Welcome back. Not that I really care, but I'm really wondering where all the constructive criticism is. Nearly all the reviews off my first story have been positive, so now I'm expecting the one person who spots a valid mistake. Is it weird that I'm expecting it?
(*)
Elizabeth Anderson awoke with a soft sigh, the sound of Pokémon drawing her away from her sleep. Stretching her body, she noted that her husband wasn't there, but more importantly the smell of breakfast was wafting through the house.
Who's cooking? She thought. It can't be that late already.
Swinging her legs over the edge of the bed, she stood and shuffled to the bedroom door, pausing briefly to grab a gown. As she made her way down the hall the sound of someone speaking became clearer and she strained to hear it.
"And that, new Trainers, is why you should never leave your Ditto alone with any other Pokémon for too long," a woman said.
The radio? she wondered, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes. What time is it anyway?
As she entered the kitchen she was greeted by the bizarre sight of a Charizard wielding a spatula and a Raichu wearing an apron trying and failing to cook something in a pan. She noted her son standing across the table as he regarded the two Pokémon warily.
"Okay, now try to flip it again, but this time don't try not to drop it or you'll get hot oil on you."
Charizard nodded and casually used the spatula to flip a pancake over and Raichu squealed and fell off the counter before it could land. She watched as Charizard lifted the pan and caught the pancake before it could fall too far, barely any oil spilling over its sides.
"Impressive," Elizabeth said slowly from the doorway. "Maybe leave the cooking to your Charizard from now on Pierre."
"Arceus Mom!" Pierre started, clutching at his chest as he stared at her. Charizard chuckled at him and Raichu laughed along nervously.
She stared critically at him and noticed the dark circles under his eyes. "Have you gotten any sleep? At all?"
He shuffled nervously and muttered, "I did get a few hours in." She kept her focus on him and he admitted, "One and a half counts as a few, right?"
Her answering glare told him all he needed to know. "Go get some sleep." She glanced at the clock. "It's still early enough to get a few more hours in."
Pierre grumbled but left anyway, taking a pancake from a plate on the table as he left. She shook her head and focused on his Pokémon.
"So, have either of you seen my husband?"
They both pointed to the back door and she nodded. Going through the door, she began the short walk to where her husband would be either training with or waking up his strongest Pokémon.
She saw him at the lake, sitting down as he stroked and petted a soft blob of a Pokémon.
"I see you're enjoying your time with Ditto," she said, causing him to start.
He turned towards her with a grin and said, "I'd prefer time with you, but you looked so cozy."
"I was," she admitted, "until our son tried to get his Pokémon to cook for him."
Nixon shook his head and lay Ditto down, standing up and casually drawing his wife into his arms. She giggled and held him closer, resting her head on his shoulder as he did the same.
"Our son is leaving again," he noted.
She gave a small grunt and he chuckled.
"Don't be like that," he chided. "We both knew he wasn't going to settle for a desk job."
"You did," she pointed out.
"And I still battle any time I can and do my best to travel."
She raised her head to glare at him playfully. "Why did I let you raise our son?"
"Because you knew it would get you more resting time," he answered in a sing-song voice. "We should get back soon, don't want him to burn the house down."
He should just cook himself, she thought. They turned to head back to the house, something occurring to her when they were halfway there. "Were you really going to battle Cynthia?"
He looked surprised and suddenly focused on his feet. "Well, yes. I figured you and Pierre could watch."
"We will," she admitted, "but if you could do me a favor and keep collateral to a minimum, I'd be grateful."
(*)
He walked slowly, eyes glued to the creature in front of him. Weedle, it was called.
"Nurse Joy said it was a Poison-type," he whispered. "There are so many strange Pokémon around here. I wish we had more time to look around." Glancing at his watch he smirked. "At least ten minutes left, no reason we should waste them at the Center."
Beside him Buneary smiled and crouched lower, watching intently as the little yellow creature began feasting on leaves. Lucien shifted in place and looked around, a strange prickling on the back of his neck.
