Chase opened his eyes, realizing that he fell asleep at some point. He was slumped on his cot, joints aching from the awkward position he had been in.

Pushing himself into a sitting position, he pushed his glasses up to rub at his eyes as he began to wake up. When his eyes fell on Alex's cot, he woke up immediately, noticing that she was missing. He started to panic, wondering where she could have gone. He could see that most of her pokéballs were still on his cot, one of them missing. He wasn't sure which one it was until spotting a scrap of paper on the table.

Picking it up, he read it, his body starting to relax:


Sorry for leaving without waking you up, but I wanted to get some air. I promise I'll be back soon, so please don't worry.

I took Nala's pokéball just in case.

Alex

I don't blame you.


Immediately, a strong sense of dread ravaged him as he reread it. He was torn between relief and feeling even guiltier.

Sitting back on the cot, one of the pokéballs rolled off, causing it to activate upon hitting the ground, releasing Ken.

"Pika?" The electric mouse blinked, looking around the room. He didn't see his trainer, only Chase. He was curious about where she went. "Pika, pi!" he called to the boy, grabbing his attention.

"Ken?" the boy looked his way. Seeing the confused expression, he had an idea of what was on the mouse's mind. "Alex needed some air…"

"Pi pika pi pi pika?"

Ken knew he wouldn't understand, so he gestured to his eyes to mimic his worry. Thankfully, the boy figured it out.

"That… Something happened to Nate," Chase started, seeing the worry in the Pokémon's eyes. Glancing at the other pokéballs, he picked them up and released the others. They all had a right to know, not just Ken and it might make it easier for Alex letting him break the news.

"Bree bree ree? Bree burgee?" Hana chattered, looking confused as she fluttered around the room.

"Pika pi pi pikachu pi," Ken responded, gesturing to Chase.

"Pidgeo pidge," Ansen clucked, giving the boy a look to start talking.

"Guys, something happened earlier today…" Chase started. He wasn't even sure if it was still today. He never looked at the clock, unable to do so. He didn't want to know how much time had passed. "Something happened when we were out."

He told them what had happened, seeing how their expressions changed. He didn't need any sort of translation to know what they might be saying.

Hana let out heartbreaking chatters, almost collapsing to the ground if Ansen hadn't surprisingly caught her with his wing. Ken cried, covering his face with his paws, tears falling down his cheeks, body shaking with every sob.

The only one keeping it together was Ansen. The bird's head was dipped low, shadowing his eyes as he remained silent, allowing the smaller Pokémon cry. He made no gesture to tease or mock them for it, nor seemed angry about what happened. It doesn't mean he wasn't angry, but he was surprisingly holding his temper, a complete opposite of his usual attitude and the stories Alex shared.

"I'm so sorry this happened," Chase apologized softly, looking down at the floor. "I'm so sorry, Ken. I know you and Nala really liked him."

Sniffling, Ken looked up; surprising the boy as he jumped into his arms, clutching his shirt, body shaking still as he continued to cry.

After some time passed, they looked up when hearing the door being opened. Alex carefully stepped inside, shutting the door behind her. She wore a surprised look seeing her Pokémon out and in distress.

"I didn't worry you, did I?" she asked worriedly.

"No… I…I told them what happened," Chase hiccupped as he wiped at his eyes once more. "I figured it would have been easier for you…"

"Oh…" she said softly. "Chase, I don't blame you. Nate was my responsibility, not yours. I should have known something was wrong. I should have just given up getting that TM back, convince you to give it up as well."

~So Nate's really gone?~ Ken hiccupped, looking to his trainer.

"He is. I asked the nurse and she… He didn't feel any pain before he…"

Alex could feel tears forming again, letting out a small gasp as she wiped at her bloodshot eyes. She leaned against the door, sliding down into a sitting position. Again, she drew her knees up, crying into them.

"I broke my promise to him. Nate trusted me…"

Hopping down from Chase's lap, Ken squeezed himself into hers, forcing her to sit up a little more so he could fit.

~You didn't break your promise. It was an accident, a bad one,~ the mouse reasoned, tears falling from his eyes.

