JJ woke up to Nikki Allaire cuddled next to her. The brunette's eyes shot open as she shoved her roommate off her bed. "Nikki, what the fuck!", JJ exclaimed out of shock. She had turned white and covered up even though she was wearing a shirt, she stared at her roommate like she wanted to kill her. Nikki just tilted her head to the side in utter confusion. She didn't understand what JJ was doing. "What is wrong baby? I just wanted to cuddle with my beautiful girlfriend. What is so wrong with that?", JJ put her fingers to the bridge of her nose and rubbed it out of frustration. Ever since JJ had kissed Nikki to shut her up at the party, Nikki had been calling JJ her girlfriend and put a pic up of JJ entitled "the love of my life." JJ had forced Nikki to take that picture down much to Nikki's chagrin. "I like guys, Nikki. How many times do I have to tell you that I am not bi. Sorry, it's cool you are, but I am not.", she put her foot down.
Nikki got an evil look in her eyes, "oh there is a certain guy you like. Someone you spent most of the night with until you snuck back here at 3 am this morning." Nikki laughed and dodged a pillow that JJ threw at her. JJ had turned bright red from embarrassment. "Weeeee... didn't... doooooo... anything... just went over some mentor stuff.", and made out for 2 hours, but that was private. It had been two weeks since Alex had taken her to lunch at Mydia since then , Alex had done a complete 180 from the douchebag she thought he was. Alex had become softer' kinder, a better listener. He gave great advice to JJ especially about how to make Arthur stronger. Plus he a
Was athletic and JJ liked her guys to be athletic like she was. Jessica Walkmen had to admit that she had a bit of a crush on Alex and he seemed to be into her as well. Of course her uncle could never find out and she had noticed his looks in his class when she sat next to Alex as he was try to deal his arm over her. She had told him there was to be to pda in front of her uncle . Her relationship with Davis had improved slightly, but she still knew how protective he was of her.
Nikki continued to laugh much to JJ's embarrassment. Nikki's mega stone started to glow and she sighed, "excuse me love of my life, but Echo wants to talk." Nikki grabbed his pokeball and headed towards the open field area where she could finally talk to the mega Noivern. She was meeting a Royce out here so he could translate dragon Pokémon. Junior, who was growing, had taken a position at Nikki's feet. Royce's Dreepy, Rox, laid on top of Junior's head just staring at nothing. He wanted to protect his mom at all costs. JJ tossed the pokeball into the air as the mega Noivern emerged. JJ hadn't spoken to Echo since the attack on Dexter's and what happened to JJ? But Ava had encouraged her to talk to the Noivern. Nikki didn't want Echo to think she hated him. She loved the Noivern, it was just that she was scared of someone getting hurt again. The huge mega evolved dragon type emerged from the pokeball and stared at Nikki from the air.
"Hey Echo, been a while.", Nikki was nervous. She knew that her beloved a Noivern was mad and sad. He flapped his large wings as he looked at Nikki, pain on his face. "Noiiiiii noi", Royce looked at the mega evolved dragon type. He then turned back to Nikki, "he wants to know if JJ is ok and that to tell her he is sorry for what happened." Nikki smiled at her Noivern. Dragon types were supposed to be vicious and mean spirited. Echo was different. He was kind and sweet. He watched over her Pokémon especially Junior. This was because Echo's mother had been killed by Pokémon poachers so Echo just wanted to be very protective over Nikki and her other Pokémon. So Nikki wasn't surprised that Echo was concerned about JJ. "She's fine, Echo. She's doing better and her ribs are healing.", plus she had a guy to help her heal in more ways than one. Echo nodded, "Noi Vern Noi." Royce would explain that Echo had just asked if JJ hated him. Of course Nikki shook her head. JJ didn't hate him at all. In fact JJ had made Echo a toy to play with when she saw him.
