A/N: This one is a bit longer than planned. Forgive me.
-Chapter 4: The City of Coal -
Everything is… everything is… unclear… foggy… distorted… disoriented…
There is no up. There is no down. Gravity doesn't exist. She can only drift along with the rose bubbles that float carelessly in every direction. Is there even any direction?
'Insight… insight…'
That voice again… it's there, but it's not there. It's everywhere, but it's nowhere…
'Insight… find The Insight…'
She finds herself able to speak. Her own voice is quiet, but it seems to drift everywhere. "Who are you…?"
'Find it… find… The Insight…'
"I… I don't know what that is," Mia responds, trying to turn herself around to see what could be around. All she sees are the drifting pearls. "You took me from my home… and you never gave me a clue on what it is. What is it? Who are you?!"
' ...Insight... here… it's here… here… here...'
"It's here? With me? I don't get it!" Mia cries out at the voice. "What are you talking about?! You have to tell me! You can't expect me to find something if I don't know what it is! Tell me! Please! Then, I can help you at least!"
'It's here… here… here… here…'
"Please! What is it?! How would I know if I found it?!"
'... Fate…'
This caught her off guard. "Wh-what…?"
'Fate cannot be avoided… but it can be altered.'
"That… That doesn't help with anything! Why can't you just find it yourself?!"
'Find… The Insight. It is… here…'
"Stop saying that! Just tell me! Tell me!"
'It is here… here… here… HERE!'
- OoOoOoOo -
Her heart nearly leaps out her chest. Mia gasps as she opens her eyes, being met with a pair of pink ones that seem to slightly widen now. Everything is confusing. Trying to make sense of everything feels like a hard task for several seconds. Meeting her eyes now is a hand offering a bowl of cut vegetables topped over rice. The smell of the food is enough to bring her senses back together.
Nurse Joy is patient with her. She pushes the bowl a little closer, speaking carefully. "Here. You should eat. You slept pretty long… but you're feeling much better. Food will bring you back to full speed in no time."
Mia carefully takes the bowl with both hands. Her eyes fall on the rising steam dancing from the meal. It drifts so gently… just like the dream she just had.
The ghost spoke to her again. It mentioned something about it being here now. The Insight? Fate? Or… is it both?
She doesn't understand why she and her brother got pulled into this… when there are so many other people in this world. Why chose someone from another world?
She wasn't pulled here to play hero… was she?
She was told to travel to find answers…
- 0000 -
Later, Mia stands at the far East side of the city. She stares down the small flight of steps that leads to yet… another dirt path. The route is straightforward, but it's much wider, and the land isn't as flat. Hills keep rising the further it goes until a small mountain stands as a barrier. Is it a mountain? A cliffside? It's not easy to determine.
Route 203.
Despite being so close to a big town, this path retains its relaxed, natural atmosphere.
Mia frowns at the map. Big town? This route is between Jubilife and Oreburgh City. There is no town until Sandgem, which isn't so large…
Maybe it was a typo?
After speaking with Johanna, Mia decided that the best thing to do is to try to understand her Pokémon better. She never wanted a Turtwig, or the two Pokémon that she captured yesterday… but not much can be done now. Maybe it's about time she steps out of her comfort zone.
That... is going to be difficult. While it is something every trainer must do, Mia finds it a daunting task so far. What happened was that every order was ignored, or Razorleaf simply shot daggers every time she tried to talk to him. It's hard to tell if he's angry with her, or he simply just hates her. Did he understand her when she complained about ending up with him? Pokémon can comprehend some human speech, and now Mia wonders how much a Turtwig can understand. Maybe Pokémon know more than just simple orders. Maybe they can structure a sentence. If she sat down and had a conversation with him, will he understand her fluently, or just enough to get around?
Her sneakers kick up a cloud of dirt due to her heavy landing. She had the irresistible urge to jump down the short steps. Now that she has officially entered the route, she can take a look around and see what it has to offer.
The dirt path is straightforward, giving obvious directions on where to go. She follows it briefly, until she catches sight of a small patch of tall grass. What lurks inside are the usual: Starly, Bidoof… wait, what is that?
It's floating from the ground, which is quite a sight to see. Its small yellow body has fox-like features. Its shoulders and chest are layered with a thicker coat of brown fur. Its tail is long, and it somehow stays off the ground. It appears to be sleeping, but at the same time, it's drifting. Maybe it's awake… or maybe it's sleeping while drifting…?
Picking up the Pokédex, its information is pulled.
(Sinnoh Number 020.
Abra, the Psi Pokémon.
Its typing is: Psychic. Using its psychic power is such a strain on its brain that it needs to sleep for 18 hours a day.)
Mia releases a small gasp, and she says softly; "Eighteen…?"
The number alone is unbelievable. That's more than half a day. It sleeps its life away. How can anyone live like that? At this very moment… it must be sleeping.
Wait. It's sleeping.
'This is great.' Mia thinks so. Her bag is slung in front of her, and she removes a tiny Pokéball from the front pocket. If she catches this… maybe it will be a nice one among the group. Sure, it will sleep a lot but… it will wake up eventually, right?
She creeps up on it. It still drifts.
She creeps closer. It seems sound asleep.
She taps the top of the capsule. It grows to its regular size.
The Abra is yet to try to run or battle. This is too easy. She'll have a full party in no time. Maybe she'll do better than her twin brother, who is always one step ahead of her. Yes, this is perfect. There is something she can rub in his face now.
Not even a moment of hesitation arrives. She tosses the capsule with all her might.
To her surprise, it arches over the Abra's head and hits the ground instead with a pong.
Okay, so maybe her aim isn't perfect. If she tries to go over there to retrieve it, she might risk waking it up. Pulling out another small one, it grows in size, and she tosses that one next.
It soars right past the Abra's right side this time. It lands on the grass and bounces away.
"Okay. Seriously?" she mutters with a quiet growl. How did she manage to get a weakened Zubat, but she can't land a good aim on a sleeping Pokémon? Forget it. She has one more. Pulling it out and reverting it to normal, she tosses it, a little more careful this time.
The capsule bounces off the Abra on the head, startling it. Before the Pokémon could realize what happened, the Pokéball opens, and the Abra's body glows a bright white-blue before being sucked inside. The Pokéball shuts and falls to the ground.
It rocks once. The button glows yellow.
It rocks twice…
Three times now…
The button flashes red now, and the capsule bursts open with a brilliant display of light. The Abra is freed, shaking its head. Immediately afterwards, it curls into a ball and thins itself out of existence.
After several seconds of confusion and surprise, Mia finds her voice and asks herself; "Did it just… vanish…?"
What happened?
Mia quickly rushes to where the Abra was before. The Pokéball it broke out of has snapped in half, completely unusable now. She looks ahead, seeing the two that missed the Abra sitting on the ground. She walks over to them and retrieves them both, tapping the tops to shrink them back. They are dropped back in the pocket, and she zips it up before letting out a frustrated groan.