Alex said nothing as she hugged him tightly. Hana fluttered over, doing what she could to hug her trainer. Ansen walked over, seating himself next to the group. He made no attempt to reach out and comfort Alex, but his presence seemed to add comfort as she pulled him into a hug.

~Alex, don't let his death be in vain,~ Ansen said, his voice oddly soft. He didn't look at her, yet didn't need to, knowing she was listening. She always listened to him, all of them did for that matter. ~If you give up, you'll be ruining his memory. He was a nervous wreck before you caught him. I'm sure if things were different, he would have grown to become a good Pokémon. Maybe even stopped his stuttering if he felt strong enough to hold his own.~

"You're only saying that so I don't stop training you," Alex mumbled into Ken's fur.

~I could find another trainer if I wanted,~ he answered, a little miffed, but it was understandable. He was not an emotional mess like the others. ~He wanted to be strong like us. He wanted to become strong with us. If you give up, it would be like spitting on his remains.~

Alex froze, looking up as she looked at her Pokémon in surprise.

Grateful to have her full attention, not that he had any worries, he continued. ~Pokémon die. That's how nature works. Whether it's by the hands of a wild or a trained Pokémon, it happens no matter what.~

"But Professor Oak said it doesn't happen that often in battles…"

~That may be true, but it still happens. Death can't be stopped. The only thing we can do is press on not just for ourselves, but those we lose.~

Alex was quiet as she let it process in her mind. Deep down, she knew he was right, but it didn't make the pain go away.

"I'm scared," she admitted. "I'm really scared that it'll happen again…"

Chase was quiet, having let his friend talk with her Pokémon, seeing how Ansen seemed to be trying to give some kind of advice. Given Alex didn't get upset or angry, he likely said something that had some level of comfort.

Walking over, he knelt in front of them, placing a hand on her shoulder, grabbing her attention.

"Alex, I can't promise it won't happen again, but we can work really hard so it doesn't happen for a long time," he reassured.

~He's right. We'll use this as a learning experience. If we get any more new members, you keep one of us out to assist with training,~ the avian stated firmly. ~If we go that route, then it lessens the risks.~

Alex looked at them before looking at Ken and Hana, knowing how quiet they've been.

"Ken? Hana? Do you want to still keep going?" she asked softly.

~I don't know…~ the electric Pokémon admitted. ~I don't want to lose anyone else or learn we lost someone, but…but I don't want to leave either.~

~Same here,~ Hana nodded, ~but I really want to stay. I like traveling with everyone and I do want to see more.~

"So do I…" Alex paused taking one last look at her friends. "Alright, we'll keep going, but I want to talk with Sienna and the others back home. They deserve to know."

"Of course," Chase nodded, the Pokémon agreeing.

Allowing her to get up, she wiped at her eyes of any remaining tears, giving them a reassuring smile. It still hurt, but somehow felt more manageable after hearing the support from her Pokémon and Chase.

Making sure she was decent, she headed out back to the main lobby, finding an empty video phone, calling her home.

"Alex? Is everything okay?" her mom asked. She was about to greet her but stopped when seeing the state her child is in.

"Sort of," the girl answered softly. "I…I lost a Pokémon…"

"I'm so sorry honey," her mother said, concern on her face. "Are the others okay? Do you need money for the funeral?"

"The gym leader told me he's paying for it," Alex answered, her voice becoming thick again, tears burning. "Mom, could you get Sienna and the others? I want to tell them what happened."

"Okay, sweetie."

Her mother disappeared briefly, hearing her voice calling out to the Pokémon, likely playing outside. Alex could feel her stomach twist when they showed up, their smiles already starting to fade away.

~What's wrong, Alex?~ Sienna asked, concern already showing.

~Is everything okay?~ Lizzy asked worriedly. Max shared the same concern.

"It's Nate… He…he died," Alex said, tears already falling. "We were ambushed by some thieves and they killed him."

~Did you get the police?~ Lance gasped.

"Roku told me earlier he talked with them in my place. He's also taking care of the funeral costs for Nate."

~I can't believe he's gone… He just joined us…~ Max muttered, despair shining in his large eyes.