"Vern?", Echo's eyes fell on Nikki. The pink haired female could tell what Exho had just asked without having to have Royce translate it. "Of course I don't hate you, Echo! You're the kindest, sweetest Pokémon I have. It's just that I was scared of hurting someone again. It had nothing to do with you. But between JJ and my brother getting hurt, I started to worry that I wasn't good enough. That I couldn't control any of my Pokémon.", Royce even turned to Nikki and gave her a pat on the shoulder. Doubt from a Pokémon trainer was the worst. Royce had experienced it himself when he was younger so he could understand what Nikki was going through. Junior and Rox rubbed against Nikki which made the female smile. "So I took it out on you. I was so worried that you were too powerful for me and that I would need to find you a different trainer or at least not use you until I got better. I'm sorry about that.", Nikki didn't want to cry though water had started to form in her eyes.
"But a very good friend sat me down and told me about when she had confidence issues too. She helped me realize that I was being stupid. That I was mistreating you. You couldn't help it that JJ jumped in front of the debris. I should have been paying more attention. It was not your fault.", Nikki smiled as the Noivern listened. Ava had been the best mentor that Nikki could have asked for. She was a great battler, but a better friend. She had listened to Nikki's story about her brother and JJ, and how she doubted she could control Echo now. Ava had explained that when she had first learned of battlebond she was terrified. She had refused to use a Grace because she was afraid of being labeled or controlling it. It was like Nikki and her mega. Ava had shown Nikki some techniques she could use to control the mega. It was similar to how she had controlled her battlebond. "So I am a more comfortable trainer than I was last time I used you. I think we will be stronger as a team now.", she gave her beloved Noivern a smile.
Echo took this all in and looked at Royce, apparently he could translate what Echo was saying. So he wanted the trainer to translate for him son Nikki could understand. It was important that she did understand what he was saying. "Noivern...Noi..nern Noi.. Noi.", Royce actually smiled, the Noivern was very kind. Royce had grown up with dragon Pokémon his whole life so he knew that they were better than their reputation made them out to be. But Echo was a unique Pokémon and not just because he was a mega. He was compassionate to Nikki, but there was a fierceness to him below that. Nikki had raised him correctly. "Echo wants me to tell you that he is glad that your friend spoke up. He was so sad and thought you hated him. But he understands why you would be worried. He also says that you are a great trainer and he loves you unconditionally. He wouldn't accept another trainer besides you, Nikki.", the majestic beast landed on the ground in front of the pink haired freshman.
Nikki ran over to the Noivern and embraced him. Echo would wrap his massive wings around the girl. Nikki felt bad that he had been so isolated because of her stupidity. They had shared so many memories together and Nikki had felt bad for not treating Echo properly. Junior made his way with Rox still on his head. For some reason the Dreepy always liked to rest on people or Pokémon's heads. Junior had quickly adopted the Dreepy and watched after her. Junior tugged at Echo's left wing. Echo looked over as did Nikki, "Gible Gib." Junior seemed to beg. Nikki sighed as Echo backed away from her and scooped Junior onto his back along with the Dreepy. The mega Noivern took off into the air with the shrieks of the Gible having so much joy were heard. This had become a common occurrence between Echo and Junior. "My Pokémon are so weird.", she sighed.
Royce nodded, he hadn't seen dragon types act like that before. It took a special trainer to have Pokémon like that, especially when it came to dragon types. Nikki was that special type of trainer she she could be better when it came to dragon types especially when Junior grew up. "Hey Nikki.", the pink looked at the dragon trainer. "If you need help connecting with Echo and Junior, especially Junior when he evolves, I will be able to help. I grew up with dragon Pokémon and know everything about them. Garchomps can be very fickle creatures. I can help you work with Junior so that way he already has that connection with you.", Royce offered. The pink haired girl tilted her head to the side, "Royce, are you asking me on a date because JJ is my girlfriend." The dragon trainer shook his head and blushed. Nikki, who got great joy messing with people, laughed and slapped Royce on the shoulder. "I would love that , Royce. I appreciate it.", Nikki smiled.
Royce awkwardly laughed, he would have to get used to Nikki's sense of humor. Though he had to admit she had a nice body and had nice features. Nikki suddenly got a text message from her Pokédex. She pulled out her dex and whistled to Junior and Echo, she turned to Royce. "Sorry, Royce, I have to go. I completely forgot that Ava and Kat were going to work with JJ and my newly hatched Pokémon today. I have to go.", Echo and Junior would return to where Nikki and Royce were standing. Nikki recalled Echo and held Junior close to her chest. She gave Royce a side hug and skipped away happily. Royce watched her leave though he didn't mind it. She really looked good when she was walking away in Royce's mind. He turned back as his Dreepy just continued to stare at nothing.