Always try to weaken a Pokémon before catching it. Seems that tip she heard in school was right.
"I guess I'll just keep going then," she says. She makes the decision to pull away from the grass. A part of her is hoping a Starly doesn't pop out to attack her. As she keeps walking, she checks the map again and makes note of where Oreburgh is located. Its straightforward. Maybe she does have to cross the cave… or whatever it is at the end of the hilly route.
"I just have to face the gym leader. If I can get a gym badge… I can show Johanna and Professor Rowan I am okay on my own." Mia tells herself.
"Hmph! In your dreams! Only a Skilled trainer can defeat a gym leader like a level 2 Starly," says a familiar voice.
That jerk…
Mia turns around quickly. Marlen is walking down the path, coming her way. She silently begs this meeting will be brief.
Seeing him removing his earbuds from his ears tells her that it won't be.
"So, I'm guessing you are planning to take on Roark are you?" He asks, nicer than normal.
"Uh… yeah," Mia answers quietly. She doesn't know what to expect from him.
He finds this amusing, letting out a small chuckle. His tone shifts to his usually mockery. "Really? I don't think someone as spineless as you can come close to defeating Roark."
Trying to go past the insult, Mia asks him a question. "Roark? Who's that? You mean he's the gym leader? Of course I do! And I'll will, too!"
Marlen starts to laugh. What's so funny? "You are really going to challenge him? I'll like to see you try! Too bad for you. I already have my coal badge."
Mia watches him reach into his pocket, pulling out his gym case. She steps forward quickly, reaching for it. "Let me see-"
Marlen slaps the hand away, causing her to step away in fright. "No!" he shouts. "I don't want your dirty hands touching this! Your weakness is contagious!"
Mia steps back again, staring at his angry expression for several seconds. His words sink in, and it hurts. She grabs her wrist, feeling a bit intimidated. She can feel the light sting where she was hit. No words come out of her mouth.
"Don't stare at me," Marlen says as he steps forward. The action alone makes her look down. "I don't know who you are to think you can just touch my stuff. Move."
As much as she wants to, her feet won't budge. Normally when Marlen stands in front of her like this, Will would step in and tell him to back off. Recently, Lucas pushed Marlen away. Now, she has no one to stand up for her anymore. She doesn't want to be pushed around by him anymore. He got away with so much, even as far as pushing her into the pond by her home, knowing she can't swim. It was thankfully shallow…
"Hello? Are you deaf?" Marlen asks, annoyed with her even more. "I said move, stupid!"
"I'm not stupid!" Mia shouts, hating that word more than anything.
"Yes, you are," Marlen says, stepping closer. "Move it. Or else."
"Please, just leave me alone! I never did anything to you!" Mia begs him. "You can just walk around me- dah!" She is pushed back by a pair of hands. It's enough to make her trip and fall on her behind. She looks at his angry expression, and he bucks his head forward, making her quickly turn her attention back to the ground. She hates this. She feels her eyes getting warm, and she tries so hard to fight it.
"Go ahead and cry, you stupid crybaby!" Marlen shouts at her.
"I'm not a crybaby!" Mia shouts back at him, which she instantly regrets, because he comes forward and she shrinks, shielding her face.
Marlen doesn't come any closer. He crosses his arms. "Just as I said. You're spineless. What are you gonna do, huh? Your brother isn't here to save you."
He's right. Just as she realized before, Will isn't here to protect her. She hopes that he would miraculously show up, but he won't. Things just don't work that way.
Something catches his interest, and he bends down a bit. He points a single finger towards her waist. "You actually have a Pokédex? You out of all people?"
Mia doesn't answer this time. She's too scared to try, afraid of what her answer would lead to. Seeing how quick he moves startles her, and she moves back just before his hand could grab the device.
"Give it to me. It doesn't belong to you." Marlen demands, before he tries to grab it again. He is annoyed as she moves back. "You don't need that! Give it to me!"
The professor gave the device to her. If she were to lose it, he'll be disappointed. If she allows it to he stolen, he might lose his head since it holds so much precious research. Marlen has taken so much from Mia before, but she can't let him take the Pokédex. As scared as she is, she won't let him have it. She scoots further back, and it seems to be the last straw.
The boy is quick, bending down and snatching the device, but Mia grabs his hands and tries to pull them away. Marlen growls at this. "Give it to me, you dumb idiot! I deserve this Pokédex! Not you!"
"Stooop! Just stop it!" Mia screams at him, struggling against his strength. "You can't have it! Just leave me alone!"
Marlen yells at her now. "I said, give it to me! It's mine!"
"No!"
"I always get what I want, and you know that!" Marlen raises a hand now, making her cowar. "If you don't give it to me, I'll-"
The sound of a bursting Pokéball is followed by a display of light. Marlen moves back quickly and ducks as a screeching Zubat soars over his head. The Pokémon makes a u-turn and swoops down again, forcing Marlen a good distance away from Mia.
Mia is breathing hard with her hand pressed against the belt. Just in time, she managed to send out Batty. She acted out of fear, not thinking much of how things would follow. She slowly stands, unsure of what could happen next.
"Aaagh!" Marlen waves his hands around before yanking a Pokéball from his own belt. "Stupid Zubat!"
Once it is harshly tossed, a familiar penguin creature is summoned out.
He has THE Piplup!
Marlen angrily sends out his order. "Get rid of it with Buble!"
His Piplup didn't hesitate. It fired a stream of bubbles that shoot Batty, knocking her back.
Mia gasps as her Zubat hits the ground, soaked with water. She is quick to her feet, stepping back a bit at the sight of Piplup waddling closer. "Batty! Get up! It's gonna get you!"
Batty's wings hit the ground a few times until she manages to balance herself on her two tails… which turn out to be legs, apparently. She is airborne in seconds, screeching loudly for all to hear.
What moves does she know? Mia checks her Pokédex quickly.
Leech Life and Supersonic.
Mia sends her first order. "Batty! Leech Life!"
Batty soars forward and swoops down at the Piplup, but she didn't attack. All she did was make the Pokémon jump back. Batty continues to dive and swoop with every chance she gets, frustrating the Piplup who wants it to end.
"No! What are you doing?!" Mia shouts at her. "You're supposed to fight it!"
Marlen has enough of this silly display. "Piplup! Use Peck!"
The Piplup ducks its head, and the Zubat flies past. Quickly, Piplup jumps and jabs its beak at Batty's belly. The force knocks Batty upwards before gravity sends her crashing to the ground. Piplup lands nearby with an angry chirp as Batty remains still.
Mia jumps at the sound of her Pokédex releasing a long beep. It sounds very similar to what she heard in the Trainer's School. Looking at the led light, it is a solid red.
Batty is unconscious. How strong is that Piplup? Or... is the Zubat weak?
