Welcome back to another exciting chapter for Legend of the Mightyena Child!
Last time Michael learned a little bit more about Mary's past and then beat Bruce, Victor's right-hand Virgoroth. In doing so Michael has officially passed the test. Now Mary can finally begin her journey as a trainer.
What new adventures await them? What new friends will they make? And what new enemies will they encounter?
Find out now!
Disclaimer: I don't own Pokemon.
(Mary's POV)
I was resting on the ground near Michael's tent when suddenly I heard the cry of a Pokemon in distress. Judging by the chirps and tweets it was safe to say the one in trouble was a bird Pokemon. I'm not sure if it's a Taillow or a Swablu though.
I then get up and dust myself off just as Michael is coming out of his tent. He still looks half asleep though. Hopefully he hears the poor bird in trouble as well.
"Mary?" He asks groggily. "What's going on?"
"A Pokemon is in trouble and I'm going to help." I tell him simply as I lace up my shoes.
"Wait, wait what?! Right now?! But aren't we supposed to go see your parents?" Michael then asks.
"Mama, and Papa would want me to help the one that's in distress." I then tell him. "Besides I've made it my job to protect the Pokemon that live here from hunters."
Sheela then sat up and came to my side. "Yes, yes you feel it's your duty to help any Pokemon in trouble. I know sister, so let's go help it before any hunters do come around."
"You're right Mary…I just didn't want to get any trouble from your parents. They already tried to harm me once after all." Michael says and I give him an amused sigh.
"Mama and Papa won't harm you now that they know you can be trusted." I tell him.
"How would they know Michael can be trusted?" Dorothy then asked as she floated out of the tent. "We haven't told them what happened yet."
"Mama and Papa had someone from the pack watch us." Sheela told her. "You didn't really think our parents would trust you two to keep us safe, did you? They had someone keep an eye on us just in case something went very wrong."
"I guess that makes sense." Dorothy replied
"Uh Mary translation?" Michael then asks me.
"I'll tell you what they said on the way." I tell Michael before I run toward where I heard the cry for help.
Sheela has no trouble keeping up with me. We grew up here in the woods and were used to the rather uneven terrain and tree roots. Michael on the other hand sounded like he was having trouble keeping up with us. Dorothy could have caught up to us easily enough since she just floats and flies, but she chose to stay near Michael's side.
After Michael, had passed his test we had then decided to celebrate a little. Michael just happened to have marshmallows for us to roast that night. Then we had gotten ready for bed. Michael had insisted that I sleep in the tent with him but I refused. I may be out of touch with human customs but I do know a guy and a girl sharing a bed or room together can be considered inappropriate. Not to mention if Papa had found out he would have tried to hurt Michael again. Also, those sleeping bag things are much too soft. I'm used to sleeping on the ground and in trees. It took a while but Michael had finally given in, it helped that his Sandslash was mercilessly teasing him over me being his girlfriend. I didn't even have to translate for him. He knew Kamehameha was teasing him. The bonds between trainers and their Pokemon are truly amazing to me.
Soon enough we reached the spot where the cries of the Pokemon could be heard clearly. In the clearing, right near an apple tree was a Swablu pinned to the ground by a poacher's net.
I approach carefully in case the poacher was nearby. As look around I pity the poor blue bird that was trying to struggle free. Hopefully it wasn't hurt.
I tried to be as quiet as I could so I wouldn't scare the Swablu even more than it was. But it didn't help when Michael finally caught up and he tripped over a tree root.
"Ooof! Oww… stupid forest terrain…stupid tree roots." I heard Michael muttering to himself as he got up on his feet again.
Unfortunately though his muttering and fall had caused the Swablu to panic. The little bird chirped louder and struggled more.
I cursed before taking the knife I had hidden in my boot out. I then start cutting the net. "Shh, little one just hold still. I'm going to get you free but please you need to be quiet. The poacher could be back at any moment."
"Ha! Ya hear that Houndoom?" A male voice then says in the distance. "Sounds like we caught something!"
"So much for freeing this one before the Poacher comes back" Sheela mutters.
"I need more time to free it!" I whisper before glancing at Michael. "Do you think you can hold him off until I can free the Swablu?"
"We can do better than that." Dorothy said confidently.
"Don't worry… he's not getting close to that Swablu." Michael told me as he gripped a Pokeball. I couldn't tell if it was Kamehameha's though. It might be for one of his other Pokemon. He never said how many he had.
With that said Michael went towards to where the Poacher was, with Dorothy. Sheela stayed with me and guarded my back as I continued to cut the net. I was taking care of trying not to harm the Swablu but it was proving to be challenging. I was trying to be fast so the Swablu wouldn't hurt itself but I also didn't want to hurt it with the knife.
