food and started to feed them.
"Professor Rosedale did say that it would take a few weeks to find them," said Anika.
"And at least we got a Stufful. When it evolves in a Bewear, we can have her help us find the Morelull," said Tobie.
"I don't want her to evolve," Gracie pouted. "Bewear are scary Pokémon. Stufful is cute and fun."
"Not if you're friends with it. Then a Bewear is harmless," Carol replied.
"Stuffff," the Pokémon agreed.
"Okay," Gracie murmured as she hugged the Stufful.
"Whose turn is it to cook?" Soledad asked the group.
"I cooked twice, Tobie cooked three times, Carol and Flare each cooked once and you cooked once," Tomoko responded. "So, you, Gracie, Tamaki, and/or Flare and Carol ought to do it".
"Rice and beans fine with you all?"
Everyone nodded.
"Good, because that is all I can really do. I am not used to cooking with all these strange fruits and vegetables, and I never really cooked for anyone else but myself in the past," said Soledad.
"I can make us jalapeno poppers," Tamaki offered. He took a few peppers out of a container in his knapsack. "I picked a few."
"You didn't steal those from someone's garden, did you?" Tomoko questioned.
"Nahhh. At least, I don't think so."
"I want jalapeno poppers," said Gracie.
"Can you get the rice out of my bag while I get the water going?"
"Yup."
Gracie got off the patch of grass she was laying on to go help. Stufful followed behind her eagerly.
"It's too bad we haven't seen your friends around," Tobie told Soledad. "Are you sure they are on this island?"
"I'm sure," she confirmed. "They just texted me yesterday. I still didn't tell them I was here too though since I still want to make it a surprise."
"I got the rice," Gracie announced as she handed the bag to Soledad. "What should I do now?"
"You can help me fill this pot with water; you take one handle and I'll get the other."
"Yes, Ma'am!"
"Being with Gracie sometimes makes me miss Benny," Tamaki sighed as he seeded the peppers. "I know he is having fun though. I suppose I just wish I could be in two places at once, you know?"
"Be careful what you wish for," said Flare.
"Why'd you say that?"
"According to some of the local legends, there are rare Pokémon that hide in the jungles and sometimes grant wishes to trainers."
"Like Jirachi."
"Better. You don't have to wait around for a special comet in order to find this Pokémon."
"What's it called?" Soledad asked.
"It's just a legend, Flare," Tomoko scolded.
"It just so happens to be Mimikyu," said Flare. "Just like the one Professor Rosedale mentioned."
"I've never heard of that Mimikyu myth before. Does do they really have that ability? I thought Mimikyu was just a fairy and ghost-type that likes to disguise itself," said Soledad. "And isn't kinda common?"
"Flare is misleading you," Carol interjected. "It is true however that some Mimikyu, once they reach level one-hundred, gain some mysterious powers. Granting wishes sounds like a bit of a stretch. I doubt any Pokémon is capable of that. Even the legendary Jirachi is limited."
"Still it sounds cool," said Tamaki. "I hope I find one."
"Ditto," said Flare.
After dinner, the group settled for bed. The next morning, they planned to continue their journey, hoping to run into Annastasia and friends in the meantime. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the story of the Mimikyu, everyone in the camp that night went to bed with pleasant thoughts, unlike their peers who rested hardly a mile away.
XO
Day 49
Everyone in the group was up by 7:00 am. Annastasia received a call from Professor Rosedale, reminding Annastasia that she will not be able to meet with them anymore because she had to travel to the Orange Islands to converse with Professor Oak and Ivy. After a quick breakfast, they headed northward to a different island.
"I hope we catch some Pokémon today," Takeshi commented. "I hate how it's taking so long."
"Yeah, I used to think we were good at this," Jay lamented.
"You all are great trainers," said Annastasia. "You should know by now that not every day is going to be a good day."
Michio sniggered. "Or it's the aka—"
"Uhhh, stop it!" Amber complained. "Curses are fake and dumb."
"Not when they're real."
"I don't think it's real," said Takeshi. "Cuz it doesn't make any sense."
"Sorry, but it's not like the aka lele is based on any science," June added.
"Something doesn't have to be scientific in order to be real," Jay said on Michio's behalf.
"Yeah, don't you believe in fucking magic?" said Michio
"Please don't use that language," Annastasia chided.
"They aren't babies."
