I was leaning on the wall when they showed up, watching the lightning. A bolt struck, and I heard a cry. Rikku was on the ground, quivering in fear. "Oh, no… We're here."
Another pearl of thunder hit, and she flinched. I guess she's afraid of lightning. I gently shook my head – that kind of fear you can't help too much with.
Tidus looked up at the flashing sky in alarm. "How are we supposed to cross that?"
Lulu pointed to the towers I'd seen earlier. "See the lightning rod towers? The lightning is drawn to them...hopefully."
I snorted softly. "That's none too reassuring, Lulu."
Wakka shrugged "we head north, not too near and not too far from the towers, ya?"
"Meaning we should avoid wide, open areas. Oh, I'm going to enjoy THIS." I looked up at another flash of lightning, and sighed. "Damn electricity. Electabuzz are bad enough, but now actual lightning? Damn it, why don't I have a pokemon with lightningrod?"
Rikku jumped at the noise (thunder). She then slowly back away saying "I think I forgot something in Guadosalam."
Auron shrugged. "Nice knowing you."
Rikku turned, and pouted. "Okay, okay! I'll go!"
&&&&&
On the way there, Rikku kept on jumping. I sighed softly, looking up at the sky. "Relax. If anything, it'll hit Wakka before it hits you. He's the biggest target."
"Now's not the time to joke, ya?"
I snorted. "You are. With that stupid hairstyle, you're the tallest thing around, besides the towers. So you get zapped first."
Rikku looked at me in worry. "You sure?"
I grinned. "Yea, I'm sure. Lightning hits the tallest object around. So if it doesn't hit the towers, you'll still be fine."
Wakka was definitely more nervous after that.
&&&&&
At the travel agency, another bolt of lightning struck. The place was covered in lightning towers, so it wasn't a big surprise. What was a surprise was Rikku jumping up, and landing on me.
"Owie!"
I growled softly under my breath, and rubbed my head. I didn't bother to get up, I couldn't see straight yet. I guess I hit my head on the fall down.
Wakka looked up at the sky. "Whoa! Close one!"
Lulu had enough of him, apparently. She snapped "Stop kidding around."
"Yes, ma'am..."
Rikku was looking up at the sky, laughing oddly.
Lightning struck nearby, and she freaked out. She covered her head, and went low to the ground. "I wanna go home! I hate lightning! I hate thunder! Let's go rest over there! Please?"
Auron shook his head. "This storm never stops. Better to cross quickly."
"I know, but... Just for a little while?"
I sighed, and slowly shook off the dizziness I'd gotten, sitting up. But my eyes refused to return to normal. "Uh… Auron? I can't see straight. There's no way I'm going to be able to cover the rest of the plains today."
He turned, and looked at me. I guess the fact that I WAS cross-eyed convinced him. That, and I couldn't stand easily. "Fine, we rest. The two of you are worse than the storm."
I shrugged, and drunkenly staggered towards the travel agency, after somehow managing to get up. This was almost as bad at that time I got my hands on some distilled liquor.
&&&&&
Yuna went straight to the clerk. "I'm a little tired. Do you have a room available?"
The clerk bowed. "Ah, Lady Summoner. Yes, just over that way." She showed her to her room.
Yuna bowed in return. "Thank you."
I sighed softly, and sat down. "Oh, my head... Rikku, did you have to jump on me like that?"
"Oopsie!"
I shook my head tiredly. It made the room swirl, but I blinked that away. "Are you that afraid of lightning?"
"When I was little, a fiend attacked me while I was swimming at the beach. My brother tried to beat it back with a spell." A blast of thunder cut her off, and she flinched. "But he missed and hit me instead! It was a Thunder spell - "Bzzzzzzt!"" I shuddered in sympathy "I've been scared of lightning ever since."
Lulu looked on. "But… it can be effective. Magic is effective against marine fiends."
I shrugged. "So? There are other ways… ones that don't leave someone afraid of something for the rest of their lives."
She looked directly at me, and I just shrugged. She muttered something about being tired, and left. Wakka and everyone else (except Rikku and me) did too. I pulled out my pokedex, (I might not be able to see straight, but I've used the thing when I was half-awake before. It's no big deal.) and began pressing a few keys. "Lessee… what has Lightningrod? Rhyhorn… but those things are so annoying…"
Rikku peered over my shoulder. "What are you doing?" I smiled up at her. "I'm looking for something. If it turns out all right, you might not have to worry about lightning again."