Why is this thing all alone? Shouldn't its parents be with it? Just then he a heard a faint buzzing and looked towards the Weedle. Standing there was a large black and yellow Pokémon which, by the look on its face and the way it stood, was angry at them. Well, I did ask…
Buzzing angrily it pointed its stinger like arms at them and fired a barrage of needles. Buneary yelped and dove to the side, her Trainer following suit just in time to avoid the Poison Sting.
"Buneary use Frustration!" Lucien commanded. Her face contorting in rage, Buneary rushed towards the Weedle's parent and began thrashing it.
Lucien watched as the Pokémon jumped back and regarded the small Normal-type warily. Apparently deciding it wasn't worth losing a fight it turned and grabbed its child before running away. Looking at Buneary he scratched the back of his head and asked, "Want to head back to the Center?"
She nodded slowly, her eyes still glued to where the Pokémon had run off. He sighed and began walking back, the sound of her footsteps following not long after. From the way it sounded she wasn't walking as much as she was shuffling. Turning back to regard her he noted the anxious look on her face and the way she focused on the ground as if there was something interesting there. The biggest tell though was that she hadn't attempted to use him as a perch, despite doing so not five minutes before they'd seen the Weedle.
"That Frustration of yours has been getting weaker hasn't it?" he asked suddenly.
He heard her breath sharply before she muttered a resigned, "Bun."
"I'm not too upset about it, that attack hasn't hit as hard for years now anyway, but if it's going to keep losing power like that it's about time to find a substitute. What do you think?" he asked, turning to face her.
She grinned and nodded, running up to him and jumping up. He slid his leg out for balance and grunted as she landed on his head and shoulder. Shaking his head he continued on, Buneary now clutching his head.
"Our bus leaves in an hour, so we should have enough time to find a replacement move. If not, I maybe the ex-Champion can help us out," he commented offhandedly.
She nodded and got a determined look on her face, her grip on his hair tightening. He gritted his teeth and smiled painfully, sharp pains shooting from his head. He kept walking but reached up to scratch the back of her paws in an attempt to signal his pain. She looked at her hands and muttered what sounded like an apology, loosening what felt to him like a death grip.
"Hey you!" someone shouted.
Confused he turned to see a kid wearing all black glaring at him. "Can I help you with something?" he asked slowly.
The kid smirked, his legs shaking as he demanded, "Give me your Pokémon!"
Lucien and Buneary looked at each other, an unspoken message passing between them.
Is this kid worth it?
No.
"I may not look like it, but I'm actually very busy. You should hurry along, wild Pokémon can get vicious," he said simply, turning away from the boy.
There was a moment of silence as the child realized what he'd said. "Didn't you hear what I said?" the kid asked shakily. "Give me your Pokémon!"
Lucien frowned and looked at Buneary, who returned his gaze with a cocky grin. He sighed and lifted her off his shoulder, though he was barely restraining a grin himself. They both turned to face the boy and he flinched.
"Tell you what, if you beat me you can have them. Sound fair?" he asked coyly, the small smile on his face more hostile than reassuring.
The kid suddenly looked as if he'd been caught red handed and Lucien quirked an eyebrow, now interested.
"What is it now?"
"Um," he said shyly, "I don't have any Pokémon." Suddenly he looked upset and said, "They said you'd just give me one! I never thought I'd have to battle you!"
Lucien tilted in confusion. They said? "Okay, how about you start from the beginning and I'll try to listen."
"All right." The boy took a deep breath. "I turned ten a few days ago and I thought I'd catch a Pokémon, maybe travel for a few weeks. But it's too tough to catch one of my own, and the Pokémon Professor Oak gives you got to pick up by yourself. My mom said that's too dangerous and she doesn't have any Pokémon to borrow me. This lady in black said I just had to bring some Trainer's Pokémon and she'd give me one of my own."
Lucien watched in surprise, shuffling awkwardly when the boy looked to be blinking back tears. Why do I always get involved? "Know what, I'm going to help you."