"I didn't say they were babies, it's just that—I'm…I don't know what it is, but I've been exceedingly cranky lately."
"We've noticed that, Onēsan," said Jocelyn worriedly.
"Flaa," Flaafy added.
"I don't have any excuses," Annastasia sighed, feigning a smile.
"It might be because you are ill," said Jezz. "I am unhappy when I am ill."
"Yeah, that can be your excuse," said Jay.
"It's a good excuse," said Logan. "I'd take it."
"Well…" Annastasia replied. "Thanks. Curse or not, we should stay goal-oriented while keeping in mind that the means are just as important as the end."
"Since we can no longer visit Professor Rosedale, what are we going to do?" asked Benny.
"Today I will go to the market and stock up on some good food. Then we can go catch some Pokémon. Personally, I have to do some more training with Abnoba and Star; we didn't get much done yesterday."
"The Pokémon here don't usually hang out near the towns and cities like they do in Kanto because there is a lot of tourists that like to take photos of them, and I don't think they like it," said Michio. "Don't expect to catch anything valueable until we get further away."
"I wish that weren't true—I really wanna catch a Togedemaru but I also want to shop," Jocelyn pouted.
"I want Iwanko," said Benny.
"What's that?"
"Flaafy, fla, fee," Flaafy told Jocelyn.
"Kantonians and Galarians usually call those Pokémon 'Rockruff'," Annastasia clarified. "It's a rock-type canine. I've met several; they are quite friendly."
"I want every flying-type they got around here," said Amber.
"I don't care what I catch. I love all the Pokémon in Alola", Jay responded. "Although a Popplio would be neat…ooh, or an Alolan Ponyta! Or Tsareena!"
"It would be really awesome to get at least one type of Oricorio," June mused. "There are several types, right?"
"There are four forms," Jezz confirmed. "I never got a chance to collect any of the Oricorio. My favorite form is the Pompom style. I don't remember which island they can be found on. Do you know, Michio?"
"No," he replied.
"Why not, Oniisan?" Jocelyn asked. "Aren't you an expert?"
"I'm not an expert in this. I never collected any small Pokémon. Only the powerful ones."
"Why is that?" asked Jezz.
"Because my goal was to be a champion and no one has ever won a league using a Pompom."
"That makes sense…I want to do Pokémon contests though, and I bet Oricorio can help me out with that," June replied.
"I am so excited to do contests. I had no idea how fun they could be until last year when Soledad gave me all those contest magazines," said Jocelyn. "Are you going to do contests, Amber?"
"No way. I hate dressing up and acting all girly," Amber responded.
"You don't have to act girly. Guys to the contests too," Jezz retorted.
"I guess. But girls almost always were dresses and stuff like that. I'd rather battle and shoot arrows at things."
"Did you find out if there are any archery contests around here?" Annastasia asked.
"I few little ones, but not a big one. At least I can still compete at the Poké-Olympics in Kanto like I did last year since we aren't going to be out here for a whole year."
"We have to catch more Pokémon, practice for contests, train for gym battles, and make sure we get to every competition on time," said June. "I'm worried."
"We will do our best," said Annastasia. "That's all we can do and—"
"I smell something," Logan said suddenly.
"I do too," said Maya. "There are wild Pokémon nearby."
"I suggest you all get ready to catch a 'mon," Lily told the kids.
A moment later several Yungoose sprinted past them.
"After those suckers!" Jocelyn cried.
"Flaa!" Flaafy shouted.
The kids all ran after the Yungoose. Everyone else stood there watching while the children and their Pokémon pursued the ferret-like Pokémon.
"Children are odd," Mewtwo commented.
"They never saw a Yungoose before, at least not live, until recently. They are excited about learning about new types of Pokémon," Annastasia replied.
"Yungoose evolves in Gumshoos. They aren't horrible stat-wise but they're common," said Michio. "We're bound to find more."
"Do you plan on collecting any Pokémon?" Lucario asked Annastasia and Michio.
"I have enough already."
"Ditto, though I do want to find partners for the twins," said Annastasia.
"Where are all your Pokémon now? You aren't keeping them in their balls, are you?" Sandshrew asked Annastasia.
"They are roaming somewhere nearby. I told them that whenever we aren't training, they could go wherever they want."
"Hmpf."
Ten minutes later the kids rejoined the group. Jay and Takeshi were ecstatic, Jezz and June wore neutral expressions, and Benny, Jocelyn, and Amber were pouting.