"I'm sorry," Alex apologized, shoulders shaking. "It was so fast. I don't even know why he came out of his ball or where that Machop came from. If I could, I'd…I would…"

"Alex, don't blame yourself," her mother said, stepping in. "I'm sure you did your best to save him."

"It doesn't feel like it was enough," Alex cried, shoulders shaking. "All I could do was get him in his ball. I didn't know what to do… I wish I knew what I could have done…"

"Alex…" her mother whispered, her heart breaking. "Alex, please calm down. It'll be alright, you did your best."

Alex nodded weakly, sniffling as she looked back to her Pokémon. Taking a moment to calm herself, wiping at her eyes, she took a couple of breaths.

"I'm sorry about that," she whispered.

~It's alright, you have every right to be upset,~ Sienna comforted. ~I'm sure Nate wouldn't want to see you this upset. He looked like a sweet Pokémon and what Lizzy and Max told us, he was very friendly.~

"He was…" Alex whispered before continuing. "I've talked with Ansen, Hana, and Ken earlier. Well, I know this may sound strange after what's happened, but we agreed to keep going. We're going to work harder so we don't lose anyone else. I'm going to talk with Nala to see if she wants to stay or not." She paused for a moment, letting it sink in before continuing. "I…I want to know if any of you still want to travel or want to stay registered as my Pokémon. If you don't want to battle, I'll understand. You can stay home or I can have you released back into the wild."

~I'll always stay with you, no matter what,~ Sienna answered quickly. ~It's horrible that we lost someone, but I wouldn't feel right giving up.~

~I have to agree. Remember how many close calls we had when you were training me?~ Lance exclaimed, almost knocking the monitor over when he put his paws on the desk. ~I don't want to give up all of that effort of getting stronger. I want to keep battling so I can protect you, Sienna, and everyone else!~

"Max? Lizzy?"

~I don't know if I want to battle as much as before, but I don't want to leave either. I like living here,~ Lizzy answered nervously. ~Could I think about it?~

"Take all the time you need."

~I want to stay, but I'm less inclined to battle if that's still fine with you.~

"Of course, Max, I don't want to force any of you to battle if you don't want to."

Alex gave them a pained smile, oddly relieved to hear they don't want to leave her, even if two aren't ever going to battle. It didn't bother her in the least. They could act as support and cheer them on if they wanted.

~Do you want one of us to come over?~ Sienna asked.

"It might not hurt. While I don't have any motivation to battle the gym right away, I know we'll have to at some point. If anything to keep Ansen happy," Alex joked, causing the others to snicker.

~I'll come…~ Sienna started before Lance nudged her.

~I'll go, it is a water gym. You wouldn't be able to fight. Plus, you can keep Max and Lizzy company in case they need someone to talk with. You're better at it than me,~ the poison type smiled.

~But if he has a psychic…~

~Better than sending someone with a flame on their tail,~ Lance half-joked.

~I suppose you're right… Then I'll stay a little longer,~ Sienna sighed with a sad smile. ~Just don't do anything dumb, okay? Leave that to Ansen.~

~No problem!~

"Mom? Lance wants to come back. Sienna will stay for a little longer."

"Alright, honey," her mom nodded. She was glad to see her daughter's expression brighten a little. Whatever her Pokémon said, it seemed to help her mood.

While things were getting more dangerous than she wanted for her child, she was relieved she not only has such good Pokémon but acquired this strange ability. It has really been helping her more than if she hadn't gotten it. Alex and her Pokémon were becoming so much closer than she would have imagined.

Grabbing Lance's pokéball, she recalled him, setting the transfer so he would be sent back to his trainer.

"Alex, just remember you can always call me if anything happens, alright? Do you want me to fill your father in on what happened?"

"Okay, it'd be better than having him find out from someone else," Alex answered while hitting the necessary keys. She would have called him herself, but his job doesn't always allow outside calls except for emergencies.

A few minutes passed and the transfer machine lit up and released a blast of energy as the pokéball rematerialized itself.

"I'll have you come back after the gym battle," Alex reassured.

~It's okay, don't push yourself or let the others push themselves,~ Sienna smiled.

Alex nodded, "Bye, Mom. Bye, Sienna, everyone."

The four waved goodbye before the connection was disconnected, the girl feeling as if a weight might have been lifted off her shoulders.