The boy looked up and hurriedly wiped away whatever tears had begun leaking. "You'll give me your Pokémon?"
"No," he said bluntly. The boy's face fell. "I'll be helping you catch your very own."
The child took a minute to process this new development before suddenly grinning and running up to hug him. "Thank you mister, thank you so much!" he said, sniffling.
Lucien smiled awkwardly and stifled his natural urge to kick the boy off him. Just a stupid kid, don't hurt him, he reminded himself. He gently pushed him away then lowered himself to look the boy in the eye. "I'm heading back to Viridian City now, where I'll be catching a bus to Pallet Town. If you want to catch a regular Pokémon wandering around here I'll help you and that will be the end of it."
"An- And what are my other choices?" the boy asked, looking a little overwhelmed.
"You go to your mother and ask her to travel with an older more experienced Trainer, and I'll find you a Pokémon that can really pack a punch," he said, his voice laced with more than a little awe.
The boy looked at him, eyes wide in excitement and fear. Lucien waited for him to answer, the moment stretching uncomfortably.
"I- I want the special Pokémon," the boy finally answered.
Lucien smiled and straightened, casually brushing dirt of his knees. "Excellent. If your parents agree then I'll be the supervisor for your little journey, but in exchange you'll be known as my-"
"Student?" the boy asked.
Lucien smirked and said, "Actually I was going to say travel buddy. I can teach you too, I guess."
The boy grinned from ear to ear then began running around yelling "YES!" over and over again. Lucien shook his head and began walking back to town, glancing down when he felt a tug on his pants. When he looked down he saw Buneary smiling up at him warmly and he blushed.
"Don't get the wrong idea," he stated. "I'm not helping that kid. I'm forcing him to confront a truth." He grinned nastily and said, "Besides, now he's got wait until I get back until he gets a Pokémon."
One hour later they were at the Pokémon Center, waiting for the bus, when Lucien realized something. "I did not get that kid's name."
Buneary facepalmed.
(*)
Cynthia read through the story, her Pokémon sitting beside her and carefully checking books for any pictures. So far the only interesting one they'd found was of a diagram explaining the difference between male and female Nidoran.
Setting the book down she stood and stretched, her back popping between her shoulder blades. She sighed and turned to her Pokémon. "We're not getting anywhere here. Let's go see if Pierre's here yet."
She waited for Garchomp to get up before she left, the large Dragon-type following after her. As they walked Garchomp seemed occupied with something and Cynthia frowned at her.
"What's wrong? Is there something bothering you?"
Garchomp sighed and pointed vaguely at the direction of the Professors yard.
"What, you want to go out?"
She had barely finished her sentence before she heard what seemed to be pounding footsteps. Glancing towards the room they'd left she saw her Pokémon rushing down the hall and blinked. They stopped behind Garchomp and watched her with wide, excited eyes.
"So, you all want to go outside?" she asked.
They all nodded their heads furiously, Roserade practically jumping in place. She couldn't fault them for their excitement, especially since she herself was eager to see what kind of Pokémon inhabited this new region. While the Professor's yard wasn't much it was perfect for a little exploration.
"Pierre can wait," she decided, giggling when their faces lit up. 'Let's go!"
With that they all dashed to the door to the yard, bursting through it and running out over the lush grass. They gasped in awe at the sheer size of the place, Milotic diving into the pond as the other's started rolling, jumping and just enjoying themselves.
Cynthia laughed and sat down, breathing in the fresh air and watching as the Pokémon of the ranch began playing with her own. Garchomp and Lucario were sparring for some younger looking Pokémon, Togekiss was giving tips to a few other Flying-types, and Spiritomb and Roserade were just messing around with the younger Pokémon.
She heard footsteps nearby and turned to see the Professor. His hair was matted slightly and he had a light sheen of sweat on his skin.
"Were you running?" she asked curiously.
"Perhaps," the Professor answered. "Anyway, Pierre's parents say he's on his way."
"Now? What has he been doing all morning?"