"Why can't Alex go with us? Ava said they were on good terms again. He's close with Kat. Why isn't he going. Plus you two are practically banging each other's brains out so wouldn't he want to spend time with you?", JJ slapped Nikki across the head which woke Amber up from her nap. The Cynaquil was in her right arm tucked against her body. Nikki and JJ were on their way to Alex's apartment to pick up, Alpha, Alex's Avantura RockRuff. He had texted JJ to come pick her up since he said he had to do an assignment. No one believed that it was odd how he had been acting at least to the younger girls. Alex and Ava had seemingly become friends again which shocked JJ and Nikki since she had just told the two how much she hated Alex a few weeks ago. JJ had also noticed that he had stopped talking about Kat which was odd. Now him asking for them to pick up Alpha was just another odd thing he was doing.
"WE HAVEN'T HOOKED UP!!! JUST MADE OUT AND MAYBE A LITTLE SECOND BASE, BUT THAT WAS IT!", JJ shouted as the girls got closer to his dorm/apartment. JJ knew she had made a mistake as soon as the words left her mouth. Nikki's eyes widened and she smirked, she did a bit of a victory dance with Junior. JJ had turned red as Amber looked up at her confused. "I KNEW IT, I KNEW IT. YOU LIKE ALEX AND YOU DID DO STUFF WITH HIM!", Nikki would never let JJ live this down. JJ just hoped Davis would never find out or else he might really force her back home. Nikki got such an evil look on her face which terrified JJ, that look was never good. JJ had only known Nikki for a few months, but her best friend had an evil streak in her and JJ knew that look well. Nikki leaned into JJ with that wicked grin,"so is he a good kisser? Tell me Jessica." Nikki wanted to hear all the gossip about her best friend's love life. She did not have one so she wanted JJ to tell her about hers.
"Yea JJ, is he?", JJ gasped as Nikki just cackled at the timing of it all. Standing just outside his apartment building was Alex. He had his Avantura RockRuff, Alpha, right at his heels. The steel and rock type ran over to JJ who she had gotten to know well since JJ had been over a few times. JJ hung her head in shame, her honey brown hair that she was growing out, draped over her face to hide her embarrassment. Finally JJ mumbled, "yeah he's a great kisser." Nikki let out a loud gagging noise at the sappiness of this as JJ gave Alex a bit of a light hug that JJ nuzzled into. Nikki narrowed her eyes, "so Alex, why can't you come to this little play date? I thought you were best friends with Kat?" Alex needed to come up with a good excuse as he didn't want to mention the talk with Kat. That was between him and his former best friend. "I am busy working on stuff for when we go on the October break.", Nikki did not buy it and neither did JJ. Something was up and it wasn't because he and Ava didn't get along, something had happened with Kat. So JJ was determined to find out what went down and so was Nikki.
Ava and Kat were outside waiting for JJ and Nikki. Ava's Trapinch, Dune, was eager to see Junior while Kat's Espurr, Opal, wanted to see Amber and Alpha. Alex had texted Ava that out of respect for Kat he wasn't coming over so would send Alpha along with JJ and Nikki. They hadn't spoken since the conversation over a week ago, Kat was holding up well and Ava was proud of her. She was also proud of how Alex was behaving and being kind towards her roommate. Alpha had come charging down their pathway and ran to Opal first. "Espuuuur", the psychic cat Pokémon said as she looked at Alpha. Amber would come running up shortly after to Opal and Alpha. The three Pokémon went off. Junior waddled over to Dune who gently placed one of Junior's arms in his mouth and walked the Gible over to show him something in the yard. The young Pokémon seemed to get along with each other. It was good for them to socialize.