Mia quickly recalls Zubat back inside her Pokéball. She clips the capsule back on the belt and picks another while taking another step back.
"Go ahead!" Marlen challenges her with a shout. "Throw it!"
With a bit of hesitation, Mia throws the Pokéball, not caring who comes out. She holds her breath as she watches the light form into a shape. What she sent out was the very Psyduck that caught itself. Glancing at the Pokédex, she sends an order. "Psyduck! Scratch!"
"Piplup! Pound!" Marlen sends his own command, and his Piplup sprints forward. The Pokémon leaps and lands on its stomach, sliding towards Psyduck like a skateboard down a hill.
Psyduck on the other hand just stands there, appearing to be in another world. Mia is forced to watch as Piplup jumps back up at the last second. It slams its feet against Psyduck's chest, sending her staggering back with a startled quack.
"No!" Mia shouts in terror. "You have to Scratch it! Scratch it!"
Psyduck has her footing again, but instead of attacking, she tilts her head back and sprays water from her bill, and it rains back down on her. Is she washing away the pain, or is she confused?
"Water Sport?" Marlen appears a bit confused.
"No, no!" Mia grabs her head. "Why isn't anyone listening to me! Come on! You have to help me! Scratch!"
Marlen huffs at this. "Piplup, use Peck."
The Piplup jumps and jabs the top of Psyduck's head with its beak. The impact is strong, and Psyduck cries out as she falls face first into the ground. Piplup jumps back, leaving her to shake in pain.
What should she do? Should she send out Razorleaf? He won't listen to her at all, but…
Psyduck rolls to her back, gripping her head tightly as she kicks her feet, honking endlessly. This sight scares Mia.
"Piplup! Peck!" Marlen orders again.
This gives Mia the decision to call Psyduck back and grab the Pokéball closest to the buckle. She sends out her Turtwig, who lands right in the path in front of the attacking Piplup. He had no time to take in what is going on, and he's met with a nasty peck against his forehead. His cry is the worst Mia ever heard. He drops to the floor as his pain-filled cries drag on.
Her Pokédex is beeping now, warning her about his critical damage.
How much did that single Peck do?!
"Razorleaf!" Mia gasps.
Razorleaf slowly stands. His cries reduced to shaking chirps. He shakes his head and staggers, struggling to stay on his feet.
"Nice move, idiot." Marlen insults her once again. "Sending out a grass-type to take a hit from a flying-type move? It's common knowledge that grass-types are weak against flying-type attacks!"
"Peck was a flying-type move…?" Mia truly feels like an idiot now. If Piplup were to be part flying, Razorleaf would had fainted for sure! She looks at Razorleaf, who manages to send her a heated glare. "I… I didn't know! I'm sorry!"
Razorleaf stumbles as he takes a step forward.
She has to think fast. "Tackle! Use Tackle! Tackle!"
The Turtwig opens his beak instead, spitting out a single green orb that soars towards the Piplup. As soon as it makes impact, green light is pulled from Piplup's body, traveling inside Razorleaf's mouth. The Piplup struggles and tries to pull away from this, but it seems stuck in one spot until it stops. Piplup falls back as Razorleaf closes his mouth.
The Pokédex stops flashing red. Mia is confused. She saw that technique so many times from Johnny's Budew. "He used Absorb instead?"
Marlen notices his Piplup shaking its entire body to ease itself from the pain. Looking back at Razorleaf, he laughs, surprisingly. "Your Pokémon are smarter than you, and you wonder why none of them listen? What a joke! Even they can see you aren't worth their time, but they are stuck with you!"
"That's…" Mia refuses to listen to that. It can't be the case. Her Pokémon are just being stubborn, right? "That's not true! Razorleaf… Absorb!"
Razorleaf appears surprised to hear this command. He looks back at the Piplup in worry.
Marlen scoffs. "And you chose to keep him in battle?" He looks at his Piplup now. "End this with Peck."
Razorleaf crouches down as Piplup charges forward. Instead of following the order, he sprints forward, lowering his head.
Now he chooses to use Tackle?!
"No! Stop! That's not super effective!" Mia shouts at him. "Razorleaf! I told you to stop!"
Piplup springs up, avoiding the attack with ease. Razorleaf skids to a stop and turns around quickly, only to be met with a painful peck against his head. A painful cry escapes his mouth again as he is knocked to the dirt. He remains still on the ground. The Pokédex releases a long beep once again.
"No…" Mia can only stare at his beaten body. What should she do? If she sends back out the Psyduck, she might not be able to do much. From what the Pokédex calculated while she rests inside the Pokéball, another attack might just knock her out. There's nothing she can do.
Marlen calls his Piplup back. As he puts away the Pokéball, he walks closer until he reaches Razorleaf. "Even a weak starter like a Turtwig didn't deserve you." He watches the Pokémon's body being pulled into its Pokéball.
Mia sees him approaching, and she swaps Pokéballs quickly.
"Are you sure you want to do that?"
There is no response. She doesn't know what to say.
He stands in front of her now, and Mia feels frightened.
Mia doesn't budge. However, as soon as he grabs her shoulders, she tries to push him back. "Stop!" Her hands move to the Pokédex, but he tries to pull them away. She presses her hands as hard as she can, but he moves one of his hands and unclips the chain from her belt loop. Mia clings on to the device as he begins to pull it away. A harsh kick against her ankle is enough to make her step away while releasing the Pokédex. She watches helplessly as Marlen holds the item in his hands now.
"The professor thought I didn't deserve one, but he gave you one? He's an idiot, who works with that idiot Lucas. He gives a Pokédex to a crybaby idiot… he needs to retire and let someone with common sense hand these out." Marlen pockets the item.
"Please… give it back…" Mia begins to beg.
"What are you going to do?" Marlen pushes her back again. "Go ahead and send out your little Psyduck. Go ahead, you little baby!"
Mia is pushed back again. She shuts her eyes, feeling the tears starting to fall now. "Stop it!"
"There's the little crybaby! Cry! Cry! See who's gonna help you! Guess what? Nobody will!" Marlen pushes again, but a pair of hands grab his shoulders and pulls him back. He turns around quickly and freezes.
It's the man with the brown trench coat, Looker. The officer stands firm. His grey eyes stare down at the boy who appears a bit timid now. "What are you doing? Whatever game you're playing doesn't seem so fun."
"I was… just having a battle," Marlen says, somewhat timid.
"Didn't seem like it was just a battle," Looker says as he extends a hand towards the boy. "Give it back."
"What…?"
"Have you ever heard the saying; 'Don't be a thief'?" Looker asks, pulling his fingers now.
There is a long stretch of silence. Mia notices how uncomfortable Marlen appears to be. Before, he would back off and make a smart remark to anyone that pushed him. This time around, his rude behavior has dissolved.
He pulls the Pokédex out his pocket, and he sets it on the officer's hand.
