"Okay, it's time to remove the casting." Nurse Joy said with a smile.
"That's good." I said as I followed her to the room.
"Your lucky she's a Pokemon, she heals faster." Nurse Joy said.
"How much faster?" I asked out of curiosity.
"Well she took a week to heal to this point after the casts were applied, A human, who needs that kind of full body cast, would need about 3 months." She said flatly.
"Three months!?" I asked in shock.
"Yep." She said. "For now just be glad it wasn't you, and that you got her here when you did."
"Yeah." I agreed as we entered the room.
"Gardevoir." Nurse Joy said softly to get her attention. "We are going to cut your casts off now so try not to move while we are cutting. We don't want to hurt you."
Gardevoir nodded as I grabbed her hand the best I could and held on to it.
"Okay that's it." Nurse Joy said as she threw out the casts and put her tools way.
"Thank you for all of your help, nurse." I thanked.
"It's no problem, I'm glad I could be of help." She said to me as she turned to Gardevoir. "You will need to be careful, your whole body is going to feel stiff for up to about two weeks. No, battles for at least five days."
"Okay, sounds good." I said to the nurse.
"Alright then you two can be on your way." She replied with her usual smile.
"Do you think you can walk?" I asked Gardevoir who nodded her head.
She swung her legs around to the floor, placed her hands on the bed, and pushed off to stand up. I held her hand to be safe. After the first couple steps, her legs buckled, so I was glad I was holding on to her. But after not too long, she was walking again. She was slow but that was expected. With that, we made our way outside.
As we got outside, it was late afternoon. Lunch time had passed but it wasn't quite dinner time yet. So we decided to look around the city for some time. I wanted to let her get used to walking again and help her loosen up her joints again. But I also wanted to look around and find the gym.
"So, Gardevoir." I said, to get her attention as we walked around.
"Yeah, what is it?" She asked.
"I was thinking, after we get the others back, we should come back here and have Braixen take care of that Scizor. Her fire will really take a toll on him." I said.
"I don't know." She said. I don't really want to go back there." She said.
" I guess that makes sense." I said as I looked up.
When I looked up a noticed a sign hanging from above. I was right in front of the gym. I was shocked that we had found it this fast. People are always saying how the Goldenrod City gym is tough to find, but hey, oh well.
"Well, we're here." I said.
"Already?" She asked.
"Yep." I replied.
"Wow, it feels like we just got outside." Gardevoir commented.
"Yep, but in we go." I said.
Gardevoir agreed with a nod as we walked through the automatic doors. As we entered, we heard a feminine voice.
"Welcome, I'm Whitney and I'm the Goldenrod Gym Leader. Are you here to battle my super cute pokemon?" Whitney greeted.
"We sure are." I answered.
"Alright, but I'm warning you, We're tough." She warned.
"Sounds good to me." I replied.
"This could be practice for Jigglypuff." Gardevoir said.
"Maybe, but do you really think a gym is good for a first battle?" I asked her.
"Eh, good point." She said.
"This battle will be two-on-two with no time limit. The Gym leader my not make any substitutions. Let the battle begin!" The referee called out.
"Go, Clefairy!" Whitney called.
"Go, Cacnea!" I responded.
"Clefairy, use DoubleSlap." Whitney called out.
"Cacnea keep her back with Pin Missile." I called as well.
Clefairy dove straight in, but got hit back by the needle-like barrage.
"Not bad, but let's make a little wager." Whitney suggested.
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"Well you obviously get the badge if you win, but what do I get when I win?" She asked me.
"Uh, a paycheck?" I asked.
"Nah, I get that regardless. I was thinking of something else." She said.
"How so?" I asked getting a little worried.
"If I win, you gotta go on a date with me, how's that sound?" She asked back.
I instantly looked back to Gardevoir who I expected to get crazy with jealous rage again, however, she seemed fairly calm.
"I trust you, Tony. No worries." She said to me.
"Really?" I asked.
"Yeah, I can trust you, right?" She asked.
"You bet." I answered.
"Well?" Whitney asked.
"You're going to have to manage to beat me first." I called over.
"Okay then, no problem. Cleafairy, Encore." She said.
"We'll see about that. Cacnea keep the Pin Missiles going." I called back.
"Good, Clefairy use Metronome."
This went on for a good ten minutes. Pin Missiles due to the Encore, followed by her Metronome. The first metronome was a Thunderbolt. The second one was a Water Gun. Next, was a Psybeam.
At this point, Cacnea was getting worn out. Clefairy was too.
"At this, the Encore wore off.
"Clefairy, one more metronome!" Whitney called over.
"Cacnea run in and use Needle Arm!" I responded.
As Cacnea ran in, this metronome turned into a Fire Fang. As Clefairy bit down on Cacnea's shoulder, his Needle Arm landed a hit under her jaw, sending her flying and him back. This fight ended in a draw.
"This battle is a draw, next match will determine the winner, trainers please choose your next Pokemon." The referee called.
"Wow, looks like your pretty strong too. But, the fun's just beginning." Whitney said. "Go Miltank!"