Since I am the only one in the pack without claws or fangs, I got a knife. I stole it from a Pokemon Hunter years ago. He had been planning on poaching some Poochyena pups to sell on the black market. Papa, Mama, Sheela and I of course stopped him, and I had gotten a weapon out of the deal. I only use it in emergencies such as this, but felt nice to know I could defend myself if I needed to.
In the distance, I heard a battle taking place. Michael must have gotten into one with the poacher. But I wouldn't worry I knew Michael could handle his own in a battle. I had to focus on freeing the Swablu.
"Anytime now would be nice Mary." Sheela tells me while still looking out for danger.
"I'm doing this as fast as I can!" I tell Sheela in an irritated tone. "The Swablu keeps struggling and I don't want to accidently hurt it!"
"Please just leave me alone!" The Swablu chirps in a scared tone. Judging by the voice I could tell the Swablu was a male. Some pokemon have appearance differences depending on their gender, Swablu was not one of those Pokemon. But now that it was talking to me I could tell it was a male.
"Swablu please I am trying to help you." I tell the blue bird in a soft and soothing tone. "I'm not like the human that trapped you."
"Oh yeah? And why should I trust you?!" The Swablu asked still scared then his tone changed as he voiced his next thought. "What am I doing? Talking as if this human can understand me."
"Actually, I can." I then answer the Swablu.
"W-what?!" Swablu chirps out in surprise.
"Yeah, long story short blue bird, my sister Mary here was taken in by our pack as a baby. Pokespeak became her first language, and she may have been born with the ability to understand Pokespeak for all we know." Sheela explained to the bird. "Either way she can talk to Pokemon so please stop fighting and let her help you."
"O-okay but hurry please…my wing hurts really badly." Swablu told me just as we heard an explosion from two powerful attacks colliding.
"Michael!" I shouted in worry and cursed as I finally freed the Swablu from the net. I just hoped Michael wasn't hurt. I then pick the Swablu up and run to where Michael and the poacher were fighting.
I arrive at the scene just as the dust from the battle was clearing. Michael and Dorothy were standing there, and Michael was breathing heavily. As the dust cleared I saw a Milotic still standing and a Houndoom lying on the forest floor unconscious. The Houndoom was in front of an older man whom looked to be in his forties. He had brown hair and a brown goatee. His eyes were dark and right now he looked very angry and frustrated.
"Why you little punk! Just who do you think you are!?" The poacher shouts at Michael. "First you get in my way and now you defeat my Houndoom?! You are gonna get it now kid!"
Michael just glares back at him. "I think I am the one who just beat your sorry carcass. As for your little threat, wouldn't do that if I were you."
"Oh, and why not?!" The poacher shouts back at him as he returns his Houndoom and I can see him reaching for something just as Michael looks at me over his shoulder and nods to Sheela. His eyes looked red right now and I swear they were not that colour when he woke up.
"Because I'm friends with the Mightyena child." He tells him sounding unafraid. Though I get what he wants Sheela to do.
"Sheela get ready to howl when the poacher begins to call his bluff." I whisper to her.
The poacher then laughed. "The Mightyena child?! There's no such thing! It's called a legend for a reason, because it makes for a good story. It ain't real!"
Sheela then howls loudly. As she does the man jumps back in surprise.
"W-what the..." The rest of the pack then joins in as they hear Sheela. The howling was so loud and in perfect sync that when I stepped into view glaring and baring my teeth like a Mightyena would and he froze in fear.
"Leave my forest, now…" I told him in a deadly calm tone.
"Gah! It's real! It's real!" The poacher then jumped onto a motorcycle that was near a tree and fled.
As he left I Michael took a few deep breaths and began to relax. His eyes I then noticed went from red to blue. I really need to figure out how he does that.
"You did great Azura, thank you as always." Michael then told the Milotic.
"You're welcome Michael." The Milotic then turned to Michael. She spoke in a softer tone of voice than Dorothy. Her voice sounded almost melodic as she spoke. This was the first time I had ever seen a Milotic in person and I could agree with what the teacher said about them. Azura was certainly one of the most beautiful Pokemon I had ever seen.
"Mary, how's the Swablu?" Michael then asks. I then remember I'm holding the injured bird.
"He's safe but he's hurt." I tell Michael "He must have hurt himself while he was pinned down."
Michael cursed. "Crap and I left my bag back at the campsite. Come on let's take him back with us. I have some potions that should heal him."
"There's no need." I then say.
"Uh Mary, you may not know this but potions help heal Pokemon." Dorothy then explains to me.
"I know that but there is no need to go get them." I tell them both with a sigh.
"...Michael? Is this the girl you were telling me about?" Azura the Milotic then asks.
"…In a minute Azura." Michael tells her before turning back to me. "Mary, did you hit your head or something? How do you plan to help that Swablu without potions? Are there medicinal herbs around here?"
"No there aren't." I then tell Michael. I trust him enough to show him… just hope he won't freak out too much.