"You're free to go. Thank you for cooperating," Looker says. He keeps an eye on the boy as he walks past him, heading back to Jubilife.
Mia catches an angry glance from Marlen. It's clear that she just got lucky. If Looker didn't show, she would have lost something very important. Facing the professor would not be something she would look forward to.
"Ah. Trainer. You aren't hurt, are you?"
Mia was so lost in her thoughts, she almost didn't hear him. "Huh?"
"I asked if you are unharmed."
"Oh… I'm fine," Mia answers. "Thanks…"
Looker hands her back the Pokédex. "Professor Rowan only hands these out to trainers he believes has potential. When I look at you, you are very green. There is so much more for you to learn. However… you aren't bad, either."
She isn't bad? It doesn't feel that way. It really hasn't for the past week, but it's good to hear someone who has faith in her besides Johanna.
"Well! I only came by when I heard commotion. Just a child making mischief! Now that it's settled, I shall be on my way-"
"Wait!"
Looker looks at her funny due to her sudden outburst.
Seeing this, she is quick to apologize. "Sorry. It's just… can you take me to Oreburgh City?"
"Hm. Oreburgh?" Looker places a hand under his chin in thought. "If the professor gave you a Pokédex, I'm sure you have a town map as well. I'm in the middle of a case. I can't guide you anywhere at the moment. I really shouldn't be speaking with you unless you have a lead, but we would have to speak in private-"
Mia doesn't exactly want to hold him from his work, but after what just happened, she feels uneasy about everything. "Can you at least cross the route with me?"
The detective looks at her, but he doesn't turn her down. He releases a sigh, waving a hand in a circular motion. "Alright. I'll cross the rest of the route with you. It seems you had enough trouble today."
"Thank you." Mia bows. "I'm sorry if-"
"No. Don't apologize. This gives me an opportunity to take a good look at this route. I am yet to fully cover the area," Looker says as he adjusts his tie. He walks ahead of her, signalling her to follow.
It is a quiet walk the rest of the way. They follow the path until it ends at the edge of a hill. Climbing it reveals quite the sight. Mia turns to her left, met with a massive stretch of a green field overgrown with tall grass. A small pond is surrounded by a few curious trainers. Looking back, Mia can see the entire route leading all the way back to the city.
"Don't get distracted. This way." Looker calls her.
Mia quickly resumes her walk until she's stopped byrocky barrier. She walks alongside it, meeting Looker by the mouth of what looks like another cave.
"Straight there is Oreburgh Path. All you have to do is keep walking straight to reach the other side. You'll find yourself in the city in no time."
"Thank you, Mr. Looker. Really." Mia bows again. She thought he was a strange man at first but… he seems to always be filled with energy, and ready to go.
"No need to thank me," Looker says. "I shall be off! If we ever do meet again, inform me of any suspicious activity!"
The detective sprints his way back down the hill. Since the close is clear in his case, he's not acting so sneaky as he was before.
All that has to be done now is to cross Oreburgh Path. The idea of going inside another cave isn't so pleasant. After what happened in Ravaged Path, she is surprised she made it out alright. She was cleaned up in the Pokémon Center. Surprisingly, the Zubat bites were so little, no bandages were needed. Still… to go inside a cave again...
No. Lingering around will do no good. If she foolishly returns to Jubilife, Looker's escort would have been for nothing. It would be a waste of time.
Peering inside, the bright outside makes it impossible to see inside the much darker cave. After a bit of hesitation, Mia pushes herself to step inside. It's terribly dark at first, but her eyes catch sight of a light just several yards away. It's straightforward, just as Looker described it.
Walking further down the dark and rocky environment, it seems to branch off to another path down her left. She won't bother with it yet, but even if she could… she fears getting lost. Her memory isn't the best, and she'll surely forget how she got from one point to another.
The closer she gets to the end, the closer she is to the gym leader. The words that Marlen told her… is she really too weak to take him on? If Marlen managed to take down most of her team with a single Pokémon, then maybe she is no good. Maybe he was…
No. He's not right. Just as Looker said, she's a green trainer. The idea is for her to be a traveling trainer so that no suspicion will grow, since what she is looking for must be sacred.
The main problem now is that she can't go far with a party full of disobedient Pokémon. If what Marlen said is true, maybe they do see her as a burden.
No… wait. Maybe his words are getting into her head again. Or… maybe he was right?
She makes the decision to talk to the professor as soon as she finds a Pokémon Center. He'll set her head straight.
Stepping into the light at last, while the rocky terrain doesn't leave her feet, her eyes land on a bustling city that stands before her. The distant sounds of hammering and running engines were cut off from inside the passage way.
The buildings aren't as tall or structured like Jubilife's are. Short houses have a slanted roof, and they are built sturdy. The tall buildings have several windows and rising rooftops filled with vents. The roads are made out of lighter-colored dirt. Anything else is dark and littered with gravel. The smell of freshly churned dirt is strong here.
Carefully, Mia walks to the edge of a small flight of stairs. Stepping down slowly, she catches sight of yellow-hat workers taking the same path down South. Their green uniforms are coated with black dust and dirt. It's smeared on their faces.
This environment is entirely different from Jubilife.
This has to be it. She made it to her next destination.
Oreburgh City. City of Energy.
A vibrant and energetic mining town that is blessed with a precious natural resource.
There is a Gym where mine workers take breaks in between their exhaughting work shifts.
Curious, Mia takes the same path as the workers did. Heading down, there are blue air vents attached to the ground along the path. What their purpose could be is something she can't think of.
It seems that a nearby child found one. Their little hands grab the edge of a vent, and they lean their head towards one of the gaps before shouting a loud "Hello!" Their voice carries down the vent, sending the message for whoever may hear.
RRRACHOO!
The response sounded like a screech. The child finds themself on the ground, completely caught off guard. Mia steps forward to check on them, but the child is quick to their feet, and they laugh.
Seems they are alright.
The path takes a turn, and Mia follows it. She passes a few more houses, but she slows to a stop the instant her eyes land on a massive and long building with a rounded brown roof. It stands out more than anything. Double glass doors are the way in and out, windows are against the wall, and half of a Pokéball symbol is glowing white just above the doors.
A nearby and rounded grey sign stands proudly nearby.
Oreburgh City Pokémon Gym.
Leader: Roark.
"Call me Roark the Rock!"
Her heart begins to thunder. She feels chills traveling through her body. This is… a Pokémon Gym. This is what they talked about. The gym leader inside is Roark. If she can earn his badge…
If she can… but her Pokémon…
Mia sighs as she keeps walking. There is no way she can enter that gym when her party is worn down and in need of attention. She begins to search for the red-colored roof. More workers walk past. Residents seem to wave at them. Kids are running back and forth, probably playing a game of tag.
It was a long walk, but the dirt road makes a turn down South along a fence. Across the fences are more houses and workers. The construction sounds are nearby now, and the Pokémon Center is in sight. Her pace quickens into a jog, and she minds her manners as she passes a few people along the way.