"According to Elizabeth he's been catching up on sleep. Regardless he should be here soon. I was wondering if you'd like to help me feed the Pokémon."
She glanced at her Pokémon, still playing with the others, and smiled, standing up and brushing herself off. "Sure, should be fun. We'll only be able to leave this afternoon anyway."
(*)
Pierre watched in awe as the Pokémon before him fought, they're moves almost faster than he could keep up with. He could feel the power in each move, the ease and experience with which they used each attack telling him very clearly that what he was seeing wasn't even close to their full power.
Garchomp and Lucario, he thought, flinching when Lucario struck Garchomp only for the Dragon-type to return the blow with deadly precision. These can't be the same Pokémon who were lazing around yesterday.
He'd brought his full team today, but as he watched the two Pokémon brawl he realized that even with Gyarados around he was still the weakest Trainer in the area. As strong as he thought he was, the two Pokémon in front of him made it very clear how much he'd need to learn.
"Pierre!"
He turned his head and saw the Professor coming towards him, Cynthia beside him as she read through a textbook.
One of the Professor's old storybooks, he thought. He walked towards them, the two dueling Pokémon now focused on their Trainer, and reached his hand out. "Hello Professor. Hello Master."
Cynthia glowered and took his hand. "Good morning Pierre." As she spoke she flashed him a sunny smile and tightened her fingers, the grip almost painful. "And I would appreciate it if you'd refer to me as Cynthia, not Master."
He nodded quickly and she let go. Turning to the Professor he offered his hand, but the Professor merely shook his head.
"No offense, but I think you've fallen asleep on my couch enough times that a hello suffices."
Pierre blushed and nodded. Remembering something, he faced Cynthia and asked her, "Your Pokémon were battling earlier. Were you supervising them?"
"No, I don't need to. They know not to take things too far if I'm not around."
Pierre nodded and watched thoughtfully as Cynthia began rounding up her Pokémon, staring when she stopped to pet a Bellsprout before continuing. When she had them all together she asked, "Alright, who wants to stay out for now?"
Their hands shot up and Pierre gaped when she simply shrugged and sat down, a Rattata jumping into her lap. She smiled down at it and began lightly stroking it, Garchomp and Lucario resuming their sparring as the other Pokémon watched.
"Should she be letting them run around like that?" Pierre asked the Professor.
The Professor nodded and said, "It's really no hassle, not unless they start something, and they seem unlikely to do that. Besides, if they're itching for a real fight then-"
A loud roar echoed from the forest and everyone turned to stare at the emerging Pokémon. Collective fear turned to surprise, and then awe when from the woods emerged an Arcanine, an Exeggutor and a Rhydon. From the nearby river a roar sounded as a Gyarados exploded from the water, a screech echoing from above as a Pidgeot seemed to answer its call. Just as they started to relax something appeared right in front of them and Pierre jumped back, the sudden appearance of an Alakazam surprising him.
Everyone present stared as the Pokémon settled a distance away, Alakazam teleporting to join them, before sitting down and simply watching him.
No, he thought. Garchomp and Lucario had taken a defensive position in front of their Trainer and were watching the six Pokémon warily. Not watching me. Watching Cynthia. Or her Pokémon.
Just as he realized this he saw movement out of the corner of his eye and turned to look. Striding towards them was his father, a carefree grin on his face and a large traveling pack on his back. He stopped next to the Pokémon and waved at them.
"Good morning," he said.
Professor Oak smirked wryly and turned to face him. "Good morning Nixon. What on Earth are you doing?"
His dad laughed and scratched the back of his head. "Funny you should ask that. See, I was walking around looking for Pierre, but then I got lost. Ran into your team and they were thoughtful enough to escort me to your ranch."
Pierre frowned at that. His father had been living here for years and never had a problem navigating the woods before.
"Are you sure you didn't go looking for them?" the Professor asked, watching as Rhydon shuffled nervously.
Pierre's father looked hocked. "Me? Never!"