"Then how exactly do you plan to help the Swablu?!" He then exclaims and I can see the Swablu is wondering the same thing.
"…Just watch and…please don't freak out." I say before putting a hand on the Swablu's injured wing. A light then emits from my hand as I start to heal it. As I heal the wing the Swablu's memories flash into my mind.
I see the Swablu hatching from his egg with his sibling. I hear the Altaria call the little Swablu I am holding, Shigure. I then see Shigure part ways with his family until he ends up in my forest. He flew to the apple tree for food unaware of the trap hiding in the branches. As Shigure lands on the branch the trap activates and he falls to the ground. The weight of the net was too much for him. I then see how much pain he is in as he makes contact with the ground. I then see Shigure struggling and crying out for help. The memories then stop as I feel a tear on my cheek. I look down and see that Shigure's wing is now healed.
"Oh Shigure… I'm sorry you got caught in that trap." I tell him as I gently pet his now healed wing. "It's my fault. I was so busy following Michael yesterday that I didn't see that poacher set up a trap. I should have been on the lookout for such things… I am so sorry."
Shigure looks at me in shock. "How did you do that? A-and how did you know the name my mother gave me?"
As I look up at the others they all look very slack-jawed.
"W-what just happened?" Dorothy managed to stutter out.
"O-oh my…" Azura comments as well. Even that shocked comment sounded melodious.
Michael looked like he was trying to speak but couldn't. Until he finally could speak. "Mary… wh-what did you do…?"
With a sigh, I decide to explain. "Ever since I was little, I have had the ability to heal Pokemon. And while healing the pokemon I am also able to see some of their memories."
I then look down at Shigure. "That is how I knew your name."
Sheela was just watching them all with amusement. She obviously already knew of my abilities, so she was enjoying the show.
"T-that's incredible…" Azura then comments in awe.
"Wait…I-I think I have heard of this… it was before Michael found me… are you… I mean does this make you a Viridian Blessed Child?" Dorothy then asks me.
"She was born in Hoenn so shouldn't it be Petalburg Blessed? She was raised in the Petalburg woods." Sheela then pipes up.
I don't know what Dorothy or Sheela are talking about but I care about Michael's opinion. Though he seems lost in thought so I call out to him. "Michael?"
"I… Shigure was it? A-are you okay now?" He then asks Shigure who is still in my arms.
Shigure then decided to test out his wing and flies out of my arms. He then proceeds to fly around our heads chirping happily. Shigure then lands on my shoulder and nuzzles me.
"Thank you! It's like my wing was never injured." Shigure tells me as he tweets happily.
"You're welcome Shigure." I then tell him before petting him.
Azura smiles as she watches Shigure. "I-I am glad to hear you're okay Shigure."
"I have never heard of a non-Kanto variant so you tell me." Dorothy then asks my sister and for once it sounds like she is trying not to pick a fight with Sheela.
"I'm not certain myself I was just offering a suggestion. I don't know what a Viridian Blessed Child is." Sheela then answers her.
"Well that doesn't help." Dorothy then tells her with a sigh.
"To be fair I don't know what that is either." I then tell Dorothy.
"Seeing as I don't understand half of what is going on…. Breakfast? I'm going to go back and make breakfast." Michael says as he starts to walk back to camp. "Anyone coming?"
(Michael's POV)
As I cook up some food for everyone, I can hear Mary practically fangirling over Azura. I could tell it was her first time seeing the water serpent in person. Though I was still jealously fuming about how unfair it was, that Mary got magical healing powers and a loving family, while I am legally blind and my parents abused me.
Then again… should I really complain? Poor Mary would have died if her parents hadn't found her. She was thrown away by her birth parents as if she was garbage… while it had ultimately given her a better life than I ever had… even I could tell Mary wonders why. She wonders why she was abandoned… she doesn't need to tell me. I know she does. Just by looking at her last night I could tell that's what she was wondering about.
I personally don't believe there is any reason. Though if I were to tell Mary this… I doubt it would stop her from wondering, even if she knows it's the truth. Being abandoned scarred her. Whether she wants to admit it or not.
Looking over at Mary right now though, I can't help but smile. She looks like a child full of wonder and innocence. Not a sixteen-year-old that was raised in the wild and secretly filled with hurt because of her past.
Shigure was still perched on Mary's shoulder. He hasn't left his new perch since he was healed. Not even when Mary and Sheela's mother and father caught up to us. According to Mary they had come to make sure she and Sheela were okay after I had asked her to howl to scare that poacher off. He must really like Mary if they didn't scare him off.
Her parents, Eyolf and Adolph had also wished Mary and Sheela goodbye. They already knew I was taking Mary with me because of how I had handled…Bruce was it? They probably had not wanted the rest of their pack to see them cry, because they had cried hard while they were saying goodbye. Adolph had then looked at me directly and given me a bark and a nod before leaving.