She stands in front of the building in no time. However, just down south… she sees the source of the construction sounds. Bulldozers and tractors push and shove mountains of dirt and coal across the clay ground. Hard hat workers carry cargo, accompanied by strange muscular blue creatures that are no taller than a toddler. The fact some carry a massive boulder three times their size throws Mia off.
She pulls out her Pokédex carefully.
(Sinnoh Number 040.
Machop, the Superpower Pokémon.
Its typing is: Fighting. Though small in stature, it is powerful enough to easily heft and throw a number of Geodude at once.)
"What's a Geodude?" She finds herself muttering quietly. She'll find out later. Right now, the Pokémon Center should be a priority.
- 0000 -
"Hmm… so you're having a bit of trouble with your Pokémon…" Rowan says from the PC screen. "You caught two, and you have the one I gave you. But… none of them want to hear a word from you?"
"Yeah," Mia admits bitterly. "They just don't listen to me. What am I doing wrong?"
"Pokémon do not want to be ordered around by a weak-spirited person."
That was a gut punch. Mia was not expecting that answer at all. All she can do is just stare at him, because she doesn't know how else to react.
He called her weak. Just like Marlen did. Sure, Marlen was a bully, but to hear that from the professor?!
"Don't take it personal. I have no intentions to hurt your feelings." The professor begins to clarify. "I just need you to remember that Pokémon are-"
"I know. Intelligent creatures…" Mia finishes the sentence.
He nods, and he continues. "In the wild, Pokémon follow the strongest among them. It's instinct. Those living among humans want to be trained by someone who has confidence. If you appear weak, they think you'll make them weak, so of course it's only natural they'll disobey."
Those words sting to hear. Mia can't easily accept it. "So… they see me as weak?"
"Very. They don't want to be ordered around by a pushover."
Okay, that was too harsh. But, she should have expected it. The professor has been known to never sugarcoat anything. His criticism is straightforward, and it stings. It doesn't help that he even looks intimidating to most people, so many are afraid of speaking to him.
"What you need to do is show them who is in control. I know you're not the type of person to want to take control, or shout to get your way. You're a very nice person… perhaps too nice. You show no discipline, little confidence, so your Pokémon are probably wondering how they ended up with you." The professor explains. "Your brother on the other hand, he's not having this problem."
Her brother? "Wait! You spoke to him?!" Mia leans closer to the screen.
"Yes, he called me early this morning. He already won his first gym badge. He wants you to catch up. But, you've always been a little slow. It's not always a bad thing."
"Yeah… I know." Mia sighs. It's no surprise to hear her brother is already well ahead of her. When will she see him?
"I know you can do better, Mia. Training Pokémon is no easy task. You don't have to be harsh or scream at them to prove you are tough. No, no. That's not what I am telling you to do. You can find a way to gain their trust another way. Kindness can work, but you have to learn when to be firm. You have to know when to say no. Don't plead with them. Show them that you mean what you say, and do not hesitate."
The last sentence felt like it was directed towards her alone. Mia slowly nods.
Professor Rowan continues. "They can hear your complaints. They can feel your emotions. Be cautious, always."
"I will, professor. Thank you." Mia bows.
"I'm always listening, and willing to give you advice. Talk to me when you need me. I'll see you then." Rowan cuts the communication from there.
By mere coincidence, a jingle plays out, signalling Mia that her Pokémon have recovered. She meets the nurse at the counter who sets a slotted tray down in front of her, holding all three of the Pokéballs.
"Your Pokémon are fully recovered!" the nurse chirps.
"Thank you." Mia gives her a quick bow before grabbing the three capsules. It's a bit difficult to hold them all at once in both hands, but she doesn't mind. She looks at them carefully, letting out a sigh. "I'm sorry for being mean to all of you earlier. I'm the dumb one here, huh? If you want to beat me up for giving you all so much trouble… I guess I'll deserve it."
She doesn't know if they can hear her or not, but she felt the need to apologize. After speaking to Johanna and Professor Rowan… they are right.
Leaving the Pokémon Center, she isn't sure if she's even ready to take on the gym leader. Not after all that happened.
But maybe, she can take a look inside the gym for a better idea of what she could be up against. She decides to head back to the building. Upon arriving, it dawns on her that the automatic doors aren't responding to her presence. Curious, she walks closer, but they don't budge at all. There are people inside. They are just the yellow-hat workers. She knocks on the glass carefully, and thankfully, one of them notice her.
They come to the doors and use their fingers to pull them open just enough to be heard. "The gym is closed right now."
"What? Closed?" Mia is lost. She was never told that they do close. Then again, it's not like they would run the place without taking any breaks.
"Right. Our gym leader, Roark, is busy working his shift in the mine. There's been a huge order of coal to be shipped to the Fuego Ironworks. Without coal, no fire. No fire means no new parts can be made." The worker pauses, and he speaks again. "Wait. I don't think you would catch that. You're just a little kid…"
"I'm 12…" Mia can't be that little.
"Hmm." The worker doesn't seem to easily accept it. It doesn't matter anyway. "If you are eager to see him, you can't miss him. He's a man with a red hard hat. The mine is South from the Pokémon Center. Just be careful on your way there. The wild Pokémon in the area aren't as timid as the ones in the outside routes."
"Right. Thank you!" Mia runs off in a hurry.
All this traveling is starting to become draining. She has to slow down, remembering that she isn't in shape to run track. There is no need to be in a hurry if he's working, right? Should she bother him or wait? Is there even a hotel located in this city, or does she have to spend a night at the Pokémon Center?
Okay. She needs to take a break from this back and forth travel. Her body is starting to ache.
"You cannot have it!"
The voice is nearby, and they don't sound very happy. She hears other voices… who are protesting.
"Let go!" The voice yells again. It sounds accented, actually.
Wait… it's coming from behind the Pokémon Center, is it? Mia isn't sure if she should try to see what the commotion is, but her curiosity gets the best of her. She cautiously walks around the building until she sees three people. Two look almost identical. They are light blue-haired people with a bowl cut hairstyle. One is longer than the other. But, what Mia can't get over it how ridiculous they look. What are they wearing?
The best way she can describe it is someone trying to dress up as astronauts, but at the same time, the outfit is tighter. It's more… fashionable, she could put it? The sleeves and pants are darker than the main uniform. There is no helmet, thank goodness, but their collars look foolish. It's rounded like it needs a helmet. Is there some sort of event going on?
No… something isn't right. The way the pair tower over the crouching third person is threatening. He has to be the one who spoke.
It's a boy… no, he's clearly a teenager. He's not so deep in the age range. From the looks, he has to be around the same age as Marlen. His yellow eyes are shooting daggers at the two older teens.
"We'll ask you one more time." The one who spoke is the teenage girl with longer hair, who steps closer, extending a hand towards the protective one. "Give us the bag. We know you are hiding something in there."