"I got one!" Jay exclaimed.
Jay held the Pokeball out in front of him and released his latest catch. The brown and yellow Pokémon glared at Jay and hissed resentfully.
"Grow, rooow!" it growled.
"It doesn't like you," Lily teased.
"Really? Did it say that?" Jay questioned.
"It's just grumpy," said Michio. "All Yungoose are like that."
"So, Yungoose are like you," said Amber.
"Oniisan isn't grumpy all the time anymore," Jocelyn replied. "Only in the morning."
"Jocelyn is right, he is not as bad as before," said Annastasia.
"I guess," the rest of the group agreed.
Takeshi released his Yungoose. Like Jay's, it had a nasty look on its face. It yelled at the children.
"It says that you better treat it with respect or it is going to steal some of our things and run away," Logan translated. "Hey! You can't do that!"
"Yunnnng goose yun!" it yelled back.
"If you don't want to stay here, you should go," Annastasia told the grouchy Pokémon.
"But…but…but Yungoose is my first Alola Pokémon!" Jay sputtered.
"I want to at least try to become friends with mine," said Takeshi.
"There are better Pokémon you can get around here," said Michio.
"Gooo, grooo," Jay's Yungoose told Maya.
"It says it doesn't trust us," Maya explained. "Yungoose, these people are nice to Pokémon."
"Yung," said Takeshi's Yungoose.
"Don't coerce it," Sandshrew demanded.
"Groo, groo, goo."
"It'll come along if you promise to be nice," Logan translated.
"We will," said Takeshi.
"We promise," said Jay.
"These humans keep their word," Lucario told the Yungoose.
The Yungoose nodded at one another then looked at the group.
"Yun," said Jay's Yungoose.
"Grrroo," said Takeshi's.
"They're going to come," said Logan.
"Welcome to our family," said Jay.
The group patted the Pokémon and fed them treats.
"Let's keep walking. I'm sure now that we are deeper into the jungle, we are going to find a lot more Pokémon," said Annastasia.
As they marched further into the forest, they decided that the most efficient way to find more Pokémon would be to disperse into smaller groups. Annastasia matched Jay with Jezz and Logan, Maya with Lily and June, Takeshi with Benny and Lucario, Michio with Jocelyn and Amber, and Sandshrew with her and Mewtwo. Then they went their separate ways.
XO
"So, Jezz, are you enjoying the Morgan life?" Logan asked once they got a good distance away from the group.
"I suppose it would be interesting to be a Morgan," said Jezz. "I wonder how Perry and Hauana will feel about this."
"I don't think it will make a difference to them," said Jay. "And Logan, how did you…?"
"I was eavesdropping," Logan confessed. "I know how all the adults think Jezz is related to you."
"There were quite a few people listening in," Jezz murmured. "Oh well."
"You're not upset," Jay noted. "You seem relieved."
"I'm…I'm..."
"…yeah?" said Logan.
"I believe the source of my relief is the lack of nightmares I experienced after the kicking incident."
"Kicking incident?"
"Jezz had a nightmare and kicked me in his sleep," Jay explained. "You're saying that Togekiss helped?"
"I believe so," Jezz replied.
"I've been having nasty dreams too," said Logan. "In one of them, I became a human!"
"How horrible," Jay said dramatically.
"It was. I was ugly too. Just like your face."
"That's mean," Jezz asserted, clearly disappointed.
"It's a joke," Jay said as he shot Logan a displeased look. "And least I have opposable thumbs."
"I'm multilingual," Logan retorted.
"I can play guitar!"
"I can use Fury Swipes!"
"I can do makeup on par with Tom Pecheux!"
"You are like brothers also," Jezz murmured.
"Vilepluuume," his Vileplume agreed.
"I am sorry you had nightmares."
"Lily and Maya also had nightmares," Logan replied. "So did Amb and her Pokémon. I think Annastasia and Michio did too because I heard them wake up in the middle of the night. They got up to check on you, but left you alone since you were asleep peacefully."
"I feel awful that my Pokémon hurt them. It was Xatu; I know it was him."
"We gotta do something about Xatu," Jay asserted.
"Where's Xatu now?" asked Logan.
"Probably hanging out with Delcatty, Porygon, and Chimecho somewhere," Jezz answered despondently.
"Ville Vileplume plume plume," said Vileplume.