"Hi JJ, Hi Nikki", Kat greeted them as they got closer to the house. "Ava's inside getting some tea ready so we can sit and chat.", Nikki hoped it would be spiked, but didn't want to ask. JJ just watched the young Pokémon playing with one another. Kat and Ava had invited the two young freshman over not only to let their young pokemon, but because Ava had gotten a disturbing text message from a Dexter Monet. No one had heard from Dexter for a few months until Ava had gotten that surprise text. Especially since it appeared they were headed towards a confrontation with the Righteous. Ava was eager to fight them again especially that one that had put her in the hospital, but Kat was more cautious. She wanted Nikki and JJ to be aware of what they were walking into. It was important that these two needed to fully understand what could happen if they were to go through with Alex's plan.
The four females all sat outside as they watched their Pokémon play. "I have actually never had a newly hatched Pokémon. So this is a new experience for me.", Ava said . Both JJ and Nikki's eyes widened. Both girls had their team filled with Pokémon they had raised from eggs. In fact JJ had worked at her parents nursery and had been around young Pokémon her whole life. "What?.. how can you have never raised a young Pokémon from an egg? It makes you a better trainer and strengthens your bond. Ava what's wrong with you.", the look Ava shot JJ a look that sent a shiver up her spine. Even Nikki elbowed Jj in the ribs. Nikki knew that look well.. Nikki hit JJ in the ribs she knew that JJ was dumb to question Ava. Nikki had been on the brunt end off a pissed off Ava before and it was not good.. Ava's red eye beamed at JJ, "because I catch my Pokémon that are grown. Is that an issue?", the menace in Ava's voice was terrifying. JJ shook her head no. She didn't want to mess with Ava.
Kat sighed, "Ava... be nice. She didn't know and it's an honest question.", Kat gave Ava a look. Ava sighed as JJ smiled at Kat. At least Kat had her back. Kat looked over at the young Pokémon playing together. Opal was now showing Alpha some of her psychic powers. 'Of course my Pokémon would be friends with his Pokémon. I just can't get away from him', it had been two weeks since their talk, but Kat still felt like her not seeing Alex was the best case. Yes she missed her best friend, but she wasn't ready to see him yet. Kat shook her head and focused on the girls, there was more important stuff to talk about than her broken heart especially with these young women. "We didn't just invite you over here because we wanted our Pokémon to play. There's something important. We have to talk about.", JJ and Nikki looked at Kat, her tone had seemed serious which concerned them. "We all know that Alex told us about the fact that The a Righteous are looking for the legendary Pokémon. He had stumbled upon one last year and found out. I agree, as does Ava, James, Bunny, Jer, that we have to stop them. However, Ava just got a text that was important with October break coming up.. thought you guys should know.", the girls looked at Ava. The cool girl looked back at them with a frown. JJ and Nikki were worried about what was going to come next.
"Dexter Monet texted me. He won't tell me where, but he has said that The Righteous has increased their people. They seem to be more vicious. They've burned some towns, battered some people, and yes even killed people and Pokémon. They're desperate for something, Dexter thinks they somehow figured out that there are people going to look for the clues too. And worst of all, Kat's former mentor Kuroku is involved. Dexter said he saw him leading the Righteous.", all eyes fell on Catherine Kiner. She just cracked her neck. She hated Kuroku. He was an abusive prick as a mentor. She had sworn she would never be like that. She wasn't surprised he was a part of that organization. If she ran into him, Kat would beat him this time. JJ and Nikki were worried they had seen the power of those bastard. But if they had gotten worse, then they really needed to be stopped. "Dexter doesn't think we should do it. That's why we wanted to talk to both of you, are you guys still in? No one would blame you if you weren't.", Kat and Ava looked at the young girls. They wouldn't blame them if they backed out, but for this to work they needed to agree to continue with the plan.
JJ looked at Nikki, JJ knew she would still want to stop The Righteous, but she didn't know about Nikki. Not after what had happened at Dexter's. Nikki had been emotionally devastated after that and JJ didn't know if her roommate would be up for another encounter. If Nikki wasn't ready then JJ would back out too. She wanted to support her best friend. "I'm in. I want to take down those absolute bastards. What they did to you Ava and the others. Yeah they can't get ahold of a legendary. If that means I have to get involved, then so be it, but we will stop them. So I am in.", Ava looked at Nikki like a proud mom. Nikki had matured since Ava became her mentor. Nikki felt more confident in herself and her abilities because of Ava. Ava had initially been apprehensive about becoming a mentor. She wasn't sure that she could do it, but after seeing how well Nikki had grown, Ava was so proud. They had helped each other tremendously. JJ nodded that she was also going to be a part of the plan.