I chose to take that as meaning, Take care of my daughters or else. Judging by how he acted during our first encounter, I will assume my assumption is correct.
I don't want to get on his bad side again, so I will do my best to keep Mary and Sheela out of trouble. First thing I should do is give Mary some Pokeballs she'll need one for Sheela and possibly Shigure. I'm sure I have some blank ones to spare. I will worry about that later though. Right now, I should focus on finishing breakfast.
As I start frying up some bacon I can feel Sheela and Mary behind me.
"…Um Mike what are you cooking that smells so good?" Mary asks me.
"Misdreavus Mis?" Dorothy then says to Mary. I believe she was asking if Mary ever had bacon before. My theory was confirmed by Mary's reply.
"Do you see a PokeMart or a grocery store here? I ate what was brought back to the den or the berries in the trees" Mary tells her.
"I hate to ask this but you have had cooked meat before, right?" If she's never had bacon before I am afraid to ask if she ever learned, you have to cook the meat before you eat it.
"I learned very early on that humans have to have their meat cooked… otherwise we get very sick." Mary tells me with a shudder. "Trust me I never made the mistake of eating raw meat again after the first time."
"Well, that's good to hear, I think." I tell her in a relieved tone as I finish the bacon and serve it with the pancakes I had made earlier.
"Mi, Mi, Milotic." I then hear Azura say and by her facial expressions she was concerned for Mary.
"I lived, didn't I? Look you don't need to hear the whole story. Just know I got very sick." Mary tells her. Ah, that's what she asked. Azura wanted to know how old she was and probably how sick Mary had been. Azura has always been kind and thoughtful but it was obvious Mary didn't want to share.
Sheela then barks something at Azura which makes her sister turn and glare at her.
"Sheela please stay out of it." Mary told her in an annoyed tone.
"Okay everyone settle down please. Breakfast is ready." I announce as a put two plates on the table then bowls of bacon down for the others except Shigure who got opted for the berries he found in the trees.
I then watch as Mary sits down to eat. She stares at the fork and knife for a while. Maybe trying to figure out what they're for, that or trying to remember how other humans used them. It was kind of amusing watching the wild girl pick up the utensils, and look at them curiously. I swear it took her five whole minutes before figured out what they were for. As amusing as it was… it was also sad. Just how out of touch was she with humanity? I still don't know her full story. How did she learn to speak? Where had she gotten her clothes?
Though the questions were somewhat forgotten as she took her first bite of the bacon then the pancake.
"Whoa this is delicious!" Mary exclaimed. "I knew humans had good food but this is really good."
"You're welcome Mary." I tell her with a chuckle. "But surely you're exaggerating. My cooking is average at best."
"Misdreavus dreavus!" Dorothy then joins our conversation. I then look to Mary for translation, though I might have an idea of what she was saying.
"She said you were being too modest. That you're a great cook." Mary tells me before taking another bite of her food. "I must say I agree this is some of the best food I have ever had. Sure, beats that stuff they served at the school for lunch."
I was going to protest and say she was exaggerating again but…when Mary mentioned school, I had to pause for a second to make sure I had heard her right. She said that she went to school?
"School? You went to school? Like a real school or something your parents had out here?" I then decide to ask her.
Mary stops eating and instead looks down at her plate. "…No, it was a human school."
"When did this happen?" I then ask her. The thought of her going to school was so bizarre but would explain how she learned to talk.
"When I was around five to six years old. I had seen a group of human kids my age with an adult. She was telling them all about the Petalburg Woods. From what Pokemon lived here to what plants you could find." Mary explained before she continued. "Once the group was gone I went back home to tell Mama and Papa what I had seen. I then asked why they were there. Mama and Papa explained that they were probably a school group on a field trip.
"I watched to see if they came back for a whole week. When they did I watched the kids with fascination. When Mama and Papa had told the story of what happened to me, I believed all humans were evil if they grew up with other humans. But as I watched the kids, I realized they weren't that much different from me. They played, they explored and were extremely curious. The more I watched the more I wanted to get to know them. So, one day I decided to ask Mama and Papa if I could go to school like the other kids. At first, they were shocked when I asked them, then they told me no. They said it might be too dangerous for me because I could possibly be taken to an orphanage. But I had begged and begged, finally Mama and Papa gave in and said I could, but only if I was careful."
I wasn't surprised by how curious Mary must have been as a child. Anyone would be if they grew up in a situation like that. If I had been abandoned and taken in by pokemon I would have believed humans to be evil too. Then being proven wrong by watching kids your own age playing and having fun. I wanted to hear more, like how she had gotten into the school. How she learned to speak like a human. I just hope she didn't think I was prying too much.
"So how did you get in?" I then asked Mary.