Getting up, she turned to see Chase and the others waiting for her by the doorway.

"Everything worked out?" the boy asked.

"Yeah, Lizzy's unsure about whether she would want to battle after what I told them. Max seems to have made his mind up about not ever battling. Sienna and Lance want to stay with me and keep battling."

"I figured that part when I saw the pokéball brought in. What about your mom?"

"She feels bad that I lost Nate. I mean, she told me there was always a chance a Pokémon could die, but she and Professor Oak reassured me and Azure that it was unlikely because of modern medicine. But there was still a chance with age or accidents…"

"Do you need some time?"

"A little, but I want to talk to Nala. I got everyone else's answer but hers," Alex said. "I'll be back in a bit."

"Alright," he nodded. He wasn't sure about leaving her alone but didn't want to upset her by not giving her space. So he watched her leave.

As Alex left the Pokémon Center, she went near where the bridge is, feeling that it would be private enough. Once she was at the grass section beside the bridge, she called out her Pokémon, allowing her to swim comfortably in the water.

The moment she was out of her ball, Alex told her what had happened, the serpent-like Pokémon breaking down into tears.

~I-I wasn't fast enough to save him! I wanted to h-help him get strong like you helped me!~ the Gyarados sobbed. She had laid her head on the ground, nearly burying her face in the dirt and grass as she continued crying.

"Nala, don't blame yourself, it isn't your fault," Alex comforted, resting her head against her Pokémon's. She hugged her as best as she could, tears burning her eyes again. "We didn't know something like that would happen…"

~But it isn't fair that he died! He was so nice,~ she sniffled.

"He really was…" the girl whispered, petting the blue scales. "Nala, I know it might sound difficult, but I wanted to ask you something. I got everyone else's answers."

~What is it?~

Alex told her what she and the others discussed, starting with Ansen and Chase's speech before asking whether the Pokémon wanted to stay or not.

~Oh…~ the draconic Pokémon sighed. ~I don't know. I mean, I like battling now that I've evolved, but I don't want to see someone else die.~

"We can make a strategy so we can try to prevent it. I don't want you guys to die either. That's why I'm giving you a choice if you want to keep battling or not. Even stay with me, go to my house, or be released."

Nala nodded, tears still in her eyes. ~I want to stay. I don't want to see someone else die, not if I can help it.~

"We'll all work hard so it doesn't happen," Alex smiled, giving her friend a firmer hug.

As they both began to calm down, Alex recalled Nala back to her ball, the Pokémon having asked. The trainer knew she probably should return to the Pokémon Center, but part of just wanted to be left alone for a little bit. Just a moment to herself to help collect her thoughts.

Mindful of the tape, she crossed the wooden planks, the air becoming so quiet the further she went down. About halfway across, she stopped, gazing at Mt. Moon in the distance.

Alex stood there, lost in her thoughts as she stared at the mountain. It was hard to tell just how long she had been there, trainers passing by from either end. After some time, she was the only one left.

{I'm sorry for your loss,} a female voice whispered.

Alex jumped, quickly looking around, but saw no one. Feeling as if it was in her mind, she went to return staring at the mountain. However, instead of it, there was an unfamiliar Pokémon floating there.

Alex let out a yelp, jumping back, falling on her backside.

{Are you okay?} the voice asked.

"Y-yeah…" she groaned. A small gasp escaped, realizing that the voice was coming from the concerned Pokémon. "Did you… How did you…"

{Telepathy,} the Pokémon answered with a small smile. {Sorry for scaring you like that.}

"It's fine… But who… What are you?"

{I'm a Mew,} the Pokémon answered, floating closer to the seated trainer.

"M-Mew?" Alex stammered. "But that can't be true. Aren't they supposed to be a myth?"

The raven-haired girl remembered learning about the differences between legendary and mythical Pokémon back in school.

For most legendary Pokémon, there has been evidence to prove their existence, people having seen or caught such Pokémon. Mythical Pokémon though, far as she knew have yet to be proven real. They were only recognized as tales passed down, written in books or told as campfire stories.

One thing both have in common is their immense power, mythical Pokémon though are thought to be stronger, almost godlike.