"Vileplume says that you other Pokémon are trying to help you and Xatu resolve your situation," said Logan.
"But what can be done? He won't listen, not unless…" Jezz let his voice trail off.
"Unless what?" asked Jay.
"Never mind."
XO
While their conversation came to a pause, Jocelyn and Amber were having a great time with Michio, or rather, a great time together while Michio hovered in the background.
"Jocelyn, you are great. You know? I mean, you have almost as many embarrassing stories to tell about your family as I do," Amber snorted. "We should write a book together."
"And what will we call it, Onēsan?" Jocelyn asked.
"Flaa?" Flaafy asked.
"The Morgan and Ketchum Adventures," Amber decided.
"But what if we get married and change our last names?" said Jocelyn.
"I'm not marrying anyone ever. Besides, we can keep our last names like my mom did."
"Good thinking. So, Oniisan, what do you think of our idea?"
"Oh…" Michio started. He sounded distracted. "It…it's great."
"Sweet," Jocelyn chirped.
"Flaaa!"
"He wasn't even listening. He was too busy dreaming of Annastasia. Yuck," said Amber.
"Onēsan isn't yuck," Jocelyn defended. "And neither is Oniisan."
"Flaaaafy!"
"I mean the two of them together is yuck. One day they are going to get all love-love and we'll have to witness it," Amber explained.
"Pika," Pip agreed.
Michio rolled his eyes and ignored Amber, something he was now very used to doing. Amber reached out and tugged on the pendant he had hanging around his neck.
"What's this?" Amber questioned. "More jewelry? I thought earrings would be enough."
Michio pushed her hand away. "It's a gift."
"From who?" Jocelyn asked.
"Fee?"
"Let me guess. It's a gift from Annie," Amber responded, shuddering at the last word.
"As a matter of fact, it is. Are you jealous? Because you look jealous…and desperate," Michio retorted.
"I'm not jealous or desperate!"
"I think that it is nice that she got a present for Oniisan," said Jocelyn. "Why did she give it to you?"
"Because she's nice," Michio replied.
"Oh, but last year you hated her," Amber grumbled. "So, what, she is only nice when she gets you presents?"
"Don't be mean, Onēsan," said Jocelyn.
"Amber is upset because she has two boyfriends and neither of them got her a present," Michio whispered to Jocelyn.
Amber heard the remark and fumed. and became even angrier at the comment.
"They aren't my boyfriends! And if I wanted a present, they would get one for me no matter what," she argued.
"When did she get you the necklace?" Jocelyn asked Michio.
"I am not sure when she made it, but she gave it to me last night," he answered.
"I don't get it," Amber mumbled.
"What?"
"Last year you were all 'I hate everyone, even Pokémon, little kids, and girls'. This year you are all 'look I'm so nice and even the adorable baby electric Pokémon love me'."
Squealing with joy, Plusle and Minun—who were on Michio's shoulders—rubbed their heads against his neck.
Jocelyn giggled and petted the young Pokémon while Flaafy looked on jealously.
"She's right," Jocelyn told Michio. "Last year you didn't like hanging out with us, and then when you and Onēsan came back for Christmas, everything was different. You changed, Oniisan."
"No one changes," Michio replied. "People just…it's complicated."
"If I can understand everyone in this group's family history, then I can understand anything," said Amber. "So can she."
"It's true," Jocelyn confirmed.
"Flaafy," Flaafy agreed.
"People…react…to their situations differently than they'd expect."
"I don't get it," said Jocelyn.
"You have to explain things better," said Amber.
"When I lived with my family, I had a pretty fucked up life," he replied.
"We know," said Amber and Jocelyn together.
"Get to the interesting part," said Jocelyn.
"I hated my lifestyle but I was also addicted to it at the same time," said Michio. "My parents knew I was addicted to living like that, they didn't understand how much I didn't belong there. Kanto…you people…are different from what I was used to conforming to. I was always like this, and I had a huge built-up pressure that was hard to control once I got free. I never hated Annie; she just pissed me off a lot. Then she stopped pissing me off and I got over it."
"That's it?"
"That's it."
"So, now you like people?"
"I still don't like most people…or Pokémon…and I judge people harshly."
"Onēsan says it is wrong to judge people," said Jocelyn.
"I am nice to people I like, and if I don't like someone, then I don't like them. That's just how I am."
"I like you Oniisan. You are one of my favorite persons."
