Chapter 29: More training

I stood in front of Silver in a defensive battle stance. I haven't told him yet what I learned about my moves. I wanted to try it out on an opponent who doesn't know about it. I'm still giving myself the handicap of not using X-Scissor and Revenge. I noticed that Travis and Jess came over to watch our battle, yet I always kept my eyes on Silver. That gave me an idea. I looked over to Jess an Travis and pretended to be distracted for a second to force him to make the first move. It worked. As soon as I turned my eyes off him he dashed towards me with his insane speed, but I already expected him and I could dodge his move, so he dashed past me. He quickly turned around but I already formed a throwing knife and threw it at him. As it hit him it exploded like a regular Water Pulse and knocked him off his feet. I quickly grabbed one of my scalchops, charged a Razor Shell and ran towards him. Silver just got back on his feet and dashed away as he saw me running towards him, to avoid my next move. I expected nothing else than that, so I formed another throwing knife while I ran towards him and threw it towards his new loctaion as soon as he had dashed away. Before he knew he was hit by another Water Pulse and got knocked off his feet again. This time he didn't stand up again.

I put my scalchop back on its place and went over to Silver to help him back up.

Wow, what was that? When did you learn to throw explosive water-knifes?

That's just an altered form of my water pulse move. You always dodged them so easily so I thought I'd reshape the move, so it's harder to see.

Is that what you did in those few hours when you were away earlier?

Yep, but that's not everything, I've got even more surprises.

So, what's next? Did you also learn to summon Arceus himself? he said sarcastically.

No, what makes you think that?

You just seem to figure out things about being a Pokémon that not even real Pokémon seem to be able to figure out. Are you sure you weren't actually a Pokémon in a past life or something like that?

Well, who knows, I only remember being a human in my past life and that's about all I know about past lifes.

We headed back to the others.

Travis and Jess who had watched our battle cheered at us.

Wow that was awesome Nick, you didn't even take any damage, and those new moves are soo cool. Travis excitedly said.

Well, we've had quite a few battles and I already know his moves so it's easy for me to predict and dodge them. I said to him in a lowered voice.

Hey I heard that! Silver shouted to me.

Anyway, Jess I need to talk to you again.

During the next hour I told Jess what we knew about Team Rocket and also why we had Gavin tied to that tree. She listened closely.

So we actually didn't get turned into Pokémon but we fused with our Pokémon instead?

Basically, yes.

And how can we undo that?

I don't know, for now we're stuck like this, but don't worry I'll try my best to find a way to turn you back if you still want to by then.

That's really nice of you. I'm still not used to this body...how did you manage this back then? And when did you decide that you wanted to stay like this?

It was hard in the beginning, but you already threw me into battles shortly after I hatched. So I learned to use my skills. And I decided to stay like this right after I told Travis who I am. That was back in Cherrygroove City.

Wasn't that just one day after you hatched?

It was, but belive me, I felt really good after making this decision. I focused on what it's like to be a Pokémon, Travis helped me a lot back then.

I've always watched the two of you chatting, and I always wondered what you were talking about.

Yeah but enough of past stories, I wanted to talk with you about something else...We've got an enemy and we're planning to take them down. And that won't happen without a fight.

So you're planning to fight Team Rocket?

Yes we do, and I guess we'll need any helping hand we can get.

So you want me to help you?

I can't force you, but we won't stay here that much longer. We'll be going towards their headquarters. You're free to join us if you want.

I'm not sure if I can help that much. I've never battled anyone by myself and I don't know if I can even do this.

Jess...you're a Pokémon now. Battling is an important part of our life.

I'm sorry Nick, but I don't really consider myself a Pokémon like you do. I see you have a lot of fun in battles but I'm not like you. I'm a human, not a Pokémon.

'Hmm, looks like I have to go with Plan B then.'

In that case you leave me no choice... I said in a serious tone.

What do you mean? she asked, her ears dropped.

Silver! Make sure, noone interrupts us. Jess, I challenge you to a battle. If you manage to land a single hit on me, you win.