All four girls would then continue to chat about nothing as they watched their little Pokémon play with one another. Like Nikki, Junior was the biggest character of the young Pokémon. He would whine whenever he didn't get his way. Dune was the cool loner that just watched everyone. Alpha seemed to split her time between Amber and Opal, just like how Alex had been doing. The four trainers just laughed and smiled as they watched their Pokémon. Still there was something bugging JJ and even Nikki a little bit, the older girls hadn't really mentioned Alex. This was odd as Kat usually always had an Alex story or two and she hadn't mentioned him at all this, on top of Alex sending Alpha with JJ, was weird. JJ looked at Kat, "hey Kat, is there a reason why Alex wouldn't want to come here? ", JJ noticed that Ava looked at Kat with concern on her face which sent off flares in JJ's mind. Ava motioned for Nikki to excuse herself and leave the two alone to talk.
Kat looked at JJ who looked utterly confused. The eighteen year old was gorgeous, much better looking than Kat in the twenty year old's mind. She could understand why Alex liked JJ, she was gorgeous, smart, kind, and a good trainer. Kat couldn't compete with her. Yes, she was healing, but she still was t over Alex yet. He had been so kind to leave her alone and respect her wishes. She had seen him looking at her in Dr. Walkmen's class, his expression had been so concerned and worried. Kat didn't want that which is why she had been ignoring him. She didn't need him to feel sorry for her, she had dealt with that after her mom's death, she didn't need it from the man she loved. Kat sighed, "JJ, I am in love with Alex. Have been since last December. But he doesn't love me romantically. He and I talked and we decided that it would be best if we didn't hang out for a while. It's to help me get over him." Kat sighed, it was painful yet she needed to have this convo with JJ. It was going to help her.
JJ grabbed Kat's hands, she had her heart broken before. So she knew what it was like to lose a love. JJ felt like a tramp as she knew that Alex had been not forthcoming about this convo. Was he using JJ. He was an even bigger douchebag than she thought. All the feelings she had for him seemed to disappear. He hadn't changed, he had used JJ to stick it to Kat. Alex might have been the biggest dick that JJ knew. Now she felt horrible and knew she had to admit what happened to Kat. "Kat, Alex has lied to me. He didn't tell me about any of this. We've been together a few times the last couple of weeks. I'm sorry I never knew. Please don't hate me. He's a dick.", to JJ's surprise Kat wasn't upset, in fact there was a smile on her face. This was weird. "Good for Alex. I told him that he should hang out with you. I'm glad that blockhead finally listened to me.", JJ's eyes widened in shock. She really didn't understand what Kat was talking about. This was confusing. JJ continued to smile.
"JJ, you make him happy, I even see it in your uncle's class. He looks at you like he never looks at me. He likes you. Before you came here, Alex was a douchebag. So obsessed with beating Ava and getting his revenge on her. But now you have brought the real Alex back, the nice, kind Alex that makes everyone laugh. The guy that actually cares about people and Pokémon. I was worried about him before you came to him. Now you have helped make him better. So if he is happy with you then I am happy. I won't interfere.", Kat didn't look sad. This was the truth. If Alex was happy then she was happy. JJ made him happy. "And if he hurts you then just tell me and Gale will peck his eyes out." JJ had tears in her eyes and was speechless. All she could do was give Kat a big hug.
"You two smoke shows going to make out?", Nikki and Ava had been secretly spying on the two females. JJ and Kat flipped both their friends off as they continued to watch their new Pokémon play.
Ooc: I wanted to do a chapter where four of the favorite characters hung out. of course I wanted to include the new Pokémon too. I hope you enjoyed this fun little chapter. Next chapter we will find out where everyone is going to go for October break.