Twilight had begun to recede, and the last glimmers of starlight ceased upon the heavenly bodies retreating into cosmic hibernation to await the dusk when they would reemerge. Soon, the sky was transformed into a pale blue canvas painted in brush strokes of purple, pink, red, and orange. The gloom of the night was chased away, and in the radiance of a new dawn, lay a promise of hope.
The sun warm at her back, Ki soared unremittingly onward. She opted to skirt the coastline in favor of mostly mountainous terrain and forests. She wanted to avoid the cities where she feared she would be too easy to spot, especially by possible scouting Team Rocket agents in search of her and Mewtwo. On occasion, however, she would pass over small, sleepy villages along the route.
Her thoughts wandered briefly to their residents no doubt still snug and cozy in bed. Though, perhaps they were already awake and preparing breakfast for their families, or just for two. She felt a forlorn pang in her heart remembering of past mornings she spent together with Mew and Sabrina, and later Mewtwo, long before they unexpectedly fell in love. These became even more special after when the bonded pair would awake following a night of perfervid sex to remain enveloped in each other's arms as long as it was possibly dared with tender kisses and gentle caresses.
She abruptly choked as her breath hitched in her throat, and her eyes began to tear. Yet, she couldn't be certain if she was crying or whether it was from the wind, which also buffeted her face. It raked through her hair tousling the long, dark brown locks into messy waves.
Drying the moisture with a sleeve, she forced her mind to empty itself of those thoughts. She couldn't allow herself to become distracted in pining for the past. There was nothing she could change to alter the present, but the future was ahead of them, and it appeared destiny's verdict would rule in their favor.
She estimated she had flown for perhaps close to an hour, but she was fast beginning to tire already. It was evident her stamina was still not quite up to par. This worried her as any delay would result in losing precious time she couldn't regain.
At first, the young woman ignored her body's increasingly urgent signals to rest, and steeled her resolve to press on. However, the back of her mind whispered a warning of what would happen if she didn't heed them. It spurred her to dispel the objective a split-second after, horrified she was acting so recklessly stubborn as to jeopardize the mission.
Scanning over the dense forest below, she began to search now for a safe place in which she could recuperate. It wasn't long before she spied a meadow at its edge in a mountain valley. A large lake bordered the middle, its surface glittering a crystalline blue in the sunlight.
Apparent it would meet her needs, she veered in its direction and started to make her descent. She reached the valley floor a few minutes later, her feet gently touching upon the lush, green grass as she settled to earth. It was not until she was on the ground, and her powers dispersed, did the full scope of her fatigue come to realization.
It slammed down on her with the force of a sledgehammer and left her reeling. For a frightening moment, the sun appeared to turn black and she fought desperately not to lose consciousness. On wobbly legs threatening to fold beneath her, she managed to stumble to a nearby tree in refuge.
She collapsed at its base under the shaded canopy just as her remaining strength suddenly drained away. She lay there breathing heavily, unable to move. After a short while, she finally struggled to roll over and then sit up with her back leaning against the warm trunk. She drew her knees to her chest and dropped her head between them to quell the rising nausea, and to hide the tears of shame which had begun to roll down her cheeks.
She was so furious at herself, the world, Team Rocket, and, surprisingly enough, even Mewtwo. It was his fault because none of this would be happening if he hadn't been such a stubborn fool. He didn't have to throw himself at the mercy of Giovanni to protect her. Damn him for his loving, devoted, selfless actions...
Her anger defused as rapidly as it had flared, and her heart cried with remorse in the ensuing flood of guilt. After all he had done for her, she was behaving like a petulant and ungrateful child. It would be fitting punishment she deserved if she was denied the medicine to save him and then he die before she could return.
She curled more tightly in a ball as noiseless sobs began wracking her body. The air grew still suddenly, a reserved hush settling over the meadow. All the sounds of nature around her ceased. It was as if the world could sense her despair and was mourning with her.
The wind returned moments later, and a soft breeze began stirring her hair. It lightly grazed the skin on the side of her neck as though it were the touch of a gentle hand. She almost was certain she could hear his voice in it whispering to her assurance.
Eventually, Ki raised her head, and then tilted it back further to gaze up at the wisps of white clouds streaking the otherwise clear azure sky. A solitary, final tear sparkled down her cheek before her lips managed to form a faint smile. She placed her hand on her chest over her heart, feeling its steady, rhythmic beat beneath her palm.