"I already told you, I cannot. Just leave me be." The victim replies firmly.
The brown bag that they want is fairly big. He keeps it close, tucked under his left arm. A strap is nearly tangled by the shoulder-length dark hair. Through the sun, it's noticeable that it's a very dark shade of purple, and his skin is a very light shade of brown. The teenage boy doesn't seem afraid at all.
"Hand it over!" The female astronaut wanna-be demanded firmly, "Or we'll do it by force!"
"We know there is a rare Pokémon in there, and it will belong to us!" The male spaceman seems to have enough. He closes the gap between them, and he snags the cream-colored fur lined on the collar of the boy's dark-red jacket. However, the boy is quick, sliding a small object from the bag's side pocket and striking the grunt across the arm.
"OUCH!" The male thief staggers back and covers his arm. The sleeve saved his arm, it seems. He glares at the young teen. "Did you just try slash me with a pencil?! Are you crazy?!"
"Do yourself a favor and leave," The young teen responds, as he moves his hand towards his pocket quickly. He pauses as his eyes shift towards Mia's direction.
Oh. He sees her. Did she step out of hiding?
The two others take notice of her as well, and they aren't very pleased.
"Great. We have a witness. What do we do with her?" the male teen asks, very annoyed at this point.
"This is your fault, genius," the female grumbles. "I told you to lead the boy to Route 207 where there are less likely to be any witnesses. Your impatient self couldn't wait!"
While the pair are arguing, the boy takes his opportunity to sneak away. He looks at Mia, pressing a single finger against his lips. He seems to be trying to make his move inside the Pokémon Center.
The two continue to bump heads for a few seconds longer, until the teen girl notices that the slipping boy is nearly out of sight. She swiftly pulls a Pokéball from her pocket, pointing a finger at the fleeing teen. "Don't you take a step further! Glameow! Stop him!"
Did… did she just say Glameow?
Her ally has the same idea. He quickly tosses his own with a greater force. "Stunky! Go!"
The boy begins to run now. He is more focused on getting away from them than being concerned about being attacked by Pokémon. The pair of creatures come out, and they are already on top of him. He is forced to duck to avoid their claws, and he turns around, realizing he can't run away from this.
The Glameow lands in front of him with a hiss. A Pokémon called Stunky - a purple-bodied skunk with a cream-colored stripe running from the center of its head, and down to its tail -does the same. Its white whiskers twitch in anticipation.
Two against one? That's hardly fair! The boy just wants to be left alone, but they keep trying to take away what is his, just like...
…just like Marlen. They are bullies, like Marlen is. The boy with the bag isn't timid like she was. He just doesn't want to deal with them.
Why couldn't she do the same? The sight alone bothers her. She refuses to allow this to happen to anyone else. Without much thought, she rushes to the scene with a shout. "Hey! Leave him alone! He clearly doesn't want to fight!"
The boy gives her a surprised look. He wasn't expecting her to come forward.
The two thieving bullies didn't expect this either. The female seems to identify what she is up against first. "Bulky bag… Pokébelt… is that a Pokédex?"
"She's one of those trainers sent out by Professor Rowan! Just great! Why can't she mind her own business?!" The male teen glares at his partner. "This is your fault, for being so loud!"
"Me?! I already told you we should had dragged the kid up North! But no! You didn't want to go any further!"
That's when the boy makes a run for it.
"HEY!"
"Stunky! Stop him with your Poison Gas!" the male shouts quickly. His Stunky is quick to chase after him, flicking its tail to send a purple gas.
They are insane? Using their Pokémon to attack people? Isn't that illegal? Doesn't matter. Regardless, Mia grabs a Pokéball and gives it a good toss.
The Stunky is forced to stop as blue light pours in its path. It reveals a Zubat, who takes the cloud instead. She remains unaffected, acting as a barricade.
That was probably the smartest Mia has done so far. Now, there is the Glameow who springs from its place to pick up where the Stunky left off. Another underhanded Pokéball toss summons Razorleaf.
If they don't listen, so be it. She just needs to buy the boy time to get away from the two.
Glameow is meet with the Turtwig. It comes to a stop, growling low. This particular Glameow is not as graceful or kind as the one Johanna owns.
"Kid… don't get in our way," the female thief warns her with a threatening tone. "This is business. It's nothing for you to be concerned about."
Mia stays quiet. It didn't seem like business to her. She isn't sure how strong the pair are, but at least their attention is on her now. She glances behind her, and to her surprise, the young teen didn't run far. He is peeking from around the Pokémon Center, watching her carefully. Why won't he go? She waves him off, but he doesn't move, still.
What is he waiting for?
She turns her attention back to the pair of opposing Pokémon. She might as well fight. But first…
"Who are those Pokémon?"
(Sinnoh Number 076.
Glameow, the Catty Pokémon.
Its typing is: Normal. It hides its spiteful tendency of hooking its claws into the nose of its Trainer if it isn't fed.)
(Sinnoh Number 084.
Stunky, the Skunk Pokémon.
Its typing is: Poison and Dark. It sprays a foul fluid from its rear. Its stench spreads over a mile radius, driving Pokémon away.)
"You know what…? Change of plans." The male thief says to his partner. "We take the girl's Pokédex. It has so much valuable information… we might just get an instant promotion!"
Oh, no.
"That's probably the smartest thing you've said all month," the female responds rudely, but she agrees afterwards. "It's worth a lot more than just a single rare Pokémon!"
She nearly had her Pokédex stolen before. Despite the fact that the two late teens have made her the main target now, she won't run. She won't cry. She'll prove to herself and her Pokémon that she's not a pushover. If she can do it here, then Marlen will mean nothing. He can't have her bend to his will anymore.
Johanna held her hand to Sandgem Town. Lucas held her hand and stood up for her. The professor gave her so much to assure she has everything she needs. Looker had to step in to help her…
She doesn't want to play the damsel in distress anymore.
"You're going to be beaten like a level 1 Magikarp by a rookie trainer like me." Mia says what she believes is the bravest thing she said by far.
That alone annoys them.
"That's it! I have no choice but to shut your mouth now kid!" the female yells. "Glameow! Attack with Scratch!"
"Stunky!" the male yells. "Use Scratch as well!"
The pair of enemy Pokémon sprint towards their targets.
Mia opens her mouth, but her two Pokémon are already on the move. Batty makes a sharp turn around Stunky to avoid its swiping claws. She bites its neck afterwards. Razorleaf leaps to the side in the nick of time to avoid Glameow, and he rams his body against the feline to attack.
"Wait! What are-" No. She stops. Complaining has proven to do no good. They'll just ignore her. While they did attack on their own, she noticed that Razorleaf hasn't sent her an angry look yet. Maybe he's too busy to bother.
"HEY!" The female teen is displeased by how easily Mia's Pokémon avoided their assault. "What is this?!"