"Fee," Flaafy concurred.
"I like you too," Michio replied. "Amb, you aren't so bad. I'm guessing you are just fizzed out because of your little lady dilemma."
Amber's face flushed red with a combination of embarrassment and fury. Jocelyn picked up on the reference and laughed, her Pokémon following her lead.
"What do you know and who told you?!" she retorted.
"It probably had something to do with Annie sending me down to the pharmacy to get your supplies," Michio replied.
"Oh, Amber I am so happy that happened to you!" Jocelyn beamed. "Soon I will be next."
Jocelyn and Flaafy both hugged Amber as she sighed tiredly.
"Ewe, Jocelyn. It's not something you look forward too," Amber groaned as she peeled Jocelyn off her. She turned to Michio. "You're a jerk. Maybe you haven't changed."
Michio shrugged. "You're beet-red but it's not something to be embarrassed about."
"Uh…huh? Yes, it is. It's one of the most awful things ever—not that you would know."
"You hurt, don't you?"
"I…well…yeah."
"You're hurt, you're grumpy, and it's okay."
"It hurts? Why?" Jocelyn asked, worried growing on her face.
"Because…" Amber coughed. "Never mind. I don't want to talk about it."
XO
Off in the distance, Annastasia was ahead of everyone along Mewtwo, Lucario, and Sandshrew. Annastasia's Lelen, Wobbuffet, Espeon, and Xerneas led them through the woods.
"I think maybe if we are not around the kids will be more focused on capturing Pokémon. Sometimes I think they feel pressured to do well because I am watching them, and then they overthink things and fail," Annastasia told Mewtwo.
"Perhaps," he replied. "Your brother and cousin seem like good communicators."
"You mean Jay and Jezz."
"Yes."
"I don't know if he is really our cousin. As much as I pride my self on being honest, I think all I did was confuse him and everyone else who heard me explain the family situation. I was serious when I said we have no solid proof."
"You will have proof once you talk to his parents," Lucario pointed out.
"I know everyone in my family and Team Rocket thinks they know who his mother is, but I am holding onto my doubt. I mean, how does someone secretly have a kid? She was in a Team Rocket prison. What were the guards and other workers doing? Drinking? Sleeping? I think there is someone out there who we don't know about."
"And after this is resolved, what do you plan on doing with your life?" Sandshrew queried.
Annastasia rubbed her chin. "I suppose I will continue doing what I am doing now: working for Team Rocket, watching over the kids, training Pokémon, the advocacy thing..."
"And what have you done thus far?"
"I got the president of the Alola Pokémon League to ban the use of locked Pokéballs, convinced the major Pokéball manufacturing companies in every region to stop making them with locks attached, and the biggest thing that just happened is I got a license so that our house in Silverville is an official Pokémon sanctuary. So even though I will be using mostly my own money to fund it, the government will pay too. Before those tax dollars were being used to fund mines that looked for evolutionary stones, but since a scientist in Sinnoh recently discovered how to make artificial evolutionary stones that work just as effectively, we don't need the mines anymore. No mines mean more land, and I am going to buy that land and have it reserved for animals and Pokémon only."
"Jezz is a distraction to you."
"Is that all you have to say? No 'good work'? No 'thanks, A'?"
"You'd have accomplished more if it weren't for your preoccupation with him."
"He is a good distraction. You, on the other hand, are a bad distraction. And it's like I said before: the means are just as important as the ends."
"I disagree."
"Sounds like—"
She was interrupted by a loud roar and the cries of terrified children. Then they heard what sounded like Lucario's Aura Sphere loading, and the ground shook. Annastasia and the Pokémon ran in the direction of the noise.
"Benny! Takeshi! Lucario!" she shouted.
"Look what I got!" Takeshi called back.
Lucario, Benny, and Takeshi came into sight. All three were covered in mud and leaves. Lucario wore a scowl but Takeshi and Benny's faces were lit with joy.
"I caught Jangmo-o!" Takeshi announced excitedly.
"Jann," the Pokémon sighed.
Takeshi was carrying Jangmo-o in his arms. He put the Pokémon down and she got to work cleaning the mud off her body.
"She was stuck in a tree, so I had Typhlosion help me and Benny climb up it so that we could talk to her," said Takeshi. "We agreed to come with us, but then two enormous Nidoking came out of the woods and charged at the tree. Lucario used his Aura Sphere to fight them off, but their Earthquake attack made the ground shake so much and so Benny, Jangmo-o, and I fell out of the tree and landed in the mud," Takeshi explained.