"You're always here when I need you," she sursurrated.
Giving a long, wistful sigh, she blotted at her eyes with the hem of her shirt. The nausea had passed and her stomach was grumbling once more of how empty it was. The meager offering of food earlier did not satisfy it.
Yet, the mere thought of the pecha berries in her bag was nearly enough to turn it again. She remembered also she brought along a packet of saltines, but those sounded just as unappetizing. However, she knew she had to eat something, and decided the dry crackers would be the better option between the two.
As she reached for her backpack lying on the ground, her attention was caught all of a sudden by a curious movement she detected out of the corner of her eye. She spied then the head of a Pokemon peeping around from behind the tree. The creature quickly ducked away out of sight. It returned after a brief moment, however, fully revealing itself this time, as it continued to observe her at a distance still.
It had a short muzzle with a small, brown triangle nose and angular head. Orange fur was coiffed into three fluffy curls atop ending in bangs between two large pointed ears. Its bushy tail, or six split tails rather, was the same shade, and fanned out behind it with the tips curled in matching fashion as on its head. A red-brown pelt covered the rest of its small, quadruped body, darkening around the paws, with the exception of its cream-colored underbelly.
The fire type Fox Pokemon's glossy brown eyes regarded the young human woman with a mixture of curiosity and caution, but there was a measure of concern in them as well. Ki gave a warm smile and kept her body relaxed, hoping to make herself appear as friendly as possible to Vulpix. It was unusual for wild Pokemon to approach humans.
Hello, she greeted softly, I am sorry for the intrusion. I will be on my way soon.
Vulpix's eyes began to widen in surprise and disbelief. It understood her! It had never met a human before who could talk in its language.
"Are you lost?" it queried, mustering the courage to speak.
No, she answered, shaking her head, I'm headed to Pallet Town in search of Pokemon medicine for a very special friend of mine who's gravely ill.
He... he might not survive if I don't make it in time, she faltered, But, I am unable to travel any further at the moment until I rest and regain my strength.
Its initial fear subsided, the fire fox started ambling towards her. It then brushed its head against her side to nuzzle in a gesture of comfort. His predicament sounded quite bleak and it was evident in her voice she cared a great deal for him. Vulpix professed a desire to help as the instinctual force prompting it was inexplicably strong.
It seemed so too for all the other resident Pokemon, as the valley resumed teeming with life. Within moments, the young woman was stunned to find herself surrounded by a varied ensemble of the creatures. Their pledge of unity for this cause was significant, making a deep impactful impression on her. It was an experience she wouldn't soon forget.
T-thank you, she barely choked out, her eyes misting over once more, You are all very kind.
Her response was met with a chorus of jubilant cries. Vulpix, gently headbutting her thigh, then beckoned her to follow them. Though she was feeling a bit woozy, she complied. With the aid of the tree for support, she slowly pulled herself to a standing position.
She shuffled a few tentative steps forward, but soon started to waver. Vines suddenly snaked around her waist, and realized it was Bulbasaur using them to balance her. She flashed a grateful smile to the grass type Pokemon; a small, stocky, four-legged animal resemblant of ancient beasts who once roamed the Earth. It had blue-green skin mottled with dark green patches, and a plant bulb appendage on its back. Its red eyes brightened, happily acknowledging her praise.
The entourage proceeded to escort her into the forest, passing through thick overgrowth. Leaves crunched lightly underfoot as they treaded over the foliage covered ground. Despite Bulbasaur's assistance, Ki worried how much further she would be able to walk. It felt like the meadow was now miles away, and wondered where she was being led to.
The thought barely finished crossing her mind when the Pokemon at last grounded to a stop. From their excited chattering, it was apparent they had arrived at their intended destination. She surveyed her surroundings and her eyes began to grow wide at the sight.
Before her, was a large grove, their plentiful branches bursting with ripe berries. Among the colorful varieties, she recognized, in gleaning from her studied knowledge, sitrus, leppa, and rawst. These particular fruits had properties to restore considerable amounts of HP, but a lower number in PP, and cure Burn respectively. Pounding the rawst into paste could make a salve to soothe and heal the blisters on Mewtwo's skin.
She was ecstatic beyond words by this vast cornucopia, but felt hesitant also to venture inside its borders, as if she would be trespassing. After all, while her new friends had been gracious enough to show her the orchard, it was their food supply. She would be careful not to take more than what she needed, however.