He quirked an eyebrow at his father's high pitched tone, but decided to ignore it. "So, want to watch the practice match?" he asked, pointing his thumb at the two glowering Pokémon.
His father grinned and Pierre felt his stomach drop. "Actually, I was wondering if you would be interested in accepting a Pokémon."
He blinked. "You're offering me a Pokémon? Right now?"
His father shrugged and pulled a Pokéball out of his pocket. "I might have done it sooner, but I didn't know when it would be the right time. I was thinking your birthday, but this is too perfect an opportunity to pass up."
With that he walked over and held out the Pokéball. Pierre took it carefully and stared at it, trying to figure out what it was. "Thanks dad. What is it?"
"When I was a kid, I stalked this one Pokémon species for days. I was determined it would be my starter and, one trip to the hospital and the Center later, it was. It's not much right now, but I thought it would be fitting to pass on her child, especially to my own son."
Pierre blinked, the Pokéball suddenly feeling much heavier in his hand. "Um, thanks dad." He mentally slapped himself, but his father smiled.
"It's okay, you'll get to know him. Oh, and you should take this too," he said, shrugging the backpack off and handing it to over. Pierre took it and his father nodded, turning his attention to Cynthia. "Before you two get going would you care for a battle?"
Smirking, his Master stood up and stared back at his father. "I have no problem with that, but I have to ask: will you be using one of those Pokémon over there?"
Before his dad could answer the Professor snapped, "ABSOLUTELY NOT! They can watch, but until I'm sure of something they can't battle."
They stared at him, but didn't question his logic. Stepping back, his dad prepared to send his Pokémon out.
"Oh no you don't!" the Professor said, grabbing his arm. "I still remember last time. If you want to do that than everybody else better leave."
The other Pokémon took the hint and left, the Rattata nuzzling Cynthia one last time before it took off. When they were all gone the only ones left were Pierre, his father, the Professor, Cynthia and their respective Pokémon.
The Professor glanced at him and asked, "So, you're sticking around for this? Wouldn't you feel better waiting somewhere far away? Like a bunker?"
Pierre glowered at him. "I'm pretty sure Alakazam can put up a decent barrier. Besides, I can handle myself."
The other shrugged and Cynthia and his father took their places.
"Garchomp," Cynthia said and her Pokémon moved to stand in front of her.
Pierre's father smirked and readied his Pokéball. "Watch closely Pierre. You'll need to see this."
The Professor sighed and raised his hands, drawing the two combatant's attention. "This will be a one-on-one match. There will be no time limit and when either Pokémon is unable to battle the match will end." He paused for dramatic tension. "BEGIN!"
"Go Goodra!" his father yelled, his flying from his hand. The Pokémon that appeared was large and slimy looking and quickly focused on the Garchomp.
"Dragon Rush!"
Garchomp burst forward, a green energy enveloping him. Pierre felt his shirt flutter and blinked, jumping when his father commanded, "Dragon Pulse!"
Goodra's blast rocketed into Garchomp exploded, Garchomp flying backward. Pierre felt a wave of air hit him and was promptly knocked onto his butt, staring in shock at the power of the attack.
There's no way that's Goodra, he told himself, Garchomp standing up to glare at the other Dragon-type. Goodra was never like this before.
"Garchomp use Stone Edge!"
Garchomp slammed its palms together before putting both its hands to the ground, large stone spike erupting from the Earth and knocking Goodra into the air. Pierre saw the Pokémon flinch right itself and, even as it fell, watch Garchomp intensely.
"Goodra Rain Dance!" Shifting in mid-air Goodra fired a ball of slime into the sky. Before Pierre could even think to be disgusted dark clouds had moved over the field and heavy rain had started pouring.
"Brilliant idea dad," he muttered. "Get everyone wet, let's not worry that someone could get sick."
"Garchomp use Flamethrower," Cynthia said calmly.
Garchomp fire a searing blast of fire and Pierre stepped closer, the heat washing against him even from a distance. He looked towards Alakazam and saw the struggle on the Psychic-type's face.