"Okay, go Swampert!" I called in response.
"Miltank, Attract." She called.
"Swampert, Muddy Water!" I called.
"Miltank quick, Defense Curl!" She called out next.
Miltank sent over some hearts made from her Attract, but Muddy Water blocked them. Then Miltank used Defense Curl to lessen the damage taken from the approaching Muddy Water wave.
"Good, everything is set." Whitney said.
"What is she talking about?" Gardevoir asked me.
"I have no clue." I said.
"Use Rollout!" She called.
"Swampert, try to stop it!" I said as he failed and got hit two times.
"Haha, not that easy to stop my Miltank's Rollout." Whitney boasted.
"The heck it isn't. Swampert, stop it once and for all, use Earthquake!" I called out.
As Miltank was making it's rounds, Swampert jumped up and slammed back down, causing the whole ground to tremor and crumble. The crumbling ground imploded on itself sending Miltank flying. which broke its Rollout.
"Good now wrap it up with Mud Shot!" I called.
"Quick counter with Attract!" Whitney called obviously panicking.
Miltank got back up but it was too late as Mudshot landed, hitting Miltank in the chest sending it back and knocking it out.
"The battle is over, Swampert is the victor. And the winner is Tony!" The referee called out.
"Wha? How did I lose? ...Whaaa!" Whitney started crying.
"Why is she crying?" Gardevoir asked.
"I don't know. Hey, ref, why is she crying?" I asked.
She cries after every loss. We've been trying to break the cycle, but we've had no luck. Give her a couple minutes, she'll calm down." He assured us.
Sure enough after about three minutes she calmed down so I approached her.
"What, you're still here?" She asked.
"Yeah, I kind of wanted my badge." I said.
"Oh, okay. Here you go, and here's a TM too it teaches Attract, but it only works on the opposite gender." She said.
"Okay, thanks I said." As I turned to leave.
"Um, hey." She got my attention.
"Yeah?" I asked.
"I know I lost, and you just saw me crying which was very embarrassing, but is there any chance of that date?" She asked.
"Sorry, but you did lose the deal." I said.
"Oh okay, maybe some other time then?" She asked.
"Maybe." I said as Gardevoir, Swampert and I left.
"Good job Swampert." I said as we headed to the Pokemon Center.
"Swaamp." He said as I turned to Gardevoir for translation.
"He said it was easy." Gardevoir said with a chuckle.
"Okay then tough guy." I responded with my own laugh.
We went to the Pokemon Center after the gym battle. I wanted to get Cacnea and Swampert a check-up.
"Welcome to the Pokemon Center." Joy said as usual.
"Hello, we just went up against Whitney, I wanted to get my pokemon a check-up." I told her.
"Okay let me see them for a few." She said.
I handed Joy five pokeballs. Then Gardevoir and I went to go sit down and just hang out for a few.
"So, where are we going next?" Gardevoir asked.
"I would say let's head north and see what happens." I said.
"Okay hun." She said as she laid her head on my shoulder.
"Comfy?" I asked.
"Yes, very." Gardevoir responded.
"Well that's good." I said with a smile.
"You know, when I was back at that school thing, I missed doing this more than anything else; Just leaning on you, or laying with you. Those little things." She said.
"I can imagine. It was very hard at nights for me too." I said.
"You know, we should probably go back for them at some point." She said.
"Yeah, I know. It's getting to be that time." I agreed.
At that moment we heard the familiar ding, so we went to the front counter.
"Hello again, you pokemon have made a full recovery." Joy said with the same usual smile.
"Thanks nurse." I said as we left.
We started our way up north like I mentioned. Along the way, I heard some whispers and started feeling uneasy. I looked to Gardevoir and noticed that she was feeling it too.
I grabbed her hand and rushed her along. "Come on let's get out of here."
After about fifteen minutes, we were at the edge of the city, so I wanted to bring it up.
"What the heck was that about?" I asked out loud.
"You heard it too?" Gardevoir asked.
"Kind of. I heard whispers but couldn't make out what people were saying. I just felt like I was being talked about." I explained.
"I looked into their minds to see what they were talking about." She told me.
"And what were they saying?" I asked.
"Apparently there is a rumor going around that you sexually abuse me." Gardevoir explained.
"But who would spread that rumor?" I asked out loud.
"I don't know either." Gardevoir answered.
"But I mean, no body here even knows us." I said.
"Exactly, but still, the emotions that came with the rumors just made me even more uneasy." She said as i saw her visibly shudder.
"Just take a deep breath." I said as I pulled her close. "Nothing wrong happened, and we'll both be fine."
"Yeah, thanks." She said as she exhaled.
"Feeling better?" I asked after a couple minutes.
"Yeah, thanks." She said with a smile.
With that, we went a little further. We passed a sign the read: National Park.
"This looks like a good place to take a break. Time for dinner?" I asked.
"Yes please." Gardevoir responded.
I found a clear spot with grass that wasn't super tall. I set out the normal blanket I kept for this event. Then Gardevoir got out five bowls and filled them as I let everyone out of their balls.