The pokedex pinged, and I looked at the results. "Magnemite… but that'll suck, it's electric… I don't have a Rhyhorn… Electrike's the same as a Magnemite, same for Jolteon… damn. So much for that, no electric types…"
She looked at me curiously. "What are you looking for?"
I shrugged. "A pokemon that draws lightning to itself. Rhyhorn is the only practical one for you, but I don't have one. Damn, knew I should've caught one in the Safari Zone."
Her eyes widened. "But… you don't have it here with you, do you?"
I shrugged, despite the pain. "What's your point? My pokeballs are linked to a parallel universe that's ideal for pokemon. The transfer of pokemon doesn't matter… testing done in a created universe showed that a transfer could be done from there, so long as you have a 'dex." I sighed. "But the problem is, none of the pokemon I have could help. I have a few electric types that would work… but they use electricity to attack. As in thunderbolts…" Rikku shuddered visibly. I smiled weakly, and continued "you wouldn't like that, I know."
A thought crossed my mind, and I swore softly. "Hmm… Trapinch wouldn't help, but a Vibrava…" I pressed a few keys, then looked at the 'dex's display. Two. Apparently, the two I'd lent out to the professor had evolved from Trapinches. Just as well, that HAD been the goal. Vibrava weren't worth much in a battle (Erastrani hadn't been much help either, I'd focused on strengthening her defense, even then)… but they were ground, and could fly over people. "Rikku… take a look at the screen. Tell me what you think."
"Uhm… uh… is that a bug?"
I smiled faintly. "You've seen Erastrani? Well, when one of these gets strong enough, they change into a Flygon… what Erastrani looks like."
She gave me a bizarre look. "Why are you telling me this?"
I smiled. "How'd you like one? They can fly, and are ground type. They're immune to lightning, but they'll get blasted before you do – very loyal, so long as you treat them right."
Her eyes widened. "Can you do that?"
I pressed a few keys. A small area on the nearby table began to glow, then there was a pop of displaced air. A pokeball sat on the table, smoking slightly. I arched an eyebrow. "Damn. Must be far away from home, to cause that."
"Huh?"
I shrugged. "Cross-dimensional transport. It can take pokeballs only, but anywhere in whatever universes exist. Don't ask how, I don't know specs."
She ran up to it, and started toying with it. "How do I open this thing? Uh, is it this?"
I grabbed her hand quickly, before she pressed the button. "No, it's not. Toss it into the air." She gave me a dubious look, but did so. As soon as it opened, a Vibrava popped out, and said, "Vibrava…"
I smiled. "Hey. Long time no see. You have a fun time at the professor's?"
Vibrava launched himself at me, making glad noises. I ducked his tackle, but barely. "Relax! You'll be traveling with me for a while now! Go say hi to the girl you'll be with!"
Vibrava hovered in the air, then turned to Rikku. She gave a small nervous smile. "Hi… uh…"
"Vib!" It (actually, he's a guy) launched himself at her, then landed on her head. Vibrava have a tendency to do that to some people. She stared up at him in something akin to amazement. I chuckled softly. "Vibrava, she's a beginning trainer. So be nice, alright?" "Vib! Vibrava! Vi bra vib ra vibrava?"
I rolled my eyes slowly. "Now you know I don't know pokemon. Suicune, translation?"
He's rude, you know. He said she has a great pair of knockers, and he's asking if you've already slept together. I hope he grows up when he evolves. If he grows up enough TO evolve. I guess my face turned red, because I could defiantly feel the heat of my face. "Uh… dammit… I'm going to kill you, 'Professor'. Very slowly. Why THE HELL DID YOU LET THAT PERVERT TRAIN HIM? HE WAS BAD ENOUGH BEFORE!"
"Uh… what're you talking about, Icewind? You're acting really weird!"
I took the pokeball from Rikku, returned that Vibrava, and hit the 'return' button on my 'dex. "You don't want him. He's even more a pervert now than he was last time. I think all he'd do is try to snuggle between your breasts."