"Well the next time they came to woods for a field trip, I let their teacher see me in the bushes. Once she did she approached me carefully and asked me to come out. When I did she saw that I was dressed in rags that I had found in the woods from past trainers. She looked almost horrified by the sight of me but she had kind eyes, they looked a lot like Mama's since they were full of concern as she got over her shock. I had almost regretted my decision then but, I was still curious enough about these humans to keep going." Mary then took a breath before continuing her story. "She then had asked for my name, but because I couldn't talk I pointed to the plant I was named after. She guessed my name until she finally got it right. She then asked if I could talk and where my parents were. When I shook my head, and shrugged my shoulders she seemed to get the idea I was an orphan living on my own.
"She finally then told me to come back with them and the next thing I knew I was attending classes like the other kids. The had me in a special catch up program so I could learn to speak. I was also getting caught up with what the other children had learned already. There was another kid that was often with me during this. He had an illness that made him miss school. He was technically my first human friend. The school also helped me get some proper clothes. They told me about a place where I could get clothes for free because they were donated by others around the city. I went to the school until I was ten years old since that is normally the age people go on a journey. Doesn't sound like much but in that five years I learned the basics of human life…except reproduction…that I learned from Mama and Papa…never want that talk again."
I couldn't help but cringe in sympathy for Mary as she shuddered over the memory. I wouldn't have wanted that talk either. Though this was a relief, if she knew the basics then she wasn't too out of touch with how humans acted and interacted. I was also relieved by the fact that she was somewhat used to being around a group of humans so her coming on a journey with me would not be too much of a culture shock.
"Yet you didn't know how to use a fork and knife." I then tell her teasingly.
"Yeah, yeah laugh it up." Mary then sticks her tongue out at me.
"Real mature." I tell her as I chuckle at her antics.
"Yes, well it has been a while since I used these items or seen them used." Mary then says.
"Either way, was still funny to watch you struggle." I then commented and I swore I heard Dorothy snicker as well.
"Oh, shut up Banshee." Mary then said before finishing her breakfast.
As I finished my own plate and started to clean up I looked to Mary. "You ready to go soon? If we wanna make it to Rustboro by nightfall we need to leave here by noon at the latest."
"Not so fast." Mary says as Shigure retakes his perch on her shoulder. "You still haven't told me anything about your past."
"W-what?" I nearly dropped the plates when Mary said this. Sure, I thought she'd ask this question sooner or later but, it was still a surprise.
"You heard me. I told you about my past at least twice now. Yet you haven't told me anything. So, it's your turn to tell me something." Mary told me as she crossed her arms.
She was right I do owe her a little bit of backstory, still didn't mean I wanted to though. Yet I couldn't keep expecting her to tell me things without getting any information in return.
"Very well." I then tell Mary with a sigh. "What do you want to know?"
"Why do your eyes keep changing colour depending on your mood?" Mary then asks. Of course, she asked that one first…. And how had she caught on that they change depending on my mood?!
"I've told you before it's a trick of the light. Pick a different topic" I say to her in an almost irritated tone which makes her frown.
Shigure must have noticed his new friend was sad because he chirped angrily at me.
"Mi, Milotic Mi." Azura then chimes in soothingly. I think she was trying to calm Shigure down, but seemed it was to no avail. Shigure just chirped back at her still sounding upset.
"Mis! Misdreavus Mis Mis!" Dorothy then glares at Shigure while she speaks. At this point I am completely lost.
"Please don't fight." Mary then tells them pleadingly. "Banshee is right I was just mistaken I guess…"
Mary still looked hurt that I had snapped at her for almost no reason. Ultimately, I had caused that fight those three had, not only that but I hurt Mary. I really should apologize.
"No…this is my fault." I say before looking at Mary apologetically. "I shouldn't have snapped at you like that and I am sorry. But it really is just the light that makes it look like my eyes change colour."
Mary still didn't look like she believed my story but sighed and nodded. "Okay, I forgive you Mike. Different question…why don't you like your family?"
"What makes you think I don't like them?" Of all the topics she had to pick, why this?
"Well yesterday you were comparing mine to yours. You said if yours was anything like mine you would have done the same thing as me." Mary explains and I almost curse. How could I have let that slip?
"…Oh right. Well it's a rather long story…do you mind waiting until another time?" I then ask her hoping I can still get out of this.
Mary frowns again and then pouts at me. "Do you mean it? You're not just saying that to get out of answering."
"…I mean it, I will tell you next time. Promise." I tell her, I just hoped next time wouldn't be too soon. "Now please help me pack up so we can go?"
(Victor's POV)
"SHE'S WHAT?!" I yell at Bruce whom had just received word from our little Slakoth spy.
"Sh-she's leaving the woods sir" Bruce said in a nervous tone. Oh, he should be terrified right now because I am livid.
Not at Bruce though, I am angry at that human. He shows up and claims to be protecting Mary…now Mary was going to leave with him?! Not if I have anything to say about it! Mary is mine! No one, especially not some weak human trainer will take her from me!