The male is just as frustrated. "She didn't even give them an order yet! What is she? The Champion?!"
That's not it. She won't say what the real case is out loud.
"Attack her Pokémon again! Scratch again!" the male teen orders angrily. "Make sure it lands!"
"You attack with Scratch, too!" the female teen orders firmly.
Mia watches her own Pokémon attack on their own. Batty is not successful on dodging Stunky's claws. She is struck across her body and nearly loses control of her flight. Quickly, she retaliates by sinking her fangs into its head this time. The Stunky squeaks in surprise and shakes its head, trying to throw her off.
Glameow's claws slash Razorleaf across his nose. Razorleaf recoils back before jumping forward and tackling the feline to the ground.
More orders are sent. Mia watches the battle play out. There has to be a better strategy.
She has to be a better trainer.
"I know I'm not tough as nails, and I sure ain't Red or Ash or any of those people. I can only do so much," Mia tells herself. "No… I'm putting stupid limits on myself. I can do better. I can be as good as Lucas… as successful as Dawn… Johanna believes in me. The professor trusted me with a Pokédex- Why am I talking to myself? What am I doing?!" She hits her head a few times.
There is no time for a monologue.
There is no time to try to be so nice.
"Razorleaf, Batty," Mia calls them both. "Attacking alone will do no good. You have to trust me. I know I was being such a mean person at first, but that was because I was too lazy to try to figure out what I was doing. But… you don't want to hear all that… do you?"
Razorleaf glances back, listening.
"I'm just getting started, and you have high standards for me. I know. I don't want to make you mad. Just this once, let me talk. If I fail you here… you can hate me. I won't complain if you bite my ankles."
The hiding young teen looks somewhat engaged with the situation now.
"I'm just a rookie trainer, but that's no excuse." Mia frowns. "I allowed Marlen to walk over me like a dummy. I'm a big crybaby, I know that. But I'm not gonna let anyone else get pushed around like that. It sucks, and I mean a lot! You hear me, right space people?"
"Space people?!" The pair of teens were listening, mainly to see what she was about to do. What she just said apparently struck a nerve.
The male teen speaks up. "I'll have you know that we aren't just space people! We are proud members of Team Galactic!"
The name makes Mia's stomach drop. Team Galactic? Aren't they the criminals she heard about from Looker?
"From the look on your face, you recognize that name, don't you, kid?" the female says, amused by this. "That's good. That means you know we are no pushover."
She won't deny it to herself. She's a nervous wreck right now. However, seeing how these two Galactic members behave… they act very much like the teenagers they are, and not some criminal organization. If they really were scary, they would have stolen that Pokémon by now. They would have her Pokédex by now.
They have Pokémon she can handle.
These two aren't so scary. The reason why she lost to the likes of Marlen was because she was scared.
She has Pokémon now. They can protect her. All she has to do is guide then.
"Well… I don't really feel like being one either." Her response is mostly directed towards herself.
Razorleaf is looking at her, waiting.
The best thing to do right now? She isn't sure, but she knows Batty's attacks so far aren't doing much against the Stunky. She'll switch targets. So, she tries… no… she sends her first order. Her voice sounds a little strained, since she isn't so used to using a commanding tone. "Alright. Tackle the Stunky! Batty! Leech Life on Glameow!"
There is a pause. Will they listen?
The two Galactic teens exchange glances, confused by what she just said. However, they push it aside and work out their next command. "Scratch them now!" they both shout.
Their Pokémon spring into action.
Razorleaf crouches before he rushes forward. He jumps to the side to avoid the Stunky's claws, and he rams his body against the enemy. At the same time, Batty sinks her teeth on Glameow's head.
They… actually listened.
It took every ounce of effort for Mia not to scream out of excitement. What made them listen? It doesn't exactly matter, or maybe it does. Right now, the Pokémon are giving her a chance. This is a chance she refuses to blow.
Glameow is clever, pulling Batty off of its head with its claws. She lunges and slashes. Batty moves back to avoid the next set of claws.
It's more effective. The enemy Pokémon are bruised and angry. "Do it again!"
Watching her two Pokémon carry out the order, it brings excitement she didn't think she had. To be a trainer is more than just sending out orders. They don't just get captured and blindly obey every command they are given. Trust is something that is given.
Maybe they sensed that she is better now, and that she is learning. Today was a lesson in itself.
Glameow and Stunky can't seem to take it anymore. They stagger on their feet, but it's Glameow that falls over first. The female teen is speechless, and it takes several seconds for her to get her mind together just to call the Pokémon back.
Her partner is stunned, but he doesn't give up. "Stunky! Scratch the Turtwig! Get rid of the problem one first!"
Stunky sprints forward, determined to carry its order. It seems witnessing Glameow fall made the Stunky motivated to not face the same fate.
"Razorleaf, Absorb! Batty, Leech Life!" Mia finds it easier to send her orders every time. Her Pokémon carry them out, attacking the Stunky at once, who realizes now it is outnumbered.
Fangs sink into its shoulder, and it's knocked back by a heavy tackle. The Stunky falls on its back with a pain-filled squeak, and it remains motionless.
"No! This is why I'm never getting pass a grunt!" The male teen slams his hands against the top of his head, not knowing what to do. He calls the Stunky back and glares at the tween. "You're not getting away with this!"
"We'll win next time and get what's ours!" the female yells as she runs off.
"Yeah!" The male grunt agrees, apparently having nothing else to add except, "You'll see!" He runs away as well, leaving the scene at last.
Letting loose a sigh of relief, Mia nearly sinks into the ground. She didn't think she could take on two people at once, but she did. Just as she assumed, they were hardly a threat. Not only that, her Pokémon finally see something in her. As Johnna always said; Sorry doesn't fix everything. You have to show them you can earn back their trust.
She walks up to Razorleaf and Batty, who are still on high alert in case anyone else comes around. Once they look at her, she carefully reaches for their heads. Petting Batty, turns out she had a thin layer of fur, and her body is warmer than it looks. Razorleaf is reluctant, drawing his head back a bit. As soon as the hand touches his head, he remains still. It's funny how smooth his head is, but maybe it's expected from a grass-type.
"Your Pokémon are starting to trust you, it seems."
The voice from behind her makes her jump. Her Pokémon immediately get in position to attack as Mia turns around. She sees the familiar yellow eyes, which reminds her why she was fighting in the first place. While her heart is still pounding from fright, she knows she's in no danger. "Oh… It's you…"
He gives her a small smile. "For someone who is still new with Pocket Monsters, you did pretty good. Though, you didn't have to fight for me. I could have very well handle them myself if they didn't leave me be."
What is he saying? She just fought hard to save his skin. Sure, he didn't appear afraid or anything but, he could have at least said thank you.
"But, I am grateful." There it is. He's not as rude as Mia assumed. "Most people seem to not want to meddle with my problems."
"Huh? Why not?" Mia wonders.