{That's what people like to say and think,} the Pokémon grinned as she did a flip in the air. {Our kind likes to stay hidden. There's not many of us left in the world, so we have to be extra careful.}

"B-but why are you here then?" Alex asked, looking around for onlookers. Seeing none, she felt they were a little safer. "This doesn't seem very careful though…"

{That's true,} the cat hummed, {if my granny knew what I was doing, she'd have me by the tail.}

"Why risk yourself though?"

{If I'm being honest, I like watching all kinds of trainers that come and go through this city.}

"You do?"

{Yeah, I happen to live here, well sort of. I actually live there with the rest of my clowder.} The psychic gestured towards the intimidating cavern not far from where they were.

"You live there?" Alex asked.

The other nodded, {Yup! Not a lot of trainers go in there because there are a lot of really strong Pokémon living inside. Some do go in, but it's rare and they hardly go very deep where our nest is.}

"What do you do for food though?"

{We have ways to get out and hunt,} the cat grinned broadly. {Although, in my case, besides hunting, I like to watch trainers.}

"Why exactly do you watch trainers?"

{I think trainers are interesting,} the psychic answered. {They always travel and have all sorts of Pokémon traveling with them. I find it fascinating to see weak Pokémon become powerful, especially ones that lived around here.} Mew floated down, seating itself on the bridge railing. {I've always wanted to be as strong as them, but obviously, that's not easy to accomplish.}

"I suppose that's true… How long have you been watching me?"

{When you and those boys were on the bridge actually. Out of all the trainers I've seen, you've been the most interesting.}

"I am?" Alex blinked.

Mew nodded, {Yeah, I saw how you helped save those Pokémon. So many trainers had ignored their cries for help. Even their Pokémon couldn't get their attention to try and help.} The psychic's smile fell a little. {I wanted to help, but I knew if I tried, I'd risk endangering my clowder. I feel horrible not doing anything, being so weak…} Her smile soon came back, eyes soft when staring at the girl. {But you and your friends showed up! Not only did you hear their cries, but you were able to help them. You saved so many lives!}

Alex was stunned hearing this, her cheeks unknowingly becoming red. Shaking her head, she looked at the mythical creature. "That's not true though. I heard them, but I didn't really save them. I panicked. I was scared…"

{You were brave enough to call out your Pokémon, to send that Butterfree to get others to help stop them.} The girl didn't know how to respond to that. Smiling, the Pokémon continued, {You're really good at what you do, as a trainer.}

"I…I don't know about that…" Alex said quietly. Her mind drifted back to Nate, tears stinging her eyes once more.

{I'm sorry that your friend had died,} Mew apologized. She floated closer, nuzzling against her cheek. {I saw when you caught him, the way you treated him before catching him. I…I was also around when that Machop attacked. Maybe I could have done something, even as a distraction before it happened…}

"But that would have put you at risk though!" Alex exclaimed.

{That's true, but…} the cat sighed. Floating away, she plopped back on the railing, staring down at the water. Alex carefully got back up, joining her, seeing her expression, noting that she seemed as if she was contemplating something. Without warning, the Pokémon shot up, almost crashing into the trainer. {I know this may sound awkward, rude even, but I have a favor to ask.}

"A favor?"

{ I don't want to see any more Pokémon suffer like that again,} Mew started. {I watched those people kidnap Pokémon and hurt them. And all I did was sit back and do nothing!} She gave the bridge a firm smack with her tail, leaving a light print from the assault. {Then what happened to that Abra, your friend…} She squeezed her eyes shut, fighting back tears. {I should have done something! Because I didn't though, he died!}

"Mew…" Alex saw how upset the Pokémon looked. Tentatively, she reached her hand out, gently placing it on her head. Mew was startled but didn't attempt to flee. "Mew, it isn't your fault that happened. It was…it was an accident.}

{But…}

"Please, please don't blame yourself," Alex begged, the Pokémon becoming silent.

A sudden look of determination sudden flared in the cat's eyes. {Then let me go with you!}

"What?" Alex gasped, almost jumping away from the mental outburst.

{Please! I'm sick of having to constantly hide when others need help. I want to grow stronger so that other Pokémon won't ever have to suffer!} Mew explained desperately. {Let me join you, please.}

"But why me?"