"Bruce gather the men." I then order him. If that human thinks he can protect my darling Mary, then let's see him try. "Tell them to form a barricade near the exit. We shall see how that boy handles our herd."
"And Mary sir?" Bruce then asks.
"Capture her and Sheela. Do not harm Mary though. She will be mine, and she will be my Bride." I tell him as I sharpen my claws.
"As you wish Victor." Bruce says before leaving to do as I had asked.
Soon…very soon my battle for Mary's hand will be over…
(Michael's POV)
I think Mary was still slightly upset that she didn't get any real backstory from me. She walked ahead of me and Dorothy with Sheela and Shigure. I had returned Azura to her ball so she could rest, and Shigure seemed to want to stay with Mary. But I could tell she was still angry with me because she kept silent and wouldn't even glance back to make sure we were keeping pace with her.
I should really try and talk with her, I'm just not sure how to make things right. Dealing with feelings and stuff like that has never been my strong suit. While it is true I wish, I had a real blood sibling I doubt I would be any good at it. With Dorothy, it's easy she's around my age or so…well she's probably older given that she's a ghost type, but still she's not an emotional teenager like Mary. Well actually Mary isn't emotional more like she likes to act tough to cover up that she's more vulnerable then she lets others believe.
I am then dragged out of my thoughts when I bump into Mary. "Oof! Crap, uh sorry Mary wasn't looking where I was…Mary?"
Mary was frozen stiff and didn't even seem fazed. It is then that I look up and see a whole hoard of Vigoroth blocking the exit to the woods. Just then one Vigoroth came up front. It wasn't the one from yesterday that much I could tell. This one had bigger muscles and scar on his left eye.
"Victor..." I heard Mary gasp out as she saw the Vigoroth. So, this was the one that had a thing for humans. Guess he decided try and take Mary himself this time since his underling failed.
Not missing a beat, I take Mary and put her behind me. If this brute thinks he's taking Mary so easily he is sorely mistaken.
"I thought I told you Vigoroth that Mary is under my protection. Out of our way before I make you." I threaten as I go for Kamehamha's ball and Azura's. Before I can do anything though the one up front rushes at me. His claws are glowing a dark purple but before he can even try to hit me Dorothy gets in front of me.
"Dreavus!" Dorothy cries out in pain as she in blown into me and knocks me back a few feet from the force. Unfortunately, this force causes me to drop Kamehameha and Azura's Pokeballs.
"Michael! Dorothy!" Mary cries out in concern before turning to the leader. "Leave them alone Victor! They have nothing to do with this!"
"Vig, vig, Vigoroth. Vig roth, Vigoroth!" Victor says to Mary…at these times I truly wish I could understand Pokespeak. I have no idea what he just said. Though Mary looks disgusted as does Sheela.
"I will never be your bride Victor!" Mary shouts at him. Then Shigure does something I don't think anyone expects. His wings shine like silver and his wings sharpen till their like steel. Shigure then swoops and attacks Victor with Steel Wing.
"Vigoroth!" Victor then cries out after he is hit. "Vigoroth, vigoroth vig, vig Vigoroth!"
I believe he just told all his herd to attack because they all started to swarm us. As they do I snatch up Azura and Kamehameha's pokeballs. If they want a fight I'll give them one. The bad thing was that the chaos separated me from Mary, Shigure and Sheela.
"Dorothy, can you still fight?" I ask her trying to assess the damage the Night Slash had caused.
"Mis, Misdreavus." Dorothy tells me while nodding, meaning she thinks she can. I'll just have to take her word for it since there is no time to argue.
"Alright then use Screech to get those aggressive sloths away from Mary. I don't think Sheela and Shigure can keep them off her alone." I tell her. I am concerned about her condition but I now know that Mary can heal her if she needs it.
"Dreavus Misdreavus!" with that said Dorothy then rushed to where Sheela and Shigure were fending off Vigoroth.
While Dorothy did that I was about to let out Kamehameha and Azura out to help when suddenly I am tackled to the ground. "Gah!"
"Roth, roth Vigoroth!" It was Victor who was on top of me judging from the scar of his eye. I have a feeling he doesn't like me much.
I am proven right as I feel myself get hit with a Brick Break. As I am blown back into a tree I think he broke one of my ribs…or maybe two it was hard to tell because of the pain. I try once again to get someone out to help but before I can Victor is over me again charging up what looks to be a Fire Punch.
"Vig…Vigoroth..." Victor says to me darkly, inside I am freaking out like crazy and kicking myself for ever getting involved with Mary…but I know this is just the fear of death talking.
Just when I think it's all over though, heart shaped sound waves hit Victor away from me. A Kirlia then twirled in front of me. Though for a moment I could have sworn it was an angel. The way the Kirlia moved it was so graceful and elegant, it was an easy mistake to make especially when you're close to death.