"Not sure. Sinnoh is known to be all about connections and people. I guess they aren't too fond of strangers?" From the tone of his voice, he's unsure of his own answer. "Well… now that I think about it, is it because they know I can handle myself?"
Now that Mia is more relaxed, there is something about him that makes her a bit uneasy, but at the same time, she doesn't feel like she's in any danger.
He has a strong energy, like Lucas has sometimes.
The teen pauses, and he points a single finger towards her, shaking it in thought. "Your Sinnohan is good, but it's not perfect. You have an accent… but I can't figure out what it could be."
She would point out that he has the same, but she doesn't want to be so rude. "Well… see, Sinnohan isn't my first language," she says. "I'm a native Eng- uh, I mean Unovan speaker. Yeah."
"I figured. The commands you gave was in Unovan." The teen seems impressed. "Well, thanks again for helping me. Those two weren't much of a threat, but they were rather annoying. I don't see the benefit of picking on people younger than them. They call themselves 'Team Galactic', but they seem tame compared to what I've heard about them."
"Why where they bothering you anyway?" Mia asks. "They just kept asking and asking- well, demanding."
Instead of answering, the teen takes a quick look around before he waves his hand at her. He walks her past the center up North, taking the road towards a rocky environment ahead. Mia follows him carefully, realizing that he can't show her in the open. Her Pokémon follow her, keeping their attention on him.
As she follows, Mia catches sight of a massive white building on the right side of the road. The traffic there is active. People keep coming in and out, and those who come out leave with gifts or toys. A little girl races out with a boy, making funny roaring noises as they make toy skeletons strike each other.
Dinosaurs, maybe? It's hard to tell from the distance.
Passing the large building, Mia climbs the steps and reaches the top. Just like everything else, there is so much rocky terrain. Defying logic, a massive patch of tall grass covers the ground ahead. Beyond that is a large cliff leading to green life. Maybe the clay has enough nutrients to support plant life?
The young teen doesn't step into the grass. He takes a quick look around before he sets his bag down. He loosens the straps and pulls the top open, and slowly, he pulls out a large cylinder plastic container.
Inside is what appears to be a 1-foot brown egg, with a single cream-colored line right across the middle as a ring. It's cushioned by soft bedding… and the container has breathing holes…
"Is… is that a Pokémon egg?" Mia heard about them. They aren't exactly common either, since people don't know where they come from. It turns out that no one ever saw a Pokémon lay an egg. Since the rules of this world are different from Mia's own, she tries not to question it too much. Her mind does have an idea on where eggs come from in her own world. Of course they are laid. But how do they get there…?
It's male and female mostly. Johanna is very hesitant to go beyond that for some odd reason. She told herself how bad and foolish it is for her not to even talk much about it yet.
"It is," the boy answers her question. "I had it with me for quite a while now."
"Where did you get it from?"
"It was all by fate, just as this encounter could be. But to be completely honest, some bad people had plans to do things with it, so I took it upon myself to prevent that."
That answer caught Mia by surprise. "Wait. You stole it?!"
"Stolen? That's a bit harsh. I said that bad people had plans with it. This egg is madly high in value. Did you miss that?" The teen looks at her, a bit puzzled. "Seeing how well you handled this one, I think this is better in your hands."
Mia just stares at it. As nice as the offer is, a Pokémon egg is rare as is. Knowing it was taken, it's not a good idea for her to claim it. "But… I just can't take it."
"Please. Take it," he insists. "This egg will be a lot safer with you. At least hold onto it until it hatches. Even then, I think it will do well being a member of your party, huh? Meanwhile, if I ever run into trouble, they won't have a chance of getting the egg. The hunters will remain empty-handed."
"Hunters?! You mean Pokémon Hunters?!" This is getting crazier by the second! He has them after him too?! How valuable is the egg?!
"Oh, of course. They were going to sell this egg to the black market or something, but I suppose I sabotaged that," the teen admits. "And now, I'm in a bit of a pickle. Their boss is after me."
"What…?"
"But now it's in your hands. It's safe now. There's millions of people in Sinnoh. They won't have any luck finding it!"
Now Mia is more concerned about his safety. Why does he say all of this like it's no big deal? "What about you? Will you be okay? I mean… you have dangerous people after you…"
"They can't catch me," the teen says with a chuckle. "They never could. I'll be fine. You focus on winning that gym badge."
Why does he trust her? She's a rookie. If he made it this far, can't he keep going, or is it that dangerous? Wait. If it's that dangerous, why would he lend her the egg? Sure, he said they wouldn't suspect that she has it, but what if they somehow do? Then what? This is too much to think about!
Looking at him, she gives him her response. "Sure. I will."
No! Why didn't she decline?! She couldn't exactly refuse anymore, since it seemed he wouldn't take 'no' for an answer so easily. It's not because he would be mean. He really looks like he needs a break. How much running has he done? How close are the hunters from here?
"Don't fret," he says with a smile. It's like he read her thoughts. "They never attack in an open city or town. You won't see them anywhere else, unless they want you, which they won't.
Mia hopes those words are true. She feels a bit of regret for taking it, but he's crazy enough to trust her with it. She could be a hunter in disguise for all he knows. He's very lucky she isn't. Then again, why would there be a tween hunter?
"Well, I believe you."
The boy nods once, then says, "Maybe we'll meet again someday!"
Before anything else could be said, he snatches his bag from the ground and runs right from the grass and down into a dip in the ground. He stops moving, appearing a bit confused at first. He immediately turns around and heads back.
"Wrong way! Pardon me!"
Mia watches him rush past to return to the city. He won't stay long, that's for sure.
As soon as he's out of sight, Mia looks back at the large case. It must be an incubator. She wonders how the egg was able to breathe inside a bag. In fact, how did it not break? Maybe the incubator is very resistant to harsh conditions.
Batty flies around the egg. While she can't see, it doesn't stop her curiosity. Razorleaf tries to jump up, but his feet doesn't go far.
Mia crouches down and sets the incubator on the ground carefully. She removes her bag and unzips the top portion. Taking one last look, she sets the incubator inside. Once the bag is secure, she puts it back on and stands. "Guess I'll have to be more careful now, huh?"
Razorleaf nudges her lightly. He chirps at her, shaking his head.
His body language is enough for her to get an idea on what he is telling her. "Not too careful, huh? That would look suspicious. Gotcha. I guess we'll just do the gym battle and keep going like it's normal, huh?"
Razorleaf tilts his head towards the grass.
"Oh. Right. We should take a quick look around? Is that what you want?" Mia doesn't get another gesture, but Razorleaf does walk towards the grass. Aren't they supposed to be looking for the gym leader?
Maybe a look in the grass won't hurt too much.
She can't help but wonder… will that teen be alright?
Another thought crosses her mind, and she slaps her forehead with a growl. "Dang it! I didn't even ask for his name!"
To be Continued to Chapter 5!