"Goodra." His father didn't need to say anything more as Goodra ran forward. Pierre gaped as the Flamethrower washed over the Dragon-type, but Goodra kept running forward almost as if through empty air. As soon as she was close enough to Garchomp Pierre's father commanded, "Aqua Tail!"
Before Garchomp could react a tail surrounded by water swung from somewhere within its flames, steam bursting from it, and sent it sprawling. Pierre could only stare as Goodra emerged looking none the worse for wear.
"Garchomp, hurry and use Dragon Claw!"
Pierre's stomach clenched as Garchomp rushed forward, faster than Goodra could react. Glowing purple claws slammed into the Dragon-type, but before it could counter Garchomp attacked it again and again, battering its slower opponent.
Something's not right, Pierre thought. They hadn't done anything new or exciting, or anything that he himself couldn't do. There was no way his dad would use moves like this.
Apparently the same thought crossed his father's mind, since he said, "Goodra use Aqua Tail!"
Goodra flipped forward and Garchomp stepped back, raising its fins to block the coming blow. They were all shocked when, instead of hitting Garchomp, Goodra hit the ground and launched itself into the air.
"Draco Meteor!" his father commanded and Cynthia's eyes widened.
"Garchomp use Dig!"
Goodra fired a glowing ball of energy just as Garchomp dove underground. Pierre watched as the glowing ball split up as it fell, until there were multiple balls of Dragon-type energy falling to the battlefield.
"Pierre move!" Oak shouted and Pierre looked up and saw a glowing ball falling towards him. Yelping he turned and ran back, the attack exploding and creating a crater where he'd been standing. Ducking behind a nearby tree he continued watching the fight and saw Goodra falling to the ground again.
"Garchomp!" Cynthia called.
"Goodra Aqua Tail," his father said and Goodra swung its tail to the ground. Garchomp burst from the ground, but too late realized its mistake as Goodra slammed it into the dirt again. Before anyone could respond his dad commanded, "Dragon Pulse!"
Goodra landed on Garchomp and smirked. Before Cynthia's Pokémon regained its wits Goodra fired the shot directly at it, an explosion rocketing from the impact and sending buffeting winds into Pierre. As the dust settled Pierre saw Goodra walking towards her Trainer, Garchomp lying motionless on the ground. Before she'd reached his father Goodra fell down, the strain of the battle finally hitting her. As it fell the rain stopped, but the clouds remained over the area.
Cynthia seemed surprised and Pierre couldn't think of what he should do now. What he'd just seen had been short, but there was no doubt of the power that had been thrown around or the experience each Pokémon displayed.
Too strong, he realized, watching as his Master returned her Pokémon. They're just too strong.
He watched as the Professor took Cynthia's Pokéball to heal Garchomp and his father recalled Goodra to do the same. Almost as soon as the Professor had left his dad offered a hand to his teacher.
"You put up a good fight. Thank you."
Cynthia took the offered hand and smiled. "Likewise. Though I must ask, how do you keep your Pokémon in such good shape?"
His father gestured towards the Professors Pokémon, who'd wondered off and begun some light sparring amongst themselves. "I try to battle them as much as I can, but I've always got to do it away from where the others have anything valuable."
"So that's why you were in the woods?"
His father nodded. "Pretty much."
"You said you got lost," Cynthia noted.
"I lied."
Cynthia shrugged and looked around for something. "Where is your son?"
Rushing over to them, Pierre slowed his pace as he got closer. "Hey guys," he said casually, hoping that they didn't notice his knees quivering.
Thankfully they didn't and his father asked, "Well, would you like to check out your new Pokémon?"
Pierre removed the Pokéball from his belt and heard a loud growl. Glancing towards the sound he noticed a Gyarados glaring at him and flinched. "What's its deal?" he asked his dad, warily glancing at it out of the corner of his eye.
"It's the Professor's. Just ignore it," his father answered.