"Dig in everyone." I said as I got out the food for Gardevoir and myself.
We all sat down and thoroughly enjoyed our food with no interruptions. It was actually very pleasant not being bothered by anyone annoying and not having extra company. After eating and cleaning up, we made our way to the east exit of the park. Upon reaching the exit though, someone said something; someone annoying.
"Hey you!" Lyra called.
"She still calls out like that?" I sighed to myself. "What?" I called back.
"Are you joining in the Bug Catching Contest?" She asked.
"No." I replied.
"Why not? Are you chicken thinking you'll lose?" She asked.
"No, I just can't stand being around you." I said turning around to leave.
"Why not?" Lyra asked clearly upset.
"Because you are always loud, obnoxious, annoying and rude towards us." Gardevoir replied.
"I don't try to be I'm just a loud and obnoxious person." Lrya said looking down.
"That still doesn't excuse the rudeness that I already confronted you over." I said to her.
"I know, I just forgot." Lyra said.
"You need to think before you speak. Otherwise you're gonna push away the one who care about you as well." I said.
"Tony let's go." Gardevoir said.
"Yeah I need to." I said.
"I'm sorry." Lyra said.
"Just take my advice to heart. I don't mind stopping and talking, but i don't want to be called out to the way you have been. Use my name to get my attention." I said as Gardevoir and I left to head towards Ecruteak City.
On the way we were confronted by a Pidgey. When it appeared, I looked to Gardevoir.
"Jigglypuff?" I said to her.
"Sure." Gardevoir said setting her down.
"Jigglypuff, we want you to battle the Pidgey."
"Jiggly?" It responded.
"Me?" Gardevoir translated.
"Yep. I'm going to tell you what moves to use so you can battle, okay?" I explained.
"Puff!" She said nodding her head.
"Alright, let's go, start with Disarming Voice." I said.
Pidgey flew towards Jigglypuff and used Peck, then Jigglypuff retaliated with the same Screech that Gardevoir used to use. This caused Pidgey to recoil while Jigglypuff rubbed her head.
"Jigglypuff, use Defense Curl." I called out.
While Jigglypuff curled up, Pidgey flew forward again. This time his wings were glowing white. It hit Jigglypuff, causing her to roll back a little bit but the damage was lessened due to the defense curl.
"Good now use Rollout!" I called.
"Jigglypuff curled up even tighter than before and started rolling very fast. THe Pidgey tried responding by using Sand-Attack, but it just bounced off of the Rolling puff ball. It hit Pidgey for extra sue to the Defense Curl and type advantage, effectively knocking out Pidgey and getting Jigglypuff her first victory. Jigglypuff was very happy with this. She jumped into Gardevoir's arms.
"Jigglypuff, puff jiggly." It said.
"Yes you did young one. You did very well, didn't she hun." Gardevoir said.
"Yes she did." I said taking her from my fiance's hands. "And I'm very proud of you."
After our little celebration, we continued on the road.
"Tony, what kind of Pokemon does the next gym leader use?" Gardevoir asked me.
"I believe he uses ghost-types." I said.
"And three of the native ghost types are also poison type too right?" She asked as she started going a little pale.
"That would be correct." I said.
"Then I have a different idea. How about we forget this gym, and go get the others back now." Gardevoir suggested.
"Yeah I guess it would be best not to pin our hopes on Swampert again." I said.
"So we aren't facing him?" Gardevoir asked.
"No, I guess we can avoid him." I said.
"Oh thank you Tony, thank you." Gardevoir said jumping at me and hugging me."
"Puff jigglypuff!" We heard from down below.
"Don't worry Jigglypuff, we didn't forget you." Gardevoir said picking up Jigglypuff and hugging her too.
"I always knew you'd make a great mother." I said with a smile.
"I'm glad you knew, cause otherwise I might not have meet this cutie." Gardevoir said smiling at Jigglypuff.
"Well, time to go then?" I asked.
"Sure hold my hand." Gardevoir said as she held our child with one hand and held out her other hand.
I took it and in a flash of light, we were in front of the Rustboro City Pokemon Center.
"Wow, it's nighttime here too, that's really nice." I said.
"Yeah I was getting tired." Gardevoir said.
"Yeah, I know what you mean." I said as we walked in.
"Good evening and welcome to the Pokemon Center." Joy greeted us.
"Good evening, I'd like a room for the night." I said.
"Okay and here's your key. Your room number is 179. Have a good night." Joy said.
"Thanks and you as well." I said as we went to our room to catch some Z's.
After we entered the room, I recalled Jigglypuff too her Pokeball. Then, after getting ready for bed, both Gardevoir and I laid down together.
Tomorrow we get the others back." I said.
"Yeah, if everything goes according to plan." She said.
"Haha yeah, here's hoping. Goodnight, my love." I said.
"Goodnight honey." She replied.
After sharing a goodnight kiss, we both drifted off to sleep shortly after.
At only 2940 words, I know this chapter is short. but I've been very pressed for time after starting a new job. I know this isn't as much as normal, but I hope you all enjoy it just the same.