"No one was hurt," Annastasia breathed.
"Nope!" the boys answered together.
"I'm proud of you and glad you're safe."
"Thanks, A," Takeshi said, blushing at her compliment.
Annastasia scanned Jangmo-o with her Pokedex.
"Jangmo-o has the pride of a warrior but remains humble about its capabilities. Jangmo-o is a hardworking and loyal Pokémon," said Annastasia's Pokedex.
"Sweet," she remarked. "This is my first time seeing a Jangmo-o up close."
"Whoa, really?" said Benny.
"Really."
"But you've been to Alola several times, and you've captured so many awesome Pokémon," said Takeshi.
"Yes, but not this one. I'm glad you're excited about this. Jangmo-o, welcome to the family."
"Ja," Jangmo-o replied, bowing her head.
Annastasia's Wobbuffet, Star, Lil-G, Bleu, Abnoba, and Lelen patted and praised their new companion.
Takeshi's other Pokémon also gave their welcome.
"Would you like to be on my team?" Takeshi asked Jangmo-o.
"Jan," she said with a nod.
Takeshi temporarily put Jangmo-o in a Pokéball, and then released her to officially seal their partnership.
"If you want, you can stay out here with us," said Takeshi.
Jangmo-o shook her head 'no', then pressed the Pokéball's button and dissolved back into the capsule.
"Jangmo-o? Are you okay?" Takeshi inquired as he gently shook the Pokeball.
"Jaaaa," the Pokémon yawned from inside the ball.
Annastasia laughed. "I think you caught the one lazy Jangmo-o that exists in Alola."
"Oh…darn…" Takeshi sighed.
"At least you got a Pokémon," said Benny. "It's better than no Jangmo-o at all."
"Totally."
Annastasia checked her watch then gestured for the boys to look her way.
"It's almost time to meet up with the others," she announced. "Let's start heading towards the spot."
XO
It was late in the afternoon and the group of Alolan explorers were getting ready to eat dinner at the local Pokémon Center.
"Today was a great day," Jocelyn sighed as she took a seat next to her sister. "Everyone in our group got a new Pokémon."
"I love my Wishiwashi. I can't wait until it changes forms," said Benny. "I can't believe I caught such an awesome Pokémon."
"I am glad I got Fomantis; I love grass-types," said June.
"I'm glad I got a Fomantis as well," said Jezz. "I will name mine Cherry because his eyes remind me of them."
"Cool nickname," said Jocelyn.
"Thank you. This is the first time I ever gave a Pokémon a nickname."
"I am going to name my Bounsweet Pinky because he is so pink and cute. Just like Flaafy!"
"Fla fee!" Flaafy Pokémon agreed.
"I hope Yungoose warms up to me," Jay sighed. "He still won't listen to me, Meganium, or Togekiss. I wonder what I am doing wrong."
"I told you they're shitty Pokémon," said Michio.
"Yunnnnn!" Jay and Takeshi's Yungoose yelled at Michio.
"They aren't shitty, they are just…grouchy," Annastasia reasoned. "They won't be as hostile a few days from now. They just have to get used to us. If they absolutely hated you, they wouldn't have agreed to come."
"Unless they were starving and decided that they could use us to get free food," said Sandshrew.
"These Pokémon give off negative energy, but I can tell they are just scared," said Lucario, ignoring Sandshrew's theory.
"I feel that too," said Annastasia.
"And I too," said Mewtwo.
"I hope my Pikipek gets bigger. I want to add it to my arming of flying-types," said Amber.
"I hope that Jangmo-o comes out of her Pokéball soon so that she can interact with all the other Pokémon," said Takeshi.
"How did Abnoba and Star's training go today?" Jay asked Annastasia.
"Awesomely," she replied. "Abnoba and Star both re-learned Teleport. We have been practicing for about a week. I thought it would take longer than that."
"Are you still training Plusle and Minun?"
"Sorta. I didn't train with them much. They spent most of the day with Michio."
"Did you teach them any new moves yet, Oniisan?" Jocelyn queried.
"Nope," he replied.
"Well get to it! Plusle is already very powerful and she is only a baby. If you train her, she could become the greatest Plusle in the world!"