He nodded but still took a few steps away from the Gyarados' general direction before sending out the Pokémon. A brief flash of light later and he was looking at a strange purple blob with green patches on its cheeks. It looked around before noticing his dad and began making its way towards him.
"No Goomy," his father said sternly and the Pokémon stopped. He put his hand on Pierre's shoulder. "This is your Trainer now. The one I told you about."
The Pokémon regarded him curiously before changing direction and making its way towards him. Smiling Pierre reached down to pick him up, but gasped as he almost dropped it, its slimy body making it hard to hold. As he caught it he heard Gyarados growl again and took a step back, Goomy nuzzling into his shirt as its slime stained his clothes. He shifted to try and save his shirt, but couldn't do anything but hold Goomy close to keep it from falling.
His dad laughed at his discomfort. "You might want to get used to that by the way. This particular evolutionary line tends to be very touchy feely."
"Master, can I get some help?" he asked Cynthia.
She looked at Goomy considering. "What, and deny you the chance to bond with your Pokémon? No, you should hold it close, bonding is important."
Pierre grumbled, but smiled when Goomy looked up at him and gurgled happily. He shifted slightly and returned Goomy to its Pokéball, turning to his father.
"Thanks dad," he said gratefully.
"Your welcome."
"Now then," Cynthia said, drawing their attention, "I will be heading back to the lab to make sure I have everything I need. I hope to see you again in," she checked her Pokédex, "two hours."
Why aren't we leaving right now? Pierre thought.
"Why not leave now?" his dad asked.
"I want to eat one last meal that someone else made first, then we can leave."
Pierre's father shrugged and turned to him. "She's got the right idea. You should do the same."
"And what will you be doing?" Pierre asked.
His dad smirked. "With luck, absolutely nothing."
(*)
Lucien checked his map, mentally cursing his not owning a Pokédex. "We should be right in front of the house," he noted.
Buneary looked towards the house, which looked about as grand and luxurious as their own home, and glanced at him doubtfully.
"Maybe," he amended. "Well, if this isn't it we can just ask the owner for directions."
Buneary shrugged and they walked to the front door, Lucien pushing the doorbell. AS the sound echoed he realized just where he might be and felt his stomach clench.
"Hey Buneary?" he asked uncertainly.
She looked at him and frowned.
"How do I look?" He shifted so she could see his entire profile. She rubbed her chin thoughtfully before pointing to the collar of his shirt and his pants. He looked down and tucked his shirt in then straightened his collar. "Thanks."
She nodded and they both turned to the door when they heard a key turn on the other side. Holding his breath, Lucien waited as the door opened to reveal a woman with a skillet regarding them warily.
"Who are you?"
He took a deep breathe to calm himself. "My name is Lucien Dieunoir, this is my partner Buneary," she nodded, "and we wondering if you know where Nixon Anderson lives."
The woman shifted the skillet and asked, "And why would you need to know that?"
Lucien tried a comforting smile, but his nerves made it feel awkward. Brilliant. "I'm the son of one of his old friends. Do you know Nixon Anderson?"
"I know him fairly well," she answered.
"Close friend?"
"Wife," she answered, and Lucien nodded.
"Then it is a pleasure to meet you," he responded, extending his hand. Quirking an eyebrow at him she took the offered limb. "And I presume you to be Elizabeth Anderson?"
"You're not wrong," she said, a small smile on her face.
"And is your husband in?"
"Not likely," she said, crossing her arms, "since he left an hour ago. He should be at Professor Oak's ranch, if you can't wait another hour."
Lucien caught his breath. "He's at Professor Oak's ranch?" he repeated slowly.
"Yes. Turn left from here and it's just down the road."
"Thank you, and have a good day," he said stepping back.
"You too," she said and closed the door.
Turning to leave Lucien made it to the edge of their lawn before he turned to Buneary. "I may not be expressing it but I am very excited right now. Forgive me if I don't notice something.
She nodded and they continued on, walking calmly but soon breaking into a full-fledged run.
(*)
The author's notes have started. Hi everybody! I really should update my other story.