Are you alright? A female voice then asks but sounds like it's inside my head. How was that possible?
"W-who said that…ow…" I ask in pain trying to see who might have spoken but the only one I see is the Kirlia.
I did, here let me help. The Kirlia then uses a pink heart beam. The beam feels warm and nice and soon enough my pain fades away. She must have used Heal Pulse to heal me.
"Thanks, you really saved me there…but how are you talking to me? I know I can't understand Pokespeak." I ask the Kirlia as I get up my ribs now fully healed.
It's called telepathy. All Psychic types can do it if they practice. Kirlia tells me before going back on guard as Victor gets up with Bruce helping him. I could tell it was him because of the red star marking.
"Vig vig Vigoroth Vigoroth." I then heard him growl at Kirlia.
You did not just call me Twirly! Take this you big bully! Kirlia spins as gracefully as a ballerina as she uses Magical Leaf on them both.
"How about some help? I owe you for saving me after all." I tell her as I let Azura out. "Azura use Dragon Pulse!"
As Azura clears a path I hear howling and growling. The next thing I see is Mary's pack attacking the Vigoroth. I then spot Mary's father Adolph. He barks at me and is pointing toward the exit.
He's telling you to grab uh Mary and run for it. Not sure who she is but he's right we need to go while the going is good. Kirlia told me and I nod. I then scan the chaos for Mary and spot her healing Dorothy while Sheela and Shigure keep the Vigoroth off her.
"Azura help cover me while I get Mary, Dorothy and the others." I tell her as I start to run toward them.
"Milo, Milotic" Azura says as she uses Water Pulse to help clear a path for me.
When I finally reach Mary and the others I take Dorothy and put her in the crook of my arm. I then use my free hand to grab Mary's wrist. She looks shocked by the action but doesn't fight it.
"We have to run come on!" I tell her as I drag her behind me. Normally I am not this strong but I am running on pure adrenaline right now. My new friend Kirlia twirls in front of us using Disarming Voice and Magical leaf to help clear the front while Azura keeps Vigoroth away by guarding our rear.
As we are running I can feel Mary trying to pull free. I think she might have spotted her family and wanted to help them. I know how she felt I wanted to help Dorothy who was still hurt but we had to move. So, I kept tugging her along behind me not letting her slip out of grasp.
I don't stop running not even when we exit the forest. I keep running until my body tells me to stop by making me collapse on the ground. Breathing heavily, I look around and do a head count. When everyone is accounted for I finally relax and let myself catch my breath.
As I look at Mary I can see her looking from where we came. She is also breathing heavily but I can also see tears in her eyes. I can only imagine how worried she must be right now. I decide to scoot closer to Mary and then gently take her into a one-armed hug, to try and comfort her. She doesn't reject the contact like I thought she might. Instead she cries into my shoulder.
"…Mama…Papa…" I heard her whimper out as cried. Sheela then came up beside us and laid her head on her sister's other shoulder.
"H-hey it'll be okay." I tell her soothingly while pulling her closer to me. I then adjust my hold on Dorothy who looked to be okay but didn't want to leave my hold. "Your parents can handle themselves, can't they?"
"Y-yes but…I should have stayed and helped…" Mary told me miserably.
"They wanted you to leave…your father told me to find you and run." I then tell her gently. Upon hearing this though she looks at my confused.
"H-how do you know that?! You can't understand Pokespeak!" Mary sounds upset now, I am about to tell her that it was Kirlia who translated but Kirlia speaks up.
He can't but I can miss. I assume you are Mary? Kirlia asks through telepathy.
"Y-yes…I am…who are you?" Mary asks, she doesn't look freaked out over the telepathy. Perhaps she has experienced it before?
I don't really have a name but some call me Grace. The Kirlia, Grace, tells her.
"So, is what Michael said true…?" Mary then asks still doubting me.
Yes, it is. I am sorry if it's not what you wanted to hear, but the big male Mightyena wanted you and the female Mightyena there taken to safety. Grace said.
"I-I see…" Mary then pauses and looks at me with big apologetic brown eyes. "I-I'm sorry I accused you of just making something up Michael…"
"It's alright" I tell her pulling her closer once again. "You didn't know Grace had translated for me. I don't blame you for thinking that…especially after what just happened. But I am sure they'll be okay."
"I hope you're right…" Mary then says before resting her head on my shoulder.
"I know I am." I say as we take a moment to relax. Dorothy even floats up and rests her head on my other shoulder.
The moment is then interrupted by Grace.
I knew it! I knew you two were the ones I had been looking for! She chimes before spinning and dancing in happiness. Though I am confused by what she means.
"…What do you mean by that?" I then ask. I know I hadn't met her and there was no way she was the Ralts I had helped Wally catch. First of all, she was a female and Wally's Ralts was male, second Grace wasn't a Shiny.