She was pulled out of her mulling then by a persistent nudge. She peered down at the little furry red head situated near her calf. Vulpix beamed an encouraging smile.
"Not to worry, there's plenty," it persuaded, as if reading her mind.
Finding its jovial nature infectious, a bright smile of her own appeared on the young psychic's face in return.
I appreciate your generosity, she replied, softly.
"Come on, we'll help you pick 'em," the Squirtle in the group volunteered.
Bulbasaur and the remaining Pokemon, Butterfree, Nidorina, and Charmander, affirmed eagerly. Being given the consent she subconsciously had waited to hear, she was filled with a surge of renewed energy and plowed ahead to the trees. She surprised herself with her ardency, but her hopes had received the boost she so desperately needed right now.
The creatures ran close at her heels, spurned on by her exhilaration. Reaching the most central point, she set her backpack on the ground and unzipped the main compartment where the berries could be deposited as they were gathered. She then approached the low hanging branch of a sitrus tree and like a Mankey, effortlessly began to climb into the upper canopy.
It was the fruit near the top she was seeking, as it would be the first to have reached peak maturity. With a gentle twist of the stem, she plucked off one in her hand and tenderly squeezed the orange yellow spotted flesh to test it. There was a firm softness which suggested it was indeed ready to eat.
She waved down to signal Bulbasaur, who was waiting patiently beneath, before she dropped the berry. It caught it easily with its vine, and stowed it into her bag. More followed suit, until she grew uncomfortable with the number to continue. They had gathered around half a dozen, which she felt was still too many despite the Pokemon voicing otherwise.
"That's not enough," it insisted, "Please, take more. You'll need them."
Ki hesitated before her stomach ultimately decided for her, reminding the fact she had yet to eat. Once again, it would seem she was neglecting to fulfill her own needs. She heaved a frustrated sigh, and then selected an additional few berries, joining the collection in the same manner.
A satisfied expression appeared on Bulbasaur's face. It was hard not to realize it was simply looking out for her. There was a familiarity in its gesture which both made her smile and her heart ache.
After a moment, she carefully began to navigate her way back down the tree. She slumped against its trunk when she reached the ground, her system finally crashing under the effects of the earlier adrenaline kick. She was trembling profusely from the withdrawal, along with exhaustion and hunger. The nausea returned in full force and she gagged in reflex, barely avoiding the urge to vomit.
Vaguely, she felt an object being pressed into a hand, and discovered it was one of the berries she had picked. She shifted her glance over to the Seed Pokemon, who was watching intently with concern in its eyes, and gave a thankful smile. A multitude of tantalizing flavors proceeded to dance over her tongue as she sank her teeth in and took a generous bite of the fruit.
The taste was distinctly different than that of the pecha. It was not as sweet, noting its tartness, and the crunchy texture resulted in a smooth, dry finish. She never had the opportunity before to sample any other type of berry, and she was enjoying every morsel.
There was a peculiar oddity, however, which seemed it was providing an almost instant significant improvement in her strength and energy levels. She attributed it to the fact her body had finally received the subsistence it needed after delaying for so long. A berry's properties did not affect people in the way they did Pokemon, and could cure them depending on their ailments.
"All better?" Bulbasaur queried, as she finished.
Much better, Ki confirmed, with an appreciative nod.
The creature gave a happy chirp at the news and then beckoned for her to rejoin the others. The two headed to the center of the grove again where the group was convening around her backpack. Upon catching sight of it, she stopped short as she could hardly believe her eyes.
The bag nearly overflowed, the sides bulging, with the sheer volume of berries that had been accumulated. It was more than she ever expected, or imagined she would need. Yet, the message they were sending was quite clear, and she bit down on her lower lip to forestall tears.
I... I... I couldn't possibly... she fumbled.
"Please accept," Vulpix intercepted, "We understand your reluctance, but you take nothing away from us."
"We only hope our humble offering will be enough to serve your friend well," it continued, "We can sense how crucial it is that he live, and the unique bond you share with him is sacred."
She nodded wordlessly, overcome with the emotion of their sentiments. Despite her effort, a few tears escaped to roll down her face.
I cannot describe how immensely grateful I am to you, she murmured, finding her voice at last, He would be especially pleased with the care you have shown me.
She wiped the wetness on her eyes and cheeks away with a sleeve of her blouse. Then, managed to give them all a wide smile, causing an eruption of cheers.