Rikku blushed at that comment. I guess I'm very blunt, but sometimes you have to be. I requested the other Vibrava, and the ball materialized, and my pokedex flashed a warning. This time, I let him loose. Rikku looked at me distrustfully.
"Vib! Vibrava!" Vibrava slowly approached me, then nudged me in the air, gently. I rubbed his spine gently. "Hey. I missed you too. Look, do you mind if…" "Vib?" Rikku looked nervously at Vibrava. I smiled at her. "Relax, he's the nice one. This thing" I flicked my pokedex "doesn't let me know which one is which. The day he hurts someone who I count as a friend knowingly is the day the world ends."
"Uh…"
"Vibrava, do you see the girl over there? She's afraid of lightning really bad… and I offered her your services, as a ground type. Think you can help?"
Vibrava looked at her, then slowly flew over. He fluttered around her for a few moments, then clearly nodded. "Vib? Vibrava, rava?"
He wants to know if he can land on her head. I shrugged. "Rikku? He wants to know if he can land on you."
"Uh… sure." Rikku added questioningly " Do they… uh…" I guessed, and answered before she could complete that, "Crap on people? Na, they're too smart. They do that in privacy. Here." I handed her Vibrava's pokeball.
Rikku looked at Vibrava carefully. "Uh, hi." He sniffed her carefully, then rubbed against her gently, like he had me. I knew both my eyebrows arched at that. "Vib? You want to stay with her?"
He clearly nodded. I smiled softly. "Ok, I'm fine with that. Rikku, looks like you just became a pokemon trainer."
She blushed. "Uh… thanks… I think. You sure he's nice?"
I nodded. "Yea. I spent awhile getting to know all my pokemon. Except for that one pervert who you met, and a few others, they're all ok. Sorry for giving you such a scare. He's yours now, you want to name him?"
"Vib? Vibrava!"
"Uh, why does he only say Vibrava?"
I shrugged. "Pokemon thing. Most of them can only say their names. They're actually saying something, but it takes a lot of time to understand. I never could, I just asked Psymachine to translate for me, since he understands it already, and has telepathy."
"Vib?"
Rikku looked at him. "Vib?"
Vibrava danced in the air happily. "I guess he likes Vib, Rikku."
"Great, uh… so how do I take care of one?"
I smiled. "Just leave him with me tonight. I'll take care of him, and teach you Vibrava and Flygon care tomorrow."
"Can I keep the…" I nodded, anticipating her. "That's yours to keep. Just don't toy with it, I don't have any replacement balls. Unless you want everyone trying to kill Vib like they've done for my pokemon…"
Rikku shouted, "You meanie! I wouldn't do something like that!"
I said slowly, in a warning tone, "Rikku."
"Uh… heh heh heh… alright, I promise I won't play with it. Can you at least TELL ME how these work?"
"That's tomorrow. Now, I need a nap. Next time, warn me when you're using me as a landing pad."
"Muy pimmo!" I didn't respond, and went to the room. Balrog and everyone else went out, then I crashed. I knew Erastrani would be chatting with Vib, but I've learned to sleep through a lot of stuff.
&&&&&
The next morning, I awoke slowly. The noise of thunder hadn't bugged me very much, so I'd slept well. I stretched slowly, then got ready to go. "Vib, you ok with this?"
"Vib!"
I smiled softly, and scratched the joints of his wings. "Take care of her, ok?"
&&&&&
Rikku was waiting in the common room, along with Tidus and a few of the others (Lulu, Wakka, and Auron). I shrugged, sighing softly. "Is Yuna up yet?"
"Na, she's still asleep. She's been pushing herself too hard, ya?"
I shook my head softly. "That's not it, Wakka. But it doesn't matter. Rikku, you want to learn now?"
Vib flew over to her, and happily landed on her head. "Vib!"
The others looked slightly alarmed, but she waved them off.
&&&&&
It took a while to explain the proper way to take care of Vibrava and Flygon. They might be dragon types, but they also have a double weakness because of that – cold. I had to warn her over and over to never try to keep Vib fighting when he'd been hit with an ice attack. After that, it was caring for them, like how to deal with illness, what food they liked, that kind of stuff. Finally, it was battle abilities, and what moves all Vibrava knew. She learned fast, especially considering that she'd never seen a pokemon for most her life.