Well you see the other night I was just getting some berries to eat, then I felt a strong wave of happiness. Since I am a Kirlia we are sensitive to strong emotions of love, happiness and sadness. You two are exerting the same sensation I felt last night so you must be the ones I was looking for. Grace explains to us telepathically.
"I-I guess I was pretty happy last night…" Mary then says sheepishly knowing for sure it was us that Kirlia had sensed.
You sure were. As soon as I felt such emotions I just knew I had to find whoever they belonged to. Oh, won't one of you please let me come with you on your journey? Grace then looked at Mary and I with pleading eyes. I have always wanted a Kirlia or Gardevoir to join my team.
"Well I don't know about Mary, but I have always wanted a Kirlia on my team. I also owe you for saving my life." I tell Grace before taking out a Luxury Ball. "So, if you would could you join me Grace?"
EEE! YES! Yes, yes, I would love to! Thank you! Grace then taped the button on the ball. The ball jiggled three times before it dinged, signaling that the catch was successful.
"…So, that's how those things work." I then hear Mary comment as she looked at the ball with fascination. Which reminded me I need to give her some so she could catch Sheela and possibly Shigure.
"…Do you wanna try with Sheela?" I then ask.
(Mary's POV)
"…Do you wanna try with Sheela?" Michael asks me.
I pause to think…I had forgotten this part about being a trainer. If I wanted to be a real one, then I needed to put Sheela in a Pokeball…. but I don't know anything about them. Would Sheela have enough room in there? Would she be comfortable?
I then look at Sheela to see what she thought. But she looked rather apprehensive about the idea as well.
"…I-I'm not sure about this…" I then tell Michael as I pull away from him. I then hear him sigh.
"I know you're worried because you never used one before but, I promise you that Sheela will be fine." Michael says before Dorothy speaks up.
"It really isn't as bad as you might think Sheela. It's kind of like being in a roomy and comfortable bed." Dorothy tells her.
"I have never been in a bed." Sheela says to her. "How am I supposed to understand how that feels?"
"Oh, stop being a scaredy Meowth it really is not that bad!" Dorothy says again but Sheela still looks nervous.
"…If Sheela is too scared to try first I will." Shigure then says as he lands on my shoulder.
"What?" I ask somewhat surprised by his response.
"Well ever since you rescued me, I have wanted to join you but I wasn't sure if you were a trainer… so um if you would Mary… please be my trainer." Shigure looks at me the same way Grace had looked at Michael. Well if that's what he wanted then I should oblige.
"…Michael, do you have one I could use for Shigure?" I ask him and he nods before taking one out.
"Now to enlarge it you push the button in the centre. You do the same this to shrink it. The Pokemon also has to press it in order to be caught." Michael explains before handing it to me.
I do as he instructs before tapping the ball on Shigure's head. I watch as he is sucked in by a red light and the ball jiggle three times before a ding sounded. Once it did I am amazed once again. I had just caught my first Pokemon…what I was feeling was a mix of emotions. This was both exciting and nerve racking as well as unbelievable. There was actually a Pokemon inside this little ball.
"I did it..." I say in awe and Michael smiles.
"See wasn't as hard or scary as you thought. And it's also necessary. Wild Pokemon can be caught by anyone where as another trainer can't catch another person's Pokemon." Michael explains to me and I then look at Sheela with worry. No wonder he wanted me to try with Sheela first.
"…Well if that's the case then I guess you can put me into one of those ball like prisons." Sheela then says with a sigh. "I don't want to be with anyone but my sister."
"It's not a prison but glad you finally agreed mutt." Dorothy says to her before Michael hands me another Pokeball.
"Would you quit calling me a mutt." Sheela then growls.
"Now, now no fighting." I then intervene before tapping the red and white ball on Sheela. She is then sucked up by a red light as well and about a minute later I hear a ding. I then let Sheela back out know she wouldn't want to be in such a confining space for long.
"Okay not as bad as I thought but still a prison." Sheela comments after she is let back out and Dorothy lets out an aggravated sigh.
"There is no winning with you." She comments and they continued to banter.
This time though I wasn't going intervene since it was harmless and I was a little too happy that this was finally happening. I have just taken the first steps to becoming a strong trainer. I then look to the woods that have been my home for so long and say a silent good bye.
Mama, Papa I hope you're okay. I promise I'll be back. And when I do return Victor better watch out. With those thoughts, I continue down the path to Rustboro City with Michael, wondering what new adventures would await us there.
TO BE CONTINUED…
Whew okay this was a long chapter for sure. Probably the longest on I have written for this story.
Again, I am sorry this took so long to get done. Was lacking motivation and inspiration for this chapter kind of. But hoped you like the new additions to both Michael and Mary's team.
Also, hoped you enjoyed that tidbit about Mary's past as well as Victor's madness and obsession coming to full force.
That's all for now, until next time bye.