"We know you must reach your destination in a hurry, so we've made a special arrangement," Butterfree tinkled.
Calling out towards the forest, a different Pokemon soon emerged where the vegetation had hidden it in answer. This newcomer elicited a soft gasp from the young woman. Such a majestic creature was rarely seen in the wild.
It had an elongated head with a flowy, fire red and orange mane, and matching tail. Its muscled body rippled under a smooth coat of cream fur. Hooved feet pounded the ground as it trotted into the orchard, smaller flames trailing at its fetlocks. On its forehead, between large triangular ears, protruded a long horn.
Approaching Ki, Rapidash gave a spirited neigh, and its red eyes flashed excitedly. It was almost as if the equine was greeting an old friend. It pushed its nose against her arm to nudge her affectionately.
She giggled softly at its antics, and without hesitating, reached to pet its muzzle. Her intuition proved to be correct. The Pokemon didn't shy away, or attack, and amicably allowed her touch, indicating it trusted her.
I am glad to meet you too, she responded.
It bobbed its head cheerily, and she felt a start of recognition. She was beginning to have her suspicions already Rapidash was not wild at all, but trained. The subtle quirk in the toss of its head had reminded her of a client she worked with many months ago that its fate worried her for some time after. She was undoubtedly certain it was the same Pokemon, though not as in its current form.
But I don't believe this is our first encounter, she added, presuming, Do you recall as well? You were Ponyta then.
"I remember you," the creature whinnied, enthusiastically, "You were so kind, and helped me to face my fear."
"I thought I was doing well, but my former master traded me," it continued, becoming crestfallen, "My new master was not a nice human, but I did evolve. That's when I knew I could run, and I ran and ran until I came to this place and met my new friends.
Her heart sank listening to Rapidash's story, while simultaneously her temper rose. She had heard and witnessed so many accounts of Pokemon being mistreated throughout her life it should not have even come as a surprise to her anymore. Nevertheless, the injustice of it still incited her to vehemently condemn their actions.
Those trainers aren't fit to call themselves thus, she purported, seething, They don't understand Pokemon.
The acrimony she could hear in her voice jolted to her awareness of how incensed she truly was over the situation. Realizing then her nails were painfully almost embedded in her palms, she forced herself to unclench her hands and relax. She drew in a few deep, measured breaths as she began utilizing the effort to calm down.
Rapidash nudged her again gently, giving a worried nicker. Ki mustered a smile and patted the side of its shoulder reassuringly.
It's all right, she consoled, her tone much softer, I am glad you were able to escape, and it is fortuitous you find your way here in that I may ask now for your help.
It's imperative I get to Pallet Town as fast as I possibly can, she continued, I need a special potion to cure my beloved companion who is mortally injured. Will you take me there? Please?
She trembled slightly making the emotional plea. She didn't believe Rapidash would refuse her after its prior agreement, but she could leave nothing to chance. Her whole world was hanging in the balance.
She needn't have worried, however, as the fire horse readily consented. Relieved, the young woman encircled its neck briefly in a hug.
Thank you, she murmured, graciously, I am indebted to you.
"No, my friend," Rapidash disputed, "We are even. I owe my life and freedom to you, and will gladly assist to repay my debt."
Her smile returned at this, but it was now considerably less apprehensive, even tinged with euphoria.
Then, it's settled, she declared.
At that point, she moved to retrieve her backpack, which could barely zip closed it was so full. She hoisted it with slight difficulty to slip the straps around her shoulders, bracing as the weight of the bag settled against her back. It was a heavy load, but one she didn't mind bearing in its significance.
After checking everything was secure, she turned to say goodbye to the other Pokemon. She regretted having to leave in a hurry, but she couldn't afford to linger a moment longer.
I will never be able to thank you enough for all you have done, she expressed, profoundly, Perhaps one day we shall meet again under better circumstances.
"We wish you the best," Vulpix bade, warmly, "And we hope your dear friend makes a full recovery."
You can count on it, she vowed, speaking partly to herself.
I can't, and won't, accept any other outcome.
Not wanting her emotions to override her sensibilities again, she pushed the thought away quickly and focused on what lay ahead of her. She approached Rapidash once more and the horse knelt enough to allow her to mount. When she was sitting fully astride, Ki guided the Pokemon to face south in the direction of Pallet.
At her gentle urging, it broke into a canter, and the orchard and her friends faded out of view to become a fond memory to reside forever in her heart as she sped to further close the distance between life or death.