&&&&&
Yuna walked in, looking a bit tired. Tidus went up to talk to her, while everyone else got up, getting ready to leave. Rikku was still looking a bit nervous. "I don't know… Icewind, are you sure Vib can take lightning bolts?"
I nodded. "Yea. I'm letting Erastrani out too, anyway. But didn't I already tell you that ground types laugh off lightning?"
A pearl of thunder came through, and she jumped. I sighed, and followed where Yuna and Tidus had gone.
&&&&&
Rikku looked back at the Travel Agency, then at everyone else. She clearly sighed, then followed Yuna, as she led the way. Vib fluttered down for a moment to comfort her, then flew up into the air again. He couldn't fly as high as a Flygon, but something had made his flight abilities a LOT better than before.
&&&&&
After a bit of walking, Yuna stopped. "Everyone...wait."
Wakka looked concerned. "What's up?"
"I have something to tell you."
I looked up at the sky, which was crisscrossed with lightning, and falling rain. "Here, of all places?"
Rikku clearly wanted out, too. "We're almost out of here! Let's go!"
Yuna shook her head. "I have to say it now!"
Auron pointed to an area with a roof shade, and lightning towers. "Over there."
&&&&&
Yuna said slowly (I noticed she kept on sending me worried looks), "I've decided to marry."
I sighed softly, and whispered to myself "Yuna… are you sure? You can't win with him…"
Wakka looked as disturbed as I felt. "B-But why? Why'd you change your mind?"
"For Spira's future...and Yevon's unity. I thought it would be the best thing to do."
I shook my head. I narrowed my eyes, and allowed my voice to carry a small amount of the anger I was feeling inside, as I said, "That's not good enough. Now what's the real reason, Yuna?"
Lulu clearly was thinking about something. "Wait, is it... Is it because of Lord Jyscal?"
Tidus smacked his head. "Hey! That sphere!" Sphere? What sphere? I never... damn. Must have found out about that while I was sleeping, or something.
Auron held out his hand, clearly wanting to see it. "Show me."
Yuna didn't comply. "I can't. I must speak to Maester Seymour first. I truly am sorry, but this is... It is a personal matter."
Wakka said incrediously, "You're kidding, ya?"
Auron sighed. "As you wish."
Yuna bowed towards him, saying, "I'm sorry."
I shook my head. "Does this end your pilgrimage? No more summoner Yuna?"
Yuna shook her head. "I won't quit my pilgrimage."
"Then it is...fine."
Tidus clearly didn't like what Auron said. "Wait a minute, Auron! You don't care? I mean, you're not going to stop her?"
I responded before Auron did. "Tidus… sometimes, you can't always stop some things. Auron clearly wants her to continue her journey, but beyond that, he doesn't care too much. Besides… who gave you the right to interfere? Let her decide for herself." I sighed, and looked at Yuna, a suffering look on my face. "Are you sure about this? Marriage is a big step… can't you just talk to him?"
Tidus got frustrated, while Yuna had streaks down her face. I'm not sure if it was tears or the rain. "I don't know. But I think it is the right thing to do."
Rikku looked about ready to cry. "Yunie..."
The lightning struck, and this time, Rikku didn't panic. She just shouted at the sky "Quiet!" She then turned to Yuna "I wish we could help somehow, some way!"
Yuna said sadly (she must have been crying, her voice was harsh), "It's okay... I'll be fine."
I shook my head softly, and whispered "You won't." I think Rikku heard, because she nodded.
After a few moments, Auron finally said "Next, we're going to Macalania Temple. Yuna can talk with Seymour there. We guardians will wait until they're done, and plan out next move. Understood?"
Each of us (except Yuna) shrugged or nodded. I didn't do anything of the sort, I walked ahead of everyone else.
&&&&&
"Just DIE ALREADY!" I swung hard, and the armored figure finally burst into pyreflies. Those armored whatevers really were starting to piss me off. Auron was the only one that managed to do decent damage to the things, the rest of us had trouble with the armor. When I turned to look around, Rikku was brawling with another one – sort of. That was, until Vib helped her by using Dragonbreath on it. It froze, and she blasted it with a grenade. She shot a look of gratitude at Vib, and we moved on.