"Minun is pretty powerful too, especially for a Pokémon that has never trained before. I saw him use Thundershock on a mango tree. He made about ten mangos fall from the branches," said Takeshi.
"Jocelyn, since you love electric types and want to help Plusle and Minun get stronger, how about you take over their training?" said Annastasia.
"I would love to! But…I can't; I'm too little," she said sadly.
"Professor Oak gave you a Pokédex," Jay pointed out. "He makes exceptions."
"He wasn't kidding when he said you could go out and catch as many Pokémon as you want," Annastasia added.
"Really?" she replied.
"Yep."
"Wowy! I can train! Wait…I don't know how to train…"
"Michio can help you," Annastasia suggested. "You can train together, as partners."
"Oh, Oniisan, I would love that so much!"
"Feeee!" Flaafy agreed.
"Bounssss!" Pinky added.
"And my Pokémon can help too," she added.
"Yeah… sure…" Michio sighed, smiling half-heartedly at the lit little girl. He coughed. "Jocelyn; Let's be partners."
"Yay!"
Jocelyn hooked her arm around Michio on his left side and Flaafy did the same to his right. Plusle and Minun climbed on his shoulders while Bounsweet attached himself to Jocelyn. Annastasia chuckled.
"No regrets, right?" Annastasia asked Michio.
"Not yet," he mumbled.
"A, we can help too," said Logan. "Right, Lily? Maya? I mean we are some of the coolest, smartest, and overall greatest Pokémon around."
"Sure," said Lily.
"I can help with whatever you want," said Maya.
"That is very sweet of you," Annastasia replied.
"If you don't mind me asking, what is the plan for tomorrow?" Jezz queried.
"We are going to do more walking, more training, and hopefully make it to a Pokémon Center before dinnertime."
"May I be excused?"
"Of course; you don't have to ask."
"Oh, yes, my apologies."
Jezz left the dining area. Jay and Amber stood up at the same time and looked at each other in confusion.
"I…I was just gonna go check on him," said Jay. "You know, he seemed a little off today."
"That's what I was going to do," Amber responded.
"Why don't you both go?" said Annastasia. "I think he'd like that. Just don't overwhelm him. Remember he likes to have some of his own space, even from you two."
"Okay," Jay and Amber replied.
They walked out into the hall and headed to their dorm rooms. Amber was sharing a room with Jocelyn, Maya, Lily, and June and Jay was sharing with Jezz, Takeshi, Benny, and Logan. Jay knocked on their door several times.
"Yes?" Jezz inquired from the other side of the door.
"It's me and Amb. We wanted to know if you wanted to chill with us. We're finished eating too," Jay responded.
The door opened just a crack. "I…I… I don't feel well. Sorry, maybe tomorrow."
"It's only five. Are you going to stay in there all night? Without any dessert or games?" said Amber.
"I am going to sleep…Bye."
Jezz shut the door, and Jay and Amber heard the clicking sound of it locking. Amber and Jay shrugged and then starting walking back to the cafeteria.
"Maybe Takeshi, Logan, Benny and I should sleep somewhere else tonight," Jay murmured. "I feel sorry for him. I wish there was something we could do to make him get sick less often."
"Yeah, well, I wish that too," Amber said as she pushed open the door to the cafeteria.
"Back so soon?" Jocelyn asked.
"Fee?" said Flaafy.
"Bou?" said Pinky.
"Jezz wants alone time. He says he isn't feeling well," Jay explained.
Annastasia stood. "I should see if he needs anything."
"It seems like he just wants to be alone," said Jay. "He didn't let us come in and I think he locked the door behind us."
"But we're sharing that room!" Logan exclaimed.
"I bet he'll unlock it later and if we knock, he will let us in. He probably just doesn't want maids or random Pokémon disturbing him."
"I'll send him a text, reminding him of my room number," Annastasia said as she returned to her seat. "Still, something is wrong, and I really don't want to be the one to force it out of him."
Sandshrew chuckled mirthlessly. "And imagine how horrible it would be for you if something like that happened."
XO
In the Next Chapter:
- A Flashback Dream
- Unnecessarily Awkward Sleeping Situations
- The Heat
XO
Trivia:
- The lyrics at the beginning of this chapter are from the song 'One Day' by Nick Howard. That song provided much inspiration for this fic.
- Today, December 22, is Michio, Rose, and Silver's birthdays:) Michio is 18 years older than the twins and Rose is six minutes older than Silver.