{I've seen the bond you and your team have. I believe it's that bond that will help me grow stronger.}

"But are you sure though?"

The psychic nodded with a sad smile, {I know asking just after losing something isn't right, but I didn't want to risk waiting and having you leave before I could ask. I wouldn't know when you would return. If you ever returned.}

"I guess that makes sense," Alex whispered, thinking it over. A concerned thought came to mind though. "What about your friends and family? Won't they miss you?"

{A little, but they'll be fine without me. I never fit in because I was always considered "reckless." Instead of keeping to the shadows like everyone else, I would take chances being in the open, even going into the city. So if they found out I got captured, I don't think they'd really care or be surprised. They would only hope that whoever caught me was nice.}

Alex was silent for a moment, uncertain on how she felt about all of this.

Besides given a huge opportunity to raise a mythical Pokémon, the idea of catching one, any Pokémon really after losing Nate felt strange.

Would it be considered a disgrace to his death? Especially if the new Pokémon is the same type as him? How would the others react if she caught Mew? Would they think less of her?

{You can time your time to decide. I'm sorry for imposing like this,} the Pokémon apologized, noticing Alex's uneasiness.

"N-no, no, it's fine." Alex gave the Pokémon a smile, having finally made her decision. "You can join."

Mew's eyes widened, a swell of joy coursing through her body. She did several spins in the air, flying back to nuzzle the girl's face again.

{Thank you! I promise to fight as hard as I can!} she exclaimed.

Alex felt that she made the right choice based on the other's response.

No one could replace Nate, but Alex knew that she couldn't deny a new friend just because he's gone. No, he, like everyone, would love to meet Mew and become friends with her.

"Would you like a name?" Alex asked as she fished for a pokéball.

{Sure!} the cat chirped happily, still giddy at what's happening.

Alex thought for a moment until a name came to mind. "How about Cerulean?"

{After the city?}

"I thought it sounded pretty."

{Well, you're not wrong about that… I like it. I'll go by Cerulean from now on,} the psychic beamed.

With a smile, Alex held the ball up, allowing the Pokémon to tap it. She watched as the psychic's body was enveloped in the red light, its form breaking down and absorbed inside.

"Welcome to the team then, Cerulean."


Alex - Pokémon 10 - Badges 1 - Deaths 1

Team:

Ansen - Pidgey - Pidgeotto

Lance - Nidoran M. - Nidorino

Hana - Caterpie - Metapod - Butterfree

Ken - Pikachu

Nala - Magikarp - Gyarados

Cerulean - Mew


Home:

Sienna - Charmander - Charmeleon

Maxwell - Jigglypuff

Lizzy - Clefairy


Death(s):

Nate - Abra


Kind of like the last chapter when it came to emotion, but this I based it on a somewhat recent loss I had last year. My dad had passed and while painful, I hadn't lost it nor felt intense remorse. For him, it was strangely a relief given the number of medical issues he was having, knowing he's at peace and hopefully in a better place. Whether its Heaven or some other peaceful afterlife, so long as he's happy is all that matters.

Even had a few dreams with him being his goofy self, so I take it as a sign as does my mom when I share them with her.

I figured I could try to replicate the emotion, I felt inside and likely what my mom felt even if we didn't physically express it at the time or even now.

In regards to Cerulean, I did want to try using a Mew again like the last run. As for where I got her, she was the one you'd get on Nugget Bridge, so right on the border to Cerulean City and Route 25.

Also, in regards to Cerulean's means of communication, I figured to use telepathy. She may not always use it but figured most legendary or some other unique Pokemon can, so why not her? Plus it would add another potential translator for Chase than constantly relying on Alex.

The text style for Cerulean I tried to make unique like I had done for the other Pokemon, so hopefully it works. Originally it was going to be bold and italic, but I took away the bold to make it look a little cleaner.

If you agree, I'll keep it, if not return to the original style or change to another that works better if anyone suggests it.

I would like to thank, PinkTheDinosaur on Deviantart for helping me with some edits on this chapter.

If you enjoyed this, please leave a review and any helpful critique that may better improve the writing.